| BBE The Bad, Beautiful, Elite |
THE MEN'S MAGAZINE
EDITOR'S LETTER
NEW ISSUE #7
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ANT BANKS
EDITOR IN CHIEF
BBE MAGAZINE
HQ Charlotte N.C
The Queen City
FAN MAIL...
"Ask Dedan" Advice Column
By. Dedan Tolbert
By. Dedan Tolbert
DRINK OF THE MONTH.....
GREEN DINOSAUR
1/2 OZ RUM
1/2 OZ VODKA
1/2 OZ GIN
1/2 OZ TEQUILA
1/2 OZ TRIPLE SEC
SOUR MIX
TOP W/ MIDORI
GARNISH W/ LEMON
ALSO TRY THIS
SUMMER SHOT
SPECIAL.
MEXICAN BERRY
1/2 OZ TEQUILA
1/2 OZ CHAMBORD
PUT IN SHOT GLASS
TAKE IT TO THE HEAD.
1/2 OZ RUM
1/2 OZ VODKA
1/2 OZ GIN
1/2 OZ TEQUILA
1/2 OZ TRIPLE SEC
SOUR MIX
TOP W/ MIDORI
GARNISH W/ LEMON
ALSO TRY THIS
SUMMER SHOT
SPECIAL.
MEXICAN BERRY
1/2 OZ TEQUILA
1/2 OZ CHAMBORD
PUT IN SHOT GLASS
TAKE IT TO THE HEAD.
Click pic to visit Miamiparties.com
You Wonder Why They Call Us Nigger?
The topic of this article is something I been
letting mentally marinate for quite some time
now. Now that the state of Black America is at
an all time low and at point where I feel like
something has to be said, I’m speaking my
peace. Let me preface this article by saying
that when I use the term “we”, I’m referring to
African Americans so, unfortunately, in some,
if not many and probably most aspects, I’m
guilty of the following offenses myself.
Why is it that we complain that there are
never any good black movies being produced
by major Hollywood studios? Let me start by
saying that there are. Well... At least there
used to be. The problem is that when a good
movie comes out such as “Antoine Fischer” or
“Ray”, we don’t support them. Opening
weekend, “Ray” only made 20 million dollars
(after all the hype, it was expected to do at
least 30 million) and exit polls showed that
more white people saw it than blacks.
Nowadays, when a so called “black” movie is a
hit, it ends up being a cross over hit with white
Americans. A good example of this is
“Barbershop” or “The Great Debaters”, both of
which had strong opening weekends, mainly
because of the white audience that supported
it. For some reason, African Americans are
more willing to buy the bootleg versions of hit
movies on the Avenue 3 for $10 instead of
spending the $10.25 to see it in the theater.
The problem with this is that white studios
judge how successful a movie is by the
opening weekend numbers and they are only
going to produce black movies with substance
for so long without our own kind supporting
them.
You wonder why they call us nigger.
I respect what Tyler Perry has done these past
few years. His movies, plays and Tv shows
have grossed more than 500 million dollars
worldwide... Yet he is still considered a “Non A-
lister” by Hollywood standards. He will never
get the respect he deserves from White
America as long as he has to trick African
Americans into going to see his movies in the
theaters. as a buffoonish comedy centered
around Madea, when, in fact, this is a
heartwarming drama that deals with a strong
Black woman overcoming an abusive
relationship. The same can be said about
“Madea’s Family Reunion” and his latest “Meet
the Browns”. It’s not surprising that the Madea-
less, “Daddy’s Little Girls” and “Why Did I Get
Married” grossed the least out of
all his movies. Blacks will go see a comedy (in
the theaters) that will make them laugh but
we refuse to see educational movies or even
movies that have some substance in the
theaters. When it comes to movies, we as a
people are in a catch 22. The ignorant blacks
who buy bootlegs regularly and don’t support
quality movies aren’t helping black film
makers succeed and then you have the
socially conscious blacks who refuse to
support buffoonish comedies. So either way,
black movies don’t get seen enough for White
America to feel like its worth the investment.
Speaking of support by Blacks, some things
that we do support, we have no business
supporting. A good example of this is radio
talk shows like Miss Jones and Wendy
Williams. These two dj’s perpetuate negative
stereotypes about African Americans all day,
everyday and do nothing but gossip and
spread rumors that aren’t even true half the
time. There’s a serious problem in Black
America when the two highest rated shows
staring African Americans are “I love new
York” and “Flavor of Love”. These are the most
popular images of African Americans on
televison...
And you wonder why they call us nigger.
The popularity of Flav and New York are due
largely in part because of the lack of African
American role models that appeal to our
youth. The so called role models that our
youth do look up to unfortunately happen to
be rappers who nine times out of ten have a
past that glorifies drug use and drug trafficking.
One of the most ironic things about this whole
thing is that for as long as I can remember,
every African American I know has been
talking about the day that we would have a
black president. Now that we have a
realistic opportunity to elect one, we have
people who still want to support Hillary Clinton.
If you’ve ever taken the time to listen to one of
Barack Obama’s speeches, you would see how
it makes absolutely no sense to vote for anyone
but him, however, we have African Americans
who still feel differently regardless of their
dreams as a child and the best interests of this
country. The racists in this country are sitting
back laughing at us when Barack Obama wins
states like Idaho, Iowa and Wyoming but loses
states with more significant black population
like Texas. My question is why are more
Whites voting for Obama than Blacks? Am I
the only person that’s disturbed by this?
We as a people complain about how bad the
inner city is but those same people sat at
home and watched the deadline to register to
vote in Pennsylvania pass by and did nothing.
Why is it that the majority of our youth have
absolutely no idea what a super delegate is
but know exactly what the superman dance is
by Soulja boy? Why is it that we tear each
other down as a people instead of lifting
one another up? A prime example of this is
when you go into the hood, you never see two
Chinese stores within a two block radius of one
another. That’s because they don’t want to
step on each others toes. If only black
businesses had that much unity in the hood.
As racist as this country is, why do African
Americans feel more comfortable walking
around in a suburban White neighborhood,
than we do amongst our own people? Really
stop and think about that for a minute...
I’ll admit that I’m guilty of it myself. We all talk
about how we want to bring an end to racism
but why don’t we work on the bigger problem
of us killing each other. If given a choice, I’d
rather take my chances with racist corporate
America than walking around late at night in
South Philly. The murder rate in this country
is ridiculous. The craziest thing is that
its not Whites killing Whites or Asians killing
Asians or even Latinos killing Latinos. It’s
Black on Black crime. We all know its true but
we try to convince ourselves that the statistics
are inflated by racist politicians.
Don’t let the tone of this article confuse you
about my love for my people. I’m just
frustrated because we could be so much
better and have progressed so much further if
we would take a long hard look at ourselves
and our priorities. Lets stop pointing the finger
at White America and start fixing ourselves so
that we’ll no longer have to wonder why they
call us Nigger.
Dedan Tolbert can be reached at
tolbert_books@hotmail.com or
myspace.com/sxysigma1914
The one thing that keeps banging in my head after I
read Russell Simmons book. Do You! Is the quote
above Law Eleven, Be Powerful, Be Heard and it
states Hip-hop is about empowering people to end
poverty and ignorance. No matter who we are, we
need to create opportunity for those who are locked
out.
After all Hip-hop was born in that same environment.
So therefore it was created to do just that. Get us the
fuck out of poverty! I can remember in the 80’s when
no state would be playing the same music as the
next on its radio station (now every state has the
same play list) and every one had their favorite Hip-
hop MC. Hip-hop has now become manufactured.
Yes I said it! Anytime some suit is telling you your
album is dropping on a Tuesday of this month and
your label mate is dropping on that Tuesday of next
month. They control the money, how you getting it,
when you’re getting it and most importantly what
ingredients to put in the product. So you watch BET
and MTV and think you’re watching Hip-hop. Man
that shit the Media feeding you is manufactured! If
you’re lucky and not cheap you will buy the real CD
and listen to those tracks that didn’t make radio. Man
from that alone you can see the difference. If the
artist is tru to game like Jay-Z, Ross, T.I, Luda,
Jeezy, UGK, 50, Game, Snoop, Weezy and all the
other tru MC’s. You will find a banging ass street
record on their albums.
When Hip-hop started we had and controlled our
voice. Political, Street, Edutainment or what have
you. From PE, KRS1, Jungle Bros, Brand Nubian.
Then they took that voice away from us and sold us
only Violence and Party Music diminishing our
choices. So we rised and took what they gave us
and made lemon Ade out of lemons and kept on
moving forward. Now I’ll be damn if history didn’t
repeat itself 20 years later. Atlanta produced JD,
OutKast, Goodie Mob, Arrested Development, TLC
and more. Which really brought back what they took
from us in the 80’s. Kast kept it southern and real as
shit. Goodie told you the Good died mostly over
Bullshit and take one o away that God is every Man
of Blackness. Shit I still can remember KRS saying
while you’re in class learning His – story. Learn a
little of you’re story! The real story. All I’m saying
people is keep Hip-hop real. If you don’t our craft
will die just like Disco! Shit we killed that! All you Mc’
s stay independent and if you get a deal make sure it’
s just for distribution and keep control of your Art
form. Hell in today’s market you can also get deals
with cell phone companies for downloads and sell
your own shit on the net. Empower yourself about
every aspect of your craft to reap the full benefits.
Ok! Enough for now, I can talk for days about Hip-
hop lets consider that as lesson 1. In this Issue we
decided to change the direction of BBE to empower
you and appreciate Hip-hop at the same time.
Which will be our focus from this point on. Inside
you will find interviews with artist such as Bun B,
Anthony Hamilton, DJ Drama and many more. The
BBE Super Models for this issue are Mz. April out of
Chicago, Khrysti out of Ohio via ATL, Jihan out of
ATL, Jamee out of Alabama, Kandace out of N.C
and cover girl Janelle Trini-Bella via New Jersey. I
would also like to welcome Editors Izz and Katoi to
the BBE Franchise. I’m sure you will enjoy the
following pages we have assembled for your viewing
and reading pleasure. Remember to tell a friend
about the newest and hottest men’s magazine BBE.
read Russell Simmons book. Do You! Is the quote
above Law Eleven, Be Powerful, Be Heard and it
states Hip-hop is about empowering people to end
poverty and ignorance. No matter who we are, we
need to create opportunity for those who are locked
out.
After all Hip-hop was born in that same environment.
So therefore it was created to do just that. Get us the
fuck out of poverty! I can remember in the 80’s when
no state would be playing the same music as the
next on its radio station (now every state has the
same play list) and every one had their favorite Hip-
hop MC. Hip-hop has now become manufactured.
Yes I said it! Anytime some suit is telling you your
album is dropping on a Tuesday of this month and
your label mate is dropping on that Tuesday of next
month. They control the money, how you getting it,
when you’re getting it and most importantly what
ingredients to put in the product. So you watch BET
and MTV and think you’re watching Hip-hop. Man
that shit the Media feeding you is manufactured! If
you’re lucky and not cheap you will buy the real CD
and listen to those tracks that didn’t make radio. Man
from that alone you can see the difference. If the
artist is tru to game like Jay-Z, Ross, T.I, Luda,
Jeezy, UGK, 50, Game, Snoop, Weezy and all the
other tru MC’s. You will find a banging ass street
record on their albums.
When Hip-hop started we had and controlled our
voice. Political, Street, Edutainment or what have
you. From PE, KRS1, Jungle Bros, Brand Nubian.
Then they took that voice away from us and sold us
only Violence and Party Music diminishing our
choices. So we rised and took what they gave us
and made lemon Ade out of lemons and kept on
moving forward. Now I’ll be damn if history didn’t
repeat itself 20 years later. Atlanta produced JD,
OutKast, Goodie Mob, Arrested Development, TLC
and more. Which really brought back what they took
from us in the 80’s. Kast kept it southern and real as
shit. Goodie told you the Good died mostly over
Bullshit and take one o away that God is every Man
of Blackness. Shit I still can remember KRS saying
while you’re in class learning His – story. Learn a
little of you’re story! The real story. All I’m saying
people is keep Hip-hop real. If you don’t our craft
will die just like Disco! Shit we killed that! All you Mc’
s stay independent and if you get a deal make sure it’
s just for distribution and keep control of your Art
form. Hell in today’s market you can also get deals
with cell phone companies for downloads and sell
your own shit on the net. Empower yourself about
every aspect of your craft to reap the full benefits.
Ok! Enough for now, I can talk for days about Hip-
hop lets consider that as lesson 1. In this Issue we
decided to change the direction of BBE to empower
you and appreciate Hip-hop at the same time.
Which will be our focus from this point on. Inside
you will find interviews with artist such as Bun B,
Anthony Hamilton, DJ Drama and many more. The
BBE Super Models for this issue are Mz. April out of
Chicago, Khrysti out of Ohio via ATL, Jihan out of
ATL, Jamee out of Alabama, Kandace out of N.C
and cover girl Janelle Trini-Bella via New Jersey. I
would also like to welcome Editors Izz and Katoi to
the BBE Franchise. I’m sure you will enjoy the
following pages we have assembled for your viewing
and reading pleasure. Remember to tell a friend
about the newest and hottest men’s magazine BBE.
Hello Ms. Jihan?
Yes, I am a Ms.
Tell us what’s a normal workday for you like?
There’s nothing normal about my job, but if I
could start I’m up around four in the morning
and gone for 4 days, yes I’m a rolling stone.
If I checked your mp3 player. What Hip-Hop
Artist would I find the most?
I have a lot of Jay-Z’s prior work and the most
updated on there is American Gangster
What gets on your nerves? Just totally makes
you fly off the handle?
People who never signal when switching
lanes on a hwy. Seriously I will follow that
person for miles and make them get off the
wrong exit! lol
If someone wanted to ask you out? What’s
your criteria?
Just for them to treat me with the same
respect you’d show your mother, and of
course be employed.
BBE stands for the Bad, Beautiful and Elite.
Which are you and why?
I’d have to say “elite”. Beauty fades and bad
eventually spoils, but elite is defined as a
dominate leader and that adjective suits me
best.
Thanks so much for your time. We will see
you at the top.
Not a prob!
Yes, I am a Ms.
Tell us what’s a normal workday for you like?
There’s nothing normal about my job, but if I
could start I’m up around four in the morning
and gone for 4 days, yes I’m a rolling stone.
If I checked your mp3 player. What Hip-Hop
Artist would I find the most?
I have a lot of Jay-Z’s prior work and the most
updated on there is American Gangster
What gets on your nerves? Just totally makes
you fly off the handle?
People who never signal when switching
lanes on a hwy. Seriously I will follow that
person for miles and make them get off the
wrong exit! lol
If someone wanted to ask you out? What’s
your criteria?
Just for them to treat me with the same
respect you’d show your mother, and of
course be employed.
BBE stands for the Bad, Beautiful and Elite.
Which are you and why?
I’d have to say “elite”. Beauty fades and bad
eventually spoils, but elite is defined as a
dominate leader and that adjective suits me
best.
Thanks so much for your time. We will see
you at the top.
Not a prob!
Jihan's INTERVIEW
Whats up BBE. I picked up my first issue a
few weeks ago. I must admit I like the
direction you guys are going. It was really
nice to hear from Serious. After reading her
interview. I like her more than I did at first.
She seems really cool and hard working.
Paul did an awesome job on the shoot.
Keep up the good work.
Kevin
Inglewood, CA
Good looking on that subscription ANT. The
fellas in the Barbershop can’t stop talking
about the BBE Super Models. Keep setting
the standard brother. Your competitors are
becoming watered down. But you saving the
Mens Magazine game, playa. Keep it 100.
Drae’
Tampa, Fla
Man that Rachel is thick! She is definitely a
BBE Super Model. Damn! Damn! Damn! No
wonder my brother recommended I pick up
this Issue. Its worth every penny. My other
favorite was Tinyqa, she can get it too.
Todd
Brooklyn, NY
Hello there Mr. Ant Banks. Just wanted to say
I had a wonderful time with you and all the
guys in LA. Can’t wait to see the shoot.
I know they will come out great!
Don’t forget about our bet either!
Looking forward to that Charlotte trip.
xoxo
Hollywood, CA
Hello BBE. Wanted to give you guys props
on putting out a quality product. I love that
you’re coming out of the South also. That’s
a good look. The talent is top notch. I love
to see people doing it the right way.
Remember to always inspire and don’t forget
to encourage your readers to Vote. You
have more power than you know.
JD
Atlanta, GA
few weeks ago. I must admit I like the
direction you guys are going. It was really
nice to hear from Serious. After reading her
interview. I like her more than I did at first.
She seems really cool and hard working.
Paul did an awesome job on the shoot.
Keep up the good work.
Kevin
Inglewood, CA
Good looking on that subscription ANT. The
fellas in the Barbershop can’t stop talking
about the BBE Super Models. Keep setting
the standard brother. Your competitors are
becoming watered down. But you saving the
Mens Magazine game, playa. Keep it 100.
Drae’
Tampa, Fla
Man that Rachel is thick! She is definitely a
BBE Super Model. Damn! Damn! Damn! No
wonder my brother recommended I pick up
this Issue. Its worth every penny. My other
favorite was Tinyqa, she can get it too.
Todd
Brooklyn, NY
Hello there Mr. Ant Banks. Just wanted to say
I had a wonderful time with you and all the
guys in LA. Can’t wait to see the shoot.
I know they will come out great!
Don’t forget about our bet either!
Looking forward to that Charlotte trip.
xoxo
Hollywood, CA
Hello BBE. Wanted to give you guys props
on putting out a quality product. I love that
you’re coming out of the South also. That’s
a good look. The talent is top notch. I love
to see people doing it the right way.
Remember to always inspire and don’t forget
to encourage your readers to Vote. You
have more power than you know.
JD
Atlanta, GA
Click picture for more Jus Bleezy.