Bleu Magazine Issue 55-Diggy Simmons

SLICK RICK

RICHARD WILSON HOT SPRINGS

NICK WRIGHT

simmons

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Table of

Contents

62 PAGE

ALLOW DI G GY S I M M O N S TO RE- I NTRODUC E H I M S EL F Words By J’NA JEFFERSON

Outfit COACH s Photography By ANDRE PERRY

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TAKE THE LEAD

Take an active role in your health.

Ask your doctor if an HIV medicine made by Gilead is right for you.

onepillchoices.com GILEAD and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc. © 2017 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. UNBC4619 06/17

Table of

Contents Shirt STUSSY Pants HUF WORLDWIDE Sneakers ADIDAS

s Photography By JARROD ANDERSON

14 Access By Bleu

44 Travel Hot Time

16 The 4 By 5 Parks and Rec

50 The Creatives Purpose-Drawn Life

19 Gadgets BowFlex through Summer

54 Fashion Raw Way

21 Cars Sporty and Conscious

72 Feature Nick Wright: The Dapper Don of First Things First

22 Soled Up The Music Man

76 Op-ed FOMO No More

28 Grooming The Perfect Face

30 Fuel

78 The Humans

80 Fashion

Discover Tennessee’s Tastiest at Jim Oliver’s Smokehouse

Willing to Love

32 Fitness

90 Spotlight

Scoring a Stronger Core

Noting Notting Hill

34 Fashion

92 Bleu List

Taking it to the Streets

93 Icon Slick Rick

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MASTHEAD

On the Cover DIGGY SIMMONS Words By J’NA JEFFERSON Photography By ANDRE PERRY Fashion By RAVEN ROBERTS

Publisher/Editor-In-Chief

Contributing Writers

DéVon Christopher Johnson

J’na Jefferson, Dominique Carson, Emeka Dibia, Tanya Hayles, Angel L. Quiles Jr.

Executive Editor George Kevin Jordan

Contributing Photographers

Editor-at-Large

Jarrod Anderson, Lanna Apisukh, Othello Banaci, Khrystian McCalister, Andre L. Perry, Erik Umphrey,

Darius Baptist

Sr. Designer Dominic Bielak

Art Direction & Design Vee Banionis

UK Fashion Editor Sean Azeez

Contributing Fashion Editors Douglas Hickman, Raven Roberts

Fashion Market & Production Terence B. McNealy

Interns: Cedric Small,, Johana Lopez, Erica Garnes, Jamie Rollo, Jessica Nacincik, Elysia Tanswell, Emilie Breslin, Khrystian McCalister, Adama Diallo, Gareth Felix, Samuel Zomin, Alyssa Serrano, Wei Chen, Chelsea Crandell, Angelo Regidor, Salma Serour, Jinjin Qu, Chelsea Ayala, Christopher Dominguez, Melanie De Los Santos, Shaban Ali, Akib Mahdi

BOMBSHELL BY BLEU Editor-In-Chief

Managing Editor

Ebony Allison

Annika Harris

Digital Content Strategist

Contributing Editors

Kaylin Young

Raymond Mora

Editorial Team

Copy Editor

Kishon Springer, Cataanda James, Sigourney Salley, London Burns, Matia Peebles

Trevoy Ross

THE BLEULIFE GROUP Chairman, CEO & President DéVon Christopher Johnson

Business Development Brent Zachary, Massih Azad

Digital Content Designer Julian Kim

AD Sales: Todd Evans, Rivendell Media 908.232.2021 Scean Ellis, Leverage Media Sales scean@leveragemediasales.com

Brand Ambassadors Rannon Harris (Chicago - Midwest) Leroy Williams (Northeast)

Newsstand Distribution

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Submissions Bleu Magazine 140 West Street 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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Photo By EBONY ALLISON

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

As they try to change their worlds Are immune to your consultations They’re quite aware of what they’re goin’ through Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes Turn and face the strange Ch-ch-changes Don’t tell them to grow up and out of it Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes Turn and face the strange Ch-ch-changes Where’s your shame?

You’ve left us up to our necks in it Time may change me But you can’t trace time

David Bowie, “CHANGES ”

How will the future define the times that we are living in? What words are scholars and historians going to choose as defining terms as they look back on our tainted elections, abuse of power, unfair economics, and the tragedy of having to ask if “Black Lives Matter?” There used to be a time that you could count on good ‘ole American optimism. The place where dreams were truly possible and the majority of the people had a chance to make a good life.

Every generation gets to define itself. That doesn’t seem to be the case anymore. Our greatest freedoms are being manipulated and obscured by what seems are powers beyond our reach.

Content can be manipulated to foster a dialogue of fear and divisiveness rather than unity and positivity. Our news isn’t news anymore; it is a sandbox for adults seeking attention and a gold star for creating chaos and hysteria.

It is our hope here at Bleu to offer you, our valued and loyal readers, a glimpse into what life and reality can be. We take an aspirational approach to our entire editorial content. How things could be without all the noise and confusion. If those in the sandbox put down their hammers and machine guns and see each other as fellow humans. The way it was suppose be all along.

DéVon Christopher Johnson Founder And Group Publisher

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C O N T R I B U TO R S

R AV E N R O B E R T S

JARROD ANDERSON

Raven Roberts is a New York fashion stylist with an affinity for vintage fashion. She is always on the hunt for a fierce look to create the perfect mood for her shoots, clients and herself. She’s a vegan-adjacent foodie with a love for baked goods. You may have also spotted her in a commercial or two.

Jarrod Anderson is a Florida native currently living in New York City. He is a creative specializing in capturing visual stories via photography. His primary focuses are portraits, lifestyle and fashion. Since quitting his job to pursue photography full time he has worked with brands and campaigns such as Complex Magazine, Essence, CRWN Magazine, Peerspace, LinkNYC and more.

ANDRE L. PERRY

J’NA JEFFERSON

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, playfulness and spontaneity. Today, he remains inspired by his travels, his skateboard and his strong belief that life happens outside the studio.

J’na Jefferson is currently serving as a staff writer at VIBE, and her writing has been seen on Billboard, Playboy, BET, CollegeHumor and more. Her writing focuses on urban music and culture-related stories and features. She’s also shifted her commentary to reflect topics pertaining to society, women’s rights and more. Additionally, she serves as the host of the podcast #AndFriends, brought to you by the Indie Creative Network.

LANNA APISUKH

KHRYSTIAN MCCALISTER

Lanna Apisukh is an American photographer based in New York Cityworkinginlifestyle,portraitureanddocumentaryphotography.

As a skateboarder and former elite gymnast, she is drawn to creative and independent individuals walking their own path. Her work celebrates youth, individuality, culture, fashion and travel through colorful stories she strives to create in her images.

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.

MAGAZINE

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AC C E S S BY B L E U

SOR R Y TO BOTHER YOU SCR EENING To celebrate the upcoming release of the highlyanticipated film SORRY TO BOTHER YOU, Annapurna Pictures hosted a VIP screening on Tuesday, June 19 at the Tribeca Screening Room.

Immediately following the screening, director Boots Riley and cast members Lakeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, Jermaine Fowler and Terry Crews participated in a Q&A discussion moderated by Charlamagne Tha God.

Terry Crews, Boots Riley, Lakeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, Jermaine Fowler

Tessa Thompson, Lakeith Stanfield

Boots Riley

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Charlamagne Tha God, Jermaine Fowler, Tessa Thompson, Lakeith Stanfield, Boots Riley, Terry Crews

Jermaine Fowler

Charlamagne Tha God

AC C E S S BY B L E U

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THE F IR ST PU R GE SCR EENING In honor of the upcoming release of THE FIRST PURGE, Universal Pictures presented a special screening in Los Angeles at the Regal Theater at LA Live on Wednesday, June 20. Cast members Y’lan Noel, Mo McRae, Lex Scott Davis and Joivan Wade were in attendance as well as director Gerard McMurray and producer Jason Blum.

Other special guests in attendance included Jermel Howard (All Eyez On Me, Power) and Luna Laura Velez (Dexter, How To Get Away With Murder.)

Peter Cramer, Donna Langley, Brad Fuller, Mo McRae, Lex Scott Davis, Gerard McMurray, Rotimi Paul, Jason Blum

Jermel Howard, Siya, Y’lan Noel

Jason Blum, Gerard McMurray

Jermel Howard, Luna Laura Velez

Mo McRae, Lex Scott Davis, Y’lan Noel

Jermel Howard

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T H E 4 BY 5

PARKS AND REC If the great outdoors are your thing and exploring parks are your passion, then you know that not every park is created equal. From the busy streets of New York City, to the desert sands of New Mexico, these North America gems all feature unique outdoor treasures ready to be discovered.

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APOSTLE ISLANDS, WISCONSIN Twenty islands and 12 miles of mainland off the coast of Wisconsin, Apostle Islands, consists of beaches and cliffs where water and land intersect with the culture of the past and present. Open 24/7, 365 days a year, you can go sailing and boating on any of the 12 public docks or any of the public boat launches at 6 of the locations for a small fee. Fishing is your opportunity to catch Lake, Brown, Brook and Rainbow Trout, along with Coho Salmon at any of the islands and surrounding areas with a Wisconsin fishing license and Great Lakes stamp. Fifty miles of mainland trails exist for hiking, providing access to lighthouses, abandoned quarries, farms, logging camps, beaches, campsites and scenic overlooks. Don’t enjoy exploring on foot? Try kayaking throughout the mainland sea caves between the islands and on Lake Superior. For the swimmers, try diving in the clean, clear water exploring rock formations, shipwrecks, marine life and more!

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1. Sailing and Boating 2. Fishing 3. Hiking 4. Kayaking 5. Scuba Diving

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2 EVERGLADES, FLORIDA

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Everglades National Park in Florida is not to be missed. This unique stretch of weird and wonderful wilderness spans across 1.5 million acres of Southern Florida. As the largest sub-tropical wilderness in the USA and a World Heritage Site, this park is a center both for important research and conservation efforts, as well as the perfect spot for a distinctive day trip. Have some fun on your visit and try geocaching, an interactive treasure hunt that can be played in the park.

Players search for hidden containers using GPS-enabled devices. The park is teeming with fascinating wildlife from small fish to big carnivores and has plenty of interesting things to do. Take a tram tour around Shark Valley and explore all the parks wildlife. Be prepared to get your feet wet and indulge in slough slogging as this location is full of wetlands and swamp-like conditions ripe for exploration. For the thrill seeking dare devil, try diving for coral at John Pennekamps Coral Reef State Park. And if you’re looking to explore the everglades on foot head over to Corkscrew Swamp and try to find the blooming ghost orchid.

1. Geocaching 2.Tram Tour 3. Slough Slogging 4. Diving For Coral 5. Corkscrew Swamp

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3 THE HIGH LINE NEW YORK, NY

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When the weather is pleasant, there’s nothing quite like walking the High Line.

NYC’s elevated park is certainly one of the more popular New York City attractions everyone needs to check off their list. To give you a bit of history, the High Line was once a rail track, which went out of use in 1980. In 2009, the 1.45-mile-long strip was transformed into what is now considered one of the most unique parks in NYC. If you’re in the area check out a show at The Highline Ballroom the shows at this club—located right underneath the High Line (hence the name) span burlesque performers, lit readings and musical acts. Grab some grub at Chelsea Market. The former home of the National Biscuit Company is a hot spot for foodies-in-training; favorite vendors include Jacques Torres, People’s Pops and Ronnybrook Dairy. Pick up a good read at 192 Books. Art dealer Paula Cooper and literary editor Jack Macrae founded this white-walled and high-ceilinged book emporium in 2003. The shop houses art, history and travel times, as well as a selection of best-sellers. Get active at Chelsea Piers. It’s pretty impossible to get bored at this recreational complex, which has served the needs of sporty New Yorkers for more than 15 years. Everyone knows that New York City have some of the most interesting people in the world living and working here. At The High Line, there are numerous places where you can sit and enjoy some people watching as visitors walk by.

1. The Highline Ballroom 2. Chelsea Market 3. 192 Books 4. Chelsea Piers 5. People Watching

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WHITE SANDS, NEW MEXICO White Sands National Monument is a beautiful oasis located in southcentral New Mexico. Famed to be the largest gypsum dunefield in the world covering over 275 square miles of the Chihuahuan desert. The white sand is made up of Gypsum crystals, which explains both the sands color and its cool to the touch, unlike normal sand. If you’re looking to get the best view of the monument try driving along the 16 mile round trip Dunes Drive Road but if you’re not interested in being trapped in a car you can also enjoy the fresh breeze while bicycling.

Want to show off for all your friends on Instagram? The monument is perfect for photography. Find a cool sand dune “spine” to take photos near. For visitors looking to relish in all this destination has to offer, try backcountry camping. The campsites are not available for advanced reservation and are administered on a first-come-first-servebasis. Interested in learning the history of the dunes and how they were formed? Then head on down to Lake Lucero where park rangers will share the geologic story of White Sands National Monument.

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1. Driving Dunes Drive 2. Bicycling 3. Photography 4. Backcountry Camping 5. Lake Lucero Tour

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KINFOLKLIFE.COM

GADGETS

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BOWFLEX THROUGH SUMMER We see the commercials all the time: Use this machine and you can look like Michael B. Jordan in less than 30 minutes a day. If you believe that tall tale, please close this magazine and enroll in Trump University.

However, some machines are better equipped than others to help you get that buff body. Enter the Bowflex SelectTech 560 Dumbbells.

At $420.99 USD this incredibly compact gadget features a dial that can turn the weight and lock it in place. It goes from five to 60 pounds depending on your type of workout. And by downloading the Bowflex Tech app on your smartphone, you can track and record sets, reps, and weight.

Everyone has different goals on wanting a specific type of body. Starting with 60 pounds, maybe you can do a heavy full-body workout to bulk up and show off those muscles. Give it to ‘em Creed! Or do a light full body workout with 20 pounds to help produce a streamlined swimmers build à la LaKeith Stanfield.

Either way, these must-have dumbbells can’t be passed up. They’re an excellent product if you prefer to workout at home rather than navigate through slightly used towels at a sweaty gym.

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BLEUMAGAZINE.COM @BLEUMAGAZINE

SPORTY AND CONSCIOUS Words By JAMIE ROLLO

C O S T: $163,300

The first ever 2019 BMW i8 roadster is the perfect combination of style, sport, and environmental awareness. Designed with a sleek look, it is one of the first electric drop-top vehicles of its kind. The exterior is made with lightweight, reinforced carbon fiber, which is not only stylish and aerodynamic, but sustainable as well. The roadster also features a new vent on the hood that will prevent the hot air from going straight into the cabin.

In addition to the sleek outer design, the pièce de résistance of this car are the stylish butterfly doors. The modern design is also extremely breathtaking on the inside. The interior is upholstered in leather with an option of E-Copper Leather Exclusive and includes high quality material including Carbon Fiber trim.

Under the hood is an electrically charged turbo engine in addition to a TwinPower Turbo gas powered engine over the rear axle, which gives the vehicle more power. With the capability of a total output of 369hp and 420lb-ft of torque, the vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. Even with this speed, the roadster drives smoothly and quietly.

DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: Length:

184.9in

Width:

76.5in

Height:

50.7in

Wheel Dimensions:

20 x 7.5 in (front), 20 x 8.5 in (rear)

The roadster offers four different driving modes to suite any of the drivers needs.

“Comfort” mode allows for a balance between sport car performance and fuel efficiency, while “Sport” mode takes power from the gas powered engine with a boost from the electrically charged engine. Then there is “Eco Pro” mode, which provides a balance between efficiency in all electric modes or blend modes.

Lastly “eDrive” mode allows the car to run solely on the electric engine for maximized fuel efficiency.

The beauty of plug-in hybrids in general is the ability to store energy in other ways. The BMW i8 roadster has the ability to restore power while on the road.

To completely recharge only takes the roadster three hours and can be done at any of the 44,000-plus public charging stations.

BMW provides the driver a glimpse into the future of sustainable vehicles by offering a sporty feel with environmental consciousness. Its MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) is $163,300.

ENGINE: Transmission:

6-speed automatic transmission

Type:

1.5 Liter TwinPower Turbo 3-cylinder

Power:

228 hp @ 5800-6000 rpm

Torque:

236 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm

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E H T C I S U M S

SOLED UP

Photography By KHRYSTIAN MCCALISTER

Music and footwear editor for BleuLife Media, Dorielle Jackson, gave us an exclusive look at some of his most prized footwear gems.

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SOLED UP

Nike Air Force 1 ‘07 CR7 $100.00

Where are you from?

I was born in Yonkers, and raised in Buffalo.

Job profession?

Music Producer/Engineer.

When did you start collecting sneakers?

I’ve been collecting sneakers for over 20 years.

What is your favorite sneaker in the collection?

My favorite sneaker in the collection are the Air Jordan V. What sneaker would you add to your collection?

I would like to add a pair of Nike Air Mags (Back to the Future).

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SOLED UP

Top Right (Black) Name: Air Jordan 3Lab5 (Infared) $225.00

Bottom Right (Red, White Black) Name: Air Force 1 ‘07 LV8 $100.00

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Air Jordan 3 Retro Left (White Cement) $190.00

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SOLED UP

Nike Air Force 1 ‘07 QS (Left) $130

Nike Air Force 1 ‘07 PRM JDI (Right) $130

Nike Air Force 270 $160

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SOLED UP

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Air Jordan 2 Retro Iron Purple $150

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GROOMING

The Perfect Face

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Photography By KHRYSTIAN MCCALISTER

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1 CLINIQUE FOR MEN FACE S CR U B ( $ 2 1)

This pre-shave essential sweeps away dead flakes and oil, reviving the surface as it prepares skin for a closer, nick-free shave.

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2 B I L LY J E A L O U S Y C O M B I N AT I O N C O D E F A C E MOISTURIZER ($26)

This moisturizer promotes skin healing and helps restore pH balance.

3 K I E H L’ S C A L E N D U L A HER B AL-E X TR ACT TONER ($62)

This toner gently cleanses while soothing redness and skin irritation. It is enriched with calming calendula and allantoin, as well as nourishing burdock.

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BRICKELL CL ARIF YING GEL FA C E WA S H ( $ 2 5 )

MERKUR SOLINGEN RA ZOR ($40)

Brickell’s foaming gel men’s face wash removes impurities and oil with effective coconut based cleansers, while aloe restores the skin, and geranium works as a powerful antiseptic cleansing away impurities. The result is a clear and bright complexion.

The razor has a classic head that is easy to use and gives a close and comfortable shave.

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FUEL

Discover Tennessee’s Tastiest at

Jim Oliver’s S m o k e h o u s e

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FUEL Words By EBONY ALLISON

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Photography By COURTESY OF TENNESSEE TOURISM BOARD

Forty minutes north of Chattanooga, Tennessee is where you will find the charming town of Monteagle.

The scenic mountain views, clear skies and southern hospitality received were all well appreciated for a big city girl like myself. And while tourists from all over flock to this area to explore the great outdoors, there is one essential indoordestination that had everyone talking - Jim Oliver’s Smokehouse.

Residents of Monteagle sing its praises, and after my visit to the coveted foody landmark, I understood why. The iconic restaurant occupies ten thousand

in every dish on the menu would be blissful, but there is one menu item that I found to be the crémede-la-créme, the ribs.

Slow-smoked right in house with a rub of various spices known only by the owners, these ribs were one of the best I’ve ever eaten. The tender meat, the robust flavors from being slowly smoked, and the variety of homemade speciality sauces combine for an ideal barbecue experience. Biting into these ribs will send your taste buds on a flavor trip as the meat pulls clean from the bone. Though JD Oliver refuses

to tell the secret behind this masterpiece, guests are more than welcome to purchase the pre-smoked and packaged version along with one of the famous homemade sauces -to relive this moment in your own home.

But if ribs aren’t your thing, there is no problem because there are several other savory dishes that can accomodate you, the brisket is a good place to start. Brisket lovers know that the trick to spotting good brisket lies in the way the meat tears. Jim Oliver’s Smokehouse has also crafted this to perfection. The texture, tear, and taste are suggestive of the precise skill and time that goes into the preparation. Douse it in a little of JD’s special vinegar to turn the smokey flavor up a notch!

Though the barbeque reigns supreme, the smokehouse also serves a medley of other homestyle dishes. From pinto beans, turnip greens, mash potatoes, and fried pies, JD and his smokehouse crew have mastered the art of southern cooking.

The fried green tomatoes were reminiscent of my grandmother’s with a light coating of crunchy yet savory goodness sealing in the sweetness of the tomatoes.

The Smokehouse is not only home to authentic barbeque dining, it also serves up good vibes with live performances every Friday and Saturday night featuring some of Nashville’s talented musicians and songwriters.

If you’re a lover of family traditions, good eats, and an overall great time, then Jim Oliver’s Smokehouse is the perfect destination to enjoy tasty comfort food with friends and family.

square feet and though vastly popular now, the smokehouse had humble beginnings.

It was in 1960 that a twenty-one year old Jim Oliver opened up a “Honky-Tonk” called the Bee Hive.

The Bee Hive had just six bar stools, meaning that curb service to the parking lot became a necessity.

Eventually the Bee Hive made Jim and his brother Melvin enough money to purchase the historic Monteagle Diner. Together they transformed it into one of the most famous restaurants on the Dixie Highway.

The Smoke House itself came along in 1975. Jim Oliver opened it with just 14 employees, 80 seats, and a modest gift shop. The family recipes and traditional old smokehouse style meats turned it into the success it is today.

Since Jim Oliver’s passing in 2007 the Smokehouse has been run by his family. His children James David (JD) and Betsy Oliver are at the helm, delivering the same family recipes of delicious southern style food.

With a menu brimming with southern style delights, the flavors packed in every dish are everything but simple. In a perfect world, indulging

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FITNESS

SCORING A STRONG CORE Think it’s too late to reach your dream physique this fall. Probably is ...UNLESS you bring in the big guns like fitness guru Daries Lindsay.

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Words By DOMINIQUE CARSON Photography By KHRYSTIAN MCCALISTER

D

Daries Lindsay sees a goal and attacks it. It is no wonder the National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF) personal trainer, excels at most everything he does from fitness to modeling and even college! We spoke with Lindsay about his journey and mission to help others also become their best selves.

Bleu Magazine: How did you get involved with fitness?

Daries Lindsay: I started getting involved with fitness around three years ago. But, I started taking it more seriously in 2016. I wanted to be a teacher but it wasn’t my true passion. I just wanted to better myself in this field. I just started digging deep within and started figuring out things that I wanted to change about myself. It was definitely the way to go because I wanted to be in shape.

I wanted to inform others about being in shape.

It was a plus for me and I was just locked in this field. I didn’t look back at all.

How did you start building up your clientele?

I chose a different route, I was a personal trainer for Equinox but I wasn’t fond of the staff members.

I was ready to venture out on my own and began teaching fitness at boot camps and health clubs.

And that’s how I started building up my clientele.

So, it’s a combination of referrals and interacting with people.

What challenges did you face as a trainer?

I really had to learn the language because as a personal trainer, it’s important for you to know the terminology. You must study anatomy and physiology and learn the body parts like the quads, deltoids, and hamstrings. You also have to learn

the function of movement, stability, and mobility.

I also figured out that our bodies are naturally imbalanced and you must take into consideration genetics, medical history, and physical limitations that will prevent you from working out. As I was training, I encountered soreness, injuries, and completing the final result behind the scenes.

When do you think it’s best for someone to have a personal trainer?

I would say the first thing you want to do is ask yourself, “Are you serious?” Ask yourself, “Is this something you really want do?” I say that because you have to work hard and put in the time. A lot of time people don’t really know why they want to have a personal trainer. Some people like to follow the trends and ended up falling off. But, if you’re committed, you have to change your mindset about health. You would spend money to go see a movie, buy jewelry, but you won’t spend money to fix or upgrade your body. People don’t want to see the importance of remaining in shape. It just depends on the individual, but, as a trainer, continue to express the value of service. Personal trainer or not, you have to push yourself in order to produce effective results.

How do you lose fat and gain muscle at the same time?

Leaning towards muscle is the goal of anybody, no matter how big or small. How to be lean and cut is the biggest question. But, a person has to think about an individual’s body type, how they eat, or sleep. If you ask anyone that question, they will give you different answers. Stress triggers weight loss or weight gain. You can’t go by the internet solely because it’s all about monetary gain. You have to filter out what you think is good for you. You have to understand fitness and spend time to learn about the field. People look into surgery and that’s not always wise. You’re alternating your body’s natural way to produce hormones, endorphins, and it’s just too much of a risk. You’re taking a risk in order to get immediate results.

ABS

Let’s face it we all want them. We envy the people in the gym that lift their shirts to display them. We put it in our routine and fumble through the exercises. But are we approaching abs all wrong? Fitness trainer Daries Lindsay has this to say about abs.

“People look at their abs as their prize possession. But, if you want that six-pack, you have to put in the work. You have to watch what you eat or regulate your diet.

If you’re eating unhealthy, it will show in your appearance. You have to eat the foods that you need more: fruits, vegetables, and water. We all should have an alkaline diet and add more greens to your diet. You are what you eat!”

Once you get your diet in check it’s time to work those muscles. The American Council on Exercise (ACE) sponsored a study conducted by the Biomechanics Lab at San Diego State University. Here are five exercises to help you achieve those ridges on your mid-section.

BICYCLE MANEUVER CAPTAIN’S CHAIR CRUNCH ON EXERCISE BALL VERTICAL LEG CRUNCH REVERSE CRUNCH

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FA S H I O N

Taking i to the str Photography By OTHELLO BANACI

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Fashion By TERENCE B. MCNEALY

Grooming By OLYMPIA DALLEY

FA S H I O N

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it reets Shirt ARTIST IN RESIDENCE Pants UNIQLO Sandals ARMANDO CABRAL

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Shirt UNIQLO Pants DYNE Sneakers BALENCIAGA

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to the street

FA S H I O N

Shirt DYNE Shorts DIPLOMACY

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76 Nick Wright the Dapper don of First Things First Words By ANGEL L. QUILES JR

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Hot Springs, Arkansas is more than a pitstop to another destination. It is a relaxing and expansive vacay destination for anyone traveling south.

The H2O is world renowned. The Hot Springs, which are over 4,000 years old, pump out over 700,000 gallons of water to drinking fountains and bathhouses.

It is all available for use by the public.

The bathhouses are legendary for pulling celebrities, politicians, and everyday people from all over the States and the world for healing, bathing, and drinking.

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S Small cities get such a bum rap. They are usually saddled with unflattering adjectives like sleepy, quaint, or cozy. But some cities may be small in stature but overflowing with character and culture.

Take Hot Springs, Arkansas, a city that curves around the Hot Springs National Park. With a population of only 36,915 people, according to a 2017 census report, it could be so easy to dismiss this vibrant city, but you shouldn’t.

Bleu recently got a chance to visit this beautiful green oasis. We arrived at Lookout Point Lakeside Inn and were taken on a boat cruise of the gorgeous Lake Hamilton. We sipped wine as we coasted on placid waters and gawked at mansions bordering the lake. It is hard to be envious of the rich when you’re sipping on properly aged wines and lounging on leather couches.

The following day we arrived at the entrance to the Hot Springs National Park, and learned what gives this city its international reputation -- the water.

The H2O is world renowned.

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The H2O is world renowned. The Hot Springs, which are over 4,000 years old, pump out over 700,000 gallons of water to drinking fountains and bathhouses. It is all available for use by the public. The bathhouses are legendary for pulling celebrities, politicians, and everyday people from all over the States and the world for healing, bathing, and drinking.

In the past, people with syphilis have been known to dip in the ancient waters when there was no other recourse. Several bathhouses were erected on the strip in Hot Springs to accommodate all races, income levels, and ailments. Though most batthouses have closed, the reputation of the city still lingers around the world.

The actual Hot Springs are scattered around the park, with a few manmade structures for tourists, but most are natural openings in the rock. The water is warm to the touch, averaging about 143 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s also crystal clear with a clean taste.

The park itself is a walker’s dream with over 8,400 miles of nearly untouched land to explore, hike, run, and ride through.

A tour of the Fordyce Bathhouse is a trip down memory lane. The building has been restored to its former glory. As you walk past the ancient steam rooms and gymnasiums, you see this space was all about restoration. As one of the oldest bathhouses, the Fordyce maintains its elegance and stately presence.

We rounded the day off by sipping beers at the Superior Bathhouse Brewery, a spot that pulls from the spring to offer delicious craft beers.

I stayed at the Waters Hotel, a modern and luxurious hotel that somehow managed to pull aesthetics from the past while keeping amenities modern. I woke up to a salty sun that threatened to overheat my entire room. But the hotel’s chic blinds and chilled AC kept the room temperature cool.

Downstairs was the Avenue, a world class restaurant tucked into the belly of the hotel. The bartenders know how to make a cocktail. They provided a cool spirit each night I went to my room. The restaurant offered high-caliber meals and ambience without the pretentious feel of a New York eatery. Casey Copeland, the award-winning chef, offers Asian-style cuisine that fills you up, and highlights his flair for tabling, making you feel pampered and fed at the same time.

If you’re looking to take a load off, step into the Ohio Club, a bar which highlights talented local artists who perform everything from country to old school R&B. The drink selection is traditional but the cocktails are good and stiff. And the waitstaff is friendly. The crowd comes to party and you will feel welcome the moment you arrive.

I couldn’t leave Hot Springs without partaking in a little bit of that spa treatment. I headed to the Arlington Hotel, where Al Capone once stayed when he ran his casino.

After signing up for a spa treatment, I was escorted into a back room.

It was humongous. The machines were vintage and reminded me of the same equipment displayed at the museum shops of the closed bathhouses. A friendly attendant took me to a whirlpool where water swirled from the jets below and drained my tension. Then, I was swaddled in a blanket until my body could cool down properly. After a 30-minute steam, I cooled down some more, and then it was time for a vigorous yet healing and relaxing massage. It felt like being in a 1960s bathhouse.

Hot Springs is known for its bathhouses and water. But you can’t forget the hospitality, cuisine, and beautiful landscapes. All these perks make you feel right at home in a city offering too much to be considered little.

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LOOKOUT POINT LAKESIDE INN 104 Lookout Point Circle Hot Springs, AR 71913 501- 525-6155 www.lookoutpointinn.com

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THE PANCAKE SHOP 216 Central Avenue Hot Springs, AR 71901 501-624-5720 www.panckakeshop.com

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SUPERIOR BATHHOUSE BREWERY AND DISTILLERY 329 Central Avenue Hot Springs, AR 71901 501-624-2337 www.superiorbasthouse.com THE AVENUE 340 Central Avenue Hot Springs, AR 71901 501-625-3850 www.thewaterhs.com

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DELUCA’S PIZZERIA 407 Park Avenue Hot Springs, AR 71901 501-609-9002 www.delucaspizzeria.com

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HOT SPRINGS MOUNTAIN TOWN 401 Hot Springs Mountain Drive Hot Springs, AR 71901 501-881-4020 www.hotspringstower.com

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HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK 369 Central Avenue Hot Springs, AR 71901 501-620-6715 www.nps.gov/hosp/index.htm

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ARLINGTON HOTEL & SPA 239 Central Avenue Hot Springs National Park, AR 71901 501-623-7771 www.arlingtonhotel.com

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OHIO CLUB 336 Central Avenue Hot Springs National Park, AR 71901 501-627-0702 www.theohioclub.com

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PURPOSE

Drawn Life How an artist used a pencil to build dreams, find success and end up in Tina Knowles’ collection

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BETWEEN US

The old saying goes that you can’t get a job in the arts. Richard Wilson, an artistic child prodigy smashes this myth and used his lifelong talent to land himself in Beyoncé’s moms house. Through paints and pencils he has been following his heart and passion for creating beautiful visual art since he was eight years old. Bleu chatted with Mr. Wilson about his life, career, and what drives and inspires him.

Bleu: Your talent was discovered early in your childhood, what were the signs that this was something bigger than being able to draw well?

Richard Wilson: My dad was an art major and artist in college and used to draw my brothers and I while sitting at the kitchen table. I was amazed [at] what he could do with a piece of paper. One day I tried my hand at it and fell in love with it. I started winning awards in elementary school for my art. Once I told him that I wanted to be a full time artist, he told me that I could, ‘just to put God first.’ [He] enrolled me in art school at 11, and I had the full support of my parents.

What was one of the major moments for you in your art career?

I wanted my art to be seen in New York. I took a vacation day from work to enter my work into a major art competition. I had to figure out how to ship the piece to New York. When they packaged the piece, it was too large and it ended up on a crate, but that was against the competition rules to ship crates. So I called the National Arts Club to get an exception which they granted.

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IN HIS SHADOW Arthur Ashe

I received a call, and they told me they couldn’t enter the piece as it wasn’t shipped per their rules and instructions, despite having been given permission to do so. The only way it could be entered, was to pay an additional $80. It was worth it since I had already paid $170 to ship it there.

Two days later, they told me, ‘congratulations, you won the National Arts Club award.’ Being from a small town, it felt like my hard work was starting to finally pay off.

The piece was called ‘Between Us’ and it’s still one my most popular pieces. I did end up winning the same award again, and if you win it a third time you become a master. I have three daughters, and so far two paintings featuring two of them have won, so I have one more to go to complete the trifecta.

What are your future goals?

I’d love to open up a gallery, to be placed in a major museum, ideally the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and to have a piece of work in President Obama’s library.

While we’re speaking of high profile people and celebrities, how did your work end up the Barbershop movies and in Tina Knowles’ hands?

I was doing a show at Essence Music Festival, and Ms. Knowles came into the booth. I told her it would be an honor to have a piece of my work in her collection and she replied, “it would be an honor to have a piece of your work in my collection.” She liked the piece called ‘Stage Fright’ and came back on the last day and bought it. Every year we were vending there, she would come back and visit.

PUSH-DADDY-PUSH

One year, she ended up signing the book that has pictures of all my pieces.

As for the movie Barbershop, I do a show in Atlanta every year, and one year Tyler Perry’s set designer came to our booth and fell in love with my work.

We kept in contact, and eventually sent my info to the set designer for Barbershop. They went on our website and ordered five pieces to decorate Calvin [played by Ice Cube]’s house. We do still stay in touch right through today.

What are some of the major life lessons you’ve learned?

A lot of these things are happening for me because I stepped out on faith. After I lost my job teaching art, I went back to school for advertising and graphic design, which enabled me to create a catalog that I could use in the real world and sell from. I was eventually offered another teaching position, but I wasn’t interested in working for someone, I wanted to work for myself. But my mentor encouraged me to do both - have a steady income and continue to work on my own art. It also provided me training to do workshops in the future. I landed on magazine covers, [and] became a speaker talking to students about following their dreams.

Younger people are still told there are no jobs in art, what would say to those younger people who want to pursue an art career?

I would say don’t doubt your gift and what God has given you. Just use it. And get rid of fear. It will hold you back. Everyday I get to wake up and do what I love to do. There’s no limit to how much money I can make or opportunities that come my way.

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I’d love to open up a gallery, to be placed in a major museum, ideally the African American Smithsonian museum and to have a piece of work in President Obama’s library.

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Allow Diggy Simmons To Re- Introduce Himself

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iggy Simmons ain’t new to this shit. Although he’s just 23 years old, the EMPIRE signee has been casually killing the game for nearly ten years.

When he was just 14, the son of Run-D.M.C.’s Rev Run and the nephew of music mogul Russell Simmons released his first mixtape, The First Flight, which was followed up by two more mixtapes and his debut, Unexpected Arrival, in 2012.

Sandwiched between the projects were the accolades. Simmons, whose government name is Daniel Dwayne Simmons III, received cosigns from industry bigwigs like Kanye West and fellow East Coaster Nas, who praised him after he murdered a freestyle over his “Made You Look” beat in 2010. Even better? The then 15-year-old secured a slot on the 2011 XXL Freshman list alongside future rap superstars Big K.R.I.T, Meek Mill, and Kendrick Lamar; to this day, he is the youngest person ever included in the magazine’s Freshman class.

After a brief hiatus and a few impromptu freestyle releases over the years, Simmons is prepping his sophomore studio album, slated to drop this fall. On Twitter in early-August before the video for his first single “It Is What It Is” was released, he revealed that negative notions and overthinking his music prohibited him from releasing new material for a few years. However, he’s no longer sweating the small stuff, and taking everything the universe throws at him in stride.

“You just have to draw back to that feeling where you think, ‘this is special to me, this presents who I am,’” Simmons tells BLEU about disposing his pessimism so that his vision can thrive. “You may get anxiety about ‘what if?’ It’s not reality, it’s just all in your head. It feels really good to be able to get out my ideas and to say the different things that I wanna say. Then, to see how people relate to it... them telling me their experiences, it kind of matches the theme.” Per the artist, the untitled project will explore both the gamut of human emotions and his maturation as both a performer and a person.

“It definitely has many different layers,” Simmons says of the forthcoming album. “There are vibes like [“It Is What It Is”], but there are several different layers. From the beats being different to the concepts, it’s well-rounded because that’s what life is. We have those moments where we feel

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like we’re overcoming, where we feel high or cocky, where we feel lower and we don’t feel so good about ourselves, and everything in between. I gave all of those emotions a chance to see this album.”

“It Is What It Is” doesn’t involve fancy beat drops that’ll make the club go apeshit; instead, the scaled back, choiraccompanied violins give way to the song’s introspective lyrics.

“Once I rapped over [the “IIWII” beat], time in the album just went by,” he explains of the minimalism heard in the LP’s lead single. “By the end of the process, we were like ‘do we wanna put drums on this? This is hard!’ So, we didn’t, and it really does come with a message... It makes people focus on the lyrics, and it challenges the ear.”

After some time away from the scene, one may ask the music vet “why now?” to release new tracks. According to Diggy, he was itching to release his music sooner, however, he had to make sure he was ready on all fronts.

“This is just the time where I’ve finally been able to gather that strength, gather that confidence to just do it again,” he reveals. “This is just a time when I could do it. I’m happy. It feels just right, I’m excited.”

While he was away from the music scene, Simmons ensured that he was keeping busy in other realms. Other than being a musician, you may have seen Simmons modeling for Dolce & Gabbana in campaigns and on the Freeform show Grownish, where he played the romantic interest of Jaz, portrayed by singer and actress Chloe Bailey. He explains that he’s “blessed” for his career to have blossomed in several ways, and he’s thrilled to be exploring all avenues of his interests.

“You may get anxiety about ‘wha reality, it's just all in your hea really good to be able to get ou to say the different things that

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“Of course, I wanted to make music, I wanted to do things in fashion,” he says. “I wanna do more collaborative things with different people, doing my own projects one day. The same thing with acting, it’s something I really love and have a real passion for, and it’s something I enjoy getting better at. I’d always hoped to do different things.”

Naturally, growing up as a Simmons taught Diggy how to develop and build a brand from a young age. However, he states that he usually moves in a creative way rather than with a business mindset like other members of his family.

“I’ve definitely been able to just watch them build brands of their own,” he says of his family. “Whether it’s the fact that my dad was a rapper and he’s also a family man, and we ended up having the reality show that was really about family...Same with my uncle and him being a part of projects that have to do with him being a vegan or being a yogi, I’ve really been able to see how they work.”

Of course, he shouts out his famous father for always leading him on the straight and narrow, especially when it comes to surviving and thriving in the game.

“From my own perspective, getting advice from my dad, or even an opinion from someone who has done it and seen it, I’m really thankful for him,” he notes.

Despite being in the game for longer than many of his rap contemporaries, Diggy Simmons is continuing his journey of emotional growth and maturity whilst spreading his wings creatively. Especially now that he’s readying his second album and is no longer a teen in the game, he’s done a lot of expanding up until this point. Among the biggest lesson he’s learned in his 20s thus far?

Taking responsibility for himself and his choices.

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“This is just the time where I've finally been able to gather that strength, gather that confidence to just do it again."

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“IF YOU DO SOMETHING THAT DOESN'T HAVE TO DO WITH WHATEVER YOUR GOAL IS, OR HOW YOU WANNA GO ABOUT SOMETHING...

THAT STICKS WITH YOU.“

“[There are] no longer any fingers that you could point, nobody you could blame, there’s nothing to really fall back on,” he explains of the most important morsel of knowledge he’s picked up as a 20-something. “If you make a decision, or if you do something that doesn’t have to do with whatever your goal is, or how you wanna go about something...that sticks with you. You have to deal with whatever consequences come with your actions.” All in all, Diggy is loving the maturation process, and is growing more and more in love with his beautiful journey as an artist and person each day.

“Everything I’ve been through, the process in between me being able to come back and the good things that I’ve seen, it’s a whole process,” he says after some brief reflection on his part. “Really, when anyone goes through a transitional period in their life, they’re trying to figure out if it’s beautiful, because they end up learning [at] the end of it. You learn how to not do things, and it’s a whole process. You have to be able to say ‘even if I did mess up here, even if I did make a mistake, it’s okay,’ I think that’s beautiful.”

We guess you can say, it is what it is.

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Nick Wright THE DAPPER DON OF FIRST THINGS FIRST Words By ANGEL L. QUILES JR. Photography By LANNA APISUKH Fashion By RAVEN ROBERTS Grooming By TISH FERGUSON

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I like to consider myself a student of American history from reconstruction to the civil rights act. Any country that supercharged its ability to become a super power through unpaid slave labor is going to have a race issue, and in my opinion America hasn’t truly dealt with it.”

Sweater STEPHEN F. Pants SAND

Mr. Wright has also been adamant on social media, and on his show about how NFL players were treated when they protested during the national anthem at games. Unlike one popular narrative, he believes the national anthem protests were not protests against the flag. They were protests over police brutality that violated civil and human rights.

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Nick’s ascension into sports began in his hometown of Kansas City, Missouri. Like a lot of boys and girls, Nick wanted to be an athlete. Before he became a teenager, he realized it was not going to happen. Therefore, he decided that he would report on sports.

When he was 12-years-old he met legendary sports reporter, and play-by-play announcer Bob Costas.

Working on being the best, and making it to the pinnacle of your profession can seem like a herculean task. Making it look good while you are doing it is even harder.

Nick Wright, one of the co-host of the Fox Sports 1 show “First Things First”, has done both. His clear and concise opinions on the sports world, and climate have made him a popular polarizing figure in the industry. Furthermore, Nicks’ fashion prowess on the air has made men think about what color woven shirt, tie, and handkerchief combination they should wear with their suits.

I was at a barbershop in Harlem watching “First Things First” days after we conducted the interview. Nick was defending LeBron’s greatness as he always does. Most of the guys were upset that Nick was comparing LeBron to Jordan, and commenting that Mr. Wright did not know what he was talking about when a gigantic dude resembling Luke Cage said, “Bro any dude with a flower lapel pin that matches his tie knows what he is talking about”.

The man knows fashion, and the secret to his freshness is his wife Danielle. “Every single thing I’m wearing on the air is done by her,” said Nick. Danielle Wright, a charming and radiant woman of color is a monster when it comes to style. “She works for ‘First Things First’ as a stylist, and is a personal shopper/stylist for people who are going to major events,” said Nick. During the photo shoot, you could see how dedicated she was to making sure her man looked flawless. The communication between them was impeccable, inspiring, and something all couples should aspire to attain.

Suit and ties are not all he wears, Nick said, “When I’m not in suits, or Ted Baker, I’m rocking my G-Star Jeans, Jordan’s, and LeBron 15 tennis shoes… and I have 90 sharpies that I match with my suits”. His ability to be diverse is something you notice with his fashion, and with his sports commentary. Nick is known to be fearless when commenting on controversial topics. Such as LeBron being the greatest basketball player of all time, or any social issues that has plagued the sports industry.

I asked him what the biggest social issue he believed needed to be addressed in sports. He said, “America’s race problem.

“I asked him where he went to school and what he did when he was there. He told me he went to Syracuse, and worked at WAER. And I said ok that’s what I’m going to do,” Nick said.

He executed his game plan to perfection. When he finished Syracuse, he was running WAER, and has maintained contact with Mr. Costas since the day they met.

Nick’s plan in attending Syracuse was to get a Bachelors degree in broadcast journalism. However, it went against the grain of what his family had achieved scholastically. Both his parents had post-graduate degrees from Harvard. He was well aware of the expectation of him attending Harvard, and because of his good grades, and legacy admittance he could’ve easily been accepted there, or any top university in the country. Additionally, his sister, also an intellectual, was part of a women’s advocacy group in New York City. Their success removed the statute of limitations in New York State for bringing sexual abuse charges.

There was a lot to live up to in his family, and Nick’s decision to follow his dream of going to Syracuse was not an easy one.

“I only wanted to go to Syracuse,” Nick said, “So if I was not going to go to graduate school, with all three having post-graduate degrees, and my dad running the Kansas City firefighters union that did great social work, and my sister being an advocate for women’s rights, I had to justify covering sport by reaching it to the highest level.”

Wright’s diligence paid off. After graduation from Syracuse, Nick started working at a radio station in Kansas City, a place he loved. “I could’ve stayed there with my fiancé at the time, bought a house, and lived there forever,” he said. However, to reach the national stage required breaking into a bigger market. After five years in Kansas City his show was arguably the most popular.

Then in 2012, a radio station in Houston hired him and after four years in Houston, the Fox television network called. He began filling in as guest host for shows like, Cowlin Cowherd.

On Labor Day, 2017, he got what he wanted, his own show with co-host and football Hall-of-Famer Chris Carter.

He admitted to me that he didn’t feel like he had the greatest radio voice or the perfect face for T.V. Nonetheless; he was always serious about sports, hungry, and determined to make it. He gave this advice for anyone seeking the dream that he has achieved: “Work hard even if the pay is small, because I wasn’t making much in the beginning...use podcast to practice your craft, your phone, whatever you have. Stay in tune to what’s going on, and don’t be afraid if you make a mistake.”

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fOMO No More You Need To Break Up With Social Media, We Are Here To Help

It’s no secret social media can easily eat away at our time. Sure it helps us stay up to date with our friends and their lives, reminds us of birthdays and helps us learn the latest dances like #dotheshiggy. But sometimes it’s too much.

Scrolling through feeds on social media can create quite the experience. One moment you’re looking at an inspirational morning post, then it’s on to something random going viral from @theshaderoom, next you glance at a spirited yet unnecessary debate in someone’s comment section, and then you run across something tragic in a news report. All of that randomness at our fingertips can send us on an emotional rollercoaster before we even get out of bed.

Research from the study Computers in Human Behavior, posted online in 2016, suggests the more social platforms a person uses the greater the chance of depression and anxiety. 1,787 young adults were asked about their use of 11 popular social media platforms: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, GooglePlus, Instagram, Snapchat, Reddit, Tumblr, Pinterest, Vine, and LinkedIn. The findings from the national survey showed people who reported using the most platforms (seven to 11) had more than three times the risk of depression and anxiety than people who used the least amount (zero to 2 platforms).

Social media has become a part of our innate culture.

Now when you meet new people it’s not uncommon for them to ask for your IG handle instead of your number. Not to mention dating, I know I’m not the only one who has researched someone’s entire life story via Instagram and Facebook before the first date. We lean on social media daily.

According to an American Psychological Association study, Stress in America 2017: Technology and

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Social Media 8 in 10 Americans constantly or often check their emails, texts, and social media accounts.

That includes those who constantly check their timelines as if life depended on it.

I challenged myself because of my own attachment to social media. For one entire weekend, I decided to unplug from the social world to clear my mind. I did falter a little because I did not delete the apps, so I did receive some notifications. But I did stay away from scrolling on my timelines.

Here’s what I found, although my stint was short because of work restraints I felt refreshed unplugging for a little while. I even picked up the phone and called a couple people I normally wouldn’t have. But most of all I felt like I had more time.

Are you the one always saying you need a break from life?

Maybe you just need a break from your “cyber” life.

Dr. Carrie Wyland, a social psychologist at Tulane University explains that too much activity online can affect our ability to get things done. She says our brains are not constructed to have several things running at once. We can focus on one thing and then we switch. When we do this our productivity is hampered, and we’re not doing things as efficiently or quickly.

Words By EMEKA DIBIA

Illustration By WEI CHEN

“We know people are not as productive when they try to do a lot of things,” Wyland said. “I think people often tie it to our anxiety… you know, FOMO the “Feeling Of Missing Out”. You know if I don’t check my news feed right now. I may be missing something if I’m not responding to this text people might be waiting for me. It’s our anxiety and it is decreasing our intentional focus.”

The FOMO struggle is real. We all have that one friend who seems they are living their best lives on social media. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing your life to others. But sometimes those picture-perfect snapshots create needless pressure to keep up with your friends and colleagues. We all remember Bow Wow’s infamous Instagram post flossing with a googled picture of a private jet.

“Everyone is putting their best selves out there, editing their pictures, untagging the ones we don’t look good in,” Wyland said. “And when I look at someone else’s stuff, we’re like ‘wow look at all this awesome stuff everyone else is doing.’ I feel like a bum. That’s because we’re constructing these online selves.”

According to Stress in America 2017: Technology and Social Media, some 65 percent of Americans somewhat or strongly agree that periodically “unplugging” or taking a “digital detox” is important for their mental health. However, only 28 percent of those who agree with the importance of detoxing actually report doing so.

I admit social media has a lot of negatives.

However, it’s important to recognize its power.

Everyone has a voice. Everyone has a great outlet to showcase their product or service for the world to see. The reason you take that break is to find balance.

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“Our brains are not constructed to have several things running at once. We can focus on one thing and then we switch. When we do this our productivity is hampered, and we’re not doing things as efficiently or quickly.”

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THE HUMANS

Words By ADAMA DIALLO AND EMEKA DIBIA

MARK LAWRENCE How did you get into tattooing?

I was incarcerated before and while I was incarcerated one of my best friends who’s like a brother to me started tattooing. I taught him how to draw and [when] he became a tattoo artist [he] got me interested. When I came home my friends bought all my equipment. They supported me because they believed in what I could do and I’ve never looked back.

Who is your inspiration?

My mother taught me how to paint and draw when I was young and by the time I was nine years old I sold my first painting. She always inspired me to do different things with art. She punished me with art.

She made me draw. She made me paint... like those ‘paint by numbers’ she would tell me that I couldn’t use the numbers. I had to use those same colors and paint without the numbers and that’s really how I learned. My mother was a Jehovah’s Witness so she didn’t want me hanging around other kids. So when I got bored she made me draw.

How would you describe art?

That’s a big question. Are you ready for this answer?

In 2002 or 2003 they honed an element. You know

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how we’re made of neurons and our cellular structure and all that. They found elements that created the atom and they called it the “god particle” that’s how I define my art. Because we have the power to take anything from the imagination and make it reality. We’re vessels to [our] imagination.

When people ask if you’re a tattoo artist what’s your response?

When people ask me if I’m a tattoo artist you know I tell them ‘no’. I tell them tattooing is just my job. I’m an artist. When you come to me, come to me for art, don’t come for a tattoo. That’s how I separate my clients. If you want a tattoo, I have a lot of guys I can send you to and I don’t mind giving that money away because I want my child to grow properly. I don’t advertise. I barely market.

I’m not good at Instagram. I just post pictures and everything. I’m not good at branding. I allow the universe to bring everything to me.

Is there something you still aspire to do in the art world?

I want to put my focus on doing large murals. I want the world to see my work. It’s like having a child.

How do you deal with negative energy?

Control. Once you realize that everything begins and ends with you. There should be no bad situation. Your response to bad energy is giving good energy.

Photography By STEVE AZZARA

Mark Lawrence changes lives through his artistry.

This storyteller uses ink as a vehicle for his “friends” to express themselves with a meticulous and thoughtful masterpiece of art meant to inspire. He’s done work for celebrities including 50 Cent and Missy Elliot.

THE HUMANS

Who are your fashion inspirations, muses, or biggest influencers?

I have always been inspired by Pharrell Williams.

He is such a dope and creative person, and his style is phenomenal. I also love Marci Penn’s wardrobe. I’d love to go shopping in her closet!

King Des Photography By KEVIN MORRISON

King Des is a 25 year old stylist, blogger, and momtrepreneur born and raised in Brooklyn.

When and how did you realize you wanted to be on the career path you are on now?

When I think back I have always loved being creative. I like art, I’ve danced since middle school, and have just always loved clothes. All things creative. I’ve explored so many different styles, which all led to my style now. It’s all personal, through experience.

What made you start your ‘King Des’ blog?

I started my first blog in like my sophomore year of high school. I remember sitting in my friend’s

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What’s a typical day like for your “King Des” brand?

Usually shooting new merchandise to drop on that Friday, while already prepping for the next week’s drop. There’s a lot that goes into it.

Sourcing, creating, styling, shooting, editing, posting, shipping, blogging, a lot! I’m involved in every single part of my brand. I know that very soon I have to start expanding my team, which I’m both grateful and nervous about. I’m very specific about what I want.

What’s your process when you’re styling? How do you decide what’s “right” for someone that comes to you with styling advice?

Styling for me is more about the confidence, not the clothes. I don’t just want to put clothes on you.

I want you to feel good in them. They represent you. It’s important for me to get to know you, see what you’re already working with. Body shape and heights vary on everyone, so that is also taken into account.

You mentioned two of your influences, but If you had the chance to style one celebrity, male and female, who would it be and why?

Male: A-Boogie Wit Da Hoodie. I have some looks in mind for him! Female, Teyana Taylor. She already has the swag, and goes for the look, so it would be fun to experiment and really do something out there with her. Something super fresh!

house, on her laptop creating it. I was so inspired

by Lily Allen, Gaga, [and] Katy Perry. Karla’s Closet

by Karla Deras was my favorite blog at that time. I loved the idea of having a cool fashion blog, sharing my opinions. It all just grew from there. I changed my blog name about three times before I landed on King Des. Where did your InstaGram name ‘King Des’ come from? Why not ‘queen des’?

Using king instead of queen started in high school for me. It was more boss. I like that when people hear king, they automatically connect that to a male. I remember reading this quote that said: “Sometimes the King is a woman,” and it just stuck.

Earlier you describe yourself as a stylist, blogger, momtrepreneur, how do you balance being all these things?

Being a mom is exactly what makes all of those things possible. Becoming a mother has made me into a superhuman. I’ve grown remarkable strength because of my daughter, as well as my husband, who has shown me nothing but endless support. Nonetheless, whatever you set your mind to is achievable. Nothing is impossible!

How do you feel like you’ve contributed to the fashion world?

I feel like I have encouraged and inspired many people to “Go for it,” which is important in fashion, and in life period. I have had plenty of people tell me they wish they could pull off one of my looks, or that they would never try a particular item for whatever reason. They set these barriers for themselves, forgetting that fashion has no barrier. Neither do dreams. Not only should you wear what you like, but also, never stop chasing your dreams. Go for it!

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KADEEM ROWAN HARPER When did you decide that you wanted to go into fashion?

Ever since middle school, I dreamed of being in fashion. I would do any and everything to learn how to design clothing for both men and women. The more I kept gaining knowledge in designing, I realized I was very good at coordinating clothing, creating themes through pieces and putting exceptional looks together.

I realized styling was something I [saw] myself doing in the future. So when I left high school I started focusing a lot more on creating a career in that field.

What’s your process when you’re styling?

How do you decide what’s “right” for someone that comes to you in need?

First, I would tell them to get out of their comfort zone, because you will never know what’s “right” for you if you keep relying on a certain type of style. I assure you if you start to wear and do things you have never done before, it will definitely be a life-changing experience.

Although it can be a risk, that risk can lead your style to a whole new level.

What is your biggest, most difficult styling gig you’ve done thus far?

I usually do more work when I’m working for another stylist. So far, the amount of assisting work is exhausting. I assisted a stylist [for a bank] commercial. The labor work was a bit way too much. Having to head all around New York City searching for clothing, carrying large garment bags and preparing for several models is very draining. But on the bright side the experience you gain is priceless.

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Do you enjoy being a stylist? Do you see yourself being a stylist for the rest of your career?

I see myself doing many things, I can never predict the future. However, as a stylist, I enjoy every ounce of hard work I put into it. It will always be a passion [for me] to dress people. There is a lavish amount of things to experience and plenty of steps to achieve.

I hope to accomplish every aspect of my journey.

If you could wear one clothing item for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I would wear trousers for the rest of my life because they’re very comfortable and easy to wear. Trousers can enhance a boring [outfit] unlike jeans. Some days I just don’t feel like dressing up, so I just put on one of my cool trouser bottoms and just pair it with a regular t-shirt or a plain button-down shirt and there you go. An easy fashion-forward outfit.

How do feel like you’ve contributed to the fashion world with your style?

Being able to live in New York City and inspire many people from different countries with just the clothes I wear is phenomenal. Each day I try to motivate and contribute as much advice to others when I’m styling. Hopefully I can push to a [larger] audience and inspire many more individuals.

What advice would you give to someone that wants to be a stylist?

First, the key to becoming a great stylist is connecting, (and) networking as much as possible.

Meeting and working with the right people can only take you steps further to your goal. Secondly, get your work out there. The more you put out there the more likely you will be seen. Lastly, be confident and passionate about what you do. There will be plenty of challenges you will face. So be prepared!

Photography By DAVID SIMMONS

Kadeem Rowan Harper is a fashion stylist, fashion influencer, designer and personal shopper.

If you had the chance to style one celebrity, male and female, who would it be and why?

It would be Zendaya and Asap Rocky. Zendaya is my muse, her beauty, her personality and her height is perfection. She fits my style tremendously well.

And for Asap, because we think alike in style, we would be the best duo and take over the fashion industry.

THE HUMANS

RAYYA ANSARI

So you just graduated from college with a BA in Psychology. What’s next? What’s your end goal? Where do you aspire to be?

Graduating is one of my biggest accomplishments.

Right now I’m still figuring out what I want to do.

I’ve changed my mind so many times. Ultimately, I want to be successful in a career that I love.

What has been the most challenging thing you’ve overcame?

Recently the most challenging thing I had to overcome was rejection. As a blogger, sometimes I reach out to different brands to collaborate with them but not every time they say yes. However, now I see it as at least I tried and there may be something better to come my way.

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What’s one thing you feel like you need to work on, in regards to yourself?

One thing I need to work on is to stop procrastinating. I push things off to do at the last minute then stress over not being able to finish.

What is your take/opinion on the representation of Muslims, male and female, in the fashion world? What advice do you have for them?

It wasn’t until this year that [I’d] seen Muslim women wearing hijab in the fashion industry. Also, big designer names and clothing brands like H&M came out with a modest collection. I was shocked to see that. It’s definitely a change and I want to see it normalized. For my Muslim brothers and sisters that want to be in the industry, go for it!

Rayya Ansari, 22, is a Black Muslim woman born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She is a style blogger who recently launched her own blog that speaks about current events and style.

Photography By COREY C. JOHNSON

How do you create your looks? What’s the thought process behind your outfits?

I get inspiration for my looks from everywhere.

Sometimes it’s from an outfit I’ve seen on someone else and I want to try it in my own way. Most just come from my thoughts and what I [imagine] looks well together. I don’t like plain outfits, I always have to add my own twist to everything to make it my own. Also, I don’t plan outfits. Each day I choose my outfit based off of how I’m feeling that day As a Black, Muslim woman, how do you feel like you’ve represented other Black, Muslim women through fashion? What is your experience as a Muslim woman?

As a Black Muslim woman my hope is that I inspire other Muslim women [to believe] that modesty and fashion do go together. You can cover up and be stylish, it’s just about finding the right pieces.

As a Muslim woman, growing up I did not see anyone that looked like me in the industry. It was hard for me to believe I could possibly be in the fashion industry because there weren’t women for me to look up to. However, I am happy that there has been progress and I see more Muslim woman entering [the] industry.

Who is your fashion inspiration, muse, biggest influencers?

My fashion inspiration is my mother. She is so fly I want to dress and look like her when I’m 50 years old. Not only is she my fashion inspiration but she also inspires me because the work that she does.

She fights against [all kinds of] injustice, even when it doesn’t directly affect her.

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Photography By ERIK UMPHERY

Creative Direction & Fashion By DOUGLAS HICKMAN

Willing to Love With over 10 years in the film and television industry, William Catlett, star of the OWN network television series Love Is, continues to show the world how to lead with style and dignity.

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Fashion Assistant By LC JOHNSON

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Noting Notting Hill

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The second largest festival in the world is held at the end of the summer every year.

Get ready for a dose of Black history, culture, and celebration just across the pond during the Notting HIll Carnival.

Words By ELYSIA TANSWELL

Photos Courtesy of PESTER PR

On Sunday, August 26th and Monday, August 27th the City of London will be transformed. What was once a typical residential area will become the site of one of the worlds biggests celebrations of Black history and culture. One former attendee described it to a reporter, “The Notting Hill Carnival means a day of expressing myself with my friends and taking part in a cultural tradition that has shaped London ...the spirit of the Caribbean people is strong and it’s wonderful to partake in that expression of pure Black joy.”

A huge proportion of Windrush era arrivals ended up living in the areas of Notting Hill and Brixton.

In terms of class and culture the Notting Hill of that time was miles away, from what it is today. Today

a much smaller event than what is today Europe’s biggest street party. The carnivals first installment took place on January 30, 1959. Notably, it took place in St Pancras Town Hall. It was organized by Trinidadian political activist Claudia Jones in an effort to bridge the cultural gap between residents of the London area. It was Rhaune Laslett who first took the event outside. Her vision was for a street party that would bring together all the communities of Notting Hill. She brought together a range of musicians and organized the first musical street party in 1966.

In truth, Notting Hill has always been political.

In 2017 the massive street party held a minute of silence in honor of the victims of the Grenfell Tower Fire. The tower was a block of public housing flats in North Kensington. A fire in the tower took the lives of seventy two residents. The carnival over the years has also faced over policing and repeated calls for closure despite the fact that the rate of crime over the course of the two day festival is much lower than comparable events like Glastonbury music festival.

Even the location itself has continuing cultural significance. Attendee’s describe the event as being “bittersweet because of gentrification you can see how much of that culture has been pushed out.”

On both days there are huge scale parades with floats, music, and troupes of people in dazzling costumes.That’s not to mention all the wild warmup and after parties that come along with the main event. Get ready to dance, drink, and stare in awe at the expertly crafted getup.

But first, to understand the significance of the affair, you need a bit of British history. After the Second World War much of Britain’s infrastructure was devastated, and there simply weren’t enough people left to rebuild. In response the British Government reached out to Commonwealth nations, begging people to move to the supposed “motherland” to help. On June 22, 1948 the Government’s prayers were answered when the HMS Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks in Essex. The ship carried around five hundred passengers from Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and other islands. But these arrivals, as well as many others that followed, did not receive the warm welcome they were promised.

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Notting Hill is affluent and cosmopolitan, back then it was decrepit and overcrowded. In addition to the less than ideal conditions, Windrush era arrivals were also faced with racist harassment and attacks.

This racial tension culminated in the Notting Hill Race Riots of 1958. The riots lasted from August 25th through to September 5th. Violent gangs of white “Teddy Boys” attacked people of Caribbean descent, and also targeted their homes and businesses. One hundred and eight people were eventually arrested, and although many were injured, miraculously nobody was killed.

It is exactly this violence and unrest that gave birth to the Notting Hill Carnival. The first event took place just five months after the riots. It was

Don’t allow the important history to make you believe this is a somber event. Today the Notting Hill Carnival is the second largest carnival in the world, topped only by Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro.

Each year it is attended by an estimated two million people and staffed by forty thousand volunteers and nine thousand police. There’s no shortage of things to do over the course of the festival. Parades take place on both the Sunday and the Monday. Visitors can catch roaming costume troupes known as ‘Mas Bands’ that can include anything from eighty to three hundred members. The bands work on their vibrant costumes throughout the year. Each year they go though around thirty million sequins, fifteen thousand feather plumes, and some thirty liters of body paint. There are thirty seven static music stations, there are steel bands, there are soca floats. If you get hungry you can try out one of the over three hundred food stalls serving Caribbean delicacies as well as plenty of alcohol to get you in the party spirit.

For first timers, the veterans of the event have some advice. Firstly, you can get dolled up for the occasion, but heels are out of the question. This is very much an event where you will be on your feet.

Secondly, keep hold of your friends. This is not an “I’ll find you later” type deal. There are more people in the area than should be humanly possible, and all of them are trying to call their missing friends so phone service is a distant memory. Keep your group close if you ever want to see them again. And third and finally, let loose and have fun.

If you’re planning a visit to Europe this summer, put Notting Hill on your to-do list. No other event allows you to party hard whilst also taking part in a cultural milestone. And the best part is, admission is free!

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BLEU LIST

A Taste of Summer

ESSENCE Festival

Newport Folk Festival

Afrobeat NYC

Festival Estereo Picnic

Outside Lands Festival

AfroPunk Festival

Firefly Music Festival

Arise Music Festival

FYF Fest

Philly Car Show Street Festival

Austin City Limits Festival

Galway Early Music Festival

Pinkpop 2018

Awakenings Festival

Governors Ball Music Festival

Pitchfork Music Festival

Backwoods Music Festival

Great Ben Festival

PrideFest

Best Kept Secret

Hangout Fest

Primavera Sound Festival

Billboard Hot 100 Festival

Harlem Week

River to River Festival

Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival

HBO Summer Film Festival

Rock in Rio

Boston Calling Music Festival

Heat of America

Rockavaria

BottleRock Napa Valley Music Festival

Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival

Sasquatch Musical Festival

BPM

Hot Dog Festival

Shakespeare in the Park

Broadway by the Year

House of Vans

Sonar Barcelona

Brooklyn Film Festival

Hudson River Flicks

Summer at Lincoln Center

Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival

Hudson River Flicks

Summer Festival

Bumbershoot Music Festival

Intrepid Summer Movie Series

Summer Stage

Buzz Beach Ball

JA New York Summer

Summer Stage 2018

Celebrate Brooklyn!

Lollapalooza

Summerfest Music Festival

Coachella

Lovebox

SxSW

Curlfest

Meadows Festival

Sziget Festival

David Bowie is

Mo Pop Festival

Tomorrowland

Mysteryland

Ultra Europe

Elements Festival

National Puerto Rican Day Parade

Welcome to Rockville

Elvis Week

New York Asian Film Festival

Wireless Festival

Electric Zoo Festival

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Panorama Music Festival

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Slick Rick One of Hip Hop’s Greatest Storytellers had his own story that catapulted him from a shy kid to one of Hip Hops Legendary MCs.

Words By DOMINIC BIELAK Illustration By WEI CHEN

Richard Martin Lloyd Walters popularly known as Slick Rick was born on January 14, 1965 in the South West London District of Mitcham, to an English - Jamaican family. Fans may remember the infamous patch he sported, but many may not know why he wore it. When he was only 18-months-old the then toddler was blinded when a window broke and glass struck his right eye. In some ways losing his right eye may be considered a blessing in disguise. As a child, Walters was too shy to go out and play sports so he would stay home and write stories.

In 1976, Slick Rick and his family immigrated to the United States and lived in the Baychester area of the Bronx. Slick Rick went to Fiorello H. Laguardia High School of Music and Art. He majored in visual art, and this is where he met Dana Dane, another soon to be iconic rapper. They became close friends and formed The Kangol Crew, performing together at school contests, parks, and local clubs. In 1984 Slick Rick entered a talent showcase and that’s

where he met Doug E. Fresh, and was quickly asked tojoinhisGetFreshCrew.Rick’sprofessionalcareer began in late 1985. He was slowly starting to create a name for himself in the music industry. Taking the moniker MC Ricky D in the GFC, he was first featured on the single “The Show” and on the more popular B-side, “La Di Da Di”. These two tracks gained a lot of attention and the group appeared on Top of the Pops and Soul Train.

In 1986, debuting his new name Slick Rick, the young rapper joined Russell Simmons and became the third artist signed to Def Jam Records, known throughout the industry as biggest and some say the best rap/hip-hop label at the time. In 1988 Slick Rick released his solo debut album The Great Adventures of Slick Rick. The album reached the No.1 spot on Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop chart. The album featured some of Slick Rick’s biggest songs which were “Children’s Story”, “Hey Young World” and “Teenage Love”. The release was known for its

storytelling and vocal characterizations. But all great stories have some tragedy. In 1990 Slick Rick pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted murder and other charges, including assault, use of a firearm, and criminal possession of a weapon. Slick Rick spent five years in prison, two years for the then-second-degree attempted-murder charges he received for the shooting and three for his struggle with immigration and naturalization services over hisresidencyintheU.S.Hewasreleasedfromprison in 1997. In between that time he also released The Ruler’s Back in 1991, and Behind Bars In 1994.

After his release from prison, Slick Rick went on to release his fourth album The Art of Storytelling, which was later certified gold.It was a successful come-back album that featured Nas, Outkast, Raekwon, and Snoop Dogg. Slick Rick is a master of storytelling in Hip-Hop music. His career has been a rollercoaster ride, but his audiences always gather round to listen to his cryptic and entertaining tales.

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C O N S TA N C E C . R . W H I T E

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