Hiding In Hip Hop
May/30/08 14:19 |
Permalink
We are pleased to welcome our friend, author Terrance
Dean to Strive. He's written a wonderful book on a
touchy subject that has really never been addressed.
Find below our interview with the talented and budding
author.
Just About You
Tell me a little about yourself? I am the author of, Hiding In Hip Hop – On The Down Low in the Entertainment Industry from Music to Hollywood (Atria/Simon & Schuster). I am also the creator/founder of Men’s Empowerment, Inc. I have worked in the entertainment industry for over 10 years, most recently with MTV Networks on shows such as Movie Awards, Video Music Awards, VH1 Hip Hop Honors, and Sports & Music Festival.
Where are you from, Brothers/Sisters, Children, Affiliations, Marital Status or anything else? I am from Detroit, MI. I have one sister. I am a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity, Inc.
How did you get started? Have you always wanted to do this? Where did the inspiration and passion come from? I remember as a teenager hearing ‘Rapper’s Delight’ in my aunt’s living room. It was the first rap song that hit me like a ton of bricks. I loved that song and played it over and over again. I knew I wanted to be a part of this movement called Hip Hop and I had to be in New York City to do it. I went to college at Fisk University – graduated with a B.A. degree in Communications and landed my first internship with CNN in Washington, DC. I immediately knew when I got into television/film that it was my passion, my purpose. After interning at CNN in D.C., they offered me the opportunity to come to New York City for another three months. I jumped on the opportunity, and after I completed my internship I was fortunate enough to go on to work with the Apollo Theater, and then Spike Lee on the movie “Crooklyn.” My career took off after that.
What jobs did you hold before you became successful? I started in my career right away. I had not held any jobs. I was determined to make it in the entertainment business. I had even sacrificed not eating meals while I was interning at CNN. I was that determined to be in this business. I had found my niche and I was willing to do anything to stay in it.
Who influenced you the most in your career/life when you were starting out? Is there anyone's path that you particularly admire and would like to emulate? My grandmother Pearl encouraged me a lot. She instilled in me the drive and desire that I could be anything I wanted. Once I got into the entertainment business I would ask a lot of questions and took on most jobs other production assistants didn’t want to do. That got me a lot of attention and it afforded me to get hired on many film productions because of my work ethic. While working with Spike Lee I was fortunate enough to soak up everything from him. He was very influential in my life. I admired his strength, intelligence, and hustle of making sure blacks were hired on his movie sets. He made films that spoke of the black experience. That took a lot of courage to do because he was unafraid to go against the grain. That taught me that some times you have to stand alone and do what you feel in your heart and not what everyone wants you to do. Then I went on to work with Keenan Ivory Wayans on his late night talk show. I learned from him what a black man with power could do with a major television network. He also was very creative and very hands-on. He didn’t take anything for granted, and he was very much a part of what his show looked like. I admired he and his family. They are a solid family and work together.
The STRIVER in You
What signifies a STRIVER to you? Fearless. Trailblazer. Courage. I wrote a book about my experience as a down low man in the entertainment industry. I speak of a sub-culture in this business that is well-known but many industry insiders try to keep secret. Everything I learned from working with Spike Lee, Keenan Ivory Wayans, Anjelica Houston, Rob Reiner, and MTV – each of these were bold, daring, and unafraid to do something out of the box. They all created controversy and brought about thought-provoking dialogue. That is what I am hoping to do with my book, Hiding In Hip Hop. It’s time we start having a dialogue about sex and sexuality in our community. It’s time we DO SOMETHING about the epidemic of HIV/AIDS in black women, teens, and gay men.
What makes you original or sets you apart? Why are you on top of your game? I am not afraid to be myself. I am willing to go against the grain. You can’t be afraid to open your mouth and speak your truth. I have also learned when to be quiet. I don’t tell everyone what I am doing. I just do it. I am not afraid to try anything. In order to learn you must be willing to do something different, get out of your comfort zone, and be unafraid. I also don’t like getting comfortable. It’s complacency.
How do you define success? People often talk about "Making IT", butt when will you consider yourself as having made it? Success is what you make it. If you desire to get your degree, then you have been successful. If you desire to buy a home, then that is successful. Everything you set out to do and you accomplish is your success. I have already made it. I am now living into what I have created.
To Our Readers
Do you see any changes or patterns in the industry and what is your opinion of that? The entertainment business has definitely changed over the years. It is very difficult to break into. I was fortunate to come in at a time when there were ample amounts of jobs. I also wasn’t afraid to travel to another city for work.
What advice would you give others attempting to make their dreams come true? Never give up. Don’t let anyone tell you what you can’t do, why you shouldn’t do it, and how you don’t need it. Don’t let anyone decide for you what your life should be. Only you can determine what is best for you.
What are your 3 lessons for success? Or what is your recipe for success? Stay focused and, write out your VISION IN ACCORDANCE TO GOD’S PLAN. Each year on New Year’s Eve I write out my vision for my career, health, wealth, and life. I have witnessed everything on my list come to fruition. It doesn’t come when I want it to, but it comes at the right time. Also, find a spiritual home. Keep an open line between you and God.
Last Words
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning and what is the last thing you think of at night. Am I doing what God has required of me? I love writing, creating, and making money. Whatever a man thinketh, so shall he becometh.
What do you know for sure? I am a child of God. I am intelligent, worthy, valuable, lovable, deserving, and able.
Any last overall advice? You can do anything if you tell the truth.
About The Book:
Hiding In Hip Hop – On The Down Low in the Entertainment Industry from Music to Hollywood (Atria/Simon & Schuster) May 13, 2008. A riveting memoir, Hiding In Hip Hop, uncovers a hidden and well-known unspoken secret. Deep within the confines of Hip-Hop is a prominent gay sub-culture. A world that industry insiders are keenly aware of, but choose to ignore. From the testosterone of men striving to be on top and in control, to the “by any means necessary” bravado in an industry that thrives on power, homosexuality is a reality at nearly every level of Hip-Hop. Hiding In Hip Hop is a heartfelt sojourn of a young man searching for self, love, and sexual identity in the most homophobic places – the black family, community, church, and Hip Hop. Dean takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster ride as he becomes romantically involved with some of Hollywood’s and Hip Hop’s elite, and into an underground world of down low brothers, sex parties, and love starved celebrities. Struggling to find a place for himself in a homophobic culture Dean’s compelling story is one of hope, love, and in spite of everything, coming to terms with one’s self and being a catalyst for change and empowerment in the game of Hip-Hop.
www.terrancedean.blogspot.com
www.myspace.com/hidinginhiphop
Just About You
Tell me a little about yourself? I am the author of, Hiding In Hip Hop – On The Down Low in the Entertainment Industry from Music to Hollywood (Atria/Simon & Schuster). I am also the creator/founder of Men’s Empowerment, Inc. I have worked in the entertainment industry for over 10 years, most recently with MTV Networks on shows such as Movie Awards, Video Music Awards, VH1 Hip Hop Honors, and Sports & Music Festival.
Where are you from, Brothers/Sisters, Children, Affiliations, Marital Status or anything else? I am from Detroit, MI. I have one sister. I am a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity, Inc.
How did you get started? Have you always wanted to do this? Where did the inspiration and passion come from? I remember as a teenager hearing ‘Rapper’s Delight’ in my aunt’s living room. It was the first rap song that hit me like a ton of bricks. I loved that song and played it over and over again. I knew I wanted to be a part of this movement called Hip Hop and I had to be in New York City to do it. I went to college at Fisk University – graduated with a B.A. degree in Communications and landed my first internship with CNN in Washington, DC. I immediately knew when I got into television/film that it was my passion, my purpose. After interning at CNN in D.C., they offered me the opportunity to come to New York City for another three months. I jumped on the opportunity, and after I completed my internship I was fortunate enough to go on to work with the Apollo Theater, and then Spike Lee on the movie “Crooklyn.” My career took off after that.
What jobs did you hold before you became successful? I started in my career right away. I had not held any jobs. I was determined to make it in the entertainment business. I had even sacrificed not eating meals while I was interning at CNN. I was that determined to be in this business. I had found my niche and I was willing to do anything to stay in it.
Who influenced you the most in your career/life when you were starting out? Is there anyone's path that you particularly admire and would like to emulate? My grandmother Pearl encouraged me a lot. She instilled in me the drive and desire that I could be anything I wanted. Once I got into the entertainment business I would ask a lot of questions and took on most jobs other production assistants didn’t want to do. That got me a lot of attention and it afforded me to get hired on many film productions because of my work ethic. While working with Spike Lee I was fortunate enough to soak up everything from him. He was very influential in my life. I admired his strength, intelligence, and hustle of making sure blacks were hired on his movie sets. He made films that spoke of the black experience. That took a lot of courage to do because he was unafraid to go against the grain. That taught me that some times you have to stand alone and do what you feel in your heart and not what everyone wants you to do. Then I went on to work with Keenan Ivory Wayans on his late night talk show. I learned from him what a black man with power could do with a major television network. He also was very creative and very hands-on. He didn’t take anything for granted, and he was very much a part of what his show looked like. I admired he and his family. They are a solid family and work together.
The STRIVER in You
What signifies a STRIVER to you? Fearless. Trailblazer. Courage. I wrote a book about my experience as a down low man in the entertainment industry. I speak of a sub-culture in this business that is well-known but many industry insiders try to keep secret. Everything I learned from working with Spike Lee, Keenan Ivory Wayans, Anjelica Houston, Rob Reiner, and MTV – each of these were bold, daring, and unafraid to do something out of the box. They all created controversy and brought about thought-provoking dialogue. That is what I am hoping to do with my book, Hiding In Hip Hop. It’s time we start having a dialogue about sex and sexuality in our community. It’s time we DO SOMETHING about the epidemic of HIV/AIDS in black women, teens, and gay men.
What makes you original or sets you apart? Why are you on top of your game? I am not afraid to be myself. I am willing to go against the grain. You can’t be afraid to open your mouth and speak your truth. I have also learned when to be quiet. I don’t tell everyone what I am doing. I just do it. I am not afraid to try anything. In order to learn you must be willing to do something different, get out of your comfort zone, and be unafraid. I also don’t like getting comfortable. It’s complacency.
How do you define success? People often talk about "Making IT", butt when will you consider yourself as having made it? Success is what you make it. If you desire to get your degree, then you have been successful. If you desire to buy a home, then that is successful. Everything you set out to do and you accomplish is your success. I have already made it. I am now living into what I have created.
To Our Readers
Do you see any changes or patterns in the industry and what is your opinion of that? The entertainment business has definitely changed over the years. It is very difficult to break into. I was fortunate to come in at a time when there were ample amounts of jobs. I also wasn’t afraid to travel to another city for work.
What advice would you give others attempting to make their dreams come true? Never give up. Don’t let anyone tell you what you can’t do, why you shouldn’t do it, and how you don’t need it. Don’t let anyone decide for you what your life should be. Only you can determine what is best for you.
What are your 3 lessons for success? Or what is your recipe for success? Stay focused and, write out your VISION IN ACCORDANCE TO GOD’S PLAN. Each year on New Year’s Eve I write out my vision for my career, health, wealth, and life. I have witnessed everything on my list come to fruition. It doesn’t come when I want it to, but it comes at the right time. Also, find a spiritual home. Keep an open line between you and God.
Last Words
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning and what is the last thing you think of at night. Am I doing what God has required of me? I love writing, creating, and making money. Whatever a man thinketh, so shall he becometh.
What do you know for sure? I am a child of God. I am intelligent, worthy, valuable, lovable, deserving, and able.
Any last overall advice? You can do anything if you tell the truth.
About The Book:
Hiding In Hip Hop – On The Down Low in the Entertainment Industry from Music to Hollywood (Atria/Simon & Schuster) May 13, 2008. A riveting memoir, Hiding In Hip Hop, uncovers a hidden and well-known unspoken secret. Deep within the confines of Hip-Hop is a prominent gay sub-culture. A world that industry insiders are keenly aware of, but choose to ignore. From the testosterone of men striving to be on top and in control, to the “by any means necessary” bravado in an industry that thrives on power, homosexuality is a reality at nearly every level of Hip-Hop. Hiding In Hip Hop is a heartfelt sojourn of a young man searching for self, love, and sexual identity in the most homophobic places – the black family, community, church, and Hip Hop. Dean takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster ride as he becomes romantically involved with some of Hollywood’s and Hip Hop’s elite, and into an underground world of down low brothers, sex parties, and love starved celebrities. Struggling to find a place for himself in a homophobic culture Dean’s compelling story is one of hope, love, and in spite of everything, coming to terms with one’s self and being a catalyst for change and empowerment in the game of Hip-Hop.
www.terrancedean.blogspot.com
www.myspace.com/hidinginhiphop
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Make Up Mania Design Opening
Thank You
Thanks to everyone who attended or supported the Design Opening Of Makeup Mania. And a special thanks to our movie and celebrity makeup artists for their attendance. Designing our first makeup store ever was a great experience. You asked for pics, well here they are.
WillDuBoseDesign looks forward to serving all of your interior design, interior architecture and architectural needs. Residential and commercial.
We also urge you to experience our design for the showroom apartment of Magic Johnson's Brooklyn Clock Tower. Tell them willdubosedesign sent you.
BEFORE
AFTER
"Yes We Can" New Obama Videos
Contact:
Qasim Basir, (313) 622-9972
YOUNG FILMMAKERS PRODUCE BARACK OBAMA VIDEOS WITH NOTHING BUT "HOPE"
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, April 11, 2008
New York, New York-- The unending inspiration of Barack Obama propels film
Director Qasim A. Basir to partner up with fellow colleagues in a bi-coastal
effort, pull together their resources to produce three videos in support of
the campaign, all done completely through donations from friends.
Director Qasim A. Basir, who recently won the Drama category in Link TV's
"One Nation, Many Voices" film competition, judged by Danny Glover, Kareem
Abdul-Jabar and Marianne Pearl and others, had been thinking for several
months about how he could help the Barack Obama Presidential Campaign. "I
couldn't send them a million dollars, so I wanted to do something that could
potentially make a significant difference," says Basir. So late one night,
sitting in his NY apartment, he received a call from Michael Lynch, a long
time schoolmate who's also a filmmaker in Los Angeles. Coincidentally, Mike
had also been thinking the same thing. With that inspiration, the fire was
lit. Basir stayed up the whole night constructing different concepts that
all go in line with the theme of "Yes We Can."
The next morning, he called Mike to tell him of the concept. Mike liked
them, so they began working. There was one problem though, they had no money
for production, and Mike was in LA while Qasim in NY. Determined, Qasim got
on his computer, and emailed a number of friends asking for donations to
help with the Obama video project. With small contributions and a modest
budget developed by Producer James Yi, they were able to raise the necessary
funds to start the project. Days later, Qasim was in LA casting for the
characters.
"The way everything came together was just amazing because of the amount of
people willing to help just because it was for Barack," says Basir. From
the initial phone call to casting to shooting, everything was donated.
Cameras, equipment, catering, make-up, locations, music, editorial and
services were all provided for free. They shot for two days, edited for a
week and a half and a product was made.
The initial release of the videos is on youtube.com, but the group hopes
that the Obama campaign takes notice and starts to use them for broadcast.
"The inspiration we had to come together and do this is very significant
because its reflective of Obama's ability to bring together a Nation."
All three of these "Yes You Can" videos—Immigration, Housing and College, as
well as the behind the scenes video can be watched at these links:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbIAwYMYPGo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yf0S_Pb_TKA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbOUHM8pd34
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAImJdNUzoc
For further information call 313-622-9972 or visit www.myspace.com/qasi
YOUNG FILMMAKERS PRODUCE BARACK OBAMA VIDEOS WITH NOTHING BUT "HOPE"
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, April 11, 2008
New York, New York-- The unending inspiration of Barack Obama propels film
Director Qasim A. Basir to partner up with fellow colleagues in a bi-coastal
effort, pull together their resources to produce three videos in support of
the campaign, all done completely through donations from friends.
Director Qasim A. Basir, who recently won the Drama category in Link TV's
"One Nation, Many Voices" film competition, judged by Danny Glover, Kareem
Abdul-Jabar and Marianne Pearl and others, had been thinking for several
months about how he could help the Barack Obama Presidential Campaign. "I
couldn't send them a million dollars, so I wanted to do something that could
potentially make a significant difference," says Basir. So late one night,
sitting in his NY apartment, he received a call from Michael Lynch, a long
time schoolmate who's also a filmmaker in Los Angeles. Coincidentally, Mike
had also been thinking the same thing. With that inspiration, the fire was
lit. Basir stayed up the whole night constructing different concepts that
all go in line with the theme of "Yes We Can."
The next morning, he called Mike to tell him of the concept. Mike liked
them, so they began working. There was one problem though, they had no money
for production, and Mike was in LA while Qasim in NY. Determined, Qasim got
on his computer, and emailed a number of friends asking for donations to
help with the Obama video project. With small contributions and a modest
budget developed by Producer James Yi, they were able to raise the necessary
funds to start the project. Days later, Qasim was in LA casting for the
characters.
"The way everything came together was just amazing because of the amount of
people willing to help just because it was for Barack," says Basir. From
the initial phone call to casting to shooting, everything was donated.
Cameras, equipment, catering, make-up, locations, music, editorial and
services were all provided for free. They shot for two days, edited for a
week and a half and a product was made.
The initial release of the videos is on youtube.com, but the group hopes
that the Obama campaign takes notice and starts to use them for broadcast.
"The inspiration we had to come together and do this is very significant
because its reflective of Obama's ability to bring together a Nation."
All three of these "Yes You Can" videos—Immigration, Housing and College, as
well as the behind the scenes video can be watched at these links:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbIAwYMYPGo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yf0S_Pb_TKA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbOUHM8pd34
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAImJdNUzoc
For further information call 313-622-9972 or visit www.myspace.com/qasi
Living Measure
Apr/21/08 20:27 |
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