Features

“It’s Bigger Than Me”: “First Lady 3” Producer DeJuan Ford On Storytelling and Film Production

Published

2 years ago

August 12, 2021

Executive producer and actor DeJuan Ford is coming out with a heap of exciting new projects, the latest having been “First Lady 3”, starring actress Nicole “Hoopz” Alexander in her returning role as Maria throughout the greater “First Lady” trilogy. The film premiered early this summer in June, another production brought to us by DeJuan Ford Productions— Ford’s own production company that he founded and runs, also responsible for producing such films as “McGraw Ave” and “Indictment: Who Is Johnathon Carter?”.

A self-described “cable guy turned independent film producer”, DeJuan Ford has travelled far to become the serial entrepreneur he is now. As many do in the film industry, he started off as a film lover– though not with dreams to become a producer, but to become an actor. Growing up, his mother worked at the local movie theatre. “[My sibling and I] pretty much lived there,” he recalls. “We would spend days bouncing from theatre to theatre watching movies.” Also taking in his teachers’ encouragement to start acting, Ford would audition and get cast in lead roles for school plays, eventually working his way up to auditioning for films and seeing his face on the big screen.

Like most good things, the world of production came to DeJuan Ford cloaked in disguise. His first encounter with the possible notion of film producing felt more like a roadblock than an open door. “I auditioned and won a huge role with Mula Films,” he reflects. “I was cut after the first table read.” Although he was initially upset about the cut, he began to understand that his role in the film industry was bigger than just being an actor. “After speaking with a few people within the [Mula Films] organization, the message became clear,” Ford says. “The Detroit independent film culture needed more executive producers, more people willing to invest their resources into bringing these projects to life. We have a very talented culture here in Detroit. I want to continue to share my resources and make dreams come true!”

For DeJuan Ford, that’s what it all comes down to: storytelling, sharing his blessings, and inspiring others to chase their dreams. He is, after all, a living example of what happens when one attracts the energy they put out. He insists that if he can do it, others can. “It’s bigger than me,” he asserts. “I am blessed with the opportunity to inspire others through this art form. Each film has a different message… My plan is to impact everyone. I have some really provocative and controversial scripts that I am working on as we speak.” Coming out of the release of “First Lady 3”, DeJuan Ford continues to support creators chasing their dreams and is working on three more independent films to be released this year. Through and through, he hones the impact he has as a leader on set, in his personal life as a father, and in the influential role his story has on aspiring film producers. When it comes to bearing these responsibilities, DeJuan Ford’s goal is simple. “[I plan to] continue to evolve, becoming not just a better producer and actor, but a better man, father, and partner to others.”

If you missed out on seeing “First Lady 3” when it premiered in June, now’s your chance! Watch the trailer for “First Lady 3” here and stream the full movie on Tubi TV. Be sure to keep watching and tuning into DeJuan Ford’s work by following him on Instagram @DeJuanFord and Facebook!

Features

Afro Nation Adds Fireboy DML, Sech, Mavado & More to AN Miami 2023

Published

2 weeks ago

March 7, 2023

Weasel

The premier showcase for one of the world’s most exciting music genres, Afro Nation is renowned for its global array of expertly-curated events. Making a splash with their first-ever festival in the continental United States, the eclectic festival announces the latest artist additions for Afro Nation Miami 2023, which hits loanDepot park in Miami on May 27 & 28, 2023.

Adding to the festival’s array of high-wattage Nigerian talent, ANM recruits Fireboy DML to join the lineup, which already includes headliners Burna Boy and WizKid, plus ascendant stars Rema and Asake. The latest lineup additions bolster the festival’s representation of dancehall and reggaeton–bringing Jamaican heavy-hitter Mavado and Panamanian star Sech into the fold–and bolsters the Piano People stage with even more amapiano artists. Golden Ticket, VIP, and General Admission tickets are available for sale at https://usa.afronation.com/, with single day tickets available soon.

Afro Nation Miami boasts a deep lineup that highlights the best in Afrobeats, dancehall, hip-hop, amapiano, and other Black-led musical genres. The inaugural Miami festival promises performances by rising African stars CKay, BNXN, and Black Sherif, French rapper Franglish, and many others. Shining a special spotlight on the ascendant genre of amapiano, born in South Africa, Afro Nation Miami brings the Piano People stage, featuring many more of the genre’s most exciting names including headliners Major League DJZ and Uncle Waffles.

The upcoming ANM23 follows up a groundbreaking 2022 from Afro Nation, which has established itself as a major tastemaker and advocate for African music since its founding in 2019. Afro Nation brought a high-powered group of international music stars and over 40,000 fans to the beaches of Portimáo in July for the second-ever Afro Nation Portugal, with headliners that included WizKid, Burna Boy, and Megan Thee Stallion. Earlier in the year, the innovative festival made its North American debut with Afro Nation Puerto Rico. The festival closed out 2022 with Afro Nation Ghana 2022 in Accra, Afro Nation’s first event in Ghana since 2019.

Afro Nation festivals are dedicated to providing a global platform for music from Africa and its diaspora. In addition, Afro Nation teams with BBC Radio 1xtra and the Official Charts Company to host a weekly UK Afrobeats Chart Show, and in 2022, Afro Nation partnered with Billboard to present the first-ever U.S. Afrobeats Chart.

With more milestones to cross and many unforgettable sets in the near future, Afro Nation is primed to shine an even brighter spotlight on some of the most exciting artists in music today.

Visit https://usa.afronation.com/ to buy tickets and view full information about the festival.

Watch the Afro Nation 2022 Recap Video HERE

Features

Rolling Loud California 2023’s Sunday Night Was A Movie!

Published

2 weeks ago

March 6, 2023

Weasel

Rolling Loud California 2023 packed in dozens of performances over three action-packed days, bringing rap superstars, respected OGs, and the hottest rising stars to Hollywood Park for an unforgettable weekend. In the shadow of the state-of-the-art SoFi Stadium and under an endless stream of planes flying into nearby LAX, the California festival had a special vibe from the start, with fans and artists alike knowing well that the whole world had their eyes on hip-hop’s biggest stage.

Sunday was another banner day for the world’s largest rap festival. Closing out the festival, and opening “March Madness,” with a bang, Future performed his fan-favorite hits and brought out special guests like A$AP Ferg and Present. Lil Uzi Vert brought the house down with his usual energy and his new top ten hit “Just Wanna Rock.” Lil Yachty was one of the day’s most talked about artists, performing material from his genre-bending album Let’s Start Here. Trippie Redd brought out some high-wattage special guests, including Roddy Ricch, and DDG.

Earlier in the day, fans enjoyed historic performances from some of the most exciting names in the genre, including Ice Spice‘s first-ever festival set and Central Cee‘s U.S. festival debut. The hometown heroes were out in abundance on Sunday. OhGeesy led the way, performing his hits and inviting fellow Californians Kamaiyah, Bino Rideaux, and ASM Bopster, and while other Angelenos like BlueBucksClan, OT Genasis, and Inglewood’s own Rucci threw it down for their hometown fans.

Founded by Matt Zingler and Tariq Cherif, Rolling Loud continues to deliver the most exciting live experiences in rap, with no plans to stop innovating anytime soon. Rolling Loud California was a bold first step in the festival’s most ambitious year yet.

Stay tuned for more as 2023 continues, including debuts in Thailand, Rotterdam, and Germany, a return to Portugal, and the big one…the eighth Rolling Loud Miami.

Check below for photos of some of the most memorable moments from the festival, view a full complement of photos at the Dropbox below, and be sure to follow Rolling Loud on Instagram for even more highlights.

View photos of Rolling Loud California 2023 (please credit all photos to Rolling Loud / @photographer): https://www.dropbox.com/sh/fp4djz73grrndw4/AAATTlyh5PZAiUDxf_npmLtma?dl=0

View full performance clips at https://www.youtube.com/c/rollingloud

Buy Rolling Loud merch: shoprollingloud.com

Features

Sovereign Brands Launches The Deacon Scotch Whisky!

Published

1 month ago

February 6, 2023

Weasel

Renowned wine and spirits company Sovereign Brands has launched a new Scotch Whisky in collaboration with Pernod Ricard, THE DEACON.

THE DEACON is a premium blended Scotch Whisky made from hand selected whiskies, including those from Scotland’s historic Islay and Speyside regions, and is set to disrupt the whisky category, following in the footsteps of Sovereign’s smash-hit portfolio of wine and spirits. THE DEACON marks Sovereign’s first foray into whisky with a masterful blend that includes smoky mainland and peaty Islay malt whiskies, making THE DEACON a complex, rich and smoky dram.

Charred orange, sweet malty biscuits and woodsmoke on the nose give way to juicy orange, delicate spice and tangy peat. Single malts from Islay give THE DEACON its peaty smoke flavor, while single malts from the mainland of Scotland give the Scotch its bonfire-like smoky character. The result is a smoky, sweet, and peaty flavor with a long and smooth finish, making THE DEACON a delectable choice to drink neat or in your favorite cocktail. The final bottling strength is 40% ABV.

Traditional copper pot stills used in the distillation process lend their iconic shine to THE DEACON’s stunning vessel, an elegant, embossed bottle with an eye-catching illustrated label which looks like nothing else on the shelf or back-bar. This is a whisky that stands out in both appearance and taste. Depicted on the label is a curious masked and be-goggled character. Is it The Deacon? In Scots, the title refers to an adept and proficient master tradesman — a “Deacon” is a master of their craft. The expert distillers behind THE DEACON fit the name perfectly. To be a “Deacon” is to be the best, a quality that Sovereign Brands owners Brett and Brian Berish imbue in each and every one of their brands.

We’re not competing. We’re innovating,” Brett Berish, CEO and co-founder of Sovereign Brands explains. “We’ve lent our disruptive style to our first Scotch Whisky, creating a premium and compelling product that is like nothing else on the market. We’ve moved away from traditional labeling and bottle design with a metallic copper package and an unorthodox label. Most importantly, this is the most well-balanced, complex but drinkable taste profile. It is layered but smooth, making THE DEACON a whisky that is made to be enjoyed.”

THE DEACON joins a portfolio of notable and established wines and spirits: Luc Belaire Sparkling Wine, Bumbu Rum, McQueen and the Violet Fog Gin and Villon Liqueur–– in addition to a star-studded roster of celebrity brand ambassadors and influential supporters, including artists Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa, DJ Khaled and others.

Interested consumers can sign up for news on local availability HERE. SRP: $39.99

For more updates, launch announcements and brand news, visit our website, DeaconWhisky.com and follow @DeaconWhisky on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.