Posts Tagged ‘Okema T. Moore’

In our celebrity filled world, we are content with staring into the fishbowl. We get joy and excitement from knowing who’s doing what with whom and why. In Hip-hop it can be even more intriguing. What rapper was caught with an illegal substance or weapon this week? Who slept with another woman on their ‘wifey’ on tour? Who slipped up and got a groupie pregnant…again?!

All of this and more make up the gossip on the blogs, in the magazine and on television show specials.  It can also be found in much of today’s urban fiction. However there’s one journalist who this craziness first-hand and reports it via her various articles and blogs.  Now she has fictionalized the players and given them to us in the new novel, PLATINUM!

Aliya S. King is a journalist and author. She has written for many magazines and journals including Vibe, Black Enterprise, Billboard and more. Recently appearing on BET’s My Mic Sounds Nice, a documentary on the history of women in Hip-Hop, she is absolutely in-the-know regarding music and its culture.  She’s also (lucky for us) in-the-know regarding some of the foolishness that these artists involve themselves in.

In 2006, King was asked to write an article on the lives of Hip-hop wives for Vibe, thus leading to the birth of PLATINUM. During her research, she witnessed the chaos, lies, deceit and down right disrespect that these women go through. She watched as many turn a blind eye or a lent a helping hand to sweep the dirt of their trifling significant others under the rug for appearances sake. She even came across those that were content to be the “other woman.”  They all seem to live by the code of the industry; ‘it’s my business and my life so I’ll do what I must to keep this!’  

King’s intimately detailed, page-turner, PLATINUM, chronicles much of what actually goes on in their world, through the fictional lives of its characters.  The book is intense, smart, funny and scandalous! King is clearly an amazing and imaginative writer, however according to her, she couldn’t make some of this stuff up if she tried!

So my salaciously curious citiXIns, without further a due,I bring you a Q&A with Mrs. Aliya S. King…

XI: Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Aliya S. King and I’m a freelance writer and author.

XI: When did you first fall in love with the written word and writing?

You know, I can’t remember. Writing has been apart of who I am since I can remember picking up a paper and pen. I think probably around four years old I realized that I love to write and it just never stopped. I don’t remember choosing this career, I think it chose me.

XI: How did you get your start as a journalist?

I started out as a school teacher, actually. After being in a classroom, I knew that I wanted to try my hand at writing. I was a little nervous because I was not a recent college grad  I didn’t major in writing, so I wasn’t sure what I was going to do to transition from teaching to writing. I had heard about a program called the Columbia Publishing Course which at the time was based at Harvard in Cambridge Massachusetts. It’s a six week, really intensive course that still exists through Columbia University now, that trains people for a career in publishing. I went to the program, got accepted, spent six weeks in Massachusetts and when I came out I got an entry level job at Billboard. Then I got a staff position at The Source. From there I stared freelancing and it just kind of snowballed.

XI: What drew you to the world of music/Hip-hop in terms of subject matter?

Truthfully, I grew up on Hip-hop, it was apart of my life. But I just wanted to write. If my first job had been about the pen/marker industry, then that’s what I’d be doing right now. It really wasn’t about, I want to write about music. It was more, I want to write about anything! If my first job would’ve landed me at Cosmo, maybe I’d write about relationships. I never really gave thought to WHAT I wanted to write, I just knew THAT I wanted to write.

XI: Platinum is your first solo fiction novel, but its not the first book that you’ve worked on. How did you get involved with your other projects?

My first book was actually a book I co-wrote with Faith Evans called ‘Keep the Faith.’ Faith actually reached out to me because she wanted me to work on the book with her. We had worked together once, on a story I wrote on her for Vibe. A few years later she was approached to write a book and said ‘I know who I want to write it, this young lady I worked with on this cover story for Vibe.’  I was completely shocked because I had never written a book before, I didn’t know what to expect; but she believed in me. She was like I know you can do this, I know it will work out fine. From there other people started to reach out to me to write books, including Frank Lucas, who’s book “Original Gangster” came out in June that I also co-wrote.

XI: I know that PLATINUM was based on an article that you wrote for Vibe. Can you tell us a little bit about that piece and how it influenced you to write the book?

I was approached by an editor a Vibe, back in ‘06 and they asked me to locate some of the wives of the biggest Hip-hop stars back then, and get some background on their lives.  What are they like? What’s their life like?  I was just shocked at what I saw. What these women put up with, what these women do in the name of love…I was absolutely shocked. I’m talking about their husbands having outside children during their marriage, giving them STD’s (sexually transmitted diseases), cheating on them, having drug problems…I couldn’t believe what I saw. Underneath this money and glamour, some of their lives were just straight up miserable.  After I finished the story, I was haunted. I couldn’t stop thinking about those women. So I fictionalized them and made composites of their characters and that’s how PLATINUM was born.

XI: There are a lot of characters in the book that are reminiscent of some of our favorite artists. Were you worried about artists finding pieces of themselves and feeling a way about it?

Not at all. I mean there was of course a small part of me that thought what’s going to happen if so-and-so thinks ‘this is supposed to be me.’ But for the most part, its fiction. People think, oh I know exactly who this is, but its not that simple to put that together.

XI: What was the statement that you wanted to make with your book?

I wanted people to think about what they would accept in a marriage. How far would it have to go for you to say, you know what I’m done, I can’t handle this anymore! Some of the women in my book go through experiences that I think most women would say, no way, no how, no shape, no form would I accept this. But you really, truly don’t know what you would accept until you’re in the situation. So I wanted people to get into this world and think to themselves, what would I do?

XI: How do you relate to your characters, and are there pieces of you in any of them?

Yes, Alex is a character in the book and she is pretty much me. If I wanted to sue myself for liable, I could. (laugh) She’s a reporter working on a story, like me. She’s getting married, like me. She has a step daughter…there are a lot of similarities between me and Alex. I identify with that character the most.

XI: For many authors, their characters become almost like their children. If you had to discipline your children (these characters) what would you say to them for the women they represent in reality?

I would tell them that no matter how famous their spouses are, no matter how much money their spouses make, they have to have their own career; they have to have their own identity. Get a job, even if it seems silly because their husbands make so much money. Even if you’re only contributing point five percent to the household. I believe that a spouse is going to have more respect for their mate if that person’s hustling too.

XI: How in sync are these reality shows (i.e. Basketball Wives and The Real Housewives Franchise) to the wives of these Hip-hop stars?  Are they similar?

I don’t think so. I think in real life they may have very similar lives, but as far as what seems to be portrayed on the shows, it doesn’t seem to line up. My book is really dark and edgy, and it really takes you to some places where you’re just gasping for air. And I haven’t seen that type of conflict in those shows. There may be, but I just haven’t seen it.

XI: How has the Hip-hop community responded to the book?

It’s been awesome! I’ve gotten emails from people, even rappers and rapper’s wives saying they love the book, that they think it was great and that it was really spot on. The level of feedback and the level of love I’ve been getting from this book has been absolutely amazing and beyond my wildest dreams.

XI: Who is Aliya the woman, beyond the books, stories and articles?

I’m a wife, I’m a mother, I’m a reader, I’m a writer. Though I have to say a lot of the time many of those things take a back seat to my career. Writing is a very encompassing thing. For me, I have to put so much into it, that means a lot of times we’re eating take out and the laundry’s not getting done. There’s not a lot of balance in my life. Either I’m Super Mom and Super Wife or I’m Super Writer and I’m cranking out lots of stuff; but my kid’s wearing the same thing two days in a row. So I’m working on a little more balance.

XI: I know presently you’re working with DMX’s wife on her life with X. How’s that coming along?

Really well. She’s really excited. She’s got quite a story. The things that she has seen, gone through and accepted before she finally decided that she had to break out…it’s really a story of survival.

XI: Being that you have become a conduit and the voice of a lot of these women, have you been getting a lot more offers to write these types of books for spouses, mistresses, etc?

I have. I’ve gotten a lot of requests, many that I’ve had to turn down just for time purposes. The requests are definitely coming fast and furious because there are a lot of people out there with similar stories that want their stories to be heard.

XI: In the book you left us hanging. Will there be a sequel?

YES! I am holding in my hands, right this second the contract for part two. It will be coming out next summer and is tentatively called ‘Diamond Life.’

XI: What’s next for you Aliya? Any screenplays for the book?

Well right now I’m writing Timbaland’s memoirs, that should be out next summer. He and I are working on that together. He’s got a crazy story about growing up in Virginia Beach, a very small town in a small state, to becoming one of the biggest producers and all the artists he’s worked with. From Madonna and Elton John to and Justin Timberlake. He’s got an incredible story! And after that it’s all about finishing the sequel to PLATINUM.

If you have not yet picked PLATINUM up, I implore you to do so.  And if you have, then you know what all of my fuss is about!  Aliya King has more than delivered with this novel and I guarantee you that it’s a quick read, in that you won’t be able to put it down!  PLATINUM takes you on a wild ride. You will willing go down this rabbit hole, eyes covered…but peeking through your fingers!  We congratulate her on a job well done, and I can’t wait until the sequel is released as I will yet again be that nosey-body…wanting to know all the business!

Chillin On Da Corner and Beyond in conjunction with Light Up Films, presented a panel to the Bedford Stuyvesant community called “How To Make It In Da Biz & Make A Career For Yourself.” The panel was made up of individuals that are excelling in their respective careers including yours truly, representing for XI Magazine/Journalism.

Panelists: Malikha Mallette, Radio Personality – Power 105.1’s Ed Lover Morning Show Ty Fyffe, Music Producer – Produced for 50 Cent, Drake, Snoop & more Miles Maker, Film Director – Director, Producer, New Media Guru & Owner/Operator of Directing Actors Gym Lex Lewter, Director – Director of Film, Television Commercials & Music Videos Marty Grace, Clothing Designer – Owner of Designs by Marty Grace, Creative Designer for his clothing label Okema T Moore, Journalist & Entertainer – Partner of XI Magazine, Journalist

CODC is a community focused organization created by actor Ephraim Fetti Benton, to bring positive information, entertainment and images to the Bed-stuy community. The organization, just this summer, has brought many celebs to the community to meet with and speak to those that live there, especially the youth. This particular panel was  incredible because it wasn’t about those in-your-face celebs that we hear about all the time.  This panel presented individuals that are making power moves in their fields of choice through serious dedication, hard work and effort, that may or may not be household names…YET.  Moderator Nicole Stoll asked insightful questions that allowed each panelist to speak on their respective journeys.

Malikha made it a point to tell the audience that it was not just her level of education that got her to this point, but her determination to be the first to arrive at work and the last to leave. She expressed that during her interning process she made her presence known in every department and learned the importance of each aspect of the station so that she would be able to function in any of them. Malikha also spoke on the need to be honest with yourself and learn to accept criticism with the intent to do and be better from it, as opposed to allowing it to make you defensive.

Marty Grace spoke on walking out on faith, as he packed up and went to China one year to learn the manufacturing side of the clothing and textile business and vowed to return with his own sneaker. He knew no one, didn’t speak the language, but made connections there, learned from various factory owners how they did business, and indeed returned with a Brooklyn sneaker bearing his name. Shortly thereafter he quit his day job at the Post Office and began to run his label full time.  Grass roots style throughout the boroughs of New York he sold his garments and accessories out of his custom van and now is branching beyond just the five boroughs of NYC.

Miles Maker brought to the table (no pun intended) the idea of utilizing and understanding branding, packaging and the new digital and social media platforms. He spoke on how important it was to thoroughly investigate your product, (in his field that is usually someones story) and find those that can assist you in bringing your story to light. Maker stressed the need to understand these new platforms and how they can create revenue for today’s entrepreneur. He also informed the audience to be aware of who their core audience is, both in acquiring financing and in consuming their product. He explained that to know the expectation of the potential financier can help you build trust with them by giving them who and what they want to see in meetings. He stated that acquiescing to this thought process does not dilute who you are as a company, but it puts you in the forefront because you are giving the able-bodied, deep pocketed finance folk what they want, so that then you can get from them what you want.

Ty Fyffe, was the quiet one in the group. However when he spoke it was always important and useful. He let the audience know that it was not always about formal education but obtaining hands on knowledge and learning your craft. He started out as a DJ and then went about learning the production game from people that were already making moves and this how he excelled. As he got better he then began to make a name for himself by working with artists and giving them above-grade product.

Lex Lewter, one of the youngest on the panel, but greatly accomplished, spoke on how he just went for it. He realized that directing was for him and so he hustled and prayed and raised the money to attend school for film and directing. Once he received his formal education he then worked as an assistant to others that were out there and in the trenches and it was here that he learned to really do what he loves. He told everyone that he wasn’t big on throwing around the title of “Director” but he was about letting his work speak for itself and making the power moves to propel him forward.

I simply spoke about making yourself known. I came into the journalism game very unexpectedly, as I was always a writer but never thought of working specifically for a magazine. I was always in entertainment as a singer, songwriter and actress. So when I began to write for XI, I naturally covered what I knew and was familiar with. I stressed that I worked hard and let my work say all that I couldn’t say, as I wanted to be perceived as humble.  However, humility aside, I knew that I was pretty darn good.  And as a result, my wonderful partners, Khai G. and Llaren V. who created and founded XI Magazine and XI New Media, LLC. brought me on board as a partner and stake holder to assist in building this amazing magazine and the XI brand.

All of the stories told were centered around the same thought, however. Everyone had a killer work ethic partnered with a deep rooted passion for what they were doing. Together those two things allowed each panelist to get to the place they were and also, most importantly to not stop there. We are each still growing, learning, building and striving for bigger and better.

The audience seemed to become encouraged and infused with the emotions that everyone seemed to emote as they spoke and then shared their passions and asked for advice, assistance, help and even mentorship. All making the entire experience worth more than any red carpet or platinum plaque to each of us.

CODC continues to make impressions in a neighborhood most would rather forget or ignore. It’s these programs and this intent to be the change they wish to see in the world, that keeps them funded, appreciated and acknowledged in the film community and in their founder’s community of Bed-stuy.

I had a phenomenal time, met some amazing young people and XI had another chance to give back to a community that I’ve been apart of since I was a toddler! The sense of satisfaction those audience memebers’ cheers, smiles and hugs gave all of us was indescribable and I’m sure that it just serves as another catalyst to us all.  

Check out the pics from the event below, taken by photographer George Aikenand check back with us for some video of the panel discussion as well, shot by videographer Allan Volcy.

Last week, XI Magazine was on the scene for the listening party of John Legend and The Roots as they debuted their album “Wake Up!”

The event was well attended by many of Sony’s up-and-comers along with a diverse crowd including Real Housewife of NJ, Danielle Saub and Real Housewife of NY, Alex along with her eccentric hubby Simon. Also in attendance were Steph Jones, who was the only performer of the night aside from Legend and The Roots.  Jones was flanked by his muses, designers Coco & Breezy.  Actor Christian Brown (who has a series coming soon with Mechad Brooks on ABC) and freelance fashion journalist Terrance Henderson walked the carpet and R&B sensation Miguel (with the #1 song, All I Want Is You) stopped thru and gave XI’s cameras some love!

Unfortunately, after being on the carpet for several hours, the guests of honor had not arrived and so our team had to depart but we are told that they did finally make it and even did a short performance. Apparently additional appearances are what caused them to be “Tardy for the Party.”  But before I left I got the chance to paint with artist Brian Kirhagis.  He has some of his work placed about the venue and then had an “interactive piece” for all participants to add any color, any brush stroke that they wanted and he worked to turn it all into painting!  Look out for Brian in a future isse of XI Magazine!

XI Director of Photography and Media, Brian Everett Francis caught the shots below and our contributing videographer for the day, Julez the Director caught it on tape, so look for the vids on XItv shortly!

Singer/Songwriter Olivia and Vh1 give celebs and media an invite-only listen to her upcoming album “Show The World.”

Last night the pink carpet was rolled out and the fabulous men and women in entertainment came out for the 2nd annual Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network Awards (WEEN).

The carpet was poppin’ with celebs! Everyone from Oprah’s BFF Gayle King, to the beautiful Nia Long in a red strapless dress to Bilal who stopped by (freckles, faux hawk and all) right before heading to his NY listening session. It was all smiles and bling and wonderful compliments from everyone XI spoke to regarding the recipients.

Honored this year were Nia Long, Latoya Luckett, international HIV/AIDS Activist Hydeia Broadbent, Angie Martinez, Soledad O’Brien, and Esther Silver-Parker. Presenters and entertainment included Estelle, Bilal, Lyfe Jennings, Mashonda, Kandi Buress and more!

Board member Alesha Renee spoke to XI and expressed how excited she is that WEEN provides mentorship and education, along with encouragement and support to its members via programs and mentor/mentee initiatives. Comedienne Kim Coles (looking adorable in her black v-neck jersey dress and gorgeous neck-piece) said that WEEN was amazing for supporting and celebrating these amazing women. And social media maven Necole Bitchie expressed that she was there to support Alesha and the honorees and that she does her best as a woman to share info with and support other women in the business.

I had an amazing night! Our Director of Photography, Brian Everett Francis caught all of the fabulous photos below and videographer José Arias caught it all on tape! Stylist and today’s Guest Blogger, Zulema George had me dolled up in a one-shoulder all white sheath that everyone complimented throughout the evening. I accessorized with a white Ginger Pinks ruffled, gold chain linked bracelet and strappy nude platforms from Aldo. And to top it off, resident Make-up diva LaQuanna Chong ‘beat’ my face so I’d be glam and camera ready! (P.S. – Kim Coles loved the eyes LQ *wink*) However, the highlight of my night…interviewing and laughing with Gayle! She’s super funny and so down-to-earth!

Definitely check out the pics and look into WEEN membership if you are interested in some form of entertainment mentorship! Wisdom says seek assistance from those that have done it right…and these ladies are definitely the personification of ‘doing it right!’

*Click bigger image to enlarge*

Our loyal citiXIns know that we often interview authors for our XI Readers Corner. But this one was so hot and sultry that we had to put it under our Se-XI category…as it’s not for the timid or the kiddies!

I had the pleasure of meeting author and journalist Abigail Ekue at a charity event in 2009 that I hosted for my sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho.  She was auctioning off a copy of her book “The Darker Side of Lust.” The name intrigued me and I said to myself that I had to get her in our pages.  As the new year came in and we began to get more readership interest in author interviews, I knew the time was right to get with Abigail and talk about her book…but first I had to read it.

If you are in to Erotica, this is the book for you!  And if you’re not, try it…you might like it.  I am more of a sensual than sexual person, but I appreciate the sexually adventerous side of life as much as any other red-blooded person with a libido!  However, this book surely made me long for a “friend” to read along with becuase it had me HOT & BOTHERED!

Exploring various taboos like mulitiple partners, homosexuality and religion with regard to sex…the book has something for everyone!  It’s well written, intriguing and a page turner.  It explores lust and passion and even a little love, all while drawing you in deeper and deeper with the vivid language and very detailed descriptions of characters, positions and possibilities.  I felt like a voyeur as I read it, because I could clearly see each scenario play out in my mind’s eye.

It takes a talented writer and an expansive amount of liberation and imagination to come up with something that is more sexy and passionate than raunchy and overtly extra.  Abigail Ekue is all of that and more in my opinion.  So without any more of my adjectives (lol), I bring you, my sexualy open-minded citiXIns…Miss Abigail Ekue!

XI: Who are you and what do you do?

I am a writer. Before I wrote “The Darker Side of Lust”, I had numerous health, fitness & nutrition articles published in print and online. I am an NATA Athletic Trainer and have a BS in Sports Sciences. When I stopped practicing, I used my degree, certification and experience to get those writing assignments. I blog semi-regularly – personal essays, rants & social commentaries. I still have the goal to get a feature article in a glossy. I also love photography. I got into it in 2005. Did a project called “Self Portraitry” and “New York City through a camera phone”. I had my first solo photo exhibit last year, “Man. Toy.”. I’ve also done nude modeling since 2006. I haven’t done much recently. But I do still shoot self-portraits and my hope is to have another gallery exhibit in 2011, this time using human male models. I also co-produce and curate Mo Beasley’s UrbanErotika™. I’m an artist. When I was first designing my website, I had to come up with a logo and I settled on “The Native Creative New Yorker”. It was only supposed to be a placeholder but it stuck.

XI: When did you first fall in love with the written word?

I have been writing for as long as I can remember. My love of writing was definitely sparked by reading. Both my parents were teachers, so it was always important to “read your books.” Before I learned how to type “the right way”, I would peck away at my parent’s old typewriter, making up mystery stories. I went to Harlem School of the Arts from 2nd grade to 9th grade. I was awarded Most Outstanding Student in Creative Writing a few times. The writing lead to drama. I took drama class for a few years at HSA too. In college, I took an elective, Women’s Voices in Drama, and that sparked my screenwriting binge. Before that class, I was working on a teleplay.

XI: When did you discover that erotica was your preferred genre, given that you write along many lines…or is it?

While working on my novel a few years ago. It’s chick-lit and there are sex scenes. The response to those scenes was amazing and there was an ease writing them. The way sex is a part of life, it became part of my writing. I didn’t write an erotic short story till a few years later when I wanted to be published on Nerve.com. I realized then that a sex scene, that erotic energy, could carry an entire story. I just share all the lurid, naughty thoughts that swirl around in our heads on the page. Out of fiction genres, I would say erotica is my preferred genre, or erotica prefers me. I love to write anything that’s character-driven.

XI: What inspired you to write “The Darker Side of Lust?”

I had the stories. So the question was what to do with them. I was a regular at UrbanErotika™ and each time I would read, I wanted to read something different so I would write a new story. So I started to build up a collection of stories. Since I was still in that erotic, creative, state of mind, I would give myself assignments to write an erotic story about a different type of relationship, or in a different voice. Once I decided I was going to put my stories together, I realized I didn’t have that many so I went back to rework some of the old stories and I wrote new ones specifically for the collection.

XI: How important is it to you, to be open-minded regarding sex and sensuality?

Very. Sex isn’t going to be good unless you’re open-minded about it, honest, respectful and comfortable. Open-mindedness doesn’t mean you have to try everything; you may not be into certain fetishes or acts, but being aware that they exist goes a long way to keeping dialogue open. Who you are sexually at 25 can be different from your 45 year-old sexual self. That evolution takes place through being open-minded to different experiences.

XI: You explored many things that would be considered “taboo”…what is taboo to YOU…if anything?

Animals. Children. Excrement. I don’t find those things to be sexually appealing or arousing. I am drawn to those topics because of my desire to understand the way the mind works. I’ve seen scat and bestiality videos and I find my head cocked sideways trying to figure out how did that horse’s penis fit? What about urine and feces is arousing? What must that room smell like? What about infections with all the fecal matter getting into mouths and vaginas? I find nothing sexual about that. I’ve never seen child pornography. No desire to. I also consider necrophilia taboo. I kind of understand the appeal though, I’ve read some really well-written erotica that deals with it, but again, that’s not for me.

XI: How many experiences that you write about in your collection of stories are inspired by actual events in your own sex life?

I get this question a lot. It’s more telling to answer with what I haven’t done — never had a threesome, seduced a priest, been with a woman, wasn’t in a sexless marriage, never had “loud neighbors” although I have cooked chicken parmigiana before, never been in an abusive relationship, never dated a younger man or had rooftop sex and believe it or not, never had sex in a car. But… there is a lot of “me” in the collection. There are certain moments that I fictionalized and turned into a completely different story from what actually happened. People I’ve met have become characters or I’ll give my characters some of the traits of real-life people; I do draw inspiration from people I meet. I also put my thoughts into the heads of some of my characters. Most recently, I was asked a similar question at a book reading. I was with a male friend. He went to the bar leaving me alone for a few moments. A woman approached and asked if he was my husband and if the excerpt I had just finished reading was true. I told her “no” and she was shocked because it felt so real, my descriptions were so accurate and she had a physical response to it. The next question should be which of the experiences I wrote about do I want to be actual events… (ha!)

XI: Many people, men especially, fantasize about multiple partner experiences…do you think that they can ruin a relationship?

The fantasy doesn’t necessarily ruin a relationship. An obsession with fulfilling that fantasy and not considering your partner’s feelings can. Going outside of a monogamous relationship to have a multiple partner experience can ruin a relationship. On the flip side there are couples who regularly engage in threesomes or foursomes or more and they are perfectly happy. It works when there is honesty about both the positive and negative feelings you have. Men certainly aren’t the only ones who have those fantasies. Feeling like you’re corrupt or depraved for having the fantasy can lead to the deceit and that’s what ruins relationships.

XI: What is the sexiest part of a man to you?

This is a hard one. I don’t know about one particular (physical) part but there are things a man does with his parts that are sexy. Sitting in that “come here” posture with their knees falling open. The way they arch their eyebrows in anger or confusion or interest. His eyes too. I will melt if I look into the right pair of eyes. And a wink. If you can wink, I’m sold. Legs. I love a man’s legs. Hands and fingernails – I’ve had instant fantasies about a man’s hands/fingers; long, strong, clean, trimmed nails. Long fingernails make me squeeze my knees together thinking about it, like that can’t possibly be comfortable or hygienic. I also think facial hair is sexy. It signals a high level of testosterone, which means “masculine”, which I find sexy.

XI: What is the sexiest part of a woman in your opinion?

Hmm… well based on the women I’ve had girl-crushes on, I think a woman’s shape is sexy. Not necessarily her size, but her shape. I prefer brunettes over blondes. And a throaty or deep voice. But what do I think is sexiest part of a woman? Her thighs. Her lap.

XI: What is the difference to you between lust and love?

Both are powerful and sudden and euphoric, but love slows you down. I don’t think we think when we’re in lust.

XI: What is the most interesting sexual experience that you have had and did it make the book?

I’ve had interesting experiences with people that weren’t necessarily good. It’s the emotional or mental interaction that may have made it interesting. Or the non-sexual part of the experience. There’s no way I can name the most interesting. That being said, I did have similar experiences to the ones in “The Right Wrong Number” and “Lay Your Hands on Me”.

XI: Will we see more work from you in novel form, or will you stick to short stories?

That’s the plan. I decided recently to start working on the novel I started a few years ago. I’m 20 chapters in. So I need to complete the first draft of the manuscript and take it from there. While writing, “The Darker Side of Lust”, I did take a story out of the collection entitled, “Human Preservation”. My plan is to develop it into a novel or at least a novella. It’ll be a challenge for me because there are horror elements to it and that’s new territory for me. That doesn’t mean I’ll stop writing short stories though. I work on tackling different topics, character voices and step out of my comfort zone. There’s always a way to push yourself.

XI: You are a bit reminiscent of Zane…what do you think of her work and what she’s done for the erotic genre of fiction?

I’ve only read one work from Zane, “Addicted”, years before I thought about writing erotica. What I remember is that I really didn’t like the ending. It was too “clean” and tidy. I’m actually a writer who doesn’t read much. I really have to change that.

XI: Who is Abigail beyond the sexy stories…Abigail the woman?

I’m actually pretty low-key. I love food. I need my sleep. I love to laugh. I can be pretty traditional when it comes to certain gender roles. I’m not your typical clingy, possessive Scorpio. I’m also not as freaky as you may think. I am sensual. But not everyone gets to see that side to me. I like people and I study them all the time. It’s not even something I’m conscious of at times. I end up taking on the energy of others and that’s when I retreat to center myself again. I’m comfortable with solitude and silence. I can be very stubborn and opinionated. I love music.

XI: What is next for you?

Travel. I need to take my art to other parts of the world. I also know that the travel will help my art evolve. The world I know, I refer to in my work, is what I get from 2nd and 3rd-hand sources. I need to live it myself. So yeah, travel and more art about the human experience. More writing. More photography.

Clearly just reading the Q&A I’m sure you see that this complex and very frank individual is someone that we will hear a lot from in the future, no matter the genre. But I also hope her answers have encouraged you to check out what all the references are about! *wink* I personally suggest that you pick up a copy of the “The Darker Side of Lust” and if you’re bold enough, share the reading experience with a lover, a friend you want to be your lover…or one of the best lovers you can interact with…YOURSELF. Also, check for more stories, books and even info on her UrbanErotika™ Series on her website!

R&B Singer/Songwriter Olivia Longott has been through industry hell and back for much of her time in the business. But like a true artist, she pushed past the bad deals, wack contracts and non-believers and has finally made the music SHE wanted to make.

We reviewed her mixtape this spring, Under the Radar, which recieved much acclaim and rave reviews. If not for the drops and plugs, she could have very well called that project an album. However on this new album, “Show The World” we see a different Olivia. I think she finally put the wall down a bit and let us in to meet “Liv.” The writing is raw, it’s emotionally charged and it even gives you a bit of her ability to be vulnerable. The lyrics are moving and fun and flirty and sexy and best of all…honest.

In addition to a new project, Olivia will also be on a new Vh-1 reality show, tentatively titled “Married to Hip-hop.” No, O-lovely is not married, but from what I hear she will definitely be going on several…ummm…interesting dates! And knowing her a bit, I’m sure if they are weak, wack or unattractive, the entertaining blunt demeanor we love for women on reality shows to have will be in full effect!

Aside from Vh-1, her manager Rich Dollaz’ company Dollaz Unlimited, Kathy Liautaud of KLPR Group and the additional sponsors of her event, Olivia was joined by many celebs that night. From model/host Toccara to Jamal ’Gravy’ Woolard (Notorious) to Tionna Smalls and Free; everyone was out that night. Jim Jones and her co-star for “Married to Hip-Hop,” Chrissy Lampkin came through to support her, along with music execs like Michael Kyser, James A. Smith and Mona Scott. Everyone was there to celebrate Liv’s true coming out party.

I was extremely impressed by the music. Some of my faves were the club bangers “Lick, Salt, Shot, Lime” and “Boomerang.” The duet with her and Vaughn Anthony “In Your Shoes” was a great relationship song. And my all-time favorite that night (which everyone loved so much they played it TWICE!) “Ain’t Nothing Like Being In Love.” It has that feel good, love me groove to it. When I hear it I feel like I need to bump it in the car with the sunroof open as I’m cruising up the FDR on a summer night…on the way to rendezvous! The band was amazing and had us all rocking and whether Olivia was just playing us a song or singing to us, she seemed to be entranced by the music as well!

XI was on hand with photographer George Aiken and videographer Allan Volcy to capture the night’s events for our citiXIns and we had a ball. From clowning on the red carpet with Free to laughing with our very own Gift of Gab and Tionna Smalls, to wiping Liv’s tears of appreciation for the love in the room after the show; we were proud to be apart of the whole thing! I have to admit, I was even a bit jelly when James A. Smith from the YEEC and Def Jam came out with the Nanotech2010 rep and presented Olivia with a diamond encrusted GPS watch as a surprise congratulatory gift! That is one SICK timepiece!  And she is the first and only female with one right now!

All in all, we wish Olivia the best and we are so happy that she is truly at the place in her career where she is free to “Show The World.”

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Tony Clomax brings you episode 5 of 12 Steps to Recovery, “Out of Your League”.

XI TV caught up with Jazzy on her 1st trip to NYC as she passed thru SOB’s for the MJ Tribute show on her East Coast tour!

XI caught up with Eric Roberson for his tribute to Michael Jackson at SOB’s.