GMAN'S BIO
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Greg “G-Man” Raupp has always shown his love for music. While in the hospital with pneumonia, he met his first actress/singer, “Honey Cooper”. Thereafter, he and Honey spent much time together regarding music. In grade school, he took regular music courses and even played a little drums and guitar.
While in high school, he spent many days and nights listening to and enjoying music, theater, and opera. As a sophomore, he enjoyed hanging out back stage with performing arts dancers. He spent his weekends immersed in music, snow skiing and water skiing.
Its only natural that after learining from Sitzmark Snow and Ski Director Don Gronke, Tom and Kristy West, and the Wilmont Master “Doc” West that Greg would be one of the top 5 racers and excel in the top league of slalom and giant slalom..
After high school graduation, Greg moved to Aspen, Colorado where he packed snow trails in the morning to receive free afternoon skiing while living in the youth hostel. He then worked at the Red Onion Restaurant as a waiter, and then maitre’d. He met many celebrities including the late Duke, himself, John Wayne. The Duke always requested to have Greg serve him.
Many weekend nights were spent with friends around a campfirese in the mountains. One of Greg’s friends was John Denver. We all gave him the nickname “Cricket” because he was always singing and playing his guitar in the mountains and fields.
Greg returned to Chicago, after a couple of years and worked with mobile homes, Concord Computing and ended up working for Madison Square Gardens. He then developed a working investment with his first musical group called “Moppy”. At that time, they played up and down Lakeshore Drive and the Chicago area including the Great Lakes Naval Base. Their music was R&B with a taste of Rock and many cover tunes.
Greg then met fellow music lovers and soon to be awesome friends, Kris and Cindy Vinicky at a club in Chicago. By this time, the group was well known, and became friends with Al Green.
While promoting with Madison Square Garden’s, Greg developed major reportt with Chicago P.D., Sgt. Crocker at O’Hare Airport Detail. Met and developed relationships with The Gaslight Club, Senator Pochinski, Mayor Daley, and met many artists and celebrities. James Brown was the first to call him “the little guy”. While at O’Hare, met and dealt with Modern Airlines and stewardesses. The most regular contact was the Jackson Five who would come up from South Chicago and stop at O’Hare to meet and greet. All of them would travel in limos to the sister hotel and they would perform at Arlington Race Track.
Update: Greg “G-Man”, last year was invited by a great favorable L.A. friend to see and greet Michael, Jermaine, and Janet Jackson for Joe Jackson’s birthday at Neverland Ranch. Many artists and celebrities were there including Simon from the Las Vegas Hollywood Magazine.
Greg then moved from Chicago to New Mexico, first to Las Alamos, then to Cochiti Lake. While in Cochiti Lake, Greg developed a tremendous report with the tribe at Cochiti Pueblo which led into Santo Domingo, then San Felipe, Taos Pueblos in New Mexico. He then married and his daughters, Kristy and Krystal, were born. At that time, three small businesses were formed, a video store called Movies N More, two mobile ice cream trucks and a mobile power wash company called A-MPW. A-MPW grew into the largest pressure washing company in Albuquerque, NM. The company was literally a household name.
Greg then went to work for Lonnie Allsup of Allsup’s Convenience Stores. Lonnie only had twenty-eight stores and Greg was promoted to area supervisor of thirteen stores in two stores. At the end of his retail career, Greg was a major key to open and close stores in New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma.
After ten years in New Mexico, Greg relocated to Las Vegas, NV. His daughters graduated from Cimarron High School. Las Vegas brought many deals. One was after two years of semi-retirement, a rebirth of mobile power wash to A-MPW for ten years. This gave Greg another nickname, G-Man, from a DJ named Jet.
Music then became a major part of Greg’s life, entertaining many artists with BBQ's, pool parties, and countless days and nights on G-Man’s boat and jet skis at Calville Bay at Lake Mead. G-Man’s house became the place to stay for a group of artists who gave birth to lyrics, beats, and songs. This is when he met Tammy who led him to an R&B/Hip-Hop group called Heat. Investments were made and their second album was released in April 2005. G-Man and Fingerz (Kevin) went on many tours with heat in Texas, New Mexico, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and California. They spent many hours meeting LL Cool J, A-Marie, Frankie J, and Baby Bash, Silk, and Roam, to mention just a few. Both were back and forth from Vegas to Phoenix, many times, to help with the project.
In the summer of 2003, G-Man moved to Phoenix to be around and work with Heat thru investments with investors in he found for Artbeat Productions with Sean Jordan. G-Man also raised money and found investors for the first album. Also managed the group “HEAT” and booked gigs for them Thru Media Port G-Man successfully had a track re-mixed and mastered to be put on a compulation CD along with other artists including the Nancy Sinatra. In late 2004, G-Man returned to Las Vegas to network and after approximately two months, he developed Art A Sight Productions, a promotion and production company and launched his new website, www.artasightproductions.com, on March 19, 2005.
G-Man plans to use his past music, management, and travel experience to develop notes, vocally and on paper, radio, and TV. This is an ongoing process that will be developed, day to day and will soon be heard, seen and listened to across the United States and Europe.
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Working thru the internet for future Artist development is G-man’s goal and current project. Working recording and traveling with up and coming artists is in the near future. Currently ArtaSight Productions is working with a lyricist by the name of Kelly. She also has the talent to be very successful and grow with these artists.
Vanessa is the publicist a very honest and diligent and successful writer who has worked with artists from A to Z. like Pedepablo, George Clinton, Snoop Dog to lightly mention a few. Just this month views on the web site are casinos, producers, both underground and national artists and clubs. With-in a short time a handful of shows has developed thru the web site. G-Mans goal again is going to happen in the near future. Statewide in the US and Europe contacts are developing monthly.
Currently many studios exist in Las Vegas and Las Angeles. G-Man is watching, networking to establish a ground floor relationship with getting knowledge and contracts for the new studio at the Palms Hotel and Casino. This is a project of George Maloof. It would be a tremendous high to work in anyway with his new studio.
Another project for ArtaSight is being an agent for Song writers, Actors/Actresses & Models. Providing service to talent is a natural and currently stills managing artists and some booking for established and national artists as well.
Vision With out action is a dream---Action With out vision is a nightmare.
Greg GMan Raupp has been operating from Chicago to Las Vegas.
Credits are with Academy of Country Music
B M I registered as writer and composer.
KOPATECHNIC On Say What News
Blending different genres of music takes a smooth strategic technique that only some are truly able to master. KopaTechnic brought together three different artists and mastered the blending of different genres of music to create a perfect blend of Electro/Soul/House/Pop/Hip-Hop. SayWhatNews had the opportunity to speak with KopaTechinc about their sound and new group:
SayWhatNews: KopaTechnic is in the house. Hello Amber, RK and Jimmie. Thanks for sitting down and speaking with SayWhatNews. First introduce us to the band and tell us what each member brings to KopaTechnic?
Amber & Jimmie : RK Jackson is the musical genius creating the tracks.
RK & Jimmie: Amber Dirks lends her soulful voice and lyrical writing skills.
Amber & RK: Jimmie Alston works in his rap/spoken word and lyrical writing skills to the project.
KopaTechnic: We all bring different styles of music to the table, such as House, Deep House, R&B, Dance, Jazz, Hip Hop and Pop and with that we have a vibe that is continual.
SayWhatNews: Amber, you did an interview with us back in October 2007. Tell us what have you been up to; last I heard you were singing with Jacinta in the group Wild Jaam?
Amber: How the years go by in a flash (laughing) but having fun though. Since the “WILD JAAM” project, I have released 3other singles “Rejoice”, “Standing Up” and “Feel The Love”. I have also been touring extensively as a guest vocalist for the well Respected and Loved group, “Sister Sledge”. In between all of that, I continued to write and spend time with Family and Friends.”
SayWhatNews: Well, Amber you have certainly stayed busy with your music projects. Now, RK Jackson, a platinum selling music producer who has worked with another friend of SayWhatNews, Ce Ce Peniston and Madonna. Tell us how did you get your start in the music business?
RK: The first record I did was for Star Search finalist Marshall Titus for a record label in London. The next project soon after that was co-writing “Finally” and from there I signed a publishing deal with Universal Music and Zomba Music. I have been working professionally ever since.”
SayWhatNews: RK, I grew up idolizing Madonna. Her “Like A Virgin” concert was the first concert I went to in the 4th grade, lol. Tell us what was it like working with such an iconic artist?
RK: It was a humbling experience. The one thing about Madonna, she works like the Wizard Of Oz, in other words when it comes to remixes she is more behind the scenes but to have her sign off on work that I have done and giving a thumbs up was one of the highest points of my career.”
SayWhatNews: Jimmie Alston, you are a lyricist/rapper. As a rapper who influenced you growing up and inspired you to join the rap game?
Jimmie Alston: The rapper’s that inspired me the most are Eric B and Rakim from New York with their New York rap style and also Tupac with his versatile style.
SayWhatNews: Jimmie tell us about your musical background. Have you worked on any solo projects.
Jimmie Alston: I have worked as an lyricist on a few projects as well as helped create melodies.
Now, Jimmie most rappers stick to Hip-Hop and they may do some collaborations with R&B and even Pop artists. How did you differentiate from the norm and end up doing Electronica/Dance/Pop music?
Jimmie Alston: When I started collaborating with RK Jackson, I found that the music that was being created just had a faster tempo and I was able to adjust easily.
SayWhatNews: The group’s name is KopaTechnic, where did that name come from and does it have a meaning?
KopaTechnic: We thought “Copasetic” was a great way to define who we are as a group and since our music, as we define, is Electro Soul which encompasses elements of House, Deep House, Hip Hop, R&B, Dance, Jazz, and Pop that we can create electronically we also use live instrumentation on our project.
SayWhatNews: So, how did a platinum/BMI award winning music producer, an international recording artist and lyricist end up in a group together?
Amber: Even though RK is from Chicago and I was born in Holland and raised in N.Y. and Jimmie Alston is from Fayetteville North Carolina we all met in Arizona. We were all working on separate projects until we started collaborating.
SayWhatNews: RK you were the one who reached out and asked Amber to join the group. Why did you choose Amber out of so many others?
RK: Amber and I worked together previously on a project and I knew her work ethic and I knew her talent would be an asset to the project and if anybody has seen Amber live they know the energy that she projects to the show.
SayWhatNews: The first single “When I Hit The Club” is a great song for the dance clubs. What inspired the song?
KopaTechnic: Who doesn’t love a club beat….we wanted to build this song for the people that go to the clubs.
SayWhatNews: KopaTechnic debut album “Welcome To KopaTechnic” was just recently released on July 6th. Tell us what fans can expect from this album?
KopaTechnic: Our first album, “Welcome to KopaTechnic” encompasses all of our musical passions. This consists of House, Deep House, Dance, Pop, R&B and Hip Hop Flavors lending to an eclectic blend of pure Musical Bliss.
SayWhatNews: Have you decided on which song will be the next single?
KopaTechnic: We will be releasing 2 songs and they are “On My Mind” for the clubs and “Journey Through Vegas” for US Radio.
SayWhatNews: Where can fans get their copy of the new album “Welcome To KopaTechnic”?
KopaTechnic: Our album can be found on all major musical online retailers. We are currently working on plans for US and Worldwide CD distribution.
SayWhatNews: Amber is known for touring all around world. Are there any plans for KopaTechnic to go on tour?
RK : We most definitely plan on touring both Nationally and Internationally and we are starting with dates in Phoenix and New York. Please check our website for more information at www.kopatechnic.com
SayWhatNews: Now that the album has been released, what’s next for KopaTechnic?
KopaTechnic: We are continually writing and building our tour with dates throughout 2011.
Thank You “SayWhatNews” for providing us an opportunity to be heard.
BIO
Michael Black is recognized as one of the top Rastamon roots Reggae singers performing around the world. He began his career in Kingston, Jamaica, where he shared the spotlight with such Reggae greats as Bob Marley, Capleton, Black Uhuru, The Mighty Sparrow, Mutabaruka, Gregory Isaacs, Garnett Silk, Beres Hammond and many more. He has headlined some of the biggest festivals throughout Europe; these include Woodstock 2002 in Poland for 300,000 concert goers and Song of Songs 2008 in Germany for 50,000 attendees.
In 1973, Black became the lead singer for the Solid Foundation Band and traveled with the band throughout Jamaica, the Caribbean, Canada and London until 1977. Black actively incorporated elements of the blues, funk, rock, and R&B into his music, to reach American, European, African, and ultimately worldwide audiences. In 1979, Black performed at Sun Splash at Jarrel Park in Montego Bay. There he shared the stage with some of Reggae’s biggest artists, such as Bob Marley, Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown and even Stevie Wonder.
Black now resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. “Reggae is a vehicle to teach, uplift, and inspire. You will find reflections of love, light and rejoicing the blessings of life in my music,” says Black. If you leave with a new compassion to share the spirit of peace, not war – respect for all living beings, Black believes he has done his job.
Bless Dogg also known as “I am Romeon” (his Alter ego), definitely has a Unique Vibe to his music. Being a lover of all music he Blends R&B, Funk, Rock, Club/Techno, Pop, Classical, Jazz and Country, while staying True to his Hip Hop Roots, Making what is called "Hybrib" Music where Different Genres of Music, Melodies and Lyrics are combined together to create a New. Check him out!! Bless has been doing live performances since the age of 15 and is today known as “Video on Stage” where he combines Dancers, Precisioned Choreography, Skits, Props & Total Entertainment for his Audience and considers himself an Entertainer first and Artist second.. He is a Singer, Songwriter and Produces, Arranges and Records music for his parents Music & Entertainment Company “Stone Ice Productions.” Bless Dogg’s performances are High Octane and definitely crowd pleasing. When he’s Hyped up.......... try to sit still.
Growing up with a strong passion for HIP HOP and all its branches, he picked up all elements and began turning his imaginative vision to reality. From breakdancing and popping to graffiti and artistic creation, he dabbed his heart and soul into it all and fell in love at first sight. Always hearing music and its positive vibes in his head, he soon found his thoughts and his voice as powerful sources of self-expression.
This is when a new door with a huge handle to bigger and broader possibilities appeared before his very own eyes. Poetry with the pen began to take place expressing his inner-emotions without any specific rhythm; at-least not yet. Days to weeks to months to years passed as his skill and talent God blessed him with progressed at a vicious page and his mind expanded like no other. This is when a whole new ball game began, and ABCDE (AB-SI-DEE) was born.
SWEIS SWEIS CLOTHING STOREClick Here
Sweis was born in Yonkers, New York on February 2nd, 1988. However Sweis has the same first and last name (Sweis Sweis) something unique as his character.His Stage name is Michael Farez, When Sweis was young he was always in front of a camera entertaining his family & friends. At 11 years of age, his cousins decided to cruse ,with Sweis riding along, out to the Arizona desert to the casting of the film, THREE KINGS,Starring George Clooney, Ice Cube & Mark Walberg. One of the assistants of the Director, David O. Russell, needed more extras in his film and instantly saw the potential in Sweis. He got called up to be in the background of the film as an extra. Sweis believed that it was just a fluke, but it was really the hands of destiny knocking on his door. At the age of 21, Sweis finally bought his own camera equipment. Now living in Arizona,Sweis's main goal is to become an actor in the Film industry & wanting to have the experience to work with other directors.
RESUME
Statistics:
Height: 5‘11"
Weight: 205 lbs (Average)
Eyes: Hazel
Hair: Black
Skin: Olive
Films:
THREE KINGS: (Extra)-Director: David O. Russell
SPEECH LESS: Lead (Simon)-Director: Joseph Mbah
PERISH: ALPHA & OMEGA (Lead)-Director: Joseph Mbah
MONIQUE: HIP HOP ARTIST: (Extra)-Director: Josh Owens
OWENS FILM PRODUCTIONS LLC
HUSTLE ON DEVILS BLVD.: SUES (Lead)-Director: Joseph Mbah (TRIPLE G PRODUCTIONS)
Commercials / Music :
(Featured in KopaTechnic R&B Music Video -Wonder Woman)
Alexandra Taveras's 'Land of the Free' Music Video - Submitted to MTV
Arizona Channel (3) azfamily.com - Poker Union (Poker Player)
Studio Recording at JWM records
Mix Tape Recording featured at ProflowRadio.com -World Wide , SONG: Run This Town Ft. Rihanna
Featured in Triple G Productions Official Music Video -Got To Swag
Traveling Poet Project.
Featured in Kayla Kline's African Music video
Accents:
English, Russian, Greek, Arabic, Italian, British
Skills/Talents:
Acting, Music, Casting Director, Acting Coach, Hip Hop Artist, Studio Recording ,Concept Writer, Driving (automatic/manual) , Drawing, Football, Basketball, Baseball, Martial Arts Training, Hiking, Rock Climbing,
Acting 1-2 At Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC).
