Our mission is to bring love & laughter into the lives of many; one creative concept at a time. Introduction to our new artists booking agency. Stay tuned for participating acts.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Friday, December 2, 2011
BIG FIGHT ON SATURDAY NIGHT
EVEN THOUGH I WANT MY BOY MIGUEL COTO TO BEAT THIS GUY ON DEC 3RD 2011,,,I WISHED HIM GOOD LUCK ON THE FIGHT....FOR THOSE OF U THAT DONT KNOW THE DETAILS AS TO WHY THIS FIGHT IS SO IMPORTANT,,,LET ME GIVE IT 2 YA STRAIGHT....ANTONIO MARGARITO FOUGHT AND BEAT MIGUEL COTO SEVERAL YEARS AGO,,IN A BLODDY BATTLE FOR A WIN....MIGUEL COTO WAS WINNING THE FIGHT IN THE EARLY ROUNDS,,BUT SOMETHING HAPPEN,,WHICH I FOUND STRANGE LOOKING AT THE FIGHT....ANTONIO MARGARITO STARTED GAINING MOMENTUM....THE POUNDING BLOWS TO MIGUEL COTOS FACE WERE LIKE HAMMER LIKE BLOWS.....I FOUND IT A BIT STRANGE BEING THAT MIGUEL WAS OBVIOUSLY WINNING IN THE EARLY ROUNDS....ANTONIO GOT THE VICTORY THAT NIGHT,BUT COTO GOT WAY MORE THAN HE DESERVED,,,AND THATS A BLOODY FACE,,,.. ......NOW ANTONIOS NEXT FIGHT WAS WITH SUGAR SHANE MOSELY,AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT ANTONIA MARGARITOS HAND WRAPS WERE LINED WITH PLASTER....MMMMMMMMMMMMMM...WELL THIS LED MIGUEL COTO TO BELIEVE THAT ITS A POSSIBILITY THAT ANTONIO MARGARITO USED THE SAME BULLSHIT LIKE HAND WRAPS IN HIS FIGHT........WINNING IS WINNING ,,BUT WHEN U PLAY DIRTY,,THATS JUST PLAIN FUCKED UP....WHAT GOES AROUND COMES BACK AROUND,,AND IF U FUCK WITH MY HEALTH,,U FUCK WITH MY LIFE,,AND THATS NOT GOOD FOR ANYONE......I WISH BOTH FIGHTERS THE BEST OF LUCK.......OH AND JUST 2 KEEP THE RECORD STAIGHT,,,,IM NOT SAYING THAT ANTONIO IS GUILY OF ANYTHING,,,BUT IF U ARE WELL THAN THATS 4 U 2 DEAL WITH......Wednesday, November 23, 2011
brief interview w/ GOAPELE
thank u GOAPELE,,,4 takin the time & speakin w/ me
simply beautiful
MUUAAAAHH!!!
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Friday, October 7, 2011
Almost 2 years
On Father's Day of 2009, Alexie F, my husband & I had a discussion about the direction of where Alexie wanted to go. We brain stormed about many things. An online magazine about what Alexie knows about...MUSIC was the natural concept. October 26th that year I had my first book signing I talked about our long history...literally 3 days later. AFRO BOY was born.
In 22 more days, it will be 2 years since this was created.
We need to celebrate that!!!!!
Alexie F brought you many things in that time from interviews, music, art appreciation, poetry, merchandise *** & a whole lot of laughter.
In the meantime learn a little about the Birth of Afro Boy.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Thank you from your boy
Sending you all a quick note to let you all know that Alexie F is doing fine. He had a great birthday...restful. He is thankful for all the birthday wishes from you all. He did see them all.
He has a lot of things coming up soon. Summer for him has always been chill time ... but most of you who know Alexie well, know that already....buuuuut he has been writing & being creative& extremely productive. We stay in constant contact. He had to be reclusive however to get creative work done. He will be back around soon.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
INTRODUCING..........
Alexie Figueroa (Alexie F) has embraced music and the gift of words ever since he can remember. At an early age his father put bongos in his hands, setting off a spark that became a flame. The bongos led to congas and song writing followed. His respect for the art of music is uncanny. Besides bongos & congas, Alexie plays piano, drums & guitar. He wrote lyrics to his first song at the age of 12. One of the greatest connections for him was the fact that he literally lived around the corner from the birth of Hip Hop, Sedgwick Avenue.
Alexie F. passion for music allowed him to embrace many genres which includes, Rock N Roll, R&B, Salsa, Hip Hop, House, Meringue just to name a few. In the early eighties, he gained admission into one of the hottest house music clubs, the Paradise Garage. That experience changed his life forever. Music writing & arranging was truly in his blood.
By the 90's, Alexie scored his first production credit with a group called AURA. Alexie wrote the local smash "Trust Me Boy". He later worked for Sparkle Management as an A&R person under the direction of George Vascones assisting such artists as Marc Anthony, George Lamond, T.K.A, Judy Torres, Two without Hats and Sam Savon.
Alexie F also wrote for the Harlem Nites Press contributing a monthly poem for their "What's Going On" column. In 2004, Alexie began his 5 year run as co-host along-side Eric “EDAYE” Daye on the Hip Hop radio show THE ZRO HOUR, which started out as a show on Galaxy Plus a Haitian pirate radio station pirate radio in Brooklyn and ended up being one of the first Hip Hop podcasts broadcastings on the internet with a huge internet following. He interviewed the likes of Lin Q, Milk Dee & Eternia just to name a few.
In 2009, Alexie F branched out on his own and started his own online entertainment magazine called Afro Boy (with the assistance of artist/author Trina Slade-Burks) which introduced to the world his unique interviewing style through his Vlogs and Q&A’s as well as his distinctive commentary to the variety of music from the past and present that he respects. Some interviews include the 5th Column camp, Producer/Videographer Justin Thomas, Hip Hop’s Marco Polo, Grammy award winner Easy Mo Bee, and r&b singer Goapele.
His writings have appeared in two poetry/art books What is My Priority? & 2Faced: the Devil’s Advocate. Alexie F is in the process of writing 4 books, one which is in pre-production called Sex Rules which he has already launched a lingerie line for. He is in post-production on a Hip Hop documentary called The Lost Tapes a Just In Case It Rains Productions.
If he doesn’t seem like he has enough on his plate, he is in heavy negotiations to open an entertainment lounge. And because of his love of fine art in 2010, Alexie F collaborated with A.T.B Fine Artists & Designers LLC. as one of their New York art reps. So if you think Mr. Figueroa isn’t busy enough, you are sadly mistaken.
Written by: Trina Slade-Burks
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
A.T.B.... not just another entity
art is many different things,,,some happy,,,some sad,,,some f*#%’d up…but it is art
i know i cant live w/out it,,can u????
lets think about something,,,what does a lovely piece of art do 4u when it catches ur eye,,I know what it does 4me ,,,,& i know I can never ever ,,,,ever breathe w/out it
A.T.B. 4me,,has always been a luv hate relationship,,,luv 4 what they do but hate that I cannot always afford their stuff,,,,lolol. buuuut….i know when i see it i am glad that i did
thank u A.T.B,,,4embracing me & making me a part of what u do,,,i see ya when we make our 1st million….lol
Alexie F.: what is ATB?
Trina SB.: Is a minority owned business. It use to be called A.T.B.; Burks Graphic Designers.. Obviously the initials stand for Anthony & Trina Burks…We dropped the Burks in 1996. Then we changed our company name again in 2005 because we felt we were more than a graphic design company. & in 2009 we became A.T.B. Fine Artists & Designers LLC. Technically we are an image building business for artists and companies. We connect missing links in businesses and artistically help bridge a gap. We also connect artists to clients & Mentor Young artists by offering training for the professional art world.
In 2006 we developed Collaboration. This is a showcase of artists' of many disciplines, presented in homes & businesses allowing artwork to be viewed by clients in a more realistic environment rather than a gallery or museum. It allows the artists to intermingle with buyers one on one and develop a personal relationship without a third party facilitator. We have since added poets, singers, musicians & dancers to our repertoire.
Alexie F.: how long have u been in existence?
Trina SB.: Since Spring of 1993
Alexie F: what r the artistic struggles of ATB
Trina SB.: There isn’t really an “artistic struggle” Our struggle is the lack of a sales team. Because of all the other things we do… we are in needs of someone who can be a selling lead for our company.
Alexie F: has ATB been well received in ur community?
Trina SB: It’s funny because.. We are kind of known as this "power couple" in our community. We are known for being art activists in our area. A.T.B., represents the quality of work that we put out. But we represent strength in the art community…a voice that many artists don’t have.
Alexie F: how many artists do you represent?
Trina SB: That is hard to say. Every artist that we have had in Collaboration, we represent them @ some capacity. We give them leads to projects & jobs, sell on their behalf… lead them to clients etc. I want to say over 30+ artists so far. Once you are a Collaboration artist, you are family. & we take care of family.
Alexie F: what was the thing that made u want to start ATB?
Trina SB: Anthony & I wanted to get design work, but people at the time were not taking individual artists seriously. So we developed a brand that demanded respect.
Alexie F: where do u see ATB in 5yrs?
Trina SB: Honestly, our goal is to tackle the apparel & textile industry….scarves, ties & believe it or not shoes…also other forms of merchandise.
Alexie F: do u see ATB staying in west palm beach, fl?
Trina SB: Hmm that really depends on a few things….Which way the economy turns, & whether Palm Beach County ever really develops a respect for artists in their own back yard like Dade & Broward do.
Alexie F: is there art appreciation for ATB in west palm beach
Trina SB: The lack of art appreciation would be here regardless if we were or not. We have been trying to develop an art appreciation in this community for years. I think we were ahead of our time honestly. We support other artists, we buy art, we bridge businesses & artists…..and that isn’t common here.
Alexie F: if u had a platform what would u say to ur community when it comes 2 art.
Trina SB: Stop alienating the artists in our community. Art is needed for so many reasons. If we leave, the little culture in this community that is left will be non-existent
Monday, July 4, 2011
Q&A interview w/Anthony Burks
i have always been an admirer of this man's art, 4 a long time
there is a luv hate thing goin’ w/me & anthony burks’ art,,,luv b/cuz of the admiration,,, hate cuz i can't buy it right now..lol
he blessed me w/mother nature VIII,,,,i luv that piece 4 so many reasons but 4most bcuz she is beautiful,,i see so much in her
Alexie F: what art sale made u want 2 pull the hairs out of ur head
Anthony Burks: A person literally offered ½ of the listed price of a piece. He offered cash to top it off. Because of my financial situation, I agreed to the representative that I would take the offer. When I met the couple later on that night, they came over to the gallery I was running at the time, totally inebriated.
They started talking about their financial wealth, all homes they had & the traveling they did. I felt like saying, “ Why did they need to throw change at me like I was some kind of amateur” They really made me feel worthless.
Alexie F: do u create outside of ur home or do u only create @ ur home studio?
Anthony Burks: My mind is always in creative mode. Bathrooms, restaurants, galleries; if I have a writing instrument, a piece of paper & I am sitting down, I will create something.
Alexie F: can u paint when ur pissed off?
Anthony Burks: Yes. Coming home frustrated everyday from my old job, that was my peace. My art is my life. Nothing stops me when I am in artistic mode. I am human, so that isn’t 110% of the time. Sometimes life does take over & I am not able to produce, but that isn’t often. I created a self portrait years ago called Mad as Hell . It showed all the frustration I was going through as an artist. Images from different drawings I did in the past were in the piece.
Alexie F: has any pieces of artwork been inspired by ur family?
Anthony Burks: Yes, Back to Basics , which was produced when Trina was pregnant with our first born Anthony Jr. & Hear Me which is a portrait of Trina for her first book What is My Priority?
Alexie F: do u feel u r well received in ur hometown?
Anthony Burks: NO. It’s kind of what I told someone who approached me to do a project I am working on (Endangered FL Species) Sometimes I feel like I am an endangered & overlooked specie. My work should provide solace in people’s lives & it is NOT appreciated.
Alexie F: do u see urself staying where u r ,,,or moving elsewhere ,,,,4 the good of ur art
Anthony Burks: MOVE, MOVE, MOVE….SOON, SOON, SOON
Alexie F: if u were in a room w/a group of art students about 2 graduate,,,wat would u say as a form of inspiration
Anthony Burks: The only way you will continue being a great fine artist is to stay true to yourself . Once you sell yourself out , you become commercial
Alexie F: has $$ ever inspired u to do any of ur art?
Anthony Burks: Yes, A number of times unfortunately. An example to what I would probably tell those kids about selling themselves short.
Alexie F: wat should a person who aren’t an artist think about when they r buying ur work,,,anything in particular??
Anthony Burks: I would hope they are buying the work because they like it & appreciate it & not because of who I am or they are waiting for me to pass on for the value to go up.
Alexie F: does it affect u when u set a price on something,,,& someone wants 2 negotiate a lower price?
Anthony Burks: Yes, because obviously that decision effects my financial growth.
Alexie F: wat is ur process when u go into developing a piece?
Anthony Burks: There really isn’t a process. I use to sketch ideas. Now things just pop in my head.
Alexie F: is there a certain time of the day that u work on ur art?
Anthony Burks: Not anymore. Now it’s anytime I am motivated. Now that is quite often.
Alexie F: wat feeling would u want people 2 walk away w/when they see or even buy ur art?
Anthony Burks: Honestly I don’t think about it. But when I see the work framed & hung in the person’s home or office. I get my high knowing that they truly appreciate my work.
Alexie F: wat is the message u r trying 2 convey w/ur work
Anthony Burks: The public doesn’t inspire me to do what I do. It is a gift from God & that is what I want to convey. I believe that God gives everyone gifts & who are we to question that. I happen to love mine. Wouldn’t give it up for anything
Mother Nature VIII-Beauty. The beauty of mother-nature with the bird pollinating the world. The Butterfly is the eyes of mother-nature, seeing on her behalf. I knew it was a slightly edgy piece of work, but solid. It is part of a 10 piece series.
Red Elephant- I always wanted to do an Elephant w/ the trunk up, but could not locate a realistic source. Many people who follow the folk lore of the trunk up, believe that it brings good luck. However, when the trunk is up for an elephant they are either, spraying dirt , water or are charging. It took quite a few years to find a reference that did not look that the animal was forced. Some sorority members from Delta Sigma Theta (the mascot symbol) asked me many times to produce one. So I finally located the right reference & created it.
Obsessed- My love for the female body is what inspired this. No real elaborate story behind it.
Gone too Soon- Was a tribute to Gerald Levert after his death. Billie Holiday always wore a gardenia in her hair. The petals from the gardenia at the bottom of the microphone represent all the musical artists who passed away too early in life. i.e Gerald, Billie, Luther Vandross, Phylis Hyman, Rick James & later Michael Jackson & Teena Marie
Lion (w/the Antelope) Was a 2 piece series that was suggested by the CEO of Suffolk Construction Company. He told the story to his employees about the Lion & the Antelope. In a nutshell, the lion gets up early with the goal to catch the antelope to survive. The antelope gets up early with the goal to not get caught by the lion. Work is the circle of life, survival of the fittest.
Universe- This is part of a 4 part series stemmed from Identity Crisis , which is about my point of view with the title “African American” and being torn between two culture. Universe is the man, Freedom is the eagle (which is in the permanent collection @ the Cornell Museum in Old School Square in Delray Beach, FL, & the lion.. well that is in work.
his work,,,when u look @ it,,,it just keeps on givin
,,,,it is obvious that he puts his heart in his work,,,,i wanted 2 share this artist's talent with all of u,,,$$ doesn’t make this gift flow,,,luv does
appreciate it,, luv it
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Where did the music go?
Back in February, I wrote article on Facebook about the loss of great music. It happened because I read a profile status of an old friend... and truly had me reminiscing of the good old days of great music. Alexie F read it , loved it & wanted to start true dialog about our love for great music. So let the memories begin.
Diz-E Image
One of the things I pride myself on is the fact that I have a diverse interest in music. I remember walking into every neighborhood in NYC & vibe on any music that was playing. I often talk w/my homeboy about being blessed to have grown when we did because we were surround by great music.... Yes we were....(BIG UPS TO ALEXIE)... My husband tells my son often that many of the music of today will not be memorable like the songs of the past.( Tell em ANT)
Take the trip w/me and just imagine.
§ Walking out my building in Marble Hill & hear Randy & crew blasting Hip hop out of their radios
§ Walking into Rivera's pizza on 231st off BWY & hearing what we term now as classic rock
§ Watching Soul Train on Sat. morning @ my cousin's house eating hard boiled egg & bacon sandwiches hearing the newest R&B song that were out.
§ Growing up going to St. John's Daycamp & listening to a variety of music thought the day.. from Rock & Roll to disco to contemporary R& B all in one day ( Big ups to Diana Coltenback & Cathy Hogan)
§ Going to my other homegirl's house & watching MTV to catch all the newest vids.
§ Then going to my other home girl's house & watching the taping of NY Hot Tracks from the previous week.
§ Hitting my favorite spot the old Calente Cab (since closed) w/ all my girls & homeboys & jamming to pop vids on the screen enjoying my long island ice teas (big ups to DAVID STOVALL)
§ Walking down the Harlem street to my hairdresser & vibing to the old dudes listening to jazz
§ Going to the beach & hearing all the radios in unison playing 98.7 KISS fm
§ Heading to my homegirl's house in Dykman & hearing merengue & Salsa blaring out the windows as I walk past the double parked cars
§ Being excited about a soundtrack to a movie about to come out
§ Walking from Parkchester passing Pusgley to go to my partner in crime's house hearing great Reggae
§ Throwing House parties in my Homegirl's basement
§ Hitting the record store w/ my allowance. touching the vinyl....looking at the graphics of the covers. REAL ART .. & don't let it be a double album.. You know you will get double the graphics w/ the "billfold effect" cover
§ Or simply...chilling in my bedroom playing old musical theatre albums & of course.. my favorite purple wonder's albums
So much music, I can never get enough of it. & now I find myself not really LOVING what is out now.....I mean don't get me wrong.. there are a few peoples I like.. But I can't say I LOVE what they are putting out now. I have to look forward to single release instead of an entire compilation of music.
So now I guess I will dig thru my old music.. & just enjoy my memories
Sunday, June 26, 2011
gay pride,,,,baby
im gonna keep this short & simple
no one should have the right 2 impose their beliefs on anybody else
i don’t care if u love a man,,, woman,,, dog,,, cat or fish,,,,,,just find somebody 2 luv,,,,cuz god is
luv
cuz i luv & respect anybody who stands up for freedom of choice
so a big hug & a kiss 2 my gay brothas & sista,,,,i luv u all
Friday, June 17, 2011
happy father day 2 the real mutha fukin fathers
let me get right 2 the point,,, being a father has never been made easy for me,,,when i decided to bounce out of that crazy situation,,,my life was made a living hell,,,
court dates,,,,threatening phone calls,, & orders of protection,,,lawd know it wasn’t easy,,,, but I got thru it,,,,& im a stronger man 4 it
ladies let me explain something 2 u,,,,,,,if u & the father of ur children decide to go ur own separate ways,,,,,,,do not think 4 one second that it is hurting him,,,,,,,it’s hurting the children
please allow ur sons/daughters 2 have a relationship w/their fathers,,,,,if the $$$ aint right i still go thru drama
imagine what it is like not 2 see ur children 4 a month in a half,,,,,well i guess its true what they say,,,,$$$ talks & bullshit walks,,,,,,Happy father’s day 2 my ghetto mutha fukers
& 2 the ladies that keep their children from their fathers,,,,,BEWARE…because those children will not be children always,,,,they will grow up resenting u for the time that they lost
PIMP OUT
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
EMANCIPATION.....
Well. A lot is going on in the world of Afro Boy…. So I managed to get Alexie F to slow down for a few minutes & give a little info as to what to expect from him soon.
Diz-E Image: When things get hectic in your day to day life, do you find that it pushes you even harder to get professional stuff handled even more….or is it all the same to you.
Alexie F: that’s an excellent question…..yes,,, it definitely does,,,,it awakens me,,,it stirs my creative juices that were kind of dormant 4 whatever reason,,,sleep isn’t my friend during that time,,,my mind is constantly going on the time.
Diz-E Image: Do you find that some fans get a little too comfortable? Like they know you, but they really don’t? Or get to personal.
Alexie F: ehh,,, no. but understand, a large percentage of my fan base r women,,,i have had instances where women have cat fight on my page (FACEBOOK) ,,2 the point where it has gotten competitive,,,that’s not cool because now i feel like some fans have lost interests be cuz they notice the competitive edge that has been created. ….some have mistaken my kindness 4 personal,,,& when they see that i am neutral,,,,hmm they have gotten kinda retarded ,,,haha so maybe yes they do get 2 comfortable,,, when i was w/zro the fan base knew me more on audio,,,now since i have been doin my own thing,,,there is a different interaction ,,, maybe be cuz of the sexual content ,,,, ….some may not like,,,but it works,,,,cant pleez everybody
Diz-E Image: You do have a male fan base as well…..do you find that you have alienated that group and that you cater more to the female fan base?
Alexie F: (large sigh) u know,,,i never thought about that,,,but that was never my intention 2 alienate the fellas,,,i guess it has been that my female fans r a lil more vocal,,,the fellas just don’t get vocal like that on the regular
Diz-E Image: What is your next goal?
Alexie F: my main thing when the hip hop documentary (Lost Tapes) is out,,,it 2 do major promotion 4 that,,,canadian film festival,,, poconos film festival,,,all that,,,,,also got the lounge thing happening in the bronx soon,,, the spot is basically 2 service the artists i luv & respect.
Diz-E Image: And the books?
Alexie F : sex rules book will be out by xmas,,,(lingerie is already out),,,the rest of the books will cum out @ some point,,,they r in work tho,,gotta feel em out,,,but after sex rules,,,,,im definitely writing a book about baby momma drama,,,2 help young cats who got those issues,,,dedicated 2 those dudes who don’t get there respect,,,,those fellas who hold it down,,,fathers day is often they day of the condemned,,,these cats need to be respects,,,lets realize that,,,it aint about whether we got the pussy,,,its about the seeds yo!
Diz-E Image: What is your present art connection?
Alexie F: 4 me right now it is all about art appreciation,,,im constantly learning,,,looking @ colors, shapes,,,,all that,,,constantly promoting a.t.b,,,,many people tell me i wear many hats,,,,,i have several interview coming out with artists i respect,,,i feel artists have a lot 2 say w/their creations of beauty,,,u r responsible 4 getting that,out,,,im responsible 4 getting that out,,,that’s our job trina.
Diz-E Image: I hear ya on that…..What is going on in the poetry world?
Alexie F: wow,,,,well i was suppose 2 host an event @ the end of the month but it was postpone due 2 conflicts w/schedules for he performers,,,,called “tavern of creativity” ,,,the portion i was hosting called calle luna.
Diz-E Image: Any final words?
Alexie F: spiritually,,,im more in tune,,,i need that balance & peace when things tend 2 get hectic,,,u know,,,,i appreciate the support,,,i luv what i do,,,,i luv my fans,,,,,,,,,,,,,i luv the growth
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