Category: Culture

Grammy Museum to Launch Landmark K-pop Exhibit Featuring Hybe and Iconic Artifacts from BTS, LE SSERAFIM, and More

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In a groundbreaking nod to Korean pop music, the Grammy Museum is about to roll out its first full-floor K-pop exhibit, shining a spotlight on the lively music, culture, tech, and fandom that fuel K-pop’s global rise. Partnering with Hybe, the South Korean entertainment giant behind BTS and other global hits, this exhibit dives deep into the company’s influence on the music scene.

“Hybe: We Believe in Music, A Grammy Museum Exhibit” will take place from August 2 to September 15 at the museum in downtown Los Angeles. Spanning a hefty 4,000 square feet, this display is a landmark for the museum, being the largest exhibit ever curated.

“This will be one of the most extensive exhibits we’ve ever curated,” said Grammy Museum President and CEO Michael Sticka. “Hybe’s impact on music worldwide is undeniable, and this exhibit celebrates their contributions to K-pop and beyond.”

A Treasure Trove of Artifacts

For the first time, the exhibit will showcase artifacts never before displayed in a museum, including items from 78 K-pop idols. Attendees can expect to see iconic outfits from music videos and concept photos, such as BTS’s “Yet to Come (The Most Beautiful Moment),” SEVENTEEN’s “Maestro,” TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s “Sugar Rush Ride,” and LE SSERAFIM’s “Easy.”

The exhibit also features memorabilia from Hybe’s rookie teams, including BOYNEXTDOOR, TWS, &TEAM, and ILLIT. Additionally, three influential books from Big Hit Entertainment founder Hitman Bang’s personal collection will be displayed, highlighting their inspiration behind BTS’s albums. These include Hermann Hesse’s “Demian: The Story of Boyhood,” Erich Fromm’s “The Art of Loving,” and Murray Stein’s “Jung’s Map of the Soul.”

Interactive Experiences and Technological Innovations

Beyond the artifacts, the exhibit offers several interactive experiences designed to engage fans and newcomers alike. A “random dance play” in the museum’s rotunda will allow visitors to sing and dance along to Hybe artists’ music. There will also be a Photoism booth for fans to pose with images of their favorite acts.

“We’re even going to have a little fan area where fans can express what K-pop means to them and leave their mark on the exhibit,” said Grammy Museum curator Kelsey Goelz. “This is the biggest and most in-depth K-pop exhibit we have ever done.”

A permanent interactive feature, “Mono to Immersive,” will demonstrate the evolution of recording technology using BTS’s 2022 Grammy performance of “Butter.” Visitors can experience how the performance would sound through different eras of technology, from the 1920s to the present day.

Hybe’s Vision and Global Reach

Hybe’s COO, Tae-Ho Kim, expressed his hopes that the exhibit will appeal to both K-pop and Hybe superfans as well as those curious about the genre. “We aim to introduce Hybe to visitors and showcase the journey we have taken in the global music industry,” he said. “I hope this exhibit will be a great chance for our rookie teams to be introduced to American music fans. This can be a significant momentum for their entrance into the American music market.”

Expanding the Narrative of Music History

This exhibit stands as a testament to the Grammy Museum’s dedication to exploring a wide array of music genres and their cultural significance. With K-pop growing worldwide, this exhibit offers a rare chance for both fans and newcomers to dive into the genre’s complexities and its impact on the global music scene.

“Hybe: We Believe in Music, A Grammy Museum Exhibit” doesn’t just celebrate K-pop’s artistic feats; it also bridges cultural divides, inviting visitors to connect with the lively, dynamic realm of Korean pop music.

July 19, 2024
Los Angeles Faces Inflection Point in Battle Against Homelessness

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Los Angeles stands at a pivotal moment in its fight against homelessness, with the coming months set to reveal whether the city will achieve significant progress or face growing frustration with its leadership.

Recently, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority released its annual count, revealing a slight dip in the number of people without housing. Conducted in late January, the count found 75,312 homeless individuals in Los Angeles County, a marginal decrease of less than 1%. In the city of Los Angeles, the count was 45,252, marking a 2.2% drop.

While these numbers aren’t exactly a reason to rejoice, they do represent the first decline since 2018, stirring cautious optimism. Mayor Karen Bass, at a press conference in MacArthur Park, highlighted the complexity of the situation. “It’s too soon to say we’ve reached a turning point,” she said. “I’m very encouraged and excited that the count is down and that shelter is up, but it’s going to take a while before we can say we’ve gone in a completely new direction.”

Mayor Bass has been more proactive in tackling homelessness than any of her predecessors in the last three decades. Since taking office nearly two years ago, she has concentrated on dismantling encampments and boosting shelter availability. This year’s count shows a 10% drop in street homelessness within the city and a 38% reduction in encampments, reflecting her targeted efforts.

However, challenges persist. The lifting of COVID-era eviction protections has put tens of thousands of Angelenos at risk of losing their homes. In response, Bass directed the Mayor’s Fund to launch a program to protect renters. Additionally, Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s controversial policy of sending migrants to Los Angeles has added to the city’s housing burden, with volunteers stepping in to provide support and connect new arrivals with resources.

Recent legal developments have also introduced potential complications. The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that Grants Pass, Oregon, did not violate constitutional protections against “cruel and unusual” punishment by arresting homeless individuals for camping on public property, even without adequate shelter options, may prompt similar measures in Southern California. Such policies could drive more homeless individuals to Los Angeles, straining the city’s resources further.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has put forward a November ballot measure to double an existing quarter-cent sales tax for housing and homeless services, aiming to rake in $1.2 billion yearly for housing, mental health care, and substance abuse treatment. Yet, impatience is growing among some supporters. BizFed, a coalition of businesses and employers, has voiced doubts about the new measure. CEO Tracy Hernandez stated, “We backed Measure H in 2017 to provide 10 years of dedicated resources to take care of our unhoused neighbors. However, Los Angeles County’s homeless population grew 43% between 2018 and 2023. We call on our county’s elected leaders to show improvement before demanding more taxpayer dollars.”

Mayor Bass acknowledges the need for visible progress and has emphasized the strong accountability mechanisms included in the November ballot measure to ensure that funds are effectively utilized. “Success breeds confidence, but success can only be achieved with support, and support requires public confidence,” Bass noted.

As Los Angeles wrestles with the tangled mess of homelessness and public trust, the city’s actions in the next few months will be crucial. The tightrope walk of making real progress while keeping public backing will shape the future for tens of thousands of homeless folks in America’s second-biggest city.

July 18, 2024
A Dystopian Experience Inside California’s Largest Cannabis Store

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Planet 13 has become a renowned cannabis store in California. Buying weed from Planet 13 often feels like a dream as the entire overwhelming process deviates from the old-school method of buying weed. Based solely on the square footage, a customer has to traverse just to get rung up at this sprawling cannabis superstore located in Orange County. It can be safely said that buying pot here is a time-consuming process.

Many years ago, buying weed meant walking from the car straight to the pot dealer’s car or maybe walking into their house. The scenario changed when California first legalized marijuana, as most consumers felt those simple transactions would easily be equivalent to direct exchanges of money for products at retail dispensaries. Planet 13, one of the largest cannabis dispensaries, chose to differ as buying weed here requires customers to navigate through long queues, similar to Disneyland.

The Planet 13 Experience: A Cannabis Superstore Adventure

The check-in at a front desk is like most legal weed stores in California, but at Planet 13, customers are required to show their ID to an employee who is sitting beneath a 50-foot wooden awning. Then, the customer is taken aboard a VW bus equipped with a smoke machine for unknown reasons. Customers enjoy space-themed displays, a Super Mario Kart video game station, a giant octopus statue sitting under dozens of umbrellas hanging from the ceiling, and 20 different glass cases of cannabis products. After navigating through all of that, they can finally walk up to a register and buy some pot.

The octopus statue or any other feature inside this building does not elevate any cannabis-buying experience. According to the Los Angeles Times 2021 review, these are clever marketing tricks. Pot shops are legally restricted from advertising on the internet, but Planet 13 came up with an idea to let customers do the marketing by taking selfies in front of the VW bus. After three years, the rules on cannabis advertising have been relaxed, but Planet 13’s megastore refuses to change its concept.

Lester Black’s visit to Planet 13’s Santa Ana superstore with his wife was a unique experience. He felt the staff were confused by some of the store’s amenities. The Volkswagen bus did not catch his attention for a selfie and just when he started playing at the Mario Kart game station, he was called by a sales associate and was asked to check out.

Challenges for Cannabis Consumers at Planet 13

Despite wasting his time on unnecessary activities, Lester Black feels Planet 13 lives up to its superstore concept, considering the sheer number of products it sells. For some unexplained reason, each product is displayed inside a glass retail case that also contains various props. The items for sale are spread out between an unending sequence of trinkets and baubles, requiring customers to walk nearly every row just to try to find out what is actually being sold.

Lester Black and his wife are both experienced stoners, and with age, they have started enjoying cannabis that has lower amounts of THC and contains at least some CBD. They prefer to buy outdoor-grown cannabis because it’s far better for the environment and comes loaded with flavor. After wasting 10 minutes walking from case to case, he failed to find a single strain of pot that had any CBD in it. Asking the salesperson for help was also disappointing as she did not know about outdoor pots.

Finding low-strength pot or sun-grown cannabis is hard at most of California’s retail stores, but it is expected that one of California’s most renowned and largest retail stores would have room for some lower-strength weed. Planet 13 has supersized the worst aspects of legal weed. The unspecified percentages at the store are like an unrealized admission that the company simply does not understand the cannabis plant it is trying to sell.

July 4, 2024
Affordable Summer Activities in Los Angeles: Enjoy on a Budget

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While Los Angeles is known as the beloved City of Angels, and rightfully so for many people, there is no denying the extremely high prices associated with the area. The cost of living in this extensive metropolis, according to PayScale, is at least 51% higher than the national average.

Nevertheless, you do not have to be living in L.A. to feel the pain of steep prices, as a mere visit can set you back. According to Budget Your Trip, the average visitor to the city spends approximately $258 per day. For two people to stay one week can cost them approximately $3,614.

Exploring Affordable Activities in Los Angeles

So, the high prices in this typically sunny location begs the question of what a person or family can do here if they happen to be working with a tight budget. To offer some ideas, the following information looks to inspire you with several inexpensive — or even totally free —things to do in L.A. this summer.

Must-Visit Free Attractions This Summer

First, we cannot continue without mentioning the Griffith Observatory, which is a beautiful place to catch stunning views, including by telescope. If catching the perfect shot of the Hollywood sign, along with breathtaking views of the city and the incredible nature that encircles it, the Griffith Observatory is the ideal spot. The destination is on a steep hill, so you will need to drive or catch an Uber. There are parking fees, as well as a fee for visiting the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. The fees usually range from approximately $6 to $10, however, children under five are admitted for free. Admission to the grounds, public telescopes, and the observatory building are free to all.

If you are looking for something more aligned with the incredible California beaches, Venice Beach on the West side of L.A. is the perfect place to go for a Bohemian vibe and to enjoy tons of street vendors selling art and souvenirs, as well as many performers. The beach offers plenty of fun and entertainment for one person or an entire family, and if you’re up for a walk, you can visit the century-old Venice Canals Walkway. The footpath is a little-known tourist attraction with a sort of European feel, and the best part is, everything mentioned above is completely free!

The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum in Los Angeles offers a unique fossil lab, historical exhibits, and relics of ancient creatures, with tickets priced at $18 for adults and free for children under two. Also notable is the Getty Museum, showcasing art from the Middle Ages, featuring stunning architecture, city views, and beautiful gardens, with free admission but closed on Mondays.

Those looking to save some money around LA often also find themselves at Olvera Street for a taste of Mexico. Located near Chinatown, this little historic monument pays homage to Mexico and its incredibly vibrant history. You can enjoy authentic Mexican restaurants and food stands, as well as all sorts of small museums that honor Mexican art and history. All museums are free to visit. There are no parking costs listed online, however, but it can be a bit expensive so you may want to walk from the metro or grab an Uber.

Lastly, for more historic aspects of L.A., the Angels Flight in the downtown district is a 118-year-old funicular that transports passengers along the world’s shortest railway. It runs from Hill Street to Grand Avenue on Bunker Hill and was reopened in 2017 after being shut down for many years. A one-way trip is $1.00, and a souvenir round-trip ticket is $2.00. Hopefully, with all of the options mentioned here and many others, you can now plan a nice trip to Los Angeles that won’t scare your wallet.

June 27, 2024
Popular Irish Bar in Los Angeles Burns Down

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One of the liveliest and most iconic Irish pubs in all of Los Angeles, Molly Malone’s Irish Pub, was forced to temporarily close after a fire scorched the building. The bar, known as a social hub throughout the city, thanks to its extensive collection of Irish memorabilia, always on-tap Guinness, and frequent live musical acts, is looking to recover quickly.

Having been open since 1969, Molly Malone’s has become an institution within the city of angels. Built within a now ninety-five-year-old building, the fire seems to have predominantly damaged the exterior side of the building, leaving the inside of the bar, the taps, and all of the memorabilia largely unfazed. As a result of the exterior damage, the bar will be forced to close its doors for several months while repairs are made. This marks the only time in the history of Molly Malone’s that the pub will close its doors, outside of COVID-related lockdowns a few years back, said owner Damian Hanlon.

Taking to Instagram to speak to fans and patrons of the pub far and wide, Hanlon said, “It was a scary day for our little pub on Fairfax, but we are blessed. Our doors will be shut (for now), but we plan to be back better than ever before you know it!”

The Los Angeles Fire Department received a report at 1:17 p.m. on Thursday afternoon that 575 S. Fairfax Ave. was on fire, the address of the pub, was on fire. Nineteen minutes after receiving the 911 call, at 1:36 pm, the flames were fully extinguished, according to LAFD spokesman Brian Humphrey. As Humphrey detailed, “There was heat and smoke inside the structure, but the flames were largely kept to the facade and the exterior of the structure.”

Fortunately, no injuries were reported, though the cause of the fire remains undetermined. Owner Damian Hanlon told the press that the firefighters he spoke with believed the blaze could have been started outside by the bar’s front door, but that was just conjecture.

Molly Malone’s is famous for its dark walls, which are in keeping with Irish tradition. They are covered with various pieces of memorabilia and art relating to its culture, including very rare paintings by Irish portrait painter Neil Boyle. Boyle’s paintings depict notable Irish figures and the bar’s longtime staff members and customers, often side by side, making the message clear: in Boyle’s view, Molly Malone’s itself is significant to Irish culture.

Fortunately, according to Hanlon, no valuable pieces of memorabilia or art were damaged in the fire. “The firefighters did an incredible, great job,” he said. “It’s all very sentimental to us. To have lost anything would have been a shame.”

To call Molly Malone’s an institution within the community and culture is an understatement. The Celtic punk band Flogging Molly got its start playing there in the 1990s and went on to take their namesake from the bar. For Hanlon’s part, he took over the business from his mother, Angela. She was a native of Dublin, and she started the pub after her family moved to Los Angeles in the ‘60s.

Now, Hanlon’s daughter works as a bartender several nights a week, and the pub has never been more successful. In Hanlon’s words, the story of Molly Malone’s pub is far from over. “My mom put her heart and soul into this place,” he said. “I want to see things continue on.”

June 26, 2024
Los Angeles to Celebrate Make Music Day

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Almost nothing else can bring the world together in the same significant way as music can. Breaking cultural boundaries and translating across seas, the magic of music resides with its ability to build connections and let others feel seen and heard. Celebrating the power of music and bringing artists together, the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with LA Commons and Make Music LA, is celebrating Make Music Day this Friday, June 21.

Being live streamed globally, LA’s Make Music Day celebration is a part of the Paris 2024 Cultural Olympiad, an event that runs through the end of summer 2024 and combines art and sport (or “muscles and mind” as Pierre de Coubertin put it). This popular celebration aims for inclusiveness, with Paris 2024 encouraging everyone, including, artists, troupes, non-profits, communities, sports clubs, and more, to get involved with the cultural program.

Founded in 1982 as Fête de la Musique, this musical celebration is celebrated in more than 1,000 cities in 120 different countries, becoming an international phenomenon since its birth. Its wide recognition is the reason why the Paris 2024 Cultural Olympias has named Make Music Day one of its key days of action leading up to the games.

As part of the Paris 2024 Cultural Olympiad, LA’s Make Music Day will be a part of the global “rhythmic relay” called “Pulsations,” which means “heartbeat” in French. “Pulsations” is under the creative direction of French-Lebanese trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf. Uniting 24 countries with a shared rhythmic heartbeat, “Pulsations” started in New Zealand, traveling throughout Asia, Africa, America, and Europe, offering a 100% livestream that invites everyone to join the celebration.

The LA celebration will be held on People Street in Leimert Park Village Plaza in front of the historic Vision Theater. “Pulsations LA” will feature artists recognized as “Cultural Treasures” by the Cultural Treasures of South L.A., a community-based resource for anyone looking to learn more about the culturally rich life of South Los Angeles. The resource provides a database, interactive map, and multimedia story bank of cultural treasures, featuring people, places, organizations, and events that help keep the multicultural community vibrant and diverse.

LA’s Make Music Day will feature musical performances from Kinnara Taiko, Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center Jazz Ensemble featuring vocalist Dwight Trible, tap dance by the Nicholas Dance Studio, poetry by “artivist” S. Pearl Sharp, and a family-friendly drum workshop by Project Knucklehead.

Los Angeles City Councilwoman Heather Hutt, 10th District, expressed, “We are honored and thrilled to have our Make Music Day Celebrations in Leimert Park, and partake in an amazing experience of global artistry and unity. For decades, South Los Angeles has been a vibrant center of expression with a rich cultural history. This celebration will be a testament to this legacy, inspiring our city for years to come.”

Los Angeles is set to pick up the rhythm from Mexico and pass it along to Canada, inviting musicians of all ages, cultures, genres, and skill levels to create a free public outdoor concert to share their musical heartbeats with family, friends, neighbors, and strangers.

For information on how to participate in Make Music Los Angeles, visit makemusicla.org, and a complete global livestream schedule can be found at makemusicday.org/pulsations.

June 20, 2024
The Los Angeles Clippers Are Getting Some Exciting New Food Options
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While the Los Angeles Clippers have had to share space with the LA Lakers since the 1999-2000 NBA season, the crosstown rivals are heading to a home of their own this coming August, just in time for the 2024-2025 basketball season. The Los Angeles Clippers are moving from the Crypto.com Arena to the Intuit Dome, and with the move comes a whole new, tasty menu for fans to enjoy.

Located just outside of South LA, Intuit Dome will have space for 18,000 people, with its grand opening featuring a performance by Bruno Mars on August 15th. With the opening comes a new menu, which was unveiled last week and created through a partnership with Chicago-based restaurant group, Levy. Void of fast food chains and big-brand labels, the concessions menu has been specially whipped up for fans.

Known as “The Dome Dozen,” the arena’s menu is a collection of snacks and dishes that will be served throughout all 20 concession stands. Also known as “food markets,” concession stands will be located “just steps away from every seat in the house,” and feature self-checkout scanners to support customers on their mission to grab food and go, according to a statement from Intuit Dome. Further explaining the concession process, the venue’s statement also said that “the entire journey was designed to take 123 seconds or less to get back to your seat.”

Included in “The Dome Dozen” are traditional concession snacks like nachos, hot dogs, churros, popcorn, soft pretzels, and ice cream. But Intuit Dome and Levy are bringing innovation to the menu with a handful of specialty items not typically found at a snack stand. Fans can head to concessions for items like a buffalo cauliflower wrap and a “sushi dog,” which has been described on the venue’s website as “like a sushi burrito in the size and portability of a hot dog.” The sushi dog will be available in spicy tuna and California roll flavors.

According to the venue, other Dome Dozen dishes include hand-rolled maki, nigiri, and bento boxes made by an in-house sushi chef each game, artisanal sandwiches, market salads with favorites like Caesar and cobb, and a curated snack collection featuring “crispy, salty and sweet” offerings.

Over half of Intuit Dome’s concession stands will also feature signature dishes, with some honoring Angeleno favorites. The signature dishes will include:
- Four-Edge Pan Pizza: Fans can delight in this square-cut pizza that comes in pepperoni, cheese, and a rotating selection of toppings that is baked inside custom pans.
- Double-Cheeseburger: A twist on a classic. This burger is a blend of brisket, short rib, and chuck, promising tender, juicy perfection topped with pickles, American cheese, and Clippers’s secret sauce.
- LA Street Dog: Grab a Niman Ranch all-beef hot dog with garlic mayo on your way back to your seat. They come on a split-top Bolillo bun – bacon-wrapped with ketchup, mustard, and seasoned peppers and onions.
- K-Town BBQ Chicken and Waffle Fries: You may have trouble focusing with these chicken thighs tossed in a sweet, smoky Korean BBQ sauce from Echo Park-based Korean restaurant Seoul Sausage.
- Empanadas: Warm, flaky pastries in rotating flavors made by LA Chain Continental Gourmet Market. Does more need to be said?
Season tickets are on sale, available here for fans ready for basketball season and good food.
June 19, 2024
EMBODY Serves Residents of LA to Improve Community and Mental Wellness

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Los Angeles was recently invigorated with the joy, connection, and empowerment that “EMBODY: Empowering Mental Health through Community Wellness and Creativity” brought to the community. Over 700 community members attended this extraordinary day of holistic wellness and artistic expression, which took place on Saturday, May 18, at Hope on Union. The event was designed to be a beacon of healing, and to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month through the support of CalMHSA and the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.

The event, which was MC’d by TEDx global public speaker and poet Sean Hill, delivered a plethora of activities that were aimed at promoting the wellness of both the body and soul. Those in attendance took part in spiritual yoga and tai chi sessions, a public photo booth, dance and collaboration in playshops, created an art mural, and engaged in thought-provoking discussions on mental well-being and financial wellness. Music from local DJ Tyrone Ward and songs from the all-female sextet group Mariachi Lindas Mexicanas added to the atmosphere.

During the event, the community received professional plant-based offerings that were provided by Chef Tony of Sunny Express Gourmet Fast Food, Chef Megan Tucker of Mort and Betty’s, Vegan Liberian cuisine by Mamie Peppa, and Chef Supreme of Harvest Academy, who represented Big Mountain Foods.

Beverages were also offered by Hannah Said of Saffron Cowboy, as well as by Rich Bertrand of Nija Wellness. Both the food and drink added to a celebration of cultures.

With help from the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health’s Take Action LA Initiative, EMBODY will not just be a one-time event, but a part of a movement dedicated to mental health awareness and support for LA County residents. The initiative was made in collaboration with Vegans of Los Angeles, and continues to make an impact on the community.

Gwenna Hunter, the founder of Vegans of Los Angeles and even collaborated, stated that she was “so pleased that we were able to provide this community with a day of absolute ease, celebration of wellness, live music, education, free quality merchandise, a free abundant produce market, and delicious plant-based hot foods. To see all the smiling faces, the children laughing and playing, moms sitting down to a nourishing meal and families spending time together brought so much joy to our hearts.”

L’lia ‘Tizzle’ Thomas, who co-created EMBODY and is the founder of Soul SistarMystique Aromachaura, also stated, “This was a beautifully diverse event that called for us to nurture our mind, body, and spirit. It was a profoundly memorable and life-changing day that was a true embodiment of love, art, and bliss.”

DeAnna Carpenter, the founder of She Who Builds LLC and an EMBODY Co-Creator, added: “I’m grateful we were entrusted with this opportunity to infuse the community with more beauty, joy, laughter, lightness, accessibility, and a variety of resources that we hope will sustain and inspire them in their daily lives and in their wellness and wellbeing journeys.”

EMBODY was created to untangle the stigma surrounding mental health, as well as to provide a welcoming space where prevention, education, and encouragement could flourish.

For media inquiries, please contact by email: [email protected] or by phone: (954) 224-0244

June 18, 2024
Kendrick Lamar Announces Upcoming Los Angeles Show

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Robert Frost. Harper Lee. George Walker. Julia Wolfe. Ben Taub. The list of Pulitzer Prize winners extends back decades, a reflection of the talented individuals who have achieved greatness in categories like journalism, novels, and music. Adding his name to the list of Pulitzer Prize winners is rapper, Kendrick Lamar, who is the only musician outside of the classical and jazz genres to have received this notable award. Lamar’s lyrics, which often act as a medium for political and social commentary, have consistently kept him at the forefront of the rap scene. Bringing his powerful lyrical messages back to the stage, Lamar has recently announced a one-time show entitled “The Pop Out — Ken and Friends” that comes to Los Angeles on June 19th.

Beyond his Pulitzer Prize win in 2018, Lamar has been the recipient of various accolades, including one Primetime Emmy Award, one Brit Award, four American Music Awards, six Billboard Music Awards, and a staggering 17 Grammys. But these awards are not without their merit.

It is the messages and commentary behind the lyrics Lamar writes that have helped propel him toward being recognized as one of the greatest rappers of all time. Lamar’s artistic ability to dive into emotional storytelling via verse and pull back the curtain on racial injustice, allowing new marginalized perspectives to take center stage, has opened a doorway for listeners across the globe to finally feel seen.

Understanding more intimately how issues like gun violence, racial and socio-economic discrimination, institutional racism, sexual abuse, and mass incarceration are still prevalent in American culture, Lamar has consistently utilized his platform to not only raise awareness of the social injustices marginalized communities still face but to also praise these communities for their strength and resilience. Yet, while many listeners recognized Lamar as the voice of Black America, not all players in the game show the same respect for the rapper.

Most recently, a buzz has been stirring over the lyrical death battle between Lamar and Canadian rapper, Drake. While the hip-hop battle saw the two rappers lashing out at each other’s physical appearances and talent, when Drake’s song, “Family Matters,” hit, the heat skyrocketed. Bringing Lamar’s family into the battle was the climax of this heated feud, leading to a bewildering, lyrical blade response from Lamar just an hour after Drake’s song dropped—Meet the Grahams.

Yet, it was “Not Like Us” that solidified Lamar’s lyrical victory, a club banger that inspired the title of Lamar’s June 19th show, “The Pop Out.” In “Not Like Us,” Lamar raps, “Sometimes you gotta pop out and show n—s / Certified boogeyman, I’m the one that up the score with ’em.” This nail-in-the-coffin jam has continued to climb the top of the charts today, arguably one of the best tracks released in the rap battle.

Fresh off the battle scene, Lamar’s one-time LA show on Juneteenth is presented by pgLang and Free Lunch. Presale tickets for the concert at the Kia Forum hit the market on Thursday at 10 a.m. PT via the Cash App, while the general on-sale starts Friday at 10 a.m. PT on Ticketmaster. The event is for all ages according to the rapper on his social media profiles, and will begin at 4 p.m. PT.

June 11, 2024
Los Angeles Family Style Festival Gets a Makeover

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The famous Los Angeles Family Style Festival is undergoing a significant transformation. Now acquired by the digital media company Complex, the festival is all set to expand beyond the annual event into a new division focusing on food publications and events. This evolution of the festival promises to bring a blend of streetwear culture and culinary innovation, redefining its identity and reach.

Founded in 2019 by Ben Shenassafar and Bobby Kim of the streetwear company The Hundreds, along with event producer Miles Canares, the Family Style Festival has become a staple in the LA food scene. What sets this festival apart is its unique mashups, where local streetwear brands are paired with famous chefs and restaurants, creating a vibrant atmosphere that attracts over 10,000 attendees annually. Previous collaborations included notable pairings like Russ & Daughters with the Hundreds, Uncle Paulie’s Deli with Modernica, and Burger She Wrote with Gallery Dept. This innovative approach is sure to intrigue our audience.

Complex’s acquisition of the event is part of a broader strategy to launch a new food and video publication called Family Style. This venture is expected to create an intersection of streetwear, food, and culture, extending the festival’s influence. Aaron Levant, CEO of NTWRK and Complex, envisions this new development as a resource for individuals who crave food content but often need help finding it.

Speaking about Complex’s new move, Shenassafar, who hosts Big Appetite on the Tastemade network, reassures the audience, saying, “We play a crucial role for an audience that craves food content but often finds it elusive.” He further emphasizes the founders’ commitment to demystifying food editorials for a younger, perhaps intimidated audience. According to him, Family Style perfectly aligns with Complex’s ethos and audience, ensuring everyone feels included and catered to.

This year, the festival is set to take place in October in Los Angeles, followed by an appearance at ComplexCon, a music and culture festival, in November in Las Vegas. These events will pave the way for the highly anticipated launch of the new division, with a content team in place before the year’s end. This expansion is a testament to the founders’ vision of integrating diverse cultural influences into the food and streetwear narrative and is sure to ignite excitement among our audience.

Sharing his inspiration behind The Hundreds and its application to Family Style, Shenassafar explains that this love for punk, surf, and hip-hop styles led to the foundation of Hundred. This eclectic approach will also shape the publication’s content, covering street food, taco stands, chilaquiles, and collaborations with renowned chefs like Jon Yao of Kato and Evan Funke of Felix, Funke, and Mother Wolf. Despite the dominance of social media and YouTube, Shenassafar values traditional journalism for its legitimacy, ensuring that written content remains the backbone of this new venture.

Initially, one area that Family Style will steer clear of is restaurant reviews. Shenassafar stated, “That’s a very tricky situation, and I’m not sure we want to put our toes into it yet.” Instead, the focus will be discussing new openings, recommending where to eat, and exploring various city locales. This publication aims to provide a distinct voice on the best dining and drinking spots without delving into the often-contentious realm of reviews.

Complex’s journey as a print magazine reflects its adaptive and innovative spirit, from its foundation by fashion designer Marc Ecko in 2002 to its acquisition by Buzzfeed in 2021 and subsequently by NTWRK in 2024. This new venture, Family Style, carries that legacy forward, promising engaging content related to food and streetwear culture.

June 4, 2024
Yamashiro Stands Out as a Unique Hollywood Landmark

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Tourists come to Hollywood for various reasons, but visiting Yamashiro is not typically one of them. Hidden on a hilltop on North Sycamore Avenue, the historic Japanese-inspired mansion is a secret haven in the bustling city.

Yamashiro is an estate originally built in 1911 to house German-American brothers Adolph Leopold and Eugene Elija Bernheimer. The ten-bedroom mansion now includes a 300-seat Asian-inspired restaurant, screening rooms, and a tiered ornamental garden featuring waterfalls and pools. Part of the building comes from a 600-year-old pagoda dating back to 14th century Japan, making it the oldest structure in California.

“There’s nothing else like this in California,” said Carina Quintero, the complex’s marketing manager. “Sometimes I forget how much history around me – it’s certainly crazy enough for Hollywood.”

The estate was built to look like a recreation of a mountain palace in Yamashiro, Japan. Yamashiro is near Kyoto and home to more than 1,600 Buddhist temples. Construction took years, with hundreds of craftsmen traveling from Japan and China to ensure the detailed architecture matched the original. Aside from being home to Leopold and Bernheimer, Yamashiro also used to house an enormous collection of Japanese antiquities that included ukiyo-e woodblock prints, silk paintings, rare jades, cloisonné chandeliers, and more artwork from the historic Satsuma province. Today, nearly all of the collection is gone, auctioned off in the mid-1920s after the death of one of the brothers.

After the brothers’ passing, the estate was transformed into an exclusive 400-club, catering to Hollywood stars. “The story circulating from the Roaring Twenties is that underpaid actresses came to act as escorts for the leading men of the time,” explained Quintero. In the 1940s, the purpose of Yamashiro changed again. Amid anti-Japanese hysteria following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the mansion was vandalized, prompting it to be repurposed as a boy’s school for the U.S. military. Thankfully, the building has since been restored and is protected by the National Register of Historic Places.

Yamashiro has once again become a hot spot for the Hollywood elite. Aside from its acclaimed restaurant, the estate has served as a set for some of the most popular films and television shows in the past fifty years. Key scenes from Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill used Yamashiro as a backdrop, and Memoirs of a Geisha used Yamashiro as a stand-in for the Gion district of Kyoto. Scenes from Gone in 60 Seconds, Blind Date, and Perry Mason occurred at Yamashiro. Stories about stars like Marlon Brando, Amy Adams, Charles Bronson, and more all take place with Yamashiro as the setting.

Current owners Freddy Braidi and Boulevard Hospitality Group keep the compound lively while paying homage to its history. It has more visitors than ever, hosting over 1,000 diners on any weekend night. Even though it may seem like a hidden gem to many visitors, Yamashiro is hardly a well-kept secret in Hollywood. If you are sightseeing in Los Angeles, move the Walk of Fame down your list and drive to Yamashiro instead.

May 28, 2024
“Flowers at Your Feet”: Texas Isaiah Uplifts Black Trans-Masculine Identity

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Texas Isaiah’s inaugural solo show in Los Angeles, “Flowers at Your Feet: a Cherished Horizon,” hosted by Residency Art Gallery, marks a significant milestone in his career. The exhibition showcases his latest series, which integrates classical photography techniques with sacred spaces, particularly altars, to highlight the intricate aspects of Black Trans-masculine identity. The gallery opening attracted numerous attendees, all eager to witness Isaiah’s evocative work and participate in the artist talk moderated by Auttrianna Ward.

The event drew a diverse crowd, including community members, supporters, and art enthusiasts who shared their thoughts on the show’s impact. Damaris Chambers, a personal trainer and one of the sitters featured in the exhibit, emphasized the importance of freedom and connection to the art. For Chambers, Isaiah’s work creates a dreamlike state that invites viewers to explore deeper emotions and personal connections. Another attendee, Adedolapo Adeniji, echoed these sentiments, praising Isaiah’s creativity and the powerful effect of his work.

The large photographs of trans-Black, masculine bodies prominently displayed on the gallery walls were a focal point for many visitors. Kandis Hutcherson noted the significance of such representation, sharing how crucial it is for their culture to see themselves reflected in these tender and peaceful moments. That visibility provides a sense of validation and empowerment that strengthens the community.

Reniece Charles, another attendee, highlighted the importance of unity and the role of art in supporting Black, queer, and trans culture. For Charles, the exhibition is vital for bringing people together and celebrating these identities through art. The sense of belonging and mutual support was palpable throughout the evening, affirming the exhibition’s impact on those present. The show’s compelling depiction of rest and reflection also inspired those very themes to be embraced by the viewers.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, and now residing in Los Angeles, TX, Isaiah is a first-generation visual narrator who has made significant strides in the art world. He became one of the first Trans photographers to feature on the covers of Vogue and TIME, capturing iconic figures like Janet Mock, Patrisse Cullors, Dwayne Wade, and Gabrielle Union. Receiving the 2018 Art Matters grant and the 2019 Getty Images: Where We Stand Creative Bursary grant, Isaiah’s accolades also include serving as a 2020-21 artist in residence at The Studio Museum in Harlem.

“Flowers at Your Feet: a Cherished Horizon” continues the conversation Isaiah started during his 2021 residency at the Studio Museum in Harlem. The exhibition traverses various photographic languages, exploring themes of contemplation, awakening, authority, rest, and emotional movement. Isaiah’s natural expressions of the sitters weave narratives with powerful themes of devotion, tenderness, and more. Uniquely, Isaiah remains an unseen presence within his work, adding a layer of intimacy and intrigue that prompts viewers to ponder and appreciate the hidden perspectives within the vividly captured moments.

A gifted autodidact, Texas Isaiah harnesses the power of nature and natural beauty to bring his creations to life. Isaiah’s shift from traditional natural light to other lighting materials while maintaining a connection to ambient sources like the sun highlights his evolving vision. The spotlighting creates a sacred atmosphere within the domestic spaces depicted, inviting viewers to experience a visceral sense of self-discovery within the exhibition’s haven. From launching his poignant visual project “BLACKNESS” in 2012 to his current creative offering “Flowers at Your Feet: a Cherished Horizon,” Isaiah continues to use his artistry to heal through photography.

May 24, 2024