BKS1 Radio Network

Artist Preview: Mint Condition

Once upon a time there were great funk/R&B bands like Earth Wind & Fire, The Meters, War, Kool & The Gang, Slave, and numerous others who constantly broke down musical barriers. The musicality of these units was superior – they could rock or funk out as easily as they could move the crowd with a tenor soulful ballad. The rise of electronic music gradually undermined self-contained bands but in the 90s a dynamic young new band emerged—Mint Condition, now the greatest self-contained R&B band of our time. Anointed early on by superstar producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis (formerly of the band The Time), Mint Condition does it all—delivering hard-bitten funk with a hip hop edge, rocking out with screaming lead guitar, and crooning lush, "baby-making" soul ballads.

The much sought after band, who mark their 20th Anniversary this year, has amassed a string of hits and performs hundreds of live shows each year. In the Fall of 2010 when Prince took the podium at the legendary Apollo to announce his "Welcome To America," and his plans to feature his favorite artists, it was no shock to many that Mint Condition was among them. The only band on his list that day? Mint Condition. During the month of February, TV One tapped Mint Condition as the house band seen and heard every night on the show "Way Black When," which celebrated the biggest African American stars throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s. With not one but two current hit singles on board—the sumptuous "Caught My Eye" and lead singer Stokley's duet with Kelly Price, "Not My Daddy," Mint Condition marks the 20th anniversary of its first chart hit with the release of 7  (Mint Condition’s seventh studio album) due out on Shanachie Entertainment/Caged Bird April 5, 2011.

Read more Mint Condition Bio here: www.mintconditionmusic.com

Tonight’s Topic: You Ain’t My Daddy!

You may love your wife/girlfriend or husband/boyfriend but maybe their kids don't love you! Maybe you have a problem with the way your step kids talk to your mate? Maybe you have a little "Baby Boy" running around in your life? How do you handle it? Maybe the child's biological parent who is not with your mate now is causing problems telling your spouse "He better not discipline my child! I'll do that!" How do and you handle that? Do step parents always get the respect of their step children? When is it ok to tell your mate about what you don't like about THEIR child? Tonight the Vocal Booth tackles this interesting topic with the help of the Chat rebels and ask for your opinion and stories on the call in line of (646)233 1302. join us tonight at 11pm on bks1radio.com LIVE IN THE VOCAL BOOTH!!! Where you at Jooooo-deeeee!!!!!!

Special Guest: Carl Carlton

Detroit native Carl Carlton got his start in the record business through baseball. When a neighbor yelled down from an apartment window to some kids playing baseball in vacant lot to stop playing ball and to turn that radio off, they yelled back "that ain't no radio, that's Carl!" The neighbor ran down to see where this astonishing soulful voice was coming from. Later, he took Carlton to Lando Records where he began recording in the late '60s as Little Carl Carlton. His first single was "I Love True Love." Carlton had some previous experience from singing in church and being snuck into clubs to perform for tips by his older siblings. When a later single, "Competition Ain't Nothing," started to take off in the summer of 1968, the single was picked up by Don Robey's Back Beat Records. Carlton signed with the label and moved to Houston where the label was located. It was a big change for the youngster to go from Detroit's notorious Black Bottom neighborhood to waking to fresh country air and the gentle mooing of Jersey cows on Robey's spacious ranch.

When he wasn't touring or flying around the country doing recording dates, he'd perform at Robey's club, the Duke Peacock, which was also the name of Robey's other label. During this time, Carlton worked with a then-struggling songwriting/production duo named Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, producer David Crawford (Candi Staton's "Young Hearts Run Free"), and producer/writer Bunny Sigler. Carlton scored some minor chart hits for Back Beat in the late '60s and early '70s, with "46 Drums - 1 Guitar," "Oh Mary How I Got Over," "I Can Feel It," and "Drop By My Place," which broke the R&B Top 20 and the pop Top 40. When Don Robey sold his Duke Peacock/Back Beat labels to ABC Records in 1972, a compilation album of Carlton's singles was released, You Can't Stop a Man in Love. Former Temptations David Ruffin was a friend of Carlton. After listening to one of Ruffin's albums, Carlton got excited about one song, "Everlasting Love."

Carlton wasn't aware that the song was previously a Top Ten hit for Robert Knight in 1967. In spite of the song's previous success, the first Carl Carlton single on ABC was "I Wanna Be Your Main Squeeze" with a low-key version of "Everlasting Love" on the flip. After given a more disco-friendly arrangement, "Everlasting Love," produced by Nashville's Papa Don Schroder (Bobby & James Purify's "I'm Your Puppet"), garnered Carlton his first Top Ten pop hit in 1974, peaking at number six and going to number 11 R&B. An album, Everlasting Love, produced by Bob Monaco (Rufus, Three Dog Night), was released and included two other singles, "Morning Noon and Night" and a cover of Rufus' "Smokin' Room," which gave Carlton his second pop hit. 1975 saw Carlton travelling to Philadelphia to work with producer/songwritwer Bunny Sigler.

Though the album credits the backing musicians as MFSB, the core rhythm section is Instant Funk, which was a part of MFSB and scored a million-seller four years later with "I Got My Mind Made Up." The resultant album, I Wanna Be With You, is generally regarded as Carlton's best album. Carlton's vocals are much more relaxed and supple than on the Everlasting Love album. Despite good reviews in Right On magazine and the release of three singles, "Ain't Been No One Before You" (released January 1976), "Ain't Gonna Tell Nobody (About You) (charted the summer of 1976), and "Live for Today, Not for Tomorrow" (released late winter 1976), the album weakly charted. Some believe that it had to do with the royalty dispute that Carlton was involved in with ABC at the time. For a year and a half, Carlton had to wait until his contract with ABC lapsed until he could do anymore recording. He resurfaced in late 1977 with a Mercury single, "You You," a lovely lush ballad produced by the Dramatics' L.J. Reynolds along with the group's musical director John Brinson. On the flip was a funky blues number called "Something's Wrong." There were two other tracks recorded, but they were never released. With a lot of time on his hands, Carlton got into fitness. Weightlifting and jogging appealed to him and he found a workout partner in boxer Thomas "Hitman" Hearns. Carlton continued to perform around Detroit. Many people in the music business promised to work with Carlton, but the only one to come through was veteran soul singer Leon Haywood.

He flew Carlton to California and worked with him in his recording studio. Getting him a singles deal with the label that he was signed to, 20th Century, Haywood produced a cover of his own "This Feeling's Rated Xtra" with a James Ingram tune, "Fighting in ihe Name of Love" on the B-side. It charted briefly, doing well enough for 20th Century to release the next single, "She's a Bad Mama Jama." "She's a Bad Mama Jama" earned Carlton a gold record in 1981, staying at number two for eight weeks straight, kept out of the number one spot by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie's "Endless Love." An album, Carl Carlton, was released with a front cover of a shirtless Carlton showing off his chiseled physique. The album went gold also. Such success afforded Carlton the opportunity to appear on such top-rated TV shows as Solid Gold, Soul Train, and American Bandstand and to tour major venues doing some dates with Rick James. The next single was "I Think It's Gonna Be Alright," a gentle acoustic guitar-laced ballad that briefly charted. Various rappers have rapped over "She's a Bad Mama Jama" in later years. His next album was The Bad CC (RCA), which included a catchy synth-heavy cover of the Four Tops' "Baby I Need Your Loving." Produced by David Rubinson and Friends, it features one of the last performances by Sylvester sideman/synth wizard Patrick Cowley.

The single did good in the U.S. and was a Top Ten hit in Australia. "Everyone Can Be a Star" was the flip side of "...Loving." It was co-written by Carlton and Gavin Christopher and may be Carlton's most autobiographical song. 1986 saw the release of Carlton's sixth album, Private Property (Casablanca). It is safe to say that Carlton wanted and needed a hit. So one can probably excuse the title track and first single for being a "Mama Jama" clone. It did the trick, landing in the upper half of the R&B charts. The same can be said for the follow-up, "Slipped, Tripped and Fall in Love." But the album shouldn't be overlooked because of this. It's one of the last albums produced by Memphis hitmaker Allen Jones with able backing from his main band, the Barkays.

There's a sweet cover of Ben E. King's "Stand By Me." Sam Dees produces the unique "Mama's Boy," and his heart-tugging ballad "Never Got Over You" has to be one of the best things Carlton has ever recorded. Dropped from the Casablanca roster, Carlton started working with Leon Haywood again in 1994, releasing a single, "Rock N Roll" b/w "Main Event."Give Carlton self-admitted fault of "going for the cash" and signing bad contracts, the lyrics of "Main Event" seem appropriate: "Obstacles have come at me/although somehow I've overcome/I can see the prize just waiting there/so through the maze of life I run I run/I fight each battle round by round/maintain my quest for higher ground." An album, Main Event, was released later that year.

Thanksgiving night 11 pm est to 1 am est on The Grown Sexy Situation Show we bring you another hot topic: Do You Want Love or Lust? – Do You Really Know The Difference? Special Guest Fashion Model/Actor Tyson Beckford discussing his new movie "Addicted". In Studio Musical Guest: R&B/Soul Singer Netousha Monroe, joining us in studio as well will be Model Ciara Ross, here to discuss 2012 Hype Hair Showcase with John Blassingame. Chat live or call 646-233-1302 join the live experience of bks1radio.com

Special Guest: Fashion Model and Actor Tyson Beckford

Tyson Beckford (born December 19, 1970) is an American fashion model and actor, best known as a Calvin Klein model. He was also the host of both seasons of the Bravo program Make Me a Supermodel.

Beckford was born to Jamaican parents. His father is of Afro-Jamaican and Panamanian descent. His mother is of Afro-Jamaican and Chinese-Jamaican descent. He grew up in Rochester, New York and attended Bay Trail Middle School in nearby Penfield, New York. He then graduated from Pittsford Mendon High School in the affluent suburb of Pittsford as a participant in the Urban-Suburban Program, a busing program designed to give educational opportunities to urban youth in the city's surrounding suburban school districts. Beckford was a member of his high school football and track teams. He is also the cousin of Los Angeles Lakers' forward Ron Artest.

In 1992, he was recruited to hip hop magazine The Source by a talent scout, Jeff Jones, who has been credited with 'discovering' Beckford in New York City. In 1993, Beckford was recruited by Ralph Lauren as the front model for the company's Polo line of male sportswear.

Beckford was named "Man of the Year" in 1995 by the cable television music channel VH1 & one of the "50 Most Beautiful People in the World" by People magazine. He is represented by Nous Model Management in Los Angeles, California, and Independent Models in London, England. He was ranked at #38 on VH1's 40 Hottest Hotties of the '90s.

Read more Tyson Beckford Bio: www.wikipedia.org/tysonbeckford

Special Guest: R&B/Soul Singer Netousha Monroe

Netousha Monroe is an R&B/soul singer born in Virginia and raised in New Jersey. Her debut release, Lust vs Love, is available for free on www.datpiff.com. Netousha Monroe began her music career on Broadway stages in New York. She played roles in Les Miserables, Lion King, and Christmas Carol. While performing on Broadway she sang on numerous jingles.

As a teenager she relocated to Virginia with her mother and brother. At this point she began to write her own songs for personal enjoyment. She continued to gain education from experience and developed her craft consistently. Shortly after graduating high school she relocated to the Atlantic City area. Once back in New Jersey, she continued to work with various artists as opportunities came through friends and acquaintances who knew of her talent. Her songs “What a Man” and “Looking for Love” can be heard on the Indie Soap nominated show, In Between Men. She performed as a backup vocalist to Emilio Rojas on BET’s Music Matters in October, 2011 and can be heard on J the S’s single “Shadows” from The Last Days featuring Emilio Rojas. Her vocal and writing abilities are generously displayed on the most recent release from A.P., Will I.E. (the Example).

Netousha Monroe has a distinctive sound that blends her soulful voice over hip hop oriented tracks, showcasing her love for both genres. Her lyrics tell vivid stories that cover topics with more of an edge than the typical R&B artist. Her goal is to create music that stays close to her roots and inspirations, yet is diverse enough to appeal to a wide variety of listeners.

Her mission is to utilize her natural gift to better this world by making the best music possible. With her passion, dedication, and natural talent, no doubt she will achieve her goal.

Special Guest: Model Ciara Ross

Credits

Host-May 2010 Swim party @The hilton, NJ

Host - One Nite only birthday bash - Elizabeth NJ

Upcoming Hosting Event May27 2012---- Angel Katwalk , kansas City Charity Fashion show Event

Host Pink Carpet- Fashion hair bang out showcase- Oct 2012

Upcoming hosting Event- Hype Hair Mag Showcase event- Nov 2012

Promotional model - Kool and the gang

Runway:

Ihs fashion show-2004

Continental airlines Fashion show-Feb 2006

Ms. Congeniality- NJ State Pagenat

Work with The Felton group, Nyc -April 2011

International model search- NJ, May 2011

Nite-out with with Constance White fashion show- NYC,June-2011

Harlem Week-fashion fusion showcase-NYC,July 31

Harlem week - Goin out @ nite flava fashion show-NYC, Summer 2011

Hype Hair Natural beauty Contest Finalist-NJ, Nov 25,2011

Nurzi Natural Beauty Model Competition-Winner of Challenge3- Hou,Texas, Dec2011

Jewlery Model for Diana Adams Charity Art Event- Nyc Feb 2012

NBA All star Weekend Model for her game 2 - Orlando Fl Feb---2012

107.5 Wbls Bridal/Wedding Expo 2012--- Nyc March 2012

International Hair Show/ Upscale Magazine  -- Bonner Brother Assistant

KC Host for Event May27 2012---- Angel Katwalk , kansas City Charity Fashion show Event

Fashion on the Hudson Runway show-July 2012

Old Navy Fit for fashion - Sept-2012

WBLS Circle of Sister Fashion Show -NYC Oct -2012

Fashion & Hair Bang out Breast Cancer Showcase- Oct- 2012

Link :::   http://about.me/Ciara86

Tonight the Live In the Cipher Team pays tribute to Big L. 13 years ago today the hip hop world lost a legendary MC who was taken from us way to early. Big L known for his word play and delivery was tragically gunned down on February 15, 1999, shot 9 times in the face and chest.

Big L gave us countless underground hits and commercial hits. From Put it on, M.V.P, Da Graveyard to Ebonics.  L was well known around the game and ready to take it to another level. Unfortunately for his fans and fans of hip hop he was taken from us before we were able to witness his full potential.

So tonight you will hear some of his well known songs along with some freestyles that L released during his time.  Join us in paying tribute to one of the best to do it while he was around.

The Team along with you will review Up and Coming MC Kaydensz tonight on the Live In The Cipher Show. Here is what Kaydensz has to say about himself. Taken from Kaydensz site:

What is music? To some, it is simply just a way to gain fame and fortune. To others, it is an entertainment outlet that you can utilize with the simple press of a button. To Kaydensz, however, music is much more. Born Chance McIntosh in Newark (Da Bricks) and raised in East Orange (Illtown), he was brought into a world full of confusion and anguish. Growing up, Chance was a very good student, consistently receiving high grades throughout his youth. Although his mother worked very hard to provide a good life for him, his environment as well as the relationship with his father, caused him to be quick-tempered and confrontational.

His love for music started to surface when he was 11, when he began turning his unfocused energy into poetry. When he was 14 however, his uphill progress suddenly took a turn for the worse when his father suddenly passed away after years of alcohol and drug addiction. That equipped with the pressures of dealing with a new environment (he attended boarding school), caused Chance to fall into a deep depression and also caused his intrinsic personality. Feeling like no one understood him, he began writing poetry again to release his pain. Influenced by the likes of Jay-Z, Eminem, Nas, as well as his oldest brother Ali Armz, Chance started writing raps when he was 15, initially as a means of fun for him and his friends. Chance kept writing, and his skills drastically improved, but it wasn’t until tragedy struck again that Chance fully connected with his music and everything became real. His uncle, who stepped in as a father figure after Chance’s father had died, passed away after a severe battle with cancer.

This devastated Chance, and not only caused him to fall into an even deeper depression but also plunged him to an alcohol and prescription pill binge. Some good did come from this, however, because during this time Chance began writing very introspective and intrinsic lyrics. By writing about his individual pains and personal pressures, he was able to realize that his story was not unique, and that it was his responsibility to tell not only his but the stories of others as well to the world, whether it be good or bad. After cleaning himself up, Chance set his goal on being the best and began writing even more profusely in order to master his craft. Soon after, Kaydensz Tha Savage was born. Kaydensz brings honesty, reality, diversity and respect to the game, with his style emphasizing wit, flow, cleverness, poetic structure, and wordplay. Producer/DJ Ja-Hi noticed his grind and talent and the two began making music together. With his help, Kaydensz will be releasing his first piece of work entitled The Twisted Soul EP, which released March 1st 2011!!!!!!!

So you ask, what is music to Kaydensz? It is a way to show the world the painting him and his peers call reality. Music is life.

Topic: You Ain't My Daddy Pt. 2

You may love your wife/girlfriend or husband/boyfriend but maybe their kids don't love you! Maybe you have a problem with the way your step kids talk to your mate? Maybe you have a little "Baby Boy" running around in your life? How do you handle it? Maybe the child's biological parent who is not with your mate now is causing problems telling your spouse "He better not discipline my child! I'll do that!" How do and you handle that? Do step parents always get the respect of their step children? When is it ok to tell your mate about what you don't like about THEIR child?

Tonight the Vocal Booth tackles this interesting topic with the help of the Chat rebels and ask for your opinion and stories on the call in line of (646)233 1302. join us tonight at 11pm on bks1radio.com LIVE IN THE VOCAL BOOTH!!! Where you at Jooooo-deeeee!!!!!!

Special Guest: Songwriter/Rap Artist Samaya “SoRayre” Wilkins

Samaya "SoRayre" Wilkins, is a songwriter/ rap artist, who is blasting through music waves, and blazing a hot trail, merging unique R&B melodies, with complex metaphoric rhymes, oozing with Hip Hop sex appeal. She plans to emerge on the urban music scene, unexpected, unsigned, and with no remorse.

Now at the age of 23, SoRayre has composed lyrics and melodies for over 18 years, and has discovered the most effective outlet of her music to be, MC-ing.

Born and raised in New Jersey, from the gritty streets of Newark, to the quiet suburbs of Piscataway, SoRayre's music, showcases her versatility, edginess, vulnerability, and humility; with a sense of humor for the witty and the wise. After enduring open adoption, physical and sexual abuse, homelessness, drug addiction and single-parenthood at a young age to say the least, SoRayre's music and the grace of God, have been the constant positive therapies throughout her struggles.

"I feel my music has the potential to be relatable to the masses. Any person who's ever struggled, and had a dream, with the determination to achieve and conquer, with dignity and humility, could feel my music. That's why I love fashion from the 80's, and music from the 90's! It was fun, tasteful, and soundful! Even with rap, it was something to be heard, and a story to be told. Whether it was about love, or respect. It was okay to sing or spit how you felt, respectfully and tactfully. Now and days it's all raunchy; who's the cockiest, who get the most women, who get the most money. Its all repetitive.. no message of realism. And I'll honestly state, sometimes, Im in the mood to ride that wave. But, sometimes Im not. I just do what I feel is right, for me, to say, in the moment Im in."

And that's exactly what she has set out to do! In every line, in every song.

Her greatest musical influences vary from Anita Baker, Toni Braxton, Brandy, Luther Vandross and Whitney Houston, to Drake and Kandi Burruss.

Her best friends would describe her as a crazy, smart, ambitious intellectual. Her younger sister would paint the picture of a rude, aggressive bitch. If you could only know SoRayre through her music, how would you describe her?

Her debut mixtape, Osama SoRayre, is due to be released Spring 2012. For more SoRayre exclusive interviews and news visit TheKnobodies.com, Facebook and Twitter @SamayaSoRayre.

Special Guest: Author Drica Armstrong

Drica Armstrong was born and raised in Elizabeth, NJ. She never thought of becoming an author because she wanted to be a lawyer. A homework assignment given to her by an English teacher sparked her interest in writing. While attending high school, Drica wrote several short stories and poetry but starting writing her first novel, Beautiful Liars, during her first year of college. After graduating from Newbury College in Brookline, MA, Drica started to pursue publishing for her debut novel.

Beautiful Liars was self-published in 2009. Soon after the release of her new novel, Drica finished her second novel, Hide and Seek. Hide and Seek is the first book to be published on Drica’s self publishing company, Double Take Publications, in 2011. Drica is currently working on the screen play for Hide and Seek and completing her third novel. Drica lives in Elizabeth, NJ with her son.

Artist Review: Le'Andria Johnson

Music World Gospel recording artist Le’Andria Johnson has taken the gospel music scene by storm since being crowned the season three winner of BET’s Sunday Best in 2010. Her debut CD, The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson, entered at #1 on multiple music charts, including both the Billboard Top Gospel Albums and the Top Christian/Gospel Albums charts. The CD also debuted at #1 on the Christian Music Trade Association’s Current Gospel Overall chart. It spent eight weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart, and remains in the Top 5 for over 15 weeks. Le’Andria received her first GRAMMY® nomination for Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music performance for her debut single, “Jesus.” She also released a Christmas CD, Christmas Best, which is sure to become a part of the holiday collections that are brought out year after year during the Christmas season.

Most recently, Le’Andria won Best Female Gospel Artist of 2011 for the First Annual Digital Gospel Music Awards—produced by Interactive One/Elev8.com. Le'Andria was nominated in the same category as Yolanda Adams, CeCe Winans, Maurette Brown-Clark, Martha Munizzi, Kim Burrell, Karen Clark Sheard, Dorinda Clark Cole, Beverly Crawford, and Lisa Page Brooks.

Now Music World Gospel is releasing two new CD projects from Le’Andria: The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson Deluxe Edition and an EP, The Evolution of Le’Andria Johnson. The deluxe edition contains the seven songs released on her debut CD plus seven new songs. The seven new songs are also being released as an EP, The Evolution of Le’Andria Johnson. Both CDs will be available in stores and online everywhere on February 14.

The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson Deluxe Edition, which features songs with styles that range from traditional/contemporary gospel to R&B, showcases Le’Andria’s unique combination of power, skill and reverence that makes her a popular recording artist and an inspirational performer. New songs on the CD and the EP, The Evolution of Le’Andria Johnson, include, “It’s Gonna Be Alright,” a high energy urban contemporary song, written and produced by Stanley Brown, in which she assures the listener that even when things seem difficult, God is standing by and things are going to be alright; and “He Was There,” a song that reminds us that God is there waiting for us to come to Him, written by Gary Paxton and Andrea Martin, and produced by Stanley Brown. In the soulful “Let It Go,” written and produced by Raphael Saadiq, Taura Stinson and Sara Devine, Le’Andria encourages people to let go of their burdens and let God handle them. She goes back to her traditional gospel roots in “Sooner Or Later,” an uplifting song about God turning your life around, written by Hubert Powell III and produced by Brandon “B.A.M.” Alexander and H. Doobie Powell for Chip Off The Block Productions. “He First Loved Me,” an R&B style song of praise, was written by Le’Andria and her brother, Michael, who is a featured singer on the track. Le’Andria also recorded a full-length version of the popular song, “I Shall Leap,” which she wrote with her other brother, Terrance Johnson. Le’Andria performed this inspirational song after being crowned the winner of Sunday Best. “Overtaken” rounds out the seven new offerings on the deluxe CD and the EP. Written and produced by Eric Dawkins, it is an upbeat song of praise for the way her life has changed since God took it over.

The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson Deluxe Edition also features her GRAMMY-nominated single, “Jesus,” co-written by Le’Andria. An urban contemporary song, with traditional gospel roots, it offers Le’Andria’s soulful and stirring testimony about the difference Jesus has made in her life, and her impassioned plea to the listener to turn to Jesus and “call Him like you want Him, call Him like you need him.” Other songs on the CD include “Cast The First Stone,” a midtempo song with a memorable, contemporary tune and a powerfully delivered message about how wrong it is to pass judgment on each other, also co-written by Le’Andria; “Make Him Like You,” an R&B-style petition to God to lead her toward the true love that He designed for her; “New Reason,” a new millennium twist on 1960s soul, with a message about turning from bad relationships to a new and better relationship with God; and “Struggle Not,” co-written by Le’Andria and Terrance Johnson, a spiritually uplifting and compelling worship song about God’s blessings in our lives. The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson Deluxe Edition also includes two tracks with medleys of songs performed by Le’Andria on Sunday Best. The first medley combines her roof-raising rendition of Quincy Jones and Andraé Crouch’s “God Is Trying To Tell You Something,” from the Broadway musical, The Color Purple, and her fresh take on Fred Hammond’s (Commissioned) hit song, “Running Back To You.” In the second medley, Le’Andria puts her spin on Myron Butler and Levi’s pop-style hit, “Set Me Free,” and offers a heartfelt rendition of “I Shall Leap.”

Le’Andria is enjoying critical acclaim and tremendous success, but for the 29-year-old, twice divorced mother of three, it has been a long and often arduous journey to the spotlight in the gospel music industry. An accomplished singer and songwriter and an anointed praise and worship leader, Le’Andria was born in Orlando, Florida and began singing and performing for her family at two years old. When she was four, the family moved to the small town of Palatka, Florida, where she lived until she returned to Orlando in 2003. Her father, Dr. G.A. Johnson, Sr., served as presiding Bishop of the Head Quarters (HQ) Ministries. She began singing at her father’s church at the age of six and became praise and worship leader when she was 16. Throughout her childhood and teen years, Le’Andria sang in school choruses and in community talent shows. At 17, she had her first performance before a major audience when she sang for 8,000 people at a conference sponsored by gospel legend Pastor Shirley Caesar. She also sang with gospel artists Luther Barnes, Jimmy Hicks and Voices of Integrity and the Williams Brothers, as well as at churches in Southern Florida, Georgia and North Carolina.

She is now signed to Music World Gospel in a joint venture with BET’s Sunday Best brand. She has moved to Houston, Texas, and is busy ministering her music on television, radio, and live performances across the country. She recently was featured in the Jacksonville, Florida run of T.J. Hemphill’s play, Perilous Times II, with Music World label mate and Sunday Best alumna Andrea Helms.

Le’Andria is thrilled with the reception of her debut project, and she is excited about the new songs on her forthcoming projects. A licensed minister, Le’Andria believes that singing is her God-given talent, but that ministry is her calling. As she ministers through music, she hopes that her songs will continue to make a difference in people’s lives.

Bio info from: www.amazon.com/leandriajohnson

Ski Beatz is a record producer, musician and MC originally from NC and was discovered in NYC by DJ Clark Kent. Ski was originally known as “MC Will-Ski” and in the 1980s, he was a member of the group Original Flavor, the first group managed by future recording industry executive DAMON DASH . In the mid-90′s, Ski was working on duo CAMP LO’S debut album UPTOWN SATURDAY NIGHT when Dame called him in to work on the debut album of his own artist, JAY-Z. Jay’s album, REASONABLE DOUBT, was released in 1996, marking Ski’s first major production placement. Ski produced four tracks off the album, including the singles “DEAD PRESIDENTS” and “FEELIN’ IT”.

After the critical success of Reasonable Doubt, Ski formed Roc-A-Blok Productions in affiliation with Jay and Dame’s label, ROC-A-FELLA RECORDS, working with CAMP LO and Sporty Thievz. Skibeatz crafted most of Camp Lo’s debut, which dropped in 1997, and produced the FAT JOE single “JOHN BLAZE”; Ski continued to work with Jay-Z, on his sophomore album IN MY LIFETIME, VOL. 1 as well as non-solo albums and compilation projects, until 1998. He continued producing for artists such as Nature, members of the New Jersey crew, The Outsidaz, Lil’ Kim, Foxy Brown, Ras Kass and Proof. He has continued to produce for Camp Lo, providing most of the production for their second album Let’s Do it Again, as well as their third album, Black Hollywood.

Read more about Ski Beatz : http://24hrkarateschool.com/blog/music/

The Grown Sexy Situation Show comes to you with a hot double topic: 1. If you knew exactly when the world was ending what are some of the things you would do? 2. If you just started dating someone would you introduce him or her to the family around the holidays? Our guest is amazing singer Harmony, and fashion & image consultant Tiffany Harmon. Music provided by DJ Smoov P.

Topic #1: If You Knew Exactly When The World Was Ending, What Are Some Of The Things You Would Do?

In light of all the tragic things going on in this world today, whether it be Natural or an unnatural occurrence...what would you do if you knew that you would not be around..what fences would you mend if any. Would you take a long awaited vacation? Would you spend that time loving on friends and family? Would you try to squeeze in all the things that you neglected to do? Or would you just waste those last few precious moments saying "why did this happen to me"? Do you think if we had the ability to know when we would pass, it would make things easier for us and our family and friends that we hold dear?

Topic #2: If You Just Started Dating Someone Would You Introduce Him Or Her To The Family Around The Holidays?

It's the holiday season which normally means family and close friends sharing memories and making new memories. So is it a good idea to bring that new love around those that are close to you?
This could possibly lead to a disastrous situation for you and an embarrassing situation for the both of you at that particular time. If you are serious about this person then, by all means you should do it, if not don't give them the false hope that there could possibly be a ring or a long term relationship. For some people their normal behaviors to have their family meet everyone. Others may be a little more guarded.

Make sure you sit down with your family and discuss this before you decide to give them the holiday surprise of possibly meeting another "one" and all the stories turn out to be about "YOU" during the holiday season!

Special Guest:  Tiffany Harmon (HMG Consulting Services / Harmon Image Group)

For Tiffany Harmon, CEO of HMG Consulting Services/Harmon Image Group, there has been a wealth of valuable experiences that paved the way to where she is today.

Fortunate to have top-notch mentors as the late Emily Miles of Belle Meade Modeling School for the etiquette and charm training, the late Pat Joyner and Ms. Kaye Thompson who were her dance instructors from age 5 through 14; there were little or no options than to become successful.

Tiffany’s professional background includes a modeling career consisting of runway, print, acting, model coach to all age groups, makeup artist and event planner.  One of her greatest aspirations came true as she worked as a house model for such showrooms as Victoria’s Secret Catalog.  The thought of an African American girl from New Jersey being asked to come on board to model for Victoria's Secret was only dreamt of but soon became her reality.  Proof positive that anything was possible.

In later years, Tiffany had what some would see as misfortunes with a terminally ill child and years later a job layoff following an 11 year span with a so-called Fortune 500 company however, that put her back on the tracks.  “I want to show that even through life’s unpredictable occurrences, there’s a way of coming back, gain control of your destiny and take life back” she says.  Tiffany intends to continue working with first-time job seekers, retirees getting back into the workforce, those looking for a new look or transitioning into a new career, cancer survivors and the corporate environment with professional development.

HMG is dedicated to motivating, empowering and enhancing an individual’s sense of self and unique style through an inside out approach.  To move forward with change and sustain, you must first be confident with who you are before dressing it up and everything falls into place from there. That is HMG’s mission.

Special Guest: Harmony

Live In The Cipher brings you another up and coming MC for your listening pleasure. Tonight we introduce you to Jersey's own MC Aitch. We will be reviewing his The Umbrella Tape 3 project live along with you the listener.  We want to hear from you call in 646-233-1302, if your an MC call in and spit your hot 16, or just call in and let us know how you feel about hip hop in general.

Tonight's Guest: MC Aitch

The son of two Caribbean parents, 22-year-old Aitch has started his own company, The Umbrella Media Group, and is embarking on his journey to creatively bring a fresh breath to hip-hop. Rapping and recording since the 9th grade Aitch has took his time and energy not only start a company but a network filled with everyone from artist, business grads, clothing designers, and graphic artist. The network is better known as "The Umbrella".

Fresh out of high school, Aitch didn't make it to college and felt that it was a sign to pursue his music career and created his first official solo mixtape titled "The Umbrella Tape". Soon after he got himself back in school to major in marketing in order to better understand how to market himself and his soon to be established company. Due to the success of "The Umbrella Tape", Aitch began to write "The Umbrella Tape: Prequel", which was a collection that was meant to give his listeners a background of who he is to give them a better understanding of his material.

Coming from South Orange, a multicultural city in New Jersey, is what Aitch feels gave him such passion to stand out from the norm. Aitch's passion for creativity is what influences him to push the limits of hip-hop through lyrical content and production. Though he is not a "gangster rapper" you can still find him giving his listeners that hard edgy feel that the genre is known for.

After sharing stages with the likes of some of hip-hops most popular veterans and starting his own company with close friend and UMG artist J-Rok Aitch is still producing plenty of music for all us hip-hop heads can enjoy, expect to hear big things from him and the UMG family.

Lets get Live In The Cipher!!! Hip Hop heads!!

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Artist Review: Angie Stone

If Angie Stone had her way, she’d sit down next to every single one of her fans and pour out her heart – and soul – to them.  She’d empower them with hard-earned wisdom; lessons learned from her very own heartache and happiness, mistakes and triumphs that led her to three Grammy Award nominations, two Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards, and four Top 10 R&B albums (with her The Art of Love & War going all the way to number one).  And with her new album, Rich Girl¸ the neo-soul songwriter has done just that, delivering a powerfully intimate collection of songs that wrap themselves around you like a warm embrace full of love and compassion, strength and wit.

“I spent a lot of time over the past few years working with other people, writing with them, working with producers.  And then one day I realized that while I was doing everything I could to help them succeed and watching them grow, I was losing pieces of myself in the process.” she explains “I shaved a lot of my originality off when merging with so many other people. Fans weren’t getting Angie Stone.  They were getting Angie and so-and-so. I knew I had to get back to my own music and skills. It’s time for Angie to do Angie.”  That journey returned Stone to her songwriting roots, determined to record an album where making great music and sharing her soul were the only things that mattered.

And within the first few notes of “Real Music,” a gorgeous interlude of, well, real music that opens the album, you know she succeeded beyond all expectations.  Angie teases with a short preview of what’s to come, drawing her listeners in with that neo-soul like so few can do, inviting you to sit down and get comfortable.  “I wanted people to know that I wrote this album from a real place,” she reflects,” and the words for ‘Real Music’ just came to me. And I wanted to give them more than they were expecting. I want folks to be excited, to say ‘wow, I have an album of so much.’

Read more Angie Stone Bio: www.angiestonemusic.com

Tonight on the Live In The Cipher show we welcome back Nina Foxx, former co host of the Cipher show, she is delivering us her latest hip hop release Who Is Nina Foxx? If her past work is any indication this will be another banger for your ears. Also tonight we have the legendary Vita, formerly of Murder Inc, she is making her way back into the hip hop world after taking time to act in feature movies, Belly, and handle the business side of the industry. Tune in and hear what this legendary female rapper has to say about the industry and how things have changed since she was part of the rise of Murder Inc.. We also have Danteze our unsigned shine artist for the night. Its going to be a jam packed show full of the real hip hop the world has been waiting for so join us!

Artist Review: Nina Foxx

Some refer to Jersey City, NJ as "Wall Street West" because of its industrial areas. To Nina Foxx its simply home. Born Felicia Pryer, Nina Foxx grew up on the harder side of JC. Being an only child can be pleasurable for some, but for a young Felicia it had its flaws, the biggest being not having anyone to share life's ups and downs. For therapy, she started to amass her thoughts and daily life activities in a journal. This played a major role in what would later make her the H.B.I.C.

At the young age of 11 years old, Felicia relocated to Florida forcing her to start over leaving Jersey City a distant memory...for now. Unaware that she was about to uncover one of the biggest pieces to her life’s puzzle, Nina adapted to her surroundings swiftly. At 13 years of age, not only did she learn to play various instruments but also how to read music, another crucial piece to her puzzle. This would teach her how to transform her daily entries in her journal into a melodic flow.

For Nina Foxx, High school was where she could showcase her talent. Instead of eating food at lunch time, Nina would get full off of the energy of her classmates who would double as her audience. It was in the cafeteria that she and a few friends would spit bars back and forth, entertaining the crowd until the bell sounded off. Her love for music also influenced her to join the varsity marching band for the Dillard High School Panthers as well. As thing were going good, December 1997 would find Nina and her family back in Jersey City. This would open her eyes to a whole new world. The daily entries in her journal would become more candid and vivid. By age 15 the streets would become Nina’s new BFF, labeling her not only a bona fide hustler but also a Gangstress.

Now in her twenties Nina Foxx has accumulated knowledge from both the streets and the industry. She has taken what she’s learned from both to overcome many obstacles. Graduating at the top of her class for Audio Engineering and Production, she not only has the biggest buzz from a female artist in Jersey City which is rapidly spreading across the tri-state, but she continues to make herself relevant through not only her own music but through the music of those she mentors.

Nina Foxx released her long awaited mix tape, New Breed Of Female: 16 Bars and Hooks!, which is now available on itunes.com and datpiff.com. She has been featured in the 13^th issue of Grindahz Magazine www.Grindahz.com and is featured as the only female rap artist on Big 7, one of Jersey’s Elite exec’s, mixtape titled Time2Grind hosted by DJ Kay Slay, which was released in March 2011. Tune in every Wednesday, on BKS1radio.com where Nina Foxx was a co-host of the Hip Hop segment, Live in the Cipher, reviewing the latest hip hop releases as well as covering hip-hop news and related topics. She has since moved on to promote her solo career but still remains part of the bks1 family. For bookings, features, media, music links and audio engineering contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Follow on twitter @DAREALHBIC201.

Special Guest: Vita

Vita introduced to the hip hop world as the first lady of Murda Inc Record Label. As she grew as an artist Vita moved on from Murda Inc, and got into acting and refocusing her career. Vita is back with her own thing now VitaBaby Inc. Check out her site www.vitababyinc.com, follow her on twitter @officialvita.

Here is a video of one of Vita hit songs Vita, Vita, Vita.

Unsigned Shine Artist: Danteze

At the vibrant age of 18, the New Jersey artist known as Donteze is turning his dreams to reality. Plainfield born, Piscataway raised, Donteze is currently New Jersey's newest big deal. With influence from his older brother who's a hip hop enthusiast, and popular rap artists like Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Gangstarr, and The Loxx Donteze was quickly exposed to the richness of hip hop music and culture.

By elementary school, he had written and executed his first poem. Poetry soon became a major part of his life and by the end of his high school career,his mixtape "50 Cent Sodas" was released. His fan base instantly expanded throughout his hometown, as he was frequently able to perform.

As a freshman student at Kean University, Union NJ Donteze is climbing new heights. Recently releasing a new mixtape entitled "The Opposite", he is expanding his network, and creating new ways to capitalize on his passion for making good music. Most recently, the single from the mixtape "Goodnight" was featured on 90.3FM and UndeniableTV. Also, Donteze performs locally at popular venues such as The Brownstone in Newark,NJ.

A brand new mixtape, "Martin Little" is underway and will soon be released, which includes a concepts of the late MLK and Malcolm X. Critics compare his style and lyricism to rappers such as Wale, Kanye West, Drake, and Big Sean, however Donteze never fails to keep it fresh and original.

Follow Live In The Cipher on twitter: @liveinthecipher and like our Facebook fan page: Live In The Cipher. MC's call in 646-233-1302 spit your hot 16!