Author Archives: JR

02.23.12
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Interview w/ International Gem

How are you today?

everything good, headed to get a fresh line for the felines

Definitely have to stay looking presentable. You are from New York, what was the upbringing like?

my upbringing was young parents (the struggle), during the crack era, public housing drama etc. a common story from the 80’s to the 90’s

Interesting. Now I dont want to take up much of your time. So Who inspired you to become an artist?

I always been into music, I started writing as a way venting and soon became my way of expressing myself

Who were some of your fav artists that you looked up to?

I wouldn’t say looked up to but the theme music for the early chapters were Nas, Kool G Rap, the Wu, MOP, Death Row

You mentioned that you started writing as a way to vent. When did you start writing?

started writing at 14 started taking it serious around 16

Where did the name international gem come from?

originally stemmed from Gem Star then a bunch of sucks ran with the name. Through International on left Gem to let them know where I’m headed.

What do you like and dislike about the rap game today?

it seem like the less talented the more shine but I respect the hustle and the level of creativity being shown right now

What do you feel like you could bring to the game?

As of 2012 I’m making music for me. I’ve said I want to help bring NY back but truth is it never left. my creativity and struggles I express are beyond the states line

What projects are you working on?

right now I’m working on my EP, reaching out to alot of producers coming up. I want this project to be me as a whole, love & war

Whats the process for you like when it comes to writing and working on an EP?

I write whenever my mood shifts. You can’t force emotion. I may be writing 5 different songs in the course of a day. if it was real when you wrote it, the feel will remain authentic to the listeners.

What are your ultimate goals?

my goal is to be in the credits. Fame only last for so long, history is what I want to be apart of.

Whats this Greenleaf Multimedia I hear about?

Green Leaf Multimedia was started some friends and I. A way for those around my way to be seen and heard. started in 09 and we’ve been growing. I’m also the editor for the company www.youtube.com/greenleafmultimediato view our work

I definitely like the idea. I was able to check out the one titled “Food” sampling the “Scarface theme”.

yeah. That was some work we did for an upcoming artist as well, creative dude s/o to Octane

You should definitely keep up the side projects along with your music. Versatility is unique.

definitely is. I also producer as well. Like I said I’m trying to be in the credits all across the board.

With at comes the end of this Twitterview. Any last words/shoutouts/pitches for my readers, people around the globe?

s/o to y’all for having me, @CeceVance @GreenLeafMM #KHM, the fans, GB an the struggle

Thanks for taking the time, good music, versatile, bright future, people need to be on the lookout.

I appreciate that #love

02.22.12
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NBA All-Star 2012 Blowout Pt.1

The NBA All-Star Weekend is almost upon us. It officially begins this Friday starting with the Celebrity All-Star Game on Espn. All-Star Weekend takes place in the beautiful tourist- friendly city of Orlando. As a fan of the game, this is one of those moments you are excited for each year hoping to see if it can top the previous year. This is Blended Entertainment’s 3-day preview of NBA All-Star Weekend.

Basketball legends Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley each took a turn drafting between a select number of rookie and sophomore players in the league.  Their teams will play each other on Friday in the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge. Charles Barkley has the more complete team but I suspect that Team Shaq will pull out the victory.

Shaq’s team includes:

Blake Griffin, LA Clippers
Jeremy Lin, NY Knicks
Ricky Rubio, Minnesota Timberwolves
Markieff Morris, Phoenix Suns
Kemba Walker, Charlotte Bobcats
Landry Fields, NY Knicks
Norris Cole, Miami Heat
Brandon Knight, Detroit Pistons
Tristan Thompson, Cleveland Cavaliers
Greg Monroe, Detroit Pistons

Charles Barkley’s team includes:

Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers
DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings
Derrick Williams, Minnesota Timberwolves
Paul George, Indiana Pacers
MarShon Brooks, NJ Nets
John Wall, Washington Wizards
Tiago Splitter, San Antonio Spurs (out with injury)
Evan Turner, Philadelphia 76ers
Gordon Hayward, Utah Jazz
Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs
Derrick Favors, Utah Jazz (replacing Splitter)

Thursday I will cover the events including the Three-Point Contest and Slam Dunk Contest that will take place on Saturday. On Friday I will provide my prediction for the All-Star Game itself that will take place on Sunday.

02.16.12
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Adele Wins

British sensation Adele took home not one, not two, not three, but six Grammy Awards this past weekend. She also made her big stage comeback by performing her hit Rolling In The Deep after undergoing throat surgery late last year. Adele made a major impact at the award show and was one of the few that proved that music should be from the soul, and via lip-syncing or enhancements. She has an amazing voice and then it transforms as soon as she starts to sing. She deserves all of the great accomplishments and awards that come her way.

02.12.12
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We Lost Another Legend

On Saturday we lost another legend and iconic entertainer as Whitney Houston was announced to have past away at the young age of 48 years old. She was an icon in the business and I was looking forward to seeing her have the opportunity to do what she loved to do. Whitney has won over 400 career awards an had just finished filming the movie Sparkle to be released later this year, which stars Jordin Sparks, Mike Epps, and Derek Luke. Chaka Khan and Jennifer Hudson will be performing a tribute to Whitney tonight at the Grammy Awards. My thoughts and prayers are extended to her family. Whitney Houston, a once in a lifetime talent has left us too soon.

02.11.12
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Beyonce & Jay Z Pics w/ Blu Ivy

After weeks of speculation and privacy, Sean “Jay z” Carter and Beyonce Knowles finally released some pictures of them with their newborn Blu Ivy. They finally did it and did not have to sell these pictures for millions like many other celebrities would. Blu Ivy really shows off some strong genes of Beyonce in my opinion but that’s all up to interpretation. The photos were released on a special tumblr titled Hello Blu Ivy Carter.

02.09.12
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Interview w/ Maciel Cruz

I had the pleasure of Twitterviewing a fellow university student with a bright future.

How are you today?

Lol great hun… Just finished having brunch with the girls 🙂

Great! You’re from New York. Share with us a little about your upbringing.

Yep 🙂 Born in D.R .. Raised in Queens, NY. I love where I come from; & absolutely Love where I was raised.

What’s the best aspect about being from New York?

Theres a lot of aspects. I would have to say the opportunities that arise. Also,living in NY forces you to be independent.

Speaking of independent, you’re definitely doing your share. You’ve been in some videos. Talk a little about that.

Had the opportunity to be in a couple of videos; met different people. Great experience. A couple of projects coming up as well.

Outside of doing big things with music videos and photo shoots, what do you do in your free time?

I LOVE spending time with my family & friends. They are who keep me Sane. I also work & go to school. My schedule is crazy lol

What do you study in school and what do you hope to do once you get a degree?

Paralegal Studies… Hoping to get my Masters in English Studies… Write a book… Countless things. I love to be challenged.

How long have you been modeling?

About 2 1/2 years or so… Really got more involved the past year… A lot of opportunities have come up that I’m grateful for.

What drew you to modeling? How do you feel personally about yourself and your accomplishments?

Ppl gave always told me growing up I should get into it. Never really thought about it till I got to college 🙂 & I love it.

So far the experience is amazing; I’ve learned so much from the ppl I have worked with… Truly a blessing.

Who is someone you’d like to work with?

Shakira or Beyoncè!! Both Amazing performers!! 🙂

What’s the one thing you feel is your best feature?

My facial features lol people say I’m exotic looking. They compliment the personality as well. Personality is the most important

Where do you see yourself a few years from now?

I like to live in the moment. Haven’t thought that far ahead. Enjoying this moment to the fullest.

That was my final question, is there anything you’d like to say to your supporters/followers/ my readers? 

Thank everyone for their love & support!! ❤ & thank you for the interview 🙂

Thank you for your time. I wish you the best in your future. Good luck in school!

Thanks love!! XoXX likewise.

Check out more about Maci