Consciousness Magazine

Krayzie Bone   “20 Years Strong in the Rap Game” Interviewed and written by Aaron Robinson - Editor Trading cassette tapes and wearing headphones connected to a Sony walkman was an era when Bone Thugs-n-Harmony rose to stardom. This was a time when music could breathe and be expressed in its true essence. As a fan of music, I can recall the fond memory of the group very well, as my friend tapped me on my shoulder and said, “Put this in your walkman. This is going to be the next biggest rap group in the world!” And it was. I was shocked from Bone Thugs-n-Harmony (BTNH) originality as I sat astounded on the high school gym bleachers bobbing my head up and down repetitively, rewinding the music over and over hoping the bell would never ring for first hour class. Singed to Ruthless Records by Eazy-E in late 1993, the hip hop world was in for a surprise with the soon to be legendary Cleveland, Ohio rap/hip hop group that consisted of Krayzie Bone, Layzie Bone, Bizzy Bone and

Kil Ripkin: Hip Hop’s Best Kept Secret Interviewed and written by Aaron Robinson - Editor When I was young, I would always look to hip hop music for insight and knowledge while growing up in an underprivileged community. I would seek out intellectual artist in hopes to learn about what was going on in their community trying to observe if any situation resembled where I lived. Today, while most hip-hop rappers or MC’s lack the realness in their lyrical content, I still seek to find knowledge and truth in music. One of those music artists are Coney Island born and raised, Kil Ripkin, hip hop’s best kept secret . I had the opportunity to speak with him as he brought the Consciousness Magazine readers words of enlightenment about his music career. “Music has been a part of my life for a very long time. I’m just really being conscious of what I’m putting out there. I like to live life and on occasion I will bring that out in my music,” says Kil Ripkin, a.k.a. The Genereal or Rip t

William L. Johnson  "Conscious of the Moves Taken" Interviewed and written by Hector De La Rosa @11journ_list “Nothing is impressive concerning the entertainment industry,” states the talented Gary, Indiana native and actor William L. Johnson. The musician and filmmaker with an impressive resume and talent speak from the heart. “The entertainment spectrum has a negative influence on our culture. Media contains destructive images that get into our psyche.  It’s unfortunate!” The images processed, “allow us to become the very things we gravitate to.” Largely, the youth “who live in broken households and deprived [communities] fall victim to oppression.” Johnson wishes music, television, and films would be a bit more entertaining providing an educational value. “These mediums are extremely explicit leaving little to no imagination.” As a father who lives a conscious lifestyle realizes, “entertainment [contributes] to societal problems such as the increase in teenage

Fashawn  (Interview) Interviewed and written by Hector De La Rosa @11journ_list If the  Pay Dues  concert were held in Chicago, IL you would drive across town in the blistery cold winter night, right? This is how we ended up at The Abbey Pub venue.  It was not solely the concert that drew our attention.  It was perhaps to hear and enjoy hip-hop headliner MURS lyrically spill his vivid yet abstract storytelling.  Better yet, it was hip-hop artist Fashawn as part of the performance bill that became appealing.  For a young individual whose debut is herald to Nas’  Illmatic  status as classic is phenomenal.  Making it on the  XXL   Magazine ’s Freshman 10 rising stars, performing at  Rock The Bells , to organizing his own festival in his hometown Fresno, California further cemented a liking to his brilliance and artistry.  However, it is his struggles since a youth and how he managed to triumph with greatness that grew enormous interest.  HD: Was it your intentions in crafting

Valarie Pettiford co-starring in  "Love Will Keep Us Together" Interviewed and written by Aaron Robinson - Editor GMC TV, a family channel known for broadcasts uplifting family entertainment will present its 13th original series world premiere stage play “Love Will Keep Us Together.” The comedy stars Valarie Pettiford, Reagan Gomez-Preston, Wesley Jonathon, Cynthia Kaye McWilliams, Rodney Perry and Juhahn Jones. “Love Will Keep Us Together” premiers Saturday, April 20th exclusively on GMC TV at 7, 9 and 11 p.m. ET/PT. I recently had the opportunity to catch up with award-winning triple-threat entertainer Valarie Pettiford, who is playing one of the starring roles in “Love Will Keep Us Together.”Over the years, the veteran actress has appeared in films such as Glitter, Stomp the Yard, and Why Did I Get Married Too. She has also had television roles on “House of Payne” and “Half and Half”. Here is what the diva had to say about her role in the stage play “Love W