Bleu Magazine Issue #66 G Herbo

GHERBO MALI MUSIC

ANGELICA VILA

POP SMOKE

FRIDGE

BRIANNA CASH

NEIL BROWN JR.

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toyota.com/highlander

Celebrate your history together in the all-new Toyota Highlander.

Commemorate the 100-year anniversary of Negro Leagues baseball in style, in the all-new 2020 Toyota Highlander.

With a fully redesigned exterior, premium three-row seating, and an available best-in-class 12.3" touchscreen display,* you won’t just be ready to go — you’ll be ready to Go Highlander. Let’s Go Places. *2020 Highlander vs. 2020 competitors based on manufacturers’ data as of 9/19/19. Prototype shown with options. ©2020 Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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Table of

Contents Photography by Andrew Zaeh

s Jacket SCOTCH & SODA T-shirt DIPLOMACY

44 V U L N E R A B I L I T Y, B Y A N Y MEANS NECESSARY

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Table of

Contents

16 Access By Bleu

63 Fashion Angelica Vila

22 Gadgets

72 Feature Neil Brown Jr.

26 Car Kia Telluride

74 Feature Mali Music

29 Books For Everyone

76 Op-Ed My Break-up Almost Killed Me

30 Grooming Sustainability Meets Skincare

32 Fuel

78 The Humans

Kelp

80 Fashion

34 Fitness

88 Spotlight

Working Out During a Pandemic 101

36 Fashion

Boston

95 Icon Pop Smoke

Jody Fortson Jr.

54 The Creatives Fridge

Photography by Andrew Zaeh Jacket Diplomacy

60 Travel Lake Geneva

Jeans Purple Brand Shoes Gucci

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MASTHEAD

On the Cover G HERBO Words by: KEYAIRA KELLY Photography: ANDREW ZAEH Stylist: IMANI SULIMAN Grooming: CHRIS TABASSI

Publisher/Editorial Direction DĂŠVon Christopher Johnson

Head of Content EIC Bombshell by Bleu Ebony Allison

Contributing Writers

Shalisa Alba, Tanya Hayles, Keyaira Kelly, Reginald Dominique, Robin Williams, Erica Commisso

Contributing Photographers

Creative Director

Owen Duckett, Sommer Nicole, Leslie Alejandro, Vicent Richard, Levi Felder

Art Direction & Design

Mackenzie Murray, Justin Wallace, Zaire Turner

Andrew Zaeh

Vee Banionis Agnes Mazeikate

Graphic Designer

Interns

Editorial Contributors

Chevy Wolf, Imani Suliman, Chris Tabassi

AD Sales:

Todd Evans, Rivendell Media 908.232.2021

Partnerships & Branded Content Carlos Barksdale LaToya Shambo Lashawnda Goffin info@bleulife.com

Digital Content Strategist Kaylin Young

Luis Carlos Lopez

Brand Ambassadors

Managing Editor

Rannon Harris, Chicago - Midwest Leroy Williams, Northeast

UK Fashion Editor

Newsstand Distribution

Jamie Rollo

Sean Azeez

TNG 1955 Lake Park Drive, Ste. 400 Smyrna, GA 30080

Copy Editor Trevoy Ross

Deputy Editor Pauleanna Reid

Staff Writer

Tommy Rodriguez, Elysia Tanswell

THE BLEULIFE GROUP Chairman, CEO & President

Submissions Bleu Magazine

DĂŠVon Christopher Johnson

26 Broadway, 3rd floor

Digital Content Designer

New York, NY 10004

Kelly Janes Olney

info@bleulife.com

Bleulife Media & Entertainment Inc. | 26 Broadway 3rd Floor New York, NY 10004 | 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

Team by team, reporters baffled, trumped, tethered, cropped Look at that low plane, fine, then Uh oh, overflow, population, common group But it’ll do, save yourself, serve yourself World serves its own needs, listen to your heart bleed Tell me with the Rapture and the reverent in the right, right You vitriolic, patriotic, slam fight, bright light Feeling pretty psyched It’s the end of the world as we know it It’s the end of the world as we know it It’s the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine Six o’clock, T.V. hour, don’t get caught in foreign tower Slash and burn, return, listen to yourself churn Lock him in uniform, book burning, bloodletting Every motive escalate, automotive incinerate Light a candle, light a motive, step down, step down

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The world is changing. People are changing. What do we do?

Of course, this is a difficult time to navigate. There was collective anticipation for 2020. People threw parties, made deeply inspired resolutions, and let bygones be bygones.

We were ready for the good times to roll. Prosperity in the material world was supposed to fill the coffers to the rim. The stock market was on fire. But, so was California and Australia.

Restaurants were flooded with customers toasting mimosas and screwdrivers. But, we missed the news that Mississippi and New Orleans were experiencing a different kind of high tide.

We were ignoring each other. We replaced quality time and real human connection with FaceTime with relatives and overcrowded parties with strangers. We had it wrong. Now, all we’ve got to connect with relatives and loved ones is a scheduled Zoom call. We wasted our available time. We ignored its value.

It’s time to let that world go. Let’s reimagine a better future.

Most importantly, let’s imagine our future selves better. Second chances are rare. Let’s not screw it up.

Watch your heel crush, crush, uh oh This means no fear, cavalier, renegade and steering clear A tournament, a tournament, a tournament of lies Offer me solutions, offer me alternatives and I decline “It’s the End of the World” R.E.M.

DéVon Christopher Johnson Founder & Group Publisher

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C O N T R I B U TO R S

K E YA I R A K E L LY

ERICA COMMISSO

Keyaira Kelly is a writer, producer, speaker, and poet living and loving in Brooklyn, New York. Keyaira’s bylines are scattered across the web and in print, covering the culture, women’s issues, the latest water-cooler gossip, and modern-day sex and love.

Erica is a Canadian born writer who relocated to New York City to complete her graduate studies at NYU. She loves to read, travel and watch sports, and her other bylines include pieces in Rolling Stone, LitHub and The Philadelphia Inquirer.

TA N YA H AY L E S

SHALISA ALBA

Tanya Hayles is an award-winning event planner and creative storyteller, using various mediums to evoke emotions, create change, and magnify moments. She spends most of her days turning ideas into reality through Hayles Creative where event planning is not just what she does, it’s who she is. She is the founder of Black Moms Connection, an online global village of 14,000 and non-profit providing culturally relevant programs and resources to educate and empower the Black mother and her family.

Shalisa Alba is a freelance writer based in southern New Jersey.

Born and raised on the Jersey Shore, her easy-going spirit and love for words give her a knack for writing many topics, but her favorites include mental health and wellness, wealth creation, sustainability, and inclusivity.

ROBIN WILLIAMS REGINALD DOMINIQUE

Born and raised in Plaquemine, Louisiana Reginald Dominique quickly took the networking approach to his advantage by getting out and being recognized. As an Alumnus Tiger, of Texas Southern University with a BA Degree in Mass Communication and a Minor in Journalism, Reggie has worked many projects including several Super Bowls, ESPYS, Award shows, and many more as well as having interviewed some of your favorite celebrities. Reggie currently is a freelance journalist and serves as StyleMagazine.com Lead Videographer/Editor and Social Media Editor.

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Robin “Robbie” Williams is a passionate writer, editor, model and actor, filmmaker, designer, and real estate agent. She is the creator of the healing movement Redefining Soft. Within her work, Robin draws from a number of her most vulnerable experiences to help others heal, feel at home, create their legacy, and find their place within themselves and society. Robin earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from the University of D.C. and a Master’s Degree in Sports Management from Georgetown University, with a concentration in Strategic Marketing and Digital Media. For more information on Robin’s work, visit thisisrobin.com.

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AC C E S S BY B L E U

The 51 st A nnua l N A ACP Imag e Awards The 51st NAACP Image Awards ceremony took place on February 22, 2020. It aired for the first time on BET and simulcast on ViacomCBS sister channels. The NAACP Image Awards ceremony honors the outstanding achievements of people of color in the entertainment industry. Anthony Anderson, star of the hit ABC show Black-ish, was the host of this year’s ceremony, aired entirely on BET. The event included appearances from Omari Hardwick, Forest Whitaker, Asante Blackk, Tamron Hall and more. Notable awards include Lizzo for Entertainer of the year, Angela Bassett for Outstanding Actress in a Drama for her portrayal of LAPD Patrol Sergeant Athena Grant Nash on 9-1-1, Marsai Martin for Outstanding Breakthrough role in a motion picture for Little, Michael B. Jordan for Outstanding Actor in a motion picture for Just Mercy, Jharrel Jarome for Outstanding Actor in a Limited Series for When They See Us, as well as Jordan Peele for Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture for US.

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Photo credit NAACP : 1. Pictured: Asante Blackk 2. Pictured: Adrienne Banfield-Jones 3. Pictured: Tamera Mowry 4. Pictured: Tichina Arnold 5. Pictured: Niecy Nash 6. Pictured: Jharrel Jerome 7. Pictured: Marsai Martin 8. Pictured: Shahadi Wright Joseph 16

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AC C E S S BY B L E U

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BE T Celebrate s the S e c ond S eas on o f Bo ome rang The night before the premiere, BET Networks hosted an event at Paramount Studios celebrating the season two premiere of BOOMERANG. Cast members Tequan Richmond, Tetona Jackson, Lala Milan, Dime Davis, Leland B. Martin, and RJ Walker were all in attendance as they toasted the success of season one and the success to come of season two. Season two of the Lena Waithe and Halle Berry executive produced comedy will feature guest stars Jaleel White, Joey Bada$$, Walter Emmanuel Jones and Kim Wayans. Special guests Terrence J, Martin Lawrence, Cameron Hamilton, and Lauren Speed, Lance Gross, and Kellee Stewart also dropped in on the celebration.

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Photo Credit Getty Images for BET 9. Pictured: Lena Waithe 10. Pictured: Lala Milan 11. Pictured: Lance Gross 12. Pictured: Loren Lott 13. Pictured: Cameron Hamilton & Lauren Speed 14. Pictured: Tequan Richmond, Tetona Jackson, Lala Milan, Dime Davis, Lena Waithe, Leland B. Martin 15. Pictured: Martin Lawrencea 16. Pictured: Terrence Jay

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G H E R B O TO U R B E H I N D T H E S C E N E S C O L L AG E

Photography by: IRWIN BEATON@_photographir

G HERBO TAKES US ON THE PTSD TOUR

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G H E R B O TO U R B E H I N D T H E S C E N E S C O L L AG E

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Festival Mishaps

Since COVID-19 canceled all festivals and concerts, many music lovers are bummed that their summer plans have vanished. To cheer up some disappointed festival ticket-holders, here are four different festivals with five horrible mishaps that happened at each.

Woodstock ‘99 What was supposed to be a celebration for the 30th anniversary of the legendary 1969 festival turned into a complete, hazardous disaster. Taking place on a tarmac in the middle of summer was only the beginning of this festival’s problems.

Photo credit: Kevin Mazur for WireImage via Pollstar

1 23 45 There weren’t enough free water fountains and the cost per water bottle was $4.

There were numerous sexual assault charges taken out at the festival.

The volunteer security representatives fled the scene either leaving the grounds or attending performances without notice.

Someone drove a truck through the audience during Fatboy Slim’s performance.

Insane Clown Posse began throwing $100 bills into the audience.

The Altamont Free Concert, 1969 With the Rolling Stones performing for free and a bunch of dangerous motorcyclists as security, the Altamont Free Concert in California was a disastrous, drug-fueled mess from the jump.

Photo credit: AP/Shutterstock via Rolling Stone

1 2345 The Hell’s Angels were hired as security resulting in violent confrontations and homicide.

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There was no order; most performers and crews didn’t even know who was in charge.

Batches of “bad acid” were going around resulting in “a toxic mass psychosis.”

Many performers, including the Grateful Dead, pulled out of the festival.

Due to the violence and chaos, the festival went down in history as the beginning of the end of the counterculture movement.

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Fyre Festival, 2017 We cannot discuss festival failures without the mentioning of the festival that never happened, Fyre Festival. What turned into a millennial version of Lord of Flies made headlines and became the subject of not one, but two different documentaries.

Photo credit: imdb.com

1 23 45 Goers paid nearly thousands of dollars to stay in crummy tents that were advertised as “villas.”

Expecting luxury food at a luxury festival, attendees were given cold cheese sandwiches.

Every single performer pulled out because festival founder Billy McFarland failed to pay them.

Attendees were told to fend for themselves when distributing mattresses.

McFarland was sentenced to six years in prison and ordered to forfeit $26 million.

Bloc Festival, 2012 What was supposed to be a festival with an all-star lineup ended up being an overcrowded, unprepared mess. Organizers promised a weekend full of performances including Snoop Dog, DOOM, and many more, but due to overcrowding, the festival’s plug was pulled on the first night.

Photo credit: Fact Mag

1 2345 Festival organizers had brought in a boat as a venue, which quickly became overcrowded and difficult to board.

Goers reported that the sound quality of the performances was absolutely horrible.

On the first night, the bar quickly became understocked within a few hours of its opening.

Many ticket holders reported that they were scared for their own safety due to the overcrowding at the event.

The organizers decided to pull the plug completely on the first night, announcing the news during what would be Snoop Dog’s performance.

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ESSENTIAL

GADGETS Give your life a tech upgrade with our definitive guide to the best gadgets out right now.

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SideBar Electric Liquor & Beverage Dispenser System Entertaining is easy when your favorite cocktail ingredients flow like water. With the touch of a button, this countertop dispenser system measures and pours your liquor for you.

Starting at $519, the SideBar Electric Liquor & Beverage Dispenser System dispenses any variety of juice, liquor, noncarbonated water, margarita mixes, and red or white wines.

The system can be programmed to dispense a pre-measured amount of liquid for each of the five pumps. It’s like having five of your favorite spirits right on tap!

Available at www.amazon.com Photo credit: Amazon

Teckell T1 8 Foot Pool Table Experience a whole new game of pool with Table from Teckell, made with a single sheet and precision technology for an unrivaled With the market price of $42494.63, the comes complete with a full Teckell billiard extension, bridge, triangle, chalk, and a game balls set. The wool playing surface is from traditional English to Electric Blue interior of your game room.

the T1 8 Foot Pool of tempered crystal playing surface.

T1 8 Foot Pool Table set including cues, Super Aramith Pro available in 25 colors to complement the

Available at www.uber-interiors.com

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GADGETS

Nintendo Entertainment System: NES Classic Edition Play the system that started it all! The NES Classic Edition system is a miniaturized version of the original NES, which was released in 1985.

With the market price of $59.99, the classic system comes bundled with 30 games installed and ready-to-play. The system is also compatible with the Classic Controller and Classic Controller Pro, but additional NES Classic Controllers will be sold separately.

Photo credit: Amazon

Available at www.amazon.com

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Photo credit: Amazon

Super Boost WIFI Are you interested in getting more range and a faster connection from your internet? The Super Boost Wi-Fi makes your Wi-Fi signal stronger and your internet faster. Starting at $47.89, the Wi-Fi booster gives you fast data transfers up to 300Mbps, eliminates connectivity problems in dead zones, and increases Wi-Fi coverage in larger homes or those prone to dead spots. The Wi-Fi booster is easy to install and use.

Its compact design makes it barely noticeable and out of sight. If you don’t want to deal with a bunch of buffering internet pages anymore or seeing your internet connectivity drop off unexpectedly, then Super Boost Wi-Fi is the answer.

Available at www.amazon.com

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CAR

Words by: TANYA HAYLES

Kia Telluride is Redefining the American Road Trip Kia’s celebration of its newest vehicle made in, for and by America

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Kia’s newest award-winning addition to the family is its largest SUV, made for off-roading adventures, driving down the coast of the country from rocky mountains, pacific beaches and the grandest of canyons.

The Telluride, from name to concept, incorporates a powerful exterior design and premium interior which is great for families with seating up to eight. A spacious cabin with generous room including a third row, means long road trips are comfortable no matter where you are sitting.

Additional safety features include the “Kia Drive Wise” Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian detection (FCA), High Beam Assist (HBA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist-Rear (BCA-R), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Highway Driving Assist (HDA) and the innovative

Rear Occupant Alert that uses ultrasonic sensors designed to detect child or pet movement in the second and third-row after the car’s doors have been locked.

No matter the distance or destination, Kia’s Telluride is a lap of luxury on wheels, created and built in America with its diverse terrains from sea to shining sea in mind.

Telluride is the first Kia designed specifically for the U.S. at the Kia Design Center in Irvine, California and assembled in Georgia.

In 2020, it became the brand’s most decorated SUV, and the first-ever SUV to claim the “Triple Crown” of the auto industry’s most prestigious honors including the 2020 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year from North American Car of the Year (NACTOY), the MotorTrend SUV of the Year, and a Car and Driver 10 Best and Automobile All-Stars.

With interior features that channels its inner upscale cabin with Nappa leather trim upholstery, simulated brushed metal and matte-finished wood, reclining third-row seats, interior hooks to keep packs and bags off the floor and away from feet, it’s no wonder the Telluride also won the 2020 Autotrader 10 Best Car Interiors Under $50,000 award.

The Telluride is brimming with all the technological bells and whistles one needs for expeditions: a 10.25-inch color touchscreen6 with a rearview monitor, parking guidance, a 10-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system, wireless smartphone charging, and six total USB charging ports to keep everyone charged up and connected.

This SUV checks the sleek, sporty and sexy boxes, but safety is also a top priority for this ride. The car was awarded as The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick (TSP). To qualify for IIHS 2020 Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must earn good ratings in the driver-side and passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraint tests, as well as an advanced or superior rating for vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention and an acceptable or good headlight rating.

VEHICLE SPECS Engine: Horsepower: Fuel tank capacity (gal.):

3.8L, V6, Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) Lambda-II 291 hp @ 6,000 rpm 18.8 gallons

Wheelbase (in.):

114.2 in.

Length (in.):

196.9 in.

Width (in.):

78.3 in.

Layout/drive: Passenger Seating Capacity: Body configuration: Brakes:

Front-engine, front-drive or AWD 8 Passenger 5-door SUV Dual-diagonal, split-circuit, Power-assisted braking system

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Photography By ANDREW ZAEH Jacket MONCLER

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54 The Creatives: Fridge WORDS BY TOMMY RODRIGUEZ

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72 How Neil Brown Jr. SEALs One Deal After Another WORDS BY REGINALD DOMINIQUE

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76 My Break-Up Almost Killed Me WORDS BY ROBIN WILLIAMS

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BOOKS

A Book FOR EVERYONE Trouble finding a good read? We’ve compiled a list of some of the most anticipated new releases that are sure to please any bookworm, from memoirs to fiction and politics to commentary.

OFFICER CLEMMONS

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BLACK SUNDAY

by Tola Rotimi Abraham Black Sunday tells the fictional tale of twin sisters Bibike and Ariyike whose lives are turned upside down due to political strife and poverty. After their mother loses her job, her family becomes drawn to the “New Church.” Their father then puts their house on the line on a “sure bet” that does not go as planned.

Because of this, the sisters and their two young siblings are placed in the care of their traditional Yoruba grandmother. The thrilling and touching novel centers around the twin sisters and their journey to find their own power in a world of chaos. The author, Tola Rotimi Abraham, is a talented writer from Lagos, Nigeria whose work has been published in Catapult, The Des Moines Register, and the Nigerian Literary Magazine.

by Dr. François S. Clemmons François Clemmons made his claim to fame as the first African American actor to have a recurring role on a children’s program as the beloved Officer Clemmons on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Officer Clemmons delves deep into Clemmons’s upbringing in Alabama and Ohio, his experience as a music student at Oberlin College, and his career beyond his Officer Clemmons role. In this memoir, Clemmons discusses his familial issues, homosexuality, traveling experiences and more. François Clemmons has lived a fulfilling life with rich experiences, and Officer Clemmons is his way of intimately sharing his story with the world. The book will be available May 5, 2020.

THE BADDEST BITCH IN THE ROOM

SH*T IS F*CKED UP AND BULLSH*T: HISTORY SINCE THE END OF HISTORY

by Malcolm Harris Released on February 25, 2020, this intriguing novel is a compilation of different writings from 2011 to now. Harris, a freelance writer, and editor paints a picture of the problems facing society at the time of the Occupy Wall Street movement, the issues of the Trump administration, and everything in between.

The selected pieces aim to highlight the issues of “class conflict” at the most distressing times in our nation’s most recent history. Sh*t is F*cked Up and Bullsh*t has already received rave reviews from both The New Yorker and New York Times.

by Sophia Chang One of the most anticipated books of 2020, The Baddest Bitch in the Room follows the story of famed music executive Sophia Chang. Growing up in a primarily white, Vancouver neighborhood, Chang decided to head to New York where she became one of the most respected professionals in the music industry. As an A&R rep and manager, she has worked alongside some of hiphop’s greatest talents including the RZA, the GZA, D’Angelo, A Tribe Called Quest, Raphael Saadiq, and Ol’ Dirty Bastard. Outside of music, Chang has also produced runway shows and is currently dabbling in television and film production. The Baddest Bitch in the Room will be available September 2020.

CHOSEN ONES

by Veronica Roth Known for her hit young adult series Divergent, Veronica Roth is back with a brand new tale. Set in Chicago 15 years after a group of teens saved the world, Chosen Ones follows these protagonists in their adult lives as they deal with their newfound fame and a new battle they will soon have to fight. While fictional, the novel is very telling of the times as we see young people braving the burdens of older generations. Chosen Ones will hit shelves on April 7, 2020.

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GROOMING

SUSTAINABILITY MEETS SKINCARE Many skincare brands are made with chemicals that are not only bad for your skin but are also terrible for the environment. Bulldog Skincare and Previse are creating quality skincare products that are good for your skin and the planet.

PREVISE SKINCARE Meet Previse, the company that prides itself on pioneering plant-based skincare products. Each product is carefully formulated without any sulfates, chemicals or fragrances that could harm the skin.

HydroFoam Rejuvenating Hyaluronic Moisturizer Made with hyaluronic acid and plant-based ceramides, this moisturizer works to keep the skin moisturized and protected.

It also has anti-pollutant properties and anti-aging benefits.

Nutrify Ozone Defense Serum For an added layer of ozone protection, Previse has formulated a protective and hydrating serum that is packed with antioxidants and vitamins for added protection and anti-aging properties.

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Purify Marine Hydrating Cleanser The Marine Hydrating Cleanser formula contains nourishing marine algae and amino acids to not only cleanse the skin but keep it hydrated. This cleanser is completely sulfate-free making it ideal for those with sensitive skin.

BodyMist Vitamin E BodyOil This non-greasy body oil formula is the perfect plantbased moisturizer. Made with fair-trade organic sunflower, coconut, castor seed oils, and vitamin E, Previse’s Vitamin E BodyOil deeply moisturizes and detoxifies the skin.

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BULLDOG SKINCARE FOR MEN Bulldog Skincare for Men is your next best friend. From dry to oily skin, sensitive to mature skin, Bulldog has a range of products that will have your skin looking its best using all-natural and organic ingredients.

Original Moisturizer Bulldog’s Original Moisturizer is good for everyday use on normal skin. The aloe vera, camelina oil, and green tea, create a fast-absorbing, non-greasy moisturizer that leaves skin soft and healthy in no time.

Original Face Scrub Also containing aloe vera, camelina oil, and green tea, this scrub is formulated to gently yet deeply clean and remove all those dead skin cells. The formula includes tiny pieces of oat kernel, almond shell, and olive seed powder working to exfoliate and refresh the skin.

Original Aftershave Balm

Age Defense Moisturizer This product’s formula of antioxidants like rosemary, echinacea, and Vitamin E is perfect for men with mature skin as it helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Age Defense Serum Pair your Age Defense Moisturizer with the Age Defense Serum. This serum has twice the antioxidant power of the moisturizer, using a more concentrated formula of the same antioxidant complex.

Aftershave is a must for men looking to keep their skin healthy.

Soothe your skin with Bulldog’s Original Aftershave Balm, containing key ingredients like aloe vera, camelina oil, and green tea.

Original Beard Oil Condition your beard with Bulldog’s blend of eight essential oils. The product is non-greasy but brings out the shine in beards while taming and softening the hairs.

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FUEL

Words by: ELYSIA TANSWELL

KELP

THE BEGINNERS GUIDE It turns out people are eating kelp now. If your initial reaction to that news is confusion, have no fear, all the intel you need is right here.

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When did food get so complicated? It seems like every few months there’s a new, weird food product that everyone is talking about. Every cycle a new leaf, carb, or herb is presented as being so extraordinarily healthy that you may as well never eat anything else again. Then just as you finally decide to give it a try, it’s forgotten. Sure we still eat kale, quinoa, and chickpea flour but it doesn’t feel as special.

Well this time, we may be able to get ahead of it. The word on the street (and by street I mean the internet) is that America’s Next Top Healthy Food Item is shaping up to be kelp. In light of this revelation, here is all the information you need to prepare for the forthcoming kelp craze.

First Things First: What Is Kelp?

Kelp could be said to fall into the leaf category of food crazes. Except that unlike kale, which grows in the soil, kelp grows in the sea.

America’s Next Top Healthy Food is a species of seaweed. Eating seaweed isn’t a new concept in the U.S. The Nori variety has been eaten in sushi dishes forever, so already we have a better grasp of the situation. To make kelp even less scary, you may have eaten it already, as it is sometimes processed in everyday foods like ice cream and chocolate milk.

Kelp is unique among other kinds of seaweed in that it fixes itself to a single spot and groups together. These groups form what are known as kelp forests.

These forests form fully functioning ecosystems.

Second Things Second: Is It So Extraordinarily Healthy That You May As Well Never Eat Anything Else Again?

Well no. But it is packed with an impressive array of vitamins and nutrients, which is why it has been used medicinally for thousands of years. Kelp is rich in magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium and iodine.

The iodine is of particular note. Sea kelp is the richest natural source of the mineral. If you’re not excited about that yet, you’re about to be. Iodine is great for weight loss and has anti-aging properties. It plays an important role in the operation of the thyroid gland, which is responsible for your metabolism.

Researchers have also discovered that iodine eliminates free-radicals. However, that does not mean you should eat kelp until you burst. As great as the mineral sounds, too much iodine can cause serious health problems.

Also, avoid kelp supplements. Avoid supplements in general. That industry is messier than a stressed-out 20-something after bottomless brunch.

Third Things Third (And Also Final): How Do You Eat It? Now at this point, you may be imagining sushi dishes with a twist. Or picturing yourself picking up crispy kelp with chopsticks. But restaurateurs are seemingly determined to use this ingredient in every way except the ones you would expect.

Take Bastible in Dublin for instance. Kelp is probably one of the last things you would expect to see on the menu in a Dublin eatery. Especially one that proudly proclaims to serve their take on Irish food. Nonetheless, when food critic Jay Rayner visited in March of this year, he was served the algae in two courses. First, dried as a seasoning on ox tongue. Then in the form of jelly cubes in a sophisticated swede dish.

Whereas Bastible uses kelp as a supporting act, Ras Plant is different. Here, you can experience kelp as the main event. Ras Plant is a vegan restaurant in Crown Heights, New York with a focus on Ethiopian cuisine. A combination of fried kelp and mushrooms replaces the fish in fish and grits.

But the most surprising of all the serving styles is the one found at Uncooked.

This Chicago plant-based grab-and-go serves “cacio e pepe” with uncooked kelp forming the noodle base.

These dishes might be a little too advanced for some home cooks. But it’s reassuring to know that the next healthy food craze isn’t eaten exclusively in depressing salads. Or dried as a pitiful replacement for chips. You may actually enjoy it for the few months before it’s replaced, possibly with plankton.

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It can be easy to fall out of shape during weeks of quarantine. With most gyms being closed, here’s how you can have the home workout of your life.

JUMPING JACKS

PUSH-UPS JUMP ROPE SIMULATION

STANDING OBLIQUE CRUNCHES

SIT-UPS HIGH KNEES

Let’s be honest. Quarantine already has most of us feeling miserable.

That little voice in your head begs you to just eat all day, sleep, binge watch your favorite shows, and eat some more. Too often, we give in to that little voice.

Unfortunately for you, gyms being closed all across the country is not an excuse to not get a workout in! You can have the workout of your life in the comfort of your own home, with little to no equipment at hand.

We caught up with fitness trainer Miranda Reeves and she reminded us of the importance of remaining active and working out. “Exercise is how I release stress, brainstorm ideas, plan my day, [and] increase my confidence,” she says. “During these times, all of that is more important than ever.”

Most stretching/flexibility exercises do not require any equipment at all. Find a spot in your home where you can stretch freely. If you’re unsure of what stretches to do, PiYo exercises are a great option.

“PiYo is a fusion of pilates and yoga with a cardio aspect,” Miranda explains. ”It focuses on strengthening, lengthening and increasing

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muscular flexibility. If you don’t have access to a PiYo instructor, video or app, then just give yoga a try!”

There are plenty of cardio options that you can do from home as well.

Miranda encourages you to keep it simple and give this interval training workout a shot. The following eight exercises are to be done for 30 seconds each to make up a five-minute workout:

JUMPING JACKS JUMP ROPE SIMULATION HIGH KNEES STANDING OBLIQUE CRUNCHES (LEFT THEN RIGHT) WALL SQUAT HOLD, REAR LUNGES (LEFT THEN RIGHT) PUSH-UPS SIT-UPS Take a 90-second break after the workout and try to complete as many sets as you can. “Try to increase the number of sets you can do each week!”

REVERSE PLANK

Strength exercises are where you can get creative. Planks are always an excellent option as it’s a “total body exercise that forces you to engage a lot of muscles at once”. There are tons of variations of planks you can do:

FOREARM PLANKS FULL ARM PLANKS SIDE PLANKS REVERSE PLANKS If you can already hold a plank for two minutes, challenge yourself and hold it for three. You can even try incorporating household items into your workout. You may not have weights, but you do have that giant jug of water that can serve as a kettlebell. “Tap into that childlike mind of yours and get creative.”

Finally, throw on some good music or that workout video you’ve always wanted to watch. Miranda will be regularly posting workouts on her Instagram (@miranda_unbound) for you to follow along, and you can always search for workout playlists if you need to find some tunes. Getting the ball rolling on your workouts can be difficult during these times of hardship. A good song can be just what you need to find that ounce of motivation to get up.

Put the cookies down and roll out of bed. Don’t you want that summer body by the time this quarantine is over?

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Photography by: SOMMER NICOLE Fashion by: FELIPE’ G Hair by: SIERRA ALDRICH Grooming by: KARLES BROWN

Off the Field with

Jody Fortson Jr.

After playing football for Valdosta State University, Jody Fortson Jr. was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs as a free agent in 2019. As a rookie wide receiver, this Buffalo native had the first pro season of a lifetime, with the Chiefs bringing home their first Super Bowl trophy since 1970.

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Words by: KEYAIRA KELLY Photography by: ANDREW ZAEH Fashion by: IMANI SULIMAN Grooming by: CHRIS TABASSI

Vulnerability,

By Any Means Necessary

Rapper G-Herbo’s advocacy for mental health among Black men is a modern-day revolution

How does a young man learn the language of vulnerability in the context of street code where any visible trace of weakness could mean life or death? For nee Herbert Randall Wright III, better known by his stage name G-Herbo, his survival off the block and in the music business relied on his ability to lean into the parts of himself that were unarmed and wounded to heal his mind and free others in the process.

A product of “Over East” Chicago, Herbo was clinically diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder as an adult. His third studio album, PTSD, narrates the war he wages against his inner demons and the pain he bears to brighten their shadows. Awareness of his mental health battles set the stage for the person he has evolved into as both an artist and as a man.

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“I think me doing that, me taking that step and that leap of faith, was pretty much all a lot of people who look up to me - or Black men period - all they needed to see. Whether they go get professional therapists or just open up to their brothers, sisters, girlfriends, we don’t do that,” he explains.

“A lot of us don’t know that we suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder because of the sh*t that we endure on a day-to-day basis,” he says.

Herbo’s fans have come to expect the 24-year-old’s brazen openness in his songs. From his popular mixtapes, Welcome To Fazoland, Pistol P Project, and Ballin Like I’m Kobe, to his debut albums, Humble Beast, and Swervo, devotees plug into his music to go on their introspective journey via Herbo’s transparent storytelling. He attacks tracks with the appetite and honesty of a man who wants more for himself and the community that fostered his talent. As a lyricist on a mission to conquer the rap world and beyond, Herbo lives with the knowledge that self-mastery is the foundation of his success.

G-Herbo has faced death thousands of times, recalling a time bullet holes went through his hat. Herbo began to finally process and cope with his violent upbringing after his criminal defense attorney referred him to therapy.

“One of the toughest things I ever did was to leave the streets, and I had to separate myself from a lot of negativity and a lot of the stereotypes that people put on me since I was a kid. I was 16, 17 years old and people looked at me as an adult where I didn’t really

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“A lot of us don’t know that we suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder because of the sh*t that we endure on a day-to-day basis,”

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have time to make mistakes. I didn’t have room for errors. I still made the sacrifice to say ‘Nah, I’ma move this way regardless of how anybody thinks or feels about it,’” says the Midwest native.

The more Herbo defined his sense of confidence and identity, the more he began to trust others to assist and accompany him on his life path. He speaks of his girlfriend, Taina Williams, as the panacea to the anxiety he carries as a former street hustler.

“I never thought that one person would bring me peace where you don’t think about certain things,” says Herbo.

Herbo became Instagram official with Taina, the step-daughter of rapper Fabulous, in 2019 after months of rumors and conflict eclipsed their early courtship. A year later, the two are visibly in the thick of love, often taking to social media to share date night posts or messages of adoration to one another. Herbo looks to

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“I never thought that one person would bring me peace where you don’t think about certain things”

Taina’s presence to soothe him on nights when he is left sleepless - haunted by the constant nightmares of his past.

letting somebody know ‘I f*ck with you.’ And that small gesture can unite two people,” he says.

“I may get an hour or two of sleep in the studio. I may sleep on the couch with my clothes on. Only time I get a good night’s sleep is when I’m lying next to my girl. And that is because of the sh*t I think about in my sleep,” says Herbo. “You know how you have a nightmare but you never really envision yourself being murdered? I got to a point where I really used to see myself getting killed in dreams. It used to scare me. I lost a lot of sleep because of that.”

Herbo recognizes that to unify people, you have to give them choices beyond the clutches and dangers of street life. As a solution, Herbo and his partners are involved in the redevelopment of Overton Elementary School in Chicago and bought a 60,000 sq. ft. building to serve as a multi-media art facility and business incubator.

Herbo’s paranoia around his sense of safety is valid, given the recent untimely deaths of rap heroes Nipsey Hussle and Pop Smoke.

As examples of two men whose lives were snatched in their prime, Herbo does what he can to sow love in places where hate thrives.

“Being unified could’ve prevented a lot of that from happening,” says Herbo.

“I don’t want to be a hypocrite, because I come from the streets.

So I come from that culture. I come from gang violence. I come from gun violence. But I’m that guy that I don’t really wait until it’s too late. I show love. I don’t care if it’s a video or a post or just

“You can’t make someone get off the corner if you don’t have an alternative for them,” he says.

As his platform and resources expand, the XXL Freshman Class alum is well aware of his positioning as not only a music star but also as a leader. He applies his “by any means necessary” Malcolm X mentality to his businesses and charity work.

“I always looked up to Malcolm X, and I’m real big on gangsta movies and stuff like that, and of course we don’t look at Malcolm X as a gangster, but just the will, the determination to be what you’re meant to be - to see what you’re supposed to be and all the odds are put against you for you not to be that. So by any means, you still get there. Everybody has it,” says Herbo.

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PERFECT TIMING first solo art show in SOHO sponsored by GSHOCK SOHO

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FRIDGE

Climbs to the Top Of NYC’s Urban Art Scene Graffiti has long been overlooked as a true artform, despite its great cultural significance and impact as well as its level of difficulty. New York artist FRIDGE has taken control of his own narrative, and managed to elevate his graffiti works from the streets of his neighborhood to gallery shows.

NEW YORK CHAMPION spray paint and acrylic on a 4x6 ft canvas a canvas painted by Fridge as part of his Champion NYC collaboration

FRIDGE X CHAMPION designs created for the Champion NYC capsule collection photo credit : @1llest

HYPEBEAST 3 layer 3D hand cut wood art piece created for @hypebeast magazine

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MIAMI AD SCHOOL MURAL a mural for Miami Ad School in their Dumbo, Brooklyn location

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CAM’RON PURPLE HAZE 2 MURAL mural that Fridge was commissioned to paint by Cinematic record label for Cam’ron’s Purple Haze 2 album

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, FRIDGE was introduced to the ways of graffiti art early on in his life. Graffiti has shaped his artistic style but was only the beginning of his career as an artist.

He began creating pieces about a decade ago, as it was something he and his friends loved doing all the time. After spending a few years working on his craft, he began branching out into other forms of art.

“All my friends, they wanted stickers. Like graffiti stickers, and I was the first one out of the crew to get a laptop. So, I self-taught myself how to graphic design from YouTube and stuff and I started making stickers for all my friends.” And so it began. Little by little, FRIDGE continued to develop his digital portfolio and expand his clientele. Soon enough, he was being offered graphic design jobs and realized that he could make a living doing what he loved most.

Coming from a family filled with artists, FRIDGE knew that art was his calling, but he didn’t always know the lengths it would take him. “I knew that I wanted to do something in the creative field,” he told us. “All my family are artists so the creative way was really the only way I knew… So in a sense, yes, I did know I was gonna be successful in the arts, but I didn’t know where that journey was gonna take me.” While he could not have predicted that art would lead him to where he is at now, one thing always remained true. He believed in himself. “If you don’t believe in yourself, it’ll never happen.”

The graphic design opportunities continued to pour in, but why limit himself to just that? He began selling some of his physical art pieces. From murals to sculptures, FRIDGE is capable of and has done it all. Through connections with Atlantic Records and Cinematic Records, he was able to work on immersive installations and curate cars for music videos.

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FRIDGE ONE : NUMBER 63 spray paint and acrylic on a C63 Mercedes benz sedan PHOTO CREDIT : @VIN925

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After meeting people through Russ Karablin, founder of apparel brand SSUR and a mentor of his, FRIDGE was given the opportunity to create three illustrations for G-SHOCKS’s U.S Instagram page. He decided to go the extra mile and gift the canvases of the illustrations to G-SHOCK’s SoHo location, and it may have been one of the best decisions he’s ever made. He took notice of the art gallery on the upstairs floor of the store when he stopped by, and requested a chance to showcase his works there. “They gave me my first opportunity to do my first solo show in their gallery in SoHo.”

KID SUPER MANSION the biggest FRIDGE painting ever created on a mansion in south hamptons, ny during a @kidsuper party

The multidisciplinary artist worked overtime, creating 160 art pieces in just one month. The event, titled “Perfect Timing,” was a huge success, and FRIDGE’s first solo show was the largest event in the history of the gallery. The watch manufacturer also collaborated with FRIDGE on a limited-edition watch, based on the DW5600 silhouette.

Soon after, the artist began working with Champion.

He originally was going to make a few illustrations for the brand’s SoHo store, but of course, he went the extra mile again. Noticing a trend here? “I was like, ‘let me take it a step further,’ and I put together this crazy deck of all the ideas I had in mind and they were blown away by it.” He launched another solo exhibition in Champion’s Soho store, titled “Keep It A Hundred.” “I’m actually the first New York artist to collaborate with Champion New York.”

These are just a few of the things on FRIDGE’s already long list of accomplishments. He continues to add to that list, recently painting a mural for rapper Cam’ron and his release of Purple Haze 2. As for upcoming projects, he couldn’t reveal too much. “There’s a lot of things in the works,” he said, but none certain enough to reveal at the moment. “Right now, I’m just working more on my brand and doing more shows. I would love to do more solo shows. More gallery shows, [and] I’m dropping more merch.”

FRIDGE’s story is one of perseverance, self-belief, and pure talent. His story has only just begun, but his advice already rings true with many of us. “STOP DOING NOTHING.” The artist has taken this phrase and ran with it, often integrating it into his artwork as well as his merch. It has become a staple of his, and for good reason. “When I was 16, I was the brokest, the saddest, and I was doing nothing with my life. It kinda clicked in my mind that I gotta stop doing nothing.

Those words were words of inspiration for me, and it was a way for me to get up out of my hole and like, make something out of my life.”

FRIDGE X GSHOCK WATCH COLLABORATION photo credit : @levidopeness

“That’s something I believe can inspire people just because if you really wanna do something, you can do it. Anything is possible, you just gotta go out there and get it.”

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Geneva C H A R M I N G

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O

nce home to the wealthiest robber barons and entrepreneurs, Lake Geneva exudes both historical and natural charm. Today the resort town has become a bustling tourist destination with luxury accommodations and attractions for both the adventurous and refined. And while many believe Lake Geneva to be an exclusive summer-time retreat, there is plenty to do in this Midwest destination all year-round.

On my first night in Lake Geneva, I was lucky enough to have dinner at the illustrious Hunt Club. Situated in an original 1915 colonial home, the warm atmosphere perfectly matched the American-style cuisine served. The head chef is dedicated to ensuring that all ingredients are sourced from local, sustainable farms. While enjoying their meal, guests have a full view of the Gary Player Golf Course and the western shore of Lake Como, which neighbors Lake Geneva.

The following morning, I set out on a cruise of the lake with Lake Geneva Cruise Lines. Passing the colossal shoreline mansions, the cruise guide delved into the resort town’s deep history of old money.

And of course, these vacation homes come with a huge price tag, as the guide explained each square footage of shoreline can sell for $1,000 per just for the land itself. To add to the historic allure of Lake Geneva, these cruise liners are some of the only remaining boats that still deliver mail to those who reside along the lake.

Along the Lake Geneva coastline sits numerous eateries. Among the most established are Popeye’s Galley and Grog and Oakfire. Popeyes serves traditional American cuisine. Its small menu features the best-rated burgers, homemade coleslaw and chili, and beer. Oakfire serves up a variety of traditional Napoletana-style pizza, all of which are made in a traditional brick oven.

The town of Lake Geneva has much more to offer aside from waterfront attractions. Its historic, Norman Rockwell-esque downtown includes tons of shops, bars, dessert spots and more. Travel more inland and you’ll find even more Lake Geneva splendor including a quaint, rock-n-roll themed winery, Studio Winery. Along with its made onsite wines, Studio Winery also serves as an art gallery and a fully functioning recording studio. Each of the wines, which are made from locally sourced grapes, have unique names that pay homage to some of rock’s most memorable legends. The Coltrane, Zappa, and Joplin wines were among my favorites.

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Images Courtesy of Visit Lake Geneva

As the sun set, I headed over to the Tristan Crist Magic Theater.

Ranked as the top “Thing to Do” on Trip Advisor, Tristan Crist’s show brings Vegas-level illusions to the heart of Lake Geneva. This magic show puts most illusionists to shame. Crist, unbeknownst to the crowd, was somehow able to make an entire helicopter appear on stage in seconds. I won’t give too much away about the show, but I will say it was unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. And Crist makes sure to refresh the show with new illusions every month. The theater, which was recently built, is just minutes away from all the action making it the perfect rainy day or nighttime activity.

The next morning I toured the Kishwauketoe Conservancy. Hiking through this spectacular conservatory is one of the many outdoor activities available in the surrounding Lake Geneva area. What makes Kishwauketoe truly special is that it does not use a single tax dollar. The four miles of public trails are maintained by a group of passionate volunteers and most of the funding comes from donors.

Community support is also what makes the conservatory strong.

Part of the larger mission of the conservatory is keeping the wetlands, which lead to Lake Geneva, in pristine condition. Being that the land is very valuable, Chairman Harold Friestad said 10 acres of the property could sell for up to $30 million, but in his opinion, you can’t put a price on Kishwauketoe’s community value and educational opportunities. “It’s priceless to me and it’s priceless to many, many people,” he explained.

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For some adrenaline-pumping, outdoor fun I headed to Lake Geneva Canopy Tours for a one-of-a-kind zip lining experience. While it may seem dangerous and scary, the bubbly and comedic staff ensures that safety is their number one priority. Before heading on the official tour, you’re trained on how to jump off, glide, and stop properly to prevent injury. The entire tour includes eight different ziplines and five bridges to take in the beauty of the forestry. The adventure ends with a 1,200-foot zip line where you can race your friends to the bottom. Lake Geneva Canopy Tours has year-round tours and is Travel Green Wisconsin certified, meaning they’ve met specific standards for sustainability.

This wouldn’t be a true trip to Lake Geneva without the mention of the historic Grand Geneva Resort & Spa. What was initially the first U.S Playboy Club Hotel opened in 1968 has become a multi-functional, family-friendly resort. The Grand Geneva has so much modern luxury to offer with newly designed suites featuring top-of-theline amenities, including a television built into the bathroom mirror.

Onsite is an indoor pool that connects to the outdoor pool, a ski lounge, two golf courses, ballrooms, conference rooms, a fully functioning spa, a gym, racketball courses, and an indoor waterpark. To add to the charm, the Grand Geneva resort provides an old-school trolly for guests to get around the resort grounds. The attention to detail and hospitality and the appreciation for nature at the Grand Geneva perfectly encompasses all of what Lake Geneva has to offer.

T R AV E L

W H E R E T O S TAY :

THE RIDGE HOTEL W4240 WI-50, Lake Geneva, WI 53147 (800) 225-5558

W H AT T O D O :

LAKE GENEVA CRUISE LINE

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W H E R E T O E AT :

HUNT CLUB STEAKHOUSE

812 WRIGLEY DRIVE, LAKE GENEVA, WI 53147 (262) 248-6206

555 Hunt Club Court, Lake Geneva, WI 53147 (262) 245-7200

LAKE LAWN RESORT

TRISTAN CRIST MAGIC THEATER

POPEYE’S GALLEY AND GROG

2400 Geneva Street, Lake Geneva, WI 53147 (262) 728-7950

100 N Edwards Boulevard, Lake Geneva, WI 53147 (262) 248-0505

811 Wrigley Drive, Lake Geneva, WI 53147 (262) 248-4381

THE ABBEY RESORT

LAKE GENEVA CANOPY TOURS

OAKFIRE

269 Fontana Boulevard, Fontana-On-Geneva Lake, WI 53125 (262) 275-9000

N3232 Co Rd H, Lake Geneva, WI 53147 (262) 248-9271

831 Wrigley Drive, Lake Geneva, WI 53147 (262) 812-8007

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Photography by ANDREW ZAEH Fashion by DANIE CREACY Hair by RICKY DAVID Make-Up by NATASHA VASQUEZ Fashion Assistant JACKIE LEAK

r o F pare

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a l i V a c i l e g n A Angelica Vila was once faced with a very tough decision: clock in for her first shift at Skechers or attend Fat Joe’s birthday yacht party. While music was always her dream career, she chose to remain humble and practical.

Nevertheless, she soon ditched Skechers on a quest for larger ambitions with zero plans of looking back. “Intuition never lies,” said the singer. “You gotta follow that gut feeling.”

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One Deal After Another Neil Brown Jr.

Not many actors can continuously perfect their craft and essentially reinvent themselves during a career spanning 25-plus years but, with dedication, motivation and some talent, it is possible. For some of us, we may have very well witnessed it in a favorite actor of our own. Neil Brown Jr., star of the CBS military drama SEAL Team, once said, “You have to be a bad actor before you can be good,” and it’s safe to say he has practiced what he preaches. For someone who did not grow up dreaming to be an actor, once Neil Brown Jr. noticed where his talents lied, he flipped the script and made it his own.

Born and raised in Orlando, Florida, Cornelius “Neil” Brown Jr. was just a young knucklehead who liked to fight. His passion for martial arts began at a young age in a household with his mother and father, a U.S Marine who he still considers his hero to this day. While they may have been strict, Brown’s parents made it a point that their son grew up with the proper morals and values a man needed to face this world. “My father provided that structure of discipline and instilled in me that the only way to go forward to get what you wanted was to be disciplined about it”.

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That discipline is what has kept Brown Jr.’s eyes on the prize when it came to his career.

At a younger age, he was going to follow in his father’s footsteps and join the military or teach Martial Arts. But once he caught the acting bug, he realized he did not want to really be those guys when he could just pretend. Ultimately, those two things growing up knowing and loving would essentially be his career. After his first acting gig in 1995, it has been full throttle since.

The southern-bred talent who is a proud husband and father of two boys has by no means

showed any sign of slowing down. His career has taken him back and forth between motion films and primetime television shows. “Competition wise, I do not see that. All I do is go in there and do my best. And, I know what is meant for me will be mine. I do not need to take your job to get one.” Recently named “Performer of the Week” by TV Line for his character Ray Perry on CBS’s hit show SEAL Team, it’s obvious that he knows what he is doing and is gaining the well-deserved recognition for it. But, what is amazing is that Brown continues to challenge himself daily to be better and greater. For him, success does not peak.

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SEAL Team has been a great success since its debut in 2017 and now in the third season, the action-packed drama constantly leaves you on the edge of your seat (or couch) waiting for the next episode. Granted, being a part of a cast where he plays a Navy Seal, and his father being a U.S Marines, it’s clear why Brown embodies the character so well; it’s because he says essentially he is just playing his dad.

Brown says through it all he just keeps God first and he knows he will continue to get better and better because he has so much

room to grow. From his role as DJ Yella in the Oscar-nominated film Straight Outta Compton to Fast & Furious, NCIS and CSI, you have undoubtedly seen him on your screen more times than you may remember.

But Chad, your favorite punch-lining buddy from HBO’s hit show Insecure, was Brown’s first comedic role on television. Juggling two hit shows isn’t easy, and having such a busy work schedule means Brown has to normally shoot all of his scenes for Insecure in one day.

And now that season four of Insecure is back in April 2020, he says you can definitely be on the lookout for more coming from Chad

including dishing out more sound advice to his friend Lawrence (although it has not exactly stopped in him in the past from messing up) but also some major financial moves from Chad as well. Season four of Insecure premieres April 12, 2020, only on HBO. Where is it from here for Neil Brown Jr.? “I’m going to keep doing the best that I can do and giving every opportunity my all.” With his passion for the arts and natural go-getter mentally, I think it is safe to say we will continue to see and hear a lot from Neil Brown Jr. in the future.

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Words by EBONY ALLISON Photography by OWEN DUCKETT Fashion Styling by FELIPÉ G.

The Gospel of Mali Music Mali Music found his power through music by creating a sound that attracts the ears of saints and sinners

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“I heard too many melodies, all l wanted to do was make a two hundred in chorus or anything that was musical because there wasn’t enough music in my life.” Mali, popularly known as Mali Music, has been talking about his upbringing for nearly a full minute.

It’s the middle of answering a question about who he was before reaching any level of success. Recollecting the time when his family couldn’t afford instruments and beats were made by tapping chopsticks on footballs.

Music was embedded in his DNA. And as a young Black boy growing up in a tight-knit Christian family in Savannah, Georgia, his church home set the stage for all of his early acts.

What was life like for you growing up in the south with such a close family unit?

Mali Music: Sheltered to the point where my mom put me in school late. She wasn’t trusting too many people and that made us a family unit.

Growing up in such a tight-knit family, where do you think your passion for entertainment originated from?

That incubated state with poverty didn’t bring a lot of entertainment. So stories, movies, singing, and nightly talent shows were kind of what it was and where it all started.

So performing amongst your family is really where it started?

Yea, I began to sense early that there was an opportunity sitting in front of my family to actually impact them. So over time, I started to challenge myself to affect the people that I loved. That gave me a desire early to want to affect the hearts of people that I love. Which always isn’t easy. You have to be very special for people to see that there is something more.

Did you start with Gospel music?

Yes, well you can’t be young black and in Savannah, Georgia, and sing about anything else. And in the age and time that I was growing up all the songs on the radio were suggestively about sex. And my mom wasn’t having it. But what I did pick up on early was that she was completely okay with me embedding my music with swag, as long as I was acknowledging Christ as my King throughout.

And that set the foundation for how I would create my music moving forward.

Your single “Let Go” which released earlier this year, has a powerful message about struggles that many people deal with internally. Where were you mentally when creating this song?

I was challenged mentally. David “D1” [producer] sent the beat to my phone and said I should address addiction on it. So writing this I wanted to come in with hope. Address the issue directly. Extract it immediately. And get them on a healing process, quick. Addiction is so subjective. So instead of making it about addiction, I addressed the attraction.

So I just wanted to talk about something that anyone could be struggling with without limiting the song to addiction.

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and those examples turned into me performing the songs.

Your next album, The Book of Mali, is expected to release this summer. What can your fans expect from you with this project?

I’m giving them today. And they haven’t had that. A lot of people haven’t even accepted a “Today Mali” in any phase. People can expect it coming straight from me. And on top of that, it’s already prepared for them. I’ve been a consumer of everything that I’m about to give. I’ve seen how it can work on your spirit, how it can manifest your mind and change your life. When I release this to the people, they’re going to meet me on my level if they consume it.

Prior to achieving all the success you’ve had as an artist, you were a songwriter and producer. At what point did you make the switch from being a producer to a recording artist?

I never wanted to be or thought I would be a recording artist. I always just wanted to make the music and I just saw the greatness in every one I was with. But there would be a disconnect when the artist would perform the song. They wouldn’t be as free on stage as they were in the studio with me. So I would give examples of how it should be performed,

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Words by: ROBIN WILLIAMS

Illustration by: LUIS LOPEZ

My Break Up

Almost Killed Me: MAINTAINING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH AFTER A SPLIT Seeking the expertise of Racquel Reid, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker, writer Robin Williams discovers the healthy way to get over a breakup. Through experiencing a breakup of her own, Williams learned the importance of seeking therapy when one needs it.

I sat on the wooden floor against a small bookcase, the scent of sage once healing, now brought tears to my eyes. Just 24 hours earlier I was in a nurturing relationship. Although short-lived, it was intense in both feeling and intention, or so I thought. There I sat, melting into the floor, finding it hard to leave an apartment I hadn’t even known existed three months ago.

The week prior had proven to be a challenge for us. Quite oblivious to the impending train wreck I would soon call my love life, I would scramble to the phone on the occasions when she would call. I had convinced myself that once our schedules synced up again, we would nose dive back into our world of healing crystals, long kisses, and binge eating Caribbean food on Flatbush Ave.

When I arrived home, it seemed like I hadn’t been there for months.

Getting back to my old “normal” felt like an unfamiliar routine. I had so much to unpack.

She opted out of us to get back with her ex.

The same ex who popped up almost a month into our relationship?

Yup.

“I can’t give you what you need right now.”

The same ex who she told me not to worry about? Double Yup.

Or something like that. I couldn’t hear clearly over my racing thoughts.

Well, damn.

A whirlwind of moments danced behind my eyes as I tried to process her words as she spoke. The calmness and content of her tone had me stuck. The apparent change of heart was both gradual and abrupt.

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The next day, she left the apartment as cool as cucumber. I scraped myself off the wooden floor of her bedroom. Stumbling down several long Brooklyn blocks, I packed all of my clothes into the trunk of my car. The walk of shame of a “Uhaul lesbian.”

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Despite that, I still wanted in. I wanted in on the importance I felt in her presence, the feeling of being exalted, being pampered, loved-on in a new way. It was in this partnership I felt fully seen for the first time in 29 years. In such a short period of time I grew accustomed

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to the healing she provided me. Instilling healing in me that I did not create for myself. Being with her brought validation. The validation of being on the receiving end of a love so blinding that I did not realize how much of my emotional stability was tied to it. As unsustainable as that was, I clung so hard to these swiftly developed feelings that only a clean break could release me.

After the breakup, I moved through the world in a fog so dense that I could not recognize myself. My laugh was empty if it came around at all. My eyes shot down whenever I crossed my own reflection. I called, I cried, I texted. The corners of my psyche slipping away like an ill-fitted bed sheet. There was a slide, then an abrupt slap. The reverberation cracked like lightning, especially at night, when my bed felt unfamiliar and the smell of sage stunk.

Feelings of inadequacy flooded my body, reactivated dating profiles followed. With each left swipe, I sunk deeper and deeper into depression. Working out, reading, even long drives were unsatisfying. Solo self-care was foreign to me so I was left to figure out how all my puzzle pieces fit together without the helping hand of a lover. Disinterest led to loneliness, then intentional isolation.

Thoughts of “What if I don’t ever find anyone else to be so gentle with me?” led to me not being gentle with myself. Before long, my feelings of isolation morphed into thoughts of leaving this plane of existence for good. I figured it took 29 years for me to be truly seen, and I didn’t want to wait for 29 more. Luckily, with the company of family and friends, I convinced myself that my presence here was warranted and after a few online searches I was able to locate a therapist nearby. Although it took me a few visits to even say the word “therapist” out loud, each visit uncovered something new within me allowing me to identify myself outside of my failed partnership.

“Everyone should seek therapy,” says Racquel Reid, LCSW. Racquel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who takes a trauma-informed approach to mental health treatment. A member of the LGBTQ+ community, Racquel cites breakups as a leading cause of first-time therapy clients. Versed in several modalities including, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, narrative therapy, and holistic therapy, Racquel encourages partner-to-partner mental health check-ins as well as self check-ins to ensure that you are not relying solely on your partner for your mental health needs and stability.

If you find yourself experiencing extreme sadness, loss of interest, and/or obsessive behavior after a breakup, there are a few things you

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can do to maintain your mental health during a break up as well as throughout a relationship that will set you up to win even when you feel like you’ve just taken an L.

Racquel offers some suggestions: 1. Give yourself time after a breakup. There’s nothing more problematic than bringing unresolved relationship trauma into a new relationship. Spend time in self-reflection, but not self-blame.

2. Put the phone down! If you find yourself obsessing over your ex, it may be a good idea to take a break from their page. This doesn’t have to mean blocking them or reporting their page (if that’s your level of petty). But create healthy boundaries for yourself especially when your heart is still tender.

3. Talk to someone. Whether it is a licensed mental health professional or a friend, having someone to talk your feelings through with you is a valuable tool towards healing after a breakup.

4. Create a self-care routine. Whether it is writing, listening to music, or hanging out with friends and family, surround yourself with a support system that will foster your healing.

5. Stay away from reporters. Avoid getting updates from your friends about what your ex is doing, let your friends know that you’re better off without the intel.

During a relationship: 1. No New friends! Yes, it can be a valuable experience if you and your partner’s friends co-mingle and get along, however, it is important that you don’t merge friends groups. Both parties need separate friend groups that they can hang separately.

2. Discover a true sense of self. It is essential to be aware of how you show up in the world as well as how you are in partnerships. Take note of ways that you change while in a romantic relationship.

3. Don’t rely on your partner for your own mental health. Losing yourself in love can mean a very hard fall back to reality if things don’t work out. Be sure to take yourself out on dates, spend time apart, and maintain relationships with loved ones and friends while in a relationship.

When all else fails, take it back to these basic principles and don’t allow your post-breakup mental health to go unchecked.

HELP IS AVAILABLE Speak with a counselor today National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-8255

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HUMANS

With soft and sultry vocals, Brianna Cash is sure to take the R&B world by storm. Her first single, “Numb” featuring Tory Lanez, has already gained well over 2 million streams on Spotify. Growing up, Brianna always had a love for music and found vocal inspiration from the likes of Stevie Wonder and Lauryn Hill. The budding artist is currently getting ready to release her debut project with the help of her close friend and esteemed producer, Pop Wansel.

photo credit: Bethany Vargas

Brianna Cash

B: Can you talk about the album that is about to come out later this spring and what fans can expect from that album?

back to you on that because I’m still working on it… Honestly, I guess the hardest part for me is staying active on social media and making sure that it’s genuine and authentic to me. That’s probably the hardest part. Because like, everything else - it is hard work creating the songs - but it’s what I love to do…

I’m literally living my dream.”

Cash: “I feel like they can expect something that feels familiar, but there’s nothing like it right now. And I hate to say that because, you know, a lot of artists are like, ‘oh my music isn’t like anyone else’s.’ But, honestly, it’s just super hip-hop, super R&B, super Philly all at once.”

B: So your newest single “Numb” became a huge hit, did you expect the song to be as successful as it is?

Cash: “Honestly, when the song first came out, I would’ve been a happy girl with 7,000 plays or 100,000 plays in the first week. So for it to get the numbers that it’s getting on Spotify alone is crazy to me and I’m just super grateful for all of the feedback and all of the support people have given us, organically.”

B: The song is in collaboration with Tory Lanez, how did that feature come about?

Cash: “I worked on Tory’s first album… And then, it just came from that organically. I was on his first album and then it just gave me an opportunity to just reach back out and then he happened to be on my first album. So it was like the perfect match.”

B: You’re working under top producer Pop Wansel, what is it like to be able to work with someone who’s credited for some of the current chart-toppers?

Cash: “I mean, I’ve known Pop Wansel for a long time so it’s like working with one of my friends. He’s like a big brother. I don’t look at it like that. I mean, obviously I got to respect him as an amazing producer, but he’s also my friend.

So I’m just happy I’m able to create music with my friend.”

B: As a newer artist, what do you feel is the hardest part of breaking into the industry?

Cash: “I feel like, I’m just cracking the surface I didn’t really break in yet, you know? The single has only been out for two months, so I guess I got to get

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B: How long have you been making music and did you always know you wanted to make a career out of it?

Cash: “I always loved music, but honestly it didn’t really settle in that I wanted to pursue it as a career until like 2016 when Pop approached me and asked me if I wanted to be serious about it. And then from there, it’s just been a priority in my life.”

B: With the album coming out in the near future, do you plan on going on tour or doing live performances?

Cash: “Yeah I love to do live performances. I see a lot of touring in my future. That’s who I am fundamentally as an artist. I started off mainly doing acoustics.”

B: What’s next?

Cash: “I definitely have a couple of thoughts of what my next single will be because we have a couple of options… I mean I have a lot of ideas and a lot of thoughts with things I want to do. I just don’t want to be specific about it.”

Leven Kali With a sound completely of his own, Leven Kali is gearing up to release his latest project High Tide. The album serves as a follow up to his 2019 project Low Tide and has already pre-released the single “12345 (Get Real).”

With musical inspirations stemming from a wide range of genres, it’s no wonder why he has over a million monthly listeners on Spotify.

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Photo credit: Owen Dubeck

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Bleu: Can you talk about your latest release “12345 (Get Real)”?

Leven: “‘12345’ is a song produced by myself and Sol Was, and written by us and Trey Thomson, and our friend Daniel Memmi helped out. All those guys are friends from high school, and they’re friends with my band. So we made that song as a fun, danceable vibe to kind of like, you know, get that out there for the people. It’s a single for the project High Tide coming out.”

B: What can we expect from High Tide?

Leven: “You can expect a lot from High Tide. I’m really bummed that this shit is going on right now because it was supposed to come out on March 27, and in the midst of everything as you know, we’re dealing with it, so certain things got pushed back and we’re just gonna have to see what happens. I’m trying to get it out as soon as possible because people are gonna love it and they’re gonna be at home with nothing to do but to feel good about new music.

So I wanna get that shit out in the next few weeks if I can…

Some of the songs feel like, you know, they healed me so much when I made it, that I know people are gonna feel it, you know?”

B: In the past, you’ve worked with Smino and Syd, what was it like working with them and do you plan on having any big features coming up on the new album?

Leven: “I’ve tried to make it a point my whole career so far to only work with people that I’ve actually developed some sort of relationship with. And, those two artists - Smino and Syd - are two people that I consider friends now.

We’ve done songs and videos, we see each other all time, and it’s cool to see the young music community coming together… We’re all homies now, which is great, and everybody else on the project is like a friend from high school and some special features. I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but expect some cool shit for sure.”

B: You have such a refreshingly unique sound that’s very reminiscent of that 70s groove sound, how did you establish that sound for yourself and what are some of your inspirations, musically, that you looked to when creating your own music?

Leven: “I always try to create stuff that feels like something that reminds you of something, but also something that you’ve never experienced before. So, I’m nostalgically futuristic in a way. I grew up around music, so my parents are both musical and they played stuff around me my entire life. It’s like a wide variety from everything from Stevie Wonder and Earth, Wind, and Fire to Rage Against the Machine and Primus, different stuff that made me have an appreciation for the way music makes you feel, not the way it sounds… In High Tide you’ll hear more of the rock influences blending still with the R&B, the hip-hop, the pop and all that.”

B: You have a big hand in the production side of your music, how long have you been making music in general?

Leven: “I’ve been a musical person my whole life… I didn’t really consciously start creating my own music until the end of high school. I got a laptop when I graduated and I was able to take music on the go everywhere I went, so before that my parents were musical, so I could create music with my parents, you know, if we were all jamming in the living room… But when I got the laptop, it was kind of in my own hands.”

B: You’ve had huge streaming success so far, did you ever expect to have this much success early on?

Leven: “No, I didn’t know what to expect with streaming because it’s such a new frontier. It wasn’t clear what was poppin’ on SoundCloud in 2013 verses in 2014. You know how the demographic changes and if there are more people using the platform, tons of people are getting streams. For me, I’m just grateful that people like my music and Spotify and Apple are full of people who love music and they love consuming music and they love mine. I’m grateful for the fans and that’s all I can say. I wanna get my music out to the world because I really do make stuff that I feel like is uplifting and for the people.”

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PHOTOGRAPHER BY ANDREW ZAEH @andrewzaeh HAIR / MAKEUP BY FRANCESCA QUAGLIATTI @fq_mua MODEL-BIMPE @biimpe MODEL-SONNY JAMES @sonnyjoaba AGENCY-PREMIER MODELS @premiermodels PRODUCER-OLIVIA OWEN @oliviaowenphoto PRODUCER-CHRIS OWEN @chrisowenpremier STUDIO-WEST CENTRAL STUDIO @westcentralstudio STUDIO MANAGER-KATY THOMAS @katy_94

TWO IS COMPANY

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ALL DENIM LEVI’S

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CREDITS L TO R: T-SHIRT TALENT’S OWN JEANS LEVI’S FLANNEL LEVI’S SNEAKERS NIKE T-SHIRT TALENTS OWN JEANS LEVI’S BOOTS ASOS

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POLO SHIRT CHAMPIONS

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DENIM DRESS LEVIS BOOTS ASOS

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FLANNEL LEVI’S T-SHIRT TALENTS OWN JEANS LEVI’S

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S P OT L I G H T

Traveling through Boston P l a c e s t o E at, S tay a n d S e e

In one of America’s oldest cities, there’s culture, sports dynasties, and some of the best seafood in the country. Explore this east coast hub by visiting some of the city’s gems.

Boston is home to several sports franchises, a big piece of American history, and some of the best seafood on the east coast. The cobblestone streets and architecture are sights on their own, and Boston Common’s beauty offers a great place to relax in the middle of the city.

It’s easy to see the historically significant parts of the city’s downtown core: the Freedom Trail is literally a bright red line on the sidewalks that invite you to follow it to every stop, from Faneuil Hall to the Bunker Hill Monument. But, stepping off of it is where the gems are: some of the best places to eat and drink, along with cool sights, require only a few steps away from the red line.

TO STAY: THE VERB HOTEL

1271 Boylston Street Conveniently located near the famous Fenway Park, The Verb Hotel offers a rock and roll vibe in affordable accommodations. There is an outdoor pool and a Japanese pub, and retro-chic decorations that honor the fact that the hotel has been around since 1959. It’s close to the famous House of Blues and highlights the Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood’s musical history. It’s specifically catered to young people, so the art in the common areas, as well as the music-themed details in the rooms, are definitely Instagram-worthy.

TO EAT: MIKE’S PASTRY

300 Hanover Street Located in the historic North End (Boston’s Little Italy, which is also worth seeing), Mike’s Pastry has been a city staple since 1946. They’ve expanded to include four locations across Boston, but the North End outpost is the historic one. Mike’s is famous for its one-of-a-kind pastries invented by founder Mike Mercogliano, and his stepson Angelo Papa makes sure to keep Mike’s recipe true to form. They’re among the best cannolis in Boston - and some would even argue, the best cannolis outside of Italy.

TO DRINK: BELL IN HAND TAVERN

45 Union Street Bell in Hand Tavern is beside the Freedom Trail, and it’s there for good reason: it’s the oldest pub in America, marking it’s first to pour in 1795.

Now, they have a bustling bar, live music, and a great brunch menu.

It’s the go-to postgame spot for sports fans, but it’s lively all day long.

Their drink menu is brimming with cocktails, ales, and wines, and the food menu is great for sharing with friends. An added bonus: it’s in a beautiful corner of the city, steps from Faneuil Hall, so even the view out the windows is amazing.

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TO EAT: LEGAL SEA FOODS

TO STAY: THE COLONNADE HOTEL

1 Harborside Drive Though there are many outposts in the Boston area (and across the east coast), Legal Sea Foods’ Harborside location is the 20,000-foot flagship that accommodates every kind of restaurant-goer. The first floor stays true to Legal Sea Foods’ roots - casual, waterfront dining with picnic tables. The second floor provides a formal experience, and the rooftop deck has cocktails and small bites. They’ve been given several awards, including OpenTable’s most scenic restaurant in America in both 2019 and 2018, and have Boston’s best clam chowder according to Boston Magazine.

120 Huntington Avenue Back Bay is one of the trendiest - and most convenient - areas of Boston, and staying there means staying in a central location that’s walking distance to almost everything. The Colonnade Hotel is a 4-star hotel right across from the Prudential Center, an upscale mall that glistens with delight. There’s a seasonal rooftop pool and a gorgeous, modern lobby, and different kinds of rooms for every kind of traveler.

TO DRINK: ALIBI BAR

TO SEE: BRATTLE BOOK SHOP

9 West Street This place is any literature lover’s oasis. The shop has been around since 1825, and the shelves are stocked with rare and used books for the perusing - or buying. The walls and corners are also decorated with taped up photos of authors like Jack Kerouac (who hails from - and is buried in - Lowell, not far from Boston), highlighting the legacy of Brattle’s Book Shop. They also have a beautiful, massive mural on the wall, illustrating book spines and faces of famous authors like Franz Kafka and Toni Morrison. It accompanies their outdoor book selection, nestled in a gorgeous alleyway.

215 Charles Street The Liberty Hotel in Beacon Hill is a commanding sight - it takes up an entire street corner. It’s a large former jailhouse, and the first floor’s Alibi Bar & Lounge pays homage to that history. The space kept the exposed brick walls and actual jail cells from the building’s former life and added a cool, incarceration-themed touch: celebrity mug shots. Grab a beer or a cocktail in front of Jay-Z, Justin Bieber, Frank Sinatra, and more posing for the prison camera. There’s a DJ every Thursday, and an outdoor garden for summertime cocktail nights.

TO SEE: NEWBURY STREET

Newbury Street steals from some of the best parts of other cities: big, arching trees like Savannah, rows of brick townhomes like lower Manhattan, and history like Philadelphia. Walking up and down the trendy street reveals plenty of local boutiques, restaurants, and more, great for exploring on a sunny day.

BONUS: DAY TRIP TO SALEM

Salem is famous for the witch trials when dozens of women were burned at the stake for witchcraft.

But, it’s a quaint little town in its own right, full of restaurants, coffee shops, and some of the best places to eat clam chowder. A day trip to take in history (there are graves and memorials throughout the city). The local culture is definitely worth the drive.

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TA K E O N A DV E R TO R I A L

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BLEULIST

Best Spring Break Destinations PHOENIX, ARIZONA

OCHO RIOS, JAMAICA

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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

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SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

CAPE MAY, NEW JERSEY

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LAKE PLACID, NEW YORK LAS VEGAS, NEVADA BLOWING ROCK, NORTH CAROLINA PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA LAKE ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA POCONO MOUNTAINS, PENNSYLVANIA SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO CULEBRA, PUERTO RICO PONCE, PUERTO RICO CABO ROJO, PUERTO RICO RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL SAN PEDRO, BELIZE MAHO BEACH, ST. MARTIN LOTERIE FARM, ST. MARTIN HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA BARCELONA, SPAIN MADRID, SPAIN

ORLANDO, FLORIDA

HOUSTON, TEXAS

ATLANTA, GEORGIA KAUAI, HAWAII CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

MAGAZINE

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO

KEY WEST, FLORIDA PARIS, FRANCE

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OCEAN CITY, NEW JERSEY

…...before the Quarantine

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

SOUTH PADRES ISLAND, TEXAS SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

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Words by: SHALISA ALBA

Pop Smoke Changed The Rap Game From Ground Zero Reflecting on the disruptive career and untimely death of a one-of-a-kind hip-hop artist “Sometimes you just gotta get raw,” shared Pop Smoke, referencing his music’s divergent sound in one of his final interviews with Angie Martinez in early February, mere weeks before being gunned down in his Beverly Hills home. Speaking from his heart in his distinctly deep and raspy tone, the Brooklyn native understood the true impact his music had on the listeners who dared to plug into his grimy aesthetic. Influenced by the Chicago and U.K. Drill rap scenes, Pop was ushering in his city’s take on the style of marrying ominous production with gritty lyricism and sharing the not so glamorous parts of living a fulfilling life while immersed in the depths of street culture. No matter how controversial or arresting, he would speak his truth the only way he knew how.

“I make music for that kid in the hood that’s gotta share a bedroom with like four kids – the young kids growing up in poverty. I make music for that kid who got beef, thinking about how, when they go to school, these people might try kill me but I still gotta get my diploma for my mom. I make music for kids like that who know they just gotta keep going, that there’s a better way. That’s who I really make it for...The people who really need some inspiration,” Pop told The Face in December 2019.

It was his unassailable confidence, innate style, and effortless delivery of unequivocal ad-libs and vibes that set this burgeoning sensation

apart from his peers. Between the upload of his very first song to his untimely death on February 19, 2020, Pop Smoke’s 14-month career was a time where the world was taking notice. From the explosive energy displayed on “Dior” to the viral nature of his summer 2019 hit “Welcome To The Party,” the unique narrative he shared was a collision between pain and rapture, easily felt across airwaves but very difficult to imitate. His debut album, Meet the Woo 2, landing at the No. 7 spot on the Billboard Top 200 only reinforced this influence, leaving many fans wondering where an artist with such talent could have gone had different events unfolded.

Despite never really getting a chance to perform in his city due to controversial performance cancellations authorities threatened by the possibilities of his music attracting violence - Pop was fully accepted and adored by his fellow New Yorkers.

Seen as the next star to put New York back on rap’s radar with a tour beginning in March and an upcoming role in a film project led by NY celebrity chef Eddie Huang, his death has been viewed as a devastating loss for the city. With notable natives like 50 Cent and Nicki Minaj weighing in on the tragedy of losing a genuinely good person with a promising career, it’s clear that the 20-year-old’s efforts will leave an indelible mark not only on hiphop’s history but also on the city that birthed the genre altogether.

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