Tag Archives: NayMarie

01May/23

Taji Vol35: AfroTravel

Vol 35 Afrotravel

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; 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; 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!!

Purchase your copy now at ‘Shop Taji’!

Vol 35 Afrotravel

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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.

01Feb/23

Taji Vol34: Our Men

Taji Mag Vol 34 Our Men

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!!

Purchase your copy now at ‘Shop Taji’!

Taji Mag Vol 34 Our Men

Purchase Taji Mag | Vol 34

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.

01Dec/22

Taji Vol33: Renewal

Taji Mag Vol 33 Renewal

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!!

Purchase your copy now at ‘Shop Taji’!

Taji Mag Vol 33 Renewal

Purchase Taji Mag | Vol 33

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.

12Aug/22

Taji Vol32: Energy

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!!

Purchase your copy now at ‘Shop Taji’!

Taji Mag Vol 32 Energy

Purchase Taji Mag | Vol 32

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.

01May/22

Taji Vol31: Colors

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!!

Purchase your copy now at ‘Shop Taji’!

Taji Mag Vol 31 Colors

Purchase Taji Mag | Vol 31

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.

27Apr/22

Rose Rollins Rocks Long Slow Exhale as Head Coach Abernathy

Long Slow Exhale on Spectrum Originals

Synopsis: Set in the high-stakes world of women’s college basketball, Long Slow Exhale stars Rose Rollins, Lyric Bent, Josh Lucas, and Ian Harding. The drama follows J.C. Abernathy (Rollins), a successful Head Coach of a competitive women’s college basketball team who finds herself in the middle of a potentially career-shattering sexual abuse scandal. As she tries to find the truth among the many secrets she uncovers, she has to make hard decisions that will affect her, her family, and the team of female athletes who all rely on her.

If you’re not familiar with Rose Rollins, let’s bring you from under the rock and get you familiar. Rollins is amazing as head coach, J.C. Abernathy on Spectrum Original’s smash series, Long Slow Exhale. Taji Mag had the pleasure to enjoy a brief chat with Rollins about her time as Coach Abernathy.

Taji Mag (TM): Without spoiling anything, what can you tell us about J.C. Abernathy?

Rose Rollins (RR): Where do I start? She is a very complicated woman. She leads with strength. Obviously, she’s gotta whole lot on her plate that she kind of effortlessly handles until she’s just blindsided by so much at once, so many issues and a major scandal. So it kind of throws her off her game. And, she’s compassionate. She’s flawed. She makes a few major mistakes, but I think that the most important part is not about the mistakes she makes. It’s what she does and how she goes about remedying and correcting those mistakes and redeeming herself. I think that’s important, you know, it’s how you take accountability for what you do in life.

Rose Rollins Long Slow Exhale
Rose Rollins

TM: Absolutely! How did you prepare for this role? Were you able to speak with any other women head coaches?

RR: Cynthia Cooper. To be exact! Yeah. She was with me every step of the way and I couldn’t imagine it being anyone else. It was actually quite intimidating, especially on game days, where she’d be like, “all right, this is how you do it. You do this. Yo, yo, yo, come here.” You know? And I’m like, how am I supposed to do that?? That’s not what I’m going to do. I actually intentionally had to create J.C.’s dynamic that was a lot different from hers, just so that I don’t get in my head about how miserably I’m failing at what she’s doing. So I chose to do the exact opposite and that’s a true story!

TM: That’s actually excellent though, you did an amazing job! Were there any other challenges in preparing for this role that you came across?

RR: Yeah, just, um, the rawness in certain moments. The true honest moments that J.C. has. You can’t play those moments unless you are truthful in your own truth. That’s really hard to do sometimes because you know, human nature, we like to hide, right? Or we like to show you what we want to show you, but when you’re forced to be like, here I am, here’s my truth, it’s scary as hell. So that was definitely the biggest challenge.

TM: What do you hope the audience will receive from watching Long Slow Exhale?

RR: That you are heard, you are seen. We are fighting for you. Don’t be afraid to stand up. Your time is now.

You can binge Long Slow Exhale right now on Spectrum Originals and join the conversation via Twitter.

02Feb/22

Taji Vol30: Grounded Earth

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!!

Purchase your copy now at ‘Shop Taji’!

Vol30 Grounded Earth

Purchase Taji Mag | Vol 30

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.

18Jan/22
53rd NAACP Image Awards

Queen Sugar and All American Among Nominations for 53rd NAACP Image Awards

Today the 53rd NAACP Image Awards announced 16 nominations for Warner Bros. Television Group including some of our major favs, Queen Sugar, created for television by Emmy® winner/Oscar® nominee Ava DuVernay, and All American, from executive producer/showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll. They are both up for the Outstanding Drama Series category.

53rd NAACP Image Awards Warner Bro Nomination Highlights

Queen Sugar the 53rd NAACP Image Awards
Queen Sugar on OWN

Queen Sugar has received six nominations, including Outstanding Drama Series and acting nominations for Rutina Wesley (Nova Bordelon), Dawn-Lyen Gardner (Charley Bordelon West), Kofi Siriboe (Ralph Angel Bordelon), and Bianca Lawson (Darla).

All American has received three nominations, including Outstanding Drama Series, an acting nomination for Daniel Ezra (Spencer James), and writing for Nkechi Okoro Carroll.

Acting nomination for Anika Noni Rose received an acting nomination for the series Maid.

Director Cierra Glaude received a Breakthrough creative nomination for Queen Sugar.

Complete list of Warner Bros. Television Group Nominations

QUEEN SUGAR (Warner Bros. Television/OWN): 6 53rd NAACP Image Awards Nominations

  • Outstanding Drama Series
  • Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series: Dawn-Lyen Gardner
  • Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series: Rutina Wesley
  • Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series: Kofi Siriboe
  • Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Bianca Lawson
  • Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television): Cierra Glaude

ALL AMERICAN (WBTV/The CW): 3 Nominations

  • Outstanding Drama Series
  • Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Daniel Ezra
  • Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series: Nkechi Okoro Carroll, “Homecoming”

MAID (WBTV/Netflix): 2 Nominations

  • Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special: Anika Noni Rose
  • Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television): Quyen Tran

THE REAL (Warner Bros. Unscripted Television/Syndicated): 2 Nominations

  • Outstanding Talk Series
  • Outstanding Host in a Talk or News/Information (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble: Garcelle Beauvais, Adrienne Houghton, Loni Love, Jeannie Mai Jenkins

TED LASSO (WBTV/Apple TV+): 2 Nominations

  • Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series: Ashley Nicole Black, “Do the Right-est Thing”
  • Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series: Leann Bowen, “Lavender”

THE VOICE (Warner Bros. Unscripted Television): 1 Nomination

  • Outstanding Reality Program, Reality Competition or Game Show (Series)

Watch the 53rd NAACP Image Awards on February 26th at 8pm EST on BET.

53rd NAACP Image Awards
07Dec/21

iNTeLL of 2nd Generation Wu

© NayMarie Photography for Taji Mag | www.TajiMag.com

Often, when a gifted person becomes famous and has a child, society waits to see what talents the child develops and if they mirror their parent in any way. iNTeLL, the first-born son of U-God from the legendary rap group, Wu-Tang Clan, definitely doesn’t disappoint. It’s arguable that his pen and cadence may even outshine his father’s (which is all we really want as parents anyway), but iNTeLL never misses a beat to homage to his pops (and uncles). 2nd Generation Wu is led by iNTeLL with other Wu spawn, PXWER (son of Method Man), and features SUN GOD (son of Ghostface Killah) and Young Dirty Bastard (son of Old Dirty Bastard). Taji Mag went to Staten Island to chat with iNTeLL about his motivations and future.

Taji Mag: How did you discover you have bars? 
iNTeLL: When I was 13-years-old, my best friend told me after hearing my poetry.

Taji Mag: You are multi-disciplined, list off some of your talents outside of rapping and acting.
iNTeLL: Painting, photography, melting wax on canvas, organizing, curating, executive producing. 

Taji Mag: How was 2GWU conceived? 
iNTeLL: It was conceived once I was conceived. However, it started in 2019 after my production company, Intellectual Entertainment, did a joint venture with the independent label, Dock Street Records. I then had the space and funds to cultivate the idea into a reality. 

Taji Mag: What are some of your accomplishments that you’re most proud of? (Brag a bit lol)
iNTeLL:

  • I’ve Collaborated with Method Man, Inspectah Deck & Masta Killa from the Wu-Tang Clan. I’ve Collaborated with Snoop Dogg, current president of Def Jam Records. I’ve Collaborated with 88-Keys, whose work on DONDA is Grammy nominated. 
  • Established my own Production Company 
  • Established my own independent music label 
  • Landed Placement on Peter Rosenberg’s, of hot97, debut album 
  • One of My Hip Hop Idols and Lyrical Mentor from afar, Lupe Fiasco, referred to me as “Royalty”
  • I got to do a song with Del The Funkee Homosapien, another one of my Lyrical Mentors from afar
  • Have had Several Songs played on the Radio, FM & Sirius Satellite 
  • Received Over 1million Streams on a song
  • Created 2nd Generation Wu which will be remembered forever Alongside WU-TANG CLAN because WU-TANG is Forever For The Children.

Taji Mag: Verzuz is allowing us to see our Hip Hop favs put on full shows in their 50s, how are you preparing for longevity in your health and wellness? 
iNTeLL: Method Man started Tical Athletics, I’m bout to go to the gym with him and only drink seamoss.

iNTeLL 2nd Generation Wu
© NayMarie Photography for Taji Mag | www.TajiMag.com

Taji Mag: As the sun of U-God, do you feel pressure to carry on the Wu legacy? Why or why not?
iNTeLL: I did in my teens, but got over that early because their shoes not even the same size for me to be trying to fill them. I decided to use their soul to build my own shoes and walk my own path. A Legacy Branched out from a Legacy. Hip Hop is a Tree, not a totem. 

Taji Mag: What gems have you received about/applied to the game from any OG WuTang member? 
iNTeLL: Take your time. 
Let them hear you. 

Taji Mag: What have you discovered from your journey that you would pass on to a potential 3rd Gen Wu member?
iNTeLL: With Art, There are no rules. 

Stay connected with iNTeLL at @gftd.iNTeLL! Check out his music below and tell us what you think in the comments!

Website: Lets Make Music | Together

07Nov/21

Taji Vol29: Wata

Release Dec 7 2021 | Vol29 of Taji is packed full of Black Beauty & Culture fulfilling its theme of Wata! This volume’s cover features the #SlayBells of @Honey.Scarlette captured by @TheOneWillFocus3. Gracing the pages are the Editor’s Pick, #BlackLoveConvo: “SPIKE: A Collection of Movie Photography With Contributing Photographer, David Lee” by Dapper Dr. Feel; our Community Spotlight, MAKEDA Maska-Fleurs by FLORAFFIA©; our highlighted Hair Feature with the Moriri project; “Solo Travel: Now That I’m Outside, Here’s How I’m Managing My Travel Anxiety by dCarrie; “A Simple (But Not Easy) Formula for Freedom” by Jashua Sa’Ra; “Pedagogy in a Pandemic” by Janelle Naomi; Our Vol 29 contributed photo story, “Wata;” Fitness Highlight; Vegan Fun with Earth’s Pot’s Creamy Dream Pasta; “Eugenics & Economic Depravity by the Numbers” by M’Bwebe Ishangi, Founder of Cryptowoke Financial Sustainability Movement; Around The Way Girl Da Remix by Kaloni Cush of Seven Essential Creates; Featured Art Piece by @CraigCTheArtist; Comic Appreciation; Black Business Highlights; and more!!

Purchase your copy now at ‘Shop Taji’!

Taji Mag Vol29 Wata

Purchase Taji Mag | Vol 29

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 Pan-African people via our quarterly digital and print publication and live events.