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CULTURECon NYC 2023: Day One

by Danielle Niecey
written by Danielle Niecey

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 08: A guest attends CultureCon NY 2023 on October 08, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

Saturday, October 7, 2023. Duggal Greenhouse, Brooklyn, New York. — Saturday morning rain showers fell hard and heavy in the borough of Brooklyn; but it didn’t stop the main event from happening on Flushing Avenue.  The annual cultural mecca for Black and Brown creatives, CultureCon, opened its lines to the likes of designers, brand influencers, culture benders, film talents, small business owners, media press outlets and many more. CultureCon, founded in 2019, is the fastest growing conference and brings together creatives and changemakers of color that aim to elevate their social and professional networks. These bountiful creatives intend to make a mark on the culture and within the communities they serve. In an effort to keep the focus “community centered” the conference sets its sights on celebrating prominent and innovative voices leading the way. It is their hope to inspire attendees to make notable impacts in their respective lanes, creative causes and to become an infectious impact on the world at large, as a BIPOC creative-thought leader.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 08: A guest attends CultureCon NY 2023 on October 08, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

 

This year’s CultureCon presented by Creative Collective included presenting partners: Max, Amex, Shea Moisture, Amazon PRIME, Freevee, Clinique, Google, Ciroc, Bullet Bourbon, Seedlip (Non Alcoholic Spirits), Patreon, Paramount (Content For Change), KickStarter, NBCUniversal,Spotify, Walmart, Tubi, School For Experiential Education in Design, The Startup Collection | Aveeno, Ben & Jerry’s, Coca Cola, LTK, Visible by Verizon, Dotdash Meredith, LCKR, Getty Images, Nielsen, TikTok, #CultureTags, NPR, and The Tillary Hotel- Brooklyn.

 

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 08: (L-R) Simone Jordan, Laura Stylez and Jacob Lattimore speak on stage during CultureCon NY 2023 on October 08, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

CultureCon encourages the creative collective body by honoring notable influencers, industry trailblazers, tastemakers and celebrities. The two day event featured panelists that discussed navigating and managing the pressures in the film and entertainment industries; obtaining careers in the growing field of tech and various degrees of corporate spaces. Other major topics offered insights on personal branding; overcoming the socio-economic factors that impede or inspire creativity; investments, crowdfunding for business and managing personal finances with financial gurus such as Financial Educator and New York Times Bestseller, Tiffany “the Budgetnista”; as well as discussions on maintaining self care while launching brands and building empires.

 

This year the 2023 CultureCon brought on a new facet to their ever growing pilgrimage, now including in its activation booths, a Creative Career Job Fair that allowed the attendees to meet one on one with recruiters from: Amazon Studios, Clinique, Max, NBCUniversal, Google, Walmart, Shea Moisture, and Kickstarter. Career hopefuls had the opportunities to provide or upload their digital resumes within the talent submission pool for further consideration and a chance to land their dream jobs. 

 

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 07: Issa Rae speaks onstage during How to Find Your People Brand: American Express panel at the CultureCon NY 2023 on October 07, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

Day one of the CultureCon event included the prolific and legendary American Actress and Writer,  Issa Rae (Insecure, Rap Sh!t, The Photograph, The Lovebirds, Barbie) discussed her organization, ColorCreative, and how it cultivated its initiative, the Find Your People Program (FYPP), to mentor aspiring creatives of color through an intensive creative program. 

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 07: Issa Rae speaks onstage during How to Find Your People Brand: American Express panel at the CultureCon NY 2023 on October 07, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

Emmy-Award winning actor and rapper, Jharrel Jerome (When They See Us, Moonlight, Full Circle) sat down with podcast host and entrepreneur, Bimma Williams to share his creative process in music and his career journey. Sharing insights on “When They See Us”  and providing more insight on his new album “I’m a Virgo”, inspired the crowd who remained engaged during his interview with Bima. 

Actress and Film Producer, Marsai Martin (Blackish, Little, Fantasy Football), at the blossoming age of 18 years, took to the stage to share her newest venture as the global brand ambassador for Clinique and shared her creative evolution in beauty after partnering with the high-end beauty brand. Marsai spoke on her numerous achievements, multiple NAACP Image Awards, BET Awards, her historic role as the youngest executive producer in Hollywood, and founding her company Genius Entertainment. 

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 07: Teyana Taylor and Eric Jones Jr. speak onstage at CultureCon NY 2023 on October 07, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

This year’s CultureCon honoree, was the illustrious superstar, Teyana Taylor(A Thousand and One, Coming 2 America, The Breaks). The multihyphenate shared the stage in an intimate discussion with Emmy-Award winning journalist, Eric Jones, to discuss her incredible career and was rightfully presented with the CultureCon 2023 award by her mother and children. Teyana dazzled the crowd with her star studded aura. She handed out pearls of wisdom to the attendees; mentioning that her faith in God kept her strong in mind and spirit; and reminding us that the wait  for our promise is actually our  time of preparation for a great outcome and to learn to give ourselves flowers by being our own glade plugin; further exemplifying why she earned the right to be acclaimed as a cultural icon.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 07: Ziwe speaks onstage at CultureCon NY 2023 on October 07, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

TV host and internet icon, Ziwe closed day one with a hilarious conversation alongside, DeAndre Brown  AKA The Corporate Baddie. “Black Friend: Essays,” and her journey from being an intern with big dreams to a certified boss in the midst of her dream career. 

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 07: Lola Brooke speaks onstage at CultureCon NY 2023 on October 07, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

On day one, I found myself richly inspired by panelist, Rap recording artist, Lola Brooke, who eagerly shared her love of performing on stage. The “Don’t Play With” lyricist lit up as she discussed that she knew in her heart she’d always wanted to perform; she said  that before bed at night, she recalls falling asleep with music in her ears and dreaming that she was on stage. She expressed staying grounded and knowing that every decision that she’d made “fell on me” and that remaining centered was above all else, priority for her. 

Day one of CultureCon lunch consisted of jollof rice ( a tomato and rice-based dish that is widely eaten across West and Central Africa) sweet plantains, gold coast slaw,  grilled peri-peri chicken with a Bissap Hibiscus juice from African Chop House, and yes it was delicious. Other featured restaurants included the Crabby Shack, Ras Plant Based, OxKale, Cafe Rue Dix, File Gumbo Bar, Aunt Et uncles, Charles Pan Fried Chicken, the James Beard nominated chef and Harlem icon’s soul food for the soul pick, and Chef Kwame’s Patty Palace. 

By the close of Day one’s festivities, my  black mesh CultureCon tote was full to the brim with goodies.  I collected my goodies from Clinique whose volumizing mascara and skin moisturizer has instantly become a new favorite in my makeup arsenal; magazine giveaways (and cookies) from the largest publisher in North America, Dotdash Meredith; free beverages from CocaCola and SmartWater; and an adorable “Black Men We Love You” men’s care kit from Shea Moisture.

Let me know, did you get your Culture on this weekend or are you planning to attend the Fourth Annual Culture Con? Let me know your thoughts and stay tuned for Day 2 of Culture Con!

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Melodic Heights: Miguel’s Daring Performance and Artistic Evolution

by Hakeem Animashaun
written by Hakeem Animashaun

Vivien Killilea / Getty Images for Sony

R&B sensation Miguel is gearing up to unveil his latest musical endeavor, and he’s taking his artistry to electrifying heights–literally. On the exhilarating evening of August 25th, the soulful artist, renowned for hits like “Adorn,” orchestrated an exclusive sneak peek of his upcoming album, Viscera, at the illustrious Sony Studios. What unfolded left fans both amazed and slightly unnerved, as Miguel delivered a performance that crawled under the skin–in the best possible way.

As the stage came alive, Miguel stood shirtless, flanked by a team of experts who fearlessly pierced his back with metal hooks, fastening him securely to hanging wires descending from the studio’s ceiling. A daring spectacle, no doubt. Upon closer inspection, those metal hooks delicately tugged at his bare skin, all while he floated mid-air. In this breathtaking suspension, he debuted a new song, his voice resonating with lyrics that echoed the gravity-defying act he embodied: “I’m hanging onto nothing / I’m hanging from the ceiling.” The very essence of his artistry pulsed with an electrifying intensity.

Vivien Killilea / Getty Images for Sony

In a candid conversation with the Los Angeles Times, Miguel peeled back the layers of his audacious performance. “If you’re only here for the predictable version of me, then you’re not truly here for me,” he candidly remarked. The body suspension, as he revealed, was a bold endeavor to transcend his boundaries. He reflected, “At the outset, it was pushing far beyond expectations. How could I showcase the extent to which I’d go for art, for dialogue? ‘Til hooks pierced my flesh, I couldn’t truly fathom my dedication to the essence of this endeavor.”

Yet, Viscera isn’t confined to jaw-dropping theatrics alone. Miguel emphasized it encapsulates the tumultuous essence of growth itself. His words held a raw honesty: “Let’s not dance around it. I’m laying it bare,” he shared. The trajectory of his career initially clashed with the music industry of yore, with labels stuck in bygone ways. Miguel’s artistic identity seemed like an enigma at that juncture. Yet, as the industry’s horizons expanded, creating room for audacious exploits like his aerial suspension, Miguel is unapologetically grasping the opportunity.

Prepare to be captivated, as Miguel readies to unleash not just an album, but a sonic journey that mirrors the relentless, often wild nature of personal evolution. In a world where the ceiling is no longer the limit, Miguel’s artistic bravery and genre-defying energy propel him to new heights–hooks and all.

 

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Music

Spotify’s Most Necessary Live Concert Series

by Tamerras Leonard
written by Tamerras Leonard

Spotify’s Most Necessary Live concert series debuted in the heart of Houston, lighting up Warehouse Live with a vibrant blend of music and energy. The event transformed into a real-life extension of the popular Most Necessary playlist,  with an unforgettable evening of live performances from the hottest up-and-coming rap artists across the US.

Houston’s Rising Stars Shine Bright

The stage belonged to Houston’s next generation of emerging rap talents, as DeeBaby, KenTheMan, Mike Dimes, MONALEO, and That Mexican OT took their turns under the spotlight. Each artist brought a unique style and energy, captivating the audience with their show-stopping performances that left an indelible mark on the night.

Surprises Galore: Hometown Heroes Unite

Local fans were in for an unexpected treat as hometown rapper Paul Wall made a surprise appearance. He joined forces with That Mexican OT to deliver a spirited performance of their hit track “Johnny Dang,” igniting the crowd’s enthusiasm and reinforcing the strong connections within Houston’s rap community. The surprises kept coming as Maxo Kream and Sauce Walka, also from the Houston scene, made surprise appearances, adding their star power to the lineup.

Music, Food, and a Touch of Authenticity

Of course, a night out isn’t complete without delicious food. Spotify’s Most Necessary Live is delivered by offering Houston’s renowned Trill Burgers, infusing the event with local culinary flavor. The cherry on top? Hip-hop legend Bun B stopped by to show his support, adding a touch of Texas authenticity to the mix.

An Unforgettable Experience with Lasting Echoes

Spotify’s Most Necessary Live didn’t just bring music to Houston; it brought an entire experience. As the series continues its journey across the US, the echoes of this explosive showcase in Houston will undoubtedly reverberate, reminding us of live music’s incredible power to connect, inspire, and create lasting memories.

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Nisha Asnani Dishes on Her New Album “The Pursuit of Happiness”

by Britt Trachtenberg
written by Britt Trachtenberg

On July 7, Nisha Asnani released her new album, The Pursuit of Happiness. The rap and electronic album discussed immigration, feminity, joy, and hard work. Her previous tracks have similar styles.

In 2019, she put out “Figures” and “Parade” as singles. In 2020, she published tracks such as “My Bad” and “Heaven.” She appeared on Michael Calfan and Harber’s single “Feelings After Dark.” The new record showcases Asnani’s progression as a musician.

To learn more about the album, please read the interview transcript with Asnani and the production team below.

The Knockturnal: Please describe this album’s production process.

Nisha Asnani: They made the album over the course of 5 years with Alex Tirheimer (Bumbasee,) and Yash Vaid. I started it in 2018, chasing a specific feeling I had found in songs like Midas, Bad Sandy, and Figures. I wanted to understand my drive; my fight, and where that came from.

When I started making this album, I was fresh off a publishing deal and a hit record with money in the bank and so many opportunities. Over the next few years, as I faced the inevitable dip and the challenges of being an independent artist, the album became a lesson in survival. The records were made with my friends Alex and Yash. I slept on floors and air mattresses and recorded in closets. I spent my rent on mixes and flights to LA.

The album is about the pursuit of happiness, my immigrant journey, being a woman and a hustler, realizing the purpose of my masculinity was to empower and protect my femininity and that freedom is an uncontrollable force that moves us whether we are ready or not.

Alex Tirheimer: There’s nothing better than developing a musical shorthand with an artist. Together, we managed to create a space where every idea was worth chasing and creative risks were encouraged. This body of work spans multiple chapters of our lives, but we stayed on the same page the whole process. Nisha is extremely talented and such an inspiration to work with. I am so proud of us!

The Knockturnal: What does the album cover represent?

Nisha Asnani: In 2019 I was on a writing trip to Mumbai which happened to fall during the festival of Holi. This joyous celebration of colors and chaos was one of my favorite memories as a kid: everyone getting together and letting loose on a totally different level than any other time in the year. And you get to throw paint on your aunties! It’s a playfully rebellious holiday, and this is a playfully rebellious album. As always I want my art to be a safe place to let loose. I wanted to recreate that feeling of freedom on the album cover, to connect my immigrant journey and the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness to my roots. I brought back bottles of Holi powder and kept them safe for 3 years until we shot the album cover in 2022. 

The Knockturnal: Why did you choose “Keep Running” as the first track?

Nisha Asnani: Honestly, I have a great deal of respect for people’s time, and I asked myself if they heard one song on this album, one message – which would be the most important. The answer was Keep Running, because I wanted to prepare people for the infinite nature of desire and pursuit. There is no end to life, to consciousness. It’s constantly evolving, and so are we. Everything is evolving, so if you’re in life, you have to find the ability, the will, and the source in yourself to stay connected and stay evolving. It’s on one hand an encouragement and another a direction – it’s not safe to get stuck. It was like my higher self whispering to me as I came into the physical realm – don’t stop. 

The Knockturnal: The backing track for “To The Top Freestyle” features many noises and chimes. How did you create it?

Nisha Asnani: I’m going to pass this question along to producer Dave Berg because this track was his fully formed genius. 

Dave Berg: The beat for “The Top” was made in the depths of the pandemic. I was flipping lots of samples because I was isolated from sessions and working with my regular collaborators.

The Knockturnal: What does the beginning of “DAAL” represent?

Nisha Asnani: I’ve definitely come up with 100 possible meanings for this fun song but the truth is its just a vignette that played out in my house so many times growing up: the kids coming home hungry and my mom (who happened to be an amazing cook who made us the best Indian food all the time,) trying to get us to eat leftovers instead of bully her into cooking. I also wanted to honor the home kitchens that have made us so resilient. Beyond food being a pillar of pride in our own culture, Indian food has become a representation of comfort, flavor, and care throughout the world.

The Knockturnal: The vocals on “DAAL” involve some pitch-shifting. Could you let me know why you chose that effect?

Nisha Asnani: That was all Yash – I sent him a voice memo of my mom and brother jamming out and DAAL is the genius he sent back. 

Yash: DAAL was not a project – it was me having fun with voice memos of NISHA’s family talking about Indian dishes, haha. Having Indian origin has been something both of us have bonded over since the beginning. I’m glad I was able to be a part of a tune that brings family and culture together!

The Knockturnal: In the first verse of “Freedom,” you mention a “spyglass.” How did you come up with this image?

Nisha Asnani: Honestly, when I am flowing, images like that come to me. This one is about the haters who I felt so far enough from me that they had to pull out telescopes and spy instruments to see what I was up to. 

The Knockturnal: Please talk about your collaborations with Kumar, Sunita, and PAV4N.

Nisha Asnani: My brother has always wanted to make music, and I was over at his house one day and he started spitting this really funny boppy melody, and my mom jumped in. I think music is all around us, and the best music comes from that stuff you just sing to yourself in the car or the kitchen – the things that make you happy. 

PAV4N and I met in 2019 in Mumbai and I ended up performing with him during the Bud X Festival. We remained friends, and he has been a mentor to me while working on this album. This voicemail is one of many notes of encouragement, and I just love him and his voice and wanted to use something personal and unscripted in this song. 

The Knockturnal: Why did you choose “Found You” as the last track?

Nisha Asnani: I wrote Found You during my first official queership, a few years after I came out. It was the first time I had experienced acceptance and emotional support as non-binary in a romantic partnership. I think it’s important for us to define an endpoint for ourselves (because wanting things is infinite) and for me, that love was it. Unfortunately, although the relationship did not last or even end particularly well, it showed me what was possible, and I never forgot or let go of that feeling. Found You ultimately is not saying you’ll get what you want and stop wanting anything. It just means when you find the things you really want, you’ll circle them, protect them, and surrender to them. 

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On The Scene: BORN PINK: THE POP-UP EXPERIENCE

by Claire Kay Hernandez
written by Claire Kay Hernandez

On Friday, September 16th I visited  the BLACKPINK x Spotify pop up experience on Melrose! Dreamt up by Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa, every aspect of this 3-day experience was crafted for their fans. This was the first time Blinks were able to step inside the world of BORN PINK, the group’s sophomore album.

Fans had the opportunity to be fully immersed in a unique experience with the Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa stamp of approval. The event featured an array of curated photo moments, exclusive BLACKPINK merch available to purchase, and a variety of delicious snacks for everyone’s enjoyment.

My favorite moment of the event was being able to record a 10 second video on a professional camera that was then sent to me via email! Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa even visited the store before it opened and signed one of the walls with their BLACKPINK name printed on it. 

It felt really special to be immersed in all things BLACKPINK, knowing that the group themselves added their own personal touches. I got to enjoy strawberry boba for the first time and pleasantly enjoyed it. They also handed out iced coffees and different finger foods. 

 Their merchandise was not only cute and trendy, but definitely high quality. When purchasing an item, fans were also able to take home a cute BLACKPINK canvas bag to hold all of their stuff. Overall, the event was awesome and a great way to showcase their new album BORN PINK. BORN PINK is available to stream on all platforms!

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