In 2006, Soul Train Award nominee Big Boi (ne Antwan Patton) founded the Big Kidz Foundation, a nonprofit whose mission is to provide the kids of Atlanta with culturally diverse experiences in the field of humanities while helping create socially-conscious youth. They expanded the organization this past January to Savannah, GA where Patton was born and spent a great deal of his childhood. A big advocate for giving back, he recently participated in the Get Schooled Challenge Tour, which is part of an effort to engage and empower more Americans to step up for education.

Photos by James Pray

We warned you that this was going to be an event you didn’t want to miss. Monday night’s ATL Live On The Park was on fire! The show featured performances from newcomer Rhonda Nicole, Universal Motown/Darkchild Records girl group Purple Reign and R&B crooner Donell Jones (check out video of Donell’s set below).

Guests were pleasantly surprised by an impromptu performance by Brownstone’s Nicci Gilbert and Ron Devoe (who jammed out the Bel Biv Devoe classic “Poison”). The highlight of the night was Doug E. Fresh, who made it clear that he is the only one who can really teach the world how to dougie.

Attendees at the event included Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Soul Train Holdings CEO Kenard Gibbs, Producers Rodney Jerkins and Dallas Austin, Sister 2 Sister publisher Jamie Foster Brown, 702’s Kameelah Williams, Disturbing the Peace’s Chaka Zulu, Kenny Burns, and Shanti Das.

Catch the next ATL Live in the Park on December 14th.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/shantidasandmarlonnicholspresents

Controversy specializes in an eclectic mix of urban couture. Primarily for those fashion forward types, the boutiques stocks unique garments, shoes, and accessories that will spark conversation and will turn the streets of Atlanta into your runway. For you burgeoning designers, you are in luck. This store is always on the hunt for amazing brands to introduce to their patrons:

“We know our customers are always looking for that something special, something different and we know that they trust us to pick the best possible designs from the over 50 submission we receive a month! We never stop looking for fresh, new designs. If you are an independent designer with unique vision and you’re interested in selling with Controversy Boutique, please email 5 to 6 sample photographs of your work or a link to your website to controversyboutique@gmail.com along with the description and retail price of each item. We will review your work and let you know if we think your collection is a perfect fit for Controversy Boutique within 2 weeks.”

Controversy Boutique

230 Auburn Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-880-9088 | www.ilovecontroversy.com

“Where we take you out of this world” is the mantra Celestial Spa stands by. The upscale facility located on the southwest side of Atlanta is a day spa, that specializes in massages, waxing, microdermabrasian, facials, manicures, pedicures, body treatments, and skin peels. They also have a wide array of products available for purchase to help maintain your glow after leaving the spa.

Tyler Perry’s “House of Payne” star Lavan Davis is a client. Here he is pictured with co-owner Tracy Woods.

You don’t have to come alone either. Make a party of it! They offer spa parties that include the following:

Your choice of Celestial Facial or Aromatherapy Massage
Manicure or Pedicure
Cake, sandwiches,drinks
Spa manicure gift certificate for birthday person
Minimum 6
3 hrs. – $185 per guest

Celestial Spa

2390 Cascade Road
Atlanta, GA 30311
404-691-2448| www.celestialspa.com

Monday-Friday: 9AM-6PM

Saturday: 9AM-5PM

In the last two decades, there’s has been no other voice as melodic and velevety as Anita Baker’s. The ultimate definition of Rhythm & Blues, the eight times Grammy Award winning singer has released six albums—four of which have gone platinum and two gold—and sold over 12 million albums in the US. So it’s only natural that someone like Ms. Baker be honored at this year’s Soul Train Awards. With her new album, 21^st Century Love coming out on November 9^{th (}the day before the awards are taped) this achievement will undoubtedly be a special one.

Anita has been a fixture on the Soul Train Awards having won for “Sweet Love” in 1987, “Giving You the Best That I’ve Got” in 1989, “Body and Soul” in 1995 and now she will be the guest of honor in 2010. That type of longevity is a rarity.— Danielle Young

Check out a throwback performance from Anita Baker singing “Same Ole Love.”

Make sure you tune in for the Soul Train Awards 2010 on November 28^th at 8 PM EST only on CENTRIC

If you’re looking for unique hipster style wares—including limited edition footwear and hand picked pieces from international designers—WISH should be your fashion go-to in Atlanta. For over 25 years, this retail heaven has amassed a faithful following of locals and celebrities (Check out Atlanta Falcons Safety Thomas Decoud in signature WISH apparel at left). Complimented by a laid back yet chic atmosphere, the store plays a soundtrack of non-stop hip-hop and house music. Still not convinced of this shopping hot spot? Check out this video interview with Frank, the store’s buyer and brand manager.

WISH

447 Moreland Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30307
404-880-0402| www.wishatl.com

When Gladys Knight sang about that “Midnight Train to Georgia,” who knew she would set up shop in the state of a restaurant. The legendary songstress, alongside the late Gospel singer Ron Winans, founded Gladys Knight and Ron Winans’ Chicken & Waffles in 1997. Now a chain, the restaurant has locations throughout Georgia (Atlanta, Lithonia, and John’s Creek) and one location in Landover, Maryland. The family friendly establishment offers an extensive menu of soul food that will have you singing a tune. Our menu recommendation: The Midnight Train (four jumbo chicken wings and a waffle).  

Music Executive/Entrepreneur Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs opened Justin’s in Atlanta in 1998 and it has been going strong ever since. Named after his first born son—to “carry on a sense of family tradition”—the restaurant specializes in Southern and Caribbean cuisine that focuses on fresh ingredients and exotic spices. From corporate events to dinner dates, Justin’s is the perfect location. Local favorites include the blackened catfish and curry chicken.

Justin’s Restaurant

2200 Peachtree Road NW
Atlanta, GA 30309
404-603-5353 | www.justinsrestaurant.com

For a remarkable five decades, Ron Isley has been laying it down, as the master of the slow jam and a groove-maker of the first order. After over 30 albums and an astounding 111 singles, the 69 year old singer has not lost his faithful audience and has managed to garner a new generation of followers. “I’m known for doing everything from funk to the love ballads people know me for.   I’m grateful that I can do it all.  That’s why I think I’ve been able to last.  God has truly blessed me and my family to be able to do what we’ve been able to do though all these years.  All I can do is give thanks that I’m still here doing what I love to do. “

With his new album, Mr. I, due for release on November 30th; things aren’t slowing down. Mr. Isley—along with songstress Anita Baker—will be honored with the Legends Award at this year’s Soul Train Awards.

The 2010 Soul Train Awards will take place on November 10^th in Atlanta, GA and airs on Centric on November 28^th at 9 PM. The show will be hosted by Hollywood heavyweights Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard.

Here’s a flashback of The Isley Brothers performing on Soul Train in the 70’s.

A fresh haircut is the key to making your look soul approved. Loft 109 Hair Studio in Atlanta, Georgia has been styling the heads of men and women since 2005. From weaves to edge-ups, this salon is a go-to for all things hair. For the fellas, Hashir Smith—who manages the light-hearted and family friendly establishment—serves up a killer fade. For the ladies, Quita—the studio’s resident hairstylist—will have your mane purple carpet ready. This establishment is definitely soul approved.

Loft 109 Hair Studio

153 North Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30308
404.815.8182 | www.loft109cuts.com