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Give You The Best Ideas

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Amanda Perkins

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Meet Sibnavus Cheeseman, the chef bringing the chopped cheese global

It’s only right for the Executive Chef and Co-Founder of Shmackwich, a food brand all about obscenely delicious gourmet chop cheese, to be named Sibnavus Cheeseman.

Chef Sib, as he’s better known, has over a decade of culinary experience and a pretty rad origin story with his passion for food born out of early experiences that helped shape his life.

His introduction to cooking came just at the tender age of 4 years old. On a 13-acre farm in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica where he spent his early years, Chef Sib remembers watching his dad kill a goat for the spring equinox. 

This experience allowed him to appreciate and understand the intricacies of food preparation at a young age.

“That moment was when everything changed for me. The experience was so visceral and pure that I became instantly infatuated. The smells and taste were nothing like I’ve ever experienced before and in many ways, I’m still chasing that feeling.”

– Sibnavus Cheeseman

Sibnavus Cheeseman on his culinary upbringing

Photo Courtesy: @Shmackwich

Initially, Sibnavus did not consider a culinary career. Though when he was younger, he worked at restaurants out of school to support himself.

He studied and loved fashion photography. However, he was always drawn to the culinary world. Mainly due to being surrounded by people who were creative and passionate about the culinary arts.

“A lot of my friendships were formed on the floor of a restaurant or in the kitchens, and dish pits tucked away in the basement. Serving and meeting celebrities and masters of their craft was an optimum part of my person development.”

– Sibnavus Cheeseman

When Sibnavus moved back to New York, he was introduced to the NYC restaurant culture. Specifically, at Dallas BBQ, Carmine’s, Old Dante’s, Milon on St. Marks, and Wo Hop.

The fast-paced, high-energy environment shaped not just his culinary journey but his life in general. 

After a few years, Sibnavus decided to go full steam in the culinary direction. He started by learning how the hospitality industry worked by going through every level, working his way up.

He held various positions but almost always found himself in the kitchen, tapping in and learning from the professionals.

Sibnavus eventually landed his first Executive Chef position at Gran Electrica, a restaurant specializing in Puebla and Oaxacan regional cuisine.


There is no progress without collaboration.

The Shmackwich Team. Photo Courtesy @img.mos

Chef Sib’s culinary technique and philosophy are greatly influenced by his travels in Mexico and growing up in New York. He also draws inspiration from many mediums: visual arts, music, architecture, film, and life.  

He realized early on how cultures borrow from each other. Sibnavus found that collaboration enriches and diversifies people, art, and food.

This understanding led him to better integrate his Afro-Caribbean roots with his delicious creations. He also attributes the success of his brand Shmackwich to his practice of collaboration. 

When starting any project, he is reminded of a specific Confucious saying: There is no progress without collaboration. For him, it means working together is the way to move forward. 

It is Chef Sib’s belief that everyone in the industry has a common purpose, which is to bring people together through food.

In years of working in restaurants, he observed how competition hinders them from reaching that goal. Thus, he works to eliminate competition and promote collaboration in the industry.

“When starting Shmackwich, that was the principle that we hold above all. It’s time for more co-working. I believe that’s the only way to truly succeed.

– Sibnavus Cheeseman

A higher purpose

Photo courtesy: @sibwavus

Chef Sib’s passion for cuisine is also matched by his mission of food sustainability. His philosophy is zero waste, always aiming to use every ingredient to the fullest extent.

He also chooses to acquire local and domestic products sourced from farmers that have ethical practices.

“As a chef, I have the opportunity to impact my environment on a micro and macro level.” 

– Sibnavus Cheeseman

Inspire and be inspired.

Sibnavus Cheeseman credits the longevity of his culinary career and the success of Shmackwich to his philosophy of collaboration and willingness to learn new things.

Hence, Sibnavus encourages all aspiring chefs to pull inspiration from different sources.

Inspire and be inspired by others. Nothing is new: no dish, no flavor profile, no concept. Everything has been done. So let go of ownership and embrace the ideas and input of others. Everything we do is an interpretation of what was done before us.

– Sibnavus Cheeseman
druski

How comedian Druski finessed an entire industry for jokes

Who is Druski? A comedian, an actor, a clothing designer? It seems as if no one really knows but one thing we do know for sure is that Druski is up.

Recently the “comedian” was featured on this month’s cover of Complex Magazine with his best friend Jack Harlow. The two surely have come a long way but unlike Jack, who had a hit single take him to the top, Druski had to take quite a different path to success.

The comedian spoke on this in his interview with Complex.

“I remember, I think when “Whats Poppin” came out, he shot through the roof. And I remember seeing it like, “Damn.” And I remember he had money coming in and everything, but he was such a good friend. It would be no question. He would pay for shit and would just be like, “Yo, I got it.” But I would want to, of course, but I didn’t have the money like he had at the time. So now that I’m in the place where I’m at, now I’ll tell him, “I got it. I can pay for it now.”

Druski the Comedian, via Complex Magazine

How did Druski as a comedian break the industry?

Druski found a lane and stuck to it. To this day, his Kyle Rogger character still gets millions of views. It got so much attention that Drake had to include the comedian in his video for Laugh Now, Cry Later.

That cameo solidified his presence as a cultural figure within hip-hop. We’ve seen this formula before… legendary comedian Chris Rock has always remained present in hip-hop culture.

From his own music video to his present-day guest appearance in Lil Nas X’s video for Old Town Road, Chris Rock most likely served as an inspiration to Druski as a comedian, amongst many others.

Some more comedians who have done the same…

Martin Lawrence mad an appearance in the Big Sean Ft. Chris Brown & Ty Dolla $ign – Play No Games music video
Issa Rae, Tiffany Haddish, Lil Rel Howery, Lakeith Stanfield, Jarrod Carmichael, Hannibal Buress and Tessa Thompson show out in Jay-Z’s Moonlight video
Eddie Murphy promos Back to America in the Michael Jackson video for Remember The Time

More than a comedian, Druski got real sponsorship partners

What’s my Yeezy moment? What’s my Fenty Beauty? What’s my business that I do that blows up for billions of dollars outside of comedy? I ain’t fulfilled until I get that type of moment.” 

Druski the Comedian, via Complex

From MTN Dew and addidas to Call of Duty, Druski has made himself a household name with the media sponsors he’s been able to pull in. For example, his Sneakin In with Druski series on Revolt has garnered close to 30M views.

Druski pulls up to Teyana Taylor’s home to school her on sustainability | Sneakin’ In With Druski

Durski has come a long way as a comedian from getting paid $20 to $50 per post…


He kept his head down, believed in himself, and stayed at it

Taking a chance, on yourself, takes more than just hope. You’ve gotta stay at it no matter what. You’ve got to inspire others to believe in you. There is no room for doubt.

Druski took a leap of faith and knew deep down that he had “to get his shit together.” Serving tables at Red Lobster might be the reality check we’ve all been looking for…lol.

Seriously though, a call from his grandmother, where she said she didn’t want to see or hear from him anymore, would push him to go after what he really wanted — to become a great comedian.

“I think it was one of those things where it was like, ‘You need to get your shit together, but you’re going to have to do it on your own. It sounds so goofy to say, ‘I’m going to be a comedian and I’m going to be famous.’ That sounds so crazy.”

Druski the Comedian, via Complex

Hopefully, you can catch a glimpse of greatness as he hosts J.Cole’s Off season Tour

Cam Kirk

Cam Kirk drops gems for creative entrepreneurs in ATL

ATL-based visionary Cam Kirk is more than a photographer, he’s an entrepreneur, and for our Finally Focused NY to LA bonus episode he dished out, more than enough, gems for aspiring creatives.

Constantly moving forward the ATL-based photographer sets new goals for himself, outperforming his last advancing step.

“I get offended when people say I made it… Don’t put any finish line on my career. I have not made it. I’ve got so much further, I can go… Once you do achieve your goals, if you’re not quick to set a new one, you can get very complacent.”

Cam Kirk, Photographer, Cam Kirk Studios Founder

Embarking on a very lonely path, that most creatives can relate to, he took adversity by the horns. Going against the grain, he spoke his studio into existence.

“Being finally focused is critical to my success because it’s the only way I got here. There are tweets about me sitting in my own studio one day…”

Cam Kirk, Photographer, Cam Kirk Studios Founder

The move towards taking his work into a physical space with his photography studio would inspire a hot spring of culture in a city deemed as a hip-hop epicenter.

Inspired by veteran photographers and collectives like Johnathan Manion and The Motion Family, he would look to a space in need of a Black leader. And, of course, he would do much more than inspire.


Cam Kirk would push ATL’s creativity to a new level.

“As a creative and as an entrepreneur this road can feel very lonely. It can feel like everything you’re up against feels like ‘me against the world’. It’s like you’re the only one doing this. Which is not facts,” said the visionary in our Finally Focused bonus episode.

He continued to touch on the inspiration behind the photography studio:

“There are other dreamchasers. I wanted to create an environment where you saw that, where that was obvious… We knocked the walls down and opened it up.”

Cam Kirk, Photographer, Cam Kirk Studios Founder

Going in 25/8 the ATL-based photographer has worked with our favorite rappers from Gucci Mane to the late King Von and now has his own series, in partnership with Facebook, titled Behind the Cam.

Averaging 500 bookings a month at his co-working photography studio and a partnership with Facebook, it’s hard not to acknowledge that he is the business.

Still, for him, he’s only 25 percent through his journey and when it comes to his legacy he’s on his way to leaving a lasting imprint on the culture.

“I want to be recognized globally. I’m trying to inspire photographers, creatives, entrepreneurs, individuals around the world. I want to make sure the legacy I leave behind […] is a physical legacy.”

Cam Kirk, Photographer, Cam Kirk Studios Founder

Watch the entire season of Finally Focused below and stay inspired.

Finally Focused NY to LA: Episode 5 Photographer Ace of LA

“The image that we create enhances that person to be bigger than life.”

Ace of LA

Ace of LA, black Commes des Garçons tee on, black snapback faced backward, speaks from his studio in a reclined black chair.

As he speaks, it is clear he is reflecting on his journey, with a visceral understanding in a solemn tone that he always wanted to be a photographer, and thus was always going to be.

“I knew my purpose at a young age. And that’s what I wanted to do no matter what.”

Ace of LA

Photographer Ace of LA takes the first step towards success…

Ace of LA is a photographer based out of Los Angeles. Born in Mexico, from an early age there was never any doubt about what he wanted to do.

“The changes that I went through defined who I was as a person.”

Ace of LA
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THE ETERNAL

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He dropped out of high school at an early age to become a photographer. And amidst family members and peers thinking it was a hobby, temporary, or just fun-and-games, photographer Ace of LA stuck with his craft because he knew it was anything but.

He started taking pictures of people he wanted to photograph; “people that gave you that magnitude in front of the camera…” He then transitioned into photographing models, often with no pay.

But Ace of LA doesn’t see free work as just that, because that endeavor is always going to end up in securing a bigger paid opportunity.

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IN MY MIND w. @queenofblood

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“That’s one of the biggest things to me, just knowing the value of yourself, what you bring to the table.”

Ace of LA

Ace of LA has shot for Ty Dolla $ign, Wiz Khalifa, Common, Nipsey Hussle, and many more in his career. And he’s just getting started.

“We are in a never-ending journey,” Ace of LA says solemnly. There isn’t a day that goes by where he does not learn something new about himself and his craft.

“The only thing I can tell that young shooter is just to keep being hungry, keep wanting to create, and keep wanting to excel.”

Ace of LA

Ace of LA’s ability to live in the moment enables him to stay grounded and focused on the task at hand. Treating every project like it is a big-budget blockbuster means he is always seeing the best work emanating from his eye and fingertips.

Stay tuned for more of his work and his fashion line here, and check out the rest of our Finally Focused series below.


Watch the entire season of Finally Focused below

Finally Focused NY to LA: Episode 4 Director Terence ‘MF’ Thomas

It all started with a Canon T3i….

Coming a long way from the boondocks of Brooklyn’s well-known Coney Island area, black director, and cinematographer Terence “MF” Thomas has made quite a name for himself.

For this episode of Finally Focused the experienced lensman tells us how he’s gotten to where he is today and how he’s achieved success within the video industry.

“I wasn’t thinking about being an artist. I was just thinking about getting out the fu–in hood…”

Terence “MF” Thomas

That first camera…

From the first time, he touched a camera Thomas was hooked. At 20, he made the executive decision to quit his 9 to 5 but before he did, he racked up enough money to buy his first camera, a Canon T3i.

With one of the hottest cameras on the market, at the time, Thomas would practice until he perfected his eye, taking around 2,000 photos daily while traveling throughout various NYC neighborhoods.

Rapidly MF became an apt capturer of beauty and a justified camera wielder. Soon enough he would be asked to take his photographic talents to video. Word got around that MF had the visual juice, thus taking him to new heights within the industry.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CD6-95Fp0o6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link


And his well-rounded resume proves it. A three-year stint as a creative director at Elite Daily and stretch at Overtime to working on his own NYC production house Manuall Focus Media, Thomas has accumulated four NY Emmy Awards for his amazing work.

With his head to the sky, Thomas looks to use the pressure of his success to create more impactful content. Additionally, he’d love to pass on the skills and tools he’s learned throughout his creative journey with hopes of opening up a film academy, one day.

His advice to up-and-coming photographers, directors, and cinematographers?

Stay creative. Stay hungry. Stay passionate. Just go out there and shoot…

Terence “MF” Thomas

We love highlighting Black directors, photographers, and creatives. To see more, watch the previous episode of Finally Focused below with photographer Flo Ngala.

Finally Focused NY to LA: Episode 3 Photographer Flo Ngala

“Everyone’s story is really, really different. It’s about timing, and it’s about just being ready, so that when your time comes, you can make sure you come correct.”

Flo Ngala- New York based photographer

Beginnings

Hailing from Harlem, NY, the confident and collected Flo Ngala explains to us how that quote fits much of her career thus far. In eighth grade she got a camera, a Minolta-X-something to be exact, and that opened her up to be creative with the lens throughout high school.

Then, Ngala remarks that working for Gucci Mane was probably the first thing that really catapulted her career. Like she said later in the episode, when that time came… she made sure she came correct.

Working as a personal photographer for Gucci then opened up the door to working as a personal photographer for Cardi B. And portfolio opportunities blossomed from there.


A blossoming portfolio

Flo Ngala’s West African roots inspire her to pursue powerful images and moments. And capture the authenticity of diverse and unique vibrant cultures. In 2019, she landed a cover photo for The New York Times with insightful reporting on Black figure skaters from her hometown.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CBwNKGjJT-i/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The talented New Yorker also kicked off the year working with Netflix on a project. Then she proceeded to a Rolling Stone job, capturing much of the intensely visceral moments connected with the protests in New York City this Summer. Notable other clients include Nike, Reebok, WWD, and Vogue.com.

“I like being able to just move, and not have to worry about people knowing what’s happening. Just kind of see things, and getting them in the moment,” says Ngala.

The tenacity with which Flo Ngala operates is really what sets her apart and has made her so successful this early into her adult life. Emblematic of how she sees herself behind the lens, one of Ngala’s Instagram posts is captioned, “You don’t photograph people with equipment, you photograph them with energy. The camera is the medium, the photographer is the messenger.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDzVZqbpJD2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

With an intrinsic understanding and acknowledgment of her roots, a New York energy that only real New Yorkers know, and an innate desire to capture powerful moments that are often forgotten, Flo Ngala stays Finally Focused.


Like the Flo Ngala episode? Check out Finally Focused Episode 2 with Producer Joe Hood

Finally Focused NY to LA: Episode 2 Producer Joe Hood

“There’s a lot of different types of producers and there’s a lot of different levels of involvement for producers, but I really made my way by being involved from content to completion. The idea of a creative producer.” – Director and Producer Joe Hood

That was Joe Hood talking, Illinois native and current LA director, producer, writer, etc.

Hood is the founder and Creative Lead/Lead Producer at Hoodworks Video, a full-service video production company based in Los Angeles, CA.

The visionary director went to school at NYU before dipping out West for more lucrative opportunities. With his pit bull by his side, Hood told us about his creative journey.

Some of the projects Hood has worked on are acting as the VFX artist on Dripjacker by Zaytoven and Lil Gotit, the editor on Body by Pretty Ricky, and the writer and producer on Fox 5 by Lil Keed and Gunna, which has amassed over 3.4 million views since June.

Hood has worked in many different parts of the media industry, from social media work to BuzzFeed and L’oréal commercials to the music video/ creative process now where he has more freedom.

But he stressed that one of the main reasons he has moved around so much in the industry is because he focuses more on the opportunities for himself and others that open up, rather than just over saturating the process with content.

“Being a creator of color… unfortunately it automatically defines you. So at some point, you have to decide how you want to define you and what it means for you,” said Hood.

He stressed how creatives of color almost need to have MORE versatility going into jobs than their causation counterparts, as it’s almost like “they want you to prove yourself in things they haven’t even proved themselves in yet.

“You can’t be successful and prepared unless you’re versatile.”

Hood’s creative journey and his day-to-day process are inspiring in its authenticity and his bluntness about the way the industry works. Keep an eye on the creative director moving forward, as his mission, as in ours, is to diligently stay Finally Focused.


Like the Joe Hood episode? Check out Finally Focused Episode 1 with Director Paulette Anges Ang

Finally Focused NY to LA: Episode 1 Paulette Agnes Ang

“In general, life is a gift invaluable and if you share that view everything you create is worthwhile… ” – Director Paulette Agnes Ang

We caught wind of Paulette Agnes Ang and her work after watching the video for Princess Nokia’s track “Balenciaga.” The continuous shot. The intensity of each frame. And the overall creativity of the project is what caught our eye.

We had to hit her up and tap into the mind of the young director in order to grasp a better understanding of her work. And this first episode of Finally Focused NY to LA is a direct representation of that.

Already making a name for herself the Thai, Puerto Rican, Italian and French director, has worked with artists and brands ranging from Joey Bada$$ to Versace.

Not to mention her grind doing non-biased reporting on social, scientific, political, and cultural occurrences for Getty Images.

With nearly a decade’s worth of work, the multi-faceted creative’s journey is definitely one worth documenting.

https://vimeo.com/349590164


Paulette Agnes Ang and her creative journey

Starting her creative journey as a production assistant in 2011 Paulette took hold of every opportunity presented to her. She would tap into her directing talents for the first time after linking up with 88 Palms to create a video.

While shooting, by chance, she was recruited by a managing director at an agency that represented directors. It was at that moment Paulette said, “That this was something that not only felt natural for me but unknown and rich in exploration.”

Merging her skills as a painter and an artist Paulette’s work became more than valuable. For her, “film and video are forms of communication and they are conversations that you have with the viewer through your work.”

Additionally, they are conversations you have with the artists through their work and a conversation with yourself. Using her love of non-practical lights to create an atmosphere that makes the viewer feel like they are in an altered state.

“I think because I am not very ‘film literate’ I get most of my inspiration from paintings and the art world…”

 

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@PetiteMeller Aeroplane out now premiered on @lofficielusa . . Directed by @a_t_mann Produced by me 🙋🏻‍♀️ c/o @Freenjoy DP: @ste_ferrari Drone: @reininja (East Coast) @skyhighbtan (West Coast) Dancers: @RockwellDanceCenter Martial Arts: @martialkat Editor: Ornit Levy Post Production: Tal Baltuch, Yehuda Revivo Camera Assistant: @AshliBickford Assistant Director: @helenekugelberg , @chenca Styling: @Nao_now @MariaPozosc @HellenKugelberg Designers: @AngelChenstudio @AlessandroTrincone @PuppetsandPuppets Hair: @SherlynSuzette, Shinpei Tanaka Makeup: @LisetGarza Production Support: Jack @drezilla @Akere1e @Shahar_ruly Ella Yaari Drivers: Rojay Barnes, Robert (Bob) Savarino, Salim Allen, John Morford Location Manager – Meriden Markham Municipal Airport: Connie Castillo BTS Photography: @the_gerger #petitemeller #aeroplane

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At this point in her career, she is open to learning even more from collaborative experiences. Paulette’s advice to up-and-coming creatives…

“Be open to experiences and opportunities and be curious when you are in them. Challenging your perspective is how you can go deeper in what you are doing and learn about yourself and what surronds you.”

On the preface of greatness, let’s keep our fingers crossed for the visionary inspiring the next-gen of directors as she is nominated in three categories at the 2020 Berlin Commercial Festival.

“Life is a gift.”


Shoutout The Squad 

Production

Director: Jesse Vargas

Executive Producer: Claude J. Easy

Creative Director: Paulette Agnes Ang

Director of Photography: Ilya Shnitser

Edited by: Jesse Vargas

Art Assistant: Esmee Liu

Colorist: Elias Nousiopolous

Color Provider: Evan Bauer

Color House: The Mill

The Music

“Figura” – written and produced by Giacomo Favaron

“Ritmo Elegante”- written and produced by Marco Shuttle

“The Tropical Year” – written and produced by Alessandro Adriani

 

Meet Tray Nova, the genre-blending artist with soul on the rise

Tray Nova is a Chicagoland native and NYC-based creative who continues to push boundaries and innovate as a musician.

Blending heavy influences from different genres of the old and new school, Tray is a student of the game who uses his lyricism to tell stories of his real-life experiences.

His latest single, ‘children of ra,’ featuring Kas celebrates Black love and culture, using the Egyptian sun god Ra as the symbol of inner light.

In an interview with Kulture Hub, we explored what makes Tray Nova so unique, how he got his start in music, and his journey to finding himself as an artist.

Tray Nova’s early influences.

Growing up in a church-going environment, Tray Nova listened to a lot of gospel music. At home, his mother played various RnB and Neo Soul singers such as Mary J. Blige, D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, Maxwell and others.

These diverse sounds sparked his interest in creating rhymes and melodies at a young age.

As he moved on to middle school and high school, he started writing rap with his cousins. He cites 50 Cent, Kanye West, Jay Z, T.I., Nas, Lupe Fiasco, and Lil Wayne as his influences at that time.

From Gospel, Neo Soul and Hip Hop, these genres shaped my early years which inspired me on my journey to explore music deeper.

– Tray Nova (2022)

Tray Nova continues to be one of the most innovative musicians working today.

Nova began his career in Chicago and has since expanded his career to Los Angeles, Honolulu, and New York City.

As an artist, he is not afraid of wearing his influences on his sleeve. He incorporates a lot of the genres he grew up with in his music, as well as taking inspiration from past eras such as the ’70s, ’90s, and ’00s.

His overall sound reflects the energy of both the old and the new school.

He’s also not afraid of taking chances and branching out to new environments. He believes the like-minded individuals he’s met have helped him grow as an artist.

Although, Tray Nova finds his unique style by sharing his personal experiences and expressing himself authentically. He constantly switches up from bravado raps to introspection and smooth melodies, balancing these elements through lyricism.

His acceptance of external influences has allowed him to continuously produce deep and insightful music.

Likewise, Nova advises other young aspiring artists to keep learning from others and adopt new influences.

Never be afraid of change because that’s the only way growth can happen.

– Tray Nova (2022)

Hitting Pause.

During a rough period, Nova decided to quit music for some years.

A single epiphany moment being back on stage in his hometown ignited his passion again. Since then, he has been on a steady journey to create and inspire others with his music.

Through talent and determination, he amassed a dedicated fanbase and has shared the stage with prominent figures within the music industry such as Chance the Rapper, Mac Miller, The Internet, Dreezy, and more.

I believe you have to go through many ups and downs to realize what you are doing is something you truly want in life.

– Tray Nova (2022)

‘Children of Ra’ explores inner light and love.

The Chicago-born artist believes that within every person is a light that can illuminate the darkness we go through in life.

In his new single “children of Ra”, Nova focuses on the light shared between two lovers as it narrates the complexities of romantic relationships and inner struggles.

While celebrating Black love and culture, the single uses the Egyptian sun god Ra as the symbol of inner light.

“children of ra” features Kas, a St. Louis native, NYC-based artist, and frequent collaborator.

In their new music video co-directed by Kas and the Emmy-award winning director ManuallFocus, which debuts today, captivating scenes were captured with an all-Black cast throughout Washington Square Park and Williamsburg Brooklyn.

Professional dancer and co-star of the video Gigi Jones adds to the visual storytelling that evokes feelings of nostalgia and appreciation for the beauty of love and life, you can watch it here now!

Watch Tray Nova’s new video for “children of ra” featuring Kas!

Nova tells his fans to expect a new project in Spring 2023, which he has been working on throughout this year. We can also expect more performances in different cities. 

In the meantime, fans can also check out other artists in Nova’s collective The 2ill Collective which consists of creatives and 2ill Entertainment is the show booking/event division.

With ‘children of ra,’ Tray Nova continues to prove that he’s one of the most innovative musicians working today.

He’s not afraid to take risks and embrace change in order to evolve as an artist. I can’t wait for what comes next from Tray Nova – and hopefully other artists too!

To learn more about Tray Nova head over to his site!

5 Reasons why Friendsgiving is better than Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is such a special holiday — it’s origins are sort of problematic but it’s a good day to stuff yourself with food, watch football, and to be grateful too, I guess

And it’s also the time too see family. Although, I love my family to bits, I also dread seeing them. 

It’s exhausting to act like the best version of myself to appease an auntie I only see once year. And the passive-aggressive comments about my weight, career, and relationship choices are just painful.

I also cannot deal with the stress of traveling back to my hometown, and sleeping on my twin-sized bed.

That’s why in the past few years, I’ve taken to celebrating Friendsgiving (it means Thanksgiving with friends) instead. 

And I think you should give it a try too!


Friendsgiving Food.

Food is a great way to bring people together. For Friendsgiving, you don’t have to worry about cooking a lot because potluck can be an option.

You don’t have to do traditional Thanksgiving dishes either. Just cook or bring something you like!


No family drama.

Family drama is stressful. It can be hard to find ways to avoid it, and many people are forced into situations where they have no choice but to deal with family members’ issues. 

Friendsgiving is a great way to avoid this kind of drama. You can focus on the people you love and care about, not what their parents want them to do or how they should act.

It’s also important not to feel like you have to conform too much when it comes down the holidays: there’s no pressure on anyone (including yourself) if someone else doesn’t want something specific during this time of year—you’re free from tradition!


Starting your own Friendsgiving traditions.

You can start your own Friendsgiving traditions. Make it a yearly event that you’ll always attend, even if it’s not at the same time of year or place as everyone else.

If you’re friends with more than one person, make it an annual holiday for all of them. If you want to do something special for just one friend group in particular, consider creating a special day where everyone gets together and does something together—and maybe even make some food or drinks!


You don’t have to travel anywhere.

Friendsgiving means staying at the comfort of your own home. You can just invite friends over or host a party at a local restaurant or bar.


Friendsgiving is a great way to connect with friends and make memories.

Friendsgiving is a great way to connect with friends and make memories. You can get together with old friends and make new ones, share your favorite traditions, or create new ones of your own.

So if you’re looking for a holiday that will bring people together in the spirit of giving, this is it!