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I had the honor to sit down and have a conversation with Keenan Ellerbe, Jr otherwise known as KAE-9. To say I was impressed by this young man is an understatement. He was very confident, knowledgeable and well spoken. Most of all, I was impressed with his entire demeanor during the interview.

KAE-9 was born Keenan Ellerbe, Jr to the parents of Keenan Ellerbe, Sr and Tarsha Ellerbe. His stage name, KAE-9 means, Knowledge, Attitude, Excellence to the ninth power. Ten is the number of completion and he confesses he isn’t there yet. His father is a DJ in the DC area. Being around music since birth, KAE-9 started singing at the young age of three. He grew up a fan of Go-Go music but soon moved to rap. He was influenced by Tupac and Pimp C.

In 2007, he experienced his first release of a recording with a singing group called Certified Hustlers, formed with some of his friends. The group was made up of three members, KAE-9, Rob Hyatt and Stan Drumman. That was to be there only release together; Trinity.

Trinity

KAE-9’s song ‘Trinity’ was impressive to me. Some people will challenge some of the lyrics of the song but if you look past that, you will find a man who believes in God. Although, many question his belief, KAE-9 says he doesn’t speak about God to everyone he meets. He chooses to form a relationship with the person to see where they’re coming from before he talks about God to them. His belief in God is strong and those close to him never question that.

I asked KAE-9 to tell me about ‘Trinity’. He told me he wrote some material and let one of his biggest fans, his sister, listen to it. She responded, “I don’t feel it.” This made him step back and take a break. When he returned, he just started writing and out came ‘Trinity’. His sister listened, smiled and said, “That’s it.”

‘Trinity’ expresses KAE-9’s belief in God. His main thought with the song is to tell his listeners that God isn’t done with any of us yet. He firmly believes in God and feels his relationship with God is strong. “Once people hear my CD, they’ll hear it [my relationship with God]. I feel like when you get chill bumps, it’s God”, says KAE-9.

God is in His Life

I realized, this young man has God in and around him when I heard the lyrics, “God flows all through my body”. KAE-9 stated, this was his answer to those who question his belief. In his own way, he knows and believes in God. He’s not bothered by anyone questioning that belief.

‘Stay T.R.U.’ was released on November 25, 2016. KAE-9 considers this release his first official release. This release is serious for him and he has put his all in it. The CD contains 15 songs but if you want a copy, you’ll have to go directly to the source, KAE 9 himself. He wants to personally sell his new CD to meet his followers and have a conversation with them.

Who is KAE-9? KAE-9 describes himself as a ‘real’ person who is still growing and a perfectionist. After an hour with this young man, I can say he’s on the right path. You can request to get a copy of ‘Stay T.R.U.’ by contacting KAE-9 through his social media links below.

If you get a chance to have a conversation with this young man, I believe you will walk away, thoroughly impressed.

KAE-9’s Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=184300135&fref=pb&hc_location=profile_browser

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kae900

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/kae900

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Kae900Tv

Photo credit: 95 Images

The Lyfe Magazine recognizes the struggle many of us are facing during this time. We Would like to take a moment each week to recognize someone who is working and helping others during this stressful period.

Each week we want to honor someone, to let everyone know there are genuine heroes in the world!

This week we honor Tamischer B. Nettles!

What’s your occupation?

I am a family medicine physician, and I have been practicing medicine since 2005.

What has been the biggest challenge so far?

The biggest challenge that we face as medical professionals are being able to keep up with the pace of the virus itself, and recognize it in enough time to keep more people from getting sick. The virus is constantly changing. For example, when the virus first arrived it behaved one way and we thought it will only affect certain people. As we began to see more patients and study the virus, we learned that wasn’t the case. The virus started to change and behave in another way, which begin to affect children. We haven’t had a preview; we are reading this book all at the same time. We don’t know all the chapters in this book because they aren’t written yet.  Therefore, we are reading along with everyone else. We are trying to fight it and we don’t know what to expect, because every day is different.

Do you foresee anything good coming from all of this?

Hopefully, some measure of personal hygiene and prevention of transmission of infection just in our daily lives. Improved hand washing hygiene, improved infection transmission on a regular basis, we should all be washing our hands all the time, we should all be keeping our respiratory droplets to ourselves.

Do you think life will go back to normal or have things changed forever?

I think life has been changed forever. Until we can possibly eradicate this virus similar to the levels of eradication like the MMR viruses and other deadly viruses, we are going to be changed forever because of the transmit ability of COVID 19. COVID 19 is so pervasive that if you don’t stay away from each other you can contract it, just by speaking.

We don’t know why it is presenting itself in different ways. We have seen patients that have rashes, fevers and cardiac arrest. We thought kids couldn’t contract it, but they can also be asymptomatic and not show that they have the virus. We didn’t know more until more cases came in then we realized that the symptoms were related to the virus. Since the virus is constantly changing, we will have to adjust to a new normal for a while.

Do you think the lock down is working, why or why not?

I do believe that the lock down is working because the pace of transmission has slowed down. It is working as far as what people are actually adhering to. Helping to slow down the spread of the virus by staying home helps the health community keep up with the most acutely ill patients.

A lockdown is only a lockdown until the numbers go down. If you let the lockdown go and the numbers aren’t all the way down then we end up right back where we started.

What advice would you give people during this time?

I would tell people to cherish their family and friends and have enough respect and love for them to be safe and not put them in a situation where they can get sick. Many family and friends have preexisting health issues, and by staying home prevents the virus to spread to our loved ones.  Have faith in what God’s doing. He is showing us who’s actually in control. Listen to the evidence. We have had pandemics before and they have been under control. Ebola was much more deadly and it was controlled because there were things in place. We can get through this if we listen, pay attention and have respect for each other. Wear your mask, don’t put anyone in a situation where you are not respecting them and keeping them safe by thinking you are fine. Anything that you can put off, or postpone do it. Be safe, it is not worth your life or someone else’s life because you don’t want to be on lock down any more. Every life matters.



I came across this artist listening to Napster radio, and how glad I am that I did! Isabel Davis is the Worship Pastor at City of Love Church in New Orleans. This sister has an anointing that you can easily hear and feel. She possesses a voice that will absolutely captivate you. I thought she was a new artist but discovered that her CD title track, The Call, was released about a year ago and debuted on Billboard’s Gospel Radio Airplay charts at #12 and #8 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart. She completed the full album this year and it released on November 3, 2017.

I have to say, this is one the most inspirational worship CD’s I have heard in a very long time. If the lyrics do not minister to you then listen again! You can sense the sincerity of Isabel’s love for God in how she delivers each song. This entire CD will usher you into an atmosphere of worship. It includes 10-tracks, but the title track, The Call, appears three times in three different versions (Studio, Live, and Radio). However, that is simply icing on the cake because hearing it repeatedly only adds more encouragement for the spirit. I fell in love with the live version. It just spoke to my heart. Not to mention…it runs about four minutes longer than the other two versions! The remaining seven tracks are Bless the Lord, Change the Atmosphere, Healer, Believe, Open Our Heart (Make this song a personal prayer), Jesus We Love You, which I have to point out is my favorite song on the CD. I love the song in itself, but Isabel does an amazing job on this one. I listened to it three times! The last track is This Christmas. Her rendition of this Christmas classic compliments the CD and adds to the joy of the holiday season. She sings it with as much passion as the rest of the songs on the CD. It would be nice to get a full Christmas CD from her!

Overall, if you cannot already tell, I loved the CD!! I would definitely recommend it. In fact, get a copy or download it for yourself and one for a friend. You will not be disappointed and they will thank you!

Happy Listening

Are you struggling with communicating with your mate? Does it feel like pulling teeth?  Communicating in a relationship is very important. If your mate gives you the Silent Treatment this can also destroy a relationship. Not listening can hurt a relationship. This will cause poor communication and unresolved issues. Have you ever had a mate to cut you off when you speak? This person wants to communicate without hearing your thoughts. This can be a problem which can be harmful to the relationship. There are no perfect relationships, and obstacles will come and go.

7 Effects of Poor Communication In A Relationship

Argumentative Behavior

Argumentative behavior can turn into an ongoing debate. An argumentative debate can be long and stressful to all parties. A couple cannot resolve an issue by yelling at one another. If your mate is argumentative, the best thing to do is to remain calm. This will show your mate that he or she is not getting to your emotions. This will ease the tension of your partner’s argumentative behavior. Try not to raise your voice but communicate effectively. Your mate will get the hint and do the same.

Choosing Not To Listen

This happens when one party has an I don’t care attitude and does not want to listen. Both parties need to listen to one another to make sure the problem is resolved. It is not a one-way street. Both individuals need to communicate and hear one another. Listening can be an effective method to improve a relationship.

Bad Temper

Have you have had a mate who punched walls or threw things during a disagreement? Having a bad temper will not resolve anything. It will only make matters worst. Remaining calm will show the respect needed to resolve disagreements in the relationship.

Silent Treatment/Ignoring

The silent treatment is not healthy in a relationship. This tactic involves:

• Walking away without saying anything.
• Watching TV or reading mail while the person is talking.
• Acting as if you do not exist.

This is a form rejection, punishment, or control. A person should never choose to disconnect from their mate. Especially when there is conflict. During a conflict or disagreement the parties need to talk it out, not remove themselves. If one or both people need a break before discussing the issue communicate that you need space. After the break then come together and discuss the issue.  

Nagging

This is when someone is persistently bringing up a topic over and over again to annoy his or her partner. Constantly complaining does not help a relationship. Try communicating with your partner without nagging about the situation.

Verbal or Physical Abuse

Verbal or physical abuse is never the answer when working out any situation. Abuse in general, is harmful, degrading and disrespectful. It’s best to leave the relationship. Go to a safe environment. Do not try to deal with a person who is abusive. Talk to a professional, friend or family member.  Do what’s necessary to get the help you need. Call the Domestic Abuse Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or  1-800-787-3224 (TTY). Visit the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Going to Bed Upset

My aunt told me to ever ever go to bed upset with my mate. That turned out to be one of the best pieces of advice I ever received. If you have any issues before bedtime communicate and resolve them first. Communicating can be hard. Especially, when you have tension in the air. If you can resolve it before bedtime, you’ll sleep much better.

Summary

Communicating effectively is the key to a healthy relationship. God is love and He wants every human being to resolve their issues with love. Love is kind, peaceful, and gentle, with a great deal of self-control. The elements of love, will help you communicate effectively. Ultimately you will achieve a healthy loving relationship.  Remember this: 1 Corinthians 13:4-5: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” Keep this scripture close to your heart and everything else will be easy.

The rich 2% of the world’s population own half of the world’s wealth. North America, Europe, and high income Asia-Pacific countries have 90% of global assets!! Believe it or not.  This is all explained on a website called www.whatbigboyswant.com. The site claims that if you are not in the top 1% of income earners, you can’t afford to even look at the site!!. This site is not just looking at the rich, but at the super rich.

But it does give some tips on what the top 1% are living like. Firstly the site is targeted at a purely male audience. A quick look at the Forbes Rich List and you soon see that the fairer sex do not feature prominently in the wealth stakes. So what do big boys really want? It seems they prefer yachts to blondes with a starting price at $112 million (not the blonde although they can be expensive to) for the 269-foot Oceanco 702 with exterior and interior design which includes six staterooms and suites for a dozen guests, plus space for 28 crew members. Twin 4,680-hp MTU diesels will push it along for 5,500 nautical miles at 14 knots and take it up to around 19 knots in a hurry. You can work your way down the list and get a yacht for a steal of a mere $20 million.

Next on the list are fast and expensive cars; the traditional big boys toy. Buy a  Bugatti Veyron at a mere $1,700,000. The Bugatti Veyron is the most powerful, most expensive, and fastest street-legal production car in the world, with a proven top speed of over 400 km/h (407 km/h or 253 mph). It reached full production in September 2005. The car is built by Volkswagen AG subsidiary Bugatti Automobiles SAS and is sold under the legendary Bugatti marque. It is named after racing driver Pierre Veyron, who won the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1939 while racing for the original Bugatti firm. The Veyron features a W16 engine—16 cylinders in 4 banks of 4 cylinders.

You can savor your car with some fine wine at a mere $1540 per bottle; A Dom. Romane Conti 1997. This French red Burgundy smells of berries, spices and leather. Dark in color, it hints at flavors of soy sauce, flowers and licorice. The aroma is rich and penetrating without being too profound. The Romane Conti is a rare wine that has carved a niche for itself along the years. At over fifteen hundred dollars a bottle, it no longer has anything to prove. 

If you do choose to get married to that platinum blonde, you can do so in style with a diamond wedding cake at $20 million and a wedding present of a $6.5 million diamond bra from Victoria’s Secret, take the wedding photos with a gold plated ASHI Pentax, watch the TV on the honeymoon (yeah right!!) with a diamond studded TV and listen to music with your 18 carat gold plated MP3 player.

Who said money can’t buy you happiness.

(Family Features) A growing number of families are interested in plant-based choices for themselves and their children. For parents, that means introducing foods thoughtfully to ensure kids are getting maximum nutrition, including plant-based protein.

Today’s plant-based eaters span a wide spectrum, from flexitarians, who only occasionally eat meat or fish, to vegans, who avoid consuming animal-based products at all. According to a Food Industry Association report, 81% of households with children include plant-based protein in meals and 40% of parents with children under 18 are incorporating more plant-based foods into their families’ diets.

“With a new generation of parents, we see changing food values and an increased interest to incorporate more plant-based meals into diets,” said Dr. Whitney Casares, Gerber’s pediatric medical consultant and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. “It can be challenging to find plant-based protein options that are appropriate for young eaters, and it can definitely be more work for families. Parents are becoming increasingly knowledgeable about how food choices influence overall health – not just for themselves, but their kids, too.”

If you’re looking for ideas to help you feed your child in line with your own plant-based food values, consider these tips from the experts at Gerber:

Incorporate plenty of color. Be sure you’re feeding your little one a rainbow of color representing a variety of foods, including whole grains, legumes, fruits, veggies, meats and fish. Offering your toddler lots of colorful foods makes it appealing to the eyes, but all those colors also represent diverse nutrients for healthy growth and development.

Layer legumes with other ingredients. Give meals an added protein punch by incorporating mild-flavored beans with other, stronger flavors like berries. For example, Gerber Plant-tastic Organic Pouch Banana Berry & Veggie Smash with Oats is made with banana, berries, spinach, purple carrots, chickpeas and oats with 2 grams of plant protein and a full serving of fruits and vegetables.

Keep serving favorites. Offering new foods along with familiar favorites can help young children accept the new foods. It can take up to 10 times for baby to accept a new food, according to Casares, so don’t give up. Eating a variety of familiar foods and new additions throughout the week can also help little ones accept diverse options more readily.

Plan nutritious snacks. Meals aren’t the only time to focus on good nutrition. Smart snacks that are developmentally and nutritionally appropriate play an important role in your toddler’s overall diet. Options like Gerber Organic Plant-tastic Lil’ Crunchies White Bean Hummus Baked Snacks have a mild flavor that appeal to little taste buds while providing 2 grams of protein in each serving.

Remember dessert counts, too. You may not think desserts and nutrition fit together, but you can actually pour some good-for-you goodness into special occasions. Think berries, bananas and other naturally sweet ingredients for sorbets and smoothies, and keep in mind there are plenty of dessert-friendly ways to incorporate extra protein, such as nut butters or Greek yogurt.

Prep for easy access. Just like adults, kids are likely to nibble on what’s easy. Keep plant-based options readily available and prepared so they’re the first options little ones reach for when they’re hungry. Choosing healthy, plant-based options is easy if that’s what’s available.

Find more kid-friendly ideas and advice for plant-based eating at Gerber.com.

SOURCE:
Gerber

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Black History Story in the Making

The Lyfe Magazine recognizes the struggle many of us are facing during this time. We Would like to take a moment each week to recognize someone who is working and helping others during this stressful period.

Each week we want to honor someone, to let everyone know there are genuine heroes in the world!

This week we honor Monique Moore! Monique is the Director of Nursing of a Senior Care Facility

How long have you worked in this field?

I have worked in senior care as a DON or upper management since 1997. I was working as an LPN and my director at the time was so impressed with me she said as soon as we get your RN test results and you’ve passed as expected I will make you the Assistant Director of Nursing. From that day forward I have moved up the chain as management even holding a regional nurse position for 2 years.

What has been the biggest challenge so far?

I must admit in all my years as a Director of Nursing and leading and directing staff in caring for the senior population this pandemic has been the most difficult time. I have always ran a building that focus on positive patient outcomes in their care as well as in their spirits. With the locking down of the facility and not allowing families and or ancillary staff in the building for almost 4 months now it is taking a real toll on the patients. Mental health affects all other aspects of their care. When patients go from having their loved ones visit daily , having entertainment almost daily to keep them active even having the ability to interact together with a fellow patient to nothing at all the only contact is with the staff caring for them and the roommate that is in their room of they have one. This kind of isolation or “social distancing” causes increase in depression, weight loss, increase in sickness and just feelings of loneliness and dread for our patients at that is hard on them and the staff.

Do you foresee anything good coming from the pandemic?

For those that I serve in the senior community I do not see anything positive coming from the pandemic. But as far as in general it has brought families closer, it has open staffs eyes and abilities to go outside the box with their task and their thinking to come up with more creative ways to meet the needs of the patients.

Do you think life in your field will go back to normal or have things changed forever? Please explain.

I do not believe things in general will go back to normal unfortunately and fortunately. What I mean by that is unfortunately we may be living with this particular virus annually but at a higher degree because of the rate and possibility of the spread of the virus. Fortunately, it has brought cleanliness and sanitizing of restaurants, offices, business and their individual cleanliness which is definitely a good thing for us all.

As far s specifically senior care I believe there will always be a change in regards to limiting the amount of traffic and visitation in the building, the assessment and screening of all visitors and staff for illness will be an on-going change in our industry in an effort to decrease the exposure of viruses and infection to the elderly population because of their vulnerability to these infections.

Do you think the lock down is working?

I do believe the lockdown is helpful, I believe that if we were able to truly lockdown the country, we may see the curve bend but unfortunately a true lockdown is not possible. There are still stores and business that needed to be open , deliveries that had to be made, warehouse workers that needed to work to fill the trucks that were being loaded with essential items that needed to be delivered. So yes I believe the lockdown bent the curve slightly but it did not decrease the numbers they hoped it will be.

What advice would you give people during this time?

Stay home, if you don’t have to go out don’t go which I know is very difficult for some. They are things going on in homes that people need to have an escape either to work or to play to get away from for their safety and sanity. If you have to go out wear your face covering when possible, if not possible practice social distancing. Please stop wearing the gloves everywhere you go. In healthcare we are taught to change our gloves after every task while cleaning and sanitizing our hands before re-gloving that is not what is happening. The same gloves are being worn through an entire store visit while touching everything including your face hair and purse. This is not helpful to the situation.

Monique Moore is the CEO of Parham LTC Consulting, LLC Website: [email protected]

by Rob Jefchak

Netflix’s Marvel original series are the closest thing we’ll ever see to an R rated Marvel property. After the wildly successful launches of the first seasons of “Daredevil” and “Jessica Jones,” Marvel unveiled its first major African American superhero (before Black Panther) with Harlem’s bulletproof bad man; “Luke Cage.” After two major hit series and being the first prominently featured African American Marvel character, this show had a lot to live up to and I admit I had a bit of a hard time getting into this series when it first came out. But with the second season just being released days ago, it got me inspired to take a look back at the original season and refresh myself and others about why it worked so well.

Our titular hero (Mike Colter) is a fugitive on the run after a sabotaged experiment gave him superhuman strength and unbreakable skin. Now he’s living in Harlem, working to clean up crime from the streets and protect the people he cares about from villains (Mahershala Ali) and crooks (Alfre Woodard) alike. But to keep his city safe, Luke will have to confront a past he long thought was buried and avoid being caught by Detective Misty Knight (Simone Missick) in order to set things right in a city that’s full of wrongs.

The first thing I thought when I saw this show was that it looked and felt like a flashback to the Blaxploitation films in the days of old. The intro music takes you back in time and perfectly sets the feel and tone of the series before the first episode even begins. I say this because it’s important to note that this series, much like “Jessica Jones”, doesn’t play out like your typical superhero shows. “Luke Cage” is a slow build show and relies on one super powered character dealing with typical Blaxploitation film tropes and racial elements that feel more relevant in today’s age more so than ever. Much of the action and topical issues follow the gun violence and how it can tear the best people and their livelihoods apart.

The series has a very strong sense of flavor, a specific audience it’s heavily aimed towards and sprinkles in some Marvel hero action stuff to keep those curious enough to stick with it and get used to its distinctive style. What I admire about the show is its ability to brazenly step into the dark side of reality and doesn’t shy away from the brutality of bullets and bloodied fists. The super powered element comes more as a side element rather than the focus, which may be a turn off for some but allows the story to truly develop its rock solid cast. They feel real, their conflicts and flaws real painstakingly real and keeps you invested in every character; major and minor.

Mike Colter really makes the character his own after his brief appearances in “Jessica Jones.” He gives the role a sense of honor, boldness but also simplicity and a passion for justice that works well with the narrative and the ever escalating conflict to save Harlem’s soul from crime and corruption. Colter’s chemistry with Simone Missick and Netflix Marvel “regular” Rosario Dawson clicks in all the right places; no one feel wasted and everyone gives some level of depth and importance to the overall story. If there’s one standout star worth gloating about, it’s easily the film’s initial villain; Cornell “Cottonmouth” Stokes played masterfully by Mahershala Ali. Like all Netflix Marvel series, the villain steals the show with style and finesse.

Ali is such an engaging actor, he makes every scene he’s in worth watching; bringing a devilish sense of realism and intensity that just can’t be beat. Unfortunately, he doesn’t appear as much as I thought he would and the additional villain that appears is an interesting breed of bad guy, but his arrival leads to my biggest criticism with the series: the finale. The first season’s finale just ends up looking…goofy, even for a comic book program; it’s hard to explain without giving it all away. The tone gets thrown off course and feels grossly out of place from the dark drama that cemented the series core so well in the first half of the series. In a lot of ways, “Luke Cage” suffers from the same issues the second season of “Daredevil” went through.

Overall, “Luke Cage” is not everyone’s cup of tea and it’s brewed and scored towards a specific audience and focus that not everyone can easily get behind. It’s probably the most grounded, realistic series in Marvel’s Netflix arsenal and the use of super powered elements is minimal at best. However, the stellar performances from the amazing cast and their well-structured balance of chemistry, drama and emotional strength shine through brilliantly with each new episode. This series is not going to work for everyone but it does have excellence in it that everyone can enjoy on one level or another. It’s no “Black Panther” but it does a good job of doing its own thing regardless and is worth a look.

I give “Luke Cage” 2 and ½ stars out of 4.

Jimi Stewart’s list of accomplishments are nothing short of sensational, touting a history of musical collaborations with brilliant masterminds such as Teena Marie, Debarge, Miki Howard, Billy Preston, Syreeta Wright and many others. Jimi’s musical genius soared and he became a world-renowned, sought-after keyboard player that has worked with many legends like G.C. Cameron from the Spinners, Al Wilson, and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Bo Diddley. In addition, Jimi worked on several blues recordings for Leon Hayward and the Motown group High Inergy.

From Middletown, Ohio to Los Angeles, California, Jimi’s love for music as a child catapulted him straight to Motown where he found his greatest achievements. Those piano lessons Jimi’s mother funded afforded him the opportunity to become one of the best keyboard players in the business.

We caught up with Jimi to get the scoop…

The Lyfe… What instruments are you fluent in?

Jimi… I play the keyboard which includes piano, clavinet, acoustic piano, and electric piano. I played guitar a little bit, enough to write but not well enough to perform.

The Lyfe… When did you know you wanted to do music?

Jimi… When I was a kid I used to look at album covers, examining them from front to back, looking at the pictures and listening to the music. I knew I was talented. When I was 13, something clicked in me and I said to myself that all I would have to do is get to California. I knew I couldn’t get where I wanted to be in the small town of Ohio where I lived.

The Lyfe… When did your journey begin?

Jimi… When I turned 22, I left for LA, four years after I graduated high school. Before I left, however, I played locally with a few bands and then eventually formed my own group called “The Precisions”. It was about six or seven of us. In 1976, I moved to Nashville, Tennessee and formed the group “Ozone” with three other band members. Shortly after, we decided to move back to LA to gig in clubs. It was there we found a manager who connected us with Motown which led to a recording deal in 1978 where we produced five albums in five years. Our first album was entitled, “Walk On”. We got a soundtrack in a movie called, “Fast Break”. It was a basketball movie. During that time we hooked up with Billy Preston, Syreeta Wright (Stevie Wonder’s ex-wife) and did a European tour in 1979. While at Motown, I met Teena Marie. The first album I played on for Teena was from the “Lady T” album. I became her band leader and toured and recorded with her from 1979-2003, 24 years. She and I became very close friends over the years. I looked at her like a little sister.

The Lyfe…What was your initial interaction with Teena like?

Jimi… It was during our very first rehearsal with Teena. I asked my manager, “Where’s Teena, when is she coming?” He pointed at her across the room, “She’s been here the whole time.” I replied, “The little white girl?” He said, “Yeah.” I had never heard a white girl sing like that ever in my life. They didn’t put her picture on her album because it was an R&B album and they didn’t know how people would react to it. Then, my manager introduced us. She immediately asked me to play so I played a couple of her songs from the “Wild and Peaceful” album and we had instant chemistry like one of her songs, “It must be magic”. It was just magic. She dug the way I played and I loved the way she sang.

The Lyfe… Tell us something about the late but great Teena Marie that we may not know.

Jimi… She played a little guitar and also piano. She would play something and then I would take it and enhance it, add more notes and make it sound good.

The Lyfe… Since working with Teena for so many years, is it safe to assume you’ve met Rick James?

Jimi… Oh yeah. We also became friends. He would come to the studio sometimes. I recorded with him on some of Teena’s songs like “Fire and Desire” and then we would all go on tour with Teena and perform together.

The Lyfe… When you heard of her passing, where were you?

Jimi… I was in Ohio. A friend called me and said Teena died. I thought he was talking about Tina Turner. I said, “Tina who?” He said Teena Marie, who do you think, why do you think I’m calling you?” I was just like “Wow.” I couldn’t believe it! It was a total shock. I still remember that day, December, 26th 2010.

The Lyfe…What kinds of experiences did you have working with Debarge?

Jimi… It was a great experience. When I first met El, the leader of the group and lead singer, we also had instant chemistry but the whole group is multi-talented. At the first rehearsal, their mother was there. I started playing a gospel song and she came over and started singing. We had vibes like that. In 1984, I went on a year-long tour with them for their second album, “All This Love”.

The Lyfe…What is your greatest accomplishment in the industry?

Jimi…I would say playing on Teena Marie’s hit records like “Square Biz”, “I Need Your Lovin”, “Portuguese Love”, “Irons in the Fire” just to name a few but there were so many.

The Lyfe…Did you have a personal relationship with any of the aforementioned artists or was it strictly professional?

Jimi… Oh yeah, we were all friends. I was at Teena’s house every day because she had a studio in her house. I actually moved in with her for a couple of years because I was over there so much.

The Lyfe…Name all the hats you’ve worn in the industry?

Jimi… I produced, arranged, wrote and now I’m a born-again Christian and am the organist at my church which takes most of my time.

The Lyfe… What do you see is the real difference between music from your era and the music of today?

Jimi… There are no real self-contained bands anymore like “Kool and The Gang”, “Earth Wind and Fire” and “Cameo”. We played our own instruments and we sang. I don’t know why it’s not as popular anymore.

The Lyfe…What would you say to an aspiring musician who wants to break into the industry?

Jimi… I honestly wouldn’t know what to tell them, things have changed so much. Back in my day, we had 33’s, 45’s and cassettes and then CD’s came out. You had to physically go to the store and purchase a product and play it on your boom box or turntable or CD player. Now, I don’t know the new way of doing things, it has just evolved so much. Now they have streaming and everything is digital. Instead of a band, you’ve got one guy sitting at a computer. You don’t need guitar players or anybody playing instruments for that matter and if the vocals aren’t right, you just use auto tunes. When the artist sings live you can definitely hear the difference in their performance and their songs on the radio.

The Lyfe… Have you written any songs for any artists?

Jimi…Yes, I wrote a couple of songs for Teena. One called, “The Sugar Shack” from her ninth album “Ivory” and “Somebody Just Like You” from her twelfth album “Sapphire”.

The Lyfe…What are you doing these days?

Jimi… I just quit a band called “Soul Pocket” in Cincinnati, Ohio who I had played with for the last ten years. We gigged at clubs, festivals and outdoor events. I just decided that I didn’t feel like making the commute anymore. So, playing for my church is now the extent of my music.

The Lyfe… Would you consider doing any musical mentoring?

Jimi… That’s already happened. I taught my nephew, Tony Moore how to play the keyboard and he really is awesome. Now, he’s actually better than I am. He got hired to play for a big church in Chicago recently.

The Lyfe… Were you married during your industry years and if so did it take a toll on your marriage?

Jimi… I’ve been married 19 years to Verlena and it was one of the best things I have ever done. My touring didn’t affect us because when my wife had free time she came on tour with me.

The Lyfe… We’ve talked a lot about Jimi the artist, now let’s learn about Jimi the person. What is your favorite food?

Jimi… Short Ribs.

The Lyfe… How do you spend your free time?

Jimi… I like movies. I’m a sci-fi, action/adventure movie freak. My all-time favorite movie is Gladiator with Russell Crowe.

The Lyfe… How did you get the nickname Jimi Fingers?

Jimi… Because I like to tickle the ivories. The keys on the piano used to be made of ivory until the animal rights people stepped in and passed a law that elephants couldn’t be killed anymore.

The Lyfe… How did you get your start playing the piano; did you grow up with one in your home?

Jimi… We always had a piano in our home growing up and my mother took all of us kids to piano lessons.

The Lyfe… Who is your favorite all-time musician?

Jimi… Jimi Hendrix. To me, he is the greatest guitar player ever. Some people say Prince but my preference is Jimi. My biggest regret is I never got to see Jimi Hendrix live.

The Lyfe… Share something with me that you’ve never shared in an interview before.

Jimi… Since I’m going bald I stand in the mirror every morning and count the hairs on my head.

Spike Lee and John Singleton, watch out there’s a new director in town and his name is Praheme Praphet. The Movie, “Troop 491”: The Adventures of the Muddy Lions’ Filmmaker, Writer and Director Praheme shared his inspiration, life and the creation of the movie.

The Lyfe Magazine: Who is Praheme Praphet?

Praheme Praphet: I am a storyteller.

The Lyfe Magazine: Where are you from?

Praheme Praphet: I’m from Richmond Va. but live in L.A. now.

The Lyfe Magazine: How did you get into storytelling?

Praheme Praphet: I was 14 or 15 yrs old, when I realized I wanted to be a storyteller.

The Lyfe Magazine: Why do you call it storytelling?

Praheme Praphet: Because I want to add diversity as to what it means to be black and a black man in America, through my lens by telling my story and experience.

The Lyfe Magazine: What do you mean by being a black man in America?

Praheme Praphet:  In the 90’s we had movies like Boys In The Hood and A Menace To Society. But those things didn’t really represent me and my life or what me and my friends were going through. So, by me telling my story as it pertains to the things that I’ve gone through and have done, putting it into story form was my way of showing normalization in the middle class type America. Showing the different aspects to young black kids to open up their minds and look at other possibilities. Letting young black kids who never thought of themselves as nothing else other than a violent person because of the ‘Boys In The Hood’ and ‘A Menace To Society’ type movies that they are better than that.

The Lyfe Magazine: What are your hopes to contribute to the filmmaking industry?

Praheme Praphet: I want to contribute diversity as to what it means to be black and show that the things we see in the media don’t represent me or any of my black friends. So, adding the things that I’ve experienced and putting it into story form normalizes the middle class type America. Showing different aspects of young black kids to open up the possibilities and show young black boys who never thought or see themselves as nothing else other than a violent person because of ‘Boys in the Hood/Menace to Society’ type films.

The Lyfe Magazine: So, it’s important to you the way blacks view themselves?

Praheme Praphet: Yes it is, that’s why I added boy scouts to the narrative because not many have seen black boy scouts. That’s mainly why I do the work I do, so black people can view themselves in a different way but it also has a global impact as well. People in other countries see black people specifically on rap reality shows and cops showing blacks getting locked up and they think black people really are that way. So look at an Asian coming fresh off the boat, they are going to look at black people as being dangerous because of the media putting out bad visuals of blacks. I don’t want to add to the negativity.

The Lyfe Magazine: Who is your inspiration?

Praheme Praphet:  I watched Spike Lee and John Singleton for 10-15yrs. It made me realize that’s what I wanted to do. Spike Lee represented black people, and he was doing it well with Doing The Right Thang, Malcolm X and others. Spike Lee is my favorite. He made me realize that it’s not that far fetched to become a movie director and he looks like me. So, seeing Spike Lee and John Singleton doing something I can see myself doing is such an inspiration and is attainable. John Singleton laid out the path and gave me perspective. So, I went to college and studied film.

The Lyfe Magazine: When did you do your first film?

Praheme Praphet: I did my first short film in the 10th grade. Telling a story gave me a taste of an entirely different element and I actually loved it. Like music, arts, writing, photography; all the things I like separately helped me tell a story in my own creative way.

The Lyfe Magazine: I heard you’re releasing your first feature film. What is the premise of the film?

Praheme Praphet:  Yes, I am. The movie is called, “The Adventures of the muddy lions.” It follows Tristan, a naïve adolescent boy, coping with life in the inner city.

Tristan’s mother enrolls him in the Boy Scouts in an effort to keep him off the streets, when he witnesses a homicide; the local thug demands his silence. Tristan learns, with the help of his new Scout friends, that doing the right thing isn’t always easy.

The Lyfe Magazine: Were you once a boy scout?

Praheme Praphet:  Yes, I was a boy scout.

The Lyfe Magazine: How long did it take to make The Adventures of Muddy Lions?

Praheme Praphet: It took me 7 yrs to make this film from paper to screen.

The Lyfe Magazine: So, I take it that it wasn’t a very easy project to complete?

Praheme Praphet: No, it wasn’t, but there is no progress without struggle.

The Lyfe Magazine: Tell me what you mean by that?

Praheme Praphet: I was admitted into a mental institution twice and diagnosed as mentally unstable and in 2009 my mother passed away in a car accident.

The Lyfe Magazine: I’m so sorry to hear that.

Praheme Praphet: Thank you, but yeah, I had just finished my first year in film school. My parents were driving down to see the first movie I directed and got into a car crash a couple of hours before the screening.

The Lyfe Magazine: How did you deal with that on the day of your screening?

Praheme Praphet: It was not a good day. I had been promoting my film and looking forward to my family coming to see my first real film and then I got the call from my brother that mom passed and dad was in the hospital. My brother was coming from Atlanta, so, I hit my dean up and told them the situation and then cried and waited on my brother to arrive. He wanted to rest for a bit when he got to Tallahassee, so, I went to school and ended up watching a few films before my brother called and we left to go see my dad in the hospital. It was the worst day of my life and on what I thought would be my happiest. My mom was a breast cancer  survivor, and now she’s gone and will never see my work on the big screen and she helped me with the ending of “Soaked” so, I was tripping to know that she died coming to see it. But I hope she’s looking down on me and that she’s proud that I never gave up on my dreams to be a filmmaker.

The Lyfe Magazine: Praheme, I believe she has a big smile shining down on you.  So, are you saying your mom passed and your dad survived?

Praheme Praphet: Yes, he survived with a broken arm and other injuries.

The Lyfe Magazine: How did your dad handle surviving?

Praheme Prahphet: My dad is a vibes man. He understands life and how it works. He did feel bad that he wasn’t driving and that he couldn’t do anything. My dad is a very strong man. He’s still pushing on, but he definitely misses her.

The Lyfe Magazine: Has that made you and your dad closer?

Praheme Praphet: Yes, my dad and I have a very close relationship. I like my dad. I had an ATM business that I owned and operated with my dad. We worked very close and spent a lot of time together. He’s the one who put 200k plus into my movie. It’s great to have your dad as a big supporter of what you do.

The Lyfe Magazine: Tell us about Praphet productions?

Praheme Praphet: Praphet productions, I started in early 2000. My mom and I will always be in total control of Praphet productions because she was the one who helped me create it.  I also have “ I am we”, which is a studio that is open to bring other people on board, so that my partners don’t feel like they don’t have some kind of ownership into the company, but prophetic productions will always be me and my mom, only.

The Lyfe Magazine: How do you stay focused?

Praheme Praphet: I try to stay aware of my body, get a lot of rest; don’t isolate myself, and eat right. Because me, not paying attention to my body was what sent me in a downward spiral and landed me in the hospital. Now, I know, I need to work out at least once a week to burn off the energy and eat right. When I’m feeling down, now, I talk to somebody, play ball or watch movies.

The Lyfe Magazine: I understand you won some awards. Tell me about that?

Praheme Praphet: Yes, Muddy Lions won Best Youth Film from the San Francisco black film festival, Best Narrative Feature from the Blackstar film festival in Philadelphia , Audience Choice Awards for best narrative from Blackstar film festival 2015, best narrative Baltimore international black film festival. I won the top 40 under 40 award from Style Magazine in Richmond Va. I worked on a short film in graduate school at Florida state called the underground a slave musical. I was the symana photographer. That film won 21 awards and 3 student academy awards. It was a very powerful film; it went all over the country.

www.praheme.com

www.troop491-movie.com

www.boyscout-bsamuddylions.org