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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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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 Last Night in NYC

Last Night In NYC: Chance the Rapper’s Electrifying Performance at Spotify’s RapCaviar

This past weekend, Saturday, 9/29, Spotify’s wildly popular RapCaviar Live concert series returned to New York with headliner Chance the Rapper for an electrifying sold-out show at Ford Amphitheater on the Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn. In partnership with Verizon, the concert also featured highly respected hip-hop artists Sheck Wes, Tierra Whack, and DJ SpinKing.

Attendees and notable influencers, including Lauryn Hill’s daughter Selah Marley, enjoyed an evening of energetic live performances at the open-air, beach-side venue. DJ SpinKing kicked off the night, followed by sets from Tierra Whack and Sheck Wes. DJ SpinKing was joined on stage by special guests Jim Jones, Uncle Murda, Young M.A and Pardison Fontaine. The three-time Grammy Award winning artist, Chance the Rappercaptivated fans with performances of hits including “All Night”, “Blessings”, “No Problem”, “Same Drugs”, and “I’m The One”, along with latest songs “I Might Need Security”, “Work Out”, “Wala Cam”, and “65th & Ingleside”. Before closing out the night, Chance took a seat on the stage to quiet the amphitheatre and emotionally express his gratitude for his fans. He ended the show with an electrifying encore of “Blessings”,accompanied with colorful confetti that showered the enthusiastic crowd.

Since the launch of RapCaviar Live in 2017, Spotify continues to showcase some of today’s hottest rappers to their biggest fans around the country. Produced in partnership with Live Nation Urban, RapCaviar Live is inspired by Spotify’s highly influential flagship hip hop playlist, RapCaviar, which encompasses a collection of fresh hip hop tracks and has since become one of Spotify’s biggest playlists with over 10 million followers.

RapCaviar Playlist linked here

Photo Credit: Nicholas Hunt, Monica Schipper/ Getty Images

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FLY Events Last Night in NYC

Last Night In NYC: #ABSOLUTTRUTH Brings Back Golden Era of NYC Nightlife w/ Performance by Amanda Lepore

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To kick-off the weekend, Absolut Vodka hosted an exclusive “ONE NIGHT ONLY” event experience in NYC in celebration of its ABSOLUT TRUTH campaign, which aims to bring back the golden era of NYC’s nightlife scene.

Inspired by Studio 54, Limelight, The Tunnel and more – Absolut converted the Lower East Side club into a legendary nightlife venue from the city’s past. The event featured historic memorabilia, signature Absolut cocktails, and sounds by the renown NYC DJs STRETCH ARMSTRONG and JUS SKE. The experience also featured a SPECIAL SURPRISE PERFORMANCE by New York nightlife icon, AMANDA LEPORE – who performed a song and her signature cabaret act.

Notable guests included:

· Micahel Musto

· Zachary Levi

· Jordun Love

· Dee & Ricky

Landing in NYC upon the brand’s global launch in 1979, Absolut has authentic city roots by providing the premium vodka New Yorkers have consumed for nearly four decades. The Absolut Truth campaign tells the story of the brand’s rich New York City heritage with a content series that candidly express sentiments expressed by real New Yorkers. The advertisements included billboard postings, videos featuring eight NYC nightlife icons, and the Absolut Truth Experience – a traveling confessional booth designed to capture truths and testimonials from the city’s bar patrons. The New York-centric campaign culminated with the one night only #AbsolutTruth party at The Box in NYC.

The #AbsolutTruth campaign promotes self-expression, inclusivity and acceptance through a New York lens. For more information on the Absolut Truth campaign, visit absoluttruth.com and follow along on social media using the hashtag #AbsolutTruth.

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Last Night in NYC

Last Night In NYC: Heineken +Pool Film Premiere Party with Performance by D.R.A.M.

Last night, Heineken hosted a celebration and VIP screening of the world premiere of “Floating an Idea: The +Pool Story”, a documentary film by Tribeca Studios about the World’s first water-filtering, floating pool in NYC.

Hosted by Power 105.1 The Breakfast Club personality Angela Yee, the event transformed Pier 15’s Watermark Bar on the East River into an outdoor theater and party space as influencers gathered to watch the film and enjoy refreshing Heinekens and small bites. DJ Neil Armstrong provided the sounds for the party with the scenic river and Brooklyn skyline as the backdrop. Guests were able to preview The +Pool through a virtual reality simulation booth at the event.

In a surprise of the evening, Grammy-nominated recording artist D.R.A.M. celebrated his birthday and hit the stage for a performance of his hit records “Cash Machine”, “Broccoli” and “Cha-Cha”!

The influencer event was an initiative to raise social pledges to support the project. If 100,000 pledges are signed, Heineken will contribute $100,000 to the project’s development.

Narrated by award-winning actor and Heineken pitchman Neil Patrick Harris, the eight-minute documentary, Floating an Idea: The Story of +Pool, shares the story of how +Pool plans to create a floating, Olympic-sized pool that will filter out contaminants, cleaning up to a half-million gallons of water each day to create swimmable water. It also chronicles the history of New Yorkers interacting with their rivers, dating back to floating bathhouses in the 1800s.

Photo Credits: Dorothy Hong & Shoot To Kill

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FLY Events

Essence Festival: FORD rocks out with Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith& more

NEW ORLEANS - JUNE 30: (L-R) Queen Latifah, Regina Hall, Lorenz Tate, Jada Pinkett-Smith, and Tiffany Haddish at a Sirius/XM radio interview at the Ford Motor Company booth during the 2017 Essence Festival at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on June 30, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup)
Queen Latifah, Regina Hall, Lorenz Tate, Jada Pinkett-Smith, and Tiffany Haddish at a Sirius/XM radio interview at the Ford Motor Company booth during the 2017 Essence Festival at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on June 30, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup)

Ford Motor Company celebrated the July Fourth weekend in New Orleans as part of the annual ESSENCE Festival®. As an exclusive automotive sponsor for the ninth consecutive year, Ford provided attendees the opportunity to get up close and personal with its latest lineup of vehicles, including the all-new 2018 Ford Expedition and 2018 Ford F-150.

ESSENCE Festival delivered a star-studded lineup this year, with Ford hosting the most exciting and chart-topping talent at the Superdome lounge and at the Ford booth all festival weekend. Legendary singer Chaka Khan debuted the world premiere of her latest single during her live interview with SiriusXM from the Ford booth at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The cast of Girls Trip including Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith, Regina Hall, Larenz Tate and Tiffany Haddish were also spotted onstage at the Ford booth.

R&B singer’s Tank, India Arie and Elle Varner graced the Ford booth stage, as well as Empire, stars Bryshere Y. Gray and Ta’Rhonda Jones. Joseph Sikora also stopped by for an interview.

Festival-goers had the opportunity to register to test drive the newest vehicles in the Ford lineup, including the 2017 Ford Explorer, 2017 Ford Escape, and 2017 Ford Fusion. One lucky registrant was presented keys to a brand-new 2018 Ford Mustang on Sunday by comedienne and daytime talk show host Loni Love and Raj Register, Ford Multicultural Communications Manager.

Photo Credit – Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup on behalf of FORD

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Entertainment

Reggae SumFest Announces Tory Lanez & Mavado as Headliners at NY Launch

This week, Red Stripe and Downsound Entertainment held a NY launch event to celebrate the 25th annual Reggae SumFest. Back by popular demand, they announced the festival has been extended to a week long of festivities in Montego Bay, Jamaica starting on July 16 through to July 22. The Festival of Jamaican culture will encapsulate signature Live concerts, Sumfest Sound Clash, a variety of parties, food, and craft at multiple venues across the “Second City”. Guests enjoyed signature cocktails, unlimited Red Stripe and small bites as they jammed the night away while looking at New York City’s skyline at the beautiful Sky Room in Times Square.

Red Stripe’s Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay, St. James kicks off on Sunday, July 16 with a Beach Party and moves into the Sumfest Sunset Yacht Party on Monday, July 17. The staple All-White Party at Pier One happens on Tuesday, July 18 followed by Sumfest Blitz on Wednesday, July 19. On Thursday, July 20 Pier One will play host to the exciting Sumfest Heavy Weight Clash, then culminates at Catherine Hall on Friday, July 21 and Saturday, July 22 with the pulsating rhythms of music and Jamaican culture.

Downsound Entertainment, organizers of Reggae Sumfest, has announced that Reggae inspired artist Tory Lanez and Dancehall heavyweight Mavado are the latest additions to the 25th staging of the Festival, July 16 – 22. Tory Lanez and Mavado are expected to appear on the show on Night 1, Saturday, July 22 inside the Catherine Hall Complex in Montego Bay.

Also appearing on Night Two is reggae singer, Christopher Martin. He continues to gain popularity in Jamaica and other key reggae markets for what he calls “real-life music”. The artist last month released his 16-track album Big Deal, which debuted at number three on the Billboard Reggae Album Chart.

Reggae Sumfest’s local appeal is matched by its global appeal, as the internationally recognized brand, pulls music lovers from around the world and Europe in particular.

“The concept of “Our Music, Our Festival” appeals to the worldwide community eager to share in Jamaican experience. “Jamaica is infectious,” says Josef Bogdanovich, President of Down Sound Entertainment.

The Reggae Sumfest experience has also attracted the support of corporate sponsors. “In partnership with our sponsors, we will be offering several premiums to our local and international patrons,” Bogdanovich added. These premiums are expected to complement the world-class performances with superior production values for which Reggae Sumfest is well known.

Early bird tickets and travel packages go on sale exclusively on the official website at www.reggaesumfest.com.

Photos below provided by Vocab Entertainment.

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Last Night in NYC

Last Night In NYC: Mack Wilds Premiere & Screening of ‘AfterHours’

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The 6-part miniseries is the perfect accompaniment to the full-length music project. “After Hours” Visual Mini-Series Co-written and Directed by Mack Wilds and Greg Cally, each episode of the miniseries is a visual interpretation of a song from the AfterHours project. The series will be rolled out in two episodes every Friday. The first two episodes include tracks, such as “Obsession” and “Go Crazy” is available on Tidal now.

Earlier this week, TIDAL hosted an intimate screening event at New York City’s Roxy Hotel Cinema hosted by Rob Markman, where lucky subscribers had the opportunity to watch the entire series and participate in a Meet & Greet with Mack Wilds. Guests Attendees included: Freeway, Vashtie, Tahiry Jose, Drewski, and more.

Other attendees included: Freeway, Vashtie, Tahiry Jose, Drewski, and more.

Subscribers can watch the first two episodes of the series here: tidal.com/mackwilds

Photo Credit: Evan Pierce & Calligrafist Photography 

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Entertainment FLY Events

#AllStarWeekend: New Orleans Hip Hop Take Over Bud Light Crew HQ

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This weekend Bud Light invaded All-Star Weekend, taking over 211 Royal Street with the Bud Light Crew HQ. With the spirit of friendship, Bud Light had some of the sports’ industries leading NBA talent and musical guests stop by, including their friends and crew. Throughout the weekend, the guests danced to

Throughout the weekend, the guests danced to some hit record spins by DJ’s Zaytoven, Sonny Digital and even Basketball Wives LA star, DJ Duffey. The stage was later set ablaze by electrifying performances by New Orleans’s finest musical acts – Jay Electronica, Mannie Fresh, Birdman, and 2Chainz. Grammy-award winning superstar Toni Braxton even stopped by to see Birdman take the stage, along with Hannibal Buress who came by.

The space was full of activities for friendly competition, including a pop-a-shot gallery and an NBA Jams arcade tournament. Hit rappers A$AP Ferg, Stalley, Master P and fellow friends/Wu-Tang Clan members Raekwon and Ghostface Killah event battled it out in wings contest called “Hot Ones.” Also, former Houston Rockets player, Kenny Smith also stopped by with his daughter/recording artist Kayla Brianna.

Photo Credit: Patrick Melon & Jacqueline Verdugo

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Entertainment Last Night in NYC

Bruno Mars Performs, John Legend & CeeLo Attend 1893 Speakeasy at the LIFEWTR Art After Dark Super Bowl Party

john legend

john legend

Last night, Global Super Star and Multi-Award Winner John Legend celebrated the launch of LIFEWTR, a new premium bottled water from PepsiCo, at LIFEWTR Art After Dark, the premier Friday night Super Bowl experience at Club Nomadic in Houston. John Legend is featured in the brand’s – and his – first-ever Super Bowl ad, airing this Sunday, February 5, with an inspired version of his hit single, “Love Me Now.” LIFEWTR is a new premium bottled water that fuses creativity and design to serve as a source of inspiration, as well as hydration, to usher in a new era of thirst quenchers which launched in February.

bruno mars

The event was headlined by Bruno Mars with a special performance by DJ Khaled, and featured an exclusive speakeasy lounge in honor of 1893 from the makers of PepsiCola.

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CeeLo Green and other VIP celebs and guests sipped on cocktails like the 1893 & Bourbon which combines Bourbon Whiskey, 1893 Ginger Cola and a lime garnish. 1893 is Pepsi’s new line of colas that offer a bold blend of premium kola nut extract, real sugar and sparkling water.

Other notable guests in attendance include:

–          Michael Strahan, former New York Giants player and current host of GMA

–          Erin Andrews, American sportscaster and television personality

–          Mark Cuban, entrepreneur and owner of the Dallas Mavericks

–          Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys Quarterback

–          Odell Beckham Jr., New York Giants Wide Receiver

–          Von Miller, Denver Broncos Linebacker

–          Deion Sanders, NFL Hall of Famer and Former Dallas Cowboy

–          Barry Sanders, NFL Hall of Famer and Former Detroit Lion

–          Terry Bradshaw, NFL Hall of Famer and Former Pittsburg Steeler

–          Steve Young, NFL Hall of Famer and Former Tampa Bay Buccanneer and San Francisco 49er

–          Hines Ward, Former Pittsburgh Steeler

About 1893 Cocktail Lounge
VIPs swung by the private 1893 cocktail lounge during the LIFEWTR: Art After Dark party at Club Nomadic during Super Bowl LI weekend. 1893 is Pepsi’s new line of colas that offer a bold blend of premium kola nut extract, real sugar and sparkling water.