Bleu Magazine Issue 50 -Quincy Brown

JA S O N H U R T I S A I A H J O H N L A N G S TO N H U G H E S K E N M I L E S M A LC O L M DAV I D K E L L E Y

V O L U M E

QUINCY BROWN

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GADGETS

Issue 50

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H O T O V E L I • N E W YO R K

| H . LO R E N ZO • LO S A N G E L E S

G E O R G E T O W N O P T I C I A N • WA S H I N G T O N , D . C .

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T H E A R C H I V E • SA N F R A N C I S CO | L A E Y E WO R KS • LO S A N G E L E S

A R T S E E B P C • N E W YO R K

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M O R G E N T H A L F R E D E R I C S • C H I C AG O - AS P E N

LORALI’S OPTICAL • BELLEVUE | BLINK • PORTLAND | MODERN EYE • PHILADELPHIA | ART OF OPTIKS • MINNEAPOLIS I M A G E O P T I C A L • N A S H V I L L E | T H E E Y E G A L L E R Y • H O U S T O N | E N V I S I O N • B O U L D E R | R I M S & G O G G L E S • M I L L VA L L E Y M A R C M I C H E L E Y E W E A R S T U D I O • P A C I F I C P A L I S A D E S | E Y E G O T C H A • S A N F R A N C I S C O | B R U C E E Y E W E A R • VA N C O U V E R B R ASS M O N O C L E • C A LG A RY

| K A R I R E Y E W E A R • TO R O N TO | M A R I E - S O P H I E D I O N • M O N T R E A L |

B L A K E K U WA H A R A . C O M

CONTENTS

68 BORN FAMOUS Discusses his future, his family and why he isn’t afraid of failure.

WORDS CHRIS LAW

PHOTOGRAPHY RICARDO NELSON

Shirt OFF-WHITE Sweater N. HOOLYWOOD Pants DDUGOFF Sneakers CONVERSE Watch ROLEX

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CONTENTS Clothing KENNETH NING Shoes PUBLIC SCHOOL Watch ROLEX

18 The 4 by 5

60 Fashion

Pop Style

With a Side of Mane

24 Trend Ave

76 Op-ed

Fashion MVP’S

Mogul Talk

30 Gadgets

78 Feature

Tech Style

The Rise of Isaiah John

32 Cars

82 Feature

Let’s Ride

All Around Artist

34 Grooming

86 The Humans

Clean Shave

40 Fashion

90 Fashion The New Standard

Difficult to Define

46 Fitness

98 Spotlight Get Nasty / Freak Show

Bosu Up

52 Travel

103 Icon Langston Hughes

Martinique

Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop

114 Stockist PHOTOGRAPHY RICARDO NELSON

56 The Creatives

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MASTHEAD

On the Cover QUINCY BROWN Words CHRIS LAW Photography RICARDO NELSON Fashion BRIAN GOODWILL AND AMBER LEON

TEAM BLEU

Make Up KRISTAN SERFINO Hair NESTOR LEBRON

Editorial Director DÉVO N C H R I S TOPH ER J OH N S ON

Sr. Fashion Market Editor CHR IS SAN D FORD

European Fashion Editor SE AN AZE E Z

Sr. Graphic Designer D OMIN IC BIEL AK

Contributing Editors RAYMOND MORA, CHRI S L AW

Design & Illustration Coordinator L AWR EN CE P IT TS

Copy Editors TREVOY ROSS, JE RMAINE B ROW N

Contributing Fashion Editors A MBER L EO N , BR IAN G O ODW ILL, K EN N ET H KYR EL L , JUAN ORTIZ, RO N ÇO I S F R AN COIS, AT I BA N EWS OME

Fashion Production Coordinator TE RE NCE B. MCNE ALY

Contributing Writers

Interns

KA I TLI N C A S S I DY DAR I ES LI NDSAY G I LB ERTS ON C UFFY K EN T OLDEN S AB LE S W EEPER DOMINIQUE CARSON

C A I TLI N DUR N I NG LI YANA M OH D R A D Z I EM I LY S PELM A N KAYL A DAV I ES

Contributing Photographers

N I C OLE G OR R I T Z S AB R I NA R AMI R E Z R EB EC C A R I C H AR D S MI C H ELLE LEE

R I C AR D O N ELS ON NATH A L I E M ERC A D O DANE R H YS J UAN V ELOZ

Booking Coordinator NAYA AG ARRAT

Bombshellbybleu EDI TOR EB ON Y ALLI S ON Contributors GL AMO, TANYKA RE N E E , C ATA A N DA J, LO N D O N BU R N S , M AT I A PE EB LES , C OR I N N E C UT TI N O

THE BLEULIFE GROUP

Chairman, CEO & PRESIDENT DÉVO N C H R I S TOPH ER J OH N S ON

Ad Sales TODD EVA N S Rivendell Media 908.232.2021

Event Production

Regional Representative

Submissions

Newsstand Distribution

T R AV IS WEEKES @Drivensociety

RANNON HARR I S (Chicago - Midwest)

Bleu Magazine 119 West 24th Street New York, Ny 10011 Info@Bleulife.com

Ingram content group inc.

1 Ingram blvd.

La vergne, tn 37086 Phone: 615.793.5000

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.

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER

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PHOTOGRAPHY RICARDO NELSON

Ain’t No Stoppin Us Now! We’re on the move!

Ain’t No Stoppin Us Now! We’ve got the groove!

Milestones are often overlooked in the present. The desire and drive to complete the task at hand overshadows the unconscious need to earmark accomplishments. We are excited to share this moment with you. Our 50th issue is quite the accomplishment. There is no denying that. However, this issue, as with all the issues before it, and the ones to follow, is about the work.

We are just trying to do dope shit and showcase people who are diverse and inclusive- aligning with our core values. The human experience is multidimensional, ever evolving, and full of markers along the way to greatness.

We are just doing our part to move the culture forward.

There’s been so many things that’s held us down But now it looks like things are finally comin’ around I know we’ve got, a long long way to go And where we’ll end up, I don’t know

In the beginning, forty-nine issues ago, naysayers thought we were insane starting a print magazine. So, we simply ignored their opinions. Especially the ones that were not constructive. Getting to 50 was not easy. But, nothing worth anything ever is.

But we won’t let nothin’ hold us back We’re putting ourselves together We’re polishing up our act!

If you felt we’ve been held down before

There is no coincidence that the Universe aligned this moment to be commemorated with Quincy Brown on the cover. He represents this “new cool” of creatives that embrace people from all backgrounds and ideologies.

Raised by none other than P. Diddy and starring on the hit Fox series, STAR, he has his eyes focused on the journey to greatness.

I know you’ll refuse to be held down anymore!

Don’t you let nothing, nothing Stand in your way!

I want ya’ll to listen, listen

Thanks for sticking with us. We look forward to the next 50 issues and 50 years. Be great! Be BLEU.

“A I N ’ T N O S T O P P I N U S N O W ”

McFadden & Whitehead DÉVON CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON

FOUNDER AND GROUP PUBLISHER @DEVONISBLEU

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C O N T R I B U TO R S

ELIANEL CLINTON

RICARDO NELSON

Months away from being a graduate of The Fashion Institute of Technology, Elianiel Clinton, better known as Eli, is one the path to becoming one of the top photographers of his generation. Drawing inspiration from modern fashion and Rihanna, Eli’s work always exudes an effortlessly cool quality.

Ricardo is a Jamaican born photographer based in New York City. His portraits and editorial work apply the basic principles of photography to capture the human spirit. His work has been featured in OUT magazine, Schön ! Mashable, Vogue Italia, The Advocate, The NewYork Times, Spin Magazine and GQ online.

Commercial Clients have included Ford Models, J-Press, Tommy Hilfiger, billyjoelshop.com and Shop.Beyonce.com

JUAN VELOZ

AMBER “GLAM” LEON

Having shot the likes of SZA, A$AP Ferg, and Diggy Simmons New York City based photographer Juan Veloz is a premier talent in the photography world. His work can be seen on the pages of Highsnobiety, and he even shot a Topman campaign featuring famous social media influencers.

BRIAN GOODWILL

When Brian Goodwin, a debonair southern gent by nature, met Amber “Glam” Leon, a chic and charismatic California girl in New York they quickly joined forces and created the celebrity image consulting brand aptly named ‘A Guy and A Gurl’. This style dream team are the perfect rendezvous of multifaceted fashion perspectives and huge personalities operating in glamorous sync.

KENNETH KYRELL

CHRIS LAW

Ohio native Kenneth Kyrell is what the modern-day Renaissance Man looks like. Not only can you catch Kyrell as the popular resident DJ of Boozy Bounce parties, but you can also listen to him as he is one of the co-founders of The Art of Finesse podcast.

Chris Law is an accomplished writer, stylist and fashion pundit. Currently he’s an editor at Gilt and runs the successful FresherThanChris.com He resides in Brooklyn and enjoys a good drink and an even better dance break.

MAGAZINE

DRIVE THE WORLD FORWARD. THE NEW BMW M4 AND 4 SERIES GRAN COUPE.

With leading innovations in technology, the new BMW M4 and 4 Series Gran Coup move the world in a new direction. Each member inherits the engineering behind the unmistakable 425-horsepower BMW M4 which, with a 0-60 mph time of only 3.9 seconds, finds itself as the vehicle of choice for most BMW Motorsport racing teams. In other words, the BMW M4 is made for the track and the BMW was made 4 Series Gran Coupe from it.

It boasts its own impressive 320 horsepower and 0–60 mph time of 4.7 seconds.

Visit your local BMW Center to experience athleticism and performance with a test drive in the BMW M4 and the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe today.

Visit bmwusa.com to learn more.

Š 2017 BMW of North America, LLC. The BMW name, model names and logo are registered trademarks.

AC C E S S BY B L E U

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STK CHICAGO

9 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654 Hosted by Rannon Ray Harris, Nate and Socrosswire

S AT U R D AY, JUNE 18TH, 2017

Bleu traveled to the Windy City of Chicago to celebrate the #ULTIMATEBRUNCH with BMW. Head of Multicultural Marketing, Kevin Williams presented Chicago House a check in support of their work in the LGBTQ+ community. Guests enjoyed cocktails and brunch while listening to the Bleu party mix. The event was part of the Drive For a Cause platform BMW initiated in other major cities.

N AT E

B M W U LT I M AT E B R U N C H C H I C AG O

OBA CROSSWIRE AND FRIEND

DEVON JOHNSON, KEVIN WILLIAMS, RANNON HARRIS

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JAMIE ROBINSON Jamie Robinson has been involved in the underground gay ballroom community for over 20 years. When she started her career, the ballroom scene was mostly made up of gay Black and Latino men. It was not until she led an all women’s team did she start to see the gap. To change the dynamic, she hosted balls that focused on women but also promoted equality. With her name known, she hosted more parties and started to attend others, breaching out of the ballroom community.

However, there was a point where the line between these parties and activism started to come into focus – participating in the community was not all fun and partying. It was when she dated a transgender man that her perspective on activism started to unfold.

There were gaps that needed to be filled, and flaws that needed to be spoken about – it was time for a change.

Now, her newly founded role in the community as well as the connection with it is growing.

Recently, she held a panel at the Gentlemen’s Foundation, a non-profit organization for LGBTQ men of color, which focused on the entertainment business. To her, the industry is not as inclusive as it should be with a stigma surrounding the community, especially with gay Black men. The event was one of the career highlights on her list because it opened up another sector of the community that gave her a new outlook. During pride month she also attended the BMW brunch hosted by Bleu, and was joined by groups of open-minded individuals and political activists receptive to new ideas. Having a big corporation like BMW supporting the cause is important for Robinson – she believes it will lead an example for other big corporations.

Robinson is among many activists taking a stance for LGBTQ rights. The community is a growing progressive force that is not afraid to have a voice; she believes that it is getting better and change needs to start at a social level, and there is no better time than the present.

GEE SMALLS Gee is a successful Atlanta-based business man, and is a certified Relationship, Professional, Bereavement, and Life coach, philanthropist, and author. In addition to his television appearances, his expertise and unique perspective have been solicited by a diverse group of clients including major corporations, public institutions, government agencies, and philanthropic organizations.

Gee is also known for his practical, street-savvy, relatable strategy to coaching, which brings out the best in people, as well as possessing a unique ability to quickly identify the essence of a client’s challenges. His style is honest and candid while bearing the compassion and sensitivity, which is fundamental to his profession.

Gee is often found to be advising with the motto: “love, laugh and tell the truth.” This simple but powerful statement is his reason for over seven years of marriage to his husband Juan. He also believes that the success of any relationship is contingent on the daily agreement of both parties (become self-aware), disclose (communicate feelings, desires, needs, etc.), and deliver (make Love Work) TOGETHER. The agreement is not fixed and is subject to change as often as necessary.

Since 2008, Gee has dedicated his career to help the underserved LGBT community by blogging, speaking, coaching, interviewing, and working in-the-trenches to empower others to have healthy relationships and experience their best lives. He also has a passion for improving the lives of the forgotten and disenfranchised within his community, which is led by the creation of Love Works, where he strives to help couples of all persuasions to find the love that works for them.

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AC C E S S BY B L E U

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STK MIDTOWN

1114 6th Avenue New york, NY 10036 Hosted by Chris Sandford, Glamo and Dustin Ross.

S U N D AY, JUNE 25TH, 2017

To celebrate the 37th annual NYC LGBT Pride March, BMW hosted a kick-off brunch at STK Midtown. Guests enjoyed cocktails and light fare with a twist. Prior to cocktails guests with valid drivers licenses could test drive five current model year BMW vehicles.

The event, located at STK Midtown, concluded the month-long Drive For A Cause initiative curated by BMW to support charities and organizations that service the LGBTQ+ community. Peer Health Exchange was presented a check for they do by Kevin Williams, Head of Multicultural Marketing for BMW.

B M W U LT I M AT E B R U N C H N YC

BEVY SMITH, KEVIN WILLIAMS, MICA HUGHES

CHRIS SANDFORD, JORDUN LOVE, DUSTIN ROSS

WHITNEY BIBEAU

TA N Y K A R E N E E

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T H E 4 BY 5

POP STYLE We have narrowed down 4 of the most stylish artists alongside their 5 most iconic fashion moments that you just have to see...and remember!

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YOUNG

THUG

A$AP

ROCKY

There’s no such thing as “too much” when it comes to Young Thug, especially when it comes to his diamonds. Regardless, he always manages to pull any outfit off no matter how heavy his accessories.

Having a great outfit for any event is definitely not one of his F**kin’ Problems. We’ll just leave it at that.

T H E 4 BY 5

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JADEN

SMITH

PHARRELL

WILLIAMS

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The new poster child of gender neutral dressing, Jaden Smith is always delivering such eye catching outfits that almost nobody else could pull off...or let alone think of.

Pharrell has been a fashion and music trendsetter the longest, so naturally he is our choice to start the list. Known for his wacky hats and bold color choices, Pharrell is without a doubt one of the most stylish men in the industry.

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T R AV E L

FASHION MVP’S Spring/Summer 2018 standouts

The Spring-Summer 2018 Mens Fashion Week shows from New York, London, Paris, Milan, and Seoul served us an array of fresh looks to feast our eyes on. Ensembles that range in color from salmon to neon orange delivered unexpected looks that we want to wear immediately. Garments that possess the ability to flow yet maintain structure is what we see designers such as Dries Van Noten, Haider Ackermann, Prada, and Versace brought to the table. These are our top picks from latest shows.

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T R E N D AV E

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1

NEW YORK

C A LV I N K L E I N

COACH 1941

PERRY ELLIS

ROCHAMBEAU

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2

MILAN

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PRADA

DOLCE & GABANNA

VERSACE

EMPORIO ARMANI

T R E N D AV E

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3

LONDON

B E L S TA F F

RICHARD JAMES

CHRISTOPHER RAEBURN

OLIVER SPENCER

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4

SEOUL

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A N T I M AT T E R

MOOHONG

87MM

99%IS-

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PARIS

BALMAIN

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

DRIES VAN NOTEN

HAIDER ACKERMANN

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GADGETS

TECH STYLE Being fashionable in public is not just about wearing colorful outfits or fancy hats. It is about wearing tech accessories that match the outfit. Whether it is watches, wristbands or headphones, these five wearable gadgets will make anyone stand out compared to other stylish individuals.

WORDS BY RAYMOND MORA

L G WAT C H S T Y L E S M A R T WAT C H The LG Watch Style Smartwatch features Android Wear technology that is ideal for leisure activities and showing it off in offices. It also includes a 240 mah battery, wireless connection for phones and a stainless steel case for durability and protection.

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$249

$329

GHOSTEK SODROP 2 The soDrop 2 premium headphones are wireless, ultra-durable, built-in microphone, excellent sound quality and compatible with Bluetooth to complete its stylish package. They also come in three different colors: Gold, Black and Rose. Anyone wearing these with their outfits makes them appealing in public.

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A P P L E WAT C H S E R I E S 3 The Apple Watch Series 3 with GPS and cellular features an all-around watch and fitness activity tracker that allows wearers to make and answer calls and texts, stream millions of songs with Apple Music, ask Siri for help without the iPhone, and still can get notifications if without the iPhone nearby.

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LECHAL These are insoles that can turn any regular pair of shoes into smart shoes. The Lechal features navigation tools, detailed route guidance through simple vibrations and patterns, battery life up to 15 hours and a tracker for fitness stats such as step taken or calories burnt. This makes life easier in having a smart device, like the Lechal, help an individual accomplish their lifestyle goals.

$99

$79

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tomorrow exchange buy * *sell*trade sell*trade

#5614+# &KVOCTU $NXF é $1'47/ *+.. $QGTWO 2N é 9+..+#/5$74) &TKIIU #X é %*'.5'# 9 VJ 5V é '#56 8+..#)' ' VJ 5V é

BuffaloExchange.com

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CARS

$15,695 WORDS KAITLYN CASSADY

LET’S RIDE As part of BMW’s S 1000 series, the 2017 S 1000 RR is the epitome of a superbike. The RR adds ABS Pro as a new optional equipment element and traction control as a standard. The RR stands out amongst others with it’s distinctive design features like the asymmetrical split face front headlamps. The bike’s clear-cut flyline as well as it’s complementing contour and shape gives the RR a distinguishable look of extreme precision. The S 1000 RR’s liquid-cooled four-cylinder in-line engine is capable of 199 hp (146 kW) at 13,500 r.p.m. and a maximum torque of 83 lb-ft at 10,500 r.p.m. And even despite this level of performance, the bike’s DTC significantly ensures a greater standard of safety. The three standard riding modes of the bike include “Rain”, “Sport” and “Race” and ensure optimal coordination of the electronic throttle, ABS, and DTC under a variety of riding conditions. This model comes in three colors: Granite Grey Metallic with Black Storm Metallic, Racing Red with Light White, and Blue Metallic and Racing Red. Overall, the S 1000 RR is a pedigree among super sport bikes. Whether it be on the road or on the racing circuit, the S 1000 RR and its innovative technology allows for an experience of greater intensity than any other model before.

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GADGETS

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wylandlord.com While on the subway or while waiting for your meeting mate to arrive, review your landlord.

Contribute to WYL’s community of over 185,000 renters.

For Renters, by Renters

Help the next person find their next home in a secure, safe, and quality way!

WhoseYourLandlord @wylandlord | wylandlord.com Issue 50

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CLEAN S H AV E

Taming your facial hair can be a real task.

The products below, guarantee you a more effective shave that will leave you feeling like a new man.

PHOTOGRAPHY ELIANEL CLINTON

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Nivea Men Sensitive Shaving Gel ($3.99) - Sensitive Shaving Gel is free of dyes, minimizing the risk of irritation, and gives you an extra thick lather for a closer, smoother, and gentler shave.

West Coast Shaving World Class Shaving Brush ($15.00) - This is a fantastic starter brush as you get introduced to wet shaving, lathering, and the wonderful properties of badger hair. Badger has long been the choice for wet shavers because of its water retention, backbone, and face feel. The densely-packed knot is set deep in the handle for durability and comfort.

Merkur Solingen Razor ($60.00) - The Cross-Knurl Safety Razor by Merkur of Germany delivers a clean, close shave with a traditional double-edged blade. Features a thin long handle with micro engraving for an improved grip.

Kiehl’s Age Defender Dual-Action Exfoliating Cleanser ($15.00) - Formulated with Moroccan Lava Clay, the unique charcoal colored 2-in-1 face wash deeply cleanses while exfoliating to remove excess dirt and oil for a refreshed, younger-looking appearance.

Parker Safety Razor (20.99) - Straight-type razor from Parker. Holds one-half double edge blade in the head for a fresh shave every time, no stropping or honing.

Malin + Goetz Vitamin E Shaving Cream ($40.00) – Hydrating cream blends natural Vitamin E, cooling Menthol, and Amino Acid Proteins to effectively prepare all skin types for a smooth, non-irritating shave.

West Coast Shaving Bay Rum ($15.00) - These handmade hard soaps are loaded with a vegetable based formula. Coconut oil, vegan glycerin, and bentonite clay combined to produce a creamy, thick, rich lather. They provide phenomenal protection from the blade and a great moisturizing feel.

Whip some up with your favorite badger brush.

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DIFFICULT TO DEFINE

LEFT MODEL Shirt N. HOOLYWOOD Pants MAISON KITSUNE Watch G-STOCK Sneakers SUPRA RIGHT MODEL Hat, Jacket, Shirt MAISON KITSUNE Sweatpants LACOSTE L!VE

PHOTOGRAPHY NATHALIE MERCADO

FASHION CHRIS SANDFORD

Sneakers SUPRA

GADGETS

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FA S H I O N

Clothing MAISON KITSUNE Sneakers FILA

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FA S H I O N

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LEFT MODEL Jacket WESC Shirt and Sweater THADDEUS O’NEIL Pants N. HOOLYWOOD Sneakers MAISON KITSUNE RIGHT MODEL Coat N. HOOLYWOOD Sweater LACOSTE L!VE Shorts TRADDEUS O’NEIL Sneakers SUPRA

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Hoodie MARCELO BURLON Jacket ALPHA INDUSTRIES Sweatpants MAISON KITSUNE Sneakers NIKE

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FA S H I O N

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Sweatshirt MARCELO BURLON Jeans DIM MAK COLLECTION Sneakers VANS Backpack HERSCHEL SUPPLY COMPANY Watch G- SHOCK

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FITNESS

BOSU UP Fashionable people don’t have time for long workouts. So if you are short on time and only have 30-35 minutes to get a full-body workout in, we got you covered! Use this BOSU ball workout to burn calories.

This high intensity workout will get your heart rate up, and help you build muscle.

WORDS DARIES LINDSAY

PHOTOGRAPHY ELIANEL CLINTON

STEP

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STEP

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BOSU BURPEE SETS-4 REPS-8-10

INFO AND STEPS

This exercise targets your entire body simultaneously hitting your arms, legs, chest and core. Press the ball into the air while jumping. This will activate the legs and arms. Place the bosu ball in plank and repeat the movement.

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STEP

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STEP

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FITNESS

STEP

STEP

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BOSU BALL S Q U AT

SETS-4 REPS-12-15

INFO AND STEPS

You will surely be on fire after this movement! Stand on the BOSU ball and use your heels to give you proper balance on the ball. Now while maintaining a straight torso, allow yourself to descend into a squat.

STEP

STEP

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STEP

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BOSU M O U N TA I N CLIMBER SETS-4 REPS-45 SEC

INFO AND STEPS

While in plank position stabilize your legs and arms. Once you plank, begin to lift your knees to your chest as if you are “climbing “ a mountain. The core is activated once you perform this movement.

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QUICK FACTS

SIZE

436 square miles P O P U L AT I O N

414k C A P I TA L CITY

Fort-de-France CURRENCY

Euro LANGUAGE

French and Creole

Martinique Paradise is not some fantasy whipped up in old world mythology. There is a place in the Caribbean that is as close to perfection as there has ever been, and her name is Martinique.

WORDS DÉVON CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON

CLUB MED BUCCANEER’S CREEK

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T R AV E L

Mount Pelée

Écomusée de Martinique

Château Dubuc

Fort-De-France

W H E R E TO S TAY

W H E R E TO E AT

HOW TO GET THERE

www.hotelfrenchcoco.com 33 Rue de la Distillerie, La Trinité 97220, Martinique +011 596 596 38 10 10

La Table de Mamie Nounou

Norwegian Airlines www.norwegian.com 800.357.4159

If you are looking for the perfect mix of Caribbean tranquility and European hospitality this hotel is perfect. The short distance to the waterfront creates the most soothing night air. Arrange islands tours directly from the front desk or take a bike ride to check out the local attractions and restaurants. Be sure to eat at the restaurant on the property. Local fair is prepared with ingredients from the properties illustrious gardens.

This restaurant is quite famous amongst locals and tourists. The decour is quite interesting so arrive with an open mind. Located just above the sea, the views and breeze while dining are awesome. The menu is a sophisticated mix French and Caribbean. We suggest arriving with an empty stomach. You are going to want leave room for dessert.

+011 596 596 58 07 32

Let’s just go on the record and say the best and most affordable way to get to Martinique is on Norwegian Airlines. They have direct flights daily from New york City. You can opt for various class options. however, economy is just fine. Don’t break the bank on a flight.

Instead use the saving to enjoy the awesome cuisine of the island.

W H AT TO D O

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Chateau Dubuc Eastern Martinique, La Trinite,Martinique + 011 596 596 58 09 00 Habitation Clement www.rhumclementusa.com +011 596 596 54 75 51

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H A B I TAT I O N C L E M E N T

JA R D I N D E B A L ATA

O N A T H U R S DAY afternoon

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along the shore of the southern province of Saint-Anne, my feet were met with the caress of the perfect temperature of water and a moderate ocean breeze as I strolled along looking for the a nesting place to spend a little time to relax. The midday tide was still and inviting. I hadn’t carried a proper bathing suit for the afternoon. I had not planned on getting wet at all. Besides, once you’ve been to one beach you’ve been to them all, right? Absolutely wrong!

The beaches on Martinique are not just breathtaking. Which in itself is an understatement. They are a place of tranquility and visceral engagement with all the senses of the human body present. The water soothes. The breeze cools. And the raindrops (because people still go to the beach in the rain on this island) dance on your skin like a ballerina at recital.

Within minutes of my stroll, the rain began to fall denser. My instinct told me to run for shelter under a tree or the canopy of one of the food vendors dotted along the road leading to the beach. However, I was the only one running for cover. As the rain fell everyone around continued on their way as if there was no reason to break plans for a day on the beach. By this point, my shorts, which had no intent of experiencing H2O that afternoon, were drenched from the downpour. So I uncharacteristically followed the crowd and reversed my route and headed toward the shoreline. A little Bo Derek in 10, a little

Halle Berry in 007, and all David Hasselhoff in the original Baywatch, I removed my shirt and accepted that my Top Shop shorts were now swimming trunks and belly-flopped into the bay.

I would love to say that this is something I do all of the time. But that would be a huge mischaracterization of who I am. The truth is this has never happened before and there was no way to predict its presence in the near future. But yet, it happened.

For all the caveats to what personally defines a great experience, Martinique has her own magical agenda.

Things you would never do- happen here.

“The Island of Flowers,” or Madinina which it was called by its original inhabitants, the Carib, has maintained its beauty since Columbus sighted it.

Though the government has changed hands from France to Great Britian and back to France again, this place is very French. The British took an interest in Martinique, invaded, and held the island from 1794 to 1815. Unlike other islands of the Caribbean, the British occupation of Martinique, kept her out of the turmoil of the French Revolution and into a period of relative prosperity. Columbus was actually the first European to visit the island in 1502, although he spotted the island in 1493 during one of his expeditions. The Spanish did not colonize the island however. It seems they were preoccupied with pillaging other islands along their journey of “discovery”. The truth is the island was not of any value to the Europeans until the development of the sugar plantation culture nearly a century later. A determining factor in why the ethnic combination of

the island is 90% of mixed race, primarily African.

Although France claimed Martinique in 1635 and officially annexed in 1674, France and Britain fought over the island until 1815. In 1946, Martinique became a Department of France and in 1974 a Region of France, its current status. Modern day Martinique is undoubtedly France in the Caribbean. It conveys a captivating and markedly French receptivity. The exquisite culinary technique and presentation, the sophistication and flare of its residents, and the meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of everyday life exude the influence of European norms. In the excellence of its cuisine, the superb accommodations like French Coco, to the sensuality of its language.

For a moment you may find yourself asking the locals for the best route to the Eifel tower. Yes, its that French. But unfortunately, that commute is 4,253 miles east, far from walking distance.

The victor of the battle to claim this beautiful vista was worth every yellow mangrove, gum tree, magnolia, and mahogany and all other vegetation. To think about it, paradise is not good enough of a word.

Martinique is greater and more magical than even those most divine descriptions of grandeur. Martinique ç'est Magnifique!

It has never been easier to get to Martinique, even if you can’t find it on a map. Norwegian Airlines has direct flights from the East Coast of the United States.

Grab your swim trunks, download a French to English translation app, and an empty stomach and have an experience of a lifetime.

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Can’t Stop ,Won’t Stop WORDS DOMINIQUE CARSON

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Jason Hurt is more than just a ravishing face in the entertainment industry. Hurt is a passionate individual who would like to give back to others while climbing the ladder to success. Hurt’s early upbringing motivated him to be fearless and find meaning in all setbacks. He is a multi -talented and has many skill sets including acting, modeling, and entrepreneurship.. The South Bronx native’s autodidact style was also another key ingredient to his successful career. He is not afraid to step outside of the box. Seven years ago, he made his acting debut in the films, Cop Out with Tracey Morgan and Bruce Willis and also landed a lead role in Jules. He made appearances in other films such as 50 Shades of Grey, Gone Girls, Two Days in Harlem, and many more. Hurt continues to hone his craft at the Bill Esper and Penny Templeton Acting Studios. Hurt also introduces his talent in music video when he appeared in Jazmine Sullivan’s video, Need You Bad. As a model, Hurt has been featured in several international and national Billboards. Hurt’s astonishing look captivates any audience such as SouthWest Airlines, Apple, Frito Lays, Tumi, Boost Mobile, Hennessy, Under Armour, just to name a few. And to top it off, Hurt launched Prime Time Event Staffing Company. Hurt is empathetic to actors’ challenges and struggles especially when they’re going on auditions, networking, and finding employment. The company host experiential events and job placement assistance in entertainment.

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Bleu Magazine spoke with the charming and resourceful actor about his early beginnings, acting, modeling, and so much more.

Check it out!

BLEU MAGAZINE: Thank you Jason for taking the time from your busy schedule to speak with Bleu Magazine. Well for starters, let’s talk about your upbringing.

JASON HURT: Well, the best way to describe my upbringing is grinding. I was on the grind because I wanted to have some sort of security for myself in life.

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And I realize in order for this to happen, I have to do other things. Anyway, here’s the beginning. I was born in Germany;my dad was in the army. My parents were high school sweethearts and I was the last of three children. Then when my mom and dad split up, I was raised in the South Bronx. My mom raised three boys by herself and it was tough because she didn’t have a college education and sometimes she felt like the world was on her shoulders. But, she never showed it in front of her children. She didn’t want to take her frustrations out on her children. She supported three children with an annual salary of 35K a year. My older brother left for the navy and my middle brother was hustling and gang banging in the streets. He was trying to find his way in the streets and I didn’t want to go down that road. Despite the hurdles, I was an active kid, playing basketball. I joined the Boys and Girls Club and sports became my way out. When I used to look at MTV Cribs, I used to tell when I make it to the league, I’m going to buy her a house. After watching the show, I was more driven and wanted to work on my skills more. I just wanted to achieve more while playing ball, my work ethic was phenomenal.

I see you are versatile. You’ve mentioned sports and basketball, how did you add painting to the mix?

I had no idea that I can paint; it was more of a trial and error situation. The process was quite interesting because my animal paintings’ relates to relationships.

While viewing the painting, you can study territory in a relationship. People have issues with territory especially they consider themselves to be the king of the jungle. But. I started taking my paintings more seriously after watching videos on YouTube. When I was watching the videos, I learned how to create, paint, and the different strokes before you paint. I realize art intimates lifestyle.

And then people started giving me more feedback on my work and they were impressed. It just made me more productive and I started exploring sculpting as well. As a sculptor, everything is accessible to you; you have the tools and implement to create a sculpture. I can describe this process as “ revelation instead of investigation. I found my artistic inspiration through animals and it became tangible. It made me think how and why I should be a leader that re-creates a new perspective of the world.

If you don’t work on yourself, why should people take you seriously?

JASON HURT Why are you a huge fan of Jim Carrey?

Jim Carrey is my favorite actor; I love watching his movies. My favorite movie from his is The Mask. Jim Carrey’s expressions and energy inspired me to pursue acting. Anytime you watch Jim Carrey, he;s up to something new and very discreet. I respect and appreciate his spiritual aspect on life; he’s not afraid to challenge himself. Jim Carrey incorporates his views on life in his films. It just resonated in my spirit because people don’t understand that being an artist is a spiritual process. You are gathering your thoughts and ideas and putting it into the forefront and that’s considered to be creative.

What made you decide to create an event staffing company, Prime Time Event Staffing company?

I was bartending and working at a catering business for a while. I knew I didn’t want to do this forever. I knew this wasn’t going to be long- term for me and I needed to think about alternate options and ways of getting ahead in life. I reached out to team and decided to make an event staffing company with Wix.com. Prime Time Event Staffing employees are seasoned catering and restaurant associates. We held many events in the entertainment and corporate industry. We have several services, everything from bartenders, hookah, brand ambassadors, street team, to promotional events. It’s a blessing to see some of your favorite celebrities and other professionals support your ongoing mission as a businessman. It’s also great that you can pay people that appreciate your vision and for their talents.

What would be your words of encouragement for anyone who would like to pursue a career in the arts?

You don’t have to go too far in order to find out who you are as a person. It has to come from within; self-development is an ongoing learning experience. You have to work on yourself and ignore the stereotypes. If you don’t work on yourself, why should people take you seriously? Bring your best foot forward to the table and don’t be so close-minded. You can’t be timid and expect opportunities to land on your feet overnight. You have to study the field, build your relationships, and have faith in yourself. My motto is “Do You, Just Do It!”

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Why did you decide to pursue a career in modeling and acting?

As a kid, I used to perform in spring concerts so I already that innate desire to perform on stage. I wanted to go to LaGuardia for the arts but I was more of an athlete at the time. So, I attended Mount Saint Mary Academy for sports.

During my first year, a photo shoot was taken place with Vibe Magazine. The stylist said I should be in the shoot; I wasn’t even thinking about modeling or acting at all. While I was still in college in Miami, Elite Model Management was looking for models and I caught their eye. My days as a model transitioned into acting. I was in the movie called, Game Time and it was centered around my first love, basketball. If it wasn’t for me playing sports years ago, I wouldn’t be able to bring my talent to the movie screen. I got a sense of what it’s like to be an actor and now I want to take pride in my work. I also had to be aware of what takes place behind the scenes as an actor and model.

In this business, there are many distractions and temptations and that’s why you have to stay focused on your goals. Nine years later, I am still growing as an actor, going out on auditions and putting myself out there. I remember I was down to my last $2.50 when I was auditioning for the film, Cop Out,

and it was a risky. But, in the end, I worked with Tracey Morgan and Mark Wahlberg and I am a huge fan of them. I took a risk which I felt was necessary for my career.

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Discusses his future, his family and why he isn’t afraid of failure.

Words CHRIS LAW

Photography RICARDO NELSON

Fashion BRIAN GOODWILL AND AMBER LEON

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I It’s the first day of fall but you wouldn’t know it thanks to an 80-plus-degree day outside. We are all waiting around for our cover-star to arrive. His publicist assures us he’ll be walking in any minute now.

He arrives, smiling, a few minutes later, with a small entourage in tow. The room springs to action—looks are presented, makeup and hair gets underway, music blares from the sound system and Quincy starts an Instagram live fee.

He’s an attractive guy who could be linked to many a bad chick, and he comes from a well-to-do background, but none of that has gone to his head. He’s young, but he’s got an old soul and a ferocious work ethic.

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path to stardom almost seems inevitable with that lineage.

“I grew up around everything. I was in the studio with Biggie at one point—I didn’t know it at the time. I’ve seen sessions. I’ve seen the process. I’ve seen how a song can be worked on for a month and then next thing you know they trashed the whole beat. Music has always been a hobby and now coming into myself —it has become a passion.”

His passion and his need to express himself isn’t limited to music. His breakout role as Jaleel, the affluent Blood who refused to pronounce any “C”’s in DOPE, cracked up audiences. Some think his portrayal paved the way for roles like Thug Yoda in Insecure.

He knows what he wants and he knows what he doesn’t want. When his stylist brings him a fur coat to wear in one of the editorials, he lets her know that isn’t going to happen. When the music was too loud during our talk, he asks the manager to turn it down. And when he wants to get behind-the-scenes footage of the shoot—he uses a film camera because it’s conducive to capturing, he says, “the true candidness of not knowing what you look like in a moment in time.”

“I started with theater classes and didn’t like it. I didn’t like the way theater was set up in school, with plays being their main thing. I became scared, thinking, “Damn, this isn’t what I wanted to be.” In the summer of eleventh grade—I sat in nine different classes via audits. I was learning about different acting studies and it became interesting. I thought ‘oh good!’ This is what I thought it was supposed to be.”

Quincy was born in New York and spent his childhood between Georgia and Los Angeles. He’s named after music legend, Quincy Jones, and was raised by hip-hop mogul, Sean Combs, but is the biological son of Al. B Sure!. His

At an event in L.A, Quincy’s mom, Kim Porter, had a meeting with casting agent, Anissa Williams, who inquired whether Quincy was acting. Kim told her yes, even though he hadn’t booked a gig, and Quincy got an audition that changed his life.

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“The film was called “We The Party,” directed by Mario Van Peebles. I went into it nervous, but as soon as I began the audition, it felt effortless. I knew I was going to book it as soon as I walked out of the room. That was my ‘alright you got this.’ And I didn’t book anything until a year and half after that. I was like, MAN, what is this? I thought it was going to be poppin’!”

Currently his biggest role is portraying Derek on the hit show, Star, which is a cousin of Empire. He was offered the role of Hakim in Empire before turning it down due to a disagreement over the rights of songs that would be performed. “It’s been a great experience. The majority of us didn’t know each other at all. We are all coming from different cities, but we became like kinfolk.

Working with legends on set like Queen Latifah. She’s like a mom to me. She broke the ice and really set the tone for me as to how the show would be filmed. For season two, there is a lot people expect, one being with the crossover because why not? I’m excited for how the world reacts to it.” I ask him if he can share any spoilers.

He quickly shuts me down. “Never. Never. Not the one.

Lee Daniels will kick my ass. Straight up” His preparation for the role turned out to be an true and unexpected learning experience because his character, Derek, copes with the physical handicap of being in a wheelchair, Black Lives Matter and other current-day societal issues that he has to navigate. “I thought I knew what Black Lives Matter was, I really did. I thought I knew about it, but Lee actually had some activists from BLM come in and talk about the whole movement. I learned what things my character was passionate about. I got to see all sides of the movement. And that was incorporated into how I portrayed my character. Quincy also works in one of the most popular industries—beauty and grooming. “I’m heavily involved in a partnership with Shortcut—which is like Uber for haircuts. A haircut is an important thing to a lot of men and we are looking to make it convenient for them. This is one of the avenues barbers can be in control of their moves. It’s a market where barbers can set their own prices, and not have to pay rent in a barbershop.

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Quincy pauses to reflect on his last comment, and elaborates. Keeping yourself tight and upright is very important when you’re on TV. I can’t go anywhere without someone wanting to take a picture—which means I got to be on point. No more store runs in my flip flops, basketball shorts and a tank top. I used to be just like real comfortable—but now I have to be comfortable in a different way.

In honor of this being BLEU’s 50th issue, I ask him what he hopes to accomplish by the time he is fifty years old. I definitely want to touch every

genre of film. With the music, I want the music to become timeless, and for people to understand the passion behind. (He chuckles.) I still want to go to the MLB. I’ve never been asked about fifty, I’m still trying to trying to think about what I’m going to accomplish by thirty—but I never get too ahead of myself.

Quincy has accomplished a lot in just a few years and he shows no signs of stopping now. In the words of the ubiquitous Diddy adlib, Quincy, “can’t stop, won’t stop.”

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What do cognac, baseball, night clubs, and music streaming have in common?

About as much as menswear, cologne, and vodka has in common with cosmetics, apps and apparently controversy. If you’re pretty savvy you’d know that these disparate ventures are a few of the business dealings of a Sean “Jay Z” Carter, Sean “Puffy” Combs and the youngest Kardashian sisters, Kendall and Kylie.

This list of ventures in varying levels of success are a few noted examples of how a celebrity brand diversifies it’s primary offering in order to grow. As celebrities continue to position themselves more and more like brands many have decided to expand beyond just their primary point of fame into other ventures in an attempt to extend their influence but most importantly to fatten their bank accounts.

There are many examples of Moguls who’s ventures have surpassed their original fame. Did you know that Jessica Simpson was not always a shoe designer, or Jessica Alba was actually an actress rather than the co-founder of a friendlier household products company? Also, Kathy Ireland, was actually known for her body before she was known for her chests (like what I did there?) and George Foreman wasn’t always the king of grills. Most notoriously a certain reality star who lends his name to golf courses, steaks, pageants, vodka and neck ties made in China would eventually become #45 (sigh). You may have known many of these these but more and more the mark of celebrity is not just what you do on the stage, or in front of the camera but what side hustles bare your name.

There are a couple key principals that one should follow when looking to achieve Mogul status that mirrors the decision set that most corporate brands consider if and when they decide to expand to new territories.

Depth vs Reach - Have you exhausted all of the white space opportunities within your primary venture? Rather than expanding it may make more sense to conquer the industry that you are already in. Jay Z and Diddy did not expand right away into fashion until they had had successful music careers, had taken leadership roles within Bad Boy and Roc-A-Fella Records and launched the careers of Rihanna, Ne-Yo, Faith Evans, 112, and Total respectively. So if you are just getting your name out in the rap or singing game or just landed your 3rd national commercial maybe it’s not exactly the right time to start a new t-shirt line.

Expertise - Is this new venture within your current level of understanding?

Opening a restaurant is difficult since more restaurants fail than succeed and just because you have a big name that can pack out a club on the weekends does not mean you can be Kandi Burruss and open the Old Lady Gang.

Restaurants are hard work, most chef owners spend the majority of their day at a restaurant, from food delivery and inspections in the morning to food prep, lunch, dinner service, inventory management and clean up at night.

And we all know that one negative experience in a restaurant can result in negative reviews which these days have turned into the death nail. So countless hours are spent refining the consumer experience in order to to achieve a

workable concept. So maybe stick to being a home chef before and entertaining your friends with your flair bartending.

Consumer - Always remember who your consumer is. Chances are the people who support you now are the people who will support you in the future. It is a lot easier for a brand to extend to a new venture if they stick with the same consumer target. A food brand can go into deserts because they are speaking to the same consumer. If your consumer base is younger millennials focused on trap music then it is difficult to target buyers from Bergdorfs and Neiman Marcus and the high end clothing market by showcasing your designs in New York Fashion Week. If you aim for Macys, H&M or Foot Locker and then price at the higher end of the scale your celebrity clout should cause you to do very well. Ivy Park at Top Shop, Beyonce wins again.

Authenticity - To thy own self be true. If you are not a consumer of the product then you should not be an endorser of it. You can do a lot of harm to your brand by connecting to products that are far removed from your identity. I subscribe to the Warren Buffet investment model. If I don’t understand the business model or am not a consumer of the product then I do not endorse it.

If you are a person who has never lifted a weight then it may behoove you to not be the face of a new diet plan or new fitness fad no matter how much money they throw your way. It is sort of like if Red Lobster started selling jewelry. It would make more sense for Red Lobster to create a 1 step solution to make cheddar biscuits at home rather than thinking it was the next Harry Winston. Stay in your lane.

Resource Overlap - In order to diversify remember that you are now stretching your existing resources to cover an area that you most likely need to devote a lot of attention and ground up work. So your current focus will suffer.

It is difficult to operate at 100% in your original area when you have extended yourself to other areas. The amount of time and attention it takes to record a new album, to go on tour and to do the press and radio junket will get eaten up if you are also trying to start a new acting career. Somethings got to give.

Gilbertson Cuffy is a Brand Marketer, Writer, Poet, Web Series Producer and all around badass, in short…Mogul.

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THE RISE OF ISAIAH JOHN Picture it: South Central Los Angeles, 1983. The world is introduced to newcomers New Edition with bubblegum hits like Is This the End and their unforgettable debut single Candy Girl. Meanwhile, hip hop is determined to make itself the soundtrack to life in the inner city. A life laced with constant, confusing struggle while you try to find the balance between getting in where you fit in and just being free to be yourself. Franklin Saint and his best friend, Leon Simmons has that very kind of life, amid the birth of the crack cocaine epidemic. Welcome to Snowfall.

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Airing Wednesday’s at 10:00 pm EST, FX’s new hit series Snowfall is the brainchild of Boyz N Da Hood director John Singleton. Drawing inspiration from his own childhood, Singleton’s show introduces us to Franklin Saint, “a young street entrepreneur on a quest for power.” At his side is his best friend Leon Simmons, a militant teenager who refuses to conform to societal norms to make others comfortable. In meeting Leon, we are introduced to the man behind the militancy, actor Isaiah John. Bleu Magazine spoke with Isaiah about his journey from performing for his parents on the weekends to current role.

Fayetteville, Georgia native Isaiah John first caught the acting bug at age 13. Too shy to perform in front of other people, he and his sister would perform for their parents at home on the weekends. “It took a year to convince my mom to let me start acting,” said John. “She didn’t think I would actually go through with it because I would only act for her and my father.” Isaiah landed his first acting gig in a short film at age 14 -- with no formal acting experience. That first experience sparked his desire to pursue acting. “After that short film, I really started to take acting seriously,” said John. “I studied under people like Carl Ford and Ken Feinberg.

I watched TV shows and films to learn different techniques so I could learn to create my own.” Learning to develop his own approach to acting, Isaiah set his sights on more challenging roles. After seven years of developing his style, he has finally found that role.

“The fact that this was a John Singleton project definitely drew me to this script and this role. He’s a genius. I needed to be a part of this.” John was captivated by the script. “This story hasn’t been told in this way; it’s brilliant. I knew it was going to be real and authentic and raw because John Singleton’s work speaks for itself.” Going through seven years of ups and 80

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downs trying to make it in the acting business, Isaiah was well on his way to preparing for his role as Leon Simmons. Isaiah is only 21 years old and to help him prepare for portraying a teenager in the 1980s he consulted with his mother. “At first I was able to ask my mom a lot about it. She’s from New York City and was able to connect with the story.” In addition to YouTube and documentary research, John was able to properly prepare for his audition for Snowfall. There was a story behind the character that needed to be told “When I first read [the script] Leon was just angry, but it was my job to find out why,” said Isaiah. “His dad isn’t around; he isn’t close with his mother. All he has is Franklin, who he looks up to like a brother.” Isaiah John looked at the character Leon Simmons and decided to find all the different components of who he was and bring it to life so that people from all walks of life can relate. “I spent time on building who he was instead of mimicking someone else,” said Isaiah. “For me this is all new, so I made him someone new. I created Leon from myself and no one else.” Mission accomplished.

Completely immersing himself into the role of Leon doesn’t leave Isaiah without difficulties. As with all actors, some scenes are harder to deal with than others. When telling the story of the emergence of crack cocaine in the Black community, it’s understandable that those scenes come a bit more frequently than others. “The scene where Leon kills Carvel had to be the hardest one to watch,” says John. “I’m watching myself play a child taking a life. That’s never easy to deal with.” What was the hardest scene to perform? “The scene where Leon gets shot,” he says. “Even though it was L.A., it got cold at night and here I am, lying on the cold concrete covered in fake blood for three to four hours each time we had to shoot it. I was shivering and shaking, but I couldn’t let it show.”

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“I spent time on building who he was instead of mimicking someone else” ISAIAH JOHN

Working for the man who created Boyz N Da Hood -- having to tell a similar story -- can seem a little intimidating to anyone who feels the need to live up to the legacy that film. However, Isaiah John sees opportunity in every perceived obstacle. “I’ve learned more with this first season [of Snowfall] that I ever could in any acting class,” says Isaiah, speaking on working with the legendary John Singleton. “Both John and Dub C are huge in helping me create Leon. They helped me mold the character and get into the West Coast 80s vibe. They both came from that neighborhood and this experience wouldn’t be the same without them.” There is no need for comparison between the two John Singleton pieces, though. “Snowfall takes place before Boyz N Da Hood,” says Isaiah. “It’s before the neighborhoods got that bad, before the gangs and violence got all crazy -- all because of drugs.” John quotes Singleton, “Crack was the only thing that made Black mothers leave their children.” Essentially, Snowfall sets the scene for Boyz, which comes almost a decade later.

Isaiah John tells us that they’re not that hard to find. In the pilot episode we’re given a dose of Leon’s militant attitude as he finds himself on a bus full of white people and Franklin asks him to turn down the volume on his boom-box. He does just the opposite. “Leon senses the distrust of [the White passengers] and interprets it as racism,” he says. “Racism will never go away no matter how hard we try. Nothing’s changed. People are just more prone to keep quiet about some things.” And sometimes they shout it at the top of their lungs.

Snowfall tells the story of the birth of the crack cocaine epidemic in the inner city. As Leon Simmons, Isaiah John gives a voice to all those urban youth who feel backed into a corner and are forced to keep quiet when that silence can prove to be deadlier than what’s being sold on the streets.

As Leon Simmons, Isaiah John recognizes that he’s been caught up in first snowfall of the season. And as Leon Simmons, he is determined that he won’t fall victim to the snowfall.

Drawing parallels in his TV life of 1983 and the current events of 2017,

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ALL AROUND ARTIST MALCOLM DAVID KELLEY CONTINUES TO EVOLVE AS AN ACTOR IN THE MOVIE, DETROIT. WORDS DOMINIQUE CARSON

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Malcolm David Kelley is not a stranger in the entertainment industry. Most viewers remember Kelley in the 2002 film, Antwone Fisher. He also had a supporting role in the film You Got Served, as Lil’ Saint. He was also featured in several commercials and other sitcoms such as Malcolm in the Middle, Girlfriends, For Your Love, Eve and Lost. But, the California native made a comeback to the big screen in 2017. He starred in the crime drama, Detroit which hit theatres on August 4th.

Along with acting, Kelley is a rapper and made his music debut when he formed MKTO with former castmate, Tony Oller. The group is known for their hit, “Classic.” As you can see, he is a multitalented individual who is channeling his creativity in several outlets.

Bleu Magazine spoke with the 25-year-old actor about the film, his role in the movie, Detroit, acting, music, and much more.

Check it out

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BLEU MAGAZINE: How were you selected for the movie, Detroit?

MALCOLM DAVID KELLEY: I definitely auditioned. Shout out to the casting

director, Vicky Thomas. She is definitely responsible for a lot of things for the movie. She is awesome. I had the pleasure and luckily the time to be apart of the film. I’m on the road and working on my music so luckily I was present for the audition. I read for Vicky Thomas for a few times but I think she already had a few people in mind for this film. I just want to thank her for giving me the opportunity to act in the movie. I was really interested because it was based on a true story. It was an eye-opening because the entire team prepared myself and the cast for the movie. I love timepieces, being that you were in the 1960’s. The director, Kathryn Bigelow was big on improv and we all got in the circle, reacted all of the scenes. She had all of us while a police officer came in and start integrating us, it was crazy.

She knew how to put us in a world and actually booking the role. It showed me as time went on, how much of a genius Kathryn really is, as far as directing the film.

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Let’s talk about your character in the film.

I play a character name Michael and he hangs out at the Algiers Motel while the city is going through the uprising. He is a cool and smooth guy that doesn’t say much. He is having a good time with his friends while he is at the hotel. You can say how close they are in the film. But, then he finds himself at the wrong place, at the wrong time. You see that Michael is vulnerable and scared for his life because he doesn’t know if he’s going to survive. When people watch the film, they will understand why it’s a powerful scene. They will understand the character, what took place in the 1960’s, and how it relates to what’s going on in the world today. I’m a young black man and I’m dealing with similar issues so that’s how I connect to the character. In the movie, Michael has a moment to speak out but he’s going through a lot and how everything can change within a couple of hours. The movie is a great way to inform people what took place during those times. Prior to the film, I didn’t know about the 12th Street Riot.

This is American history.

learning another side of entertainment. I can use the knowledge I gained in music to push forward and keep doing great things. It was amazing. Now, I just have to balance music with acting. You are definitely going to hear more music from me soon.

What was it like working with some of your cast members?

It was amazing working with everyone. From Will to Jack, Algee, Jacob; there is so many people. The cast is so big but impactful. Being in the world that we had to play brought us even closer. We had to do some things that we really don’t deal with growing up right now. We had to tap into the mindset of being in the 60’s and what was going on at the time. There were certain perceptions of the police and everyone else at the time. The real emotions would show on the certain and each of us had to comfort one another at times. Working with everyone was great because we learned out onset. Kathryn trusted us and gave the actors freedom and that’s why we had so many great moments making the film. I’m just happy to be apart of it. We actually had some people from the incident onset with the cast.

How would you describe your maturity as an actor?

Man, I’m still growing. I took some time off and to come back and do a film such as Detroit, I grew so much from that entire experience. I worked with so many great people; it was a great opportunity. I’m still growing and evolving but I can’t wait to start working on more comedy roles. I want to show more of that side of me but that’s what so great about social media. You get to show yourself so you never know who is watching you online. I have big things in store; I’m trying to get into writing and producing my own projects as well.

But, I think I’ve come along way. I think my evolution is good but I just want to keep on going.

How will the movie, Detroit impact people?

We had to bring the situation to light. We can come together to figure how can we push the younger generation to make change. So many generations and families can watch this film because it’s a learning experience. I think this movie will be seen in schools. It should be mandatory for cops to watch this movie. The movie is so powerful and we had the premiere in Detroit. We had some of the family members who lost loved ones from the riot at the premiere. They embraced us because their story was being presented to the world.

Along with acting you’re also involved with music and apart of a group mkto, when did you add music to the mix?

The group came about when I was on the show, Gigantic on TeenNick with Tony Oller. We did the show for one season and Oller and I became best friends. We started putting up songs on YouTube and we started getting great feedback about our music. It was great feeling to be in front of Columbia Records while they’re listening to your music. They are recognizing your music.

It was a great accomplishment because it was always a dream of mine. We were inspired by B.O.B and his song, “Airplanes,” because we were singing and rapping on the records. It was fun and we worked with Taylor Swift and she was a fan of our song, “Classic.” We were touring all over the world and

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Are you planning to release a single or ep?

I’m still figuring it out but I would have to say an EP. I’m so diverse when it comes to music. The music I was making when I was younger was considered “pop music” when I was with MKTO. Now I’m crossing over to urban music and that’s more of my lane. I grew up listening to Snoop, Dr. Dre; I just love where music is at right now. It’s a creative way for me to express myself. I can’t wait for both things to co-exist in my career. People are more open to versatility and not make us choose between acting or music. We are trying to break down that barrier just a bit. It’s just a lot that I would like to do within the next five years.

What other projects can we expect from Malcolm in 2017?

Of course, there is the movie, Detroit but I have another movie coming out in September. The movie is called True to the Game and it features Columbus Short, Draya Michele, and Vivica A. Fox. I have a little cameo; I’m just trying to get my feet wet and utilizing these platforms. I’m working on more solo music but you will definitely see a lot more films. I’m definitely trying to get into directing and writing but everything is all about timing.

What would be your words of encouragement for young people who are passionate about the arts?

You can start with some acting classes and using social platforms. We have YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. It’s a great way to receive feedback and start building your fanbase. Labels, producers, and directors are looking for that fan-base and buzz in your hometown. As far as acting, there is LA, New York, and even Atlanta is coming up in the acting world. There is so much content in Atlanta right now. If you start moving to those cities and put yourself out there; you never know who is watching you on social media. It’s powerful because people are really showing their talent online but you need to use it the right way. You need to take your craft seriously.

Make sure you give your all to receive an opportunity in the arts. It’s hard work but you have to put the time in. When that time comes around, you want to be ready for the opportunity.

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PHOTO BY ERIC CHARBONNEAU/ANNAPURNA

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THE HUMANS

KEN

MILES WORDS EDRIC ROBINSON

Ken Miles is affectionately called the Mayor of Harlem amongst some of his best friends. He was born in Harlem along with his twin brother Joe. Miles began his career as an NBC page and transitioned to digital media and advertising. His current role at Hire Harlem reconnects him with the community he loves. Meanwhile, positions on west Harlem’s community board and youth work keep him in tune with the neighborhood’s pulse.

Tell me about Hire Harlem and your role as Director of Partnerships?

Hire Harlem is a platform built to help identify Black, LatinX, and women owned businesses in Harlem. In short, we remove the guesswork out of ownership.

Our goal is to help make that process simpler. My responsibility as Director of Partnerships is to facilitate getting the message out to a range of existing and potential stakeholders about the role the platform hopes to serve, and ways to collaborate for the purposes of advancing the mission of Hire Harlem.

How would describe the impact of your work in the Harlem community?

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Community is at the center of my work. I’d say the most important impact of my work is greater visibility, both for the community I continue to serve, and my own journey in coming to understand why this work drives me. Whether it’s this Hire Harlem startup journey, serving on the Community Board in West Harlem, being appointed to County Committee, or even helping to build out a summer youth employment program in West Harlem. There’s an opportunity to share insights every step of the way to an audience for whom you being visible makes a difference to how they think about the world they’re in, and their role in it.

What do you think has kept you committed to the Harlem community?

A few things have kept me committed to Harlem; especially a stronger understanding of my shared connection to my family’s history, which has reinforced the belief that I’m meant to work and serve here. A few years ago, I discovered through a book of sermons my great aunt gave me belonging to my great-great grandmother, that her church participated in the Blumstein’s boycott in the early 1940s on 125th

Street alongside a young preacher named Adam Clayton Powell. In the book, I stumbled across a sermon titled “Don’t Work Where You Can’t Shop,” which laid out the 12-day boycott agenda and how it came about. I was floored. That made me think more about a community’s ties to its collective history, and how we go about the work of trying to remember that history in the face of active erasure (gentrification). We can hope for it, but we can also design for it. On a more somber note, my twin brother Joe passed from cancer –his work often kept him in Harlem.

Why do you think friends refer to you as the ‘Mayor of Harlem’?

My translation of that reference is they see me as someone who is a connector, who plugs others into opportunities, strives to put his community at the forefront of his work, and seeks to be a vessel for others. My story of struggle isn’t much different than other people’s, but I strive to make that story more transparent. My work centers on the intersection of tech, higher education and access, policy, community development, and design. The future requires all of us, so let’s build.

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MEMSOR

KAMARAKE WORDS EDRIC ROBINSON

Tell me a bit about your background. Where you’re from and do you have any siblings? How did you first get started on your career path?

Global Citizen: Born In New York to diplomat parents from Sierra Leone. Raised around the world making stops in Moscow. Freetown and London. One of three (Older brother, younger sister, absolutely no middle child syndrome here!).

Start Point: Saw a sign in the window of The Gap store on Oxford Street in London, so followed my heart, popped in and applied for a job. Started in sales, but found my true calling doing the visual displays, the first step towards my eventual styling career.

What has been the most challenging part of your career choice to date?

How is the “Memsor” of today different from the Memsor who was just starting in the industry?

More gray hairs, but much wiser. Same skin. No wrinkles.

How do you try to differentiate yourself from others that do the exact same thing? How do you handle competition in the industry?

See above. Remain true to myself, which provides all the difference needed. I run my own race of one; the minute your eyes turn to focus on your supposed competition, you’ve already lost. No one does the exact same thing as me, FYI lol.

What is the worst and best career advice you’ve received?

Worst: I haven’t received any terrible career advice; every “misstep” has brought me exactly to where I am today, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

How do you define happiness?

Love. Laughter.

Family. Friends. Faith Balance. And a bottle of vodka, Ketel One preferably.

Discerning who the real ones are in a world where artifice and superficiality reign.

Best: My life motto; the (Latin!) motto of my secondary school “Esse Quam Videri”, which translates to “To be, rather than to seem”. Which is especially prescient in the age of social media.

Be authentically you.

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THE HUMANS

JUSTIN

MOORE WORDS SABLE SWEEPER

What is your career background?

I practically grew up in a dermatologist’s office. My dad is a dermatologist. My older brother is a dermatologist. I did everything from washing windows to filling bottles for my dad’s skin care company. I like to joke that I was the black sheep of the family when I decided to go to law school. After law school, I worked for Vinson & Elkins LLP, a large international law firm, as a corporate lawyer in the mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and capital markets groups in the Houston office with a six month rotation in the NYC office. In January of 2017, I left V&E to start Holly Hall Supply Co., my current project.

Tell us about your currently business Holly Hall Supply Co. is a premium-grooming brand catered to young professional men. We meet our customers at the crossroad of high quality products and unhindered inspiration. We help prepare them for the journey ahead. I’ve seen the trends and developments in razors from disposable to one blade to as many as you can fit in a cartridge and a nostalgic return to the safety razors our grandfathers used. The products we use when we shave have largely remained stagnant 88

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being dominated by cheap foam in a can and complementary afterthought products pushed by the razor companies. I created HHSC to bring high quality products to this side of the shaving equation and deliver a brand that resonates with people like me.

We launched our introductory line on Kickstarter in July of this year and raised $27,000 in 30 days. We’re currently in production and expect to fully launch just in time for the Thanksgiving shopping weekend.

Products are available for pre-order now at HollyHallSupply.com.

What inspired you to branch out from corporate America and became an entrepreneur?

I worked in field with a very high burnout rate because of the sporadic demands on your time. There was no such thing as being unavailable. I won’t pretend that the job didn’t have some down falls but for the most part I was happy. I was being well compensated, learning a lot and working with many impressive people but I felt myself appreciating what the clients were doing more than I was. Closing a deal was fun but being the client that was receiving the check looked

like a lot more fun. I’ve always been somewhat of an entrepreneur. I got in trouble in elementary school for selling my lunch. I used to burn and sell CD’s in middle school and DVD’s in high school. I’m pretty sure the statute of limitations on that has run so I’m okay to tell you that. I was a party promoter. Entrepreneurship is in my blood and if I never threw my hat in the ring, no matter how much success I could attain in big law, I would’ve regretted it.

What would you say was the hardest part about starting your company business ?

Patience. When I left the law firm in January, I anticipated I would be up and running by April, May at the latest. Here we are in the 4th quarter and we’re just inching towards the starting line. Everything takes longer than you would like and more often than you expect. Your business is your baby and you give it all the attention you have but the world doesn’t slow down or speed up for it. Vendors have other projects.

Consultants have other clients. As a startup, you don’t have the capital to make people move mountains for you so you have to navigate time constraints the best you can.

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DORIAN

RENAUD WORDS EDRIC ROBINSON

Back in 2015, Dorion Renaud got his first television job as one of the eight cast members in BET’s hit reality show, College Hill. Renaud hails from a small town just outside of Houston, Texas called Beaumont.

He’s been pursuing the entertainment field since age 12, studying acting, modeling and even had a short stint in a music group. Currently he acts in the Bounce TV show, ‘In The Cut,’ hosts a talk show on TVOne and has a few exciting projects on the horizon.

So what’s been going on with you?

Right now, we just wrapped the season finale of ‘In The Cut’. It’s a sitcom starring myself, Dorien Wilson and Kellita Smith of the Bernie Mac show. Outside of that I also have my own talk show on TVOne called “The In Crowd” where I interview various celebrities (most of them are my friends), we talk politics, love,

social issues and their upcoming projects.

Tell me about your upcoming projects?

What a lot of people don’t know is that I’m a recording artist as well and I’m in the studio right now with Andre Harris who is most known for his huge hit Butterflies by Michael Jackson and Love by Musiq Soulchild, working on my first EP. We’re looking to release something in the next month and the vibe is heavy. It’s super funkadelic mixed with hard-core soul and I’m very excited about this project.

What is the most recent thing you’ve learned that you can apply to your career goals?

The most recent thing that I’ve learned in my dayto-day life as well as my career is staying consistent,

even if you have to create things yourself. I ran into a lot of roadblocks where the phone was simply not ringing and I was not booking anything but I began to create my own projects which is how the TVOne show came about as well as my EP. I decided to stop giving Hollywood the upper hand and give myself the shot to produce and create all of my own content.

How do you think failure or setbacks have prepared you for this phase of your life?

I personally think failure is the key to success. If you don’t lose you don’t know what a win feels like, I’ve had many failures but I’ve also had many triumphs and with each failure I have learned a different lesson.

Not that I look forward to failing but I always look forward to learning and I think that there is growth in each fall.

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LEFT MODEL Pants THADDEUS O’NEIL Hoodie PRPS Jacket COACH Boots DR. MARTENS

MIDDLE MODEL Sweater KENNETH NING Pants TOPMAN Boots DR. MARTENS RIGHT MODEL Coat ROCHAMBEAU Hoodie BOOHOOMAN Pants COACH Boots DR. MARTENS

THE NEW STANDARD Photography JUAN VELOZ Grooming MICHA Fashion KENNETH KYRELL Fashion Editor CHRIS SANDFORD

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MODELS: ZIKALE (Wilhelminia), BABA (Red Models), MIKE (MSA Models)

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MIDDLE MODEL Hat KANGOL Coat BOOHOOMAN Pants and Shirt SOULLAND Sneakers DIADORA

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The MUSEUM OF SEX is definitely a must-go. It’s not as BIG as some of the Museums in NYC but the experience is the same and well...a bit different than what most people are used too.

WORDS DOMINIC BIELAK

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The Museum of Sex in Midtown Manhattan is not your regular museum. When passing by the Museum you would think it a small museum but it is actually a good size. The Museum has four floors of sexual art and ideas and an experience you won’t want to miss out on because I believe it’s a lot more unique than your regular museum experience.

On the first floor of the museum is the museum’s shop and there are some very interesting things for sale. The store was regarded as “One of the best” in New York

by Time Out magazine. This is one of the most interesting stores I have ever been too. The store has a bunch of toys, books, candy, and even food. The penis pasta is definitely an interesting one. The museum also sells candy bras, dirty fortune cookies, and all types of different condoms, some with Donald Trump’s face on the front that reads “This thing is huge” and one of Vladimir Putin’s face that reads “Put in”.

The museum also sells herbs that give you a better sex drive when you smoke or drink them, either way it’s going to put you in the mood to get dirty. A plus is that these herbs are healthy and good for your body in every way. Herbs like Wormwood, which helps support your liver and an herb named Damiana, which has been used as an aphrodisiac and to boost sexual potency by the native peoples of Mexico, including the Mayan Indians.

On the third floor of the museum was my favorite floor, the sex lives of animals was very interesting, and this was the best experience at the museum because I learned so much. Make sure to read all the facts 98

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PHOTOGRAPHY EMILY SPELMAN

S P OT L I G H T

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ADDRESS 233 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016

HOURS Monday through Thursday and Sunday 10AM–9PM Friday and Saturday 11AM–11PM

and stories of the animals because they are worth reading. You get to see how many different kinds of animals have sex and learn about how they reproduce. The Sex live of Animals showcases lifesized sculptors created by Rune Olsen, a sculptor from Norway who is well known. However, artists who aren’t well known and established are featured in the museum.

Many young artists are featured in the Museum of Sex on the fourth floor right now. Female Gaze is the name of the show and it showcases 25 emerging female artists. From painters to photographers, sculptors, and graphic designers, many of these artists are just up and coming artists and I found that pretty cool that a museum would feature up and

coming artists who are looking to get their name out there. All the work is great; there is a reason why their work is in the museum. One of my favorite artists was Sophia Narrett. She made her art by doing embroidery and she says that it is like “painting with thread”. One of my other favorite artists was Taira Rice. She is a self-taught illustrator from Harlem, New York. Her drawings are naked figures posing seductively as relaxed nudes in the privacy of their own rooms. Rice is good at capturing femininity through her illustrations.

One of the rooms you should definitely check out is the “Jump for Joy” room. It is a room full of big balloons as breasts and you get to jump on them.

It costs an additional three dollars to enter but it’s

definitely worth the try so don’t be embarrassed and go all out in here. As the museum says, “Jump for Joy” it is designed to increase the awareness of the body and to create an exciting possibility of physical contact between strangers. This is the most jumping you will do all day.

Tickets average about $18 to get in depending on which day you go. It is definitely a spot to check out if you are visiting New York City or if you are from here. Make it worth your time by checking out all the rooms and reading all the facts because there is a lot to learn. There is a lot more to learn about sex than you think and some of the facts will surprise you. Make sure to stop by and don’t be afraid to get nasty!

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T H E N E W YO R K 2 0 1 7 C O M I C - C O N WAS H O S T E D T H I S Y E A R I N M I DTOW N , A N D WAS O N E O F T H E B I G G E S T F A N G AT H E R I N G S I N T H E C O U N T R Y.

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T H E N E W YO R K C I T Y C O M I C C O N

is now an annual four-day convention that was first held in 2006 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. This convention was created for fans who are devoted and passionate about comics, graphic novels, anime, video games, movies, toys, and television shows,.

This incredible four day event had everything Comic Book and Pop Culture. This included new updates for the most popular movies, books, television shows, and games, all close to the release date.

Fans also got to see Hollywood celebrities including John Boyega, who played Finn in 2015s Star Wars: The Force Awakens and hundreds of other well-known figures such as Michael Rooker (Walking Deade), William Shatner, and Star Wars Rogue One star Felicity Jones.

Some of the top attractions of 2017 NYCC highlights included: The Comic Book Men Panel, The Amazon Panel on Jack Ryan, The Runaways, Greg Hildebrandt, Artist Alley, and Mark Hamill.

Opening into The Comic Book Men Panel: The Secret Stashs Kevin Smith, Walter Flanagan, Bryan Johnson, Michael Zapcic, and Ming Chen all worked great together, bringing lots of life and humor while entertaining on stage-and also discussing the announcement of their new season of Comic Book Men, which has just started on AMC. The panel had a few moments that were inspiring in between the humor, which was definitely worth seeing overall.

LO C AT I O N

ADDRESS

Jacob K. Javits Convention Center

655 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001

The next highlight was Amazon’s panel for their upcoming original series, Jack Ryan. The panelists included the executive producers Graham Roland and Carlton Cuse, as well as the show’s stars John Krasinski, Abbie Cornish. Overall, the panel covered Q&A for the fans and towards the end of the event a few minutes of film was shown.

Located on the main floor was the popular TV show created by Marvel and Hulu’s-The Runaways along with it’s cast. So far, this TV series has been a total mystery to many viewers, but it is said that if a fan read the comics, it should be easier to follow along, Along with the meet-and-greet came a surprise viewing of the first episode of the show, which was filled with plot twists, and character changes, it was exciting viewing.

Next we have Greg Hildebrandt, a famous illustrator, who had a large booth at NYCC this year, which allowed him to show his amazing artwork. Greg as well as his brother Tim, also created the famous Hildebrandt Brothers illustration, which made the incredible Tolkien artwork from the 1970s, to movie posters for classic films and the iconic sci-fi film Star Wars.

Throughout the convention, there were many talented artists who got to showcase their amazing work. Some of the top artists that were shown over the past four days were James C. Mulligan and Sasha Yosselani.

The force was definitely with NYCC this year: One of the biggest stars of convention was of course none other than Luke Skywalker himself (Mark Hamill), who is known for his performances in many Star Wars films, as well as his voice performance as the Joker. Overall Hamill was very open and kind to his fans during the convention, taking lots of photos, as well as signing autographs throughout the four days of this event. He would sometimes even surprise people by popping up on the convention floor and taking random selfies with fans.

Overall, NYCC 2017 was said to be the best to date so far, and if you haven't experienced the nerd glory already, this is something that is a must-do experience for the fall of 2018. See you next year!

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L ANGSTON HUGHES WORDS NICOLE GORRITZ

Langston Hughes, an American poet, novelist, playwright and novelist, whose pieces of literary art were vital to the Harlem Renaissance and jazz poetry, was a true visionary. From the moment he put pen to paper, Hughes had the power to not only open up the minds of the American people, but to transcend time.

Born James Mercer Langston Hughes on February 1, 1902 in small town, Joplin, Missouri, he had a somewhat turbulent childhood. Shortly after his birth his parents divorced, leaving him to be raised by his maternal grandmother, Mary Patterson Langston.

She passed away when he was 13 years old and after two years with family friends James and Mary Reed he returned to live with his mother and step-father.

They settled in Cleveland, Ohio where he attended high school.

During his high school years Hughes looked to poets, Paul Lawrence Dunbar, Carl Sandburg, Walt Whitman for inspiration, and later sited them as his primary influences. An ambitious student, he contributed to the school paper and sent countless poems to several poetry magazines, never letting the constant rejection deter his dreams. His hard work paid off in 1921 when his famous poem, “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” was published in The Crisis magazine.

Though he had raw talent he had trouble getting his

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work noticed. Hughes convinced his father, who was then living in Mexico, to pay for his tuition at Columbia University in the City of New York. The compromise included his majoring in engineering.

Hughes left Columbia after one year one-year enrollment in Columbia University and became a jackof-all-trades, often taking up odd jobs and traveling to Africa and Europe as a seaman. He returned to live with his mother in Washington D.C., and while working as a busboy at the Wardman Park Hotel he met poet, Vachel Lindsay. Lindsay helped promote Hughes’ poetry, leading to him more critically-acclaimed work, and being granted a scholarship to Lincoln University, where he finished his education.

He published his first book of poetry during this time titled, The Weary Blues in 1926.

musicals. But what really made his stand out from the rest of the Harlem Renaissance artists was that he reflected on the experiences of the people in his community as a whole to give true depictions of their culture, struggles, and love for the arts.

Critic, Donald B. Gibson said of Hughes, “During the twenties when most American poets were turning inward…Hughes was turning outward, using language and themes, attitudes and ideas familiar to anyone who had the ability to simply read.”

Throughout his career Hughes was able to give insight into the lives of the African American community. His countless works of prose included “Simple,” a character in the Chicago Defender that further examined the urban black working-class motif, as well as racial issues from the twenties to the sixties.

Later in life Hughes took final refuge in Harlem.

During that time he taught creative writing at Atlanta University, and lectured in Chicago often.

On May 22, 1967 he passed away after a struggle with prostate cancer. His home, 20 East 127th Street in Harlem (a.k.a. “Langston Hughes Place”) was given landmark status. His ashes rest under the entrance of the Arturo Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem. Above his final resting place there is an inscription from “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” that reads, ”My soul has grown deep like the rivers.”

Hughes went on to publish notable works including his first novel, Not Without Laughter, which won the Harmon Gold Medal for Literature in 1930, and note-worthy autobiography, The Big Sea, in 1940.

He wrote eleven plays and contributed to Broadway

Hughes’ legacy and transcendent literary works live on, being published around the world. Langston Hughes is a paramount figure in this nation’s history, and one of the most influential voices we will ever hear.

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