Meet ROTIMI - "BOSS" Actor and New Spokesmodel of T.I.'s AKOO [TheYBF.com]

As a talented musical artist, budding actor on a hit cable series and brand new spokesmodel for AKOO clothing, Rotimi Akinosho has stepped up as the triple threat to watch in 2012. TheYBF.com recently chatted up with this super talented artist/actor/model to find out more. Check out their sit-down below.

The following interview is courtesy of TheYBF.com

AKOO, the clothing line founded by superstar rapper T.I., has just announced upcoming model/actor/singer Rotimi as the new face of the company. 

22-year-old Rotimi, who also stars on the Starz series "BOSS" with Golden Globe winner Kelsey Grammer, Sanaa Lathan and now T.I., has been making moves in the entertainment industry for half his life, but his AKOO gig may be his biggest role yet!

So how does a young man land a modeling gig for a celebrity driven company so early in his career? 

Jeff Belixaire, Director of Marketing for AKOO, said that it was a no-brainer. "T.I. found AKOO (A King Of Oneself) based on having exceptional style and creativity," Jeff says. "And Rotimi is a rare talent that embodies our mantra of self-mastery. With his songwriting and acting, we admire that in him."

Born in Maplewood, NJ and raised in a Nigerian household, Rotimi credits his success to his family. He dished to TheYBF.com about how his upbringing affects his ambition, saying:

"There was a lot of structure and education. My dad always told me to work hard and play hard."

He added, "In a Nigerian household, it sets you apart because you realize that everything you get you have to earn. My dad instilled that in me."

Having attended Northwestern University, Rotimi, who's been playing piano and singing since he was 6, got a huge break in Chicago last year when he was added to the cast of Starz hit series "BOSS." Talking about the experience, he tells TheYBF.com,

"It was a blessing. Working with Kelsey [Grammer], Lionsgate and them believing in me was just awesome. I was able to have conversations with great directors and get into the role of the character. I'm playing a drug dealer but it's a deeper story. It has meaning and the character is tough and vulnerable."

He also credits T.I. as being a great mentor and role model both on and off the set.

"TIP is one of those people where you learn from watching. I watch how he handles himself as a professional and he always tells me there is no limit to what I can do and to keep good people around me."

But despite landing such a large acting role so early in his career, Rotimi says besides AKOO, music is his main passion.

"I want to be one of the main voices of my generation to prove there is no limit to what you can do. I want people to understand that you can go to school and get your degree... and do whatever you want to do. There are no limits to anything you can do."

"BOSS" kicks off season 2 (10 episodes) this August.

Check out Rotimi in action:

Rotimi is a good friend and I'm so proud of him. 

You go boy, in my Gina voice!

Rotimi got #TheJuice

-J.Couture

Exclusive Album Review: NecieB's "Runaway Love"

Shout out to the entire team over at Power Move Management. As I listen to NecieB's Runaway Love, I'm impressed. 

Necie is a songbird, but this album does not place her in a one genre box. It starts off with a pop, cross over sound with "Girls Around the World," flows into a Hip-Pop track with "Get It from My Daddy," then smoothly transitions into a very heartfelt melodic ballad with "Can't Get Enough" and ends with a very contemporary Christian rock ballad "Runaway Love". If I could create a genre for her sound, it would be Contemporary Hip-Pop Christian Rock R&B. 

So far, halfway through the album, I'm enjoying every song, including the hilarious interludes of TedyP and NecieB. I love the intro in "Breathe Again" as they showcase their rap skills. The first half of the album is very fun and playful, while the second half of the album gets a little more serious with melodic ballads showcasing NecieB's vocal skills. The production is very dope. Shout out to the Good Guys production team. 

My favorites would be "Get It From My Daddy," "Can't Get Enough," "Love Locked Me Down," "Over and Over" and "Runaway Love".

Track List:

1. Girls Around the World

2. My God

3. Get It From My Daddy

4. NecieB 123

5. Can't Get Enough

6. Breathe Again

7. Don't Let Me Fall

8. Unbreakable feat. Jor'Dan Armstrong

9. Love Locked Me Down

10. Your Love

11. Over and Over

12. Over Again

13. You're God (My Everything)

14. Necessary

15. Runaway Love

NecieB got #TheJuice !

-J.Couture

Kingdom Keys to a Successful Relationship by Dr. Myles Munroe

Kingdom Keys to a Successful Relationship from "Kingdom Laws for Kingdom Living" by Dr. Myles Munroe

In this video, Dr. Munroe touches on the secret to the kingdom's perspective on relationships, God's restoration through the institution of the home. He mentions that only dogs move from "puppy to puppy," that we have become confused as humans, as if we are in "heat." He states that the greatest source of frustration, joy and pain is love and relationships. 

Living together, not under holy matrimony, causes you to live on a time bomb. Stress is the number one cause of diseases. There is nothing more stressful than going  home to more stress in a co-habitation state: intimacy without commitment, having babies but no legal rights to the money, prenuptial agreements, no trust, but you want love. He states that you cannot go any further in this year (2012) until you get this right. We need to get back to God's authority in relationships.

You are full of hurt because you gave someone your mind, body and time under a common law: no commitment, no love and no dedication. He says, "If sex is love, no one has more love than a prostitute." Marriage is designed to meet the needs of the human spirit, such as mutual respect, belonging, and importance. The key to all inter-personal relationships is the quality of your intra-personal relationships. He says, "If you don't like you, you cannot love me!"  The foundation for loving others is to first love yourself. He says that you are your own sun. Your spouse is their own sun, so when the two get together, you can then create a constellation. 

Singleness is the most important state of human development. Singleness is the foundation of God's design for the human family. He says, "Diamonds are never found on top of the ground, just rock. If they're easy to find, run." He states in the bible that he who finds a wife, finds a good thing. God developed the individual first to have a complete total wholeness. 

He mentioned there are 12 advantages to singleness. Seven of those are: managing your time, managing your priorities, managing your friendships, managing your space, managing your relationships, managing your life's purpose, and managing your intellectual development. You are not ready to live with anyone else until you can live with your own self. Your relationship can only be as successful as your singleness. God will never chose your mate, He will only give you prospects.

He went on to talk about LOVE. The greatest danger of love is when you simplify it, saying, "I Love You." What exactly does love mean? There are four kinds of love: brotherly love (Philio), fleshly love (Eros), friendship love (Sterego), and divine Godly love (Agape). Most of the time when a man says, "I Love You," he's referring to fleshly love. Love is an act of the will. Love is a choice. It is not an emotion. Love is the response to understanding the value of a thing. If it is valuable, you will not compromise it. Love is a force generated by a decision. Love can decide to love a person who hates them. You can reference God's law on love in the bible by reading John 13:34-35 and Romans 13:8.

Watch the full length video.

-J.Couture

Who is Luke James?

This guy is up next!... He's like Marvin Gaye and Al Green reincarnated with a splash of D'Angelo or something... I see big things for him in the near future!.. This dude's got SOUL.

-J.Couture

Rally Petition Delivery for Trayvon Martin

"If I had a son, he'd look like Trayvon..." -President Barack Obama

Tomorrow, Monday, March 26th at 4:00pm, the family and supporters of Trayvon Martin will deliver to the Justice Department's headquarters in Washington, DC the petition calling for Justice for Trayvon. It's been nearly a month since the high school junior was gunned down walking home from a convenience store, the victim of senseless violence. And today, the killer remains free.


Please share the petition with family, friends and neighbors. Trayvon Marin's murder is an affront to decency, civil rights, and freedom. Take a minute to sign and share.

SIGN HERE

RALLY PETITION DELIVERY:

Date: Monday, March 26th 

Location: Justice Department

Robert F. Kennedy Building

1425 New York Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20530

Time: 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Thank you for lending your voice and support. With your help, justice will be served.

This message was delivered by myself and Maria Roach, Social Media Activist, member of Moveon.org.


-J.Couture

Island Def Jam's Katlyn Nichol

I'm not going to even say much about this, BUT keep an eye out on newly signed Island Def Jam artist and Mary J Blige's protege', Katlyn Nichol....... Don't make me say, "I told you so."

By the way, she is ONLY 13 or 14 years old. This girl gives me chills how talented and mature she is vocally. She definitely has been touched by God with pure talent. Not to mention,  Mary J Blige is one of my biggest inspirations musically. I've been fortunate enough to get a phone call to potentially write for her. God is good. 

#BOOM

-J.Couture

God's Perspective from a Bird's Eye View



In the valleys you find humility and in the mountains you gain prospective. Bishop Bronner's message "The Favor of God" came on my playlist as I was on my flight to Atlanta. I was looking out the window, seeing the hills and valleys. It was a beautiful day out. The sun was shining bright and sky was blue. The clouds were pure white. This message literally and figuratively put my life into perspective for me yesterday. God is greater than anything on earth. We are so small compared to Him, just like we look at ants, but God loves us all the same. God wants us to have what He has and live in His kingdom. As I was looking out at the heavenly clouds, bodies of water, valleys and hills, I was thinking to myself, WOW I want ALL of this. I want God's kingdom. He has already promised it all this to us, but He's looking for those with humility that He can trust with His favor to put into position. He wants us to be blessed, but He wants us to bless others as we're blessed. As I was looking out that plane's window, I was thinking, wow, if everyone on earth could have humility and faith in God and live by His word, how better and good this world would be.

I almost had to cancel this business trip. The enemy was bust at work. I surrendered it over to God, but He made it happen at the last hour. When you have God's favor on your life and you live for His will, He puts you in the right place at the right time and equips you with everything you need, into position, to carry out the visions and missions He's placed on your heart. I believe I was supposed to be in the sky yesterday. I was supposed to be in that moment, looking down on earth from a bird's eye view while listening to Bishop Bronner's message. I was seeing God's creation from 30,000 feet in the air to gain perspective on His will for my life. What an amazing feeling that was! I felt the Holy Spirit speaking directly to me, sharing knowledge and wisdom of HOW to get closer to God. Everything that I've been praying for. It has truly strengthened me even more now. God has planned something GREAT for my life!

Testimony: My event did not get cancelled and I flew to Atlanta for FREE. Bonus: I met with RL of the R&B group Next the same night I flew into Atlanta. He flew to Houston today for a show, but expressed he wanted to make sure he met with me before he left. I'm a songwriter, but I do not have access to a reference singer nor a studio and I don't have my own studio equipment. He told me I can work at his studio when ever I want to and he's sharing knowledge and wisdom about recording and the business. He's also helping me to get over my phobia of singing and referencing my own songs. The beauty of it all, he was taught and brought up in the industry by music mogul Clive Davis. Clive Davis is responsible for our angel, Whitney Houston. #BOOM.... Who mad? lol

-J.Couture

-J.Couture

My Holy Ghost Soundtrack for Every Today!

Let the Praise Begin!

I woke up this morning in a state of praise and worship!! I am contagiously favored by God and man! Anyone and anything connected to me will be effected! My enemies can even have some! I am walking in TOTAL victory!

Everything works for good for those who believe and trust in God and live according to his will! (Romans 8:28)

My God can NEVER lose and that same power belongs to you! You need celebrate God's grace! The devil is defeated and God is to be praised!! Are you ready for your blessings? Are you ready for your miracles??


If you don't have a reason to praise God, then let me give you one. You woke you up this morning!!.. You are already victorious!!


Listen to my Holy Ghost soundtrack for every day!!.. Wake up every morning and listen to these two songs if you have to! Your days will be blessed!

Praises going up and blessing coming down!!!

-J.Couture

Exclusive Album Review: Diggy Simmon's "Unexpected Arrival"

Shout out to the team over at Atlantic Records for sending me an advance copy of Diggy's debut album, Unexpected Arrival.

Tracklist:

1. The Arrival

2. Hello World

3. I Need to Know

4. 88 ft. Jadakis

5. Two Up

6. Unforgiveable Blackness

7. Special Occasion ft. Tank

8. Glow In the Dark

9. 4 Letter Word

10. Do It Like You

11. Tom Edison

12. The Reign

Straight out the gate with track one, Diggy shows WHY he is before his time and is very mature as a lyricist and a poet. The lyricist apple did not fall far from the dynasty tree, at all.

"They will say you don't belong. They will assume you don't relate. They will underline your wrongs. They will expect you to be late. You are special. Your talent pours from your pores. Your footsteps and directions that are both certainly correct and you're absolutely unsure. Those cold lonely dark hallways called 'what if?' Yea, those are around. But if you don't back down, you unlock that door to warm hearts and dope situations in a room full of us called 'what now?' You wake up, you win. You try, you win. You fail, you still win, long as you're alive cuz if you die, what then? They will tell you, you only live once and that's true. But if you live correct and inspire Him, that's two and she, that's three. Four and more, five, strive, create your dream that creates your team that creates your steam to your hot, you know what I mean?... The Arrival." - Diggy Simmons

Now, personally, I can't relate to the content of most of his lyrics, but the tracks sound good. Diggy is 16 years old, so I'm sure his fanbase will love it. That 13 - 18 demographic will probably listen to this album and compare it to being as good as some Hip Hop pioneer. Which makes sense for them at their age because to them, Diggy is a Hip Hop pioneer. If I'm not mistaken, sounds like Diggz is singing on "Twos Up", gettin his Drake on and "Unforgettable Blackness" is a conscious rap type of song. "Special Occasion" is a really nice Hip Hop track with a smooth R&B hook. Diggy is showcasing his vocal skills on "4 Letter Love" as he swoons his love interest. "The Reign" is probably my favorite song on this project. It has a really smooth, jazzy feel to it. In the first verse he spits, "This the type of joint to make my stock rise, the type of joint you gotta turn the volume clockwise." DOPE! 

Overall, Diggy is spittin' HARD with clever word play and the production is beyond dope. He has some songs the older demographic can vibe out to and he has those records to satisfy his own age demographic. The production in itself sounds like classic Hip Hop. You wouldn't think this kid is only 16. He's way ahead of his time. I'm impressed. I give this debut album 4 out of 5 mics.

Diggy Simmons got #TheJuice

Unexpected Arrival will be available for purchase online and in stores March 20th!

Relatable artists: B.O.B., Common, Drake, Kanye West, T.I., Jay-Z, Jadakiss

-J.Couture

Countdown to Diggy: Rehearsals for the Life of the Jetsetter Tour

It wouldn't even be right if I didn't post this. 

I, of ALL people, but well deserving, had the opportunity to shadow Dionnee Harper, Urban Marketing Project Manager for Atlantic Records for a week back in May of 2011 in their NYC office. I had the privilege and also the honor of accompanying Dionnee for Diggy's initial label meetings at Atlantic after being signed. I sat in every single department meeting with Diggz and Perry as they visited each department from marketing, promotions, creative services, public relations, international, etc. So with that, I witnessed Diggy voice to the label his visions for his debut album when it came down to the album artwork, touring, his stage shows, music videos, and everything else. He was so specific as to colors, how many dancers he wanted, the type of directors he wanted to work with, etc. Diggy is a very hard working artist. He is dedicated to his craft and knows exactly what his goals and visions are for his career. It was an awesome experience for me, meeting and getting to know Diggy and Perry, his road manager. It was also a great experience over hearing conversations between the two and Rev Run and seeing how Julie Greenwald interacted with Diggz as well. 

As a former Atlantic promotions manager, Diggy's projects were one of the last projects I worked for the label in ATL last year. So to see all of his dreams, visions and goals come to life is very rewarding for me in a sense. I wish Diggy the best of luck with his debut album release, Unexpected Arrival. I'm so happy he's getting everything he's worked so hard for!

Watch, Countdown to Diggy: Rehearsals for the Life of the Jetsetter Tour!

-J.Couture

DJ Poizon Ivy has been Nominated for BEST Club DJ by WAMI!

Sending a HUGE Congratulations to client, DJ POIZON IVY, for her nomination by the Wisconsin Area Music Industry Awards for BEST CLUB DJ! You go girl!!!

In the genre category, the other best DJ nominees are DJ Mad Hatter, Kid Cut Up, DJ Wizkid, The Real Jaguar and DJ Bizzon! Sending congratulations to everyone who have been nominated for the 2012 WAMI Awards!


Ivy's the official DJ for Rap artist Prophetic and he has also been nominated for best Rap/Hip-Hop artist in the genre category! Prophetic and DJ Poizon Ivy are scheduled as one of WAMI's headlining acts this year.


The 32nd Annual WAMI Awards Show will be held on April 15th at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center in Appleton, WI.

Read complete list of 2012 WAMI Award Nominations.


-J.Couture

Island Def Jam Music Group Appoints Joie Mandel President, Def Jam Recordings!

Wow, talk about an inspirational moment for me!... Do you, or have you heard of 6 degrees of separation?.. Well I most definitely believe and can attest to the concept.

As the marketing assistant at Trill Entertainment from 07-09, working under the GM C.Scott and CEO's Turk and Mel, I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Mandel and in a sense work for him too through the chain of command by completing and performing tasks for Trill Ent because Trill had a distribution deal with Asylum.

I just think this is sooooo cool!!.. I last talked to Joie last year. I was telling him about my journey thus far and he wished me luck as I interviewed for an assistant position to an urban music division project manager at Atlantic Records, NYC office. Sending congrats, love and prayers of continued success and prosperity to Joie as he steps into this position as the President of Def Jam Recordings!

Read the full article HERE on IslandDefJam.com.

-J.Couture

Natasha Mosely Covers Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You"

See, I know that I know what I know when I'm talking about it!!... It takes A LOT of vocal control to sing this song and Natasha Mosley executed it extremely well!

It's only a matter of time and alignment of the right people and situations for this girl. I support this independent artist and wish her the best success in her music career!

R.I.P. Whitney Houston

-J.Couture

Natasha Mosley's "Tattoo" feat. Tyga

I get reeeeally excited when I come across independent talent that I believe have what it takes to become successful in this music industry. Recently, my client at DJ Poizon Ivy dropped her debut mixtape and as I was listening to Spring Break Seduction, I heard a very sweet voice that was so refreshing to my ears! Fresh, new, DOPE, un-signed talent! Her name is Natasha Mosley and the song was entitled "Tattoo" featuring YMCMB's Tyga... I'm going to keep my eyes on this girl and follow her progress... When I get this feeling about an artist, they tend to blow up.. Check her out!

Thoughts!?

-J.Couture

Super Producer Mr. Hanky Interviews with CatchMeBC.com

Super Producer, Mr. Hanky of Colli Park Music, also known as @AMrHankyBeat on Twitter recently sat down with Bishop from CatchMeBC.com for an exclusive interview. He speaks on how he got the name "Mr. Hanky," his inspirations for producing, who he's worked with in the past, who he's currently working with, who he's aspiring to work with, who he feels is most slept on in the Hip Hop game right now and much more. This guy is HILARIOUS!..Check it out!

Shout out to Hanky for showing love to Southern University and Kool DJ Supa Mike of Max 94.1 in Baton Rouge, LA!

Sidenote: I know the REAL story of how Mr. Hanky got his name!.. He didn't give you to FULL story, but I'm just going to roll with his explanation! lol...

-J.Couture

7 Strategies to Winning in Tough Times

Winning in Tough Times

Published by Dr. John Barton - 3/12/12

"Now Thanks be to God, which always causes us to Triumph in Christ..." (2 Corinthians 2:14)

Are you facing a tough time right now? Perhaps in your family, marriage, finances, business or health? Maybe you're facing a major decision and need God's guidance. At some point in your life, we're all going to face what may seem like insurmountable obstacles that will challenge our faith. Yes, tough times will come, but the good news is... they come to pass.

If you've ever known or been a part of any successful team, you know that winning doesn't happen by accident, but through careful planning and strategizing. During a recent service, I taught 7 Strategies for Winning in Tough Times, and I would like to share them with you today:

1. Strategic Praying - To pray strategically is to pray scripurally and specifically. Prayer connects you to the presence, power, and wisdom of God. (1 John 5:14 - 15)

2. Strategic Giving - You can sow your way out of tough times. A seed will meet any need. (Genesis 26:12)

3. Strategic Sharing - Don't share your problems with just anyone. The wrong voice could delay your deliverance. (Proverbs 29:11)

4. Strategic People - It's important that every person you're connected to in this season is part of God's plan for your life. Align yourself with the right people. 

5. Strategic Thinking - Long before something becomes an action, it begins as a thought in your head. Thoughts are seeds that produce trees. (Psalm 1:2-3)

6. Strategic Speaking - Order your day with life-giving words. Make "I AM" statements of faith. You attract you are, not necessarily what you want. Blessings come to the blessed. (Romans 8:37)

7. Strategic Praise - Bless the Lord at all times. Sing "coming out" songs of deliverance. God dwells in the midst of praise. (Psalm 34:1)

Incorporate these winning strategies into your daily life and watch God take you from victory to victory!

-Dr. John Barton

Follow John Barton Ministries on Youtube, Facebook and Twitter. 

-J.Couture

DJ Poizon Ivy Drops "Spring Break Seduction" Mixtape

Female turntable phenom, DJ Poizon Ivy of Milwaukee, WI just dropped her world premiere mixtape over the weekend entitled "Spring Break Seduction," hosted by Atlanta R&B sensation, BERTELL.

This mixtape features the hottest Hip Hop/R&B songs hitting the airwaves and underground music scene right now from Bertell, Rick Ross, Kirko Bangs, Trey Songz, Usher, Verse Simmonds, Lloyd, The Dream, Bei  Major, Nate Walker, Ne-Yo and much more! It's the perfect compliment to your spring break vacation. It allows for a smooth transition from the ride session with your boo thang to providing the sultry soundtrack for the after party following the main event.

Hosted by

BERTELL

DOWNLOAD "SPRING BREAK SEDUCTION"

-J.Couture

Styled by JUNE

I will be tuning in to June Ambrose' reality tv show "Styled by June" premiering on VH1 on Monday, March 19th at 9:30/8:30pm cst!

VH1 goes inside the world of fashion in a unique docu-soap series with ultimate "Curator of Syle" - June Ambrose. From Puffy to Jay-Z, she rebranded hip-hop as upscale in the 1990s. And in the 21st century, she has reshaped and re-launched the careers of hundreds of celebs, including Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, and Will Smith. June pushes the evelop and specialized in the unexpected, making us all stand up and take notice. In this series, June forges forward revamping her clients with her group of trusty assistants. Each episode will follow a celebrity's emancipation aka June-ism, culminating in a re-launch that coincides with high profile event: new album, new tour, new music video, etc. It's a show about BUSINESS. Look and attitude are the keys to success. June is considered one of few who know how to use the look to drive the culture, and then to drive the dollars. During the show's season, VH1 show's us how June juggles her clients and her personal life. "Styled by June" is executive produced by Michael Hirschorn and Wendy Roth and co-executive produced by Stacey Altman for Ish Entertainment. June Ambrose is also co-executive producer. VH1 executive producers are Shelly Tatro, Brad Abramson, Danielle Gelfand and Jeff Old. -Courtesy of VH1

Read the full interview.

Check out June's interview on MEDIA BEAT discussing her start in the industry and the who's who she has worked with!

-J.Couture