Ryan Powell

Ryan Powell is a 23 year old photographer from West Philadelphia. I'm really excited to interview him because he's one of the dopest photographers in Philadelphia right now, no lie ! Ryan can take a regular setting with his camera and transform it into this supreme oasis by way of his models.  


Look at the two pictures above and below this text. The quality is stellar. And I'm not just talking about the camera. The energy that both of these models give as well as Ryan's artistic angle is stunning ! 


Ryan's one of those photographers that could use a low quality cell phone camera and still out-caption the shot of an amateur photographer shooting the same subject with the latest dslr camera. No exaggeration though.  I always tell people the camera can kick rocks, its all about how the photographer captures the subject.

How long have you been doing photography? 


I have been doing photography for almost two years.

How would you consider your photographic style ?

My style is mainly fashion photography. But my own spin on photography.. hmm, I am the type to do almost anything to get a great shot, and I pretty much stay calm and cool.

Who or What had influenced you to do photography ?


Nobody has influenced me to take it up , but there have been alot of inspiring photographers and photographs that helped me to find my style of photography. Photographers who inspire me are Sam Kaczur, Ryan Doco Connors, and Marc Vallee.

What kind of camera do you use ? 


I use a Cannon Rebel XS.


What do you hope to accomplish with your photography ? 


What I really hope to accomplish is to become GREAT at what I do. Also I just want to continue to improve, no matter how high my skill level reaches.

What do you do like to do for fun in your spare time ? 


I like hanging out with friends and family, playing video games (I love video games to death), improving on my art skills, and trying to continually educate myself.

Do you have any other advice or food for thought for people who are interested in photography ?

My advice to others is to be yourself, never copy anyone else and also develop your own style.


Solid, Solid....


But the guy and the girl in that hot tub ? Killer! Shorty look like she's not doing her part and he's looking at ME to get over there ! Or her, or you.. pause if applicable. The brother is clearly giving the camera face to the fullest, and luckily Ryan managed to catch his dominating glimpse on camera.


I also love that model in the hat looking away towards her right. A simply timeless, classic beauty shot. I live for shots when models pose effortlessly, doing whatever it is that their doing naturally. Or atleast they make you think it was unintentional.  Sort of like artists who draw, still-life fruit on a table or paint a scene of people socializing with other characters. Ryan's model has on a regular outfit, which I didn't notice the first couple of times I looked because I so drawn to the remarkable energy her face gives. It goes to show you that clothes don't make the person- or the shot. Ultra dope.
I honestly don't know what she's sitting in front of. But I always thought it was a piano. But then I seen her bag on like she's waiting for somebody. Hmm, I dont know *throw hands up* lol.. I guess the musician in me thought the latter.

Ryan Powell

Want to contact Ryan Powell and/or see more of his work ? Solid ! Here's the info:


Flickr:
Electography


Twitter:
@FriedGold9

Facebook:

R.Powell Fotos

Email:

InGodshands7@aol.com

- andweout

First Single: Blondettes Anthem ! (VIDEO)

Yes !


So if you read about the Blondettes in one of my previous blog entries, you would know that our first Single for the "Controversy" dropped today ! Today being December 2, 2011 ! I am indeed hype mainly because I had a blast making the song with my team and as you can tell they had a blast in the booth too ! This track is rather goofy, it features all seven of us (me being number two) and each verse depicts every one of our individual personalities. The single barely dropped and we're being asked to perform at shows instate as well as out-of-state. Keep up with us if you want to hear something different !  A seven-female rap/singing group is stupid rare, but ladies (men too!) if you need some party music or just some chill motivational music from a females perspective..listen up !

Who's who ?
Here's a list of the girls in the order that we recorded:


Mickey-           @honeyb88
Me -                dopeimagination.blogspot.com
Hot Latin-       @Marialicious
Mary Ashanti- @MaryAshantiMUA (Check out her dope bowties I interviewed her about!)
Ah dun dun-    @phillifinest
Marie Lynn-    @Lovely_Lynn215
Bang Bang-     @Sitn_PrettyLeah

Shout out to @itzSNAP from rap group 2 Cocky 2 Care Ent. for make a putting together our video compilation posted above. Much love and support! The Blondettes full mixtape will drop December 30, the same day as our video recording/album release party ! Details to come on the time and location, just make sure you're there though ! The CD will be $3.00 USD or three cans of food for charity. Its not about the money, its about the positive movement so cop for the cause.


Also, the Blondettes do charity work ! If you're interested in your organization working with us, email us. We'd love to help out !


Email:
blondettesofphiladelphia@gmail.com


Like us on Facebook:
Blondettes Music


Follow us on twitter (and yes, we follow back lol):
@bgBlondettes


-andweout

Spiz

Spiz is a 20 year old rap artist from Philadelphia. He also goes by the name 'Spiz Da Loose Cannon' and 'The Prophet'. He is a part of a creative cluster of individuals that represent themselves as the "Phrat". Spiz's flow is chill at times but definitley goes in on the more agressive beats. He tends switch his flow up pretty much every song which I like because a lot of and up and coming rappers can have this same militant flow throught their whole mixtape. My favorite song from Spiz would have to be from his official video: "Cold World". Real talk about the real word and the struggle, alot of which I can relate. Overall good music. "2 Cups" has got to be my favourite hype song from him...Definite trunk music ! Both can be found on Spiz's music links below.




How long have you been doing music? 


I have been doing music since I was 5. I started taking it more serious around age 11.


What style would you consider your music ?


LOL.. Well I mean I really don't put a stamp on what type of music i do.I would say real music people can relate to and have fun to.


Who or What had influenced you to do your trade ?

My aunts Nat and Dana. They turned me on to music at a young age because they worked for Universal Records for most of my childhood. My mother Arnetta, the love of my life, and my grandfather Arnold, lol he always played oldies while we drove around in his Caddy.

What do you hope to accomplish with your music ? 


I hope to touch the lives of many people through my music. Also be a relevant player in this rap game. Signed or unsigned.


 What do you do like to do for fun in your spare time ?


I like to kick it wit my family and friends and make hot music with my brothers "The Phrat". I also like shopping, playin Xbox and Ps3, and playing my guitar.


Do you have any advice for people who are interested in becoming a music artist?


Work Hard!
Have Faith!
Stay Focused!
Keep The Love In Your Team!
Never Lose Sight Of Your Goal!
Never Say Never!
Remember Anything Is Possible!
Dreams Do Come True !
#PHRAT!


Interested ? Want to peep Spiz's latest projects or get in touch ?


Contact:


Spiz's Music:
SPIZ - Relevant Mindset


SPIZTUBE:
SPIZTUBE Blog


Twitter: 
@PhratTeam_SPIZ


@T3AMG5




Facebook:
SPIZDALOOSECANNON


Youtube:
daloosecannon


Hulkshare:
http://hulkshare.com/spiz

Soundcloud: 
http://soundcloud.com/dar3alspiz


Email:
Spizfanmail@gmail.com


Relevantmindset@gmail.com


-andweout

Latasha Ruffin

Latasha Ruffin is a 23 year old drill team director from Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. Her drill team, the Talented Youth Cavaliers, is also located in Upper Darby and has been in existence since 2008. She co-directs the team with her fiance Walter Morton.  Ruffin and her team were 2011 Pennsylvania State Champions for the American Marching Association (AMA). Talented Youth Cavaliers consists of three sections: Peewees (ages 3-9), Juniors (any age up to 13) and drummers (any age).


How long have you been in the drill team industry ? 


I've doing drill team for fifteen years, 5 years directing it.


What style would you consider your marching routine?


I consider my style dramatic with a pinch of fancy and sassy.  :)


How did you first become involved with drill team ?


I was brought in to drill team by the late Angela, director of the Wister Townhouse Elite Steppers Drill Team. She was the first person to introduce me to the drill team sector. It gave me a place to have fun and keep out of trouble.


What made you want to direct your own team ?


I wanted to help kids and keep them off the streets.  I also love being able to see my creativity on the [competition] floor while competing against other teams.


What do you hope to accomplish with your drill team ?


I want to able to have kids look up to me as a role model , and be able to say that I helped them succeed in a part of their life.


What do you like to do in your spare time ?


I like to make up routines on the toilet.


Lol, she be trippin though right ?


Do you have any advice for people who are interested in starting their own drill team?


Drillteam is one of the sports that keeps kids going. If you don't have anything that you like to do off hand, I'd advise you to try drill team. It's alot more than just marching and competing. Drill team is a good learning experience; it teaches you leadership, social skills and interacting with peers. If you're trying to become a director: once you start,  finish. Never give up, it's always going to be hard in the beginning.


Love the Advice.


One thing about Latasha and her fiance that makes them great at what they do is determination. Both of them have been apart of a drill team for majority of their lives but recently became directors....and you all know how much teams struggle in the beginning. She and her fiance tweaked their style, kept motivating and recruiting members and morphed into one of the top drill teams on the east coast. If you have kids live in the Upper Darby area, I highly recommend you enroll your child(ren) as a stepper or drummer if they aren't involved in some type of activity (and only if their interested obviously). Not only will your child learn a new skill, they will learn to be confident, sociable and disciplined, trust !






                                                        Talented Youth Cavaliers at PA State Competition

Talented Youth Cavaliers Junior and Peewees

Want to contact Latasha Ruffin ? Interested or know someone is who interested  in drilling/drumming for her team ?  Contact her !


Facebook:
Talented Youth Cavaliers


-andweout

Reginald Canon

Reginald Canon is a 22 year old independent rap artist from South Philadelphia. His artistic style consists of a nonchalant flow with astute word play embraced while telling stories of his triumphs, pleasures and struggles. Dope chill and "make ya think" music if you ask me ! He lastest mixtape to date is The Canon: Waiting For Your Attention, an 11-track album released in October of 2010.


How long have you been rapping ?

I've been rapping since about 13, but never really wanted to do it as a profession until I was about 18 years old. 

How would you define your music?

Raw emotion. Whatever I'm feeling at the moment is what's usually put on the track. In a time where music has to do more with "the trend" than the actual substance, I feel good about not shying away from the honesty.
 

Who or What influences you to rap?

My life. The need to be greater than who I was before and who I am now. I can't say that, at this point, I'm inspired by anyone in particular, but I do find music here and there that just makes me fall in love with what I'm doing all over again.
 

Who late/current rappers inspire you ?

Growing up, I listened to BIG, Nas, Outkast, and Big Pun. Beanie Siegel was definitely someone I looked up to, rap-wise, as well. Today, there aren't too many rappers that I can say inspire me.

What do you hope to accomplish with your rap career?

I hope to reach people and inspire them with the messages in my music. I want to be remembered for contributing something great to the world, when its all said and done.

I recommend Reginald Canon's music. He has that cool mellow fellow flow that unveils a story to his listeners. If you want to listen to someone who isn't bragging about  money and material things, someone who can make you feel and/or relate to the life he lives, click his music link below. Reginald Canon has good music that will saturate your headphones and sound systems with a dope lyrical atmosphere.

                                                          
                                                                         Mixtape Link:
                                                                        Thecanon.bandcamp.com

Twitter: 

@theecanon

Facebook: 

Reginald Canon

-andweout

Mary Ashanti

Mary Ashanti is a 22 year old licensed cosmetologist from New Jersey. She is the owner and founder of Inner Beautician,  a company whose primary focus is make up artistry and hair styling. She is also a clothing designer who makes some dope looking bowties might I add ! She is currently working on launching her clothing line, Ate11, which is expected to launch in beginning of 2012. Her clothing line will possess t-shirts and bowties. You're probably wondering, what does Ate11 stand for? Mary Ashanti was born of the eight month and eleventh day and her daughter's birth weight was 8lbs 11oz.

Atell Bowties 

How long have you been doing hair and make up ?
I've been doing hair for eight years altogether, three years licesnsed.


What's your favourite environment to do hair/makeup in ?
Runway is my favourite because I get to meet a lot of new people.


Who has influenced/inspired you to do you trade and why ?
Picasso because I like out of the ordinary art along with the creative play of shapes and sizes.


What do you hope to accomplish as a make-up artist, hair stylist and clothing designer ?
I want to become a celebrity make up artist and have my clothing and accessories sold at Nordstrom or other high end boutiques.

Lashes and make up by Mary Ashanti

What do you like to do in your spare time when not doing your trades ?


I like to spend time doing arts and crafts with my daughter :)

Your company Inner Beautician seems to be a pretty well established and thriving business! Do you have any advice or food for thought for any other up and coming hair/clothes designers and make up artists ?

Chase your dreams by all means neccessary. If you don't, someone else will!

Those bowties are dope right ? And ALL her models below are looking bad ! I'm definitely going to cop a bowtie from her though, one of those funky green ones too. :] I need new hair accessories and I LOVE the colour schemes going on in the bowties. 

Hair and makeup by Mary Ashanti

Interested in more of her work ? Contact Mary Ashanti:

Facebook:

Mary Ashanti

Twitter:

@MaryAshantiMUA

Ate11 Online Shop:

Ate11 Etsy

Inner Beautician:
www.iinerbeautician.com




-andweout

Blondettes Music: The Inside Scoop

I never got the opportunity to pledge in college but dog gone if it doesn't feel like I'm in some type of sisterhood now! Honestly I never thought I could be cool with a set of females for so long !
Blondettes Music derived from a music group called Blonde Gang. Blonde Gang consists of eight different solo or paired musical entities that actively perform at shows/concerts and make mixtapes. There are two photographers also included in their ensemble. Though Blonde Gang is a variety of solo artists fused in to one group, they have created a social movement behind their name promoting creativity, individuality and positivity; which I find to be dope. The group's demographic consist of many musicians, artists, hairstylists, designers, writers, vocalists, loyal fans and supporters. Blondettes are simply anyone apart of Blond Gang movement who is female but on November 2, 2011, seven of the blondettes branched off into a music group identified as Blondettes [Music].
The Blondettes (which I am included), are currently in the works of putting together a mixtape that will consist of hip hop, r&b and techno. All of us cooperating will be reciting rap, spoken word and/or singing. Our first single,  "Blondettes Anthem", will be unleashed on December 2, 2011. Our mixtape entitled "Controversy" will drop on December 30, 2010 along with our video/release party to the "Blondette Anthem". Yes, we will be recording our video at the release party so if you're in the Philadelphia area, make sure you attend ! Everyone I know is excited for it's release because at the end of the day, we alllll know most people think most females don't/can't rap ! To have a mixtape with all female artists is dope beyond reasonable doubt so definitely be on the look out for us ! :)


Facebook:
Blondettes Music


Twitter:
@bgblondettes


Email:
blondettesofphiladelphia@gmail.com 
((We do charity and community service ! Email if you'd like us to work with you !)


How we formed:
Read About Blonde Gang Facebook




-letsgetit