Tableof Contents
NOFACESMOOV
thesmoothcat & Juu Chats With The Badd-Guyy on The Other Side!
Badd-Guyy Looks Comedy Central’s Newest Comedy
THROUGH THE EYES OF BEEZY
Brotha 7ilencer Shares His Thoughts on The FInal Season of Power: Ghost
Sista Nugget Debuts For Industry Shakedown Writing A Heart Felt Letter To Educators.
Welcome To The Other Side NOFACESMOOV
Shane Kidd-Walker
Bro to Bros
When I tell you guys, it has been an honor being in the corner of these two gentlemen for a while now. As artist, I watched them grow and perfect their crafts and become the voices of New Orleans.
Coming from the Westbank of the city, it ain’t easy to stand out in the rap scene out there. Usually people flock to Bounce, flock to what may sound cool, and that’s fine and all. But thesmoothcat and Juu were and still are original.
I stated this in a previous article that I was there in the studio in 2015 when they recorded “Fam Right Here.” I said to myself, it won’t be long before these two hit a stride. Fast forward 9 years later, and these boys are opening for Curren$y. Big Bro Shane can’t be more proud.
Yo, boys, when you read this at its release, just know you two inspire the Hell out of me. You guys are the reason why I grind the way I do. I spoke to Juu a couple of weeks ago and said to him, “man I ain’t doing shit, I’m just happy to be hanging with the cool kids.” He said, “nigga shut up, you are doing something and we proud of you just like you’re proud of us.” That validation carried me through to this current edition. Big bro love y’all man. Keep grinding, keep moving. ONE!
SK-W
Brotha Badd-Guyy
During the Summer months of this year, thesmoothcat and Juu did a considerable amount of traveling. For starters, their pilgrimage to success led them to Brooklyn, New York. Performing at an intimate yet packed venue, the group brought their distinct New Orleans flavor to the Big Apple, captivating an audience unfamiliar with the city's underground sound. The crowd, initially curious, quickly became fully engaged, vibing with the fusion of smooth jazz rhythms and effortless lyricism that NOFACESMOOV delivered
This performance not only showcased their versatility but also demonstrated how seamlessly they could bridge regional soundscapes. Brooklyn embraced their unique style, proving that NOFACESMOOV’s appeal stretches far beyond New Orleans it’s a sound that resonates universally.
“The crowd was nice out there.” thesmoothcat said to Industry Shakedown. “It was a vibe for real. The people were dope. I’m just glad we pulled up because had we not, then the performance may not have happened.” The duo had a few loose ends to tie-up to secure their spot on stage.
“We had to make sure we were still going up,” they said “But once that was taken cared of, we were set. We did our thing ”
I KNOW THIS THESOTHER IDE!
ALBUM #2
The album, The Other Side, which features standout tracks like "THE OTHER SIDE," "SHAUNDRE," "4 MY CAMP," and "LOW SNAP," is a smooth blend of genres that have long been at the heart of New Orleans’ rich musical heritage NOFACESMOOV expertly fuses R&B, jazz, soul, and hip-hop into a cohesive sound that both honors their roots and pushes creative boundaries From the warm melodies of "THE OTHER SIDE" to the sharp rhythms of "LOW SNAP," the pair demonstrate their ability to balance lyrical depth with laid-back instrumentation.
Listeners are immediately drawn into the rich textures of The Other Side Juu and thesmoothcat seamlessly weave between silky-smooth vocals and raw, reflective bars, creating a sonic experience that feels fresh yet familiar. "SHAUNDRE" takes on a deeply personal tone, offering smooth jazz-inflected chords over contemplative lyrics, while "4 MY CAMP" stands as a shout-out to their community and those who have supported them along the way.
Together, NOFACESMOOV continues to defy conventional genre boundaries, crafting a sound that’s entirely their own. The Other Side is an album that speaks to the duo's evolution, while remaining grounded in the jazz-heavy, soulful sounds that are quintessentially New Orleans
GLIMPSE! GET A
OF THIS!
On September 30, 2024, Juu stepped into the spotlight with his solo project Divine Timez, offering a fresh perspective on his artistry outside of his work with NOFACESMOOV. Juu’ s solo effort features standout tracks like "Divine Timez," "111," "Daydream," and "Besfren." These songs showcase Juu's ability to blend smooth, reflective lyrics with lush production that draws from R&B, hip-hop, and soul influences. The project stands as a testament tohisevolutionasanartist,revealingmorepersonal andintrospectivethemes.
Two tracks on the album, "Daydream" and "Besfren," feature Pennsylvania-born songstress Glimpse, whose ethereal vocals elevate the overall feel of the project. Juu and Glimpse’ s musical partnershiphasbeenflourishingforthreeyears,and their chemistry shines through on these songs. Glimpse’ s single "Ride Ya," known for its majestic, sensual tone and intimate lyrics, carries a similar warmth into DivineTimez Her voiceon"Daydream" and "Besfren" brings an inviting, soothing element, creating a comforting, almost dreamlike atmosphere that perfectly complements Juu's lyrical depth.
“JUU AND I MET THROUGH ONE OF THE HOMIES STEVIE. WE JUST CLICKED. WE WERE JOCING REAL BAD. WE HAD SO MUCH GOING ON. HE’S A GOOD FRIEND.” - GLIMPSE
The collaboration between Juu and Glimpse adds an extra layer of emotion to the album, with her vocals offeringasoftcontrasttohismoregroundeddelivery. Together, they create a balance of sensuality and soulfulness that makes Divine Timez stand out. This project not only highlights Juu's growth but also solidifies his musical connection with Glimpse, leaving listeners eager for more from both artists in the future.
The NOLA Three?
WiththereleaseofTheOtherSidebyNOFACESMOOVandJuu'ssoloprojectDivineTimez,it’s clearthatJuu, thesmoothcat,andGlimpsearepositioningthemselvesasthenextbignamestoemerge fromthevibrantNewOrleansmusicscene.Together,theybringauniqueblendofgenres R&B,hiphop,jazz,andsoul thatnotonlyhonorsthecity’srichmusicalheritagebutpushesitforwardwith fresh,innovativesounds.
Juuand thesmoothcathavealreadyestablishedthemselvesasapowerfulduothrough NOFACESMOOV,blendingsmoothproductionwithintrospectivelyricsthatcaptureboththe essenceoftheirexperiencesandtheculturalpulseofNewOrleans.Juu’ssoloworkonDivineTimez furtherproveshisversatility,offeringamoreintimatelookintohisartistrywhilestilldeliveringthat signaturesoulfulvibe.
Meanwhile,Glimpse,withherangelicvocalsandcaptivatinglyricism,hasbecomeakeycollaborator, addinglayersofsensualityandwarmthtobothNOFACESMOOVandJuu’sprojects.Hersingle "RideYa"demonstratesherabilitytostandoutonherown,butit’shercollaborationswithJuuthat trulyelevatethegroup’scollectivesound.Together,they’vecraftedadynamicpartnershipthatfeels naturalandharmonious.
Astheirchemistrycontinuestoblossomandtheirartistryevolves,Juu, thesmoothcat,andGlimpse havethepotentialtobecomeNOLA'snext"Big3" aforceinthemusicindustrythatcapturesthe heartoftheircitywhileresonatingfarbeyondit.Theirfuturelooksbright,andtheircollective journeyisonlyjustbeginning.
THROUGH THE EYES OF BEEZY
YO, BEEZY TALK TO ‘EM
“With ease, this was the best season of the series.” SK-W
WHAT HAPPENED, BRO?
Well, folks, that was apparently it. That was the abruptive ending of one of the best shows on TV And before you hate on that, go look at the views. Although this season had a lit ending, you could tell that this wasn’t supposed to be the end of it. I just know the writers had at least 2 more seasons planned But because the studio wanted to save some money by ending it, they sort of rushed to season. I kind of understand, though Characters like Tariq, Monet and Cane were committing murders while wearing Gucci and LV!
I’ll tell you what, though, that first episode was one of the best season openings out of all of the Power shows! They filmed that episode as if it were an actual movie For starters, people were anxious to know what Tariq was gonna do to get revenge on the Tejadas and Effie for turning against him. Lucky for him, Brayden was on his side and saved him Or should we call him Tiny Tommy?! We’ll get back to that
BET, TELL US MORE!
Noma, the real opp for this season, put $10K bounties on Tariq and Brayden. I’ve never seen someone so desperate on this show How do they get out of this? They both go to campus to get a bag of money to go out of town, but then they get approached by a dumb detective who was off duty with no backup.
Angela Valdez’s nephew, Junior Valdez! He tells Tariq that he has all the evidence about him working with Noma and the Tejadas. That was a threat Meanwhile, some random shooter that wanted that money from Noma was aiming for them and it led to a shootout with him and Junior
One thing leads to another, and Tariq and Brayden both have guns on Junior after he kills the shooter. Is Tariq really about to kill a fed? No is Tariq about to kill Angela Valdez’s nephew?! Yes he is. And he did, after he made a deal with Noma to do it and get rid of all the evidence if she drops the bounty The boy knows how to come up with a devious plan, but killing Angela’s nephew was something else I feel like he might have done that just for them being related.
Anywho!
That's how you start off a season! But this show never ceases to throw a curveball about how things will turn out You always see characters go from friends, to enemies to friends again! After all of that revenge plotting in the first couple of episodes, Tariq ends up working with the Tejadas again in the finale anyway But that s because Tariq had to deal with a lot of obstacles not to mention His biggest obstacle was Detective Don Carter played by the one and only Michael Ealy This dirty detective’s motive is to control all the drug gangs in New York, but Tariq and the Tejadas refuse to be controlled He is controlling them by having them continue doing everything they do as long as they don’t kill any civilians or innocents Death is the price of that crime to him and his task force But uh-oh, Carter ends up killing Kamaal Tate Councilman Rashad Tate’s detective brother! This is not a good look, so how will Tariq end up getting any advantage?
Brayden was almost a full crashout this season In the previous season the man had one of the baddest ladies to ever be casted on her show Keke Travis played by Moriah Brown Then in this season he downgrades to some girl named Elle that goes to his school Not only is she part of an underground band but she gets him hooked on coke! Come on Brayden, you can do so much better! Him being on this coke made him take a few turns for the worst such as when he helps Tariq kill a couple drug dealers and when Elle ends up in the hospital for being laced with fentanyl Brayden has Tariq help him scare the drug dealer who did it, but he really crashes out and kills him! I ve never seen Tariq so mad at him, but it was a mess Brayden really showed old Tommy vibes here I hope he gets better
It took me four seasons to finally like Cane, but I got to say, he stood on business this season I never liked him and Effie together so I won t even say anything about that especially since he ends up sleeping with Noma?! The hell, Cane anyway, it s kind of a lick He s mostly doing it to get more superior in the game He s playing chess for once instead of keeping Tariq s name in his damn mouth! But him sleeping with Noma turned out to be the worst decision he made The wedding
WHY!? Cane decides to marry Noma so that she gains full citizenship, and Cane gets to run everything in New York Meanwhile Noma and Carter thinks that they killed Tariq and Monet, but they re about to kill Noma and save Cane without him knowing This ends messy Tariq can t even murder someone right, and Monet goes on a dope killing spree to save her son while the 2Pac song Hail Mary plays in the background Clever producers But dude Monet gets to an awful standpoint She refuses to let her son die so she takes them bullets from Noma instead WHY?!?!?!?!
Aight Cool!
So This Ends The Book?
I may have cried. All I got to say there... is long live Monet Tejada, and thank you, Mary J. Blige for giving us one of the most iconic characters on Power and black television. She went out like a G to save Cane. She went out saving the son who everyone believes received the least amount of love from her That was not at all the case And thank Cane for taking that badass kill shot on funk ass Noma Screw Noma and her daughter! We’re glad she suffered before she went out Oh, by the way, Diana killed Noma’s daughter right in front of her
Anywho, you can tell that a potential season 5 would have finally had Tariq possibly take up the mantle of “Ghost” I mean, why else was this show called that? For once, this finale has an end credit scene, which proved once again why the cast & crew always says “Power Never Ends” Someone calls Tariq, seemingly asking him to pull up and help with something Tariq agrees to pull up with the smoke, because they’re family for life. But we don’t hear who he’s talking to. So I’ll end this with several questions that this season ended on. Who was that that was on the phone with Tariq? Tommy? Diana? Cane? Will Diana pick up from where Monet left off in the game? Will Dru ever find love in Italy? Cane made it safely out of town, but where to? Will Brayden get even better in his position in the drug game? Will Tariq show up in Power Book IV: Force? Will Tariq, Brayden and Cane ever become a trio in the streets just like Ghost, Tommy and Kanan?
EVERYBODYSTILL HATESCHRIS
REVIEW
SHANEKIDD-WALKER
DO-OR-DIE
BED-STUY
WelcomeBack,WelcomeBack,Welcome Back
Ya Know Ya Like That!
Back To Where We Left Off!
“Everybody STILL Hates Chris” makes a bold return, transforming the beloved classic into an animated series that breathes new life into Chris Rock’s iconic coming-of-age story. Picking up where the original left off, this sequel captures the essence of adolescence while introducing fresh storytelling elements that resonate with today’s audience.
The Year is 1987
The series begins with Chris facing the aftermath of failing his GED. Instead of moving forward, he decides to return to school a grade behind, setting the stage for familiar challenges and comedic scenarios. This narrative shift allows viewers to dive deeper into Chris’s struggles as he grapples with the pressures of adolescence, peer dynamics, and family expectations.
They So Animated!
EVERYBODY STILL HATES CHRIS IS AN ANIMATED CLASSIC
The decision to animate the show offers a vibrant visual experience, expanding the creative possibilities This format enables the producers to incorporate dynamic effects and imaginative sequences that enhance both the humor and emotional moments. While some fans of the original may have mixed feelings about the animation, it ultimately serves to enrich the storytelling, allowing for a unique exploration of Chris’s life.
“As an inspiring producer myself, the animation adds SO MUCH MORE to the product” - SK-W
Tichina Arnold and Terry Crews reprise their roles as Rochelle and Julius, delivering the same strong performances that fans adore Rochelle’s strict parenting and Julius’s caring yet firm demeanor provide a solid foundation for the family dynamic, emphasizing the importance of support amid life’s challenges. The sibling rivalry between Chris and Tonya remains a highlight, with Tonya (now voiced by Ozioma Akagha) finding creative new ways to make Chris’s life a living hell. This enduring conflict injects humor into their interactions, reminding viewers of the chaotic yet relatable nature of family life.
Returning characters Drew and Greg, voiced by Terrence Little Gardenhigh and Gunnar Sizemore respectively, add layers of humor and personality to the show Drew, with his effortless charm and reputation as a lady’s man, embodies the classic teen archetype who is both confident and oblivious, often getting into amusing situations as he navigates his romantic escapades His interactions with Chris bring a light-hearted banter that showcases their friendship’s ups and downs.
What Yo Rate It Shane?
With a perfect 5/5 rating from Industry Shakedown Magazine, “Everybody STILL Hates Chris” successfully marries nostalgia with modern storytelling. It captures the universal challenges of growing up while infusing fresh energy into the series. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the story, this animated continuation is a delightful journey that reminds us all of the trials and triumphs of adolescence.
If you're a fan of the original series, “Everybody STILL Hates Chris” is a must-watch! The animated format revitalizes the classic story, blending humor with relatable themes of growing up. The return of beloved characters, along with the new voice cast, delivers fresh perspectives while maintaining the essence of the original. With its clever storytelling and vibrant visuals, this series is both nostalgic and engaging. Don’t miss out on this delightful continuation of Chris’s journey!
A Letter To Teachers
Leilonni Robinson
Sista Nugget
DEAR EDUCATORS
I’m sorry…
There’s nothing more to say than I’m sorry. Right, why would someone who is in a systematic social institution apologize? It doesn't make sense. Well… I’m writing this letter as an apology to all the educators out there who don’t receive it The early mornings, the workloads are unbearable, the disrespectful kids. When they don’t get their way, they will do anything and everything to make you pay. The egotistical parents that are arrogant and think they know what’s best but don’t bother to actually get to know their children.
The heartbreak after heartbreak—not just platonic heartbreak but knowing you’re sending your students back into situations that you wish you could rescue them from. The conversations that keep you up at night, tossing and turning. The amount of PTSD that we have now because our unions have been silenced, the grief that builds up wondering whether you’ll walk into school and come back alive that day, whether from a school shooting or a vindictive child. I’m sorry for your desensitization to violence in such a way that it’s become a normal way of life. The amount of bullying and degrading from children that you take in day in and day out. The emotional abuse you take from children, administration, and community members. I want to say I hear you, I see you…
So many times as educators we are not heard or seen. It’s like are voices are silcenced by the same people who tell us to go to school board meetings make a change . Turns to be the same people who are the downfall of these same systemic social institutions that fail out children every day. I’m tired of fighting a fight that’s not meant to be fought but just breaks more teachers evry day. The same ones that argue Black Lives Matter but do nothing to stop the systemic racism in these social instu and systemic socio economic status of teachers keeping us down . What was once a honorable profession is now seen at the bottom. I’m sorry that this wasn’t what you thought it was and the rose colored glasses came off and now your fighting just to breath.
Sincerely
A broken educator
THE GOOD FOLKS AT
PHANTAST1C PRODUCTIONZ!
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Henry E. Washington
Shane Kidd-Walker Ja’Me Buie
Brandon Corbin
Tyler Ri’Chard
CONTRIBUTORS
Shane Kidd-Walker
Brandon “Beezy” Corbin
Leilonni Robinson
DESIGN
Shane Kidd-Walker
Powered By Adobe and Canva
NEXT EDITION
November
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The Penguin: Review
Brazillian Waxing
More TBA
PRODUCERS
Damon Ford
Pearl Akpetey
Bandon Nichols
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Cristina Santiago
shane Kidd-Walker
EDITOR
Shane Kidd-Walker
CORPORATE HOTSHOTS
Carlos del Ray Amar Weir
Ira Frye
De’Shane Frye
SPECIAL THANKS TO NOFACESMOOV GLIMPSE COMEDY CENTRAL Power Universe
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