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This week on The Media Lounge

Scott Pryor, Actor, Writer & Director

U.S. Marine Veteran Scott Pryor who as an Atlanta based celebrated trial lawyer turns his real-life courtroom tragedies into award-winning screenplays and films. He is the Director, Star, and Writer of the new upcoming film TULSA hitting Regal Cinema theaters nationwide this August. Inspired by true events from one of his actual trial cases, TULSA follows a desperate marine biker whose life is turned upside-down when he is united with the sassy 9-year-old daughter he never knew existed. 

In TULSA, Biker 'Tommy Colston' (Scott Pryor) is a hopeless addict. When 'Tommy' discovers he has a long-lost daughter named 'Tulsa' (Livi Birch), he reluctantly welcomes the 9-year-old into his home but tries to keep her out of his heart. The head strong girl attempts to use her strong faith to save 'Tommy' from his addictions and the demons of his past. When tragedy strikes, 'Tommy' is forced to face his demons and attempts to become the father of 'Tulsa's' dreams. Inspired by true events from Scott Pryor's client as a trial lawyer, TULSA is a funny and heartwarming story of redemption, family, and forgiveness, even in the darkest of time.

For Scott who is married and has 3 sons, film business is family business. Together

with his wife Laura, they are Pryor Entertainment, a thriving Georgia-based independent production company that creates films, TV, and content that inspires, empowers, and educates so that others may truly live.

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Yung Pooda, Rapper

Nothing holds more weight than a promise.

In 2019, Yung Pooda found himself at a crossroads between the streets and the studio. After performing alongside legends such as Boosie Badazz, Slim Thug, and Z-Ro, recording with platinum icon Paul Wall, and igniting a buzz of his own throughout the country, the Houston rapper made an important pledge to himself. His pledge changed the course of everything to follow in its wake.

“In the middle of recording and getting in all kinds trouble, I promised God I would get out of the streets and just do music,” he admits. “I stuck to my word.”

Long before this vow, hip-hop called to him as a kid in Orange, TX. Pooda’s mother bumped Naughty by Nature’s “Hip Hop Hooray” throughout the one-bedroom and one-bathroom house built by his grandfather that he and his mom shared with his grandma. As he puts it, “I used to go nuts to that song!” He used to listen to classics from OutKast, JAY-Z, Lil Wayne, Master P, Ludacris, DJ Screw, and more. When Pooda visited dad, pops actually built a home studio at his spot to cook up beats and DJ.  Growing up, he practiced his skills on the mic and sharpened the wordplay, developing a signature style. He sent shockwaves through the city after a successful showcase, earning endorsements from the likes of DJ Hi-C of Houston’s 97.9 The BOX who said, “He’s always been a lyricist.” Inciting local excitement, he performed multiple tour dates with BoosieBadazz and teamed up with Paul Wall for the single “Beat Up The Block.”

Relocating to Prairie View, he moved into a two-story house with his cousin and two friends where they “were trapping and getting money, but shit got too hectic.” At this point, he reset everything.

“There were fights, threats, and all types of shit,” he recalls. “I ended up saying that prayer.”

His music made its way to It’s A 10 Records, a boutique label distributed by The Orchard/Sony Music, who immediately signed him in 2019. Now, he properly introduces his signature sound on the 2020 EP, Vivid Pictures. Produced by GRAMMY® Award-winning duo Cool & Dre [JAY-Z, Beyoncé, Nas], the first single “Repeat Dat” flexes his laidback flow and airtight rhymes over a slick beat and melodic swell. On the chant-able chorus, he commands, “Get it, count it, stack it, spend it, do it again and repeat dat process.”

“It’s about my past, present, and future life,” he reveals. “I’m really big on the law of attraction and speaking thoughts into existence. I had a past in the streets. I was getting money every day without a job or support. When I got out of the streets, I was still getting paid Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.”

Elsewhere, “Rasta” dips in and out of a Caribbean bounce as he ponders how “hair is strength.” He elaborates, “I was thinking about the situation with young black men having dreads. It didn’t make sense to me. I live a Rasta life and wanted to show pride.” Then, there’s “Stop Playing.” He bodies skittering production with bars about “honest truth.” The title track “Vivid Pictures” places cinematic verses in between soulful samples.

“There’s a deep meaning,” he explains. “I aspire to be an artist and more than a rapper. I’m inspired by Picasso and Leonardo Da Vinci. When I listen to a beat in my head, I’m putting art together. The eyes are the windows to the soul. Everything is clear. Each song gives you a visual like a movie. That’s Vivid Pictures to me. It’s the frequency I want to be on.”

In the end, Pooda fulfills every promise and leaves his mark on the culture in the process.

“When you listen to me, I want you to feel enlightened and great,” he leaves off. “I hope you relate to the emotion and know you’re not alone. I’m young enough to make mistakes and old enough to know better. I’m telling my story. I’m human.”

Listen Now!

Dyamond Doll, Rapper & Singer

Rapper, Singer & Songwriter

Dyamond Doll is an American rapper and songwriter of Cuban and African American descent that was born and raised in Miami, Florida. Her mother, Eloise Williams, was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and her father, Robert Valdez, was born in Havana,Cuba. Dyamond began rapping at the age of 14. During that time, she often performed in after-school talent shows at Richmond Heights Middle School in Miami,Florida. She is the one to keep an eye on; she was a wholly independent artist who made a name for herself in the cutthroat Miami scene due to her persistence and diligence. The 27-year-old has performed locally at Reggae Festival, LIV Nightclub, and STORY Nightclub. She came out swinging and is using the momentum to accomplish her other projects, including an EP, album, and possible clothing line. Dyamond Doll is presently signed to Dark Boys Records, in which she released her 1st single called “Dwade” on March 13th, 2020. In the latter part of May, she reached masses when her video was viewed over 1 million times.



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Eric Leon, Rapper & Songwriter

         Eric Leon is bringing the beat back to Miami music. This Vero Beach native offers a diverse range of sound, from the delivery of powerfully cut lyrics to melodic rhythms, leaving very little to be left out of reach. A visit to Texas helped define his music taste, as Eric was introduced to a new wave of hip-hop. By 13, Eric was writing rhymes with a sharp sound that stems from influences such as Z-Ro, Future, and Lil Wayne.

With years of experience creating music under his belt, Eric Leon’s industry growth and curated talent is unmatched. Discovered on Instagram by his manager Mackazoe of SoloMack Management, Leon hit the ground running, pushing out work and refining his craft. His past year in Miami has proven his unequivocal strides to success - resulting in a deal with legendary producing giants Cool & Dre, a mixtape debut hosted by musical powerhouse DJ Khaled, and a barrage of hits through Epidemic Music Group, such as newly released “Work For It” and “XOXO”.

Eric’s social influence is undeniable. He is headlining a new generation of hip-hop culture, standing out with a fresh sound and refined skill - leading him to be one of the best in new-age hip-hop, and definitely one to watch.

Performed at Lit-Up Fest and Trap Circus

Special guest in local cities on tour with Curren$y Mixtape collaboration with DJ Khaled

Wrote for artists Remy Ma and A-Boogie Wit Da Hoodie

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Dre, Producer & Songwriter

Dre has.  He wants everyone to open their eyes and their ears.  Released on June 1st, (and just debuted onSnoop Dogg’s IG page where it gained 250,000 views in under 30 minutes)“Captured On A iPhone” is both a tribute to all those we’ve lost to police brutality when the iPhones weren’trolling, while being Dre’s plea for us to face the elephant in the room head on.

A direct response to George Floyd’s preventable death this week, the piece is an emotional tapestry of the 3x Grammy-Award winning producer and songwriter’s feelings about everything engulfing our world today, from hate to racism, the pandemic and violence, and more. This track is the one bitter pill every American needs to swallow this summer.

States Dre “I’m a huge fan of NWA, Ice Cube, Public Enemy, and Tupac to name a few. They spoke truth to power through their music and I felt compelled to do the same. These are just my thoughts and emotions in this song and in no way do I advocate violence against any human being. We’re just sick and tired of being murdered. God bless.”

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Amara La Negra

Amara La Negra, Singer & Actress

If there was ever a comparison to exemplify the diameters of Amara La Negra as an entertainer, it would be identical to the energy given by international musical starlet, Shakira. Amara’s musical inspiration hail from the ambiance of Beyoncé, the bold direction stemmed from Rihanna, and the soft inviting presence of Bruno Mars.

Amara is the embodiment of the woman of today who was created with a hint of the past and a twist of tomorrow. With a Spanish and Caribbean background, the songstress describes herself as eccentric, vibrant, and ambitious. Amara La Negra, born Diana Danelys De los Santos, is an international entertainer, singer/songwriter, actress, model, and esteemed philanthropist. She is a woman of dimensions who feeds her soul with the love and passion she inhales from performing across the world. 

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Chef Sean

Chef Sean and Chicago Native has been a force in the music industry in the rap/ hip hop genre with ample amount of accomplishments under his belt, charted Billboard charts at number four for "Hot Single Sales" summer 2016 for a rap single entitled "Dope Boy", Rolling Loud Tours, national media tours, and the list goes on.


 Chef Sean is also known as a Trap Rock artist with his rap-infused rock group "Chef Sean & Blaze" based out of Los Angeles, California. He decided to go solo for his newest ventures and feature rap singles. In his music, you can see elements of his Chicago roots where he first began his music career and learned to produce, song write and rap, but also his love of L.A. and the catalyst of his music career. Chef Sean is also a talented actor that has appeared in Television & film since the age of 12. Some of his credits include; lead in "Jason's Lyric" starring alongside Allen Payne, Forrest Whitaker & Jada Pinkett Smith, "There are No Children Here" (Harpo productions) and "Missing Persons" on ABC. A recent   Sci- Fi   / Thriller film "Teeth & Blood" Chef Sean starred in, he performed and produced the theme song in the movie as well as additional song placement.

Listen Now!

Aye B

Rapper

Hot new rapper Ashley Brinton aka Aye B who is known for her hit performance on #1 TV show Below Deck, has taken the Rap world by storm in 2020 with her newly released single “Nobody” produced by Hotsauce. Aye B has instantly risen to the top working with Hotsauce on this track whose produced for such artists as Ariana Grande and the list goes on. Hot new rapper Yella Breezy from Texas has collaborated on this track rapping on the hook. 

Aye B at just 18 years old, is such a young super talent, she and writes and co-writes her own tracks. “Nobody" was produced in a studio in Thousand Oaks, California and her next step is to create the perfect music video to fit the track alongside Yella Breezy set to film in Texas where he is from. 

When asked what the inspiration for this track were, Aye B exclaimed, “My inspiration for 'Nobody' came from watching all these guys who have girlfriends hitting on me. I'd never take them up on it because I'm better than that.  I just tell them, "Don't leave your girlfriends.” 

Most recently Ashley Brinton aka Aye B has been asked to be an opener for The Mod Sun National Spring Tour 2020. The tour will span from March 1st until April 11th, 2020, with a start day in Minneapolis and closing it off in Los Angeles, CA. Aye B will be performing her tracks such as; Kreamy Kash, Wednesday Thought, Good Mawnin, A Cardi B cover, and two new singles dropping during the tour one being a collaboration with Yella Beezy. The other is a lit hype song that Ashley says “you can twerk with your girls to.”

Gabriel’s Light

GABRIEL’S LIGHT LAUNCHES PROMOTING ACTIVE DEVICE MONITORING INITIATIVE TO IMPROVE SAFETY IN SCHOOLS

Gabriel’s Light Urges the Implementation of Internet Monitoring & Alert  Protocols in Schools
While Raising Awareness on Pre-Adolescent Suicide, Mental Health and Cyber Bullying

-Gabriel’s Light, a fund established with the mission to strengthen protocols in schools regarding device monitoring with alerts for school provided technology, supporting suicide education, and offering healing for those impacted by suicide while advocating kindness through youth programs has been launched in Chicago. The organization was founded by Carol and Brendan Deely, who lost their son, Gabriel, 12, to death by suicide in November of 2018.

Gabriel was adopted from Ethiopia as a baby in 2006, joining three biological older sisters, and became big brother to Isaiah when he was adopted in 2009. The family was shocked and devastated when their seemingly happy, outgoing, kind boy so abruptly passed, and set out to try to discover why.    

The night Gabriel died, personal items including his electronic devices were handed over to Chicago Police Detectives for investigation. Like many of his peers in junior high, Gabriel had become increasingly pre-occupied with video games, YouTube and group texts with classmates. His parents actively limited and monitored his online presence on his phone and home devices. The digital forensics examination of home devices found no search history to help answer why Gabriel died. His family planned Gabriel’s funeral under the belief that he must have been trying a prank, accidentally harming himself while goofing around. 

That naivete was crushed when content from the electronic device assigned to him at school, one that never left the school building, was finally made available to the Deely family an anxious three weeks later. The family received two school device internet search history reports. Unlike the CPD reports of benign searches on Gabriel’s home devices, the family was horrified to read the report from his school device indicating Gabe had searched suicide and bullying numerous times the last eleven school days he was alive. Immediately the reality was clear - there was no follow through on device monitoring nor alert protocols despite the school’s IT contract signed by Gabe’s parents and internet monitoring protocols established by the Archdiocese of Chicago “Protecting God’s Children” initiative.

Due to this tragic incident, the Deely family has created Gabriel’s Light to advocate for the implementation of 1:1 device monitoring with alerts in schools.  Technology in schools has given rise to numerous programs to create parameters for safe student use of the web and notification when these parameters are breached. Applications like Bark Technologies (free for schools) allows schools and parents to work in partnership to encourage use of the web within age-appropriate guidelines.

A small notebook found in Gabriel’s room was returned to the Deely family by the Chicago Police Department following his death. That notebook contained one entry and it was from the day he died. Forensic psychologists have interpreted that Gabe felt isolated and alone at school; diminished, not good enough, hopeless. There was evidence of him feeling bullied. Gabriel’s Light will serve as a gateway for parents in what to look for in  signs that your child is being bullied; how to advise your children in this situation; and also lecture/film series with partner experts to discuss these issues with educators, students and parents.

After suffering first-hand from the lack of smart device supervision in their own child’s school, the founders of Gabriel’s Light hope to spread awareness to schools across the country to set protocols in place so future related incidences could be avoided. “Losing a child to suicide is a parent’s worst nightmare,” said Gabriel’s mother, Carol Deely. “Knowing that our seemingly happy, outgoing son, who shared a bright smile with everyone around him, was a target of bullying at school is absolutely heartbreaking,” continued Deely. “The only thing more heartbreaking is our belief that his suicide could have been prevented. If the school had proper technology & keyword alerts in place – an intervention could have taken place.  We want to make sure another family doesn’t suffer the same loss of a child to suicide again.”

“We hope to get our messaging out to every school around the country, so that awareness training and technology monitoring is put into place before it’s too late for another family,” said Brendan Deely, Gabriel’s father. “Our slogan at Gabriel’s Light is that kindness does matter, we’re promoting pro-kindness & partnering with organizations that help youth recognize the unknown burden or pain that someone else may be carrying.”

Carol Deely states, ““As parents, we know the importance of modeling courage for our four surviving children. It isn’t easy sharing our experience of losing Gabe to suicide. But talking about it with others is the right thing to do. Amidst our storm, we want to shine a light on helping keep all children safe at school and everywhere. One of our hopes for our surviving children is that when they are challenged in life, they have the strength and courage to do what’s right, even if it‘s hard. Through Gabriel’s Light, already we have seen people making a difference learning from our experience - they are asking questions, reaching out to others and acting courageously. In just the few short weeks since launch, Gabriel’s Light has been thanked for saving a life.  Making a difference for someone else, the impact of Gabriel’s Light is growing rapidly. “

For more information or to learn how to get involved, please visit www.gabrielslight.org or email info@gabrielslight.org. To make a donation to the Gabriel’s Light fund, click here. Follow Gabriel’s Light on Facebook.  

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This week on The Media Lounge-

Hemky Madera, Actor

  

Born in Queens, New York, Madera was raised with his family in Santiago, Dominican Republic, where he began his acting career in the Dominican Republic television production “Grandes Series Domincanas” with a leading role in the limited-series “En La Olla” and “Trio en Alta Mar,” both helmed by director/producer Alfonso Rodríguez. After college, Madera moved to New York City to pursue acting and began booking prominent roles in feature films including DREAMING OF JULIA with Harvey Keitel and Gael García Bernal, THE LOST CITY opposite Andy Garcia, Dustin Hoffman, and Bill Murray, and THE WRATH OF CAIN alongside Ving Rhames and Robert Patrick, to name a few. While in New York City he also appeared on "Bookies Lament", before returning to the Dominican Republic to star in the mini-series "Asalto en la Lincoln". Immediately after, Madera became a part of the Primetime television series production and cast member of both hit sitcoms "Los Electrolocos"(lead) and "Ciudad Nueva". 

The star then notably played ‘Tavo’ on the action movie La Soga in 2009. Similarly, Madera gave his voice for the character Chorizo in an animated action-comedy movie Rango in the year 2011. Then in 2014, the actor worked in the drama thriller movie Supremacy. In the film, he played the role of Miguel. Madera is best known for his role as Mexican drug cartel criminal ‘Ignacio’ on Showtime’s hit dark comedy “Weeds.” Up next, Madera will star in a recurring role as a retired baseball player on the IFC television series “Brockmire.”

When he’s not starring on hit television shows, Madera enjoys playing guitar, golf, flying airplanes and lending his time to organizations dedicated to spreading awareness for Down Syndrome. Madera resides in Nashville and is happily married, living with his two children and wife, singer-songwriter, Jesse Lynn Madera.

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This week on The Media Lounge-

Faust Ruggiero, Author & Therapist

Author Faust A. Ruggiero’s professional career spans almost 40 years. He has consistently established cutting-edge counseling programs in pursuit of professional excellence and personal life enhancement. He is a published research author, clinical trainer and a therapist who has worked in settings that have included clinics for deaf children, prisons, nursing homes, substance abuse centers and inpatient facilities. He continues to provide counseling services for veterans, first responders, law enforcement and other emergency personnel. During his tenure as the President of the Community Psychological Center in Bangor, Pennsylvania, he developed the Process Way of Life counseling program, and has adapted it into the formal text presented in The Fix Yourself Handbook. In February 2020, The Fix Yourself Handbook received the Silver Award from The Nonfiction Authors Association.

For more information, please visit https://www.faustruggiero.com/, or connect with him on social media at https://www.facebook.com/faust.ruggiero; https://twitter.com/faustinspire; or https://www.instagram.com/faustinspire/.

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