BBINT magazine is a lifestyle communication source for gay friendly men of all ethnicity and color. Our mission is to provide relevant content related to issues impacting our community.
"Is Gay the new Black?" was the topic yesterday on the buzzing blogtalk radio show Hot Topics hosted by Toni Breedlove and things really livened up when Pastor Ray one of the show's co-hosts called in to make a comment. Political talk show host of the Smart Show and journalist Cary Harrison was not taking any pulpit bullying.
Recording artist LaMont Wheat also responded to pastor Ray's statement that "all blacks should be insulted by the topic" saying that he was indeed, "black and not insulted at all" and that "many are taught to believe a certain way and we are blinded by beliefs when we can not see that our beliefs cause harm and hurt".
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ABOUT the topic:
There are so many opinions and beliefs on whether or not the Civil
Rights Movement (1955 – 1968) can be compared to the fight for civil
rights of Gay and Lesbian Americans.
Although many of us have our opinions, a great majority of African
Americans feel there is no comparison to the fight of Gay Americans, and
the fight of African American’s Civil Rights Movement.
Well, on this very controversial and highly charged episode, we’re
going to this discuss the comparisons with Special Guests, R&B
Artist, LaMont Wheat, and Talk Show Host & Journalist, Cary Harrison.
Here we go again.
Just a few months after anti-gay group One Million Moms launched a campaign to remove Ellen DeGeneres as JCPenney’s spokesperson because of her sexual orientation, the group is boycotting the department store
over a new ad featuring a same-sex couple. The Father’s Day ad shows
real-life dads Todd Koch and Cooper Smith playing with their children,
Claire and Mason. The ad reads:
“First Pals: What makes Dad so cool? He’s the swim coach,
tent maker, best friend, bike fixer and hug giver — all rolled into
one. Or two.”
One Million Moms, part of theAmerican Family Association, complained that JCPenney was “continuing on the same path of promoting sin” with this new ad, and recommended their
supporters write “Refused … Return to sender” on their JCPenney catalog
when it arrives. They also advised members to close their JCPenney
accounts and talk to their local-store manager about their concerns.
“It is obvious that JCP would rather take sides than
remain neutral in the culture war. JCP will hear from the other side so
they need to hear from us as well. Our persistence will pay off! We must
remain diligent and stand up for Biblical values and truth.”
The last time One Million Moms and JCPenney locked horns, the store
responded by standing behind its partnership with DeGeneres, stating
that “Ellen represents the values of our company” — and with this kind
of proequality advertising, JCPenney is “continuing to reinforce its
progressive values.” It’s not the first fight for either of them; in
February, JCPenney distributed a Mother’s Day ad featuring two lesbian parents and their daughters; One Million Moms also took a stance against Urban Outfitters after the store featured two women kissing in its catalog in April.
Please join as we celebrate World AIDS Day with the tribute release of the single “Still Standing”, a song of inspiration and hope to bring light to HIV/AIDS, breast cancer, world hunger, autism and other life causes we’re still standing for. "Still Standing" is recorded, co-written and produced by International Electronica/R&B artist LaMont Wheat in honor of actress and original Dream Girl Sheryl Lee Ralph's foundation, TheDIVA Foundation. The song was also highlighted at Sheryl Lee Ralph’s 21st Annual DIVAS Simply Singing, held at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles, October 22, a musical benefit organized to bring awareness to HIV/AIDS. Sheryl has also recorded her own rendition of the song, with proceeds to benefit The DIVA Foundation. "Still Standing" was co-written by Rique Patire, and produced by Malachi Mott.
World AIDS Day is held on December 1st each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day and the first one was held in 1988. “Still Standing” is scheduled to be released for download on iTunes December 1st. Take a Listen:
LaMont Wheat is a Los Angeles based international Electronica/R&B singer, songwriter and producer. LaMont’s voice and sound are quickly gaining popularity and is sought after by many producers and labels for his catchy melodies and lyrics. He has shared the stage with many musical icons, such as PM Dawn, Kelly Price, Faith Evans, Joe, Jennifer Hudson, Brian McKnight and Jennifer Lopez.
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Voting Phase
View the entries and vote for your favorite.
The three (3) eligible men whose photos get the most votes will each be awarded a trip to Atlanta, GA to participate in Ebony Steele’s Bare Chest For Breast Cancer Showcase on October 26th. Trip includes airfare and hotel.
Recording artist LaMont Wheat, a Kilgore native, poses for a promotional photo downtown Thursday. NEWS HERALD photo by AARON MAY Kilgore native and recording artist LaMont Wheat returned to his roots last week as he stopped by Kilgore to take promotional photos for his artist profile.
Now living in Los Angeles, Calif., Wheat specializes in rhythm and blues style music and has performed with many stars of popular music, including PM Dawn, Kelly Price, Faith Evans, Joe, Jennifer Hudson, Brian McKnight and Jennifer Lopez.
Wheat is featured in Jennifer Hudson’s new single called “Everybody Needs Love,” released on her album, “I Remember Me.”
Big city success has not made this Kilgoreite forget his small town heritage.
Born in 1974, LaMont is the third of five children born to the late Robert Wheat Sr. and Wyslina
Wheat. He remembers getting his start in singing as a child when his day care hosted a graduation ceremony. Recording artist LaMont Wheat visited his old stomping grounds last week as he posed for promotional photos downtown, at Kilgore College and other spots around town. Wheat’s music is available on iTunes and other outlets. NEWS HERALD photo by AARON MAY “At the end of the summer we had a graduation ceremony. The first song I remember singing live was ‘Oh Beautiful’ and I sang with my baby sister, Martha Williams,” Wheat said. “We had rehearsed the song … but the day of the graduation, we were both nervous and we swapped lines. I sang her lines and she sang my lines, but we made it through.
“I remember after it was all said and done – I think I was about six or seven – there was a group of ladies talking next to me and one of them said, ‘Wow that little Wheat boy sure can sing,’” he continued. “I will never forget, one of the ladies said, ‘Yeah, but didn’t he sound like a girl?’ That affected me deeply … no boy wants to be told he sounds like a girl.”
Wheat said he did not perform in public again until he was in high school and approached by the choir director.
“In high school, I was mainly into dancing. In those days M.C. Hammer was popular and I danced with different crews in high school. I would often hum in the hallways and I guess people heard me.”
Wheat said the choir program needed two more men for a singing group and the choir director asked him to try out. Reluctantly, he did.
“My first gut reaction was, ‘No. I don’t want people to think I sound like a girl,’” Wheat said. “But I took a chance and said yeah. I signed up for it. It was amazing and that’s when I rediscovered my passion for singing.”
Wheat said he began singing in his church choir and at numerous school events. His passion led him to start a program called “Voices of Youth,” which focused on the Gospel style music LaMont listened to on Sundays as a child.
He said the music featured songs and styles traditionally performed in churches with predominantly black congregations – not because he was opposed to other styles, but because he wanted to celebrate the differences that make people unique.
“I wanted to show the difference in our cultures and the background of how black Americans portray song. So I started Voices of Youth in my junior year of high school and we sang for every program across Kilgore. It was really fun,” Wheat said. “We were a diverse group of people too. We weren’t all black. I think our group inspired people to step outside the box and try something different.”
After Kilgore High School, Wheat attended Kilgore College on two music scholarships, where he studied physical therapy. He worked for the East Texas Treatment Center for a few years before he moved to Dallas and received his bachelor’s degree in business from the University of North Texas.
Wheat said his dormant musical talents were stirred again when the company he worked for hosted an employee talent show.
“I hadn’t sung in about five years,” he said. “They made a big production out of this talent show. They had us do auditions. I made it through the auditions and was one of the ten acts they selected for the show. When I performed to about 500 of my co-workers and peers, I received a standing ovation. It was overwhelming. That’s when I realized that I really needed to get back to my passion, which is music.”
In 2002, Wheat created his own record label, called LaMont Music, and released his first complete album called “Love Goes On” in 2004.
“In 2005, I decided the industry in Dallas was not big enough for me to accomplish my goals so I decided to move to L.A.,” Wheat said. “So I quit my corporate job, packed up my car and moved to L.A.”
Since then, LaMont returned to East Texas on tour to promote his album in 2006, as well as performing abroad in London, Oslo, Berlin, Cologne and Acapulco. In 2009, he was featured on FOX’s “Good Day LA” Christmas morning concert. Also, Wheat recently released his single “I’ve Got It.”
Wheat’s music is available through iTunes, Rhapsody and other music outlets.
Thanks to the digital age, LaMont said he is able to stay in touch with family and friends in East Texas through programs such as Facebook, Twitter and others. He also stays in touch with former clients from his landscaping business, which he started at age 14.
He said his mother is proud of his success, but he believes she’s more proud that he is happy with his life choices.
Hear Jennifer Hudson Ft. LaMont Wheat "Everybody Needs Love" (Moto Blanco club mix) here:
Facebook like LaMont Wheat @ lamontmusic
Download the new single "I've Got It" on iTunes
The National Hockey League is refusing to take action to discipline Wayne Simmonds of the Philadelphia Flyers, who was shown on video clearly shouting an anti-gay slur during a pre-season game on Monday night.
Tell the National Hockey League to Take Responsibility for the Anti-Gay Actions of Wayne Simmonds
By DJ Baker
If I remember the original story he was called a "NIGGA" first, and his response to that was "FAGGOT"... So How are we asking for him to apologize and we are not asking the guy who called him a offensive name also. FUCK OFF.. They happen to get the black dude on camera.. Thats why the NHL isn't touching this.. And rightfully so.. NHL don't fold to the desperate to get results GLAAD. Lets just be real. WE WILL TALK ABOUT THIS LATER TODAY DURING THE NEWS @12:30pm with. Da Doo-Dirty Show
The day of ballady duets have faded , now artist are teaming up where it counts, on the dance floor. From Chris Willis and Fergi - Getting Over You and now Jennifer Hudson ft. LaMont Wheat - Everybody Needs Love (Moto Blanco club mix) [OFFICIAL].
Check out this new tune and the chops on this Hot new male vocalist who is quickly making a big splash on the music scene and holds his own with Miss Hudson. Check them out on their facebook pages, but for now listen to this HOT HOT HOT new Dance Mix duet. Everybody Needs Love.
Also check out LaMont Wheat's Hot new single burning up the dance music charts - I'VE GOT IT (DJ Almond Brown "Kiki" Dub Remix) & (Jason Jayma & DJ Scorpio Big Room Club Mix)
From his gospel roots to his string of hits with international music producer David Guetta, Chris Willis is a star on the rise and taking the House Music scene by storm. It's great to see a brotha out there making his dreams come true and inspiring others to stay true to themselves and never give up.
Originally a gospel singer, he was featured on the pop-classical album Handel's Messiah – A Soulful Celebration in 1993, singing a contemporary version of "Every Valley Shall Be Exalted".[4] His first job after college in Alabama was touring with a group that sang hundreds of shows in churches over a two-year period.[5] In the mid-1990s, he toured as backup vocalist for Twila Paris.[6] In 1996, he released his debut self-titled album, for which he wrote or co-wrote eight of the eleven songs,[7] and earned a nomination for Best R&B Album at the 1996 Nashville Music Awards.[8] That year, he opened on tour for Mark Lowry,[9] and was one of several featured singers in the musical showcase Emmanuel, a national tour put together by Nashville producer Norman Miller.[10] The tour spawned an album, which won a GMA Dove Award in 1998 for Special Event Album of the Year.[11] He did mostly gospel until 1998 when he signed with a small music label.[5] The label was bought out by a large corporation and Willis took that as a cue to move on.[5] During this time he also worked to resolve the "angst" from being closeted about his sexuality, "I always felt like God really understood—but that wasn't the message I was receiving in the church.[12] So, when I moved out on my own I really internalized that message that God makes us who we are and that it's up to us to embrace that or not. I chose to embrace all those things as freedom, and that freedom begat the freedom I experience now."[5] He cites his being gay as important to his transitioning out of gospel music,"I think there's this unspoken denial that you go through in gospel—maybe so in other musical art forms too—but I just felt for me it just wasn't easy to keep perpetuating that."[5] Willis is now openly gay and resides in Atlanta, GA.[1][5] He now sees both his color and sexuality as assets rather than liabilities.[13]
In 2000 he was working with the french boys band 2Be3 and when doing some publicity for their album in Paris one of the bandmates introduced him to house musician and producer David Guetta.[1] Guetta invited Willis to the studio and the next day they wrote 'Just a Little More Love.'[1] Willis co-wrote and provided most of the vocals on Guetta's debut album Just a Little More Love, including the hit title track.[14]
His music genres have included gospel music, disco, pop rock, and R&B. Willis is active on social networks including MySpace, Facebook and recently Twitter. He often adds live photos and videos from his tours and answers questions from fans.[15] Throughout 2009 he toured with David Guetta through Europe in support of One Love. He has also been doing solo European dates.[16] In November 2009 he performed at Danceclub C4 in Steyer, Austria for their 2nd Anniversary Party.[17] A documentary about him, Inside Out, directed by Robert Jason and Eric Miclette for Complete World Domination is to be released early 2010 alongside the "Gettin' Over" single.[18]
His solo single "Louder (Put Your Hands Up)" was released on October 12, 2010.[19] Willis co-wrote the song with Cutfather and Jonas Jeberg.[20][21] The video premiered on DailyMotion October 26, 2010.[22] Shot in Los Angeles, the video was directed by Billie Woodruff. The video now has nearly 2 million views on his YouTube page.[23] The song reached number one on Billboard's Hot Dance Club Songs on the issue dated January 8, 2011.[24]
Recording Artist LaMont Wheat
