Author: Gabriel Williams (@Gabriel_Will2)

Named as one of NY's top Influencers, Gabriel Williams has definitely made a name for himself in today's entertainment industry. Running one of the most respected sites on the web, featured in several online publications, magazines, and on television networks, have interviewed some of today's hottest talent, to consulting, branding, styling, creative direction, social media/content creation for some of the best acts, platforms, and brands in the business; and also offering his specialty in music, whether it's providing background vocals or songwriting - Gabriel knows his place in the rapture of all-things-entertainment, and he plays it very well. Praised as one of the "top entrepreneurs and influencers in the game," Gabriel is just that "IT" candidate for "All Things Pop Culture"!

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FLY Events Last Night in NYC

Fly Events: HBO Takes Over The 2019 Essence Fest Weekend

This past weekend, HBO held multiple events at The Loft by HBO during EssenceFest in New Orleans.

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On Friday, July 5, 2019, HBO hosted the Human By Orientation Gallery Exhibit. As a continuation of HBO’s Human by Orientation initiative, HBO partnered with Queer | Art for an exhibition featuring the artwork of Lola Flash. Human By Orientation is a platform that highlights the universal humanity of all people regardless of ethnicity, orientation or gender identity. The campaign encourages the powerful dialogue needed to humanize the LGBTQ+ community as multifaceted individuals with experiences that celebrate otherness.

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Later that Friday night, HBO x Everyday People hosted an exclusive late night party at the Ace Hotel just after things were finishing up at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Guests danced the night away to the sounds of EP’s DJ Moma while light bites and speciality cocktails were being served. It was definitely a night to remember!

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To kick off a jam-packed Saturday, July 6, 2019, HBO hosted an intimate, custom workout morning session called Motivation & Movement with Angela Manuel instructed by international fitness evangelist and motivational coach Angela Manuel Davis.

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Later that morning, HBO held their HBO POV: Black Ladies in Comedy Brunch where Insecure’s Natasha Rothwell (Supervising Producer & Actress) joined A Black Lady Sketch Show’s Dime Davis (Director) and Lauren Ashley Smith (Head Writer) to chat about creating comedic hits, being a black woman at the top of your game, and the process of rising to the top. The conversation was moderated by The Read’s Crissle West.

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Following the brunch, HBO also hosted A Black Lady Sketch Show Screening, Panel, and Mixer where the stars of A Black Lady Sketch Show – Robin Thede (Creator), Quinta Brunson, Ashley Nicole Black, and Gabrielle Dennis – sat down to discuss the need for A Black Lady Sketch Show, the process of its creation, and what to expect this season. The discussion followed a screening of the pilot episode and was moderated by culture writer Jamilah Lemieux.

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To close out the weekend, on Sunday, July 7, 2019, HBO in partnership with Black Girl in Om, hosted a special yoga session complete with a workout as well as affirmations in The Loft.

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FLY Events Last Night in NYC

Cast Of Netflix’s “Family Reunion” Takes On Essence Festival 2019 [Photos]

The cast of the new Netflix sitcom “Family Reunion” took to the Essence Festival Centerstage in the Convention Center to discuss the series with moderator and gospel singer/radio personality Erica Campbell: (l-r) Cameron Wright, Anthony Alabi, Isaiah Russell-Bailey, Richard Roundtree, Jordyn Raya James, Loretta Devine, Talia Jackson and show creator Meg DeLoatch.

At the Ford Stage with SiriusXM’s “Heart & Soul,” Anthony Alabi, Richard Roundtree, Loretta Devine and Meg DeLoatch kept the conversation fun with radio co-hosts Cayman Kelly and Michel Wright.

A quick flick before hitting the Ford Stage: Anthony Alabi, Meg DeLoatch, Loretta Devine and Richard Roundtree.

Next stop: the Essence Festival Radio Row

Also, a multitude of press gathered at the Convention Center to interview the “Family Reunion” cast as well.

Good Times!

Photos: ONE/35 & Gabriel Williams

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FLY Events Last Night in NYC

Fly Events: ESSENCE Festival Welcomes Stars from “The Lion King”

JD McCrary (voice of Young Simba), Shahadi Wright Joseph (voice of Young Nala) from Disney’s “The Lion King” were on hand at ESSENCE Festival 2019 this weekend at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. They celebrated the movie’s upcoming opening by singing “Can’t Wait to be King” on the ESSENCE Centerstage. Additionally, the Great Street Stephen Full Gospel Choir under the leadership of Pastor Debra Morton and GRAMMY®-nominated, Stellar Award-winning gospel legend Bishop Paul S. Morton performed “The Circle of Life” with Tshidi Manye (Rafiki in Broadway’s “The Lion King”). Tamron Hall helped facilitate the festivities.

Check out more photos below Courtesy of Disney.

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FLY Events Last Night in NYC

Fly Events: The Black Excellence Brunch Honored Ms. Tina Knowles-Lawson with Facebook During Essence Festival

On Sunday, July 7, 2019, Facebook and the Black Excellence Brunch partnered together to honor Ms. Tina Knowles-Lawson. The event took place during the 25th Anniversary of Essence Festival in New Orleans, LA at The Treme Market Branch. Over 100 guests attended the event honoring Ms. Tina and celebrating Black Excellence.

During the Brunch R&B Group, June’s Diary serenaded the audience and guests were treated to a discussion with Ms. Knowles-Lawson. Ms. Knowles-Lawson said,

“When I was growing up we did not have anything like this. I love this. I would like to see this picked up and continued nationally to honor us.”

Ms. Tina Knowles-Lawson poses with Black Excellence Brunch founder, Trell Thomas. [Photo Credit: Anthony Whiting ]
The Facebook sponsored event which featured a Facebook and Instagram Stories installation, where guests took photos and videos to share their stories of black excellence – and empower their communities to consider their own excellence. Trell Thomas,

“It was a pleasure to work with Facebook on honoring a mentor and friend. Our guests really enjoyed attending and we are looking to many more Black Excellence Brunches.”

Photo Credit: Anthony Whiting

About Black Excellence Brunch

In August of 2018, communications professional Trell Thomas decided to create a community that celebrated the excellence of young black professionals. Trell, a seasoned entertainment/media expert, saw an opportunity to introduce entrepreneurs, clothing designers, stylists, actors, etc. to one another other via a family style brunch modeled after “Sunday Dinner”. The brunch features soul food, a discussion and the opportunity for millennials to gain insight from seasoned professionals while fellow-shipping with other successful black and brown colleagues. @BlackExcellenceBrunch

About WACO Theater

The theater center is a space (W)here (A)rt (C)an (O)ccur. The mission of this organization is to empower people to gain the skills and ability to identify necessary and pursue their dreams no matter who they are or where they came from. Waco Theater opened in November of 2017 by Richard Lawson and Tina Knowles-Lawson.

About Trell Thomas

Trell Thomas is a media expert and activist. His work spans from Career beginnings on the Obama Presidential Campaign in ‘08 to overseeing talent relations and communications with some of the biggest brands in Viacom. Trell has a great appreciation for sharing narratives of diverse communities and bringing stories of excellence to the forefront through various events he hosts. Trell’s mission is to empower people of color and spread positivity through black excellence. He is the founder of Black Excellence Brunch and has used this event series to connect young people of color from all walks of life.

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FLY Events Last Night in NYC

The 2019 ESSENCE Festival Draws More Than Half A Million Attendees For Historic 25th Anniversary Celebration

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JULY 07: A view of the audience during the 2019 ESSENCE Festival Presented By Coca-Cola at Louisiana Superdome on July 07, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for ESSENCE)

The 2019 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola® attracted more than half a million attendees to New Orleans this Fourth of July weekend (July 4-7) for an historic 25th anniversary celebration representing one of the largest gatherings in the event’s history. Forever First Lady Michelle Obama commanded the main stage at the sold-out Superdome on Saturday, July 7 for her first ESSENCE Festival headline appearance. Throughout the weekend, seven 2020 Presidential candidates joined Power Stage segments at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center to directly engage the influential audience of Black women in attendance and share plans and policies to address some of their most pressing issues. In addition, the debut of the ESSENCE Global Black Economic Forum connected attendees with accomplished leaders and chief executives including Walmart CEO Doug McMillon, Chase Consumer Banking CEO Thasunda Duckett, Kaiser Permanente Chairman and CEO Bernard Tyson, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Twitter and Square CEO Jack Dorsey, and TDJ Enterprises CEO TD Jakes, among others.

“The 25th anniversary ESSENCE Festival represented a truly transformative global homecoming celebration for Black women and the Black community,” said ESSENCE Chief Executive Officer Michelle Ebanks. “This year’s extraordinary turnout reflects ESSENCE’s uniquely powerful engagement of Black women around personal empowerment, community, and culture as only ESSENCE can. With the debut of 10 new Festival experiences, activations at more than 40 venues across New Orleans, and engagement with more than 300 small businesses and local vendors, we have redefined the Festival as the largest and most impactful destination at the epicenter of Black culture.”

Ebanks continued, “Lastly, in honor of us embodying all that Black excellence and culture represent – beyond entertainment and beauty, we were thrilled to reveal the Festival’s official rebrand to the ‘ESSENCE Festival of Culture,’ with a mission to inform, inspire and uplift Black women and provide a holistic approach to how we offer and deliver Black culture in every way.”

Additional highlights of the 25th Anniversary ESSENCE Festival include:

Live broadcasts of Power Stage ‘Presidential Spotlight’ and “Candidate Conversations” segments on MSNBC and CNN, featuring keynote addresses from Senator Michael Bennett, Senator Cory Booker, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Mayor Bill de Blasio, Senator Kamala Harris, Former Representative Beto O’Rourke, and Senator Elizabeth Warren. In addition, exclusive live to tape segments on MSNBC’s PoliticsNation with Rev. Al Sharpton.

New, stand-alone consumer experiences including the ESSENCE Global Black Economic Forum, ESSENCE Fashion House, ESSENCE Wellness House, ESSENCE After Dark, and ESSENCE Passport25, among others, as well as the return of reimagined live content platforms and experiences including Beauty Carnival, Entertainment All Access, business & career summit E-Suite and ESSENCE Honors.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JULY 07: Teddy Riley and Pharrell Williams perform onstage during the 2019 ESSENCE Festival Presented By Coca-Cola at Louisiana Superdome on July 07, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JULY 07: Teyana Taylor performs onstage during the 2019 ESSENCE Festival Presented By Coca-Cola at Louisiana Superdome on July 07, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for ESSENCE)

Over 100 performing artists across the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Many of the biggest names in the entertainment industry including Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott, H.E.R, Nas, Pharrell, Patti LaBelle, Teyana Taylor and others performed at the event’s concert series and dozens of others across ESSENCE’s Center Stage and All-Star Gospel Celebration.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JULY 07: Zendaya attends onstage during the 2019 ESSENCE Festival Presented By Coca-Cola at Louisiana Superdome on July 07, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for ESSENCE)

More than 300 influencers, leaders, creators and celebrities participated in the Festival’s daytime experience – featuring powerhouse speakers Rev. Al Sharpton, Ava Duvernay, Yara Shahidi, Tyler Perry, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Marsai Martin, Valerie Jarrett, Iman, Common, Mona Scott-Young, Miles Brown and Iyanla Vanzant, among many others.

Photos Courtesy of Essence

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FLY Events Last Night in NYC

BYRON ALLEN ACCEPTS THE ICON AWARD AT THE 4TH ANNUAL CULTURE CREATORS INNOVATORS & LEADERS AWARDS BRUNCH

Celebrating leaders throughout the creative community and upholding a commitment to diversity, Culture Creators hosted its fourth annual “Innovators & Leaders” Awards Brunch at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in the International Ballroom on Saturday,June 22. It was hosted by Tanika Ray, co-host of EXTRA, and DeMarco Morgan, co-anchor of CBS2 News This Morning.

Check out Bryon Allen’s “Culture Chat”, and photos of the event below!

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This year, businessman, television producer, comedian, philanthropist, and founder, owner, and CEO of Entertainment Studios, Byron Allen accepted the Icon Award. His acceptance of the honor was preceded by a Culture Chat that engaged attendees, moderated by Amy DuBois Barnett, the EVP, Digital + Chief Content Officer of The Grio—an Entertainment Studios-owned platform.<

Michael Ealy presented James Lopez with the Culture Creator Award for Film & Television Excellence, while Marsai Martin spoke directly to young girls of color who don’t feel like they belong, as she accepted her honor of Innovator of the Year.

Check out the full list of honorees, below.

Additionally, attendees of the gala were first to hear an exciting announcement from Andréa Richardson, Director, Multicultural & Diversity Relations and Global Corporate Affairs at Hilton.

On behalf of Hilton, she announced a new initiative between the leading hotelier and Culture Creators: The HBCU Summit. This event will allow Culture Creators to extend its impact on our world today with their expanded resources.

More information on the partnership will be forthcoming.

The event also welcomed corporate partners such as Hilton, Don Julio Tequila, Pepsi, and Lexus. The exclusive invite-only gala maintained its status as one of the most sought-after and influential events of BET Awards Weekend for the fourth consecutive year. 2019 saw the event expanded and evolved as it highlights the achievements of thought leaders, philanthropists, executives, entertainers, artists, and other pillars of African American culture in an intimate setting among key players.

Talent from this year’s gala included: Past Icon Honoree Sylvia Rhone, Lalah Hathaway, Ryan Destiny, Lecrae, Chris Chalk (When They See Us), Omar Bolden, Brandon Marshall, Mona Scott-Young, Van Lathan, Kendrick Sampson, and more.

These “Culture Creators” continue to set the pace for diversity in the fields of entertainment, music, sports, and beyond.

The list of 2019 honorees:

Innovators & Leaders Award 2019
Icon Award
Byron Allen
Founder, Chairman, CEO
Entertainment Studios
Innovator of the Year
Marsai Martin
Actress, Executive Producer
Film & Television
James Lopez, President Will Packer Productions
Business
Tiffany R. Warren,
Senior VP, Chief Diversity Officer for Omnicom Group
Founder & President, AdColor
Technology
Morgan DeBaun, Founder & CEO Blavity Inc.
Iddris Sandu, Entrepreneur
Finance
Phyllis Newhouse
Founder & CEO of Xtreme Solutions, Inc. and Founder of ShoulderUp
Music
Quality Control Music: CEO Pierre “Pee” Thomas and COO Kevin “Coach K” Lee
Fashion
Antoine Phillips
Vice President, Brand and Culture Engagement, GUCCI
Sports
Alexys Feaster
Senior Director Player Development, NBA
Art
Simphiwe Ndzube

See more exclusive photos courtesy of The Purple Agency below:

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SFPL's New Music

SFPL Music Premiere: Rico Davis delivers the official video for “Down”

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Singer / Songwriter Rico Davis delivers the official video for “Down” from his latest project The Golden Ratio. Filmed in Harlem, Rico survives some stalking from co-star Shana Solomon in this Ivore Rousell-directed visual.

“So much of my music is inspired by past eras, and ‘Down’ represents my appreciation for the ’90s R&B influence,” Rico says of the vibe. “I feel this video is a fresh reminder of what it’s like to just live and have a good time. I like the idea of reconnecting with your real ones, and hitting all the lit house parties during the summer. There is one moral to this music video however… don’t take drinks from strangers!”

Check out the exclusive visual now!

The Golden Ratio is is available on all platforms globally here: https://onerpm.lnk.to/GoldenRatio
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FLY Events

Culture Creators Announces 4th Annual Innovators & Leaders Awards Brunch Saturday, June 22nd

Photo Courtesy of The Purple Agency
Culture Creators will host its fourth annual “Innovators & Leaders” Awards Brunch at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in the International Ballroom on Saturday, June 22, 2019—as announced today by Variety.
The event welcomes corporate partners such as Hilton, Don Julio Tequila, Pepsi, and Lexus. The exclusive invite-only gala maintains its status as one of the most sought-after and influential moments of BET Awards Weekend for four consecutive years and running. Once again, 2019 sees the event expand and evolve as it highlights the achievements of thought leaders, philanthropists, executives, entertainers, artists, and other pillars of African American culture in an intimate setting among key players.
Endeavoring to recognize “Innovators & Leaders” whose influence sets the pace for everything from entertainment and finance to activism and art, the new vanguard of risk takers takes center stage at the event. In 2016, Andre Harrell received the first Icon Award, followed by Russell Simmons in 2017 and Sylvia Rhone in 2018. Actress Tiffany Haddish received the Innovator of the Year award in 2017. Past honorees include the likes of Jemele Hill, Kevin Liles, Kenya Barris, Jason Bolden, Ethiopia Habtemariam, Brickson Diamond, Charlamagne Tha God, Charles D. King, Tiffany Hasbourne, Valeisha Butterfield-Jones, Jesse Collins, Angela Rye, and many others.
On Friday, June 21st, Culture Creators will also host its first-ever, day-long “C-Suite” event. The “C-Suite,” held at the Stardust Penthouse at The Beverly Hilton, will feature “Candid Conversations on Culture,” with curated panels by Amber Grimes, The Brownie Agency, Vibe’s Datwon Thomas, and more.
In a recent interview with Forbes, Culture Creators founder Joi Brown spoke the mission and vision, “We create the culture behind the scenes that the world consumes. Imagine if we all worked together, became narrators of our own stories, built a supportive inclusive community that made room at the table for those who are ready?”
Culture Creators has done just that and will continue to do so. Watch these “Innovators & Leaders” thrive this year and beyond.
The list of 2019 honorees follows:
Innovators & Leaders Awards 2019
Icon Award
Byron Allen
Founder, Chairman, CEO
Entertainment Studios
Innovator of the Year
Marsai Martin
Actress, Film Director, Producer
Social Action “GAME CHANGER”
David Gross & Steve “O” Carless for Nipsey Hussle
Film & Television
James Lopez, President Will Packer Productions
Business
Tiffany Warren,
Senior VP, Chief Diversity Officer for Omnicom Group
President, AdColor
Technology
Morgan DeBaun, Founder & CEO Blavity Inc.
Iddris Sandu, Architect & Entrepreneur
Finance
Phyllis Newhouse
Founder & CEO of Xtreme Solutions, Inc. and Founder of ShoulderUp
Music
Quality Control Music: CEO Pierre “Pee” Thomas and COO Kevin “Coach K” Lee
Fashion
Antoine Phillips
Vice President, Brand and Culture Engagement, GUCCI
Sports
Alexys Feaster
Senior Director Player Development, NBA
Art
Simphiwe Ndzube
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FLY Events

ONE Musicfest’s (OMF) 10th Anniversary 2019 Lineup Revealed

Celebrating 10 YEARS with its biggest, boldest, and best billing yet, ONE Musicfest unveils a blockbuster lineup for 2019.

Set for Saturday, September 7 and Sunday, September 8 at Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, GA, the two-day festival welcomes legends such as Gucci Mane, Wu-Tang Clan, and Rick Ross in addition to 21st century superstars including Rae Sremmurd, Teyana Taylor, and Summer Walker and once-in-lifetime sets from KP The Great & His Superfriends featuring Pharrell Williams, Usher and surprise guests. Tickets on sale NOW.

For ten years, ONE Musicfest has maintained its place at the forefront of the culture as a platform for timeless icons and explosive upstarts alike. It has notably played host to everyone from the Dungeon Family Reunion featuring Outkast’s last performance, Davido, Kendrick Lamar, The Roots, Migos, Jill Scott, Nas, Miguel, 2 Chainz, and George Clinton. Not to mention, it regularly attracts plaudits from USA Today, Billboard, Consequence of Sound, Rolling Stone, and more in addition to trending across the internet.

“I started the festival with the intent of creating a space where all corners of urban music and subcultures felt welcomed. From Afrobeats to Trap Music. From Alternative to Reggae. A generational oasis of progressive minds and talent. We use music as the catalyst and unity is the outcome. What started as a 2,000 person block party has evolved to a 50,000 person cultural celebration.” – Jason “J” Carter, Founder

10 years on, ONE Musicfest lives up to its name as a musical and cultural force for unification. There’s only one…

“ONE Musicfest will have a $16 million dollar economic impact on the city of Atlanta. 50% of our audience is NOT from the greater Atlanta area. Last year, we had people travel from as far as Australia to attend. This year we already have tickets sales from over 22 various states.” – Jason “J” Carter, Founder

Be sure to experience ONE Musicfest 2019!

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SFPL's New Music

Fly Music: Souly Had – “Hills”

Souly Had, whose music has taken him from aimless college studies to more than 20 million global artist streams releases a new track “Hills” via Island Records. The track will be included on his upcoming debut EP, which will also feature previous releases “Crush” and “Overrated.” Souly Had is a singer/song­writer/producer from Duanesburg, NY (just outside Albany, NY). As a member of the hip-hop collective Entreband, a crew of self-starting, like-minded artists and creatives, he has developed a pop/R&B sound all his own.

Check it out HERE: islandrecs.lnk.to/Hills

CONNECT WITH SOULY HAD:

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