Imagine you have diabetes, hypertension and are also 20-30lbs over weight. In addition, you are unable to gain access to healthier foods, or safe, easy ways to exercise. It does not stop there, let’s continue the vision. You are also unaware of how dangerously unhealthy you are becoming. The final piece of the vision, you are only 10 years old. Are you shocked? Unfortunately you shouldn’t be. The aforementioned scenario is one that numerous children and adolescents live daily. Our youth has been becoming increasingly unhealthy for the last three decades. Since the early 1970’s the youth of this country has been on a steady increase of excessive weight gain. In fact the prevalence of excessive weight gain in children and adolescents has actually doubled since the 1970’s.
While just over 30% of male and 30% of female children and adolescents suffer from excessive weight gain, the minority community suffers more severely over all. Of course, it should be noted that children and adolescents from all nationalities and ethnicities can have excessive weight gain which can lead to negative health effects. However, it is far more likely for children and adolescents of African American and Hispanic descent to have excessive weight gain and the corresponding negative health effects because of these risk factors.
Instead of getting bogged down with more numbers and statistics we need to establish a better understanding of excessive weight gain. If you are told that you suffer from excessive weight gain that means that your Body Mass Index or BMI measures higher than the normal range. The important thing to note with BMI in children and adolescents is that, it is calculated differently than it is in adults. In children and adolescents BMI is calculated to determine underweight, overweight, and risk for being overweight. This is because the amount of fat in a child’s body gradually changes as they grow. Furthermore, girls and boys differ in their body fatness as they continue to grow and reach puberty. These are the reasons why BMI for children, sometimes called BMI for age, tends to be age and gender specific. Once the BMI for children and adolescents is calculated it is placed on age and gender specific charts. These charts measure the BMI in children and adolescents between the ages of 2-20.
Typically persons between the ages of 2-20 should be healthier and more active than their older counterparts. Unfortunately, innovations in computers, video game systems, personal video players, lack of educational funding and unsafe environments have put a hindrance on what was once abundant exercise and activity. This is especially the case for inner city children and adolescents who do not always have a safe outdoor environment in which to play and exercise. Due to the rise in crime in most cities and the lack of safe recreational facilities many parents do not feel safe allowing their children out to play. Due to socioeconomic barriers, activities once taken for granted are nearly lost to them altogether.
On the other hand with so much going on inside why would a child voluntarily go outside to play? They have all day playmates inside. With the vast amount of television shows to watch and video games to play it is far more interesting to stay inside and play. Plus parents know where their children are when they are safe guarded in the home.
Lastly, with the amount of funds constantly being stripped from educational spending after school and outdoor activities are being lost at an alarming rate. Thus children and adolescents are not only unable to learn about how unhealthy they may be they are also not afforded anyway to become healthier. These factors are leading our youth to have excessive weight gain and the related negative health effects.
With these factors continuing to worsen most of our children or adolescents that have excessive weight gain will carry that weight with them into adulthood. Essentially that means that they will also carry with them the negative health effects that come along with excessive weight gain. Often times these are chronic illnesses that often worsen with age, need constant treatment, and have no cure.
Illnesses such as Asthma, which tends to run in higher instances in overweight children and adolescents. There are also a large number of overweight children and adolescents with Type 2 Diabetes. This is one of the most significant reasons for the rise in adult Diabetes. In the mid 90’s the percentage of childhood Diabetes rose to 16% verses the 2 to 4 % that it was in the early 90’s. These same children and adolescents are also 12.6 times more prone to have higher fasting blood sugar levels, one of the number one risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes. This form of Diabetes is predominantly seen among children and adolescents of African American and Hispanic descent. There is also Hypertension which is 9 times more likely in children and adolescents that are overweight than not. Hypertension also tends to be more prevalent in persons of African American and Hispanic descent. These negative health conditions are enhanced by high sugar and high fat diets that are usually found in the homes of African American and Hispanic decedents. These are also the same ethnic groups that tend to live in inner cities where crime is higher, and educational funds are smaller.
Children and adolescents that are in the category of overweight not only have to deal with the physical effects but also the psychological effects of being overweight. Usually these children are subjected to teasing, alienation, sadness, negative stereotyping, depression and eating disorders. At times parents of overweight children and adolescents often take a forceful approach to getting their children to lose weight. This too can often be perceived as negative and actually do more harm that good. So we are left with the burning question of what can we do to help our youth?
It is important to understand why and what has caused our youth to be over weight. It is lifestyle alone, or is environmental factors, or perhaps it is genetics. Typically it is a mixture of all three and with positive reinforcement and support we can help our children eat better and get the exercise that they need. That way we can give them the foundation to be healthy, happy, and emotionally sound adults.
Copyright © 2006
This article will be published on http://urbanfitmag.com
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Bio for Lisa Marie
Lisa Marie was taken with acting at an early age. By the age of 5 she already knew that acting would be a huge part of her life. Her experiences in acting began with roles in the theatre. She had featured roles in the productions of Cabaret and All That Jazz. Additionally she is skilled in Modern Dance. She also had a guest appearance in the European cast of Up With People.
While in high school, Lisa Marie had the opportunity to meet Oscar winning deaf actress, Marlee Matlin. Marlee Martlin is best known for her role as Sarah Norman in, Children of Lesser God. To Lisa Marie this was a defining moment. She felt a special connection to Marlee Matlin who is also an actress that is hard of hearing. To Lisa Marie Marlee Matlin was a true inspiration. It was then that the aspiring actress saw that she could over come any obstacles in order to achieve her dreams. She was not about to let anything stop her from her goals.
Lisa Marie's struggle with hearing loss and the industry would have been stepping stone on the staircase of defeat for others. However, for her it was a motivation for success. She found success in showing off her acting skills to directors and producers. Lisa Marie feels that she stands out in her profession because although she is hard of hearing she has done speaking roles at full speed without the use of sign language. Lisa Marie prides herself on being able to speak extraordinarily well, despite her hearing impairment. In fact, she treats the directors and producers who doubt her as healthy challenges. She prides herself on being able to play her roles to an audience without them ever knowing that she has a hearing impairment.
Although, Lisa Marie was and is driven in acting she has also pursued other careers. She intended to be a woman of many hats. During the seven years that Lisa Marie lived in sunny Los Angeles, California she began professionally modeling. She was featured in the Ujena Swimwear Illustrated, Bikini Team and became a Model Semi-finalist as well as a Miss Hawaiian Tropic Contestant. It was during this that she met many resourceful people within the entertainment industry. She made strong ties with photographers, models, and actors. These special people not only helped her with the first hand experiences of the entertainment industry, they also gave her constant encouragement and positive influences to draw from. Lisa Marie also gleamed much from the experiences themselves. Of these experiences Lisa Marie says, "[They] helped me learn more about myself and reaching my potential as a model with an emphasis in fitness and shaping my self esteem."
One person who has been a source of strength to her is her close friend Johnny Alonso. Johnny has also been a huge influence on Lisa Marie and her career. Johnny, who an actor in his own right, is best known for WB roles in OC, One Tree Hill and Dawson's Creek. Lisa Marie says that "he is what keeps me driven and motivated as an actor". Johnny has continued to give Lisa Marie straightforward advice on all aspects of being an actor and how to achieve progression in the entertainment industry. Johnny Alonso will be featured in the Robert DeNiro film, Blue and another thriller film, The Haunting. Lisa Marie says, “He is an "A-list" actor. His unbelievable drive as an actor and the way he delivers his characters. He is a man that knows exactly what to do in front of the camera”.
Another positive jolt to her career was when Lisa Marie met Robert Garcia Christie, who became her acting coach. She gives great acclaim to Christie who helped shape her career and acting style. "My acting coach [has] been a tremendous and positive influence [to] my acting since I began taking his film actors training".
Positive influences have been an abundant part of Lisa Marie's journey in acting and modeling, although she also has had to meet with transformations and stumbling blocks. After earning her Bachelors of Science in Sociology with a specialization in criminology from California State University, Northridge (CSUN) Lisa Marie changed gears and moved to the DC Metro area. After working for a year as an Assistant Director of a Youth Leadership Program, the program unfortunately came to an abrupt end. This was a blow to Lisa Marie who had made the move across country to pursue her second passion of working with children. This gave Lisa Marie the insight to make some important decisions. "I did a bit of soul searching and it dawned on me to realize that I was missing something that truly [belonged] to my heart and that was going back to acting".
That is exactly what Lisa Marie did. Thanks to a good friend/ mentor urging Lisa Marie to come to a networking event she was able to make contacts in the DC metro area. It was from this networking event that Lisa Marie landed her first role in a mainstream film. The film, Flags of Our Fathers directed by Clint Eastwood will be released in 2006. Additionally, following her Clint Eastwood film, Lisa Marie completed a small principal in the pilot, Signals by Roman Pictures Inc. Recently, just completed her supporting role in the Dobler's Pen Production for Where's Duff? Of late she has earned a prominent speaking role in a upcoming TV drama series called The Church. The Church, will begin shooting in the early summer of 2006.
While Lisa Marie is acting she continues to attend auditions on a regular basis. If that seems like a full schedule, it just scratching the surface. Lisa Marie is presently in understudy with the Robert Garcia Christie Film Actors Training.
Lisa Marie's determination and love for acting has caused her to overcome hindrances to reach for the stars and become a star in her own right.
Copyright © 2006
To find out more about, or to contact Lisamarie Holte Model/Actress
follow the links below:
http://LisamarieHolte.StarSearchCasting.com
http://www.myspace.com/lisamarieholte
While in high school, Lisa Marie had the opportunity to meet Oscar winning deaf actress, Marlee Matlin. Marlee Martlin is best known for her role as Sarah Norman in, Children of Lesser God. To Lisa Marie this was a defining moment. She felt a special connection to Marlee Matlin who is also an actress that is hard of hearing. To Lisa Marie Marlee Matlin was a true inspiration. It was then that the aspiring actress saw that she could over come any obstacles in order to achieve her dreams. She was not about to let anything stop her from her goals.
Lisa Marie's struggle with hearing loss and the industry would have been stepping stone on the staircase of defeat for others. However, for her it was a motivation for success. She found success in showing off her acting skills to directors and producers. Lisa Marie feels that she stands out in her profession because although she is hard of hearing she has done speaking roles at full speed without the use of sign language. Lisa Marie prides herself on being able to speak extraordinarily well, despite her hearing impairment. In fact, she treats the directors and producers who doubt her as healthy challenges. She prides herself on being able to play her roles to an audience without them ever knowing that she has a hearing impairment.
Although, Lisa Marie was and is driven in acting she has also pursued other careers. She intended to be a woman of many hats. During the seven years that Lisa Marie lived in sunny Los Angeles, California she began professionally modeling. She was featured in the Ujena Swimwear Illustrated, Bikini Team and became a Model Semi-finalist as well as a Miss Hawaiian Tropic Contestant. It was during this that she met many resourceful people within the entertainment industry. She made strong ties with photographers, models, and actors. These special people not only helped her with the first hand experiences of the entertainment industry, they also gave her constant encouragement and positive influences to draw from. Lisa Marie also gleamed much from the experiences themselves. Of these experiences Lisa Marie says, "[They] helped me learn more about myself and reaching my potential as a model with an emphasis in fitness and shaping my self esteem."
One person who has been a source of strength to her is her close friend Johnny Alonso. Johnny has also been a huge influence on Lisa Marie and her career. Johnny, who an actor in his own right, is best known for WB roles in OC, One Tree Hill and Dawson's Creek. Lisa Marie says that "he is what keeps me driven and motivated as an actor". Johnny has continued to give Lisa Marie straightforward advice on all aspects of being an actor and how to achieve progression in the entertainment industry. Johnny Alonso will be featured in the Robert DeNiro film, Blue and another thriller film, The Haunting. Lisa Marie says, “He is an "A-list" actor. His unbelievable drive as an actor and the way he delivers his characters. He is a man that knows exactly what to do in front of the camera”.
Another positive jolt to her career was when Lisa Marie met Robert Garcia Christie, who became her acting coach. She gives great acclaim to Christie who helped shape her career and acting style. "My acting coach [has] been a tremendous and positive influence [to] my acting since I began taking his film actors training".
Positive influences have been an abundant part of Lisa Marie's journey in acting and modeling, although she also has had to meet with transformations and stumbling blocks. After earning her Bachelors of Science in Sociology with a specialization in criminology from California State University, Northridge (CSUN) Lisa Marie changed gears and moved to the DC Metro area. After working for a year as an Assistant Director of a Youth Leadership Program, the program unfortunately came to an abrupt end. This was a blow to Lisa Marie who had made the move across country to pursue her second passion of working with children. This gave Lisa Marie the insight to make some important decisions. "I did a bit of soul searching and it dawned on me to realize that I was missing something that truly [belonged] to my heart and that was going back to acting".
That is exactly what Lisa Marie did. Thanks to a good friend/ mentor urging Lisa Marie to come to a networking event she was able to make contacts in the DC metro area. It was from this networking event that Lisa Marie landed her first role in a mainstream film. The film, Flags of Our Fathers directed by Clint Eastwood will be released in 2006. Additionally, following her Clint Eastwood film, Lisa Marie completed a small principal in the pilot, Signals by Roman Pictures Inc. Recently, just completed her supporting role in the Dobler's Pen Production for Where's Duff? Of late she has earned a prominent speaking role in a upcoming TV drama series called The Church. The Church, will begin shooting in the early summer of 2006.
While Lisa Marie is acting she continues to attend auditions on a regular basis. If that seems like a full schedule, it just scratching the surface. Lisa Marie is presently in understudy with the Robert Garcia Christie Film Actors Training.
Lisa Marie's determination and love for acting has caused her to overcome hindrances to reach for the stars and become a star in her own right.
Copyright © 2006
To find out more about, or to contact Lisamarie Holte Model/Actress
follow the links below:
http://LisamarieHolte.StarSearchCasting.com
http://www.myspace.com/lisamarieholte
Monday, May 15, 2006
Bio for Deirdre Shavon
Deirdre Shavon is making a career out of a passion. The actress/model first fell in love with the theatre as a young child. Growing up in the suburbs of Philadelphia it gave her closeness to New York City and Broadway. Her parents often took her to both on and off Broadway productions. Thus her roots have been firmly grounded in the versatile theatre industry. In her first play she earned the role of Imogene Herdman in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Deirdre went on to do other musicals such as Annie, Babes in Toyland, Oliver, The Sound of Music, and, The Wizard of Oz.
Deirdre’s parents made sure that she tried new things and met new people. She says that thus us why she is such a well rounded adult. However, the well rounded actress of today was not spared from difficulties. As her interest in acting grew her All American family life came to a halt with the divorce of her parents. Though she did not let the family’s divide remove her from her passion she did come away with lessons in loyalty, forgiveness, and strength.
Deirdre continued her theatre education in college by taking classes at the University of Pittsburgh and surrounding schools. It was at this time that Deirdre took a job at a talent agency. Her supervisor urged her to have a comp card done. Deirdre had originally planned to ignore her supervisor until it occurred to her that if she didn’t try her life would never change. Yet, if she tried and succeeded things would never be the same again. With nothing to lose she leaped head shot first into modeling.
She quickly got work and did several runway shows and print ads before leaving Pittsburgh. Now that college was over choices had to be made. Deirdre decided to move. She took up residence in the DC metro area. Knowing that she wanted to continue her pursuit of acting/modeling she had to start over again. She first had to learn who she could trust and where to start. She notes this as one of the greatest difficulties that she had to face. Deirdre chose to face it without her family’s knowledge and thus without their support.
These difficulties coupled with a new city, no job, and limited funds were hard on Deirdre. She saw many days where acting seemed as though it would be a hobby and not a career. She kept her determination and drive, and work started to come. She had unending support of good friends to help inspire and motivate her.
Thinking back she says a second set of difficulties came when people in the industry began to down play her acting abilities. They saw her pretty face and nothing else. Feeling downtrodden Deirdre credits not only her supportive friends but a strong sense of self with keeping her on the straight and narrow path. She continued to work hard and it paid off.
She got a spread in Two Mundos magazine. This was quickly followed up by several runway shows for Guess, Steve Madden, Levis, and Arden B. Having decided to make 2005 a productive year she set up meetings with DC agencies. She was able to land the role of Miranda in Missy & Miranda. She was cast opposite her good friend and colleague Kristine Kelly. While filming and promoting the film at this year’s Sundance Festival Deirdre learned more about a fickle business and calls this trip a learning experience.
She knows that risks will be necessary in order to have staying power within the industry. She looks to her favorite actors for examples of strong staying power, James Caan, Charlize Theron, Meryl Strep, Shirley McClain and Sandra Bullock. They know how to stay young and reinvent themselves, which is just what Deirdre plans to do.
Deirdre is still pursuing her career with the same passion and drive to make something of herself for herself first. She says that “I need to prove to myself that I can succeed in this business. That is far more important than proving it to anyone else.”
Her determination and focus has not gone without praise. Being chosen for a project is a huge compliment to Deirdre. She knows that it means good job, she also knows that it means get ready to do more hard work. With that mentality behind her it’s easy to see that Miss Deirdre Shavon’s career is gearing up to be a promising one.
Copyright © 2006
Deirdre’s parents made sure that she tried new things and met new people. She says that thus us why she is such a well rounded adult. However, the well rounded actress of today was not spared from difficulties. As her interest in acting grew her All American family life came to a halt with the divorce of her parents. Though she did not let the family’s divide remove her from her passion she did come away with lessons in loyalty, forgiveness, and strength.
Deirdre continued her theatre education in college by taking classes at the University of Pittsburgh and surrounding schools. It was at this time that Deirdre took a job at a talent agency. Her supervisor urged her to have a comp card done. Deirdre had originally planned to ignore her supervisor until it occurred to her that if she didn’t try her life would never change. Yet, if she tried and succeeded things would never be the same again. With nothing to lose she leaped head shot first into modeling.
She quickly got work and did several runway shows and print ads before leaving Pittsburgh. Now that college was over choices had to be made. Deirdre decided to move. She took up residence in the DC metro area. Knowing that she wanted to continue her pursuit of acting/modeling she had to start over again. She first had to learn who she could trust and where to start. She notes this as one of the greatest difficulties that she had to face. Deirdre chose to face it without her family’s knowledge and thus without their support.
These difficulties coupled with a new city, no job, and limited funds were hard on Deirdre. She saw many days where acting seemed as though it would be a hobby and not a career. She kept her determination and drive, and work started to come. She had unending support of good friends to help inspire and motivate her.
Thinking back she says a second set of difficulties came when people in the industry began to down play her acting abilities. They saw her pretty face and nothing else. Feeling downtrodden Deirdre credits not only her supportive friends but a strong sense of self with keeping her on the straight and narrow path. She continued to work hard and it paid off.
She got a spread in Two Mundos magazine. This was quickly followed up by several runway shows for Guess, Steve Madden, Levis, and Arden B. Having decided to make 2005 a productive year she set up meetings with DC agencies. She was able to land the role of Miranda in Missy & Miranda. She was cast opposite her good friend and colleague Kristine Kelly. While filming and promoting the film at this year’s Sundance Festival Deirdre learned more about a fickle business and calls this trip a learning experience.
She knows that risks will be necessary in order to have staying power within the industry. She looks to her favorite actors for examples of strong staying power, James Caan, Charlize Theron, Meryl Strep, Shirley McClain and Sandra Bullock. They know how to stay young and reinvent themselves, which is just what Deirdre plans to do.
Deirdre is still pursuing her career with the same passion and drive to make something of herself for herself first. She says that “I need to prove to myself that I can succeed in this business. That is far more important than proving it to anyone else.”
Her determination and focus has not gone without praise. Being chosen for a project is a huge compliment to Deirdre. She knows that it means good job, she also knows that it means get ready to do more hard work. With that mentality behind her it’s easy to see that Miss Deirdre Shavon’s career is gearing up to be a promising one.
Copyright © 2006
1996, 2006 Some Music Lasts
Thinking back to 1996…
I got this silly forward a few days ago called 10 yrs ago. It came with questions that you have to fill out on yourself before sending it on to your group of friends. In doing this forward I was focused on thinking back to high school. Yuck! One of the questions was ‘what cd was on repeat in your stereo?’ (Because who had a mp3 player in ’96?) This was an easy question for me it was the cd, The Score the sophomore album from The Fugees. The Fugees a trio containing Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Pras Michael, had phenomenal success and went on to win two Grammy’s that year. Best Rap Album and Best Rap Song by a duo or group for their remake of Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly”. Good times right?
Well ‘Ready or Not’ (to use a title of another one of their hits from The Score) here they come. The Fugees are recording a new album as you read. It is currently an untitled album but thanks to the internet we know that the first song is called “Take It Easy”.
Separately the three stars have done amazingly well. Lauryn set a record as the only female performer to be nominated for 11 Grammys and won a record 5 including Best New Artist and Best Album of the Year for her first solo album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Wyclef went on to record 5 albums and Pras established an acting career.
Despite all of their individual fame I couldn’t help but wonder when will they get back together and what will the material sound like? As an eager fan I’ll have to wait like the rest to see what they are planning for us in this coming year. Rumor has it that the album should drop before the end of 2006. I’ll ‘take it easy’ til then but I can’t wait to have new material from the trio in my mp3 player.
Copyright © 2006
I got this silly forward a few days ago called 10 yrs ago. It came with questions that you have to fill out on yourself before sending it on to your group of friends. In doing this forward I was focused on thinking back to high school. Yuck! One of the questions was ‘what cd was on repeat in your stereo?’ (Because who had a mp3 player in ’96?) This was an easy question for me it was the cd, The Score the sophomore album from The Fugees. The Fugees a trio containing Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Pras Michael, had phenomenal success and went on to win two Grammy’s that year. Best Rap Album and Best Rap Song by a duo or group for their remake of Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly”. Good times right?
Well ‘Ready or Not’ (to use a title of another one of their hits from The Score) here they come. The Fugees are recording a new album as you read. It is currently an untitled album but thanks to the internet we know that the first song is called “Take It Easy”.
Separately the three stars have done amazingly well. Lauryn set a record as the only female performer to be nominated for 11 Grammys and won a record 5 including Best New Artist and Best Album of the Year for her first solo album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Wyclef went on to record 5 albums and Pras established an acting career.
Despite all of their individual fame I couldn’t help but wonder when will they get back together and what will the material sound like? As an eager fan I’ll have to wait like the rest to see what they are planning for us in this coming year. Rumor has it that the album should drop before the end of 2006. I’ll ‘take it easy’ til then but I can’t wait to have new material from the trio in my mp3 player.
Copyright © 2006
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Interview with Ms. April Carson
I got the opportunity to sit down with the talented Ms. April Carson. She currently calls Hollywood, California home to her life and her music. She has begun to make her mark on the industry and is planning to be a force to be reckoned with.
1. How and where did you come up?
I was born and raised in Portland Oregon with three older sisters, younger brother, a Christian mom and a hustler for a dad.
2. What's music all about for you? When did it become more than just a pass time?
Music is about living a dream I had buried in my heart as a child. It's about using a gift bestowed on me by God. It's about reaching for greatness. I began to take music seriously a few years back when I hired a professional vocal coach.
3. What or who have been some positive influences?
My mommy, for her undying prayers, love and support. James Leach of Sesac, because he signed me after only hearing me sing over the phone. Finally, my man. I can't explain it, but the way he lives life inspires me, he's so positive.
4. What about negative barriers?
I've experienced plenty of barriers like anyone else, but learning how to persevere despite them has made me into who I am today.
5. What has kept you driven and focused on music?
I almost gave up on it but, in the end faith has kept me thus far.
6. Who in the music business gets the most respect from you right now?
Missy Elliot, I love her creativity. India Irie, her lyrical content is masterful. Madonna, is fabulous and over forty, constantly reinventing herself. Kanye West , for his dedication to making great music. Beyonce, because of her fire.
7. Who's CD, who's work is paramount to you?
India Irie, work speaks to my soul. Her music is inspiring and encouraging, when I heard her first album Acoustic Soul, it was like I gained a sister.
8. Who is your sound comparable to?
I've been told it's a mixture of Missy(for style) and Beyonce (for vocal ability). Honestly, I don't want to I sound like anyone.
9. When did performance start for you?
In sixth grade at a school talent show.
10. Where can the public find out more about you and your music?
Currently the public should view www.myspace.com/aprilcason for updates. There's and album dropping this year, and performances to follow.
11. Anything else you want us to know about you and your music future?
That I'm here to be me, not to clone anyone else. I don't make music according to trends. I simply create what my spirit is leading me to do in that moment. I plan to make my mark on this industry and stick around for a while. So don’t sleep, be looking for me, because I'm one to watch.
Copyright © 2006
1. How and where did you come up?
I was born and raised in Portland Oregon with three older sisters, younger brother, a Christian mom and a hustler for a dad.
2. What's music all about for you? When did it become more than just a pass time?
Music is about living a dream I had buried in my heart as a child. It's about using a gift bestowed on me by God. It's about reaching for greatness. I began to take music seriously a few years back when I hired a professional vocal coach.
3. What or who have been some positive influences?
My mommy, for her undying prayers, love and support. James Leach of Sesac, because he signed me after only hearing me sing over the phone. Finally, my man. I can't explain it, but the way he lives life inspires me, he's so positive.
4. What about negative barriers?
I've experienced plenty of barriers like anyone else, but learning how to persevere despite them has made me into who I am today.
5. What has kept you driven and focused on music?
I almost gave up on it but, in the end faith has kept me thus far.
6. Who in the music business gets the most respect from you right now?
Missy Elliot, I love her creativity. India Irie, her lyrical content is masterful. Madonna, is fabulous and over forty, constantly reinventing herself. Kanye West , for his dedication to making great music. Beyonce, because of her fire.
7. Who's CD, who's work is paramount to you?
India Irie, work speaks to my soul. Her music is inspiring and encouraging, when I heard her first album Acoustic Soul, it was like I gained a sister.
8. Who is your sound comparable to?
I've been told it's a mixture of Missy(for style) and Beyonce (for vocal ability). Honestly, I don't want to I sound like anyone.
9. When did performance start for you?
In sixth grade at a school talent show.
10. Where can the public find out more about you and your music?
Currently the public should view www.myspace.com/aprilcason for updates. There's and album dropping this year, and performances to follow.
11. Anything else you want us to know about you and your music future?
That I'm here to be me, not to clone anyone else. I don't make music according to trends. I simply create what my spirit is leading me to do in that moment. I plan to make my mark on this industry and stick around for a while. So don’t sleep, be looking for me, because I'm one to watch.
Copyright © 2006
Bio for Lady B.L.A.D.E
Rising female mc Lady B.L.A.D.E was born and raised on the streets of Brooklyn, New York. Being the baby of the family she had her two older brothers to mold herself after. Rapidly life forced her to grow beyond her years. With the influences of her family Lady B.L.A.D.E turned to music at an early age. It was this love of music and family that kept her sane and strong. Being that her mother is a vocalist and her older brother an aspiring rap artist, talent is in the blood of this female mc. By the time she reached the age of 12 she had filled 2 notebooks with prose, R&B lyrics and Rap verses.
Lady B.L.A.D.E also looked up to outside influences. These musical influences are the roots of the tree that is the female mc. Women such as Salt n Pepa, MC Lyte, and naturally Queen Latifah, lit the path for Lady B.L.A.D.E.
By the age of 14 she connected with a female mc. Unfortunately, the group didn’t do much together and eventually their time ended. Being determined and about her grind Lady B.L.A.D.E did not let that hold her from her passion of being a mc.
Then in 1998 she and a second female MC integrated their talents to form another group. This group had more success. They went on to work with producer Patrice Germain P/k/a “Mix Master G Flexx” and recorded four tracks for his compilation album “Taking It to the Streets”. After these successes Lady B.L.A.D.E and her musical partner decided to call it quits.
It was not long before Lady B.L.A.D.E returned to the rap game. This time she is hitting the world of entertainment as a solo artist. Now back with a vengeance Lady B.L.A.D.E has sworn to give us a unique style that will hype the ladies as well as earn street credit from the male audience. Lady B.L.A.D.E’s song writing abilities will keep listeners intoxicated. She’s got a gift to tell a story wrapped in a rhyme. She has sophistication as well as street knowledge that makes her receivable on all levels. On http://www.flocabulary.com/ you can check her out. She has composed an educational piece on the role of Harriet Tubman in the Civil War.
Currently she is working on her solo album. The release date has yet to be made, but do not sleep on Lady B.L.A.D.E. When asked her feelings on the rap game she was quoted as saying “I am now ready for the game, the question is, is the game ready for me?” With this type of force behind her rhymes it’s safe to say that Lady B.L.A.D.E is down to make things happen.
For more information on Lady B.L.A.D.E check her every Sunday from 12-3pm on the Grindethiks Mixtape show http://www.scrubradio.com/. You can add her as a friend and leave a comment to support her on www.myspace.com/dablade . On http://www.femmixx.com/ you can learn more about her journey to the top of the rap game in the interview section. She is also featured in the March-April issue of the Yellow Rat Bastard in the Celebrity Look a Like section under Queen Latifah. Last but not least do not miss Lady B.L.A.D.E on DJ Nina 9's All Female Mixtape entitled "Guns & Roses" Vol 2 to be released Summer 2006.
Copyright © 2006
Lady B.L.A.D.E also looked up to outside influences. These musical influences are the roots of the tree that is the female mc. Women such as Salt n Pepa, MC Lyte, and naturally Queen Latifah, lit the path for Lady B.L.A.D.E.
By the age of 14 she connected with a female mc. Unfortunately, the group didn’t do much together and eventually their time ended. Being determined and about her grind Lady B.L.A.D.E did not let that hold her from her passion of being a mc.
Then in 1998 she and a second female MC integrated their talents to form another group. This group had more success. They went on to work with producer Patrice Germain P/k/a “Mix Master G Flexx” and recorded four tracks for his compilation album “Taking It to the Streets”. After these successes Lady B.L.A.D.E and her musical partner decided to call it quits.
It was not long before Lady B.L.A.D.E returned to the rap game. This time she is hitting the world of entertainment as a solo artist. Now back with a vengeance Lady B.L.A.D.E has sworn to give us a unique style that will hype the ladies as well as earn street credit from the male audience. Lady B.L.A.D.E’s song writing abilities will keep listeners intoxicated. She’s got a gift to tell a story wrapped in a rhyme. She has sophistication as well as street knowledge that makes her receivable on all levels. On http://www.flocabulary.com/ you can check her out. She has composed an educational piece on the role of Harriet Tubman in the Civil War.
Currently she is working on her solo album. The release date has yet to be made, but do not sleep on Lady B.L.A.D.E. When asked her feelings on the rap game she was quoted as saying “I am now ready for the game, the question is, is the game ready for me?” With this type of force behind her rhymes it’s safe to say that Lady B.L.A.D.E is down to make things happen.
For more information on Lady B.L.A.D.E check her every Sunday from 12-3pm on the Grindethiks Mixtape show http://www.scrubradio.com/. You can add her as a friend and leave a comment to support her on www.myspace.com/dablade . On http://www.femmixx.com/ you can learn more about her journey to the top of the rap game in the interview section. She is also featured in the March-April issue of the Yellow Rat Bastard in the Celebrity Look a Like section under Queen Latifah. Last but not least do not miss Lady B.L.A.D.E on DJ Nina 9's All Female Mixtape entitled "Guns & Roses" Vol 2 to be released Summer 2006.
Copyright © 2006
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