XXPLODEMAG ISSUE. 03 . JULY 2019.

X X P L O D E M A G A Z I N E I S S U E . 0 3

XXPLODE MAG ISSUE. 03

B Y N AT I O N O F S E V E N & A RT I S T S C L U B .G H A N A

MADE BY CREATIVES FOR CREATIVES

ISSUU.COM/XXPLODEMAG

JULY. 2019

DESIGNED BY @JONESANDMARY [IG]

COVER PHOTO BY ADRIENNE ANDERSEN @AANDERSENPHOTO [IG]

ISSUE .03 OF XXPLODE MAG. DISCOVER MORE CREATIVES & ARTISTS INSIDE. MUSICIANS, MODELS, ETC. XXPLODEMAG SEEKS TO HELP SUPPORT EMERGING ARTISTS & CREATIVES ACROSS THE GLOBE & GIVE THEM MORE RECOGNITION FOR THEIR WORK

ISSUU.COM/XXPLODEMAG

MODEL: @KIARA_AILENE [IG] PHOTOGRAPHY: @A.ANDERSENPHOTO [IG]

ISSUU.COM/XXPLODEMAG

WELCOME TO ISSUE.03 OF XXPLODE MAGAZINE MADE BY CREATIVES FOR CREATIVES ART LOVERS EVERYONE

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photography by @im_rjg_ [IG] model:@lizdbeauty [IG] 2

issue.03

index

- xxplodemag. 03

editor’s note

pg. 9-10

features

pg. 12-70

- jamie johnson - imani nad - destiney williams - ufakeaf.co - seraph beckley - samantha french

- keylome paris - boujie mustard - pastelswade - biancajade - damion gross xxplode mag word

pg. 74

to creators ďŹ nal pages

issuu.com/xxplodemag

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photographybyboujeemustard

issue.03 xxpmag

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@OFFICIALKEYLOME [IG] KEYLOME IN MOTION SHOT BY RYAN GARRY

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xxpmag.03

KEYLOME PARIS

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editors note 9

We are happy to bring you yet another issue of XXPLODE MAG! Since we released

our first issue, we’ve continued to work hard to make each issue worth viewing, very dynamic and engaging as well.

With each new issue, we bring you more dope visuals and content, additional pages

of photography work and artist features.

As well as stories by emerging creative @jonesandmary [IG] talents that inspire and educate its readers.

Its our hope that our mags gain worldwide recognition in the near future as that will help us achieve our goals of making the world discover amazing talents in various locations across the globe.

Especially the ones that use their art & creative abilities to help make the world a better place.

We hope you like this issue! and we hope to put out printed versions soon and for them to sell online on issuu.com/xxplodemag.

You can support us by sharing the links on your social media platforms and getting people to know about our mags!

Also follow us on instagram and twitter @nationofseven or send us an email via nationofseven@yahoo.com to get updates on when the next issue drops! Thank you.

- Jacob Tettey .

Editor-in-Chief . (XXPLODEMAG) @jonesandmary [IG]

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features xxplodemag. 03

issuu.com/xxplodemag xxplodemag.03 July 2019

photography by @boujeemustard [IG] model: @jordynlucinda [IG]

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xxplodemag. 03 photo shot by Boujee Mustard

@boujeemustard [IG]+TWTTR

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INTRODUCING BOUJEE MUSTARD @boujeemustard [IG & TWITTER]

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BOUJEE

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BOUJEE MUSTARD

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Boujee Mustard is an American photographer based in Philly [Philadelphia] and popularly known as “lil Bouj’. She is a versa le crea ve and the founder of “MUSTY MAG” which focuses on giving African American crea ves in Philly more recogni on for their work.

“My love for music is a major inpsira on for my work. Ar stes like Tyler The Creator, Mos Def, Dave East, etc. inspire me a lot.

I like for my work to be raw but then to also possess a sense of strength. I’m s ll trying to find myself and I have translated that through my work and models” - Boujee 18

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PA S T E L SWADE xxplodemag. 03 20

GET TO KNOW PASTEL SWADE issuu.com/xxplodemag

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I was born in Maryland and my parents are from Cameroon (Africa). I've been into arts intermittently since before I could talk. I started off drawing when I was a kid and started making beats in like 11th grade. I also taught myself graphic design in 2012 so I could design. My first brand was in college in 2013 and in 2017, I started styling.

From 7th - 10th grade I wanted to play in the NFL. I graduated LSU with a psychology degree and I was going to go to grad school but the whole time I was in college my plan was to be a creative / business owner. A

desk job would just of been something to give me financial backing, make me feel secure and my parents happy. But eventually I realized the regular life wasn’t for me, it never has been.

I've had to go into my craft / businesses full time for things to work out and I've

been at it for a year and a half and seen fast pace progression. More and more people seem to believe in my vision each day including my family.

The Racer Capsule from my brand Angel

Arcade is out and im also working on putting out new music that I produced for SCRIB3 late 2019 or early 2020. We are both part of a collective known as GOD WAVE. I also produced a track on Young Doc’s upcoming project.

Musically my influences are The Neptunes, Sade, Dreamy Internet, etc. 80s to early 2000 sportswear are my design influences. I hope to have a very successful career in the years to come as I put in much effort in my body of work each day. My message for emerging creatives and art lovers out there is to be focused, be disciplined and show gratitude.

I can be reached across many social media platforms online. If you want to peep my brand the IG is @angel.arcade & twitter is @anglearcadeus. my personal ig is @pastel.swade and site is angelarcade.com

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@BAGTY_ for @AngelarcadeUS photography @SCRIB3 styled by Pastel Swade

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ANGELARCADE angelarcade.com @angelarcadeus

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BIANCA JADE @biancajademusic on instagram

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Im Bianca Jade, an artist from Miami, FL now living in New York. I’m Cuban and Jamaican and my favorite food is Mac & Cheese.

Ever since I was little I've been making

music and listening to music. I grew up listening to Aretha Franklin and Alicia Keys. I would sing their songs and mimic their styles. My family is very creative too; my mom paints and sings a bit though she never pursued it professionally, my dad is a videographer, my sister is a makeup artist and is creative in many ways.

When I was little, my mom used to give my sister and I

and sing together like we were a band. Self-expression

through art was always encouraged at home which is something about upbringing that I am grateful for.

I wanted to become a veterinarian when I was a child because I loved animals but im much better at singing so l’ve sticked to that. Im working on more music and videos. They should hopefully be out in the coming months. Female artistes like Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Amy Winehouse and Sade have influenced my music a lot. I’m also influenced by strong emtions which helps me write my music.

issuu.com/xxplodemag

pots and pans and a box of mac and cheese and we would bang on them and play them like instruments

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I see myself very famous and successful as an artist and songwriter. I also see myself as an icon and someone in the music industry who uses their experience to help other creatives develop themselves. I see myself as a

philanthropist and someone who gives back to their community and helps to change the world.

With helping others, consistency, faith and trusting the process, Im hopeful of reaching

higher heights in my career.

My message for my

fans and anybody with ambition out there is that they

should believe in their ideas and dreams. Do what makes them happy

and should not

apologize for putting themselves first. They shouldn’t rely on anyone’s approval for their happiness. They should decide to be happy regardless of what anyone thinks.

Find more on Bianca Jade via @biancajademusic

on Twitter & Instagram. Also visit biancajademusic.com

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G E T T O K N O W D A M I O N G R O S S

@ its.damiong

on instagram @ damionG_ on twitter issuu.com/xxplodemag

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issuu.com/xxplodemag

My name is Damion Michael Gross from Washington D.C. Im 20 years old, a disability lifestyle influencer, model and actor. I got into modeling through Awkweird. They reached to me to model and shoot for their new line and once I saw the photos and how good I did, I took modeling seriously from that point.

Prior to that, people used to always tell me that I look a model because of my chin line, etc. but I didn’t really take them serious because I didnt have the ideal model look but I

went for it anyway because I had a big following on Twitter and I wanted to show people that just because im disabled doesn’t mean I can’t model. I want to open

doors for others like me, I want them to embrace their flaws and feel comfortable in their bodies.

But aside modeling I had always wanted to be a teacher.

One of my biggest influences is @ aaronphilipxo. She’s just doing

the damn thing! Im so proud that she’s opening doors for me and others like me.

My few words to anyone with ambitions out there is that keep chasing your dreams no matter what and let nothing stop you!

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FREELANCE MODEL @JAMIEANGELICAA ON TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM

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INTRODUCING IMANI NAD MUSICIAN / RAPPER

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I go by the name IMANI N.A.D and im a HIPLIFE / HIPHOP and AFROBEATS artiste from Accra, Ghana.

The name IMANI is simply a shortened version of my name Emmanuel and N.A.D stands for

NEW AGE DYNASTY, which is basically a group of creatives coming together no matter the art, with the common goal of putting AFRICA on the map and

flying its flag sky high.

I fell in love with HIPHOP and R&b music as a kid. Being the youngest in the house I was blessed to have older female siblings, raised around BLACK QUEENS that had mad love and deep appreciation for music. It is through

them that I got to know the likes of TLC, Brandy, Aaliyah, Sisqo, etc. the list is endless.

As my fondness for music grew so did my talent and desire to be part of it and I have not looked back on my decision to pursue music ever. I began

music officially after senior high school in 2013. Before then I used to drop a couple of mixtapes here and there to entertain my peers back in school. Also skipped class a couple of times to hit the studio too, which wasn’t the best decision to take in those moments but my hunger for music couldn’t be controlled.

This year I've been sharing with my fans and audiences a lot of freestyle rap with my monthly series 2k19 flow, and the reactions to that have been incredibly motivating and I appreciate the support very much. I've got a couple works in the pipeline im certain the world will love to hear and see. As many as 4 singles waiting to be dropped within the second half of the year.

Through hard/smart work, staying consistent and true to my art, I see myself being a top music mogul in Africa. I see myself being a global force with the ability to influence cultures and being a huge inspiration to African youth.

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I’d say to every ambitious creative out there, always remember to pray if they believe in religion, and to be consistent in everything they

do even when things seem to be very tough and challenges are mounting.

You could reach me or for collab on social media. @imani_NAD on twitter and @imani_n.a.d on instagram

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more on features issuu.com/xxplopemag

DESTINEY WILLIAMS MODEL. @GALAXY_WIDE [IG]

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@UFAKEAF.CO FASHION BRAND xxplodemag.03

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visit ufakeaf.com to discover more on the brand. follow @ufake.af on instagram

for more updates

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SERAH BECKLEY MULTIDIMENSIONAL ARTIST. ENTREPRENEUR .STYLIST.

@SERAPHTIVEGURU [IG]

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photography by: @leo.rocket [IG]

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My name is Serah Beckley a.k.a Seraph. I was born in Lagos, Nigeria and moved to America when

I was 3. I graduated from Felician University which is located in North Jersey with a bachelors degree in Global Peace and Justice

I’m passionate about advocating for people in need and about themselves and each other for their difference. I am a woman

with many talents and a very insightful mindset.

My lifestyle brand SERAPHTIVE, established in 2018, offers inclusive fashion and products to heal the mind, body and soul. With the brand, our intention is to be apart of making positive impact in the Fashion, Media and Health Industries by showcasing diversity and selling products such as but aren’t limited to CrochetWear, Retail, Holistic Care and Art.

We want to honor the fact that we have all been made different on purpose. The current reality of these industries

have a limited perception of beauty so we would like to create media and products that acknowledge the beauty in our difference.

Find more on what I do and about the Seraphtive brand by visiting seraphtive.com. Also follow my Instagram for more updates on my brand via @seraphtiveguru

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@seraphtiveguru [IG]

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about

Samantha French.

Artist/painter @samantha_french [IG]

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pain ng by samantha french xxplodemag.03

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Born and raised in north central Minnesota, Samantha French graduated from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design in 2005.

French’s current body of work explores the idea of escape, the tranquility and nostalgia for the

lazy summer days of her childhood.

The series is inspired by Samantha’s own reflections and memories of her childhood summers spent in the lakes of Northern Minnesota.

French actively exhibits her paintings and is included in many private and public collections throughout the country while her work has garnered extensive international and national press. She’s a fulltime painter and keeps a studio in Brookyln, New York.

“My current body of work is focused on swimmers underwater and above. Using vague yet consuming memories from my childhood summers spent immersed in the tepid lakes of northern Minnesota, I attempt to recreate the quiet tranquility of water and nature; of days spent sinking and floating, still and peaceful.

These paintings are a link to my home and continual search for the feeling of the sun on my face and warm summer days at the lake.

They are my escape, a subtle reprieve from day-to-day.

At the same time, I am drawn to an idealistic time before my own, where swim caps and wool swimsuits were commonplace. This combination of memory, observation and photography has allowed me to preserve the transitory qualities of water and remembrance.” sourced from samanthafrench.com . Visit her site or follow her social media @samantha_french to find more on her and her work.

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don't stop creating don't stop creating don't stop creating don't stop creating don't stop creating don't stop creating

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photo shot by Ryan Garry styled by @ alexisnoble.style model @tylacobette xxplodemag.03

xxplodemag’s word to creators

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model: @blueflame.lex[IG]

photography by Dai John @

beezshotme [IG] styled by @aldotg [IG]

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Never believe that you know something because the world will change around you, and with that, the meaning of things will inevitably change also.

In the spirit of eternal student, enjoy not knowing as much as you enjoy your privilege to lifelong learning. Many occupations are not blessed with such a gift so appreciate it.

Don’t panic when nothing is going on in your career . . it's the best time to work unemcumbered and with no deadlines. Just figure out how to stay alive and appreciate those periods of freedom.

That said, don’t panic when you are not working.

Every experience, interaction, relationship, trip is changing your brain and your vision and will influence your next project.

Hang onto your so-called failures. Try and save them. They hold the key to everything that came before and comes after and are amazing to look down the road.

Trust your ideas. Of course, at certain moments your work may look similar to someone else’s, its inevitable. Just work through it, don’t turn away. Self criticism is one thing, self-sabotage is another.

Sometimes your loyalty will betray you, but it's a virtue you can’t compromise. source: artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-13 -artists-advice-younger

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shotby @beezshotme

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Thanks! for viewing ISSUE.03 of XXPLODE MAG

designed by @jonesandmary inspired by @boujeemustard

or email us for more info. nationofseven@yahoo.com. also visit issuu.com/xxplodemag to view our previous issues.

xxplodemag.03 . July 2019. issuu.com/xxplodemag

Follow us on instagram @ nationofseven for updates on the next issue. when submissions will be open for creatives that will like to be featured.

xxplodemag.03 . July 2019. made for creatives, art lovers, everyone.

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shotby@beezhotme model@tayngel_ [IG] 77

shotby Ryan Garry. @ im_rjg_ [IG]

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xxplodemag.03 July 2019.

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xxplodemag.03 . July 2019. issuu.com/xxplodemag . designedby @jonesandmary. cover photo by Cecile Andersen. @a.andersenphoto[IG] cover photo shot by Cecile Andersen.

model on cover: Kiara Ailene issuu.com/xxplodemag ISSUE.03 .XXPLODEMAG. JULY 2019 DESIGNED BY JACOB TETTEY

@ JONESANDMARY [IG]