Archive for the ‘Atlanta’ Category

Dope Record Alert: @JarvisTheArtist Drops New Single “Make A Little Room”

Wednesday, May 9th, 2012

The homie Jarvis is back. Now with a brand new look, and a promising new music career, Jarvis is teaming up with some big names to get his projects poppin.

R&B artist Jarvis is back with a brand new single, “Make A Little Room” from his upcoming mixtape project titled Heartache scheduled to drop Summer of 2012. Jarvis was originally signed to Jermaine Dupri’s So So Def Recordings where he released the single and video for “Radio.”

His days at So So Def were short lived though, due to the fact that Dupri left Zomba Label Group and took on the position of Executive VP of Urban Music at Virgin Records. Without the guidance of the music mogul, Jarvis re-evaluated his situation which led him to a brief partnership with Ludacris’ Disturbing Tha Peace Imprint which yielded the popular single “Pretty Girl” ft. Ludacris.

With those missteps behind him, Jarvis is poised for his return, this time as an independent artist. Currently putting the finishing touches on his DJ Scream & Sense hosted Heartache mixtape project where he is in the studio with the likes of Waka Flocka, Bow Wow, Pitbull, The Runners, Tha Bizness, Rock City, Ester Dean, Adonis Shopshire, Daron Jones of 112, Dre & Vidal and Static/Major to name a few. Jarvis is finally ready to show the world his talents and deliver a solid offering to his fans. “Make A Little Room” video coming soon!

Listen To “Make A Little Room” - http://soundcloud.com/jarvis-the-artist/make-a-little-room

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Plug Into The Scene: Travis Porter Links w/ FTP Movement To Feed The ATL Homeless!

Monday, April 30th, 2012

The FTP Movement linked up with ATLien’s Travis Porter. The Retail Chick was on the scene and sent me a link of the event.

Per The Retail Chick Blog:

Travis Porter teamed up with the FTP Movement to feed the homeless in Atlanta this past Sunday. They volunteered throughout the entire process from prepping the food to traveling to 3 different locations in the city to feed homeless. Kudos to Travis Porter, the Porter House Music Group Team, and the FTP Movement. I hope this is the beginning of a trend for other artists in Atlanta to follow.

The FTP Movement feeds the homeless every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month. For more info on how you can be apart of the FTP Movement or volunteer with them, contact taj@mobbb.org

http://www.thatretailchick.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/DSC_02061.jpg

Water and brown bags? Damn now J.R. Crickets at least? (lol I’m joking)

Find more pics from this humanitarian effort at The Retail Chick Block

Popularity: 1% [?]

Plug Into The Scene: Red Restaurant, Along w/ Ciroc Opens At Phillips Arena!

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

I’ve been hearing about Ciroc’s new restaurant and bar area at the Phillips arena. Brand Ambassador Marc Bolden has been hard at work spreading awareness of the relatively new liquor that sweeping the nation. Rumor has it Ciroc is at nearly 2 million bottles sold, which in the game of spirits is VERY good.

While I haven’t yet had the chance to check out the venue, I’m hearing nothing but great things. ATL Bite life’s blog has in fact checked out the new facility and had this to say:

“..This approximately 10,000 sq ft space that seats about 250 people sits between the 203 and 205 section of arena and is probably the sexiest sports lounge you’ve ever been to.  Not only does it boast a full bar sponsored by Ciroc (with bottle service), a reasonably priced premium menu, and group seating that mirrors the sections you’d find at one of Alex Gidewon’s clubs, the view of the court (or whatever event is going on at the time) is still prime.

I had a chance to sample several items.  On the positive side, the Crispy Chicken Cheese Sliders were very Chick Fil A-ish so I was definitely pleased with those.  The Signature Creamy Mac n’ Cheddar Bites, which was basically fried mac & cheese bites, were very tasty.  The Shrimp and Super Lump Crab Cakes were DELICIOUS!!!  However, on the down side, the Margherita Pizza was just okay.  I’ve definitely had better.  The mixed green salad was kinda blah but whatever.  Finally, The Red Pepper Steak Burger might have been okay had it not been damn near RARE (ya’ll know black folks don’t do raw meat!!!).

Right now, RED is only operating before, during, and shortly after ticketed events.  However, I have it on good authority that they will be opening in the not too distant future just like any other full service restaurant for lunch and dinner on non-event days.  Not sure how that will work though.  I don’t know how many people will just want to grab food at Philips Arean on the average day.  But, hey, I was wrong once before.”

The Atlanta Ciroc market is being led by Brand Ambassador, Marc Bolden (Left) who’s working on many great Ciroc themed events in the city of Atlanta this summer, including some HUGE events he’s planning on having at the new CIROC BAR…. Stay tuned to his Twitter for updates and events @CIROCstarATL as he’s always out and about.

Is a partnership between Levy Restaurants, Philips Arena and CÎROC ULTRA PREMIUM VODKA/ DIAGEO. As of now, will be open on game and event days before, during and after events and will be open up till 2am.  There are 3 other Ciroc bar locations throughout the arena also, 2 on the Hawk Walk and one at the Club level entrance.

Nice restaurant area.

Executive VP of The Blue Flame Agency, Dia Simms speaks on the landmark partnership below.

Consumers turn to our brand when they want to elevate their night with friends and family. We enjoy bringing this ideal to life for our fans nationwide and are confident that Ciroc bar at Red is a great example of this experience.

Something tells that this venue is going to the talk of the town as the Summer kicks into high gear.

Popularity: 1% [?]

ATL Blog: @LudacrisFoundation Teams Up w/ Ryan Cameron For “Four Fathers” Contest!

Thursday, April 19th, 2012

Shout out to all the fathers handling their business. And double shouts to Ludacris and the Ludacris Foundation. While the public persona of African-American men is oftentimes projected as deadbeat fathers continues, rapper-turned global brand- Ludacris is teaming up with that damn Ryan Cameron to honor the fathers in the game who are taking care of their children and excelling fatherhood.

Per The Ludacris Foundation website:

Enter The Ludacris Foundation’s Four Fathers Contest for a chance to win two tickets to Ryan Cameron’s 10th Annual Father Daughter Dance, “Tails and Tiaras” on June 17th, 5:00pm to 9:00pm at the Georgia Aquarium!

Contest Rules:

* Fathers and daughters will create a video 60 seconds (or less) on the following question: “How has having your
daughter changed your life?”
* Upload the video for your contest entry to the Ludacris Foundation Facebook page.
* Deadline for posting the video to the Twitter and Facebook pages is May 10th.
* All Facebook fans of The Ludacris Foundation will also be able to “like” the videos and comment on the postings. The top 10 fathers with the most “likes”/votes on their video will be entered for a chance to win.
* Judging will be held by The Ludacris Foundation team and voting from Twitter followers and Facebook friends.
* Four winning fathers will be chosen and announced on May 16th.

Contest Eligibility:

* Fathers must have daughters 2 years old or older
* Fathers must reside in the Atlanta, Georgia metro area
* Fathers must submit and star in the video with their daughter
* Fathers will accept responsibility for providing daughters with “dress up” attire and escorting them to the dance
* By entering this contest, you agree to participate in this promotion including, but not limited to uploading the
video to Facebook, Twitter and The Ludacris Foundation website
* If selected, you also agree to participate in any photo opportunities, interviews and press related to this event

[Find out Contests Prizes Here]

Popularity: 1% [?]

Plug Into The Scene: @Itsgabrielleu, @EgyptSaidSo, @Terrencej, @IamSteveHarvey Talk #ThinkLikeAMan!

Thursday, April 19th, 2012

When word spread that Steve Harvey’s New York Time’s Best Seller “Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man,” was being made into a movie it was immediately off-putting. Not that I have anything against the comedian-turned-relationship-guru, I just found his whole brand to be reminiscent of Bill Cosby’s often times contradictory ways.

While the 70-80′s comedian was projecting a “safe” brand filled with matrimony, blah blah blah, other comedians were coming forward to say that Mr. Cosby was quite the opposite of his personal persona. Fast-forward to 2012, and I kind of have the same spidey-sense as it relates to Mr. Harvey. And with that I intially wasn’t buying any advice being offered to ladies on the stress of figuring out the opposite sex, or the concept of “Think.”

However, after garnering an advanced screening of “Think Like A Man,” I have to say that my opinion on the concept of “Think..” is shifting. “Think Like A Man” is an ensemble cast of today’s most prominent black actors. From Gabrielle Union to Micheal Ealy, the well rounded cast was sheer perfection.

Synopsis:

Four men find their love lives shaken up after the women they’re pursuing buy Steve Harvey’s best-selling book Think Like a Man and start taking his advice to heart.

When the men realize they’ve been betrayed by a fellow man, they get together to use the book’s insider information to turn the tables on the women to teach them a lesson.

With Rob Hardy and Will Packer at the helm, “Think Like A Man” is a universal story that is relatable in every walk of life. The search for one’s significant other can be an exhausting search. And this highly anticipated film doesn’t disappoint as it explores love, relationships, dating and finding your “happily ever after.”

Checkout stars from the upcoming film, which hits theaters tomorrow (4/20), on the Atlanta red carpet.Trust me when I say you want to see this film. It’s gets a solid A+.

Props to Saptosa Foster and Phillip Hudson of 135th Street Agency.

And major shouts to the Gyantunplugged cameraman George Sharkness III.

Popularity: 2% [?]

LinkLuv: HardHead Jacob

Monday, April 16th, 2012

Shouts to the homie Nat over at Dirty South Hip-Hop, and Hip-Hop Weekly. He sent me some info on a new artist.

Taking Atlanta by storm, Hardhead Jacob is proving that perseverance, hard-work and a well rounded perspective on life can change any adversity into an adventure. This east Atlanta resident began to hone his musical craft at age 14 by producing, writing and arranging music.
His dedication and passion at an early age afforded him the opportunity to engineer at some of the most elite studios on the West Coast. As other pioneers in the industry began to notice the talent of this young artist, doors began to fly open for him. As a result, Hardhead Jacob has been involved in the production process for some of this generation’s most well known artists.

While his journey to success within the music industry was beginning, the young Hardhead Jacob was being tested in a multitude of ways. Amidst his rise to the music forefront and his high school graduation, Jacob received news that his biggest supporter, his mother, had passed away. Years later, after being investigated for his alleged involvement in a 5 million dollar money counterfeiting operation and drug traffic conspiracy, his music career was put on hold. The loss of his mother, his many run ins with the law and triumphs with Federal criminal cases taught Jacob that its either now or never. Music is his key out of the street life, and his experiences left an unquenchable thirst for success, and it began to redefine his musical sound.
As a result of his pain and his passions, Hardhead Jacob began to develop a very unique sound that was filled with a raw intensity that resounded of realism and truth. As his music began to reverberate through the ears of music connoisseurs across the nation, Hardhead Jacob, aka Jayko, began to gain a better understanding of his artistry. Jayko is a street brother but he is smarter than the average rapper. Still pursuing bachelors in biology at Georgia State College, he has experienced enough roller coasters of life to know that success only comes from hard work. He is a self-proclaimed Student by day and hip-hop artist by night. He understands that he is not just a rapper, but he is a critical thinker with a story to tell, and is known as the “Concept King.”

Jayko and his squad Dark House 415 are well equipped with in-house producers, mixers and writers. He can be heard on Atlanta’s top radio station, V-103, and has received recognition on the Ryan Cameron Show. Hardhead is also featured on Stat Quo’s “Underground Atlanta, Vol.4,” the mixtape. After his release of his southern Smoke album which was hosted by DJ Smallz and produced by Drumma Boy, Hardhead has left the hiphop community sitting on the edge of their seats. Everyone is waiting to see what Jayko is going to do next! Call My lawyer!!!

Hardhead Jacob’s Mixtape Classic “Call My Lawyer” hits online on Datpiff.com

Checkout new video w/ DJ Smallz Feat. Drumma Boy, Alley Boy & Eastside Jody – “Southern Smoke” [Behind The Scenes]

Popularity: 1% [?]

Healthy Option Scoop: @Zaxbys2080LRR Zensation Zalad Is Back!

Tuesday, April 10th, 2012

With lunch time upon us I thought I’d take a minute to give you guys a healthier alternative than those greasy french fries, that I’m sure is on the brain.

You guys know Zaxby’s 2080 Lower Rowell Road,Marietta, GA 30068 always puts Gyantunplugged to all their current promotions. And right now its all about the Zensation Zalad.

Per Managing Partner John Silvey:

It was such a SENSATION that we just had to bring back the ZENSATION ZALAD!

Delicious ingredients in perfect harmony, the Zensation features Chicken Fingerz with mixed greens, red cabbage, carrots & crispy wonton strips, topped with Asian slaw and drizzled with a Honey Sesame sauce. Served with Citrus Vinaigrette dressing and a tasty veggie egg roll. Hurry, it’s available for a limited time only!

This is the third year we have had this Zalad. We Zaxby’s took it off the menu last year, there was such an uproar for it to come back, they brought it back for a Limited Time Only. We will have it until June 24th!

Now you already know I don’t co-sign BS of any kind. Trust me when I tell you its good eating. And if you opt to not get the texas toast its a healthy alternative then the typical burger and fries. Go ahead. Enjoy some roughage. Tell em Gyant sent you.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Style Watch: Stylist To The Stars @4KwameWaters, 2012 Is Looking Better Than Ever!

Monday, April 9th, 2012

Fashion styling in Atlanta is as ubiquitous as entertainers. Many claim the title but very few can back it up with any sort of real talent. However one of Atlanta’s rising stars remains immune to all the posers by securing his talent and skill in the business to do some truly fantastic work.

With clients like Lisa Raye, Kandi, Perri “Pebbles” Reid, Macy’s, Bravo, Rachel Roy, Latoya Luckett(Destiny’s Child), Tiny, En Vogue, Essence Magazine, Heed Magazine, JET Magazine,Men’s Book, Hype Hair, Jezebel Magazine, Black Sophisticates Magazine, Rolling Out Magazine, Def Jam, Bad Boy Records, Tru Entertainment, Rebel Star Media, and Warner Bro’s Records, Kwame’s exclusive list keeps him a step above the rest. And now he’s got a new TV show on the horizon, the native New Yorker, by way of Manhattan is about to kick 2012 into high-gear.

Jennifer Brett of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution ran a story last week on her AJC blog:

In case you missed it, the features Kandi as she uses her expertise and those of her “Kandi Factory” team in Atlanta to develop musical talent of a protégés with absolutely no musical experience and gives them the opportunity to shine.

I am so excited that Bravo has given me the opportunity to give ordinary people who love to sing the chance to become up-and-coming stars. Because of the success of the show I’ve decided to open up a full-time artist development facility in my hometown of Atlanta. It’s going to be a great summer! [Source]

With so much on the horizon for the extremely gifted, and humble, fashion-forward stylist to the stars, I find it only fitting to feature him as Gyantunplugged.com’s first “Style Watch” of 2012.

Find Out More On Kwame Waters on his [website]. And be sure to lookout for “The Kandi Factory” filming around ATL this Summer.

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Download of The Day: @GorillaZoe New Mixtape -”Gorilla Zoe’s World”!

Monday, April 9th, 2012

Major shout out to Block Entertainment’s Gorilla Zoe. The smoky voiced MC is back with a new mixtape. After his third release last year, “King Kong,” Zoe’s back. His brand new mixtape, “Gorilla Zoes World,” has generated some good buzz. Joining forces with The Traphollics and Sonny Digital, you can hear the experimentation Zoe’s attempting with street release. Personally, I like it.

I hear a lot is in store Zoe this year. With a revamp of the music, there’s word that Gorilla is working on making a few tweaks that’ll leave fans surprised — but in a good way. When I find out more I’ll let you know. But in the meantime enjoy.

03. Gorilla Zoe – Them Niggas (Feat. Shawty Lo) (3:35)
04. Gorilla Zoe – Dope Boys (Feat. Young Scooter) (4:03)
05. Gorilla Zoe – All Out (Feat. 2 Chainz & Sonny Digital) (4:54)
06. Gorilla Zoe – Real Nigga Shit (Feat. Armstrong & Hatian Fresh) (4:48)
07. Gorilla Zoe – Blame You (4:30)
08. Gorilla Zoe – Move (Feat. Gucci Mane) (3:35)
09. Gorilla Zoe – Man On The Moon (Feat. B.o.B) (4:15)
10. Gorilla Zoe – Movie (Feat. Future & Swift) (4:32)
11. Gorilla Zoe – Memories Interlude (0:43)
12. Gorilla Zoe – Remember (2:53)
13. Gorilla Zoe – Obsession (Feat. Juicy J & Project Pat) (4:31)
14. Gorilla Zoe – Birthday Cake (2:44)
15. Gorilla Zoe – Yeah Ho (3:35)
16. Gorilla Zoe – Hell On Earth (4:18)
17. Gorilla Zoe – Ha Ha (4:00)
18. Gorilla Zoe – Shake That Ass (Feat. Rebel Gang & Ray Dinero) (3:52)
19. Gorilla Zoe – Outro (1:30)
20. Gorilla Zoe – Is That U (Feat. Prynce) (3:30)
21. Gorilla Zoe – Me & U (Feat. Kris Kelly) (3:01)

[Download Mixtape Here]

Popularity: 1% [?]

ATL Blog: Human Trafficking of Young Girls Inspires #100DaysforBeautiful Campaign!

Sunday, April 1st, 2012

As you all know today is April 1, 2012. Rather than fill up the blog with a bunch of jokes and hoaxes, I figured I would keep it real and honor those who are trying to make this world a better place. We all know that in this country, and much of the world, women are devalued and exploited. If I had a dime for every time I hear of a young girl being raped or sexually assaulted I’d have far too much money in my pockets at the hands of evil.

Atlanta — particularly the worlds busiest international airport, Hartsfield, is a well-known hub for trafficking young women for sex. And thanks to Mo Reily, I can share with you all a fascinating program, which kicks off today.

Per Mo:

Hi Gyant,

I hope this email finds you well. April 1st is fast approaching and that day signifies the kick-off for Living Water for Girls new #100DaysforBeautiful campaign.

On average, over 100 adolescent girls are raped and sexually exploited for money in Georgia on a typical night. Hartsfield International Airport is one of the largest hubs for commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking of children & young adults in the U.S. Living Water for Girls’ mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and restore victims of CSE by providing safe refuge and holistic therapeutic services.

Now I know this information is pretty heavy…and possibly shocking – but most certainly deserving of mass media attention. One of the major issues with this epidemic is that it is so hard to reach the African America audience to make them aware and get them involved. Please take the time to read the attached press release.

Living Water for Girls (LWG) is embarking upon a very important journey in only a few days. On April 1st we will launch the 100 Days for Beautiful campaign. The Quest Foundation issued a match grant challenge for $40,000 to fund two critical staffing positions at the LWG home for girls who are victims of commercial sexual exploitation. We have a goal of 100 days to match this donation, and we invite you to get involved. With your help, we will obtain our goal.

LWG’s mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and restore commercially sexually exploited girls by providing safe refuge and holistic
therapeutic services. The road to recovery is often long and difficult for girls who have experienced such horrendous physical and
psychological trauma and abuse. Our program is designed to give each girl a tremendous opportunity for healing and rehabilitation. A
team of professional and licensed staff provides both clinical and practical experience in the treatment and needs of CSE victims.

While we are thankful for federal and state laws that prosecute the perpetrators, we cannot stand by idly resting on the notion that this is
enough. We are bringing awareness to this problem and healing to the victims, as we focus on doing our part to prevent the industry’s
perpetuity. “For those who are rescued/found/arrested, [law] officials often grapple with how to help them. Living Water for Girls
presents law enforcement and officials with another option of how we can help address the critical needs and challenges of these
victimized children,” says Law Enforcement Official, Sgt. Britton.

Living Water for Girls needs your help to save these beautiful girls. Through community awareness and involvement we will not only
raise the funds needed to receive The Quest Foundation’s generous matching grant to keep the LWG home properly staffed, but
together we will have a lasting impact on the lives of young girls and continue our quest to end commercial sexual exploitation of
children.

Go To Living Water For Girls website for more information on how you can get involved.

Popularity: 1% [?]