To most people, Ryan Spicer was a typical seventeen-year-old, Cleveland native, who attended St. Ignatius High School.  However, over the past few months, he has caused quite a buzz that is starting to give him recognition around the city. Spicer had a realization that he wasn’t contributing enough to his peers, and after much thought and research, he came up with the idea of organizing a benefit concert.  He planned on donating all of the proceeds to various foundations, and the concert was going to be called RapCure.  When it came time to select a cause to donate to,  Spicer knew he wanted the proceeds to go towards ‘ The Woo Who Foundation‘ and ‘The National Multiple Sclerosis Society’.  When I spoke to Ryan, he said, “My two best friends mothers died of cancer, and my grandmother has MS. While searching for a unique service activity to join or create I thought of them.”  Many months later, Spicer has now created a unique event where he can have fun with all of his friends while giving back to good causes.  The support of his friends and family has allowed RapCure to grow into a bigger event than Spicer could’ve imagined.  You can expect to see one of the hottest concerts of the year, this Friday night.  Mark Spicer’s words: it’s going to be crazy!

Check out Ryan’s top picks by each performer attending RapCure:

1. Luvi- ‘Stay Out’

2.  Rak Smith- ‘Where I’ve Been’

3. Chip Tha Ripper- ‘Catch Da Beat’

4. Shwayze- ‘High Together’

Tickets are now on sale at all NEXT locations- $30 plus tax for general admission, $50 plus tax for VIP.  Gates open @ 5PM- first act goes on @ 6:30PM.  For more information check out RapCure’s official website, here.

We decided to get inside of the super star’s head and give our readers a taste of what to expect at the meet and greet with Chip on Thursday, at the Akron store. I had the honor of sitting down and asking him few questions:

1. What’s it like now, returning to Cleveland, after you’ve moved out to California?

::: Being in Cleveland always feels good. It feels like the old TV show “Cheers”. It’s all love for the most part.

2. What are your earliest musical memories from your childhood?

::: Earliest memories: Going to club “Möda” waiting for DJ Chicago to play my jams. Then goin HAM when he’d finally spin em. Lol. Those were the days.

3. How do you gain inspiration for new music?

::: I gain inspiration for new music by just living & observing life. The small things are the things that make us. The small things that ppl can relate to no matter what age, color or culture.

4. Aside from Cleveland, what is your favorite city, and why do you love it so much?

::: Aside from Cleveland, California is the best place I’ve ever been, and I’ve been almost everywhere on earth. Weed is legal, weather is great and it’s just beautiful. Malibu is unreal.

5. When it comes to fashion, what’s your go to style?

::: All black. Favorite denim is Dior. I love their cut. Louis Vuitton of course. Nothing too crazy. Jordan’s. Maison Martin Margiela’s.

6. Since ‘The Cudi Life Tour’, you have really started branding yourself as a musician. Looking back on the past year, how has your life changed?

::: Every year things get better. Fans want to hear good stuff. According to feedback, people are starting to realize that my music is not only fresh, but my views are new & innovative. I always try to out-do my last work. It’s a gift & a curse.

7. What can we expect to see from Chip this summer?

::: This Summer hopefully Chip will be the go-to guy for flawless jams. As I listen to mainstream rap, I hear music that is good but not as good as some of my overlooked material. I’d rather be on the rise then at my peak though. Chuch.

Come see Chip @ NEXT Akron on Thursday, April 26th from 4-6 PM. In the mean time, download the newest project, “Tell Ya Friends“. See you, Thursday!

Think you have what it takes to be a model?  Think your Next’s flyest customer?  Submit your flyest pic to NextCleveland@gmail.com for your chance to win a $100 Next giftcard and an appearance in our next video shoot. One picture only please.  More details below…

Photo Cred: http://nextwd.com/street-art-3/

Photo Cred: http://www.shefinds.com/2012/nicki-minaj-for-opi-is-here-shop-colors-like-super-bass-and-pink-friday-now/

Niciki Minaj‘s collection for OPI encompasses her vivacious personality, daring lyrics, and quirky style.  Although the product hit stores in January, I just encountered it, on Friday, at Dino Palmeri Salon & Spa at LaPlace in Beachwood.

Obviously, I couldn’t make it out the door without buying ‘Save Me‘.

He goes by the name FAME and with his mixtape dropping this Summer, it’s time for the world to get familiar with him.  His mixtape titled Freshman Year: Class of 2012 features the unique rap style of FAME mixed with vocals from Cleveland singer LyricstheSinger.  I got the opportunity to ask FAME a few questions and here’s what he had to say…

1.) How would you best describe your rap style?

FAME: My style is diverse. It’s like a blend of underground battle rap with a mainstream twist.

2.) What was the worst job you ever had?

FAME: The worst job I had was working as a cashier at a grocery store.

3) What inspires your music?

FAME: I’m inspired by almost anything. Mostly my life: past, present and future.

4.) What makes you different than other rappers in the game?

FAME: I’m different in many ways. The main reason would be my bravery and my talent.

5.) What is the best month of the year and why?

FAME: The best month would be July! Not only is it my birth month but my mixtape is dropping in mid July!! Freshman Year: Class of 2012.

6.) What’s the significance of the title of your mixtape?

FAME: Lyrics and I wanted something that was not only fresh and new but a name that confirmed exactly what we are: the rookies, the underdogs.  It’s our turn now.

7.) If you could tell the world one message, what would it be?

FAME: To follow your dreams.  It’s cliche but it’s real. Never let the next person determine your future.

8.) What’s the best kept secret about Cleveland?

FAME: FAME! I’m the best kept secret by far!

9.) What famous person, dead or alive, would you love to do a track with?

FAME: I can’t think of just one but I’ll say Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, Lauryn Hill and Jazmine Sullivan.

10.) What can we expect from your mixtape?

FAME: It’s something for everybody.  Songs about love, the highs and lows of relationships.  It’s something for the streets and we got club bangers.  Our mixtape is like a movie.

11.) What is a guilty pleasure of yours?

FAME: Shopping. If I’m not in the studio making magic, I’m out spending money.

12.) How did you get the name FAME?

FAME: FAME is actually an acronym for Fashion, Art, Music and Entertainment.

13.) What is your favorite place to travel to and why?

FAME: I love Atlanta but New York has to be my favorite.

14.) What is one thing you would like to achieve before you leave this earth?

FAME: Before I leave, I just want to inspire somebody. I want to be a walking example of a dream coming true.

15.) What can we expect from FAME in the future?

FAME: Expect new music, a lot more collaborations and crazy live shows.

For more on FAME and LYRICStheSINGER, follow them on twitter at @F_U2 and @LyricstheSinger. Also look out for their mixtape Freshman Year: Class of 2012 dropping on July 11. Make sure you cop it.

1.)  What is your favorite Michael Jackson song?

KAREN VAUGHN: WOW! I don’t think I have just one. But I do rock out to “Enjoy Yourself” by Jacksons. It’s one of my favorites because of the feel good message. Whenever I hear it, I smile instantly. My family calls it our Disney song because before every Disney vacation we play “Enjoy Yourself” as we arrive on Disney property. For us, it sets the tone of our vacation. Yes, corny but so much fun to sing it at the top of our lungs!

2.)  What do you appreciate most about your parents, being a parent yourself?

VAUGHN: When I think of my parents I get emotional because they have done so much for me. I appreciate how they ALWAYS put me first and gave me the best life a child could ask for. Their unconditional love and support is the foundation to everything I have been able to accompolish personally and professionally.

3.)  What is the best concert that you have been to and where was it?

VAUGHN: This is a hard one too! I’ve seen many concert yet the one that sticks out is the New Edition “All For Love Tour” in 1987. On the bill was The Force MD’s, Cherrelle, and New Edition. I rocked out the entire time….so much so I saw them in Connecticut and at Madison Square Garden in NYC.  Also the Fresh Fest Tour—Now that was a non-stop party. Hip-Hop music was emerging as a force in music at the time. The tour was a movement of music and lifestyle. RUN-DMC, Whodini, LL Cool Jay performed. It was dope! Word!  Another great concert was Janet Jackson’s “Velvet Rope” tour. Janet was AMAZING. It’s another tour I checked out twice. Once in Baltimore and Washington, DC.

4.)  What is the best month of the year and why?

VAUGHN: July! Summer is in full swing and I can spark up the grill everyday. My grilled Szechwan chicken and citrus ginger salmon are the best. 

5.)  What is the most important lesson you have learned from your career in radio?

VAUGHN:  Network, Network, Network.  Take constructive criticism positively. Reinvent yourself continuously.  Leave your personal situations at the door; you have an audience to entertain!

6.)  If you could tell the world one message, what would it be?

VAUGHN: Don’t sweat the small stuff!!

7.)  What’s the best kept secret about Cleveland?     

VAUGHN:  The Green Tavern on 4th Street. Marsha Ambrousius introduced me to the eatery after seeing them featured on Food TV. They use all natural and organic products.  You have to try their Lamb Burgers. They are awesome!

8.)  What famous person, dead or alive, would you love to spend one day with?

  VAUGHN:  Oprah, Bill Cosby, and Martin Luther King, Jr.

9.)  What has been the most fulfilling experience of your life?  

VAUGHN:  The birth of my son. He brings me joy everyday!!!

10.)  What is the definition of “The Working Diva?”

VAUGHN:  A Superwoman; multi-tasking goddess. A go-getter, trend-setter, problem solving guru. A woman with the understanding talent to juggle life, work and family and still look fabulous.  One day while passing a spa, I really wanted a massage.  Work was really working me and I needed a break! At this moment I thought, there must be other women that need a day of pampering. I went home, put together a contest proposal to help women indulge in “me time.”  Needless to say, the contest was a hit.  Since then, the Working Divas theme has blossomed into a lifestyle of women that live an awesome life full of love, balance, family, children, career, sister-friends and yes…fashion.

11.)  What is a guilty pleasure of yours?

VAUGHN:  The spa! Who doesn’t love to be pampered from head to toe while sipping on green tea! Matter of fact…I’m making an appointment right now. 

12.)  What 5 albums could you never go without?

VAUGHN: Jill Scott: Words and Sounds Volume 1, RUN-DMC: Raise Hell, George Howard: Personal, Michael Jackson: Off The Wall, and Salt N Pepa: Vicious.  BONUS: The SOS Band: The Sands Of Time

13.)  What is your favorite place to travel to and why?

VAUGHN: I love Miami and Key West. I lived in Miami for 10 years and loved the energy, weather and looking at the ocean every day!

 14.)  What is one thing you would like to achieve before you leave this earth?

VAUGHN:  One of my biggest goals besides my career choices and projects in media would be to give my parents a huge gift. WIthin the next few years I want to relocate them to any destination they desire. It’s been a goal of mine since I graduated from college.

 15.)  What can we expect from Karen Vaughn in the future?

VAUGHN:  To become a leading Entertainment and Lifestyle correspondent. My website KarenVaughn.com features celebrity interviews, news and events.  Check it out!

For more on Karen Vaughn, tune into 93.1 FM WZAK midday on Monday through Friday.  You can also follow her on twitter at @KarenVaughn. 

Also visit the Working Divas website or KarenVaughn.com for more information.

Keep reading for more…

Last night, I arrived at the House of Blues but instead of going into the front door as I normally do, I entered through the back entrance with Antoine L. Dunn and his band mates.  It was funny that I could actually use the line “I’m with the band.”  They loaded their equipment into the venue and began setting up on the intimate House of Blues stage.  Antoine, his guitarist, drummer, keyboardist, and backup vocalists took the stage for their sound-check.

After the monitors were set and the mic sound levels were marked, we grabbed some dinner and got ready for the show.

Antoine’s band consisted of his guitarist Jack, backup vocalists Elizabeth, Reuben and Marcel, his keyboardist Jerry and his drummer Travis.

Before the show, I even got to snap a photo of Antoine Dunn with the emcee for the night, 93.1 FM’s Karen Vaughn.

Antoine L. Dunn and his crew took the stage with a five song set.  He started off with his melodic track “She Pleases Me,” which was happily stuck in my head since I heard it at the sound-check earlier in the evening.  It was followed up by my favorite Antoine L. Dunn song “It’s Over.”  The lyrical content really resonates with me on a personal level.  It’s the type of song that anyone who has had their heart broken can relate to.

The set continued with Antoine’s tracks “Save Yourself” and a reggae version of “You’re Real.”  He also played the title track of his most recent EP called “Miss My Love” (which is available on iTunes).

Congratulations to Antoine L. Dunn and his band on a fantastic performance.  I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Antoine’s music and his career.

For more information on Antoine L. Dunn, visit his website.

Photographs taken at House of Blues Cleveland by permission of HOB Entertainment, Inc.

@I_am_Yuandale Women need a reason to have sex. Men just need a place….lol…#weaakaf

@KChenoweth Random man clipping his nails outside of airport. And, scene.

@AverageBlackMan I hate being tagged in Facebook pictures that have Nothing to do with me. NOTHING! I’m not even in the fucking picture!

@LocalCelebCoke #Random stacy dash is a sexy ass 80yr old woman…. lmaoo

@SarahEMaxwell Hi monday- I hate u. That’s all #caseofthemondays

@SteevenSoundz Sometimes the toilet can just be a sanctuary in its own lol

@BBartonCuzz 90s R&B & rap was the best!!! Sooo many dope groups and solo artists & everyone had there own steez. No one was copying the next. I miss it

Well if you have any or want any, you know how important it is to get familiar with the tattoo artist doing your ink. Tattoos last forever and you don’t want just anybody in control of the needle that will change your body forever.  Luckily, I’m here to introduce you to Focused Studio on Coventry in Cleveland Heights.  Owned by twin brothers Jimmy and Jonny Hayden, Focused is the place to get the best ink in Cleveland.  I went there recently to check out their work.  I even was able to document a tattoo being done from start to finish.

To the average person, a tattoo shop might seem like an intimidating place to visit, especially if you’ve never been to one before.  However, Focused Studio isn’t like that at all.  It’s a great space overlooking Coventry with a great energy that comes from the artists and employees who work there. The artists are professional, interesting and personable. They really try to make their clients feel comfortable in an atmosphere that’s filled with needles, pain and piercings.

While I was there, I was amazed at how many people stopped in just to say hello. There were clients who came in to show their recently healed ink to the artist. There were friends of the artists who were there to observe or just to make conversation. It was an open atmosphere where everybody was welcome to enjoy the process without going through all the pain.

I sat in as tattoo artist Dino worked on a client’s elephant tattoo.  He was nice enough to let me document the process from beginning to end. It was amazing to see him work.  I was very impressed with the end result. Take a look!

Here is some of the other work I witnessed at Focused Studio…

If you are thinking about getting inked, Focused Studio is where you should go.  I want to thank the Hayden brothers again for allowing me to bring my camera into their shop to document my visit.

For more on Focused Studio, visit their website.

@KerryRhodes Dallas ill be there 2morrow I can’t wait! Game 3 is gonna be all MAVS!

@Ariel_Charlotte It’s literally to hot for underwear -__-

@M_DOT1of1 Up late watchin MTV trulife these damn meth heads smh

@KyllianF http://lockerz.com/s/107068760 LOL. Naughty.

@BritniElise It doesn’t come easy but I’m willin to work fo it. #BElieve *the time is near*

@LocalCelebCoke I don’t subtweet, i make general statements that just so happens to apply to you.

@Ahmier People don’t mind talking about sex, but run away from conversations involving getting tested. Fail.

During the countdown to her last show, Oprah shared testimonials and messages from her fans about how much she means to them and how much they will miss her show.  I was curious to know what my friends at the Beauty Salon and Barber Shop had to say in this week’s SHOP TOPIC: What has Oprah meant to you and how do you feel about the end of her show?

Oprah has used her television platform to break barriers, discuss topics that were often controversial, and to open conversations about things that people were once too afraid to speak about.  Her show enlightened people, informed the public, and motivated masses to reconsider their lives and do better for the world and themselves.

I visited the ladies first this week.  I went to Simply Chic Salon to find out what Oprah means to the owner/head stylist Juanita Taylor.

Juanita said that she’s always been a fan of Oprah but this past season, she really got into her show.  Knowing that it was her last season, Juanita wanted to get her fill.  She said that Oprah was on another level because her show had such longevity and relevance.  No other daytime talk show on television made an impact on people like Oprah has.  As a woman, and now a mother, Juanita has learned to appreciate Oprah for the lessons she’s taught on a daily basis.

I then went across the street to Today’s Styles and Cuts to see what the men had to say about Miss Winfrey.  I was curious to find out the men’s perspective of Oprah and what she means to them.

Lamont, AKA “Twin,” said it best when he said that “Oprah has made no mistakes.  She is the definition of the American Dream.  She came from nothing, literally nothing, and is a self-made billionaire.”  Lamont continued to express how Oprah wasn’t born with a silver spoon in her mouth.  She lived in the poor South and is now one of the most powerful women in the world.  To achieve that as a Black woman is an amazing thing.

Ernest, another barber at Today’s Styles and Cuts, said he was interested to know what Oprah does next.  He knows she has her own network, but she won’t be airing her show on a daily basis.  He wonders how women who have watched her for 25 years will be able to cope with the loss.  He said that although Oprah is a Black woman, her audience wasn’t just women, or just Black women.  Her audience and influence spread across all demographics of people.  She had women viewers, men, Black, White, young, old, and everything in between.  He said that a voice that powerful reaches people on a human level, and it will be hard to find someone with that kind of presence to fill the void.

So it looks like men and women can agree on one thing: Oprah is a legend and she her show will definitely be missed.  Leave it to Oprah to make men and women agree on something.  I guess only she has that kind of power over people.

If you need to get edged up or styled, visit Today’s Styles and Cuts OR Simply Chic Salon.

Today’s Styles and Cuts

2172 S Taylor Rd

Cleveland Heights, OH

Simply Chic Salon

2177 S Taylor Rd

Cleveland Heights, OH

mysimplychicsalon.com

Keep reading to find out.
@TheWildAmerica Cleveland is ERIEsistable.

@GoHam59 I found a new laxative a Checker Burger

@FashionWeekNYC Thoughts and prayers go out to all the people of Joplin, Missouri!

@RaeHolliday Damn, they are planting 25,000 Oak Trees for Oprah Across the Country. MJ didn’t even get   some Grass, That Damn Joe Jackson!

@MelanieFiona Respect the Earth & One Another. Xo

@MuscleHead0089 Wow the Oprah show finale really did it for me.

@Oprah Staying in pj’s all day. Getting hair braided for summer vaca. Reading all ur emails. Watched Gayle K.  Show with Stedman. On at 4-6 on OWN.