BKS1 Radio Network

Tonight 11 pm et. Live on bks1radio.com it's the beautiful talented r&b group Allure & Storm Norm as they discuss along with you, "Some People Say Chivalry Is Dead...But Do Women Really Want A Gentleman?". Chat live or call in 646-233-1302. Special guest actor from Forrest Gump & Waiting To Exhale fame Mykelti Williamson. Also joining us and helping to empower you through dance The Blossom Sisters, along with actor Usman Sharif will be discussing his new movie.  Love and Hip Hop Atlanta star Benzino will be joining the team as well to promote his new song Smashed The Homie/Animal regarding Joseline Hernandez and Karlie Redd.

Special Guest: Mykelti Williamson

Mykelti Williamson was born on March 4, 1957, in St. Louis, Missouri. A survivor of childhood sexual abuse, Williamson found refuge in the stage, becoming a member of the teen dance group featured on Soul Train. He made his acting debut in the show Starsky & Hutch, and went on to appear in a number of TV shows. He is best known for the films Forrest Gump and Free Willy, as well as roles on TV's 24 and CSI: NY.

Early Life

Actor Mykelti Williamson was born Michael T. Williamson on March 4, 1957, in St. Louis, Missouri. Williamson's father served as an Air Force staff sergeant, and his mother was a certified public accountant. Of mixed African-American and Blackfoot Indian heritage, Williamson was named Mykelti by his grandfather—it means both "spirit" and "silent friend" in the Blackfoot language. Williamson's father left the family when Mykelti was still a child. This left Williamson's mother to work full time in order to support her son, and often meant Mykelti had to be left in the care of neighbors, a traumatic arrangement for the young boy.

Read more Mykelti Williamson bio: www.biography.com/people/mykelti-williamson

Special Guests: The Blossom Sisters

"Empowering Our Youth Through Dance Arts Education"
Blossom Sisters Foundation, LLC (BSF) is an organization started in 2008 by two sisters dedicated to building and enabling communities to participate in dance arts who are otherwise not able to afford it.

Our Mission
To provide a dance art program to children ages 2.5-17 yrs old of  disadvantaged families the opportunity to attend dance in their community at low or no cost.  Our mission is to build an economical dance art enrichment programs to our youth that reside in socioeconomic communities in the NJ & NYC areas.

This program is funded in part by Blossom Sisters Foundation (BSF), a Division of Blossom Dance Studio of Hackensack, NJ.  
Blossom Sisters Foundation offers full and partial Dance scholarships, that enable disadvantaged and Low-To Moderate income level families of Hackensack (and surrounding areas of NJ) to attend professional dance classes in the community.

Children will have the opportunity to take Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop and Drama classes at low or no cost to parents.
*Scholarships are provided to attend classes on-site only at Blossom Dance Studio.

BSF dance and mentoring workshops are held onsite at our studio location in Hackensack and via satellite to communities of NJ. Parents must meet criteria and sliding scale fee guidelines according to income and family size.

All applicants must demonstrate eligibility prior to to the program.  We welcome donations-monetary and/or dance attire,costumes and dance footwear.

Read more about The Blossom Sisters: www.blossomsistersfoundation.org

Special Guest: Usman Sharif

To say that Usman Sharif is one of the entertainment industry’s, and in fact the world's rising talents would be an understatement.  With numerous high-profiled feature film dramas and comedies and guest starring sitcom appearances credited to his name and a list of successful businesses he personally owns and in some cases operate, the cliché, “the sky is the limit” truthfully applies to this extraordinary, yet humble man.

Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, Usman has two sisters and three brothers. Although his parents divorced when he was eight, Usman remained close with his Father whom he credits his strong faith and entrepreneurial spirit. This  lead Usman to eventually major in business administration at Essex County College, graduating in 1994. Usman then went on to Kean University in Union, NJ in pursuit of his Bachelors of Science degree in Business Management.

He launched a number of successful businesses over the next several years yet his inclination and desire to entertain grew in his heart and soul. In 2002, Usman confirmed his feelings of wanting to entertain the masses when one evening while watching a film, he realized he belonged on screen instead of in the audience.  Thus in 2003, Usman decided to begin his journey in pursuing entertainment professionally. He partnered with a friend to produce a documentary about women and their everyday struggles, which did very well in the film festival circuit, winning several awards including The Audience Award in The New York International Film Festival. This eventually relocated Usman to Los Angeles, Ca.  Before his trek out west, Usman joined an acting class given by the well-respected acting teacher Tracey Moore. She then introduced Usman to her husband (at the time), director Maurice Marable, who cast him in his first break – a commercial for HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher.”

Usman then landed pivotal supporting roles in the following high-profile feature films; Spike Lee’s  WWII epic “Miracle at St. Anna,” as “Radio man Hughes” along side Derek Luke, Michael Ealy, Laz Alonzo, Omar Benson, and Walton Goggins. “You’re nobody til Somebody Kills You, produced by Spike Lee, “Notorious,” directed by George Tillman Jr., chronicling the life of well-known rap artist Notorious B.I.G., and "3 Can Play That Game", as Alex starring Vivica A. Fox and directed by Samad Davis. Usman also starred in “HUG”, ( 2009 Sundance Film Festival) and landed guest starring roles on HBO’s “The Wire”  and “Tyler Perry's House of Payne” as Firefighter Perkins.

No stranger to the titles Executive Producer and Producer,  Usman Executive produced an award winning documentary entitled "A Pillar of Salt, The Angry Woman Syndrome", and the award winning and contest winning short film "Glimpse" which was the prelude to the award winning feature film "Mooz-Lum" (did not produce) starring Nia Long, Evan Ross, Danny Glover, Dorian Missick and Roger Guenervire Smith. Usman Produced the documentary "Minds of Men" (in which he also starred). Usman is currently overseas in Ghana, West Africa Co-Executive Producing a new television reality show entitled "The Spirited Actor; Africa's Next Big Hollywood Star." He has plans to plant roots in Ghana furthering the "Gollywood" system of entertainment currently running there.

Usman continues to enjoy producing a variety of business opportunities as well. Usman has JUST finished production on "Criminal Behavior", a feature film that was filmed in Atlanta in May 2012 and that he has Executive Produced, Produced and Starred in. "Criminal Behavior" is an film based on dealing with one's past to help create and protect a better future.  Usman is already in pre-production for his next feature film that he's doing with Newark Native Alonzo Herran called "Living With No Regrets", which is a biopic based off Mr. Herran's life. Usman will Produce and have a principle role in this film. Usman currently owns two frozen dessert restaurants, which is part of the huge Rita's Water Ice franchise and a construction company, a real estate investment firm and a property management company. Usman is also the Co-Founder, President and COO of Davis Media Ghana Limited, an overseas entertainment firm. In his spare time, if there is such a thing for him, Usman enjoys  weight training, boxing, football, basketball, softball, Tae Kwon Do (a second degree black belt)  motorcycling and spending as much time with his family as possible.

So as you can see and as Usman is quick to tell you, if you want to watch this young man's meteoric rise to the top...

DON'T BLINK & STAY TUNED!

Special Guest: Benzino

Benzino has a long illustrious career in hip hop, established long before Love and Hip Hop Atlanta fame.  Read about Benzino’s hip hop career below:

Bio from: www.mtv.com/artists/ray-benzino

Benzino may be a rapper, but he's far better known for his disrepute, in particular the discredit he brought to The Source, once the leading rap music magazine. No stranger to controversy, Benzino was long plagued by scandal from a 1992 incident with the Boston police that drove Tommy Boy Records to drop his group the Almighty RSO from its recording contract on account of "One in the Chamba" (a "Cop Killer" knockoff); to his partnership with David Mays, co-owner of The Source, which he used to promote himself and his music associates in the pages of the magazine; to his relentless attack on Eminem and, by extension, Interscope Records in the name of racism; to his eventual termination from The Source by its board of directors in 2006 and the lawsuits that followed.

Given all of the controversy associated with Benzino, his rap career was often written off as irrelevant, a mere byproduct of the power he held as an executive at The Source. Yet while his disrepute did in fact inflict irreversible harm upon his music career, especially his credibility, Benzino was a persistent rapper: no matter how many times his recordings failed to inspire a viable following, and consequently a major label that would continue to support him in the face of anemic sales and mounting controversy, he doggedly kept rapping and kept recording new albums, regardless of whether or not they fell upon deaf ears. 

Originally known as Raydog (aka Ray Dogg), the Boston rapper/producer (born Ray Scott on October 24, 1965) began his rap career as part of the group Almighty RSO (i.e., Roxbury Street Organization, Real Strong Organization, Rock Sh*t On, Ray Scott Organization -- take your pick). Comprised also of DJ Deff Jeff, Tony Rhome, and E-Devious, the Almighty RSO made their recording debut in 1986 on Boot Records with the "The Greatest Show on Earth" 12" single. The group's second release, the "We'll Remember You" 12" (1987), also on Boot, credited Raydog with production.

The Almighty RSO was eventually signed in 1991 by Tommy Boy Records, which released the group's single "One in the Chamba" the following year. The song advocated self-defense in the face of police brutality; needless to say, the Boston police department and local law enforcement advocacy groups didn't appreciate the song, and in turn mounted a public relations campaign in opposition. Around this same time, in 1992, a nation-wide controversy had broken out over the Body Count song "Cop Killer," written and sung by rapper Ice-T.

Warner Brothers, which had released "Cop Killer," responded to public pressure by pulling the song from the album on which it originated, Body Count, and dropping the group from the label. Tommy Boy, which was distributed by Warner Brothers, responded to the controversy in a similar fashion, dropping the Almighty RSO like a hot potato because of "One in tha Chamba."

Read more Benzino bio: www.mtv.com/artists/ray-benzino

Tonight 11pm et. Live on bks1radio.com join the beautiful talented r&b group Allure & Storm Norm as they discuss along with you."Are Today's Independent Women The Reason Why Marriage Rates Are So Low?" to be happy in a relationship should you admit that women & men are not equal. Chat live or call in 646-233-1302. Also the new segment "Ask Allure" if you need some sisterly advice fellas and you want to know something from a woman's perspective. Special guest country singer Franklin Burns tonight at 11pm et.

Special Guest: Country Singer Franklin Burns

Career Highlight: My first profession al performance was at The Waldorf Astoria, New York City. I was born on a farm in a small town in Garfield, Georgia to two amazing parents, Silvernette and Frank Burns. I have two sisters Cassandra and Vanessa Burns and one brother Christopher Burns.

As my parents’ miracle child, I was born 3 months premature and blessed by God I survive d. Growing up, I went through a lot of challenge s and music was and still is my therapy, it got me through so much. I always loved country music; it was late r on in my life that I started getting teased f or liking country music. The most popular tease was I wanted to be white; confused, I wondered, “S o I can't love a certain genre of mu sic because of my skin color.” I continued to love my country music despite the ridicule. I remember being in mu sic class in 4th grade and having to sing. I tried to sin g music that I wasn't familiar with because I didn't want to be tease d which I ended up being teased anyways because I sounded so horrible (lol), I was told singing wasn’t for me.

A few years later, my oldest sister Cassandra Burns told m e to stay after school because she wanted me to audition for a talent show that her drama class was having. I was extremely shy and very scared but I couldn’t say no to my sister. I’m thankful to her because my family knew I loved country music but they never really heard me sing so for her to ask me meant she saw something in me. I did the show, it occurred on my mother and father's anniversary so to me it was an awesome gift. My journey of life continued and I kept my love for music and sang for fun, I even did karaoke from time to time.

Thanks to Derrick McArthur-Thompson and Thomas Powell who introduced me to the amazing Christian Ruar and Walter Moore w ho brought me aboard the remarkable team of Ruart Music Group, RC Productions, and Black K ash Entertainment. I hit the ground running and I’m so grateful for the opportunity and m y support system. I thank God for my Gift, Family, Friends, my Team, and everyone that shows love and support. It's the love I get from family, friends, and my fans that keep me going. I love you All. Thanks for taking time out for little ole me. It's Appreciated Greatly.

Tonight on BKS1RADIO.COM at 11 pm est. on The Grown Sexy Situation Show "ALLURE ASK"  Should A Woman Give The Engagement Ring Back If You Break Up Before The Wedding? What's Your Opinion? Special musical guests: Ebony Onassis and Archie Bang

Special Guest: Ebony Onassis

Ebony “Onassis” Baker Mars was born on February 3rd 1992 in Elizabeth, NJ she is the middle child of four siblings.  At the young age of three family and friends learned that Ebony was blessed with a silly and bubbly personality. Onassis grew up in a music oriented home, where both her father and her sister were performers. She easily learned songs knowing lyrics word by word without hesitation. At the tender of twelve Onassis performed in front of thousands at the famous Apollo Theater. She had been encouraged by her fathers motivating words, “Apollo will either make or break you!"  The Apollo made her. She went on to sing at The Ritz Theater, as an opening act for rap star, "Lil Kim." Onassis has performed on several stages in New York City, such as: The Soul Shack, Iguanna and The Soul Cafe just to name a few. Onassis received vocal training at Cari Cole, one the best vocal schools in New York City. She has also received artist development from individuals who have industry experience.

Ebony had been told by several individuals that they were astonished by her vocal abilities and unique trends. With such positive praise and in pursuit of her dream, Ebony tried out for TV shows like American Idol, The Voice, and X-Factor. Unfortunately, she was not chosen to appear on any of the shows. Nonetheless, she was very proud that on April 15, 2012 out of about 20,000 other hopefuls who stood along with her in the pouring rain to audition for the TV show "X-Factor, it was Ebony "Onassis" Baker whose face appeared in the Star Ledger newspaper. Encouraged by family and friends Ebony presses on perusing her many goals. “Onassis” has shot two videos to date, her first video "What They Looking At," and the second video "Why We Can’t Fly". Onassis is passionate about more than just singing.  She is also sincerely passionate about Breast Cancer Awareness, Prevention and Intervention. In March of 2012 Cable vision joined Onassis at her Breast Cancer Awareness Event.

Onassis is currently focused on building her brand, and making a name for herself. She spends her days and nights writing and recording for projects that she knows will one day climb the Billboard charts. When asked what she wants to accomplish her face brightens with excitement, as she answers with confidence; "I want to be an inspiration to all females...”!

Special Guest: Archie Bang

East Coast best kept secret “Archie Bang” aka Frantz Joseph is fast becoming the next HIP HOP ICON. His first music video “Jealousy” featuring West Coast native, Nipsey Hussle tapped in a million hits the first hour it was featured on WorldStarhiphop.com. Born and raised in Flatbush, Brooklyn a city known as the ghetto with a Caribbean twist. Archie’s rise to the top is not your typical Brooklyn tale, with a strict upbringing by hard working Haitian parents; Archie’s father, like a lot of people, was out the picture before his chapter in the story began. Tough love from his mother and stepfather is partially the reason Archie was able to prevail in a city with a reputation for violence.

Armed with pen and paper he started writing and eventually his lyrics led him to close a deal as part of a group, At this point trying to distance himself from his hectic past, his efforts were in vain. Shortly after signing with a J Records Imprint, he was forced to turn himself in on an armed robbery case.
Archie’s greatest regret was not listening to the little voice in his head, his gut, and the night that lead to his prison sentence. Robbery charges turned around and robbed him of six years of his life. He refused to waste the time, so he used it wisely. His days and nights alone in his cell inspired lyrics for which he wrote and produced "Jealousy" featuring  Nipsey Hussle, "My Life", and "All That You Need".

All which were on the Dj Whoo Kid hosted 2010 Nothing to Lose Mixtape, in March 2010 which created some buzz virally for Archie. 1 year later came support from DJ KAY SLAY with him supporting "My Life" on WQHT Hot 97 New York. Now Archie Bang is releasing his next official single "City of God", which is being pushed heavily to worldwide radio and already receiving support from some top DJ Crews! Get ready Archie Bang is on the rise and a force to be reckoned with.