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For More Information Contact:

Enchanted PR | Shantez Evans
shantez@enchantedpr.net | 410.499.3773

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May 23, 2013

ENCHANTED PR'S CEO/PRESIDENT CHRISTAL JORDAN RECEIVES ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD FROM KONTROL MAGAZINE

Founder of PR firm is honored at leading magazine's annual award showcase

(Atlanta, GA) On Thursday, May 16, 2013, CEO and President of one of the top 100 PR firms in the country, Christal Jordan, was honored by Kontrol Magazine as Entrepreneur of the Year at the Kontrol Your Destiny Awards. The program honoring some of the most recognized names in the Atlanta metro area was held at Metro Fuxon in Atlanta, Ga.

"Being given the Entrepreneur of the Year award by Kontrol was very special to me", says Jordan. "I have known Julian Lark, the Publisher, since the second issue of the magazine and I believe we have watched each other's businesses grow. I am so proud of the growth and expansion the magazine has experienced. I truly believe that with God's help all of us have the ability to "Kontrol" our destiny. I am inspired every day by the many small business owners, my colleagues that get up every day against all odds fueled by their passion to continue pushing towards their dreams."

One of Atlanta's premiere entertainment PR firms, Enchanted PR under the leadership of Christal Jordan represents celebrities, key influencers, etc. as well as working alongside lifestyle and consumer brands on marketing campaigns and activations. Enchanted PR is currently working with iconic pop group TLC on their 20th anniversary package, which includes their upcoming biopic, new music and upcoming tour dates. Enchanted PR also provides media consultation and coaching services, produces promotional materials including bios, media/press kits, one sheets, etc. The company has also coordinated campaigns with brands such as L'Oreal, SoftSheen Carson, Monster Energy Drink, Coca-Cola, Peroni, PZI Jeans, Ford and many more.

Kontrol Magazine's Kontrol Your Destiny Awards honors those individuals in philanthropy, new business ventures and entrepreneurship who have demonstrated excellence and have made an impact on modern culture. "Our mission is to honor people with groundbreaking work and talent that push the boundaries of creativity. Everything we do is fueled by our passion for celebrating the power of creativity, provoking action and nurturing your vision", says Julian Lark, Kontrol Magazine's Editor in Chief. Nominees were categorized based on their profession or field of excellence and consisted of categories such as Executive of the Year, Philanthropist of the Year, Health Practitioner of the Year and more. Other awardees included Talking with Tami for Blogger of the Year, Saptosa Foster for Tastemaker of the Year and Stephan Labossiere for Author of the Year, along with many more.

Kontrol Magazine is a bimonthly publication that highlights artists, musicians, models and photographers that fly under the radar and blends the edgy with the classy. Kontrol Magazine reaches various demographics and is available at over 350 Barnes &Noble bookstores, B. Dalton bookstores and independent bookstores across the U.S. and Canada.

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For more information on Christal Jordan visit enchantedpublicrelations.wordpress.com. For media inquiries or to interview Christal, please contact Shantez Evans at shantez@enchantedpr.net or (410)499-3773.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 7, 2013

TOP PR FIRM ENCHANTED PR RECEIVES NOMINATION FOR BLACK CELEBRITY GIVING AWARD

One of the top 100 PR firms in the nation is nominated for Best PR and Event Planning Firm Award

ATLANTA- Enchanted PR, the agency known for creating fairytale endings for every client, had a fairytale ending of its own for 2012 by receiving a nomination by the Black Celebrity Giving Awards. The Atlanta based entertainment agency has been nominated for the 2012-2013 Best PR and Event Planning Firm Award for its efforts in giving back and serving the underserved on the scene and behind the scenes.

Receiving such a nomination has Enchanted PR President Christal Jordan thrilled about the recognition the company is earning. "We are so excited to be receiving this nomination", says Jordan. "It is a true honor to be recognized for the charitable efforts of our clients. We were able to spearhead Chilli's first summer camp for her Chilli's Crew foundation, and we also worked with Show Me the Way Foundation's annual charity kids fashion show, Runway Red. One of our first orders of business with every client is to find a charity cause they support. This is just more inspiration for us to continue to work hard for our clients, build our firm and continue to produce the results that has gotten us thus far."

Enchanted PR is a full service public relations agency that fuses creativity with industry know-how and public relations practice to create memorable individualized campaigns for clients. It also focuses on media training, branding and creating social media campaigns/messages. Enchanted PR represents some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry including Grammy Award winning singer/dancer/actress Chilli of TLC and Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter Crystal Nicole. Alongside entertainment clients, Enchanted PR has created campaigns and events for sports, health and fashion clients and organizations including PERONI Style Atlanta: Emerging Designers Competition and "Body Talk" with celebrity OB/GYN, Dr. Tosha Rogers. In addition to working with celebrity clients, Enchanted PR has been instrumental in creating unique community outreach campaigns as well as working with many charitable and non-profit organizations including Runway Red and Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence: Be the Voice campaign. Having only been in existence for roughly six years, Enchanted PR is still a growing agency that has managed to establish relationships with some of the biggest corporate companies including Coca Cola, Dasani, Monster Energy Drink, General Mills Box Tops for Education, Food Network, VH-1, MAC Cosmetics, SoftSheen-Carson and many more. Enchanted PR is also one of the very few agencies to have its own social media apps for its followers and clients to stay connected with on their Android, BlackBerry and iPhone/iPad.

BlackCelebrityGiving.com is a website dedicated to providing news, videos and photos of black celebrity philanthropy and non-profit organizations that correlate to the black community. This is the 2nd Annual BCG Awards and voting for the awards will commence on Monday, January 7th at 12:00a.m. PST and will close on Friday, January 18th 11:59p.m. PST. In order to vote for the awards, a Facebook or Twitter account is needed to login. For more information on the awards and how to vote, visit www.blackcelebritygiving.com.

For media inquiries, please call 703.622.1835 or ashley@enchantedpr.net.

Boutique PR agency secures major endorsements for clients, scores big with creative campaigns

2012 has been a stellar year for Enchanted PR, the agency known for creating fairytale endings for their clients. Under the leadership of President Christal Jordan, the Enchanted PR team secured national media exposure for clients, hosted red carpets, created national campaigns, and launched a new iPhone app. The full service public relations agency based in Atlanta, GA specializes in strategic PR consultation, media training, branding and creative social media campaigns/messaging. This summer Enchanted PR was named among one of the top 100 PR firms in the country this year.

Enchanted PR kicked off the year by solidifying a spokesperson position for client TLC's Chilli with General Mills Box Tops for Education. The endorsement with Box Tops included working in conjunction with BET on several programs. Chilli traveled across the country to several key events encouraging parents and communities to support the Box Tops for Education campaign. Enchanted PR also secured the singer/actress a feature on the sweeps finale edition of Good Afternoon America.

Major media outlets covered exclusive celebrity and non-profit events this summer due to the media savvy skills of Enchanted PR. Show Me the Way Foundation's fourth annual charity fashion gala Runway Red, garnered monumental press coverage for its August program. The celebrity kids fashion show was featured on CBS Atlanta Better Mornings with the foundation's President Tashawyna Menefee and supermodel Cynthia Bailey (RHOA) along with the celebrity kids of T.I. and Tiny (Family Hustle/VH1) and heavy weight champion Evander Holyfield. The 2012 Runway Red also received diverse media coverage from Fox, Jet, Upscale, Uptown, Black Celebrity Kids and many more outlets. Enchanted PR had the privilege of co-hosting a private cover party for Michael Ealy on behalf of rolling out Magazine surrounding the Atlanta premiere of Steve Harvey's blockbuster film, "Think Like a Man, Act like a Lady."

In addition to securing major media outlets to cover events, Enchanted PR co-produced the first PERONI Style Atlanta: Emerging Designers Competition. The event was monumental for the firm with respected fashion experts and entertainment industry notables in attendance such as the creators of Perazzi Apparel/PZI Jeans Dan and Claire Jason, country music star Tribble Reese and R&B singer Nivea Hamilton. Enchanted PR also secured sponsorship by Uber Luxury Car Service for PERONI Style Atlanta.

In addition to working with celebrity clients, Enchanted PR was instrumental in creating unique community outreach campaigns for corporate clients. The firm co-produced celebrity OB/GYN Dr. Tosha's Body Talk campaign which works to promote early detection and encourage regular OB/GYN appointments especially for African American and Latino women. The firm also worked alongside another agency to coordinate a grand opening for a prominent fitness center. Grammy-award winning singer/songwriter Crystal Nicole is also working with Enchanted PR to continue her Be The Voice campaign against domestic violence. The firm is also currently working on several television projects and endorsement deals with several clients to be announced after the top of the year.

2012 has proven a monumental year for the company with huge events, clients, and projects and there is so much more to come in the next few months. Everyone can keep up with the latest news and updates on all things "enchanted" with the company's app which is now available to download on iPhone. The Enchanted PR app is also available for Android, Blackberry and any other smart phone.

"We've had an amazing year and there is still the fourth quarter ahead of us. At a time when social media has claimed the livelihood of many PR firms and consultants, we continue to find ways to merge solid PR practice and theories with social media to achieve resu

ATLANTA-Atlanta's fashion community gathered at the beautiful Carnegie Salon at 200 Peachtree in Atlanta, GA for the PERONI Style Atlanta: Emerging Designers Competition on Thursday, August 16, 2012. Presented by Peroni Nastro Azzurro and under the leadership of Field Marketing Manager, Steve Canal, the Italian beer synonymous with style and fashion hosted the first of a series of global competitions providing emerging designers with the opportunity to showcase their lines before an audience of fashion industry experts and tastemakers. The Atlanta competition was a huge coup for the city looking to establish its mark in the global fashion industry.

Four talented designers qualified as semi-finalists after attending an intensive open casting call held the previous month. Olivia Prance, Afriyie Poku, Sarah Pankiewicz and Megan Huntz created spring/summer 2013 collections inspired by their individual style and passion. Atlanta-based designer Afriyie Poku won the competition by a standing ovation for his menswear line entitled, Oberama Afriyie, translated, "the man who is at the right place at the right time."

Born in Ghana, Afriyie recalls his excitement for fashion began years ago as a child in Ghana watching his mother create garments. Although he was fascinated by the industry, male children were not allowed to touch a sewing machine, so for a time he kept his passion to himself. The self-taught designer says his inspiration for Oberama Afriyie came from menswear designs of the 18th and 19th century with his own modern twist.

As winner of the 2012 PERONI Style Atlanta competition, Afriyie Poku will receive:

- A trip for two to New York Fashion Week February 2013

- Complimentary seasonal PR from AW Media Group and Enchanted PR
off participation in AmericasMart Atlanta Emerging Designer Category for January 2013 market

- Complimentary consultation with Global Bridge Builders

- Complimentary photo shoot for their collection with photographer Dewayne Rogers

In addition to the competition, Peroni Nastro Azzuro awarded Dan and Claire Jason, the creators of Perazzi Apparel/PZI Jeans with the 2012 PERONI Style Award; recognizing the couple's accomplishments in both fashion and their commitment to the community.

Produced by AW Media Group and Enchanted PR, the evening was a monumental one for the city, as some of Atlanta's most respected fashion experts participated in the event. Judges for the 2012 competition included Tenley Gilstrap of SCAD-Atlanta, Ashley Skaggs of AmericasMart, Michele New of Saks Fifth Avenue - Atlanta, Joseph Smith of Konsortium Koncepts, Meredith Garcia of theFashionList.com and David Goodrowe of Goodrowe | Hobby. Industry notables in attendance included entertainment mogul Devyne Stephens, Ebony Steele of the Ricky Smiley Morning Show, Hannah Kang of Grand Hustle, Socialite and Boutique Owner, Teresa Caldwell, Country Music Star Tribble Reese, R&B singer Nivea Hamilton, International Deejay Baby Yu and numerous celebrity stylists, boutique owners, buyers and key influencers. Additional sponsors for PERONI Style Atlanta include co-hosts Eboni Elektra and Tracy Nicole, Uber Luxury Car Service, One Stop Productions, Style Session Firm, MikkiFarrar.com, Salon Soy, and the Fabian Photography.

For additional information about PERONI Style Atlanta, please contact:

Christal Jordan | Enchanted PR | 678-499-0297
-Or-
Angela Watts | AW Media Group | 678-637-0982

NEW YORK, NY- B. Scott, The Multimedia Maven, is excited to team up with BRAVO and Chef Roble, as he hosts 'A Legendary Affair with B. Scott'. The event will take place at a private location in SoHo on Friday, August 10th. Invited guests will gather to celebrate B. Scott's recent accomplishments - including the expansion of B. Scott Cosmetics, his Ask B. Scott column via EBONY.com, hosting B. Scott's Fashion Patrol on 'Celebu-Tsushin' (a Japanese TV Show) and the re-launch of his popular website lovebscott.com. Guests in attendance of this legendary night will also indulge in exquisite cuisine prepared by Chef Roble.

B. Scott is best known as one of the first Internet celebrities to successfully transition into television and radio. He launched http://lovebscott.com in 2007, which created a platform for his videos to be seen by millions across the world. He's had the pleasure of interviewing and working with numerous A-list celebrities, including his good friend Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, Ne-Yo, and Chaka Khan. Some of his television appearances include guest spots on HLN's Dr. Drew, BET's 106 and Park, Access Hollywood, Extra, The Tyra Banks Show, and both seasons of Oxygen's Hair Battle Spectacular. He also hosted his own Sirius/XM Satellite Radio Show, The B. Scott Show on Jamie Foxx's channel, The Foxxhole.

World renowned Chef Roble will be creating the thrilling culinary masterpieces he's become known for since the debut of his hit reality series; Chef Roble and Co. While growing up in Houston, TX, Chef Roble developed a passion for food and strived to further his culinary skills, citing his grandfather for inspiration. Upon graduating high school, he enrolled at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. Shortly after, Chef Roble became one of the most sought after chefs in the country and has since acquired an extensive list of celebrity clientele.

'A Legendary Affair with B. Scott' will kick off with a red carpet reception at 7:00p.m., followed by the main presentation at 8:00p.m. For more information and/or media credentials please email your RSVP to enchantedpr@gmail.com.
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NOW CASTING!

Talented fashion designers to compete in a runway competition

If chosen you have the chance to win:

National exposure via a major brand

An exciting prize package including a trip to NY fashion week

Our designer casting call is:

Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Park Tavern (Piedmont Room)
500 10th St
Atlanta, GA 30309

For more information contact: peronistyle@awmediagroup.com

Looking at this picture, I am struck by the brightness of your smile. There were rare moments growing up that you allowed yourself the luxury of a smile that free. It's beautiful. You should know that. I wish you could see how the freedom reflected in that smile is utterly beautiful, so much more so than the smile you practice to fit in with others and be accepted. Even back then at age 16 you were cautious always purposeful, trying to "enchant". What began as a shyness and insecurity, years later you will embrace, and it will make you unique. So I am here to tell you, it's ok to be Christal.

Words are so powerful. I am the embodiment of unsure words you uttered during high school and college. You wanted so badly to be a "PR" to be like the ad execs on Melrose Place, wearing short skirts with stilletos and handling fabulous accounts. Well little one, you did it. I don't even think you realized how powerful your words were. You never acknowledged your actions, but they paid off as well. If there is one thing I would tell you, it would be to stop looking at the greatness in others and downplaying yourself. Its something you still struggle with today, but you're getting better. Its ok to be Christal.

You owe a HUGE thank you to your mother. Making you write poems and short stories for family and friends paid off and you are a brilliant writer. Words empower you, and they will help you through one of the biggest tragedies of your life, losing your father. The goal of making your father proud isn't realized, but you find yourself in the process. Writing your first novel, "Under the Cherry Moon" is one of the biggest accomplishments of your life and you owe it to your mother who kept pressing you to utilize the talent within. With tremendous pain often comes tremendous growth. I am proud that you continue to grow throughout every stumbling block. You don't always acknowledge your progress, but you pick up and keep moving. There is value in that. Its ok to be Christal.

The lessons that you gave the little girls in your Women of Tomorrow class while teaching them charm & etiquette; they apply to you as well. You must realize that you to deserve everything you taught your students. Yes you planted good seeds for your beautiful daughter, but my darling she can't harvest those lessons if she doesn't see her mother apply them. Take time to love Christal just the way she is. Don't wait for a higher paying job, more money or a bigger house, love her today. She is worthy. Its ok to be Christal.

The little brown-skinned boy you fell in love with at the first dance at the University of Oklahoma, turned out to be one of the biggest loves and losses of your life. He isn't the love of your life but he is your first true love and will introduce you to the meaning of heartbreak. I will not lie to you, at times it will seem as if the enormity of the betrayal will overcome you, but in the end you will persevere. Pain is real and there is nothing you can do to avoid it. Sometimes avoiding it, makes the pain more poignant, so sometimes just take a moment and swallow your truth. You will be ok. That boy gave you the most beautiful gifts in the world and they offered you unconditional love something you'd been searching for all your life. They give it to you just because you're Christal. Being Christal is enough.

Your career will have ups and downs but I can assure you giving up your plush PR job at the hospital is not the end of your story. Eventually you end up in Atlanta, GA running your own PR firm and accomplishing things you never dreamed of doing, working for and meeting people you looked up to as a child. Many times along this journey I have wished I could've sent you a snapshot of some of the things you will accomplish in hopes that it would make you appreciate and celebrate Christal. MTV, E!, Entertainment Tonight, the Grammy's you've done it all little one and yes on your own. Its ok to be Christal.

You are constant

One of the most challenging concepts PR Practitioners face in the workplace is balancing the politics of relationships. The ultimate goal is to retain a positive relationship between the client, the client's representatives, i.e. managers, stylists, agents, etc all while maintaining positive relationships with media, brand reps and even promoters. A PR is measured by their weight in beneficial relationships that yield results.

After being in the field of PR for fifteen years this concept is still one I struggle with. I have great relationships on all sides, but admittedly lines often become blurry and there are few occasions where one party doesn't walk away feeling slighted. My relationships with media are my bloodline, but many times I am unable to deliver an exclusive interview or behind the scenes information because I am operating on behalf of my client. Because I have been doing this for a decade and a half, I know that the same client that turns down a major exposé with a popular media outlet will undoubtedly need that outlet's coverage before the season is over. Because I know this, it's my job to nurture the relationship with that media outlet so when we need them, we have the option for coverage. The same exact theory applies to promoters and even other publicists who request a clients' presence at their event and may feel scorned if a PR they have a good relationship with can't deliver their client. Getting the desired results your job depends on the ability to get a client to see the bigger picture, a skill the majority of talent does not comprehend.

Celebrities or successful people as a whole are used to being catered to in every way. Their looks, beauty and or talent have afforded them the right to instant gratification. For this reason it can be difficult trying to explain to them why they need to do a particular interview, engage a brand representative or attend a specific party.
On the other hand, my job as an efficient publicist rests on my ability to deliver the clients on my roster to various outside sources. Getting invited to the hottest events, being privy to opportunities with the largest brands and corporations and attending the livestock shows, is strictly contingent on the value of my clients.

There are no textbook answers, yet the concept is the very thing that makes a PR rep effective or non-effective. Because relationships are so vital to the success of business, it's imperative to study the value of relationships. When elaborating on this I am reminded of a conversation I had with a business colleague a few years ago. I was asking him for his opinion on charging a client and he said something that I never forgot. "It's important to know your value and the value that others you work with being to the table. Once you know a person's value, you can see how they can be an asset to what you do." The concept seemed simple, but it's actually multi-dimensional. Assigning value to a relationship allows you to prioritize which helps with balance. I know that I need to keep my clients happy, but I also need to have favor with press and corporate brand reps. It's important for me to assess the value of each above and beyond the project that's in front of me.

So many times people place value based on the other party's current contribution to the project they are working on at the time. I call this being short-sighted. Many times a person's talent and ability for outshine what they are doing at the moment. Prioritizing the value of relationship based on a current situation as opposed to potential and talent can be one of the biggest mistakes people make. The old adage, "the foot you step on today may be attached to the behind you have to kiss tomorrow" has been proven time and time again. Understanding and respecting the importance of building and maintaining relationship can keep you from being disenchanted later when a former employe

PRESS RELEASE

For More Information Contact: Christal Jordan / Enchanted PR 678/499-0297 / christal@enchantedpr.net
For Immediate Release

March 15, 2012

Crystal Nicole pen's theme for Germany's Next Top Model with help from J-Hud & David Guetta

Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Crystal Nicole increases her international discography by penning "Night of Your Life", the theme song for the new season of Heidi Klum's immensely popular show 'Germany's Next Top Model'. Produced by platinum producer David Guetta and performed by Jennifer Hudson, Crystal Nicole knew her lyrics were in great company from the conception of the record. "The song was epic and I was so glad that Jennifer was able to bless the song with her presence," Crystal Nicole says.

The placement was a huge coup for Crystal Nicole as Germany is the global music industry's second largest market, not to mention being a huge fan of Heidi Klum. "Being able to add in a small way to such a mainstay conceptual show is exciting," Crystal Nicole says, "and I've been a fan of Heidi Klum's for years."

Crystal Nicole's success includes 4 #1 singles with Mariah Carey, Natasha Bedingfield, Monica, and Rihanna. She won the Best Dance Recording Grammy for Rihanna's "Only Girl (In the World) and wrote songs for Beyonce's Grammy winning album "I..Am Sasha Fierce." Crystal Nicole has been consistent delivering chart-topping records since her first hit single "Touch My Body" with Mariah Carey. She is an in demand songwriter with A-list artists such as Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Lopez and many more.

Crystal Nicole currently has her own single on David Guetta's "Nothing but the Beat" album. The single "I'm A Machine" has received rave reviews from DJs across the country. Aside from contributing to other highly touted projects Crystal Nicole is currently working on her own project on Blackground/Interscope records. She re-located temporarily from Atlanta to LA to really focus on writing on the hottest projects in development and finishing up her solo debut. The "Night of My Life" international placement was just additional encouragement that she is fulfilling her purpose in the industry. "Singing has always been my first Love! So to be able to now write my own music and communicate it vocally to the world is priceless to me! I love performing and getting completely caught up in the moment on stage or in the booth! Words can't express how complete I feel singing and writing... I was born for this!"
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As I watched the girls grieving I realized that because they are artists and their life is dedicated to music, Michael Jackson is a part of their DNA, but it doesn't stop there. I am a writer by trade. I couldn't put together a melody if you paid me and I can't sing a note to save my life but I can honestly say Michael Jackson was an inspiration to my creativity as a writer. I don't believe there was ever an entertainer or public figure that provided us with a tangible concept of creativity. Michael Jackson was not only music but he embodied a spirit of humanity that is even more rare than his gift. His music was full of love and life and inspired us all to be better people. I believe he was given the rare gift of being able to take his heart and put it to music, and he undoubtedly had the heart of an angel.

Undoubtedly over the years there were issues with Michael that many of us didn't and may never fully understand. Although I believe God gifted him with a rare gift, he was human and I believe his gift brought with it a huge responsibility and in many ways overshadowed him as a man. We know the Bible says, to whom much is given much is expected. Often those rare talents are not with us long but their lives leave us with impressions that transcend generations. As it stands Michael Jackson the man was a mystery. What we do know is Michael Jackson is our definition of music. Without Michael Jackson I know pop, rock, rap, soul or even country music would be what they are today. He was a walking definition of melody, lyrics and rythmn.

So who did Michael Jackson belong to? There was the Michael Jackson of the sixties singing ballads with his brothers and introducing a generation to soul music in the footsteps of James Brown and Diana Ross. There was the Michael Jackson of the seventies that used funk and disco to broaden the boundaries of the soul music he helped to create. There is the Michael Jackson of the eighties that took pop music and made it in his own likeness. There was the Michael Jackson of the nineties that stepped outside of what we'd known before and showed us a softer side of himself. There is the Michael Jackson of today still collaborating with artists, touring and reminding us that music is pure and not contrived. He transcends labels, decades and genres, simply put he was music.

Michael Jackson did indeed belong to us all. His life was symbolic of those characteristics that make this journey on earth worth living. Michael Jackson's life taught us to believe....to create...to inspire....but most importantly to love.

In love,
Christal Jordan-Mim

I remember arguing with Regina Miles over Michael Jackson. We were in second grade and she was dead set on convincing me and three other seven year old girls that Michael Jackson belonged to her. I remember digging in my backpack to find evidence of my devotion. Out of my schoolbag came books, magazines, posters and even my zippered Beat it jacket all proof of my undying devotion to Michael Jackson. She had the same items and probably a few more as did most of our classmates. She pushed her glasses back on her nose and stared me down all the while claiming Michael Jackson was "her man". While I didn't know what romantic love was, I did know I loved Michael Jackson. I knew this girl was tripping. I was Michael Jackson's biggest fan. Regina and I never did agree on who Michael Jackson "belonged to" and I guess we never will.

I remember watching Motown's 25th anniversary wide-eyed as he dazzled the audience and thinking he had to be the "coolest" man to ever walk the planet. I shared my sentiments with my mother who shook her head, claiming Michael Jackson and his brothers were around when she was younger. His genius was nothing new to her. She felt he belonged to her era. She introduced me to the Jackson 5 and I fell in love even deeper. It didn't seem that the little brown-skinned boy with the soulful eyes and amazing ability to translate love and relationships through music was the same man on stage with the flashy socks and tight black pants and unnerving sex appeal. Year earlier I recall riding in my Uncle's convertible jeep while he blasted "Off the Wall." He believed Michael Jackson belonged to his generation. Years later I sat on the sofa with my own daughter watching television and she sees a clip of Michael Jackson performing overseas. "No one can be Michael Jackson," she says, although I believe she thinks Chris Brown is a close second. Still she believes Michael Jackson belongs to her. I just looked at her and shook my head.

After hearing he was gone Thursday afternoon I sat in my car with an up and coming female group. All three looked as if they'd loss a family member. Michael Jackson had been an inspiration to each of them. You could see it in their eyes, they'd experienced a very personal loss. Over the years I've interviewed various artists from all walks of music. As a freelance writer, I've interviewed everyone from platinum selling/ Grammy-winning singers, rappers and musicians who all share a consistent theme when speaking inspiration is Michael Jackson. I've interviewed producers, songwriters and even sound engineers; the consistent thread is always and will always be Michael Jackson.

Songwriter Cri$tyle has written songs for some of the biggest names in R&B - Janet ...Mariah ...Beyonce - and now, she's one of the most sought after songwriters in the business. She's currently working on projects for other big names like Mary J. Blige, Toni Braxton, and Rihanna. Cri$tyle has also worked on songs for country artists and she's planning to expand her portfolio even more this year.

Before her upcoming trip to Nashville, she sat down with BlackVibes.com to discuss her career and give advice to up-and-coming writers.





How did you get into the business of songwriting?



Cri$tyle: I wasn't a songwriter at first. I was a singer and I still am. I grew up singing everywhere – talent shows and open mics. I was in a few different singing groups, but because females will be females, the groups kept breaking up. The last time my group broke up, I was so mad. I had nothing to do and I felt like everything was all over so I just wrote a song about it. Back then, I thought it was kinda hot. Right now, when I look back on it, it was really wack, but it made me feel like I could possibly do this. The more and more I did it...the better I got at it and I ended up falling in love with it.




At what point do you feel like you had your first big break?



Cri$tyle: My first real break is when I signed to Jermaine Dupri as a writer. That was really huge for me. It was my first publishing deal. I'm still there and I'm the happiest person in the world. Also, every time I get in [the studio] with an artist I feel like it's a break. Jermaine put me in with Usher and that was amazing for me. A few months after that, he put me in with Mariah. I got in with Beyonce earlier last year and I feel like that was a big break too.




Out of all of the artists that you've worked with, what's been the most memorable experience for you?