Spotlight: Shava Jay

By The Music Scoop
JR Staff Writer

All around the world, there are new music movements. One of the biggest movements is coming out of Baton Rogue, Louisiana and it is not just rap music. There is also a major R&B scene coming from Louisiana's capital city.

Shava Jay has an all around new style. She is coming from a crowded city and a crowded R&B scene. Shava Jay has a strong following and she is ready to take it to the next level. In a few years, she will be a star in the game.

Recently, JR, The Black Entertainment Guide caught up with Shava Jay for an exclusive interview.

How long have you been recording music?

I started recording at the age of 14 so for about 12 years. I released my first complete underground CD "pen, paper & lyrics" in 2007 people can view it at www.shavajay.bandcamp.com this was the first complete project. This project was a collection of emotions that a 20 year old girl was experiencing

What was your first time on stage like?
The first time i performed I was in Undergrad at Wilberforce University in the gospel choir i had a solo I was always singing and recording but I had never done a show but while in undergrad i began taking advantage of every opportunity.

What kind of obstacles have you gone through to get where you are at?
I have an educational background, I've been in school since the age of three. I just got my Masters. Trying to balance school and the fact that I wanted to do music became an obstical. I would be writing songs and writing papers, having performances and presentations. School wasn't the obstical it was trying to balance the two.

If you had to offer advice to a young person about following in your footsteps, what would you tell them?
Always believe in yourself, Growing up I was always taught to have faith. But i didn't fully understand it until I was much older. When I realized that my thoughts became actions things became much easier for me. Study your craft and not just the art itself but also educate yourself on business. Seperate your self from the average person doing what you are doing. Don't get in your own way have fun enjoy it!! BELIEVE BELIEVE BELIEVE!!

How do you feel being a part of a rather crowded movement trying to break into the game?
I feel good about it, I mean everyday people are looking for something new. Someone to come up with something that makes them feel good! I don't view it as being croweded i think people just want to share.. It's enough people in the world for somebody to feel what your doing. I know it sounds cliche but if only one person feels me or I make one person say "damn that song touched me" I kno I've done something

In a game dominated by the Keyshia Cole's and Jazmine Sullivans, how do you plan to make yourself stand out?
For started nobody has a story like mine and I plan to tell that story to draw people in. I have a different sound and a soft but soulful voice. I have to keep working, keep writing And keep doing features. I'm already different than thoes artist I just have get in the game and show the world!

Are you currently signed to a label?
I'm not signed to a major label.

Do you currently have a new project out or have one coming soon?
As of lately I've been doing lots of features for up an comming artist... I got lots of exposure from working with Jon Connor Flint Michigans next big MC. I am working on a project right now and doing more features. Stay tuned and follow @Shavajay on Twitter just to get a glimpse of what I'm up too and who I'm in the studio with!

What artists are you currently working with?
Mostly artist from Flint, Michigan I've done features for hip-hop artist And just recently did some work with artist in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

What producers are you currently working with?
I have been blessed to work with some of thee BEST up and comming producers, which include A.P. (Michigan) who produced for VH1 number one show Scream Queens, B. Corder, (Michigan) produced for Tradark and Curency Bengi, who is also a well known producer from Flint Rio da Gost, China Boy, El Polo, Vision from Atlanta, Mike Chav, Erykah Badu's recording engineer. Ron Allen from Toronto. So many I love to network!

Are you working with any big names?
Not working with any big names, only the big producers! I have a pretty good team of people! I'd like to work with Jazmine Sulivan! Our birthday is on the same day I bet our energy would be mad crazy in the studio!

Do you feel as if you need big names to help you break in the game?
Working with a big name could open up a few doors and pretty soon I'll be writing for some big names, but until then I think I can make what I got going on will bring the big names to me.

What do you think fans like about you the most?
LOL I think my fans love the fact that I am extreamly personable. My personality is dope and I have character. My music is real a lot of people can relate to it young and old. I can be a bit random but then again most artist are but fans love that. My fans appreciate the fact that I'm not afraid to speak about the real in my music.

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Spotlight: Renaldo Price

By The Music Scoop
JR Staff Writer

In the entertainment business, one phrase often used is "don't quit your dayjob." The phrase is meant for those who might not be as good at entertaining as they think they are. But, in this day and age with the internet making things so easy, everyone appears to have quit their dayjob. Most of these people lack talent but try.

Renaldo Price has the talent and he is doing all he can to make sure he reaches his goal. Despite his talent and his connections, Price has yet to quit his dayjob. He works seven days a week as a truck driver and he spends the remainder of his time pushing his career. Price has been signing for years and he is on the verge of making it big.

JR was lucky enough to catch up with Renaldo Price over the phone for an exclusive interview.

JR: Hey Renaldo, how are you?
RP: I'm doing great man.
JR: How do you mix R&B and your work
RP: I work 7 days a week, so I sacrifice and grind to go after what I want and hard work pays off.
JR: Have you ever been close to quitting?
RP: All of the time, but I realize success does not come overnight. Patience is a virtue so I stay patient.
JR: Do you have any deals on the table?
RP: Yes some labels have contacted me, but my main connection with Greg Charlie, who has worked with the likes of Usher and Mariah Carey.
JR: Switching gears, do you have any children?
RP: Yes, I have two sons, ages 7 and 3.
JR: What values do you hope to instill in them that they should carry for life?
RP: I always try to lead by example and my hard work. I try to show them all options, but I do tell them hard work pays off. I want them to look back and say their father was a R&B singer. I try to walk the walk and talk the talk for them.
JR: Can you explain your relationship with Soulja Boy and S.O.D. Entertainment?
RP: My team knows a few of Soulja Boy's associates and by March I want to contact them to see if Soulja Boy would do a feature on my album.
JR: Do you see acting in the future?
RP: Actually, I see myself producing movies. I see myself owning an entertainment company in the future.
JR: The Dream Girls album is your debut album, correct?
RP: Yes, but it is actually the hit single off my EP, Renaldo Price: A Man Like Me.
JR: For the album, do you have any collaborations planned outside of Soulja Boy?
RP: Yeah, my team has reached out to Diamond, KeKe Wyatt, Shawnna, Tiffany Evans, but I do want to work with Jamie Foxx, I kid you not he is my idol. I see myself as the latest soul R&B artists. I love true music, it never goes away.
JR: How do you feel about El DeBarge's comeback?
RP: I think it's great. He took some time off and he came back and he is leading true music back. I think it's great that he's coming back.
JR: How do you feel about Michael Jackson's posthumous album?
RP: With me being a big MJ fan, he needs to have his own reign. I think the album will be good because of the collaborations with the mixture of talent.
JR: Well, Renaldo, it has been nice talking with you, we wish you the best of luck!
RP: Thank you, I am working on many different ventures and I am going to Atlanta to further my career.

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Spotlight: Jeff Riberdy

By Talent Search
JR Staff Writer

Right now, the name Jeff Riberdy does not ring a bell. The site is named JR, The Black Entertainment Guide and Riberdy is not black, but he is talented. JR was originally launched as an outlet for people who were trying to break into show business. JR Magazine was that voice, regardless of color.

But, over the years, JR's focus has changed to the black entertainment market. The purpose of this article is not to go back on the promise to deliver black entertainment, but to also focus on those who are trying to break into the game. No, Jeff Riberdy is not black, but he is a man who will become a star.

When we landed the interview with Jeff Riberdy we could not turn it down. Not only does his initials match the site's name, but he is a rising force in the industry. Riberdy has been rising for some time, as he has always been a star in his own right. Before he was doing modeling and acting, Jeff Riberdy held things down in his hometown of Killeen, Texas.

Riberdy played baseball as a child right into his high school years. But, when the time came, he laid the bat down because he was picked up in a model search. From there, Jeff Riberdy left the small Texas town and moved on to New York City. First, he worked with Wilhelmia Models and he now works with the acting agency, Peggy Hadley Ent. Mr. Riberdy's acting career has taken off since he has played in hit plays and has even been nominated for a GLAAD award early in his career.

While he is not on the level of Will Smith and Denzel Washington yet, Jeff Riberdy's time is coming and it may be coming sooner than people think.

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