OUT 37: OUT ON THE TOWN

HEY OUTSTAGRS!

ITS THAT TIME!!

TIME TO GET TOWNED!!!

As we continue to gather ourselves on this Coronavirus pandemic  and public events  and entertainment and leisure establishments closing,  people are managing and trying to adjust  to quarantining themselves at home people are trying to find ways to keep themselves busy and unbored with family, relationships  and themselves. 

This week's topic is: Using social media networks to create programming

As  we monitor the social media sites, the trend these days have been tuning into original programming on Instagram Live. 

In March, rapper/dee-jay DNice took the IG livestreams to a whirlwind of watchers with his daily CLUB QUARANTINE dee-jay spins in the afternoon and slow jams in the evening from his highrise apartment window view. After his monstrous number of watchers, many other dee-jays from across the country and the world followed suit with their own dee-jay programming.

Then, earlier this week, we got the titan of all IG lives with Timbaland and Swizz Beats series VERSUZ took off and reached its highest peak in watchers with the drama filled Babyface vs. Teddy Riley Battle. After two failed attempts (The first round with Babyface fallen ill from COVID and the second from the much memed fiasco with Teddy Rileys tech difficulties during the live stream.). The third time was the charm when the battle had finally taken place this past Monday with over 500 K people trying to log on and breaking the internet.

As we see, social media can be used when there is a captive and captivated audiences.

Meanwhile creative people have done interviews, podcasts and even private video calls as we eavesdrop of their conversations.  People are using ZOOM, Patreon, and other platforms to create communication and content. So what else can be done? Its up to your imagination to create while the COVID is focusing us to lockdown and get more in tune with creativity.

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Speaking of social media, our company Maatology Productions will host a private Paint and Sip that will be livestreamed on Patreon sometime in May  (TIME TBD).  Male models will be posing to be sketched or painted nude by their supporters who will tune in to watch. It will cost $5 on our  Patreon page at www.patreon.com/outonstage . Parts of the proceeds will be donated to a COVID foundation or cause.

We are also seeking more Models who would like to participate. You must be comfortable being nude, have a well lit area to pose, a decent sound mechanism to play music and have a decent build. If thats you,  email to maat.atkins@gmail.com

STREAMING VIEWZ

While perusing through Amazon Plus and I ran into this indy black horroe film called The House  Invictus. Directed by Nigerian born Uche Aguh, Invictus tells the story of a selected group of ambitious young black men who are invited into Fraternal Society House that is haunted with dark secrets about the actual house. This film gave me a bit of GET OUT and US regarding the diffrent angle of horror. 

There is a plethora of religious symbolism within it mainly of Catholicism as well as homoeroticism that is rarely seen in Black film. Giving a disclaimer at the beginning of the film that the director displayed regarding its denouncing  the occult, the world of black fraternal hazing is definitely on display,. INVICTUS (which also gives homage to the famous poem by poet William Ernest Henley) will get you thinking regarding black life and culture as told from te heyes of an African director. The film  does a decent job in showing the comparisons and contrasts of black men and their history in this country and how America still views them as well amongst themselves. 

FASHIONEERZ

This week we feature a new segment that highlight African American entertainers who were or are fashion icons who set the standards of fashion.

This week we pay tribute to the fashion stylings of singer/songwriter/producer and instrumentalist Prince as we commend the fourth anniversary of his untimely passing from this Earth.

When Prince made his splash onto the music world in 1978 with his first release For You he was a 20 year old wunderkind with an Afro. 

But after that--his music genius got the world's attention as well as his fashions.

There were several iconic looks that defined Prince--the trenchcoat with black bikini underwear and boots (1979-1982), the purple coats and ruffles and  hair curls (1982-1985), and the cut out butt pants (1991).

His looks were androgynous, feminine, and outrageously daring during the pre-hip hop era. But just like his music, his fashions were bold and no holds barred.

This past Tuesday, CBS televised the Prince tribute LETS GO CRAZY. One of the highlights was when soul legend Mavis Staples sang "Purple Rain" with Prince's former band, The Revolution. I did a random search on Mavis singing live in her hey dey and found a live performance of her performing with the Staple Singers in 1975 of the classic spiritual soul song, "I'll Take You There."  It's  a video of the group when when they performed on Don Kirchner's Rock Concert.

A liitle tidbit, Mavis created the phrase SCHMONNE that Michael Jackson made famous on the song, "Bad."

Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ro_SyUmRTgc

OUT 36--OUT ON THE TOWN

HEY OUTSTAGRS!

ITS THAT TIME!!

TIME TO GET TOWNED!!!

As we continue to gather ourselves on this Coronavirus pandemic  and public events  and entertainment and leisure establishments closing,  people are managing and trying to adjust  to quarantining themselves at home people are trying to find ways to keep themselves busy and unbored with family, relationships  and themselves. 

This week's topic is: Are adult stores essential?

Facebook friend Leanne Joshua White posted this question on her FB page.

Well, are they?

As we all know, being human means having those urges to satisfy carnal pleasures.

But is it a need in this pandemic?

Theres many women and alternate individuals who use various love apparati to take care of that spot from vibrators, to butt plugs to dildos, but should adult stores be open as an essential business?

I would say no. There are many ways to handle that urge using your own hands (USE YOUR OWN IMAGINATION. LOL) And those of you sexaphiles who already have your pieces of satisfaction, you may need to stock up on rechargeable batteries and a recharger that can be bought at grocery stores which are essential. 

Speaking of essential pleasures, our company Maatology Productions will host a private Paint and Sip that will be livestreamed on Patreon May 2 (TIME TBD).  Male models will be posing to be sketched or painted nude by their supporters who will tune in to watch. It will cost $5 on our  Patreon page at www.patreon.com/outonstage . Parts of the proceeds will be donated to a COVID foundation or cause.

We are also seeking more Models who would like to participate. You must be comfortable being nude, have a well lit area to pose, a decent sound mechanism to play music and have a decent build. If thats you,  email to maat.atkins@gmail.com

STREAMING VIEWZ

While perusing through BET PLUS, I ran into a drama series called FAMILY BUSINESS. It was produced and directed by Carl Weber (the same Weber who produced the webseries MONOGAMY))  and adapted from his bestelling  crime drama book series. 

Starring Ernie Hudson (who was an exec producer) , Armand Assante, Miguel Nunez  and Darrin Henson, FAMILY BUSINESS from what the description tells is "a Black Sopranos." Well, kinda. It does deal with a black family who delve in crime, but as far as its content, its serviceable, but it definitely isnt Emmy Award material. 

The plot follows the Duncans, an upstanding family that owns and operates an exotic car dealership in New York, that also deals in drug smuggling for an Italian mob family.

FAMILY BUSINESS is very glitz-glam, showing the lifestyle of the black wealthy where  everyone is well coiffed. The acting is good (especially Hudson's), and the action  will definitely have you binge watching the first eight episodes of the first season. 

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FASHIONEERZ

This week we feature a new segment that highlight African American entertainers who were or are fashion icons who set the standards of fashion.

This week we feature singer/model/fashion icon Grace Jones

This larger than life diva had the late 1970s and  the 1980s  on lock  with her style of androgynous fair. Before she got into music, she was an international model who was the toast of the town with runways and front covers of fashion  magazines with her gender bending look.

Before Prince, Boy George and Annie Lennox, Grace Jones was the trendsetter on blending male and female fashion with sexual fluidity (along with disco singer Sylvester).

Then she started a recording career and had success with such disco fillers, "Pull Up to my Bumper," Nipple to the Bottle," and "Love is the Drug."  She also starred in several films capitalizing on her provocative image including "A View to a Kill," " Conan the Destroyer, " and  "Vamp." And who can forget her role as Stronge' in Eddie Murphy's film, "Boomerang."

OUT 35--OUT ON THE TOWN

HEY OUTSTAGRS!

ITS THAT TIME!!

TIME TO GET TOWNED!!!

As we continue to gather ourselves on this Coronavirus pandemic  and public events  and entertainment and leisure establishments closing,  people are managing and trying to adjust  to quarantining themselves at home people are trying to find ways to keep themselves busy and unbored with family, relationships  and themselves. 

WHAT ABOUT SIDE HUSTLES?

There are many people who have become unemployed because of the crises we are facing. Which means, people are out of work, have been laid off or having to depend on other means to make money.

This is the time for us to use our creative minds to create hustles. 

We have seen sewists making masks for sale online.

We have seen music artist have live stream concerts.

We have seen music DJs have listening parties.

We have seen comedians have comedy shows.

We have seen impersonators have lip synch shows.

We have seen fitness trainers doing workouts for their clients.

And those with a green thumb have gardening shows.

But what is your hustle?

What is your talent?

Do you have an idea that you can make money off of?

Well, this is definitely the time to brainstorm ideas.

Speaking of ideas, we are seeking male models who would like to do a Virtual Paint and Sip online. Models who have at least 100 Instagram followers who would be willing to pay $5 on a Patreon page to watch models pose while painting, skethcing and watching them at their location. Models will receive 50 percent of the Patreon sales. Parts of the proceeds will be donated to a COVID foundation or cause.

Theres no deadline but we would like to have a watch party for each model within after 14 days of the models promoting the project through their IG followers.

Models must be comfiortabel being nude, have a well lit area to pose, a decent sound mechanism to lay music and have a decent build.

If thats you email to maat.atkins@gmail.com

STREAMING VIEWZ

If 

As the country is on the Tiger King phenomenon, many other series have been overlooked. One is Ozark. Streamed on Netflix, Ozark stars Jason Bateman  and  Laura Linney as The Byrdes. Its about a married couple, The Byrdes,  who are forced to relocate their family to the Ozarks following a money laundering scheme with a Mexican drug cartel gone wrong.

In this third season, the couple owns a gambling boat that they use for their laundering duties as the FBI monitors their money moves. Also, the wife's brother in law comes to visit.  

Theres also a familiar face on teh series for all of you "Power" fans. LOL

We dont want to spoil anything, but for Ozark fans, this season is the best so far. It is defibitely a binge hook even if you are late to the series.

Its full of shocks and turns, and in the end, you will definitely will protest if a Season 4 has not been issued.

FASHIONEERZ

This week we feature a new segment that highlight African American entertainers who were or are fashion icons who set the standards of fashion.

This week we feature singer/rock guitarist, Lenny Kravitz.

When he came on the scene, he was dubbed Lisa Bonet;s husband in the mid 1980s. But he easily broke out of that shadow when he released his first album, "Let Love Rule" in 1989. His eclectic 60s rock fashion style with feather boas, leather vests, colorful bell botooms and long natted locs definitely got everyone's attention.

Since then, his style has been steady with the only thing changing is his hairdos from low cut to mini fros. He also ventured off into  various film and TV projects  througn director Lee Daniels including Precious, The Butler and the TV series "Star."

But one thing definitely is consistent, this boho king is comfortable in his way of life and style. 

As I was journeying through YOU TUBE I reflected on prolific Grammy Award winning singer songwriter and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Bill Withers who died earlier this week at the age of 81. Very subdued and aloof when it came to celebrity, he was dubbed more a folk artist who changed the game when it came to black artists who was unique in his music style. His music has stood the test of time and it can be heard from artists who have covered his music including the late Michael Jackson, Club Nouveau, Meeshell N'dgeocello and Will Smith. 

Here is a clip of Withers performing one of his biggest hits, "Use Me" when he was on the weekly music show Soul Train in 1972.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3_Q5RhZrdo

OS 34--NOT-OUT ON THE TOWN

HEY OUTSTAGRS!

ITS THAT TIME!!

TIME TO GET TOWNED!!!

As we continue to gather ourselves on this Coronavirus pandemic  and public events  and entertainment and leisure establishments closing,  people are managing and trying to adjust  to quarantining themselves at home people are trying to find ways to keep themselves busy and unbored with family, relationships  and themselves. 

WHAT ABOUT SOCIAL DISTANCING?

As the country tries to adjust to the new normal with this current crises, states and its leaders are faced to mandate a STAY AT HOME rule for everyone unless its necessary for food, gas and exercise.

BUT some are confusing the difference between social distancing and socializing from a far.

So what can we do?

Of course, the obvious is to stay at home, but its been seen that many are using social media to socialize.

Many are using Instagram/Facetime to video call family and friends. What is  interesting is to watch celebrities have convos with others and being a "fly on the net "watching them talk about random things.

If you are a gamer, then you have already trained you rmental to interact with others via gaming.

Socializing parties online using Zoom on your laptop/desktop can also be an alternative if one wants to still communicate for socialites.

But, if you have to go outside, please dsiatnce and cover up your nose, mouth, eyes, and your EGO.

STREAMING VIEWZ

During our quarantining, there is a new series from Tyler Perry called RUTHLESS  that is currently streaming on BET Plus.  This is a spinoff of his series OVAL, a prequel of a sex cult. Its lead character Ruth, kidnaps her child (that is seen in the first epsidoe of OVAL) and returns to the cult. 

This series definitely gives a Rev Jim Jones tease. Its cult leader  sees himself as a god who has sexual deviancies as his worshipers are at his beckoned call .

Whats so shocking about this series is that its something totally different from Tyeler Perrys brand. For some years now, he has dabbeld into R rated material ("For Colored Girls," "Acrimony,") but this series is BEYOND R: male frontal nudity, orgies, homosexuality and the occult.

We dont want to spoil anything, but there is one scene where a male cult assistant commands new male  cult member to investigate his lower extremities that will make you rewind to beleive what you saw! 

You will definitely will need a religious cleansing after watching this series LOL.

But, if youre into this type of content, dont expect any Madea type comedy here. Its definitely worth a peep. 

FASHIONEERZ

This week we feature a new segment that highlight African American entertainers who were or are fashion icons who set the standards of fashion.

This week we feature, Jody Watley 

This week we feature singer/songwriter, Jody Watley. 

This beautiful sista was one of the fashion icons of the mid 1980s  and early 1990s. After leaving the soul trio Shalamar, she re-invented herslef when she debute dwith her platinum self titled album in 1987. But what stood her out was her knack for fashion: hooped earrngs, hooped dresses, bustiers and that long wavy hair.  But throughout her career, she managed to chenge up her look from long tuxedos with short wigs, and fur with knee high boots.She was also a phenomenal dancer  (she got her start on Soul Train in the 1970s) who was more of a natural mover as opposed to other R&B dance singers who depended on a choreographer.  She is very underrated reagrding being a fashion pioneer, but she definitely helped define the look for female pop glam.

As I was journeying through YOU TUBE I was in a Wilson Pickett type search. For you youngins who dont know who he is, he was a soul singer during the 1960s and 1970s whos big hits were "Land of a 1,000 Dances," "Mustang Sally," and "Dont Knock My Love" to name a few. As I was getting my soul stirred from watching his videos on YOUTUBE I found an odd one pairing him up with Welsh born singer Tom Jones (who can now be seen on "The Voice"). He is a blue eyed soul singer who also was at hsi peak during the 1960s and 1970s. There is a vid of both of them where Pickett sang a medley with Jones on the latter's variety special. Jones holds up quite well going toe to toe vocally with Pickett. 

To see for yourself go to 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcksrDIxiz

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