Class Act: Keeyen Martin

                                  Keeyen Martin: "Be the change you wish to hear" 

The Atlanta University Center is known for its prominent schools, as well as the many aspiring artist that have hailed from these institutions (among them Janelle Monae, the 54s', Cloud Eater, Muffy, etc). One that stands out this season is Charlotte, North Carolina’s native, Keeyen Martin. A junior, music major at Morehouse College, Keeyen is working toward becoming the change he wishes to hear within the industry. Raised in a single-parent home, his mother instilled in him a love and drive for music that has pushed him to the point of success he is at today. The combination of church choir, mixed with tedious music and piano lessons have from early on in his childhood have crafted his unique sound and approach to recording. Keeyen began singing in church at the age of five and writing music at age 12. He’s currently found himself elated at the fact his single “Can It Be Restored” has reached “iTunes purchasing” status and is also being heard on radio stations. Mr. Martin is currently building a full project for the people’s ears. His hard work, passion and humility are extremely inspiring. It doesnt take lon gto be in Keenyens' presence to know that music is seemingly what he was crafted for. 

His single, "Can It Be Restored", can be found on iTunes or you can reach him on Twitter: @keeyen12

Sites: http://www.reverbnation.com/keeyenmartin

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by Jacoby Williams 

Class Act: Sol Star

Self professed an “organic band” by lead singer and guitarist

Zayini Rose, this quartet effortlesly mixes their randomn assortment of

 acoustic instruments (the band consists of a djembe, electric and bass

guitar, and the electric violin) into a harminous backdrop for songs and

lyrics crafted with the intent to inspire. Their unique sound, best describ-

ed as “organic”relaxes listeners while offering the energy  indicative of

 more uptempo compositions. SOL STAR is cool, and listening to them

will make you feel cool too.  You can catch them performing in various

venues around the city, or find them on their facebook  page @ SOL STAR,

where  you  will be able to listen to some of their recorded sessions

A Miami Native gives up her hometown Hotspots

By Daryl Patrice

Spring break’s right around the corner and while many of us are planning on going to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Caribbean cruises, and even overseas, I’m going home. Now, before you get to shaking your heads in pity, I just happen to be from the number one spring break spot in the country, where it’s always hot and the women are hotter, hometown of Trick Daddy, Pitbull and Trina.  Yes, I hail from the sinfully sunny Miami, Florida, and for those of you joining me in my spectacular city this break, I’d like to share with you some of the hotspots and restaurants you should definitely check out.

1.) The first place you’ll want to hit is South (Miami) Beach. You have the sand, the water, the women and the men. That many delectable sights in one place are sure to make you hungry  (I speak from experience), but no fear because there are so many restaurants to choose from, I couldn’t possibly name them all. However,  I recommend  one of my favorite SoBe restaurants, Emeril’s on Miami Beach.

2.) Hookah anyone?  Visit Off the Hookah in Fort Lauderdale, just one county over. A hookah bar, restaurant, and outdoor lounge in one, it’s a great day or nighttime spot. Mediterranean-inspired dishes as well as American cuisine make this spot a winner. There’s nothing like lunch and hookah after a day of shopping to unwind!

3.) For my clubhoppers, there’s  a little something in my city for everyone. Club Mansion is the ultimate in pounding, exhilarating music. This is a spot where stars such as Trina and DJ Khaled have partied, so you know this is a place to be! For the chill, Club BED may be your style. There’s actual beds for you to rest on after you’ve danced your ass off.  Lastly, if you’re looking for exotic Club Nikki is the epitome of a tikki bar. Their  international menu and trendy outdoor venue will truly give you that Island feel.

And if you feel annoyance approaching after parlaying for so long with the AUC on the But being on SoBe , try Sunny Isles Beach in Aventura, about 45 minutes or so north of Miami Beach, or Aventura Mall just five minutes away from the beach. All of the beauty of South Beach is there, without some of the sheer craziness. Mind you, this is only a small bite of the great places to go in Miami. On your way to one of the places I mentioned, you’re bound to find ten more great places on the way! Explore, don’t do anything I wouldn’t do, and enjoy Miami!

For the Fellas: How to snag swimsuit clad cuites this SB

                                                                By Marcus Johnson

      Ok so you’re not Don Juan however this Spring Break you can be very successful with the ladies if you  follow a few simple rules. Time management is essential to a successful vacation use each and every one of those hundred hours effectively. Please refrain from getting too wasted.  Know your  limits and stick to them: drunken nights take away from successful ones.  For all you guys that think they’re GQ qualified,  some of this advice may be helpful to you as well.

1.)First and foremost DO NOT BE THIRSTY. Please have some class when engaging the ladies. If you are in a group , everyone must participate to some extent (it takes teamwork to make the dream work). The more different groups of girls you approach the better the chances (statistically speaking).

2.) If you are not a talker please don’t try to learn this skill now, it is too late. Let the talkers talk and just be cool. If the girls think your friend is cool, then that makes you cool by association. Do not be too eager: you have to wait for the right opportunity.

3.)There is a fine balance between seeming eager and taking healthy risks. You only have 5 or so days so be a risk taker, so go for it, because you never know. Again there are only FIVE days in this period of time , meaning that you should be able to find at least three “wifeys” for the week. Treat them good  because you probably won’t be seeing them ever again.

4.) When its time to hone in on some QT with your cutie ,  separate the girl from her group whenever and however possible. Breakfast is usually best for this because it starts the day off romantically and it’s the cheapest meal. (Remember: safe sex is GREAT sex so keep some condoms on you at all times; leave what happens on SB stay in SB)

5.) Finally, remember: Friends that aren’t getting any love are blockers. So if you have to leave your group on a solo pursuit, do so. If you are not successful in reaching your quota for the day don’t give up completely, however, focus your attention on a new goal. During the day there is a 3 call max. if she doesn’t pick up out of those 3 attempts, DELETE  her number and keep it moving..

Follow these simple guidelines and you won’t be leaving the beach dry. 

Love Affair with Footwear: "The Huxtable"

  When the Cosby show debuted in the late 80's, the characters, storyline, and most of all: Bill Cosbys' sweaters, had an impact on American culture and help solidify not only a standard for the positive depection  of the Black family on cable television, but a standard in fly wear for fathers.  Additionally, the style of Cosbys pseudo-kids paired with his personal penchant for printed pullovers makes the Cosby show a time capsule of late 80s' early 90s' trends. For this reason; todays Love Affair with Footwear features "The Huxtable" by Nike. These Dunks are hightop and adorned with accents that pay homage to Cliff Huxtable and his undeniable style staple: the sweater.

Single in the City: A girls' Defense against loneliness

Daryl Patrice Fortson

                  Candy hearts. Chocolates. Teddy bears. Puke.

Above is the typical single woman’s response to Valentine’s Day. We have no man, no boo, no cut-buddy, nothing to keep us warm but our down comforters. We ask ourselves, why should we feel compelled to love a holiday that – figuratively and, apparently, literally – doesn’t love us back? A holiday that is so obnoxiously commercial that Macy*s has a One-Day sale in its honor? A holiday that’s become less and less about love and more about “just getting some,” and then some?  Because it’s a good excuse to eat chocolate and look cute, dammit! My single ladies, lend me your hearts (and, of course, your ears). This year, Valentine’s Day will not be about “him”, or finding a “him,” but about you! Here are some pointers on how you can ward off the V-Day blues, restore and retain that “warm and fuzzy” feeling, and get the most out of your Valentine’s Day this year.

Believe it or not, there is an overabundance of people to love on, and most of them aren’t even of the male species. Make it a night on the town for you and your single girlfriends who are in need of some love (heavy emphasis on the “single” part of this statement, because nothing’s worse than a couple messing up your flow with their mushiness!). Spoil each other: buy funny cards and chocolate and wine and make a special dinner with just you all. Mind you, this dinner is not an opportunity to male-bash, nor is it a time to wallow in relationships gone wrong. No bitterness allowed! This is a holiday of love, after all. Set an atmosphere of positivity and self-love, and love on each other.

Now after a filling dinner like that, you’re going to need some way to work it off, right? Nothing is worse than food just sitting in your stomach all night. Solution: put your freakum dress on, ladies!! The best way to stick it to the holiday is to show the city how fine you are without a man! Put on your reddest dress, your highest pumps, nails done, hair done, everything did! Put some bend in your weave or some sheen in your ‘fro and GO! Exude confidence and shake a tail feather! But by all means, let that tall, dark brotha in at the bar buy you a drink. ;-)

Well, it’s 5 in the morning, you’ve partied your ass off, and it’s time for bed. We all know it’s cold outside this time of year, so as u slip into your naughty nightie that you bought for no one but yourself, turn the heat up on your thermostat, pop in your favorite movie, and settle in your down comforter with a box of chocolate from one of your best girlfriends. And hey, if you’re moved to do so, pop in a battery, too. Who says you can’t be bad all by yourself? Happy Valentine’s Day.