L-Dot

Spending his early childhood years listening to many types of music helped to shape Denver, Colorado based rapper/producer L-Dot:
“His rhymes reflect hunger, lyrical wit, and both the reality of the good and bad things he has been through along with insight to where he's going in life” -L-Dot
Originally in a group called the DON KRONICALS, L-Dot decided to go solo in 2000 and has been producing and writing rhymes since the early 90s for his Connectdot Entertainment production company. In addition to all of this he has still found time to be featured on the mixtapes and produce songs for various artists in the music industry.
Already considered as one of the most creative and influential rapper/producers out of Colorado, L-Dot always puts his best work into his music to “create critically acclaimed songs.” L-Dots first two albums L’S Spotlight and Connect the Dots are available now on iTunes and his latest CD THE UNION Presents...The Hall of Fame is available from Cdbaby . With L-Dot and Surgon on the production the CD features a variety of talented rappers and singer from New York, Atlanta and Colorado including Lenny Lenn, Proof The Truth and Razor Bumpy. The CD “Is full of lyricism and bangin’ beats” which explains why it has been so highly rated and regarded as “The best rap CD that has came out in a long time”.

For more info on L-Dot go to:
www.connectdotent.com
www.myspace.com/ldott

KelliSmith

FU interviewed new model KelliSmith who told us about her future plans and her desire to work with Jackie Degg.

How long have you been modelling for?
2years

Who/What made you want to model? (i.e.: was you attracted to the money, free clothes, glamorous lifestyle etc)
Money is not an issue I don’t do it for that as I’ve only been paid once anyway! My friend got me to join net-model to get the ball rolling!

Have you always been one of those people who just loves to be in front of the camera (or mirror) posing?
Yes definitely

What’s the best job you’ve been on?
Erm… I have a few

What’s the worst modelling experience you’ve had?
Being with a so called ‘professional photographer’ and he was boring. He made me do the same poses in different crappy clothes and the pics were awful!

What is it like on set/shoots, there’s a lot of girls, is there any bitchiness?
There’s no bitchiness we all get on well! We always compliment each other.

What do you do when you’re not modelling?
I work part time as admin assistant at carphone warehouse

Who is your favourite model, do you aspire to be like any model in particular?
Jordan and Lucy James

What is your best feature?
My bum

What type of modelling would you never do?
Nude!!!

Obviously models have to have a tight body, what do you do to keep in shape?
Nothing. I eat junk food and I’ve never been to a gym. Seriously!!

Most people think that being a model is an easy job, they don’t realize that it’s a lot of hard work and new models face a lot of criticism and rejection are you ready for that?
I’m ready, definitely!

There’s loads of girls who want to be the next top model how do you stand out, obviously your Fabulous and Undiscovered but what makes you so different?
Because I’m not big headed and I don’t work round and show off like I’m gods gift. I’m just lil old me!

Who would you like to work with in the future?
Jakki Degg

What’s next for you?
I'm not sure yet, I’d love to be published in a lads mag!

For more info on KelliSmith go to:
www.myspace.com/urboyfriendfanciesme

Miss Wax

Beginning as just as a garage based hobby Miss Wax Jewelry has come a long way:
“In less than a year Miss wax has created an international buzz, testing street style accessories with her cutting edge concepts” - Miss Wax
Using her life as inspiration for her 'Street Style' creations, this talented “5,5" bleach blonde little lady” prides herself on rebelling against contemporary trends:
“Reinventive and always fresh, Miss Wax aims to break away from the norm and incorporate a new level of accessories into the market. Art into outerwear” -Miss Wax
Hitting the market in 2006, Miss Wax began by selling to her local boutique UNIV in Encinitas. It was here where she that she got the name Miss Wax as in the beginning she was primarily using old vinyl to make her products.
Due to her popularity Miss Wax has been featured in a variety on online magazines and blogs:
“If you Google her name you will see the words, "Fresh, Urban, one of a kind..etc" pop up in urban, fashion and culture blogs from all over the map” -Miss Wax
In addition to this she has collaborated with ladies street wear company HELLZ BELLZ, and also participated in the Keep-A-Breast movement where she received such an overwhelming response that she decided to introduce a new jewellery line for spring/summer 08 called ‘Throwback’
With her innovative and fresh designs Miss Wax Jewelry is filling a huge gap in the market. And with plans to release a full accessory line in the future Miss Wax is sure to be one of the most sought after independent designers.

For more info on Miss Wax go to:
www.myspace/misswaxjewelry
www.miswax.com

Live Manikins

Self, Linguistics, Flavius, Rated R and Runt Rock are the 5 members who make up the band Live Manikins.
Formed in Sacramento, California and coming together for one common cause of making ‘true music,’ Live Manikins who cite all genres of music as their musical influences have accumulated many achievements to date.
Releasing 3 CD‘s, semi-finalists in a nationwide battle of the bands and took 1st place in the Northern California Hip Hop category. The band has featured on radio and was 1 of 5 groups to be featured on MP3’s worldwide "Get Exposed" contest.
The Live Manikins have also taken part in many live performances keep pushing the boundaries of music to ensure their sound is received and enjoyed by the masses.
With an innovative sound the band, which "Has taken years of solo work to create one voice," will continue to influence, stand out and create quality music for not just Hip Hop heads but music fans on a whole.

For more info on Live Manikins go to:

www.myspace.com/livemanikins

Re:Phlexx

Designer Marsha aka Phlexx told FU about her clothing label Re:Phlexx designs and her forthcoming fashion show.

What is your clothing label called?
Re:Phlexx Designs

Where did you get that name?
I’ve had ‘Phlexx’ as a nickname for a while and when I began customising I just simply added the ‘Re’ as with each garment I aim to redesign and recreate garments with my personal flavour.

How long have you been designing?
I’ve been customising for about a year now.

What made you want to start?
I’ve always been interested in fashion and design from a young age and customising came along as a progression.


How did you get your start i.e.did you do work experience and work your way up?
My customising developed out of a free period at college one day and a plain t-shirt in the art room.

How would you describe your clothes [that you design]?
Original…Re:Phlexxed!

Do you think your personal style influences your clothing line?
Yes it does I wouldn’t put out anything I didn’t like personally.

Who are your clothes aimed at?
I design for both male and females, so it’s basically anyone that feels they can relate to the style and like it.

Have you been involved in any big projects i.e. Fashion shows etc?
Not yet, however I have a fashion show lined up for November.

Who would you love to dress?
Kanye West, Pharell Williams and Justin Timberlake

Future plans/What's next for you?
The next steps are gaining more exposure and awareness developing Re:Phlexx Designs as much as possible.

For more info on Re:Phlexx designs or to view more designs, including baseballcaps go to:

www.myspace.com/rephlexxdesigns

Letitia

17 year old Letitia Antoinette Joseph is a singer songwriter who has been working hard to get recognised in such a competitive industry. Writing from a young age Letitia has faced many obstacles while trying to pursue her dream, and where other people may have decided to 'call it day' Letitia has fought hard to prove her critics wrong.

Influenced by her surroundings, writing songs has always been a release for Letitia:
"If I'm angry or extra happy I tend to jot down my emotions so I can try and capture it in my songs" -Letitia

Regularly attending studio sessions and open mic events in Luton to help her build her confidence (and contacts) Letitia is working hard and grooming herself to be the next 'big thing'.

She is also no stranger to modelling and entered her first competition when she was 11 where she even managed to get through to the finals and although she currently does not have an agent she has not let this stop her and has been working with a variety of up and coming photographers to try and build up her portfolio.
Not letting the knock backs or negative comments effect her Letitia is now stronger

than ever and is determined to succeed and not let anyone stand in the way of her dream

of becoming a successful Singer, Actress and Model.

"If you want something you got to make it happen and that's exactly what I'm trying to do and I ain't stopping 'till I am satisfied"- Letitia

Proving she is true to her word Letitia regularly researches and attends auditions and will also be featured in a fashion show in November and is managing to juggle all of this with college

"Some say be realistic with your thinking, I think too big. But theres nothing wrong in believing and hoping my time will come to shine" - Letitia

For more info on Letitia go to:

http://www.myspace.com/laydai_lust

TOOCHI

Chidi and Chinwe are identical twin sisters who go by the name of Toochi.
Born in Nigeria raised in Scotland and now based in East London Toochi’s vast musical influences is what helps to set them apart from other groups.
"A fusion of traditional African drums brought up to date with current western influences, the songs encase vibes of edgy pop, r’n’b, soul and funk to an exciting creative flavour the industry is yet to experience."-Toochi
Already making a name for themselves Toochi have appeared on T4 and in music videos for Robbie Williams and Coldplay. The group have also taken part in showcases across London between 2000-2004 where they received a lot of press attention from the Scottish Times Daily Star and Marie Claire.
Toochi who’s name derives from "Chi" the start of their unique names and "Too" (Two) has a Glam VS Funk element to their music. Chidi with her buubly personality represents the Glam while Chinwe’s "serious attitude and grit" represents the funk.
Looking for a new venture Toochi are definitely on their way to the top.
Toochi’s debut single "I Represent," a fun dance floor filler song is available on iTunes now.



For more info in Toochi go to:
www.toochi.co.uk
www.myspace.com/lovetoochimusic

Ellz Creationz

FU interviewed photographer Ellz who told us about her creative background, her inspirations and why ordinary studio settings frustrate her.

How long have you been doing photography?
I have been doing photography for about a year and a half, but I have been shooting from as young as 14.

What made you want to start doing photography?
Well it has always been in my blood from a very young age as growing up in an artistic family, I was always surrounded by art and I find that the best way I express my artistic talent is though “photography”.

Have you done any big projects or had any of your work published?
Not yet although I have a lot of big ideas which I am working on. But have worked alongside underground companies/magazines and had some on my work published in their business.But hopefully soon you’ll see my work in big magazines, billboards etc...

What is the best project you've ever worked on?
All projects I work on are my best; they always have a fun and creative side to them so I find all them exciting to work on.

What would be your dream job?
High fashion photography is my dream job, to further it so that my talent is seen worldwide.

When you are taking pics of people all the time don't you ever feel the urge to be on the other end of the lens too?
Nah I love being the artist behind the talent... I love standing behind the lens and photographing people’s emotions, but don’t get me wrong I do have my vain days... Thank God for self timer ha-ha

Have you ever had any bad photography experiences?
Hmmm not really, but I’m sure it will come…no-one’s perfect as they say.

Who (or what) is the worst (or hardest) thing to photograph and why?
Children are the hardest models to photograph, they like to fidget, however they are the best with the emotions, within an hour you can capture the angry, happy and tearful side of them. Their eyes never lie.

Have you ever thought of becoming paparazzi, I heard that could be quite lucrative?
I have never had that thought but loads of people tell me to consider and the pay is very tempting... But I prefer images that are staged and set up to perfection so that I capture exactly what is planned. Begin a paparazzi is hectic and it takes luck to get at descent image… It’s a bit much for me to follow the celebs, get a good images and then find a newspaper or mag to purchase the images… nah I’ll stick to my kinda photography.

How hard has it been for you to get noticed and get your work out there and be taken seriously as a professional photographer?
It wasn’t very easy...getting the right, first picture out there so that people recognize talent is the toughest thing I have ever had to do. It took a lot of patience, promotion and determination just to get here… though its still not enough because my aim is to be worldwide so my work has only just begun….but thanks to everyone that has helped and promoted me :)

What makes you so unique/different to other photographers?
I think I am different to other photographers because I know many photographers that rather shoot in studio but I have become so frustrated with ordinary studio settings and plain backdrops so I decided to push my photographs further and make my images more fun, creative and colourful.

Who/what inspires your pictures?
I am inspired by bright colours, when I see something colourful, I imagine a shoot.
Do you have a favourite photographer?I wouldn’t say I have a favourite photographer but I do admire many photographers, they all have their own unique and creative style which I find very inspirational.

What’s next for you, any projects in the pipeline?
Yes definitely I got few big projects to come out mid 2008. Can’t give away my secrets you’ll just have to look out for me he he…

For more info on Ellz Creationz go to:

www.ellzCreationz.com

www.myspace.com/ellzcreationz

or Email:

ellz@london.com

All Thats Fabulous in NYC

Living in the city that never sleeps inspired Aura and Martine to start AllThatsFab.com. The ladies attend all of the exclusive parties and events, dine at the best restaurants, and live the fabulous life in the Big Apple.
Whether you live in NYC or are planning a visit, All That’s Fabulous should be your first stop. From fashion to the latest celebrity gossip, allthatsfab.com will tell you everything about what’s hot and where to see and be seen. They even have a casting call section for all you models who are planning a business trip out there.
One visit to the site and you will see that the ladies pretty much have everything covered and you can even subscribe to their blog so that you are always aware of exactly what’s going on in the Fabulous city of New York.

For more info on AllThatsFab go to

www.allthatsfab.com/

www.myspace.com/fabulousaura

www.myspace.com/mstini

Maya

Victoria, Hanan, Carmen, Scarlet and Sheryl are the names of the 5-piece girl group who make up the band Maya.
Initially a 3-piece band (whose name derives from the writer Maya Angelou) Maya first began when Carmen and Sheryl came together with fellow performing arts student Hanan and approached their manager David who was originally looking for a 4-piece girl group.
Accepted as a 3-piece Carmen, Sheryl and Hanan began creating the foundations of their group. After two years of practicing and performing they decided to look for another member. After months and months of searching they decided to add two members Victoria and Scarlet.
These five creative ladies who are making steps to take the world by storm are co-writers when it comes to making their music. Heavily influenced by neo-soul, garage, Hip Hop and Jazz, Maya’s mainly R’n’B sound will be accompanied by a “classy, sophisticated and sexy image”-Maya
The group who site James Morrison, Amy Winehouse, Lemar and Kano as who they would like to work with in the industry, have already sat as panellists for Positive Images, which is an organization that discusses the effect of music on youth, which they felt was “A very inspiring and enjoyable experience.”
Beautiful and talented Maya’s future goals include “To be the best we can be. To make popular music that is both respected and universal.” –Maya
Definitely a band to look out for, Maya definitely have the drive and determination to become one of the UK best exports.

View Maya's video for their single 'So Sweet'

For more info on Maya go to:

www.myspace.com/maya90