blackopps entertainment 2010 edition
DESCRIPTION
Blackopps Entertainment 2010 EditionTRANSCRIPT
In this issue:In this issue: Marcus Anderson Presents...Marcus Anderson Presents...
Cedric “The Entertainer”Cedric “The Entertainer”
Wanda SykesWanda Sykes
Diamond District PhotographyDiamond District Photography
BLACKOPPS ENTERTAINMENT
The E-Magazine - www.Blackopps.com
Blackopps Entertainment is an internet based marketing
firm that specializes in Urban Entertainment Events. We are
the primere source for urban entertainmnet events and infor
mation in the Carolinas. Deadline for submissions is the 20th
of each month . Email: [email protected]
- 2 - December 2010 Edition Blackopps Entertainment
CREDIT
Blackopps Enterainment December 2010 Edition - 3 -
SHOP @ BLACKOPPS
Did you know that Blackopps Entertainment
is an affiliate partner with Apple iTunes?
You can buy your favorite music, movies, tv shows and
videos right from this page.
Click on any of the iTunes graphics to get started.
Sierra Jackson - Senior Writer/Photographer
The Best of Multiple Worlds
A P.R. professional with a B.A. in Mass Communication, Sierra Jackson gets pleasure from meeting new and A P.R. professional with a B.A. in Mass Communication, Sierra Jackson gets pleasure from meeting new and
exciting people. Taking negative realities and spinning them to be positive is what she does. In 2006 she found exciting people. Taking negative realities and spinning them to be positive is what she does. In 2006 she found
herself caught in a real life love affairherself caught in a real life love affair--a love affair with photography. Like most relationships, this one started out a love affair with photography. Like most relationships, this one started out
thriving. Shooting for her school’s award winning news paper even became top priority. After graduating and no thriving. Shooting for her school’s award winning news paper even became top priority. After graduating and no
longer having the school’s news paper to submit to, Jackson’s active shooting became less and less. Nolonger having the school’s news paper to submit to, Jackson’s active shooting became less and less. No--no, she no, she
still acknowledged photography as a true love but had a desire to “play the field” (with Mass Communication). still acknowledged photography as a true love but had a desire to “play the field” (with Mass Communication).
“Interviewing and writing have always been interests of mine.” shares Jackson. In undergrad I would often have “Interviewing and writing have always been interests of mine.” shares Jackson. In undergrad I would often have
the opportunity to interview/write about the subject I was shooting. During this time, I realized I was feeding mul-the opportunity to interview/write about the subject I was shooting. During this time, I realized I was feeding mul-
tiple fascinations of mine. I found this to be much easier than being faithful to one topic.” Born in New Jersey, tiple fascinations of mine. I found this to be much easier than being faithful to one topic.” Born in New Jersey,
and bred in North Carolina, this “Jerseyand bred in North Carolina, this “Jersey--Carolina” lady has a blend of talents, a variety of interests, and is wait-Carolina” lady has a blend of talents, a variety of interests, and is wait-
ing to share them with you as the newest member of Black Opps Entertainment!ing to share them with you as the newest member of Black Opps Entertainment!
- 4 - December 2010 Edition Blackopps Entertainment
Senior Writer/Photographer - SIERRA JACKSON
Blackopps Enterainment December 2010 Edition - 5 -
Sierra Jackson - Senior Writer/Photographer
The Best of Multiple Worlds
A P.R. professional with a B.A. in Mass Communication, Sierra Jackson gets pleasure from meeting new and A P.R. professional with a B.A. in Mass Communication, Sierra Jackson gets pleasure from meeting new and
exciting people. Taking negative realities and spinning them to be positive is what she does. In 2006 she found exciting people. Taking negative realities and spinning them to be positive is what she does. In 2006 she found
herself caught in a real life love affairherself caught in a real life love affair--a love affair with photography. Like most relationships, this one started out a love affair with photography. Like most relationships, this one started out
thriving. Shooting for her school’s award winning news paper even became top priority. After graduating and no thriving. Shooting for her school’s award winning news paper even became top priority. After graduating and no
longer having the school’s news paper to submit to, Jackson’s active shooting became less and less. Nolonger having the school’s news paper to submit to, Jackson’s active shooting became less and less. No--no, she no, she
still acknowledged photography as a true love but had a desire to “play the field” (with Mass Communication). still acknowledged photography as a true love but had a desire to “play the field” (with Mass Communication).
“Interviewing and writing have always been interests of mine.” shares Jackson. In undergrad I would often have “Interviewing and writing have always been interests of mine.” shares Jackson. In undergrad I would often have
the opportunity to interview/write about the subject I was shooting. During this time, I realized I was feeding mul-the opportunity to interview/write about the subject I was shooting. During this time, I realized I was feeding mul-
tiple fascinations of mine. I found this to be much easier than being faithful to one topic.” Born in New Jersey, tiple fascinations of mine. I found this to be much easier than being faithful to one topic.” Born in New Jersey,
and bred in North Carolina, this “Jerseyand bred in North Carolina, this “Jersey--Carolina” lady has a blend of talents, a variety of interests, and is wait-Carolina” lady has a blend of talents, a variety of interests, and is wait-
ing to share them with you as the newest member of Black Opps Entertainment!ing to share them with you as the newest member of Black Opps Entertainment!
Senior Writer/Photographer - SIERRA JACKSON
- 10 - December 2010 Edition Blackopps Entertainment
BLACKOPPS [ON THE TOWN]
BLACKOPPS [ON THE TOWN]
Blackopps Enterainment December 2010 Edition - 11 -
- 12 - December 2010 Edition Blackopps Entertainment
BLACKOPPS [ON THE TOWN]
BLACKOPPS [ON THE TOWN]
Blackopps Enterainment December 2010 Edition - 13 -
- 14 - December 2010 Edition Blackopps Entertainment
BLACKOPPS [ON THE TOWN]
BLACKOPPS [ON THE TOWN]
Blackopps Enterainment December 2010 Edition - 15 -
- 16 - December 2010 Edition Blackopps Entertainment
BLACKOPPS [ON THE TOWN]
Blackopps Enterainment December 2010 Edition - 17 -
BLACKOPPS [ON THE TOWN]
- 20 - December 2010 Edition Blackopps Entertainment
Through the decades, R&B has certainly had its share of twists and turns and is steadily evolving. In the „80‟s it was Bobby Brown, and Keith Sweat who offered men illustrations on how to persue their ladies. While artists of today like Trey Songz, and The Dream coach us through breakups. But it‟s songs like “I Wanna Love You”, “Knocks Me off My Feet” (a Stevie Wonder remake), and “Yearnin‟” that came from a man, first introduced to us in the „90‟s, who schooled men on how to truly romance a lady. Now on his own label, Candyman Records and a new al-bum in stores, he describes this stage in his career as a “new beginning”. Donell Jones tells BlackOpps Ent. he‟s been gone for good reason. He‟s been busy strategizing on how to continue supply-ing us with eargasims while managing to stay true to himself. He‟s back with “Lyrics”, his fifth studio album which dropped on September 28
th. It‟s been four years since we‟ve heard Donell Jones‟ silky smooth voice and arousing lyr-
ics. Judging from “Strip Club”, a song from “Lyrics”, class is clearly back in session. In this song, he caresses the idea of his lady naughtily baring it all; at home, rather than him enjoying seductive images at a strip club. “I want my fans to feel the emotions and what I put into a song. says Jones passionately. “I want them to walk away feeling like they just rode an emotional rollercoaster.”
The singer, song writer, and producer wrote and produced 99 percent of “Lyrics”. He‟s also been known to write for other artists such as Usher and 702, but hasn‟t penned a song for anyone while on his hiatus. “I kind of stepped away from writing for others because writing a song is like having a baby. You don‟t want nobody else to have it.” he says. When asked his opinion about the state of R&B music today, he replied, “R&B is getting back in a good space. After the „90‟s, record companies got away from older artists like myself. As a result, I feel like we started to lose good music, and it changed. It started to be more pop and teeny-bopper-ish and we lost sight of real R&B”.
His return suggests one thing; class is back in session and it‟s time to take notes. “Lyrics” takes you for an emotional spin with the content, and serves as food for an R&B junky‟s IPod with the musical arrangements. He gives listeners a taste of “The Finer Things in Life, asks a simple question with “My Place” and strokes the difficulties that sometimes come with relationships on the “Just a Little” track. In the next decade Donell says he‟ll be doing the same thing-providing quality music. He achieves this by taking things he‟s been through, or what he sees others go through and turns them into songs. “This Love”, “Shorty”, and his newest single “Love Like This” he enthusiastically explains are his favorites to
perform. His fans can expect to see him at the top of 2011, when he plans to tour. Or if they want to see what he‟s up to now, they can catch him on Twitter.com/donelljones96 and Facebook.com/donelljones96.
Truly “Where I Wanna Be”Truly “Where I Wanna Be” Donell Jones Checks in with BlackOpps Entertainment to Talk Music and “Lyrics”Donell Jones Checks in with BlackOpps Entertainment to Talk Music and “Lyrics”
by Sierra Jackson, Senior Writerby Sierra Jackson, Senior Writer
(Cover Story) - DONELL JONES
(Cover Story) -DONELL JONES
Through the decades, R&B has certainly had its share of twists and turns and is steadily evolving. In the „80‟s it was Bobby Brown, and Keith Sweat who offered men illustrations on how to persue their ladies. While artists of today like Trey Songz, and The Dream coach us through breakups. But it‟s songs like “I Wanna Love You”, “Knocks Me off My Feet” (a Stevie Wonder remake), and “Yearnin‟” that came from a man, first introduced to us in the „90‟s, who schooled men on how to truly romance a lady. Now on his own label, Candyman Records and a new al-bum in stores, he describes this stage in his career as a “new beginning”. Donell Jones tells BlackOpps Ent. he‟s been gone for good reason. He‟s been busy strategizing on how to continue supply-ing us with eargasims while managing to stay true to himself. He‟s back with “Lyrics”, his fifth studio album which dropped on September 28
th. It‟s been four years since we‟ve heard Donell Jones‟ silky smooth voice and arousing lyr-
ics. Judging from “Strip Club”, a song from “Lyrics”, class is clearly back in session. In this song, he caresses the idea of his lady naughtily baring it all; at home, rather than him enjoying seductive images at a strip club. “I want my fans to feel the emotions and what I put into a song. says Jones passionately. “I want them to walk away feeling like they just rode an emotional rollercoaster.”
The singer, song writer, and producer wrote and produced 99 percent of “Lyrics”. He‟s also been known to write for other artists such as Usher and 702, but hasn‟t penned a song for anyone while on his hiatus. “I kind of stepped away from writing for others because writing a song is like having a baby. You don‟t want nobody else to have it.” he says. When asked his opinion about the state of R&B music today, he replied, “R&B is getting back in a good space. After the „90‟s, record companies got away from older artists like myself. As a result, I feel like we started to lose good music, and it changed. It started to be more pop and teeny-bopper-ish and we lost sight of real R&B”.
His return suggests one thing; class is back in session and it‟s time to take notes. “Lyrics” takes you for an emotional spin with the content, and serves as food for an R&B junky‟s IPod with the musical arrangements. He gives listeners a taste of “The Finer Things in Life, asks a simple question with “My Place” and strokes the difficulties that sometimes come with relationships on the “Just a Little” track. In the next decade Donell says he‟ll be doing the same thing-providing quality music. He achieves this by taking things he‟s been through, or what he sees others go through and turns them into songs. “This Love”, “Shorty”, and his newest single “Love Like This” he enthusiastically explains are his favorites to
perform. His fans can expect to see him at the top of 2011, when he plans to tour. Or if they want to see what he‟s up to now, they can catch him on Twitter.com/donelljones96 and Facebook.com/donelljones96.
Blackopps Enterainment December 2010 Edition - 21 -
Truly “Where I Wanna Be”Truly “Where I Wanna Be” Donell Jones Checks in with BlackOpps Entertainment to Talk Music and “Lyrics”Donell Jones Checks in with BlackOpps Entertainment to Talk Music and “Lyrics”
by Sierra Jackson, Senior Writerby Sierra Jackson, Senior Writer
- 22 - December 2010 Edition Blackopps Entertainment
Ask Donell BlkOpps: Who is your favorite R&B artist of the past and who is your favorite R&B artist of today?
D.J.: Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Trey Songz.
BlkOpps: Going back to the many hats you wear. You’re a writer, producer, singer,
and father, I’m not sure if there is a special lady in your life now, but how does being a
busy, and traveling musician affect family life?
D.J.: In the beginning of my career it was very rough. I had four daughters when I started.
It can be very stressful. But at the end of the day they understand that’s the business.
You have to take the bitter with the sweet.
BlkOpps: Do you have any strong interests outside of music?
D.J.: Lately I’m into shooting short films. I’m a Gemini, so I jump from
different subjects. That’s what my passion is right now. If there is any
thing I’d like to do, it is to do a sound track and movie.
BlkOpps: Many people think “Where I Wanna Be” is your debut
album, and don’t know about “My Heart”. What do you think was a
major contribution to this misconception?
D.J.: I won an American music award in 2001. The award was for
best new artist. I wasn’t a new artist.
(Cover Story) - DONELL JONES
Blackopps Enterainment December 2010 Edition - 23 -
Ask Donell BlkOpps: Who is your favorite R&B artist of the past and who is your favorite R&B artist of today?
D.J.: Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Trey Songz.
BlkOpps: Going back to the many hats you wear. You’re a writer, producer, singer,
and father, I’m not sure if there is a special lady in your life now, but how does being a
busy, and traveling musician affect family life?
D.J.: In the beginning of my career it was very rough. I had four daughters when I started.
It can be very stressful. But at the end of the day they understand that’s the business.
You have to take the bitter with the sweet.
BlkOpps: Do you have any strong interests outside of music?
D.J.: Lately I’m into shooting short films. I’m a Gemini, so I jump from
different subjects. That’s what my passion is right now. If there is any
thing I’d like to do, it is to do a sound track and movie.
BlkOpps: Many people think “Where I Wanna Be” is your debut
album, and don’t know about “My Heart”. What do you think was a
major contribution to this misconception?
D.J.: I won an American music award in 2001. The award was for
best new artist. I wasn’t a new artist.
(Cover Story) - DONELL JONES
Blackopps Enterainment December 2010 Edition - 24 -
Featuring the hit single “Love Like This”
Donell Jones “Lyrics” Availalable in Stores
and Online NOW!!!
Purchase at Best Buy and get 3 Bonus
Tracks
REAL R&B IS BACK!!!
Lyrics have been the window to his soul since his debut nearly 15 years ago and Donell Jones has
not stopped wearing his heart on his sleeve ever since. With his latest offering "Lyrics" Jones has
taken control of his affairs and with his own label Candyman Music through eOne Music, the album
boasts an impressive showing at No. 9 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and at No. 28
on the Billboard 200 this week. Lead single "Love Like This" has so far reached No. 8 on the Adult
R&B airplay chart.
BLACKOPPS [Travel Info]
Travels by Barbara
Flights, Hotels, Cruises, Vacations
Event Tickets and More
Barbara Massey-Arnold
(248) 798-8300 (office)
Www.travelsbybarbara.com
[email protected] (email)
Blackopps Enterainment December 2010 Edition - 25 -
- 26 - December 2010 Edition Blackopps Entertainment
BLACKOPPS [ON THE TOWN]
Blackopps Enterainment December 2010 Edition - 27 -
BLACKOPPS [ON THE TOWN]
Emmy winning standup comedian Wanda
Sykes makes her debut at DPAC on Tues-
day, March 22, 2011.
Standup comedian, actress and writer,
Wanda Sykes is arguably one of the funniest stand up comics today. Sykes re-
cently wrapped the first season of her own late night talker on FOX; The Wan-
da Sykes Show aired on Saturday nights. In October of 2009 she was seen in
her second HBO stand up special I’ma Be Me. Sykes also returned as ’Barb”
in the CBS comedy The New Adventures of Old Christine, in its 5th season.
In the fall of 2003 she was seen on Fox’s Wanda at Large in which she wrote,
produced and starred. She also has a one hour Comedy Central special called
Wanda Sykes: Tongue Untied. In addition, she can be seen on HBO’s Curb
Your Enthusiasm & heard on Comedy Central’s Crank Yankers as the voice of
Gladys Murphy.
Her television resume is vast, and includes the Wanda Sykes: Sick & Tired
comedy special and the critically acclaimed Chris Rock Show on HBO in
which she was nominated for three Primetime Emmy’s. In 1999 she won the
Emmy for "Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Special". In
2001, she won the American Comedy Award for "Outstanding Female Stand
Up Comic." She won three more Emmy’s, in 2002, 2004 and
2005, for her work on Inside the NFL. Please visit
www.wandasykes.com for more information
BLACKOPPS [ON THE TOWN]
Blackopps Enterainment December 2010 Edition - 29 -
- 30 - December 2010 Edition Blackopps Entertainment
In The Booth with Amanda
Amanda Pollard Rising singer and songwriter Amanda Pollard is no stranger to music. Singing since she learned to speak, Amanda was
formally introduced to music as a child. She attended Northwest School of the Arts in Charlotte, North Carolina where
she majored in vocal music becoming a classically trained first soprano. Amanda combines her impressive classical
training with jazz and musical theater experience to create a dynamic range of vocal abilities. Her performance re-
sume includes National Anthem performances for the Carolina Panthers, the former Charlotte Hornets, the Charlotte
Knights, and the 2009 North Carolina Underground Music Awards where Amanda was nominated for Best Female R&B
Artist. With countless performances in the Charlotte area where she receives high accolades for her live shows, Aman-
da was awarded the 2010 Carolina Music Award for Best Female R&B Artist. Having evolved beyond the borders of her
home state of North Carolina, Amanda is most recently nominated for a 2011 Southern Entertainment Award , an
award ceremony that honors the best in entertainment throughout 12 Southern states. “It is such an honor to be
nominated for an award that has been won by platinum selling artists like T.I., Drake and Nicki Minaj”, she said. “To
hear my name mentioned in the same awards ceremony as these artists is amazing.”
Since embarking on her musical journey, Amanda’s life has revolved around her music. Blessed with a natural gift of
writing, Amanda began songwriting as a teen and hopes to capture the essence of human experience in her songs.
“People get sad, get their hearts broken, and fall in love. But people also wonder what life is all about, they want to in-
spire others, they get happy, get hype, dance and go out,” she said. “I want to capture all of that in my music and I’m
inspired by everyone and everything around me.”
With hopes of becoming a major recording artist, Amanda is an active member of ASCAP and has the determination
and talent to stop at nothing to make it to the top.
myspace.com/amandasmusiconline (980) 322-5182 [email protected]
Blackopps Enterainment December 2010 Edition - 31 -
In The Booth with Amanda Pollard
Amanda Pollard Rising singer and songwriter Amanda Pollard is no stranger to music. Singing since she learned to speak, Amanda was
formally introduced to music as a child. She attended Northwest School of the Arts in Charlotte, North Carolina where
she majored in vocal music becoming a classically trained first soprano. Amanda combines her impressive classical
training with jazz and musical theater experience to create a dynamic range of vocal abilities. Her performance re-
sume includes National Anthem performances for the Carolina Panthers, the former Charlotte Hornets, the Charlotte
Knights, and the 2009 North Carolina Underground Music Awards where Amanda was nominated for Best Female R&B
Artist. With countless performances in the Charlotte area where she receives high accolades for her live shows, Aman-
da was awarded the 2010 Carolina Music Award for Best Female R&B Artist. Having evolved beyond the borders of her
home state of North Carolina, Amanda is most recently nominated for a 2011 Southern Entertainment Award , an
award ceremony that honors the best in entertainment throughout 12 Southern states. “It is such an honor to be
nominated for an award that has been won by platinum selling artists like T.I., Drake and Nicki Minaj”, she said. “To
hear my name mentioned in the same awards ceremony as these artists is amazing.”
Since embarking on her musical journey, Amanda’s life has revolved around her music. Blessed with a natural gift of
writing, Amanda began songwriting as a teen and hopes to capture the essence of human experience in her songs.
“People get sad, get their hearts broken, and fall in love. But people also wonder what life is all about, they want to in-
spire others, they get happy, get hype, dance and go out,” she said. “I want to capture all of that in my music and I’m
inspired by everyone and everything around me.”
With hopes of becoming a major recording artist, Amanda is an active member of ASCAP and has the determination
and talent to stop at nothing to make it to the top.
myspace.com/amandasmusiconline (980) 322-5182 [email protected]
- 34 - December 2010 Edition Blackopps Entertainment
BLACKOPPS [ON THE TOWN]
- 34 - December 2010 Edition Blackopps Entertainment
COMING SOON!!!! The Blackopps Entertainment
2011 CIAA SPECIAL EDITION E-MAG
The most extensive listing of the events going down in the Queen City!!!
ATTENTION ALL PROMOTERS:
Now is the time to get your events posted in the hottest e-mag on the net!!!
Hit us up at [email protected] to get discount pricing information.
- 36 - December 2010 Edition Blackopps Entertainment
BLACKOPPS [Travel Info]
Travels by Barbara
Flights, Hotels, Cruises, Vacations
Event Tickets and More
Barbara Massey-Arnold
(248) 798-8300 (office)
Www.travelsbybarbara.com
[email protected] (email)
BLACKOPPS [ON THE TOWN]
For More Info Email - [email protected]
Blackopps Enterainment December 2010 Edition - 37 -
Featured Photography by: DIAMOND DISTRICT
- 38 - December 2010 Edition Blackopps Entertainment
Blackopps Entertainment is proud to
present our featured photographer:
DIAMOND DISTRICT
You will find this photographers work
throughout the pages of this edition.
Blackopps Beauty of the Month
Isabel
- 40 - December 2010 Edition Blackopps Entertainment
Featured Photography by: DIAMOND DISTRICT
Follow Blackopps Entertainment
Now you can follow
On
Click below to join
our email list
- 48 - December 2010 Edition Blackopps Entertainment
Publishing gone mobile
Introducing Issuu Mobile for Android phones. You can now access your favorite magazines, newspapers, catalogs and more everywhere you go. Enjoy the best mobile reading experience and share it with your friends.
Go to m.issuu.com on your phone's browser to get started.
Coming soon: Issuu Mobile for iPhone and iPod Touch, Get notified
Blackopps Enterainment December 2010 Edition - 49 -
Blackopps Entertainment Mobile
FEEDBACK
We at Blackopps Entertainment are always trying to make your online experience better. Your feedback helps us
to mold and shape our e-magazine and our services to suit the needs of our viewers, our customers and our spon-
sors.
Let us know what you think of this first edition of the Blackopps Entertainment e-mag. Your input and com-
ments are vital to the success of our business.
Thank You.
Send Feedback to [email protected]
Feedback