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
/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!
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.”
/CW OFFICE + STUDIO [CAMP LOCALS] IS NOW OPEN!
KEEP ON THE LOOK OUT FOR INVITES TO THE SPACE, COLLABORATION OPPORTUNITIES AND MORE!
Cam Will - Enough
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2020 has tested all of our limits and shows us when enough is enough, right? Cam Will’s latest single “Enough” definitely fits in the theme of 2020!
The Milwaukee native’s latest single has a catchy hook and easily sums up our relationship with year 2020. We all know when enough is enough. Whether you’ve reached your limits with relationships, expectations or anything in between we can all relate to this song. The song’s mellow beat and punchlines makes it an instant hit and easy listen.
Make sure y’all stream Cam Will’s latest single and show him love!
Tanasia Shaw /CW
A.C the Ruler - From Milwaukee with Love
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The word of today is Versatility!
A.C the Ruler is a local rapper who recently released his album, From Milwaukee with Love. From Milwaukee with Love is a 11 track album consisting of rap, R&B and disco elements. This album is a very easy listen and I love the versatility in this piece. The album has an overall theme of contentment but each song has its own message and vibe. My favorite songs on the album are “Stay up”, “A Milwaukee Night'' and “Scorpio”. I would suggest everyone listen to “Stay Up” off of the album because I can easily hear this song on my playlist and the radio. The song features artists ninefivehouse and Stephanie Young with spoken word, an R&B hook and mellow melody. “Scorpio” features Marzo and samples “If you let me” by Sinead Harnett and even has an amazing remix for the outro of the album. Lastly, “A Milwaukee Night” is probably my favorite song on the entire album. Milwaukee native, A.C chose the perfect song to name after his hometown Milwaukee. A.C is definitely up next and I suggest everyone add him to your musical roaster NOW!
Tanasia Shaw/CW
CopyWrite Mag Press Interview w/ Marquise Mays, Film Director of The Heartland (Short Film)
/CopyWrite's Editor-in-Chief, Lexi S. Brunson and Intern Tanasia Shaw, chat with director of The Heartland Marquise Mays about his new short film, Black Culture in Milwaukee, creating in a pandemic and more! This refreshing Saturday morning convo gives a glimpse into a narrative that we can no longer circumvent…
A space for Black Culture right here in Milwaukee, The Heartland.
Marquise Mays is a filmmaker and media scholar based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He holds a M.A from the University of Southern California and a B.A from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His work presents an opportunity for Black kids to be proud to call this place home. As an independent filmmaker, Marquise’s films have been screened nationally and internationally. Most recently, he worked as an Associate Producer on the Student Academy Award Winning Film, The Dope Years: The Untold Story of Latasha Harlins.
The Heartland, is a film developed and produced in part with Leaders Igniting Transformation (LIT) for their inaugural Artist Activist Fellowship. At LIT, they focus on building a solid future that is young, Black, Brown and LIT. This year they have developed their strategy to include Cultural Organizing in order to shift culture by developing leaders, known as artist activists. Artist Activists use their creativity to speak truth, as well as move people to feel empowered to shift culture and make systemic change.
- via LIT (Leaders Igniting Transformation)
Learn more at @theheartlandfilm on instagram.
/CW
Sky Phreshh- Raised by Wolves
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It’s the samples for me!
Skyy Huncho recently released his album “Raised by Wolves.” The album includes seven diverse tracks with constant wordplay, flow and nostalgic samples. Two of my favorite song from Huncho’s latest work is “She-Wolf” and “Dead Press.” “She-Wolf” samples Teyanna Taylor’s “Gonna Love me” (which sampled The Delfonics’ “I gave to you”) and is about Huncho’s love for a girl, while trying to work on their relationship and build together. While “Dead Press” samples Nas’ Dead Presidents, the song’s honesty and tribute to Nas makes it amazing. The constant theme of wolves on the album cover, album title and track names is consistent and clever.
Make sure you check Milwaukee’s very own, Skyy Preshh’s debut album!
Tanasia/CW
Kaylon Raps - Feelings (feat. Lianna Dunae)
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We all love a vibe, right? If so, you’ll want to check out Kaylon Raps’ latest single Feelings featuring Lianna Dunae.
Feelings is an easy listen that you can vibe to anywhere. Kaylon’s flow and use of wordplay takes the song to the next level. While Dunae’s soft and chill voice adds the perfect combination of rap and r&b. Kaylon has only released a few tracks so far and I’d say he’s off to a fantastic start.
Check out his latest singles on all major streaming platforms, you won’t regret it.
Tanasia Shaw/CW
Delta Triplett - Somebody’s Daughter
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You remember when mainstream R&B was the wave? When music made you want to love, cry and dance in the rain all at the same time? Local artist Delta Triplett’s new R&B single, Somebody's Daughter, has all those elements!
Tripplett’s newest single from his upcoming album, She Matters to Me, is dedicated to women who’ve suffered from domestic violence. The message is very clear and necessary in today’s time. She’s Somebody’s Daughter not only discusses the intolerability of domestic violence, but also mentions the worth and how to love a woman.
The single is a 10/10 for us at CopyWrite and we are all looking forward to Delta Triplett’s upcoming album!
Tanasia Shaw /CW
Meet the NEW 2020 Fall Intern, Tanasia Shaw
/Say what’s up to Tanasia!
Tanasia Shaw is a junior 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. Tanasia is ready to bring her charm to the /CW team.
