Bleu Magazine Issue 53 - YFN Lucci

Atlanta's Own

Talks music, hustle, and relationships (well sorta), with the ever Fabulous Toccara.

EDDIE MURPHY J O H N G R AV E S

LOS ANGELES PAT R I C K R I L E Y

C O U R T N E Y PA U L WA K A N DA

B R E T T G R AY

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

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

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

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

Visit bmwusa.com to learn more.

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

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Table of

Contents Jacket ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Shirt TOM FORD Jewelry ARTIST’S OWN

The

Fly Guy

jJ Photography By PHILIPPE BERTRAND

Atlanta rapper YFN Lucci has the makings of a superstar: confidence, talent, and drive. He recently spoke with model and actress toccara jones to discuss all things music, and how he plans to change the game.

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TAKE THE LEAD

Take an active role in your health.

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

onepillchoices.com GILEAD and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc. © 2017 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. UNBC4619 06/17

Table of

Contents Pinky Ring KONSTANTINO Middle Finger Ring MIANSAI Left Arm PYRRHA (TOP), MIANSAI (BOTTOM) Right Arm PYRRHRA s Photography By NATHALIE MERCADO

14 Access By Bleu

50 The Creatives Honoring Her Roots

16 The 4 By 5 What Legends are Made of

54 Travel L.A. on the Run

18 Soled Up It’s a NYC thing

62 Fashion New Freezer

29 Gadgets Virtually Versatile

78 Feature Brett Takes on the World

31 Cars No Mountain High Enough..

80 Op-ed The Wakanda Suit We Share

32 Grooming

82

Face it Fluid

The Humans

34 Fuel

86 Fashion

Monkey King

The Outskirts

36 Fitness

94 Spotlight

Are You Ready For Cpxerience?

Barack & Michelle for Life

38 Fashion

96 Bleulist

All of Us

97 Icon Eddie Murphy

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MASTHEAD

Publisher/Editor-In-Chief DĂŠVon Christopher Johnson

On the Cover YFN LUCCI

Executive Editor George Kevin Jordan

Creative Director Darius Baptist

Graphic Design Lead

Dominic Bielak

UK Fashion Editor

Sean Azeez

Contributing Fashion Editors

Amber Leon Brian Goodwill Kenneth Kyrell Juan Ortiz Margina Dennis James Jean Lucy Alexandra

Fashion Market & Production Lead

Terence B. McNealy

Contributing Editors

Raymond Mora, Chris Law

Copy Editor

Trevoy Ross

Words By TOCCARA JONES Photography By PHILIPPE BERTRAND Fashion By DARIUS BAPTIST

Contributing Writers

Toccara Jones, Merilee Kern, Robin Williams, Kenneth Miles, Dominique Carson

Contributing Photographers

Philippe Bertrand, Vincent Dolman, Harvey Jackson, Nathalie Mercardo, Andrew Hart, Jai Lennard, Terrence Miele, Arianna Cuesta

Interns

Giselle Arellana, Alfredo Ibarra, Rayhan Pulok, Tsering Youdon, Willy Thompson, Sarahi Torreblanca, Ramon Duran, Egypt Robertson, Zavier Scott

BOMBSHELL by BLEU Editor

Ebony Allison

Contributors

Cataanda James, Kaylin Young, Kishon Springer London Burns, Kristin Joyner, Sigourney Salley

The BleuLife Group Chairman, CEO & President

DĂŠVon Christopher Johnson

Director of Operations

Carlos Barksdale

Business Development

Brent Zachary, Massih Azad

Digital Lead

Julian Kim

AD Sales

Todd Evans, Rivendell Media 908.232.2021 Scean Ellis, Leverage Media Sales scean@leveragemediasales.com

Regional Representative

Rannon Harris (Chicago - Midwest)

Newsstand Distribution

Ingram Content Group Inc. 1 Ingram Blvd.

La Vergne, TN 37086 Phone: 615.793.5000

Submissions

Bleu Magazine 119 West 24th Street New York, NY 10011 info@bleulife.com

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

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Don’t you ever feel sad Lean on me when times are bad When the day comes and you’re down In a river of trouble and about to drown Just hold on, I’m comin’ Hold on, I’m comin’ I’m goin’ my way, your lover If you get cold, I will be your cover Don’t have to worry ‘cause I’m here No need to suffer baby, ‘cause I’m here H O L D O N I ’ M C O M I N ’ , Sam and Dave

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These are interesting times. All times are interesting. Every generation has their claim to some societal disrupter or advancement that they’d like to stake a claim to. But this feels a little different. History is actually repeating itself. 2018 is feeling a lot like 1968. Lessons learned are being ignored. Ignorance that crippled our nation in the past is resurfacing. It didn’t work then. It won’t work now.

The revolution is not just being televised. It is live in the palm of our hands.

The very hands that we have the option to use to raise against injustice or use to cowardly cover our eyes and ignore what is happening to our fellow humans.

There’s no single great leader waiting in the wings ready to take the stage and fight for us. That didn’t work in the past. Jesus was a solo act. MLK solo act.

Malcolm X solo act. It is up to all of us to stand up for Women, LGBT, Children, Education, Fair Housing, Living Wages, etc. They ALL matter and must be addressed in tandem. No one group’s struggle is more important than the other. We are all the hero’s we have been waiting for. We must save ourselves.

As awesome as it is to create these amazing images of men of color, there’s something bitter sweet about it. Bleu in many ways is a solo act. All media should want to positively reflect Black men. Not just as an advertorial anecdote, but truly an inclusive approach to how we are depicted in media. We don’t want to be a solo act. Join the movement.

DéVon Christopher Johnson Founder And Group Publisher

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C O N T R I B U TO R S

VINCENT DOLMAN

NATHALIE MERCADO

I am a London-based celebrity and fashion photographer, I’ve been shooting now for about 10 years. I have been lucky enough in my career to have worked with many leading figures in music, TV and film, including: Pharrell Williams, Tinie Tempah, Ed Sheeran, Rihanna, Juliette Lewis, Alfred Enoch, One Direction, Eminem and Snoop Dogg.

Bronx bred, Nathalie Mercado is an instinctive fashion photographer and writer known for her eye for detail. Mercado infects the pages of her fashion spreads with Femme and Edge. Keep an eye out for her as she continues to break barriers in fashion.

KIARA MICHE REED

TOCCARA JONES

Hailing all the way from Dallas, Texas, Kiara Miche Reed got her first big break in the fashion industry interning at Agentry PR in 2015. Now living in Harlem, Reed is one of fashion’s top emerging stylists.

Working at multiple New York Fashion Weeks and styling the Blkid Twins, Reed has done so much work in a short time span, and is ready to conquer the fashion world.

With presence that exudes elegance and class, all while maintaining her vibrant personality, Toccara has taken the fashion industry by storm since her debut as a contestant on America’s Next Top Model. Toccara has done everything from star in her own reality show to being featured in a 14-page spread for Vogue Italia. Paving the way for curvy girls after her, Toccara has no plans of slowing down anytime soon.

PHILIPPE BERTRAND

HARVEY JACKSON

Place Phil behind a lens, and he will instantaneously morph into the artistic visionary that he is known for. Self-taught, and dedicated to honing his craft, he has already built an eclectic following (models, actors, singers, personal trainers and other professionals) since the grand opening of his photography studio in vibrant downtown East Point, Georgia in 2016. He loves what he does and it shows in his work.

I was born in Saint Louis Missouri and raised in Ferguson and now I’m a New York City based fashion and portrait photographer. I served overseas for 3 years in Iraq and Kuwait city as a combat engineer. After returning to the states I quickly discovered my calling and my purpose in the photo industry. After finishing school I moved to NYC and worked for the prestigious Pier59 Studios. There I worked with the photo teams of extraordinary photographers, like Mario Testino, Steven Klein, Victoria Secrets Russel James, David Sims and Inez and Vinoodh.

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H O T O V E L I • N E W YO R K

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

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

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

A R T S E E B P C • N E W YO R K

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

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

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

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

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AC C E S S BY B L E U

Director Ben Selkow

Rapper T.I.

Director Geeta Gandbhir

NETFLIX PREMIERES RAPTURE AT SXSW 2018 Guests and hip-hop fans around the world gathered at the SXSW Festival to watch the first look of Netflix’s new docuseries, “Rapture,” which was released on March 30th. Some of the best hip-hop artists such as Nas, Dave East, Logic, Rapsody, and others were in attendance. Throughout eight episode season, fans will get to see how their favorite stars became hip-hop icons.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL BOCZARSKI / GETTY FOR NETFLIX

Director Marcus A. Clarke

Group Photo

From Left to Right: Rapper Rapsody, Rapper Dave East, Rapper T.I. 14

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Director Sacha Jenkins and Director Marcus A. Clarke

Director Gabriel Noble

AC C E S S BY B L E U

Tyler Lepley, Cassi Davis

Angela Robinson

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Photo of Theater

OWN/WBLS HOST PRESS EVENT FOR "THE HAVES AND THE HAVE NOTS," “IF LOVING YOU IS WRONG" AND “THE PAYNES" The Oprah Winfrey Network and WBLS hosted a press event at MIST Harlem to promote the next couple of seasons of “Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots,” “If Loving You is Wrong,” and “The Paynes,” which is a series premiere. Talents from these shows were in attendance and the event included sneak peeks of each show. WBLS midday personality Shaila Scott also moderated the Q&A session of the post-screening with the cast.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BERNARD SMALLS

Daurisa Tessier, Angela Robinson

Eltony Williams

April Parker Jones

Group Photo

Tika Sumpter

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T H E 4 BY 5

WHAT LEGENDS ARE MADE OF Sure they are Hollywood Icons now, but these four actors turned in a series of amazing performances that made us pay attention and then fall in love with them.

WORDS BY TSERING YOUDON AND RAYHAN PULOK

Monster’s Ball

Boomerang

Things We Lost in The Fire

Catwoman

Halle Berry

Ms. Berry is a woman of firsts. In her quest to become an actress she had to make history as well. Her biggest accomplishment may be becoming the first, and as of now, the ONLY Black woman to win an Academy Award for Best Actress for the 2001 film Monster's Ball. Her performance was searing and troubling and left us in awe. But to be fair, the Ohio native has been handing in killer performances since she played the crack-addicted Vivan in 1991’s

Jungle Fever

Jungle Fever. You may hate, but Catwoman in 2004 wasn’t that bad a movie. Berry ate up the screen and still churned out something watchable. And her turn with Eddie Murphy in 1992’s Boomerang showed us she could be a romantic lead. Berry turned in a brilliant performance in 2007’s Things We Lost in The Fire,.

Her superb acting reminded us of why she is an Academy Award winner. All hail the queen before there was a Bey.

Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Hitch

Men in Black

Independence Day

Will Smith

If this actor could bottle his enthusiasm and ambition he would be a billionaire and make a lot of us “regular folk” rich in the process. The Philly born actor just won’t stop. From his beloved stint on the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air where he became a household name, to his role in Independence Day in 1996 which catapulted him to A-List status, Smith was born for this game. But he didn’t

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The Pursuit of Happyness

just stay on Megahit Lane. Well he did - with monsters like 1997’s Men In Black. But he also gave nuanced performances like Alex in 2005’s Hitch. One of his most powerful pieces was playing Chris Gardner in the biographical The Pursuit of Happyness in 2006 with a baby Jaden. He continues to prove he can evolve just like the industry that made him a star.

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Luther

The Office

The Wire

Idris Elba

The London born actor is a film Icon whose best roles were on the small screen. He stood out in the “Black Actor Training Camp” also known as The Wire. For six years he captivated us. He played a swagged out detective with serial killer fans in 2010’s Luther. Back in the states he

Thor

gave a rare comedic performance in The Office. Sure sure, we are happy to see him in a Marvel Cinema Universe role in Thor. But Elba gave us award winning steel in 2015’s Beasts of No Nation. Whether he is on TV or film we are always watching.

PHOTO BY J. COUNTESS

Beasts of No Nation

PHOTO BY J. COUNTESS

Malcolm X

Glory

Devil In A Blue Dress

Training Day

Denzel Washington

This wouldn’t be a list without the black ambassador of film - Denzel Washington. Picking great performances from Denzel is like asking us which Streep role did we love best. (“Devil Wears Prada” by the way.)

We were blessed with his oscar-winning execution in 1989’s Glory. Okay let’s be real here. In 1992 Denzel was robbed of the Academy Award. By far one of the most impactful pieces of cinema and a stellar performance from the New York Native was in Malcolm X. He also had a memorable

Fences

role as the playful detective Easy Rawlins in Carl Franklin’s screenplay of the Walter Mosley book, Devil In A Blue Dress. Then the Academy made up for its egregious error by awarding Mr. Washington his Best Actor Award with Training Day. But then they robbed him again after he turned in an unforgettable and raw turn as Troy Maxson in Fences, a film adapted from August Wilson’s play by the same name. Troy is our Willy Loman. And Denzel is thankfully one of the best actors on screen.

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SOLED UP

Everyone knows New York as being one of the most fashionable cities in the world, but do they really know what true New Yorker wear on a everyday basis? Look over the next few pages to see what real New Yorkers wear on their feet everyday.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW HART

Nike Air Force 1 $90

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SOLED UP

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Left: Nike Air Max $90 Right: Nike Air Max 270 $120

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SOLED UP

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New Balance 990v4 $175

Sean Wotherspoon x Air Max 1/97 $645

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Adidas NMD_R2 $160

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SOLED UP

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Fila Disruptor II $65

Air Jordan 3 Retro AS NRG $474

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Only difference between these cocktails?

One was FREE with the HOOCH app Get your first month for

with code B LE U

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Virtually Versatile WORDS BY RAYMOND MORA

$200

When virtual reality (or VR) headsets started to become the trend of 2017, people were attracted to each brand’s unique set of features. The race for the best advancements has begun, and Oculus Go all-in-one VR headset, is definitely competing to win.

It is designed with fabrics, adjustable straps, and the best lenses out of Oculus. You can even use it with glasses. Imagine playing over 1,000 VR games, using social apps, watching Netflix or movies on the headset, and going through a 360 experience regardless of the activity. The feeling of doing things virtually is the future.

The headset is powered by a Snapdragon 821 processor, which

is the same technology used in Google Pixel and the LG G6. It comes with a remote controller that doesn’t quite track your full range of motions. But don’t let that little downbeat detour you.

You can still draw constellations in the night sky, cast a fishing line with the remote, and play a lot of great games in multiplayer modes The motion features will make you less sick than other virtual headsets. Combining all of this with spatial audio built around the headset to improve the immersive experience when you move, it’s worth the money. Expect to see the Oculus Go in stores by early 2018 for $200.

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#BeAnOriginal originalpenguin.com

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RE-DISCOVERING THE RANGE ROVER SPORT WORDS BY DÉVON CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON

2018 LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT Price $87,350 PERFORMANCE AND WEIGHTS

Top Speed: 130 Acceleration 0-60Mph (Secs): 7.5 Maximum Power (Hp): 254 Maximum Torque (Lb-Ft): 443 @ 2,000 Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic Transmission Curb Weight (From-Lbs): 4,958 Gross Vehicle Weight (From-Lbs): 6,834 DIMENSIONS

Overall Length (IN): 196.8 Wheelbase (IN): 115 Height (IN): 73.3 Front Wheel Track (IN): 66.6 Rear Wheel Track (IN): 66.3 Width Mirrors Folded: 81.6 Width, Mirrors Out (IN): 86.6

The 2018 Range Rover Sport is as indisputably bold and bellicose as its predecessors. It also holds onto its reign as the sexiest member of the Land Rover family. Unveiled in 2004 as the smaller alternative to the full-body Range Rover, this panty/boxer dropper has carved a lane unique amongst crossover sport vehicles. With total sales now approaching one million units, its closest competitors are left sucking the two rear exhausts in the wind.

The refreshed Sport gets an updated design, but not too much to compete with the upcoming 2020 complete redesign. Two outstanding features are the SVR variant and a plug-in hybrid electric model. There’s also new powertrains and an interior overhaul as well. On approach you’ll notice its new grille and LED headlights.

“Customers can experience zero-emission near-silent off-road luxury with

uncompromised all-terrain capability in its plug-in hybrid feature,” says parent company, Land Rover.

The flagship Range Rover Sport SVR, uses the F-Type SVR’s 5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol engine with 567bhp – 25bhp more than the outgoing Range Rover Sport SVR. The driver focused cockpit includes an uncluttered console with CommandShift® 2 and optional gearshift paddles on the steering wheel.

Let’s just say this is the vehicle to have if you want to show off to your friends or guarantee a happy ending at the end of your date. Both are equally important in today’s aesthetic filled culture. The brand continues to elevate expectations and defy conventional SUV design and function. You can see the world in this vehicle or simply feel on top of it right from your driveway.

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GROOMING

FACE IT FLUID Guys! You no longer need to sneak products out of your girlfriend/besties vaniety cabinet. Gender lines have blurred, creating a space for guys that is far beyond typical male grooming standards. From lip balms and face masks, to hair care and eye cream, the beauty industry is taking notice! Instead products are being made specifically with us in mind. We found these options to jumpstart your day and make you selfie ready regardless of the lighting.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW HART

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This powerful Apigenin moisturizing treatment helps strengthen the thin and delicate skin under the eye while improving the appearance of dark circles caused by stress and tiredness.

This light spray gives your hair natural waves.

It’s infused with rice protein which helps hold those natural curls in place. The fragrance contains notes of bergamot, Italian lemon, rose de mai, magnolia, lily, blackberry, violet, cedar wood, Amber, patchouli, sandalwood, and white musk.

Available at elaynearterbery.com for $90 (.5 oz).

Available at theouai.com for $12 (1.7 oz) or $26 (5 oz).

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SUPERGOOP! SHINE ON LIP SCREEN A clear gloss that has a powerful SPF of 50 that will protect your lips from the powerful sun rays. This Lip Screen is water resistant, moisturizing, and gives off a natural look.

Available at sugargoop.com for $22.

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JACK BLACK WAX POMADE With this pomade you can polish and smooth your hair into place with a natural looking shine and lots of flexibility. It’s also great for taming beards and mustaches, which brings the whole look together.

Available at getjackblack.com for $22 (2.75 oz).

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LAB SERIES U R B A N B LU E D E TOX C L AY M A S K Detoxing is great for your overall body, but detoxing your face is just as important. This Detox Clay Mask blends the purifying properties of charcoal to help draw out the dirt, excess oil and dead skin cells of your face with clay’s detoxing properties. When used religiously, your pores will look smaller, and your face would look healthier.

Available at labseries.com for $32.

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FUEL

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MONKEY KING WORDS BY MERILEE KERN

s

San Diego’s famed Gaslamp Quarter is a bustling community filled with vibrant nightlife, which indubitably includes dining to die for. Amid the burgeoning downtown culinary scene is Monkey King, an elegant latenight Chinese cuisine eatery that swung into action in late 2017.

The current iteration of Monkey King is a reprisal of a restaurant by the same name, which actually claimed the same space in the late 1800s. At that time, one of the most influential men in San Diego’s Chinatown, Tom Ah Quin, ran Monkey

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King, which was reportedly an illegal lottery house where politicians and San Diego’s elite could go to dine, drink and gamble into the late hours of the night. Now commanding the same location where the original establishment once was, the reprised Monkey King restaurant pays homage to its storied history and Prohibition-era past in combination with decidedly modern-era elements.

One apparent aspect carried over from days of yore is that Monkey King is one of the few latenight dining options in the Gaslamp. The dining menu is available until midnight on weekdays and 2 a.m. on weekends. This bodes well for the throngs of nightclub and bar-goers (and staffers)

and other night owls who seek quality eats well into the wee hours.

No matter your preferred time to dine, the restaurant’s Executive Chef Brendan Mica, who most recently served as chef de cuisine at The Standard, High Line in Manhattan, has developed an authentic and traditional Chinese dining experience with contemporary sensibilities. “I have always had a love for Chinese cuisine, its balance, complexity and deep flavor profiles,” notes Chef Mica. “The Monkey King menu has no tricks, combining traditional Chinese recipes and cooking techniques with locally sourced ingredients.” No downtown gastro-joint would be complete without a well-con-

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tender and succulent. Even Chef Mica adores this particular dish, citing that “it’s full of that umami flavor that I love about Asian cooking. It’s a sweet, sticky, fall of the bone situation that gets me every time.”

PHOTO BY JIM SULLIVAN

L O C AT I O N 467 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

ceived craft cocktail menu, and Monkey King duly delivers with signature Asian-focused hand-crafted elixirs. Large format drinks are creatively served up in punch bowls such as the “Scorpion King”– comprised of vodka, gin, light and dark rum, and a medley of fresh juices. My own personal fave is the not-too-sweet Golden Pear—Brut champagne infused with Absolute Pear Vodka, fresh ginger and pear puree. I also love that the bar area features television sets running an assortment of “old school” Chinese movies (muted) that add a compelling visual element to the overall ambiance. Popular music plays in the background, adding to the cool vibe that beckons hipsters inside.

The open-air lounge actually serves as the focal point for the stylish dining area that surrounds. Most impressive among the furnishings is an authentic dim sum table imported straight from China that seats up to eight people. The décor is eclectic, featuring exposed brick and living flora structures infused with modern gold elements, neon lighting effects and a butterfly motif. The resulting effect is a warm, multifarious atmosphere. A row of booth seating alongside a wall running the length of the restaurant allows patrons to have an open-view dining experience overlooking the entirety of the restaurant—to see and be seen amid all of the action and interaction.

Social media aficionados also adore the grandiose gold chair that sits directly under the Monkey King logo, which makes every customer feel as if they are the Monkey King themselves. Given San Diego’s near perfect year-round weather, it’s also a boon that the eatery offers an outdoor double patio area option.

The menu is concise, offering a curated selection of traditional and signature dishes from Monkey King’s past, morphed for present-day palates. As an example of this, the eatery makes its Pork Bao Buns from scratch. “Our customers will experience our dedication to scratch cooking, and can expect that all dishes will have some connection to their traditional Chinese origins,” Chef Mica said.

With my own visit to Monkey King, I was compelled to sample various “dim sum” appetizers, most notable of which was the Lobster Shumai— Maine lobster shrimp dumplings. At first glance, it’s apparent the tasty morsels were lovingly hand-crafted, and with every detail on the plate purposefully placed. Each dumpling, topped with a dollop of red masago, was complemented by a flavorful, peppery cream sauce that duly complemented the sweet seafood ensconced in each pocket.

I did also sample other small plates like the Hamachi Sashimi, which was plated with cucumber, shiso leaf and chili oil, all doused with ponzu sauce and lemon. A crisp and potent garlic chip added just the right note of crunch and savory flavor. Another favorite of mine from this section was the Hoisin Barbeque Baby Back Ribs that, of course, had an Asian twist—a decadent hoisin chili glaze topped with sesame seeds. The amply-portioned meat itself

The entrées that followed did not disappoint, as I was thrust deeper into Chinese culture and the historical restaurant’s roots. The signature dish of the restaurant—The Drunken Lobster Hong Kong Style—arrived in a heap of the sumptuous shellfish (a full one-pound in total), stir fry vegetables and grilled scallions. This hearty dish packs a flavorful punch—and with a notable amount of spice. My suggestion is that you opt to order a side of white rice to balance out the dish overall and soak in the thick, rich sauce.

Also memorable was the Black Pepper Beef—12 ounces of Prime New York steak served with bok choy, mushrooms, wok-roasted Maui onions, and crispy potatoes. Gladly, the preparation of the dish was not what I expected. Instead of the steak being served as one large piece of protein, it was carved into 12 sashimi-style sections seared with a delicately crusted and well-seasoned outer edge.

The resurgence of this once bustling locale, now as an Asian restaurant that brings ethnic authenticity and nostalgia to the Gaslamp District as a latenight dining destination, is a charming addition to downtown San Diego.

“I love that we offer a contemporary setting for people to enjoy while still getting to experience the warm comfort that Chinese cuisine often brings,” Mica said. “It’s an interesting contrast that I think San Diegans will really like.”

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Are you Ready for CPXERIENCE? Celebrity Fitness Trainer Courtney Paul is ready to transform your mind, soul, and body - but not necessarily in that order.

WORDS BY DARIUS BAPTIST PHOTOGRAPHY BY TERRENCE MIELE

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FITNESS

BLEU: What is the CPXPERIENCE? COURTNEY PAUL: CPX is a collaboration between high-in-

one may encounter major deposits of lactic acid, which gives you that sore, stiff feeling. For someone reentering physical fitness this sensation may detour you from your previously planned schedule. When you train, the realm of being uncomfortable is where your results reside. Know your physical limitations and push them, but do this over a period of time.

tensity interval training (HIIT) and strength training, treated like personal training that is in a class setting. Each day a combination of two different body parts are trained. Each week I shift from strength to high intensity intervals. Each month the body parts are reshuffled to keep your body, mind, and soul entertained and engaged. CPX has in fact redefined HIIT training and this redefined method of training delivers you the best physique possible.

How is the CPXPERIENCE different from other routines?

The CPXPERIENCE is like no other training style because it’s personal training in a group setting that holds Why do you feel people aren’t consistent with you accountable for your results. Data [is collected] through sticking to a fitness regimen? photos, measurements of inches, People tend to stray away from endurance, and strength is recordtheir fitness regimen for three ed. Most fitness methods and commajor reasons: loss of motivation, panies say they change bodies but boredom, or stale fitness program.

JUST BECAUSE YOU cannot back it up with actual proof.

I have been a fitness instructor and COMPLETED ONE WEEK OF CPX tracks your performance over personal trainer for over a decade TRAINING DOES NOT MEAN time. and the biggest loss of motivation is always the same; people wantYOU DESERVE A REWARD. How do you stay motivated on ing instant gratification or a quick YOU ARE NOT A DOG. YOU DO a daily basis? fix [after] two weeks of minimal The energy of NYC keeps me mophysical effort. If it took you three NOT GET TREATS! INSTEAD tivated. Knowing that if you don’t months to gain 10 pounds it might PAMPER YOURSELF WITH constantly evolve, adapt to the entake three months to take it off.

MATERIAL ITEMS OR A TRIP vironmental changes in the dynamic fitness industry of this concrete The biggest mistake of all is treatSOMEWHERE TROPICAL TO jungle, you will become extinct. ing yourself with food or drink.

SHOW OFF YOUR ALL YOUR The drive not only to survive but Rewarding yourself with unhealthy HARD WORK AND EFFORTS. the drive to thrive is what motivates food or drink is the quickest way to me to be the best I can be every day. put you back at step one. Just because you completed one week of How do you plan to expand the training does not mean you deserve a reward. You are not a dog. You do not get treats! Instead CPXPERIENCE brand?

Currently CPX has partnered with Life Time Athletic. Life pamper yourself with material items or a trip somewhere Time is a luxury fitness resort that promotes a healthy way tropical to show off your all your hard work and efforts. of life. Life Time delivers an unmatched facility that goes well beyond fitness. With weight loss programming, PiIs there a “The Perfect Workout”?

There is no single perfect workout or training style. The lates, studio, cycle, yoga classes, tennis, racquetball and perfect workout is unique and personal to you. Whatever squash, swim programming, a full length basketball court, gets you going, keeps you interested, makes you happy, full-service spa, cafe, chiropractic care, and now CPX is challenges your body, and keeps you coming back for more part of this enterprise. is perfection for you!

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How should one approach starting a new workout?

When starting a new workout regimen one should execute slowly. By pushing yourself too hard in the beginning,

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COURTNEY’S ADVICE T O S TAY M O T I VAT E D / INTERESTED IN YOUR FITNESS JOURNEY

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G E T A W O R KO U T PA R T N E R

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TA K E F I T N E S S C L A S S E S T H AT INTEREST YOU

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HIRE A PERSONAL TRAINER

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GET A SUBSCRIPTION TO FITNESS MAGAZINES TO E D U C AT E Y O U R M I N D & K E E P Y O U R W O R KO U T S FRESH

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JOIN A GYM WITH P E O P L E W H O V I S U A L LY M O T I VAT E Y O U T O G O T H E D I S TA N C E P H Y S I C A L LY

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Honoring Her Roots Photographer Arianna Cuesta has something to say. But she let’s her camera do the talking.

WORDS BY DOMINIQUE CARSON PHOTOS COURTESY OF ARIANNA CUESTA

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Arianna Cuesta is a photographer who is not afraid to honor the past so she can have a promising future.

Photography became an essential tool for Cuesta to introduce life’s biggest lessons and tell a story. She is an artist who brings truth and meaning into her work.

Cuesta’s photos are a visual presentation of why people should be their best selves. Nonetheless, it is imperative for Cuesta to keep her roots alive so she can educate others about their heritage. When someone views Cuesta’s pictures, there are several themes behind her photos. For starters, she wants the Latino community to disregard societal standards of beauty and race. Cuesta says she wants “to break the mold of what an Afro Caribbean or Latino should be in the world.” Her powerful message caught the eye of different media platforms including the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute, Afro-Latino Festival, The Fader, Remezcla, AFRO-PUNK, PBS, and Ebony Magazine. Cuesta’s photography book, “Afro-Masculinidad,” can be found in the International Museum of Photography Library.

Bleu Magazine caught up with the gifted artist to discuss her role as a photographer, her Puerto Rican heritage, and much more.

BLEU MAGAZINE: Why did you decide to be a photographer?

ARIANNA CUESTA: Growing up in Puerto Rico,

my father introduced me to a camera that was once owned by my grandfather. I want to capture people that look like me. I noticed the media didn’t represent other Latinas embracing their blackness and 52

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curly hair. Women had to be light-skinned and their hair must be straightened. People measure beauty and femininity according to societal standards. My dad showed me the camera, and it sparked my interest in photography. I wanted to capture real moments that will cause people to think and ponder about life.

Was photography more of a movement or passion for you?

At first, it wasn’t my goal, it was more of a need when I discovered photography. Photography allowed me to start feel comfortable because it made me want to figure out who I am and my roots. Photography made me acknowledge my blackness. A lot of Latinos don’t realize that Puerto Ricans and Dominicans are black. For years, we were miseducated about their race due to society and social media. There were different platforms that didn’t show Afro-Puerto Ricans which is sad and disappointing.

What does photography mean to you?

I don’t know where I’ll be if it wasn’t for photography. I can’t fully analyze the next steps in my life but photography was my way out. Photography means a lot to me because I can capture people’s lives through pictures.

Why do you label yourself as “Afro- Boricua?”

It was more of a declaration and people tend to think Puerto Ricans is just one race but it’s not. Many Puerto Ricans were taught to think one way about their race and culture. Africans were a part of the Puerto Rican culture and identity. Many of the foods we eat, or music we listen to are influenced by the African imprint in Puerto Rico. Most Puerto Ricans don’t realize that we were separated by color back in the 1900s. It was more about classicism instead

of race and you were mistreated for being black.

Light-skinned Dominicans were more privileged because of this “ignorant concept” about race and nationality. And so, I didn’t want go through my journey neglecting or not appreciating my blackness.

When I was younger, my dad would pay for my hair to be permed because my hair was too curly. My hair had to be straightened so I could avoid my blackness.

My dad would say I’m a witch with curly hair and that’s when I realized I didn’t want to keep denying my blackness.

What were some of the challenges you’ve faced as a photographer?

I am a photographer but I’m still learning and discovering who I am as a woman. I’m in my early 20’s and I had a hard time living in the states at first. It was a risky move because I left Puerto Rico and I started a new life in New York. But I knew I was doing the right thing. I had to stop doubting myself and I started increasing my level of confidence along the way. When I moved to New York, it was a real cultural shock because it was a serious adjustment. But, I’m starting to come into my own and I love it. Photography is still a male dominated profession so I still have to work hard to build my reputation.

What was it like studying photography in Puerto Rico versus the United States?

In the United States, photography is more acceptable and accessible. People can major in photography in schools. In Puerto Rico, residents had a successful career in media if their family was rich or attended a rich and opulent university. In Puerto Rico, my photos were labeled as trash and too dark.

My professor told me I should make changes to my

photos and black people should not be included at all. I was a photojournalist in Puerto Rico and it was still a struggle. In 2016, Puerto Rico was in desperate need of help because of homelessness, hunger, and significant changes in education and healthcare. There were political and economic problems with the government, 18 schools were closed, and universities were closed. There was also abuse from the police. A cop laughed at the person he hit and I posted it on my Instagram. The next day it was all over the news in Puerto Rico and 3,000 shares on Facebook. We started protesting against this behavior because cops are approving disrespect and abuse.

How did you start submitting your photos for other publications?

Fader Magazine needed photographers to document women from the [decolonization] movement. Luna Olavarria Gallegos referred me to the magazine.

We took photos of four women who were apart of the movement. They wanted Puerto Rico to regain their freedom so they can have a better future. I started submitting photos to other publications like Ebony and Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute through word of mouth. Other

opportunities landed my way because people seen my work on social media. It has been great because I now have a portfolio of work. I couldn’t afford a website at the time but my photos reached and touched people.

My work became a way for me to connect and show my cultural to the public. I showed my talent and art to people and I didn’t have to limit myself.

W H E N I M OV E D T O N Y, I T WA S A R E A L C U LT U R A L S H O C K B E C AU S E I T WA S A S E R I O U S ADJUSTMENT.

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What are your upcoming projects and goals in 2018?

First, I would have to say keep being creative and continue to grow as a person. I don’t want to keep doing the same things over and over again. I want to keep going all the way up; I don’t want to settle for “just enough.” But, I am working on a series called “In Your Dreams,” and it’s my perspective of when I came to the city and started embracing other cultures in my life. I will be documenting other ethnicities: Puerto Rican, Dominican, African American, Panamanian, Asians, etc. I will also capture photos of drag queens and musicians who are trying to make it in New York City. The photos will have a variety of colors. Growing up on the island, all I saw was color so I can’t neglect that side of my life. I want to incorporate colors and different moods in my paintings. I want to display my photos in a gallery or into a series online. Each time I take a photo, I have to go with my heart so my photos will come alive. There was also an article from the New School on Latino Rebels and I will make a documentary for the school. In the documentary, it shows a drag queen who moves from Puerto Rico to New York with nothing. He gets a monthly check from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) for living expenses.

He has a hard time finding work while living in a hotel.

He drags while finding work but he needs to figure out where he is going to live permanently.

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L.A. ON THE RUN 72 Hours in DTLA WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEORGE KEVIN JORDAN

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The first thing you notice about downtown Los Angeles is the walking. This is a novel concept for a city that is synonymous with driving culture. To be fair when I was a DTLA resident in 2015 (well adjacent, I was literally across the tracks of the 110), I noticed there was lots of sidewalk space. When dusk settled onto the neighborhood and the workforce jumped back into their cars, it was just the hipsters, the homeless, and hotelers.

No one wanted to hangout downtown. Even with LA Live built in 2010, the number of people who walked beyond the confines of the Staples Center, and the row of restaurants that lined the bottom of the plaza, was sparse. There were few takers on the idea of DTLA as a place to visit, let alone live.

Things have definitely changed.

For the uninitiated, let us first define the world of DTLA. According to the Downtown Center Business Improvement District, or DCBID, the 110, 101, and 10 Freeways, as well as the LA River border downtown Los Angeles. Exposition Park, Chinatown, and City East are also included in the neighborhood. That is a lot of real estate, no pun intended.

According to a quarterly reported by the DCBID, there were 2,831 housing units on the market spread out between 11 projects. The report estimated that 10,000 more were under construction. There was also an estimated 1.3 million square feet of retail space under construction. Skyscrapers are bursting through the ground like the fingers of a sleeping

downtown mecca, with not so easy to get to parking lot. (UBER fix your maps!) Once you get to the front of the hotel, however, the experience is all luxury.

In a city that is a mosh pit of personalities, wrapped in a thin veneer of Hollywood nostalgia, downtown was pretty much abandoned since the 80s and thus left to define itself. What you get are monstrous hotels pretending to be boutique. This means many fun trappings with standardized amenities. The walls are wallpapered in vintage black and white portraits of photos seemingly ready to snap your photo. Once inside the room, if you are lucky to land a room high enough, you are surrounded by skyline. And it is an interesting perspective to be apart of a horizon that is still growing every day.

The hotel bar was always just packed enough to make it seem fun without being a hassle to get to your room. Staff was more friendly and available for everything from site seeing advice to emergency shaving cream.

EAT Once we got settled on Friday it was time to eat.

My partner had a hankering for tacos cause that is what you do in Los Angeles and we found a local spot, B.S. Taqueria. We started with lemon chicken chicharrónes, which combines chicken skins, thighs, lemons, and shishito to a crisp perfection. Then we dug into all manner of taco, fish, chick, shrimp and washed it all down with domestic beers. It was the perfect beginning meal our trip.

The second day we went for the staple restaurant dining choice Bottega Louie. This DTLA spot is like the elder statesperson of brunch having been around since 2009. We invited friends and did brunch big.

We munched on smoked salmon, poached and scrambled eggs, an array of waffles, toast, lots, and lots of coffee. Something to try is the lobster hash, which consists of fresh lobster, Yukon Gold potatoes, Brussels sprouts, poached eggs, shallots, and smoked paprika hollandaise sauce.

Our last outing day after a full day of walking was Tenno Sushi. This joint represents what DTLA is all about. An exterior that can be a little deceiving but an interior that is warm and inviting. We were famished and nibbled on an array of treats, from garlic edamame, laced in sweet soy sauce to California rolls, a classic, yellow tail as well as black tiger tempura rolls. Again washed down with sake and domestic beers.

features multicultural artists from around the globe.

When we were there we checked out Alexandre Farto, aka Vhils Annihilation exhibit, a breathtaking showcase of multimedia perfectly curacted for a large space.

Once we left there, we literally stumbled on a showcase of Mark Bradford’s new works at Hauser & Wirth. This African-American artist is a Macarthur Genius Award recipient and a house household name in art circles. His work is fresh and urgent. We noticed that while many galleries on the east coast are limited by space, DTLA has many warehouse-sized galleries to allow you to breathe with the work.

During the final hours of our stay, we cheated and left downtown to go to the beach, Venice to be precise. If you need a reminder that California is not just a desert but a city with lots of history, walk along this two stretch of land. The street vendors, buskers, skateboards, and tourists all meshed into a Mardi Gra like crowd that walked along the horizon.

It was February and a brisk weekend with temperatures in the low 50s. But the last day warmed up a bit and we found ourselves able to luxuriate in the sun.

We ended our stay at a classically or stereotypically LA restaurant called Cafe Gratitude. All vegan, and all good. With each menu item, you are instructed to repeat an affirmation. “I am glorious.” “I am original.” The server repeats it back to you. They translate into a blackened tempeh Caesar salad and a mission burrito respectively. It was a perfect end to the weekend. DTLA is growing faster than weed during Fourth of July weekend. But the city of Los Angeles remains pleasantly sunny, optimistic, and full of surprises.

W H E R E T O S TAY

Hotel Indigo DO giant. The average rent for apartments is $2,478.

This translates into a burgeoning economy with lots of attractions for residents and visitors alike.

Coming back to Los Angeles on vacation, the neighborhood is claiming it’s rightful place as the heart of the city. And may I be the first to say it’s about time. My partner and I got a hotel room in downtown Los Angeles and decided since we had limited time, literally 72 hours, we would explore the neighborhood so many forgot. Here is what we discovered.

STAY If there was ever a hotel with personality it is Hotel Indigo, a tower located a block away from LA Live. The building is nestled on a quiet street for a 56

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The beauty about downtown is all the culture you need is right there. Now with all the hills the walks may be a little longer or steeper than you imagined, (try walking up the hill to the museum walks) but once you are there you will forget all about your throbbing arches.

We explored the Museum of Contemporary Art. It is a large inviting space, but check your dates.

At the time we went, half the building was under construction in preparation for a new exhibit and installations. Also in the same neighborhood is the Broad museum.

A must see is the arts district. Once there we discovered a new gallery, Over The Influence, which

899 Francisco Street Los Angeles, CA 90017 hotelindigola.com

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Photo: Courtesy of the Beverly Wilshire

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B . S . TAQ U E R I A

BOTTEGA LOUIE

C A F E G R AT I T U D E

TENNO SUSHI

514 West 7th Street Los Angeles, CA 90014 213-622-3744 bstaqueria.com

700 South Grand Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90017 213-802-1470 bottegalouie.com

512 Rose Avenue Venice, CA 90291 424-231-8000 cafegratitude.com

209 South Central Avenue Los Angeles, Ca 90012 213-625-0602 tennosushi.com

PHOTO BY WONHO FRANK LEE

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MOCA

OVER THE INFLUENCE

HAUSER & WIRTH

250 South Grand Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90012 moca.org 213-621-2766

833 East 3rd Street Los Angeles, Ca 90013 310-921-5933 overtheinfluence.com

901 East 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90013 hauserwirthlosangeles.com

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Bracelet PYRRHA Rings (Light to Right) PYRRHA, KONSTANTINO, VERSANI, PYRRHA

Photography by NATHALIE MERCADO

New Freezer

Necklace and Silver Bracelet VERSANI Black Bracelet MIANSAI

Headband VERSANI Shorter Necklace PYRRHA Necklace KONSTANTINO

Necklaces PYRRHA Anchor Necklace MIANSAI Bracelet KONSTANTINO

Necklaces PYRRHA Anchor Necklace MIANSAI Bracelet KONSTANTINO Thin Bracelet MIANSAI

Bracelet PYRRHA Rings (Left to right) PYRRHA, KONSTANTINO, VERSANI, PYRRHA

Fingers (Left to right) VERSANI, KONSTANTINO, VERSANI, KONSTANTINO Bracelets VERSANI

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Atlanta rapper YFN Lucci has the makings of a superstar: confidence, talent, and drive. He recently spoke with model and actress Toccara Jones to discuss all things music, and how he plans to change the game. jJ

Photography by PHILIPPE BERTRAND Words by TOCCARA JONES Fashion by DARIUS BAPTIST

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your voice when you heard it on the recorder?

I did because I was young, but once I turned about eighteen and was in a studio with engineers and was able to really record and hear myself, that’s when I began to fully appreciate my voice.

TOCCARA: I want to begin by saying congrats

Who in the music business have you looked up to?

For sure, Lil Wayne, Jay Z, TI, and Rick Ross were just a few. I was drawn to artists with substance and real music.

on all of your success thus far, people are really feeling YFN Lucci.

LUCCI: Thanks so much. It’s been a journey that we’ve been on, and I feel like I’m just getting started.

How did you start in music?

I’ve been in love with music since the age of five, but when I turned nine years old I had a tape recorder and actually began recording myself rapping.

At that young age, did you like the sound of

How old are you now?

I just turned 27.

Who were your mentors growing up?

My brothers for sure!

The music scene in the American South has been on fire for some time now, how would you describe the Atlanta sound?

Atlanta has soul. We know how to go and get it.

Everyone here has found out how to master their own craft. Maybe the artists here are getting record deals faster or something I don’t know, but you

have people from other parts of the country that have hard music as well. Atlanta is doing its thing, but we aren’t taking over the culture.

How does it feel to be called one of the key players in the evolution of the Atlanta sound?

My sound is my own sound, and I carry my own lane. I appreciate the critics for saying it and acknowledging me, I don’t take it lightly. I rap about the shit I’ve been through and my music has substance, so I guess listeners can relate and they like my voice.

What can we expect with your debut release Ray Ray from Summerhill?

Hot music. I have features with Offset, Wale, Meek Mill, T.I., and other artists on the project. 2018 is going to be a big year for us, we’re about to take over the game.

How do you feel you’ve grown as an artist?

My grind has never stopped, since 2014 I have dropped 2 mixtapes and 2 EPs. I have Warner Bros trying to give me a bag (laughs), so it’s only right that I put my people on as well now.

Fur Vest DANIEL’S LEATHER Jacket and Pants DSQUARED2 Sneakers FACTO jJ

The young, fly, and oh so stylish rapper Rayshawn Bennett, better known as YFN Lucci came on to the music scene just a few years ago and from the looks of it he won’t be going anywhere any time soon. His hit records “Everyday We Lit”, featuring PnB Rock, and “Key to the Streets”, featuring Migos and Trouble, caught our ear and we haven’t stopped listening. Now with his major label debut “Ray Ray from Summerhill”, Lucci gives us insight into his life, his struggle, and how his grind to the top has never stopped.

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” You have to have genuine people around you that will support your shit as if it’s their own.”

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How do you intend to do that?

I will be launching my own label, and putting out music from other artists that I know will change the game.

What advice would you give an inspiring artist?

Stay grounded and humble, keep going, and always believe in yourself. Don’t let anyone steer you off your path.

Was this same advice given to you?

I was always told to stay humble, take care of your family, do right by the money, and you will always get it.

How were you able to persist and follow your dreams during difficult times?

I have a different type of support system; my brothers and my hood have always supported me and had my back. Even when I was just rapping in my bedroom, they supported me to the fullest, and that kept me pushing to make it. You have to have genuine people around you that will support your shit as of it’s their own.

What has most surprised you about the industry and being signed to a major label thus far?

The politics. I’ve learned that artists and people aren’t as real as they appear to be in their music. I don’t know if the game has changed them or what, but that was something new for me. I’m the same nigga from before the deal up to now, if you went to high school with me and I see you out someplace, I will shout you out before you call my name (laughs). I pay attention, I’m not on any Hollywood shit.

For those who don’t know, the YFN in your name stands for Young Fly Nigga, can you tell me who influenced your style when it comes to fashion?

Growing up in Summerhill I was heavily influenced

by Lil Wayne and Dipset. Those guys had their own sense of style and fashion and did shit the way they wanted to. We grew up on swag. I don’t know another nigga that’s flyer than me.

show, and are you putting in your bid to be one of the performers?

It’s only right for them to highlight the Atlanta sound. They should go from the old to the new. It would be great if I could be involved, but either way I will support my hometown.

Any plans to tour with Ray Ray from Summerhill?

For sure. I’m doing SXSW Music Festival and I’m going out on the road. Be sure to check me out at a city near you.

You’ve been spotted out with Reginae Carter the daughter of Lil Wayne as of late, you care to let us know what the deal is with the two of you?

We’re not doing those questions right now (laughs).

You just have to keep watching and listening for YFN Lucci.

With the news of the Superbowl coming to Atlanta next year, do you think they should incorporate the ATL sound into the halftime

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Brett takes

ON THE WORLD It’s a beautiful thing to see a young performer on the cusp of a come up. On My Block actor Brett Gray is taking on TV, Music and whatever door he can knock down.

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Brookfield Place is awash with people. Maybe it’s because the mall is 300,000 square feet of space currently occupied by the after hours crowd of folks who work around the World Trade Center.

seven and was surprised by her response.

Hundreds of commuters and tourists meander from store to store, or walk across the street to the 9/11 memorial site. It may not be the best place to meet someone, unless that person is Brett Gray.

With that, his dream was slowly pitched and forged into a career. Gray went to the acting camp, New Freedom Theater. He attended the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) and landed his first big role in New York at Radio City Music Hall, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Twelve shows a week, living and working in New York at the ripe old age of 18.

The young actor, singer, and walking poster for #blackboyjoy is surprisingly easy to spot in the local Starbucks. The Philly native may only be 21 years old, but he has a spirit that feels timeless and an energy that draws you near like a magnet.

He is siting with one of his besties, rocking an ASOS shirt and is seriously channeling 1990s LA hip-hop.

He and his bud are sharing a joke, a moment that can only be shared with someone who knows your thoughts, can read your tells and gestures, and laughs before you even get the joke out.

They are all smiles and all laughs, and dammit it’s a sight to see. A young Black man, two including his bff, blessed with the ability to take in a moment and enjoy being young. They sit, not afraid to be loud, or take up a room. Because that is what you are supposed to do at that age.

Gray has a lot to be joyful about; he just wrapped the Netflix show On My Block and is writing and recording a seven song EP entitled Easy Days in his spare time. What did you do for your winter break?

In a few short years, with a curated collection of stand out roles and performances, Gray has established himself as an actor to watch. The weight of the future and pressures of keeping up with the Jones, or Kardashians depending on who you who ask, may get to most people. But Gray seems to be enjoying the ride.

“I feel lucky,” Gray says.

Growing up in the uptown area of Philadelphia, Gray was bit hard with the acting bug. He told his mom at

“My mom took me very serious,” Gray says. “Actually more serious than I expected.”

My mom said ‘if you’re not going to school it’s not an excuse not to work. I want you working harder than the kids that are going to musical theatre school and film school.

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“It was crazy,” Gray says. “It was my first time living by myself.”

He spent the majority of this time, shopping, eating, and watching a friend’s two dogs. Oh, and giving his all on stage, he learned quickly about priorities, limitations, and what it was like to be grown-ish.

When it was time to consider college, Gray made the very adult decision to try to pursue his dream without a formal education. Once again, his mother was right there with sage advice. “My mom said ‘if you’re not going to school it’s not an excuse not to work. I want you working harder than the kids that are going to musical theatre school and film

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school,’” Gray recalls. He took her advice to heart.

He is grateful for the decision now.

“I don’t have any debt. I’m just out here,” Gray says with a laugh. “Sometimes I miss it. I stay with my friends a lot and they are all in college. Sometimes I wish I could go to class and (have) the experience of meeting a culture of people. But I feel like I would much rather visit and come back to my own apartment when I want to chill.”

Gray, who considers himself an actor who sings, is now spending hours in the studio, crafting songs for his EP. He cites pop icons Beyoncé, and Bruno Mars as influences, but has a special affinity for superstar crooner Tevin Campbell.

“I think Tevin Campbell wasn’t the normal leading man in music,” Gray says. “I think he said I am coming with a high pitch voice and I’m not going to be buff or put on an act and you’re going to take me as I am.”

It’s that same authenticity that Gray brings with all his performances. On My Block allows Gray to use all that energy to take up the space on camera. His performance has just as much energy as emotion. He vibrates through each scene. His high-octane energy level is something that translates off screen as well.

“He controls the energy and emotion in the room,” Sadat Waddy, 18, a friend and fellow actor says about Gray. “When Brett is super happy everyone is like ‘Hey! It’s lit.’ When Brett is sad everybody is like, ‘What is going on?’”

Gray, like Campbell, and other contemporary artists of the #Blackexcellence era, is bringing his best game while maintaining integrity and heart. He is his authentic self whether on stage, on television, or just joking with his friend in a mall. It’s a great time to be Brett Gray, and it’s the perfect time for us to meet him.

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T H E WA K A N DA S U I T WE SHARE

T H E R O L E O F W E A P O N I Z E D T E C H I N C O M B AT I N G

WORDS BY KEN MILES

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ILLUSTRATION BY DOMINIC BIELAK

SYSTEMIC BLACK TRAUMA

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“All you are ever told in this country about being black is that it is a terrible, terrible thing to be. Now, in order to survive this, you have to really dig down into yourself and recreate yourself, really, according to no image which yet exists in America. You have to impose, in fact — this may sound very strange — you have to decide who you are, and force the world to deal with you, not with its idea of you.” -James Baldwin It is no exaggeration to state that being born Black in America is inherently a traumatic experience. Operating from a space where issues of health inequity are pervasive, particularly in some of the most vulnerable communities, the impacts of those systemic inequities have fallen disproportionately on communities of color. From Indian reservations, to Flint, to Oakland, to Harlem, communities are struggling to equip themselves with the tools to prevent recurring traumatic experiences from continuing to happen in the future. Whether those experiences are tied to lead in our water, lack of access to proper nutrition, or the rising trauma of gentrification and the narrative of displacement, these communities are forced to navigate their way through these harsh realities.

Socioeconomically, studies show it is not just the poor who are most affected either. Whether you are Black and homeless, or living in a gated community, a spike in blood pressure due to external stresses over a sustained period of time can affect long-term organ failure meaning not even wealth protects you fully from the internal side effects of trauma.

The release of Marvel’s Black Panther, directed by Oakland’s own Ryan Coogler, is justifiably being celebrated far and wide for the messages it sends its audience; both direct and indirect. Often you’re left wondering throughout the film how exactly the script in its current iteration slipped across some Hollywood executive’s desk. While there remains plenty to unpack, what was most top of mind the day after seeing the film was the Black Panther suit itself.

In the movie, Shuri (Letitia Wright), Princess of Wakanda, tech-genius, and STEM loving half sister to T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) unveils a new Black Panther suit technology to replace his “old tech.” To demonstrate the newest capabilities, Shuri tells him to strike the suit; to hit it in any spot.

When he kicks it, the test mannequin goes flying across the room. She then informs him to strike in the same spot. When he does, the Black Panther suit, now emitting a slight purple glow, “kicks” back and unleashes that energy onto T’Challa, sending him flying across the room instead. In explaining how this is possible, she cites a Wakandan technology in the suit’s fabric that absorbs the kinetic energy into the suit, and holds that same energy to redistribute it elsewhere.

Without further spoilers, the suit and that specific function play a critical role throughout the film. So

what does any of this have to do with the Black experience? Black Panther’s suit has been intentionally engineered to combat impact and violence on the body; trauma, into redistributed energy for the Black characters in the film who wear it. That redistributed energy can be stored, or used later for protection. The pain inflicted quite literally becomes the source of its strength.

-Sit with that for a secondCommunities everywhere struggle with understanding what to do with the added stress and burden that comes from living through trauma. If you are Black, that feeling is even more pervasive. Whether through the traumatic experience of institutionalized racism or, for example, systemic police terror and gun violence, the number of those impacted continues to rise. There are also the micro aggressions more broadly, which play out whether you’re in a public space, or walking into your corner office. As someone who has experienced trauma first hand in the loss of my own twin brother to cancer, it is a feeling whose navigation is all too familiar. We each have a story to tell. Often it is rarely one individual affected, it is typically a community of connected individuals who are impacted as our stories spread.

Much of the trauma in Black communities lives intergenerationally as it passes on from family member to family member.

The word “weapon” tends to be associated with direct violence; warfare, capitalism, all for justifiable reasons. In the militarized context it has lead to the erasure of entire civilizations. The other less commonly used definition for weapon however, is “a means of gaining an advantage or defending oneself in a conflict or contest.” In short, a weapon is a tool for whatever you choose to utilize it for. In this age of 21st century technology, that “weaponization” has emerged through design. Unfortunately for Black communities, we are often excluded from the central design processes. In technology and engineering for example, this is partially why wrongly calibrated automatic sinks may take a few more hands swipes to work on Black hands. In far worse cases as expressed in Virginia Eubanks’ latest book Automating Inequality, this design is the reason why the automation of social services disproportionately affects poor and vulnerable communities. These communities are further exposed to policing and violence by way of algorithmic bias.

So when a movie like Black Panther gets released, it should come as no surprise there is an opportunity over the course of its two hour and fifteen minute run time, to unpack a lot of historical realities in very creative and nuanced ways. That suit was one such example. What might that reverse engineering look like manifested in other ways?

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his forthcoming book On The Other Side Of Freedom. The premise was that if oppression were no longer a reality, and Black communities had the freedom they’d fought so hard for, what would that look like, feel like, smell like? What would that design be? Ultimately, it was a call for action to use today to design for tomorrow’s liberation. As we reflect and unpack Black Panther’s cultural significance in the weeks, months, and years ahead, we are called to this work of thinking how our own collective trauma is navigated. What does that stored energy we reckon with look like when it is manifested and released back into the world. What shape does it take?

The good news is, I know Black men and women doing that work in the present. In the technology space I see that work manifested with initiatives like Black Girls Code, Kimberly Bryant’s organization equipping young Black girls with early exposure to STEM education. In my own community I see those efforts through initiatives to develop organized technology spaces and hubs for the purpose of greater engagement and distribution of economic opportunity in the 21st century. Ventures like Harlem’s Silicon Harlem, and Charlotte North Carolina’s BLKTECHCLT. And then, quite literally, the act of figuring out what to do with kinetic energy is what Jessica O. Matthews of Uncharted Power has made her life’s work.

Initially taking stored energy from a customized soccer ball and using it to generate power for charging devices including lights to help communities in need of non diesel electricity sources, her company is now (quite literally) democratizing energy. They are taking the energy that exists and can be harnessed in nature; pedestrians walking, buildings swaying, cars driving, and converting it into stored power. BtwRyan Coogler and Hollywood, if you’re seeking to get a real life Black Panther suit made, you might want to give her a shout real quick* The conversation around Shuri’s suit upgrade speaks to a need for creating improved outcomes through reimagined design. We see what continues to happen to our communities when those who design do not have our vantage point, or take diverse world views into perspective. At its very least it is an inconvenience we are forced to deal with; at its worst it contributes to Black death. Marvel’s Black Panther was a powerful reminder of what becomes of our collective stored trauma and how we choose to navigate it. It is a reminder of what can happen when we repurpose the energy we are forced to hold onto, and the tremendous responsibility and consequences that come with the decisions of how we use the tools and resources around us.

Wakanda. Forever.

Activist DeRay McKesson gave a talk at Harvard’s Black In Design conference last October about the important work of reimagining. It was on the title of

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THE HUMANS

Tim Arrington

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WORDS BY KENNETH MILES

Tim Arrington is a modern day renaissance man who is becoming widely known and respected for his work as a custom men’s fashion designer and stylist. Having traveled internationally showcasing his many talents, Tim’s designs have been featured on many high profile red carpet events including the Grammys and Emmy Awards.

You have been designing menswear for over 20 years, creating custom blazers. How did you become a designer?

I started out in humble beginnings not having much, but having the desire to dress, but didn’t have the means to do it. So I just started linking up with the some older people who taught me how to create my own designs. I started posting pictures of myself on social media and people wanted to know where I got it from and it pretty much went from there.

Who are some of your style influences?

I’m very inspired by Tom Ford and at one point I was inspired by Puff Daddy [Sean Combs], but I got to the point where I don’t pay too much attention to what other people are doing, because I don’t want to be distracted as an artist.

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What’s the most difficult part about being a designer?

The most difficult part for me being a designer is being comfortable and confident in what I do. And this is an inward thing that I deal with. I know most people who are creative deal with this too, Is what you’re doing good enough or is it as good as people are saying it is? Another thing is also when it comes to pricing and when you’re putting a number on what you do.

What’s the price range of your signature blazers?

Depending on the price of the fabric anywhere from $700 to $1,200 USD, it depends on the quality and the cost of the fabric. It all depends on the details, but that’s a roundabout figure. Usually when I’m dealing with a client, I ask them their budget first when I’m doing something custom because the budget helps me to determine what areas to shop in when I’m making stuff from scratch.

What made you move to from New Jersey to Atlanta?

My father is actually here and not too long ago he lost his wife, my stepmother, so I wanted to be here

with him. The second is business. Atlanta is far from a fashion place to be, but what I’ve learned about Atlanta is that it’s becoming a Black Hollywood.

People are moving here and what I realized is that they want to do what people in New York and LA are doing fashion wise and I think that I can be a great help in that area.

How has men’s fashion changed over the years?

Men are becoming more confident and comfortable with expressing themselves. Now, everyone may not agree with how they do it, but then again it wouldn’t make it their own expression if they did what everybody else wanted them to do. Me as a designer I try to stay true to myself and that’s staying traditional in certain areas.

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Patrick Riley

THE HUMANS

WORDS BY KENNETH MILES

Journalist Patrick Riley has spent the last 25-years of his career chronicling pop culture. The Savannah, Georgia native is releasing his first book, That’s What Friends are For: On The Women Who Inspired Me (DorpieBooks), which pays tribute to the women who have inspired him. Bleu recently spoke with the multi-media personality as he reflects on his career and the leading ladies in his life.

What inspired you to write your memoir?

We all have a book in us and I needed to get it out of me, and this was the book to do. It was really taking a look back at 25-years of being in the business. What I have written and produced is a wonderful biography [on] what it is like to be a Black gay man from Southern traditional church faith-based parents and where those Divas played into that narrative.

How did you get your start?

I started a career in general assignment news. I helped launch Good Day Atlanta. So I was in Atlanta at a hot time and got the benefit of sort of being fast tracked into the industry to be perceived as an entertainment player. Soon thereafter I got

the opportunity to come on board the Oprah show as a senior field producer.

What is the highlight of your career?

I say my career highlight is being the primary interviewer for Oprah’s Legends Ball, a three-day celebration for women who inspired her. They included my favorites Diana Ross, Coretta Scott King, Dr. Maya Angelou, Dionne Warwick, and Roberta Flack. My only job for those three days was to engage these women and to find out how they were feeling throughout [the event]. [The Legends Ball] was our African American Great Gatsby.

How have you navigated your career in the changing landscape of media?

When I first started in the business there was no social media, but I had the sense that networking and outreaching and sharing information was the way to go. I sort of had a networking mentality before the technology advanced.

the mindset of being a multi-hyphenate. I have jumped out there and I have watched the industry and the universe carry me in excellence in a way that I don’t know that I would have ever expected if my advisor had not told me that.

Who are the men who inspire you?

Now that I have looked at all my assets my pictures, my stories, I could probably do another book on the men who inspired me. Bill Nunn, who is known as Radio Raheem from Do The Right Thing was a mentor that Morehouse assigned me, because they knew that I was interested in entertainment. My father is a man when I was growing up in the South when people were questioning if I was gay or not, let me be who I am. I’m proud to say that I have an affirming father.

What is the best career advice you received?

The best advice I ever received came from my college advisor who [said] I could do it all! I got

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THE HUMANS

Nicole Blackson

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WORDS BY ROBIN WILLIAMS

Nicole Blackson is an entrepreneur, self-proclaimed “Social DIYer,” and event curator who makes love and self reflection her business. With her career as a public speaker and group facilitator, the Philly native has found a way to turn her passion for self-improvement and reflection into a labor of love. Through interactive workshops, Nicole encourages all to look within to “overcome the doubts we face daily in carrying out our mission and living our dreams.”

By creating experiences that challenge participants to ask themselves tough questions about their life’s purpose, and hold themselves accountable for finding the answers. Nicole envisions a community, people, and world healing one another and living intentionally.

Tell me a little about yourself, where you are from, your background?

I was born, raised, and still a resident of this City of Love known as Philly. I have a professional background in the field of Social Work. I remember being a high school senior and deciding what my major would be in college and literally it was a purpose pick over prosperity. I decided if I had to work for someone else, I wanted it to be a career that could make a difference and be fulfilling. That was my 84

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bargain. After more than a decade, it proved to not be fulfilling enough as I always had the passion to work independently and creatively.

You call yourself a “Social DIYer.” Can you explain what that is?

Social DIYer is a title I feel best fits my talents and me. It accurately describes the convergence of my past with my futurism, and honors my present. I simply have the intention and desire to help individuals live out their best lives in purpose. I see myself as a mirror to each individual I work with, showing them they can heal, grow, change - and they can do it themselves!

What social impact do you intend to make with your interactive workshops?

The biggest and most important social impact my workshops have is for individuals to love themselves. When we have more individuals loving themselves, it creates a rippling effect for the entire world. Self-love is revolutionary; it is quite simple and very profound at the same time.

What advice do you have for those who want to begin living in their purpose?

Cut out whatever does not serve you, invigorate you, and set you on fire!

In doing this work, what has been the most difficult thing to overcome?

Myself. Procrastination is real. Self-doubt is real, especially when you are helping others live their best lives, you have to double cross check that you yourself are living your best life. I have to do the work for myself to serve and sometimes I am hard on myself.

What does the future hold for Nicole Blackson?

I recently completed a new web-TV series with a Philadelphia based production company called Love Now Media. With this series, I am hosting a show where people can write in and get advice on a variety of social topics. It is a show where love, self, and faith meet and we talk about all that comes with it. The series will air on Philadelphia public access TV. I will also be hosting a workshop in March here in Philadelphia called “Overcoming Self Doubt.” The purpose of the interactive workshop is to create a space for healers, entrepreneurs, leaders, and professionals to unburden the doubts that are keeping them from reaching their full potential, and show them how to repurpose themselves with clarity.

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John Graves

THE HUMANS

WORDS BY ROBIN WILLIAMS

Philly native John Graves is a multi-talented, playwright, director, choreographer, and entrepreneur, using his many talents to create community, and encourage creativity through fashion and the arts. Among his entrepreneurial endeavors are John Graves Productions and Heres2CoolStuff Clothing Store, which Graves opened in 2005 on Philadelphia’s coveted South Street. Both promote unique art, style, and expression, which are paramount to his mission.

Explain all that John Graves Productions encompasses?

We are best known for our production (music, dance, theatre) and our Educational programs.

Three years ago, I added another component, Heres2CoolStuff Clothing Store, as another means of welcoming people into our world of community, creativity, empowerment, love, and faith.

How do you create? What is your creative process?

I create from within. I’m normally prompted by whatever God wants me to say or do, whatever message is needed in that moment for who is around or who will attend or participate in what

I have going on. I often utilize everything I have and aim to make certain it’s the best I can do. My creative process is quite personal in that I don’t know if it would make sense to others. Take a script for example, it’s an emotional process, very much like an outer-body experience. I have questions and concerns, daily almost. I want to live better. Within my creative process, most of my unrelated concerns are waived, answers are given, insight and revelation drives the experience. I’m left thankful, full, and based on my experiences, I’m certain it’s meant to make an impact.

In a culture saturated with content, how do you keep your programming fresh?

My quest is solely from within. I have many concerns of being corny, compared, and unseen. it’s actually too much to think on. Those thoughts are crippling. So, I find relief in knowing all of my concerns are someone else’s.

What is most fulfilling about all that you do?

There’s the little things like waking up when I want to, then there’s the “medium” things like being proud of myself for being disciplined enough to wake up and work even though I work for my-

self. Then there’s the biggies, like the rippling effect it has on others, and most things, concerns, problems, questions, ideas, etc are often eliminated, answered, and/or used for my good within the process. And I don’t think it’s an artistic thing here. I think it’s an example of what happens when you give your whole self to what you’re passionate about. Once there, you find there’s truly no other way to live.

What is next for John Graves Productions?

This year marks our 5th Anniversary for Heart Music (4/21) and the 10th Year Anniversary of the production, The No Name Play (June 22-24). So we’re gearing up for that along with producing an online series centered around the store. In terms of long term goals, I would be satisfied with just expanding on what we already do and excelling in quality and impact. I see more productions or plays, music, movies, additional store locations, educational programs and a community and safe space for artists nationally.

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S P OT L I G H T

Barack & Michelle For Life What happens when two of the most famous and popular people in the world have their likeness rendered at a museum? You get the phenomena, hysteria, and cultural transformation of former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama at the Smithsonian National Portrait Museum.

WORDS BY GEORGE KEVIN JORDAN

A swarm of people entered the National Portrait Museum on a recent Tuesday and bee-lined to the visitors desk. Already prepared, one of the docents pointed to a small piece of paper printed and taped to the marble partition. Each person stared at the paper and moved like a processional to the elevators or stairs.

Or at least the version of Mrs. Obama that artist Amy Sherald, was commissioned to create. This portrait along with Barack Obama’s likeness, which was wielded by artist Kehinde Wiley, have catapulted this museum to one of the most visited and discussed spaces in recent history. It has also brought this old medium of painting and portraiture to the forefront of conversation for a new different generation.

“Where is she?” one woman said, as she wandered the halls with her male companion. She probably missed the sign, but she soon got the hint and followed the hurried rush of people to the 20th Century Americans exhibition on the third floor. That’s where she stayed.

Portraits are one of the most enduring ways to record history. Just looking at the collection of president’s portraits, you see how history shapes the way we see both public and private figures. When Barack and Michelle were unveiled, it suddenly made the centuries old practice very modern. Suddenly the conversation was broadened as more people than ever discussed the portraits.

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PHOTO BY TIM EVANSON

Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama

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On the museum’s website, gallery director Kim Sajet said this about the portraits.

“For 50 years, the National Portrait Gallery has told the story of America through the people who have impacted this country’s history and culture,” Sajet said. “We are thrilled to present to the nation these remarkable portraits of our 44th president, Barack Obama, and former First Lady, Michelle Obama, painted by two of the country’s most dynamic contemporary artists, Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald.

As a museum of history and art, we have learned over the past half-century that the best portraiture has the power to bring world leaders into dialogue with everyday Americans. These two paintings fall into that category, and we believe they will serve as an inspiration for generations to come.”

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To say the Internet exploded when the portraits were unveiled is an understatement. Conversations were had about everything from Michelle’s skin tone, to her dress, to the background on Obama’s painting.

The online conversation centered on a lot of things, namely if the portraits were authentic in their portrayal our two of our most beloved...well let’s just say it...celebrities.

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11:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. Daily Closed December 25 Admission is free and open to the public Contact info 202-633-8300

But when you actually visit the museum, the conversation and relationship to the portraits are more complicated. People clamored about to take photos as if the paintings were alive. There was almost a connection between our desire to be close to Barack and Michelle and these paintings. When you were there, it was about proximity rather than authenticity.

The museum was not always so popular. Yes, the space holds over 15,000 works, and welcomes over a million people each year. But over the years visitors seemed to be more sparse and spread out over time.

For the past 18 months, I visited the museum quite frequently. It was a beautiful space that offered several benefits to weekend travelers and visitors. The space added frequent modern portraits and commissions. The Kogod Courtyard boasts a beautiful fountain and large spaces to sit and take in the humongous museum. And (this is very important for New Yorkers) the restrooms are clean and open to the public. Not to mention all the Smithsonian museums are free to the public as well.

The building was as much an institution as the famous people they depict on their canvas. Before the civil war, the space has been used for several different purposes before finally being claimed by the Smithsonian.

But with the addition of the Obama portraits, the air in the museum has changed. There seems to be an urgent need to visit these two paintings. To be sure, media coverage around them has been spectacular. It is perhaps the first time I have seen so much attention paid to a portrait in my newsfeed.

But also, the portraits represent so many firsts for so many people. The first Black President of the United States immortalized by paint and canvas.

The first Black First Lady of the United States. The artists commissioned to complete the work, Wiley, and Sherald were also Black.

L O C AT I O N National Portrait Gallery 8th and F Streets NW Washington, DC 20001

There seems a palpable need to keep our past presidents present in our minds. Maybe that vision of a time literally just past (2016) seems so far away.

People seem to enter the NPM to reclaim that bygone era for themselves. Or maybe just to grab a selfie with someone they perceive as an old friend. Either way thanks to the Obama’s, the Smithsonian, Washington, D.C, and the world will never be the same.

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Angela Bassett

James Brown

Prince

Aretha Franklin

Jamie Foxx

Ray Charles

Bernie Mac

Janet Jackson

Redd Foxx

Betty White

Jimmy Hendrix

Regina King

Beyoncé

John Coltrane

Richard Pryor

Bobby Brown

Julius Erving

Rihanna

Chadwick Boseman

Kirk Franklin

Samuel L. Jackson

Charlie Parker

Lauryn Hill

Shaq

Cicely Tyson

Leonardo DiCaprio

Shirley Ceaser

Clare-Hope Ashitey

Lupita Nyong’o

Smokey Ribinson

Danai Gurira

Luther Vandross

Sigourney Weaver

Daniel Kaluuya

Mariah Carey

Spike Lee

Denzel Washington

Marvin Gaye

Stevie Wonder

Deion Sanders

Mary J. Blige

Sydney Poitier

Diana Ross

Meryl Streep

Tina Turner

Dizzy Gillespie

Michael Jackson

Toni Braxton

Don Cheadle

Michael B. Jordan

Tupac Shakur

Donald Glover

Michael Jordan

Viola Davis

Earvin “Magic” Johnson

Morgan Freeman

Walt Frazier

Eddie Murphy

Nas

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Oprah Winfrey

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Eddie Murphy Laugh Until It Hurts WORDS BY SARAHI TORREBLANCA

Eddie Murphy is arguably one of the funniest comedians alive, influencing almost every contemporary comic out there. Bleu pays tribute to the man who makes us - and everybody - else laugh.

Edward Regan “Eddie” Murphy was born on April 3, 1961 in Brooklyn, New York. He was first raised in the Bushwick projects with his father, Charles E. Murphy, a New York City transit police officer, and his mother Lilian Murphy, a telephone operator. Due to his parents’ divorce and father’s subsecquent death, he and his brother Charles Q. Murphy were primarily raised by his mother, and stepfather Vernon Lynch, a foreman at a Breyer’s ice cream factory. After the marriage of his mother and step-father, they moved to Roosevelt, Long Island.

Murphy was a natural class clown which made him popular at Roosevelt Junior and Senior High. As he grew older, he started to develop a skill for impressions, imitating characters such as Bugs Bunny, Bullwinkle, and Sylvester the Cat. At age 15 he hosted a talent show at Roosevelt Youth Center. He impersonated Al Green. With his success delighting his classmates, he began his passion for showbiz. Making comedy routines and performing comedy stand-ups at local clubs, and bars. Due to his dedication and passion, he reduced his study time and had to repeat 10th grade. However, he overcame this obstacle by attending summer school, night school, and his regular school day, only to graduate a few months late.

By the age of 19, Murphy was offered a contract with Saturday Night Live (1975), where he took on roles as Velvet Jones, Mr. Robinson, and Angry Gumby. He became a cast member in 1980. Then in 1982, Murphy made his feature film, 48 Hrs., with Nick Nolte. As people started to become fans of his comedy, Beverly Hills Cop (1984) and Beverly Hills Cop III (1994) became big hits. It was these movies that made Murphy a superstar worldwide, even earning him a Golden Globe nomination.

He starred in the animated mega hits Shrek (2001), Shrek 2 (2004), Shrek the Third (2007) and Shrek Forever After (2010).

Murphy also starred in major hits such The Haunted Mansion (2003) and Dreamgirls (2006), which gave him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. To most however he is still known as the funniest person alive.

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2(X)IST 2xist.com ADIDAS ORIGINAL Adidas.com ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Alexandermcqueen.com AMERICAN APPAREL Americanapparel.com BEYOND RETRO Beyondretro.com CHRISTOPHER SHANNON Shopchristophershannon.com DIESEL Shop.diesel.com DSQUARED Dsquared2.com FACTO Facto.global GIVENCHY Givenchy.com HOMME PLISSE ISSEY MIYAKE Isseymiyake.com HOUSE OF FUTURE Thehouseoffuture.com HYSIDEIS Hysideis.it ICEBERG E-oro.gr KONSTANTINO Konstantino.com 98

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KRAMMER & STOUDT Kramer-stoudt.com LEVI’S Levi.com MAISON KITSUNE Shop.kitsune.fr MIANSAI Miansai.com O.N.S Onsclothing.com PRADA Prada.com PYRRHA Pyrrha.com SALVATORE FERRAGAMO Ferragamo.com SORENSEN Studiosorensen.com TOM FORD Tomford.com TOPMAN Topman.com UMBRO Umbro.com URBAN OUTFITTERS Urbanoutfitters.com VERSANI Versani.com VINTAGE AT ROKIT Rokit.co.uk

Fonsi

Talks with Dascha Polanco CLOCKWORKCROS

HUGH HEFNER

4 V O L U M E

KOFI SIRIBOE J A S O N S A LT Z M A N

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C O N S TA N C E C . R . W H I T E

CHINESE NEW YEAR

F I LT E R E D

Luis

DJ IRIE

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C I C E LY T Y S O N

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PRESENTING THE ALL-NEW LEXUS LS 500

LONG LIVE THE KING Experience luxury performance that takes the crown with the 416-horsepower1 twin-turbo Lexus LS 500, or the 354 total system horsepower1 hybrid LS 500h. Accompanied by an available 23-speaker, 2400-watt Mark Levinson Surround Sound System2, 24-inch full-color heads-up display, and Art Wood trim, the all-new LS is completely reimagined.

Lexus.com/LS | #LexusLS

Options shown. 1 Ratings achieved using the required premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. If premium fuel is not used, performance will decrease. 2Mark Levinson is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc. Š 2018 Lexus.

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