A Calabasas Freestyle

The very first track found on Jaden Smith’s latest sonic body of work The Sunset Tapes: A Cool Tape Story is dedicated to my favorite region in all of New York—SoHo (shameless plug: there are a few sizes left in my hoodies if you were wondering). Although it wasn’t the project’s premier single, “SOHO” easily became a fan favorite after the Fresh Prince’s heir blessed Instagram with a visual that meshed the latter with a hilarious clip from his dad’s legendary TV show.  Now, the young icon is moving forward with a new freestyle hitting close to home!

Fittingly titled, “A Calabasas Freestyle,” the bar-filled jam fully displays the Karate Kid’s lyrical chops as he spits about his elaborate lifestyle and splurges.  As you might of guessed, its accompanying video takes place in, that’s right, Calabasas, where Jaden is found rocking his own MSFTS gear and shredding with friends.  Check it out below:

While we’re on the subject, I might as well revisit one of my favorite cuts from Drake that also pays homage to the lavish Los Angeles County, “4PM In Calabasas”.  Enjoy!

Pink Sweat$

I’m all about showcasing phenomenal, rising musicians on this platform and Pink Sweat$ is no exception.  I caught wind of the 26-year-old multi-hyphenate about 6 months ago when he released the confessional ballad “Honesty,” from his standout debut EP, Demo 1.

Sweat$ is a proud member of the new age pack of musicians who defy the stereotypical look of an R&B crooner. I mean, who needs chiseled abs when you have a woman-melting falsetto like he has?

Although the Philly native’s project is just 14 minutes long, it is packed with minimally-produced, emotive tunes that’ll snatch your soul.  

Check out the visual for “Honesty” for a preview of what I’m talking about below:

P.S Shout out to my OG supporter MC for her leading lady role in the clip.

Justine's Interlude

D’Anthony Carlos, better known as Goldlink, is the very first rapper to appear twice on the music-centered Youtube channel, Colors.

Performing his latest slow bop “Justine’s Interlude,” the DC native paid tribute to his dear friends: the late Mac Miller and Brooklyn’s own Justine Skye.  By its title alone, you can infer that the song mostly touches on the Roc Nation songstress.  

Goldlink spilled major tea during his second run on “A Colors Show,” and he didn’t even have a mug in-hand like Daniel Caesar (watch Daniel’s performance on the platform here to get that witty joke).

Check it out below:

Keeping Up With Demand: Diversity On Screen

The last five years has seen a surge of new content that have been distinctly constructed to try to reharmonize the evident under-representation of marginalized groups on mainstream TV.

Issa Rae’s HBO series Insecure and multi-talented British actress Michaela Coel’s Chewing Gum have put narratives of black culture to screens worldwide.

Streaming platforms such as Netflix have provided real authenticity to audiences with shows like Atypical; a coming of age comedy that follows autistic lead character, “Sam,” fumble his way, just like any awkward adolescent, through his teenage years.

Shonda Rhimes consistently writes for and casts not only strong female leads, but also people of colour with shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal and How To Get Away With Murder — and people are here for it. Rhimes’ shows average 8.6 million viewers each week and she herself has received two Golden Globes, eight Emmys, 29 NAACP Image Awards, and a Peabody.

But how could we talk about diversity on screen without mentioning last year’s box office storm, Black Panther. An absolutely monumental moment in cinematic history that brought unapologetic blackness to the screens of the masses, with purpose. The narrative was strong, the characters rich in resources and technology showing a side to the black experience that is not usually synonymous with box office hits — and not a whiff of black suffering in sight.

What is great to see about these shows and movies is that they do not stick to the age old, worn out narratives of white saviours in the black community or those with disabilities being presented as weak or sorry. These shows are displaying its characters normality. These characters and their everyday, through their eyes.

These shows do not leverage the differences of its characters to justify their presence on screen — and that is what is boils down to.

Studios need to understand that marginalized groups don’t need to be legitimized to be on screen, because, at present, the only reason the on screen narratives are beginning to change is because of the people telling the stories.

Film and television has the power to shape culture in a way that many other mediums can’t. It is our window to the world outside of our existence, and fictional or not, we build our opinions based on what and who we see represented on our screens, and the narratives that surround them.

People have a drive and need to see themselves represented, it makes them feel safe, accepted and not alone. Today, with the change in narrative towards underrepresented groups in the media, people are not afraid to ask for what they want to see on screen. They are not afraid to boycott the content in which doesn’t show a version of their truth.

On the flip-side to this, decades of poor representation has impacted how people view themselves and how they feel they are viewed by society — which has had serious consequences. It has caused people to question their own capability. Without seeing stories of those who look like them being successful and in positions of power, people are unable to dream big.

Ambitions are capped by the belief that because of something fundamental to their identity, they will not succeed in life.

Now, it is all well and good that people from these groups are starting to dictate their stories. However, the reality of the situation is those who dominate the film and television industries are not these people. The current media giants need to take responsibility for how they characterize certain groups and commit to providing a platform for a different type of person to share their stories with the world.

Without this, these groups will continue to tell their own stories and carve their own path. There is real cultural value in authentic story telling. People are no longer looking for the glossy images that we are used to seeing. This will have a knock on effect, and in time those that dominate the market will be knocking at the door of these groups to satisfy the demand for authentic representation.

This has already started to happen, and we are now on the cusp of a real shift in the market. A great example is Netflix’s recent acquisition of a multi-year deal with Shondaland, the television company that Shonda Rhimes set up in 2005 to produce the stories that she wanted to tell.

East London based action thriller The Intent was self funded and independently released by black writers and directors Femi Oyeniran, Nicholas Walker. And when the time came for The Intent 2, Island Records and Vertigo Releasing came for a slice of the pie.

As for disability being portrayed, studios are coming under fire for ‘cripping up’ by casting able bodied actors in disabled roles. This is forcing the industry to finally turn to disabled actors to take up these roles. A recent hit was John Krasinski’s A Quiet Place, which featured a deaf actress named Millicent Simmonds.

So the question is, what side of the narrative do these studios and producers want to be on, holding the door open for diverse casts or left knocking on the doors of those creating their own paths to success?

Written by Tsedenia Skitch

FRNDY LMRN Mix 1

Happy New Year everyone! Allow me to kick off 2019 with the very first FRNDY LMRN Mix curated by yours truly and my musically-inclined lil’ cuz, Kareem Hilaire.  Enjoy!

Sir Julien

Sir Julien George is a budding entrepreneur whose eyes, like Superman, are laser focused on the prize.  In February of 2018, Julien reached out to me with an intense interest of being a contributing writer for FRNDY LMRN.  He instantly took a liking to my platform after reading the Original Story I wrote on style maven Danielle Anabi.  Unlike many other business inquiries, the 19-year-old Atlanta native’s initial email, was quite frankly, a fully loaded automatic rifle spewing out his resume, expertly crafted media kit and letter of recommendation for my consideration. (Neo’s got nothing on me the way I was dodging those rapid fires.)

I opted to put George on board and we’ve had a smooth sailing partnership ever since. He has written some outstanding entertainment news articles, and even cooked up fresh interviews with his famous friends.  I’m pretty sure you guys are interested in knowing more about the sophisticated youngster (peeped his poppin’ gram yet?) so I thought it would be a clutch move to put him in the hot seat.

Check out the transcript of my informative chat session with Julien below where we discuss his upbringing in The A, lavish lifestyle, boarding school woes and future endeavors.

FRENDY:  What’s up, J? Let’s get straight to it—can you give me the scoop on your parents?

SIR JULIEN:  My mother was born in New York and had about seven siblings. Her parents created a family band that they called, The Steel Bandits, in the ‘80s. They all played the steel drums, which is pretty dope. They lived and traveled all around the US and played for former President Ronald Reagan. I just couldn’t imagine my mom being in a band *Laughs*.

My dad was born in SoCal. He lived the ‘Carlton Banks’ lifestyle, but with Will Smith’s personality (if that makes sense). He has some funny teenage stories. When he moved to Atlanta, he built several strong relationships with prominent figures and created Elavon. Since then, the company has sold and he’s living his life.

FRENDY:  What kind of services did your father’s company offer?

SIR JULIEN:  My dad has always been an entrepreneur and investor. He has build several companies that still gain recognition today. Elavon built one of the first modernized credit card machines, which has gained billions in profit. His relationships with the mayor and other prominent figures is how he build Tech Labs. Tech Labs, Pindrop, and Purewire have raised over $100M from software companies in the United States including Amazon.

FRENDY:  Wow, that’s incredible!  They need their own #FrendyOriginals *Laughs*.  Are you the only child?

SIR JULIEN:  Facts. Their stories are insane!  Yes, I am the only child. It was so great growing up as an only child, but not having those fundamental principles of “sharing is caring,” was a wake up call once I entered the real world.

FRENDY:  Oh really? what was your first “wake up” call?

SIR JULIEN:  Probably turning 18. I had always been so mature growing up due to the things I had been exposed to. Imagine an eight year old rocked out in Gucci not because his parents told him to, but because he wanted to…that was me. I thought I had it all together, but there was much more to maturity than a trill fit and speaking eloquently. When I first went into the real world as a legal adult, a new sense of maturity and responsibility switched on for me.

FRENDY:  Did you ever have a sense of entitlement growing up since your parents were able to afford you all the finer things in life?

SIR JULIEN:  No. Never because of that. I was only a bit entitled because I was the only child. I always came first in my household, so that’s all I knew. Don’t get me wrong, I was very grounded—I just felt deserving. I lived, I’ve learned, and I’ve grown though.

FRENDY:  Your mom and dad obviously did a phenomenal job raising you.  Any advice from them that still resonates with you today?

SIR JULIEN:  Thank you, homie. My mom has given me so much great advice. She always tells me not to be too trusting in people and has told me ever since I was a kid, “there are no free lunches in this world.” Basically emphasized the importance of independence. I steer clear of people who do things expecting something in return. Even today, she is so cautious of my friendships. She only likes about five of my friends to be honest *Laughs*.

On the other hand, my dad gives me such terrible advice *Laughs*.  He used to tell me shit when I was eight like: “Julien, you don’t drive a Rolls Royce—you should only get driven in them.” Obviously something an eight year old doesn’t need advice on.

FRENDY:  *Laughs* How was life growing up in the ATL?

SIR JULIEN:  I love Atlanta. I definitely get sick of the A when I’m there, but always miss it when I’m gone. I have still not found a place that I could picture myself living in full time. I traveled a lot growing up, but have always felt most at home in Hotlanta. It’s the perfect balance between the calm and the storm. You can turn up, but chill out with friends/family and have the same amount of fun here.

FRENDY:  Sounds like the perfect balance for sure.  Did you have a lot of friends growing up there?  Also, when did you move to Miami? And why?

SIR JULIEN:  I have always had a lot of friends. I still do, but I can still narrow that number down to my truest and most genuine friends. It’s like I have always had two groups of friends—the associates and the ride-or-dies. The majority of my friends also lived in Miami, so I was there so often. It was my social break from Atlanta. I even almost joined this reality show called ‘Summer Break’ in Miami…but then I went to boarding school *Laughs*.

FRENDY:  Was that the one you were telling me about? *Laughs*.

SIR JULIEN:  Nah. ‘Summer Break’ is a YouTube reality series that features a group of friends living their last Summer in LA before college. One year, they were casting to do a season in Miami, which I decided to audition for. Some friends and mine were almost on the show, but they decided to film again in LA. We were all so pissed, but I made some lifelong homies from that call back.

FRENDY:  Got you.  Which HS did you attend in the A? Or did you go to HS in Miami?

SIR JULIEN:  I went to Woodward Academy from sixth grade to my sophomore year in high school. Woodward is the cliche prep school—button up shirts, khaki slacks, varsity jackets. I left and went to boarding school in Connecticut for my junior and senior year. Now that was lit!

FRENDY:  What didn’t you like about Woodward?  And what did you enjoy about the boarding school in CT?

SIR JULIEN:  Well, at one point Woodward could no longer offer me what I wanted. I lowkey needed to grow up and evolve on my own away from the homies I was so close to. I applied to Suffield Academy for my Junior year and didn’t tell anyone. When I got accepted, I knew I was going. I was sad about leaving one of my closest friends, Ahmauri, but life goes on. We made it work and pick up where we last left off every time we see each other.

When I got to Suffield, I could tell the faculty’s lives revolved around their jobs. They lived on campus, too, so work never officially stops. It frustrated me when I was there, but after graduating I am so grateful for how well they prepared us for the real world. Overall, I made nothing but life lessons and lifelong friendships.

FRENDY:  What is boarding school like? What makes it so different than regular schools?

SIR JULIEN:  I mean, at boarding school, you’re with your friends and teachers all on one campus. Imagine sleepaway camp 24/7. It was beyond draining at times. In contrary, boarding school is the ideal preparation for college in high school. We were required to wake up, go to class on time, play a mandatory sport, manage homework, manage social life, and follow the rules, all without your parents. Obviously these tasks aren’t too much to ask me now, but as a junior in high school, I didn’t realize how dependent and entitled I was. Boarding school is the origin of the Upper East Side teenage scandals. I could tell you some insane boarding school stories!  The access that we had was concerning looking back at it—there were for sure some Lindsay Lohans.

FRENDY:  What is the craziest thing you witnessed or experienced in boarding school?

SIR JULIEN:  Hmmm…that’s a tough one. There’s been some crazy shit that has gone down. There was a herpes situation that still shocks to me to this day.

FRENDY:  *Laughs* Gotdamn! now this is getting good. So, boarding school doesn't necessarily mean that it’s in some deserted area?

SIR JULIEN:  Ohhhh. Most times when I tell people that I went to boarding school they ask “What did you do wrong?” I didn’t go to military school, which is typically a result of a bad ass kid. Boarding School is honestly just an elite private school experience. Imagine a $60K education for a high school student—that’s boarding school. These schools are so competitive, too. I have seen some applicants gift some of the most elaborate things to faculty to bribe their kid in. It’s like a secret little society.

FRENDY:  Were you majoring in anything specific? Or was it fundamentally like HS where there isn’t a need to study a particular subject?

SIR JULIEN:  It was like high school in the sense of average class requirements, but there were some additional classes offered that could be geared to the majors we chose in college, which helped our transcripts stand out. The school did implement something called the ‘Harkness Table’, which is a circular table that allows for round table discussions. So instead of our teachers writing things on a whiteboard regurgitating facts to us, they were much more involved.

FRENDY:  Which boarding school did you graduate from?

SIR JULIEN:  Suffield Academy.

FRENDY:  Are you still friends with some of your boarding school mates?

SIR JULIEN:  Yes, for sure. I still talk to people from Suffield everyday.

FRENDY:  That’s awesome. Which college are you currently attending? And why did you choose that particular school?

SIR JULIEN:  I’m studying abroad in Florence, Italy at Lorenzo de’ Medici. I remember talking to my friend Danielle debating it and she was like, ‘You can go to college in Italy and you’re debating for what?’.  She was right, so I basically said ‘Yolo’ and went for it. I appreciate the precedence I set for myself by leaving Woodward to go to Suffield. Looking back at it, my life has been a continuous elevation education-wise.

FRENDY:  Amazing. Did you choose a major yet?

SIR JULIEN:  I decided to major in Communications and Public Relations. I had already known that I was going to major in that since about Sophomore year in high school. I have my own public relations and branding firm, Viral PR Group. Sometimes I feel like I know everything, but education is still very essential. It doesn’t hurt to learn more and perfect your craft.

FRENDY:  What was the inspiration behind your choice of major?

SIR JULIEN:  I really just took my strong points and passion of public relations and made a business out of it. I have always been well spoken; never intimidated to hold a conversation. I have always spoken with a sense of confidence. It is something that has impressed people so much due to the fact that unfortunately, people don’t picture young African American men positively. I want to help change that and be a different type of example, so that’s how I chose my major.

FRENDY:  Congratulations!  I knew you were going to eventually embark on our own endeavors when you initially reached out to me.  How did you find out about me and my site anyway?

SIR JULIEN:  I remember being in science class fucking around on my laptop and coming across your Instagram profile. I liked how authentic it was. Just raw and genuine content. I was going to wait and follow you for a while before DMing you, but I read one of your Original Stories and knew that I wanted to be a contributing writer or collaborate with you in some capacity. So I reached out, we discussed, I wrote the Clermont Twins piece and we have been working together creating art ever since.

FRENDY:  Totally appreciate your contributions—still waiting for some more articles though! *Laughs*.

SIR JULIEN:  Yeah. When I got to Italy, I fell off a bit. Time difference fucked my schedule up, but I’m ready to grind some fresh articles out. I have a new interview that I am starting on today. I promise it will be worth the wait!

FRENDY:  I’m really looking forward to reading it.  What else are you interested in besides Communications?

SIR JULIEN:  Artist management or maybe just music in general. Viral is a branding firm, so our services aren’t just limited to public relations. I’ve built dope relationships through my firm with some dope artists. There’s something motivational about witnessing or being apart of the creative process in a recording studio. Hearing the finalized song is gratifying.

FRENDY:  I know exactly what you mean.  Who have you had the pleasure of working with so far?

SIR JULIEN:  I have had the pleasure of working with artists like Lil Yachty, Trippie Redd, and Kodie Shane, but Rick Ross’ home studio was by far the dopest studio moment.

FRENDY:  He’s the “biggest boss that we’ve seen thus far,” so it’s only right!  What made that experience so magical for you?

SIR JULIEN:  Hearing his unreleased music was definitely the highlight. I grew up around celebs and public figures, so I’ve never really been impressed by them, but hearing the unfinished craft of a hip hop legend is what was magical.

FRENDY:  How does it feel witnessing your childhood friends build their own respective buzz in the entertainment industry?

SIR JULIEN:  I love it!  I’ve always been the biggest supporter of my friends. If I see one of my friends trying to build their own platform in the entertainment industry, or try to gain success in any business venture, I’m helping them however I can. I want everyone to win.

FRENDY:  Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

SIR JULIEN:  10 years. Damn. Definitely mogul tycoon status. I see myself having multiple firms internationally: Tokyo, Shanghai, Burbank, Manhattan. I don’t want the expansion to ever stop. I see myself having some talented ass kids. Possibly living in Amsterdam or in the Hidden Hills. Viral PR Group will be so innovative and inclusive of the future generations to come. There will be nothing like it.

Before You Get A Boyfriend (Music Video)

Brooklyn-based group Phony Ppl has been making their rounds in the music industry since 2008. They’re still here entirely due to producing genre-bending sounds with heartfelt lyrics.  After taking a three-year hiatus, the eclectic quintet has released a new project titled, mō'zā-ik , which certainly proves that great art cannot be rushed.

One of my favorite cuts from the album, “Before You Get A Boyfriend,” displays Elbee Thrie’s, Phony Ppl’s lead vocalist, rapping and singing ability as he is declaring his love/lust (yeah, he isn’t quite sure what it is either) for a shorty before she finds another boo.

Check out the single’s climactic visual below:

Red Table Talk W/ Kid Cudi

Mr. Rager himself, Kid Cudi is the latest guest on Red Table Talk, starring Jada Pinkett Smith, Willow Smith and Adrienne Banfield-Norris.  The Facebook sponsored American web series is known for its intimate conversations with some of the industry’s most influential figures. This particular episode touches on mental illness and addiction.

Aside from cooking up groundbreaking tunes, Cudi was known as the jokester during my time working with him at BAPE.  One would of never thought he was dealing with inner demons—especially after his skyrocketing success in the music and television industry.  “Well, That’s where most of the bad stuff came in because I had to live up to be this person,” Scott states after he was asked about being the hero of an entire generation. “It’s like doing a comedy, but you’re miserable. It’s like my life was this show and I was always supposed to be on.”

Furthermore, the former “How To Make It In America” star spoke of how he used drugs during his depression as an escape because no one was there to mentor him.

Fortunately, Cudi has been off cocaine for about two years and is now looking to consistently hum his way back into the hearts of adoring fans.  While you’re waiting for some new entrancing tunes, check out the clip below:

Claustrophobic (Music Video)

Man, kudos to my little sister for putting me on to PJ Morton.  If the multitalented crooner looks familiar, it’s because since 2012 he’s been one of the keyboardist for Adam Levine’s super successful pop rock band, Maroon 5.

I would of dug a little deeper into the background of the Grammy-nominated New Orleans artist, but words aren’t needed when an act is that good—the music always speaks for itself. Allow me to present “Claustrophobic,” the first single from Morton’s 2017 album, GUMBO.  The song truly is an anthem for all artists who are unapologetically two-stepping to the beat of their own drum. (makes sense why I like it so much.)

Check out the inspirational tune’s visual below, and if you loved what you heard, feel free to explore his fascinating discography.

LA PRKWY Tunes: Days In

Elijah Mora is working diligently to shine bright in the mainstream Hip Hop scene.  I met the emerging rapper this summer while on a shoot with photographer Deandre Mitchell.  Admittedly, I had no clue Elijah was going to tag along, but I’m glad he did. During our various location changes we had a chance to bond and I was thoroughly impressed by his ambition.

The confident 23-year-old spitter is representing the Big Apple to the fullest—more specifically, Laurelton Parkway. Born in Brooklyn with Haitian roots, Elijah and his family moved to the aforementioned Queens suburb at the young age of seven.  “I grew up in Laurelton, definitely a West Indian middle-class area, not the worst of hoods but having friends in different areas showed me shit ain't sweet,” he states. “Although things settled down now, I legit remember days when I couldn’t take my phone out on the bus in certain neighborhoods. Queens just prepared me for the world in general and how to stay on point. Anything can happen at any time.”

With his head on a swivel and an insatiable appetite for success, Mora unleashed a mixtape commemorating his beloved setting aptly titled, LA PRKWY Tunes. The sonic body of work consists of eight original tracks produced by fellow burgeoning artists OOLUWAA, Losco and Wavy J.  Setting himself apart from the pack, Elijah produced a short film alongside More Like This Media titled, LA PRKWY Tunes: Days In, to fully accent the tape’s four premier tracks. He further explained the visual’s significance by saying: “I felt like I have the mind for it, so why not bring a cinematic aspect into music. I was trying to capture just a day in the life type of feel. Kind of like watching the movies ‘Boys In The hood’ or ‘Friday’, showing you different areas of where I’m from and how we maneuver.”

Sit back, relax and watch an eventful day in the life of Elijah Mora below:

Rox Brown's Air Jordan 1s

The growth of Rox Brown is incredible!  During the early years of my dominance at the New York location of Nigo’s former empire, Roxanne was making her own mark at Pharrell Williams’ Billionaire Boys Club/Ice Cream shop in SoHo.  After BBC, she moved on to be the “it girl” at VFILES, while solidifying herself as one of Downtown’s shining personalities.  Her consistent grind has paid off as she is now living her dream as a full-time stylist and creative director.

Roxy’s latest stunt is in the form of a new sneaker! That’s right, she is the latest influencer who has been given the chance to create a stand-out Air Jordan 1.  Her iteration receives a satin upper in an all-black colorway.  Furthermore, Reflective 3M detailing is spread throughout the shoe with a bright red rose graphic embroidered on the heel and tongue replacing the usual “Nike Air.”  Last but certainly not least, Rox’s signature is hidden within its reflective detailing.

The Rox Brown x WMNS Air Jordan 1 is scheduled to drop at select Jordan Brand retailers on Dec. 12 for $160.

Finding: J-Kwon

“One, here comes the two, to the three, to the four/ Everybody drunk out on the dance floor!” I hope you guys aren’t tired of me and my habitual method of writing song lyrics to kickstart a poppin’ write up. Jay-Z said it best: “What you want me to do?  I’m sorry!”  Whenever I’m in the zone—especially when the article is music centered—my hands start typing whatever Source energy tells me.  This particular piece revolves around a Rapper that most people have forgotten about (his Hip Hop prominence occurred during my braided hair era), J to the mothaf%#$ Kwon!

Recently, BET premiered a new episode of their docu-series, Finding, featuring the “Tipsy” king, where he detailed his struggles and triumphs in the “manipulative” music industry.  He’s more than ready for a major comeback, let’s see what happens!

For now, check out the clip below:

Kawhi's "New" Shoe Deal

Breaking news! Kawhi Leonard has just signed a multiyear contract with none other than the grandfather of all dad shoes, New Balance.

Yup, I know exactly what you’re thinking: “This is a move only Kawhi would make!”  The new face of the Toronto Raptors organization is sort of regarded as a rather...unique NBA superstar with a questionable laugh [insert The Joe Budden Podcast sound effect here], but his latest feat is just as clutch as he is during the final seconds of a championship game.  NB certainly doesn’t have enough hops to jump over the Jumpman, however, they’re dishing out major cash that would entice any player in their elevated mind.  According to ESPN, Leonard, 27, was offered more than $5 million per season, positioning himself among the top 15 shoe endorsement deal earners in the league! Kawhi’s last sneaker venture was with Jordan Brand where they paid him less than $500,000 a year.

Twitter is having a field day with this unexpected news.  Check out some of the humorous tweets below:

The Lion King (Trailer)

“Nants ingonyama bagithi baba!!” The Lion King is arguably the greatest movie ever made.  Disney’s classic animated film initially released in 1994 when I wasn’t able to speak English fluently. Despite the annoying language barrier, the Don Hanh-produced masterpiece was still able to move me in ways that transcended time and thought by its enchanting storyline and spirit-lifting hymns.  When I heard there was a live action remake in the works my younger self was back-flipping for joy, now I’m ecstatic to present its very first trailer.

Premiered on Thanksgiving Day, the CGI teaser accurately displays the opening of Disney’s 32nd animated feature where Simba is raised by Rafiki on Pride Rock to the kingdom’s animals.  Fortunately, my man James Earl Jones will reprise his role as Mufasa (he was born for that part), alongside a star-studded cast featuring Donald Glover, Beyonce, Chiwetel Ejiofor and many more.  Additionally, Elton John and Hans Zimmer are returning to fine tune the movie’s magical soundtrack.

Disney’s nostalgic Lion King remake will be released in theaters on July 19, 2019.  For now, check out the trailer below:

Frida Kahlo Exhibit

Frida Kahlo was a magnificent Mexican artist who used her short lived, yet eventful life as a muse to produce incredible surreal paintings and self portraits.  Just in time for the holiday season, the Brooklyn Museum has announced a new exhibition chronicling the revolutionary painter’s work.

The show’s title, ‘Frida: Appearances Can Be Deceiving’, perfectly sums up Kahlo’s aesthetic as she concealed her physical disabilities with elegant Tehuana dresses and jaw-dropping accessories.  Tons of Frida’s unreleased artwork, belongings and even hand-painted corsets and prosthetics used throughout her lifetime will be displayed at the presentation.  (Damn, no wonder why it’s the largest U.S exhibition in a decade).

Tickets for the ‘Frida: Appearances Can Be Deceiving’ exhibit are available for purchase at the Brooklyn Museum site on December 3rd. For now, if you don’t know much about the beautiful artist (is it just me or does she really resemble my alt-reality boo Beyonce?), check out the clip below:

D'Evils (Music Video)

Just in case you didn’t follow through and dive deep into the discography of SiR (I briefly mentioned him in my last post), I decided to showcase the video of one of my favorite recent cuts from the sensational TDE multi-hyphenate.

Coined “D’Evils,” the irie riddim, found on Sir Darryl’s—yeah, that’s his real name—first full-length album November, samples late reggae artist Billy Boyo’s legendary hit “One Spliff A Day.”  Its flawless production blended in with the Inglewood native’s smooth vocals will most certainly keep your ears on fire during this chilly weather.

Rightfully so, the music video for the blazing single takes place in none other than Jamaica, where SiR is found with his lovely lady taking in the island’s organic vibes, and of course, enjoying “one spliff a day” to keep the evil away.

Check out the scenic, Karena Evans-directed clip below:

Old Age (Music Video)

Whenever someone happens to catch me on the cobblestone streets of SoHo (or anywhere else in the city for that matter) they suddenly become bug-eyed and yell out : ”Yo Frendy! you got that Pharrell syndrome—you really don’t age.”  Now, I do not fancy anyone wishing any sort of malady on me, but this particular symptom, I’ll gladly accept. Before you start thinking all crazy, let me just say that I am not anywhere near the legendary super-producer’s length of life. I’ve just celebrated my 25th year on earth just a few more times than the average person  *insert smiley face emoji here*.

Back in August, “TrapHouseJazz” pioneer Masego released a majestic tune which dealt with the theme of age and its irrelevance. Man, let me keep it real, he’s basically crooning about his desire to court a genetically blessed, older woman. “I need me a sugar mama, old lady, foxy mama, sophisticated,” is how the multi-talented singer kicked off his daring single, so you know he ain’t playing no games!  Featuring TDE ’s most slept on and extremely talented artist SiR, “Old Age” serves as a soundtrack for those who are bold enough to shamelessly receive most of the benefits in a romantic relationship *Laughs*.

Check out the track’s comedic, Keoni Marcelo-directed visual with appearances by the hilarious Renny and thicka-than-a-snicka goddess herself Yaris Sanchez as “Ms. Johnson” below:

Wow Freestyle (Music Video)

I’ll start off by apologizing to all of the die hard Jay Rock fans reading this post.  I finally took the time to listen to the TDE lyricist’s Redemption album right after watching the music video for his trunk-rattling hit, “Wow Freestyle.”  That song is so hard I couldn’t hold off listening to the project any longer!

Featuring the incomparable Kendrick Lamar, the 11th track found on Jay’s latest effort truly displays the tandem’s clever wordplay and sensational synergy. Its visual, directed by Jack Begert, finds Top’s artists in their old hood where they use to freestyle before the fame.

Check out the clip below:

Rap Radar Interviews Tay Keith

“Tay Keith, F*ck these N*ggas up!” is arguably the best producer tagline in Rap today.  For the saying to be as potent as it is, the artist behind the infamous line has to actually be lit, and fortunately, the Memphis maestro passes the requirement with flying colors.

The distinguished Hip Hop journalists of Rap Radar recently sat down with the super producer to talk about his origin, schooling, megastar collaborators and more.

Check out the informative clip below:

Human Made x KFC

I haven’t eaten chicken from KFC in about 6 years, but with the announcement of its new collaboration with NIGO’s fashion label Human Made, I just might break my (semi) strict diet to taste what the hoopla is all about.

To be brutally honest, this joint venture is the epitome of a “weird flex but ok,” Instagram caption. Fortunately, the track record of the legendary Japanese designer is more than commendable so, in my book, his unlikely pairing with the fast food chain is…genius (haha).

Not much information is revealed about Human Made’s KFC mash-up but we can expect their delectable debut on November 16, 2018 in NYC. For now, check out the dramatic promotional video captured in Japan below: