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“Back-to-School Shenanigans: Surviving Chaos as a Single Parent”

on August 7, 2024 LifeStyle Straight Official Magazine add comment

As the summer sun fades, the school bells chime and chaos descends upon households everywhere. For single parents like us, it’s not just about new backpacks and sharpened pencils—it’s about juggling schedules, emotions, and the occasional sock puppet meltdown. Buckle up, fellow warriors, because back-to-school shenanigans are about to take center stage!

The Great Shoe Hunt

Mom, where’s my left shoe?” Ah, the eternal mystery. As a single parent, you’ve mastered the art of shoe sleuthing. You’ve checked under beds, inside toy chests, and even interrogated the dog. But fear not—your detective skills are unmatched. And when you finally find that elusive shoe, it’s like winning the lottery. Celebrate with a victory dance!

Lunchbox Wars

“I want pizza for lunch!” declares your little scholar. Meanwhile, the lunchbox contains a half-eaten apple, a squished granola bar, and a note from last year (oops). But fret not! You’re a lunchtime magician. Transform that sad lunchbox into a gourmet feast: PB&J sushi rolls, carrot stick wands, and a sprinkle of parental guilt. Voilà!

The Homework Battle

“Mom, I need help with algebra!” Your heart races. Algebra? Wasn’t that a distant nightmare? But you soldier on, Googling equations and pretending you’re a math genius. And when your kid finally gets it, you high-five the air like a champ. Remember, single parents, you’re not just homework helpers; you’re unsung heroes.

The Morning Rush

“We’re late!” echoes through the house. You channel your inner superhero: brushing teeth, tying shoelaces, and locating missing backpacks—all while balancing a coffee cup and a dash of sanity. The morning rush is your Olympic event. Bonus points if you manage to leave the house without mismatched socks.

The Bus Stop Chronicles

At the bus stop, you meet fellow single parents. There’s the coffee-swigging ninja, the hair-in-a-bun wizard, and the “I’ve got this” superhero. You exchange knowing glances, because you’re all in this together. And when the bus arrives, you wave goodbye, secretly relieved that you survived another morning melee.

In Conclusion

So, dear single parent, embrace the chaos. Celebrate the shoe hunts, conquer the lunchbox wars, and wear your morning rush battle scars with pride. Back-to-school shenanigans are your domain—a wild ride of love, resilience, and the occasional sock puppet dance party.
Remember, you’re not alone. We’re all navigating this crazy journey, one algebra problem at a time. And when the school year ends, raise a glass (or a juice box) to yourself—you’ve earned it.

P.S. If anyone finds my sanity, please return it to the lost-and-found.

If you enjoyed this wild ride through back-to-school shenanigans, there’s more where that came from! ?
Follow me on StraightOfficial.com for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes chaos, and a dash of soulful vibes. Let’s keep the party going! ?️
And don’t miss out on The Unique Experience Podcast—where we dive deep into life, music, and all things uniquely beautiful. Hit that subscribe button, and let’s create magic together! ✨
Stay tuned, stay unique, and remember: #SchoolLifeUnleashed is our anthem!

#GetSOM via @missunique & click here for more exclusive content!

Jahdyn Faith is Here To Tell Her ‘Tru Story’

on August 1, 2024 Artist Straight Official Magazine add comment

A rising sensation in entertainment, Jahdyn Faith delivers powerful vocals over silky melodies and smooth rhythms. Her music blends soulful R&B with dreamy pop vibes, creating a sound that mirrors her warm charm and vibrant character.

Jahdyn’s lyrics are a form of self-expression, creating a space to share her personal experiences on relationships, growth, and strength. Born in San Diego, CA, and raised in Los Angeles, Jahdyn began singing as soon as she could talk.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

By age four she was already performing on stage and singing in the church choir, a practice she still carries today. Filled with a passion for music, her dedication to the craft has been evident from a young age. In her teenage years, she began writing and recording her original work.

Influenced by albums like The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, Jahdyn aims to tell stories through her music with raw emotion and honesty. Her early releases such as HONOR ROLL showcases her ability to connect with a young audience.

She has continued to evolve, including more mature themes in her music. For example, in tracks like “Smoke and Mirrors” she taps into it while maintaining the same quality that captivated her fans.

One of Jahdyn’s proudest achievements was writing and recording the title track for an unreleased movie, which led her to perform at the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke Award ceremony in India. She also had the honor of opening for Jacquees on his ‘4275 Tour’ in Indiana, showcasing her talent to a wider audience.

THE MEANING OF JAHDYN

The name Jahdyn Faith carries significant symbolism. Stemming from a biblical reference to Jehovah, it means, “God has heard my faith,” a phrase that beautifully encapsulates Jahdyn’s spiritual grounding. wholesome yet bold personality shines through in her work, making her a relatable and inspiring figure for her fans.

Jahdyn Faith is preparing the release of her debut EP with the anticipated single, “Tru Story”. Available on all DSP’s August 2nd & released Through Rocstar/Warner Music Group. The single has gained praise during it’s radio run. Everyone from DJs To fans alike are anticipating the release of the music video.

Her short-term goal is to launch this EP successfully, while her long-term aspirations include touring globally and connecting with people through her music, spreading love and faith wherever she goes.

Listen to Jahdyn Faith, now streaming on all major platforms!

STAY CONNECTED

Follow Jahdyn Faith on social media on Instagram @jahdynfaith

#GetSOM via @djspins & click here to celebrate Hip-Hop, lifestyle and culture!

Journalist Bae | BLACK MUSIC MONTH

on June 6, 2024 Journalist Bae Music News Politics Straight Official Magazine add comment

It’s June! It may feel like one year you woke up and somebody on black twitter said “We’re going to make Black History Month last as many months as possible, SURPRISE – it’s Black Music Month!” The joke would be on you because that is not at all what happened. While the national celebration of Black History began in 1926, we didn’t bring the music celebration on the scene until 1979. Let’s examine how the acknowledgment has evolved and take a look at some of the artists at the forefront of this year’s observation.

Late to the Party

We can thank former President Jimmy Carter for the initial national announcement of the celebration. However, the appreciation month did not become official until a bill was passed in congress only 24 years ago in 2000 (etc.org, 2024). For that, we can give a round of applause for activist Dyana Williams.

Her platform set forth the ideology that music has been a tool of black history preservation since before any official recording. Many share the same sentiment that the colonizations of African [Americans] has watered down the culture. Black Music Month is meant to praise the evolution of black music and its contribution to various genres.

Pioneers

The first ever celebration was held on the White House Lawn and included the likes of Chuck Berry and Billy Eckstine (UCCS). Now let’s take a look at some of at some artists who are literally ones FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS!

KING OF RAGTIME: Scott Joplin
FATHER OF GOSPEL: Thomas A Dorsey
FATHER OF FUNK: James Brown
MUSICAL THEATRE FOREFATHERS: Eubie Blake & Noble Sissle (Shuffle Along)
MOTHER ROCK ‘N’ ROLL: Sis. Rosetta Thorpe
FATHER OF JAZZ: Duke Ellington
MOTHER OF BLUES: Gertrude “Ma” Rainey
MOTHER OPERA: Marion Anderson

Join the Action

This year, you can join the party in multiple ways. If you’re in Tennessee, you can join on the “Blackest Broadway” on June 16th. NYC can join at the Music & Power Awards on June 12th. In Georgia, you can attend the South GA Gospel Music Fest on June 8th. In Kentucky, there’s a Black Music Month Celebration at the Palm Room in Louisville that takes place on June 14th. And last but not least, if you’re here in the great state of Florida, join us June 9th in Miami Gardens at the Black Music Month Celebration! Search up your city and state to see any and all events going on for the next 21 days.

#GetSOM more music, history, and tea from your girl, @Mochathemack and only on straightofficial.com

Old School Versus New School Generations

on June 4, 2024 Health & Wellness LifeStyle Straight Official Magazine add comment

Comparing old school and new school generations of children can be very fascinating. Each has its unique characteristics shaped by the time they grew up in. Here are some differences between the two:

Technology

New school children are more tech-savvy, having grown up with smartphones, tablet, and the internet as integral parts of their lives. Excessive use of smartphones, tablets, social media, and educational apps are not good. Often from a young age, concerns about screen time and its negative impact are what parents are trying to decrease.

In contrast, old school children may have more limited access to technology and relied more on traditional forms of entertainment and communication. Old school had limited access to technology such as TV and basic computers, with strict time limits. Old school children had more hands-on activities.

Education

Old school emphasis on rote learning, standardized testing, and memorization. New school focus on critical thinking, project-based learning, personalized education, and incorporating technology into learning experiences.

The method of education has evolved over time with new school children often experiencing more personalized and technology integrated learning approaches. Old school children may have been exposed to more traditional classroom settings and teaching methods.

Upbringing

Old school and new school generations of children upbringing can be compared in several ways. Parenting styles are much more different now than they were in the old days. Old School traditional parenting styles often emphasized discipline, respect for authority, and strict rules.

New school modern parenting styles tend to focus on fostering independence, encouraging open communication, and promoting creativity and self – expression.

Social Interactions

Social Interactions are far more different between the two. Old school times, there was more face-to-face interactions and outdoor playtime with neighbors and friends.

On the other hand, the new school generation depends more upon increased reliance on virtual communication, social media connections, and online gaming. This leads to concerns about social skills development of real-life interactions.

Parental Involvement

During the old school times, children were often structured and hierarchical family roles, with clear authority figures and role within the family.

On the other hand, new schools encouraged active parental involvement in all aspects of a child life. Some includes decision-making, emotional support, and extracurricular activities.

In a Nutshell,

Overall, while old school upbringing focused on discipline, respect and tradition, new school upbringing tends to prioritize independence, creativity, technology integration. Also, a more holistic approach to child development. Both approaches have their strengths and challenges, and finding a balance between them can contribute to a well- rounded upbringing for children.

#GetSOM via @missunique

Beyond The Turntables | The Fleet DJs Documentary

on December 23, 2023 Entertainment Straight Official Magazine TenthLetterMedia add comment

THE FLEET DJs are one of the largest DJ coalitions in the world. In the realm of Hip-Hop they recognized their position in the genre’s existance and held it down both nationally and internationally for years. This week the coalition released Beyond The Turntables|The Fleet DJs Documentary to the masses which chronicles their rise, demise and rebirth into the entertainment industry.

WHO ARE THEY?

A coalition of over 600 and counting, Fleet is a makeup of DJs, industry tastemakers, producers, models, bloggers and artists. This dynamic group is the top DJ coalition in the world, producing mixtapes that feature both major and independent artists. Fleet is well documented for for not only changing the industry, but the members that make up their amazing team.

Fleet also has numerous subdivisions that include athletics, health and publishing. Magazines such as Straight Official Magazine and The Fleet Mag introduce readers to engaging content and emerging artists.

With all the success that Fleet has achieved over the years, you would think there’s a story behind it all. Now there is.

WHERE TO WATCH

Beyond The Turntables|The Fleet DJs Documentary is available to watch on Tubi across all streaming platforms. Check out the official trailer down below!

#GetSOM via @TenthLetterMedia & click here to celebrate Hip-Hop, lifestyle and culture!

Da Foundation Talk Live, Suffer & Celebrate

on December 23, 2023 Interviews Straight Official Magazine add comment

Da Foundation are laying it down on how they live, suffer and celebrate. On the heels of their latest release, they sat down with Straight Official’s own @djspins to give us the lowdown on how this thing all came together.

Q&A WITH DA FOUNDATION

How did you come up with your stage name?

The name Da Foundation came to us just in a casual conversation in the mist of us discussing just self discipline, morals and the foundation of what we stand on and where we come from while embracing where we going.

Please tell us where you’re from and what first got you interested in the entertainment industry?

We were born in East Orange, NJ but we are base in North Carolina and this is where the movement started. How it started was just freestyling and the thought of “what if” we got serious with this. From there it went from a thought and an action.

Who and/or what inspires you to create?

The inspiration comes from life. We get inspired from each other. We are actually brothers, we have always encouraged each other. The memories of our childhood and past experiences that shaped and mood us for good. To be great, is inspiring.

THE CREATIVE PROCESS

How would you describe your sound?

Thought and imagination coupled with real life endeavors, set with future goals to move forward. Our unique sound of Hip-Hop can be edgy and push the limits. At the same time encouraging our listeners to think and also inspire the grind, accept the gritty struggle with the will to make it out.

What is your creative process like?

The creative process is a bit unorthodox. You would think we write together but, thats typically not the case. We write separately and go with the best concept to the music. A lot of the times we are on the same frequency which helps the process. We know what type of music and message to want to present to our audience.

What artist(s) would you like to collaborate with?

Artist like J.Cole, Griselda whom seem to be on the same wave as us in a Hip-Hop space are artist we can see ourselves working with. Not to limit ourselves and what we can do artist like Kodak Black and such whom may have a very unique sound, is a space we can put ourselves in as well. We’re always looking to put the pen to the test.

SHIFTING GEARS

If you could open a show for any artist who would it be?

It’s not so much about the artist but the audience. People who appreciate lyrics and Hip-Hop. Sometimes we just want you to listen to what we’re saying. We understand people want to be entertained at the same time so, we incorporate that in our performances.

What is one message you would give to your supporters?

Just to have an open mind about things. The world is vast. We don’t all believe in the same thing. Thats what makes our music edgy. We just hope to make our perspective clear.

What is the most useless talent you have?

You never understand your value until you appreciate your creatively. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses, move forward off what you believe your strengths are. No talent is useless when it is used accordingly.

What would you be doing right now, if you weren’t doing music?

One passion we both share is sports. So giving back to the youth and building character through sports is a space we can see ourselves in. We’ve coached a special group of kids just recently in 2022 to a youth championship and won. That process and journey was something we enjoyed.

NEW MUSIC ALERT!

Tell us about your latest release.

Live…Suffer…Celebrate… is a unique body of work. We put a lot of thought and time into it. It is edgy and fun to listen to. We fill its for all ages, we don’t focus on a specific age group when creating music. We all have the same access to it. So we stay in a space we love with no limitations.

What’s next for you? Where would you like to see yourself in the next year?

Touring and bigger platforms. As this point, we’re only trying to go big. Whatever space that put us in we’ll decide where we want to go from there. But take a look at the group category and take a look at Da Foundation. We like our chances.

What is your social media? How can people get in contact with you?

Facebook: Da Foundation IG: @alleyway2broadway are the two main social media
platforms to see what we’re doing. Official Website alleyway2broadway.com as well.
Contact: BroadwayEntertainmentNews@gmail.com
http://www.alleyway2broadway.com

#GetSOM via @djspins

Journalist Bae | FSU College Football Diss @TrubLyfe

on December 14, 2023 Entertainment Journalist Bae NFL Sports Straight Official Magazine add comment

Let me tell you something, bae. The 2023 football season is not over yet honey, it’s only getting MORE HEATED. Artist, Trub Lyfe included! But for this Tallahassee, Florida team, there’s forever smoke for not being included in the biggest game of college football of the year – despite being undefeated. I mean, the good thing is they still get to go to their state game, but who cares at this point! At least that’s how this FSU fan feels. Did he do this Tupac beat justice? I’m just saying he read it from top to bottom.

Florida State University (FSU) finished the U.S. college football season with a 13-0 winning record, but they were left disappointed after they failed to make the 2023 playoff. Their last two wins came without their star quarterback, Jordan Travis, who got a broken leg in the home game against North Alabama (November 18 of this year). The four (4) playoff slots are not determined solely by record, but decided by a committee of (thirteen)13 members.

Everybody and they mama is involved in this Trub Lyfe video though! I mean it. Check it out right here on Straight Official Magazine, period.

#GetSOM via @mochathemack

Journalist Bae | Christmas Music “4 The Culture”

on December 14, 2023 Journalist Bae LifeStyle Straight Official Magazine add comment

On behalf on Straight Official Magazine, we want to wish you all a very happy holiday season. I’ve seen more than a few complaints that this time of year just doesn’t feel the same. Well, congrats! You’ve unlocked the next level of life, it’s your turn to make it feel like something. Now I can’t organize your gathering, but what I can do is give you a soundtrack of Christmas music for the culture. Choose wisely.

1. Home for the Holidays (Vol. 1 & 2) – Love Renaissance

These black people really sat in the studio and made their own versions of ‘Feliz Navidad’ and ’12 Days of Christmas’. Go find this EP right now – I can’t make this up! Featuring DRAM, Summer Walker, 6lack, and more…

2. Christmas on Death Row – Death Row Records

I love Christmas so this was the perfect rabbit hole for me to fall down. If Love Renaissance (LVRN) wasn’t enough, we have a compilation from Death Row Records and it’s the vibe you never knew you needed.

3. Merry Christmas Lil’ Mama – Chance The Rapper + Jeremih

I just want to say that EVERYBODY’S SO CREATIVE! They just don’t make regular Christmas songs anymore. If you really want to turn up for the holidays – take this trip to Chi-town. You ever heard Jingle Bells like this?

4. A Wonderful Christmas With Ashanti – Ashanti

This is y’all girl, right? Enough Said. At least she’s singing classic Christmas music…

5. Miss Patti’s Christmas – Patti LaBelle

Let’s wrap this up! I hope this thread brought you as much joy as it brought me. To top it off, we have a collection from Patti LaBelle. I had to give you something you can definitely play for the aunties. We’re going all across the spectrum here.

Okay, wait – honorable mention… Have you all heard “All I Want For Christmas” by Dej Loaf & Kodak Black? That’s enough. I’m not about to play anymore.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! #GetSOM via @MochaTheMack

Straight Official Sit Downs: Andre Pitre

on December 12, 2023 Artist Interviews Straight Official Magazine add comment

ANDRE PITRE is the next contestant on this week’s edition of Straight Official Sit Downs. Our own @klassikceo served up the questions and you can check out their one-on-one down below. For more emerging artists across the land, click here for more issues of Straight Official Sit Downs.

Q&A WITH ANDRE PITRE

What is your Name? where you’re from and what first got you interested in the entertainment industry?

My name is Andre Pitre and I am from Beaumont, TX. My dad would play music in the house all of the time. So, we listened to Gospel before church on Sundays, and R&B the rest of the time. God put this in my heart and I just always knew I wanted to perform.

Who and/or what inspires you to create?

LIFE! Life inspires me to create. I was born to do this! I love how music touches, motivates, and moves us.

How would you describe your sound?

I would say my sound is a little bit of old school combined with new school. It is soulful, passionate, and inspires hope.

THE CREATIVE PROCESS

What is your creative process like?

My creative process is definitely spontaneous. It is a reflection of things I have gone through. I have experienced alot in my life. I write as a creative outlet. My music tells a story. The words transform into images. I can see, feel, and visualize things so clearly.

What artist(s) would you like to collaborate with?

I would love to collaborate with Beyoncé, Jay Z, Drake, Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, Tori Kelly, Missy Elliott, and Jazmine Sullivan, to name a few.

What is one message you would give to your supporters?

Never give up on your Dreams.

Know your worth don’t take any BS from anyone!
Andre Pitre on the best advice he’s received

SHIFTING GEARS

What is the most talent/skill you have that most people don’t know about?

Most people don’t know how witty I am, and how much I enjoy laughing. I definitely can be a comedian at times. Several of my friends are in comedy and I have so much respect for them.

What would you be doing right now, if you weren’t doing music?

I am a triple threat – Singer, Actor, Director. Music is my first love and that’s why I created Tri-Wen Music Group. If I wasn’t doing music, I would be directing and acting. Charnele Brown, (aka Kimberly Reese from A Different World), is a phenomenal Actor, Writer, Producer. She is my Co-Founder and business partner in Tri-Wen Productions.

Together we created and wrote THE BLACK MAN, a powerful play about mental health awareness in Black and brown communities, highlighting the Black man’s experience and normalizing conversations around therapy.

Who are some artists/people you admire and why?

I like old-school artist, like Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, and Teddy Pendergrass. They had their own style and performed with so much passion.

IN CONCLUSION

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

Allow Artists to have more creative freedom. The industry needs to have more transparency, honesty, and integrity.

What’s next for you, where would you like to see yourself in the next year?

I see myself performing all around the world and allowing people to be inspired by my music. I want to be a change agent and have tremendous impact internationally.

What is your social media? How can people get in contact with you?

IG : @andrepitre13

FB: Andre Pitre

Email: BookingAndrePitre@gmail.com

#GetSOM via @klassikceo

Unique Speaks: Make Sure You Pick UP What You Put Down

on December 12, 2023 Health & Wellness Motivational Moments Straight Official Magazine add comment

Stay Away

Make Sure you pick up the goals you put down! Reevaluate what you enforce! Stay away from people who don’t appreciate ALL the little things you do… like spending money you really don’t have, paying for food you’re not eating, and even giving rides to places you don’t need to go! Do you get my drift? Like me, a perfect example, I offer good intentioned prayers, words of encouragement, boost up your confidence, and I even listen to your problems & end up making them my own. Not to mention I be the first one to reach out to everybody! Am I stepping’ on anybody toes or knocking at your front door? People only care about what you can do for them, and some will even have the audacity to take your help and go help somebody else. But what behooves me is they really forget to help those who have REALLY helped them.

On The Flip Side

On the flip side, sometimes the pure in heart humans such as myself tend to do things people really didn’t ask for because that’s just who we are. Make sure you pick up the goals you put down. When we fail to respond in this manner that we deem to be appropriate, it leads to resentment. Sometimes we bite off a bit more than we can chew only because we see a need and feel as though we should be the one to meet it.

You Want More……

Get ready for a one-of-a-kind podcast experience with The Unique Experience Where Broken Crayons Still Color! Join us in our judge-free zone and safe haven, where mental health awareness is celebrated, and everyone has a voice. Our unmasked and unveiled discussions will leave you feeling empowered and uplifted. So, grab your favorite crayons and get ready to color outside the lines with our playful and captivating conversations. Don’t miss out on this unique and exciting journey towards mental wellness!

#GetSOM via @MissUniqueness