Bleu Magazine Issue #73 Dom Kennedy by Bleu Magazine

Dom Kennedy Y E L AWO L F

AMIN JOSEPH

JAY R E E V E S I BY RT O BLO A KEZA N LYT F HAE I R HSO O D

J OCNRAYTSHTAANL S HIANYGSLLEETTATR Y

T ISS

Central Cee

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E 73 TH N E E TE

AINM RT

V O L U M E 4

Adapt to Your Environment. www.tombogo.com

HH BESPOKE SPIRITS

FEATURING

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Table of

Contents

s Photography by James Anthony Fashion by Apuje Kalu

62 COVER STORY

DOM KENNEDY

m i s e m i m

photography by Isha Shah

Table of

Contents

14 Activism by Bleu

54 Fashion Advertorial BrotherWolf

16 Gadgets Retro Gaming Systems

22 Soled Up

28 Grooming

32 Cars

72 Books

76 Feature Jay Reeves

78 Op-Ed Representation

80 Humans

2022 GMC Hummer

Sharifa Murdock Edwina Kulego

34 Fashion

84 Feature

Central Cee

42 The Creatives Crystal Hayslett

46 Travel Memphis

50 Travel Southern Spain

Yelawolf

88 Feature Amin Joseph

92 Spotlight Oak Atlanta

95 Icon Boyz N The Hood

Photography by Daniel Igbinyemi

MASTHEAD

On the Cover DOM KENNEDY Photography By JAMES ANTHONY Stylist APUJE KALU

Publisher/Editorial Direction DéVon Christopher Johnson

Head of Content EIC Bombshell by Bleu Ebony Allison

Creative Director Andrew Zaeh

Art Direction & Design

Vee Banionis, Agnes Mazeikate

Managing Editor Taylor Edwards

Contributing Writers

Web Design

Justin Pride, Becca Blond, Reginald Dominique,

Muhammad Azeem

Kirby Wright, Ashlyn Chak, Jamie Rollo

Contributing Photographers Cécile Boko, Daniel D’ottavio

Contributing Editors Chevy Wolf

Interns Madison Allison, Ashley Gallardo

Special Projects Coordinator

Brand Ambassadors Rannon Harris (Chicago-Midwest)

Sean Azeez

Newsstand Distribution TNG

Trevoy Ross, William Flores

THE BLEU LIFE MEDIA GROUP

Staff Writer

Chairman, CEO & President

Anahi Flores

Licenses & Joint Ventures David DeGraff, Oaklins | DeSilva+Phillips

Antheny Raiy

UK Fashion Editor

Graphic Design Digital & Ecommerce

Licenses & Joint Ventures David DeGraff,Oaklins | DeSilva+Phillips

Apuje Kalu

Elysia Tanswell

Justin Wallace

James Anthony, Daniel Igibyenmi, Steven Busby,

West Coast Fashion Editor

Copy Editor

Ecommerce Partnerships

DéVon Christopher Johnson

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

Submissions Bleu Magazine

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Todd Evans, Rivendell Media 908.232.2021

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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.

MAGAZINE

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Every now and then I get a little crazy That’s not the way it’s supposed to be Sometimes my vision is a little hazy I can’t tell who I should trust Or just who I let trust me, yeah People try to say I act a little funny But that’s just a figure of speech to me They tell me I changed because I got money But if you were there before Then you’re still down with me What about your friends? Will they stand their ground? Will they let you down? hey yay What about your friends? Are they gonna be low down? Will they ever be around? Or will they turn their backs on you? TLC WHAT ABOUT YOUR FRIENDS

It is true that people change. This can happen for any number of reasons. But, most importantly, it’s natural. We are an evolving species. We adapt, learn and grow. Change is what we are supposed to do. Change is what got us out of caves to journey across landmasses and populate the planet. Change is what got us to the Moon. Unfortunately, as one transitions to the better version of themselves or simply the next chapter in the long book of life experience, those closest to us get a little uneasy. They too should be evolving and getting better. We all go up together, right? Many are too busy on the sidelines waiting for you to slip up that they don’t realize they’ve remained parked in a fruitless existence sitting in judgement of you. What’s even worse than that, is somehow they find a way to negatively judge your journey. As if you are wrong for completing life goals. Get away from those people. There’s limited space at the top. Whatever peak that is for you; money, job, education, anything. The room gets smaller as you soar to new heights. Put on a noise cancelling helmet and blast off. The universe will shift with you. Take the first step.

DéVon Christopher Johnson Founder & Group Publisher

Issue 73

C O N T R I B U TO R S

Apuje

KALU

Ashlyn CHAK

Reginald

DOMINIQUE

Elysia

TA N S W E L L

Daniel

IGBINYEMI

MAGAZINE

Apuje Kalu’s talents are indefinable. He is an instinctive freelance fashion stylist and creative director from Washington, DC known for his eye for detail. Apuje injects forethought, creativity, and boundless energy into every project and brings an aptitude for organization and structure thanks to his engineering background.

Currently based in Hong Kong with a background in London and New York City, Ashlyn is a writer whose work has been published in magazines such as Time Out Hong Kong and ArtAsiaPacific. She is a third-wave feminist, cinephile, and drink enthusiast; her favorite film directors are Wong Kar-wai, Greta Gerwig, and David Fincher.

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 on 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.

Elysia Tanswell is a lifestyle and culture writer from Britain. Quiet in person, she found that writing was a great way to make her point without being interrupted. Elysia started her writing career by taking part in a whirlwind internship right here at Bleu! Her pieces cover everything from adjusting to NYC, to being baffled by mandatory patriotism, to only slightly sarcastic responses to persistent millennial bashing.

Daniel is an up-and-coming internationally published fashion & portrait photographer based in London. His work has an intimate sensual feel with most of his location work playing with composition and size. With more moving image work slowly popping up in his profile, we feel he may make a slow transition into film but we will wait and see.

IT’S NOT JUST A MAGAZINE

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it’s a lifestyle.

AC T I V I S M BY B L E U

BLACK MAYORS M

In with the blue wave, came a new wave...of Black Americans in administration and politics. When the year 2018 lit a fire to the nation’s political sense of awareness, not only did Black people step up to vote, they stepped into office. As 2021 presents a class of Black mayors the dynamic continues to grow

R A N D A L L W O O D F I N Birmingham, AL

Focused on putting the people first in all 99 neighborhoods his constituents reside, Randall Woodfin is the mayor of Birmingham, Alabama. Embracing “kid mayors” to fighting feverishly to decriminalize marijuana, Woodfin is a man of the people, for the people. As the 30th mayor of Birmingham he set the political world on fire by issuing pardons for 15,000 individuals convicted of marijuana possession in Birmingham between 1990-2020. A revolutionary for reform, his efforts work on behalf of low-income families, the homeless community, and minorities that are disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

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AC T I V I S M BY B L E U

A J A B R O W N Compton, CA

Just 31 years old when she was elected, Aja Brown is the youngest mayor in the history of the city of Compton, California. Empowering Compton with non-traditional tactics to lessen gang-related violence, Brown’s record-setting results enrich her legacy. Using her platform to reach influencers and former gang members she is favored for her initiatives and inserting community-based alternatives to heavy policing. Respectfully ending her two term reign, her plans to hang her hat as mayor will carry favor into her next endeavors for a more direct, greater impact on Compton.

B I A N C A M O T L E Y

B R O O M

College Park, GA

Breaking barriers, Bianca Motley Broom set history just ahead of quarantine as the first woman and first Black mayor of College Park, Georgia. Embracing millennials and vets alike she pounds for progression, earning respect from hometown heroes: Jermaine Dupri and 2Chainz. Without reservation she defies the odds and her predecessors by assisting first responders and frontline workers and routinely supporting the city’s first NBA G-League team. Purpose driven she hosts grocery giveaways and neighborhood cleanups in her mission to “build the community we deserve”.

B R A N D O N S C O T T Baltimore, MD

Addressing the COVID-19 pandemic head on, making viral headlines with his now famous quote, “shorty, pull ya mask up!” Brandon Scott is the 52nd mayor of Baltimore, Maryland. First emerging as one of the youngest people ever elected to the Baltimore City Council he is no stranger to change and innovation. Growing praise for exploring city options to purchase hotels to provide temp-to-perm housing solutions he is a vigilante for the displaced. Steadfast on the road to “change Baltimore for the better” he paves the way of leadership with advocacy for the homeless and centering equity, by rehabilitating parks and recreation centers, and with a promise to strengthen the trust between his community and Baltimore law enforcement.

Issue 73

GADGETS

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A CLASSIC DEVICE? For many, retro-gaming is a way for Generation X to feel closer to their past. As games released in the 1970s and 1980s are back in high demand, companies are bringing back legendary gaming systems with better features! Different than before, you can experience retro games at a faster loading time.

MAGAZINE

GADGETS

Arcade1Up Pac-Man Legacy 12-in-1 Arcade The Pac-Man Legacy 12-in-1 Arcade features a dozen iconic games from the 1970s. Best to have in your family room, game cave, or event space. Presented by Arcade1Up, the arcade features twelve games to include BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment. PAC-MAN™, PAC-LAND™, PAC-MAN™PLUS, SUPER PAC-MAN™, PAC & PAL™, PAC-MANIA™, GALAXIAN™, GALAGA™, DIG DUG™, DIG DUG™II, MAPPY™, and ROMPERS™. With such an impressive game list, the arcade brings nostalgia for generations before. No quarters required, unlimited retro gaming, and one cabinet - the system brings memorable times.

USD $399.99

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GADGETS

Sega Genesis Mini Console Remember when cleaning the Sega Genesis required blowing into the game cartridge port? Well, things are a little bit different this time around as the iconic console made its way back to retailers around the world. Sega decided to load the system with 40 legendary games. Plug and play; the system is ready to play right out of the box! The box includes: • • • •

The SEGA Genesis Mini Console & 2 wired controllers 40 games One power cable A USB adapter HDMI cable

The system library consists of games: Ecco the Dolphin, Castlevania: Bloodlines, Space Harrier 2, Shining Force, Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine, Toe Jam & Earl, Comix Zone, Sonic the Hedgehog, Altered Beast, Gunstar Heroes, Earthworm Jim, Castle of Illusion, Shinobi III, Contra: Hard Corps, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, World of Illusion, Thunder Force III, Super Fantasy Zone, Streets of Rage 2, Landstalkers, Beyond Oasis, Ghouls ‘n Ghosts, Alex Kidd, Golden Axe, Phantasy Star IV, Street Fighter 2, Mega Man: The Wily Wars, Sonic Spinball, Vectorman, Wonderboy in Monster World.

USD 79.99

MAGAZINE

GADGETS

Nintendo Game & Watch Find yourself with the collectible Game & Watch system. The Game & Watch Nintendo includes the original Super Mario Bros. game, a digital clock, and more. Initially released in 1986, the game is a compilation of three previous Nintendo games: Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels and Ball. For a true blast from the past, check out the Game & Watch system. Available now at selected retailers, head to Nintendo.com to find a local retailer.

USD 49.99

Retro-Bit Go Retro! Portable Similar to a Gameboy Color, the Go Retro! Portable brings some of the Gameboy classics. Packed with over 260 games, the handheld gaming system features Tetris, Mega Man 2, Mega Man 3, Burger Time, Strider, 1942, Bad Dudes and more! With up to 10 hours of non-stop gameplay, the Go Retro! is excellent on the go! Everything is there for gamers to enjoy playing. The system can be powered by either 4 AAAA batteries or a micro-USB cable. Including a 2.8-inchhigh resolution screen, volume control and 3.5mm headphone jack and an intuitive user interface. Available now at Best Buy and GameStop.

USD 34.49

Issue 73

check out 20

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BOMBSHELLBYBLEU.COM

Issue 73

SOLED UP

SNEAKER

CAM Teanna Thomas’s love for sneakers has grown sporadically over the years. The budding collector has racked up an impressive selection of limited editions.

Here the sneaker head gives us a walk through of her best buys!

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SOLED UP

Issue 73

SOLED UP

NIKE DUNK LOW ‘BLACK WHITE’

AIR JORDAN 3 RETRO OG ‘BLACK CEMENT’

MAGAZINE

SOLED UP

AIR JORDAN 1 RETRO HIGH OG NRG “HOMAGE 2 HOME (NON-NUMBERED)”

Issue 73

SOLED UP

YEEZY BOOST 350 V2 ‘BELUGA’

AIR JORDAN 1 RETRO HIGH OG ‘SHATTERED BACKBOARD’

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SOLED UP

AIR JORDAN 1 RETRO HIGH OG ‘HYPER ROYAL’

NIKE AIR FORCE 1’

OFF-WHITE X AIR JORDAN 1 RETRO HIGH OG ‘UNC’

Issue 73

GROOMING

Skincare Specialized for Men The best products to promote the health of your skin!

LIVING LIBATIONS Best Skin Ever -Seabuckthorn says it all! A cleanser, exfoliator, and moisturizer all in one, this product is a triple threat. This formula has proven to reset skin to its natural state of luminosity with omega fatty acids, vitamins, lipids, and hundreds of bioactive compounds. Price:$26

HUMANRACE Equivalent to a three-minute facial, this routine pack is formulated to improve your skin health. The Rice Powder Cleanser is a powder to foam cleanser controlled by water that leaves your skin purified, even and brighter. The Lotus Enzyme Exfoliator is combined with 8% of glycolic acid and 2% fruit AHAs with rice particles. This formula is designed to help detach dead skin cells leaving you with even balanced skin. The Humidifying Cream consists of snow mushroom and hyaluronic acid. These combined ingredients create a humidifying effect on your skin leaving your skin hydrated. Price: $100

HIMS The Everyday Moisturizer for Men is a lightweight daily moisturizer that reduces shiny and oily skin appearance. It is infused with hyaluronic acid that holds more than 1000 times its weight in water. The moisturizer also contains shea butter to improve your natural glow. Price: $18

MAGAZINE

GROOMING

PROVEN Each Proven product is specially formulated for you. Visit the site and you’ll be prompted to take a quiz to determine your skin type. The information collected will be used to create your personalized skincare products! Price: Subject to vary

BLACK WOLF

BUT TAH SKIN Buttah Skin is a Black-owned company that specializes in the improvement of melanin-rich skin. Their latest Oil-free Hyaluronic Gel Cream is a water-based moisturizer that guarantees hydration and refreshed healthy skin.

Black Wolf ’s Activated Charcoal Face Wash for oily skin is a best seller! This product was developed to draw out excess oil and dirt and reduce breakouts. With ingredients that are not harsh on the skin, this face wash does its job while keeping your skin clean and smooth. Price: $15

Price: $19

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QUALITY FOOTWEAR. S PA N I S H A R T I S A N S . I T A L I A N M AT E R I A L S .

@mandeauxshoes scan for more info 30

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Issue 73

CARS

Words by MADISON ALLISON

THE WORLD’S FIRST ALL-ELECTRIC HUMMER EV3X Created for convenience, the 2022 GMC Hummer EV has a uniquely innovative design. No matter where you go, or how rough mother nature gets, the Hummer EV ensures a comfy and smooth ride. The super truck comes with a variety of storage options. Located on the driver’s side is a large storage compartment, cargo tie-downs, and a 110-volt power outlet. In the rear of the car, the seats fold down flat revealing a lifting cargo floor that lifts for concealed extra room. The interior of the truck includes a Lunar shadow and a Lunar horizon. The Lunar shadow interior comes in Jet Black and Taupe, portraying a dark appearance complemented with accents of Tech Bronze. Inspired by an intergalactic theme the Lunar horizon-themed Interior comes in Jet black and Light gray. Both of the interior styles include durable flooring for all weather conditions.

MAGAZINE

Two additional features of the Hummer EV include crabwalk and extract mode. Crabwalk is an additional feature of the Hummer EV, allowing drivers to utilize 4-wheel drive. When activated, this feature allows the vehicle to drive diagonally, making it easy to cruise through tight trails, which no other SUV is equipped with. Extract mode helps the vehicle get over or out of rough situations. Extract mode activates the suspension of the vehicle raising it 6”, this can be used to avoid tough obstacles. Modernizing a classic is no easy feat but the Hummer EV is modern in the ways that matter. With an estimated retail cost of $99,995.00, the tech serves a purpose beyond flashiness. The time for pushing out gas-guzzlers is long gone. The updated engine is a necessary change. Even for consumers who aren’t concerned about the planet, it’s hard to argue with the estimated savings on fuel.

CARS

RESERVE YOURS TODAY!

SPECS: HORSEPOWER: 8

830 HP

TORQUE:

UP TO 11,500 LB-FT OF TORQUE

RANGE:

300+ MILE RANGE

PERFORMANCE:

0-60 MPH IN APPROXIMATELY 3.5 SECS

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

INCLUDES HUMMER EV2X FEATURES, PLUS TORQUE VECTORING WATTS TO FREEDOM 22” PREMIUM WHEELS WITH 35” OD-ALL TERRAIN TIRES

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FA S H I O N

Central Cee Won’t Come Last Central Cee talks his hometown, his writing process, and his upcoming tour.

Words by ELYSIA TANSWELL Photography by DANIEL IGBINYEMI Photography Assistant MICHAEL STUART-DALEY Lighting JUSTIN WALLACE Locoation SILVERSPACE STUDIOS Fashion styling by SEAN AZEEZ-BRIGHT AT LAMARCHE FASHION Fashion Assistant STEVIE GATEZ AND BETH DADSON Grooming by ZANA MOSES

London-born rapper Central Cee has been making an impact. His blend of grime-inspired vocals and melodic, forward-thinking beats has earned him an impressive amount of recognition from music fans and industry thought leaders. To date, he has over 200 million collective streams. This year he was named as BBC1XTRA’s Hot For 2021. He also caught the attention of Spotify, who named him in their RADAR. He’s had two top 20 singles. First was “Loading,” which is now certified silver. The track got 70 million streams and spent 18 weeks in the UK Top 20 charts, followed by another ten weeks in the top 40. “Commitment Issues” then hit the UK top twenty and stayed there for two weeks. Perhaps what is most impressive about all of these achievements is that Central Cee is only 22 years old.

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FA S H I O N

BALACLAVA CORTEIZ HOODIE SAINT MIND BOTTOMS SAINT MIND SNEAKERS NIKE

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FA S H I O N

BANDANA The UNCOMMON Pupil HOODIE BILLIONAIRE BOYS CLUB

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FA S H I O N

“The way I move, the way I think all stems from growing up in London.’’

When asked how old he was when he first found his passion for music, Central Cee said that he had it from “as young as I can remember’’. This is unsurprising as he grew up in Ladbroke Grove, West London. The area has been a music hub dating back to its vital role in British counterculture in the 1960s. Having been blacklisted for development following the Notting Hill race riots, it became a magnet for anti-establishment creatives. The Ladbroke Grove underground movement gave birth to several legendary bands, including The Clash in 1976. It is also a great place to live if you want to experience the Notting Hill Carnival. An annual music-filled street party celebrating British Caribbean culture, an event which Central Cee rarely misses. The importance of growing up in such a culturally rich place is something Central Cee is acutely aware of. “My upbringing in the city has influenced everything. Not only sonically, but personally. The way I move, the way I think all stems from growing up in London’’.

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His latest venture is his debut mixtape Wild West. In keeping with his influences, the name is a reference to his hometown. “I wanted to represent my hood to the fullest. Not only my hood but West London as a whole. There’s a lot of politics within my area; we need more unity in West London. There’s not a lot of rappers but when there are, we don’t support each other.” Whilst the support between rappers may be lacking, the support of his fans is evident in the comment section of Wild West. Every video has floods of comments raving about how hard certain lines hit, how Central Cee never misses, and even people saying he needs a Grammy. The mixtape features an impressive 14 tracks, including a mix of already popular hits such as “Loading”, “Day In A Life” and newer sounds. None of which feel repetitive. The track, “Frauds” is defiant, hard, and confident. Cee tells the listener that “what’s ours is ours” and that he “don’t say nothing under my breath”. It is a total contrast to “Hate It Or Luv It” which is softer in terms of the sound and the message. The backing is more relaxed

Issue 73

FA S H I O N

HOODIE D’TROIS T-SHIRT D’TROIS BOTTOMS D’TROIS JACKET BILLIONAIRE BOYS CLUB SOCKS CORTEIZ SNEAKERS NIKE

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FA S H I O N

“We’re forced to grow up fast in the hood that I live in, but we made it work.”

BALACLAVA TrueVie Clothing HOODIE SAINT MIND BOTTOMS SAUL NASH JACKET BILLIONAIRE BOYS CLUB SNEAKERS NIKE

Issue 73

FA S H I O N

and the lyrics are more vulnerable. Whereas “Frauds” is almost a challenge to the listener, “Hate It Or Luv It” is a conversation. Cee says that “we’re forced to grow up fast in the hood that I live in’’ then later adds that “we made it work”. He raps about personal tragedies, his exploding career, and how success changes your relationships. When Cee was asked “if someone could only listen to one track from the mixtape which should it be”, he named two songs, “Ruby’’ or ‘’Gangbiz”. They’re the two more meaningful songs on my tape. Might be a good place to start”. It’s easy to see why he couldn’t choose just one. “Ruby” is social commentary masking as narrative storytelling. The first two verses tell the story of Ruby and Jack. Cee outlines the unfortunate situations these characters find themselves in and the questionable choices they make. But notably establishes how they got there, the problems they faced young, and the lack of options to deal with them. “Gangbiz ‘’ removes the separation that comes with characters and is instead Central Cee’s direct thoughts and feelings. The song is much less edgy than the title suggests; instead, the song’s core is about love.

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Despite the complexity of his music, his process for crafting it is rather straightforward. “As of recent. It’s simple - I just go to the studio, play a beat & write in the booth”. No frills, no fuss, no complex rituals needed to get in the zone. Just the play beat and he’ll take it from there. His inspirations for creating are “My brothers. My peers. People I know - no one famous”, which is apt, considering that much of his music is personal and closely related to his real-life experiences and environment. Taking inspiration from big-time American artists who wouldn’t know Hackney from Hammersmith probably wouldn’t be much help. Not one to rest on his laurels, the next stage for Central Cee is already in motion. A seven-show tour stopping in six different towns across the UK throughout September and October. He will perform in Glasgow, Dublin, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, and twice at the 02 Islington Academy in London. According to Central Cee, attendees can expect “good vibes” if they’re lucky enough to grab a ticket in time.

FA S H I O N

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C R E AT I V E S

Words by KIRBY WRIGHT Photography by CÉCILE BOKO

Crystal Hayslett Talks Sistas and Working with Tyler Perry Crystal Hayslett hopped on our Zoom call with a bright pink blazer, natural curls, and a beaming smile reflective of her personality. Known for the role of Fatima in the popular BET drama Sistas, Crystal is the show’s breakout star. During our chat, we discussed her unique path to joining the cast and what it’s like working with the amazing Tyler Perry. They say it takes ten years to make an overnight success, and Crystal’s journey is living proof of the testament. After graduating from college in 2009, she started her professional career in Washington, D.C., and for a little over two years, she worked on Capitol Hill. However, it didn’t take long for her to realize she wasn’t truly interested in politics and she opted to pursue her passion in music, and acting. So committed to making that dream a reality, she packed her bags and made the big leap to

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C R E AT I V E S

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C R E AT I V E S

“From leaving Capitol Hill to calling Tyler Perry personally, Crystal is intentional about making her dreams a reality” Black Hollywood, Atlanta, Ga. New to the job market, her friend urged her to apply for an entry-level production position with Tyler Perry Studios (TPS). Little did she know, it would birth her on-screen journey with the company.

ning errands to now shooting and seeing those same supportive faces.” She also mentioned what a pleasure it is working with the rest of the cast. “It’s amazing to have such a close camaraderie with my castmates. Like, I love my girls and Devale (Fatima’s love interest) is big bro.”

After happily accepting the role, Crystal was constantly on the move! “I pride myself on being a team player. It’s very fast-paced the way Tyler shoots, and I was going above and beyond what my role was on paper. Working behind the scenes, you’re always a bit in the shadows but I have always been myself; I speak to everyone. I tried to stay out of the way but when they needed me, I was there.” However, when she wasn’t on set she was still pursuing acting and her overall goal. “ When I was a PA, I’d get a call from my agent and have to change clothes, tape an audition, and go back to work. I even auditioned for two TPS roles.”

Similar to her career journey, her character Fatima continues to blossom. She started as a small character but is now a “Sista”, series regular with her own set of dating trials and tribulations.

Surprisingly, it wasn’t until Tyler Perry offered her a promotion as a Costume Designer that she stopped auditioning. “Part of me believed he thought I couldn’t act. I don’t know why I thought he saw every audition tape (laughs), but I felt like he was saying, “Babygirl, I got something else for you.” Let’s be truthful, being a costume designer and Tyler Perry’s stylist are amazing jobs. Many people would have settled happily with that. But Crystal is all about following her heart. So, after fighting her nerves and getting encouragement from loved ones, she made the call. While Tyler Perry was on the road for the Madea Farewell Tour, and she picked up the phone and gave him a ring. She confessed to him very simply and truthfully, “I want to act,” she said. Surprised, he promised to call her back and later requested her audition tapes. A few weeks passed, and he revealed he had crafted a role specifically for her. Boom. Just like that. It happened. “I literally am living the dream that I dreamed of when I was a five-year-old girl. TPS is a big family. These are people that I grew up with, from getting coffee and run-

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And if you’re actively dating, you may realize that some of the character’s storylines can feel pretty relatable. From infidelity to friendships clashing with romance, Crystal has also seen her fair share of these situations and often tells her and her friend’s stories to Tyler Perry. “I’m letting him know these are the things we’re dealing with as women trying to date in Atlanta.” Many people are surprised to learn she’s been around since the beginning of the show and is even credited as a producer. Close to the end of our conversation, she shared a full-circle moment, “I remember when I was a PA, I was helping people get ready, and a friend of mine who was also a PA at the time, said to me ‘I’m gonna be putting your shoes on one day.’ Then, on the first day of shooting season one, that same guy was waiting for me on-set with my shoes. He’s one of my close friends now.” Taking leaps is important. From leaving Capitol Hill to calling Tyler Perry personally, Crystal is intentional about making her dreams a reality. Sometimes from the outside looking in, it seems as if people’s success happens overnight. But her story illustrates a beautiful example of taking leaps and the importance of hard work, patience, and trusting the process. I’m excited to continue watching and supporting her and can’t wait to see what happens next on BET’s Sistas! Crystal is super active on social media and shares cooking, travel, and lifestyle content. To keep up, follow her on Instagram at @LuvCrystalRenee.

C R E AT I V E S

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T R AV E L

Words by BY BECCA BLOND

Where Music + Civil Rights History Collide: How To Explore Memphis

Photo Credit: Joshua J. Cohen

When it comes to legacies, Memphis is rich. Known as the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll and blues, it was the home of Elvis, BB King and Johnny Cash - and today, “grind city” has music deeply embedded in its soul. But this city on the banks of the Mississippi River also tells an important Black story. This is where MLK was murdered in 1968 at the Lorraine Motel, and that piece of hallowed ground now serves to educate future generations about this part of American history in the form of the National Civil Rights Museum.

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T R AV E L

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T R AV E L

and the best wood-fired pizza in Memphis come evening. They also have a bar with a craft cocktail menu and gifted mixologists who create personalized drinks based on taste and liquor preference. EAT AND DRINK Just a few blocks down the street from ARRIVE is Memphis’ oldest restaurant, The Arcade. Founded in 1919, it cooks up greasy-spoon American breakfast classics in 1950s diner style environs complete with old school booths and countertop seats.

EXPERIENCE Begin with a stroll down the iconic Beale Street, which is Memphis’ version of Nashville’s Honky Tonk Row. It has also served as a hub for Black culture and commerce throughout the city’s history. Pop into attractions such as the Rock ’n’ Soul Museum or simply grab a drink and listen to live music at one of the bars lining the pedestrian-only pavement. Serious fans may want to pay a visit to Elvis’ final resting place at his Graceland Estate, which doubles as a museum. Also make sure to check out Sun Studios, where Presley, Cash Roy Orbison and Jerry Lee Lewis all cut records. It is still a working recording studio. Located in the South Main Arts District, just south of downtown, the National Civil Rights Museum preserves the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. The museum traces

the history of America’s civil rights movements from the 17th-century to present day in a number of thought-provoking interactive displays. The Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum is also notable. STAY Just across the street from the museum is the new ARRIVE Memphis, which is where we recommend staying while in town. It is an elegant yet unpretentious boutique property with fabulously designed rooms. The rooms feature exposed brick walls, large windows and vintage rugs. The lobby doubles as a lounge space decorated like a cozy living room with plenty of seating that’s popular with locals and guests. The property is also super dog friendly if you’re traveling with a pup. Here you will find Hustle & Dough, where you can grab coffee and breakfast [including homemade pastries] in the mornings

For an elevated dinner experience, the Gray Canary is also in the neighborhood and wows the foodie. Expect innovative American fare that changes with the seasons along with some excellent vegetable creations and fantastic cocktails. If you just want fried chicken, Gus’ World Famous Fried Chicken usually has a line out the door. Of course you can’t really visit Memphis without trying the barbecue. What constitutes the best is always a toss-up. Personally, I’ve always loved The Rendezvous in a downtown alley. But Central BBQ also gets high marks for its combination of dry rub spices and 24-hour marinades. Also in the South Main Street Arts District, inside the Central Station Hotel, Eight & Sand is one of the most unique music venues in Memphis. The lobby bar features turntables and a 20,000 title vinyl music collection all of which has a Memphis music connection. Live DJ’s spin regularly and the vibe is vintage cool. Order a seasonal cocktail and just sit back and chill.

T R AV E L

W H E R E T O S TAY :

W H AT T O D O :

HUSTLE & DOUGH

ARRIVE MEMPHIS

BEALE STREET

477 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103 (901) 701-7577

477 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103 (901) 701-7575

Memphis, TN

THE GRAY CANARY

CENTRAL STATION HOTEL

NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM

301 S Front St, Memphis, TN 38103 (901) 249-2932

545 S. Main St. Memphis TN 38103 901.524.5247

450 Mulberry St, Memphis, TN 38103 (901) 521-9699

W H E R E T O E AT :

THE RENDEZVOUS

BIG CYPRESS LODGE

SUN STUDIOS

52 S 2nd St, Memphis, TN 38103 (901) 523-2746

1 Bass Pro Dr, Memphis, TN 38105 (901) 620-4600

706 Union Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee

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T R AV E L

Words by ADAM JACOT DE BOINOD

EXPERIENCE

Flamenco 50

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fla·men·co /fləˈmeNGkō/ noun a form of song, dance, and instrumental (mostly guitar) music commonly associated with the Andalusian Roma (Gypsies) of southern Spain.

Imagine rolling mountain ranges, cork and olive plantations, oaks and fir trees and narrow cobbled alleys. This is Andalucia, in Southern Spain, whose very name conjures up an alluring sense of exoticism and adventure. It’s important to grasp how much of a melting pot this area truly is. Cave dwellers, Visigoths, Jews, Muslims, Romans, Catholics, Phoenicians, Greeks and converts came and forged a path of expression all of its own - that of flamenco. And each town and city where I stayed [in Ronda, Seville, Cordoba and Granada] lured me into this wonderful local entertainment. The more I learned, the more I became engrossed with flamenco. Depending on whom you talk to, the epicenter is at Jerez, Seville, Cadiz or Granada. Most ascribe flamenco to the gypsies but the modulations that define the genre could come from the monochord Islamic chants. It includes ‘cante’, the vocal expression sung by both men and women, preferably seated, with no backing singers while ‘baile’ is a dance to do with passion and courtship and expresses a wide range of emotions from sadness to joy. Alongside the guitar there’s jaleo (vocalisations), palmas (hand clapping) and pitos (finger snapping). There are the basic techniques, the ‘zapateado’ footwork, building from simple taps into movements faster than I had ever seen and performed with such skill and precision.

The rhythm is also made by the clapping of hands, castanets (which are frowned upon by purists) and the guitar. The troupe converse with each other. The audience vocalizes their approval or otherwise. It’s all an improvisation like jazz with interaction and instinct. It’s seemingly in the moment, growing out of a framework of arrangements. Nearby to Ronda, in Montecorte, is the Finca La Donaira, a haven for those attracted to walking, riding, hiking and wellness. I was lucky enough for my stay to coincide with an in-house flamenco performance. I was ready and eager to be swept away by its dramatic flourish and thrilling beat. Goosebumps appeared on me straight from the ‘duende’, the magic and life force that was transmitting telepathically. The female dancer lost no time in getting fully immersed. Her arms were held aloft and her head thrown defiantly back. Then she curved her arms around her body, bent her elbow and hammered her heels remorselessly home into the floorboards. On such a small stage, one false step and you’re either flat on your face or else in the audience. All part of the strident act of strutting and stamping from a proud carriage and intense demeanor. One night in Seville, I went to Los Gallos, set in the lovely Plaza de Santa Cruz, where the little doors unleashed like Aladdin’s cave, with an entrance steeped in old photos of yesteryear stars, giving it an instant

stamp of authenticity. I was there to witness another flamenco performance. The stage is set, and the magic begins. Nine performers all had their solo moments of glory and passion. When in Córdoba I went to watch a flamenco ‘tablao’, “The ‘Arte y Sabores”, down a side street, bang in the city center. Tablaos are commercial spectacles predominantly put on for tourists and my one was mercifully intimate, consisting of a dimly-lit audience around eight small tables in what was soon to become an interactive range of the stage. The guitarist began with a slow melody to set the tone and tempo. It was amateur in all the best ways. Inauthentic perhaps, but a spectator sport with true audience participation. The finale involved the female dancer staring straight out at me - or so it seemed - and reducing her flurry and fury to a deliberate, calming, anti-climax as though knowing she had the audience in the palms of her hands, to then decide to send the whole show up. Each evening possessed true ‘duende’: their word for having a certain soul, a heightened state of emotion, expression and authenticity. It is typically connected with flamenco and by the end, I too, was under its spell. Adam Jacot de Boinod worked on the first series of the BBC panel game QI for Stephen Fry. He is a British author having written three books about unusual words with Penguin Press.

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this is for the kings

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT www.YOUNGKINGHAIRCARE.COM

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Photography By DANIEL IGBINYEMI

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64 Dom Kennedy Cover Story WORDS BY JUSTIN PRIDE

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90 Amin Joseph Speaks On Why This Is Snowfall’s Moment WORDS BY KIRBY WRIGHT

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A D V E R TO R I A L

Emerging out of Melbourne, Australia, The BrotherWolf brand recently launched in the US releasing staple pieces ranging from hoodies, caps, and t-shirts.

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Words by JUSTIN PRIDE Photography by JAMES ANTHONY Fashion styling by APUJE KALU

FROM THE WESTSIDE WITH LOVE AND THAT’S THE STORY I’M STICKING TO HAT: NEW ERA SHIRT: GIVENCHY PANTS: GRAYSCALE JEWELRY: ARTIST’S OWN SHOES: VANS

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Balance can be elusive. However, LA entrepreneur, independent-record label CEO, and west coast hip-hop legend, Dom Kennedy, exudes just that. “I try to stay true to the ups and downs of my life. The main thing about (making) music is for people to be able to relate to it. Life is not just presented one way. Being able to present good and bad observations in an artistic way is equally important,” Dom went on to explain. “Staying true to creating for everyday moments and not just that one highlight keeps me balanced. I just try to be as close to reality as possible by going with my rawest emotions.” Fatherhood & OPM Officially founded in 2010, the meaning behind Dom’s independent label, OPM: The Other People’s Money Company, comes from a life concept he learned from his father and other prominent African-American men in the 1990’s Leimert Park business community. “My dad was my number one influence, and having a son myself taught me even more about understanding progress. I learned the game from so many cold Black men living a lifestyle I admired. They owned businesses, apartment buildings, liquor stores, boats, motor-homes, sports cars. I’ve always been inspired to create opportunities for my

HAT: NEW ERA SWEATER + PANTS: ALEXANDER MCQUEEN JEWELRY: ARTIST’S OWN SHOES: NIKE

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“I LEARNED THE GAME FROM SO MANY COLD BLACK MEN LIVING A LIFESTYLE I ADMIRED…. SO I TOOK THAT SAME ‘LA PROGRAM’.... AND APPLIED IT TO THE MUSIC GAME.”

HAT: PRODUCT OF LA. SHIRT: VALENTINO JEWELRY: ARTIST’S OWN PANTS: DICKIES SHOES: VANS

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HAT: NEW ERA SHIRT: TODD PATRICK JEWELRY: ARTIST’S OWN

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HAT: NEW ERA CARDIGAN: GUCCI SHIRT: RHUDE

“IN LA, IF YOU’RE A HUSTLER, YOU CAN GET IT POPPIN’.”

JEWELRY: ARTIST’S OWN PANTS: SEVEN FOR ALL MANKIN

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HAT: NEW ERA JACKET + PANTS: TODD PATRICK JEWELRY: ARTIST’S OWN SHOES: NIKE

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“FROM THE WESTSIDE WITH LOVE IS MY FOUNDATION. IT’S MY PASSION. AND THAT WAS ON PURPOSE.”

family and my homies and still be able to have the flexibility to do whatever I want as an owner. So I took that same ‘LA program’ that was selling potato chips and applied it to the music game.”

released as Dom’s debut studio album, which broke the Billboard Hip-Hop/Rap 50 and Billboard 200 list peaking at #12 and #96 respectively.

“In LA, if you’re a hustler, you can get it poppin’. Once you make it real, things start working in your favor,” he said. “I started OPM as a company to fill a void in LA. There had never been any ‘Dom Kennedys’ before me so I made myself the first artist. As a kid in LA, I just realized that people like me were underrepresented.”

For the past decade, Kennedy has independently released over a dozen projects and albums through his OPM imprint. From the notoriety of the Yellow Album (2012) to Get Home Safely (2015) to his most recent album, Rap N Roll (2020), Dom Kennedy has consistently delivered west coast classics that genuinely embody the spirit of Los Angeles.

Currently, OPM consists of Dom Kennedy, Niko G4, Jay 305, Aysha Monet, and D Blake. When asked his favorite Dom Kennedy project to date, he responds, “From The Westside With Love III. It represents the pinnacle of the evolution of Dom Kennedy. I’m just more knowledgeable, and the music will reflect that growth.” Dom’s ninth studio album and third installment of the From the Westside with Love (FTWWL) series is set to be delivered Summer 2021 featuring production from John G, Mike & Keys, and longtime friend and collaborator, HitBoy. “It’s [FTWWL] my foundation. It’s my passion. And that was on purpose. This [album] is an extension of the spirit of From the Westside with Love. It just felt right because it [FTWWL] took me into the realm of all the serious artists of my generation.” Dom explained. From the Westside with Love (2010) was the first official OPM project release. In 2011, From the Westside with Love II was

LA Legacy The LA hip-hop scene has a rich history dating back to the late 80s/ early 90s, standing on the backbones of legendary artists like Eazy-E, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, and Snoop Dogg. Acknowledging the recent Grammy-award winning success of Kendrick Lamar, Roddy Ricch, and the late Nipsey Hussle, Dom pointed out that, “People like us don’t get too many tomorrows. We should all be moving with urgency and a sense of purpose. Hopefully, my legacy is one of inspiration and admiration.” He went on to say, “I have a beautiful responsibility to put a part of myself in the music, and that’s something Nip and I always had in common. Nip’s legacy is untouchable. You can see the level of reverence and genuine love the city of LA had and will always have for Nipsey Hussle. As for me, I’m just here to confirm that bro was great. And that’s the story I’m sticking to.”

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HAT: NEW ERA JACKET: CHRISTIAN DIOR SHIRT: THEORY JEWELRY: ARTIST’S OWN PANTS: GRAYSCALE

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“YOU CAN SEE THE LEVEL OF REVERENCE AND GENUINE LOVE THE CITY OF LA HAD AND WILL ALWAYS HAVE FOR NIPSEY HUSSLE. AS FOR ME, I’M JUST HERE TO CONFIRM THAT BRO WAS GREAT.”

As the city of angels enters into a new age of talent and style, LA’s music street politics play a significant role in overall acceptance and career longevity. When asked about the state of the new LA sound, the Leimert Park legend mentioned a few emerging LA artists that have checked all the boxes. “Most of them are reputable LA guys outside the music. Their stories are true to who they are and how they live. Bino [Rideaux] has a lot to live up to because of Nipsey’s cosign, but that’s a good thing because Nip saw the talent in ‘em. I collaborated with BLXST on ‘Get It All’ because he’s moving the right way and making the city look good. I just love working with newer artists in this generation in a real way and still make some fly ass shit. It’s always all love.” The OPM CEO defined the ‘Dom Kennedy Style’ as “Fly. Street. LA Shit! Same as the music. Sound like it look. Can’t go too pop. Can’t go too emo. I try to stay in the ‘street fly zone.’ I gotta be clean, and I gotta be me. I can go to the hood, or I can go to Beverly Hills and I’ll still feel good about being myself.” Anyone that follows Dom can easily recognize his affinity for New Era fitted hats. “I love fitted hats, and I know how to wear ‘em. It’s deep because I played baseball, and I shared that love with my grandparents. You can always go Dodger blue, but I put my stamp on the black LA hat. Only the older homies wore the black-onblack or black-on-white (LA Dodgers fitted hat) pre 2012-2013. I noticed that you would only see classic LA figures of a certain stature like Ice-T and Ice Cube wearing that hat. After From the Westside with Love (I and II) and the Yellow Album, I was feeling myself, so I decided to only wear the black-on-black or the blackon-white during the Get Home Safely rollout. The black just means you’re a vet. I was the youngest OG at that time, so I ran with it, and it took off.” “Styles, mindsets, and habits are formed at a very young age. As a young man, that’s everything,” he adds. “ It’s important to learn the beauty of showing love and having the patience to learn, teach, and grow.”

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BOOKS

BLACK VOLUMES These stories ain’t gone tell themselves… Black authors from various backgrounds bring to you some of the most intriguing reads from old to new.

MY BONDAGE AND MY FREEDOM The second autobiography of Fredrick Douglass was written 10 years after a period of reflection. My Bondage and My Freedom was written while Douglass was largely celebrated as a newspaper editor and public speaker. Douglass aimed to show his maturity, growth, and dedication in the fight for equal rights in this autobiography.

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THE CONDUCTORS

OPEN WATER

The Conductors is a harmonious mixture of the history of Black people, along with suspense, magic and more. In her debut novel, author Nicole Glover offers a different take on Black life in the late 1800s. The magical couple Hetty and Benjy Rhodes, find themselves in a rabbit hole of magic, murder, and mystery, in the center of a nosy community.

Caleb Azumah Nelson gives readers a heartfelt and honest look into Black love in his debut book Open Water. Two young Black artists meet at a London bar coincidentally, both were accepted into private universities. Both artists struggle to navigate a world that loves what they have to offer but not who they are. Slowly the pair falls in love, but when events that are out of their control take place, they will have to figure out if they can overcome these challenges.

THE VANISHING HALF

CLAP WHEN YOU LAND

THE KINDEST LIE

New York Times bestselling author Brit Bennet brings readers the story of loving twin sisters in the ’60s. The twins become separated, but their lives are more intertwined than they appear. One of the twins flees to California, where she passes as a white woman, never revealing her past to her new husband. Her sister finds herself fleeing an abusive marriage with her baby, Jude, who has very dark skin. Once Jude graduates high school, she decides to go to school somewhere she’ll feel more accepted and moves to California. Jude soon realizes that there is much more in store for her than finding herself.

Dominican-American poet and author Elizabeth Acevedo brings readers a loving yet grieving novel, Clap When You Land. Sisters living in different countries are told the unfortunate news that their father passed on a flight to the Dominican Republic. Camino Rios was waiting for her father, as he flies there every summer to be with her. Back in New York, Yahaira Rios finds out the news while she is at school. The two siblings now have to come to terms with their new reality, which ultimately brings them closer.

Former award-winning journalist Nancy Johnson’s, debut novel The Kindest Lie is an enticing book filled with serious topics from motherhood to racial problems in America. Chicago native Ruth Tuttle, a well-educated Black engineer, seems to have a beautiful life with a loving, supporting husband. However, Ruth struggles to come to terms with her decision to give her child up when she was a teenager. Ruth deals with the challenges of her past and various issues that occur due to racial tensions in her town. Join Ruth in her journey of uncertainty as she navigates through her inner demons and the chaotic world around her.

PLAYBOOKMG.

INDIVIDUALLY WE ARE POWERFUL TOGETHER WE ARE UNSTOPPABLE WELCOME TO PLAYBOOKMG. “PR is a mix of journalism, psychology, and lawyering – it’s an ever-changing and always interesting landscape.” – Ronn Torossian WWW.PLAYBOOKMG.COM TEAMMPLAYBOOKMG.COM MPLAYBOOKMG

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W W W . O D F C L O T H I N G . C O M Issue 73

F E AT U R E

Words by REGINALD DOMINIQUE

Photo Credit: Reza Nosrati

Meet Jay Reeves, Star of Disney + Safety 76

Success may not come overnight, but it does come in the morning and there is no denying that actor Jay Reeves will be the next big thing that Hollywood has to offer! Defined as a one-of-a-kind creative in the modern-day, Reeves is known for a slew of talents including his artistry, producing and much more. Some may be familiar with his role as Shawn Carter from CW’s All American, but the New Jersey native has landed his first breakthrough starring role in Disney + Safety as Ray McElrathbey. The story of Ray McElrathbey is a heartwarming tale surrounding McElrathbey’s time as a star football player for Clemson.

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F E AT U R E

The then 19-year-old stepped up and became his younger brother’s, Fahmarr, legal guardian after his mother had to go into a drug rehab program. When Reeves got the call for the part, he knew it would be large cleats to fill, but he was immediately up for the challenge. With his work ethic and willingness to learn in any space, he knew that this moment was larger than life. Reeves, who is an athlete himself, was once ranked #9 out of 100 in the Western Region of Underclassman during his time at Pasadena City College. After playing a few games in a starting role, Reeves left the team and college to pursue a career in acting. Little did he know, both trainings would land him a life-changing opportunity. We caught up with Reeves for an exclusive one-on-one interview about his leading role. BLEU: For those who aren’t familiar with Jay Reeves, introduce us. JR: Of course, my name is Jay Reeves – from North New Jersey. I lived in Jersey until I was in middle school then relocated to Charlotte, NC where I spent two years in high school then moved to Fairfax, California. There I started working on Melrose, then doing backgrounds for Nickelodeon with people like Ariana Grande and Zendaya and now I am where I am today. Your talents include Actor, Producer, Director, Writer, Artist. What would you say is your first passion? It is definitely acting. I’m such a fan of the works. I have given acting so much more and I still give it so much more dedication than everything else. It just motivates me the most. As I grew in acting, my friends grew in music. And I believe that everything falls in place – I believe in other people and their projects, which is why I like to produce and direct and so on, and it’s been great.

Let’s talk about your character, Shawn Scott in CW’s All American. How did you gear up for the role? When I played Shawn, I was doing a stage play, Fences by August Wilson in Denver after I didn’t get a movie role opposite of Denzel [Washington]. With three days to the opening of the stage play, All American called me with the part. I was close to not taking the role due to conflict, but I would spend three – four days on stage and fly over night to LA to do screen work for All American. So, majority of my work on that show is credit to my time being on stage and learning so much after two months of being immersed in that level of [stage play] work. Let’s talk about the call you got to play Ray Ray for Disney + Safety. It was definitely a first-time experience for me. I normally have to use my imagination for a role, so I wasn’t use to somebody being there telling me how to do it. To go back in that time and play him in his situation was amazing. I hit him (Ray-Ray) up on IG and was like, “Hey, I’m about to play you in a movie, have any pointers,” and he responded, “meet me at the gym”! From there, we started working out, and I got to study his mannerisms and learned more of who I thought he was beside the page [the script]. I also spent a lot of time watching old interviews and clips. How was it getting acclimated with the cast and playing off their energy? Thaddeus (Mixson) who played Ray-Ray’s younger brother, is one of the best actors I’ve worked with because of the freedom of his imagination. He was always so invested in his scenes and it allowed me to explore more and be free in the world. With Hunter [Sansone], Corrinne [Foxx] and the whole cast – they were great. We spent a lot of time hanging out and getting to know each other. Of course, it was big nerves acting opposite of Jamie Foxx’s daughter, but she was great from day one.

This was a heartfelt story to be told and with that came a lot of emotions. How did you prep for some of the difficult emotional scenes? The 8 Minutes Field Scene, The Courtroom Scene and The Signing Over the Rights scenes were three big scenes in the movie. Me as the artist, those were the ones I mentally prepared for and I’m grateful to God that I was able to feel and not have to act in those moments. I put myself in the position of Ray. Reggie [Director, Reginald Hudlin] is so dope because it was such a good vibe on set, but on those days, he made sure the atmosphere was where it needed to be, which does not happen a lot in film. Sometimes, you’re expected to just be the switch (turn those emotions on and off ). He [Hudlin] put me in the position. And working off of my castmates like Amanda Warren, who plays Ray-Ray’s mother, Tonya – she gave so much, which is the best thing an actor can do and it makes the whole scene better. That was all a new level of vulnerability for me. What would you like for people to take away from Disney+ Safety? There is definitely hope. It’s a tough time in our current climate, so the sense of hope is everything. Disney did such a great job when we were younger at giving us hope with these movies. When I was younger, Disney was something that I would turn on when I was afraid, and it gave me hope and I believe this movie will do the same. What else can we expect from Jay Reeves in the future? Right now, I’m developing a lot of projects which I didn’t see coming this early. I’ve sat down and focused on where I am at, and along with friends, business partners, and managers we’re working on a project called Debra’s Attic, which I’ll be directing and producing. And I’m also testing for a few big projects that I can’t mention yet, but just know I’m working on my Super Hero body (hint)!

Jay Reeves continues to elevate, proving that he can stretch his arms into any medium and bring creativity, new perspectives, and dedication to everything he does.

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OP-ED

Words by ASHLYN CHAK

STILL SEARCHING FOR OUR FEEL-GOOD MOVIES PROGRESS IS NOT LINEAR—THERE IS MUCH MORE TO BE DONE IN WHITE AMERICA’S HOLLYWOOD

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O P- E D

“I don’t know—if you ask me, I think we’ve come a long way in terms of racial representation in the media,” Gary said as he shifted in his seat with visible discomfort. Most people get defensive when you call them out on their bullshit, and Gary was no exception. Sweet, innocent, “socially liberal, fiscally conservative,” Gary. “I’m not denying the fact that we have come a long way; I’m just saying we need to do more.” I sipped on Gary’s French wine as I looked around his pseudo-industrial apartment in Greenpoint, Brooklyn that his “not really a trust fund” paid for. Ah, to be ultra-privileged. Gary is a name from when I was young and amenable enough to end arguments of this nature with “let’s just agree to disagree”. I only understood much later that people like Gary probably will never truly understand what it is like to be a minority—to grow up with little to no representation of people that look like you in mainstream media.

It is true that we have come a long way. According to a UCLA social study titled “Hollywood Diversity Report 2020: A Tale of Two Hollywoods,” people of color made up 27.6% of leading roles in the top 200 films of 2019, which is an impressive leap from the 10.5% from 2011’s statistics. But it doesn’t mean we can stop here. Despite the Black Lives Matter and Stop Asian Hate movements in the past year and the increased amount of discussion around such social issues, what we see on screen in 2021 is not enough. Why are Black deaths and Asian stereotypes being sold back to us while we are still grieving the consequences of ignorance and racism in our communities? This “movies about race” genre disturbs me to my core—don’t we have enough real-life tragedies? Aren’t we already living the reality that these movies depict?

Well, to Gary’s credit, he did make reference to movies like Black Panther and Crazy Rich Asians. Congratulations, Gary, for doing the bare minimum. Thanks for being an ally.

From a young Black man shot to death for having an air freshener in his car to the six spa employees of Asian descent killed in a mass shooting, there is indeed pain in our identities that we cannot overlook. Of course, we have an obligation to tell these stories of sorrow, but we must also find a way to tell the other side of our stories that isn’t solely defined by race.

Wait—isn’t 50% of Black Panther’s entire identity and premise just that he is literally…Black of African descent?

This problem is even more pressing when we consider Hollywood’s influence on a global scale. This isn’t just about the US anymore.

Don’t even get me started on how Crazy Rich Asians blatantly reinforces the ethnic stereotypes that East and Southeast Asians are either overachievers with big money or uneducated but meek dorky types that don’t speak English well. Oh boy.

Do we want children in Asia watching Netflix after school to think that entrepreneurs and engineers are the only acceptable occupations for when they grow up? Do we want children in Africa to come out of the theater thinking hatred and violence in and against their communities is the norm to expect? With these racially charged themes, are we telling the future generation of color, worldwide or in the US, that no matter what they do, they will always be second to their Caucasian peers? Or are we telling our children that their race is their whole identity—that they must carry this chip on their shoulder, just because of the color of their skin?

Representation matters. Portrayals of minorities in the media not only affect how others see them, but how they see themselves. What if people of color don’t want more heavy hits like Get Out, Moonlight, and 12 Years A Slave, which only articulate their racial trauma? Why can’t we be depicted without race being our primary identity? Where are our feel-good movies where we simply exist and thrive, absent of violence and hardship?

Must be nice to be Gary. (To nobody’s surprise, he and I didn’t last longer than two weeks. I wonder why?)

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HUMANS

Photography by DANIEL D’OTTAVIO

From U R L TO I R L The Liberty Fairs fashion trade show makes it in-person return

Welcoming its first crowd since the coronavirus pandemic at the Miami Convention Center, over 200 brands and buyers contributed to the homecoming. Founded in 2013 by Sharifa Murdock and Sam Ben-Avraham, the tradeshow originally had a sole focus on emerging menswear brands. Since then it has taken place bi-annually in both New York and Las Vegas. The idea was inspired in part by the pair’s previous experience in trade shows which were geared towards already established brands. They wanted to create an event for up-and-comers who did not have the resources to break into mainstream fashion. The mission of the event is to connect the talent with the buyers which it has done successfully for almost ten years. The coronavirus pandemic saw the first-ever virtual Liberty Fairs show. The brand is expanding into womenswear. And there is a new face on the scene. Edwina Kulego was recently hired as Vice President of Liberty Fairs. Her role will encompass all facets of the business and play a key role in the future of the event. We had a chance to catch up with both Shafria Murdock and Edwina Kulego about the fashion industry, the future of Liberty Fairs, and the impact they hope to have in the business of fashion.

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HUMANS

Issue 73

HUMANS

Relationships are keen in the fashion industry. What advice do you have for new brands on building beneficial relationships? My biggest advice for new brands on building beneficial relationships is to be authentic and honest. It can take you far, especially in an industry like this. Our customers and community will attach themselves to a brand who they perceive is authentic and unique. The fashion industry is a competitive landscape, therefore I always promote originality as it’s sustainable and has longevity.

Sharifa (FOUNDER)

As the Co-owner and founder of Liberty Fairs, why did you find it important to share the stories and create opportunities for emerging brands to connect with retailers? Untold stories cannot provoke thought or inspire a generation. I believe that it’s imperative to be the launching pad for today’s emerging designers and creators because if we don’t, who will? It should be a shared responsibility in our industry but unfortunately, it isn’t. Many times companies are overlooked because they’re new and have limited access. At Liberty Fairs we aspire to be the leaders in the industry who give brands opportunities to showcase designs with other like-minded brands that we appreciate. What is your process behind choosing a brand to represent? My process behind brand selection is initially about learning their story and understanding their brand DNA. After that has been established, we find out what their desired brand adjacencies are as well as who they think they can compete with. We also inquire about the retail stores that they can see themselves being placed in. Design aesthetic, materials and social responsibility are also important components that we take into consideration before selecting each brand. What was it that connected you to menswear? My dad Don Cudjoe and my mentor Sam (Co-Founder of Liberty Fairs) connected me to menswear. They are two men that I highly respect and I’ve always felt that they had an intriguing sense of style and stability which drove me to want to be in that space in my career.

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Beyond creating opportunities for developing brands-how critical is it for you to create opportunities for women, specifically women of color, in fashion? Creating opportunities for women is very critical to me because I was granted an opportunity years ago that I now want to pass down to other young women, especially women of color like myself. I understand the importance of sharing my knowledge and expertise in order to inspire and motivate future generations of fearless leaders.

HUMANS

Edwina Kulego (VICE PRESIDENT)

With your new role as Vice President of Liberty Fairs-how do you plan on applying your past experiences to the new developing post-pandemic fashion and tradeshow industry? The pandemic has been a devastating challenge to many, however, one of the positives that came out of it was the ability to hit the reset button. Enabling us the opportunity to truly rethink and restructure our business model. The idle time we’ve had gave us a unique opportunity to take out a blank piece of paper and start afresh in a sense. My past experience has been deeply rooted in international business development, luckily for me, Liberty Fairs has always been a diverse and global space. Our goal is to continue to build with our incredible community of global creatives while implementing new initiatives and pathways for our customers to continue to scale in an impactful way.

What is the mission behind “The Pavement at Liberty Fairs”? We believe that representation matters and from our experience with launching emerging brands, we understand the challenges that they are faced with. One of the key challenges is visibility and not having a platform that can amplify their talents. Liberty has a long history of launching brands who are now well established and sold at top department and boutique stores worldwide. This season we felt compelled to double down on that commitment and introduce a new group of designers who we truly believe will soar in the industry. Supporting the BIPOC community is deeply rooted in our mission and we couldn’t be more proud of this season’s lineup of creatives. Despite the challenges that these incredibly talented designers face, they are still pushing through the pavement.

Tradeshows have been a vital part of introducing new brands to potential buyers. With the current digital-driven world, how do you see emerging brands creating that same connection? At Liberty Fairs, we are embracing the Omnichannel approach; realizing the importance of the authentic, in-person, touch and feel aspect of fashion while simultaneously adjusting to the digital world we now find ourselves in. As we look towards the future, Liberty will also be a hybrid show: we are offering options both on and offline to brands and retailers. One great thing about today’s emerging brands is that most of them understand the importance of having a strong digital presence. Building strong connections to your customers and community online is one of the many keys to building a sustainable brand.

Two Black women at the helm of Menswear tradeshows is unprecedented. How do you feel being a part of such a revolutionary change in the world of fashion? What a time to be alive! I feel proud to be able to contribute to the ever-evolving and inspiring industry of fashion. And the icing on the cake is that I am able to do it with a trailblazing woman that I call my sister and friend. I realize that this scenario is rare and I don’t take it for granted. The position that I am in motivates me to continue to strive for diversity and representation for our generation to come. Laying a foundation that has its roots in fostering inclusivity, innovation and sustainability is what winning looks like to me.

Issue 73

FA S H I O N

Images courtesy of Yelawolf

Words by JUSTIN WALLACE

THE TRANSFORMATION OF

YelaWolf For nearly two decades, YelaWolf has transcended the politics of the Hip-Hop genre like no other. The multi-talented artist has made multiple albums, switching genres from hip-hop to Rock & Roll. We took time to catch up with the pioneer emcee to discuss new business ventures, Mud Mouth, and his label Slumerican.

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FA S H I O N

You released three projects in 2021. What inspired you to drop so much music in the beginning half of the year? We left Europe at the beginning of the pandemic. When I went back home to Nashville, the first thing I did was build a studio under my stairs closet. From there, I started writing music; my catalog started to stack up. I recorded my latest album, Mud Mouth, my project with Shooter Jennings. After recording the rock album with Shooter, I knew it would be a transitional period in my career. I wanted to put together the best possible hip-hop records. Each project is a part of my portfolio while I’m tipping my hat off to hip-hop. Where did you come up with the title from your latest album, Mud Mouth. The name comes from the LSD paper we created. Typically, an LSD has a name; Mud Mouth was the concept of that. Coming into the studio, I wanted to hit on life and death spiritually. You know, from mid-2020 till now has been a trying time for me. There was a lot that needed to go away to be reborn. That’s where Mud Mouth came from - the life and death of a trip.

Issue 73

FA S H I O N

That’s where Mud Mouth came from - the life and death of a trip

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FA S H I O N

Is it easy for you to go from recording Rock music to Hip-hop or do you need to focus on one sound at a time? When I go to the studio, I usually focus on one particular style. If I went in without a plan, I would’ve been a creative mess. I try first to compare the ideas based on the concepts I’m doing. What gets me going is usually starting with an album title or potential cover art. Twelve years ago, you founded your brand Slumerican. What was your initial concept for that? Slumerican is a lifestyle brand; it is a clothing brand, culture, and idealism. A lot of people were misinformed on what Slumerican is. I signed a few artists, but I marked

them under a production and marketing situation. We didn’t handle any distribution; we helped with merch, touring, and an inhouse fan base. Slumerican is a space for upand-coming artists to create a foundation. You recently got into the whiskey business, creating your brand called Creek Water. Within two years, the brand has received many awards. Can you tell us a bit about the process of creating your whiskey? It’s another part of my Slumerican brand. I wanted to describe the culture and the lifestyle I grew up on. It transcends Hip-Hop, Rock & Roll, Outlaw Country, street culture, and art. When the opportunity came up, I went to a distillery and met a group of peo-

ple who had whiskey they couldn’t sell. One of them was a big fan of mine, and if you know, whiskey has been a part of my career and story since the very beginning. The brand is doing well; we’re now in Walmart and many retailers across America. What Hip-Hop artist do you come across listening to a lot? Future! His style and sounds are just different. With me having a Hip-Hop and Rock & Roll background, I’m able to connect with him. To me, the most complex song by Future is “I Serve the Base.” I could go to war while listening to that song.

Issue 73

F E AT U R E

Words by KIRBY WRIGHT

Photography by STEVEN BUSBY

Amin Joseph on His Acting Career and Why It’s Snowfall’s Moment In my opinion, Snowfall is one of the best shows currently on television. Created by the late John Singleton, it wraps a devastating American truth in a compelling fiction narrative. From the standout acting and edge-of-your-seat drama to the beloved characters, it’s very easy for a planned hour of viewing to turn into a weekend-long TV binge. One of the most respected characters is Jerome Saint, played by actor and producer Amin Joseph. We had the opportunity to chat with him about his passion for acting, the success of Snowfall, and working with John Singleton. Work never feels like “work” if you enjoy what you do, and from the start of Amin’s career journey, his love for acting fueled his plans. A true student of the craft, he majored in theatre at Howard University. By the way, he made his view on the support of

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HBCUs very clear stating, “All Black people should send their children to an HBCU and just so we’re clear, Howard is the mecca!” Since that time, he’s been a part of over 50 films and television shows, and his profile has steadily risen through the years. His advice to aspiring actors who desire a full career such as this is to “Never forget why you chose to become an actor and focus on yourself, don’t compare yourself to other actors and their journey. But most importantly, be nice to people.” Amin also has his own production company called Dark Energy, which is currently selling a baseball biopic based around Willie Mays Aikens and developing an action feature film on cryptocurrency. When asked the hardest thing about a career in acting he replied, “I never spend time analyzing the work, it’s easy if you enjoy what

F E AT U R E

“This is the making of an American classic and we deserve the attention. This is our moment.” Issue 73

F E AT U R E

“John had so much imagination, knowledge, and charisma to light up the entire city... I implore all of the readers to watch every film in his filmography.” you’re doing. As motivation, I always challenge myself to do better each day and I focus on my family.” At the mention of family, I was curious to learn about how his personal life has changed since the success of the show. I mean as much as we all love his character, it seems like a pretty heavy load to carry home, especially since he’s a husband and a father. But his response was a breath of fresh air. “It hasn’t impacted my personal life at all. I’m grounded; that’s just a part of me. I’m an actor so I prepare myself daily and have a great mental health thought process; that’s what allows me to be able to separate the two, work and home.” I remember when I first started watching Snowfall, it felt so different. One of the things I enjoy about the show is that it doesn’t necessarily glorify drug life or culture. Instead, it tells a story about how desperately a young man wants to better his situation for himself and his loved ones, and it paints a vivid picture of how minorities are treated and disregarded in America. When the credits rolled at the end, and I saw John Singleton’s name, suddenly it all made sense. When he passed on in 2020 so many people were affected by his death. It was amazing to

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have Amin’s first-hand experience of what it was like to work with him.“John had so much imagination, knowledge, and charisma to light up the entire city. I was very fortunate to spend the last 4 years of his life with him and be a part of this chapter of his legacy. I implore all of the readers to watch every film in his filmography.” As we await Snowfall’s fifth season, a lot of us have turned to blogs and social media to keep the conversations, debates, and popular topics around the show going. One discussion that keeps coming up is the comparison to Power and The Wire. And while Amin complimented both shows, he stated that this moment belongs to Snowfall. “They’re all great shows and I understand the comparisons; however, I really hope viewers are taking time to appreciate Snowfall while it’s airing. This is the making of an American classic and we deserve the attention. This is our moment.” From the constant talk on social media to the chatter of Emmy nominations, I think it’s safe to say they have our attention! For more on Amin Joseph, follow him on social media @AminJoseph and if you’re late to the party, check out Snowfall, now streaming on Hulu.

F E AT U R E

Issue 73

S P OT L I G H T

Words by JAMIE ROLLO Interview by SATCHEL JESTER

THE ORIGIN

STORY OF OAK ATLANTA

Oak Atlanta founders Korey Felder and Lerrick McCorvey opened the club out of sheer passion for nightlife. In this interview, the two founders discuss their rival college party days and how they reimagined what parties can be. In the heart of Atlanta’s downtown sits Oak Atlanta, a premier multi-level nightclub that has become a pioneer of the city’s nightlife. Korey Felder and Lerrick McCorvey opened Oak’s doors in the summer of 2018 and have since garnered a dashing reputation and a list of illustrious performers and guests including Cardi B, Migos, and Lil Baby. Together, Felder and McCorvey reimagined Atlanta’s party scene and the story of how their entertainment renaissance began is nothing short of a whirlwind. Oak’s story begins on the campuses of Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse College, two top HBCUs in Atlanta, Georgia. Starting out at Clark Atlanta, Felder felt that there was something missing from the college party scene at Clark, Morehouse, and Spelman. “When I came to school and started partying, I saw people who were my age now throwing college parties and there was this disconnect for me of what we wanted,” he retells over Zoom conference. “They had the venues, they had the resources, but the event was what we made it and there was nothing they added to it more than just being a vessel to be there.”

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From Felder’s perspective, he saw the downsides to throwing overarching parties that attempted to cater to varying swathes of people through ambient attractions. From music to themes - or lack thereof, parties aimed at the city’s college population were simply missing the mark. “They were just taking kids that were in the same age group, and just saying, ‘hey, y’all figure it out,’” Felder adds. “What was happening was when your music came on, you’d have fun. When your music was off, you kind of felt lost.”

He did parties catering to his Tri-State area peers, pulling inspiration from Atlanta’s infamous Latex (Louisiana-Texas) recurring themed event. Latex was hosted once a year for over a decade and its widespread success was linked to that notion of catering themes to certain audiences and playing hometown music like the Hot Boys and Paul Wall. “Atlanta is a melting pot of all these schools and you had to cater to everybody.” Felder outlines. “Those are the things that we brought in by having the realm and the reins to control what the party narrative was.”

What was missing from the social scene was intention. When people go out, they like to understand the assignment, if you will. They like to know what they’re getting themselves into. Felder felt that if different parties were thrown for specific groups, they could better cater to the people that wanted to go to certain types of parties and mesh with certain types of people.

Felder quickly took notice of the parties popping off across the street, which were hosted by Morehouse College student and his soon-to-be business partner Lerrick McCorvey. One fateful night, Felder and his friends sauntered over to McCorvey’s party and opened the doors to an untapped opportunity. “It was like a candy store, like ‘wow,’’ Felder retells. “I was sitting there thinking we were just overlapping or stealing [guests] from each other every week. He actually touched a whole base of people I didn’t know. That was so impressive to me.”

After his freshman year summer vacation, Felder and his friends got an opportunity to host a homecoming party for Clark Atlanta. “We gave all we had - our rent money, our refund checks - to an opportunity for a vision that we saw. And that’s just when the calling really started, man.” Combining his love of entertainment and marketing know-how, Felder put that aforementioned intention and planning into his parties which proved to be a huge success.

McCorvey was equally impressed by Felder and felt that if they were to combine their efforts, they could host the best parties in Atlanta and combine two substantial guest pools. “I saw them planning and preparing and I thought this is a group of guys that we need to be aligned with not only because of the parties, but because they are movers

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and shakers, and they’re innovators, and they’re marketing geniuses,” adds McCorvey. Soon they graduated from college parties to becoming promoters in Atlanta’s nightclub scene. As they matured in that space, they took notice in a missing market both in experience and price tags. Clubbing can be expensive in major metro areas and in Atlanta, you can find clubs with $2,000 to $4,000 table minimums. McCorvey and Felder wanted to cater to the mid-earners, those who work 9 to 5 who can’t afford to go out every weekend but would maybe spend in the range of $500 to $1,000 for a major celebration and a show. McCorvey and Felder also set out to change up the entire club experience. While most clubs did have tables set up, they weren’t strategically placed to cater to socialization. “People were complaining, ‘I hate going to the club. I can’t get to the girls, I can’t talk to the people,’” explains McCorvey. “At Oak, you’re literally sitting across from somebody, or you’re sitting on the other side. You can talk to the table next to you and interact and buy them a drink and pass bottles over. I think we just made it more social, more fun, and just kind of took away the air and arrogance that Atlanta was starting to have.” Overall, a night at Oak Atlanta is an experience and they were of the first club own-

ers to provide that. They brought in huge celebration signs, bottle girls, and a dance floor that was actually put to use. McCorvey and Felder always make sure to reciprocate their guests’ excitement because they’re equally as enthused to have them filling their tables. This level of customer service was unmatched and brought the club massive, rightfully deserved attention. Soon, a celebrity clientele and a stellar host list followed. While having celebrities pack your club can be a moniker of success, McCorvey and Felder measure their success by looking at the opportunities they can give to others. Since they both started out on their own as promoters and college party kings, it pleases them to know that they can do the same for others looking to get into the industry and start their own businesses. “For me, it’s cool to look around and see Black people that you pay say, ‘yo, this was my first time getting a W2. L, I went and bought a car. L, I’m about to get a crib.,’” adds McCorvey. McCorvey and Felder’s story is one of dreams realized and successfully attained. They both came to Atlanta, just like any other young Americans, and created a career fueled by a love for what they do. “We want Atlanta to understand that we did it our way,” says Felder. “We got into this because we love it, not to make a dollar.” And that love is reciprocated towards them.

More recently, they were given the honor to host a homecoming event for Spelman, Morehouse, and Clark Atlanta alumni. It was a magical, full-circle moment, and all of their peers came out in full support, refusing any discounts because they wanted to support the men that changed their college experience. McCorvey says, “Having the people who helped you get started in your business to then come back and do their 10-year, 15-year anniversary at your building is just a dream come true.”

Issue 73

BLEULIST

PRODUCERS & DIRECTORS

RYAN COOGLER

FOREST WHITAKER

ANGELA BASSETT

AUBREY “DRAKE” GRAHAM

STEPHANIE ALLAIN

GINA PRINCE- BYTHEWOOD

SPIKE LEE

CHARLES D. KING

VIOLA DAVIS

TYLER PERRY

DEBRA MARTIN CHASE

MORGAN FREEMAN

JOHN SINGLETON

ROXANNE TAYLOR

ISSA RAE

SWIZZ BEATZ

JAY ALLEN

REGINA KING

AVA DUVERNAY

TEYANA TAYLOR

AARON MCGRUDER

JORDAN PEELE

LENA WAITHE

CHARLES BURNETT

VICTORIA MAHONEY

CARLOS KING

CHADWICK BOSEMAN

DEE REES

LEBRON JAMES

CARL FRANKLIN

BARRY JENKINS

MAVERICK CARTER

EUZHAN PALCY

STEVE MCQUEEN

CURTIS “50 CENT” JACKSON

ALLEN HUGHES

TIM STORY

PRINCESS BANTON-LOFTERS

ERIKA ALEXANDER

ANTOINE FUQUA

ICE CUBE

ALBERT HUGHES

JULIE DASH

ROBERT TOWNSEND

T.D. JAKES

SHONDA RHIMES

OSCAR MICHEAUX

OCTAVIA SPENCER

KENYA BARRIS

WHOOPI GOLDBERG

COMMON

COURTNEY A. KEMP

MALCOLM D. LEE

MONA SCOTT-YOUNG

LARRY WILMORE

WILL SMITH

SHAUNIE O’NEAL

YVETTE LEE BOWSER

KEVIN HART

WENDY WILLIAMS

WILL PACKER

GORDON PARKS

KASI LEMMONS

THE WAYANS BROS.

JANET MOCK

JAMIE FOXX

BRODERICK JOHNSON

TASHA SMITH

RICHARD PRYOR

F. GARY GRAY

EDDIE MURPHY

MAYA ANGELOU

DATARI TURNER

BILL DUKE

CAMILLE BILLOPS

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ICON

INFLUENCE LOOKS LIKE BOYZ N THE HOOD

Thirty-one years since its original debut and many will suggest that the cultural significance of the 1991 film, Boyz N The Hood, holds just as much weight in the present day. The genius of John Singleton was brought to life on screen as he revolutionized the acceptance of authentic Black story-telling. Boyz N The Hood can be seen as Singleton’s unofficial memoir; an ode to his upbringing in South Central Los Angeles and a testament to the struggles faced by many in the Black community-then and now. A commercial and critical success, the film followed the lives of three childhood friends navigating the harsh realities of growing up in LA’s Crenshaw neighborhood. Through this film, the careers of Ice Cube, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Nia Long were born. In a 2016 interview with Vanity Fair, actress Nia Long recounts her initial thoughts when reading the script for the first time, “When I saw

the script that said Boyz N the Hood, my attitude came from protecting what I knew I was a part of. If you’re going to show this, it better be right, because even though it’s a world of less—a world of drugs, violence, poverty—it was still my world.” Furthermore, Boyz In The Hood proved to play an even more pivotal role in naturally highlighting popular trends in fashion, music (hip-hop specifically), and everyday life influencing youth culture in the typical African-American neighborhood. At 24 years old, Singleton became the first and youngest Black director to receive two Academy Awards nominations for Best Original Screenplay and Best Director. In 2002 the U.S. Library of Congress stamped the legacy of the movie in Hollywood. The film was revered as a culturally significant piece of art and chosen for preservation in the National Film Registry.

Issue 73

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY: JAMES ANTHONY

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Issue 73

NOW AVAILABLE AT SHOPBLEULIFE.COM