http://www.coremagazine.vi CORE is a grassroots movement for positive news and promotion of Virgin Islanders. As the premier guide to culture and entertainment in the Virgin Islands, we cover the people, events, music, trends and issues that make up the various components of the VI urban lifestyle. Through our rich editorial content we address all aspects of Virgin Islands culture and offer a unique glimpse into what it means to be from these islands. Our inspiring stories about Virgin Islanders: entertain, educate and empower our readers; allowing us to promote positive role models and encourage community activism. We unite Virgin Islanders by serving as the bridge that connects natives abroad with the local community. As a launching pad for up-and-coming talent, our publication supports budding industries and the efforts of young entrepreneurs. en-us http://www.coremagazine.vi/images/coreonlinelogo.png http://www.coremagazine.vi 400 100 http://www.coremagazine.vi/magazine/aug2008press.html
]]> Who's Inside This Issue of CORE Magazine: CORE's August 2008 issue features the beautiful and talented Queens of Calypso in the US and British Virgin Islands including the leading ladies from: Spectrum Band (Lorna Freeman), Cool Session Brass (T'shell Knight), Elivis White (Shekera), Harella, P'Your Passion (Wendy and Sandra Ann), JDPP Jammerz (Lil Che), Top Notch Band (Besha Liburd) and Jalena... http://www.coremagazine.vi/magazine/rockcity.html
]]> If there is ever a true story that tells of success through perseverance and dedication, I will show you one more from our little island. Enter to the main stage Timothy and Theron Thomas. This duo of creative genius has taken the underworld and made a name for themselves by ghost-writing and producing for some of the biggest names in the industry. If you don't know, get familiar. Don't worry though because it's...Inevitable...Rock City...... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/features/ronblake.html
]]> Ron Blake is a prominent jazz saxophonist and a seasoned member of NBC's Saturday Night Live Band. Growing up in the Virgin Islands, Ron's musical talent was nurtured under the directorship of... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/features/rashawnross.html
]]> Rashawn Ross was first introduced to music in the 3rd grade at the Ulla F. Muller Elementary School under the direction of Joe Francis where he honestly only chose to play the trumpet because that was what all the other boys wanted to play. His love for music came from... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/dubplate/rafijah.html
]]> He calls himself St.Thomas' youngest veteran. Rafijah has been performing for audiences since the age of 14, and his readiness to expel something musically shows it. Rafijah, he told me was a stage name that came to him in a vision." I consider it to be a wisdom child... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/dubplate/ritical.html
]]> First out of the scene is Ritical, a singer from Virgin Gorda who has played throughout the Virgin Islands and scored several hits in his seven year career. Love is at the base of his music. Not romantic love or lustfulness -- but the kind of love that is the foundation for families... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/delatest/revalation.html
]]> Revalation's love for music began at the age of six. During his boyhood, he continued to develop musically as a member of his school and church choirs through performing at small plays and talent shows. He decided to pursue a career in reggae music... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/delatest/jamtyme.html
]]> When it comes to filling a void, the former members of Jam Band know what it takes and know exactly what the people want. They took the year of 2007 by storm and please the ear with familiar sounds of legendary... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/radiolink/avalanche.html
]]> The phenomenon known as Avalanche is a familiar voice to morning commuters and those at work, also to anyone who goes out to high profile events here in the Virgin Islands. If you haven't heard of DJ Avalanche you have been... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/studiotalk/abx.html
]]> I guess you can say, when you come from a musical background, music is hereditary. Well in the case of Show Time band member and B.V.I super producer Alton Bertie, music isn't only in the genes, it's in the blood... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/studiotalk/kamau.html
]]> Kamau is too humble to accept this label but in my eyes, it is the truth. Kamau is the man with the Midas touch in that everything he puts his all in, turns to gold. We all know the term jack-of-all-trades master of none; Kamau destroys this stereo type... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/breakingout/rudy.html
]]> Born Toya Isaac, this sparkling beauty is a great definition of what it means to be a Rock Youth. Her career started out with her father the legendary DJ Calabash, playing on Coki Beach. At age 12, she would go with her father and get on the mic, which probably makes her the... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/breakingout/brickhouse.html
]]> In the spirit of Passa Passa, Weddy Wednesdays and Exact Mondays the dancehall scene has become the sound and culture of many young Caribbean people. Star dancehall dancers like: Stacy, Queen Nikki, Black Blingers, Dyema, Ding Dong and Junko have shown that dancehall is not just a sound but a culture as well. In the Virgin Islands a powerful, talented and gritty dancehall group has taken the island of St. Croix by storm... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/breakingout/judah.html
]]> The aspiring artist known as Judah is one of Rock City's hardest working performers. Having appeared on local shows like VI's Underrated by the Infinite Camp and the VI Idol by LP Records (reaching the finals), Judah has shown that... http://www.coremagazine.vi/fashion/guides/spring.html
]]> Feel O'je Bathing Suits by Design and Jamal Drummond for Ahmadz Fashions... http://www.coremagazine.vi/fashion/makeovers/may08.html
]]> The look of a glamorous movie star is easily achieved with these simple steps... http://www.coremagazine.vi/events/images/viidol2/index.html
]]> Photo Gallery - July 12th Elimination http://www.coremagazine.vi/photos/images/may08/index.html
]]> Photo Gallery http://www.coremagazine.vi/commentary/movements/JenniferMatarangasKing.html Growing up in humble beginnings in Hill and Queen Cross Street in Christiansted, St. Croix, attending Pearl B. Larsons Elementary, and then graduating from St. Dunstans Episcopal School in 1987, Jennifer Matarangas-King's life exemplifies achievement and manifesting one's destiny... http://www.coremagazine.vi/commentary/rise/images/ieshageorge/index.html Photo Gallery of Iesha George's Exhibit at the VI Council of the Arts... http://www.coremagazine.vi/commentary/livity/creditscore.html What's Your Score? More than 60% of VI participants at recent financial empowerment seminars admitted they have never seen their report, but believed their score was low. Traditionally, consumers with a poor understanding of credit reports or no knowledge of what affects their credit scores generally have lower scores and higher interest rates... http://www.coremagazine.vi/commentary/decause/hopeincvi.html H.O.P.E., Inc. (Helping Others in a Positive Environment) is a 501(C)3 nonprofit community-based organization established in the Virgin Islands in 2000... http://www.coremagazine.vi/commentary/thegame/richardsamuel.html Think back to when you were 16 years old. What were you doing? Most of us were either in the high school listening to Violators or Jam Band. But there is a Virgin Islander who is standout on the football field... http://www.coremagazine.vi/commentary/thegame/miltonnewton.html Milton M. Newton has been with the NBA's Washington Wizards for the past five seasons. Newton wasn't blessed to be on an NBA roster as a player, but did the next best thing when he was named Director of Player Personnel in 2003. http://www.coremagazine.vi The Virgin Islands Small Business Development Center will be hosting the Small Business Week Awards Ceremony for St. Thomas and St. John District on Friday, May 23, 2008 at 5:30pm at the University of the Virgin Islands Administration and Conference Center; in conjunction with the St. Thomas/St. John Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours. Come Celebrate With Us! http://www.coremagazine.vi/commentary/livity/index.htm Even though I was trained as a General surgeon, I became interested in Holistic Health and Preventive Medicine because of the prevalence of life threatening preventive illnesses on St. Croix... http://www.coremagazine.vi/commentary/movements/richardharrigan.html International Fitteds is a product of my vision. I started everything almost a year ago in the summer of 2006. One day I was walking through the mall and went into a store to re-up on my navy blue Yankee's fitted when it hit me... http://www.coremagazine.vi/commentary/movements/jeffburroughs.html The phrase NATTY has always been a part of our life, most would imagine dreadlocks, but this unique Brand N.A.T.T.Y. creatively means: Natural And True To Yourself... http://www.coremagazine.vi/commentary/movements/johnwheatley.html As a Youngman growing up in the Virgin Islands one of my biggest obstacles were running into people/teachers who would label me as a problem child... http://www.coremagazine.vi/commentary/thegame/hanikmilligan.html Hanik Milligan left the island of St. Croix at the age of 11 years old and moved with his parents to Florida. There he attended the Coconut Creek High School where his coach encouraged him to apply for a football scholarship... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/breakingout/ladypassion.html I speak on what I know, and what I go through because I am only human, and I know that somebody else out there is going through either what I am going through, or what I have been through, and need to know they are not alone... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/breakingout/aaron.html 10 things you should know about Aaron Parillon formerly "Grime-A" Hustlaz Ministry. I'm the New Breed of Hip Hop. I'm so focus on music I listen to beats all day... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/breakingout/lydia.html This Puerto Rican born, Virgin Islands raised talent has a performance history as long and as varied as her musical influences. Lydia's life has revolved around the arts from a very tender age... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/breakingout/billyblasta.html Real recognize real and Billy Blasta is as real as they come. Straight out of "The Ghettos" of St. Thomas Paul M. Pearson Gardens to be specific, Blasta's foundation is hood so he's determine to take it back to the streets... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/delatest/jalena.html Jalena is white and of German decent, but if you ask Jalena she would quickly tell you that only her parents are from Germany and she is a Tortolian born and raised... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/delatest/sweetaband.html The Sweet-Ta' Band is a new group on the VI calypso scene with a seasoned sound that rivals more established groups. With the release of their debut album "Sweet-Ta' In De Area", the Sweet-Ta' Band is well poised to... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/delatest/maurice.html Maurice is a talented R and B artist with a sultry voice and the looks to back it up. This rising star already has tracks on movie soundtracks: The Protector, Derailed, and Afro Samurai... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/delatest/byronbash.html Pride and persistence is a brief description of the musical talent that is Byron "Byron Bash" Osborne. If anyone can say they have been there and done that, it's... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/dubplate/rasiba.html Iba began his professional music career as a lead singe for reggae bands like Frontline and The Survivors.  However, it wasn't until after his contribution to the... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/dubplate/rasbumpa.html Substance, authenticity, lyrics and genuine vibes all describe the music of Ras B.U.M.P.A. aka EvahBless.  His determination to make quality music has taken him from underdog to one of... http://www.coremagazine.vi/magazine/april2008.html CORE Magazine is proud to announce the release of our first anniversary issue featuring the...Inevitable...Rock City on the cover: representing Oswald Harris Court aka Housin' Timothy and Theron are the two brothers who make up this dynamic duo... http://www.coremagazine.vi/magazine/apostle.html I started professionally in the music industry at the age of thirteen. In high-school, I garnered my first air time on the radio played by DJ Poppy Pops, called 'Good Morning Sisters and Brothers' which was a social commentary. It was talking about the murder rate in the Virgin Islands from a ghetto youth perspective, this allowed a lot of people to relate... http://www.coremagazine.vi/fashion/profiles/kenya.html Well I always loved to sing, and realized my passion for it since I was in Head Start. My first memory of singing before an audience was at four years old in Marley Head start. I remember telling my teacher Mrs. Weeks that I was going to be a famous singer when I grew up! But I only decided to pursue fashion recently about two years ago... http://www.coremagazine.vi/commentary/thegame/index.htm As a youth growing up in Kirwan Terrace Projects, I always enjoyed watching triathlons on TV and I always wanted to become a tri-athlete. With hard work and support from: my parents Alvin Sewer and Brenda Mitchell, my coach and mentor... http://www.coremagazine.vi/fashion/profiles/images/AMADZFASHION/index.html He is an Innovative Fashion Designer with his upcoming couture line of fashion entitled AhmadZ; who is also strongly skilled in the arts of Makeup, Hair Styling and part time Modeling. Born in Bronx, New York but raised, and is presently living on the Big Island of St. Croix U.S.V.I... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/breakingout/ripper.html Ripper is a rapper unlike most from the Caribbean because he raps in a style I like to call Island Hop as opposed to the traditional Yankee style most islanders use when they rap. When you take the wildness of calypso... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/breakingout/smokeyb.html I get alot of strength from these man I live around, and all I do is put rhythm and rhymes together of what we do and how we feel, you know. For example, 'Jah Love' was inspired by Nyorah after I dealt with him on a vibes, the words came easy, you know... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/studiotalk/bosco.html Bosco has been involved in the VI music scene since the age of 18, playing in all major bands in the Virgin Islands. From Imaginations, Milo and the Kings to the Violators and the Wrecking Crew, Seventeen+ and Jamband, his musical and industry experience cannot be questioned... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/radiolink/tonyt.html Tony T leaned back in his chair and replied confidently, "that inspiration comes directly from family". He started explaining that his Dad was a deejay, and was well known for the end of the year parties out in Old TuTu... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/radiolink/poppypops.html I have strong ties to my Hispanic side; I can speak, read, and write in Spanish. I also worked for a while on a station in Puerto Rico. But family ties are not the only reason you would hear me speak Spanish on my show on Isle 95 FM. Unity is a crucial part to the development of any community... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/delatest/rancho.html Coming out of Ras Valley, Rock City Building 22, the 'Ring-tone' master has been involved in music since E.B. Oliver Elementary. After linking up with his down stairs neighbor last year; cutting edge producer Bosco of Beat-Down Beats, Rancho has been applying the pressure... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/radiolink/djdre.html My style is crazy, you got to be at one of my many events to experience it "hype, energy, vibes" just crazy, I love to see people enjoying themselves.... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/delatest/jase.html My music style is like my life. It's a melting pot of different cultures, genres, thoughts, and feelings. Basically I aim to target the crossover mainstream audience and give them a taste of VI lifestyle. Also I want to show the world that Caribbean artists have a lot more to offer in terms of content and its not just our accents that make us hot.... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/features/bambustation.html For me it represented starting at my own root, my origin, so it was a vibe to affirm the music that is core to my heart and my passion to present it to the people. Bambu also infers the Bamboo plant that is strong yet pliable, adjusting to pressure when it has to. It is used to build, cut, shelter, feed and provide balance so it gave substance and meaning to the word... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/features/djchild.html California has long been a major tour stop for many Virgin Islands Reggae artists. In the Northern city of Oakland in the Bay Area, a group called Project Groundation, have been making epic moves in the global DJ community with their award winning mixes. With a roster spanning... http://www.coremagazine.vi/magazine/pressure.html Well, Pressure I gave myself that name back with Star Lion family who are my I-drens, Niyorah, Kimbe, Syrus, Jahgon Nature,Icarus,and Rafijah, they all had names and people used to call me Dalyno or lil' Brownie, so I decided I wanted my own name... http://www.coremagazine.vi/magazine/daddyfriday.html Eddie Francis saw something special in this young singer; Nick Friday, who was dubbed "the Franchise" early in his career. He had a powerful voice, intelligent lyrics, and a commanding stage presence. He was extremely proficient in... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/features/jamband.html The Jam Band as an entity has been at the summit of Virgin Islands Calypso for more than twenty years. Within the band, there has been an ebb and flow of membership; all have had an impact on what the band is today... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/features/jahman.html I grew up with my Grandmother, and she used to go to church every Sunday and I could remember we used to sing, my grandmother, my sister, and me, before, during, and after church and all, and that was my favorite part... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/dubplate/niyorah.html Bless with a naturally melodic voice, Niyorah, born Nigel Olivacce, is a crucial reggae artist hailing from the island of St. Thomas. After the release of his sophomore solo album Purification Session Niyorah remains focus... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/delatest/xtaushun.html In 2003 Xtaushun jumped onto the Virgin Islands calypso scene with their high-spirited hit "Energy", which won the Cruzan 2003/2004 Festival Road March and left carnival goers eager for more... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/radiolink/rashidi.html Classic spoofs and skits like the "bedroom quadrille" have earned Rashidi Clenance, the current host of "The Big Phat Morning Show", several calls from tickled radio listeners asking for more... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/radiolink/bertrum.html Growing up on the East End of Tortola, Birch Lettsome was known amongst his peers as the one who brought the music to the party. Back then he was just into... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/studiotalk/juice.html It' s hard to believe this simple conclusion would put Derrick Moore on a path that would lead to him creating a highly acclaimed label, Black Juice Beats. As a well respected production company in the Virgin Islands... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/breakingout/lincoln.html Lincoln Ward and his love for music goes way back to him being classically trained on the piano at the very young age of eight. Though he went on to major in... http://www.coremagazine.vi/commentary/hotup/index.htm Carnival in the Virgin Islands since 1952 has always been and always will be an event: about the people, organized by the people, for the enjoyment of the people. Thus it is our duty as the people of the... http://www.coremagazine.vi/commentary/rise/index.htm While browsing the Bordeaux Farmers' Market, I met a jovial broom-maker by the name of Mr. Justin Todman. As we chit-chatted he took the time to give me a little history about his brooms... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/features/frederickmorton.html CORE discusses with the voice of Tempo; Senior Vice President and General Manager Frederick A. Morton Jr. the purpose and goal of this new campaign and other parts of the 'One Love' initiative... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/dubplate/xtreme.html The Xtreme Band has accomplished more in the seven years of its existence than most bands twice its age. This exceptional group is composed of Dirk "Dirky" Walters, Harella Georges, Jevaughn "JJ" Parsons, Darwin "Chickdaddy" Scatliffe, Zolan "Zo" Browne... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/delatest/djslik.html The "Streets of St. Croix" Mix Tape evolved out of a collaboration between the VIGs, Krime Fam and DJS Entertainment. Hosted by DJ Slik of... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/dubplate/xpress.html For over twenty (20) years the X-Press Band has been leading the pack with quality calypso music. Their legacy includes four (4) Cruzian Festival Road March titles, three (3) Brass-O-Rammer Championships, and twenty great albums... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/dubplate/neville.html Music is one of the most powerful forms of human expression; it has the potential to inspire, heal or soothe us no matter our language, location, status or heritage. Only the most gifted artists are able to... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/delatest/jdpp.html The JDPP Jammerz took this past carnival by storm with their popular hit "The Bunny Train". The winning combination of light hearted lyrics, catchy dance moves, eight energetic students, as well as a huge... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/studiotalk/mvg.html Malvern Gumbs is a veteran trumpet player who has traveled with the world renowned Manhattans. As a seasoned singer, Malvern has made appearances at the... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/studiotalk/alico.html LP Records is an award wining record label in the Virgin Islands . Their roster includes the prominent Apostle, a successful solo artist with several hit singles and top selling albums. Apart from managing a VI music veteran and rising legend... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/sounds/animosity.html The sound system industry here in the VI is becoming non-existent little by little. The reason for this is that local sounds are worried about their image more than pushing the music. Some selectors bad mind others, which kills reggae vibes here... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/sounds/redlion.html For years the VI dancehall scene was run by the foundation sounds like Westline, Calabash, and Dogheart International. In the late-nineties a new sound emerged named "Corn Dog," coming out of the Smith Bay Area of St. Thomas... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/sounds/badjoe.html Born in St. Thomas, and raised in Estate Thomas, Allison 'Badjoe' Trotman is now one of the premier Caribbean DJ's of the Mid East and prominent radio personality of the Hampton Roads area of Virginia... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/breakingout/dtm.html Al "Bullet" Potter and Kissinger "Kiss" Mercer are the two young entertainers that make up the hyped hip-hop group known as the DTM Boyz. Their ability to mix comedic lyrics with the realities of living in the BVI ... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/breakingout/monifae.html "Music pursued me!" proclaims Monifa E. born Monifa Pole, a gospel artist who began signing around her house, making up songs and recording them on her little radio as a child. Now years later Monifa E. is an edgy gospel singer about to... http://www.coremagazine.vi/fashion/profiles/avanna.html Model Avanna Lake won the fashion and commercial division for the "EMG Model of the Year 2006" model convention, where Avanna received a three-year modeling contract with ID Models in New York... http://www.coremagazine.vi/fashion/profiles/bonelli.html Born Derrick Lewis, also known as Boneil the Fittest has been making high quality knit-wear for over ten years. With his young age, and growing up in the urban environment of Hospital Ground, he has created many cutting edge styles... http://www.coremagazine.vi/fashion/profiles/morgan.html I've always known that I wanted to design. Even as a small girl, I would wear the CRAZIEST combinations of clothing ever! I've had smaller accessory lines in college and high school...and EVERYONE always knew I was willing to take any risk in regards to fashion... http://www.coremagazine.vi/commentary/rise/vicallaloo.html This compilation of poetry titled "V.I. Callaloo" has been published and is now available for sale at bookstores around the BVI and USVI. The idea for the book came about from the Callaloo concept: a complete meal with different flavors... http://www.coremagazine.vi/commentary/roots/index.htm The French Town Civic Organization is a non-profit group that has been serving the French Town and surrounding communities for almost 50 years. Their services include: garbage pick up, street light maintenance, police protection, bus transportation, financial assistance, elderly benefit programs, and French West Indian heritage preservation... http://www.coremagazine.vi/commentary/movements/index.htm Born Leslie Marie Comissiong, this political powerhouse was born and raised in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. She attended Leonard Dober Elementary School, Addelita Cancryn Junior High, and was a Chicken hawk, Class of '94... http://www.coremagazine.vi/music/dubplate/madanile.html Anyone who wants to know where the culture in reggae music has gone, I would say, it's in St.Croix. Our Crucian artists have taken their movement far beyond the shores of the Virgin Islands by captivating many international audiences...