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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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ArtEvents

On the Scene: Delphine Diallo presents exhibition “Rhythm and Flow: Celebrating the Fluidity of Femineity”

by Bianca Brutus
written by Bianca Brutus

Delphine Diallo is a visual artist and photographer who’s captivated the industry with her deep exploration of women, race, and history through her lens.  A major aspect of Diallo’s work is mythology. She often makes her subjects appear almost as powerful mythical beings in her photos. Each photograph tells a unique story, showcasing the strength, vulnerability, and grace of feminity.

Prior to the reveal of the works, a short film “Soulscapes: The Artistic Journey of Delphine Diallo,” was shown.”Soulscapes” sees Diallo in Paris, New York, and Miami encapsulated by moments of nature and movement. In a park in New York, she gives a demonstration of how Tai Chi helps her to balance her mind and body so that she may explore the soul of her creations. One clip sees her submerged by water at a beach symbolizing rebirth and clips of fire that symbolize death. As the film develops, Diallo brings viewers along her creative journey. She discusses how carefully stacking images and other components gives her collages the narrative richness they possess. The film was directed by Nicole Ianniello and produced by DK Johnston, with cinematography by Marissa Kaiser, additional footage by Marilyn Clark,  and edited by Dorian Duvall.

Delphine Diallo, Mark Musselman

Seeing the actual work Diallo was able to create from this film was stunning. With a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the beauty of the female form, Diallo photographs the simple movements of woman. Each frame is adorned in an intricate collage of images. The collages contain images of  historical African art and photographs of the human body. The border additionally seems woven by braids, a staple of Black culture. Diallo’s work has often voiced the struggles and beauty of the Black diaspora. This exhibition served as a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and the celebration of Black beauty. It is through such exhibitions that honor and elevate narratives that have been historically marginalized. Diallo’s talent and dedication shine through every captured moment, making the photos a remarkable and inspiring experience that will leave a lasting impact on all who have the privilege to witness it.

The exhibition is on display at 685 Third Avenue through November 2023.

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EventsNews

CultureCon to Host Week Long Festival in New York.

by Kadeem Lundy
written by Kadeem Lundy

CultureCon will return to New York this October for a week of non-stop programming, and will introduce a job fair and host a creative block party. CultureCon is presented by Max and major partners include Max, American Express, SheaMoisture, Prime Video and Freevee, Clinique, Google, CÎROC, Bulleit, Seedlip, Patreon, Paramount+, Kickstarter, NBCUniversal, Spotify, Walmart, Ben & Jerry’s, Coca-Cola, Smart Water, Like To Know It, Visible, Dotdash Meredith, Foot Locker, TikTok, Getty Images, Nielsen, #CultureTags, Tillary, and Brooklyn Navy Yard. CultureCon was created by the Creative Collective NYC (TheCCNYC)which is a community dedicated to curating brave spaces for diverse creatives and young professionals which started in Imani Ellis’ one-bedroom apartment, and has now parlayed into the largest collective dedicated to providing networking events and resources for diverse creatives and young professionals.

It was recently announced that DeAndre Brown AKA The Corporate Baddie and Hot 97’s Miabelle are confirmed to co-host a day filled with curated workshops and interactive activations at the highly-anticipated conference taking place on Saturday, October 7, and Sunday, October 8 in New York City. Also scheduled to make appearances this year at the festival are Teyana Taylor and Jharrel Jerome. Past CultureCon™ speakers include Tracee Ellis Ross, Will Smith, Spike Lee, John Legend, Regina King, Lena Waithe, Keke Palmer, Sanaa Lathan, and more. CultureCon will be preceded by Culture Con week October 2-6.

During the the first-ever Creative Career Job Fair, attendees can meet with recruiters and learn about career opportunities in real time. Max, Walmart, Shea Moisture, Prime Video, Clinique, NBCUniversal, Google, and Kickstarter are all confirmed to participate. On Sunday, October 8, CultureCon Day Two continues with even more panels and workshops and hosts its first Creative Block Party to close out the weekend.

Tickets for both days are now on-sale by visiting , www.theccnyc.com/culturecon

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EntertainmentEventsUncategorized

Inside Sean Paul’s Exclusive Performance Celebrating Vita Coco Spiked With Captain Morgan

by Jillian Fabiano
written by Jillian Fabiano

Boston is officially on island time!

Coconut water brand Vita Coco and Captain Morgan have recently teamed up to bring the Caribbean to store shelves nationwide. As part of a multi-city “Tropical Takeover Tour” in celebration of Vita Coco Spiked with Captain Morgan, Jamaican rapper Sean Paul gave an exclusive performance at The Grand in Boston on Sept. 14.

The Grand was transformed into a tropical paradise with everything from palm trees and hammocks to signature Captain Morgan mixed drinks. The good vibes got even better when Paul took the stage to perform his top hits, including Sia’s “No Lie,” Clean Bandit’s “Rockabye,” and of course, “Temperature.”

Noteworthy guests of the night included 106 and Park host, Free.

Paul expressed his excitement regarding his partnership with the brands earlier this year in an exclusive interview with The Knockturnal. “In Jamaica we have a culture of rum tasting and drinking and when we do beach parties we usually put coconut water in our rum so it’s a perfect match for me,” the rapper said in June. “I love how it tastes.“

And Paul is right—this collab is so good that it will make you want to shake that thing. Made with real coconut water and Caribbean Rum, Vita Coco Spiked with Captain Morgan canned cocktails are available in three flavors: Piña Colada, Strawberry Daiquiri and Lime Mojito.

“It’s a way for me to spread a part of my culture as a Jamaican boy,” Paul continued, “and let people know how we do it.”

If you are 21+, visit captainmorgan.com to purchase your own vacation in a can.

 

 

 

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EventsFashion & Beauty

On The Scene: NYFW Dennis Basso SS24 Show

by Claire Kay Hernandez
written by Claire Kay Hernandez

New York Fashion Week witnessed an awe-inspiring spectacle on September 11th as the Dennis Basso Spring-Summer 2024 show hit the runway.

The Dennis Basso brand has always been synonymous with the highest quality luxury goods. Nestled in the heart of New York City, the brand’s studio has been a hub of expert craftsmanship for decades. Meticulously handmade designs have always been the hallmark of the brand’s dedication to fashion, modernity, and innovation.

For the Spring-Summer 2024 collection, Dennis Basso drew inspiration from the enduring style, strength, and grace of great American families across generations. It was a tribute to the iconic women who personify American glamour – confident, free-spirited, and endlessly vivacious. The runway became a stage for these visions of modernity; poised and polished looks breezed through the runway.

The collection embraced occasion day dressing and special evening wear tailored for summer resorts and sunny winter havens. Silk chiffon, tweed, satin face organza, and embroidered lace draped the models, exuding elegance. Man-tailored jackets with a feminine twist, petite evening boleros, and urbane jumpsuits mingled with stunning one-shouldered silhouettes, flared cocktail dresses, and flowing gowns. The palette ranged from pale blue to midnight black, polka dots to bronze, copper, and pristine white. Each piece was adorned with meticulously handmade flowers, adding a touch of couture magic to the collection.

The Dennis Basso SS24 show was not just a fashion event but a celebration of American elegance and craftsmanship. It was a testament to the enduring allure of timeless luxury and the artistry that goes into creating it. As the models sashayed down the runway in their gowns, Dennis Basso once again reminded the world why he is a legend in the fashion industry – because true style never goes out of fashion.

Photography by: GERARDO SOMOZA

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EntertainmentEvents

On The Scene: Organic Valley Unveils Climate Week Pop-up at Chanel Gardens in Rockefeller Center

by Sydney Hargrove
written by Sydney Hargrove

In the heart of the bustling metropolis that is New York City, a quiet revolution is taking root. This Climate week, a counterpoint to urban intensity is emerging on the horizon. It’s a vision of a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future, and it’s being cultivated by none other than Organic Valley, a trailblazing pioneer in organic agriculture and the exclusive food program sponsor of NYC Climate Week 2023.

In an extraordinary cross between the rural and the urban, Organic Valley is bringing an immersive pop-up farm experience to the Channel Gardens at Rockefeller Center during NYC Climate Week, to show how small organic dairy farms can help reverse the effects of climate change when consumers choose to support vibrant, diverse environments that produce nutritious, delicious food. 

NYC Climate Week holds crucial importance, as the annual event has come to symbolize the city’s commitment to addressing the pressing issues of our time. Nestled amidst the skyscrapers of Rockefeller Plaza and the ceaseless hum of city life, the event aims to raise awareness about the importance of small, organic dairy farms and, bridging the gap between the urban lifestyle and the charm of life on the farm.

As the world grapples with the complex and urgent challenges of climate change, food sustainability, and the preservation of our planet’s precious ecosystems, Organic Valley’s presence in New York City represents a beacon of hope, a call to action, and an invitation to all of us to rethink our relationship with the environment. 

“Learn to milk a cow at Rockefeller Center” was definitely not a headline that any New Yorker was expecting to hear this week. The fountains at the iconic Chanel Gardens were cleared out and replaced with grass and flowers to mimic a Wisconsin dairy farm. Today and tomorrow, patrons can head right up to the former fountains to the main event, a topiary cow where “milking lessons” will take place! The activation also includes a ton of fun events, including free samples of Organic Valley Cheese, signing a ‘pledge mural’ on the barn to commit to supporting small organic family farms, taking photos on a vintage tractor and the chance to win free Organic Valley milk for a year!!

In addition to the activation, Organic Valley has launched their “Protecting Where Your Food Comes From” Campaign. The organic brand brought 6 farmers from across the country to Rockefeller Center, where they took over the Channel Gardens. New Yorkers are noticing the subway takeovers covered in the natural scenes from Organic Valley farms, hand-painted billboards, and bus shelters across the city. Organic Valley says that they want to inspire people to protect where their food comes from by choosing climate-friendly dairy from small organic family farms. 

Founded in 1988 in La Farge, Wisconsin, Organic Valley has since evolved into one of the leading and most trusted brands in the organic food industry. At the heart of their mission is a commitment to promoting organic agriculture, environmental stewardship, and the well-being of farmers, consumers, and the planet. The organization is dedicated to supporting organic farming practices, which prioritize the use of natural and sustainable methods over synthetic chemicals and genetically modified organisms. They believe that organic farming not only produces healthier food but also helps protect the soil, water, and biodiversity for future generations. As a cooperative of family farmers, Organic Valley encourages its members to adhere to rigorous organic standards.

We highly recommend heading over to Rockefeller Center to check out the activation! Hear more about Organic Valley here!

 

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EventsFeatured

FRESH FLAVOR! Cooking with McCormick and Doug E. Fresh

by Danielle Niecey
written by Danielle Niecey

Thursday, September 14, 2023. The Institute of Culinary Education, Brookfield Place, Manhattan, New York City — The Knockturnal was cordially invited to a tasty gathering, “Cooking with McCormick and Doug E. Fresh” and renowned McCormick Chef, Cindy Gilbert at the Institute of Culinary Education located in Brookfield Place. The class began with a meet and greet and photo opportunity with legendary Hip Hop and beatboxing extraordinary, Doug E Fresh (yes, that Doug E. Fresh, from the Legendary Get Fresh Crew). 

On the 3rd floor of the immaculate waterfront property, Brookfield Place, guests entered into an exclusive dining and kitchenette space where we were warmly greeted by the McCormick spice team, registered and handed name plates for our cooking stations. The guests, aka the cooking novices, mingled and sipped signature cocktails along with  light appetizers as we discussed our excitement to cook the selected dish of the evening: Spiced Cod with Mashed Plantains.  At 7:30pm, sharp, chef Cindy Gilbert took charge and had us suit up for the cooking class demonstration with seasoned (no pun intended) hip hop veteran, Doug E Fresh. 

The week prior to the live cooking demonstration, Doug E Fresh and McCormick partnered together to deliver a flavor-full song and new music video. The collaboration, as they say in the Hip Hop world, was formed to celebrate the milestone of 50 years of Hip Hop alongside the king of Fresh himself and with the iconic seasoning brand, McCormick, releasing its first newly designed bottle in nearly 40 years. To our surprise, the beatboxing champ not only keeps it fresh on record, but inspired the dish of the evening. Doug E and Cindy Gilbert led the way as we mixed and matched up spices to try his new original recipe with the use of McCormick.


The ingredients for the Spiced Cod and Mashed Plantains were inspired by the love for his heritage and his instinctual cravings for Caribbean cuisine. The delicious dish was super easy to make, only needing a prep time of 15 minutes and cooked in under an hour (45 minutes to be exact). 

The recipe for the Spiced Cod with Mashed Plantains, included: 

  • 4 Cod filets 
  • and began with boiling 3-4 medium sized plantains, peeled and chopped in a pot of water 
  • and ½ a  cup of coconut milk

Once placed on the stove, the newbie cooks were instructed to redirect their attention to creating the spice blend for their dry rub to add to their Cod. 

The spiced Cod would be covered in (or sprinkled, based on individual palate preference) with the following herbs: 

    • 2 teaspoons of McCormick Garlic Powder, 
    • 1 teaspoons of McCormick’s Thyme Leaves; 
    • ½ teaspoons of McCormick’s Crushed red pepper; 
    • ¼ teaspoons McCormick’s Ground Allspice; 
    • ¼ teaspoons McCormick’s Ground Cinnamon; 
    • ½ teaspoons of salt; 
    • and 2 teaspoons of oil

 

After blending the spices, each guest chef dry rubbed their individual filets to their taste preference and sent it off to the fryer for a total cook time of 6 – 8 minutes, rotating the cod every 3 to 4 minutes on each side until done. 

Shortly after, the chefs were instructed by head chef Cindy Gilbert, to remove the boiled plantains, add a cup of the boiled coconut milk and water to the plantains and mash them into a mashed potato-like consistency. Once plated, our dishes held a generous portion of mashed plantains and were topped with our flavor packed Cod. To enhance the natural flavors of the plated dish, garnishes of pickled red onions, diced red peppers and cilantro were accented on the Cod. To compliment our Spiced Cod and mashed plantains, the Institute of Culinary Education prepared and served sides of  braised kale. 

Following the demonstration, we sat with Doug E Fresh and McCormick team to relish in and savor our meals. The evening closed with a surprise “Happy Birthday” song and vegan chocolate cake presented to  Doug E Fresh and the guests departed with take-home gifts of utensils and spices courtesy of McCormick. We also received a cool bluetooth speaker in the shape of an old school cassette tape, loaded with Doug E Fresh’s new, “Get Fresh” song for McCormick’s 40 year Red Cap re-design. Try out the Spiced Cod and Mashed Plantains recipe out for yourself and let us know what you think. Enjoy (and, in the words of Doug E Fresh, “Get Fresh ya’ll”)!

 

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