Artist FEATURES: **AMANDA DIVA**

If you don't know. Now you know... Amanda Diva is the wave of the future! In an age where the Jack & Jackie-of-all-trades is what makes the cut, she's definitely in the running with the best. Not only does Amanda have acting ability (which we saw early-on in her career as a chilhood star on Nickelodeon's My Brother & Me), but she pursued college, got her degree, continued on to do performance art (spoken word) and visual art (drawing/sketching/painting), put out 2 mixtapes, toured the country as one-half of Floetry, had a successful career on MTV2 as a veejay, started a new band with her bff Johnny Polygon, AND has a radio show on Sirius Satellite Radio. Phew! Even that was hard for me to keep up with! She has accomplished so much at such a young age, and she shows no signs of stopping!

I had the pleasure of attending a night of art and music that Amanda Diva threw at the very trendy S.O.B's (Sounds Of Brasil) in downtown Manhattan. Afterwards we had a nice little street-side interview (which is below). She had new, raw talent she showcased (including Johnny Polygon & Lydia Caesar), as well as visual artists (including Diva herself) that painted beautiful masterpieces right as the music played.

It was an amazing night, with wonderful talent, positive vibes and great energy! Homegirl does this every month, so be sure to check it out if you're in the NYC area. She also sells her art online. There are some nice pieces (like the one featured below) for sale.You can keep up with all her events, art and hot new music by simply checking her out at: myspace.com/amandadiva!

Amanda was one of the easiest people to interview. She was candid and humble. Check it out:

COCOA-B: We are here at S.O.B's in New York City, and hopefully reaching a planet near you! I am here with the lovely and talented Amanda Diva, who we love to death at CCW. Question One: we all remember you from your childhood days on Nickelodeon's My Brother & Me. How did that affect your career? Was it easier or harder to break through as the conscious and versatile artist such as you are with your beginnings?

AMANDA-D: I don't even believe that I have truly broken through yet-- so it's definitely harder... I mean, let's be honest. If I was willing to push my titties up (not that I have enough to push up, but I have enough to make a statement!)--

COCOA-B: She's got it goin' on y'all! Don't listen to her... (laughing hysterically)

AMANDA-D: ....But anyway, in that respect I definitely think that trying to remain positive is difficult because people tend to shy away from that positivity. The music business is a dirty, sneaky and under-handed business, run by dirty, sneaky underhanded people. They do n't want to push those positive images because they believe "sex on a platter" equals higher sales....Wow, this has just been literally like an epiphany I just had right here on the street just now. It's like when you asked, it just hit me like: OH YEAAAAAAH! Thaaaaat's why! (hysterical laughter)

COCOA-B: Niiiiiice.

AMANDA-D: The guilty, do not want to associate themselves with those that can sniff out their guilt and expose them for what they really are...They would rather rock with the ones that are quick to sell their souls, maybe knowing how guilty they are, but not caring as long as you cut them a check. That's not me. I'm just not like that...

COCOA-B: Wow, that is a perfect segway into my next question: How hard is it to succeed in such a largely male-dominated industry?

AMANDA-D: Oh my goodness, it's bananery! The new thing with dudes, that I find is that they're all trying to sleep with me! And I know, this is nothing new, but I'm speaking on how blatant it is... I mean, you'll have cats that wanted to holler, and would surreptitiously try to get in my pants... Now it's a whole new game, it's all g'd up like: "Yo... what's good? What's REALLY good?" And I'm like: "NOTHING! No bueno over here!" They take you out on what I call "dupe-dates". Dupe dates are when people try to present a date as a "business meeting", but then when you get there you're looking around thinking somethin' ain't riiiiiiiiight. Like most recently, I knew it was a dupe-date, because almsot as soon as I got in the car homeb oy put his hands through my hair and I was like whoooooooooa pahtna! There's nothing business about that. So it makes it difficult. I also feel men in this industry tend to think women have their place, and that's just how it is. Being compromising and subservient. If it doesn't meet my standards, I'm not doing it. Period.

COCOA-B: Hmmmm. Funny you should mention status, because you are leading me into my very next question. I know my male readers out there (ahem, ahem) would like to know about your marital status on your taxes. Are you claiming married, single or should we just say "it's complicated"?

AMANDA-D: No Dice. Nada. Dice aren't even on the table, dealer hasn't even punched in, the casino ain't even OPEN yet!

COCOA-B: Haha! I feel you homegirl... My male audience will be very happy to hear that!

AMANDA-D: Girl. I'm betting at the table, but I don't even have a hand yet... No cards. But if anyone truly wants to know why, it's because I am married to the music...Truly. I'm focused right now, and I don't have any patience for BS, and no tolerance for stupidity.

COCOA-B: That's right ladies! (and gentlemen) KNOW YOUR WORTH! Life is way too short for anything less! But I digress...Let's talk politics for a moment. Real quick, what are your thoughts on the presidential race so far?

AMANDA-D: I only have one thought: BAM IN '08 BITCHES!

COCOA-B: As we can recall from seeing you on MTV2 and at other events, you have beautiful skin and hair. What products would you recommend for my female readers?

AMANDA-D: Juice & berries... Hahaha, no. But seriously, for my skin I use Clinique products. I been using Clinique forever. I use Neutrogena Invigorating Face Wash every single morning, religiously. I have luckily been blessed with good skin, and I really don't do much to it but I would always suggest drinking a lot of water. That is always the best for healthy skin...As for my hair. Optimum all day!

COCOA-B: Perfect. Take notes ladies! I'm going to wrap this up Diva, because you are such a busy lady and I know you have to run. As you heard on a lot of gossip blogs, there were rumors about drama with adjustment issues when you toured with Floetry last summer. Can you tell me a little about that?

Amanda-D: All of the gossip was true. The audiences received me like ass! You know what, by the time I left and the set was ending they would be like: "Oh, ok. She's kinda dope though..." So it's like, you go through the rough to get to victory.

COCOA-B: That's right! Good music and true talent always prevails!

AMANDA-D: Yes, and I was fortunate to be a part of that project and to also be living truth of that fact. I appreciate all the hardcore fans who came out, not really knowing what to expect but thinking to themselves: "Well, lemme just see what this lil' chick over here is all about". I was pleased to be able to win folks over, and have them say "You know what? You're good".

COCOA-B: Yes! This is so true, and you are so beautiful, talented and gracious, I know you will go very far. Just keep doing you girl, Cool Cruel World wants to thank you for being part of this project, and so do your fans!

AMANDA-D: Thank you as well and peace!