JA S O N H U R T I S A I A H J O H N L A N G S TO N H U G H E S K E N M I L E S M A LC O L M DAV I D K E L L E Y
V O L U M E
QUINCY BROWN
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PUBLISHER’S LETTER
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PHOTOGRAPHY RICARDO NELSON
Ain’t No Stoppin Us Now! We’re on the move! Ain’t No Stoppin Us Now! We’ve got the groove!
Milestones are often overlooked in the present. The desire and drive to complete the task at hand overshadows the unconscious need to earmark accomplishments. We are excited to share this moment with you. Our 50th issue is quite the accomplishment. There is no denying that. However, this issue, as with all the issues before it, and the ones to follow, is about the work. We are just trying to do dope shit and showcase people who are diverse and inclusive- aligning with our core values. The human experience is multidimensional, ever evolving, and full of markers along the way to greatness. We are just doing our part to move the culture forward.
There’s been so many things that’s held us down But now it looks like things are finally comin’ around I know we’ve got, a long long way to go And where we’ll end up, I don’t know
In the beginning, forty-nine issues ago, naysayers thought we were insane starting a print magazine. So, we simply ignored their opinions. Especially the ones that were not constructive. Getting to 50 was not easy. But, nothing worth anything ever is.
But we won’t let nothin’ hold us back We’re putting ourselves together We’re polishing up our act! If you felt we’ve been held down before
There is no coincidence that the Universe aligned this moment to be commemorated with Quincy Brown on the cover. He represents this “new cool” of creatives that embrace people from all backgrounds and ideologies. Raised by none other than P. Diddy and starring on the hit Fox series, STAR, he has his eyes focused on the journey to greatness.
I know you’ll refuse to be held down anymore! Don’t you let nothing, nothing Stand in your way! I want ya’ll to listen, listen
Thanks for sticking with us. We look forward to the next 50 issues and 50 years. Be great! Be BLEU.
“A I N ’ T N O S T O P P I N U S N O W ”
McFadden & Whitehead DÉVON CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON
FOUNDER AND GROUP PUBLISHER @DEVONISBLEU
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C O N T R I B U TO R S
ELIANEL CLINTON
RICARDO NELSON
Months away from being a graduate of The Fashion Institute of Technology, Elianiel Clinton, better known as Eli, is one the path to becoming one of the top photographers of his generation. Drawing inspiration from modern fashion and Rihanna, Eli’s work always exudes an effortlessly cool quality.
Ricardo is a Jamaican born photographer based in New York City. His portraits and editorial work apply the basic principles of photography to capture the human spirit. His work has been featured in OUT magazine, Schön ! Mashable, Vogue Italia, The Advocate, The NewYork Times, Spin Magazine and GQ online. Commercial Clients have included Ford Models, J-Press, Tommy Hilfiger, billyjoelshop.com and Shop.Beyonce.com
JUAN VELOZ
AMBER “GLAM” LEON
Having shot the likes of SZA, A$AP Ferg, and Diggy Simmons New York City based photographer Juan Veloz is a premier talent in the photography world. His work can be seen on the pages of Highsnobiety, and he even shot a Topman campaign featuring famous social media influencers.
BRIAN GOODWILL
When Brian Goodwin, a debonair southern gent by nature, met Amber “Glam” Leon, a chic and charismatic California girl in New York they quickly joined forces and created the celebrity image consulting brand aptly named ‘A Guy and A Gurl’. This style dream team are the perfect rendezvous of multifaceted fashion perspectives and huge personalities operating in glamorous sync.
KENNETH KYRELL
CHRIS LAW
Ohio native Kenneth Kyrell is what the modern-day Renaissance Man looks like. Not only can you catch Kyrell as the popular resident DJ of Boozy Bounce parties, but you can also listen to him as he is one of the co-founders of The Art of Finesse podcast.
Chris Law is an accomplished writer, stylist and fashion pundit. Currently he’s an editor at Gilt and runs the successful FresherThanChris.com He resides in Brooklyn and enjoys a good drink and an even better dance break.
MAGAZINE
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T H E C R E AT I V E S
Can’t Stop ,Won’t Stop WORDS DOMINIQUE CARSON
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THE FLOW
T H E C R E AT I V E S
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C O V E R S TO R Y
Clothing KENNETH NING Shoes PUBLIC SCHOOL Watch ROLEX
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C OV E R S TO R Y
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Suit BEN SHERMAN Shirt BILLIONAIRE BOYS CLUB Watch ROLEX
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F E AT U R E
ALL AROUND ARTIST MALCOLM DAVID KELLEY CONTINUES TO EVOLVE AS AN ACTOR IN THE MOVIE, DETROIT. WORDS DOMINIQUE CARSON
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F E AT U R E
Malcolm David Kelley is not a stranger in the entertainment industry. Most viewers remember Kelley in the 2002 film, Antwone Fisher. He also had a supporting role in the film You Got Served, as Lil’ Saint. He was also featured in several commercials and other sitcoms such as Malcolm in the Middle, Girlfriends, For Your Love, Eve and Lost. But, the California native made a comeback to the big screen in 2017. He starred in the crime drama, Detroit which hit theatres on August 4th. Along with acting, Kelley is a rapper and made his music debut when he formed MKTO with former castmate, Tony Oller. The group is known for their hit, “Classic.” As you can see, he is a multitalented individual who is channeling his creativity in several outlets. Bleu Magazine spoke with the 25-year-old actor about the film, his role in the movie, Detroit, acting, music, and much more. Check it out
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BLEU MAGAZINE: How were you selected for the movie, Detroit? MALCOLM DAVID KELLEY: I definitely auditioned. Shout out to the casting
director, Vicky Thomas. She is definitely responsible for a lot of things for the movie. She is awesome. I had the pleasure and luckily the time to be apart of the film. I’m on the road and working on my music so luckily I was present for the audition. I read for Vicky Thomas for a few times but I think she already had a few people in mind for this film. I just want to thank her for giving me the opportunity to act in the movie. I was really interested because it was based on a true story. It was an eye-opening because the entire team prepared myself and the cast for the movie. I love timepieces, being that you were in the 1960’s. The director, Kathryn Bigelow was big on improv and we all got in the circle, reacted all of the scenes. She had all of us while a police officer came in and start integrating us, it was crazy. She knew how to put us in a world and actually booking the role. It showed me as time went on, how much of a genius Kathryn really is, as far as directing the film.
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