Life is What You Make It with Lava Flame

Ashley "Lava Flame" Hall

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All too often as a society we overuse words and phrases, bestowing power and prestige to those who don't deserve the title based on popularity and "likes". Words like- GENIUS, STYLE ICON, ROCKSTAR, BOSS... In some rare instances these words are necessary to instantly describe a certain individual who is worthy. 'Boss' certainly describes Ashley "Lava Flame" Hall, CEO of Flame Entertainment, rapper, songwriter, radio host and community organizer. 

 The Life is What You Make it Hip Hop Talent and Fashion Show
On Sunday, February 28th, Flame Entertainment hosted  the "Life is What You Make It" hip hop talent showcase for the youth at Ken Ferguson Party Center. It included a small fashion presentation that I helped style and it was an awesome experience! The show got off to a late start, but once it did, it was non stop entertainment from beginning to end.

I sat back and watched as act after act got the crowd on their feet with high energy dance moves, vocal abilities and all around talent. There is so much talent in this city when it comes to the kids, teens and young adults that is often ignored, but they definitely got a chance to shine and perform on a stage in front of an intimate crowd that night.

DJ Jack da Rippa was there spinning and acts like the Good Grades Gang, Da Dollhouze, Thomas Johnson and Angel Ortiz performed original music and dance routines that were filled with intelligent lyrics and well studied movements that let you know that not one of  them came to play. 

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I was excited to work with the small group of models I had- each one bringing their own personal style and personality to the runway.  I worked with the wardrobe they gave me, mostly focusing on styling the older models since the kids had their total looks together already. Usually in situations like this I see what outfits the models bring and I just add accessories like jackets, belts, glasses, or jewelry (thanks Paparazzi Jewelry!) and I tell them how to wear  certain pieces.

In all, I had fun and it was a great show and I wish more members of Cleveland's hip hop community would give back and create a safe space for the youth to hone and grow their skills and talents while allowing them to fully develop and get critiqued by professionals. Hopefully more people can get involved and make this event a successful city wide event because it helps strengthen the community in a number of ways that you may not immediately see. But it does something for the pride of our youth and their peers and I am so glad I was able to be a part of this event. 

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In my opinion, you are not a boss until you are in a position where you can help people get on and Ashley "Lava Flame" Hall has definitely earned and deserves that title. To find out more information about Ashley and Flame Entertainment check out her Facebook page and click here to hear her music! ​​