"The Editor": Nick Aziz

New Orleans native Nick Aziz is the resident editor-in-chief of the Maroon Tiger (Morehouse College's historic student newspaper for those of you who didn't know). In this exclusive TEXTATL.com radio interview,  he shares with us what it feels like to be in charge of it all.

Nick Aziz:"The Editor" by keisham

Dope.

this is just too cute.

The Talented Ms. Mereba

By Keisha Mitchell

     What is the Music Industry lacking today? According to Marian Mereba; “…maybe it's missing just one guitar-playing, song-writing Ethiopian queen.” Coming from this 23 year-old Senior Spelmanite who is currently poised and positioned to take the music world by storm, we’ll take her word for her it.

   Marian Mereba has been writing music and spellbounding (no pun intended) AUC and Atlanta audiences since her arrival to Georgia from North Carolina in 2009. Through utilizing her unique voice, skilled acoustic set, and relatable girl next door appeal, Mereba aspires to be “one of the most influential people in music through writing, performance, production, community outreach, activism, and philanthropy.”  This is a definite possibility as Marian Mereba possesses an uncommon sense of grace and casual cool to accompany her set of skills and professional acumen.

    When listening to Mereba, the thing that one notices first is that her music is not what you expected for it to be. As beautiful as she is talented, it’s simple to presume that the young woman taking her place on the stage and casually crossing her leg to better position her guitar is about to croon the usual neo soul or earthy R&B standards of love and loss, resentment, and regret. However, what leaves the lips of Mereba next is an eclectic sound that’s as Dave Matthews Band or Sheryl Crow as it is Alicia Keys or even Kelly Clarkson. When asked where her musical influences stem from, Mereba doesn’t cite artists, rather she pulls from the human experience; “ Love influences everything that I write.  Also nature, which I often use as a muse.  Human suffering and the ways that we overcome pain also heavily influences my music…lastly, the homies”.               

   This helps to explain Merebas’ universal appeal in her music and in her message, which is something that she holds very high in her accomplishments as an artist; “The most rewarding thing about my journey thus far is seeing my music touch the most universal emotions in all types of people, whether it be OG's or teenage girls.” 

 This appeal makes Mereba more than adequate at being able to please crowds of many types, and has helped her climb the ladder of success through working with and opening for pretty notable artists, one of whom came to her institutions’ homecoming this 2010-2011 school year. That experience Mereba says, has been her favorite performance thus far; “opening up for Chrisette Michele.  The audience was so alive.”

     Even an artist as accessible as Mereba, however, has encountered her share of mainstream resistance. Ironically enough, she says most of the critiques concern her unique style; “perhaps I would say it has been disappointing to be told once in a while to alter my musical style, which is so intertwined with who I am as a person, in order to be more like people whose music I don't even enjoy.”  Never one to let disappointments be a damper though, Mereba concludes; “I take most letdowns as positive lessons, truthfully…[So] that also is used as motivation.”

  This approach to life and it’s lessons have served Mereba well and will more than likely continue to as she journeys through her sure to be incomparable testimony of success. In the next five years, Mereba doesn’t see any concrete plans for herself but is sure that “ …[I’ll be] living life to the fullest.  Not sure where in the world I'll be, but I'm sure I'll have a melody stuck in my head and some good people surrounding me.” When asked what advice she would give to other up and coming artists looking to follow the trek of independent artists she is helping to hollow she says “Have a unique vision for yourself, but stay open to all kinds of opportunities.  A lot of times our visions for ourselves can keep us from going down paths we didn't plan for, but taking those little chances could possibly change everything”. With her own EP being currently recorded and prepped for release, and an upcoming graduation from Spelman college where shell be walking across the stage with Honors, Marian Merebas’ future is bright (and busy) to say the least. However, if you’d like to get in contact with Marian or reach her for booking purposes, you can access her at chasing85@gmail.com , or through her facebook fan page, “Marian Mereba” .

Top school yeartrends:2010/2011 Recap

These trends help the class of 2011 stay fly this school year.

May Music

our picks for this months playlist:

Dope.

something to think about the next time you feel weak for breaking down

(and don't front, it happens to all of us every so often).

Love Affair with Footwear: The Quintessential Hard bottom

     This dress shoe from the very high-end yet accessibly affordable Topman.com is nice and offers oxford style stitching on this classic silhouette. Its suede body and black color make it a wonderful finish to any semiformal to formal attire.        

MODEL STUDENT: Tonika Howard

This lovely lady is named Tonika Howard and hails from the DC-Maryland area. She is a freshman at Clark Atlanta University but is no rookie when it come to being fly. See what we mean?  

This lovely lady is named Tonika Howard and hails from the DC-Maryland area. She is a freshman at Clark Atlanta University but is no rookie when it come to being fly. See what we mean?

Love Affair with Footwear: Jessica Simpson: "Dany"

   With its ultra sexy chunky heel and vintage construction, "Dany" from Jessica Simpsons' spring 2011 collection is the perfect fit for all of your 70's hippie chic footwear needs. Pair the shoe with your favorite pair of flares or worn-in wide legs, or even opt to rock them with that sexy peasant top or ever trendy Maxi dress.

Rhianna-S&M Sidney Remix

Dope.

this post needs no words, we'll just let Cornel West do the teaching on this one.

Around the A: Fellinis Pizza

 Mmmmm. Pizza. There are few things that taste better to a college students palette, and there are even fewer places that satisfy a craving for the Italian dish so completely as Fellinis. With three convenient locations inside the metro Atlanta area featuring wonderful outside seating and draft beer choices available with your order, Fellinis is always the perfect spring or summer move.

Editors Pick: Tribal Trends

This spring ethnicity of every sort is all the rage, and evidence of it in your clothing is right on trend. This pick features an eclectic pair of premiere wedges from Aldo (www.Aldo.com) and a set of sexy beaded hoops from Bakers (www.Bakers.com) The pairing of these two pieces will bring any outfit to life.  

Just throw it in the Bag: "Franco"

This sexy shirred leather bag is available at Bakers. The bright yellow and earthy leather makes this purse as durable as it is fashionable and with a mid yellow color, it's always in season. Snag it at ww.Bakers.com

Editors Pick:Feathers and Jewels.

These beaded sandals from Bakers' 2011 spring collection, and these feathered earrings (also from Bakers) provide the perfect adornments for your effortless boheme spring look. These are my personal picks for a flirty yet eccentric spring put together this season.

Spring Song: Adele "Rolling in the Deep"

Off of her wonderful second album "21" Adele showcases her vocal skill and her ever soulful side on her first single for her sophomore release, entitled "Rolling Deep".

SUMMER MOVIE ALERT: THUNDERCATS 2011

Nothing else to say other than who could ask for better casting than this? Starring Brad Pitt as Lion-O, Vin Diesel, Hugh Jackman and a completely packed Alist cast, we're so at Atlantic Station for this Premiere!.