His gift of visualizing and artistically documenting the surreal was evident very early on. He began illustrating his own original comic book series in the 7th grade entitled "Flave". The buzz from this gore-filled sexually overt comic began to spread like wildfire until it eventually caught the attention of four other like minded artists. This group of young artists collaborated to then produce a comic called "Renegades", (which was loosely based on themselves and garnered newspaper exposure.)

In recent years, Duke has continued to grow and evolve in his career as an artist. He has done exclusive artwork for 50 Cent, Young Hot Rod of G-Unit, acclaimed hip hop director/photographer Jonathan Mannion, and the incomparable Star & Bucwild. With a devoted group of supporters worldwide, along with one of the coolest monikers in the past decade, "The Black Dali"... Duke Lantern is determined to "make art culture pop culture."

WEBSITE: http://www.dukelanternart.com

BLOG: www.jabuclothingfashion.blogspot.com
MYSPACE: www.myspace.com/jabuclothingco

THE ANNUAL 2009 ESSENCE OF EBONY SUMMER FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA

Hosted by: Antonique Smith

Her style, her charisma, and talent surpass many in her generation. She allows her thoughts to flow freely, as she pours her heart out onto her tablet creating masterpieces. She gives her audience what they need as well as what they desire. She's the truth of hip hop and she's in a class all her own. As a matter of fact, she instructs the class.
J (not Jay) has been a lover of music since she was a small child growing up in a small town of Georgia. She respected and nurtured that love until it blossomed into a bond, which is truly unbreakable.
J is not only a hip hop artist. This young woman is the CEO of her own label, Use Of Force Entertainment, a phenomenal producer, an exquisite songwriter, and a talented musician. J's many talents allow her to take her listeners on a musical journey like no other.
With her first single, "Queen", J schools the ladies on how to step up, take charge, and control their own destiny. "Queen" represents today's strong woman. Once the ladies hear J's powerful lyrics, they will no longer ask to be respected, they will go out and demand it. Her peers, simply, define it as a woman's anthem.
With J's current single, "Rockstar", she wants you to know the true definition of swagger. "Rockstar" definitely catches anyone's attention with its banging rock-influenced sound and unforgettable lyrics. With this track, J lets you know that material things don't give you swagger. Swagger is a state of mind built on courage, confidence, and charm.
People from all walks of life are drawn to this young woman like a moth to a flame. She has been featured in several online publications, such as Indy Hip Hop World, The Culturtainment Experience, and HHH Magazine. She has also been interviewed by some of the hottest online radio stations, such as That's My Word with Mari Torres, Boss Ladi Radio with Toya Anitri, and Triple Platinum Underground Radio with Tripp.
J is certainly a force to be reckoned with. And when you pop in her brand new EP, Breath of Fresh Air, you will find out why. She keeps it 100% real. There is nothing sugar coated. This lady is definitely taking hip hop to the next level. The BEST level. Make way, because the Queen has spoken and she has come to claim her throne.

TWITTER: www.twitter.com/useofforceent
MYSPACE: www.myspace.com/useofforceentertainment

ALLOYIUS MCILWAINE, CLOTHING DESIGNER AND ARTIST

Email: culturesclothing@gmail.com
Model Mayhem: www.modelmayhem.com/culturesclothing
Myspace: www.myspace.com/pharoahe214
Facebook: Alloyius Mcilwaine

photography by Jaleel King

When you think of Talent, combined with creativity, entrepreneurship and an undeniable love and passion for music. This 21 year old young man is a great example of the outcome of all these elements combined.

Philip Ajalon Michael Tinsley, known simply as “Ajalon”, was born November 26 and raised in New York City. At the age of thirteen Ajalon discovered his talent to rhyme and put words together in ways many others could not, but that was just the beginning of his creative talents. Ajalon always had a passion and gift for music since his Godfather enrolled him in music school and he began playing the drums in church by the age of five. Ajalon eventually turned his idea of producing his own music into a reality with the help of his Godfather who was his inspiration and bought him his first sync. Keyboard, along with his mothers motivation for success he was able to teach himself to create his first beat by the age of fourteen. Ajalon began to then write and produce songs for himself and the youth choir at his church. Unfortunately, his Godfather was murdered in 2006, but Ajalon kept his faith as he was taught and beat all the challenges and obstacles that came his way never looking back even after falling victim to the streets at the age of fifteen having to be sent away from his family. When he returned he was a much smarter and stronger young man ready to take hold of his future.

Ajalon is no stranger to the concept “if no one will do it for you, you must do it yourself”. This multi-talented music producer, songwriter and recording artist engineers and perfects his craft from his studio at home. In 2006 he started his own production company called P DOT Productions and in that same year he also directed, edited, and wrote his first short independent film entitled “The Set Up” which led him to direct and edit his own music videos.

Ajalon's amazing stage presence and dynamic energetic performances has him building a buzz and creating a fanbase wherever he goes. Ajalon is prepared to make his mark in the music industry to set him apart from other independent artists and producers and he has the drive and the creative talent to make him stand out. He is a strong believer that hard work, faith in God and non-stop determination will allow him to reach his desired level of success.

CONTACT INFO
For booking, send all emails (serious inquires only) to: info@ajalononline.com

WEBSITES
Official: http://www.whoisajalon.com/
Myspace: www.myspace.com/ajalonmusic
Twitter: http://twitter.com/the_real_ajalon

(click on photo below to listen "My Girlfriend" on Imeem)

(click on mixtape cover to download J.Brice mixtape)