I asked Michael GI if the GI was that military term for a soldier and he laughed, "No, it's (pronounced) Gee, but I AM a marine and it could mean Government Issues (GI)!"

A native of St. Louis Michael GI resides in San Diego, California where the marines stationed him.

"I'm from St. Louis and I came out to California, my last duty station," he confirmed.

Mentored and managed by the late Pops (Bill) Isles (co-founder of the O'Jays), Michael GI - in partnership with Devine Jamz Gospel Network - have released two projects for the very talented singer. Singing all his life, Michael GI's vocal style is old-school deep, rich with Soul and R&B influences.

"I didn't know he (Bill Isles) was out there (San Diego). I met him at an audition," Michael informed me when I asked how he became an artist of a legend like Isles. "He's a co-founding member (of the O'Jays). I didn't know he was still active. It was a fundraiser audition. He kept writing something down and looking at me. I sang Marvin Gaye's ‘What's Going On.' He said I want to do work with you if you are serious...and the rest is history. He introduced me to his son and family."

"We were really really close...as a teenager I had already opened up for James Cleveland," Michael GI said about his career at the point of meeting Bill. "He ‘woodshedded' me. My mom...rest her soul...had me performing at the age of 5 and I was making revenue at 8 - singing for the Lord. I was opening-up for the Mighty Clouds of Joy and Shirley Caesar. When I got to California that's when I met Pops - Bill Isles is his name. He kept telling me...make sure when you get on stage...you remember you have a mission...to make them forget their problems...sing with passion!"

"He (Pops Isles) talked about his experiences with the O'Jays," Michael GI added about their relationship.

I asked Michael what "woodshedding' means.

"It's a term used to describe taking you and putting you in an area where you shut yourself up and don't come out...until it's done," he explained.

When I asked where the concept for his "A Prayer of Peace" single came from he said, "I was watching the news...and in my head I'm saying, ‘Man, we got away from prayer. We got to get back to God through prayer'."

"I...got a license (for the concept/song/lyrics etc.) and went into the studio and in three hours I was done."

As we reached the end of our interview Michael said, "I feel so blessed you took the time for me and for Devine Jamz Gospel Network...for pushing me."

The music video for the "A Prayer of Peace" single is on the YouTube channel of Legacy Productions and so far, it has garnered 8,000 views.  http://www.DevineJamz.com http://www.MichaelGIMusic.com

"I am thinking of doing an audio version," she said when I asked if she plan on having a print version. "I have digital and I do have print...I'm testing it out."

The CUFF Magazine is published seasonally with the launch at the top of year 2024. Its last issue features an interview with Meli'sa Morgan. The CUFF Magazine has articles in such sections as business and career, empowerment, entertainment and lifestyles.

"I'm trying to do different things each issue. This issue is entrepreneurship," Cheryl informed me as we continued to talk about her new venture. "We also have an author's spotlight. We feature people in their own lane, telling their journey."

"The road isn't a straight line," she said about what message she wants readers of CUFF Magazine to take away with.

Coming from print media, I know how hard it is to have a real media enterprise with money streams. It takes a LOT of work.

So, I asked her if she was in it to stay and she said, "I really want to be in it for the long haul. I want to see it do more. People love the design."

Yes, I love CUFF Magazine's design too! It's also very informative with lots of great photographs! www.CUFFMagazine.com

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Dr. Eunice Moseley has an estimated weekly readership of over one million with The Pulse of Entertainment (www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com). She is a Strategist and Consultant at Freelance Associates and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. Dr. Moseley is also a professor at the School of Business at Stanton University in Anaheim, California. EVENTS: "Uplifting Minds II" Entertainment Conference (ULMII), founded by Dr. Eunice in 1999, is celebrating 27 years in 2026. Next ULMII Entertainment Conferences are for Baltimore Saturday April 18, 2026, presented by Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times, and Los Angeles Saturday, November 7, 2026. The ULMII conference is free with virtual access via Zoom. The ULMII entertainment conference offers a Professional Panel Q&A Session, a Professional Talent Showcase and an International Talent Competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) where the top three scored acts win over $20,000 valued in prizes/product/services and a cash prize, along with the ULMII Best Artist Award. Log onto http://www.UpliftingMinds2.com for more information. You can also RSVP for Zoom Access at EventBrite.com or email info@thepulseofentertainment.com.com.