Illuminating the talents of new artists; independent rhythm with a mainstream flair!
The light’s on: Andre “Dre” Knight!
Born and raised in
Enlisting in the United States Marine Corp after high school, Dre attended the Armed Forces School of Music, working as a Marine Musician. It was during this time that he focused on honing his piano and technical skills. This was only the beginning for the street savvy music man from the BK.
After his time in the Marines, Dre entered the music industry as co-founder of The Narcotics production team, with his boys, as well as, the KDI Music Group. It was then that he produced tracks for Shi Stimuli; aiding Stimuli in getting signed to Virgin Records. From here, the musical gates opened and Dre had no problem busting right through! Working with reggae artist, Sizzla and producing such hits as, Teairra Mari’s “Make Her Feel Good” remix featuring Jay-Z and Kanye West and LL Cool J’s “What You Want”, featuring Freeway, just to name a few, Dre is well on his way to solidifying his place in the world of music!
Now residing in
So Golden: First, I want to thank you for taking the time out to talk to me today; I really appreciate it!
Andre Knight: Anytime!
SG: Now, before we get into what's going on with you now, let's take a quick walk down memory lane. Now, born and raised in NYC, growing up, did the rise of Hip-Hop influence the way you felt about music?
AK: Absolutely.... The hip hop culture really boomed in the mid-late 80's and was a huge influence on how I felt about music and about life in general. Groups like Public Enemy and artists like KRS-1 were providing the social commentary for us growing up, and then we had artists like Big Daddy Kane and the Juice Crew teaching us the essence of cool
SG: So with all those great musical influences, when did you realize that you had developed a personal love for the art form?
AK: My love and passion for music was formed before I ever listened to a hip hop record. I remember as a young kid, there were only three black artists whose videos would play on MTV heavy: Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie & Prince. I remember watching Prince play multiple instruments on stage one time...and I was hooked!! I thought it was the coolest thing I had ever seen and from there, I would teach myself to play piano...By watching a scene where Prince played the piano in "Purple Rain".
SG: Prince was definitely a musical genius; not only a great entertainer but an artist who took the time to learn and perfect his craft. Outside of the piano, what other instruments are u gifted in playing?
AK: I learned to play the trumpet in junior high school, but haven’t touched it in over 20 yrs. I play any keyboard instrument though; the vibraphone, marimba but my passion is with the keys.
SG: Multi-talented, I see! Now, The Narcotics. How did you guys come together and when did you realize that it was time to take this dream of musical success to the next level?
AK: The Narcotics were comprised of my childhood friends. They're like my brothers. Keytolife, Double 0 Seven and I were all producers in our own right, but decided to be a full time production team in 2000. We worked hard and developed great chemistry and a sound that would aid in landing my other childhood best friend Sha Stimuli a record deal at Virgin Records and launch our careers as producers. The dream was always there and once we compared what we were doing in the studio with what was in the marketplace, we were confident that we could compete and have some success.
SG: So, it's evident that you are not a stranger to hard work and perseverance!
AK: Not at all. I’ve always been ambitious and driven and my will to be successful is what has got me to this point in my career. Although I parted from the Narcotics in 2007, I’ve maintained that will and ambition and here I am!!
*~* Stay tuned for Part 2 of my interview with producer Dre Knight, as we discuss life in California, working with Atlantic Records and how he linked up with Diddy for his new Ciroc ad! To hear music and see videos of Dre Knight, doing what he does best, log on to www. Facebook.com/dreknight or follow him on Twitter: @DreKnight! *~*
***Say What??!!***
~The latest happenings in music!~
Ø The King Prevents a Suicide Attempt!
With all that Clifford Harris, aka T.I., has going on in his personal life, i.e. his recent drug charge and probation violation, he still found time to help another person look at the value of life.
According to reports, a young man attempted to commit suicide by jumping from the 22-story
On his way to a video shoot, T.I. met with the authorities at the scene and decided to record a sincere message for the jumper, in the hopes that it would change his mind. "Nothing is that bad," Tip said, according to TMZ. "Nothing in life is worth taking your life. I'm here to help you. Please come down to talk to me." Later in the day he explained why he felt the need to intervene. "Something in me just said, 'man you gotta try and help. You gotta do whatever you can.’ "
Ironically, while getting praised for his kind heart, he faces the law later this week for his September drug bust and probation violation.
Ø Shyne Fires Shots at Def Jam—Claims they don’t Care About Hip-Hop
The music world was in a lost for words when they discovered that Island Def Jam CEO L.A. Reid recently signed former Bad Boy rapper, Shyne, after recently being released from prison after serving 9-years. While most would consider this a once in a lifetime opportunity, Shyne decided to put the label on blast about their lack of interest in his new project and those of other artists.
Shyne recently spoke with SOHH.com about Def Jam’s lack of interests in their hip-hop artists. "The Def Jam thing is a question mark right now," he said. "I've been fixing to get up out of there for a while now because L.A. Reid don't care about hip-hop. The people up there, they don't know what they're doing. When you don't have a strong leader, where you gonna go? ... They don't care about hip-hop music."
Shyne also stated the label is choosing to only promote hip-hop artists who arecollaborating with R&B artists, naming The Roots, Nas, and Ghostface Killah.
Not knowing the future of Def Jam, after rumors have been circulating about L.A. Reid being fired soon, Shyne has expressed an interest in signing with Cash Money. "I'm definitely trying to get with Cash Money," he stated. "I might just have Cash Money do everything. Who knows? That's the beauty about being in the business for yourself. You can decide where you want to go and what you want to do."
Ø Former B2K member, Raz B, Continues with Child Molestation Accusations.
After a brief moment of silence, former B2K member, Raz B, is again calling out former manager, Chris Stokes and former label mate, Marques Houston on sexual abuse charges. Comparing Stokes and Houston to
"For all you pedophiles out there, you Eddie Longs, you Marques Houstons, you Chris Stokes, you're gonna burn in hell with gasoline draws on if you don't repent," he said. Accused of being bi-polar by former band mate, Omarion, Raz B exploded after a confrontation with Marques Houston in 2007. "There you have it, Marques Houston hanging up on some b--- a-- s---. I'm trying to be nice," Raz said hyperventilating, "Be the Godly man that I am, forgivesomeone who had sex with me as I was under the age of 18-years-old."
Although Houston and Stokes have never been charged for these accusations, this new round of allegations will only worsen the relationship between the once so close, TUG family.
To watch the crazy video of Raz B and Marques Houston's confrontation, click here!
~~~*Fashion & Style*~~~
*~* American Beauty *~*
~Latest trends sweeping the Nation~
*Mix n’ Match Separates (Transitioning Summer favs into fall looks)
As the summer sadly comes to an end, to some, it also means the end for some of our favorite summer fashions. Every year, I have a hard time switching out my summer apparel to my fall fashions because I always feel that some of my summertime looks can play a major role in my looks for the fall! If you are someone that also suffers from this same fate, not to worry!! Help is on the way!! This fall is all about Mixing and Matching Separates; giving our summer frocks a new lease on life!
In just about every store this summer, you’ve probably noticed the return of the plaid tunic. Paired with a pair of leggings or the new phenomena, “Jeggings”, which is a combination and jeans and leggings, and a stiletto, and you’re ready to party. With cooler temperatures approaching, it’s now time to turn that same fierce look into a Fall-appropriate ensemble.
Take that fierce tunic or sheer, oversized shirt and throw one of your favorite tanks underneath it! Layers are our friends in the fall (as long as u don’t overdo it). Next, to protect your legs from the whipping fall wind, pair the tunic w/ some thick tights or the new phenomena, “Jeggings”, which is a combination and jeans and leggings. Add a nice pair of boots and waist belt and you’ll be warm and ready for lunch with Girls or a movie night with Honey. *~*
ファッション…La Mode…Moda…
*~* Fashion; Internationally *~*
When it comes to fall fashion this year, there’s only one word that lies in the hearts of our neighbors across the pond: NEUTRALS!!!
With summer coming to a close, Europeans are bidding a seasonal farewell to the bright hues of the summer and embracing those of a softer, warmer tone. When thinking of neutral colors, cream, nude, camel, brown, chocolate, beige and gray, are a few that come to mind. Open ended, these colors give you an opportunity to combine styles, fabrics and other complementary colors, in order to create a fierce wardrobe for the cool fall season.
For example, by combining a nice ruffle, olive green blazer, beige pair of pants and accessorizing with a chocolate brown Hobo purse and Booties, you are setting yourself up for a great fall look that complements the falling leaves of the season. Whatever your inspiration, play around with your neutrals and whether you decide to blend them with pale greens, shades of purple and blue or wear alone, trust you instinct and know what looks good on you! While jewelry, purses and shoes are great accessories, the best accessory to accentuate your neutral ensemble is CONFIDENCE! Once this is set, you’ll be ready to hit the scene, turn heads and take pleasure in all the joys of autumn!
~Street Swag!!~
If you consider yourself a fashion-forward trendsetter then let’s show the world what you’re working with! I’m currently looking for the everyday trendsetter; the one who turns heads and always keeps it funky fresh, dressed to impressed, ready to party! If that’s you, email me a picture to SoGoldenBlog@gmail.com that expresses your sense of style and a brief explanation, explaining what makes your style unique and you could be the Golden Trendsetter of the week!
Also, email me if you have any upcoming shows or events and I’ll be glad to mention them for the people!
~Strategized…Accessorize…Mesmerize!!!~
Spotlighting: SCARVES!! 
Once an article of clothing only worn by matronly women or on a cold, winter days, scarves have become an essential element to everyday style! With various types, textures, patterns, and, colors scarves have the ability to transform any outfit for any occasion.
When it comes to the types of types of scarves to use, there are several available, depending on what look u are going for. For a sleek, professional look, the silk scarf is great! Loop in onto or through your belt loops or pair it with a nice pencil skirt u are on your way. For a more casual, everyday look, scarves made of cotton, linen or rayon, are great additives to a glam up a mundane outfit. By draping it across your neck or waist, you’ve created an effortless look w/out wasting the whole day doing so.
If your goal is to transform a simple look into something with a little more pizzazz, nothing says fashionista better than COLOR! By adding colorful scarves to your ensemble, you bring life into your look and give others reason to double back and take notice. If your scarf is one that has patterns or multiple colors, do not, I repeat, DO NOT feel the need to have to be match with every color in the scarf. Instead, pluck out one or two colors and coordinate from there. For example, if you have a scarf that is purple, gray and white, a white or gray top or sweater with a pair dark denim jeans and boots would be a great combo! Also, by accessorizing with purple, pink, teal or silver jewelry, you highlight the colors within the scarf without looking like a bag of skittles.
There are many different ways in which you can wear scarves so do not limit yourself! Be creative and listen to the stylist within you!
~Savvy Chic…Celebrity Styles for Less!~
Have you ever found yourself flipping through your favorite magazines and thinking, I love that outfit that Ciara has on but how much will it cost me? Or, if I had that shirt that Beyonce’ was pictured in, I’d be happy. If the answer is YES, then Savvy Chic is here for you! Taking celebrity styles and transforming them into affordable, fashion-forward looks without breaking the bank is what Savvy Chic is all about! Remember, a true fashionista can look high-price without paying high-price!
*~* Here’s how to accomplish the look of Multi-platinum singer-songwriter, Keri Hilson!
v Shirt: Women’s Roll-Up Camp Shirt; $17.99 at Old Navy (Available in XS-XXL)
v Jeans: Skinny Jeans; $46.95 at New York & Company (Available in 0-18)
v Hat/Scarf: Muk Luks® Houndstooth Beret; $16.99/ Muk Luks® Houndstooth Fur Scarf; $24.99. Both available at Target
v Jewelry: Bangles; $9.95 at H&M…Chain Drop Earrings; $9.50 at Old Navy
v Boots: Mossimo® Keara Peep-toe Booties; $34.99 at Target
Grand Total: $161.36!!!
*~* If you like what you saw, don't worry because there is more to come!! Please leave your comments and stay tuned for the next edition of So Golden!!...Also follow me on Twitter: @Golden_Life!! *OXOX* *~*
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