THE OFFICIAL 2013 OHHA WHITE PARTY!!!!!!! *Pics Inside

Okkkkk Soooooooo 2013 was huge for "themed" parties!!!! Pajama, Beach, Free Boosie (okkkk I made that 1 up), Day After The Day Day Party Party, Glow , Foam, J's, 90's….you name it…we saw it!!! Yet 1 of the dopest parties that still makes me smile, had to mos def be the Ohio Hip Hop Awards White Party!!!!! 

Now I'll admit…I usually become automatically bored when I hear a White Party is about to go down. Especially after Labor Day. I mean…call me a rebel….but I always wear white after labor day*headroll fingasnap. Yet for some reason white parties after the holiday…seem like we are all living some kinda fashion dangerous break the rule lives. When I checked my mail I saw Derrick McKenzie personally inviting me out to…an ALL WHITE PARTY. I didn't really need to think twice about this event, because with the OHHA fast approaching I knew this would be the pre-game leading up to rest of the festivities. I also learned that the party would be going down at CLUB EARTH…and that is always tempting. He promised me that there would be unforgettable performances from various artists. 

Finding myself looking forward to the all white party…finally... I found myself in American Aparel searching for something all white. After all…all white means all white…DUHHHHHHHH (for those he didn't get the memo). I mean what's the fun in attending an all white event…if you plan on not participating in the theme. That being similar to people who attend costume parties…and don't wear a costume!!!!!!!! (JAKE aka WACK). Luckily I found the perfect outfit..and yes…it was all white!

Walking into CLUB EARTH was comforting. Derrick was at the door…greeting me and others as we talked junk to security and passed by the door girl. The party was mos def white!!!! Sure some people chose to rebel…just like the rest of us had by wearing white after Labor Day. It wasn't totally packed but the floor was covered with people, who seem to all feel pretty good, and be in great spirits. B SMOOTH was mingling with the ladies, CAINE was chillin , playing the bar and J GRAIE looked AMAZING!!!! There were some dope performances from J GRAIE and MOOKIE MOTONIO, AFINITI,and more!!!! The White Party was smooth, chill, and crisp….with all the white. AFINITI mos def showed out!!!! She was spitting off the top of her head for about 10 mins straight!!!! Straight Flexin!!!! I found myself smiling a lot….because I had successfully wore an all white outfit without spilling something on it. Check out these dope pics from the OHHA ALL WHITE PARTY 2013!!!! XOXO

http://www.ohiohiphopawards.com

http://www.ohiohiphopawards.wordpress.com

SPARKPLUG ENT. INTRODUCES "TOTAL PACKAGE …TIERRA"!!! XOXO

What exactly is the "total package"? Some may say…that "when a woman has beauty….she will be weightless without any brains". Meeting Tierra…she will quickly dissolve any stereotypes 1 may have about beautiful women, exotic entertainers, and confident , sexy, independent female business owners. Claiming Cleveland as her plateau, she has patiently turned it's once taboo exotic entertainment industry…into an upscale, sexy and well respected entrepreneurship endeavor. Refusing to be classified as just a "dancer", while also declining to water herself down to fit the "politically ideal look for a working woman"…Tierra has made this world her own, with her own looks ( yes she has many), creating her own business, and not being afraid to use her body…as a canvas….for some of the most elegant, clean, and polished tats ever! Proving to all of those who may have questioned the authenticity of her success…yes…it's possible to be a great and nurturing mother, yes it is possible to use your current occupation to catapult you to the next level, and yes it is possible…to allow your temple to become a beautiful walking piece of art. Meet Tierra……

Q. What made you decide to tat almost your whole body?
A. I came up with the thing in the Garden of Eden and I kept getting many ideas and I ran with them.  So in a way my tattoos tell a Bible story.. 

Q. How many tats do you have?
A. I never counted  how many tattoos I had because I knew that I wanted them all to be as one. But I may say they are connected like 1 huge portrait. I got my first tattoo when I was 16. 

Q. Besides dancing, do you work another job or go to school?
A. Yes I also have another job, I own a dance studio and I'm a manager for a company I also start school in January


Q.You seem to love being a mom, how do you find a balance with raising a young man and being an entertainer?
A. Well I find the balance cuz I make sure I make time for my son he has four of my nights a week .I really work the most three days out of the week.My days are long I can sometimes work 17 hour days and I always talk to my son and tell him what's going on so he can understand.


Q. Do you find it difficult to maintain a relationship while in the entertainment industry?
A. It can be difficult making a relationship work as a entertainer if you have you have a strong man that has your back and is in your  corner he will understand... 

   

Q. Is there 1 tat you regret?
A.  It's one tattoo on my back that is a butterfly but to me it looks like a bat when I bend over lol I was thinking of getting it removed and redoing it.


Q. Who would you love to shoot a cover with who also has many tats?
A. I would like to do a cover with Lil Wayne or Wiz Khalifa the Beaufort at it extraordinarily out of sight.Anyone that has tattoos done tastefully or has a meaning behind their tattoos.  


Q. Is it frustrating trying to teach women how to pole  dance..or to be confident?
A. I don't find it really frustrating teaching women how to pole dance because its something that I enjoy. Also I love to see their confidence boost up because they're learning new things, new exciting sexy things to make them feel good about herself and  share with their significant other.  

Q. Do you believe in love?
A.Yes I believe in love I want nothing more then to complete my family with another child and a loving husband  nothings more important then family and being one.   


Q. I heard you can sing…have you ever recorded any songs?
A.Yes I love to sing I want to record hopefully that can be an up coming project for me real soon .  

Q. How was 2013 for you?
A. I feel that I have grown a lot in 2013 and opened more doors for myself. I love to have a lot of skills and trades under my belt  I want to accomplish as much  as I can .


Q. What 3 words best describe yourself?
A.  3 words that describe me... exquisite , driven,  loving.     

tierrasuniquebootique1@facebook.com

RIP LORD INFAMOUS - FRAYSER BOY "SEEN THANGS"

When I heard Lord Infamous passed away (RIP) …it tripped me out. 1 because he was still so young, and 2…because he was a legit legendary hit maker. Frayser Boy "SEEN THANGS" is 1 of my favorite songs. The beat sounds so BAY n DEEP SOUTH …n the whole song is so trill…speaking for myself…I haven't did all of what is said in the song…but I've seen some things I wasn't suppose to see, n I've been places  knowing I wasn't suppose to be…yeah I know that everyday is a constant grind…how can you ever tell the truth if you're constantly lying…ughhhhhhhhhhhhhh….let's listen to 1 of the realist songs ever…RIP LORD INFAMOUS! XOXO

CLEVELAND's 2013 TOP TEN MIXTAPES, SINGLES, & VIDEOS!!! VIA imfromcleveland.com!!!!

http://imfromcleveland.com/2013/12/04/clevelands-top-mixtapes-videos-x-singles-of-2013

Okkkkk Sooooo my good friend John Stursa…yeah I'm pretty sure you know him…or know of him. If you don't…please send me the address for the rock your are currently living under *headroll fingasnap. Besides running some of the dopest music sites for the  CLEVELAND music scene http://www.imfromcleveland.com, John is also the mastermind behind many of the leaks, promo, and album drops for hella artists. So when he sent this list of Cleveland's 2013 Top Ten Mixtapes, Singles, and videos... I had to share it with you as well!!!! Make sure you check him out to stay updated with anything great jumping off in our music scene!!!!! XOXO


@CLEVELANDmusic
http://www.imfromcleveland.com
http://www.leakjones.com
 clevescene.com/cleveland/hes-… 

TOP OF THE WORLD INTRODUCES ...ELVIS FRESHLY!!! EXCLUSIVE FRESH INTERVIEW!!!

Okkkkkkkkk sooooooo when I stepped into the TOP OF THE WORLD STUDIO, I was in total studio shock!!! The  studio was immaculate! I mean...the floor was even clean...so clean..that if you happened to drop a fry with sauce from Hot Sauce Williams...you could mos def apply the 5 second rule before picking it up and eating it. Of course when I walked in I noticed some pre-acquainted faces. As I panned around I noticed a guy who almost blended into the walls ,he was sitting so still...*I still have no idea who he was...but he resembled a cool hippie with rockstar hair. I sat down on the worlds most comfy couch. Well actually I sank into the comfy couch...yeah its that damn comfy. Just when I was thinking..."damnnnnn TOP OF THE WORLD is capable of almost everything 1 artist may need"....the door opened slowly and in walked ELVIS FRESHLY!!!!! I remember seeing him at the Ohio Hip Hop Awards...shoutout to his "take me serious" outfit at the awards!!!!! This time ELVIS FRESHLY seemed more ...relaxed. He didn't really say much...I was thinking..."uh ohhhhhhh not another lightskin dude acting all anti-social...". 

"It's a difference between knowing something is going to happen...and it really happening."- Elvis Freshly

I was in the process of interviewing everyone affiliated with TOP OF THE WORLD STUDIO's. When I was ready for ELVIS FRESHLY...he quietly pulled up a chair...sat down...and became alive!. I mean...yes...he's easy on the eyes ladies...but at the same time...just from his posture alone...I could tell he demanded respect. I'm never really star struck...but I must say...I was in awe of ELVIS FRESHLY. I mean right before me...was the dude who had a logo he created...made into a HUGE ICE SCULPTURE!!!! (*How many of you can add that to your list of accomplishments...*crickets)  He spoke clearly and from his convo I could tell that he really believed in himself as well as his product that he was offering. ELVIS FRESHLY is 1 of the most sought after graphic designers in the city. If you've seen a party flyer...or any kinda promo....it probably was created by ELVIS FRESHLY...only if it's dope...only....if it's dope!

*property of Chris Goody

Q. How did you become affiliated with TOP OF THE WORLD?
A. I was working with a few artists who would come by the studio, Josh and I got cool after the 1st time we met. He kept seeing my work, I kept coming to the studio...experiencing everything, watching him work, hearing his music in different places. I got the call 1 day like "look, I'm tryna expand", and he said that I was the graphic designer he was tryna work with. Eventually we got it all worked out.....now it's 1 big family.

*property of Chris Goody

Q. How long have you been with TOP OF THE WORLD?
A. Officially a few months now, I've known Josh for about a year or 2+, we just started working together right before the Ohio Hip Hop Awards.

Q. How did you get started with graphic design?
A. I was actually deployed over in Afghanistan, I bought a copy of photoshop for like $1.50 from a lil Afghan kid and I took it over to my computer. It's  like if you're over in Afghanistan and you're not working on something....you just straight hot and bored. So I started messing around with the program and a couple of people asked me for stuff...over time I had a business that people were willing to pay me ...so I started to sell my work.

Q. How long were you in Afghanistan?
A. 1 year

Q. What was it like?
A. Hot...really hot...and no fun at all.

Q.Do they listen to alot of hip hop in Afghanistan?
A. No...they don't to any of the kind of music we listen to for real...There may be 1 person around that may have heard hip hop...but other than that...no...they didn't even have a radio anyways to listen even if they had it.

Q. REALLY?
A. It's nothing like what you see on t.v or movies.....trust me....it's not where you want to be.

Q. So when you came back to the States, did you decide that Graphic Design is what you wanted to pursue?
A. I didn't really think it was something I was going to do. It was just something that I enjoyed doing, and I knew some friends who knew some friends, and so I started doing some nightclub work. That's how I initially started...after the nightclub work, artists started to hit me up, then I linked with TOP OF THE WORLD and now we are #1 for artists needs in OHIO.

Q. What were some of the first flyers you created and who were they for?
A. The 1st nightclubs I did was for CREAM TEAM PARTIES. S/O to BEE WARD. He was the 1st person who actually gave me $$$ for a design. That was the 1st person to really put me in the game.

Q.What equipment or programs do you use for Graphic Design..that you just have to have?
A. I don't wanna say everything you have to have lol...but I will tell you to invest in Adobe Creative Suite. I'm not gonna tell you which programs I personally use, but the Adobe...wether you steal it or buy it..GET IT! If your not using that then your designs aren't worth selling.

*property of Chris Goody

Q. What do you do to make your flyers stand out amongst everyone else's?
A. STUDY!!!!! I study designers from everywhere, Japanese, Australia...if you look at what I "like" or who I'm friends with on Facebook you will see it's people and things from all over the world....I've been doing alot of stuff lately by hand.

Q.Do people try and copy your style?
A. ALL THE TIME!!!! It's plenty of dudes out here that go behind my back , call my customers, try to undercut me...but it's not about the cheapest price, or the friendliest guy...cuz...I'm really not the friendliest dude in the world. It's just about doing better work...do better work...and my customers will come to you.

Q. Which is the most creative project for you to work on..Logos, Website, or Flyers?

A. Hip Hop branding...if I get a chance to work with an artist and design your logo, work on the flyer, promo for your cd...I enjoy doing that cuz I feel like I'm building the brand with you. Everything the world see's coming from you is also coming from me. I like doing local business projects as well cuz all hip hop designs aren't good. I like the real professional stuff as well.

Q. Do you think the old CD covers from back in the day with champagne bottles, barking dogs, and cars will come back in style?
A. Hahahaha nawwww, they used to be dope....but you gotta move forward.

Q.Is there a big record label or corporation who you would love to design for?
A. I'd like to make a design for G.O.O.D music, just cuz you've got people looking at it, the way they are looking at it...and the person who would actually be paying for it would be Mr.West.

Q. When you say "look at it"...How do you want people to look at your work?
A. If you say you want your flyer to look old school, people in yellow pajamas, I'm gonna make the people feel like that. I'ma give your audience what they want so you can make $$$, so you can pay me, I want you to make what you paid me plus more!

Q. Do all of your clients come back?
A. A majority of them do. There's always that 1 that doesn't, but I dunno...if you need 1 design or 100..I'll work with you.

Q.Do you find it difficult to be the "nice guy" in the business?
A. There is nothing wrong with being nice, but there is a certain line to it. It took me a long time to understand it. I mean..coming up my designs were stolen from me, people didn't want to pay me for my work...stuff you just go through and learn. That's when I had to start treating my business like a business. So I'm like business now....friendship later.

Q. Which artists from Cleveland have you provided work for..where you said "yeah..this came out dope"?
A. I did a mixtape cover for Dj Xplosive, Rock Boy Radio, it did like 18,000 views jus like that!!! Twitter was goin crazy! Most people had it as their default pic, I had a good time jus watching that happen. The TOP OF THE WORLD logo...is my new favorite! It's everywhere, even in an ice sculpture!

Q. What was it like seeing the logo you created in an ice sculpture?
A. It was AMAZING!!! INCREDIBLE!!! I jus wanted everyone to take pics of it hahaha, my phone was acting up so I was making sure everyone took pics! I mean I knew it was going to happen...but it's a difference between knowing something is going to happen...and it really happening.

Q. How will people get in touch with you?
A. If you need an album cover, promo, or logo for your label 440-855-1519..I do freelance work too.

Mannnnnnn..as ELVIS FRESHLY finished up, he looked at me with the most serious face ever....like..."yeah..I'm great". Then he quickly flashed a smile...it wasn't a condescending smile...it was more like a sincerely genuine smile. He had caught my facial reaction...just when I was thinking..."wow...h'es so serious...but...he's so official"...that's when he smiled and as if to show me....he was all business ...but he wasn't the bad guy. I'm usually turned off by people who seem to be overly confident...while lacking any sort of talent or skill to back up their enlarged ego. ELVIS FRESHLY made me feel the total opposite. After stalking his website  http://elfreshly.com and  the logo he created for TOP OF THE WORLD...ELVIS FRESHLY is most deserving of his confidence and praise that he receives from his work.Providing the city with classic clean lines, and products that scream A-1 quality, he has flipped the promo, and graphic design game TOTALLY!!! Just when some of you may have been thinking...*hell...I can make my own flyers at tha crib....then you happen to notice artwork or promo by ELVIS FRESHLY...that will have you questioning ...your own amateur skills. In the end..TOP OF THE WORLD screams "QUALITY"!!!! With more artists quickly learning and accepting the value...in high quality work...more and more people are respecting ELVIS FRESHLY and what it is he is able to accomplish. Unlike some other graphic designers...he is willing to be a part of your vision. He isn't trying to takeover your vision and make it his own, he's finds pleasure in helping you create something that will be a part of your brand forever. THAT's FRESH!!! XOXO

elfreshly.com
elvisfreshly216@facebook.com
http://TopoftheWorldstudio.com 
@elfreshly
@topworldstudios

*all flicks property of SPARKPLUG Ent, and CHRIS GOODY

NMG PRESENTS THE 4th ANNUAL THANKS4GIVING CHARITY CONCERT!!!! ANATOMY NIGHTCLUB ULTRALOUNGE, STARRING NOVA THE REBEL!!!!

Soooooo it's that time of year again! *Ya know..be thankful, sharing and caring...and all that holiday cheer kinda love type moments!!! Well...ANATOMY NIGHTCLUB ULTRALOUNGE is throwing the biggest Thanksgiving charity event!!! Starring NOVA THE REBEL (who's friggin AWESOME) Taye TAGS, APHINITI, and many others will be performing!!! Not to mention... but I will ...Dj Shonny Mac will be spinning dope music!!!!! If that wasn't enough to go under your Christmas Tree , or stuff your turkey with...SYX SLIM will be going head to head with G-ICE in an epic battle!!!!! Come enjoy the holiday, and give a lil love towards charity!!!!!!! XOXO

@Novatherebel

VADA NIGHTCLUB PRESENTS MZ. CRAZY TEE PERFORMING LIVE!!!!!!!

Join the BEAUTIFUL AND OHHHHHH SOOOOO SEXY , MZ.CRAZY TEE at the Super Exclusive Vada Nightclub!!!!! I'm Just honest Red Carpet Addition....and yes ...she will be performing!!!!!! Make sure you check her out live in the flesh!!!!!
XOXO

@MzCrazyTee

TOP OF THE WORLD - INTRODUCES MATT MAUNUS *Exclusive Interview!!!

Okkkkk Sooooo when I was 1st invited to the "TOP OF THE WORLD" studio, I was super stoked!!!!  Only because they have been 1 of the biggest influences in the music industry...especially in CLEVELAND!!!!! When I opened the door leading into the ultra swanky studio I felt somewhat overwhelmed by all the faces that were smiling at me as soon as I was securely in. Josh Maunus...aka Big brother was more quiet like, ...maybe a lil camera shy...but very polite. So when it was Matt Maunus turn to sit in the Sparkplug Ent interview chair (*no it's not an actual chair...but more of an actual vibe...don't worry...you'll have a turn soon...xoxo) I was curious to see if he was anything like his brother.
Matt Maunus is a breath of fresh air!!!!!! (Like good air...good clean crisp "loud" air) I must admit, I was kinda expecting the "lil brother" to be the shy one, the passive one. Yet as soon as Matt Maunus sat down he took complete control!!!!! His voice was deep and strong....and yes... both Maunus bros talk almost exactly alike. Matt Maunus was leaned back, rocking in the chair. I was thinking "uhhh ohhh is he like some kinda "cool guy"?". Just when I felt I was gonna  turn my nose up, and roll my eyes....I smiled. Matt Maunus is genuinely that "cool guy". It was far from an act. His whole conversation was positive, confident, and excited!!! He has a way of gently bringing you into his convo, he spoke with such confidence I couldn't help but think he could be a salesman, or mos def a leader of a corporation. Like if he was to say "listen up"...you would find yourself listening. Matt Maunus is FUN!!!! He showed no signs of being nervous, and he reminded me of ZAK MORRIS from saved by the bell. Ya know the cool dude in school, silly, fun, and just good peoples.

Q.When did you join Top Of The World?
A. I've been with Top Of The World since birth....I mean me and my brother have always worked on music together, ever since I was younger, Josh would be in his room making music, I used to see everyone's reaction from the music, and people always wanted to be a part of what was going on, seeing that as a kid I was like "that's cool, I wanna do that too".

Q. What's your title?
A. Producer/ Sound Engineer

Q. How did you get started?
A. I actually used to rap a long time ago!

Q. What was your rap name?
A. Ummmmm I really didn't have 1.....

Q. Wait...so your name was just "Matt The Rapper"?
A. Hahahahahahah nooooooooo

Q. What beats did you use?
A. We used to rap over industry tracks, sound click wasn't available, and there wasn't alot of home producers where we could get exclusive beats from. We Would rap over 50 cent, DIPSET instrumentals..I finally decided I wanted to make something exclusive for myself.

Q. So were you like f*ck it, I'ma make my own sh*t?
A. YUP!!!!! I was like "F*ck I'ma make my own sh*t"

Q. How did you learn how to put it all together, producing can be difficult?
A. I had a lil training,not to mention I was in 5th grade band...and as corney as that sounds, it helped alot cuz I learned how to count measures, time signatures, formatting of songs and stuff like that. My mom played piano , and my dad was heavy on the guitar, and Josh always had a studio...so music is a natural step for me.

Q. What was the 1sn't the best beat ever...but it was called "MOUTHPIECE"...S/o to MIDNIGHT...

Q. How would you describe the growth with TOP OF THE WORLD within the last year?
A. AWESOME!!!!!!!! It's been crazy, I mean word of mouth has spread so quickly, and we try and provide the best services...for everybody.

Q. What was your experience like at the Ohio Hip Hop Awards this year?
A. Unbelievable!!!! It was crazy seeing the logo that we started with...in an ice sculpture...man that was insane...f*ckin insane!!!!!!

Q. Do you and your brother work on projects together?
A. Of course, see I just used to be head
producer, but it got to a point where many people had dates on projects, and Josh was working 12hr days...it was killin him. So I decided to take it serious, sat down, learned some of the techniques that Josh uses, and yeah...Josh pretty much trained me on how to be an engineer.

Q. What do you look for in an artist when they come to TOP OF THE WORLD?
A. It's always nice when an artist has a vision. It's really nice when they have an idea of what they would like to record, instead of just writing and saying, "aight im'a jus go lay it down", it's a pleasure working with people who understand the formatting of a song.

Q. Why are some of the producers you are inspired by?
A. WHOA!!! Alot of people!!! I grew up listening to rap music all of the time. Soooo it's alot of Dr. Dre, Timbaland, and most of the big name producers who created their own sound.


Q. How do you feel when you hear a song you produced thats really hot?
A. It's a GREAT feeling!!!!! IT'S really cool seeing positive feedback from something you've created.

Q. How'd you pick "EXTRA PAPER" for SHUICIDE?
A. I had heard a song off 1 of his "Kickgame" mixtapes that Josh had played me. He was 1 of the 1st artists who came thru and I was like "this is really goin somewhere" , It was different from all the everyday stuff you usually hear, so I brought SHU thru, told him to pick a beat...complimentary, and he just happened to pick "EXTRA PAPER" beat.

Q. So does the whole TOP OF THE WORLD work together on projects?
A. YES!!!! We all work together, we all work on different projects, but we still like to come together collectively .....3 heads are better than 1 !!!!!

Q. Would you like to give any S/o's?

A. Hell yeah! S/o to anyone who's worked with us, and supported us....King Cobra, Mookie, Shu, all the people who are rockin with us... pushin the movement, S/o to the OHHA panel for having us, sponsoring the event...it was an awesome time.


After our interview ended....and I finally stop giggling like some kinda "Lisa Turtle" from Saved By The Bell...Matt Maunus pushed his chair back and thanked me. I noticed that for him to be the younger brother....he was very gracious and sweet. He totally admires his older brother, and at times when he would speak of TOP OF THE WORLD...he would say "My brother and I"...and then quickly he would look around and name the other members. He was proud when he said "it's not jus us anymore...we have a whole team"....and when he would say that his eyes would light up and he seemed very happy to have a new family. I had a chance to watch Matt Maunus work in the studio with new talent. He was patient and very accommodating. He took his time searching beats, he had an actual musical consultation for the artist, he was a host, and just an all around cool guy to be around, especially if you are ever at the "TOP OF THE WORLD"!!! XOXO

mattmaunus@facebook.com
@maunusbeats
@topworldstudios