[Event Recap] Atlanta Showed Up & Out For Spotify’s (@Spotify) RapCaviar Live

 

Spotify

Just in time to celebrate the birth of hip hop, Spotify kicked off their latest concert series, RapCaviar Live. What better place to kick off the highly anticipated concert series than in the city where trap music thrives, Atlanta. Hundreds of excited fans packed the Tabernacle to see the “Trap God” himself, Gucci Mane, Mike WiLL Made-It, and 6lack put on performances worthy of their positions on RapCaviar, Spotify’s most sought out hip hop playlist.

[LETTER] YIKES! Fulton County, GA Pens Letter to Ban R. Kelly from Performing in Atlanta!

R. Kelly took a major “L” last month when it was revealed he allegedly has young women involved in a “sex cult” and is holding them against their will. We definitely took all of that with a serious pile of salt, but it seems Fulton County, the largest county in Georgia and where the majority of the City of Atlanta is located, is taking this allegation seriously.

Fulton County Commissioner’s office has penned a letter requesting R. Kelly be BANNED from performing in atlanta all together!

via Fameolous

Fulton County of Atlanta bans R.Kelly for performing in their state over cult allegations. In a letter to music production company Live Nation, the board wrote that they don’t want him to come to Atlanta and asked for them to cancel the concert.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXWiJ0ghYt-/

Fulton County is not playing with R. Kelly at all! Honestly, we are not surprised they would pull a move like this. Unbeknownst to most people Atlanta has become the sex trafficking capital of the country and with these allegations Fulton County, and the State of Georgia as a whole, are taking this very seriously. A number of the young women in this alleged “sex cult” have come forward to say they have not been brainwashed nor are they being held against their will. Still though, there is Stockholme Syndrome to think about…

R. Kelly has delivered some of the biggest R&B hits in history, but he keeps finding himself in embroiled in these sexual scandals. Maybe it is time he just be Robert, settle down again, and focus on his children and doing music behind the scenes. He is a great producer, just look at what he did for Aaliyah–wait that was not the best example–no shade intended…

Written By: Michael “Hey Mikey” Fanning

Follow me on Twitter/IG @HeyMikeyATL

 

7/18/2017- “F**k Atlanta’s Kidz!”

Hey Mikey,

I think I am completely fed up with life in Atlanta! It seems like the moment since I have settled in here I have had nothing but drama and problems with the people that live here. Black Gay Men, especially, are the worst! First, they’re very cliquish, then they’re backstabbing, and above all else they are petty. As a Black Gay Man myself it is disheartening because I was really hoping to come here and make some strong, cool friendships, maybe find a partner, and enjoy the opportunities I heard this city had to offer people who look and love like me. Before I head back to Nebraska with my tail between my legs, do you have any advice on how I can turn things around?

-Fuck Atlanta’s Kidz!

***When I hear you say “kidz” I immediately flashbacked to Beyonce’s Get Me Bodied music video!  Now to the matter at hand. Atlanta is a city just like any other with its opportunities and setbacks, and good and bad citizens. It is harmful (and I often have to remind myself of this) and unhealthy to generalize the entire populace of Black Gay Men here based on the few you have interacted with. I would say go back to the drawing board and make realistic goals for what you want from your time here, and go after them. Additionally, there are social and support groups here to assist you with mingling as well.  In the meantime, purge yourself of anyone and anything causing drama, stress, and negativity in your life. Also, consider taking a vacation from Atlanta. Often times a little time away from a place can allow you to recharge, refresh, and regroup. Hope this helps!

☆Need advice? Simply leave your question in the comments section of this post, or email me at  HeyMikeyATL@gmail.com. Be sure to pick a pen name! Thanks for  trusting and checking me out! -Mikey ♡

Written By: Michael “Hey Mikey” Fanning

 

[TRAILER] Lakeith Stanfield (@stanfield_keith) to Star in “Crown Heights” film About A Man Wrongfully Imprisoned for Murder for 20+ Years!

Major congrats are in order for Lakeith Stanfield!

He is one actor who knows how to not let one role define him. For many, the first time they saw Lakeith Stanfield act was in the Jordan Peele critically acclaimed film “Get Out” and for others, they know him for his role as Darius in the FX network show “Atlanta”. Now they can get ready to see Lakeith star as Colin Warner, a man wrongfully imprisoned for over 20 years for a murder he didn’t commit, which is based on a true story.

“Crown Heights” still starring actor Lakeith Stanfield

via Deadline.com

Based on a podcast titled This American Life, the pic is set spring of 1980, where a teenager is gunned down in the streets of Flatbush, Brooklyn. The police pressure a child witness to identify a suspect. As a result, Colin Warner, an 18-year-old kid from nearby Crown Heights, is wrongfully convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. Colin’s childhood friend Carl ‘KC’ King devotes his life to fighting for Colin’s freedom. He works on appeals, takes loans for lawyer fees and becomes a legal courier to learn the court system.

Many will read this and think this film comes on the heels of the many racial injustices we’ve face in the last few years but the story of Colin Warner is in fact true. Warner’s conviction was overturned in 201 with the help of his friend Carl King (who will be portrayed by former NFL cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha). The Ringer poses a very intricate question in the write-up of the film’s trailer; The more compelling question is whether writer-director Matt Ruskin can illustrate the immense human cost of discriminatory practices thoughtlessly signed into law.

I decided to do my own research on the background of this case and I can honestly say that I will be going to see this film. What about you loves? Check out the trailer below and sound off below because we’re long overdue for #OpinionHour.

Written By: Monique C. Tillman

@moniquechanae

Stylin’! Catch Donald Glover (@donaldglover) Wearing $53K Gucci (@gucci) Mink Fur Coat!

Donald Glover AKA “Childish Gambino” is the man! 2017 has already shaped up to be the year for him thanks to multiple  Golden Globes for his hit television series, Atlanta and his upcoming role in Star Wars’ Han Solo movie.

Besides his career being on the up and up his wardrobe is too; as recently he appeared in Wired Magazine wearing a $53K Gucci Mink Fur Coat!

Music Industry Veteran Shanti Das (@ShantiDas404) Teams Up with the American Heart Association!

Music Industry Veteran Shanti Das teams up with the American Heart Association to Recruit Volunteer Ambassadors to Drive Healthy Living in Urban Communities! (Atlanta,GA, January 18, 2017) – Music industry mogul Shanti Das and the American Heart Association teamed up to bring awareness to heart disease and stroke in the urban communities. The campaign launched on Monday January 16th in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

 

Das, who is one of the newest national ambassadors for the American Heart Association’s EmPowered To Serve movement, is featured in Take Me Home, a short video docu-series produced by the Association in collaboration with MIRAR. The video, which also includes singer/actress  Demetria McKinney (House of Payne, Saints & Sinners, RHOA 7), chronicles Das’ life growing up in a food desert in Peyton Forest, a community of Atlanta, Georgia.

Music Industry Veteran Shanti Das

“After learning about the social determinants of health, I decided to learn more about how that may have impacted the community where I grew up. In the process, I learned that I basically grew up in a food desert, which is a community without easy access to healthy food options. This is driving a lot of health issues in my community such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and stroke,” says Das, CEO and founder of Press Reset Entertainment.  “In fact, I found that 2 million Georgians, including 500,000 children live in food deserts. There are more than 35 food deserts just in the perimeter of Metro-Atanta.”

#RIP…Bishop Eddie L. Long Has Passed…

Death has reared its ugly head yet again and invaded the ranks.

No we do not have another celebrity death, but someone who was a celebrity in his own right–and a pastor. It is with a heavy heart we report that Bishop Eddie L. Long has passed.

There has been a report on Channel 2 Action News, and  reports are coming in from social media, members of his congregation, and namely his former Minister of Music, Byron Cage. Byron tweeted the following below.

As you may already know Bishop Long was the pastor of megachurch, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. He was known for years for his large congregation, affluence, and powerful sermons of hope and love throughout the metro-Atlanta area. In recent years he was embroiled by controversy, namely allegations of sexual misconduct. In the last year, however, it was his dramatic weight loss that caught national news. Originally, Bishop explained his weight loss was attributed to a raw, vegan diet; and later a still as of yet unexplained illness. Then homophobic pastor, Kim Burrell, alleged his weight loss was due to engaging in a homosexual lifestyle. He died from an aggressive form of cancer.

Whatever anyone’s personal feelings are about Bishop Long he was still a man and a human being. We will be praying for his family and congregation during this tragic time. Feel free to leave your comments and APPROPRIATE condolences below.

Written By: Michael “Hey Mikey” Fanning

 

 

[Event] Rapper, 2 Chainz (@2chainz), Opens Escobar ATL!

2 Chainz & Partner have a ‘Different’ reason to Celebrate!

On Wednesday December 7th the doors to Escobar Restaurant & Tapas were open for full operation. The night was epic as rapper 2 Chainz and business partner Mychel “Snoop” Dillard partied away with Atlanta locals in celebration.

Grammy nominated, 2 Chainz is an Atlanta native with a massive following. He received notable success after the release of his debut album Based on a T.R.U Story which included hits like, “No Lie,” “Birthday Song,” and “I’m Different.” Business partner Mychel “Snoop” Dillard (owner of The Hookah Hideaway) is a self-proclaimed serial entrepreneur who is well respected in Atlanta’s nightlife industry. Surely this joint business venture is a dynamic combination. With 2 Chainz’ celebrity and business partner’s expertise, Escobar will soon rank the top list of Atlanta’s hottest hookah bar & lounges.

Escobar Restaurant & Tapas

Grand opening night was nothing short of entertaining as dozens of party goers came out in support. Positive vibes and reviews were floating around with comments like “great music” and “live crowd.” One local stated, “We’ve been here since 8:30 and plan to stay until close.” While another mentioned Escobar was giving various locations on Peters Street a run for their money.

Inside Escobar ATL Lounge

Different from similar locations on Peters Street, Escobar Atlanta is where Buckhead meets Castleberry Hills. From its interior decor to the extensive selection of cocktails, choice wine and champagne– Escobar is the new “it” spot. Why go out to dinner first and party afterwards when you can do it all at once? Escobar has an impressive menu selection of tapas and entrees. This menu includes but is not limited to seafood linguini with rosemary cream sauce, herb roasted lamb chops, grilled ribeye and lobster tails. As if this isn’t enticing enough, grab ahold of their hookah menu. From fruit and starbuzz to signature flavors, there’s enough to go around! Whether you are looking for a night of fun or an immaculate lunch date, Escobar is where you want to be!

Find out what the hype is all about. It’s certainly worth paying a visit! Escobar is located at 327 Peters Street. For hours of operation, menu selection or more details visit www.escobaratlanta.com.

 

 

 

You’re Invited! Essence (@essencemag) Presents “My City 4 Ways!”

Essence Magazine is the creme de la creme of publications so it’s no shock that they host some pretty stellar events!

Enter My City 4 Ways, an Atlanta Event presented by Essence and something we at Kontrol Magazine are more than happy to invite you out to!

Loni Love

The event will take place at the Mason Fine Art Gallery where patrons will be treated “four ways” with food, music, art, and style–but most of all fun. The event will feature some pretty amazing people as well like The Real co-host and comedienne, Loni Love, DJ Princess Cut, award winning food blogger of Eating With Erica, Erica Key, Grammy nominated singer and songwriter, Anthony David, visual artist and designer, Kashmir Thompson, and Lead Designer and Visionary behind the timeless fashion brand Sylvia Mollie, Kenya Freeman!

“It’s Been Handled?” FreddyO (@freddyo) Comes for Kontrol Magazine (@kontrolmag) Over “Women of Style” Event for TLC’s Rozonda “Chili” Thomas!

The pettiness and shade are real in the entertainment industry. For those of us who report it we are never truly surprised, but we are disappointed when one entity tries to come for another. No we are not talking about Marvel Entertainment and Twentieth Century Fox (OMG Fox just work out a deal for The X-Men!); instead a feud has been ignited between Kontrol Magazine and the blog site Freddy O. Apparently, Freddy is pretty salty with Kontrol after one of his writers was turned away at the latter’s Woman of Style event where TLC’s Rozonda “Chili” Thomas was honored for her fashion, style, and many contributions to the entertainment industry.

Freddy did not take too well to the incident and late last night after running into Kontrol’s editor-in-chief and celebrity stylist, Julian Lark, he posted a video condemning the magazine:

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