BESTELLING AUTHOR RANDY KEARSE: Talking The Talk By Walking The Walk

by Cyrus Webb

When it comes to thinking outside the box, we could all learn a thing or two from author and motivational speaker Randy Kearse. The Brooklyn, NY native is a self-described "Book Hustler Extraordinaire"  that has allowed learning from his personal experiences to transform him into a succss story that people all around the world are reading about...literally.He talked with Cyrus Webb of Conversations Magazine about how the choices he has made have changed him and his thinking about everything from the meaning of life and even the definition of success.

In less than a decade, he has gone from prison to being featured and praised in the New York Times. Kearse's story will inspire not just aspiring writers and those already in the literary world, but anyone who has a dream that seems too impossible to make come true.

Randy, first of all let me just say congratulations on all of your success with your career as an author. Let's start there. Would you have believed just 10 years ago that you would be talked about all over the world and featured in such prominent papers like The New York Times?

         (Smiling)... Thank you. Not in a millions years would I have imagined anyone would be talking about Randy Kearse, at least not in a positive way. I mean my life had taken so many twists and turns, 10 years ago I was just trying to figure out a plan that would keep me outta prison once I got out. 10 years ago, I was more then halfway through a 15 year federal prison sentence that I had received. In prison you're just dreaming of getting out and hopefully staying out. I was working on my first book Street Talk: Da Official Guide to Hip-Hop & Urban Slanguage 10 years ago. I dreamed of having a successful book but not actually being a successful author. It's been great.

For our readers that are just hearing about you and your accomplishments for the first time now, let's give them some background. How did you go from someone seen as another statistic headed in the wrong direction to now building your own brand as an author and entrepreneur?

Well not intentionally plugging the titles of one of my books, but the title says it all. I changed my game plan. While in prison and the years are slowly adding up, I'm getting older and life seems to be passing me by, I decided I needed to make some serious changes if I was gonna make it back in society. I had to take a real hard look at myself, my life thus far and the mindset that landed me in prison in the first place. I slowly began to strip away that "street mentality" that is so destructive and slowly began to re-learn the positive things that I had been taught as a youngster and began reshaping my life, the way I seen myself life and the way I perceived my situation. My incarceration could be two things now, a crutch or a stepping stone to something greater, that was the challenge I set for myself. Incorporating some of the things I learned while living a street lifestyle, I knew your greatest asset in most the things we do is the ability to sell yourself. I was good at selling at things, (small chuckle) so it was a natural extension from what I used to sell that landed me in prison to my ability to sell and move books now as an author.

 Courage is not always easy to come by. You seem almost fearless in the way you promote yourself. Where does that courage come from and how did you develop it?

When you have traveled some of the roads I have fear is something you deal with on a regular basis. It's just part of the street lifestyle. I have friends who have been killed or sent to prison for the rest of their lives. I have had occasions where I had to literally fight for my life, so I say all that to say this: If I can face down my fear during that part of my, fear of dying, fear or going to jail and still do what I was doing, how can I fear approaching the book business like I mean business. I remember when Changin' Your Game Plan came out, I was so excited and I picked up over a 1,000 copies of the books from the printer and the reality set it, I said to myself, "Yo you have to move this books." (Laughing). The first day I had set up a table downtown Brooklyn had books set out all professional and stuff and nobody was paying me attention. So I came from behind the table with books in hand and at first I was a lil' shy to approach people, but then I had a thought, and the thought said, "you weren't shy when you was selling that other stuff so how you so shy now?" From that moment to this day I have never been shy or scared to approach anyone about my books, I mean the worst they tell you is "beat it" it's not like they're gonna shoot you.

Tell us about your first book.

My first books is actually titled, Street Talk. It's a 750 page lexicon that interprets the whole hip-ho and urban slang vernacular. I POD it 30 days out of prison. Not to make any money but to have a tangible book when I approached publishers. I felt it would be more impressive in book form apposed to sending a 1,000 page manuscript. Took the POD to a small book press fair in NYC and started showing all the different publishers the book and walked out there with a book deal.

The book I'm most known for is Changin' Your Game Plan: How to use incarceration as a stepping stone for SUCCESS. Its a very deep thought provoking books that challenges you to re-evaluate who you are. It's not about prison so much its about life, just written from the experience of being in prison and deciding where I wanted to go from there.

Did you have any plans for a second book or think ahead as to what would come from it?

Street Talk had taken like 5 years to complete and I never really thought of writing anything after that, Street Talk was just a project I worked on as a means to stay sane in prison #1 and hopefully help generate some revenue when I got out to help rebuild my life. Changin' Your Game Plan started as a series of letters I was writing to my brother who had just gotten arrested a year before I was due to be released and I was trying to guide him on how to do time productively.

How did you come up with the way you were going to get the word out about what you had written?

Well with no major marketing and promotion machine behind me, I did things the old fashioned way, handed out thousands and thousands and thousands of flyers that I printed on a used laserjet printer and stayed on the internet day and night, emailing people. Just getting out there in front of people. A lot of writers think just cause you write a book it's gonna sell. No! You have to get out there and sell it. I'm what you call a "flat-foot" hustler. I can walk from one end of town to the other end and back to promote my product. I came into this business with the same work ethics I had when I was standing on the corner. Up early, out in the street early, out most the day meeting people, pitching the book to whoever will listen. If I can get the media exposure I have on my own, Imagine what I could do with a major marketing machine backing me.

We all look at success different ways, Randy. You have already been featured prominently in print and online.Going through what you have, how has your view of success changed?

I used to think success was having lots of money. Success today is knowing that you're doing something that's impacting someone's life in a positive way. That people are recognizing that you're not that person you once were. That people believe your story is worth telling.

From each situation in life, both good and bad, we have moments where lessons are learned. I'm curious as to what lessons your experiences have taught you that you share with others.

Man I have so many life's lessons I wouldn't know where to begin. So I'll just give one of the most prominent lessons that sticks wit me, CRIME DOESN'T PAY (laughing). Seriously though, my experiences have thought me to appreciate life, freedom, to be humble and enjoy the beauty and wonders of life itself.

What advice would you give to anyone who has a dream but is not doing everything they can to pursue it?

If you don't pursue your dreams, there's always going to be times when you're going to wonder what could have been. Go for it, so at least you'll know the answer to that question of what could have been.

Thanks again for taking out this time, Randy. If our readers want to catch up on everything you are doing, where can they find you online?

Man, Thank you. It's been great because now you're part of my story. (smiling).. People can catch me at www.randykearse.com facebook, linkedin, twitter, digg, blackplanet and on a subway train near you.

West Coast Hip Hop Joins The South In Promoting Reading

On Saturday, August 14, 2010 Mississippi will host its next Hip Hop and Books Rally to promote the importance of reading, but the special guests are joining the event from California's Oakland area. Founder Cyrus Webb is pleased to announce that recording artists Joey Calendar and Pryce of Brite Mic Entertainment along with Bigg Marv (cousin of rap superstar M. C. Hammer and one of the stars of the hit reality show HAMMERTIME on A&E) will be in the Magnolia State beginning Friday, August 13th, sharing great music and their commitment to the cause.

"No matter where you live, reading is something you can't get away from," says Bigg Marv, who will become the new national spokesperson for the Hip Hop and Books Literacy Campaign beginning August 1, 2010. Having been around the entertainment industry all his life, he knows that knowing how to read well is a stepping stone to anything else you choose to do.


Joey Calendar agrees. In a statement to Cyrus Webb about why he and the other artists of Brite Mic Entertainment wanted to get involve in the Hip Hop and Books project, he said this: "Some think that just because you sing, dance or rap that you don't have to take education and things like reading seriously. That couldn't be further from the truth. The music industry is a business, and if you are going to be successful in it, you are going to need to know how to read things like contracts, etc. You can't take anything for granted. After the music is gone, you will always have what you know to keep you going."

Hip Hop and Books was created in 2008 by Cyrus Webb and co-founder Corey "C-Murder" Miller as a way to encourage reading among the urban and Hip Hop communities. Since its inception, it has given away over $5,000.00 in books to individuals who attend their free concerts and events.

The next Hip Hop and Books rally will take place on Saturday, August 14, 2010 at Smith Park (302 Amite St. * Jackson, MS) from 4-6p.m. Hosted by Cyrus Webb, the event will also feature performances by Playa Connected, Unik, Young Boi Hulk, Spida and others. As in the past, there will be books available for all who attend.

Admission to the rally is free, however, the artists will have merchandise available for purchasing. For more details, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. You can also visit www.hiphopandbooks.net or www.shadowplayent.com.

AUTHENTIC: Bringing A Unique Sound And Flavor To Hip Hop

by Cyrus Webb




The group's name says it all: Authentic. Members Shiest D, Jay R3d and Doja have been together musically for about three and a half years, but they are working together to create music and a brand that will be timeless for lovers of Hip Hop.

What began in 2007 by working on a mixtape together as solo artists has led to them landing a digital distribution deal with Island Def Jam for their single FALL IN. This however, seems to only be the beginning of a new chapter in the lyrical volume Authentic is penning. Three guys will their own style and different personalities have been joined by one goal: creating real music for themselves and the masses. No matter how different they sound apart, when they come together there is a doubt they were united in their desire to give their best and produce great music.

When asked what they hope they bring to the music industry and Hip Hop lovers, Authentic says it wanted to empower peope of all ages to go after their dreams. They also want to show that you can pursue your career and still not neglect your education. They can speak on this, because they are all attending school at Jackson State University in Jackson, MS.

To record their music is one thing, but how does it feel to perform it? Shiest D says its an incredible feeling. He also says that even though none of them thought they would be in a group, it is more comfortable to be on stage with others you know share your passion for what you are doing.

Hip Hop has had its detractors over the years, and Authentic believes that those who see the culture and its music as evil or empty of any actual mesage, should take some time and listen to what they are producing. They feel as though they are not just entertaining but educating as well. They also believe their positive message shows that you don't have to rap about things that aren't beneficial. You can have a unique point of view and show a better way of living.

The single that is getting all of the attention currently is FALL IN. It was written in 2009 for their new album and thanks to the buzz on Youtube, social networking sites and the day-to-day grind on the streets, it got the attention of Island Def Jam. Through the lyrics and the chorus, the guys of Authentic are letting the world know that they are here to stay and everyone needs to pay attention.

Now that a major label has taken notice and the song is available on I-Tunes, it is spreading the word and the group's fan base as well as giving them more promotion, opening doors for more opportunities, shows and the all important radio time.

Authentic hopes this will all lead to a major deal for their next album, but either way they are still working on their own company not just with music but entertainment as a whole. Their advice to others? "Follow your dreams. If you act upon them, everything will come into place."

For more information about the group, visit www.authentic.phxcomp.com, follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/AuthenticIVLife or friend them on Facebook under "Authentic Fan Club".

(Opinion) Why President Obama Should Vacate His Glass House

by Cyrus Webb


The adage about those living in glass houses not throwing stones is one that all of us should pay attention to, but especially those working in public office. This week, the President gave the American people and in turn the world a fresh look at why we should practice what we preach, especially if we are going to be attempting to make an example of and embarrass others.

On Monday, July 19th he was front and center in front of the cameras once again telling the world why Democrats were for the people and the Republican Party were nothing more than people who cared more about an election than the unemployed. His speech was about the unemployment benefits and how millions of Americans were in need of the money that Congress seemed unwilling to give them. His reason why they were opposing him? Simply put, politics.

It was as if he had forgotten that just last Fall when the country found itself in need of additional unemployment benefits that they were extended after the money was found to pay for it. What the President forgot to mention on Monday while he stood with three individuals he said were in need of the extension was that the Republicans were for extending the benefits once they were paid for, just as they were last time. He forgot to tell the American people that the bad Republicans suggested they use unspent money from the President's stimulus to cover the cost, something that others were in favor of.

Why is this so important? You might remember that it was this President that made a large proclamation to the American People that he would make sure all programs were paid for. Remember this? So why did he not accept the Republican's suggestion to use the stimulus funds to pay for the extension of unemployment benefits? Ironically, it seems for the same reason he has blamed them for blocking it: Politics.

What does it say when a man who ran on a message of change and getting rid of politics as usual governs on the same platform he campaigned against? What does it say about a man when everything good that happens during his administration is his doing, but any problems and setbacks are the blame of the previous administration? And most importantly, what does it say about how naiive he believes the American people are when the Democrats have had control of Congress for almost 4 years and the President---also a Democrat--- has been in office almost two years, yet it is always the Republicans who are stopping all the good that could be done?

Those living in glass houses should not throw stones, but they should also remember that if they do, they need to watch out for the pieces that fall down around them: whether in Nov. 2010 or 2012.

DRIVEN: A Conversation With Supermodel Miguel Perdomo

In less than a decade, supermodel Miguel Perdomo* has achieved more in his professional than most people see in their entire lifetime---and he's only 28 years old. Whether it is on national tv, international fashion events, print campaigns with Sean John and others as well as runways, there's no getting away from this talented go-getter, and he wouldn't have it any other way.

Cyrus Webb* recently caught up with Miguel to talk about his accomplishements, what keeps him grounded and what those looking up to him need to know about his career.

Here is their conversation.

First of all, Miguel, thank you for taking out a few moments to talk with us. I guess we'll start at the beginning. What initially got you interested in modeling?
Modeling was a career that I kind of fell into. I never really wanted to model. I wanted to play ball or box. What got me in the modeling world was basically doing something people wouldn't think I can do. When I use to say I'm going to become a fashion model, people thought I was joking. I prove myself and them wrong, and it's been working ever since.

Is this a career that those close to you initially supported?
The response my family and friends have is that they can't believe how much I have accomplished in such short time. It's very overwhelming to see them embrace it.

What would you say is your most notable achievement?
My most notable credit is being recognized as "The 1st Dominican Male Model" even though there have been some before me, none to represent the culture the way I do.


The business can be quite competitive. How do you remain relevant and build on your brand?
I keep myself relevant through networking and all social sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Model Mayhem, etc. This is all about hustling. Hustle means hard work, so I definitely grind out. Any event that New York has to offer I'm there just for networking purposes.

All of us are faced with challenges in our career. How have you remained focused in the face of challenges?
I have been successful my whole life just because of my belief in myself and my family. They support my every move and every goal.

Outside of modeling, what are some of your interests?
Outside of modeling I do graphic design and freelance as well for other brands. Fashion for me is a lifestyle, not a job, so I stay busy however I can.

What advice would you give those who are looking at you, Miguel, as a model of what they can accomplished?
My only advice is remain humble as all times and definitely open your eyes to the world surrounding you. There's more to the eye once you open your mind.

Thank you again for your time. Where can people find out more information about you online (website, social networking,etc)?
Thank you for the opportunity. I can be found at www.modelmayhem.com/MIGUELPERDOMO, www.facebook.com/MIGUELPERDOMO, www.twitter.com/MPERDOMO23 and also www.2RsEntandMedia.com

* Photos of Miguel Perdomo are by Angel Hernandez used with permission by 2Rs Entertainment and Media. Cyrus Webb is the Editor-In-Chief of Conversations Magazine and a contributor writer for Crunk Magazine, Hype Magazine, S.T.I.L.L. Magazine and other publications. He can be reached at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.

Cyrus Webb Interviews Fellow Competitors From Oprah Winfrey Network Competition

Curious about the stories of other competitors from the Oprah Winfrey Network TV Competition and interested in sharing them with his radio show listeners, Cyrus Webb of Conversations LIVE Radio interviews some of those who took place in the first year of the contest to see why they did it, what they hope comes from it, and what they are continuing to do to better the world.


On Monday, May 24, 2010, Webb interviewed Julie Kaufmann of Chicago about what led her to audition for the competition, and the two shared the internet error that brought them together.

Listen the interview here.


On Tuesday, May 25, 2010, Webb interviewed author and educator Alvin Delgado of New York about his book and his inspiring story that he hoped to share with viewers on OWN.

Listen to the interview here.

Just days before the competition ended,on Thursday, July 1, 2010 Webb interviewed Darnell "Super Chef" Ferguson of Cooking In 10 about his love of food and why he felt he belonged on OWN.

Click this link http://tobtr.com/s/1130675 and fast forward to 30 min. into the program to hear his story.

On Sunday, July 11, 2010, Webb interviewed marketing strategist Pamela Muldoon about the work she is doing to help small businesses, why she entered the Oprah tv competition and what's next for her.

Click this link http://tobtr.com/s/1146463 and fast forward to 30 min. into the program to hear her story.

On Wednesday, July 14, 2010, Webb interviewed author and life coach Tanya T. Morris who also entered the competition.

Click this link http://tobtr.com/s/1147494 and fast forward to 30 min. into the program to hear her story.

On Thursday, July 15, 2010, Webb interviewed marketing strategist and talk show host Michelle Vandepas about what she is doing to help authors promote themselves and why she took advantage of the tv competition.

Click this link http://tobtr.com/s/1147507 and fast forward to 30 min. into the program to hear her story.

On Mon. July 26, 2010, Webb interviewed Kristen Alexandre about how she hoped to bring her love of animals and the environment to a national platform through the tv competition. Click this link http://tobtr.com/s/1170006 and fast forward to the 30 min. mark to hear her story.

On Monday, July 26, 2010 Webb also talked with event planner and consultant Wilson Mesa about his experience with the contest and how he is moving forward to see his dreams come true. Click this link http://tobtr.com/s/1170018 and fast forward to 30 min. into the program to hear Mesa's story.

On Tues. July 27th, Webb spoke with radio show host and educator CC Lawhon about her amazing journey and how she is using her skills to empower others. Click this link http://tobtr.com/s/1170034 and fast forward to 30 min. into the program to hear Lawhon's story.

Also on Tues. July 27th, Webb spoke with entrepreneur and talk show host Ray Faulkenberry about his skills and how he is using his faith and experiences to help other reach for higher ground. Click this link http://www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive/2010/07/28/life-coach-darlene-ouimet-and-entrepreneur-ray-fau and fast forward to 30 min. into the program to her Faulkenberry's story.

Mississippi Native Makes Final Pitch To Have "OWN" National TV Show

(Tuesday, June 29, 2010) Since May 19, 2010 Mississippi native and mult-media personality Cyrus Webb has been actively campaigning in the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) competition to have a national tv show. Now with just days to go before the contest ends, he is taking advantage of every day to get the word out for people to vote for him in this unique opportunity.


Webb, 34, has made this an all-out campaign, creating yard signs, car magnets and flyers trying to get the word out about the competition and why he thinks he should win. He launched the website www.themaleoprah.com to keep people posted on his progress as well as to tout his accomplishments over the past 7 years on radio, tv, print and beyond. Webb started the "I Do It 5 Times A Day" campaign to encourage others to vote at least 5 times a day for him in the competition since there is no limit on the amount of times one person can vote.

Every day he is reminding his Facebook, Twitter and Myspace friends to vote each day, and on Saturday, July 3, 2010---the last day of the competition---he is hosting a "Voting Party" to give people a chance to meet him and cast their votes.


The Voting Party will be held from 11-1:30p.m. at the Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road * Pearl, MS) and is open to the public as well as the media. The lab has been reserved for the event, and you are able to come in, meet Webb and vote as many times as you would like. This is perfect for those who don't have computers as well as those who want to get to know Webb better and find out what he believes he brings to a national tv platform. Voting for the competition continues until 11:59p.m. EST on Sat. July 3, 2010.

Cyrus Webb has been working for over a decade to bring attention to issues that matter to people of all walks of life. Through his radio and tv show---each called Conversations---he has interviewed over 800 guests including nationally known individuals, up and coming stars as well as those who just have a story that needs to be told. His articles and interviews have appeared in the Clarion Ledger Newspaper, Jackson Advocate, The Rankin Ledger, Mississippi Link, Blagazine, Books2Mention Magazine, Crunk Magazine, Hype Magazine, S.T.I.L.L. Magazine and others. His co-ed book club called Conversations has garnered national attention for its diversity and ability to connect authors and readers. It has been featured in the Chicago Tribune, on MTV and other media outlets.

Currently Webb is in the top 100 of over 3200 entries in his category of Traditional Talk Show with 50,000 plus votes cast for him to date. His goal is to have over 100k votes by the end of the competition.

For more information, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. You can also visit www.themaleoprah.com.