The Date: Monday 11/19/2K12
The Locale: New York Times Center, Times Square vicinity, New York City
The Event: 1st Annual Global Spin Awards
RG: Briefly give me your thoughts on the importance of the DJ in the history of Hip Hop.
KH: There's nothing more important in Hip Hop than the DJ. With me being an MC, first and foremost, and also a producer, I am NOTHING without a DJ!
RG: What can we anticipate from you in 2K13?
KH: As far as production is concerned, myself and legendary MCs Dana Dane, Special Ed, Monie Love and Chubb Rock - we formed a group called The Alumni. Coming into 2K13, The Alumni are gonna go on tour and bring the classic Hip Hop experience to the audience, and at the same time, I'll be producing the new music for the group. I also have a Pop music artist currently on Atlantic Records; Her name is Lauriana Mae, and I'll be producing music for her and also R&B singing legend Chante' Moore as well.
RG: I loved the song you produced for Tweet and Missy Elliott a few years ago, 'Turn The Lights Off.'
KH: Thanks a lot, my brother! Music is my grind, and I've been loving doing what I do for a minute now.
RG: What's the most important piece of advice you can give to an upcoming producer that's trying to make a name for themselves in today's music industry?
KH: Don't just rely on making beats....Find an artist, and learn how to create actual songs.
The Date: Monday 11/19/2K12
The Locale: New York Times Center, Times Square vicinity, New York City
The Event: 1st Annual Global Spin Awards
RG: Why is the creation of the Global Spin Awards important from your perspective?
Raheem: It is of the utmost importance because of the fact that the DJ was the one who initiated and came up with the inception of the culture of Hip Hop through the music that they played. Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, of course Grandmaster Flash, Grand Wizard Theodore, DJ Breakout, DJ Baron, Grand Mixer DXT, DJ Hollywood, DJ Jones, Disco Twins, Eddie Cheeba, Lovebug Starski - just a host of innovative DJs that all lended much credence to the culture of Hip Hop. As everyone knows, the rapper/MC has always been the 'voice' of the culture of Hip Hop. Initially, it was about the DJ, but when Rap was embraced by the music industry, it changed the game forever. So basically, we need to bring it back, and give the DJs everything that they deserve because they put it down and paved the way!
Stress and anxiety are very common in today's entertainment industry. As a result, here is a list of techniques that a person can use to help manage the daily stresses and anxieties of their entertainment industry profession. Sometimes, we get stressed when everything happens all at once. When this happens, a person should take a deep breath and try to find something to do for a few minutes to get their mind off of the problem. A person could take a walk, listen to some music, read the newspaper, or do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things. When facing a current or upcoming task at your entertainment-related job that makes you anxious, divide the task into a series of smaller steps and then complete each of the smaller tasks, one at a time. Completing these smaller tasks will make the stress more manageable, and increases your chances of SUCCESS.
Sometimes, we can get anxious over an event that we will have to perform in the near future. When this happens, visualize yourself doing the event in your mind. For instance, you have to perform in front of a large group of people in the next few days, and before the big day comes, imagine yourself doing the event in your mind. By doing this, you will be better prepared when the time comes. SELF-VISUALIZATION is a great way to reduce the fear and stress of an upcoming situation or event.
Another technique that is very helpful is to have a small notebook of positive statements that makes you feel good. Whenever you come across an affirmation that makes you feel good, write it down in a small notebook that you can carry around with you in your pocket. Whenever you feel anxious, open up your small notebook and read those statements.
Remember that NO ONE can predict the future with 100% certainty. Even if the thing that you feared does happen, there are circumstances and factors that you cannot predict, which can be used to your advantage. For instance, you miss the deadline for a project you have been working on for the last few months, and everything you feared is coming true. Suddenly, your manager comes to you and tells you that the deadline is extended, and that he forgot to tell you the day before. This unknown factor changes EVERYTHING. Remember: We may be 99% correct in predicting the future, but all it takes is for that 1% to make a world of difference.
In dealing with your anxieties at your entertainment job, learn to take it ONE DAY AT A TIME. While the consequences of a particular fear may seem real, there are usually other factors that cannot be anticipated, and can affect the results of ANY situation. Get all of the facts of the situation and use them to your advantage. Our anxieties and stresses can be difficult to manage in the Entertainment industry. The more control you have over your stresses and anxieties, the better off you will be in the long run!
*STAN POPOVICH is the author of 'A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non-Resistant Methods' - an easy-to-read book that presents a general overview of techniques that are effective in managing persistent fears and anxieties.
In the ever-evolving world of Visual Arts, Paintless Collagist Beata (Beh-ah-tah) Drozd is truly in her own unique stratosphere! Drozd, a native of Gdansk, Poland and is currently residing in the East Harlem section of New York City, intially started out as a paint artist creating pieces for major clients such as Cipriani's Restaurant, The Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center, and the New York Friars Club.
But even with the initial success, Beata wasn't fully satisfied with what she had achieved in art painting. So through great imagination, focus and limitless creativity, she was able to transition into a collaging technique in which she exclusively utilizes paper from fashion, gossip and entertainment magazines, a handy pair of scissors and glue to create her one-of-a-kind, artistic masterpieces on canvas. Drozd is heavily inspired by the vibe of New York City, pop culture, music and fashion, and has been showcasing her incredible work to Visual Art enthusiasts around the world for over a decade thus far. Drozd credits the works of legendary artists such as Basquiat, Andy Warhol and Chuck Close as just a few of the many great influences on why she enjoys doing what she is doing!
For more information on the creatively mega-talented Beata, and to view her incredible paintless collage pieces, log on to www.beatadrozd.com.
*Big kudos go out to publicist Ernest Jackson of MNS Media for extending the invite to meet and briefly chat with Beata back on Thursday, February 7, 2K13 at the Andre Zarre Gallery here in New York City and witness the greatness of her unique works that she's created thus far for the world to see!
RG: How would you define your unique brand of musicality?
BC: I would define my brand of musicality as unique, an acquired taste, educational, expressive, inspirational and passionate.
RG: Was there a particular recording artist or song that influenced you into pursuing a career in music that you can remember?
BC: As I broadened my understanding of Classical music, I became influenced by artists such as Leontyne Price, Kiri TeKanawa, Beverly Sills and Jessye Norman, just to name a few. As far as some of the more mainstream Comtemporary artists, I would have to say Prince for musicality, Taylor Swift for her ability to write some great songs based on her own experiences, and Adele because of her voice and lyrical interpretation of music. On the hip-hop side of things, I would have to give a nod to Jay-Z, although I do not care for the explicit language in some of his songs. I respect the fact that he is a Black male who has seen a lot - both positive and negative - and has figured out a way to put those thoughts into something constructive and not destructive - at least from what I know about him.
RG: Who were the recording artists you were most impressed by when you were growing up? (The ones that made you say, 'WOW!')
BC: The artist that influenced me growing up was Marian Anderson. My mom used to tell me about the concert she gave at the Lincoln Memorial and was very lucky to be in the audience at that time. I remember listening to Marian's recordings when I was eleven years old, and wanting to know more about who she was. She was the first recording artist that made me want to figure out what Classical music was all about, and I loved the fact that she could not allow to see her skin color as a disadvantage. She stayed focused on her musical gift and kept moving forward without excuses, which made her accepted by races around the globe.
RG: You've received so many accolades and respect for your incredible vocal artistry. How humbled are you by all the love that has come your way thus far?
BC: That is a great question. To be honest, if you do not have people in your life to keep you humble, one could easily feel as if they are God. The way I have learned to handle it is by keeping my family close. My family makes it easy for me to stay humble. Every day I am humbled by the love and support that has come my way. Now I have made mistakes, failed and have had to pick myself up from my boot straps and learn from them, so that in itself can be a humbling experience. The interesting thing is that the high profile people that I have had the opportunity to meet and become friends with, know the humbling ups and downs of the music and entertainment business. Several years ago, I received a beautiful red plate with gold from some friends of the family....I mean the kind of plate that is solely meant for royalty, you know? (Laughs) Anyway, I was not sure why there was just one plate. The moral of the story is, anytime you do something great for yourself of accomplish a goal, you get to eat from the red plate. Even now, whenever I or my daughter does something great (she worked really hard to get an 'A' on a test, or I finish memorizing a score that had been giving me a fit...lol), we get to take turns to eat from that one red plate. It just keeps things in perspective for me. Also, if any of my friends from college or high school even thought I was coming close to getting a 'big head,' I would never hear the end of it! (Laughs)
RG: Along with the immense singing talent that you possess, you are also an actress as well. How are you enjoying yourself on that end, and what can we anticipate down the road?
BC: I love acting. So many times your hear Classical singers can't act. As a Performance major in Opera, it was required that I study Acting. It went hand in hand. When I moved to New York, I studied with a great actor and teacher - the late Hal DeWindt. He taught me so much about acting and loving the craft of Acting. I have to act in order to interpret the story from the opera - most often in another language. I love the rehearsal process - examining characters and their relationships to each other. I have many projects that I am working on which will highlight more of my acting, so stay tuned! The one thing I did have to adjust to is that acting for the camera acting for the stage are two totally different approaches. Although you can interchange the same technique, one is bigger and broader such as the stage, where you have to think about having your voice and your actions carry to the back of the theater. As for the camera, my movements and jestures do not have to be as broad because the mics will pick up my voice, et cetera. I love acting on stage because of the whole 'The show must go on.' mentality. There is not a lot of re-adjusting of the cameras, et cetera, between scenes. You just keep going.
RG: What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
BC: Professionally speaking, there are many. From getting my first professional Opera job, to singing for international dignitaries, to being named a Marian Anderson Scholar in 2012, and being asked to sing for the Lincoln Memorial Concert Revisited. I am also proud of the fact that every day I become more passionate about the business that I am in!
RG: What's the best advice you've ever received from your parents as you were evolving into womanhood?
BC: The best advice I received from my parents continues to be to never be afraid of reaching your full potential. My mom always told me that being married is a great thing, but never be afraid of being your own person and having the ability to make your own way financially. My mom also taught me that being a woman has a lot of power in it, and to never let anyone try to take your inner power (your 'self') away because of their own insecurities. Being in this business and trying to maintain a relationship can be very tricky. It takes two committed people who want the relationship, and two people who understand the temptations of this business and be smart enough to recognize and ackknowledge it, but not fall prey to it. Also before my dad passed away, he told me that I did not belong to him anymore and that I now belonged to the world. I will never forget those words, and although it was difficult for me to hear those words, it became clear to me that he was giving me his blessing to go and become part of the world and make the world a better place through my gift of music. Everywhere I take my music and my humanitarian efforts, I take both of my parent's love and spirit with me.
RG: What's the best piece of advice you can give to a musically talented young lady who has dreams and aspirations to become a success not only in the world of entertainment, but in life as well?
BC: My advice would be to love who you are, and KNOW what makes you special and unique. Life is full of ups and downs, and can take you for a loop, but you have to stay strong in your faith and surround yourself with phenomenal people, because even when you fall short, those are the same people that will encourage you to go the extra mile. Also I would say to travel as much as you can because you can gain a lot of understanding about life and your place in it when you visit for just a few days to other places outside of your immediate environment. NEVER dwarf yourself to make others feel comfortable....Let others find comfort and beauty in ALL of your confidence - not just a part of it!
RG: Lastly, what can we look forward to from the multitalented and lovely Bridgette Cooper for the now and say, five-to-ten years down the road with the Lord's will?
BC: As for now, I would have to say some incredibly great music and sharing my passion with ALL people - not just people who can afford to go to the theater. I also hope for the 'now' to win a Grammy award and obtain more of a balanced, happier and healthier lifestyle from a personal standpoint. Now as for a few years down the road, I hope for more Grammys, continued musical success in the industry, singing at the Met Opera in New York City, becoming an incredible businesswoman, obataining more work in television and film as far as my acting career goes and most importantly, my continued love for my family and friends.
RG: Bri, it was such a pleasure interviewing you, and I wish you and your family nothing but the VERY BEST going forward. Be blessed!
BC: Ross, I thank you for having me, and I appreciate your thoughtful questions. I wish you continued success with what you do!
