The Source celebrates Biggie and Barack for the Holidays!

What's up Fam,

Back in 1992 when a relatively unknown Brooklyn rapper by the name of Biggie Smalls sent us his demo tape, we thought he was so dope we had to let him shine in our Unsigned Hype section. But no one would have guessed that he'd be one of the few to really change the face of the Hip−Hop game. Although his time on the scene was cut way too soon, his presence was definitely felt−Biggie nabbed six Source covers to date with only two albums during his life as an artist−and his iconic status can never be replaced or recreated.

Which is why he was so deserving of our December/January cover! We are excited to welcome back the spirit of Brooklyn and the Notorious B.I.G. into our pages. In this issue, we celebrate his life and music through the eyes of Notorious Director George Tillman, Biggie's former manager Wayne Barrow and of course, through the heart and memories of his biggest supporter, his mother Voletta Wallace. We also help you select the ultimate gifts for your friends and fam in our extensive Holiday Buying Guide. We salute industry veterans Zomba President of Black Music, Mark Pitts, and our fallen comrade Def Jam Executive Vice President Shakir "Shake" Stewart. We even talk Hiv/Aids and get real about the epidemic with four activists that are heavily on the scene−eager to make you aware of the current statistics and how you can better arm yourself against the disease. And last, but certainly not least, we welcome President−Elect Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States, and the first Hip−Hop President to rock the vote.

This issue is tight! A classic...You better cop it while its out....'cause this one is definitely unbelievable.

The Mind Squad

A New Era

MAKE SURE YOU CLICK THE IMAGE TO SEE A PREVIEW OF THE ISSUE!!!

"THE VIXEN DIARIES" CONTEST

THE VIXEN DIRECTORY IS SPONSORING "THE VIXEN DIARIES" CONTEST!!

The Vixen Directory is celebrating its launch and challenging you to send us your own "Vixen" stories! Step into your closet and pull out your funniest, most embarrissing, inspiring, horrifying, exciting, or hilarious stories from your career as a model. Tell us the inspiration behind your quest to become a model. Talk about your ambitions, aspirations, goals, and dreams in the modeling industry. Whatever your story is share it with The Vixen Directory by creating your own "Vixen Diary" Entry. We want to hear from you! On Jan 1st, 2009, The Vixen Directory will choose its favorite "diary entry" and send the lucky winner their own copy of The Vixen Diaries by Karrine Steffans!

SEND YOUR DIARY ENTRY, PHOTOS, AND YOUR VIXEN DIRECTORY PROFILE URL TO VIXENSONLINE@GMAIL.COM WITH THE SUBJECT LINE - THE VIXEN DIARIES.

IF YOU DON'T WANT TO WAIT TO READ THE BOOK, CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR OWN COPY ON AMAZON NOW

WOW! BIG FASHION BOO BOO

This pop diva showed up to a NYC premiere last night with a not-so fierce, straggly underarm weave.

SOURCE: TMZ.COM

BEYONCE STILL ON TOP OF HER GAME

Beyonce had 482,000 more reasons to be thankful this Thanksgiving. Her third solo album, "I Am ... Sasha Fierce," debuted at No. 1 on the pop album chart after selling 482,000 copies. It's the third straight No. 1 debut for the singer.

Beyonce's 2003 solo debut, "Dangerously in Love," started with 317,000, while 2006's "B-Day" moved 541,000.

SOURCE: ORIGNAL GOSSIP GIRL

THE TRUTH BEHIND THOSE JAY Z/RIHANNA RUMORS

Jonathan Hay reportedly writes in his upcoming book, Publicity Stunt: The Art of Noise, how he was behind the rumors of an affair between Rihanna and Jay-Z. In an interview with Joe Klein posted on Associated Content, he tells how he was hired by Vada Nobles, who produced Rihanna’s first single, “Pon De Replay,” to generate publicity for the then-unknown Barbadian singer.

“I then began to fabricate stories of Rihanna and Jay-Z, leaking false rumors to tabloids, working internet message boards, etc. We started to get an insane amount of media coverage very fast. There are so many things we did that people don't even know about, not even Rihanna herself. She was completely unknown and I was paid by Vada Nobles to generate publicity. The mega Island Def Jam deal rumor, we fluffed and fabricated. Rihanna and Vada had no idea what I was doing behind the scenes, but my whole agenda was to get media for the song…

I mean leaking out sensational stories and spreading them around in the news -- to tabloids such as the National Enquirer, music and gossip sites and whatnot. Like when the rumor surfaced that Jay-Z had a new love life and was cheating on Beyonce...that was just to get attention. Rihanna had nothing to do with ANY of that, nor did she know what we were doing. I was just trying to break the single and stay employed by Vada Nobles. Even Vada didn't know half the stuff I was doing. I kept my strategy a secret at the time because, honestly, everyone would have been against it, the tactics that I used. But I was only thinking about the end result - and look what happened...gossip sells.

I feel awful but, yes, I leaked some of those stories. Looking back, I am ashamed of that; there was zero integrity in that maneuver. But this is entertainment and I wanted to obtain publicity - so I came up with some crazy stories and it worked. Rihanna is one of the biggest stars in the world now, and look at how she stormed into the business! Not to take anything from her - she is a great artist - but every artist needs a launching pad and there is nothing better than a good scandal to get the public's attention.”

SOURE: ORIGINAL GOSSIP GIRL

Casting Director Tips

- If you have an audition for a Casting Director, director or producer, always be prepared. Get the material (we call it "sides") in advance and practice before your audition. - Know what the project you are auditioning for is about. Are you reading for a comedy? a drama? What is the style of the show or film or the play?

- Always bring your headshot and resume.

- Don't use a lot of props. They get in the way of the really important thing - your audition.

- Dress appropriately but do not wear too much of a "costume". If you are reading for a homeless person, you don't need to come to the audition in ratty clothes and smelling badly. Conversely, if you are reading for a role as a business woman, you don't want to come in dressed in an evening gown.

- If you are keeping the script in your hands (check with the Casting Director to confirm that is ok), make sure you only use it as a reference. You want to make sure the Casting Director can see your face and hear your words.

- Don't wear heavy cologne or perfume. You may think it smells great, but often times actors overpower the Casting Directors with their scents.

- Try to relax and be friendly. Casting Directors know it's a stressful experience, and usually they will try and make you feel more comfortable. But make sure you take a deep breath (before you get into the audition room) and try and shake out the nerves.

- If you have long hair, make sure it's back off your face, so that we can see your acting.

- Be prompt. If you are supposed to be at the audition at a certain time, then be there. If you get held up - try to call and let someone know that you are running late.

- If you are reading with a Casting Director or a reader, make eye contact with that Casting Director. Don't play the scene to an imaginary actor. If your audition is being taped, then ask the Casting Director if you should play it directly to the camera or to the person reading with you.

SOURCE: areuastar.com

Applying for Your Casting Call

When you decide to apply for a casting call, keep in mind there is a basic application process you should follow. When you mail in your application, just include a cover letter, resume and a head shot. Put your name on the head shot so the director doesn’t have to flip through all the pages to find your name. It helps him remember your name so if you stick into his mind for a part, he can recall it easier. Keep your cover letter brief. They don’t want to read a whole life story about you. Keep your resume professional as well. A sloppy resume never gets anyone a job.