"LUPITA, LUPITA!" - It Certainly Has Been Your Year!

( New York, New York)--It's been a staple in households for nearly two decades and this year People Magazine got it right.  Lupita Nyong'o is People Magazine's "Most Beautiful" woman of 2014.  This young woman's performance in "12 Years a Slave" gave me pause and I'm not alone.   This year she picked up the covenant Oscar award for "best supporting" actress in a 12 Years A Slave.

For nearly nine months Lupita has turned heads on the red carpet with her radiant skin and golden smile.  What's so unique about this raving beauty is she looks like no one else in Tinseltown.  She's rocking couture "her way;" free of weaves and relaxers.  She is naturally beautiful!

What a year for a young woman who's work ethic and quite demeanor speaks loudly enough for her. We could all learn a thing or two from "People Magazine's Most Beautiful!"  She is one receipt that's truly beautiful inside and out.

12 YEARS A SLAVE…"RAW, RIVETING, REMARKABLE!

VARION'S VIEW    

(Knoxville, TN.)---"Those Who Don't Know History Are Doomed To Repeat It!" I am reminded of this phrase that has been used countless times as we enter into February observing Black History Month.  This movie reminds me how some of us would just as soon forget the portions of our American history that are too raw, too riveting, too painful. Such is the case with the movie, "12 Years A Slave!" Sorry folks, this true story was simply too much for me to bear. I found myself running out of
the theater in tears, distraught!  If you haven’t seen it yet--first a warning, this movie is not for the faint of heart; nor anyone who has accepted the "glossed" over version of slavery portrayed in  Quentin Tarantino’s version in “Django Unchained.”  

Actor Chiwetel Ejiofor's intensely portrayal of Solomon Northup ripped at my very soul. This Oscar nominated movie cut like a knife. It became a jagged, horrific pill to swallow and not for reasons you might think.  My angst has less to do with Hollywood's portrayal  and more to do with the empty theater. Some of us simply don't want to be reminded of the struggle of our ancestors. Today's headlines where some have accepted poverty, literacy and unemployment serve as a sobering reminders of how we truly have forgotten “the struggle of Solomon.

February shouldn't be the only time we celebrate  those who came before us. Solomon Northup; Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Paks’ stories should never be forgotten and we should support these stories when they make their way to the silver screen.

Chiwetel, your remarkable performance left me breathless and crying out for more to be done in our own community by a new generation of leaders. The true stories of Solomon Northup and others like him must be preserved and supported.  Unfortunately,  it may take me a while to go back to view the the rest of the movie.  I need a minute to lick my wounds and heal my heart from raw feeling I got as a watched a young black woman named Patsey being stripped bare and nearly beaten to death because all she wanted was a bar of soap to keep her body cleaned after being repeatedly raped. That scene found me fleeing, sprinting out my seat and out the theater door.  I cried uncontrollably because nothing could have prepared me for the rawest, most humiliating part of our past portrayed in living color.  That folks, in my opinion is that is most harrowing, true depiction of our history in this Oscar worthy, American Saga-"12 Years A Slave."

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT CBS SUNDAY MORNING'S INTERVIEW WITH CHIWETEL EJIOFOR--"AN ACTOR'S JOURNEY"
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/chiwetel-ejiofor-an-actors-journey/

As we explore Black history in February, I impress up on you to embrace every part of our history, even the painful parts that leave us "feeling" some type of way for it was indeed "all for our good!" We simply can never afford to forget, nor put aside the shocking images from the "lessons learned" in getting us where we are today.

Chiwetel Ejiofor, here's to your "Best Actor" nomination at The Oscars next month. Your portrayal of an "ordinary man" who survived "extraordinary" circumstances is truly unforgettable.  

GOSPEL'S BIGGEST NIGHT!

The 2014 Stellar Awards

ASCAP HONORS THE BIGGEST NAMES IN GOSPEL!

(NASHVILLE, TN)  The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) honored some of gospel music’s most prestigious names at the 5^th annual ASCAP Presents: Morning Glory breakfast in Nashville.  The event was held at The Hutton Hotel in Nashville.   The 29^th Stellar Awards, honored Grammy Award-winning artist Edwin Hawkins with the Gospel Icon artist Edwin Hawkins with Gospel Icon Award, Tye Tribbett and Warren Campbell with the newly established Spirit of Song of Award, as well as recognized other 2014 Stellar Award nominees.

Hosted by Pastor Marquis Boone of Fresh Start Church (Duluth, GA.), the breakfast also featured special performances by gospel powerhouse Tasha Cobbs, Grammy-nominated producer Chuck Harmony, and recording artists Jonathan McReynolds & Livre.  Media partners for the 2014 ASCAP Presents: Morning Glory Breakfast reception was Aspire TV and UP TV.

Happy Holiday!

(December 25, 2013)--It is my favorite time of the year.  The Christmas holiday is when we all stop and reflect on the many blessings in our lives.  As I pause to think, I am reminded of the reason for this season.  2013 has been tremendous, here's hoping 2014 is even better.  Stay connected to VISION/VOICE/VARION for more of what you love 24/7.  Big news is on the way family.  We're talking huge.  Stay close.

Back Stage With Tamar Braxton

(Mobile, AL.)--Before you check out tonight's encore of The Braxton's Family Values, first check out Varion's EXCLUSIVE interview with Tamar.  The new season of #BFV is truly "must see TV!"  Don't miss it.

BIRMINGHAM'S OWN HALO WHEELER GEARING UP FOR A "CLASSIC PERFORMANCE!"

BEFORE THE KICKOFF, FIRST GET IN A LITTLE MUSIC "THERAPY" WITH HALO!

(BIRMINGHAM, AL.)--It is a longstanding tradition, the 72nd Annual State Farm Magic City Classic.  For nearly a century the last Saturday in October has always been reserved for bragging rights between two great Alabama institutions.  Alabama State University and Alabama A&M University will square off at Legion Field in Birmingham this weekend for bragging rights as the best in the SWAC division.  Before the kickoff, first check out what the City of Birmingham is hoping will become a new tradition in one of the most anticipated events of the year.

It's only befitting one of the largest radio stations in the Southeast should tap into the rising, successful career of one of their own.  16 year old Kayla "Halo" Wheeler is a product of The Magic City and this weekend she is gearing up for what  promises to be a "classic performance" at Legion Field.

Join Halo as she performs LIVE at the 98.7 KISS FM Stage Saturday, October 26th.  Halo is expected to play several song from her brand new CD "THIS IS WHO I AM" before the first snap at 11am. Can't wait until Saturday, you don't have to.  KISS-FM has been playing Halo's "Therapy" and "Gone" since the CD was released in August.  Call in and request her music, trust me you'll be impressed.

The 72nd State Farm Magic City Classic promises to be the biggest and best year yet.  The addition of one of "Birmingham's" darling Halo Wheeler is certainly an incredible way of putting the "magic" into this Classic weekend.   Halo Wheeler, "Harmoniously and lyrically original!"

For more information on Halo Wheeler--visit her official website:  www.halowheeler.com.

Chrisette Michele Is "Better," Thank You!

Photo Credit:  Elpwe Ray of  "E Photo"

AFTER A BRIEF HIATUS, CHRISETTE MICHELE EMERGES "BETTER"

(New Orleans, LA.)--She’s no stranger to our VISION/VOICE/VARION viewers.  For years we have brought you the many hairstyles, videos and fashion style transformations of this Grammy Award winning artist.  After so many songs about relationships and heartbreak, Chrisette Michele is singing a new tune. In fact, Chrisette will tell you "she's BETTER, thank you!" Check out her brand new look, new vegan lifestyle and new tour. We got a chance to chat with Chrisette briefly during her performance during Essence Music Festival 2013 in New Orleans.   Chrisette Michele is currently on tour.  Find out when she is coming near you by visiting her official website.  http://www.thisischrisettemichele.com/

VISION/VOICE/VARION---Stellar Awards with Mary, Mary

(Nashville, TN.)--They were born to sing, but what's the one thing that stopped the Grammy Award winning group Mary, Mary in their tracks? Host the 2013 Stellar Awards LIVE! Minutes after leaving the stage the ladies were talking and only to VISION/VOICE/VARION! Photo/Video Credit: Elpwe Ray of "E-Photo"

BAYFEST PERFORMANCE BECOMES A FAMILY AFFAIR FOR NASHVILLE'S "K-ROB"

   The Next Generational Isley

Opens for the Legendary Isley Brothers at BayFest 2013

BAYFEST PROFILE

                                                                                                      

Nashville, Tenn.-International Recording Artist K-Rob will be one of several artists opening for his uncles the Isley Brothers at BayFest 2013, the largest Music Festival in Alabama.

 As the nephew of Rudolph Isley of the legendary Isley Brothers, Urban/R&B Artist K-Rob continues to garner new fans and support for his energetic, edgy and soulful sound. This will be K-Rob’s third year performing at BayFest in Mobile. The singer/songwriter will perform many familiar hits, in addition to his music from his freshman CD and his most recent EP featuring, “So Addictive.”

“My ambition has always been to ultimately create a new joint that would connect with music lovers around the world,” K-Rob said. “I especially look forward to being one of the opening acts for my uncles, the Isley Brothers, and I can’t wait to share my music with the wonderful and supportive audience in Mobile.”

K-Rob is also pleased to announce the video debut of his single,” So Addictive,” which was directed and produced by Ron White of Atlanta, Ga. White is also a native of Mobile.

            K-Rob emerged on the music scene in 2004 and introduced his first, self-entitled CD,        “K-Rob,” which garnered placement on Pandora, Jango.com, INDIE 104 and IRADIOLA. The “raves” continued with airplay on major FM radio stations such as 92.1, WQQK, Nashville, Tenn., Power 94.3, WJTT, Chattanooga, Tenn.; and the nationally syndicated, The Michael Baisden Show, and various radio stations throughout the U.K., France and Japan.

            K-Rob’s first CD features songs such as “2Nite,” “Again (Like the First Time),” a Stevie Wonder rendition, “Golden Lady” and the sensual club-banger, “The Velvet Room.” He remains passionate about his work that’s inspired by the Isley Brothers, Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Earth, Wind and Fire, and Marvin Gaye. His vocal style has been compared to Howard Hewitt, Joe and Maxwell. Vocally, K-Rob’s falsetto notes remind you of a soft and sexy romance.

           

"So Addictive" was penned by a talented, up and coming singer/songwriter based out of Atlanta, LOK3Y, whose forte' is writing deeply soulful records with "tinges" of gospel, R&B and international "feels." “The entire making of “So Addictive” was a family affair,” K-Rob said. Like his first project, K-Rob continued the prolific partnership with long time friend and super producer, Angelo “Lo” Ray, Father of Angelo Ray, Jr. aka LOK3Y. “Angelo and I wanted to continue “moving the needle” with hot records that would also resonate internationally.

 

Photo Credit: "E-Photo"

Our creative success continues to be possible with our great team work and knowledge of one another,” K-Rob said. Angelo’s production credits include working with chart topping artists such as:    

   Kevon Edmonds, “24/7-"Gold status, ” The House The Dog Built,” performed by JiBri and co-produced by the legendary, Nile Rodgers; Productions featuring David Banner & JadaKiss; Adina Howard “Nasty Grind,” Jade’s “Mind, Body & Soul”-Gold status.

            K-Rob has received great reviews about his music and performances within the U.S. and internationally. As K-Rob continues to work on his Sophomore Project, he focuses on his musical gift and all who have inspired him to do everything with much determination, hard work and style. For more information, call (251) 583-5590 or visit http://www.k-robmusic.com/.