Sahyba:Pop's New Princess Reveals Herself

by Cyrus Webb

Sometimes you just know a star when you see one. It's something about the way they carry themselves that tells you that no matter what they choose to do they are going to be successful. When it comes to pop princess Sahyba, she has only to open up her mouth and sing for you to know that you are looking at the future of popular music.

Signed to chart-topping recording artist (and fellow Mississippi native) Ray J's Knock Out Entertainment, the teenager with a big voice and the world before her is already making sure that you never forget who she is. At the time we were going to print with this music issue you could hear her infectious single MARCO POLO (Where You At?) being shared among music lovers and even being played on the hit VH1 show Basketball Wives.

With such talent and endless possibilities you might expect Sahyba to be anything but approachable. That is not the case.

She loves her fans, and her fans truly love her, communicating with the pop princess on social sites like Facebook and Twitter as well as gravitating to her live performances. In my conversation with her we talked about her beginnings, sharing her gift and her advice for all of you.

SAHYBA ON SINGING:
"Ever since I was 5 I loved to sing and dance and entertain people. Singing makes me really happy. Everyday I try to improve my talent, because singing is what I want to do for the rest of my life."

SAHYBA ON HER FANS:
"I never thought that my music would reach out to so many fans so quickly. For me to be an inspiration it is a blessing and really humbles me. They believe in me, so if I can influence someone to chase their dreams as I am living mine that would be a huge blessing for me."

SAHYBA ON WORKING WITH RAY J:.
"Being the 1st pop artist signed to Ray J and Knock Out Entertainment motivates me to work harder and make sure that I put out my best music, being the best that I can be. I never want to give up."

SAHYBA ON MARCO POLO (Where You At?)
"The game of Hide and Seek inspired the song. I started thinking about my finding someone and it being a great metaphor for the song. It happened so fast. I wrote the song in a day or two, and in less than a week the song was finished."

SAHYBA ON FAMILY:
"My parents work so hard for me . I have gotten so much support from them. I never want to take that for granted. Honestly I don't see my self doing anything else. Having their support has made all of this possible. It's important to find that one person out in the world to be in your corner."

With her voice and positive attitude about life and the future, there is nowhere for recording artist Sahyba to go but up. Look for her to pursue her other goals of acting and modeling as well. She is definitely going to be someone that we are talking about for some time to come.

Stay in contact with her on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/sahyba as well as follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/sahybaforever. Her official website is www.sahyyba.com.

Antoine Dunn: Sharing A Gift You Don't Want To Miss

by Cyrus Webb

It was my second radio interview with the "New Voice of Soul" Recording artist Antoine Dunn, and it was just in time to make it into this issue of Conversations with Music that celebrates living life un-intimidated.

Dunn finds himself in a unique position of not just living out his dreams but inspiring others along the way. The Cleveland, OH native is someone who is not only confident about his gift but determined to use the attention he is garnering to make a difference each day.

In the past year he has seen the video for his single "Can't Forget" debut on BET's 106 & Park as well as sharing the stage with recording artists like Anthony Hamilton and introducing his music to a new audience. In the process he has not wavered in his goal of being the best artist he can be and sharing the gift that has been with him for so long.

It was in middle school that Antoine started getting serious about music. There he was a member of a choir and saw it as an opportunity to do something more with his gift. "I first saw writing as an ability to express myself and to wind down," he shared with me. "It was more an outlet just for me." By high school, though, he began to widen out and express his musical talents with others.

Now his music is being shared with the world and the new single "Miss My Love" is not only enjoying radio play but the attention it so rightly deserves. It's been really fulfilling and eye-opening," he says. "I see myself as being in a position to reach people that I probably wouldn't be able to otherwise. Doing this and being in the public allows you the ability to influence and inspire others."

When I asked him about how he deals with the challenges we all face and those who try to steal our dreams, Antoine said this: "One of the ways I stay focused is that I've never really referred to this as a dream. For me the desires of my heart are goals, and going after those goals keeps me motivated."

Some will listen to Antoine's singles like "Can't Forget" and "Miss My Love" and want to label him as just another R&B singer. That would be a mistake. "For me music transcends genres," he told me "My music incorporates many styles and includes elements from different genres." He says this allow him to reach a larger audience.

As he is performing on stage and sharing his music with audiences both online and in person Antoine told me that he truly believes he is living his purpose. "Their support is confirmation that this is what I was meant to do."


Some artists and individuals that I interview have been hesitate to say they see themselves as role models or take on that responsibility. Antoine Dunn fully embraces it. "Music is so powerful," he says. "People can hear a song and that can be life-changing for them. I love being a role model, because I believe it is part of my responsibility to help point people in the right direction if I can."

One of the main ways Antoine has been able to keep up with his fans and introduce his music has been through social networking sites like Twitter. He uses it to keep in contact those following him and even uploads pictures from his studio sessions and events. For him it helps to build more of a personal relationship with them.

What advice does he give for those looking to break into the industry? "Keep entertaining the possibility," he says. "As long as someone believes it will lead you to where you want to go."

Antoine Dunn's album TRUTH OF THE MATTER is slated to be released in October 2012. Get his singles today on itunes and Amazon.com. Visit his website at www.antoinedunn.com. You can also stay in contact with him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/antoinedunn.

Finding the Courage to Live Life Unafraid

Anyone who has done something great in their life has had to overcome the chains of fear that attempt to weigh us down. You know the feeling: wanting to pursue a goal or dream but not knowing what the outcome will be or even if we will be successful. That feeling can leave you not only feeling helpless but unworthy of anything better than what you have.

In this issue of Conversations with Music I have been able to assemble an amazing roster of recording artist of various genres who have not only been able to achieve something amazing but have done so in a way that it has inspired others to do the same. They were able to find the courage to live life unafraid.

This doesn't mean that they didn't have reservations or were going about their careers not concerned about what could happen. What it does mean is that they weren't going to allow the outcome to stop them from doing anything at all.

Readers of Conversations know that faith is something I talk about a great deal, not just because I believe in it myself but because it shows itself in so many areas of our lives. As you read the profiles in this issue you will see a common theme: every artist was able to get out of their own way and let their gift and their belief in it guide them.

Can you do that? Can you not allow the thoughts of failure keep you from achieving success? If you can, then you will be able to do things that others just dream about.

Our commission in life is all about doing what we can to make the world a better place. There are times it might seem uncomfortable or downright scary, but you can find the courage to live life unafraid and do the very things that are in your heart to do.

Want to share your own story of how you are moving past fear with faith? I would love to hear it! Email me at cawebb4@juno.com or call me at 601.896.5616. Together we can motivate others to see the gift they have to offer and share it with the world.

Happy reading!




Cyrus Webb, Editor-In-Chief
Conversations Magazine/Conversations with Music Magazine/Conversations Model Citizens Magazine

Keith Moody: Living His Life By Dreaming Out Loud

by Cyrus Webb

From the moment I found out that Keith Moody's CD was called DREAMING OUT LOUD I knew already that it was going to be something special---and I was right. Though not an actual track on the album, the artist is able to take that theme of seeing his dreams coming true and share them in each and every song on the project.

Doug Weber of New Ocean Media was kind enough to set up an opportunity for me to talk with Moody about his music, living the dream and the lessons learned along the way. Here are the highlights from that conversation.

KEITH MOODY ON LIVING THE DREAM: "Cyrus, I find it very rewarding to do what I love to do. I've dreamed of this since I was a kid. It makes you feel very fortunate and thankful for the opportunity you've been granted to do this."

KEITH MOODY ON THE POWER OF MUSIC: "It came in several stages.For me it started with listening. By listening to other performers I was able to see how they could take you to completely different place. I started writing poetry in Elementary School and all the way through High School. After that I learned to play and write. It allowed me to get alot of complex feelings out."

KEITH MOODY ON SHARING THE MUSIC: "It makes you feel as though you have found your place, your little niche in the universe that we live in. To know that something that came from your soul is benefiting others is so amazing. Here I am this guy who is doing what he loves and able to bring a lot of joy to people along the way. That's true happiness, and true happiness isn't something that you can necessarily buy.

KEITH MOODY ON THE DREAM: "You have those moments when you realize that what you're doing has outgrown your own selfish impulses. You start to look at how much you've grown and that if you give up now you are giving up on yourself."
KEITH MOODY ON INSPIRING OTHERS: "Look at me and see perseverance. Here's a guy that took an opportunity . The best thing about creativity is that you can do whatever you want. Instead of reaching for something that is not going to fulfill you, try to find a dream that makes you feel good. Don't worry about how it looks to anyone else. Be willing to step out and do it for yourself."

Keith Moody's DREAMING OUT LOUD is available wherever you purchase your music online. You can find out more information about him at www.keithmoody.com. He can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/keithmoodymusic and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/keithmoodymusic.

Bo Benton: Living Life Independent and Unintimidated



by Cyrus Webb

When I look back over the 3000+ individuals I have had the privilege of interviewing over the past nine years, there are few that leave me as inspired and encouraged as recording artist Bo Benton.

Her story is one that I think strikes at the heart of what it means to live a life of purpose and appreciating the gifts that have been given to all of us. She's a beautiful woman both inside and out, but that is not what makes her a force. Bo Benton matters because Bo Benton knows who she is, what she wants and what it takes to achieve the goals she has for herself. In other words, she is a authentically herself through and through.

I was introduced to her through her club banger INTIMIDATED, and it was obvious right away that this was a recording artist that was going to be with us for quite some time.

Her fans agree.



In about a month the video for INTIMIDATED garnered over one million hits on Youtube as well as enjoyed views on over 125 video websites, along with rotation at MTV Jams and about 600 plays at Music Choice. With over 15,000 spins at Urban, Crossover, and Top 40 radio, Bo Benton has tapped into something real that resonates with the hearts and minds of listeners, and she's just getting started.


Since her 2008 debut album release Queen of The Night, Bo, a former model, has been dividing her time between tour dates and studio sessions to work on her sophomore album release The Underground Collection due for release this September. I caught up with her between events, and the conversation we had is one that will inspire you towards your own personal greatness and remind you of what is possible in your life at all times.

Raised in Chicago, Bo Benton was born in a world full of music. Her grandmother was an opera singer, her mother a pianist and her father being a bass player, early on she found herself intoxicated by the industry. "My parents always instilled the discipline of music in me," Bo shared. "They always told me to shine. Just shine! When it came to music they told me that if this is what you want to do go after it with all your heart."

I was curious if having so much talent in one family was intimidating for her when it came to her own career. Bo's response was a quick No. "I never felt any pressure at all," she says. "The music I create is my music and that of my fans. It's like... we all breathe the same air, but it's our air that goes into our lungs. I always looked at it as an individual path that no one can go on but me."


That individual path has allow Bo to find your own voice and be her own person. "I was born that way," she explained. "It's in me to stand out and be an individual, letting others see that they can be individuals too. God created us all individually and uniquely. That is what I hope to bring out through my artistry and my music."

What Bo said earlier in our conversation about creating music for herself and her fans was something I wanted to explore some more with her. How did it feel for her to know that there were individuals literally around the world who were connecting with her message and sound? "It's wonderful," she told me. "I love my fans so much. They know that I'm dedicated to produce good music. I'm an independent artist, so that means all I've done has been part of a grassroots movement. It's because of the fans, so it's very critical that I keep in touch with my them and continue making music that the fans love."

For some their idea of "making it" in the music business is about being signed. Bo is not waiting for that moment. She's taking advantage of each day and every opportunity. Her career is just that: her career. That's not something she can just give away.

"To be an artist how can you put your career in someone else's hands," she says. On the other hand, she is quick to point out that this is not something you can do on your own, either. "There is no 'I' in team. There are a lot of components to getting your music out there. I make the music, but there are others involved in what you're getting."

Truly what you are getting with Bo Benton is the total package: beauty, brains and a commitment to excellence that is gaining respect from even those who might have just written her off as another pretty face. In our conversation she compared it to what some thought about the main character in Legally Blonde. "You can be beautiful and gorgeous and about your business," she says. "It's about discipline and determination." Over the past seven or eight years she has proven herself, and has the career to show for it. "You have to be assertive. We're all in this together. Don't underestimate my ability."

Because of what she is accomplishing, Bo says that alot of people are looking to her as a leader, asking questions about the business and what it takes to make it in the industry. She shared that she is writing a book to share what she has learned, yet another way that she will be able to inspire others and educate them along the way.

People are watching her, and since she has the spotlight and the platform, I asked Bo about being seen as a role model. She responded to me in a way that I have never heard before. "The term role model is an interesting one because it's not a role I'm playing. It's my life," she explained. "I don't have a problem with people looking at me. I take it very seriously."

Whether you are an artist yourself or making your mark in your own profession, Bo Benton shows that you can live your life and fulfill your purpose without selling out who you are.


"I stay in the moment. It's a beautiful experience."

Her advise to each of us? "Always stay prepared. Read. Stay organized. Stay ready. You should also stay current and know what's happening. Know about the technology that's out there, because it can enhance what you're doing. Most importantly stay humble and thankful for every milestone in your career. Remember you can't do this alone. you need other people in everything you do. Being kind and nice really does go a long way."

Bo Benton is yet another example that the good guys and girls can finish first and shine in the process. Keep up with her busy schedule at www.bobenton.com. You can also like her fan page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bobentonfanpage and follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/bobenton.

Next of Kindredz: Making Music In Mississippi That Impacts the World

                                Next of Kindredz (l-r:Carlito Santino, Rulet, Big Pap and Tazz)

by Cyrus Webb

For Next of Kindredz members Big Pap, Rulet, Carlito Santino and Tazz music is not just what they do, it really is a part of who they are. Founded by Maurice Martin and brought together by destiny in Mississippi, the state would prove unable to contain the group's talent. It was obvious from the release of their debut album FAMILY TIEZ in 2004 that they were going to be a real force in the world of Hip Hop.

I became aware of the group not long after their album was released, and I knew from the first listen that they had something special together. Something that was bigger than who they were and the state that had brought them together. FAMILY TIEZ had messages of hope, pain, good times and even some tongue-in-cheek tracks that were sure to be just right for the clubs. My production company Shadow Play Entertainment (the former parent company of the Conversations Brand) was working with artists at the time, and the guys of Next of Kindredz asked me to work with them as well.

Though Hip Hop was not my specialty, it was great to not only broaden the work I was doing but showcase their talent as well. When it came time to introduce them on the radio, I was able to use Conversations LIVE (then called Conversations with C. A. Webb on WMPR 90.1 FM in Jackson, MS) to do so. It was there that they introduced  their single RAIN N' SUNSHINE. Thanks to the Jackson Advocate Newspaper in Jackson, MS I was able to get the group their first write-up and some attention on their live performances.

 They were moving forward, but there were some things internal and eventual external forces that would begin to affect their being able to be the best of themselves as a group. In 2006, after experiencing some relative success in the South, the group took a break and pursued other projects.

Big Pap went on to found D.I.G. M.E. (Dis Is Good Music Entertainment) and began nurturing his own artists. Rulet founded Mudd Life Entertainment, Santino founded M.4.D.P. (Muzic 4 Da People) Entertainment and Tazz founded Go Get'Em Entertainment, all of which included solo projects as well as Santino founding the group Jack Squad which included Rulet as well.

Though they were staying active in music, as the years went by it became clear to each member that the work of Next of Kindredz was undone. In 2012, with a new outlook on life and the music they could deliver, the group reunited, ready to take on the world in a whole new way.

"It just feels right," Carlito Santino told me during the group's first together in more than 8 years. "We have something to say that the world needs to hear, so we have to get to the work of sharing it."

The way that music is heard today has changed alot since the group was together, but Rulet says they are ready to mix the old and new ways of promotion together to reach the most people. "A lot of what people are hearing today is coming from the internet," he told me. "Being online is good, and we are going to go that route, but there is nothing like reaching people hand to hand. We are still going to be in these streets letting people know who we are and what we have to offer."

Big Pap agrees. "The streets got us to where we were before, and I know they are going to help us spread the word as to where we are today."

As for the time that has passed, Tazz seems to think that was necessary in order for them to bring the best of themselves forward in their music and their lives. "I'm a better man today than I was 8 years ago," he told me. "I'm a father now, and I better understand what it means to be a man and do the best I can not just for myself but my family." All of the guys agree that the time they have been away has helped them to grow individually, setting the stage for their coming together to re-create the magic Next of Kindredz had before.  

 Beginning with their single RAIN N SUNSHINE they are reintroducing themselves to their fans in Mississippi who have been with them and new lovers of music around the world that will appreciate songs that speak to the mind and heart as well as entertains in the process. They believe that life has given them the gift and the opportunity to make a difference in the world of Hip Hop, and they are going to take advantage of every opportunity.

Stay in contact with the guys of Next of Kindredz and what's next for them at www.facebook.com/nextofkindredz. 

Liz Zelvin: Living Life Happily As An Outrageous Older Woman

by Cyrus Webb

I first heard of author Elizabeth Zelvin when I was introduced to her book DEATH WILL EXTEND YOUR VACATION earlier this year. It was great mystery, full of all of the elements I crave: memorable and relatable characters, a mystery that kept your attention and issues that all of us can get something out of.

When I had the chance to interview her on Conversations LIVE radio show it was brought to my attention that she was also a recording artist.

Under the name Liz Zelvin she has released the album entitled OUTRAGEOUS OLD WOMAN---and I tell you this: it is brilliant!

The album takes you on a great ride through her soothing voice and the lyrics that speak directly to who we all are as individuals. Whether she is tackling the somber issues that cause us to reflect on life and our purpose or the craze that is internet dating, Zelvin is able to do it in a way that is infectious and sure to bring together lovers of various genres along the way.

The stand out tracks for me are THE RAIN CAME DOWN, ONLINE LOVING, TWO TALL TOWERS and ALL SHE EVER WANTED.

Regardless of your age, I think we can all listen to the album and think to ourselves what can we do in our lives to be truly "outrageous". Individuals will try to tell you that once you reach a certain point in life that you should just stop pursuing that which you love. Liz Zelvin is one example of why that should never be the case! Let us all find inspiration to go the distance in our lives, knowing that is the only way we can truly be happy and free.

Find out more information about Liz and her album at www.lizzelvin.com.