Bleu Magazine Issue 37- Jussie Smollett

jussie smollett

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MA1 Bomber $60

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T W E N T Y F O U R

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CON

TENT 09 PUBLISHER’S LETTER 10 CONTRIBUTORS 12 IT’S ME, IT’S YOU, IT’S BLEU 14 THE 20: THEY WORE WHAT? 16 GADGETS:

MUSIC ON THE GO 18 CAR: AN AURA OF ELEGANCE 20 TREND AVE MODERN DETAILS 28 BODY:

NO MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED 30 GROOMING:

DIY GROOMING 32 FUEL:

BY DAY BY NIGHT 34 TRAVEL: BIG PHAT GREEK GETAWAY 38 FASHION:

SEEING DOUBLE 44 THE CREATIVES:

REVOLUTIONARY PENMANSHIP

hat GOORIN BROS shirt SAND sweater COMMES DE GARCONS PLAY jacket JIL SANDER pants J BRAND shoes COLE HAAN

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A PERFORMANCE COUPE THAT DEMANDS NOT TO BE DRIVEN. BUT FLEXED.

THE FIRST-EVER 467 HORSEPOWER RC F Engineered from the asphalt up specifically for the true performance enthusiast, its 5.0-liter, naturally aspirated V8 engine produces 467 horsepower,1 while lightweight titanium valves paired with high-strength, forged connecting rods deliver maximum efficiency. An available Performance Package2 featuring Torque Vectoring Differential,a carbon fiber roof and a speed-activated rear wing help enhance unprecedented performance and handling. Inside the cockpit, a dynamic gauge cluster features customizable displays while low-set, race-inspired front sport seats instill confidence through every curve. The RC F from Lexus. Once driven, there’s no going back. luxuryawaits.com/RCF | #LexusRCF

Options shown. 1 Ratings achieved using the required premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. If premium fuel is not used, performance will decrease. 2 Available Winter 2015. ©2014 Lexus.

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shirt SAND

CON TENT 48 OP-ED:

BROKE COLLEGE KIDS WEAR RICK OWENS 60 FEATURE: FAITH IN THE STARS 66 FASHION: 4,5 SECONDS OF DENIM 76 FEATURE: BUILDING HIS OWN EMPIRE 78 THE HUMANS 82 FASHION: INSPIRE PAR LA NATURE LES MODELES DE LA MODE 88 SPOTLIGHT:

ARI SOHO - A HIDDEN JEWEL & 60 SOHO 90 SCORE: TRAMON WILLIAMS 92 ON THE RISE: RICKSTAR & AVERY SUNSHINE 94 BLEULIST 95 ICON: ANTONIO “L.A.” REID 96 STOCKLIST

JUSSIE SMOLLETT

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MAN IN THE MIRROR 6

MAGAZINE

WE FOCUS ON HIV TO HELP YOU FOCUS ON

TODAY

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

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

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TEAM BLEU EDITORIAL DIRECTOR DéVon Christopher Johnson

ART & PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Carlton J. Brown DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER Erica Vain COPY EDITOR Andrew Horton SENIOR FASHION MARKET EDITOR Chris Sandford FASHION EDITORS-AT-LARGE Apuje Kalu, Alisha Crutchfield CONTRIBUTING FASHION EDITOR Ronçois UK CONTRIBUTING FASHION EDITOR Sean Azeez On the cover JUSSIE SMOLLETT

GRAPHIC DESIGN Dominic Bielak GROOMING EDITOR Randy Reed

words EMIL WILBEKIN photography CLIFF WATTS fashion styling ENRIQUE MELENDEZ & ASHLEY ELIZABETH FOR ENA CREATIVE AT BLACKBOARDGROUP MGMT fashion direction CHRIS SANDFORD grooming NIL MUIR production AJ CRIMSON FOR BLACKBOARDGROUP MGMT

SPORTS EDITOR Angel Quiles FITNESS EDITOR Joe Morris JR. COPY EDITOR Taylor Stabler OFFICE COORDINATOR Gary Dickson

shirt CALVIN KLEIN vest & pants BESPOKE HQ X ASTON MARTIN

ONLINE EDITOR Yisrael Richardson EDITORIAL TEAM Dorielle Jackson, Edric Robinson, Yisreal Richardson, Brian Camacho EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Alivia Royal ON

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Cheeba Cruz, Dominique Carson, Kishon Springer, Emil Wilbekin CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Lenox Fontaine , Cliff Watts, Ray Eugenio, Julie Miller, Keith Major, Kyle Dorosz, Andrew Strasser, Brookelynn VIDEOGRAPHERS Shauntay Pitts, Keenan Alves BOMBSHELL TEAM Ebony Allison, Glamo, Tanyka Renee, Cataanda J INTERNS Kishon Springer, Raymond Mora, Dominique Williams, Jessica Gusmerotti, Trone Dowd, Jared Waters, Ashley Ching

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THE BLEULIFE GROUP CHAIRMAN, CEO & PRESIDENT

DéVon Christopher Johnson ACCOUNT MANAGERS Todd Evans, Rivendell Media 908.232.2021 Loren Bates 347.564.8042 advertise@bleulife.com

REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES Rannon Harris (Chicago - Midwest) Christopher Thompson Walls (Atlanta - Southeast)

INTEGRATED BRAND PARTNERSHIPS Kim J. Ford, Brand Whisperer 973.580.4476 kford@brand-whisperer.com

BRAND COORDINATOR Carlotta Harrington

LEGAL & BUSINESS AFFAIRS Thomas J. Wilson, Esq.

SUBMISSIONS Bleu Magazine 500 Fashion Ave, 17a New York, NY 10018 info@bleulife.com

NEWSSTAND DISTRIBUTION Mag Consulting Team

Bleulife Media & Entertainment Inc. | 500 Seventh Avenue, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10018 | 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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MAGAZINE

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

“WHAT’S GOIN’ ON”

by Marvin Gaye Mother, mother There’s too many of you crying Brother, brother, brother There’s far too many of you dying You know we’ve got to find a way To bring some lovin’ here today - Ya Father, father We don’t need to escalate You see, war is not the answer For only love can conquer hate You know we’ve got to find a way To bring some lovin’ here today Picket lines and picket signs Don’t punish me with brutality Talk to me, so you can see Oh, what’s going on What’s going on Ya, what’s going on Ah, what’s going on

Success. For me, that word is a very confusing one. I’ve not quite mastered a way to define it. Though the word is often bestowed upon me by friends, family and complete strangers, statements like, “congrats on your success” completely baffle me to this day. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely appreciate being acknowledged for my accomplishments thus far. However, all is not complete. There are so many more boxes on my list of goals to check off.

There is still a very long road ahead. There are still barriers to break and horizons to reach. BLEU has paved a way for many underserved groups. But the road is still lonely.

The landscape is still missing an abundance of outlets that serve a multicultural audience.

For us, success is when there are several magazines out there like BLEU serving you, the reader.

Let’s push harder together. BLEU just received word that we will expand our print presence at Barnes & Noble. So stop in and grab a copy or two. If it’s not being carried, request it at the customer service desk.

We can make progress together. That, to us, would be a tangible and definable success.

- DCJ

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CONTRIBUTORS

emil WILBEKIN Emil Wilbekin is the founder of World Of Wilbekin, a content curation, digital strategy and lifestyle brand. (www.worldofwilbekin.tumblr.com.)

He is the former Editor-At-Large of ESSENCE, Managing Editor of ESSENCE.com, Editor-In-Chief of Giant and Vibe, style guru at Complex and a contributing editor at Paper.

Wilbekin has appeared on Arise 360, Huffington Post Live, MSNBC, CNN, The Today Show, The Insider, MTV, VH-1 and E!

aj CRIMSON This entrepreneur/beauty & lifestyle expert from Northern California is equally noted for his savvy business sense and charisma. AJ is the CEO of BLACKBOARDGROUP Management, overseeing the careers of some of today’s hottest talent within the entertainment industry and the worlds of health & beauty (wardrobe stylists, makeup artists, hair stylists, etc.). AJ is also the creator of two successful makeup ranges—Kissable Couture Lip Gloss and AJ Crimson Cosmetics.

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cliff WA T T S

cheeba CRUZ

As an American fashion/portrait photographer and a director of commercials, Cliff is most widely known for his ad campaigns for Hugo Boss, Revlon and Armani. He is also well-known for his work for Vanity Fair, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, W, Elle and Esquire. Watts discovered his passion for photography as he traveled the West Indies after completing art school. He is now preparing his first collection of nudes for a book and a gallery show.

Cheeba is a music anthropologist hailing from Screwston, Texas. She is a fool for beats, instruments and an overall good groove. She’s the creator of Vulgar Colors Movement, an instructor of junior high students and a music curator. Cheeba is an avid bass player and finds fulfillment in writing about nostalgic music.

dominique CARSON Dominique is a freelance journalist and her work has been featured in Singersroom.com, Soultrain, Education Update, NYCitywatch.org, Birthplace Magazine, and many more. She is a proud graduate of Brooklyn College, earning her bachelor’s and master’s degree from the CUNY institution.

Carson is pursuing her life-long dream of making an impact on the lives of people as a professional writer.

raymond MORA A recent graduate of CUNY York College in Journalism and Communications Technology, Raymond is now pursuing a career as a sports broadcast journalist.

When he is not writing for BLEU Magazine, he is on Long Island taping his monthly radio show for AM 1240.

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IT’S ME, IT’S YOU, IT’S BLEU

The Cinema Society & Audi Host A Screening of Marvel’s ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’

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Audi celebrated its partnership with Marvel Entertainment at the New York City premiere of Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Avengers star Paul Bettany and his wife Jennifer Connelly as well as Paul Haggis, Tom Arnold, Darren Aronofsky, Sam Rockwell, Ben Walker, and Jamie Chung arrived to the premiere in Audi vehicles, including the A8 L and Q7 TDI. Avengers stars Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner, Elizabeth Olsen, Cobie Smulders and, Aaron Taylor-Johnson were also in attendance to celebrate the premiere. A stunning display of the all-new Audi TTS was also featured on the red carpet.

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SVA Theater, NYC

April 28th, 2015 (1) The Cinema Society and Audi host a screening of Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron (2)Tom Arnold (3) Stark 17 (4) Stark 17 (5) Paul Haggis (6) Jamie Chung (7) Cobie Smulders (8) Sam Taylor-Johnson, Aaron Taylor-Johnson (9) Paul Bettany, Jennifer Connelly (10) Audi TTS

photographer: Paul Bruinooge/PatrickMcMullan.com

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‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ Red Carpet Arrivals Hollywood’s favorite stars all came out to hit the red carpet for the Mad Max: Fury Road premiere. From director George Miller, originator of the post-apocalyptic genre and mastermind behind the legendary Mad Max franchise, comes Mad Max: Fury Road, a return to the world of the Road Warrior, Max Rockatans.

TCL Chinese Theatre, Hollywood

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(1) Director George Miller & Courtney Eaton (2) Charilize Theron (3) Zoe Kravitz (4) Megan Gale (5) Abey Lee (6) Lisa Bonet & Husband Jason Momoa (7) Mel Gibson & Tom Hardy (8) (from left to right) Hugh Keays-Byrne, Nathan Jones, Charlize Theron, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Tom Hardy, Riley Keough, Megan Gale, Zoe Kravitz, Josh Helman, Courtney Eaton and Abbey Lee. (9) Director George Miller

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photographer: WB

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THE 20

THEY WORE WHAT?!

1. LADY GAGA Meat Dress / MTV VMAs (2010)

2. AALIYAH Baggy Pants (1998)

3. J LO MTV Awards (2000)

4. MISSY ELLIOTT Grammy Awards (2003)

5. BRITNEY SPEARS MTV VMAs (2001)

6. TREY SONGZ KISSES TONI BRAXTON Soul Train Music Awards (2009)

7. JAY-Z AND MICHAEL JACKSON Summer Jam (2001)

8. ANDRE 3000 Kids Choice Awards (2004)

9. BEYONCE Brazil Rio de Janeiro (2013)

10. RUN DMC Adidas outfit 14

Performances can fade from our memories. Melodies escape us and choreography never had a chance. But, what often comes to mind is some of the crazy shit artists choose to wear when they hit the stage. From pasties to blonde wigs, powder-pink Kanglols to poisonous snakes, these recording artists have made a mark (even if not musically) on our mental catalog of performances. We picked everyone’s brain around the office and we came up with our top 20, with the King of Pop making it twice!

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11. KANYE WEST All red with Margieles MTV VMAs (2010)

12. MILEY CYRUS AND ROBIN THICKE MTV VMA Performance (2013)

13. THE FUGEES BET Awards (2005)

14. MICHAEL JACKSON AND JAMES BROWN BET Awards (2003)

15. ‘N SYNC MTV VMAs (2000)

16. JANET JACKSON Super Bowl XXXVIII (2004)

17. BLACK EYED PEAS Super Bowl XLV (2011)

20. PHARRELL’S HAT Grammys (2014)

18. TLC MTV VMAs (1999)

19. DESTINY’S CHILD MTV VMAs (2001)

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GADGETS

IN-EAR

MUSIC ON THE GO

ON-EAR

THE BRAGI DASH

BEATS SOLO2

The Bragi Dash was created with athletes in mind and delivers crisp, clear sound as well as countless other capabilities. It acts as a Bluetooth headset, a noise isolator, an MP3 player, microphone, fitness tracker and a heart-rate monitor. No smartphone needed because these headphones can hold up to 4GB of music on their own. The Dash is touchenabled, completely cable-free and each pair comes with a compact battery pack which will charge in less than an hour and keep you going all day. $299

For all bass lovers out there, Beats Solo2 is for you. Available in multiple colors, these headphones are a step-up from their predecessor, the original Solo. Solo2 maintains a bass sound with a more accurate sound profile. It offers a snug fit and a light, sturdy design.

The Beats Solo2 folds together and comes with a carrying case, meaning you’ll always be stocked when you’re on the go. $199 www.beatsbydre.com

www.bragi.com

PORTABLE PICKS FOR ANY AUDIOPHILE words JESSICA GUSMEROTTI

audiophile : a person who is especially interested in high-fidelity sound reproduction.

Everyone is on the move in the summer. Whether at the beach, on the rooftop or going for a run through the neighborhood, music is always what you’re listening to.

These 10 picks each offer a different innovative quality that makes them the ultimate choice for any audiophile or music lover alike.

CUSTOMIZE TMA-2 MODULAR HEADPHONE SYSTEM With the TMA-2 Modular Headphone System from AIAIAI, the options are endless. Buyers can choose one of four pre-configured setups or a custom setup with up to 360 different configuration combinations available. Users have options between three headbands, four style of earbuds, six different cables and four speaker units all designed to give them a high-quality tailored sound. You can also select your perfect pair based on your preferred genre of music or from artist configurations by select artists like RL Grime and Kaytranada. $145+ www.aiaiai.dk

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CREATE MONSTER GO DJ If you don’t just enjoy listening to music but like creating it as well, the Monster GO DJ Portable Dj Mixer and Studio is what you need. Hosting dual touchscreen turntables, twelve-hour battery life, 4GB internal memory, an SD card slot and headphone/ mic input, the GO DJ offers studio professional sound and capabilities in a model small enough to fit in your pocket. $499 www.monstergodj.com

OUTDOOR NYNE AQUA SPEAKER Summer is here and poolside is where you want to be. Nyne’s Aqua Speaker is a floating party that is completely waterproof. Both its watertight speakers and ability to float above water allow for immediate response from any Bluetooth-enabled device. Bluetooth connectivity has a 33-foot range and the battery will last for up to 10 hours…meaning you have one less excuse to get out of the pool this summer. $129

APP

IMMERSIVE THE WOOJER The Woojer has been compared to giving users the same sound-sensation as being at a concert or cinema. Low-frequency vibrations and a physical bass sensation are delivered through this wearable accessory allowing you to plug and play anywhere. This matchbox-sized “subwoofer” is great for playing music, movies and games. $100 www.woojer.com

www.nyne.com

NEXTRADIO The NextRadio App combines GM radio broadcasts with the internet, giving users an interactive and creative experience. Enabling the user to listen to broadcasts anywhere, NextRadio offers instant sharing via social media, real-time visuals of on-air content and the ability to instantly purchase music through mobile devices. Your phone will also thank you for using this app, as NextRadio utilizes its built-in FM receiver with 3X better battery life and 10X less data usage while streaming.

Free www.nextradioapp.com

STYLE VISO HP50 The sleek design of these onear headphones delivers clean and accurate sound through earcups padded with memory foam. Three colors are available for users to choose from. Its build is lightweight, weighing in at eight ounces. The headphones deliver a balanced sound as ambient noise is comfortably sealed out. When it comes to Nad’s Viso HP50, looks do matter. $299 www.nadelectronics.com

WATCH/LISTEN SONY WALKMAN HI RES ZX2 Although it may sound like it, this Sony release is far from a throwback to the iconic Walkman that gained popularity in the ‘90s. This android-powered device features a touchscreen, sixty hours of music playback and 128GB of memory. An S-Master HX processor puts the ZX2 in a league of its own, enabling high-resolution audio function. Pair with your favorite high-res audiosupporting headphones and enjoy. $1,199

OF THE FUTURE OM/ONE The Om/One tops the list as the coolest speaker to watch as well as listen to. It is comprised of a speaker “orb” that levitates over a magnetic base. This Bluetooth device features an impressive 12-hour battery lifetime, a wireless range of up to 33 feet, as well as a built-in microphone and a 75mm audio driver. The Om/One offers parts equally impressive in functionality and attractive design. $199 www.omone.com

www.sony.com

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CAR

Price: $81,800

THE BMW 640i xDrive Gran Coupe 2015

Engine/ Horse PowerV6, 24-valve engine and 315 hp.

Top Speed- 130 mph 0-60 mph- 5.2 seconds

The BMW 640i xDrive is perfectly engineered for all terrains. The masterminds of this creation were surely aiming to turn heads when designing the interior and exterior aesthetics. Two additional doors have been incorporated into this 6-series Gran Coupe to allow for a more suitable journey to any destination. Combined with xDrive’s allwheel drive system and its immaculate handling, nothing is going to slow this beauty down!

AURA AURA of ELEGANCE

An An

THIS MAy BE SOMETHING YOU ARE NOT USED TO 18

MAGAZINE

words GARY DICKSON

Handling, Ride and Braking: •Vehicle-speed-sensitive variable-assist (Servotronic); variable-ratio power steering •Aluminum front and rear subframes •Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), including Brake Fade Compensation, Start-off Assistant, Brake Drying, and Brake Stand-by features; with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) •Electro-hydraulic brakes •4-wheel ventilated anti-lock disc brakes (ABS) with Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) •xDrive all-wheel-drive system

Interior: •10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and front passenger’s seat with a 4-way lumbar support; memory system for driver’s seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors •Split fold-down rear seat •Dakota Leather upholstery and door trim (includes seat surfaces, armrests in center console and doors, headrests for front and rear seats, gear shift lever boot) •Gray poplar wood interior trim Audio System: •HiFi Sound System with anti-theft AM/FM stereo •CD/MP3 player audio system with Radio Data System (RDS) •HD Radio™ with multicast FM station reception •SiriusXM® Satellite Radio with a one-year subscription Exterior: •Xenon Adaptive Headlights with dynamic auto-leveling; Corona headlight-rings and cornering lights •White turn signal indicators •Rain-sensing windshield wipers with adjustable speed •LED foglights •Retractable, high-intensity headlight washers •3rd brakelight on upper roof

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TREND AVE

tall beanie $90 shirt $190 WOOD WOOD chino pants $460 MAISON KITSUNÉ double breasted overcoat $2,000 SCOTT LANGTON desert boots $55 (worn throughout) BOOHOOMAN

photography RAY EUGENIO fashion CHRIS SANDFORD

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hat $90 shirt $190 WOOD WOOD chino pants $365 MAISON KITSUNÉ jacket $800 COCKPIT USA

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beanie $150 trouser $300 MATIERE shirt $250 overcoat $2,500 SCOTT LANGTON

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waffle beanie $90 coat $525 WOOD WOOD shirt $425 TOMORROWLAND joggers $250 MATIERE

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What is STRIBILD? STRIBILD is a prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before.

STRIBILD combines 4 medicines into 1 pill to be taken once a day with food.

STRIBILD is a complete single-tablet regimen and should not be used with other HIV-1 medicines.

STRIBILD does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. To control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses you must keep taking STRIBILD. Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about how to reduce the risk of passing HIV-1 to others. Always practice safer sex and use condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with body fluids.

Never reuse or share needles or other items that have body fluids on them.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is the most important information I should know about STRIBILD?

Who should not take STRIBILD? Do not take STRIBILD if you: • Take a medicine that contains: alfuzosin, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methylergonovine, cisapride, lovastatin, simvastatin, pimozide, sildenafil when used for lung problems (Revatio®), triazolam, oral midazolam, rifampin or the herb St. John’s wort.

• For a list of brand names for these medicines, please see the Brief Summary on the following pages.

• Take any other medicines to treat HIV-1 infection, or the medicine adefovir (Hepsera®).

What are the other possible side effects of STRIBILD?

STRIBILD can cause serious side effects:

Serious side effects of STRIBILD may also include:

• Build-up of an acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious medical emergency. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include feeling very weak or tired, unusual (not normal) muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain with nausea or vomiting, feeling cold especially in your arms and legs, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, and/or a fast or irregular heartbeat.

• New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do regular blood and urine tests to check your kidneys before and during treatment with STRIBILD. If you develop kidney problems, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking STRIBILD.

• Serious liver problems. The liver may become large (hepatomegaly) and fatty (steatosis). Symptoms of liver problems include your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice), dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored bowel movements (stools), loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, and/or stomach pain.

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

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• Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you also have HBV and stop taking STRIBILD, your hepatitis may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking STRIBILD without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health. STRIBILD is not approved for the treatment of HBV.

MAGAZINE

• Bone problems, including bone pain or bones getting soft or thin, which may lead to fractures. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your bones.

• Changes in body fat can happen in people taking HIV-1 medicines.

• Changes in your immune system.

Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking STRIBILD. The most common side effects of STRIBILD include nausea and diarrhea.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or don’t go away.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking STRIBILD? • All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis virus infection.

• All the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. STRIBILD may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how STRIBILD works. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. Do not start any new medicines while taking STRIBILD without first talking with your healthcare provider.

• If you take hormone-based birth control (pills, patches, rings, shots, etc).

• If you take antacids. Take antacids at least 2 hours before or after you take STRIBILD. • If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if STRIBILD can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking STRIBILD. • If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed.

HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

Also, some medicines in STRIBILD can pass into breast milk, and it is not known if this can harm the baby.

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

Please see Brief Summary of full Prescribing Information with important warnings on the following pages.

STRIBILD is a prescription medicine used as a complete single-tablet regimen to treat HIV-1 in adults who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before. STRIBILD does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.

I started my personal revolution Talk to your healthcare provider about starting treatment.

STRIBILD is a complete HIV-1 treatment in 1 pill, once a day.

Ask if it’s right for you.

www.STRIBILD.com

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Patient Information STRIBILD® (STRY-bild) (elvitegravir 150 mg/cobicistat 150 mg/emtricitabine 200 mg/ tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg) tablets Brief summary of full Prescribing Information. For more information, please see the full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information.

What is STRIBILD? • STRIBILD is a prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before. STRIBILD can also be used to replace current HIV-1 medicines for some adults who have an undetectable viral load (less than 50 copies/mL of virus in their blood), and have been on the same HIV-1 medicines for at least 6 months and have never failed past HIV-1 treatment, and whose healthcare provider determines that they meet certain other requirements.

• STRIBILD is a complete HIV-1 medicine and should not be used with any other HIV-1 medicines.

• STRIBILD does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. You must stay on continuous HIV-1 therapy to control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses.

• Ask your healthcare provider about how to prevent passing HIV-1 to others. Do not share or reuse needles, injection equipment, or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them. Do not have sex without protection. Always practice safer sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood.

What is the most important information I should know about STRIBILD? STRIBILD can cause serious side effects, including: 1. Build-up of lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Lactic acidosis can happen in some people who take STRIBILD or similar (nucleoside analogs) medicines. Lactic acidosis is a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. Lactic acidosis can be hard to identify early, because the symptoms could seem like symptoms of other health problems. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms which could be signs of lactic acidosis: • feel very weak or tired • have unusual (not normal) muscle pain • have trouble breathing • have stomach pain with nausea or vomiting • feel cold, especially in your arms and legs • feel dizzy or lightheaded • have a fast or irregular heartbeat 2. Severe liver problems. Severe liver problems can happen in people who take STRIBILD. In some cases, these liver problems can lead to death. Your liver may become large (hepatomegaly) and you may develop fat in your liver (steatosis). Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms of liver problems: • your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice) • dark “tea-colored” urine • light-colored bowel movements (stools) • loss of appetite for several days or longer • nausea • stomach pain You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking STRIBILD for a long time.

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3. Worsening of Hepatitis B infection. If you have hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and take STRIBILD, your HBV may get worse (flare-up) if you stop taking STRIBILD. A “flare-up” is when your HBV infection suddenly returns in a worse way than before.

• Do not run out of STRIBILD. Refill your prescription or talk to your healthcare provider before your STRIBILD is all gone • Do not stop taking STRIBILD without first talking to your healthcare provider • If you stop taking STRIBILD, your healthcare provider will need to check your health often and do blood tests regularly for several months to check your HBV infection. Tell your healthcare provider about any new or unusual symptoms you may have after you stop taking STRIBILD Who should not take STRIBILD? Do not take STRIBILD if you also take a medicine that contains: • adefovir (Hepsera®) • alfuzosin hydrochloride (Uroxatral®) • cisapride (Propulsid®, Propulsid Quicksolv®) • ergot-containing medicines, including: dihydroergotamine mesylate (D.H.E. 45®, Migranal®), ergotamine tartrate (Cafergot®, Migergot®, Ergostat®, Medihaler Ergotamine®, Wigraine®, Wigrettes®), and methylergonovine maleate (Ergotrate®, Methergine®) • lovastatin (Advicor®, Altoprev®, Mevacor®) • midazolam, when taken by mouth • pimozide (Orap®) • rifampin (Rifadin®, Rifamate®, Rifater®, Rimactane®) • sildenafil (Revatio®), when used for treating lung problems • simvastatin (Simcor®, Vytorin®, Zocor®) • triazolam (Halcion®) • the herb St. John’s wort Do not take STRIBILD if you also take any other HIV-1 medicines, including: • Other medicines that contain elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, or tenofovir (Atripla®, Complera®, Emtriva®, Truvada®, Tybost®, Viread®, Vitekta®) • Other medicines that contain lamivudine or ritonavir (Combivir®, Epivir® or Epivir-HBV®, Epzicom®, Kaletra®, Norvir®, Triumeq®, Trizivir®) STRIBILD is not for use in people who are less than 18 years old.

What are the possible side effects of STRIBILD? STRIBILD may cause the following serious side effects: • See “What is the most important information I should know about STRIBILD?” • New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys before you start and while you are taking STRIBILD. Your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking STRIBILD if you develop new or worse kidney problems.

• Bone problems can happen in some people who take STRIBILD. Bone problems include bone pain, softening or thinning (which may lead to fractures). Your healthcare provider may need to do tests to check your bones.

• Changes in body fat can happen in people who take HIV-1 medicine. These changes may include increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the middle of your body (trunk). Loss of fat from the legs, arms and face may also happen. The exact cause and long-term health effects of these conditions are not known.

• Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV-1 medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you start having any new symptoms after starting your HIV-1 medicine.

The most common side effects of STRIBILD include: • Nausea • Diarrhea Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

• These are not all the possible side effects of STRIBILD. For more information, ask your healthcare provider.

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking STRIBILD? Tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including: • If you have or had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis B infection • If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if STRIBILD can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking STRIBILD. - There is a pregnancy registry for women who take antiviral medicines during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. Talk with your healthcare provider about how you can take part in this registry.

• If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you take STRIBILD. - You should not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby.

- Two of the medicines in STRIBILD can pass to your baby in your breast milk. It is not known if the other medicines in STRIBILD can pass into your breast milk.

- Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements: • STRIBILD may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how STRIBILD works.

• Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you take any of the following medicines: - Hormone-based birth control (pills, patches, rings, shots, etc) - Antacid medicines that contain aluminum, magnesium hydroxide, or calcium carbonate. Take antacids at least 2 hours before or after you take STRIBILD

- colchicine (Colcrys®) - medicines that contain dexamethasone - diazepam (Valium®) - digoxin (Lanoxin®) - disopyramide (Norpace®) - estazolam - ethosuximide (Zarontin®) - flecainide (Tambocor®) - flurazepam - fluticasone (Flovent®, Flonase®, Flovent Diskus®, Flovent HFA®, Veramyst®) - itraconazole (Sporanox®) - ketoconazole (Nizoral®) - lidocaine (Xylocaine®) - mexiletine - oxcarbazepine (Trileptal®) - perphenazine - phenobarbital (Luminal®) - phenytoin (Dilantin®, Phenytek®) - propafenone (Rythmol®) - quinidine (Neudexta®) - rifabutin (Mycobutin®) - rifapentine (Priftin®) - risperidone (Risperdal®, Risperdal Consta®) - salmeterol (Serevent®) or salmeterol when taken in combination with fluticasone (Advair Diskus®, Advair HFA®) - sildenafil (Viagra®), tadalafil (Cialis®) or vardenafil (Levitra®, Staxyn®), for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). If you get dizzy or faint (low blood pressure), have vision changes or have an erection that last longer than 4 hours, call your healthcare provider or get medical help right away.

- tadalafil (Adcirca®), for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension - thioridazine - voriconazole (Vfend®) - warfarin (Coumadin®, Jantoven®) - zolpidem (Ambien®, Edlular®, Intermezzo®, Zolpimist®) Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. Do not start any new medicines while you are taking STRIBILD without first talking with your healthcare provider.

Keep STRIBILD and all medicines out of reach of children.

- atorvastatin (Lipitor®, Caduet®)

This Brief Summary summarizes the most important information about STRIBILD. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can also ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about STRIBILD that is written for health professionals, or call 1-800-445-3235 or go to www.STRIBILD.com.

- bepridil hydrochloride (Vascor®, Bepadin®)

Issued: December 2014

- Medicines to treat depression, organ transplant rejection, or high blood pressure - amiodarone (Cordarone®, Pacerone®)

- bosentan (Tracleer ) ®

- buspirone - carbamazepine (Carbatrol®, Epitol®, Equetro®, Tegretol®) - clonazepam (Klonopin®)

COMPLERA, EMTRIVA, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, GSI, HEPSERA, STRIBILD, the STRIBILD Logo, TRUVADA, TYBOST, VIREAD, and VITEKTA are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. ATRIPLA is a trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb & Gilead Sciences, LLC. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners.

- clorazepate (Gen-xene®, Tranxene®)

© 2015 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. STBC0174 03/15

- clarithromycin (Biaxin®, Prevpac®)

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BODY

NO MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED: THREE EASY WORKOUTS ANYONE CAN DO OUTSIDE

words EDRIC ROBINSON photography RAY EUGENIO all clothing BOOHOOMAN

Why waste your entire summer in the gym as the weather heats up? The good news is, you really don’t need a membership to get in shape. Not only are outdoor exercises just as effective as exercises performed inside a gym, they can be more enjoyable and provide appealing advantages to a person Joseph Bailey of Rebellion Fitness returns with three quick and easy exercises that allow you to take advantage of your summer days in almost any outdoor setting.

Don’t waste your summer in the gym! Here are three easy exercises you can do outside.

EXTENDED ARM SQUATS (targeted muscles: biceps and shoulder muscles)

HOW TO DO IT: Stand with your feet shoulder-length apart and arms extended straight with your fingers touching. Look straight ahead and bend your knees, keeping your torso straight as you lower your body.

Stop once your thighs are parallel to the ground and slowly rise back up. Repeat.

HOW MANY REPS: 10-15 squats. 3-4 sets. Pause 30 seconds at the bottom of each rep.

PERSONAL TIPS: It’s just like a normal squat but with the use of your arms for an extra burn. Keeping your arms extended will help target your biceps and shoulder muscles. To increase difficulty, add dumbbells to the movement.

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PARK BENCH SIT-UPS (targeted muscles: abs and back)

HOW TO DO IT: Place your back on a seat and raise your legs in the air. Move your body in a regular sit-up motion, raising your torso towards your knees.

Repeat this exercise a few more times for a quick core workout.

HOW MANY REPS: 10-15 sit-ups. 3-4 sets

PULL - UPS

(targeted muscles: back muscles, biceps, trapezius, latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, teres major)

HOW TO DO IT: Grip a pull-up bar with your palms facing outward. Start with arms almost fully extended. Pull your bodyweight up. Lower yourself until your arms are almost fully extended.

Repeat.

HOW MANY REPS: 5-10 pull-ups. 3-4 sets.

PERSONAL TIPS: Concentrate on squeezing the back muscles once you reach the full contracted position. The upper torso should remain stationary throughout the entire motion. The primary function of the forearms should be to hold the bar.

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GROOMING

DIy g n i m o o r G

storeives to their at rn te al l ra atu care that IAMS INIQUE WILL ns for body looking for n o e ti p ar o o words DOM ” h f w el e rs ou out ther few “Do It Y For the men e’s a list of a er h s, ct u e. d m bought pro your own ho e and use in you can mak

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SHAVING Aftershave balm from inhabitat.c vegetable om -- In glycerin, 6 gredients: drops of sw Witch haze 1 cup of w eet orange l is a natura itch hazel, oil, and 3 l astringent as shrink th 1 teaspoon dro that helps e pores whi of remove exce ps of sandalwood es le vegetabl ingredients sential oil. ss e glycerin ac dirt and oil together an ts as a moi fr d pour into om little into yo th e skin as wel sturizer, tone a spray bottl u hand or sp l r and cleans e. You can ritz onto yo er. Blend al also pour in ur face afte l to r a glass bottl shaving.

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words EBONY ALLISON www.foodnetwork.com

ROASTED SHRIMP with

HOMEMADE COCKTAIL SAUCE MAKES: 8 SERVINGS TOTAL TIME: 3 HRS 50 MINUTES

BELLINI COCKTAILS

PREP: 1 HOUR 10 MINUTES REFRIGERATION: 2-8 HOURS

MAKES: 6-8 SERVINGS TOTAL TIME: 45 MINUTES

COOK: 40 MINUTES

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ingredients

directions

2 pounds large shrimp (16 to 20 count), peeled and deveined 4 garlic cloves, minced Salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons butter 1/2 large sweet onion, diced (about 3/4 cup) 2 tablespoons coriander seed, toasted and ground 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 2 cups canned whole plum tomatoes, pulsed in a food processor to puree 1 bay leaf Zest of 1/2 lemon 2 tablespoons lemon juice 3 to 4 tablespoons hot-prepared horseradish (not creamed) or freshly grated horseradish 4 shakes (about 1/8 teaspoon) cayenne powder 4 teaspoons sugar 2 heads bibb lettuce, small and medium leaves only

Blot the shrimp dry and place in a medium bowl along with the garlic, a pinch of salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and the olive oil. Refrigerate anytime between 2 to 8 hours.

MAGAZINE

ree's peachy

For the sauce: Heat the butter in a large nonreactive skillet. Add the onion and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook over medium heat, stirring often until coppery brown, 10 to 15 minutes. Add the ground coriander and the thyme, and stir to combine. Add the pureed tomatoes, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, the bay leaf and the lemon zest. Cook, uncovered, over mediumlow heat until the sauce thickens, 10 to 15 minutes.

Add the lemon juice, horseradish, cayenne powder and sugar, and season to taste. Pour the sauce into a small bowl and let cool to room temperature before serving... ...continue reading at www.foodnetwork.com

PREP: 10 MINUTES COOK: 5 MINUTES

ingredients

1 cup sugar One 1-pound bag frozen peaches Zest of 1 lemon Champagne or sparkling wine, for serving directions

Make a simple syrup by adding the sugar and 1/2 cup water to a very small saucepan and heating over low heat until all of the sugar is dissolved. Transfer to a container and allow to cool completely in the fridge.

Grab the bag of frozen peaches and the lemon zest and add them to a blender with the co syrup; blend until smooth. Place the blender pitcher in the fridge until ready to serve.

To serve, pour some puree into a champagne flute and top off with very cold champagne or sparkling wine.

STIR FRY STEAK TACOS MAKES: 4 SERVINGS TOTAL TIME: 15 MINUTES PREP: 5 MINUTES COOK: 10 MINUTES

ingredients

1 pound skirt steak 1 tablespoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/4 teaspoon sugar Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper Eight 6-inch corn tortillas 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 medium red onion, halved and cut into 1/4-inchthick slices Sour cream, guacamole, salsa verde, pico de gallo and shredded Mexican-blend cheese, for serving directions

Cut the steak along the grain into 3-inch pieces, then slice each piece across the grain into 1/3-inch-thick strips. Toss the steak into a medium bowl with the chili powder, oregano, sugar, 3/4 teaspoon of salt and a few grinds of pepper.

Heat a large nonstick skillet over high heat.

Meanwhile, wrap the tortillas in a clean dishtowel, and microwave at high heat for 1 minute. Let sit, wrapped in the dishtowel, until ready to serve.

When the skillet is hot, add the oil. Add the seasoned steak in an even layer. After letting sit unstirred for 2 minutes, give the steak a good stir and let cook until brown for about 1 1/2 minutes more. Transfer the steak to a medium bowl. Immediately add the onions to the skillet, and stir until brown and slightly softened, about 1 1/2 minutes; transfer to the bowl with the steak, and stir to combine...

the

JACK ROSE MAKES: 1 SERVING TOTAL TIME: 2 MINUTES PREP: 2 MINUTES

...continue reading at www.foodnetwork.com www.seriouseats.com

ingredients

2 ounces Laird’s Applejack 3/4 ounce grenadine, preferably homemade 3/4 ounces fresh squeezed juice from 1 lemon 1 dash Peychaud’s Bitters Ice cubes Lemon twists directions

Combine applejack, grenadine, lemon juice, and bitters in a cocktail shaker. Fill shaker with ice and shake vigorously until well chilled, about 15 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass. Squeeze lemon twist over surface of drink, skinside-out to release fragrant oils. Rub rim of glass with skin side of lemon twist and discard twist. Serve immediately.

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BIG PHAT

GREEK

GETAWAY words KISHON SPRINGER

BLEU has an exotic, breathtaking destination to consider. How does Greece sound? Its diverse landscape and enduring culture makes it one of the most beautiful places to visit in Europe.

There are tons of places to explore and all of them are well preserved as if to honor the Grecians, citizens of one of the most remarkable civilizations of human history. BLEU counts down the best activities to do and some remarkable places to see when you visit Greece. So get ready to enjoy the adventure of a lifetime!

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5 4

DELPHI RUINS

The ancient Greeks believed that the city of Delphi was the center of the world. Nowadays, the whole city is basically a museum. Delphi houses the Temple of Apollo, which was built in the 7th century B.C. There is not much that still stands but you can see the beautiful pillars and artifacts that have survived.

If you are not into history, the view, alone, is a sight to see. Just a walk in Delphi is like walking through the past. Enjoy the view from—as the Greeks would say—“the center of the world!”

EPIDAURUS THEATER

The Greeks lived large back in 340 B.C. and the Epidaurus Theater is where live entertainment took place during that ancient time. The Greeks were extremely advanced in architecture and design. The theater sits on a curve of the northern slope of Mount Kynorito. Bleachers are carved from stone as a stage sits at the bottom of the curve. This is one of the best preserved ruins of Greece. Performances still continue to take place at the theater today.

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MYKONOS - LITTLE VENICE

The neighborhood of Little Venice sits right on the edge of the sea, thus giving the town its romance and charm. We recommend spending a night in a seaside bed and breakfast for a more thrilling experience.

Imagine watching the beautiful sunset over the water right from your window!

2

BEACHES OF CRETE

Time for some fun in the sun! Grab your trunks or bikinis. We’re headed for Crete! Crete is an island off the coast of Greece with clean, crystal clear-watered beaches. The most popular beach is Elafonisi, known for its pure white sands and turquoise waters. The beach gives way to a huge mountain landscape with a breathtaking view. This beach will meet all your selfie needs, so lay your towel down and enjoy the sun!

1

SANTORINI

The Santorini architecture is one of Greece’s pristine national treasures. Santorini is the capital of Greece. The whitepainted villages sit on high, red-colored cliffs. Unlike most places in Greece that are very close to the sea, the people of ancient Santorini were urged to build their homes on this huge cliff due to the fear of pirate invasions. Fira, the main town in Santorini, looks out to the ocean and gives you a view of a nearby volcano. Spend your time gazing at the beautiful architecture of the churches and homes. Santorini simply booms of beautiful views in Greece—some of the best in the world.

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creative RONI FRANCOIS photographer JULIEN MITCHELL & YANII CHARMS fashion JAMES C. & STEPHON JAMES

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hat WESC shirt & socks ICNY shorts MARK MCNAIRY shoes FILLING PIECES

tank top & socks ICNY shorts MARK MCNAIRY hat ICNY sandals CAMPER

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jacket DR. MARTENS sandles CAMPER socks ICNY shirt & shorts SOULLAND

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jacket DR. MARTENS shorts & hat SOULLAND

jacket DR. MARTENS shirt & shorts SOULLAND

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sweater ANZEVINO GETTY shorts SOULLAND shoes FILLING PIECES

coat ANZEVINO GETTY pants SOULLAND shoes CAMPER

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denim jacket & jeans SOULLAND shoes DR. MARTENS jacket H&M hoodie ABBOT MAIN shirt WESC pants SOULLAND boots DR. MARTENS

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THE CREATIVES

REVOL UTIONARY PENMAN SHIP MARKUS PRIME

words CHEEBA CRUZ

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“I’m just expressing something that everybody agrees with...”

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Social media has the power to expose individuals with undiscovered talents. Prolific visual artist of this era, Markus Prime, has been penetrating hearts in the world of Black art and the international art world at large. It’s clear by his audience that the sharpie maniac was destined, not only to grace these times with empowering pieces, but to get a particular conversation rolling about the ascension of Black people.

While flooding the internet with Black illustrational art, there’s a primitive connection while at the same time a royal tie between Markus Prime and his last name. As an artist drawing from free space in his imagination, “Markus Prime Lives” is an advocate of accentually depicting women to show a physical and internal root of strength. He does this in his works. Young girls look at his drawings and see pictures that look like themselves. They are inspired to love themselves—their lips, their shapes, their curls. By viewing his portraits, men build a more positive perspective toward women. The young erudite is leading a tribe of his own as he “changes the view on black women while impacting beliefs,” says Markus Prime. Markus feels that the subject of black women is very “heavy.” The free-form artist is no doubt penetrating today’s culture with a pure custom imagery that’s redefining mastery animation.

His works are arousing favorable responses. “I’m just expressing something that everybody agrees with – I can’t push a culture without people agreeing. The response is obviously necessary,” states Prime.

This modern chapter of American history is certainly relaying a transparent awareness about socioeconomic status. Gaps keep extending. Struggles ever linger. The public’s trust for the police keeps thinning out like a drunkard’s blood. Folks remain frustrated with the music industry, and journalists are pissed because bloggers exist. However, the managerial pen is being passed down now. Some of the right have been chosen to lead this generation and take on the responsibility to curve the left. Hip-Hop’s mission is to preserving culture. Kendrick Lamar is saying a lot and America, as a whole, should be listening. Photographers are reshaping the image of the radiant Black woman back to her elegance and divine presence. Artists are now finding it necessary to exert the necessary energy to cultivate the present culture while simultaneously documenting the times; these are times that inquisitively take up massive space in our brains resulting in frustration by artists far and wide. It’s revelational for the society, as a whole, to share in this experience. Creators have to tell the truth in their works.

One adequate factor to the dual design of the millennial individual is that he or she has the best of both worlds: A millennial can stray away from a laptop because childhood memories of running around outdoors until the streetlights came on linger in the memory box.

We grew up to funky records our parents played at dinner parties and we were the first teenagers to lose sleep due to AOL instant messenger. Because time and experience are great teachers (and sometimes ass whuppings), it is no wonder this generation–with its growing pains and screw-ups--is currently leading many a platforms of diverse spectrum.

“…I can’t push a culture without people agreeing.”

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OP-ED

s d i K e g e l l o C e k Bro words ANDRE WHEELER

Rarely can it be argued that living beyond one’s means is a normal part of being a college student. Countless phone calls from needy students to request financial resources of their supportive parents take place each and everyday. Add to this equation a student trying to keep up with present-day fashion trends, and the level of this dynamic increases dramatically. In New York City alone, college kids’ latest fashion trend is shopping beyond their parents’ tax bracket. “I personally try to stay away from ‘mall brands’ like Urban Outfitters and Zumiez,” says Izel Villarba, a 19-year-old NYU junior. “I’m looking into wearing some higher-up fashion. My roommate got me hooked onto Supreme,” admits Villarba. “I’m trying my hardest to get some of its Fall/Winter stuff.” To save up for one of Supreme’s $348 jackets, Villarba has taken on a part-time job.

For some, like Maeve Carlos, 21, an obsession with better brands represents a maturity growth. As a teen, Maeve’s closet was filled with fast-fashion brands like Forever 21 and Necessary Clothing. But ever since working for Buffalo Exchange in Chelsea, NYC, her closet has become overstuffed with All Saints and Helmut Lang. “When I was younger, I was more concerned with getting the most clothes I possibly could,” Maeve says. “So I would buy a bunch of clothes on sale, even though I didn’t like them. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized quality is definitely more important that quantity.”

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The students interviewed attributed their new luxury shopping infatuation to the current trend of high quality, minimalistic dressing, which has yet to trickle down into more affordable stores. “I’m trying hard to go for a super clean, super minimalist look--like A.P.C.,” says Izel Villabra. A.P.C. features $300 sweaters and $100 t-shirts.

Hence it’s not surprising that a group of NYU students, who go to a $60,000-a-year college, crowd around a computer, scroll through brands like Rag & Bone, Opening Ceremony, and Hood by Air, with their mouths wide open. “I think you’d only find someone buying a sweater they actually can’t afford in New York City,” says Ja’la Perkins, a University of North Texas junior. “I mean, what other city has a fashion week? To these kids, their image is more important than their education.

When you live in a fashion city like New York City, you can’t help but to want that Fifth Avenue image,” Perkins says. “At my school, everyone just wants to graduate. The only people who dress fancy are sorority girls.”

But Maeve insists that her pricey shopping is not just about her image and aesthetic. “I really do believe there is a difference in quality. I have a sweater from All Saints and a sweater from H&M that have the same shape and style. I’ve had the All Saints sweater for a few months now and it still looks brand new. The H&M sweater is already pilling and worn after wearing and washing it a couple of times.”

s n e w O k c i R r a e W Actually, these college kids may be spending less for Prada and Versace than the average suburbanite spends on Urban Outfitters and American Apparel, due to Manhattan’s great consignment stores. “I honestly don’t spend that much on clothes,” Maeve asserts. Her job at consignment store Buffalo Exchange gives her first pick for $100 Helmut Lang leather jackets and $60 Rag & Bone leather boots. Plus, consignment shops like Buffalo Exchange, Crossroads and Beacon’s Closet allow customers to trade in their own clothes and receive money or store credit for them.

“We typically try to price things one-fourth of their original price. So if you bring in a $250 pair of Naked and Famous jeans, they’d be priced at $50,” says Maeve Carlos, who consigns clothing from customers.

For people who can’t make it to Manhattan, there’s hope. Buffalo Exchange has over 50 locations nationwide and Crossroads has locations in Chicago, Washington D.C. and scattered along the West Coast.

In fact, there are actually a lot of great online consignment stores.

ThredUp.com, TheRealreal.com, and Liketwice.com all feature highend designer’s clothes for a much lower price. In addition, stores like Barney’s, Saks, and Nordstrom’s all have warehouse websites. For example, Barney’s Warehouse featured a pair of originally $340 Rag & Bone boots for $100. What a steal!

So it’s possible to participate in the current youth trend of dressing rich without being rich. Perhaps this “mall counter-culture” has risen from the internet introducing youths to higher quality brands typically not found in their suburban malls back home. Tumblr is notorious for being saturated with high quality photos of the actual labels of clothes from Acne, All Saints, and Supreme. These photos have been reblogged tens of thousands of times. Also, these teens walk into an NYC consignment store and see that American Eagle and American Apparel sweaters get priced for as low as $6-$15, while sweaters from Rag & Bone and All Saints get priced for $40-$60. They quickly learn brands’ real values.

“I definitely don’t judge people who don’t own high-end,” Maeve says, “but I do think people who pay original retail price for items are delirious.” Perhaps it’s because an item like a $60 American Eagle hoodie has been sold for as low as $10 in a consignment store.

So, it becomes clear young adults aren’t trying to waste their (parents’) dollars on high-end brands like A.P.C., Supreme and Hood by Air. They’re just trying to spend them wisely. Apparently there are some college students who know how to live within their means and still be fashionable. Can it be asserted that several are actually trying to shop frugally? Apparently so!

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COVER

MAN MIRROR IN THE

words EMIL WILBEKIN photography CLIFF WATTS fashion styling ENRIQUE MELENDEZ & ASHLEY ELIZABETH FOR ENA CREATIVE AT BLACKBOARDGROUP MGMT fashion direction CHRIS SANDFORD grooming NIL MUIR production AJ CRIMSON FOR BLACKBOARDGROUP MGMT

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The hottest new Hollywood heartthrob is singer/actor Jussie Smollett who plays Jamal Lyons on the new hit TVseries Empire. Jussie has become a new hero for the next generation of young men by breaking barriers, refusing to be boxed and redefining what it means to live authentically in the glitzy, but often treacherous world of entertainment.

There is no doubt Jussie Smollett is living out his dreams. He is one of the stars of the FOX primetime megahit series Empire. The series, which was co-created and is executively produced by director Lee Daniels, delivered record-breaking ratings. The show’s two-hour finale scored 21.92 million viewers--the highest rated scripted series on network TV in 10 years. Not a bad gig for a someone who just happed into acting as a child to kill a little summer boredom. Today, he finished a fitting with Calvin Klein for an appearance to promote season 2 of the hit TV show.

“DarIing, I’m ‘sample size,’ so let me wear the runway outfit,” Smollett says in an over-the-top jovial voice.

Jussie plays Jamal Lyons, the middle son of entertainment mogul Lucious Lyons. Lucious has challenged his three sons to fight to see who will become the heir to his billion dollar record label Empire.

Jamal’s character has become a fan favorite because he is openly gay, cute, sensitive and a bit of a badass on the down low.

“Yeah, it feels like a dream,” says Jussie about his meteoric rise. The 31-year-old, who has been an actor and singer since the age of six, declares, “I feel really, really blessed. I thank God so much that I’m in this position right now.”

The position Jussie is referring to is his breakout starring role on Empire.

He also recently landed a recording deal with Columbia Records, and appeared on the Billboard Music Awards singing “Conqueror” from Empire with songstress Estelle. The song serves as the unofficial anthem for both Jussie’s and Jamal’s life.

One notable moment as of recent was when Jussie appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show where he had a very candid and slightly defensive discussion about his sexuality. “There’s never been a closet that I’ve been in,” Jussie declared to Ellen. Of course this video clip went

viral and made Jussie even more of a hero to a generation of young men who consider themselves gay but don’t want to be labeled as such.

Many actors find it hard to land a starring role on network TV and even more difficult if you are African-American. Thanks to Shonda Rhimes, there have been more Black stars in leading roles, like Kerry Washington and Viola Davis. Empire, however, starring Oscar nominees Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson, Gabourey Sidibe, and newcomers Smollett, Trae Byers and Bryshere Y. Gray is a bit of an anomaly because of its mostly Black ensemble and its skyrocketing ratings. “It’s been a lesson in patience and hard work. I never had a plan B. I know how to do other things. I always held down a job. I always made sure, as a Black man, that I was responsible for mine,” says Smollett about his journey to Hollywood. “That was always something super important to me and was something instilled in me by my mother--to be a hard working man, a hard working human being.”

How did he keep his faith and focus in Hollywood, which is notorious for breaking people’s dreams, passions and spirit? “In those moments it’s so hard to continue in your stride when you feel like no one is listening. That is the test. How much do you really want it and how long are you going to stay at it until you get it. Just have faith and pray about it–and work hard,” Jussie reveals. “Don’t just sit and pray and not do anything, because God helps those who help themselves.

Don’t just work and not pray. Believe in something–whether it’s the universe, your God or Janet Jackson. Whatever you believe in, believe in it fully and know that it’s going to be alright.”

Smollett appeared in The Mighty Ducks in 1992 and North in 1994. He also starred on TV with his real-life siblings on the short lived ABC sitcom On Our Own in 1994.

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His family background and upbringing was a very important training ground for the role of Jamal.

Jussie Langston Mikha Smollett grew up in Santa Rosa, CA, the son of interracial couple, Janet and Joel Smollett. Jussie is one of six offspring born to his Black mother and Jewish father. Jussie explains, “My life kind of prepared me for Jamal, because I am the middle son in real life. I am a singer. I have experienced the same issues that Jamal has dealt with in his life except my Momma wasn’t in jail for 17 years and my Daddy wasn’t a billionaire. [Laughs] That’s the great thing about playing Jamal.”

The legendary openly-gay Irish author/playwright Oscar Wilde once stated, “Life imitates art far more than art imitates life.” This may not be the case when one enters a world created by the Empire mastermind, openly-gay Lee Daniels, who also produced the acclaimed Monster’s Ball and directed Precious. Jussie and Jamal artistically and psychologically inspire and influence each other and are not mutually exclusive personalities…at least not from Jussie’s perspective.

“When I met with the writers [of Empire], I was telling them that I’ve been able to go through the journey with Jamal. In some ways, I learn from him and he learns from me, at least in the sense of what I’m able to bring from the character,” Jussie explains. “I’m bouncing back and forth with this character and it’s almost like--I’m sure this will sound a little strange from an outsider looking in-I’m having a friendship with this person who does not realistically exist.”

He elaborates on his relationship with Jamal: “I’m almost able to have conversations with myself about the pieces of me that are all the way me, and the pieces of me that are Jamal. To find ways for these two people to bleed together has been very freeing for me. I don’t hide behind [Jamal], but he is in a place I’d like to be–-it’s scary, but it’s also freeing.”

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My life kinda prepared me for Jamal…

”

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Every time I did that scene it was like coming out again and again and again.

”

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“

The scenes with Terrence and I are most intense; they’re also draining. But at the same time, I trust him with my soul.

”

A form of experimental therapy called therapeutic theatre or drama therapy is where acting and/or theater techniques are used to facilitate personal growth or promote mental well-being. Jussie agrees that his rapport with Jamal is a bit like therapy and so it seemed like the perfect segue to explore some of Jamal’s most powerful scenes during Season 1 and how the scenes reflect Jussie’s real life.

EPISODE 8: “The Lyons Roar” -- The Lyons family comes together to celebrate the Legacy album. Jamal performs his father Lucious’ hit song “You‘re So Beautiful” with a slight twist in the lyrics--“The kind of lyrics that make a man love a man.”

“Every time I did that scene it was like coming out again and again and again,” Jussie explains. “Right before shooting that scene I felt very nervous, as if somehow things would never be the same--and they weren’t, yet they were. It’s the same feeling that I had when I did Ellen. It was a little bit scary, but it was freeing. The fan response that I’ve gotten from that scene has been next level to me.”

EPISODE 12: “Who I Am” -- In an effort to keep control over the Empire Records roster during a hostile takeover, Jamal battles one of the label’s homophobic, hardcore rappers, Black Rambo, and retaliates by singing in response to the emcee calling him a “bitch”; he literally drops the mic.

“That shows that Jamal is Jamal. He is going to battle you with his most priceless gifts--love and a voice.

That’s what he has. And anything else can be [handled] because of that,” Jussie explains. “In the scene I was like, ‘Ummm…uhhhh…I need to rap.’” His voice raises in pitch and he laughs. “I was like, ‘Ms. Debbie! [He refers to Debbie Allen who directed the episode.] I need to rap!’

But what I saw in the end was that there was power and impact in what Jamal was saying and the way he was saying it. When he said ‘Bitch!’, that was enough. I love that scene; it’s one of my favorites.”

EPISODE 11: “Die But Once” -- Lucious has writer’s block and ask his son Jamal for help. They preform a tension-filled duet, “Nothing To Loose.”

“This was by far my favorite scene that I shot the entire season. I have such a wonderful brotherhood with Terrence. The scenes with Terrence and I are most intense; they’re also draining. But at the same time, I trust him with my soul. I feel like our chemistry is great. He’s dope. And I have such a love and respect for him that I feel comes across in the show. When we did that song in the studio, it wasn’t put together; it was all live. Terrence doesn’t record like that. He wants to do it live in front of a microphone--he and I in the same booth together. Everything in there was all jokes and fun, and all done live while we were recording. It was choreographed by Terrence, myself and [director] Mario Van Peebles. It was so important to get across the fact that these are animals and that Jamal is a baby Lucious.

Jamal is more like Lucious than anybody, though they are most different.”

So what does authenticity mean to Jussie? “Being fearless, but also acknowledging when you are being fearful and being okay with that,” Jussie explains. “Being okay with any emotions you are going to feel. Feeling in a healthy way and trying to direct those emotions into a positive light. That, to me, is being authentic to who you are.”

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Elijah Blake has traveled a long tested road. Though he’s young, he is an industry veteran who has spent time behind the scenes writing records for some of music’s biggest stars.

Now, the seasoned newcomer has finally stepped to the forefront and is shining bright in his biggest moment thanks to the release of his official debut album, Shadows & Diamonds. double breasted funnel neck coat $2,800 tapered-leg drop-crotch trouser $825 SCOTT LANGTON shirt $350 MAISON KITSUNÉ necklace watch bracelet (ELIJAH’S OWN)

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Following a standard briefing from a Def Jam publicist, a polite, leveled-demeanored voice spoke on the phone humbly accepting my congratulatory praises. The man behind the voice lets loose a snarky comment regarding the Los Angeles summertime ambiance he’s currently basking in, providing some brief comedic relief. Just like that, the ice is broken. A few chuckles later, we’ve avoided the dreadful awkward introduction and are now in full throttle with the interview.

With his tone growing more vibrant and passionate as he speaks, Elijah Blake clearly articulates the answers to each question with conviction and confidence. He possesses the type of self-assurance only an individual who is genuinely in tune with himself can boast. In the streets, there’s a saying used when referencing that guy: “It’s in you, not on you.”

With each wordy response coming through the muffled phone speaker, Elijah’s aura grows stronger.

It becomes clearer that his DNA contains that “it” factor and that he, too, has “it” in him. There’s a lot of hype currently associated with this crooner’s name and career thus far. If given a chance to speak with Blake, one would get the idea that all the praise coming his way is justified. His successes have been far from accidental. It is quite evident that Elijah is finally reaping what he has sowed. In fact, when he explains it, it comes across as fate: “When I was around the age of seven, my mom took me to a church for the pastor to pray for me because I was so bad. At the time, it just so happened to be during choir rehearsal. He told my mom to leave me and come back later.

While he was conducting rehearsal, he looked over at me and told me to come join. While I was singing I was able to go low and high. The pastor took notice and told me he doesn’t believe anything happens by accident or by chance. ‘You have a gift from God,’ he told me.” Blake credits that specific occurrence as the key moment that struck the right chord in his inner musical “entity.””

Now, at 24-years-old, it’s been some years since the Palm Beach, Florida native’s initial arrival on the music scene. As a musically inclined teenager, Blake first earned clout as a viral success after selling tens of thousands of independent albums online through iTunes. However, his journey on the road to success would be slowed by rough times and roadblocks, including a major record label deal that fell through due to what he cites as “creative differences.”

Remaining optimistic, an unemployed, teenage Blake never lost faith.

“There was no backup plan for me,” he confesses.

“It’s always been music or nothing. I feel like when you have a plan B in terms of your life or something you’re passionate about, it’s kind of like betting against yourself.”

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In 2009, with the odds stacked higher and struggling to keep his head held high, his songwriting ability paved a new route. He earned a placement on Trey Songz’ transcending album Ready, lending his writing contribution on the fan-favorite cut, “Jupiter Love.”

Speaking modestly, Elijah touched on the turn his path took--“It got real tough at times, but I’d say with my faith in God and gift of writing, I was blessed enough to be able to exercise that ability to its fullest extent. I think back on how everything played out; I believe it was mapped out this way to actually work in my favor.”

Since then, he’s flourished, winning a Grammy Award for his penmanship on R&B legend Usher’s 2012 charttopping single, “Climax,” an intimate falsetto-infused ballad. Along the way, Blake has worked with the likes of music heavyweightsincluding R&B queen Mary J. Blige and Caribbean pop sensation Rihanna. As his pen game climbed to elite stature, his notoriety amongst his peers grew stronger as well. His compositional successes were soon followed by a label deal with Def Jam through his mentor, producer-extraordinaire, NO I.D. of Artium Records. In 2012, he released Bijoux 22, which contained eight melodic tracks of nostalgic, smooth, modernized rhythm & blues, and was headlined by the successful Common-assisted single “X.O.X.” “I am somebody who overthinks,” Blake admitted.

“I thought it could have been a bad thing at first, not because of the music, but because that was just something we threw together quick. It turned out it really wasn’t so bad. [Laughs] The impact from that tape was great! Nobody knew Elijah Blake before I put that out. It allowed the world to be introduced to Elijah Blake the artist, not the songwriter.”

Shortly after building his audience through the first offering, a more seasoned Blake found himself carving out his creative niche. In 2014, Blake showcased his biggest artistic growth spurt thanks to the release of Drift, another eight track EP. This one proved to be a darker personal body of work deeply rooted with a soulful core. Each track is driven by emotion and complemented with moody production and thoughtprovoking lyrics about earnest tales of abuse, love and sex. “One thing I realized is when you do good music from the heart, people will appreciate it,” Blake said. “I remember a conversation I had with NO I.D. He told me, ‘good music transcends everything.’

I put it out and it became my moment for me.”

Today, Blake has continued to organically build a core following. Even as his notoriety continues to grow in vast volumes, he remains mindful of music’s impact as he uses this platform to deliver substance within his art keeping it authentic to its original form. On his latest project, the previously mentioned debut album, Shadows & Diamonds, he hopes to cement a signature sound all his own; he strives to create gentleman-style croons with songs like “Uno” where he confesses his infatuation for his one and only girl. Heartfelt honesty is the intent featured on songs like “Drop Dead Beautiful,” a track a that pays homage to his significant other’s natural good looks.

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Both tracks rely on a genuine sense of unguarded masculinity--a frame of mind vulnerable enough for women and masculine enough for men. “To me a great R&B artist is one that sings their truths and incorporates that perspective into their artistry,” Blake said. ”It’s about answering my calling as an individual. I am confident I’ve done that. I feel Shadows & Diamonds is my artistry in its purest form. This album is the glue for Bijoux 22 and Drift...anybody who enjoyed them will love this.” jacket $950 MAISON KITSUNÉ long-line tank top $10 BOOHOOMAN jeans $282 KSUBI sneakers $485 WOOLLIER

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FEATURE

W

words EDRIC ROBINSON

ith over three decades of acting experience, Malik Yoba’s new role on the hit FOX TV drama Empire has catapulted him again to international prominence as an actor. Amazingly, he has continued to captivate his long-time fans who have supported him since his 1990s New York Undercover days, as well as earn the respect of a whole new generation of viewers. While sitting in the corner booth of one of his favorite restaurants, Olea, near his home in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, Yoba discusses an array of topics ranging from the building of his own empire to his favorite characters in the new hit series..

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Donning a grey tailored suit, red-striped shirt and a patterned navy blue necktie, Yoba’s spot-on sartorial decisions are out-shined only by his seasoned confidence and easy candor. Now at 47, grey hairs speckle throughout his goatee, but he’s still good-looking, with a warm and inviting swag. As he finishes his Mediterranean meal, he reflects on how--almost in happenstance--his current projects are all centered on tackling societal issues. “Like the show Empire, that deals with Cookie (played by Taraji P. Henson), a formerly incarcerated woman who deals with social issue after social issue--gay son-social issue, bipolar-social issue, black men in business-social issue--my company, Iconic32, tackles these touch points using pop culture to promote social good. We’re in the ‘give a fuck’ business,” Yoba says with a laugh. His company, co-founded with business partner Sergio Morales, was created before the role on Empire came about.

With hopes of promoting the use of creativity to address issues, Yoba and his business partners feel they’ve been witnessing the effects of that famous saying, “If you build it, they will come.” “The idea that you can start a company [with a] purpose, move on faith, and build it--it’s amazing to see how people come and are attracted to it.

“He’s the cleanup man.

He’s the confidant. He’s the chairman of the board…but he’s also ‘that nigga,’” This creativity is what attracted him to theater earlier in his life.

During his childhood, he caught the acting bug when he appeared in an off-Broadway production of Alice in Wonderland. The acting fever of his youth was short-lived when the crime and violence of his New York City surroundings caught up with him. At age 15 he was shot in the neck. Surviving the ordeal, he decided the best course of his life would be to devote himself to serving the less fortunate

We have TV stuff in development, documentary film projects on Ferguson and music work with 88 Fresh,” Yoba celebrates. “We’re continuously getting requests from people who want to be involved. We’ve partnered with Common and his Common Ground Foundation. We also did an event with Athletes for Art, raising money for Smile Design Gallery which provides dental care for people who don’t have insurance,” Yoba continues. There is a joy in his eyes as he lays out his company’s vision for success in art, technology and e-commerce. The name Iconic32, as Morales points out, was inspired by basketball legend Magic Johnson who wore the number 32 on his jersey. What is asked of the public is simple–“Be creative.” Yoba emphasizes, “Don’t be afraid to be creative; we encourage this with our #pledge2creativity campaign.”

around him. In his early twenties, he worked for service organizations that primarily provided support for the youth in his community. But an afternoon in 1991 would prove to change the course of his life; after reluctantly attending an open call for a screenplay called Cool Runnings, he landed the role of one of the Jamaican bobsledders. Appearing in the movie Cool Runnings back in 1993 proved to be the impetus for him to land the role as Detective Williams on the hit TV series New York Undercover.

Though the show only lasted for 4 seasons, he still earned household status as an actor and went on to be a part of a slew of television series and movies.

In 2014, Yoba was fortunate enough to land the role of Vernon Taylor, the streetwise, business savvy Chair of Empire Music’s Board of Directors on FOX’s mega hit Empire. “I look at Vernon as the moral center. He’s the guy who grew up with Lucious (played by Terrance Howard) but never hustled. He knew the guys that were hustling, but he did all the right things.

His character knows he was instrumental in making Lucious successful. “He’s the cleanup man. He’s the confidant. He’s the chairman of the board…but he’s also ‘that nigga,’” Yoba says with squared shoulders.

Along with actors Henson and Howard, Yoba shares scenes with a slew of newcomers. “I’m most happy for the younger actors--Yazz, Jussie, Trai Serayah and Ta’Rhonda who plays Porsha. Many never acted before and Lee Daniels is really good at giving people

a shot,” Yoba said. “I’ve been known to hold lil acting sessions on set before they go do a scene. That’s important, because at the end of the day you don’t want them to stick out [causing people to think] ‘damn y’all are good but those young ones are really green.’” As a fervent fan of rehearsal, he’s shared technical tips on set like where to stand for the camera and how to exit a scene.

Yoba has also imparted wisdom on using subtlety to bring forth emotion on screen.

“I tell them, if you think it, it will literally come out through your eyes.” The art of acting is truly his passion. Yoba recalls the late John Candy, his costar in Cool Runnings, saying, “We’re only as strong as our weakest link. Make sure everyone is strong in a scene and make every scene count.” Not only has he remembered this tip 22 years later, but he still practices it.

According to the Nielsen ratings, Empire premiered in January with a viewership of 9.9 million. It subsequently grows in viewership every episode. As Yoba looks to the show’s future, he hopes to direct episodes next season and fulfill other dreams deferred. “I’m still interested in making music. I put it off to the side because my acting career took off. When I’ve tried to integrate music into it over the years, I haven’t been as successful as I would have liked,” Yoba reveals. After years in the business, Yoba admits that his definition of success has changed. “When I think of success now, I picture it as the quieting of this thing that bugs me every day; this thing that tells me I haven’t done shit yet. If that ever quiets down, then I may feel that I have had success.”

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THE HUMANS

Jenny Bapst What do you do?

I am a singer/songwriter and a model signed with Elite Model Management. I also am Director of Business Management for an exclusive membership community called SELECT. What makes it worth it?

My mission is to make people have a good time. I love to bring a lot of different people together (in terms of social background, culture, country of origin, etc.) and have them have a blast without them thinking they are different. I love to see people happy and connecting with one another. Luckily for me, I can do that when I work any of my jobs Tell us about your roots.

I was born and raised in Paris from a native Black American and Swiss mother and a father of French and Belgian origin. I moved to New York City ten years ago and made it my home.

What was the last thing that scared the hell out of you?

I hate snakes. So when I saw a guy walking towards me with a big boa on his shoulders, I had to change sidewalks very quickly [Laughs].

If you had a super power, what would it be?

I would love to fly—go anywhere, anytime.

What designer would you choose to style you for the rest of your life?

Um—tough question because I love many of them. But it would either be Balmain or Saint Laurent. OK Balmain!!!

If you were given the opportunity to earn your Ph.D in any field, in what field would it be?

I’d have to go with a Ph.D in Psychology. The human brain is a beautiful thing.

What are you most looking forward to in 2015?

Writing, recording and sharing my new album Sunset People. I am very excited!

photo by Peter Brown

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iB-Rease What do you do?

I’m a DJ. I go by the name IB-rease--that’s my stage name.

What makes it worth it?

There are a lot of perks to being a DJ. First and foremost, I enjoy music a lot; it’s a passion of mine.

And getting up on that stage every night, performing for crowds is even better. Playing music for the crowd and seeing the people respond to the music you’re playing is a great feeling. Also, [I love] the feedback. Whenever someone says I’m a great DJ, it’s uplifting.

Tell us about your roots?

I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and I went to college at The University of Akron. My guys and I would always throw these house parties on campus. I was the guy to provide the music. Back then all I had was an iPod. DJing wasn’t something that I was serious about doing at first, but then this guy named Terrance J, who was on the radio in Akron, asked me to DJ a party he was having at a club called the Skye Lounge in Akron. The party was crazy!

It hit capacity. The feedback that I got after is basically what set everything off.

What has been the most memorable moment of your career thus far?

I have lots of highlights but my top moments would be DJing a few shows during SXSW Interactive, Film and Music Festival. Last year, I had the honor of DJing an event in Toronto alongside my guys DJ Steph Floss and DJ Meel. I do a party called FLAVA where I have different DJ’s come out. This party is always a huge highlight because it is something that I started while I was in college and it has evolved into something major. Also, a Nike-Lebron shoe release party I played back in Akron was pretty dope.

What is the last thing that scared the hell out of you?

Every time I am about to perform, I always get nervous.

A really big DJ once told me that if you don’t get nervous before your gig then it might not really be a passion for you. The nervousness comes from not knowing what you’re going to be up against that night.

A quote that you live by.

“Stay positive in all situations.”

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

Flying. Batman was my favorite character growing up.

[Laughs] Five years from now, where do you hope to be?

I want to be somewhere doing what I love to do. I want to get to the top. DJing is my passion and I know I can do a lot with it. Maybe I’ll be living on the West Coast.

I’m not really sure but I’ll be doing my thing and traveling a lot!

photo by Hannah Rine

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Renaldo Vines What do you do?

Currently I am the Director of Operations for The Chamber Group and Principal/Founder of The 82 Group.

What makes it worth it?

I have been able to start my own business from the blessings, lessons and mentoring of another great entrepreneur and have something that I and my family can enjoy and grow together.

Tell us about your roots and your background.

I was born and raised in Chesapeake, VA. I, along with my younger brother, was raised by my grandparents and a single mother in a very religious and somewhat strict household. My father was killed when I was 3 years old.

I graduated high school early and then went on to attend Virginia Union University.

What was the last thing that scared the hell out of you?

When my grandmother had her first heart attack last year at 83; it scared me so much and was a bittersweet taste of reality. Now, more than ever, I have to make sure to cherish every moment with her and be there as much as I can.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

The ability to fly. Air travel pricing is so ridiculous and I hate the TSA process. I just want to get up and go.

What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?

Sleep and spend as much time with those who I can’t see as often as I’d like to.

What projects are you working on?

Three new artists are under my new management group: Ré Lxuise, Darnell King & DJ Quiana Parks.

Where do you see yourself in a few years?

In the next two years I see myself in full-fledge management for a collective group. In the next five years-a boutique hotelier.

What is one fun fact about yourself that many people don’t know?

My mom wasn’t able to make the olympic tryouts because she found out that she was pregnant with me!

photo by Darnell King

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Deidre Palode What do you do?

Fashion and beauty public relations. I’m a publicist.

What makes it worth it?

Being the reason that my clients’ visions come to life.

Being a “behind the scenes” professional is awesome because those are the ones making everything happen.

Tell us about your roots and your background.

First off, I was raised in the church so I’m deeply rooted in being a child of God. My background is in sports. I have been an athlete since I was about three or four years old.

I was born in good old Georgia and raised on the coast of Mississippi by my grandmother. I started playing sports in recreational leagues at a very young age. I played basketball and ran track at the college level, so being a business woman was not really a dream of mine. Now I’m making it one by becoming an up and coming media professional. I am from a small town which means you have to move away if you want the opportunity to be someone great. I graduated from Highland Community College with an Associate’s Degree and transferred to Georgia State University to receive dual Bachelor’s Degrees in Journalism/Public Relations and Film/Video.

Now I have my very own boutique PR firm, MayLee Media.

What was the last thing that scared the hell out of you?

Nothing scarier has happened to me than the day I lost my grandmother back in 2006. It felt like my life had ended. I lost a parent, my support system, my best friend. However, I had to pick myself up and even though I’m still hurt by her death to this day, my hurt turns into strength to keep pushing forward in an effort to make her proud.

If you had a super power, what would it be?

The ability to stop time. Life is too short. Time is precious when working in a demanding field and I have to cherish every bit of time I get. Sometimes there’s just not enough hours in the day to get everything done so a pause here or there would really help.

What designer would you choose to style you for the rest of your life?

Oh wow! I love fashion and like to mix pieces, but if I had to choose one designer it would definitely be Karl Lagerfeld. His work to me is very versatile and makes a statement when you walk into a room. He is a true fashion icon and the head of Chanel, Fendi and his own label. It’s a win/win /win situation!

If you were to get your Ph,D in what field would it be?

It would be in psychology because I’ve always wanted to know why people think the way they think and do the things they do.

What do you wish to accomplish in 2015?

Everyday I want to strive higher, but I really think 2015 is my year to reach new heights that I haven’t been to before.

So with that being said, I’m looking to sign bigger clients and travel to places unimagined. photo by Desiree of Do Photography

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jacket & trousers JOY RICH blazer NOOSE & MONKEY shoes TAVA

photographer LOANNIS KOUSSERTARI stylist SEAN AZEEZ (at Portfolio Creative Managemant.) grooming DOMINIC PAUL styling assistant MARLON HENRY photo assistants COURTNEY CAMPBALL SIMON COLLES

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shirt NOOSE & MONKEY shorts NA DI STUDIO shoes TAVA

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jumper OUR LEGACY trousers JOY RICH shoes ANTHONY MERATO

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trousers NOOSE & MONKEY shirt & blazer NA DI STUDIO

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jacket NA DI STUDIO shorts ANTHONY MERATO shoes TAVA

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jacket & shirt NA DI STUDIO shorts OUR LEGACY shoes SENHOR PRUDCÊNCIO

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SPOTLIGHT

ARI SoHo

A Hidden Jewel words ALIVIA ROYAL

Since opening its doors over 15 years ago, ARI has added a very unique touch to one of the city’s most cultured neighborhoods. Its home on SoHo’s West Broadway shares the scene with distinguished art galleries, luxury retailers, sidewalk cafes, and start-up fashion boutiques, each with its own unique highlights. Among buildings adorned with bolted hanging signs of their store names, stands ARI SoHo’s large waving flag beckoning shoppers to enter.

“Our story is simple-we like our clothes made exceptionally well by masters of their trade. That is why our clothes are exclusively and entirely made in Italy, with each garment cut and sewn following the tradition of legendary Italian craftsmanship and textile knowhow.”

Holding true to its desire for producing quality menswear, ARI is sticking with its manufacturing traditions, and continuously differentiating itself from competitors with quality Italian-made goods. Many other retailers are outsourcing the production of their designs for the benefit of acquiring lower manufacturing costs and quicker turn-over time to produce pieces of minimal quality. ARI focuses on something greater. Though ARI’s lead times may take longer than fast-fashion retailers and franchised household names, , its ability to produce pieces that will last a lifetime is well worth the wait.

“Made in Italy means an enduring tradition of design and an attention to craftsmanship. Skilled designers, patternmakers, seamstresses, leather-smiths and cordwainers have been passing down their sophisticated trade from one generation to the next. Every article we make is immersed in this culture of obsession with quality and technique.”

ARI offers sophisticated clothing that is classic and contemporary, yet rugged and durable. With denim, suiting options, knitted wear, jewelry, leather accessories and outwears, boots and European style footwear, ARI’s clothing boasts an extreme uniqueness. The fusion of these style elements are perfect for any man’s wardrobe. ARI is an elevated one-stop shop for city slickers, downtown Danes, and the men of midtown.

“You will find some of the best made denim and boots as well as tailored suits and dress shirts in our collections. Best of all, our clothes are tailored to a modern athletic cut, so every piece fits as good as it looks.”

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60 SoHo words ALIVIA ROYAL

Amongst the cobblestone streets and historic buildings of New York City’s SoHo neighborhood, resides an amazing hotel. Tucked away in between boutique shops, award-winning restaurants and bourgeoisie apartments, lies one of this city’s most beautiful hidden gems of hospitality--60 SoHo. The restaurant and decor of Sixty SoHo are reason enough to book a room there. At the front entrance of this contemporary boutique hotel, glows numerous shelves of backlit glass jars of orchids; the place smells amazing.

It’s eclectic and contemporary interior décor fits extremely well with the chic culture of downtown.

All of the 97 recently renovated rooms feature rich, dark hardwood floors and uniquely designed elements. The Deluxe King is especially charming.

The higher the floor, the better the view; from the hotel’s eighth floor and higher, guests have unrestricted city views of either the the Empire State Building midtown, or the Freedom Tower downtown, depending on which part of the floor they reside. The inclusion of convenient amenities like full access to the hotel’s specialty rooms including the cardio room, Wi-Fi and 24 hour in-room dining are also among the list of great things to add to a guest’s 60 SoHo experience.

Its seasonal rooftop bar, Above Sixty SoHo, is the talk of the town and definitely the place to congregate during the city’s warmer months. Open exclusively to 60 SoHo guests and members, this season’s hot spot offers an amazing bar selection, comforting and stylish décor, and is topped off with breath taking views of downtown Manhattan’s illuminating beauty.

As if this amazing getaway couldn’t get any better, 60 SoHo’s newest gem is already a hit. After its grand opening earlier this Spring, Sessanta Restaurant, created by John McDonald and Steven Eckler of Mercer Street, offers a menu of coastal Italian and Sicilian cuisine that simply pushes a guest’s experience over the top.

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TramonWilliams words RAYMOND MORA

From humble Louisiana beginnings, Tramon Williams began his football career as a walk-on in college. Eventually, he signed a three-year contract with the Cleveland Browns and became one of the most successful undrafted players in the league. Aside from his football notoriety, he also cultivates interests in fashion and community outreach.

Williams’ parents laid a strong foundation for his success. His family lived simple and faced its share of hardships. The neighborhood in which he grew up had its troubles, but he was able to rise above the negative influences.

Williams and his brother started playing football at a very early age.

He had amazing speed even though he was a small kid. He followed his brother in everything--from sports to work. But when college came around, Tramon took his own path. He attended Louisiana Tech to play football. When Williams was not drafted during the 2006 NFL Draft, he says it did not phase him: “I didn’t feel a particular way about it because my mindset was okay—I had a really good career at Louisiana Tech.

Many thought I should be a draft pick for sure. ‘Whatever happens, happens,’ I told myself. Whether or not I got drafted, I was at least hoping for an opportunity to tryout for an NFL team.”

Eventually he was invited to attend the Houston Texan’s camp.

Although he had an outstanding tryout, he was not granted an opportunity to play in the NFL until the Green Bay Packers gave him a chance to come aboard. Williams learned a lot during the practices and the defensive squad meetings. He was able to utilize his skills on the field not only as a cornerback, but as a punt returner as well. The coaching staff loved his game and he was crucial to the Packers during their victorious Super Bowl win in 2010—a surreal moment for Williams that will be lauded in NFL history.

During his time with the Packers, he remembers the hardships and frustrations of facing quarterback Aaron Rodgers in practice.

But Tramon notes him as the best quarterback in the game today.

Playing with Rodgers helped Williams to grow as a player. Little did Williams know, he would soon be signing with the Cleveland Browns for a three-year $21 million contract. “Personally, I think that organization is heading in the right direction,” said Williams.

“First of all, I think they are going to have a really good defense. I’m going to playing with one of the big time players, Joe Haden. That’s going to be fun. I have been on a team--a successful team--pretty much my whole career.”

Tramon Williams believes in bringing out the best in his teammates in hopes of getting to the playoffs. “If the Browns continue to bring in key players and expect people to change, it can change [for the better] in a heartbeat.” His leadership and the experience he has gained by playing in the league provides them defensive stability as well.

In his free time, Tramon loves to explore fashion through purchasing different brands and styles, and is told by his wife that he would be a good designer.

He and his wife also raise money for the American Cancer Society.

Of his football success, he notes the following: “The first thing is to believe in yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself, nobody else will. If you come in and don’t believe in yourself, the other guy won’t. Second of all, don’t make the game bigger than what it is. You’ve been playing this game probably since you were a kid.

You played in high school, you played in college and now you’re stepping up to another level—professional football. You’ve been doing this for years so don’t make the game bigger than what it is.

Go out and do what you’ve been doing. You have to mentally focus when you get to the NFL.”

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ON THE RISE

“I want to have timeless music and I want to be a timeless artist.”

Rickstar words KEITHAN SAMUELS

Rickell Brown, aka Rickstar, is on a mission to bring “vintage soul” to the musical forefront. Born in South London, the singer/songwriter/dancer spent the early years of his life living in the United States. “I moved to New York by the age of one,” he says. “I was back and forth between Brooklyn and Queens until I was about age ten.”

While growing up in the Big Apple with his mother, Rickstar was exposed to a lot of music from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. He became fascinated by the sweet sounds of classic Motown. Some of his influences include Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Diana Ross & The Supremes and Rick James, to name a select few.

A few years after returning to the U.K., Rickstar got started on his music career. He became a part of a band where he began developing his performance skills. After the band broke up, Brown started focusing on his solo music career. Starting out wasn’t an easy task. He faced some personal hurdles that he had to overcome.

“I wasn’t as confident as I was before,” he confesses. “I was used to being in a band and dancing with people.” Despite his mindset, he was determined to work hard and press on. “I had to keep rehearsing and perfecting my craft,” he says. “I had to tell myself every day that music is something that I love to do.”

His godmother, formerly signed to Sony Records, also gave him a lot of encouragement. “She really influenced me and just told me that I have to keep building on my brand and not care about being signed to a major label,” Rickstar remembers.

He eventually gained courage to do his first show in the U.K. The crowd was very receptive and enjoyed every moment of his charismatic performance. “Everybody was like, ‘Wow! You really have what it takes to be a solo artist,’” he recalls.

Within the last few years, Rickstar made a move to Los Angeles and released a number of EPs that showcase him as an artist. His most recent EP, Under the Influence, is a collection of funk songs laced with old school R&B and a touch of grime. “I was listening to a lot of different artists,”

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Rickstar says, speaking on the concept of the EP. “Like Tamia, Rick James and James Brown; I was really under the influence of different types of sounds. I was working with a few other writers and we all came together to create this dope EP. You have the song ‘Superhero,’ which was like a promo single. It basically talks about being a superhero for somebody that you love. The song ‘So Dope’ is just me being very cocky and saying how dope I am to where you can roll me up and smoke me.”

Although Under the Influence was just released last summer, Rickstar is already working on his next EP. “I’m almost finished with my new project,” he says. “I don’t have a name for it yet but I can tell you that it’s going to be such a dope EP. It will have live instrumentation and it’ll feel very nostalgic.” One of Rickstar’s favorite tracks off his upcoming EP is the track “Get Up On It.” He describes the sound of the song being similar to some of the works of James Brown although it has the Rickstar touch, of course.

Even though Rickstar enjoys experimenting with different sounds, he prides himself on staying true to himself. “My proudest moment is basically sticking with my brand, vision and dream,” he says. “If you look at my music, it has never changed. I’m very proud of that because a lot of people come into the industry brainwashed by people telling them who they should be. I want to have timeless music and I want to be a timeless artist. I’m never going to let that go and people love that about me.”

Stay in touch with Rickstar by visiting his website rickstaronline.com., checking in with him on Facebook.com/RickstarOfficial and by following him on Twitter at @RickstarOnline.

Walking On Sunshine words DOMINIQUE CARSON

Avery Sunshine is electrifying the world with her impeccable singing voice and her piano playing skills. As she continues to produce each musical masterpiece, we can only expect greatness from the vocalist. Her music allows the listener to redefine life and get in tune with his or herself. Her music is respected by many because it has such a significant impact on people’s lives. When Sunshine released her single “Call My Name,” it was a beautiful listen mainly because the song’s inner message was quite relatable as it dealt head on with real and common matters of a relationship.

The songbird took time out from her busy schedule to speak with BLEU Magazine about her smash hit, upcoming projects, touring with Babyface and other matters of her life and career.

BLEU Magazine: What was it like opening for Babyface at Madison Square Garden?

Avery Sunshine: I don’t even know. What’s so funny is I was fooling around on Twitter one day and I was like “MSG? What is MSG? Opening act? I’m opening for Babyface? Oh my God! That’s amazing! I mean, I tell you--that was one of those dreams that I didn’t even know I had. Not only to open for Babyface--one of the most prolific songwriters ever--but to open for him at Madison Square Garden. Who would have thought of that?! I was honored.

BM: Do you think being born and raised in Pennsylvania influenced you in any way musically?

AS: I think because I was exposed to the spirit and the music [of Pennsylvania], it effected my being. Even in church, the music was all around me. At house parties, my parents were listening to Teddy Pendergrass, Patti LaBelle, just the sounds of Philadelphia. That’s what it was for me. Thanks to WDAS-FM, we were listening to radio all the time. And if I wasn’t listening to the radio, I was listening to The Chester Mass Choir…So yes the musical inspiration from Philadelphia is definitely a musical muse of mine. It’s funny that people say you sound like you’re from Philly, but I’m not. I do appreciate the compliment though.

BM: How did you come up with your stage name, Avery Sunshine?

AS: It was a last minute decision. I just finished writing a song with my musical partner, D.ana of the rap group Sonamoo, and it was released in Japan. During one of the performances, one of the guys in the crew was like, “We are about to do the line-up, so what do you want your name to be?” I was, like, “I don’t know what you mean…” [laughs] First of all, it was exciting to have my name on anything like that. I was trying to take everything in and come up with a name. I said to myself, “Denise is not enough; I have to come up with something.” And I swear, I just blurted it out: “Avery Sunshine.” I hadn’t

thought about it before then, but it stuck with me. I think it must have come from my love of the two characters, Shrug Avery from The Color Purple and Lela Rochon’s character, Sunshine, from Harlem Nights. I put that somewhere in my spirit and it just came out that night.

BM: Describe the songwriting process for the song “Call My Name.”

AS: Super simple. Just like when you write any other song, your vibe, your energy and your own personal experiences come into play. I was actually going through something when my partner D.ana called me and said, “I got this idea for a song.” It was played on guitar and I recorded it on my computer over the phone. The words and the melody just came and that was it. All of our songs come out of experiences, and that’s what happened for that particular song.

BM: After releasing “Call My Name,” do you think listeners have started to see who Avery Sunshine is as a vocalist?

AS: Absolutely! You can’t deny the power of radio. I was really feeling the exposure from the song. I was on the Capital Jazz cruise last year and Patti LaBelle was on the cruise. I was hav-ing dinner and I was trying not to look because she was near my table. Meanwhile, I had no idea that Patti Labelle already knew who I was and that she had sent someone over to my table. They said, “Ms. Labelle wants to me meet with you.” I was like, “What?!” When I met her shortly after, the first thing she did was sing the hook to “Call My Name.” I was like, “You’ve got to be kidding me!” The radio exposure lets you be seen by so many people that otherwise wouldn’t know who you are.

BM: What’s next for Avery Sunshine?

AS: I mean, touring. We got Chicago, we will be in New York again at Subculture, and then we’re off to D.C., Houston and then Europe. We will be doing the Netherlands, Amsterdam and Austria. After that, we’re going to do the Tom Joyner cruise. We’re staying busy and we’re grateful. We’re working on some more music and hopefully television projects. I’m going to find a way to get on to Empire—just singing anything real loud.

BM: Any movie or theatre projects you are working on? I know you did some projects with Tyler Perry and some work for the movie The Fighting Temptations. Should we be expecting more projects soon?

AS: I was singing background vocals for the movie, The Fighting Temptations and was a keyboardist for Tyler Perry’s stage play, Meet the Browns. If there’s anything that would fit what I’m doing, then absolutely I will take it on. I would like to write a play myself. [laughs] I’m going to call it Sun Shining Night and A Gun in The Pocket. You know, one of those crazy play names? No, but seriously, if there’s an opportunity, I would love to do it.

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BLEULIST

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Leigh Bush

Trey Songz

FKA Twigs

Meek Mill

Jussie Smollett

Hanz Zimmer

Safaree Samuels

Emeli Sande

Sampha

Justine Skye

Sam Smith

Kiesza

Ashanti

Calvin Richardson

Albert Stanaj

Chaka Pilgrim

Eric Roberson

Cadillac Records

Mike Jay

Jazmine Sullivan

Diddy

Chris Brown

D’Angelo

James Blake

Vivian Green

chetti_official

PARTYNEXTDOOR

Revolt

tiffanyevansofficial

Jhene Aiko

Raheem Devaughn

San Fermin Band

Christian Rich

BET Experience

Bonnaroo

Sia

Brandy

Robyn

Travi$ Scott

KES the band

FUN

DJ Carnage

Billie Holiday, “Strange Fruit “

Monica

Tory Lanez

Machel Montano

The Family

Jaden Smith

Jamie Foxx

MMG

Awful Records

Luke James

Desert Storm

Post Malone

Buju Banton

Coke Boys

Raury

Rihanna

Bad Boys

Key!

Nicki Minaj

The Young OG

Lolawolf

Fabolous

Mr Probz

Fetty wap

J- Cole

Ed Sheeran

Lil uzi vert

Atlantic Records

Janine And The Mixtape

Rich the kid

Vybz Kartel

Sam Cooke

Elvis Presley

MAGAZINE

ICON

words DOMINIQUE CARSON

L.A. Reid

ANTONIO “L.A.” REID

One of Music’s Biggest Innovators

has many titles under his belt: musician, songwriter, record producer, music executive, former music judge, and now chairman and CEO of Epic Records. The entertainment industry undeniably recognizes his contributions in music, business, and entrepreneurship. The Grammy Awardwinning executive has mentored some of the biggest names in music including P!nk, TLC, Toni Braxton, Mariah Carey, Usher, Donnell Jones and Outkast. His work is commended because he understands the importance of being business savvy, turning a prospective artist’s dream into a reality, and composing and recording material that will leave the world stunned. L.A. Reid turned his lifelong passion of music into a business empire emulated by aspiring business men.

But achievements didn’t come automatically. He took risks, embraced his humble beginnings as an artist, believed in his former record label, and wasn’t afraid of change and the process of evolution.

Reid’s musical debut began when he was a member of the R&B band, The Deele, which also included Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds.

The group recorded their groundbreaking hit, “Two Occasions” in the 1980s. Even though the group disbanded before the single was released, it is still considered one of the greatest R&B tracks of all time.

The group performs the single occasionally at concerts because it will always be a Top 10 hit for listeners. After his stint in Deele ended, Reid launched LaFace Records with Babyface in Atlanta, Georgia in 1989. Reid’s professional accomplishments show how he utilized his gifts and talents to help others make names for themselves in the music industry. Already knowing the “ins and outs” of the music business, he reached out to Clive Davis, founder of Arista Records, for funding to start his label. From that point on, Reid and Babyface received mainstream success as executives and LaFace was one of the biggest record labels in the 1990s.

Reid handled all of the business affairs and Babyface was a prolific songwriter for their musical acts. Aspiring artists were intrigued by the success and record sales of the artists who were signed to the label at the time. The label experienced a few stumbling blocks (bankruptcy and lawsuits from Toni Braxton and TLC), but it will always be known for creating memorable moments in R&B history.

After a number of business affairs, Reid teamed up with Arista Records and became CEO of the label for four years. While there, he sharpened up his expertise as a lead businessman. Under his leadership, artists experienced overnight success. Usher released his diamond selling album, Confessions in 2004, P!nk’s Missundastood sold five million records, Avril Lavigne’s debut album, Let Go sold six million records and Outkast’s Grammy Award-winning album Speakerboxx/ The Love Below sold 10 million records. Unfortunately, Reid was released from his contract in 2004. But one failed professional endeavor didn’t stop him from helping other artists regain their prominence. Eventually, he became Chairman and CEO of Island Def Jam Music Group. During his time at Island Def Jam, Mariah released her multi-platinum selling album, The Emancipation of Mimi, and was responsible for other artists’ success including Rihanna, Jay-Z, Ne-Yo and former teen sensation, Justin Bieber.

As the present Chairman and CEO of Epic Records, Reid is embarking on a new journey in his life as he discovers up and coming artists for the near future. Reid mentioned his future musical endeavors with journalist Roy Trakin: “My greatest joy is in seeing an unknown become somebody. By taking this Epic job, I needed to do that again. Doug [Morris] told me there’s a place for people like me… it’s called the insane asylum.” As the music industry continues to evolve, there will always be unfinished business for Reid. He knows consumers are waiting to hear about his next move or what musical act he will place on the scene. Indeed, we shall see.

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STOCKLIST

DARKOH www.darkoh.com THADEUS O’NEIL www.thaddeusoneil.com KANGOL www.kangolstore.com N.P ELLIOT www.npelliott.com COACH MEN’S www.Coach.com L.A.T.H.C. www.latreehouseclub.com BOOHOOMAN www.boohoo.com N.HOOLYWOOD www.store.n-hoolywood.com DOPE www.Dope.com LACOSTE L!VE www.Lacoste.com MACKEENE www.Mackeene.com WESC X WARHOL shop.wesc.com WESC www.wesc.com ONE PIECE www.onepiece.com NIKE VISION www.nikevision.com HAZE COLLECTION www.hazecollection.com ROSS & BROWN www.rossandbrown.com EYE HUNEE www.eyehunee.com SHAUNS CALIFORNIA www.shaunscalifornia.com ICNY www.icnysport.com MARK MCNAIRY shop.markmcnairy.com CAMPER www.camper.com DR. MARTENS www.drmartens.com SOULLAND www.soulland.com ANZEVINO GETTY www.eastdane.com

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H&M www.H&M.com ABBOT MAIN www.abbotmain.com BREDA www.bredawatch.com CONVERSE X ANDY WARHOL www.converse.com DENIM & SUPPLY RALPH LAUREN www.Ralphlauren.com WHYRED www.whyred.com NUMBER 288 www.whatdropsnow.com KAIBOSH www.kaibosh.com G-SHOCK www.gshock.com CHAPTER www.chapter-clothing.com BELSTAFF www.belstaff.com OLIVER SPENCER www.oliverspencer.co.uk KOMMON UNIVERSE www.kommonuniverse.com G-STAR RAW www.g-star.com GOLA www.golausa.com DSQUARED2 www.dsquared2.com BYUNGMUN SEO www.byungmunseo.com GAP www.Gap.com GRENSON www.grenson.co.uk BURBERRY www.burberry.com PAUL SMITH www.paulsmith.co.uk MARC JACOBS www.Marcjacobs.com DIRK BIKKEMBERGS store.bikkembergs.com GIVENCHY www.givenchy.com LAURENCE AIRLINE www.laurenceairline.com

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JO JO TALKS label drama, making music, and her quesT FOR

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