artist spotlight – The Double Scoop

Jay Smith

Author: Ashley E.

When you decide to pursue your passion or dream, it can cause you to make some serious sacrifices. You might risk losing relationships, stability, income, and even peace of mind. Jay Smith is an upcoming comedian and actor who decided a few years ago he wanted to pursue his passion. He got his start in the industry as a student at Jackson State University when he joined the MADDRAMA Performance Troupe. Over the years he has made a name for himself in his hometown and has also built a pretty large social media following. You can even catch a glimpse of him in the latest James Brown biopic Get on Up.

The Mississippi native recently moved to Atlanta, Georgia to broaden his career, but his journey to chase what he loves has been met with some highs and lows. I caught up with Jay recently to ask him a few questions about his dream chasing journey.

AE: When did you realize you were interested in comedy and acting?

JS: I always liked pretending as a child, making up little stories in my head and acting them out. I played Joseph (Jesus’ father) in a Christmas play when I was five haha..I guess it’s been a while.

AE: Does anyone in your family have a background in either of the two?

JS: My dad and his whole side of the family are funny. My dad has a dry wit/ asshole-ish in a nice way personality. I definitely inherited that personality. I have a cousin who does standup. As far as performing period goes, my dad was in a funk band in the 70’s and 80’s called Freedom so performing is in my blood.

AE: Do you think people underestimate how difficult stand-up comedy can be? I remember seeing you for the first time probably about a year ago at a show and thinking I would be so nervous. You have to stand in front of a room of people and demand their attention. I’m sure a 10 minute show could feel like an hour when all eyes are on you especially if the crowd isn’t feeling you.

JS: DEFINITELY….comedy is so hard, so hard that I don’t even tell people I’m a comedian…I say “I do comedy” lol. When a show is going well every second feels better than sex. Well not better than, but AS good as some good sex…and that’s really all you can ask for. When it’s going bad, the worst part is that you already know it’s going bad. It usually doesn’t get better when it’s bad, and that’s the worst part…knowing that it might get worse.

AE: What has been your worst show so far? I’m pretty sure you feed off of the crowd’s energy so I can imagine if the energy from the crowd is low than your performance isn’t the best.

JS: YEP…I was doing a contest to perform for Katt Williams when he came to Jackson. My material was geared toward people around 25 -40 years old. Everybody in there was way older than that and I wasn’t comfortable enough with my act to deviate from it. They didn’t know nothing about the stuff I was talking about. My neck was burning and voice was shaking. It was like being in a burning house. I just cut it short and said “that’s my time.”

AE: Are there any comedians in particular that influence you?

JS: Yes. Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock, Louis CK, George Carlin, Paul Mooney…man Paul Mooney is that guy. I listened to Paul Mooney going to sleep every night for like a year and some change.

AE: Explain T.R.U.S.T and F.I.N.E. You use those 2 words a lot in your videos.

JS: So, TRUST is something that came from a crazy teacher at JSU I had. He stuttered severely and had a very smart mouth. After he made a point he would say “TRUST”. It turned into a hashtag on twitter, lol. Me and my classmates all followed each other and made fun of him on twitter and always ended the tweets with #TRUST. It then turned into something deeper after a few life experiences along with people outside of our class wondering what TRUST meant. TRUST then went on to mean having peace and TRUSTing the process of getting down whatever road you’re traveling in life. TRUSTing your intuition, TRUSTing the struggle.

F.I.N.E. is something that started with me and my friends at Hinds Community College in Raymond back in 2005. Basically a daily mantra to live by in acronym form. (Focused Intelligent Negro Excelling).

AE: I watched your most recent you-tube video and I see that this past year was pretty challenging for you. You ran into a lot of obstacles: being broke, not having a job, having to move back in with your parents, a failed relationship, being arrested and moving to a new state are major life events. Do you ever feel discouraged about following your dreams and question if what you’re sacrificing is worth it?

JS: Honestly yes, I don’t know if that’s something that’s going away anytime soon. I have a feeling I’ll be by myself because my dreams aren’t the most secure career path to go about. Chicks don’t really line up for unpredictable situations. Sometimes I wish I’d be happy living a “regular” life but I know I wouldn’t be right now, at this point. I just try to look around and remember how unhappy other people are with everything that society says you should have and it reminds me I’m making the right choice. I pray. I know my personal relationship with God and I feel like I wouldn’t have the urge, gift, or opportunities to do this if it wasn’t meant to happen.

AE: How far do you want to take your comedy and acting career?

JS: I just want to reach my full potential. The goal isn’t to be rich or famous. The goal is to make a living doing what I love to do.

AE: Being that so many people are in those fields of work, do you find it difficult to find a place in the industry?

JS: I think if you truly are yourself and no one else then there can’t be another you. Thinking like that, I don’t really think about trying to find a place.

If you want to know more about Jay and his work check out his sites below.

Instagram

Twitter

Youtube

Mr. Black-Ice Bell…..

Author: Ashley E.

In life most of us repeat the same cycle; we go to sleep on Sunday night dreading Monday morning, then we wait anxiously for Wednesday to come because we know it means there are only 2 days left until the weekend. The weekend flies by and we’re back to another Monday. It’s a never ending cycle. The majority of us work 40 hours or more a week at a job that overworks and underpays us and we have absolutely no passion for what we do. Most of us get so comfortable in our jobs that we become stuck. When you become stuck you will look around and realize that 2 years have turned into 20 years and you’re still in the exact same spot.

One of my biggest inspirations for not settling in life and for going after my dreams and aspirations came from a friend who I met a couple of years ago at a modeling audition in Jackson, MS. With only a high school diploma, my friend has become a poet, an author, and an accomplished professional photographer. He has worked with many talented people such as Janelle Monae, Russell Simmons, and Lloyd Banks. Some people call him “Mr. Bell” and others call him “Christopher” or “Chris,” but now he also goes by “Black-Ice Bell.” It was actually a name given to him as a joke because people could recognize his work before they recognized him. There are hardly any pictures of him online so many people don’t know the face behind his work. Black ice is a substance that is transparent; it’s practically invisible, but you can feel its presence and know it’s there. You may not see Mr. Bell, but you will definitely feel his presence by his work. Since he tends to be a very low key guy who lets his work speak for him, I wanted people to get to know the artist behind the work.

Check out the interview I did with him below.

Ashley G: The first time I met you was back in 2007; I think at that time you were just starting off in photography. You were doing photo shoots out of your bedroom in Jackson, MS, LOL… Do you remember those days?

BlackIce: LOL. I can never forget! I was shooting in a townhouse in Pebble Creek Apts. I had three other roommates. Due to lack of space, the studio was in the living room, and I slept in that room also. Crazy times. lol.

Ashley G: You’re originally from Decatur, Georgia. What brought you to Mississippi?

BlackIce: Well, I have Mississippi roots. I was born in Greenville, MS, but raised in Decatur, GA. In 2006 my soul became restless. I knew a change was coming but wasn’t sure what it was. A couple of old friends from Jackson were driving down I-55 and saw a huge billboard that said Christopher Bell (I think he was an insurance agent), so they thought of me and gave me a call. Less than two months later, I was their roommate and started the photography company.

Ashley G: You also have a military background. How long were you in the service, and how did you get into photography?

BlackIce: Whew… dark times. I was active duty Air Force briefly for two years from 2000-2002. Even then I knew I wanted to do something creative with my life and work for myself. At the time, I was just a poet working on my first book. Photography was strictly a casual hobby that I didn’t take more seriously until after military service. I met my mentor, Michael Alvins, and he pretty much put me in the photography game. He taught me everything from the basics in studio photography to working with clients. He was unselfish in sharing his knowledge with me, and I appreciate him for that. I always say that he’s your favorite photographer’s favorite photographer. He has helped and worked with a lot of photographers in the industry over the years. He’s more than a mentor; he’s a big brother to me. Thanks to him, I’m the beast I am now.

Ashley G: You’ve published several books and you also have a free online magazine called INSPIRE Magazine. I read INSPIRE faithfully. I love the photos, artwork, poetry and short stories. When was the first magazine published, and what made you decide to start a magazine?

BlackIce: I published the first INSPIRE Magazine in July 2010, right before I moved back to Atlanta. In Jackson, I spent a LOT of time in the bookstore. Every time I went to the African-American section, all I saw were books of erotica and thug-life stories. I’m not knocking them because I believe we all got a little freak in us and it is real in the streets, but at the same time, we are more than that as well. Same thing with black publications, it was mostly either gossip magazines or the video-vixen type material on the shelves. Black Enterprise has great content, but aesthetically I think it is boring to read. So I created INSPIRE Magazine to blend beautiful images with the great content to create a unique reading experience. There are many people involved in each issue, and I am grateful for that.

Ashley G: You talk a lot about faith and spirituality; do these 2 components play a role in your work?

BlackIce: Absolutely. Everyone, including me, is far from perfect, but I do read and study the Word daily. I accomplished a lot in the past ten years with little to no resources, and no one can take credit for that. That’s all God. My whole career has been done from either my living room or my bedroom with little to no money. I only have a high school diploma, and I still get it done and make it happen. It is definitely God-given. At the same time, God is a God of Freewill. We have to make decisions and take certain actions to achieve what He wants for us. And a lot of times, it is not easy. Faith without action leads to nothing.

Ashley G: Do you have any advice for any aspiring photographers?

BlackIce: Yes, study your craft. I also worked closely with fellow photographer, Mic Fontaine, for a while in Mississippi. I remember when he said, “There’s a big difference between a great photographer and a great photography business.” I think that’s real. You can be the best photographer in the world, but you can only go so far if you don’t know how to monetize your business or know how to work with people. There’s so much advice I could give, but I think that’s a great start.

Ashley G: You talk a lot about following your dreams; how important do you think it is for people to chase their dreams?

BlackIce: I personally feel like if you’re not following your dreams, why are you living? God wakes us up every morning for a reason, not to just take up space. Everyone has a purpose that could benefit this world in some way, whether it’s huge or small.

Black Ice’s career has really taken off. The 25^th issue of Inspire Magazine was released last month and he has many new projects in the works. You can catch a few features from The Double Scoop in upcoming issues of the magazine. If you want to know more about Black Ice and his work you can connect with him at the sites below
http://instagram.com/inspiremagatl

http://www.inspiremagatl.com/about-inspire/

https://www.youtube.com/user/atlinspired

GULF COAST BLUES BOY

Author: The Double Scoop

I met Jamell Richardson on the set of the movie Get On Up a little over a year ago. I was cast as an extra in the movie and he was cast to play Jimmy Nolen, the lead guitarist for James Brown. Jamell had one of those contagious personalities; the type of personality that people are immediately drawn to. He was very personable and funny and was well known among the other cast and crew members. His outgoing personality makes it hard for him to ever meet a stranger so it wasn’t a surprise that we connected on the set. Since the movie ended Jamell’s career has really taken off so Ashley and I decided to catch up with him for an interview so that people who are unaware of the artist can get a better idea of who he is.

Check out our interview below.

TDS: Where are you originally from?

JR: Mobile, Alabama

TDS: What influenced your decision to start playing the guitar?

JR: B.B. King was a big influence. I actually started playing the guitar when I was only two years old and started professionally recording at age 13. I am self taught.

TDS: Being that you are only 26 what made you want to become a blues musician?

JR: I consider myself to be a soul artist more so than a blues musician. I grew up in a traditional Pentecostal church where my grandmother was the church pastor. Blues music reminded me a lot of the music that I heard in church growing up.

TDS: Who are some blues artists that you have worked with during your career?

JR: Bobby Womack, Bobby Bland, and Shirley Brown just to name a few

TDS: You recently released your first EP “Gulf Coast Blues Boy”. How long did you work on it and what is your favorite song off the EP?

JR: I worked on the EP about 2 to 3 months and I would have to say my favorite song is “Can’t hurt me no mo”.

TDS: Last year you were in the James Brown biopic Get On Up and was cast as Jimmy Nolen. Tell us about that experience and how you were cast for the role.

JR: Initially when I submitted for a role in the movie I wasn’t selected. At the time my friend Mike and I were band members for Mel Walters and Mike got a phone call to come in for his final audition for the movie. I ended up riding to the audition with him because he didn’t have time to drive me to my car. At the audition some of the producers walked up to me because they noticed that I resembled some of James Brown’s band members. I was initially cast for the role of Les Bowie but was later cast as Jimmy Nolen after one of the other musicians dropped out. I was shocked that I was cast for the role.

TDS: Initially you didn’t have a speaking line in the movie. How did you end up getting a speaking role?

JR: During the time of filming I was still playing with Mel Walters. There was a conflict between the filming time and the dates I was supposed to play with the band so I decided to quit the band and continue with filming. I definitely took a leap of faith. The day after I quit I woke up and spoke into existence that I would get speaking lines. That same day on set we were filming a scene where James Brown and his band members were arguing about him not paying them. The directors felt that the scene was too dry and missing something so one of them came up to me and told me to say F- you to James Brown. He told me not to tell anyone so when I said it everyone was kind of caught off guard and the moment was very organic.

The overall movie experience was amazing; I had the opportunity to work alongside great actors like Dan Akyroyd, Viola Davis, Jim Scott and Chadwick Boseman. On the set I gave guitar lessons to singer Aloe Blacc to help him prepare for some of his scenes. I’m still on a high from the whole experience. In my career I’ve always felt the need to stay in the background even though I knew I was supposed to be a front man. Being a part of the movie has helped me to see that more clearly.

TDS: Are you interested in pursuing any more acting jobs and do you have any upcoming projects?

JR: I’m not opposed to it but music is my heart. Music got me into acting. I’m currently working on a new album called “Bringing It Back” which I plan to release in late April or May. The title of the album represents bringing back real music, real life and real things. I feel that it is the type of music that everyone can listen to.

TDS: How can people contact you and hear some of your work?

JR: For bookings bluesboyent@gmail.com

Facebook: Jamell Richardson “The Gulf Coast Blues Boy”

IG: @JamellRichardson

Youtube: Jamell Richardson

www.jamellrichardson.com

It was a pleasure interviewing Jamell and we are very excited to see him advance even more in his career. You can purchase his EP on Itunes here.

Jamell Richardson “Gulf Coast Blues Boy” features special guest Erica Washington @ BayFest Music Festival 2014.

Mobile, AL

South Carolina Artist Debuts LiveWire Video

Author: Ashley E.

South Carolina artist Finesse’ recently teamed up with the South Carolina Film Institute in Columbia to produce the music video for his single LiveWire. The 18 year old came to Columbia to attend college at the University of South Carolina and to expand his music career. Believe it or not he has been rapping for almost 10 years and making music for about 3 years.

When asked about the concept of Livewire, Finesse’ described it as a song about reaching your full potential. He stated:

“The message of this song is having fun and enjoying life. The lyrics revolve around my standards of relationships, and time. That youthfulness depicted on the cover art is the innocence I feel we lose so quickly as African Americans growing up and only seeing one option that’s realistic.”

At such a young age he has the mindset of someone much older. When asked about which artists influence him he said the following:

“Influence is a word I don’t hinge on too often. I influence myself, I see that as being the best way to remain original and remember who I am.”

He described Livewire as a sound teaser for what is to come from his second album “OK” which is set to be released in the Spring of 2016. He stated:

“At this time, LiveWire is simply a single. It’s more of a sound teaser at what’s to come from OK. My in-house producer and music partner, Christopher Bacon isn’t afraid to blend notes and chords.”

A line from the song says: “I’m a Livewire, if there’s a problem I could detonate.” He described the meaning of that line:

“When my persona is involved, things go to another level. You don’t call me for a problem if it’s minor. My effort is powerful; there is no length I will not go to.”

You can’t help but to nod your head to the beat as you listen to Livewire. The song takes you back to a simpler time when life was carefree. His sound and message are unique and a contrast to a lot of the mainstream rap music that is out now. Finesse’ has a bright future ahead and we wish him the best of luck with his career.

Check out more about the artist and his work here. Click here to view the video for Livewire