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Chantell Hayden

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ESSENCE Girls United 2023 Summit featuring South African Songstress Tyla, Muni Long, BIA and More To Return To Atlanta

by Chantell Hayden
written by Chantell Hayden

The ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Disruptor Summit returns on November 11, 2023, in Atlanta, GA. The one-day event will be held at the PC&E soundstage from 10 AM to 5:30 PM EST and will serve as a safe space for young Black women, girls, and gender-expansive youth engage in panels, workshops, networking, activations, and more.

This year’s theme is “The Era of the Disruption” and inspires the new generation to come together and use their voices, innovate, share ideas and celebrate the richness of the Black experience.

The  lineups does not disappoint and includes sister-duo Jordyn & Jodie Woods, Fashion Blogger and Designer Aleali May, Social Media powerhouses Yung BBQ and Aliyah’s Interlude, ESSENCE Ventures President & CEO Caroline Wanga, and a live taping of Season 5 of If Not For My Girls with rapper BIA, singer-songwriter Muni Long and actress and comedian Pretty Vee.

Hailing from South Africa, singer-songwriter Tyla will mark her performance debut at ESSENCE Girls United. Her track “Water” gained TikTok fame and has since made a significant impact in the industry, earning her a No. 1 spot on Billboard’s U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, displacing “Calm Down” by Rema featuring Selena Gomez.

“ESSENCE GU continues to embrace the values of empowerment and leadership. With a strong focus on personal development, intellectual growth, and societal change, our initiative has been meticulously curated to inspire young women and girls, creating a ripple effect of disruptors,” said Essence Girls United Co-Creator Rechelle Dennis.

Participants can secure free tickets for the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United Disruptor Summit at https://www.essence.com/gusummit2023, with virtual access on ESSENCE.com and GirlsUnited.ESSENCE.com. Join the conversation on social media @ESSENCEGU, using #GUDisruptorSummit.

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Desi Banks and Waka Flocka Talk Their New Podcast ‘We Playin’ Spades’

by Chantell Hayden
written by Chantell Hayden

Amazon’s podcast platform Wondery unveils We Playin’ Spades, a video podcast with comedian and actor Desi Banks and rapper Waka Flocka Flame in a weekly card battle of spades. Each week, the Atlanta duo will challenge a new celebrity guest while sparking genuine conversations and entertaining encounters.

We Playin’ Spades premiered on Sep. 25. on Wondery+ with its first special guest Nick Cannon.

Playing spades is like a keystone for fostering unity, communication, and competition in the black community. The show is the first of its kind and is sure to give anticipated viewers a heavy dose of both black culture and entertainment.

The chemistry between Desi and Waka isn’t limited to their on-screen interactions. Their playful banter and clever comebacks demonstrate that their bromance extends beyond this collaboration.

“It just reminds me of some Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny Devito shit,” said Waka when talking to us about why people may be surprised by the unlikely pairing. “Like, what the fuck them two doing in a movie together?”

Much like the characters in the 1988 film “Twins,” Waka and Desi’s dynamic is unique. While we can’t say who would play the Schwarzenegger or DeVito roles, it’s clear that, like those iconic actors, Waka and Desi are determined to create a show that will achieve both success and cultural impact.

Desi is notably known for his funny sketches and videos on platforms like Instagram and YouTube. Since gaining popularity and a significant following across social media, he’s since ventured into film and TV. Now, Desi is headlining “The Purpose Chaser Tour” where he’ll be hitting cities throughout the U.S. including Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C.

Since his reign as one of the most renowned rap artists during the mid-2000s, Waka has reduced his involvement in music but his significant influence on southern rap remains undeniable. In fact, the chorus from his 2010 single “Grove St. Party” was recently integrated into fellow Atlanta rapper Latto’s latest song “Issa Party” featuring Baby Drill.

We Playin’ Spades is available widely from Oct. 2 on Amazon Music and YouTube.

Watch the trailer for We Playin’ Spades with appearances from rapper-actor Kamillion, Nick Cannon, and Lil Rel.

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Our Favorite Moments from REVOLT World 2023

by Chantell Hayden
written by Chantell Hayden

Previously ‘REVOLT Summit,’ REVOLT World kicked off in Atlanta Sep. 22-24 for another successful year brimming with entertainment, vibrant performances, food, workshops and panels.

This year entailed a stage for live tapings of popular REVOLT podcasts like The Jason Lee Show, Caresha Please, and Black Girl Stuff, and a “We Are Hip Hop” theme to celebrate hip-hop’s cultural impact worldwide.

“REVOLT WORLD was created to celebrate the global impact of hip hop and introduce a new live event category that represents the highest level of entertainment, education, and opportunity,” said Combs. “Our vision was to build on the tremendous success of REVOLT Summit and deliver a first-of-its-kind event that reimagined the intersection of culture, community, and connections with the most influential leaders across generations.”

The weekend featured a star-studded lineup including Don Toliver, Mr. Eazi, Uncle Waffles, Diddy, REVOLT CEO Detavio Samuels, Yung Miami, Juvenile, Babyface Ray, Jemele Hill, Spice, Uncle Luke, Lauren London, Joey BADA$$, Tyler Leplay, Sha’Carri Richardson and more.

 

Yung Miami’s “Caresha Please” Live with Guest Ari Fletcher

This was a long-awaited union that fans have been begging for and it finally became a reality at REVOLT World. All bets were off and no question was left unanswered as Yung Miami wasted no time delving into the world of Ari, widely recognized as ‘TheRealKyleSister’ across the internet. The lively exchange brought laughter, liquor and they engaged in both light-hearted moments and thoughtful discussions. Also, a kiss may or may not have occurred between the two during their sit down.

The interview didn’t reveal any groundbreaking information but it was entertaining to watch two friends sit back, have some drinks and catch up. Nonetheless, Caresha Please gave the audience everything they needed.

Juvenile, Mannie Fresh and Uncle Luke

Maybe it was the sudden drop in temperature as we transition to fall or maybe everyone had a long day but the crowd definitely did not reciprocate the energy that these three legends were giving us. Their careers started decades ago and they’re still able to get on stage and perform with the stamina of a Siberian Husky and amazing breath control while still remembering the lyrics their decades long catalog. They put a lot of today’s new artists to shame.

The one’s who understood the assignment rapped along to the 90s and 2000s southern hits like “I Need a Hot Girl,” “Slow Motion” and “I Wanna Rock.”

The Love Lounge

We know REVOLT is his brainchild but transforming an entire building in to a red-light district where his new The Love Album: Off The Grid plays on repeat over and over Is about the most Diddy thing that Diddy could do. This marks his fifth studio album and surpasses his 2010 release, “Last Train To Paris,” as his best work of art. The album boasts an all-star lineup, featuring a diverse group of artists, including Summer Walker, his latest Love Records label signee, Jozzy, as well as Justin Bieber and Busta Rhymes.

When entering the building, footage on the back wall appeared to depict Diddy’s journey during the album’s creation. Yung Miami in the video riding alongside Diddy with the convertible top down on a long road. Plush velvet sofas were scattered throughout the room, where guests lounged and enjoyed themed cocktails while listening to the album played.

Sex dungeon set-up aside, The Love Album Listening Experience was a nice vibe and an enjoyable break from the Atlanta heat.

Meditation in The Woods

We absolutely loved the tranquil space created by REVOLT, True Voice and wellness expert Alex Kaufmann. Situated by a lake with huge REVOLT World-branded inflatable balls floating across it, the cozy area designated for wellness check-ins and guided meditations was a necessary and thoughtful detail.

Everyday People

The weekend concluded with an explosive finale from Every Day People, a popular event company known for promising diversity, community and good music and that’s exactly what they delivered. The stage featured performances by Dancehall artist Byron Messiah, Mr. Eazi, and DJ Uncle Waffles, capping off the fantastic weekend.

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Victoria Monet Brings ’Jaguar II’ To Atlanta

by Chantell Hayden
written by Chantell Hayden

Victoria Monet took over Atlanta Tuesday night at the Buckhead Theatre, where she performed on her first, official headlining tour, The Jaguar Tour. On Aug. 25, the singer-songwriter released her debut studio album Jaguar II, the sequel to her 2020 EP Jaguar.

The Jaguar Tour kicked off Sep. 6 in Detroit and quickly made its way through the northeast until landing in her birth city of Atlanta. They packed the venue at every corner with fans dressed in Victoria’s signature brown hue. Once she opened the show with “Moment,” we were in for a legendary night.

The audience belted out every word as she danced along with her backup dancers to “Coastin’”, “FUCK” and “Jaguar” in a sheer brown two-piece embellished with crystals.

As she transitioned into “Party Girls” featuring Jamaican Dancehall artist Buju Banton, the audience could hear the familiar melody of Beyonce’s “Baby Boy” featuring Sean Paul intertwined with the track; a nod to one of her biggest inspirations.

Highlights from the night included her entrance during “Cadillac,” decked out in a bedazzled Zoot Suit and a fedora. Her signature dance break to Trillville’s “Some Cut” sparked a viral online dance challenge last year. Last, she couldn’t end the night without performing the standout track “On My Mama,” a song with a nostalgic early 2000s vibe and a heavy mix of R&B and Hip-Hop. The song samples Chalie Boy’s 2009 hit single “I Look Good.”  

Victoria Monet by Chanel Moye

Later, it was revealed that the VMAs felt it was “too early” for the Grammy-nominated artist to make her debut on their stage.

This isn’t the first time fans have had to work overtime to give their favorite artist the (rightful) recognition they deserve. Fans pressured MTV into allowing Normani to perform at the 2021 VMAs after they discovered they did not invite her to sing her new single “Wild Side” featuring Cardi B. 

Following her highly expected single “Motivation” and a messy split from the popular girl group Fifth Harmony, they set Normani to make her debut as a solo artist. Her 2019 VMA performance of the song was one of the best of the year, and naturally, expectations for what would come next were high.

So, when she and the eclectic rapper joined forces to release their chart-topping collaboration “Wild Side”, it surprised fans that the VMAs didn’t extend an invitation for her to perform, especially considering the waves the music video made online. However, MTV’s apparent snub left fans questioning the network’s influence in today’s music industry landscape.

There was a point when performing at the Video Music Awards was a pivotal moment in an artist’s career. Now, we aren’t so sure. There is something to be said about MTV’s long-standing culture of excluding black artists, but that’s a conversation for another day.  

While MTV was undermining her star power, she was preparing to embark on a sold-out tour. For the next three months, The Jaguar Tour will hit 22 cities across North America before ending in London on Nov. 15.

Amidst all the excitement around Jaguar II, the song was most excited to see Victoria perform on tour, is “Stop (Asking Me 4Shyt).” It is truly one of a kind and was the fan favorite of the night as the crows sang every word.

“Stop askin’ me for money, get your own

I barely even just got on

Do I look like a tree to you? Well, leaf me alone if I do”

…

“I need you to stop, askin’ me for shit Ooh, I put this on in case you forget”

As the show concluded, eager fans quickly exited the theater to glimpse the next spectacle: the massive billboard towering over the Buckhead Theatre. There, Victoria Monét lays in a seductive pose, clad in an all-black catsuit, and beneath her image, in bold letters, the sign proudly announces “SOLD OUT” with “Victoria Monét’s The Jaguar Tour” written below.

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Bryson Tiller Drops Original Song For ‘PAW Patrol’ Movie And Talks New Album

by Chantell Hayden
written by Chantell Hayden

If you’ve ever talked to or been around a child then you’ve probably heard of PAW Patrol.

The Nickelodeon children’s show first premiered in 2013 and has since spiraled into one of the network’s most successful shows. From toys and merchandise to live shows, PAW Patrol has accomplished what most children’s programs could only dream of doing: world domination.

It’s in your homes, in your phones, on your TV, and now in your theatres. PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie will be making its way to the big screen at the end of this month and expect to hear some familiar voices, as well.

The film includes a celeb-packed cast and voiceovers from Taraji P. Henson, Kim Kardashian and her kids North and Saint West, Kristen Bell, Marsai Martin, and more.

Based on the beloved characters from the show, PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie follows the whole gang of pups as they venture through their town of Adventure City to defeat supervillains and protect their community.

When a magical meteor crash lands in Adventure City, it gives the PAW Patrol pups superpowers, transforming them into The MIGHTY PUPS! For Skye, the smallest member of the team, her new powers are a dream come true. But things take a turn for the worse when the pups’ arch-rival Humdinger breaks out of jail and teams up with Victoria Vance, a meteor-obsessed mad scientist, to steal the superpowers and turn themselves into supervillains. With the fate of Adventure City hanging in the balance, the Mighty Pups have to stop the supervillains before it’s too late, and Skye will need to learn that even the smallest pup can make the biggest difference.

PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie features all-new, original songs from Bryson Tiller, Christina Aguilera, Mckenna Grace, and Blackbear.

Turns out the puppy cops are pretty popular amongst the adults, as well.

Bryson has been MIA musically for a while now but his initial reaction to being asked to be a part of the film’s soundtrack was nothing short of excitement.

“As soon as I saw it, I was like ‘hell yeah, I’m doing this right away.’”

We chatted with Bryson about his deep love for the puppies in uniform and, of course, when he plans on gracing us with new music.

So, let’s talk about this new song that you have for the new PAW Patrol film, “Down Like That.” Could you tell me more about how this came about, when you were approached with this were you all for it or did you need convincing from your kids?

Bryson Tiller: Oh no, I was all for it right away. They didn’t even have to- They didn’t even know about it. As soon as I saw it, excuse my language, I was just like “Hell yes” I’m doing this right away.

Really? Are you a PAW Patrol fan?

Bryson Tiller: It was just more so the fact that I just always wanted to be a part of something, you know, like a kid’s TV show or movie, you know, soundtrack or whatever. I watched the first movie with my daughter a while ago when it came out, the first PAW Patrol movie. So just yeah, it was a no-brainer for me.

Could we see you doing maybe some acting or voice-overs in the future?

Bryson Tiller: Acting, voiceovers, I don’t know. Maybe, yeah maybe voiceovers. I don’t know about acting.

Well, speaking of music, we all know you’ve kind of been in and out of the music scene over the years. So, when you do drop something does it feel like an unofficial return or like a warm-up for when you do officially drop?

Bryson Tiller: Sometimes I guess, I don’t know. I like to create music. People know this about me. I like to just, kind of the way I came up in the music industry was just creating something and releasing creations to the public right away on my own time. With albums and stuff, it’s a sample clearances and all this different stuff. So, it’s not like I can just make the music and then just upload it to Apple Music myself tomorrow. I wish that I could do it that way, I think that would be better. Just trying to get used to this new thing. So anyways, when I do release music it’s not really like, “Oh, I’m gearing up for my return! It’s coming!” or anything like that. I just like to create things and share them with the world.

That’s good to know. Cause I was definitely going to ask if you were pulling a Rihanna on us. I didn’t know if we would ever going to see you again, so you know, I just had to make sure. You’re very active on Twitch, you’re a full-time father. Sometimes you’re streaming, sometimes you’re making music for films like this or you’re doing features. Like, the song you did with Diddy recently. Or you might even drop a mini EP on SoundCloud. What can we expect from you in the future, musically? If you can talk about it, or if you’d like to talk about it!

Bryson Tiller: Yeah, absolutely I can talk about it. I’m releasing an album soon, I’ve been working on it for some time now. I finished it, well at least I thought I finished it earlier this year. I would say I finished the first phase of the album, like just something to listen to, dissect, and see what’s missing.

So, the first phase of the album, I finished it. Now I’m preparing to go back to LA to really finish this thing so I can release it on time for next year. Yeah, I’m super excited about it. You mentioned the Rihanna thing, I actually do plan on taking a bit of a hiatus after this album just to get closer to my kids and do a lot of other passions that are important to me.

PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie is in theaters September 29th. “Down Like That” is out now. Watch the lyric video below.

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Diddy, Rich Paul, Steve Harvey Drop Some Gems at Invest Fest 2023

by Chantell Hayden
written by Chantell Hayden

The 2023 Invest Fest led by Earn Your Leisure Podcast hosts Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings brought nearly 20,000 people to The Georgia World Congress Center this past weekend. Geared towards educating and networking with emerging minds navigating entrepreneurship, business, and finance in today’s socioeconomic climate, the 3-day festival hosted a VIP Night on Day 1 where Jermaine Dupri, rappers Jim Jones and Ja Rule, Lala Anthony, and Terrance J. popped out to speak on the power of ownership and being your own boss.

On Day 2, Influencers, celebrities, entrepreneurs, and small businesses hit the Earn Your Leisure and Fidelity stages to speak on several financial topics, from taxes and investing, to AI and real estate. Renowned experts across all industries hosted interactive workshops and panel discussions to offer knowledge to established and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Billionaire buddies and headliners Invest Fest headliners Diddy and Robert F. Smith were in attendance. During his talk with Rashad and Troy, Diddy gifted the Earn Your Leisure platform a check for $1,000,000 to invest in their business, which is now expanding on a global scale. Invest Fest is embarking on a world tour and will be in London in October. This isn’t your typical podcast. The platform has become much bigger than two men and a microphone. It’s also home to a vending business, a virtual university, and a streaming network.  

19 Keys hosted his panel ‘High-Level Conversations with 19 Keys’, where he spoke about turning your dreams into reality.

On Day 3, Chair of the California Reparations Task Force Kamilah Moore, Esq. joined Congressman Jamaal Bowman and Civil Rights Attorney Benjamin Crump, Esq. on the Fidelity Stage for a groundbreaking conversation surrounding reparations for the African diaspora across the globe.

From Attorney Crump detailing the strenuous yet rewarding work that went into recently attaining justice for Henrietta Lacks and her estate on her 103rd birthday to Kamilah breaking down how the California Reparations Task Force came to fruition; this group of black visionaries did not hold back and their testimonies were nothing short of inspirational. Congressman Bowman also shared some valuable insights into the voting in the upcoming elections and the importance of crowdfunding.

NBA player Lonzo Ball, Maverick Carter, Cam Newton, Fox Sports host Joy Taylor, Sports Agent and mogul Rich Paul also showed up to Invest Fest on their a-game during their respective panels.

Other standout moments from the weekend include The Women In Business panel featuring Tabitha Brown, the Hair & Cosmetics panel with influencer and Remedy By Ari CEO Ari Fletcher, Mielle Organics founder Monique Rodriguez, and Topicals founder and CEO Olamide Olowe, and the live showing of The Know For Sure Podcast with influencers B. Simone and Megan Ashley at the Earn Your Leisure Podcast stage.

Speakers like Steve Harvey and Galaxy Investment Firm CEO Michael Novogratz kept the high energy going on Day 3. Before closing out the weekend with a performance, Jeezy stopped by the Invest Fest Vendor Marketplace where happily signed copies of his new book Adversity For Sale for fans. Vendor Marketplace housed dozens of booths for small business owners to sell and promote their products and services.

Businesses included clothing boutiques, health and wellness, beauty and hair, and tech. A DJ booth sat in the center of the room with multiple DJs providing the vibes all weekend.

 

 

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Atlanta Photographer Cam Kirk Talks How He Went From Being The Rapper Whisperer to The Head Of His Own Empire

by Chantell Hayden
written by Chantell Hayden

“I went from selling rapper to selling celebrity.”

That’s how Cam Kirk describes his growth. A Black visionary hailing from PG County, his birth name is a now a household name. Though born in Maryland, the Cam Kirk we now know today was born in Atlanta.

Just a few feet away from the legendary strip club popular Magic City is Cam Kirk Studios, a multi-functional studio that serves as a headquarters for the photographer.

Portraits decorates the walls throughout the studio. Huge portraits of Megan Thee Stallion, Migos and other celebrities he has worked with in the past hang near the entrance of the studio. Joining those are cut-outs of articles highlighting his work and his accolades. The studio is small in scale but it makes up for its lack of size in its energy.

A bright, neon white replica of the ‘Magic City’ sign is the standout. Another one of Cam’s earliest portraits, a black and white photo taken of rapper Gucci Mane surrounded by money, drugs and guns, hangs in another room in the studio and is one of his personal favorites. Taken before Cam Kirk Studios had even come to life, the photographer was still finding his place in photography.

Getting in where he could fit in wasn’t hard. Atlanta is full of artists and influencers and you’re bound to run in to someone who can help you. The Six Degrees of Separation theory is more like two or three in Atlanta, but Cam knew from early on that his goals would require more than just fitting in. The foundation was there but it wasn’t sturdy. He needed to stay in.

After linking up with producer Metro Boomin in a dorm room at Morehouse College some years back, his alma mater, Cam learned the importance of networking across. He’d toured the country with some of the biggest names in Hip-Hop but getting his name out there has become a challenge. He realized that with the right people on his team he could achieve the unthinkable and bring his community along with him. Thus, his transition from selling rapper to selling celebrity.

Cam prefers to catch his subjects in their element. Poses aren’t necessary and sometimes his clients don’t even have to look at the camera. All he asks is that they show up as their authentic selves.

“I like to create an environment where my subject can naturally be themselves. I try to create an environment where they can freestyle and I can just capture their essence.”

This would explain why Cam has gotten so far in this industry. His reserved yet laid-back disposition makes him almost too easy to work with but his work ethic is what really makes him shine. We’re used to seeing photographers lay low behind the scenes but Cam doesn’t shy away from making his presence known beyond the lens.

These days when Cam isn’t behind the viewfinder, he can be found at his studio hosting his creative workshop Night School he educates aspiring artists on how to navigate their respective fields and make the most out of their interests. His other two babies, a photographer label and a streaming platform podcasts, sports, and more.

We connected with Cam to discuss what it was like working for his one of his idol’s Young Jeezy, his newfound love for playing golf, content creation, and growing up in Maryland.

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Higgins Hotel Is New Orleans Best Kept Secret

by Chantell Hayden
written by Chantell Hayden

Magazine Street is one of the most popular streets in New Orleans. In addition to its proximity to everything, the six-mile-long street is known for its wide range of restaurants, bars, boutiques, and convenient stores lining each side of the street — Keep reading to hear about some of our favorites —and is a fun spot for tourists like me to explore.

The Ernest M. Morial Convention Center is a mere few blocks away. The French Quarter is about a 10-minute drive. Caesars Superdome, formerly known as Mercedes-Benz Superdome up until 2021, is a 20-minute walk.

But on the corner of Magazine Street and Andrew Higgins Blvd lies Higgins Hotel. Though a part of the Curio by Hilton franchise, what separates Higgins Hotel from other hotels in the city is that it is owned and solely operated by the National WWII Museum. The property was named after Andrew Higgins, the founder of Higgins Industries, who designed thousands of boats used in World War II right in New Orleans.

Directly across the street from the hotel is the The National World War II Museum where visitors can tour various exhibits dedicated to celebrating America’s contributions during WWII.

Photo by Chantell Hayden.

The hotel’s exterior resembles the typical art deco architecture of the early 1930s. Big geometric shapes on the outside of the building with sky-high ceilings and gold accents on the inside, especially in the lobby. The perfect balance between classic and contemporary.

If you visit Higgins Hotel’s website you’ll see this quote: “Honoring History Heroes and Heartfelt Hospitality.” That’s not an exaggeration. This location has over 200 guest rooms that vary from queen and king to suites. The bathroom was clean and crisp with elegant marble floors and a roomy glass-door shower.

Each room is modeled after the 1940s and 50s style décor but with a contemporary twist. Photos from World War II are hung on the walls with a 55-inch TV sitting atop a dark oak wood table.

But the best part, and my personal favorite, was the bed. I’m not kidding when I say that mornings were hard because I never wanted to leave my bed. Room details on the website described the beds as “luxurious” and that was not an exaggeration. The mattress was comfy and the sheets smelled like one of my favorite scents — fresh linen. Yes, I know they’re supposed to smell like that but that’s not always the case at some hotels.

Photos by Chantell Hayden.

And when the linen started to feel not so fresh, the front desk was just a call away. Throughout my stay, I ordered room service, fresh towels, and bedding that arrived within 20 minutes. Higgins Hotel did not play when it came to servicing their guests. The staff was constantly on top of things which was impressive since it was one of the busiest weeks for the hotel.

I watched all kinds of guests come in and out of the hotel. Some were famous, like R&B singer Anthony Hamilton and rapper Jadakiss, and some were not but they were all treated with the same respect and attentiveness that I had the pleasure of being on the receiving end of.

I’ve been to many cities all over the country and New Orleans has one of the most beautiful skylines I’ve ever seen, by far. If you’re like me and love rooftop bars during the Summer, Higgins Hotel has the perfect view.

Higgins Hotel Rooftop. Photo by Chantell Hayden.

Higgins Hotel Rooftop. Photo by Chantell Hayden.

The Crescent City Connection Bridge is a massive bridge that crosses over the Mississippi River and lights up beautifully at night, a view that can be seen from your room or the rooftop.

On the 9th floor, you’ll find Rosie’s on the Roof. Inspired by World War 2 feminist doll Rosie the Riveter, this full-service rooftop bar and restaurant includes an indoor and outdoor area with couches circling a TV for guests to sit and watch while enjoying a chilled, crafted cocktail while watching the sunset.

Photo by Chantell Hayden.

The location is convenient and easy to find which is a blessing. After a long night out, the last thing I want to do is search through my phone just to remember where I’m staying. With an address as simple as 1000 Magazine Street, rattling off my destination to a taxi driver when Uber and Lyft became too expensive was almost too easy.

That’s another thing I love about the city: the accessibility. The native New Yorker in me is pretty used to walking everywhere. But in a city where the temperature and humidity levels are almost ungodly, walking isn’t always ideal. And amid Essence Fest, rideshare prices can be a pain. So, what’s another convenient alternative? Taxis!

While taxis may be an ancient concept to some, they’re just as good as your favorite rideshare app and more affordable. The people in New Orleans are very nice (something I wasn’t expecting, sorry!) so you’ll most likely end up with a super chill, laid-back driver that’ll gladly hand over their business card if you’re ever in need of a ride to dinner or the airport.

Besides easy transportation, if there’s one thing you can count on while here it’s good food. You’ll never get tired of it. Seriously.

New Orleans’s Garden District is saturated in gorgeous 19th-century homes shaded by trees littered with Spanish moss and Mardi Gras beads hooked onto the rusted metal gates surrounding the homes.

You’ll find El Paso on Magazine Street has the most flavorful chips and salsa you’ll ever have. Bring a friend and get two margaritas for $10 during their happy hour. On the way there, you might pass United Apparel Liquidators, a luxury thrift store with discounted designer shoes, clothes, and accessories. I found a $200 pair of Amina Mauddi heels in great condition that could’ve been mine had I packed more responsibly.

A few blocks around the corner sits a quaint neighborhood favorite called Atchafalaya.

Sitting on the corner of Louisiana Ave, this gem has a gumbo that could easily rival some of New Orleans’s best; or at least that’s what the bartender told me. Crispy slices of smoky duck and savory chicken masked in thick, dark fatty roux. It was my first bowl of gumbo ever, so I had nothing to compare it to. But it tasted great. I’ll try the seafood gumbo next time.

The real winner, though, was the shrimp and grits. While not exclusive to New Orleans, Atchafalaya’s Shrimp and Grits should be the standard for every restaurant’s shrimp and grits. The creamy grits topped with fresh, juicy shrimp straight from the Gulf Coast was perfection.

And you can’t leave New Orleans without eating some beignets. Almost every restaurant in the city will have them on their menu but Café Normandie in the lobby of Higgins Hotel has great beignets and a wide selection of food for breakfast and lunch. Then walk a couple of steps over to Kilroy’s for a nightcap.

Photo by Chantell Hayden.

 

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Beignets and Bootays: Essence Fest 2023 Brought The Heat To New Orleans

by Chantell Hayden
written by Chantell Hayden

The NOAA Climate Forecast System predicted this year’s Fourth of July as a record breaking “hottest day” ever. While global warming could very well be the reason for this, we think it was just the residual heat from Megan thee Stallions performance at Essence Fest.

The annual Essence Festival was back in its home of New Orleans for another full weekend of fun events, performances and panels and more. Now, every year at Essence Fest is a good time but this year being the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop made it extra special. And the sweltering heat was no match for this year’s star-studded lineup.

Jill Scott, Monica, Juvenile, Mannie Fresh, Jagged Edge, Jermaine Dupri, Big Boi, Ludacris, Ice Cube, Slick Rick and Janelle Monae are only a few of the artists that graced the stage at The Caesars Superdome Friday and Saturday night.

Friday night’s headliner Lauryn Hill killed her performance, despite her tardiness. The Grammy-nominated songstress stylishly strolled on stage adorned in an all-black fit with a massive pleated, ruffle top and showed us why she is and will always be one of the most defining musicians of our time. Fellow Fugees member and long-time collaborator Wyclef Jean also joined the star on stage. Comedian and actor Deon Cole kept the good vibes going through in between performances as the host for the night.

Saturday night brought even more energy. Missy Elliot gave a show-stopping performance with a nostalgic medley of her award-winning catalogue.

Hosted by Abbot Elementary star Janelle James with sounds by the legendary DJ Spinderella, Sunday night’s concert included performances from several artists like Remy Ma, Salt-N-Pepa, Mia X, Eve, Angie Martinez and Megan Thee Stallion to help commemorate Hip-Hop 50. Rapper and New Orleans finest Lil Wayne surprised fans with an impromptu but, nonetheless, epic performance.

Wizkid and Tems brought Nigeria to New Orleans and linked up to perform 2022’s song of the summer “Essence.”

But Big Boi, Ludacris and Megan Thee Stallion took the cake (no pun intended) for our favorite performances from the weekend.

Big Boi had everyone on their feet as he rapped along to his iconic OutKast hit “The Way You Move” in his standard long, fur coat. Ludacris gave us hit after hit like “Move Bitch” and brought out Lil Jon for their 2000 collaboration “Bia Bia.”

And last but certainly not least, Sunday night the Houston Hottie Megan Thee Stallion had every cheek in Caesars Superdome shaking while dozens of fans joined her on stage for an iconic twerk battle.

Tons of events and panels took place, some simultaneously, at The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center where dozens of vendors from fashion to beauty were housed for the weekend. Guests could purchase from their favorite black owned businesses all under one roof.

Popular beauty and lifestyle company BeautyCon made their return to the beauty scene after a four-year hiatus and with a new owner — Essence Ventures, LLC. BeautyCon is an annual event made to highlight new trendy products in the industry, with the help of makeup influencers, celebrities and fans. It’s safe to say the company is in good hands as they plan to introduce a whole new BeautyCon experience for everyone to enjoy very soon.

What better way to make a comeback than at one of the largest festivals in the U.S.? Guests were able to stop by the BeautyCon booth and listen to singer Coco Jones and Shea Moisture President of Beauty & Wellbeing Cara Robinson Sabin recall their experiences in the beauty industry as black women.

Oprah Winfrey, Taraji P. Henson and Danielle Brooks all came together for a special conversation surrounding the legacy of the 1985 coming-of-age film The Color Purple. Winfrey, Henson and Brooks all play a major role in the upcoming reboot of the film set to release later this year on Christmas Day.

Vice President Kamala Harris even joined the fun as she spoke on a panel for a conversation on the fight for reproductive freedom and the socioeconomic development of the black community alongside Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen.

Other panel speakers included Dominique Fishback, Tyler James Williams, Michelle Williams, YoYo, Roxanne Shanté, Jacob Latimore and Kim Whitley.

 

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