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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 TECHNOLOGY Last Night in NYC

The Lincoln Motor Company Debuts The New 2019 Lincoln Nautilus, Links with Singer-Songwriter Marsha Ambrosius & more at the LA Auto Show

The Lincoln Motor Company pulled out all the stops for this year’s LA Auto Show 2017! The renowned company debuted the newest addition to their car family, The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus (shown above).

Nautilus – the successor to Lincoln MKX – joins the recently unveiled 2019 MKC, the elegant Continental, the all-new Navigator, and the stylish MKZ for a lineup of vehicles instantly recognizable as Lincoln.

Leading up to the debut, Lincoln teamed up with the DREAM Hollywood Hotel & CLEAR to host a number of media cohorts and influencers to enjoy a grand experience of what was to come from the notable vehicle platform.

Departing from DREAM, guests were escorted over to Hollywood’s hotspot, AVENUE to enjoy a special performance from singer-songwriter Marsha Ambrosius.

Marsha performed a plethora of hits that she’s penned in the past while being apart of the chart-topping duo, Floetry, her very own solo material, the song hit song “Butterflies” which was performed and charted by the late Michael Jackson, plus more.

Our very own, Co-Creator & Editor of SFPL, Gabriel Williams was on-hand to experience the lux moments.

During the event, Lincoln & Marsha also introduced the latest feature of Lincoln’s First Listen series that highlights both established and rising artists to premiere an upcoming track from behind the wheel of a Lincoln vehicle.

For Marsha’s feature, they discussed her stellar career and previewed her new song “Just Like Old Times” from inside the 2017 Lincoln Continental.

Check out the full clip below:

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After the performance, the attendees headed over to one of Hollywood’s top restaurants, TAO for an exclusive dinner.

The menu was complete with some of TAO’s most favorited dishes like Satay Of Chilean Sea Bass, Crispy Rice Tuna, Shrimp Tempura Roll, Glazed Salmon, Filet Mignon “Tokyo Style” and so much more.

The following day, hours before the major unveiling of the Nautilus, media & influencers were able to get an up close and personal look at the brand new vehicle right on the rooftop of the DREAM Hotel along with Lincoln’s President, Kumar Galhotra:

“With the introduction of Nautilus, Lincoln has a strong, distinctive portfolio with a common and recognizable identity,” said Kumar. “We’re excited to add Nautilus to our Lincoln family of luxury SUVs, along with a new name that better reflects the ideas and attitudes of our clients.”

More about the Nautilus

Available Ultra Comfort seats can be adjusted up to 22 ways for personalized comfort, providing lumbar massage designed to reduce fatigue. Developed with input from orthopedic surgeons, this feature is especially beneficial on long trips or while waiting in traffic. Heated and cooled seats are available on the Reserve model. Available 13-speaker and 19-speaker Revel® audio systems offer the ultimate sound experience to add to the soothing environment.

A sleek console serves to open up the cabin, while the sophisticated push-button gear shift integrates seamlessly with classic knobs and buttons. A concealed wireless charging pad allows compatible smartphones to stay connected and puts an end to the hassle of tangled cords. A large center touch screen serves as the portal to standard SYNC® 3 with both Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ compatibility, enabling clients to manage audio, phone, navigation and more either from that point or steering wheel-mounted controls.

The leather-wrapped, hand-stitched steering wheel is mounted ahead of a 12.3-inch fully configurable digital instrument cluster that displays easy-to-read driver information crisply and clearly.

For clients seeking a unique personalized experience, Lincoln Black Label is available for the new Nautilus. Lincoln Black Label not only provides premium materials in specially curated designer themes but also offers a host of membership privileges. These include annual vehicle detailing, anytime carwashes, and access to a select list of restaurants where noted chefs will provide an at-your-service dining experience.

The three Lincoln Black Label themes for the new Nautilus are Chalet, Thoroughbred, and all-new Gala:

  • Chalet, new for Lincoln Nautilus, evokes the contrasting pleasures of pulse-pounding mountain slopes and the inherent comfort of an après-ski lodge. With Espresso and Alpine Venetian leathers and deep Silverwood appliqués, each touch is designed to awaken the senses.
  • Thoroughbred celebrates the distinguished and elite lifestyle of horse racing, offering a reflection of traditional American history. Rich Venetian leathers capture the spirit of the equestrian life, while Chilean Maple wood, Alcantara® accents, and Jet Black trim carry the excitement throughout.
  • Gala, inspired by haute couture at New York’s Met Gala, features seats draped in a deeply hued and elegant Carmine leather complemented by Onyx leather and an Alcantara headliner. Handsome Nouveax Armor aluminum accents bring a lightness to the cabin, with a luster magnified by the available panoramic roof.

As you can see, this new vehicle is packed with some of the most LIT features ever!

To add, remember we mentioned that Lincoln has also partnered with CLEAR!

Starting Jan. 1, 2018, new Lincoln owners will receive a six-month complimentary CLEAR membership, allowing them to speed through security at participating airports and major arenas nationwide. Lincoln Black Label members will receive a 12-month complimentary membership.

Moving through airport security without waiting in long lines, access to a personal driver to assist with transportation and errands, and the ability to select a month-to-month vehicle service based on their needs is the future for Lincoln clients as the company announces new services designed to make vehicle
ownership effortless.

To help make airport travel easier, Lincoln is collaborating with CLEAR – which offers the fastest, most predictable way through security – to provide new Lincoln owners with a complimentary CLEAR membership, allowing them to speed through security at participating airports and major arenas nationwide.

“Our clients tell us time is their ultimate luxury,” said Lincoln President Kumar Galhotra. “So we’ve paired our exceptional vehicles with world-class services in collaboration with CLEAR to enable them to travel along their journey even more effortlessly and efficiently.”

CLEAR delivers secure and easy travel to more than 30 airports and arenas nationwide. At participating venues, members go to a dedicated CLEAR lane where they are greeted by a CLEAR team member. After a simple finger tap or blink of an eye, members are escorted straight to security screening, bypassing the usual long lines. According to CLEAR, members walk through security in minutes every time.

The Lincoln program with CLEAR launches in January.

The new 2019 Lincoln Nautilus will be available at Lincoln dealers this summer.

Folks, if you plan on purchasing your next car The Lincoln Nautilus or any model from the same car family should be at the top of your list!

Thanks to Lincoln for hosting such a wonderful experience in Los Angeles!

Check out more photos below:

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Music

SFPL’s Artist Spotlight: LA’s own PluggWorld Drops Their New Project ‘MOOD’

Let us introduce to you, PluggWorld and their newest project!

The trio consists of:

Bass, Vocals, Production – Ivan Chatman
Writer, Vocals & Production – Cameron Morrison
Guitar, Vocals & Production – “Jimee” David Murray

The L.A.-based band delivers an organic sound that shouldn’t go unnoticed.

The new project Mood is a sonic journey, filled with lush chords and melodies over dynamic percussions and hearty 808s. Each track boasts live instrumentation seamlessly intertwined with modern digitized sounds. The introspective album addresses the different moods, views, and dilemmas of the modern 20-something in Los Angeles.

The Album is now live on iTunes, Apple music & Google Play. The links are below:

iTunes: HERE

Apple Music: HERE

Google Play: HERE

Be sure to connect with PluggWorld: 

IG – @PluggWorld
Facebook – PluggWorld
youtube – PluggWorld

www.PluggWorld.com

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Entertainment

Trailer: National Geographic’s “LA 92” Offers Rare Look at L.A. Riots 25 Years Ago

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The trailer for the gripping National Geographic documentary LA 92 is now available. April marks the 25th Anniversary of the L.A. Riots.

Twenty-five years after the verdict in the Rodney King trial sparked several days of protests, violence, and looting in Los Angeles, ‘LA 92,’ a new feature documentary from National Geographic Documentary Films, immerses viewers in that tumultuous period through stunning and rarely seen archival footage. Produced by two-time Oscar winner Simon Chinn (“Man on Wire”) and Emmy winner Jonathan Chinn (“American High”) and directed by Oscar winners Dan Lindsay and TJ Martin (“Undefeated”), the film looks at the events of 1992 from a multitude of vantage points, bringing a fresh perspective to a pivotal moment that reverberates to this day.

Peep the official trailer above.

 

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Entertainment FLY Events

#GrammyWeekend: BMI’s ‘How I Wrote That Song’

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On Saturday, February 11 Broadcast Music, Inc. ® (BMI®) celebrated the 10th anniversary of How I Wrote That Song® at 1 Oak Los Angeles. The popular pre-GRAMMY event, sponsored by Swisher Sweets, brought together some of the hottest hitmakers in the industry. DJ’d by Mannie Fresh and moderated by BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations Catherine Brewton, this year’s panel featured rap superstar Fat Joe, GRAMMY Award-winning music producer Alex Da Kid, country songwriting sensation Dallas Davidson and prolific singer-songwriter Lauren Christy.

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Fans had the chance to listen as the panelists discussed everything from their creative process and biggest inspirations to collaborating with artists and producers of different genres. Alex Da Kid talked about his work with Imagine Dragons on the smash hit “Demons” and X Ambassadors on the catchy single “Renegades,” which peaked in the top ten in ten countries. Lauren Christy discussed her work on Enrique Iglesias’ “Tonight (I’m Lovin’ You),” and Iggy Azalea’s “Team” before treating the audience to a performance of “Complicated,” her hit song with Avril Lavigne. Dallas Davidson also got in on the action with an acoustic version of the number one single “Gimmie That Girl” written by his songwriting team, The Peach Pickers and recorded by country singer Joe Nichols. Davidson also opened up about collaborating with Blake Shelton on “Boys ‘Round Here” and penning Lady Antebellum’s “Just A Kiss,” which debuted and peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.  Fat Joe kept the crowd entertained with witty insight on working with producer Scott Storch on his smash hit and first number one record, “Lean Back” and also spoke about the making of the GRAMMY-nominated single, “All The Way Up.”

For ten years BMI’s How I Wrote That Song ® has provided aspiring songwriters with the unique opportunity to learn about the art of songwriting, producing and performing straight from the industry’s hottest GRAMMY-nominated and award-winning artists.Previous participants have included Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, Nas, will.i.am, RedOne, Zac Brown, Cee Lo Green, B.o.B, Kara DioGuardi, Seal, Luke Laird, Claude Kelly, John Legend, Wiz Khalifa, Charlie Wilson, Common, Colbie Caillat, Linda Perry, Salaam Remi, Rev Run, RZA, The Madden Brothers and more.

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Check out the visual recaps below.

Individual Interviews:

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Entertainment Last Night in NYC

#GrammyWeekend: Celebrities Attend Essence’s Black Women In Music Gala Presented by Lincoln Motor Company

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The Lincoln Motor Company returned this year as an exclusive automotive sponsor for ESSENCE’s eighth annual Black Women in Music event held last night in Los Angeles. 2017 marks the eighth consecutive year Lincoln has been an elite patron for the event.

This year’s event celebrated nominees from the biggest night in music, along with singer/songwriter Erykah Badu on the 20th anniversary of her groundbreaking debut album Baduizm.

Award-winning singer/songwriter Estelle joined Lincoln on stage as part of the festivities to premiere her feature in Lincoln’s ongoing First Listen series. The latest feature, available for viewing on Lincoln Now, previews Estelle’s latest track, “Be in Luv,” from behind the wheel of the all-new Lincoln Continental.

Nigerian singer-songwriter, actress, and Roc Nation‘s very own Tiwa Savage also performed live as an opening act just before Erykah hit the stage.

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“This is a big week for Lincoln as it relates to music,” said Raj Register, multicultural communications manager, Lincoln. “From celebrating women at events like Black Women in Music, to debuting Estelle’s First Listen piece, to premiering Gary Clark Jr.’s new Continental commercial, it’s clear music drives us.”

READ MORE: FLY CARS: LINCOLN TEAMS UP WITH GARY CLARK JR. FOR NEW COMMERCIAL [VIDEO]

Celebrities that hit the Black Carpet were: the cast of BET’s New Edition mini-series (Luke James, Keith Powers & Woody McClain), Mya, Remy Ma, Lil Mama, Billboard‘s Bozoma Saint John, Diana Gordon aka Wynter Gordon, Gabrielle Dennis, Chloe x Halle, Faith Evans, Serayah McNeil, Simone Missick, Mario, Master P & his daughter Cymphonique, Tasha Smith and many more. shared the red carpet with the all-new Continental and Lincoln MKZ.

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Last Night in NYC

Last Night In Hollywood: Joseline Hernandez, Fabolous, Chris Brown & more at AOD Mondays

Monday’s in Hollywood, Ca. are filled with good vibes, beautiful ladies, and celebrities at Penthouse NightClub. This week, “The Puerto Rican Princess” hosted AOD inside of the nightclub hotspot and showed the ladies and gents that she’s still the “Baddest Punta.” The Love & Hip Hop Star is in Los Angeles for the week filming for the hit show The Real which she’s been spilling the tea all week. Spotted in VIP was SummerTime ShootOut Rapper

Spotted in VIP was SummerTime ShootOut rapper, Fabolous, as shortly after singer heartthrob Trey Songz stroll in with a couple friends. Across the room was superstar Chris Brown who came by and dropped a couple of dance moves, alongside French Montana. LA “It Girl” Miss Diddy was spotted partying it up with some friends, right over to the right was LHHH’s Masika.

Photo Credit: @NetWorkingz_

Check out more photos below:

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Entertainment Last Night in NYC

Mo’Nique, Danny Glover, Gabrielle Union and more at ALMOST CHRISTMAS LA World Premiere

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In celebration of the release of Universal Pictures’ upcoming holiday comedy, ALMOST CHRISTMAS, filmmakers and cast members Danny Glover, Will Packer, Mo’Nique, Gabrielle Union, Omar Epps, Jessie T. Usher, DC Young Fly and Keri Hilson attended the red carpet world premiere on Thursday, November 3, 2016 at the Regency Village Theater in LA.

Photo Credit: Exclusive Access

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FLY Events Last Night in NYC

Last Night In L.A.: Miss Diddy Celebrates her Birthday with Brandon Jennings, PartyNextDoor and more

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Recently, in West Hollywood it was definitely a #TeamHennessy #LA night to remember inside of #AODMondays all-white affair where the Queen of LA Lifestyle Specialist/Hennessy Key Account Manager Miss Diddy LA celebrated her birthday!

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Spotted partying with the birthday girl in VIP was NBA player NY Knicks point guard Brandon Jennings who returns to the court this year after a career changing injury that many usually don’t return back from, OVO‘s Singer/Songwriter PartyNextDoor who recently just released his EP titled P3 now which is now available for purchase on iTunes, celebrity stylist Scooter Styles, Singer Brooke Valentine, Celebrity Fashion Designer Maxie James, Grammy Award Winning Producer/Singer Eric Bellinger, DJ Brittany Sky, Grammy Award Winner Songwriter Tiffany Fred, Singer/Songwriter Bridget Kelly, and friends.

Photo Credit: @JenJPhoto (Jennifer Johnson)

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FLY Events

The Game, Michelle Williams, DeVon Franklin, Meagan Good and more At The 2016 Merge Summit

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Relevé Entertainment, in partnership with Walgreens and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, is proud to announce the return of The Merge Summit– Los Angeles, taking place August 25-27, 2016 at The Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, CA. The Merge Summit is a unique event created to inspire synergy with faith based and entertainment industry leaders to educate, uplift, and encourage attendees to aspire towards their professional and personal goals.

‘The Merge Summit’ will commence on August 25th with a welcoming Opening Gala. This year’s gala will honor the outstanding accomplishments of Senior Vice President of Prudential Financial- Dorinda Walker, ESSENCE Magazine Editor At Large-Mikki Taylor, founder and senior pastor of Living Word Christian Center (LWCC)-Dr. Bill Winston and Emmy Award Nominated Actor-Courtney B. Vance. This evening will be hosted by celebrated comedian-Cedric The Entertainer and will feature performances by Jonathan McReynolds and Ezekiel (The Poet).  From August 26-27th, 60 top level entertainment executives will lead interactive discussions, workshops and Master Class sessions in personal branding, music, television, film, creative development, and new media. In addition to the enrichment seminars, guests will have the opportunity to participate in the Wellness Lounge® featuring a number of wellness and relaxation services presented by Wellness .  This year’s festivities will also feature a faith based comedy show, CHURCH OF LAUGH LIVE hosted by actor/comedian Jonathan Slocumb, and the FREE-PHYER XPerience Concert featuring Kierra Sheard.

The summit will feature participants including: Fox TV’s Empire Stars: Trai Byers and Grace Grealey, Multi-Platinum Grammy Award Winning Singer/TV Personality-Michelle Williams; Grammy Award Multi-Platinum Recording Artist-The Game; Grammy Award Winning Universal Motown Gospel Recording Artist-Tasha Cobbs; Vice President and Global Chief Diversity Officer, Walgreens Boots Alliance- Steve Pemberton; Co-Chairman of De Passe Jones Entertainment –Suzanne DePasse; Emmy nominated and Peabody Award Winning Motion picture and television producer and owner of Martin Chase Productions – Debra Martin Chase; Vice President Of Talent & Casting for Original Programming at BET Networks-Robi Reed ; Head Of Talent and Casting for ABC- Ayo Davis; President of Studio Lambert- Greg Goldman; Film Producer/ President /CEO of Franklin Entertainment- DeVon Franklin; CEO of Revelations Entertainment- Lori McCreary ; Film Producer/CEO, 1019 Entertainment-Ralph Winter; Casting Director/Producer (Empire, The Butler)-Leah Daniels-Butler; Head Of Television for Will Packer Productions-Korin Huggins; Revolt TV’s Head Of Programming-Kelly G; Vice President Of Talent Development & Inclusion-Disney/ABC- Tim McNeal; Viral Faith Based Internet Sensations: NotKarltonBanks & The Playmakers; Grammy Nominated Producer– Harmony Samuels; Actresses: Meagan Good Franklin, Tia Mowry-Hardrict,LisaRaye McCoy, Brely Evans, Essence Atkins, Edwina Findley-Dickerson, Salli Richardson Whitfield, ; Actors: Cory Hardrict, Dondre Whitfield, John David Washington, Brian White; Spiritual Leaders: Pastor Wayne Chaney, Dr. DeForest Soaries, Cindy TrimmShawn BolzPastor Mark Baker Notable Writers: Jawn Murray and Jasmine Brand and many more.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

“I’m excited to have The Merge Summit back in LA. It’s the birthing ground for this vision and I am believing for infinite possibilities for all those who attend. All I can say is…”are you ready for this?” says Dr. Holly Carter– Founder of The Merge Summit.

What a better place to bring the Word than amongst the brightest of stars and influencers in the entertainment industry,” said The Merge Summit Co-Founder and Co-Chair Robi Reed.  We need as many beacons of love and hope as we can find to light a path in these days and The Merge Summit is the place where those like minds meet.  I’m excited to see us climb to a new plateau this year.”

For more information on Registration Packages and Ticket Purchases, please visit www.themergesummit.com.