Its been a while since we have featured another sexy latina doing their thing on EG Radio's Industry Dime on the Grind, and this month we bring you Universal Latino recording artist Adassa. The girl has been one of the few Latina ladies in this industry who has persevered in this ever struggling music industry while still managing to tour and keep her movement going. This Colombian's beauty’s looks may turn heads, but its Adassa’s vocal mixtures of English and Spanish that push her ahead of her female counterparts. Adassa comes to us from The Girls Entertainment who are an excellent publicity firm in which we work with. Not only has Adassa's videos featured artists such as Pitbull, but Adassa also featured guest appearances from Wayne Wonder, Mach and Daddy, Lennox , Rakim y Ken-Y, and Ecco to name a few.
Be sure to check out her Official MySpace Site, Videos, Photos, and Tracks below and let us know what you think. Also be sure to check her out in South Beach, Miami during the week of Calle Ocho and more up and coming interviews with her on EG Radio Online.
So what does Kim Kardashian have to do with Hip Hop and ExtravaGangsta Radio? Well - maybe she can be featured on our Industry Dime on The Grind section, or perhaps she is just simply the next Socialite Diva to sleep her way to the top. I am still somewhat confused about posting about her but I have to respect her Grind. Aside from the fact that Kim is known for doing a porn tape with Ray Jay (Brandi's Brother), she now has her own Reality Show, and for some reason I always hear her name when I am out at Hip Hop Music Industry events.
She is certainly doing something right as she just made the cover of Playboy Magazine. Since she seems to assimilate with the Hip Hop community as well as the likes of all entertainers and actors in Hollywood, I think she is going to be Hip Hop's next socialite diva joining the ranks of Karine Stephans, Rita Guerrero, Gloria Velez, and several others who slept their way to the top of the Hip Hop Entertainment Biz. Except I think Kim can easily crossover to all other genres with her grind and hustle. Check out the pictures from the December 2007 issue of playboy courtesy of Hip Hop Crunch.Com
Check out this month's Industry on the Grind feature with the young, vibrant, and radiant Latina actress - April Lee Hernandez. April is by far, one of the most successful Latina actresses in the business today. If you don't know her history, she has an extremely positive resume in Hollywood including roles in the critically acclaimed movie "Freedom Writers", the award winning drama series "Law and Order", playing a Nurse Inez on the NBC show "ER", and several appearances on ABC nationally syndicated shows like "Blind Justice" and "Six Degrees". She has also been featured on the popular Latin TV network Mundos' on the popular variety show, "The Roof". To top that off, she has even taken the trip into Brooklyn to show ExtravaGangsta Radio love on the Latinos In America Episode on EG Radio.
This month - Ras, Lynx, and EG Radio get up close and personal with April to learn all about her personal career goals, interests, her faith in Christianity, while she passes advice to all young ladies like herself in this business. Be sure to check April out in the Freedom Writerstrailer as well, in addition to the video clips below.
Name: April Lee Hernandez Hometown: Bronx, NY Relationship Status: Married Ethnicity: Puerto Rican Occupation: Actress
Tell us Anything Interesting About You?
Well I love to workout a little too much but I have always been that way. As you get older fat doesn't seem to burn off the way it use to. Obviously I love to make movies and act in them as well, My husband and I are in the process of making little films well he shoots them I just critique...just kidding. I really enjoy the outdoors if it was up to me I would hike all day then go read some scripts and try to save the world. This year has been an amazing year for me from Freedom Writers to getting married I am really excited to see how the year is going to end.
Favorite Music:
My favorite music would be Christian rock, alternative..Incubus, Red Hot Chilipeppers, Salsa, all kinds of music.
Favorite Food:
My favorite food would have to be hmmm... I'm hungry now....my cousins famous candy yams for thanksgiving...
Favorite Aspect about your Grind?
I enjoy putting projects together and seeing them come to life on screen. I love movies the whole process of making them gets me pretty excited.
What do you dislike the most about the business?
Surprisingly enough I sometimes enjoy the downside of the business like not knowing when the next job is coming or will I ever make it? I know I will and God is right beside me so with him I can only imagine what he has planned for me. I dislike all the sex,drugs and rock and roll because so many actors get caught up in the Hollywood web and never make it back. I know they will always be around but someone needs to help Lindsey and Brit...
What do you feel you can bring to the business that will distinguish you from the rest?
I really want to make more Christian films but with the edge of like a City of God.
Whats your dream job?
My dream role would be to play a revolutionist. Someone who is not afraid to die for what they believe in. Someone who wants to make a change. I would love to work with Mel Gibson he is pretty radical. And for non entertainment to have my own ministry one day and travel the world with this ministry showing people what god is really about. He is actually really cool for those of you who don't know.
Any advice to give to young ladies pursuing their dreams in the Entertainment Business?
My advice is simple never sell yourself short for any project or anyone. If you feel like something is wrong then it most likely - it is. Remember you have to go to sleep with yourself at night.
Check out this months Industry Dime on the Grind - Barbara La Guerrera (The Warrior) as ExtravaGangsta Radio chopped it up with the sexy latina songstress with some serious heat!!
Barbara has been grinding her music nationwide and locally in NYC, quite often always being at the Industry events where she has kicked it with us at ExtravaGangsta Radio. She is a Puerto Rican urban vocalist and songwriter from New York City whose grinding and talent has led her song “Temperature Rise” to getting radio play on Hot 97fm from DJ Funk Master Flex, ExtravaGangsta Radio, as well as other radio stations. Check out an exclusive interview with our lady and download some of her tracks below!! Name: Barbara La Guerrera aka The Warrior
Hometown: Originally from Bedstuy, Brooklyn, but moved to Jamaica, Queens when I was a child.
Relationship Status: I'm taken and head over heals in love ... His name is MUSIC! :)
Occupation: Singer & Songwriter ( so done with these 9 to 5's lol)
Tell us Anything Interesting About You?
Well for some crazy reason a lot of people I've come across thus far assume I'm a "diva aka Bitch". All because I'm an artist and my name is Guerrera lol. It's truly funny & bugs me out. Most of the time when I meet people especially those in the industry, as we are conversing they usually tell me the same thing ..."Your so humble... I was expecting someone totally different." Well so sorry to disappoint ya"ll lol. I' am actually a very down to earth person, like to help those I can, try to be positive, a bit of a clown, love to dance and always with a smile.
Any Hobbies?
Growing up I was a big tom boy and really into sports. Back in the days you would find me at the handball courts singing and distracting the players. Which resulted in my favor because when it was my turn to play, they assumed I was this small little hummingbird with no game. Then to their surprise was hustled for their money lol I was kind of a bad ass, up until I started going to church. Which resulted in me becoming a youth server for a few years, singing in churches and retreats all over NYC.
Besides singing with the youth group I was also performing in different venues and with bands. I could not afford music lessons, so I tried to involve myself in as much as possible to learn and prepare myself, which definitely helped mold me into the person I am today.
Favorite Music:
I love all types of music. As a I child I would go to the library & thru my families collection of music and spend hours every single day listening to blues, r&b, jibaro folk music, salsa, Indian music, reggae and even country. Whatever is sweet to my ears ..I'm listening :) I do not discriminate I love it all!
Favorite Food:
That's a tough one! I'm a thick Gal .... I'm not too picky...just like with my music I love it all! LMFAO. But if I have to pick a Fav... Definitely the food from my little Island Puerto Rico... Just thinking about the different dishes makes my mouth water LOL!
Favorite Aspect about Your Grind?
I'm definitely a "Dime who Grinds" and works hard for her's.. A true Guerrera! There's a lot to my grind I appreciate and I' am very grateful for. There's nothing better then the Good vibes I get off of the public.. "My People (Mi Gente)" when they embrace me & my music. That love and positive energy gives me the fuel to keep going when the road is extremly bumpy. Everyone has gifts to bare ..mines is Music! I can only imagine when I'am signed to a major deal and my voice is heard all over the world :) Even then my grind will never stop!
What do you dislike the most about the business?
The POLITICS! I'm sure everyone has heard that term before. It's definitely a shame, but nothing comes easy. There's too many snakes in this business, but you have to be fearless & fight for what you want. Personally I'm like the Virgin Mary stepping on these serpents heads....so they can keep coming! That's why my people (public) gave me the name Guerrera (Warrior) I'm aggressive & a fighter. There's no doubt in my mind, I will get where I'm destined to be. Only a matter of time! I ain't going nowhere just up baby! :)
What do you feel you can bring to the business that will distinguish you from the rest?
I'm like food seasoning... without it just doesn't taste the same lol. I have a lot of different flavors I bring. For instance, not many people can write & sing r&b over a hard hip hop beat then go caribbean and rock a reggae track, then bust out into a salsa tune. I like to spice things up a bit and use all the musical influences that inspired me growing up in the music that I create. From my experience, I appeal to so many distinctive crowds because I'm unique in that sense. I do it from the heart and so far I've gotten very good responses from the public, artists/musicians, radio etc... :)
If you had a dream job, what would it be?
I'm working on getting my dream "Job" LOL :)
Any advice to give to young ladies pursuing their dreams in the Entertainment Business?
Ladies do not sell your souls to the devil! Love yourself, trust in God above all things, be positive and stay strong. Work hard, grind it out and don't let anything stop you. Nothing is impossible! Always show love to your fellow sisters. We do not have it easy in this field in particular, so let's UNITE and be a strong force! Palante!
This months feature of The Industry Dimes On The Grind features the the sexy, R&B/Hip Hop and Reggaeton Latina Twin sister duo called Mirror Image. These ladies are doing it big in NYC from performing at Shea Stadium and singing the English and Spanish National Anthems in front of a National Audience, to the packed Concerts in Orchard Beach and Prospect Park in NYC, to opening up for some biggest acts in this business like Fat Joe, Juelz Santana, Calle 13. There is no question that these ladies are truly INDUSTRY DIMES on THA GRIND!! Be sure to check out Mirror Image performing live on August 25th, 2007 for the ExtravaGangsta Radio Digital Platinum Party. Check out their web site at http://www.myspace.com/mirrorimagenyc. Also be sure to check out their interview on the Pre-Platinum Party Episode on ExtravaGangsta Radio to debut on August 25th, 2007.
This week's Industry Dime on The Grind features our girl - Latina Female Emcee - Mala Reignz who was also interviewed on ExtravaGangsta Radio not so long ago. Click here to hear her official EG Radio Interview. Mala chops it up with EG Radio to keep us informed of what she has been upto. This young lady is fire with her lyrics and she has been one of the most consistent Latina Emcees I have seen consistently lay it down ever year!! Be sure to visit her site as well and check out what she has been upto below. Name: Mala Reignz...alias: The Prez Hometown: Bronx, NYC Relationship Status: Occupied Occupation: Rap Superstar on the come up
Tell us Anything Interesting About You:
Uhhhhhhhhh I used to be an assistant manager for Nina Sky - yes they really are twins....I don't eat seafood....my favorite shows are Family Guy and Futurama and the Food Network. I make a bangin guacamole. I love tagging my name everywhere...I have a tattoo on my neck of a Ram (Aries Rule by the way...) I hate being bored....and rushed and waiting in line...ummmmmm I wanna be young forever and once I'm done being the next female rap icon, I plan on going into television and movies....and real estate....and the stock market...and fashion...and.....and....and...you get the point.
Favorite Music:
Rap, R&B, Reggae, Oldies, Salsa. I prefer the album cuts over the singles. I like getting to know the artist on a personal level...that's why I put so much of myself in my music, so people can make a connection. No matter what genre, its all about getting to know and relate to the artist and the overall experience..even if its just a beat and the toilet flushing...as long as there's a story line, I'm listening lol.
Favorite Aspect about Your Grind?
Being able to travel and experience new places. Growing up we never had the money for vacations or anything like that so the fact that I'm beginning to travel now is very important to me. Its kinda like my validation...like, HELL YEA I've arrived and now I'm gonna see the world! LOL The freedom to be creative and make a living off of it is a dream that's beginning to really come true...writing, recording and performing and meeting other artists and collaborating...making good music..CRAZY...its all I ever wanted. Describing the feeling you get when you work so hard and get great product back is kinda hard cuz its more than proud...you feel so accomplished and then you're like, oh shit I gotta top this. It's never ending and probably the best part about the grind is there's no limits so you can go as far as you want.
What do you enjoy most about the business?
I like the fact that right now I have a lot of say about what happens in my career. I'm an independent artist so of course, me and my team are on our super grind cuz there's no label backing just yet. If something goes wrong, I have myself to blame but if something goes right...its a celebration bitchezzz ;0D
What do you dislike the most about the business?
The politics. It doesn't really matter what business you're in though, there's always gonna be politics. Unfortunately, a lot of very talented and deserving artists aren't able to get deals because of the politics. Another part of every industry is the dirty side of the business....the bootleggers, dirty ass promoters and middlemen, the half-assed A&R's who don't do their jobs, the corporate people who don't know good music if it slapped them in the face and they're too pussy to take a chance...I hate all of that. I wish it were simpler but money is the route of all evil. I just try to stay positive, vigilant, educated and very careful but mistakes will happen no matter what and I'll come across another snake in a dress. I try to learn and move on.
Contact information:
Myspace is gettin crazy! Just threw up some new pics and my buzz record is up there now too. Hit me up, make a friend request, drop me a note! WWW.MYSPACE.COM/MALAREIGNZ
Check out our exclusive audio interview with Xiomara Medina (An established Latina Singer/Songwriter) with EG Radio at her album release party in Soho on 7/10/2007. Xiomara was born and raised in Puerto Rico where at the age of 6 she was already singing. At the age of 16 she landed a part on Telemundo Televisions "No Te Duermas (Don't Sleep)" comedy show, she was featured in MTV programs such as "Global Grooves", she wrote a smash hit entitled "Sex in New York City" which was featured as the main theme song for HBOs "Sex In The City" series, and now brings you her new CD entitled "Temperatures of My Life". Listen to Ras kick it with Xio about her music, her influences, the grind, her relationships, and much much more!! Check out Xiomara Medinas websites at:
Name: Veronica M. Cruz Hometown: Brooklyn, NY Relationship Status: Married Occupation: Publicist
This month's Industry Dime On The Grind is Veronica Cruz of Brooklyn, New York. Veronica also pronounced to those who know her as "Vee-Ronica" has had several years of experience in the business as a publicist and advocate for several up and coming artists on the grind. She represents artists like reggaeton acts Mas Movement, Latin Hip Hop artist CapiCu, Star Media Group, and many others. Not only has she been interviewed on ExtravaGangsta Radio (Listen to the interview by clicking here), she has most notably been credited for organizing a yearly prison tour that brings the talent of the streets to local prisons in the New York tri-state area. Learn more about Veronica in her official interview with ExtravaGangsta Radio for the "Industry Dime On Da Grind" Series.
Click the Read More link below or click here to open a new browser page.
Tell us Anything Interesting About You:
Let me start by introducing myself, I am a publicist from Brooklyn, representing various artists. I recently organized a Hip Hop performance; organized for the prisoners of Arthur Kill State Correctional Facility in Staten Island. My company's name is Vronica Publicists. We are a independent company, where emerging artists are firmly placed on the forefront of the entertainment scene.
What do you have popping in 2007?
I am organizing a prison tour with my artists in the coming months. We will be hitting up with shows at 5 correctional facilities in New York during the months of September through October 2007. Its a big movement happening and would love to share this experience and watch how we inspire others who are looking to do the right thing when released. One of our main goals is to educate prisoners who are soon to be released back into our society on how to become intricate and positive members of our communities. During the tour we are going to touch on subject matters such as continued education, workforce preparations, housing assistance programs, personal growth, and spiritual awareness. We feel these to be the major factors that will be faced by them once released. Having a fundamental knowledge of these topics plus a support system will be the difference between succeeding and achieving personal plus social acceptance or failure and the consequences that arise from failure such as reoccurring imprisonment or even death. We will have representatives from different companies that deal with these subjects to inform the inmates as well as artists performances to attract their attention and given them a positive enteratiment experience.
What do you enjoy doing when your not on THE GRIND?
On the little free time I have I like to watch flicks, documentaries, enjoy cooking (yes, I cook and very good too), and of course taking my babies (chichis) to the park Nena and Jay-Jay. I am a dog lover and they are my life. I also enjoy time with my husband Jason (yes he is in prison so what!!!!!!!), we always have a great time together, we are joking, and pulling pranks on people, like lil kids always trying to make the best out of the situation.
Favorite Music: EVERYTHING!! Especially the music of my clients.
Favorite Aspect about Your Grind? What do you enjoy most about the music business?
My favorite aspect about my grind I am a go getter, I never stop, in fact when I had my foot surgery I was out there in crutches hopping and getting work done. What I enjoy most about the biz is when I accomplish getting my client's shows, bookings, and contracts. It feels good to know that I was apart of that arising artist success.
What do you dislike the most about the business?
Everything has its up and downs, but I love it all .. Even when you have the two facing and the people who try to get you off track. What doesn't kill you only makes me stronger and wiser in what I do... I love it all !!......but if there was one negative thing, I could say it is the lack of sleep at times.
Where can people reach for any of your services or to hollar at you?
