By: Meladi McNair

Usually I’m the early bird, but on December 23, 2011, I
decided I only wanted to step out when the city was jumpin’!

Therefore, I was late arriving to see my BEAUTIFUL sister and her
(cute) friend at Newcomb’s in the Oregon District. (Sorry guys…lol)

As I stepped into the cold, I cursed myself for wearing my
new light purple, fitted, knee-length dress. But hey – a girls gotta look cute
when she steps out, right?

As I strolled toward the tavern-style nightclub, I was asked
for spare change a few times.

Once I frightfully surpassed this scene, I found myself
engulfed in a mid-sized,

Thriving and extremely loud atmosphere with a mixed crowd.

I looked around, and it dawned on me – women wear pants to
social events now.

(I don’t get out much. lol)

The coolest thing – The upper level with a small seating
section with a lot of light for photos. After about forty five minutes, we
stepped out into the cold and decided to head over to Jazz Central, where
winner of yet another contest, Jason DBKS
was hosting and performing alongside some of Dayton’s own artists. Jazz Central has a nice
sized dance area, chairs for spectators and a small stage for live artists. The
bar was full of affordable options from what I could tell, but the heavy
traffic flow made it a bit uncomfortable to be out front and center. (Not to
mention the funny horny drunks preying on every female walking through the
door. lol).

We said our hello’s and congratulations to Sir DBKS and
after about twenty minutes, we headed to our third and final destination for
the night.

As I walked against the freezing cold this time, I vowed to
wear pants to the New Years bashes we crash!

Envy Night Club (formerly the A-List Lounge) was worth the
walk in the cold. Inside, it is big, beautiful, and bold. A chocolate fountain and
lots of chocolate people gave the place an urban, yet extremely upscale and
somewhat sexy flavor. Pretty women and handsome men were scattered across the
room and my sis and I were personally greeted by Allen Moore, the venue’s manager
and DJ. Everyone seemed happy at the upgraded and heavily patrolled
establishment. During the forty five minutes we were there, we only witnessed
laughter and (yes some drunk) dancing.

Overall, I can’t say that I miss being Dayton’s exclusive night club reviewer. But I
can say that I had a great time last night at three extremely different types
of spots in the city.

It was nice to be out, but I doubt I’ll go out every weekend
as I promised myself I would.

But I do plan to attend all of Boss Magazine’s artist
events. So look for me. I’ll be one of the few with a dress on. Haha.

By: Meladi McNair

Usually I’m the early bird, but on December 23, 2011, I decided I only wanted to step out when the city was jumpin’! Therefore, I was late arriving to see my sister and her (cute) friend at Newcomb’s in the Oregon District. (Sorry guys…lol)

As I stepped into the cold, I cursed myself for wearing my new light purple dress (with pockets!) But hey – a girls gotta look cute when she steps out, right? As I strolled toward the tavern-style nightclub, I was asked for spare change a few times. Once I frightfully surpassed this scene, I found myself engulfed in a mid-sized, thriving and extremely loud atmosphere with a mixed crowd. I looked around, and it dawned on me – women wear pants to social events now. (I don’t get out much. lol) The coolest thing – The club’s upper level’s small seating section with a lot of light for photos.

After about forty five minutes, we stepped out into the cold and decided to head over to Jazz Central, where my first hip hop interviewee, and winner of yet another contest, Jason DBKS was hosting and performing alongside some of Dayton’s own hip hop artists. Jazz Central had a nice sized dance area, chairs for spectators and a small stage for live artists. The bar was full of affordable options from what I could tell, but the heavy traffic flow made it a bit uncomfortable to be out front and center. (Not to mention the funny horny drunks preying on every female walking through the door. lol).We said our hello’s and congratulations to Sir DBKS; and after about twenty minutes, we headed to our third and final destination for the night.

As I walked against the freezing cold this time, I vowed to wear pants to the New Years bashes we crash! Envy Night Club (formerly the A-List Lounge) was worth the walk in the cold. Inside, it is big, beautiful, and bold. A chocolate fountain and lots of chocolate people gave the place an urban, yet extremely upscale and somewhat sexy flavor. Pretty women and handsome men were scattered across the room and my sis and I were personally greeted by Allen ‘Souldiggaz’ Moore, the venue’s manager and DJ. Everyone seemed happy at the upgraded and heavily patrolled establishment. During the forty five minutes we were there, we only witnessed laughter and (yes some drunk) dancing.

I can’t say that I exactly miss being one of Dayton’s exclusive night club reviewers. But I can say that I had a great time last night at three extremely different types of spots in the city. It was nice to be out, but I doubt I’ll go out every weekend as I promised myself I would. However, I do plan to attend all of Boss Magazine’s artist events. So look for me. I’ll be one of the few with a dress on. Haha.

We Like to Paaaaaaarrrty

By: Meladi McNair

Between you and I; generally when a show features local and undiscovered talent, I am fearful that I will find myself playing between embarrassment-induced laughter and tears while witnessing a train wreck.

Thankfully, such was definitely not the case 12/17/2011 at Ruts Diner on James H McGee Boulevard. Boss Mag’s first monthly televised series truly featured some of the best talent the country has to offer.

In the house and hosting the show was multi-talented gentleman iWitness (Life). He brought us comedy, and opened the show with some of the most inspiring poetry I’ve heard in a while.  He was sure to give a shout out to Troy Davis, the man whose controversial death was protested by diverse Americans. I knew at mention of Davis’s name, the night was going to be full of messages that everyone could relate to, regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity.

Following iWitness was Dayton’s Own, Special Edition. This young man performed three songs, the first an open letter to the president, asking for equality and change. He was actually a little choked up, but thankfully, the emotion was high enough in the room that no one seemed to notice. His genuine nature and lyrical content is sure to inspire and motivate people to create the change they want to see. “Maybe different nightmares, but we all have the same dream.” That line may be the truest thing I’ve heard an MC say before. He really did give us a Special Edition of the truth.

The Missin Link to the music game hails from Cleveland, Ohio; but is a proud Central State Alumni. This rapping and singing phenomenon came out wearing a blue jean outfit with ripped pants with a tie and hat. As soon as he started with his first selection, “Tough Titty”, it became apparent to the women in the crowd that what we’ve been missing is tight harmonies, and creative flows, such as his. The song spoke on the hardships of life, but appreciating the struggle. His follow up was a seductive joint about smoking after sex.  Although I do not condone smoking, I must say that I found his ode to the habit to be funny and entertaining.

The popular Brave Nate hardly needs an introduction, but the birthday boy was introduced shortly after the cloud of swag Link left on the stage evaporated. He delivered three thought-provoking pieces from his large repertoire. He opened the door for making fun of illogical ideologies regarding money, fame and physical gratification with “Materialism has my heart”. He followed it with a piece that speaks to women allowing themselves to be mistreated in relationships, then ended on a serious note warning men to stay away from “Sucker Attacks” by emotionally unstable women. If you just can’t get enough of Brave Nate, don’t fret. He promised that he “always comes back like the next month’s rent.” And you can catch him around the city or on CD.

Another gentleman that barely needs an introduction is DeMarco, who performed his smash hit “Get her phone Number”, produced by Dre Manual. Dressed in all black, this self-professed “Babyfaced gangsta” gave us a mean preview of what the new generation of hip hop has to offer. Though his delivery was more “street” than the artists before him, DeMarco’s kind demeanor shined through when he offered two unknown (but damn good) female vocalists the microphone to sing their rendition of Beyonce’s “Party”. If the pregnant superstar were in the house, she would have been happy to hear the lower-key version of her hit song.

Special Edition asked the question “What’s the price of a lost mind?”, and the last performer of the night reiterated it with a clever, rare, and oh my god – no he didn’t go there! show.

The grand finale of the night was by the one and only, Memphis poet/(comedian?) Hard Face. Never before had I seen performing of such mind boggling, creative, and insightful, first-person narrations of controversial topics. Hard Face covered STD’s, the bad habits of the black community and the infamous over-indulgence of “chicken” that take many men, particularly black men to an early grave. His 11 minute long piece “Let’s Die” was an emotional selection that made listeners cringe, laugh out loud, and snap their fingers. There was no way I was going to walk out without a picture with this fearless, promising face of spoken word.  Even Boss’s founder, Hood, stood and requested more from this rhymester.

I know firsthand that as a writer, bringing awareness to serious subjects in a unique, intelligent, yet entertaining manner is not an easy task. But Hard Face strung every element together; even the element of surprise (which is scarce in today’s age of exploitation and vulgarity) with ease, making for a smooth and one of a kind performance.

The ladies were in the house, showing love to the artists and amongst themselves.

Boss Magazine represents the connection and coming together of the often divided urban community.

If you’d like to come celebrate with us, or be a part of the show, please be sure to stay posted and connected to myself, or one of the Boss Staff Members. Shout out to Hood for your vision and the opportunity you provide myself and the other upcoming movers and shakers of the future!

Thankyou to all the performers of the night for a superb evening or good food, and of course Rhythm and Words!

Hope to see you there next month!

By: ‘Meladi McNair’

Wearing a blue shirt, a matching  hat, and over-sized black glasses, Clarence Winn, better known by his rap name – “Chaos, The Community Serva” walked into the restaurant; one of his four managers strolling behind him.
Immediately, he put my interviewing skills to test.  It was only after I shared my journey into journalism that he opened up. He had to be sure I was the real deal.
Chaos was born in Dayton, Ohio and raised in Arlington Courts. He began rapping when he was 10 years old, but became serious about the craft roughly 7 years ago.
He attended a vocational High School and studied Auto Mechanics, despite the fact that it had nothing to do with music. “It was the most heterosexual vocation they offered,” he joked. He’s a bit more playful than he appears, but
one thing is for sure; Chaos is serious about his grind.
“The streets motivate me. My support here in Dayton is amazing.”
He has also managed to build a strong fan base cross county in Los Angeles, California, where he hopes to retire. Chaos has earned a reputation for being the best at his craft, and is mutually respected by other artists. “Even though I don’t collaborate with other artists often, or even like their music, I respect their grind. And respect is more important than being liked.”
Respect and determination are two things this MC knows much about. He wrote and starred in his own movie entitled, Young Bread Gettas, which sold out the Neon Theatre in Dayton twice.
“The movie is based loosely off my life and the lived of the people around me. Some of my friends are dead, and some are serving federal time that totals 300 years.”
Chaos got away from that lifestyle in the nick of time.
“I went to college. It’s an experience everybody should have. College supports evolution.”
Chaos named evolution as the theme of his existence. “Everything is about evolution. I think we are all born perfect. Temptation is what creates the chaos we fight through every day. I wouldn’t wish my life upon anyone, but who’s complaining. I’ve been rich, I’ve been poor. Both are a state of mind and are determined by who you are around. Evolution is the theme of my life, and my book.”
What a perfect way to introduce his book dropping this November, Don’t Stop, Keep Going.
Chaos has always kept going, even in the face of disparity. When his father and grandfather died together in a car accident, without hesitation, he became the man of the house, though still a child. “There’s no such thing as an accident. Focus on the positive, and enjoy the story – no matter how it unfolds.”
After a closing argument like that, there was only one question left I was dying to ask. Surprisingly he answered with no reserve.
Laughing, Chaos took off his glasses and handed them to me. “They’re not prescription. They’re for effect.”
But reader, rest assured – with an eccentric personality like his, ne effects are necessary.

 For Booking: 937- 825-2885 (Fam First Ent)
www.midwestmaniac.com
Twitter: twitter.com/ccserva