AUTHENTIC: Bringing A Unique Sound And Flavor To Hip Hop

by Cyrus Webb




The group's name says it all: Authentic. Members Shiest D, Jay R3d and Doja have been together musically for about three and a half years, but they are working together to create music and a brand that will be timeless for lovers of Hip Hop.

What began in 2007 by working on a mixtape together as solo artists has led to them landing a digital distribution deal with Island Def Jam for their single FALL IN. This however, seems to only be the beginning of a new chapter in the lyrical volume Authentic is penning. Three guys will their own style and different personalities have been joined by one goal: creating real music for themselves and the masses. No matter how different they sound apart, when they come together there is a doubt they were united in their desire to give their best and produce great music.

When asked what they hope they bring to the music industry and Hip Hop lovers, Authentic says it wanted to empower peope of all ages to go after their dreams. They also want to show that you can pursue your career and still not neglect your education. They can speak on this, because they are all attending school at Jackson State University in Jackson, MS.

To record their music is one thing, but how does it feel to perform it? Shiest D says its an incredible feeling. He also says that even though none of them thought they would be in a group, it is more comfortable to be on stage with others you know share your passion for what you are doing.

Hip Hop has had its detractors over the years, and Authentic believes that those who see the culture and its music as evil or empty of any actual mesage, should take some time and listen to what they are producing. They feel as though they are not just entertaining but educating as well. They also believe their positive message shows that you don't have to rap about things that aren't beneficial. You can have a unique point of view and show a better way of living.

The single that is getting all of the attention currently is FALL IN. It was written in 2009 for their new album and thanks to the buzz on Youtube, social networking sites and the day-to-day grind on the streets, it got the attention of Island Def Jam. Through the lyrics and the chorus, the guys of Authentic are letting the world know that they are here to stay and everyone needs to pay attention.

Now that a major label has taken notice and the song is available on I-Tunes, it is spreading the word and the group's fan base as well as giving them more promotion, opening doors for more opportunities, shows and the all important radio time.

Authentic hopes this will all lead to a major deal for their next album, but either way they are still working on their own company not just with music but entertainment as a whole. Their advice to others? "Follow your dreams. If you act upon them, everything will come into place."

For more information about the group, visit www.authentic.phxcomp.com, follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/AuthenticIVLife or friend them on Facebook under "Authentic Fan Club".

(Opinion) Why President Obama Should Vacate His Glass House

by Cyrus Webb


The adage about those living in glass houses not throwing stones is one that all of us should pay attention to, but especially those working in public office. This week, the President gave the American people and in turn the world a fresh look at why we should practice what we preach, especially if we are going to be attempting to make an example of and embarrass others.

On Monday, July 19th he was front and center in front of the cameras once again telling the world why Democrats were for the people and the Republican Party were nothing more than people who cared more about an election than the unemployed. His speech was about the unemployment benefits and how millions of Americans were in need of the money that Congress seemed unwilling to give them. His reason why they were opposing him? Simply put, politics.

It was as if he had forgotten that just last Fall when the country found itself in need of additional unemployment benefits that they were extended after the money was found to pay for it. What the President forgot to mention on Monday while he stood with three individuals he said were in need of the extension was that the Republicans were for extending the benefits once they were paid for, just as they were last time. He forgot to tell the American people that the bad Republicans suggested they use unspent money from the President's stimulus to cover the cost, something that others were in favor of.

Why is this so important? You might remember that it was this President that made a large proclamation to the American People that he would make sure all programs were paid for. Remember this? So why did he not accept the Republican's suggestion to use the stimulus funds to pay for the extension of unemployment benefits? Ironically, it seems for the same reason he has blamed them for blocking it: Politics.

What does it say when a man who ran on a message of change and getting rid of politics as usual governs on the same platform he campaigned against? What does it say about a man when everything good that happens during his administration is his doing, but any problems and setbacks are the blame of the previous administration? And most importantly, what does it say about how naiive he believes the American people are when the Democrats have had control of Congress for almost 4 years and the President---also a Democrat--- has been in office almost two years, yet it is always the Republicans who are stopping all the good that could be done?

Those living in glass houses should not throw stones, but they should also remember that if they do, they need to watch out for the pieces that fall down around them: whether in Nov. 2010 or 2012.

DRIVEN: A Conversation With Supermodel Miguel Perdomo

In less than a decade, supermodel Miguel Perdomo* has achieved more in his professional than most people see in their entire lifetime---and he's only 28 years old. Whether it is on national tv, international fashion events, print campaigns with Sean John and others as well as runways, there's no getting away from this talented go-getter, and he wouldn't have it any other way.

Cyrus Webb* recently caught up with Miguel to talk about his accomplishements, what keeps him grounded and what those looking up to him need to know about his career.

Here is their conversation.

First of all, Miguel, thank you for taking out a few moments to talk with us. I guess we'll start at the beginning. What initially got you interested in modeling?
Modeling was a career that I kind of fell into. I never really wanted to model. I wanted to play ball or box. What got me in the modeling world was basically doing something people wouldn't think I can do. When I use to say I'm going to become a fashion model, people thought I was joking. I prove myself and them wrong, and it's been working ever since.

Is this a career that those close to you initially supported?
The response my family and friends have is that they can't believe how much I have accomplished in such short time. It's very overwhelming to see them embrace it.

What would you say is your most notable achievement?
My most notable credit is being recognized as "The 1st Dominican Male Model" even though there have been some before me, none to represent the culture the way I do.


The business can be quite competitive. How do you remain relevant and build on your brand?
I keep myself relevant through networking and all social sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Model Mayhem, etc. This is all about hustling. Hustle means hard work, so I definitely grind out. Any event that New York has to offer I'm there just for networking purposes.

All of us are faced with challenges in our career. How have you remained focused in the face of challenges?
I have been successful my whole life just because of my belief in myself and my family. They support my every move and every goal.

Outside of modeling, what are some of your interests?
Outside of modeling I do graphic design and freelance as well for other brands. Fashion for me is a lifestyle, not a job, so I stay busy however I can.

What advice would you give those who are looking at you, Miguel, as a model of what they can accomplished?
My only advice is remain humble as all times and definitely open your eyes to the world surrounding you. There's more to the eye once you open your mind.

Thank you again for your time. Where can people find out more information about you online (website, social networking,etc)?
Thank you for the opportunity. I can be found at www.modelmayhem.com/MIGUELPERDOMO, www.facebook.com/MIGUELPERDOMO, www.twitter.com/MPERDOMO23 and also www.2RsEntandMedia.com

* Photos of Miguel Perdomo are by Angel Hernandez used with permission by 2Rs Entertainment and Media. Cyrus Webb is the Editor-In-Chief of Conversations Magazine and a contributor writer for Crunk Magazine, Hype Magazine, S.T.I.L.L. Magazine and other publications. He can be reached at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.

Cyrus Webb Interviews Fellow Competitors From Oprah Winfrey Network Competition

Curious about the stories of other competitors from the Oprah Winfrey Network TV Competition and interested in sharing them with his radio show listeners, Cyrus Webb of Conversations LIVE Radio interviews some of those who took place in the first year of the contest to see why they did it, what they hope comes from it, and what they are continuing to do to better the world.


* On Monday, May 24, 2010, Webb interviewed Julie Kaufmann of Chicago about what led her to audition for the competition, and the two shared the internet error that brought them together.

Listen the interview here.


* On Tuesday, May 25, 2010, Webb interviewed author and educator Alvin Delgado of New York about his book and his inspiring story that he hoped to share with viewers on OWN.

Listen to the interview here.

* Just days before the competition ended,on Thursday, July 1, 2010 Webb interviewed Darnell "Super Chef" Ferguson of Cooking In 10 about his love of food and why he felt he belonged on OWN.

Click this link http://tobtr.com/s/1130675 and fast forward to 30 min. into the program to hear his story.

* On Sunday, July 11, 2010, Webb interviewed marketing strategist Pamela Muldoon about the work she is doing to help small businesses, why she entered the Oprah tv competition and what's next for her.

Click this link http://tobtr.com/s/1146463 and fast forward to 30 min. into the program to hear her story.

* On Wednesday, July 14, 2010, Webb interviewed author and life coach Tanya T. Morris who also entered the competition.

Click this link http://tobtr.com/s/1147494 and fast forward to 30 min. into the program to hear her story.

* On Thursday, July 15, 2010, Webb interviewed marketing strategist and talk show host Michelle Vandepas about what she is doing to help authors promote themselves and why she took advantage of the tv competition.

Click this link http://tobtr.com/s/1147507 and fast forward to 30 min. into the program to hear her story.

* On Mon. July 26, 2010, Webb interviewed Kristen Alexandre about how she hoped to bring her love of animals and the environment to a national platform through the tv competition. Click this link http://tobtr.com/s/1170006 and fast forward to the 30 min. mark to hear her story.

* On Monday, July 26, 2010 Webb also talked with event planner and consultant Wilson Mesa about his experience with the contest and how he is moving forward to see his dreams come true.
Click this link http://tobtr.com/s/1170018 and fast forward to 30 min. into the program to hear Mesa's story.

* On Tues. July 27th, Webb spoke with radio show host and educator CC Lawhon about her amazing journey and how she is using her skills to empower others. Click this link http://tobtr.com/s/1170034 and fast forward to 30 min. into the program to hear Lawhon's story.

* Also on Tues. July 27th, Webb spoke with entrepreneur and talk show host Ray Faulkenberry about his skills and how he is using his faith and experiences to help other reach for higher ground. Click this link http://www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive/2010/07/28/life-coach-darlene-ouimet-and-entrepreneur-ray-fau and fast forward to 30 min. into the program to her Faulkenberry's story.

* On Thursday, July 29, 2010, Webb talked with George Resch of www.happyisthenewrich.com about his changes in life, why he entered the competition, and how he is still pursuing his goals with or without the Oprah network.
To listen to the show, click this link http://tobtr.com/s/1170065 and fast forward to the 30 min. mark.

* On Mon. Aug. 2, 2010, Webb talked with Jahnavi Foster about how she is helping individuals to use their experiences in life and work for a better future.

To hear the interview, click this link and fast forward to the 30 min. mark of the show.

* On Tues. Aug. 3, 2010, Webb spoke with Debbie Pippins about why she decided to work with deaf children and what she thinks we can learn from them and their experiences in life.
To hear the interview, click this link: http://tobtr.com/s/1181216

* Antoinette Brant talked with Cyrus Webb on Wed. Aug. 4, 2010 about what she was doing to help individuals around her who were in need of a little extra help---and how all of us could do the same.

To hear her interview, click this link http://tobtr.com/s/1183597 and fast forward to the 30 min. mark of the show.

* On Mon. August 9, 2010, Webb talked with actress/radio show host Shari Alyse about the work she is doing to help others live their best life.

To hear the interview click here: http://tobtr.com/s/1196210

* On Tuesday, August 24, 2010, Webb talked with author Karen Ward Wilder about her desire to help our young people live their best lives as well as how she is using the experience in auditioning for the Oprah network to help her in her larger goals.

To hear the interview, visit this link http://tobtr.com/s/1219715 and fast forward to 30 min. into the show.

Mississippi Native Makes Final Pitch To Have "OWN" National TV Show

(Tuesday, June 29, 2010) Since May 19, 2010 Mississippi native and mult-media personality Cyrus Webb has been actively campaigning in the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) competition to have a national tv show. Now with just days to go before the contest ends, he is taking advantage of every day to get the word out for people to vote for him in this unique opportunity.


Webb, 34, has made this an all-out campaign, creating yard signs, car magnets and flyers trying to get the word out about the competition and why he thinks he should win. He launched the website www.themaleoprah.com to keep people posted on his progress as well as to tout his accomplishments over the past 7 years on radio, tv, print and beyond. Webb started the "I Do It 5 Times A Day" campaign to encourage others to vote at least 5 times a day for him in the competition since there is no limit on the amount of times one person can vote.

Every day he is reminding his Facebook, Twitter and Myspace friends to vote each day, and on Saturday, July 3, 2010---the last day of the competition---he is hosting a "Voting Party" to give people a chance to meet him and cast their votes.


The Voting Party will be held from 11-1:30p.m. at the Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road * Pearl, MS) and is open to the public as well as the media. The lab has been reserved for the event, and you are able to come in, meet Webb and vote as many times as you would like. This is perfect for those who don't have computers as well as those who want to get to know Webb better and find out what he believes he brings to a national tv platform. Voting for the competition continues until 11:59p.m. EST on Sat. July 3, 2010.

Cyrus Webb has been working for over a decade to bring attention to issues that matter to people of all walks of life. Through his radio and tv show---each called Conversations---he has interviewed over 800 guests including nationally known individuals, up and coming stars as well as those who just have a story that needs to be told. His articles and interviews have appeared in the Clarion Ledger Newspaper, Jackson Advocate, The Rankin Ledger, Mississippi Link, Blagazine, Books2Mention Magazine, Crunk Magazine, Hype Magazine, S.T.I.L.L. Magazine and others. His co-ed book club called Conversations has garnered national attention for its diversity and ability to connect authors and readers. It has been featured in the Chicago Tribune, on MTV and other media outlets.

Currently Webb is in the top 100 of over 3200 entries in his category of Traditional Talk Show with 50,000 plus votes cast for him to date. His goal is to have over 100k votes by the end of the competition.

For more information, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. You can also visit www.themaleoprah.com.

(June 23-25, 2010) This Week on Conversations LIVE! Radio

Radio show host Cyrus Webb ends his sixth year of hosting Conversations LIVE and prepares to usher in year seven with four powerful interviews this week.


WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2010 (8p.m EST/7p.m. CST/5p.m.PT) --- Leonard Rowe, author of WHAT REALLY HAPPENED TO MICHAEL JACKSON, THE KING OF POP
As the 1 year anniversary of Michael Jackson nears, host Cyrus Webb welcomes concert promoter and author Leonard Rowe to Conversations LIVE! Radio to discuss his career, relationship with the Jackson family, conversations with Michael and the events surrounding the King of Pop's death. Listen live as he discusses his new book WHAT REALLY HAPPENED TO MICHAEL JACKSON THE KING OF POP and takes YOUR QUESTIONS!


THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2010 (1p.m. EST/12p.m. CST/10a.m. PT) --- Award-winning recording artist Musiq Soulchild
Cyrus Webb and co-host recording artist Unik welcome award-winning recording artist Musiq Soulchild to Conversations to discuss his career and his newest project.

THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2010 (8p.m. EST/7p.m. CST/5p.m. PT) --- Relationship expert Mr. Tell It Like It Is
Host Cyrus Webb welcomes Mr. Tell It Like It Is to talk about men and relationships, why men cheat and lie and his controversial new website http://www.whatyourmanwonttell.com. Have a question about your own relationship or want to challenge Mr. Tell It, listen for your opportunity to do just that!

FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2010 (1p.m. EST/12p.m. CST/10a.m. PT) --- Bigg Marv of A&E's HAMMERTIME
He might be M. C. Hammer's cousin, but Bigg Marv is his own man, living his own life and doing things his way. He talks with Cyrus Webb of Conversations LIVE Radio about his beginnings, what success means to him and what you can expect next.

Listen to the shows live by going to www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive or going through the switchboard at 1.347.426.3645. Missed other interviews by Webb? Catch up by going to www.conversationsliveradio.com.

(Sat. June 26, 2010) Hip Hop and Books Literary Rally in Jackson, MS

Shadow Play Entertainment and Cyrus Webb host an afternoon of great music and free books just in time for the summer.

This Hip Hop and Books event will take place at Smith Park Downtown (206 Amite St. (Jackson, MS) from 12-3p.m. with performances by recording artists Spida, Unik, Playa Connected, Young Boi Hulk, Black Jewel and more. Domino's Pizza is the official food vendor and will have pizza and drinks available for purchasing.

Hosted by Webb, it is hoped that this event will not only provide great music from some of Mississippi's best, but encourage reading during the summer break for students and adults as well.

For details, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. You can also visit www.shadowplayent.com.