CBU September 2021 Emagazine

C B U EMAG

9.2021

D.C. UNDERCOVER D.C. Designer Andrew Nowell Menswear Line Covers Up That Summer Body As We Plan For A Stylish Fall Season

Model: Ron Bristol @ronthemodel

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Beyoncé Wears More Than 200 Carats of Diamonds in a New Tiffany Campaign

Beyoncé and JAY-Z for the Tiffany & Co. fall 2021 ABOUT LOVE campaign, shot by Mason Poole.

When you have Beyoncé and Jay-Z starring in a campaign that will hopefully usher in a new era of your brand, you break out the big guns. For Tiffany & Co., that meant adorning Beyoncé in the 128.54 carat Tiffany Diamond, previously worn by only three other people (one of them Audrey Hepburn), along with a host of other luxury jewels.

Of course, the priceless Fancy Yellow diamond on a long chain adorned with more than 100 carats of diamonds itself looks right at home around Beyoncé’s neck in Tiffany’s new About Love campaign, photographed by Mason Poole and styled by June Ambrose and Marni Senofonte, with the accompanying video shot by Black Is King director Emmanuel Adjei. Her hair, styled by Jawara Wauchope and Nakia Rachon, is piled on top of her head in a glamorously unkempt updo, and her makeup by Sir John Barnett is subtle save for a dramatic cat eye (perhaps another nod to Ms. Hepburn’s Holly Golightly). The invaluable necklace matches her 22-carat cushion-cut yellow diamond ring, two of the many diamond-heavy pieces she wears throughout the campaign.

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Beyoncé and JAY-Z for the Tiffany & Co. fall 2021 ABOUT LOVE campaign, shot by Mason Poole

Jay-Z—in a neat black tux that complements Beyoncé’s curve-skimming, black cutout dress—has his own fair share of jewels. A Bird on a Rock brooch by Jean Schlumberger, one of the most renowned jewelers of the 20th century who was once vice president of Tiffany & Co, was refashioned into a one-of-a-kind pair of cuff links for the rapper. He also wears a striking Apollo brooch in platinum, yellow gold, and diamonds, as well as a slew of other Tiffany pieces, including one of their new engagement rings for men.

“Beyoncé and Jay-Z are the epitome of the modern love story,” Alexandre Arnault, executive vice president of product and communications, said in a release. “As a brand that has always stood for love, strength, and self-expression, we could not think of a more iconic couple that better represents Tiffany’s values. We are honored to have the Carters as a part of the Tiffany family.”

Given it’s the first time the couple has starred in a campaign together, you’d have a hard time imagining what could create more buzz. Which is exactly the point. The campaign ushers in a new era at Tiffany’s, and the campaign is the result of close collaboration and a shared vision between the Carters and the jewelry company. Continuing that partnership, Tiffany will also donate $2 million toward historically Black colleges and universities.

But while the star power will undoubtedly bring in the couples’ fan base, there are some Easter eggs for Tiffany fans as well. The film pays homage to Breakfast at Tiffany’s with a new version of the song “Moon River” sung by Beyoncé and captured on Super 8 film by Jay-Z. Art fans will note that the Carters pose in front of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Equals Pi painting, which is rendered in Tiffany Blue. (Part of a private collection, the piece has never been on public display before.) The film will be released on Tiffany’s website on September 15. We can’t wait to hear Beyoncé’s take on the iconic song. Until then, these images will be burned in our memory—not least because of the blinding diamonds.

By Sarah Spellings, vogue.com

AUSTERE WEAR

MINNEAPOLIS

MATERIALS: Wood and zylonite with stainless steel hinges (frame); bamboo (case)

Broadway's Thoughts of a Colored Man Sets Casting and Premiere Dates Keenan Scott II's play is directed by Steve H. Broadnax III.

By David Gordon, theatermania.om

Bryan Terrell Clark, Da'Vinchi, Dyllón Burnside, Tristan "Mack" Wilds, Forrest McClendon, Luke James, and Keith David (© Blue Photography/Myron Mcclure/Taylor Miller/Six Andrew/Billy Bustamante/Ben Abarbanel/Joseph Marzullo)

Casting has been announced for the Broadway production of Keenan Scott II's Thoughts of a Colored Man, beginning performances October 1 at the John Golden Theatre. Directed by Steve H. Broadnax III, the drama will open on October 31.

Thoughts of a Colored Man is described as follows: "Over the course of a single day in the pulsing heart of Brooklyn, the hopes, sorrows, fears, and joys of seven men reverberate far beyond the barbershops and basketball courts of their community." It premiered at Syracuse Stage in 2019 and also ran at Baltimore Center Stage.

The ensemble cast is set to include Dyllón Burnside, Bryan Terrell Clark, Da'Vinchi, Luke James, Forrest McClendon, Tristan "Mack" Wilds, and Keith David. McClendon was among the cast of the Syracuse Stage and Baltimore Center Stage productions.

The production has music by Te'La and Brother Kamau, set design by Robert Brill, costume design by Toni-Leslie James and Devario D. Simmons, lighting design by Ryan O'Gara, projection design by Sven Ortel, and sound design

by Mikaal Sulaiman. Millicent Marie Johnnie choreographed the world premiere.

The opening date is subject to the approval of the New York State Department of Health and the governor, and the production anticipates that masks will be required for all patrons and front-of-house staff. Additionally, audience members may need to provide proof of vaccination or negative Covid test. Exact regulations are still to be determined.

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Cedric the Entertainer-Produced Dramedy ‘Johnson’ Set at Bounce TV Thomas Q. Jones and Deji LaRay join Cedric the Entertainer and Eric Rhone as executive producers for the Bounce TV's new original dramedy 'Johnson.'

Showrunners and stars Deji LaRay and Thomas Q Jones | WILL UTLEY

Bounce TV has set the showrunners and lead cast for its dramedy series Johnson.

The show follows life-long best friends — all with the same last name of Johnson — as they navigate love, friendship, heartbreak and personal growth.

Led by D.L Hughley, the cast also includes Thomas Q. Jones, series creator Deji LaRay, Philip Smithey, Derrex Brady, Khalilah Joi, Terri Abney and Rosa Acosta. Jones and LaRay serve as showrunners.

Johnson has completed filming in Atlanta, where the show also takes place. The dramedy is airing on Bounce TV.

Created by LaRay, Johnson is produced by Cedric the Entertainer and Eric Rhone’s A Bird & A Bear Entertainment, along with LaRay and Jones’ Midnight Train Productions. Along with Jones and LaRay, Cedric the Entertainer and Rhone and Reesha L. Archibald will also executive produce. Knoko Chapple is producer.

“Black people are not monolithic and we as Black men can be very complex. We want to peel back those layers on the show and give women an inside look at why men do and say the things we do,” said LaRay. “While our lead characters are specifically speaking from the Black man’s point of view, they truly represent all men. Our goal is for men and women to have a better understanding of each other when they watch the show.”

Added Jones, “We created this series because we weren’t seeing anything like it on television. Insecure and Sex and the City and other shows capture the beautiful essence of friendship among women, but it’s harder to distill that for men.”

"Johnson" on Bounce TV features four friends, all with the same last name, who are going through different struggles. Deji LaRay (from left), Philip A. Smithey, Thomas Q. Jones and Derrex Brady star. BOUNCE TV

Jones, a former NFL running back, has appeared in film and television shows such as Straight Outta Compton, P-Valley, Luke Cage, Shameless, Being Mary Jane, Runaway Island and A Violent Man, which he also executive produced.

Bounce, a broadcast and multi-platform entertainment network that targets African Americans, is owned by Scripps.

By Sydney Odman, hollywoodreporter.com

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Streaming now

Yes, That Was Chadwick Boseman in Episode Two of What If...?

The actor has his final performance as T'Challa in the animated show.

By Milan Polk

While Black Panther was all about 'Wakanda Forever,' Marvel's new animated show What If...? is taking a very different approach. T'Challa, heir to the Wakandan throne and successor of the Black Panther mantle, doesn't stay on Earth long enough to realize his destiny.

Instead, his head is in the sky. And later, in the galaxy. In the Episode 2 of What If...?, the show asks the incredible question: what if T'Challa became Star-Lord?

Of course Yondu (Michael Rooker) was supposed to take Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) all those years ago, since his father is the (evil) Celestial, Ego, meaning Quill probably himself had some superhero potential. But in this alternate world, Kraglin and Taserface make a world-altering mistake and grab T'Challa instead. Much like the live-action Guardians of the Galaxy origin story, T'Challa becomes Star-Lord. Better yet, he somehow manages to make Yondu, Nebula, and even Thanos into no-doubt-about-it good guys. Yeah, no genocidal finger snap this time, people.

The effects of such a strange and unexpected twist is bound to have repercussions on not only who becomes a superhero, but also who the villains are. With Thanos out of the way, does that mean no one goes after the Infinity Stones? What If...? is bound to be filled with way more surprises, particularly with seven more episodes to come.

During the second episode though, it may have dawned on you. Who voiced T'Challa?

Who voiced T'Challa in Marvel's What If...?

Although the late Chadwick Boseman will have no more live-action appearances in the MCU, he actually had one final performance as T'Challa before his passing. What If...? marks the last time we'll witness Boseman portray T'Challa.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, director Bryan Andrews explained that Boseman was excited for the voice-acting role. "Chadwick, the actor, the performer, the man, he’s so amazing," Andrews said. "And he signed on pretty early; he was like, “Yeah, this sounds cool. I want to do this.” And we were like, “Oh my God, really? That’s great!” So he really enjoyed the idea of being able to play this slightly different version of T’Challa.”

ComicBook.com reported that in a recent press conference, Andrews also said Boseman was one of the first actors to sign up for the series, and that he enjoyed the challenge of playing T'Challa in a completely different way. "Because it was a version of him playing the king, but the king without the mantle, the royalty, and everything else that goes along with it," Andrews said.

"He could lighten it up and get more jokey with it. He was excited to bring back that flavor to T'Challa.”

Head writer A.C. Bradley also had nothing but praise for the late actor's performance while speaking with The Hollywood Reporter. "He came in to record, and I joked that he didn’t bring his A-game; he brought every damn sport there is," Bradley said. "He made sure that this was going to be the episode that shined, but we did not realize why. And the world is a little sadder for it.”

Bradley also spoke with EW and shared even more details on Boseman's dedication to bringing T'Challa to life. "He wanted to make sure he had the accent right, that it matched the movies, because he knew that because we're animation, there's going to be kids watching this," Bradley added. "It was super important to him to make sure T'Challa is always presented as a role model and a hero. And luckily we were all on the same page.”

With a Marvel universe-changing plotline like this, it's good to know that there are three more episodes to come featuring the late, great actor.

Jimmy Jam And Terry Lewis, Legendary Hitmakers, Release Their First Album

Janet Jackson's album Control was one of the biggest hits of 1986 – and the Grammy-winning beginning of a legendary partnership between Jackson and the album's producers, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Jam and Lewis would go on to produce a string of number-one singles for Jackson and many others as well over the proceeding decades, including Mariah Carey, George Michael, Boyz II Men and Usher.

Now, after more than 40 years of making music, Jam and Lewis are releasing their debut record: Jam and Lewis: Volume 1. The album, while a Jam and Lewis marquee, zeroes in on the deep collaborative relationships the pair has cultivated throughout its career, including guest appearances from Morris Day and Jerome Benton of The Time (alongside The Roots), Boyz II Men, Mary J. Blige, Tony Braxton, Usher, Mariah Carey, Babyface and The Sounds of Blackness.

TS x Champion Limited Edition: The Brooklyn Circus B Hoodie

JACKET INSPIRATION: 2020 has proven itself to be the year of "Resistance, of grit and determination". This jacket design is inspired by the foundation work of Marcus, The panthers Fred, Huey, civil rights leader MLK, the great disruptor Malcolm, singer/activist Fela, Beres Hammond, David Hammond, John Lewis, Black Lives Matter and all of you who stood strong in 2020 and were not afraid of "Good Trouble".

Melton Wool Body, Nylon lining, 100% naked cow Leather Sleeve Beautifully hand detailed Chenille patch w/chenille details

JUSTIN FIELDS The Bears finally have hope at quarterback with Justin Fields.

By Ricky O'Donnell sbnation.com

There isn’t much Chicago agrees on. This is a segregated city divided by racial and socioeconomic lines that will fight about the schools, the cops, the designated hitter, calling ‘dibs’ on street parking, and which Harold’s Chicken Shack is the best.

It takes something exceptional to bring us together that typically only a force of nature like Michael Jordan, our worst winter storms, and our collective hatred of the mayor can accomplish.

That’s why there was a fleeting moment of beauty inspired by a single tweet from the official account of the Chicago Bears on an otherwise uneventful Wednesday night in March. The tweet in question could have been seen as innocent enough, but not to Chicago. To Chicago, a picture of Andy Dalton with the phrase “QB1” meant war.

For once, all of Chicago was pulling in the same direction, united in our contempt for a bad post by the football team that doesn’t love us back.

Chicago knows a terrible quarterback when it sees one, and a Photoshopped image of Dalton in a Bears uniform sent us over the edge. The team’s quarterback situation has been more or less hopeless for last 100 years, and there wasn’t a single person from Jackson Park to Edgewater who thought signing Dalton would change that.

It would be an immense understatement to say the Bears only know pain at QB. The greatest player to ever play the position for the franchise threw his first NFL pass the same year World War II began. As the sport evolved, the Bears

mostly stayed the same, relying great defenses and dynamic running backs while their signal callers uniformly amounted to a great civic embarrassment.

The Bears had been searching for a quarterback since Jim McMahon helped the 1985 team win the franchise’s only Super Bowl. They tried and failed at everything. The Bears took quarterbacks early in the draft in Mitch Trubisky and Cade McNown only to see both flame out in epic fashion. They took QBs late in the first round in Jim Harbaugh and Rex Grossman, and it didn’t work out much better. They signed mid-tier free agents like Erik Kramer and Mike Glennon, and took their biggest swing when they traded multiple first-round picks for 25-year-old Jay Cutler coming off a Pro Bowl season.

Cutler made some immaculate throws, Kramer had one very good season, and as hard as it is to believe now, Grossman and Trubisky even had a few hopeinspiring moments. The common denominator was disappointment and futility at the most important position in sports. The Bears’ century-long search for a franchise quarterback continued unabated.

Chicagoans don’t need to be told about this history, because we’ve lived with it every day of our lives. The context only makes what the Bears did on Thursday night in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft even more astounding.

Justin Fields should have been the second pick in the draft. While the pre-draft debate tried to split hairs on

Mac Jones and Trey Lance, the better argument would have been Fields vs. Trevor Lawrence.

The QBs had been competing against each other since they first entered the football consciousness as elite recruits from the same class who each graded out among the 10 best overall recruits of the rankings era.

Lawrence won a national championship at Clemson as a freshman and was anointed as the top pick in the 2021 NFL Draft from the moment it happened. Fields, meanwhile, had to transfer from Georgia to Ohio State before promptly lighting up college football on his own, throwing 67 touchdowns to nine interceptions and averaging 9.2 yards per attempt as the Buckeyes twice reached the College Football Playoff under his guidance.

Fields should have been everything the NFL coveted. He had size and strength at 6’3 and nearly 230 pounds. He had the speed with a 4.45

40-time. He had the pedigree, the numbers, the toughness, the wins, and the leadership qualities after spearheading a petition to bring back Big Ten football this past season. Instead, the NFL soured on Fields somewhere along the way, with criticisms t hat parroted the same dog whistle rhetoric about an inability to “process the game” that too many Black quarterbacks have unfairly faced. It didn’t take much film work to see it was a bogus assessment.

Fields’ fall on draft day to the fourth quarterback selected was a gift to the Bears. Jets fans, Falcons fans, and Panthers fans begged for their teams to take Fields, yet he was still on the board with the No. 11 pick. That’s when maligned Bears general manager Ryan Pace surrendered his No. 20 overall pick, next year’s first rounder, and two mid-round selections to move up and get Fields.

It’s an extraordinary move for so many reasons. The entire fanbase had been hoping Pace and head coach Matt Nagy would be fired after a disappointing 8-8 season that saw the final nail driven into the Trubisky era. There were rumors the Bears could land Russell Wilson or Deshaun Watson but the team let down its city again by settling for Dalton. If Dalton looked like every awful quarterback the Bears have employed for the last several decades, the selection of Fields is an incredible swing in the other direction.

The Bears have had very few Black quarterbacks over their 100+ year existence. Fields is only the second Black QB the franchise has ever drafted, and the first since Vince Evans in 1977. He will be the league’s second

fastest quarterback behind Lamar Jackson from the moment he plays his first game, but the wonderful thing about Fields’ game is that his outlier athleticism isn’t the foundation of his skill set but rather a complement to his terrific pocket passing ability.

Trubisky might have also been seen as a legit top-five pick in mock drafts coming into the 2017 draft, but there is a world of difference between the level of prospect he was coming out of North Carolina compared to Fields. Trubisky sat on the bench for two years at UNC, and immediately made his team worse during his lone season as a starter in 2016.

Fields had 11 more touchdowns and three less interceptions on nearly 100 fewer attempts as a sophomore than Trubisky did during his breakout junior season.

Fields’ team also won at the highest levels of the sport, highlighted by a 385-yard, six touchdown performance to upset national title favorite Clemson in the playoff.

There are so many numbers that suggest Fields is an absolutely elite prospect at QB. Fields has been considered a no-doubt, flat-out stud from the moment he rose up the ranks as a recruit, and he’s never proven himself to be anything less than that. There are no certainties in the NFL Draft, especially with quarterbacks, but if the Bears screw this one up they may never get it right.

That Fields was drafted on the same day Aaron Rodgers started to force his way out of Green Bay only makes things even sweeter. The Bears’ roster still has plenty of problems, and the head coach and GM remain major question marks. For once, though, the Bears have hope.

That’s something all of Chicago should agree on.

Represents some of the NBA’s biggest stars

Rich Paul is one of the NBA's top sports agents, with basketball stars including LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Ben Simmons and John Wall on his books.

The 39-year-old is worth an estimated $46 million (£33.4 million) and has negotiated more than $1 billion in active deals for his high-profile clients during his career.

In 2020, he made Forbes' list of the world's top 10 most powerful sports agents, hitting No. 9 on the list. He was classed No. 2 globally in basketball. He was also featured on the 2020 Ebony Power 100 List.

He is the founder of Klutch Sports, part of United Talent Agency (UTA), which leapt up 23 places on the list of the world’s most valuable sports agencies within a five-year period, following Paul's involvement. Paul now leads UTA's sports division.

He was raised in Cleveland in a one-bedroom apartment above his father's store, R & J Confectionery and went to a Roman Catholic high school.

His first foray into business saw him buying vintage sports jerseys from Atlanta, selling them out of his car n Cleveland, often making $10,000 per week.

He met LeBron James at the Akron–Canton Airport in 2002, selling him a jersey. They have been friends and now colleagues, ever since.

Klutch 2019 All Star Weekend Dinner CHARLOTTE, NC - FEBRUARY 16: (L-R) Anthony Davis, Fara Leff, LeBron James, Rich Paul, Ben Simmons, and Miles Bridges attend the Klutch 2019 All Star Weekend Dinner Presented by Remy Martin and hosted by Klutch Sports Group at 5Church on February 16, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Dominique Oliveto/Getty Images for Klutch Sports Group 2019 All Star Weekend)

EDUCATION

TARGET JOINS WALMART IN OFFERING FULL AND PART-TIME EMPLOYEES FREE COLLEGE EDUCATION

A Target Storefront. Image: corporate.target.com

Days after Walmart announced it would cover 100% of college tuition and books for its employees, Target is making the same promise.

Target announced Wednesday it would offer its full and part-time employees “the most comprehensive debt-free education assistance program available in the retail industry.”

The program, which will begin this fall, will provide “debt-free undergraduate degrees, certifications, free textbooks and more with no out-of-pocket costs” in 250 business-aligned programs at 40 colleges and universities across the country.

The retail giant will invest more than $200 million in the program.

Walmart, the largest private employer in the country, made a similar pledge last week.

“Target employs team members at every life stage and helps our team learn, develop and build their skills, whether they’re with us for a year or a career,” Melissa Kremer, Target’s chief human resources officer, said in a statement. “We don’t want the cost to be a barrier for anyone, and that’s where Target can step in to make education accessible for everyone.”

EDUCATION

The move by both retail bigwigs could be seen as a way to boost and retain employees as many businesses across the country deal with a labor shortage due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Job openings are widespread and businesses have been trying to entice workers with everything from free appetizers to signing bonuses and hourly wage increases. However, many jobs are still available as workers hold out over safety concerns, a lack of childcare, and unemployment and COVID-related benefits such as health insurance and paid sick leave.

In addition to college tuition, Target will also support its employees with college prep courses, English-language learning, and cybersecurity certificates and courses.

Among the universities included in Target’s program are the University of Arizona, Oregon State University, University of Denver, and multiple HBCU schools, including Morehouse College and Paul Quinn College.

Target employees who seek educational opportunities outside of the select businessaligned programs within the network of schools will be provided direct payments to their academic institution of up to $5,250 for non-master’s degrees and up to $10,000 for master’s degrees each year to reduce the burden of upfront, costly tuition payments.”

By Derek Major, blackenterprise.com

THIS AIN’T OUR FIRST RODEO #ivyparkRODEO

EMPLOYMENT

MAJOR COMPANIES ARE RECRUITING HBCU TALENT THAN EVER BEFORE

Large companies are recruiting HBCU talent more than ever before. (Image: Twitter/@Huffpost)

HBCU career service leaders and officials say recruitment of their graduates by major companies has skyrocketed since the death of George Floyd.

The nation and worldwide outrage after Floyd’s death combined with the call for racial equity last summer has pushed a bevy of Fortune 500 companies to do more, including increasing the number of Black Americans working on corporate boards and offices. Additionally, HBCU schools were flooded with millions in donations from MacKenzie Scott, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

HBCU administrators say it’s too soon to determine how many more Black college graduates and students are being hired by major companies, but they’ve seen a substantial rise in the number of internships and interviews they’re getting.

Seana Coulter, director of the center for career development at Morgan State University (MSU) told CNN the rise in interviews and internships is something she’s never seen before.

“In my 24-year career in higher education, all in career services, I cannot recall a time when recruitment efforts at HBCUs have been this high and have stayed this high.”

EMPLOYMENT

Coulter added MSU’s online job portal saw a 263% increase in employer logins between last July and June 30, 2021. One of the reason for the increase in HBCU recruitment is the labor shortage is forcing large companies to recruit outside their typical means.

Other HBCUs are also enjoying the rise in the recruitment of its students. At Howard University, career outreach from corporations including JP Morgan Chase, Procter & Gamble, Goldman Sachs and Google have increased by 100% over the last year according to Debbi Jarvis, Howard’s senior vice president of corporate relations.

Prairie View A&M University, located in Houston, has seen a 56% rise in the number of companies participating in its spring virtual career fair jumping from 122 in 2019 to 233 last year.

According to Munir Quddus, the dean of the college of business, corporate outreach has increased from companies such as IBM and TD Ameritrade.

HBCU schools have also seen a significant rise in companies who want to partner with them for job and skills training as well as internship to career pathways.

By Derek Major, blackenterprise.com

HAVE YOU SEEN HONDA’S 2021 REBEL 110 YET? H o n d a ’s N e w R e b e l 1 1 0 0 : A w h o le ne w ta k e o n w h a t a cruis e r ca n b e .

Yes, it’s got some classic cruiser features like low seat height, twin-cylinder engine and relaxed riding position, but it’s got some modern features too—like genuine arm-straightening performance, and a chassis and suspension that let you dial up the pace when the road gets twisty.

Performance You'll Love Honda uses different camshaft profiles and ignition timing for each of the Rebel 1100’s two cylinders.

Why? One cylinder produces slightly more power below 4000 rpm, and the other more above 4000 rpm. Along with the 270-degree crankshaft, the result is a unique power pulse and feel that'll hook you from your first ride.

So the choice is yours: Take the Rebel 1100 on some serious canyon rides or on a laid-back cruise down an open road.

Black on Black Look The blacked-out engine pieces, frame, fork and bodywork elements give the Rebel 1100 a sleek look.

Honda even black-plated the finaldrive chain! And the Rebel’s blackedout exhaust system blends perfectly with the bike’s overall look.

One Bike, Two Versions Honda made two versions of the new Rebel 1100: One with a conventional manual transmission, and another with Honda’s revolutionary automatic DCT gearbox.

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Converse x Slam Jam Bosey MC

CONVERSE x SLAM JAM. Pioneers of underground style Slam Jam pull inspiration from the outdoors to create a distinct and modern Bosey MC. Made with shiny Lurex ripstop, it reimagines the utilitarian classic with the look and feel of adventurous lifestyles. Elements of technical gear come together to create a street-ready design: the material of jackets, weather-ready rubber and “hi-vis” reflective details. Featured in allblack, the Slam Jam Bosey MC brings a rebel spirit to outdoor style.

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Why Kevin Hart Obsesses Over Skin Care Here’s what his grooming and wellness routine looks like.

By Bee Shapiro, nytimes.com

The actor-comedian-producer Kevin Hart isn’t used to being homebound, but that doesn’t mean he is any less busy. Through his company Laugh Out Loud, he is working with Headspace, a meditation app, on content like “Mindful Runs,” “Energy Shots” and “Meditate With Me,” motivational programs that blend comedy with mindfulness. They’re all rolling out this month. And along the way, Mr. Hart, 41, has gone whole hog on skin care, wellness and even fragrance.

Here’s his pandemic grooming and wellness routine.

Morning Water First things first, I have a sip of water. I’m a faithful water-by-thenight-stand kind of person. Then I go to the bathroom and throw some water on my face. You have to change that sag and fatigue look in the mirror. Then I do a nice warm towel to the face.

Skin Care Convert My skin care is all by Tina K. She’s a facialist, and she’s done my face for 10-plus years. A friend referred me to her, and that friend was more committed to skin care than anyone in my life.

I had no idea of the different quality and levels of skin care regimens. I was blown away by Tina. She worked around my schedule. She made me make a commitment to my skin. I think of it this way: The same way I’m committed to health and wellness or writing a script, it should be the same with skin care.

Before Covid, I would see her about twice a month to make sure I got a deep clean.

Then it’s about consistency — the wash, the scrub, the mask. These are things I never thought I’d be talking about in a thousand years! But anything deserves the opportunity to be taken care of — your skin, your heart, your body, your mind. It’s all stuff you have to work on, and it doesn’t just become good overnight.

Early Bird Gym Time After that, I’m in the gym by 6 a.m. I usually work out between 5 and 6 — I beat the sun up — because nine times out of 10, I don’t have to be anywhere.

Getting up this early, this was a gradual change. I realized that if I didn’t clock in the gym time, I couldn’t consistently produce the best me. Especially when I was touring or shooting, the only time that was mine was my mornings.

I’ve been an early gym riser for about the last six years. I love it now — you’re getting some quiet, you can listen to music — it’s almost therapeutic for me. I’m working out with my trainer, Ron Boss Everline. We’ve hit about the eightyear mark. I like the fact that we’ve grown together.

A lot of my accomplishments have come from taking care of myself and my body, and I owe that to him. He helped me fall in love with the lifestyle. He didn’t throw me the most difficult thing in the world. It’s about learning to love it.

Kevin Hart Photo credit: Jeff Lipsky Men's Fitness

It’s not trying to get a crazy level of results in a short time. It’s about gradual results: As I achieve more, I can unlock different levels. We’re all over the map, anything from full body to weights to bands to cardio. For cardio, it can be mountain biking or beach workouts. We just try to keep it fun and fresh.

Rebalancing This past year, you definitely had a lot of thinking time. I’m available. You’ve got to make the best of trying to find a positive in the negative with what’s going on. For me, I get to sit down and be with my kids and my wife in a way I’ve never been available before.

There was a comedian who said something like, “I’ve never been home for a Friday, Saturday, Sunday.”

Those are our work days. For years I haven’t been home for consecutive weekends ever. So having that time to really talk and communicate with my family, to understand my family and have my family understand me, has been amazing. I’m realizing there are ways of prioritizing and making myself more available and making sure my family is first.

Kevin Hart Photo credit: Pamela Littky

On Meditation Meditation plays a major part for me. The road biking and the running, that’s my best time to zone out and tap into a thinking space. I think about the wish list of what I want to do and the things I want to do better or aspire to do. At my house we have a massage chair, and it’s in an isolated location where there’s no TV and no music. There I use the Headspace app. I had to learn how to shut down in my mind.

It’s not natural for me.

What I found with Headspace is you get coached through an easy way of relaxing and truly clearing your head. Currently I can do this for 10 to 15 minutes max. That’s why I partnered on content with them.

I also have the Theragun. I’m a fan. It serves a high value in my household, like when you’re just chilling on the couch.

I’ve tapped into some of the CBD stuff, but I haven’t OD’ed yet, in the sense that I haven’t done my research on everything out there and found what is best. I’m old school. I still do Epsom salt in the bath.

Grooming I’ll go to the steam room first, then shower. I love a steam. A good sweat is always welcome. In the shower, I’m a body-wash guy. I might use all these different combinations that Byredo has — the body wash and the lotions.

Men deserve to smell good. My toothbrush, Bruush, it’s my newfound love, and I’m now an investor. You get the gums, you get every little place. And I’ve been using the same toothpaste, Colgate White, forever — since I was 4 years old. Deodorant, I’m into the standard Degree regular, 24-hour protection.

I got a Manscaper — it’s a real product! It’s pretty dope. Usually I swear by it, but sometimes you got to let it go out of control for a minute. The wife has to understand we’re on lockdown.

I don’t use anything fancy for my hair. No specific brand. I do like some of the Moroccanoil products, though.

I’m very into fragrance. Le Labo has an amazing collection. I love the exclusives that you can only get in certain cities — very exclusive drops. I’ve been wearing Lys 41. Learning about fragrance for me is like how I approach things all across the board. I have a lot of expectations on me from me. I choose not to cheat. I like the detail.

Founder, Tony Williams

Conscious Beauty Collection A skincare line designed to help you enhance your natural beauty.

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Johnny Nelson came to jewelry back when he was a punk rapper known as Johnny Matchsticks, a nickname he earned by stabbing a match into his pierced earlobe before shows.

When he wanted to upgrade to a matchstick earring made out of gold, he couldn't find one—so he decided to figure out how to make his own.

After finding a mentor in New York City's diamond district and learning how to carve molds and cast precious metals, Nelson introduced designs both punk and political to his nascent line: razor blade rings, All Power Fist studs, and civil-rights-heroportrait pendants, pieces informed by his experience in the underground music scene and as a victim of police brutality. “I knew that I wanted to use my platform to spread awareness of the injustices we face, but I wanted to do it through the powerful statement of something like a four-finger ring,” he says.

When the Black Lives Matter protests erupted last spring, orders for Nelson's work went through the roof, so he spent his days biking between his studio in Brooklyn, protests, and the diamond district, all the while producing pieces that were later worn by the likes of Colin Kaepernick. “I realized that people need this,” he says. “People going to fight on the front lines want their Malcolm X ring to give them that extra push.” It was an extremely emotionally taxing period for Nelson, but it also galvanized a renewed sense of purpose: “The work that I do is inspiring others to fight their fight. To fight our fight.”

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MODERN BEDROOMS YOU’LL WANT TO STAY IN FOREVER Tuck into these chic and calming spaces.

WARM TONES A blue-and-orange color scheme adds richness to this New York City bedroom by ELLE Decor A-List designer Danielle Colding. An upholstered bed is topped with blue velvet throw pillows, and a pendant hanging above a cobalt side table makes for an unexpected bedside lamp.

POPS OF COLOR Designer Lee F. Mindel isn’t afraid of color, and this modern Miami Beach getaway is proof. In the guest bedroom, which Mindel brought to life with panels in Benjamin Moore’s Cool Aqua, the headboard, in a Link Textiles fabric, matches the wall panels. The bed is dressed in custom linens by E. Braun & Co., the Oluce lamps are from MSK Illuminations, and the nightstands are from Design Within Reach.

MODERNIST ACCENTS When it came to an apartment in a TriBeCa skyscraper, designer Richard Mishaan aimed for a sense of adventure. From stimulating hues to rich textures, there's no shortage of visual interest throughout the space, especially in the main bedroom. The design scheme features a custom bed and sofa, both in a Maharam mohair, from Mishaan’s line for Theodore Alexander. The bed linens are by Matouk, the armchairs are by Holly Hunt, and the Plexiglas cocktail table is by Charly Bounan. The brass pendants are

by Roll & Hill, and the Willy Rizzo floor lamp is from Flair Home Collection.

A FUTURISTIC HEADBOARD In the bedroom of a West Village home, the vintage Cityscape headboard is by Paul Evans, the bed is dressed in Casa del Bianco linens, the bedside tables are ebonized mahogany, the 1950s American lamps are from Wyeth, and the carpet is by Beauvais.

MODERN ACCENT WALL The bed in this Palm Springs main bedroom came with the house and is dressed in Barbara Martin linens with a blanket and shams by Hermès. The painting is by Daryl Edwards, and the wood screen and marble bedside tables are estate-sale finds.

BLACK-AND-WHITE INDUSTRIAL In a spacious TriBeCa bedroom, a statement black bed frame contrasts the white walls and bedding. Modern sconces and a BDDW lounge chair tie the space together.

SLEEK AND SUBDUED An inviting bedroom in Ibiza benefits from white walls paired with a custom walnut-andmetal bed. The hallway features patterned Gio Ponti floor tiles.

Issa Rae Sets Reality Series About ‘Young Black LA Life’ at HBO Max

“Insecure” creator and star Issa Rae is exploring the unscripted world with her new HBO Max reality series “Sweet Life: Los Angeles,” which which explores “young Black LA life,” the streaming service said Tuesday.

Debuting this summer on HBO Max, “Sweet Life: Los Angeles” “gives an honest and unique look into what it means to be young, Black, and in constant pursuit of one’s dreams in the heart of South Los Angeles,” per its official description. “The series follows a group of young, strong-willed, ambitious Black friends showcasing their relatable, authentic and sometimes stumbling mid-20s moments as they embrace the joy and struggles of love and family, while building their careers as tastemakers and influencers in the city where they grew up.”

A JOURNAL FOR JORDAN 2021 | DRAMA Directed by Denzel Washington and starring Michael B. Jordan with a screenplay by Virgil Williams, A JOURNAL FOR JORDAN is based on the true story of Sergeant Charles Monroe King (Jordan), a soldier deployed to Iraq who begins to keep a journal of love and advice for his infant son. Back at home, senior New York Times editor Dana Canedy (Chanté Adams) revisits the story of her unlikely, life-altering relationship with King and his enduring devotion to her and their child.

A sweeping account of a once-in-a-lifetime love, the film is a powerful reminder of the importance of family.

DIRECTED BY Denzel Washington SCREENPLAY BY Virgil Williams BASED ON THE BOOK BY Dana Canedy

Movado Museum Dial Modern 47 watch, 40 mm yellow gold PVD-finished stainless steel case, 6.30 mm thin, with blue dial and yellow gold-toned original flat dot and stick hands, blue calfskin strap with yellow gold PVD-finished stainless steel classic tongue buckle.

D.C. UNDERCOVER D.C. Designer Andrew Nowell Takes The Male Physique Undercover In Tailored Looks Just In Time For Fall

Phelan Marc, Photographer @PHELANMARC Tee Wright, Production Assistant @FASHIONATMSTEE Andrew Nowell, Designer @andrewnowell_menswear www.andrewnowell.com

Models: Brandon Stanfield @SIR.HANDSOM Daenah Presley @D.AHMARII Ron Bristol @RONTHEMODEL Shamar Foster @$AYMARS

Cotton Brocade Geometric Blazer with Silk/Nylon Patterned Trousers and Matching Polo Shirt Gold Cuban Chain Belt Designer’s own Model: Brandon Stanfield @sir.handsom

Black Linen Blazer with Cotton Brocade Trousers Gold Jumbo Cuban Necklace Designer’s own Model: Ron Bristol @ronthemodel

Silver Brocade/Leather Bomber Jacket with Cheetah Print Cotton Voile Shirt and Silk Brocade/Cotton Basketball Shorts Silver Cuban Chain, Designer’s own Model: Daenah Presley @d.ahmarii

Heavy Silk/Cotton Plaid Jacquard Peacoat with Matching Trousers and Bucket Hat Model: Shamar Foster @$aymars

Polyurethane Blazer With Matching Cargo Trousers Black Vinyl Tank Top Black Leather Fanny Pack Designer’s own Model: Ron Bristol @ronthemodel

Speckled Print Cotton Blazer With Reverse Print Trouser and Silk Georgette Shirt Model: Brandon Stanfield @sir.handsom

Black Silk/Nylon/Polyester Kimono Hooded Bomber with Matching Cargo Pants Model: Shamar Foster @$aymars

Silver Foil Camo Jumpsuit with Matching Puffy Hoodie Model: Ron Bristol @ronthemodel

Splatter Hoodie Trench and Noir Floral Print Shirt Model: Daenah Presley @d.ahmarii

Silk Brocade Multi-Square Zippered Jacket w/ Matching Trousers and Cotton Voile Print Shirt Model: Brandon Stanfield @sir.handsom

Polyurethane Blazer With Matching Cargo Trousers Black Vinyl Tank Top Black Leather Fanny Pack Designer’s own Model: Ron Bristol @ronthemodel

Multi-Media Vinyl/Denim Blazer with Matching Trousers and Flora Print Cotton Shirt Model: Shamar Foster @$aymars

Heavy Silk/Cotton Plaid Jacquard Peacoat with Matching Trousers and Bucket Hat Model: Shamar Foster @$aymars

Carl Thomas, Dave Hollister and Donell Jones to create supergroup "The Chi" by soultracks.com

(July 10, 2021) They were three of the biggest names in R&B music in the 90s and 00s, and now they are joining together to form a "supergroup." Chicago soul men Donell Jones, Dave Hollister and Carl Thomas announced that they are forming the new singing group The Chi. For soul music fans, this may be reminiscent of when Keith Sweat, Johnny Gill and Gerald Levert formed the trio LSG, which had two albums and a #1 hit.

In Jones' Facebook post today, he said "New R&B Group 'The Chi' @carlthomasnow, @davehollister @donnelljonesforever. Yesssss it's happening! The level of music and songwriting will be impeccable and you already know the voices! It's only right for us to come together and represent Chicago and R&B to the fullest.”

Hollister added in his own Facebook post: The voices finally coming together to give your ears and hearts what you’ve been waiting for…we started talking about this in 2009 and now the time has finally come….Brothas I count it an honor and privilege to Rep home with you both! LETS GO! All three artists have had strong careers but have been quieter of late, so this is a welcome return to the spotlight for them. Fans know the 49 year old Thomas for his big hits "I Wish" and "Summer Rain," among others. The 48 year old Jones topped the charts with "Where I Wanna Be" and "U Know What's Up" and has had a number of other hits. And Hollister has been a star twice, first as part of the group Blackstreet, and then with a solid solo career.

This is an exciting announcement, and we'll look forward to reporting more when we hear more.

TS x Champion The Brooklyn Circus Knit Cardigan

One of the cornerstones of his personal style is the cardigan, and this is constructed from a sweatshirt material (16 oz French Terry), and features Brooklyn Circus iconography--the script “B” that hearkens back to old letterman jackets and a “20” on the pocket. “20” refers to the year his Hatian grandmother was born. (She played an integral part in his upbringing in the Crown Heights section). And as Ouigi points out “it’s also the year women got the right to vote. I was raised by women.” And this is one of the ways he honors them.

Click Here To See The Trailer

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Ways to Fail a Background Check for Employment

A background check for a job is more than likely in your future. Learn the common deal breakers for employers.

By Daniel Bortz, monster.com

You can swear on your dog and promise up and down that you're a trustworthy person, but chances are, a potential employer isn't going to take your word for it. A background check for employment will likely be done before they can officially welcome you aboard. A whopping 94% of businesses perform background checks on job candidates, according to the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA).

The good news: As a job seeker, you have some protections. Employers must receive written permission from you before running a background check, and if anything in the reports leads to the company deciding against hiring you, the employer is required to inform you and provide you with a copy of the report.

Standards Vary for Background Checks.

Look, no one likes having a background check for a job; even seasoned job seekers may still be concerned about companies prying into their personal information. After all, can you really be sure you're as squeaky clean as you think? Maybe. Maybe not.

So, what do employers look for in a background check? That depends. What dings your record for one job might not have the same effect in a different job. Meaning, if you were convicted of a crime that is relevant to the job's responsibilities, you'll set off a red flag.

Hiring standards can vary by employer and may be regulated by federal or state law, and employment screening criteria can also vary depending on what industry you're in.

In other words, a potential employee doesn't so much fail a background check for employment (although a screening company might use that phrase); it's more like a candidate fails to meet the hiring standards set by a particular employer.

That said, there are some red flags that generally make employers hesitant to hire job candidates. Read on to learn what can cause a failed background check after a job offer is put in front of you.

What Do Employers Look for in a Background Check?

1.Criminal History 2.Drug and Alcohol Tests 3.Credit History 4.Bankruptcy 5.Driving Record 6.Employment History 7.Education

1. Criminal History Criminal records searches are used by 93% of employers that conduct pre-hire screening, according to the PBSA. But many employers take into consideration the nature of the crime and whether the job candidate received a criminal conviction.

And even then, the majority of employers (59%) only disqualify 5% or fewer applicants based on past criminal convictions, according to Sterling Talent Solutions' Background Screening Trends & Best Practices Report—and 67% of employers said they would proceed with a candidate evaluation after finding a conviction not divulged initially on an employment application, with most saying that they would give a candidate the opportunity to explain their criminal past.

However, there are some industries where a clean record is of utmost importance; for instance, jobs that require high-security clearance would deny you if you committed a major offense or one that was related to addiction, mental health issues, sex offenses, or cybercrimes. It's a similar situation with jobs wherein you'd serve vulnerable populations (children and the elderly), such as caregiving, teaching, school bus driving, etc.

2. Drug and Alcohol Tests Many employers make job offers contingent upon candidates passing a drug or alcohol test. In 2019, American workers tested positive for drug use at the highest rate (4.5 percent) since 2004, according to the annual Quest Diagnostics Drug Testing Index.

3. Credit History Have a few blemishes on your credit report? In most states, employers are allowed to see your credit history before extending a job offer. But having subpar credit isn't typically a deal-breaker unless, perhaps, you're applying for a financial position or a job that requires you to handle money. Another instance where your credit history might be of interest to employers is if the job allows you access to the business' financial instruments, like a company credit card.

4. Bankruptcies A more thorough background check for employment will uncover bankruptcy filings, but employers can't see on a background check the reason why you filed for bankruptcy—meaning the onus is on you to explain what your financial troubles were and what steps you've taken to regain your footing. Again, this will matter more for financial jobs than for non-moneyhandling jobs.

Most employers understand if a divorce, medical issue, or some other unexpected event caused you to file for bankruptcy, but it's best to have this conversation in person.

5. Driving Record Having a couple of speeding tickets or moving violations on your driving history shouldn't be a warning sign to employers. The exception, of course, would be if you were applying for a job that requires you to drive, since having a driving accident while you're on the clock could mean financial or legal consequences for your employer.

If you have a DUI on your DMV record, though, be prepared to explain the circumstances to your prospective employer.

6. Employment History You may need to provide an employment verification letter, although some background checks automatically include a report of your employment history—a list of all the companies you've worked for, your job titles, and dates of employment. Thus, your resume should be free of falsehoods and accurately reflect your work history.

7. Education When running a background check, many employers will verify your education credentials—and some employers will go the extra mile by asking you to show certificates of achievement or awards. Assuming you were honest about your education history on your job application, you have nothing to worry about.

HEALTH & FITNESS

3

Outdoor Workouts Better Than The Gym Before The Weather Turns

1 H a ng in t h e p a r k

Many parks have bars you can use to do chin-ups and dips.

Increase your options with a suspension training device, such as the Jungle Gym (available at monkeybargym.com).

Attach the adjustable straps to any bar or even a sturdy tree limb to do dozens of exercises.

2 S p r int in t h e s t r e e t

After warming up, sprint one block at about 75% of full speed. Then walk a block. Repeat for two to three miles. The following week, try to up your distance.

3 R u n fo r t h e h i l l s Find a hill (about 100 yards is ideal). Sprint to the top and then walk down. Repeat six to 10 times.

#IAMNOBULL

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Mercedes-Benz Debuts Its First All-Electric Luxury Sedan— Setting Its Sights on Tesla

By Brett Berk

Photography by Mercedes-Benz

The 2022 EQS is a full-size car meant to vie with Tesla’s Model S in the six-figure luxury electric sedan market

The German automaker is releasing two versions of the EQS, with one starting at an estimated price of under $100,000, while the more powerful version will be closer to $115,000.

On April 15, in a star-studded livestream featuring Alicia Keys and James Cameron, Mercedes-Benz unveiled its first dedicated all-electric vehicle for the U.S. market. The 2022 EQS is a full-size, five-door car meant to compete directly against the Tesla Model S in the six-figure luxury electric sedan market.

Two versions of the EQS will be available at launch: The EQS450 makes 329 horsepower and will start at an estimated price of under $100,000; the up-powered EQS580 will make 516 horsepower and will start at around $115,000. Both models will be available with either rear wheel drive or Mercedes’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. The most powerful of these models will be able to accelerate from zero to 60 in just over four seconds, and will have a range of around 350 miles. (EPA testing has not been completed yet).

The EQS is truly an all-electric S-Class, Mercedes’s benchmark sedan for the past 50 years. This means it hosts groundbreaking design, engineering, safety, comfort, and technology features. These include an available six LCD screens—at least one in front of each passenger—three of which combine to form the optional Hyperscreen, which stretches across the entire dashboard of the car.

Controlling all this technology is the next generation of Mercedes’s MBUX user interface. This system uses artificial intelligence and machine learning, like a personal digital assistant, to recognize and store profiles featuring the preferences of specific occupants, and is controlled via natural-language voice commands. An occupant just has to say, “Hey, Mercedes” to initiate the system’s functionality.

Mercedes has also made a point of integrating whimsy and delight into the EQS. When a driver approaches the car, the EQS senses their presence and the flush-mounted door handles emerge and the door powers open. Once the occupant is inside, a touch of the interior door handle powers the door shut.

Multicolored ambient lighting is used inside to set a mood but also illuminates to demonstrate who is speaking to the MBUX system and how the heating and air-conditioning system is being adjusted. It can even warn an occupant of an impending crash.

The EQS will go on sale in the United States this fall under the marque’s EQ electric sub-brand and represents the first of a slew of all-electric vehicles from the German automaker to roll out over the next two years.

The German automaker is releasing two versions of the EQS, with one starting at an estimated price of under $100,000, while the more powerful version will be closer to $115,000.

When a driver approaches the car, it senses their presence and the door powers open.

Click Here To See The Trailer

We changed the shape of the phone, and the shape of tomorrow

’ m r Fa s: ar e ile C t a M is t s S n l H a i In i m v n rc o e g I r F r K in g e e o p rrin m k t e a m a c o e J t ‘ A Sl S l C o w m T o o B Fr r e p u S TYLER SHIELDS

While last Sunday's Super Bowl game was perhaps not as thrilling as many had hoped, the commercials are always a crowd pleaser. One memorable commercial came from State Farm Insurance, as "Jake From State Farm" humorously finds out that his behind-the-scenes stand-in is none other than music sensation Drake. Super Bowl Sunday marked the one year anniversary of the world being introduced to this "Jake from State Farm" actual persona we’ve all come to know today and the very real man behind that red shirt and khakis is definitely embracing the moment.

Actor Kevin Miles is from the South Side of Chicago. As a young boy, he loved sports and says he was proudly raised during the Michael Jordan era. The 30-year-old realized his dream for acting at the age of nine, after his father noticed his son's admiration for what he was watching on television. "You’re watching all these shows on TV of these people doing all these cool things and you want to be them. And as an actor, you can be anything," Miles says of what he recalls his father saying to him. Soon after, Miles began to pursue acting in elementary school, including a production of Romeo and Juliet. "I was a bigger kid, I was like 240 [pounds]," Miles says of his childhood. "So, I got to play 'Lord Capulet.' It was my first time on-stage and I just remember feeling like I was Marlon Brando in The Godfather up there. The reaction was great and I saw endless opportunities to be an actor."

CHRIS SAUNDERS

Miles went on to study Theatre at the Chicago Academy for the Arts and then onto St. Louis to continue to strengthen his craft at Webster University’s Conservatory of Theatre Arts. He graduated with a BFA in acting and from there, focused on finding quality work, initially unsure of which city he would find the most luck in. "I was confused whether I wanted to go to LA or New York or I should stay in Chicago, my hometown, and save up money and build some credits there," Miles continues. "The thing that I wanted was just to come to LA. So, I got that one-way ticket. My mom came with me and helped me get this old used Mustang and she left the next day. I didn’t have an apartment. I came with two bags and a pillow.”

The aspiring actor at the time remembers sleeping in his car for a week, before finding a room to live in that he says was far too expensive for his nearly non-existent income. "I was food running for awhile and that was hard because to get all these Theatre degrees and every week food running in your graduation suit. It was so daunting." A couple of Miles's friends began recommending that he get on casting networks to get more noticed and so, he began submitting "obsessively" for acting opportunities, big and small. "It was definitely hard. I kept going. It was brick-by-brick and making sure I put my best foot forward and go for it."

As his luck and determination would ultimately have it, Miles soon began booking commercials before he even had an agent. Then, the television commercial role of "Jake from State Farm" came to his attention. "They asked people to wear a red polo and khakis and I didn’t even see that for the wardrobe, so I showed up in a white shirt, gray blazer, black distressed jeans and Jordans. I did the audition and then when I did the callback, you show up to the callback in the same thing [you wore before] and I’m seeing a hundred people wearing red polos and khakis and I’m like Man, did I miss something? I pull my phone out and Crap!"

According to Miles, the audition process was narrowed down to about ten people, where focus groups would then watch the auditions and callbacks and vote on their favorite candidate. "In the focus groups, I always tested as number one except for maybe one [group]. The CMO of State Farm Rand [Harbert], he’s a great dude but he let me know I was not looking for you. I was definitely looking for the original 'Jake.' It was my wife that saw your callback sheet and said 'That’s your Jake' immediately.”

Fast forward more than a year later, Miles has regularly filmed commercials alongside sports superstars like Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers and now Drake, who Miles says is one of his all-time favorite artists. "I want to respect them and honor their time," Miles says of working with these notable men. "For the cut moments [between filming], I’m like giddy as a fan but then I want to lock in and focus. It was just cool to be able to feel like I was with these legends of their craft that will be known forever. It feels like I can hang! I’m just excited to be able to do that with them early on. I’m so blessed and honored and humbled that they even gave me that opportunity to be around those guys and see how they work, how they think."

Source: Getty Images

Miles has noticed his own notoriety growing and people noticing him while out in public. "They never say Kevin, which is okay (laughs). They’ll say 'Jake.' Even on-set, they just say ‘Hey Jake!' and I just answer. It definitely started with the mask a little bit. I’d walk my dog and people would be like Hey, you’re 'Jake from State Farm.' They could still tell! One time I was at the store and I had my glasses on with a hat, deep incognito mode. Someone was just like Man, your voice is just so recognizable. That felt cool and weird.”

Beyond his projects with State Farm, Miles is also focused on building his acting career even further and hopes that his commercial performances will help him in his next pursuits in film and television. When responding to if he has any worry that people will only be able to be see him ahead as "Jake from State Farm," Miles says, "It’s more of a stepping stone in my eyes than something that is going to cage me in. A 'spokes-influencer' is what we call it in our [State Farm] meetings. It’s okay if they know my real name is Kevin. 'Flo' (from the Progressive commercials) is named Stephanie Courtney. These are actors playing these roles and that’s okay."

Miles says he wants to one day follow in the footsteps of trailblazing actors like Sidney Poitier and Denzel Washington. Much of his passion for being successful in acting comes from Miles wanting to make his parents proud. "My parents are foster kids and they had a rough life and I want to make them feel like royalty for the first time in their life." As for his future being "Jake from State Farm," he hopes to continue this role alongside other acting projects for many years to come. When speaking about his relationship with State Farm, Miles says, "They’re actually really, really good people which makes it feel like it's a real good experience being with them. I’ve definitely told them that the dream would be to win a couple Oscars and still be 'Jake' for a little bit, if I’m not too old to do it. I want to do it as long as I can."

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Kevin Miles

By Camille Moore You may not be familiar with Kevin Miles by name yet, but there’s a very good chance you’ve seen his face. In 2020, he became the new face of State Farm when he was cast to play Jake in the commercial series. Prior to being cast as Jake, Kevin appeared in several short film projects and made some TV appearances. Thanks to the commercials, Kevin has been introduced to countless people and the job could eventually lead to other opportunities. I think it’s safe to say that this is the start of really big things for Kevin and his fans are looking forward to coming along for the ride. Keep reading for 10 things you didn’t know about Kevin Miles.

1. He Is From The Chicago Area There isn’t much information out there about Kevin’s life before he got into acting, but a post on one of his Instagram highlights suggests that’s from the Chicago area. Chicago is known for being home to countless wellknown and talented stars, and Kevin is on his way to becoming yet another one.

2. He Is A Formally Trained Actor Kevin has always been serious about his craft and he’s worked hard to hone his skills to the best of his abilities. He began his acting training at the Chicago Academy for Dramatic Arts. He then went on to study at Webster University where he earned a BFA in theater.

3. He Was In An Episode Of S.W.A.T. Kevin doesn’t have the longest list of acting credits, but he has been working pretty consistently since making his on screen debut in 2010. He has made guest appearances on some well-known shows including S.W.A.T. He was also in an episode of Criminal Minds in 2020.

4. He Is Good Friends With Joey King Joey King is arguably one of the most talented young actors in the industry at the moment and Kevin Miles is proud to call her a friend. In an Instagram post, he gave her a beautiful shoutout for her birthday in which he said, ” You inspire me g. From workouts that make us feel nauseous, to life talks & poop talks, I’m having a blast with you in my life fam. Thanks for welcoming me into your life with open arms I love you kid.”

5. He Is A DJ Acting may be his main focus, but it’s not the only area of the arts he has been involved in. During his college years, Kevin performed as a DJ under the name DJ Kevin Mimms. It should also be noted that earlier in his career, Kevin also acted under the name Kevin Mimms.

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6. Family Is Important To Him It’s always nice to have a strong support system to lean on, and Kevin has been fortunate to find that in his family. He has a close relationship with both of his parents and his sister. When he isn’t busy with work, you can usually find him spending time with his family.

7. State Farm Isn’t The Only Company He’s Done Commercials For State Farm commercials are what he’s best-known for, but Kevin certainly isn’t new to the commercial game.

He has worked with several major companies over the years including T-Mobile, Hyundai, Taco Bell, and McDonalds. This experience will definitely come in handy as he grows in his career.

8. He Is A Private Person The entertainment industry is known for being full of people who love to put their lives on display. From relationship drama to family business, most of us know lots of intimate details about our favorite celebrities.

Kevin, however, seems to prefer a more low key approach. He hasn’t shared much personal information and his social media presence is mostly focused on his work 9. He Started A Company On top of being creative, it appears that Kevin also has an entrepreneurial spirit. An old Facebook page shows that he started a company called Animal House Underground. According to the description, “Animal House Underground started as college party house based near Webster University and had a large Webster following. Creator Kevin Miles Mimms started Animal House to bring city life style partying to the more “calm” laid back version “partying”.

10. He Knows Exactly Which Super Power He’d Want If He Could Pick One Have you ever thought about which super power you’d choose if you could pick one? Kevin has, and his answer might surprise you. During an interview with Fanversation he said that he would love to have atomic manipulation so he could do lots of cool things including fly and morph.

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Regina King

surprised by news she is on short list to direct ‘Superman’ “Tiffany, that is news to me.

You have broke the news to me," King says reacting to MSNBC's 'Cross Connection' host Tiffany Cross

Regina King learned over the weekend that she is being considered to direct the new Superman movie and is just as surprised as anyone else.

Oscar award winner King was a guest Saturday on MSNBC’s Cross Connection and appeared taken aback when host Tiffany Cross mentioned that she was a possible contender to direct the eagerly anticipated movie.

Cross referred to a recent report in The Hollywood Reporter that mentioned the famed actress’ name as one of the possible directors for the Black Superman project. THR claimed that Warner Brothers wants to ensure that the film has an authentic Black perspective.

“I’m curious, because there’s a little bit of gossip. You’re rumored to be on the short list to direct ‘Superman,’” Cross said.

“You and Barry Jenkins, both of your names have been thrown out there. Anything you want to tell us? Is there any news you can break this morning about those conversations?”

King responded with surprise.

“Tiffany, that is news to me. You have broke the news to me. News break! Live on MSNBC!” King said. “Yeah, no, I have not heard that until just now. Oh wow.”

“I think there are people who want to see you, particularly because you’re directing Bitter Root,” Cross said.

Regina King (right) appears on MSNBC’s “Cross Connection” with Tiffany Cross (left) (Credit: screenshot)

King has been in demand as a director since she made her debut with the Oscarnominated One Night in Miami that premiered on Prime Video last December. Her next project is Bitter Root, the comic book series set during the Harlem Renaissance.

King is also a favorite to get behind the lens after she captivated audiences in HBO’s Watchmen, which transformed her into a superhero during the Tulsa race massacre.

Still, she is not yet signed on to the reimaging of The Man of Steel of which Ta-Nehisi Coates will write the screenplay.

Coates recently told Polygon what he hoped to accomplish with the reboot.

“I got a big thing: I want people to have their own experience with the art, and I don’t want to step on it. I don’t want them to hear me. I don’t want them to see me. I want them to see what we ultimately produce,” he said.

Coates, who wrote on Marvel’s Black Panther series, also did not want to overshare in the era of social media. He was mindful of “unintentionally, seeding ideas in people’s head. I just worry that you are, however unintentionally, seeding ideas in people’s head,” about the project.

“Now, look, there’s a point where you have trailers and things where I’m going to have to talk about it, but if it were up to me, I wouldn’t say anything ever until it’d been out and seen and consumed and all of that. I don’t want to get in the way. I want Superman to have his chance,” he said.

“I really want him to live. I want him to be greeted. I don’t want me and whatever baggage the narrative of me has to overshadow that,” Coates continued. “As much as possible I really would like to recede and hopefully make something that folks feel is worthy.”

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By Zo, okayplayer.com

Jimin Hwang and Jihyo Seo share their sleek concept for a turntable that makes records levitate as they play.

Turntable technology has hit quite the stride in the last decade or so. New models typically feature computer interface functions, as well as a range of audio outputs and USB ports galore.

But a team of South Korean designers is hoping to (literally) bring your records to a new level and redefine “high fidelity” all at once.

Jimin Hwang and Jihyo Seo have shared the concept design for their LEVI turntable system, a record player that makes your wax float as it spins. Previewed in a demo video, the LEVI features a minimalistic design and four playback settings for both LPs and 7-inch singles. Hwang and Seo’s turntable concept utilizes electromagnetic drive and coils to suspend the platter in air. In the video, the LEVI also boasts a Harmon/Kardon logo. However, it’s unclear whether the audio company is actually involved in the development of the turntable in any capacity. Harmon/Kardon is typically known for well-built speakers, receivers, and amplifiers. Should they welcome the LEVI, it would be the company’s first turntable in over 40 years.

While it certainly holds an awe factor, the LEVI would not be the first levitating record player to go into production. MAG-LEV Audio, a Slovenian audio company currently offers turntables with floating platters for between $2,400 and $2,900, depending on the model. So Hwang and Seo are actually tasked with making one that would be somewhat reasonably priced (though hi-fi fans tend not to spare any costs in assembling the ideal rig.) Suppose we’ll just have to wait and see.

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The Lakers Are Getting a Nike Air Force 1 for the NBA's 75th Anniversary A nod to the historic franchise's origin.

As part of the NBA’s upcoming 75th Anniversary season, Nike is rolling out several sneakers inspired by the league’s latest milestone, including this Air Force 1 Low tied to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Not a traditional Lake Show sneaker, this pair unites white, purple, and light blue on the upper—the latter a nod to the franchise’s early uniforms in Minneapolis and LA. Otherwise, you get some fairly subtle nods to the league and the squad, with official logos adorning the tongue and heel. It’s a celebration of the NBA’s most storied franchise and its evolution over the years.

According to Brandon1an, the “Lakers” AF1 will release sometime this fall, when several other 75th Anniversary Nikes, including Dunks, are also set to arrive.

Collage by Gabe Conte

The Best Condoms Will Keep You Safer Without Getting in the Way Plan ahead: A better condom makes a big difference.

By Gigi Engle, gq.com

Even the best condoms don't have a great reputation. They're sometimes seen as unsexy or just in the way, right? It's time we laid this idea to rest. Condoms are key to having safer sex with anyone you're not fluid-bonded with. And safer sex is good sex.

There is nothing hotter than a guy who has a plan to get wrapped up when it gets hot and heavy. It says: I care about my sexual health. And I care about your sexual health, too. Let's have some fun!

But not all condoms are created equal. Fit matters, and some are smaller or larger.

Others are eco-friendly or latex-free. And some brands are so thin, you can barely tell they're there at all.

Best Overall Condom LifeStyle Selection Box These condoms are the best on the market. They're well-lubricated, durable, and electronically tested for full reliability.

If you're looking for a condom with no frills that will feel extra thin and do its job, SKYN condoms are the ones for you. They are the tried and true classic that's generally easy to find, too.

Best Non-Latex Condom SKYN Elite Skyn Elite are the best SKYN condoms for an almost-skin feeling that's not made of latex, which plenty of people are allergic to. They call the soft, non-latex material SKYNFEEL, and it’s as strong as premium latex brands without feeling too restrictive.

Best Eco-Friendly Condoms Sustain Ultra-Thin Condoms Sexual wellness brand Sustain are specially designed to be vagina-friendly, which in this case means no fragrances, dyes, petrochemicals, or nitrosamines. This is pretty rare and decreases the likeliness that a condom will cause disruption to the vaginal biome. Sustain uses fair-trade rubber. And their condoms are completely vegan (most condoms have casein, a diary byproduct). Being the bighearts they are, the company also donates 10% of their proceeds to organizations that provide access to female reproductive health and family planning services.

Best Real-Feel Condom Champ Ultra-Thin Condoms These condoms offer a barely-there feel and are as close to skin-on-skin as you can get. Champ condoms are made from 100% natural latex and are specially lubricated with non-sticky, natural-feeling medical-grade silicone lube

Best Textured Condom Trojan Ultra Ribbed Ribbed condoms aren't for everyone, but if you like a little extra grip, they can be just the thing. Remember to check with your partner before whipping out a textured condom to be sure they're up for it. But if you and your partner are people who like a little friction, then you should try the these Trojans.

Best Packaging Lovability One of the biggest problems with condoms? The packaging. It's often corny, yes. But also: the way most condoms are packaged can make it easy to tear them. Lovability has solved this problem with their "buttercup opening" package, which looking like one of these east to open one-off coffee creamers you find in coffee shops.

Best Condoms for Bigger Penises Trojan Magnum Bareskin Condoms The Magnum is a classic for a reason and the Magnum Bareskin builds on the that deserved reputation by making it even thinner.

Best Condoms for Smaller Penises Okamoto Rilakkuma Honey Condoms If you have a smaller penis, what's important is that you know your body and you feel comfortable enough to own that.

OKAMOTO is perfect if you’ve noticed that most condoms are too long or fit loosely—it will feel much better than a baggy one.

TS x Champion Limited Edition: The Brooklyn Circus B Hoodie

One of the cornerstones of The Brooklyn Circus style is the Varsity Letterman jacket, and here Mr. Theodore has created a hoodie with that vintage collegiate vibe. Notable design details include a double-layered hood, ribbed cuffs and waistband, plus cardigan-style pockets (as opposed to the more typical kangaroo pouch). The material is a solid yet soft 16 oz fleece.

The 4400 returns October 25 to the CW Network

A reboot of the USA Network series The 4400, CBS Studios’ 4400 will focus on “4400 overlooked, undervalued, or otherwise marginalized people who vanished without a trace over the last hundred years [who] are all returned in an instant, having not aged a day and with no memory of what happened to them. As the government races to analyze the potential threat and contain the story, the 4400 themselves must grapple with the fact that they’ve been returned with a few…upgrades, and the increasing likelihood that they were all brought back now for a specific reason.” Click on the trailer below.

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Designer Andrew M. Nowell Looks to the

Indiana Jones movies for inspiration in his latest looks.

Also Looking Back At

2020’s

Brighter Moments

Cover Model: Taylor Borders as Indiana Jones | Photo by: Phelan Marc

Highlighting The Best of Men of Color Around The World!