Bleu Magazine Issue #75 MeKai Curtis

MeKai Curtis

KRIO

K AW S M U S E U M

AUNT ET UNCLES

FA DY E L S AY E D

GRILLZ BY SCOTTY

THE GOODTIME HOTEL

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Table of

Contents

62 COVER STORY:

s Photography by Antonio Jefferson

MEKAI CURTIS

m i s e m i m

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Table of

Contents

14 Activism by Bleu

16 Gadgets The Williams Brothers

20 Access by Bleu Kaws

22 Soled Up

28 Grooming Krio Skincare

70 Travel Noire Waters

32 Fuel The Garden Room

72 Feature Tunji Kasim

34 Feature Atkins Estimond

76 Books Between The Sheets

36 Feature Zach Zoya

78 Fashion Advertorial

46 The Creatives Scotty ATL

54 Travel The Goodtime Hotel

86 The Humans

90 Spotlight Aunts et Uncles

58 Cars 2022 Chevrolet Corvette z06

92 Icon Biz Markie

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On the Cover MEKAI CURTIS Photography By ANTONIO JEFFERSON FASHION STYLING BY DARYL GLOVER

Publisher/Editorial Direction DéVon Christopher Johnson

Contributing Writers

AD Sales:

Kirby Wright, Jamie Rollo, Nino Reyes,

Todd Evans, Rivendell Media 908.232.2021

D’Shonda Brown, Ruth Hawkins, Kayla

Head of Content EIC Bombshell by Bleu Ebony Allison

Art Direction & Design Vee Banionis, Agnes Mazeikaite

Managing Editor

Grant,Yvette Monet

Contributing Photographers Antonio Jefferson, Raymond Eugenio, Salam

Ecommerce Partnerships

Zaied, Joseph Sinclair, Noah Asanias

Justin Wallace

Contributing Editors

Licenses & Joint Ventures

Chevy Wolf, Sydney Potter, Kate Chavez, Adam

David DeGraff,Oaklins | DeSilva+Phillips

Taylor Edwards

Santiago, Stevie Gatez,

West Coast Fashion Editor

Interns

Apuje Kalu

UK Fashion Editor

Web Design Muhammad Azeem

Special Projects Coordinator Antheny Raiy

Madison Allison, Ryan Kwon, Victor Edwards, Nyanna Oliver, Israt Jahan, Anna Liu, John

Brand Ambassadors

Cobos

Rannon Harris (Chicago-Midwest)

Sean Azeez

Newsstand Distribution

Copy Editor

TNG 1955 Lake Park Drive, Ste.

Trevoy Ross, William Flores

400 Smyrna, GA 30080

Staff Writer Elysia Tanswell

Graphic Design Digital & Ecommerce Anahi Flores

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

Submissions Bleu Magazine 26 Broadway, 3rd floor New York, NY 10004

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

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER

To dream the impossible dream To fight the unbeatable foe To bear with unbearable sorrow And to run where the brave dare not go To right the unrightable wrong And to love pure and chaste from afar To try when your arms are to weary To reach the unreachable star

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It is hard to stop and smell the roses when you’re on a sprint into your calling. To some that calling is something divine and altruistic. For others, some achievement to make your family proud. Any dream is a good dream if it truly belongs to you. So often we get caught up in living up to what others expect of us. Our dreams are dissolved into some altered carbon copy of expectations and obligations to those around us. But, not on the same path.

This is my quest To follow that star Ooh, no matter how hopeless No matter how far To fight for the right Without question or pause THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM LUTHER VANDROSS

The impossible is what Bleu Magazine and the work we do at BleuLife Media Group exists to fulfill. We are an independently owned media company that sheds light on the nuanced existence of Black people. Sure, we could have gone down the path of copycat media that is so common today. But, that wasn’t our dream.

So here we are. Issue #75. Huge milestone, right?

Actually, it’s a noble accomplishment in our journey.

We are absolutely proud. But the dream of Bleu is bigger than any singular moment. We are charting new territory. Setting up new paths and leaving a roadmap along the way so diversity in media can thrive. This is the beginning of the next chapter. We are just getting started.

Cheers!

DéVon Christopher Johnson Founder & Group Publisher

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C O N T R I B U TO R S

D’Shonda BROWN

Elysia

TA N S W E L L

Nino

D’Shonda Brown is a Brooklyn-based culture and entertainment journalist.

As a Spelman College alumna, D’Shonda has a deep appreciation and admiration for the being, experience, humanization and protection of Black women and other marginalized communities. D’Shonda is passionate about mental health, the intersectionality between Black entertainment, culture and relevant topics to the current news cycle. Prior to being Interim GU Editor and now Branded Content Writer at ESSENCE, D’Shonda’s bylines can be found in REVOLT, Coveteur, HelloBeautiful, High Snobiety and HYPEBAE.

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

Nino Reyes is a New York City-based journalist who covers stories on biographies, politics, entertainment and lifestyle.

RE YES

Kirby

CARROL WRIGHT

Ruth H AW K I N S

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Kirby Carroll Wright, MA is a passionate creative with a zest for brandbuilding and storytelling based in Atlanta, Ga. Her love for the arts and creative marketing shows through her authentic writing style and past projects. When not immersed with work, you can find her bingeing the latest television series, exploring new places, or simply spending time with loved ones. Keep up with Kirby on social media at @AskKirbyCarroll.

Ruth Hawkins, pen name “Truth” is a New York-based writer with a passion for sharing diverse experiences - knowing there is untapped value in ensuring everyone’s voice is heard and seen. She’s contributed to the likes of Bossip, xoNecole, and Black Doctor, to name a few. When she’s not nurturing her craft, you can find her breaking barriers as a Black woman in tech.

IT’S NOT JUST A MAGAZINE

BLEUMAG.COM @BLEUMAGAZINE

it’s a lifestyle.

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BANK Black

In the past, studies have shown the Black dollar stays in its community for only six hours. However millennials and Gen-Z are leading the charge to spend intentionally for the culture. For many of us, patronizing Black-owned businesses is a lifestyle, not a hashtag.

And with that, comes a large interest in banking with Black owned banks.

Though there has been a decline of Black banks in the past 20 years, there are still Black owned banks working for the betterment of Black people.

Studies have proven that Black entrepreneurs are less likely to have access to funding, loans and credit lines. And if they are given access to financial support the interest rates are tremendous.

Black owned banks are here to assist with leveling the playing field and these are three of the most popular to open your next account with.

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C i t i z e n s Tr u s t B a n k Citizens Trust Bank is a Black-owned Bank in Atlanta, Georgia. The bank was founded in 1921 by Herman Perry and has been thriving since. Some pros of banking with Citizens trust include: a variety of checking account options, low interest rates,waivers for monthly fees and more. You do not need to have any minimum balance to start an account,you can enroll in overdraft protection, and there are no fees involved with using an out-of-network ATM.

One United Bank One United is America’s largest Black-owned bank. One United aims to help the Black community close the racial wealth gap. The bank’s headquarters is in Boston, Massachusetts. One United was founded in 1968 and aimed to help the area flourish by lending exclusively to local businesses and homeowners.

The bank is certified as a community development financial institution and offers many opportunities to learn financial literacy. The bank also proudly advocates for the Black community on various causes.

Greenwood Bank Greenwood Bank was founded last year in 2020 and is still in the process of becoming fully accessible to the public. The bank was named after the Greenwood District in Tulsa, where Black Wall Street once thrived. The founders are former Atlanta mayor Andrew Young, musician and activist Michael Render, and executive/media specialist Ryan Glover. The upcoming bank has received numerous sponsors and announced their partnership with MasterCard in April of 2021; they hope to become fully accessible in early 2022.

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GADGETS

Words by KAYLA GRANT

Photo Credit GASTON TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Meet AT&T ’s first Black Authorized Retailers: The Williams Brothers Inspired by their father Paul Williams, Sr. and his entrepreneurial spirit, the Williams Brothers are making history in the telecommunications industry.

When Paul Williams, Jr. and Patrick Williams started their entrepreneurial journey in high school selling chips, candies, cookies, and more, they had no idea that it would lead them to become the first Black authorized sellers in AT&T’s history.

With their first location opening in 2018 in Kennesaw, Georgia, the Williams Brothers have expanded to 10 locations in Metro Atlanta.

The brothers attribute this monumental business venture to their father Paul G. Williams, Sr., and the relationship he cultivated with Marvy Moore during his time selling life insurance products.

“We’ve come quite a bit of a way in a relatively short amount of time,” Williams, Jr. said. “This wouldn’t happen if it wasn’t for God, Marvy Moore, and our father, so I have to give them all the credit in the world.”

With no prior experience in the telecommunication sector, Williams, Jr. shared that they do not take this experience for granted and will use this opportunity to inspire the next generation.

“I also do feel it’s kind of crazy because while that could be a great thing, being the first, it also feels like … a shame that we are the first in the sense that there’s so many other brilliant people that have worked in AT&T and in the wireless industry that haven’t had this opportunity,” Williams, Jr. said.

The Williams Brothers were inspired to become entrepreneurs by their father at a McDonald’s restaurant after a baseball game. Wil-

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liams, Jr. recalled his father’s sole motivation to become an entrepreneur was to spend more time with his family.

“Family is important, it’s the biggest thing that my brother and I both learned [from our father], and being able to go into business for himself allowed my father the opportunity to spend more time with [his] children,” Williams, Jr. said.

The brothers learned the ropes of the business industry from an early age through Wendy’s franchises their father owned, allowing them to learn the everyday nuances of a business and earn money.

The Williams Brothers shared how proud they are to continue their father’s legacy. Their father instilled the value of putting family first, giving back, working hard, and managing their finances properly. They looked up to the man that he was and wanted to live by his example.

Following in the footsteps of their father, their uncle, and their grandfather, the Williams Brothers became members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, which only added to their growth.

“It helped build me and motivate me because seeing Black men not only party but … getting into the community and being big businessmen,” Patrick adds.

Paul Williams, Jr. shared the same sentiments as his brother. He asserted that being a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incor-

GADGETS

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porated, taught him how to be great in every field and endeavor.

He also acknowledged the impact of those who came before him and how grateful he was to become a part of their legacy.

“A lot of great men have worn those colors and those letters before us,” Williams, Jr. said. “It was trailblazing to walk behind those footsteps and to have those examples of great men that come before us.”

The lessons that they learned from their father, their family, and as members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, provided them with a strong foundation to build on in order to become the men that they are today.

As for the future of Gaston Telecommunications, the unstoppable duo plan to continue their momentum and reach their goal of opening 100 AT&T stores. In the midst of their expansion, they plan to rebrand Sweet Auburn Seafood, which is the restaurant they started with their father.

Their motivation to continue evolving derives of upholding their father’s legacy and the unyielding support from their family. Williams also asserted that the impact he makes on his community inspires him to continue.

“You may have had the worst day of your life and they hit you with the ‘Keep going. I like what you’re doing for the community. You give me hope.’ That’s motivational for me,” Patrick Williams said.

“That’s what really keeps me going: my father, my family and my peers that I impact.”

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Presented by Dior KAWS WHAT PARTY showcases the graffiti drawings, paintings, miniature collectibles, furniture, and famous Companion figures of Brooklyn-based artist and KAWS founder, Brian Donnelly.

B’KAWS For 25 years, Brian Donnelly’s KAWS has presented the art community with work on walls, train cars, and billboards across the city of New York, tagging his viral skull logo with X’d-out eyes on them. The artist took his career to the next level after a trip to Japan and leveraged the popularity of American collectible toys based on The Simpsons and more. In 1999, he created his first vinyl toy with the signature character body and a skull-and-crossbones head.

Now showing in the Brooklyn Museum through Sept 4th, 2021, the KAWS exhibit is separated into five segments. It begins with his earliest work; including an alteration of characters from famous American cartoons, new work addressing the social climate, collabs with other designers and a never-before-seen short film. The exhibit gives visitors a chance to interact virtually with his sculptures using their smartphones to create their own experiences.

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AC C E S S BY B L E U

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SOLED UP

SNEAKER CHECK Since youth, Jay Loren has believed that the shoe makes the fit!

Here he shares with us his must-haves for every season.

Ishod Wair x Magnus Walker x Dunk High Pro SB ‘Urban Outlaw’

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SOLED UP

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YEEZY BOOST 700 ‘SUN’

Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG ‘Volt Gold’

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SOLED UP

AIR JORDAN 1 RETRO HIGH OG ‘UNIVERSITY BLUE’

Nike Dunk High ‘First Use Sail’

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SOLED UP

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Concepts x Dunk High Pro SB ‘TurDUNKen

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BLACK SHEEP X DUNK HIGH SB ‘BLACK HORNET’ ISHOD WAIR x MAGNUS WALKER x DUNK HIGH PRO SB ‘URBAN OUTLAW’ CONCEPTS x DUNK HIGH PRO SB ‘TurDUNKen’

BLACK SHEEP X DUNK HIGH SB ‘BLACK HORNET’

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SOLED UP

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GROOMING

Photo Credits: ANGEL M. RODRIGUEZ

Based in Boston, born in Maryland, Tony Johnson’s Krio Skincare is a plant-based, gender-neutral skincare selection 28

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The basic grammatical structure is an offshoot of Jamaican Maroon Creole as there are strong historical connections between Jamaica and Sierra Leone. There are also many influences from the Akan, Yoruba, and Igbo languages.

What inspired the birth of the company?

For most of my life, I have dealt with skin issues - from peeling skin on my hands and feet to eczema. My face was riddled with dry skin patches that stripped my confidence and left me feeling embarrassed.

Friends and I would joke around about being ashy. Everyone has a story about being ashy, most are funny, but I knew dry skin was a serious problem for me. I started to question the skincare products I was using, trying to understand their inability to treat my dry skin. I began experimenting with my wife’s skincare products and I loved the results I was getting. At some point, she was like, “Tony, buy your own products!”

I didn’t want to just buy new products, I wanted to create simple products that people could read, understand and know exactly what they were putting on their skin. I decided to ask my parents, immigrants from Sierra Leone, what skincare products they used when they were younger. They explained to me that only plantbased oils such as palm oil and marula oil, as well as shea butter, were used to treat dry skin and prevent wrinkles from the sun.

Made with motivation from childhood insecurities, Krio Skincare is rich in moisture, rich in style, and rich in Sierra Leone heritage because “being ashy is never cool”.

Bleu: Tell us more about Krio Skincare. Where did the name originate?

Tony Johnson: Krio Skincare is a simple, gender-neutral, plantbased skincare solution (collection) for people of color but it is not exclusionary. Our products are your tour guide into Sierra Leone, leading you on the journey between self-care, self-discovery and highlighting the efficacy of ingredients sourced from Africa. We want those who experience our products to feel confident, inspired and educated throughout their entire skincare journey.

Krio is the most commonly spoken language in Sierra Leone. It’s spoken by 87% of the population and helps to unite different ethnic groups, especially in trade and social interaction. The Krio language is native to Sierra Leone Creole people, also known as, Krios.

The language originated from variations of English brought by Nova Scotia settlers from North America, Maroons from Jamaica, and the many liberated African slaves who settled in Sierra Leone.

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the continent in a different light. The amount of stigma, misinformation, and prejudice is still pretty shocking and we are working hard to change the narrative. We’ve created a physical lookbook, a mix of photos, educational facts about some of the magnificent sites of Sierra Leone which relate to our brand. Through this visual aid which you can experience at any of our in-person events, we are showcasing what the country actually has to offer and show its beauty. The feedback we receive from people is amazing; not many of our customers know about Sierra Leone and, honestly, Africa as a whole, hearing that we are able to bring that education to the community is very fulfilling.

“Being ashy is never cool”. Love that slogan! It’s what drew us to inquire more about Krio. How did you come up with that slogan?

Krio represents a fresh perspective in the beauty industry by finding humor in skincare - “being ashy is never cool.” This applies to both physical ashiness and mental ashiness. Don’t have an ashy attitude, be kind to people. Keep your mind fresh with facts and continuous learning, a non-ashy mentality. Take care of your body by exercising, eating healthy, and staying hydrated. An anti-ashy life begins here. It’s a reflection of my personality, gregarious, light-hearted, but always pursuing to improve the lives of others.

Krio welcomes an open community of like-minded individuals who are interested in growing and becoming their best selves through both self-care, and positivity.

We love that you are for “people of color, but welcoming to all”...how important is diversity and representation to your brand?

Being a diverse and inclusive community is the building block of Krio. Originally, we mainly focused on targeting males of color who struggle with dry skin, which is still very much a significant part of our demographic; however, at some point, it clicked that we shouldn’t draw such bold, distinctive lines. Our mission is to make everyone feel welcome to get that special Krio experience. If you look at our customers, it is such an incredible, unique group of people - ethnicities, genders, careers, personalities - everyone is so different, yet joined together by our products and it’s something we are incredibly proud of.

Our team itself, while a small family, is diverse. Our team is a mix of West African, Tony being from Sierra Leone, Gregory our Strategic Director represents Liberia, and our Marketing Coordinator, Sasha, is from Russia.

We’ve traveled and lived in different parts of the world. We used our learned experiences as a strength, we understand that our world is full of diversity. Each of us makes it a personal priority to learn and understand each culture, and that’s also what we are aiming to achieve with Krio.

As we have discussed, bringing awareness and education about Sierra Leone and Africa is so important to us because people just simply do not know much about the country and the news portrays

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Your Sierra Leone roots? Please elaborate. How important is your heritage in formulating products and in your creative process?

Krio starts from when I was a kid who struggled with confidence and self-esteem issues because of dry skin. Fast forward to the end of 2019 I started using my wife’s skincare products, which worked well but the curiosity in me wanted to formulate and experiment. I thought about my trip to Sierra Leone back in 2013 and observing how flawless their skin was by using simple and natural ingredients from the country. This journey took me back to my roots in Sierra Leone. I wanted to understand how they washed, moisturized, protected, and maintained beautiful glowing skin. I began to research natural oils in Sierra Leone, along with other parts of Africa, and discovered that our ancestors’ skincare regimen used natural botanical ingredients to take care of difficult skin problems such as dryness, eczema, acne, aging, and more. And that’s when Krio was born. Inspired by our Sierra Leonean heritage, we have named all of our formulas after some of the country’s beautiful natural sites.

Krio’s purpose is to inspire self-care, social impact, and build awareness of Sierra Leone through a wellness experience. This includes sourcing at least one ingredient per product from Sierra Leone. Currently, our Kono body butter contains Sierra Leonean-sourced coffee beans infused with shea butter. We are establishing relationships with farmers and suppliers to source shea butter and other natural ingredients. We are committed to our

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community empowerment mission creating jobs, building ethical and sustainable sourcing practices, and educating to help local communities reach economic and environmental justice.

Please share your Liberty Fairs experience.

Liberty Fairs was Krio’s first trade show - we did a lot of research and prep work prior to the event, but still had very little idea of what to expect from the weekend, especially given the scale.

We were pleasantly surprised with the atmosphere at the convention center - the positive vibes, everyone eager to connect with each other and learn about Krio. Our branding and visuals caught a lot of attention; it felt like our work was paying off. The day of set-up, we hopped off the plane right to the convention center and spent hours adjusting fixtures and props to make sure that we were representing Krio in the best way possible; every single thing was intentional.

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Our booth was located in the General Store, a centralized location between the Liberty Fairs and Cabana shows. We got to connect with other, more experienced, teams and gained so much knowledge not only at the shows but also when we linked up with them for dinner and drinks afterward.

Approaching buyers was something new to our team, but we were able to observe how other brands did it and get advice from them.

We were asking so many questions, but everyone was so helpful and open to teach us about the industry and we certainly appreciated it. It was great to see how we as a team refined and adapted our conversations as the days progressed, our confidence grew.

Where can we find Krio Skincare for purchase?

You can find Krio at our website, getkrio.com. You can also shop our store on Instagram @krioskincare, and online at verishop.com and bespokepost.com

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FUEL

The Garden The Enchanted Restaurant of Atlanta

Words by NINO REYES

The Garden Room is a beautiful gem that can be found inside of the St. Regis Hotel in Buckhead, Atlanta. This restaurant is a massive greenhouse that makes you feel as if you’ve stepped into an enchanted forest.

Inside of the 3,000-square-foot solarium, you will find exuberant greenery that is met with colorful decor, covered in beautiful flowers with all sorts of alluring plants. The structure features a curved glass roof and window-like walls where you can also find a beautiful stained glass mosaic rendering art piece created by the Austrian painter, Gustav Klimt, who painted a portrait of Ria Munk III, which is famously known to appear all throughout visitor’s social media pages due to it’s captivating and riveting colors.

The Garden Room’s intimate setting allows for an inviting atmosphere that is ideal for private events, meetings, rehearsal dinners, and weddings. The relaxed and stylish ambiance makes it a one-of-a-kind experience for anyone who visits or lives in the city of Atlanta.

At The Garden Room, you will enjoy craft cocktails and amazing wine and champagne options. The immersive garden bar stands out for having an enormous tree tower located at the center of the bar that resembles an all-white Yoshino Cherry Tree. It is spectacular and a sight to see. At this exquisite bar, you will find their unique refreshments like their famous Send Noods cocktail that is made out of Grey Goose Vodka, Chambord, Lemon, Butterfly Pea Flower, and Fizzy Color-Changing Glitter Bomb. The Hot Mess cocktail is also a popular drink at the Garden Room, which is a mixture of Avion Reposado Tequila, Cointreau Liqueur, Ancho Reyes Liqueur, Peach, and Lime. These drinks are one of a kind and you must try these extraordinary flavors.

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The dining experience is an enchanted escape, with every dish being as magical as the ambiance of the restaurant. At The Garden Room, you can find dishes that are bursting with color and texture. You’ll be able to find chef-driven small plates which consist of tapa-sized dishes that are meant to be shared. They are heavily recognized for their lobster rolls which consist of a parker house roll, miso, sesame, and shiso. The Black Truffle Pillows is also a very popular dish at The Garden Room. It is a pasta that is made out of wild mushroom, parmesan, butter, and black pepper. It is delicious with a smooth creamy texture. The HouseMade Focaccia Bread Additions is also a very tasty dish that you can share with a partner. It is made of multiple small dishes of whipped goat cheese and black

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Room: truffle, salmon rillette, baba ganoush, and pomegranate, which are used as a spread on the focaccia bread. Lastly, we cannot forget the dessert. The most popular dessert at The Garden Room is the Smash Me which is made out of chocolate crémeux, coconut ganache, and dark chocolate mousse.

This dessert is very special since it requires you to physically smash into the cup of dessert with your spoon. It is definitely a one-of-a-kind experience that is worth trying.

The Garden Room has built an immense amount of popularity thanks to the digital era. This restaurant has gone viral throughout TikTok, reaching more than 100K viewers. This has led to The Garden Room being extremely booked, requiring guests to book their reservations up to two months in advance. Aside from being booked and busy, it is important for all guests to follow their dress code which requires all attendees to dress in casual attire. The hours at The Garden Room are from 5 pm-11 pm on Wednesday and Thursday; 5 pm-12 am on Friday and Saturday; 11 am-5 pm on Sunday, since Sundays are specifically to cater a brunch style menu.

Overall, The Garden Room is an incomparable experience in the city of Atlanta and it is very much worth visiting!

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F E AT U R E

Words by TRUTH HAWKINS

Photography by JOSEPH SINCLAIR

Inside Hightown with Atkins Estimond: “It’s a story that you never quite know where it’s going” If you’re in need of a new obsession, look no further than the STARZ critically acclaimed crime drama, Hightown.

“This is a heavily female-led project. A lot of times, when you see these kinds of crime dramas--gangster movies or films-it’s helmed by men and they very much create it from a male perspective,” says Atkins Estimond, who plays the character of Osito, a Black drug dealer, in the STARZ installment which follows Jackie Quiñones, played by Monica Raymund, whom upon her arrival to an opioid ridden Cape Cod, is pulled into a murder investigation; all the while juggling a bleak journey to sobriety.

the wrong thing isn’t always easy for him.” says Estimond of Osito’s inner conflict. In fact, “you often see him fighting with who he’s trying to be--wants to be or could be.”

Of course, that’s not to say the role wasn’t met with an air of apprehension, at first.

“Initially when I saw the breakdown, I was like ‘oh, um..’ I wasn’t jumping to add to a negative representation of a Black man on television.” However, once Estimond got his hands on the script he admits “there was more to him [Osito] than that, allowing me to add more layers to that onion. If it were just ‘he’s just a bad’ guy, I feel like we have that. There’s been a lot of damage done from that. So, that’s not something I’m looking to throw my hat into. But, the fact that there’s something else there--some complexity to the character--that really appealed to me and pulled me into the project.”

“It’s a story that you never quite know where it’s going. You cannot quite peg the characters,” adds Estimond of his part, who on the surface, may seem a tad bit stereotypical. Though, with a grain of understanding is more than meets the eye.

“When you typically see these characters being portrayed, they’re just bad--not with Top it off with a cherry that is creator Remuch understanding of why they are that becca Cutter and a slew of women behind way.” the scenes like Oscar-nominated Rachel Morrison (Black Panther, Fruitvale Station), “With Osito, he’s more layered and com- Estimond professes, “I feel like the show plex. He has a line. There’s a code. There strongly gives you this story but from a difare things that he struggles with. Doing ferent perspective--more of a female-driven, powered place.”

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what the show is about--it is to tell a story and entertain people at the end of the day. But, you can’t help but have that message; it’s so real for so many people.”

Although Atkins kept his cards close to his chest and avoided spilling too much tea on possible guest stars this season, if he had his pick, it’d be HBO’s resident Warden Leo Glynn. “I grew up watching a lot of Ernie Hudson. I’d like to see Ernie Hudson on the show. I loved his portrayal in Oz as the Warden. [That’s] not to say he has to play a warden, [but] give me Ernie Hudson. That’s my pick.” Adding “Obviously it would be excellent if Denzel Washington could be on the show. He’s awesome. There are so many great actors out there that could lend an amazing character to the show.” Naturally, we’re in total agreement.

Needless to say, Hightown offers more than powerhouse female performances, murder, mystery, and a sprinkle of dark comedy. We’re talking about the undertone of addiction. A reality Estimond reveals initially escaped him. “The opioid epidemic is at the forefront, especially with fentanyl.”

“I remember when we were filming, we were at a location that was owned by this gentleman, a garage [as seen many times in season one] while in the green room he came over and spoke to me, we were just kind of chatting and he said, ‘I really appreciate that you guys are doing this--telling this story. Not a lot of people know how bad it is. I lost my daughter to opioids,” shares Estimond. Confessing, “as an actor it’s not initially at the front of your mind that this is going to be real for people--hit them in that way. But, for many people, it’s very real and I think the show does a very honest job of portraying the reality a lot of people face with addiction.”

In the meantime, brace yourself for ample twists and turns. “Everyone has shifted from where you found them in season one. Some people’s status has been elevated. In my [Osito’s] case, I’ve fallen.” Adding that, “this is the first time we’ve really seen him [Osito] afraid, lonely, and alone learning how to survive and adapt in this new environment he’s found himself in.”Catch the hit series each and every Sunday on Starz.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction please contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free and confidential 24/7 treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. 1-800-622-HELP(4357).

A grim reality, that in 2019, claimed 71,000 lives with over 70 percent of the deaths involving synthetic opioids. “That message is there--it’s not like that’s just

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Zach Zoya

Montréal’s Finest: Words by JUSTIN WALLACE

Photography by DROWSTER

From the small, French-speaking city of Rouyn-Noranda, Zach Zoya developed a diverse sound of music after being introduced to African, soul and pop music by his parents. With French being Zoya’s first language, rhythms and melodies stood out to him more than the English lyrics. Shortly after, he began rapping in English as he started his music career.

Living a nomadic artistic lifestyle, Zoya is becoming a household name with the support of his label 7ième Ciel.

BLEU: You were born in Quebec, can you tell us what sparked your interest in music?

ZACH ZOYA: I think music was always an integral part of my life. I simply can’t remember a day in my life where music wasn’t present so the interest was always there but it really became a thing that I wanted to push further when I was around 15 or 16. I started rapping at parties and people enjoyed it so I kept studying melodies and then started writing my own songs.

How did you get your start at 7ieme Ciel? Being the first English rapper on the label, was there a lot of pressure on you to be the star?

Steve Jolin, the owner of 7ième Ciel, and I are actually both from Rouyn-Noranda so the link was already there but we officially connected through other 7ième artists who spoke highly of me. When I signed with them, I didn’t feel any pressure at all. On the contrary, I felt like I had to set the bar

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myself as the first English artist on the label so signing with them just gave me the freedom to create unimpeded with an extra bunch of resources pushing me forward.

Being from a small town, what motivated you musically to make it out?

Coming out of where I’m from, I loved the idea of doing something that had never been done before. It was very exciting to feel like I was breaking new ground.

You released a new single entitled Start Over. Can you tell us the story behind the title? And what do you hope your fans will hear on this new record?

I promised myself I would stop explaining my new songs and would let the audience feel what they feel and find their own meaning within them. I have found that people usually don’t see or hear the record as I intended regardless and I love that so much - it makes the song so much richer and depending on what somebody is going through, it can have a totally different meaning for them. I think that’s very precious. So YOU tell me the story!

In 2020, you released Spectrum, tell us a little bit about the recording process.

How did you choose your beats, etc.

I’d describe Spectrum as a sort of mosaic that I pieced together. I chose records that I felt represented different sides of me musically and as well as different emotions or states of mind that, assembled all together, brought the EP to life.

You released a couple of singles this year. By any chance are we getting a new project anytime soon?

Yes indeed! Working on it as we speak - as I write these words. Stay tuned!

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Just recently you were nominated for international collaboration of the year at the Gala ADISQ for your song Patience featuring Angel. By the way, congratulations! Tell us how you’re feeling about your big accomplishment?

Thank you so much! It always feels so good to get recognition from my peers and the music industry in Québec and I’m really proud and thankful to be part of this beautiful, bubbling, effervescent music world we have in Montréal.

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Man’s Is Going Big Across the pond with the rising star of Gangs of London 2, Fady El-Sayed

Photography by SALAM ZAIED Fashion Styling by STEVIE GATEZ Shot at SILVER SPACE STUDIOS Coordinated by THE HIDDEN LONDON

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VEST: CRAVO STUDIOS PANTS: OLIVER BROWN SHOES: SERGIO TACCHINI CHAIN: SERGE DENIMES RING: FEATHER PENDANTS SHIRT: SEASALT CORNWALL PANTS: ARKET SHOES: DR. MARTENS RING: FEATHER PENDANTS

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Words by KIRBY WRIGHT

Can you guess what Jesse Williams, Issa Rae, and T.I. have in common? Allow us to introduce you to Grillz by Scotty. Grillz by Scotty is a custom jewelry and grillz shop popular among many celebrity clients including the aforementioned.

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Grillz By Scotty was created by Scotty ATL, a former hip-hop artist who used his knack for business and networking to create and grow the company. His journey is filled with ups and downs including college basketball, street life, and several national tours with artists like Trinidad James (his first celebrity Grillz client), B.O.B., Big Krit, and more.

Popularized by hip hop, grillz have become a popular fashion statement that showcases individuality and boldness. However,

Scotty ATL is the first Black entrepreneur to bring their flair to Melrose Avenue.

We had the opportunity to chat with him about his path and what it’s like owning a business with locations in both Los Angeles, California, and Atlanta, Georgia.

BLEU:What was the transition like moving from artist to entrepreneur?

SCOTTY: As an artist, I’ve always pictured myself to be an entrepreneur as well. I have my own merchandise, and I sold out my

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own shows in Atlanta for years. So, it was not necessarily a transition, but it was new to me. I had to spend a lot of time working at my store and not just in the studio. I had to learn balance to do both.

And you started as a mobile business, right? Tell me more about that.

Yeah, when I began I was just pulling up on people wherever they were – home, Walmart, the studio, everywhere. I started off learning from another Black jeweler. He taught me how to make the grillz.

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We would buy it, melt the gold down, and make them. But, we didn’t work out. So, I went on a tour with Ace Hood. And I needed some extra money for the promotions tour. I thought, “I’m gonna start taking the grillz more seriously,” and just like that, it was the beginning of something.

You casually mentioned interning with a jeweler, that’s a bit of a flex. Everyone isn’t able to do that. So, you have to tell me about the process. How did that come together?

(Laughs) Well, I’m into marketing. I read a lot of books. Nipsey Hussle inspired me to read one called Contagious. At one point though, I was at my friend’s house and he kept telling me about this dude who wanted me to help him with his grill shop. At the time, I wasn’t making grillz. I bought them, but I wasn’t really interested. But one day he asked me to pull up to the grill shop, and I went. And as soon as I left I ran into my homeboy who had just lost his job. He said he wanted to start doing grillz. So, I introduced them and we started it. They had more experience, but I had the business smarts. I was bringing in artists, I had us at radio stations and festivals, partnering with A3C, and more.

It’s crazy how all those experiences came together at the right time. How did it go from you guys having a few clients here and there to needing a brick and mortar location?

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Well, the friend I was talking about felt like we needed to get an office. We actually had a big fallout about it. At the time we weren’t doing as many grillz. And I’m the type of person where I don’t like to make moves unless it’s necessary. But, we ended up getting one anyway. And we struggled to pay office rent and I ended up breaking ties with him.

Later, I started working with another dude who had a store. And he taught me the ropes of owning a store. But my hustle was,

I wanted to get paid even when I wasn’t there. So, we didn’t work out. I packed all my stuff the same day and put everything in my trunk. Then, a customer called me saying they were on the way to the shop to get a grill. I said, “Listen man, we just started a new service where I can come to you!” I posted it online and everything.

Soon, I had so many grillz in my car and my house, it was crazy.

Killer Mike was the one that inspired me to get a shop, instead of an office. He said,

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“You want somewhere people can pull up and you can get traffic from tourists.”

What were some of the biggest challenges you ran into once the Atlanta store opened?

One of the first things I ran into was all that came with running your own store.

There were so many things that I didn’t realize. Like, what people were willing to work for. For example, at first, I paid them hourly. But, since people were washing gold and exchanging money all day, I real-

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ized they need commission as well. Being in the streets you learn that if the people around you aren’t eating, then eventually they’ll eat you. I had to learn how to keep everybody satisfied, have the right attitude, learn systems and processes, and so many other things you wouldn’t think about when it comes to grills.

I’ve heard switching to the West Coast from the Southeast can be a bit of a

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culture shock too. What’s it been like owning the new Los Angeles store vs. the Atlanta store?

Well, the weather is great. Experience-wise, Atlanta is like...(pauses) the hood (laughs). In LA, I feel like I’m in a high rent district. It’s a different spin. We haven’t been open that long and we’ve already done some of our biggest customers. So, that alone gives me confidence that I made the right decision. If God puts something in my heart I’m gonna do it.

You’ve mentioned a few fallouts and now I hear how you feel about the team earning a commission. How important is it to you to have the right team?

Super important. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without my team. I’m not at the shop all day every day, but I’ve built trust with people who are there all day. If you can’t trust people you’ll never grow as a business because you’ll try to do everything yourself.

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Now the celebrity aspect, what led to that?

I’m the type of person where I don’t go for a home run. I’m a one person at a time kind of guy. So, for me, it’s just been one grill at a time. Let’s just do it right the first time. And every customer is connected to 10 other people, that’s my thought process.

So, the connections I did have, instead of trying to just reach out to them because I had something going. I let my work speak for itself and let them see the value of what I had going on. So, when they came to buy it, I knew they truly wanted it.

Speaking of, I saw Issa’s video talking about Grillz by Scotty’s customer service. Is the level of customer service intentional and how did that make you feel?

It felt great. Customer service is definitely intentional. I feel like the odds are stacked against me. I’m a Black man that’s doing gold grillz. I know sometimes people can’t wait to find something wrong with what you’re doing. I just try to beat people to the punch when it comes to whatever I’m doing. I think a lot of people come for the whole experience because they heard Issa talking about it or other customers. I’ve been doing this. For example, when T.I. hit me, I pulled up on him the same day!

If you could give a good piece of advice to future entrepreneurs what would it be?

I give the same advice. It’s practical but very important: Make a to-do list every day and do it. A lot of people don’t go as far as they want because they just don’t prioritize their day. Anything big starts on a small scale.

check out

BOMBSHELLBYBLEU.COM

Photography By DAION CHESNEY

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MeKai Curtis: Hollywood’s Newest ‘Power’ Player Is ‘Raising’ The Bar WORDS BY D’SHONDA BROWN

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74 Nancy Drew’s Tunji Kasim Dishes on Season Three, Mental Health, and more WORDS BY TRUTH HAWKINS

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Words by TAYLOR EDWARDS Photography by ALICE GAO

OFF THE CHARTS:

Pharrell Williams & David Grutman hit Number One with The Goodtime Hotel A universal passport to rest and relaxation, The Goodtime Hotel makes that fantasy real. And just like the Pharrell smash hit with Kanye West, it’s Number One.

For decades The Villa Casa Casuarina, better known as the Versace Hotel, has been the go-to place for selfies in Miami, Florida – unquestionably and uncontested. The former home of the fashion icon Gianni Versace, the mansion turned boutique hotel remains the main attraction for tourists of South Beach…until now.

There are new sheriffs in town, and their names are Pharrell Williams and David Grutman. Collectively, they go by the name of The Goodtime Hotel.

Located on Washington Avenue, in the heart of South Beach, The Goodtime Hotel personifies its name.

From entrance to exit, a good time is delivered. A chic, bone-white exterior, a beautiful stone fountain still underestimates what’s inside. Upon arrival, you’re taken by the hits of 90s R&B and Pop music. The full interior is decked in rustic Miami Vice pink and green and tropical covered walls with Copacabana feels. Inside the elevators, an array of corals and gold trim tease the eyes until you reach your floor and your feet are met with vibrant, emerald green carpet.

If you’re looking for a traditional bellhop…don’t hold your breath.

The standard hot and heavy suits have been traded in for stylish separates; rompers for the ladies and suits for the gentlemen. The

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pool staff wears tennis skirts, bathing suits, and sarongs that match the hotel’s color scheme. And in true Pharrell fashion, the entire staff wears Stan Smith Adidas, the official hotel shoe.

Unfolding its best offerings, the third floor is where the good time peaks with a restaurant, outdoor lounge, library, gym, and pool.

The resident restaurant, Strawberry Moon, has a Mediterranean-inspired menu with a variety of flatbreads, hummus and yogurt-based sauces, and decadent entrees. Open to the public, Strawberry Moon restaurant has indoor seating with seashell-designed bar chairs and outdoor seating that slightly overlooks the pool and leads to the outdoor lounge. Conveniently adjacent to the eatery, the lounge has assorted seating for work or relaxation.

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The library is lush, filled with shades of pink and peach - quilted sofas and cushioned seats accent the chairs so no matter your work style, you can get it done! Wicker safari animals, free Wi-Fi, and soft, yet functional lighting, the library is a hot spot for pictures.

The gym features a mini fitness center with free weights, medicine balls, a treadmill, and two Peloton bikes. Outside, a turfed area supports a stainless steel exercise complex complete with bars, handles, and ropes for a total workout.

The walking deep pool is the best view in the house. Full bar, leafshaped sculptures, shaded seating, and branded cabanas set the scene for ultimate entertainment – with consideration to special events on occasional weekends.

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In a bed of pleasantries, the rooms are still a feat. Every suite is suited for comfort and decked with cute, quaint touches. Trendy, translucent room keys. Pink retro-rotary telephones. Vinyl roller shades patterned with everyday people. Mounted flat screens televisions. Complimentary alkaline bottled water. Pastel pink and green robes are available for purchase. A two-hour beach bike rental awaits every guest, free of charge.

A good time is inevitable at The Goodtime Hotel. Unique to the Miami Beach hospitality scene, the hotel spans a full block between Sixth and Seventh Streets. 266 rooms of rest and relaxation, Williams and Grutman’s labor of love is as unique as their partnership.

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CARS

Words by RYAN KWON

THE 2022 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 STRAIGHT OUT OF A TRANSFORMERS MOVIE! Although labeled as a 2022 model, you won’t have to be patient much longer as the new 2022 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 will be released in 2021 or early 2022. With its new aerodynamic additions and bigger air spoons to maximize speed, this car looks like it’s straight out of Transformers.

CAR SPECS: MSRP:

FROM $85,000

HORSEPOWER:

495 HP @ 6450 RPM

CURB WEIGHT:

3647 LB

DIMENSIONS:

WHEELBASE: 107.2 IN

LENGTH:

182.3 IN

WIDTH:

76.1 IN

HEIGHT:

48.6 IN

PASSENGER VOLUME:

51 CU FT

CARGO VOLUME:

13 CU FT

MPG:

COMBINED/CITY/HIGHWAY: 19/16/26 MPG

ENGINE:

PUSHROD 16-VALVE V-8, ALUMINUM BLOCK AND HEADS, DIRECT FUEL INJECTION

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Chevy made sure to include all the best performance into the Corvette Z06. Inside, you will find a not so typical steering wheel as it has more of a square structure. Additionally, an 8 inch screen dashboard as well as a 12 inch digital meter cluster are provided. You can also expect other amenities such as heating and ventilating seats, wireless charging and much more. Overall, it is safe to say that this modern and yet futuristic interior will be and is heavily catered to the driver.

Regarding the exterior, its carbon fiber wheels will be wider allowing for shorter stopping lengths, and stronger brakes. This one of a kind car will also feature a bigger rear wing which will allow for elevated levels of downforce causing less drag.

The suspension can also be anticipated to be recalibrated and strengthened for better racing performance.

And thanks to the flat aircraft crank, it will be able to rev from 8500 to 9000 RPM. Its unique engine will also make this car sound resembling closer to a sports car if anything.

With all of that as well as the anticipated fact that the engine has over 600 horsepower, we can anticipate the final sales price to be $85,000. And colors will be offered in “Caffeine, Hypersonic Gray, and Amplify Orange.” Altogether, this car is a reminder that we truly are living in the future.

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MeKai Curtis:

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Words by D’SHONDA BROWN

Photography by ANTONIO JEFFERSON Fashion Styling by DARYL GLOVER

Fashion Assistance by PARIS WARREN & DARYL SARGEANT

Hollywood’s Newest ‘Power’ Player Is ‘Raising’ The Bar The actor reveals how he prepared for ‘Raising Kanan,’ the power of life in the tongue, and pivoting away from being a Disney actor.

“I’m healthy, I’m alive. I got to wake up today, so that’s the biggest part right there, I’m grateful. I’m very comfortable right now,” MeKai Curtis said during our mental health check-in before the interview really kicked off. Wearing a fitted Yankees cap and graphic Dexter’s Laboratory tee, the 20-year-old confidently informed me that his mental wellbeing was in a good place.

When you hear the name MeKai Curtis, you think of Courtney Kemp’s Power Book III: Raising Kanan, which serves as the cinematic prequel set in 1990s New York as it tells the tale of the early years of Kanan Stark, played by executive producer Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson.

MeKai Curtis was nothing less than personable, humble, passionate, and humorous throughout our chat - which was everything that you would expect him to be. He is obviously blowing up right now, to say the least, on this critically acclaimed show. As he shines on screen for the first season of the third book of the Power Universe, it wouldn’t be the proper interview without asking him to take it back to where it all started for him.

“I was sitting there watching ‘Power’ one day

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and I just randomly was like, ‘I would love to be in Power one day’,” Curtis continued.

Unbeknownst to him, life was truly in the power of the tongue and he spoke the near future of his acting career into existence. He was attracted to the essence of Black people in powerful positions onscreen and the idea of being part of the franchise drove him further to his goals. A week later, his life would be changed forever.

“My team hits me on some, ‘Hey, you have an audition for Power.’ That’s funny, right?,” Curtis posed. Talk about one hell of a coincidence. After about three rounds of auditions, he was notified that he got the role, but had no idea that he was auditioning for the role of 50 Cent’s character’s younger years. “That kind of changed the whole game at that point,” he said.

Mentally, Curtis was in a space of hunger and confidence when auditioning for Power. He remembered telling his team that he would be getting this role which he referred to as “one of those opportunities I’ve been waiting for my whole life.” He continued, “I think I just kind of went in with the mindset of doing the best I can, leaving it all on the floor,

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and knowing that I did that. And that’s kind of how I ended up where I am now.”

Once he made the decision that he would be taking on this role, he mentally and spiritually prepared by leaning on the support of his friends and family. Both Kanan’s character and Curtis are family oriented, so turning to his loved ones in turn allowed him to tap more into the proper preparation methods. “Being that I was so ready for this, this is something I wanted,” he told me passionately. Curtis put himself in a headspace of sacrifice, which included but wasn’t limited to giving up certain things in his life for a while in order to truly focus on this dream role. “It’s just putting yourself in that space to do the best you can and perform at the highest standard,” he continued. He has undoubtedly put himself in a position to be challenged as a newcomer on the Power scene and has managed to deliver an effortless performance throughout every episode.

The New Jersey native isn’t new to this, he’s true to this. Prior to joining the Power family, he got his start on Disney Channel like China Anne McClain and Zendaya.

Not only did he have a small role on the Boy Meets World reboot Girl Meets World, but he starred on Disney XD’s Kirby Buckets and did voice acting on Milo Murphy’s Law. Though most Disney Channel alumni have spoken out about their experience on the network, Curtis knows that as a former Disney star himself that the entertainment industry would treat him a bit differently than his acting colleagues.

He knows that there’s a bit of a “shock factor” that happens when he opens my mouth to speak, he says, because he has “always been wiser beyond my years.” Curtis has always naturally gravitated towards people above his own age group, which explained why he was so articulate in thought and had radiant emotional intelligence in his speech. Though it may be off putting for some who may judge and doubt his abilities because of his age, he doesn’t let his knowledge and wisdom deter him from his goals.

“That’s one of the things that you kind of just can’t let stop you. You have to put your head down and really show them otherwise.

Really just not care that they do that sort of thing and keep pushing. It definitely will happen if you allow it to,” he said.

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It wouldn’t be an interview without a retrospective moment, so naturally, I asked him what advice he would give to his younger 13-year-old self, who was possibly at the time gearing up to star in Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. “To be completely honest with you, I feel like 13-year-old MeKai was ready for this even then,” he said thinking to himself aloud. While he knew that there were certain things that young MeKai would have to learn and experience before being fully ready, he knew that he would eventually get the gist of things as time went along.

He continued, “13-year-old MeKai was literally on another show, but on the other show is why I learned a lot of what I apply to what I’m shooting now. There’s going to be some bullshit that comes, but let it be that. You just keep doing what you’re doing, right? Honestly, you’re on a mission. There’s a reason you are here. You probably don’t see it yet but keep going. That’s it.”

According to Curtis, you have to believe in your own abilities first before you can expect anyone else to believe in you. “As long as you stand on 10 toes and you believe in the work that you’ve put in, you believe in your abilities, you believe in your intellect, your wisdom, all of that, you’ll be good. The pigeonhole won’t really be a thing,” he affirmed. As he spoke life into the conversation, I received it.

While transitioning from a kid-friendly network to the home of hit shows including Run The World, Blindspotting, and P-Valley, Curtis knew that going from one to the other would be vastly different. As he ebbed and flowed with his new work environment, he kept his nose to the grindstone, watched his surroundings strategically and positioned himself to be the student who learned from every master in the room. But when it was announced that he would be taking on the role of Kanan, he held his head high as he was embraced with open arms by diehard Power fans.

“I wish I could say there has been some turmoil or whatever, but honestly it hasn’t been,” Curtis said gratefully yet with a bit of confusion and hesitancy in his voice. He said that everyone has been showing him uncon-

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ditional love and displayed their excitement from day one. “It’s been fun. It’s been enjoyable. It’s been humbling. It’s been all of that, man. I’m enjoying the ride, honestly.”

“I’m excited that people are excited to go on this journey with me from young man to - I guess still a young man, but an older young man,” he interrupted himself. Curtis expressed excitement to witness his growth as an actor, as he acknowledged that this is just the tip of the iceberg for him and his career. “ I’m excited for people to see the range that I possess in terms of my talents. I’m excited for people to experience this story. Enough about me - I’m excited for people to really get to dive into this world and not only understand this character, but understand the choices that this environment brought to certain people.”

Curtis understands the power of Raising Kanan. Though it may be a fictional story, the storyline demonstrates the impact of one’s environment on situational awareness and the life decisions that one finds themselves in. He’s passionate about getting to not only play the protagonist but be part of a show that shines the light on topics including but not limited to mental health, lack of resources and the multifaceted Black experience in different environments. Showing the emotional wellbeing and demise of a young man trying to protect his family by any means and who is influenced by his environment is a true story that many of us can relate to, and Curtis does not take his role lightly.

“Getting to deconstruct that and really dive into each really pivotal moment that happens and how that affected him,” Curtis said about his “ eye opening” experience as a fan of the show and an actor. “Somebody who wasn’t necessarily in this environment, but was aware of what’s happening, and to really get to see it from such a close perspective in a way was eye opening. It really makes me appreciate life, the way I was raised and not having to be in this situation.”

The show not only features relatable character development but consciously depicts the pivotal era that was the 1990s for Black America.

“The nineties were huge for us. Even down to a lot of today’s fashion and hairstyles are mimicking and have turned to what the 90s and the 80s were,” he said as he paid hom-

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age. “I feel like I should have been born in the 90s. I literally missed it by a few. I’m in the clear or whatever,” he laughed. He was born on October 14, 2000, so he just missed his mark - by only ten months and two weeks. Other than that, he definitely would have been right on the cusp.

Because Raising Kanan is technically a period piece, he told me that the showrunner Sascha Penn is “meticulous” about getting the essence of New York in the 90s just right. Between wardrobe and avoiding contemporary vernacular, every piece of rehearsal and filming was intentionally orchestrating a show that would showcase the power of Black folks during that time period. As an avid advocate for anything 90s including pop cultural references, movies and music, I had to ask him about his thoughts on the influence of and relationship between hip-hop, Black culture and mainstream music.

“Sheesh. That’s a question right there,” he acknowledged as a grin appeared across his face. Curtis referred to the name of the genre itself. ”It’s what’s hip, it’s what’s cool. Hip-hop is just a flavor that everybody wants. It’s in the way we walk. It’s just this dripping, this flavor that the 90s oozes.

That’s what hip-hop is in the world. It’s pop culture. It’s a movement. It’s what people want to see, it’s what people want to do,” he added.

TOP: VINTAGE POLO RALPH LAUREN BOTTOM: VINTAGE POLO RALPH LAUREN

Before we parted ways and signed off on our Zoom call to get back to our individual Saturday agendas, I asked the young, Black excellence personified about his hopes for the future of his career as an artist, thespian, and human being in this space. “I’m taking over the world, first of all,” he said seriously but joked and followed up with his real answer. “I’m going to take over the world but I’m going to do what I’m doing now - making dope content with dope people.” His plans include spreading love and light to those whose paths he crosses and lives every day as they come. “Through the power of manifestation, we’re going to see what other roles I bring back into the circle. We’re going to see what connections that brings and it hasn’t let me down thus far.”

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Words by TRUTH HAWKINS

Photography by NOAH ASANIAS

Nancy Drew’s Tunji Kasim Dishes on Season Three, Mental Health, and more Fall is here and television’s hottest shows are packing a punch - of drama! Among them, is none other than The CW’s supernatural sleuther Nancy Drew, based on the iconic mystery series created by publisher Edward L. Stratemeyer.

In case you missed it, in the season two finale, titled “The Echo of Lost Tears,” Nancy’s mystical and terrifically terrifying relative, Temperance Hudson (played by Bo Martynowska), returned to wreak havoc on Horseshoe Bay, further signaling how one’s past cannot be erased - as well as the mental toll one is faced with when forced to take a deep look inward. Sprinkle in a nasty breakup, daddy issues, and a dark ritual-reincarnation and you could say the second season went out much like it came in…with a bang! So, what can we expect come season three?

We caught up with one of the show’s standout stars, Tunji Kasim, known to us on the show as Ned “Nick” Nickerson - a former teenage convict (also Nancy’s ex-boyfriend) - who dished on all things the Drew Crew and so much more!

How excited are you to reprise your role as Ned “Nick” Nickerson?

“It’s very exciting! It’s great to be back for season three. I’m fairly new to the U.S. So, this is my first show here. But, from what I hear, it’s an accomplishment just to get a third season. So, it’s fantastic we get to continue telling these stories. The cast and crew are fantastic.”

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Agreed. Now, though told through the lens of Nancy - one of the many components that stand out about the show are the relationships, specifically, your unique relationship with the starlet.

That being said, what can you tell viewers about the dynamic of your relationship with Nancy moving forward?

“It’s really cool I get to explore Nick and tell his story because there is a lot left unsaid,” said Kasim.

“I think Nick and Nancy have a history - a very interesting dynamic. How do you - especially because they are so young right - get involved - and Nick was quite emotionally involved with Nancy and very open to that being a serious thing and it didn’t work out.” He continued, noting the poor timing.

“But, how do you then continue to stay connected to that person in some kind of way? That’s a very mature approach for these characters to take - that, while they’re not together anymore - they’re still connected. There’s still a friendship there. There’s history there. But, of course, Nick’s involved with George now and George was connected to Nancy before Nick was connected to Nancy

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or George. So, how do they navigate that and keep the relationships as positive with each other as possible?”

Now, if you’re wondering why this scenario sounds all too familiar - as though the hit supernatural drama ripped a page straight out of your diary (Just me?), that’s because, “We’re portraying a very positive version of those relationships and how they can function,” said Kasim. “But, of course it will be really interesting to see when they don’t function and what that looks like delving into that - that’s very rich terrain to explore,” added Kasim, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in storytelling.

too many young minority men - ethnic minorities in America - that do see the correctional facilities in some way. If we’re going to go there with a character then we’ve got to make sure that we explore the complex consequences of having to go through a prison system in America and the effects of that on the person,” he elaborated on the power of being intentional.

And, much like any young adult drama, Kasim promises “there will definitely be flare ups - flare ups suggest a negative connotation - but there will definitely be moments of intensity that bring past emotions to the forefront. Especially for Nick.

I think in season three we’re going to see him very much exploring his life before coming to Maine - the Nick of the past and the Nick of the present and how does he make those two match up. And, of course, his relationship with Nancy is kind of vital to that and also his relationship to George.”

“Relationships that are ongoing need some kind of resolution - some answers. I think Nick got asked a pretty important question at the end of season two. So, it would be nice to explore his answer to that and the repercussions of that - negative and positive”

When viewers interact with your character (Nick) or the show itself - being one of the most diverse series on television today - what message would you like them to walk away with?

“I think it’s fantastic we have diversity ethnic diversity and also cultural diversity within the show. I think it’s something we try to lean into as much as we can. And I hope, ultimately no matter what ethnicity people are watching, no matter what culture the characters come from, people walk away feeling empathetic towards the characters and what they’re going through.”

Furthermore, Kasim’s desire is that “People aren’t just put in boxes” but looked at as “Whole, 360 human beings with as complex emotions and complex lives as anyone from any other ethnicity or any other group. Hopefully our audience, young and old, are coming away like ‘Yes there is di-

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As for spoilers, you won’t find any here!

However, per Kasim, we may be getting some clarification around a very important question dropped at the tail end of season two.

versity in this cast but just as importantly there is also a richness of character and personality within each of those characters and people.’”

And to his fans, for tuning in: “Thank you for being a fan to begin with” he chuckled. Adding, “It might sound simplistic but I can only go back to what I said before. If you like Nancy Drew and you like Nick in particular or any other character in particular in the show. Hopefully that’s because we are telling their stories right and you feel something for them - it’s a genuine connection rather than something simplistic and superficial because all these characters have very complicated histories and pasts - Nick especially.”

“Nick is a young Black man in America and he’s been through the juvenile correctional system. That might sound like a cliche of a character but when I signed up for this job - it was very important to me and in speaking with them - it sounded equally important that even though we might be following this cliche - and you might call it a cliche - but unfortunately there are far

Meanwhile, when he’s not filming, you can likely find Kasim challenging his friends and family to a battle of the mind and body, noting that he spent much of the pandemic (beginning with the initial lockdown in London) picking up running (though not a “gifted runner”) - including 1000 kilometers by the end of 2021 - urging those close to him to walk it out or grab a bike - anything to get moving.

“I think physical activity is vital and important - the benefits of it are so wide and varied. One of the best ways is mental health. I think if you’re physically healthy - you’re physically active - not all the time - but oftentimes the body and the mind are connected. And, if the body is healthy, the mind is healthy.”

Now, if that doesn’t have you running to dust off your snuggy (or running shoes) and stocking up on pumpkin spice lattes in preparation, we don’t know what will.

Season three of CW’s hit series “Nancy Drew” is slated to premiere on October 8, 2021.

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Between the Sheets Six Summer Must-Read Novels SUCH A FUN AGE

GOOD MORNING MONSTER

BY KILEY REID

BY CATHERINE GILDINER

Believe it or not, Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid is her debut as an author. She strikes the heart and mind of its readers by conveying a story of racism, privilege, and more.

So much so that she won the African American Literary Award. The story identifies a 25-year-old African American woman, Emira Tucker. Called in for an emergency babysitting gig, she takes her toddler to the grocery store only to find herself in the middle of an unfortunate circumstance. Already aimless and wondering about life, she now has to face the accusation that she kidnapped her charge. The mother of the toddler took her on as a project out of embarrassment.

Throughout the book, it is evident that the mother Alix and Emira find comparisons within their lives despite their differences.

Catherine Gildiner’s Good Morning Monster offers an emotional view and perspective on mental health and psychology. Through astonishing, resilient, and brave characters, its readers are reminded that they too can be brave, tough, and astonishing. Gildiner writes about five outstanding and remarkable patients she’s had as a therapist. One of which is a woman who was abandoned at a young age, a man who grew up in a Canadian residential school for indigenous people, a woman who has a member of the aged Bundy fan club as a father, and much more. Gildiner clearly shows her respect for each and every character with her thoughtful words on every page.

SURROUNDED BY IDIOTS

MESS WITH A MESSAGE

CLAP WHEN YOU LAND

BY THOMAS ERICKSON

BY MISSTER RAY

BY ELIZABETH ACEVEDO

Thomas Erickson found the inspiration to write this book after a ruinous meeting with an entrepreneur. After said meeting, he sought out to find out why people may have difficulty in connection and communication with each other. The internationally adored book introduces a methodical technique to evaluate the personalities of people we interact with. This method identifies four different personality types (red, blue, green, and yellow). This can help us identify how we talk and how we can improve. Not only that but it can better our understanding of ourselves, conflict resolution skills, and much more. This book is clearly more than just an ordinary book, this can imperial and simplify our everyday lives.

Recently published book Mess with a Message is Misster Ray’s debut book. Misster Ray (aka Ray Cunningham) has quite a colorful story starring in multiple shows, being the first openly gay cast member on BET’s College Hill: Virginia State Unversity, facing alopecia and growing up in a blended family.

All of this unhealthily bottled up, now turned into a successful book!

National Award Winning book, Clap When You Land, is written by New York Times Best Selling Author Elizabeth Acevedo. She manages to move readers by filling each page with emotions. She does not fail to portray the difficulty of forgiveness, the heavy hearting ache of loss, and much more. The story follows Camino Rios as she comes to the horrible realization that her father, hero, and mentor have passed away due to a plane crash on the day that he was supposed to come to visit her in the Dominican Republic. It also shows Yahaira Rios as she too faces her father’s loss in NYC. Both now must accept the fact that they are without a father whilst being separated. Only to soon find out about each other.

Words by RYAN KWON

From reality realness to feel-good fiction, these novels are made for summer. Complete your midsummer daydream - Grab a blanket, cold drink, your favorite bookmark, and check into these top summer selections.

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This book is the one for you if you want to truly uncover who Misster Ray really is. According to many reviews, this book is a real page-turner and many appreciate his willingness to be open and vulnerable.

this is for the kings

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT www.YOUNGKINGHAIRCARE.COM

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Photography by RAYMOND EUGENIO Fashion styling by SYDNEY POTTER Makeup by KATE CHAVEZ REPRESENTED

BY PATRICK SANTA ANA Set design & props by ADAM SANTIAGO

A WESTSIDE STORY

Models: Mychael Jamal & Kaylin Amarra

HAT: REAL SKATEBOARDS

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PANTS: ZARA

SHOES: NIKE

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[L] HOODIE AND SHORTS: RIPNDIP [R] T-SHIRT: DOPE [R] SHORTS: RIPNDIP

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Less Cult. More Community.

Discover a healthier, happier YOU with LIVE and ON-DEMAND fitness classes and performance tracking that meet you wherever life takes you.

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HUMANS

Words by YVETTE MONET

CREATIVES SHINING BRIGHT THIS SUMMER Let’s face it, creatives are the most influential workers of this generation. From mastering fine arts and exploring new heights to connecting a community through food and music, creatives have truly kept us going through a tough year.

Creatives across the globe faced a huge setback when it came to the pandemic, causing some to struggle. What do you do when the world is shut down and most of your job is to interact with people on a day-to-day basis? It hasn’t been an easy road for these artistic minds, some took jobs in restaurants and others used their talents to help other people. Videos circulated around social media of comedians hosting free shows for their neighbors, just to see them smile.

Celebrities also took to social media to stay connected to the world – Verzuz started out as two artists battling each other from the comfort of their homes and it ended up turning into a concert in our own homes. Many artists used the pandemic as an opportunity to write some new material and get back to their roots.

The pandemic did not stop many talented minds from handling their business, including these powerhouse creatives.

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STEWART CORNELIUS Stewart has been the Senior Manager of Entertainment Partnerships at Twitter for almost a decade. In other words, he manages a team that provides solutions for influencers and celebrities to help them utilize Twitter to the best of their ability.

During the pandemic, Twitter was a big part of how the world stayed connected and Stew helped to make sure we got the best out of the social media app during a difficult time, especially for other creatives.

According to another source, Stew explained that he and his team wanted to be able to help artists connect with their fans while allowing these artists to be able to make money. That’s where the idea of Spaces came about.

“We knew if we gave people the ability to speak and join in on things their favorite tweeters or celebrities are talking about, it would take off,” he told the source.

Because Twitter is based on user behavior, it gives us a way to connect with each other through laughter, art, news, and community.

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TYRA MYRICKS Jam Master Jay’s daughter, is the definition of a Girl Boss. From working with Drake as the Director of Design, Merchandising and Development for OVO’s lifestyle brand, co-owning a pizza shop, fashion label, and gym, this girl boss is the definition of hustling.

During the pandemic, Tyra faced a few struggles of her own. The gym, ‘The Method’, had opened a new location during the middle of the pandemic but shut down a few days later - Los Angeles issued a lock-down for the city due to the pandemic. However, during the lock-down, she found a way to help everyone...they moved the classes outdoors. People were able to work out and she was able to pay rent for the gym.

As far as maintaining her work for OVO, Zoom was her way to stay connected to discuss any upcoming projects. According to another source, “she leads the design team, approves and denies designs, and deals with manufacturers overseas.”

Tyra was also able to keep thriving with her fashion label, ‘Wealth’, which primarily sells online. She’s even getting ready to expand the factory they use to manufacture the clothing.

Her latest business venture, Juicy Pizza, is a pizza shop in Los Angeles that’s packed with New York flavor. The shop’s grand opening was June 12, 2021 and she co-owns the shop with Biggie’s daughter, T’yanna Wallace, hence the name of the shop. Juicy Pizza offers a sense of exclusivity for celebrities; in the back of the pizza shop there’s a cannabis lounge where they can dine and unwind.

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VICKIE PIERRE A multimedia artist from Brooklyn, has continuously let her creativity shine despite any hardships she may have come across last year.

Vickie’s creative process is “informed and inspired by memory, fantasy, surrealism, popular culture, and the decorative and ornamental arts.”

Currently based out of Miami, Florida, Vickie worked on a few pieces throughout the pandemic, which are now showcased in the Fredric Snitzer Gallery.

She told the Boca Raton Museum of Art that the work she’s been putting out is focused on “icons from my childhood, [which] I think is a part of a lot of young women’s childhood, and those are the Walt Disney World characters.”

The Disney icons include Snow White, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty.

“These female characters present a challenging precedent for young girls and may perpetuate deep-seeded ideas into adulthood regarding identity and femininity. As global icons, they can be powerful yet manipulative, regardless of their endearing cartoon appearance,” Vickie explained.

“In my process, these icons are reintroduced as anthropomorphic shapes set against pastel monochromatic backgrounds. They are no longer recognizable fairy tale sweethearts.”

Vickie has also placed her artistic efforts into collages. According to her website, the “Poupées in the Bush series continues the theme of the abstracted female form, deconstructed princesses and perfume bottle dresses. The muses of this series are presented as feminine characters that are adorned with jewels and embellishments.”

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Words by TRUTH HAWKINS Images courtesy of TRUTH HAWKINS

Aunts et Uncles: A

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Nestled in Brooklyn’s Little Caribbean neighborhood, this Black owned, plant-based cafe - boasting an abundance of vegan delights - is much more than meets the eye.

“It behooves a small business to be not merely a new entrant into a neighborhood community but instead a continuation of an existing narrative. A continuation that gives permission to the neighbors as a collective to collectively enter a new chapter.

This is what AU is doing.” writes Aunts et Uncles of their mission, via Instagram. A narrative, husband-wife owners, Michael and Nicole Nicholas, aka, auntie and uncle of the establishment make certain is weaved into each and every detail.

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Upon entry you’re greeted with a celebration of color. Pink shelving units line the walls, while turquoise seating, modern, gold cafe tables, grand greenery and warm wood tones shape a vibrant experience - not to mention a millennials Instagram post paradise. Tying it all together, is a plethora of retail items ranging in price from $10 to $175, including merch designed for Juneteenth, must-read books that salute Black culture, luxury home items such as coconut-soy wax candles and hand sanitizers by

Tribe & Oak and artwork by Michael. One eye-catching piece in particular is titled “Sekou.”

“This piece we call “Sekou” (name means WARRIOR) is YOU! He’s resilient, strong, patient, curious, driven, creative, proud, fearless, optimistic, to name a few traits,” the designer shares of his work, a humble nod to his time in The Magic City - Miami.

Adding, “Sometimes we feel we lack most of those traits but they already exist in us.

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We just have to tap in!” According to their website, only 305 prints will ever see the light of day; with each donning the artist’s hand signature.

Now, let’s talk about the grub. Racking up an impressive 5-stars on Yelp, it was no surprise to see the summer hot spot buzzing with excitement. Apparent besties sipped on menu favorites like Sunday’s Best - a spicy concoction of Sauvigon Blanc, passion fruit, chilli peppers, and fresh lime - while bobbing their heads to a Tik Tok dance worthy playlist. Meanwhile, younger patrons gleefully grasped long-neck embossed glass bottles filled to the brim with Cane Cola, by New York’s very own Boylan Bottling Co. With drinks (a standard coffee and wine list included) ranging from a moderate $4 to $14, there’s a little something for everyone itching to beat the heat.

But, what’s a refreshing cocktail without the perfect pairing - a Caribbean-infused menu with an emphasis on meat substitutes, grains, and veggies? Take for example, the Au Burger featuring a thick and juicy Beyond Meat patty topped with caramelized onions, spicy mayonnaise, bbq sauce and fresh arugula, sandwiched between a soft pretzel bun. A theme that

alluded my guests, who if I hadn’t had mentioned “would have never known” of its plant-based origin. “When we get someone to come in here that’s not vegan, and they’ve got to taste something on the menu, we’ve got to make sure that we’re showing up for their taste buds,” Nicole, whom has a background in hospitality once told CBS New York of their desire to cater to a diverse palette.

Additional signature selections include popular finger food, the Tivoli Taco (born the summer of 2020) and a cruelty-free take on an American breakfast staple the E Classic, featuring Beyond Breakfast Sausage, Just Egg, and sweet and creamy vegan-smoked gouda cheese, served on a toasted english muffin. Meanwhile, those on the fence about indulging the not so novel concept of processed patties are not left without a wide-variety of alternatives.

Hearts of palm - sustainably sourced - are sautéed with ripe tomatoes and peppers and stuffed in a fresh bake, a traditional Caribbean fried dough. The “Lobster Roll,” also a season favorite, boasts rich notes of dill and features a toasted bun slathered in Rosemary Butter. “It was one of the first dishes we learned how to create in plant based form.” AU’s Facebook reads. Con-

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cluding it “came out so good we had to share it with you guys.”

Rounding out the menu is a handful of hearty, healthy vegetables such as the All Green Everything, a summer salad chock full of sautéed okra, asparagus and brussel sprouts with a hint of homemade pesto and the Wild Flower Salad riddled with roasted purple cauliflower, wild rice, and sautéed greens. (Meals, $8-$16) Prior to exiting we had the pleasure of bumping into Taylor Tankson, Co-Founder of Tribe & Oak - a current retailer at Aunts et Uncles - who shared with us the significance of the thriving hub for community, culture, and commerce. “We need more places like this,” she shared, noting that her dream which was realized during the height of the pandemic “just took off,” thanks to the support of community-centric businesses like AU, among others.

“We want to give people good food, good vibrations, good reads, good music, good drinks. It’s just a cool space to converse and build, learn, educate,” Michael elaborated to CBS New York, of ushering AU, a marriage of family, food, culture and flavor into a new era and we are here for it.

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THE WONDERFUL

WORLD OF BIZ MARKIE Long Island’s own Biz Markie was a true blessing to hip-hop. His unmatched style and talent separated him from his peers and led to a whirlwind career that would mark Biz as one of the genre’s most notable artists.

A somber energy clutched New York on July 16, 2021, when the news of Biz Markie’s death shocked the public. A profound beatbox and rap pioneer who paved the way for some of hip-hop’s biggest artists, Biz’s influence continues to permeate through generations.

Biz Markie’s story starts on Long Island, where the soon-to-be star began to find his footing in the roaring hip-hop scene of 1980s New York. Born Marcel Theo Hall on April 8, 1964, in Harlem and raised in Brentwood, Biz was always a quiet, observant wallflower. He soon found his niche within Queensbridge’s The Juice Crew, a Cool Chillin’ Records collective that launched the storied careers of Big Daddy Kane, Roxanne Shante, and Kool G Rap all collaborators of Biz Markie.

Aside from his large presence and humorous persona, what really made Biz stand out back then was his beatboxing ability - and, his monogrammed hats and shirts that read “BIZ.” During freestyles and live performances, he would mimic record scratches and beats and would even throw in his own ad-libs.

“I used to give these parties and he just basically fit in our clique and the first time we saw him, he started doing the beatbox, and we had never seen it before,” recalls DJ Be-

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of a contentious copyright case. Gilbert O’Sullivan claimed Biz’s track from the album “Alone Again” contained an unauthorized sample from his 1972 song “Alone Again (Naturally),” which led to the landmark court case Grand Upright Music, Ltd v. Warner Bros. Records Inc. The judge ruled in favor of O’Sullivan and in turn, Cold Chillin’ Records had to pull I Need a Haircut from the shelves and any other artists using samples had to clear permissions with the original artists.

While this was a huge damper on the creativity of rap artists and producers, it did birth the commonality of using interpolation, a method in which artists re-record samples and pay the writers of the song’s royalties and notably used by several recording artists today.

lal of Groove B Chill in the YouTube documentary The Untold Story of Biz Markie, directed by James Kraze Billings. “We was like, ‘what is this? What is he doing?’ He had the microphone on his neck … He started doing a beat and mimicking ‘Impeach the President.’”

Biz released his first studio album Goin’ Off in 1988. On the album was his leading single “Make the Music with Your Mouth, Biz” and “Nobody Beats the Biz,” but it was his acclaimed single “Vapors” that shot the young MC into hip hop stardom. The track is still sampled in modern rap today.

“Vapors,” mainly its coinciding music video, opened a realm of possibilities not just for himself but for the genre as a whole. On a boat in the Hudson River, Biz reimagined what music videos can be. Many fans look fondly upon the track’s video as a memorable moment in Biz’s career.

Coming off the wide success of “Vapors,” Biz dropped his second studio album The Biz Never Sleeps, which housed his millennium hit “Just A Friend.” The song was way off the beaten path of pop hits and chart-topping songs, with Biz’s unique and off-key crooning. Its success was due in part to the sound itself being completely novel, and the context and feeling of the track being so unequivocally human. It

was a story of heartbreak and emotion that nearly everyone could relate to.

“To write a good record, I gotta get depressed… I was talking to this girl from L.A., and every time I called her, this dude was at her house, and she’d say, ‘Oh, he’s just a friend.’ I hate that,” Biz said of the track in a 2000 Rolling Stone interview.

“But it came out funny… When I sang the hook, they couldn’t stop laughing - they bugged out. Then I knew it was gonna be a good record.”

In 1993, fresh off his copyright case, Biz dropped his fourth studio album All Samples Cleared!, to poke fun at the situation.

He continued on, keeping his priceless, comical attitude that his global fanbase adored. He crossed into unlikely genres, collaborating with psychedelic rock band the Flaming Lips on their track “2012” and was sampled on the Rolling Stones’ 1997 hit “Anybody Seen My Baby?.”

Biz was a remarkable talent whose influence will be felt for generations to come.

May he rest in peace.

And of course, being a master of visuals, Biz’s corresponding video for the track perfectly encapsulated the whimsical yet sorrowful track. It tells a story while remaining in Biz’s inimitable crossroads of schoolyard humor mixed with adult situations and feelings. The scene where he sings the boisterous hook in a Beethoven-inspired accouterment is carved into the memories of hip-hop fans globally. Even today, the official music video sits at 72 million views and counting.

In August of 1991, Biz released his third studio album, I Need A Haircut, and became the center

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HOTTEST SUMMER SCENES ENVSN FESTIVAL

PARADISE COVE

THE GOODTIME HOTEL

ATLANTA BELTLINE

ESSENCE FESTIVAL

THE HIGH MUSEUM OF ART

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