Bleu Magazine Issue 47 - Dave East

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CONTENTS Jacket MARCELO BURLON

64

HELL OF A DREAM Long before a cosign from NAS or inking a deal with Def jam that catapulted his rap career, Dave East went through ups and downs but never lost sight of his purpose.

WORDS EBONY ALLSION

PHOTOGRAPHY OTHELLO BANACI

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MAGAZINE

Shirt ROCHAMBEAU Watch and Jewelry (TALENT’S OWN)

“91 /100” - W IN E E N T H U S IA S T

“DANGEROUSLY EASY TO DRINK...

THREE OF US ALMOST FINISHED THE BOTTLE IN ONE SITTING; THAT’S HOW DELICIOUS IT WAS” - C r af t e d M a g azi n e

“COMPULSIVELY DELICIOUS” - THE POUR FOOL

CONTENTS

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11 Publisher’s Letter

48 Travel Discover Paradise, Again

14 Access By Bleu 16 The 4 By 5 The Most Valuable Entertainers

18 Soled Up Hittin' The Streets

24 Gadgets Home Sweet Home

26 Cars

Dashing and Afforable

52 The Creatives Beauty in the Struggle

56 Fashion Fastastic Him

72 Op-ed What Will The Future Of Diversity in Hollywood Look Like

74 Feature We Made It!

78 The Humans 82 Fashion

28 Fashion

Tino’s Majesty

Bleu Noir

90 Score

40 Fitness

Better Man

Tighten That Core

94 Spotlight

42 Grooming

Dinner be a Lady

Masculine Moisturizers

96 Bleulist

44 Fuel - Food The Epic Sushi Roll

97 Icon George Michael

46 Fuel - Drink Drink of Choice

Hat BAILEY OF HOLLYWOOD Pants DEVEAUX

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MAGAZINE

98 Stockist

PHOTOGRAPHY OTHELLO BANACI

12 Contributors

BLEUMAGAZINE.COM @BLEUMAGAZINE

FA S H I O N | H E A LT H | C U LT U R E ENTERTAINMENT | ART

TEA M EDITORIA L DIR EC TOR D É VO N CH R I STOPHER J OHNSON

BLEU

THE

CONT RIBUT ING FASHION EDITO RS RONÇOIS F RA NC OIS AT IBA N E WE S O M E

FASHION EDITOR-AT-LA R G E CHR I S SAN D FOR D

B L EUL IFE

CHAIRMAN, CEO & PRESIDENT DÉ VO N C HRISTO P HE R J O HN SO N

A D

E U ROPE AN FASHION E DITO R SEA N A ZEEZ

S R . GRA P HIC DESIGNE R D OMI N I C BI ELAK

SA LE S

TO DD E VAN S RI V E N DE L L ME DI A 908. 2 3 2 . 2 02 1

CONT RIBUT ING E D ITO RS RAYMOND MORA , C HRIS L AW

DESIGN & ILLUSTRATION LAWR EN CE PI TTS

GROUP

COPY E D ITOR TREVOY ROSS

DI GITA L MEDIA MA N AGE R ER I CA VAI N

OFFICE COORDINATOR JOSE MATEO

E D ITOR IA L

B R A N D

ST R AT E G I ST

TEA M

AD ON IS F RA NK, A NGEL QUILES D OR I ELLE JACKSON, YISREA L RICHA RDSON

C HRISTO P HE R FIN DL E Y @ CHRI STO P HE RMFI N DL E Y

BOOKING COORD INATO R NAYA AGA RRAT

P R O D UC TION C OORDINATOR T ER EN CE B . MCN EALY

E V E NT CONT RI BUT I N G

CON TR IB U TIN G

WRI T E RS

PH OTOGR A PH E R S

D OMI N I QU E CAR S O N

RYA N SLAC K

EVAN MA J OR S

OT HE LLO BA NAC I

SAB LE S W EEPER

HA RV EY JACKSON

P R O D UC T I O N

T RAVIS W E E K E S @ DRI V E N SO CI E T Y

RICA RDO NELSON KIRK SHA NNON - BUT TS DA N IE L IG BIN YE M I TED SUN ST UA RT RA MSON

R E G I O N A L

R E P R E S E N TAT I V E

RAN N O N HARRIS ( CHI CAGO - MIDW E ST )

IN TER N S

L E GA L & B U SIN E SS A FFA IRS

ELI AN EL CLI N TON

A A LIYA H TYSON

NATHALIE MERCADO

NICOLE GORRITZ

H AR RY D E J ES U S

NKENGE BROWN

JOOMI PAR K

RYA N HA MID

KAI TLYN CAS SADY

TAT IYA N A KE N T

ETI EN N E MATOS

JORDA N ENRIQUEZ

K USC HA HATAM I SUB M ISSIO N S

N E W SSTAN D DIST R I BU T I O N

B L E U MAGA Z I N E 5 00 FASHI O N AV E , 1 7 A N E W YO RK , N Y 1 001 8 I N FO @ B L E U L IFE . CO M

IN GRA M CO N T E N T G R O U P I N C .

1 I N GRA M B LV D. L A V E RGN E , T N 3 7 0 8 6 P HO N E : 61 5 .7 93 . 50 0 0

BOM B SH EL L BY B L EU E D ITOR EBONY A LLISON CONT RIBU TORS GLAMO, TANYKA RENEE, CATAANDA J, LONDON BURNS, MATI A PEEBLES, C ORINNE CUTTINO

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MAGAZINE

Bleulife Media & Entertainment Inc. | 119 West 24th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10011 | E-Mail: info@ bleulife.com | Online: bleulife.com Printed in Canada. Opinions expressed by advertisers, columnists, feature writers or other contributors are not necessarily the opinions of Bleu Magazine or its staff. All advertisements, photographs, text or illustrations are published with the understanding that the advertisers are fully authorized to have secured proper consent for the use thereof. Bleu Magazine shall not be held responsible for any errors, loss, expense or liabilities on advertisements accepted after the deadline. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or advertisement in Bleu Magazine is not to be constructed as an indication of sexual orientation of such persons, advertiser or organization. Partial or complete reproduction of an advertisement, news article, feature or photograph from Bleu Magazine is strictly prohibited as Bleu Magazine is a registered trademark. A $25 or 1.5% (whichever is greater) fee will be charged for all NSF checks. All rights reserved.

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

There’s no place like home. A line used in the iconic movie The Wizard of Oz. But, Dorothy didn’t quite have it right. She was looking to go back to a place she came from. Afraid to try and make it in the new land she found her feet planted on. In other words she wanted to go back to a place that seemed more familiar and easier to navigate than the fictional Oz. Unlike Dorothy most of us can’t just click our heels, summon a time machine and wake up from a dream back on a farm in Kansas.

T

Lights is blinding, girls need blinders Or they could step out of bounds quick, the sidelines is Lined with casualties, who sip to life casually Then gradually become worse, don’t bite the apple, Eve Caught up in the in-crowd, now you’re in style Anna Wintour gets cold, in vogue with your skin out City of sin, it’s a pity on a whim Good girls gone bad, the city’s filled with them Mommy took a bus trip, now she got her bust out Everybody ride her, just like a bus route Hail Mary to the city, you’re a virgin And Jesus can’t save you, life starts when the church end Came here for school, graduated to the high life Ball players, rap stars, addicted to the limelight “Empire State Of Mind” Jay Z

Instead, us normal people, (living on the other side of the movie screen) have to deal with life as it is in the moment in real time. Which is why we chose Harlem rapper, Dave East, for our current cover. He represents what we feel is the authentic way to stay true to your personal brand even when there are an increased amount of eyeballs on you. He has taken his Harlem swag worldwide and the fans are loving every bit of it.

Home is a state of mind. Life will take you on many journeys. Some great. Some regrettable. The key is knowing who you are and not letting outside influences change you. Sometimes the world just has to catch up to you.

Sit back. Relax. Enjoy the rest of this issue of Bleu.

DÉVON CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON

FOUNDER AND GROUP PUBLISHER @DEVONISBLEU

Issue 47

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CONTRIBUTORS

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ATIB A NE WE SOME

DANIEL IGBINYEMI

Atiba Newesome has been in the styling business for over 16 years. Newesome’s first big project was being the wardrobe supervisor for Missy Elliot’s Lilth Fair Tour, where he dressed her and her dancers. From there Newesome has went on to style some of biggest names in entertainment including Sean P. Diddy Combs, Prince, and Mary J. Blige just to name a few. In all aspects of creativity, Newesome knows what he is doing, and doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon.

After graduating in photography in 2013 London based photographer Daniel Igbinyemi, spent several years in and out of photography due to finance and confidence issues.However during the past 24 months he has been working hard on different lighting techniques and styles birthing several strong editorials in Noctis, THRDS Online and Institute Magazine. Also taking note on how important marketing is he’s kept his viewers in the loop, by releasing behind the scenes content to give an insight on how he creates.

RYAN SLACK

OT HE LLO BAN ACI

Every morning in my studio, I ride a “potentially explosive” hoover board for about 20-45 mins, waiting for the sunlight to come over the skyline so that I can begin shooting. I have a habit of getting fairly technical on lighting and photo things but lately I have been shooting loose, using available light, and trying to embrace my inner black swan. I’m nothing without my team, I love the collaborative energy that comes with fashion photography.

Othello Banaci is a Photographer and Visual Storyteller from the D.C area specializing in fashion and commercial media. He started his career in fashion production which led to his debut as a photographer/cinematographer at MBFW. Since then, his work has been featured in NYLON, Complex, Huffington Post, Washington Post, and The Fader.

DOM INIQUE REINA

RICDARDO NELSON

Trendsetter Dominique Reina is a NYC based stylist whose fearless style embodies the volume of her eclectic nature. This Manhattan natives out of the box creations have been seen on some of today’s hottest trendsetters and influencers. Though there are many projects to look forward from this beauty, we look forward to seeing the continuance of her art and light through her work and how she continues to be inspires the world through culture and art with her infectious light”.

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

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

Beyonce.com

MAGAZINE

WE FOCUS ON HIV TO HELP YOU FOCUS ON

TODAY

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

onepillchoices.com © 2015 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. UNBC1852 03/15

ACCESS BY BLEU

KIEHL'S MY VITALITY PARTY W/ SPECIAL PERFORMANCE BY KEHLANI NEW YORK CITY JANUARY 5TH, 2017 On Thursday, January 5th, Kiehl’s Since 1851, kicked off the New Year with its most exclusive launch party yet, Kiehl’s Pure Vitality Skin Renewing Cream Summer in January at Bleecker Event Hall in New York City.

The HOT summer themed beach party included guest appearances from model and socialite Amanda Lepore, Broadway performer and actor Billy Porter, designers Jeffrey Costello and Robert Tagliapietra, and American model and actress Veronica Webb. The chart-topping singer songwriter Kehlani gave a special performance of her hit songs Gangsta from Suicide Squad along with her SweetSexySavage album single, CRZY. PHOTOGRAPHY STUART RAMSON SINGER KEHLANI PERFORMING

CHRIS SALGARDO WITH KEHLANI

LIANA WERNER GRAY

DJ KITTY CASH

BILLY PORTER

DESIGNERS JEFFREY COSTELLO AND ROBERT TAGLIAPIETRA

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ACTRESS VERONICA WEBB

ACCESS BY BLEU

PHOTOGRAPHY PARAS GRIFFIN

BMI CELEBRATES THE BEST IN GOSPEL MUSIC AT THE TRAILBLAZERS OF GOSPEL MUSIC HONORS ATLANTA, GA JANUARY 15TH, 2017

Broadcast Music, Inc. ® (BMI®) celebrated the best and brightest in gospel music on January 15th, 2017 during its 18th annual Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at the Rialto Center for the Arts in Atlanta, GA. The night paid tribute to iconic gospel singersongwriter Marvin Sapp, and was hosted for the second consecutive year by previous Trailblazer recipient and renowned gospel singer-songwriter Yolanda Adams along with gospel singer-songwriter VaShawn Mitchell.

The inspirational event aired nationwide on TV One on January 29th.

112 GROUP

JAHI WINSTON

TRAVIS GREENE

YOLANDA ADAMS

VASHAWN MITCHELL HOSTING

ISRAEL HOUGHTON AND ADRIENNE BAILON HOUGHTON

KIRK FRANKLIN AND MARVIN SAPP

Issue 47

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The Most Valuable Entertainers

THE 4 BY 5

“Top 5, Top 5, Top 5” you are looking at the top 4 entertainers and 5 of their biggest achievements from 2003 to 2016. From telling jokes, playing professional sports, acting and rapping, these entertainers have paved the way for others and continue to influence the culture WORDS AALIYAH TYSON

KEVIN HART

1 Won Guys’ Choice Award King of Comedy in 2014

2 Won CinemaCon Award for Platinum Mic Viewers Choice Award Best Actor in 2015.

3 Got nominated for MTV Movie Award Best Comedic Performance for Ride Along. Ride Along 2, and The Wedding Ringer in 2014-2016.

4 5

Won Star on the Walk of Fame in 2016.

Nominated for NAACP Image Award for Real Husbands of Hollywood in 2017.

LEBRON JAMES 1 First NBA Player to score 100 three-point shots.

2 Won two Olympic gold medals in 2008, and in London 2012.

3 Was an NBA champion three times in his career.

4

5 Nike confirms that it has signed a lifetime deal with LeBron.

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Four time NBA Most Valuable Player as of 2014.

THE 4 BY 5

GABRIELLE UNION 1 Won Black Reel on Best Supporting Actress, Network/ Cable Television for Something the Lord Made in 2005.

2 Won Best Actress Award at the Palm Beach International Film Festival for movie Neo Ned in 2006.

3 Won American Black Film Rising Star Award Female for Cradle 2 the Grave in 2003.

2 Won BET Comedy Award Outstanding Lead Actress in a Box Office Movie for Deliver Us from Eva in 2004.

5 Won NAACP Image Award on Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special for Being Mary Jane in 2014.

DRAKE

1 Summer Sixteen Tour is now the highest grossing hip-hop tour of all time with a total gross of $84.3 million off 54 shows.

2 Ties Lil Wayne for Most Hot 100 Hits Among Soloists.

3 “Views” Album is certified Quadruple Platinum.

4 Won BET Award for Best Male Hip Hop Artist for “One Dance” in 2016.

5 Won Grammy Award Rap Album for “Take Care” in 2013.

Issue 47

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SOLED UP

HITTIN’ THE STREETS

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The harsh winter weather can make it difficult to stay fly, but BLEU has you covered with kicks that will keep you stylish while maneuvering the streets.

Photography NATHALIE MERCADO

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Issue 47

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Issue 47

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GADGETS

Home Sweet Home We highlight just five of the gadgets that will improve your indoor experience.

WORDS RAYMOND MORA

1

Lg Oled Flat 65-Inch 4K Tv Step up your game and get the best picture quality on the market with the LG OLED Flat 65-Inch 4k TV. It delivers incredible rich colors and infinite contrast on a flat screen with many features. One of them is the WebOS 3.0 Smart TV with Magic Remote, which helps stream videos of applications such as Netflix, Hulu, etc. Probably the best model to invest in for 2017.

$2,997

2

$264

TCL 40-Inch 1080p Roku Smart LED TV The TCL 40-Inch 1080p Roku Smart LED TV is one of the most affordable televisions on the market.

It delivers over 3,000 streaming channels, ranging from live sports to news. Users can also cast their favorite movies and TV shows from a phone or tablet to the TV, and uses the Roku.

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GADGETS

$179 $99

3

Nest Protect

4

The Nest Protect is one of the best smoke detectors on the market. Easy to install in minutes using an iPhone or Android, this new redesigned product has an industrial-grade smoke sensor, tests itself up to 400 times a day and can last for a decade. It also alerts persons using a smart phone when not at home.

Kuna Toucan Surveillance Kit

The Toucan Surveillance Kit, powered by Kuna has a Smart Security Camera and Smart Socket adaptor. Owners of the kit can see and talk visitors, play pre-recorded messages, and much more. It is easy to setup and it takes less than 15 minutes to install.

$90

$199

5

Lifx Color 1000 Starter Pack

Change the lighting in your home a million ways with the Color 1000. The Color 1000 changes the lighting of the house using the LIFX app, which is available on Androids, iOS and Windows 10. For those that have Amazon Echo it can also tell Alexa to switch it off when you’re in bed or lowering the lights for TV and movie night.

6

SkyBell Bronze WiFi Video Doorbell

The SkyBell WiFi Video Doorbell is a 1080p camera that connects an individual’s home Wi-Fi, letting them hear, speak, and see visitors at the door using your smartphone or tablet. You can even see guests or intruders remotely. Features include a full-color night vision, motion sensor, and live alerts. A solid smart home device to find out who’s really a threat to an individual’s house.

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CAR WORDS RAYMOND MORA

DASHING AND AFFORABLE An experience of a lifetime for sports car enthusiasts

PRICE $24,995

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The 2017 FIAT 124 Spider Classica may be one of the more affordable sports cars in the market. Starting at $24,995, this brand new model has the most powerful four-cylinder engine in its class. The 1.4L Turbo engine is highly responsive with twin intercoolers, a fresh-air induction system and dual stainless steel exhaust tips. It also has a standard six-speed manual transmission, which provides smooth full-throttle launches, quick wide-open-throttle upshifts and swift, smooth downshifts.

The Classica gives any driver solid features compare to other sports cars. One of them is the FIAT Radio, which is a 3-inch readable display that includes AM/FM radio, four speakers, compatible bluetooth connection, and a USB port and auxiliary input for audio devices. Another good feature is giving drivers the ability to press on the key flob, due to it being a keyless entry, and use the Start/Stop button. Once inside, the driver can press the Start/Stop ignition button while stepping on the brake pedal.

This is the perfect car for those that love the entertainment life, and show off to friends and colleagues.

CAR

Interior dimensions Passenger Capacity 2 Front Head Room (in) 37.4 Front Leg Room (in) 43.1 Front Shoulder Room (in) 52.1 Front Hip Room (in) 52 WTrunk Volume (cu. ft.)

4.9

Exterior dimensions Wheelbase(in) 90.9 f Length, Overall (in) 159.6 Width, Max w/o mirrors (in) 68:5 Height, Overall (in) 48.5 Base Curb Weight (lbs) 2436

Engine AND performance Turbocharged Horsepower (Net @ RPM) 160 @ 5500 Torque (Net @ RPM) 184 @ 2500 Transmission Manual w/OD Turning diameter 30.8

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Photography RYAN SLACK Fashion RONI FRANCOIS Fashion Editor CHRIS SANDFORD Fashion Assitant TERENCE B. MCNEALY Model DERIC MICKENS (SOUL ARTIST MGMT) & KELLY MAYHUGH

Sweater TOPMAN

Shirt UNRAVEL Pants DEVEAUX

Jumpsuit ISSEY MIYAKE

Shirt MARCELO BURLON

Sweater and Jeans TOPMAN

FASHION

Sweater TOPMAN Pants ROLLA’S

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FASHION

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FITNESS

Tighten That Core BIO

Average joes and athletes often neglect the most important muscle of the entire body: Core. From throwing in sports or doing daily activities, the core needs to be strong and tight so the body protects itself from injuries. 27-year-old J U S T I N M O S S , who is a fitness model/personal trainer at His and Hers Bootcamp in New York, provides a workout for the body that will make your core stronger.

"It all started back in 2013..up until that point I was heavy into partying, drugs, and just and overall unhealthy lifestyle. I decided that it was time for a serious change and I wanted to commit to something long term. I began to do calisthenics and from there went into weight training. Because I was so hungry and consistent I saw results extremely fast! From there I began to do research and get certified as a personal trainer because I knew I wanted to help someone that was just like me."

WORDS RAYMOND MORA

R E S I S TA N C E B A N D BICEPS CURL SETS : 4

REPS : 12-15

STEP

ST E P

1

PHOTOGRAPHY HARVEY JACKSON

MUSCLES WORKED BICEPS STEPS

1 Grasp the two ends of a resistance band.

TIP PERFORM THESE NICE AND SLOW. KEEP ELBOWS LOCKED IN AT THE SIDES, AND KEEP TENSION ON THE BICEP.

2

2 Place the center of the band under your feet as an anchor.

3 Let your arms hang by your hips. There should be a bit of slack in the band.

4 Keep your back straight..

5 Bending your elbows, slowly raise your hands to your shoulders, pulling the resistance band taut.

6 Slowly lower your arms.

DUMBBELL PUSH UP SETS : 4

MUSCLES WORKED CHEST TRICEPS

REPS : 25 TIP SWITCH GRIPS FROM CLOSER TO WIDER TO TARGET DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE CHEST.

STEP

1

ST E P

2

STEPS

1 Start in full push-up position (legs extended behind you, abs engaged, back flat), with a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing each other, hands directly under shoulders.

2 Bend elbows, keeping arms by sides, lowering chest toward floor.

3 Extend arms to return to start.

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FITNESS

HANGING LEG RAISE SETS : 4

REPS : 12-15

MUSCLES WORKED ABDOMINAL

TIP

STEPS

TIGHTEN CORE AND TRY TO MINIMIZE SWINGING WHILE PERFORMING THESE. INHALE ON THE WAY UP AND EXHALE ON THE WAY DOWN.

ST EP

1

ST E P

1

2

Hang from a chin-up bar with both arms extended at arms length in top of you using either a wide grip or a medium grip. The legs should be straight down with the pelvis rolled slightly backwards. This will be your starting position.

2 Raise your legs until the torso makes a 90-degree angle with the legs.

Exhale as you perform this movement and hold the contraction for a second or so.

3 Go back slowly to the starting position as you breathe in.

WA L L S I T SETS : 4

MUSCLES WORKED GLUTES HAMSTRINGS QUADRICEPS

REPS : 1 MIN EACH

TIP

STEPS

MAKE SURE YOUR CHEST IS UP AND YOUR BACK POSTURE IS STRAIGHT. SIT AT A 90 DEGREE ANGLE.

ST EP

1

1 Start with your back against a wall (or use an exercise ball if you have one) with your feet shoulder width and about two feet from the wall.

ST E P

2

2 Slowly slide your back down the wall until your thighs are parallel to the ground.

3 Adjust your feet if you need to so that your knees are directly above your ankles (rather than over your toes).

4 Keep your back flat against the wall.

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MASCULINE MOISTURIZERS

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$28

The days of having rough, dry skin are over. BLEU has put together some of the best moisturizer and lotion products that will leave your skin feeling as fresh as a spring morning.

WORDS TERENCE B. MCNEALY

$30

PHOTOGRAPHY NATHALIE MERCADO

1 1 JACK BLACK’S OIL-FREE MOISTURIZER A daily, oil-free facial moisturizer for all skin types—pure and simple. A lightweight burst of moisture leaves skin refreshed and healthier-looking with a natural, shine-free finish. Organic White Tea and Sea Kelp deliver antioxidant protection, while Niacinamide helps improve skin tone and texture.

2 JACK BLACK’S COOL MOISTURE BODY LOTION This lightweight, quick-penetrating lotion helps nourish body skin as it soothes and hydrates. Special cooling ingredients calm and refresh overheated skin, making it perfect for application after shower, sports or workout. Skin feels restored without stickiness or greasiness. Clean, natural fragrance leaves skin smelling subtly clean and refreshed without being overly strong or heavy.

4

$38 3 ANTHONY’S CONTINUOUS MOISTURE EYE CREAM Anthony High Performance Continuous Moisture Eye Cream is fueled with arnica and allantoin to help stimulate circulation and reduce puffiness, and is infused with jojoba oil, shea butter, squalane, and carrot root to provide maximum hydration. vitamins A, C, and E protect, firm, and help diminish the appearance of fine lines and dark circles.

4 3

ANTHONY’S VITAMIN C FACIAL SERUM This facial serum is enriched with stabilized vitamin C to protect skin against free radicals while supporting the natural production of collagen. A unique blend of polypeptides and AHAs retexturize, rejuvenate, and brighten while licorice root extract evens skin tone for a smooth, fresh complexion.

$46

5 KIEHL’S OIL ELIMINATOR Provides a dramatically clean feeling on the skin by absorbing sweat and surface oil. Visibly reduces the appearance of pores and shine for 24-hours, leaving skin soft, hydrated and comfortable.

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$16

BAXTER OF CALIFORNIA’S HYDRO SALVE HAND CREAM Packed with aloe, shea butter and avocado oil, this paraben-free, unscented moisturizing cream hydrates and helps repair very dry skin. Infused with vitamins E, C, and B5, the extra thick cream delivers nutrients to rough and chapped areas.

5

$27 6

7 KIEHL’S AGE DEFENDER MOISTURIZER

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This dual-action anti-aging moisturizer is clinically demonstrated to visibly lift and firm skin, while minimizing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Specifically formulated for men’s thicker, coarser skin, our revitalizing treatment gently exfoliates dead skin cells, which allows the formula to effectively penetrate skin’s surface layers and smooth out roughness.

$40

FUEL

h dh The Epic Sushi Roll

Get a taste of these fresh recipes for sushi rolls and Asian foods. Sushi is known for it’s fresh fish and soft texture, and can also be healthy for you. What makes Sushi unique is being able to mix different types of fish, seafood’s, and veggies into a small roll with spices and sauces. When it comes to Asian cuisines, it is tough to make a decision…….

Want an easy, refreshing delicious meal? Go sushi

SUSHI ROLL

This recipe is for sushi and bacon lovers, why choose one or the other when you can have both. This sushi roll is filled with cream cheese and avocado and wrapped with smoke bacon on the outside.

Nori Get one Nori sheet and split it in half on the longer side, and place it on a rough bamboo mat.

Riceball Wet your hands and roll a medium size ball of rice, or however much you will predict for your meal and place it in the middle of the nori.

Ricing Around Spread the rice around the Nori until it is covered, but don’t press down on it the rice is suppose to be fluffy.

Bacon Time Put the nori and rice aside on a different plate, and align the bacon strips on the bamboo mat. Make sure the bacon strips cover the full width of the nori.

Piggy Blanket Get the nori and the rice that you set aside and place it over the bacon strips, rice down.

Fillings Place the cream cheese on the edge of the nori and rice going down the long way.

Roll From any side, lift up the mat and begin rolling, but give an extra press.

Final Round Cut the roll into 6 to 8 pieces. The best way to do this is to cut in between the bacon strips so the rolls and bacon can be equal.

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FUEL

CURRIED COCONUT CHICKEN

This Asian Cuisine is topped with coconut milk, and tomatoes, matching tastefully with rice, chicken, and vegetables.

Directions 1

Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.

2

2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into chunks

2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into chunks

1 1/2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

1 1/2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

1/2 onion sliced thin

1/2 onion sliced thin

14 ounce of can coconut milk

14 ounce of can coconut milk

8 ounce of can tomato sauce

8 ounce of can tomato sauce

d

Heat oil and curry together in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Stir in onions and garlic, then continue to cook for 1 more minute. Add chicken, reduce heat, and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink.

3 Pour coconut milk, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and sugar into the pan, stirring until all ingredients is combined.

Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally for about 30 to 40 minutes.

4 Prep time is 20 minutes, cook for 50 minutes, and meal shall be really in 1 hour and 10 minutes.

DRAGON SUSHI ROLL 1 Mix the tempura with a bit of water and stir until combined to a thick even texture. Cut off shrimp tails and dip shrimps in tempura mixture, then deep fry for about 30 seconds.

2 Slice cucumber into long slices, and use peeler to peal thin avocado layers.

3

Spread rice on nori sheet, and flip over the mat so that the rice is facing upwards. Lay avocado and cucumber out and line up some tempura shrimps, topped off with slices of eel.

4

Gently cover the top of the roll with the layers of avocado you made with the peeler, and use the bamboo mat to tighten it to the roll.

d

2 cups of sushi rice

2-3 nori sheets

5

Use a small spoon to carefully spread some Tobiko on the roll. Cover the entire dragon roll with it, or just the top side.

10 medium size shrimps

1/2 cup Tempura

1 Avocado

1 cucumber

6

Cut and reline the roll in a shape of a dragon.

50gr tobiko

50gr BBQ eel

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FUEL

DRINK OF CHOICE No one person is the same, so there is no need for everyone to drink the same cocktail. BLEU has searched the city to bring you some of the most unique drinks that is guaranteed to fit any personality.

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1 GEORGE DICKEL RYE 2 NOCELLO WA L N U T L I Q U O R 3 ABSINTHE 4 P E YC H AU D BITTERS 5 LEMON TWIST

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TRAVEL

D I S C OV E R PA R A D I S E ,

PHOTO OF PA R A D I S E BEACH

P O P U L AT I O N

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NEVIS IS THE SMALLER OF THE TWO ISLANDS COMPRISING THE NATION OF SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS IN THE CARIBBEAN. THE ISLAND’S CAPITAL, CHARLESTOWN, IS FILLED WITH GEORGIAN-STYLE BUILDINGS AND OTHER BRITISH COLONIAL RELICS.

WORDS DÉVON CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON

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FOUNDED September 19, 1983

AREA 35.91 MI²

AG A I N

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I beg to differ. Discovery doesn’t begin or end with Columbus’s journeys across the Atlantic Ocean. We all have the right and privilege to be modern day explorers. The chance to experience the world in which as children we only read in skewed history books is just a click away. There is no better example of this opportunity than a visit to the naturally beautiful and enchanting island of Nevis.

“Where is that?”

“I never heard of it” “That’s the same thing as St. Kitts, right?”

I could go on and on with the questions from friends and colleagues when mentioning my trip to Nevis.

So instead of leading with where I am going. I simply ask them, “Who’s on the $10 bill?” Unless you have been hiding under a rock, you have heard of the hit Broadway Musical Hamilton. It is the story of celebrated and enigmatic Founding Father, Alexander Hamilton. What the play leaves out (we assume unintentionally) is that dapper gentlemen on the $10 dollar bill and first Secretary of the US Treasury was born on the Caribbean island of Nevis January 11, 1757.

HOW

ERE

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O M E M AY S AY T H AT there is no place on the planet to be discovered anymore. Every shore, mountain, forest, and valley have been touched and spoiled by an ever-modernizing world. And that the world has become smaller since Columbus set sail in 1492.

GET TH

TO

From North America, fly to San Juan, Puerto Rico and connect with any airline that services Nevis. Seaborne flies direct to Nevis, Wednesday - Sunday, while Tradewind Aviation flies direct from Puerto Rico to Nevis daily.

Via St Kitts As shared above, North American travellers may choose to fly to St Kitts and then connect to Nevis via ferry. Another option is to fly to Antigua or St. Maarten and then take Caribbean Helicopter from Antigua or WINAIR from St. Maarten to Nevis.

American Airlines offers daily flights from Miami into St Kitts. The airline also provides direct flights to St Kitts on Saturdays via New York’s JFK airport and from Charlotte, North Carolina. There are also seasonal direct flights from Toronto on Air Canada.

VIEW OF NEVIS I N T H E D I S TA N C E F R O M S T. K I T T S

But first, back to Columbus, who for the Europeans discovered the island. The name Nevis is derived from “Nuestra Senora de Las Nieves” which translates to “Our Lady of the Snows,” because of the cloud capped mountains. Columbus thought it was snow on top of the mountains. Today the majority of the approximately 12,000 citizens of Nevis are of primarily African descent. English is the official language, and the 98 percent literacy rate is one of the highest in the Western Hemisphere.

The Nevisians are as laid back as any other Caribbean island. There are single lane roads and those peculiar round-a-bouts that have managed to keep stop lights away for decades. But what makes this island a paradise is not necessarily the topography-it’s the people. Culture and pride saturate every experience on the island. The locals stand tall, heads held high, and know their history. This is the kind of place that the well traveled have held secret for years. We feel like we are letting out the secret. But, only to those who are willing to let their hair down and relax. Stroll barefoot on the road. Kiss under the moonlight. And lay on the beach as the sun caresses you skin.

Pack light and please don’t try and be the guy that’s best dressed on the trip. No one cares. Experience life, as it was suppose to be- Nevis Naturally.

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THE CREATIVES

BEAUTY IN THE STRUGGLE WORDS DOMINIQUE CARSON

Stephens Towns is an artist and muralist from Charleston, South Carolina heavily inspired by art. According to Towns, art is a beautiful, authentic, and expressive form that he uses to get his ideas across about African American culture. Towns says, “All of my work is rooted in my growing up in the Deep South.” He shows his impassioned approach to this subject by including a number of factors in his work such as ancestral roots, slavery, class, education, and religion.

S

Towns’ skills were put to the test and he achieved his goals. He maneuvered several sentiments that would leave viewers astonished and amazed. Towns received many awards for his hard working the 52

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PHOTOGRAPHY KIRK SHANNON - BUTTS

arts including Municipal Art Society of Baltimore City Artist Travel Prize, Municipal Art Society of Baltimore City, and The Baltimore Office of Promotion and The Arts, 2015 Ruby’s Artist Grant, and 2013 Second Prize Salvage: A Waste of Materials, A Wealth of Art. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Studio Art from the University of South Carolina.

The talented artist took time out from his busy schedule to speak with Bleu Magazine about his fascination with art, influences, art exhibit, Take Me Away to the Stars, African American culture, and more.

Check out our interview!

THE CREATIVES

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STEPHENS TOWNS

BLEU: When did you fall in love with art?

STEPHENS TOWNS: I started making art throughout my childhood. I was already in elementary, middle, and high school when I started taking art more seriously. I know art is my talent and I am very passionate; it allows you to use your imagination and be creative at the same time. I wasn’t able to communicate verbally with my words so art allowed me to express myself fully. Art wasn’t a primary way for me to make money. It was used as a way to get my message across through art.

Who were your influences?

My artwork was based on Medieval and impressionist paintings. I was also influenced by Leonardo di Vinci, Elizabeth Cattlett, Charles Bibbs, but it wasn’t until I was older I started researching more black artists. I realized schools do not inform art students or majors that recognize African American art. It was important to learn more about the African American artists because their voices are erased in art.

How do you include African American culture in art?

I include African American culture in art because we need to learn more about our culture in general.

I want to explore the history of African Americans through artwork. I would continue to include the productivity of African Americans. Nat Turner is an example of my mission. A lot of people don’t

know about him and his role in history. Nat Turner’s story is very important which is why it was used as a narrative. African American culture in art is necessary and it will be used as an array of history for people of color. The art will show how much we have evolved, but yet, we still need to grow as a race. Violence is still a major issue amongst blacks which is why it is still presented in a larger context artistically.

How would you define a mixed-media artist?

To me, mixed-media artist is more than just drawing and painting. It’s like more than one medium in art is put together. You are putting everything in work by including different materials. The art landscape is diverse which influenced my work and artistic ideas.

Let’s talk about your show, Take Me Away to the Stars It’s an art exhibition that is from November 5th to February 18th 2017. Take Me Away to the Stars.

It is the magic, mystery, and myth of Nat Turner.

Nat Turner was an enslaved Black man who led a number of slaves and freed Blacks in Southampton County, Virginia. It took place in 1831 and 50-65 Whites were killed. Also, 200 Blacks were killed

by White mobs. Nat Turner was a major people during the Civil War. Many innocent Black people were murdered but Turner was a hero, a brave man. Turner’s story is presented through drawings and paintings. So, I wanted to present his contri-

bution and legacy in my artwork. Take Me Away to the Stars demonstrates how violence is presented through myth and religion. It also shows how people of color is still frustrated in today’s society. Religion is included; it shows enslaved and free people. Slaves are being oppressed but they are still God’s people. Christianity is considered a “dual narrative,” in the artwork.

What do the awards and recognition mean to you as an artist?

It’s wonderful and a stepping stone because it’s in the beginning stages of my art career. I realize my years of hard work is finally paying off. There is more to come as I continue to figure out what’s next as far as projects. I would like to continue to produce work that is meaningful and tells a story of African American culture. I want my art to be used as a platform and that’s what I am aiming for as an artist. I need to keep that going and it sounds good to me.

Why do you believe beauty is associated with hardships?

In life, we are going to struggle especially people of color, African Americans but we need to find beauty. I realize my life is sacred and we should spend more time with our loved ones and people that matter to us in life. You cannot hide and escape from struggles but we need to treat each other like human beings. Once we find beauty in each other, our beauty will be revealed to the world.

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Hell Of A Dream Long before a cosign from Nas or inking the deal with Def Jam that catapulted his rap career, Dave East had NBA dreams that slipped through the cracks due to an unforeseen circumstance. And while most would have seen this as defeat, the East Harlem rapper never lost sight of his purpose to not only change his life, but the lives of everyone around him.

WORDS EBONY ALISON

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FASHION DOMI REINA

PHOTOGRAPHY OTHELLO BANACI

PHOTO EDITING ETIENNE MATOS

GROOMING TISH FERGUSON

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It’s minutes before call time with one of New York City’s most acclaimed artists of the year, Dave East. The crew for the photoshoot hustles to fulfill any last minute preparations.

The overall vibe on set is more laid back than past engagements with other interviewees of the magazine. East’s team made us aware of his sole request during shoots. Smoke breaks.

Mr. East walks in at 1:00pm, eyes laid low, but with a monumental presence. He sports black denim, a black tee, and a crisp pair of Margielas. Diamonds glisten from his chain and Rolex which make for the perfect accents to his otherwise relaxed look.

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His father, his manager, Wayno, and his best friend, Shooter, surround him. East’s circle is tight. Tighter than the bars he spits on “Type of Time.” He greets everyone with an infectious smile. It is clear, despite his hard exterior, that he coasts on a different cloud than his lyrical counterparts do. He gravitates to the high life, the good life, and yet he remains grounded and anchored by the very roots that surround him, and keep him humble.

ever, once I mention his baby girl, Kairi Chanel, his vibe changes and contradicts the tough-guy persona he unconsciously exudes. She is his soft spot, his reason for it all.

Dave East is all but an overnight success. His first mixtape dates back to 2010 when the now-rising star juggled his love for ball and his love for music.

His hoop dreams ultimately did not materialize and he focused solely on his music. The MC cultivated a sound that was, and still is, reminiscent of classic New York hip-hop. Though the growth in his voice and sound is evident, the truth in his delivery and the originality of his style has remained consistent throughout the years. He caught the attention of hip-hop mogul, Nas, and inked a partnership with one of the most prominent labels in the industry, Def Jam.

ground to mainstream?

I manage to whisk East away between takes to the penthouse while the crew regroups for the next round of looks. With a quick flick of a black BIC, his guard moderately up, he lights another L. He loosens up after the third pull and begins to humbly answer a few questions. There is sincerity in his voice and passion in his eyes when he speaks about how life has changed over the past few years. How-

H BLEU: How was the transition from underEAST: Some for the good, some for the bad - everybody can’t deal with it. People so used to me being just Dave and not all this other shit. I’m watching some friends become motivated by what I’m doing and watching some family and friends drift away. They’re kind of lost. This shit is concrete for me now. Shit, last year no one would even think to ask me for twenty dollars. That’s changed.

But you know, success changes the people around you more than the actual person, but it’s all love.

What effect has your success had on the people who’ve always been around you?

Some for the good, some for the bad - everybody can’t deal with it. People so used to me being just Dave and not all this other shit. I’m watching some friends become motivated by what I’m doing and watching some family and friends drift away. They’re kind of lost. This shit is concrete for me now. Shit, last year no one would even think to ask me for twenty dollars. That’s changed. But you know, success changes the people around you more than the actual person, but it’s all love.

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” I got into this game not just to change my life but everybody’s life around me.”

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H How has growing up in NYC influenced your style and the type of music you make?

It influenced it crazy! But it was more so of where I was at. Being in Harlem and Queens and going back and forth. I was in the hood so I was always able to adapt to different situations which you can hear in the music. But beyond that, I would be listening to dudes like Jadakiss and Styles and that music definitely had an influence on my sound, then I took my life and my homies lives and started talkin’ about it.

How did you react to the call from NAS? (slight grin) I thought it was a joke! Shooter was

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the one who told me about it. We were cool with his brother, Jungle, but Jungle would always play a lot so I dead ass thought it was a game honestly. (laughs) From there I linked with Jungle and he was like, ‘Yo my brother, Nas, been playing your shit out in Cali and he really fuckin’ with you.’ Even then I didn’t believe it. Two weeks later I got a call from Nas’ manager and the rest is history.

What advice has NAS given you?

Don’t get caught up in all this hype. It’s crazy because you’ll see different rappers hanging with all these different dudes just to stay relevant. That’s something I always respected about Nas, you never seen him with this crew or that crew. He was always low-key but the music spoke for itself.

What do you think of the current state of Hip Hop? It’s a lane for everybody now. It’s artists right now that may not be rapping like me but they get mad love. I honestly don’t care about what’s hot right now, though. Who’s going to be relevant 5 years from now, 10 years from now? Who’s really still going to have shit rockin’? I feel like I’m good. I’ve accomplished a lot coming from the projects. I’m not in a rush, my shit good and I’m just enjoying the process.

What’s playing in your car right now besides yourself?

I still listen to the oldies. I’m listening to Marvin Gaye, A Gangster & The Gentleman, Life After

Death, The Chronic. As far as new music, I like A Boogie, Don Q, G Herbo, Kendrick, J-Cole, Fab, Meek…I really like music I can relate to and it’s not a lot of that out there. I rock with other genres too. Like right now I’m listening to Groove Theory, Old 90’s R&B like Total. To get the rap I like, I have to listen to myself or shit that’s been out already.

Who do you hope to collaborate with soon?

Erykah Badu. I want to work with her for sure! TheDream, Marsha Ambrosius (Masha Allah) that’s actually going to happen…HOV, J-Cole, Kendrick, Dr. Dre. In your song, “Don’t Shoot,” you talk about how you played basketball in college but got kicked out from selling weed, what effect did that have on you?

At the time it fucked me up. I stayed on campus another six months because I really ain’t know what to tell my parents. I came back to NY after that and got another scholarship to a different college and that’s when I got locked up. I was nineteen, so I ain’t know what to do! I had my NBA dreams. I didn’t know what to tell my pops. He been supporting everything I do my whole life, so for me to just blow it like that was crazy!

You talk about your cousin Malik a lot—may he live in paradise—what impact did his life and his death have on you?

Everything. He was that cousin that I looked up to and followed. He always motivated me to get it. When he got killed it was crazy to me because

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he didn’t live that kind of lifestyle at all. I just remember being woke up out of my sleep at like four in the morning getting’ that call like, “Yo, they killed Freaky.” That will never leave me. I was crushed for a while but he was too live to die! That’s when I knew I had to take this music shit serious. He was the main one always telling me how nice I was when it came to rapping.

You have a platform to influence so many young dudes that look up to you. What change do you hope to bring to your community and ultimately the world?

I just really wanna show these dudes that it doesn’t matter if you fall. I tried school. It didn’t work. I tried ball. It didn’t work, but I never lost my motivation. Everybody doesn’t end up doing what they first set out to achieve. There’s no time to waste and if something doesn’t work out you can always bounce back from it.

What gives you that drive?

It’s naturally in me. You can’t buy it and nobody can give it to you. Nobody had to tell me to get in the studio, nobody had to tell me to go to the gym when I was hoopin’, I just did it. I wasn’t making a dollar from going to the studio and recording, but every day I would get up and get to it. If nobody was watching, Allah was watching, and that comes back to you.

How has fatherhood changed you?

OD! Now I understand what love is for real. I would do life in prison 10 times for her. Before I was just looking out for myself, now I have Kairi and I don’t even want a mosquito to bite her (laughs with a big smile). I’m the most motivated I’ve ever

been. I’m focused on making sure no matter what, she’s always straight! My dudes’ kids too though. That’s the purpose of all this, securing my daughter and my guys’ kids as well!

What’s a day off like these days?

I mean of course all that times goes to my daughter but really ain’t no time for days off! I had that time off already! I’m about to be 30! The first 30 was spooky, the next 30 gotta be comfortable!

Are you excited about the European Tour with Kid Ink? Yea, that’s gon’ be litty. I’ve never been to none of those places so I’m mad excited for that. And I know he’s already rocking over there so those crowds gon’ come with a lot of love. That just sets it up for me to go back another time and do my own tour, so yea I’m looking forward to going over there, make my introduction, then eventually do my own thing out there.

You always say your official album is being produced by Nas. When can we expect that?

This year for sure. I can’t give you an official date just yet, but definitely this year.

What is something you wish more people knew about you?

I have a huge heart. Sometimes too big. I really want the same success I have for everyone around me. I just want all my guys to be good. I got into this game not just to change my life but everybody’s life around me.

OP-ED

I F DI VE R S I TY I N HOLLY WO OD IS REGA RDE D AS TRULY I M P ORTAN T TH E N R ECRUITME NT INITIATIVE S ON A LL SIDE S OF THE HOLLYWO OD M AC HINE A RE IM P ORTA NT.

WHAT WILL THE FUTURE OF DIVERSITY IN HOLLYWOOD LOOK LIKE

I F THIS SOUNDS LIKE A F F I R MATIVE ACTION, IT IS; AND SO WHAT? WORDS EVAN MAJORS

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When it comes to diversity in Hollywood people of color have made strides. Are they regarded as significant strides? That is somewhat debatable depending on the perspective of the lens you are looking through. In 2015 and 2016, the Academy Awards failed to nominate a single Black actor in any of the four acting categories; the nominees for the 2017 Oscars were notably the most diverse ever. However, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences does not receive their own Oscar for the Most Diverse Awards Ceremony because after 89 years, I say, “It’s about damn time!”

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Conversations about diversity in Hollywood are not merely relegated to the Academy Awards and the number of Black actors being recognized for gold statues; there is a much larger picture. What does the future of diversity in Hollywood look like in my mind? Boris Kodjoe would play Superman with Kelly Rowland as Lois Lane. William Levy would play Batman, Chiaki Kuriyama as Wonder Woman and Luke Cage is CEO of Paramount Pictures.

Networks and studios talk a good game when the issue of diversity comes up.

The word itself, ‘diversity’ has become a corporate buzzword. Having one Asian female assistant and a Black guy in the mailroom, does not make your company “diverse.” Film and television companies like to pretend they’re being culturally and racially responsible, but often fail when it comes to hiring and promoting senior level executives of color and when making creative decisions during the casting process.

According to Deadline.com, the federal government’s Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has been investigating Hollywood’s alleged discriminatory hiring practices since October 2015, but discrimination in Hollywood is as old as the first Birth of a Nation film released in 1915.

Despite the rampant discrimination that people of color and women know exist, film ILLUSTRATION RYAN HAMID and television companies “categorically rejected” a continuous stream of proposals by the Directors Guild Association (DGA) to embrace a program similar to the one adopted by the National Football League that is designed to encourage teams to equally consider candidates of color seriously in the coach ranks. The NFL’s “Rooney Rule,” was implemented in 2003, it requires teams to interview minority candidates for head coach and other senior positions within their organization. I am not sure why Hollywood does not follow the NFL’s lead, but will all you so-called Liberals please stand up?

Diversity in front of the camera is especially problematic when White actors are cast to play people of color. This type of denigration has existed since before the ‘Blackface’ era of the 19th century, which initiated the racial stereotypes that we still see today in film and TV productions. There are a minimal number of networks that have diversity showcases for actors of color. At the end of 2016, CBS launched their Drama Diversity Casting Initiative for Actors, a nationwide program to find breakout new talent from underrepresented groups for network pilots and current series to compliment CBS’s Diversity Sketch Comedy Showcase. The network’s prior action led to the September 2016 DGA Episodic Diversity Report ranking CBS first among the top eight TV studios for hiring diverse directors.

Those of us people of color who work or have worked in Hollywood, including myself, to be fortunate enough, smart enough, and creative enough to hustle our way up the industry ranks to get a seat at the executive table know all too well the many challenges. There are racial and cultural insensitivities, (see Jimmy Kimmel’s many racially insensitive jokes during this past Academy Awards ceremony), and sexist inappropriate gender jokes. These create a

resultant demoralization – faced by each of us hoping to be seen, heard, respected, and promoted. Because once we are there, our White colleagues often do not know whom we are or how to relate to us. The aforementioned examples of discrimination, marginalization, or institutional bias do not only apply to people of color, but to every individual who is not a White, heterosexual male.

Senior level executives of color regardless of gender repeatedly find themselves caught in “Vice President Purgatory” awaiting the impending challenge that will cause them to crash and burn at this level in their career. Yet, there are senior level creative executives of color on both the scripted and non-scripted side of TV who hold the power to “green light” production of a TV pilot or series. This is where the fuse of real power begins. Discovering their existence is rare and the film side of Hollywood is just as bleak, if not worse.

If TV shows and movies are to accurately reflect the construct of our current society on-screen, the gated studios and networks, along with production companies need to mirror the cultural diversity of the world we live in. This standard must also apply across the entertainment industry with a focus on including talent and management agencies, and PR companies. There must be a continued effort to employ writers of color for TV and films to accurately reveal the breadth and depth of our diverse stories to ensure that our films and TV programs reflect the spectrum of diversity and complexities of our cultures. We are not monolithic cultural groups with assumed identical experiences, upbringings, desires, wants, and needs.

What will the future of diversity be in Hollywood?

We don’t have the answers.

If diversity in Hollywood is regarded as truly important then recruitment initiatives on all sides of the Hollywood machine are important. If this sounds like Affirmative Action, it is; and so what? If Hollywood were a magical place likened to a cultural utopia, then there would be no need for diversity recruitment programs. People hire people who look like them, with whom they are “comfortable,” which leads to exclusion.

Let us hope that movies and TV shows written, directed, and produced by people of color will continue to be green lit and we will see more images and stories that reflect our varied experiences and perspectives, as well as parity in the number of roles for actors of color. Our hope must be that people of color in the creative space stop pandering. Seeking validation or recognition from Hollywood vis-à-vis award shows does little to improve diversity in the industry. Instead, people of color in Hollywood should continue to create distribution channels and seek financing from outside investors to get projects produced outside the gates of Hollywood.

We are a long way from seeing true diversity in Hollywood. Hollywood will continue to perpetuate negative and harmful stereotypes against people of color, members of the LGBTQ community, and women in the absence of a strong call to action. Executives of color will continue to be passed over for promotions by White colleagues; especially those among us who express real and honest opinions and that may not necessarily “kiss the ring” the right way.

There are positive images and characters in film and TV, but there is an overwhelmingly amount of debase programming that makes being the “other” emotionally and mentally exhausting and angry. The tide of Hollywood is being slow churned like butter when it comes to diversity. The word ‘diversity’ will continue to be corporate speak that will come up every few quarters, and then it likely will be forgotten and nothing will substantively change. Change will happen when people of color have the power to change the rules inside the system.

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WE MADE IT! JABBAWOCKEEZ’S STEPS TO FAME IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY WORDS JOOMI PARK PHOTOGRAPHY TED SUN FASHION REICHELLE PALO GROOMING LOUI FERRY FASHION ASSISTANT LAUREN BERINA

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FEATURE

WE JUST CHANGED THE NAME AND SPELLING OF IT TO MAKE IT MORE URBAN RYNAN PAGUIO

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O Over the course of their career, they have collaborated with celebrities such as Shaquille O’Neal and Bruno Mars, as well. Hailing from San Diego, they are now mainly situated in Las Vegas, Nevada at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino.

One of their first major shows produced there was MUS.I.C (cleverly pronounced Muse-I-See). They hoped that they could become the audience’s muse and inspire them by telling the story of a man attempting to fit in and become a member of the Jabbawockeez.

For their third and current production, they are performing a show titled JREAMZ: Journey Within. JREAMZ is about living in the moment and taking every opportunity to achieve your dreams. The narrative is told around a character named PJ who lives a routine, zombie life.

However, in his dreams he experiences what his future would be like if he took action, which ultimately guides him on an evolutionary journey when he wakes up. This show has been voted Best Family Show and Best All Ages Show for three years in a row.

The Jabbawockeez are all about keeping the inspiration alive, hence their new “Let Me See You Two Step” social media contest. It is a 76

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great way to involve their millions of fans and keep them active. For a chance to be featured in a collage video and win VIP tickets to a JREAMZ show, fans must upload a short clip of themselves dancing to an original mix of “Two Step.”

They have also expanded their business to JBWKZ Records, their own label that released a soundtrack of all the songs they used in their MUS.I.C shows. SB, Rae Rosero, and the Bangerz are three artists they have under their belt.

Although they started out with a handful of members, the Jabbawockeez have expanded to a 65-person staff, otherwise known as the Tribe. Four of the five original members now have families of their own, so encouraging a new generation of Jabbawockeez to continue the legacy is vital. To find new members, they created a show called The Movement which airs on go90. Much like how the Jabbawockeez had to compete their way to the top in America’s Best Dance Crew, contestants must prove that they are worth the title of the Tribe.

So what makes this hip hop dance crew stand out from all the other groups? It’s their passion to inspire and tell a story through their body art. “We don’t just put random movement to any type of music. We want to make it fit, we want to make each sound, each snare make sense to what we’re doing to the movement. Even each lyric in the song. That’s what draws the crowd when they watch the show. You’re not just watching random movement to music, you’re watching the music. We’re the visual to music.” states member Rynan Paguio.

Their hard work is evident in how they had to push themselves to go from short, three minute choreographs to the hour-long ones they do in Vegas today. Every movement is meticulously thought out, entrancing fans to come back for more.

T The first thing you will notice about the Jabbawockeez is their uniformity. Not one single person stands out in their mannequin-esque white masks and gloves; their individual identities are hidden to drive the audience’s focus to the group’s unified movements. This collective mindset is the core of everything they do. There is no group leader and all choreography and music decisions are made together.

to the masterful stories within their performances.

The name Jabbawockeez was inspired by Lewis Carroll’s poem “Jabberwocky.” Kevin “KB” Brewer came upon it while working as a contractor for a tech company. “We just changed the name and spelling of it to make it more urban,” says Rynan Paguio.

The Jabbawockeez are diverse in their age, race, and ethnicities, yet it is difficult to see that behind their masks. Anything other than their talent is irrelevant to their art of movement. Their masks serve to be a blank canvas and a tool of inclusion. As a result, the audience is open

In 2008, the Jabbawockeez won MTV’s first season of America’s Best Dance Crew. This momentous victory resulted in a quick shot to fame and popularity, as they landed multiple commercial features and television show appearances.

THE HUMANS

GREG WALKER

I, Greg Walker, am the CEO and President of Icon Entertainment Branding and Marketing Group. Our goal is to be referred to as “A Team on a Mission to Help Others Realize Their Vision.” If they can dream it then we can achieve it.

Tell us what was your motivation behind the launch of your company?

I saw a need to fill a void, so I created Icon Entertainment Branding and Marketing Group.

There was a sea of Artists and Athletes who expressed their inability to achieve their true vision of where they saw their Brand. It was much greater than others had explored. If you can see it then you can live the dream. Our job is to make sure that the world knows who you are and what 78

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your Brand is about while achieving the goals that we as the company and you as the client have set out to accomplish. Icon Entertainment Branding & Marketing Group has motto that we live by; “Ambition is our driving force…hunger is our reminder.”

Do you focus on a specific industry?

Our Company focuses on the Entertainment and Sports arena. We decided to concentrate on an area that is centered around our strengths. As a moving force in the in Public Relations Industry which led into Marketing and Branding, we have nurtured relationships with some of the most notable Entertainers and Athletes around both past and present. Marketing and Branding go hand

and hand…without one the other fails.

What is a common question asked when it comes to branding?

Most Clients will ask the question,”Can you help me make my brand a household name?”

My response Is…“Can a fish swim?” Our job is to utilize all of our resources, which are far and wide to create a buzz that turns into phenomena.

How important is Branding to a company’s success?

Branding is everything to a company’s success. If they never know your name, then your company doesn’t exist.

NASIR KENNETH FEREBEE

Meet Nasir Kenneth Ferebee, the fearless Philly man who decided to take a bite out of the Big Apple and then a leap of faith into the City of Angels! Ferebee, a filmmaker, television producer, entrepreneur, and activist, shares his transition from the East Coast to the West Coast, unkown to him, but essential to his plan to conquer the film industry.

What inspired your move from New York City to Los Angeles?

In New York City, I climbed the ranks from intern to producer in reality television. I always knew that one day I would diversify my brand to include reality TV, feature films, and scripted television as well. In order to develop my skills and expand my network as a multi-platform multi-hyphenate, I needed to move to LA. Also, I’ve always wanted to live near the beach, which I do now.

Do you feel there is more opportunity for you in Los Angeles?

There is definitely more opportunity in Los Angeles.

I’ve been fortunate to work on 11 films in the past year and a half. Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the world so I’m constantly immersed in the business whether I’m on set, in church, or at a networking event.

How do you feel about the recent increase in recognition by those bestowing awards Black writers, directors, producers, actors, etc. are receiving?

I think the increase in inclusion has been amazing.

There has definitely been significant progress. My only concern is that African Americans are not viewed as only a trend. We are not a trend. We are a lasting presence that have built this country and

that should be reflected in how we see ourselves in the media at all times. The access to opportunities for Black people in entertainment should not be a wave. It should be a constant, lasting part of the storytelling experience.

What is your overall plan to contribute to film?

My ultimate goal is to own and operate a global, multimedia enterprise. I study moguls like Cathy Hughes, Sir Richard Branson, Oprah Winfrey, Russell Simmons, and David Geffen. These are people who have built conglomerates from the ground up and will have an impact on world culture forever. I want to pass on a name and legacy to my grandchildren’s grandchildren that will represent education, quality entertainment, and activism one hundred years from now.

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Ne-Yo and that entire team for roughly a year and a half, and it really sparked my fire to the degree that I knew I’d want to do this for the rest of my life. From there, I hustled. I made connections, took risks, jumped on whims and instincts, and it worked.

Through great relationships, I made my way back to The Chamber Group (one of my first internships in 2011) and my career has since blossomed in ways that I’d never have expected. I have been at The Chamber Group for two years now and I oversee a very diverse roster of accounts that help me to foster many new and valuable relationships.

KERRY SMALLS

What is the most difficult part about working in the music industry?

When you work in the music business, you have to be everything, a chameleon of sorts, at other moments, a psychologist. Every artist or account is different. They have different perspectives. Their management teams and record labels thought processes are all different. Everyone has a different style when doing things. I say that to say, as a publicist, it is my job to adjust. I have to understand you and your brand and where you want to take your brand, or the relationship won’t work. That is not easy with every client and team. Sometimes it takes a while to find that sweet spot where you and your clients share the same thought process, that spot where you share different but mutually agreeable creative mindsets, and also genuinely take a liking to one another. I find when you work with clients directly, actually liking them makes the job so much easier and so much more enjoyable. However, I learned that you don’t find this with everyone you work with, and most times you have to adjust and just do your job.

That can be the tough part. Taking the personality out of being a publicist can be a bummer, but you learn and grow and you are able to adapt to multiple lifestyles at once. I studied business management in undergrad, but I sometimes wish my mentors would have advised me to take a few psychology courses.

Ever heard of Future, Rick Ross, Jordin Sparks, YG, G-Eazy or Slick Rick? Ever wonder how HBO Originals or Essence Communications operates? We here at Bleu have the answer. Meet Kerry Smalls, Public Relations Manager at entertainment and lifestyle publicity firm, The Chamber Group.

What’s your title?

I am the public relations manager at entertainment and lifestyle publicity firm, The Chamber Group.

At The Chamber Group, I oversee and implement strategies around local and national press campaigns in print, broadcast and online media for artists and projects across The Chamber Group’s dynamic roster of clients. I utilize new technologies to broaden the scope and impact of media campaigns, create special events and social functions, and maintain The Chamber Group’s extensive contacts with major print and broadcast media. Clients have included: Future, Rick Ross, Jordin Sparks, YG, G-Eazy, Slick Rick, HBO Originals, Essence Communications, Naturi Naughton, ASCAP, Tamar Braxton, Luke James, Avery Wilson, Angel Haze, and many more.

How did you break into the music industry?

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Breaking into the music industry was definitely a journey, and one that at many points I thought I’d never figure out. Very early on, I’d chase internship after internship trying to figure out where it was that I fit in at. I experimented with everything from legal and corporate PR, to entertainment and non-profit organizations. I gravitated to entertainment. It came naturally. I was able to identify with artists and entertainment brands that were seeking a “cultural” media experience for themselves. I was able to join various organizations such as Grammy 365 (a Grammy-sponsored program that supports budding music professionals), took internships at firms such as Susan Blond Inc., Britt Banter and Mission PR. During that period, I also discovered a knack for non-profit work. I co-founded a charity called DJ For A Cure with New York-based DJ Quiana Parks, aimed at supporting Leukemia/Lymphoma specific cancers through the arts and music. DJ For A Cure acted as my first independent client and opened the door for me to work with other brands such as Puma, Dom Perignon and more. My first big break though?

I landed a gig at Compound Entertainment (a subsidiary record label under Motown Records that was responsible for Ne-Yo). I worked hand in hand with

How is it working bi-coastal?

I don’t have a place in Los Angeles (just yet), but I do frequent the West Cost, usually once a month for business for a few days at a time. It’s become a secondary home, and sometimes a little getaway.

Being back and forth for business can be tiresome, but it’s so worth it! In any given month I can be in New Orleans, Atlanta, Nashville, Los Angeles, then back in New York, and they all offer different perspectives. The people are different. The work styles are different. You come into different markets with your aggressive New York work style and sometimes people are like, “turn it down.” It’s not a bad thing. It’s almost refreshing. You get a sense of how other communities work. There’s a different vibe. I find the most challenging part to be the differences in time. I fly to the west coast which is three hours ahead, hop off a flight and go straight to the red carpet, still working on EST. Normally, I’d would be getting ready for bed back home, but my night is just getting started, and I do it all over again another night. The enjoyable part? Bridging the gap. Meeting new people. Connecting dots from coast to coast and being able to look back and say that you were the one that helped foster these relationships across the country, and make these things happen by physically being there! Plus, who doesn’t like to wake up and go to work surrounded by palm trees all day!?

“...Faith,without works, is dead,” is a quote Dustin Ross lives by. The creator and CEO of the Friend Zone tells how he established a way to not hilariously engaged millennials into deep conversation.

DUSTIN ROSS

What was your motivation behind starting the podcast?

The Friend Zone was created to provide a place where we can grow, learn, and...cuss. We wanted to introduce a conversation about wellness and mental hygiene to an audience that needed it, and we wanted them to laugh along the way.

What can listeners expect from “The Friend Zone” podcast?

Our listeners get the best of both worlds. They get valuable information on wellness, and they get organic belly-laughs

along the way. Mix in just enough pop-culture talk, and you’ve got The Friend Zone.

How often are new podcast episodes released?

We release new episodes every Wednesday at 8am on iTunes, SoundCloud, and Spotify.

As an actor and host, would you suggest someone looking to get into the industry to start with one plan and then branching out, or to tackle everything at once?

My journey as an actor actually is how I ended up with a podcast. I began hosting and emceeing, and discovered a love for public speaking that I never knew I had. So I’d absolutely encourage everyone to set out on a definite plan, but be open to embracing whatever new love you stumble upon along the way. You’d be surprised how it all turns out.

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Photography RICARDO NELSON Fashion Stylist ATIBA NEWSOME

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Fashion Editor CHRIS SANDFORD

Hailing all the way from the U.K., rapper Tino Kamal is ready to take over the global music scene.

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THE UP AND DOWN NBA CAREER OF NEW ORLEANS PELICANS CENTER ALEXIS AJINCA WORDS RAYMOND MORA PHOTOGRAPHY NATHALIE MERCADO

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N JUST DOING EVERYTHING FOR MY SON NO MATTER WHAT. I’M ALWAYS TRY TO BE BETTER AT EVERYTHING

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New Orleans Pelicans center Alexis Ajinça was 6 feet 2 inches at age 12 year old and hit a growth spurt at 15 years old. As a child he wanted to be like Hakeem Olajuwon, Kevin Garnett and Dirk Nowitzki.

Well what all those players have in common is the ability to post inside against other big men. “I remembered my first professional basketball game,” says New Orleans Pelicans center Alexis Ajinça. “I was like 17 or 18, but I didn’t play. I was watching the guys play and the coach didn’t put me in. But the first time I came in I was very nervous. I only played five minutes and I tried to do everything I could in five minutes.” At 21 years old, his dreams came true being drafted by the Charlotte Bobcats (later renamed the Hornets) in the 2008 NBA draft.

Early on his career, he bounced around a couple of teams including the Dallas Mavericks, Toronto Raptors, and international professional basketball teams) before signing with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2013. Coming into the NBA wasn’t exactly a smooth transition for him. Playing professional sports is dif-

ficult at times, especially for international players.

“Everybody is very athletic compared to Europe,” says Ajinça. “Like when you play in Europe, big men are very strong. They love to bang with each other.

Here you can’t do that because you can get called for fouls, but it is completely different. The strength and the athleticism of guys here is completely different.”

It is different level of competition. Now the game is adjusting to the three point line and big men often have great range, the French native aims to be a better player, and has other goals. Standing at 7 feet 2 inches, Ajinça knows about athletic point and shooting guards attacking him in the paint due to his slow lateral quickness. Ajinça works his on diet to stay in shape and injury free. He goes in the gym on offdays to work on hook shots, jump shots, defensive drills, and even threes.

When he came into the league, he shot threes, but

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stopped and stayed near the basket. But with Anthony Davis and players like Karl Anthony-Towns and Kristaps Porzingis stretching the court at the center position, it is difficult to guard these types of players.

Former NBA power forward, TNT analyst Charles Barkley believes the league has gone soft, saying it’s all about spacing and shooting threes with no legit post big men. Well Ajinça knows that and wants to be better for the coaching staff and team.

Ajinça has a unique life off the court. During this free time, the French native is an avid video game fan, and enjoys Call of Duty and sports games. He also enjoys FIFA games as he grew up in France where soccer is a very popular sport, and plays with

his favorite team Manchester City. Ajinça is looking forward to the other games coming out, and usually plays with his son. On basketball and his personal life he says, “I would like to be a better basketball player than people would know, not just somebody who plays in the NBA,” says Ajinça sitting next to his wife in the conference room. “For that to happen it’s just more work and an opportunity to be on the court and show everybody what I can do. Better father because I always want to improve but I don’t think I’m a bad father, I think I’m pretty good at it.

Just doing everything for my son no matter what. I’m always try to be better at everything. Better husband because I know my wife is the queen, I just want to be the king she always wants.”

SPOTLIGHT

D I N NER BE A LADY WORDS DEVON CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON

On the west side of Frederick Douglass Boulevard between 115TH and 116th sits a beautiful woman in the window. Her name is Blujeen. On any given Sunday her dining room is filled with locals, tourists, and foodies alike.

PHOTO BY SAMIRA BOUAOU

Blujeen is not just one woman. “She is all the amazing women in my life past and present,” says Chef Lance Knowling. “I want guests to think of their grandmothers, mothers, and aunts.” It is amazing how the restaurant

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creates the familiar down-home feeling when dining. Chef Knowling creates food that is sophisticated and complex. From the moment you step in the door you feel the warmth of the atmosphere and that little bit of extra on top.

We recommend everything on the menu. But you have to start with the baby kale and goat cheese salad, followed by the grilled salmon loin, and finish with the lemon strawberry shortcake. Take a date, a group of friends, or go solo. You won’t regret spending time with Blujeen.

SPOTLIGHT

ADDRESS 2143 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10026 P 212 256 1073

PHOTO BY SAMIRA BOUAOU

BLUJEEN HOURS

Tuesday & Wednesday Dinner 5pm10pm Thursday & Friday Dinner 5pm-11pm Thursday & Friday Dinner 5pm-11pm Saturday & Sunday Dinner 4pm -11pm Saturday & Sunday Brunch 11:00am 3:30pm Bar Open Later

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4k

Gotham

Saw:Legacy

Alien: Covenant

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2

Scream (TV show)

A Series of Unfortunate Events

Halloween 1

Snoop Dogg

Ballers

I Decided

Spider-Man: Homecoming

Beauty and the Beast

Insecure

Split

Being Mary Jane

iPhone 8

Star Wars Episode VIII

Ben Affleck

It

Suits

Beyonce

Jessica Jones

Taboo

Blade Runner 2049

Jumanji

The Chainsmokers

Bravo

Justice League

The Defenders

Brothers and Sisters

Legion

The Fate of the Furious

Bruno Mars

Logan

The Fly

Cars 3

Lupe Fiasco

The Jeffersons

Christopher Nolan

Martha Stewart

The Lego Batman Movie

Coachella

Marvel

The Mummy

Cult of Chucky

More Life

The Oscars

Diana Ross

Mr. Robot

The Punisher

Dina Shore

NBA All-Star Weekend

The Shins

Donald Glover

Netflix

The View

Drake

Nintendo Switch

The XX

Dunkirk

Oculus Touch

This Is Us

Friday the 13th

Panorama Festival

Transformers: The Last Knight

Ghost in the Shell

Power Rangers

War for the Planet of the Apes

Golden Girls

Resident Evil 7

Wonder Woman

Good Times

Robot Chef

Zac Efron

MAGAZINE

ICON

George michael WORDS DOMINIQUE CARSON

By the end of 2016 the world had lost several notable figures in entertainment including, David Bowie, Prince, Thomas Mikal Ford, Carrie Fisher, one of our favorite television dads - Alan Thicke, and then George Michael on Christmas Day. Fans couldn’t believe their ears because it was too surreal. He was an iconic figure in music and now we wouldn’t hear any new material from Michael. Once you heard the words, “George Michael has died,” it was mind-blowing and demoralizing for active social media users.

George Michael broke many barriers for other international artists to have a shot in music. If it wasn’t for him, we wouldn’t have The Spice Girls, Adele, Estelle, or Sam Smith. His music catered to every demographic and many can remember listening to their favorite George Michael song on the radio.

George Michael sold 100 million records worldwide and his solo debut, Faith sold 20 million alone.

For over two decades, British pop star, George Michael dazzled the world with his voice, stage presence, acts of kindness, and at times his rebellious persona. Back in the 1980’s, George Michael rose to superstardom as the second member of the duo, Wham!. For five years, the group released chart-topping hits including, “Freedom,” “Careless Whisper,” and the multiplatinum “Wake Me Up Before You GO-GO”.

Even though George Michael contributed so much to Wham!, it was destined

ILLUSTRATION LAWRENCE PITTS

for him to be a solo artist. He was considered a “gifted musical instrument,” to the world who needed to spread his wings musically. Michael’s first solo single, “I Knew You Were Waiting,” a duet with Aretha Franklin, hit number one on both the UK and US Billboard charts. He also released other hit singles, “Faith,” “I Want Your Sex,” “Freedom,” “Outside,” “One More Try,” “Father Figure,” and “Praying For Time.” In addition to Aretha Franklin, Michael also collaborated with several artists including the late Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige, and Elton John.

In addition, Michael was also an inspiration to the LGBT community. After his arrest in 1998 for participating in a “lewd act,” his sexual orientation was exposed. The world had questioned it for years but Michael no longer wanted to live in fear. Yes, Michael was an out gay artist and learned that fans continued their support of his work. Fans adorned more when he became an activist and an HIV/AIDS charity fundraiser. Over the years, Michael was a private donor for those who were in need across the globe. He demonstrated many acts of kindness by donating the royalties from songs to the quiz show, Deal or No Deal, Macmillan Cancer Support, a nursing student, Terrence Higgins Trust, and others.

But, fame also came with strife and challenges. Michael was battling personal demons, substance misuse, and other health problems. For 30 years, George Michael blessed the world with his stellar voice, generous heart, and good looks. He also lived by one of his famous quotes; “You’ll never find peace of mind until you listen to your heart.”

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