Off The Record With Georgette Pierre

It's that time of year again and this year is a little more special. Off the Record is celebrating its five year anniversary and what better way to do it then to have our yearly roundtable discussion on what set 2014 off in music and social media (i.e. Rihanna back on IG, Elevatorgate with Solange and Jay Z, Mike Brown and Eric Garner protests throughout the country). We'll also be making our 2015 projections. My guests are feisty and know their sh*t. Tune in and I'll let you be the judge.  Past guests have included comedian and ThisIs50 host Jack Thriller, past VIBE Vixen editor, Nicole McGloster, producer Statik Selektah, rapper and songwriter Skillz, and more.  Follow all things Off the Record (OTR) and join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook by using the hashtag #OTRWithGP.  Subscribe to our free podcast on iTunes, tunein, and Stitcher.

With roots from the streets of Colombia all the way to the state of Virginia, my next guest is an artist you didn’t see coming and she likes it that way. Doing whatever she wants, 19 year old singer, rapper, and director, Kali Uchis, gives off a fearless yet rebellious IDGAF approach to her style and we like it. Currently working on new music under the Hollafame label imprint, Kali’s buzz continues to grow as she readies a fall release. The singer stops by to chat her upcoming EP, major artist collaborations, and her "What They Say" single getting co-signed by Snoop Lion. Plus I run down the OTR (Off the Record) Report including personal tidbits and my backstage recap of the 2013 MTV VMAs. Use the hashtag #OffTheRecordWithGP on Twitter and Facebook to join in on the discussion. Email your comments and questions to info@georgettepierre.com. Subscribe to the free podcast on iTunes, tunein radio app, and now Stitcher radio app.

From Blue Ivy (Jay Z and Beyonce) and North (Kanye and Kim K) to Apple (Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin) and Jermajesty (Jermaine Jackson), celebrities are taking baby names to a new level. But what about the children who aren’t born to wealthy and/or famous parents? How will their name affect them growing up and in the workforce? Studies show that racial bias still exists in hiring especially when it comes to “commonly used” African-American names. My guests, Jennifer Moss, author of “The One-in-a-Million Baby Name Book” and curator of babynames.com and Tami Cook, an aesthetician, who decided to shorten her name because of her profession, join me to discuss their take on the baby naming phenomenon and whether that can truly determine the success of a child.   Plus I also run down the OTR (Off the Record) Report including personal tidbits and pop culture news that will be sure to make you blush…maybe. Use the hashtag #OffTheRecordWithGP on Twitter and Facebook to join in on the discussion. Email your comme

Bobby V is currently promoting his upcoming EP, Peach Moon. During our interview, Bobby dished on the recording process, learning to play the piano, and if he's recently been bit by the love bug. I also run down the Off the Record (OTR) Report with the latest pop culture headlines and personal tidbits.

Entering the Julliard School of Music at the age of 9, violinist Damien Escobar has already received critical acclaim alongside his brother Tourie, for their work, collecting two Emmy awards, selling over a million copies of their album, performing for two past Presidents, and even placing third on season three of America's Got Talent. So what does one do after they seemed to have accomplished it all? Keep rising to the top. With his solo mixtape out called Sensual Melodies, Damien Escobar, better known as Dame Esco, stops by to talk his journey to greatness, his philanthropic efforts, and his mixtape Sensual Meldoies. Plus I run down the OTR (Off the Record) Report including personal tidbits and pop culture news that will be sure to make you blush…maybe.

Bringing you two shows in one, I sit down with an upcoming artist from the DMV area then dig deep into the relationship trenches to break down what I call the concept of fade aways. From meeting a Rock N Roll Hall of Famer that changed one guest’s life to understanding why a guy or girl you once dated all of a sudden stopped calling you, my guests and I get into all. Plus I run down the OTR (Off the Record) Report including personal tidbits and pop culture-esque news that will make you blush…maybe. Subscribe to the free podcast on iTunes and now stream it for free on the TuneIn radio app.

In a generation of fleeting messages and drive by hellos, social media and phone apps are starting to replace some forms of intimacy and face time (no not the Apple product). In a span of a few years, millennials went from texting to sexting, late night creeping with a sexy trench coat on to an iPhone app called Snapchat. It’s as if convenience has replaced imagination. A note on your doorstep with the scent of Burberry perfume that you have to mail or a half naked picture that you can roll over and view in your bed…most of us have been there. The dichotomy is unreal so I’m choosing to go a little bit deeper. Pun intended. Join me as my guests break down their Intima-Tude (intimacy views) and the evolution of what I call pseudo-intimacy. Are you a sexter or a late night creeper? Email your questions and comments to info@georgettepierre.com for an opportunity of it being read on air.

In a previously recorded special edition of Off the Record with Georgette Pierre, I took my radio show on the road. While in LA, I met up with Grammy nominated producer, Mason Levy, known for his work on Justin Bieber's hit single "Boyfriend", Maroon 5's "Daylight", and much more…all at the age of 22. We met up in beautiful Pasadena and what was so inspiring about his story was his humility, having achieved his level of success at such a young age but his drive to tell his story through what he loves to do. Having signed a publishing deal at such a young age, his story is nowhere near over and our conversation was just the beginning.

Women have always known way before Beyonce’s song, “Girls (Run the World)”, that we possess a lot of power and can hold our own but it isn’t just enough to say that especially in male dominated industries like media and entertainment. The backbiting, the glass ceiling, challenges that women face opposed to men, and even what defines the characteristics of the New Age Woman are constantly being debated. In celebration of Women’s History Month, my guests join me tonight to discuss their views on powerhouse women in media, women that have inspired them in their fields, and how their experiences shaped their views on supporting other women. Plus I’ll run down the latest headlines in pop culture news with my friend/budding comedian @NormmyNorm. Subscribe to our free podcast on iTunes. 

Each year brings a new artist, a new song, a new album, and a crazy story to accompany it. 2012 has produced some epic moments in music history and my featured guests will deliberate on it. Young Jack Thriller, comedian and host of So Disrespectful on ThisIs50.com, Ryan, a Sony/Columbia label rep, plus Niki McGloster, editor of Vibe Vixen, musing about pop culture for a living, will join me to break down the hot and not moments of 2012 and cast their projections for 2013. Plus I have a special announcement for the New Year.  This show marks my three year anniversary so expect nothing short of interesting from my guests as well as our 2013 projections. Don't say I didn't warn you.

From fashion shows to discovering her love for music at a young age, Devyn Rose, formerly known by the moniker Tanya T6, was always a singer and songwriter at heart. Performing at different venues and showcases, particularly a BMI showcase, lead her to be discovered by multi-platinum producer, Dame Grease.  Receiving support from friends and family, she went on to release a mixtape that garnered radio support nationally and internationally. Having worked behind the scenes with various artists including French Montana, N.O.R.E., Jae Millz, and more, the songstress is no stranger to the industry. Gearing up for her new EP, the songstress stops by to discuss her fashion edgy style, visions for her new EP, and how she sees it all coming together. Check out the video for her new single, ‘Pieces’.

  With a powerhouse uncle named Shawn Carter a.k.a. Jay-Z, one can assume that the pursuit of music was in his blood due to his family connection; but he refuses to stand in his shadow. Holding his own at a young age, Mel Carter was inspired to turn his poetry into rhymes, thus spawning his first release back in 2009 called Certified. Gearing up for his sophomore project, he recently released the first single titled Dark Shades, inspired by the experience and obstacles he’s faced as an emerging artist.  With a strong team behind him, Mel stops by to discuss his work ethic, being a popular stranger, and his personal goals for his music and his life.

  Considered a living legend in hip hop history and being part of a staple rap duo that ignited a path on the Southern rap scene, 8 Ball has earned more than his fair share of respect in the music industry. Known as the other half of rap group 8 Ball and MJG, his music credits span nearly two decades.  With his new single out called Good Girl, Bad Girl, 8 Ball is back with his first solo album since 1998.  Enlisting artists for his new LP from hip hop, reggae, and R&B genres, 8 Ball drops by to discuss his Life’s Quest, being legendary, and the future of the Southern rap scene. Subscribe to our free podcast on iTunes. 

  First stepping out on the scene as a member of 90s R&B group, Mista, Bobby V’s solo career kicked off when he released his first single “Slow Down”. Having received a lot of radio and television airplay, it reached number 10 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart, thus solidifying his music career as a successful solo artist. His signature sound has been heard on hit singles with artists including Ludacris, Lil’ Wayne, Nicki Minaj, and more. Back with his fifth studio album, he released the first single titled Mirror, featuring Lil Wayne, that’s sure to heat up the summer. With his own label imprint, Blu Kolla Dreams, and a charitable foundation for the youth, he continues to create opportunities for those to live their dreams as well. Bobby V stops by to discuss his new album, his charitable foundation, and releasing music on his terms.

With acting credits that span performance theatre, television dramas and soap operas, such as Law & Order and One Life to Live, along with major box office films, Nicoye Banks continues to showcase his diversity. With an upcoming role in T.D. Jakes new film, Woman Art Thou Loosed: On the 7th Day, Nicoye joins me to dish details on his new role, his experience working with T.D. Jakes, and his community based projects in his hometown of New Orleans.

50,000 women strong, non-profit organization, GirlTrek has been inspiring and influencing women and young girls throughout the country to take strides in the right direction for their health. What started off as a routine phone conversation between Vanessa Garrison and Tanya Morgan Dixon, later evolved into women feeling empowered and living more a fulfilled life, yearly fitness training programs, a national walking campaign, and much more.   Taking steps towards social activism by focusing on public health, Vanessa joins me to discuss how her life has changed since GirlTrek, the goals and vision for the organization, and how you can get involved including their annual national walking campaign taking place nationwide.

  With the younger generation being ushered in and traditional ways seemingly being ushered out, it’s hard to think that one would expect being talked to or treated a certain way until now. The topic of chivalry and societal expectations of how men should treat women has been distortions and the lack thereof has become all too commonplace. With contradicting images of women being disrespected and misogynistic lyrics ringing loud in speaker boxes everywhere, is it a surprise that some women may accept less than what they deserves? Or men treating women less than what they want to put effort into? From various conversations with guy and girl friends, I would hear a range of views on what happened to chivalry in our day and age.  Most women think chivalry is dead. Some men may beg to differ citing women are partially to blame for that. But are they? Having experienced both the disrespect and the utmost respect, I thought this conversation would be interesting to say the least. Ranging from the super, chivalr

  For my cooking enthusiasts and foodies alike, you may have seen him as the winner of the first season of Bravo TV’s Rocco’s Dinner Party. Inspired at a young age to become a chef, Joe Johnson lends his talents as executive sous chef of a dining institute among other things. Creating menus for underground super-club events, he’s also the co-founder of culinary social networking site, http://urpalate.com, with plans to launch his own lifestyle drink the early part of this year. Deemed The Golden Chef by some of his friends and closest peers, Chef JJ joins me to discuss his success after winning on Bravo TV, the launch of his new lifestyle drink, and what separates his cooking style from the rest. Subscribe to our free podcast on iTunes.

  Working for any national sports organization seems like a dream job for any sports enthusiast including the perceived perks. But what about women who work for these all male organizations? How are they treated? Are the barriers to entry different for women than men? Well my guests, Saudia Mitchell and Jamere McKnight, join me to discuss their experiences on working in sports entertainment and the New Orleans Hornets respectively, their career goals, and if that still includes a future in the sports world.

  Producer, writer, and director with credits that span various major box office films, music videos, documentaries, and more, are just a few titles that describe TV/film/music industry veteran Tee Smith. With over 10 years in the game, Tee has worked with many notable directors and artists including Spike Lee, John Singleton, Hype Williams, Jay-Z, and Nas to name a few. Tee’s dynamic storytelling is heavily sought after and highly regarded by many in the industry. From in front of the camera to behind the camera, Tee Smith joins me to discuss his expertise in film, television, and music, why it’s important to see more young men and women of color behind the camera, and his insight on breaking into the most coveted industry.