Sherman Johnson was born and raised in the streets of Wyandotte County in KCK. Violence, drugs, and crime was all through the streets in which Sherman grew up in. Being blessed to have both of his parents in his life, they quickly realized that moving out of the hood was going to be the best way to keep him from being another "statistic". Although he was finally out the hood, he still had his peers there, and wanted to inspire them to get out while they could. 

Shaun John tha Hustler's approach to the music industry, was the same way he became a boss in the streets. Forming the Twilight Gang rap and the Black Diamond Clothing line, Shaun John is on the fast track to becoming a mogul in the industry. Shaun is a growing inspiration to his community and more importantly the daily struggles of today black males.

A strong message to black males that he is trying to get across, " I want my message to be that it's a better way other than a thug lifestyle. You have a choice as a person. You have a choice as a black man. I want kids to know you can overcome anything with faith and dedication."

In 2014, Shaun tha Hustler released his first internet album, Audio Crack. It is Shaun's point of views of how the streets were when he was growing up. This early in the grind, he has proven that he has the drive and ambition to become a successful artist. 

Make sure you tune in this Wednesday, 6/3/2015 from 5-6 pm CST to Happy Hour with Etchi for more info about both his clothing line and music!! 

Brandoshis Video Release- "Slowoa"

Brandoshis came through on Happy Hour with Etchi last month, and played this song on the air. This is my favorite song by him, an he just released the video. So it's only right I show him some love and share it with my followers. Want to hear more of music, check him out on facebook Brandoshis, and also he has a lot of videos on YouTube. 

Kid Swagga will be in the Building on 6/3/2015

Make sure you tune in on Wednesday to Happy Hour with Etchi. "The Turn Up King" himself  will be in the building. This artist was born and raised in Kansas City, MO. Attending Ruskin High School, he and a couple of friends were dance performers. He always drove the ladies wild. The Man got swag and his energy on the stage is great. He started rapping at age 10; so he mixed in his passion for dance and his talent of rap and there you have it, KID SWAGGA!!! He has currently dropped his album, "The No Name Album", and has been promoting it through his tours around the Midwest. Tune in on Wednesday from 5-6 pm CST to hear his music and to find out more about the upcoming artist.

Pics from Last Night Interview

From left to right..... UCM Graduate, Shianna Burgett, Owner of Hero's New York Griddle, Daniel Marrero, My #1 Supporter, Tre Carter and Myself 

Blessed to have the opportunity to do something I LOVE to do. Wednesdays are my FAVORITE day of the week

ALL My Grads STAND UP!!! - Shianna Burgett

What do you look forward most after graduating high school? That's a question seniors hear all the time. Whether your plans include college, heading straight to the workforce, or even taking a year off, it's all nerve wrecking. High School graduation is very important because it is the start of a new journey! 

Of course parents like to hear that their child will be going straight to college after high school. That's a ultimate goal and dream in any parents life. Some students see college as a major goal, when in all reality it is simply a stepping stone to bigger life achievements. Part of the adventure is figuring out who you are and your worth value. Some think that once they go to college, it's party time!! Yes you are an adult, and but if you are not focused and dedicated it's easy to be back on the 1st train back home. 

Going to college is a stepping stone; but actually graduating is an ACHIEVEMENT. Congrats to College Graduates!!! So, what's next for you after college?

This is Graduation Season. We have kids going from Middle School to High School, High School to College, and last but not least College Students graduating. On Wednesday, 5/20 I will have a College Graduate, Shianna Burgett in the building. This woman is very smart and educated. 

Attended University of Central Missouri (UCM) for both undergraduate and graduate studies. She received her Bachelor of Arts in English and her Master of Arts in Teaching with a certification in Secondary English (9-12). She has considered furthering her education at Indiana State University for an Urban Education Studies Doctoral Program. 

I asked her about her future plans, she smiled and said she loves serving. Meaning, she loves working in the realm of education and social services. Ultimately, she wants to start a foundation that serves underprivileged youth and young adults who are willing and ready to take an active role in becoming successful in all realms of their lives. Services will range from career and interview preparation to tutoring and financial assistance.

Shianna Burgette is a young educated African American woman. Women Empowerment best describe this 25 year old. She has goals and aspiration. 

Last question I ask, " What is your purpose in Life" She didn't have to stop and think about it, she said, "I plan on building my expertise through experiences in both the education system and urban community. Ah! I'm just a young girl trying to make a difference in my community." 

Make sure you tune into Happy Hour with Etchi this Wednesday to hear her journey and the advice she can give those who are starting their first year of college this August.

KC Gets a Taste of NYC Dominic Dishes

In Kansas City, MO, Power & Light and Westport are big spots to drink and enjoy yourself. After 2 am, there are 100's of hungry people walking around in search for food. There are at least a dozen kitchen trailers that ranges from Hot dogs to Giros. If one parties every weekend, you get tired of seeing the same trailers, sale the same food. Well, turn that frown upside down because the wait is over! KC is about to get hit with some good ole' Dominican Dishes.

Daniel Marrero is the owner of Hero's New York Griddle. It's a 16X8 family owned and operated kitchen trailer serving classic American meals with a variety of Dominican dishes. It's been a year in the making for Hero's to come to KCMO. The family is not only excited for the new venture of the business, but also for the reaction of the people. See, what sets them apart from other food trucks here in KC is their Dominican food. Hero's NY Griddle will be the first food trailer to sale Dominican food in the State of Missouri. No competition!!! 

Plus in our initial meet, Mr. Marrero stated that he guarantee that the public will hunt them down to get a plate of their finger lickin' daily special meals. I'm excited. Are you?

They intend on doing business locally in Kansas City and Independence area. They also cater!! Like their page on Facebook: facebook.com/herosnewyorkgriddle and also follow on Twitter to get their location; @herosnygriddle. Check them out on social media for the grand opening event specials. I was told to try their succulent roast pork and slamming empanadas. Uhmm... hmmm... Sounds tasty!!

So now you have it, Hero's New York Griddle will be bringing NY street eats to the corners of KC and Independence, MO.

The Marrero's will be in the building on Wednesday, 5/20 from 5-6 pm on Happy Hour with Etchi to discuss more about the business. Make sure you tune and welcome Hero's to KCMO

THIS WEEK SHOW

  
  
  
  
  

LAST WEEK RECAP

   
   

KC Poet is Taken her Talent to NYC- Chevalya Ball

So we all know the children rhyme, "Sticks and Stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me." There is one KC Poet that has DEFINITELY proved that rhyme wrong. Miss Chevalya Ball has a talent that many wish they had. She writes what is called spoken word. It's deeper than writing a 12 line poems rhyming. Spoken word poetry is poetry written to perform in front of a audience. Because it is performed, this type of poetry tends to demonstrate a heavy use of rhythm, free lancing of words, word play, slang, and the tempo in the voice adds to the mood of the poem. Chevalya Ball is a beast when it comes to the word play and expressing herself.

Of course practice makes perfect. Chevalya has been writing since the age of 14. She stated that writing her feelings down on paper, helped her cope with a lot of pain. As she gotten older, she started realizing that power lies in the power of the tongue, and started to use her voice instead of pen and paper. She uses her talent of Spoken Word Poetry to encourage, uplift, and spread the message that God is real.

I asked what or who is her biggest motivation; her answer, her beautiful three kids. Now as focused as ever, she is now chasing her dreams and won't stop until she makes it. Taking what she has been through she has created a team called Team MirrorView, " I see me, but can you see you?" Stop and reread that. It's power in that. Team MirrorView focuses on spreading the message of taking a mirror and to see yo for you because that is where the change starts. Within yourself!

Motivated to move souls, Chevalya will be blessing New York this week with her words of encouragement. With her taking the leap of faith her goal is to try to go nationwide so poetry can be heard on the radio. Through Christ All things are Possible!!

Before she leaves on Thursday, she will be in the building on Happy Hour with Etchi from 5-6 pm CST on May 15,2015 spitting and reaching souls with her words of encouragement. Plus we are going to talk about her trip to NYC and Team MirrorView. You don't want to miss out because the woman is not only talented, but very inspirational. Her words are powerful. Plus KC we have to show our people some love and support.

Meet the International Haitian DJ, Vico DjFlip - On Show 5/13/15

For nine years, Vico DjFlip has thrown a Haitian Flag and Haitian Independence Day event in Kansas City, Mo. But for the first time he will be traveling 1,461 miles to Miami, FL. Book your flight now; Vico will be taking his talent as a DJ to Miami. It is the city where over 40,000 Haitian descents resides!!! 

Vico DjFlip was born in Haiti. Him and his family came to the US when he was 11 years old. He had stated that he was one among those who was blessed to have traveled to the US with his whole family. Many weren't able to do that.The family moved to the US with the motivation to have a better life. Education was #1. In Haiti education cost; but in the US it was free. His parents did what was best for their family. 

In our initial greet, he made it clear, "My Love for my Country and Flag is like going to the moon and back." 

I asked him, when did he discover the love of music. He explained that he had grown up in a Christian home and going to service hyped him up due to the beat of the drums and the rest of the instruments. So at the age of 12 he began singing in the church choir. By 16 him and a couple of his friends started a group. Tapping into his singing and rapping skills! He was that teenager walking down the street carrying their stereo around blasting music. Vico started attending events playing music that no one heard before. That lead him  to making mixed cds. His choice f music started attracting a crowd so he started throwing house parties to Receptions. But the day Vico really realized his passion as a DJ, was in 2006 when he DJ for the Haitian Independence Party. Vico DjFlip ended with, " After that year, I felt like nothing could stop me. So I kept it going and its still going!"

Make sure you tune in to Happy Hour with Etchi on May 15, 2015. Not only will we be chatting with Vico DjFlip, but he will also be spinning the 1's and 2's ALL hour!! 

History of Haiti's National Flag Day - L'Union Fait La Force ( "Unity Makes Strength")

The flag of Haiti is a bicolour flag featuring two horizontal bands; blue and red, and in the center of the flag there is a white color panel bearing the Coat of Arms. The Coat of Arms reflects a trophy of weapons ready to defend not only freedom, but also a royal palm of independence. The palm is topped with, what is known as the Cap of Liberty.At the bottom  of the white panel, There is a scroll that reads the motto, L'Union Fait La Force

("Unity Makes Strength")

The Haitian Flag is a symbol of pride for many Haitians. The Haitian Flag is the oldest flag in the world: May 18, 1803, the birth of Haiti's National Flag Day. With that being said, from that forth on, May 18th has been a very important and festive day. Just to describe in detail the importance of this day, schools all over the country have patriotic songs and dance competitions in the street, attracting thousands. It is a custom for the President to give a speech and give the history of the birth of the Haiti's flag. 

Festivals are held in cities such as; New York, Miami, Montreal, Quebec and Paris. These are cities where people of  Haitians descent are prevalent.   

Next Monday is the 212th Anniversary of the Haiti's Flag. 

This Country has truly shown and demonstrated that Unity Makes Strength!!

http://www.hougansydney.com www.crwflags.com/haiti 

Guest on the show for 5/6/15- Noelia Marrero

Noelia Marrero born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, became a mother at age 17. She is a proud mother of three young boy; 17, 14, 12 years old. Being a single parent hasn't been an easy journey. All mothers can agree to that!! Being a single mother having to work long hours to support the kids has been very hard. Something Noelia still struggles with, considering time spent with your kids is the most valuable thing you can give to a child. Having to balance putting food on the table, putting clothes on their back, and managing everything else has been a constant struggle. Noelia is the true definition of a mother. She states that her love for her children has always motivated her to never give up. She states that the guidance and help from her own mother was priceless. She appreciates her mother for the help that has been given from a child to she becoming a mother herself. At our initial meet, she praised her mother for raising her and teaching her right from wrong. Noelia feels that because her mother was such a great teacher and disciplinary: it has made it easier to teach her kids. She explained that her mother has never turned her back on her, and was always a leaning hand when her help was needed. The Golden Rule of a Mother's Love, Noelia's mother taught her: " I let you fall, not because I don't love you or don't care; but because you have to fall and get back up in order to learn." - Priceless

Make sure you tune in and listen to the stories and advise that we as mothers have to offer.

Mother's Day Special on Happy Hour with Etchi

As we know, Mother's Day is on May 10th. We will start the celebration on this Wednesday on Happy Hour with Etchi. I have a beautiful single mother of three young boys, Noelia Marrero. We will be discussing about the endless jobs of being a mother. How our Mothers taught us and raised us. We will touch the subject of how this generation of younger mothers are different. Talking from the upbringings to raising their children today. Nowadays you hear on the news how mothers are killing, misusing, and abusing their child. It is sad. But yes, this is a show you definitely do not want to miss. 

Definition of a Mother: A mother doesn't always like their child, but they LOVE them. From the day they were born, a child will test a mother's patience; that's why a mother's love is defined as unconditional. The meaning of being a mother is virtually endless. A mother is a teacher, provider, doctor, and disciplinary. A mother is the closest thing to God, because they create and give birth (life). A mother is a loving and selfless person, that sacrifices a lot of their wants to better equipped and take care of their children. Being a mother is the hardest but most rewarding job a woman will ever experience!!! 

LAST-NIGHT SHOW PICS RECAP

  
  
  
  
  

Brandoshis will be in the Building on 4/29/15

Make sure you tune in on 4/29/15 and get to know Brandoshis and his music! He is a great Music Artist. To label his music with a specific genre would be insufficient as he simply transcends genres to create that is his own. He has a mix of Club dancing, rapping, and singing. This artist is currently receiving spins in the clubs a s well as on the radio. Residing in Kansas City, MO; an area that is known for its rich history of music. 

Brandoshis began recording shortly after high school. He started performing at venues, skate rinks, and schools in states such as: Alabama, Georgia, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Texas. Brandoshis has been the opening act for B-Hamp, Charlie Boy, DJ Yung Nation, Kirko Bangz, Hakeem the Dream, Louisiana Ca$h, and many more. During this tour of being he was invited to attend 106 & Park and the BET Awards, where he was had the honor to sit on the second row. Shortly after, he was featured in the ATL HotBlock Magazine and won a award for best upcoming NEW artist. 

Brandoshis is currently working on his first original Mixtape. He is certainly a dedicated young man who stays working hard and is currently on tour now.

Again, I have TWO great artists who will be in the building. Both talented, ambitious, and from KCMO!!!! Hands UP!!!

I've Officially Been Immortalized.... Happy Hour with Etchi Logo...

This logo will be ALL over the place... I'm speaking it to existence on 4/27/15

I thank Thomas the Designer Ross (Graphic Designer who was on the show on 4/1/15) for taking the time to make a dream into reality!! 

Business cards, shirts, and hats will be out soon. To inquire about any apparel, contact me on Facebook/ Happy Hour with Etchi

Thank you for your support!!

Pics from show on 4/22

The goofiness that goes on in the studio

 

Allie and Tellz enjoying themselves

 

1st Lady, Allie.... Etchi... Tellz ( After the show) 

 

Love shouldn't be defined as male and female. It's clear to see these ladies are happy!! Four years strong... Beautiful

 

Had a blast with this beautiful couple

 

Things got hot!! You see I'm shocked. lol

 

Stand Up!! It's Time to Acknowledge KC's Best MCs: Holly Mayfield will be in the Studio on 4/29/15

And it falls in this order: Man first, Hustler second, and Artist ALL day. The streets made Antwon Smith but Hip-Hop created Holly Mayfield. He can be described as the humblest, hungriest, and hard working under-rated hip hop legends in music. Born in Chicago, IL, Holly learned from a young age life wasn't always the, "American Dream." With no father figure, and mother being a single parent; he watched as his mother pinched pennies and go through all the struggles Chi-town was made of. Where boys were taught to be men by ten, Holly joined the lifestyle that could only lead to two places: jail or the grave. Getting everything fast but watching everything moving: it was the block where he then started recognizing his witty wordplay and sharpened his spitting skill in more than one way. Noticing a change in him, his mother uprooted him from his childhood home, Chicago to another city dear to his evolution, Kansas City,MO. Trying to get on the right path, and redeem himself, he graduates from Northside High, and attended college, just to drop out and pursue his passion....
Hip-Hop.
With Holly's influences of artist being Billie Holiday, Michael Jackson,Biggie, and the likes of Jay-Z, he then created his own his own style, "Trapper turned Rapper with a Slight Dapper." With more than ten discography under his belt, Holly still remains humble. His latest, "Underdog" EP not only shows him being transparent and technical, but in tuned to the new age generation. When asked, "Where do you see yourself in the future of Hip-Hop with it being such a hard industry to break into?" He simply replies, "No matter if I make or not, I am following my the passion I've had since a child, and that's music." He ends it with a laugh and say, "But believe me, I'm going to make it!!!"

The man is talented!!! Make sure to tune into, "Happy Hour with Etchi" on www.gennmedia.com or tunein.com/gennmediaradio on 4/29/15 from 5-6 pm CST. If you have never heard his music, 4/29 will be the time to do so..... Plus you know I'll be asking all the questions and really getting to know, Mr. Holly Mayfield.

HOT TOPIC!!!! Get into the mind of a Intergaycial Couple on 4/22/15

Tomorrow will be a hot topic. The reason I say this because gay marriage is still not fully accepted in the community. Yes we have certain states that have finally legalized it, but yet they are still being looked down upon. The government is asking about the well being children growing up in that type of environment. It seems OK to be a couple that swings, or for Ole dude to have a girlfriend that has a girlfriend. but what not OK for a gay couple to be happily in love? Uhmm...I know in the New and Old Testament of the Bible , it states that a man and woman should be married as one; but time has changed. If one loves that person, man to man, woman to woman; who are we to judge?

I have this beautiful Intergaycial couple coming in the building so we can discuss the challenges and the good of being not only a lesbian couple but an interracial lesbian couple. I met them about 2 years ago. They are the happiest, I've seen any couple: gay or straight? Tellz and Allie have been together for over 3 years. They met over facebook and over time met and their hearts immediately connected. Of course at the beginning their relationship they had friends who had their own opinions. Tellz friends thought Allie was Boogey ( we'll ask her what that means in detail!) and Allie friends thought Tellz was a little to hood for the Country gal! But they have shown and taught each other so many different things. Things they've never seen before. Til this day they still do: Allie say, that's what keeps them going!

TODAY'S SHOW WITH DASH

I want to thank  Dash for coming in the building, supporting GENN MEDIA 

It got HOT in the place!!! Had a lot of Fun

10 years of friendship.... D. Clyde and A. Bonnie until the Wheels Fall Off !!!!

Of Course my #1 supporter was in the building... Every Mother needs that Child 

2015 iS MY Year!!!

               So, I'm sitting here at Applebee's in Grandview, MO and preparing for the show for tonight. I'm smiling and recapping my previous year;  I have to say I am truly blessed in the year of 2015. Last year was so rocky from family to going to jail for stupidity. I've grown and learn so much. As a young woman, I use to think I knew everything and NO ONE could tell me what to do and how to do it. But then I started going through things that would later break me down, almost took me to a state of depression. Yes, I was raised in church but my faith was not strong enough. I questioned God and we all know you aren't suppose to do that. October 2014 I remember drinking my life away, called my ex husband and told him I think he should take care of our son, and mentioned that I wasn't a good mother and I couldn't go on with life. This was coming from a very educated African-American woman, but chose to make the wrong decisions and couldn't live with them. My pride was too big to actually go to family and talk to them. Hell, I didn't want to be judged but loved. But we all feel that no one is on our side when we are depressed and going through turmoil. Beginning of November, my mother came over to my house and wanted to talk. We talked for hours. She was telling me her testimonies ranging from; relationships to leaning on God. She knew exactly where I was coming from. She has been through it and knew how to endure the pain. In the back of my mind, I'm thinking like; why hadn't I talk to this woman of God months ago? Why do I hold all my pain in? My mother said, " Stacia, you gotta pray for that Crazy Faith." Those words stuck with me. November 2014 I got baptized, I gave my life to God. From that day forth, I read my Bible everyday, me and my son pray before and after school, I'm more faithful into church, and I'm paying my offering and tithes. Showing that I'm thankful for ALL HIS marvelous works!!
                 January 2015 comes, and babyyyyy, life has been more than what I can ask for. I pray everyday for that Crazy Faith. I may not be rich, but I'm not struggling, and I'm happy. My confidence is bigger than ever. I know I'm a GOOD Mother. Doors has opened up in my life that I never knew was possible. I now have my own radio show, I'm enrolled in school, working on my Master's in Business Management. I promote and host parties. I'm Happy!!! I'm blessed!! 2015 is MY YEAR and NO ONE can take that from me. I want to thank EVERYONE for ALWAYS believing in me. I'm a Go-Getter. Will never stop!!!

Tune in Wednesday 4/15/15.... Dash will be in the Building!!

Born and raised in the streets of Kansas City MO, Darryl Reed II would became fascinated with fast money. The infatuation took him from top athletic prospect to just another homie in the hood; but as a educated young man he knew that it was only a matter of time before he ended up either in jail or dead. So he decided to pick up a pen and pad and express his struggle lyrically wise. At age 16 he was recording songs with his best friend and cousin. He never took rap seriously seriously until he left the state for college and experienced life outside the box. In college he met Candice a.k.a Mama C, Martez a.ka. MC, and Josh a.k.a J-Manell.... With these three individuals he perfected his style of rap. He left KC metropolitan area as D-Coy, and returned as Dash. Now he has released two mix tapes, Cash N Crime Vol. 1 and 2.

Make sure you tune in on Wednesday and hear Dash's story and music; because I'm about to get all in his business!!

A Place for the 80's Babies- TAPCADE

Last week I met up with a friend of mine for lunch. When I entered the building, I just felt like I went back in time to the 80's. My eyes went big and I ran straight to the original Mortal Kombat Game. Yes! I said that right the ORIGINAL arcade game. The place was filled with all the 80's arcade games from Ninja Turtle to PAC-Man. All you can play for $5. This amazing place is called, Tapcade located in the Crossroads: 1701 McGee St , Kansas City,MO. The atmosphere is laid back but a touch of class. Their selection of tap beer is amazing. The place has been open a little over two months and is the place to be at when the little kid wants to come out; but you still want a drink because you're over 21 lol.... The food also is unique. They are known for their Burritos. Why? Well, the burritos are really sandwiches such as: Philly steak Sandwich and to add a twist, they put fries in it so you have a sandwich and fries wrapped in a tortilla. Brilliant!!!

So if you're in the area and the kid wants to come out; you have to stop by Tapcade and experience the 80's all over again!!! 

TODAY'S SHOW

Tonight show on GENN Media we had KC own, Graphic Designer, Mr. Thomas Ross. He educated us on how to further your your career as a graphic designer. Telling us the definition of art. I want to thank him for coming on the show at such short notice. For him to be a " Behind the Scene" type of guy he did excellent!!! Contact him if you have dreams and visions of your company prospering.

Graphic Designer, Thomas Ross in the studio today

Thomas Ross and Etchi. Thank you for coming out on short notice. The man is talented!! 

My #1 Fan, Tre. My son and Thomas Ross, Graphic Designer in KC

The show was a great success. of course my # 1 supporter was in the studio 

Behind the scene. Can't bite my swag 

Acting silly. My type of music playing after the show. Did I tell you guys I was a dancer lol