1) Your journey has been extraordinary. At what point in your life did you truly tab your artistic ability? Your were quite the athlete playing basketball at Shepherd University before you started performing. Can you tell us about that journey and the transition from athletics to becoming a Grammy nominated artist?

You are too kind. At Shepherd I rode the bench. LOL. One day, something clicked, and I decided that basketball just was not my game. I still love to play! Now I invest time and energy to hone my musical ability, creative insight, and business acumen rather than my post game.

2) Tell us about when you received word that you were nominated for a Grammy? How shocked or surprised were you by this honor? Take us back….

3)) Your great grandfather was the legendary John Malachi…how did he inspire you? Who else has influenced you?

4) How supportive has your family been? Or were they the type that wanted you to go to school, get a job and make a living?

5) You’ve overcome a lot of adversity to get to where you are. Most people would have given up on their dreams. Can you discuss some of the things you’ve had to overcome? Where did the strength come from?

6) You went to Africa to film your Dumela – VIEW HERE – Can you tell us about your experience there? The culture, the people, the music…and how it affected you?

7) Tells us about “Smart chicks” and it’s objective

What projects are you working on now? What can we expect from Carolyn Malachi in the future? What goals and aspirations do you hope to accomplish? Are you working with any other artists? Is there anyone in particular you’d like to?

9) What advice can you give to anyone who wishes to walk in your shoes?

10) Where can people find you if they want to see you perform or get nformation?

Thank you..

Thanks YOU for the interview! – CM

VIEW Carolyn Malachi – DUMELA

Contact editor@foreverdc.com

Interview with Traedonya

by Calandria Somuah

Forever DC wants know what motivates R&B crossover artist Traedonya to do what she loves–performing music. She shares with us her passion for music and entertainment; her travels around the globe; and of course, herself! With an upcoming web and mobile page for her Japanese fans; a newly released mixed compilation hits; and a film, this artist has no boundaries.

1. Where were you born and raised?

Born in North Carolina; raised in New York City; and abroad for the most part.

2. Were you born to be an entertainer?

I was born to do quite a few things, I’d say. I’m a creative being but I’m also very opinionated when it comes to social issues. To answer your question though, yes, this is just one of the things that I was born to do. It’s just the beginning for me.

3. Who influenced you in your career?

My mother has been my biggest influence, to date, because she had me involved in so many different aspects of the art world. My mother is the one that introduced me to so many different styles of music growing up.

4. How did you get into the music business?

I got into the music business by doing background gigs and session work.

5. I saw your video “Beloved” on youtube.com. Where was that filmed and what was the concept of the video?

There are two different versions of the “Beloved” video. One was filmed in Ireland and the other in different parts of New York. The version that you saw on youtube, I believe, is NYC.

6. How many places have you visited?

I’ve visited quite a few places. I love that part of my career. That fact that I get to travel so much is part of what makes my journey so sweet. I’m pretty easy when it comes to packing my bags and rolling, it’s very simple for me. I get bored pretty easy, so the travel part of my career is really special to me. Always new, always fresh, the faces and the places.

7. Do you have any upcoming tours in the Washington, DC area?

Not as of yet; though I did do some stuff at Howard University, along with some radio interviews out there. Right now, we’re focusing on other parts of the globe. When we really do hit the DC area though, we will be certain to let you and your awesome readers know.

8. Are you involved in any projects?

Yes, I’m involved in several. First of all, my single “I’ll Give It 2 U” is out as we speak. It’s doing really well for us. Your readers can find it at any digital outlet. I’m working on several music projects in Europe right now with some really wonderful producers. One in particular is a music project in Latvia with DJ Aivar and DJ Rudd. It’s pretty amazing! We are filming the video in Latvia as well. Of course I have my album project that I’m working on, “Elemental Change”. The “I’ll Give It 2 U” global maxi is about to come out. The global maxi features mixes from DJs around the globe of my new single “I’LL Give It 2 U”. It features mixes from the US, Italy, France, Indonesia and the UK. I also have my film due out which is about myself, my crew and all that it has taken for us to get to this point. The film is called “The Journey of The Making of Elemental Change”. I get to show my happy days along with the not so happy ones.

9. What is the music scene like in England? And who are the artists that you like most?

The music scene in England is pretty awesome, because they still have a love for being open to creativity. There are some really cool instrumentalists there. The DJ world is totally different also. DJs in England and Europe are like, real big stars. In the US, even the ones on radio everyday aren’t as big as club DJs in Europe and England. The concept is pretty wild to grasp at first. Everything isn’t hip hop and R&B either. It’s so much going on. There are so many artists that I love there. I love Beverly Knight. She’s a classic UK R&B singer. Beverly is the UK’s Mary J Blige. I dig Adele and VV Brown. I love the superstar drum and bass legend Goldie. I dig Rox as well. She’s hot. I have a true love for England and it’s artist–a real appreciation. I can’t stand the weather though. I cried for almost an entire month when I first moved to London. (Laughs)

10. Are you still living in London?

Right now, I’m living out of my suitcase and running around with all that we’re into.

11. What other genres of music do you listen to?

I listen to a lot of different things. I listen to soul; drum and bass; electronica; dance; hip hop; funk; blues; house; and jazz. I like it all as long as the song is good. I’m pretty open when it comes to genres. I don’t discriminate at all.

12. Why is it that those who can sing have a hard time getting their foot in the door while others with a contract through recording studios don’t have that much talent?

Well, I really can’t answer that because I’ve been on both sides of the coin. I was signed to a major record label for years. At present, for various reasons, my team and I have decided to work with a major independent company. In addition to that, the music business is not just about talent; that’s only like 10 percent of the work. People want to romanticize about this business but there is nothing romantic about it. It’s unfortunate because most artist just want to do just that–be artists. This business requires so much more than talent. It’s a hard business. That’s why I always say, if you don’t love the game, don’t get involved because it will break you.

13. What is the origin of your name?

My mother came up with it.

14. What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a singer?

Always be true to yourself and your craft.

To listen to her music, check out www.youtube.com and http://www.myspace.com/traedonya

To get to know her up close and personal, visit her website at www.traedonya.com

Contact Editor@foreverdc.com

Southern rapper T.I. will reportedly have a one-on-one interview with renowned CNN television host Larry King this week.

According to reports, Tip will open up about his time behind bars.

T.I. will appear on Thursday’s “Larry King Live,” airing at 9 p.m. ET, to talk with the CNN host about the nine months he spent in prison on federal weapons charges, among other topics. The rapper was sentenced to one year and one day of prison last year following his arrest in October 2007 for attempting to illegally purchase firearms. The rapper was subsequently released to a halfway house in December to serve out the remainder of his sentence before his ultimate release at the end of March. (MTV)

Last year, singer Chris Brown appeared on the program alongside his mother and attorney to discuss the aftermath of his fight with Rihanna.

“We have to be like 10 yards away from each other,” he says. “When I look at it now, it’s just like, wow, like, I can’t — I can’t believe that — that actually happened. On his sentencing, Brown says that “everything comes with consequences. They want me to pick up trash remove graffiti…I’m a hard worker. It’s something I’m willing to do.” Chris also talks about his life with his abusive father. “I used to be scared to go to bed,” he recalls. “Nobody taught us how to love one another. Nobody taught us a book on how to how to control our emotions or our anger…I wish I could have changed that night.” “I just need to prove to people I can be a role model,” Brown says. “That’s not who I am as a person, and that’s not who I promise I want to be.” Chris says he misses Rihanna and admits he’s not sure how to deal with her dating other guys. “I definitely would be affected by it, but, at the end of the day, I mean, we’re not together, so, if she’s happy, I’m cool…We’ll always be friends.” (CNN)

Read More…

Paul Mooney is many things. He’s a writer, producer, truth-teller and based on the title of his latest stand-up special, he might possess some psychic ability as well.

“It’s the End of the World,” Mooney’s hour-long Showtime special, is not for the faint of heart. Nobody is safe from his wrath, including our Commander-in-Chief, and lest we forget to mention that the show was taped at a gentleman’s club. You’ll have to tune in to witness the shenanigans for yourself.

A living legend of the comedy game, Mooney–who has penned material for Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, Dave Chappelle, and even created the loveably cynical clown by the name of Homey–was gracious enough to take our call during his mid-morning brunch. Between dodging his verbal jabs, we got him to open up about the current state of the world, his musings about the Chrihanna debacle and why he just can’t get over Tiger.

Interview with Mitch “Mitchy Mitch” Mathis

by Calandria Somuah

Who says that you have to go to New York City to get nightlife? Washington, DC is brimming with hotspots and venues and promoter Mitch Mathis is putting the Nation’s Capital on the map as the center for nightlife. Forever Entertainment Media wants to know what makes him move and shake!

What exactly  is DTNation.com and how does it operate?

DTNation does event marketing all over the Washington, DC area. The main focus is nightlife.

How did you get into promoting events?

When I was young, I played sports (basketball). When some of my friends got into the NBA and NFL I would do their events. I took a liking to it and that’s how I got into the game.

As I got older, I worked for different companies and decided to start my own. I worked at Debbie LeHardy & Company for a year and a half. In 2005, I did the Komen Global National Race for the Cure and I also constructed and executed President Bush’s non profit events (amongst other events).  I then went to The Marriot and worked there for over a year.

After that I switched it up and started DTNation. Dream Team LLC is the actual name of the company. I started it in college. I exterminated it and revamped it in 2005. I have partners but I am the head man in charge.

Have you always had this much class?

Yes. (He chuckled)

How do you determine which place is at the top of the list? What do you look for in an establishment?

The main thing is ambience; looking for something different and an owner backing you. Those are key.

Have you sampled any of the foods and drinks on the menu?

I don’t drink liquor. The food at Park and Penang are great. I eat at Park a lot. Food is definitely something people should try. They have a variety of dishes and it is classy. Penang serves different type of dishes.  It’s not like Chinese food. They have a mixture of Asian and Indian cultures.  For example, they serve a whole fish as oppose to a portion.

What do you love about Washington, DC?

Diversity. The DC area provides an opportunity for anyone to become successful. There is  equal opportunity for all.

Are you a native Washingtonian?

Yes. I was born in D.C. but raised in Maryland between Langley Park and Silver Spring. I went to High Point High School in Beltsville and attended University of Maryland in College Park majoring in economics.

Contact: editor@foreverdc.com

ForeverDC.com Interview with “Brother Maniac”, hip-hop artist and founder of DMV Music Awards

-by Calandria Somuah (editor@foreverdc.com)

Can’t make it to The Source awards? BET is out of reach? Then support the DMV (D.C. Maryland Virginia) Awards show. Held every year in the Washington, DC area, The DMV showcases and promotes music artists who have yet to gain exposure into the music scene. There are 34 categories that include R&B, spoken word and media representation. Artists are nominated by the populace thanks to the efforts of Major “Brother Maniac” Cameron, founder of the DMV awards show.

Where were you born and raised?

Southeast Washington, DC. Graduated from Anacostia Senior High School.

How did you get into your profession?

In high school, I was in the marching band. I wrote my own music piece, as in music score, and presented it to the teacher. The teacher performed it on the trumpet and it was the sound I was looking for.

When was the DMV founded?

It was founded in 2006. The first awards show was in January 2007. I am a member of the Washington Area Music Association and they do the Wammie Awards. They do a great job but there are very few awards for hip-hop. The DMV focuses more on underground hip-hop culture putting artists out that aren’t getting airwaves. We try to highlight folks who haven’t made it yet.

How does the DMV have an impact on the Washington, DC community?

It brings artists together to network and collect items and money for the homeless. Hip-Hop for the Homeless is my pet project. The money and items that we collect, we make sure that it is given respectively to the community to distribute to the homeless. We are working on tour events outside of U.S. in London and Sydney.

Are the awards regularly held in PG County?

The last three were held in Prince George’s County. It is pretty much held in P.G. County.

What is your real name? How did you come up with “Bother Maniac”?

My real name is Major Cameron III. My father is Jr. and my grandfather is Sr. You get the picture? My dad was nicknamed “maniac”. I was called maniac because I was a music fanatic. I listened to different genres of music. I became serious about music as I got older. Maniac is also an acronym for Mainly Addressing Negative Information About Community because I am always doing things in the community.

How many countries have you visited?

My travels begin in the military. I have visited 12-13 countries in Europe, Middle East and Asia. I am working on going to Africa in December–talk of going to Liberia for a peace concert. I went to Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2003-2005. Throughout my military career, I received 4 army accommodation medals; 4 army achievement medals; and one bronze medal. I spent a year in the army. I have toured with DJ Rob Base and E-Z Rock on the West Coast and Bone Thugs and Harmony. Most of the tours that I do are independent.

Have any of the artists gone on to other ventures?

Wale, who won best rapper in 2009, is signed to Roc Nation and did a major show with Jay-Z. This year Likeblood won for best rap group. They were on tour with Wu-Tang Clan member Raekwon. They did the music score for the movie Jazz in the Diamond District. Soulstice, from Germantown, MD, went to France to perform. They did nine shows for “Beyond Border”. And they were considered a nominee for a grammy. And Wayna, a female artist, was also considered for a grammy nomination.

I saw “Do the Big Mo” video on your website, which I loved. I thought it was great. Where was it filmed?

Most of it was filmed in Silver Spring at the Gallery Restaurant and Nightclub–90% of it shot there.

RED CARPET INTERVIEWS (Video)
- by Moe Konteh

The 2010 DMV Music Awards January 17, 2010 from Gregory A. Lewis on Vimeo.

Forever Entertainment Media presents The 2010 DMV Music Awards from Gregory A. Lewis on Vimeo.

Want your event filmed? Email advertise@foreverdc.com