South Beach, Mrs. Carter and Great Food!

Hi everyone!

I got back from my Miami trip on Friday but have been so caught up in the trial and emotional about the verdict that I just hadn't gotten around to sharing my experience. I truly believe that justice will prevail in the end so I'm just going to leave it in His hands. 

Anyway, South Beach was wonderful! The beach, the scenery, the food it was all fabulous! Now many of you may have followed my weight loss journey so you are pretty familiar with me in that regard, but what you probably don't know about me is that I am extremely frugal (some call me cheap but we're going to go with frugal here because it has a nicer ring). So, with that being said, I went to Miami with a spending budget of $250. I figure since I was only staying for 3 full days and my hotel and flight were already paid for, this should be doable. Before I left I did tons of research on good, affordable restaurants in SOBE, read the reviews and just took a leap of faith. Well, I'm glad I did because we ate at some really great places and saved a lot of money. 

Hotel: We stayed at the historic Colony Hotel on Ocean Drive in South Beach. It was very nice and affordable and its right on the strip so the location is prime. Housekeeping was not great, in fact, they were pretty much non existent. Since we aren't slobs we just dealt with it and called the front desk for fresh towels each day. However, I made sure I notified them of this upon check out and in the review they asked me for. All things considered though, I'd stay there again. 

Food: All day everyday, one of the many hotels on the strip has someone peddling a meal deal. We ate breakfast 3/4 days on the strip for under $10 (by day 4 we were ready to go home and grabbed a bite in the airport). Most places offer breakfast with free a mimosa or bellini, and since I like FREE...*cheers* 

Our favorite spot was called 'David's Cafe' on Collins Ave in South Beach. They're a Cuban restaraunt and all of their lunch specials were under $10.  

 

We had lunch twice during our stay and both times our bill was under $10 (drinks. and gratuity included). We also ate at a quaint little spot called 'I Love Sushi' on Collins Ave. Very good, fresh sushi and we got complimentary miso soup. Their lunch specials were under $10 also. 

As for dinner, the first night we ate at a spot called 'Frog Taco Cantina' on Washington Ave. I had the quesadilla and my girlfriend had steak tacos. The food was excellent and our meals were under $7 (drink and gratuity included). I told y'all I was frugal. The second night was the concert. Since I knew the show would be at the American Airlines Arena, I searched for nearby restaurants and found a Groupon for 'Bongos' Cuban Restaraunt. 'Bongos' is owned by Gloria Estefan and is located right there at the Arena. The Groupon was $20 for $40 worth of food so my girlfriend and I just split the cost of the Groupon and ended up adding an extra $6 for our meal. For the sake of 'keeping it cute' I'll just say I'd never eat there again. The food wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either and the service was subpar (took them 30 minutes AFTER we were finished our meal to scan our Groupon and check us out). But I said I would 'keep it cute' so....*rolls eyes* The last night we just grabbed dinner from one of the hotel hagglers, it was cheap but nothing to write home about. 

The Show: Luke James opened up for her and he was great! He did a few cover songs and sang his hit 'I Want You'. He's a really good performer and I'll be getting his album when it drops. Now for Mrs. Carter! Honey...she showed up and showed OUT! (as expected) She put on an excellent show and we had great seats so it was an amazing experience. Between her flying in between stages, twerking and sanging for her life, she was everything! The only new song she sang was 'Grown Woman' but it was a great performance and I appreciate any new music I can get from her. As always, I'm here for Beyonce. #beyhive 

The Sites: Aside from the main attraction, Beyonce, we wanted to experience Miami! So we visited the Versace mansion, DASH (Kardashian boutique) and went jet skiing. The Versace mansion was beautiful. The architectural detail was just stunning. DASH was cute. If you're in to over priced t shirts and $400 swim coverups, then that's the place to go. #noshade I'm a fan of the 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' so naturally I wanted to visit their store. I didn't buy anything (duh) but I did get to take some pics. The design of the store is really nice, it's just too pricey, for me. Now for the jet skis. Lord, saying I was nervous is an understatement! I found a Groupon online for Miami Beach Sports for $90 for 60 minutes and 2 beach chair rentals which was great because an hour usually costs $180 and the chairs were $10 each so we saved over 50% with this deal and my girlfriend and I just split the cost. Since neither of us would consider ourselves swimmers, we knew we would not be doing too much on the jet ski (for fear of falling off and being lost at sea). #aintnobodygottimeforthat 

So, instead of going out for 60 minutes, we did about 20 minutes (don't laugh) and that was all we needed. We were going like 10 miles an hour and that felt too fast so I was good. Hey, we paid for the experience and we got it. The guys at Miami Beach Sports were really nice and helpful so I'd highly recommend them for a jet ski rental. 

Transportation: Now, we did a lot in Miami and we traveled from SOBE to Miami Beach to Biscayne Blvd and a with no rental car. How you ask? The bus. Now before you go turning your nose up, hear me out. A cab from the airport to SOBE where our hotel (The Colony) was was $30 one way, the bus (Airport Flyer/150) however was just $2.35. You do the math. A cab from our hotel to the arena was $15, the bus: $2. You do the math. Now had we rented a car, we would've had to search for parking because our hotel (like most on South Beach) didn't have a lot and we would've had to feed the meter and risk getting a ticket. Parking at the arena was $40 so we saved there too. We also caught a bus to Miami Beach for the jet ski experience and that was just $4 round trip. So, in all we spent $12.70 on transportation, which is great when you consider the cost of a rental car, gas and parking or cab fees. So if you're going to stay in SOBE, consider taking the bus. You get to see the town and save money. 

So these were the highlights of my Miami trip. It really was a nice trip and it wasn't as expensive as some would expect. You really can travel without breaking the bank. Now I told you I started out with a $250 cash budget, well I came home with $80 to spare. Not too shabby. *pats self on back* I planned, I researched and I bought Groupons in advance that saved me money. Groupon, Living Social and Google are your friends when planning a trip. Use them to your advantage because they work. My husband and I are planning the last details of our family vacation next month so we'll definitely be looking for some more deals. 

What are your summer vacation plans and what are some of your tips for saving  money on vacation? Please comment below.

Corrin K. Jones

Twitter: @sweatheartboss

Final Weekend Weigh In: The Big Reveal!

Hi everyone! As you know, I've been working hard for the past 3 months to shed this extra weight before my trip to Miami, but even more importantly, for my health and wellness in general. My initial goal was to lose 25 pounds but I ended up losing 21 pounds. Although I didn't meet my goal, I'm very proud of myself and what I was able to accomplish. I can definitely see the difference in the way my clothes fit and I see a big decrease in my belly fat. 

I'm smiling from ear to ear as I write this, not just because I lost the weight but because I proved to myself that I really could do it. Being a mother of 4, I've been struggling to lose 'baby weight' for several years and I'm so proud that I finally made the commitment and stuck to it. Here are a few things I learned during this journey: 

1. There's NO magic pill. You have to put in the work to get the results and its just that simple. You can't expect to lose weight if you aren't willing to exercise and  eat healthy.

2. Fad diets are not the answer.  Last week I tried a new fad diet called 'The Military Diet'. It's a strict 3 day diet that I wanted to try to lose a few extra pounds before my trip. Although I lost 5 pounds in 3 days, I gained back 2 before my weigh in. It's a quick fix if you have an event coming up but it's definitely not a long term weight loss plan (in my opinion). Fad diets are for the short term, temporary weight loss but in order to see long term results you're going to have to make long term lifestyle adjustments. 

3.  Don't be a slave to the scale! The scale can be very deceiving because it doesn't show the full story. There were weeks I lost no weight and would beat myself up, even though I could clearly see a difference in my physical appearance. I was just so stuck on the scale that I couldn't see anything else. I'm learning now to judge my progress on the fit of my clothing and how I feel as opposed to what the scale says. So, no more weekly weigh-ins for me. It's stressful and can be just as discouraging as it is rewarding. 

4. Have someone hold you accountable.  Blogging about my journey weekly has helped me tremendously. Knowing I had a responsibility to keep you all updated really kept me motivated. Even when I didn't have the best results to report, it only made me work harder for my next update. Whether you're blogging, journaling, having a weight loss contest at work, find someone who will hold you accountable for your goals. It's easy to set a goal and keep it to yourself so that if you don't meet it, no one knows (been there done that). However, if you share it with someone, you're more likely to stay on track and meet your goals. Accountability is the key to success. 

When I started blogging about my journey in April, I was nervous about sharing my story with others and afraid of failing. Now, 3 months later, I'm so happy I didn't succumb to my fears. I'm more confident not only in my appearance but in my abilities to achieve whatever I put my mind to. I just hope I was able to encourage someone else to do the same. 

Thanks so much for following me on this journey and taking the time to read my weekly updates. Although I won't be weighing in weekly anymore, I'm still going to continue my healthy eating abd exercise regimen. I'll also be blogging about different recipes, work outs and other healthy lifestyle tips. 

I'll be back next week with a full report on my trip to Miami and The Mrs. Carter Show! In the meantime, follow me on twitter (@SweatHeartBoss) and Instagram (@Shopsweatheart) for motivational quotes, pics and other random foolishness (because I like to laugh). Thanks again and have a blessed week! 

Corrin K. Jones

Goodbye Fat, Hello Fit!

Hello!

  My name is Corrin, and I am a junk food junkie. I enjoy long walks in the snack aisle at my local supermarket, summertime trips to Wawa for 32 oz Pepsi Big Gulps (Mayor Bloomberg would so not approve) and weekend visits to Taco Bell for a warm empanada. Yes, I know I have a problem and I am certainly a work in progress. However, if what they say is true (whoever 'they' is) about admission being the first step to recovery, then I am on my way.

  As a 33 year old wife, mother of four, FT employee and entrepreneur (www.shopsweatheart.com), I find myself either always tired, on the go, or most days, both. I often feel like I don't have the time to get to the gym or make the perfect, healthy meal but I know that in order for me to live a healthy lifestyle and set an example for my children, I have to make the time. All through high school and college (go Rutgers!) I was a very comfortable weight. In fact, after having my first child, I snapped right back to my pre-baby weight within 3 weeks! However, after getting married and having 3 more children, the 'snapback' ship has sailed, hit an iceberg and sank *cues violins*. With this being said, I feel like I have to work 10 times harder to accomplish my weight loss goals and up until now I have not been fully committed to doing so. I know I have to eat better, I know have to work out regularly and most importantly of all, I know have to be CONSISTENT. I can't go to the gym one week and then take the following week off. I can't juice one day and eat junk the next day. (Sidebar: I lost my first 10 lbs juicing but I'll share that in another post). My point is that consistency is the key to success in anything and weight loss and leading a healthy lifestyle is no different.

  Anyway, I have set a weight loss goal of 25 lbs in the next 3 months, starting TODAY (can't believe I just put that out there)! Why 3 months you ask? Well, first, my youngest is now 2 years old so the famous 'baby weight' excuse expired 12 months ago. Second, I have two big vacations planned this summer that I am very excited about! The first of which is going to see Beyonce in Miami, FL in July for The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour, and trying to do the choreography to 'Single Ladies' with a jiggly belly is not the business. Now granted, I'm a horrible dancer and have NO rhythm, but I plan on being an honorary, off beat, audience dancer that night and I do not care who sees me. #dontjudgeme  Third, and most importantly, I am sick and tired of being sick and tired. I want to be the best version of me I can possibly be and I can't do that now being 25 lbs overweight and feeling uncomfortable in my own skin. Being overweight increases your risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and a host of other life threatening diseases and in my best Sweet Brown voice 'ain't nobody got time for that'. I have a wonderful husband and 4 beautiful children that need me and I refuse to let them down because I won't change my eating habits and exercise regularly.

So, my goal for this blog is to be as transparent as possible by journaling my weight loss and healthy living struggle, my progress and my successes (and defeats).  I'll also be offering some helpful tips that I discover along the way. However, my main goal is to encourage others who are experiencing the same challenges and are ready for change.

Time to stop sweating the disappointments and setbacks and time to encourage one another to Sweat Heart! What is your biggest weight loss/healthy living struggle and how have/are you overcoming it?
How will you Sweat Heart today (i.e. working out, making a healthy meal, etc.)?

Me, April 5, 2013

Corrin K. Jones
follow me on twitter @SweatHeartBoss
Instagram @shopsweatheart
www.shopsweatheart.com

Miami Cuban voters still support U.S. embargo

MIAMI (AP) - Cuban-American voters here remain dominated by an older generation with more extreme views on U.S.-Cuba foreign policy, including support for the U.S. embargo against their communist homeland, according to an exit poll taken during the 2008 election.
The University of Miami's Institute for Cuban and Cuban-American Studies published its poll results Friday.
The 48-year-old embargo against Cuba should be kept the same or even tightened, according to 57 percent of the Cuban-American voters interviewed in Miami-Dade County during early voting and on Election Day last November.
Younger Cuban-Americans and recent Cuban immigrants may have more moderate or even liberal attitudes toward the sanctions, but they are less likely to vote, said University of Miami political science professor Casey Klofstad, one of the poll's four authors.
The poll did show some thawing in the community, though. A similar 2004 exit poll of Cuban-American voters in Miami-Dade showed that 64 percent supported tightening the embargo and 53 would have tightened U.S. travel restrictions to Cuba.
"Those people shifted to thinking that the present state of the restrictions is satisfactory, that they should be kept about the same," said co-author Ben Bishin, a political science professor at the University of California, Riverside. He also co-authored the 2004 exit poll.
The thaw is easier to see than to explain. In 2004, Fidel Castro was still in power in Havana. Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry also proposed lifting restrictions for all travel to Cuba, not just for Cuban-Americans.
"We can't tell if that's a result of Fidel transferring power to (his brother) Raul or that the economy was the most important issue in 2008," Bishin said. "The other thing is Obama's promises for changing U.S.-Cuba policy were much more measured than John Kerry's."
The 2008 exit poll showed 53 percent of the Cuban-American voters supported keeping or tightening the travel ban.
Those restrictions have changed since Election Day.
President Barack Obama earlier this month signed a $410 billion spending bill that rolled back Bush administration limits on Cuban-Americans visiting their relatives on the island.
The bill effectively allows visits once a year, removes restrictions on how long people can stay in Cuba and permits spending up to $179 a day. However, the changes only remain in effect until the fiscal year ends Sept. 30.
Several Cuban-Americans interviewed Friday in Miami's Little Havana said they were weary of bans and sanctions that have done little to budge either Castro from power.
Full Story Here

The SoBe Pass With The Multi-Dimensional Stack$!

Rapper and SoBe Entertainment CEO, Stack$, ConfuZed no more

By Alicia Cruz

Senior writer
Theblackurbantimes.com
Rapper and CEO of SoBe Entertainment, Stack$, nee Yannique Barker, is a young and rising artist from Washington, D.C. who got his first break after landing a spot on MTV’s Freestyle Battles. He wasn’t able to compete because, at age 17, he did not meet the required legal age for competition.

This did very little discourage the young rapper as he went on promoting his CDs at local radio stations and anywhere else he thought might get him the exposure he needed.

After awhile, his tenacity, skills and motivation paid off. Stack$ drew the attention of record executives and in 2004 he was signed to the label he is now chief executive officer of SoBe Entertainment and that union gave life to his freshman album, “CraZee and ConfuZed.”

That was in 2004. Fast forward to 2009 and Stack$ has several artists signed to his label who he is producing and promoting, all while working on his sophomore album, attending college at the University of Miami and trying to create his own clothing line.

Trust me when I tell you, this young man is a shining star who is about to blow up. Check out the interview he was so graciously kind to participate in with me and check out his web site to listen to the tunes of his artists (especially the ‘Obama Anthem’ ¡así que hermosito!) and find out what else is going on in the SoBe camp.

Ok, mi gentes, I've pulled a 16 hour work day to include my work for the blackurbantimes and the paper I work for so I'm going to get me some shut-eye and then....bring you "An interview with the devil.... the Nu Jerzey Devil." LOL

INTERVIEW

Theblackurbantimes: What's up, Stack$. How are you?

Stack$:I'm good. I'm sorry I'm late, but my other interview ended late.

THBLKUTMS: That's fine, it’s not late.

Stack$: So I hear you just got done interviewing my boy, Nu Jerzy Devil.

THBLKUTMS: Yeah I did. He's Boricua. My Boricua brother. The interview went great, I hope. (laughing)

Stack$: It did. Yeah, I asked him what Boricua meant and he told me, “Puerto Rican.” (Laughing)

THBLKUTMS: Yes, that’s what it means (laughing) So I hear you're dropping a new LP?

Stack$: Yes, I am hopefully this summer.

THBLKUTMS: So, for those that may not be familiar with your background, tell us a little about yourself.

Stack$: Yeah, sure. Okay, I'm mixed, the product of a biracial couple: My dad is west Indian and my mother is French, Portuguese and Swedish. I was born in D.C., did a couple of years at USC out in southern California and then my family relocated to Miami. So I would say I’m a Miami resident but I was born in DC and raised in Maryland. (Laughing)

THBLKUTMS: Oh, ok you're part West Indian like me.

Stack$: Oh yeah?

THBLKUTMS: Yes, my mother is from St. Croix

Stack$: Oh yeah?! That' crazy, My dad is from Barbados.

THBLKUTMS: All right. Like me, you have quite a mix going on there (laughing). That’s good.

Stack$: Yeah.

THBLKUTMS: So, tell me, who or what inspired you to go into the Rap/music industry?

Stack$: Who inspired me or what inspired me to go into the industry?

THBLKUTMS: Well, both.

Stack$: Well, your typical list biggie, NAS, Big L, Rakim, uh big pun, you know. People in the industry I look up to are obviously people like Puffy and Jay-Z, hip hop moguls who I hope to be like one day in life.

THBLKUTMS: Well, you're obviously on the right track if you emulate success stories like those two.

Stack$: Most definitely.

THBLKUTMS: So how are you doing after that bad accident in June?

Stack$: Oh, you read about that?

THBLKUTMS: Of course. That must have been very scary for you and your passenger. Thank God you are alright. You've pulled through remarkably.

Stack$: Thank you. Yeah, that really was a crazy time. Yeah, I thank god I’m all right. That was the one time in my life, you know, when you see that light flashing right before you think you’re about to die; thank god, thank my stars and stripes that I'm alive. I didn’t even have my seatbelt on; my friend, in the passenger seat, didn’t have a seatbelt on either.

THBLKUTMS: What happened?

Stack$: What happened was these 16-year-old kids just got their license came out of nowhere into my lane on the freeway, spun out of control and hit us. It was crazy, Alicia, we were like 100 ft in the air and we almost tipped over the concrete railing and then the bridge. It was crazy. If we had, I wouldn’t be talking to you today.

THBLKUTMS: Well thank God you’re all right. You were injured pretty badly, but your recovery has been speedy and great.

Stack$: Yes it has. Its been crazy, you know, there’s been a lot of car accidents. Not necessarily with me but with my family and people I know. It's dangerous, for real. But all of that just opened my eyes after that. I thought about the things I wanted to accomplish in my life and it motivated me and made me pursue things that people don’t think I should pursue. Some think I'm talent less….

THBLKUTMS: What? After all you've already done and accomplished? At your age, you have been a producer and you’re the CEO of a thriving label (SoBe). Pay them no mind, papa. You have done a lot.

Stack$: Thank you. I think so too. I’m getting ready to go with my gut and just work hard every single day because you never know when it's your last day.

THBLKUTMS: Absolutely. Stay focused and keep forging ahead. For you to be so young you sound so wise. You're very articulate and that's a plus in this industry. I’m very impressed.

Stack$: Thank you. Thank you. I like to believe I’m a little older than my years. Some people say that too.

THBLKUTMS: Well they have a point.

Stack$: I’m not going to tell my real age though (laughing).

THBLKUTMS: That's cool. Now, your sophomore Album is about to drop, is that correct?

Stack$: Yes, actually some people think it's my freshman (laughing). Some people think it's my freshman because I had been working on it for so long. I had been crafting it for like 3 or 4 years and it came to a point where I was like I just need to put something out there for people to judge me on and that was that EP. I had a lot of features on there and I had to just take some people off the album and I released it last year in September.

THBLKUTMS: And now you’re...

Stack$: Now I’m working on my sophomore EP which I’m trying to get out right now.

THBLKUTMS: Ok. now one of your EPs that I actually listened to was ‘MIA‘. That was pretty cool. You worked with Diddy on that, correct?

Stack$: Yes, I did.

THBLKUTMS: So how it working with him?

Stack$: It was interesting. As I mentioned earlier, he is one of my inspirations. I have a lot of respect for him. He’s done so much: the fashion thing, the liquor thing, you know? He's tied into everything you so really gotta admire and respect that. He’s branded himself and that's something else. He’s a marketing genius and I could learn a lot from him. That was an experience because it was like my first record, my first video. To be honest, like I told people, I didn’t even write that record.

THBLKUTMS: Is that right?

Stack$: Yes, I was kind of thrust into something but I needed to do something and the opportunity presented it self. This is all kind of new to me and at that time, I wasn’t sure where I wanted to go. I wasn’t comfortable with myself at that time so I was just learning the ropes.

THBLKUTMS: Of course, that’s understandable.

Stack$: Now I don’t have anyone that writes for me. I’m fortunate enough to be in a position where I can do so especially with my family where I’m able to know what looks or sounds right. MIA was just a starting point for me.

THBLKUTMS: Well, yes, a good starting point because you’re moving up and you’ve grown as a professional...as an artist, right?

Stack$: Absolutely

THBLKUTMS: So tell me, how did you meet and come to work with Tony Camillo?

Tony, well, I didn’t. Actually my dad used to work with him. He had a record label back in the 70's and he worked with artists like Peaches and Herb and Sly and the Family Stone so I actually never met him but my dad was working with him and then I got to meet him later, like a mentor.

THBLKUTMS: Wow, cool.

Stack$: So when we decided to relocate the family down to Miami we saw labels like Slip-N-Slide and he (my dad) was “like I want to create a label with all different types of genres, all types of people and music; hip hop, reggae, pop all kinds of music.” And me, being 15, 16-years-old and rolling around with my dad, I was like “I’m with that dad, I’m with it.” I was like, “I want to rap!” My dad was looking at me like, “You don’t know how to rap…yeah right.” (laughing)

THBLKUTMS: Is that right? (Laughing)

Stack$: Yeah but he gave me my first opportunity and that was a blessing. It always a blessing when your family believes in you and supports your dreams. So I do all I can to make them proud and be successful.

THBLKUTMS: Now from what I understand when you first started out you pretty much promoted yourself and hustled your own stuff. They say that you had a vision, you were relentless, motivated and you just pushed, correct?

Stack$: Yes and I’m still like that to this day. There are still goals I have yet to achieve.

THBLKUTMS: Great. Keep pushing, Stack$. So how is the label going? Tell us about the label.

Stack$: A lot is going on and we’re doing a lot. We first started out with an act called Urban Mystic who is like an R&B, Soul artist from Fort Lauderdale. He's actually working on his third album called “Ghetto Revelations”(GRIII: Old School 2 Nu Skool) that were looking to release this April. Actually this was our first act, so while I’m working with him, I was looming in the back crafting how I wanted to look; my image, you know how I wanted to sound when I come out, you know. I’m in my early twenties - again, I cant give my real age (Laughing), but I’m feeling more wiser in that I know how I want to be perceived by people.

THBLKUTMS: Outstanding, Stack$, really. Your personal appearance and how you conduct yourself permeate every aspect of your life. You know where you’ve heard that before, right? (Laughing)

Stack$: Yeah, yeah I have.

THBLKUTMS: So you are definitely on the road to success.

Stack$: Thank you I believe I am.

THBLKUTMS: You talk about your family a lot.

Stack$: Yeah I do. They are really in my corner.

THBLKUTMS: Do you come from a large family like most west Indians (laughing)?

Stack$: (Laughing) No, uh a small family actually. Its just my sister, my dad and my mother. I have distant cousins in the west Indian that I never see, unfortunately, but you know how that is.

THBLKUTMS: Yeah I do. Now with your dad having already been in the industry, was he also an inspiration for your going into music?

Stack$: Oh yes, definitely. Him and my grandmother, God rest her soul.

THBLKUTMS: I’m sorry to hear that.

Stack$: Thank you. Yes, she actually lived here in Brooklyn so I spent summers up here with her. She had this...this gift for words and poetry. She had me playing the piano so she actually fostered some of my early musical aspirations.

THBLKUTMS: Stack$ that is beautiful. You are so mature and articulate.

Stack$: Thank you

THBLKUTMS: Okay, so I’m looking forward to hearing your next EP. Hopefully we’ll get to interview you once you drop it.

Stack$: Oh definitely, you will. I would love to. I hope to have it out late this summer. So far we have a tentative title for it called “Celebrity Status,” but like I said I’ve been kind of taking a step back because we're promoting Nu Jerzey Devil right now, Urban Mystic with his album and Jah Cure who is phenomenal reggae act and I'm crafting something with Brooke Hogan. She’s going on her second season with VH1. So I have a lot on my plate right now trying to get big time this year, you know?

THBLKUTMS: Yes, it is and with your artist, Urban mystic making songs like the Obama anthem (“Obama: A Change Has Come"), and the other artists, it wont be too hard to achieve that goal in 2009.

Stack$: Thank you, yes, well, all of them are doing great. Like I said we’re trying to drop his new album (“GRIII: Old School 2 Nu Skool”) in April. So look out.

THBLKUTMS: Ok, will do. Now just two last questions for you before I let you get back to work.

Stack$:Sure, yeah, go ahead

THBLKUTMS: do you have any endorsements yet?

Stack$: I do not.

THBLKUTMS: Not yet

Stack$: Right, not yet, but I’m working on other things like my own clothing brand so I haven’t really reached out to anybody. To tell you the truth, I don’t even have a manger yet, (laughing)but it’ll happen. That person will have to be very intelligent and much more experienced, obviously in this industry than I am because, I tell you I have met so many people that are just full of sh**, you know. So I would definitely need to have somebody that is really in my corner and knows what they doing. I don’t mean to sound cocky or arrogant

THBLKUTMS: Of course not. You sound smart… your being smart because you have to surround yourself with people that are business smart and trustworthy which is tough, I hear, in this industry. So I think you’re being very wise.

Stack$: It's not so much that people left a bad taste in my mouth or that I had a manger that was bad but I dealt with the mangers of other people and they some of them were fu**** as***** you know what I mean? So I don’t want to be in that position with a bad manager so right now I’m doing things on my own.

THBLKUTMS: Ok, last question (laughing)

Stack$: (Laughing) Really, you’re fine.

THBLKUTMS: Ok, any acting roles or offers coming your way yet?

Stack$: I’m definitely thinking about it. I wont want to stay in music forever so it's something I would consider. Later I want to have my own production company which is why I went to USC for film for directing. I’m writing scripts on the side. Actually I’m hoping to graduate this year from the University of Miami.

THBLKUTMS: Beautiful!

Stack$: Thank you. I’m majoring in film production. In Miami you have to have a double major so I’m taking film production and psychology.

THBLKUTMS: What? That's great. You’ll come to see how useful the intricacies of psychology will become in the industry you’re in as far as dealing with people.

Stack$: Oh, I can imagine.

THBLKUTMS: Your plate really is full: school, producing acts and rapping.

Stack$: Yes, I know.

THBLKUTMS: Well keep an eye out for Spike Lee and F. Gary Gray. They look out for up and coming film producers, so I hear.

Stack$: Oh yes, definitely. Actually John Singleton lives in my building in Miami.

THBLKUTMS: Cool then you have a direct connection to one of the best film makers right now.

Stack$: Yeah, yeah, He's the man.

THBLKUTMS: Well thank you, Stack$ for your time. God bless and keep up that hard work; graduate and do your thing. 2009 is your year!

Stack$: Thank you. That’s right anything is possible. Thank you, Alicia for your time.

THBLKUTMS: No thank you, you're the star here (laughing).

Stack$: (Laughing) Well, thank you.

THBLKUTMS: Ok, so keep theblackurbantimes in mind and drop us a line when you or one of your acts are doing something new or big and we’ll set up an interview. And when you’re in the Colombian community in Miami, be sure to check us out. We’re good people, we love to cook and eat and have a good time. I’m sure there are some Colombians who are die-hard fans of yours. (Laughing)

Stack$: Oh, yes, I have been to the Colombian community there and ya’ll have some beautiful women and good people. I love the Colombians! I have friends who are Colombians.

THBLKUTMS: Well, good. You have a great day, Stack$ and thanks again for your time.

Stack$: You too, Alicia. Thank you, a lot.

T.I. takes TO at South Beach gig

South Beach was starstruck this past weekend, as celebs invaded the seaside playground.
But while Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson reportedly had a fistfight, the rest of the celebs who hit up Miami kept it a little more civilized.
Rapper T.I.’s tameness was court ordered. The performer who hit the stage at a packed bash at the Gansevoort had to be off and in his room by 1 a.m., per his felony weapons conviction stipulations, but the crowd continued to rage until the wee hours of the morning.
Since T.I. begins his one-year jail sentence in March, hopefully one of his last jaunts to Miami as a free man was a fun one.
Over at the Fountainbleu, the fire marshal was the biggest thorn in the side of the swanky hotel’s clubs. Diddy, who hosted a fete at LIV, was missing a few hundred guests who were stuck behind the velvet ropes.
“The club was half-full for a large portion of the night, because the fire marhsal literally held the door at the exact occupancy code,” said an insider.

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