Honestly y'all, my dreams came true last night. I got to politic with the CLIPSE-- one of the best rap groups in history... And I'm picky. That's sayin a WHOLE LOT... Shoot. "Grindin'" changed the [rap] game. Period. No questions asked.
Anyway, back in 2003 I met with Rob Walker (A&R for Star Trak), and he heard a demo I did where I covered Clipse's "Gangsta Lean". He liked it, and liked me, and things seemed promising but shortly after things went south with Star Trak and Arista. With that went my dream. I always wanted to be able to say I mingled with these cats. It was my dream to be on that label, but I guess it just wasn't meant for me. Shoot, what would have become of CCW? If anything? I guess all things for a reason? But I digress...
Pharrell, Chad, Kelis, the Clipse? I seen em all, met them all in the past, and they are all so humble and chill... And amazingly talented. Did I mention stupidly talented? Truly ahead of their time in every way, and they all continue to be in very individual ways. The Clipse did a free concert at Webster Hall last night. I finally got to sit down with the dynamic duo. You wanna hear it? Here it go:
Cocoa B. : How old were y'all when you started in the business?
Malice: When we started professionally?
Pusha-T: Like... 21
Malice: Well, I always said that if I wasn't in the industry by the time I was 25, I wasn't going to do it. It wasn't going to happen. But it happened, so I'mma say around 24, 25.
Cocoa B.: So you're age difference?
Pusha-T: 5 years.
Cocoa B.: Ohhhh, me and my sis are like 6! Cool. (laughs) So out of the both of you, who's the shy one?
Malice: I think I'm definitely more the shyer one out of us.
Pusha-T: (nods)
Cocoa B. : So tell us about your relationship with Pharrell? How'd you all get together on this music thing?
Malice: Well, we all grew up together in our area-- Virginia Beach, and Pharrell was just known around to be really talented with music-making and I think we were known around as being really talented lyrically, so eventually we all bumped heads...
Cocoa B. : True.... There are some massively influential artists that have come out of Virginia for example: Timbland, Missy, Teddy Riley, Neptunes, You all, but besides those was there a more local talent in VA that you drew your influences from?
Pusha-T: Like, definitely Mad Skillz. He's definitely an influence. He's one of the first rapper, no he IS the first rapper out of Virginia. And just to watch him, and watch him doing it all, like his drive... You know?
Cocoa B. Yessssss. Yes I definitely agree.
Pusha-T: When stuff like that happens? Like when you see people out of your area really doing it, it's almost like shit... that can really happen. You know? Like yes, you can REALLY do it.
Cocoa B. Yes, that's so true. An inspiration indeed... Can you tell your fans and my readers a little bit more about your new project? I know you've been doing mixtapes in anticipation...
Malice: "Til the Casket Drops" is definitely going to be the best Clipse album out yet. Ummmm. It's a blessing. Kanye West, Cam'ron, Neptunes, Khalil, Chauncey and LB. It's just hip-hop. Hip-hop on STEROIDS [laughs]!
Cocoa B. Ahhhhhh love it! That's a hip-hop quotable right there... For each of you just out of curiosity, if you could collaborate with any person dead or alive, who would it be?
Malice: Man, I gotta say BIG.
Pusha-T: Hmmmm, dead or alive.... And I can't say BIG he just said it (laughs), lemme see... Jay-Z.
Cocoa B. Ah ha. I see good choices. So I heard a little rumor that you all collaborate with Rick Rubin. How true is this rumor? LOL
Malice : Rick... wow. What do you say about Rick? He's a guru.
Pusha-T: Yesssss.
Cocoa B. : Agreed. Double R is definitely the man. For real. And he's a little crazy-looking too! LOL
Malice : (laughs)
Pusha - T : (laughs)
Cocoa B. : But that's a whole other talk show.... Haha, anyway what is your favorite Clipse track to date? Mine will probably always have to be Gangsta Lean-- especially since I did the ill re-make! Hahaha.
Malice: I'd have to say, "Hot Damn"
Cocoa B. : Yessssss! "Hot DAAAAAAYUM! it's a new day!" LOL
Pusha - T: Mine is definitely, "Mama I'm So Sorry" -- you know, KEYS OPEN DOORS?
Cocoa B. : Yessssss, I was just listening to that today!! It definitely goes hard. OK-- good choices, good choices. Now comes my firing-squad final few questions. Although you kinda answered this first one, but y'all ready? Ok. TUPAC or BIG?
Malice : Biggie
Pusha-T: Yes, Biggie!
Cocoa B. : Mc Donald's or Burger King
Malice : Burger King
Pusha-T: Burger King!
Cocoa B. : KIM or FOXY?
Malice & Pusha-T (IN UNISON): FOXY!!!!!!!
Cocoa B. : HAHAHAHAHAHAAAA! YAY! Good answer, good answer. I love her and she's cutie-pie dark skinned girl such as myself... J'yeah! Ok... I'mma calm down now. Beamer or Benz?
Malice: Benz
Pusha-T : Yeah.
Cocoa B. Platinum or Gold?
Malice : Gold
Pusha-T: (thinks about it.....) Platinum!
Cocoa B. (laughs) T-Pain vocoder or acappella?
Malice : acapella, meng!
Pusha-T : definitely acappella. (laughs)
Cocoa B. : Timbaland or Dr. Dre?
Pusha-T & Malice (in UNISON) : TIMBALAND
Cocoa B. Yes! He's my favorite. Ok now, boxers, briefs or boxer-briefs?
Pusha-T & Malice (in UNISON) : BOXERS!
Cocoa B. : Hahahahaha! I think that wraps it up. Thank you so much for your time and contribution to rap, seriously though. My photographer, Jeff and I are really big fans, and we always support good music and will always support y'all. Fa real!
...And by taking this time out I really appreciate them. Plus, these dudes are smart-- see how they co-signin?:
The show afterwards was awesome. They played some of their new-new and the oldie but goodies. I went nuts when they did "Clap That Boy", and I definitely lost my voice after "Grindin". People were turning around like "Damn, shorty knows ALL the damn words!" I guess people just didn't expect that, but I'm a fan, what can I say? I go hard, lol. When they started "Kind Of A Big Deal", I really lost it. These guys tend to have that effect, the crowd was LOVING them! And so was I. It was dope. In fact, my voice is still sore this morning.. Orange Juice anyone?
**During the VIP session before the concert, T was nice enough to bless me and my photog with some dranky dranks, so I have to give a big shout-out to him for that! Thanks, meng!**
So in the end-- the interview went just as I expected.... Cool. Extra cool. These two are the epitome of cool. Laid-back, but business-oriented and fierce on the stage. They draw you in, and you don't let go til the very end. There was a pocket of quick-silence between songs and I said, "CLIPSE 4-EVER MY Ni**as!" I dunno y'all it just came out! But T turns around and goes "Ya damn right", and we all felt it!
These fans are devoted. There's no duo quite like them. Although they do have a 5-year age difference, it's hard to tell-- homeboy's got those GOOD genes! LOL. And if you didn't know better, you would barely be able to tell that they are one of the most sought-after and well-respected rap groups out. They are approachable, humble, honest and engaging but not over-bearing. Well-seasoned industry vets. In this business it's always a pleasure to see. People can get gassed real easily when they have a few fans. But not these guys. And their fans know that, and love them for it! Peace to Malice & Pusha-T. The true examples of a gangsta and a gentleman. PEACE!
May 12, 2009
A Night With The CLIPSE!
April 20, 2009
This WKND IN NYC...
Jean Grae (with co-host Sinnamon Love)put on an amazing showcase of new-talent at Joe's Pub called: Love, Sex & Music. The atmosphere was laid-back and sensual-- however the audience was a little stiff-- so Jean and Sinnamon held-back slightly on the raunch... Can't wait to see what future showcases will hold-- they had great chemistry! For those of you that are out-the-loop-- please get to know Jean. She is one of the most known un-known amazing talents in the world of underground hip-hop. She was born in Capetown and raised on the gritty streets of NYC-- Jean has all the sense and sensibility of a well-rounded, cultured and intelligent artist. She is currently under the Blacksmith imprint (Talib Kweli's label), and throughout her career has released 3 great solo albums. Jean is definitely widely respected, and has worked with the likes of Talib, The Roots, Masta Ace, Mos Def, etc.... Sinnamon is a bright and bubbly adult film star with a heart of gold. Her friendly nature and playful attitude worked well with Jean's stage presence. They were great!
The first act was Len Xiang... A 4-man band that can only be described as an eclectic mix of hip-hop, punk and soul. Len Xiang hails from Forte Green, Brooklyn.
Not only does he have a beautiful and powerful voice, but his emcee skills are not to be looked over. At first glance you might confuse him for a taller version of Mos-Def, but Len is quite unique in his own right. The performance was strong, colorful, ecclectic.
Len is a humble and appreciative artist that knows how to captivate an audience. All eyes were on him during their 8-song set. I was captivated... And I'm not EASILY CAPTIVATED! LOL.
His band mates were exceptionally talented as well. The 2nd guitar, bass and drums moved like a well-oiled machine... No doubt you will hear a lot more from them soon. I mean, look how smart they are-- already reppin CCW and whatnot.. HAHA!
Learn more about this awesome band: www.lenxiang.com.
Next up was Derrin Maxwell...
With his sultry voice, sensitive lyrics and poindexter-chic stage presence, he definitely knew how to move the crowd! Look out for more images of Maxwell's set coming soon!
Enjoyed the images? ALL shots were taken by my talented photographer: TECHIE. Learn more about him at:TECHIE IN NYC!
October 12, 2008
Exclusive Time-Out Wit E-40 Fonzerelli!
Meet the man, the legend, the lyricist-- E-40... Aka Fonzerelli, aka 40-water, aka Captain save-a-hoe, aka good ol' Earl Stevens, and so on. VOILA! This man is one of the reasons why I enjoy what I do so thoroughly. He is one of the most humble, accomplished, sincere human beings I have come into contact with.... For serious. I even told the press at his album release event this past week that, "The man is so down to earth, he's below sea level!" ...And it's true. E-40 has been in the game for over 20 years, and he's still going strong with an enormous and faithful fan base. Hailing from Northern Califoolya's Bay Area-- he has been repping the West to the fullest with artists like Too Short also blazing the trail. E-40 is responsible for such classics as, "Sprinkle Me", "Hope I Don't Go Back", "Captain Save-A-Hoe", and the contemporary rap classic, "Hyphy". 40 water and his crew (The Federation) started a wildly popular movement in the Bay called "The Hyphy Movement". The movement became international in late 2005, and made the "crump" dance widely popular. 40's not just known for his rap. He's also widely known for his unique vocabulary, voice, and delivery. 40 went as far as to write his own book filled with his own colloquialisms called, "E-40's Book Of Slang Vol. 1". He is the self proclaimed "king of slanguistics". I had the honor of sitting down and chatting with the rap vet at his album release event at Warner Brothers in NYC...
September 16, 2008
Artist Feature: MO BETTA Of Skull Gang Records
Ladies and Gentlemen: this is the future. And if I'm co-signing, then you know it's hot! I would like to introduce you to my new-found friend: MO BETTA. Not only is Mo-Betta a fierce lyricist who's work ethic and focus is about to take him to the top, but he's one of the most talented and humble members of Juelz Santana's SKULL GANG RECORDS label. For all of you that don't know, MO is a best-friend and brother to Mr. Santana, and they both hit the scene together with their rap group: Draft Pick. Unfortunately, Juelz got signed into a solo deal to DIPSET records but that didn't stop Betta's stride... Not one bit. I had a chance to catch up with MO a couple weeks ago on Riverside Drive. Check out what he has to say to the world about his message, his movement, and the future:
COCOA-B: So, tell me and my readers a little bit about yourself, where you're from, and what SKULL GANG RECORDS & MOVEMENT is all about?
MO-B: You know, I'm just your average rapper trying to make a difference in this world, trying to make that influential music. As far as SKULL GANG, that's basically my brother's { Juelz Santana's } label, and he's been on his grind for a while, as I'm sure most of you already know. His hard work finally paid off and he was able to be in a position to get the things that he wanted. He had a lot of people around him with a lot of different talent, so naturally it was the next step for him to try and put his peoples on. All we're really trying to do is make that powerful music that will make a difference in people's lives... I was born in the Bronx, but raised in Harlem. I left the Bronx when I was one year old. Coming from Harlem, there are a lot of legendary things out here: from the APOLLO Theatre to legendary drug lords like Alpo & Rich Porter. All these things influence our lifestyle, our swagger, everything. I was never in the streets selling bricks or nothing like that. I was never a kingpin, but I've been around it. I'm a real cat, and I speak on real-life experiences that everyone can hopefully relate to. I've seen the struggles & successes. Dressing and getting fly is important. Everyday is like a fashion show in Harlem-- you know how it is. Head-turning. That's what makes my music.
COCOA-B: That's wassup... A lot of fans of Juelz Santana know that initially he was part of a rap-duo with you called Draft-Pick. How do you feel about Juelz decision to fly solo? Was it a good move or a bad move in your honest opinion?
Mo-B: I mean, let's be honest.. At the end of the day Juelz is my brother, I love him. When we started the vibe was there, we knocked down tracks in 15 minutes flat. We went in. So naturally, at first to see him sign with Cam solo was a disappointment. To sit here and say it wasn't would be lying. But you gotta see the bigger picture. He came to me and told me Cam wanted to sign him. He asked my opinion before making moves and I appreciate that. I told him cool as long as when he got where he needed to be, he would have my back. And of course he did, and I trusted that. So at the end of the day, it was a power-move that benefited us both in the long run. I knew what he was capable of, so I had no problems with that. We are loyal to each other, so it was always love and support. When people ask why I'm not constantly in his videos, or where he's at that means nothing. I'm a man first and a father. I got to feed my daughter. While he was doing him, I did what I had to do as a man to support my household. And there was never any love lost between us. I think it was a great decision. For him to get in the door and pull me in was the perfect plan...
COCOA-B: Ok, that leads me right into my next question. Did you feel any animosity towards Cam for wanting to sign Juelz exclusively?
Mo-B: I don't have any animosity. I don't really know him to that degree to feel any kinda way towards him. I'm an observer. I sit back and watch and make my decision on what I see. It seemed like Cam had a plan about what he wanted to form, and a group was not part of that. But he did what he promised and put Juelz on and made him famous. I can't bite the hand that feeds me. If he gave Juelz an in, which meant an "in" later on down the line for me then why not? I have no ill will towards Cam whatsoever. If it wasn't for him, we couldn't do what we doing right now.
COCOA-B: When will your debut album be completed-- if it's not already, and when will it drop?
Mo-B: Right now, there's no date. I'm on my grind recording right now. A lot of people think because you have a deal it's all set. But that's just the beginning. This is a label with over 9 artists, and we're all trying to do our thing as fast as possible. A friendly competition, but a competition nonetheless. So now it's my job to prove myself, get my name out, and show I'm grinding to get to that top spot. I have a mixtape coming out before the end of the year called "Day One". Juelz has a mixtape coming, and I'm working on some features. There is also a SKULL GANG mixtape that will be out on September 19th... I'm actually working on getting the right deejay to host my project, and I'm doing a lot of recording. This is a never-ending grind.
COCOA-B: What separates SGR from any other record label out there?
Mo-B: Ok, I'mma tell you my little secret, and I don't like sharing my secrets but I'mma bless you with this one: me and my brother are definitely one in the same... My opinion on most crews with a big headlining artist, they expect the artists under the label to sound just like them. We don't need another DMX or Jay-Z. We are individuals. We do not stand in Juelz shadow and do exactly what he does. He perfected his style, and that's cool. Our artists are all diverse, and we all have our own style. If you think about it, Juelz did the same thing. He didn't sound like Cam or Jim. He made his own sound outside that "dipset" sound. We have diversity. We even have London cats down with us (big shouts to SAS crew, whattup?) A track with a London and a Harlem swag? Now that's innovative. This is the factor that separates us from a lot of other labels out there...
COCOA-B: That's dope. Can't wait to hear some of that! Now tell me what artists have influenced you musically? What songs are burning up your IPOD right now? What types of music outside hip-hop do you vibe to?
Mo-B: I'm definitely universal. I love rap, my Dipset, Jay-Z's and Nas's. But I also like r n' b. I dig Ne-Yo. I like what he's doing with that whole gentleman theme, that's hot. Mariah, Beyonce and at the same time Avril Lavigne, Likin Park... There are a few more cats like them that I like, but I don't know them by name. I just know when I hear their music I can vibe to it, and that's all that matters. I love old music too, like Rolling Stones, and other alternative and soft rock singers. At the end of the day, I'm an artist and I must know my craft fully. I can even bump a Britney or a Jessica Simpson. If it knock, it knock!
COCOA-B: How do you feel about the latest obsession with Lil' Weezy. You can't run from him-- this man is larger than life. It seems like everyone has an opinion on him, so what's yours?
Mo-B: Honestly, that just shows what hard work does. You can't knock what he does because whether you like him or not, you have to give him props. His work ethic is ill, and he should be an inspiration to us all. He shows just how great you can be if you put the hard work in. I'm feelin' Wayne right now because he goes in. He really spits. I liked him before all the buzz. And what I like about him is he's there. Even if he just does a little hook on a song, he's in the video, he's at the show. You can't be two places at once, but if anyone came close, it's Weezy...
COCOA-B: How do you feel about Soulja Boy's success? Do you agree with Ice-T that his fame indicates the decline in hip-hop music?
Mo-B: Soulja Boy is young. He makes music for the younger kids, and it works. You can't knock that. He writes his own rhymes, produces his own music and spits. How can you knock that? I'm not his biggest fan, and I honestly don't bump his music-- although I did like that Soulja GIRL song (LOL). He does his thing. He came out, and came out so strong. Even cats that didn't like him took notice. As far as Ice-T he's an OG. He has a right to his opinion, but I don't see the sense in beefing. But if it got people talking, I guess he did something right!
COCOA-B: For all my lovely female readers out there... We need to know what your relationship status is... Inquiring minds would like to know!
MO-B: There's a lot of beautiful independent women out there. It's very sexy to me, and I love it. But honestly, I'm a father. The most important girl in my life besides my daughter is my music. So in a way you can say I'm married to my music. I'm not exactly where I want to be right now, so it would be unfair to introduce a relationship in my life when I really don't think I have the time to put in the way I would need to. Although it is good to know a woman is in it with you for the long haul, whether you're rich or poor, I just think a lot of women don't understand how to deal with a man with those types of responsibilities. It can strain a relationship. My daughter is 10 and growing up fast-- I have to be focused.
COCOA-B: Harlem cats are infamous for their swagger, style, demeanor. Put us on to what labels you rock and how you stay FRE$H...
MO-B: Well, we all Gucci's and Louis Vuitton'ed out. But honestly, I don't worship labels. A lot of people wear something just because of the name, even if it's not hot and that's just not me. I'm just as likely to roll up to a Dr. Jay's and cop something with no-name. As long as it doesn't have stupid names all over it, I'll rock it. But the way I rock it will make people look twice and wanna know where I got it from! At the end of the day I do wear Prada, Louis and Gucci. But on any given day, I'm SKULL GANGED out. With my tee's and shit Gotta rep the name and put it out there!
COCOA-B: No Doubt. So tell me where you see yourself in ten years?
MO-B: first and foremost, I see myself living. A lot of our youth are dying over jealousy an bullshit. Life, first. Secondly in ten years I will be an entrepreneur, in a position to put some of my peoples on. Help people on the come-up get to a better place, and sit back and observe the movement. This is not to say I won't still be grinding, but I will definitely be in a better place to where I can put others on as well.
COCOA-B: Alright, good answer... We gonna ride this thing on out with my next question, which also happens to be about the future. How do you feel about Obama and this election season in general?
MO-B: I ain't gonna lie, I'm not big on politics. I was raised by my Grandfather. And, not to be racist, but I was taught that things are either going to go one way or another in this country... No matter who is running it. The president is like a poster-child with a bunch of people behind him calling the shots... That being said, this is historical. We've never had a black president or ever came this close, and I think that is amazing That right there shows how time is changing, and that's a beautiful thing. I won't endorse any particular person, I will just influence people to vote. We are blessed to have the ability to vote, and we all should. Obama is powerful and I respect him. watching him speak has given me chills. To see something like Obama in my lifetime is amazing, and an honor.
That's that y'all... Mo Betta is a coo,l down-to-earth guy that will surely hit ur brain and bless your spirits with his thoughtful lyrics. Ya boi is just getting started... Want more MO-BETTA? You can check out his music, pics & more on his MYSPACE page : www.myspace.com/SkullGangMoBetta! IN the meantime, check out me and MB throwin up the SG sign-- HOLLA!!!!
August 5, 2008
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.
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!
