Power Book III: Raising Kanan is gearing up for an eagerly awaited return on December 1st, marking the arrival of its highly anticipated third season. The stakes are set high, especially after the intense season two finale, where Unique’s unexpected intervention during Sal’s multi-group assault left fans on the edge of their seats. As the premiere date approaches, viewers are eager to witness the repercussions unfold for pivotal characters like Kanan, Raquel, Howard, and Unique.
Having had the exclusive opportunity to preview the first three episodes of Raising Kanan’s third season, this non-spoiler preview aims to shed light on what audiences can anticipate in the Season 3 premiere. One notable highlight is the deeper exploration of Unique’s character as his family takes center stage, providing additional layers to his enigmatic persona. Joey Bada$$ is garnering praise for his portrayal, infusing Unique’s character with a more human and nuanced dimension.
The episode delves into Kanan’s evolving sense of distrust towards Raquel, stemming from past events, as he embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about her. Alongside this central narrative, there is an intriguing subplot involving Kanan and Famous, who harbor aspirations of entering the world of illegal business. Simultaneously, law enforcement becomes more vigilant in response to the escalating drug trade, a direct consequence of the Season 2 finale’s bloodbath.
Jukebox’s storyline takes a poignant turn as she grapples with the aftermath of her mother’s death from the Season 2 finale. This sets the emotional tone for her character arc throughout the season, with an anticipated heart-rending scene between Jukebox and Raquel promising to add significant depth to the storyline.
Viewers are advised to brace themselves for two unexpected scenes—one featuring an unforeseen plot twist and another described as a jaw-dropping moment that will leave them questioning the reality of the events.
The first episode of Raising Kanan’s third season sets the tone with a grounded and grittier atmosphere. The characters, navigating through unforeseen situations, promise heightened suspense and drama. The commendable direction of the episode not only captures attention but also sets the stage for a season filled with unforeseen twists and turns, elevating the overall viewing experience for fans of the Power series.
Nestled into the candle lit, lower level of Champers Social Club NYC; Novara founder, Reshona Jessamy, hosted an intimate dinner to celebrate World Kindness Day on November 15.
Saved by acts of kindness during her own struggles with depression, and while overcoming a suicide attempt, Jessamy dedicates her skincare line to paying it forward. For this reason, each Novara product is packaged with affirmations.
“We created thousands of unique messages,” the gracious Jessamy noted before dinner commenced. “Those messages are really meant to spread kindness, and to uplift and inspire women.”
“Often times when we think about kindness, we think that it’s just about being nice, but kindness is more than that,” she continued. “It’s uplifting one another, it’s generosity, it’s compassion and it’s self care. So first, I implore you to be kind to yourself.”
Providing consumers with an opportunity to show themselves kindness, Novara, so far, consists of six key products know as the Waterfall Collection. The collection consists of: the soft cream Purifying Cleanser, an Illuminating Serum, their oil free Hydrating Cream; not to be confused with the Ultra Hydrating Cream, a Resurfacing Serum for texture improvement and lastly, the micro-exfoliating Revitalizing Essence treatment. Beyond gaining the benefits of each product, supporting Novara is an act of advocacy for suicide prevention since 20% of profits are donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Linking beauty and mental health as a mother, career woman, wife and entrepreneur, Jessamy continues to walk in her purpose as she uses her platform to show others why it’s important for them to do the same.
VIPS and partygoers flooded Vegas this past weekend for the inaugural race weekend, making Las Vegas and F1 history. All of the top DJs, Music Artist, Actors, Athletes and Entrepreneurs flocked to the hottest events and happenings all week long from November 16th through the 19th. Everyone from Brad Pitt to Jennifer Lopez could be seen and heard popping around town.
Allē Lounge on 66 added to the excitement by transforming into ‘TURN 66’, an exclusive late-night hospitality series by leading experiential partner CMG (Corso Marketing Group) following the evening race and qualifying night run. Hosted by global hospitality leader Richie Akiva, known for curating the most A-List of events globally, and music artist Badius, the two-night after affair catered to VIP guests on Friday and Saturday nights, November 17th and 18th, for an exclusive post-race celebration perched above the Las Vegas Strip on the 66th floor of Resorts World Las Vegas’ Conrad Tower. Featuring captivating 360 degree views and a stellar lineup of famed world class DJs including DJ Pee .Wee aka Anderson .Paak, Guy Gerber, Kaz James, Ruckus, Vice, Carlita, DJ Tennis, Swaylo and Miramar.
The high energized late night party that went until 6am for two straight nights was attended by notable talent such as Travis Scott, Swizz Beatz, Zedd, Odell Beckham Jr, Glen Powell, Nyjah Huston, Swae Lee, Heidi Klum, Tom Kaulitz, David Dobrik, Badius, Ross Butler, Jessica Serfati, Leonardo Del Vecchio, Michael Rubin, Will Makris, Mark Birnbaum, Bobby Kennedy III, Taras Romanov, Leon Bridges, Rufus Du Sol, Christopher Schwarzenegger, Galen Gering, Amber Black, Haley Amaya, Chloe Hock, La Demi, Jessica Belkin, Sienna Raine, Chord Overstreet and many more.
The room of music artists, supermodels, athletes, influencers, VIPs and top global entrepreneurs sipped on top shelf spirits, Heineken Silver and Red Bull fueled the evening. The party went until the sun could be seen rising over the Las Vegas Strip and mountains from the floor to ceiling windows of the extraordinary and sophisticated venue that played home to the late night fete.
ZOUK, the nightclub at Resorts World, also had headliners Travis Scott, Zedd and Tiesto, who performed each night of the weekend racing events.
Corso Marketing Group is a leading experiential agency that was also on the ground for F1 Vegas handling the Heineken House at the track, featuring a three day series of programmed DJs, artists and performances as well as additional Resorts World and Zouk Group programming.
Follow @CorsoMG @RichieAkiva #Turn66 @ResortsWorldLV on social channels
All photos courtesy of Resorts World LV
Most of us can name a sports film that has held a special place in our hearts for a long time. Taika Waititi’s new film, Next Goal Wins, achieves a heartfelt relief in the world of cinema today by focusing on not just the sport or need to win, but on the family that helps you get to at least that one goal.
On Saturday, Nov. 11. the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United Disruptor Summit returned to Atlanta, offering a vibrant celebration of the diverse facets of the black experience. With the support of Coca-Cola and McDonald’s, attendees of all ages gathered for a day filled with panels, beauty, and music.
Throughout the lively event, trays of complimentary McDonald’s French Fries circulated the venue while guests engaged in various activities including photo-booths, crafting flower crowns, and more.
Essence Ventures President & CEO Caroline Wanga kicked off the event with her ‘Disrupt or Be Disrupted’ panel. A thought-provoking episode of the podcast ‘If Not for My Girls’ featured comedian and actress Pretty Vee, rapper BIA, and singer-songwriter Muni Long discussing walking in one’s purpose and aspiring for more.
Girls United Co-Founders Rechelle and Sophia Dennis joined sisters Jordyn and Jodie Wood for a heartfelt conversation on the joys of sisterhood and how they’ve learned eachother. Despite their age gaps, the sisters displayed a genuine closeness that made the panel feel more like a relaxed chat between life-long friends.
Jordyn and Jodie Woods, despite their undeniable impact across social media, have solidified themselves as more than just influencers. Jodie has emerged as an inspiration for the new Gen Z, while Jordyn has continued to establish her brand with her newly launched clothing line, Woods by Jordyn.
Notable personalities such as Aliyah’s Interlude, Yung BBQ, TM Twins, Karma Bridges, Anisa Brenee, and DJ Tootz were also in attendance.
The summit offered diverse interactive experiences, from speed mentorship sessions to a beauty makeover station. In front of a massive photo wall featuring the season 5 cast of ‘If Not for My Girls’—BIA, Muni Long, and Pretty Vee—attendees enjoyed Coca-Cola mocktails at a mocktail bar and explored a Coca-Cola® Zero Sugar photo activation.
Guests personalized airbrushed tote bags and pouches and indulged in some light shopping at the Soko Marketplace, featuring a range of products from jewelry to haircare.
The day concluded with an electrifying performance by Mariah The Scientist, singing her hit songs, including the fan-favorite “Spread Thin.”
ElewaTv, a full service Black women owned creative agency and multi-media platform founded by Abisola Sanya, hosted its 3rd annual Creative Chat Link Up at the Black Gotham Space in South Street Seaport NYC earlier this November. With a vision of becoming Africa’s largest creative network. The women run team of makeup artists, hair stylists, set designers, PR and creative directors are all passionate about seeing ElewaTv become a platform that builds community around emerging talent and the competitive creative industry.
Panelist included Jean Paul Dia, Sadin Moore, Noel Camacho, Fatama Kamara, & Kobina De Graft-Johnson with host Ariel Laura facilitating questions. Each creative got the opportunity to discuss how they navigated the industry, setting boundaries, centering their faiths and community in their work, and leaning into their authentic selves to set them apart. Event sponsors included George’s Sparking Drinks and Sugarcane Restaurant in Brooklyn.
ElewaTv founder Abisola Sanya
Launched in September of 2019 Elewa, deriving its name from the Yoruba word for beauty has persisted even in the face of COVID-19 restrictions. . ElewaTv illustrates a concept needed more of in the media, fashion, and beauty industry. Historically, Black individuals have been marginalized, their beauty standards often overshadowed by prevailing norms that primarily celebrate white women. This discrepancy is particularly evident in modeling agencies, which have a deep-rooted history of favoring specific models characterized by predetermined body types and a particular skin complexion.
In response to these entrenched biases, the industry is undergoing a transformative shift with heightened awareness. There is a concerted effort to challenge and overcome issues like colorism, texturism, and body shaming. ElewaTv stands at the forefront of this movement, actively working to be more inclusive and challenge the traditional norms and perceptions surrounding beauty. By fostering a community-driven ethos, ElewaTv seeks to redefine the standards of beauty, emphasizing authenticity, diversity, and the celebration of all forms of beauty, irrespective of societal stereotypes.
Back in 2021, ElewaTv started a crowdfunding campaign Called Creatives Alike on Seed & Spark to fundraise for their 24/7 docuseries that would platform creatives across the diaspora. ElewaTv premiered episodes of the 24/7 Daily Show shot during Covid at the Creative Chat Link Up featuring Dotun Abeshinbioka, Fatamata Kamara , Clint Catul and others.
The resounding message echoing from the event was a call to honor oneself, nurture personal dreams, and safeguard one’s beliefs. In an industry often characterized by pressure to conform, the emphasis remained on staying true to one’s identity, embracing authenticity, and leading with unwavering faith. The panel of creatives, many of whom shared a Christian background, underscored the significance of faith as a foundational force. This grounding element serves as a compass during the unpredictable journey of the creative industry, providing clarity and resilience amid challenges that might otherwise seem overwhelming. The acknowledgment of something greater than themselves enables these creatives to maintain a broader perspective and persevere on their paths of self-determination.
When delving into the challenges creatives encounter at the outset of their journey, a recurring theme emerges. Fundamentally, the hurdles revolve around securing funding, garnering support, and finding meaningful work opportunities. This creates a sort of catch-22 scenario, where one essential element is often required to fulfill another. As the panelists highlighted, navigating this challenge may involve thinking creatively about how you engage with the space you aspire to be a part of. This might include avenues such as interning, volunteering, or even initiating your own projects to kickstart your journey. The creatives on the panel shared insights from their non-traditional paths, serving as a reminder to the audience to consistently believe in themselves and their vision.
Check out out ElewaTv’s 24/7 Daily Episodes on Youtube and a recap of the Creative Chat Link Up below!
When Fear The Walking Dead debuted in 2015, it had a different premise and expanded on the idea of showcasing how the zombie outbreak happened on the west side of the United States. Characters such as Madison, Alicia, Troy, and Strand became household names as Fear gave us interesting stories from them.
Seasons 1 to 3 are regarded as the best seasons of Fear as the quality was compared to the main show. Season 4 onwards, with the exception of season 6, has been met with average to low quality reception as the show deteriorated from what it once was.
This week marks the end of Fear The Walking Dead and I wish I could say that there was anything that I liked outside of Alicia and Madison’s reunion. That is because the same tropes of this whole season kept coming back to bite me. Everyone was just out of character with these big long speeches, walkie talkies, a bad script that should have been flushed down the toilet, and non-essential plot twists that made no sense whatsoever.
I’ve noticed that the recent story progression in the last two episodes of the show, up to the reunion, bears a striking resemblance to The Walking Dead’s final episode from last year. A side-by-side comparison reveals undeniable similarities. I’m puzzled as to why Troy was brought back only to be killed off four episodes later, especially considering he never posed a convincing and credible threat throughout his entire time on screen.
Alicia’s cult storyline continues to be a source of frustration for me and I am glad that it is over. The portrayal of these kids, who talk and act like full-grown adults, feels unrealistic and detracts from the narrative.The ongoing conversation about PADRE appears dull and inconsequential, lacking a clear purpose. Tracy’s revelation that Alicia is her mom sparks timeline questions, especially considering Alicia’s near-death experience from radiation seven years ago. However, the plot twist reveals that Tracy is not actually Alicia’s mom. Huh, talk about a stupid fucking turn of events!
It appears that the showrunners introduced fan service moments to distract from the issues of pacing and writing for the series finale of Fear The Walking Dead. Despite these concerns, the reunion was well-executed and perhaps the most natural one this season.
When I think about Fear The Walking Dead, all I can see is the wasted potential it had. Unlike (to an extent) World Beyond, Dead City, Daryl Dixon, and even Tales, Fear’s writing has been all over the place since season 3. It’s too obsessed with throwing in easter eggs and reminding us of the good old days instead of telling a solid story.
The ending felt like a letdown, and it seems like they did it just to get people hyped for ANOTHER potential spinoff with the leftover Clark family members. It’s a bit of a mess, to be honest and this show and the actors and staff deserve way better than what they, and the fans got.
December in New York often feels just like the movies, with the magic of glistening lights and a Christmas tree in every corner. Through the ups and downs of major city living, the holidays are an effervescent reminder of how magical life can be. At the heart of the holiday magic, Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park has stood as a capsule for as long as I can remember. Located in Midtown Manhattan, the Park transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, offering an array of festive activities, shopping opportunities, and delightful entertainment for everyone, weather you’re a native New Yorker or visiting for the very first time.
Even before its lively tree lighting, which will be taking place on November 28th this year and will be leading the charge as the first major NYC tree lighting for 2023, the park looks absolutely magical. One of the most iconic parts of the yearly experience is the picturesque ice-skating rink, surrounded by an iconic landscape adorned with sparkling holiday lights and decorations. The rink provides a magical setting for visitors to glide across the ice, creating cherished memories with friends and family against the backdrop of the city’s skyline.
Lacing up my skates and heading over to Bryant Park’s (free admission!) skating rink has always been a vibrant memory of how we kicked off the holiday season, and I am beyond grateful to have carried that experience into adulthood. On Tuesday, I headed over to the park to see an exclusive preview of what the park has in store for the season. The night commenced with a nostalgic skating experience at the rink. The enchanting ambiance of twinkling lights and joyful decorations enhanced the already joyful feeling of gliding across the ice.
Following the skating session, I headed to The Lodge, an inviting bar and food hall adorned with seasonal cheer. Here, I indulged in some of the year’s signature food and drink offerings, which included loaded croissants, churros, tacos, and so much more.
One of the most exciting features of Bryant Park’s Winter Village is its bustling holiday market. The market features rows of charming kiosks and stalls offering an assortment of unique gifts, crafts, artisanal goods, and delectable holiday treats. Visitors can explore a diverse range of vendors selling handcrafted jewelry, clothing, artwork, ornaments, specialty foods, and much more, making it an ideal destination for holiday shopping. After enjoying some sweet treats at the lodge, I strolled around the shops and was delighted by the hand crafted goods and sweet smell of hot cocoa that exists all around the park.
The atmosphere in the park is lively and spirited, with seasonal music performances, festive events, and activities for all ages. Throughout the holiday season, Bryant Park hosts various themed celebrations in addition to the iconic tree lighting, including caroling sessions and visits from Santa Claus, adding to the joyful ambiance.
We highly reccomend a trip to Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park this holiday season! Hear more about it here!
The holidays are well on their way, and with Thanksgiving just around the corner, the ever long debate of how early is too early to start celebrating the Christmas season is back in action. But here in New York City, arguably one of the most festive places you can be for the season, it seems like everyone is determined to maximize the most wonderful time of the year, and I could not possibly agree more.
When it comes to festivities, Cookie Pop and Candy Pop always hits the nail on the head. The goal of the brand was to seamlessly combine two of the best parts about going to the movies, the savory taste of popcorn and the sweetness of candy. “For almost a century, movie lovers have been combining their candy and cookie brands with popcorn for a delicious sweet and savory combo,” the brand states. “Now, consumers can find this tasty combo in stores all over the world. it’s a treat when watching your favorite movie at home or as a grab and go-to snack throughout the day.”
On Friday, New York City’s exclusive membership club and hotel, The Ned NoMad, played host to a delightful and charitable celebration. The occasion marked the kickoff of the #GivingTuesday SnackGiving campaign by Cookie Pop and Candy Pop, in support of the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, a non-profit organization that aims to inspire and uplift the spirits of hospitalized children and their families through entertainment and educational initiatives. Founded by Seacrest himself, the foundation seeks to utilize multimedia experiences to contribute positively to the healing process of young patients.
The highlight of the event was an engaging Gingerbread House Making Workshop, where attendees had the opportunity to indulge in the holiday spirit while supporting a worthy cause. The popcorn comes in a wide variety of flavors, but has recently unveiled two new ones for the holiday season, a delicious iced gingerbread with a glorious spice, and a tasty peppermint hot chocolate with smooth minty and chocolatey interludes. Guests were encouraged to incorporate the delicious snacks into their gingerbread houses, which gave the finished products a delightful crunch. These limited-time holiday editions are now available in various retailers, including Albertsons, Publix, and more, adding an extra touch of festive cheer to snack times during the holiday season.
Throughout the night, guests enjoyed festival-themed cocktails adorned with holiday popcorn, including a Gingerbread-rimmed Espresso Martini featuring Thomas Ashbourne By NPH, a non-alcoholic Cucumber G&T cocktail by Free AF, garnished with peppermint and cherry, Prosecco topped with edible glitter, and a tantalizing vanilla & chocolate peppermint martini crafted by The Ned NoMad’s mixology team.
In addition to the festive popcorn delights, guests savored delectable catering options from The Ned, ranging from gourmet pigs in a blanket, ricotta crostinis, chicken parm sticks, mini grilled cheese, to gourmet pizza. The culinary offerings perfectly complemented the lively atmosphere, creating an unforgettable evening filled with joy, delicious treats, and the spirit of giving back.
The collaborative efforts of Cookie Pop and Candy Pop in conjunction with The Ned NoMad and the esteemed personalities present truly encapsulated the essence of the holiday season, a time for celebration, generosity, and making a positive impact within the community.
