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MARCUS SCRIBNER
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Table of
Contents Photography by BAZ
s T-shirt by VICTOR LI Button up by KENNETH NICHOLSON Pants by KENNETH NICHOLSON
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MARCUS SCRIBNER IS THE ‘ B L A C K- I S H ’ N E R D I N S I D E ALL OF US
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JUNE 2019 NYCPRIDE.ORG/2019
PRODUCED BY
WORLDPRIDE LICENSOR
H O S T PA R T N E R
H O S T PA R T N E R
Table of
Contents 46 The Creatives
14 Access By Bleu
Lasso’s Culture Riddled Pop-Art
16 The 4 By 5
52 Travel
Comedians That Deepened Our Laugh Lines
Beale Street Blues
56 Travel
19 Gadgets
Hello Wisconsin
Sweet Dreams Are Made Of Ease
58 Fashion Black Syntax
21 Cars Pushing Past The Limit
74 Feature Walking by Faith
22 Soled Up The Undercelebrated Greatest
76 Feature Tone Stith Pens His Own Path
30 Grooming
78 Fashion
Flash Those Pearly Whites
Pose For Your Life
32 Fuel
88 The Humans
Chef JJ Johnson Cooks Food For The Soul
92 Op-Ed
34 Fitness
Masculinity Under the Knife: Why Male Plastic Surgery is Ever-Increasing
Train Like A Hollywood Star
39 Books Tinseltown Scribes
Photography By Andre Perry
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94 Spotlight Not All Heroes Wear Capes. Some Heroes Drink Beer
Suit by BECKEMBERG
40 Fashion Up To Code
Shirt by ZANONE ITALY Shoes by TOP OWENS COLLECTION
97 Icon Kim Porter
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MASTHEAD
On the Cover MARCUS SCRIBNER Words By TYRUS TOWNSEND Photography By BAZ Fashion DOUGLAS HICKMAN
Publisher/Editor-In-Chief DĂŠVon Christopher Johnson
Head of Content EIC Bombshell by BLEU Ebony Allison
Art Direction & Design Vee Banionis
Editor at Large
Tyrus Townsend, Darius Baptist
UK Fashion Editor Sean Azeez
East Coast Fashion Editor Raven Roberts
West Coast Fashion Editor Douglas Hickman
Contributing Writers
Allison Hazel, Brandon Schultz, Dominique Carson, Jamie Rollo, Kaylin Young, McKenzie Dawkins, Tanya Hayles
Contributing Photographers
Alan Silfen, Andre Perry, Baz, Cristian Gallo, Daniel Igbinyemi, Joel Smedley, Khrystian McCalister, Tyler Malone
Interns:
Imani Suliman, Justin Harper, Kelly Nguyen, Nicholas Hunter, Saifa Khan, StaceyAnn King
Editorial Contributors
Claire Concannon, Danny Walker, Elysia Tanswell, Kishon Springer, Matia Peebles, Merilee Kern
Managing Editor Johana Lopez
Copy Editor Trevoy Ross
Deputy Editor Pauleanna Reid
Julian Kim
AD Sales:
Todd Evans, Rivendell Media 908.232.2021
Special Projects & Operations David Gaillou
Partnerships & Branded Content LaToya Shambo, Lashawnda Goffin info@bleulife.com
Digital Content Strategist
Kaylin Young, Brandon Beachum, Kwame Owusu
Brand Ambassadors Rannon Harris, Chicago - Midwest Leroy Williams, Northeast
Newsstand Distribution
Contributing Editor Chevy Wolf
Digital Content Designer
THE BLEULIFE GROUP Chairman, CEO & President DĂŠVon Christopher Johnson
Business Development
Brent Zachary, Massih Azad
TNG 1955 Lake Park Drive, Ste. 400 Smyrna, GA 30080
Submissions Bleu Magazine 140 West Street 2nd Floor New York, NY 10007 info@bleulife.com
Bleulife Media & Entertainment Inc. | 140 West Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10007 | E-Mail: info@bleulife.com | Online: bleulife.com Printed in Canada. Opinions expressed by advertisers, columnists, feature writers or other contributors are not necessarily the opinions of Bleu Magazine or its staff. All advertisements, photographs, text or illustrations are published with the understanding that the advertisers are fully authorized to have secured proper consent for the use thereof. Bleu Magazine shall not be held responsible for any errors, loss, expense or liabilities on advertisements accepted after the deadline. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or advertisement in Bleu Magazine is not to be constructed as an indication of sexual orientation of such persons, advertiser or organization. Partial or complete reproduction of an advertisement, news article, feature or photograph from Bleu Magazine is strictly prohibited as Bleu Magazine is a registered trademark. A $25 or 1.5% (whichever is greater) fee will be charged for all NSF checks. All rights reserved.
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PUBLISHER’S LETTER
The undiscovere’d country, from whose bourn No traveller returns, puzzles the will, And makes us rather bear those ills we have Than fly to others that we know not of? Thus conscience does make cowards of us all, And thus the native hue of resolution Is sicklied o’er with the pale cast of thought, And enterprises of great pitch and moment With this regard their currents turn awry And lose the name of action.
“TO BE, OR NOT TO BE, THAT IS THE QUESTION”
By William Shakespeare,
(from Hamlet, spoken by Hamlet),
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To be or not to be. We all recall the line yet rarely remember the name of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. However, the question is timeless. It doesn’t require a literary scholar to analyze the question in terms of your own life. The words uttered in any prose commands the same call to action. It necessitates asking yourself if you are living to your greatest potential. Are you waking up each day ready to make the best of the 23 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds ahead of you? Chances are you are part of the majority that will either lie to yourself and say that you’re living your best life or voluntarily avoid the truth. I remember doing the same, so there’s no judgement here. However, one day I made the conscious decision to turn the falsity into reality. Life became an action verb rather than just a circumstance of existence. I encouraged those around me to do the same and we held each other accountable. And that’s more than an annual bro’s trip to Punta Cana. There’s no greater time than the now to do more and be more. Time literally flies faster than a jet. In a world of instafame and a crowded sea of influencers - work hard to find purpose, execute aspirations and be better. We chose Marcus Scribner as our latest cover because he represents so much of the “why” Bleu exists and why this year is so important for our brand and audience. In context; 2019 marks the 400 year anniversary of Africans brought to America in bondage in Jamestown, Virginia. Marcus stars on a show called Black-ish. This magazine is owned and run by a Black man who can trace his ancestry to slavery in the Deep South. Time.
DéVon Christopher Johnson Founder And Group Publisher
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C O N T R I B U TO R S
ANDRE PERRY
Lifestyle photographer enthusiast Andre L. Perry embraced his visual style as a much-needed creative outlet to cope with his depression. His work is driven by moments that feel organic and emotions that are honest. His images are known for their vibrant light, whimsy, playfulness and spontaneity. Today, he remains inspired by his travels, his skateboard and his strong belief that life happens outside the studio.
Brandon Schultz is a full-time globetrotter determined to experience everything the world has to offer. He’s a travel expert for Forbes, a travel advice columnist for Outpost Magazine, and can be found in more than a dozen other international outlets regularly contributing travel stories. He’s the author of four books and lives in New York City.
M C K E N Z I E D AW K I N S
D A N N Y WA L K E R
McKenzie Dawkins is a freelance writer and digital content creator. Her writing navigates a variety of spaces to suit client needs, but she is especially passionate about the topics of beauty, self-love, mental health, and wellness. A lover of words and storyteller at heart, McKenzie works collaboratively with clients to establish a distinct, deliberate, and confident brand voice and message. Her work includes social media and website copy, blog posts, op-eds, and press releases. Her writing has been featured on Elle.com, hellobeautiful.com, madamenoire.com, and xonecole.com.
Daniel Walker is a Fashion Stylist from London, England. Known as @UNCOMMONDanny on Instagram, he is also Creative Director for his own brand, ’The UNCOMMON Pupil’, which is expected to make a release this year. Having previously interned at Mr Porter (YOOX NET-A-PORTER GROUP) as an assistant stylist for menswear, Danny has built up a respectful list of clients that include companies such as SHOWstudio/MACHINE-A and Jack Wills and also various musical acts such as Tinie Tempah, Skepta and Sean Paul.
KHRYSTIAN MCCALISTER
Khrystian McCalister is a visual artist with a passion for art, fashion and music. Her ultimate goal is to spread positivity to everyone she encounters and create beautiful lasting imagery. She hopes to have a great impact on our generation that will flow out into the rest of society.
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DANIEL IGBINYEMI
Daniel is an up and coming Internationally published Fashion & Portrait photographer based in London. His work has a intimate sensual feel with most of his location work playing with composition and size. With more moving image work slowly popping up in his profile, we feel he may make a slow transition into film but we will wait and see.
BLEUMAGAZINE.COM @BLEUMAGAZINE
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AC C E S S BY B L E U
MON TBL ANC U N VEIL S THEIR NE W WATCHMAK ING COLLE CTIONS AT THE S ALON IN TER NATIONAL DE L A HAU TE HOR LOGER IE Montblanc kicked off this year celebrating their new watch collections which include the TimeWalker, Star Legacy, Heritage, and new 1858 pieces inspired by the Minerva watches of the 1920s and 1930s. The booth that adorned these pieces was designed to reflect nature and all of its beauty. “Exploring this environment is an opportunity for our visitors to experience the spirit of exploration that inspired 1858, a line built for explorers and anyone who dares to venture out into nature to find new perspectives,� said Nicolas Baretski, Montblanc CEO. Many of the brand supporters came to celebrate the occasion including brand ambassador Hugh Jackman, and model Isabeli Fontana. Rather than giving guests their usual giveaway, Montblanc decided to donate money to the Research Center For Alpine Ecosystems. The money will be used towards ecological research to understand the function of alpine ecosystems and their effect on climate change.
Photo by Julien M. Hekimian/Getty Images For Montblanc Managing Director of Montblanc Watches, Davide Cerrato, Montblanc CEO, Nicolas Baretzki, Actor, Hugh Jackman
Photo by Daniele Venturelli for Montblanc Editor In Chief for La Garconniere, Juan Avellaneda, Managing Director, Stephanie Radl, Actor, Aldo Comas
Photo by Daniele Venturelli for Montblanc Actor, Hugh Jackman, Model, Isabeli Fontana
Photo by Daniele Venturelli for Montblanc Actor, Numan Acar, Model, David Gandy, Actor, Hugh Jackman, Montblanc CEO, Nicolas Baretzki, Model, Isabeli Fontana 14
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AC C E S S BY B L E U
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P U L S E C E N T E R S H O S T S A H I G H - E N E R GY C E L E B R AT I O N O F A R T, C U LT U R E , A N D W E L L N E S S I N N O VAT I O N On February 1st Pulse Centers, the world’s leading high-powered pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) technology company, hosted “The Pro Experience,” a high-energy celebration of art, culture and wellness innovation at The Four Seasons. Pulse Centers’ technology is used by chiropractors, alternative medicine professionals, fitness/wellness facilities and businesses focused on high performance to deliver electromagnetic pulses to the body that optimize cell function. Pulse Centers CEO, Greg Johnson, greeted over 600 guests. Among the notable attendees included Pulse Centers founder, Paul Webb, actor/comedian, Chris Tucker, NFL Hall of Fame athlete Curtis Martin, world-renowned author/life coach Tony Robbins, and Silicon Valley investor/tech entrepreneur/best-selling author Dave Asprey.
Photography by Chris Mitchell Pulse Centers CEO, Greg Johnson, NFL Hall of Fame athlete, Curtis Martin
Photography by Chris Mitchell
Photography by Chris Mitchell
Tessa Webb, and founder, Paul Webb
Photography by Chris Mitchell
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THE 4X5
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“Mexicans! Ya’ll ready to continue the show? They don’t know who comin’ out, they just out. Ya’ll don’t even know where ya’ll at. Ya’ll just seen some shit open, and just came in. You know what? You know me?” — The Chicago Stand-Up Comedy Special
“Oh YOU from the southside! You crazy, bitch. You from the southside of Chicago? You crazy! Where the southside at!? Southsiiiiide! Hey. I want everybody to start praying right now ‘cause ya’ll niggas still alive.” — The Chicago Stand-Up Comedy Special
DC YOUNG FLY DC Young Fly reached comedic success after posting various Vines, and YouTube videos where he would roast famous celebrities, other internet comedians, and people’s clothing. He became a recurring cast member in Wild’N Out hosted by Nick Cannon. Here’s some of his most famous lines, and comedic banter:
“Do not come up on me, asking me about that mole, big dawg! Yes, it’s big, bro! I see it growing, bro! I don’t know where it came from. Bro, this shit is fucking with me. I can’t even go get my hair cut. I’m scared. I’m scared. I don’t know what to do. I couldn’t even put my glasses on.” — Vine
Photo Cred: Getty Images for Universal Pictures
“Bring that ass here, boy!”
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“FawwwkUMean!”
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COMEDIANS THAT DEEPENED OUR LAUGH LINES Comedians always have a way of putting a smile on our face, and a snort in our laughter. Here are some fan favorites with lines that made our laughter roar.
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“I felt like high school for me was like a big whirlpool of me trying to figure out what was OK for me to do” — IMDB.com
“I really want to be Donald Trump eventually. I can do something really crazy. If I ran out of here naked, and ran in the street, and just started masturbating in the street, I bet you I’d be number one tomorrow.” — GQ
“I’m always fucking childish, you knew that when you met me!”
DONALD GLOVER Donald Glover, also known by his rap name of Childish Gambino, is an actor, comedian, writer, producer, director, rapper, singer, songwriter, and DJ. His multi-talented endeavors earned him the title of “most prolific creator of his generation.” Some of his hilarious quips include:
Photo Cred: Jason LaVeris
1 Tiger Woods Parody: “A lot of people say ‘hey, you’re the luckiest guy in the world. You’re married to a model. Got beautiful kids.’ I guess that’s enough for an average man. But I’m above average.” — Funny or Die
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“Why don’t women have crazy men stories? I don’t really hear them. And then I realized, it’s because if you have a crazy boyfriend, you’re going to die.” — Comedy Central Presents
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TIFFANY HADDISH
2 “You don’t want another generic dude in a tux hosting a boringass award show. You want the boss who paved her own way.” — Show Promo
Tiffany Haddish received critical acclaim for her break-out role as Dina on Girls Trip. She became the first African-American female comedian to ever guest host Saturday Night Live in November 2017 in its 43-year history. Here are some of her most comedic lines:
When Kevin Hart asked her where she was sleeping homeless: I told him, “Beverly Hills. If Imma be homeless, I’m gonna be homeless in the best area.” — Vanity Fair
3 “I feel like if I pay good money for something, I wear it when I want, however many times I want, as long as I Febreze it.” — Saturday Night Live
Photo Cred: Elton Anderson Jr.
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4 “When we black women repeat our words, you know shit is bad.” — The Last Black Unicorn
“This is messed up. He didn’t even say nothing funny, they’re just cheering for him ‘cause he got money. We’re here on a Groupon.” — Jimmy Kimmel Live
1 “If this comedy thing doesn’t work out, I’ve always got poverty to fall back on”
TREVOR NOAH Trevor Noah, of South African descent, became one of the top stand-up comedians in his country. He went on to tour internationally, and his standup was highly acclaimed in the United States. When fellow comedian, Jon Stewart, departed from The Daily Show With Jon Stewart in 2015, Trevor Noah was announced as his replacement. Here are a few of his witty lines:
4 “Now I wonder if somebody went to jail because a witness was ‘sure’ that the criminal was wearing ‘white and gold’”
“I never thought I’d be more afraid of police in America than in South Africa. It kind of makes me a little nostalgic for the good ole days back home.”
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Photo Cred: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
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“You know what African mothers tell their children every day? ‘Be grateful for what you have, because there are children starving in Mississippi.’”
“Donald Trump just accepted the Republican nomination for president, so I urge you to live every day like it’s your last”
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GADGETS
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Words By MCKENZIE DAWKINS
SWEET DREAMS ARE MADE OF EASE… Meet the sleep-enhancing headband that improves quality of rest.
At $399.99, the SmartSleep is an investment worth making. The headband elevates your deep sleep experience to minimize that sluggish, lethargic feeling during the day, leaving you to live your best, most rested life. Geared toward people between the ages of 18 and 50 who typically get less than seven hours a night due to lifestyle, the SmartSleep uses audio technology to improve the deep or “slow wave” portion of the sleep cycle. Sensors on the band detect when you’ve entered into deep sleep and initiate a series of quiet audio tones to boost your body’s natural sleep waves.
Photos Credit: usa.philips.com
Let’s face it—many of us are not getting enough sleep. Even for those who get a full night’s rest, seven to eight hours mean nothing if you’re not experiencing quality sleep. Introducing the Philips SmartSleep sleep-enhancing headband, the clinically-proven solution for improving the overall quality of sleep. The adjustable headband works in conjunction with the SleepMapper mobile app to optimize and track sleeping patterns for increased daytime energy and alertness.
Deep sleep is the most restorative portion of non-REM sleep, where the body’s muscles relax and heartbeat and breathing slow to their lowest levels. By targeting the slow waves during this part of rest, SmartSleep leaves users feeling more energized and rejuvenated in the morning. A full night’s sleep is simply not a luxury many people can afford. SmartSleep emphasizes quality over quantity, so that even the busiest person can enjoy a truly restful sleep experience.
SmartSleep comes in two sizes, medium and large, with an adjustable slider to customize fit and prevent sliding. Simply attach one of the reusable adhesive ear sensors behind your right ear. Ensure that no hair is trapped between the sensor and skin. Attach the ear sensor to the SmartSleep connector to ensure accurate readings, then press the power button. When you’ve entered into slowwave sleep, the device algorithm will trigger audio tones quiet enough not to disturb your sleep. The accompanying SleepMapper mobile app allows you to track your sleep boost score, or improvement, over time. To sync your headband to the app, simply charge your SmartSleep in the morning to activate Bluetooth pairing. The app is compatible with both iOS and Android and can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play. If there are any cons to note, it’s that the adhesive ear sensors must be replaced every three nights. The device must also be charged daily, as plugging in the headband is the only way to end a night’s sleep session and access your sleep tracking info in the app. Charging generally takes two to three hours, a minor cost for increased energy, alertness, and daytime performance. Achieve more restful sleep without medication, scent diffusers, or taped nature sounds. SmartSleep does all the work so that you don’t have to. Sleep smarter, not longer with the Philips SmartSleep and SleepMapper app.
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#BEAUXUP Your Style Essentials Delivered To Your Doorstep Bi-Monthly.
Beaux Box is the must have bi-monthly subscription of essentials for today’s aspirational multicultural male brought to you by the editors of Bleu Magazine.
SUBSCRIBE TODAY! getbeauxbox.com
CAR Words by JAMIE ROLLO
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Image Courtesy of FORD
FORD'S MUSTANG IS PUSHING PAST THE LIMITS
The 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 has all of the charms of its predecessors, but is built with the newest technology to make this the most powerful Ford model with hopes of horsepower over 700. Ford is rolling in another descendant of its famous sport-coupe: the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. The outside of the new GT500 mirrors the classic design on previous Mustangs with upgrades from the windshield up for the new 2.6 liter supercharger under the hood without adding a hood bulge. The front suspension of the new Mustang also had to be altered to accommodate the wider track, huge tires, and flared fenders. The GT500 also features a carbon-fiber grille opening support structure, which was originally designed for the GT350. Fans will also notice the return of the original headlights on the 2020 model. Due to the support structure, the GT500 was not compatible with the newly designed headlights in 2018 models. The 2020 Mustang Shelby also has a Carbon Fiber Handling Pack option for optimal track performance. The pack comes with 20 inch carbon fiber wheels, a carbon fiber wing with two settings, chin splitter, and removes the rear seats. The wing adjusts to regular and track; track setting angles the wing up a few inches for more downforce. The GT500 ride on 305-width tires on 20 inch wheels. What is really interesting about this new model are the massive brakes. It’s equipped with Brembo fixed calipers, six piston in the front and four for the back, that clamp onto large steel, 420mm brake discs. These are the largest brakes available for any domestic sports car, according to Ford. Base models come with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, and the Handling Package comes with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.
It has yet to be revealed just how powerful the new Mustang Shelby GT500 will be, but Ford says that it will make more than 700 horsepower. Equipped with a supercharged 5.2 liter V8 engine, the GT500 is surely going to be the brand’s most powerful model yet. While other models like the Mustang Shelby GT350 contain the 5.3 liter engine, the new model contains various unique parts including a cross-plane crankshaft and a massive 2.6 liter Eaton supercharger. It is also super fast. It is said to have 0-60mph pick up in just three seconds, and can complete a quarter mile in 11 seconds. Pricing and more details are set to be released this upcoming fall. Ford performance manager Jim Owens says that their team of engineers will continue to push up the horsepower until they get it to its highest before they need to certify it, ensuring this is planned to be the most powerful Mustang yet.
SPECS [Engine] Type: Transmission: Power:
5.2 liter V8 supercharged engine dual clutch transmission over 700 hp
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THE Photography by KHRYSTIAN MCCALISTER
UNDERCELEBRATED GREATEST Kel Lawrence, better known as @kellevators to his social media supporters, isn’t your typical “sneakerhead.” Though his lofty collection states otherwise, the budding producer holds music as his first love, and deems his sneaker purchases as a mere hobby; tying into his overall persona.
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NIKE AIR MAX PLUS TXT TN ‘SUNSET TOUR YELLOW’ *SRP: $125
AIR JORDAN SUPREME 5S *SRP: $500
NIKE AIR MAX 97 ‘CACTUS’ *SRP: $200
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PHARRELL X NMD TRAIL ‘HUMAN RACE’ *SRP: $225
SOLED UP
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OFF-WHITE VULC LOW *SRP: $235
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GOLF LE FLEUR X ONE STAR OX ‘JOLLY GREEN’ *SRP: $155
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SOLED UP
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GUCCI ACE ‘FLAMES’ *SRP: $800
NIKE LEBRON 1 ‘SVSM’ *SRP: $170
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Flash Those Pearly Whites Smiling has been proven to make people look more attractive. Looks aside, your teeth can also say a lot about your health. We’ve put together some products for a cleaner, and brighter smile.
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Let’s get ready for your close-up! 1. ACTIVATED CHARCOAL ALCOHOL FREE RINSE Carbon Coco created this alcohol free rinse to keep your mouth clean while also being gentle. Its medical grade charcoal, naturally derived ingredients, and fluoride free formula offer a unique, and effective way to remove bacteria. With Xylitol as an ingredient that naturally prevents tooth decay, you’re set for healthy teeth, and gums. Did we mention the fresh mint taste? Activated Charcoal Alcohol Free Rinse available for $18.95 at carboncoco.com
2. BITE TOOTHPASTE BITS DUO - NATURALLY WHITENING AND ACTIVATED CHARCOAL TOOTHPASTE BITS Bite was on a mission to reduce plastic, and find the healthiest ingredients for your teeth. Now these curious bits are removing plaque, whitening teeth, and reducing landfill waste! Available as Naturally Whitening Toothpaste Bits and Activated Charcoal Bits. After 150 years of unchanged teeth grooming methods, Bite Toothpaste Bits are a true innovation. The Duo Set available for $20 at bitetoothpastebits.com
3. QUIP TOOTHBRUSH Quip was created by dentists, and designers to create an enjoyable way to electrically brush those pearly whites. In order to help the consumer simplify the process of brushing, multiple modes have been eliminated. For two minutes of brushing, you get “the right amount of sonic vibrations, and guiding pulses.” Electric Starter Sets from $25 at getquip.com 4. COCOFLOSS - FRESH COCONUT Cocofloss, described as a loofah for your smile, is fibrous enough to scrub the plaque off your teeth. It’s made of soft polyester, and vegan wax for easy gliding. The coconut oil acts as a natural antimicrobial that also soothes your gums. As an added bonus: The fragrance is superb! Grab the Fresh Coconut, Delicious Mint, Cara Cara Orange, Pure Strawberries, and a limited-edition Vanilla Bean “for kissably clean teeth.” Single Box of Floss available for $8 at cocofloss.com
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5. BURST COCONUT WHITENING STRIPS Do your teeth become sensitive after using whiteners? Burst Coconut Whitening strips have a redefined formula which guarantees no sensitivity after use. They combine the methods of oil pulling with enamel safe peroxide to bring you a whitening experience like no other. It also has no chemical aftertaste. It’s all about caring for your teeth. One pack of whitening strips available for $14.99 at burstoralcare.com
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Words by DOMINIQUE CARSON
Photography Courtesy of CLEO TV
CHEF JJ JOH COOKS FO O D FO R TH E SO U L
I started cooking for birthdays, special events, and other family functions. I also worked as a dishwasher at a country club; just to have more experience in the field. I just live and breathe cooking. Cooking serves all of us as a people. We have to eat, therefore, we cook to eat or we pay for a cook. Cooking is a love, passion, and a hobby. I’m just thankful that my hobby became my career. Let’s talk about your new show, Just Eats with Chef JJ. What makes it different from other cooking shows? Tune in to watch the show! It’s more than just a cooking show. We will cook various recipes on the show and talk about real issues on the show. We’re talking about real issues in people’s lives. We were going to have deep conversations while cooking food. We will talk about relationships, politics, fitness, music, and more while coming up with the ranks. It’s very exciting. We will talk about a subject and make a certain dish depending on the guest. It will be a fulfilling experience because people will have great moments over food.
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or Chef Joseph “JJ” Johnson cooking is more than just a skill, it’s an artform which combines ingredients in multiple ways to create a breathtaking dish. His Caribbean roots, love, passion, and heart inspired him to prepare his first dish and launch a PanAfrican culinary movement for a new generation of foodies and gastronomic enthusiasts. Now Chef JJ invites you into his kitchen through his new cooking show, Just Eats with Chef JJ, on Cleo TV. Each week, viewers are invited into JJ’s kitchen, where he is joined by a bevy of celebrity friends, including entrepreneur and Love and Hip Hop New York star Yandy Smith, to discuss life, and prepare mouth watering dishes.
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Along with Johnson’s rising superstardom on television, he is the Executive Chef and partner at Henry by JJ at LIFE Hotel, and a member of the James Beard Foundation Impact Advisory Committee. Johnson was also listed in Forbes “30 Under 30 List,” and Observer’s “20 Under 40” extraordinary philanthropists. We spoke with the Harlem food guru about his craft, the essence of Harlem, and future projects. What made you fall in love with cooking? I watched people cook all around me my whole life. Cooking is in my DNA. I watched my mother, auntie, and grandma cooking and peeling different foods when I was five years old. I was so intrigued and I told them I’m going to school for cooking.
What was your instant reaction when you found you were nominated for a James Beard award? It changed my career A LOT. It made me realize I was a rising star in culinary, and I received respect from my peers. I didn’t walk away with the award, but it was truly an honor and privilege to be nominated. It made me want to work even harder in this line of work. How did you come up with the name for your cookbook, Between Harlem & Heaven: Afro Asian Cooking? Harlem is known as “black excellence,” and so when I was working on the cookbook, Harlem was the place before heaven. Harlem is a real collective and that was the meaning behind the cookbook. I was surrounded by excellence, including my co-writer for the book. I was paying homage to the Harlem Renaissance while creating a new renaissance. While creating this new renaissance, I still want us to remember where we were, where we came from, and the origins of Harlem.
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HNSON .,. How do you plan on building your culinary legacy? I plan on building my culinary legacy by opening the doors for other African Americans who are passionate about cooking. As I said before, I want to give people that look like me an opportunity in the field. I want people of color to have a career that they can enjoy and have a fulfilling experience in culinary. I’m especially looking to help the youth be good people. I want them to love food, of course, but I also want them to walk away with a technical skill. I want them to have a place to work and have a voice in culinary. What are your future projects and ventures in 2019? Right now, I am just focusing on the Henry by JJ restaurant in the LIFE Hotel. I am also creating a quick service restaurant in the spring called, FIELDTRIP in Harlem, on 109 Lenox between 115th and 116th. So, those are the things I’m focusing on at this current time.
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Photography by MAXXWELL HUNDLEY
Illustration by: KELLY NGUYEN
Some people’s jobs require them to stay fit. Other people’s jobs require them to keep others fit. Actor, celebrity trainer, and former professional basketball player, Yasin, trains for the best of both worlds. Here’s how he got started, and how he maintains his physique.
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Here are 3 body parts that celebrities focus on maintaining fit, and how to perform them using dumbbells.
Arms - Dumbbell Curls Can you tell us about your background regarding how you got into basketball, and later became a professional basketball player? I really started playing basketball around 8 years old. At age 12 was when I realized how good I was. That was when I decided that I wanted to play college basketball for a division 1 university, and also become a professional basketball player. My mother pushed me to be the best I could. She Is the reason why I was so resilient through the ups and downs of my career. What made you decide to move onto being an actor, and film producer? Acting and producing was something that I fell in love with spontaneously. I didn’t realize I had a passion for it until I went on my first audition for a commercial. The the feeling that it gave me after was unexplainable. I just knew at that moment it was something that I wanted to pursue after I was done playing ball. How long were you a pro-baller before moving onto a new career? I played professionally in Europe for 7 years before I decided to move on to new endeavors. Being an actor and film producer, keeping fit comes with the job description since you’re always in the limelight. With your knowledge as a celebrity trainer, is time management the most difficult aspect, or is it the pressure to remain flawless? Time management is definitely one of the most difficult aspects for sure… Sometimes it feels like there’s never enough time in a day to accomplish all the things I need to. I know as long as I get at least 3-4 days of hard training in throughout the week that’s usually enough for me to maintain my physique. Diet is another important part of staying ready and in shape. I never have the pressure of staying flawless because I usually stay ready.
Nobody likes the flap under their arms. Imagine being under the spotlight. It’s not something you want to feel insecure about under a camera. A simple way to keep arms toned is with dumbbell curls. Keep your posture upright while standing. With a dumbbell in each hand, bend your elbow, and tighten your biceps.
Legs - Dumbbell Squats We know you hate working out your legs, but your legs are your foundation. Keep your legs fit by grabbing some dumbbells, standing shoulder length apart, palms toward your body, head looking straight ahead, and slowly lower your torso by bending your knees.
Abs - Russian Twist with Dumbbells One of the most popular muscles to train, and least favorite to maintain. For the russian twist with dumbbells, you’ll start by grabbing your dumbbells and sitting down. Keep your abs tight, and your core in control to avoid over-rotating. Keep your legs in the air, and twist your upper body while holding both dumbbells to one side, then the other. Push yourself to complete the required sets, and reps for your fitness level, and keep your motivation up to stay ready for any challenge.
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THE READ
TINSELTOWN SCRIBES Nothing brings us closer to our favorite entertainers than delving into their words. This list of books features the works of several different entertainers. They will make you laugh, cry, and gain a new perspective on the world around you. Whether you want to read about hilarious comedians’ stories of whimsy, or delve into the tough world of drug addiction, these are perfect for those whose interest lie in the entertainment industry.
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by Richard Pryor (1995) Richard Pryor, the famous American comedian, retells his life stories in a darkly humorous way. For Pryor, life wasn’t always easy. He grew up in a brothel where he was sexually assaulted at a very young age. The novel follows Pryor from his upbringing to his comic career in New York City dealing with fame, drug addiction, seven marriages, and multiple sclerosis. Pryor tells the profound story through the voice of one of his most famed characters “Mudbone”.
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THE AWKWARD THOUGHTS OF W. KAMAU BELL
by W. Kamau Bell (2017) W. Kamau Bell, famous from his CNN program United Shades of America, is a California based comedian who uses humor to comment on today’s social issues. In this book, Bell outlines his hilarious and witty take on the world today. Juggling 2 topics such as race, fatherhood, law enforcement, politics, his interracial marriage, his upbringing, and more, the author tells the tales of how these topics affected him growing up as a “blerd” (Black nerd). If you like wit and lots of sarcasm, Bell’s book is worth the read. 2 UNASHAMED by Lecrae (2016) Lecrae is well known as a hip hop artists and producer, but what most do not know is his extreme darkside. Unashamed outlines the two time Grammy winner’s rise to hip-hop stardom, but of course it wasn’t always easy. He retells his accounts of child abuse, drug addiction, wavering mental health, and much more, and how he was able to find an undying love for Jesus and God. Told through stories and handwritten journal entries, Lecrae’s novel is a complex, and deep read. 3 WALK THIS WAY by Geoff Edgers (2019) Geoff Edgers, a journalist and author, outlines the story of how the 1986 hit collaboration “Walk this Way” came to be. The book follows the rise and fall of Aerosmith, a band that was once at the forefront of the rock music scene in the late 1970s. While Aerosmith began to decrease in notoriety, Run-DMC was revolutionizing hip-hop, a genre that was just beginning to peak its head into the mainstream. The unlikely duo joined forces to combine both genres, creating a defining ballad that would make it to Rolling Stone’s greatest songs of all time list, and became the first rap song to reach Billboard’s Top 10 list at a time when hair metal dominated. Edgers perfectly captures this unique moment in music history.
PRYOR CONVICTIONS AND OTHER LIFE SENTENCES
THE HOLLYWOOD COMMANDMENTS, A SPIRITUAL GUIDE TO SECULAR SUCCESS
by DeVon Franklin (2001) New York Times bestselling author, DeVon Franklin, shares his keys to building a purposeful life and a thriving career. Franklin made himself quite the career in Hollywood. Starting as an intern for Will Smith, he then managed to work his way through the ranks to become a producer and was named in the “Top 10 Producers to Watch” list by Variety Magazine. Franklin gives life lessons on how to balance spiritual principles in a secular world. Growing up, Franklin’s dreams of becoming a Hollywood big shot didn’t mesh well with his Christian parents. The book outlines his ability to stay a religious man and reach long lasting success.
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Words By JOHANA LOPEZ Photography By CRISTIAN GALLO
Cultivating his artwork from Colombia, to Argentina, to New York, Felipe “Lasso” Echeverry’s influences put a significant imprint in the world of popart. His degree in landscaping architecture puts a unique flare into his oftentimes abstract work which he loves to leave open to interpretation. Like walking through a garden maze, viewers are encouraged to find their own direction in his art. It’s this air of mystery that intrigues the senses, and allowed his work to be displayed at the iconic Saks Fifth Avenue windows. We were fortunate enough to speak to Lasso about his life’s passion, and how he was led to it.
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How long have you been in NY? It’s going to be 4 years and a half. We moved directly from Buenos Aires. My wife got a job here at the Jean-Georges. So we decided to jump to New York. That was one of our dreams. Was there a big culture change from Colombia to Argentina? There was. So, I’ve been most to Cordoba. The people from Cordoba are more calm, than the people from my city, Cali. They are more familiar, like warm people. But the people from Buenos Aires, because it’s a metropolis, it’s pretty much like New York. The people are more cold, focused on what they have to do everyday, and that’s pretty much the big difference. It was different for us, but when we moved to New York, it was completely different. This city is amazing. There’s more of a rush, you have to move faster because there’s a lot of people behind you trying to do the same things that you are doing. You have to do the best of the best if you want to keep living in NYC, that was our motivation. Do you feel like there was a difference in competition with your artwork since your moves from Colombia, to Argentina, to NYC? To be honest, when I was living in Colombia, I wasn’t doing any art. I was painting because I liked it. I was focused on my career. When I moved to Argentina, it was pretty much the same thing. I was trying to work as an architect in a good office. I was doing art like a hobby. When I moved to NY, I tried to work as an architect, but I never got into a good office, because to be an architect here, I’d have to start all over with my studies. I was frustrated. I was like “what am I gonna do?” I do love art. One of my biggest influences was popart. When I was starting architecture, I took a lot of credits in contemporary art and pop-art. I fell in love with that type of art. When I was here and I was walking down the streets, I was like, cool! I’m living in the city where the guys that I admire were living in the past. Guys like Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Basquiat, all of them. I was like, this is interesting. I’m going to start doing art! I went to a street art show, and I met one of my best friends, Con$umr Art. I met him in that show, and he introduced me to the world of street art. Within 3 weekends of going out, and hanging out at all the openings, I fell in love with art. So my first collection and my first steps into the art-world was street art. I realized, I really like the street art world but I’m not a street artist. My art wasn’t just street art, it was a mix of different styles. I would start playing with the canvases, incorporating pop-art, contemporary art in my work and place everything that was happening to me at that moment on a canvas. That’s why I would start thinking about Colombia, and the past. What advice would you offer to artists just starting out? It’s like a roller-coaster, so you have to be sure. You have to know what you’re doing, and know your directions. You have to be very clear with the things that you want, because when you are strict to the universe, the universe is going to give it to you. You have to be super careful with the things that you do, and the things that you ask, because it’s going to happen. You have to be constant. Work a lot. Know your worth, don’t be afraid to show your work to the world. Sometimes people think they’re not good enough. They think that there’s people way more talented than them, and they don’t show their work. That’s not good, because you never know. Just create, show your work, and go to the galleries that you like. Create a relationship first, that’s how everything works. You have to be patient, and go to the openings, show your face. The first thing they have to see is your face, even if they don’t know your name. In the future, because they’ve seen your face, they’ll hear your name, start seeing your work, and say “okay, I have a face for that work. I know this guy. Maybe this guy could work for our gallery, or maybe I know someone who could be interested in his work.” Create something unique, and that’s it.
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You can follow Lasso’s work on Instagram @sr.lasso, and through the gallery which represents him at avantgallery.com Check out his exhibition of local artists which he curated himself at The Local on 13-02 44th Avenue in Long Island City, Queens.
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Words By DÉVON JOHNSON Photography Courtesy of TENNESSEE BOARD OF TOURISM
TAKE ME WEST, TO TENNESSEE!! We journeyed down to the sixteenth state of the Union to explore its rich history and its modern charm. A land full of cordial and prideful people that love family, history and that good ole Tennessee whiskey. Long before the Pacific Coast Highway threaded along the California coast this was America’s west. International city may not be the first thought that comes to mind when thinking about Memphis and the rest of western Tennessee. Heck, you may be still be thrown off by reading the word west in the title of this story. However, your prejudgment, as was mine, is misinformed. History’s truth rests on the shoulders of the author. As with most school books, much information needs to be updated and edited. What has been taught about Memphis in history class is a partial view of a vast and enchanting land. Let us peel open the curtain a little more, and explore the Memphis that we have come to cherish. If you are landing at Memphis International Airport from New York or LA, prepare to be space shocked. There are no people bumping into you on the escalator. Your Uber is easy to find. No barista with a bad attitude when you order a macchiato with extra whip before heading to baggage claim. And if someone does happen to bump into you accidently - they say sorry. The charm of the city begins immediately upon arrival.
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You don’t have to take our word for it. But, if you are looking for your next weekend getaway or affordable family vacation, Memphis is one of our top five US cities to visit. There’s plenty to do, eat and experience. Very few destinations are able to capture the significance of a historical past with all the buzz of a modern city. LET'S EAT You can’t come to Memphis without eating. Plan on gaining a few pounds and adding a few notches to your belt. This is a city in which all meals are considered important. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are plates full of flavor and options. We say go for it and head over to Huey’s Downtown and bite down on what locals and fans abroad call the best burger in Memphis. Bring a bib or a shirt you don’t mind getting a little dirty. The burgers are that good.
Itta Bena Photo Cred: Alex Shansky / Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau
LISTEN UP Music is all around. Even the sidewalk sings! When you think of rock ‘n’ roll there is no mistaking the
role that Sun Studio played in the popularity of the soundtrack of American teen angst. Careers of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and B.B. King were born and bred in this studio. Elvis Presley’s first microphone is still in the house. However, there’s no rock ‘n’ roll without soul music. And there is no other studio with legends like Al Green and producer Willie Mitchell, who passed away in 2010, counted amongst its storytellers as Royal Studios. If you are lucky, Willie’s grandson “Boo” will give you a guided tour filled with stories, some with dirty words, of what makes this recording studio important to soul and American music history. Not much has changed with the decor since it began cranking out hits on Hi Records and Hi Rhythm Section. That’s what makes this a must do on your journey. Music isn’t made the same anymore. These days everything is so polished and bland, it’s missing the royal treatment. Although they don’t sing or have any hit records, the Duck Walk at The Peabody is a must see on your list. The tradition started back in 1932 when the general manager of the hotel placed three decoy ducks in the center fountain. Almost a century later the fakes have been upstaged by the real thing. Complete with a duckmaster and red carpet, the well tailored fouls prance in unison for guests from across the globe. After their, always packed, shows twice a day, they rest up in the Duck Palace presumably responding to fan mail. Then head over to Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The facility is huge so carve out enough time in your day. The facility is filled with iconic memorabilia from artists like Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding and one of Isaac Hayes’ cars floating on a car turntable. HISTORY'S MARK Memphis is the south and has been that way since the border moved west and all the way through the Civil War. The land has seen its fair share of turmoil
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and brutality. Much of this conflicted history is the main ingredient to the soundtracks of the times bellowed from voices suffering from Jim Crow and southern racism in blues and soul music. But, Memphis does not shy away from her ugly truths. They are acknowledged, documented and taught in schools and to anyone willing to listen.
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Perhaps the greatest scar of modern history is the former site of the Lorraine Motel, one of the few establishments that allowed Blacks to lodge during their travel through the south during the Civil Rights movement. It is the site of the tragic end to the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on April 4th, 1968. The location is now the National Civil Rights Museum. There are interactive exhibits and special programmings that take the historical significance of that time period into account. We found ourselves overwhelmed with emotion when coming upon the bedroom where Dr. King spent his final hours.
HOTEL NAPOLEON 179 Madison Ave. Memphis, TN 38103 901-526-0002 hotelnapoleonmemphis.com Photo Credit: Downtown Memphis Commission
Midtown Mural Photo Cred: Craig Thompson / Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau
THE GUESTHOUSE AT GRACELAND 3600 Elvis Presley Blvd. Memphis, TN 38116 901-443-3000 guesthousegraceland.com Photo Credit: Jeffrey Jacobs
The underground railroad is far from a tangible experience for anyone today. The closest we ever get are in the stories, albeit limited, in our history classes. The Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum sits on the site of one such location. There’s an eerie feeling as you descend the stairs into the cramped and dark cavern under the house. The atrocities experienced by those that found this cold damp cell as a reprise are unimaginable. Yet, they prevailed. Because of places like this, the journey to freedom came closer. Memphis’ storied past is riddled with imperfections. However, the people who live here acknowledge the scars of the past and are doing their part to forge a more inclusive society. This is a city deep rooted in history but geared up for a bright future.
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Photo Credit: Ricardo Horatio Nelson
THE PEABODY MEMPHIS 149 Union Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 901-529-4000 peabodymemphis.com Photo Credit: Jetsetter.com
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES SOUTHAVEN CENTRAL - MEMPHIS 7237 Southcrest Pkwy Southaven, MS 38671 662-996-3333, ihg.com Photo Cred: ihg.com
W H AT TO DO
GHOST RIVER CANOE AND KAYAK 13640 Yager Drive Moscow, TN 38057 901-485-1220 ghostriverrentals.com NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM. 450 Mulberry Street Memphis, TN 38103 901-521-9699 civilrightsmuseum.org
MAJESTIC GRILLE 145 S Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103 901-522-8555 majesticgrille.com
BEALE STREET BLUES STROLL Beale Street Memphis, TN 38103 901-526-0115 bealestreet.com Photo Credit: Ricardo Nelson
MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN 750 Cherry Road Memphis, TN 38117 901-636-4100 memphisbotanicgarden.com MEMPHIS ZOO 2000 Prentiss Place Memphis, TN 38112 901-333-6500 memphiszoo.org
HUEY’S DOWNTOWN 77 S 2nd Street, Memphis, TN 38103 901-527-2700 hueyburger.com
GRACELAND – THE HOME OF ELVIS PRESLEY Elvis Presley Boulevard Memphis, TN 38116 901-332-3322 graceland.com Photo Credit: Ricardo Nelson
SLAVE HAVEN UNDERGROUND RAILROAD MUSEUM 826 N 2nd Street Memphis, TN 38107 901-527-7711 slavehavenmemphis.com MEMPHIS ROCK ‘N’ SOUL MUSEUM 191 Beale Street Memphis, TN 38103 901-205-2526 memphisrocknsoul.org
BLUES CITY CAFÉ 138 Beale Street, Memphis, TN 38103 901-526-3637 bluescitycafe.com
STAX MUSEUM OF AMERICAN SOUL MUSIC 926 E McLemore Avenue Memphis, TN 38126 901-942-7685 staxmusem.com Photo Credit: Ricardo Nelson
BLUES HALL OF FAME 421 S Main Street Memphis, TN 38103 901-527-2583 blues.org DUCK WALK AT THE PEABODY 149 Union Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 901-529-4000 peabodymemphis.com
THE GRAY CANARY 301 S Front Street, Memphis, TN 38103 901-249-2932 thegraycanary.com
ROYAL STUDIOS 1320 Willie Mitchell Boulevard Memphis, TN 38106 901-775-3790 royalstudios.com
SUN STUDIO 706 Union Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 901-521-0664 sunstudio.com
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group who describes their sound as “western-rock and 60s soul” influence. The performance was so enthralling, Nielsen himself found his way into the crowd and performed up close and personal. The crowd braved the unexpected rain for the entirety of the show.
Words By JAMIE ROLLO Photography Courtesy of MILE OF MUSIC FESTIVAL AND FOX CITIES CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
Hello Wisconsin! Wisconsin is home to a quaint community of people who revel in music and art. The Fox Cities, a group of towns and historic villages along the Fox River, has undergone a transformation in recent years, and is now a hub for creativity, recreation, education, and the arts. Appleton has become a music city on the rise with a bustling community that has an authentic, everlasting love for American-made music. The Fox Cities has become known for its annual Mile of Music Festival. During this four-day long celebration, hundreds of new artists take over local shops along College Avenue in downtown Appleton to perform original music well into the night. Fans of genres ranging from Americana, blues, rock, and country can enjoy the shows free of cost. Even the signs say, “the only thing you’re required to pay is attention.” “You gotta be a music fan to come to Mile of Music,” proclaimed Dave Willems, founder of the six-yearold festival, “this is a music first festival.” “The Mile”, as most call it, is somewhat of a rarity in the current era of music festivals. There is little commercialization, a great passion for budding talent, and an audience that is seemingly captivated
Photo courtesy of Mile of Music Festival
by the performances. If you can imagine, there wasn’t an iPhone in sight. Just an enthusiastic, supportive mass of people there to listen to these aspiring artists. “I will attest this year that every show I’ve had, regardless of the venue size or style, people have been there, and they’re quiet, and they’re listening.” explained Camille Rae, a singer from Nashville and a Mile alumna. “Appleton is my biggest following. These are forever fans, these are people that are going to follow me until the day I die, probably. I come back almost every month and perform shows around the area.” The festival is designed to cater to the needs of every listener by offering a variety of venues. If you fancy a more quiet intimate setting, the Mile has that. If you want to head-bang to loud rock music into the late night, they have that too. In the earlier part of my first day at Mile, I walked onto College Avenue and was immediately drawn to an alleyway where a jazz band was playing. Swarms of people were pulled toward the upbeat horns, and people of all ages stood around and enjoyed the music. Younger fans played along with plastic trombones.
The Mile has become a huge asset to the Fox Cities, which is why the festival has been able to secure over 60 community sponsors. Willems and his team work alongside local officials to make the festival a sustainable event. They saw the opportunity for the festival to rebrand Appleton as a music city filled with culture and diversity, ala Nashville. “Now, artists are saying ‘have you played Appleton?’,” excitedly commented Willems. “From a branding standpoint, when you have people asking ‘have you played Appleton?’ I just don’t think it gets much better than that.” Aside from the festival, Appleton strives to educate the community on the arts year-round. In 2002, they built the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center in downtown Appleton where the community holds events like Broadway tours, concerts, and community projects. Apart from music, Appleton also focuses on visual arts. The streets are dotted with community craft projects including knitted decorations on city maps and light posts. The Trout Museum of Art, in the city’s center, not only features changing collections in their main gallery - including animation cels from Who Framed Roger Rabbit - but also has art classes accessible by the community. Appleton’s food scene is another advantage. I was pleasantly surprised to find a good plate of gnocchi at Author’s Kitchen and Bar, which also serves an array of different upscale comfort foods with unique tastes. The Fox Cities’ also features delectable seafood at Pisco Mar, and Latin-fusion at Osorio’s, and many others. And, of course you can get your fix of Wisconsin’s famous cheese at the award-winning Simon’s Specialty Cheese shop. The seventh annual Mile of Music Festival is August 1st to August 4th. Visit Fox Cities for the fascinating historic sites, activities, and great food the area has to offer while you enjoy the completely free, compelling small town music festival. It is the perfect end of any summer trip for music lovers.
An hour later I found myself in the middle of a hotel courtyard rock concert, followed by an inviting folk show in a pub further down the avenue. Later on I had to venture to Spats, a famous bar and grill on College Avenue; it had a notable amount of traffic all day. Miles Nielsen & The Rusted Hearts were performing at sunset. Nielsen, the son of Cheap Trick’s lead guitarist Rick Nielsen, leads the 50
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Photo courtesy of Mile of Music Festival
WHERE TO S TAY
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W H AT TO DO
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COUNTRY INN & SUITES APPLETON 355 Fox River Drive Appleton, WI 54913 855-516-1090 countryinns.com/appleton-hotel-wi-54913/wiapple Photo Cred: CountryInns.com
COURTYARD APPLETON RIVERFRONT 101 South Riverheath Way Appleton, WI 54915 920-903-9256 marriott.com/hotels/travel/atwcy-courtyard-appletonriverfront Photo Cred: Courtesy of Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau
COPPERLEAF BOUTIQUE HOTEL & SPA 300 W. College Ave. Appleton, WI 54911 920-749-0303 copperleafhotel.com Photo Cred: booking.com
TROUT MUSEUM OF ART 111 W College Avenue Appleton, WI 54911
AUTHOR’S KITCHEN + BAR 201 N Appleton Street Appleton, WI 54911 920-358-7207 authorskitchenandb.wixsite.com/appleton Photo Cred: Courtesy of Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau
920-733-4089 troutmuseum.org Photo Cred: Courtesy of Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau
OSORIO’S LATIN FUSION 1910 N Casaloma Drive Appleton, WI 54913 920-955-3766 osorioslatinfusion.com Photo Cred: osorioslatinfusion.com
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN NEENAH 343 Smith Street Neenah, WI 54956 920-729-0244 Neenahhistoricalsociety.com Photo Cred: Courtesy of Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau
PISCO MAR 528 W College Avenue Appleton, WI 54911 920-221-3346 piscomarappleton.com Photo Cred: IG/ @piscomarappleton
BERGSTROM-MAHLER MUSEUM OF GLASS 165 N Park Avenue Neenah, WI 54956 920-751-4658 bmmglass.com Photo Cred: Courtesy of Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau
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Location: Cherry Bomb Studio
Model: Isiah @ PRM Model Agency
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Marcus Scribner Is The ‘Black-ish’ Nerd Inside All of Us
As a child, Marcus Scribner’s passion for characters, and fantasy novels led him to his current role as Andre Johnson, Jr. on Black-
Words By TYRUS TOWNSEND Photographer BAZ Style / Direction DOUGLAS HICKMAN JR Grooming AMBER AMOS
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ish. We follow him on his journey into acting.
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arcus Scribner is a burgeoning sitcom icon. Joining the ranks of young, Black male actors who have come before him, Scribner as Andre Johnson, Jr. on Black-ish is the Black boy joy we deservedly need. But acting was not on his radar in the beginning.
Accidental thespian, much? According to Scribner that was somewhat the case. “Starting off I was always focused on my school work but I always had a passion for characters, fantasy novels and wanted a passion that coaligned with that. My parents suggested I try acting and I went to my first class around seven years old. We received a lot of presents, since it was a Christmas acting class, and I thought if acting is always going to be like this I’m going to stay around forever! Eventually my acting coach, who at the time was also a manager, said I should begin auditioning for roles. It took a hot minute but I booked Black-ish around 14 years old.” Black-ish, often thought of as a modern-day take on The Cosby Show, premiered in 2014, and unlike its comparator, which focused on an upper middle class family who happened to be Black, Black-ish focuses on an upper middle class Black family, navigating their way in this current Americana landscape. But that title though? “I am not going to lie: we thought the title was strange at first. I went in for about six auditions so it was a very long process. When I first read an official script, I was like, “Wow. This is really funny and has a good chance of going on for a very long time.” Being so young and naïve I thought, ‘I booked a television show that’s going to go on forever.’ We are lucky to have such a talented group of writer, editors, amazing scripts and story, Kenya [Barris] and amazing actors surrounding us. Everybody on the show is legendary! It’s a lot being on set and soaking up that knowledge.” That knowledge runs deep on set.
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“On the show there are Jenifer Lewis and Laurence Fishburne who are actually hilarious. Jenifer will randomly break out into song at a moment’s notice and Laurence has a ton of experience so sitting back and watching them perform is definitely a huge inspiration.” Marcus continues with other actors that inspire him. “Outside of that I love Michael B. Jordan because his career path and trajectory are how I hope to model mine after. Donald Glover is an amazing actor and someone that I look up. Drizzy Drake is in my Top three people I need to meet so I can check that one off the list as well. So a ton of people in the industry that I take inspiration from.” The role of Andre is sometimes similar to Scribner’s own life. “Well right now our paths are pretty similar since I am also taking a gap year off for work and book projects. I feel like there are a lot of differences as well. Junior is coming into his own and his character is becoming closer to my real personality. Junior is very high energy compared to me but he’s a lot more fun. Junior is very clutched, naïve, and I would like to think I’m not [laughing].” Similarities between the two, whether their passion for comic books and video games, run deep but one that Scribner forgets to mention is their love of fashion. Young and daring, both play with style in a
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uniquely, abstract manner. “My fashion inspiration is Russell Westbrook; like he’s just very out there, doesn’t care about what people think and wears a lot of bright and abrupt patterns in ways you would not orthodoxically do so. Also, Michael B. Jordan has a pretty cool, super smooth about him. I like Virgil Abloh’s Off-White and Louis [Vuitton] and Balenciaga are just as fire. A tip I picked up over time: as a basis, you can combine any random color and pattern situations as long as your shoes play well off your top. Not long ago I had on this pink and yellow tiger sweater thing, that was super- duper bright, and a pair shoes matched that intensity and played well off each other to create a fit.” This relatability has earned Scribner a place amongst the young, Black Hollywood darlings. “It’s a lot of fun! I feel like the community is definitely very supportive of new talent and people. It is super enlightening, as an actor, to know there are other people out there going through the same things. I like the way the landscape is shifting in Hollywood; it’s getting younger, more diverse and I feel like it is reflective of the real world and the world around.” He is never not working. “Right now, I have an animated show on Netflix that I worked on with DreamWorks called She-Ra which is a super cool take on the old school show of the same name. Now it’s more diverse, more color and a ton of fun. It was cool to create something that your younger siblings can watch and come up to you and say, “that was cool” and I am like “Yeah. I’m a superhero.” Another project, not sure when it comes out, is a film with AwesomenessTV. I am working, writing, and producing more which is super exciting” When he is not juggling projects you can find him either courtside or glued to a television watching his beloved Los Angeles Lakers. But this current lineup though? “It’s hard. Obviously, I like that LeBron came to our team. I feel Lonzo [Ball] could be a little more aggressive but I miss Julius Randle. I feel like we could have kept him—he’s only on a $17 milliondollar contract and we could have paid that out easily. If we had Julius Randle, we could be popping off right now. I feel like our team can do something; I mean obviously were going to playoffs. Also, I’m ready to see how Magic [Johnson] will structure the team. I say we have a future.”
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“Stay tuned for the future because a lot of things are on the horizon. The hustle never stops. Don’t expect me to lay down and just let things pass me by.”
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Just as he is enamored with the hoop game, he feels the same way about the current political game. As a young Black man, he has a lot to say about the current administration. “Definitely not the best feeling in the world. I mean look at what we are currently doing: the EPA has been dismantled and tossed to the side; Global warming is being denied; children are being ripped away from their parents so it is not a great world we’re living in. I feel like us young people, ages 18 to 24, did a good job getting out there during midterms and trying to change up some of the Senate provisions. We came out strong, with huge pushes on social media for voter registration; hopefully we get some tax papers exposed and see the inner workings of the current administration. I am excited for the future. I think we can turn it around especially after these first four years.” What would his future self have to say about his actions? “I hope you did enough. I hope that you made sure you didn’t let opportunities pass you by. And also ask him about the current presidency. Hopefully we won’t have another reality television star in office!” Final words? “Stay tuned for the future because a lot of things are on the horizon. The hustle never stops. Don’t expect me to lay down and just let things pass me by.”
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by faith Words by MCKENZIE DAWKINS
Photography by ALAN SILFEN AND STEVE ACKERMAN
With 20 years in Hollywood under his belt, film producer DeVon Franklin is a master of storytelling. It was a love for cult classics like The Color Purple, Back to the Future, and the Rocky franchise that watered a budding fascination with film, and a passion for behind the scenes work. This passion is not reserved solely for movies— Franklin is also a preacher, spiritual success coach, public speaker, and New York Times bestselling author. It’s an impressive number of hats for an Oakland, California kid who once aspired to football stardom. No matter which hat he wears, Franklin’s strong Christian faith remains the central thread tethering him to projects that he believes in wholeheartedly. The latest is an upcoming faith-based film called Breakthrough, set to hit theaters April 17, 2019.
From TV and film producer to spiritual coach and author, DeVon Franklin does it all with grace. His latest film Breakthrough is an authentic exploration into faith and the power of community.
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Based on the 2017 book The Impossible by Joyce Smith, Breakthrough tells the miraculous true story of Smith’s son, John, a young boy who fell through an icy Missouri lake and remained pulseless for nearly an hour. Driven by a fierce faith, Joyce Smith prayed over her son’s lifeless body until he came back to life—deficit-free— to the awe and disbelief of hospital staff and renowned medical experts. Franklin speaks to the divine alignment that led him to this amazing story. “This is one of those crazy things. I was on TBN [Trinity Broadcasting Network] promoting Miracles From Faith, my last live-action film, and while I was on TBN, the real Joyce, the real John, and the real Pastor Jason were there and I heard their story firsthand…it was kind of one of those things where it just fell in my lap.” Franklin
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worked closely with the writer, director, and Smith family to extract every detail and ensure that the movie was genuine, authentic, and entertaining. “Here’s my philosophy [on true stories]. For me, it’s a movie. For them, it’s their life. Forever, this will be the eternal representation of their life, so I take that seriously…It has to be a partnership; they have to see this film and be proud of it and say, ‘you got it right, DeVon.’” Breakthrough features an outstanding cast that Franklin calls “an embarrassment of riches and talent.” The movie stars Chrissy Metz as Joyce Smith, Marcel Ruiz as John Smith, and Topher Grace as Pastor Jason. The main cast is supported by familiar favorites, Mike Colter and Dennis Haysbert, and basketball star Stephen Curry makes his debut into film as an executive producer. According to Franklin, Curry expressed a desire to get into film and their interests aligned. “He read the script [and] he completely connected to it. He got the vision for the movie and immediately, he was in…The same way he put together a great team and believes in teamwork on the court, I believe in teamwork in the industry. Let’s come together to get these stories out to the world.” Breakthrough
faith Photography by Steve Ackerman Breakthrough event
releases this Easter and is an inspirational drama the entire family can enjoy. Be warned, as Franklin puts it, “it’s a Kleenex and a popcorn movie,” so have the tissues ready.
A master multitasker, DeVon has also been working on a new book, The Truth About Men: What Men and Women Need to Know. This is Franklin’s fourth book, preceded by Produced By Faith, The Wait, which he co-authored with his wife, actress Meagan Good, and The Hollywood Commandments. Inspired by personal life experience as well as candid conversations with other men, The Truth About Men is a self-help and personal development guide for men who wish to acknowledge and tame the undesirable but natural impulses that threaten their true character. Franklin explains that lust is like an untrained dog, and that every man—single or married—must learn to master his inner beast. He also aims to enlighten women to the internal struggle that every man faces. “This is not a book about what women need to do better; it’s not a book about, here’s what you need to do to get a man.” Instead, Franklin puts the onus on men to be accountable to themselves, and to the women who have suffered at their hands or those of their male peers.
The book comes as a timely aid to honest introspection amidst the current waves of the “Me Too” and “Time’s Up” movements. Franklin urges men to understand that a lack of self-discipline makes them complicit in many of the toxic behaviors that have become commonplace in our society. “We’re the problem. We’re the ones that are creating so many of the challenges that we’re seeing in the culture… I think it’s time for us to step up and do our work, and here’s how we can do [it].” Acknowledging his own personal battles with the “dog” even as a faithful and happily married man, Franklin assures male readers that he writes from a place of understanding. The Truth About Men is available now online and at major bookstores nationwide. As for what’s next for Franklin, he’s not too worried. “A lot of times as a producer, you’re wondering where your next project is going to come from, and sometimes that can produce anxiety… [But] because I have faith, I say, I trust that when it’s the right time or the right project, God will bring it!” In both his personal and professional life, Franklin walks by faith, and it’s working out amazingly.
Learn more about Breakthrough at www.breakthroughmovie.com and on Instagram @ breakthroughmovie
#breakthroughmovie.
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TONE STITH PENS HIS OWN PATH Exuding talent, charm, and charisma, Tone Stith plays a large role in the ongoing R&B renaissance. Wrapping up his tour with famed millennial R&B artist, H.E.R, Stith, like his colleague, has a vision of bringing back the genre to its more pure form, rather than the nearly “trap” R&B reflected on today’s charts. Coming from the small town of Marlton, New Jersey, Stith is turning his dreams into a reality. In 2009, the young artist had a stroke of good fortune after posting a cover of Justin Bieber’s “Heartbreaker” to YouTube. Jas Prince, hip-hop mogul known for discovering Drake, stumbled upon Stith’s groups’ video and came into contact with them, amazed with their talent and poise. Since then, Stith has garnered a whirlwind of success. Having a hand at both being an artist and producer, Stith is responsible for penning hits for the likes of Chris Brown (“Liquor”, “Make Love”, and “Undecided”) plus others. The young artist’s latest EP Good Company features big names like Quavo and Swae Lee and presents his smooth voice, amazing vocal range, creative lyrics, and overall raw talent. With amazing capabilities and network, Tone Stith is geared for success. Before building all of these great relationships that you have, and being discovered by Jas Prince, what were you up to? I was still doing music. I was in a group back in 2009, but even before that I was still messing around making beats on my keyboard, singing in church and playing instruments in church. So I was always doing music. My whole life has been centered around music. And how did Jas Prince come into the picture? So, the group I was in covered a Justin Bieber song, “Heartbreaker” and we put it on YouTube. Justin found the video and gave it to Jas to check out and that’s how he contacted us. After that, I remember I was telling my dad, “this guy Jas keeps hitting us up on Twitter”. We didn’t know who he was at first, so my dad talked to him and that’s where it all began. When you realized who he was, how did you feel? [laughs] I just remember thinking how huge it was. He discovered Drake, so I definitely thought it was our chance to really make it. 70
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That had to be an insane feeling! For me, that moment was life changing in itself. The fact that we were even on his radar...no matter what came from it, I was motivated more than ever to keep grinding. How did your life change after connecting with Jas? After we initially connected, I made the decision to move to LA. Life changed immediately. We were around so many different people in the industry. It was a big change. We come from a small town with not too much goin on, so being out there and being in that mix so fast was really crazy! The group I was originally in ended up splitting for various reasons but I still continued to do my thing as a solo artist. And that hustle led you to touring with August Alsina and H.E.R., what do you think you learned from being around them? The work ethic. One thing I picked up from August was dedication. He’s so serious and dedicated to what he’s doing. H.E.R is amazing. Day in and day out, she’s grinding. Whether it’s music, whether it’s press - whatever it is - she’s just always on top of her stuff and making sure it’s going down. I was just happy to be a part of both tours. It changed my career and it introduced me to a huge fanbase. For a while, R&B was in an era of almost trapR&B. Now, it’s getting back to it roots, and there are so many emerging artists who are responsible for that. Is there anyone in your peer group that you would hope to work with? H.E.R, Khalid is really cool, and Daniel (Caesar). I’m down to work with anybody. I wanna bring it all back. I think it’s a good time, and everyone’s coming together and making R&B relevant again, so whoever’s down I’m down to work with them. Your single “Good Company” has Swae Lee and Quavo. How did you get both of them on the song? That one was really random. I produced the song. The next few days, Swae randomly comes over my house and we’re just playing basketball, and
he comes in the studio and I put on the beat. He just runs in the studio and starts laying the ‘baby get comfortable…’, and I’m like ‘alright, this is it’. A week later, Quavo comes over - same thing - playing basketball and then gets in the studio and put a verse on it. Then the song was done. How did you initially meet them? Through Jas, and being at his house. It’s like a tunnel for everyone to go through because a bunch of people come there all the time. We vibed on a personal level which lead to us working together. What do you want your fans to take away from your music? It’s honest, and it’s pure. You gotta be who you are regardless of what anybody thinks or anybody says, you just have to be you. In whatever category, not only music, just do you in whatever you’re working in, and that’s what my music is about. How do you differentiate what music you make for yourself and the music you make for other artists? It kind of just happens. I’m going to create it regardless, but then we’ll listen to it and think it might be better for someone else, or I’m going to be like “this is my baby, I gotta keep this record, I gotta have it.” I just create it, then we see where it goes after that.
Being in the industry for as long as you have, what is something you wish you knew before getting into it? That it takes time and you have to be patient. There were so many times in the beginning when I’ve been like “oh it’s about to happen!”, then realized that I have to wait and keep working. It’s a lot of work, you just gotta stay focused. What keeps you motivated? Definitely the fact that there’s more fans now. The fanbase is growing and I’m starting to see that. People are telling me everyday how much they appreciate my music, and they can’t wait to hear more music. Music is all I wanna do while I’m here on earth , it’s my passion and the main thing that keeps me going. Where do you see yourself in the near future? I wanna be at the top. And also helping everybody, giving music to whoever needs it at the same time. Whats next? There is a lot of new music coming that might sound a little different from what I’ve put out. This is more so based off of 70s music and 80s music. I still listen to 80s/70s music like it’s coming out today BeeGees, Jackson 5, James Brown, James Taylor - it’s a wide range. I listen to music constantly, so my new projects are a little more explorative.
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Words By TYRUS TOWNSEND Photography by ANDRE PERRY Fashion by RAVEN ROBERTS Grooming by BRITTANY WHITFIELD Hair by JOHN COTTON
‘POSE’
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LIFE Sharing his talents with the world every Tuesday night on FX, Dyllón Burnside’s time is now and he has the style and poise to prove it!
Dyllón Burnside’s life’s work includes a stint in a boy band, a role on Broadway in the Tupac Shakur inspired Holler If Ya Hear Me and now as a recurring lead, Ricky, on Ryan Murphy’s smash show Pose. “Everything I have ever done has prepared me for my current role on Pose. I believe that’s how life works in the grand scheme of things. I have also been consciously preparing for this juncture in my career. I’ve trained and actively worked to have the career I have now and look forward to even more incredible experiences in the future.” As Ricky, the veteran actor had to channel a character unlike any other he has ever encountered. Stepping back into a time, more specifically the 1980s, when Black and Latino men developed, and embraced the ballroom scene. Those who remember this time have responded positively and Dyllón is “grateful for the fans and general public’s response to the show.” He continued, “They have embraced and celebrated us in the most beautiful way. They celebrate these characters living and loving freely. I was honestly pleasantly surprised that we received so much positive feedback, and so little negativity. It has been confirmation for me that the world is ready to shift despite those few individuals still holding on to old prejudices.” Being in a house, we have witnessed Ricky evolve into a confident young man with a natty sartorial style. “I believe personal style is an extension of your personality and also speaks to your individual politics. I believe my style is a bit more grown up, and somewhat more conservative than Ricky’s. I also believe Ricky uses clothing to hide some of who he truly is while I use garments to express more of my authentic self. Playing Ricky, though, has given me the confidence to be a bit more adventurous with fashion,” he states. But aside from the garments are the tunes. “Pose has definitely inspired me musically, and that creative energy of the 80s and these characters’ stories have inspired me to write again. I got back in the studio when we wrapped production, and it’s been such a great experience to be recording again. The most beautiful part about it all is that I’m doing it for me this time—not to try and ‘make it big’ or have a hit on the radio, although I would love to have a hit record on the charts, but because I have something inside me that needs to come out and it feels so good to have that outlet again.” And this outlook has us expecting the same energy from Season two of Pose. Just as Dyllón channeled that energy during this shoot, he states “you can expect more entertaining and authentic storytelling. Beyond that...you’ll just have to wait and see. ;)”
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avarro Gray’s personal experiences led him to take an active role in representing those who are wronged. His advancement into criminal law was due to watching police officers violate a friend’s rights. After pursuing a career as an entertainer, and being scammed out of money, he embarked on a career in Entertainment Law. When did you first know you wanted to be a lawyer? I knew that I wanted to be a lawyer towards the latter part of my senior year of high school. As far as criminal law, I knew that I had to do it when I saw one of my close friend’s rights being violated by police officers. On the entertainment side, I was an up-and-coming rapper. I was young and naïve, believing and trusting many people. I got scammed out of a lot of money by promoters, labels, and other rappers. Again, I knew that I had to do something in order to protect myself and the people around me. Those two moments were sort of epiphany moments where I knew that I wanted and needed to be an attorney. Did your journey into law follow the path you envisioned? No, the path that I envisioned and the path that got me here today are almost complete opposites. I knew that I wanted to be an entertainment lawyer. The path I envisioned was passing the bar exam and getting a job for a law firm using my knowledge and college alumni networks. I applied to work at a firm where I knew that my college friends were employed. Again, and again I was turned away from that firm and others. I packed up my bags and created my own path. I moved to Atlanta, where I worked jobs that had no correlation to my degree. I was employed by Big Boi from Outkast as a general assistant for his record
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Navarro Gray, Esq. label and then by TI, driving his promotional van for his album “TI vs TIP”. Shortly after I moved back to New Jersey, I was hired as a Law Clerk for a judge. I was on a long path that didn’t seem to end until Fetty Wap entrusted me to be his entertainment lawyer in 2014. What attracted you to the industry? My passion for helping people and my love for music. Entertainment and Criminal Law make up most of my practice. I have always been selfless, giving my best to ensure that others get what they deserve. To this day, I have such an unconditional love for music that puts you in a good mood, and that you can dance to in the club. Music that tells a story that really hits you and makes you think about your life. What’s the one thing you wish people really knew about being a lawyer? I work long hours and am on call for my clients 24/7. It is a very stressful profession and we are put in a position to satisfy every client regardless of the situation. I always force myself to take breaks and get away no matter what workload I am dealing with. Just a little time to clear my mind and hit reset. What was your most high-profile case? State v. Larry McKelvy and the “Trap Queen” litigation How important is mentorship? Very important. Everyone needs a role model and someone to guide them in the right direction. If you have the power and opportunity to do this for someone you should.
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fter taking a leap of faith and moving to Los Angeles, Jennifer C. Duval became an attorney in the city of angels. Previously the Senior Counsel, Business & Legal Affairs for VIACOM, she is currently the Director of Business Affairs for NBCUniversal. When did you first know you wanted to be a lawyer? I’m a first generation American, both of my parents were born in Haiti. “You will be a doctor or lawyer” was a statement very much indoctrinated into my upbringing. It became a real option for me, however, when I was a Live Events college intern for the Philadelphia 76ers. It was there that I was exposed to what “in house counsel” was and what it meant to be on the corporate side of negotiating an agreement. That’s when I fell in love with it all, the behind-thescenes deal making in sports and entertainment. Did your journey into law follow the path you envisioned? I didn’t really have a path to be honest. I graduated from University of Pennsylvania with a major in Sociology and a minor in Africana studies. My first job out of school was at a social media marketing firm (this was Fall 2009, so Instagram wasn’t even born yet). There was a thrill in working with clients such as HBO and Barbie so working there was good confirmation for me that I wanted to be in entertainment. I was the biggest fan of MTV’s The Hills and decided I was going to move to LA, just like LC. I labored through the LSAT and law school application process and eventually was moving across the country for orientation at Southwestern Law School. I had no friends, no family, but something just told me to take the leap of faith. I thought, what’s the worst that could happen? If I hate it
then I would move back to NY. I ended up graduating and working there for another 6 years. What’s the one thing you wish people really knew about being a lawyer? Be prepared to sit behind a desk or on a call for 90% of your day. Deal making is very rarely done over caviar and champagne at lunch. 4/5 lunches will likely be at your desk. It’s chasing agents and managers and dealing with lots of egos, all while sitting on Microsoft word and dialling into conference calls. What was your most high profile case? I am a business affairs executive so I don’t have any “cases” but my most most memorable project to work on was Being Mary Jane. I was lucky enough to have been there from its inception when I was an intern. The whole concept was pretty groundbreaking for our time and it was BET’s highest rated show at that point. Whether you hated or loved her, Gabrielle’s character represented a lot of women we knew, and it was one of the first time seeing that kind of representation on TV. What case stands out for you as the most rewarding? Working on the revival on The Game at BET and Jersey Shore at MTV was the most rewarding because I was a super fan during their first runs. In fact, I was part of the petition to bring The Game back after it was cancelled at The CW and hosted “Jers-day” showings of the The Jersey Shore at my apartment in law school. It was full circle to be able to be a lawyer behind those talent renegotiations. How important is mentorship? It’s the major to key to success, especially in the entertainment industry. The saying “It’s not what
PHOTOGRAPHY BY STANLEY DUVAL
Jennifer Duval, Esq.
you know, it’s who you know” is still very true. Being both a mentor and a mentee, I get to see and experience both sides of the relationship. Having a mentor is not just a “let me pick your brain” kind of thing. Successful mentor/mentee pairs are symbiotic relationship. Here’s the cheat code, before you meet them, do your research, google everything. This way, that “informational” you set up is more than “can-you-help-me-please-i-really-want-to-workin- entertainment- because- I- love- entertainment”. Keep in mind, the person who you fought to get on their calendar likely bills at a very high rate, and is not making any money talking to you. On top of that, he or she has probably not set an hour to see their friends in weeks. So when they make the time for you, make it worthwhile for them as well by coming prepared, and ready to make the most of it.
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Kaine Hampton, Esq. K When did you first know you wanted to be a lawyer? I don’t remember the exact moment but I do remember when I became most intrigued with the legal system it was during the Supreme Court’s ruling on Bush v. Gore. 90% of my grandfather’s television consumption was news and baseball. He watched the coverage of Bush v. Gore around the clock. Did your journey into law follow the path you envisioned? Not at all! Although I had experience working in entertainment prior to law school, it was more so on the Finance and Business Development side. I worked at Music World Entertainment as an Analyst during a really exciting time at the music label. When I entered law school my interest was primarily financial services. That changed while I was in law school. The impression a lot of entertainment lawyers (both during my time at Music World and post) was long lasting, and ultimately steered me in a new direction. What attracted you to the industry? I enjoy being a problem solver, and I truly believe that is one of the chief roles of a lawyer, regardless of the industry. You’re presented a problem or goal by your client and you are tasked with navigating through any complications en route to the goal. As a transactional entertainment lawyer working in production and development, I enjoy transactional work, specifically drafting deals. Deals are a lot like puzzles, and you’re fitting pieces together to make a great finished result for your client. What’s the one thing you wish people really knew about being a lawyer? Working as an entertainment lawyer you’re presented with some challenging work, but there are so many rewards if you enjoy the work. If someone is interested in the field, it’s important to meet with those in the field to get a sense of what the day to day is like.
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What’s the funnest part of the job? There are no shortage of funny moments when you work in a truly creative space, which is also one of the reasons I enjoy working in my industry -whether it’s reviewing creative titles for a potential project or interacting with colleagues.
What’s the hardest part of the job? I wouldn’t say this is the hardest part, but I think it’s one of the most important parts – listening. It’s important to listen to your client or client group to truly understand what their goals are so you can solve the equation. What was your most high profile case? Working for a large media company, every case feels high profile because there are such weighty implications to any deal. What case stands out for you as the most rewarding? No specific deal comes to mind but for me, the most rewarding part of working on any deal is the moment
you see the finished product of the deal you’re working on. If I’m negotiating a production deal for a series, the airing of that series is very rewarding for me. How do you manage to have work-life balance? Because it’s necessary, I make sure to dedicate time to myself and my personal life. If not, you can certainly get burned out. I know a lot of my friends often deal with feeling the pressure to keep moving non-stop but that’s not realistic nor healthy for anyone. You have to always find time to do something you love or something that energizes you. For me, that’s running, meditating, and discovering new music. How important is mentorship? Mentorship is extremely important. It’s important to serve as a mentor as well as have mentors. Navigating through any career will require you to solicit counsel from those who have done the same as you. By doing so, you can sometimes avoid what could have been a tough lesson. It’s also our responsibility to pay it forward to someone who could benefit from our counsel.
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aine Hampton is an entertainment attorney with nearly a decade of experience working in Business & Legal Affairs within the music and television divisions. He didn’t always start off with the idea to be in the entertainment sector of law, but long-lasting impressions while working at Music World Entertainment changed his mind.
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Wendy
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W
endy Credle is veteran entertainment attorney with over 30 years in the music industry. Now owner of Credle & Associates, Wendy lets us know that it’s not always all fun, and games, and the path to your passions aren’t always so clear.
Did your journey into law follow the path you envisioned? You never know where the path is going to lead you, you have to be open. People, and parents put so much pressure to figure it out, but life does not work that way. You have to explore, try different things, find your passion, or allow your passion to find you. Some people know exactly who they are and what they want to do. But for many of us, the path isn’t that clear. You have to leave room for opportunities and growth. You are in one of the funnest parts of law (music, entertainment), what is one thing you wish people knew about this particular brand of law? You are still an attorney, you still have a responsibility to yourself, the profession, and your clients to hone in on your craft, be meticulous about your work, and be ethical about how you deal with your clients. You cannot get caught up, and there’s a lot of responsibility with the title and the role of being an attorney. That should always come first.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAREN RIPOSO
When did you first know you wanted to be a lawyer? It kind of found me. When I was an undergrad at the University of Michigan, I was a pre-med student. When I was done, I was burnt out and thought I’d never go back to school. While I was in Barbados post-grad, I realized I wanted to be in the entertainment industry. My dad used to promote concerts when I was a kid, so I spent a lot of time backstage. I moved to New York, started temping, and became an A&R executive. When I started to interface with the lawyers, it became my favorite part of the job instead of being at studios. I realized where the power was. I went to law school with the intent of coming back to the entertainment industry.
What’s your favorite part of the job? Helping people make their dreams come true, and see a physical manifestation of that. I can pick and choose what kind of clients I take on. I can have an impact (as a TV producer) on the kind of images put out there for people of color. What’s the hardest part of the job? Working for myself, and constantly being a rainmaker. Sometimes it pours and sometimes there are draughts. You have to manage your time, money and your emotions. Being an entrepreneur, means there’s no steady paycheck and constantly being on your hustle. What was your most high profile case/client? In terms of the music industry, I’ve represented, Anthony Hamilton, Stephanie Mills, Chrisette
Michelle and more. I’m really excited about the new venture of becoming a TV/Executive producer for a show tentatively called ‘Married Life’, slated to air on OWN this spring. If you weren’t practicing law, what would you be doing? I don’t see myself choosing one over the other. People can do multiple things. My entertainment practice complements my TV production role, as I also represent on-air talent. How do you manage to have work-life balance? There’s a time and a season for all things. My son is 24 and graduated from college. There was a time when so much of my energy was focused on being a mom. I think it depends where you are in life at the time and what your priorities are.
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Words By KAYLIN YOUNG Illustration By KELLY NGUYEN
Masculinity Under the Knife: Why Male Plastic Surgery is Ever-Increasing In today’s world of Instagram and Snapchat filters, physical appearance (whether natural or technologically-altered) is more important than ever. For those who cannot fix their imaginary imperfections, they turn to plastic surgery. Women have been getting nipped and tucked for years in the public eye. However, according to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), there’s a fraternity of men who’ve undergone cosmetic surgery emerging at a 325 percent increase since 1997. Overall, men only make up 8 percent of all cosmetic procedures – that percentage equals about 1.3 million surgeries (both minimally-invasive and surgical). While this number is wildly low compared to women’s 14.5 million, it does bring certain stigmas to the surface about societal presumptions of what masculinity looks like and why the desire to look our best has no gender. As the infamy surrounding male plastic surgery continues to fade, more men are adding it to their lists of avenues to explore. In a 2017 survey conducted by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), 31 percent of men said they were “extremely likely” to consider a cosmetic procedure. Less than half said they would want to have a treatment to “feel more confident”, while a quarter said they wanted to “look younger” to stay competitive in their careers.
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“fountain of youth” through injectable fillers in his face. “I started getting fillers in 2012 and walking out the doctor’s office for the first time, I felt anxious. The Botox doesn’t set in immediately, it takes about 24-48 hours to set in, so I was just anxious to see how I looked.” While Glamo’s work has him in the public eye, that was not his reason for pursuing injections. It was also partly-therapeutic. “If I’m doing something reality-[TV]-based, I just go in to let the doctor plump my face. But if I’m acting, I’ll cut back because I want to have natural expressions. I don’t do it for work – I also do it for migraine headaches, so it’s relieving to get the injections between my eyes. I just like the way I look when I’ve gotten Botox.” The male cosmetic surgery trend is led by the most popular operations like nose reshaping, eyelid surgery, breast reduction, liposuction, and facelifts. Research also shows noninvasive procedures like Botox, laser hair removal, chemical peels, and softtissue fillers are also moving up on the totem pole of cosmetic requests.
Dr. Alan Matarasso, a board-certified plastic surgeon based in New York City, the President of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, said the reasons for seeking plastic surgery are as diverse as his range of clients. “I think the reasons are multifaceted. One, plastic surgery is more accepted today. The generation before this might have had it but weren’t as forthright – or they didn’t have it, but now they’re willing to try it. We also live in a very connected world now. There’s more information out there, and that certainly drives it. The inhibitions are lost after you see the information. We’re a very mobile society. People are not staying in the same city or same jobs as they used to, so it’s common to feel the need to keep up with this mobile society.”
The most popular male procedures in Dr. Matarasso’s Midtown office are, “Eyelid surgery for baggy eyelids, nose reshaping, liposuction – or what I call the ‘daddy do-over.’” In his practice – as in many others – the types of men who seek improvement are nearly as varied as the types of elective surgeries.
Glamo is a fashion image consultant and actor in New York City who declares he’s found the
Yes, the motive and personalities of surgical candidates span a wide spectrum, but Dr. Norman
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“You’ll see the teen who wants their nose or ears done. The middle-aged person who’s concerned about baggy eyelids or loose necks – men have wider and shorter necks than women, and for those who wear collared shirts, they want to get that tightened,” he said. “I can see an older banker with wingtip shoes and a 25-year-old DJ the next day.”
Rowe discovered and cured a common discomfort in the world of male plastic surgery with The Club House, a male-centric facility in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. When Dr. Rowe noticed his male patients were uncomfortable or shy about plastic surgery in his “co-ed” clinic, he opened an office full of male doctors, male nurses, and male staff – oh, and floral wallpaper is nowhere in sight. Patients like Glamo who aren’t ashamed of their enhancements don’t need the isolation of an allmale clinic to hide that he get fillers. “Oh girl, I don’t give a fuck, I get work done!” Glamo’s exuberance is evident, but it isn’t without a fair share of criticism. “I’ve gotten a lot of comments from ‘Damn, can your face move?’ or ‘You look animated’ to ‘Can you lay back on the fillers?’ Everyone has something to say, especially in this social media day and age,” he said. But he’s not the only one in his friend group who’s gotten work done (whether by syringe or scalpel). “Our nicknames used to be ‘The Plastics’ because of how many of my friends having gotten work done,” he said. Comments like these are typical and lend to a larger conversation about stigmas surrounding men who get plastic surgery. It’s common to hear that women are insecure about their appearance – or their bodies, but men are expected to be the silentand-strong type. This assumption is the very reason men seek medical alterations. Contrary to popular belief, it is rare for men to seek cosmetic procedures due to the stereotype that they are seeking gender transitions or desire a feminine look. According to a study conducted at Chapman University, a large portion of men are “dissatisfied” with their physical appearance – 15% are “extremely dissatisfied.” Like women’s experience with body image, research says men feel there are “unrealistic expectations of body types”, often citing the bulging muscles of superheroes or Hollywood hunks as examples of unfeasible ambitions.
When these men turn to plastic surgeons, it’s often because they just want to bulk up or become as toned as they think society wants them to be. The cycle of chasing perceptions can be unhealthy for those who abuse reconstructive procedures in the search for acceptance. For this reason, Dr. Matarasso believes plastic surgeons are “psychiatrists with scalpels.” “I had a professor who once said this quote, ‘I make my living off of those who I operate on. And my reputation off of those who I don’t.’ If a plastic surgeon is doing their job appropriately – which is an elective surgery – part of our job is also advising candidates. We have to educate
them,” he said. “You have to get to the motive. Are they doing it for a spouse, for a new job, or for themselves? We’re not operating on their illnesses, we’re operating on their psyche.” Besides the emotional complications, medical complications are similar for men and women. The most common post-surgical issues patients face have to do with bleeding, infection and proper healing of the skin. According to Dr. Matarasso, “Plastic surgeons have complications with hematoma (excessive bleeding) more so in men. Say a husband and wife have a facelift – which is common – the bleeding will be more excessive on the man because he has ‘bearded
skin’, which means he has a larger blood supply in the face beneath the hair follicles.” Regardless of gender, plastic surgeons just want candidates and their patients to be safe and smart. Dr. Matarasso advocated that, “If you’re considering any form of plastic surgery, it’s important to go to a boardcertified surgeon, who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. On the ASPS website, we have tools that will lead you to surgeons in your area.” The increase in male plastic surgery proves that the desire to look and feel best is not subject to a single gender. In the words of Glamo, “There’s nothing wrong with your perception of beauty.”
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Words by BRANDON SCHULTZ
Photography by TYLER MALONE, THE SECOND SHOOTER
NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES. SOME HEROES DRINK BEER. With just about every big city and small town boasting at least one craft brewery, you’d be hardpressed to find another with the same business model as husband and wife duo David and Quynh Rathkamp. They donate 100% of their profits from Save The World Brewing Co. to charities.
Save the World Brewing Co. in Marble Falls, Texas, opened in 2014 as a passion project for the couple, both of whom were physicians. David’s passion was beer, and Quynh’s was charity. To the shock of family and friends, they quit their careers, downsized their home, and devoted their lives to brewing exquisite Belgian ales with the express purpose of giving away all of the profits. They took on no investors, and the business carries no debt. To date, Save the World has been able to donate more than $100,000 to charities. The business focuses its giving on two key arenas: hunger and the local community. Charities are rotated regularly, but include organizations like Food for the Hungry and Feed My Starving Children (David was once a pediatrician), as well as local chapters of Habitat for Humanity and Meals on Wheels. As Quynh put it, “There are so many charities and we decided to focus our efforts on basic human needs. Food and shelter.” When local disasters strike, Save the World allocates some of its giving to recovery efforts, and David and Quynh continue to be active volunteers locally and beyond. While they’ve clearly managed a successful business model, it’s passion that brings the beer lovers in and continues to increase the brewery’s popularity. “There’s so much outlet for creativity here,” says Quynh. “Beer has four main ingredients—grain, hops, yeast, and water—that all can be manipulated in so many ways, but the added ingredients for flavor make the possibilities endless. It’s very different from wine in that way.” Save the World focuses on Belgian ales, and exclusively on beers that David likes. It’s difficult to find a beer you won’t like at Save the World, and part of that may be because David is a supertaster, (one who tastes things with greater intensity than most of us) and likely gives him a serious advantage in blending ingredients to create products that are almost universally pleasing. That also means he has an aversion to bitter flavors, so you’re not going to find a robust selection of IPAs here. If David doesn’t think it’s delicious, he’s not brewing it. There’s no shortage of selection in the 20-barrel brewhouse though. Save the World produces about 1,000 gallons per year, ranging from spiced witbiers and fruity saisons to golden strongs and limited releases like pumpkin ales and pomegranate blondes. It’s only recently that Texas allowed production breweries to sell beer for on-premise consumption, and the tasting room has taken off, offering between 15 and 20 beers on tap. David and Quynh never wanted to be stuck washing dishes, so the first pour comes included with the glass, and ranges from $6.50-$8.50, with refills coming at a $3 discount. When regulars frequently forgot to bring back their glasses, the True Beerliever club was borne, allowing members to keep their glass on a shelf in the tasting room, among several other perks. Today, you’ll find the tasting room almost completely surrounded in glasses, stacked neatly on thin shelves lining the walls and filled almost to the ceiling, each one numbered. Some of them are personalized with stem decorations. When a True Beerliever walked in during our visit, Quynh smiled and greeted him with a “Hi Sweetheart! 450, right?” That was the number of his glass, and she was already on a stepstool, climbing up to retrieve it. At the Save the World, your glass may have a number, but Quynh seems to know everyone personally. It’s that kind of town, and that kind if brewery.
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Regina King
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Paris Hilton
Black Panther
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Words By ALLISON HAZEL Illustration by KELLY NGUYEN
Kim Porter MODEL, ACTRESS, MOTHER — A BELOVED WOMAN IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY It’s evident that Kim Porter was loved by many— her family, friends, fellow celebrities, etc. She inspired Jodeci’s “Forever My Lady”, a chart-topping 1990’s record written by Al B. Sure!. The singer-songwriter dedicated the song to his then wife Porter and their son Quincy Brown, who was a newborn at the time. Kim Porter passed away in November at the age of 47. Her untimely death caused a sadness that was quite indescribable. Porter’s impact and the way she resonated with others, left the industry devastated. The news about her passing was followed by an outpour of messages, condolences, and support via social media. According to the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office, her cause of death was pneumonia. Porter lived an abundant life, geared towards supporting her loved ones. She gave us a glimpse of her world on Instagram with motivational quotes, family photos, and snippets of good times with close friends. Her demeanor was loving and warm, it was something you could feel even if you didn’t know her personally. Porter was a mother of four. She shared three children with music industry mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, Christian and twin daughters D’Lila Star and Jessie James. Porter and Combs were a couple for over a decade, and remained friends after separating in 2007. Porter was also a model and actress, she appeared on television shows like Law & Order and Wicked Wicked Games. In addition to films including The Brothers and Mama I Want to Sing. A few days after the heartbreaking news, Diddy expressed his feelings on social media saying “…I’ve been trying to wake up out of this nightmare. But I haven’t. I don’t know what I’m going to do without you baby. I miss you so much. Today I’m going to pay tribute to you, I’m going to try and find the words to explain our unexplainable relationship. We were more than best friends, we were more than soulmates…” Respectively, Al B. Sure! honored Porter’s memory with a sentimental Instagram post captioned “#ForeverMyLady.”
Dallas Austin, Rihanna, and Janelle Monae also shared heartfelt messages about the late Kim Porter. Austin revealed the character Laila played by Zoe Saldana’s in Drumline was inspired by her. Rihanna described Porter as “beautiful inside and out” and Monae referred to her as a “champion of women in the industry”. Additionally, 50 Cent, Viola Davis, Missy Elliott, Lenny Kravitz, Vivica A Fox, and more posted thoughts and prayers. Kim Porter’s funeral took place in her hometown of Columbus, Georgia. Attended by a many, Diddy delivered an emotional eulogy and pledged to always be there for his children. Subsequently, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms proclaimed Porter’s birthday, December 15th, “Kim Porter Day” in the the city. In the words of Maya Angelou: “If you’re going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on the world that can’t be erased.” Kim Porter’s legacy will live on through all the lives she touched. She will truly be missed.
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