Big Gipp: The Alpha and The Omega

Let’s hop right into this brand new studio entry, Zagga, the follow-up to your 2003 solo debut Mutant Mindframe — Conceptually, what does that title represent both to and for you?

Zagga means the beginning and the end. I have always been an original…I have never copied any other artists…Zagga means hello and goodbye at the same time…It’s named that because of the artist who is putting it out; I am Zagga…The beginning and the end.

That being said, how does Zagga either differ and/or compare to that of your previous/first solo set?

Doesn’t compare at all…The uniqueness compares…But musically it doesn’t…Right now, it’s like all the boojies [also see boughie] don’t care about Ni**as that aint got money…So many artists are about publicity and brands…They talk shit, but don’t know anything about it…As an artist of Goodie Mob, I was crucified like, “You a Rock Star, Shut Up,” but I had to get my point across and tell the truth of my story.

For its lead offering, “Shine Like Gold,” you teamed up with friend/group-mate CeeLo Green — Tell me about this particular track? And, how did it actually come to fruition?

The song was a record that was written for CeeLo — Mike Jackson had the record — and he didn’t want it…Original version has Bruno (Mars) on it…Shouts out to Neon Hitch; she is the one that did the record…I took it to Organized Noize…He was like, “If you want to put it out, it should be you and CeeLo on the record not you and Bruno, because you and CeeLo together is a familiar sound to your fans.”

In the interim, however, you just unleashed a new mixtape release, #MrGetDown  — Tell me what prompted your decision to drop this as a precursor to the LP?

Outkast had a tour here — ATL — and we got to see 30,000 people in a sold out venue all three nights in. After that event…Which was an emotional moment for me — to walk onstage and have all those people show us love like that — I thought, “I have all this music that no one has ever heard…” So, I gave away 18 songs for the fans as an appreciation for riding with us all these years…

Now as an extension to that last question, what all had you been up to, both personally and professionally speaking, during your lengthy musical hiatus?

First of all, after I released Mutant Mindframe, which Did 100,000 independently — what they called a flop then, but is great now — so anyways, I went to California and met Ali from the St. Lunatics on La Cienega (Boulevard)…He was showing love and said he and Nelly were up making music at his house…I went to the house, listened to music…Me and Ali have the same taste…We got together, we created Kinfolk; Sylvia Rhone signed us and we put out an album and a mixtape…We had good success for a group that no one saw coming…We were on a world tour with Nelly — Japan, London, all through Europe, Australia, Netherlands, the World — and had the number one record, “Grillz,” produced by Jermaine Dupri, featuring Paul Wall, Nelly, myself and Ali.

…Then I met back up with CeeLo at the BMI Awards…We were there for our #1 records; “Crazy” for him [Gnarls Barkley] and “Grillz” for me.

…So to answer your question, I stay busy!

Do you have any other outside/additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?

I’m never doing a mixtape again, and don’t expect nothing that’s on (the) mixtape to be on the album. And, I’m looking forward to releasing and working Zagga with L.A. Reid and Sylvia Rhone…You can expect the album to be better than the mixtape!

…I would also like to get more involved in TV and film in a Bigger Way; producing and developing my own projects…

@GippGoodie
By: Todd Davis

Let’s hop right into this brand new studio collection UNSTOPPABLE — Although clearly self-explanatory, still tell me, conceptually, what this title represents both to and for you?

It’s not about being invincible or anything, but the theory that when we partner with God to fulfill our destiny and dreams…Nothing is impossible. That’s when we can really live out the Scriptures that say: “I can do all things through Christ who is my strength” and “All things work together for our good!”

How does UNSTOPPABLE either differ and/or compare to previous VaShawn Mitchell solo efforts?

The sound of ‘Unstoppable’ is fresh and purposely a unique mix of Gospel and Christian sounds to encourage, inspire and empower the listener. Staying true to my style, but pushing the envelope a bit to continue to spread the message to a larger audience.

The set’s latest offering is the exemplary “God My God” — Tell me about this particular composition? How did it actually come to fruition?

Well, not many know that for the last few years I have been ministering and travelling, while enduring chronic back pain. After a small surgery in 2010, there was a threat of another surgery in 2013 but I continued to believe God for healing.  I have memories of my great grandmother, who whenever I would speak to her about problems her response would be, “…mmm God My God!” The message became clear that she knew that regardless of the circumstances, God was still in control. As a result, in this particular message I wanted to glorify God and not my situation.

Reflecting, how did you first discover your musical talent?

Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, the birthplace of Gospel music and home of Thomas Dorsey, Mahalia Jackson, Albertina Walker and so many others, it was no surprise that I developed a great love for Gospel music. Growing up in the Baptist church under a singing pastor and church choir, I immediately was attracted to the music. Rumor has it there are some videos of me directing the choir standing on a folding chair when I was about 7 or 8 *Chuckles* But I will never release them…Ha!

Who have been your greatest inspirations musically and why? 

I have been blessed to have many mentors who have poured into my life along this journey…Donnie McClurkin, BeBe Winans, CeCe Winans, Kirk Franklin, Donald Lawrence, Edwin Hawkins and a few others inspire me to continue to set trends and consistently be uniquely who God created while walking out my assignment on the earth.

How then would you describe and/or define the style of music that you create and perform?

I asked God to allow me to sing, write and produce music that will live longer than I. So to sum it up, I have been used to create music that is timeless…From the early days of “My Worship is for Real” to “Turning Around for Me,” and now “God My God” and so many others.

What do you feel you offer the music industry that we don’t already have in other performers?

A balance that ministers to the church, but also can connect with those who may not attend church or think they can’t. The ability to carry this message that is pure helps birth a new generation of God seekers.

Have you encountered any problems in getting to this point in your career?

The road has been rough. I consider myself as coming in the back door. Growing up around a cornucopia of legendary artists, I was considered “the least of them.” I would write for others and watch them succeed, only to see my own vision diminish. When I tell people this is my 7th music project, they are in awe! Truth is, I was recording without an identity but over the journey was able to find out who I am and most importantly who God wanted me to be.

What do you want people to get from your music?

I want people to get the Gospel message and allow it to be that “go-to”  for inspiration while facing this journey we call life.

On a more serious, are you happy with the current state of Gospel?

I am totally happy with Gospel, because it’s going mainstream and to the world. As for the state of the industry that gospel music is a part of, it saddens me to see that the support of sacred music is going down. I pray that we as a community take a stand and don’t allow the genre of Gospel to diminish due to Industry methods and trends.

And, as an extension to that last question, where exactly do you “fit in” when it comes to today’s current crop of talent?

I am considered one of the Changer-Agents of our generation. Whether through Songwriting, Artist, Production and understanding the importance of Education, I know my assignment is to pave the way for others.

With that being said, how has not only the industry itself, but even more-so VaShawn Mitchell, either changed and/or evolved since your whole inception into music?

VaShawn Mitchell has become VaShawn Mitchell. There was a day that I don’t know who I was, felt like my style was not accepted or fit and so I tried to be like others. Today, I am confident in not only who I am but my divine assignment. It is important that I continue to evolve and grow.

Do you have any other outside/additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from music? 

I am working hard to secure a clothing line which is my personal passion. Also, there have been talks of a movie so we will see what happens with that as well.

What has been your greatest achievement so far?

My greatest achievement so far…Wow, that’s hard!? I have never thought about this or been asked…Let me say that beyond all the awards and exposure, it was my decision to go back to school and obtain a music business degree that has been my greatest decision, and I look forward to the graduation when I can say it has become an achievement.

If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

The one artist I would love to collaborate with would be John Legend. He’s an amazing songwriter and artist whose roots are from the church. I would be honored to write something for him and maybe even perform together.

If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?

I would choose the half-time show at the Super Bowl! It would be the opportunity to have the attention of millions in the stands and watching on TV focused on the greatness of God through music.

One track of yours that you think defines you and why?

“My Worship is For Real”…I’ve been through too much not to worship God!

Is there anything I left out, or just plain forgot to mention?

Keep in touch with me…

Vashawnmitchell.com
Facebook/vashawnmitchell
Twitter/vashawnmitchell
IG/ vashawnmitchell

Tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Janine Foster? And, who exactly are the Mixtape?

It began as soon as I could make a noise. As a toddler, my Dad told me I had the voice of an angel, and at that point I decided I wanted to be a singer. When I was about 5 years old, I had a little microphone and double cassette player where I could record from one tape to the other — remember?! — so I would record myself singing over Mariah’s “Hero.” Not long after, I started writing songs. I was classically trained in singing as a child, too, but I disliked it because I wanted to sing R&B and Soul, so I rebelled against it. I started listening to Hip-Hop; like N.W.A. and Biggie when I was about 12, along with my R&B and pop favorites. When I was 13, I started playing guitar so I could fully perform my own songs. I started going to open mic nights at 14 years old and playing my original songs; I continued playing that through high school. I was also in a ska band at the time. After high school, I went to University and studied a Bachelor of Music. I started to become more experimental; playing with loop pedals and synthesizers and recording myself on the computer. While recording myself and instruments, I started adding beats. I didn’t know at that point that I was producing, but from there I was able to combine all my favorite genres and come up with the sound of Janine and the Mixtape. Janine and the Mixtape is me, my project and sound! It works when it’s just myself on stage with some beats and instruments, and also works when I have a band. The Mixtape stands for the tough, raw vibe of Hip-Hop mix-tapes, and the cute, thoughtful mix-tapes you make for someone you care for. That equals me! The raw, honest, tough, cheesy, thoughtful Mixtape.

Now you are a native of New Zealand, correct? So growing up there, who all did/do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

I am a proud Kiwi girl! I listened to a lot of international and American music. My first influences were Mariah Carey and Celine Dion. Then, Aaliyah, Missy Elliott, Usher, Biggie, Bon Iver, Sigur Rós, (plus) lots of R&B, Hip-Hop and indie music. Also punk and ska, not many people know that.

With that being said, how then would you classify the sound and/or style of the music that you create and perform?

I call my sound Indie R&B or Alternative R&B. It’s a combination of the styles I love the most; the dreamy, ethereal, indie layers…The soulful and smooth R&B vocal tone and melodies…And the badass beats of Hip-Hop.

Your recently released single selection is entitled “Hold Me,'” featuring Pusha T — Tell me about this particular composition? How did it actually come to fruition?

The funny / sweet thing about that is that when I wrote “Hold Me” a few years ago, I was working at a small t-shirt shop in Auckland, New Zealand, while finishing my degree. I would always crank Pusha T in the store. I released “Hold Me” independently just over a year ago, and then a year later it got a sync on Love & Hip Hop Atlanta and it spiked the charts at #2. I always wanted to have a great rapper on the track, so when I recently signed to Atlantic we discussed options and agreed that Pusha T would be amazing. We approached him and he said yes! Now I have an amazing re-release with one of the legends, Mr King Push, who absolutely killed his two verses.

“Hold Me” comes courtesy of your new EP, DARK MIND — Conceptually, what does that title represent both to and for you?

Dark Mind EP is all based around one theme. The idea of going through some heavy things, as most humans have to, and finding the beauty in that pain. The EP developed from just talking about how things became dark in my mind, to actually being grateful because everything I have been through has made me stronger and hopefully it can inspire others to feel the same. “Hold Me” was the one track that I actually admitted to be vulnerable. When we feel our worst we don’t always want to talk, sometimes we just want someone to wrap us up in a blanket and hold us.

What particular string of events led to your initial linking up with Andy Murnane and eventual inking to Little Mixtape Records through Atlantic?

After releasing my original Dark Mind EP mid 2013 — before the pimped out version that (just) dropped — I had been managing myself and trying to find the right fit to move forward. My Visa in the U.S. ran out, and I had to head back to N.Z. at the end of that year. At that time, I had my first sync on Black Ink Crew. Andy (Murnane) was the first person to reach out and tell me I was charting in the U.S.. We’d known each other for a while — most people in N.Z. know each other, haha! — but I respected that he knew what was going on and looked out for me. At the beginning of this year, we decided to work together just in time for my next television sync on Love & Hip Hop Atlanta, which changed everything. It put me on 9 Billboard charts and #2 on the iTunes R&B album charts. The night that it aired, we had messages from most major and indie labels in the U.S., so Andy and I went back to N.Y.C. to meet everyone. We met everyone in a week or two; from lawyers to booking agents to labels to publishing. It was pretty awesome! It was a lot to take in in a short time, but it was fun. When I met Atlantic, it was pretty special. I love the other labels, but Atlantic felt like home. Everyone at the label is smiling and walking around doing things, working. There’s a massive art department. Craig Kallman was responsible for putting Aaliyah, Missy Elliott and Timbaland together, so hearing those stories definitely helped, too! They went hard to get me, but most of all they get the music and wanted to let me go forward with my label, Little Mixtape Records, too. It’s (a) great team.

Longevity, what do you attribute yours to? And, of course, what will continue to sustain you in music?

I believe that the truth is timeless. What’s real, lasts. My music is real; it comes from the heart. I sing, I write, I produce and I love every aspect of music. I have so far to develop, and I’m very excited to learn. I want this forever!

Do you have any other outside/additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?

I aspire to be a good family woman and friend. I know that’s not always easy in this industry, but family is the most important thing. I’d like to build Little Mixtape Records and bring up other artists — I know that’s in music — but I’d like to develop into a strong businesswoman. I have a few charities that I would like to become more involved with. The goal is to do my best to contribute to leaving the world a better place than I entered it in.

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of music?

Sometimes I turn on the radio and feel sad at some of the lack of soul in music and the messages. But, then I think you (know) what, it takes a lot of hard work to write and perform a great pop song, and if it makes people happy who am I to judge? All we can control is ourselves. So with that in mind, I am happy with where my music is at, but aware of how much better I can become.

To date, what has been your biggest career moment, at least thus far anyway?

This year, as a whole, has been pretty massive. Signing my deal with Atlantic Records was pretty massive for me, and it made my family so proud. There was a few happy tears on that Little Mixtape X Atlantic contact.

What’s next for Janine and the Mixtape?

I have the music for the next EP / album, so I’m in the studio recording that now and getting ready for next year’s releases. I’m also working on some videos, touring, photos…Heaps!

Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?

I think you did a pretty awesome job, thank you!

Any “closing” thought(s) for our readers?

I’d just like to mention how grateful I am to everyone for the support they have given me. I’m excited to be at the beginning of a long and wonderful journey. Thank you so much HYPE Magazine for letting me share my story and asking such thoughtful questions! xx

@Janine_Mixtape
By: Todd Davis

Prior to now, you’ve been somewhat under the radar since Girlfriends went off the air in early 2008 — Just to catch everyone up to speed, where have/had you been? And, what all exactly have/had you been up to, both personally and professionally speaking, during this career hiatus?

After GIRLFRIENDS, I wanted to just immerse myself in the indie film world. I LOVED GIRLFRIENDS and playing Maya [Denise Wilkes], but, of course, as an actress I was dying to get my feet wet with some other characters. I did a movie called the INHERITENCE, which awarded me an ABFF [American Black Film Festival] Award for Best Actress in a Dramatic Movie. It felt good to play a different role. Shortly after that, I got pregnant and had a child…Which kinda slowed things down…Obviously..Haha! Which was great because just as GOD would have it, we are forced to do his plan sometimes over ours. I wanted to spend time with my daughter and not JUMP right back into work. But, shortly after Dakota was 3, I went back to work shooting over half the season of HART OF DIXIE for The CW.  Many people saw it and loved it! However, was not on social media then, so you had to catch it by knowing about it. That show brought about a whole new fan-base. Also, did TV LAND’S The EXES.

You recently returned to television via TV One’s new reality series vehicle, Hollywood Divas — How did this whole situation actually come to fruition?

Well….I must say, I never thought in a million years I would do a REALITY show! Hahaha! But now that I have, I pretty much feel I can handle anything! Hahaha! My manager got the call from Carlos King’s camp [The Real Housewives of Atlanta], and basically said they wanted to see me. The premise was a show about African American actresses and our journey and struggles in the business; how we maintain, how we celebrate our wins and ultimately come together to actually put a show together on a show. I thought, “Wow, I have never seen that done before!” I thought it was a novel take on a genre that I was not too familiar with.

It’s still early on in season one, but how are you enjoying the experience thus far?

YES! …I mean, look all I can do is speak my truth. The world of REALITY is interesting; it’s kinda like rooting for your favorite team…Either you want that team to win or lose…Haha! It’s so different from scripted TV; you can hide behind a character, but in REALITY it is all you front court and center. Also, that lovely part of what we do that we have NO control over is EDITING…So you just hope for the best.

On it, you are joined by fellow cast-mates; Paula Jai Parker, Elise Neal, Countess Vaughn and Lisa Wu — Truthfully, how do you all really get along?

ABSOLUTELY! I love each and every one of those women. I have learned a lot from each of them.

Because it has been billed as a “reality” show, does this mean that it is 100% unscripted TV?

Yes, it is totally unscripted! Some scenarios we know about, because we all come together for a project on the show. It’s kind of like doing an improv class; you have got be on your game…From an acting technical standpoint, REALITY TV is a great acting exercise. You have to be very in touch with whatever emotion is going on in your life at that moment.

When did you first become interested in acting?

I have always been in love with the arts; I must give kudos and thanks to my hero, my mother. She was a hard working single mother who with very limited resources kept my older brother and I engaged in activities. Mine, of course, at a very young age were the arts; dance, theater, ice skating…She took me to the opera when I was like 6 and said, “I will never allow our socioeconomic status prevent us from exposure.” So my mother was so influential in my love for the arts……Did Shakespeare plays in high school, did summer stock (theatre) and danced for a ballet company for 6 years. It all spilled over into my schooling; UC BERKELEY and SARAH LAWRENCE…Continued to do theater in New York City.

From a professional stand-point, when did it all begin for Golden Brooks?

I have to say that my first introduction to Hollywood and my career was when I booked the SHOWTIME series called LINC’S. Tim Reid produced it; starring Pam Grier. It was my first job out of grad school, and it brought me to L.A.; I was soooo excited! From that, it spring boarded so many opportunities for me; GIRLFRIENDS being one of them.

Now you are a native of the San Francisco, CA, Bay Area, correct? So growing up, who all were/are some of your strongest influences?

I love being from Berkeley! I grew up also in Daly City; another part of the Bay Area. My mother was/is my biggest influence. My father, who is a college professor, also was a huge inspiration. Even though he and my mother separated when I was young, my father was very political. And, growing up in the Bay Area during the ’70’s, African Americans we were very strong in our fight for equality.  My dad moved the family to Africa — Nigeria — so he could do research. I feel very privileged to have had that experience. And then as a writer, the likes of the late female poet June Jordan. I have always been inspired by strong black female speakers. Tupac’s mother Afeni Shakur has always moved me. Growing up in The Bay, it’s hard to not be an activist. I also spent some time in L.A. when I hit my teens.

Success, define yours?

Honesty…TRUTH…GOD FIRST! …Being able to provide for my daughter from doing what I love. Staying true to your art or passion, no matter what. Being able to give back to young girls, staying true to who your are no matter the magnitude of the storm, always stay rooted in who you are and where you come from. IGNORE the negative; always follow light, love and compassion.

Longevity, what do you attribute yours to? And, what will continue to sustain you in this grueling business of entertainment?

My faith in GOD and my love for my family keep me grounded. My amazing friends and support system. Listen…This is the toughest business anyone could ever get into, you are at the mercy of others to say, “YES…You got the job!” That being said, even with the rejection all artists know in their hearts that they are doing what their spirit tells them.

Do you have any other outside/additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?

Yes, I love writing! Have been working on a few literary projects and design. Working on some interior design endeavors. And, love working with kids.

To date, what has been your biggest career moment?

Wow! I think when I worked Pam Grier and Holly Hunter; admire them both. And, don’t think it ever gets old to see yourself plastered on a billboard…Hahaha! Also, when I gave my first acceptance speech for my first award; I cried on stage.

Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years down the line, where do you see yourself?

…I see myself writing mainly and teaching.

As for the immediate future, what’s next for you, Miss Brooks?

Two movies in the can…Up for something currently…Shh! And, working on my book…AND being a mom!

Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?

I am supporting this new hair company called PINK AND PRETTY HAIR [www.pinkandprettyhair.com]. Portions of their funds go to support women who have battled CANCER. PLEASE support them! We all know someone who is struggling or has lost their struggle to the illness.

Do you have any “closing” thoughts for our readers?

I want to thank and continue to thank my fans and supporters. I know on Hollywood Divas, (it) is sometimes harsh…Haha! But, the show does have a silver lining and please keep watching to see it unfold.

@therealgolden47
By: Todd Davis