World Star Hip-Hop founder Lee O'Denat dies at 43.
(World Star Hip-Hop/Twitter)
Matt Hamilton of the Los Angeles Times is reporting World Star Hip-Hop founder Lee O’Denat has died at age 43. Hamilton reports:
“The San Diego County medical examiner’s office said O’Denat was at a business in a San Diego shopping center — identified by police as a massage parlor — when he became unresponsive.
Paramedics arrived and attempted to revive him with CPR, but he was pronounced dead about 5:30 p.m. The cause of death is heart disease, with obesity considered a contributing factor, according to the coroner’s office.”
In 2005, the Queens native founded the controversial website which featured hip-hop news, viral videos and sensational, often obscene content.
World Star Hip-Hop recently announced that it was bringing a show to MTV2, to be hosted by Comedian Chris Powell.
World Star Hip-Hop issued a statement:
O’Denat was 43.
This post was written by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder & editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire. Follow her on Twitter@Ntellectual.
Attendees participate in a Cosplay Showcase. Photo: Cheryl Latham/Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture hosted the 5th Annual Black Comic Book Festival Jan 14-15. The two-day, Harlem-based festival was co-founded by Deirdre Hollman (Director of Education and Exhibitions), Jerry Craft (Mama’s Boyz and The Offenders), John Jennings (Black Kirby/UC Riverside), and Jonathan Gayles (Georgia State University). The Schomburg Center’s Annual Black Comic Book Festival consisted of film screenings, cosplay, and exhibit tables with celebrated black comic creators from across the country.
Photo: Cheryl Latham/Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
Panel discussions included “Curating Comics: Creating Exhibitions in Galleries and in Digital Spaces,” “Black Heroes Matter,” “Fierce Femininity and Fandom,” “Comics and Hip-Hop,” and “Comics are Lit: Graphic Novel Adaptations of Literature.” Ja’nell Ajani, Jonathan Gray, Jonathan Gayles, David Walker and Deirdre Hollman served as moderators.
Attendees participate in a Cosplay Showcase. Photo: Cheryl Latham/Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
There were tributes to Jackie Ormes, creator of the first Black Syndicated Comic “Torchy Brown in Dixie to Harlem” and “Patty-Jo ‘n’ Ginger” and Dawud Anyabwile, co-creator of Brotherman: Dictator of Discipline.
Jackie Ormes, the first African-American woman to work as a newspaper cartoonist. (Photo: Google Images)
The festival, which had over 5,000 people in attendance, connected comic readers, creators, bloggers, nerds, independent publishers, and collectors of all ages.
Former artist manager Jonnetta Patton posing in her office at her new space, J's Kitchen Culinary Incubator, LLC, to develop and sustain food and beverage entrepreneurs (Photo Credit: Derek Blanks).
Former artist manager Jonnetta Patton poses in her office at her new shared space, J’s Kitchen Culinary Incubator, LLC, to develop and sustain food and beverage entrepreneurs (Photo Credit: Derek Blanks).
Jonnetta Patton produces her best work anytime she helps others follow their passion. The mother and former manager of Grammy-winning entertainer Usher has morphed her business savvy into a new endeavor, J’s Kitchen Culinary Incubator, LLC, to empower food and beverage entrepreneurs into creating successful businesses.
“We are a nurturing environment that fosters growth,” Patton declares. “Whatever your goals and dreams are, that’s my interest. And that’s what gets me ticking. I want to deal with people of integrity.” Based out of Doraville, Ga., J’s Kitchen Culinary Incubator offers chefs, bakers, caterers and epicurean specialists three state-of-the-art shared kitchens, a baker’s kitchen, a private master kitchen, a tasting area, dry goods holding space and walk-in coolers and freezers. Speaking of a walk-in cooler, we know that if it does become faulty, it’ll be as easy as searching for refrigeration kansas city (varies depending on where you live) and get help from a professional to get it fixed.
Computer portal stations, two conference rooms and a classroom round out the Chattanooga, Tenn. native’s 4,200 square foot undertaking. Operating on three-year action plans, the aspiring business owners receive customized consultation and advisement from an extensive rolodex of professionals and experts: becoming more informed about certifications, permits, licenses, insurance, procurement, marketing, safety and sanitation standards.
“Shular,” or the private master kitchen, is located in the rear of J’s Kitchen Culinary Incubator (Photo Credit: Derek Blanks).
Patton believes evolving from managing recording artists to developing culinary aficionados isn’t a difficult change of pace. The goal, she says, is for the culinary entrepreneurs to develop, grow and sustain their visions. “It’s a form of entertainment, which is what I do,” the family-oriented Middle Tennessee State alumna reveals with her legs crossed as she juggles multiple hand mannerisms.
“Chefs are artists. They’re just as particular about their art, and food is art. There is no difference. Chefs have big egos. Artists do as well.” For many people, their dream of opening a culinary business is something they’ve always wanted to achieve. We all have to start somewhere, so maybe checking out these Baking institute reviews at BakeryClasses.in might help you make the first step into finally starting your own baking business. As well as the correct knowledge and equipment, an essential to starting a business, whether it be a bakery or a retail store, you need finances. This is a struggle many aspiring entrepreneurs or business owners face in the real world, which is why turning to a short term Loan can get you kick started with getting you where you need to be. So search around, look at resources and get tips and tricks from experienced professionals to see how you can get set on the right track to starting your successful business today.
Patton’s interest in food is deeply rooted in seeing her mother during the Christmas holidays preparing meals, especially macaroni and cheese and collard greens, also two of Patton’s signature dishes. At home, the delightful strategist wearing a feathered, autumn-colored bang over her forehead is known to host and organize elaborate parties and dinners with savory menus.
For the last 20 years, Patton, the founder/owner of JPat Management and a limousine service, would organize Thanksgiving meals at her home. She decided the last two years to pay it forward to the less fortunate. Co-founding her megastar son’s peer-to-peer, youth-purposed nonprofit organization, Usher’s New Look, Patton manages her own foundation, JP’s Recipe for Life. Her initiative seeks to help families manage and prevent diabetes.
A Type 2 diabetic herself, Patton, whose grandson is a Type 1 diabetic, hosted a Christmas breakfast for Mary Hall Freedom House, a shelter in north Atlanta that provides lodging and assistance to women and families dealing with homelessness, addiction, poverty and mental illness. One particular conversation Patton has with Lucy Hall-Gainer, Mary Hall Freedom House’s founder and CEO, regarding healthy dieting leaves the businesswoman speechless. Patton inquired about the number of folks living in the shelter affected by diabetes.
Unfortunately, Gainer didn’t know. There are plans to start providing health screenings to those underserved individuals. “There are a lot of people walking around not knowing that they have diabetes,” Patton says, periodically interrupted mid-sentence by event attendees and volunteers for selfies.
“We want to provide healthy meals and promote a healthy lifestyle to prevent and maintain.” Exiting the entertainment world for nine years only to return with the idea for J’s Kitchen Culinary Incubator was initially met with some resistance from Usher and members of her staff.
“He didn’t understand it; my accountant didn’t understand it either,” Patton recalls. It took some convincing, but the Confessions performer, who himself acquired stake in the Cleveland Cavaliers, the streaming service Tidal and at one point, his own fragrance, gave Patton some suggestions.
Usher convinced his enterprising matriarch to create her digital footprint using social media. Patton was hesitant at first, claiming it’s “too much information.” Mentioning that her social media profiles connected her with her publicist, Patton expresses that embracing technology became “the best thing that could’ve ever happened.”
Humbling herself enough to take Usher’s advice proved effective: bringing Patton and son closer. Usher, Patton acknowledges, gives her ongoing praise for her perseverance. “He told me last week ‘I’m proud of you.’ That made me very happy because he is on top of his game. For him to wrap his arms around it solidified it,” she shares.
Spending the last 25 years fueling others’ aspirations is an accomplishment Patton appreciates. She says there wasn’t a better time to figure out what would give her personal fulfillment.
“This time around, I’m really doing things for myself,” Patton acknowledges. “All of the other times, I did it for other people. I’m living in my purpose under my terms.”
Even with a successful track record to her credit, Patton’s primary job is being a “mother first.” Before she hands out a slew of gifts, toys and household items to several families, she whispers to her personal driver, a recovering drug addict, how proud she is of him. Pacing and observing the entire dining space invigorates Patton. It’s living proof that her willingness to see to it that the people around her can prosper has allowed her to feel like her work is far from over.
“I enjoy what I’m doing right now,” Patton declares. “It’s not work. I want to document what I’m doing with them. Their mission is my mission, too. It’s an industry I had to learn. Anytime you’re passionate about something, it’s very easy.”
This post was written by Christopher A. Daniel, pop cultural critic and music editor for The Burton Wire. He is also a visiting instructor in the Department of Communication at Georgia State University. Follow Christopher @Journalistorian on Twitter.
The ensemble cast of OWN TV's prime time serial 'The Haves and the Have Not' features Renee Lawless ("Katheryn") (seated left), Angela Robinson ("Veronica") (seated center) and Tyler Lepley ("Benny") (standing second from right) (Photo Credit: OWN TV).
The ensemble cast of OWN TV’s prime time serial drama ‘The Haves and the Have Nots’ features Renee Lawless (“Katheryn”) (seated left), Angela Robinson (“Veronica”) (seated center) and Tyler Lepley (“Benny”) (standing second from right) (Photo Credit: OWN TV).
Life on the set of the highly rated, OWN TV prime time drama The Haves and the Have Nots often reminds the ensemble, multiethnic cast of their storied pasts. The hour-long, Tyler Perry-executive produced, written, created and directed series chronicles the interactions and conflicts between three families based out of Savannah, Ga: the wealthy Cryers (haves), the accomplished Harringtons (haves) and the working class Youngs (have nots).
The Haves and the Have Nots, like other network television soap operas, is loaded week after week with story arcs consisting of illness, illicit affairs, criminal activity, family conflict and corrupt behavior. Based on Perry’s 2011 stage play of the same name, the actors agree OWN TV’s inaugural scripted series is a welcoming, well-oiled machine in front of and behind the camera.
“[Tyler Perry] is the hardest working man in show business,” says Renee Lawless, who plays well-to-do, matriarch Katheryn Cryer. Lawless declares this fact with a soft spoken, breathy Southern accent. “He wears many, many hats, but in the middle of it all, he’s checking in with us making sure we’re okay. If we have an issue, he listens on and off-set. It’s an absolute privilege.”
Seated to Lawless’ left is Angela Robinson, co-starring as the self-made, conniving and homophobic attorney Veronica Harrington. The former Miss Florida A&M University concurs with her fellow vocalist and Broadway thespian regarding Perry’s availability to his talent.
Robinson has no qualms insisting she can be verbose describing Perry’s work ethic. “He’s always 100 percent present,” the sultry-voiced Jacksonville, Fla. native says. “There’s never been a time that I’ve been on-set with him that I didn’t feel like our show and our time together was not his priority.”
Transitioning characters from stage to screen, Lawless and Robinson believe, results from vigorous yet invaluable training. Considering Perry’s career rose from dramaturgy to blockbuster film and television programming, the actresses feel completely in their element daily. Robinson, whose character’s essence echoes Diahann Carroll’s role as Dominique Deveraux on the ‘80s hit Dynasty along with films from the ‘30s and ‘40s, explains the distinction between theatrical performances and roles on a multi-camera production.
“Our show moves a whole lot faster,” Robinson says, referring to the set as “exhilarating.” “Theatre is all about taking your time. You really get to hone in on the characters. On [The Haves and the Have Nots], you don’t really get that time: one or two takes and move on. Everything I’ve done my entire career has prepared me for this.”
Lawless, a product of University of Cincinnati’s Conservatory of Music, shares that her muse for Katheryn is Angela Channing, played by late actress Jane Wyman, on Falcon Crest. She restates Robinson’s assessment of her theatrical background, adding The Have and the Have Nots is a contemporary to any Shonda Rhimes-developed series.
“We’re right up there with them,” the Knoxville, Tenn.-born talent suggests, juggling a series of hand gestures. “They’re on our level. If we didn’t already have that training and understanding, we would be stumbling and falling a lot.”
Sharing how she’s often complimented on her character’s voice, Lawless points out what makes Katheryn unique. “That training has helped us with stamina,” she adds. “It’s not something that I’m putting on; it’s part of the character. Once I get into Katheryn, I do my own thing.”
Cast members (l. to r.) Lepley, Lawless and Robinson pose at a show press luncheon in Atlanta.
The lone male present this particular afternoon, Tyler Lepley, takes on the role of hard-working, tow truck company operator Benny Young. Benny is often the peacekeeper on film, seeking to keep his family ties solid. A former football player and personal trainer, the actor resembling Grammy-winning recording artist Drake draws parallels between his personality and his industrious, family-oriented character.
“You have to be very disciplined in every scene and role as you would on the field,” Lepley declares with his tatted up, brawny arms folded across the conference table.”
Lepley, briefly employed as a case worker, couldn’t directly correlate his criminal justice studies from Kutztown University with drama and performance. The easygoing Pennsylvania native possesses compassion similar to Benny: acknowledging how he has a big heart.
“I’ve loved first, blindly and had my heart broken,” Lepley recalls, mentioning his character is adapted from his close friend as well as two years of therapy. “I know people like this in real life. I draw a lot from real experiences as opposed to other television shows.”
Following a sneak preview of the fourth season’s premiere over lunch, the present cast members of The Haves and the Have Nots remain tight-lipped about what to expect the remainder of the season. The performers reiterate that being one of OWN TV’s highest-rated shows is the direct result of “giving and loving.”
Like his co-stars, Lepley recaps the success of The Haves and the Have Nots in totality is rooted in Perry, or who Lepley calls their “fearless leader,” creating a healthy balance between leading and sharing.
“He comes in, and he’s able to collaborate with you,” Lepley concludes. “It’s no-nonsense, but it’s a good example of how to get the job done and work hard to get it. He’s still just as humble as he was back when he didn’t have anything, so it’s real cool.”
The fourth season of The Haves and the Have Nots premieres Tues., Jan. 3 at 9:00 p.m. EST on OWN TV. Check local listings for channel.
This post was written by Christopher A. Daniel, pop cultural critic and music editor for The Burton Wire. He is also a visiting instructor in the Department of Communication at Georgia State University. Follow Christopher @Journalistorian on Twitter.
San Diego State Aztecs running back Donnel Pumphrey, Jr. (#19) breaks Ron Dayne's career rushing yards record at the Las Vegas Bowl this year (Photo Credit: Gabriel Christus/ESPN Images).
San Diego State Aztecs running back Donnel Pumphrey, Jr. (#19) breaks Ron Dayne’s career rushing yards record at the 2016 Las Vegas Bowl (Photo Credit: Gabriel Christus/ESPN Images).
“I just try to be the best at whatever I do.” It’s an assuring declaration courtesy of exceptional San Diego State Aztecs (SDSU) running back Donnel Pumphrey, Jr. (#19) during the recent College Football Awards media day. Ten days later, the puerile-looking star athlete proved his point, shattering records at the Las Vegas Bowl.
Pumphrey trumped ex-Wisconsin player Ron Dayne’s NCAA record for career rushing yards with SDSU’s 34-10 win over Houston. Smaller than the majority of his gridiron counterparts, the 5-foot-9, 180-pound senior hailing from northern Las Vegas concludes his college football career with a cumulative 6,405 yards, thanks to a 15-yard play in the fourth quarter. Pumphrey only needed 108 yards to break the former NFL player and 1999 Heisman winner’s 6,397 yard total.
Earlier this season, Pumphrey, then totaling 4,651 rushing yards, broke SDSU alumnus and NFL Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk’s school record totaling 4,589 yards. Unassuming considering his physique and size, the pleasant, team-oriented athlete synonymous with synchronizing his hands and feet on the field, points out that his attitude eclipses his athletic abilities and track sprinter-like form.
Dayne even considers Pumphrey “the GOAT” via Twitter. “When I’m on the field, it’s how I go out there and try to carry myself,” the placid Doak Walker Award contender and Walter Camp All-American declares 24 hours after his 22nd birthday. “I’m not the biggest athlete on the team, but I just try to carry myself as if I am the biggest player. I try to show guys that I am meant to play football.”
Dressed in a full-buttoned blue flannel shirt, a few thin gold rope chains, rippled slim flit denim and Air Jordan Retro 3 sneakers, Pumphrey attributes his athleticism to being committed to training. It’s not uncommon for the intuitive, methodical challenger to spend countless hours in the film room reviewing game reels. The vigilant competitor insists that he can read plays quickly. Sifting through the diagrams ensures Pumphrey is knowledgeable of the opposing defense’s possible reactions.
Pumphrey says the preparation allows him to run between tackles or run his rivals over. “This helps my game a lot,” Pumphrey, who rushed for over 100 yards in 11 season games this year, confirms.
Being an essential element to the Aztecs clenching consecutive Mountain West Championships in 2015 and 2016 doesn’t come without crediting great leadership. Pumphrey, a social science major and double SDSU MVP, wastes no time sharing details on the Aztecs coaches’ old school directions.
Pumphrey ended his senior year garnering 2,133 yards. He considers the Aztecs “the hardest, toughest team out there.” “Coach [Rocky Long] and [Jeff Horton] do a great job with us in the off-season as well as getting us prepared for the games,” the former Canyon Springs High School standout and lover of Mexican food says. “The coaches do a great job.”
Like the synergy he’s formed with his SDSU teammates, Pumphrey’s adrenaline rushes whenever he is in the company of other college football superlatives. Traveling east to Atlanta for the College Football Awards a week-plus prior to his record-breaking bowl appearance ignited a spark in the dedicated sportsman.
“I see the way that these guys are carrying themselves,” Pumphrey says, “and I’m just excited to be here. Honestly, this is awesome. It’s just an honor to be here with the best of the best and be able to be welcomed. It’s pretty cool.”
Pumphrey (left) poses at the College Football Awards in Atlanta with his fellow Doak Walker Award candidates, Dalvin Cook of Florida State University (right) and D’Onta Foreman (center) of Texas Longhorns (Photo by Allen Kee/ESPN Images).
Relaxed and considerate the entire four-minute chat, Pumphrey also shares his post-college aspirations in an environment where he can engage and interact with people from various communities. The father of a four-year-old daughter, Maliya, originally set his sights on a career in journalism. The thought of pursuing a career in the newsroom post-college still crosses his mind.
“I’m interested in hearing where other guys’ backgrounds come from,” Pumphrey confirms chased by a hint of giggles. “If the NFL doesn’t work out, hopefully I can be a counselor. I do love giving advice, and I love talking to people.”
This post was written by Christopher A. Daniel, pop cultural critic and music editor for The Burton Wire. He is also a visiting instructor in the Department of Communication at Georgia State University. Follow Christopher @Journalistorian on Twitter.
Kwanzaa is a holiday celebration of African culture, values and history observed by many African-Americans in the United States, December 26 – January 1, each year. The official Kwanzaa website states:
“As an African American and Pan-African holiday celebrated by millions throughout the world African community, Kwanzaa brings a cultural message which speaks to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense.”
(Photo: LinkedIn)
Founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulena Karenga, 2016 marks the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the holiday. There are seven principles of Kwanzaa:
Day 1. Umoja means unity.
Day 2. Kujichagulia means self-determination.
Day 3. Ujima means working together.
Day 4. Ujamaa means supporting each other.
Day 5. Nia means purpose.
Day 6. Kuumba means creativity.
Day 7. Imani means faith, especially faith in ourselves.
Are you celebrating Kwanzaa this year? Take our Twitter poll and let us know.
If you are celebrating Kwanzaa, then let us know what you are doing for Kujichagulia (koo–gee–cha–goo–LEE–yah), day two of Kwanzaa? Share with us on Instagram or Twitter @TheBurtonWire.
Caribbean 360 is reporting Haiti’s president-elect Jovenel Moïse, who was announced as winner of last month’s presidential election, is still facing challenges from opposition parties. The author writes:
“Three opposition parties have been successful in challenging the November 20 election results which saw the banana exporter, who was chosen by former president Michel Martelly to represent his party, taking 55.67 per cent of the vote.
The country’s electoral court last night ordered a review.
The three main opposition candidates — Jude Celestin who won 19.52 per cent of the vote, Jean-Charles Moïse who got 11.04 per cent and Maryse Narcisse who managed only 8.99 per cent — challenged the tally giving more than 55 per cent of the November 20 vote to Moise, , Tet Kale (PHTK).
Judges for the National Bureau of Electoral Litigation (BCEN) said they considered it ‘necessary to shine a light to establish the truth’ and therefore ordered the ballots to be ‘transported to the tabulation centre for the verification of 12 per cent of the results.’
The decision followed lengthy arguments by lawyers for the opposition candidates and more than five hours of deliberation by the judges.”
Democratic Republic of the Congo President Joseph Kabila is refusing to step down at the end of his term.
(Photo: Flikr/Creative Commons)
Democratic Republic of the Congo President Joseph Kabila. (Photo: Flikr/Creative Commons)
Reuters Africa is reporting security forces in Democratic Republic of Congo killed at least 34 people during protests this week against President Joseph Kabila’s refusal to step down at the end of his mandate.
The author writes:
“Congo’s capital Kinshasa and other cities were convulsed by violent demonstrations on Tuesday as Kabila, in power since 2001, reached the end of his second term in office without an election in place to choose his successor.
Human Rights Watch (HRW)’s Central Africa director said on Twitter that the deaths, including 19 in the capital Kinshasa and five in the southeastern mining hub of Lubumbashi, happened at protests early on Tuesday and HRW was verifying reports of more deaths.”
Hip-Hop legends Salt ‘N Pepa’s seminal album Hot, Cool and Vicious turned 30 years old this week (Dec. 8, 1986). Hot, Cool and Vicious featured the neighborhood anthems, “The Showstopper,” “My Mic Sounds Nice,” “I’ll Take Your Man,” and “Tramp.” The album was re-released in 1987 and the all-girl collective crossed over with their hit single “Push It,” propelling the album to platinum status. Ironically, the group was nominated for a Grammy for best rap single by an artist or duo in 1989, two years after the song had been an international success and three years after the album had become a Hip-Hop classic. Nonetheless, Hot, Cool and Vicious helped cement the group’s status as Hip-Hop legends when they became the first American female rap group to go gold and then platinum.
The original group was composed of Cheryl James (Salt), Sandra Denton (Pepa) and Latoya Hanson, who was replaced by Deidra Roper (Spinderella). The trio went on to make five albums before disbanding in 1999, winning a 1995 Grammy award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for “None of Your Business,” from their 1995 album Very Necessary. The group got back together in 2005, were part of a reality show and went out on the Legends of Hip-Hop national tour in 2011.
Check out some of their hits from their seminal album Hot, Cool and Vicious and five albums below:
This post was written by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder & editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire. Follow her on Twitter @Ntellectual.
Zadie Smith has written several novels, including On Beauty, which was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2005.
Zadie Smith has written several novels, including On Beauty, which was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2005.
Fresh Air Weekend highlights an interview between host Terry Gross and internationally-acclaimed novelist Zadie Smith. Smith, whose first novel White Teeth won the Whitbread First Novel Awardand was a finalist for the National Book Critics CircleAward talks about her latest novel Swing Time, which tells the story of two girls who dream of becoming dancers, but one only has the talent to do so. Smith reads an excerpt from the novel. Listen below:
