Chrisette Michele, Nick Cannon AND Rasheeda & Kirk All TAKE OVER "KONTROL" COVERS

Published

11 years ago

February 22, 2013

Despite landing the cover of KONTROL Magazine, Chrisette Michele had a rough week that included a trip to the hospital. Find out what happened inside and see her, Nick Cannon plus "LAHH ATL" stars Rasheeda and Kirk on their own covers of KONTROL.

In the March/April issue of KONTROL, Chrisette Michele commands the cover and uses the interview to establish her independence as an artist. She talks about how she felt once she realized the industry was stripping away her individuality and how she reclaimed herself. She said,

“My weakest moment in my musical career came when I almost decided to leave the industry completely because I didn’t know that I could say no and do things on my own. I relied on the ‘experts’ to tell me what I needed and I thought maybe I wasn’t strong enough to say no.”

Though Chrisette was able to find her inner voice and take KONTROL, one thing she couldn’t control her appendix. She was forced to cancel an appearance in NY’s Times Square this week following a hospital visit to treat a ruptured appendix. OUCH. Fortunately, she’s okay now.

Following a speedy recovery, she’ll join Keyshia Cole on the Woman to Woman Tour starting on March 28 in Westbury, New York where she’ll also promote her upcoming album Better (April 30th).

Watch BTS footage here:

Chrisette’s shoot was captured by Allen Cooley, styled by Julian Lark with additional styling by Zamar Lewis and Jae’ Dumas.

And…..

Nick Cannon also landed his own KONTROL cover for the March/April issue. Inside the mag, he opens up about his marriage to Mariah Carey as well as his health concerns regarding his kidneys. And he gives sweet fatherly advice to his kiddies. Here are the highlights:

Nick’s take on fashion

“I believe fashion is all about making a statement. Whenever you put something on as long as it’s saying something…You play with colors and textures it’s all about really just making that statement.” And when the topic of designers comes up? Cannon says without hesitation, “Right now I’d have to go with Tom Ford. The fact that he kind of goes over the top but still knows how to keep it classy.”

His advice for Roc and Roe

Roe: “If you respect yourself, [men] will respect you. As soon as you give away your dignity, whatever you believe that to be, that’s when people will start to treat you as such.

Roc: “Go hard! Simple. Whatever it is. Just don’t be mediocre at anything. Anything you try, try to be the best you can possible be.”

For Nick’s cover, he was shot by Jonavennci Divad and styled by Julian Lark.

The Chrisette/Nick covers are available March 4th at Barnes & Noble.

And for the digital issue…

KONTROL landed Rasheeda and Kirk of "LAHH ATL".

Inside the issue, they discuss filming the new season and what it’s like to work together as a husband and wife.

Check the couple out in the mag’s Digital Issue #5 ”THE LOVERS ISSUE.” Rasheeda may not be our cup-o-tea rap wise, but she’s freaking gorgeous.

Photos via KONTROL

Interview

Behind the Music: Creating KOKOmotion

Published

2 hours ago

April 25, 2024

TGR Media

The world of music is a melting pot of cultures, sounds, and stories. In this exclusive interview with Shah Cypha on “On The Grynd Live,” we get an inside look at KOKO, an artist whose journey from Finland to New York City exemplifies the grind and passion that drive the music industry. KOKO’s story is one of diversity, self-empowerment, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams.A Blend of Cultures: KOKO’s International Soundscape

KOKO’s music is a testament to her international background. Hailing from Finland and spending part of her life in Brussels, Belgium, she brings a blend of Northern European sophistication and Middle European jazz and funk to her music. It’s this eclectic mix that sets her apart, making her sound a breath of fresh air in the New York scene.

KOKO mentions her fondness for the jazz and funk she experienced in Brussels, stating, “I definitely have like funk elements in my music, especially from the time when we lived in Brussels, because we went to see like a lot of jazz, for example, at all times.” This richness in artistry isn’t just serendipitous; it’s intentional and a core part of who she is as an artist.

The New York City Metamorphosis

Moving to the epicenter of varied artistic expression, New York City, KOKO continued to evolve her craft. It’s here that she found the latitude to further her studies in sound engineering and delve deeper into the music world. Attending SAE Institute of Technology was a decision that would shape her future, immersing her in a community that lives and breathes sound.

Yet, it isn’t just about the music for KOKO. It’s about being “in motion,” as she refers to her debut LP, aptly titled “Coco Motion.” This project encapsulates her experiences and growth during her time in the States. Each song represents a timestamp, chronicling her evolution from an international student to a New York artist. “It’s like a timeline, almost like how my journey has been here,” she reflects.

The Beacon of Self-love and Empowerment

Amid the beats and melodies, there’s an underlying narrative in KOKO’s music: the importance of self-love and empowerment. These are not just themes but the lifeblood of her creative expression. KOKO is on a mission to inspire, guide, and remind listeners of their inherent worth and capacity for love.

She doesn’t shy away from her advocacy for mental health, recognizing its significance in today’s society. For KOKO, music is a medium for healing and spiritual growth. “My sound is conscious pop,” she says, signaling the reflective quality of her songs and their purpose to resonate on a deeper level with her audience.

As we recap the indelible impression KOKO has made in her interview with Shah Cypha, it’s clear that her trajectory is not simply one of personal ambition but also of universal resonance. Her music, imbued with both her Finnish and Brussels-influenced roots, has found a nurturing home in New York City, blossoming into a soundtrack of self-development and positive vibrations. With a firm stance on female empowerment and mental health, KOKO’s presence in the industry goes beyond entertainment; it’s a catalyst for transformation and healing. Her upcoming LP, “KOKOmotion,” is set to ripple through the collective consciousness, reminding us all to stay in perpetual movement toward our highest selves.

Audio

Cincinnati native Big Lotion drops his new single “Green A Go”

Published

3 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Nancy B

Cincinnati native Big Lotion drops his new single titled “Green A Go.” Listen below via Spotify or on any music platform. You can also follow him on IG.

Artist

Derek2ILL Slays In “Magic Box” Ft. Biggz x Zero 610

Published

1 day ago

April 24, 2024

MJ HipHop

Derek2Ill is busting out the hinges of a “Magic Box.” The new single, presented by Digital Dynasty Music Group features Biggz and comes with production by Zero 610. Listeners will get minutes of in-your-face bars that will keep whack rappers on the sidelines. Classic cuts and scratches heighten the duo’s performance and message. Stream “Magic Box” and connect with the Bethlehem artist below.