Grown-ish Season 3 Is About Adulting and Choices

by Akeem Ivory | Mar 13, 2020 | Celebs, Featured

It’s Junior year “Grown-ish,” Season 3 is here and Ms. Zoey Johnson (Yara Shahidi) is now an upper-class woman. As the pre-game to adulthood Zoey is ready to put all that boy drama behind her and continue to kill it as a personal stylist to Rapper Joey Bada$$. Now back on the campus of Cal U lets see how long this drama-free life lasts.

(Before we move any farther I would like to issue a spoiler alert, as I will be reviewing the entire series)

Zoey pulls up to here new off-campus apartment where she and her girls plus Vivek ( Jordan Buhat ) will be living it up. Zoey is surprised with an HBCU-style welcome home party, Ana (Francia Raisa), Sky (Halle Bailey), Jazz ( Chole Bailey), and Zoey are ready to get into formation with their Beyoncé inspired Cal U hoodies that moment of being Sasha Fierce didn’t last long once Zoey spotted Aaron (Trevor Jackson).

When we last saw those two together they were lip-locking on the tar mack before her flight. Not speaking to Aaron since the kiss Zoey Needing her girls for consul about what to do. After apologizing to Ana who had a history with Aaron last season. Ana shrugs it off and encourages Zoey to go talk to him to find out what that kiss meant.

This makes for a comedic interaction because before the conversation Doug (Diggy Simmons) convinced Aaron to partake in his bud brownie. Aaron needs a break from the reality that this is his last year at Cal U and adulthood is right around. Now on a high plane of thinking, Zoey questions about what happened after there kiss aren’t registering with him. He tells Zoey it means nothing, just a kiss, but if she’s down to do more his okay with that. Zoey declines but feels great that she was able to resolve the situation she left behind.

And just like that situation number two pops up, ex-boyfriend Luca (Luka Sabbat) is also at the party and to make matter worse he lets Zoey know he tried to catch her at the airport. Unable to digest this information she is summoned by Joey Bada$$ for a fashion emergency. Now falling back into old habit Zoey is wondering what Luca would’ve said and would they still be together? Joey gives her some much-needed advice that she can’t second guess herself, be proud of her decision in choosing herself over someone else.

Now re-energize Zoey returns to the party to participate in a swag surf line and then the surprise that many fans believe would come later in the season the last housemate Nomi (Emily Arlook) walks in 8 to 9 months pregnant. This is just episode 1 and there is so much more to unpack.

The next few episodes deal with the surprise of Nomi’s pregnancy, as many thought she was a lesbian. Turns out after getting drinks with Zoey, she stayed at the restaurant were she would hook-up with Phil unprotected. It revealed that she hook-up knowing without protection because she didn’t care about the repercussions and it wouldn’t be bad to have someone who would love her unconditionally. Nomi who considers him one nightstand don’t think she should bother him with news of her pregnancy raises the debate if she should or shouldn’t tell him among the friend group. Nomi’s tune chance once she realizes Phil is an actual person after looking at his social media account. Nomi also is dealing with the choice to keep the baby or put it up for adoption. With the pressures of her current situation, Nomi decided to leave Cal U and head home to figure out the best course to take.

Amid Nomi pregnancy surprise, Zoey and Luca are backsliding. The couple never got the closure their relationship needs are trying to find how to be friends again. The two even hook-up one last time, creating an awkward what happens next question that needed to be answered. Luca’s answer was made apparent when he was found hooking up with season 3 new character Jillian (Ryan Destiny) This made the decision easy for them to call their relationship over and start their friendship.

Zoey catching Luca at Jillian’s dorm

Throughout this season Zoey’s faults as a friend have been on full display, this is made clear when Graduate to be Aaron’s student loan troubles come to a head when he looks for a job at the Cal U job fair, which leads him to ask Zoey for her help in getting a job working for her dad at Stevens & Lido. Aaron goes to Stevens & Lido, only to discover that Zoey didn’t call her Dad to schedule an interview. Instead, he meets Andre on the elevator as he leaves for the evening. Andre reveals that he’s filled the position already. Once Doug gives Zoey more info on Aaron’s situation, her guilty about forgetting to contact her Father leads to her going to see him. Upset, he shouts at her for always being a taker but never a giver, and he’s sick of it. Aaron leaves Zoey in tears after calling her selfish and slamming the door in her face. To make it up to Aaron, Zoey’s Father gets him a job as a Dean’s assistant where any Master’s program is available at no cost.

Aaron realizing Zoey didn’t call her Dad to schedule an interview

Other charters to see growth throughout the season were Sky and Jazz, both having to give up something to gain what they want. Jazz struggles to balance track and her personal life, she’s been late to the last several times and continues to do poorly at practice. Sky taking notice thinks Doug is getting in the way of her focus, and she needs Jazz to get her head in the game so they can reach the Olympics like they always intended. Jazz begins to avoid Doug and it has him wondering what his done wrong. Once they’re able to sit down and talk Jazz tells Doug that she wants to take a break while she goes through training for the next six months. She asks Doug to wait for her, but he doesn’t respond.

Sky and Jazz talking about Jazz priorities

On the other hand, Sky is dealing with the fact she is dating outside her race. After giving Doug such a hard time back in season 1 about him talking to white girls it is irony that Rodney the guy she dating is white. Sky who wants a connection with her significant other through their shared cultural experiences. It then becomes that Sky has to decide if she wants to stay true to her beliefs or change her way of thinking to be happy with the guy she likes.

The spring finale of Grown-ish had the most shocking decision made all season. During Zoey’s 21st birthday, she passes out from a panic attack. it seems the stress has taken its toll on her with studying for finals, planning Joey Bada$$’s big show, and she and Aaron still aren’t talking. Once regaining consciousness she sees Samuel L. Jackson aka Aaron, their discussion ended with the question of why Zoey is trying to balance everything and why not choose to focus on one thing. Aaron thinks that choice would be quitting her job with Joey but it backfires as Zoey decides to leave Cal U. After her meeting with the Dean it official Zoey is the second Johnson to drop out of college. Before she leaves, Aaron and her share one more kiss, giving fans another will they or won’t they scenario. The episode ends with Zoey and Nomi having some Facetime catching her up on the drama that went down on her birthday, and suddenly Nomi’s water breaks.

Zoey dressed as Aaliyah for her 90s themed birthday party

Even though the “Grown-ish,” is going on break it will be back this summer with more exciting and hilarious college advantages. For now, check out the promo below:

Mar 13, 2020 No Comments

Gunna Locked Into Album Mode As He Releases Latest Single “Sky Box”

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by Akeem Ivory | Mar 7, 2020 | Celebs, Featured

It has been a growing trend for a music artist to release a visual to accompany their latest single and Gunna is no different his newest single “SKYBOX, is his first solo offering since 2019’s Drip or Drown 2.

The YSL rapper confirmed he was locked in album mode on twitter posting a trailer for his upcoming sophomore album Wunna. The Spike Jordan-directed teaser begins with a news audio clip about a meteorite that hit earth; we see a large mansion under a purple sky before the camera cuts to the interior where Gunna is surrounded by beautiful girls.

wunna ♊️👁👁‼️ pic.twitter.com/gHzGpuXgDL
— WUNNA (@1GunnaGunna) March 4, 2020

“SKYBOX” official video was also directed by Spike Jordan, opening with a claymation Gunna falling from a hot air balloon and into a village in the Middle East. He roams the rural town alongside exotic women, camels, and rapping goats before being kidnapped in a limo and taken to a party with belly dancers.

In addition to readying his new album, Gunna had delivered on a number of joint records from The Neptunes-produced “Stop Playing” off Megan Thee Stallion’s EP Suga to “Numbers” by A Boogie Wit da Hoodie and “Heatin Up” by Lil Baby.

You can watch the official video of “SkyBox,” below and stream the track now on Apple Music and Spotify.

Mar 7, 2020 No Comments

Demi Lovato Give Powerful Message In New Single I Love Me

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by Akeem Ivory | Mar 7, 2020 | Celebs, Featured

Demi Lovato is back, on Friday (March 6) she released an upbeat anthem about her journey towards self-love and self-acceptance entitled “I Love Me.”

The 27-year-old singer dropped her new single with an accompanying visual, as a follow up to “Anyone,” the vulnerable ballad she performed at The 62nd Grammys last month. This empowering anthem produced by Alex Niceforo, Kieth Sorrells, and OAK, recounts the hurdles that get in the way of self-acceptance. The video depicts Demi’s relapse in 2018 and her hospitalization of an overdose.

Demi has been an open book for her fans when it comes to journey, back in October of 2017 she released Demi Lovato: Simply Complicated, on YouTube. Documenting her life and career as an American singer, songwriter, and actress in support of her sixth studio album Tell Me You Love Me. The film dealt with heavy topics such as her issues with substance abuse and the journey to her sobriety. Give us all first-hand look into the person she has become today.

This single is a far cry from the theme of the previous album Tell Me You Love Me, wherein the title track of the same name she sings ” Oh, tell me you love me I need someone On days like this…No, you ain’t nobody ’til you got somebody,”

“This song is fun and light-hearted, it’s got a positive, upbeat message. There are songs on the album that are ugly, honest and heavy, and will make you cry, and take you there. But I’m so excited,” said Demi during her sit down with Ellen.

Demi Lovato’s declaration of self-love has resonated with adoring fans in this week’s results of billboard.com’s music poll “I Love Me,” which accounted for nearly half of the vote with a 45% turnout, netting nearly double the vote of the second-place song.

“It talks about how hard we are on ourselves and this, the negative self-talk,” she said on NMD w/ Zane Lowe ” You know, how easily we can listen to that. But when is loving yourself gonna be enough?”

In all “I Love Me,” is more than a catchy song, it’s about the journey to finding happiness through self-love. Check out the video below:

Mar 7, 2020 No Comments

The Weeknd Debuts “After Hours” Short Film

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by Akeem Ivory | Mar 4, 2020 | Celebs, Featured

Weeks before the release of his fourth studio album After Hours on March 20, The Weeknd debuts a short film of the same name. With a similar aesthetic to the previous videos, it appears he’s been having a lot of rough nights. The short film once again features the “Heartless” singer bloodied, a generally beat-up look and stumbling around town in a daze.

In the five-minute short film directed by Anton Tammi, which debuted on Wednesday (March 4), he picks up from the end of a bizarre January performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! as the night turns seriously dark and stormy. As he heads backstage his smile slowly fades from his face. we then transition to The Weeknd roaming the streets of Los Angeles at night hallucinating as he walks through the subway, accompanied by the track “After Hours,” instrumental. In the final scene, he rides an elevator with a couple before the doors close and screams are heard as the screen fades to red.

It does not offer too much in the way of new music, but it does indicate what tone he’s going for this time around. Since his visuals have all been connected thematically, it’s safe to assume there will be more videos before the album arrives.

The Canadian Singer will embark on his 62-date global “After Hours Tour,” traveling to the U.S., Canada, U.K., Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, and France. Starting on June 11 in Vancouver, and will run until Nov. 12 in Paris, France with support from Sabrina Claudio and Don Toliver in the U.S. and 88GLAM and Claudio in Europe. Additional shows have been added including London, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Miami.

Watch the “After Hours” video below:

Mar 4, 2020 No Comments

THE WEDDING YEAR DOESN’T BREAK THE MOLD,BUT IT GIVE A NEW TWIST TO AN OLD STORY

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by Akeem Ivory | Feb 18, 2020 | Celebs, Featured

Have you ever felt like everyone you knew is becoming getting married, having kids, becoming adults? The feeling of being stuck in your 20’s or still chasing your dreams but being put them on the backburner because of…you know bills. While you not alone, everyone’s life isn’t on the same cloak some milestones are achieved at different points in life for people. Finding the right person to spend the rest of your life with could be as simple as swiping right on whatever popular dating app you have on your phone.

Robert Luketic’s “The Wedding Year,” starring Sarah Hyland and Tyler James Williams is the perfect example when you choose to swipe right it could lead you to the love of your life. Mara Hickey (Sarah Hyland) is a Los Angeles photographer whose fear of being rejected has gotten her to set on a retail job. This fear of rejection plays a big factor in her commitment issues as she only uses a dating app to get a free meal. The match between Jake Riddick (Tyler James Williams) would lead to an unexpected connection. As Mara starts to order everything off the menu, Jack has to come clean saying ” Okay, hold on I’m not a celebrity chef. I make minimum wage at the diner down the street.” Jack asked if she would like to leave this upscale restaurant once she agrees We see the two at the diner where Jack makes Mara some pancakes.

As one thing led to another the two find themselves in a relationship, the couple is put to the test after being invited to 15 weddings in the same year and deciding to attend 7. Mara who doesn’t believe she is the marrying type and Jack who is evenly ready-to-settle-down after attending a few wedding. Sayin yes to his proposal but still having doubts Mara begins to pull away once meeting Jack’s overbearing family.

In all this was a good movie and it helps me to get over the idea of Tyler James Williams just being Chris form “Everbody Hates Chris,“ and that terrible Disney movie about rap battles (yes that movie exists)

“The Wedding Year,” is available to stream now on Amazon Prime, Check out the trailer posted below:

Feb 18, 2020 No Comments

Joe Freshgoods and New Balance reveal ‘No Emotions Are Emotions’ collection

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by admin | Feb 4, 2020 | Celebs, Featured, Sneaker Releases

NBA All-Star is a historic time for on-court wear. From the “Big Bang” LeBrons to the “Galaxy” KD 4s, some of the most memorable kicks of All-Star weekend come on court. There may be debate over whether the year’s best All-Star kicks came on or off the court but they definitely come from this Joe Freshgoods x New Balance collaboration. Chicago native Joe Freshgoods has joined forces with New Balance for All-Star Weekend. Alongside a pair of incredible colorways of the New Balance 992 and Kawhi’s Omn1s, Joe’s Don’t Be Mad imprint collides with New Balance for the “No Emotions are Emotions” collection.

The tonal 992s could be seen as Valentine’s Day inspired since it falls during All-Star weekend but the shades of red are actually meant to mimic the anatomy of the heart, even coming with an extra pair of blue laces seemingly inspired by veins. The shoes tie into Joe’s passion for tie-dye with the colorful sole insert. The ‘No Emotions Are Emotions’ mantra comes full circle on the New Balance Omn1s that Kawhi has already been spotted hooping in. The gradient from tan to pink is as subtle as the stoic ‘emoji’ style faces that harken to Joe’s own smiley face logo, the Omn1s reflect both Kawhi’s demeanor on the floor and Joe’s approach to work. In an interview with Complex, Joe explained the meaning saying,

“It’s pretty much for people in a world that don’t speak loudly about what they’re going to do. They just do it. You know what I’m saying? I think sometimes people are known for always having to be loud and vocal to get a point across. So I think, what ‘No Emotions Are Emotions’ means to me it’s just like, we’re not going to talk about what we’re going to do. We’re not going to create a scene. We just going to get it done. And that’s kind of my whole narrative around All-Star Weekend. It’s just like, I’m going to just keep showing these brands, these companies, that we are just gonna get it done.”

The collection does more than just get it done. The shades of red and pink spill over into the gear as well giving a vibrancy to the collection, it even features a ‘Don’t Be Mad’ Kawhi Leonard jersey and tie-dye pants resonate the same energy as the 992s. The New Balance x Joe Freshgoods collection will only be available in Chicago during All-Star weekend. Bring your tents if you plan on copping this impeccable collaboration.