Issuu

SWAGGA fashion.culture.music.media

DIGITAL MAGAZINE

SPRING ISSUE 2010

SWAGGA

EDUCATE.EMPLOY EMPOWER

ARTS,& ENTERTAINMENT

BEING ABOUT BASKETBALL

URBAN FURNITURE EDUCATE EMPOWER EMPLOY

HAIR BIZ THE FILM

BOOKS IN PRINT TERRON J. COOK

swaggadigital FEATURES

“ON THE CATWALK” PHOTOGRAPHER RON FULCHER CHARLESTON PIERCE PRESENTS: BABY BE MINE FASHION SHOW & BENEFIT

HANDMADE JEWLERY LIPSTICK LADIES BOUTIQUE

swaggadigital FEATURES

TABLE OF CONTENTS FEATURES

Kev Choice Man and His Music

Knowledge is Power The TeachBar

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Simply The Best Dahrio Wonder

Health Care Money,Money!

DIVA’S CLOSET BOUTIQUE

THE GOOD LIFE MOVEMENT

INGENIOUS CLOTHING

SO DAPPER MEN’S BOUTIQUE

SWAGGA FASHION . STYLE . CULTURE . MEDIA

PUBLISHER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF RONALD FULCHER

Principal Photographer Ronald Fulcher Art Direction Christian Pollack, Consultant Ronald Fulcher Fashion Consultant/Stylists/Production Assistance M.Scurlock, Lead Stylist Calumet Photo, San Francisco Academy Art University, San Francisco Marlene Stylist, Positive Change Bartholomew Mustafa, Make-up Contributing Photographers Christian Pollock Photography Damien, Sapientphoto.com Contributing Designers Diamond Pope, Simply U Assessories Lipstick Boutique Fashion & Design Diva's Closet So Dapper Boutique Corthinia Peoples Handmade Jewelry K-Rene’ Designs Henri Hubert Guy’s General Store Mario B Collection Online Version Executive Producer Ronald Fulcher Interactive Media Online Version Keepingitrealonline.tv Webmaster Ronald Fulcher Advertising Requests Please E-Mail: Advertising@swaggadigitalmagazine.com For Event and Promotional Copies, Please E-Mail Promocopies@swaggadigitalmagazine.com

swaggadigital CONTRIBUTORS

DIGITAL MAGAZINE

WHO, WHAT & WHERE P. 12 The Teach Bar, Knowledge is Power P. 13 Health Care, Money Money Money! P. 18 P. Designer, Mario B Collection P. 20 So Dapper Men's Boutique P. 21 Mario B Collection P. 22 M.Scurlock Collection P. 24 Wilson Basketballs P. 26 M. Scurlock Collection P. 27 Macy’s Men Store P. 30 Lipstick Boutique, Assessories and Jewelry M. Scurlock Collection P. 32 M. Scurlock Collection P. 32 M. Scurlock Collection, Henri Hubert Guy’s General Store P. 36 So Dapper Boutique, Diva's Closet P. 38 The Good Life Movement P. 40 Dahrio Wonder, Simply the Best P. 42 M.Scurlock Collection P. 44 Style Matters P. 46 M. Scurlock Collection P. 48 Everlast Boxing Gear P. 50 Mario B Collection, Diva's Closet, So Dapper Boutique P. 52 H&M, The Gap, Macy's Men P. 54 Urban Furniture, Educate, Employ & Empower P. 56 Arts & Entertainment: New Style Motherlode International P. 60 Kev Choice, Man and His Music P. 61 Christian Pollack Photography P. 68 The Hat Ladies P. 80 So Dapper Boutique, Men's Fashions P. 88 Books in Print: Premonitions, of a Young Man Unscathed P. 90 Corinthia Peoples Handmade Jewelry P. 92 Ingenious Clothing P. 93 Hair Biz The Film P. 94 Diva's Closet Boutique

SWAGGA FASHION . STYLE . CULTURE . MEDIA

WWW.SWAGGADIGITALMAGAZINE.COM

DIGITAL MAGAZINE

IN RETROSPECT Special Thanks: Duane Cramer, Mary Thornton Makeup Artist, Monica and MTM Models, Kathi Young, Tulani J. Walker, Charleston Pierce, Madrid International BleuChamps Salon & Spa, Pete Ricci, Marie Denee, Tracey Weaver, Dahrio Wonder, Kev Choice, Bosko, Terron J. Cook, Gertha Hays, Sidney Erthal, Tagan Lee, U.S. Bank and especially all of the talented and professional models men and women who without their help this publication would not be possible. Publishers Note: This issue is dedicated to my mom whose courage, strength, tenacity and love has been a rock for me in the production of this issue. There were so many people who were instrumental in the production of our spring issue, and I could not possibly name them all in this writing, but I just want to thank all of you and you know who you are for assisting me with this issue. Many thanks to all of the wonderful and talented models, make-up artists, hair stylists, and wardrobe stylists. Reproduction of any material within this publication, in whole or in part Is, prohibited without expressed consent of publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility to any party of the information, claims or ads herein to include errors, inaccuracies or omissions. By advertising the advertisers agree to indemnify the Publisher against all claims relating to or resulting from said advertisements.

swaggadigital CONTRIBUTORS

swaggadigital STYLE

swaggadigital FASHION

“Recipient of the Retail Star Contest 12 swaggadigitalCOMMUNITY held in 2009. Retail*Star Winner “The TeachBar” Announced: TeachBar by Ben Wanzo On August 1, Oakland local Ben Wanzo’s retail concept TeachBar was announced as the winner of Bayfair’s Retail*Star program. TeachBar is an education company that holds affordable educational Written By:Ron Fulcher seminars for the community in a mixed retail environment,coined a learning café. The learning café will occupy a 1,300 square-foot space at Bayfair Center and provide a multitude of classes, lecture series and cultural events with topics targeting high school students adults taught by coaches and teachers from the community”. Benjamin Wanzo, who has a math degree from UC Berkeley, and an MBA from Stanford in general management had an idea to give back to the community. That was the genesis of the TeachBar. In speaking with Benjamin who is very passoniate about what the TeachBar’s mission is states, he has always had a desire to help people achieve and excel in life. After a short stint working on Wall Street, Benjamin turned his energies to educating individuals in the community. To Benjamin education was his way of giving back, service to the community to ensure that individuals were afforded the same opportunities that he had. “The TeachBar is a community learning Hub”, Benjamin states in a very passoniate tone. “The TeachBar aims to be a trusted reliable source to help members of the community invest in knowledge today for power tomorrow”. Benjamin feels this is especially paramount for students who need the extra support to stay encouraged, motivated, and prepared for higher educational opportunities. The TeachBar has cross generational appeal for continuous learners, to have a place to further develop their individual interests. Some of the areas of interest expressed by some participants are finance, health and hobbies. The TeachBar is an environment that has been embraced by all members of the community. Whether you are coming for class, to enjoy the “Teas”, being served or the welcoming environment. The class sessions are small, intimate, and informal. Benjamin states, “We aim to meet individuals where they are at and then work toward their learning goals”. The TeachBar is accessible by public transportation, and is located in the heart of San Leandro inside the Bayfair Shopping center and is open (7) seven days a week. Interested parties can check out their website for information, class schedules and activities. [www.theteachbar.com]

In this decade most of us have worked in, once a year there was open enrollment, which, was when your employer was going, to inform you how much more money you would be paying to have health care. This is a common practice with Written by Ron Fulcher most employers. I took it for granted for years as long as I could keep my health care provider, and the co-pays were low. Most of us working folk did not really pay too much attention to open enrollment because we did not change anything. As far as the cost was, you really did not have choice on the employee share of the monthly premiums. You either wanted it or did not. Well, times have now changed in this era of recession; affordable health care is no longer available to most workers. If you are a young person this prob13 swaggadigitalCOMMUNITY ably does not really, mean that much to you. Young people seem to think they will live forever anyway. Older workers have a tendency to visit the doctor more often. We now live in the world of the yearly deductible, outrageous co-pays, deductible-based insurance, in-network provider, out-of network provider, medical and prescription drug deductible, etc. We have so many acronyms in today’s society. If you need an test, it is almost like going to the grocery store, when your shopping for food you see your item on the shelf either its on sale or not. Have you ever had to go the doctor and for a test? After your initial check-in you are told how much your co-pay is to see your primary physician if you have one. Then you told you need some blood test an x-ray, scan or whatever, diagnostic test ordered by your doctor. You really cannot put a price on your health but unfortunately, the reality of the situation for most people is they have too. Then you have health care providers increasing their rates by 39% for policyholders. Our out of pocket expenses have increased outrageously in the last 10 years. Understanding this dysfunctional situation is overwhelming! It is widely known that the national debate centers on two groups of people who are either can afford health care and those who cannot. Then there is the group of people with pre-existing conditions, which puts them a category all by its self. Under our present system of health care coverage if you have a pre-existing condition, it will most likely be a cumbersome endeavor to secure some coverage. Presumably, the younger generation, would be footing the bill for the older generation because they do not get sick as often and their premiums would provide a bank for a public option, as debated by the politicians. It makes sense to require an employer to provide affordable premiums and better provider services to its employees. What is meant by provider services, is realistic co-pays, lower deductible, more covered preventive care, i.e., chest x-rays, blood work, EKG etc. If hospitalization happens, or you have a catastrophic illness you will be in for a rude awakening when you get that bill from the hospital, and find out what your net worth is when it comes to your health care providers’ service fees. You basically, paid your biweekly contribution for the health care provider offered by your employer and that was it. There were no outrageous deductible and co-pays, etc. In today’s world of the working folk, we now, live in what I call the health care jargon. Health care is such a dilemma right now for most people. When you lose your job, you are afforded the opportunity to have COBRA for up to eighteen months. Recently the government passed a subsidy bill, which helps the average worker defer the costs of his or her health insurance for up to 15 months. You pay 35% of what the premium should be. MORE ON THE YOUR COBRA BENEFITS:http:// www.dol.gov/ebsa/cobra.html

ealth Care, Money,Money, Money!

swaggadigital STYLE

swaggadigital CULTURE

swaggadigital FASHION

swaggadigital STYLE

swaggadigital FASHION

swaggadigital LIFESTYLE

swaggadigital FASHION

Being About Basketball written by: Ron Fulcher

Prince of the Court

The genesis for Prince Ray’s basketball desire comes from growing up with three older sisters and one younger. He would always go outside on the basketball court to avoid chores. His love of game and his constant practice on the basketball court is where his passion for the sport comes from. He says, “I remember practicing for hours and hours because I wanted to be the best basketball player I could”. The Prince of the Court grew into his own as a youngster. “My early inspiration in basketball was Michael Jordan and Reggie Miller". "As I got older and better I wanted to be like Kobe”, he says with much excitement. “My mother worked for the Warriors so my younger sister, Cashmere, and I were blessed to attend all of the home games as VIP guests. We personally met Kobe early in his career, and talked to the entire Warrior team and their children up close and personal. As teens, Cashmere and I practiced dribbling, passing and free throws together. We inspired each other to both play varsity basketball for Monterey High School. My basketball skills were further enhanced as a college prep student in Pennsylvania. I was committed then and now to excel on and off of the court.” The Prince of the Court describes himself as a hard working, and dedicated student swaggadigital LIFESTYLE athlete, who has a passion for possibly becoming a professional model. As well as having a career in the entertainment arena, possibly acting. I asked the question, why do you think you would be a good model? He says, confidently “the physical attributes are obvious". I work out everyday and I stopped drinking soda and eating junk food years ago”, with a hint of self satisfaction in his answer. “My first modeling gig was for Lipstick Boutique of Oakland and Dallas, co-owned by my sister, Princess Divine". I feel what sets me apart from others is the mental focus, determination and discipline required to play basketball, and I hope are necessary attributes that will contribute to me possibly having a successful acting and modeling career. I have been told by my family and friends that I am charismatic, good-looking, and have what it takes to “rip the runway”. This past fall I played the role of "Mr. Daniels" in the live stage production of “Sparkle” at the Berkeley Repertory Theater. Believe me, I do not have any allusions that this will not be a tall mountain to climb but with God’s help I believe that all is possible. There are stereotypes and fierce competition on the catwalk and it is common knowledge, that people of color are at a disadvantage. I liken this quest to driving down the freeway, and not everybody can drive defensively, some people don’t even have ‘L’s’, and everyone is trying to

maneuver the road to get to their destination. The road to success is rough and crowded. However, I have learned to use competition as a motivator. Prince Ray says he is using basketball to finance his educational goals, and ultimately will get his masters in sociology from California State University Eastbay in about two years. “I want to have a college degree for security, if basketball or a career in entertainment industry does not work out”. In addition to basketball, Prince Ray is a certified personal trainer. While he works out, enjoys helping others to properly exercise and get maximum results. His training first client was his older sister, Diamond, who is also an entrepreneur (www.sincerelyuaccessories.com). Prince Ray’s health program advocates daily healthy living choices and promotes exercise regularly. He uses his athletic prowess to inspire everyone he meets to become healthier, Prince Ray, describes himself as a “gym rat”, as he smiles and laughs. “I am in the gym every single day". As I am getting older I have learned that I do have the drive and passion for basketball which is unwavering. However, I also have come to the realization, that there are other important things in life, i.e., spending time with family and friends mentoring and inspiring youth to have dreams and to reach for them. I also enjoy traveling the world. This past summer I travelled abroad for the second time, and visited Germany, and Paris, France. Whether as an international ball player or as a professional model or personal trainer, I plan to remain involved in sports. My forte is being active and physically fit. I noticed while doing the photo shoots that Prince Ray has a tattoo with just words, so I asked "what these five words represent". He proudly says, "I wanted to get a tattoo that I would not regret later in life”. Therefore he choose something that he could live by. The words are God, Family, Faith, Confident and Humble. This young incredibly handsome young man has a good head on his shoulder, strong convictions on what is important to him and the vibe I got is he is truly one to watch in the near future. Prince Ray Pope definitely possesses athletic international swagga! Sign up for your training session on his webpage: www.princerayhealth4u.com

swaggadigital LIFESTYLE

swaggadigital STYLE

swaggadigital FASHION

swaggadigital STYLE

THE GOOD LIFE MOVEMENT By Ron Fulcher

ast time I spoke with Bosko almost a year ago, his current project “The Good Life Movement” had just been released. He was celebrating the birth of his son by brining him out on stage during his S.F. Juneteenth Festival performance, where we met. Since then he has been working on several exciting projects including legendary Big Boi from Outkast’s new album, Drake’s latest CD, and touring for his own Album “The Good Life Movement”. While in Atlanta he became tighter with Big Boi and his crew, and performed and wrote on three songs on Big Boi’s upcoming summer 2010 release entitled Sir Lucious Left Foot: Son of Chico Dusty. In turn Big Boi is to perform on the remix of Bosko’s single “Just Do You” which is being produced by Chris Carmouche of Stankoinia Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. Also while in Atlanta Bosko met up with Rap’s hot new comer Drake and is featured Drake’s album October’s Very Own on a song called “slow it Down”. In promoting “The Good Life Movement,” on which he wrote, produced, sang and/or rapped every song, Bosko has toured in New York, Oregon, and the S.F. Bay Area, as well appearing on Jamie Foxx’s Foxxhole Radio. He says he gets a great response when performing and that the CD sales and digital down loads are doing really well, but that people often have a misconception of who Bosko is as an artist and what “The Good Life Movement“ is about. Bosko recently made the transition from strictly producer to Singer/Songwriter/Producer. So people still associate the name Bosko with the rap artists and their sound/subject matter that he has been know to work with. Audiences are surprised to hear the message of Bosko the Artist, which is much different. Bosko says “as a producer it’s my job to assist the artist in communicating their vision and message through music, which is often times completely different from my own vision.” He also says because of his past producer work people often read the title of his album and think the “The Good Life Movement” is about stuntin’, but it’s about much more than that. “With the state of today’s economy and theworld, people are barely treading water these days”. “The Good Life Movement is about enjoying the truly important things in life, most of which are free, like creatively using your mind, appreciating natural and man made beauty, celebrating diversity, working smart, being honest with yourself and others, and just loving your life!” One particular track on the Good Life Movement, entitled, Just F*!@ing is notoriously misunderstood. The title suggests to most that it’s about a man out to have as many sexual

swaggadigital MUSIC

relationships as possible. But the listener who really pays attention will find that it’s about being honest about the type of relationship you’re seeking. Often women or men use sex to lure a person into a romantic relationship. In this case a man has been honest in telling this woman he is seeing that he is not interested in taking their relationship further than the physical. The woman has agreed to this arrangement. But in time it becomes obvious that she is trying to manipulate the man into a romantic relationship by using sex. The careful listener will also find that “Just Do You” is also about truth in relationships,but with yourself. Bosko says “We should cultivate and embrace that which makes us unique,do not follow the crowd.” In this song listeners get an intimate peek into Bosko’s personal experience with this subject on a journey from childhood to his professional career. Although Bosko imparts some of his own life in this song, the message and the lyrics are so universal that anyone could relate. His ultimate goal is to teach people how to live the good life. The “Good Life Movement” is a virtual manual on how to live a good life. For example, it teaches you how to look at yourself, family, and relationships from a more in depth view. Transitioning from a producer to an artist has been bitter sweet in a way, he says with some reservation, because he loves assisting people and other artists to conceptualize their music. Nonetheless, he is working to establish a new identity as an artist and change people’s perception of who Bosko is. You can visit Bosko’s website @ http://www.boskolive.com there you can join the mailing list, be a part of his blog, and get caught up on upcoming events and performances.

swaggadigital MUSIC

SIMPLY T H E B EST DAHRIO WONDER

BY RONALD FULCHER - I A S K E D T H E Q U E S T I O N A S W E S I T DOWN FOR OUR INTERVIE W. W H O I S DA H R I O WO N D E R ? H E A N SWERS CONFIDENTLY AN EN T E RTA I N E R , S O NG W R I T E R , C H O R E O G R APHER, PRODUCER AND A R E A L C O O L K AT. DA H R I O ’ S I N S P I R AT I O N FOR DOING WHAT HE DOES, A S H E S M I L E S I S “ M Y M O T H E R . ” S H E H A S DANCED PROFESSIONALLY, A N D I R E M E M B E R W H E N I WA S A K I D G O ING TO PROFESSIONAL DANC E E V E N T S . “ F RO M T H E S E E X P E R I E NC E S W ITHIN THE DANCE SCENE MO L D E D M E I N T O T H E P E R F O R M E R I A M T O DAY”. SOME OTHER INFLUENCE S , H E S AY S PA S S I O NAT E LY W E R E WHILE WATCHING TELEVISIO N WERE NEW EDITION, MICHAEL J ACKSON, AND MADONNA. NE W EDITION,INSPIRED ME THE MOST DAHRIO, EXCL AIMS. NEW ED I T I O N , W I T H G R E AT E XC I T E M E N T IN HIS VOICE, “WERE NOT H U M A N , T H E S O NG S , T H E WAY T H E Y E N TERTAINE D YOU REALLY MAD E M E FA L L I N L O V E W I T H WA N T I NG TO ENTERTAIN PEOPLE”. “IT ’ S L I K E W H E N I E N T E RTA I N P E O P L E I C O M E T O LIFE ON STAGE OR THROUGH M Y M U S I C H E E XC L A I M S ” . W H AT K I N D O F M USIC DO I MAKE? HE SAYS. “ M Y M U S I C I F Y O U W I L L C A N B E B E S T D E S C RIBED AS URBAN, POP MUSIC B U T NO T T R A D I T I O NA L P O P ” . “ I T ’ S L I K E I TA KE A LOT OF DIFFERENT ELE M E N T S A N D P U T T H E M I N T O T H E M U S I C , GR ADUALLY GR AVITATING T O M O R E A G G R E S S I V E B E AT S , M O R E P RO GRESSIVE POP BEATS,HEAVY B A S S L I N E S , A N D H E AV Y G RO O V E S ” . “ I DEFINITELY, LIKE TO MAKE S O M E T H I NG Y O U C A N DA NC E T O ” . A S W E TALK ABOUT WHOM DAHRIO , WO U L D L I K E T O W R I T E F O R . H E S AY S WITH ENTHUSIASM, “RYAN L E S L I E , P H A R R E L L , M E L A N I E F I O NA , L ADY GAGA, BRITNEY SPE A R S , P R I NC E A N D M A D O N NA” . I A S K , WHY THESE ARTISTS? H E S AY S , “ B E C AU S E T H E S E A RT I S T S ARE ENTERTAINERS, AN D T H E Y S E E T H E I R M U S I C D I F F E R ENTLY, THEY ARE NO T A F R A I D T O TA K E R I S K S W I T H THEIR MUSIC”. “TH AT I S W H AT I A M A B O U T W H E N IT COMES TO MY M U S I C ” . “ I T ’ S NO T A B O U T HAVING THE PE R F E C T V O I C E , NO T A B O U T JUST THE SO NG S , F O R M E I T ’ S T H E PER F O R M A NC E ” .

swaggadigital MUSIC

“WHAT Y O U W E A R , G O O D ACOUSTICS, M I C RO P H O N E S , B AC K GROUND SING E R S , E T C . I T M U S T B E A TOTAL PACKAGE ” . “ Y O U H AV E T O B U I L D A N EXPERIENCE FOR P E O P L E ” . “ Y O U H AV E T O B E GREAT AT WHAT YO U D O ” ! I N T H E N E A R F U T U R E DAHRIO ASPIRES TO P E R F O R M I N T E R NAT I O NA L LY, AND MORE THROUGHO U T T H E S TAT E S , G E T T I NG A R E CORD DEAL WOULD BE AW E S O M E , B U T M O S T O F A L L K E E P M A K I NG MUSIC, PERFORMING AN D E V O LV I NG A S A N A RT I S T T H AT I S DAHRIO’S DESIRE. DAHRIO ’ S S E C O N D P RO J E C T E N T I T L E D , “ WO N DER” SCHEDULED TO BE RE L E A S E D I N T H E S U M M E R I S TA R G E T E D AT 18-35 YEAR OLD BOTH FE M A L E A N D M A L E L I S T E N E R S ” . T H E R E IS SOMETHING FOR EVERY B O DY I N T H I S N E X T P RO J ECT”. DAHRIO SAYS WIT H A S M I L E O N H I S FAC E . “ M Y FAVORITE SONGS ARE “TH E S H OW ” , “ I S U R R E N D E R ” , WHICH HIS INSPIR ATION FO R T H E LY R I C S C A M E T O H I M WHILE TR AVELLING ON A N AIRPLANE. “I SURRENDER” IS ABOUT CERTAIN SITUATIONS , W H I C H P E O P L E C L O S E T O DA H R I O HAVE GONE THROUGH, “I P U T M Y S E L F I N T H E I R S H O E S , A N D T H E I R E MOTIONS, IS THE SUBSTANCE O F T H E LY R I C S O F “ I S U R R E N D E R ” , A N D I T PUTS ME IN A CERTAIN FR A M E O F M I N D W H E N I P E R F O R M I T ” . T H E MUSIC ON HIS N E X T P RO J E C T “WONDER” IS MORE PERSONA B L E , S T RO NG E R , D E F I N I T E LY S E X I E R AND MORE DIVERSE. TH E P RO D U C T I O N , A R R A NG E M E N T S , MUSIC AND SOUND OVER A L L I S B E T T E R T H A N T H E F I R S T P RO J ECT. YOU CAN PURCHASE T R AC K S F RO M DA H R I O ’ S F I R S T A L B U M ENTITLED “WONDERL AN D ” O N I T U N E S A N D A L S O F I N D O U T MORE ABOUT DA H R I O O N H I S M Y S PAC E PAGE @MYSPAC E . C O M / DA H R I OWO N D E R ####

swaggadigital MUSIC

swaggadigital FASHION

swaggadigital STYLE MATTERS

swaggadigital STYLE

swaggadigital LIFESTYLE

swaggadigital FASHION

EDUCATE EMPLOY AND EMPOWER BY RON FULCHER

“Welcome to Urban Furniture. Located in OAKLAND’S GRAND-LAKE COMMERCIAL DISTRICT, Urban Furniture is a thrift furniture store that sells quality used furniture while serving as a platform to provide education and on the job training to low-income single moms in OAKLAND”. I see other stores in other communities that are serving individuals from under-resourced communities. Low standards of academic learning, trouble at home, no one to mentor them on how to attain a job in the real world. Urban Furniture is about learning. The learning at Urban Furniture happens in real time, and in the moment. The learning dynamics are different in a traditional setting, classrooms, etc. The experience is realized in the store, when you see the interactions of the single mom with the customer, their body moment, and eye contact. Someone is going to be able to increase her employability much quicker and deeper. There is no denial in a real situation, you own the learning moment better because experience is real, and the customer interaction is realized at the point of sale. Learning from a book you really cannot actualize the situation, your given scenarios in the book and classroom setting in which you act out situations and scenarios. However, when you’re actually faced with that situation your reaction is real. When you walk into Urban Furniture, you see the words EDUCATE, EMPLOY AND EMPOWER on the marquee outside. When I first walked in, I thought to myself what powerful words. It was oh so inspiring! I met the Executive Director, Tracey Weaver, who was very passionate in telling the story of her organization. At first, I thought to myself, Urban Furniture was an odd name and I walked into the storefront and all I saw was furniture for sale, and wondered to myself what is the correlation to the words on the marquee, all you are doing is

selling furniture and it was used furniture at that! To my surprise, after speaking with Ms. Weaver, she began to tell me the story about Urban Furniture. “Urban Furniture is a work experience and traditional employment program that targets single moms”. The program is designed to provide on the job training, customer service, soft skills training and retail training, also enhancing single moms employability. Some of the barriers are low income, victims of domestic violence, depression, and criminal backgrounds. This program gives single moms an opportunity to gain work experience and addresses some of the barriers that are impediments to gaining employment. Helping single moms build their resume after they complete their commitment to the program. The program has adopted the transitional employment model and the commitment is 1 year. The single moms are coached individually, work in a retail environment, and given access to college unit coursework. Future plans are working towards building a program where the single moms can obtain a certificate from a college or university. At, the moment Urban Furniture is collaborating with the Alameda County Social Service Agency, work experience program that assists single moms under the CALWORKS welfare program in California (reformed model for AFDC). The low family community center refers potential participants to the program and Urban Furniture recruits potential participants as well. At present Urban Furniture is self funded, through furniture sales from retail store. The challenge is to expand the revenue in the store, and inform people that the sales help to get a single mom hired. “Urban Furniture is a solution to a social issue. Anybody can do this and everybody needs to do this”. “We can either wait for the politicians to do something or we do something ourselves”. “Urban Furniture is an example of doing something and not waiting for somebody to do something”.

swaggadigital ARTS N ENTERTAINMENT

swaggadigital ARTS N ENTERTAINMENT Live at the Metro New Style Motherlode International Photography by Ron Fulcher

New Style Motherlode International Live at the Metro Photography by Ron Fulcher

swaggadigital ARTS N ENTERTAINMENT

KEV CHOICE MAN AND HIS MUSIC by Ron Fulcher

swaggadigital MUSIC

KEV CHOICE, is one of the music icons of the SAN FRANCISCO/OAKLAND BAY AREA. He is a artist who has and is continuing to break boundaries, trying to push things to the limit. He is a rapper, bandleader, concert pianist, father and a regular guy, he says. “As a composer, choice is distinctly modern and technological: he might start off at the piano, but everything he writes gets filtered through the programs reasons or protools, produced as a beat, and later reinterpreted for live instruments. As a rapper and producer, he’s more of a traditionalist: choice’s new downloadable album, the bailout, is a return to the classical mixtape format — it has three sampled tracks and eighteen original beats, all blended seamlessly together by DJ D-SHARP, all available for free. It’s a strange convergence of genres and creative processes, but the result is fascinating: choice’s beats sound more melodic than those of other hip-hop producers, and his band sounds more sampledriven than most of its counterparts in jazz or funk. His ensemble is anchored by strong drums and electric

bass, and most of the songs have a funky, crowd-pleasing breakdown — though Kev Choice is also prone to do something asymmetrical with the rhythm, or add a sprawling, expressionist piano solo that betrays his classical upbringing. Choice’s aesthetic mirrors his music, combining jazz sophistication, left-wing politics, and contemporary urban fashion. From this pastiche he’s created a cult of personality that verges on being a brand identity”. “Kev Choice has exploded onto the bay area music scene and is set to make an even bigger mark on the world. Hailing from OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA, KEV CHOICE is a lyricist, pianist, composer, and band director with a scholarly classical and jazz background. He has studied piano for over 15 years, earning a bachelor’s degree in music (emphasis piano performance) from Xavier University Of Louisiana as well as a master’s degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Kev Choice began his career as a keyboardist supporting performers such as Michael Franti And Spearhead, Goapele, Lyrics-Born, Too Short, Martin Luther, Jennifer Johns, and more recently Dj Quik. In 2006 and 2007, Kev elevated his status by becoming the musical tour director for the ingenious Ms. Lauryn Hill. After years of supporting other artists on tours across the globe, Kev Choice finally succumbed to the true calling of his heart: hip hop and decided to take his solo rap career seriously. Kev Choice the M.C. Has become the main attraction. Backed by a 9-piece ensemble, Kev Choice has been performing hits from his highly anticipated album “The Broken Mold” and upcoming mixtape “The Emergence”. Kev Choice describes his live show as “ a collection of original material, blended

with classic and obscure music influential in my life, blended into one continuous movement. On the net, you can find countless quotes from journalists and fans alike praising kev’s live show and his blend of hip hop energy & uplifting lyrics, classical musicianship, jazz improvisation, as well as the passionate feelings expressed in soul music. His buzz is so high that he was recently nominated for a coveted SF Weekly Music Award in the SOUL/R&B/FUNK category amongst acts he previously and even currently supports. He was also recently named “Most Multi-talented Musician” By The Eastbay Express. With this much solo success in such a short amount of time, one doesn’t have to wonder what the future holds for Kev Choice. I had to ask KC a real painful question about the recent murder of one of his band-mates, Dewey Tucker, “a twenty-four-year-old, vallejo-raised musician who was shot and killed in 2009 as he drove west on interstate 80, en route to a band rehearsal in Oakland. Dewey Tucker was hit several times after someone opened fire with a semiautomatic pistol, causing him to swerve into a guardrail. He was pronounced dead at the scene.Tucker played bass for the Bay Area all-star band that toured with Lauryn Hill in 2007, led by local Emcee Kev Choice. He also anchored rhythm sections for the coup, B’nai Rebel Front, and Kev Choice Ensemble, and garnered frequent accolades in East Bay Express. At this point, nobody knows any motive for the shooting. Tucker had no criminal record. He was engaged to be married and spent most of his free time practicing”, as of this writing no arrests have been made. “I am still dealing with it, it put me at a standstill, I’m usually very active and for about 2 weeks everything just came to a halt, everyone is still looking for his killers, but what really is paramount for me is how precious life is. I push harder now everyday because you just never know”. It is well known that you toured and was the band leader with Lauryn Hill and all that, and the Kev Choice ensemble was created from that experience. What are your plans now? Now that you have relocated to Atlanta? Kev states, “I have not relocated, just expanding and I will be back in the Bay Area every two months, need to do this in order to break through on a worldwide level. You have to expand to where the music is happening. Todays artists in the Bay Area do not have that many outlets to break some ground, I will be spending time in Los Angeles and New York as well. I feel like I am expanding and opening doors for other bay area artists. There is just more industry in Atlanta, in one week I have ran into a lot of big name artists. You need to network and go out to certain spots make more connections. I am redefining my image to be on nationwide level as an artist, producer and a musician”. When I asked, are there any collaborations with other artists’ in the works, Kev says, “nothing major to expect in the Bay Area, TOO SHORT, MARTIN LUTHER, SILK-E are doing their thing. I am working on my solo thing, and trying to define my own name, although I will always be looking to collaborate with other artists”. If there was something that your fans did not already know about Kev Choice, The Man, Musician, Father, and Pianist what would you say? “Basically, I come across really serious, I am just an average regular person, I talk to everybody who is trying to do great things. I am just regular people. I have a lot of dedication and I am really focused, I love going to the movies, I am a sport attic, I study what I do. I am still a student in what I do. I try to expose myself to new and different things. I am always trying to come up”. Are you planning to release an album in the near future? If so what can we expect to hear? I have a bunch of projects, the “daily dosage”, series a features a new song for everyday is a compilation of the best of songs a lot people don’t hear, there is the live album recorded at Yoshi’s Jazz Club entitled, Kev Choice Live At Yoshi’s Jazz Club. “ It will break a lot of ground in hip hop world, it brings a combination of all my talents together, I will do one more mix tape, gearing it towards a compilation album, instrumental, and not just rapping it will be geared to hip hop roots”. How would you describe your style of music? Is it R&B, Jazz, Pop, or Contemporary? “My music is definitely rooted in hip-hop and it has energy, also as a musician whose music is deeply rooted in jazz, soul music, and light weight techno. I believe that my music is a combination of all genre’s of music put together.

swaggadigital MUSIC

Photography by Christian Pollock Styling Shelby Crane Make up & Hair Cynthia Martinez Model Katie at Passport Model Management Clothing Zara

swaggadigital FASHION

Photography by Christian Pollock Styling Shelby Crane Make up & Hair Kristine at LeBurgetâ€™s Hair Salon Model Kymmie at Passport Model Management Clothing Zara

swaggadigital STYLE

Photography by Christian Pollock Styling Shelby Crane Make up & Hair Kristine at LeBurgetâ€™s Hair Salon Model Kymmie at Passport Model Management Clothing Zara

swaggadigital FASHION

swaggadigital CULTURE

Hat Ladies

Hair Stylist Marla Gee Positive Change Barber & Beauty Salon Haiche @ Positive Change Barber & Beauty Salon Lead Fashion Stylist Marla Gee Designer K-Rene Designs Kathi Young Art Direction Monica Make-Up C’Me Mary Thornton Hats By Rosie Greer Hannah Martin Marla Gee Models MTM Models Marla Gee Lexi B Romonda C Veleta A Photography swaggadigital CULTURE Ron Fulcher

swaggadigital STYLE

swaggadigital CULTURE

Evolutionary Visual Imagery by Damien Miller

swaggadigital STYLE

HAIRBIZ THE FILM Written By Ronald Fulcher

Keefe, describes himself as an enigma, working it out evolving, constantly determining who he is versus yesterday wondering who he will be tomorrow. Keefe, has worked in the hair business, and his start professionally was by Tina Knowles in Houston, Texas. He started acting at age 4; from this point, he states the acting bug bit him. His drive for performing and wanting to entertain people, as well as being inspired by his church upbringing, family and friends. His family was deeply rooted in the church hierarchy, as deacons, and deaconesses etc. He had his own television show at the tender age of 10, was also a junior newscaster. From this point on he developed a passion for wanting to be in front of the camera, and ultimately behind the camera. At age 12, he performed in professional theatrical productions at the Ailey theatre in Houston, Texas. Eventually, he continued his passion for acting, by working on some mainstream cinematic projects, dancing and stage plays. He tried stand-up comedy with some success. All these early experiences parlayed him into wanting to make films. Hair Biz Written by Ruby Banks Yolanda Brewer and Stormy Winters is a coming of age adventure about a young man’s trials and tribulations as he aspires to become a renowned hairstylist. Donnell borrows $50,000 from an underworld gangster named Irv in order to open his own hair salon and impress his friends in hair school. Donnell’s plan hits a roadblock when his efforts to obtain a business license are thwarted and he cannot operate the business and repay the $50,000. He must concoct a plan to save face, repay the money, finish school and protect his family from the mob. Keefe, characterizes the film “as a coming of age adventure”. Although this film started out as a comedy, it has taken on a more spiritual context in its making. The central theme is now, “what profits a man to gain the world and lose his soul”. It is scheduled for a limited theatrical release in the spring of 2010 and will probably go straight to DVD for a wider release.

swaggadigital STYLE

Sincerely U Accessories

Do you remember walking around as a little girl in your mother’s oversize nightgowns, her purses on your arm, her jewelry draped around your neck, on your wrists and her shoes far too big for your feet? What was the most exciting stuff to wear? Jewelry! Bags! And more Jewelry! Sincerely U Accessories provides an incredible collection of jewelry, scarves, and clutch hand bags. Choosing items that accent your personality will not only make you unforgettable, Sincerely U Accessories will set you apart from the crowd and make you shine. Our goal is to offer you the perfect complement of contemporary, unique, and timless pieces without spending too much $$... These days, it’s all about having fun with style! Sincerely U Accessories has fabulous accessory pieces that make memorable gifts. Gifts ideas include: Birthdays, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Christmas, Thinking of You and let's not forget, Treating Yourself. www.sincerelyuaccessories.com

swaggadigital STYLE

swaggadigital CULTURE

swaggadigital FASHION

swaggadigital STYLE

SoÂ Dapper

83 Boutique

swaggadigital STYLE

swaggadigital FASHION

swaggadigital HEALTH CARE

swaggadigital CULTURE

BOOKS Pondering the intricacies of this existence, the daily grind, avoiding complacency and making attempts not only to sustain a peaceful and harmonious existence, this young man has transcended the depths of hell, not only through vertical living, but through writing. Born and raised in the midwest, Columbus, OH to be exact, my formative years were that of a very dicey nature. Being raised in a broken home, where alcoholism was rampant, and mental and physical abuse was taking it's toll, I found refuge through the pen. The pen fostered growth, it gave access to a world where there was peace, where there was Love.......something in which was lacking in my childhood home. With only one other sibling to call upon, the loneliness truly took a toll, as my brother struggled with issues of his own, driving a stake between the bond that we formed through the years. With each drink that my father took, I witnessed his pain firsthand, making attempts to understand why he would strip me of my innocence at a very young age, forcing me to question what sexuality truly is. As time passed, it was as if three strangers were living under the same roof. No Love, lack of communication, however, egos took precedence, forcing anger

swaggadigital CULTURE

and violence to strip away any opportunity for peace and understanding. Through years of years of chaos, molestation, what felt like a roller-coaster ride of emotions, my brother reached his breaking point and convinced himself that our father would pay the ultimate price.......and that would be with his very own life. Ten years ago, my father's body was found in the upstairs bathroom of his home and with the Cook family name being that of a very significant nature, it did not take long for rumors to spread. The presumptuous nature of others coerced authorities to make an attempt at pinning charges on me, along with the fact that my very own brother implicated me in this heinous crime. Life for me, truly took a turn for the worse, my innermost demons rose to the surface, drugs entered into my life and I damn near lost my spirit. Through it all, I never lost my will, nor my desire to write. After struggling to find myself, various attempts at suicide and looking desperately for Love, I accomplished my goal to tell my story to the world, in the form of a book. This book being Premonitions.......of a Young Man, Unscathed. After gaining focus and being extremely diligent, The Love, light and power of the Holy Spirit has allowed me to bring my struggle and triumph over adversity to YOU, as I officially published my memoir in July of 2009. I invite you to take the opportunity to hear my story and follow me as I journey through this newfound existence. Please visit http://www.terronjcook.com, where you can purchase your very own copy of my memoir, as well as follow my daily blog. Not only is this my story, some of YOU may relate to the events and emotions throughout the course of this book, therefore, making it YOUR story, as well. I encourage each and every one of you to explore your spirit and know that no matter what has transpired in your life, each day is an opportunity to start anew. Our attitudes and surroundings can and will dictate our future. Whatever it takes to create a peaceful and harmonious "space," move toward it. This Life is yours to be lived. You owe it to yourself to live to your fullest potential. EMPOWER YOURSELF! Much Love, Terron J. Cook Website: http://www.terronjcook.com

swaggadigital CULTURE

swaggadigital STYLE

Tenika (Lady Blue):Model Clara Sneed:Model Hands of Healing Spa, Tiffanie Drummer Make-up Corinthia Peoples Jewelry Designer, Stylist & Model http://corinthiapeoples.com fine handmade jewelry Photography by Ron Fulcher

swaggadigital STYLE

INGENIOUS STYLE CLOTHING Written by, Sarah Elkeaikati

While most 18-year-olds are embarking on the four-year college journey that will lay the foundation for their careers, Phylicia Lofton prefers to take the road less traveled. Though the Apparel Merchandising and Management student started at Cal Poly this fall as an incoming freshman, she is far from amateur. Two years ago, at the age of 16, Lofton shortened her name to Phylicia Dee and launched Ingenious Style Clothing, a line of trendy screen printed T-shirts, hoodies and sweaters with clever phrases and designs fitted for an intelligent generation. The idea to start a line began with Lofton and several friends. After observing fashion trends, the group wanted to come out with a line that would stand out. “With eight people, we began to have a lot of conflicting ideas,” said Lofton. “Then everyone went their separate ways.” Because Lofton had conceptualized many of the designs, she continued to put together the elements that would eventually shape her line. Lofton started out paying nearly $400 per design to have her work transferred to a computer program before she decided to take a course on Adobe Illustrator and cut out the additional cost. The young entrepreneur also enrolled in marketing classes, then eventually as an AMM student, to have the edge and control over her company. “She has always been very focused,” said Lofton’s mother, Dana. “Whatever my kids have had a passion for, I’ve always helped them develop it.” Only a couple of years later, 18-year-old Lofton boasts three collections under Ingenious Style clothing. The apparel sells online and in several stores including Headstone in Moreno Valley and Loded in Carson. Of the designs, the most popular features the Ingenious Style Clothing character logo holding a sign that reads “Why Lie? I Need Sneakers!” The shirt feeds off the obsession with sneakers in the trendy hip-hop community. Lofton, an admitted sneaker addict with 200 pairs as standing proof, hopes to popularize her brand through T-shirts and transition to footwear. “It’s easier to make a brand popular through T-shirts,” she said. “Once the name is known, I can start designing shoes.” Lofton’s venture is already in talking deals with shoe designers.Other screen print designs flaunt witty phrases like “Designed To Fill Yo Mind” and “Watch Me Not TV.”Somewhere between drawing up designs, school and running her own company, Lofton finds the time to teach a biweekly fashion class at San Bernardino High School.“I tell them that I’m only 18,” she said. “If I can do it, then you can do it.”Lofton and her assistants Ally Rutherford and Connie Clark, to whomshe credits with the extensive networking that helped get Ingenious Style Clothing in stores, are constantly organizing fashion shows and other creative outlets that could help popularize the brand. Ingenious Style Clothing was showcased during the Riverside Black History Parade on Feb. 14 where 15,000 people gathered to partake inthe festivities and enjoy artistic and musical performances.The New Boyz featured the line in the “You’re A Jerk” music video and Action Figures Jerk crew sported the Tees in the “Teach Me How To Jerk” video by Audio Push.Lofton once sponsored Audio Push and Action Figures Jerk Crew and currently sponsors Elyte music group.Though the line is making serious moves in the music and fashion industries, Lofton plans on completing her degree while trying to accomplish her main goal: opening up an Ingenious Style clothing store. The line is expected to sell on campus later this month and Lofton’s “Black Series,” the newest collection, will be available soon.

swaggadigital FASHION

swaggadigital STYLE

Diva’s Closet boutique Photography by ron fulcher

swaggadigital FASHION

100

swaggadigital FASHION

101

swaggadigital FASHION

102

swaggadigital STYLE

103

swaggadigital STYLE

104

swaggadigital STYLE

105

swaggadigital STYLE

106

swaggadigital FINE DINING

107

swaggadigital FINE DINING

108

swaggadigital FINE DINING

109

swaggadigital FINE DINING

110

swaggadigital STYLE

111

swaggadigital STYLE

112

swaggadigital FASHION

113

swaggadigital FASHION

114

swaggadigital FASHION

115

swaggadigital FASHION

116

swaggadigital FASHION

117

swaggadigital FASHION

118

swaggadigital STYLE

119

swaggadigital STYLE

120

swaggadigital STYLE

121

swaggadigital STYLE

122

swaggadigital LIFESTYLE

123

swaggadigital LIFESTYLE

124

swaggadigital ARTS N ENTERTAINMENT

125

swaggadigital ARTS N ENTERTAINMENT

LIVE AT THE METRO NEW STYLE MOTHERLODE INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY BY RON FULCHER

126

swaggadigital FASHION

127

swaggadigital FASHION

128

swaggadigital FASHION

129

swaggadigital FASHION

130

swaggadigital STYLE

131

swaggadigital STYLE

131

swaggadigital FASHION

132

swaggadigital FASHION

133

swaggadigital FASHION

134

swaggadigital FASHION

135

swaggadigital CULTURE

136

swaggadigital CULTURE

137

swaggadigital FASHION

138

swaggadigital FASHION

139

swaggadigital FASHION

140

swaggadigital FASHION

Swagga Digital Magazine Spring Issue 2010