4 JUNE DIGITAL ISSUE Popcorn Remix Is Changing the Game — How Ryan Richmond and Greg Bowman Turned Flavored Popcorn into a Cultural Movement Ryan Richmond and Greg Bowman embody the entrepreneurial spirit that represents Juneteenth 2025. After being snowed in a popcorn shop on a trip home, Ryan was inspired to put a twist on the popular snack by infusing flavors that resonate with Black culture. After receiving his family’s blessing, he By Dr. Christal Jordan • 2 min read
Could Mista Kleen’s “Jake Paul Anthem” Lead to a Real Deal With Jake Paul? HIP HOP Could Mista Kleen’s “Jake Paul Anthem” Lead to a Real Deal With Jake Paul? Atlanta-based artist Mista Kleen is on the brink of something big. His high-energy track, “Jake Paul Anthem,” has racked up over 1 million views on YouTube — a major milestone for the rising talent who blends hip-hop with motivation, sports culture, and hustle-driven lyrics. But the question now buzzing across fans By King O’muni Lens • 2 min read
HIP HOP S.J. Dub: The Resilient Rise of a Jersey-Born Hip-Hop Voice Stephon Jacquel Watt — known to fans as S.J. Dub — is a rapper and R&B artist whose roots run deep in New Jersey soil. Born in 1990 in Neptune and raised in nearby Asbury Park, his musical path began at just 9 years old. He first found his By King O’muni Lens • 2 min read
Culture Conversation The Future Is Ours: Culture Wireless Founder Talks Tech & Juneteenth with Christal Jordan In this exclusive interview, Lenox and Parker Editor-in-Chief Christal Jordan sits down with William “Bam” Sparks, founder of Culture Wireless — a groundbreaking Black-owned internet service provider (ISP) on a mission to close the digital divide in underserved communities. As the U.S. redefines the meaning of Juneteenth, Sparks shares how By Datrick Davis • 1 min read
POST COVER-7 Inside BET+ Closure + Cocktails: A Star-Studded Night with the Cast of Divorced Sistas We had the exclusive pleasure of attending BET+ Presents: Closure + Cocktails with the Cast of Tyler Perry’s Divorced Sistas—a chic, invite-only rooftop affair at The Retreat by The Gathering Spot in Atlanta. Guests enjoyed skyline views, signature cocktails, and a soulful set by DJ Princess Cut, all framed By Victor Flavius • 1 min read
POST COVER-7 The Recap Room BET+ Presents: Closure + Cocktails with the Cast of Tyler Perry’s Divorced Sistas I had the pleasure of attending a stylish and star-studded affair—“BET+ Presents: Closure + Cocktails with the Cast of Tyler Perry’s Divorced Sistas.” The exclusive event was held at The Retreat by The Gathering Spot, an elegant rooftop venue tucked into the heart of West Midtown. Though the venue By Datrick Davis • 3 min read
POST COVER-6 Culture Celebrating Juneteenth: William 'Bam' Sparks and Culture Wireless Make Technology a Commodity for Black Empowerment After 2020 the US experienced a brief moment of conscious awakening after the shame of the televised murder of George Floyd. That isolated moment of accountability resulted in the country embracing Juneteenth as a national holiday. Although the Black community acknowledged the recognition, Juneteenth was a holiday celebrated internally within By Dr. Christal Jordan • 4 min read
POST COVER-5 Music Jon Keith Seizes The Breakfast Club Moment With New Song "Won't Fly" Wasting no time after appearing on The Breakfast Club during Alienz Alive founder Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins' captivating conversation in honor of his 2025 Songwriter's Hall of Fame induction, genre-bending artist Jon Keith returns with “WON’T FLY,” a raw, reflective single that blends airy textures with gut-punch By Jake Crates • 1 min read
unnamed HIP HOP Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins Drops New EP, 'Darkchild Sessions,' With Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction Following his long overdue Breakfast Club interview alongside protege Jon Keith, legendary producer Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins celebrates his recent induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame by Teddy Riley with the release of a powerful new project appropriately titled Darkchild Sessions. The 3-pack EP was crafted in Nashville and exclusively By Jake Crates • 1 min read
Education NicoleXO — How an Underdog Became a Digital Force Some people are born into comfort. Others are shaped by chaos. NicoleXO is the latter. Her story doesn't start with wins and accolades — it starts with survival. From seizures at three weeks old to emotional trauma at home, Nicole’s early life was anything but easy. Bullied for By King O’muni Lens • 2 min read
3EBC237D-59DE-4A0F-B3EB-5D28C25F3B87 Music Jim Jones To Host Single Release Party in NYC! New Single "Life With You" Ft. Shyst Vader & Beau' Joli Rapper Jim Jones is hosting a release party for his new single "Life With You" featuring Shyst Vader & Beau' Joli. The event is being held on Thursday, June 26 from 10p-2am at The Penthouse NYC and is hosted by DJ Whoo Kid. Tickets can be purchased By Jake Crates • 1 min read
20230621_Arrivals_157 Palm Springs International ShortFest Announces 2025 Jury & Forum The 31st-annual Palm Springs International ShortFest announced programs and participants for its annual Forum, as well as jury members who will fete Academy Award-Qualifying, Student Shorts, and Special Jury Awards. Taking place June 27-29 at the Renaissance Hotel Palm Springs, the ShortFest Forum will feature a dynamic lineup of thought-provoking By Victor Flavius • 9 min read
