She informed me that she would be busy through-out the weekend and that we should speak that following week. I think I played her message about 20 times, before I said to myself, "Enough already!"

Ms. Sharp is a part of my childhood, musically. My mother was a huge fan and I knew her music probably before I could count.

In the 1960's, Ms. Sharp was our first teen idol of color when she recorded, "Mash Potato Time".

The dance clubs were playing her hits, "Happy Bout The Whole Thing", "Share My Love", "Breaking and Entering", and "Easy Money".

But for music buffs, like myself, we already knew, there's no one who can take the place or replace, this extremely talented gifted beautiful and humble lady.

I'm honored that she would take the time to "chit chat" with me.

Ladies and Gentlemen, introducing the legend, Ms. Dee Dee Sharp.

Dee Dee: Well thank you, thank you so much.

John: Before I start asking the questions, I would like to say that you've been a part of my life, all of my life through music. My mother was a huge fan of yours.

Dee Dee: Really? (I could hear the smile in her voice)

John: You were a part of my mother's generation and then you came back out in the 80's with "Happy Bout The Whole Thing", that's my generation.

Dee Dee: You know I wrote that song.

John: Really? (Now it was my time to say it. For the most part I'm usually up on who wrote what.)

Dee Dee: On the song credit is D. Gamble.

John: Wow, I didn't realize that, I think its such a great song. I even play it now.

Dee Dee: I am really and truly "Happy Bout the Whole Thing". (we both laughed)

John: How old were you when you realized that you were gifted with a voice to sing?

Dee Dee: Mmm, I think the earliest recollection I have was when I was four years old.

John: Did you just get up and start singing?

Dee Dee: No, my mother, she would always encourage me and when I got older, my grandmother and my grandfather encouraged me.  They were always encouraging me, my grandfather was really an important part in my life. He was a minister and I loved him, my grandfather's been gone since 1967 and I still love him.

John: Well you know that love doesn't die.

Dee Dee: My grandfather started me playing piano when I was nine. And I took piano lessons at age 21. My mother's parents were really the driving force behind me.

John: When you were born, your given name was Dione LaRue,

Dee Dee: Yeah, but I don't use it. (laughed)

John: It sounds like a movie star/actress name.

Dee Dee: You know when they (the record company) were trying to think of a name for me, they said that my real name sounded like a French stripper, but it was my God giving name, my father is…. I have a Caucasian father and my mother was Afro American. (Dee Dee's father named her after the Dionne Quadruplets)

John: I thought your name choices were interesting, because of the Warwick sisters, Dionne and Dee Dee.

Dee Dee: I spoke to Dionne a few weeks ago. (Just two girlfriends catching up.)

John: So how did you become Dee Dee Sharp?

Dee Dee: I sing in d-sharp.

John: I thought that, but I said, "No." (We laughed again)

Dee Dee: I sing in the key of "d -sharp", I'm a contralto, so I can sing highs and lows too, it's a cross between tenor, alto and a soprano.

John: I know you can sing the soprano.

Dee Dee: Yeah God blessed me with a good range.

Dee Dee: I've got one brother and I love him dearly. My mother and my grandparents, taught us to always look out for one another, take care of each other. And you can not get between us (she and her brother) We live 25 minutes from each other.

John: Where were you born?

Dee Dee: In Philadelphia.

John: There's a lot of talent in Philadelphia PA.

Dee Dee: Yeah there is.

John: I remember reading years ago that one of your favorite singers is Shirley Bassey, which I found interesting because the both of you have beautiful powerful unique voices, if it were possible would you consider doing a duet with her?

And if so, what song, if written, would you like to do?

Dee Dee: (Ms. Sharp pulsed for a second, before answering the question)
It would have to be a song recorded by Nancy Wilson that was written by Gamble and Huff. 

She sang it on an album that Gamble & Huff produced, called, "Now I'm A Woman". I was fortunate to sing background on that album, with her.

John: Really? I didn't know that. I have to re-listen to that album, its like if you know who sang on the album then you can point out the voice singing in the background. (Ms. Dee agreed)

John: Your hit song "Mash Potato Time", what was that feeling like, to first hear it on the radio?

Dee Dee: Strange.

John: Was it? Did you scream?

Dee Dee: No, I didn't scream, I started laughing. The song was really funny to me, coming from a religious background, you have to understand that we didn't listen to that stuff, we listened to Mahalia Jackson, Clara Ward, James Cleveland and other artist of the day.

When I got introduced to that (rock and roll music) it was from Clara Ward's sister, Willa Ward, that's how I started in the record business.

John: You were also a part of Dick Clark's "Caravan of Stars" tour, where you traveled around the country, during that time, in the 1960's, did you experience racism? And if so, how did you deal with it?

Dee Dee: I did not know anything about racism. My mom thought I was crazy, because I did not accept anything other than what I wanted to, if I put my mind to do something, that's the way it was going to be. I just didn't think about the racism. I knew it was going on but the only time that I experienced that it was going on, was when we went to Jackson, Mississippi, on the Caravan of Stars tour, I was the only girl on that tour, my mother always traveled with me during that time period.

The KKK had the white hoods on and started to throw stones and sticks at the bus. That was the first time that I had experienced anything like that. There were white entertainers on the bus, like Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, the Isley Brothers were there, it was a really big tour. I never got over that and I never went back to Jackson, Mississippi! (We both laughed)

John: Your hits, "Mash Potato Time", "Gravy" and "Do the Bird", it is fair to say that you were the dancing Queen of that time?

Dee Dee: (She laughed) I can't dance. My brother could dance his hips off, but I can't dance. My brother taught me how to fake it. I still can't dance, I can play piano and I can tap foot it and sing.

John: Oh, ok. I was about to ask you how you get started.

Dee Dee: There was an ad in the newspaper, (wanted) singers who can play piano and sing well and also sight read music. Sight reading is the art of not having any music around and being able to sing the notes true. Since I had studied piano, I knew how to do that.

(Ms. Sharp shared how she overheard the conversation her father and grandparents were having about her mother who had been in a car accident.

She wasn't sure about her future.) So I told my grandmother I'm going to get a job to help out the family. She said, "Ok baby" . She never ever discouraged me, she always encouraged me. 

I answered that ad and I told them, "don't look no more I'm the one that you want". (laughing) The interviewer thought, this kid's got real strength". I got the job and I start singing.

John: That's magical, to get a job that quick.

Dee Dee: Yes it was. But you know what? Anytime the Lord is ready for something to happen, it happens quickly, it happens suddenly, it's not sudden but it appears to be suddenly.

John: Yes, when the Lord wants it to happen that's when it happens, even though to us, it may appear to have happened quick.

Dee Dee: Yeah, it happens in God's time.

John: But you were doing the "Mash Potato".

Dee Dee: No, I fake it. (Laughing) I still can't dance but I'm known as the dance Queen but I still can't dance a lick.

John: One of my personal favorite songs written by is you, "Make It Till Tomorrow", I understand that you were in your teens when you wrote this song, what inspired you to write such a beautiful song?

Dee Dee: I wrote it for my grandmother. My grandmother would always say, "If I can make it till tomorrow." And that's why I wrote it, as a tribute to her. Really I wrote that song when I was 16, 17, and I didn't take it out till we were doing the album. ("Happy Bout The Whole Thing")

John: You've recorded with Chubby Checker, Bunny Sigler and Jerry Butler and Ben E. King, out of the four, who was your favorite singing partner?

Dee Dee: Jerry Butler. He produced the "Dee Dee" CD for me. We've been friends for over 40 years. And his wife, Annette Butler, Jerry's wife, she's my buddy.

John: What male entertainer would you like to perform with, that you haven't worked with?

Dee Dee: There a couple, Jeffrey Osborne, Michael McDonald, Musiq-Soul-Child and Maxwell. I love that new Maxwell song. And also Eric Benet. (Then Ms. Dee Dee began to sing Maxwell's song, inside I'm thinking, I can't believe this! Perfect pitch, sounds wonderful and she's singing it for me!)

John: What female singer would you like to perform with?

Dee Dee: Beyonce, Mary J. Blige and Jill Scott.

John: When you're listening to music, who do you listen to?

Dee Dee: Everybody.

John: Before a performance, how do you prepare?

Dee Dee: I sit to myself, drink some hot tea, and just ask God for guidance and strength. That's the only thing I do, is sit quietly or stand quietly and then I pray before I hit the floor. (Go on stage)

John: Do you listen to your own recordings?

Dee Dee: No. (laughing) Because when listening to your own music, you always feel that you could have done it better.

John: I love the way you sing ballads, "Trying To Get That Feeling Again", "Flashback"…

Dee Dee: I love ballads, when I go on stage to sing , sometimes I do, "Going Out of My Head, by Little Anthony ,a totally different way, everybody seems to enjoy it, I got a standing ovation this past weekend.

Also, "Will You Love Me Tomorrow", I sing a different way than the original, I saw the movie, "Beautiful", the lady who sings it at the end of the film, sings it just like I do.

John: When you recorded "I'm Not In Love" and "Ooh Child" did you know that these two songs would be considered your signature songs?

Dee Dee: I did not realize it then, not when I recorded them. I was just singing them from my heart. I also played (the piano) the intro. (Then she sang the intro to "Ooh Child", much to my delight.)

John: On the up-tempo songs like, "Happy Bout The Whole Thing", "Share My Love" & "Breaking and Entering", the listener can feel and hear the joy within the music, it's like you were ready to have church. (We both laughed)

Dee Dee: That's what it felt like when I was recording them too. (laughing at the memory)

John: Many times what happens "live" for an artist, can not be copied or produced in the recording studio. How do you make this transcend onto record?

Dee Dee: I don't really think about it, I just do it. When you ask God to help you, you never know what He's going to do. You can have an idea of what you want to do, but you never know what God's going to bless you with. That's why I just leave it up to Him. By myself I can't do anything, but through Him, through Christ, I can do all things and that's what I believe.

John: Mentioning church, will you ever do a gospel CD?

Dee Dee: Yes, I'm doing one now. I started it last summer, then I was working. I received an award, a plaque on the Walk of Fame in Philadelphia, that was really fun. Then a couple weeks after my brother became ill. I haven't touch anything musically since then but I'm looking forward to going back into the studio.

John: Will distribution be done through you?

Dee Dee: Yes, definitely, the distribution will be through J.C. Power Inc.

John: If I'm correct, you've been a recording artist for over 4 decades.

Dee Dee: I think so.

John: Imagine, "Dee Dee Sharp Live" on Broadway and on CD. A live recording where you would sing all of your music, you would have dancers doing the Mash Potatoes and other dances at the time of the recorded song. You could also give the audience some history behind the song and also share who you were during that time in your life. Is there a possibility that something like this is in your musical future?

John: Your story is not a hard luck story, it's unique. Will the gospel CD be recorded live or in the studio?

Dee Dee: In the studio.

John: Who were your idols as a child?

Dee Dee: Clara Ward, Mahalia Jackson.

John: Clara Ward and the Ward Singers, I can remember when I was a kid, they gave you a performance, they were like Ike and Tina Turner. (laughing)

Dee Dee: Yes indeed. They were good. They gave you fever, honey! They were the first artist to go into the nightclubs, they were in Vegas when Diana Ross was still in diapers. (laughing)

John: Will you ever write your life-story?

Dee Dee: No. I don't think so. I've been through so much. I can only inspire others. (She explained that in writing such a thing would & could hurt individuals from her past. Plus she's moved on, by God's grace.)

John: If your life were to be made into a movie, which actress would you like to play you?

Dee Dee: Halle Berry. (We both laughed, it was almost like she was reading my mind. We had connected wonderfully. She would answer the question before I asked it. Her grandfather told her that she had the "gift", perhaps psychic.)

A special note to Anita Baker and Mary J. Blige, Ms Dee Dee Sharp has written a song for each of you.

John: Are you happy?

Dee Dee: Yes, I'm very happy. I am blessed

Dee Dee: Stay true to yourself.

John: What word do you hate?

Dee Dee: I don't hate anything, I may dislike stuff but I don't hate anything.

John: What's your favorite word?

Dee Dee: Praise the Lord!

John: Do you cook? And if so, what's your favorite dish to prepare?

Dee Dee: Fried Spare Ribs with potato salad and spinach (and Ms. Sharp gave me the recipe)

John: How do you relax?

Dee Dee: I kick back and watch television or read. (Some of her favorite shows are all of the "Law & Orders and CSI's. It would be wonderful if she could appear on one of them.)

John: I understand that there's a documentary called "The Strange World of Northern Soul". In the documentary you are singing a song called, "What Kind of Lady?" Has this song been released here in the states?

Dee Dee: We only pressed about 2000. I have to do some more (press copies), they sold quickly in Europe, I didn't have time to put a photo on it.

John: What would your fans be surprised to know about you?

Dee Dee: That I cook. (laugh)

Dee Dee: I just thank God for it. I'm grateful that someone's listening after all these years.

John: For your up and coming concerts and appearances, do you have a website with this information?

Dee Dee: Call agent, Jeannie Sorenson @ 248 681-6187 (The schedule was not available at the time of this interview.)

If by chance, Ms. Dee Dee Sharp is performing in your city, don't walk, run to purchase your ticket. Experience the magic of Ms. Dee Dee Sharp.

For Dee Dee Sharp music, T-shirts, Sweat shirts, note books and other Dee Dee Sharp items go to:

Dee Dee Sharp.com   It's About Music.com

John: First of all, I would like to say, I love your music. Thank you for taking the time to be interviewed by GBMNews. You have such an unique and soulful sound, who were some of your inspirations, who inspired you as a child?

Greg: Thanks to you as well. My beginnings in music originate in my early childhood, having been only indirectly related to what I am doing today. 

I have had a versatile music experience which began with classical music and went on with rock, jazz, pop and nowadays r&b and soul. 

Being a guitar player originally, my childhood was marked by guitar music; guitar players like Al Di Meola, Steve Vai, Scott Henderson, John McLaughlin, etc…

John: How old were you when you discovered that you had/have your musical gift?

Greg: I was six. I can still see the scene when I saw someone playing the guitar. I knew right then that I would become a musician.

John: You are the complete package, you sing, you write, you are a producer and you just happen to have movie-star looks, if you had a crystal ball, where do you see yourself in about 5 years?

Greg: Thank you. I can see my future somewhere in a big studio, creating new world hits with other top musicians.

John: A lot of performers also dance, like Usher, Justin Timberlake, can you, do you dance?

Greg: No, I can't dance, neither did I ever imagine myself as a dancer. But I really admire the entertainers who master this art.

John: R&B recording artist R. Kelly likes to record after 12:00 midnight, while other artist like to record during the day, like a 9 to 5 gig. What is your ideal time to record or to go into the studio and why?

Greg: Well, I also do most of the work at night till the early morning hours. I feel that there is the most chemistry in the air at that time.

John: What is your fan base in regard to your musical audience? Is it the teenyboppers, the young adults, or an older crowd? Is it gay or straight? Black or White? And why?

Greg: I wish to create music which would attract a wide circle of audience. As I possess a wide spectrum of musical knowledge, I will try to make my songs surprising in the sense that they will be stylistically versatile. In this way I expect to keep a wide scope of audience. I have a lot of ideas that I have not yet brought to life.

John: Stevie Wonder, among others have influenced you. Who would be your ideal person to work/record/perform with?

Greg: Yes.Stevie Wonder is a Wonder indeed. He is a musical wonder and his creations cannot be described by words. His talent is immeasurable. He is everything. I would mostly like to cooperate with top quality r&b performers who are also successful and who have already left their mark with the music industry. Their names are too numerous to be mentioned here.

John: You are a married man, do you find it difficult to manage a musical career and at the same time, devote time to your personal life?

Greg: Yes, this is very difficult. Not many musicians manage to combine these two sides of life. I believe that my wife and I have succeeded in combining them.

John: What is your favorite food?

Greg: Pizza, McDonalds (he's smiling, it's like you can feel his inner child)

John: What is your favorite color?

Greg: Blue.

John: What is your favorite sound?

Greg: (Smiling again) Great R&B music.

John: What's your favorite word?

Greg: Success.

John: What word do you hate?

Greg: Industry.

John: What I like about your music is that its current, at the same time it has the old school flavor and lastly you don't sound like anyone else. Do you write all of your own music?

Greg: Thank you. Yes, I write all my own music. In the music broadcast on the radio I really miss the "real songs". I understand that the music of today is concentrated primarily on "beat", but it should not lose its musicality for this reason. 

In spite of what is being manufactured by music industry nowadays, I believe in good music. I also believe that only good songs can become real hits, so I will carry on with my philosophy and hope for the best.

John: Have you been to the United States?

Greg: Yes. I have been to Los Angeles, where I visited Grammy-awarded writers and producers, "The Underdogs". They heard my creations which brought about our meeting.

John: Now-a-days, many singing artist are being discovered on "My Space" like Grammy Award Winner, Adele. I noticed that your music can be purchased on your "my space" page, are you hoping that you might be discovered much like Adele? Or are you going in a different direction, career-wise?

Greg: Considering the fact that I come from Slovenia, a small country in the middle of Europe where R&B music is not esteemed, "my space" is at the moment a very useful tool for me. But I am also active in other ways. I have made the acquaintance of many people in the world music industry and I cooperate with them directly.

John: Have you met any famous recording artist? If so, who? What was that experience like?

Greg: In the course of my career I have met an enormous number of top quality producers, writers and performers, and I have also cooperated with them. With many of them their personal and musical greatness can be noticed.

John: Even though you are married, our readers, gay and straight may want to fantasize about you, so here's my shocker question, do you sleep in the nude?

Greg: (Smiling) No.

John: Can you cook? If so, what's your favorite food to prepare?

Greg: I don't really cook but I would like to learn when I get older.

John: Are you a pet lover? Do you have any pets?

Greg: I like pets but at the moment I don't really have time to take proper care of them. That's why I don't have any right now.

John: To your fans and new fans what message do you have for them?

Greg: Everybody who loves what I do, please spread out the word and buy my CD when it comes out. That's the best way to support the artist. Visit me also at www.myspace.com/soulgregmusic. Thank you all.

John: When the audience leaves your concert, what is it that you want them to take away with them?

Greg: They have to been impressed when they leave a concert. If they are not, the performer hasn't done his thing.

John: What would your fans be surprised to know about you?

Greg:: That I am very shy.

John: What part of the industry do you dislike?

Greg: Being that I am primarily an artist and I don't feel I could be a businessman, I must admit that music industry represents nothing but the necessary next step in my career. This industry means a lot of drawbacks for many musicians. 

When one really enters into it, one realizes how impersonal and how ruthless it is. A musician must bear in mind that he or she is just another number or just another product for the ones who will want to sell him/her. Nothing else.

John: And what do you enjoy most about being an entertainer?

Greg: What I enjoy most is creating new songs and making people feel good with my vibes.

John: For concert dates, where can this information be found?

Greg: At the moment I am concentrating on making an album, so I am not planning any concerts. Thank you for your comments and your questions, John.

John: And thank you Mr. SoulGreg. This interview was my pleasure.

Dear Reader, please check out his "my space" website, his music is out the hook, in order words, his music is Grammy material. 

To learn more about SoulGreg go to:

SoulGreg Music  

I have a feeling that we are going to be hearing a lot from this gifted artist and when we do, you can say that you read about him on "Chit Chat".

I could not have imagined how easy she is to love and luckily I don't have to. Now I love and adore her for the gifted human being she is.

The gardens are world famous and it's always a pleasure to be with Julie in her most comfortable place on earth.

Julie: I guess it's like finding oil. It just flows up… towards you and then it gets in your face. It kind of oozes… into your consciousness and at some point you grab a pencil and a paper… and keep it by your bed and start taking notes.

Alan: That's how you started?

Julie: Now I've gotten to the point where I have an editor because I have to get better. I have to improve for my sake. The heartland is there, the juice for the writing, the ideas. I'm a good picture maker with words. I'm also good in bringing to life through description.

Alan: Is that a natural talent for you?

Julie: I think it helps being an actress where you 'phys-i-cal-ize' the words to the point where you know you've reached an audience. You want reaction and that's what we all feed off of, not just admiration anymore, but reaction, how to move people. There it is. So writing is essentially telling our own story. I know why I write! Most people live to eat and I write to know.

Alan: That reminds me of the beautiful Christmas card you sent last year.

Alan: The message is so powerful. (It's the age of magnificent progress. See it. Feel it. Be it.) You are always such an inspiration. I took the card and cut it in half so you can see the photo and the message and I matted and framed it.

Julie: You did!?!

Alan: I keep it right by the front door so I see it every time I leave the house. It's just so powerful.

Julie: Oh my goodness. Thanks….until next Christmas! (Laughing) Thanks for the encouragement my dear friend.

Alan: I believe you met Dita Von Teese and Ava Garter at that last party. You know they love you! They adore you beyond belief. Ava said she was cat woman for several years in a row because of you.

Julie: I'm the Halloween kid.

Julie: Excellent. It's the way life should be for those of us who are out there among the antiques surviving.

Alan: One of the things you have written about is aging gracefully. Is that something that you feel a calling for?

Julie: You bet! You better be. You just notice it, where we are. We notice how important it is to do the right thing. All the things our parents taught us, and if they didn't teach us, it is three times as hard to learn. If you are not doing the right thing you won't make it long after the age of fifty. I guarantee you if you are not doing the right thing.

Alan: I agree.

Julie: A lot of that is not, me first. It's not… I'm the greatest. Do the right thing. Then the power within you becomes tangible and you can draw on it.

Alan: If I am hearing you correctly you are saying that with every year on earth one becomes more spiritually aware.

Julie: Usually that's how it happens because you are not running the four minute mile. You are not breaking records physically so you begin to notice that what you are predominantly is much bigger than physical. Your ideal when you die, and you don't die, based on what I said…if you have been listening.

Julie: I'm going to lift off. Let's put it that way. The sheer joy of happiness, you did it right, everything has been fun…I'm smiling. I am happy…blessed dreams…and I am in a different space. No hospitals, no drugs…we aspire to that. That is a good goal for your finale of finales. It keeps you on the path, if you know what I mean.

Alan: Do you feel like a spiritual leader?

Julie: I'm not a spiritual leader. I am a spiritual being. I respond to you as the spiritual you. It's the person I'd rather play with. I'm not going to compete with you or anyone else. I'm not even going to compete with myself. I'd lose.

All you can hope to do in life is know that tomorrow is better "somewhere." Why repeat what you've already done anyway and "listen." I like your questions. They are very interesting.

Alan: Thank you. I'd like to know what it feels like at seventy-five to look back over your accomplishments. Do they have the same meaning they have always had or do they have less meaning…or more?

Julie: Good question. The answer is yes, they have more meaning because there is a 'buoyancy' that these accomplishments give my life today, at this moment. Sure I failed at times and boy did I learn fast not to make the same mistakes again.

Julie: The answer that is clearest to me is that in a garden I was always happiest with my father.

Alan: Does your garden remind you of your father?

Julie: Any garden reminds me of my father because he built the three story house we lived in. It was built on a hill towards Los Feliz. It looked out over the entire city of Los Angeles. You could even see the Pacific Ocean. We watched Bel Air burning. It was an inspiring place to grow up.

Alan: I find it interesting that you say the garden reminds you of your father. Wasn't he the more cut and dry personality? Wasn't your mother the more nurturing?

Julie: Mother was more companionate. Dad was always, 'Get up and do this!' He was a football coach. That's why I still have a straight spine. I do not slump. Do not put me in a C-shaped chair.

Julie: I would put plants on balconies when I traveled and stayed in Hotels. I would grow anything anywhere. I love to touch these things that God made. Every leaf is different. Every flower is different, all the colors and the combinations and the 'this and that.' You get down in the grass and you see the stuff that's growing at the low level. My goodness is that something to behold! I can't get enough of what grows on this earth. So what I do here is assemble it. We go to all the nurseries and we find out what's new.

Alan: Do you spend a lot of time going to nurseries?

Julie: Not anymore. I've got someone far more talented than I who knows all the Latin names way beyond me in experience and intelligence. Now I'm the one who is on the lucky side. This really is one of the most beautiful gardens in all of California. Let's brag a bit. For its size, it's probably the most beautiful garden. It's always beautiful here. There is always something blooming. Every morning I go out and see something new.

One of my homie's hit me up wit tis new supposedly the real "Souljah Boy". from Cleveland, Ohio. I went to his site and the sh*t is wrack. He got one song named "I Said" (ain't nobody wit f*cking me, I said ain't nobody f*cking wit me). 

The next song, "deal wit a fool", he using the "n" word, and like he givin out welfare government cheese. I do some cussin myself, but I aint callin folk the "n" word. Minds me of workin in the fields, pickin cotton.

"Real" has 77959 hits on his my space page. Wassup with tha? Are my brothers crazy? I know my sistah's thinking like me. 

The days of being a hood rat is over. Aint no brotha gonna put me down, no matter how big the bling.

No radio play for tis brotha but I bet he make a mill. Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Eminem, Dj Jazzy Jeff, DMX, Snoop Dogg, Jay Z, Method Man and other rap royalty are considered his friends. Scary.

His CD is comin out soon and he did a Blockbuster movie. I told my bro, you better try to stay out of jail, otherwise, you might meet the real Souljah Boy. Wonder what the other Soulja Boy is saying about this?

She enjoys stimulating activity and conversation, new ideas, free-spirited ventures & individuals that can expand her knowledge.

Mae likes to surround herself with people that have a sense of humor, witty, spontaneous, sociable, genuine, honest, caring, sensitive to the needs of others', comfortable with who they are, have something smart and interesting to say.

When we spoke, I found the diva to be above all, just a fun personality. She's beautiful, smart & sexy. It was a pleasure to "chit chat" with her.

Mae: A personal friend of mine, Julian Fantechi, writes for Examiner.com, he is the NY Personal Training Examiner and Former Playgirl Man of the Year (LOL) and over dinner suggested that I write for them, he said I would be great in expressing and sharing my views since I have such a passion about food and eating, so here I am. We are collaborating on an article, hope everyone will like it.

John: When you enter a restaurant, what are the things that come to your attention?

Mae: How they greet you, if the tables are filled, the lighting, cleanliness, and the acoustics.

John: How important is the atmosphere (in a restaurant)?

Mae: Very important, it sets the mood and enhances the meal and dining experience.

John: With the economy being in its current situation, are people still going out to eat?

Mae: Yes, but I have noticed a decline, many restaurants are offering Happy Hours and 2 for 1 specials that have never before.

John: Since GBMNews is a gay publication, I understand you were seen eating at "Lips", a LGBT restaurant, that has live entertainment. 1 star meaning the worse, and 4 stars meaning the best, how would you rate the food?

Mae: I was pleasantly surprised. I would rate it about 2.5 stars

John: And how was the live entertainment at "Lips"?

Mae: Over the top, fun, and totally scandalous …

John: You are based in NYC, will you broaden your scope and visit restaurants around the country?

Mae: If the opportunity arises, I would absolutely consider it. I have upcoming travel plans to Las Vegas, San Diego and Spain.

Mae: I love cooking ethnic foods with depth, backbone, lots of bold flavors - my favorite meal to prepare would be Pernil (Roast Pork) with Arroz con Gandules.

John: Since you are an excellent food and host, would you consider opening your own restaurant?

Mae: Absolutely.

John: What foods do you dislike?

Mae: Goat cheese and other pungent strong cheeses.

John: What advice would you give new restaurant owners?

Mae: Keep the menu interesting and the dishes consistent in taste.

It was a pleasure interviewing Ms. Mae Kwan. And thank her for letting us know where we should dine. The wonderful thing about this interview is that Ms. Kwan will continue to share her findings on "Chit Chat". Girlfriend will let you know what's hot and what's not, in the restaurant/dining world. Who knows she might be visiting your city.

Where should I eat here? Perhaps Ms. Kwan has an answer for you, click HERE

Mediterranean food is found within the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea and vary from region to region. The countries of Morocco, Egypt, Italy, Spain, Syria and Greece all owe their prosperity to their seafarers who followed the trade routes to the Far East and beyond.

Morocco is known for its use of dried fruits, while Egypt offers (fava bean porridge), eaten as a standard breakfast meal, made with fava beans stewed with ground coriander, cumin, garlic, lemon, and topped with hard-cooked egg, cilantro and olive oil.

A favorite dish in Syria is cold yogurt soup. Greek cuisine boasts octopus salad as a specialty - just to name a few.

Olive oil is a common staple. Olive trees are found throughout Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Turkey and other Mediterranean countries. Seafood is very prominent in many dishes and used throughout the all regions. Olive oil is believed to promote longevity. 21 countries border on the Mediterranean Sea. Eastern Mediterranean dishes typically consist of grilled meats, breads, hummus, and falafel (fried balls made with fava beans, chickpeas and spices).

The Mediterranean Diet is a heart-healthy eating plan combining elements many of Mediterranean-style cooking. Obviously, eating habits of the Mediterranean people have been influenced by a number of ancient world powers.

From the Phoenicians to Alexander the Great, the Arabs to the Romans, the Turks to the Venetians - just about everyone has thrown something into the international melting pot that is Mediterranean cuisine.

Here at Café Noir, you will find an array of Mediterranean choices centering on Spanish, French and Moroccan, remember to pick your poison, whether it is the overflowing ceramic pitchers of Sangria, the Mojitos or the Caipirinhas be sure to try the seafood paella, Serrano ham and manchego, gambas al ajillo, the grilled calamari and the cous cous royale amongst other mouth-watering items on the menu.

When the warm weather hits, the bar area tend to overflow onto the street. They leave their front doors open and the crowds tend to gather and chat at the windows. There is always a neighborhood vibe about that, people mingling and interacting, flowing and all-encompassing and can become quite the Soho scene.

Although this has been an institution for many years, I will say this, it has been a "hit or miss" in terms of service - at times it is outstanding and at times not so great. If you can deal with that, then this institution is worth a visit ...

Café Noir
32 Grand Street
New York, NY10013
212-431-7910

Visiting NYC and wondering where to eat? Perhaps Ms. Kwan has an answer for you? Ms. Kwan reviews are not limited to NYC as she's well traveled and could be in your city. Looking for somewhere to eat or something different to cook? Stop by Mae's page.

One blogger he mentioned in his article was Darian Aaron, the creator of the incredibly informative, entertaining and crucial blog, Living Out Loud with Darian.

Anyone who reads Darian's blog is fully aware that while his blog does focus on the issues that are closest to those in the Black community, he, by no means, excludes the points of view of those outside of the community.

While there are a handful of gay bloggers, like Jasmyne Cannick, who are notoriously unfriendly to outsiders, by and large, this is not the case with most Black gay bloggers.

However, the Black gay point of view has long been excluded from countless gay blogs. Not a single person within the so-called mainstream gay community so much as lifted finger or a voice to challenge-or to examine-that deeply curious practice. It was viewed as the status quo and as a non-issue.

I am not a religious person by any stretch of the imagination, but when I hear this new criticism of Black gay bloggers, what immediately comes to mind is from the book of Luke, verse 6:41:

But why lookest thou on the mote which is in the eye of thy brother, but perceivest not the beam which is in thine own eye?

What the critics have conveniently ignored is the fact that the gay community-and now I mean the gay community as an organized, visible force wielding whatever social and political power they have to influence the course of things in the country-has presented itself as a largely White and largely (upper) middle-class machine that is interested in, almost exclusively, the issues most pressing to its largely White, largely (upper) middle-class constituency. It has, heretofore, disregarded or dismissed as "fringe" the concerns of those outside of this narrow group.

Black gays have been excluded from gay places of business. The gay community has even gone as far as to mock Blacks in blatantly racist terms and defend the racism as something other than what it is.

So in the midst of this hostility and invisibility, Black gays have felt it necessary to form their own communities, to create centers of friendship, love and healing meant to undo the damage done in the larger gay culture, as well as address the issues that larger culture refuses to even place on the table for discussion.

The critics of this movement charge that Black gay bloggers are, in effect, guilty of the same exclusionary crimes of which the larger gay community is guilty; that the actions of Black gay bloggers only exacerbates the overall problems of racism, classism and segregation in the gay community. I find the critics to be operating on very childlike terms, with very simplistic tools.

They ignore what even the blind can see: When one is turned away from shelter, one must find shelter where one can. Certainly, one could be persistent. One could continue knocking at the door and beg for one's place at the table, but where is the dignity in that-especially when one has the skills to create one's own table?

Furthermore, critics claim that these Black gay blogs render White gay blogs invisible; remove them from the discourse. What I would like to know is how that is possible-not just as a matter of common sense or philosophy, but as a matter of physics: How can hundreds of Black gay blogs render thousands upon thousands of White gay blogs invisible (particularly when many of the White gay bloggers have a stranglehold on media and resources)?

I do not believe that Whites are not being permitted a voice in the discourse; they are not being rendered invisible or being excluded. Here is what I believe to be the source of the hysteria: All people with power panic when their formerly powerless denizens prove themselves resourceful and embark on a quest of self-determination. It does not matter to the people with power that they have created both the cause and the effect of the revolution.

Their goal is simply to quell it by any means necessary because they fear that they might lose something if they do not. Privilege-and in this instance I am speaking of White privilege-is an affliction that robs its hosts of both objectivity and a sense of fairness, attributes which are crucial to this discussion.

First is the idea that there is something inherently wrong, in the sea of blogs that cater specifically and exclusively to the White gay point of view, with having blogs that cater specifically to the Black gay point of view.

At the expense of being accused of exaggeration, I must say that the NAACP was created precisely because there was Jim Crow and the KKK. Eliminate Jim Crow and the KKK (and the mindset that imagines such monstrous institutions) and you eliminate the need for an NAACP. The logic does not work the other way around.

Second is the way in which the White gay community chooses, when it deigns, to "include" Blacks.

It is not as intellectuals, not as equals, not as brothers and sisters in the struggle. It is as objects meant to satiate curiosity and desire; often, the Black man himself is rendered invisible while his private parts are magnified.

And the truth of the matter is that we did not erect this partition. It was the White gay movement that constructed it and refused our calls for entry and unity; that relegated Black gays and Black gay concerns to the most remote edges of the territory. That Blacks have built castles on those edges is only sensible.

And if the desire is, now, for Black gays to tear down those castles and join in rebuilding something that everyone, Black and White, can live in, I believe Blacks are generally a forgiving people and would be agreeable to that end. But justice demands that the walls and castles Whites have built should already be torn down and laid to waste (and I do not believe that they are).

Nothing can be built jointly a moment sooner than that.

He is currently working on his first novel, The Book of Samuel.

He resides with his partner in Brooklyn, NY.

In a video posted on the media-sharing site, You Tube, rapper/actor Bow Wow (aka Shad Morris) attempts to answer the question: "Are you homophobic?" You see, in a previous interview, Bow Wow recounted a story in which he needed a haircut and asked his staff to find a barber.

When the barber eventually showed up, Bow Wow refused to allow the man to cut his hair because Bow Wow perceived that the barber might be gay.

In the latest video, Bow Wow tries to defend himself by saying that he's not even sure what the word "homophobic" means, nor does he grasp the proper response to the question.

He goes on to indicate that he knows gay people and are aware that there are many of "them" in the entertainment industry. BUT-and this but is almost as big as his homeboy Omarion's-Bow Wow also indicates that he's a "man," and so it's only natural that he has an aversion to being touched by someone who might be gay.

The reason why I call this a teachable moment is because there are some interesting things at work in Bow Wow's response. For some reason whatever ailment afflicts America at large, its grip is almost always firmer in the black community.

'm certain there are some detailed studies out there that look at this phenomenon and present very cogent explanations for why this might be so.

But if I had to hazard a guess based on my own observations, I would say that it might have something to do with the place black people, for the most part, inhabit in American society: Blacks, for a great deal of the history of this country, have found themselves designated as the object by which (through direct opposition) Whiteness is defined.

Whatever it was determined that whiteness was (intelligent, wealthy, privileged, clean, educated, manly, womanly, humanly, Godly, etc), blackness was not.

Whites could only experience their imaginary superiority by enforcing blacks' imaginary inferiority. Thus, a society was created and institutions were established to actively excluded blacks and actively denigrated them.

They were not always successful (the most insidious power of oppression is in its surreptitious effects on the oppressed). As a result, many blacks internalized this fictitious deficiency and behaved as though the lie was the truth; more than behaved, they believed it.

So whatever it was that the whites possessed, blacks coveted (the sole exception being intellectual endeavors since the power cultivated there is neither vicious nor immediate)-whether for ill or for good-believing that only by imitating and eventually becoming more like whites could they ever be deemed civilized (no matter how dehumanizing the civilization process).

One of the most dangerous things blacks coveted from whites was their notion of manhood. For whites, masculinity rested in the loins of pirates and cowboys; soldiers and hunters, raiders and frontiersmen; and eventually, outlaws of any kind: Really, anyone who wielded a weapon of destruction; who conquered at the slightest whim; who took what did not belong to him; who raped and murdered and pillaged and plundered as he pleased; who was invincible and immortal; in other words: Jehovah.

These things had nothing to do with manhood whatsoever and everything to do with defining what it meant to be a monster. But blacks (blinded by their avarice) and whites (blinded by their hubris) could not see that.

If the worst thing a white person could be was black, then the worst thing a man could be was a woman. So imagine their shock at witnessing something they could not have been imagined (or did, but repressed): The wretched homosexual man (the only true wretched thing was the degenerate mind that regarded him as such).

Not only did this homosexual man willingly (or so it seemed) dispense with his masculine birthright, but he sometimes assumed (or so it seemed) the position of the female: Some of them walked like her, talked like her, dressed like her, and most appallingly, had sex like her. And if that were not enough, he presented yet another challenge: He represented the potential of any man (or so it seemed) to be likewise afflicted.

It did not matter that one's homosexuality was as intrinsic to one's being as one's eye color or skin color. It did not matter that one could not be forced to be a homosexual (unless one was raped; and this fear reveals the heterosexual mind: He would gladly rape a woman if he could get away with it; so why wouldn't the homosexual gladly rape him?).

It did not matter because now the men were blinded by their panic and their horror gave birth to homophobia. Like the black man, the homosexual did not escape the imperative. Placed within him, too, was a monumental hatred of self. And so it was written.

And this is the toxin-one of, literally, biblical proportions-that has been passed down from generation to generation for centuries. This is America's chief pastime, product and export; its claim to fame, its gold ring and ivory tower; its joy, its pain, and its repetition.

It is what has infected the blood of men who believe themselves both reasonable and pious, but are, in fact, neither. It is, as I said earlier, expressed with even greater degree in the black community because blacks hunger doubly for whatever single thing whites possess.

It is from this double-wide cesspool that Bow Wow speaks; a victim as much as he is, himself, victimizer.

In his limited imagination, like in the woefully limited imaginations of his forefathers, his manhood (a disguise for monstrosity) is so fragile-indeed so paper-thin-as to be vexed by the mere touch of a homosexual.

Part of the reason this pestilence endures is because so few are willing to challenge it; so few have the courage, the fortitude, the requisite steel to stand before an audience that desires nothing more and nothing less than their bodies swinging from trees, or atop pyres, or tied to cinder blocks at the bottom of the ocean.

So few are willing to share their larger, grander, more inclusive vision, and I understand the reticence; there is an enormous price to pay for such honesty.

Yet, I feel compelled to write this, to announce my truth, to stand up, to confront, to dispel, to correct, to challenge, to instruct, to teach every misguided poltroon who has ever waged war against me from the safety of their multitudes, behind their shields of foolishness, with their ever-shrinking gods. Even as they raise their swords, which, with time, have grown dull, I shall come out and, with my hand on their shoulders, proclaim: I love you.

And I'm a man.

This movie has many twist and turns, which captures the viewer. Each one is beautiful, smart, educated and successful. However the drama unfolds as its soon discovered that each one has a secret. To reveal the secrets would give away the movie.

According to the bio: "Truth Hall" is the winner of multiple awards including the International Black Film Festival's Audience Choice Award, the International Black Film Festival's Best Feature Award, San Diego Black Film Festival's Best Comedy Award, among others.

There was a "Special Screening" at Atlanta Pride, Los Angeles Pride, the Dinah Shore Weekend and for a Vegas-based lesbian organization.

Personally, I didn't find this film to be a comedy on any level. Yes, of course, there are moments when you laugh, cry and smile, as the film deals with real life situations.

Overall it's a great movie to see, perhaps with your girlfriends, gay and/or straight. I'm not sure that the straight men will enjoy this flick but the gay guys definitely will.

Ms. Jade Jenise Dixon, the director, writer, actor and executive producer has been called the female Spike Lee and Tyler Perry. She's in great company but this gifted beautiful lady of color is doing it her own way. The word "unique" comes to mind.

This film has been received well and has captured the gay and straight audience. In 2008, Ms. Dixon was nominated at the Pan African Film and Arts Festival for "Best Director -First Feature Film".

For more information, visit  Truth Hall The Movie

I saw the movie and it's wonderful to watch this genius of a man at work.

Unfortunately, it comes too late but the magic of Michael Jackson will live forever.

The Jackson sister looks beautiful, but I imagine most working girls do not have the exclusive luxury of such materials. As for the interview it's suppose to be honest and that's why we love Janet.

Those who are a little older will be able to recall when it was rumored that Mr. Davis and Mr. Jackson were more than just friends. Years later, Mr. Davis claims to have gay friends but does not approve of the lifestyle, since he's become a minister.

As for Ms. Moore, and we love her, she's just completed a new CD with soulsinger, Phil Perry. This product has some old school soulful cuts, like Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's, "You're All I Need To Get By".

Will it get radio play here in the USA? Probably not, one of the repeated phases is, "come inside me.", which doesn't leave much to the imagination. Sean Tillman, his real name reminds one of porn star, Ron Jeremy, who's famous for his big….. The dark lady on the CD cover, female, transsexual or transgender is beautiful.

A very close friend of mine asked me to check out huge international recording star, Xavier Naidoo.

I went to YouTube. Vocally he has a very nice soulful passionate voice that has a R&B flavor. According to his bio, he was born in Mannheim, Germany and is of Tamil Indian South African descent. His songs are sang in German and occasionally he will sing in English.

Most of his lyrics show his Christian side, which I found impressive. He recorded his first English singing CD in 1998, called, "Seeing Is Believing". I've never heard of this CD, unfortunately I believe most of America has never heard of this talented, handsome young brother.

Perhaps he will record a second English speaking CD and will have a better marketing team to promote him. In the meantime, check him out on YouTube, even if you don't speak German, he has a nice voice and is very nice "eye candy" too. After a listen, let me know what you think.

They asked that we, the media, respect their privacy. At the time of this printing, I pray that the R&B crooner, who made the girls scream (and some of the men) will be back home recovering.

What's up with that? Also the Michael Jackson movie is coming to your theaters around the end of October 2009. 90% of the proceeds are going to mother, Katherine Jackson and Michael's three children. LaToya Jackson said to be joining United Kingdom's "Dancing With The Stars" and Jermaine Jackson said to have been writing a "tell all" book at the time of his brother's passing. Jermaine was quoted as saying that his brother had a drinking problem and like gay men, he was afraid of women. Of course, the Jackson camp will not confirm the rumors.

Oh, before I forget, the Jackson's are doing a reality series, when shown on Entertainment Tonight, Tito Jackson said that Jermaine will probably want to sing the lead and all the other parts. It should be interesting, hopefully they don't make a fool out of themselves.

Who's the baby mama and the sex of the child?

The former Mrs. Usher, I'm sure will be milking her new celebrity, perhaps she has a book deal in the works. Usher should have listened to his mother.

I wonder what's the real 411. Perhaps we should try to find the winner, said to replace Left-Eye. What's her name again? And by the way, Chilli of TLC will have a reality show, where she's looking for love. Perhaps someone should tell Usher?

The CD is perfect as it has great lyrics and is radio friendly. It's not R&B, very pop. The CD was released on August 25th. Check it out for yourself.

As recording singer and writer, Bill Withers, sang, "The Same Love That Made You Laugh, Made You Cry".

Also give a listen to the 9 club mixes of the title of the CD and song, it's a must, especially if you're into club and house music.

This offering has Akon, Chris Willis, Kid Cudi, Ne-Yo, Estelle, Will. I. Am, and Wynter. The club and gay kids will love it.

Such colorful language for the " Saturday night/Sunday morning" church boy. When in prison, he and the other inmates were forced to wear "pink" "T" shirts instead of the classic white. This stopped the stealing of "T" shirts. I wonder why?

I feel that both Chris and Rihanna should be on probation, especially if its true that she was the one to throw the first blow. Chris Brown is trying to restarting his promising career, as he claims to have loved, lost and learned. Perhaps he can "lead by example", a quote from " Chit Chat's" Dear Omar columnist.

According to her bio: Every so often, a musical soul emerges from the underground with the inescapable talent; artistry and charisma that marks the arrival a gathering storm. Pink Elephant is the Stax Records debut from N'dambi, a songwriter with emotional purpose and rare honesty.

The striking vocalist, pianist and composer from Dallas, Texas, known for her signature afro and fiery style, possesses the intuitive perception and powerful creativity that ensures an essential contribution to modern R&B and soul. Need I say, more? Check her out at her website: N'dambi

And those who followed were En Vogue, Al Green, Ne-Yo, Robin Thick, Teena Marie and Charlie Wilson who thought it was cute to chew gum while the camera's were rolling.

Maybe its me, but I find it extremely tacky. I can recall seeing L.L Cool J. and the late Marvin Gaye, to name a few, do this, and trust me, there's nothing sexy about someone chewing gum like a cow eating grass.

The first time I heard and seen this interesting group was on the Wendy Williams show. And you know what? I like them. Lead singer, Shoniwa according to her bio: "versatile vocals have seen her compared to everyone from Deborah Harry and Kate Bush to Billie Holiday and Diana Ross". That's a tall order. You can "You Tube", check them out for yourself.

That's it for the music corner.