Issue 89 Jordan L. Jones by Bleu Magazine

ALASKA TINA TURNER JAHMAR HILL WENDY WILTZ CHAUN LEGEND VIENNESE MUSEUMS

IVE

89 T

E CRE

V O L U M E

ISSUE

Jordan L. Jones

ON THE GO SHOP FALL 2023

TABLE OF

CO NT ENTS

Photography by ANDREW ZAEH Fashion by JACLYN EVE

JORDAN L. JONES: BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO ‘BEL-AIR’S’ ICONIC “JAZZ”

TABLE OF

C ON TEN TS

78 Feature 82 Humans 86 Op-Ed 88 Feature 90 Feature 92 Spotlight 94 Icon 97 Bleu List 98 Stockist

Diandra Lyle

14 Access by Bleu 18 Cars 20 Gadgets 24 Grooming 26 Soled Up 30 Fuel 34 Books 38 Profile A Nashville Legacy Premiere, Curlfest Pagani Utopia New Reality

BiColor Nail Studio

Overkill Cologne

Benny Cruz x Bastard Burger

Broken Earth Trilogy

Sam Carr

46 Creative 50 Travel 54 Travel 56 Up Next 70 Feature 72 Feature 74 Feature 76 Feature: Idman

Alaska

Viennese Museums

Liana Bank$

Dave East

Jahmar Hill

Wendy Wiltz

Real Estate Agents

Ownership of Land

Isaiah Hill

Tre Charles

A.R. The Mermaid

Tina Turner

Starring Samuel L. Jackson

MASTHEAD

On The Cover JORDAN L. JONES Photography by ANDREW ZAEH Words by TRUTH HAWKINS

Publisher

Copy Editor

Web Engineer

DéVon Christopher Johnson

Eric Charles Munson

Muhammad Azeem

Managing Editors

Videographers

ECommerce Design Lead

Antheny Raiy, Justin Wallace

Editor

Chris Law

Editor-At-Large Kent Olden

Creative Director Andrew Zaeh

Art Direction

Aspasia Bouzakis

Graphic Design Russell Caras

Dante Williams, Anthony “Bubba.G” Gutierrez

Contributing Writers

Truth Hawkins, Dominique Carson, Deonte Chalant, Becca Bond, Jason Kwame, Kirby Carroll, Eric Charles Munson, Nino Reyes, Jennifer Billock, Nicholas Hernandez, Eddie Osborne, Rafael Pena

Contributing Photographers Tyler Borchardt

Interns

Karanpreet Daulke, Aniliyah Richardson, Dominic Papalia

Deputy Editor Gary Dickson

Contributing Editor Chevy Wolf

West Coast Fashion Editor Apuje Kalu

UK Fashion Editor Sean Azeez

Social Media Strategist Livingston Steele

THE BLEULIFE MEDIA GROUP Chairman, CEO & President DéVon Christopher Johnson

Digital Partnerships

Sam Doliner, Maxwell Bashy advertise@bleulife.com

Print AD Sales Todd Evans Rivendell Media 908.232.2021

Steve Wiley

East Coast Partnerships & Ecommerce Justin Wallace

West Coast Partnerships & Special Projects Antheny Raiy

Licenses & Joint Ventures David DeGraff Oaklins | DeSilva+Phillips d.graff@dp.oaklins.com

Brand Ambassadors

Rannon Harris (Chicago-Midwest) LeRoy Williams (New York- Northeast)

Newsstand Distribution

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Submissions

Bleu Magazine 26 Broadway 3rd Floor New York, NY 10004 info@bleulife.com

Bleulife Media & Entertainment Inc. | 26 Broadway 3rd Floor New York, NY 10004 | E-Mail: info@bleulife.com | Online: bleulife.com Printed in Canada. Opinions expressed by advertisers, columnists, feature writers or other contributors are not necessarily the opinions of Bleu Magazine or its staff. All advertisements, photographs, text or illustrations are published with the understanding that the advertisers are fully authorized to have secured proper consent for the use thereof. Bleu Magazine shall not be held responsible for any errors, loss, expense or liabilities on advertisements accepted after the deadline. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or advertisement in Bleu Magazine is not to be constructed as an indication of sexual orientation of such persons, advertiser or organization. Partial or complete reproduction of an advertisement, news article, feature or photograph from Bleu Magazine is strictly prohibited as Bleu Magazine is a registered trademark. A $25 or 1.5% (whichever is greater) fee will be charged for all NSF checks. All rights reserved.

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER

It's a party on the weekend Got a lil' shorty we creepin' Throw some in my cup But I still can't show no love I got hoes for every season Shawty want to play she leavin' Don't try to say what's up When you see a nigga in the club, girl You know the vibe baby (You know the vibes) I've been goin' live lately (Sheesh) This the fifth time I done seen you out You've been outside crazy But I don't judge I know you want to live a little And it's just like that You bounce right back Fuck with me, let you decide that No proceed, just a one night WEST COAST WEEKEND BY BLXST, TYGA, AND YG

In the whirlwind of deadlines and ideas, it's crucial to remember the power of unity. Just as the chorus in a song amplifies its essence, our team fortifies the core of our brand. Teamwork is our foundation. Each member adds a unique note to our symphony of creativity. Together, we create a melody that resonates deeply with our audience. Productivity is our virtuoso performance, requiring discipline and brand alignment. Every keystroke, meeting, and idea contributes to our grand crescendo. The value of a great team is immeasurable, propelling us through trials and triumphs. Let's celebrate victories, learn from challenges, and emerge stronger. Staying focused on our brand is our guiding star. It ensures we innovate, evolve, and pursue excellence with unwavering commitment. In unity, we forge ahead, composing the soundtrack of our success with notes of teamwork, productivity, and brand loyalty.

DéVon Christopher Johnson Founder & Group Publisher

Issue 89

C O N T R I B U TO R S

CHAL ANT

Dominique M.CAR SON

Eric

CHARLES MUNSON

Truth

H AW K I N S

Deonte Keitt, aka DJ Chalant, is a DJ, writer, and radio personality based in Washington D.C. As a writer, he specializes in music and entertainment with articles featured in Bleu Magazine and True-Magazine. As a DJ, he often spins events with reputable companies such as WPGC 95.5 and Monumental Sports & Entertainment. Additionally, Deonte runs his own media brand called BoxCutters Media, where he produces and hosts The BoxCutters Podcast.

Dominique M. Carson is a freelance journalist, researcher, licensed massage practitioner, and author. Carson's work has been featured in several publications, including Ebony.com, The Grio, NBC News, Singersroom.com, Soultrain.com, Education Update, and Brooklyn news media outlets. She interviewed over 100 notable figures in entertainment such as Charlie Wilson, Regina Belle, Patti Labelle, Kirk Franklin, and many more. Carson's overall goal is to facilitate people's lives with her hands and words.

Eric Charles Munson is a journalist and writer, born in New York and raised in New Jersey. Eric’s beat is environmental science, but he writes about a plethora of topics including arts, technology, culture and history. When not working, Eric enjoys traveling, reading books, watching anime and playing video games. He is also a VTuber on YouTube and Discord under the name Eric von Atterberg.

Ruth "the Truth" Hawkins is a New York-based storyteller who prides herself on offering diverse content across culture, entertainment, and lifestyle. Getting her big break at Bossip, over 10 years ago, she has since lent her pen to xoNecole, Black Doctor, HipHopDX, and Rolling Out magazine, to name a few. When she's not facilitating conversations with extraordinary people, you can find her training to be a spin instructor, strolling through Central Park, or racing to grab an iced latte ahead of exploring the city with her two kids in tow.

Issue 83

AC C E S S BY B L E U

A Nashville Legacy Premiere To bring extended awareness around the Hallmark Mahogany branding and to launch “A Nashville Legacy,” Hallmark sponsored a Spotlight Screening at the Cinemark Baldwin Hills.

AC C E S S BY B L E U

Curlfest 2023 Curlfest 2023 brought together a vibrant celebration of natural hair and diverse beauty, featuring inspiring workshops, fashion showcases, and a sense of unity among attendees. The event showcased the power of embracing and celebrating individuality within the community. @noirphotographyStudiosCurlFest2023

Issue 8

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

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

(bik-TAR-vee)

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:  Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months, and may give you HBV medicine.

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:  Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.  Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that may have been hidden in your body. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.  Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY.  Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.  Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.  The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%). These are not all the possible side effects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY. You are encouraged to report negative side eff ects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.

ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains:  dofetilide  rifampin  any other medicines to treat HIV-1

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider if you:  Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.  Have any other health problems.  Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.  Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:  Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-thecounter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.  BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other. Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.

HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

GET MORE INFORMATION  This is only a brief summary of important information

about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.  Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5.  If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, and KEEP BEING YOU are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. © 2023 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. US-BVYC-0250 04/23

#1 PRESCRIBED

HIV TREATMENT* *Source: IQVIA NPA Weekly, 04/19/2019 through 01/20/2023.

ELIAS SWITCHED TO BIKTARVY Listen to REAL STORIES being told by REAL VOICES.

No matter where life takes you,

Because HIV doesn’t change who you are. BIKTARVY® is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you.

Person featured takes BIKTARVY and is compensated by Gilead.

Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the previous page and at BIKTARVY.com.

CARS

THE TIMELESS EXPERIENCE

A DRIVING EXPERIENCE to Haracio Pagani is one that should be pleasurable with every trip. He designs cars as if they are sculptures and builds them like sports cars. His newest rendition is the Pagani Utopia. The Pagani automobile company is one that embodies the true essence of the future of luxury transportation. The ArgentinianItalian engineer Haracio Pagani has created a car for the previous two decades. 11 years after his last creation, Haracio Pagani’s newest rendition is the Pagani Utopia. Utopia means a dream or a place that doesn’t exist. This vehicle is designed to be a car for the perfect world. A car that is timeless in its design. A car that embodies the highest ideals of beauty, performance and technology. The first standout about this car is that while most hypercars have an assortment of spoilers the Utopia has been

MAGAZINE

able to incorporate the function of the spoiler into its overall shape. With the shape of the carbon fiber and titanium exterior being more flowing and curvaceous, this car does more than live up to its name. Details such as the twilights that float majestically on the back of the car or the side mirrors that look suspended in the air, is what makes this car one of the sleekest cars on the market. It also is a convertible car which allows you to ride with the top down in bliss. The Utopia’s interior is designed to match the beauty of the outside. In a society where humans are surrounded by screens, the Utopia decided to limit it to one screen right in front of the driver. All of the other apparatuses are analog. This allows the designers to be more creative with the designs of these instruments. Another

carefully designed feature is the steering wheel which is built from a single block of aluminum. This along with the red and cream interior, plush seats, and ambient lighting sets the mood for an out of this world experience. It is neither a classic nor futuristic design, it is simply timeless. Outside of how beautiful this car looks, its purpose in performance is to be an exceptionally fast car while remaining very light and being pleasurable to drive. The Utopia achieves its goal in lightness by avoiding a heavy battery and hybrid powered engine. Instead, the designers decided to go with a V12 engine and an automated transmission. This engine powers through the roads with 852 horsepower. This outstanding vehicle is very exclusive with only 99 being made. All 99 models have

CARS

already been given to privileged enthusiasts. This first batch should be delivered in mid2023. This shouldn’t discourage a buyer from purchasing this in the future. The base price starts at $2.2 million, and we expect Pagani to make special edition variants of the Utopia in the future. The previous models of the Pagani were limited in ways such as being able to drive 2,500 miles in a year or are in the United States under a “Show and Display” title. This is due to Pagani not being crash tested and lacking the necessary mandated emissions control, but the Utopia was designed for road use everywhere. This car isn’t one that will be seen often throughout the world but, you are lucky enough to get your hands on one you truly are having a driving experience many people don’t have. Issue 89

GADGETS

Step Into A New Reality With Four Of The Newest Gadgets By: Nicholas Hernandez

APPLE VISION PRO Apple has entered the world of virtual reality with its latest product, Apple Vision Pro. Announced in June, the newest gadget is Apple’s first revolutionary spatial computer after a decade of development. This latest innovation is the newest product launched since the development of the Apple Watch in 2015. “Just as the Mac introduced us to personal computing, and iPhone introduced us to mobile computing, Apple Vision Pro introduces us to spatial computing,” Apple’s CEO Tim Cook said in a press release. The Vision Pro will run on the company’s newest operating system, VisionOS, which is similar to the iPadOS interface. Navigate the new system - hands-free. The three-dimensional interface is controlled by the natural control of eye and hand tracking as well as voice commands. Transform any environment scaled to the perfect size with this new product, which runs on an M2 chip. Apps can fill the space, browse the web, chat in messages, or create a workspace - all while you navigate the world around you too. Expand your movies, sports, and shows to feel a part of the action with stunning two leading-edge microOLED displays, with pixels nearly three times the amount in a 4K display. The headset is set to hit the U.S. market in 2024 with pricing starting at $3,499.

MAGAZINE

GADGETS

META QUEST 3 Meta Quest 3 is the newest edition of Meta’s virtual and mixed-reality headset. The latest edition will feature higher resolution, stronger performance and a slimmer and more comfortable headset. Because of new technology from the feature of the Snapdragon chipset, the headset will deliver twice the graphical performance of its predecessor, creating a smoother performance along with sharp details. Turn your dining room table into a virtual board game, and paint your room virtually as you dive into a virtual, immersive world with the headset. The newest product will no longer feature tracking rings, but rather new Touch Pro controllers with integrated tracking. The upgraded controllers will be able to detect bending or sliding of the index. But, if you prefer no controllers, the Meta Quest 3 can be controlled with hand tracking, which has gradually improved with software updates. The product will hit the shelves this fall and ship in all countries where MetaQuest is supported. The starting price for a 128GB headset is $499, with additional storage options made available.

BOSE SUNGLASSES First released in 2018, Bose’s line of audio wearables received an update in September 2020 with the release of the second generation of Bose Frames. The design remains the same with the use of the traditional framed, polarized sunglasses consisting of a wearable audio device that closely places tiny speakers near your ears, creating an acoustic sound, and minimizing the noise from the outside world. Listen to music in fashion with these regular, foldable sunglasses. With multifunction buttons on the sunglasses, you can skip a song, press play, or turn off the sound with the click of a button. With an expected battery life of 8 hours, and an hour for charging, these glasses can be used for any occasion–even perfect for the fitness gurus trying to avoid the sun during their outdoor workouts. The lightweight Bose Frames Tempo includes a revolutionary OpenAudio design, is sweat and weather-resistant and includes a soft silicone nose pad, delivering everything you need for any occasion. The product, whose lenses can be replaced with prescription lenses, can be purchased for a price of $249 with a 90-day risk-free trial. Issue 89

FAASDHGIEOTNS G

Model A ‘Flying Car’ Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No - it is a flying car. Alef Aeronautics set out to develop the first flying car in 2015. Nearly eight years later, the company reached a milestone, receiving approval from the U.S. government to move forward with its creation of the flying car “Alef Model A.” The vehicle can be driven on all types of roads, following all traffic and driving regulations, creating a safe and smooth driving experience. The product will run solely on electricity and will emit zero emissions while you drive it. The driving range is estimated to be around 200 miles. A car to fit two, the vehicle is functional as it fits into a normal parking space or in your garage. The flying car will also have the capability to take off vertically with a flying range of 110 miles and land safely. Avoid the traffic from above as the car can fly up, forward, backward, right, left, or even at an angle. The cinematic 180-degree view ensures your safety during the flight. The vehicle’s price is estimated to be $300,000 and can be pre-ordered on the Alef Aeronautics website. For $150, you can enter the general queue, and $1,500 will reserve your spot in the priority queue when pre-ordering.

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FAASDHGIEOTNS G

Issue 89

GROOMING

NAIL ART BEYOND BOUNDARIES

THE RISE OF TJ and BiColor Nail Studio By: Nino Reyes

T UGULDUR ERDENEJARGAL, affectionately known as TJ, is the creative genius behind BiColor Nail Studio in the heart of Beverly Hills, California. Originally hailing from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, TJ's journey to becoming a thriving entrepreneur and nail artist in Los Angeles is an inspiring tale of determination, hard work, and a passion for nail design. TJ's story began when he made the lifechanging decision to move to the United States at the tender age of 20. His first stop was Washington, D.C., where he took on a variety of odd jobs while trying to find his footing. It wasn't until 2019 that he made his way to the bustling city of Los Angeles, a move that would set the stage for his flourishing career in the nail industry. Arriving in the City of Angels with just $500 24

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in his pocket, TJ described the experience as both thrilling and daunting. He was in a new country, far from his homeland, and had to start from scratch, learning about unfamiliar concepts like credit scores, bank loans and LLCs. In Los Angeles, a city that demands relentless effort to succeed, TJ knew he had to adapt quickly to survive. TJ's journey into the world of nail art began as he worked for other businesses in the industry, where he developed a deep-seated love for nail design. His passion and dedication eventually led him to envision owning his own nail studio. While working as an assistant manager in a salon, he realized that he had the skills and determination to create his own space. The turning point came when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Concerned for the safety of his clients, TJ knew he needed his own private

F E AT U R E

studio. Two years ago, he took the plunge and opened BiColor Nail Studio. This marked the beginning of a new chapter, one that required him to navigate the complexities of business licenses, establishment permits and more. He credits the internet for providing him with the resources to research and learn the ropes, despite facing challenges in securing bank loans. TJ's philosophy revolves around the motto "Nail Care Has No Gender!" He firmly believes that nail care is not bound by gender and should be accessible to anyone who desires it. He has faced resistance from folks who have declined his services due to his gender - or who believed that they should not be receiving nail care services due to their gender. TJ remains resolute in his belief that nail care should be inclusive. Instagram played a pivotal role in TJ's journey as he used the platform to build a substantial client base. Approximately 70 to

80% of his clients discovered his business through Instagram, either stumbling upon his captivating nail art posts or searching for local nail technicians. In early September 2023, TJ realized another dream when he opened his storefront in the prestigious Beverly Hills area. Grateful for the support of his partner and his mother, he continues to work tirelessly to expand his brand. His advice to aspiring nail technicians echoes his own journey: "It takes a lot of time and effort. If you decide to go with it, go with it fully." Looking ahead, TJ's next ambition is to launch his own nail polish brand. With his unwavering determination and dedication to the genderless nail care movement, there's no doubt that TJ and BiColor Nail Studio are poised for even greater success in the vibrant world of nail art. Issue 89

UNVEILING THE

PINNACLE of

FOOTWEAR

FASHION

GROOMING

Located in Cologne, Germany, OverKill boasts an elongated store space enveloped in exquisite Italian Carrara marble. Enhanced by the presence of rock sculptures and clothing racks crafted from brushed stainless steel, the overall effect is a boutique aesthetic characterized by quality and timelessness. Spanning nearly 150 square meters, the store offers a vast array of over 450 unique sneakers catering to women, men, and children alike.

FUEL

FOR THE LOVE OF BURGERS

Benny Cruz x Bastard Burgers RELEASE LIMITED EDITION SMASH BURGER

MAGAZINE

FUEL

hat do you get at the intersection of Hip Hop, street art, and some of the best burgers on the block? A unique collaboration with Benny Cruz, aka “Your Local Benny” and Swedish burger staple, Bastard Burgers. A street artist by trade, best known for his text-based art - often laid over iconic MTA transit maps - and gracing the walls of local brick-and-mortars throughout the five boroughs, Cruz leverages his love for New York City, art, and smash burgers for a limited time patty with the eatery’s first stateside outpost, collaborating with The Bronx Brewery at their taproom located in lower Manhattan's iconic East Village neighborhood. “It's totally different from everything I've tasted - that’s the reason I reached out to them. They’re located in the Bronx Brewery [downstairs]. So, it’s the best of both worlds: burgers and beer,” began Cruz, revealing how

“LET’S GRAB A BITE AT BASTARD BURGERS; NOT A DATE JUST FRIENDLY” SAYS CRUZ OF HIS “CONVERSATION STARTER” PATTY the partnership came to fruition. “I said ‘Hey! I like your burgers and I know that you are in New York. What about having a collaboration because of what's happening with my art?’” Cruz continues of his desire to maximize on the momentum he’d begun to pick up in Gotham's reviving art scene. “I guess they also needed the New York flavor.” Consisting of a grass-fed, garlic infused beef patty cooked to perfection and topped with the works - lettuce, tomato, onion,

pickled red onion, cheddar cheese, a secret sauce and more - Cruz reveals the meals intention is to “connect people.” “You know, how a woman and a man can meet, like on the subway, let's say. They don't know each other- they just start talking, enjoy the company, and say, ‘Hey, let's go grab a burger.’ It's not a date.” “You have the garlic, you know,” he said jokingly, insinuating that bad breath-courtesy of “the burger’s main ingredient, garlic” is a romance killer. “So afterwards, you could check out some art or whatever. Just hang out. That's what the burger is about. It's a conversation starter, connecting people. And, I think that's important. The most important thing for me when I'm there [New York City] is really to just connect to people,” admitted Cruz who currently calls Sweden home. “Also on Instagram, you know, always connecting with people.” Issue 89

FITNESS

In 2017, Cruz garnered a whirlwind of attention after legendary Hip Hop collective, the Wu-Tang Clan, came across a piece he created, in which Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, donned a chain bearing their iconic logo. “They wanted me to send some prints, which I did. They posted about it on Instagram, and I started to get a lot of followers from New York.” “After that, I just continued making my art, which is influenced by Hip Hop culture, and is very big, universally, you know?.” From there, it was all forward motion as the uptick in admiration for his work inspired his well-known series entitled “Gratitude” - “it’s text-based art on top of subway maps.” “My gratitude, it's real. People can feel it. Even though my language isn't, you know, 100%. My first language is Spanish. English is my third language. So what happened was, my gratitude towards my audience was so big - I 32

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" MY GRATITUDE, IT'S REAL. PEOPLE CAN FEEL IT. " interpreted that gratitude into the art and it exploded.” “I got dms where people were thanking me for the art - the biggest New York accounts were posting about it. I started to see like, I have some kind of future with my art in New York,” he shared, revealing he hasn’t experienced the same embrace in the Land of Milk and Honey. “It's very local - wasn't happening in Sweden and people still don't understand my art here. I mean, most people don't get it. But in New York, it's like, ‘Oh, you're, that guy.’” Up next, Cruz is joining forces with

Seeding Sovereignty, a New York based multi-lens collective “that works to radicalize and disrupt colonized spaces through land, body, and food sovereignty work, community building, and cultural preservation.” “I've done a lot of installations both in Sweden and in New York about the environment. This is something that is crucial [spreading awareness]. We’re going to have a show with all of these installations. We were supposed to have it in September. But, it’s postponed. So, more to come on that soon.” In the meantime, don’t miss the opportunity to scoop a Benny Cruz x Bastard Burger patty. The collaboration wraps the end of September.

FA S H I O N

Issue 89

BOOKS

THE BROKEN EARTH TRILOGY: IN THE WORLD OF THE STILLNESS By Eric Charles Munson The Broken Earth is a trilogy of science fantasy novels by American novelist N.K. Jemisin. The books are set on a fictional planet with a single supercontinent known only as the Stillness, which is inhabited by various different castes and races. Every few centuries the inhabitants endure a period of catastrophic climate change called the “fifth season.” The trilogy opens with a lone Orogene lamenting the state of the world and the oppression of his race. He splits the continent in half, threatening to create the most catastrophic fifth season in history. The main race are the Orogenes, who are capable of manipulating geological energy and magic. As powerful beings, they are disliked by society and oftentimes executed. However, some are sent to a place called the Fulcrum to be trained. There are also many other races including Guardians, Stone Eaters and Geomests. Guardians are a group of warriors, hunters and assassins who train the Orogenes. Stone Eaters are a race of sculpture-like beings who both eat stones and can move through rock. Geomests are beings who combine the study of geology with chemistry and other sciences. There are also “Commless,” people who are exiled from societies either by choice or expulsion, as well

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as “Use-Castes,” who as their name suggests serve little purpose other than to assist with manual labor, hygiene, breeding and innovation. The three books in the series are The Fifth Season (2015), The Obelisk Gate (2016) and The Stone Sky (2017). The books are notable for their highly unusual narrative style. For example, the first book tells the story of three Orogenes named Essun, Damaya and Syenite. Notably, all of Essun’s chapters are from a second-person perspective, which makes it seem like the reader is Essun. It is also odd that the reader eventually meets the third-person omniscient narrator in the story. Most novels never introduce the narrator unless it’s first-person, usually from the point of view of the protagonist. Most omniscient narrators are usually a seemingly random entity that lives within the world. The Broken Earth became highly popular and received critical acclaim. The trilogy made Jemisin the first writer to win a Hugo Award for Best Novel across three consecutive years, 2016-2018.

FA S H I O N

Want to stay undetectable* with fewer medicines?

Armando Foodie Switched to DOVATO

No other complete HIV pill uses fewer medicines to help keep you undetectable.†

Compensated by ViiV Healthcare

DOVATO is diﬀerent: unlike other HIV treatments that contain 3 or 4 medicines, DOVATO contains just 2 medicines in 1 pill. DOVATO is a complete prescription regimen for adults new to HIV-1 treatment or replacing their current HIV-1 regimen when their doctor determines they meet certain requirements. Learn more at DOVATO.com

Important Facts About DOVATO

This is only a brief summary of important information about DOVATO and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and treatment. What is the most important information I should know about DOVATO? If you have both human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, DOVATO can cause serious side effects, including: • Resistant HBV. Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV infection before you start treatment with DOVATO. If you have HIV-1 and hepatitis B, the HBV can change (mutate) during your treatment with DOVATO and become harder to treat (resistant). It is not known if DOVATO is safe and effective in people who have HIV-1 and HBV infection. • Worsening of HBV infection. If you have HBV infection and take DOVATO, your HBV may get worse (flare-up) if you stop taking DOVATO. A “flare-up” is when your HBV infection suddenly returns in a worse way than before. ° Do not run out of DOVATO. Refill your prescription or talk to your healthcare provider before your DOVATO is all gone.

Results may vary. *Undetectable means reducing the HIV in your blood

to very low levels (less than 50 copies per mL). Compared to a tenofovir alafenamide–based 3- or 4-drug regimen.

†

° Do not stop DOVATO without first talking to your healthcare provider. ° If you stop taking DOVATO, your healthcare provider will need to check your health often and do blood tests regularly for several months to check your liver function and monitor your HBV infection. It may be necessary to give you a medicine to treat hepatitis B. Tell your healthcare provider about any new or unusual symptoms you may have after you stop taking DOVATO. For more information about side effects, see “What are possible side effects of DOVATO?” What is DOVATO? DOVATO is a prescription medicine that is used without other HIV-1 medicines to treat human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection in adults: who have not received HIV-1 medicines in the past, or to replace their current HIV-1 medicines when their healthcare provider determines that they meet certain requirements. HIV-1 is the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It is not known if DOVATO is safe and effective in children. Please see additional Important Facts About DOVATO on the following page.

Ask your doctor about staying undetectable with fewer medicines in 1 pill. 1

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DOVATO.com

Important Facts About DOVATO (cont’d) What are possible side effects of DOVATO? (cont’d) Who should not take DOVATO? • Allergic reactions. Call your healthcare provider right away if you Do not take DOVATO if you: develop a rash with DOVATO. Stop taking DOVATO and get medical • have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine that contains dolutegravir help right away if you develop a rash with any of the following or lamivudine. signs or symptoms: fever; generally ill feeling; tiredness; muscle or joint aches; • take dofetilide. Taking DOVATO and dofetilide can cause side effects that may blisters or sores in mouth; blisters or peeling of the skin; redness or swelling be serious or life-threatening. of the eyes; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; problems breathing. What should I tell my healthcare provider before using DOVATO? • Liver problems. People with a history of hepatitis B or C virus may have an increased risk of developing new or worsening Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, changes in certain liver tests during treatment with DOVATO. including if you: Liver problems, including liver failure, have also happened in • have or have had liver problems, including hepatitis B or C infection. people without a history of liver disease or other risk factors. • have kidney problems. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to check your liver. • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. One of the medicines in DOVATO Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the (dolutegravir) may harm your unborn baby. following signs or symptoms of liver problems: your skin or the ° Your healthcare provider may prescribe a different medicine than DOVATO if white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice); dark or “tea-colored” urine; you are planning to become pregnant or if pregnancy is confirmed during the light-colored stools (bowel movements); nausea or vomiting; loss of appetite; first 12 weeks of pregnancy. and/or pain, aching, or tenderness on the right side of your stomach area. If you can become pregnant, your healthcare provider may perform a ° • Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Too much pregnancy test before you start treatment with DOVATO. lactic acid is a serious medical emergency that can lead to If you can become pregnant, you and your healthcare provider should talk ° death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of about the use of effective birth control (contraception) during treatment the following symptoms that could be signs of lactic acidosis: with DOVATO. feel very weak or tired; unusual (not normal) muscle pain; trouble breathing; ° Tell your healthcare provider right away if you are planning to become stomach pain with nausea and vomiting; feel cold, especially in your arms pregnant, you become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant during and legs; feel dizzy or lightheaded; and/or a fast or irregular heartbeat. treatment with DOVATO. • Lactic acidosis can also lead to severe liver problems, which can • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you lead to death. Your liver may become large (hepatomegaly) and you may take DOVATO. develop fat in your liver (steatosis). Tell your healthcare provider right ° You should not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of away if you get any of the signs or symptoms of liver problems passing HIV-1 to your baby. which are listed above under “Liver problems.” ° DOVATO passes to your baby in your breast milk. • You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby. ° problems if you are female or very overweight (obese). Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, • Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV-1 medicines. Your herbal supplements. immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been Some medicines interact with DOVATO. Keep a list of your medicines and show hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare provider right away it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. if you start having new symptoms after you start taking DOVATO. • You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a list of medicines that • The most common side effects of DOVATO include: headache; interact with DOVATO. nausea; diarrhea; trouble sleeping; tiredness; and anxiety. • Do not start taking a new medicine without telling your These are not all the possible side effects of DOVATO. Call your doctor for healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can tell you if it is safe medical advice about side effects. to take DOVATO with other medicines. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to What are possible side effects of DOVATO? the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. DOVATO can cause serious side effects, including: Where can I find more information? • See “What is the most important information I should know • Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist. about DOVATO?” • Go to DOVATO.com or call 1-877-844-8872, where you can also get FDA-approved labeling. Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the ViiV Healthcare group of companies. October 2022 DVT:7PIL ©2022 ViiV Healthcare or licensor. DLLADVT220018 November 2022 Produced in USA.

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Feature 38 50 Profile Sam Kenya Carr Vaun

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46 Creative Fashion 64 Idman L.A.X Travel 50 Alaska Feature 70 Travel Tony Evans Jr. 54 Viennese Museums Feature Story 60 72 Cover Jordan Alfred Rutherford L Jones Next 56 Up Feature 74 Kris Davis 70 Feature Liana Bank$ Humans 76 Feature RE Agents 72 Dave East Feature 74 80 Feauture Jahmar Thomas Hill Boyce B:11.5"

S:9.5"

T:10.375"

76 Feature FeatureWiltz 82 Wendy Pheelz Feature 78 Diandra Lyle Op-Ed 86 Humans Handshaking 82 Real Estate Agents Feature 86 90 Op-Ed Ownership Papoose of Land

88 Feature Spotlight Hill 92 Isaiah The Shammgods Feature 90 Tre Charles Icon 94 Spotlight Harry Belafonte 92 A.R. The Mermaid Bleulist 94 97 Icon Tina 2023Turner NBA Draft

97 Bleulist StockistSamuel L. Jackson 98 Starring 98 Stockist

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DENIM JACKET: GAP FLANNEL SHIRT: VINTAGE WRANGLER T-SHIRT: MODEL’S OWN PANTS: GAP BLANKET: VINTAGE

SAM CARR PHOTOGRAPHER

ANDREW ZAEH AGENT: RYAN COLBY

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T-SHIRT: VINTAGE OP (OCEAN PACIFIC) JEANS: LEVIS BLANKET: VINTAGE

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FLANNEL: GRAYERS HENLEY: GRAYERS PANTS: DICKIES

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C ASRH FA SI O N

Just shy of his 21st birthday, Sam Carr has already accomplished a lot. He's a model, an actor and a popular content creator with over 500,00 followers. The Parisian native has also launched a skincare line called Swholeanimal.

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F I TSNHEI S FA OSN

DENIM JACKET: GAP T-SHIRT: VINTAGE OP (OCEAN PACIFIC) JEANS: LEVIS

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"I knew I wanted to photograph Sam as soon as I saw those freckles. His look is INCREDIBLE. What I wasn’t expecting was meeting a multi-hyphenate who is highly intelligent with his hands in many different projects at the same time. I’m amazed at his ability to shift from modeling to acting to being an entrepreneur - all within the same conversation. His brain works in many directions all at one - and at an advanced level. I know Sam will be successful at whatever he puts his mind to. Fortunately for me, his mind was on making great pictures when we connected and the results speak for themselves. Our shoot was truly an embarrassment of riches. I look forward to watching Sam’s star rise and shine brightly in the coming years." ANDREW ZAEH

DENIM JACKET: VINTAGE LEVI’S HOODIE: MODEL’S OWN PANTS: CARHARTT SHOES: VANS

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PHOTOGRAPHER: TYLER BORCHARDT

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RISING SINGER & SONGWRITER IDMAN PROUDLY ADDS SUSTENANCE IN HER EP, RISK By: Dominique M. Carson

n July 2023, Somali-Canadian songbird IDMAN released her second EP, Risk, and she remains unapologetic about bringing storytelling to center stage. The Arista recording artist is definitely on the rise as her beauty and individuality continue to ascend in her music. Her third single, “Still,” is a heartfelt and transparent record highlighting the toxicity in relationships or the on and off stage before concluding the relationship. The song also discusses evolving after devastating heartbreak and why it’s okay to redeem yourself to continue flourishing. IDMAN describes the song when she says, “Still is the song I think would hook me if it wasn’t me. I think of it as my undignified heartbreak song because with it I decided to put down my toxic, “too cool to care” facade and opted to sit in the genuine pain of what I was still very much moving through in a real and deep way..no matter who’s looking.” IDMAN is an artist that listeners will appreciate because of her transparency, and she is not reserved about sharing her walk in life. She encourages people to walk in their truths as they discover themselves. As IDMAN comes to terms with her risks, she refuses to be cramped by the music industry. IDMAN spoke with Bleu Magazine about her musical journey, her Canadian roots, the EP Risk, her inspiration for specific records, and why we should stay tuned for more music on this phenomenal artist.

Bleu: How did your love for singing begin? What was so special about singing? IDMAN: I don’t know if anything brought into the music industry per say, but I know I wanted to be in proximity to music and the creation of music. My mother was a wedding planner in Toronto, Canada and we just had musicians in and out of the house. I had the honor of being around legends growing up, like Magool and Hasan Adan Samatar. Because of my mom I was the kid who would stand in front of all of her friends and perform, doing things like the jazz hands. Our house became like a hub for musicians especially when they were performing for different weddings. And as a professional flower girl from my moms’ weddings, I think it’d be so hard not to be inspired by music. Music was the glue for my parents and I started resonating with music as a child and started walking in that path. Bleu: Did you have any male musical influences as well? IDMAN: I would have to say Assata Shakur and I just think about his charisma and everything he did was for a purpose. I said the Assata chant every week with the homies. You know what I mean? “It is our duty to fight for our freedom. It is our duty to win. We must love and support each other. We have nothing to lose but our chains.” Bleu: Is being a Canadian and recognizing the artists from this nation encouraged you to have a professional career in singing?

IDMAN: For sure. I think that, like the touch of Canadian women on stage was really palpable. I think about like, one of the singles on my project is so directly inspired melodically for sure. I know, I was inspired by Avril Lavigne. If you grew up in Canada, like she was everywhere, and she was like one of our patrons for a really long time. And so I’m really inspired by the reason that she just made all of her songs angst as they were younger they might have. Logically, I just felt like she was so untouchable. And there’s a song that she did for The Princess Diaries soundtrack and that was my reference point. When you’re trying to figure out what would that look like? What do we do?. I even think about the fact that we just did Dodger Stadium for the Canadian national anthem. And Deborah Cox made headlines for honoring the indigenous heritage and lineage of our country. And I was really, really inspired that I’m in America, singing at the stadium where Deborah Cox, a black woman from Canada performed and I grew up listening to her music. I feel lucky that I have women that I can look up to in music, especially from Canada. Bleu: Your voice is an instrument. So what were some of the things that you were doing to perfect your voice? IDMAN: Well, when I first thought about doing music, Salaam Remi was the first person I talked to and he encouraged me to start taking vocal lessons. I attended this program in Toronto called, The Artist Project as a music contributor and I auditioned as Issue 89

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IDMAN a songwriter. I was switched midway to artists development and it was really my first time recording and sitting in front of anyone other than my best friend. So, I don’t know if working on my voice has anything to do with my mental health. I think that nerves had a lot to do with what we can sign up for so long? I feel really lucky now that I have access to like nice people, everyone from coaches to songwriters. I don’t label myself as a singer just yet but what I’m most proud of is my songwriting and how it was put to use in my work.

Bleu: What prompted your transition to social activism to music? IDMAN: I don’t know if I will call it a transition because I will never stop being an organizer for social change. But, it was halted when I caught some charges in Portland back in June pertaining to my student visa and essentially I was kicked out of school and so I think I had to really figure out how to stay in music. I decided to do something professionally with music and I was always told by elders that I had a really narrow view of what good music is and how I can be of service to people. But, I am thankful for the fact that I had a lot of elders around me kind 48

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WHEN I MADE THE CHOICE TO INVEST IN ME AS AN ARTIST, IT WAS OUT OF SURVIVAL, I THOUGHT ABOUT WHAT WAS FEEDING ME AND PAYING MY RENT.

of just like, put me on to the game. They helped me understand that it was a good move because music has helped us survive in life. We’ve survived centuries of abominable violence, through music and dance, and we need everybody from food access workers to lawyers and just direct action with people. Everybody can coordinate, as far as getting us all there toward the path to collective liberation. I think just caring about the world and never something that really anchors my music and my relationship with this job that terrifies me, it grounds me in an intentional way. For me, it reminds me why risks are worth it, and why I’m doing it professionally. Bleu: How did you land your deal with Arista Records?

IDMAN: I think it was just a long time coming. When I did my music program I wanted to be a songwriter. I came up with a song and I was still trying to figure out how not to be in the music business. Also, with my arrest, I also had a lot of visibility around me and I didn’t feel safe So the visibility of being an artist or singer was not appealing. When I made the choice to invest in me as an artist, it was out of survival, I thought about what was feeding me and paying my rent. We, a lot of the homies were kind of doing different versions or variations or in different types of relationships with music at the time. And we all were just like, Yo, like, Would you ever sign a deal? And the answer initially was No. And it was like we ought to kind of leave it to radical imagination to do the scale over basically just trying to see if the type of field that we wanted to see in the world could be possible could be structured and organized for me, we strategize for it. And we are lucky that we chose Arista Records and we made a lot of groundbreaking decisions around how we negotiated the deal. I felt really, really lucky that there was this label was so willing to also nurture, not just like the business side of things that I want to keep on asking, he was telling me that I was worthy

CA RE R AT S IVES

and deserving of being compensated, worked with and collaborate with in a way that felt really, really respectful in new and interesting. Bleu: What was the recording process in the studio? Were you anxious, excited? IDMAN: I ran away from the process. I think that when you come into these spaces and the world is like here’s everything you ever want, I think that is really a specific way and when you’ve never dealt with access before. I think sometimes we can go into a state of shock. I was also navigating my first level of heartbreak and really trying to run and we could get like I ran away from the studio. It took me eight months to sing another song because I was so terrified about being honest. And I think that’s why it’s so magical that I get to show up in this one specific way, as a more, I would hope to evolve the version of myself, where I show up in my interpersonal relationships. And so I think a lot of spiritual transitions were happening to me that I hope will be palpable for people when they listen to this project. Bleu: Why did you call the record Risk? Was it because you decided to expose your sexual preference to the world? IDMAN: Yes because it’s the scariest thing I’ve ever done. I’ve been diagnosed with anxiety and I’ve been on and off meds for the condition. And this feels like the wildest job ever to have chosen for myself. And so I think that making this music and the thing that makes me feel when I cut a song, or when I go on stage, or when I connect with someone who makes me reprocess, and we, it gives me a new perspective on a moment that I was having for myself. Bleu: What was the turning point for you to come out as queer? IDMAN: I was working on the song, “Beach,” There was like a healthy back and forth from the first line of the song. I didn’t want to indicate boyfriend because that would be a lie. In fact, I think girlfriend would cause a serious issue in the song. You want to make just the tip of the line of the song? Yeah, we kind of went back and forth and just had conversations about what it would mean, it just like, shaped the word because the exam and sign of the better the female shows the song A, but also what it really means to come out. I had to think about the risks and what’s at stake when I say that word. I remember

one of the conversations we were having, I think I was just saying, like, I don’t want to lose my family, you know what I mean? I need a family. And the folks in the studio said, “We are your friends, we are your family.” And they told me there are a lot of folks who need this stuff. And I think that being of service, which is what it means, you know, just adjusting my life to the ideas of the ones and the conjunctions of other folks would be listening to the song. Bleu: What is the overall purpose for your fans or for listeners that are unfamiliar with your music? IDMAN: I think the overall goal is resonation. I think selfishly just want to know that I’m not the only one feeling really lonely, heartbroken, and really aware of

my solitude.The music has allowed me to have dialectic relationships and remove the shame that we all universally feel in our lives sometimes. I think that shame is a thing that unravels for myself in this life, and I think a lot of people are unraveling yourselves in this life. I think that was terrifying for me, I’m not the person to say that I’m walking with bravado and like, a lot of confidence. I watched my favorite artists shake before their walk, before they walk onto the stage and withdraw holding their breath, that we know what’s at stake for them. And for me, this thing is amazing. And I just want for folks to kind of walk through it with me. There is real power in sharing, you know, I think we all like to act like we don’t care what people think but we care how people resonate with us and our music. Issue 89

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The Great Alaskan Adventure:

Riding the Rails from Anchorage to Fairbanks By: Becca Blond They call Alaska the Last Frontier, and the moniker fits. Everything here -- from the bears and moose to the mountains and sky -- feels larger, wilder, freer than in the Lower 48. Alaska is a land of few roads, of untouched wildernesses, and extreme seasonal changes in daylight. It is home to 20,320-foot Denali, the tallest peak in North America, to Midnight summer sunsets and in its north, winters of almost total darkness, and enough adventures to fill an entire bucket list.

All Aboard the Alaska Railroad

To truly explore Alaska in depth you’d need months if not years. Many places are only accessible by small plane and costs can be prohibitive. But if this is your first sojourn in the 49th State, then a good way to get a taste of Alaska is book a weeklong rail journey from Anchorage to Fairbanks and back with stops in Talkeetna and Denali National Park. This trip is best undertaken in summer when temperatures are comfortably warm, all businesses are open, and the sun never really sets.

The Denali Star Train operates daily in both directions between the first week of May and the third week of September. If you are visiting any other time of year, you’ll need to book the Aurora Winter Train. It runs the same route, but service is more limited – except for February and March, when there are midweek services, it only operates on weekends. You can check the schedule here. Winter journeys are much colder and darker, and many lodges and attractions shut down. However, traveling in winter gives the opportunity to see the Northern Lights.

The Alaska Railroad offers an easy and accessible way to see some of Alaska’s top tourist attractions, including Denali National Park. The Denali Star Train, which connects Anchorage and Fairbanks in summer, is the railroad’s flagship route, and the one most popular with travelers.

The trip itself is stunning with an ever-changing landscape. The rail route winds its way past glaciers, the Alaska Range’s craggy peaks, dense forests and salmon streams. And you’ll often see wildlife out the large windows as you roll past. If you are lucky, you may even spot Denali. Because its massive height creates its own weather systems, it is often shrouded by clouds, and only about 30% of visitors are lucky enough to see the mountain at all.

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Stop #1: Denali National Park The 356-mile journey between Anchorage and Fairbanks takes 12 hours if done directly, but this is not the point of this adventure. You’ll want to make a few stops along the way. First up is Denali National Park, one of Alaska’s crowning jewels. Unlike so many national parks, Denali does not require a car to access. In fact, with only one road through the entire park and only about 15 miles of that even open to anything other than park shuttle buses, it doesn’t even make sense to have a vehicle here.

Book two nights at Denali Cabins, about 15 minutes outside the park entrance and accessible by a shuttle service. The self-contained, wood cabins are simple but cozy. There is an onsite restaurant, Prey, that cooks up delicious Alaskan-forward fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A grab-and-go coffee shop is also on the grounds. Other amenities include two outdoor hot tubs and a barrel shaped wooden sauna that can be reserved by the hour. All sorts of activities, from ATV tours to flightseeing trips over the park, can be organized.

You’ll also want to explore the park itself. Head to the Denali Visitor Center first at the park entrance. Denali is home to amazing hiking, but most of it is not on marked trails. Instead, you’ll check in with a ranger, then use a GPS to walk in one direction and kind of bushwhack through the wilderness. Expect to encounter wildlife at any time – everything from grizzlies to moose are prevalent. Always hike with bear spray. If being off-trail is not exactly your style, there are also marked trails of varying length and difficulty that depart from the visitor’s center. These are a more mellow introduction to Denali and still give you a good taste of the park.

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Stop #2: Fairbanks Located just 188 miles south of the Arctic Circle, you really get sun never sets phenomenon in Fairbanks during summer. It is a strange feeling, watching a fiery sunset after Midnight only to watch a sunrise shortly afterwards. In between there is twilight. Known as “The Golden Heart City” for its geographic locale near Alaska’s center and as a reference to its gold rush roots, Fairbanks has a frontier town charm that comes alive in summer. Book two nights here as there are plenty of adventures to be had. An Arctic Circle Air Adventure is one popular day trip. On it you’ll take a scenic flight tour that takes you across the Arctic Circle and offers views of the Yukon River, the Brooks Mountain Range and the Gates of the Arctic National Park.

If you’d rather explore by foot, the Arctic Circle Drive Adventure can be booked as an add-on to your Alaska Railroad ticket. The day trip takes about 17 hours (but since it never gets dark, you don’t really notice the distance). You’ll take a 25-passenger coach bus up the Dalton Highway bound for the Arctic Circle, which you’ll cross in ceremonious fashion. You’ll also make stops along the scenic, roundtrip route that has you walking across arctic tundra, seeing the Yukon River up close and visiting the Arctic Circle Trading Post in the remote community of Joy.

PHOTOS BY: PURSUIT COLLECTION

Fairbanks has a range of lodging options and dining options. Airbnb’s are also available here and can be a fun alternative to a hotel.

Stop #3: Talkeetna

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You will pass Talkeetna before you reach Denali coming from Anchorage but leave this quirky little town for the end as it allows you to break up the journey better. If you haven’t seen Denali yet, some of the best views of the mountain are found here. Spend a night or two at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge. On a ridge above town, the timber and brick lodge features direct views of the Alaska Range including Mt. Denali towering behind it. The onsite restaurant, Foraker, serves a fine dining style menu with some delicious Alaskan seafood (the crab is really good) and game selections.

Make sure to wander around Talkeetna town while here. It has just two streets and supposedly inspired the 90s TV show Northern Exposure. In summer it is a super lively place, home to dozens of restaurants, bars, and even a cannabis dispensary. The town is also famous for its honorary mayor, a cat named Aurora. She lives at Nagley’s General Store and is the third feline to run this town that doesn’t have a human mayor equivalent. There is good hiking around Talkeetna, and you can also book a flightseeing adventure if you haven’t been on one yet. The Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge can organize trips that fly you around Denali and the national park. Some trips fly over the mountain’s summit, while others land on a glacier. From Talkeetna it is just a few hours back to Anchorage, where you can spend a final night before flying out. Alaska’s largest city has a compact downtown and some great watering holes to finish out a Last Frontier adventure in. Top spots include 49th State Brewing for a tasty craft beer, sun drenched patio, and delicious pub grub and Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse, which is a local pick with a dive bar vibe, live music, and good food.

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THE WEIRD WORLD OF

VIENNESE MUSEUMS By: Jennifer Billock

If you’ve been to Vienna, you likely already know the main museums to hit. Maybe you’re heading to Beethoven’s birthplace, or the Leopold Museum to see the Klimt Collection, or Schönbrunn Palace to enjoy royal life. But the world of Viennese museums is much more interesting than just these standard stops. Each district in the city has a museum dedicated to the district’s main career — whether that’s chimney sweeping, running funerals, or living life as a clown. You can also find non-district museums highlighting things like medical history and magic sets. Forget the tourist-heavy history stops on your next trip, and check out these unique museums instead.

Chimney Sweep Museum Klagbaumgasse 4

photo by:Jennifer Billock

In 1512, a man named Hans of Milan became the first official master chimney sweep in Vienna. The profession continues to today, with 150 master chimney sweeps in the city. The Chimney Sweep Museum (known as the Rauchfangkehrer Museum in German) shows the history of the profession in Austria. It replicates a chimney sweep’s workshop, complete with all the tools and clothes, and also explores the chimney sweep’s patron saint, St. Florian. And the best part is that it’s run by an actual master chimney sweep, Anna-Theres Stern, who can provide in-depth information about how the profession has changed over the centuries. Also in the Chimney Sweep Museum building, you’ll find the Bathhouse Museum on the ground floor that showcases the history of public showers in Vienna (the building was originally a bathhouse) and the Heater Museum in the basement, highlighting the history of home furnaces around the world.

Magic Box Museum Schönbrunnerstrasse 262 Ever want to be a magician? If you did, you probably got a magic set — also called a magic box. These sets contain everything a budding magician needs to begin a lifestyle of illusion, like stacking cups, a deck of cards, and a magic wand. The Magic Box Museum is the only magic set museum in the world. Owner Manfred Klaghofer opened the museum in 2010 with a selection of magic boxes he purchased over the years. Now the collection includes more than 3,350 sets dating back to 1840, and instruction manuals for magic tricks dating back to the 1600s. 54

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Josephinum Medical History Museum Währinger Strasse 25 Imagine walking into Madame Tussauds wax museum and being surrounded by wax figures. Now, imagine those figures are all really detailed tableaux showing various medical anomalies (hello, twoheaded baby) and different layers of the body (say hi to the lounging muscles-only lady). And also, take away the camp factor and put everything into antique display cases. That’s what you’ll find inside the Josephinum, a medical history museum with an enormous collection of anatomical wax models used as teaching implements in the late 1700s. The wax models are truly stunning but can also be intense — so come with a settled stomach. photo by:Jennifer Billock

Funeral Museum Simmeringer Hauptstrasse 339 You know what puts the fun in funeral? An entire museum dedicated to the practice of burying the dead. And that’s what you’ll get at the Funeral Museum, tucked beneath an historic chapel at Vienna’s Central Cemetery. Here, you can find an antique carriage hearse, a folding coffin designed to be reused, a heart palpitation knife (used to see if someone was actually dead), and more. The museum gift shop is a destination all its own, too, full of quirky death-related merchandise. Who doesn’t want a shirt that says “the last car is always a station wagon” or pasta shaped like skulls? photo by: Creative Commons

Museum of Art Fakes Löwengasse 28 A lot of artists learn their craft by copying the works of masters. But not all of them sell some of those pieces to art museums for millions of dollars and end up in jail as a result. Artist (and conman) Han van Meegeren did just that with a Vermeer painting he copied — and the replica is now housed in Vienna’s Museum of Art Fakes. The 80-piece collection is composed completely of forged artwork and information about art law related to faked and forged artwork photo by: Museum of Art Fakes

C lown Museum Ilgplatz 7 So you’re not afraid of clowns? Get yourself to the Clown Museum, where you’ll be surrounded by more than 20,000 artifacts of the clowning world. All those painted faces staring at you with those big grins and maniacal laughs… you may be afraid of clowns by the time you leave! Here, visitors will learn about historical circuses and clowns through things like posters, costumes, props and more.

photo by: Creative Commons

Issue 89

CO U P-VNEERX S TTORY

U P NEXT

By: Sara Orhin EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT IN HOLLYWOOD, YOU HAVE TO STEAL THE SPOTLIGHT. HERE ARE SOME PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN MARKED AS THE ONES TO WATCH.

hen it comes to the entertainment industry, there’s something for everyone; from a tear jerking drama, a gripping thriller or a binge-worthy Netflix series. But the curtain is rising on a new era of talented trailblazers; keen to create some buzz in the industry and motivate audiences to write endless think pieces. In this article, we will introduce these artists and how they are making their mark.

>>>REDA ELAZOUAR 56

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REDA ELAZOUAR Reda Elazouar emerged on the scene in noted credits such as The Little Drummer Boy and Eastenders. He has grown from strength to strength, most recently returning to screen in Season 4 of the highly-anticipated Netflix comedy, Sex Education, to be released on September 21st. Having worked with the likes of Reggie Yates, Colin Farrell & Damson Idris; the British-Moroccan creative is dedicated to hard work and, perfecting his skill set as not just an actor, but also as a writer and producer. The charismatic 22-year-old also stars in a lead role in the comedic short film, Pirates. A homage to brotherhood, unforgotten youth and garage music; the South London native delivers a stellar portrayal as Kiddie, living life to the fullest at every opportunity. A mantra he seems to illustrate in his daily life, as he was recently spotted suited up at the British Vogue x Netflix event in London for the BAFTA Awards. Reda is on his way to becoming a visible cultural fixture across TVs, events and media alike.

>>>MIIA HARRIS

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\MIIA HARRIS At 20 years old, Miia Harris is a true entertainer. She headlines as the lead character, Clawdeen Wolf–half human, half wolf, in the critically acclaimed live action musical fantasy film, Monster High: The Movie. A natural triple threat, Miia leads the charge, singing, dancing and acting so effortlessly, you can’t help but nod your head along to the dynamic beats. Her smooth musical riffs and pitch perfect adlibs, leave viewers speechless and engaged along the twists and turns of the teen adventure movie. Combined with a horror-filled wardrobe, Harris is remarkable at bringing the movie themes to the forefront which are, to remain true to who you are and the power of friendship. The Mattel franchise blockbuster has been picked up for a sequel, Monster High 2, which focuses on the excitement of the new school year and a mysterious new threat that could change the world as Clawdeen and her friends know it. She has been spotted at the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards; noted by critics as a refreshing headliner with a burgeoning career ahead. Issue 89

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JAHI DI’ALLO WINSTON The Georgia native first stole our hearts depicting a young Ralph Tresvant in the TV series, The New Edition Story. A musical biography that takes us back to the bustling 1980’s and the humble beginnings of the quartet in Boston, Massachusetts. He has held his own against noted artists such as Meek Mill, Daniel Kaluuya and the legendary Taraji P. Henson. He is exceptional at delivering swagger, charm and emotion in his latest Netflix flick, We Have A Ghost, an adventure comedy that explores the friendship between an awkward teen and a ghost that is haunting the brand new home of a young family. At the tender age of 19, Jahi is a seasoned actor, dancer, singer, writer and no stranger to the spotlight. He aspires to move behind the curtain to create an original documentary, to raise awareness to the mental health crisis in marginalised communities. Determined to leave an impactful legacy, Jahi has barely touched the surface and is on his way to being a key player in ‘New Hollywood’.

<<<JAHI DI’ALLO WINSTON

>>>NILES FITCH

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NILES FITCH Niles Fitch has a passion for connecting with others. His deep portrayals of stories across commercials, film, tv, voiceover, stage and print advertisements evokes an emotion in everyone. This was witnessed by the world when he rose to popularity in the awardwinning and critically-acclaimed NBC #1 series, This is Us. He plays the part of ‘Randall’ in his teenage years; navigating romance, college life and grief over the death of his father. The LA-based actor effortlessly allows you in to feel the emotions of the character as he transitions between excitement and vulnerability along his journey. Niles, along with the cast won the 2019 Screen Actors Guild award for ‘Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble’; propelling him into popularity. Fans welcome his wide range of lead roles, across from seasoned actors such as Denzel Washington, Uzo Aduba & Tracee Ellis-Ross. In his most recent role, he shares the big screen with fellow Atlanta native, Jahi Di’Allo Winston; starring as his older brother Fulton in, We Have A Ghost. At just 22, it seems Niles is just getting started in his journey to be a household name.

COVER STORY

Jordan L. Jones

Photographer: Andrew Zaeh Stylist: Jaclyn Eve Grooming: Armando Kole

COVER STORY

BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO

BEL-AIR’S ıconıc

JAZZ

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JORDAN L. JONES DISHES ON PLAYING THE "NEW JAZZ," ROMANCE, AND MORE By :Truth Hawkins

OPEN KNIT POLO RAG & BONE DENIM HERON PRESTON BELT TED BAKER SANDAL BIRKENSTOCK

THE RISE OF REBOOTS CONTINUES to reign triumphant with news of hits like Peacock's critically-acclaimed “Bel-Air” — a dramatic, re-imagination of the good-natured sitcom "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" set in modern-day America - landing a critical third season. “I think one of the most important things to remember is that season three isn’t promised, no matter how good your show is,” fan favorite Jordan L. Jones tells Bleu, in an intimate conversation. “So, after episode three, when we got the official news that we were picked up, it was a blessing.” With two seasons under its belt, many would mirror Jones’ sentiments, arguing the entities long list of accolades - notably becoming the streamer’s most successful show, shattering multiple records in its first season - is thanks to its fresh take on beloved characters like Jones’ Jazz, infused with storylines chock full of “real life circumstances” that stand apart from the original '90s series.

COVER STORY

HOMAGE TO A CLASSIC “I hope everyone has seen ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.’ But, if you hadn’t you wouldn’t have to, in order to see our show,” says Jones. “Of course, we pay homage — little easter eggs here and there. But, it’s dramatizing. More stakes are involved. I think that’s why our show is so good. It stands on its owneven while standing with the original,” which primarily follows Will's tricky journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated community of Bel-Air. Jones, who reveals he initially turned down the audition [sans reading the script] due to his affinity for “one of the best shows of all time,” went on to credit the series' success due to its distinct ability to pave its own path. “There are a lot of reboots and remakes where you kind of have to know the original and you are constantly comparing - you are,” Jones maintains. “But, with ‘Bel-Air’ in the first season, after a few episodes, of course you’re trying to compare every single thing. Like, ‘When is Jazz going to get thrown out of the house?’ Well, I mean ‘Has he [Jazz] even met Uncle Phil yet?’ ‘What has he even done to get thrown out of the house?’” “There are things that we changed,” he continues. “In the original Jazz didn’t get Hilary. I got Hilary. Lisa comes in way earlier. [In the original] Carlton has that one episode where he does speed but now, we’ve made it a real-life problem - high school kids, today, have that problem. So, it’s great to be able to play this new Jazz and separate myself because we’re so different, yet still the same,” continues Jones noting the duo's innate swagger. “I love DJ Jazzy Jeff. Gotta give him his flowers. Just a great guy. When I talked to him I was like ‘Dude, do you like it?’ He was like 'I love it man, keep doing you.’ There was never a time when he was like ‘Hey! You know what you should do for this part?’ And, just the support from him. It was a blessing.”

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“ IT’S VERY REWARDING WHEN YOU’RE DOING THE RIGHT THING AND DOING YOUR BEST THE WAY YOU KNOW HOW AND PEOPLE STILL LOVE IT. ”

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IT TAKES A VILLAGE Despite the initial comparisons to the original, Jones shares there was an abundance of support and creative freedom granted from the top down. “I remember I was at a ‘Bel-Air’ event - his [DJ Jazzy Jeff] son came up to me - his son is a DJ too - and he was like ‘Aye man you did the family proud.” And, I was like ‘What?’” reveals Jones, stating it’s “a blessing for people to give you your kudos.” Though his focus is not to people-please but to do his best while breathing life into his work. “It’s very rewarding when you’re doing the right thing and doing your best - the way you know how and people still love it,” he adds revealing that in a broad way “the best thing” about being a part of the show is the “original cast is very supportive - extremely. We have cameos from almost every character in the show. But, they are very hands off,” says Jones, sharing there’s a trust and excitement around passing off the torch.

SUIT JACKET RAG & BONE HEATHERED TROUSER JOHN VARVATOS AIR FORCE 1'S.

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WILL THEY; WON’T THEY Of the ways in which the series has been able to differentiate itself from the cult classic is by introducing the juicy love triangle between Jazz, Hilary [played by Coco Jones] and her ex-boyfriend, Lamarcus . As season two came to a close, Jazz faced a new obstacle as the arrival of Hilary’s ex - riding into town on a white horse in hopes of rekindling their romance - imploded their relationship. Despite a tearful profession of love, Jazz is left broken-hearted as his lady love ultimately runs back to her ex. But, according to Jones, this may not be the end of their love story - a

tale of “back and forth,” that resonates with many. “I think that there's a chance, but as of right now, she's going to freaking Paris,” he jokes, admitting it was “so funny” how invested even his friends were in his on-screen situationship. “There was a scene, it was like, you know, I go back and I'm crying to her. And then knock on the door. Like, yeah, I got her back, right? She opens the door, and there’s Lamarcus. My friends literally were shouting and cursing. Like it was crazy. And, that was how we all felt. It was just so funny.”

ARAK GARMENT JOURNEY (MADE IN JORDAN) LINEN TOP, DIESEL DENIM

COVER STORY

HEATHERED TROUSER JOHN VARVATOS

DENIM JACKET AND JEAN SANDRO. BOOT TAFT

RIDDLE ME THIS: CATEGORY, ROMANCE While we patiently await the arrival of "Bel-Air" season three — more importantly determine the fate of Hilary and Jazz’s juicy love-capade — get to know more about Jones, from his ideal date night to what tracks he’d choose to create a mixtape for his crush, and why? DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT MATCH. “Smart, beautiful, good teeth, and good toes. You want me… but you don’t NEED me.” WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO DATE NIGHT OUTFIT? “Armani jeans. Yeah, you know, I got it laid out. laid up - a bomber jacket, some type of snapback, or fresh cut, little design - my barber does so many different designs. Sometimes it'll be a small cross in the back. Sometimes there'll be something on the side. Sometimes there'll be something on both sides.”

IF YOU WERE TO MAKE YOUR CRUSH A MIXTAPE, WHAT SONGS ARE YOU INCLUDING? AND WHY? “Well, you know, she's definitely more feminine than I am. So I'm not gonna go with Drake, Lil Durk… because that's me. But, I'll give her some Beyoncé. There's an artist from LA, his name is Kalan.FrFr. I’ll put that on there. He's a good one. A lot of people sleep. But this artist, his name is NAV, that would be on there. Put some Sza in there too. You know, and then of course, you gotta get some City Girls or some Lotto in there. That'll be the whole conglomerate.” WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL DATE? “This is the one. I'm giving you a lot of tea right now, given up my offense. The date is always this, okay? If it's the first date, I always make sure I pick her up in a black car. It'll be like seven, eight - maybe have a couple of drinks. Maybe, you know, just start talking vibing taking another. And, one of my favorite restaurants is Mastros - very upscale; you gotta treat her nice. You know what I'm saying?

Here's the thing about me, though, you don't want to be crazy nice for a couple reasons you kind of have to play the game that they're playing, And it’s like, ‘I don't want to show him that I like him that much.’ Also, you can't talk her ear off, make sure you understand exactly where she's coming from. You have to make sure you're listening to exactly what she's saying. Make sure you pay for the dinner. You don't want to, be too forward - that first date is always gonna be just copacetic - get a chance to know each other. And then after that, the rule is you gotta let her hit you.”

COVER STORY

“SO, IT’S GREAT TO BE ABLE TO PLAY THIS NEW JAZZ AND SEPARATE MYSELF BECAUSE WE’RE SO DIFFERENT, YET STILL THE SAME,” “

VEST AND DENIM PURPLE BRAND SNEAKER COMMON PROJECTS

F E AT U R E

LIANA BANK$

TAKING CENTER STAGE The R&B starlet went from penning hits for some of the most notable artists in the industry to carving her own story with HER voice. With her forthcoming EP Apt. 210 on the horizon, Bank$ is taking control and coming into her own.

By:DJ Chalant

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iana Bank$ wants you to feel the real when you listen to her music. The Queen’s Native champions authenticity, often relying on her ability to keep it raw to create songs that connect with audiences. When we spoke with the multi-faceted creator for this article, the video for her latest single, “Petty,” had just been released. With guest verses from Lola Brooke and Cleotrapa, Petty is a vibey fusion of R&B and Hip-Hop that feels like a late 90s early 2000s classic in modern times. The song lyrics and the accompanying visuals show the battle scars of being in a relationship with an unfaithful partner. As the lead single off her forthcoming EP, Apt. 210, “Petty” is the latest example of Bank$’s ability to use the power of music to reflect how audiences feel.

Bank$ has always been acknowledged for her songwriting prowess. It was her pen game that got her foot in the door of the industry. It started back when she was still a freshman in college. During this time, Bank$ worked on honing her craft, writing, recording, and stockpiling songs. One of her songs would catch the attention of a “rich” guy who had a daughter who also happens to be an aspiring singer. Impressed by Bank$ lyrical ability, the rich guy devised a plan he believed would help his daughter’s career. So, he reached out to Bank$ to buy a song from her for his daughter to perform. However, at the time, Bank$ had not considered writing for other people and was reluctant to sell her music to the guy. In those days, she was “too attached to her music” as they were deeply personal antidotes, which the young Bank$ was not comfortable with the idea of departing. But the guy was persistent and was willing to make a generous offer to purchase a song or two. This was when Bank$ had her “ah ha” moment. Understanding that writing for others can be a way to help fund her career and afford her to let go of her day job to pursue music full time. Her first significant collaboration came when she scored a writing credit for the iconic R&B group Jodeci. Over time Bank$ would go on to write hits for Teyana Taylor and Lily Allen, among others. She collaborated on Saweetie’s hit single “Best Friend” and the late PNB Rock’s breakout single “Selfish.” “I used to be so attached to my songs because they are an extension of me. But now, I no longer have those same attachments. Now, I can write a song, record it, and put it out into the world and let it do what it does. If someone hits me up, and I feel it is an artist who can do service to a song and it helps me to build generational wealth, then I would 1000 percent be like yeah, do your thing,” Bank$ said. Through all her success as a writer, Bank$ never lost focus on her goal of performing her music. She credits her time writing for others, helping her learn the music business’s ins and outs. She would discover that having a solid team behind you would make or break an artist. So she waited until she was able to align herself with a great team to hit the gas on her solo career. Bank$ dropped her debut EP Insubordinate in 2016 to rave reviews.

" I have to work smarter, not harder. "

“I always intended to be an artist. Working with artists helped me see the inner workings of the industry. I have to work smarter, not harder. I wanted to make sure I have the right team with me first before we are ready to go,” Bank$ said. With her new project Apt. 210 coming in late 2023, Bank$ is looking to take her career to even further heights. Bank$ states that the inspiration behind the project comes from a time when she felt like she came into her own as a woman. A time when she embraced being fearless and taking control and doing things her way. “I do hope that what I am expressing through my music is being raw, saying what you feel without any limitations. Do what the fuck you want. Fuck an algorithm, do you,” Bank$ said. Issue 89

LISTEN TO

BLACK MEN Dave East Discusses the Impact and importance of Listening to Black Men. By: Kent Olden BLACK MEN LIVE very complicated lives. We are powerful and respected creatures, and yet we are viewed as intimidating and fearsome to most who interact with us for those same reasons. We experience no one can imagine, but are also expected to pretend as if none of it ever happens. We have so much to say, but we just want — we need — someone to listen to us. And people are starting to listen. Known for his real and raw rap lyrics about the ins and outs of street life and his Caribbean roots, Dave East decided to get real and raw about another topic: what life is like as a Black man and a Black father in America. A recent guest on the new Listen to Black 72

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Men podcast, Dave joined fellow rappers Jim Jones and Papoose, writer and actor Tyler Chronicles, and Listen to Black Men host Mouse Jones to have conversations about the culture and to show us all why we should listen to Black men. “It was dope being able to show my perspective as a Black man and as a Black father. A lot of people don’t get to see that side of me,” Dave says when discussing his experience on the series. “Just from how I grew up, it was always said that Black fathers wasn’t really active in they kids’ life or they were always in jail, and that wasn’t the case with my father. My father was always in my life, and I’m 100% in my kids’ life every day.”

A general misconception he continues to dismantle, the lack of active Black fathers is not one Dave allows to persist as he has two daughters of his own. On the show, Dave touches on his appreciation for growing up with both of his parents and the fact that they’re still married today. Now that example of Black parenting and Black love plays a huge part in his role as a father. “It definitely comes into play, especially on the love side.” And he’s quick to check himself on where he thinks he’s falling short. “I will say I can do a little bit more — actually a lot more — because of where I am financially. My parents had to really go get to it, but I

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couldn’t tell the difference as a kid. I knew we wasn’t rich and we didn’t have a lot of money, but I could never tell that we was poor. My mom and dad always provided food, shelter, clothes, and overall, love. That’s what I provide for my kids.” Even with the demands his celebrity brings, he includes his children in every aspect he possibly can. “I bring them to video shoots and anything I may be involved in so they can see it early and understand what it means when daddy is working.”

IT WAS DOPE BEING ABLE TO SHOW MY PERSPECTIVE AS A BLACK MAN AND AS A BLACK FATHER. A LOT OF PEOPLE DON’T GET TO SEE THAT SIDE OF ME

Establishing his position as their provider from Day 1, Dave is also grateful for being in a place where his children won’t have to grow up with certain experiences he did. “I lived in the projects,” he says. “My kids never had to live in the projects, from the day they was born they never experienced that. That’s a generational curse I broke, but I came from a family that made money and then lost money, and I’m in a position now where I can situate and set up my kids forever. When they turn 18, 19 years old, they straight.” Constantly learning as his kids are growing, Dave shares lessons he still comes across in his own fatherhood. “My kids have two completely different personalities, so I see I have to deal with them in two completely different ways. It’s a constant challenge, and I’m just learning as I go. I think it’s an everyday thing, you know?” And part of that process comes with sharing with his kids the difference in discipline between then and now. “It’s the funniest shit in the world cuz I laugh, and I tell them that like, ‘Yo…you know I woulda got my whole front slapped out for just asking a question like that???’ But I think it’s just a different era and parents now, we’re more into what’s going on: we got the internet and it’s just a different generation of parents, my age group at least. I think we’re just a lot cooler with our kids earlier on than our parents could be with us.” While he continues to balance fatherhood and fame, Dave East’s latest album, Fortune Favors the Bold, dropped on July 14, and he’s definitely telling his story. “It really breaks down where I’m at now in life, and different things I’ve endured: me dealing with my kids now that they’re older, friends that I’ve lost, money I made, places I traveled. It’s from a standpoint of just pointing out how old you gotta be to get out into this world and do something worth doing, and something that you get acknowledged for. I tell people all the time, ‘No matter what lane you’re in, there’s already a million other people doing it too, so what’s gonna set you apart?’ I think being bold enough to not take no for an answer and really believing in yourself more than anybody else believes in you is what the album is about.” Dave East just kicked off his first official Canadian tour in Victoria, British Columbia on July 20th with it ending in Halifax, Nova Scotia on August 12th, and he just wrapped the last season of Wu-Tang: An American Saga where he plays Method Man. Don’t forget to stop by his clothing store, From the Deli, located in Harlem, his home. Issue 89

A CONVERSATION WITH JAHMAR HILL

From Acting to Directing Meet the Powerhouse Behind BET’s Upcoming Original Movie, ‘Sisters’ premiering June 15th on BET+ and June 30th on BET By: Kirby Wright

t’s about mid-day when I jump on Zoom with Los Angeles-based director, producer and actor Jahmar Hill. I made a small remark about him starting the day with our interview to which he responds with a polite smile, before letting me know he’s been up since 4 am working on another script. It’s basically mid-day for him too. We catch up a bit before recording, and he tells me more about the outpour of projects he’s working on. “But how are you feeling?” I ask. He then yells, “tired,” and we start 74

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laughing. That’s a natural reaction. He’s working on a lot, but honestly he doesn’t seem the least bit frazzled – which is pretty on-brand for him. I met Hill about five years ago through a media connection, and I can genuinely say that’s his personality. He’s gonna work hard and he’s gonna make you laugh in the process. That’s why this moment is super exciting. Hill is a former employee of Warner Brothers, who has worked on numerous television shows such as Netflix’s Lucifer,

FOX’s Lethal Weapon, and more. Currently, he’s an award-winning filmmaker who is gearing up for the release of his first network film. We got the opportunity to chat with the businessman about his unique experiences and the upcoming film. Check out our convo below. Tell me about yourself. Well, my name is Jahmar Hill. I’m from Elizabeth, New Jersey, but I reside in Los

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PHOTOGRAPHER: JASON TILLMAN

Angeles, California now. I am a writer, director, producer, and an actor. Also, I’m a musician and an entrepreneur. People know me best for my films, but I feel like I have even more to say. Interesting. Talk to me about your journey. Like, how did you get into filmmaking? I started off acting. I was a part of a few independent films, and over time, I started to take it more and more seriously. Years ago, a movie I was starring in kept stopping production. So I remember I said something to the person in charge and he was like, well, if you think you can make a movie, let me see you do it. And it started from there, ever since he said that, I was like, I’m gonna do it! I knew the journey was for me, because before production started I dreamt about my first film, Last Love Lost. Afterwards, I started reaching out to people that knew about screenwriting. A friend of mine named Nakia, he’s from Jersey, mocked up a script for me. Then, I made changes, copied it, and rewrote it. The rest is history. It became my breakout film, and it won many awards. It’s still one of my biggest films till this day. I remember hearing about how well that film was received and that you starred in it too! Is acting still a love of yours? Where does it rank with producing and directing? Well, it’s something that I’m definitely still passionate about. I think it’s part of my DNA; I can turn it on anytime. I feel like since I’m a businessman, and I understand the business – it’s my nature to create my visions. My goal is to get to the top of the food chain or as far as I can and get invited to other opportunities. And if I don’t, I don’t, but I’m gonna always do my own thing – like Tyler Perry or Issa Rae for example. Now you’re talking about creating, so, you know, we have to jump into Sisters. I’m so excited it’s on the way. Talk to me about how you created that script and what message you want audiences to receive from it? Well, I wrote Sisters back in 2018, and it’s been a journey. I wanted to shoot this movie a few times before, and just like any other filmmaker, some things just don’t happen the way you think they will. It’s all in God’s timing. This specific time, I just came across the right situation and landed a deal with BET and BET+. It’s a bittersweet feeling, I’ve been through so much from losing people to gaining new friends and family. Plus, the script itself is one I’m passionate about. I’m happy I was able to get the right money to produce it the way it deserves. The film is about sisters who’re fighting for their grandmother’s life. The grandmother, played by Cocoa Brown, took care of them forever.

They didn’t have their mother or father in their lives so they created their own unit. When the Grandmother finds out she has cancer and can’t cover her medical bills, the sisters create the crazy plan. I think my goal in this story is to shine a light on the focus of togetherness and unity. You mentioned BET. That’s a powerful place to tell this story. What’s that partnership been like? Tell me about the process of working with the network. Wow. I grew up watching 106 and Park, Rap City, and all the other shows. I remember thinking, I’m gonna go on there; I’m gonna

comparisons started. But I think when people watch it they’ll see the difference. Of course, it’s a strong women-led crime film. But it’s totally different. In Set it Off their fight was to get out of the hood and sort through the issues with the police. In this scenario, it’s totally different. One of the sisters is actually a cop, so there’s that dynamic. She’s fighting against what she swore in for and our focus is more about their specific family. Where do you get your drive from? It comes from life. I feel like I’ve always been on the struggle or the grind. That adrenaline

" I THINK IT’S PART OF MY DNA; I CAN TURN IT ON ANYTIME. I FEEL LIKE SINCE I’M A BUSINESSMAN, AND I UNDERSTAND THE BUSINESS – IT’S MY NATURE TO CREATE MY VISIONS. " do that. So, to have a relationship with them now is amazing. They make me feel like family. I’ve been connecting with people from the VPs to the content people who greenlit it. It’s funny because communication has all been through phone calls, emails and Zooms. But when I hear everybody’s voice, they’re so excited because they’ve seen the film. I know it’s going to do well. That’s a big deal. And you know, there’s some big personalities in this film. What was the chemistry like on set? Man, it was crazy! I can’t lie. I had a whole team of experienced people. I’ve always been a fan of Columbus Short, so to have him as someone who’s starring in this film, is a blessing. His acting is out of this world. I don’t think I ever worked with someone who teaches while he’s acting. He helps people stay on cue and everything. Also, Lil Mama is awesome and has great energy. I love her, she’s my sister. K.D. Aubert is a great talent. I hope people see her in a different light, because she’s always the pretty girl, but she plays an officer this time that never got to be dressed up or anything (laughs). Then there’s Ciera who plays Diamond, the lead. People don’t know this, but she had to replace her character and she just came in, learned it, and killed it. It’s amazing. How this all came together just makes the movie even better. Have you heard the comparisons to Set it Off ? What are your thoughts on that? I have. When the poster dropped the

never leaves you, especially if you really want something. So I always put myself on a deadline, and I don’t feel good if I don’t accomplish it. That’s always gonna be inside of me. What’s the biggest takeaway you’ve learned from being in the industry? There’s always gonna be mistakes – no matter what. Something will go wrong. That’s part of life. It’s not about the mistake, it’s the outcome. Every step is a learning experience. What’s next for you? Any new projects in the works? I’m working on a TV show right now, and there are some heavy hitters attached. Also, I’m working on another big script about autism. I used to work with autistic children so I’m excited about that. And I’m working on some acting stuff. So, there’s a lot. Before the year is over I’m going to have three movies shot and a TV series out. It’s definitely about staying consistent and continuing to pave the way for the next generation. I want to help them get to the next level. That’s what it’s all about for me. Some people say that, but that has always been my focus. Finally, what was the most rewarding thing about creating Sisters? The most rewarding thing is that my film is on a bigger platform. I can’t wait for everyone to experience our hard work. The world is about to see it June 15th on BET+ and June 30 on BET!

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WENDY WILTZ

ON A MISSION TO EDUCATE AFRICAN AMERICANS ON THE BENEFITS OF HOME OWNERSHIP By: Truth Hawkins

or many, homeownership has long been regarded as a core component of the American dream - along with having a successful career, earning a college degree, or starting a family. However, due to inflation, rising rates and a lack of education on “how-to” secure one’s dream home, some are deterred by the idea. Meet Wendy Wiltz, a former model and New Orleans native who - using her platform in real estate - has made it her mission to inspire African Americans to pursue property ownership; both domestically and internationally. Recently, Bleu had the opportunity to chat with Wiltz about her early career in real estate, the biggest myths associated with homeownership, her new show, Invest Away, currently streaming on with Tubi & Xumo, and so much more. Check out our interview below. Bleu: Talk to us about your transition from the modeling industry to diving into the wonderful world of real estate… Wiltz: Modeling was something that I got into when I was like 13 years old. And of course, succeeding in that industry in New York was like the big city dream. I went there [New York] after [Hurricane] Katrina. But I went with the expectation that I was gonna be able to return home within a week or so. When I realized how bad Katrina was, that's when I just decided to make it home. I mean, I really had no choice. I just had to adapt with what was going on, get a job - worked in that for years.

When I was about 20, I started taking the real estate class. But I was also taking it right at the time of Katrina. So, in the midst of relocating, real estate just sort of took a backseat. Before I knew it, I was already there [New York] like four and a half years. Bleu: At 25-years-young, Wiltz shared she had her daughter, which lit a fire under her to pursue more “stability.” And so, she worked for a production company, even a mom-andpop business - to ensure she was in a position to better provide for her daughter’s needs as a single parent. It wasn’t until a moment of vulnerability years later, when talking with a close friend Wiltz felt her desire to finish real estate school reignite. Months later, thanks to the mentorship of a local broker - staying heads down in the books - Wiltz was successful in obtaining her license in January 2020 - stepped into entrepreneurship.

to someone who purchases or closes on a house today, they're not gonna tell you that they first thought about it 30 days ago. I think that's what helps people like your own just hesitation and fear. Fear of, ‘I don't know what I'm doing’ is what holds you back. I get that a lot. I get it from people who maybe didn't grow up with family owning homes or they don't know anyone that owns homes - they're always just like, I just don't think I'm ready yet.

“IT SHOULDN'T BE STRESSFUL.”

Bleu: What advice would you give a hopeful homeowner who has no idea where to begin? Wiltz: I usually first remind them, most people don't know where to start. From the very beginning, it's a journey. It's not something that if you speak

PHOTOS BY: DAVILLIER PHOTOGRAPHY

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costs these days, most people can. You have to be okay with sort of living your wage - if you're paying $1,500 a month rent, no, you can't go buy a $500,000 house. But you can make a great decision to buy what you can afford and at least start to reap some of those home ownership benefits. Bleu: What in your opinion are the biggest benefits of home ownership? Wiltz: Number one, I would have to say tax write offs being able to write off that mortgage interest. If you have a small business or you are entrepreneurial, also being able to take advantage of those home expenses, that are write offs.

A lot of times you're closer than you think you are. It’s a step-by-step process. Let's discuss it. Let's do a consultation or just discuss the process. And then once they realize, it's one step to the next and then the next one - you're not alone. Bleu: What would you say are the three biggest myths you come across when working with clients? Wiltz: There are people that think it's stressful. I've had clients say, ‘Oh wow, like this, this seems so easy and smooth.’ And it's like, yeah, it should be - it shouldn't be stressful. Another myth is that you have to have so much of a down payment - so much money saved when the reality of it is, you don't. Because now PMI on mortgages is a lot less than what it's been decades ago. So having to put 20% down - you don't have to have that. There are some areas where if it's a rural development, you don't have to put anything down. There are also new construction developments that run deals and may have 0% down or 3% payment assistance. You have lenders that have payment assistance. So it's just, if you can pay a certain mortgage and what rent

And you have peace of mind knowing that your mortgage is not gonna go up - providing, you don't have a certain kind of balloon payment loan. You can actually stabilize your household expenses and you're not worried about inflation or your rent going up every year. Things like that definitely bring peace of mind. Bleu: You have a show coming out. Congrats! Tell us, what viewers can expect from Invest Away? Wiltz: Invest Away was sort of like my little baby made up of my love for travel and real estate. When I first got licensed in New Orleans and interest rates were so low, I was getting a ton of investors calling me looking for property for short term rental benefits. Just off the bat. They were out of town and not concerned with coming in and seeing it before putting an offer in. Pretty much sight unseen with me walking through FaceTime. But they had a lot of questions and when I started to help them get answers to those questions, the information that I was finding was that New Orleans was on a path to pretty much do away with short term rentals. They were putting more rules into place then you had to have the short term rental permit. And, in order to have the short term rental permit, you had to have a homestead exemption - only able to be retrieved if it's your primary residence. So right off the bat, an out-of-town investor is not gonna qualify for that. Then I started to do some research and realized that we [New Orleans] were not the only place - Atlanta, Denver, certain areas of Florida - tons of cities did away with short term rentals. In the midst of doing a lot of

the research however, I discovered different areas where it [short term rentals] were very welcomed - especially the islands. Their economy thrives off of it. Islands in different places where tourism is prevalent. They don't have enough hotels to accommodate the tourists. I can remember my first scouting trip was to St. Croix. I didn't realize we were going to St. Croix, St. Patrick's Day weekend, and I'm in charge of trying to find a hotel for myself, a camera guy, and my executive producer. Everything Is booked. I'm like, why is everything booked? What's going on? And then, a realtor that I was speaking with, she said, ‘Oh, it's St. Patrick's Day this weekend.’ And I'm like, and, you guys are sold out? Cuz back home St. Patrick's Day is not a big holiday. And she’s like ‘Oh no, it’s big here.’ She was able to help me and we ended up staying between two different hotels - hotels here were a lot smaller - just two, three stories. They may have 20, 30 rooms. So, it makes sense that the short term rental market was so big. Because they need people to come there renovate homes and condos and things. They don't feel threatened. I was able to speak to residents that had very inspiring stories. I spoke to one guy - had a place in St. Thomas and a place in Puerto Rico. He retired and he's like, ‘I spend a couple months here and then I short term rental and I go to Puerto Rico and then I stay there.’ He just rotates. Makes a good living for him. You know, being retired, he's like, ‘You can't be attached to things - worry about if someone gonna scratch my floors or break a glass or anything like that.’ He would lock his stuff in his closet and just go. And, I'm like wow, that's like a super great experience. Also in the process of meeting the people and finding out how easy it is for them, to get a permit or the tax benefits in places where there's no inheritance tax. So when I heard that, I was like, everyone says build generational wealth through real estate. But the reality of it is, real estate is left to descendants who, when they inherit, they can't afford to keep it. Because sometimes they may not be able to afford to pay the taxes and they end up selling it. So to realize that there's other places where there's no inheritance tax, property taxes, literally nothing. In Turks and Caicos, they don't even pay property tax. That's beautiful. People need to see this. Like, they need to know that while you can no longer invest over here, there's another destination that will embrace your goals. Learn more by streaming Invest Away, available on Tubi & Xumo platforms. Issue 89

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F E AT U R E

BEL-AIR ACTRESS

DIANDRA LYLE

SPEAKS ON THE POWER OF PIVOTING By: Kirby Carroll

Issue 89

“IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO BE WHAT YOU MIGHT’VE BEEN.”

I believe there are moments or situations in everyone’s life that have the power to dramatically shift it. It may be a minor instance like changing your everyday routine, which leads to meeting the love of your life, or something more overt like a decision to move to a new city. For actress, producer, and soon-to-be director Diandra Lyle, this moment happened in 2008. Most known for her role in the

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mind and spirit,” Lyle said. This led to many peaks and valleys. In fact, after a few years of acting in Chicago, she made the difficult decision to uproot her life and move to Los Angeles – alone. “The biggest sacrifice I’ve ever made was being away from my daughter for a temporary time,” Lyle said. “Being a mother, especially with a daughter, I didn’t want her to have issues with it. But it didn’t affect me too much because I knew it would be short-lived.” She went on to explain how for a brief period her daughter lived with her father while she worked on this mission. “Her father and I haven’t been together for a long time but we’re great teammates,” Lyle said. “I believe every child needs both parents if they can provide that. And that time ended up being very beautiful for them.” However, many things crossed her mind during this challenging time like society’s potential negative thoughts on her decision and her child’s feelings — would she resent her? Ultimately, she didn’t let those thoughts linger because as she said firmly, “At the end of the day, I’m not going to sacrifice my kid for this business. I knew it was a temporary solution for

supposed to be here. I have other skills and other joys, and I was at peace with my decision. Then Secrets of Sulphur Springs came in, and I only tried it because I love the casting director. Well, that ended up being my biggest role yet.” Today her daughter is 20 years old and gets to watch her mother be a part of many shows and movies like one of the culture’s current faves: Bel-Air, where she plays the highpowered attorney Erika Baker. When asked about her time on the show she said, “From the day I stepped on the set, I felt very welcome. I felt like I’d known everyone forever – the cast and the crew. All the actors are strong in their craft and working with the whole team was amazing. To be a part of TV’s royalty is such a treat and I had a wonderful experience.” Though her path wasn’t easy or traditional, each step brought her to the present moment. She reflects on her career saying, “I had a lot of great character study working in therapy. I’ve just always had a gift for understanding human nature. As actors, we communicate it.” Diandra lives by a quote from the British writer George Eliot that says, “It’s never too late to be what you might’ve been.”

" I ALWAYS SAY I DIDN’T CHOOSE ACTING. IT CHOSE ME. IT WASN’T A DREAM, BUT IT WAS PLANTED IN MY MIND AND SPIRIT. "

Disney+ Emmy-nominated series Secrets of Sulphur Springs, the I0wa-born multihyphenate has worked on many popular shows like Quantum Leap, NCIS, and more recently Peacock’s Bel-Air. But her path into the entertainment industry, much like her life, is far from typical. Her story started pretty normally. For years Lyle worked as a therapist at a psych hospital in Chicago. She enjoyed motherhood and a fulfilling career. “I loved it because I love people, and I love working with people,” Lyle said. Then the 2008 recession happened and she got laid off from her job. Like many, this shift gave her the option to make a career change. But where it differed for Lyle was her choice to pursue acting: a field that’s overwhelmingly hard to break into – at 30 years old. Although she had taken a college class in the past, she never thought she’d pursue it professionally. “I always say I didn’t choose acting. It chose me. It wasn’t a dream, but it was planted in my

the endgame. ” And she was correct. When Diandra arrived in Los Angeles, she hit the ground running. It only took two years for her daughter to join her in Los Angeles. She spent years working as a crew member and stand-in for shows like Real Husbands of Hollywood and performing other background work which was challenging but taught her a lot about the business. “The experience made me a better actor,” Lyle said. “I learned about hitting your mark, lighting, camera angles, and more. But it was bittersweet because, I mean, I wanted to be in front of the camera.” Over time that happened more and more regularly. Until it didn’t. For two years, Diandra didn’t work and this propelled her to once again make another bold decision. She was taking a break from acting. “I was close to getting some jobs, but they didn’t pan out,” Lyle said. “And I just wasn’t having fun anymore. I want to do it when I have fun. I figured paths change; I wasn’t

That mantra holds for her not only in professional settings but personally. During our chat, she shared a funny story about how she planned her wedding, while filming Secrets of Sulfur Springs, from start to finish in six days. “It was crazy and perfect,” Lyle said. “I think New Orleans has always been a special city for me, and it just felt right. Luckily, my husband was spontaneous with me and accepted the challenge.” Diandra’s energy is contagious, and her sense of self is powerful and something she wants all women to embrace, which is why she proudly flaunts her gray hair, which she affectionately calls her natural highlights. “Being who you are at your core makes a woman powerful,” Lyle said. “ I want to shift the narrative with aging. You don’t have to feel old and written off. You can still be beautiful, sexy, and powerful.” To learn more about Lyle, keep up with her on social media @DiandraLyle.

“This interview was conducted before the SAG-AFTRA strike was implemented.” Issue 89

C R E AT I V E S

FROM HOLLYWOOD to REAL ESTATE FOUR REALTORS INVOLVED IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY By: Eric Charles Munson

OCTAVIUS TERRY Octavius Terry, is a global real estate advisor and fashion designer based in Georgia. He graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in Business Administration. He also has two fashion degrees from the Fashion Institute of Design &amp; Merchandising in Los Angeles. Terry is currently a real estate agent at Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty in Buckhead, Georgia. He has 11 years of experience in the corporate world, but left to pursue a career in the fashion industry. Terry is also the CEO of Octavius Marsion, a fashion label that has created designs and outfits for numerous well-known celebrities such as Queen Latifah, Chris Brown, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato and Nick Cannon. Terry’s designs have been featured on the red carpet and numerous award shows and ceremonies such as the Academy Awards, the Grammys, the Emmys and the American Music Awards. 82

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HUMANS

Issue 89

HUMANS

DAVID BUTLER David Butler is a licensed real estate agent and a multi-million dollar producing agent from Maryland. He currently works for eXp Realty, a real estate broker based in Oxon Hill, Maryland. On his social media platforms, Butler provides advice for both home buyers and sellers. There are also short videos showcasing some of the properties as well as short skits. He also posts about open house events from eXp. These events span multiple states, but Butler mainly handles Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC. Growing up, Butler’s family could’ve afford many of the houses around them, but he wanted to become a real estate agent. He started off as a concierge in various luxury apartments and condominiums, but soon transitioned into property management. Butler believes that home ownership is one of the “biggest investments” and one of the “greatest achievements” any one person can make.

HUMANS

AGU UKAOGO Agu Ukaogo, also known as King Agu, is a Nigerian-American entrepreneur and fashion model. Ukaogo was born in Nigeria and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. He graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha and Bellevue University with degrees in Business management, Sales and Marketing. Ukaogo currently works for The Agency, a global luxury real estate brokerage firm based in Beverly Hills, California. Ukaogo moved to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of being a model and actor. He starred in national modeling campaigns for companies such as Kroger and Hyundai as well appearances in television shows such as The Game on BET and Invite Only Cabo on Bravo. Ukaogo is also a fitness expert and has his own fitness program called AGU Fitness. He frequently uploads photos to his Instagram and gives advice on fitness, personal training and healthy diets.

AMIR LANCASTER Amir Lancaster is a new development expert from Arlington, Texas. Lancaster graduated from Texas State University with a degree in Health and Physical Education/Fitness. Lancaster is currently a real estate agent at Spyglass Realty, a real estate firm based in Austin, Texas. Shortly after graduation, Lancaster worked as a sales engineer for the Keyence Corporation, a manufacturing company based in Osaka, Japan. Keyence manufactures items such as vision systems, barcode scanners and laser markers. Lancaster is perhaps best known for starring on Bravo’s Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard, a spin-off of the Summer House series. The show, which is set on Martha’s Vineyard on Massachusetts’ Cape Cod, features a group of a Black entrepreneurs engaging in “beach parties, decadent dinners and summer hookups.

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O P- E D

OWNERSHIP AN ONGOING SOURCE OF CONFLICT WORLDWIDE

magine this: after a prolonged absence, you return to your vacation cottage in the woods only to find it occupied by a squatter. You explain to the person that the cottage belongs to you and that he must leave. But the interloper, producing a firearm, rebuffs you, saying, “No one has been here in a very long time, so I assumed the place was abandoned and moved in. This spot is mine now.” Now flashback to the period between the 16th and 20th centuries, when scenarios similar to the above were played out regularly in Africa, mainland Asia, the Pacific basin and the Americas. This was the so-called “Age of Exploration,” a time when adventurers set out from various European countries in search of new lands to plunder, settle, and to proselytize. Happening upon an area, and encountering no inhabitants, the newcomers typically would plant their nation’s flag in the soil, and claim the land for their king or queen. But how is it that people could just show up and claim ownership of lands that they had no right to?

In a few instances, these interlopers laid claim to lands they had ventured to because, upon arrival, they initially saw no evidence that the areas were inhabited. Such was the case when, in 1606, the Dutch explorer Willem Janszoon arrived in what was to become Australia and dubbed the territory Terra Australis Incognita, “Unknown Southland. However, it was Captain James Cook who, arriving in 1770, planted a British flag on the coast and claimed the continent for Britain. Similarly, when South Africa’s Apartheid Era government took most of the land and banished the Bantu population to the so-called “homelands.” They justified the action based on the false assertion that the area was uninhabited when the Dutch arrived to settle the Cape of Good Hope in 1652. At times the invaders were able to take territory by force; at other times they often did so by deceitful means. This typically involved tricking the inhabitants into “selling” land they assumed they were leasing to the newcomers. Unlike the Europeans, who viewed land as a commodity that could be bought and sold, the inhabitants of the various lands they ventured to had different notions about land ownership. For the inhabitants of these newfound areas, the notion of individual, private ownership of land was almost universally an alien one. Among both Native American and African groups, for example, the land was a possession of the community – the living, the dead, and the unborn – and could neither be bought nor sold. Rather than “ownership” what these societies had was a form of land tenure based on stewardship – the right to use the land so long as the user tended and cared for it.

THE BIG STEAL By far the most blatant instance of a land grab was the so-called “Scramble for Africa,” which saw the seizure of a wide swath of African land and the displacement of millions of people. It began with the Berlin Conference of 1884 when German Chancellor Otto von Bismark brought together representatives from the United States and 13 European nations – among them Belgium, Germany, PHOTO: OLADIMEJI ODUNSI UNSPLASH France, England, Italy and Spain – to discuss

PHOTO: HU CHEN UNSPLASH

By: E. Osborne

how to lessen tension among themselves by creating borders around their territorial claims in Africa. Notably, the resulting boundaries, which demarcated some 50 African territories, were agreed upon without the consent of the African inhabitants. A prominent feature of these boundaries is that they were arbitrary, with the result that often they were drawn so that the colony thus created contained two or more groups that were culturally and linguistically unrelated (e.g. the Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo of Nigeria). At other times the borders were drawn through communities speaking the same languages, with the result that their members ended up in two, or even three, colonial territories (e.g. the Ewe people of Ghana and Togo and the Wolof of present-day Senegal and The Gambia). In a real sense, the establishment of borders around colonized African territories by the attendees at the Berlin Conference is a cause of the turmoil that has plagued the continent over the years: the disputes over the ownership of land, waterways, and access to natural resources, the oftentimes violent contests for political office, the civil wars and the inter-ethnic conflicts. One example is the Nigerian Civil War of 1967-1970, which

OF LAND

erupted when the predominantly Igbo state of Biafra declared its independence and broke away to form the Republic of Biafra. This conflict was fueled in part by economic and political competition that resulted in anti-Igbo riots in the north of the country. Another example is the off-and-on, lowlevel conflict in Casamance, the sliver of Senegal sandwiched between The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau. There, since the early 1980s, the military of Senegal has been engaged in an ongoing struggle with a rebel group, the Mouvement des Forces Démocratiques de la Casamance (Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance), seeking independence for the region. The secession movement is driven in part by the perception on the part of the Jola and other indigenous people that the Wolof, who dominate the economy, are responsible for the lack of economic growth in the region. Yet another place where the intercommunal rivalry has led to violence is Rwanda. In 1994 a contest between the Tutsis and Hutus for political leadership led to fighting in which some 800,000 people, most of them Tutsis, were slaughtered. One of the worst genocides of the 20th century, its origins lay in part in the divide-and-conquer strategy used during the colonial era to put

the Hutu majority against the privileged Tutsi minority – the distinction between the two groups being one of class rather than physical difference. After the Berlin Conference, the colonial authorities gave the Tutsis the responsibility of administering their policies, and the Tutsis used their position of authority to gain Hutu land. It was the historic Hutu resentment of Tutsi overlordship that Hutu politicians exploited during the early 1990s to incite violence against the Tutsis for political gain. INSTANCES OF LAND RECLAMATION Zimbabwe and South Africa are two countries where post-independence governments have instituted programs designed to return to the indigenous inhabitants land that was lost to white immigrants during the colonial period. In the former, the Fast Track Land Reform Program was instituted to accomplish this task. The process proved to be chaotic and violent, however, and ended up having such a negative effect that the Zimbabwean economy collapsed in the early 2000s. Similarly, in neighboring South Africa, the government has passed legislation that allows for the return – without compensation to whites – of land that was taken from indigenous inhabitants

through the 1913 Native Land Act. The African continent is hardly the only place where movements seeking land restitution have sprung up. For example, indigenous populations have undertaken efforts to recover land dispossessed during colonial rule in Canada, Australia, and Hawaii, the nation’s 50th state. In the latter, the takeover was accomplished by a small group of planters who conspired with the U.S. envoy to orchestrate a coup to overthrow the last Hawaiian monarch, Queen Lili’uokalani, and forcefully annex the island chain to the United States in 1893. Because the sovereign movement considers the deposition and annexation as illegal acts – acknowledged as such by the U.S. Congress in a 1993 Apology Resolution – its aim is to secede from the union and reestablish an independent nation. And why not? After all, what if the situation were reversed? What if foreigners were to arrive in your country – let’s call it, say, Freeland – plant their flag on the shore, and, by force of arms, claim the territory as their own? Wouldn’t you and your fellow nationals have a right to unite and demand that the interlopers either leave altogether or, if permitted to stay, at least return ownership of the land to you? Issue 88

F E AT U R E

INTERVIEW WITH ISAIAH HILL

A DREAM WITHIN A DREAM By: Rafael Pena

We understand that "Swagger" marks your debut as an actor, and we're curious about how the transition has been for you. Coming from a background of discipline in basketball, how did you adapt to a different talent like acting? It was a huge transition, I never thought I was going to be here. I was training to be in the draft class you just saw a couple nights ago. I used to worry more about what was authentic. As athletes we often laugh at actors. Rappers call people actors as a slight. But this (acting), I had to grow a deep respect for this. And not block my blessing. Because this was really given to me by God. I’ve had so many different milestones and checkpoints throughout just worrying about so many different things. But when I talk to Kevin Durant and KD’s moms, they always tell me to put emphasis on the work, and trust the work. Just have gratitude for where you at. Once I figured out how I wanted to impress myself in the second season, it made all the difference. With such a talented ensemble, are there any specific castmates who have been guiding you through this journey? I would say, we really got each other through. 88

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PHOTOGRAPHER: ANTWON MAXWELL

DISCIPLINE OFTEN FLIES under the radar, but it remains the crucial ingredient in the recipe for success. The difference lies between those who merely dream and those who take action. While natural talents may be abundant, true elite status is reserved for those who put in the hard work consistently. A prime example of this is Isaiah Hill, an aspiring D1 college basketball recruit, who unexpectedly found himself in the world of acting during the pandemic. Now, at just 20 years old, he has become one of Hollywood's rising stars, landing the lead role in the Apple TV series "Swagger," loosely based on NBA superstar Kevin Durant's life. A living juxtaposition, Hill embraces both his basketball aspirations and his newfound passion for acting, finding growth and selfdiscovery in both domains.

We really lean on each other, and that’s what you see on the show. But, I call on all of them. I’m one of those guys that is super down to earth. I don’t like to put myself above anybody. I feel like in the first year I really wanted to get back to playing basketball. But in the second year I was really present. And we went out together this year. We really became friends. And in the gym we push each other’s limits. I can really call on all of them to be that brother. And give me a view of myself from the outside. I also had to really trust myself this year. I probably caught myself looking

at playback a little more than I should’ve this year. But I had to figure out what professionalism means to me. And we all were doing that at the same time. I’m sure you can relate to the role you play because you’re basically growing up before our eyes on TV. It’s a lot of transition from being a teenager to becoming a man. What can you speak to as to how you and Jace are similar? Also, you remind me of KD in some aspects, you have a similar poised demeanor. Well Jace Carson is my son! That’s my little bro, I taught him everything he knows.

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That poise, that sense of responsibility, that’s what I wanted for Jace this year. I wanted people to understand he’s growing into a young man. That knows what he has to do, raise the stakes, test his limits and grow, kind of manifest things for himself. He really watches his words, we are really both our best and worst critics. We really want to challenge ourselves, impress ourselves. Jace beats to the sound of his own drum, he’s a leader, he’s different but… still not better than me. Isaiah, with your involvement in Apple TV and being part of various circles—family, friends, and teams you've been part of—how have your relationships evolved with the newfound stardom you've gained through "Swagger?" It’s gone through so many changes, I think in the first year me and the world had to grow. I had to play a 14-year-old boy for two years shooting the first season. It was tough, kind of like stunting my growth to make sure the character was correct for season one. And it’s been tough, my relationships - I left high school my sophomore year, we barely finished, plus covid, but I graduated then had to take a break from school. Right now, I want to go back to school more than ever. It’s been really interesting, because I honed in on my integrity to myself this year and just showing that I belong and proving to myself that I'm not gonna let myself down in season two, but I feel a lot better. This acting thing is not for the weak. How have your closest relationships evolved since achieving stardom? Have there been significant changes? Right now I see myself desiring a stronger conversation. It’s changed, some people drifted from me that I never wanted to drift from me at all. It’s done a whole lot

to my recruitment process. I also have a little brother, that’s 14, that’s growing just like Jace. That I had to take a lot of time away from, because of the show and I haven’t been able to be the older brother that I want to be. So when I come home that’s very important to me. Making sure that he’s got the tools and doesn’t have to go through some of the stuff I had to go through. Relationships, you find yourself looking for someone that can really embrace you. but also don’t want to feel like you’re stepping on your friend’s toes by talking about yourself, you know. Everybody has had to adapt to my life, most importantly me. But I’m putting in the work and being more present on the set this year has come to fruition.

Let’s get back to Isaiah. So you wrap season one and I’m assuming you get one of the biggest checks in your life. What’s the first thing you went out and bought? Probably some shoes! I got so many shoes, dog. I’m a sneakerhead. I love designer Louis Vuitton especially. One of the first things I did was take my friends to the mall. My two best friends that

was getting with me. The people that were praying for me through the process. I wanted them to understand I had the utmost gratitude for them being there. I've heard rumors that you're interested in starting a production company. Can you share if there are any other projects or business ventures in the pipeline?

Swagger ain’t on me, it’s in me! I’m a young pioneer just trying to push the culture in a positive direction through these movies. I want that authentic, that raw stuff coming out. I have scripts we been shopping around, scripts in development, I know it’s tough producing your first film but I think it’s something I need to accomplish for myself and the community needs to see. So I’m just doing all my research and my homework so when I step to the table, I step correct. It seems like a part of you still yearns for basketball to play a significant role in your life. With your newfound focus on acting, do you believe there's a chance for you to regain the drive and opportunity to play ball again? Right now I’m working out just going back in on my foundation of skills, what got me here. Like KD said to me in a meeting, When good things happen to me I like to retrace my steps and show gratitude. I also own an AAU program in LA, and we just constantly giving back to the community and pushing kids to be the best version of themselves. I also would like people to know, whatever reason my recruitment stopped happening, that basketball is my heartbeat. It’s always a great day to play basketball, I’m never above no coach or player in this thing. I adore the game, I adore winning and I got to give it one more shot before it’s too late. I see a lot of old heads in that NCAA tournament. So If anything I’ll be sure to stay in shape, in case someone decides to try me, I’ll be ready. What do you say to young people like yourself that have similar dreams and aspirations? How would you drive them to not give up? What advice would you give them? Just move with gratitude. Run your race. Listen to yourself and impress yourself. Sometimes you have to watch film, read the room. The swag is in gratitude. People can see you and see how happy you are to have an opportunity to reach where you come and they’ll hire you just off that. That’s how I got to where I’m at. It’s the gratitude. Make sure you never lose that. Trust yourself, we’re all born with this conscious. Watch your words and your thoughts, watch the way you talk about yourself, set the bar high and move with gratitude. “This interview was conducted before the SAG-AFTRA strike was implemented.” Issue 89

F E AT U R E

LIFE, LIBERTY, AND THE PURSUIT OF PASSION TRE. CHARLES TALKS ABOUT HOW TRAGEDY TURNED HIM TO HIS TRIUMPH By: Kent Olden @theOldenDAZE

n 2005, the Academy Award for Best Picture went to a film called Crash. With an ensemble cast made up of Hollywood’s hottest stars, Crash takes a deep dive into the intertwined lives of a group of strangers in Los Angeles, navigating racial and social tensions that some of us like to pretend don’t exist. And it all started with a car crash. That car crash revealed reality, shining a spotlight on how society views us, but more importantly, how we view ourselves. For Tre. Charles, a crash shattered

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the windows to show him everything he needed to see and where exactly he needed to go. On Your Mark…“I jumped into the music industry after a near-fatal car accident,” says Charles on his wake-up call that catalyzed him to go after his dreams. “I realized that I wasn’t doing what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, and it could be over very quickly, so I might as well pursue the passion.” After teaching himself how to play the guitar in the year following his accident, the gigs started to come. His focus was set.

That accident quite literally forced him to sit down, transforming his recovery into a rehab of sorts. Making music became Charles’ therapy and put him on the path that has led him down the road less traveled. Starting out on the local brewery circuit — performing at bars and breweries around Charlotte — Charles took a leap of faith into a deep dive of discovering his dreams andmaking them a reality… and it’s paying off. “I recently just did an NPR session with

Triple-A Radio at the CharlottesvilleRichmond affiliate,” he says. “I did three songs off my EP, Currently, and they put it up on their website. That puts me one step closer to doing an actual Tiny Desk session in DC, so it’s exciting.” And Charles’ journey to get there is definitely one to be shared.

and 120,000 on Spotify almost immediately, Tre.’s debut single Stressin’ raked in invites to perform at music festivals along the East Coast, putting him in the same spaces and places as those who can set him up for his next steps. “Now that I have a body of work out, I’m starting to get a lot more show offers,

GET SET…

supporting acts like Tank and the Bangas. Everything’s going really well.” In establishing himself as an artist, Charles began comparing himself to his own favorite performers, trying to see which one he was most like. “I really liked Trey Songz back in the day, and I thought that was the cool thing to do.” He quickly realized that the artist he was most like was simply Tre. Charles. “As I get older and wiser, I’m realizing the things I actually appreciate, being open and vulnerable, making real connections

“When I decided to take this music thing as seriously as I knew I should have been, the pandemic hit, and everything went to shit. That really wasn’t the best way to start my career.” But for the man whose music was birthed out of almost being permanently silenced, COVID couldn’t possibly keep him from pushing toward that passion. “I navigated through that and recorded my first song: Stressin’.” Racking up 200,000 streams on YouTube

with people and maintaining peace,” and he credits his better half with being a guiding light throughout that discovery. “I credit a lot of that to my girlfriend. She helped me with my mental health journey, trying to be present and more in tune with all of that. That’s the story behind Currently. It’s a very vulnerable place that shows this is where I currently am, and no one can put me in any box. This is who I am now, and this is what I want to share with people.” GLOW!!! While it was a tragic car accident that kickstarted Charles’ journey into music, it’s the music itself that takes you on a journey into the mind of the man. It shares a message of the rainbow after the storm and points out the light at the end of the tunnel. “There’s a snippet from an actual therapy session on this project where my therapist was telling me stuff that I needed to hear about taking ownership and accountability and all those things,” says Charles. “There’s also a song called Memory that talks about all the constraints that you put on yourself and other people put on you because it’s hard to let go of the memory of you, trying to hold you to a standard that’s aligned with who you used to be instead of who you are now like you’re not allowed to grow.” Mantra takes you into a trance with repetitive affirmations flowing in the background, and Stressin’ exposes the daily dangers Black people have to endure just for being Black. With a mindset maintained on mental health — especially among Black men — Charles puts his music and mental health advocacy hand-in-hand with the work that he does with CultureWorks in Richmond, Virginia, and the legacy he wants his music to leave on the world. “The legacy I want to leave is that I was unapologetically myself, and in being myself, I really cared about people. I want people to think of me and say, ‘Tre. allowed me to feel what I felt, and I feel seen, heard, recognized, understood, all of that.” You can catch Tre. Charles at The Common House RVA in Richmond on July 7 and The Vaulted Oak in Charlotte on July 22. He will also be performing at the 2024 SXSW in Austin, Texas. Keep up with all things Tre. Charles at Alt Indie Soul | Trecharles.com. Issue 89

SPOTLIGHT

A.R.

THE MERMAID’S TRAILBLAZING JOURNEY IN MUSIC

DISCOVER A.R. THE MERMAID, A RISING MUSICAL SENSATION WHO’S MAKING WAVES.

n the ever-evolving realm of music, A.R. The Mermaid emerges as a true maverick, seizing the spotlight with her recent release “Sneaky Link” and its accompanying mesmerizing music video. As the industry buzzes with excitement, A.R.’s latest “SUKI” is already a topic of heated discussion, particularly due to its exciting cameo appearances by Love & Hip Hop’s luminary, Sukihana. The fusion of A.R.’s distinct style, musical prowess, and a touch of star power sets the stage for a seismic shift in the music scene. But the excitement doesn’t stop there, as A.R.’s EP “Watt We Doingg,” slated for release soon, promises to shatter conventional norms, ushering in an era where artistic expression transcends boundaries, encompassing not just music, but also fashion, art, and attitude. Hailing from Memphis, TN, A.R. The Mermaid has swiftly transcended the confines of regional acclaim to gain attention on a global scale. Her hits like “Let a Ho Play” and her latest freestyle “No Motion” have cemented her reputation as an artist unafraid to tread uncharted waters. What truly sets A.R. apart is her unparalleled ability to meld her unique aura, which seems almost like an anime character brought to life, with the rhythm and soul of hip-hop. Icons such as DRAKE and SZA have taken note, acknowledging her fresh perspective and undeniable talent. A.R. The Mermaid is emblematic of a new era in

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music, where empowered female artists are at the forefront, rewriting the narrative and paving the way for unapologetic self-expression. As her EP’s release draws near, anticipation surges, promising listeners an experience that is not only sonically arresting but also a celebration of boundless creativity. Bleu: From Memphis, TN, tell us about growing up down south and how did it help mold you? A.R.: Growing up in the South, particularly in Memphis, was an experience that shaped me in many ways. I spent a lot of time in church during my early days, and that’s where I was first exposed to music through singing. I even formed a singing group at one point. However, as time went on, I transitioned to rap. Bleu: You started off singing and then transitioned to rapping. Can you share the different steps you take during recording for each style? A.R.: For sure! Recording for me differs between rapping and R&B. When I’m rapping, I often freestyle, letting the words flow naturally. But when it comes to R&B, I take my time, crafting each note and expression carefully during the recording process.

PHOTOS: NICKIE ROSE

Bleu: Your latest video “Sneaky Linky” boasts an engaging storyline. What does a “sneaky link” mean to you? A.R: laughs Ah, a “sneaky link.” It’s when you’re discreetly spending time with someone, keeping it on the down-low. No social media posts or public announcements – just a private connection between the two involved. Bleu: In your latest single “Suki,” Sukihana makes a guest appearance. How did that collaboration come about? A.R: Suki is a favorite of mine! Her energy and vibe are incredible. We connected instantly when we met. My team reached out to her to be in the video, and the stars aligned. I’m incredibly grateful for the experience. Bleu: Memphis has its music scene dominated by certain labels. What motivated you to forge your own path? A.R: Individuality drives me. I’ve always wanted to stand out rather than conform. I made the conscious decision to step out of the usual lane and carve my own unique path. Bleu: You’re known for blending anime aesthetics with music. What’s your current favorite anime? A.R.: Honestly, while the anime and rap trend is rising, I’m still drawn to that trap sound. My style, the way I dress, and even how I do my makeup resonate more with the trap vibe. Bleu: “Watt We Doingg,” your upcoming release, has an intriguing title. Could you explain its significance and give us a glimpse of what to expect? A.R.: “Watt We Doingg” is a tagline that’s become synonymous with my music. It signifies a constant state of action, whether it’s dropping music back-to-back, touring, or just staying active. The EP embodies that spirit. Bleu: Do you see yourself exploring avenues beyond music in the future? A.R.: I’m bursting with ideas! While I have ambitions beyond music, my current focus is ensuring my music journey is on the right path. Once that’s solid, I’ll definitely explore those other exciting avenues.

SPOTLIGHT

ICON

By: Aniliyah Richardson The gift we are given is the purpose we need in order to succeed. As an individual who has helped change the face of music, singer Tina Turner has fulfilled over 50 years dedicated to not only the name but to the little girl from Nutbush, Tennessee. As the late yet great hall of famer has recently passed at the age of 83, Turner has surpassed various highlights by introducing a change of sound when discussing the genre rock and roll. Giving fans a category of hits such as “The Best,” “Nutbush City Limits,” “Proud Mary,” etc. Starting her mainstream success early during the 60’s, Turner persevered the outcome she was chosen by reaching for more than stardom but the title of success overall. Looking back during her early years, Turner has shown how it is not only the path you are shown, but what changes you make for yourself along the way. As her career started by the infamous group “Ike & Tina Turner,” who created sound length throughout the R&B charts with their first hit record “A Fool in Love,” followed several records in pursuit such as “It’s Gonna Work Out Fine,’ “I Idolize You,” and “River Deep, Mountain High.” Within the later years during the 60’s the group shifted into a new era that would soon make headway. Deciding to incorporate in another genre known as Modern Rock to their original sound to R&B, was the hidden gem that the late singer would be remembered for alongside other accomplishments making Turner’s vocal range its own uniqueness that the world was destined to hear for many generations yet to come. Hearing the mixture of both genres to their later released singles “Honky Tonk Woman,” “Come Together,” “I Want to Take You Higher,” leaves imprint on their cover version to Creedence Clearwater Revival’s 1968 “Proud Mary” making the single one of the groups major hits landing at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1971. Leaving the group on a semi high note before chaos was informed, Turner grew dedicated to becoming the solo act we know her as of today. Having a string of low charting with her first and second solo albums “Tina Turns the Country On!” and “Acid Queen,” Turner released her third solo album through EMI Records titled “Rough” in 1978. Departing space and time from the voice we were introduced to in the beginning of her career, Turner encrypted strong instrumentals to the genre of rock envisioning new direction towards the singer’s solo career making the album the bookmark to a new chapter of the singer’s career. Continuing to pursue her dreams in a swindle of what seemed to be 94

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bad luck, it would take Turner years to receive recognition in the industry. What brewed over as a massive turnaround during her career would be Turner’s cover version to Al Green’s single “Let’s Stay Together,” followed by releasing her fourth album in 1984 titled “Private Dancer.” Growing its home for categorized hits that fans still remember, along with the captivating single that led to production known as “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” making to what was previously stated as an “amazing comeback” for the queen of rock and roll. Pouring in the success from the album revealed a lifetime of achievements made from the woman we now know as Tina Turner. As it takes passion to fulfill

TINA TURNER

“The Best”

TINA TURNER

“Proud Mary”

any destiny, Turner showed promise from beginning to end with what first started as a young girl who started singing in a choir at her neighborhood church to the household name fans were able to witness through several decades. It is deemed necessary to give praise to an icon such as Tina Turner who will not only go down in history as one of the voices to change the face of music, but as a visionary who fought against all odds thrown throughout her lifespan while pursuing her wish when talking to the high priest, and everyone out there in the universe, making her simply the best. TINA TURNER

“Nutbush City Lim its”

HH BESPOKE SPIRITS

FEATURING

BESPOKE RUM | GIN | VODKA D R I N K F A S H I O N A B LY @HHBESPOKESPIRT HHBESPOKESPIRITS.COM

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STARRING SAMUEL L. JACKSON 1972 Together for Days 1977 The Displaced Person 1978 The Trial of the Moke 1981 Ragtime 1987 Uncle Tom’s Cabin 1987 School Daze 1988 Coming to America 1989 Do the Right Thing 1990 Mo’ Better Blues 1990 The Exorcist III 1990 Goodfellas 1990 The Return of Superfly 1991 Jungle Fever 1991 Johnny Suede 1991 Strictly Business 1991 Jumpin at the Boneyard 1992 Juice 1992 Fathers & Sons 1993 Loaded Weapon 1 1993 Menace II Society 1993 Jurassic Park 1993 Losing Isaiah 1994 Fresh 1994 Pulp Fiction 1994 The New Age

1995 Kiss of Death 1995 Die Hard with a Vengeance 1996 Hard Eight 1996 The Great White Hype 1996 A Time to Kill 1996 The Long Kiss Goodnight 1997 Eve’s Bayou 1997 Jackie Brown 1998 The Negotiator 1999 Deep Blue Sea 2000 Rules of Engagement 2000 Shaft 2000 Unbreakable 2001 The Caveman’s Valentine 2001 Formula 51 2002 The Comeback 2002 Changing Lanes 2002 No Good Deed 2002 xXx 2003 Basic 2003 S.W.A.T. 2004 Kill Bill: Vol 2 2004 The Incredibles 2004 Twista: Hope 2005 Coach Carter

2005 The Man 2006 Snakes on a Plane 2006 Black Snake Moan 2006 Home of the Brave 2007 Resurrecting the Champ 2008 Jumper 2008 Ironman 2008 Star Wars: The Clone Wars 2008 Lakeview Terrace 2008 Gospel Hill 2008 Soul Men 2010 Unthinkable 2012 Samaritan 2012 The Avengers 2012 Django Unchained 2014 RoboCop 2014 Kingsman: The Secret Service 2015 Chi-Raq 2016 The Legend of Tarzan 2017 Kong: Skull Island 2017 The Hitman’s Bodyguard 2019 Glass 2019 Shaft 2020 The Banker 2021 The Protege

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AIR JORDAN JORDAN.COM ARAK GARMENT JOURNEY ARAKSTUDIO.COM BIRKENSTOCK BIRKENSTOCK.COM CARHARTT CARHARTT.COM COMMON PROJECTS COMMONPROJECTS.COM DICKIES DICKIES.COM DIESEL SHOPDIESEL.COM DR. MARTENS DRMARTENS.COM GAP GAP.COM GRAYERS GRAYERS.COM HERON PRESTON HERONPRESTON.COM J. CREW JCREW.COM JOHN VARVATOS JOHNVARVATOS.COM LEVI LEVI.COM NIKE NIKE.COM OCEAN PACIFIC OCEANPACIFIC.COM ONE OF THESE DAYS ONEOFTHESEDAYS.COM PRADA PRADA.COM PURPLE BRAND PURPLE-BRAND.COM RAG & BONE RAG-BONE.COM SANDRO SANDRO-PARIS.COM TAFT TAFTCLOTHING.COM TED BAKER TEDBAKER.COM VANS VANS.COM WRANGLER WRANGLER.COM