Do You Know The Rapper In Full Drag?

Do you know the old school rapper from a pioneering rap group?

Afrika Baby Bam from the Jungle Brothers

The Paperback Edition Drops Today!

Hello everyone!

I am very excited that the paperback edition of my book drops today! WOW!!!

Can you believe it has been a year already?

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your continued support, love, and e-mails. I appreciate everything. I am busy working on a new book and will reveal soon what it is about and when it will be released.

Please tell all your friends about the paperback edition of the book. You know your friends who have asked to borrow your book, and you repeatedly told them, "No! Go buy your own copy." LOL

Also, if you are in the Chicago area this weekend, I will be participating at the Chicago Black Pride author's reception. Be sure to come out, tell your friends, and bring your books to be signed. If you don't have the book there will be some available at the author's reception.

Saturday, July 4th
Chicago Windy City Black Pride
Black Pride Authors Reception
Circuit Night Club
3641 North Halsted Street
Chicago, IL
4pm - 6pm

The BET Awards....

WAS A MESS!!! It was all over the place. No cohesiveness. They literally tried to throw a show together in 48 hours after hearing of Michael Jackson's death. Rule #1 - If you can't and don't have the energy, talent, or time then don't do it. They simply could have done a montage of videos, footage, and let a few entertainers speak and left it alone. But, the folks at BET put out a statement that the show was a tribute to Michael. Okay, so the tribute to Michael Jackson throughout the show....well, it didn't happen. They threw in some people - New Edition (With Bobby Brown), Ne-Yo, Ciara, and Jamie Foxx to sing tributes. It didn't work. Ne-Yo was the only one who did a proper tribute.


Monica and Keyshia Cole were a good duet and performance, but Monica looked amazing and her voice is bananas!!!


Did you hear about the new movie, "Skank Robbers" with Femme Fatales Sheneneh Jenkins and Wanda Reid? Naw, it's not a real movie, but they definitely need to make it into one!


The O'Jays were honored and they gave a great performance. They showed the young entertainers how it's really done to have classic music, moves, and showmanship!


Maxwell peformed his hit song, "Pretty Wings," but before he performed Jamie Foxx made an asinine statement saying, "Only ladies stand up for this man!"


The highlight of course was Janet Jackson's appearance and moving words about her brother's death. Then the tribute song by Ne-Yo and Jamie Foxx...

I Am At A Loss For Words - R.I.P. Michael Joseph Jackson

1958 - 2009

I am really at a loss for words. I am stunned beyond belief. This moment is very surreal for me.

As someone who has had to bury his own brothers I know the turmoil and pain the Jackson family is experiencing right now.

My prayers are with Michael's family and the rest of the world who loved him so.

Is This Bullying?...

This video contains explicit language.

Is this bullying? I'm just asking since we've had to deal with the two 11-year old boys who committed suicide after being harassed by their peers.

Busta Rhymes ft. Big Tigger - If You Don't Know, Now You Know

Ne-Yo's Advice For Breaking Into The Music Industry...

I think Ne-Yo gives some great advice to this young lady who is interested in breaking into the music industry.

For those of you looking to be singers, dancers, actors/actresses, or models you can apply this advice to your profession.

It's hardwork but anything worth having takes hardwork.

I'll be at Memphis Black Pride this weekend....

Coming To Memphis Black Pride 2009...                    

Contributing writer for VIBE Magazine and Essence.com, and
Essence Magazine Best-selling Author of the controversial and
provocative memoir, Hiding In Hip Hop

Terrance Dean

Join us for an Intimate Personal Conversation, Book-signing,
and Public Reading

All Weekend Long

with TERRANCE DEAN!!! 

This is an event you don’t want to miss!!!

Bring your books to be signed —
Books will also be available for purchase                                  

Memphis Pride Dates: June 18th - 21st 2009                                    

Special Celebrity Appearance by Terrance Dean
Saturday June 20th
1pm                                          
At the Pride Host Hotel The Artisan
1837 Union Ave.                                                       
Memphis, Tenn.    
(901) 278-4100
 
Sponsored By:
Club 901, Memphis Black Pride, and Brother's United Network of Tenn. Memphis Chapter
Contact Persons: Ladybug (hardawayarg@yahoo.com);
Club phone 901 522 8455

Let’s celebrate who we are—We Are Hip Hop, Too!!!

Cool Cruel World Interview...

Last Thursday, I went to midtown to meet up with my good friend Terrance Dean. Terrance should be a familiar name to most– he’s worked as an executive at MTV for over 10 years, and has penned two successful books: “Reclaim Your Power” (a self-help guide for young men of color) and the Essence best-seller: “Hiding in Hip Hop” (an expose on “down-low” men in the music industry). Dean is an activist, humanitarian, industry elite and mentor. Plus, he’s just an all-around sweetheart. Like a gentle giant, he just melts my heart! And so, we sat down to chat about everything from his controversial book, to which rappers he prefers. Check it:

Cocoa B.: So Terrance, you do a lot in the community. One of the stand-out organizations you created “Men’s empowerment” has drawn a lot of praise and media attention. Tell us a little bit more about that…

Terrance D : Well, it’s a group that I created because I recognized that there are not too many men of color in executive decision roles in the industry. And me being a part of this industry, and knowing first hand, I saw how important it was to have some resource there for the up-and-coming industry hopefuls. I reached out to a few of my friends at record labels, and MTV, VH1, etc, and we basically started meeting once a month at MTV to talk about what our challenges were, what our expectations were– but we didn’t have people to bounce ideas off of, and talk to… So we started this, and friends told their friends who told their friends and all of a sudden there were all these black men of distinction showing up to these meetings. People trying to advance, or use as a networking resource, etc. Then doctors, lawyers, and teachers caught wind, and just wanted to be a part of something positive and unifying for Black men. So it just turned into this wonderful thing, I’m very proud of it.

Cocoa B: Awwww man, that’s awesome! What drove you to purse a career in entertainment?

Terrance D: Well, in my book I discuss it briefly. It was definitely the moment when I heard “Rapper’s Delight”. I just knew that I loved hip-hop, and I knew I had to be involved in it some way, some how. At 13 I started plotting, reading “Right On” and “Word Up” trying to scheme on making it happen. I just made it happen because I knew it was my destiny.


Cocoa B.: Indeed! Now, in your opinion, what are the best and the worst parts of being in the entertainment industry?

Terrance D: Hip Hop is a phenomenon. A movement. A huge part of history, and just seeing and knowing that you are a part of that is so fulfilling– so rewarding. The culture and the lifestyle affects everybody in the world. To know you’re a part of this global phenomenon is awesome. How you walk, talk, dress– everything is hip-hop. It’s amazing. The worst part is similar. Because we are a part of it, we feel somewhat responsible for the good and the bad. The degradation of women, the disrespect, glorifying of violence, and everything else negative about hip hop we tend to feel responsible for as well. So it’s a double-edged sword so to speak. We could be a little more conscious about what we do and how we put it out there. Gotta be more responsible.

Cocoa B.: What drove your passion to write?

Terrance D. : Well I was always a writer, I kept a journal from when I was younger, like HS and wrote down all my thoughts. Then when I was in the industry, I just started journaling all the things I was doing- great experiences I could share with other people, and it helped me o write my first book. It has always been my passion to write.

Cocoa B. Cool… Was there any authors or people in your life in particular that inspired you to write?

Terrance D. : Wow… [laughs]. I’d have to say my favorite writer who influenced me to write was Iceberg Slim……I read the book “Mama Black Widow” like 20,000 times. It was so good because it was so raw and gritty. You know, it was about growing up in the hood, and crime, sex, drugs and prostitution– all the taboo things that make a great read! And I had gone through some of that in my own life. I discuss in my book how I dealt with my own mother prostituting and being and heroin addict. The book seemed personal to me because I could relate. That, , and everything he wrote after that were very inspirational for me…

Cocoa B. :What was the inspiration behind “Hiding in Hip Hop” and did it accomplish everything that you wanted it to?

Terrance D: Yeah, it definitely accomplished, and far exceeded my expectations. And yes– the paperback is coming out on June 30th. I have gotten an overwhelmingly positive response from readers, people in the industry– even people IN the book. They say thanks for writing the book, it’s timely, it’s needed and has created a dialogue in hip-hop. It was a story that needed to be told. It was necessary. We’re heard rumors about certain celebs we idolize– it was time for someone in this biz to write this story and reveal the truth. I mean, there are people in the industry– men and women who engage in same-sex relationships. But we are still here, we are still a part of the community and the culture, and this needed to be recognized. I think I accomplished that.

Check out the rest of the interview here:
http://coolcruelworld.com/2009/06/15/time-out-with-terrance-dean/#more-1183

Big Truck Calls Out A Rapper...

This video contains explicit language!!!!

An Unusual Proposition...

Last month Sheree Whitfield [of Real Housewives of Atlanta fame]had one of the biggest fashion shows that Atlanta has seen in a long time- showing off her new line of ”She by Sheree”. At first glance everything seemed to be going well but one of Sheree’s male guest was offended about being propositioned for sex, by one of the male host.

This is what he told one of the workers:

“This nigga just tried me, he came to me and asked if I wanted a drink, I was like cool then after 3 drinks said “I will pay you $10,000, if you come up stairs with me. I was like, "Hell no!" He then said 10 could turn into 20, 20 could turn into 50. It all depends on you.”

Sheree got a call from one of the hosts from the fashion show and mentioned that she might be getting sued because the guest now feels as if his integrity and manhood has been tampered with.

Sheree has stated:
“Yes, I am aware of the incident, but cannot speak on the issues until the matter is resolved. I was told about the man and and his proposition and has had the opportunity to speak with him but I did not take part and was completely unaware of the proposition until after it had happen. It’s funny how people will do anything to get money. I really think this will just blow over."

Summer Reads You Should Pick Up....

Here's Your Chance To See Ashanti In "The Wiz"...

The Wiz
City Center Mainstage
View Programs/Casting
Jun 12 - Jul 5, 2009
$25, $40, $60, $85, $110

40% Off 6/12 - 6/18, *6/24 & *7/1
(2pm performances only)

15% Off 6/19 - 7/5

3 EASY WAYS TO ORDER

ONLINE: Click here and use code 4908

BY PHONE: Call CityTix® 212.581.1212 and use code BTO

IN PERSON: Bring a printout of this email to the New York City Center box office at W. 55th St btwn 6th & 7th Aves (Mon-Sat 12-8, Sun 12-7:30)

Book by WILLIAM F. BROWN
Music and Lyrics by CHARLIE SMALLS
Based on the story:
"THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ" by L. FRANK BAUM

Grammy Award-winning Recording Artist
ASHANTI is Dorothy

Film & Television Star
ORLANDO JONES is the Wiz*

Tony Award winner for The Color Purple
LACHANZE is Glinda

Music Direction by Tony Award winner
(Best Orchestrations In The Heights)
ALEX LACAMOIRE

Tony Award-winning Choreographer
for In The Heights
ANDY BLANKENBUEHLER

The Director of the Tony Award-winning
Musical In The Heights
THOMAS KAIL

Newark Essex Pride Presents...

Newark Essex Pride Presents...

Tea Talk with LGBTQ Writers:

*Author Lamar Ariel

*Pastoral Theologian Horace Griffin

*Sociologist Arlene Stein

*Author Terrance Dean

Join these writers over tea as they discuss their works and activism.

Carlos Decena, Assistant Professor, Rutgers University will moderate the discussion.

June 8, 2009
6:00—7:30 p.m.
Paul Robeson Art Gallery
350 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Rutgers University, Newark

Sponsored by Newark Essex Pride Coalition and
Women Studies Dept. (Rutgers Newark)
Get the Tea, for Free!

It's Official...The Paperback Edition of Hiding In Hip Hop

Man, I am truly elated! The paperback edition of my best-selling book, Hiding In Hip Hop will be hitting stores June 30th.

This could not have happened without your support and love. Thank you all so very much for spreading the word, telling your friends, and making it count by going to the bookstores and ordering my book on amazon.com.

If you did not get the hardback edition of my book, now you can get the paperback edition for only $15. I will be touring this summer and throughout the fall, so make sure to check back for my dates of where I will be. I still would love to meet all of you, shake your hands, give out some hugs, and of course sign copies of your book.

So, again, thank you for your continued support of me. I will keep pushing for excellence and striving to produce quality books, writings, and lectures that uplift, inspire, and empower our community.

Ladies! Enter the Essence Makeover Magic Model Search

Enter to win the Essence Makeover Magic Model Search

If you love hair, make-up and the latest celeb trends, enter to win the Essence Makeover Magic Model Competition http://community.essence.com/group/modelsearch

We’re looking for one woman with a fierce face to model our brand new makeover tool, and we want you—right now!

Get a star-worthy makeover and win an exciting sweepstakes package! Casting starts today!

Two Panel Discussions I Am Participating: AIDS In Black America and Tea Talk at Newark Essex Pride

PANEL DISCUSSION
Wednesday, June 3
1:30 p.m.
Red Bull Space (40 Thompson Street, NYC)

The Silent Killer: AIDS in Black America will be the third in a series of panels hosted by the TheLoop21.com and ICED Media. The discussion panel will center on AIDS education and awareness amongst blacks in America, and options and compelling tactics to utilize the internet as a tool to inform and educate.

Some key topics of discussion will include:
• Epidemic rising rates of AIDS diagnosis in Washington, DC
• Effectiveness of tactics – encouraging abstinence versus sex educations
• Prevention
• Best online tools to reach audience – blogs, sites, interactive tools, etc.
• Making AIDS education compelling and interactive for the Gen Y set online

Moderator:
Mike Muse, (Produce, Lecturer, Political Fundraiser)

Panelists:
• Kenya Byrd (Essence)
• Terrance Dean (Speaker, Author and Educator)
• Angela Yee (Lip Service/Shade 45)
• Karen A. Maybank, MD (Asst Commissioner, NYC Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene)
• Sonya Lockett, (BET/Rap It Up)
• Chuck Cheekmur (AllHipHop)
• Blogxilla (Blogxilla.com/Global Grind)

_________________________________________________


PANEL DISCUSSION
Newark Essex Pride Coalition
Tea Talk: A Conversation with LGBTQ Writers
June 8, 2009
6pm - 7:30pm
Rutgers University - Newark Campus

Purpose of Event: Newark-Essex Pride Coalition, Inc. (NEPC) is committed to encouraging, advocating and supporting those who value diversity and a collective vision of the City of Newark and Essex County as a safe environment for LGBTIQ people. To this end, we are hosting a literary event (in collaboration with Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey at Newark) that will provide a space for critical dialogue on LGBTQ identity.

Panelists include:

Terrance Dean, Author of Hiding In Hip Hop
Lamar Ariel, Author of Ready to Male: A Collection of Love Letters
Horace Griffin, Ph.D., Author of Their Own Receive Them Not
Arlene Stein, Ph.D., Rutgers, New Brunswick, Associate Professor, Sociology