Musician of the Month: Bernard "Bizzy Bee" Smith

As if being a college student isn’t already enough, students like Bernard Smith are willing to go above and beyond the status quo to achieve their dreams. The communications technology major is taking ambitious steps to advance his career. Considering himself a jack-of-all-trades, the 20 year old Brooklyn native is a father of three-year-old son named Bernard Joseph Smith III, and is a rapper, manager, videographer, promoter, a producer of his own production company, Bizzy Bee Production. Smith received his rapper name, Bizzy Bee, from a couple of friends at the tender age of nine. Growing up with that moniker became a lifestyle for Smith.

Q: Who have you managed?

Well, its not like I exactly manage, but I take people under my wing. For example, my home girl Briell$, without that push from me she wouldn’t have been serious about her music. My friend Fidelity, he’s a rapper and a singer and I was really on top of him and now he’s working on a mix tape. I have some younger artists. I always look for the youth, especially those who don’t have that connection so I can give them an upbringing.

Q: So where does this passion come from?

I love music since I was little. That was my first excuse to curse, when I bought that DMX album and asked “Mom can I curse, when I listen to the song?” Then one day I got into film, and I said I was going to use film to help others with their music. With music there’s always a message. A message isn’t felt unless you actually see what they’re trying to say.

Q: I see you mention DMX, who else inspires you? Who are your top five rappers die or alive?

That’s always a hard choice, but that’s Nas, Biggie, Pac, Mos Def, Talib Kweli and I can keep on going but that’s some of the top that has hit me in the heart.

Q: Besides Nas, the others they haven’t really put a record out. So who are one of your favorite rappers out right now.

I would have to say Common, Kanye West. I’m not that much of a Weezy fan. I respect Lil Wayne as an entertainer, but not as an artist, he doesn’t click with me. I’m not going to say Jay-Z though, just because he’s from Brooklyn. I would say Busta Rhymes too.

Q: How do you get artist that’s under your wing to ignite that fire and get that passion out?

Basically, I give them tips and tricks that I’ve learned over the years as an artist who loves music. I bring the best out of them by bringing the worse out of them. Until you touch what the hell is messing with you, your music won’t really be you. I try to help people understand, if it doesn’t fit you try to adjust it to you, instead of people that doesn’t exist.

Q: Does your career affect your son?

My career affects him whole-heartedly. He’ll listen to my music all day and say “That’s Daddy!’ He keeps me pushing because there’s days where I really can’t walk or stand up and carry what I’m carrying, whether its cameras, but I still have to get out of the house and do it because I’m doing this for him. At the end of the day, I need my son to have something when I leave. I don’t care if I live before him or after him. People say people make mistakes, but I now I’m following up.

Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?

Simple,  Bizzy Bee Productions on everything. I got people. I got skills and I’m a people’s person and it’s easier to work with people who are humble, other than someone who think they’re the sh*t.

Q: You say you’re a rapper, how many mix tapes do you have out?

It’s crazy you mention it because I wasn’t going to drop my first mix tape. Right now I’m working on my second one, Instrumental Crazy 1.5. If it weren’t for Lady Poison, I wouldn’t have dropped my first mix tape. Literally I’m too conscious of a rapper. Most of the stuff I put out would really appeal to the public, you would have to sit down and listen to my lyrics. Right now I’m working on an album right now called Writings of a Loser. It consists of deep thought, original beats and more realistic lyrics because I’m going to talk about not just my life, but also the life of someone who people consider a loser. Someone who has been pushed back from their goals. So it’s going to be real.

Q: How does the mother of your child feel about your career?

Honestly, she has always supported me. We might have had a few altercations, but I tell her she’s not with me all day for you to tell me what I’m doing is not that important. It gets real between us, but at the end of the day she still supports me.

Q: Have you met any celebrities?

Yes. I’ve been to Doug E. Fresh’s house. I’ve met Slick Rick, Grand Master Flash, Furious Five. I’ve met a lot of old school rappers, new school wise I met Fabolous. I met 50 Tyson and that was the highlight of my career. He came to New York for the first time, and to actually watch him perform, its crazy because he can sell out a show. He has something that a lot of artists don’t have, which is stage presence.

Q: if there was a label you’d like to be signed to, what would it be?

I would have to say Shady Records. I wouldn’t sign under Jay or Diddy because it wouldn’t make any sense. If I sign up with you all I’m getting is a good name on my back. A lot of people don’t get love because of the label their under.

Here's a video of Bernard Smith's work. 

New Music: Rihanna- You Da One

Ahhhh shhhhh... SHOT! RiRi is back at it again! With her 6th album entitled "Talk That Talk", Rihanna has debuted her second single called "You Da One," after her pop single "We Found Love." This single brings me back to that middle/ high school kind of love, where all you think about is your significant other, or even the 'honeymoon' phase in any relationship.  "Talk That Talk" is out in stores November 21st.




                                                    







                                                                Rihanna- "You Da One"
            

Here's Rihanna's first single - "We Found Love"

Meeting Tyrese!

November 1st was a big day for me! Not only was the first day of such a festive month (Thanksgiving and Black Friday), but THREE incredible artists blessed huge fans, like me, great music. DC rapper, Wale debuted his sophomore album entitled 'Ambition' with featured artists, like Jeremih, Miguel, fellow Maybach Music Group rapper, Rick Ross and many others. Singer and now rapper, Trey Songz gave his fans a double dosage by releasing two mixtapes. One entitled 'Anticipation 2', which is R&B and the other  'LemmeHolDatBeat2', which portrays the rapper side of Trey Songz.

In addition, actor, model and singer Tyrese debuted his fourth album 'Open Invitation' after taking a hiatus from the music industry. On this album, Black Ty has Rick Ross, Ludacris and many others featured on it as well. Right now, Tyrese has two singles out 'Stay' with 'Baby Boy' Co-Star, Taraji P. Henson, featured in the video and 'Too Easy' featuring Ludacris. On this album, Tyrese is bringing a 'Melange' of different types of music. While 'Stay' brings me back to old school R&B, 'Too Easy' gets me amped to go out and have fun.

Luckily for me, I had the pleasure of meeting Tyrese for the FIRST TIME (and most certainly not the last)! Tuesday Evening, Tyrese was signing albums at the Basement Mixx in Brooklyn, New York. Once I found out that Tyrese was just a town away from my school my friend Clloyd & I GPS'ed our way to Brooklyn. And ladies I must say, Tyrese looks absolutely handsome in person ;).  Be sure to go ahead and buy the album! 

All Photo Credit goes to Clloyd Smith*

Circle of Sisters 2011

Sunday, Oct. 9^th, I had the opportunity to attend the 5^th annual Circle of Sisters convention at the Jacob Javitz Center in New York City. Sponsored by 107.5 WBLS-FM and 1190 WBLI-AM, the Circle of Sisters was a two-day event that's filled with concerts, informative events and panel of discussions about how African American women can ameliorate their lives by staying fit, eating healthy and tons of other activities.

In attendance were many A-list celebrities, such as, Boris Kodjoe and wife Nicole Ari Parker, radio personality, Egypt, runner-up in season two of BET’s ‘Sunday’s Best”, Jessica Reedy, and winner of season three, LeAndra Johnson, as well as many others. Although I didn't get the opportunity to go both days, I absolutely enjoy myself. 

It was also my pleasure to meet some of the celebrities, like Egypt and Brian Carter, who gave great me advice on my endeavors in my degree in Journalism.

Here's a video of the Circle of Sisters 2011 (Courtesy of Circle of Sisters).

Me meeting radio personality Liz Black

Nicole Ari Parker & Boris Kodjoe 

BET's Sunday's Best Winner of Season 3, LeAndra Johnson



Trin-I-Tee 5:7 were also performing! 

Me meeting Runner up of BET's Sunday's Best Season 2, Jessica Reedy

Aww man! I must say meeting Jessica Reedy was such an honor! She’s just so down to earth, and humble, that even when she was bombarded after her performance with fans, she still managed to kept her cool. 

The City Gym Boys were also in FULL EFFECT! (eye candy for the ladies!) 

One of the COOLEST DJ I've met DJ Marcy & I

DJ Marcy & I trying to be cool. 

From left to right: Boris Kodjoe, Nicole Ari Parker & Brian Carter

On Sunday, the Circle of Sisters had a Gospel Explosion that was attended by many well known Gospel artist, such as, Dorinda Clark- Cole, Canton Jones, Erica and Tina, a group also known as Mary Mary

Dorinda Clark-Cole

*Courtesy of Circle of Sisters

The legendary Yolanda Adams

*Courtesy of Circle of Sisters

Joe & Coco Brother

*Courtesy of Circle of Sisters

Erica & Tina members of Mary Mary

*Courtesy of Circle of Sisters

Canton Jones performing at the Gospel Concert
*Courtesy of Circle of Sisters

Canton Jones
*Courtesy of Circle of Sisters

Radio personality Coco Brother
*Courtesy of Circle of Sisters 

The exercise forum

Overall, this was one of the most informative, adventurous and inspiring conventions I have been to to date; and I am most certainly looking forward to going next year! 

Grace Cathedral's Youth Revival

      Last night, September 23^rd 2011 I went to a gospel concert that inspired me to live my life more for Christ. It was at Grace Cathedral International, which is a church that is known for their live church services, amazing concerts and warm welcoming people.  At the concert, I had the pleasure to see Richie Righteous perform and I must say that listening to every lyric of all the songs he performed, it was the spirit of conviction that overwhelmed me because I wasn't living my life fully for Christ. 

 With swag like no other, Richie Righteous is a Gospel rapper that makes sure that the audience is having a good time praising the Lord. Performing hit songs like Do Wut It Do, and Who You Representin from his latest album called R.I.C.H., which stands for Resting In Christ's Hands, Richie Righteous’ main objective when performing and in life is to spread the gospel.
         The youth that was at the revival were not only enjoying themselves, but wanted to rebuild or start a relationship with God, especially after Richie did an alter call for those who wanted to seek God.
         Because his performance stunning performance, I just had to take a picture with the  man himself and of course buy the album.

Me cheesing pretty hard, a little too hard.


                                         Here's a song, Who You Represent? off his latest album R.I.C.H. 

                                      

Ephesians 6:18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

   

The youth of Grace Cathedral

Man of the Hour: Richie Righteous

Kids dancing to Richie's single Who You Representin'? 

People patiently waiting for Richie Righteous to perform 

                         

New Music: City of God

Daniel Foganhol

        While many 25 year-olds are in school going for their Masters’ degree, looking for a job or trying to start their career, lead singer, Daniel Foganholi is on tour with his band called CIty of God. Performing their pop songs in prominent venues, such as Webster Hall, Daniel is following his dreams with five other band mates. Four years ago, it was just Daniel, Daniel’s brother-in-law, Tiago, as the DJ, and Raphael as the drummer. Later on joined Moracco, the bass player, Gunner, the guitarist  and Daniel’s sister Stephanie, who’s also the band’s lead singer. Looking up to music's icon like Jay-Z, John Legend, Kanye West and N.E.R.D., City of God still remembers their Brazilian heritage, and use their roots as inspiration. Now, City of God is taking underground music to a different level; they’re not only changing the underground music, but is taking it by storm.

From left to right: Daniel, Tiago, Stephanie, Gunner, Morraco, and Raphael

Q: How did you guys get your name?

A: Because most of us are Brazilian and that’s how we started out, City of God kind of stuck with us since the beginning, which is also a famous city in Brazil. It’s also based on a movie that was based on the city. Saint Augustine wrote a book on [City of God] in 5 A.D., and the book really spoke about the difference between having the love of great things in life or the materialistic things in life. We related to that a lot because we love making great music and just being positive. And instead of looking at the negative all the time, we like being that positive vibe to music and being energetic and we thought that name fit perfectly for us. 

Q:  So you and your sister are the lead singers of the band, how’s the chemistry between the both of you? Is there any sibling rivalry?

A: [The chemistry between us] it’s different. Me and my sister, first of all, are best friends. We get along great. I think it’s different because it’s sort of like, I can be a little more tough on her sometimes, as she can be the same to me. We’ll get into it, but that’s because we’re brother and sister. But it certainly helps in a lot aspects because the communication is always open and we have a different communication system than everybody else. 

Q:  I see you guys have a mixtape. What’s the art cover about?

A: The name of the mixtape is called Spaceboi Mixtape Volume 1. Tiago is in the band and he’s actually an artist as well and he paints a lot. When we first started out, I remember he started this painting and it had a little guy to it. And I said ‘it should be the logo for the band and we should stick to that’. Since then it’s been called ‘Spaceboi’ and he’s just been the logo and stamp on everything. 

Q:     What’s your favorite song on the mixtape?

A: Mine personally is called Gasolina. It’s more funk and has a lot of flavor as to what we’re doing now. The difficult thing was we were trying to figure out what were we doing as a band, but now we have that place to have funk and being Brazilian. We have that incorporating of being Brazilian and we embrace it. That was one of the songs that we took to the extreme and really made funk that thing.

Q:     I see you mention to your culture a lot. Do you have any songs that refer to you it?

A:  A lot of our music! We have this song called Freaks, that song is funk. A lot of people don’t know about funk music because it’s underground in Brazil as well as over here. People wouldn’t know about it right away. That rhythm that people feel, we have a lot that in our music because people feel it. People don’t want to think about music any more, they just want to feel good and that’s a secret weapon that we have.

Q:  If you weren’t in a band what would you be doing right now?

A:  I would be a Marine Biologist. I’m just playing, I wouldn’t know. I was thinking about sports, but I’m not the biggest of guys, so it wouldn’t work out. I don’t think I can do anything outside of music, it’s such a passion. It doesn’t matter if its management or writing, or whatever the case is it has to be music. That’s the weird thing about having a passion for something.

Q:   What are some of your dreams for yourself and for the band?

A:  We share a lot of personal dreams. I feel that a lot of my dreams are for the band. To change the world and to share our music with people. I feel that a lot of people think on a small scale when it comes to music, and I like to dream big and aim big. The potential with these guys I feel that we’re unstoppable. 

Q: What’s your worst moment as an artist?

A: I remember me not having a job. Hands down, when we signed our first recording contract last year. And it was that feeling of being on a label and not knowing when you’re going to come out. Not knowing if you’re music is good enough. That feeling of not knowing was the worse feeling. 

Q:   Are you single, dating, looking?

A: I’m single, but I don’t know if I’m looking. I ask myself that every day. It’s weird, especially in this industry. I’m a confused kid, but I’m always open. If the right one came along, I’ll know.

Q:  Where do you see yourself in five years?

A: At the beach somewhere retired sipping some Bahama Mama. No, but hopefully touring and being the Beyonce of bands. Our goal and vision is doing what no band has ever done. There’s no band that can compare to Beyonce or Justin Timberlake, because bands aren’t entertainers these days. And we feel that we want to be entertainers.


BE sure to go to City of God's website to check out new music! You can also follow them on Twitter & their Blog.

Check out their performance during the Jive Records Intern Showcase!!

Life In The Fastlane!

So, for those who want to know what I do for a living, besides being a student, I am a swim coach and I absolutely LOVE my job and the team I coach. I actually don't consider coaching as a job, I think of it more as a hobby. Although waking up bright and early 4am everyday to be at practice at 5am can be a bit strenuous, I look forward to coaching, pushing and motivating the kids to the best of their swimming ability.




Village of Hempstead Swimmers

 
The team that I coach is called Nu Finmen Swim Team & Village of Hempstead (that's basically one team) .August 11th, we competed in the village summer championships and we unfortunately lost first place by a mere 6 points! However, that is not the message in this post.

This post is all about doing what you love! Now in life, some people know for a fact what their purpose in life is, while others are trying to figure that out now. For those who know me or know of me you guys should know that I am a 'people's person'. I love working with people. Whether its group projects, working out or simply just doing choirs, I love working with people, which is why I seem to love my job. As a team, people accomplish more than if a person was to do something alone.




Our head coach Bob Trotman giving the team a pep talk



What gives me drive is knowning that each and everyone of these kids has potential. Although, very few of their talent may not be swimming, I know that they have a specific purpose on the team. Motivating them and giving them a pep talk coming from a sincere place has a greater effect than yelling and just telling them to go and win.



   

 

Senior girls striking a pose

 

What I also love about my job is knowing that the kids has the same drive as the coaches, which is achieving success. With success as our common denominator it makes achieving our goals easier. There are times that when a team works together so well, being number one becomes irrelevant, instead teamwork is the objective.  

Overall, whether you've received that college degree or not its all about being happy what you're doing. And the way you'll know you love what you're doing is once you stop second guessing your career choice and is looking forward to going to work and you don't consider work as work, but more as a hobby.  And I, without a doubt, is looking towards my third season with Nu Finmen! =]




Senior boys & Kyle (the short kid)

 







Senior boys celebrating their last village meet









The Senior Girls working it!