We have another great spotlight today, our first feature of 2016! As always, if you or your client is interested in being featured, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more info! 

Today, we have singer/songwriter, actress, AND model, Kristinia DeBarge! The star opened up to us about her start in music as a part of the famous DeBarge clan, her own aspirations for her career, and her new upcoming show on weTV, Growing Up Hip Hop!

Growing up as a part of the famous DeBarge family R&B lineage, Kristinia noted that there is "never a dull moment" with her family. "My family, they're not only talented, but they're very funny, awesome great human beings," she said. Having that strong background in music, Kristinia knew that she wanted to sing at the young age of 3, and began taking her craft seriously at 12. "I kind of hid it from my dad [James DeBarge]," she laughed, not telling him that she had that talent and passion for singing until that time. "He was like, 'Oh my gosh! All right, let's get you in the studio!'" They stayed up until 4:30 in the morning writing and recording the song, and Kristinia was committed to the process even at that age. "He was kind of testing me to see how bad I really wanted to do it," she stated. Clearly she proved herself!

After meeting Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds at 14 and spending years after developing her voice and writing skills, Kristinia signed a record deal with Sodapop/Island Def Jam at 19! She dropped her debut album,  Exposed, in 2009, which debuted at number 23 on Billboard's Top 200. The project spawned successful singles like "Goodbye," "Sabotage," and "Future Love (Remix)" feat. Pitbull and received rave reviews from critics and listeners alike! Kristinia then went on to open for Britney Spears' 2009 The Circus World Tour, snagged a partnership with clothing retailer Wet Seal, and received several award nominations for her work!

After releasing some new music here and there over the past few years, Kristinia  is actually putting out an EP on January 7, entitled Thinkin' Out Loud! She also plans to drop a mixtape on her birthday, March 8! "I'm excited to show everybody my new sound!" Kristinia said enthusiastically. Some of the music, like the track "Church" below, has been previously released, but she also has a few new tracks for listeners to check out as well! "Church," a track that I personally gravitated to, is a song that speaks of Kristinia's own experiences with her career thus far. "People probably think I'm talking about a [romantic] relationship, but it's really my relationship with the music industry," she admitted. "It's been a lot of ups and downs, a lot of people telling me 'no," and a lot of pressure, so that's really what I'm talking about." The song shows a relentless Kristinia determined to come out on top regardless of what happens!



The same day of the EP release, weTV will air its new show, Growing Up Hip Hop, which features Kristinia, Romeo Miller, Angela Simmons, Damon "Boogie Dash" Jr., TJ Mizell, and Egypt Criss. All of them are the sons and daughters of hip hop legends, looking to make their own way! "It's a very vulnerable, emotional story that I tell," the artist admitted of the show. "You'll definitely see me open up about the DeBarge side of my family, and my music." Check out a sneak peak for the show below!


In addition to her music and the show, Kristinia is working on new acting ventures for the new year! She made her acting debut in Christmas in Compton (2012), which starred Keith David, Omar Gooding, Eric Roberts, and Sheryl Lee Ralph, and has starred in other films including School Dance and The Mint. However, she's more committed to her music right now. "I kind of promised myself that I was going to focus more on my music than ever right now," she stated. "I just really want to get back out there again. I want people to see that I haven't gone away, and that I am dedicated to it. It's my first love!"  Kristinia believes that listeners will reconnect with her and her music because she is relatable, admitting that she is a normal 25-year-old that enjoys life, and that has gone through some of the same things as other people. She uses her life experiences in her music, letting people into the good, bad, and ugly scenes she's gone through. "I think sometimes people misconstrue because I've done a lot of great things already in my career," she said. "They don't realize that I've struggled in a lot of different areas in my life." Kristinia's dealt with issues within her family concerning drugs and financial problems, but she's been able to bounce back! "I've become a better person because of it, and I was humbled because of that," the singer stated. "People can relate to that, and people aren't going to [think] 'Oh, things were handed to her because of her last name [or] because she had this much amount of success.'"
In the future, Kristinia, of course, she wants to be successful in music and film-- win awards, tour, have movies out, and create a bunch of great albums. However there's so much more she would like to do beyond just music. She's developing a makeup line, which she hopes to see in Sephora, Target, and other retailers down the road. The singer also opened up about her desire to start an anti-bullying foundation to help and inspire kids that are being bullied themselves, and put a stop to it. "I was bullied as a little girl, and so it's something that is really close to my heart," she admitted. The artist would like to see proceeds go back into the arts programs at various schools, since many schools are lacking supplies, instruments, teachers, and money in general in the arts. Kristinia is also working with her boyfriend to develop a water company to assist third world countries to provide them with clean water. "I just want to help people and be able to inspire others," Kristinia admitted. Not only is Kristinia talented, but she seemed like a sweet, giving spirit from my interview with her! We wish her well! 
You can watch Kristinia on Growing Up Hip Hop, which premieres on January 7 on weTV at 10 p.m ET. You can also check out more from her on her official website, SoundCloud, and YouTube. Be sure to connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as well! 

4:37:00 PM

Another spotlight to start the week, with more on the way! As always, if you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, producer, etc., please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information on how to be featured!

Today, we have singer/songwriter and actress Malynda Hale! Hailing from Santa Barbara, CA, Malynda got her start singing in church, and also participated in musical theater in school. "Santa Barbara was very eclectic, and I was always exposed to different genres of music," she said of her hometown. Her father was also a musician, so she grew up listening to many of the greats like Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, and Whitney Houston. "I think being exposed to so many different styles did help me to craft my own," said the singer, whose own style is within the pop/soul realm.

The singer attended Azusa Pacific University, majoring in Opera and minoring in Musical Theater under the university's Vocal Performance program. With all of this knowledge and experience in music, Malynda began booking gigs around L.A. and released her first project, No More Tears, eventually moving to New York a few years later. "I just wanted a change of pace, and I started getting into doing theater again," she said of the move. "I ended up doing shows all over, [but] never actually did a show in New York."

Hopping between the Big Apple, L.A., and eventually Chicago where she lived with her now- husband, Malynda was able to expand her career in TV, film, and commercial, and found a new love for music again, specifically in Chicago. "A lot of the projects I was involved in, I got to offer music up for those," the singer said. "I started doing gigs around there as well. It was such a different culture in Chicago, and appreciation for music." Having released several musical projects of her own , Malynda moved back to L.A. after her husband finished law school a few years ago.

This past week, Malynda has released her fourth album, Pieces Of Me, which reflects her broad taste in music. "The album is called Pieces of Me, because it is a very eclectic album," she said. "I have pop stuff, It has some soul [and] R&B. It has some throwback kind of feel stuff." The project features her latest single, "Gray," was released back in September, which Malynda co-wrote with producer Kevin Porter, who produced most of the project. "Gray," is actually an older track that was written a few years back, but then revamped for the album. "The concept behind the lyrics, which I know a lot of people can relate to, is just being in that friend zone, where you're in this kind of gray area with a person," the singer said of the track.

Pieces of Me reflects Malynda's own stories of conquering fears, love and heartbreak, and struggles in the music industry. She poured out her heart, creating a project with a lot of personal messages. "There's so many ups and downs in this album, which is how life kinda is anyway," she admitted. There's a lot of of ambiguous tracks as well, which Malynda wants listeners to interpret in their own way, and use the music to help them with their own personal journeys. "I hope people find that one song or several songs that they can connect to, that they can play over and over," the artist said. "Or hear those lyrics, and say, 'Wow, I really felt that way,' or 'Wow, I really see what Malynda was going through.'"

Malynda balances her music career with a bunch of hosting, spokesperson, and acting opportunities, which definitely keeps her on the move. "I always say that I would rather be busy than bored," she said with a laugh. She has appeared in several television series, films, and commercials, and co-hosts after-show programs on The Walking Dead and The Vampire Diaries.  Malynda is also the proud spokeswoman of Valana Minerals makeup and MASI Shop clothing. Though it keeps her really busy, Malynda wouldn't have it any other way! "I just love being a part of the entertainment industry," she stated. "If I can be an influence in the industry by being prominent in different areas, then I'm happy!"

In addition to all of her work in entertainment, Malynda also heads up a great organization called meTOO!, which fights for relationship equality. "It basically talks about the correlation and similarities between same sex relationships and interracial relationships, and how both groups face adversity," she said. "But we're all kind of going through the same things [in relationships], so you're able to say 'Hey, me too!'" Malynda and her team conduct photo shoots with different couples every few months, and share their unique stories with others. "It's really just based on love, and I think the world needs more of that," said the artist, who is in an interracial relationship herself. Those in interracial and same-sex relationships are still being discriminated against, and Malynda has created an organization that serves as a support system for them.

In terms of what sets her apart, Malynda believes that her classical background gives her voice a different tone. The singer is also very vocal about what she believes in and stands for, even in her music and on social media, and also makes a constant effort to connect and have open discussions with her listeners and others. In the future, Malynda wants to have a theme song written for a TV show, expand the meTOO! campaign, and reach as many people with her music as she can.

You can check out more from Malynda on her official website. as well as Soundcloud and YouTube. You can also follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! 

11:35:00 AM

Lupita Nyong'o is absolutely stunning on the cover of October's issue of Vogue!

In her full feature with the magazine, the actress speaks about her new upcoming acting projects (the girl is GRINDING!), fashion, fame, and her family. She seems so down to earth and friendly, and the article does a great job of showing that, too. And her photos? My goodness! Lupita is absolutely beautiful, and knows how to work the camera!

Check out more pictures from the shoot and behind the scenes video below!








Watch Lupita talk about her upcoming role in the new Star Wars film, Shakespeare, and her secret talents below!

Watch this video on The Scene.

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Images via Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, Vogue

10:13:00 AM

Sandra Bullock has been named PEOPLE's World's Most Beautiful Woman for 2015!

In her interview with PEOPLE for the cover, she discussed motherhood, her diet and health, and her ideas on how life should be. Her healthy diet and exercise regimen, which she stated helps keep her balanced and grounded, includes green juice and working out with Body By Simone four to five times a week. That helps her stay "balanced and grounded" as well. "I love that it's not big weights, you move the entire time, it's a torture chamber of sorts," she said of her routine. "When I started, I could barely do 20 seconds, and I'm not kidding. I'm crying on the floor, and she's like, 'Are you a smoker?' I was like, 'I hate you.'

Read more from the interview below!



Her main focus right now is being a great mom to her 5-year-old son, Louis, which constantly reminds her what's most important. "Real beauty is quiet. Especially in this town, it's just so hard not to say, 'Oh, I need to look like that,' " she explains. "No, be a good person, be a good mom, do a good job with the lunch, let someone cut in front of you who looks like they're in a bigger hurry. The people I find most beautiful are the ones who aren't trying."

The gorgeous actress doesn't take the title all that seriously though, saying that she laughed when she heard the announcement. "I just said, 'That's ridiculous,' " she tells PEOPLE. "I've told no one." Sandra will be heard in the upcoming animated film, Minions, as a super villain.

I absolutely love her. She may not really care about the title, and as legendary as she is, she doesn't need to. However, I admire her and her work so much, and she really is a beautiful woman. She seems to be beautiful on the inside too!

What do you think of Sandra being named PEOPLE's World's Most Beautiful Woman for this year?

Image via PEOPLE

5:16:00 AM

Yaya Dacosta is really making a name for herself as an actress! The star has snagged a lead role in an upcoming NBC drama!

According to That Grape Juice, Yaya will appear as a character in the 19th episode of NBC's Chicago Fire this season, which will launch the show's spinoff Chicago Med. Yaya will play Maggie Seaver, a nurse with romantic ties to Chicago Fire’s Kelly Severide, who is played by Taylor Kinney. 

The Chicago Med  episode was created and written by Chicago Fire creators/executive producers Derek Haas and Michael Brandt, executive producer Matt Olmstead and executive producer Dick Wolf, according to Deadline.

It's great that we're seeing all these great shows with strong black female leads! Yaya will join the ranks of Kerry Washington, Viola Davis, Jada Pinkett Smith, Taraji P. Henson, and Nicole Beharie, who all have a starring role in top network shows.

Image via That Grape Juice

6:11:00 AM