Hip Hop Artist Josie Whale Releases 6thAlbum
Jamaican G’s located on 80th Troost was the site for the album release party celebrating the 6th album for KC’s own Josey Whales. The place was packed with Josey Whales fans and everyone showed him much love. With a combination of looks and talent Josie is the total package. I had a chance to chat with Josey after the show. Our Q&A begins below. Enjoy!
Q&A with Josey Whales
CB: Congratulations on your 6thalbum. How long have you been doing music?
Josey: I’ve been doing music probably I’d say about 16 years.
CB: Who are your early musical influences?
Josey: To be honest I’m a Ray Charles. I go back like it aint no rappers that I’m inspired by. I’m a poet.
CB: What would you call your music style?
Josey: I feel like its music for everybody right now.
CB: Did you grow up in Kansas City?
Josey: Yes I did on 39th Topping. I had a single parent and everything so I got love for my Mother.
CB: Are you currently on a record label?
Josey: Yes I got my own label. I got Solid Empire that’s my own label. I was probably about 18 years old
CB: Kansas City has a reputation for being full of haters. Have you encountered that problem?
Josey: I mean really it’s not that I’ve problems. I hope I don’t have any problems. I’m a street guy before anything. I don’t want no problems, but it’s problems out here because guys don’t support each other. That’s why I’m thankful for the guys that came out and supported me tonight and to all my family and friends who support me they’re all that. They didn’t have to come out but they did. That’s the thing we gotta to do as Kansas City Artists we have to support each other no matter. We can’t be like oh he was better than I thought he’d be so I’m not coming. We got to be there to support each other whether we’re performing or not. We gotta support. We need to do that.
CB: Do you have advice for any up and coming artists?
Josey: I would say let it out. Give a lot of thought to what you’re doing. A lot of guys will try to discourage you from what you’re doing. Don’t let nobody stop you from going for your dreams. Man you know you’re going to go through your problems, but you gotta get it get through it and keep going.
CB: If someone wanted to know what’s going on with you do you have any contact info?
Josey: Yes maam my Face Book page is www.facebook.com/joseywhales
and my email is joseywhales39@yahoo.com.
CB: I want to thank you for taking time to speak with me. Congratulations on the release of your 6th album.
Josey: Thank you.
Badluck Da KcKid Releases His 4th Album
Badluck Da KcKid is celebrating the release of his 4th album entitled “REUP RECOP RECORDZ MIXTAPE VOL.2”. Tonight April 14th starting at 9pm-3am is his album release party which will be at Balanca’s located at 1809 Grand in KCMO. The event is called “Badluck’s Lingerie Album Release Party”. You won’t want to miss this event. It is shaping up to be huge with all the right ingredients for a fabulous night to remember. There are over 30 artists slated to perform including a performance by Badluck himself. I had the pleasure of interviewing this Rap Phenomenon and he talks about his new album and this spectacular event. Our Q&A starts below. Enjoy!
Q&A With Badluck Da KcKid
CB: How long have you been doing music?
Badluck: I’ve been writing music since I was like 8 or 9years old. I wrote a verse called “Doper than Dope”. Then I stuck with it through the years and really tried to make a career out of it instead of doing it for fun.
CB: Now Kansas City is known as a town that doesn’t support. Have you had any difficulties with that?
Badluck: I don’t really worry about what everybody else is doing. As long as everybody’s showing love to Badluck man it’s cool. I don’t worry about the haters. I mean you’re going to have haters everywhere you go hatin on everything.
CB: What prompted you to have this event?
Badluck: My 4th album.
CB: What is the name of your album and where can people get it?
Badluck: “REUP RECOP RECORDZ MIXTAPE VOL.2” It’ll be in stores next week.
CB: Do you have a favorite song from the album?
Badluck: The song “Y”. It’s original.
CB: I listened to “Y” and I liked it. It has a nice beat and a powerful message to the haters. I like it. It never ceases to amaze me how fast you rap!
Badluck: Thank you it’s my favorite. Took a while to master that thanks.
CB: I’m sure, but you do it with such ease. How would you describe your music style?
Badluck: Lyrical, tongue twisting, street reporter
CB: I noticed you have a lot of artists performing at the release party. Why so many?
Badluck: Everybody wanted to get down
CB: It must feel great to have so many people show you so much love and support. If fans wanted to reach out to you how would they do so?
Badluck: Oh yeah Reup Recop Recordz you can hit me up on Facebook, Twitter and MySpace http://youtube.com/BADLUCK816
http://youtube.com/badluck816.
CB: Do you have any advice for any aspiring artists?
Badluck: I would tell artists to keep pushing, be original and listen to others as well. Stay true to yourself. Don’t try to be what you’re not. Talk about what you know. Make music from the heart. Just make music that you think is real that comes from the heart and you‘ll always get a thumbs up from me. Do all types of music that people can relate to.
CB: Thank you for taking time to speak with me. It’s been a pleasure.
Badluck: Thank you. No problem.
Tech N9ne KC’s Native Son
When you think of the Kansas City Rap Scene Tech N9ne definitely comes to mind. He has been making music for about 10 years with many album successes. Tech has toured all around the world, but he has never forgotten his roots. Even though his touring sometimes takes him out of state Kansas City is still his home. Tech’s family is still here, so he makes frequent trips back home whenever he can. On one of his trips back home I chatted with him at the Urban Film Festival, where he premiered his new concert film “KOD” showcasing his King of Darkness Tour. His film is amazing definitely 5 out of 5 popcorn bags. Seeing Tech N9ne larger than life on the big screen is a treat for the eyes and ears. His concerts are an experience meant to be shared by all. Our Q&A starts below. Enjoy!
Q&A With Tech N9ne
CB: What part of Kansas City are you from originally?
Tech N9ne: Born and raised in Kansas City, MO 904 Michigan down here in Wayne Minor.
CB: Do you still reside here?
Tech N9ne: Totally I still reside here out in Blue Springs. I have a home in Los Angeles also, but this is my comfort zone. This is where my family is, where my Mom is, where my Aunties and Uncles are, where my Cousins are. This is my family. That’s why we put our Empire Strange Music here in Kansas City.
CB: So, is your goal to put Kansas City on the map like so many of your predecessors?
Tech N9ne: Totally. That’s my mission. That’s what I’ve been doing all these years is getting everybody to know that this is where it’s at. You can’t go anywhere and tell anybody where you’re from and they don’t mention me. So, yeah I think I’ve been doing that.
CB: How long have you been in music?
Tech N9ne: I wrote my first rhyme in 1985 when I was in 7th grade. I’ve been doing it professionally since 1990. I’m 38 years old now.
CB: Wow ‘m 38 too! So, are you over whelmed by the love that you’ve been shown by Kansas City because as you know Kansas City is known as a city that does not support?
Tech N9ne: I’m totally over whelmed every time I go out. You know what I mean because I get an extreme amount of love, so much love that I’m looking for the hate. Like ok when is it going to come? Where is it going to come? Now, you got haters everywhere you go, but I get a lot of love from Kansas City and I am over whelmed.
CB: Do you have a favorite song from any of your albums?
Tech N9ne: “This Ring”, it has everything I do in one song. It has the word play. It has the speedy wrap. It’s melodic. It has depth. It has everything that Tech N9ne is.
CB: Did success come pretty quickly for you?
Tech N9ne: No way, we’re still getting it. Like I said I’ve been doing this since 1985 and it’s just now getting to the rest of the world. So it took a long time. We’ve been doing this independent thing for 10 years now me and Travis O’Guin and it’s been promising.
CB: How would you describe your music?
Tech N9ne: I would describe my music ambidextrous left to right. I would describe my music schizophrenic. It’s life. Its ups and its downs twist and turns.
CB: What prompted you to do the “KOD Tour” as a movie?
Tech N9ne: I wanted to show the people that never really get to see me and see my show I just wanted to bring it to them so they can check me out whether I’m overseas or whether I’m over here. I just thought that I should do that for my fans and for my nonfans. It’s for people who never saw me before. They get to see exactly what I do.
CB: Do you have any advice for any aspiring artists?
Tech N9ne: Keep on keeping on no matter what they tell you. Your loved ones might tell you that it’s just a hobby or something. No, if you believe in it you will achieve in it. Keep pushing it’s a hard road, but if you believe in it you will achieve in it. Just keep pushing no matter who tells you to stop and get a real job because this is indeed a real job.
CB: The education system here is broken and the kids are getting the short end of the stick. What is your opinion about that?
Tech N9ne: I think it’s broken in a lot of places. I was just in LA with my kids. My two little girls go to school out in LA and they were off. They were off on a Friday and I was like “Why are you off school?” She said, “Its furlough day we can’t afford to pay the teachers so we get to stay home.” I’m like wow where’s our education system going? You know what I mean? If we can’t afford to pay the teachers the kids don’t go to school they don’t get the lesson for that day. Man we need to do something quick! Ya know what I mean?
CB: Yes I do. I want to thank you for taking time out to speak with me. It’s been a pleasure.
Tech N9ne: Oh no doubt. Thank you.
Marsha Ambrosius Grooves Kansas City
Grammy nominated Songstress Marsha Ambrosius was in Kansas City on Saturday March 12, 2011 for a benefit concert held at the Beaumont Club in West Port for the Legacy Foundation. Marsha is originally from Liver Pool England. She formerly is a member of the group Floetry and now she makes her solo debut with her new CD “Late Nights and Early Mornings”, which is also the title track from her CD. Her single “Far Away” is steady climbing the charts and her CD is phenomenal. The concert was truly a 5 star evening. Marsha gave Kansas City something special, which was a night of extraordinary music by a phenomenal artist that is a beautiful person on the inside as well as the outside. If Marsha comes to your town do yourself a favor and go see her live! You will be glad you did! I had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with Marsha backstage. All of you aspiring artists out there should definitely take notes. She is dropping some serious knowledge on the Music Business! Our Q&A starts below. Enjoy!
Q&A with Marsha Ambrosius
CB: Hi Marsha I’d like to welcome you to Kansas City. Are you enjoying Kansas City so far?
Marsha: Yes very much.
CB: Awesome! How long have you been in music?
Marsha: Professionally I signed my first publishing deal in 1997, so since then.
CB: Wow that’s a long time! How have you enjoyed doing your solo project?
Marsha: It is! For me it’s been invigorating and I say that because it’s the first time I’ve really looked out for myself. Being in a group situation and not a contrived one at that Natalie and myself were friends prior to being a group. As solo artists we managed to find a creative thing that happened to work together. So when she left the group in 2006 to pursue her career by right we’d already had three albums and you know as people you grow into who you really are and when you grow apart that’s all there is. And as grown women we had to separate what became our business and personal to just strictly a business move.
It was just lucrative for the both of us to say ok cool that’s what it is. So now that I get to venture out on my own forcefully I’ve found the joy in that versus me trying to figure it out since she left and I was left over at the record label. I don’t know people when it comes to business are pretty much wishy washy. It’s money for them, where as it was never about the money for me. It was always personal, so it was me trying to find the strength to get back and figure out what I wanted to speak about. And I happened to write with and produce for the best artists in the industry in the meantime. So I think getting to do all those things led to what happened now and I’m just enjoying the success. What feels so many years later but feels like oh my goodness I can’t believe this is like the first time for me. I feel like it’s a new beginning so I’m enjoying it.
CB: You have a wonderful phenomenal voice! Who were some of your early musical influences?
Marsha: I like sound. I’ve been a weird kid for a while. I used to enjoy the sound of the tap dripping and things like that. Like, I could make a song out of the wind. My Dad being a base player yeah he had the vinyl collection. My Mother had the sickest still to this day vinyl collection ever and I had the pleasure of listening to whatever I wanted. It went from you know weather report to Larry Graham, to Sly and the Family Stone, Earth Wind and Fire, to Duran Duran, Queen, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Prince and everything in between that. I listened to it because I enjoyed music. It was never about soul music or jazz music or punk like whatever was good it was just good. I just love everyone!
CB: That’s awesome! Do you have any advice for any up and coming artists?
Marsha: Know what you want out of it. To be an artist takes more than just you. Especially if you want to do it on a grander scale there are plenty of open forums for you to showcase your talent, but if you want to take that to what you consider the next platform which would be getting a record out there are mediums that you can use without having a label now. There are you know Sound Cloud accounts and Twitter accounts and Face Book accounts that you can run yourself and control what is your work. But if you want mass appeal and mainstream success you have to take into consideration the people that are backing you up. Who is your business manager? Who’s your management team? Do they care about you or do they care about business? You have to maintain who it is that you are as an artist from the beginning. I’ve had the same manager since 2000 since I got to America and that’s important to me because it’s more than them caring about what business moves we can make.
They care about if I’m eating right, if I’m healthy, if I’m happy and am I ok since my Aunt passed away this year. You know what I mean it’s like little things, but it’s like a human experience versus me just being a singer. It’s that much more personal. So, for upcoming artists recognize the talent within you and understand that you’re the product. You are Coca Cola. You’re the Big Mac and someone has to eat you, drink you someone has to buy you. So when you go into a situation that requires other people to be on board they have to come on board to you. They’re on your bandwagon and not in a bad way it’s just like look here I am tell me what I need to do to take myself to the next level. If you can help, me let’s go, if not I’ll be cool on my own. But understand that hard work pays off.
CB: Now did you find it easier to break into the music business in America as opposed to England?
Marsha: I wouldn’t say easier. I just took advantage of the opportunities that came to me. It just so happened that I found one that worked for me over here. I wasn’t necessarily pursuing a career when it happened for me over here. I got a free invitation to Atlanta and took a free flight to Atlanta. A free flight to Philly like who wouldn’t do that? So I took advantage and it’s resulted in me talking to you here.
CB: I’m so glad you did!
Marsha: Right me too!
CB: A lot of singers are turning into actors. Do you have aspirations to go into acting?
Marsha: I don’t think singers should turn into actors. Just people should decide to act or sing. I would never take advantage of an opportunity just because I sing. I love the field of acting. I think it’s an excellent career choice for many, but I’m no actor and I wouldn’t just dive into it just because I have an opportunity. That’s something completely different. I’d have to take time off from being Marsha Ambrosius singing soul for myself for whatever that role would be. So if it were something that made sense for me yeah other than that I would act a fool most of the time and then keep it movin.
CB: If someone wanted to know what’s going on with you do you have a Twitter or Face Book?
Marsha: I do my Twitter account is the best way to get me. It’s just my full name Marsha Ambrosius.
CB: I want to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to speak with me. I know it’s been hectic today. Once again welcome to Kansas City and hopefully this will not be your last visit.
Marsha: Oh definitely not and thank you.
Laff4Jay Memorial Comedy Benefit Show
Comedian Jus Jay was a brilliant star whose light was extinguished too soon. He was Kansas City’s own and wherever he went he represented KC very well. Friday July 16th at Body Works Phase II all of his family and friends gathered together to remember this Comedy legend. Jus Jay passed away recently of complications with his kidneys, so Samuel U Rogers was on hand to give health screenings. The many people that came out for this event proved that although Jus J is gone he will never be forgotten. Comics came from all over to honor this Comedy Legend. The event was hosted By Hot 103 Jamz DJ Sean Tyler along with Comedians Tidy Dillard and Bobby J. All of whom were personal friends of Jus Jay. Jus Jay was only 26 years old when he passed, but he touched a lot of people in the short time he was here. The crowd was hype and the energy of all the performers was phenomenal. The spirit of Jus Jay was definitely in the air and could be felt everywhere.
The laughs were cranked up to high gear thanks to Comics like Jaylee “Do She Man” Thomas from St. Louis, Roc the Entertainer also from St. Louis and Cerone Russell from KC, MCGriff and Sean Hill just to name a few. Everybody was hilarious! Everyone had a good time. Not only were there comics but also musicians such as Chris Nickens or C-Note, who plays saxophone like no other and rapper the king. The whole evening was a fitting farewell tribute to Jus Jay and it was a 5 out of 5 star night. I had a blast! I had a chance to speak with a few of the evenings performers and they were eager to share their feelings about Jus Jay and what he meant to them. I even spoke to Jus Jay’s Mom Stephanie Owens as well as his Widow Kristyn Jus K Jackson. The strength of these women will inspire you. So without further ado the Q&A’s start below. Enjoy!
Q&A with Jus Jay’s Mom Stephanie Owens
CB: Ms. Owens what has this night meant to you?
SO: This night has meant a whole lot to me. It shows me just how much of a phenomenal impact that my son has had in this world. He has left a mark that no one can erase and I’m so very proud to be Jus Jay’s Mom. It just makes my heart feel so good to know that there are so many people that have so much genuine love for my son. It makes me feel good to know that I as a single Mom raised my son to be such a wonderful person. And I just appreciate it and I just thank God for all of the people that came out to celebrate his life. I thank you for being here!
CB: Oh thank you! It was my pleasure.
SO: I love the fact that my son’s life will still live on even though he’s not physically here but his sprit will live forever. In his children you know he loved his children. Oh they were like two peas in a pod. He did the “Yo Gabba Gabba”, he did the “Cosby”, he did “The Princess and the Frog”. You know he spent quality time with his children because that’s how much he loved them. He loved me. He loved his wife. He loved life and life loved him. And God does not make any mistakes. Of course physically I’m going to miss him, emotionally, psychologically because I have a cousin here from out of town and I was like ok let me pick up the phone and call Jay. And I said “Lord I’m about to pick the phone up and call my son and he’s gone,” but God said “I love him more.” So he was just on loan to me. I will always love him and I will always miss him. And I love everyone that loves him.
Q&A with Kristyn “Jus K” Jackson
CB: What has tonight meant to you?
JK: Oh man tonight was just I can’t even describe in words what tonight has meant to me. Like I said before, in the nine years that Jay has done comedy I don’t think he realized the impact he had on this city. I don’t really think he knew his worth. He didn’t think he was this good of a comic. You know yeah he thought he was good, but I don’t think he really knew the impact that he had on this city and even outside the city. So when I look at what was here today and what the turnout was at his home going service and love he is getting on his Facebook page. It is so amazing to me cause now we are actually seeing the seeds that have been sowed. We’re seeing it grow now and this is the first time I have actually seen all of this. It’s amazing to me so I know Jay is looking down and looking at all this love he is getting. And I know he’s floored, he’s astonished by it because like I said he didn’t believe he had all of this. So you know when I see all of this it makes me proud. It makes me very proud of what he’s done just in the short time we had him here. I’m so happy for that.
CB: So what is next for you in your life in picking up the pieces and moving on without him?
JK: Well you know I’m just going to keep on keeping on. You know like he would want me to do. One thing about my husband is that he hated to see me cry. He hated to see me sad and down on myself. So, you know for him especially for him I’m going to keep moving on. You know like I have been. I get ready to start a new job on Monday.
CB: Congratulations!
JK: Thank you. And I know he was excited about that and I’m getting ready to start school in the fall. I’m just going to be there for our daughter, you know we have a 2 year old daughter. You know I’m going to keep moving on for her and we going to continue on our life together you know as God wants it to be. And just take it one day at a time you know what I’m saying? Just take it day by day, minute by minute, and moment by moment. You know I know that God really has helped me. He’s really kept me. He’s kept me strong through all of this. It’s obviously God because I couldn’t have done it by myself. With Him there with me, helping me and being there with me every step of the way. I know I’ll be ok. Regardless of whatever happens I know I’ll be ok and Jay’s always with me. He’s always with me and so I take that with me every day. And that’s what’s I’m going to keep doing you know until I leave until I join him up in them pearly gates. That’s how we’re going to do it.
CB: So because of this tragedy are you going to also be an advocate for the disease to make people aware and travel around doing speaking engagements?
JK: Yeah I absolutely would want to do that. A matter of fact that’s one of the things that me and Jay talked about off and on you know when he was alive. Once he got his transplant and you know even from that point on in the last couple of months we always talked about what it is that we can do to help other people be aware of kidney failure and kidney disease. You know that was something that we were pretty much ignorant about in the beginning. Until it got to that point you know where he got sick. So you know that is always something we definitely wanted to do was to try to raise awareness. One thing he always said is when he got big and made it big in show business he wanted to be the poster boy for kidney failure and The Kidney Foundation. So, you know whatever it is that I can do on my end to help in that aspect I definitely want to do it. Because you know it is a growing disease and it’s a growing illness and you know a lot of it is due to people don’t know about it. So, whatever I can do on my end to help of course I’m going to do it.
CB: If someone wanted to book you for an engagement to come and speak to their group or give a donation to the foundation how would they reach you?
JK: First off for the old school people that don’t know about the internet that well you can reach me on my cell phone. I am Kristyn Jackson and my cell phone number is (816) 518-8557. You can also reach me on my email and that is krekre63135@yahoo.com and you can also reach me on my Facebook page. Basically If you go on Facebook and type in Kristyn Jackson you’ll find me and you can reach me that way. I’m the cute chunky big girl with the picture on the front. If it’s not me it’ll probably be Jay on that default picture. So you’re going to know it’s me from one of the two pictures. That’s one of the three main ways that you can get a hold of me.
CB: Do you have any upcoming events that you’d like to share or any parting words?
KJ: Well there is an event that’s coming up on July 30. I’m sure a lot of people know about it already. It’s the “Friday Night Comedy Jam.” It has Lavelle Crawford, Joe Claire and Dominique. That was the show that Jay was originally scheduled to perform on and since he’s no longer here with us they are basically making that show in honor of him. So if people can come out to that I would greatly appreciate it. I know the guy that’s putting the show together. He’s really cool you know and down to earth. I got a chance to meet him. Jay spoke very highly of him when he was still here. I want everybody to support that show as well. As far as parting words go I just want to say from the bottom of my heart. I want to thank everybody that impacted his life. Everybody that was a part of his life that you know was involved with him that was there at his shows that laughed. You know all of his fans and his close friends. I thank everybody that was there because if wasn’t for you guys Jus Jay would not be the person that he is today and that he is going to be from this point on. So it’s for that I thank God for all of you and I thank everybody.
CB: I want to thank you for taking time to speak with me.
Q&A with Host Bobby J
CB: Hey Bobby how are you doing tonight?
BJ: I’m doing good how are you?
CB: I’m doing good. What has tonight meant to you?
BJ: It means a lot to me. A lot of Jay’s friends come from out of town and everybody came together to support and show their love for Jay. It means a lot to me. It means a lot to his family. It means a lot for our community for people to seek awareness and find out some things that they didn’t know or that we don’t care to know. You know black folks like to self diagnose ourselves. So you know it’s just real cool that everybody came out to show the love and send him off in a fashion that he would like.
CB: Now knowing Jus Jay as well as you did do you think that he would approve of tonight?
BJ: Jay I know Jay and he would say “It took me to be dead for all yall to come out to my show.” But you know I really do I think he does and he would be happy to see all of these people here for him and supporting him like they are. Without a care everybody is out here and that’s what Jay the love he showed everybody and now they’re giving it back. It’s real cool.
CB: That’s awesome! Were you and Jay very close? How many years did you know him?
BJ: I’ve known Jay about 7 years. We were close like brothers. I was the last person to talk to Jay when he passed away. And that just plays over and over in my head every day, every night. We were close like not just like we seen each other out went to school together. People that went to school with him they weren’t as close as me and Jay. We shared the deepest things between us. We had our first kid together and everything like that. It was just a lot of experiences that we shared. It was more than comedy. It was just we were like real brothers.
CB: That’s really wonderful. Do you have any upcoming events you’d like to tell us about?
BJ: Yes July 30th I’ll be hosting the Lavelle Crawford, Dominque and Joe Claire comedy show. I’ll be in Jay’s place so in honor of Jay that I’ll be replacing him. I’ve got a lot of things coming up. I just wrapped up a movie in Mississippi called “A Comics Hustle” that will be out in December, so a lot of things working out.
CB: Well that’s awesome we will definitely be on the lookout.
Q&A with Sean Tyler
CB: Hey Sean how are you doing tonight?
ST: Doing great. How are you Crystal?
CB: I understand that you will be hosting tonight?
ST: I guess sort of, cause there’s like 27 comedians on here so it’s kinda hard to host with hosts. But we’ll figure it out.
CB: Well you know you’re the host with the most Sean. Did you know Jay personally?
ST: I did Jay was a real good friend of mine. As a matter of fact I was on the phone with Jay hours before he passed away that afternoon.
CB: That must have been very hard to take. Our prayers are definitely with his family as well as you as his friend. What does this evening mean to you?
ST: It means a lot especially with the National Kidney Foundation tie in. Because Jay died of kidney failure and there are a lot of other diseases that we as African Americans suffer from. Kidney disease is usually a result of that including diabetes. It’s not a disease that has a lot of warning signs. So I definitely want people to get some information from the National Kidney Foundation while they’re and find out how, because it’s preventable. Just like most of the things that take out African Americans are they are very preventable. We need the knowledge. Knowledge is king so I’m glad this event is definitely going to do that much.
CB: Well I want to thank you Sean for taking time to speak with us.
Q&A with Sax Man C-Note
CB: What does this night mean to you?
CN: It means a lot because Jus Jay was a great man not a good man but I would say he was a great man. He was a family man and he’s a good friend of mine. And I will do anything to honor his remembrance.
CB: Did you know him very long?
CN: Maybe 3 or 4 years.
CB: How long have you been doing music?
CN: For about 17 years.
CB: Do you have any upcoming events that are starting that would like everyone to know about?
CN: Just that I will have a solo original project coming out with my own music. I’ve been playing cover tunes and doing like mix CD’s and stuff for a while, but I’ll be having a CD coming out soon produced by Mr. Brian Kennedy.
CB: Is there a website or anything where someone can check out your tracks?
CN: I have a few tracks on My Space at Soul Sax Sensation. You can shoot me an email and my email address is saxmancnote@gmail or yahoo.com.
CB: One final question. How important do you think it is for African Americans to make sure that they remain healthy by getting our health screened and checked every year?
CN: It’s very important. I also believe we need to teach our kids so they can teach their kids. Because at the end of the day health is all we got really.
Q&A with Film Maker Chuck Brown
CB: What does this night mean to you?
Chuck: It means a lot because I just met Jay 2 weeks prior to his death. It felt like I had known him for years he was a real cool guy. It means a lot for all the people to come out and be a part of this comedy show for him.
CB: How many years have you been a film maker?
Chuck: About 6 years.
CB: Do you have any upcoming events you’d like everyone to know about?
Chuck: I have a short film that will be premiering in St. Louis on August the 1st. I have a few upcoming music video projects coming up in a couple of months.
CB: If someone wanted to reach you what would they have to do? Is there a website where they can contact you?
Chuck: They can reach me through email at chuckbfilms@ymail.com and you can some of my work at youtube.com/chuckbcbp.
Q&A with Comedian Jaylee “Do She Man” Thomas
CB: How are you doing tonight?
JT: I’m great! Having fun down I’m down here in Kansas City for the benefit show for my little brother Jus Jay. Fixin to show Kansas City what the “Do She Man” is all about.
CB: What does tonight mean to you?
JT: It means a lot because Jus Jay was more than just a comedian. He was like a little brother to me. We had a special bond probably more of a bond than I have with any other comedian here in Kansas City where my kids know him. Actually I’m here daughter’s God Father. I’m Chastity’s God Father so this means a lot to me cause he meant a lot to me. So I’m just down here hanging out and going to perform for a minute and show love to my klittle brother Jus Jay.
CB: If everybody wanted to know what’s going on with you and your career how would one get a hold of you? Do you have a website?
JT: I’m working on getting the website built. I got Facebook Jaylee Thomas of course My Space. Also if you’re up in St. Louis I do a comedy show every Wednesday night at the Junkyard Bar and Grill. I’m in and out of town. I’ll probably be in your city you just gotta to look out for me. I got the hottest catch phrase in America and in the world and that’s “Do She”.
CB: Awesome! So do you have any upcoming events you want to share with everyone?
JT: Yes August 6th-7th I’m doing a show. I’m headlining at the Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club in Washington DC. So DC look out for me. Also I’m working on a comedy cruise it’s called Cruising with the Do She Man Comedy Cruise on the Mississippi River Boat there in St. Louis. You know I’ve got a lot of projects coming up. I’m also trying to find my own comedy club something new and hot in St. Louis. So just be on the lookout for me.
CB: How important do you think it is for people to not neglect their health?
JT: Please whoever you are never neglect your health. God can only do so much. A man can only do so much. If their doctor tells you to go do something take care of it ASAP. I know you might not want to have surgery but sometime it can be the best where you might be in pain for 3 weeks but you might have a life time you know more than what you’re living right now. I think that we all need to get physicals and take things like that very seriously. I didn’t even know he was that sick. When he came to St. Louis a month before he passed I seen him but I’m used to seeing him but I just didn’t know. And then to get a text like that from out the blue really shocked me. But let me tell you something it was a reality check. It really was for me and everybody else who knew him. Especially men or whoever got health problems don’t be ashamed to ever go to a doctor and say man I need to be talked to about this and that before they tell you ya got something you can’t even get rid of.
CB: Thank you for taking the time to speak with me. Do you have any parting words?
JT: Yeah you know what I’m saying Kansas City yall know me Jaylee “Do She”! Yall gotta look out for me I wanna come back to Kansas City. I wanna do the Improv and any work yall got down here. Yall got Bobby J. down here. Yall got Tidy and the Kings of Kansas city Comedians down here. So, I want yall to keep supporting then so I can come back. How about that?
CB: Awesome!
Q&A with Comedian Mr. McGriff
CB: Did you know Jus Jay personally?
MM: Oh yeah definitely. That’s why I’m here cause Jus Jay was my boy. I remember Jus Jay when he first started doing comedy when I used to come to Kansas City years and years ago. So I come to show my support and my love.
CB: What does tonight mean to you?
MM: Tonight means giving without getting paid, doing something that comes from the heart. Trust me that’s what tonight means to me cause this was my boy and I’m one of the best known comics on this show that would even actually come and do something like this. A lot of comics feel they are probably too big or too popular. But sometimes it’s not about how big or popular you is. It’s about doing something that’s good.
CB: If everyone wanted to know what was going on with you do you have a website or a way people can contact you?
MM: I do have a website innovativeinkentertainment.com and you can reach me on Facebook at facebook.com/funnymanmcgriff
CB: Do you have any upcoming events you’d like to share?
MM: I’m just on the road steady just traveling all over the country. I just got back from Japan entertaining the Troops. Hopefully I’ll be coming to Kansas City doing something.
CB: That’s very admirable. Tragically we lost Jus Jay too soon. How important would you say it is to not neglect your health?
MM: It’s real important especially for the African American community with our back grounds and stuff like that. We are known to believe and you know don’t educate ourselves properly. If you don’t educate yourself on how to keep yourself healthy and stuff then you are putting yourself at very dangerous risk. I actually lost about 50 pounds just for health reasons. Imma tell you miss woo I feel great. No joke at all yall.
CB: Do you have any parting words?
MM: I would like to say R.I.P. to Jus Jay one of Kansas City’s greatest comics for real. He was definitely coming up you know doing his thing. That was my kat. Everybody keep supporting everybody else in KC my boy Bobby J, Tidy you know yall keep lookin out for theae kats doin they thing as well. Jus Jay will be missed but never forgotten.
Q&A with Comedian Cerrome Russell
CB: How long have you been doing comedy?
CR: This will be about 9 years this year.
CB: Did you know Jus Jay personally?
CR: Yeah I did. I just moved to Kansas City from Atlanta about 2 and a half years ago and I met Jay when I first got here. I was looking for places around town to do comedy and Jus Jay was hosting a comedy show called Laugh Out Loud Wednesdays at the Improv in town. He actually gave me my first shot on the Kansas City, Missouri side to do comedy. So I knew him pretty well. We kept in touch talking and joking and laughing and calling each other on the phone so, he was a good friend of mine.
CB: What does this night mean to you?
CR: It means a lot. I miss my friend and just knowing his wife and his daughter. You want to do something to help and the best way to do it is to do what my job is and what I love doing and what Jay loved dong and just give back. Give some laughs back and hopefully help them out with anything they need whether it be financial. Whether it be time. Whether it be prayer. Whether it be a kind word or anything.
CB: If one wanted to contact you how would they go about doing that?
CR: You can hit me up on Twitter or You tube. On Twitter it’s Cerrome Russell comic is the name of the channel. And on Twitter it’s the same thing just follow @cerromerussell.
Q&A with Roc the Entertainer
CB: What has tonight meant to you?
RE: Well a good of ours died and I had to come and show my love even though it was for free. I had to come because that was my people. He came down to my house down in St. Louis. I have a house every Thursday yall. If you’re ever in St. Louis come to Game Zone. Yall come on in and bring a friend whenever you’re in St. Louis just look me up.
CB: Is there a website that people can visit if they want to know what is going on with you?
RE: They can go to my Facebook page under Dwight Lomax or Roc the Candy Licker. Just give me a call (314) 393-1258.
Q&A With Comedian Q Hill
CB: What does tonight mean for you?
Q: Tonight means coming out paying respects to a good friend of mine. I got a chance to meet him last year actually at this club called The Ware House. He came down to St. Louis a few times at the House of Comedy and we got a chance to hang out. The guy had good energy. He was a good brother so I wanted to come out and show my respect.
CB: How long have you been doing comedy?
Q: I’ve been doing comedy for 7 years.
CB: That’s a long time. If one wanted to contact you how would they go about doing that?
Q: You can contact me on Facebook or my cell phone.
CB: Do you have any upcoming events you want to share?
Q: Yeah I will be in St. Louis on the 5th at the Ambassador and Oklahoma the month after that so, come and check me out.
Q&A With Comedian Sean Hill
CB: What does tonight mean to you?
SH: It means a lot because it’s helping out a worthy cause, and it’s also helping out the family, and an opportunity to show out in front of my peers.
CB: Are you from Kansas City?
SH: Yes maam born and raised. I recently got into the game of comedy 2 years ago and I’ve just been flappin my little wings.
CB: Did you know Jus Jay personally?
SH: Yes we went on a road trip to St. Louis together with Bobby J. They were like mentoring me since I’m new to the game he would watch my set then tell me that would be perfect if you add this or do that differently. He was very involved with a lot of the jokes that I told tonight because those were his favorites.
CB: If people wanted to know what’s going on with you is there a way to contact you or a website they can visit?
SH: Yes www.seanhillentertainment.com or Comedian Sean Hill on Facebook.
CB: Do you have any upcoming events you’d like to share?
SH: I’m working on a film and I start shooting another one on August 1st. I’m just trying to keep it moving and September 26th we’re going to be at the ACE building at South East Middle School doing a Gospel Extravaganza so come on out and enjoy yourself.
CB on the Scene: Arabian Nights under the Stars with Genuine
This event was a great success for the “Spruce KC Foundation”, which is a foundation, founded by Terry Mason, who is CEO/Co-owner and co-founded by R&B recording Star Elgin “Genuine” Lumpkin and his wife Tonya “Sole’” Lumpkin. SPRUCE stands for “Special People Requiring Unique Care Equally”. They provide real life skills assistance to physically and mentally challenged adults age 18 and over. Their goal is to help each unique individual strive for greatness. The event was held at the Jones Pool in the Kansas City Power and Light District located at 10 E. 13th Street. The evening also included a fashion show, water ballet and belly dancers. There was a special performance by Genuine and Bishop Young Don. The evening was spectacular and a lot of fun. During the event I had the opportunity to talk to Kestahn Moore number 32 of the KC Chiefs, Comedian Tidy Dillard, Bishop Young Don and an exclusive interview with Genuine and Sole’. The night was amazing and I had a blast! My exclusive Q&A with Genuine and Sole’ is below. My other Q&A with the others will follow. Enjoy!!!!!
Genuine and Sole’ Exclusive Q&A
CB: Hey everybody it’s Crystal on the Scene and I’m here with Genuine and Sole’. What made you guys have this event tonight?
S: Basically the business that we started we saw a need for additional funds. We work with the mentally and physically disabled here locally and we saw a need for additional funds for them to do things that will help enhance their everyday lives. Things that we take for granted and they get so bored. As far as money to support their basic needs and we wanted to support the foundation. This is a kick-off to support the foundation.
CB: Awesome! I know you’re from here so welcome back home! So how does it feel to be back here in Kansas City?
S: Thank you I’m always happy to come back home and be with my family and friends. A lot of my friends that I went to high school and elementary school with came out tonight so, it’s always good to be back home.
CB: That’s awesome! So Genuine how do you like Kansas City so far?
G: I love Kansas City. It’s always nice to be back here with my wife and her family. It’s always nice to see and spend time with our family. I’m really looking forward to expanding what we’re doing here today and just getting the word out about the foundation for people who aren’t aware. They can learn about and show their support for the foundation.
CB: Is there a place where people can stay connected with what’s going on with you guys like a website?
S: Yes for the foundation they can visit www.sprucekc.com and that as of now is the place where they can find out a lot of information about what we are doing regarding the foundation.
CB: Since both of you guys are in the music industry what advice do you have for the youth and up and coming artists that want to be at the level you guys are?
G: Stay away from the music business. The music business is no good. I’m just kidding. No actually the music business is not an easy business. I had a rough road and I worked hard to get where I’m at right now. As an artist you can’t let anybody tell you that you can’t do it. You need to do it and know what you are doing and you have to take control of your career. You have to keep up with your career and those that are over your career.
CB: That’s great advice! Ok one more question Sole’ since you are from Kansas City what do you think about the school district closing 26 schools?
S: I heard that and when I heard that I was sad because I heard that Lincoln might be one of the schools to close. That was my school! I don’t have the details of why or what is going on, but I think that education is suffering and it’s sad that it’s like that. They need to find ways to understand as opposed to shutting them down. I think there has to be a better way. I think education is too important to cut corners on that.
CB: I agree with you there. Well thank you guys for taking time out to talk to me. I think it’s really great what you’re doing and I wish you luck with the foundation. It’s been a pleasure speaking with you.
G: Thank you.
S: Thank you
Crystal on the Scene: Q&A with Comedian Tidy Dillard
Tidy Dillard has been making people laugh for a long time. Though from Kansas City, he has traveled all over the world bringing laughter. I recently caught up with him at the “Arabian Nights under the Stars with Genuine” event. As usual, Tidy was ready to have a good time. Our Q&A was a lot of fun.
CB: Hey everybody it’s CB on the scene and I’m here with Comedian Tidy Dillard. Hey Tidy how are you doing tonight?
TD: I’m doing good. How are you doing?
CB: I’m doing good. Are you having a good time?
TD: I’m having a great time. This is real nice. It’s good to see a lot of people dressed up and dressed nice. I didn’t know Kansas City had that many beautiful women. I mean I knew we had beautiful women here but you know they like their warden wouldn’t let them out.
CB: Yeah we’re hiding.
TD: Yeah right, right yall only get a furlough on certain days. You know when you see girls together with ones that go out all the time with one that don’t go out you have to ask “Are yall together?” and if they say yes let us pray “Lawd why is she with that heffa I don’t know?”
CB: What do you look for in a woman?
Td: I like a good looking woman about her business, keep her hair done, nails done and especially her feet. If her feet look like she been doing river dancing in powdered doughnut juice. I’m not with that, not with that.
CB: I don’t know too many guys that would be with that one.
TD: Yeah I seen a girl a minute ago her legs were so ashy I thought she had Easter stockings on. I thought hey girl you a bit too big for those, a bit too big for those.
CB: Oh my goodness Tidy you are crazy! Thank you for taking time to talk with me. Do you have any advice for up and coming comics who want to be in the business?
TD: Well be sure it’s what you want to get into, always work hard and keep everything going with your business. If you don’t believe in you nobody else will believe in you. My thing is this I’m not only doing comedy. I have an internet television station I’m working on. I’ve got several movies I’m in the process of selling. I have a few sitcoms. I have three TV reality series that BET, Comedy Central and Bravo are all interested in. I’m a brotha that believes standing on faith, so if you’re a comedian stay on your grind, but first and foremost keep God first and he’ll never let you do bad.
CB: Awesome! Thank you Tidy.
Crystal on the Scene: Kestahn Moore RB#32 Kansas City Chiefs Q&A
I met up with Kestahn Moore at the “Arabian Nights under the Stars with Genuine” event. He had a lot of interesting things to say. He is very optimistic about this football season and the performance of the Chiefs. My Q&A with him is below.
CB: Hey everybody it’s CB on the scene here at the Genuine Pool Party. I’m here with Chief’s Player Kestahn Moore. Hey Kestahn are you having fun tonight?
KM: Yeah I’m having a good time man tonight.
CB: What do you think about you guy’s season coming up? Are we going to take the Super Bowl this year?
KM: I’m looking forward to it. I’m trying to you know who knows what’s going on we’re just going to try and work hard this year and see what we can do and get through a lot of it.
CB: What position do you play?
KM: I play Running Back.
CB: Awesome, awesome! So do you feel pretty confident then of Coach Haley doing what he’s suppose to do?
KM: Yeah Coach Haley is doing a good job you know with us players. And I feel like we’re doing a good job. We had a good off-season this year. We got a pretty good team this year. We’ve learned a lot playing together.
CB: Were you born here in Kansas City?
KM: No I’m not from here. I’m from Texas.
CB: What made you want to become a Chief?
KM: Well they picked me up ya know wherever they can. Yeah if they payin I’m playin.
CB: I hear ya! So do you like Kansas City so far?
KM: Yeah I like Kansas City. It’s a nice town and there are a lot of great people here and a lot of great Chief’s fans.
CB: Awesome! Do you have any ending words for aspiring football players or any advice for the youth?
KM: The youth yeah I actually was with some youth earlier this morning. Make sure yall get your grades right first. It’s all about the grades first because you won’t play football all your life. So you got to keep your grades right. Make sure you take care of your grades first.
CB: Awesome! I’d like to thank you for your time and good luck on your season this year.
KM: Alright thanks I appreciate that.
Q&A With Rickey Moore Vice President/Director of A&R Dominion Worldwide Entertainment
The Fifty Cent Concert was a success in KC! He put on a good show and everyone had a good time, but who are the ones responsible for this event? The answer is Dominion Worldwide Entertainment. I attended the after party at “Angels Rock Bar” where I caught up with the Vice President and A&R Director Rickey Moore. Below is my Q&A with Rickey. He had some very interesting things to say.
CB: How long have you been putting on concerts and bringing stars to your venue?
RM: I’ve been in the Music Industry underground almost 23 years. This is like our 6th year doing this type of event, so we pretty much do real good at these events.
CB: Do you find it helpful to have the local acts open for the stars that come to your venue?
RM: Oh yes most definitely. They get a lot of exposure and Kansas City will let everybody know what Kansas City Talent is all about and put everybody on the map as well.
CB: What direction do you see Kansas City going as far as being out there with some of the heavy hitters like Texas, The East Coast and The West Coast? Where do you see the Midwest fitting into that?
RM: Hopefully to the top. Kansas City has a lot of talent as far as rap artists and singers. We are trying to be the next “Motown“in Kansas City. Dominion Worldwide Entertainment right now is negotiating a deal with Universal Music as an inner scope online distribution deal, so hopefully that will work out real good with us as well.
CB: That’s awesome! That sounds like really great news! Well it looks like the Fifty Cent Concert turned out to be a really big success. I know some people were skeptical how it was going to go because we haven’t heard a lot from Fifty Cent. I know he’s got a new movie coming out which we’re all excited about. How do you think the Concert went was it successful for you?
RM: Yes definitely, most definitely it was very successful for putting Kansas City on the map and also bringing this type of community mixture together. Hopefully it will be a lot of years to come and more to come as well.
CB: I’d like to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk to me. What advice would you give up and coming artists who are looking to break into the industry?
RM: Keep striving do not give up. Just find a nice independent label that you can work with that has a good management team, because that’s what’s going on today in the Music Industry. Keep your head up and say a lot of prayers. And keep God first in your life and he will bring you through a lot of years.
