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YooNLA’s Fourth Printed Issue – August 2012

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Yoo-N-LA is a magazine for individuals that are looking to get connected with like-minded people and events within the city of Los Angeles, CA for communal and/or networking gain –

YooNLA’s Third Printed Issue – January 2012

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Yoo-N-LA’s 3rd issue is up and ready for sale! This issue’s theme is centered around the overcomes of LA, with special article coverage on industry greats such as Issa Rae,

YooNLA’s Second Printed Issue – July 2011

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Well look what’s up! That’s right: YooNLA’s 2nd printed issue! Check it out below! Yoo N LA Issue 2: Issue 2, July 2011 By Yoo-N-LA Magazine in Regional Yoo-N-LA is

YooNLA’s First Printed Issue! – January 2011

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You’ve demanded it, and it’s finally here! That’s right, Yoo-N-LA’s first printed issue! Check out below! Yoo-N-LA Magazine Issue 1, January 2011 By Yoo-N-LA Magazine in Regional Yoo-N-LA is a magazine

#CurlyCartel Event Recap: LA Adores Curls

Panel of specialist at the #Curly Cartel event.
Photo Credit: Image Is Everything PR

 

Last Friday, women from all walks of life assembled in Beverly Hills to attend #CurlyCartel.  The event, which featured a panel of hair and beauty experts, delicious sweets, healthy bites, and mini makeovers along with beauty vendors, packed the Confidential Lounge in Beverly Hills.

The event was the first in what is to be an ongoing series highlighting and bringing together both women and men in support of a natural lifestyle.  The Curly Cartel was created by Miss Dunnie O and Ms.JGray, as the ladies saw a need to build a supportive community similar to that on the east coast.  “With the east coast having built such a foundation and support system for men and women returning to their natural state we felt it necessary to showcase the growing community on the west. Our natural family needed to know they had the same, if not more support.”

The centerpiece of the evening was the panel of 9 experts who offered up their advice, tips and tricks on the best ways to care for hair and skin naturally.  Panelist for the evening included Dr.Kari Williams, of the renown Mahogony Hair Revolution, Shelley Davis, founder of Kinky Curly, Marie Denee “The Curvy Fashionista;” Melissa Hibbert, founder of Sheeq Cosmetics (which provided complimentary mini-makeovers to event guests); Actress Ashley Blaine Featherson, Shawanna Davis, Beauty Consultant ; YouTube personality Michelle AKA Miss Cinnamon Cake; Krystle Rowry, designer and blogger most known for her work with HeyFranHey.com, and Tiffany Eason, professional esthetician.  Each expert infused their knowledge and experience to each answer to questions asked by the audience — and even sharing horror stories about transitioning, bad dye jobs, and the reactions of loved ones when they decided to wear their hair in a natural state.

As the community of natural health and beauty seekers of color continue to grow and thrive,it will be exciting to see how the Curly Cartel grows with it. For more on the Curly Cartel and to keep up with future events, follow @CurlyCartel on Instagram.

RECAP: 40 OZ NYC In Store @ COLORS

 

Last Saturday, 40 OZ NYC in collaboration with Drew Evans and COLORS in downtown Los Angeles collaborated to bring some of the most talked about snapbacks into the hands of anxious street wear enthusiasts.  The in-store event was an opportunity for fans of 40 OZ NYC to cop the limited restock of the collection.  With music by DJ Mike Danger and complementary drinks, no one in attendance had a problem getting comfortable with their neighbors and turning up before hitting the L.A. streets for the night.  Of course 40 OZ Van and Diego were in attendance and brought NYC to Los Angeles.  While the limited restock sold out fast, perhaps we’ll see another Los Angeles-themed collection from 40 OZ NYC in the near future.

Photos by: Key Curtis

Written by: Catherine Hooper

 

 

Cassie: #Rockabyebaby

Interview done by: Waverly Coleman/Catherine Hooper

Cassie is no stranger to turning heads. When she first stepped into the music scene in 2006, the beautiful Connecticut native caught our attention with her breakout hit “Me & U”. Outside of music, Cassie has always been able to remain in the spotlight whether it is from acting, modeling, or being a trendsetter (we all know she was the first to rock the shaved side mullet and is the best to have done it thus far!). As if she loves giving us whiplash, Cassie catapults back to the scene with her new mixtape Rockabyebaby, a complete departure from her debut album. Edgier and more mature, Rockabyebaby definitely proves that she maintains the ability to turn heads by just being herself.  We had the opportunity to have a candid conversation with Cassie about her first mixtape, her new sound and her favorite places to shop in L.A.

Who/What inspired your sound for Rockabyebaby?

I think I was naturally inspired by a sound that we developed when we recorded the “Numb” record and we put Ross on it. It just set a tone. I really liked that sound and wanted to stay in that. I feel like I’m just inspired by the hungry kids around me. We’re all super hungry and we all just want to make great music.

You said “it’s not pop, it’s not R&B, it’s Cassie”. Do you think your decision to do it your own way will inspire other female artists?

I hope it does. I think, anybody in the industry, especially females are successful because they paved their own way, and they made their own sound. Or they did something different that everyone else wasn’t doing. I hope this shows that I have worked towards making sure that I am 100% percent….150% has my stamp on it.

Has criticism influenced in anyway your desire to make music your own way.

Yea. I’ve gone through different periods and different styles. Everything for a reason, and I really had a great time making the records I’ve made, for an album really, I’ve made hundreds of records. It finally made sense to do something else. I don’t know. I’m happy with it and it’s a good thing to pave your own way but even better to prove people wrong. I try not to pay attention to the negative comments. I just want to know what my fans think about it.

How does it feel to release a mixtape in a male dominated mixtape scene?

When I decided I wanted it to be a mixtape and we started calling it a free album which was confusing to people (they didn’t know if it was a real album or if it was just a free album). I did some research to see how mixtapes move and how many come out a day. Over 20. I said “A DAY?” So I went on DatPiff and I saw that there were all guys on there and I was like “How am I going to stand out?” I was worried but it worked out. I think the fact that it is different and has so many elements of style…from Wiz to Too Short to Meek. Meek’s numbers are crazy! I looked at things like that. It’s definitely a male dominated situation but we succeeded!

How are your male supporters responding to the mixtape?

I’ve talked to so many guys and it’s going really good! Guys like it cause it has my voice on it and it’s softer, but then it has some features that won’t make them feel like a sissy. (laughs)

Who are you listening to right now? What other artists do you have in heavy rotation?

I like the ratchet music (laughs). Like RIP! (LAUGHS) I’m totally into the “RIP” remix. I’m getting into Wayne’s album. {Cassie loves “Wowzers”, I love “Trigger Finger”]. And I was in Miami and they have this crazy style. I don’t have names, just the music on my computer.

The Paradise video, that was filmed in which part of LA? How involved are you when it comes to video treatments?

That video was filmed in South Central. OMG I am so overly involved. From styling, to hair and makeup, what the girl behind me is wearing (laughs). EVERYTHING!  I created my look with my stylist for “The Boys” video with Nicki Minaj. When it came to the “Paradise” video, I really wanted to be myself. In my natural environment, with people I really do hang around (Problem, Jeremih, Da Internz) while we just chill on the stoop.  Well, not really on the stoop but we’re chilling. I’m super, super involved and I think that is really the only way that you can talk intelligently about your shit.

You have mentioned before that you would like to shoot videos for a majority of the tracks on Rockabyebaby. What do you envision a video like “Bad Bitches” looking like?

I am setting the bar really high for myself! (laughs) You know, I’ve always envisioned “Bad Bitches” with all different types of girls. Bad model bitches. Bad bitches that race cars. I don’t know, I want to embrace all different types of women. Real girls. I want us to be free and sexy.

A lot of artists are deeply connected to their hometown and sometimes we see that in their lyrics or videos. Tell me more about New London, CT. 

More recently, I don’t think anything is connected to New London. My parents are in the same house that I grew up in since 6 months old; they’re still married. I went to private school because I was modeling in high school . I’ve been working since I was 12. My life was well structured, even though I was in entertainment, they still wanted me to be a kid. I had a really nice childhood with my brother.  I try to go back every 2-3 months.

[Cassie asked her fans what their favorite songs were. Fan favorites: "I Love It", "Paradise",  "Addiction". Our favorite and Cassie's: "BAD BITCHES"!]

Since we’re a LA centric publication, we have to ask you a Los Angeles related question.  You’re known not only for your music but also your style.  What is one of your favorite boutiques or even “off the beaten path” places to shop for new clothes?

I’m very much an Opening Ceremony girl. I shop at Curve on Robertson. I love Church Boutique. Joyrich and WildStyle. Church has high end pieces but it’s all one of a kind.

[Speaking of fashion and style, Cassie also has her own line of rings currently in development.] 

With over 1 million views and 300,000 downloads, Rockabyebaby is a guaranteed headbanger for the guys and will definitely get the ladies’ necks jerking. Her mixtape is available for free download on DATPIFF.COM

Chocolate & Art Show Los Angeles 4/26-27

Dedicated to underground artists in the Los Angeles Area, This will undoubtedly be one of the largest underground shows in Los Angeles. Come on out and join fellow onlookers for a night of Live Music, incredible Art, Nude Body painting, and Chocolate.
KGB Studio is a gem located East Chinatown.
Show goes from 7pm-2am (Both nights) . Age 21+
Over 120+ of the city’ most amazing emerging artists, photographers, & designers as well as Live Body Painting and Free Chocolate!
When: April 26th and 27th 2013
Where: 1640 North Spring Street, Los Angeles 90012

 

Streaming Hope Los Angeles Fundraising Gala 2013

Streaming Hope believes in giving artists a platform to shine! This is your opportunity to join in creating a larger platform for the artists in our local community. This Private Gala will have live entertainment, delicious food or drinks for purchase, but most importantly it will have you! This is a night where we are going to join together as the pioneers of Streaming Hope Los Angeles, breaking ground on the foundation that was laid out over one whole year. Let’s build a greater platform! Buy your tickets here! Early Bird tickets are Half Price the cost of the tickets at the door!!!

When: April 27th, 2013 at 9:00pm
Where: 3 Dog Cantina – 1615 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90028
Tickets: https://streaminghopelagala2013-zvents.eventbrite.com/
*Source – Daily News LA – Original text here

 

Vida Lexus Offers Angelenos “A Taste of Luxury”

Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis that offers natives, visitors and transplants alike the opportunity to effortlessly delve into a variety of cultures.  Last Wednesday, Lexus offered guests the opportunity to experience the rich Hispanic culture in L.A. through food and art.

At “Sabor de Lujo,” guests were treated to gourmet bites that captured the flavors of Mexico, Argentina, Cuba and Peru, all without leaving Hollywood.  The indoor/outdoor venue, Lure was transformed into an art space, and lounge where guests had the opportunity to not only eat and imbibe, but also experience first-hand the creative process of L.A. artist Jaime “Vyal” Reyes.  Reyes, a self-taught artist from East L.A. created a large art instillation that each guest had the opportunity to take a piece of home at the end of the night.  The Lexus art project, “Art Galleries & Back Alleys” was the focal piece of the event.  Reyes and award-winning artist Patssi Valdez teamed up to create a stunning piece of art using the Lexus CT 200h as the canvas.  The result was a head-turning piece of art that also served as a conversation piece for the entire evening.  In addition to “Art Galleries & Back Alleys” the event also featured pieces from Self Help Graphics & Art (SHG), a community art center in East L.A.

The food was the perfect counterpoint to the art, as a variety of restaurants were represented at the event.  Ushuaua, which features Argentinean cuisine, offered delicious grilled steak in addition to a twist on the traditional empanada. Diablo Taco put a twist on the Mexican beer cocktail, the michelada by serving theirs up with a miniature Popsicle. Mas Malo had a variety of tacos and ceviche, and Qusqo provided Peruvian flavors, rounding out the tastings for the evening.  Gigi’s Bakery and Cafe made sure that you had room for dessert  serving up delicious pastries including the delicious empanaditas de guayabe, piña.
With steady music to provide the soundtrack, beautiful art to start the conversation, and drinks flowing all night, Lexus pulled out all the stops to ensure that guests had maybe just a bit more than a “taste of luxury,” but who says that’s a bad thing?

8th Annual LAWineFest 2013

Los Angeles Wine Festival deliver a mix of over 500 of the world’s best wine’s, beer and many several other spirits to Raleigh Studios in Hollywood. As well as have classes on how to drink and pair wine, scotch and many other drinks. In addition to numerous lifestyle exhibits, live music and food trucks.

Date: June 8th and 9th, 2013
Sat 2pm – 6pm Sun 12pm – 5pm

Location: Raleigh Studios
5300 Melrose Ave.
Hollywood, CA 90038

Tickets: $22 – $106