Royal Service Announcement

Everyone wants to make a change in 2009. Let your change be for longevity and not just a span of few months. Don’t just hope & pray, but work and plan. And in the process of achieving your dreams, misusing people and bragging will only hinder you and turn people off.

Bless people on the way to the top.

J. Harlem

J.HAR Industry Icon Review: Taj Washington

Give Me One Shot

by Jackson Harlem

Name: Taj Washington
Age: 31
Hometown: New York, NY
Years of Industry Experience: 5

What is Taj Washington Photography and how did you enter in the art of photography?

Well, in High School, I kind of “fell” into it. And when I discovered it, there was no turning back. I love the fact that it is something where you have the ability to capture a moment in time and make it last forever. That is what I strive to do with my work.

Who are some of the industry professionals/ companies you’ve worked with in the past?

Dress for Success, Diageo Plc and the Lorenzo Jackson Foundation.

Is there one photograph that is forever imprinted into your mind?

Yes, it would be the shot of my friend, Wayne, wearing nothing but swim trunks in a glass phone booth in New York. The stares he got from the socialites were insane. LOL.

What other photographers or artists are you a huge fan of (past or present)?

David LaChappelle, Steven Miesel, Annie Leibowitz and Michael David Adams.

What makes your photography different from the work of others?

Well, I tend to do most of my shooting outdoors, as I feel it brings a different element to my work. And, of course, I use Photoshop, but I don’t overdo it. I think my signature is the way the colors pop in my pictures amongst the various landscapes. In the end, I think that is what I’ll be most known for.

What other career/ business ventures are you involved in?

As of right now, solely my photography, as I am continually growing it as a business and getting my name out to the masses. While it’s great to have your hands in various projects, I feel that you should give each project the equal attention that it deserves.

You have a wide fan base of young men and women, what professional advice can you offer them who are out here “grinding” to make a name for themselves?

Well, no matter how creative you are, you MUST learn the business aspect of it. A lot of people abuse creative people and steal their talents for their own gain because the artists don’t cross the t’s and dot the i’s. Don’t get me wrong, I love photography, but I am about my paper, as well. Photographers, stylists and makeup artist need to realize that what they do is a gift and that they should be paid accordingly. Don’t be ashamed to derive income from what you do.

Who are your top favorite musical artists? I notice some of your favorite musicians include a host of great alternative, rock, and R&B artists.

Foxy Brown. She was my very first hip hop crush. My only hip-hop crush, really. I still believe that she is relevant to this day, and I would love to photograph her one day. Just do something totally different than what people are used to seeing from her. I like Kanye because I think if we were to shoot, he wouldn’t need a stylist because he is so fly on his own. Also, Aerosmith is the bomb, and Gym Class Heroes makes me feel good when I listen to them first thing in the morning.

How do you think your musical choices affect your style of photography?

I think a lot of people will be surprised to know that I enjoy rock and heavy metal music. I like R&B as well, and of course, some hip-hop. Listening to George Michael or Beyoncé during a studio shoot gets the models loose and comfortable, and some hip hop in the streets during an “on-location” shoot brings out the best in the models, as well as me. George Michael’s “Too Funky” brings out the editorial side of me, while some old school Lil’ Kim brings out the urban side of my shoots.

Name 3 things in your daily life you cannot live without.

In no particular order: the creative imagination of my assistant, Richard Duncan, my Blackberry Curve and last but not least, my Nikon camera.

What can we expect from Taj Washington in the near future?

You can expect to see my name in many more places. My I want to be known here and abroad, and especially in Canada. My heart is there...I feel like my life has just begun and that there is so much else out there I have yet to photograph and experience. Check me out in a couple of years and you’ll see.

For more on Taj Washington and his incredible photography:

Visit www.tajwashington.com

And... check out his assistant's blog at www.swaggtastic.wordpress.com

Tell Me Lies

The Royal Court invites you to download J-Lie's new mixtape:

No One Left to Lie To

Click here and tell me what you think.

J. Harlem

Yeah, You

I've heard a lot of my colleagues, you talented mover & shakers out there, complaining about where you are right now. I understand. Just hold tight. We can't have it all right now. The work you're doing in fashion, music, and culture will pay off. Keep at it.

Remember that we're going uphill. Depending on where we live, some of us are at the top in our arena. And it gets lonely at the top. But remember also that we're not at our peak yet. We have a ways to go. We are trailblazing. And the road gets hot when you're trailblazing.

We'll reach your goals sure enough.

Persevere.


J. Harlem

J.HAR Artist Review: J-Lie

The Interview

Artist: J-lie

Age: 22

Hometown: Southern California

Years in the Game: I’m not in the game until I’m internationally known…

J.HAR: When and how did you get started in the music industry?

J-Lie: I was in college playing soccer and trying to focus on music. Classwork, music, and being a full time athlete was hard, so with certain events in my life I had to figure out which one I wanted to focus on and I chose music. So I’ve been taking the music industry way more serious for about 4 years. But like I said I’m no where near as big and successful as I’m going to be so I don’t think I’ve started. I just have a huge buzz and record labels trying to talk to me.

J.HAR: Who are some artists and industry professionals you’ve worked with in the past?

J-Lie: I usually keep it in the MNDFRM camp. My producer Nonstop is signed to Konvict (Akon’s Label) Outside my camp I’ve worked with a lot of well known producers but as far as artists, just Chingy.

J.HAR: Tell us about your album, *MNDFRM*. What was the inspiration for this album? What were your goals in creating the different tracks?

J-Lie: MNDFRM is Mindframe (with no vowels) – that’s not the name of my album, that’s the name of my camp- the name of my last EP was “Rewind Forward”. The inspiration behind that name was the fact of people saying Hip Hop is dead or Hip Hop is this or that, just like everything else in the world in EVERY industry things change. People want it to “go back to how it was” but it never will, because “how it was” wasn’t how society was or the world was so we need to take what we know from the past and move forward with it. Thus creating Rewind Forward….rewind it forward. As far as the tracks I am very versatile, I want anyone in the world to pick up my CD and at least like one song, at least be able to relate to one song, at least feel good about one song. I remember growing up listening to music and it making me feel good. I want to bring back that feel good music.

J.HAR: Musically, who would you say are the greatest artists of all time (past, present, & future) in terms of content, flow, & musicality?

J-Lie: Hands down, Tupac. In every aspect and angle, he is and always will be the greatest. As far as present and alive, Eminem is the best rapper alive.

J.HAR: What’s your take on the current state of Hip-Hip in America?

J-Lie: It has turned into a business more than for music. Which I’m fine with. I know how to approach the game like that, I’m a business man before an artist. You need to be if you’re going to stay in the game.

J.HAR: What can we expect from J-Lie in the near future?

J-Lie: When you hear of J-Lie you will hear of MNDFRM. We have launched a self-titled clothing line, got Lil Wayne wearing it, Lupe Fiasco, Mac Mayne, Sean Garrett, D Woods of Danity Kane, Sean Paul of the Young Bloodz, Skater Stevie Williams of DGK, DJ Cannon, Greg Street, Soulja Boy, etc. We are looking into launching a Flagship store in ATL along with a Tattoo Shop.

I am heavy in the tattoo lifestyle. The art, not the tattoos you bargain for the best price and come out looking like 90% of the hip hop artists. But I got some things cooking, a mixtape will be out soon “No One Left To Lie To” it will be on my MySpace or my website.

J.HAR: What words of wisdom can you offer to upcoming and aspiring artists and musicians who haven’t yet experienced the rigors of the music industry?

J-Lie: Go hard or go home.

Well there you have it. For more J-Lie, visit his MySpace here.

Visit his website here.

J. Harlem

J.HAR Album Review: Soulja Boy Tellem

I'm Bout the Stax
by Jackson Harlem

Shouts out to the Soulja Boy camp for the advance of Soulja Boy’s new album dropping on DEC. 16th!!

The release date is only a few days away, so I have to deliver the goods fast.

Soulja Boy is guaranteed to be bangin’ in the trunks and clubs even harder than ever before. Everyone knows the name, the infamous songs, and the addictive dances. But he’s upgraded and is about to do it all again.

The Review

This album features incredible tracks like “I’m Bout the Stax”, where listeners can ride this audial merry-go-round and chant your way into crunk zone. I can see the Greeks struttin’ to this one all night. The lyrics are as gutta as you want them to be as he delivers them with bravado and soaring confidence. Enjoy the ride.

I’m sure you all’ve gotten into the “Bird Walk” video. No matter what side of the fence you’re from, you can get into the high hats and amalgamated keyboarding. This joint has the perfect moderate up-tempo for the car or the club.

“Gucci Bandana”. No comment.

“Eazy” has a refreshing saxophonic groove. “Shopping Spree”, “Turn My Swag On” and “Rubber Bands” (the hook is crazy) are all exhilarating hood-anthems, but it’s “Kiss Me Through the Phone” that steals the show. This joint features the lyrical charms of R&B singer Sammie. Soulja Boy takes on a more mature rap-style that appropriates to the whimsical nature of the melody and hook. “Yamaha Mama” (feat. Sean Kingston) runs along the same supersonic urban-love song groove. DO Get into the synthesized, Lil’ Wayne throwback sample!

You gotta love “Booty Got Swag”. It’s a humorous song about…just what it sounds like. I don’t think we’ve heard such a raunchy up-tempo song since…Trina…or Uncle Luke from back in the day. Remember Uncle Luke? Go ahead…pretend to be snooty, you will be caught at your local club twirking to this number. Ha.

“Hey You There” is like…the best joke ever. It’s like a hybrid between the “Whisper Song” and some lost Hip-Hop track from 1988. Soulja Boy’s naughty superhero vocals are hilarious. This track is sure to cause a stir on the radio and all throughout college dorms across the country. No one has dared to challenge the game with these types of humorously wicked vocal sound effects.
“With My Yums On”…“Marco Polo”… [frowns]…What the f--- am I supposed to say.

“Soulja Boy Tellem” is a piano after school jam joint.

“Go Head” feels like the evil cousin of Beyoncé’s “Video Phone”. Please know that the grunge synthesizing is ultra-early 90’s. It’s addictive stuttering and vocal modulation is ill. Open your mind. You’ve also gotta love his creative lyrics and rhyme scheme. “Whoop Rico”…the ultimate mock-fight club song.


While everyone is sampling and categorizing what Hip-hop is, Soulja Boy is breaking barriers and taking names.


SouljaBoy's new Album Drops DEC. 16.




J. Harlem

J.HAR Model Review: UNREAL

New York Stand Up
by Jackson Harlem

Gentlemen, if you’re thinking about modeling, I have one reason why you should upgrade your weight game: UNREAL. My guy UNREAL is bringing his impeccable physique and a killer face to the modeling game. But, with a humble spirit and incredible focus, Johnson’s soon to be all over magazine stands across America.

Johnson’s a no-nonsense kinda guy and he’s a beast on a photo shoot location. He knows the business and is poised to prove himself worthy of being a household name.

I’m definitely tellin’ Diddy & Russell about this guy. Sean John, Phat Farm here he comes.

The Interview

J.HAR: When and how did you get started in the modeling industry?

UNREAL: I Started exactly a year ago from this month (NOV). I did a couple of test shoots and started to Market my image publicly.

JH: Name some of the industry professionals/ companies you’ve worked with in the past.

U: I have so far not been able to work with any companies or agencies. I have been honored to work with such photographers as Kemuel Valdes, Taj Washington & just recently Steven Blanks. Most of this year I have been doing fitness shows. I did 4 fitness shows this year and hope to do one in May in Houston. My focus on the fitness industry has definitely been a passion while also wanting to make strides in fashion, print and commercial.

JH: Your work is unlike any I’ve ever seen; what motivates/ inspires you in your work?

U: What motivates me is seeing the strides that African American male models such as Tyson and Boris contributed to the industry.

JH: Aside from modeling, what career/ business ventures are you pursuing?

U: I am currently in the NAVY and going to school to be a Dietician.

JH: Describe your personal style.

U: I am not too flashy. Sometimes you will catch me with a V-Neck and jeans. Rarely will you see me in a business suit. I’m very casual.

JH: Who would you say are the greatest style icons of all time?

U: Kanye West, Puffy, Jay-Z, and Camron (He had all of NY wearing pink).

JH: LOL. I do remember the pink. It seems that the general morale in society is dwindling. What advice can you offer to young men and women who are out there “grinding” to make a name for themselves?

U: Stay with it. Don’t let the economy situation, which we are in, deter you from being the best that you can be in whatever is that you want to be. Also be optimistic for the future.

JH: Any advice for upcoming and aspiring models and entrepreneurs?

U:Stay focused on the light at the end of the tunnel. Make sure you map out a plan and have fun while you are at it. Life is too short.

JH: What can we expect from Unreal in the near future?

U: In the upcoming year you can expect to see some editorial work with famous stylist Untitled NY. There will be workout tips presented by MyFitTribe.com on my myspace. You will also see me in 3 published Fitness Magazines next year.

Get ready to see a lot more of my guy Unreal in 2009. We'll keep you posted.

View Unreal’s MySpace here.

View Unreal’s ModelMayhem Portfolio @ modelmayhem.com/unreal200.

Why You Should Hate (or love) Kanye West

J.HAR Artist & Album Review: Kanye West
by Jackson Harlem



Because he’s brilliant [shakes head]. After listening to and reading interview after interview of Mr. West, I listened to his entire album. I listened with the aural techniques training I’ve acquired; I wanted to get past the “I like the beat” or “those were some ill lyrics” level.

The REVIEW: 808's & HEARTBREAK

The album begins with “Say You Will”. Enjoy the celestial voices of the choir droning a pure “ah” vowel while Kanye’s voice electrifies the foreground with heartfelt lyrics.

The beep? It’s a snare drum, altered. And you’ve gotta love the traditional drums pulsating with a tribal flavor.

"Welcome to Heartbreak" fills your ears with a deep, warrior melancholy ravaged with a quick maraca and a soft piano ornamentation. Listen to the lyrics. I was surprised.

“Heartless” blows my mind. No other artist has effectively used the wooden flute for instrumentation. Think Bach’s The Peaceable Kingdom. Ye’s voice isn’t completely digitized like it is on the other tracks, but as you know; the lyrics are kind of abstract. You’ll get it still.

The other tracks like “Amazing”, “Robocop”, use various elements like choral background filling, digital voicing, orchestral strings, African-inspired percussion, and piano ornamentation, fused with neo-futuristic synthesizing and aural distortion. Think Beyonce’s “Radio”.

Kanye’s “Pinnochio” Bonus track is a f_cking incredible analogy concept. The lyrics are mind-blowing. He pretty much sings throughout most of the album, and it's excellent.



All in all, his lyrics are classic Kanye: Frank, sincere, thought-provoking, and intimate.



EXTRA

I’ll let you in on a little secret:

The better quality you put in to yourself, the better quality you yield.

But you knew that right? You knew that if a rapper listened to The Police, Daft Punk, and other genres of music like Alternative, Rock, Grunge, and Sacred Latin Music that it would yield a higher quality of music in the genre he writes and produces, right?


J. Harlem

J.HAR's Model Review: Charde Moore

Chardae Moore: Easy, Breezy, & Beautiful
by Jackson Harlem

Top Model hopeful Charde Moore is perfect. Standing at 5’9 with a cover girl face, Aquafresh smile and androgynous flair, Moore stands out in any crowd. At a glance, you immediately notice her radiant face and beaming, beautiful persona. But there’s a wonderful young lady evolving behind the glamour.

I give you Charde Moore. Moore’s camera-ready figure and brilliant mind are only complimented by her driven spirit and knowledge of the industry. Adjust your frames and let me introduce you to a face you’ll soon become much more familiar with.

Real name: Charde Moore
Age: 23
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
Years in the Modeling Industry: 8

1. When and how did you enter into the modeling industry?

I was kind of lost when I got started modeling. I went to conventions and paid for a few classes when I was 14 or 15. I didn't know anyone that knew the most direct ways to begin working. I spent lots of time and money to learn the business. I started doing local runway shows for free to gain experience. I studied on and practiced on my own. I was also fortunate enough to find a few models who had more experience than me to give me advice here and there. It has always been an upward struggle and I'm still trying to progress!

2. Who are some of the industry professionals/ companies you’ve worked with in the past?

Some of the companies that I have worked with before are Saab, Maserati, National City Bank, Hour Magazine, Michigan Front Page, Art Van, Avalon Films, Luigi Bruni, Courvoisier, Hennessy, Bacardi...the list goes on.

3. I love your look. You have great versatility and range. What motivates/ inspires you in your work?

Thank you. I’m trying to mold a certain image so draw from a few places of inspiration. I want my image to be "me". I feel like I have a very old soul, but definitely not a boring one. I think my sex appeal is a little obscure, because I'm not trying to come off as sexy. So, you will see me pull back from that a little. That has been my work so far. Now, I want to build upon that with a little more edge. I'm currently looking at the some of Omahyra's work for that. I want to push a little more in her androgynous direction. So you will see more of that in the future.

4. Name 3 things in your daily life you cannot live without.

I can't live without cooking. I have the biggest obsession with food, believe it or not! Secondly, there has to be something Victoria's Secret in my life daily. Lastly, my phone & Facebook are my BFF’s lol. Facebook mobile was both the best and the worst of invention for me.

5. Describe your personal style.

I am pretty conservative in style. You won't see me playing too many assets at the same time. I like classic looks. I like to feel like a lady, so I dress accordingly. Right now, I'm in transition from girl to woman in style, so it’s kind of cool that I get to start all over with wardrobe.

6. Who would you say are the greatest style icons of all time?

In my eyes, the greatest style icon of all time is Jackie O. There is just no contest for her.

7. With today’s dwindling societal morale, what advice can you offer to young men and women who are out here “grinding” to make a name for themselves?

The simplest answer is to keep God first in everything you do. Of course this is easier said than done. It's so easy to see that instant gratification is the real problem with the younger generations. We have to find the will to work honestly for the things we want, and this way, the rewards are more substantial. Low morals provide short term happiness and big chunks of emptiness. That is why some people remain unhappy even when they have some of the things they wanted.

8. Any advice for upcoming and aspiring models and entrepreneurs?

My greatest advice would be to have a point of view, study your craft, and always try to grow. There is a ton of raw talent out here. If raw talent can find a way to polish itself while remaining unique in some aspect, then you have something that is a step above the crowd. A lot of people fall off from past success because they get comfortable and stop grinding like they were in the beginning. Life is about constant growth.

9. How can people view more of your work and contact you for bookings?

I usually do not book directly. Clients may currently contact Renee Godin at www.reneegodin.com or the Talent Shop at www.thetalentshop.com for booking information. Some of my work can be seen at http://www.modelmayhem.com/pics.php?id=9286

10. What can we expect from Charde Moore in the near future?

You can expect that I will be doing a lot more traveling soon. My work will be more high fashion, editorial, and androgynous. I am looking to shoot outside of Michigan to get a different perspective in my portfolio. I will also begin more focus on beauty.

Vote Chardae Moore for at http://topmodel.cw50detroit.com.