Ladies could always used some very smart brothas in their lives. They are needed. They are wanted. They are…here. Born out of many hearings with women about their relationship imbroglios, The Champ and Panama have decided to take their brand of wisdom and disseminate it into an award-winning blog. Clutch had the pleasure of hearing from the players themselves in this entertaining exchange.

Champ & Panama: verysmartbrothas.com

Clutch: Where did you get the idea to start Very Smart Brothas and when did it come into existence?
The Champ: Panama and I have been friends and fans of each other’s writing for a few years now. Throughout that time, it seems like we’ve both always been the go-to person for our respective friends in regards to relationship and/or dating advice. A couple years ago, we decided to create a relationship themed book by gathering the best relationship topics from our personal blogs and compiling them into one. Because of our laziness, this project hit the back burner for a year or so. In early 2008 though, we (along with our Managing Editor, Lizz Burr) decided to try and create a website that dealt with many of the topics and themes we explore in the book. Our first entry ran the first week of April.

Clutch: The tone of the blog is informative and funny, yet it feels like the reader is talking to a good friend. How do you keep that balance?
The Champ: We are well-read, funny, and friendly people, so being informative, funny, and friendly isn’t that much of a stretch. Seriously though, we’re just two guys who are able to provide a bit of wisdom, insight, and humor in regards to the trials and tribulations of dating and/or relationships. We’re not caricatures. You’re not going to come on VSB and read useless drivel about how to be a pimp or player, but at the same time, you’re not going to get any half-wit, effeminate, whining about “why black women want thugs” or any bulls— like that, and I think our readers appreciate that. Basically, we keep this balance by being ourselves.

Panama: I think it’s also because of how interactive the site is. It pretty much IS a full out discussion with your friend. We spend all day in the comments sections to respond directly to questions folks have about what we’ve written. Which means people can call us on our BS statements, which they do, often. Lucky for us, we’re right, even when we’re not.

Clutch: For people who are new to your blog, how would you describe your blog in three words?
The Champ: How about a haiku?

Panama and Champ
Sexy, daily. Wisdom too
Steelers all the way!!!

Panama: The Champ’s haiku pretty much said it all (and forget the Steelers, hail to the Redskins…who just.lost.to.the.Cincinatti.Bengals. Never mind the Redskins. Go Steelers.), but three words that I think of are love, peace, and soooooooooooooooul. Or at least while Don Cornelius has legal problems.

Clutch: What goals or purposes do you want the blog to achieve?
The Champ: Personally, we hope that the blog is able to give us a solid fan base for our other projects globally, both P and I feel that “well-informed and practical” people equals “good relationships”, “good relationships” equal “happy people”, and “happy people” equals “less crime.” Basically, we’re trying to fight crime.

Clutch: Congrats on the 2009 Black Web Award for Best Blog. What major milestones do you feel the blog has reached?
The Champ: Thanks for the congrats. Honestly, I don’t know about milestones, but I don’t know if there’s another black male ran relationship themed blog that’s doing what we’re doing right now, especially when you consider that most of our traffic is from word-of-mouth. We’re not backed by any conglomerates, we haven’t spammed on any more popular blogs, and we haven’t begged anyone for a link exchange, and I’m proud of the fact that we were able to become relevant without having to do any of that stuff.

Clutch: How will your blog change the perception of what blogs are about?
The Champ: I think we’ve been able to show that a couple black guys can run a relationship blog without being bitches or blatantly disrespecting women. I also think we’re helping to show that we (black males) don’t have to be caricatures or archetypes’ to be successful.

Clutch: From the start of the blog to now, how do you feel your blog has grown?
The Champ: Along with the growth in traffic, we’ve become a bit of a social-networking venue, as VSB-er’s across the country have organized happy hours and other outings with each other. We also have consistent commentators from London, Johannesburg, Sydney, and many other foreign cities, and it honestly amazes me that people in Africa and Europe are reading sh– that I’m writing on my little Dell PC in Pittsburgh, PA. Also, from a writing standpoint, we’ve started to branch out a bit more with our topics. Although we still focus on relationships, we also have entries on race, politics, music, and other fresh and relevant issues.

Clutch: What has been the biggest challenge you have faced with your blog?
The Champ: Making sure I don’t repeat topics, which is a bit more challenging that I assumed it would be.

Panama: Remaining fresh…you’d think there were a million things to talk about when it comes to relationships but really, there are like four: love, sex, cheating, and the difference between men and women. That’s it. Period. All she wrote. Nothing more. Nevermore.

Clutch: If your blog could make one general statement, what would you want it say?
The Champ: Pay attention and lighten the f— up (laughing). You’ll be much happier if you’re able to do both of these things.

Clutch: Who do you hope to reach with your blog?
The Champ: Everyone. Although our name is Very Smart Brothas, there’s relevant information for all demographics. Even midgets get love on VSB.

For this edition of “Blog Index”, we wanted to highlight someone who makes us laugh…hard. That source of laughter is Leon. Listen to Leon is a hilarious blog that discusses just about everything. So, sit back and listen to Leon.

Leon: listentoleon.net

Clutch: For those that don’t know… who is Leon and why should we listen to you?
Leon: I am one of the most laid back, insightful and silliest people that you’ll ever meet in your life. You should listen to me because first and foremost, I will make you laugh. I’ll make you laugh in a number of ways. I can hit you with some silliness, Tracy Morgan style, or I can go for Seinfeldian, Stephen Colbert comedy that requires active brain cells to laugh at. Versatility, my friend…versatility! Plus, I have a knack for making people laugh at subject matter that they probably shouldn’t laugh at…but since it’s funny, I speak on it and give you a reason to laugh. Basically, you’ll smile if you check out ListenToLeon.net.

Clutch: When did you officially launch ‘Listen to Leon‘?
Leon: I launched it in 2004 on Blogger, after hearing friends tell me that I should start one, since I had a habit of e-mailing out funny stories about my weekend exploits. So while working at a boring job that I hated, ‘Listen To Leon’ was born!

Clutch: Describe the type of person that most likely would dig ‘Listen to Leon’?
Leon: Anyone with a sense of humor, intelligence and an open mind. I write about ANYTHING that I can make jokes about, so there really is something for everybody.

Clutch: So far, what has been your favorite entry to your blog?
Leon: My personal favorite is the story of how I lost a fight after someone threw a spoon at me when I was eight years old. “The Spoon ‘Heard Round The World” is the title. However, my readers seem to love “Dry-Humped on the Green Line”, which is the tale of me getting an impromptu free lap dance on a crowded subway train. Both can be found on my Greatest Hits page.

Clutch: What makes a website/blog fresh and relevant to Leon?
Leon: An original concept or voice that stands out is one thing. Regularly updated content is important, too. I’d recommend updating regularly to anyone who is serious about building a following for their blog.

Clutch: When you’re not writing for ‘Listen to Leon‘, what are some other sites that you visit?
Leon:
MediaBistro
ProBlogger
The Smoking Section
Twitter

I’m writing a column at a new site, www.blackpower.com, and I’m excited because the stuff I’ve seen from them so far looks great! I promise, I’m legitimately excited and not just trying to plug my new column!

Clutch: How has Social Media changed your life?
Leon: I have found a way to legally and legitimately make a living from my sense of humor, thanks to the power of social networking and Web 2.0. Once I won my first Black Weblog Award and got offered an online column for King Magazine, I knew I could take my writing much farther than I initially planned to. For that, I’m grateful to all of my readers, as well as all of the web geeks who came before me and paved the way for my own Internet geekdom. Plus, I’ve met a lot of cool people and gotten in touch with plenty of old friends as a result of social networking sites, which is always a good thing.

Clutch: What has been your biggest challenge in running ‘Listen to Leon‘?
Leon: The biggest challenge for me thus far has been balancing my schedule to get all of the things done that I’ve planned to do. I’m actually a full year behind on a couple of projects, due to organizational mishaps. I’ve since established a more concrete timetable, so hopefully I’ll be able to finish more of what I start.

Clutch: Why should someone bookmark ‘Listen to Leon‘ on their computer or add it to their daily reading list?
Leon: I am a master at making insightful observations from just about any subject thrown my way. I like to think of it as, profound ignorance. I keep it funny, entertaining, and I talk sh– with the best of ‘em. That is why I am worthy of bookmarking!

Clutch: Any advice for up and coming writers or social media entrepreneurs?
Leon: Write as much as possible. Seek feedback, but know the difference between “constructive criticism” and “he/she’s hating.” You are not always right, so it’s good to have people point out mistakes sometimes. Set goals and stay focused on them. That, and write about something that you love or enjoy. That’s the most important thing, because otherwise you will get tired of updating and lose your passion for it.

Clutch: What’s next for Mr. Leon?
Leon: More comedy videos, hopefully with better production value that what’s on the site right now. I’m shopping around a few book projects, so cross your fingers for me and definitely be on the lookout. Basically, I’m attempting to pave a way to do the type of comedy that I want to, without many boundaries or limitations. Creative freedom: pretty much the goal of any artist!

Exactly who is the Funky Brown Chick? Twanna A. Hines: Multi-faceted world traveler; sociologist; writer; blogger and self proclaimed sexpot. As the sole owner and operator of FunkyBrownChick.com, Ms. Hines blogs about any and all things related to sex, dating and relationships with a sinfully clever playfulness that keeps us tuning in habitually. We recently got down with the funky brown to learn more about this wonderfully spicy Clutch fave, and of course, the dynamic woman behind it.

Twanna: FunkyBrownChick.com

Q: When and why did you launch FunkyBrownChick.com?
I’d just moved to NYC in April of 2005. At the time, I had a job at a small non-profit that wasn’t working out at all. So I quit, and took another job (that knew I wasn’t going to like either). I was also having trouble with my roommate at the time. After making so many sacrifices, I thought maybe I made the wrong decision to come to NY. I felt really low but I decided to just stick it out. I realized that [NYC] is my home for better or for worse. I had to make it work. So in June 2005, I started Funky Brown Chick to chronicle my experiences in NY.

Q: So It wasn’t a sex/dating/relationship blog from the beginning?
No. It was just about my life in New York, but a lot of that was dating. I was going out a lot when I first moved here, and I had all these crazy stories about the dates I went on.

Q: How has your blog changed since its inception?
It’s changed a lot through the years. I’m still the same person, but I’m no longer writing anonymously. I used to write under the name “Stoli” (short for Stolichnaya) which gave me freedom to speak a little more freely. Now as, Twanna A. Hines, everyone from my employers, family, church members (including my minister) reads my blog. I have to be a little more selective about what I say.

Q: What made you drop your alias and embrace your given name?
I “came out” when Nerve.com hired me to write about my dating life. When I found out I had to put a picture up, I knew someone would make the connection so I decided to tell my friends about it. Also, as “Stoli” I didn’t feel like I wasn’t being true to myself. I needed to meld the two. I understand why some [remain anonymous]. I can’t be as emotionally raw as I’d like to be at times, but I’m comfortable with the choice.

Q: By the way, what’s the A for?
My mom gave me my middle name, my dad my first, so I usually use both. Angela is for the civil rights activist Angela Davis. As far as my first name, my paternal grandmother is from the Skokomish tribe from the Pacific Northwest, also known as the Twana (but my name has 2 n’s).

Q: Sex, dating and relationships - have these topics always been of interest to you?
Totally. I didn’t loose my virginity until I was 22 years old. I was raised Southern Baptist, and I thought I wasn’t going to have sex until I got married. While growing up, no one ever talked to me about sex, period. Once I had sex, however, I realized it was a very natural thing, and there’s nothing wrong or evil about it. I did my degrees both undergrad & grad in Sociology. I’m fascinated with how people relate to each other. If someone asks you: “What did you do last night?” it’s ok to respond, “I went out, got drunk and threw up all over the place,” and people laugh. But if some one asks the same question and you respond, “My man cooked me dinner last night, gave me a massage and I orgasmed three times,“ people would say “Oh my God, What’s wrong with her! “TMI! TMI!” What’s wrong with talking about love, sex and relationships?

FBC is such a fun, juicy, yet informative source. Explain the creative genius behind the content.
I just sit down and write. I write my all my posts the morning of based on experiences in my daily life. The only thing that’s planned is “Manly Monday’s” - otherwise there’s no rhyme to it.

Q: Describe your most gratifying sexual encounter?
This music writer who was way too young for me (he was 22-23 and I was close to 30) was amongst a group of friends that were hanging out at my old place in Chicago. Towards the end of the night, I noticed him gazing at me from across the room, so when it was time to call it a night, he followed me into my bedroom and said “What do you want to happen?” I was shocked, so I said, “I said I don’t know, what could happen? “Then he started to kiss me. He took care of me before we even started to have sex. It was amazing! He really knew what he was doing. We went all night long, it was the best sex ever!

Q: In your blog you’ve mentioned a book you’ve been working on, tell us a little about that.
I have the frame; It’s a work in progress. I can’t really say what the message is at this point because it’s still forming but I can tell you that it’s a memoir.

Q: What’s your most shameful exploit?
I’ve never dated any of my bosses, but I have slept with people’s boyfriends - as long as there’s no ring and you’re not promised to someone else. Married men are hands off. Girlfriends come and go.

This one really got to me though, I went on a date with this guy and while I kept ordering wine, I noticed he continually ordered seltzer. So I asked him why aren’t you drinking? He told me couldn’t drink. He was an alcoholic. That was a lot to be thrown at me on for a first date. I had too much going on in my life. I couldn’t date an alcoholic too. So after the date, he called and emailed, and I never responded. But I did mention that “I’d never go out with that guy again” in my Nerve column. Unfortunately, he read it, along with thousands of other readers. I felt bad about that. There was a person on the other end of that [story]. In the end, I contacted him and apologized for not being open with him in the first place.

Q: Describe your dream man.
Well hung (laughs). I used to really like guys with accents, guys who work in non-creative fields like law or finance so we can balance each other out. Now I’m moving from “This guy looks really good and I just get horny looking at him” to thinking of someone who knows me, knows what I like - just a really decent human being that I could enjoy being around.

Q: Ok – now that we know a little about the kind of guy you’re looking for, tell us: What would make you kick this guy to the curb?
Lying. If I can’t trust you, we have nothing. Also, if I feel worse after spending time with him, he’s out. I should feel good or better after spending time with someone.

Q: African American culture, like U.S. culture in general, is by and large fairly conservative. Has this ever been an obstacle for you as the FBC?
I had to stop caring about what other people think. That’s the quickest way to be unhappy. I never fit into anyone’s box. If you read my blog you’ll find many things that conservatives would disapprove of. I’m just me. I’m not saying you have to be like me. I’m not even saying you have to like me. I‘m just saying this is who I am and I’m ok with that.

Q: What do you love most about sex?
Touch. I have a very high need for touch. I love when people touch me, I love touching people, and I love kissing.

Q: Being Twanna A. Hines, The Funky Brown Chick certainly has its rewards; describe them, as well as some of the challenges.
Best part about being FBC is that it’s me %100. Whether I’m church, with my friends or at work, I am Twanna Hines, Funky Brown Chick.

Challenges, well not a lot of guys want to go out on a date then read about it on a blog the next day. It makes it more difficult to date. Part of being me and being open is great but part of it is difficult because it’s uncomfortable for a lot of people – understandably so.

Q: What’s on the horizon for Twanna Hines, The Funky Brown Chick?
I don’t like to shut myself off from possibilities. Life’s more interesting when you leave the doors open. 5 years from now I could be living in Amsterdam again. If you’re open to it, you’ll never know what the future will bring.

We like to take our daily dose of pop culture and entertainment without the nasty after taste of hate that many gossip blogs dish out these days. That’s why we like That Grape Juice—it keeps us current on our favorite celebs and personalities without tearing them down for sport. If you’re looking for a sharp read on the comings and goings of urban entertainment, then you’ll definitely have to check it out.

Sam: thatgrapejuice.net

Q: When did That Grape Juice launch?
After becoming well-acquainted with the countless urban music/entertainment Web sites and blogs, I decided to start my own in January 2007. Born out my love for all things ‘urban’, I simply sought to share my thoughts and opinions on the latest happenings in the Urban entertainment world.

Q: How did you come up with the name That Grape Juice?
I vividly remember sitting in my university halls during my first year (I’m a 20-year-old final year media college/university student), trying to brainstorm a name. With several hours having passed and many a wack name left on the cutting room floor, I began reminiscing on a high school media studies project I had achieved an A grade on a few months prior. [It was] a sample urban magazine called The Grape Vine. A spin on the classic Marvin Gaye song of the same title, my magazine’s grape vine wasn’t to be like the unreliable, gossipy grape vine described in the song; my grape vine was going to be concrete, legit, yet at the same time equally, if not, more entertaining!

So, drawing on aspects of the magazine’s concept as well as today’s blog/internet culture of supplying the ‘juice’, That Grape Juice was born.

Q: America is obsessed with pop culture. Does the same hold true in the UK?
I would say yes, but perhaps to a slightly lesser extent. Oddly enough though, there has been a real increase in the obsession with US pop culture over here. So it’s not uncommon to now open my London paper and find stories on the likes of Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan and others who are of no real relevance to our side of the pond. By no means a bad thing, just an example of the increasingly ‘community-like’ world blogs and the internet more generally has made for us to live in.

Q: You’ve had some great interviews on That Grape Juice! Who was your favorite interview so far?
Thank you! I’d have to say it’s a joint first between Kelly Rowland and Ne-Yo! Both Kelly and Ne-Yo really warmed to our style of interviewing and the depth of knowledge (of them and their projects) our questions showed; hence this allowed for much more open, honest and an ultimately better interviews.

I firmly believe in only conducting the type of interview I’d want to read (as a reader), so I try not to shy away from the tough questions and topics. Therefore, it always helps when artists, as with the mentioned, are forthcoming and frank.

Q: Who would you most like to interview on That Grape Juice?
Having interviewed Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, there is one other Destiny’s Child member I’m hoping to sit down with sometime soon (laughs). My sisters, friends, even my mom, have all warned me what will happen if I don’t allow them to tag along to see Ms. Beyonce herself! (laughs).

I must say, though, that interviewing my all-time favorite artist Michael Jackson (in some capacity) would be the ultimate dream come true.

Q: With so many entertainment and gossip blogs available, what makes That Grape Juice stand out?
From the onset, I made it a point of duty to not imitate the format of the majority of blogs out there—which largely nitpick at the flaws of celebs. I mean, let’s not get it twisted, the vast majority (myself included) want to see who and who was snapped looking a hot mess! However, some of these bloggers seem to miss the mark, by going overboard and forgetting that they probably look worse themselves!

More than anything though, I wanted the site to be as true to my personality as possible; meaning I opt to, more often than not, look for the positive in things rather than the negative. I’m really appreciative of life, so I often wonder why some would spend it hating on others.

Q: When you’re not writing for That Grape Juice, what other sites do you visit?
Oh, most definitely my girl and fellow UK’er Toya of Toyasworld.com…one of my reasons for starting That Grape Juice.

Of course, Concrete Loop, Bossip, Sandra Rose; the list goes on and on.

Q: What are your future plans for That Grape Juice?
This whole journey has been real unpredictable in the best of ways. So I’m just hopeful that things continue to go onwards and upwards!

Q: In five words, describe That Grape Juice.
The.Best.You.Ever.Drank!

Q: Why should someone add That Grape Juice to their daily blogroll?
As one of the premiere urban pop culture blogs on the ‘net for news, music, reviews, interviews and much more, you’d be missing out if you didn’t!

So, why should you add yet another site to your ever growing blogroll? What if we could suggest a blog that offers up everything we fab brown girls love-a tasty mix of fashion trends, beauty news and entertainment? Well, it’s all at Brown Girl Gumbo- a site dedicated to keeping us in the know. We talked to head brown girl, Karla Borders Pope, who puts her passion for journalism and magazines to good use on one of our newly bookmarked sites.

Karla: browngirlgumbo.com

Q : Tell us a little bit about yourself…
I’m a married 28-year-old young woman living in Brooklyn, NY who loves all things beauty, fashion and style! I’m originally from Chicago, but came to NYC a little over 5 years ago to pursue my dreams of being a magazine writer. I’ve known that I wanted to work in the magazine and publishing industry since I was a kid. It’s just always been my passion. I can remember anxiously awaiting the arrival of my Highlights issues and my mom’s Essence and Ebony magazines. I would even write compilations of short stories at a very young age. Now, I currently work at Parade Magazine.

Q : When and Why did you start “Brown Girl Gumbo”?’
I started Brown Girl Gumbo in September 2007. I decided to create my own blog after reading so many others and realized that I could do it too. I loved reading the beauty, fashion and entertainment blogs and thought that it would be a good idea to come up with a blog that had all three of those elements that I enjoyed reading and writing about.

Q : Why did you name your blog “Brown Girl Gumbo”?
I named my blog, “Brown Girl Gumbo,” because I didn’t want to focus on just one topic like many other blogs; I wanted it to be a mixture of all the things that I love — beauty, fashion and entertainment. Gumbo is a mixture of good things, so to me it just worked. The tagline, “Stirring Up Everything that Chic Brown Girls Love,” soon followed.

Q : How do you decide what and who to cover on your blog?
Well, I decide what to cover by balancing a mix of beauty, fashion and entertainment. There’s really no method to what I cover as long as it pertains to issues that I feel my audience would enjoy reading. I also do a bit of health and lifestyle posts from time to time too.

Q : You have had some awesome interviews on your site! So far, who was your favorite interview and why?
Thank you! So far I think my favorite person to interview has been Hill Harper. I admire what he’s doing for our youth. He’s an amazing actor and uses his celebrity to help uplift our oftentimes neglected communities. He was an absolute pleasure to talk to.

Q : We know you love to write, do you do any freelancing and have you been published in any glossies yet?
I have a few freelancing gigs lined up. I must admit, I haven’t really pursued freelancing in the past as much as I should have until recently. In the past, I have been published in the now defunct Honey magazine, several Chicago newspapers and most recently PARADE.com. Hopefully, in the upcoming months you’ll see my byline more often!

Q : When you’re not writing for “Brown Girl Gumbo”, what are some other sites that you visit?
I love reading a variety of blogs, including Tea & Such, The Pretty Circle, Kwana Writes, Inverted Reflection, Rantings of a Rebella, 12th Planet, Kanye West’s blog…the list really goes on and on! In addition to blogs, I regularly visit news sites. I’ve always been obsessed with what’s going on in the world so — CNN, Chicago Sun-Times.com, NYPost.com, NYTimes.com and the Washingtonpost.com are all sites that I visit daily too.

Q : What’s next for you and “Brown Girl Gumbo”?
I’m going to pursue freelance writing more aggressively and hopefully expand Brown Girl Gumbo into a full-fledged online magazine.

Q : Why should someone add “Brown Girl Gumbo” to his or her daily blog reading list?
A person should add BGG to his or her daily blog reading list because you never know what you’re going to get. One day you may get a celebrity interview, another day it may be about the hottest fashions or the latest beauty product. It’s always a fun and quick read that is always going to be something that women can relate to. As for guys, they should check it out because they can learn about what women enjoy and my blog can also serve as a site for them to find great gift ideas for the women in their lives.

Q : In five words describe “Brown Girl Gumbo”?
Informative, Entertaining, Fun, Honest, Pretty

For all you tech lovers and social networkers out there we’ve found just the blog for you. Angela Conyers and Markus Robinson of Black Web 2.0 are dedicated to keeping us up to speed on the latest and greatest in internet and technology news and gadgets all from the African American perspective. Technically challenged? Don’t worry, Black Web 2.0 has a little something that everyone from the novice blogger to the social media expert can gain from.

Angela & Markus: blackweb20.com

Q : When did Black Web 2.0 launch?
August 16, 2007

Q : Why did you launch the site?
Technology Blogs were growing in number, but the consistent theme in the large majority of the tech blogs launched were their lack of coverage of sites that targeted African-Americans and African-American culture. Black Web 2.0 was created to address that lack of coverage, by not only covering mainstream internet news, but also the technologies that specifically effect African-Americans.

Q : Who’s behind the wonderful site?
Angela Conyers - Benton (Founder)
Markus Robinson (General Manager)

Q : For those not familiar with Black Web 2.0, what type of content does the site feature and highlight?
In addition to website and application launches Black Web 2.0 covers relevant Internet industry news as well as mainstream Internet industry news from an African-American perspective. Some of our segments include:

News - These posts are primarily news that relate to Blacks and Black companies in the web industry. However, we also cover mainstream internet industry news.

Black Web 2.0 Show (Podcast) - Our monthly podcasts with industry executives and entrepreneurs.

Peeps of the Web - A weekly post that features African-Americans in agencies and corporations in key positions that we often don’t know exist. The interviews are posted in their original for as Instant Message (transcripts) exchanges or email exchanges.

“Want it” Wednesdays - These posts are weekly and are related to hot gadgets that we all want or should try.

Q : Does Black Web 2.0 have any other contributors besides you two?
The Black Web 2.0 contributing writers are the key to the success of the website. Our contributing writers consist of:

* Jade Davis
* Lynne D. Johnson
* Liz Burr
* Wayne Sutton
* Fredric Mitchell
* Toby Morning

Q : In your opinion, how are African Americans doing online? Do you think we truly understand the vast opportunities that “new media” presents?
We have seen the numbers of African-Americans visiting and participating in “new media” sites grow exponentially this year, but even more important we’re seeing a serge in the number of African-Americans creating their own new media web properties. The growth of both of these are essential to the participants in this space and is key to the development and understanding of new media. The more successful new media sites specifically targeting African-Americans are, the more sites such as Clutch Magazine and others become relevant media outlets, and the “new media bug” will start spreading.

Q : Can you define social media?
Social media is simply any Internet media that allows users to interact, share, and publish content. Unlike traditional media such as newspapers, television, books, and radio; social media promotes open discussions and collaborations of content between a group of individuals. New media is also syndicated and embeddable which makes it easy to share, reuse, and remix.

Q : What social networking sites are you all members of and are there any that you think people are sleeping on for business or personal use?
We are all avid users of Linked-in, Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter, but some of the lesser known social networks we use are: Collective X Groupsites, FriendFeed and 12 seconds.

Q : What African American websites or blogs do you think “get it”? Meaning properly using social media tools and tactics.
I think most blogs “get it” to an extent just for having created a blog, which is a form of social media. All of our contributors have blogs so we love those of course. Some larger sites that we think “get it” are a couple of urban social bookmarking sites such as eVIPlist.com and GlobalGrind.com, sites like that have embraced a popular web 2.0 model and used it to bring the urban community content that is produced by others like them and just good content period. The model may take a while to catch on but I am seeing more and more bloggers sing tools like these.

Q : Black Web 2.0 had a very big presence at 1st annual “Blogging While Brown” conference last month. How was that experience?!
The experience was wonderful. We were both so surprised at the amount of love and were extremely excited to meet some of our readers! We met one who has been reading ever since we first launched so that was extremely special to us. It was also great to just kick it with other bloggers who are like us.

Q : Your podcasts are pretty amazing. So far which podcast interview has been your favorite?
Each podcast holds a special meaning to us both, but our first podcast with Rocky Wiliform of Streetcred.com had to be the most exciting. We had no show format, no introduction, and no proof that the show would work, but Rocky took time to speak with us. We also covered a lot of information during Rocky’s interview.

Q : Why should someone bookmark Black Web 2.0 on their computer or add it to their daily reading list?
If you are into technology or love social networks you should bookmark our site because we offer a different perspective on those related topics. You currently can’t get that anywhere else. And we have some pretty cool interviews ;)

Q: When you’re not writing for Black Web 2.0, what are some other sites that you visit?
PaidContent.org, TechCrunch.com, Mashable.com, ReadWriteWeb.com, Media Bistro, Allhiphop.com, Clutch Magazine, Jack and Jill Politics, and What about our Daughters.

Q : What’s next for Black Web 2.0?
We will be relaunching and coming out of Beta in August. During that time you can expect to see more content from us and will be able to catch our content around the web in other places.

Troubl wants you to know that ignorance people, is not bliss. Do you know who your “frenemies” are or that Non-Hispanic blacks ages 19 to 24 are at a much higher risk of being infected with HIV than young people in any other racial group? Find out all about these and many more thought provoking topics on this site that we’ve recently become captivated with. We’re pretty sure you’ll be glad you decided to stop by.

The TROUBL Fam: troubl.org

Q: When did you officially launch TROUBL?
TROUBL, as an idea, came to us in 2000. All we had in the beginning was a name. Most of us were in college at the time so we had to get that straight before anything else. From the time we developed the concept to the time of its official launch in November 2007, we were educating ourselves—and we still are. That’s something we will never stop doing.

Q: Why did you name the website TROUBL?
Actually, TROUBL is not just a website. It’s a brand, an information brand. Remember those smart kids that got kicked out of class and spent a lot of time in detention, that’s TROUBL. Now, let’s get this straight: we’re not talking about those kids who were just got kicked out of class for “foolery.” We’re talking about the kids who were bored by the curriculum and questioned what they were taught. Because, as you know, our school system is inadequate. TROUBL represents the positive change initiated by the people like RFK, Ghandi, Bruce Lee, Rosa Parks, Eleanor Roosevelt, Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Sidney Portier and others. They were considered trouble by the “Powers that Be.” We are simply redefining what it means to be trouble. TROUBL is defying the people who profit from your ignorance. It’s educating yourself. And it’s doing it in style. We are creating a culture where it is cool to be in the know and think critically.

Q: Your about us section reads, “Realize there are people who don’t want us talking about the issues. It threatens their authority. But fuck that! We live the issues; and our destiny is wrapped in the knowledge we gain. Our friends are fighting the wars. Some are serving time. Others are in college. Politicians ignore us. The media distorts us. Police harass us. Schools neglect us. Still, we’re very aware of the world around us—and not because we’ve followed the curriculum. We read our own books. We let our favorite songs teach us. Because we understand the media’s power to shape the world, it’s our weapon of choice. But our values go much further than a traditional news organization’s. We create language. W e make art. We hold ourselves accountable. TROUBL started with a dollar and a dream. This site is a conversation. If the schools don’t want to teach us, we’ll educate ourselves. If politician don’t want to hear us, we’ll scream louder.” That’s very powerful. Why did you choose to make TROUBL a platform for cultural conversations and issues?
The internet is a powerful tool. Low barrier for entry. The rules are casual. And you have a global reach. It’s also a valuable educational tool. Classrooms tend to have too much structure for some people. That makes learning “corny.” If you think something is corny, you don’t interact with it.

Q: We must admit that we are addicted to TROUBL, not only for the thought - provoking content, but the visual stimulation. Do you design all the visuals for the site? And do you think it’s important to have well designed blog/site and why?
We do all the design. Design is integral to our brand. We are smart with style. Why can’t your reading glasses be hot? Why can’t it be sexy to read a book? Why can’t Steve Urkel get none? (LOL) For real though, creativity, freshness, style are all related. TROUBL is a stylish intelligence. Being smart should be apart of your swag. Understanding the world around you should be apart of your swag.

Q: Love the tagline “Fresher than PBS“. So what makes you fresher than PBS?
We are education. We’re breaking the rules. Education is not just received in the classroom. Why can’t people learn from examining the shoes they wear? We have a segment called “Kicks,” where each featured shoe pertains to critical information. We can learn from everything. There’s knowledge in clothing, music, video games, all the things relevant to young people. PBS has always been about teaching young people and they have a good model. But, many young people today don’t watch PBS. We grew up on Sesame Street. We’re simply drawing Big Bird in baggy jeans and fitted caps, because it relates to the young people today. Can you tell me how to get…how to get to Trouble Street?

Q: Who all is a part of the TROUBL family?
Johan Thomas, Founder/Editor
Hubert Bennett, Writer/Lead Editor
Ronnie Barron, Lead Marketer
John Heywood, Technologist
Sanders Trent, Sales
Paul Holyfield, Sales

We’re all from California originally, but were spread out now. Half of us are in NY the others in L.A. We also have a staff of writers and contributors. And, of course, all the other TROUBLmakers of the world.

Q: What makes a website/blog fresh and relevant to TROUBL?
Any website or blog that is smart and culturally relevant. Any website or blog that speaks with the language of our generation. Sites that are forward thinking and innovative. Sites that inspire conversation and teach.

Q: Describe the type of person that most likely would dig TROUBL?
Someone who’s not afraid to be “outside the box.” Someone who is intelligent with their style, creative with their language, and likes to read. Someone who likes to exercise their brain and “pop-off” at the club.

Q: Out of all the TROUBL posts, give us the top three that could serve as a introduction those unfamiliar with the flow of your website?
Three posts can’t really represent TROUBL. But, these are some of our favorites: Hoodsnacks, which is a reoccurring segment; Leaders of the New School; and The Standard.

Q: Why should someone bookmark TROUBL on their computer or add it to their daily reading list?
Because there will always be an intelligent and interesting conversation for people to get involved in. Or, even if you don’t want to leave a comment, you can still gain something. TROUBL is a place where you can laugh, cry, vent, think, and learn.

Q: When you’re not writing for TROUBL, what are some other sites that you visit?
Grungecake Crisis, Hypebeast, Adbusters, Nah Right, Corporate Takeover.

Q: What’s next for TROUBL?
We are going to keep working hard, doing what we do online. We are expanding our offline presence into fashion and preparing to introduce technology that will mesh the worlds together . After that we have some tricks up our sleeve that we’re not ready to expose.

Stuff Black People Hate is one of the funniest blogs we’ve ever read . . . period. Charged with political incorrectness and biting humor, you’re bound to stumble upon a topic that will either make you laugh out loud or shake your head in agreement. Exhibit A: Stupid names- “At a Kenneth Cole in Bethesda a few months back, I had the pleasure of meeting a very attractive young black woman working the sales floor. Very tall, very well-built, assertive yet soft-spoken and ambitious enough to be pursuing an advanced degree without being a dick about it. I was damn near ready to marry this girl on the spot. Then she told me her name. La La.” Still laughing? Then you’re just the kind of person who’ll appreciate what the writer behind Stuff Black People Hate has to say.

Chris: stuffblackpeoplehate.com

Q: When did you officially launch Stuff Black People Hate (SBPH)?
SBPH was launched on February 28, 2008.

Q: Racial satire sites have really taken off this past year. Did you ever think they’d gain the kind of attention they have now?
I’m not surprised at the attention they’ve received, but I am surprised it took so long. It’s interesting that it took a ‘white’ website (stuffwhitepeoplelike.org) to make racial satire blow up on the internet.

Non-white comedians have always had license to joke about white people and just about any other race, but white people have always had to walk a very fine line—and most white comedians who addressed race usually did so with trite remarks about their own race screwing over minorities in some way.

White people deprecating themselves in comedy isn’t new, but SWPL is unique and refreshing because the self-depreciation doesn’t involve the standard “this is what we did to black people” theme. Because they weren’t dealing with other races, they could take off the kid gloves and really get to the core of their purpose – which to me seems to be the mockery of hipsters, and not just white ones for that matter.

It’s not often that white people get to talk about race, even their own, without tiptoeing around political correctness, and this struck a chord with people. Now you have innumerable spin-offs, the popularity of which I am unfortunately mostly unaware.

Q: What do you think helps SBP stand apart from other sites?
I can’t prove it, but I’m pretty sure SBPH was the first ‘hate’ site to come out of the SWPL fame. I’m proud of SBPH for two reasons:

1. I didn’t adopt the ‘hate’ theme in some attempt to be a non-conformist. The hate theme was a natural extension of my own angry personality (which my friends and family can independently vouch for), and it never really even occurred to me to use the ‘like’ theme.

2. The blog started on accident. I’d been introduced to SWPL about a week before, but I had no interest in doing a similar site. The first post in the blog, ‘Subtle Racism’, actually started out as an angry email rant to my closest friends. I was about to send the email out when I suddenly decided that this was something that should be available to the public. That’s pretty much how it started.

Beyond that, SBPH’s anger and eccentricity make it unique. The topics are all over the map, and have caused even some black people to question the blog’s title. There is a lot of gratuitous swearing and zero attempt at political correctness. The blog is definitely not for the faint of heart or the easily insulted.

Q: Where do you find inspiration for your posts?
A better question would be “where don’t I find inspiration.” I can’t walk from my office to the bathroom without finding something to enrage me. I read the news a lot, I’m out and about very frequently, and I have a relatively wide circle of friends for someone my age, so there’s never any shortage of material.

I get a lot of suggestions from my readers, but I tend not to use them out of fear that I’ll lose my own voice in my blog. Staying true to my own purpose and not letting the masses steer the direction of my writing, while at the same time trying to stay engaged with my readers, has been the most unexpected and interesting challenge I’ve faced ever since the blog became popular.

Q: Who all is a part of the SBPH staff/family?
Just little ol’ me.

Q: Many of your posts are unabashed and could be viewed as politically incorrect. (We here at Clutch think you’re funny as hell). But there is a lot of truth in your comedic delivery. Do you ever receive negative emails about your postings?
I receive a lot of negative email and comments, but not as much as I would’ve thought. The blog isn’t obvious satire to people who come in blind without reading the ‘Why You Shouldn’t Read This Blog’ page, so most of the hate mail comes from them. They’re typically directed to that page either by me or another reader, and then they get it. But there are those, of course, that don’t get it—which is fine, because my site definitely isn’t for everybody.

There are also quite a few female readers who’ve emailed me accusing me of using my blog to attract women. I got so many of these emails that I recently posted one of them on the front page of the site and mocked the poor girl mercilessly – but I do admittedly see her point.

One of the ways I try to make the site unique is to be accessible to and connected with my readers. As a result, there is a lot of personal info about me on the site and there are quite a few pictures of me. A side effect has been that a lot of women find my enormous forehead and lanky frame attractive for some odd reason.

Finally, there are the white supremacists that show up from time to time demanding the black people on the site to recognize the validity of their views. The irony of these guys requiring a supposedly inferior race of people to validate their superiority never ceases to amaze me.

Q: A majority of your blog topics are politically charged. On in particular is the Fraudulent Four posting (2/29/08), which details the support (or lack thereof) from black community leaders for presidential hopeful Barack Obama. What are your thoughts on the current state of this 2008 Election? The state of Black America?
The 2008 Democratic contest has caused an awful lot of people to ‘show their ass.’ It was just surprising to see exactly who showed it. The Clintons have demonstrated their allegiance to the black community to be entirely self-serving. Al, Jesse, the rest of the ‘fraudulent four’, among other old guard civil rights leaders, have done the same. I could go on forever, so I’ll just stop there.

There is, however, a glimmer of hope at the end of all this, given the number of young voters and older progressives of every race and creed that are willing to vote for a black man. It says that even if Obama doesn’t make it to the White House in 2008, a black or other minority president can happen within my lifetime. I think that’s something to smile about.

As for the state of black America . . . there’s a saying that the rich get richer and the poor get poorer, and I feel that this is an appropriate analog to the black community. Fifteen years ago pretty much everyone laughed at the prospect of a black president. Fifteen years ago kids yelled and swore and acted a fool in the company of one another, but NEVER in the presence of adults. Not even the bad kids from the worst parts of the city did it.

Today, we’re within striking distance of a black president. But when I go home on the metro everyday there are black children actually taking pride in screaming, swearing, and making outlandish sexual references in front of and even TOWARD adults—and I can’t help but think that these kids will make nothing of themselves.

As some of us achieve more, an equal or greater number of us fall further into the abyss. Society at large likes to focus on and glorify that segment that’s sinking, and it poses innumerable challenges to stop the bleeding, so to speak. It’s a heartbreaking situation, and finding a solution will be incredibly difficult.

Q: Why should bloggers bookmark SBPH on their computer or add it to their daily reading list?
If anything, they shouldn’t bookmark my blog or read it everyday. I’m told over and over again that the blog is very addicting (the comments sections in particular, for which I can thank my readers) and very productivity-inhibiting. So if you’re going to read the blog, especially at work, do so at your own risk.

Q: Wow. We’ll keep that in mind! Among your archives, what do you consider your proudest posting?
That’s a tough one. The first post that comes to mind is Sex & the City, so I suppose I’ll go with that.

Q: When you’re not writing for SBPH, what are some other sites that you visit?
I read Maddox’s Best Page in the Universe, Tucker Max, Tard-Blog, Stuff Educated Black People Like, and WhyIHateDC, but not very often. Most of my time on the internet is spent resisting the urge to punch images of Hillary Clinton on CNN.com.

Q: We hear that several blog sites are being courted by major book publishers and TV companies for the rights to their work. Will we be seeing SBPH on the silver screen or on shelves at our favorite bookstores any time soon?
I’ve been approached by a few literary agents, but no publishers or networks. I suspect my blog is too caustic and too unpopular (compared to SWPL) to make business sense, which is fine with me. I may write a book (or a book-like entity), which I would probably wind up publishing and marketing myself through my own site. There are a lot of things I’d like to get off my chest that don’t fit within the scope of SBPH, but finding the free time to do so will be challenging to say the least.

Q: What are your hopes for SBPH?
Who knows. Right now, this thing is just floating on a breeze. Sooner or later we’ll see where it lands.

For this month’s blog index Clutch features Racialicious, a site that examines the link between race and pop culture. We talked to Carmen Van Kerckhove, the woman behind the blog that reminds us not to blindly accept the images that popular media dishes out.

Carmen: www.racialicious.com

Q: What inspired you to create Racialicious?
Racialicious actually started as a blog called Mixed Media Watch, which tracked media representations of multiracial people and interracial couples and families. Eventually I realized that what people responded to the most was our analysis of how race is portrayed in pop culture. So I relaunched it as Racialicious.

Q: When did you official launch?
Mixed Media Watch was launched in April 2004, but it was relaunched as Racialicious in September 2006.

Q: Tell us about the connection between race and pop culture?
So many of our ideas about people of other races and ethnicities come from the media images we consume. Since pop culture is so powerful at disseminating these ideas not only in the U.S. but all over the world, it’s important for us to not just accept these images uncritically.

Q: Racialicious has touched on several racial issues that have occurred within the last year. Everything from comedian Michael Richard’s tantrum at Los Angeles’s Laugh Factory to actress Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of a Black woman in the film Mighty Heart. Since you started Racialicious, what has been the biggest racial shock to you?
This will sound horribly cynical, but the biggest shock to me has been that Obama is the front runner Democratic candidate. When this whole thing kicked off, I pretty much assumed that the white guy would eventually prevail. But I was wrong. :)

Q: In your opinion, where do the disconnections between races stem from?
We’re too wrapped up in our own oppression. I see it all the time folks get indignant about racist things that happen to people in their own community, but when the EXACT same thing happens in another community, they don’t give a crap. If we’re going to move the racial dialog forward, we need to be truly anti-racist - not just anti-things that offend our own community.

Q: Do you hope that Racialicious will be a means of identifying racial stereotypes and in turn educating different races about each other?
I hope so.

Q: What blog sites do you frequent?
So many. But some of my faves are Stereohyped, Angry Asian Man, Reappropriate, Jack and Jill Politics, Rachel’s Tavern, Too Sense, Guanabee, Harlow’s Monkey, Resist Racism, Zuky, VivirLatino, The Coup Magazine, Mi blog es tu blog, DISGRASIAN, and Media Assassin.

Q: In five words, describe “Racialicious.”
Analyzing race and pop culture…

Q: Why should someone add Racialicious to his or her daily blog reading list
Because it’s important (and fun) to dissect the pop culture images we consume.

We love Butta on just about everything! And not just because we share a slight Eric Roberson obsession, but also because her commentary on music (among other things) can make us laugh and ponder “what’s really goin on?” all in one post. We caught up with Kimberly Hines aka “Butta” between writing for Butta On, Soul Bounce and Vibe Confidential.

Kimberly/Butta: www.itslikebuttababy.com, www.soulbounce.com and www.blogs.vibe.com/vc

Q: Please introduce yourself!
Hello and thank you for featuring me this month! I love Clutch, so this is a huge honor. My name is Kimberly Hines, but I’m most commonly known online (and more increasingly offline) as “Butta.” I currently write content for three blogs. There’s my personal blog “Butta On…,” VIBE Confidential and the new kid on the music blog block, SoulBounce. I’m a Jamerican originally from New York who grew up in South Florida, and I’ve been living in the Washington, DC area for almost 18 years.

Q: When and why did you decide to launch “Butta On…”?
I launched my blog in May 2005. At that point I think that I had been reading blogs for about a year or so during the days at work and was interested in starting one but could never find the time. Well, fast forward to mid-’05, and I was laid off from said job. So with all that free time on my hands I decided start “Butta On…” as a way to battle the looking-for-a-job blues and fight writer’s block in one fell swoop.

Q: For those not familiar with “Butta On…” please tell us what topics and features do you cover?
My blog covers a hodge podge of topics that interest me: music, movies, mass media, men and other madness that makes me laugh. My previous tag line was “Butta On…Everything, anything and sometimes even nothing” and that pretty much still sums it all up. I’ll post something music-related one day or a funny video with some commentary the next and, of course, there’s my ongoing Eric Roberson obsession, um, coverage.

Q: Your a seasoned writer. What are some publications you have contributed to over the years?
I actually haven’t been published in any print publications yet, but I’m open to any and all opportunities. Holla at your girl!

Q: What made you start transitioning to online journalism/blogging?
I had been blogging at Butta On… for a little over a year when I was handpicked by Danyel Smith to contribute to VIBE.com when she came back to the magazine as editor-in-chief in 2006. I was tapped to write the VIBE Confidential gossip blog, and I’ve been at that since August 2006.

Q: What blogs and websites can we find you stalking?
Well since I have to stay on top of both urban gossip and music, I frequent a vast number of blogs and websites. I don’t think there’s space here to list all 200+ currently in my Bloglines, though. However, some of my faves on the gossip blog tip are Crunk & Disorderly, A Hot Mess, D-Listed and the VH1 Blog because of the witty, well-written commentary.

As far as personal blogs are concerned, I actually find myself frequenting those written by my real-life friends, such as Songs in the Key of Life (http://songsinthekeyoflife.wordpress.com), Skoolboi’s Playground (http://skoolboisplayground.blogspot.com), You Ain’t Never Lied (http://uaintnevalied.blogspot.com) and my girl Tia’s private blog. I don’t get to talk to my friends as often as I’d like, so I keep up with them through their online musings.

Q: Since you are the Queen of knowing what’s next in the music game, what artist should we be checking for?
I like the sound of that. Think it can fit on a business card? But in all seriousness–and I do take music seriously–there are a few artists who I think that people should be checking for. Folks should put Sy Smith, Conya Doss, Russell Taylor, Tortured Soul, Stacy Epps and Franklin Bridge on their radar. All of these artists have new music coming out this year that I can’t wait to wrap my ears around.

Q: In your opinion, who is the one artist everyone needs to go see in concert?
This is a trick question, right? I hate to sound like a broken record, but anyone who’s visited my blog already knows who I’m going to put on blast. With that said, I implore everyone to attend an Eric Roberson concert if they don’t attend any other concert again in life. I didn’t see Erro live for the first time until October 2006, and I’ve been caught up in his rapture ever since. What I love about an Eric Roberson concert is that you never get the same show twice, whether he switches up the set list or does one of his world-famous freestyles (peep my personal favorite: www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1eu4sGRolo) you are always in for a musical treat.

Q: Out of all the artists you have met and interviewed, who is your favorite and why?
This probably won’t come as a surprise to any of the women reading this, but my favorite artist encounter has been with Idris Elba. Anyone who has eyes can see that the man is handsome on television and in the movies but until you’re in his physical presence you really can’t grasp how gorgeous he truly is. And on top of that, not only is he attractive on the outside but he has an awesome personality and is quite approachable, has a great sense of humor and is easy to talk to. The funniest thing for me was that during our interview he sat in front of a window and the outside light framed him in such a way that it looked as if his aura was glowing like Dave Chappelle in that Rick James skit from Chappelle’s Show. I was definitely chuckling–in addition to melting–on the inside.

Q: Who is the one person you would love to interview?
Right now Jill Scott is on the top of my interview wish list. She is such a phenomenal artist and seems like a genuine, down-to-earth person. I’ve been a fan of hers since before forever, so it would be wonderful to actually sit down to talk to her and pick her brain about life, love and music.

Q: You are regular contributor to “SoulBounce”. How did that opportunity come about?
The opportunity with SoulBounce came about when the website’s Founder and Managing Editor sent out a call for music bloggers in the middle of 2007. I answered the call along with a few other writers and by the time the site went live in August I was able to focus a lot of my time toward building it. Since then I’ve been promoted to Executive Editor and unless I’m on vacation or it’s the weekend you can find me writing over there daily. Of all of the blogging that I do, I enjoy SoulBounce the most. We’re a music blog that features selected mainstream urban artists, but we try to focus on alternative soul and progressive hip-hop artists who typically don’t get a lot a shine. To be able to write about music and artists that I love and potentially expose people to something new is a win-win situation.

Q: What artists stay in rotation in your iPod?
I’m almost ashamed to admit this, but would you believe that I don’t own an iPod? I know, I can’t believe it either. However, I do have at least iTunes on my computers and the artists who stay in heavy rotation are Jill Scott, Raheem DeVaughn, Little Brother, Ledisi, Mary J. Blige, India Arie, Teedra Moses, Vikter Duplaix, A Tribe Called Quest, and, of course, Eric Roberson.

Q: How do you feel about the state of R&B and Hip-Hop?
I think that mainstream R&B and Hip-Hop is in a sad state right now. There are a handful of artists who are making quality, timeless music but the majority of what is played on the radio and the video channels is disposable and despicable. Balance is missing from urban music right now. Record companies need to put as much money and muscle behind artists such as India Arie, Kem and Talib Kweli as they do with 50 Cent, Soulja Boy and Rihanna. There are artists releasing substantive material but the masses are force fed the same 20 song playlist. Would it kill radio stations to play a wider variety of songs or music from independent or underground artists? Thank God for the internet and websites where people can discover new and different music.

Q: As a person working with talented artists everyday, how do you think they feel about how the music industry is going digital and not having a choice on controlling their work from leaking or being downloaded for free?
There are artists on both sides of the fence with this issue. Some artists fight to keep a tight reign on their music but others have embraced the fact that they can’t stop their music from being leaked then downloaded and they keep it moving. In this day and age I think that artists have to be realistic and realize that trying to fight downloading is like trying to stop the sun from rising. But I believe that if an artist releases a quality product that gets downloaded, all may not be lost. They may still gain a fan who will then turn around and attend a concert, buy a t-shirt or even break down and purchase a mixtape or CD after all is said and done.

Q: Why should someone add “Butta On…” to their daily reading list?
Well the thing about Butta On… is that given my other blogging responsibilities I unfortunately don’t get a chance to update my blog daily or with any steady frequency as of late. However, I do invite music lovers to add SoulBounce to your daily reading list.

Q: What’s next for you and “Butta On”?
To imagine that I began writing my blog as a way to fight writer’s block and now here I am writing daily and finally loving what I do is incredible. I plan to continue blogging, and I want to start (and prayerfully finish) the first novel in a young adult series that I have planned.