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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 October 20, 2023

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.

October 20, 2023 0 comments

Entertainment The Latest

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

by Chantell Hayden October 5, 2023

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.

October 5, 2023 0 comments

Events The Latest

Our Favorite Moments from REVOLT World 2023

by Chantell Hayden October 3, 2023

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.

October 3, 2023 0 comments

Events Music The Latest

Victoria Monet Brings ’Jaguar II’ To Atlanta

by Chantell Hayden September 25, 2023

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.

September 25, 2023 0 comments

Entertainment Events The Latest

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

by Chantell Hayden August 31, 2023

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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August 31, 2023 0 comments

Entertainment The Latest

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

by Chantell Hayden August 16, 2023

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.

August 16, 2023 0 comments

Entertainment Music The Latest

Steve Lacy Hits Atlanta For Re:SET Concert Series

by Chantell Hayden June 28, 2023

written by Chantell Hayden

Steve Lacy has had a pretty the busy year.

June 28, 2023 0 comments

Entertainment The Latest

REVOLT’s Monique Chenault Talks The Future of Black News

by Chantell Hayden June 10, 2023

written by Chantell Hayden

Monique Chenault, President of News, Specials & Documentary at REVOLT, is a force to not be reckoned with. Her resume is extensive with titles like Emmy-nominated Executive Producer, Journalist and Showrunner appearing often. As of 2021, she can now add President at Revolt to her 20+ years of achievements.

June 10, 2023 0 comments

2023 Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit – Day 3 – Strength Of A Woman Summit

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Entertainment Events Music

Mary J Blige Returns To Atlanta For The 2nd Annual Strength of a Woman Fest

by Chantell Hayden June 6, 2023

written by Chantell Hayden

After a successful first year, Mary J. Blige was back in the peach state to host her annual Strength of a Woman Festival right in the heart of Atlanta. The three-day event focuses on highlighting people of color in music, business, philanthropy and more.

June 6, 2023 0 comments

Entertainment Music The Latest

R&B Girl Group FLO Makes Their North American Debut in Atlanta

by Chantell Hayden May 3, 2023

written by Chantell Hayden

FLO is been buzzing all over social media. It started with their song “Cardboard Box” going viral on twitter and public interest hasn’t slowed down since.

May 3, 2023 0 comments

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