Cyrus Webb Interviewed By Dafna Michaelson For 50In52 Journey

Cyrus Webb is pleased to announce that the interview he participated in as part of the 50 In 52 Journey project (see www.50in52journey.com) is now available online. You can see the video at this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jpPCNPVQx0 or by visiting the website www.50in52journey.com.

Webb was one of three Mississippians interviewed by Dafna Michaelson for the project that chronicles problem-solvers nationwide. Also featured are Embra Jackson and Rickey Thigpen, both of Jackson,MS.

Pickens Public Library in MS Begins 2010 With New Books

(Sunday, January 10, 2010) Though many organizations are struggling during the difficult economic times, establishments like the Pickens Public Library in Pickens, MS are benefiting from the community and others helping out with their shortfall. In desperate need of books, the library that has been around for almost 60 years, received over $1,000.00 in brand new books to be used by their patrons in the New Year. The books were donated by Stanley Clark and Cyrus Webb of For The People Productions and Conversations Book Club, thanks to a book drive the two began in 2009.

"Pickens will always have a special place in my heart," says Clark who calls the city home. He personally delivered the books to the library. "I was glad we were able to do something to benefit so many."

Webb agrees. "Thanks to the partnerships we have made over the past few years, it was an easy assignment to get the books. The written word has so much power, and I know the books will be well used."

Many of the books were from clients that Webb represents through his publicity division of Shadow Play Entertainment, including national recording artist/author Jacki-O of Miami, FL and Mr. Mean Mug of Ft. Worth, TX, author of TATTOO TEARS. Jacki-O, who visited Mississippi while promoting her first novel GROWN & GANGSTA says that the new year is a perfect time to commit to making books a part of your daily life. "Even in my business, reading is important," she says. "I know some think it's just about the glitz and glamour, but education is the key to your success. I want young people especially to know that whether you are a rapper, athlete or a doctor you have to be able to read."

Saddie McDonald, who has worked at the Pickens Public Library for three years was grateful for the extra help the books will provide. "We have young people here all the time who are looking for something new, something that fits their interests. Donations such as this will help us keep them in a safe place and off the streets."

The book donation isn't the end of Clark and Webb's involvment with Pickens Public Library. They will also be volunteering during their summer program as well.

"We hope that individuals and organizations will take this example and use it wherever they are," says Webb. "It's not always about how much money you give. Your time is just as valuable."

To find out more about the Pickens Public Library, contact Saddie McDonald or Quincee Barton at 1.662.468.2391. For additional information about upcoming events hosted by For The People, visit www.forthepeopleproductions.com or contact Stanley Clark at 1.773.315.9286. To find out more about Conversations Book Club and its upcoming projects, visit www.cyruswebb.com or email Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com.

KUT SUPREME: Using 'TRIAL and ERROR' To Make His Mark In '10

He is known to many as the Son-In-Law of Hip Hop Legend Ice-T, but at a time where the relatives of celebrities count on their famous connections to get by in life, 30-year old recording artist/producer Kut Supreme wants his own talent as an emcee and artist to speak for itself.

As far back as 2005, Kut Supreme could be found performing in clubs across Kentucky. He's been featured on two compilation albums (GOT IT BOYZ, THE BLAK CODES ENTERTAINMENT CHAPTER 1 and THE UNDERGROUND EVOLUTION PAGE 1) and has had the pleasure of performing with artists not only in Mississippi and Kentucky but in Alabama and Georgia as well.

One-half of the group The Blak Circle, Kut Supreme is also a solo artist that is hoping to make 2010 his with the release of his album TRIAL & ERROR.
"Music has always been a part of my life, and now I am able to make a name for myself on my own terms."

TRIAL & ERROR is a lyrical journal of the young artist's life. Seen as his most personal work to date, listeners will get a glimpse at a man that is just beginning to let others in.

"When I get in the booth or on stage I am telling the story of my life, or our life," says Kut. "I rap about the experiences I have seen, but I also like to give the people fun music they can ride to, dance to or just chill to." Feel-good tracks like High Roller are just part of the diversity the new project brings.

"I'm just ready to take this music game and my career to the next level," says Kut. "I've put in work over the years, and it's beginning to pay off for me big time. I'm ready for it all."

Other than promoting himself as an artist, Kut is also involved promoting the importance of reading through a project called HIP HOP & BOOKS (see www.hiphopandbooks.com). "When I heard about the "Hiphop & Books" project, I knew I had to be a part of it," Kut explained. "I want people that enjoy my music and that of other Hip Hop artists to know that we are more than just entertainers. We are intelligent human beings as well. Education is important, and reading opens the mind. Anything dealing with helping others help themselves is a good thing."

To find out more about Kut Supreme and TRIAL & ERROR, visit www.myspace.com/kutthesupreme. Contact Cyrus Webb for interviews or bookings at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.

Rapper/Author Jacki-O Prepares To Show She's "Relentless"

In 2010, Shadow Play Entertainment is using the slogan "READ to WIN in 2010" to hightlight its commitment to promote literacy in the new year. As part of that mission, it is pleased to announce that its lead publicist Cyrus A. Webb (aka C. A. Webb) will once again be working with the Madam of Miami, Recording artist/Author Jacki-O.


In 2008 Webb coordinated the southern tour for Jacki-O's debut novel GROWN & GANGSTA, published by Platinum-selling recording artist/bestselling author Corey "C-Murder" Miller's company TRU PUBLISHING.
Now the two are back together, promoting the importance of reading and preparing the world for Jacki-O's second book RELENTLESS.

"Those who have followed the career of Jacki-O know that she has alot to say," says Webb, 34.
"RELENTLESS is part one of Jacki telling her own story. No fiction here. This is her truth as she has lived it. Readers will learn about what drew her to pursue music in the first place, her ups and downs in the business as well as the controntations she has had to deal with in order to earn her respect and get where she is."

RELENTLESS will also take you into the true story of her departure from the record company that began her career, what really led to her highly publicized beefs and where she is headed now as an artist and businesswoman.

Webb also says that the Madam of Miami will also be sharing tips for those trying to break into the business, using her own life as a guide.
Look for details to be released soon through Jacki-O's official Myspace http://www.myspace.com/jackiomusic or through Shadow Play Entertainment. To schedule interviews or appearances, contact Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.

"My Heart Has Wings": Conversations' Book of the Year 2010

Shadow Play Entertainment is pleased to announce that "My Heart Has Wings" by author Kris King has been chosen as the Book of the Year for 2010.

"The choice of King's book as our feature during the New Year was based on its message of hope, triumph and forward-looking appeal," says Cyrus Webb,34, President of Conversations Book Club and the host of Conversations LIVE! Radio. "Having read the book twice myself, I am convinced that book lovers and anyone looking for encouragement and reassurance will benefit from it." Webb officially made the announcement of the pick during his live radio show Friday, January 1, 2010 while the author was on the program (see http://tobtr.com/s/824271).

"My Heart Has Wings" chronicles experiences of the author, and in 52 chapters, it allows the reader to take a walk through her life, learn from her challenges and accomplishments and even add their own reflections along the way. Kris King has been a repeat guest of Conversations LIVE! Radio and her book has been featured by the book club on several of its "Best of" lists.

Beginning Monday, January 4, 2010, listeners of Conversations LIVE! Radio's Monday 1p.m. EST (12p.m. CST/10a.m. PT) program will hear Webb read a chapter of "My Heart Has Wings" at 25 min. past the hour. Each chapter ends with reflection questions that he will also ask.

To find out more information about author Kris King, visit www.krisking.org. The book "My Heart Has Wings" has its own website, www.myhearthaswings.com.

To hear archived shows from Conversations LIVE! Radio or to find out who will be on the show next, visit www.conversationsliveradio.com.

BOOK REVIEW: “Abramo’s Gift” by Donald Greco

If there is one thing that history has shone us it is that trying to run away from your past never works. No matter where we try to go or what we do, there will always be some remnant or memory that lingers from the time that we think we want to forget.

I was reminded of this when I recently finished the book Abramo’s Gift by author Donald Greco. His book, though set in the early 1900s, rings of so many lessons that we can and should learn from today. Abramo Cardone is a man who has experienced the loss of his beloved wife and child and has set off on a journey from his homeland of Italy to the Americas, namely Ohio, to begin anew. Still struggling with grief and unsure of where his live is headed, Abramo is faced with new challenges in the land of promise that will again cause him to love and risk loss at the sake of what he knows to be the right course of action.

You see, Abramo comes face to face with the reality that no matter where you are, there will be individuals who are hurting, will experience hurt or are intent on causing hurt. Case in point is Molly, a young woman full of life and promise who is violated and left with the knowledge that because of no fault of her own she might not be able to have children. While discussing this fate with her father, Greco gives us a look at the painful realty for so many who have been abused and have to face the aftermath. “You are not damaged goods, Moll,” her father says to her. “It won’t matter, Daddy,” Molly responds. “It’ll matter to the good ones,” her father assures.” And some may want you only for children, but the very best will want you only because of you…Only you. And that will be the beginning of God’s restitution to you.”

What a beautiful passage, and it is made even more real to Molly as she remembers that the man who was there for her after the assault—Abramo—just wanted to help with no thought of himself. Through the life of this woman and a series of events that would cause his own life to be in danger as well, an important lesson is learned by our main character: You don’t want to forget the past, just learn to use it as you move forward to help others and heal yourself. Abramo also realizes that if you are so blinded by what you have lost, you might not see what is available in front of you.

Abramo’s Gift is really the author’s gift to the world when it comes to a guide that we can use when we feel as though no one has gone through what we have. It helps us to face the very things that might be holding us back and gives us the strength to use our own experiences to be a blessing to someone around us.

--- Reviewed by Cyrus Webb for Conversations Book Club and Conversations Magazine

REVIEW: "The Happiness Factor" by Kirk Wilkinson

With a New Year normally come new resolutions based on what we would like to see accomplished for ourselves and others in the future. Indeed, as we listen to the news and think about the trials that so many are experiencing it is enough to bring you down and make you feel as though all hope is lost. Not so. We have only to look at the examples of those who have weathered difficult times and succeeded to see that in many instances we are the ones really limiting ourselves.

Take for instance Kirk Wilkinson. He has spent almost half his life trying to assist others in realizing the potential that they possess. He has released a powerful book called “The Happiness Factor: How to be Happy No Matter What!” and through it he shared not only his practical advice for others but showed his credentials to do so. You see, Kirk is not just someone who is talking about a subject without having any real experience with it. He has personally had to use the information to get through his own low points. He was abandoned at a young age by his mother and had to keep himself motivated while setting and reaching his won goals. Twice in his life he has battled cancer and not even that could destroy him. He now wants you to see that it is not what you have but who you are that makes or breaks you.

He writes: “If you are waiting for a new job before you can be happy, if you are waiting for Mr. or Mrs. Right to come into your life before you can be happy, if you are waiting for a wayward child to find his way before you can be happy, then you are missing the chance for peace and happiness in this very moment.” To me his point is we have to take advantage of the time we have right now. We have to make the most out of what we have in front of us because that time will never be ours again. It seems so simple, however, how easily we forget when things don’t go quite the way we would like.

In his book Kirk even addresses how his mother’s absence strengthened his resolve to do his best and not allow others to control his level of happiness. The Happiness Factor is more than just a book to make you feel good today. It is a guide to enjoying where you are and looking with anticipation and hope to the days ahead. I stopped making New Year’s resolutions some times ago. Now I make a daily resolve not to repeat the person I was but to work on the person I want to be. If all of us make that our goal I think we can be confident about the world we can create tomorrow.