Mindless Behavior: Elevated
by: iman n. milner photos: Tyren Redd for EDGE Magazine There is something to be said about being able to remember the entire career trajectory of an artist. To watch them ascend from new height to new height time after time, with ease, brings us, the spectators, pride as if somehow their success breaks through the glass ceilings standing in… Continue »
Olori Swank: Swank Is The New Black
by: iman n. milner Photos: Lance Gross for EDGE Magazine Webster’s Dictionary defines extraordinary as “unusually great” or “remarkable”. Extraordinary is not a word often used in our generation. We shy away from the magnitude of it, from what it suggests. But sometimes, the word just fits. Olori Swank is extraordinary. Her unique style combined with her commitment to excellence for… Continue »
The New Girl: Miss Mykie
by: iman n. milner photos by: BET Networks for EDGE Magazine When 106&Park announced it’s new hosts no one was more surprised than the independent artist from Houston, TX who’d only been called in once by BET prior to the moment that would introduce her to the world. For years Mykel Antoinea Gray, better know by her stage moniker Miss Mykie,… Continue »
A Belle in Brooklyn: Readies Her Second Chapter
by: iman n. milner Many have said the business of blogging has given women a chance to scale the ladder of success without relying on their male counterparts for opportunities. For women of color, it’s given us a chance to put voice to our experience, breaking down the barrier of pre-imposed strength and replacing it with the complex vulnerability we… Continue »
Ramses Barden: One Of A Kind
by: iman n. milner photos: phoenix white for EDGE Magazine “Ramses is someone who is for the people. He’s caring, he’s loving, he’s engaged, he’s responsible, he’s committed, and he’s passionate”. There was no better way to start this feature on a man who blew me away from the moment we met up with him in his childhood home until… Continue »
Kristen Nichole: Experienced Innocence
by: iman n. milner photos by: Davide Anderson for EDGE Magazine There was something simply beautiful about the vocalists of the past. They understand the importance of making us live inside of their experiences for the duration of a song or for the life of an album. You could hear the experience in their harmonies and the love or… Continue »
R&B’s New “It” Girl: Elle Varner
by: Iman N. Milner Elle Varner doesn’t think of herself as a household name yet but she undoubtedly is one. Her signature curls, pin up girl curves and enviable pout coupled with her perfectly raspy vocals—and a really dope cosign from our nation’s First Lady–have already made her R&B’s most sought after female rising star. But Elle’s ascent cannot only… Continue »
What’s in a Name? Skye Townsend
by: iman n. milner It’s a story as old as time itself: famous parent has offspring. Offspring has doors opened to them regardless of their own ability. We all gripe about how unfair it all is. Well, the story of Skye Townsend doesn’t fit this mold. In fact, if she had her way, she’d be an all together separate entity… Continue »
The Beauty of Rebellion: Tae Heckard
by: iman n. milner Lashontae “Tae” Heckard is beautiful. And not beautiful in that generic store bought way. She has the kind of beauty that radiates from the inside out when she smiles. She has the kind of beauty that silences a room and gives no one permission to breath until she speaks. There’s an ease in her beauty that… Continue »
Heart of Gold: Rudy Gay
words by: iman n. milner Rudy Gay is a wildly athletic funny guy with quick wit and a great smile who was taught to be a man by his grandfather and given a chip on his shoulder by his hometown of East Baltimore. He stands at 6’8 but appears approachable and friendly and he’s uncharacteristically transparent for a young superstar… Continue »
The Rap Warrior: Lecrae
Written by: Iman Milner Religion and music are two things that are often discussed, over analyzed, critiqued and may be two of the most divisive entities in the world—they have brought people together and torn them apart since the beginning of times. During the Jim Crow era, music desegregated concert halls around the world and broke down barriers of race,… Continue »
The Ascension of Shawn Chrystopher
words & interview by: iman n. milner The reason I love words is the same reason I essentially love hip hop: it’s never just the words themselves but how you put them together that makes your statement powerful or mediocre at best. Hip hop has this great vastness and diversity that allows it to reach inside of you, with all… Continue »
Something You Can Feel: Kevin McCall
story by: iman n. milner “Kevin McCall as an artist? You know it’s funny—a lot of artists have a character that they play, you know? Like they’re in a movie. But me, I’m just K Mac or Kevin, that’s what I want to come through in my music. It’s not just enough to say you’re real, people have to feel… Continue »
Everybody Loves Reagan
written by: iman n. milner “If I could look back and tell myself anything—it would probably be to act on what I feel and to just know that it’s going to be ok.” That self is a 15 year old Reagan Gomez who, at the time, was the apple of every teenage boy’s eye and the young costar to Robert… Continue »
Facing Reality: Laura Govan
interview by: iman n. milner For many the Basketball Wives franchise is a means to some false sense of stardom end but for Laura Govan, it’s just a job. The beautiful mother of four doesn’t plan on wearing out her welcome in the spotlight and she’s continued to stay focused on what’s most important to her—her family. Many viewers remember her… Continue »
LeToya Luckett: More Than Enough
written by: iman n. milner Any 80′s baby will tell you that no generation knows more about one hit wonders, overnight stars and microwaved talent than we do. We see them come and go. From boy bands to girl bands, reality TV contestants to YouTube stars—we’ve seen it all. Ever so often there’s an artist that we commit to, rally… Continue »
Brian White: The Difference
written by: iman n. milner Since his breakout role in 2007’s Stomp The Yard, Brian White has steamed up the screen with various roles in some of Hollywood’s biggest films. Though his charming good looks and perfect physique often take the lead in conversations about the happily married actor, his outspoken and fearless way of thinking is what keeps him… Continue »
Issa Rae: The Lady
written by: iman n. milner “Awkward Black Girl was necessary to me. I see awkward white girls all the time. And awkward Asian girl? Well that’s just obvious. But never an awkward black girl. We’re all supposed to be cool or super hood—there was no Black Liz Lemon” says Issa Rae, the one woman army who turned the internet on its… Continue »
Mateo: The Breakout Kid
interview by: iman n. milner The first time I heard Coldplay’s “The Scientist”, I felt that somehow they’d reached into my heart and read every fear I’d had of love out loud. When the beauty of Donny Hathaway’s “A Song For You” filled my ears, my soul shifted. And the perfection of the Isley Brothers’ “Voyage to Atlantis” brings a… Continue »
Stacy Barthe: Set Free
interview by: iman n. milner Stacy Barthe has been making her way through the industry like a quiet storm since she left the comfort of St. John’s University for the life of a songwriter in Atlanta, GA. After a string of hit records, disappointments and wake up calls, Stacy finally let the world in to what everyone around her had… Continue »
Tiffany Evans: Revealed
While most 9 year olds were singing into their hairbrushes, singer Tiffany Evans already had Star Search winner and signed recording artist on her resume. By 12 years old she had already appeared on countless TV shows and at 15 she was hard at work on her first studio album, Tiffany Evans. After moderate success following her single “Promise… Continue »
Baiyu: Limitless
interview by: iman n. milner Introduced to Baiyu through a string of her popular videos, we were first impressed by her fearless and in your face style. She may seem sweet and reserved but there’s nothing sugar coated about this singing diva! Influenced by hip hop and R&B culture and yet true to her roots, she blends the likes of… Continue »
Edge’s Most Eligible Bachelor: Christian Keyes
Edge: Tell me about the journey to this place in your career: Christian: I started modeling first, then maybe around ten years ago I started getting into theatre and fell in love with it. As theatre production kept getting bigger and bigger I started touring nationally. That led me to move out to LA about 5 years ago. I… Continue »
The Heart of the People: Dawn Richard
written by: iman n. milner “I wanted people to literally fall into my heart. And if they could hear each beat of my heart those songs would be the sound. If you took a walk in my heart those songs would be the soundtrack”. That’s the mind of Dawn Richard. She’s discussing her mixtape, A Tell Tale Heart, which… Continue »
A Class Act: Dahntay Jones
written by iman n. milner Still beaming with the glow of new found marital bliss, Valeisha Butterfield and Dahntay Jones are content. Their love shows like that of a high school couple, she the beautiful class president, him the surprisingly laid back jock with the barely above a whisper speaking voice. For many, Valeisha is a new face in media;… Continue »
What Every Woman Wants- Valeisha Butterfield Jones
written by: iman n. milner Valeisha Butterfield is newly married to NBA baller, Dahntay Jones, but she is far from a basketball wife. After a successful stint with Russell Simmons as the executive director of his Hip Hop Summit Action Network and as top director in the office of our nation’s first African American president, Butterfield is more than worthy… Continue »
Who’s That Girl?- Bridget Kelly
written by: iman n. milner “My nails are supposed to look like Pokémon, can you tell?” says Bridget Kelly as she makes herself comfortable with our staff. Laid back in sneakers and jeans the sultry, raspy voiced singer hailing from New York and the fresh faced front girl of Roc Nation has an ubiquitous charm and an alluring authenticity that… Continue »
The Fearless Original: Nick Young
The Valley Village bachelor pad that is home to Washington Wizards guard, Nick Young is modest. A shelter for oversized flat screens and enough snacks to feed a summer camp of children, the condo would seem fit for a laid back and understated personality, neither of which describe the 6’7, 210 pound Young who… Continue »
The Standout: Chase N. Cashe
Upon meeting Jesse Woodard, known to many by his stage moniker Chase N Cashe, the ease in his presence is striking. There is something that seems to be hidden behind his eyes, a secret that not even time alone with him would tell. He commands the attention of everyone sitting inside his Beverly Hills Hotel room without ever looking… Continue »
Beyond the Stereotype: Tanaya Henry
It’s 2011 and, let’s face it, if sex sells then beauty is an absolute gold mine. Beautiful people seemingly float effortlessly through life having everything handed to them on a diamond encrusted silver platter. We ignorantly envy, judge and scrutinize the beautiful, never once stopping to think that maybe, just maybe, they struggle the way we all do. The beauty… Continue »
Redefining the Female SuperStar: Jhene Aiko
“I’m just a regular person”, says reigning queen of mixtapes, Jhene Aiko as she strolls into our shoot in Beverly Hills with her bouncing 2-year-old daughter in tow. A far cry from many of her industry peers, Aiko is dressed down. Wearing simple sweats and an oversized t-shirt while toting a “mommy bag” over her shoulder she is, in a… Continue »
Off the Cuff with F. Stokes
Every year there seems to be a great influx of new talent in the hip hop world. Some artists come bearing messages others just come hoping to have a good time, make us dance and have the summer anthem. Then there are those talents who come into the game with some of everything. The artists we all know are here… Continue »
The Tranquil Rock Star: Bibi Mcgill
Out there somewhere there are a thousand little girls hoping to grow up to be the next big pop star. They’re singing into their hairbrushes, making up dance moves and forcing their family members to watch their countless performances in the living room. These little girls have existed in every generation and will continue to be born each year. But… Continue »
Follow The Leader: Teyana Taylor
Teyana Taylor is a presence. She is one of those rare women who walk into a room and take it over just because she’s unapologetically original. At only 20-years old she has found and embraced what most women spend their whole lives trying to alter: the very essence of who she is. The person she has become is admirable. But… Continue »
The Rising Phoenix: Serge Ibaka
With just a few days standing between him and his first All Star appearance, Serge Ibaka is relaxed and personable. It doesn’t feel like only a few years ago he did not speak English and had never lived in America, he’s too comfortable in this moment. Eating a sandwich and requesting upbeat music on our set, he seems like one… Continue »
Purpose Driven Life: Marcedes Lewis
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Marcedes Lewis is just ending what he would agree has been his best season in the NFL since his arrival in 2006 but he is not hoping to be remembered for his standout, Pro Bowl season. In fact, Lewis’ focus from the very beginning of his journey is to simply make a difference with the life… Continue »
The Voice(s) of Reason: Very Smart Brothas
Many women attribute their successful relationships to the advice that their platonic male friends offer during tough times. The truth of the matter is women give women bad advice—roughly 80% of the time. It is impossible for a woman to understand the mind of a man. And equally impossible for a man to explain the way his mind works to… Continue »
The Boy Next Door: Khleo Thomas
Yes, you’ve seen him somewhere before. Many of us first fell in love with him in 2005’s Roll Bounce. But now the cute kid with the curly Afro is a man looking to cement himself as an all around entertainer. After fifteen films, ten TV shows and two very successful mix tapes, Khleo Thomas is ready to show the world… Continue »
Andrea Lewis: In Her Own Lane
You may remember her as “Hazel Aden”, the girlfriend of a then unknown Drake’s character “Jimmy Brooks”, on the hit show Degrassi but Andrea Lewis is determined to make sure you know her for more than that. Daring and unique, Lewis is fighting for the place in Hollywood where women of color can be whoever and whatever they want…. take… Continue »
Behind the Smile of Lance Gross
Actors are often generalized. They’re seen as outgoing, self-serving maniacs who we all assume were always the life of every party. We give surface definitions to this breed of entertainers and write off those who seem too beautiful to have ever been an outsider. So imagine the surprise one may have meeting Lance Gross, the shy and handsome star of… Continue »
Man In The Mirror: Enitan Bereola II
Bereolaesque: be*re*ola*esque adj. Definition: highly appealing and pleasing to the human senses and/or mind; captivating; providing pleasure or delight, especially in appearance or manner; charming, alluring, attractive. One of my favorite movies of all times is Lady Sings The Blues. Aside from Diana Ross’ amazing performance as Billie Holiday there was Billy Dee Williams as the awe inspiring Louis McKay…. Continue »
Lashinda Demus: Finishing First
Professional track and field athlete. Wife. Mother. Ranked no.1 in the world in 400 hurdlers. Nike spokeswoman. Impressive? We’d say. But you may have never heard her name, saw her on the front of your morning cereal or spotted her face in a national ad campaign. That ends today. Lashinda Demus is absolutely super heroic. With the will to fight… Continue »
Coco & Breezy: The Martians
Different has become so ordinary over the years. Everyone is vying to be the most over the top. The weirdest of the weirds. The trensettiest of the trendsetters. But very few people are true originals. That’s where identical twin designers Coco and Breezy, real names Corianna and Brianna Dotson, come in. If you’ve had your eye on any celebrity over… Continue »
Jon Redwine & Robby Blackwell
“Music is breath. It’s the air that you breathe in. It reflects everything, all human existence because people revert to music. It’s the most primal”. Jon Redwine leans back in his chair surrounded by top of the line recording equipment and enough guitars to make Jimi Hendrix bow down. This is his lair. A dim studio in the heart of… Continue »
Coloring Outside the Lines: Felicia Khong
Art transcends. It heals. It bends to takes shapes and forms that we didn’t even know it was capable of. It changes our hearts and the way we view the world. It is ever evolving. And with its growth it has opened the door to dozens of new artists with voices and ideas that are blowing the top off of… Continue »
On Edge with Def Jam Recording Artist: Mann
Who are you? I’m Mann. A musician. Signed to Mercury Island/Def Jam. 19 years old, out of the Westside of Los Angeles. I rep that hard. I’m a birthday boy, which means I live life like everyday is my birthday. That’s how WE live life; me and my crew, me and my people. That’s all I stand for: having fun…. Continue »
More Than What Meets The Eye: Chris Douglas-Roberts
If there was ever a time when the saying, “don’t judge a book by its cover” could be used, this is as good a time as any. Chris Douglas- Roberts, who seemingly is an arrogant “thug” with too much time on his hands, is a perfect blend of a wise Renaissance man whose contradictions make him simultaneously intriguing and mysterious…. Continue »
A Few Steps from Legendary: Michael B. Jordan
by: iman n. milner The sun is out in Los Angeles, CA as actor Michael B Jordan strolls into a neighborhood barbershop to get ready for his first night out in many months. He walks in and shakes hands with all the familiar faces that congratulate him on his work and patiently waits for his turn in the chair. Dressed… Continue »
A Beauty Behind Art: Michelle Papillion
In a world where the term “artist” is overused and wrongly identified as a term befitting anyone who can rhyme over a beat or sell a movie ticket, Michelle Papillion is a breath of fresh air. Raised in Oakland CA, Papillion is an actress turned creative artist turned art gallery owner with an impeccable sense of style and an enviable… Continue »
Mindless Behavior:...
Olori Swank: Swank Is...
The New Girl: Miss...
A Belle in Brooklyn:...
Ramses Barden: One Of...
Kristen Nichole:...
R&B’s New...
What’s in a...
The Beauty of...
Heart of Gold: Rudy...
The Rap Warrior:...
The Ascension of...
Something You Can...
Everybody Loves
Facing Reality: Laura...
LeToya Luckett: More...
Brian White: The...
Issa Rae: The Lady
Mateo: The Breakout...
Stacy Barthe: Set
Tiffany Evans:...
Baiyu: Limitless
Edge’s Most...
The Heart of the...
A Class Act: Dahntay...
What Every Woman...
Who’s That...
The Fearless...
The Standout: Chase...
Beyond the...
Redefining the Female...
Off the Cuff with F....
The Tranquil Rock...
Follow The Leader:...
The Rising Phoenix:...
Purpose Driven Life:...
The Voice(s) of...
The Boy Next Door:...
Andrea Lewis: In Her...
Behind the Smile of...
Man In The Mirror:...
Lashinda Demus:...
Coco & Breezy:...
Jon Redwine &...
Coloring Outside the...
On Edge with Def Jam...
More Than What Meets...
A Few Steps from...
A Beauty Behind Art:...