Bleu Magazine Issue 45 - Tinie Tempah

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E CRE IVE IS AT

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TINIE TEMPAH Tinie Tempah talks new album “Youth”, and his musical journey since discovery.

45 Issue 45

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M Y NA KE D T R U T H ™

Dwyane Wade in our Luxury Loungewear

I we󰇧󰇧󰇧󰇧 󰇧󰇧󰇧 󰇧󰇧e󰇧󰇧󰇧󰇧󰇧 󰇧󰇧󰇧󰇧 󰇧󰇧󰇧 󰇧󰇧󰇧󰇧e󰇧󰇧󰇧󰇧󰇧󰇧 The smile, the emotion you see on the court, that’s real. That’s the authentic me. Underneath it all, I want the freedom to do my own thing. To be who I want. The best me. Because you don’t ask to be a role model, it just happens.

That’s my Naked Truth™ – what’s yours? # mynakedtruth

THE FREEDOM TO BE YOU wearnaked.com

Available at

Co ntents

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Written in the Stars Tinie Tempah talks new album Youth, and his musical journey since discovery.

WORDS JACK COLLINS

PHOTOGRAPHY VINCENT DOLMAN

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MAGAZINE

LIFE IS BETTER WHEN YOU MOZIE

luxury bicycles delivered to your door moziebicycles.com @moziebicycles #MozieOn

Co ntents

11 Publisher’s Letter 12 Contributors 14 Access By Bleu 16 The 4 By 5 The Arts

46 Fashion Entendons Le Pour Le Garçon

54 The Creatives Michelle Ten: Styling Her Way Through the Fashion Industry

58 Fashion Hood Love

18 Soled Up Booted

76 Op-Ed Locked Up

Futuristic Evolution

82 The Humans

26 Cars

86 Fashion

Supercharged

Gym Class Hero

31 The Read

94 Score

Mix it Up

Air Diop

32 Grooming

98 Spotlight

Fall's Favorite Fragrances

Sleeping with Picasso

34 Fuel

100 Bleulist

The Art of Home Cooked Meals

36 Travel

Bill Cunningham

The Utimate Guide to Seeing Cuba in 3 Days

102 Stockist

Jacket NATURAL SELECTION Watch ROLEX (TINIE TEMPAH OWN)

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101 Icon

MAGAZINE

PHOTOGRAPHY VINCENT DOLMAN

24 Gadgets

TAB

WE FOCUS ON HIV TO HELP YOU FOCUS ON

TODAY

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

onepillchoices.com © 2015 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. UNBC1839 03/15

Issue 45 9 Issue 38 1

MASTHEAD

On The Cover TINIE TEMPAH Words JACK COLLINS Photography VINCENT DOLMAN Fashion SEAN AZEEZ COVER SHOT: Shirt FOLK

TEAM BLEU

THE BLEULIFE GROUP

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

DÉVON CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON

FASHION EDITOR-AT-LARGE

CHRIS SANDFORD

GRAPHIC DESIGN LEAD

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CHAIRMAN, CEO & PRESIDENT DÉVON CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON

DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER

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CONTRIBUTING FASHION EDITOR

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CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

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REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

ARNOLD TURNER HARVEY JACKSON BUD ELLISON MAREK BERRY DANIEL IGBINYEMI SHELBY NIECE DERRICK LIPSCHITZ VINCE DOLMAN

EMEKA DIBIA JACK COLLINS EVAN MAJORS SABLE SWEEPER DOMINIQUE CARSON

INTERNS TERENCE B. MCNEALY, LAWRENCE PITTS, JASMINE PARSONS, ETIENNE MATUS, RAMON MARTINEZ, AALIYAH TYSON

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BOMBSHELLBYBLEU EDITOR EBONY ALLISON CONTRIBUTORS GLAMO, TANYKA RENEE, CATAANDA J, LONDON BURNS, MATIA PEEBLES, CORINNE CUTTINO

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Bleulife Media & Entertainment Inc. | 119 West 24th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10011 | 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.

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

For all the times that you rain on my parade And all the clubs you get in using my name You think you broke my heart, oh girl for goodness sake You think I’m crying, on my own well I ain’t And I didn’t wanna write a song ‘cause I didn’t want anyone thinking I still care I don’t but, you still hit my phone up And baby I be movin’ on and I think you should be somethin’ I don’t wanna hold back, maybe you should know that My mama don’t like you and she likes everyone And I never like to admit that I was wrong And I’ve been so caught up in my job, didn’t see what’s going on And now I know, I’m better sleeping on my own

There are times when things just don’t add up. For some, it’s the rise of Donald Trump.

Others it is the fall of Hillary Clinton. For me, it’s neither of those. Not that I don’t care about election results or how politics affect my life. I do. But, I also care about the people I interact with on a daily basis - and those that have been in my life for a significant amount of time.

What concerns me is the collective progression forward of my family and peers.

Specifically, what prevents some more than others from achieving greatness? Not Jay Z superstar greatness. But, individual goals and dreams being accomplished. Why doesn’t everyone win? Fuck the election of either of the millionaire candidates who have full enough bank accounts. What happens when we defer our own dreams and try to place hurdles on others around us pursuing theirs? The President can’t hurt my feelings. My neighbor can. The President can’t pass me by on the street and not speak. My co-worker can.

Our community or tribe is the reflection of who we are collectively. If haters surround us – then we live with hate. If we surround ourselves with dream achievers than we are achievers. The math isn’t on the ballot box; it’s through the eyes of those who surround us.

Okay, now that is off my chest. Sit back, relax and enjoy the rest of the Bleu Creative Issue. You will love it as much as we do.

“Love Yourself” Justin Bieber DÉVON CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON

FOUNDER AND GROUP PUBLISHER @DEVONISBLEU

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CONTRIBUTORS

HARVEY JACKSON I was born in Saint Louis Missouri and raised in Ferguson and now, I’m in New York City based fashion and portrait photographer. I served overseas for 3 years in Iraq and Kuwait city as a combat engineer. After returning to the states I quickly discovered my calling and my purpose in the photo industry. After finishing school I moved to NYC and worked for the prestigious Pier59 Studios. There I worked with the photo teams of extraordinary photographers, like Mario Testino, Steven Klein, Victoria Secrets Russel James, David Sims and Inez and Vinoodh.

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JACK COLLINS Originally from: Manchester, UK Living in: Manchester, UK Occupation: Writer Reading: Lately I’ve been reading a lot of music autobiography’s – Alex James (Blur), Mike Skinner (The Streets), Shaun Ryder (Happy Mondays). I’m still trying to psych myself up to read Morrissey’s book. In this issue: As he prepares for the release of his third studio album ‘Youth’, I had a chat with UK musician Tinie Tempah, discussing the record, America and grime music. Latest obsession: Game of Thrones – I arrived to the party a little late with this one. Since I started watching it however, I haven’t been able to stop. It definitely gives Sons of Anarchy some good competition for best series.

EMEKA DIBIA

DANIEL IGBINYEMI

“I tell stories.” Whether for broadcast, print, or in a song Emeka Dibia prides himself in storytelling. “Everyone has a story it’s a joy to grab a person’s attention with skillfully written emotion.

Often times when you really resonate with someone… It’s not because of the words you write. It’s the feeling in between the words that draws people in. Emotion. Drama. Truth… Truth is the best one by far.” Emeka Dibia’s knack for telling stories started on his elementary school’s broadcast team. He knew he had something special there and demanded his 9-week term be extended. He’s also skilled in contract negotiations lol.

After graduating in photography in 2013 London based photographer Daniel Igbinyemi, spent several years in and out of photography due to finance and confidence issues. However during the past 24 months he has been working hard on different lighting techniques and styles birthing several strong editorials in Noctis, THRDS Online and Institute Magazine.

Also taking note on how important marketing is he’s kept his viewers in the loop, by releasing behind the scenes content to give an insight on how he creates. Daniel is rapidly growing a collection of work which includes a combination of smooth retouching. Mixed with capturing models in there most smart, sexiest, raw and strongest form creating a lane of his own.

DERRICK LIPSCHITZ

VINCENT DOLMAN

Derrick Lipschitz is a New York City based photographer focusing on fashion editorials and commercial projects.

He utilizes his creativity and exceptional attention to detail to capture distinctive fashion-forward moments. Derrick expresses his interest in capturing wedding photos and documenting significant moments in the lives of his clients.

I am London-based celebrity and fashion photographer, I’ve been shooting now for about 10 years and love shooting for Blue mag and sending some love from across the pond. I hope you enjoy my shoot with Tinie Tempah. I have been lucky enough in my career to have worked with many leading figures in music, TV and film, including: Pharrell Williams, Tinie Tempah, Ed Sheeran, Rihanna, Juliette Lewis, Alfred Enoch, One Direction, Eminem, Snoop Dogg.

MAGAZINE

TAB

Dekota Living with HIV since 2012

UNDETECTABLE + FEELING GOOD

=

MY NEW GOAL

UNDETECTABLE + COURAGEOUS = MY NEW GOAL An undetectable viral load is a good start. Feeling less afraid of side effects is also key to the equation. Together, they add up to an important new goal.

©2016 ViiV Healthcare group of companies. All rights reserved.

Printed in USA. 750824R0 August 2016

[+]

Talk to your doctor and set your new HIV goal.

NewHIVGoal.com

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ACCESS BY BLEU

THIRD ANNUAL FASHION TECH FORUM BROOKLYN, NY OCTOBER 13TH, 2016 FTF is one of the first conferences to focus solely on merging fashion and technology, founded in 2014 by Karen Harvey to promote high level learning and conversation to drive the future of fashion and retail through technology. The event took place on Thursday, October 13th 2016 at Duggal Greenhouse in Brooklyn, NY. PHOTOGRAPHY FASHION TECH FORUM

Iris Apfel

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ACCESS BY BLEU

RUSSELL SIMMONS ALL DEF COMEDY LIVE HOLLYWOOD, CA OCTOBER 11TH, 2016

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Russell Simmons' All Def Comedy Live presents a special advanced screening of KEVIN HART: WHAT NOW?, on Tuesday, October 11th at TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, CA. Guests were treated to a special screening of the film along with performances from Kevin Hart's comedy group, the Plastic Cup Boyz featuring Joey Wells and Will "Spank" Horton, as well as a DJ set from retired NFL player and sports commentator, Marcellus Wiley.

PHOTOGRAPHY ARNOLD TURNER

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5

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1. Joey Wells and Will “Spank” Horton 2. Joey Wells 3. Sevyn Streeter 4. Omar Bolden 5. Trevor Jackson 6. Alesha Renee 7. Marcellus Wiley

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THE ARTS

WORDS AALIYAH TYSON

SCULPTORS

In this 4x5, featured are talented sculptors, painters, photographers, and graphic designers you will learn about who they are and their best work to hit the internet. Each of these artists are special in their own way when it comes to their stories behind their piece of work as well as the imagery, colors, and designs. Everyone has a story to tell and these artists told theirs by doing what they are best at.

ALLAN HOUSER

SYLVIA SHAW JUDSON

JEFF KOONS

PAIGE BRADLEY

JOHN T. SCOTT

Famous sculptor, painter, and book illustrator from Oklahoma. His best work was the “Sacred Rain Arrow” statue. This statue was inspired by a story that he heard about a young warrior taking a journey.

American sculptor and teacher won the Logan prize in 1929 for her sculptor “Little Gardener”. Her other sculptor called the “Bad Girl” achieved fame when it was on the cover of the novel “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.

Known for his balloon animals made out of stainless steel, with mirror surfaces is best known for his 43 foot tall sculptor “Puppy”. This sculptor is of a West Highland Terrier made out of flowers.

An American sculptor known for her figurative bronzes.

One of her sculptors is the “Expansion” Bronze with Electricity, expressing a woman expanding out of her comfort shell, and being herself.

African American sculptor, painter, printmaker, and collagist. One of his sculptors that are well known and describes his body of work is the “Ocean Song”.

PA I N T E R S

ROMARE BEARDEN

KEHINDE WILEY

PIET MONDRIAN

JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT

ANDY WARHOL

An American cartoon, oil, and collage artist.

What caught everyone’s eye is his bright colored collages representing music, classical stories, and the lives of African Americans.

New York based portrait painter, know for his naturalistic style of paintings of people with brown skin in heroic poses. His most known paintings are of the artist Ice T, Biggie, and Michael Jackson.

Dutch painter Piet Mondrian was also a theorist and writer.

Mondrian not only one, but a few of his paintings were popular are “The Gray Tree”, “Pier and Ocean”, “Composition with Color Planes”.

A Haitian American artist was discovered by his graffiti art that took place around the 1970’s-1980s.

His best work of art is his neo-expressionist paintings that were placed in museums and galleries.

The man who is known as the leader of movement pop art. As his name is familiar, so is his painting of the late singer Marilyn Monroe, consisting of four canvases measuring 40 inches.

PHOTOGRAPHERS

CARRIE MAE WEEMS

FRANK OCKENFELS

DAWOOD BEY

GORDON PARKS

JAMAL SHABAZZ

Honored at the BET awards for Visual Arts, Weems works with text, fabric, digital images, and installations. Man Reading Newspaper from the series Kitchen Table is highly seen when her work is mentioned.

Is an American photographer, artist, and director who is best known for his portraits of prominent celebrities like David Bowie, Angelina Jolie, and Kurt Cobain.

American photographer and educator born in New York City. His photos documented the everyday life of the people in Harlem and soon exhibited at the Studio Museum of Harlem.

This man took on many talents such as being a photographer, musician, writer, and film director.

The main issues that he covered in his photos were civil rights and poverty.

The African American fashion, fine art, and documentary photographer mostly known for his 80’s style images, and the Hip Hop swagger in the New York City streets being captured.

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

SHEPARD FAIREY

SAUL BASS

ALVIN LUSTIG

PETER SAVILLE

DAVID CARSON

This graphic designer, activist, and also founder of the popular clothing line OBEY is known for his hard body of work. Not only OBEY but Fairey work is represented through the popular Barack Obama “Hope” poster.

Award winning filmmaker, and graphic designer known for his design of motion picture title sequence, and film posters. One of his popular motion picture is Advise & Consent.

Graphic Designer, book designer, and typeface designer was honored by the American Institute Graphic Arts and the Art Directors Club Hall of Fame for his contributions to America design.

An English art director and graphic designer born in the United Kingdom, and mostly known for the sleeves he designed like the Factory Sample, A Certain Ratio, and Joy Division.

Graphic designer, art director, and surfer. His fun and witty magazine designs stood out to the art world, and gave the cover of Surf in Rico and Ray Gun an interesting look.

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Booted Photography RAMON MARTINEZ Fashion CHRIS SANDFORD

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SWIMS Charlie Boot $120 Swims.com

Issue 45

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TOMS Ashland Boot $159 Toms.com

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Issue 45

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FEIT Hand Sewn Hiker Wool $760 Feitdirect.com & FEIT retail

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GADGETS

FUTURISTIC EVOLUTION It’s always good to stay on top of what’s new, especially when it comes to new technology and gadgets because these gadgets can make your life easier and in a lot of ways funner! From new mini robotic printers to new security cameras that can even alert your phone when there is activity in the room, the future is here and it can be yours.

WORDS RAYMOND MORA

PRICES RANGE FROM $2,995 TO $3,995

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HOVERBOA R D Step into the future with a spectacular Hoverboard featuring speakers, digital charge meter, ground contacting sonar and a power output, which can charge phones and another Hoverboard. These Hoverboards come in three types: Lite, Semi and Full. The prices range from $2,995 to $3,995, set to make it an ideal Christmas gift for those into new technology.

RENT FOR A DAY

$4,500

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JAUNT ONE This first professional-grade camera specifically meant to capture high-quality 360, cinematic VR experiences.

It features 24 camera modules, 10-stops of dynamic range and a custom 130 FOV lenses, complemented with a fixed f/2.9 aperture. The Jaunt One also comes with multiple software tools to bring out the full camera experience. Currently individuals can rent the camera via Radiant Images in Los Angeles, CA.

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GADGETS

$299

3

$199

4

ZUTA

NE S T C A M - I ND OOR

Set to release in 2017, the first mini robotic printer can connect to any device via Wifi, print on any paper from small to large, and can be taken on the go. It prints one page per minute and lasts for one hour (battery run time). Individuals can pre-order the mini printer at a special price at $299.

Nest Cam is a high resolution security camera and probably the best one on the market. The Nest Cam stands watch 24/7 and it alerts your phone when there is activity in the room. It also can tell the difference between a person and a thing. The camera has two-way audio and is also 1080p, perfect for keeping watch.

$1,500 5

$140 6

P H ANTOM 4 PR O

O NJA S TOVE

This Phantom 4 pro drone has up to 20 megapixels. This drone has front and rear visual sensors, which can detect obstacles up to 100 feet to 30 feet meters away. The camera also has a maximum resolution of 4k at 60 frames per second. This drone is very easy to use so it is a good pick for beginners.

The Onja stove is the most compact 2-burner stove there is and it powerful enough to cook up for an entire family. It is super easy to assemble and pack away. The stove also has a carrying strap so it is easy to bring along anywhere, and it is easy to handle in any situation. It’s also pretty light at 7 pounds.

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CARS

SUPER CHARGED A relentless vehicle destined for top notch speed thanks to the 5.0L V8 470-horsepower engine WORDS RAYMOND MORA

The Jaguar XJ Supercharged has a combination of sheer power and crafted luxury, featuring a 5.0L V8 470-horsepower supercharged engine. This luxury vehicle can accelerate up to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Inside the XJ shows a unique interior styling of Iivory soft grain perforated leather seats with Oyster contrast stitch and piping. These seats are comfortable for any driver that wants to enjoy a wonderful time on the road.

When it gets slippery or dangerous in wet weather, the vehicle has an All Surface Progress Control (ASPC). This provides assistance in slippery

PRICE

$92,000

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conditions by navigating between 2 and 18 mph through a snowy driveway or other uncomfortable scenarios. The driver definitely gets more focus on steering and does not need to worry much about an accident.

Other standard XJ Supercharged features include Panoramic Glass Roof with Power Blends, Meridian 825W Digital Surround Sound System, InControl Pro Services, Blind Spot Monitor, and Traffic Sign Recognition. Talk about all these features suitable for a perfect dream car. Technology growing fast every day and the Jaguar continues to trend that direction.

CARS

SPECS CURB WEIGHT (LBS) 4,134 WHEELBASE (IN.) 119.4 OVERALL LENGTH (IN.) 202.0 OVERALL WIDTH WITH MIRRORS FOLDED (IN.) 74.8 OVERALL HEIGHT (IN.) 57.5 ACCELERATION 0-60 MPH. 4.9 SECONDS TOP SPEED 155 MPH

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WHAT IS ODEFSEY®?

What are the other possible side effects of ODEFSEY?

ODEFSEY is a 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in people 12 years and older. It can either be used in people who are starting HIV-1 treatment, have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, and have an amount of HIV-1 in their blood (“viral load”) that is no more than 100,000 copies/mL; or in people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements. These include having an undetectable viral load (less than 50 copies/mL) for 6 months or more on their current HIV-1 treatment. ODEFSEY combines 3 medicines into 1 pill taken once a day with a meal. ODEFSEY is a complete HIV-1 treatment and should not be used with other HIV-1 medicines.

Serious side effects of ODEFSEY may also include: • Severe skin rash and allergic reactions. Skin rash is a common side effect of ODEFSEY. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get a rash, as some rashes and allergic reactions may need to be treated in a hospital.

Stop taking ODEFSEY and get medical help right away if you get a rash with any of the following symptoms: fever, skin blisters, mouth sores, redness or swelling of the eyes (conjunctivitis), swelling of the face, lips, mouth, or throat, trouble breathing or swallowing, pain on the right side of the stomach (abdominal) area, and/or dark “tea-colored” urine.

• Depression or mood changes. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you: feel sad or hopeless, feel anxious or restless, have thoughts of hurting yourself (suicide) or have tried to hurt yourself.

• Changes in liver enzymes. People who have had hepatitis B or C or who have certain liver enzyme changes may have a higher risk for new or worse liver problems while taking ODEFSEY. Liver problems can also happen in people who have not had liver disease. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your liver enzymes before and during treatment with ODEFSEY. • Changes in body fat, which can happen in people taking HIV-1 medicines.

• Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking ODEFSEY. • Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. Your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking ODEFSEY if you develop new or worse kidney problems.

• Bone problems, such as bone pain, softening, or thinning, which may lead to fractures. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your bones.

ODEFSEY does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. To control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses, you must keep taking ODEFSEY. Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about how to reduce the risk of passing HIV-1 to others. Always practice safer sex and use condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with body fluids. Never reuse or share needles or other items that have body fluids on them.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about ODEFSEY? ODEFSEY may cause serious side effects: • Buildup of an acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious medical emergency. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include feeling very weak or tired, unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain with nausea or vomiting, feeling cold (especially in your arms and legs), feeling dizzy or lightheaded, and/or a fast or irregular heartbeat.

• Serious liver problems. The liver may become large and fatty. Symptoms of liver problems include your skin or the white part of your eyes turning yellow (jaundice); dark “tea-colored” urine; loss of appetite; light-colored bowel movements (stools); nausea; and/or pain, aching, or tenderness on the right side of your stomach area.

• You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or serious liver problems if you are female, very overweight, or have been taking ODEFSEY or a similar medicine for a long time. In some cases, lactic acidosis and serious liver problems have led to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of these conditions.

• Worsening of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. ODEFSEY

is not approved to treat HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV and stop taking ODEFSEY, your HBV may suddenly get worse.

Do not stop taking ODEFSEY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health.

Who should not take ODEFSEY? Do not take ODEFSEY if you take: • Certain prescription medicines for other conditions. It is important to ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with ODEFSEY. Do not start a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider.

• The herbal supplement St. John’s wort.

• Any other medicines to treat HIV-1 infection.

The most common side effects of rilpivirine, one of the medicines in ODEFSEY, are depression, trouble sleeping (insomnia), and headache.

The most common side effect of emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide, two of the medicines in ODEFSEY, is nausea.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking ODEFSEY? • All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare

provider if you have or have had any kidney, bone, mental health (depression or suicidal thoughts), or liver problems, including hepatitis virus infection.

• All the medicines you take, including prescription and overthe-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Other medicines may affect how ODEFSEY works. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. Ask your healthcare provider if it is safe to take ODEFSEY with all of your other medicines.

• If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if ODEFSEY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking ODEFSEY. • If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

Ask your healthcare provider if ODEFSEY is right for you, and visit ODEFSEY.com to learn more.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see Important Facts about ODEFSEY including important warnings on the following page.

TAB

ODEFSEY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.

SHOW YOUR

RADIANCE

ODEFSEY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day HIV-1 treatment for people 12 years and older who are either new to treatment and have less than 100,000 copies/mL of virus in their blood or people whose healthcare provider determines they can replace their current HIV-1 medicines with ODEFSEY.

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IMPORTANT FACTS This is only a brief summary of important information about ODEFSEY® and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

(oh-DEF-see) MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ODEFSEY

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF ODEFSEY

ODEFSEY may cause serious side effects, including:

ODEFSEY can cause serious side effects, including:

•

•

•

Buildup of lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms: feeling very weak or tired, unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain with nausea or vomiting, feeling cold (especially in your arms and legs), feeling dizzy or lightheaded, and/or a fast or irregular heartbeat.

•

Severe liver problems, which in some cases can lead to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms: your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice); dark “tea-colored” urine; loss of appetite; light-colored bowel movements (stools); nausea; and/ or pain, aching, or tenderness on the right side of your stomach area.

•

Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. ODEFSEY is not approved to treat HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking ODEFSEY. Do not stop taking ODEFSEY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.

You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if you are female, very overweight, or have been taking ODEFSEY or a similar medicine for a long time.

• • • •

• •

Those in the “Most Important Information About ODEFSEY” section.

Severe skin rash and allergic reactions.

Depression or mood changes.

Changes in liver enzymes.

Changes in body fat.

Changes in your immune system.

New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure.

Bone problems.

The most common side effects of rilpivirine, one of the medicines in ODEFSEY, are depression, trouble sleeping (insomnia), and headache.

The most common side effect of emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide, two of the medicines in ODEFSEY, is nausea.

These are not all the possible side effects of ODEFSEY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking ODEFSEY. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with ODEFSEY.

BEFORE TAKING ODEFSEY

ABOUT ODEFSEY •

ODEFSEY is a prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in people 12 years of age and older who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before and who have an amount of HIV-1 in their blood (“viral load”) that is no more than 100,000 copies/mL. ODEFSEY can also be used to replace current HIV-1 medicines for some people who have an undetectable viral load (less than 50 copies/ mL), have been on the same HIV-1 medicines for at least 6 months, have never failed HIV-1 treatment, and whose healthcare provider determines that they meet certain other requirements.

•

ODEFSEY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. Ask your healthcare provider about how to prevent passing HIV-1 to others.

Do NOT take ODEFSEY if you: • Take a medicine that contains: carbamazepine (Carbatrol®, Epitol®, Equetro®, Tegretol®, Tegretol-XR®, Teril®), dexamethasone (Ozurdex®, Maxidex®, Decadron®, Baycadron™), dexlansoprazole (Dexilant®), esomeprazole (Nexium®, Vimovo®), lansoprazole (Prevacid®), omeprazole (Prilosec®, Zegerid®), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal®), pantoprazole sodium (Protonix®), phenobarbital (Luminal®), phenytoin (Dilantin®, Dilantin-125®, Phenytek®), rabeprazole (Aciphex®), rifampin (Rifadin®, Rifamate®, Rifater®, Rimactane®), or rifapentine (Priftin®).

•

Take the herbal supplement St. John’s wort.

•

Take any other HIV-1 medicines at the same time.

Tell your healthcare provider if you: • Have or have had any kidney, bone, mental health (depression or suicidal thoughts), or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.

• Have any other medical condition.

• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

• Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: • Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

• Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with ODEFSEY.

HOW TO TAKE ODEFSEY • •

ODEFSEY is a complete 1-pill, once-a-day HIV-1 medicine.

Take ODEFSEY with a meal.

GET MORE INFORMATION •

• •

This is only a brief summary of important information about ODEFSEY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.

Go to ODEFSEY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5 If you need help paying for your medicine, visit ODEFSEY.com for program information.

ODEFSEY, the ODEFSEY Logo, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. Version date: March 2016 © 2016 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. ODEC0026 06/16 30

MAGAZINE

THE READ

MIX IT UP. PHOTOGRAPHY ETIENNE MATUS

From Left To Right: 1

VENGEANCE Bestselling author Zane returns to the world of her popular novels Addicted and Nervous in this exhilarating followup featuring a beautiful but emotionally damaged pop star desperate and determined to enact revenge on those who have caused her to hide behind her fame.

2

ABUNDANCE NOW Lisa Nichols shares her journey from scarcity to abundance, outlining steps everyone can take to create abundance in career, relationships, self, and finances— while creating a legacy for others to follow.

3

THE LEADER’S MINDSET Terence Mauri’s new book takes you on a deep dive into the hearts and minds of visionaries, risk takers and pioneers who pursue moonshots, the revolutionary ideas that rewrite how business is done.

4

LOVE, SEX, AND STAYING WARM: KEEPING THE FLAME ALIVE From a quiz asking you if you are sabotaging your relationship, to an explanation of romantic intelligence, Love, Sex and Staying Warm: Keeping the Flame Alive is an easy to read book with short chapters--loaded with suggestions and practical advice about making your relationship stronger, closer and more intimate.

5

THE FULL TANK LIFE Modern-day Renaissance man and star of Bravo’s Thicker Than Water Ben Tankard offers powerful motivation and practical tools to empower readers to find their destiny and create an action plan to unlock it.

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GROOMING

FALL’S FAVORITE FRAGRANCES

2 $90

WORDS TERENCE MCNEALY

Smells leave a longer lasting impression than any other characteristic on the human body. With each of these seven colognes, you will be sure to leave a positive mark wherever you go this fall season.

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3

4

5

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$72

BLACK (KENNETH COLE) Kenneth Cole Black for Men by Kenneth Cole is a Woody Aromatic fragrance for men. Top notes are ginger, mandarin orange, basil and water mint; middle notes are nutmeg, incense, cedar, lotus and exotic woods; base notes are amber, musk, violet leaf and suede.

UOMO (SALVADORE FERRAGAMO) A sense of elegance and beauty. All the optimism and joy of a real smile. The ability to be modern, yet also timeless; to seize the day. All of this is part of the story of Uomo Salvatore Ferragamo, the new fragrance for men.

VALOR Inspired by the U.S. Military’s Medal of Honor, the look and feel of Valor pays homage to America’s heroes with style and distinction. The sophisticated packaging has clean modern lines with a fashionable military-inspired design TUSCAN SCENT – LEATHER ROSE (SALVADORE FERRAGAMO) Tuscan Scent - Leather Rose is the unisex perfume by Salvatore Ferragamo for women and men and was released in 2016. The scent is flowery-earthy. The longevity is above-average.

GUCCI GUILTY POUR HOMME Gucci Guilty for Him doesn’t believe in conformity or in submitting to labels or gender rules. The original Gucci Guilty fragrances embody this new edge and signify freedom by breaking with traditional male and female fragrance ingredients.

FOR HIM BLEU NOIR (NARCISO RODRIGUEZ) For Him Bleu Noir (Narciso Rodriguez) – The fragrance is clean and sharp, with depth and sensuality, as well as the original fougere and musky character.

SPICEBOMB (VIKTOR ROLF) Spicebomb offers the promise of a concentrate with an explosive personality. Deliberately powerful, exaggeratedly sensual, decidedly audacious. The bottle, a reworked custom-built grenade for a perfume made up of explosive scents, is encircled by a black band that cannot contain the force of the fragrance. An olfactory explosion is ineluctable.

MAGAZINE

3 $21 PHOTOGRAPHY RAMON MARTINEZ

1

1

TAB

4 $250

6 $80

7 $90

5 $69

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FUEL

THE ART OF HOME COOKED MEALS 3 Meal Recipes To Make At Home Rather Than Going Out

1 This recipe is the most delicious salmon recipe I have tasted and it is very easy to prepare. For my fish lovers who want to switch things up in the kitchen try out the maple salmon recipe. Getting started you need:

RECIPE 1/4 cup maple syrup 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 clove garlic, minced.

1 pound salmon

1 Get a bowl and mix up the maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic, garlic salt, and pepper.

2 Place the salmon in a nice size glass dish and coat it with a the maple syrup mixture from step one, and then cover the dish up, marinate the salmon in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

3 Get a bowl and mix up the maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic, garlic salt, and pepper.

4 Place the salmon dish into the oven.

Wah lah! There you have it, fresh baked maple glazed salmon.

FUEL

2 This next meal is very simple and good for any occasion, especially during football season. Who doesn’t love a spice of Mexican food? You can create your own taco bar. Overall this process will take up to 35 minutes to make, 20mintues preparing the food, and 15 minutes to cook. All of the ingredients you will need is:

RECIPE TOPPINGS AND SIDES [

1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Shredded Romaine Lettuce 6 scallions chopped Diced red tomatoes Taco sauce Taco shells (however many) 2 small jalapeno peppers

1 tablespoon of olive oil 1 1/3 pounds ground turkey breast 1 small onion chopped 2 chipotles in adobo sauce chopped 1 cup of tomato sauce Salt 1/2 cup of water 1/2 red bell pepper 1/2 yellow bell pepper Ground black pepper In a small skillet preheat the meat and then add garlic and onions. Cook the onions and meat together for at least 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in chipotles, chili powder, and tomato sauce.

Stir the cup of water during this time and lower the heat down. Place toppings in small dishes so it is accessible for people to get to.

3 If Asian is what your going for then try the simple, healthy stir fry. This dish can be served with your choice of rice or noodles:

COOKING TIME 1 Boil the water in a pot, and put the rice inside over high heat. Stir the rice until it is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

RECIPE

2 In a bowl combine soy sauce, brown sugar, and corn starch; stir it all together. Add the garlic, ginger, and red pepper. After this is done marinate the chicken with this sauce.

3 Heat the tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat, and then cook and stir with the peppers, broccoli, carrots, and onions until they are nice and tender.

4 Cook the chicken until it is no longer pink in the middle, preheat oven on 350 F, and this should take about 30-35 minutes.

5 Lay your rice down on the plate, cut up the chicken and place this on top of the rice along with the vegetables and there you have it! Stir Fry!

2 cups of white rice 4 cups of water 2/3 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1/4 teaspoonred pepper flakes 3 skinless, boneless chicken breast 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 green bell pepper 1 head broccoli 1 cup of sliced carrots 1 onion cut up

FITNESS

MIND, BODY & CARDIO WORDS RAYMOND MORA ILLUSTRATION LAWRENCE PITTS

CARDIO is an important part of training for the body. No matter how strong a man is, he needs to have endurance in his muscle groups, or fatigue sets in quickly. Here are four cardio exercises that anyone can do without running in the cold for an intense workout.

1

JUMP ROPING Sets

TIPS

6 ROUNDS Duration

3 MINUTES Rest

15 SECONDS Target

FULL BODY

Try different rope skipping styles such as running in place, double unders and criss-cross. The perfect exercise for coordination, agility, quickness, footwork and endurance.

2

BOX JUMPS

Sets

TIPS

6 Reps

3 Rest

15 SECONDS Target

LEGS

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Builds explosive power and trains fast twitch muscle fibers. Land in a squat position to absorb the force, minimizing a possible injury.

FITNESS

MOUNTAIN CLIMBER 3 Sets

TIPS

3 Reps

8 - 12 Rest

15 SECONDS Target

ABS

To make it difficult go at a faster rate.

To make it easier go slow. This exercise works the core, but also the glutes, hamstrings, shoulders and chest.

4

STATIONARY BIKE Sets

TIPS

1 Duration

30 MINUTES cool down

5 MINUTES Target

LEGS

Make sure to adjust the seat at the right height for the legs.

Do short intervals to strengthen the legs muscles, and not get bored riding for a long time.

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TRAVEL

THE E D I U G E T A M I ULT G N I E E S TO N I A CUB S Y A D 3 WORDS SABLE SWEEPER

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TRAVEL

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TRAVEL

It is no secret that Cuba is the new hotspot!

While Cuba is the ultimate destination, a United States citizen cannot just up and go. A US citizen can only travel to Cuba under 12 categories and with a Visa. United States citizens may obtain visa information at: info@cubavisaservices.com.

These are the 12 categories of allowable travel to Cuba for United States citizens: 1. Family travel 2. Official government business 3. Journalistic activity 4. Professional research and meetings 5.

Educational activities 6. Religious activities 7. Pub-

lic performances, clinics, workshops, exhibitions and athletic competitions 8. Support for the Cuban people 9. Humanitarian projects 10. Activities of private foundations or research for educational institutes 11. Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials 12.

Export.

Once you have confirmed that your trip falls under these 12 categories, applied and obtained a Visa, it is time to pack and go. Here is the ultimate Cuba guide one can conquer in three days:

HOTEL VS. AIRBNB

When deciding where to stay in Cuba, one should consider your budget, the need for internet and their comfort level. Airbnbs are the cheaper option over hotels. Most Airbnbs are located in Cuban neighborhoods away from tourist attractions, while the majority of hotels are located in central airs close to tourist attractions or beaches.

TRANSPORTATION

There are local buses one can use to travel throughout the city and to other cities; however, from my sightings they are usually are heavily occupied. I’d recommend catching a quick taxi ride to where you have to go. Taxis in Cuba are super affordable and easy to get it.

INTERNET PHOTO BY BUD ELLISON

PHOTO BY BUD ELLISON

If you think you will upload your pictures to Instagram or snapchat right away, think again! There is no phone service or easily accessible internet in Cuba. To get access to the internet, an internet card must be bought. Internet cards are sold at hotels and “Internet Parks.” The cards can cost anywhere from $2 CUC to $5 CUC, depending where you purchase. The cards last one hour and service can be spotty. To locate an Internet Park, it is best to ask one of the local Cuban where is the nearest one.

MONEY

$ CUC (Cuban Convertible peso) and Cuban pesos (CUP) are the forms of currency used in Cuba. One can exchange their money at the airport for a small fee or in Old Havana at the local banks for free. There are no ATMS or card machines, so bring enough cash to get you through your stay. I will suggest converting a set amount and keeping some USD on the side in the event you need to exchange more.

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N O I T C A R ATT DAY 1

CENTRAL HAVANA One can get see a lineup of famous cars, visit museums and have authentic Cuban cuisine.

OLD HAVANA TOURS The Old Havana Tour in an old car is a must. During the tour you will get to see the beautiful country part of old Havana, war sites, historic monuments, the famous Christ of Havana and not to mention scoring a great picture with the Cuban ladies and cigars. Not to worry, this tour is not expensive. It will run you about 20-30CUC depending on if you choose one hour or two.

DAY 2

VARDERO BEACH Varadero Beach is about 2.5 hours away from Old Havana. I was able to get a taxi driver to drive my group out to the beach

S

and stay with us for the day for $150CUC. During the drive to Varadero Beach you will get to see Cuban architecture, the beauty of vibrant colorful neighborhoods.

Varadero Beach itself was the most beautiful beach I have ever seen. The sand is extremely clean, the water is unpopulated, sky blue and the perfect temperature. Be sure to grab a fresh Pina colada while at the beach.

LAS CUEVAS DE BELLAMAR The natural caves are one of Cuba’s oldest tourist attractions. The caves are located about 1 hour away from Havana.

I would suggest visiting the Caves while traveling to /from Varadero Beach. Be sure to have swimming gear if you wish to experience swimming in the caves.

DAY 3

FUSTERLANDIA JOSE FUSTER ART GALLERY, HAVANA

Here you will experience the creativity and work of Cuban artist, Jose Fuster.

Fuster took his artistic mind and decided to redecorate his home and ultimately the community surrounding it. Read more here: http://www.lahabana.com/content/fustercubas-irrepressible-gaudi-restyles-jaimanitas/

PLAZA DEL LA REVOLUTION This is where the famous picture of Castro is located. Grab a selfie and go.

There is not much here.

THE HANDCRAFT MARKET, OLD HAVANA Looking for gifts and crafts to bring home? Here is the place!

At the Handcraft Market one can find anything from Cuban Rum to handcraft leather purses and baseballs to paintings and cigars.

FASHION Coat NAUTICA Shirt CALVIN KLEIN Hat ARMY SUPPLY

Entendons Le Pour Le Garรงon Fashion RONI FRANCOIS & AMBER LEON Photography DERRICK LIPSCHITZ Fashion Assisstant TERENCE B. MCNEALY Grooming ASARI SUSANNE Grooming Assissant JONTE ROBINSON Model NAVARRE CALDWELL (FENTON MODELS)

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FASHION

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Coat BOOHOO Hoodie, T-Shirt, Pants HYDROGEN Boots FEIT Scarf GUCCI

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FASHION Coat EXLEY Vest HYDROGEN Turtle Neck BOOHOO

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Shirt CALVIN KLEIN Jacket NAUTICA Pants KOLLAR Gloves I LOVE YOU UGLY

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FASHION Coat BOOHOO Shirt HYDROGEN Pants I LOVE UGLY Hats GOORIN BROS Boots RED WING SHOES

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Left and Right Photos: Coat and Pants WOOD HOUSE Shirt KOLLAR

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THE CREATIVES

Michelle Ten: Styling Her Way Through the Fashion Industry Creator of the Haute Crew Agency, Michelle Ten, discusses her career as a stylist and producer WORDS CHERESE WEEKES

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THE CREATIVES

Michelle Ten

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PHOTO BY DAMIAN CASTRO

THE CREATIVES

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THE CREATIVES

From an early age Michelle Ten had a deep passion for fashion. Whether glossing over the intricate designs of Jean Paul Gaultier and Versace, or demanding to wear a dress, she’s always been cognizant of her keen sense of style. So much so, she replicated fashions found in Barbie catalogues and made the streets of New York her personal runway. Now in her thirties, Ten’s days of playing “dress up” with Barbie as her inspiration are long gone, but her early aspirations embarked a journey that has led her to become a stylist, producer and creator of The Haute Crew.

“Recognizing the growing need for a 360-degree approach to styling and imaging, The Haute Crew was created as a veritable for the image-conscious clientele,” says Ten. “I hit upon the idea to start an agency after realizing that on most of my projects, I not only take on the role of a stylist, but also that of a producer,” she adds.

On the road to establishing The Haute Crew, Ten left behind her career as fashion editor at The Source Magazine, which gave her little room to showcase her full potential as a stylist since the magazine’s fashion department was small. It also couldn’t contain the big dreams Ten had envision. Her vision was to build a team that would meet the specific demands of the client- whether it is through grooming, fashion styling, creative direction, personal shopping, hair and makeup or photo production.

“By bringing in other creatives to collaborate with me, I’m able to serve my clients on a much broader level,” says Ten. As a team we have collaborated together for many years, so we understand each individual’s work ethic.”

With a squad of fashion-forward connoisseurs by her side, Ten is determined “to ignite a fashion revolution”, especially when she has full range to showcase her capabilities and versatility. “My best creative space is to be able to utilize my vision without restrictions and without any guidelines,” says Ten. Each client is treated as a blank canvas, destined to be beautifully decorated with her stylish touch. But a client who portrays confidence enables Ten to utilize her creativity seamlessly. “My ideal client is someone, confident, yet understands the concept and respects the creative space,” says Ten. “They are open to suggestions to look their absolute best.”

However, Ten acknowledges that every client is different and makes no

reservations about helping each of them achieve their most fashionable look.

“Clients contact us with shoot requests because their company does not have the capability to work through their ins and outs; and we can independently execute from start to finish,” she explains.

Ten thrives on innovation and admires high-end fashion designers that have left a long-lasting imprint in the industry like Kimora Lee Simmons and the original Franco Moschino. “I am inspired by people that do what no one else is doing and people who have created empires,” says Ten. Creating an empire in this industry isn’t easy, especially with ongoing obstacles such as finding a hardworking assistant and proving her worth can make a day on site a bit chaotic. And with each day full of tasks to accomplish like finding new business initiatives or working with a shoe client in Mexico, Ten conquers every project by getting in the right frame of mind through meditation.

Ten takes pride in her fashion entrepreneurship, and works industriously to accomplish each goal she has set for herself. Much of this pride is displayed on her website, www.haute-crew.com, which can also be deemed as a platform designed to service the fashion-conscious individual.

“Style varies from talent to talent on the site,” says Ten. “Overall the message is in the quality of work. Also, we regularly collaborate together so the camaraderie is there.” She continues, “My personal inspiration is the juxtaposition of ‘opposing forces,’ things you wouldn’t see together with the objective of making a statement.”

One of the images she styled depicts the notion that the power of fashion supersedes race. The faces of a Caucasian and an African American woman are styled in the same studded sunglasses, hat and shade of lipstick. Although framed together, only half of their faces can be seen. When describing the image Ten says, “The very personal point I was trying to make here is that ethnicity is irrelevant in fashion, because the clothes are the same.”

Ten has over a decade-long career and is taking the fashion industry by storm, leaving behind a sense of sophistication and sexiness like the world-class Italian designers she admires. Yet, she’s in a league of her own with a thirst for fashion that cannot be easily quenched. “Pinpointing my biggest accomplishment [in this landscape] would convey my job here is done. I still have a lot to do.”

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HOOD LOVE Photography HARVEY JACKSON Fashion CHRIS SANDFORD Model CYKEEM WHITE

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FASHION

Left and Right Photos: Bomber Jacket $295 VRY WRM X RIME Popover Shirt $330 Leisure Pants $550 MARTIN KEEHN Sneakers $75 REEBOK

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FASHION

Jacket $120 CLEAN Pullover $170 KINFOLK Corduroy Jeans $322 MARTIN KEEHN

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FASHION

Button Down $155 STAMPD Jacket $120 CLEAN

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Left and Right Photos: Long Sleeve Tee $110 Parka Jacket $340 KINFOLK Flannel Shirt $90 Khaki Pants $95 CLEAN

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FASHION

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Mock Neck Sweater $140 KINFOLK Jacket $495 JOHN ELLIOTT Jeans $350 MARTIN KEEHN Combat Boats $445 COACH 1941

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FASHION Jacket $300 CLEAN T-shirt $40 KINFOLK Leisure pants $198 MARTIN KEEHN Socks $14 (3 pr.)

VANS

Bomber Jacket $175 Hoodie $85 Lounge Pants $110 KHND STUDIOS

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FASHION Left and Right Photos: T-shirt $150 Henley Collar Polo $250 Straight Leg Trouser $350 Combat Boots $445 COACH 1941 Jacket $550 NOBIS

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COVER STORY

WRITTEN IN THE STARS Tinie Tempah Talks New Album Youth, and His Musical Journey Since Discovery.

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WORDS JACK COLLINS

PHOTOGRAPHY VINCENT DOLMAN

TINIE TEMPAH STYLIST MOSES OPIAH & DESIGN BUTLER

HAIR STYLIST MARK MACIVER

FASHION SEAN AZEEZ

MAKE UP LOUISE DARTFORD

ART DIRECTOR DANNY WALKER

FASHION ASSISTANT NOEMI RUDIN & ENIOLA VINTARJE

PHOTOGRAPHER ASSISTANT OLIVIER BARJOLLE

SET DESIGNER BRYONY EDWARDS

Shirt PAUL SMITH Glasses VINTAGE YVES SAINT LAURENT

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COVER STORY

It’s been six years since Patrick Chukwuemeka Okogwu, better known as Tinie Tempah released his debut album Disc-Overy. It was a dream start for the London rapper, releasing two singles, debut “Pass Out” and “Written In The Stars”, each hitting the top spot in the UK Singles Chart, and the latter reaching Number 12 in the US Billboard Hot 100 and Number 7 in the US Mainstream Top 40. With “Pass Out”, Tinie picked up a Brit Award for Best British Single and also an Ivor Novello Award for Best Contemporary Song in 2011.

Fast-forward six years, and Tinie Tempah is still no stranger to success. His latest single “Girls Like” which features Swedish pop sensation Zara Larsson peaked at No. 5 in the UK singles chart, has gained 112 million streams on Spotify and is platinum in Sweden, Ireland and Holland. The single is certified gold in Australia, Norway, Finland, New Zealand, Denmark and the UK – a staggering achievement.

As I call him from London, he’s prepping for the release of his third studio album Youth with a trip across the pond, and seems to be enjoying the path

that his career has taken him down. ‘’I’ve been out here loads and loads man, but the more you come back and the more experience you’ve had in the music industry, you just start to look at it differently,’’ he says from LA. ‘’The first time I came it was overwhelming, like the overwhelming and where you’ve heard dreams have come true. But now we go and we know a lot of people, we have a lot of connections here, a lot of genuine friends here, genuine fans.’’

Many UK artists believe that the greatest success comes with breaking America and many fall by the wayside trying to gain the support of our transatlantic cousins. But that’s not necessarily the case for Tinie - he’s optimistic in his approach to the States, but doesn’t take his focus away from home while trying to conquer it. ‘’I don’t look at America like, ‘Ah, I need to crack it’, I look at it as the biggest place for the kind of music I make, you know. So it would be good if I could do well here.’’ However, 2016 isn’t the first time that Tinie has tasted some success in America, with “Written In The Stars” doing well back in 2010. But as a young rapper who had not long since entered his twenties, he wanted to continue to grow as a performer and refine his

artistry. ‘’When it happened the first time, I mean, it was great. If you’re a British artist and you’d had any form of success in America then that’s it for you, but that wasn’t the case. I came back to London and carried on consolidating my position there which I thought was really important.’’

Though America is the ‘’holy grail’’ in terms of hip-hop, Tinie felt it necessary to head home and hone his craft, which he seemingly mastered with ease, and strengthened his already gifted talent for song writing, a skill that not many are blessed with. ‘’I was still on my first album then, and now it feels like ‘Girls Like’ on this third album has presented that same opportunity again,’’ he says, through a crackling phone line. ‘’I’m a bit older now. I guess before we weren’t even in a comfortable position, you know. We’d literally just come out of a council estate, just come from living with our mum, had no money to our name and we were just trying to make something happen, and now, we’re in a different situation. I feel like we can afford to be out here a bit more and you know, if you’ve got a song that’s doing really well in a different country then it kind of helps if you’re there doesn’t it? Out of sight, out of mind.’’

Jacket LAVIN Shirt FOLK Chain TINIE TEMPAH OWN

Right Page: Shirt COACH Trouser NATURAL SELECTION T-Shirt FOLK Shoe CLARKS Glasses SAINT LAURENT PARIS Watch TINIE TEMPAH OWN

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COVER STORY

“I DON’T LOOK AT AMERICA LIKE, ‘AH, I NEED TO CRACK IT,

I LOOK AT IT AS THE BIGGEST PLACE FOR THE KIND OF MUSIC I MAKE, YOU KNOW. T I N I E T E M PA H

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COVER STORY

ANYBODY’S SECOND ALBUM IS WIDELY BELIEVED TO BE THE MOST DIFFICULT –

Jacket NATURAL SELECTION Trousers SAINT LAURENT PARIS T-Shirt DRIES VAN NOTEN Shoes PAUL SMITH Watch ROLEX (TINIE TEMPAH OWN)

‘SECOND ALBUM SYNDROME’ AS IT CAN BE KNOWN IF THINGS DON’T TURN OUT TOO WELL T I N I E T E M PA H

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COVER STORY

Shirt FOLK

Anybody’s second album is widely believed to be the most difficult – “second album syndrome” as it can be known if things don’t turn out too well.

But that notion was shunned by Tinie, whose second album Demonstration, entered the UK Albums Chart at number three and was also certified gold.

The album also charted in the Top 40 in a number of other countries across the globe, exceeding the position of his previous record in several of those countries. His success continues to grow and shows no sign of slowing down, putting him in prime position to release album number three. As always, artists from all over jump at the chance to collaborate with him. Over the course of his career, Tinie has worked with a number of accomplished artists, including 2 Chainz, Calvin Harris, Katy B, Swedish House Mafia, Jess Glynne, Ellie Goulding, Wiz Khalifa and many more.

tion. When I think of rock, I think of someone maybe with some mascara on, biting a bats head off, drinking chicken blood. When I think of pop, I think of a really well put together, aesthetically pleasing girl, who’s maybe been assisted in her writing, assisted in her vocals,’’ he says. ‘’With the rap stereotype, it’s cool, but it’s always quite negative as well. You get what I mean? And these kids are like, impoverished kids, they live here, they’re trapped, they can’t get out and this is a result of what they’re talking about. However, I don’t want my rap to reflect that, that’s not necessarily my life.

I didn’t grow up easy, I’m not privileged by any means. I have nothing to inherit or anything like that, however, life wasn’t that shit for me, I grew up in a council estate but I wasn’t like dodging bullets every single day. I wanted to make music that reflected my life a bit more’’.

He’s worked with a varied bunch over his time but enjoys working with artists that people wouldn’t expect and those whose work he’s a genuine fan of. ‘’Most music has a stereotype in the percep-

London is a magical city. It’s the birthplace of many wonderfully talented artists, and though it can be argued, we’d probably be lost without it. For Tinie, Youth isn’t just a collection of songs. It’s a

‘’love letter’’ to London, the city he grew up in. The city that inspired his music, the city that helped him on his way to become the artist he is today. ‘’It’s basically saying thank you, thank you for raising me, thank you for giving me the foundation where I could take on the rest of the world,’’ he says. ‘’If I was born in a different country with less opportunity, or I was born in my parents’ motherland, who knows what may have been possible for me to achieve what I have?’’

As well as being an ode to London, the record is titled Youth in an almost reflective kind of way. Tinie was just the tender age of 21 when he released his debut single, and he believes that a lot of his fans are of a similar age to him, growing with him and the music that he releases. ‘’The fact that I’m 27, I feel a lot of fans are of a similar age therefore when they flick back through my music, my music will remind them of their youth.’’ Tinie likes to think that he’s grown up with his fans too, and it seems as though the music is for himself just as much as it’s for his fans.

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Glasses SAINT LAURENT PARIS Jacket CASELY HAYFORD T-Shirt DRIES VAN NOTEN

COVER STORY

Pop music and his three albums aren’t the only areas of music that Tinie has worked on, and unbeknown to some, he’s released ‘’loads’’ of mixtapes. Back in 2015, he released his ten track Junk Food mixtape, featuring a number of the hottest Grime artists around at the moment including Jme, Stormzy, Big Narstie, Wretch 32, Giggs and more. Recording with Grime artists is a ‘’lot less headache’’ compared to recording with mainstream pop artists according to Tinie. ‘’When you’re working with a massive pop artist, there’s so many lawyers involved, so much protocol, so much management and so many stages before you actually get to the process of creation,’’ he explains. ‘’Whereas with [Big] Narstie, it’s like, ‘Bro, I’m in South London, can you get here by 6pm?’ And he’s there, it’s done, no questions asked.’’ Over the past couple of years, Grime music has exploded, even making America take notice, something it’s struggled to do since its beginning.

With the aid of US superstars Drake, Kanye West and Pharrell, the UK Grime scene has gained a whole load of fans not just in the UK, but Stateside as well. Junk Food is probably the most celebrated Tinie mixtape of them all with it being the most recent, and it being released into the world during Grime music’s biggest resurgence. ‘’When I was working with some of the rappers, they kind of reminded me of where I was at when I was still very much firmly in London. And I mean that in a good way, that kind of don’t give a fuck attitude, ‘this is what I know, so this is what I’m gonna do’. Where I think a little bit differently now,

so it was nice to just be in a room, and I’m not saying every MC thought like that, but it’s nice to be in a room with some artists who still had that mentality because it definitely brings out something in the music.’’

“YOUTH” ISN’T JUST A COLLECTION OF SONGS. IT’S A LOVE LETTER TO LONDON”

Though the Junk food mixtape was championed by many, it was also met with some levels of unwarranted scepticism from a few. Why Tinie chose to work with Grime artists confused a number of people, who more than likely only know him from his chart-topping tunes. ‘’It’s such an amazing country where I’m from, but when you come from a small country there’s a kind of a small minded mentality as well, so I feel like a few people looked at that [mixtape] almost like ‘hmm, why are you working with these people all of a sudden?’ But why shouldn’t I?’’ he asks. ‘’If people can’t question me working with Ellie Goulding – and they weren’t questioning that – why would you question the fact I wanna work with Narstie, when he’s an MC and I’m an MC? I don’t get that; it was really weird. It was really weird to see a few people be like, ‘hmm, that’s a bit strange’. I’d be like, why is it strange?’’

No matter the genre Tinie Tempah decides to write within, it’s clear that success is in his blood and will continue to flow for as long as he wants it to. He shows no signs whatsoever of slowing down and looks set to make a real name for himself in the USA, whether that’s a top priority of his or not.

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OP-ED

LOCKED UP In the United States, the Prison Industrial Complex is big business. It’s not just about economics; it’s an all-out assault on African-American’s to not only control and marginalize Black bodies, but to dismantle Black families and Black communities, especially if you’re poor.

WORDS EVAN MAJORS ILLUSTRATIONS LAWRENCE PITTS

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There is a forgotten population of mostly Black and Brown men and women behind steel bars, concrete walls, and barbed wired fences. Husbands, sons, daughters, mothers, sisters, boyfriends, and wives who on the outside were once called by their birth names and considered human beings, but once incarcerated become state property only to be relegated to cattle, referred to by a number and locked in cages. For decades, prisons were said to be places of rehabilitation and reform, but in today’s society most of us now know that is far from the truth. As professor, Michelle Alexander writes in her book The New Jim Crow, “The nature of the criminal justice system has changed.

It is no longer primarily concerned with the prevention of crime, but rather with the management and control of the dispossessed.”

T

With the privatization of prisons in the United States, prisons have become big business and its impact is devastating. When you hear politicians refer to the “prison-industrial complex” they are talking about prisons that are run by for-profit corporations. Not to mention, corporations that use prison inmates for free labor i.e., modern-day slavery to cut company costs like Fidelity Investments, Victoria Secrets, McDonalds, Wendy’s and Starbucks, according to the Atlanta Black Star.

Back in the day when rap music turned “gangsta” doing a “bid” was glorified not only in its lyrical content, but also in the persona of Black male rappers, so much so we didn’t know who was “keeping it real” or who was just a “studio gangsta.” And whether someone was hustling on the corner trying to make money to feed their families, doing time in jail or prison amongst Black and Latino men was considered a badge of honor in the same way not being a “snitch” in Italian mob culture was also respected. However, there is nothing cool about being locked up, degraded, treated like an animal and possibly gang-raped.

What we’ve been witnessing in the past two decades is a rush to judgment amongst government officials, police officers, white media outlets, and white jurors to lock up Black and Brown males – young or. This rush to judgment has significantly contributed to the staggering numbers of incarcerated Black men (and now women) in prison. In America, if you’re Black or Brown you tend to be treated as guilty before there is a trial.

The 2015-2016 presidential election showcased plenty of politicians on the left and right debating the current prison system in the United States, as well as, an eye opening and compelling documentary, 13th by filmmaker Ava DuVernay exploring how the Thirteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution led to an epidemic of mass incarceration, specifically of African-Americans. In 2015, President Obama became the first sitting president to visit a United States federal prison when he traveled to the El Reno Federal Correction Institution in Oklahoma, there he met with six inmates serving time for low-level drug offenses. The visit was filmed

by VICE News for an HBO special called “Fixing The Prison System.” It was President Barack Obama’s campaign to reform the criminal justice system, particularly mandatory sentencing for non-violent offenders.

When dissecting what is taking place with mass incarceration, there are multiple elements at play. Two of the biggest is the dismantling of Black and Brown families and legal discrimination, which ultimately destroys

these communities. Black men make up 35% of jail inmates and 37% of prison inmates as of 2014 according to U.S. Department of Justice.

“Today there are more African-Americans under correctional control – in prison or jail, on probation or parole than were enslaved in 1850, a decade before the Civil War began. There are millions of African-Americans now cycling in and out of prisons and jails or under correctional control. In major American cities today, more than half of working-age African-American men are either under correctional control or branded felons and are thus subject to legalized discrimination for the rest of their lives,” according to The New Jim Crow.

Black males are being incarcerated at such an alarming rate it is creating generations of single mothers and fatherless boys and girls. Those left by incarceration ultimately have to deal with the social stigmas, economic hardships, and psychological effects of having absent fathers who can no longer provide. The mass incarceration of Black men prevents those men from being providers and protectors of their families, and positive leaders in their communities. How do ex-felons adequately provide for their families if employers won’t hire them, even after they have paid their debt to society? They are once again marginalized and cut off from achieving the “American Dream.” Most of them will not be hired after their release with a felony on their record. Most of them will be discriminated against when it comes to applying for housing because they have a felony and no credit history. Again, legalized discrimination. Trying to pick up the pieces of a life on the outside they no longer recognize is damn near impossible, which is why recidivism rates are roughly over 60%. Ex-inmates will return to prison or jail within five years of being released, according to U.S. Department of Justice. What are they supposed to do when the deck is more than stacked against them? How does an ex-convict become a law-abiding citizen when the pipeline(s) to American success has been shut off? These stigmas also relate to women of color, as the rate of incarceration for Black woman is 6 times higher than white woman, according the U.S. Department of Statistics.

Now, with President-elect Donald Trump wanting to “Make America Great” again, it seems what might happen is a continued effort to incarcerate Black and Brown people by the patty wagon, including re-implementing Stop-and-Frisk. A practice of the New York City Police Department in which police officers stop and question a pedestrian, and then frisk them for weapons and other contraband. The reality is that the vast majority of those stopped were African-American or Latino according to a 2007 study. It’s a dangerous time to live in America if you are other than white.

The fact of the matter is, regardless of race or class most of us have done something (whether we’ve been caught or not) in our lives that could have led us to jail or prison; it’s very easy. It’s even easier in this American society when the color of your skin is often the deciding factor of perceived innocence or guilt. As Ice Cube once rapped, “My skin is my sin.” The prison-industrial complex is indeed a very multi-layered system, but the reality of prison reform seems bleak as more corporations and private investors increase their funding, they will actually have more of an invested interest to not only build more prisons, but to incarcerate more people for the almighty dollar.

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THE HUMANS

Joseph Solis is an expert in wine, spirits, nightlife, and luxury. As the owner of Sol Hospitality Group, he dedicates his focus to mixology and the art of entertaining. With his first book, radio, and TV show underway, Joseph is pushing is brand of Success, Inspiration, and Prosperity to the masses with S.I.P. with Solis, and he plans to empower the urban gentleman, one sip at a time.

What do you do?

I am a marketing and creative events executive turned Hospitality Expert. As a former agent, I owned a multicultural agency, and also worked for the Moet/ Hennessy brand for a very long time. I know all there is to know about celebrating and success, now I’m claiming my spot as the Diddy or Martha Stewart of Entertaining.

Have you experienced a defining moment in your career?

It was the 2006 or 2007 Grammys, a Hennessy event I was in charge of, and I happened to look at the table to the left of me, and there was Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, and Prince sitting together at a party I orchestrated, and I thought, “Yes, this is it. I can die happy.”

What is the biggest misconception about entrepreneurship?

That success happens overnight and does not take much work. And the work is not all in your thumbs, it is not just on Instagram or Facebook. You think it is glamorous that I’m the CEO, but I’m also the receptionist, the cleaning lady—I do it all. There will be crazy highs and deep lows. When you jump off a cliff with no safety net, all you have is your belief in yourself and your belief in God, and that is all you have to move on.

Tell me about your work ethic.

I’m self-made. Three lessons I learned very early: 1.

Fake it ‘til you make it. Meaning, immerse yourself in the craft, learn everything about it, and act like you know what’s going on until they believe in you enough to give you a shot. 2. Get in where you fit in.

If you come into the company as the mail boy, you better kill it as the mail boy, and don’t think you’re above the work. You never know who’s watching.

3. Gratitude. Be grateful for everything you have, I don’t care how small.

What is the most humbling moment?

I don’t know yet. I’ve hit many rock bottoms, but life is a process. I believe you should always remain humble regardless of health, wealth, etc. I’m constantly reminding myself to stay grateful and humble.

How do you relieve stress?

I’m a big believer of you’re never given more than you can handle at that given time, so meditation and prayer. Getting lost in music. But the main thing is COOKING! I’m a trained chef; I started with food before cocktails. I’ll cook meals that take 6-8 hours, put on amazing music, drink good wine, and that is my zone—instant stress reliever.

LA or NY? I’m from NY but I am bicoastal out of necessity, and I love both. Thankfully, I created and manifested a life where I don’t have to choose.

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Joseph Solis WORDS PATTI SWAYNE

THE HUMANS

RICKY DaY

Ricky Day does it all. As a creative and a teacher, he uses creativity to show people the world and hopefully inspire others. Whether it’s photography, directing short films and videos, or guiding other people’s careers, it’s all a part of his artistry and mission to help other’s fully recognize their potential.

Where are you from?

Born in St. Louis, Missouri grew up in LA, but I’ve been in New York City for 17 years, now. I’m much more of a New Yorker now, although I’ve always felt like an alien—I don’t fit in anywhere.

What’s the greatest opportunity you’ve been afforded in your career?

Doesn’t directly relate to my photography, but when I was 17 years old, I was Michael Jackson’s stand in for the Thriller video. For nine days I talked to him daily. He talked about focus and vision and goals and dreams, and when I feel a little lost I go back to those conversations. He was very focused on what he wanted and who he could become.

How do you measure success?

I’ve come to this new understanding of success.

Success is when you hear the voice inside you that leads and inspires you to do a particular thing—that is your calling. And when you’re walking in your calling whether you’re a pastor, artist, mother, etc— that calling is going to bring you joy. And if you’re walking in your calling and you’re joyful, that is success.

How has culture influenced your work, drive, or perspective?

My spirituality really guides how I move through the world; I learned to really be present in the moment.

LA, believe it or not, is a very, spiritual place. There’s a communion with nature in California, and it’s deepened my appreciation for God’s creativity. NY is a man-made environment that propels me too—the tension and creativity of man and how those things collide. Black culture, however, is at the core of everything that I do. I’ve tried not to use it but I can’t help it. I’m more focused now than ever about being connected to my people and my culture. As we are now finding out, if you forget about history or take things for granted, everything you accomplished can be snatched away from you.

Whose work do you most admire?

Photographers: Gordon Parks is at the top of my list.

After, Mark Baptiste, Hank Willis Thomas, Bruce Webber, and William Eggleston.

You’ve been in New York for over 20 years— what’s the greatest lesson this city has taught you?

Never get comfortable.

If you could give your younger self any advice, what would it be?

Pick one thing and DO IT.

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THE HUMANS

Kiwan Anderson is the Founder and Managing Partner of A-Plus Events, LLC based in Los Angeles. With the bulk of his career spent in luxury brands, he has traveled the world producing events and managing public relations for Sony Music, The Source magazine, and Nike Communications. He has proven his talent is tapping into hidden potential, and creating bigger narratives for talented people and brands.

You’re from Brooklyn, tell me a little bit about how that molded you.

I was born and raised in Fort Greene, Brooklyn and it was an amazing time to grow up around young Black artists and musicians. I actually grew up living on the same block as Biggie Smalls, and Total lived around the corner. I would come home from school on the subway and Biggie and Puff would be shooting a music video on the steps of the Fulton stop. It sparked in me the need to be in music and entertainment somehow.

So how did you end up working in the music business?

I started as an intern in A&R at MCA Records; the first project I worked on was Mary j. Blige’s album, Share My World. From there I networked nonstop, I always wanted to know everyone and make myself known. It was through amazing relationships that I landed my first job out of school as a Publicity Assistant at Arista Records—I worked on Usher’s 8701 and Pink’s debut album, Can’t Take Me Home.

Why did you decide to go in business for yourself?

I woke up one day and realized my talents were being underutilized and I was underpaid. There were other things I wanted to do and I wanted the freedom to work creatively without going through a matrix. I’ve worked in corporate and out of corporate and I’m at a place in my life where I don’t want or need to be told what to do.

What sacrifices have you had to make for success?

I’ve had to take pay cuts to get the positions I wanted, and it happens more often than people think depending on the opportunity. By traveling constantly on business, I’ve missed birthdays, family time— things you can’t get back; and it’s really hard to date and keep relationships.

You’ve been fortunate to see the world. What is your favorite country or city to visit?

Bermuda. It’s my mom’s homeland, and I spent much of my childhood there—holidays and summer camp. I was fortunate to grow up in Brooklyn and Bermuda, I have amazing memories of both.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would be a little bit more patient, I would also advise him to pay closer attention to what people were not saying more than what they were saying. And don’t take anything personally, 90% of the time it’s not about you!

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KIWAN ANDERSON

THE HUMANS

RaVal Davis

RaVal is a native of Washington, DC and a former Director of Digital Marketing at Sony. She reignited her love of acting after being inspired by the diverse cast of women of Orange is the New Black. As a body confidence advocate, she is pushing all people to love themselves, for real.

What have you been up to?

I’ve been doing a lot of acting recently and it’s been amazing. I was on the NBC Scene Showcase, I just did a Dark & Lovely commercial, and before that I was on an episode of a new show on Oxygen called Killision.

What’s your dream role?

I would love to be on Queen Sugar or Atlanta right now, but I would give anything to work with Ava Duvernay and specifically on Queen Sugar. Longterm, I would love to play Queen Hatshepsut or some sort of African queen that hasn’t been done yet.

What message do you want to send to women and young girls of color who may be struggling to accept their bodies?

You are fashioned by God and he didn’t make any mistakes. Take care of what God gave you and love yourselves, that’s your job.

What is the first step to loving and accepting yourself?

Be real with yourself. Look at the things that you love and that you don’t love about yourself and pledge to work on those changes. Everyone’s waist training and face tuning—and you know that’s not what you look like! You have to be happy with what you look like, and love that.

What is your most humbling moment?

Because I’m an actor, my most humbling moment happens everyday. When I go into an audition room and I never hear back and have to understand I was not the one. But you get back up, go back out there, and try again. There’s going to be a lot of no’s but all you need is one yes.

What is your favorite quote?

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people will not feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

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Jumper CHRISTOPHER RAEBURN

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TAB Jumper CHRISTOPHER RAEBURN Tshirt ALBAM

GYM CLASS HERO Photography DANIEL IGBINYEMI Photography Assistant RAEESHA NUBHEEBUCUS Fashion Stylist SEAN AZEEZ-BRIGHT @ROGUES ARTIST MANAGEMENT Fashion Assistant PEDRO MASACCIO Grooming JOLANDA COETZER @LHA MANAGEMENT Hair Stylist TOMOKO ODA Model CHARLIE JAMES @NEXT MODELS

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FASHION

Left and Right Photos: Jacket NORTH SAILS Trousers MONEY CLOTHING Shirt GABICCI Shoes ELLESSE

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TAB Jacket CHRISTOPHER RAE BURN T-Shirt ELLESSE

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FASHION

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Long Sleeve Shirt KAPPA T-Shirt NORTH SAILS Trousers STONE ISLAND

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T-Shirt ELLESSE Trouser FILA

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SCORE

AIR DIOP Clément Diop went from playing soccer in the streets of Paris to the MLS club LA Galaxy WORDS RAYMOND MORA PHOTOGRAPHY SHELBY NIECE

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SCORE

Clément Diop is a fashionable man and wears his favorite brands Jay Walker and Elwood; he is also a fierce competitor for the MLS club LA Galaxy. The athletically gifted soccer player started out playing in France, the place of his birth. “I mean life in Paris I grew up in the suburbs,” says Diop. “I was playing soccer all day and going to school. It’s like a normal life everyday playing soccer, trying to get out of the neighborhood by the sport.”

It is well documented that some suburbs of Paris can be dangerous places to live. Like Diop did, the kids in these areas try to avoid crime and soccer is often a way to do that. Diop has been playing soccer since he was four years old, often in the streets.

The almost 20 years of playing is just one of the reasons why he is a rising star. As a young player forward was his position. The French native didn’t see himself playing goalkeeper. He was always a big fan of the skilled players doing flashy, dazzling moves on the field. Getting older he started to be a goalkeeper.

“I don’t want to be a decent goalkeeper, I want to be at some point one of the best in the world,” says Diop. “Like everyone is playing wanting to be one of

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The LA Galaxy has won five MLS Cups, more than any other club in the United States and Diop. Truly respects the club and he expects to be a consistent starter.

He continues to train hard and as a goalkeeper it’s important to be patient when players hit a goal at certain angles on the field. At 6’1, he is positioned well to play goalkeeper. Diop is nicknamed “Air Diop” for making spectacular saves. He says, “God made me like this. “I’m lucky because I’m fast; I can jump high and have good direction. I’m just trying to work on it like at practice to keep it at this level. It’s just instinct, it’s my instinct. For me I can’t explain why I’m athletic. I’m not doing great things to be athletic, I’m just like that.” Although much of the talent is gifted, having a disciplined diet is necessary for success. His diet consists of pasta, rice, chicken, salmon, and salad; he also drinks a lot of water to stay hydrated. It is important to eat right and stay healthy to avoid injuries. The French native offers advice to those that are trying to play at the level he does and reminds them that being great takes time, patience and commitment.

“There are a bunch of talented player that don’t make it because they don’t work enough,” says Diop. “And there are some guys that you think won’t make it, but make it because they work their ass off. You need to be ready to sacrifice if you want to succeed in this business; because without some sacrifice, you can’t succeed. You need to work hard, to be away from your family and friends.”

I DON’T WANT TO BE A DECENT GOALKEEPER, I WANT TO BE AT SOME POINT ONE OF THE BEST IN THE WORLD

In 2011, he began his career with the Amiens SC, playing as a backup goalkeeper for three seasons.

Then Diop wanted a new challenge and decided to move to the United States once his contract was up, now currently playing for the LA Galaxy. It took him six months to learn English. At 23 years old, there are high expectations for the rising star that he will be one of the best in the world.

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the top players in the world. I’m walking every day and hopefully in four or five years, I will be where I want to be.”

SCORE

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SPOTLIGHT

SLEEPING WITH PICASSO Located on the northeast corner of the Bentonville town square and a short walk to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, 21c Museum Hotel Bentonville is a 104room boutique hotel, contemporary art museum, cultural civic center, and home to The Hive restaurant.

WORDS DEVON JOHNSON

Hotels don’t have to be boring. They don’t have to be overly festive either. The boutique chain 21c Museum Hotels, concept of Steve Wilson and Laura Lee Brown from Louisville, Kentucky, have found the ultimate solution to upgraded accommodations without breaking the bank. They had the simple idea of using the hotels to showcase art. The first 21c was in Louisville. The second opened in Cincinnati.

Design is minimalist so as not to compete with the art. Staff does not wear uniforms.

They’re told to dress as they would “on a first date,” nicely but comfortably so that they can be themselves. The only corporate identification is a small plastic penguin pin each staff member wears. Each 21c Museum Hotel has a different color. The lobby looks more like The MET, than the traditional cheesy hotel lobby. Artwork greets you at every turn. You may open your door in the morning and find two penguins kissing in the hallway. All spaces in the hotel are called ‘galleries.’ The

LOCATION 200 NE A STREET BENTONVILLE, AR 72712

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ballroom, for example, is the Main Gallery.

There’s over 12,000 square feet of gallery space. The boardroom, available for meetings, is a gallery open to anyone when not in use for meetings. The restaurant, lounge, and fitness room, guest rooms—all have original art from the Brown-Wilson collection, as well as other pieces that have been commissioned. There are 104 guest rooms, including five suites and one penthouse. The dining room seats 125.

Without the snobbish air associated with the art world, the 21c Museum Hotel is able to deliver the beauty of art to an audience that may not have the time to go to an actual museum. Take a staycation with your significant other and never have to leave the premises. For those who travel for work, the rates are very completive with the traditional T&E approved properties. Have a chat with your manager about having 21c added to the fold. Enjoy your stay and remember to tell them that Bleu sent you!

SPOTLIGHT

MORE 21C MUSEUM LOCATIONS 700 WEST MAIN STREET LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY 40202

609 WALNUT ST, CINCINNATI, OH 45202

111 NORTH CORCORAN STREET DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA 27701

167 WEST MAIN STREET LEXINGTON, KY 40507

900 W MAIN ST OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73106

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Airfordable

Eric Timothy Carlson

MSFTrep

Anaya Roderick

Ernest Hemingway

New Order

Andreea Niculae

Exit 21

Nicole Martinez

Andy Warhol

Ffffound

Oscar Wilde

A Seat At The Table

Frida Kahlo

Paula Scher

Balmain

Futura

Peter De Potter

Behance

Hair Majesty

Peter Saville

Bella Hadid

Jack Kerouac

Pierre Artista

Ben & Jerry’s

Jaunt One

Pinterst

Bon Iver

Jean-Michael Basquiat

Ronnie Fieg

Brian Culbertson

Jovan Adepo

Ruslan Khasanov

Bruno

Julian House

Shepard Fairey

Cake & Arrow

Juri Zaech

Shiona Turini

Callhimrenny

Justice Smith

Sia

Charles Shumann

Justin Vernon

Solange

Comic Con

Kenderick Lamar

This is Us

Cuba

Kronk

Tidal

Dan Mountford

Kurt Vonnegut Jr.

Tim Murphy

David Carson

LACOSTE

Tina Knowles-Lawson

David Rios

Loud Speakers Network

Unsun

Dodge Viper 2017

Lyor Cohen

Vince Staples

Donald Glover

Mark Zuckerberg

Violaine & Jeremy

DONDI

Meridan Lights

Wim Crouwel

Driven Society

Mike Colter

Zephyr

Duckie Confetti

MoMA PS1

Zines

ICON

BILL CUNNINGHAM WORDS DOMINIQUE CARSON

Jacques-Henri Lartigue once said, “Photography to me is catching a moment which is passing, and which is true.” Lartigue’s quote illustrates legendary photographer, Bill Cunningham’s life as he collected images from the streets that were sensibly fashionable. Each time he had a camera in his hand, it was another opportunity for Cunningham to put his story into images.

According to Cunningham’s lens, photography is considered an “observable and enraptured art,” that cannot be duplicated. The camera was an important for Cunningham as he created an infinite connection with photography.

Cunningham’s un-posed photography was recognized in the fashion world, which is why his passing is still troubling months later. On June 25, 2016, Cunningham passed away at the age of 87 after being hospitalized from a stroke. His death was big news to the fashion world since he was an iconic figure in journalism.

Bergdorf Goodman’s department store also memorialized Cunningham. In September 2016, reputable individuals in the fashion industry named the corner of 5th Avenue and 57th Street, “Bill Cunningham Corner,” during New York Fashion Week. It was the eidetic way to remember him and keep him forever in our hearts.

For four decades, Cunningham rode his bicycle on the streets of New York and captured people’s individualistic and poised style. Fifth Avenue and 57th Street was Cunningham’s main destination and each photo he took was a “snippet of an individual’s personality.” He was not a typical gossip photographer or labeled as

ILLUSTRATION LAWRENCE PITTS

“paparazzi.” He conducted many fashion shows in the street on a regular basis as a way to seek answers about trends. Cunningham explained his outlook on fashion and the world around him when he said, “Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life.”

He introduced novices to fashion designers, Jean Paul Gaultier, Greta Garbo, and Azzedine Alaia. Cunningham’s creativity and high-resolution photos caught the attention of The New York Times in 1978. The prestigious newspaper categorized him as a photojournalist that “run pictures of well-known people without getting their permission,” according to NYT editor, Arthur Kelb.

Cunningham also covered events in the gay community, a fundraising event in the Fire Island Pines; AIDS benefit events, pride parades, and Wigstock. Wigstock is a drag festival that was originally launched in the 1980s on Labor Day. It is the end of the summer event for the LGBT community. Other media outlets also featured Cunningham’s work including On the Street and Evening Hours.

Cunningham’s photography entertained, amused, and informed New Yorkers, he once described his role as a photographer for The New York Times saying, “I’m just the fluff. I fill around the ads, if we have any.” Photography was an imaginative expression for Cunningham and he found beauty within this foreground. Street photography became a source of inspiration for Cunningham as he understood why life is a journey beginning with a photo. When we are unsure about expressing our thoughts verbally, Cunningham reminded us why we can always trust pictures.

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