On September 7th the 80’s Rocks Fashion show hit the fashionably chic Lower East Side to rock Club Element with new, funky fresh designers along with an all-star lineup of performances by the likes of: Cheri Denis, Lil Mama and Carlos from Making the Band. Rising stars like Erika David definitely did their share in giving the crowd a taste of what to expect in the near future as rising r&b stars.

Before the show began Tai Chunn, CEO of MVC Productions promised “a night you’ll never forget” and delivered just that. With fashion showings from a diverse cast of designers such as Celebutante, Catou, 360 Swagga, and Cezar, this was definitely a night to remember....

Some of the highlights came from Lil Mama aka "Voice of the Young People" as she flexed her lyrical prowess acapella, Cheri Denis performed with energy - even with a wardrobe malfunction - and rising star Erika David represented very well for the independent artists out there. From the fashion perspective the Catou and Celebutante fashion lines were particularly impressive. Guest appearances by canadian model and runway coach Stacey Mckenzie, Retro Kidz, and the teen president Teyana Taylor, who also graced the stage, added to the already succesful event.

This show was special not only because of what was accomplished in showcasing some smaller independent designers and artist, but because of the larger picture of fundraising that came out of it for research on Cerebral Aneurysm. Fashion and music do have a conscience and will continue to use its ability to help others continuously in the near future through functions like the 80’s Rocks Fashion Show.

/ Words from the Majors

So many times one may notice an aspiring artist, designer, film maker enter the game with big aspirations to become big in there respected industry, but often many have not taken the time to think that success is not going to be easy and fast, though many want it to be. So Plateau had the opportunity to speak to our somewhat established artist: Cheri Denis, Lil Mama, and Carlos Jashir of Making the Band, and Teyana Taylor about their struggle to get into the position their in and their fight to stay there.

When asking all the artists about their career and if their success came instantly they responded by saying the following:

Cheri Denis: My struggle hasn’t stopped. I think in this atmosphere of the music industry I think it might be just as hard for a major artist as it is for an independent artist. So the struggle was getting on and it’s still a struggle now.

Teyana Taylor:  It’s definitely been a struggle! Everything is a struggle, you just have to keep working hard to get poppin and just grind. You have to remain hungry at all times.

Lil Mama: I’ve been doing this for 10-12 years and you’ve only known me for1 or 2. So it’s definitely been a struggle, definitely been a long ride and I had a lot of faith in God and a lot of faith in myself and what I do. Which is the reason after so many years I always able to push and when I get on the stage just show people this what I’m doing, this what I do and this is who I am and I’m going to keep coming. I’ve done places like Don Hills, a little underground spot in the city, I’ve been to church singing with my moms, witting music in school and thru the mist of it all you have my community Brooklyn & Harlem. Where you have people who support and an even bigger group of people who don’t support and the people who like you or love are not promoting you so it’s extra hard. Everybody wants to be a star in Harlem and everybody wants to be star in Brooklyn, so instead of pushing towards one person they rather hate. Though there are teams in Brooklyn who promote each other

So what would be the best piece of advice that you would give to the independent artists whom would like to be in the positions your in?

Cheri Denis: I would say just really cultivate your skills, stay motivated and stay determined. The music industry is sometimes a lot of closed doors. Like I said really stay motivated and really stay working. Anything that you can do to get yourself out there and get exposure, just take it. It may not always be for money, it may not be the best or biggest look, but every little thing can get you fans. If you can get two people to love and appreciate your music they will pass the word on. So just really grind

Lil Mama: If your friends are your friends are your friends they will promote you. They will wear shirts with your face, your name or your company name on it. They will be a part of you; those are your friends if they love you. If you love yourself you will push yourself and promote yourself.  Always keep god first and in god you when find yourself the world will find you

Carlos Jashir: Keep putting God first because without him nothing is possible.

Teyana Taylor: Remain hungry humble and blessed always bring god first that’s the key to everything.