(New Video Post) #BlackActress Ep 6 ft. @EssenceAtkins

December 11, 2013 by

Hey guys!

I can’t believe how quickly the weeks have gone by and we’re already at episode 6! I hope you guys are enjoying the show! Tonight’s episode features the beautiful and humble Essence Atkins who I literally grew up watching on “The Smart Guy” I LOVED that show! Essence gave such an awesome interview, she felt like my family! I wish her the best of success.

Episode Description: 
Essence Atkins gives advice on how she dealt with a dry spell in her career as we watch Kori continue to struggle through her own. Trying her best to be optimistic she has a meeting with her agent in hopes of getting some good news only to find out that her “bad streak” may last a little longer.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

(New Song Post) “I Can’t Leave You Alone” (Frm Ep 2 of #BlackActress)

December 10, 2013 by

Hey guys! New episode drops at 4pm pst/7pm est.

As most of ya’ll have probably figured out a lot of the episodes of “Black Actress” feature my new and older music and the requests for my new songs have been overwhelmingly awesome! I mean you guys have seriously hounded me for this song lol and I appreciate it! So to show my appreciation here is the full song, “I Can’t Leave You Alone” which was featured in Episode 2 of “Black Actress”  . Thank you all for the love! Download and share the song, and expect a new album in 2014 🙂
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/124225487?secret_token=s-pNZlN” params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=true” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

(New Video Post) Don’t Let Someone Steal Your Joy – Weekly Memo

December 9, 2013 by

Do Not Let Someone Steal Your Joy! Have you ever had a moment where someone was trying to derail you instead of help you? Where you ended up feeling worse about yourself and what you’re doing because of something someone said? That is called “joy” stealing and it happens to the best of us but the moment is temporary! A very small relapse that smacks you in the face but you learn a lesson and it’s to not let something like that happen again! Stand your ground, keep your faith, believe in your vision and do not let someone steal your joy!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: ,

(New Post) 21 Habits of Happy People – #selflove #positivity

December 8, 2013 by

Ya’ll know I love anything positive and try my best to share as much positivity with you guys as I can, and I stumbled on this post yesterday and just had to share it with you guys, The 21 Habits of Happy People. A lot of the things on this list I’ve had to take the time to discover one by one to live an overall positive life and truly become a happier person. I know in the winter it’s natural to get the winter blues so if you have been feeling a bit down or depressed please take a look at this list and apply these things to your life! Let me know if you start to see a change in how you feel.

1. Appreciate Life
Be thankful that you woke up alive each morning. Develop a childlike sense of wonder towards life. Focus on the beauty of every living thing. Make the most of each day. Don’t take anything for granted. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
2. Choose Friends Wisely
Surround yourself with happy, positive people who share your values and goals. Friends that have the same ethics as you will encourage you to achieve your dreams. They help you to feel good about yourself. They are there to lend a helping hand when needed.
3. Be Considerate
Accept others for who they are as well as where they are in life. Respect them for who they are. Touch them with a kind and generous spirit. Help when you are able, without trying to change the other person. Try to brighten the day of everyone you come into contact with.
4. Learn Continuously
Keep up to date with the latest news regarding your career and hobbies. Try new and daring things that has sparked your interest – such as dancing, skiing, surfing or sky-diving.
5. Creative Problem Solving
Don’t wallow in self-pity. As soon as you face a challenge get busy finding a solution. Don’t let the set backs affect your mood, instead see each new obstacle you face as an opportunity to make a positive change. Learn to trust your gut instincts – it’s almost always right.
6. Do What They Love
Some statistics show that 80% of people dislike their jobs! No wonder there’s so many unhappy people running around. We spend a great deal of our life working. Choose a career that you enjoy – the extra money of a job you detest isn’t worth it. Make time to enjoy your hobbies and pursue special interests.
7. Enjoy Life
Take the time to see the beauty around you. There’s more to life than work. Take time to smell the roses, watch a sunset or sunrise with a loved one, take a walk along the seashore, hike in the woods etc. Learn to live in the present moment and cherish it. Don’t live in the past or the future.
8. Laugh
Don’t take yourself – or life to seriously. You can find humor in just about any situation. Laugh at yourself – no one’s perfect. When appropriate laugh and make light of the circumstances. (Naturally there are times that you should be serious as it would be improper to laugh.)
9. Forgive
Holding a grudge will hurt no one but you. Forgive others for your own peace of mind. When you make a mistake – own up to it – learn from it – and FORGIVE yourself.
10. Gratitude
Develop an attitude of gratitude. Count your blessings; All of them – even the things that seem trivial. Be grateful for your home, your work and most importantly your family and friends. Take the time to tell them that you are happy they are in your life.
11. Invest in Relationships
Always make sure your loved ones know you love them even in times of conflict. Nurture and grow your relationships with your family and friends by making the time to spend with them. Don’t break your promises to them. Be supportive.
12. Keep Their Word
Honesty is the best policy. Every action and decision you make should be based on honesty. Be honest with yourself and with your loved ones.
13. Meditate
Meditation gives your very active brain a rest. When it’s rested you will have more energy and function at a higher level. Types of meditation include yoga, hypnosis, relaxation tapes, affirmations, visualization or just sitting in complete silence. Find something you enjoy and make the time to practice daily.
14. Mind Their Own Business
Concentrate on creating your life the way you want it. Take care of you and your family. Don’t get overly concerned with what other people are doing or saying. Don’t get caught up with gossip or name calling. Don’t judge. Everyone has a right to live their own life the way they want to – including you.
15. Optimism
See the glass as half full. Find the positive side of any given situation. It’s there – even though it may be hard to find. Know that everything happens for a reason, even though you may never know what the reason is. Steer clear of negative thoughts. If a negative thought creeps in – replace it with a positive thought.
16. Love Unconditionally
Accept others for who they are. You don’t put limitations on your love. Even though you may not always like the actions of your loved ones – you continue to love them.
17. Persistence
Never give up. Face each new challenge with the attitude that it will bring you one step closer to your goal. You will never fail, as long as you never give up. Focus on what you want, learn the required skills, make a plan to succeed and take action. We are always happiest while pursuing something of value to us.
18. Be Proactive
Accept what can not be changed. Happy people don’t waste energy on circumstances beyond their control. Accept your limitations as a human being. Determine how you can take control by creating the outcome you desire – rather than waiting to respond.
19. Self Care
Take care of your mind, body and health. Get regular medical check ups. Eat healthy and work out. Get plenty of rest. Drink lots of water. Exercise your mind by continually energizing it with interesting and exciting challenges.

20. Self Confidence
Don’t try to be someone that you’re not. After all no one likes a phony. Determine who you are in the inside – your own personal likes and dislikes. Be confident in who you are. Do the best you can and don’t second guess yourself.
21. Take Responsibility
Happy people know and understand that they are 100% responsible for their life. They take responsibility for their moods, attitude, thoughts, feelings, actions and words. They are the first to admit when they’ve made a mistake.
Begin today by taking responsibility for your happiness. Work on developing these habits as you own. The more you incorporate the above habits into your daily lifestyle – the happier you will be.
Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: ,

(New Video Post) “Just Do You!” #SelfLoveSaturday

December 7, 2013 by

I’ve been having a great year! For the first time in my life I can confidently say I am truly just doing me! I told myself at the beginning of the year that I was going to do everything that I wanted to do. I was going to do all of the things that I was passionate about and the things that bring me joy. In making that choice I have became a much happier and confident person and if I hadn’t started my self love journey I don’t know if I would have ever gained this amount of confidence in myself as an artist. I really encourage everyone to just do you! Do the things that you want to do and do what makes you happy! It’s your life, live it to the fullest! Happy Self Love Saturday!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With:

(New Post) Upcoming Performance with @GiftofMusicTO in Toronto Dec 17th

December 6, 2013 by

Hey ya’ll I’ve got a show coming up! Woop! Woop! 

It’s been a little while since I did a live performance of my own music so I’m really excited to end my year with a bang and perform in the 4th Annual Gift of Music Charity Event hosted by the amazingly talented Glenn Lewis (this man sings like Stevie Wonder! His voice is incredible) All of the proceeds from this show go towards MusiCounts which is a non-profit organization that helps to keep music education programs and instruments in schools. It’s all for an amazing cause and 100% of the money raised on the night of the show goes to MusiCounts . If you are in Toronto in December please come to the show, it’s full of a lot of talent and it’s all for a very good cause plus I’m going to be there! 🙂

MORE INFO ON THE SHOW 
WHAT: The 4th Annual “Gift of Music” (all proceeds to MusiCounts)

WHERE: The Hard Rock Cafe, Toronto
WHEN: December 17, 2013 (doors open at 8pm)
WHO: Presented by Kid Kut | IV Play | Darling Nicky
HOST: GLENN LEWIS
MUSIC: ALEESIA, ANDREA LEWIS, AUGUST, GINETTE CLAUDETTE, LISA BANTON, LUU BREEZE, OMAR LUNAN, RUFUS, TURNSTYLEZ with appearances from several surprise guests.
DJS: JESTER & MC LINX
TIX: $15 ADVANCED at www.ticketgateway.com (More at the Door)

**Note: 100% of the proceeds go to MusiCounts (see below for details)**

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DECEMBER 3, 2013 – TORONTO, ON

TORONTO MUSICIANS GIVE “THE GIFT OF MUSIC” FOR MUSICOUNTS IN 3RD ANNUAL BENEFIT
Award winning MC and Producer Kid Kut, and co-producers IV PLAY and Darling Nicky are pleased to return for their 4th installment of “The Gift Of Music” with returning sponsor  CASIO Canada Ltd.; an evening of music to benefit MusiCounts Canada.  On Tuesday, December 17th, 2013 at the Hard Rock Café (279 Yonge Street at Dundas) the public is invited to celebrate “The CASIO® Gift of Music”, an event featuring live performances by an A-list roster of artists that have made an impact on the Canadian urban music industry.  This highly anticipated event, hosted this year by Canadian R&B icon Glenn Lewis alongside Kid Kut shall feature live performances by August Rigo, Ginette Claudette, Aleesia, Luu Breeze, Andrea Lewis, Omar Lunan, Rufus John, Lisa Banton with a special performance DJ segment by turntablists Turnstylez.    An after party will follow with music by G 98.7’s Jester and MC Linx.

“It never ceases to amaze me how much talent there is in the City of Toronto, and to be able to provide a platform where established artists and up-and-comers can perform on the same stage in the name of my favourite cause is nothing short of a blessing.” – Kid Kut

MusiCounts associated with CARAS, is a charity based organization that focuses on supporting music programs in schools across Canada, ensuring that children of all walks of life have access to music education through instrument grants, scholarships and other music initiatives. This year, schools across Canada will benefit from $600,000 worth of Band Aid musical instrument grants. The grants (worth $5,000 or $10,000) impact thousands of young Canadians and support diverse music programs that include concert and jazz bands to drum and guitar ensembles from Pre K to Grade 12 in urban, rural, remote and First Nations communities from coast to coast.  For more information on MusiCounts, please see their official website at www.musicounts.ca.
The Hard Rock Café, located in the heart of Toronto, is a perfect venue for such an event which boasts a long history of live performances. With limited advanced tickets available, it is strongly recommended that you purchase yours early, as it is guaranteed to sell out.
On December 17th, 2013, you can expect an evening of unparalleled musical entertainment, along with the opportunity to give the gift of music to generations to come via silent auctions, and raffles.  100% of the proceeds will be donated to MusiCounts Canada on behalf of The CASIO® Gift of Music Team.

“It’s important to keep children learning through music in schools.  Music is an amazing force that can make people with difference share something in common.” – Natalie of IV Play.

“Music may be the one gift that we can give to one another that is universally appreciated, and re-gifted over and over.” – Darling Nicky

Advanced $15.00 tickets to The Gift of Music can be purchased securely online at www.ticketgateway.com OR by calling 416.858.2191.
The Gift of Music on December 17th, 2013 at The Hard Rock Café.

For General Info: info@giftofmusicTO.com
For Media Inquiries: nicky@publicitysupport.ca

 

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: , , , , , ,

(New Video Post) #BlackActress Ep 5 ft @JoyfulDrake

December 4, 2013 by
New Episode! Woop! Woop! And this one is one of my favorites! Tonight we get to see a little more of Kori’s life outside of the audition rooms and acting class and truly dive into some of her insecurities. I think we’ve all been in a place similar to Kori where unfortunately because her insecurities she’s pretty much her own worst enemy at this time. Actress Joyful Drake gives great insight that “happy people are normally surrounded by other happy people” and that to truly begin to find success you need to be happy!
Episode Description: 
Hoping to progress their relationship, Romeo invites Kori and Izzy to a party and things quickly go very badly for Kori. Guest appearance from Joyful Drake.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , ,

(New Video Post) #BlackActress Cast – Character Similarities & On Set Crushes

December 3, 2013 by

Hey guys,

There’s a new episode tonight 4pm pst/7pm est on youtube.com/issarae but just before tonight’s shenanigans I wanted to share another cast video where we discuss how similar we are to our characters and who our crushes were! Enjoy.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,

(New Video Post) @TatyanaAli FULL interview from #BlackActress – Thanksgiving Day Bonus

November 28, 2013 by

Tatyana Ali is a very inspirational actress for me. Both of us were child actors and grew up in West Indian homes so when I got to meet her and see how smart, well together and wise she was I was overwhelmingly inspired! She has had a steady career and in no way lets any of it effect her as a person. She’s proud of her accomplishments but she focuses more on being a well rounded person rather than being an “it girl”. Check out the extended version of the interview we did with her for “Black Actress”. Happy Thanksgiving!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

(New Post) Happy Thanksgiving (Again) – What’re you thankful for?

November 28, 2013 by

Happy Thanksgiving (again)

I’m a Canadian and we celebrate Thanksgiving in October but since I’ve lived in and out of America for many years I often celebrate this holiday twice and it’s truly become on of my favorite holidays! I’m in Toronto right now and I’m going to make a thanksgiving dinner just for the hell of it aka because I don’t pass up the opportunity to eat good food! It’s great to have holidays to remind us to be thankful but we should do our best to be thankful everyday but on this day I’ve written of all the things that I feel extremely grateful for and one of my goals is to show my gratitude as much as I can. Check out my list below, what are you thankful for?

1. My mom

2. My brother

3. My health

4. My sane mind

5. My imagination

6. My childhood

7. My wisdom

8. My friends

9. My foodie ambitions

10. My body

11. My hair

12. My confidence

13. My talents

14. My appreciation for music

15. My creative team that forever supports and helps me

16. Jabari Johnson

17. My sense of humor

18. My petite stature

19. My mother’s home

20. Melisa Antony

21. Michaella Blisset-Williams

22. My laptop

23. My west indian heritage

24. All of my travels around the world

25. My heart

26. My journey

27. My ability to turn negatives into positives

28. My growth

29. My youth

30. My supporters throughout my entire career.

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,