www.sondriawrites.com

THE NEW REBELS (Part 2), original fiction by Sondria

2011-04-20T15:04:00.000-07:00

“You do understand what I’m asking you to do, don’t you Moon?” I nodded.
“And you’re not going to have any problems executing, are you?” I shook my head.
“And Sun, what about you?” DJ saluted and stared ahead. The Commander knew that we could execute. He also knew that this assignment could build or destroy our existence. He was prepared either way. The other Moon and Sun stood in a room below us preparing to pick up the slack in case our emotions took over. DJ followed The Commander out, locking the door behind him. I went into the bathroom and pressed my hands against the cold marble of the sink—trying to stabilize my instability. Cautiously, I lifted my head to look into the face of my sister’s killer.

“Ten minutes, Maya.”

I imagined her four blocks away, engaged in a similar ritual. She applies her blush as I apply my shoe polish. She moisturizes her perfectly manicured hands and I slip my clean, purposeful mitts into leather gloves. As she slips into her nylons and I lace up my boots, we both pause and look over our shoulders.

“Five minutes, Maya.”

She becomes uneasy…and it’s not the pre-speech jitters that usually propel her into fiery use of vocabulary and dramatic pounds of the podium. She wants to wear the garter with the .22 secured in it, but to what avail? What life would she be protecting? She gave hers up a long time ago.
Maya walks into the restroom and presses her beautiful hands to the cool, hard porcelain—trying to stabilize her instability. Slowly, she lifts her head to look into the face of her killer.

“Show time, Maya.”

DJ and I walk in silence to the event that my sister is headlining. Before we walk the last block he squeezes my shoulder and I remember the last time we three were together.

“Where are you going?!” I asked, but I knew. I knew when they said, “advance” and “new car” and “creative freedom”.
“This is my chance! We can’t change the world from a basement! These people are offering us a chance to have our message heard.” She was good, even before they groomed her, she could lie to us without flinching. They needed a pop star that would speak to the restless youth…someone they could trust to keep the economy afloat, they said. But when she left in the Mercedes they bought, I realized that “my chance” couldn’t possibly coincide with “our message”.

“She’s not your sister anymore,” DJ said squeezing my shoulder.
“Yes she is.”

Maya had strayed, but she was just as much my responsibility as she was when I was saving her from flu shots. She was my sister, the cultural icon—The New Rebel, leading the generation in the televised revolution of consumerism.

I ascended the steps to Maya’s dressing room.
Maya descended the steps to the stage.

I went into the dark bathroom and placed my gloved hands on the porcelain. Stabilized.

HEY SO-CAL! DO YOU NEED YOUR 'DO WHIPPED, FLIPPED, OR DIPPED??

2011-04-13T09:21:00.000-07:00

Tryna have the kind of hair that makes people stare and trip?

But your stylist don't do shit but the minimum for the tip??

Well put away that pouty lip, and holler at Lupe Lopez, the Shear Genius!!

Hit Lupe NOW so she can help you get that swag right...

Phone: 951.880.3544

Facebook: Hair By Lupe

Email: Lupe_Lopez86@yahoo.com

(Photography by Marcie Navarro)

YA WELCOME!

~sondria.

"THE NEW REBELS" Part 1 (original fiction by Sondria)

2011-04-04T16:20:00.000-07:00

“Okay, guys and gals, just line up in the order in which you hear your names called. The shot will take less than ten seconds and you’ll have an extra twenty minutes for break. Enjoy a flu-free winter!” Mr. Plummer dug in his ear and scratched his throat simultaneously as he waddled back to the huddle of administrators with his clipboard crammed underneath one of his armpits. His elbows were dry and rough and permanently white. They were the last things I saw before my sister Maya and me made a mad dash for the slides. Some kid was kneeling between the monkey bars and the fire pole. Idiot.
“Psst! They’re going to see you!” Maya whispered. She was one year younger (and bit more compassionate) than I was.
“Don’t look at us!” I hissed. “Then they’ll see us too!”
“Make sure they aren’t looking, then slide under here,” Maya offered. The boy looked from where the administrators were standing, to where the kids were lining up, to where the teachers were gossiping, then he slid to where we were.
“Who are you?” I was a believer in first things first.
“DJ”
“Why are you hiding, DJ?”
“My daddy told me to never, ever, let anybody stick anything in my arm. If I get sick, there’s a herb that’ll cure me.” I envied the certainty peppered with pride in his voice. “Why are you guys hiding?”
“We aren’t hiding,” Maya squinted. “We’re revolting!”
That night the school called both of our homes. DJ’s mother confirmed, that yes, D.J. was out of school that day. Maya and I were spanked; our parents were instructed to schedule flu shots for each of us immediately.
“I don’t know where that school thinks I’m supposed to get the money for that flu shot from, but you better pray to Mighty Jesus that you heifer’s don’t get sick…” my mother ranted while she prepared dinner. We never ended up getting sick, but we got into a shit-load of trouble.

We were warriors; extremely angry at something we couldn’t quite put our finger on. So we became wary of our peers, suspicious of our elders, and skeptical about our future.
“If that bitch even looks at me sideways I’m going upside her head.” Maya was standing with most of her weight on her left leg, staring into the back of some girl’s head like she was trying to burn a hole through it.
“Why don’t you just turn around, dude? If you weren’t looking at her, you wouldn’t know if she looked at you sideways or anyways.” Maya turned and looked at DJ incredulously.
“That bitch don’t decide what direction I look in! And if you got a problem with me talking about your little girlfriend, you better tell her to keep her eyes in her head!”

By high school, everyone thought Maya was our leader because she was beautiful. Her long, thick, hair was soft and springy, and she had the fortuitous combination of dark skin and tight eyes that made college boys call her China Doll. As time went on, and our senses matured, we knew that nothing Maya did was on accident. She was a born-leader who, at a very young age, could feign surprise and manufacture spontaneity.

Ello Again...a love note.

2011-03-21T22:13:00.000-07:00

I've missed you.

Let's talk...

That picture is guts...saved it as "jawbone" LMAO. This button says: "I'll have a Cafe-Mocha Vodka-Marijuana Latte to go. Please" And it's pretty conducive to my aesthetic. HA!...I have a very intense personality and I'm emotional. As a Scorpion, I'm supposed to be passionate and jealous...I never consciously feel the jealousy or possessiveness, but when I emote: I FUCKING EMOTE!...intoxicants guide me gently outside of my mind. Not all the way outside...more like stepping out onto the patio. I step out on the patio, I let the cool air hit my face, I breathe deeply, slowly...and I press on.

I used to think that the time I spent cooling out with friends, chit-chatting, chillin', etcetera--was counterproductive. On the journey to my self discovery, I now realize that I LIVE for the vibe...the LOVE vibe that radiates between people that truly trust, respect, and accept one another. I have experienced this, and I won't accept anything less in a friendship. Conversely, I will give nothing less.
The bagel lady by Marcie's spot had some fire earrings on...there they are...up there. Something about the skin of a pink jungle cat bordered by a heart spoke to my feminine, animalistic, and love energy...dahs it. :)
these are my chucks...hello chucks. i bought my first pair of chucks with EUGENIA MUCKELROY...they were black and white and low...we wore them to homecoming in 11th grade. :) Genia is my friend because she is authentic. Venue, Day, Time, Mood, Circumstance, whatever: Genia is Genia. i appreciate that about her, i love that about her...and i hope to chop her head off and learn that from her. Highlanderly speaking, of course.

Young Marcie...the Mind...you know when there is an unspoken understanding, a lot of other shit can get done very quickly...I think Maryjane McBain and i are on that mission, lowkey.

This picture is in a Jack in the Box bathroom...all three of my power colors were represented so, ya know...I threw the crown on :)

Now I could have chosen to focus on the traffic...which, to quote @artofficialcool, was acting like a "snatch ass ho"...but I looked to the right, and this was happening....

It's all about perspective. ;)

That's it for now...some fun facts, some randomness...ALL LOVE.

~sondria!

Noa James...YOKOZUNA!

2011-03-03T13:22:00.000-08:00

Yo!

Get your FREE DOWNLOAD of Noa James' YOKOZUNA!!

MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT (Original fiction by Sondria)

2011-02-04T22:18:00.000-08:00

“…and all you dudes out there that don’t eat pussy: stop callin’ my phone! I mean it, Los Angeles. I do Pilates three times a week to keep the insides of my thighs tight and smooth. You ain’t never seen a bitch with thighs this velvety smooth. I get a Brazilian wax every two weeks. I douche—hell—my cootie pie is everything but shellacked. From time to time I expect somebody to get on down there and take a gander or two. Shit, take the full tour; check out the décor—I digress. This is Miss Margo and you’re listening to Middle of the Night with Margo. Stay right there because I’ll be right back with the dirty-dirty’s own: Big Brady.”

Margo hit a button, waited for the red light to go out, and removed her headset. She took a Newport from her bag and placed it between full, shiny lips completely conscious of her single-person audience. Once she lit the white stick, Margo put on a short, leather jacket and approached her guest.

“You wanna go outside and have a smoke?” The voice she spoke in was the same one that got her the Middle of the Night gig. She headed to the station’s balcony confident that the rapper was in tow.

Once outside she let the cool air and nicotine high seduce her. The rapper however, was failing miserably.

“Shawty you so thick. Girl, you makin’ ya boy homesick right now, I swear. Ya swagger say New York, but them some southern hips. I’m sayin’ though, why don’t you let me break you off right. I know your man ain’t doin’ it.” He went on like this for four, long minutes. Margo flicked her cigarette over the balcony and grabbed Big Brady by the dick and kissed him hard.

“Back to work”, she said and strolled back inside. She removed her jacket, sat in her chair and put her headset back on.

“Hey L.A.! This is that bitch Margo and I’m back with Big Brady. Say what’s up to L.A., Big B!” The rapper struggled for a hot second putting his headset on.

“What’s up, Cali, it’s ya boy Big Brady, reppin’ that Die for Dollas, you already knowin’. What’s really good?”

After the radio show Margo took Big Brady to a nightclub downtown. Once he realized she wasn’t a groupie, he actually took some time fucking her decently before she left him exhausted in the penthouse suite he’d tried to distract and impress her with.

Times like these Margo wished she had a good, female friend she could call and squeal into the receiver with. Well, that’s how she would’ve felt five years ago, right now, she just wanted to meet Gates for brunch and sip too many mimosas under the pretense that she was having trouble deciding what to eat.

Margo had known Gates since high school and she thought that he probably had some sort of Pretty in Pink crush on her, but she didn’t have time to deal with that, so she drowned out his feelings with witty banter, orange juice, and champagne.

“Big Brady, huh?” Gates said and scooped a piece of cantaloupe into his mouth. Juice drizzled down his mouth and he slurped and licked to catch it—momentarily confusing Margo’s loins. “Was he every bit as eloquent as he seems?”

“Very funny. You shouldn’t even be asking me that—you should have been listening, old man.” Margo grabbed her spoon from her napkin and outstretched her arm to scoop up some of Gates’ cantaloupe. He swatted her hand.

“If you’ll recall—madam—it was you who graduated before me.”

“Shhhh!” Margo hissed from behind her sunglasses and reached, this time successfully, for a piece of cantaloupe.

When Margo elongated her tongue to catch some dribbling juice, Gates leaned in to make the move she’d dreaded since her senior year of college. Right now, though, she appreciated it. Crooked Brady hadn’t kissed her once the night before; he’d concentrated on trying to give her a hickey—it was then that she remembered having read something about a huge bash at the 40/40 in honor of his twenty-first birthday. Gates, however, nearly ten years Brady’s senior, new all about lips and tongues and chins and juice. Just when he was about to show her what he knew of teeth, she pushed her chair back from the table.

“What was that?” Margo said adjusting her glasses and gulping the last of her current mimosa.

“That was a kiss.” Gates’ cool demeanor as he dabbed the corners of his mouth with the cloth napkin confused Margo’s loins again and she leaned across the table.

She glided on the elliptical with bipolarized emotions, elation being the more prominent of the two. She had a lightness coursing through her that she hadn’t felt since she saw Pharrell Williams, in-person, at fashion week. Butterflies, she supposed. The other feeling was knotted at the base of her stomach and she chose to ignore it by doing an extra forty minutes on the machine, ensuring her exhaustion upon exiting the gym.

On the drive home she thought about her burning legs and took pride in her hard work. Any thoughts about fucking Gates in the restroom of their favorite restaurant were drowned out by turning the car radio up a couple of dials.

Margo lay in her bed freshly showered and mumbled “fucking mimosas” before drifting into slumber.

“Okay ya’ll, tonight it’s time for you to give me some advice. Cutty Buddies and Friends with benefits. The idea behind it seems ingenious: physical monogamy coupled with emotional promiscuity. But what happens if you get some cutty from a lifelong buddy? Is that foul play? Are you guys automatically going together because of the emotional history? Talk to me, City of Angels. Manic Margo needs your help.” Margo lit a cigarette and waited for the phones to start lighting up.

She was two inhales in when they did. Her wide range of listeners gave her advice from opposite ends of the spectrum. She shouldn’t fuck a friend if all she wanted was sex. She should fuck a friend because it will be passionate and the relationship will be meaningful. Was Margo ready for a meaningful relationship? She was only twenty—ugh—something.

She didn’t know what she wanted, all she knew was—then her cell phone buzzed.

“…I mean, me and my wife have been together for almost thirty years, and we started off as prom dates, Margo. Don’t let fear have you missin’ out on your soul mate.”

“Thank you Dominic, I appreciate that. And thank you Los Angeles for helping me out and keeping me up. You’ve been listening to Middle of the Night with Margo, as if you didn’t already know. Goodnight, L.A.” Margo checked her cell phone—it was a message from Big Brady: I’ll be your cutty buddy baby. She shut the phone off and headed home.

The next week Margo skipped brunch and opted to go get some extra gym time in. She’d been on the elliptical seventeen minutes when her phone rang. Gates. She watched it in a panic—should she pick up or shouldn’t she? Who did he think he was anyway? She missed one lousy brunch in what, eight years? She didn’t owe him anything. But she didn’t text or call to let him know either. She could have been in an accident for all he knew. She could have at least text him. She started to answer and the phone stopped ringing. Missed call. Whatever.

“Probably wasn’t that important”, Margo looked to the left and was unnoticeably startled by the bright white of the teeth smiling at her.

“That’s a pretty pompous assumption to make.” The stranger was too fine and she required a little distraction from all this Gates business.

“Well pardon me. It wasn’t my intention to be pompous.” The chocolate man’s gaze never left Margo’s smooth complexion, her shapely body, or her gorgeous face.

“Now you’re making fun of me? Not too good with first impressions, are you?” She was going to devour him.

Margo felt better on her drive home. Who could have thought that standing sex, in the gym shower, with a stranger, could be so satisfying? Gates had tried several times to reach her but she couldn’t be bothered right then; her life was on the up and up and she needed to take that energy to the studio later on. Instead, she called the only other person she really had to call.

“Hey Simone.”

“Are you pregnant?!”

“Wow.”

“Sorry baby. Your auntie’s not senile. I dreamt of fish last night and I already called all of your cousins. I didn’t even consider you.”

“Well, you should keep running with that feeling. I’m not the pregnant type, Simone.”

“You a woman ain’t you?”

“Do I have to answer that?”

“Oh, so your tubes are tied.”

“No.”

“You celibate all of a sudden?”

“Now you know me better than that.”

“Then you’re the type, honey.”

After attempting to convince her aunt of all the reasons she could have been dreaming of fish besides her own prenatal condition, Margo lay down for a nap. However, she received a text that demanded her immediate attention. It was from Gates:

“Are we ever going to talk about what happened?”

“Yes”, she typed and then dozed off.

Gates knew Margo well. Probably better than she thought he did. After receiving her response to his text he decided not to bug her about it. If he did, she would do one of two things: explode or disappear. He had seen it happen with other men. She was always very clear about what she wanted and what she wanted was sex. Still, the men she involved herself with had it in their minds that once they’d rocked her world, she’d want to husband them. Or at least go on a second (or in some cases a first) date. Each one had been wrong.

She was a captivating woman. Physically, she was unmatched by any one he’d ever seen. He actually laughed at himself while thinking of her because she has all of the things most black women he knew tried to tie down, tuck in, or press straight. Not Margo. She wore no makeup. In fact, she fought against the need for it, drinking water in excess, denying anything carbonated or more sugary than necessary, regularly changing her pillowcases. She wore her hair naturally and it cascaded over her shoulders in thick curls. She was as black as the night sky, and as free too. When she spoke it washed over his entire being, and made him want to kiss her to keep from dropping to his knees. He knew now—what had made man after man call her repeatedly despite what it must’ve done to their pride. The moment he received her text he felt that his entire manhood depended on whether or not he could make her is bride.

“Well hello, Los Angeles! It is the Middle of the Night and I am Margo. I’m in a slow jam kind of mood tonight. I’m feelin’ sexy. Ya’ll ever have a night like that? Well poor yourself some wine, I already got mines, and let’s let Maxwell tell us about his ‘Bad Habits’”. Margo pressed the button and removed the earphones once the red light was extinguished. Her head was buzzing.

From the gym to this Gates situation to the spliff she’d smoked on the way to the studio—something had her head swimming. She decided it was the weed and walked to the balcony with a lit cigarette between her fingers. The city was gorgeous during this time of night. Black and free. She leaned over the balcony and imagined flying…

The next morning Margo was sick. She’d been spewing all morning, but she decided to meet Gates for brunch anyway. She might not have been able to eat, but she wasn’t fucking around with any mimosas either.

“Hey kiddo. You look terrible.” Gates thought she looked better than any woman in the room but he wanted to assure her that nothing had changed between them…regardless of how much had.

“Thanks a lot. I’ve been throwing up too, in case you were wondering.” Margo smiled her normal smile and sat in her normal seat, however abnormal she felt.

They dined and Gates drank, per usual. Witty banter distracted Margo from her wobbly stomach and allowed Gates to stare at her eyes, lips, cheekbones, flailing hands without interruption. They were back on track, but headed in a new direction. Each of them felt it. Each of them got louder and funnier trying to ignore it.

Toni Morrison: One of Glamour's Women of the Year, 2007

2010-11-17T13:41:00.000-08:00

Toni Morrison: Women of the Year 2007 Women of the Year: glamour.com

Young, Fat, & Fabulous: VMAs!

2010-09-16T00:32:00.000-07:00

Young, Fat, & Fabulous: VMAs!: "Last night I attended the MTV VMAs in Los Angeles, and it was such an unforgettable experience. During the Pre-Show, I was in charge of disc..."

NOA JAMES' "Disrespectful" Video ft. Curtiss King

2010-07-20T09:28:00.001-07:00

The song is produced by Captain and the video includes special appearances by M16, DJ C'est La Vie, Ramone Jones, and many more of the Empire's underground hip hop community.
Let me know what you think and be sure to download Noa's "Beautiful Darkness".

Love & Water,
Sondria

"DISRESPECTFUL" video link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0li9PuS2BUY

Noa James:

Emcee/Promoter
myspace.com/noajamesthebeast
twitter.com/noajames
facebook.com/noajames
noajames.bandcamp.com

You can purchase the album at :
www.blackcloudmusic.com
www.noajames.bandcamp.com
www.bricktoyaface.com

--
For more information please contact :
Monique Zamora
Black Cloud Music Public Relations and Media
illRegular Instumentals Booking
Email: Monique@BlackCloudMusic.com

Life Slowed Down: Inside the Mind of Marcie Navarro

2010-07-14T09:40:00.000-07:00

She could be snapping pictures at your show, creatively directing the shoot for your birthday, making your flyers, or adding the magic to your music video and you wouldn’t even know because all you’d see is someone LIVING. There’s a seamless connection between Life & Art that occurs when we start dealing with genius. For example, Michael Jackson is no more dancer than he his arranger or fashion icon. Marcie is no more photographer than she is hip hop head or any more tree connoisseur than she is a writer. Then again, perhaps I’m putting the pussy on a pedestal. This is why we do interviews. Let’s see if we can find out what Miss Navarro learns from Life through her ability to slow it down.

SONDRIA: Let’s start with photography. How have the observations you’ve made in photos altered your lifestyle? Are there any photographers who have significantly influenced your work? Who? How so?

MARCIE: questions like these are intimidating. leibovitz and lachapelle. because they represent two things i admire and strive to embody, the representation of humanity in it's various spaces and the manipulation of space, time, and pop culture.

SONDRIA: What’s the most memorable photo you’ve ever seen? Why was this one so poignant?

MARCIE: The most memorable photo's I've seen are all the ones from my childhood, old family ones. I've seen plenty of great and powerful photos by successful photographers, but there is something about the genuineness of a snapshot that really inspires. It's the rawness, the communication of the moment without any set up or digital assistance, just snap and there you go.

SONDRIA: How do you choose what to magnify and what to minimize? What are you trying to teach/give the people through photography?

MARCIE: It's funny how you evolve as a photographer and suddenly you're not really putting so much thought into taking a "good" picture. When I compose a shot lots of things go into it; composition, color, texture, all the basics you learn when you first pick up a camera. Those become second nature and when you have an image in your view you just know how to put it together, it's all very fluid and natural, following your gut. You ask what your subject is, what feelings do you want the end result to evoke and then you work it out to get the image you want. This happens quickly, again, it's natural. I don't know, it's just, a click and a picture. hopefully a good one. My intention is to captivate, motivate, educate, inspire, and provoke. I started with photography and film solely to communicate so with different projects I intend different things, but mostly, yeah, I just want people to take something from the pieces. Oh and I for sure want people to get in touch with film photography and the darkroom process. The work it takes to get a good print is incredible and deserves some real respect. The digital age is exciting and innovative, but there's nothing like being in the darkroom, I mean nothing.

SONDRIA: What are your goals as far as films are concerned? What film makers—independent or not—have influenced you? How have they moved you?

MARCIE: haha, oh this question. off the top of my head hitchcock, tarantino, and anderson. hitchcock was a genius, no need to go over that. tarantino has perfected his vision while paying homage to all his influences from spaghetti-westerns to kung-fu, some people call him a knock off, i consider him an engineer and a pure maniac when it comes to dialogue. anderson's breakdown of human interactions are always spot on and quirky, i can dig it. i also take great interest in french new wave, silent films, and experimental art films from the early 1900's, it's really interesting to see them play with this new technology.

SONDRIA: How do you plan to contribute to the film industry? Are you bringing a new style, or improving on classic technique?

MARCIE: i'm still looking to develop my voice and with that i hope to bring a new style by improving a classic technique. wow, i just realized my caps-lock use is non-existent at this point. i want to contribute by being able to tell a story in a new, original, and effective way. sometimes people miss that and you watch something and at the end are left wondering what the hell that was. you have to learn the rules of story telling and film making before you attempt to break any. story, story is key. a good director can make a terrible script effective, and a bad director can kill even the best story. having style is definitely important, but all style and no story makes jack a dull film maker.

SONDRIA: What are some of you favorite movies and why?

MARCIE: most of my favorite movies are the ones i grew up with, the ones that first struck my interest. back to the future, ruthless people, full metal jacket, willy wonka, city slickers, john wayne anything, james bond..i really can't do this question justice. they're my favorite because they showed me that i can create an alternate reality which was reassuring for a kid like me because my head was and continues to be constantly in the clouds. i watched willy wonka and thought, well damn, why can't x and y happen. it opened a flood gate.

SONDRIA: Where and how does writing fit into your life? Is your main goal to write either fictionally or not? Or are you down to write whatever, whenever?

MARCIE: i write whenever, wherever. it's instinct to do that, it's a method of expression. sometimes they're thoughts, romanticized conversations with ex-lovers, random situational happenings, dreams, screenplays, free verse. I write on things i find interesting so that i can share it with the world. and you see, that's the thing, that's how i see it. i write it, shoot it, snap it, copy & paste it, all with the hopes that i can share it with the world. innocent enough, right? so my goal is to share. oh and stream of consciousness, love it. i get stoned a lot and write. yeah.

SONDRIA: How do you choose which writing projects to take on?

MARCIE: which i choose to write? they choose me.

SONDRIA: How motivated are you to consistently put pen to paper? What keeps you motivated?

MARCIE: honestly, i'm not as motivated or dedicated as a lot of writers i've met, but that comes with time. my consistency has improved from this time last year and that's just going to get better. when it's an assignment or something for someone else, it's intimidating to stare at a blank screen or a blank piece of paper and think "okay, i have to come up with something worthy" but you learn to conquer that hurdle quickly but jumping on the page and writing it. shit or get off the pot. what keeps me motivated is my determination to make the most of each day. i've no right wasting my life when people are struggling to live theirs. my life consists of seeing and documenting, experiencing and sharing. staying motivated comes easy to some and not so easy to others. i had a routine: i run around my apartment or whereever i'm at trying to distract myself. bad habits. but when i sit down and it starts flowing, it doesn't stop. i end up pages deep before i realize i've been writing for hours. i've picked up a few techniques for keeping the flow going and i carry a notebook constantly. well, i use to. now it's notes on my iphone. but the idea is the same: STAY WRITING. write what you see, write what you hear..write write write. even if it's bullshit, some of the best thing's come from shit! well, you get what i'm saying. oh and i try to stay away from TV and unnecessary internet use. distractions. i'm such a sucker for them!

SONDRIA: Who are some of your favorite writers and why?

MARCIE: palahniuk, fitzgerald, ellis, plato, aristotle, descartes, salinger. ooh, dirty name dropper. ;] why? because they write and i repeatedly read it. because they have something to say and hey do it wonderfully. because when you read their words, you feel it. because they make the wheels turn..

SONDRIA: It seems as though you’ve chosen art forms that require a great deal of slowing life down, picking it apart, and restructuring it as you see fit. How long have you wanted to be God?

MARCIE: since i learned he turns water into wine. the catholics aren't laughing. haha . as far back as i can remember i've imagined life in every way other than what it really is. i'm an arranger. it's just fun imagining "what if". you pick it apart to it's most raw element, relative to the moment. i hope this makes sense. i daydream all the time, lots of ideas come from daydreaming, lots.

SONDRIA: What are some projects you’re currently working on?

MARCIE: i'm working on my first book. currently i'm in the darkroom working on image selection. rolls to develop, all sortsa fun. there's alot going on in my head, it's all execution at this point. i get distracted so easily, it's really quite terrible. but my intensity matches so when i'm in, I'M IN! i'm going to disappear for a year and reemerge next summer with a book release, a contract with rolling stone or wallpaper, and a range rover. mark my words. x

SONDRIA: Is there an artist or anyone that you’d love to work with? A sort of dream project?

MARCIE: i'd like to curate a multi-media experience with kanye west. i LOVE kanye west. i've seen him numerous times and each time is better than the last. i was 20 feet from him during "hey mama" and in traditional kanye fashion he brought out his mom. they danced and sang. it was amazing. he's so amazing and full of love. people think he's arrogant and rude. he's funny and laughing at all of you on his way to the bank. anyways, the idea would be to interpret his catalog into something people can touch, see, and experience. something other than music videos. we'd have our after party at brooklyn bowl with the opening reception at the brooklyn museum. i have a thing for brooklyn. i'd also like to photograph all my favorites. i have a big list of favorites.

SONDRIA: Do you have any advice for people interested in expressing themselves and contributing using several different medium? How is it possible to fit everything in? Or is it possible?

MARCIE: just go. the more you think the less you create. just do it. you wan to take pictures? buy a camera and take pictures. you want to write? WRITE! you want to make gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches? well get to cooking! funny thing is, this is easier said than done. i can't say i write or photograph all the time, but i should. the more you explore the better you become. you may find you like one medium more than another, writing over playing the guitar, painting over piano, whatever. what matters is your making art, so keep doing it. i don't know if it's possible fitting everything in, but it's sure fun trying. oh and never, ever let the money kill it for you. what your art doesn't produce, the streets do, so get to hustling.

Instead of an outro written by me, Miss Navarro sent over a rant along with her interview…I’d like to share it with you. Enjoy, and pay attention to YOUR life!

Love & Water,

Sondria

Marcie’s Rant

i like to rant, so here goes.

i'm picking up an enlarger from my friend this weekend and then i'm going to turn my bedroom into a darkroom. it's going to be tricky and it's probably a bad idea, but i have to try. i enjoy writing and photography and film because it allows me to communicate and regardless of what anyone thinks, we live for a connection. i want to connect with everyone. i want everyone to share a common thread. i'm a hippie, a peace maker. always have been. when i was a kid i use to ask "why can't we all just get a long, help each other, and live life?" but i was asking because i literally did not understand why that wasn't an option, i was dumbfounded. WHEN IN THE HELL IS LOVE NOT AN OPTION? it makes no sense..adults make no sense. i'm just starting to get serious about getting serious so this is going to be an interesting time to be me. i'm scared, but that's because this is going to be soo good. to make sure i don't get down on whatever there is to get down about, i repeat "be productive and proactive" and it works. i start doing shit and 4 hours later i've knocked out an insane to-do list. mind over matter. always, always mind of matter. i cyber stalk random people. it's amazing what the internet has done for my ability to focus. i'm bored about five minutes into anything with a glare over my eyes and i'm usually behind them thinking about what i did the night before or who won the dodger game. goddamn dirty internet.

i hope i've entertained you.

Amanda Diva's "The Spark" Episode 15

2010-07-07T14:07:00.000-07:00

'The Spark' Episode 15: Amanda Diva Talks to Spike Lee, Brandon Victor Dixon and Feels Crazy About Aging

This week, Tony-nominated actor Brandon Victor Dixon stops through 'The Spark' and talks Naomi Campbell going bald, whether black folks have forgiven Chris Brown and more!
Spike Lee chops it up at the American Black Film Festival on LeBron James and the Knicks, directing Rick Ross's new video and Twitter.
Wrapping up, Amanda brings the jokes as usual in 'Things I Learned this Week,' talking ridiculous R&B songs, World Cup officiating and how she feels about turning 29!

Tony nominated actor Brandon Victor Dixon: Episode 15

The Chop Up with: Spike Lee

Be Sure to comment and catch new episodes of The Spark every Monday on AOL BLACK VOICES

Spinners Not Spinsters: Ladies & Tables

2010-06-28T08:55:00.000-07:00

DJ C’est La Vie is one of California’s most appreciated female disc jockeys from the Los Angeles to the San Bernardino County, and she is certainly the one spinning the Hip Hop I’m interested in. Let’s get to know the soft-spoken, apparently reserved lady of the tables.

SONDRIA: How long have you been spinning records and where did you get your start?

DJ C’EST LA VIE: I purchased my turntables in 2005, and made my first “official” DJing debut in Nov. 2008. I got my start with the help of some great DJ friends (NAMEDROP: DJ Joelskee and DJ sourMILK ) who helped me pick out the right equipment, helped me dig for vinyl at record stores and showed me how to spin. I am definitely thankful I started with vinyl records. Most DJ’s starting today will not have the experience of digging for vinyl and matching records without a computer. It’s an experience I cherish and the reason why I have so much respect for DJ’s who paved the way before computers were involved. (SORRY FOR THE TANGENT haha)

SONDRIA: Tell me about your shoe fetish.

C’EST LA VIE: I [love] sneakers and heels and my most recent fav’s, wing-tips (people should not hate on the wing-tips).

SONDRIA: From kicks to hits, are you in love with everything Hip Hop or is that a misconception?

C’EST LA VIE: I think its pretty clear that I do love hip-hop, and the culture. I feel the biggest misconception is that I am ONLY “hip-hop”, but there is so much more to me musically.

SONDRIA: Who are some of your musical influences? Favorite artists? Independent and Mainstream.

C’EST LA VIE: I feel like this list could go on forever. I am constantly meeting new people who inspire and influence me musically. Most of the people who influence me are those that I know personally. My list of favorite artists can go on forever as well. Depending on my mood, there are many artists that are my favs. Lauryn Hill (mid to late 90’s), Erykah Badu, Janelle Monae, Little Dragon, Bjork, J. Dilla, Flying Lotus, Coldplay, Portishead, Bob Marley and more than a handful of IE/LA independent artists (Too many to list).

SONDRIA: Why do you spin records? What perception of music do possess that makes you think it’s important for your to interpret that to the people.

C’EST LA VIE: I spin records because I love it; that simple. I perceive music as a dichotomy of stillness and motion. As a DJ, most of the time, it is my job to get people from one extreme to the other. I truly believe there is an art to playing the right songs at the right times. It’s what separates Great DJ’s from Good ones. It’s definitely something that I am always working on.

SONDRIA: What would you say your “purpose” is? What do you think you’re life is supposed to be dedicated to in order to contribute to the Common Good.

C’EST LA VIE: I believe music is just as potent as any drug; instead of your bloodstream, it shoots straight to the soul. So I would say my purpose is to get you high, off music. As long as I am dedicated to doing what I love while simultaneously creating something others can relate to and feel good about, then I am definitely contributing to the Common Good.

SONDRIA: What keeps you diligent when pursuing a goal?

C’EST LA VIE: Passion! When I set goals, it’s always something that I am passionate about. When you’re passionate about something, it’s very hard to lose focus.

SONDRIA: Tell me about kung fu flicks. What’s your favorite? What was your first?

C’EST LA VIE: I do have a love for Kung Fu flicks. I don’t have just ONE favorite. I’d have to say Bruce Lee classics like “Fist of Fury” or “Enter the Dragon” along with Jet Li’s “Fist of Legend” and Tony Ja’s “The Protector” are some of my favorites. I cannot remember my first flick, although I’m sure it was something from the Kung Fu Theatre show that aired on tv back in the 80’s.

SONDRIA: How’d you get into watching them?

C’EST LA VIE: My Father would record the Kung Fu Theatre show on VHS and he’d sit around and watch them. Being the daddy’s girl that I was, it was only a matter of time before I started watching them with him.

SONDRIA: Are there any other aspects of Asian culture you find yourself gravitating towards? If so, tell me about them and why.

C’EST LA VIE: I can’t say that I am. Although; they do have a beautiful culture.

SONDRIA: If you could have anyone mentor you—historically or presently—who would it be and why?

C’EST LA VIE: I cannot choose anyone that I do not know. All of the people who have mentored me thus far, I would not trade for the world. =)

To find out more about DJ C’est La Vie, including upcoming events, follow her on Twitter: www.twitter.com/DJCestLaVie.

LOVE & WATER,

Sondria

PLANNING YOUR WEEKEND: 06.24.10, The Hii Hatts!

2010-06-24T12:12:00.000-07:00

This weekend you have two, count them, TWO opportunities to come out and support The Hii Hatts!!

Thursday

WHEN: Tonight, June 24, 2010, doors open at 9PM

WHAT: The Tay Dizm BET Awards Pre-Party

WHERE: Stingers Night Club, 194 W. Club Center Dr., San Bernardino, CA

COST: $15-$20

Saturday

WHEN: Saturday, June 26, 2010, doors open at 7PM, The Hii Hatts hit the stage at 10PM

WHAT: Hollywood Live

WHERE: The House of Blues Sunset Strip, 8430 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069

COST: FREE!!!

Be sure to follow The Hii Hatts on Twitter to stay current on all current events, and music releases!! Be safe this weekend.

LOVE & WATER,

Sondria

Hip Hop's Unequivocal Brick to the Face

2010-06-22T00:13:00.000-07:00

In the Inland Empire and much of Southern California, BrickToYaFace.com is the quintessential media center for everything hip hop. From blogs to videos to hosting fundraising events, beat battles, and artist showcases, they have it covered. If the Empire was the human body, Noa James and Lesa J would be the heart—pumping inspiration all the way from the tips of the fingers writing this blog to the feet stomping on the floors of The Common Ground. Today I'm getting inside the head of the feminine side of the team, Lesa J.

SONDRIA: Lesa J, how do you see hip hop in the Inland Empire and how do you bring that vision to the rest of the world?

LESA J: The thing about the Inland Empire music scene as a whole is that we are very acceptant of new music, new sounds & new genres. Out here, for most of us music isn’t just something we listen to but it’s more of a lifestyle. With bricktoyaface.com, anyone from anywhere has access to our site; we like to showcase new talent & artist who don’t get love that they deserve. That’s why we show love to everyone & listen to everyone’s music.

SONDRIA: Why do you think your site is so vital for the hip hop scene, locally and abroad?

LESA J: Locally, I know we are one of the few sites that are predominately Hip Hop based. Noa is an emcee and we both love Hip Hop, so of course our site would be for the Hip Hop community. We live the Hip Hop scene whether it’s in I.E. or L.A., we make sure our readers know what’s going on. We post flyers for different upcoming shows but we also post flyers about local events like job fairs or events local businesses are having. As for abroad, we’re letting our readers learn about the talent we have out here & hopefully they enjoy the talent & artist can gain new fans.

SONDRIA: How do you determine what content to post to bricktoyaface.com?

LESA J: We listen to everything that is sent to us, if we’re familiar with your music will post it up right away, if we’re not we’ll listen to it and if we like it we’ll post it up. Also, if we see you putting in work we’ll show you love. The mainstream stuff we post is just whatever we like and whatever we think our readers should or would like to see.

SONDRIA: What artists inspire you most?

-as far as making sure you show support via the blog and/or in person by whether it's purchasing clothes or coming out to events.

LESA J: The I.E. music scene is what inspires us the most, that’s why we try to be at every show and every event that is going on in the I.E. I love going to shows and seeing an artist that I like perform the songs that I like, I enjoy the whole experience of a Hip Hop show and event.

SONDRIA: We see you at shows putting in work ranging from recording performances to collecting money at the door, but is there anyone else helping out that you'd like to acknowledge? Anyone working behind the scenes we might not know about?

LESA J: Noa & I do just about everything. As for the Common Ground, DJ C’est la Vie is the resident DJ; GLK & Nerd Bandit does our photography, M16, Ramone Jones & Curtiss King host and just recently we found someone to do the door for us. As for the bricktoyaface.com, Noa & I do it all, posting stuff, editing footage, and updating everything. Everything that deals with bricktoyaface.com Noa & I take care of it.

SONDRIA: What upcoming hip hop projects are you excited about? Independent and Mainstream? Why?

LESA J: I’m excited about all projects that is coming out of the I.E. and the Black Cloud Music camp. I’m excited for projects that are dropping that are coming from artist that I know personally. Faimkills is dropping a project soon that I’m excited to hear, Jynxx is dropping a project soon that I’ve heard and can’t wait for everyone else to hear; he’s actually rapping and it’s a dope solid project for his first release. Ab-Soul is about to drop Long Term 2, all his leaks have been dope and on repeat so I can’t wait for that. Jazzie is dropping an R&B mixtape, she leaked Obsession, which I love so I can’t wait for her project. The fact that people are making music and doing projects is exciting.

SONDRIA: Are there any segments or other types of projects you're planning to add to the blog soon? What are your future plans for bricktoyaface.com?

LESA J: We use to do artist interviews & we want to start that up again. We want to just keep building & branding bricktoyaface.com; we do the Common Ground but we want to get involved in bigger shows and festivals. We want to become a legitimate company that handles events, not just hip hop events or music events but we want to do all events.

SONDRIA: Where would you like to see hip hop go this year? What are you hoping changes, stays the same, or goes harder than ever?

LESA J: I definitely want to see more fans of hip hop come out to more shows, we need more support for the local artist. Independent artist need to be more professional and really learn the business. Hip Hop needs to come back to the people, where artist and fans have more control, hip hop really needs to become a community again.

SONDRIA: What are some of your personal goals for the next few years? How prominent is bricktoyaface.com in your life plan?

LESA J: I’m going to be bricktoyaface.com for life. Even if it’s not a blog anymore it will be our promotion company. We want to one-day throw big hip hop festivals like Rock The Bells & Paid Dues. But also, we want to make a difference in the world not just hip hop, that’s why we do charity events. Our goal is to doing everything and anything to keep bricktoyaface growing and relevant in the community.

From designing and printing flyers to filming performances, Lesa J and

BrickToYaFace .com have the positive, independent artist’s back, and it has been a pleasure to display their contribution to the local hip hop scene on the front.

LOVE & WATER,

Sondria

www.BRICKTOYAFACE.com

myspace.com/BRICKTOYAFACE

twitter.com/BRICKTOYAFACE

aim: BRICKTOYAFACE

Hostile Woman in an All-Boy Band

2010-06-16T05:35:00.000-07:00

Whether you’ve seen Meeso via the web on her Youtube freestyle video or in-person rocking the stage alongside the gentlemen of Hostile Environment, each time you see her, it’s an experience. We know that she’s the only female tough enough to stand between Ramone Jones and M16 and be not only noticed, but heard as well. Let’s find out some of what we don’t know about Miss Meeso: The Hostile Woman in an All-Boy Band.

SONDRIA: First things first, How did you come to be a member of the Hostile Takeover and who are all of its members?

MEESO: I became a Hostile member when Ramone (Seis One) Jones heard that I rap through other mutual friends and once we hooked up and he believed in my skill the rest was history! Hostile Affiliates: Ramone Jones, M-16 The Great, Critical, MeeSo, Sosa Rose, Flash Gordon, Krusafix, Shaheed, and Moss.

SONDRIA: What is the earliest experience with music you can remember? How did you know that music was something you wanted to do?

MEESO: My earliest music experience dates back to me being 3 years old. My dad used to collect tons of Records from the 60’s 70’s and 80’s and I would sing along and choose records to play with my dad everyday. I can remember being dropped off in elementary school with my dad knocking 2Pac, Snoop Dogg, Tha Dogg Pound etc. I knew that music was something I wanted to do after recognizing my talent (for myself) I took it seriously. Once I realized the opportunities and I started to receive so much support and positive feed back from people I looked up to musically, I knew my dreams were unstoppable.

SONDRIA: Does your musical appetite expand beyond Hip Hop? What type of stuff do you listen to? What type(s) of music are you most interested in creating?

MEESO: I’m into lots of different music genres. I listen to Oldies, Techno, R&B, Pop, Jazz, Rock, Blues, and MAYBE country if I’m in the mood. LOL.. I want to create relatable “feel good” music that expresses how I feel at THAT moment…I let the music talk to me

SONDRIA: Who are some of your favorite emcees/musical performers currently? Independent and Mainstream.

MEESO: Some of my favorite independent EmCees.. Yancy Deron, Ramone Jones, M-16 The Great, Sosa Rose, CT Tha Prince, Young Giants just to name a few. Mainstream favorites; Erykah Badu, Beyonce, Andre3000, Wiz Khalifa, Drake (CURRENTLY SPEAKING that is..)

SONDRIA: What do you want people to take away from your music and apply to their own lives?

MEESO: I want people to be inspired by my music! Not only women, but anyone! If that means sharing personal trials through lyrics to help someone who’s facing the same issues, or an up tempo song before the club, or even some empowerment with positive words. People should apply the fact that there is always someone else that shares the same views/issues and can relate to them even if it’s only one person, it exists to justify the way they feel.

SONDRIA: What do you think your purpose is? As far as the goal of your life and how you intend on accomplishing it?

a. Is music a part of this goal?

MEESO: TO TAKE OVER THE WORLD! LOL. Kidding! My purpose is to give my daughter/family the foundation for the BEST opportunities that life has to offer. I will attain this goal by keeping God first and acknowledging that he is the creator of my talents and I am simply a vessel and continue to focus and kick walls down until I face my success. Music is definitely a major role in my purpose that’s why I take it seriously and view each move as if it were a “Franchise” that I’m building. Financial freedom gives LIMITLESS opportunities!

SONDRIA: If you couldn’t do music, what would you be doing?

MEESO: If music was no longer a career option I would most likely be involved in some entertainment industry occupation, and if not, maybe motivational speaking for Teenagers who aren’t on the best road in life. I’m also licensed through California’s Board of Pharmacy as a Pharmacy Technician. (I have plan B &C)!! LOL

SONDRIA: Where are you from? Where were you raised

MEESO: I was born in Indiana the city of Michigan, Moved to Washington State city of Tacoma at age 2years old, then moved to California city of Westchester at age 4 where I was raised during early childhood and I’ve been in the Inland Empire city of Fontana since age 12 to the present.

SONDRIA: Brothers and sisters? Only child? Both parents?

MEESO: No Biological Brothers, 2 younger biological sisters (same mom and dad) and tons of extended family. And I’ve had BOTH parents in the household my entire life.

SONDRIA: Have you set a timeframe for accomplishing your goals or are you taking steps daily and accepting what comes?

MEESO: I usually set dates when I have certain goals for myself just to keep me aware of what I have to do, at the same time, I’m always open to the twists and set backs that can happen daily, I try to stay focused more than anything else.

SONDRIA: Who are some artists you would like to work with? Independent and Mainstream.

MEESO: I would love to work with Keri Hilson, Ciara, Snoop Dogg, Outkast just to name a few, the list goes ON and ON! The independent side, ANY DOPE ARTIST WHO’S REALLY TRYING TO ADVANCE TO THE NEXT LEVEL IN THE GAME.

Okay, so maybe she’s not that hostile. More like organized, focused, and determined. Some additional information about MeeSo is that her immediate camp was originated in Pasadena, CA and they go by the name “AK-TIV”. (Hostile is her I.E. family)

She has some upcoming projects: An AK-TIV compilation mix tape to be released this summer, An EP with Hostile, and a few other feature projects also coming in the summer.

You can find additional information about MeeSo by visiting the following sites:

www.RamoneJones.com

www.WeAreUnderdogs.com

www.twitter.com/MeeSoFli

LOVE & WATER,

Sondria

Amanda Diva's "The Spark" Episode 12

2010-06-15T08:42:00.000-07:00

'The Spark' Episode 12: Breaking the Color Box in Music + Jay Electronica

As we continue with Black Music Month on 'The Spark,' Jay Electronica checks in from the Roots Picnic to discuss his music and if people truly "get it." Recording artists Tabi Bonney and Netic of GAME Rebellion stop by to discuss what makes an artist "black," the alternative side of black music and its challenges. Then host Amanda Diva closes with another "Things I Learned this Week," touching on Slim Thug's recent faux pas, the utter wackness of student loans and more!

Panel Discussion with Tabi Bonney & Netic: Episode 12

The Spark with: Jay Electronica

Amanda Diva: Things I Learned This Week

Be sure to comment and catch new episodes of THE SPARK every MONDAY on AOL BLACK VOICES (http://www.blackvoices.com)

Feminism in Hip Hop with BLISS

2010-06-08T10:06:00.000-07:00

FEMINISM: Organized activity on behalf of women’s rights and interests.

Ever since I saw Bliss perform at The Common Ground’s “More than a Housewife” show in promotion and appreciation of the women in art, I’ve been optimistic about the female role in Hip Hop. There’s no room for vacant stares and bubble gum popping in Bliss’ music. She lyrically steps in the faces of her audience and reminds them, eye-to-eye, that THIS IS PIMPIN’.

SONDRIA: Bliss, tell me, How did you get your name?

BLISS: How did I get my name, well the funny thing about it is that its really cheesy and corny but it’s the truth, lol, my son’s godmother actually gave me the name Bliss. Before that I was going by the name Suga because I’m sweet (corny) but it wasn’t sitting well, so, one day while chilling at my house we was having a lil session and we got on my name and she said that I should go with Bliss. She said it fit my style and personality. Everything about me, and I took that as a major compliment and ran with it. So it’s been Bliss since. Miss Bliss if you nasty!!! Lol

SONDRIA: How long have you been rhyming?

BLISS: I’ve been rhyming since I was 20-21. I always had a love for music and the art of speech. I write a lot of poetry still, but I began spitting around 20-21 and took it serious around 23, and it’s been on every since.

SONDRIA: To what or whom do you attribute your independence and confidence? Have you always been this confident?

BLISS: My mother. She raised me to be independent and confident. To love me for me no matter what anyone else said or thought. I was very athletic in school. I was the girl next door. Good grades, played sports, and I was popular but after I gave birth to my son at 15yrs old, I lost a lot of confidence. I went from weighing 150lbs for years to weighing 225lbs in 9months! So I struggled with weight issues for a long time especially with the fact that all my friends were 125-145lbs. It took time, but I had to find myself and understand who I was and know that my weight had nothing to do with who I was a person. It didn’t define Shandrea Lewis, only if I allowed it too.

SONDRIA: We know women wear several hats on a daily basis. Who are you when you’re not an emcee? What role is most important to you right now

BLISS: When I am not an emcee I am a mother before anything else. My son is 11yrs old. So besides me working a full‑time job from 7am-5pm. I still come home with even more responsibilities because not only is being a parent a full time job, being a “single” parent is double that! So you can say Im something like a Jamaican! Lol. But my most important role right now is being me. Staying grounded. There is only one me and im being pulled in 10 different directions at one time, and I feel if I can at all time know my role in my life and with God, all else will not fall. Im the core of my life, without me functioning properly nothing in my life would.

SONDRIA: What do you hope to accomplish through Hip Hop?

BLISS: Through Hip-Hop I hope to accomplish making great music that women all over the world can relate too. No im not a male basher! I’m a man eater! Lol. I love empowering my divas. We need that so I hope to help put WOMEN not females but women back on the map. And a different look you know. I want to restore the class in the industry with women. It’s ok to be sexy, freaky, kinky, hood, gangsta ect. Just have some dignity and pride with your shit. Present and conduct yourself as a woman. I mean no one is perfect but work towards perfecting the art and beauty of being classy, the best.

SONDRIA: Are there any other goals you’d like to share with us?

BLISS: I would also like to start a non-profit organization for girls and women ages ranging from 14-40, to help with your everyday and life necessities. As far as, hygiene, self-esteem, the do’s and don’ts, parenting classes, financial situations, schooling, career planning, just any and everything you should need to know about being a women and how to advance to the next level. I think that’s what we are missing now days, guidance.

SONDRIA: How do you think you differ from the ladies of Hip Hop’s past?

How do you plan to contribute to Hip Hop’s future?

BLISS: I’m different from the past in a way that is rare from anyone else’s perspective. I watched and observed these women. I’ve taken some of their good qualities and their flaws and learned where I want to stand and how I should go about it. So you can say I’m a revamped version of all women of hip-hop, because without them I wouldn’t be who I am today. But I am what the future holds. I contribute independence, confidence, sexuality, morals, pride, and intelligence. I’m a DIVA. And a diva is a female version of a hustler so all I can say is WATCH ME WORK!

Check Miss Bliss out on the following social networks to stay updated on her upcoming shows and musical releases!!

www.myspace.com/BLISSTHADIVA

www.youtube.com/MISSFNBLISS

www.twitter.com/LetsGoBliss

LOVE & WATER,

Sondria

"Married Things" RELEASE UPDATE

2010-05-31T10:16:00.000-07:00

Married Things will drop on June 15th rather than June 1st...stay tuned my unique little balls of energy.

Love & Water,

Sondria

Amanda Diva's "The Spark" Episode 9

2010-05-26T12:56:00.000-07:00

'The Spark' Episode 9: Crack Dealin' Grandmas, LeBron in Jersey & Malcolm X watches '106 and Park'?!

This week on 'The Spark,' super producer Rockwilder and hip hop artist Daytona stop through to discuss where LeBron will end up, why Nikki Minaj is dope, a crack dealing grandma and more! Also in honor of Malcolm X's belated birthday, we count down the five things he'd be most unhappy with if he were still here. Lastly, on "Things I Learned This Week," Deev gives a relationship PSA we could all use, some insight on gold diggers, and the scoop on Tiger's sketchy neighbors!

WATCH THIS WEEK'S PANEL DISCUSSION HERE:EPISODE 9

ON THIS WEEK'S EPISODE:Malcolm X Top 5

LOOK FOR "THE SPARK" EVERY MONDAY AT AOL BLACK VOICES

"Married Things" TEASER by Sondria

2010-05-25T11:50:00.000-07:00

Below is a teaser to my new short story "Married Things". It will be my feature on FIRST OF THE MONTH FRESH FICTION in June. Stay tuned...

"Married Things" (TEASER) by Sondria

I can honestly say that Jason and I have never been more married than we are today. True, we don’t speak to each other anymore, or risk direct eye contact, but I think that’s for the best. It’s this silent festering that allows us to appear so happily betrothed at parties and dinners. Balance and compromise is key. After several years of fighting back—yelling, raging, throwing, cursing, what have you—I’ve learned that I am the sole compromiser in this relationship. I am the one both creative and compassionate enough to lead a double life and maintain our blissful balance. That’s really the piece of the puzzle most couples are missing. They believe compromising requires a mutual negotiation and relinquishing of equal amounts of identity. This is a misconception.

The key to a happy coexistence is someone with the will to live a double life. Someone has to be versatile and energetic enough to separate their personal things from their married things, and strong-willed enough to make sure those things never meet. I am she, she is me, and my marriage exists in harmony.

M16 and His Boy Roy

2010-05-24T10:27:00.000-07:00

I’ve seen this brother freestyle for twenty-five minutes straight, incorporating comedy, word play, and the clever use of his environment to put on one hell of a show right within the cipher. But after the brief fizzle of his “Pre Last Hope” mixtape I was left with the dissatisfaction one feels when expectations for the best don’t come into fruition. However, I am excited to announce that M-16’s new project, “Me & My Boy Roy” has satiated my hip hop hungry pallet. And I’m even more excited to be able to pick his brain about some things.

SONDRIA: What were you trying to accomplish with “Pre Last Hope”?

M16: Promotion for my album and [I] needed exposure

SONDRIA: Did you meet your expectations?

M16: Yes because I didn’t have any expectations with it. I recorded hundred’s of songs for my album and those were just a couple that didn’t make the cut but were good enough to be released.

SONDRIA: What are your goals for “My Boy Roy”?

M16: More promotion for the “Last Hope” coming this summer by the way

SONDRIA: How long did it take you to finish the album?

M16: The album took a year or so the mixtape took a month including recording and promotion

SONDRIA: Are there any other artists featured on the project?

M16: Yes my No-Pity family: Scoop da Kidd, Asap and Krystina Nicole, as well as my Hostile team: Ramone Jones and MeeSo and some artist I respect and always thought [were] underrated in the I.E.: Epic, Celphi, and Sosa Rose

SONDRIA: What’s your favorite track and what’s it about? Why is it your favorite?

M16: My favorite is the intro “Surprise Myself” because the love I’m receiving from this mixtape surprises me, but I appreciate it. I finally feel like people see me as an artist not just a cipher killa.

SONDRIA: What roll does comedy play in your overall artistry?

M16: A big one. Comedy is entertainment that’s what I make music to do, entertain you, are you entertained? Hahaha

SONDRIA: What does the name M16 mean?

M16: It’s the master of 16 bar’s, not a weapon

SONDRIA: How long have you been rhyming?

M16: I’ve been rhyming since I could get away with peeing on myself without looking like a jack ass, but I’ve been doing music seriously since the age of 16 recording since 13 but that was just for fun you know the homies and shit nothing serious.

DOWNLOAD M16'S "ME AND MY BOY ROY" NOW BY CLICKING THE TITLE!!

Follow M16 on Twitter

Get the mixtape as soon as you can to experience both M16's grateful side (on tracks like "Suprise Myself") and his comedic side (as displayed on "Fuck that Nigga). This listener is ecstatic to see this emcee's power in cipher transmitted to "wax".

Long Live Hip Hop!

Love & Water,

Sondria

"Hot N' Fun" Leaves me wanting more of NOTHING from N.E.R.D

2010-04-26T09:57:00.001-07:00

Use the link below to hear N.E.R.D's "Hot N Fun" featuring Nelly Furtado and to be featured on their upcoming album "NOTHING" set to release on June 15th.

As many of you are, I'm concerned about how much of the new N.E.R.D stuff is going to sound like Black Eyed Peas rip-offs, but I'm hoping for the best.

I can't tell by this first single, but I'm more on the worried side than not. It's a party jam, though, so enjoy moving your asses. :)

Love & Water,

Sondria

N.E.R.D. featuring Nelly Furtado – Hot ‘N Fun

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Noa James' Beautiful Darkness Drops MAY 5th!!!

2010-04-22T10:38:00.000-07:00

BlackCloud Music Presents the first single off Noa James' Beautiful Darkness Album entitled He's Coming produced by Curtiss King;

Beautiful Darkness will drop on May 5th and will be available for purchase through iTunes and local retail stores.

"This lead single describes how I'm feeling about my life and my music right now; it holds a lot of my feeling in it. I truly wrote this with my

heart on my sleeve." - Noa James

below is the download link & attached is the cover for Beautiful Darkness

http://www.mediafire.com/?tydvndwe1zm | Noa James' Bandcamp

Peep the single and let me know what you guys think!

Love & Water,

Sondria

BBi Commercial, Just one more reason they're ahead of the game

2010-04-19T14:12:00.001-07:00

I love this instant classic.

The commercial, very much like the brand, speaks for itself.

No dialogue necessary.

No show-boating.

Just clothes, man.

Enjoy!

LOVE & WATER,

Sondria

A GOOD MORNING, MONDAY WORD...

2010-04-19T07:06:00.000-07:00

Hello my dear and elite Readers!

I hope this Monday finds you inspired to do so well this week that you forget about the fuck-ups of last week. I am excited about the present, and if you're not, GET THERE....RIGHT NOW...I'll wait for you.................................okay, you got it? That little spark of energy in your belly that makes you giggle? The one you're afraid to reveal because you may not look cool or modern? Good.

Now find me on any of the various social networks I belong to throughout the week and let me know what's going on an how productive you're being...or what you chose instead of productivity as the case may be. I love your positive energies, and I'm motivated to do more by your negative ones. Join me in enjoying the journey!!

Love & Water,

Sondria

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