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GG’S SPIRIT MUSE OF THE WEEK- Chatel

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“As a woman, you must stand in your convictions, despite the contrary demands of everyone else around you – including loved ones. This has been my struggle, but also a blessing as well. While the world continues to shake you down with it’s own expectations of who/what you are, you somehow begin to find your own balance, with practice of course.”| Chatel 

*Describe your a-ha moment.Late last year I became incredibly ill & within the span of two months, was shuffled from one specialist to the next, though never seemed any closer to finding an answer as to what was causing my body to suddenly fail. At a certain point, I could no longer physically meet the demands of my day-to-day job, was forced to take a medical leave and begin the process of healing. The fact that I had been forced into healing what ailed the many parts of my body, saddend me then, and still saddens me today. I’d failed at nurturing and taking care of both my body & spirit. During this time I called on my Mum to shield others out, cook me food and basically breathe life back into me.

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The a-ha moment came when my Mum prepared a meal that as a child, I’d eaten countless times growing up, but as an adult sitting in my apartment & staring out the window, could not even stomach to smell, let alone eat. During my illness I had several moments where I cried over the helplessness of my situation, but for the first time, cried because I now understood part of what was making me ill was the one thing that had once brought me so much joy. After realizing I had the power to change my health habits, what I ate etc., I no longer felt helpless, tired or drained. I soon regained enough strength to make the choices that mattered most to my overall well being. I hadn’t realized that I’d never fully developed into a woman who understood how to fully nurture her body.

*What’s your best piece of woman-to-woman advice?
Take care of your body. Know your body. Explore your body. Find your rhythm. If you know all this and stand firm in your beliefs, you can’t for one minute be ashamed of how you were created & your purpose.

*What has been your favorite mistake?
Back in college, switching from a school that I understood would make my parents incredibly happy & proud, to a university that would inevitably challenge me, nurture my talents & gifts, all while allowing me the space to make the life choices (& mistakes!) I needed to make as a young woman. The day I decided to leave that school was also the last time I ever set foot on its campus. I left, without looking back – & forged ahead because I really did understand that there was so much more ahead for me to explore. For the first time, I realized that I was in control of my life & sought to explore all avenues that would enable me to grow. Looking back, it couldn’t have been the worst school to start my college experience, but in hindsight I still wouldn’t change a thing. Finding the journey to what it was that I wanted, led me to uncover some of the most remarkable souls who shared with me the most amazing stories and triumphs of their passages in life. I felt blessed to have listened and learned so early on.

*So far, what has been the most challenging aspect of being a woman? 
Blocking out the noise. As I get older, I’m laughing more & more at the idea of what it means to be an adult & how the noise filters never get replaced, they simply get worn down. As a woman, you must stand in your convictions, despite the contrary demands of everyone else around you – including loved ones. This has been my struggle, but also a blessing as well. While the world continues to shake you down with it’s own expectations of who/what you are, you somehow begin to find your own balance, with practice of course. 🙂

*What do you not want us to know?
I have a secret love for RV’s and would LOVE for the chance to live & travel in a tricked out (I’m talking circa Pimp My Ride style) RV or treehouse. I think they are so lovely; cute nooks of all kinds!

*When do you feel most creative? What inspires you?
Lately I get giddy when I’m wrapped up in a cool breeze, eyes closed, toes curled…by the water sitting on a bed of rocks and being still. I feel inexplicably content yet powerful. Nature inspires me because it’s the most intimate connection I have to my spirit

*What does it mean to you to be a soulful beauty?
Soulful beauties live their joy. Their joie de vivre exists beyond all barriers and their simple desire is to be heard, seen and loved. Soulful beauties exist to create meaning in all our lives; both in the simplest and complex of ways. I truly believe that a soul’s beauty is often underexposed, yet remarkably beautiful in its stillness – their purpose to me is just to be it’s most unique and authentic self.

*What is your favorite quote, scripture or affirmation?
“Life will break you, Nobody can protect you from that, and living alone won’t either, for solitude will also break you with it’s yearning. You have to love. You have to feel. It is the reason you are here on earth. You are here to risk your heart. You are here to be swallowed up. And when it happens that you are broken, or betrayed, or left, or hurt, or death brushes near, let yourself sit by an apple tree and listen to the apples falling all around you in heaps, wasting their sweetness. Tell yourself you tasted as many as you could.” – Louis Erdrich, The Painted Drum

Chatel (nickname Chai), 31
Website: backtocurly.com
Twitter: @Chai_Tee
Facebook: Back to Curly

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Dee-1 Calls Raheem DeVaughn To “Purify My Eyes”

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Fresh off his Breakfast Club appearance after having “Lines Drawn” with help from Billboard and successfully migrating From The Hood To Harvard, NOLA native Dee-1 taps Soul singer/songwriter Raheem DeVaughn for “Purify My Eyes.” Continuing his theme of counter-culture centered messaging the timely track, which was produced by Anonymous, urges listeners to replace images of corruption and cynicism with lifegiving content to reprogram our thinking for the better.

“This is easily one the most important songs I have ever done because it provides Hip-Hop with a solution-based perspective meant to combat some of the problems we face as a culture. It’s honest, raw, and transparent. I’ve been friends with Raheem Devaughn for a long time, so to finally collaborate on a song feels great. When I played the record for him, he fell in love with it and instantly added his parts; which took the song to another level,” say’s the David Found His Slingshot author in a exclusive statement to Medium Creative Agency.

Award-winning rapper. educator, host, activist, business owner, and keynote speaker are synonymous with Louisiana’s Dee-1. The Nasir “Nas” Jones Hip Hop Fellow at Harvard University is a Billboard Top 10 charting, game-changing MC with a persona to match his penmanship. He’s transitioned from being a middle school math teacher in The Boot to a Hip-Hop heavyweight with much more to accomplish. He has released 10 albums and 21 projects thus far in his career.

Dee-1’s music is part of a bigger lifestyle movement called Mission Vision, which centers around three core principles: Be Real. Be Righteous. Be Relevant. In 2020, Dee received the prestigious NAACP “Power of Influence Award,” highlighting his community activism and commitment to inspiring the youth. In 2021, he was nominated for an Emmy Award for his work on “The Manhattan Project,” but he lost to Michelle Obama. Later that year, Dee was appointed to the “Louisiana Council for the Success of Black Men and Boys” by Governor John Bel Edwards, making him the first rapper in Louisiana history to become a governor’s appointee.

After addressing critics and fans alike in the official music video for the Danny Beats-produced single for “Lines Drawn” and following his viral interview on Sway In The Morning centered around industry hypocrisy, Emmy-nominated educator turned entertainer Dee-1 released his latest project to date From The Hood To Harvard. The 8-track body of work includes guest features from Skyy Brooks as well as P3RK and is anchored by supporting records “Impostor Syndrome” & “Dr. Freshh.”

Stream “Purify My Eyes” on your DSP of choice below and watch Dee-1‘s interview with The Breakfast Club | HERE.

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Chelsea Pastel Releases Motivative New Single “Price Going Up”

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To celebrate “Greener” pastures, following the announcement of her joining Kid Cudi’s ‘Insano World Tour,’ Cleveland native Chelsea Pastel releases the Cassius G-produced single “Price Going Up.” Marking CP’s explosive entrance into 2024, the empowering anthem resonates with anybody pushing forward with resilience and determination. With infectious beats and powerful vocals, she asserts her presence as a rising star to watch. Setting the stage for an exciting year ahead, the brand-new track is a bold declaration of Chelsea’s unwavering commitment to excellence.

“I jumped off that porch, I’m not going back to that house and I mean just that. I’m never looking back. I took a leap of faith and where I land is where I’m staying,” says the talented triple threat in a press statement to Medium Creative Agency about her latest release.

Born and bred in Forest City, Chelsea found her passion for music early on, which led her to enroll in the Cleveland School of Arts. After graduating, Chelsea begin to make a name for herself throughout the Midwest and beyond. Her unique sonic style, catchy hooks, and lyrical prowess have earned her the title of Cleveland’s Next Up talent.

Apart from accolades, which include spotlight spots regionally on WKYC and Dirty Glove Bastard as well as national recognition on top-tier entertainment networks like BET, Chelsea is a self-taught instrumentalist who often handles her production, writing, and engineering. Her unique brand of ballads can be best classified as a fusion of Rap and Pop with a touch of Rock accented by old-school flavor.

Press play on “Price Going Up” on your DSP of choice below and watch the visual for “Greener” | HERE via Pastel Productions LLC / Vydia.

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Music

Chill Vibes and Sultry Melodies: Exploring iazY’s Latest Release “Pink Leaf”

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Hailing from the vibrant city of Irvine, the rising artist iazY is making waves with her latest single, “Pink Leaf,” released under her own label, iazY Music Ent. This track, produced by The Real Mapa and engineered by Troy “R8dio” Johnson, introduces listeners to iazY’s signature sound—a fusion of Urban pop rock melodies.

iazY shared her motivation behind crafting “Pink Leaf,” revealing, “I just had this vision of just a chill vibe, something for my ladies.” This intention shines through in the song’s laid-back groove and sultry lyrics, creating an irresistible atmosphere that invites listeners to unwind and groove along.

What sets “Pink Leaf” apart for iazY is not only its sound but also the emotions it evokes. She explains, “I think just how the song sounds and how it makes me feel. It just puts me in that ‘have fun chill’ vibe.” With its catchy hooks and lush production, “Pink Leaf” effortlessly captures iazY’s essence as an artist, marking a milestone in her musical journey.

As iazY continues to captivate audiences with her unique blend of genres and infectious energy, fans eagerly anticipate upcoming shows and releases. To stay updated on iazY’s latest endeavors, follow her on Instagram @iazyofficial and keep an ear out for future announcements from iazY Music Ent.

Visit iazyMusic.com

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