Tiffany Haddish pulled up to a sold-out gig for NYE, but little did she know that 2019 wouldn’t greet her the way she expected.
While doing stand up in Miami at the James L. Knight Center an onlooking crowd would begin to empty the venue, boo her off stage, and ultimately drink a bottle of Ciroc with her to celebrate her woes.
It sucks that she bombed her set, caught on that the audience wasn’t connecting with her jokes, and forgot the rest of her routine, but we all make mistakes and we should definitely expect Haddish to make one hell of “come back” from this epic fail.
For sure, the #SheReady comedian was embarrassed AF. After noticing that her jokes about her mom being institutionalized and always giving her family bread just weren’t hitting, Haddish attempted to switch gears but it was only a failed attempt at comedic recovery.
Who knows? Maybe she was buckling under pressure. Comedic legend, Katt Williams did come at her neck and claimed that Haddish has no comedic skill set in a recent interview on Frank and Wanda In the Morning where he stated,
“[Haddish has] been doing comedian since she was 16. You can’t tell me your favorite Tiffany Haddish joke. Why? Because she ain’t done a tour yet. She ain’t done a special. She has not proven the ability to tell jokes, back to back for an hour…”
OR NAH! She was still sauced after 24 hours of partying stupid hard. All we do know is that it is hard to maintain face on NYE even if your Tiffany “She Ain’t Ready” Haddish.
Still, she embraced the humiliation and addressed the situation while on stage. Haddish said, “This is weird for me. Now, this is going to be on TMZ or whatever…” And of course the most savage “news network” picked up the story.
TMZ also reported that Haddish lowkey resorted to reading jokes off of her iPad. A rookie move for a comedian who lived in her car during her 20s while in her early days of comedy.
Some 200,000 plus views later of her dropping the ball on stage, Haddish would also take to Twitter to address the comedic mishap. She tweeted promising to never allow this to happen again,
“Yes this happened. I wish it was better Miami. I prayed on it and I have a strong feeling this will never happen again…”
Yes this happened. I wish it was better Miami. I prayed on it and I have a strong feeling this will never happened again. Tiffany Haddish Bombs, Drinks with Fans Instead https://t.co/4QxPn0j0xc via @TheRoot
All we have in this world are our communities and our families. They raised us and molded us into who we are today. It doesn’t matter where you come from. No matter where you go you’ll always show your origins.
It might be the way you swagger down the street or that funny accent that surfaces in conversation every once in a while. Your community won’t ever let go, not even if you try to abandon it. It will always be there remembering you… And you’ll always have to go back.
You can’t ignore the cries from your hood especially when you’ve made something of yourself and you know what you’ve left behind. A place where many lack hope and opportunities are choked off by misfortune and poverty.
Just a couple of days before Christmas the ASAP Foundation proved that it’s necessary to put it on for their city, not only through the music but through community service. The service would be in the form of a toy-drive and it would flood the corner of Frederick Douglas and W 154 with smiles, hugs, and good vibes.
Photo Credit: Justin Johnson
From outside of That’s Eso you could feel “New Level” vibrating the atmosphere and drawing people into the restaurant where tables and chairs were replaced with stands for donated fly clothing, stuffed gift bags, and fresh kicks.
Ready to bless a small community in Harlem the ASAP Foundation stood ready for little tykes to pull up with their brothers and sisters to enjoy the best part of Christmas. One native “Harlem New Yorker” named Shanna came with two small children, both no older than six years old.
Shanna gave off an aura of relief when she exited and looked over to her two children play with their brand new action figures. To her events like the toy drive are important for the community because they are “good for single moms, other mothers who are struggling, and for children who are struggling in the community…”
Photo Credit: Justin Johnson
Executive Director of the ASAP Foundation, Darryl Phillips felt the toy drive represented another lane the initiative wants to take when it comes to restoring a community. He said,
“Even though we deal with drug awareness and give people the right information about substance abuse, the idea is also to deal with communities in a holistic manner. Not only do we deal with crisis moments, but we deal with victimization and giving back…”
Big bags filled with gifts trafficked back and forth through the entrance. The toy drive motivated people to get up, get out, and give. One woman donated hot wheels, two princess dolls, a Black Panther figurine, and winter gear. Her partner brought the daily necessities — toiletries and washcloths.
Lola Plaku pulled up with truck full of Puma and Puma/Fenty gear. Plaku and ASAP Ferg couldn’t have arrived at a better time. Ferg’s involvement in the toy drive was important. The Harlem native represents more than ASAP Mob he represents hope. He expressed to us the importance of the ASAP Foundation.
Photo Credit: Justin Johnson
Ferg said,
“The importance of the ASAP Foundation is continuing to bring our community together… To touch the people with my celebrity and show them I came from where you came from, you can also make it as well…”
Inside he would hug “Mama Yamborghini” who couldn’t be happier to see him. From Ferg’s bond with her, it was easy to tell that Yam’s legacy will never die. ASAP Illz would swagger his way in too with mad fly Disco Inferno gear in hand.
He reminded me of a Harlem superhero in a denim fit and a large patchwork bandana scarf draped on him like a cape while he was handing out gifts to kids wearing Yamborghini New Era fitted hats.
Photo Credit: Justin Johnson
The glee he showed revealed that this was a very heartwarming experience for him. He told us about how poppin’ it felt to give back to his community. Illz said,
“Giving back to Harlem is heartwarming and just a good feeling because it’s the holidays and people less fortunate can’t afford gifts… It’s always valuable for rappers, people in the kulture, or the industry to give back to their own communities, no matter what the cause is.”
ASAP Twelvyy made an appearance as well and he brought with him an abundant amount LYBB shirts and merch. For Twelvyy, community outreach is a fundamental part of the ASAP Foundation.
Photo Credit: Justin Johnson
During our conversation, he reminisced on past Christmases when he was a youngster in NYC. Twelvyy explained how some were tougher than others and if he was to receive any presents they would be from his mother who would work round the clock just to buy them.
“It’s cool to have this outlet. This is our outlet to be positive, our outlet to be creative, this is our community outreach outlet. We just keep going and keep building. It’s important to be in touch with the community because I know these kids don’t have hope. Look, I used to be out here and no one ever came to see me on Christmas…”
The event for sure did its job and inspired the community in a different way. Donnie an 18-year-old skater was encouraged to pull up and donate too after seeing a post for the toy drive on Instagram.
Although Donnie loves giving back the post motivated him to get his parents involved and bring whatever they had to donate as well. Truth be told, “anytime, anyone does shit for the city like this. It’s something that inspires you to give back wherever you’re from,” said Donnie.
Photo Credit: Justin JohnsonPhoto Credit: Justin JohnsonPhoto Credit: Justin Johnson
He might be right. The more advanced AI technology gets the more of a threat it is to human intelligence.
Hawking compared AI to the development of a computer virus, he told Wired,
“IF PEOPLE DESIGN COMPUTER VIRUSES, SOMEONE WILL DESIGN AI THAT IMPROVES AND REPLICATES ITSELF. THIS WILL BE A NEW FORM OF LIFE THAT OUTPERFORMS HUMANS.”
Our generation’s genius, Elon Musk, also had a couple of words about AI. Like Stephen Hawking, he too fears the rapid advancement of the technology.
Three years ago, at MIT, he told his audience in a lecture that he thinks we are summoning a demon. He knows humans fear the unknown and the things they can’t control.
Looking at AI in the same light Musk thinks, implementing it into our human society could be the “biggest existential threat” to us.
In his biography, Musk expressed his concerns about Google founder Larry Page and his obsession with AI.
Musk is shook that something could be created with good intentions but still fuck up mankind. Like “a fleet of artificial intelligence-enhanced robots capable of destroying mankind.”
AI technology is already quite omnipresent. But, maybe we should stop here until we can grasp what the technology can really do.
Heeding to the warnings of the world’s top thinkers might not be such a bad idea. We’ve already seen AI in action at UN meetings, on space journeys, in Hollywood, in our bedrooms, and on social media.
The Christmas tree shouldn’t be the only thing lit this year.
Of course, we could all use some good vibes but before you bless people with your “holiday cheer” know that the best way to truly show love is through the gifting of “the chronic.”
Almost nothing is better than receiving the gift of marijuana or CBD. And no, we aren’t talking about wrapping or putting a bow on an eighth from your local dealer or dispensary.
THC and CBD have advanced past that and at this point, there are infused olive oils, edible kits, topicals, mood adjusting vapes, and more. Hence, here are seven cannabis and CBD products holding you down this Christmas.
Go ahead and name some better gift ideas… We’ll wait.
DISCLAIMER: Must be 18+ – 21+ to cop this fire. BTW, If you click on the headers it’ll bring you straight to each site.
Who would’ve thought that a Marley would tap the olive oil industry? Julian Marley did and his JuJu Royal CBD infused olive oils are to die for. Each flavorful bottle, rosemary or basil, comes strapped with 250mg full-spectrum CBD.
It goes great over fresh vine-ripened tomatoes and fresh fruit. It’s super fire for dipping warm artisan bread, sauteing vegetables, or pouring over pasta. Plus, each olive is grown with care and pesticide-free, gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO.
This would definitely make a great gift for someone who loves to cook and is experimenting with CBD in food.
Lit Christmas Rating – From under the Christmas tree to the kitchen ASAP
Game changer! Lucidmood’s disposable vape pens allow for side-effect free customized shmacked experiences. Each mood was formulated by a neuroscientist to keep side effects like paranoia, grogginess, and anxiety at bay.
After researching thousands of identified terpenes, that all had the potential of altering the cannabis experience in desirable ways, Lucidmood found that different combinations could create specific effects.
If you’re looking to curate your own stoned experience you can choose from ten different moods -0 Energy, Chill, Party, Bliss, Relax, Calm, Relief, Sleep, Focus, and Lift. Each experience is a perfect balance of THC, CBD, and terpenes. Plus the natural flavors make every experience tasteful AF.
Lucidmood is perfect for a first-time toker, someone looking to dive deeper into marijuana experiences, or someone who has had a bad trip in the past. If you’re looking to cop, Lucidmood is available in CO, RI, DE, MD.
Lit Christmas Rating – Spending next Christmas in Colorado
For the holidays, Ardent’s NOVA decarboxylator could be the gift that keeps on giving. This awesome invention allows its users to fully activate the THC in their flowers, kiefs or concentrates.
No longer will you have to incorrectly try to infuse bud into your edibles because the Ardent NOVA does it all for you. This will save you a grip ton of money if you like making edibles, oils, or your own marijuana medicine at the crib.
Plus, there are some great edible kits available to get you started, like the Caramel Apple and Caramel Sauce.
Christmas Lit Rating – Decarbing all bud that comes my way for the rest of my life
The brain behind these topical CBD creams and salves is Dr. Andrew Kerklaan. He knows that CBD works wonders for pain relief. Instead of looking to addictive painkillers as an option, Dr. Kerklaan went down the cannabis topical route as it is more natural.
He created his CBD topical company to not only get rid of the pain but to really make a difference. There’s a CBD cream for PMS, skin, and sleep. Plus, a roll on painstick or spray for instant relief.
This is would be the perfect gift for someone who finds themselves aching and in pain. We would definitely put our granny on to this.
Lit Christmas Rating – Granny is blessing you two times as much next year
If it’s one thing that we know is that a G-Pen will always hold you down and their new GIO pen looks to ensure that. A full charge in two hours, buttonless activation, and temperatures optimized for smooth hits, this thing is guaranteed to keep you clapped AF.
Reasonably priced this device is perfect for the toker on the go and its sleek design is sexy as hell. This is something worth gifting during this giving season.
Lit Christmas Rating – When my homie asks to rip it, he’ll always here a soft nah!
Do you find yourself constantly choking on scooby snacks? When you hit your bong do you feel as if you just inhaled a dust cloud? Well, you probably need to clean your piece buddy.
Higher Standards is offering a Supreme Clean Kit. It’s designed for functionality and is a one-stop-shop cleaning solution for today’s toker.
This kit is great for functional glass and vaporizer care. In the kit comes an ISO Pure, salt rox, 12 pipe stix and pipe dreamz, a resin rag, dot Wipes, and tube tops. Plus, some Supreme Clean Kit exclusive items including one salt schute and stem brush.
Lit Christmas Rating – No more scooby snacks for Christmas is hot af.
CBD is known to promote restful sleep, support healthy cartilage and joint function, relieve occasional nausea, and enhance relaxation. With that said, Lazarus Naturals CBD have made it their mission to make CBD products accessible to those who need it the most.
From CBD balms to tinctures, Lazarus holds it down. Plus, if you were searching for the perfect Christmas present, Lazarus Naturals CBD will be dishing out deals on their holiday gift packs.
Lit Christmas Rating – Not even Santa feels this good!
President Vladimir Putin is “shook ones” because Russian rap is blowing up faster than expected and although the genre itself is a sonic phenomenon, Putin isn’t having it.
Over the weekend in St. Petersburg, while discussing the state’s support for the arts, the Puppetmaster suggested banning the genre all together but we all know that would be a hopeless attempt in the wrong direction.
Instead, he proposed controlling it because he feels as if rap will lead to the degradation of a nation. What he’s most afraid of is the youth’s response to the prolific drug use talked about in rap and not so much the explicit lyrics that have us knocking in our headphones uncontrollably.
According to the NYT, Putin said, “if it is impossible to stop, then we need to lead, and in an appropriate way, direct…” He also noted that rap is based on “three pillars: sex, drugs, and protest… That is a path to degrading the nation.”
Still, we all know, that Putin can’t stop the hot-fire from reaching the masses.
Or can he? Last month, Russian rapper Husky was jailed and served a 12-day sentence for performing on top of a car after his concert was banned for “extremist content.”
The emcee who was hauled off by authorities in front of a crowd of booing fans also took to social media to explain that other venues in several cities were being put under pressure to cancel his concerts.
Yet, there still might be options for Russian rappers. During the discussion in St. Petersburg music producer, Igor I. Matvienko brought to the table some valid points on how rap can thrive within Russian culture.
He explained to Putin, “There is a lot of poetry in rap and it is very explicit… It is different from the falseness of pop, and because of this, perhaps, the youth accept it.” According to the NYT, Matvienko suggested that there should be state sponsorship set up for a music studio.
The same is done for pop musicians in Russia and he mentioned a similar arrangement should be set up for rappers as it would “bring them into the fold and restrict their vocabulary.”
Still, Putin who is a musician himself didn’t endorse the idea but he finds it imperative “to lead and guide” rap music “in the right direction with the necessary means.”
“Ni–a hold a door. What you tryna’ to close it for? Ni–a hold a door. There’s room for some many more….” – Pharell Williams, “Kites”
Deep in the heart of Brooklyn at the IMAGE Art Gallery, there was something special going on. Last Friday, five visionaries in collaboration with PRYME Art Agency were exhibiting their works to show that artists working with artists is the blueprint all creatives need to succeed.
Headed by Darrius Ford, PRYME was created under one notion — to provide “a platform for artists who don’t have the exposure of a top-tier pop artist or street artist who is entering the fine art market.”
For fellow co-founder Bruce Miles, he discovered that the Chicago-based agency’s creation was intended to address the reoccurring issue of choked off opportunities for those labeled “urban artists” by the gatekeepers of the industry. He said,
“PRYME exists to dismantle the dated barriers of entry into the world of fine art and support creatives regardless of their styles or backgrounds. It exist to offer legitimate opportunities so that creatives can have their works recognized at the highest levels.”
Various styles of work juxtaposed and in the same room represented not only what PRYME stands for when it comes to creative collaboration but symbolized an idea the art world should inherit, as well.
For exhibiting lensman Setor Tsikudo, whose photographic works of musicians, rappers, and singers are an epic collection of frozen live performances, the event was more than an opportunity to showcase his creative eye. It was an important chance “to connect with other artists.”
Photo Credit: Jeroy Rogers
That’s exactly what was happening in the room as patrons dabbled droplets of Lazarus CBD tinctures into their refreshments. If you were there the listening ear couldn’t help but catch the buzz of conversations including painters, photographers, neighborhood gallery owners, lyrical conductors, Instagram influencers, and clothing designers.
Artist Jaki Jacobs who was finessing a paintbrush across a large-scale canvas of what appeared to be an ancient depiction of Black hysteria set in modern times, fit perfectly into the artsy setting.
Photo Credit: Jasper Makai
Behind him, an onlooking small crowd was interested in what he would touch up next. To him, the support made sense because if artists don’t support artists, “who will?”
“Art is like a family. It brings people together,” said Jacobs.
Art does bring people together and those responsible for building this community should be held on a pedestal. It’s important for young creatives who are making there way through the trenches of the divided and stereotypical art scene realize that they deserve the credit.
Photo Credit: Jasper Makai
Abstract artist and partner at PRYME, Javon Browne aims to gain the respect deserved from the industry. He vented on spreading the message through artistic unity,
“A way to spread this message is sticking together and having a platform like PRYME to build unity to knock down the walls to get our voices and art seen and heard.”
Moving forward, PRYME looks to bring the talents of unheard and deserving artists to a global platform. This was Ford’s mission from the get-go as the format of the agency was designed and layered to embrace all various kinds of artists.
Photo Credit: Jasper Makai
Already, PRYME has plans to take their talents stateside in two new exhibitions and another across the pond in the UK. Trust that big brands have their eyes turned towards this collective. Ford confidently told us,
“Pryme has many layers. I plan on showing all layers to the world. Building an international following has given us the opportunity to demonstrate our versatility and reach. We plan on using this exposure to support PRYME artists, recruit more designers and creatives, and show them to the world.”
For artists looking to join the ranks and dish out support, PRYME asks that you ask yourself the questions ‘WHY ME?’ and ‘WHY NOT?’
Photo Credit: Jasper Makai
These questions according to Miles, provide the overall framework and expectations of what it means to become a PRYME artist.
“There are no limitations on what a PRYME artist can achieve,” said Miles.
The ‘WHY ME?’ is to better understand the artist and what their work adds to today’s current art space. The ‘WHY NOT?’ forces an artist to come to a realization about their passion and creativity and that both are more than enough to have their works shown on the highest platforms for fine art around the world.
Photo Credit: Jasper Makai
Keep your eyes peeled for greatness from this artful agency and more importantly ask yourself those important questions. They could be the deal breaker to a successful career as a creative.
“Take your time to get to know yourself inside and out. Find your own identity, the rest will come on its own.” – CLUB BUM, exhibiting artist.
Imagine if there was a place where an artist can explore their inner self away from the commotion and congestion of the concrete jungles that promise a successful career through old institutions and counterfeit networking.
What would that place look like if you could visualize it? Perhaps the art center you envision would be some kind of utopia far off and located in a dense jungle. Maybe this imaginary creative environment would have a sustainable architecture that allows its habitat to grow with, in, and around it.
Every day would be like the first breath you inhale when you wake up, fresh and invigorating. Your teachers and colleagues wouldn’t only be those who could afford an expensive tuition but they would be the people that crafted the land around you and molded the culture you search to inherit.
Well, there is such a place that’s inclusive of everyone and it’s called Azulik Uh May.
Located at the core of the Yucatan peninsula in the dense Quintana Roo jungle stands this beautiful and new art facility. It’s more than just space — it’s a beating heart.
Artistic director Claudia Paetzold who recently had the opportunity to curate an exhibit for the utopia’s opening ceremony on Nov. 30 in the new IK Lab space felt the same energy. She told Artsy,
“You’re really invited to connect to your own creative inspiration when you’re in a space like this, it’s very much alive… For the artists, it’s quite rewarding to see their work here — to see how their creative process relates to the creative process of nature.”
Self-taught architect Jorge Eduardo Neira Sterkel aka Roth is the CEO and Founder of all of AZULIK’s initiatives. His creative process goes unmatched and to build the school that will be deemed the Enchanting Transformation, he tapped into the expertise of indigenous Mayan artisans and builders.
The native Mayan population is what inspired Roth to build the arts-and-crafts school that will promote the culture and values of native communities and the integral development of their possibilities.
The school will be free for locals and the initiative also intends to hold master classes and workshops for visiting students. The workshops held will cater to different divisions of the arts including ceramics, wood and stone-carving, 3D-printing, fashion, jewelry design, and carpet-weaving.
Also, the artsy complex looks to add health and wellness programs so that people may get more in touch with the “healing power of art.”
Truthfully, Azulik Uh May could propel human evolution and hopefully become the blueprint for future art institutions. Roth said in a statement,
“We aim to create a community of world leaders, influential minds, celebrities, visionaries, scientists and philanthropists… This unique integration of ancestral knowledge, technological innovation, applied sustainability, practiced spirituality and collective experiences will culminate in new ways of learning, creating and healing, thus propelling human evolution.”
This year BBC ICECREAM celebrated 15 years of the drip at ComplexCon and to reward a select few “ride or dies” the iconic streetwear brand will be releasing an extremely exclusive special edition varsity jacket.
Made in the USA, the sacred varsity jacket features a soft wool melton body, naked cowhide leather sleeves, and leather reinforced cuffs for extra durability.
Plus, the elemental touches of the flying “B” logo patched on the front, a retro UFO motif on the back, and a hand placed felt appliqué representing the respective territories, all pay homage to BBC ICECREAM and their famous aesthetic.
You’ve never seen detail like this.
The 15 notable individuals who were chosen to receive this dope piece designed by Golden Bear Sportswear were hand-picked from BBC ICECREAM’s three flagship territories — United States, Europe, and Japan.
Each swag star to receive the commemorative BBC ICECREAM 15th Year Anniversary Varsity Jacket deserve it as their constant contributions and avid support of the brand go unmatched.
How could you not stand by this brand?
Over the past couple of months not only has BBC ICECREAM showed us what 15 years of the drip looks like through the commemorative varsity jacket but also through several collaborations released earlier this month that gave a nod to the brand’s history and a look into its future.
For over a decade BBC ICECREAM has run the streetwear culture since its inception in 2003 by Pharrell Williams and NIGO. Under the “i am OTHER” umbrella the brand has positioned itself on a prestigious level among streetwear loyalists and the fashion industry overall.
This has been one hell of a crystal anniversary for BBC ICECREAM. From NIGO’s Human Made capsule and the recently revived Star Trak to all of the dope collaborative projects with SandalBoyz, Private Label, MEDICOM, and Pintrill, it’s quite easy to tell that the streetwear brand has solidified their place in fashion.
Of course, if you can’t get your hands on one of the 15 exclusive pieces, BBC still got you with their 15th-year-anniversary collection that’s full of drip. Peep below:
Could getting clapped off the legal save NYC mass transit? According to an NYT article, the revenue generated from recreational marijuana in the Big Apple might possibly be the answer to all of our MTA issues.
For sure, us New Yorkers, need an upgrade because our transportation systems are absolute trash. ABSOLUTE TRASH, SON! The smelly metal tubes and slow-ass buses that we have to painfully ride on every day not only suck but they also SUCK.
We are tired of the delays, lazy workers, washed technology, and constant threats of fare spikes. Honestly, it’s time to do something about one of the worst public transportation systems on the planet.
How are we to do this when subway officials say that they need more than $40 billion to modernize the system? Sheesh, that’s a lot of coin! Still, other states that are with the times and have legalized recreational marijuana have used the revenue to fund “initiatives, from schools to transportation.”
In Colorado, marijuana shops made $1.5 billion last year and generated $247 million in taxes and fees. Over the summer, Nevada surpassed their expected marijuana tax revenue of $50.3 million by $5 million.
Michigan is making guap too. Their marijuana market is fully fleshed out as $134.5 million in tax revenues will be flowing into the state’s moneybox annually. Even Massachusetts stated that sales of recreational marijuana exceeded $2.2 million in the first five days of operations.
FREAKING MASSACHUSETTS, BRUH!
The blueprint to save our railways is there and Corey Johnson, the City Council speaker, knows that the state of the subway systems is New York’s biggest issue. He said, in regards to funding upgrades to our subway systems through recreational marijuana revenue could be “highly impactful and potentially transformative.”
If New York was to embrace the “waviness” of recreational marijuana the Empire State could stand to generate $670 million in annual tax revenue. Still, before we even start to think that this is a possibility we have to impress state lawmakers, Gov. Cuomo, and a 10 member panel called the Metropolitan Transportation Sustainability Advisory Workgroup.
Still, the future looks promising. Although Cuomo has called marijuana a gateway drug in the past it seems as if his opinion has changed. State lawmakers like Michael Gianaris who supports marijuana legalization would definitely consider the revenue stream. He told the NYT,
“There are a lot of needs that we have that new revenues need to be considered for… The M.T.A. is near the top of my list.”
Plus, Melissa Mark-Viverito, who is a member of the panel and is running to be the city’s public advocate announced her support of a new proposal named “Weed for Rails.” The proposal, she hopes, will dish out half of the revenue from marijuana towards public transit.
Furthermore, a study proves that the public wants this. Support for marijuana legalization has grown to 62 percent. That’s double the support the “Schedule I drug” had from back in 2000.
This without a doubt would work. The public supports the marijuana move and lawmakers have few other options and are under a time constraint. Plus, Mitchell L. Moss, a transportation expert at New York University released a new report proving that mass transit could only benefit from the revenue of legalizing and taxing cannabis.
The report argued:
Subways need a dedicated revenue source with the potential for growth in future decades — one that does not divert funds from other public services, and that has yet to be tapped by the state and local government. The legalization of recreational cannabis offers New York State a unique opportunity to generate a new revenue stream dedicated to mass transit.
Moss told the NYT about another benefit of legal pot — “Maybe you don’t get so grumpy when the subway doesn’t come…”
The last time we spoke to Chris Hall he was on the brink of premiering Showroom, an affordable online marketplace for premium fashion and merchandise for large social media influencers.
Fast-forward to a couple of months later, Hall and I found ourselves at Showroom’s first ‘Creator Pop-up’ at 393NYC.
The event was different as it provided a platform for social media influencers to connect with their fans over affordable high-end merchandise and apparel.
The influential content creators and artists in attendance, were Sara Dietschy, Timmy “Sloth” Ham, Jacklyn, Dotan Negrin, and Cody Jensen. All four have never done a physical pop-up before although their combined reach stands at over one million fans.
The pop-up made so much sense. Plus, the combination of dope merch and curious fans made for an entertaining event. All in all, Showroom’s pop-up was curated to bring designer-quality apparel and professional-level physical retail to an industry focused on greed.
It accomplished its job of putting the creators and fans at the forefront instead of profit like an ordinary out-of-date disconnected corporate operation.
Attendees were able to flip through high-end articles of clothing that were designed on Showroom. You could see the surprise on their faces. This was quality apparel that was soft to the touch, featured woven labels, and presented an original design.
“There’s something special about a physical interaction, the ability to see and touch the clothes, and actually see these people who you see online…,” said Hall.
If guests didn’t leave with any purchased merch they left with knowledge…
Besides fans chatting with their favorite social media influencers they were able to listen in on a panel that featured the five content specialists who spoke on making creativity their full-time job going into 2019.
Timmy Ham who goes by his artist name “Sloth” spoke on finding a niche. He focuses on finding what his audience likes to see in his art and for him it’s a “constant evolution of creating.” Now, having garnered almost a quarter-million worth of followers, he feels as if he has his brand down to a science. Sloth said,
“For me, it’s taken years to continue to sift thru if people kinda like it, kinda didn’t like it, and how can I evolve it. It’s just been this constant evolution of creating to where now I feel like I have it down to science.”
Something influencer Sara Dietschy focuses on is searchable content that caters to her and her audience. She described it as “one for me and one for them.” To the YouTuber and podcaster who has claimed close to a half a million subscribers, it’s important to generate searchable content that will get you your audience while still doing those videos that are special to you.
She spoke on what has kept her making interesting and personal content. She said,
“It gets discouraging when you are only catering to other people and that’s not fun. So, one for me and one for them…”
When it comes to working with brands vlogger Cody Jensen focuses on those that truly care about the creators. He believes in selective branding and finds it’s key to working with companies that ask him, “how can we help you do what you’re trying to do?”
It’s interactions like those, between creatives and corps, that get him excited to curate the content that he posts on social media daily and what landed his partnership with B&H photo.
“I only try to work with brands that I actually use in my day-to0day life that way I can truly be passionate about it and work with people who truly care about the creators…”
Dietschy added,
“Don’t get discouraged if you don’t have the numbers because if you have some connection with the company or you can help someone in any way you can come up with campaigns with them and offer your value. Brands will pay you for your dope content, run an ad spin, and get you followers from that. It becomes a win-win situation.”
In regards to young creators, there was an 11-year-old girl in the audience wearing Dietschy’s “creative life” hat who asked the panel for advice and 16-year-old tech YouTuber, Jacklyn couldn’t help but respond. To date, her YouTube channel NothingButTech88 has attracted close to 100k subscribers.
Imagine having 100,000 people following you at that age. She spoke on how she started her channel at 13 and how she made space for creating content while balancing a teenage social life. Jacklyn said,
“You need to have good time management skills and you need to be able to make sacrifices, but at the same time don’t kill yourself. Don’t push yourself to a point where you hate making the content. I work like 40 hours a week but I do it because I love to do it. I don’t do it because there is an expectation there…”
It’s possible to make a career out of your passion.
Simply, connect with your fans by making dope content and producing something that is tangible. These five influencers have done just that and with Showroom, as a weapon, their brands are sure to take off to the next level.
Don’t be afraid of the big brands, sell out, or get lazy. Continue to work on your brand and get your work out there eventually it will pay off.
