Shawn Millz - Greedy

Some of my favorite rap songs are the ones that incorporate other genres in their music, so when I hear unique songs like that it catches my ear. That’s what this song did for me. Greedy is a certified street banger made by artist Shawn Millz of Milwaukee. It’s a rap song with gritty lyrics and a grudge influenced tone. Nirvana, while wasn’t the first, made that grunge type of rock go so hard; so when you mix it into rap, it just creates this multi genre type of sound which is becoming very popular these days. 

There’s aggression in this song, cockniess, and determination. This song will grab everyone’s ears, not just the men, because we are all about that hustle (or we should be). Besides the dope lyrics, the beat on this joint is sick. This beat gives me street, Gotham City and classic Jeezy Can’t Ban the Snowman vibes. Lyrics set the tone for a song, but ultimately the beat is what grabs our attention. I don’t know who made this beat, but my car speaker’s thank you. You can listen to more of Shawn Millz’ music here on Apple Music. 

Adrienne/ For CW

Meet The /CW Fam!

It's our Anniversary!

As of July 15th, 2021, CopyWrite Magazine has been in business for six years [& eight years in the game]. For this years celebration we thought it only fitting to re-introduce ourselves, have you meet the /CW Fam, and learn more about the people behind the mission!

#AllThingsUrbanLiveHere #SupportTheLocal #CopyWriteMag

WE STAND FOR ALL THINGS URBAN.

As an unapologetic group of creatives, CopyWrite is in business to change the community. Our promise is to always remember where we started from. We do this by telling the stories that need to be told, showcasing the unrealized artistic potential throughout our community, all while doing what we love: create.

It’s different here.

We are not your “average” media company. Our magazine is not dominated by ads, unrealistic figures of beauty, or filler content. We tell stories about people you know; the ones you live by, go to school with, or are sure to meet at your favorite community events. We don’t let the status quo control the way we express ourselves. We keep it authentic to who WE are. We break the molds of tradition and stay current without over saturating the market. Our pitch is not to sell you on a vision of aspiration but to ask you to be a part of real community cultivation. We don’t look for validation from people who only support our community on paper [tuh, ya’ll cute] or people who live their life for the “likes”. Our beginnings are humble. Our lifestyles triumph over adversity. Our song, some fire track with hella bass. Many people we know gave up on their creative dreams but we still breathe the worth of our passion. 

The narrative will shift. One story at a time.

/CW

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/CW FAM | SQUAD | TEAM | STAFF

Lexi S. Brunson - Owner | Editor-in-Chief

“If they said I did it, I DID IT.”

Lexi is obsessed with all things Urban. She believes that there is a beauty between every sidewalk crack and alleyway. She is outspoken, confident, and her creativity allows her to view the world WAY outside the box. She is a multifaceted professional with a BFA in Interior Architecture & Design and MA in Media Studies. Her passion for social equality, freedom of expression, and goofy wit makes her just the right combo of kick a** to get any job done. She makes "it” happen!

@_thrudirtyeyes

Fun Fact about Lexi: “If you don’t keep a bottle of hot sauce at the crib, you might as well pack my food up to go. I put that ‘ish on everything!”

Favorite /CW moment: “Our first anniversary party we hosted at 88Nine. There had never been so many Black & Brown faces in that space before that moment. I like to think we helped changed that narrative. Plus it was poppin’ ”

Vato Vergara - Fashion Editor | Creative Director

"It all starts with a Look!”

Vato is the Renaissance man in every sense of the word. Whether he is styling clients, hosting events, maintaining online thrift shop, or creative directing for CopyWrite, Vato brings new and innovative ideas to the table. HIS fashion + style expertise is what makes /CW always tastefully in style.

@vatomke

Fun Fact about Vato: “I love cooking!”

Favorite /CW moment: “I didn’t know anything about CW but one day I found out this local publication that was all about supporting the local. So I went out and printed 100 copies at work [this before we offered printed magazine] and handed them out all over downtown. I remember receiving a call about it from the owners. Which is what got me to be apart of this amazing company!”

Tiffany Bean - The People Person | PR Director + Chief of Staff

"What's a bad shot? I never seen one. . .”

Tiffany is a PR pro with authentic links to community, culture, and the mind of corporate america. She has a BA in Corporate Communications and Digital Media. She has also served as a public ally and currently sits on the communications board at the JGCA. With her interpersonal skills, ability to read the room, and “politic” she has never met a stranger. She is The People Person.

@thetiffanyway_

Fun Fact about Tiffany: “My favorite movie is Titanic. ‘Never let go!’ ”

Why Support the local?: “I support the local because I am the local. I am a Milwaukee native, Burleigh res and Marquet made. I think it is important that the voice of the city from all angles is heard. We deserve it! ”

Carrie “Noni Juice” Mahone - Head Broadcast Journalist

"Its Noni Juice.”

Born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, Carrie Noni has her Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Communication. She has always had her eyes set on the entertainment industry and isn’t afraid to create her own opportunities to get there. So far in her career she has worked with 103.7 Kiss FM, Journal Sentinel, v100.7, and currently has a full-time role as a Producer for 101.7 The Truth. Her love for natural hair led her to creating her YouTube channel, “Natural Noni,” and she created a top 5 music countdown show, “N’fluence.”

@carrienoni_

Fun Fact about Carrie: “I love Milkshakes. I swear I’m a milkshake connoisseur lol. ”

Why Support the local?: “I support the local because I would want the local to support me. I understand what it feels like to be on a mission to change your community for the better, and all you need is support from your city. That’s why it’s always #414 love to my city!”

Imani Ortiz - Specialized Content Journalist

"A wise man once said, ‘Bees don’t waste their time explaining to flies that honey is better than shit’.”

The best way to describe Imani would be nothing less than “the Jill of all trades”. Her comedic energy and enthusiastic personality is hard to match. One of her biggest goals is to help connect different generations to Urban culture through media, specialized projects, and interpersonal encounters. While embracing and cultivating her own versatile creativity, she hopes to not only strengthen the local community with opportunities to voice their own stories but to encourage others to speak, stand and live in their own truth.

@ortizus

Fun Fact about Imani: First generation college graduate. #thefinesser

Why Support the local?: “Selfishness is what really makes me #supportthelocal. Sounds crazy right? Let me explain. We want people to support us in our endeavors and want people to crave whatever you we do creatively yet it’s so hard for people in the city to pour into others. Why is that? That never made sense to me. We have to hold each other accountable and uplift each other on the way up. There’s no reason why the Milwaukee creative scene should be as segregated as it is. It’s always love here at CopyWrite and that’s all we (as in everyone) should be pouring into the community. Inspiration, support and love. Das it.”

Tanasia Shaw - Journalism Intern

"Forever a student at life.”

Tanasia Shaw is a senior a UW-Milwaukee majoring in journalism and minoring in Africology and communication. Tanasia is best described as charismatic, humble and creative. Her interests in culture, art and social issues are the perfect combination for a compelling story. Her goal is to create content that accurately represents underrepresented people and cultures.

@TheTanasia

Fun Fact about Tanaisa: “In 2020, I started a decor and graphic design business.”

Why Support the local?: “I support the local because the local has always supported me! I wouldn't be able to story tell or create if it wasn't for my Milwaukee Native mentors, colleagues, and friends that constantly inspire me”

Adrienne Davis - Media Journalist Intern | Producer in Training

"It’s not about being the best, it’s about getting the job done.”

Adrienne Davis has an associates degree in E-Production from Milwaukee Area Technical College. She is currently attending UWM to obtain a BA in Journalism. This social introvert has a passion for journalism, culture, and creativity. She has also done work in movie production and is interested in continuing to hone those skills in the future.

@dri.xxi

Fun Fact about Adrienne: "“I love food, that’s the key to my heart.”

Favorite /CW moment: “When I got my first spread in published in a magazine, only right it was for CW.”

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/CW OFFICE + STUDIO [CAMP LOCALS] IS NOW OPEN!

KEEP ON THE LOOK OUT FOR INVITES TO THE SPACE, COLLABORATION OPPORTUNITIES AND MORE!

2020 Perspectives From The CopyWrite Team

As 2020 comes to an end we would like to share perspectives of reflection from our Team [Family] at CopyWrite. We often create our content in a way that masks “who” made it. Sometimes the anonymousness gives us leeway to let the stories we share speak for themselves. When we do share those responsible, it usually has very little to do with the creator, thus our personal stories are seldom shared at high capacity. We drop small cues, a few encrypted messages, some unavoidable “scandals”, some petty rants, and some “screw the system” themes out in the atmosphere but that's just the nature of the media beast. These perspectives are different. They are self guided moments that each individual person wanted to share. Not for likes but for a better tomorrow. We hope that you find closure in our words, value in our lessons, and inspiration to keep creating [& moving forward]. CopyWrite Magazine and everything we create is a TEAM [Family] effort. It does not exist without collaboration, a willingness to contribute, and self motivation to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. 2020 may have been a challenge like no other but now more than ever before we still vow to #SupportTheLocal.

Love & All Things Urban,

/CW Fam

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Lexi S. Brunson - /CW Owner & Editor-in-Chief

“Draw your line. Erase it. Draw it again.”

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Carrie “Noni Juice” Mahone - /CW Journalist

“Time is more valuable than you think”

Carrie for /CW

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Imani Ortiz - /CW Journalist

This year has been for the birds, no cap. My life, as I’m sure y’alls to, has been a literal rollercoaster. This year was it. There was too much turmoil and negativity at every corner, this year was truly insane. I’m still standing though. Blood still running through my veins. I’m just happy to be breathing. Why? Cause deep down in my heart, I didn’t know if I was truly gone to make it to the end of this year. 

If it’s anything I learned this year, it’s that the world is going to keep moving on whether you catch up or you don’t. Life’s still going to keep moving. All the depression, trials and tribulations that we all faced this year revealed our real superpower as a people. We are more resilient than we could’ve ever imagined. Every. Single. One. Of. Us. 

Pain is not only unique to you. Pain is not only unique to me. We are not the only ones exclusive to suffering, even though it may feel like it at times. Everyone has suffered to some capacity. Look around you, figuratively and literally. What do you see? 

People wear their pain differently. Some might smile and kick it with you but tryna escape reality. Some might be in groups of people everyday but still lonely as hell. Somebody's family member just got offed today and another one just died of Covid but they are smoking a blunt with you. The outside looks cool but they are dying on the inside. Everybody is suffering but everybody doesn't wanna talk about it—and that’s okay. 

My remedy for it all is just be a decent human being and get YOUR shit together. It starts with you, boss. You are not what you lost this year. You’re everything you gained—you’re the living definition of growth. Don’t forget that. It may hurt right now but take my word for it… that hurt doesn't last forever. 

There’s a saying that always happens to pop up on my socials when I’m having a rough day. It goes something like, “FACT:  As of this very moment, you’ve made it through 100% of the battles you thought you’d never survive.” You are a survivor. We are survivors. Don’t let anyone take that shit from you. 

That’s all I want from the world—for us to really dig deep, reflect and take care of ourselves. We all got problems. Problems are infinite. But make sure YOU good up top (i.e. your mental). Don’t let this world drive you crazy. You are divinely protected, baby. You just gotta do the work.  Shit not gone’ happen overnight.

Love yourself so you can love life. You are the beginning and end of your legacy. Act like it.

P.S. always remember, this is chess, not checkers.

Imani for /CW 

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Vergara Vergara - /CW Fashion Editor

Whew. . .2020 is GHETTOOOOO, but in all honesty; I’ve been able to reflect on my lifestyle, my career, and my role at CopyWrite Magazine. We’ve been in a pandemic since March; 10 months. I’ve been able to heal, build, and develop myself better than I have in 10 years. It’s amazing what productive time can do for us, when used properly. Although we’ve lost so many people in the Pandemic, some of us have gained self awareness. I am HAPPY with who I am and what I am becoming. Spread positivity, love and embrace the new year! With all the changes, we all should be able to handle adversity now. Still working and being a creative, life goes on and anything can happen within a blink of an eye. Learn who you are and love Who you are. 

Vato for /CW

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Adrienne Davis- /CW Intern

“I can do more. I will do more.”

Adrienne Davis for /CW

Cj Folds - Daddy’s Girl

Our first quarantine break this year really changed the lives for everyone, especially the parents of our youth. It’s been a challenge and it’s still an ongoing process. I really want to commend all the parents who have been juggling careers while still making sure their children are still receiving their education. I’ve seen a lot of y’all really step up, and from people like me who don’t have kids yet, I just want to say you are all appreciated. However, it’s not been easy for everyone, a lot of dad's weren’t given the opportunity to see their children during this time, and it has not always been by choice. There are many active father’s involved in their children’s lives, and if they genuinely want to raise these kids I think it’s unfair that bitter emotions can drive wedges between the relationships that are trying to be built. Some people have lost their father’s, and that type of pain never fully heals. I think that’s why I was able to vibe with this song from Cj Folds, Daddy’s Girl.

Cj Folds managed to create a hip-hop ballad showcasing the love and affection between father and daughter, and now the daughter’s father is no longer around. You hear the sadness in his voice as he describes the changes the daughter is going through since he is unable to be near her. She is his princess, and you can feel the pain he is experiencing. I know in times like these nobody wants to keep hearing about the negative sh*t going on, but with emotions like this we just simply ignore them.

Rap does not always have to be aggressive, and Cj Folds proves this with a soft song with a hard impact. From the catchy but heartbreaking chorus and the love language given in between the song’s metaphors, this song made me appreciate my own father more, and all that he has done for me since reaching adulthood. With the beautiful visual accompanied with this song, I can’t wait to hear more of what Cj Folds has in the future. Shout out to all the Dads out there who truly love those babies and R.I.P to the ones we’ve lost.

We love to see it.

/Adrienne for CW

Listen to Daddy's Girl on Spotify. Cj Folds · Single · 2020 · 1 songs.

STAY CURRENT HERE

Instagram: @longlivecjfolds

YouTube: Cj Folds

Meet the NEW 2020 Summer Intern, Adrienne Davis

Say what’s up to Adrienne!

Adrienne Davis is a graduating senior from Milwaukee Area Technical College. Majoring as a digital media student inside of Milwaukee PBS, this social introvert has a passion for journalism, culture, and creativity. Her goals are to fully immerse into her journalism skills, while still representing for the culture. Very free-spirited and sometimes unfiltered, she’s ready to show the city what she’s made of.

This summer she will be working on projects that navigate culture & social views. Reach out to have her cover your next press conference!

/CW