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On October 27, actor TJ Atoms, who plays Ol’ Dirty Bastard on the popular Hulu series Wu-Tang: An American Saga, hosted an exclusive season 2 finale screening at Soho House in NYC. The event was hosted by Atoms manager Brittany Rae. This screening brought out many Hip-Hop legends like RZA, Lenny Santiago, and many more.
This event offered an open bar sponsored by D’usse, and ice cream bars and potato chips featuring pictures of the Wu-Tang cast. After a brief introduction about TJ, attendees began viewing the season finale for the first half of the night. The second half of the evening was a celebration for TJ Atoms’ new single “Potato Chips”.
Atoms took the stage to perform “Parking Lot,” “Yea,” “Meenworld,” and his debut single. He engaged with the room by walking into the crowd and rapping along with his guests while they danced along with him. This song was created with electrifying 808s to complete the earthly production arranged by Doctor Freon.
For the remainder of the night, guests mingled with one another, and Atoms and his crew remained on stage dancing and jamming out to various songs.
We had the opportunity to ask TJ a few questions before his single release.
The Knockturnal: How excited are you for your single release?
TJ Atoms: Super, super excited. It has been a while since I dropped any music. I have been making music since I was like 16. So to finally be here where I have a great team behind me, the season finale of Wu-Tang An American Saga. I feel like it’s just a great point to pivot onto the next energy. That’s what we’re doing tonight. Potato Chips is out now!
The Knockturnal: How was the process of creating this new single?
TJ Atoms: I made it during the pandemic, so you know everyone was in their own mind doing their thing. I was at a point that I really wanted to talk to the people and give them something they could really feel motivated by, feel inspired by, and still groove to it at the same time.
The Knockturnal: What are some upcoming things you’re working on that you can share with us?
TJ Atoms: I got the Mike Tyson series that is coming out next year, I got a movie that’s coming out with Omari Hardwick called Fels High. I shot that in my city, it’s coming out next year. I’m working on my own movie that I’m executive producing that’s coming next year called “Free The Dreamers”. So I got a lot of stuff. I have my clothing line apparel dropping next month. I’m just working hard.
With nearly 20 million streams, the upcoming 22-year-old rapper Boslen is the next hottest commodity out of Vancouver, BC. Despite his hopes of becoming a professional Rugby player in college, his dreams were cut short after he sustained an injury. However, the Canadian rapper is already gaining a strong fan following in the US and Canada. Boslen has already caught the eye of a few media outlets like XXL, FADER, HNHH, and Lyrical Lemonade. His biggest singles to date are ‘VULTURES’, which has received over 170,000 streams in one month, and “Eye for an Eye” which raked up 900,000 views on YouTube.
Boslen recently dropped his Capitol Records debut album, DUSK to DAWN. This project consists of 12 songs produced by Justsayin that take you on a sonic journey from darkness to light with features from Charmaine, Vory, Tyla Yaweh, Rascalz, and more. With a mixture of trap, punk, pop, and rock melodies, listeners will be taken on a shape-shifting transition throughout the album.
We had the opportunity to talk to Boslen about his Jamaican and Indigenous descent, his life before music, the process of creating his debut album, upcoming projects, and learning more about his work ethics and his appreciation for Kanye West.
The KnockTurnal: You spoke a lot about Kid Cudi’s “Up, Up, Away” which helped you through a troubled time. Did you get into music to help comfort people who were going through a hard time as well?
Boslen: Yes, the feeling music gave me as a kid made me not feel alone. I wanted to establish my career. Also, music played an important time in my life during my athletic career before music. It would help me stay motivated. So when I started making music, I wanted to harness that energy I felt and put it into my craft to help others.
The KnockTurnal: Let’s talk about your first song. What made you want to go into the studio, and what was your inspiration for your first track?
Boslen: It was called “Charlie Chaplin,” I think. My mom bought me his poster from Ikea and I just looked at it while I wrote my first song. I’m still unsure why, but that poster inspired me to just create. I think it was cause my dad was showing me the Three Stooges around the same time, so just being creative and finding my own identity as a kid I saw as “growing up”. But my first time going to the studio for me was my garage. I got some money from Christmas and saved up to buy my own setup. To me, that was the best studio I ever needed. I would just make beats and record myself for hours that summer.
The KnockTurnal: With a Caribbean and Canadian background, did your cultural heritage have any impact on the sound you have created for yourself?
Boslen: Absolutely, both my parents introduced me to my First Nation/Indigenous side so as a kid that helped me creatively tap into spirits and animals for wordplay and also use these themes with a meaning behind it. That helped my music become authentic, it wasn’t good but it was authentic to me at the time growing up and helped me become the artist I am today.
The KnockTurnal: How would you describe the process of creating “the Black Lotus Ep” vs “DUSK to DAWN”? What did you change about your work ethics to create the debut album you knew you wanted?
Boslen: Black Lotus was made at a time when I was first transitioning my living situation from Chilliwack to Vancouver. I had just met my executive producer at the time Justsayin, and he introduced me to a lot of beats I have never heard before. The best way I can explain them would be as “spooky”. From there I was working with new producers I had just met in the city of Vancouver and taking any session I could, I was hungry to just work. The 7 song project came together within 3 months. it was ready to be released with no structure and just a group of songs that I liked at the time. On the other hand, DUSK to DAWN was worked on for over a year. My creative director Natasha and I came up with the visuals of this album together and wanted to do something different, take a risk. Everything felt calculated, from the music to the songwriting to the way it all fits together from merch to videos to songs to showcases. I wanted to build a world.
The KnockTurnal: You speak about “DUSK to DAWN” being a sonic journey from darkness to light. Were you mentally in a dark space and overtime were you able to overcome this feeling?
Boslen: Absolutely. From the first day, we started this project I was at a low point in my life. I kept having past thoughts that would haunt my mind. While I was making this project it was very therapeutic for me because I witnessed myself becoming more grounded as a human. Admitting and facing your inner self is one of the hardest things anyone can do, and for me the more I did it the more I felt empowered.
The KnockTurnal: You spoke about “Dusk to Dawn” being pushed back five times. What made you finally say ok this project is finally ready for the world to hear?
Boslen: It just felt right, it felt like all the stars were aligning and you can just tell at the moment. As creators we all chase perfection and that ultimately sparks madness. I think I was just crazy enough in the moment to be like “okay we’re ready”.
The KnockTurnal: In your previous interview, you speak a lot about Kanye and his work ethic, and the person he was able to become today. Would you say Kanye has a big impact on the artist you are becoming? What is the most important thing you learned from Kanye?
Boslen: I think so. His ability to reinvent himself so more people can connect to him is very powerful. His work ethic and methods are very different and I admire that. I don’t wanna be a sheep. Becoming a trailblazer in this day and age is the hardest thing. This industry is filled with more artists than ever before. So standing out is not just about the music anymore. Kanye impacted my mentality on that. Everything around the music must also hold artistic integrity and truth.
The KnockTurnal: You speak a lot about having your listener appreciate the art behind your music being the most important thing to you. Would you say streams, and views aren’t as important to you? Especially in a generation where an artist can explode overnight from a viral video.
Boslen: I’d be lying if I didn’t say a #1 song would be nice. But at the end of the day, all that matters is the kids. The supporters. The people who are willing to drive across a city and wait outside to see you perform. There are many artists who have big numbers online but cannot fill a room. I’m just trying to grow organically and that takes time man.
The KnockTurnal: As the year is wrapping up, what else can we expect from you this year?
Boslen: A show in Los Angeles I just announced. Another song that I can’t wait for you’ll to hear. But really we are gonna hit the ground running at the top of the new year so keep your eyes out.
The KnockTurnal: You had the opportunity to work alongside Vory, Charmaine, and a few others. Who do you hope to have a collaboration with in the future?
Boslen: Kid Cudi.
Nebula, a nightclub in the heart of Times Square, opened this weekend to lines and lines of excited New Yorkers ready to hit the dance floor. We got to stop by on Thursday for an exclusive press preview night, where Nebula dazzled guests with flowing cocktails, scrumptious passed apps, and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.
Spanning 11,000 square feet and 3 stories, this weekend’s opening was the largest Manhattan has seen in several years. Thursday’s press preview night featured Storm Lever and Daniel Quadrino from Broadway Plus performing “Don’t Rain on my Parade” and “Waving Through a Window,” respectively, to honor the nightclub’s proximity to the theatre district. Nebula celebrates the post-pandemic recovery of New York City nightlife, and by featuring theatre performers, celebrates Broadway’s recent return in tandem: two of the city’s most beloved fixtures.
Richie Romero, former partner at Butter Group of 1OAK and Up&Down fame, along with Yang Gao of MIXX Lifestyle Group, created Nebula to be a “transformative nightlife experience” blending “cutting edge technology and world class hospitality.” With a 5,500 square foot dance floor, multiple private club rooms, and a moveable ceiling draped with lights to mimic a star-studded night sky, it definitely offers a unique and thrilling night out. Nebula’s private rooms can be rented out for all sorts of celebrations, and offers the perfect location for a post-show move.
When we entered the club, we were guided by overhead lights through a curved pathway opening up to the sprawling dance floor, multiple groups of leather sofas for guests to lounge and mingle, and a balcony overhead to watch the dance floor unfold and catch a glimpse of the performances. Drinks of every imaginable creation were served at the bar, as we weaved through people with glasses and glasses of fizzy, sparkling prosecco to see every corner of the venue. Ben & Jerry’s ice cream was served, and so was a delicious cheese platter, as appetizers such as prosciutto crostini, farro salad, and meatballs circled the dance floor to the delight of eager patrons. Nebula’s “interstellar” design vision entranced as we danced the night away, honored to get to be part of nightlife’s reopening in NYC.
Opening weekend also featured DJ Makj headlining on Friday, and DJ Rony Seikaly on Saturday. The party rolls on next weekend, with Duck Sauce November 12th and ZEDD on the 13th queued up on Nebula’s calendar. An epic Thanksgiving dance party is also in the cards and will be highlighted by Luke Alexander, Jesse Rosen, and Sasha Troy spinning – mark your schedules for these events now because they’re guaranteed to be nights to remember!
It’s officially Halloweekend in LA and the locals are gearing up for a party-packed weekend. As influencers and celebrities tease their over the top costumes on Instagram, viewers are antsy to find out what look ‘Kravis’ – the couple name for the iconic reality TV star turned entrepreneur, Kourtney Kardashian, and legendary Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker –will pull next. All eyes are on them as they’ve been dubbed the sexiest punk ‘IT’ couple right next to Machine Gun Kelly (Colson Baker) and Megan Fox.
Kourtney and Travis have been posting Halloween themed activities all month long (including Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights and The LA Haunted Hay Ride.) They even celebrated spooky season early when dropping photos of them dressed up as the Sex Pistols lead bassist Sid Vicious and his girlfriend Nancy Spungen.
We assume the duo are happily in love as they got engaged earlier this month and will be sharing the magical moment on the new reiterated season of Keeping Up With The Kardashians on Hulu.
Travis Barker has been busy not only planning the proposal but also creatively collabing with underground artists. Earlier this month he and Kenny Hoopla (known for merging elements of sleek new wave, R&B with gritty indie rock) partnered together after meeting through a mutual connection and having an instant chemistry.
MARVIN & Porsche Cars North America, Inc. presented Sound and Driven: a new series of short films featuring some of music’s most notable, well-respected artists and producers as they take their records on the legendary car test. The car featured is an all-electric 2021 Porsche Taycan Turbo with a Burmester 3D High-End Surround Sound System, with 1,455 watts and 21 individual controlled loudspeakers. You can imagine how great their songs will sound with this type of technology.
The first 10 minute episode featured Travis Barker and Kenny Hoopla’s SURVIVORS GUILT: THE MIXTAPE. Kenny says a song is never finished unless it passes the car test.
In the short, you can see them experiencing their work for the first time in the Porsche.
In addition to the car test, the episode heavily discussed the mental toll it takes to be an artist in the music industry. Both opened up about their creative process and approach to writing songs.
The short film was shown to an intimate group for its exclusive debut at Larrabee Studios, followed by a small dinner at VERSErestaurant. *Guests enjoyed Cookie Pop popcorn, NEFT Vodka creations, COASTAL Spritz wine spritzers and LOBOS 1707 specialty cocktails.
To watch the full short you can click here.
Marvel’s latest entry has the qualities of good filmmaking but falls victim to uneven pacing.
When it comes to heels, I usually have a beyond difficult time finding the right pair.
We’re back! Following a brief hiatus, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite releases of the month. Picks include a killer remix from O’Flynn, freeform bass star Mersiv‘s debut LP, and more.
Last week, Travel & Give teamed up with The Vanderpump Rules cast for the fourth annual Travel with a Purpose Fundraiser with Lisa Vanderpump charity event at the posh Tom Tom restaurant. Co-stars of the reality show, Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval, who co-own the restaurant in West Hollywood were in attendance as well Lisa Vanderpump, Lala Kent, Ariana Madix, Richardson Chery and Katie Maloney.
The fundraising efforts were to not only raise money for Travel & Give’s Teletherapy Program (to help children in Kenya and Haiti with speech, mental and physical disabilities) but to also provide a financial opportunity to those families who were recently affected by the devastating earthquake Haiti experienced in August. A portion of the proceeds went to the CHF Foundation (which aids communities in Haiti affected by the crippling earthquake on August 14, which affected over 800,000 people in the country’s southwestern peninsula. According to the World Food Programme, 77% of people in the affected area live in poverty.)
Popular personalities such as Garcelle Beauvais, Ken Todd, Jennifer Williams, Tamika J. and Ashley Alexiss came out to the event to show support of the cause. A red carpet was held briefly before guests entered the event where the Knockturnal talked to Tom Schwartz on the bar drama that took place last season. Schwartz said that “it’ll get worse before it gets better” and he’s “stuck in the middle per usual.” He opened up saying that it’s been difficult to establish a personal vs. business relationship with Sandoval. However, after the duo compartmentalized priorities of their on and off screen relationship, they were able to have healthier boundaries throughout the pandemic. Schwartz went on to say that the good news is that “Sandy’s and Schwartz” a new restaurant venture they’re partnering up for again is in the works and will be located in Franklin Village (one of Schwartz favorite LA areas.)
Inside, the low lit bar was fully stocked with signature cocktails and wines as guests enjoyed horderves such as spicy cauliflower ‘wings’, kobe sliders, steak tacos and Tom Tom’s signature Farmer’s Market Board. A performance by The Voice’s Tamika J. got the crowd going as bidders competed in the silent auction and were encouraged to donate. Gift baskets included items from Vanderpump Dogs, a beauty basket from Lala Kent’s ‘Give Them Lala’ line, a class pack variety from LA favorite, Barry’s Bootcamp; a private yoga session with Samora, and an assortment of Chaz Dean hair products.
To donate, you can go to travelandgive.com
ABOUT TRAVEL & GIVE
Travel & Give (501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization) was established 2017 and works to improve the quality of life of youths in developing countries, with speech, learning, mental, and physical disabilities through direct services, advocacy, and training-based service projects. With it’s Telehealth program, staff in Haiti and Kenya will gain the knowledge and skills needed to identify children with delays, and apply basic therapeutic strategies with the support of volunteers.
SOCIAL:
#TAG4Haiti
@Travel_Give
@The_CHF_Foundation
@TomTom
On a warm autumn evening, we ducked into Golden Theatre to catch the new Broadway play by Keenan Scott II, “Thoughts of a Colored Man.” This thought-provoking show offers a glimpse into the lives of several black men living in New York City – their joys, struggles, and particular experiences through various mediums of spoken word.
The play opens up with seven men lined up across the stage, decked out in various combinations of red and black. Each portrays different vastly different characters, apparent from their clothing and clarified further as we learn their personalities, backgrounds, and values. Luke James’ mesmerizing voice fills the theater to open up the show, and after some dialogue the opening scene leaves the audience with this question: “who is the colored man?” Through 90 minutes of spoken word, slam poetry, rhythm, and humor, Thoughts of a Colored Man addresses this question by diving into the lives of each of these fictional New Yorkers.
In a Brooklyn neighborhood on the cusp of rapid gentrification, six homegrown residents and one recent mover discuss class struggles, intersectionality, and prejudice through conversations and heavy internal monologue. They relate with one another on subjects of love, sex, parenthood, and education, and clash with each other on the very same, while lamenting about gentrification symbols such as the Citibike station and Whole Foods. We learn who they are to the world, and who they are to themselves, with emphasis on the latter. The key title word “thoughts” here demonstrates this, as the audience does not remain on the outside looking in – the struggles felt by each man reverberate through the theater after each monologue.
The characters represent key emotions, we learn towards the end of the show, and are played by Dyllón Burnside (Love), Bryan Terrell Clark (Happiness), Da’Vinchi (Lust), Luke James (Passion), Forrest McClendon (Depression), Esau Pritchett (Wisdom), and Tristan Mack Wilds (Anger). The idea that each of these men can be synonymous with a singular emotion feels uneasy, as the show has just illustrated how nuanced and complex each of them are. This reduction parallels a much more serious problem: how black men are dehumanized by society and the law and seen as one-dimensional despite the truth.
While Thoughts of a Colored Man doesn’t breach uncharted territory, or shock audiences with groundbreaking revelation, it boldly reminds us of what everyone knows yet brushes under the rug in order to function on a daily level. The experience of black men cannot be understood through news headlines, protests, and outrage at inequity. The world must listen to the stories of individuals, because the collective dehumanizes, and the opening question “who is the colored man?” cannot truly be answered.