Swagglife Magazine

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4 SWAGGLIFE Summer 2009 www.swagglifemagazine.com

4 LETTER FROM EDITOROur first issue: All for the love of Baltimore

5 ARTS & LYRICSXxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx

6 FEATURE ARTISTShannon Ramsey: A star on the rise

9 THE ART OF BALTIMOREXxxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xx

10 GRAPHIC DESIGNERProfile of Graphic De-signer Xxx xxx xxx xxxx

10 PHOTOGROPHERProfile of Photogropher Kyle of Nice Shots Photography

11 DANCER/AUTHORProfile of dancer xxx xxx xxx and author xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxxx

12 DJ/PRODUCERProfile of Producer Branden Green and D.J. 5 Starr

14 SWAGG SPOTLIGHTMeet Skarr Akbar: rapper, graphic designer and producer

16 COVER STORYBossman xxx xxx xxx xxx

20 STYLE 101Fellas, step up your style game

22 FASHIONThe latest trends in the Baltimore area

27 AVON ARTICLEXxx xxx xxx xxxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx

28 BALTIMORE NIGHT LIFEPhotos of the local Bal-timore night scene

30 TRACEY ARTICLEPhotos of the local Bal-timore night scene

30 MARCY ARTICLEPhotos of the local Bal-timore night scene

32 GET RIGHT, GET TIGHTPhotos of the local Bal-timore night scene

CONTENTS

6 FEATURE ARTISTShannon Ramsey: A star on the rise

PHOTO/KYLE POMPEY

2 SWAGGLIFE Spring 2009 www.swagglifemagazine.com

www.swagglifemagazine.com Spring 2009 SWAGGLIFE 3

CONTRIB-UTORS

u CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER/FOUNDER

Kyle Pompey

u EDITOR-IN-CHIEFMia Fields-Hall

u EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE EDITOR IN CHIEF

Shinese Purdie

u LAYOUT DIRECTORWilliam Nauman

u PUBLICISTSharada Maddox

u COPY EDITORJennifer O.

u PHOTO EDITORGanoo

u ILLUSTRATORSkarr- Akbar

u STYLISTCarlita Paliefe

Kia Chenelle

u MAKEUP ARTISTRadience Pittman

Shemeika Johnson

Alison L. Moss

Quiana Bullock

u WRITERSBritney Williams

Tekee Wilkes

Phallon Perry

Avon dorsey

u PHOTOGRAPHERSKyle Pompey

Roy Cox

u ONLINE CONTENT

u ONLINE EDITORMia Fields-Hall

xxxx fort plain AvenueBaltimore Maryland

(xxx)567-4534

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

I remember standing in front of the NAACP ACT-SO judges at the

age of 14 being incred-ibly nervous as I read my poem for the writer’s competition. The poem was entitled “The Road” in which I described the amazing diversity of Balti-more Maryland and what it was like to grow up in a place that was perceived to be so negative in the national spotlight. I wanted the judges and people all around the country to know that we were much more than what the media

described as troublemakers, gang bangers, and drug dealers. Sure, Baltimore has its bad seeds like any other city, but it’s im-portant for the world to know we are so much more than that!

In this issue we introduce you to the faces, businesses, and stars on the rise that make this city so wonderful. Read along with us as Baltimore artist, poets, dancers, CEO’s and so much more share their stories of how they rose to the top despite adversity. Although each feature story in this issue is different in their own right, there are many similarities as well. Bossman, Shannon Ramsey, Marcy Crump, and each person recognized have one thing in common; they understood the importance of

dedicating 200% to pursue their passions. If you take away just one message from reading our very first issue, we hope that you get that the sky is the limit and anything is possible if you give your all!

Mia Fields-Hall

Editor-In-Chief

Mia Fields-Hall


ALL FOR THE LOVE OF BALTIMORE

OUR FIRST ISSUE

Photos taken at the Hippodome in Baltimore, MD Feb 20, 2009.

ART, BEATS & LYRICS

MIA FIELDS-HALLSWAGGLIFE MAGAZINE

n WHAT: Art, Beats, + Lyricsn HISTORY: Art, Beats, + Lyrics was es-tablished in 2004 when founder Jabari Gra-ham faced being laid off from his job. Jabari figured he could look for new employment or create it himself. He had longed toyed with the idea of creating a showcase for

unrecognized urban artist. Jabari decided to follow his dream, and teamed up with Dwayne “Dubelyoo” Wright, who had been creating his own art shows and brought ex-perience. Together they repacked the event and “Art, Beats, +Lyrics” was born.n FEATURES: Seven themes in Hip Hop and highlights from the urban art are expressed through photography, graffiti, music, and break dancing.

n SIGNIFICANCE: Art and music were once the voice of the people. It was an underground movement driven by the need for expression. Somewhere along the way, art became available only to elite and music profiled only the few. Art, Beats,+ Lyrics gives a voice to the artist who never get a chance. The show is one of the largest traveling urban art exhibi-tions in the world. n


PHOTOS/KYLE POMPEY

A STAR ON THE RISE

One time as a child my parents heard singing coming from my bedroom and thought that the radio was on, but discovered it was me. I’ve been sing-ing ever since.

SHANNON RAMSEY

FEATURE ARTIST


PHOTO/KYLE POMPEY



An unusual hush fell over the audi-ence at Baltimore City Community College on March 8, 2008 when

contestant number 60, Shannon Ramsey, belted her first note. The city’s number one radio station WERQ-FM 92.3 Jams was holding their annual music seminar designed to edu-cate music lovers about the record industry. Along with workshops and panel discus-sions, the radio one station also featured a music competition for aspiring artist.

Although over 100 singers, rap-pers, and groups performed for the crowd and judges, there could only be one winner, and Shan-non Ramsey took the crown. “I’m feeling

good, I’m feeling wonderful, excited, and not nervous at all,” Ramsey said after win-ning the competition last month. “This is just the beginning!”

The Baltimore native is no stranger to performing in front of large crowds. As a former member of the Morgan State Uni-versity Choir and Sigma Iota Alpha Fra-

ternity for women, she is more than comfortable being on stage. “I’ve always loved to sing for as long as I could remem-ber,” Ramsey expressed. “One time as a child my parents heard singing coming from my bedroom

and thought that the radio was on, but discovered it was me. I’ve been singing ever since.”

Like many children whose parents are of the baby boom generation, Ramsey grew up listening to the soulful sounds of Anita Baker, Phylis Hyman, and Sade. “I really love old school R&B, I feel like that’s my lane, there’s no gimmick with them, it’s who I am,” Ramsey said when asked what makes her stand out as an artist. “In today’s music there’s a wholesome feeling that is just missing, I’m going to bring that back.”

However, although Ramsey remains confident in her talent, she is well aware of her competition, but not worried about standing out from the Rihanna’s, Beyonce’s, and other industry made artist. “My main priority is to make sure I’m aligned with my destiny and for me that’s singing,” Ramsey proclaimed. “You see failure is just an allusion, life is all about what you make it; if you get knocked down, get back up. You can be a suc-cess if you choose to be.”

Ms. Ramsey certainly does know what it means to be successful as a newly signed artist to Koch records. She has a lot to look forward to. She has already performed internationally, and even recently performed during amateur night at the Apollo. A star on the rise, Shan-non Ramsey truly is, and she’s only just begun! n

FEATURE ARTIST

Shannon Ramsey

PHOTOS/KYLE POMPEY

8 SWAGGLIFE Summer 2009 www.swagglifemagazine.com

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THE ART OF BALTIMORE


INTRODUCING THE ART OF BALTIMORE

KEVIN BEANSWAGGLIFE MAGAZINE

Although Baltimore is smaller than most major American cities, no one can doubt that what it lacks n size, it makes up for with it’s people. Join us as we take a look at six of Baltimore’s most talented artist. n



Charisma is what some might consider one of the hottest graphic designers in the tri-state area. Although he has only been in the game three years, he has al-ways had a love for graphic art. “I am re-ally passionate about my work and when people come to me and express there appreciation for my creativity, it makes me feel good,” he said. Charisma did what most fear during tough times, he went af-ter his passion and succeeded. “I always wondered how graphics were created and I found out after I lost my day job. I used my unemployment checks to purchase books, software, and equipment that I needed to dive into a graphic and the rest is history.” However, don’t confuse Charisma’s confidence with cockiness he is still proud of his hometown of Balti-more. “I appreciate the people, the hood, the pain, and I love the strength that is a direct result of pain,” he expressed when asked about growing up in Baltimore. “I’ve seen convicted felons that couldn’t find employment start their business from a vision they had and chose me to help brand them or their companies. That means a lot to me because I was in the same situation as them, helping others become successful defines my own suc-cess.” n Charisma

DESIGNER PHOTO CHARISMA

TEKEE WILKESSWAGGLIFE MAGAZINE

If a picture is worth a thousand words then Kyle Pompey’s photographs have a lot to say. His work leaps off the page and into provocative conversation and discussion. Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland his photographs reflect the gritty side of city living and the emer-gence of urban upward mobility. He was

introduced to photography while attend-ing Baltimore City College and his love af-fair with the camera began. Kyle realized that he could combine his fondness for sharing stories with his love for taking pic-tures. As the CEO of SwaggLife Magazine and Nice Shot Photography LLC Kyle is on the fast track to success. “My bound-aries are limitless. I work to capture the essence of each moment,” he said in an interview. “My inspiration is greatness.”

KYLEPOMPEY

PHOTO/TEKEE WILKESKyle Pompey

Randi Inniss PHOTO/KYLE POMPEY

Randi Inniss didn’t began dancing at a

very young age like other dancers, instead she was introduced to the world of Ballet and Modern at 11 years old when she attended Evangel Cathedral. She excelled so quickly in the church’s youth dance ministry that within a year she was moved up to teacher assistant. Dance be-came an outlet for the young student and helped her grow closer to her faith. While attending Goucher college Randi began to realize the importance of individuality and explored nightlife, art, politics, injus-tices, fashion, and the education system. Although being a college student opened her eyes to many new things, dancing still remained her passion. While in college Randi studied under some of the coun-try’s most talented dance instructors and also interned at PHILADANCO, a profes-sional dancing company.”My faith has

allowed me to endure a lot of criticism, pain, sweat, disappointment, but I ultimately try my best to do what is right, follow my dreams, and let God speak through me in whatever way he may see fit,” she said. “I hope to give peo-ple understanding, peace, happiness, and wisdom all through dance. I want people to feel the emotions I feel by seeing me. I want

people to gain an appreciate for the arts, and for them to realize how powerful it is. I would like these experiences to be avail-able to all people. You don’t have to go to the Kennedy Center to see dance of sub-stance, you can see it at a park, or on the side of the street, the court, or anywhere.” As the CEO of Cognoscenti Mangement, Randi is responsible for planning some of the biggest events in Baltimore and the DMV. She dreams of one day owning a professional dance touring company that speaks to social issues, promotes the arts,education, and faith. n



A phenomenal poet, performer and teacher Archie the Mes-senger (ATM) has touched

the hearts and minds of people of all races, classes and educational back-

grounds. From his hometown Buffalo, New York to Baltimore, Maryland Archie has used spo-ken word theater as healing and entertain-ment for the

urban community. Archie combines theater,comedy,improv, poetry and a drop of soul music into a spiritu-ally uplifting experience. Aside from being a performer, Archie spent most of his time with his students at Baltimore Talent Development High School where he taught Language Arts and Oral Interpretation to aspir-ing teens. His honors and accolades include winning the NAACP’s Act-So National Oratory Championship, the New Africa House Slam(Buffalo,NY), Last Poet Standing 2004 champion-ship (Baltimore) Rip The Mic Slam Winner,DC the Njozi Poets Slam Winner(Buffalo), Tri City Slam Series Winner(Cleveland),. He was also a finalist in the Baltimore-vs.-DC Team, Winner of the Slam Last Poet Stand-ing Championship and a member of Morgan State Universities Battle of the Schools Slam Team. Archie The Mes-senger, at Age 24 has proven himself to be one of the greatest spoken word artists of our generation. n

Randi Inniss didn’t began dancing at a very young age like other dancers, instead she was introduced to the world of Ballet and Modern at 11 years old

Archie the Messenger (ATM)

ARCHIE THE MESSENGER (ATM)

RANDI INNISS

DANCER/POET


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A Homeownership Community

SWAGG SPOTLIGHT

MEETSKARRAKBAR Skarr Akbar


n WHO: Skarr Akbarn CLAIM TO FAME: Rapper, graphic designer, and producer.n SINGLE: Scholarship Chicksn FATHER OF: 3 childrenn RECORD LABEL: Tommy Boy/Warner Brothers/ Global Enter-tainmentn INSPIRATIONS: Eminem, Joe Budden, and Art Tatumn GETTING HIS HUSTLE ON: “I’m always working, working, working, and grinding with mix tapes. You have to keep your name out there!”n SCHOOLS ATTENDED: Lake Clifton, Edmondson, Merriville, and Catonsville Community Collegen WHY HE LOVES BALTIMORE: “There’s not another city out here like us, the way we carry ourselves is just so real.”n ADVICE TO ASPIRING ARTIST: “Never say the word can’t, you can do whatever you want to do. Once you set your mind to some-thing, keep going, doors may close, but be a locksmith and pick it!”n DEFINITION OF SWAGG: “Swagg is your whole style, your whole persona. It’s all about how you carry yourself.” n

PHOTO/KYLE POMPEY


COVERSTORY


Continued on page 18

FEAR-LESSHE’S COMING TO CLAIM THE THRONE

The crowd erupted with cheers, as one of their own, rapper Bossman, appeared on stage at Rams Head

Live last month. “I love you Bossman,” one young woman screamed for the Baltimore bred rapper, as he began the first verse to his rising hit single, “Break Me Off.” He was sharing the stage with another rap star that night, Jim Jones. Although he was not the show’s headliner he still held his own, keeping the crowd in the palm of his hands, as hundreds of fans recited every rap lyric along with him. Life wasn’t always this good for Bossman aka Travis Holifield. At a young age, both of his parents were incarcerated, which

resulted in Holifield being raised by his grandmother. However, he didn’t let adver-sity stop him from going after everything he wanted and more.

SWAGG LIFE: You’ve been through a lot what would you say your biggest motiva-tion has been? BOSSMAN: I would definitely say my motivation was growing up and seeing a mixture of two very different households. Growing up, I lived in the county for a little bit and saw what it was like to have a nice house, live in a good neighborhood, and all that. When my parents got locked up I

&TALENTED

COVERSTORY

PHOTOS/KYLE POMPEY


SWAGG LIFE: And lastly Bossman, tell our readers your definition of Swag? BOSSMAN: You’re talk-ing to him. I am Swag.

&TALENTED

COVERSTORY


HOT BALTIMORE MC BOSSMAN IS ONE OF THE REALEST RAPPERS IN THE GAME

went to live with my grandmother and that was just totally different. At a young age I saw hustlers on the corner and all sorts of bad things, but I still I learned a lot from that entire situation, it taught me the best of both worlds. SWAGG LIFE: How long were your par-ents incarcerated? BOSSMAN: My father was locked up for 13 and half years, and my mother dibbled and dabbled in drug abuse so she was in and out. SWAGG LIFE: Wow, how did you get through with your father being gone so long? BOSSMAN: A lot of kids don’t get to see any positivity, but I did, and it helped me. My mother and I also hustled together to get the bills paid. I did odd jobs here and there, she did what she had to do, and together we were a team. It installed a lot of stuff in me to keep fighting and I did. SWAGG LIFE: How did you break into the rap game? BOSSMAN: Actually my parents brought me to the rap game. No kid wants to tell their friends that their parents are locked up. I just wrote everything that I was feeling or wanted to say into my lyrics and that’s how it all started. SWAGG LIFE: Do you remember the first moment you thought to yourself, “I want to do this rap thing for the rest of my life.” BOSSMAN: The first moment was defi-nitely when I was living with my grand-mother. I remember sitting in the back of the car on the way to her house, bobbing my head to disc man. I used to rock with Kriss Kross when they first came out, so I would write down every lyric. My middle school had a talent show and I performed one of their songs and won. People were taking pictures of me, and surrounding me. I was like yea I could get used to this. SWAGG LIFE: What started the transi-tion of you going from more pop, like ‘Kris Kross’ lyrics, to what you rap about now? BOSSMAN: The streets played a part in my lyrics changing. I started hanging around older dudes, who were hustling’, getting shot at, and locked up constantly.

It opened my eyes to reality. SWAGG LIFE: How was your high school experience growing up in Baltimore? BOSSMAN: It was different. I went to Mervo, so it wasn’t your typical high school; it was all about having a trade. I went for auto mechanics, but I wasn’t feeling that so I switched to electronics. I didn’t have the best grades, but I worked out a situation where I was able to get released to the studio and work on my music. I really went hard to get my music game up during those years, it was my passion. SWAGG LIFE: What was next for you after high school, how did you go from being an everyday student at Mervo, (Mergenthaler Vocational - Technical Se-nior High School) to becoming Bossman? BOSSMAN: Grinding! A lot of people don’t understand that being a rapper isn’t exactly a typical career. You really have to grind to make it. My around the way homeboys and I formed a group called North East Kings; there were 5 of us. We hit the streets independent on a posi-tive vibe, talking about AIDS awareness and teaching the youth. We hit all the hot clubs and gave our mixtapes out for free to get our name out there. Also in the beginning my name was Jimmy Hash, but along the way Bossman caught on. SWAGG LIFE: How did you break away from the group and go solo? BOSSMAN: I wouldn’t really say I broke away, we’re still North East Kings. How-ever, around that time (2004) I started to catch a lot of buzz for myself. That was always the plan with our group though, to let everyone use the group to establish themselves and build off of that. Our group quickly turned to three. SWAGG LIFE: You were signed with Virgin/Def Jam for a while, how did that come about? BOSSMAN: I had a popular record, “Oh” a.k.a. “The Baltimore Anthem” that got a lot of buzz and heavy rotation on 92Q. After that, Off Da Record was released and that caught the attention of Jermaine Dupri who was the president of Virgin Records/So So Def at the time. Jermaine

expressed that he wanted to tap into real hip-hop and I was signed to Virgin/Def Jam Records. They convinced me to take my debut album, Law and Order off the shelves for it to be re-released. That in and of itself was a mistake. Everything was good at first, J.D. threw me a huge signing party in Baltimore. I did a song with Clinton Sparks, so it was really look-ing up. I stayed with Virgin/Def Jam for a while, but it really just didn’t work out. When the buzz wasn’t picking up the way J.D. thought it would, he turned his back when it didn’t work. They allowed me to be released from my contract. SWAGG LIFE: What was your next move after being released? BOSSMAN: I was signed to Sony Re-cords under their Urban Music division and everything was looking up, but that didn’t work out either. During that time I released a pre-album CD entitled End of Discussion, which you can only get in Bal-timore. I put out the mixtape Overdose with Dollars from N.E.K. and people really loved that. So although things weren’t going how I wanted them to go with Sony, it ended up being ok. SWAGG LIFE: Now you’re signed to Myspace Records, how is that going? BOSSMAN: Everything is going great so far, I’m happy with them. It’s motivating me so much because they’re really in this with me. SWAGG LIFE: What’s next for Bossman? BOSSMAN: Everything! Be on the look out for the “Break Me Off” remix with Jim Jones and Raheem Devaughn. Also be sure to check out a new documentary, “No Struggle, No Success” that Myspace is doing on me. It will basically be 30 episodes centered around my life. We’re hoping the show will give fans a chance to really get to know me. SWAGG LIFE: The ladies want to know if you’re single BOSSMAN: Well, I am a father of two, but I’m not married. SWAGG LIFE: And lastly Bossman, tell our readers your definition of Swag? BOSSMAN: You’re talking to him. I am Swag. n

Continued from page 16

STYLE

101 FELLAS STEP YOUR GAME UP

KANYE WEST

AVONSWAGGLIFE MAGAZINE

We are living in the

midst of a style revolution—get on board or you’ll be stuck in the ______! The days of wearing oversized t-shirts and sagging jeans are long gone. Like Jay-Z said, “Throw on a suit, get it tapered up. Change clothes,

and let’s go…”This mes-

sage is for all of the gentlemen who just

don’t have a clue about

fashion, or those who

may know a few things, but have no idea where to begin. Changing clothes doesn’t mean that

you have to put on your ‘Sunday’s best’ or be what they call, “casket sharp,” wearing a three-piece suit 24-7—no way. Chang-ing clothes simply means re-inventing your look, in a more sophisticat-ed, grown mankind of way.

Mix up your 9-to-5 business wear with the latest style shirts and jackets, pair them with some hot footwear and European style jeans (slim fit), and just like that, you’re in

the mix! You have seen some of the biggest names in the

entertainment indus-try rock this stylish

and sophisticated look—most notably Kanye West, An-

dre 3000, Will Smith, and your favorite rapper’s, favorite rapper, Jay-Z—so this means that it’s officially cool for you to follow their lead.

By now you’ve probably heard of the term, metrosexual, used to describe the fashion-forward gentlemen, who

takes attention to his outer appear-ance to new levels. Coined

circa 1994 by writer Mark Simpson, the term increas-ingly became more popular in the early 2000’s by ar-ticles published in publica-tions such as Salon.com and The New York Times.

To many people, the term metrosexual seems

to insinuate that most guys never really cared about their

hygiene or their look—which is far from

the truth. It is perfectly okay to be willing to go that extra-mile to maintain your outer im-age without thinking that it’s gay. It’s all about staying fresh and clean—no matter how people try to label you!

Browsing sites such as www.louisvuitton.com (Men’s collection designed by Marc Jacobs) and www.gucci.com (Men’s collection designed

by Frida Gian-nini) may help in achieving your new look.

Of course, you don’t just want to

go by what ev-erybody else is

doing, that’s why it’s important to decide which fashion styles work best for you and your bud-get. Fellas, it’s time to get your gear right! Go hard or go home—period. n

ANDRE 3000

WILL SMITH

SWIZZ BEATZ

T.I.


MAKKAHS BOUTIQUE DIVINE INNER PEACEECCLECTIC OUTWARD ELEGANCE


2444 N. CHARLES STREET BALTIMORE, MD


FASHION

MODEL: Eboni Brice MAKE-UP BY: Radiance DRESS: Forever 21 $15.00RING: Forever 21 $4.80 SHOES: Steve Madden $90.00 BRACELET: $12.00BELT BUCKLE: Wal-Mart $4.99 MASK: Carlita Paliefe` STYLIST: Carlita Paliefe` nPHOTO/KYLE POMPEY

FASHION

MODEL: Eboni Brice MAKE-UP BY: Radiance DRESS: Forever 21 $15.00RING: Forever 21 $4.80 SHOES: Steve Madden $90.00 BRACELET: $12.00BELT BUCKLE: Wal-Mart $4.99 MASK: Carlita Paliefe` STYLIST: Carlita Paliefe` nPHOTO/KYLE POMPEY

PHOTO/KYLE POMPEY


MODEL: EbonySHIRT: Gap $39.50VEST: H&M $17.99EAR RINGS: Beauty Supply Store $4.99NECKLACE: Forever 21 $8.80BRACELETS 1&2: Forever 21 $5.80JEANS: Free People $190.00SHOES: Betsy John-son $189.00STYLIST: Carlita Paliefe` n

MODEL: Daniel ParsonsJACKET: Ed Hardy $420SHIRT: H&M $15Jeans: Rock & Re-public $260SHOES: Foot locker Converse $49.99STYLIST: Carlita Paliefe` n

FASHION


FASHION

MODEL: Daniel ParsonsJACKET: Ed Hardy $420SHIRT: H&M $15Jeans: Rock & Re-public $260SHOES: Foot locker Converse $49.99STYLIST: Carlita Paliefe` n

PHOTO/KYLE POMPEY


STYLE

101 THROWBACKMIA FIELDS-HALLSWAGGLIFE MAGAZINE

From playing Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis, to watching new epi-sodes of The Cosby Show, to rocking MC Hammer parachute trousers, the 90’s definitely one of the most influential eras to date. This was an era that began the widespread exploitation of personal computers, the Internet, and the birth of reality television shows on MTV, just to name a few. And although we won’t ever be able to catch a new episode of The Cosby Show, some 90’s comebacks aren’t too far fetched.

So, I noticed this trend about a year or two ago—designers began to send their interpretations of nineties-esque fashion down the runways. Every major fashion house from Dior to Burberry were riding the nineties fashion wave. So it wasn’t just the internet, MTV reality shows, and personal computers that had a major impact on the things that permeate our society during the 21st century.

(Tyson, then) (Fashion, now)Not only does this 90’s comeback

have an effect on fashion, it has also hit the mainstream media with pop icons such as Beyoncé. In her latest video “Diva,” she’s seen wearing several ‘throwback’ metallic-like ensembles—some designed by the famous French designer, Jean Paul Gaultier, which harkens back to the days of Madonna performing in that cone-shaped bra that Gaultier designed for her.

(Madonna, then) (Beyoncé, now)

The musical genius group De La Soul made their own impact on hip-hop and fashion throughout the 90’s, and today we see their rekindled ‘soul’ shine vicari-ously through new and upcoming groups such as The Cool Kids. Moreover, not even De La Soul could have escaped the loom of the 90’s inspired culture into the 21st Century, judging from one of their more recent album covers.

(De La Soul, then) (The Cool Kids, now)

(De La Soul, now)There weren’t many drastic changes

that took place during the close of the 90’s and the opening of the 21st century, like most people thought it would be. Leading up to Y2K, there were discus-sions of black outs, and even things as drastic as the world coming to an end. Instead, many positive things took place at the opening of the new millen-nium. Everything was upgraded to a more tech-friendly world. For instance, the computer company Apple really tried to take technology to a new level in the late 90’s and early 2000’s, how-ever they didn’t seem to get their feet off the ground with their older models of computers, and they suffered a tremen-dous unpopular phase for some time throughout the 90’s, while Microsoft surged forward as a powerhouse in the computer market.

(Apple computer, then) (Apple computer, now)Fast-forward to present day, and you

would be hard-pressed not to find some-one who doesn’t own an iPod, iPhone or an iMac, which by the way is a much-upgraded Apple computer from the ones in the 90’s. Apple has really proven that everything comes full circle—even the 90’s.

Over and out… I need to go download some more songs from iTunes (lol)!

Peace & God’s Blessings on Your Life,

* The Style Doctor * n

SWIZZ BEATZ

T.I.


KEVIN BEAN AND MIA FIELDS-HALLSWAGGLIFE MAGAZINE

The name Marcy Evans Crump has been synonymous with Baltimore night-life for over twenty years now. The self-acclaimed “Social Butterfly” created, The Flywire, a quarterly magazine and an online network for Baltimore’s up and coming young professionals and entre-preneurs in 2004 and hasn’t looked back since. Within just a short five years, The Flywire, has built a significant member-ship that expands from Baltimore, D.C., New York City, Philadelphia, Miami, Chi-cago, and Atlanta, just to name a few.

SWAGG LIFE: Who is the “social but-terfly” Marcy Crump? Social butterfly is what you consider an alias; a politically correct term for a person who socializes for a living, but that is not me. However, I do have social butterfly qualities. I like to entertain, I like to see people have a good time, but I’m not the most sociable person there is. I’m not the one who has to be the center of attention…

SWAGG LIFE: Tell us more about The Flywire, what’s the magazines purpose? I started the Flywire for people to change their minds about Baltimore. A lot of times we feel overshadowed by major cities like D.C., Atlanta, and New York. I want to spotlight ordinary people who are doing great things, so other people will want to do great things too. SWAGG LIFE: Ok, what do you think are the main ingredients of you having so much success with The Flywire? It’s the people that attend the events; the key to the success of the Flywire is not about one person. People love that they can pick up the magazine and see them-selves or see someone they know. They can say with pride or hatera-tion, “I can do that too.” My mission is to highlight people and motivate them to do better.

SWAGG LIFE: You know our magazine is called Swagg Life, what’s your defini-tion of Swag? A charismatic persons style and ease,

like President Obama. SWAGG LIFE: Does Marcy Crump have Swagg?

Please, I’ve been hated on since kinder-garten! [Laughing] No really, it took me until my 40’s to understand that’s not a problem. n

THE HOTTEST PROMOTER IN THE GAME

Marcy Crump-Evans, CEO and Publisher of “The Flywire.”

MARCY CRUMP OF THE FLYWIRE

PHOTOS/ANTIONE FRIEND/BMORENEWS.COM

SWAGGPROFILE

MARCY EVANS CRUMP


BALTIMORE NIGHT LIFE


PHOTOS/KYLE POMPEY


PHOTOS/KYLE POMPEY


Tracey Stafford is ambitious, fear-less, hopeful, a go-getter, and the leader of Baltimore’s biggest

promotion team, House of Dynasty. Nu-merous top artists have graced concert stages in Charm City due to Tracey’s powerful team and influence. She has accomplished what many others could not, success in an industry that often shuts its doors to women.

SWAGG LIFE: So how would u say that you’ve managed to be successful in such a male dominated industry? Prayer and a lot of hard work have played the part in making me success-ful. SWAGG LIFE: Who’s your inspiration?

I’ve never really thought of it, I guess my mom. I’m also a mom; I have one son who is 17.

SWAGG LIFE: What do you think makes you’re business boom so well? My team, I sur-round myself with people who I know can do things I can. You have to play to your strengths. I don’t think anyone can be successful if they don’t have a good choice in people. It took me

along time to figure out the fake from the phonies, to the real. Once you finally get

through the bull crap of it all and get a good team, you’re great.

SWAGG LIFE: What was your vision when starting your company? I envisioned bringing talent to Baltimore. When I first started, no one would come here, they would bypass us and go to D.C. That’s all I ever wanted was for tal-ent to come to Baltimore. SWAGG LIFE: What is your definition of Swag? Confidence and Style.

SWAGG LIFE: Do you have any words of wisdom that you want to give young entrepreneurs? Sign your own checks, mean what you say and say what you mean, and keep God first. Oh and not necessarily in that order. n

NO ONE IN THE GAME HAS SWAGGER LIKE HER

PHOTO/ROY COX

Tracey Stafford

ARTIST PROFILE

TRACEYSTAFFORD

PHOTO/ROY COX


LADY HOBBSSWAGGLIFE MAGAZINE

Spring is in the air and has brought with it the question as to whether or not “spot train-

ing” is a possibility that can be real-ized. Overcoming trouble spots that plague the masses can fatigue ones life. Spot reduction in and of itself is not a possibility. However, when the entire body is worked through cardio and weight training exercises, the results are more than satisfying. Let’s begin the pathway toward a healthier life style:

PATHWAY #1

Squat Calf Raise W/ Bicep Curl

n Target Muscle: Quadriceps; Calf; Biceps n Set-Up – Stand w/ your feet shoul-der apart; hands at your side with 0 -5 pounds weights (A). n Action: As if attempting to sit in a chair,

lower your body to into a squat; keep yours knees behind your feet while curling the weights towards your chest. Hold for 2 seconds, and then return to the starting position and repeat (B). n Do three sets of 10 to 12 reps

PATHWAY #2

Push-Ups (Wall/Floor)

n Target Muscle: Chest n Set-Up – Lie on a mat or position yourself in front of a wall with your hands shoulder width apart. Straighten your arms and prop your body up on your hands (A). n Action: Bend your elbows, lowering your body toward the floor/wall, tighten your glutes and stomach muscles, hold for 2 seconds, and push your body back to the starting position and repeat (B). n Do three sets of 10 to 12 reps

PATHWAY #3

Double Crunch

n Target Muscle: Abdominals n Set-Up – Lay on your back w/ knees bent and feet shoulder width apart. Place hands behind head to support your neck and remember to breath (A).

n Action: With one motion curl your curl your legs towards your chest and lift your shoulders off of the floor while exhaling. (Focus on contracting the muscle and breathing). It is very important to control the movement (B). n Do three sets of 10 to 12 reps

If you stick to this simple work out routine along with a healthy diet, you are sure to stand out all summer long! n

GET RIGHT GET TIGHT

PHOTOS/KYLE POMPEY

HF4L HOBBS FITNESS 4 LIFE (HF4L) AT TKO STUDIO9006 LIBERTY ROAD, BALTIMORE MARYLAND 443-257-7623

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WARREN MOYDSWAGGLIFE MAGAZINE

Donte Greene has achieved what many young men consider the ultimate goal at age 21, becom-

ing a player in the National Basketball Association. Although he faced the same adversities as many people who grow up in urban cities, he didn’t let it stop him from going after his dream.

SWAGG LIFE: What was the best part of growing up in Baltimore? Donte: For me it was ball. I moved back to Baltimore in the 7th or 8th grade, and that’s when I really started playing Bas-ketball. I loved coming back and playing in a basketball environment like Baltimore, which I think is the best on the east coast. It’s basketball year round out there.

SWAGG LIFE: What’s the best place to play basketball in Baltimore? Donte: Where I used to play is probably the hottest gym in Baltimore, Douglass. My AAU teams and my rec teams were always at Douglass playing ball.

SWAGG LIFE: Did you always picture yourself in the NBA?

Donte: Yeah, it was my dream. I used to always say it, “one day I’m going to be in the NBA”, not knowing how soon. A lot of people asked me why did I leave after my freshman year, but if you’ve had a dream since you were younger, and it’s right in front of you, and you have the opportunity to go grab it, why not?

SWAGG LIFE: Do you have any regrets about leaving after your freshman year? Donte: Yes. A lot of people don’t under-stand when you come out of college after one year, you’ve gotta grow up fast when you get in the NBA. I really didn’t quite understand it, but at the end of the day, I’m happy I’m here, getting better, and learning a lot. I’m definitely missing the college days, hanging out with the fellas, just being able to relax, not having to worry about bills or anything like that.

SWAGG LIFE: How are you adjusting to growing up fast in the NBA? Donte: It took me a while, during the beginning of the season I was definitely frustrated a lot. In college I was the man and in high school I was one of the tallest players, I didn’t have to worry about not

playing. However, it has been a growing phase for me. I’ve learned a lot and I’m happy where I am right now.

SWAGG LIFE: What’s next for Donte? Donte:Right now, it’s to be an All Star, that’s the first thing. When I accomplish an All Star status I would like to venture off to see what I’m going to be doing after my playing days are over. Right now, my focuses are getting better and trying to lead my team back to the playoffs.

SWAGG LIFE: Being as though you’re in the league, are you cool with Carmello Anthony and Rudy Gay since they’re from Baltimore as well ? Donte:Yeah, all the Baltimore guys stick together. Myself, Melo, Rudy, Joey Dorsey, Juan Dixon, we’re all cool. When we see each other, we definitely speak. When I’m in Denver, I hang with Melo. Rudy and I went to Memphis game earlier this year, you know, we all try to keep Baltimore tight.

SWAGG LIFE: What are you going to do to give back to the community? Donte:This summer, I’m having a bas-ketball camp at my high school. So far, I haven’t made any other plans, but my team and I are definitely working on that to give back.

SWAGG LIFE: Who is your biggest inspiration? Definitely my mom. My parents divorced when I was 6, so I lived with my mom until she passed away when I was 13. She instilled a lot of great things into me and taught me a lot.

SWAGG LIFE: How do you stay focused “in spite of”? Donte: Just thinking about what she would say if she were here and how she would act if she were here. She always taught me “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens you” [Philipians 4:13]. I have it tattooed on me, I look at it every day, and think about my mom. It’s just important to keep on pushing and try to get the best of everything. n

THIS IS WHAT A GO-GETTER LOOKS LIKE

Donte Green

SWAGG SPOTLIGHTDONTE

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