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TRIBES Magazine Pioneers Entertainment

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Available on Magcloud and Amazon in Print or Kindle

Independent Publication Continues Mission to Give Voice to Urban Expression
TRIBES Magazine, the wildly popular urban arts and entertainment periodical, is back with new issues guaranteed to be the best ones yet! Created in 2004 by Leslie Cunningham, TRIBES is one of the leading urban publications online today. Named Best Online Zine by Black Web Awards in 2009 and Poetry Magazine of the Year by the National Poetry Awards in 2010, TRIBES has featured many entertainment icons like Tyler Perry, Damian Marley and KRS One. Still, the heart of TRIBES magazine is always with the self-sustaining arts.
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TRIBES is committed to telling the stories of the countless independent artists across the globe as they pioneer in entertainment. Every issue of TRIBES throbs with the beat of music, politics, visual art and photography, and bursts with writing, articles, poetry and personal narratives authored by a winning team of entertainment journalists, artists and social critics.
TRIBES Magazine is currently available four times a year on Amazon.com and MagCloud.com, content web-services which enables TRIBES to share its brand story worldwide in print and digital formats, including Kindle. To view the current issue of TRIBES magazine or to stay updated on TRIBES’ Blog, Visit our website at http://www.tribesmagazine.com.

TRIBES is seeking visual artists, poets, writers, musicians and photographers interested in showcasing their talents. Questions or comments can be emailed to whatsup@tribesmagazine.com.

Disability with Inspiration

Poetry TRIBE:  Disability with Inspiration  

by Keyana Sullivan

Keyana Sullivan 2

Helen Keller, words can not explain the inspiration you’ve given, Life without sight, words without sound, the love you gave, success you found
Author, political activist, lecturer, first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree, Your disability made you a powerful woman, and that is exactly how I want to be

Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd president of the United States, natural born leader, You contracted an illness that left you paralyzed from the waist down
, But you refused to accept your paralysis and taught yourself to walk, strength you found, You fought through your illness by developing your own technique, and that is exactly how I want to be

Christopher Reeve, actor, director, producer, writer, our beloved Superman, An equestrian competition left you paralyzed, and your life immediately changed, Even though you suffered a great deal of pain you did not give up, prosperity you still gained The Christopher Reeve Foundation you started, to help others that are in the same position as you continued your career while helping others that is exactly what I want to do

Beethoven, one of our most famous and influential composers of classical music, During your late 20’s, your hearing began to deteriorate, later leaving you completely deaf, You considered giving up with thoughts of suicide, your love for music, to loose it, you would have nothing left, but you did not give up, you continued to write music, and at the end of the premiere of your Ninth Symphony, you turned around to see the, tumultuous applause, hearing nothing, you wept that very moment, achievement you gained, and I hope one day I can experience the same

Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder, two of our most creative musical figures, Blindness is considered a disability, but you guys did not let that stop you from doing what you love, you have to walk by faith, and not by sight, you taught yourself to be strong, and that I like, Your talent have touched so many people, in many different ways, I hope my talent will do the same one day.

Keyana Sullivan 1

Keyana Sullivan is 24 years old. She holds a BA in psychology and lives in Cleveland, Ohio. She has a neuromuscular disease called Pompe disease and is wheelchair bound, but before anything else, she is a writer. Her book, The Cure to No Cure, is in publication. Follow her on Twitter!

TRIBES Magazine free in digital! View Now.

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Available in print

Issue 33 - Summer 2012

TRIBES Magazine is distributing its content free via a new digital viewer, PDF downloads and iPad. In the streets and online for nearly a decade, TRIBES has traveled the indy scene spotlighting artists generating the next trends in music, visual arts and the printed word. Today, TRIBES is one of the leading publications covering urban music and arts around the globe.“Best Online Zine (BlackWebAwards, 2009) and “Poetry Magazine of the Year” (National Poetry Awards, 2010), every issue is throbbing with the beat of music, politics, visual art, and photography, bursting with writing, articles, poetry, and personal narratives authored by a winning team of entertainment journalists, artists, and social critics. In the archives are greats like Damian and Kymani Marley, India.Arie, Tyler Perry, KRS One, Dead Prez, Ludacris, and so many more who have been featured. Still, the heart of TRIBES is always with the self-sustaining arts and ever-committed to showcasing the countless lessor known (but no less prolific) artists across the globe as they pioneer expression and make essential noise in their communities. View the current issue now!

Look for future issues in 2014

TRIBES Magazine Summer 2012: SPARK AFRICA Issue. View online now!

Click on the cover below to view this issue in Flipbook format. Get this issue in Print or Digital Download to your mobile device.

In the spirit of ushering in a new summer and preparing to bring this latest TRIBES Magazine Summer 2012: Spark Africa issue to press, the crew at TRIBES Central took a field trip to the Carolina Theatre for a highly anticipated, limited screening of Marley, the new documentary film from Kevin MacDonald chronicling the complete life and works of the international superstar. Immersing his art in the political and socioeconomic realities of life in post-colonial Jamaica and committed to reclaiming a cultural homeland and spiritual roots for all members of the Africa diaspora, Bob Marley was beloved by his fans and peers for his commitment to the work of truth and reconciliation in his music and the love for humanity that permeated his life and work.

In this issue of TRIBES Magazine, join us as we head to Nigeria, Kenya, Sierra Leon, Guinea Bissau, Senegal, and S. Africa by way of Germany and the United States, to meet musician and activist Nneka– raising awareness around big oil business, natural resource exploitation, and state corruption in her hometown of Warri- Hip Hop Activist, promoter, and journalist, Buddha Blaze– co-founder of Spark Africa and various efforts to generate and unify Hip Hop communities across the African continent- Sister Fa– Female MC and subject of the new documentary film, Sarabah, on her mission to combat female genital mutilation (FGM) practices in her Senegalese homeland- and MAMA AFRICA, Miriam Makeba, and her peace and humanitarian work during and after the fall of apartheid in her native South Africa.

These individuals, and the other artists and activists to grace the pages of this Spark Africa edition, teach us that through intensely personal, substantively relevant expressions of art and culture, we become infinitely connected and limitless beings with voices amplified for the work of improving our world. Celebrate inspired community and the arts with our favorite summer concerts and festivals, write your Spark Africa summer playlist after a visit to our Music TRIBES and find inspiration for new forms of expression in Pierce Freelon’s latest project, Tar Heel Tracks, and Renaldo Davidson’s collaborative, mixed-media work, Black Clown.

In this summer of 2012, love, and as a means for revolution, reigns supreme and thus, we welcome you to the TRIBES Magazine 2012: SPARK AFRICA Issue. May yourheart’s light illuminate the darkness!  

Alana Jones, TRIBES Executive Editor

SHELLY B. – The Queen of North Carolina Hip Hop

Women’s History Month 2012 – Cover Story

ON HER DIVA

Exclusive interview with TRIBES Magazine

By Gabriel Rich

Photos by Emanuel Cole

SHELLY B is not one  to take her work as a  Hip Hop emcee lightly. The Raleigh native has worked far too hard to gain her status as a pioneer in both the Triangle Hip Hop scene and nationally. Strong, dedicated to her   craft and on a mission, Shelly B.’s versatility is what sets her apart from the rest of the pack. You have rappers that can entertain but aren’t lyricist and there are wordsmiths that can fashion a rhyme but can’t entertain. Neither is a problem for Shelly B. She’s more than capable of giving you something for both your mind and your body and it shouldn’t surprise anyone that knows her. After all, Shelly B’s been in the game long enough to know about pleasing fans.

Shelly B. represents a number of firsts for female rappers in North Carolina.  She was the first female rapper from the state to be featured in the Source Magazine’s “Unsigned Hype.” Shelly B. was also the first female artist to make it on Allhiphop.com’s “Breeding Ground” section.  The winner of numerous awards in her home state, Shelly B. is a leader in NC Hip Hop and a leader among Indie artists on the Hip Hop scene. Challenge her to a battle and she’ll clean her claws on you just to let you know why she is who she is. TRIBES Magazine interviewed Shelly B during her photo shoot for the TRIBES Magazine Spring 2012 Women in Hip Hop edition.

TRIBES: You’ve made a name for yourself in the Triangle and beyond.  How are you being received now?

SHELLY B: I think I’ve always gotten love from this area.  It was a little tough when I first started, because at that point in time, the idea of a female emcee was foreign to the entire industry, let alone
 the local industry.  There weren’t very many females in this area grinding and going to the studio.  So in the beginning, I had to fight for my respect; for a couple of years.  But when I started putting myself out there, I had that determination to be known and make sure everybody knew who Shelly B was.  I started doing every talent show and open mic I could find.

I started calling up promoters. I called the radio station until they put me on.  I got my actual start on the Larry Pickett Show, which was like a local talent show that was on TV in the Raleigh area.
That’s where a lot of people know me from. So I always say that’s where I got my start.  After I made my appearance on that show, I started getting my name out there and the respect just grew.

TRIBES: How would you rate the Hip Hop scene in the Triangle and the Carolinas?

SHELLY B: I think with anything, growth is going to get it where it needs to be, to its ultimate destination. There definitely needs to be more growth and a bit more unity here but the talent here is out of this world as far as singers, rappers, producers…just entertainment professionals, period.  This is one of the most talented markets that I know of.  I think that with people getting a bit more in touch with the business side of it, coming together, unity and all that good stuff, we’ll be alright.  But we’re getting there.  Carolina’s got next…No. We got now!  [laughs] READ MORE NOW.

SHELLY B. – The Queen of North Carolina Hip Hop

Women’s History Month 2012 – Cover Story

ON HER DIVA

Exclusive interview with TRIBES Magazine

By Gabriel Rich

Photos by Emanuel Cole

SHELLY B is not one  to take her work as a  Hip Hop emcee lightly. The Raleigh native has worked far too hard to gain her status as a pioneer in both the Triangle Hip Hop scene and nationally. Strong, dedicated to her   craft and on a mission, Shelly B.’s versatility is what sets her apart from the rest of the pack. You have rappers that can entertain but aren’t lyricist and there are wordsmiths that can fashion a rhyme but can’t entertain. Neither is a problem for Shelly B. She’s more than capable of giving you something for both your mind and your body and it shouldn’t surprise anyone that knows her. After all, Shelly B’s been in the game long enough to know about pleasing fans.

Shelly B. represents a number of firsts for female rappers in North Carolina.  She was the first female rapper from the state to be featured in the Source Magazine’s “Unsigned Hype.” Shelly B. was also the first female artist to make it on Allhiphop.com’s “Breeding Ground” section.  The winner of numerous awards in her home state, Shelly B. is a leader in NC Hip Hop and a leader among Indie artists on the Hip Hop scene. Challenge her to a battle and she’ll clean her claws on you just to let you know why she is who she is. TRIBES Magazine interviewed Shelly B during her photo shoot for the TRIBES Magazine Spring 2012 Women in Hip Hop edition.

TRIBES: You’ve made a name for yourself in the Triangle and beyond.  How are you being received now?

SHELLY B: I think I’ve always gotten love from this area.  It was a little tough when I first started, because at that point in time, the idea of a female emcee was foreign to the entire industry, let alone
 the local industry.  There weren’t very many females in this area grinding and going to the studio.  So in the beginning, I had to fight for my respect; for a couple of years.  But when I started putting myself out there, I had that determination to be known and make sure everybody knew who Shelly B was.  I started doing every talent show and open mic I could find.

I started calling up promoters. I called the radio station until they put me on.  I got my actual start on the Larry Pickett Show, which was like a local talent show that was on TV in the Raleigh area.
That’s where a lot of people know me from. So I always say that’s where I got my start.  After I made my appearance on that show, I started getting my name out there and the respect just grew.

TRIBES: How would you rate the Hip Hop scene in the Triangle and the Carolinas?

SHELLY B: I think with anything, growth is going to get it where it needs to be, to its ultimate destination. There definitely needs to be more growth and a bit more unity here but the talent here is out of this world as far as singers, rappers, producers…just entertainment professionals, period.  This is one of the most talented markets that I know of.  I think that with people getting a bit more in touch with the business side of it, coming together, unity and all that good stuff, we’ll be alright.  But we’re getting there.  Carolina’s got next…No. We got now!  [laughs] READ MORE NOW.

POETRY TRIBE: “A PIECE OF ME”

“A PIECE OF ME”

By Traci Cunningham

I operated at a lesser state of fine tuning, contriving a presentable life of relations, evaluated, and reconditioned my existing self at each triumph or failure.

I stare down at a piece of me that had chipped and fallen away years ago. I was convinced, 100%, that that piece of me was not needed, nor wanted, to move forward in my life’s plans.  Yet aware of its presence, I stared in my peripheral side eye.

In an unexpected moment, an intimate look, a kindred spirit, the purest feeling of a woman’s joy a very subtle gentle whisper shook the existence of my soul.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE NOW.


TRIBES Magazine 7th Anniversary Issue – View Now

I sat at the kitchen table with my spouse, ears glued to Democracy Now on 90.7 WNCU. “Just five nations in the world are responsible for 90% of all executions- China, Pakistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United States.” The phone rings. It’s my mother calling simply to call out. “We’re so busy trying to keep our heads above water, we can’t focus our attention on social change.” (“Some would say that’s the point,” is my only response).

Amy Goodman continues her broadcast of the vigil and sorrowful countdown outside of the Georgia Diagnostic Prison where Troy Anthony Davis is scheduled for execution tonight, Wednesday September 21 at 7 pm while NAACP banners and Rev. Al shout “Too much doubt!” and the anti-death penalty activists cry at the horror of state-sponsored murder,death-on-schedule by lethal injection, and pockets in the crowd begging us all to “give peace a chance.” I cry too, listening to the fear and sorrow in the voices of the family, the citizens, activists, mentors, ministers, and neighbors that have become a part of the Davis family community, and all of the world citizens listening to the broadcast and praying for our collective soul. Read More Now…

TRIBES Magazine 7th Anniversary Issue – View Now

I sat at the kitchen table with my spouse, ears glued to Democracy Now on 90.7 WNCU. “Just five nations in the world are responsible for 90% of all executions- China, Pakistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United States.” The phone rings. It’s my mother calling simply to call out. “We’re so busy trying to keep our heads above water, we can’t focus our attention on social change.” (“Some would say that’s the point,” is my only response).

Amy Goodman continues her broadcast of the vigil and sorrowful countdown outside of the Georgia Diagnostic Prison where Troy Anthony Davis is scheduled for execution tonight, Wednesday September 21 at 7 pm while NAACP banners and Rev. Al shout “Too much doubt!” and the anti-death penalty activists cry at the horror of state-sponsored murder,death-on-schedule by lethal injection, and pockets in the crowd begging us all to “give peace a chance.” I cry too, listening to the fear and sorrow in the voices of the family, the citizens, activists, mentors, ministers, and neighbors that have become a part of the Davis family community, and all of the world citizens listening to the broadcast and praying for our collective soul. Read More Now…