UNTLD. Magazine Issue #4

ISSUE #4

NORDSTROM HONORING BLACK HISTORY MONTH- 5 WHEN SISTERS SPEAK/SPIT- 6 R2R MOE - 9 GOOD DAYS - 13 ABU DEE - 14 FELTON HYDRATE- 17

UNTLD. MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

TAYLOR ALEXIS

ISSUE NO. 4 | FEB. 2021

UNTLD. MAGAZINE For Creatives By Creatives

Taylor Alexis SHOT BY JUSTIN UPSHAW

In this Issue

NORDSTROM HONORING BLACK HISTORY MONTH- 5 WHEN SISTERS SPEAK/SPIT- 6 R2R MOE - 9 GOOD DAYS - 13 ABU DEE - 14 FELTON HYDRATE- 17

PHOTOGRAPHER: @JUSTOUT_DOWNSHAW @JUSTOUT_FLIX MODEL: @IMTAYLORALEXIS

ISSUE NO. 4 | FEB. 2021

ISSUE NO. 4 | FEB. 2021

"We are a part of the communities we serve, and

Nordstrom is Honoring Black History Month with a Commitment to Advance Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

that means we have a responsibility to create a sense of welcoming and belonging for all," said Pete Nordstrom, chief brand officer and president of Nordstrom, Inc. Because of the brand's commitment to making this country more united, Nordstrom has set a series of goals that directs its most pressing issues that are related to diversity, inclusion and belonging.

These Goals include increasing Black and Latinx representation among its managers by at least 50%. Other goals involve delivering $500 million in retail sales from brands owned by, operated by, or designed by Black and/or Latinx individuals. The last goal was to increase charitable donations that encourage anti-racism to $1 Million per year over the next five years.

BY TAYLOR GOODSON In honor of Black History Month this Feb, Nordstrom is prepared to celebrate Black-owned

Last year was a year like no other. With the

brands and strengthen their voices through a

COVID-19 pandemic, racial injustice, and

variety of merchandise categories in-store and

political troubles, America was forced to self-reflect, make a call to action, and

online.

The luxury fashion retailer will be

partnering with 12 new black founded brands.

The black-owned brands will include Sienna

change the route America was going. Luxury Naturals, 54 Thrones, Rosen, UnSun, Brown Girl

department store Nordstrom is following their belief in the value of diversity on its commitment to the community.

Jane, Auda B, London Grant, Spraise, Buttah, Beneath Your Mask, AJ Crimson and Uoma.

In 2021

Nordstrom is working to contribute a

During Feb and Mar, the Nordstrom NYC

positive change that is required to address

flagship will reveal their latest Center Stage pop-

systemic racial inequality.

up showcasing Black-owned brands across beauty, clothing, shoes and accessories. These new partnerships with Nordstrom will create an environment where customers feel a sense of belonging and employees can be themselves.

ISSUE NO. 4| FEB. 2021

The Hip-Hop world does not embrace the women wordsmiths because it is society’s habit to belittle women, especially black women. This is why I find it poetic that women have taken an

When Sisters Spit/Speak

industry that mistreats them by storm. Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, Saweetie, Megan, Flo Milli and many more. These MCs have worn awards, topped charts, and made millions, yet they are still the victims of unfair and untrue criticism.

BY JONATAN FRANCOIS

“WAP” was a smash hit that made many upset because of the lyrics laced with profanity and sexual innuendos, Saweetie is seen as a artist

When black women speak, the world often reacts in

who is only successful because of her attractive rage instead of reflection. It does not matter if she speaks in the tone of thunder or in a gentle whisper she is often met with a harshness that is designed to humble. Black women despite their power and presence are often driven to feel small, the world

appearance, Megan was mocked by the world when she stepped forward about the Tory Lanez situation, and Nicki Minaj could drop the hardest freestyle in existence tomorrow and still not get

does not allow them to feel the comfort of

the respect she deserves as an MC. Society is

confidence that so many others enjoy. So I do not

determined to shatter the spirit of Black Women

blame the talented black women who have stepped

especially the successful ones who serve as role

into the spotlight to instill confidence into their

models.

own.

When popular female rappers drop you can feel One woman that comes to mind is Maya Angelou, the poet whose verse defined the 20th century. Her ability to articulate handed hope to small black girls throughout the world and even in her death her

the

electricity of excitement buzzing in the air.

Twitter becomes congested with tweets of women who express that they feel “invincible”.

That’s the beautiful thing about these Women

words echo throughout the minds of many. In

MCs, they emit a confidence so strong it’s today’s time a new wave of poets are blessing black

contagious. Little girls, young adults, middle women with a sense of invincibility, Their methods

aged women, and even some elders use these criticized but their results undeniable.

anthems about body positivity, knowing your

Rap is undoubtedly a male dominated genre. The common rap fan’s top 50 list does not have a woman gracing it, many female artists are mandated to grind ten times harder for half the shine and

worth, sexual liberation, and financial security outside of a male partner as fuel. The world that has never been willing to offer words of affirmation to black women so the sisters who

spotlight, and even the best are victims to sexist

speak and spit have decided to do it themselves.

jokes and dismissive takes about their ability.

Their delivery may be vulgar but the message is beautiful and very much needed.

ISSUE NO. 4 | FEB. 2021

Ethan Hunt SHOT BY ELYSE SPENCER

Photographer: @svnflwrchild Model: @ethanhunt3

ISSUE NO. 4 | FEB. 2021

R2R Moe

With that being said, he has put out a new single called “DOOMED” in late January on Soundcloud

BY OMARI WYANDS

and released a music video for an unreleased single called “Flash” shot by Jnyeta and Mikelo in

The Harlem born and raised rapper has been

February. Visuals get the fans and supporters hype no matter what and Moe is certainly doing that by

making noise in his hometown. Moe is most dropping these music videos and setting up for more

definitely next up. With his biggest inspiration along with the singles that he has.

being Juice Wrld he takes away some lessons Another underground artist who Moe has

while listening to his music.“Listening to him collaborated with goes by the name of K Belle and

just makes me feel like dark times don’t last and that's what makes me keep a positive outlook on life.” he says. Growing up rapping wasn’t even a thought for him. In fact he wanted to be an actor. Doing Broadway theater in middle school but soon went in the

they have some songs together which he is excited for people to hear. Be sure to look out for Moe and K Belle in some tracks soon.Music Artists are always appreciative of the support they get. It's what keeps them going. Whether it's ten fans, fifty fans, one hundred fans and so on, it's the support

musical direction in high school.

that counts. R2R Moe shows that he is thankful for

After releasing his single “Woah Woah” back

any and everyone who supports him.“Honestly, the

in September he racked up 500,000 streams by

support I receive keeps me going. People text me

the end of December. In Early December he

everyday something new & positive. I really don’t

recorded the music video for “Woah Woah”

receive hate from listeners so it makes me feel like

which has yet to be released. With that being

wow, people really like my music.” he says.In five

his first music video he wasn’t phased by it at

years, Moe hopes to have his music heard all around

all. ”It felt natural. It felt like I shot a music video before. I was a little nervous to be in front of the camera but when it happened it actually felt like nothing. Now that the first one is out of the way I plan on shooting a lot more. I like the feel.” Moe said.

”It felt natural. It felt like I shot a music video before. I was a little nervous to be in front of the camera but when it happened it actually felt like nothing. Now that the first one is out of the way I plan on shooting a lot more. I like the feel.”

the world. Finishing off with saying, “I won’t say rich because I make music for the art, not the notoriety.”Be sure to look out for R2R Moe because he is on the come up.

ASHLEY ANAE

SHOT BY @OMARIJW @OSHOTTHIS MODEL: @ASHLEYANAE

ISSUE NO. 4 | FEB. 2021

Good Days (SZA Inspired)

BY TIANA JACKSON

Good days full of ups and downs No time to dwell Restless minds lead to restless nights But no worries all is well

Heavy minds lead to heavy hearts Take it one day at a time Good days are hard to come by Take a moment to breathe, it isn’t a crime

Am I in a fog Or is it a Good dayPeople around you may not knowSmile harder today is your day

Good day in mindIt’s okay to not be okay Heavy heart But today you will have a good day

ISSUE NO. 4 |FEB. 2021

Abu Dee

BY OMARI WYANDS

Everyone has their own ways of getting motivated. It can either be the thought of being at a level where they don’t want to be. It could be someone in their family or even someone they just admire that motivates them. Abu Dee’s motivation is the thought of failure.

I had a chance of interviewing Abu Dee from Philadelphia, PA. An upcoming model, who has even be recognized by big names such as SZA and Choyce Brown.

“I am afraid of complete and total loss of value in my life.

In the future I want to be remembered for the good I’ve done in still world. Another thing that motivates me is

Modeling was nowhere on her radar until 2020. She did

normalizing me, normalizing women that look like me on

it just because in her senior year of high school and

all types of media in a positive light.” Dee says.

didn’t take it as seriously. “ I did not believe it until I realized that I did not see

Being a model is not particularly easy as everyone thinks.

many people like me on big platforms like TVs or

It doesn’t just come to someone. Especially darkskin

magazines. “ Dee states.

women. This is a obstacle that Abu faces constantly in the modeling world.

With only having 5k followers on Instagram just two months ago her platform has grown to 24k and still

“The biggest obstacle in my modeling career is not being counting. Although it is a lot for her to get used to Abu

accepted, wanted, or what casting directors are looking for Dee is most definitely grateful for the support she gets.

Abu also receives a lot of drawings of her especially from past shoots from very talented artists which is very flattering. She says,

. Dark skin models have to work twice as harder to earn a spot at the table. Dark skin hijabi models have to work three times as hard to even get a seat. There has been more muslim models being represented but I won’t settle until

“When people draw me I am filled with awe and

every demographic and skin tone of model is represented.

gratitude. The gesture itself is so heartwarming because

And if i’m not accepted around the time frame I want to

these artist take time out their day to work their talent

be, I will just pave a way for myself.” She says.

on me. When people admire me I feel grateful as well, but simultaneously I feel disconnected. Social media paints people to be this perfect, flawless person but that is not always the case. The disconnect for me is ‘what

The only model Abu looks up to is herself. There was and still is very little representation of Women that look like her and she refuses to let that get in the way of her

do you admire when all you know is my face?’”

success, because she is doing this and making pathways for herself there is someone out there looking up to Abu. One of her favorite shoots has been with @nivla.c.

Another photographer that she would want to shoot with is Raoul Alejandre who’s work leaves her “speechless”.

Alejandre has worked with Alton Mason, Aweng Chuol, Tink, Baazar Magazine, Paper Magazine and so much more. Some magazines she would love to be featured on the cover for is Baazar and Vogue Magazine.

“I’ve been on Teen Vogue but Vogue is a life long dream I am manifesting” Abu states.

In ten years Abu Dee sees herself as a successful model, OB-GYN, humanitarian,

nobel peace prize winner, and

accomplished.

“Dark skin models have to work twice as harder to earn a spot at the table.

Dark skin hijabi models have to work three times as hard to even get a seat.

There has been more muslim models being represented but I won’t settle until every demographic and skin tone of model is represented. And if i’m not accepted around the time frame I want to be, I will just pave a way for myself.”

ABU DEE

ISSUE NO. 4 | FEB. 2021

Alyse’s View

Hi guys, I’m Alyse! I have a podcast called Alyse’s view that talks about issues regarding the black community, our society, and anything else you can think of. I also speak on emotional awareness and spirituality. You can find me on anchor, Apple podcasts and Spotify under Alyse’s View. Thanks in advance for listening!

-Alyse's View

ISSUE NO. 4 | FEB.2021 ET: So, I know you’re currently in college.

Felton Hydrate: Desire to Differentiate

How do you manage to balance your business while in school?

DF:“It's all about time management once you understand time management, that's when everything will work out for the better for you.

It’s also about seeing the vision. Things aren't

BY ELISA TILLEY

going to happen overnight, as long as you’re being 1 percent better than you were the day before, that’s when it all manifests and works

Although challenging, the past year inspired many

out for you.” people to create their own projects, businesses, and startups. This is especially true for Dontè Knight,

ET: Your brand has grown tremendously in the Clark Atlanta University senior behind his viral

such a short amount of time. Where do you brand, Felton Hydrate.

see Felton Hydrate in 5 years?

Named after Dontè’s surname, Felton Hydrate

DF: “Well, in 5 years I see Felton-not even just delivers high quality, climate controlled water

Felton Hydrate but Felton the brand,I definitely bottles with an LCD temperature display on the top

see it branching off into different business of the lid. Following its launch in July 2020, the bottles went viral and sold out quickly. In 2021, Felton Hydrate continues to garner success while prepping to sell in stores.

avenues. I see clothing on Leimans Marcus, Saks on Fifth and all that. It's going to be in stores this year, but I definitely see it going more global. There’s so much stuff I see for

I was fortunate enough to interview Dontè about his brand, business strategies, and personal success and

this brand, work out equipment, gyms, there’s no limit to anything really.”

growth. His words will inspire everyone to follow their dreams, take a risk, and always believe in their vision.

ET: Do you have any advice to give to young people looking to start a business of their own?

“If you don't jump off the porch now, you will never take off.”

DF: “Just do it. Anybody can do anything at the end of the day. We have the power to create our own reality. If you don't jump off the porch now, you will never take off.”

ISSUE NO. 4 | FEB. 2021

Dontè finished the interview with one important message: Don’t ever give up.

“It's so easy to give up. If you give up, you know, someone else is going to come up with the same idea. Create your business and follow your dreams, if you don't one day you're going to look up and your dream’s going to be gone. You’ll just be mad at yourself.”

Dontè words should

inspire everyone who is thinking about starting a business to get started.

With the right vision,

branding, and time management, anyone can follow their dreams.

Dontè Knight ig: Iamdonte_knight Felton Hydrate ig : feltonhydrate

ELYSE SPENCER WITH UNTLD.MAG TOTE BAG

FOR CREATIVES BY CREATIVES

ISSUE NO. 4 | FEB. 2021

UNTLD.MAGAZINE