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The Red Bull SoundClash Experience Detroit Style

by Naomi Pandolfi
written by Naomi Pandolfi

Babyface Ray performs at Red Bull SoundClash in Detroit, MI, USA on October 15, 2022 // Jake Mulka / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202210160448 // Usage for editorial use only //

We all know that Red Bull commercial… ‘Red Bull gives you wings.’ That priceless nectar of the gods that brings you a jolt of pure energy, even if you’re on a redeye… Even if you’ve had an hour of sleep… Even if the baby cried all night… Red Bull gives you wings. But something else you may not know is that Red Bull hosts a staggering variety of exhilarating and heart-pounding live events all across America, from the big mountain freeriding of Red Bull Rampage, to the dance battles of Red Bull BC One, to Red Bull SoundClash, an epic musical battle between two artists, and more. Red Bull is definitely hosting the next thrilling experience near you.

If you happen to collaborate with Red Bull on one of these events, you’ll be treated to a unique, immersive press trip experience. I attended the press trip for Red Bull’s first Detroit-based SoundClash, and let me just tell you, they rolled out the red carpet…

Assemble Sound Studios
Assemble Sound Studios
Assemble Sound Studios

I have to mention, the press trip is all-inclusive; that includes transportation, housing, and food. But on top of all that, Red Bull dazzles with an itinerary of themed experiences that make the trip memorable. First, we went to Assemble Sound Studios and heard the amazing story of the conception of this impactful artist greenhouse. This incredible team is essentially ‘growing’ some of the top up-and-coming grassroots artists. With their student residency, they provide support, opportunity, and mentorship.

Chevrolet Caprice Classic
Rollercade Detroit
Ultimate Strawberry at French For Sweet

As we left Assembly Sound studios, a motorcade of decked out restored vintage cars arrived to transport us to our next adventure. They were beautiful and lovingly restored. I got to ride with @welderonwheels, a phenomenal vehicle restoration artist who regaled me with tales of D-Town while in his Chevrolet Caprice Classic on our way to Rollercade Detroit, a delightful retro roller rink with Instagramable graffiti art all along the side. After a rousing roll under a disco ball lit rink, we were greeted by two food trucks, one featuring delicious Mediterranean-American fusion food, and the other was French For Sweet, a mobile dessert parlor that made my childhood dream come true with a phenomenal ‘Ultimate Strawberry.’ After that, I was in a food coma, and thankfully, that was the end of our night.

Caramel Apple Mimosa at Babo Detroit
Detroit Art Institute
Creamy Rock Shrimp at PAO Detroit

The next morning took us to brunch at the gourmet diner Babo Detroit, putting a bougie twist on all the classic diner favorites, after which we headed to the Detroit Art Institute for the exquisite ‘Van Gogh in America’ exhibit. When dinner rolled around, we found ourselves at PAO Detroit, one of Detroit’s premier supper club experiences where we enjoyed the ambiance and the delicious Asian fusion menu.

Larry June performs at Red Bull SoundClash in Detroit, MI, USA on October 15, 2022 // Jake Mulka / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202210160431 // Usage for editorial use only //
Babyface Ray performs at Red Bull SoundClash in Detroit, MI, USA on October 15, 2022 // Joe Gall / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202210160216 // Usage for editorial use only //

Then it was time for the main event… Red Bull SoundClash Detroit: Babyface Ray vs. Larry June. (You can read more about that here.) After an electrifying musical battle in the VIP section (with an open bar!), it was time to head back home and look forward to next year’s SoundClash. If you’re interested in experiencing the Red Bull SoundClash firsthand, you can find out more here, and for an inside look, check out our IG reel.

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EntertainmentEventsMusicThe LatestUncategorized

Detroit’s First-Ever Red Bull SoundClash Electrifies

by Naomi Pandolfi
written by Naomi Pandolfi

Larry June and Babyface Ray perform together at Red Bull SoundClash in Detroit, MI, USA on October 15, 2022 // Jake Mulka / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202210160457 // Usage for editorial use only //

On October 17, 2022, Red Bull SoundClash kicked off a trio of national concerts with an electrifying clash of sounds at the first-ever Detroit SoundClash. This epic musical event pitted Detroit native Babyface Ray against the Sunshine State’s citrus-loving Larry June in a charged musical battle.

Attendees wait in line outside of the venue at RedBull SoundClash in Detroit, MI, USA on October 15, 2022 // Sal Rodriguez / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202210160381 // Usage for editorial use only //

Red Bull SoundClash is a long-running lineup of nationwide concerts that feature two artists on two stages as they compete head-to-head in a music battle. Originally inspired by the culture of competing sound systems originating in Kingston, Jamaica, during the 1950s, Red Bull SoundClash was born to break the mold of traditional dance hall and reggae-focused music battles.

MC calls on the next performer at RedBull SoundClash in Detroit, MI, USA on October 15, 2022 // Sal Rodriguez / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202210160372 // Usage for editorial use only //
Attendees enjoy the show at Red Bull SoundClash in Detroit, MI, USA on October 15, 2022 // Jake Mulka / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202210160465 // Usage for editorial use only //
Attendees enjoy the show at Red Bull SoundClash in Detroit, MI, USA on October 15, 2022 // Jake Mulka / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202210160442 // Usage for editorial use only //
Babyface Ray performs at Red Bull SoundClash in Detroit, MI, USA on October 15, 2022 // Joe Gall / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202210160197 // Usage for editorial use only //
Larry June performs at RedBull SoundClash in Detroit, MI, USA on October 15, 2022 // Sal Rodriguez / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202210160396 // Usage for editorial use only //
Attendees enjoy the show at Red Bull SoundClash in Detroit, MI, USA on October 15, 2022

A converted warehouse hosted the sold-out clash with a backdrop of industrial grit. Outfitted with two stages on opposite ends, the massive event space allowed the competitors to literally ‘face-off’ while performing. The evening’s host, TayCrispyy, kept the party pumping; a livewire enhancing the already electrifying performance.

Larry June performs with Payroll Giovanni at Red Bull SoundClash in Detroit, MI, USA on October 15, 2022 // Jake Mulka / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202210160467 // Usage for editorial use only //
Larry June performs with Slum Village at Red Bull SoundClash in Detroit, MI, USA on October 15, 2022 // Jake Mulka / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202210160472 // Usage for editorial use only //
Larry June performs with Curren$y at Red Bull SoundClash in Detroit, MI, USA on October 15, 2022 // Jake Mulka / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202210160425 // Usage for editorial use only //

Special guests showed up in honor of both artists. On Ray’s side was Baby Money, Lucki, Icewear Vezzo, and Landstrip Chip, while June had the support of Motor City icons Slum Village, Payroll Giovanni, Boldy James, and Curren$y.

Larry June performs at Red Bull SoundClash in Detroit, MI, USA on October 15, 2022 // Jake Mulka / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202210160458 // Usage for editorial use only //

Ray and June next take on San Francisco in a sold-out show on 11/3 where their vocals will clash once more. The final round takes place in Houston on 11/10, where blues-rock performer Gary Clark Jr. goes head-to-head with rap legend Paul Wall in a showdown that explores Southern sounds. If you’re interested in experiencing the Red Bull SoundClash firsthand, you can find out more here.

Attendees at RedBull SoundClash in Detroit, MI, USA on October 15, 2022 // Sal Rodriguez / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202210160394 // Usage for editorial use only //

Since it began in 2006, Red Bull SoundClash has worked to bring top talent across mainstream and underground music to create regionally relevant shows that honor the artists’ local communities and heritage. Personally, this is an immersive musical experience that I’m glad I got to be a part of, and I would highly recommend it to anyone. For an inside look, check out our IG reel here.

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Madame Tussauds New York Unveils Warner Bros. Icons of Horror

by Kadeem Lundy
written by Kadeem Lundy

Just in time for Halloween, Madame Tussauds New York unveiled their Icons of Horror exhibition in collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment and New Line Cinema. Warner Bros. Icons of Horror features wax figures that depict characters from Warner Bros/New Line Cinema horror films Annabelle and The Nun from The Conjuring film universe, Pennywise from It, and Regan from The Exorcist.

The immersive experience offers visitors the opportunity to feel the terror that the horror icons evoke through not just the figures itself but with added special effects such as sound. Guest descend down stairs which serve as a replica of a New York City subway station, before they find themselves in Annabelle’s room complete with shaking tea cups on the table. Guest then enter The Exorcist room where Regan levitates above her bed without any strings as the sound of floorboards creek. The next stop on the horror experience is again stepping back into The Conjuring Universe where The Nun Valek is located, finally after leaving The Nun, guests see missing children posters and doors (which one has Pennywise from It) before coming face to face with a life-sized recreation of Pennywise and the sound of balloons pop in the background in a recreation of the Neibolt House from the It film series.

“The horror genre has one of the most dedicated fan followings and we can’t wait to send a chill down visitors’ spines when they immerse themselves into these iconic scenes featuring terrifying wax figures,” said Madame Tussauds New York Head of Marketing Tiago Mogadouro.



Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment/Madame Tussauds

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Flipper’s End of Season Celebration x Lobos 1707 Tequila & Mezcal

by Gabrielle Babson
written by Gabrielle Babson

On Saturday, October 15th, Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace celebrated the end of the season with a roller skating party that lit up The Rink at Rockefeller Center! Right in the heart of all your favorite New York holiday festivities, Flipper’s partnered with Lobos 1707 Tequila & Mezcal in providing the cocktails of the hour. We were all called to enjoy an array of flavors that compliment your old school margarita and your usual paloma. Shedding light on the culture of roller disco, people had a chance to grab a pair of skates and enjoy skating to some classic disco music. To make a good night even greater, tunes of all genres played throughout the night catering to the versatility that lives within us New Yorkers. DJs Deemehlow, Sarah Hollywood, Nickodemus, Funky Seshwa, DJ Dream, Big Bob, Misbehaviour, DJ D, Tone Capo all contributed to making the celebration a night to remember.

Apart from the endless vibes, everyone had an opportunity to capture moments with a unique Lobos 1707 Tequila & Mezcal step and repeat placed by the entrance of the roller skating rental center. As you would enter to pick up your skates, walking alongside a beautiful mural that displayed artwork and many moment6s captured at Flipper’s, you were pleasantly surprised to find yet another opportunity to take all the photos, gifs, and videos you desired. A high resolution ring light surrounded the photo booth to elevate the quality of your photos.

While Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace is closed out for the season, they will return to Rockefeller Center in April 2023 for more roller boogie fun so be on the lookout for their reopening!

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African American Film Critics Association Salutes Broadway

by Kadeem Lundy
written by Kadeem Lundy

The African American Film Critics Association honored Black Hollywood talent who have not just made an impact in film and television but also in Broadway theatre at the inaugural Salute to Broadway awards lunch. The ceremony was held in New York City at the Lambs Club and honorees included John Douglas Thompson who received the Distinguished Achievement Award, Wendell Pierce who received the Beacon Award, Latanya Richardson-Jackson who received the Vanguard Award, Jordan E. Cooper who received the Breakout Creative Award, and the revival of Suzan Lori Parks play Topdog/Underdog which received the Spotlight Award. AAFCA President and co-founder Gil Robertson presided over the ceremony.

Guests at the ceremony were served a three course meal which included a choice of steak and fries or salmon, chopped salad and strawberry cake for dessert.

[Photos By Rowena Husbands]

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FilmThe LatestUncategorized

‘Decision to Leave’ Review: A Slight Sleight of Hand

by Dano Nissen
written by Dano Nissen

Park Chan Wook is a magician. 

With sleight of hand in every frame, he trains our eyes on what he wants us to see. The trickery goes down right in front of us. But we’re distracted.

His newest film “Decision to Leave” is billed by the director as a romantic comedy and detective drama. Even in describing its genre in that way, Park throws us for a loop. There’s so much Park wants us to see, expect and feel when something much different is going on.

The story goes: a detective investigates a man’s death from falling off a cliff. The wife is the prime suspect. She’s beautiful. She’s alluring. The detective can’t help but get emotionally involved with the woman he’s investigating.

It’s a classic noir set up that unravels in a not so classic way. It’s a movie that’s success relies on subverting what we’re accustomed to. We must be enraptured by Park’s magic.

“Decision to Leave” is not one of Park’s most magical films. Some of his misdirections are misdirected. Instead of sustaining the deception they snap us out of the illusion. There are long winded and downright goofy scenes.

It’s a fine film that any fan of noir or Park should enjoy. But after the six year wait from his last feature “The Handmaiden,” which is greatest work (arguable neck and neck with “Oldboy”), “Decision to Leave” is a bit of a let down. In the “The Handmaiden” we witnessed a totally engrossing performance from a master magician without a second diffusing the tension or withdrawing our intrigue at the mystery at hand. The same cannot be said for his latest effort.

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fylí Hosts An Exclusive 4-day “Impact Driven” Milan Fashion Week Experience

by Olympia Dalley
written by Olympia Dalley

From September 24th to the 27th, fylí hosted a small group of key investors and entrepreneurs to have an in-depth and exclusive look at Italy’s Diversity, Inclusion, and, Sustainability initiatives experience during Milan Fashion Week. The experience was curated by global culture visionary, advisor, and catalyst, Orietta Pelizzari, who personally saw guests through viewings of designer collections, meet-and-greets with showroom owners, catwalk presentations, and participation in D&I and Impact workshops. “Now more than ever, the Italian fashion industry is seeking more sustainable practices, greater diversity and inclusion, and impactful international relations,” explains Orietta Pelizzari. “This curated Milan Fashion Week experience is a huge leap in the right direction to support these initiatives.”

 

On day one, we hit the ground running with an introduction to Orietta Pelirazzi at the “Fashion Hub Market” at the ADI Museum. The entire ADI Museum had displays of upcoming designers, the KIA Designer Awards participant’s pieces, and help catwalk presentations.

Tiziano Guardini was the first presentation held at the ADI Museum. The Tiziano Guardini SS23 presentation was the perfect way to kick off all the excitement during the MFW experience. Guadini’s SS23  collection celebrated the 10th anniversary of the brand with gorgeous kimonos with prints and embroidery. The presentation was lively, and the limited edition pieces were worn by dancers who performed throughout the show.

 

Next up, on day one of fylí’s Milan Fashion Week experience, our group had the opportunity to view the winner of the CNMI Social Impact Award MFW22,  Ara Lumiere SS23 collection. Ara Lumiere is a collective of designers and gives voice to women who have survived acid attacks. The Hothur Foundation and Kulsum Shadab Wahab, titled this season’s collection “The Unbound,” celebrate the freedom of self-expression through art. While walking through the installation, a few survivors were on stage, hand-painting dresses displayed for the SS23 presentation.

We finished wrapped day one by attending the “The Power Words” Presentation. The Power of Words by Thalé Blanc is the brain child of Deb Sawaf. The concept came from the idea of having a positive impact an break down stigma surrounding mental health through fashion. Each piece in the collection has positive words that are meant to empower the person wearing them and the people reading them off the garment.

 

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The Creative Collective NYC Presents CultureCon 2022

by Gabrielle Babson
written by Gabrielle Babson

Creatives of color are changing the name of the game!

On October 8th, The Creative Collective NYC concluded their 2022 CultureCon Tour, with stops in Atlanta and Los Angeles and a final stop in Brooklyn, NY. Envisioned by Imani Ellis, founder of Culture Con and The Creative Collective NYC, the annual conference began in 2017 with a dream to create intentional spaces where young professionals of color could network with one another while celebrating the impact of diverse voices.

Presented by HBOMax, CultureCon welcomed hundreds of way-makers and several reputable visionaries within the industry to celebrate the culture of Black and POC creatives. Attendees were dressed to impress as they arrived at the Duggal Greenhouse for a full day of inspiration and shared opportunities. Several vendors were present and well integrated into the experience as well as an “Activation Alley” which included activations in partnership with companies such as Instagram, Linkedin, Audible, Toyota, and more.  Serving creatives of various disciplines, a range of panels took place as people were able to maneuver in and out of conversations while still feeling immersed in the conference. From music & entertainment to film & television to tech & influencer strategy, the list goes on— esteemed hosts, influential creators and celebrity talent you love to love were invited to share their knowledge. Topics ranged from black wealth and amplifying black voices to building brand awareness through social media and enhancing one’s social network. All of which provided incredible wisdom from the likes of Taraji P. Henson, Lena Waithe, Tracee Ellis Ross, Meagan Good, just to name a few. 

Look out for more information on what The Creative Collective NYC has to offer as they continue to share Creative AF Careers which include job postings in conjunction with salary information and career tips, both on their site and on their social platforms. Stay tuned as they continue to curate the spaces needed to diversify the industry and propel their mission forward.


Photographs by TONL

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