MAHD: Rhare artist of the month

Detroit’s newest artist MAHD is adding energy to his career after his first EP release "MAHD ALMIGHTY". He released several songs and videos including "Lotus", a cover of Jay-Z and Kanye West's "Otis". MAHD has been featured on many social and music sites as VIBE.com, 2dopeboyz, Kevin Nottingham, and other main music websites. Check out the link to his video "Hello Detroit" http://youtu.be/kOPzbDI6Gp0

After writing and making songs the last few years for other musicians and himself, MAHD made his entry  into the music scene with his single "Pretty Ladies". The song dropped online to great acceptance  and love, and the official video is presented on World Star Hip Hop. "Pretty Ladies" continues to obtain steady radio and club play across the Midwest, most outstandingly in his hometown of Detroit. MAHD can be found on iAmMAHD.com and Datpiff.com.  

RhareFootage had the pleasure to interview MAHD , and get a better look at this “Rhare” artist.

1)            How long have you been performing/making music?

I've always messed around with music but I started taking it serious around 2010.

2)            How would you describe your music?

I would describe my music as heart felt and authentic. Like a collage of everything I came up on, with my own touch added to it.

3)            What inspired you to write your single “Hello Detroit”?

My city inspired me. When AwillTraxx  first sent the beat, I instantly felt the need to speak on my city. I just heard Hello Detroit once I hit play. The rest is history.

4)            What should your fans know about your album “13”?

This album is very personal. It's everything that happened in the year 2013. From start to finish. The good, bad and ugly. I really took my time on this album so I want people to just hear my story. Hopefully some can relate.

5)            What made  you pursue your dream of music?

Initially, I would always say I never wanted to rap for real. After a while of hearing many people say I need to take it serious, plus me not being satisfied from the music that was being put out at the time...I finally decided let me see what I can do. I just wanted to make music that I'd like to hear.

6)            When  was the moment you knew music was your passion?

I grew up surrounded by music. From my family to my friends. So I've always had a passion for music and it's always been around me. Even if I wasn't doing this full time I’d still be just as passionate about music. It's a major part of my life.

7)            What inspires you and your music?

Life experiences. I make sure I talk about my life, what I've done and seen personally. It comes out in the music. I feel like if I talk about my life then I'll always have something to talk about.

8)            Would you say being from Detroit influence your music? If so why?

Yes, definitely. I grew listening to Slum Village, Dilla's beats, Royce, Em and the list goes on. It definitely set a standard in my eyes of where my music should be. Detroit has made some of the best artists in the world so being from here definitely influences me. Also just the city and people itself play a major role.

9)            Do you believe your musical roots influence your music?

My musical background plays a big part in my career. Coming up I got to see the ends and outs of making music and the industry. So when I started it was like second nature.

10)          How would you describe yourself as an artist?

I would describe myself as an artist that can't be put in a box. Lyrical, original, aggressive, versatile and more. I'm always looking to get better and learn new things. I push myself with this music.

11)          Describe yourself in one word and explain why you chosen that word to describe you.

Determined. I say this because no matter what comes my way I'm determined to get where I'm trying to go. I won't let anyone or anything stop me.

12)          What would you be doing if you were not doing music?

I'm not really sure. Maybe I would've went back to school or something. It's kind of hard to say now that I'm doing it because I can't see me doing anything else.

13)          What do you look to for inspiration when writing your lyrics?

I normally only record when I've already been inspired by something. I write about my life so when something happens. Good or bad, I write about it. So I normally don't have to look for inspiration because if I haven't been inspired by anything then I'm not getting in the booth.

14)          What do you want people to take away from your music when they hear it?

I’d like them to take away something they can relate to. Rather it be a line I said or a whole song, if they can relate and it helps them get through their day then I've done my job. I feel like everyone goes through similar things so what I'm rapping about, someone else may be able to relate to it.

15)          What advice would you give to someone who wants to get into the music business?

Be prepared. You have to be prepared mentally and physically. There's a lot of ups and downs in this game and if you're not mentally prepared you may feel like giving up. Also stay ready so you won't have to get ready. This industry isn't easy so staying ready helps to make the job a tad easier.

16)          If you can say anything to your fans, what would it be?

I honestly appreciate everyone that rocks with me. Everyone that comes to my shows or help spread my music or support in anyway. I appreciate all of it and it helps me to keep going. Shoutout to the fans!

17)          What makes you a rhare artist?

What makes me rhare is I stay true to myself no matter what. Also I feel I'm the best. Seeing that there can only be one best at a time I think that makes me very rhare lol.

     Interview by

                                                                                                                                                                Rhaylinn Thompson 

The Secret to a fun Labor Day Weekend

Hello my readers!!

It's Labor Day weekend in the city! What is fun to do?....Jazz Festival

The Detroit International Jazz Festival was originated in 1980 by Robert McCabe and the Detroit Renaissance. Alongside with the Detroit Grand Prix and the International Freedom Festival, Jazz Fest was anticipated to bring people into Detroit and to deliver all parts of the population with world-class entertainment. It rapidly became a Labor Day Weekend tradition at Hart Plaza, a city park beside the Detroit River designed by Isamu Noguchi and Shuji Sadao.

    

  The mission of the Jazz Festival is to: Adoptive the history and cherish the development of jazz,

Continue Detroit’s significant jazz legacy through educational and collaborative opportunities accessible to all, and Present a world-class signature event that makes Detroit a tourist target. 

Yes everyone this weekend is Labor Day weekend. I remember every year my aunt and uncle would go down to Hart Plaza to go watch the performances. This festival is the sign to the citizens of the city of Detroit that summer has come to a close and fall is here. I would tell anyone to come to Detroit and experience the Jazz Festival and I promise you after you come the first time, you would come back every year. 

For more information about the festival and performances please check out the website. 

http://www.detroitjazzfest.com/2014lineup.html

Personal rant

I just had to write these feelings out. It's a personal rant that I am posting just to show someone out there that is going through something like this that you are not alone.




I started this out not knowing what to say. This thought has been really have on my heart as of the past few months. I feel like this is a safe place for me to express these thoughts and emotions. I been in love with a man for 10 years of my life, but I always been the best friend. For 10 years, I just played my role as my heart bleed. Don't get it wrong, I had relationships, but my heart always wanted him. I tried and tried so many times to get over him and "let it go", but there was always something not allowing me to let go. Now I see that the writing is on the wall and he has a girlfriend, but that force will not let go. I miss my best friend, but this foolish pride will not allow me to reach out to him. I guess I don't want to seem like a pest or something. I guess I just got to get use to not talking to him, and it's going to be hard since I known him since I was 14.

New Year = NEW CHANGES

 Happy New Year Everybody!!!!!

As some of you can see, I changed up my blog background. I came up with the idea to change the background every month. It's important to shake things up every once in a while, right? This year I will be more open and getting back to what my blog originally was started to do. Promote Detroit in a positive light.

I want to thank every single person who have came to my blog, read my post, and left a comment. I promise to make this blog bigger and better.

New Year & NEW PLAN

Hey everybody!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is the last post of the 2013, and it's been a great year for me. I want to thank all of you for the love I have receive here on my blog. I have over 1,700 views, and it's all because of you and I thank you.  2014 is going to be even big and better. I plan with your help and support we can make my blog popular and spread the word about the Good in people and my hometown. With your help and support, I can stay with my diet and be healthier.

I still can not be it's the end of 2013. Tell me in the comments below or tweet me using the hash tag below with what's your plan / New Year Resolutions for 2014, and I will reply to the first 20 people who use this tag.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!

#awordwithjhonzalee

Update on me (Weight loss)

I made a post a little time ago about me losing weight and loving myself a little more. I am writing this post to update you on that plan. I admit I fell off track (hey I'm only human), but I am back on track doing my workouts and eating health as possible.

Here are the videos I found on YouTube that helped me to get up to work out. They made me realize you can turn anything into a work out and that the most simple move and give you the most results. Just like any weight loss or workout plan... PLEASE talk with your doctor before doing any workouts or diet/weight loss plan. I most want to work out but keep my female curves. Leave me a comment down below with it any suggestion.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gVWVAhCzKI&list=PLL51yzNxM8lDlgC8z2aZWIpq_tza32w3L&index=2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-BZsLpu1FE&list=PLL51yzNxM8lDlgC8z2aZWIpq_tza32w3L&index=4 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEMD-_MqUzg&list=PLL51yzNxM8lDlgC8z2aZWIpq_tza32w3L&index=6

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ah0VZ33TuCE&list=PLL51yzNxM8lDlgC8z2aZWIpq_tza32w3L&index=13


#awordwithjhonzalee
#pullupaseat

Season of Giving

This is the season of giving and with Christmas being only 2 days away, we need to remember it's always better to give than to receive. Even when the holiday season is over, you should never stop giving. Growing up in a city known for its love of the "finer things" in life, or as some would call it "The Home of the Players". It's always nice to see the news talk about people who actually helps the community instead of people who just steal from it. Giving back is a topic that is near and dear to my heart, and I hope to show everyone how important it is to us as human beings.

One day I was watching tv, when I saw a news story about this  group of Detroiters helping people in need. Two local women Jessica Ramirez and Michelle Colon helping who ever need it. They do this all year round not just doing the holiday.  To read more of the news coverage
 http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/story/24275782/facebook-group-detroiters-helping-each-other-giving-food-clothing-and-holiday-gifts#ixzz2oJ8sUyCF  

To all my readers, I ask that you help these two women continue their good work and families not just this season but all year round. At the bottom is a link to their facebook page where you can find out more about donations and more.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ME TO YOU *MUAH* 

https://www.facebook.com/DetroitersHelping

What do you want for Christmas????

Hello there!!! It's the seasoning of giving!! I notice a lot during this time of the year that many people are wrapped up with the whole idea of receiving a gift instead of giving.Giving can mean many things, you can spend time helping in your local communities, you can spend time at a nursing home(spread joy there cause many of the people don't have love ones who visit them), and give to the needy in your communities. There are so many different ways to give back all year around and not just around Christmas.

This is also a time to be thankful, and you should really be thankful all year long. I'm thankful for everything in my life the good and the bad. I could go on and on about what I'm thankful for, but I want to hear from you so in the comments below tell me what you're thankful for..

New Age Bullying

On this topic, I have mix emotions, so I'm keep it short. The educated woman in me is all for ending all types of bullying, but the bullied little girl in me is screaming "fuck that!!! I was bullied and every adult in my life knew, but they counter act the bullying by raising me and gave me encouragements and self esteem."

I know bullying is wrong. In all honesty, it needs to end like yesterday. To every child/teen who are being bullied or have been bullied, don't let any one's negative words hurt you. Remember it's not your fault, the problem do not live in you it lives in the other person. Trust me, just follow your dreams and keep doing what puts a smile on your face, and when you are on the top you see how a rough sand paper can only polish a diamond, but it can not hurt it. I have this question. What are you going to do to the parents of the bully? I see on the news the children that were doing the bullying being put in jail, but think where did they learn that? Look at the parents of the bully. They had to see the signs that their child had a bullying ways. I learn through some of my bullies that they learned it from their parents, older siblings, and other relatives. Now, I ask this, don't you believe that the parents of the bullies should be punished too?

Today, the oldest of my little brothers left a comment on one this  "Meme" I post on my facebook. It said:

"Hey sis. Can I give you some advice? You should never make promises you can't keep. Everybody falls. The question is whether or not you get. You may fall, but you better always get back up. Now that is a promise you can keep." 

     I chuckled after I read it because he's right. I re-read what the "Meme" said and I could see how he came to this point.  His comment motivated me to write this post today.

     It's true, we all fall. We all have something in our lives that made us weak or "fall", but no matter how long it takes we always should get up and keep going. There have been many times in my life where I had fell, and double of those times I got back up.

    You should NEVER let something, someone, or even some event stop you from your goals in life. If life gives you a dead end, always look around because there is always a detour sign to help you get to your goal. I know it is hard and easier said than done, but once you see that you met the goal you be so happy that you kept going. The struggle is just that a struggle. Struggles do not last always, but you got to have the strength to over come the struggle, and not let the struggle you been through define who you are and what you do. It's OK for people to see you trip, stumble, and even fall, but it's more important for them to see you get up, dust your self off and keep going. To all my readers, remember you are bigger than what you are going through. You will come through the storm you currently in better and stronger than you was while you was in that storm. keep your head up.

Role Model Couple #2 President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama

The second couple on my list of role model couples is the first family. President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama. This is a couple that holds not just their family together, but the whole country. Talk about pressure!! Ladies, imagine having your husband be the leader of the free world, the most powerful man in the world. The wonderful thing about this couple is the fact they do not let the fact that they are the president and first lady go to their head. They are down to earth, and they are not afraid to speak of their past or where they came from. During their first term in the White House, they both have came out and said they struggle with student loan debt until they join the White House.  To me as a college student that means a lot to me to know that my president understands the struggles of  daily life of students trying to better their future through education. 

President Obama makes to point in hiding the love and respect he has for his wife and our first lady. There have many times the microphone picked up him making jokes about his wife or that he is "afraid of her" with loving joking undertones. They show young people how to handle a relationship with class and grace. I know a lot people may not agree with what I am about to say, but it's my opinion, but they are the black or African American people image of a true, loving, and positive relationship and couple. Some may say they are the black camlot. 

I could go on and on about this couple, but why flood you with my opinion? Tell me in the comments how you feel about the First couple/family.

First Love

What is love? Love can be anything some will say. Others may say its anything good in your life. I notice the one sure answer to that question is there is no sure answer. I know the answer for me. To love for me, is to love unconditionally. That's what I do. I love unconditionally. I have a story of that.

Its my freshman year of high school. I was not popular but I had my friends and classmates I was cool with. I met this guy through one of my best friends. They went to middle school together. He had the biggest crush on my my best friend, and I had the biggest crush on him. Due to that, I never told a soul. My best friend knew with out me saying a word, and she tell me all the time to go for it, but I never did. As the years went on the guy became my best friend. We was your topical best friends, well at least to me. One day senior year he told me he had a girlfriend. I had a boyfriend, but I was so hurt that he had a girlfriend that I didn't talk to him for 2 months. How I did that when we went to the same high school, I do not know, but I did it. I start to text his girlfriend from his phone a few times and one day he let me talk to her on the phone. I never forget that moment as long as I live. I told her that I loved him and few other things. I SAID THIS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HALLWAY WITH OUR CLASSMATES LISTENING ALONG WITH HIM. I couldn't believe I said that. I been friends with him for many years now, and I still love him. Even thou we never dated or be came a couple, I still love him as a wife loves her husband. I finally told him one day over the phone and he said he never knew I felt that way(I don't buy that at all). We still friends and my love still grows. What can I say? I'm the type of person once I love you that's it unless you betray me unlike no other. We both date and meet new people, like we should since we both single, but I just cant stop loving him. I play my role as best friend never letting the two cross, but no matter what I do I can stop the love. Who knows what the future holds, he may love back, he maybe my soulmate, or one day I just stop loving him. Who knows but after 10 years of loving someone I don't think it happen over night. Tell me, who was your first love and do you still love him/her?

Travyon Martin

I know this picture has been all over facebook and instagram. I just had to put my two cents on it. I don't want to sound racist, but here it go again people making fun of something so serious in the black community and the country. The fact that this girl (picture in the middle) had the balls to post this on her social media page just upset me. How can you think this is OK? I would you feel if that was your family member and for Halloween people made from of your tragedy? The issue of black face has been around for years. A lot of young people do not know this but it was a time when black people had to perform in black face just like their white counterpart. I just think that this picture is disgusting and in poor taste. I feel like now-a-day people are not trying to see it from our (black community) point of view.

I am call for all my youth to speak out against this mistreatment of the legacy of Travyon Martin! Do not let people think that this funny or OK to do. It is not funny or a joke. That young man was gun down like a animal for no reason, and for you to make fun or light of it is a dis-Justice. Enough is Enough!!!! Just because the justice system fail us do not mean black people give up the fight. NO!! arm your self with education. Learn about your history..ALL OF IT. Learn the working of your government, and fight to change the way we are viewed in the country and the world. I'm tired of seeing my people just go with the flow..its time for us to be the true leaders we was born to be.

LGBT FRATERNITITES

I saw something on Tumblr today that really had me thinking. It was a post about having more Christian and LGBT fraternities on college campuses. As a college students, I see Christian fraternities a lot, but my question is this How will the rest of the fraternities on campus feel about having openly express and showing LGBT fraternities on their "yard"? I am not dumb to the fact that there are some LGBT fraternities out here and you may be walking by a member of one with out knowing it.

The reason I post this question is this: We all know how much hate is shown towards the LGBT community. Now with fraternities out in the open, where they should be because no one should have to hide or a group should not have to hide, wouldn't that cause more hate crimes on College campuses? Like I said in my previous posts about this topic, I do not care who you love just as long as they are respecting you and giving you the same love back as you giving to them. I think that there are still a lot of work that needs to be done against the bad stigma of the LGBT community before we can go to next step as in fraternities. I have many gay and lesbian friends and I do not want them to be shun or hurt because they joined a LGBT fraternities. TO BE FRANK... we need more work as a whole. More understanding and peace between us as humans before we can truly say we have made a difference in this world. I think it be a good idea to have the LGBT fraternities bond and build a friendship with the Black fraternities since at one point they were kept off college campus and had to fight from their own piece of the pie. what do you think?

The BEST HALLOWEEN TV SHOW

Halloween is next week!!! I can't believe Fall is in the air, and everything taste like pumpkin. Living here in Michigan, Fall is my favorite time of the year. All the trees are having their leaves change to all the wonderful fall colors. Everywhere you look, you can see the season all around you. OK, now that I have that out the way, Let's talk Halloween stuff.

Halloween is fun to me. The one day out the year it's OK to be something that you are not. I love all the costumes and make up. I remember one year I dressed up as a P.I.M.P.  It was so much fun!! The outfit was just a outfit I found in my room. Plus I have a major sweet tooth, I mean it's really bad how much I love sweets. I love all decor items for Halloween, and the scarier the better.

My favorite show to watch this time of year is "Making Monsters" on the Travel Channel. "Making Monsters" is an intriguing look in to the world of animatronics and  the mask makers. Ed Edmunds and his small staff work indefatigably in Greeley, CO, to create some of the scariest animatronics and “frightronics” the manufacturing world of haunt has ever witness. Ed and his company, Distortions Unlimited, are known in this industry as forerunners with their unimpeachable design and implementation. I look forward to watching it every year. Due to my busy life, I have to DVR it most of the time. I would highly recommend any fan of horror to watch this show. I would tell you more about the show, but why would I ruin the show for you? Go head and tune in to the Travel Channel's "Making Monster" next episode is Sun Oct 27, 9/8c and go to http://www.travelchannel.com/tv-shows/making-monsters to check out the past episodes and behind the scene photos....That's if you're not a afraid.

SELF LOVE/WEIGHT LOSS *LEAVE A COMMENT *

*LEAVE ANY WEIGHT LOSS TIPS THAT MAY HAVE WORKED FOR YOU ON THIS BLOG*

The topic of weight and weight loss has been in a heavy rotation in my mind for months now. It really had been a part of my life all my life. For many years, I always was the “fat girl” in my group of friends, and trust me; I played up every stereotype you can think of when it came down to it.  I did everything to show that I was happy, but I wasn’t. Until lately, I always played my weight and size as a joke so no one would feel sorry for me. Then I realize I was the only person feeling sorry for me. I realize I was attracting all the negative things to me by the way I was thinking.

                One day I went to the doctor for my annual checkup, when she asks me if I was thinking of starting a family any time soon. I said no, but it is part of my future plans. That’s when she drops the bomb on me. She told me at the weight I am now; carrying a child would be risky. I even could be on bed rest the whole time. Anyone who knows me know, I want children, and I do whatever it takes to have my children healthy,and being a mother is more important to me than anything. I started on a diet. Now, I’m being honest, it’s not a hard diet if a true diet at all. I walk more now that I am back in school and I do 20-30 squats a day. I can start to see my body changing. My friends are very supportive, but I learned that if you not happy with whom you are as a whole no matter how much weight you lose you still be unhappy.

By typing this post, IF I could help one person see how special they are and how they are worthy of love and happiness then I can say my job is done. There have been times I wanted to “end it all”, or felt unworthy to be loved. The day I realize that if I did all of the things I was thinking then I could not live my dream, and the ones who hurt me had won. I’m sorry, but I cannot go out that way. I’m here to tell ANYONE of you who have those dark thoughts of harming yourself or that you not loved.  I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!!! If I can make it through the bullying from strangers all the way to my own family members, so can you. Everyone is here for a reason or purpose. DON’T LET ANYONE STEAL YOUR PURPOSE FROM YOU. I have been where you are, and I KNOW the pain and tears you cry, but trust me you are stronger than that. If you need someone to talk to write a letter to yourself and hide it from your sight for a day or two, and when you re-read the letter you wrote you will be amazed how strong you became after you overcame the problem. If you want, you can email me if you just want someone to talk to, or if you can’t talk to anyone around you about it. I just don’t want anyone to go through what I went through. 

NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY!!

I know this, I am late posting this, but I had to make sure I was clear in this post. I AM AN ALLY!!! I am also a Christian. With National Coming Out Day just passing on the calendar, it made me think about my gay and lesbian friends who came out to me in the past. The one thing they all had in common was they were afraid I would no longer be their friend, but that was far-removed from the truth. Yes I do have strong religious beliefs, yet I follow one major rule of my faith and that’s “thou shall not judge”. All I care about is if that person, rather boy or girl, is treating you with respect and love other than that I don’t care who you date.  I SUPPORT GAY MARRIAGE!!!! I don’t understand what the problem is. I am working on a degree in Psychology, and I can tell you there is no real proof that a child growing up in a household with Same Sex parents are going to be gay or have terrible psychological issues. If they found someone they want to be with for the rest of their lives, and want to marry them. LET THEM!!!!! The world will not end and society will keep going on.

                There are 3 gay men that are my world. I call them my gay husbands. The nickname came about because they all have qualities I look for in my husband, and if they were straight I would totally date them. They are ranked by who came into my life first. I start backwards first.  Husband #3 I call him white chocolate. He is the newest member of the group. I met him through husband #1 because that’s his boyfriend. He is totally sweet and kind guy. The first time we met was at my birthday party last year. I know we have many more years of memories to come, so stay tune for that. #2 husband is my down for whatever husband. He’s also the only husband that watches Rupaul’s Drag Race with me. We talk about the makeup and dresses and the runway of all the queens. He is also the photographer of this family. He also keeps me up on all the underground artists and music. Now we reach the top dog of the group. Husband #1 is my protective and most professional out of all 3. We met 7 years ago and ever since we been together. All this boyfriends have to meet a standard that I have for him (I got to make sure he is a good man that’s all) and the same goes for my boyfriends have to meet his standards. He had opened my eyes to so much. He helps me with my budget, school, resumes, men/dating/ fashion, and my new project losing weight. He always keeps me on track to reaching my goals just like the other husbands. I don’t know where I would be without him in my life. He spoils me almost like a real husband, and our 7th anniversary is coming up October 17.  Yes, we celebrate an anniversary. I love all my husbands equally. One day I will be at their weddings.  I just wanted to tell all the young or old people out there that are scared to come out to friends/family. It’s OK to be who you are completely. If they truly love you then they will accept you for who you are, don’t for one second think that someone who say they love you truly do because if they are trying to get you to chance who you are, or make you feel ashamed of who you are then they don’t truly love you. I LOVE YOU ALL!!! KEEP YOUR HEAD UP!!  Remember YOU, YES YOU, YOU ARE PERFECT and were created by the most high and HE DID NOT MAKE NO MISTAKE WHEN HE CREATED YOU!!!!!!!!!  *kiss*