It’s not always easy to top last month’s cover story, month after month – but this time I had the help of three vivacious va-va-voom Divas who made it rather easy. Check out the Verizon Tour girls; Missy Elliott, Beyonce, and Alicia Keys featured in this month’s cover story on page 10. Omari.org has his upbeat hip hop column on page 22 and our hot music list is located on page 28, of course keeping the month of March as hot as any of the other 11 is the glamorous Sunshine Girl on page 20 & 21.

Also hot and happening in the Magic City this merry month of March is none other than the fantastic FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami! Alongside Music Winter Conference this March 6 through the 10th the place to be will be South Beach at the tents on 1st and Ocean Drive – come celebrate the merge of music and fashion! Fashion Week Miami 2004 - is deeply rooted in providing an innovative platform for designers (including Nicole Miller, Betsy Johnson, Marithe + Francois Girbaud, Sisley, Enyce, Fred Perry, FILA, Lady Enyce, Akademiks, Seven 2, Converse, Hummel, Apple Bottoms, Vokal, Rakyit Zakari, and more) to showcase their wares to the media and trade in a spirited, central location. Last year, leading and cutting-edge designers including Nicole Miller, Fred Perry, Martha + Francois Girbaud, Miss Sixty, Converse, Akademiks, Sisley, Enyce and others presented their collections in the renowned South Beach tents. All Events to take place in the tents on 1st Street and Ocean Drive, for more information go to www.fashionweekmiami.com.

You will read about Beyonce in this month’s cover story – but here’s a little more on the dazzling diva who can’t be stopped – alongside Luther and OutKast she was one of the top winners at this year’s 46th Grammy Awards Show. In fact our babe Beyonce ruled the show, taking home five of the prestigious statuettes at the ceremonies held in Los Angeles (and on CBS). She now ties Alicia Keys (also in this month’s cover story), Lauryn Hill and Norah Jones as the most wins of Grammy’s by a female in a single year. Hot on her heels was Luther Vandross winning four awards, and we continue to wish him well in his recovery from a severe stroke. Outkast represented winning Album of the Year.

Sometimes you gotta have faith but you also know the Lord helps those who help themselves. Just ask singer Faith Evans who alongside her husband completed a 13-week drug rehabilitation program (after being charged for cocaine and marijuana possession in January of this year). Evans, 30, is a multi-platinum Grammy nominated R&B singer and mother of 3 (she was also previously married to slain rapper Christopher “Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace).

Hats off to Lennox Lewis who has decided to retire from his 14-year boxing career (after only losing twice in 44 bouts). Lewis is the first heavyweight champion to quit in nearly fifty years. Saying “I’ve completed my goals, so now it’s time to say goodbye,” Lewis also asserts he’d lay a bet on a tip – that the odds are against his coming back. Only time will tell!

Peace and prayers (one leads to the other)
Paul “Hollywood” Williams
Celebrating Our17th Year Anniversary