Release June 7 2023 | Vol35 of Taji is packed full of Black Beauty & Culture fulfilling its theme of AfroTravel! Each volume is a tabletop collector’s item and Vol35 is no different! This volume’s cover features the #SlayBells of @_sirenn, @anoobisrising, and @avlonilerose by photographer @theonewillfocus with team @__brushqueen, @ikaika_dboneslark, @adornedintaji, and @egyptbuck. Gracing the pages are the Editor’s Pick, #BlackLoveConvo: “Chevalier’s Ronke Adekoluejo Explains What Women Helped Inspired Her Role” by Dapper Dr. Feel; our Community Spotlight, HËS is Making Music that Inspires; our highlighted Hair Feature, Hair Architect Arlene Martin; “How To Travel When Your Budget Says “Chill” by dCarrie; “Nikki Porcher Believes Black Women Deserve to Tell Their Stories” by Nantale Muwonge; Our Vol 35 contributed photo story, “AfroTravel;” Fitness Highlight, Calais Campbell gives his best on and off the NFL field; Vegan Fun with Earth’s Pot’s Rolled Oyster Mushroom Tacos; Featured Art Piece by Will Focus; Comic Book Appreciation with REFUGE by Bill Campbell of Rosarium Publishing; “Durand Bernarr is Giving Us Real R&B w/ New Song Leveled” by Clair Daniels; Black Business Highlights; and more!!
Taji Mag is the epitome of ‘Cultural Drip’ – elevating Black brands, narratives, and imagery to new levels of Black Excellence. We embody the traditional and modern royalty of OUR people via our quarterly digital and print publication and live events.
Starring: Teyana Taylor as Inez da la Paz, Aaron Kingsley Adetola as Terry (6 years old), Aven Courtney as Terry (13 years old), Josiah Cross as Terry (17 years old), and William Catlett as Lucky
Synopsis: A fiercely unapologetic and loyal Inez kidnaps her son, Terry, from the foster care system. Mother and son set out to reclaim their sense of home, identity, and stability in a rapidly changing New York City.
Worth noting: A Thousand and One is a Sundance Film Festival U.S. Dramatic Grand Jury Prize winner.
Filmmaker A.V. Rockwell
Storytelling
A.V. Rockwell created colorful and flawed characters who I found myself rooting for as they lived their truths while trying to achieve an ideal life the best way they knew how in an unforgiving city, NYC. Storytelling like this only makes me desire more stories about well-rounded Black characters who flourish despite being a product of their harsh environments.
Outside of the writing and acting in this film, I appreciated how Rockwell incorporated scenic shots of New York, giving the audience an idea of what the characters were truly up against. The tall buildings, busy neighborhoods, and various personalities inhabit the area highlighted in this film.
Aaron Kingsley Adetola as Terry and Will Catlett as Lucky
Teyana Taylor and the Cast
The last time I saw Taylor in a film was Coming 2 America where her role was limited albeit entertaining. Before then, I saw her in Madea’s Big Happy Family where she played the annoying ex-girlfriend of Bow Wow’s character, Byron. During the screening of A Thousand and One, I thought to myself, “wait, is this the same Teyana Taylor?”. I was so impressed with her performance that I couldn’t help but focus solely on her character, Inez, and the barrage of obstacles thrown her way.
Although well-intentioned, Inez’s approach is sometimes questionable and at times illegal. It was interesting to watch Taylor bring this character to life and make her compelling but also believable. When Inez provides life lessons to her son Terry, you can feel her love for him and her desire to give him a better life than she had growing up. It’s certainly not smooth sailing for this troubled mom; at times, you see the character get in the way of her own success. Taylor recently shared with Elle magazine “She (Inez) is so strong, and sometimes she gets in her own way. So you’ll see her almost go there and then hold it in. So I had to dial it back. There were a lot of different techniques that I taught myself to get into this space. It felt like I was on my own pursuit of happiness”.
Taylor’s chemistry on screen with the young actors (Aaron Kingsley Adetola as 6-year-old Terry, Aven Courtney as 13-year-old Terry, and Josiah Cross as 17-year-old Terry) genuinely resembles a mother-and-son relationship. In my opinion, Cross had the best Terry performance because the film’s final act called for a more emotional display, given the big reveal at the end (don’t worry, no spoilers here). It was not only the performance for me, the writing was incredibly impactful.
Actor William Catlett plays Lucky, Inez’s boyfriend. He serves as a father figure to her son and provides guidance on how to manage daily as a young Black man in a world that is bound to stereotype him. Although his methods and delivery are not considered ideal, the messages are clear and understood by young Terry. I loved how the Lucky character tried his best to change his life after incarceration. Catlett, as Lucky, knocked this portrayal out of the park and is honestly one of the most underrated actors I’ve seen in a while. I hope to see his career continue to flourish.
Final Thoughts
Taylor deserves genuine applause for her role in this film. I think it should serve as proof that she CAN pull off the role of Dionne Warwick in an upcoming project. The verdict on Black Twitter is that she surely can! Even the icon herself has mentioned she would love the artist to portray her. The direction and writing of Rockwell gives film lovers a taste of the future of storytelling that Black people and POC can be proud of. A Thousand and One shows the complicated dynamics of a mother’s love which is 100% worth watching.
Synopsis: Dom (David Jonsson) and Yas (Vivian Oparah) bond over an eventful day in South London after discovering they are both recovering from bad breakups.
Would I recommend it?
Yes! This 2023 Sundance Film Festival selection checks all the boxes for a good rom-com movie, especially with the acting chops showcased by David Jonsson and Vivian Oparah. The tone and pacing of the film felt appropriate, I was at no point thrown off. Although their experience together took place in one day, it did feel like they had this journey over the course of at least a few days.
I have not been to South London, but from the looks of it, it is an excellent place to visit. This is all based on the amount of scenic exposure the director gives the audience. The environment looked spectacular. He did a good job of sucking the viewer into the locale. You almost feel like you’re there yourself.
The film pays tribute to the music of the ’70s, ’80s, and ‘90s with songs from each of these eras. I personally commend this because I love music from those periods. The nostalgia rushed over me when I heard back-to-back hit tracks during a backyard bbq scene.
I loved the chemistry between Jonsson and Oparah in this film. The dialogue between the two (including non-verbal cues) had me rooting for them to end up an item. Each brought the best out of the other, from the shy and broken Dom to the free-spirited yet delicate Yas. I haven’t felt this since Dwayne and Whitley from A Different World. I also enjoyed the lead characters’ interaction with the other personas in the film. For example, to me, the funniest moment was when Yas’ ex’s family appeared. They didn’t have much screen time but quickly had me laughing since they reminded me of my family hangouts. There was a sense of relatability that made this flick feel nostalgic.
Jonsson is already ascending in stardom, but I can for sure see Oparah as another rising star whom I wouldn’t mind watching in more projects. Oparah undoubtedly wins over the audience with her charming and fun personality.
Cinematography
What stands out in this film is how Allen-Miller uses color palettes and visuals to set the scene’s tones. For example, during flashbacks, the director uses darker purples and blues when a character reveals a heartbreaking story. The director cleverly sets up these flashbacks like stage plays where the characters are in the audience along with the movie’s viewers watching these memories play out. It’s one of my favorite things about the film; if I had to compare it to a style, I would say it resembles Boots Riley’s “Sorry to Bother You”. I look forward to seeing more work from Allen-Miller and witnessing her career flourish as she becomes a household name.
Initially, I did not understand why the art gallery at the end featured portraits of naked butts, but as I thought about it further, I realized that the beginning of the film featured pictures of people’s mouths in the art gallery. I wonder if this is supposed to be symbolic of moving from start to finish as the viewer is introduced to the mouth in the film’s opening and then as we exit the film, we are shown bare naked bums. Clever.
This is one of the best rom-com I’ve seen in a while! If you loved Brown Sugar, Love and Basketball, or Love Jones, Rye Lane is a film definitely worth your time. I can just about guarantee it’ll be added to your list of top Black rom-coms. With loveable characters, creative cinematography, and a heart-warming love story, Rye Lane is one of my favorite films of 2023 thus far.
Grasie Mercedes as Fay and Aaron Jennings as Anthony
“Grand Crew” season two is here, and it is funnier than season one within just the first few episodes! As anticipated, the first episode continues to explore Noah’s (Echo Kellum) relationship with Simone (Ashleigh Morghan) while the others continue to navigate love and life. Grand Crew is something we all can connect with, responsible(?) adulting while having friends to help us along the way.
One of the cliffhangers from last season that all the viewers have been discussing over Twitter was the relationship status of Fay (played by Grasie Mercedes) and Anthony (played by Aaron Jennings). Will they be lovers or remain friends? Queue up Usher’s “Lovers and Friends.” We won’t know until it’s revealed. While we wait for the story to unfold, Taji Mag interviewed Mercedes and Jennings about their characters, the best relationship advice they’ve gotten, and more.
Auria (for Taji Mag): What was your reaction to the show getting greenlit?
Grasie Mercedes: I was ecstatic! To be able to do it again, I mean, as an actor, it’s a miracle to even get on a show in the 1st place. And then to get the show picked up from pilot to 1st season, from 1st season to 2nd season, you’re just grateful for each time that you get to do the job.
Aaron Jennings: Yeah, I’m just so happy we got to run it back. I love all of my castmates and all the crew as well; so to get to go to work and have fun with people that you love on a SHOW that you love feels very important for the world to have right now. I was definitely just ecstatic and felt very blessed.
GRAND CREW — Season: 2 — Pictured: Grasie Mercedes as Fay — (Photo by: Jabari Jacobs/NBC)
Auria: Let’s dive a bit into the story of the show. Why do you think it’s so hard for your characters (Fay & Anthony) to be honest about their feelings? (They briefly argue over who will answer 1st to which Gracie says, “this is part of the problem lol”)
GM: I think it’s just real life, ya know? Sometimes it’s hard to be vulnerable, say how you feel, and admit how you feel. And then I think there’s an extra layer of, like, when you have a friend that you have feelings for, if you go for that, what happens if it doesn’t work out. Then you’re risking that friendship. And so, I think they’re both kind of in their heads about what this is, what this could be, and I think for Fay, she’s a little nervous [about] even getting involved, especially after the last episode where Anthony tells her that he and Talia broke up because of her. She doesn’t want that, she doesn’t want that life.
Auria: I’m glad that you mentioned the friendship aspect because that leads me to my next question. In your opinion, can two people return to being friends after dating?
AJ: I mean, I think they can. It just presents its own problems, right? I’ll say in the past I’ve dated one friend in particular and afterward we were still the best of friends. That’s not always the case, it takes two very mature people to be able to navigate that, but it’s possible. It’s definitely not easy, but it’s possible. Grasie, what sat you?
GM: I meeeean, I don’t know, I think it’s possible to stay friendly. I don’t know if it’s possible to stay friends like you were beforehand because I do think things can get complicated. But maybe I can be proven wrong, I don’t know. I think it depends on the people.
Auria: Thank you for that. Season 2 I was even funnier than season 1! What do you think is the key to the show’s success?
GM: We have an incredible writer’s room led by Phil Augusta Jackson (that’s the creator), and there’s just really really funny people who are great story tellers. I think THAT on top of the cast (we have really funny people in our cast), it’s all kind of gelled together to be even better this season.
AJ: I think the more time you have together within a show, you hope that over time the synergy just starts to really form. And I think that’s what’s happened with our show in particular. You just get more stabs at it, more times at bat. And it really helps you start to find your groove. I think we’re in a nice rhythm right now and have hit a nice stride.
Auria: How was shooting season 2 different from the first?
AJ: It went by so quickly. It went by so fast. It was still a lot of fun, a lot of laughs, even more laughs if you could believe it, but it just shot by. I feel like the 1st season…it felt a lot longer, and not that we weren’t having fun, it just felt longer…this season just blew by. I blinked and it was gone. I wish we had more opportunity to work together, so hopefully, we get a season 3 and we’ll [be able to] do that.
GRAND CREW — “Pilot” — Pictured: Aaron Jennings as Anthony — (Photo by: Justin Lubin/NBC)
Auria: I also hope you get a season 3! We’re going to get just a little bit personal right now. There are a lot of relationship things happening in this series. What is the best dating advice you’ve ever received? I’d love for both of you to answer this, so whoever wants to go first, jump in.
GM: I’m dating right now, and I will say I’ve gotten good advice from Aaron who is in a nice long-term committed relationship. But specifically, to me, he’s like “relax”. He’s always telling me to relax. And I think part of me wants to be like “f*ck you, Aaron” and then part of me is like “no, you’re right”. I think I was in a relationship for so long (I was in a relationship for 14 years and I’ve only been single for the last two years), that dating sometimes feels very anxiety ridden. You don’t know what people are thinking, and “how does this work”, and I think it really is kind of important to sit back, take a breather, and relax, take it day by day, don’t take everything so damn personally. We all have our lives, we all have a lot going on. But it’s definitely tricky dating, especially in this age when everyone’s on their phone 24/7 and people are on apps and social media. So yeah, that’s good advice I got recently.
AJ: You’re welcome, Grasie lol. I think communication is key. It’s important to just really let the other party know where you’re coming from at all times. I think when I was dating, as a man, it’s like you hear from a lot of women that they just wish that guys would be more transparent as opposed to leading them on, so to speak. I always try to be as transparent as I possibly could. With that being said though, I think grace is important, too. I think that’s important in all relationships. That sort of lends to what I was saying to Grasie. It’s like we sometimes jump to conclusions about things and maybe you should just try to give that person a little bit of grace because it may not be what you think it is. So, patience and grace, I think, will get you far.
Auria: Alright, patience and grace, I like that very much. I Want to thank you guys again for your time and, just like you said, I’m looking forward to a season 3.
AJ: From your words to God’s ears, thank you.
With the talent of Phil August Jackson, his team, and the stars of the show, it seems Grand Crew has found its footing as a standout sitcom. My hope is that this show will become one of this generation’s best Black sitcoms. So far it’s on the right track! From the improved dialogue to the flourishing chemistry of the cast, Grand Crew looks to have the potential to be greenlit for a season 3 and beyond. As Anthony said, from our words to God’s ears!
Watch Grand Crew season 2 on NBC Fridays at 8:30 pm. Stream past episodes on Peacock.
Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) v. Damian Anderson( Jonathan Majors) (photos courtsey of MGM)
Creed IIIStars: Michael B. Jordan as Adonis Creed (who is also the film’s director), Jonathan Majors as Damian Anderson, Tessa Thompson as Creed’s wife (Bianca Creed), Mila Davis-Kent as Amara Creed, and Phylicia Rashad as Mary-Anne Creed.
Synopsis: Adonis Creed’s (Michael B. Jordan) life has flourished both professionally as a Boxer and personally. An old friend and former boxing prodigy, Damian (Jonathan Majors), re-emerges after a long stint in prison, eager to live the life he always wanted as a boxing champion. The two former friends engage in the fight of their lives which is more than a boxing match; it is a fight to overcome their pasts.
Why Creed III is Worth Your Time?
Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut is nothing short of phenomenal, especially with the film being the trilogy to one of the biggest movie franchises of all time. It’s apparent that this was a passion project for Jordan as he was able to craft this great film carefully. During a recent press conference, he mentioned he’d had scenes that were all but ripped from his fingers and left on the cutting room floor, but he didn’t let that jeopardize the film’s quality. I can confirm that this project was well-paced and that the film’s tone was consistent from beginning to end.
There were rumors of former Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder appearing as the son of James “Clubber” Lang in Creed II a few years ago, which would’ve been decent provided the right script; but I am glad this particular Creed spinoff franchise was brought to life. Much kudos to the writing team of Zach Baylin (King Richard writer) and Keenan Coogler (Ryan Coogler’s brother) for putting together a story with characters compelling enough to add quality to the Rocky franchise.
The underdog storyline, which the Rocky franchise is known for, fits well into this story because we see Damian Anderson go from serving time in prison to his pursuit of living his dream as a Champion. We also see Creed’s rise from being a retired Champion to fighting his former best friend, the current Champion. Both characters must not only fight their opponent in the ring but also fight their own internal battles.
I feel like Creed III offers more depth than the more recent Rocky films because even though you have a designated antagonist and protagonist, you really can’t instantly side with Creed. You understand why Damian is the way he is; honestly, he very convincingly reflects those who have struggled with a complicated past and have had to overcome major life obstacles. I can see Ryan Coogler’s fingerprints all over this script because it’s quite similar to Black Panther‘s ruthless Kilmonger character in that you understood and almost couldn’t blame him for his actions or way of thinking.
There is a lot of American Sign Language representation in this film. With Creed and Bianca’s daughter being deaf, we see excellent attention to detail depicting what the environment would be like and how families interact with someone who is hearing impaired. Also worth a mention is Mila Davis-Kent as Creed’s adorable daughter, Amara Creed. We get a glimpse of how Creed’s actions affect his relationship with his daughter. We even see her passion for boxing showcased. Can we see how her storyline plays out when she finally puts on the gloves? That would be fun to see. Although her screen time is limited, Davis-Kent’s charisma is undeniable.
Damian Anderson (Jonathan Majors) (Photos Courtsey of MGM)
The Characters
One of the surprising elements of the film was that it is an origin story for Adonis Creed, exploring his growth from a troubled teen to the man we see today. This is accomplished seamlessly without dragging the cinema or stealing focus from the storyline. The film carefully weaves in the character’s past while dealing with actions that will undoubtedly impact his future, leading to a conflict you’re unsure if he’ll win.
The chemistry remains strong between Jordan and Thompson. They create a relationship that appears to have stood the test of time and survived the pressures of their careers. There are moments in the film where Creed is standoffish and wants to shut his family out, but the presence and voice of Thompson creates a clear path of communication, allowing Creed to be vulnerable and honest with her. Creed III shows Bianca as not only Creed’s other half but also as the glue that holds the family together.
It’s worth stating again how Mila Davis-Kent as Amara Creed was so adorable and charismatic. The moments with Jordan were like watching a genuine love between a daughter and father. Davis-Kent not only stole focus during her screen time, she respectfully represented the American Sign Language community (ASL), normalizing the community and giving attention to many small details providing a sense of authenticity appreciated by ASL and non-ASL viewers alike.
Jonathan Majors once again puts on a robust and touching performance as Damian. He makes you hate the character at moments, and sometimes you even feel sorry for him. After serving so many years in prison and feeling abandoned by Creed after receiving no contact from him and watching him live the life he planned, Damian wants his opportunity. There is just so much the character must learn and let go of, but cannot because of his haunting prison experience. Damian reminds me of Killmonger, as his actions are driven by hurt and disappointment, making him a compelling character. Being a former Golden Gloves Champion and boxing prodigy, Damian believes his dreams are still possible. When asked where Majors got the inspiration for this role, he mentions that he watched the previous Creed films and gave much credit to his stepfather. He explained, “My stepdad was locked up 15 years before he got with my mom and then raised me.” Majors also said “Like, I was the kid that was trying to make sure Dad got home on time before the parole officer got to the crib. And I watched it. You know, I watched that happen. My stepdad tried out for the Dallas Cowboys. I’m from Dallas. And almost made it to the Cowboys. He was in the second round. I watched that inspiration. I watched that hustle. You know, I watched that dream that he had”. Majors, a friend of producer Ryan Coogler, also consulted him.
Director and actor Michael B. Jordan (Photos courtesy of MGM)
Videography and Sound
I saw Creed III on Imax, of course, which was well worth it because I heard and felt every punch that was delivered during the fight scenes. The sound design in this film made me feel like I was in the match, and there were a few times I physically reacted to the punches. Especially when Michael B. Jordan takes a particular punch in the solar plexus in the third act. I really felt like I couldn’t breathe for him. There are other moments in the film where the sound design helped enhance the action and tension between the boxers.
With Jordan’s direction, the film is visually appealing with anime and The Matrix-influenced angles that help the audience stay engaged during the matches. When a boxer sees an opening, the camera allows you to see it as well, so when the punches land, you understand why it is so effective.
Jordan utilizes his skills not only when the characters are boxing, but also when he shares conversations with his wife, daughter, and Damian. I love the scenes where he places the characters in front of the giant Apollo Creed painting he has in one of his rooms, representing their passions as fighters. It also shows that Creed has forgiven his father.
Bianca Creed (Tessa Thompson), Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) and Amara Creed (Mila Davis-Kent)
The Takeaway on Creed III
This emotional and action-packed sequel is well-written and has a phenomenal cast. The film highlights male trauma, growth, forgiveness, and healing. Even if you disagree, you’ll still feel connected with the characters and understand their actions. It is a must-watch that could be shared with family and fans. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself cheering during fight scenes or even holding back tears.
Release Mar 7 2023 | Vol34 of Taji is packed full of Black Beauty & Culture fulfilling its theme of Our Men! Each volume is a tabletop collector’s item and Vol34 is no different! This volume’s cover features the #SlayBells of @charleslbrembry_iii by @jc_photography1914. Gracing the pages are the Editor’s Pick, #BlackLoveConvo: “Director Elegance Bratton On How The Inspection Explores Male Trauma” by Dapper Dr. Feel; our Community Spotlight, Felipe Patterson aka Dapper Dr. Feel; our highlighted Hair Feature; “Solo Travel: Our Connections Through Travel” by dCarrie; “Break It Down or Build It Up?” by Jashua Sa’Ra; “The Best Care is Communal Care” by Janelle Naomi; Our Vol 34 contributed photo story, “Our Men;” Joshua Leonard’s Team Supreme spotlights Disabilities, Neurodiversity, and Representation; Fitness Highlight, Jamal Hill, Award-Winning Paralympian & Educator, Wants to Teach 1M People to Swim; Vegan Fun with Earth’s Pot’s After Dark Mushroom Herb Burger; “Travis Bivans of LJE Model Agency, the Melanin Project, and Asé Visions Fashion Week;” “Grae Wellness is the Preventative Health Facility that Get’s It!”; Featured Art Piece by Craig C The Artist; Comic Book Appreciation with TEMPLE High i02 by Tyrone Jackson; “The Grey Area;” Black Business Highlights; and more!!
Taji Mag is the epitome of ‘Cultural Drip’ – elevating Black brands, narratives, and imagery to new levels of Black Excellence. We embody the traditional and modern royalty of OUR people via our quarterly digital and print publication and live events.
Release Dec 7 2022 | Vol33 of Taji is packed full of Black Beauty & Culture fulfilling its theme of Renewal! Each volume is a tabletop collector’s item and Vol33 is no different! This volume’s cover features the #SlayBells of @_raven.nicole_ by @theonewillfocus3. Gracing the pages are the Editor’s Pick, #BlackLoveConvo: “Monica Calhoun on The Best Man, Love, and Being Grateful” by Dapper Dr. Feel; our Community Spotlight, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever; our highlighted Hair Feature with Debra Hare Bey; “Solo Travel: My Recommendation – Ask More Questions” by dCarrie; “What Does Spiritual Health Look Like?” by Jashua Sa’Ra; “Be Extra! A Campaign for Extracurricular Activities” by Janelle Naomi; Our Vol 33 contributed photo story, “Renewal;” Fitness Highlight, Marshawn Lynch Retires from the NFL with $49Million; Vegan Fun with Earth’s Pot’s Garlic Jalapeño Rolls; “Why Everyone—Including You—Needs Financial Therapy” by M’Bwebe Ishangi, Founder of Cryptowoke Financial Sustainability Movement; Featured Art Piece by Justin Moultrie; Coloring Book Appreciation featuring “MERKIDZ” by Micah BlackLight; Black Business Highlights; and more!!
Taji Mag is the epitome of ‘Cultural Drip’ – elevating Black brands, narratives, and imagery to new levels of Black Excellence. We embody the traditional and modern royalty of OUR people via our quarterly digital and print publication and live events.
Release Sept 7 2022 | Vol32 of Taji is packed full of Black Beauty & Culture fulfilling its theme of Energy! Each volume is a tabletop collector’s item and Vol32 is no different! This volume’s cover features the #SlayBells of @theblack_nificent by @kundi_da_creative. Gracing the pages are the Editor’s Pick, #BlackLoveConvo: “What Emergency, the Film, Taught Me about the Value of Upbringing” by Dapper Dr. Feel; our Community Spotlight, The Got Damn Sauce; our highlighted Hair Feature with Debra Hare Bey; “Solo Travel: Finding Community In Solo Travel” by dCarrie; “Good Vibes Only is Bad Vibes” by Jashua Sa’Ra; “Conjuring Worlds — Exploring Afrofuturism in Education” by Janelle Naomi; Our Vol 32 contributed photo story, “Energy;” Fitness Highlight, Allyson Felix – Life After Olympic Track Retirement; Vegan Fun with Earth’s Pot’s Chocolate Chip Cookies; “All People Who Are Strategic Are Collecting Intelligence” by M’Bwebe Ishangi, Founder of Cryptowoke Financial Sustainability Movement; “Last Poet Daveed Nelson Re-evolves As Gg4”; Featured Art Piece by Micah BlackLight; Comic Appreciation featuring “Kishi and the Island of Dreams” by AnimeHipHop; Black Business Highlights; and more!!
Taji Mag is the epitome of ‘Cultural Drip’ – elevating Black brands, narratives, and imagery to new levels of Black Excellence. We embody the traditional and modern royalty of OUR people via our quarterly digital and print publication and live events.
Release Jun 7 2022 | Vol31 of Taji is packed full of Black Beauty & Culture fulfilling its theme of Colors! Each volume is a tabletop collector’s item and Vol31 is no different! This volume’s cover features the #SlayBells of @chrissythevocalist. Gracing the pages are the Editor’s Pick, #BlackLoveConvo: ““Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul” Explores Devotion and Relationship” by Dapper Dr. Feel; our Community Spotlight, Stop The Deregulation of the NYS Natural Hair Styling License; our highlighted Hair Feature with Debra Hare Bey; “Solo Travel: Who Am I Outside of My Blackness?” by dCarrie; “Heart and Mind are a Power Couple” by Jashua Sa’Ra; “Sankofa — Go back but don’t forget to also go forward” by Janelle Naomi; Our Vol 31 contributed photo story, “Colors;” Fitness Highlight, Rose Rollins Rocks Long Slow Exhale as Head Coach Abernathy; Vegan Fun with Earth’s Pot’s Black Bean Quinoa Burger; “Use Credit to Pay Off Debt While Building Wealth in 7 Steps” by M’Bwebe Ishangi, Founder of Cryptowoke Financial Sustainability Movement; “Healing With Hugs or Softcore Prostitution?” by Jehriko Turner; Featured Art Piece by Craig C The Artist; Comic Appreciation featuring “Kishi and the Island of Dreams” by AnimeHipHop; Black Business Highlights; and more!!
Taji Mag is the epitome of ‘Cultural Drip’ – elevating Black brands, narratives, and imagery to new levels of Black Excellence. We embody the traditional and modern royalty of OUR people via our quarterly digital and print publication and live events.
Release Mar 7 2022 | Vol30 of Taji is packed full of Black Beauty & Culture fulfilling its theme of Grounded Earth! Each volume is a tabletop collectors item and Vol30 is no different! This volume’s cover features the #SlayBells of @justhalo_. Gracing the pages are the Editor’s Pick, #BlackLoveConvo: “Aunjanue Ellis, One of the Best to Portray Black Mothers” by Dapper Dr. Feel; our Community Spotlight, Earth’s Pot Kisses Your Taste Buds; our highlighted Hair Feature with Debra Hare Bey; “Solo Travel: You’re More Prepared for Solo Travel Than You Think” by dCarrie; “Paper Can’t Hold A Marriage” by Jashua Sa’Ra; “And how are the children?” by Janelle Naomi; Our Vol 30 contributed photo story, “Grounded Earth;” Fitness Highlight, actor, Kevin Wallace; Vegan Fun with Earth’s Pot’s Hit Meh Walnut Burritos; “3 Tips For Lowering Your Grocery Bill” by Naomi Bradley; NURILENS Eyewear Prioritizes Eye Care Maintenance, Wombilee Menstrual Pads are Helping to Combat Unhealthy and Unprotected Wombs; Featured Art Piece by Craig C.; Comic Appreciation with Concept Moon; Black Business Highlights; and more!!
Taji Mag is the epitome of ‘Cultural Drip’ – elevating Black brands, narratives, and imagery to new levels of Black Excellence. We embody the traditional and modern royalty of OUR people via our quarterly digital and print publication and live events.
