Our Contributors

Jake Crates

Jake Crates, Music journalist and industry consultant focused on talent discovery, artist development, and cultural storytelling.

1565 posts

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Vanessa Simmons Talks Private Love, 'Pastry,' & More On Lisa Easton's 'Her Rich Life Podcast'

Vanessa Simmons brought a rare openness to her latest sit-down with Her Rich Life host Lisa Easton, reflecting on the years she spent navigating fame, family expectations and adulthood in the public eye. The former Run’s House star spoke with calm assurance as she described the work it took

By Jake Crates • 2 min read

Aklesso Dives Deep In New LP, 'Still Lonely'

After a three-city string of private listening events and insightful new interview with Sway In The Morning, Miami’s own Aklesso unveils his deeply personal album Still Lonely, released via Rodney Jerkins’ Alienz Alive. A follow-up to his praised 2024 album Lonely, the project solidifies him as one of Hip-Hop’

By Jake Crates • 1 min read

LunchMoney Lewis Preps New EP With "Please Don't Go" Single

After landing on the pages of Sway's Universe, Def Pen, and Billboard, LunchMoney Lewis closes out the year with the official visual for J Mike & Bolooki co-produced R&B-leaning Pop record "Please Don't Go." Directed by King Infinity, with assistance from Alexa

By Jake Crates • 1 min read

Drea Dominique - "Catch My Wave"

Today, Southern California based record label Blessed Beyond Entertainment releases R&B singer Drea Dominique’s party friendly new song, “Catch My Wave.” Produced by A.C. Burrell (Ty Dolla $ign, Ella Mai), and joined by Compton rapper AD, “Catch My Wave” is the lead single to Drea Dominique’

By Jake Crates • 2 min read

Victor Flavius

Victor Flavius (Tobias), Publisher and Creative Director, leading brand direction, design, and editorial execution to create cohesive, culture-driven experiences, while also covering Travel, Health, and Wellness.

362 posts

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Bad Bunny’s Halftime Show Was a Masterclass in Culture, Unity, and Hispanic Pride

Bad Bunny’s halftime show wasn’t just a performance—it was a cultural statement, delivered with precision, pride, and unapologetic joy. From its opening moments to its final image in the sky, the set unfolded as a living tribute to heritage, love, and collective celebration, rooted deeply in Puerto

By Victor Flavius • 4 min read

Experience Caribbean Cuisine at Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month 2026

Pack your appetite and maybe a beach hat — Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month is cooking up a comeback this May, and it’s shaping up to be the tastiest event in the Caribbean calendar. First launched in 2023, this island-wide food celebration has grown into a full-blown culinary carnival, spotlighting

By Victor Flavius • 4 min read

Wonder Man Understands That Power Isn’t Claimed — It’s Lived

Marvel’s Wonder Man doesn’t rush to impress you — and in a franchise addicted to escalation, that restraint feels intentional. Streaming on Disney+, the eight-episode series resists the MCU’s familiar impulse toward spectacle. There’s no immediate world-ending threat, no multiversal shorthand, no urgency to connect dots before

By Victor Flavius • 3 min read

Ella Mai Releases New Album Do You Still Love Me?

Multi-platinum, GRAMMY-winning singer-songwriter Ella Mai returns with Do You Still Love Me?, her long-awaited third studio album, out now via 10 Summers Records in partnership with Interscope Records. Executive produced by Mustard, the project is a poised, emotionally candid statement that documents Mai’s continued evolution while reaffirming her place

By Victor Flavius • 2 min read

Dr. Christal Jordan

Dr. Christal Jordan, Editor in Chief, guiding the publication’s editorial vision with insight, cultural intelligence, and purpose-driven storytelling.

148 posts

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Ready to Love Detroit Reveals the Risk of Black Male Vulnerability

Reality television thrives on spectacle, but occasionally it exposes truths that feel uncomfortably familiar. During part two of the Ready to Love Detroit reunion, a tense exchange between Nicole and Devon did just that. In the moment, Nicole attempts to shame Devon over his political beliefs, beliefs he had previously

By Dr. Christal Jordan • 3 min read

Violet Bridgerton and the Power of a Perimenopausal Garden in Full Bloom

Proclaiming women’s newest mantra “I am the tea” I took a break this weekend, a conscious one that allowed me to step away from relentless political rhetoric, social media churn, and a culture addicted to constant urgency. I returned instead to something softer, slower, and intentionally restorative. Curled up

By Dr. Christal Jordan • 6 min read

Why I’m Done With Kanye West

And Why Black Media May Need to Be Done Carrying Him Too Before I was ever critical of Kanye West, I was a real fan. Not a casual listener, or a late adopter, but a witness to his brilliance. The first time I saw Kanye perform, was my 30th birthday

By Dr. Christal Jordan • 8 min read

Google Chrome Helps Black Women Prioritize Hair Care

For black women, self-care is more than meditation and exercise. It’s the decisions we make in advance—the ones that require intention, patience, and follow-through. It's making sure you sleep in a silk bonnet, scheduling regular hair appointments and even experimenting with new products. Just like skincare,

By Dr. Christal Jordan • 3 min read

Pamela Broussard

Pamela J. Broussard, Communications professional and contributor with over 25 years of experience in entertainment, media, and storytelling.

93 posts

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Al Manerson: The Architect of Longevity in the Hit Driven Music and Entertainment Business

As R&B reclaims its rightful place at the forefront of music, Al Manerson is making it his priority, shaping careers, restoring credibility, and redefining what longevity means in today’s music and entertainment business. In an industry often driven by viral moments and fast turnovers, Manerson stands as

By Pamela Broussard • 4 min read

Mariea Antoinette Talks About Her Journey as One of Today’s Most Revered Multi-Genre Jazz Harpists

Renowned jazz harpist Mariea Antoinette has captivated audiences around the world with her soulful voice, virtuosic harp performances, and ability to seamlessly navigate multiple musical genres. From smooth jazz to contemporary grooves, Mariea has carved a unique space in the music industry, earning acclaim as one of today’s most

By Pamela Broussard • 3 min read

World-Renowned Saxophonist Isaiah T Kicks Off Global “Full Spectrum Tour” With Georgia Dates Before Taking the Stage Across Africa, Europe, Asia & the U.S.

World-renowned saxophonist and Billboard charting #1 artist Isaiah T officially launches his highly anticipated global concert experience, The Full Spectrum Tour, with two special kickoff performances in Georgia: * February 13 - Stockbridge,GA @1942 Social * February 14 - McDonough, GA From there, Isaiah T will take his electrifying live show

By Pamela Broussard • 2 min read

Sekou Andrews: One of Today’s Most Powerful Thought Leader Speakers

Imagine harnessing the power of an exciting opening video, a breathtaking closing performance, and an inspiring and insightful main stage keynote all in one dynamic presentation. For over 20 years, GRAMMY®-nominated artist and award-winning entrepreneur Sekou Andrews (pronounced SAY-koo) has been helping the world’s largest organizations deliver relevant

By Pamela Broussard • 3 min read

King O’muni Lens

King O’Muni Lens, Music contributor covering culture and emerging sounds shaping today’s musical landscape.

69 posts

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ROESWRLD New Track “No Way” Is Just The First Step For Major Moves For He in 2026 & Beyond …

Rising Superstar, ROESWRLD isn’t easing into the new year — she’s commanding it. With her latest single “No Way,” she sets a tone of emotional clarity and personal strength, using unfiltered honesty as her guide. The track, produced by Nique Laure and Mike Steele, opens with a raw look

By King O’muni Lens • 1 min read

Trendsetter Sense - 1K Phew - Young Dro - Zaytoven Link For “Lord Jesus”: When Atlanta’s Hip Hop Legacy Meets Unapologetic Faith

Christian hip hop continues to evolve, and moments like this prove just how powerful the movement has become. With the release of “Lord Jesus,” a new collaboration featuring 1K Phew, Zaytoven, Young Dro, and Trendsetter Sense, the genre once again demonstrates its ability to bridge generations, cultures, and convictions — without

By King O’muni Lens • 2 min read

When Fun Turns Into Faith: The Moment Music Became More Than a Hobby for Baby Gap

There’s a quiet shift that happens in every creative life—a moment when joy begins to carry weight. At first, creation is playful. It’s something you do because it feels good, because it fills time, because it connects you to people you love. There are no expectations attached

By King O’muni Lens • 4 min read

Powerful Business Women To Watch Out For in 2026:Shaping the Future of Women-Led Brands: Ciara Robinson and the Rise of Divine Kurves

As the New Year ramps up and resolutions are still fresh, a new wave of women entrepreneurs is redefining what success looks like—building brands rooted in purpose, confidence, and cultural impact. Among those names to watch closely is Ciara Robinson, the visionary founder of Divine Kurves, a brand that

By King O’muni Lens • 2 min read

Datrick Davis

Datrick Davis, Events Editor, covering celebrity red carpets, interviews, behind-the-scenes moments, and cultural events.

27 posts

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Lights, Purpose, and Powerful Storytelling: Vanish Makes a Statement at Its Atlanta Screening

Atlanta showed up—and showed out—for the special screening of Vanish, the gripping Tubi Original film that has everyone talking. Held at the luxurious Silverspot Cinema, the Atlanta screening was more than just a movie night; it was a full-scale cinematic experience that blended glamour, community, and an urgent

By Datrick Davis • 5 min read

Mr. Daniel Dickey, Renaissance man

Goal Getters, Where Vision Meets Action - A Lenox & Parker feature spotlighting individuals who turn vision into action through strategy, discipline, and execution. There are some people who defy neat labels. They resist being boxed into a single title, a single lane, or a single definition of success. Mr.

By Datrick Davis • 6 min read

Alvin Garrett: Crafting a Renaissance of Love in R&B

When Alvin Garrett speaks about music, his words flow with the same warmth and soul that fill his songs—unhurried, intentional, and rooted in love. The Grammy-nominated songwriter, producer, and artist has carved out a rare lane in today’s musical landscape: one that centers emotional honesty, human connection, and

By Datrick Davis • 3 min read

A Night of Reflection and Resilience: Inside the Atlanta Screening of Married to a Balla 2

On a breezy evening in Buckhead, against the backdrop of the neighborhood’s glittering skyline, attendees gathered for an intimate and emotionally charged screening of Married to a Balla 2, a Tubi Original that continues its unflinching exploration of domestic violence and the journey toward healing. Hosted in a beautifully

By Datrick Davis • 3 min read

Angela Watts

Angela Watts, Contributing Fashion Editor and the founder of RAGTRADE Atlanta, with over 20 years of experience in fashion and brand partnerships.

23 posts

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Art Basel Miami Beach 2025: Key Highlights Recap

Art Basel Miami Beach closed its 2025 edition on an exceptional high, reinforcing its position as the leading platform for Modern and contemporary art in the Western Hemisphere. The fair brought together 283 galleries from 43 countries, including 48 first-time exhibitors, and drew more than 80,000 attendees across its

By Angela Watts • 2 min read

Fresh Off Atlanta Fashion Week 2025, GOAT by James King Extends Its Reign with an Exclusive Sacramento Kings Collaboration

The Sacramento Kings and GOAT by James King, the contemporary fashion brand founded by designer Quintin Crumpler, debuted their exclusive apparel collaboration this past weekend during a fan event on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the team’s home arena. The collaboration captured the energy of NBA tunnel fashion — that

By Angela Watts • 2 min read

SCAD Announces Pharrell Williams as 2025 André Leon Talley Lifetime Achievement Award Winner

The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is thrilled to announce that GRAMMY Award-winning, Academy Award-nominated musician and filmmaker, philanthropist, designer, and entrepreneur Pharrell Williams has been named the recipient of the prestigious 2025 André Leon Talley Lifetime Achievement Award. This distinguished honor recognizes Williams’ groundbreaking contributions to fashion

By Angela Watts • 3 min read

adidas Originals Launches “From Campus to the Runway” HBCU Fellowship at Atlanta Fashion Week 2025

Atlanta Fashion Week (ATLFW) is proud to announce that adidas Originals will bring its groundbreaking program, From Campus to the Runway: HBCU Originals Fellowship, to the 2025 shows. This bold initiative celebrates creativity, culture, and pride while spotlighting the next generation of HBCU talent on one of fashion’s most

By Angela Watts • 3 min read

Chatney Diva

Chatney Diva, Travel, Health & Wellness Editor, curating stories that explore intentional living, movement, and well-being through a global lens.

18 posts

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Mind Your Business: Turning Your Side Hustle into Generational Wealth

Black entrepreneurship is having a major moment — and honestly, it’s been a long time coming. More people are turning their side hustles into real businesses, and those businesses are becoming stepping stones to something bigger: generational wealth. That’s why the idea behind Mind Your Business: Turning Your Side

By Chatney Diva • 3 min read

Bridging the Gaps, Communities At The Crossroads Of Economic Strain

Across the nation, communities are grappling with a reality that feels both familiar and unsettling: the economy is no longer a stable backdrop for daily life. For many, financial security has become elusive, and the promises of upward mobility feel increasingly out of reach. Unemployment, while improved from previous years,

By Chatney Diva • 3 min read

Verdure Kitchen & Cocktails, Where African Heritage Meets Modern Western Cuisine

In the bustling culinary landscape of Atlanta, Verdure Kitchen & Cocktails stands out as a beacon of innovation and culture. The restaurant is renowned for its masterful fusion of Western cuisine with African cooking techniques and ingredients, a hallmark that reflects both creativity and heritage. Owned by visionary restaurateurs from

By Chatney Diva • 3 min read

Your Money,Your Year: Reset Your Finances for 2026

New year means a fresh start—a chance to reset your money without overcomplicating things. You don’t need grand resolutions or complicated spreadsheets. You need a plan that’s simple, steady, and built around habits you can actually stick with long after January fades. Know Where You Stand Before

By Chatney Diva • 2 min read

Kevin Nelson

With 35+ years in journalism, Kevin Nelson blends media expertise with financial strategy—protecting artist legacies as a publishing & masters specialist and scaling brands as a business consultant.

7 posts

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The Man Who Captured the Stars and Sang Among Them: A Tribute to Lamonte McLemore

The world knows many "double threats," but few inhabited two distinct creative universes as masterfully as Lamonte McLemore. As a founding member of the legendary vocal group The 5th Dimension and a prolific photographer for Jet Magazine, McLemore didn’t just witness the mid-century golden age of Black

By Kevin Nelson • 2 min read

JIVE Records Returns: RCA Taps UnitedMasters Alums to Lead Label Relaunch

In a major move for the music industry, RCA Records has officially revived the legendary JIVE Records as an independent, frontline label. Stepping in to lead the charge are co-Presidents Mike Weiss and David Melhado, both of whom join the label following successful tenures at UnitedMasters. A Storied Legacy Returns

By Kevin Nelson • 2 min read

Honoring Riccardo Bray: The Unsung Guitar Force Behind Zapp’s Enduring Funk

The music community is reflecting on the legacy of Riccardo Bray, whose recent passing marks the end of an era for fans of funk and soul. While not an original member of Zapp, Bray became a cornerstone of the band’s live performances for many years, earning respect as a

By Kevin Nelson • 2 min read

Saving South Central L.A.—One Child, One Future at a Time

In the heart of South Central Los Angeles, a transformative mission is underway, championed by community leaders Omar McGee and Darell Pork. They recognized a fundamental truth: early childhood education is the non-negotiable foundation of every child's future. From this realization, and fueled by a pure passion for

By Kevin Nelson • 2 min read

Donnell Sims

Donnell Sims, Los Angeles–based film review contributor, offering thoughtful perspectives on cinema, storytelling, and visual culture.

6 posts

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America's Chicken Have Come Home To Roost...Again!

CHARLIE KIRK, A VICTIM OF THE HATE THAT HATE PRODUCED? Charlie Kirk, America's Chicken Came Home To Roost Again! The ideals of this great nation are not set in stone; large segments of the population remain racist, misogynistic, homophobic, abusive, assholes, and some are just plain old evil.

By Donnell Sims • 2 min read

Ciara and Russell Wilson Co-Executive Produce Powerful True Story of Faith and Fortune In America, Sarah’s Oil

Finally, a story of African American discovery, innovation, and resilience that results in fortune not failure, Sarah’s Oil premieresNovember 7. Inspired by the remarkable true story of Sarah Rector (played by Naya Desir-Johnson), SARAH’S OIL tells the harrowing story of an African American girl born in Oklahoma Indian

By Donnell Sims • 2 min read

On Set: Marlon Wayans Plays Pyscho In HIM

NEIGHBOR HOOD GOOD NEWS NHGN cameras were in the streets and on set with Marlon Wayans for his new feature film, HIM. Jordan Peele tackles football in this new psychological thriller from Universal Pictures, premiering Sept. 19. We followed Marlon for a private viewing party in HTown (Houston, TX) presented

By Donnell Sims • 1 min read

Black Press Is Dead!

Ben Chavis Bemoans Government Subsidies and DEI Losses, Begins Shame Game; But What About Hip Hop Culture Play BLACK PRESS IS DEAD! BEN CHAVIS CONFESSES OP-ED | In a recent interview, Dr. Ben Chavis sounded like a doctor telling a family their loved-one is not long for this life. Somberly, sincerely,

By Donnell Sims • 2 min read

Brett Holcomb

Brett Holcomb, Wealth & Finance Editor, specializing in business acquisitions and strategies that help build sustainable wealth through cash-flowing companies.

4 posts

The Self-Reliance Blueprint: Madam C.J. Walker's Legacy for Today's Wealth Builders

As the Natural Hair and Beauty Show converges on Atlanta this month, attendees are walking in the economic opportunity space created by America's first female self-made millionaire, Madam C.J. Walker. In an era where DEI initiatives face increasing rollbacks, Walker's legacy offers something more sustainable:

By Brett Holcomb • 4 min read

L.A.W.: The Wealth Formula That Transforms Debt Into Financial Freedom

In a previous article, I shared how my upbringing in NYC taught me to fear debt. The neighborhood wisdom was clear: "Stay out of debt. Buy everything in cash. Don't let the system own you." Fast forward to today, and I've developed an entirely

By Brett Holcomb • 3 min read

The Wealth Accelerator: Why Strategic Debt Is Your Most Overlooked Financial Asset

Forget what you've been told—discover how calculated borrowing can be the cornerstone of building lasting wealth Growing up in the New York City Housing Authority projects, I learned my first financial lessons on park benches and street corners. The neighborhood OGs. Those older, seemingly wiser voices would

By Brett Holcomb • 4 min read

The Wealth Paradox: Why High Income Doesn't Equal True Wealth

Understanding the Hidden Math Behind Financial Freedom When we talk about success with money, many of us focus on the wrong numbers. The true measure of wealth isn't how much you make, or even how much you own – it's whether your assets generate enough income to

By Brett Holcomb • 3 min read

Stone E. Mims

Stone E. Mims (S.M. Erickson) is an Atlanta-raised writer whose work explores the Black experience through speculative storytelling. He teaches English Literature and Humanities at Interlochen Arts Academy, focusing on African-American Literature.

3 posts

Against The Genocide of Children

…but our children are not ours/ nor we theirs they are future we are past - Nikki Giovanni, Always There Are The Children, 1976 Every Christmas, after dinner, but before my younger step-siblings and cousins open their presents beneath the tree, my grandmother and I play rummikub on an old,

By Stone E. Mims • 8 min read

The Moral Decay of White America

To be a Black American in 2026 is to be an ambassador to a history that your countrymen desperately want to forget, but also an oracle or prophet of the country’s trajectory. We see, before just about anyone else, where the country is headed, having already lived through its

By Stone E. Mims • 8 min read

Sojourn of the Black Artist

Where, anyway, would I go to escape? Where would a Fleeing Black Man Go?” – James Baldwin, Meeting the Man, 1970 The white supremacists’ banal screech reverberates throughout the country—Make America Great Again. The far right has seized control of the Republican Party, and the Republican Party holds a monopoly

By Stone E. Mims • 12 min read

Brenda Alexander

Temple alum Brenda Alexander is an editor with 10+ years’ experience, with bylines at ESSENCE, BET, Blavity, xoNecole, Curly Nikki, and more. She covers entertainment/lifestyle and contributes to FOX 5 Atlanta.

1 post

Travel

Black Travel Maine Is Where Legacy, Leisure and the Slopes Converge

Maine is not on many avid Black travelers wish lists. Unless you have a knack for the outdoors and winter sports/activities, it’s probably not a state that comes to mind to travel for personal pleasure. Taking things a step further, when people think of Maine, a robust Black

By Brenda Alexander • 7 min read