Off The Record With Georgette Pierre

California native and veteran casting director, Yolanda Hunt, has made her mark on the casting world since first working with John Singleton on the music video “Remember the Time” for the late, legendary icon, Michael Jackson. With over 20 years experience and casting credits for some of the industry’s notable films, music videos, and TV shows, Yolanda’s work can be seen for years to come. Having seen it all and almost done it all, she shares her insight on some of the trends in the casting industry, wise words for aspiring talent, and what she foresees in her casting future.

What is the Killer Boombox life you say?  Based on the content, it’s more than music, it’s a lifestyle. Fresh perspectives on news and entertainment, brash and bold writing, and just a different way to document urban music culture outside of the gossip rags and salacious stories. The mastermind of business operations, Brandon Matthews, and the editor-in-chief, G Valentino Ball, stop by to discuss the concept behind Killer Boombox, why he needed to create this outlet, and how they plan on running the digital space.

Newark, New Jersey native, Pure, has been buzzing since first releasing his mixtape in 2010, titled I Am Pure.  Not confining himself to any genre, his diverse musical influences can be heard his latest singles The Stars and club banger Touch It, Bring It. Both have been well received from major NYC radio stations including Hot 97, Power 105, and Kiss 98.7.  Growing up in the Brick City, dominated by gangs, drugs, and gun violence, music was Pure’s outlet and motivation to stay above that. He joins me to discuss the movement behind his buzzing single Touch It, Bring It, his latest music project, and why his sound is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Listen to the singles at the links provided The Stars and Touch It, Bring It. Learn more about him here.

Due to social media, our attention spans have become shorter and communication reduced to 140 characters, facebook wall posts, emails, and text messages. It makes me wonder does anyone crave human interaction anymore? Has talking on the phone or seeing someone in person become obsolete? Are these new forms here to stay? Hear what my guests have to say about the evolution of communication, how it affects our personal/romantic relationships, and the privacy issues associated with it.  Check out the link to the Huffington Post article I referenced in the show.

  With Grammy award winning producer 9th Wonder as her mentor along with being the first lady of North Carolina hip hop group, Kooley High, Rapsody has more than paid her dues as an MC. Respecting her work since first speaking with her back in late 2010, she hasn't let up since her first solo digital release. Already three mixtapes in from Return of the B-Girl, to Thank H.E.R. Now, and most recently For Everything, Rapsody deserves her fair share of credit. On our part 3 conversation, she joins me to discuss how she's evolved lyrically since her first release, how she met her rap hero Jay-Z, and what's it like to blaze the internet waves with 9th Wonder as her mentor.

  From slight addiction to neutral and conservative views, the act of masturbation [even the word] has become such a taboo discussion.  Judged as filthy, immoral, and even lewd, the social stigmas that have been created are attached to “A” subjective point of view of how people should be pleased and not necessarily “our” (generally speaking) own personal views. My expert guest, Gracie Landes, licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and licensed sex counselor in New York City, joins me to demystify masturbation, discussing pros and cons (if any), the health benefits, and ways to live a healthy sex life, free of judgment. 

Coined the title, Organic Soul Chef, Madea pursued her passion in food, health, and healing.  Providing education through empowerment, she teaches culinary instruction in the public and private sectors. She cooks cuisines heavily influenced by the African Diaspora and creates an integrative nutritional plan for her clients. She joins us to offer her personalized roadmap to health according to our unique needs, lifestyle, and goals.

There are more black men in jail than in colleges. Statistics show that 50% of black men would've served time in prison or a juvenile detention center by the age of 30. The incarceration rates of black men are higher compared to their white male counterparts. Why the disproportionate rate of black men in prison? What about effective programs that help them re-enter society? My guest Reverend Henry Price, a once convicted felon turned social activist and pastor, joins me to discuss his take on the prison industrial complex, what lead him to activism, and why he feels like black men keep going to prison.

DJ and rapper, Jasmine Solano continues to rep strong for the ladies. Having interviewed her on tour as Wiz Khalifa's DJ, she's been working on her own music too. The video for her single "That's Not It" (produced by DJ Wonder and directed by Vashtie Cola) can be seen on mtvU. Still touring, rhyming, deejaying, and such, Jasmine Solano stops by to get up close and personal with her life as an artist, DJ, and MC in this male dominated industry.

Would you date someone living with a STD (sexually transmitted disease)? What if you didn't know they had one? A man or woman close to you is probably living with one of these dis-eases, herpes, HIV/AIDS, or HPV. Unfortunately, these STDs are very common amongst African Americans. Two of my guests are living with two of the three STDs mentioned above. They join me to share their stories, how they're educating others on breaking down the stigma, and why you shouldn't be so quick to judge. Do you know your status? Email any questions or comments to info@brnskn.com. Listen all February as I continue to celebrate Black History Month bringing awareness to issues in the black community as well as spotlighting men/women of color in the arts, media, and entertainment industries to name a few.

Mental health issues in the black community are often times ignored and seen as taboo. According to data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminstration (SAMHSA), "in 2008, six percent of African Americans aged 18-25 had a mental health illness in the past year." Most of these cases go undiagnosed and untreated due to various reasons including "mistrust of health professionals, cultural barriers, and socioeconomic differences (via Mental Health America [MHA])." My guests join me to discuss ways of recognizing "the signs", breaking down the stigma of mental illness, and access to care including holistic alternatives. Listen all February as I continue to celebrate Black History Month bringing awareness to issues in the black community as well as spotlighting men/women of color in the arts, media, and entertainment industries to name a few.

Becoming a comedian in this male dominated profession has proved challenging but not discouraging for budding comedians, Aminah Imani and Khellie B. With a passion for laughter and good fun, these ladies are taking the comedy circuit by force, showing you who's boss. They join me to discuss their comedic influence, a breakdown of this industry, and what made them choose this profession. Listen all February as I continue to celebrate Black History Month bringing awareness to issues in the black community as well as spotlighting men/women of color in the arts, media, and entertainment industries to name a few.

Sophia Dawson's passion for art started off as a passion for music. Being recognized for her artistic ability instead of musical talent, she attended LaGuardia's High School of Music and Performing Arts. Two years later, Sophia's work has been showcased at the Black Panther Party Film Festival, Prospect Park, to name a few. She continues to develop her style, building her clientele by painting portraits of family, friends, celebrities, and more. Experience art through her world. Listen all February as I celebrate Black History Month, spotlighting men and women of color in the media, entertainment, and arts industries as well as highlighting issues going in the black community.

Ever wondered who was responsible for discovering new acts or signing an obscure artist you only knew about? Well tonight the artist and repertoire rep (A&R) responsible for signing Diggy Simmons (son of Reverend Run of Run DMC) to Atlantic Records stops by to talk about his life as an A&R, what he looks for, and new artists on his radar.

Last time we spoke we were awaiting the release of her first solo project. Seven months later, Return of the B-Girl hits the net, featuring Jamla label mates, Big Remo, Heather Victoria, and more. She checks in to discuss her new mixtape, working with some of her favorite artists, and plans for 2011.

First hearing her DJ at Fashion's Night Out 2010 event in NYC, Tyger Lilly's name has picked up speed amongst fashion and music aficionados alike. Having graced the runways for several high-end designers, she stops by to discuss her life as a DJ and a model, how she keeps the balance in this male-dominated industry, and how other women can show and prove.

Have you ever dealt with cat-calls, whistling, sexist and sexual epithets being yelled out the street and car windows, being grabbed or followed, while walking home? This conversation is our space to address street harassment openly. Author of Stop Street Harassment, Holly Kearl, and Salamishah Tillet, co-founder of A Long Walk Home, organization that educates and brings about social change through visual/performing arts and art therapy, join me to sound off on ways to make women safer in the streets. Email me with your questions and/or experiences at info@brnskn.com

After releasing her first worldwide album Exit E, Esnavi is making her presence known. Working wonders with her eclectic vibes and soulful voice, Exit E proves to be a solid album for this independent artist. Although this isn't her first project, she stops by to discuss the vision behind her latest release, what she's currently working on, and how she plans on reviving the music industry. Email questions to info@brnskn.com.

In a society where media perpetuates self-loathing, patriarchy, and negative stereotypes of women of color, I wonder where one begins to define their foundation of self-love (if it didn't start at home). Based on personal experiences, learning to love my self has served to be challenging yet liberating. In this episode, I look to writer Jo Nubian (www.jonubian.com) and Valeisha Butterfield, co-founder of WEEN Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network (www.weenonline.org) as they share their views, experiences, and personal insight on building and preserving a strong self-love foundation. I dedicate this to all my ladies on the same journey with me. Email any questions to info@brnskn.com.

To "wax poetic" is to become increasingly verbose and romantic in speech; very eclectic and poetic in manner. But the Wax Poetics we speak of is the bi-monthly American music magazine dedicated to vintage and contemporary music including jazz, funk, soul, hip-hop, reggae, Latin, blues, and R&B. Editor-in-chief, Andre Torres, stops by to chat with us about the history/vision behind WAX POETICS, the success of the vintage magazine, and future plans/ventures. Tune in for this special episode co-hosted by the ladies of The R'ebel Mag, Miss Ishshah, Lady Spyce, and myself.