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#AHHPowerfulWomen: Emmy-Nominated Producer Elon Johnson is a Force to be Reckoned With

AHH Poweful Women/Females

With more than a decade of experience in television production and journalism, Emmy Award-nominated producer, Elon D. Johnson has facilitated in the creation and execution of some of the most critically acclaimed and highly rated shows on several networks including syndicated channels (ABC, NBC, FOX), and cable channels BET, VH1, MTV, and FUSE.

As a journalist, Elon’s work has appeared in Essence, Giant, Honey, Jewel, Juicy, King, Latin Girl, Long Island Village Voice, Mixmag, One World, Poz, Request, Set, Suede, The Ave, The Source, Unleashed, Uptown, Vibe, Vibe Vixen, XXL, XXL Presents Eye Candy, XXL Presents Hip Hop Soul, and on AllHipHop.com, Amazon.com, AOL.com, Barnes&Noble.com, BET.com, Hookt.com, MartiniPink.com, MTV.com, Papermag.com, VH1.com and Vibe.com.

As the grandchild of immigrants, Elon and has maintained close ties to her family roots in Barbados, working on a number of international projects including entertainment TV shows and the marketing and advertising of women-centered and empowering tourism events.

As you can see, this powerful woman is one to be reckoned with. AllHipHop.com got a moment to ask Ms. Johnson a few questions:

AllHipHop: please, explain what your job entails?

Elon Johnson: There are several levels to being a producer in television depending on the network or production company, but my job, essentially, is to manage, execute and produce an event, worthy of being on television. While there is no easy way to explain it, my job is really to make sure all elements of getting a show from conception to air are complete. Typically I start with a proposed creative perimeter, source out the right production team for said content, brainstorm ideas, and work with several departments – from legal, to clearance, to standards and practices, to sales and branding, all while making sure the content tells a full story, is entertaining and engaging and nothing is left unaddressed.

AllHipHop: What’s the most enjoyable part of the job and your duties?

Elon Johnson: The most enjoyable part of the job is having the ability to create television about things that interest me. I started in music news and had the opportunity to work with some of the biggest names in entertainment. It was a regular day at work to interview Destiny’s Child, Wu-Tang Clan, Britney Spears, Nas, Ja Rule, 50 Cent, Outkast, Christina Aguilera, Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott, U2, The Fugees, and so many more. I moved on to talk television which was more lifestyle, women-centered and centered on A-List TV and movie stars, and now, the content that is before me can be anything from a large live awards red carpet show to developing a cult web series into a TV series, so being able to keep my finger on the pulse of pop culture is very much a dream job in many ways.

AllHipHop: What is the hardest part?

Elon Johnson: The most difficult part, currently, is viewer engagement. The face of television, how television is viewed and what keeps the viewer’s attention is ever changing and it is my job to not only stay abreast of those changes but to also be ahead of the TV trends.

AllHipHop: What advice do you have to offer people that want to be where you are or aspire to make it in the business?

Elon Johnson: Channel your passion, present your ambition, and most importantly let your reputation precede you. So if you’re an intern, be the standout intern. If you’re a production assistant (an entry level TV position), be sure to offer more than your job requires while at the same time, staying in your lane. I find the people who ask the most questions, seek out counsel to get ahead, and pay close attention to all the moving parts of production, often have the best success in moving forward fast. And if you’re DIY, take it seriously. Study the craft and elevate your idea. You have the audience, keep them.

AllHipHop: Can you describe a moment of adversity personal and in your career?

Elon Johnson: Who can’t? Nothing about the work force is easy. I have storiessssssss…. Especially in the uber emotional industry of entertainment. I once had a very popular female rapper threaten me because she found out I interviewed her former fiancé as part of her cover story for a magazine. I felt terrible that she was so angered by this but it was part of my job to get all sides of the story. I was once in a car with a very popular male rapper who decided to drive full speed ahead down the sidewalk because the cops had blocked off the street. I honestly thought my crew and I might lose our life that night behind his aggression.

I’ve had hardships in the workplace just dealing with people wanting to pigeonhole me as a Black woman, despite the fact that I have seamlessly transitioned between producing a hip-hop news special that looked a beef between Nas and Jay-Z, to a talk show with top model Alexa Chung, to a show that required a full-fledged house renovation with Nate Berkus to producing 11 hours of live television in less than a week, all celebrating the BET Awards.

As for the personal, I have freelanced as a producer and showrunner for over 10 years now. This lifestyle is not for the faint of heart. It is essentially a business you’re running as an individual so YOU are responsible for marketing yourself, staying relevant, and making sure people know that you are capable of doing this job in various mediums and doing it better than others. So that can weigh on your personal life as the hustle tends to take precedence.

AllHipHop: What keeps you from giving up working within a male dominated industry…

Elon Johnson: One thing I don’t focus on is gender in the workplace. I know I’m damn good at what I do period. I’ve had so much experience in so many facets of media that it is a gut sensation for me to produce. I deal with men the same way I deal with women unless I’m required to act (professionally) otherwise and I think that is respected by all parties involved.

AllHipHop: Who inspired you to become a leader or boss…

Elon Johnson: I have been bossy since birth. I require things to be a certain way in my life and in the professional realm. I prefer and require order, proper execution, working smart over overworking, and overall excellence so it is natural for me to seek out ways to run the show – pun intended. In terms of specific people in the industry that have inspired me, I’ve had the benefit of working with some real boss chicks in television. I always site Corin Nelson, Nina Diaz, and Jennifer Demme as three producers who have helped to shape my leadership. As well, I have worked with men like Sway Calloway, Rick Grimes, and Stephen Hill who have expected nothing less than they would of my male counterparts.

AllHipHop: How do you balance work and personal life?

Elon Johnson: I’ve learned to completely separate the two so that each gets my full attention. When it’s personal time, there is no work, and when it’s work time, there may be a break here or there for personal. Lol. It all comes down to time management and alleviating stress.

AllHipHop: What do you do for fun?

Elon Johnson: Experience is my “fun currency.” I love travel associated with events, so heading out of state or country for a big concert is right up my alley. My family is from the Caribbean so partaking in Carnival, Crop Over, and other cultural experiences is part of my DNA. Learning – through experience – about culture, fashion, literature, and music are priorities for me. And of course, what woman doesn’t love to indulge in bad and boujee behavior? I’m a sucker for a luxe experience.

AllHipHop: Final words?

Elon Johnson: I will say that it is women’s history month and part of that is not only celebrating women and our accomplishments, but also peeling back the cloak of women of color, immigrant women, and women who may face challenges simply because we’re considered different who have not been celebrated. #HiddenFigures. As I’m honored to be featured, I think AllHipHop.com is doing just that!

Chance the Rapper’s Meeting With Republican Gov. “Went A Little Different Than It Should Have”

(AllHipHop News) Chance the Rapper’s important meeting with Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner took place earlier today (March 3).

Chance was clearly frustrated with the Governor, with reports suggesting the Republican gave “vague answers” when it came to fixing the state’s broken education system.

According to reports, Chicago ranks near the bottom in the nation for its state public-education funding.

Chance’s meeting with the Governor Rauner left the Chicago native “flustered.”

“I felt it went a little bit different than it should have,” Chance the Rapper said as he was leaving the meeting. “I’m here because I just want people to do their jobs.”

According to Chance, their meeting focused around a $215 million Chicago Public Schools budget shortfall, which the Governor apparently asked the rapper to tell him “where it was supposed to come from.”

Nevertheless, Chance left the meeting feeling optimistic that he could help the Chicago Public School system with a funding plan for Chicago, and districts across the state.

“Chicago Public Schools and I did not lose today,” Chance the Rapper tweeted. “Please don’t let that become the narrative. Monday morning I’ll have a plan.”

Take a look at the video below:

Is This Rapper Addicted To Heroin?

(AllHipHop Rumors) The way it’s looking, we have to get both Chris Brown and Lil Wayne some help.

Word on the street is that Lil Wayne has allegedly been suffering from an addiction to heroin. Apparently this is coming from multiple insiders close to the rapper.

Weezy is said to be hooked on it so bad that the veins in his arms supposedly have “collapsed”.

The insiders claim that Wayne got hooked on the drug after becoming tolerant to lean. Apparently after one uses drugs like lean and develop a tolerance for them, they soon need something else and something stronger, like heroin.

The inside sources have even claimed that Tunechi has overdosed several times, and that his drug use is obviously effecting his health, especially with his seizures. The source says that they fear that if he doesn’t get into rehab ASAP, he’s going to die.

I certainly hope this isn’t true. We certainly don’t want to lose Wayne! Do you think this is true? What are your thoughts?

Melle Mel Calls Jay Z A Clown, Believes He Could Beat Eminem In A Battle

(AllHipHop Rumors) When will Melle Mel LET IT GO?

Apparently Melle Mel is still NOT here for Jay Z!

A few years ago Melle spoke out against Jay Z and others after Macklemore & Ryan Lewis faced criticism for their performance at the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards where they brought out Melle Mel, Grandmaster Caz, and Kool Moe Dee.

While Macklemore & Ryan faced backlash, Melle Mel said that cats like Jay Z would’ve never reached out like they should to incorporate the legends of Hip Hop, like himself, into something they are doing. So yes it took the white kids to do so, according to Melle.

If you are into your reality TV shows, you know that First Family Of Hip Hop is always action-packed with something going on. Apparently Lady Luck and Somaya Reece are planning to link with Jay Z’s nephew to try and get put on a new song.

Melle Mel also wastes no time letting it be known that he is still not a Jay Z fan. When the “kids” ask Melle about his thoughts about the current state of Hip Hop, he explains that it’s a whole lot of garbage and posing going on. He even goes in on Jay!

“Jay Z. He’s a white guy. He’s a white businessman. He’s a clown,” said Melle Mel.

Melle even believes that he could beat Eminem in a rap battle! Melle isn’t letting up. Click HERE to see Melle’s Jay Z diss.

http://player.theplatform.com/p/PHSl-B/tLGNZ7qPWAH0/select/media/guid/2140479951/3472489

Game Expands His Weed Business With Cannabis Candles, Trays and More

(AllHipHop News) Rap star Game is growing his weed business thanks to a new deal with a company called Be Lit Brands.

Be Lit will create a line of accessories for the Compton rap stars “Trees by Game” new cannabis brand.

Be Lit specializes in designing high-quality cannabis strain-inspired soy candles, cannabis rolling trays, apparel, and more.

According to Game, he found the company and their products, while he was visiting the BIG Industry Show and High Times Business Expo in Los Angeles in January.

“It’s a matter of working with the absolute best in every product category, and setting new limits for where we as a community can take this industry,” Game told AllHipHop.com in a statement. “I’m honored at the opportunity to work with Be-Lit and the wonderful people on their team. The designs and styles are fresh, plus they promote positivity, cannabis and that Zen vibe throughout the brand. I’m excited for us to be working on expanding the product line together.”

Working with Game is a moment Be Lit Brands’ founder Brandine Strand was looking for.

“We couldn’t have found a better brand ambassador than The Game. He aligns perfectly with our vision and the lifestyle of hardworking, positive-minded professionals who love cannabis. We are already collaborating with him and having a lot of fun with it.”

Take a look at some of the products from Be Lit Brands at http://www.BeLitBrand.com.

The Internet Clowns Remy Ma For Her Horrible 2nd Nicki Minaj Diss!

(AllHipHop Rumors) Remy! You’d really won the battle, so I don’t know why you felt the need to release this garbage!

Remy Ma even had some of Nicki Minaj’s die-hard fans on her side when she undeniably slayed everyone’s favorite barbie on her “ShETHER” diss track.

Remy could’ve just stopped right there and rode the wave of the hype, as well as continuing to promote the album she has with Fat Joe, ‘Plata O Plomo’.

Instead, Remy decided to try to make a “Back To Back” of her own [like Drake] called “Another One”, and fell terribly short.

Sh-ts terrible man! The “bars”, hook and even the production were trash, so much so, that they inspired the #ThatWasTrashRemy hashtag on Twitter. Folks even started to believe this meant that her husband Papoose really wrote her bars in “ShETHER”.

They let Remy have it. She had to know better man. LMAO.

https://twitter.com/daniel_t_mason/status/837507779443187713


https://twitter.com/necieDIMPLE/status/837493266836783104
https://twitter.com/cesarszn/status/837490768948363264
https://twitter.com/GloUpElite/status/837488799768788994

Remy Ma Claims Nicki Minaj Is Blocking Her Money Instead Of Replying To Diss Records

(AllHipHop News) Remy Ma is not letting up in her war with Nicki Minaj, and she may have a good reason.

Remy has been going in on Nicki since last Saturday (February 25), when she dropped her vicious diss track “shETHER.”

While Nicki has not answered with a verse, she has been rather active on social media, liking supportive posts from artists like Game and Boosie, while causing a minor beef with Trey Songz, instead of responding to Remy.

But Remy has kept up the pressure, by dropping “Another One,” which was followed with a since deleted social media post starring a raunchy picture of Nicki Minaj, posing with her booty cocked up in the air.

Earlier, Remy hosted a chat on her Instagram page, where she explained why she was going so hard on Nicki.

“[She] keep sitting over trying to make phone calls, trying to f##k with my f##king bag, it’s corny Ma,” Remy Ma said.

For her part, Nicki Minaj still seems unbothered by Remy Ma’s diss tracks, even though it seems as if the entire Internet seems to be waiting for a reply.

Nicki’s lack of action, or even any reply, earned her the infamous “Donkey of the Day” this morning on Power 105.1’s “The Breakfast Club.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BRKadgAhHBy/

Foxy Brown Releases Her Own Diss Track For Remy Ma!

(AllHipHop Rumors) Remember Foxy says she doesn’t battle; she body bags!

It looks like everyone has a response to Remy Ma’s “ShETHER” Nicki Minaj diss track, except Nicki.

Apparently Foxy Brown didn’t take too kindly to Remy Ma dissing Nicki Minaj, and allegedly dissing her too in the process.

Remy Ma has not only dropped another Nicki Minaj diss called “Another One,” but the female emcee has also been doing her press runs as well. Remy even stopped by The Wendy Williams show telling Wendy that she felt that Nicki was trying to take money out of her pockets, and that’s what her main issue was.

Apparently Foxy didn’t appreciate Remy subliminally rapping about her on “ShETHER” and has reportedly recorded a Remy diss track over Jay Z’s “Takeover” beat.

Remember Remy rapped,

“Talkin’ sh-t about me to a deaf b-tch. And usually I have sympathy for the impaired, But not when you hard of hearing from untreated gonorrhea.”

In a recently released snippet Foxy raps,

“The takeover, the fake’s over. Got your little shot, okay? Thank Mona. I heard your little rhymes.”

Uh oh! Even though we haven’t heard much of Foxy’s track, I don’t think Remy wants it with Foxy! What are your thoughts?

https://www.instagram.com/p/BRKpFi3hKvb/

#TheBusinessBully The American Education System is F##ked Up (NSFW)

I wish I could tell you that I believed in the American Education System. I really do. Unfortunately I can’t. When I was on The Breakfast Club, Charlamagne asked me if I regret not majoring in business now that I’m a successful speaker and entrepreneur. My answer was “No”. It is my firm belief that the US Department of Education is a sham and the system of higher education serves only to make people great slaves, not great business owners.

A little while ago, “45” promised a group of HBCU presidents that he was going to “more” for their institutions than “any other president”.

That statement right there should have let you know that the jig was up!

Because the POTUS had a photo op and signed an Executive Order on HBCU’s, moving their jurisdiction from the US Department of Education to The White House is a grand gesture, but has very little substance. The details don’t seem to be plentiful and now that reality is starting to sink in with HBCU’s.

45 is doing everything he can to ACT like he cares, but if he REALLY did, he’d start to cut checks. He’d demand sweeping education reforms of not only HBCU’s but Colleges, Universities, and public & charter schools across the country.

But would that hurt his business buddies?

Absolutely. The idea of teaching things like understanding our personal credit, balancing a checkbook, how to start a business via the internet (or a brick and mortar model) or learning the importance of using the tax code effectively (like our POTUS does) would begin to encourage independent thought.

We have been conditioned as children to get up and go to a place where someone tells us when we can play, when we can speak and how often we can go to the bathroom. Unfortunately, now whether you are in jail or the job, you still have someone telling you what to do and how and when to do it.

Why won’t we wake up?

Only 40 days in and 45 has already started:

  • Drilling in our national monuments
  • Gave the OK for dumping crude waste into our rivers and streams
  • Acting on a BAN for Muslims
  • Looking to take out people in the “inner cities” (Chicago is code for Black people, that’s why you hear all of the Trumpets using it as an example)
  • Hiring a cabinet worth over $10 billion , but you think he’s going to do anything to benefit Black people who aren’t named BEN or OMAROSA? You’re dreaming.

Until we’re ready to learn how to use the internet for more than beefs, fight videos and looking at ass, we’re going to be behind the 8 ball. Regardless of who the POTUS is, we have got to make educating ourselves  a top priority. If you want to have successful business, you should join my mission to stop broke business! Join the program by clicking HERE

 

Dave Anderson is a speaker, entrepreneur and #1 Best Selling author living in Philadelphia who loves sharing knowledge and helping others on the topic of entrepreneurship, branding and sales.

Dave is a passionate person who will go the extra mile and over-deliver.  His aggressive, unorthodox and in-your-face style has earned him the nickname “The Business Bully.”

Having been featured in Ebony Magazine, The Breakfast Club, The Huffington Post and countless others,  David has become the go to business expert and sales trainer for thousands of entrepreneurs who buy his books, watch him on YouTube or listen to his Podcast.

If you would like to learn more from Dave Anderson, please visit:

http://BusinessBullyShow.com 

And Follow him on social media – Instagram Facebook Twitter

For bookings and inquires for lectures, book signings or speaking engagements email [email protected]

Eminem Gives Buffalo Rappers Westside Gunn and Conway A Lucrative Label Deal

(AllHipHop News) Eminem has inked a deal with a Buffalo-based hip-hop label, to release solo projects from two new rising rappers.

Shady Records has gone into business with Griselda Records, for their artists Westside Gunn and Conway.

The two brothers started their careers in the early 2000’s, with Westside Gunn gaining a rep as one of the best rappers in Buffalo, while his sibling Conway acted as his manager in addition to starting the Griselda Records imprint to showcase both of their musical releases.

Since 2014, the brothers have gained momentum through independently released mixtapes, working with artists like The Alchemist, Stalley, Smoke DZA and others.

They have established a cult following around the world for their records, in addition to the merchandise, Griselda Records sells.

“The style and energy of Griselda Records, Gunn and Conway are infectious. We can’t wait to put them on the platform they have earned and deserve,” Eminem told AllHipHop.com in a statement today (March 3).

In addition to records by Westside Gunn and Conway, the group also records together as Hall N’ Nash, in tribute to the famed WWE wrestlers Scott Hall and Kevin Nash.

The brothers finished a new project with The Alchemist, and will also release an album under the Hall N’ Nash name, via their deal with Shady Records.

https://soundcloud.com/shadyrecords/machinegunblack/

“LevelHead” – Justin Martin ft. Slick Da Jumpshot

(AllHipHop Breeding Ground) The movie “Chapter & Verse: A Harlem Story” has garnered critical reviews in film festivals and cultural circles. The move was directed by Jamal Joseph and executive produced by Antoine Fuqua. The movie is about a gang leader struggling for normalcy after serving 8 years in prison. In a wild twist of art imitating life or vice versa. Justin Martin managed to co-star in “Chapter & Verse,” afterwards caught a case that sent him to jail. “LevelHead” was recorded with the actual footage of him talking to his mother about his ordeal. The realness is inescapable. The video was directed by Jamal Joseph & son Jad Joseph.

After serving eight years in prison, reformed gang leader S. Lance Ingram re-enters society and struggles to adapt to a changed Harlem. Living under the tough supervision of a parole officer in a halfway house, he is unable to find a job that will let him use the technological skills he gained in prison. Lance is forced to take a job delivering for a food pantry where he befriends Ms. Maddy (LORETTA DEVINE), a strong and spirited grandmother, and assumes responsibility for her 15-year-old grandson Ty, a promising student who is pulled into a dangerous street gang. When gang members decide to punish Ty for disobeying the “law of the streets,” Lance risks sacrificing his “second chance” at freedom so that Ty can have a “first chance” at a better life.

Starring Daniel Beaty, Omari Hardwick, Loretta Devine and Selenis Leyva.

chapterandversethefilm.com

Jay Z and Timbaland’s Sued; This Time For Rapping About Money, Drugs and Prostitutes

(AllHipHop News) Jay Z and producer Timbaland are facing calls for a new trial over their use of an Egyptian music sample in their hit song “Big Pimpin.”

The hip-hop heavyweights were slapped with a copyright infringement suit in 2007, when Osama Ahmed Fahmy claimed they illegally used part of his uncle Baligh Hamdy’s 1957 composition “Khosara, Khosara” in Jay Z’s 2000 chart smash.

The case has been rumbling on ever since, despite Los Angeles judges twice ruling in the defendants’ favor, most recently in October, 2015, when U.S. District Judge Christina Snyder cut the trial short and declared Fahmy lacked the legal standing to pursue his claims, because he gave up his rights when he agreed to license it to local record labels.

However, Fahmy, who co-owns the rights to Hamdy’s tune, has continued to appeal the decision, and in a new filing with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on Wednesday (March 1), his attorney Keith Wesley argued that while his client may have given up his economic rights to Khosara Khosara, he still maintained his moral rights under Egyptian law, which prevents “unauthorized fundamental alterations” to the composition.

Wesley insists Fahmy did not approve of Jay Z’s rhymes about money, drugs, and prostitutes, and is seeking a new trial – with a new judge – even though moral rights generally aren’t recognized in the U.S., according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Lawyers for Jay Z and Timbaland previously asked for a dismissal of the latest appeal in December.

Cardi B Talks Signing With A Major Label Versus Staying Independent (VIDEO)

(AllHipHop News) With all the attention on women in Hip Hop culture at the moment, the news of Cardi B signing a multi-million dollar deal with Atlantic Records seemed to come at the perfect time.

The creator of the Gangsta B-tch Music mixtape sat down with Angie Martinez for an interview.

Martinez asked Cardi about the reports of her partnership with Atlantic, but the Bronx native did not directly answer the question.

“All I want to say is: looking like a caught a lick,” responded Cardi.

She added, “I ain’t gonna talk about it because I still be in the hood.

Cardi was open to discussing the ongoing debate over artists choosing to sign with a major label or staying independent.

“I battle with it. Sometimes I even feel bad for independent artists because it’s hard for them to get on the radio. That’s one thing,” said the former Love & Hip Hop star. “On top of that, people always want to make you uncredible because you’re not signed or people don’t want to take you serious.”

Cardi continued, “It’s hard to get on things like the Grammys or BET Awards because you’re not signed.”

Recently, Cardi B performed at a show with Lil Kim and Remy Ma.

Its goin down LIVE at Santanders Arena in Reading PA on Feb 25th.  Another great show @elgevents. Get your tickets here –> http://bit.ly/2lGJGra  #elgevents #lilkim #cardib #remyma #hiphop #concert #thelox

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@lilkimthequeenbee thank you for always supporting.The big OG in the game but still humble enough to support and give advice.Its so good to meet someone you always look up too and they soo cool and poppin ???

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Chris Brown Responds To Reports Of Anger Issues & Drug Use

(AllHipHop News) Chris Brown was the subject of a lengthy Billboard article that claimed the music star is in a “downward spiral” ignited by drug abuse and anger issues.

“Through the years, Brown has descended from the height of stardom to the lowest circle of fame, becoming better known as a sleazy tabloid obsession than a VIP,” reads the piece.

Brown addressed the story in a video posted online, and Baller Alert captured the clip.

“Y’all gotta stop with this angry sh-t, going through drugs and all this other sh-t,” said the 27-year-old singer. “I’m tired of reading about some sh-t as soon as I got something popping. Soon as I want to promote a tour, party, or a f-cking album, anything, y’all bring up something.”

Brown is set to hit the road on “The Party Tour” with 50 Cent, Fabolous, O.T. Genasis, and Kap G.

#ChrisBrown denies claims he has anger and drug issues

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#THEPARTYTOUR

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