- NuSoul Collective

Poetic Review: Beautiful Thought
Soul Media: 72 Hours
Soul Interest: Knoxie -ty
Mixology: Marly McFly
and more . . . .
2 SOULetter
Volume 33: April & May2015
7
CONTENTS
4
12
6
MIXOLOGY
5
POETRY REVIEW:
Poet/Event features/reviews of the up &
coming Spoken Word genre
COVER STORY
Always the meat of each edition, which can
range from artists or subjects that directly
SOUL SUPPORTER
Individuals and/or organizations that supports
the indie movement.
WHAT’S IN ROTATION
New releases of music & mixes from the
indie movement
The SouLetter objective:
The main focus is to shine the light on
new artists along with sights & sounds
to a community of“Soul-heads” with
discerning taste.
9
8
17
Information is correct at press time.
Check www.thesouletter.com for updates.
24
SOUL INTEREST
Positive uplifting feature, messaging &
support content
SOUL MEDIA
Info about organizations who support the
sites & sounds of the indie movement
SOUL RAP-UP
Visuals of indie movement happenings
SOUL PERIOD
Info about unheard artists, promoters or
new/long standing event series
SOULetter is published monthly by the Nu-Soul Collective in the USA.
Signed articles do not necessarily reflect the official company policy. ©
2015 thesouletter.com All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or whole
without permission is prohibited. Subscription price: $19.95 (Digital),
$50.00 (Print) per year. Send all remittances and correspondences
7
MIXOLOGY
Our monthly DJ feature section, that
focuses on the foundation of the indie
movement
about subscriptions, undelivered copies and address changes to: info@
thesouletter.com.
SOULetter 3
Poetry Review
N
atasha Anee (ANAY) is known as,
Beautiful Thought, a spoken soul poet.
She started writing at the age of 12 and
has been performing spoken word since
February, 2010. Quickly she discovered
that God wanted her to use her spoken words to glorify
Him and encourage the masses.
In 2010, she was later selected and showcased as one of
the “top 10 underrated but dope poets” in the city of Detroit. She is an active advocate in support of domestic
violence survivors and her poetry has been requested to
help promote peace and awareness around social issues.
She has featured at a variety of poetry shows, churches,
coffee houses, special events, private functions, and other venues.
Beautiful Thought hosted & produced her very first
open mic in June 2010. That 3-part mini-series was
quickly developed into a half-hour television show and
broadcast in 13 suburbs in Oakland County, MI. She
has been featured in a variety of online and print publications and had many radio appearances both nationally
and locally online and on FM radio. She is currently the
host of her long-standing poetry & music series, titled
The Peaceful Poetic Place.
August 2012, she was awarded the National Poetry
Awards (NPA) Christian Spoken Word Artist/Poet of
the Year. In 2014, she was nominated, through the NPA,
for Religious Spoken Word Artist/Poet of the Year. She
regularly uses her modeling skills as she markets herself as the brand for her poetry endeavors. Throughout
her appearances as a speaker, producer, host, model, and
poet she has become known for her unique shoes and
eclectic and original fashion style. Beautiful Thought
has quickly become a recognized name as she leaves a
piece of her soul and beautiful thoughts through love,
community activism, and peaceful poetics.
4 SOULetter
Beautiful Thought
“A spoken soul poet”
SOULetter 5
SOUL SUPPORTER
6 SOULetter
MIXOLOGY
Dj Marly Mc Fly
H
ello, I’m Marlon
McElroy. However,
when I’m behind the
table at my best, I’m Dj Marly
McFly!!
My Stage name is a spinoff
of my given name as well as a
character from a very popular
movie, Marty McFly from Back
II The Future! The comparison
is not only close in spelling, but
when it comes to business as
well.
I’m constantly searching for
ways to innovate and better
your wedding experience by
improving my equipment and
library with top of the line
gadgets from lighting to sound
to give your guests a fresh, new
way to enjoy and celebrate your
union. Entertaining is in my
blood.
I’ve been a DJ for 7 years a
musician for over 30 years
and my hands have been on a
microphone for as long as I can
remember. What I enjoy most
about a wedding date, is all of
the planning that comes with
it. You know exactly what song
to use for your first dance, but
no clue as to what song fits best
with cake cutting!
No worries. I take pride in step
by step, song by song suggestions as well as a personal
planner to write down ideas.
Mixing and blending music is
an art form that I embrace. But
a strong knowledge of music
is needed when playing for
various people. I don’t stick to
just one genre, but play for the
audience in front of me. Everyone needs to dance at least once
in life right?!
My reputation for moving
crowds expands in and outside
of Ohio. So I look forward to a
night to remember!
Contact:
Dj Marly McFly
Text me@ (614) 214-2398
1-888-317-5969 EXT. 707
[email protected]
SOULetter 7
SOUL MEDIA
8 SOULetter
Continued from page 06
SOUL INTEREST
Continued on page 25
SOULetter 9
10 SOULetter
I like all of them for different reasons but I must say,
Ledisi is my girl right now.
I love her style, vocal genius
and her story of how she
fought through the negative
barriers of the music industry and stayed hidden in the
underground music scene for
such a long time.
London K
Soul Ambassador
SL: Who is your favorite Soul
Artist?
LK:Way too many to pick
just one for me. The artists
that immediately come to
mind are Jill Scott, Chrisette
Michelle, Ledisi, Raphael
Saadiq and Dwele.
A friend of mine sent me her
second studio album, “Feeling Orange But Sometimes
Blue” a compilation of jazz
classics done in Ledisi style.
She had me after that.
SL:How does your creativity
benefit your community?
LK: I consider myself a “triple-threat.” I sing, I model, I
host/mc. I think the artistic
community and our neighborhood communities as a
whole are looking for some-
SOUL AMBASSQDOR
thing new and different to
take their minds off the daily
mundane things. It excites
me to find creative ways to
bring the arts to those eager
to see and hear.
Soul music requires that you
have some type of feeling. If
listening to a Stevie Wonder
or Frankie Beverly tune does
nothing for you, you must be
dead.
From music, spoken word,
monologues, skits, anything
that expresses the artists’
creativity and passion, people
want to witness that. I am
always challenging myself as
an artist to bring something
new and unique, whether it
be through myself or another
artist.
SL: When people read this
feature about you what would
you like them to remember
most?
SL: What comes to mind
when someone mentions Soul
Music?
LK: Music that moves you
deep within. It’s the music
I grew up on. The music I
sang to in front of my mama’s big living room mirror.
LK: That I am passionate
about what I do. Any project
I’m involved in, whether it’s
a performance, promoting
an artist or event, whatever,
I give 100%. If I feel like I
can’t give that 100%, I don’t
commit to it.
SL: What is the biggest change
in music since you’ve started in
the business?
Continued on page 24
SOULetter 11
COVER STORY
WillDowning
W
hen you think
of chocolate,
what comes
to mind? Words like,
luscious, decadent, deep,
dark and how about silky
smooth?
Those are the words you
will be thinking about as
you listen to “The Prince
of Sophisticated Soul,”
Will Downing’s latest creation “Chocolate Drops.”
12 SOULetter
Most of you Will Downing music lovers already
know how the sensuous
sounds of his golden
throat slide into you, but
for those of you who don’t
know Will Downing’s
song styling’s, you are in
for a seriously pleasurable
experience.
From the moment your
ears drink in “Never
Say No To You,” you are
thrown into a dream you
waiting by the phone
kind of longing, that Will
This song is mellow, sweet, forces you to remember
and real. Then you end up but the sound of his voice
in a place you thought was leaves you cool, remembering the good times, the
gone from your heart.
reasons you miss that lost
That aching and longing… love.
the love that got away
Next, Mr. Downing brings
place when you get into
on the heat… with his
interpretation of Atlantic
“Till You Come Back To
Starr’s, “Let’s Get Closer.”
Me.” These are feelings
we’ve all experienced, felt
the hope, desperation,
never want to wake from.
This is one song where
you should have the wine
ready, the kids at the sitter’s, and go for what you
know.
Those words we thought
up earlier; luscious, decadent, silky smooth, are
sincere emotions that get
drawn out of you as you
listen to Will’s version of
“Let’s Get Closer,” and
surely, an amazing feet is
Will’s version of Whitney
Houston’s “Saving All My
Love For You.” You wonder how the pain of love
is as sweet as Will puts it
on you.
You have to hear him to
believe how he crafts this
song to his voice. I saved
the first track I heard,
“This Song Is For You,”
for last, because it became
personal. This selection
is upbeat and fresh, it’s a
song that feeds your soul.
You will find yourself in
the melodies of his voice
as I did when I experienced this song.
At the time I was listening to it, I was having one
of “those” moments when
you need to get your spirits lifted. The song was
playing but I was caught
up with something else for
a moment, and it played
on.
So I replayed it… with
much on my mind, but
suddenly cares began to
float away, and nothing
seemed so important that
I couldn’t have a “feel
good” moment. “This
Song Is For You,” became,
“this song is all mine.”
It is with great anticipation that I wait to hear the
rest of the album, “Run
Away, Fall In Love,” “It’s
Real” and the jazz styling’s
of “Deep As The Ocean.”
There is also a song that
sounds fascinating. It’s
a song from the ‘60’s, by
a band known as “Bobby
Taylor and the Vancouver’s,” which is about
interracial dating, entitled
“Does Your Momma
Know About Me,” that
Mr. Downing makes his
own. I can’t wait to hear
that one.
Truly, Chocolate Drops
will become an instant
classic. His music reaches
a new depth of timeless
emotion.
Mr. Downing has been
singing for close to 30
years. Just to name a few
of the musical giants he’s
worked with; Kool and the
Gang, Gerald Albright,
Billy Ocean and Jennifer
Holiday.
He signed his first recording contract in 1988,
only 2 years after he began
singing professionally.
He received a Grammy
nomination in 2000 for
“All The Man You Need”
and won an International
Association of African
American Music Diamond award in 2002.
Will’s talent only grows
with time. For not only
has Mr. Downing been
producing his own music
on his Sophisticated Soul
label for the last five years,
he is also a photographer
as well.
COVER STORY CONT.
While working with his
album cover photographer
Carol Freedman, one day
(before digital cameras)…
initially he discovered he
had more enthusiasm than
talent, but Will pressed
on and eventually had
his photographic work
hung in a Philadelphia art
gallery.
Additionally to his credits, Mr. Downing has also
self-published a book,
“Unveiled Series,” with
photographs of many of
the people he’s worked
with over the years.
This humble man is the
spokesperson for the
American Stroke Association, and a celebrity ambassador for the American
Heart Association.
Chocolate Drops, is “The
Prince of Sophisticated
Soul’s” eighteenth studio
album.
And if you’re wondering
why this article is entitled
WD Chocolate Drops it’s
because WD Chocolate
is the nickname given to
Will by an overenthusiastic fan.
Once, while performing
at the Newark Symphony
Hall a man in the audience jumped from his seat
and shouted, with some
quite colorful language,
“Come on Chocolate
sing that song!” So WD
Chocolate became the
nickname of the chocolate
dream of a voice named
Will Downing.
Who knew just what a
find Will’s junior high
school choir director, Robert Hassel, had discovered
when he encouraged the
young Will to use his
special talent.
“Chocolate Drops” on you,
when you get into this
album.
Caren Carter-McKenzie
The SOULetter and the
NuSoul Collective family
would also like to express
our condolences to Mr.
Downing on the recent
loss of his father. Our
thoughts and prayers are
with you.
SOULetter 13
Shirts for your SOUL
SOUL STYLE
P
arthenon Gear Collection offers state-of-the-art screen printing with excellent customer service and amazing values and turnaround time. We have built a reputation for
honesty and quality by always making sure you are more than happy with the work
we do. PGC imprints graphics on a wide array of apparel and accessories, including t-shirts,
polos, duffle bags and more. And we are happy to work with any organization or individual!
Here are just some of the organizations we work with:
-Youth Clubs
-Bands
-Restaurants
-Schools
-Sports Teams
-Special Events
-Gyms
-Trades Shows
-Community Groups
We create art and print for everything from polos for a big corporation’s employees to
t-shirts for family reunions. And with our in-house artists, we’re ready to create artwork for
you, or you can supply your own. So take a browse around our site to pick out your perfect
item. Then I hope you will let us show you the superb quality and customer service we are
known for!!
S
oul Period- is a music genre that fuses contemporary R&B & 1970’s
style Soul with elements of Hip Hop. Need I say more.
For more information on how to get these shitrs, and store location contact Parthenon Gear
Collection at 877-253-8769.
Or our website www.pggear.biz
Jackie Woodmore
(PGC/NuSoul Collective)
Raqui J host of
Healthy, Wealthy and Wise on
World Wide Core Radio on
the Jazz & Soul Channel
14 SOULetter
style includes a blend
of R&B, Smooth Jazz,
Classic Soul, Old School
and New.
Rod has made a name for
himself. His evolution
began by him playing at
various local venues such
and the legendary Ronnie
Laws, which took place in
October of that year.
In December 2011 at
“Chico’s House of Jazz,”
Rod took to the stage with
Bob Baldwin again, along
side of Darrell Lavigne
and Kyle Turner. Not to
mention, the sweetness of
the completion of Rod’s
first Cd entitled “The
Journey.”
During the year 2012 astonishing things started to
take for Rod starting with
the release of his 2nd Cd
“Hands Down”.
“The
Smooth, Inspirational and Timeless…
Rod Williams! Exceeding
He then moved on to the
clarinet. Later upon hearing the late Grover Wash-
as “Chico’s House of Jazz,”
Additionally, he took
many events throughout
to the stage for his CD
the state of New Jersey
and the local jazz festivals. Release of his “Hands
Down” Party at “The Ivory Lounge” with special
The year 2011 was an
guests Darrell Lavigne,
amazing year for Rod.
JAZZ VILLA
Rod Williams
playing Saxophone as a
musician… He is a great
producer and arranger,
which he exemplifies in
his Musical Vibe.”
This native Newark,
NJ artist, born Rodney
Williams known as “Rod”
started his musical journey
with the violin.
ington Jr.‘s “Mr. Magic,”
Ron became interested
in the saxophone. Today,
that once upon a time
interest has developed into
a remarkable passion for
the saxophone and it is
unmistakably heard when
listening to his Smooth
Jazz Sounds.
Rod is an extraordinary
musician whose diverse
He shared the stage with
some of today’s smooth
jazz greats. In Houston,
Texas, Rod performed as
a guest at the Red Cat
Jazz Cafés’ pre-celebration
party “Jazz Fest” along
with such artists as saxophonists Dean James, Kyle
Turner, Marion Meadows,
keyboardists Darrell Lavigne, Bobby Lyle, trumpeter Joey Sommerville,
and Trippin n Rhythm
Artist, Althea Rene, and
Yvonne Jenkins in San
Antonio, Texas, which he
arranged, recorded and
produced all of his music
in his own home studio.
In January of 2014 Rod
broke the mold as a jazz
artist and released a
Double CD “Everything
and More.” Rod Williams
SOULetter 15
“Smooth, Inspirational
and Timeless” musical
journey. His Cds “The
Journey”, “Hands Down”
and “Everything and
More” are available via all
music outlets.
packaged together such
an awesome collection
of music and it’s one you
must own.
This project once more,
showcases Rod’s creativity
and highlights the respect
of his fellow artists, by the
caliber of artists that are
featured on this project,
including Sam Hankins,
Terry Tuck, Cesca, Phil
Casagrande, Yvonne J,
Gary Fuston, Bickley
Rivera, Tony Exum, Jr.,
and Tim Watson to name
a few.
It is without saying; we
can expect more great
music from Rod Williams as he continues his
16 SOULetter
Presently, Rod is under
the management of Jiordyn Clements at Revolutions Entertainment.
For national and international bookings contact
Ms. Clements at jiordync@
yahoo.com or visit the Revolutions Entertainment website at
http://www.revolutionsjazzatists.net/ and for local bookings
contact Rod Williams at http://
www.rodwilliams.com.
SOUL Rap UP!
1
2
3
4
London Kay in Chi-Town
Tina B @ Soul Sippin ATL
Deloitte Briggs & The Coolots (DC) Erro, Carmen Rodgers, Anthony David &
Dwele @ 595 ATL
5
Dj Craig Huckaby & Dj Reggie Harrell @
SOUL & CONGA (Detroit)
6
Dancers@
SOUL & CONGA (Detroit)
SOULetter 17
18 SOULetter
Lovin My Coco
THE NAPPY HAIR FAIRY
I’m in love with the Coco!! I couldn’t help myself. Seriously,
I enjoy chocolate so much that I including it in my hair and
beauty care routine. When I research an alternative to repair my hair after color damage, I found out that this sweet
treat is high in antioxidants and minerals that block harmful
free-radicals and a great ally during my challenge with hair
loss. This delicious treat enriched in magnesium and minerals
add vibrancy, volume and promote healthier hair growth. Yes
a nice piece of chocolate is beneficial because of its levels of
protein, riboflavin, vitamin A and thiamine. Also, if used in
your regiment regularly over time it you won’t need dark hair dye.
Ok, Let’s Sweeten Things up with a Cocoa Powder Recipes
Chocolate Clay Hair Mask
1/2 cup bentonite clay
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup aloe vera juice
2 tbsp raw or organic honey
3-5 drops tea tree or peppermint oil
1 cup (or more as needed) semi-boiling water
Combine all ingredients and whisk until smooth, allow to cool.
Apply to slightly damp hair with a dye brush if available. Allow to dry for at
least an hour. Rinse and apply your favorite conditioner. This mask clarifies
and reduce frizz.
Skin Boosting Chocolate Mask
In a large bowl add whipped Chocolate and Shea Butter with Coffee and apply it to the skin and
body.
If you’re Vegan don’t fret! Just use organic coco.
Apply this super combination on your skin and it will love you because the soothing, skin-protecting vitamins like magnesium and vitamin C have healthy Omega 6 fatty acid, raw enzymes
that promote cell repair and healing as well as increase blood flow to the skin to aid in rejuvenation, skin hydration and complexion. All of this while it absorb UV light to protect skin.
So skip the lip, pass the hips so your skin and hair can show you just how much it appreciates
your Love of Coco.
Check out my website for hair and skin products and continue sending your emails with questions or visit and post on my Facebook page. All listed below:
By The Nappy Hair Fairy
http://thenappyhairfairy.vpweb.com
Email: [email protected]
Facebook.com/thenappyhairfairy
Youtube.com/Nappy Hair Fairy
SOULetter 19
Former Homeless Young Man
Launches Crowdfunding
Campaign For New Movie
To Be Made in Boston
(BOSTON, MA) March
11, 2015 – Independent
filmmaker Crosby Tatum is
attempting to raise $8,000
dollars in an online fundraising campaign for “Confused…by Love,” a brandnew feature film about a
married couple
who invites another couple
to stay with them for five
days straight, to save their
into a fictional young,
African-American married
couples fight, to save their
home, and their marriage,
might not be made.
Drawing from personal
experiences as a homeless
teenager, Tatum used these
visceral experiences to create
“Confused…” by Love. “It
was a weird time for me,” as
Tatum reflects.
ion, helped me build some
character in myself, knowing
that if we could persevere
through not having a home
to call our own, then we can
get through anything.
We’re fortunate now to have
a home, but back then, it
really wasn’t a given for us.”
SOUL THESPIAN
home from immediate foreclosure.
Using the crowdfunding
platform, Indiegogo, the
Boston, MA native has
raised $4,475 dollars from
forty-five (45) backers and
is almost 57% funded in
thirteen (13) days.
But if the “Confused…” by
Love fundraiser does not
reach it’s goal before it’s
anticipated shooting date
(May 4), all pledges will be
severely delayed, and a film,
offering audiences a glimpse
20 SOULetter
“Back then, my mother just
separated from my dad, we
sold our house, due to high
interest payments on the
mortgage (I believe). My
mother and I lived at my
aunt’s townhouse on two
separate occasions as I was
going to high school.
At one point, my mother
and I we’re even sleeping
in the same room together
for an entire year. Going
through those experiences”,
he says “really, in my opin-
In describing “Confused…”
by Love, Tatum said, “sometimes, “love” can confuse
and blind us to make some
irrational and irresponsible
decisions, and that might
damage or impact our relationships with our significant others greatly because
of it.
As someone who has dealt
with personal and financial
hardships in relationships,
and in marriage; I feel that
this film will encourage,
inspire individuals to work
with their significant others,
to face their marital and financial problems “head-on”,
while helping others maintain healthy relationships
with their spouses, friends,
and themselves at the same
time.
It’s a story I feel needs to be
told to help people save their
friendships, their marriages,
and themselves.”
On Indiegogo, individuals
receive rewards in exchange
for supporting a project.
Backers who pledge $10
dollars to the “Confused…”
by Love campaign will be
sent a free postcard & a
package of digital films and
music created by Tatum; $25
dollars nets a backer a digital
download of the movie when
completed; and $150 dollars
yields an Assistant Producer
credit on the film.
Over 200,000 projects have
been financed through
Indiegogo since it’s founding
in 2008; if successful, “Confused…” by Love would
become just another successful project funded under the
Indiegogo platform, following in the footsteps of such
films as Dear White People,
The Young Turks, Zero
Charisma, and Yakona.
“Confused…” by Love has
truly gotten this far thanks
to our supporters and
our friends in the African-American business and
film community, not just
in terms of financing, but
with sharing our links in an
overall social media outreach
effort,” said Tatum.
But with less than two weeks
remaining in the campaign,
the filmmaker hopes to
inspire others to join him
and his team on the ride of
making a movie.
“There is no better feeling
than bringing a number
of people on board, from
various backgrounds and
experiences, to complete one
common goal. That’s what
filmmaking is all about.
I’m not just making a movie
for myself. But I am making
a movie for my teammates,
my family, my friends, my
supporters, my city, and
for anyone who needs an
uplifting message of love
and encouragement in these
trying times.”
ABOUT CONFUSED BY
LOVE
“Confused…” by Love is a
feature-length independent
romantic comedy centered
around Ferguson Middlebecker, an up and coming
author and his wife, Tiffany
Marie Middlebecker, a well
known “shock jock”, and af-
ter-hours socialite in the city,
are a married couple, who
are falling on hard times in
their marriage and finances.
make will affect them, and
everyone around them, both
personally, and financially as
well.
Things between the two hit
a “boiling point” when Ferguson and Tiffany’s house is
suddenly up for foreclosure
due to them falling behind
on their mortgage payments.
ABOUT CROSBY
TATUM
All hope seems lost until
Reggie Maxwell; Ferguson’s
financially successful college friend appears out of
nowhere, without a place to
stay; along his girlfriend, Joline “Jo-Jo” Thompson, who
is also Ferguson’s “eccentric”
& gorgeous ex-girlfriend.
To save their home from
being foreclosed, and their
credit as well, Ferguson and
Tiffany both make a deal to
have Reggie and Jo-Jo stay
with them, to help pay their
mortgage back payments off
in five days.
Secret truths, attractions,
and sparks all become revealed as two couple’s lives
are suddenly at a crossroads,
and the decisions they both
Crosby Tatum is a Television/Motion Picture
Producer/Director who has
produced, directed, written,
and edited entertainment
content for Domestic and
International Audiences
worldwide.
Crosby is a graduate of The
New England Institute of
Art, holding an Associates Degree in Television
Broadcasting. Crosby also
holds the Most Outstanding
Broadcaster Award in 2003
during his tenure at The
New England Institute of
Art.
Post-Production and finishing services for clients
around the world, using the
latest Film and Video Technology available.
Crosby has worked with
notable Hollywood and Music Talent including Robin
Givens (Boomerang), Keith
Robinson (Dreamgirls),
Christian Keyes (Tyler Perry’s A Madea’s Christmas),
Jaszmin Lewis (Barbershop
1 & 2), Tangi Miller (WB’s
Felicity), Christopher Nolen
(Christopher Nolen’s Four
Seasons, The Good Life),
Mickey Factz, Kdita Otaku,
and others as well.
CONTACT:
Crosby Tatum
Triceptus Studios
Phone #: (857)-891-7744
E-mail: [email protected]
Crosby founded Triceptus
Studios in 2005 as a motion picture production and
post-production company,
providing services ranging
from Producing, Directing,
Budgeting, and Screenwriting content; but also
SOULetter 21
22 SOULetter
SOUL SPLASH
Geno the Poett
“Geno the Poett”, affectionately called “The
Poett” uses his God giving
talents of singing, spoken
word and songwriting to
change the mindset of
today’s generation , endeavoring to change the
world one note, one lyric
and poem at a time.
Born in Atlanta, GA, his
singing gift was discovered at an early age of 4
by his mother from which
he has his gift inherited.
By age 8, his craft had
matured now also including the gift of poetry.
Inspired to test his skills,
the “Poett” began to enter
several poetry and essay
contests where he received
first place in many of
them.
By age 16, “Poett” had
taken his show on the
road and was landing
leading roles in plays, musicals, and in venues that
spanned from Atlanta,
GA. to Detroit, MI.
Now a resident of Michigan, “Poett” owns his
own production company
entitled, “Nail Scarred
Entertainment”.
“Poett”, through Nail
Scarred Entertainment,
has successfully written
and produced tracks such
as “Real McCoy” , “I
Choose to Believe”, “Use
Me” ,”I’m Gonna Make It”,
“Closer”, “Floating Away”
and “Man Name Jesus.:
Nail Scarred Entertain-
ment also produced music
for other artists such
as: Rio, Jabazz, Ronald
Wilcox and Bro. BC of
Church Boiz productions
just to name a few.
At the tender age of 34,
Poett is now a seasonal
artist with his rich controlled and soulful voice
and his undeniable stage
presence as a poet which
demands attention. He is
now embarking upon an
unrivaled projects that is
scheduled to be released
2015. In short, he is the
total package.
SOULetter 23
Continued from page 11
I would definitely say I saw
a big change in the late 90’s.
Songs were more about sampling, auto-tune and what
I call “new-age rap.” There
wasn’t a lot of singing going
on per se, but more catchy
beats and rap insertions.
This was all cool, but I personally longed for a simple,
soulful ballad, with meaning.
I’m not knocking this generation at all, because that was and
is their genre. They sang about
what their generation was going
through, just like we did back
in the 70’s and 80’s. Different
times, different lyrics.
SL: How do you balance family with your career demands?
My children are grown and on
their own, so no worries there.
I have family close by who are
very supportive of me and my
passion. For that, I am grateful.
I just have to remind myself to
take time for me and not be on
the go so much. That’s hard for
me to do. I can go, go, go until
I pass out.
SL: If we were to ride around
in your car what would we be
listening to?
24 SOULetter
LK: Oh boy. right now, I’m
really into Art Pepper (jazz alto
saxophonist) but most days
you can hear Rahsaan Patterson, Dwele, Kem, Ledisi, Jill
Scott, James Brown, just about
everybody.
SL: What do you value most
in building relationships in the
industry?
LK: In order for me to take
you seriously, you have to do
what you say you’re going to
do. Don’t come at me with false
promises. Deliver the goods or
shut up. I honor anyone that
keeps their word and don’t
try to scam you. I also respect
someone who works hard at
their craft.
Always looking for ways to
improve. It’s also important to
support each other. It’s a waste
of time to hate or sabotage
another artist because they are
succeeding. There is room at
the top for everyone. Let’s all
work together and support each
other.
SL: What can our SOULheads
expect for the rest of 2015 from
you?
LK: Wow, so much! I plan to
perform more. I’d like to do
some nice intimate acoustic and
live band sets. I’m already down
to do several fashion shows
in Chicago through August.
I’m super excited to be a new
member of the NuSoul family,
so I’m really looking forward to
hosting and promoting some
unique NuSoul events here in
Chi-town.
SL: Any words of encouragement
to aspiring models?
LK: I “accidentally” fell into
modeling about three years ago.
I am all of 5 feet, 3 inches and
plus-size. Never in a million
years would I have considered
modeling. Since that time I
have learned quite a bit and I
find now that I enjoy teaching
and mentoring young models.
There are a lot of negative and
positive images out there for
aspiring models to look at so
you have to invest in yourself
with proper training and quality photos. It’s also helpful to
friend someone who has been
in the business for a while and
can offer some mentoring or
advice.
If you really want to get into
the business of modeling, it
is more than a pretty face. It’s
hard work. Most importantly,
you have to believe in yourself
and have confidence.
It can be cut-throat out there
so you have to have a thick
skin. This industry is definitely
not for someone who is super
sensitive.
You have to be able to take
rejection and praise in the same
manner. Both can help you
learn from your mistakes and
succeed.
SL: How can people reach out to
contact you?
LK: I am London Kay on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
You can also send an email to
[email protected].
Continued from page 09
SOUL PERIOD
SOULetter 25
HOT OFF THE PRESS!
In this area we here at the SOULetter would
like to suggest the following releases that have
yet to be reviewed by our global tastemakers!
26 SOULetter
SOUL POWER
“TIME”
By: Lateka “Divas Boss Lady” Carter
I
s the gift that each and everyone has been given in
the same measurement. We have all been given 24
hours in 1 given day. Some people seem to do so
much with their time, while others seem to do so very
little.
Now of course, there are factors involved, which also
play a part in how much you can and cannot get done.
However, you are the only one who can truly make the
correct determination on what you do with it. It can
be tough to juggle an already hectic schedule because of
certain dedications you have, such as being a parent, a
job, a student, etc.
The questions I have is how do you look at your time,
what are you doing with it, and how valuable is it to you.
The clock always moves forward and never goes backwards in life. Although at times, our mind has a way to
move backwards, the real time does not. As the saying
goes, “we are not getting any younger.” Have you ever sat
back and thought to yourself about your age and what
you have done with all the years you’ve already lived?
countless time being lost in the past trying to get back
Were you satisfied with what you’ve done with it?
something you will never be able to get back.
It’s easy to look back and see how you’ve wasted time with
projects, in relationships, and on jobs that never seemed Every day, another 24 hours, is a gift from GOD. Use
it for beneficial gain, instead of
to pan out the way you thought it
thinking it’s just another day. Evwould, beneficial to your life. Howery day has something unique,
ever, if you really take the moment
precious, awesome, and full of
to exam those years you’ve spent
many opportunities to give you,
in a positive spin, you can then see
if you would only use it that way.
how it played a part in where you
Be wise and smart with the time
are today. Look at the time you’ve
you’ve been given and when you
spent as an investment into your fuare ready to cash it out, you will
ture. I know, a lot of bad things
see how great the investment
happen along the way, but you can
turned out to be.
still take out some good moments
and those lessons you’ve learned
from each one. Think about time
in the same manner, an investment.
Use time to make every minute of your life count for
the better. Balance out your activities, friends, families,
projects, and yourself where you don’t get cheated on
your investment in the long run. Don’t live life wishing
it away when you can learn how to let time be the biggest
incentive you could ever make in your life. Don’t spend
Lateka “Divas Boss Lady”
Fanpage: Divas Boss Lady
Twitter: @DivasBossLady
Instagram: Divas Boss Lady
Email: [email protected]
#wordstogrowby
SOULetter 27
SOUL VISUALS
BRINGS THE FINEST DJS, AND PERCUSSIONISTS TOGETHER FOR A SOULFUL NIGHT OF
DEEP GROOVES AND HEAVY PERCUSSION, ONCE A MONTH @ MOTOR CITY WINE BAR IN
DOWNTOWN DETROIT.
28 SOULetter
SOULetter 29
1
2
3
4
5
6
Dj.TeeBee: Soulful House Mix 3rd https://m.
mixcloud.com/Djteebee/soulful-house-mix3rd-may-2015/
Soul therapy(may 1st) https://m.mixcloud.
com/dominicjoseph9/soul-therapymay-1st/?
SOULSTEP 005 by Jeff Sevens https://m.mixcloud.
com/jeffsevens/soulstep-005/
30 SOULetter
Vibe Session” By Swifty720
https://m.mixcloud.com/swift720/vibe-session/?
The May Mix by Dj J.Squared2 https://m.mixcloud.com/DjJsquared2/may-mix/?
SSSMarvinRemakeTributeMusic https://m.
mixcloud.com/SoulfulSoundsRadio/sssmarvinremaketributemusic/
SOULetter 31
Nu-Soul Collective is a unified force of
like minded individuals that pulsate with
life, spirit and positive energy, created to
enhance the Soul Movement by blending
the forward-thinking of creativity.
Founding Member
Each member is known in their own right for creating
exposure to New and Alternative music, as well as
re-establish ears of the least played past releases.
In addition, its our intent to remain highly regarded
international taste makers, who shine the light on the
new artists & sounds to a community of “Soul-heads” with
discerning taste.
www.nusoulcollective.com
NU-SOUL RADIO NETWORK
Future Soul Sessions
Club Nimbus
Music Life Social
Crate Digga Radio
World Vibe Radio
Fort Worth Soul
The Soul Studieux
Charles House Music GHP
Rhythm And Soul Radio
WDGP Radio
Basement Soul Radio
Radio
Soul City Radio
Musical Pathways
Neo Soul Hole
Meltdown Radio
Indie Music Network
4 The Love Of House
The Mellow Mix
Getting It In Soul
Soul Fussion Radio
Neo2Soul Radio
NeoSoul Cafe
Jazzy Soul Radio
Luke Radio
Regina Records Radio
Soulful Expressions
Classic Digital Radio
www.stockindesign.com