interview with BRIIAN DARGON

a little over a year ago, i met briian dargon, a very talented designing revolutionary. i remember briian coming to my house one saturday morning to present me with a hot pink neck tie with a purple 7 on it. i thought i was going to pass out. that's when it all started, briian became my personal designer. he's done quite a few pieces for me and i know that he will be doing more.

1. How long have you been designing clothing? I've been officially designing for 3 years but i started reconstructing and adding my own embellishments at the age of 8 when i use to cut off the collars of my shirts to make chinese collars. They were very popular back then but my mom wouldn't buy them for me. She had a fit,lol.

2. If you could choose 3 of the top designers to have dinner with, who would they be? The 3 designers i would choose would probably be Willi Smith (he's the first designer that i was conciously aware of as such), The 5 or 6 designers that work on Sean John's line because alot of the stuff is fly and spirited and Tommy Hilfiger because i like the clean lines and it fits my personality at times.

3. If you could choose a celebrity spokesmodel for your clothing line, who would it be and why? That's a tough one for me because i would like to think that BSIXTEE6 represents every man and there are very few celebrities that give me that but if i have to pick one, i guess i would pick Common. He seems to embody the personality that could carry off a piece of BSIXTEE6, he has a great sense of style and he wears the clothing and doesn't let the clothing wear him which i think is important.

4. What would you consider to be your biggest flaw? and why do you consider it a flaw? I don't think of myself as having flaws, i think of myself as a student who in the process of learning becomes less ignorant.

5. If you could have a menage et trois with 2 other people who would they be? Mary and Jesus because not only would i learn a new skill but i'd also be enlightened and have my soul saved. You can't beat that for a turn on.

6. What type of impact would you like for your clothing line to have and who is your primary target audience? My target audience is everyone. I think that my goal has always been to use BSIXTEE6 as a tool to enhance peoples lives. i know that may sound cliche' but what i mean by that is we depend on government agencies and organizations to do alot of things for us in terms of shelter, food, etc that we use to do for each other.

I remember growing up in a time where the neighborhood really did help raise you, everybody looked out for everybody else, when someone was hungry and didn't have food, someone would bring them food if someone was cold, someone would bring them a blanket but we've lost that. I think we've become so use to having to provide and scramble to make ends meet that we forget that we really are responsible to each other and can do more together than apart. So i say all of that to say that the one of the goals of BSIXTEE6 was to start a program where food could be delivered to those without at no charge, we would except donated clothing and new bedding to give to those in need also at no charge and also without alot of red tape or paperwork because when you're hungry or your kids are hungry or cold, you don't want to be told to come back tomorrow.

7. What is your favorite fabric? and why? Felt and Lame' are my two favorite fabrics because they come in a multitude of colors and are easy to work with and the felt washes well.

briian will be showcasing his designs on saturday, july 30th in his showroom on 14th street. if you want to get a piece of briian while he is still accessible, then you'd better be there!

B's & Buttaflies Showroom
137 W. 14st, Bell 303
Saturday, July 30th from 5PM - 10PM

interview with RHETT GEORGE

i love new york. it's so rich with talent and i have to say that it feels great to be among the movers and shakers. this is the theater capital of the world and since i have a few friends in the theater, i'm able to catch a show from time to time. one of my favorite live performers is RHETT GEORGE. i've seen rhett in most of his broadway performances and this boy can BLOW. rhett stopped by 7 last sunday with a few friends in tow and i had an opportunity to chat with him for this interview. check it out!

1. Tell me a little about your background, where you are from, how you got here, what your aspirations are? My full name is Rhett Gerren George. I grew up in the beautiful city of Toronto. I come from a very big musical family, which is where my musical influences come from. I aspire to be a successful recording artist.

2. I know you've done quite a few broadway shows. Which shows have you been in and which show was your absolute favorite and why? I have been in many musicals over the years. I’ve been in Rent, Lion King, Fame, Wicked, Aida, and currently starring as “Big Daddy” in the musical revival of Sweet Charity with Christina Applegate. My favorite musical thus far was Aida. I loved the music and the story and I felt a connection to the songs that we sang so it was easy for me to perform every night.

3. I've seen you perform and your stage presence is electric. Are you hoping to be a pop star some day or do you prefer the more grassroots underground circuit? When I was a kid, I wanted to be a pop star, but as I got older, I realized that I just wanted to to make music. It doesn’t matter if I sell a million records or 1 record, although a million would be nice. It’s really not about that for me, it’s about doing what I love doing. The rest will fall into place if it’s meant to be.

4. Do you prefer male solo artists over female solo artists and if so who are your top 5 favorites? I don’t have a preference, but I listen to female artists more and my top five are: Monica, Faith Evans, India.Arie, Brandy and Mary J. Blige.

5. What's the largest animal you've every touched? An Elephant

6. If you were granted 3 wishes what would they be? A record deal, a big house, and a flossy car

7. You are given ONE MILLION DOLLARS and have the option to buy a record label, a church, a theater or a public access tv station, which one would you purchase? and why? Of course the record label. That way I can work on music day and night.

Be sure to catch RHETT GEORGE at The Cutting Room on Monday, July 25th at 8PM. DON'T MISS IT!

interview with NATHAN HALE [WILLIAMS]

This coming weekend MTV's LOGO [ www.logoonline.com ] will be airing SKI TRIP. One of the members of the cast is a friend of mine so I figured I'd go head first and interview him for this week's issue of 7 MAGAZINE. I caught up with him in the midst of his busy schedule and here is how the interview went down.

1. You are from Chicago right? What brings you from the windy city to the BIG APPLE and why?
Well, I am originally from Chicago, but I moved from Chicago twelve years ago when I left for college. After college, I moved to Washington, DC for law school and stayed there for four years. One morning, after my best friend/roommate told me she was leaving DC for business school, I decided it was time to move to New York. Three weeks later, I had a job at a law firm and a month later I moved. I have always wanted to live in New York to pursue a career in entertainment. The plan was to practice entertainment law and then segue into producing television and film. So far, so good.

2. What was your first job after law school?
I worked at this great law firm in DC as an associate in the corporate and commercial litigation practice groups.

3. You are unquestionably an entrepreneur. How has it been, being your own boss and do you plan on taking another job or has calling the shots been too rewarding?
Well, there have been and still are days that I am like what the hell was I thinking. Thankfully, those days are rare. I am more fulfilled in my professional career than I ever was working for someone else. So many people think when you work for yourself that you'll have a lot of free time to yourself. Actually, I work more than I did before because I am ALWAYS working. There is always something that can be done. The difference is I enjoy what I am doing. From time to time, I will apply for corporate jobs and that's just really to keep my options open. I don't foresee myself working for someone else anytime soon.

4. Are you in a committed relationship? Yes, I have been in a relationship for over 3 years.

Describe your relationship in 7 words. I love Keith like Whitney loves Bobby. LOL. He's going to kill me for that one.

5. We always hear that "everything happens for a reason." Do you believe that you are in the right place at the right time? Do you believe in destiny or fate?
I am not sure those concepts are mutually exclusive. I do believe that everything happens for a reason. Each moment of your life is a point along your journey. I also believe in destiny. However, I know that we have the power to shape our destiny as well.

6. So you are about to be a part of television history. Are you ready for the possible success that SKI TRIP might bring forth? how do you keep yourself grounded and focused?
I am SOOO ready for it. I have been grindin' for some time now. The Ski Trip was a labor of love. I call it "the little movie that could." Working with Maurice Jamal as an actor and a fellow producer has been great. He is an awesome business partner and a brilliant writer/director. TST has begun to open doors for us and I hope it continues to do so. It's made it slightly easier for our next project, Dirty Laundry. Staying grounded isn't difficult, staying focused is, at times. I am humbled by the awesome blessings that God has given me. And, I know they are blessings and shouldn't be taken for granted. My mom and Keith keep me grounded too. I am such a scatter brain, I want to do everything. I tell everyone that I want to be the gay Puffy. But, I try to stay on task with whatever the main projects are at the time.

7. Who was the first person you ever loved? My mother!

be sure to check out NATHAN HALE this weekend on LOGO. if you don't have the channel, ask for it! you won't want to miss history in the making.

UP NEXT! my interview with actor, writer, director, producer
MAURICE JAMAL.

interview with MAURICE JAMAL

i recently snagged maurice jamal and we talked over french fries, buffalo chicken dumplings and mojitos. i wanted to find out more about the human action figure and also what to expect in the near future from this filmmaking "super-hero".

1. Are you a native new yorker or are you an import?
I am a big import. I moved here from the mean streets of Oakland, CA about 4 years ago. It’s actually crazy when I think back on it. I didn’t have a job, or apartment, or know anybody. I just decided I was moving here to pursue my dreams. So I sold all my shit, bought a one-way ticket, threw myself a going away party and jumped on a plane. (laughs). OK. I have a confession. I have always seen my life as a “musical”. I break out in song in my head all the time. I have my own theme song and all. Which is funny, because the way I moved here is very musical theater. (laughs again)

2. You are like a superhero, you do a bit of everything. you, wrote, directed, produced and starred in "ski trip" and it's about to be the first film on MTV's Logo that features men of color. You must be on some type of high right now. I need for you to tell me how you are feeling right now.
Not “like” a superhero. I “am” a superhero. I can’t fly or turn invisible or anything. But what I can do with a fine ass man….that’s a true super power. (laughs) But seriously, I am on an incredible high right now. It’s amazing to me. Here I am. Young, Black, Gay. Raised by a single parent. I am someone who society discounts and discards. And here I am. Making movies. Breaking ground. Pushing boundaries. And the audiences have been so embracing. It’s incredible. I am so happy. I feel so blessed.

3. I know you have a few projects churning around in your head, what's next for you?
I have several projects we’re going to jump into. There’s a feature-film about actors in New York; a comedy-thriller, which the kids just aint ready for; a really provocative comedy series about sex…looking forward to casting that one (laughs). Oh, yeah and the sequel to The Ski Trip. Which is actually a pre-quel, but I can’t say too much or my producers will kill me. I guess I’m a workaholic. But I love what I do, so who cares?

4. What would you say was your biggest mistake or set back and how did you overcome it?
Wow. That’s a great question. I start my day with meditation and today I was focusing on how there are no mistakes in life, only steps toward your destiny. And I really do believe that. I don’t think there are mistakes. It’s really just a matter of attitude and perception. What you see, what you believe, you will manifest. But, certainly there have been times where I doubted myself. Doubted who I truly was. And that can take you off course. Yet, you can learn so much from those moments. So maybe those aren’t mistakes either.

5. Are you currently dating anyone? if so expound, if not is it by choice? Are you too focused on getting your next projects done and dating can wait? What is your take on that?

Fuck that, “I am too busy bullshit”. That’s a cop-out. That’s the easy answer. I want a man! (laughs) I’m not dating anyone right now. I’ve been on a date or two, or three, or…well, anyway, nothing serious. But, I’d love to be in a relationship. It just has to be the right relationship. It’s funny to me, because I think guys can be a little intimidated. They see your face in a magazine and on TV, and they think they have to be a model or have all this money to deal with you. Now, I aint throwing no rich models out my bed, (laughs) but I am simply looking for a good, solid, wonderful man.

6. Do you have a team of people that you work with or do you do the majority of the work?

I do it ALL! (laughs) No. I have a GREAT relationship with my producing partner, Nathan Williams. We don’t think there’s anything we can’t do. We have amazing chemistry and a relationship built on trust, respect and a sincere admiration of each others’ talents. I like to say that his booty is almost as big as his heart. (laughs) He’s gonna hate that I said that. Make sure that gets in. (laughs). Beyond that, I have really been blessed that people have supported my insanity. I’ve worked with some great folks.

7. If you were given ONE MILLION DOLLARS today and told that you could not use it to finance any film projects, what would you do with it?
I know this is very “Soul Train Awards” of me, but of course I’d do something for my momma (laugh). But not too much. Shit, she’s lived her life! I want a big ass house and a shiny car and a fine ass man in his drawers cooking pancakes in the kitchen. No, I’d probably do something wild and crazy. Take trips around the world. Meet people. Take a friend. Spend time exploring myself. I wouldn’t worry too much about saving it, because my career is blowing up baby! And if it doesn’t I can always use those “super-powers” I mentioned earlier and make some cash.

thanks Maurice, i trust this is ONLY the beginning... you are destined for greatness and a very inspiring person. continue to soar into the universe with your "super-powers"!

be sure to check your local listings for SKI TRIP on LOGO.[ www.logoonline.com ]

interview with RAHIM BRIGGS

i had the pleasure of speaking with Rahim Briggs and Clyde Penn, the producers of the "WHITE ATTIRE AFFAIR" in dc on july 16th and here is what they had to say...

1. How do you guys know each other?
Rahim and I (Clyde) have known each other for a number of years prior to him asking me to help out with an HIV/AIDS fundraiser that he had started, the White Party,which four years ago, came to be know as the White Attire Affiar

2. Have you 2 produced this event together for the 7 years that it's been going on?
Rahim produced the party by himself with a host of friends for 3 years. We have produced it together under the Ummah banner for the last four.

3. Has the weather cooperated with the event over the years?
We have had perfect weather every year!

4. Do you remember any embarrassing moments from the past?
No embarrassing moments, fortunately. Our supporters have been very impressed with the quality of the event and the focus on philanthropy.

5. How does it feel to have one of the hottest upscale events in the black gay community?
We are very humbled and know that God is working through us to do a great work in our community!!

6. Do you think there will be a cure for HIV/AIDS in the next 5 years?
We hope. But that’s not something we can control. What we do have control over is the ability to help change attitudes and behaviors toward this disease and to get the message out for everyone to Be Tested! Be Treated! Be Healthy! Be Safe! LIVE!!!

7. What do you hope people will walk away with after this event?
A greater awareness of the seriousness and threat this disease poses to us as individuals and as a community, a commitment to get tested, and the desire to discuss the prevalence of this disease with friends and relatives in order to stem the spread.

BANG! - 4th of July weekend roundup

BANG! was more than i could have ever expected. i can honestly say that this 4th of july was the absolute best i've had in new york city.

this past holiday weekend brought out many of new york's finest as well as a few out of towners. i closed out my weekend at an intimate gathering at james earl hardy's east side apartment. everything else is a blur.

interview with MICHAEL-CHRISTOPHER

this weekend at 7, THE PARTY, i will be featuring a comic book theme. it should be a pretty hot party considering this weekend is the 4th of july. i decided to reach out to my good pal, michael-christopher. he's an amazing illustrator and novelist. check out my interview with him.

1. So you've traveled and lived in a couple of cities. which cities have you lived in and which one was your favorite and why?
That's a hard question. Most of my travel has been work-related so I've never really had the chance to get out and about like I want to. Most times I'm in town for a Black pride so I end up only in the places events are happening. The cities I'd love to explore more extensively are Los Angeles, Chicago and London, and I see myself settling for good in the ATL.

2. When did you first get the idea to do your series "Living The Life"?
When I was laid off from my job as a graphic designer at a small publishing company that was sold to McMillan. Belasco saw some of my drawings and inspired me to publish my own book. He saw some nudes and told me I could be successful doing what he does, but my erotic stories had too much conscience to them and we all know that wouldn't work!

3. How long have you been drawing?
I have been drawing since I was a crumb-snatchin' rug rat! I started out drawing PEANUTS characters when I was about 3 or 4, then I would draw THE FLINTSTONES and other Hanna-Barbara cartoons from the television. Those are my most significant cartooning influences.

4. Most of your characters have toned or muscular bodies, has the body conscience of the gay community embraced your work?
You know, I get a lot of flack for that, but it really comes from drawing super-heroes and studying anatomy since junior high. My thing is drawing people and part of the thrill for me as a "creator" is to build someone, muscle by muscle. Drawing someone's arm as two straight parallel lines is just no fun! But, in the interest of realism, I have been more careful about how I draw my characters. KURTIS, for instance, is not supposed to be anywhere near buffed. HANK is thick, but not as muscular as ANDRE or KHALID. I've looked back at issue #1 and thought, "dang, they're diesel!"

5. Have you ever illustrated porn, like for your own collection?
Being fascinated by anatomy, I have drawn plenty of nudes, but very little "porn." I have some of what I call "sensual art," drawings of people together in intimate moments, but rarely sexual acts. When I draw, my objective is to create something beautiful, and I have yet to see someone look beautiful with a d*** in their mouth!

6. Would you like to see your books come to life, meaning animation? is something like that in the works?
Animation, no. Live action, YES! And there IS a finished LIVING THE LIFE screenplay. I'ma leave it at that.

7. What's next for michael-christopher?
Well, I have been working a lot of HIV-Prevention comics and campaigns, I'm on the Executive Committee for the White Attire Affair benefit here in Washington, DC. I'm working on syndication for LIVING THE LIFE and other writing projects. I'm sure many of you reading are saying, "you NEED to be working on issue #7!" That's in the works, too...

check out more from michael-christopher at [ www.livedlife.com ]