OUT 334--THE 50 GREATEST BLACK MUSIC GROUPS OF ALL TIME

As defined, the word  "group" means "a number of people or things that are located close together or our considered or classed together.  In music, there have been thousands among thousands that have been classed as such from the harmonizing a capello groups, girl group pop, funk and soul bands, gospelmongers with a secular message, to  rappers with a dee-jay. Below are our choice of groups that made an impact on American music by creating a sound or social movement, influencing group offspring,  or innovating a style that is distinctively all their own. 

Before we get to the Top 50, here are the groups that made No. 51 to No. 60.

60.THE WHISPERS

59.KLYMAXX

58.MAZE FEATURING FRANKIE BEVERLY

57. WU TANG KLAN 

56.THE TIME

55.EN VOGUE

54.JODECI

53.DEBARGE

52.ASHFORD AND SIMPSON

51.GAP BAND

50.BROTHERS JOHNSON

49.LABELLE

48. MOBB DEEP

47.THE VANDELLAS

46.SALT N PEPA

45.NWA

44.TLC

43.CAMEO

42.NEW EDITION

41.THE BAR-KAYS 

40. BOOGIE DOWN PRODUCTIONS

39. THE STYLISTICS

38.DE LA SOUL

37. THE FUGEES

36. THE FIFTH DIMENSION 

35.TOWER OF POWER 

34. THE COMMODORES

33.BOYZ II MEN

32.GRAND MASTER FLASH AND THE FURIOUS FIVE 

31.THE SPINNERS

30.THE SHIRELLES

29.OUTKAST

28.OHIO PLAYERS

27.A TRIBE CALLED QUEST

26.GLADYS KNIGHT AND THE PIPS

25.THE MOONGLOWS 

24.WAR

23.KOOL AND THE GANG 

22.CHIC 

21.STAPLE SINGERS

20.RUFUS

19.POINTER SISTERS

18.THE DELLS 

17. THE PLATTERS 

16.RUN DMC

15.THE INK SPOTS 

14.THE IMPRESSIONS

13.THE MIRACLES

12.PUBLIC ENEMY

11.SAM AND DAVE

10. O'JAYS

9. IKE AND TINA TURNER REVUE

8.FOUR TOPS

7.JACKSON FIVE/JACKSONS

6.ISLEY BROTHERS

5.EARTH, WIND AND FIRE

4.PARLIAMENT/FUNKADELIC

3.SLY AND THE FAMILY STONE

2. THE SUPREMES

AND THE 

NO.1 GROUP 

OF ALL TIME IS....

1.THE TEMPTATIONS

OUT 333--COVERZ-2018 MR COUTURE WINNER GERARD RIVERS!

Hey Outstagrs and Couturians, are you ready to meet Gerard Rivers? Well, he is definitely ready to be introduced. This 24-year-old has been on a whirlwind since his win of the title of Mr Couture in September at the 9th Annual Mista Couture Style Contest that was held at Womens Club of Hollywood.

Below is our Q and A with this handsome, rising talent.

OS:Where are you from? 

GR: I lived in the inner city of Long Beach/Lakewood, California during my elementary school years. 

OS: How was it growing up in that city? 

GS: Those were some of my most favorite times because there was always something to do. We had lots of family and extended family/friends around to make life fun. But, as I got into middle school, my parents decided to move us to the high desert area of Lancaster, CA which is about 1 hour north of Los Angeles.  They were concerned about the school system in Long Beach and the housing was more affordable in Lancaster so our entire immediate family moved at the same time in 2005, my grandparents, uncle/aunt along with my cousins. Life in Lancaster was not as exciting but we adapted and since it’s a smaller town, I take pride in being quite the personality around town. I’m mostly known for basketball here whether at the gym or “that dude that went to play in the Big East.” LOL

Rivers during his basketball days at Point Loma
Nazarene University Class of 2014-15
(Photo courtesy of  Loma University Athletics)

OS: You have built up a name for yourself playing basketball.  When did you start playing basketball?

GR:Basketball started when I was five and hitting the winning shot in the game. That feeling was incredible even at that age! My first passion was swimming, however. I was junior Olympic qualified at the age of 10 and won two silvers and a bronze in the California State games at that time as well.Even though I wasn’t planning to make basketball my career, in middle school I was the tallest on the teams so I played a lot. 

Things changed in high school at Paraclete Catholic High since I stopped growing at 6 feet. But, I still was the star 3-point shot combo-guard who dreamt of going to play D1 ball. Because my school wasn’t big on recruiting for basketball, I didn’t get the looks that others here in the valley got. I was All CIF-1^st Team, All League and team captain and believed I could walk on at St. John’s University in New York and  I did! I’ve also played in San Diego at Point Loma University and in Canada. This past July I was selected  number 22 out of 80 players in Vegas to compete for an overseas spot and was hoping to secure a contract. Then came the Mista Couture contest and my attention moved in a different direction.

Rivers in formal wear during the 9th Annual Mista
Couture Style Contest
(Photo courtesy of David Tonelson)

OS: .When did you start to become into being stylish?

GR:It used to be that I was trendy. I look back on some of those big t-shirt/jean styles when I was younger and laugh because I can’t believe I thought that was cool. Maybe then it was, but since high school, I came to realize that style is unique. You make it who you are. At prom, I rocked some pink accessories with my suit that stole the show! Even my sister will ask my opinion before rocking a new look. 


Honestly, it’s about how you carry yourself in your attire that makes the style attractive. At this year's Fashion Style Week (in Los Angeles), I met a man whose fashion was extremely eccentric and some might think weird. He mixed patterns and colors that were so busy it bordered on a thrift shop vibe, but dude had so much swag it convinced me that I could pull that off too. You must be fearless!

Rivers on the red carpet during first
appearance as Mr Couture at Opening
Reception of Style Fashion Week at
Avenue L.A. October 2017 (Photo by Dedee Holloway)

OS:Whats your favorite attire to wear and why?

GR:It seems there’s never enough reasons anymore to suit-up. I love sporting a nice suit ensemble whether it’s casual, professional or After Five. There’s intense power behind a man in a suit that demonstrates the look and 
attitude of prominence. When not in a suit, I like a nice pair of jeans, a button-down shirt, and a pair of boots. I might even top it off with a fedora if the mood hits me. Wardrobe must call to me as I’m shopping and most times it’s easy to pull together something nice no matter where you shop. Just always shop for you, not the trend.

Rivers after winning the Mr Couture title. Pictured from
left are YOURS TRULY, Ma'at Atkins (creator/co-producer
of Mista Couture Contest) and
2017 Mr Couture Winner Donald Miles
(Photo Courtesy of David Tonelson)

OS:Why did you decide to enter the Mr Couture Contest?

GR:I didn’t even see the “Mista Couture” contest information (on Casting Networks) until about two weeks before the event. My sister was in a showcase a few years back and was, in my opinion, the winner. She won every category except Miss Black Antelope Valley. How does that happen? Well, that inspired me to give it a shot. 



With seriously zero preparation time, and not really knowing what to expect, I just dove in believing. My nanny used to always say, “That boy could fall in a pile of shit and come up smelling like a rose!” I carry those words with me as conviction that in the end it will all work out in my favor. Besides that, I have the BEST support system anyone could have. My family, and I mean everyone, has even traveled across state lines to encourage my dreams.

OS:Were you surprised when you won?

GR: It wasn’t as big of a surprise to me that I won as you might think it should be. You have to believe in yourself with passion and NEVER doubt if you want to succeed. People think that’s being cocky, but it’s not. It’s trusting that as Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do ALL things through Christ…”. When you have complete faith, there’s no room for doubt. I am infinitely grateful at the same time however.

Rivers in picture pose modeling some of
his Mr Couture prizes including logo tee and
PRASM armband, belt and socks.

OS: What are some of your hobbies?

GR: I like to travel to beautiful and peaceful places. I’m a night owl, so a lot of times I will get in the car, put the top down and just drive through Hollywood to feel that electric vibe. There’s so much life in the city. I’m also into spiritual awareness. While I do believe in God, I also believe He lives in us and we have the choice of what happens to us in this space called earth according to our desires, faith, and actions. It’s the Law of Attraction. 


If you say you CAN or you WILL, then that’s what happens. If it doesn’t, then something didn’t line up and that thing is not meant to be, but something else better is on its way just for you. No matter what you must stay in an atmosphere of peace, strength, love, and belief. Try to never let your harmony with the universe be disrupted. I’m also a dog lover. My family calls me the “dog whisperer” because I study how to interact with them so they usually will listen to me.

OS: So what's next up for you?

GR:Right now, my focus is to develop my craft. Since I’ve chosen to move away from basketball, acting and modeling is where I’m heading. I’ve been acting since I was about nine-years-old and was in a couple of commercials and videos. The video that’s easiest to look up is from a band called “The Fray” and the song is “How to Save a Life” (from 2009). Yep that’s me in the beginning in back right with the big Afro and at scene 1:01, 3:27 and 4:01 with the ugly cry on YouTube.Yep that’s me in the beginning in back right with the big afro and at scene 1:01, 3:27 and 4:01 with the ugly cry on YouTube. 


I’ve been employed as an extra lately on different productions such as “Lip Sync Battle”, “Lucifer”, “America’s Funniest Home Videos”, commercials, and even Marques Houston’s soon to be released new joint called “Always and Forever”. Soon I’ll be acquiring more national commercials and speaking parts, along with completing my modeling portfolio. 

(Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjVQ36NhbMk to see video)

OS:So, what do you see yourself doing in five years?

GR:My aspiration for the future is to secure my position in entertainment as a well-known entity whose drive shoots him straight to the top! I AM THAT NEXT NEW DUDE! During this next year I intend to represent the “Mista Couture” brand with pride here in Los Angeles and anywhere else this journey takes me. For me, this is a proud, major accomplishment.

OS:How can people contact you as far as booking you for modeling opportunities?

GR:For bookings please contact rivrs24@gmail.com, gerardrivers on IG, my cell 562-208-4827, or my manager Dedee Holloway at 562-208-4967.

MAATOLOGY PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS SNAP HONEY AT HOLLYWOOD FRINGE FESTIVAL

Maatology Productions will be staging the stageplay  SNAP HONEY during 2018 Hollywood Fringe Festival. 

SNAP HONEY tells the story of an international female impersonator, Vageena Honey, who tells her life story at her one woman show and a popular talk show simultaneously. 

This audience participation (immersive) production will have many twists and turns in the plot that will make you laugh, cry and definitely--think. 

One theater goer who saw the May 2017 production wrote, "maura mitchellMay 20, 2017 at 11:36 AM

I was at the 8 pm show on Friday night and I loooooooved it. It's was so fun, funny and touching. I cried at the end and I kept thinking about the message after I left and when I woke up today. Congrats on a fantastic production- I have been moved in my spirit❤️

Here's what others had to say about the play....

"Bravo. Wonderful job."Kevin Johnson, St. Louis Post Dispatch

"In order to make it in this life, you gotta act like you got a vagina, honey. I love it!" Mocha Williams, St. Louis poet

"Amazing. Know that!" Lenora Guy , attendee

"Ms. Honey was fantastic." Laton Chairs, Chicgao fashion stylist

"It was amazingly comical and real," Alicia Terise, St. Louis based actress.

This is an 18 and up production with adult language and brief nudity. The play will be 90 minutes with no intermission.

The shows will take place at Studio Stage, 520 N Western Ave., Los Angeles, Calif. 90004

Below are the dates and times of the shows 

Preview: Friday 6/1 9:00PM
Show #1: Friday  6/8 8:00 PM
Show #2: Sunday  6/10 10:30 PM
Show #3: Wednesday  6/13 7:30PM 
Show #4: Friday  6/22 6:00pm

General Admission Tickets are $12  through eventbrite
at 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/maatology-productions-presents-snap-honey-tickets-44993160755


 YOU MUST purchase advance tickets BY  MAY  16. 
The rest of the tickets will be sold through Hollywood Fringe Festival's website  for $15 starting MAY 1 at  http://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/4893?tab=tickets    

STAFF

Ma'at Atkins, Director and Producer of SNAP HONEY.  He is also an Emmy Award 
nominated freelance writer, photographer and event producer.

Jaron Hicks (SEE BELOW)

Andrea Carlton, Executive Director and co-writer of SNAP HONEY. She is 
a retired Army veteran and talent agent in the L.A. area

Tondra Mosley is part of the Executive Team and handles stage management. She is also a poet, writer and actress.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Jaron Hicks as Vageena Honey
CAST A and B

Member of Airforce/co-writer of Snap Honey/
Co-executive team member

Tony A Mack as Dr. Welfarus Jones
CAST A

Actor/Voice-Over/Narrator 

Stage Director/Model/Lyricist

Travis Stetcher as Dr. Welfarus Jones
CAST B 

Former Senior Manager at Feedonomics

Mercedes Steele as Mavis Johnson 
CAST A
and
Mrs. Price
CAST A and B 

Actress (Her real son. Xavier is playing her son in this play)

Staci Ashley as Mavis Johnson
CAST B

Former TV anchor 

Joseph P. Gamble  as Henry Johnson
CAST A

Actor/Lifestyle Print Model/Flight Attendant

Bryan L. Tucker as Henry Johnson
CAST B


Actor/Director/Writer 

Xavier Johnson as Young Ikey
CAST A

Former Actor at Beverly Hills Playhouse

Joshua Harracksingh as Young Ikey 

                                             CAST B

Ariel Trent as Young Lorraine CAST A and Natasha Harbor CAST B

Cydney Gooch as  Natasha Harbor CAST A and Young Lorraine CAST B

Joseph Reynolds as Mr Harbor CAST A and B...Alvin Kenway CAST A and B....

Gogo boy CAST A and B ,,,,Leonard the Lysol Sprayer CAST A and B

Intern at Mark Morris Dance Troupe/ITS Consultnat at Pomona College

Bill Bingham as Fanta Seesaw CAST A and B

Studied Arts and Entertainment Management at Wayne State University

Shane Liburd as Teen/Adult Ikey CAST A and B

Actor/Mime

Ashley Dniece as Adult Lorraine CAST A and B

Model

Aidan Turner as Robert Smith III CASt A

Student at Pepperdine University 

Walter Cignetti as Roberto Ferraro III CAST B

Adventurist

Melissa K Marks as Consuella CAST A and B

Founder/Owner Sis Meliss Foods 

Aaron Miles as Gogo Boy and Airhead Boyfriend CAST A and B

Caterer