Shelley Wade
Media Personality at 94.7 FM The Block
THHM 2025 Gala I 10.15.2025
Location: Cipriani Wall StreetI Manhattan, NYC
“VIP Guest Attendee”
Steve Lobel
CEO of A2Z Entertainment and “WeWorking”
THHM 2025 Gala I 10.15.2025
Location: Cipriani Wall StreetI Manhattan, NYC
“VIP Guest Attendee”
YoYo
Hip Hop Artist, Actress, & Reality TV Star
THHM 2025 Gala I 10.15.2025
Location: Cipriani Wall StreetI Manhattan, NYC
“Gala Host”
Adam Saunders
Actor, Director, Writer & Producer
“Re-Election” Red Carpet Movie Premiere I 10.9.2025
Location: Regal Cinemas Union Square I Manhattan, NYC
“Film Star (Role Jimmy Bauer), Writer, Director & Producer”
Multi-hyphenate Adam Saunders’ most recent film, DOTTY & SOUL, premiered in 2023 & sold to Showtime. The film was written, directed & produced by Saunders, who also stars in the film opposite Emmy & Tony Award-winning actress Leslie Uggams. It was produced by Footprint Features, the production company Adam co-founded. With Footprint, he has produced DARBY AND THE DEAD (dir. Silas Howard, starring Auli’i Cravalho) for 20th Century Studios; WHEN WE FIRST MET (dir. Ari Sandel, starring Adam Devine) for Netflix; SHIMMER LAKE (dir. Oren Uziel, starring Rainn Wilson) for Netflix; ABOUT ALEX (dir. Jesse Zwick, starring Aubrey Plaza) for Sony; and FAMILY WEEKEND (dir. Benjamin Epps, starring Joey King) for Paramount. He holds a BA in Drama from Duke University & an MFA in Acting from the Yale School of Drama.
Bex Taylor-Klaus
Actor
“Re-Election” Red Carpet Movie Premiere I 10.9.2025
Location: Regal Cinemas Union Square I Manhattan, NYC
“Film Co-Star I Role: Noa Polly”
In 2011, Bex Taylor-Klaus was introduced as one of the 1st & most well-received transgender roles on cable TV on the critically acclaimed THE KILLING. They have been a catalyst & inspired more ideas for transgender, trans nonbinary & non-conforming representation in Hollywood over the last decade. In the last couple of years Bex has been in leading roles such as CBS Films’ HELLFEST along w/the Netflix hit, DUMPLIN’ where they played a supporting role opposite Jennifer Aniston and they can also be seen in Millennium’s BLACKBIRD opposite Kate Winslet & Susan Sarandon.
Other credits include “Scream: The TV Series” (2015–2016), “Arrow” (2013–2019), “13 Reasons Why” (2018–2019), “Voltron: Legendary Defender” (2016–2018) and “Deputy” (2020).
Bob & Jeanne Berney
Picture House CEO & COO
“Re-Election” Red Carpet Movie Premiere I 10.9.2025
Location: Regal Cinemas Union Square I Manhattan, NYC
“Film Distributors”
With 691 Award Nominations, 263 Wins & Grossing over 1.2B Box Office Sales, Picturehouse is a Los Angeles-based marketing and distribution company led by CEO Bob Berney & COO Jeanne R. Berney. The company acquires, markets & distributes global stories of all types across all platforms. Originally formed in 2005 as a joint venture between Time Warner’s HBO Films & New Line Cinema, the Picturehouse brand has a long history & future of storied excellence.
Picturehouse provides strategy, planning & execution from acquisition through distribution. Bringing a filmmaker focused, audience-centric approach to the creative marketing & theatrical release process.
Some notable films include: Pans Labyrinth, Donnie Darko, Memento, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, The Passion of The Christ & much more..
Kym Whitley
Actress, Comedian & Podcast Host
“Re-Election” Red Carpet Movie Premiere I 10.9.2025
Location: Regal Cinemas Union Square I Manhattan, NYC
“Film Co-Star I Role: Donna McCloud”
Daytime Emmy-Nominated actress for her menacing role as Big Candi on THE BAY. In addition, Kym is a 3x NAACP Image Award-winner for her “Two Funny Mamas” podcast, alongside her partner-in-crime, Sherri Shepherd. As an actress, author, comedian, and multi-award-winning 12 podcaster, namely the 2023 Signal Award winner for her Audible podcast.
She’s appeared in YOU PEOPLE (2023) as Aunt Nadine, OUTLAW JOHNNY BLACK (2023) as Sister Betty, and KILLING MARY SUE (2025), where she plays Anita Koch. She also stars as a part of the AA group alongside Adam Sandler in Netflix’s sequel HAPPY GILMORE 2 (2025), portraying the character of Bessie. In addition, Whitley is a producer of the animated short WALK IN THE LIGHT, a powerful true story about a blind man who helped rescue people during the Oklahoma City bombing. On the hosting front, Whitley brought her charm and humor to BET+ as co-host of the reality series I LOVE US alongside Kountry Wayne, celebrating Black culture and comedy. With her dynamic range and enduring appeal, Kym Whitley continues to be a beloved figure in film, television, and live entertainment. Her comedic imprint has been seen on TV series such as CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM (HBO), RAISING WHITLEY (OWN), ACT YOUR AGE (Netflix), and countless others. There is never a dull moment with Kym!
Rizwan Manji
Actor, V/O Actor, Ventriloquist and Comedian
“Re-Election” Red Carpet Movie Premiere I 10.9.2025
Location: Regal Cinemas Union Square I Manhattan, NYC
“Film Co-Star I Role: Manish Singh”
Toronto born actor, his breakthrough roles includes: Rajiv Gidwani in NBC’s Outsourced, Ray Butani on Schitt’s Creek, a role for which he earned a Canadian Screen Award nomination, Tick Pickwick on The Magicians (Seasons 2–5), Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Mr. Robot, Better off Ted & Beauty & The Beast A 30TH CELEBRATION, a musical television special created by ABC in honor of the classic movie, starring Rita Moreno, Josh Groban, and H.E.R.
He’s also appeared in films like The Dictator, Charlie Wilson’s War, Transformers, The Wolf of Wallstreet, SHAZAM! Fury of The Gods & Journey to Bethlehem and more..
Manji hosts a podcast called The Brighter Side of News
Tony Danza
Actor & Singer
“Re-Election” Red Carpet Movie Premiere I 10.9.2025
Location: Regal Cinemas Union Square I Manhattan, NYC
“Film Co-Star I Role: Stan Bauer”
Emmy & Golden Globe Nominated actor, Tony Danza has been one of the world’s most beloved and iconic entertainers for over 40 years.
Perhaps best known for his starring roles on two of television’s most cherished and long-running series, TAXI and WHO’S THE BOSS, Danza has also starred in hit films such as ANGELS IN THE OUTFIELD, SHE’S OUT OF CONTROL, HOLLYWOOD KNIGHTS, and DON JON.
Well-established as a song-and-dance man, Danza has also starred on Broadway in THE PRODUCERS, A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE, and most recently received rave reviews for his performance in the Broadway musical comedy HONEYMOON IN VEGAS, with The New York Times calling his performance “sly genius” and a “career high.” He received an Emmy nomination for his guest spot on THE PRACTICE, and has recently made special appearances on hit shows like BLUE BLOODS, AND JUST LIKE THAT…, and BROAD CITY. Danza most recently starred in the animated feature RUMBLE for Paramount, the Hulu original film DARBY & THE DEAD, the Netflix series THE GOOD COP, the limited series THERE’S JOHNNY on Hulu, and the hit Starz series POWER BOOK III: RAISING KANAN
Big Bub
R&B/Soul & New Jack Swing Music Artist & Producer
The Reewind Network Black Excellence Fundraising Gala I 9.13.2025
Location: Kalahari Resorts I Poconos, PA
“Event Performer”
American R&B singer, songwriter & producer, best known for his deep, soulful voice & smooth style. He first gained recognition as the lead singer of the R&B group Today, formed in the mid-1980s. The group was discovered by Teddy Riley & managed by Gene Griffin, helping pioneer the New Jack Swing era. Today had hits like "Girl I Got My Eyes on You" and "Him or Me".
After Today disbanded, Big Bub launched his solo career in the early 1990s.
His debut album, Comin’ at Cha (1992), included the singles “I Don’t Mind” & “Tellin’ Me Stories”.
He followed with albums like Timeless (1997) & Never Too Late (2000). His music blended R&B, gospel & hip hop influences.
He’s worked with and wrote for artists such as Teddy Riley, Heavy D, Queen Latifah, and Faith Evans, solidifying his reputation in the R&B and hip hop communities
Christopher Williams
R&B/Soul Music Artist, Actor & Producer
The Reewind Network Black Excellence Fundraising Gala I 9.13.2025
Location: Kalahari Resorts I Poconos, PA
“Event Performer”
American R&B singer, songwriter & actor, best known for his success in the late 1980s & 1990s as part of the New Jack Swing era.
His most successful project came with Changes (1992), which included his signature hit “I’m Dreamin’,” a No. 1 R&B single from the New Jack City soundtrack. Known for his smooth tenor voice, Williams was considered one of the leading male R&B crooners of his era.
As an actor, he appeared in films such as New Jack City (1991), playing Kareem Akbar alongside Wesley Snipes, Ice-T, and Mario Van Peebles. He also had roles in TV series including New York Undercover & guest appearances on various shows.
Williams is the nephew of legendary jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald.
Dave Tolliver
R&B/Soul & New Jack Swing Music Artist & Producer
The Reewind Network Black Excellence Fundraising Gala I 9.13.2025
Location: Kalahari Resorts I Poconos, PA
“Event Performer”
American R&B/Soul & New Jack Swing singer, songwriter, actor, author, producer & motivational speaker, best known as one-half of the group Men at Large. The group was formed in the early 1990s in Cleveland, Ohio, under the mentorship of the late Gerald LeVert. The group (Dave Tolliver and Jason Champion) became known for their blend of soulful ballads and New Jack Swing–influenced tracks. Their self-titled debut album Men at Large (1992) included hits like: “Use Me”, “So Alone” (a Billboard R&B Top 10 hit) and “Um Um Good”
Monifah
R&B/Soul Music Artist, Actress & Producer
The Reewind Network Black Excellence Fundraising Gala I 9.13.2025
Location: Kalahari Resorts I Poconos, PA
“Event Performer”
American R&B singer, songwriter, actress & producer who rose to fame in the 1990s.
Shh was discovered & mentored by Heavy D, she signed w/Uptown Records. Her debut album, Moods...Moments (1996), featured the hit “I Miss You (Come Back Home)” & collaborations w/Heavy D. Her 2nd album, Mo’hogany (1998), included her biggest hit, “Touch It” – which became a Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 single & a club anthem
As an actress, she has appeared in films & TV, including roles in Loving Jezebel & Dirty Laundry. She was also a cast member on TV One’s R&B Divas: Atlanta (2012–2014), where she shared her journey of music, motherhood & personal growth.
Monifah made history as the first Black female R&B artist to publicly come out as gay on Nat’l TV when she appeared on R&B Divas.
Christal Young
Fox 5 NY Television Personality, journalist reporter, and Producer
Omniscient Things Fashion Show by Phillip Bloch I NYFW “The Kick Off” I 9.10.2025
Location: Good Night New York I Fox 5 Studios I Manhattan, NY
“Co-Host of Good Night New York”
Emmy Award-winning journalist and a prominent on-air personality at FOX 5 New York (WNYW-TV). She serves as the co-host of Good Night New York and a reporter for Good Day New York. A native New Yorker, Christal is known for her vibrant storytelling and her passion for exploring the city's food, fashion, and cultural scenes
Fern Mallis
Creator of New York Fashion Week
Omniscient Things Fashion Show by Phillip Bloch I NYFW “The Kick Off” I 9.10.2025
Location: Good Night New York I Fox 5 Studios I Manhattan, NY
“VIP Guest Attendee”
Creator of New York Fashion Week (NYFW) & Fashion Executive
Mallis hosts the acclaimed "Fashion Icons with Fern Mallis" series at New York’s 92nd Street Y, featuring in-depth interviews with renowned designers such as Calvin Klein, Donna Karan & Diane von Furstenberg
• Former Executive Director Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA & Former Sr VP: IMG Fashion
• Fern Mallis LLC: In 2010, Mallis founded her own international fashion & design consultancy, Fern Mallis LLC, offering strategic advice & insights to various fashion entities
Hymn Marley
Reggae Music Artist
Omniscient Things Fashion Show by Phillip Bloch I NYFW “The Kick Off” I 9.10.2025
Location: Good Night New York I Fox 5 Studios I Manhattan, NY
“VIP Guest Attendee”
Jamaican born Reggae Music Artist, Stephan "Hymn" Marley, is ihe second eldest son of reggae artist, Stephen Marley, and grandson to world-renown and musical icons, Bob and Rita Marley, comes from a long line of musically inclined, and gifted musicians.
Marley’s musical roots started in Jamaica as a child. From shadowing his grandmother Rita at the Marley family’s many business ventures, to being influenced by his father and uncles, who continue to have a profound mark within the music industry and globally. Marley continues to immerse himself in his own craft.
Jill Hennessy
Actress & Folk/Country/Roots Rock Music Artist
Omniscient Things Fashion Show by Phillip Bloch I NYFW “The Kick Off” I 9.10.2025
Location: Good Night New York I Fox 5 Studios I Manhattan, NY
“Fashion Show Model”
Canadian actress and singer-songwriter renowned for her roles in television and film.
Hennessy gained prominence with her portrayal of Assistant District Attorney Claire Kincaid on Law & Order from 1993 to 1996. She further solidified her fame as Dr. Jordan Cavanaugh in the NBC series Crossing Jordan, which aired from 2001 to 2007. Her film credits include RoboCop 3, Chutney Popcorn, Wild Hogs and The Acting Class, the latter of which she co-wrote and co-directed. She has also appeared in various television series such as The Good Wife, Madam Secretary, and City on a Hill.
Before her acting career took off, Hennessy honed her musical talents by busking in Toronto's subway system. She released her debut album, Ghost in My Head, in 2009, followed by I Do in 2015. Her music blends elements of folk and country, drawing comparisons to artists like Bonnie Raitt and Jennifer Nettles
Kelsie Watts
Actress, Broadway Star & Pop Music Artist
Omniscient Things Fashion Show by Phillip Bloch I NYFW “The Kick Off” I 9.10.2025
Location: Good Night New York I Fox 5 Studios I Manhattan, NY
“Fashion Show Performer”
Actress & Pop Recording Artist, who is currently starring as Queen Jane Seymour in SIX: The Musical on Broadway. Texas born multi-talented performer, she gained wider recognition on Season 19 of The Voice as a Team Kelly contestant, later releasing music and collaborating with pop icons like AJ McLean (Backstreet Boys), O-Town, Lance Bass (*NSYNC), and Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Nicole Miller
Fashion Designer
Omniscient Things Fashion Show by Phillip Bloch I NYFW “The Kick Off” I 9.10.2025
Location: Good Night New York I Fox 5 Studios I Manhattan, NY
“VIP Guest Attendee”
Fashion designer known for her bold prints, artful draping, and a modern, feminine aesthetic that blends Parisian couture with New York City edge. Since founding her namesake brand in 1982, she has built one of the most enduring and recognizable fashion empires in the U.S.
1982: Miller launched her brand in New York City, quickly gaining attention for her innovative use of prints and sculptural silhouettes.
1986: She opened her first boutique on Madison Avenue, solidifying her presence in the fashion industry
Maryanne Grisz
Global President and CEO of Fashion Group International (FGI)
Omniscient Things Fashion Show by Phillip Bloch I NYFW “The Kick Off” I 9.10.2025
Location: Good Night New York I Fox 5 Studios I Manhattan, NY
“VIP Guest Attendee”
Fashion executive, producer, and consultant best known for her work leading Fashion Group International (FGI), a global nonprofit professional organization for fashion, beauty, and design industries.
As FGI CEO, she oversees programs, business strategy, and initiatives that support professionals across fashion, retail, beauty, and related industries.
Grisz has an extensive background in fashion, production, and media. She has produced large-scale fashion events, worked in brand strategy, and collaborated with designers and creatives to bridge business and artistry.
Under her leadership, FGI continues to provide trend analysis, networking opportunities, mentorship, and educational programs, maintaining its status as a key resource for fashion professionals worldwide.
Nancy Donahue
Supermodel & Actress
Omniscient Things Fashion Show by Phillip Bloch I NYFW “The Kick Off” I 9.10.2025
Location: Good Night New York I Fox 5 Studios I Manhattan, NY
“Fashion Show Model”
Fashion model and actress. She graced the covers of American, French, Italian, and British Vogue, as well as Mademoiselle, Self, Redbook, Glamour, The New York Times, and More. Her runway work included appearances for designers such as Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, and Perry Ellis in New York and Hong Kong. She also appeared in catalogs for Lord & Taylor, Neiman Marcus, and Bloomingdale's.
Ty Hunter
Celebrity Stylist
Omniscient Things Fashion Show by Phillip Bloch I NYFW “The Kick Off” I 9.10.2025
Location: Good Night New York I Fox 5 Studios I Manhattan, NY
“VIP Guest Attendee”
Renowned American celebrity stylist, entrepreneur, and author, best known for his long-standing collaboration with Beyoncé. His journey into the fashion industry began in Houston, Texas, where he worked at a boutique and met Beyoncé's mother, Tina Knowles. This connection led to Hunter styling Destiny's Child in the late 1990s, marking the start of a decades-long partnership with Beyoncé
Hunter's work with Beyoncé includes styling for major events such as the Met Gala and world tours like "The Mrs. Carter Show," "I Am...," and "On the Run." His designs are celebrated for their blend of glamour, comfort, and functionality, often incorporating quick-change elements to accommodate Beyoncé's dynamic performances.
Beyond styling, Hunter is an entrepreneur who created the Ty-Lite, a selfie-enhancing phone case with built-in lighting. He is also the author of "Makeover From Within," a book that delves into personal transformation and self-empowerment
In 2025, Hunter rejoined Beyoncé's styling team for her "Cowboy Carter" tour, reaffirming their strong professional bond
Deborah Gregory
Author, Fashion Designer, Performer, and Journalist
Unlabelled Awards I 8.30.2025
Location: The Penthouse I Manhattan, NY
“VIP Guest Attendee”
Author, performer and multi-talented creative best known for writing The Cheetah Girls book series, which was later adapted into Disney Channel’s popular film franchise starring Raven-Symoné, Adrienne Bailon, Kiely Williams, and Sabrina Bryan.
Beyond her success with The Cheetah Girls, Gregory is also a journalist, comedian, and entrepreneur. She has written for publications like Essence and Entertainment Weekly, and she often draws on her own life experiences growing up in foster care to inspire her storytelling and advocacy work.
In addition to writing, Gregory has performed stand-up comedy and has worked in fashion and entertainment. Her vibrant personality and unique voice helped make The Cheetah Girls a cultural touchstone for young readers and later a global Disney phenomenon.
DJ Madout
Dancehall/Reggae Music DJ & Music Producer
Unlabelled Awards I 8.30.2025
Location: The Penthouse I Manhattan, NY
“Award Recipient”
A dynamic DJ originally from New York and the Caribbean, now making waves on both the local and international music scenes.
Career highlights include serving as the touring DJ for the internationally acclaimed R&B artist Natalie Cole, as well as collaborations with notable figures such as Keke Palmer, Swizz Beatz, Lloyd Banks, Gucci Mane, Ace Hood, and Juelz Santana. These partnerships showcase his versatility and broad appeal in the music world.
Most recently, DJ Madout was added to the Let The Cocks Crow show on Irie Jam Radio, further expanding his influence and bringing his passion for reggae, dancehall, and global sounds to an even wider audience. With his growing platform, DJ Madout remains committed to pushing boundaries and championing the sounds of the Caribbean on the world stage.
Dorian Jihad
Celebrity Stylist & Digital Marketing CEO
Unlabelled Awards I 8.30.2025
Location: The Penthouse I Manhattan, NY
“Award Recipient”
He is the founder and CEO of two ventures: Styles by Dorian Jihad, a fashion styling service “&”
Billboards Kings LLC: a digital billboard publishing business
Over his career, Dorian Jihad has styled notable figures in both high fashion and streetwear: Sukihana, Javale McGee, Young Paris, Lil JUFU, and Nicole Ray among his clientele. One unique project included dressing Nicki Minaj’s younger sister, Ming, a 15-year-old, where he balanced age-appropriate style with his signature flair
His billboard work has featured personalities like Jayda Cheaves, Alexis Sky, La’Britney (from Love & Hip Hop LA), Lil Jufu, Asian Doll, and Sukihana, and has even included collaboration with streaming platforms like Tubi
Drew Sidora
Actress, Singer, Dancer & Reality TV Star “RHOA”
Unlabelled Awards I 8.30.2025
Location: The Penthouse I Manhattan, NY
“Event Host”
At nine, she starred in the TV movie Divas, marking her first onscreen appearance
TV Roles
She appeared in several popular shows including Girlfriends, That's So Raven (as Chantel), The O’Keefes, What I Like About You, and Without a Trace
Films & Breakthrough Moments
Her early film roles included White Chicks (2004), Never Die Alone (2004), and the beloved dance film Step Up (2006), where she played Lucy Avila and showcased her singing talents on tracks like “For the Love” and “‘Til the Dawn” She later starred in Wild Hogs (2007), B-Girl (2009), CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story (2013)—where she portrayed Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins—and more
Reality TV
Drew joined the cast of The Real Housewives of Atlanta starting Season 13 in late 2020, adding a reality TV dimension to her multifaceted career
Music Career
Signed with J Records in 2006 and later with Slip-n-Slide Records. Featured on Step Up soundtrack (2006), released the single "Juke It" (2010), and in 2022 released a single titled "Already Know." In 2025, she launched her debut album I Did It to Me, featuring tracks such as its title song and “Love 4 a Min”
Phillip Bloch
Celebrity Stylist, Fashion Designer, Author , TV Personality & Podcast Host
Unlabelled Awards I 8.30.2025
Location: The Penthouse I Manhattan, NY
“Award Recipient”
Celebrity stylist, fashion designer (OMNISCIENT THINGS / GODSTUFF CLOTHING), author, and television personality. He rose to prominence in the 1990s and 2000s as one of Hollywood’s most in-demand stylists, working with A-list clients such as Halle Berry, Sandra Bullock, Jennifer Lopez, Michael Jackson, and Salma Hayek. Known for his bold fashion choices and red-carpet influence, Bloch became a trendsetter who helped shape celebrity style during awards season.
Beyond styling, he has appeared frequently as a fashion commentator on outlets like CNN, E! News, Access Hollywood, and The Today Show. He has also written books on style, including Elements of Style (2000) and The Shopping Diet (2010). In addition, Bloch has ventured into acting and producing, further broadening his entertainment career.
Today, Phillip Bloch is recognized as a pioneer in celebrity styling, blending fashion expertise with media savvy, and remains a respected voice in the fashion and entertainment industries.
Susan Peters
Nigerian Nollywood Actress
Unlabelled Awards I 8.30.2025
Location: The Penthouse I Manhattan, NY
“VIP Guest Attendee”
Nigerian actress, model, interior decorator, and entrepreneur.
She studied Computer Science and later trained in acting at the Video Waves and Visuals (V.W.V.) film school in Kaduna. Susan entered Nollywood in the early 2000s and gained recognition for her versatile roles in drama and romance films.
Over the years, she has featured in more than 50 Nollywood movies, including titles like:
Bursting Out (2010)
The Hammer (2010)
Tears in Heaven
Emotional Blackmail
Wasted Effort
Her performance in Bursting Out and other works earned her critical praise and nominations at major Nigerian film awards.
Beyond acting, Susan is also a successful businesswoman, running an interior design firm and fashion boutique. She is known for her elegant style and has been a brand ambassador for several companies.
She has won awards such as:
Best Supporting Actress at the Best of Nollywood Awards
Most Stylish Actress (City People Awards)
Annie Ilonzeh
Actress
“Run” NYC Movie Premiere & Private Screening I 8.25.2025
Location: AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9 I Harlem, NY
“Film Star”
She is best known for her work in television and film including
TV Work: S.W.A.T., Chicago Fire, Arrow, General Hospital & Charlie’s Angels Re-boot
Film Work: Appeared in movies like “He’s Just Not That Into You”, “Peppermint” (alongside Jennifer Garner), and All Eyez on Me , where she portrayed Tupac’s fiancée Kidada Jones.
Chinese Kitty
Hip Hop Artist & Reality TV Star “Love and Hip Hop Miami”
“Run” NYC Movie Premiere & Private Screening I 8.25.2025
Location: AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9 I Harlem, NY
“VIP Guest Attendee”
Rapper, reality TV personality, and social media influencer from Queens, New York.
She first gained attention as a model and Instagram personality, later becoming known through appearances on VH1’s Love & Hip Hop: Miami. She’s also the daughter of model and socialite Chinese Nicky, which connected her early on to the fashion and nightlife scene.
As a rapper, Chinese Kitty is recognized for her bold style, energetic delivery, and confident lyrics. She has released singles such as "Kitty Walk" and "Actin Stupid", and she dropped her debut project Kitty Bandz in 2019. She’s collaborated with artists like Fabolous, French Montana, and Dave East, while also building her own fan base in the hip hop scene.
Claudia Jordan
TV/Radio personality, actress, and model
“Run” NYC Movie Premiere & Private Screening I 8.25.2025
Location: AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9 I Harlem, NY
“Film Co-Star”
She is best known for her appearances on reality television, hosting gigs, and her work in radio.
Gained national attention as a model on Deal or No Deal (holding case #1) and as a “Barker’s Beauty” on The Price Is Right.
Appeared on RHOA (S7) & Celebrity Apprentice.
Has had roles in TV shows & films, including Sharknado 2 and Gang of Roses 2.
Hosting & Radio: Worked as a co-host on The Rickey Smiley Morning Show & on Fox Soul with shows like Cocktails with Queens alongside Vivica A. Fox, LisaRaye McCoy, and Syleena Johnson.
Pageants: Won Miss Rhode Island Teen USA (1990) & later competed in Miss USA 1997 representing Rhode Island.
DJ DonDada
Director, Producer & Reality TV Star “Black Ink Crew”
“Run” NYC Movie Premiere & Private Screening I 8.25.2025
Location: AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9 I Harlem, NY
“VIP Guest Attendee”
Donna Marie Lombardi, better known by her stage name DJ DonDada, is a DJ, tattoo artist, and reality TV personality. She first gained widespread recognition as part of VH1’s hit series Black Ink Crew, where she showcased her talents as both a tattoo artist and DJ.
Over time, Donna built her name in the nightlife and entertainment scene under her DJ alias DJ DonDada, performing at clubs, private events, and hip hop functions. Her style mixes hip hop, R&B, reggae, and dancehall, reflecting her vibrant personality.
Beyond DJing, Donna is known for her artistry, bold fashion sense, and being a popular TV personality with a strong social media following. She’s leveraged her reality TV fame into entrepreneurial moves in entertainment and branding.
Erica Pinkett
Actress, Model & Reality TV Star “Love and Hip Hop Atlanta”
“Run” NYC Movie Premiere & Private Screening I 8.25.2025
Location: AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9 I Harlem, NY
“Film Co-Star”.
Actress, model, and reality TV personality originally from Boston, Massachusetts. She is best known for her role in the blockbuster movie “All Eyez on Me” (2017), the Tupac Shakur biopic, where she played Ayanna Jackson.
She is also known for her appearance on VH1’s Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta during season 3 (2014), where she was introduced as a friend of Scrappy and quickly became known for her outspoken personality and conflicts with castmates.
Erica has also been featured in music videos and worked as a model as well.
Moe Money
Reality TV Star “Love and Hip Hop New York”
“Run” NYC Movie Premiere & Private Screening I 8.25.2025
Location: AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9 I Harlem, NY
“VIP Guest Attendee”
Rapper, singer, and reality TV personality best known for appearing on VH1’s Love & Hip Hop: New York (Season 6).
She came onto the show as one half of the rap duo BBOD (Bad Bitches on Deck), alongside her cousin Lexxy. The group gained attention in the NYC music scene for their club anthems and flashy style. On Love & Hip Hop: NY, their storyline focused on their attempt to break into the industry while dealing with internal conflicts, industry politics, and rivalries with other cast members like Bianca Bonnie (formerly Young B).
Outside of the show, Moe Money has continued making music as both a solo artist and with BBOD, releasing singles that blend hip hop with club-ready vibes. She’s also active on social media, where she connects with fans and shares updates about her music, personal life, and appearances.
Renee Graziano
Reality TV Star VH1 “Mob Wives”
“Run” NYC Movie Premiere & Private Screening I 8.25.2025
Location: AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9 I Harlem, NY
“VIP Guest Attendee”
TV personality, author, and entrepreneur best known as one of the main stars of the VH1 reality series Mob Wives (2011–2016).
Family: Daughter of Anthony Graziano, a reputed consigliere in the Bonanno crime family. Her family ties to organized crime were central to her storyline on Mob Wives.
Reality TV: Renee became one of the breakout stars of Mob Wives due to her outspoken personality, dramatic confrontations, and emotional transparency. She also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother UK (2016), where she placed third.
Books: She co-authored a semi-autobiographical novel, Playing With Fire (2014), and released a cookbook, How to Use a Meat Cleaver (with her sisters Jennifer and Lana).
Other Ventures: Beyond TV, she’s pursued business projects in fashion, writing, and wellness.
Bobby Valentino
R&B/Soul Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 10 I 8.17.2025 I Finale Concert
Location: Roy Wilkins Park I Queens, NY
“Event Performer”
R&B singer renowned for his smooth vocals and romantic ballads. Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, he began his musical journey in 1994 as a member of the R&B group Mista, best known for their 1996 hit "Blackberry Molasses." After the group's disbandment, Bobby V pursued a solo career and achieved significant success with his debut single "Slow Down" in 2005, which topped the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and was certified Gold by the RIAA.
🎶 Career Highlights
Debut Album: His self-titled debut album, Bobby Valentino (2005), debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 and number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, eventually earning Gold status .
Subsequent Albums: He released several albums, including Special Occasion (2007), The Rebirth (2009), Fly on the Wall (2011), Dusk Till Dawn (2012), and Electrik (2018), each showcasing his evolution as an artist .
Collaborations: Bobby V has collaborated with notable artists such as Lil Wayne, Timbaland, and Ludacris, contributing to tracks like "Tell Me," "Anonymous," and "Pimpin' All Over the World"
Awards and Nominations: He has received recognition from various award bodies, including winning the Urban Music Award for Best Male Artist in 2009 and being nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding New Artist in 2006
DJ Hercules
DJ, Radio/Media Personality, Event Host & Music Producer
Rise Up NYC I Day 10 I 8.17.2025 I Finale Concert
Location: Roy Wilkins Park I Queens, NY
“VIP Guest Attendee”
DJ Hercules, also known as The 787 Man. Puerto Rican Harlem Native, knew at a young age, he wanted to pursue a career in DJ’ing. He began his career Dj’ing local community events and private functions. His practice paid off and his reputation quickly grew attracting big name clients, such as Fubu Radio, Mary J Blige, Tashera Simmons, Daymond John of Shark Tank, CL Smooth and AZ just to name a few.
Expanding beyond his DJ skills, he transcended into music production. Guest Djing radio shows and has been featured on mixtapes. For the past twelve years, DJ Hercules has been rocking the dance floors at some of NYC's most amazing venues and for thousands of events. Hercules, can be found holding down residencies within the Tristate area, radio show features, producing fresh events spotlighting new artists in hip hop, and guesting at many premier music nightclub venues.
Jack Freeman
R&B Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 10 I 8.17.2025 I Finale Concert
Location: Roy Wilkins Park I Queens, NY
“Event Performer”
R&B/soul singer, songwriter, and performer from Houston, Texas. He’s known for blending smooth R&B with soul, funk, and modern influences, delivering heartfelt lyrics about love, life, and relationships.
MVP: The third single from Nina, released in 2025. It made Jack Freeman’s debut appearance on the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay Chart, landing at No. 29.
Opening for Jagged Edge on An Evening With Jagged Edge: 25th Anniversary Tour (2025) Freeman joined the Jagged Edge tour celebrating the iconic J.E. Heartbreak album. His performances included major stops in St. Louis, Indianapolis, Atlanta, Charlotte, Jacksonville, Raleigh, Washington D.C., and Brooklyn
Kid Capri
DJ & Music Producer
Rise Up NYC I Day 10 I 8.17.2025 I Finale Concert
Location: Roy Wilkins Park I Queens, NY
“Event Performer”
Legendary American DJ, rapper, and producer, widely recognized as one of the pioneers of hip hop DJing and mixtape culture.
Career Highlights:
Early Career: Capri gained fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s by selling his self-produced mixtapes on the streets of New York. His energetic style, party-rocking skills, and crowd interaction made him stand out from other DJs of the era.
Mixtape King: He became known as the “Mixtape King”, blending exclusives, remixes, and live performances into street tapes that spread worldwide.
Def Comedy Jam: Kid Capri served as the official DJ for HBO’s Def Comedy Jam in the 1990s, introducing him to a wider audience.
Collaborations: He has worked with icons such as Jay-Z, KRS-One, Heavy D, LL Cool J, Madonna, and more. He produced tracks for Boogie Down Productions and has been a go-to DJ for tours and live shows.
Albums: Released projects including The Tape (1991) and Soundtrack to the Streets (1998), showcasing both his production and lyrical skills.
Recognition: Won a Grammy Award for his production on Jay-Z’s album Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life.
Legacy: Considered one of the most influential DJs in hip hop history, known for bridging the gap between the streets and mainstream entertainment, inspiring generations of DJs.
Kyah Baby
Hip Hop Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 10 I 8.17.2025 I Finale Concert
Location: Roy Wilkins Park I Queens, NY
“VIP Guest Attendee”
Rising hip-hop music star, known for her raw, authentic lyrics and energetic flow rooted in New York culture. She blends modern hip-hop and R&B, delivering gritty narratives and captivating vibes • Kyah Baby has released tracks like My Hood, Wrong One, Stop (Remix), Stop, NY Knicks Energy, Show Out & For The Streets
Latest project is “Everybody Can’t Come" with the lead single missin u featuring @iam_case
Has features from E Ness, Don Q & Trina
Notable Singles include:
• New Energy – noted for its upbeat vibe and empowerment theme
• California Dreams – offers a smooth, carefree mood
• What You Need, Go Savage – showcase her lyrical flow and versatility
Mya
R&B/Soul Music Artist, Actress and Dancer
Rise Up NYC I Day 10 I 8.17.2025 I Finale Concert
Location: Roy Wilkins Park I Queens, NY
“Event Performer”
Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, dancer, and actress. She rose to fame in the late 1990s with her debut album Mýa (1998) and hit singles like “It’s All About Me” and “Case of the Ex.” She gained global recognition with “Lady Marmalade” (2001) alongside Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, and Pink.
Known for her smooth vocals and dance ability, Mýa released successful albums under major labels before going independent, launching her own label Planet 9. Her later projects, including Smoove Jones (2016, Grammy-nominated) and T.K.O. (2018), highlighted her artistry and longevity.
Beyond music, she has acted in films (Chicago, Shall We Dance?), competed on Dancing with the Stars, and advocates for veganism, wellness, and women’s empowerment.
Legacy: Mýa is respected as one of R&B’s key voices from the late ’90s/2000s, still active as an independent artist and performer worldwide.
Trey Songz
R&B/Soul Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 10 I 8.17.2025 I Finale Concert
Location: Roy Wilkins Park I Queens, NY
“Event Performer / Headliner”
R&B singer, songwriter, and actor from Petersburg, Virginia. He rose to fame in the mid-2000s with his debut album I Gotta Make It (2005), blending smooth vocals with hip hop–influenced R&B. His breakthrough came with hits like Can’t Help But Wait, Say Aah, and the chart-topping Bottoms Up featuring Nicki Minaj.
Over his career, Trey has released multiple platinum albums, including Ready (2009) and Passion, Pain & Pleasure (2010), earning Grammy nominations and a reputation as one of R&B’s leading voices of his generation. Beyond music, he’s acted in films such as Texas Chainsaw 3D (2013) and Baggage Claim (2013).
Known for his charismatic stage presence and sensual style, Trey Songz has influenced contemporary R&B with a mix of love ballads and club anthems.
Vina Love
R&B/Soul Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 10 I 8.17.2025 I Finale Concert
Location: Roy Wilkins Park I Queens, NY
“Event Performer”
R&B and hip hop singer, songwriter, and entertainer from Harlem, New York. She’s the daughter of DJ Kid Capri, the legendary hip hop DJ and producer.
She grew up immersed in music & entertainment, studying dance & voice while also training in musical theater. Vina attended the Professional Performing Arts School & later pursued music at SUNY Purchase College, focusing on singing & songwriting.
Her style blends R&B, soul & hip hop, with influences from classic soul singers & contemporary urban music. She’s known for her strong stage presence and ability to mix smooth vocals w/high-energy performances.
She’s also been featured on reality TV, appearing on Growing Up Hip Hop: New York (WE tv), where she shared her journey as an artist carving her own lane outside her father’s shadow.
Edwin Yearwood
Soca Music Artist “The General of Soca”
Rise Up NYC I Day 9 I 8.16.2025
Location: Roy Wilkins Park I Queens, NY
“Event Performer”
He is of the most influential voices in soca music and a cultural icon from Barbados.
He first rose to prominence in the early 1990s as the lead vocalist of the band Krosfyah, which revolutionized soca w/a modern, infectious & internationally appealing sound. Edwin’s unique vocal style, songwriting ability & charisma helped push Barbadian soca onto the world stage.
Known for massive hits like “Pump Me Up”, “Sak Passe”, “Road Jam”, “Oil Pumpin’” & “Handle Ya Business.” Many of his songs have become road anthems for Crop Over & other Caribbean carnivals.
Aside from performing, Edwin is a talented songwriter who has written for himself, Krosfyah & other artists.
With Krosfyah, Edwin helped blend soca w/reggae, R&B & pop influences, giving the genre a more global sound. Their albums & tours took soca music across the Caribbean, North America, Europe & beyond.
In addition to his work with Krosfyah, Edwin has also released solo projects, continuing to influence soca’s evolution.
Edwin Yearwood is celebrated not only as an entertainer but also as a pioneer who helped open international doors for soca, making him one of the genre’s true legends.
Faith Callender
Soca Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 9 I 8.16.2025
Location: Roy Wilkins Park I Queens, NY
“Event Performer”
Barbadian singer, songwriter, model, and fitness enthusiast. She’s known for her versatile music style, which blends soca, R&B, pop, and dancehall, making her one of the standout young voices from Barbados.
🎶 Music Career: Faith has released a number of singles that gained regional popularity in the Caribbean, particularly during the Crop Over Festival in Barbados. She’s recognized for her energetic stage presence and soulful vocals.
👑 Pageants & Modeling: She has also competed in beauty pageants and represented Barbados in international competitions, highlighting her as both a performer and cultural ambassador.
💪 Fitness & Lifestyle: Outside of music, Faith promotes health, fitness, and self-confidence, often sharing workout routines and motivational content with her followers.
🌍 Cultural Representation: As a Barbadian artist, she contributes to spreading Caribbean culture internationally through her music and public appearances.
Luciano
Roots Reggae Music Artist “The Messnger”
Rise Up NYC I Day 9 I 8.16.2025
Location: Roy Wilkins Park I Queens, NY
“Event Performer / Headliner”
Also known as "The Messenger", is a Jamaican roots reggae singer and songwriter celebrated for his soulful voice and conscious lyrics.
Career Highlights:
Luciano rose to fame in the mid-1990s, a period when roots reggae was regaining strength in Jamaica.
His breakthrough came with “Where There Is Life” (1995) on Island Records, which included hits like “It’s Me Again Jah” and “Lord Give Me Strength.”
He became known as part of the "conscious reggae revival" alongside artists like Garnett Silk, Tony Rebel, and Buju Banton (in his roots phase).
Throughout his career, Luciano has released dozens of albums, often blending spiritual messages, Rastafarian faith, and calls for social justice.
Some notable albums include:
Where There Is Life (1995) Messenger (1997)
A New Day (2001)
United States of Africa (2010)
Luciano has toured globally, maintaining a reputation as one of reggae’s most consistent and respected live performers.
Style & Influence:
His music emphasizes spirituality, peace, love, and upliftment rather than violence or slackness.
Vocally, Luciano is often compared to the late Garnett Silk because of his smooth, heartfelt delivery.
He’s seen as a torchbearer of traditional roots reggae in the modern era.
Nailah Blackman
!Soca Music Artist “Trinidad’s Soca Princess”
Rise Up NYC I Day 9 I 8.16.2025
Location: Roy Wilkins Park I Queens, NY
“Event Performer”
Born in Trinidad and Tobago, She is one of the leading voices in contemporary soca music, representing the new generation of the genre while carrying a deep family legacy. Granddaughter of Ras Shorty I (Garfield Blackman), the creator of soca music and daughter of musician Abbi Blackman, making her part of one of Trinidad’s most influential musical families.
🔹 Career Highlights
Rose to prominence in 2017 with her breakout hit “Work Out” featuring Kes.
Known for fusing traditional soca with afrobeat, dancehall, and pop, making her music appeal to both Caribbean and global audiences.
Popular songs include “Baila Mami,” “Sweet & Loco,” “Sokah,” “Games,” and “Iron Love.”
Performed at major festivals like Trinidad Carnival, Crop Over, Miami Carnival, and Notting Hill Carnival.
Has collaborated with soca stars like Machel Montano, Kes, Shenseea, and Skinny Fabulous.
Rupee
Reggae, Afrobeats and Soca Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 9 I 8.16.2025
Location: Roy Wilkins Park I Queens, NY
“Event Performer”
He is best known for blending soca, reggae, and dancehall with international pop appeal. He grew up in Barbados and became one of the island’s leading voices in the early 2000s soca wave.
Career Highlights:
Early Start: Began singing in talent shows and performing with the group Coalition, which helped establish his presence in the Caribbean music scene.
Breakthrough Hit: "Tempted to Touch" (2004) — an international soca anthem that reached global charts and gained heavy rotation in clubs worldwide.
Other Popular Tracks: "Jump," "What Happens in de Party," and "Blame on de Music."
Album: 1 on 1 (2004, VP Records) showcased his crossover appeal, fusing soca with R&B and dancehall vibes.
Collaborations: Worked with major artists including Sean Paul, Rihanna, and Daddy Yankee, helping bring soca to broader audiences.
Style:
Rupee is known for his smooth voice, catchy hooks, and ability to merge Caribbean carnival energy with mainstream-friendly production. His music remains a staple at Caribbean festivals and carnivals worldwide.
Wayne Wonder
Reggae Fusion Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 9 I 8.16.2025
Location: Roy Wilkins Park I Queens, NY
“Event Performer”
internationally known Jamaican reggae fusion and dancehall artist.
He’s best recognized for his smooth vocals, blend of reggae, R&B, and hip-hop influences, and his breakout international hit “No Letting Go” (2003), which reached the Top 20 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and became a global anthem.
Career Highlights
Early Career (1980s–1990s): Started singing in church choirs and talent shows; worked with reggae greats like King Tubby and Buju Banton. His collaborations with Buju on tracks like “Bonafide Love (Movie Star)” gained wide acclaim.
1990s Success: Released several albums and hits in Jamaica, including “Saddest Day”, “Bashment Girl”, and “Keep Them Coming”.
Breakthrough (2003): His album No Letting Go (released on Atlantic Records) gave him international recognition, solidifying his presence in reggae fusion.
Later Work: Continued touring and recording, maintaining a loyal fan base worldwide. Known for his versatility in reggae, dancehall, lovers rock, and R&B-infused styles.
Bugsy Buggs
WBLS & Sirius XM Radio Personality, DJ and Music Executive
Rise Up NYC I Day 8 I 8.7.2025
Location: Orchard Beach I Bronx, NY
“Event Co-Host/MC”
Seasoned radio personality best known for his influence in hip-hop and R&B radio in NY & beyond
Fred “Bugsy” Buggs has spent nearly 25 years shaping & enriching radio across key markets—including Florida, Washington, D.C., New Jersey, Philadelphia & notably, NYC
He has worn multiple hats: as Assistant Program Director & Music Director at KISS FM & also serving in A&R and promotions roles at Def Jam Records, where he helped develop iconic artists such as Redman, Biz Markie & Big Daddy Kane.
Currently, Bugsy hosts a signature weekend show on 107.5 WBLS, airing Saturdays from 10 AM to 2 PM.
He has also brought his energy to satellite radio, joining SiriusXM FLY as an afternoon host (weekdays, midday to early evening), where he spins ‘90s and ‘00s hip-hop/R&B and delivers standout segments like “This Day In Hip-Hop and R&B History” & the weekly “FLYlist.”
Funk Flex
DJ, Radio Personality, and Music Producer
Rise Up NYC I Day 8 I 8.7.2025
Location: Orchard Beach I Bronx, NY
“Event Performer, DJ & Honoree”
DJ, producer, and radio personality, best known as one of hip hop’s most influential voices in New York City and beyond.
Rose to fame in the 1990s as a DJ on Hot 97 (WQHT), where his nightly show became a staple for breaking new records and premiering freestyles.
Known for his energetic mixing style, heavy use of bomb sound effects, and ability to set trends in hip hop radio.
Hosted the famous “Funk Flex Freestyles”, giving artists a platform to showcase raw lyricism—many iconic freestyles from rappers like Jay-Z, The LOX, DMX, and newer artists like Meek Mill, J. Cole, and Pop Smoke were premiered on his show.
Released several successful compilation albums under “The Mix Tape” series (1995–1999), which featured exclusive tracks from top hip hop artists of the era.
Appeared as a DJ in video games like Grand Theft Auto III and Grand Theft Auto IV, further cementing his cultural influence.
Hosted TV shows including “Ride with Funkmaster Flex” and “Car Wars”, highlighting his passion for cars and customizing.
AND MUCH MORE…….
Joe Jaxson
Funk Flex Manager
Rise Up NYC I Day 8 I 8.7.2025
Location: Orchard Beach I Bronx, NY
“VIP Event Participant”
Along with being the manager to the King of New York, Funk Flex, Joe is a renowned event producer and promoter
Joe Jaxson is a nightlife and event promoter with deep ties to New York City’s party scene. He positions himself as a nightlife ambassador, coordinating and hosting high-impact R&B and hip-hop events, including parties and celebratory gatherings. His work includes both local events and appearances connected to notable cultural happenings, like the HOT 97 after-party.
Joeski Love
Hip Hop Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 8 I 8.7.2025
Location: Orchard Beach I Bronx, NY
“Event Performer”
He is best known his platinum-selling 1986 single “Pee Wee’s Dance,” whose trademark hook, based on a key-switched interpolation of “Tequila,” has been sampled numerous times.
Joeski Love was originally part of a hip-hop group that was signed by Vince Davis to his Elektra-disributed Vintertainment label. After the group disbanded, Love stayed on with Davis, who produced “Pee Wee’s Dance’ as well as another single, “Say Joe” b/w “My Girl.”
A chance meeting with producer Hank Shocklee caused Love to team up with Salt-n-Pepa producer Hurby Azor, who aided Love with his 1990 debut effort for Columbia Records, “Joe Cool.” To date, this is his only album.
Milk Dee
Hip Hop Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 8 I 8.7.2025
Location: Orchard Beach I Bronx, NY
“Event Performer”
Milk Dee came to prominence as one half of the ground breaking hip-hop duo Audio Two. In the late 80’s he scored with the classic hit Top Billin' which Rolling Stone Magazine lists as one of the top 50 hip-hop songs of all time. Top Billin’ has been sampled over 200 times across the musical spectrum by artist including Jay-Z, Kanye West, 50 cent, Mary J. Blige, Notorious B.I.G, R. Kelly, Ne-Yo and P. Diddy, to name a few.
Along with a successful rap career, Milk also has a stellar career as a producer working with artist such as MC Lyte, Janet Jackson, Mary J. Bilge and Sinead O’Connor. He also produced the multi-platinum worldwide smash single “Fuck It (I Don’t Want You Back)” by Eamon.
Nine
Hip Hop Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 8 I 8.7.2025
Location: Orchard Beach I Bronx, NY
“Event Performer”
Rapper from the Bronx, New York. He first gained recognition in the mid-1990s, known for his deep, raspy voice and gritty street style. Nine was part of the wave of gritty NYC rap in the ’90s but never achieved the same mainstream fame as peers like Nas or Busta Rhymes. However, he remains respected in hip hop circles for his unique voice and hardcore style.
Notable Songs:
"Whutcha Want?" (1995) – his biggest hit, which reached the Billboard Hot 100 and became an underground classic.
"Any Emcee" (1995)
"Lyin’ King" (1996) – a diss track believed to be aimed at rapper Busta Rhymes
Albums:
Nine Livez (1995) – his debut album, produced mostly by DJ Funkmaster Flex’s associate Rob Lewis.
Cloud 9 (1996) – his sophomore album, with production by Rob Lewis and Tony Stoute.
Later released projects include Quinine (2009) and King (2018, with Snowgoons).
Parish Smith and RJ Da Realest
Hip Hop Music Artists
Rise Up NYC I Day 8 I 8.7.2025
Location: Orchard Beach I Bronx, NY
“Event Performer (Parish Smith Only / EPMD)”
Parish Smith
Better known as PMD is a legendary figure in hip hop. and one-half of the iconic duo EPMD (Erick and Parish Making Dollars) alongside Erick Sermon.
Their Debut Album – Strictly Business (1988): Widely regarded as a classic, it went gold and introduced their signature funk-heavy, laid-back style.
RJ Da Realest
A gritty hip-hop artist known for his raw delivery and collaborations with iconic figures. Here's a close look at who he is and what he’s put out
He recently gained attention through a high-profile collaboration with PMD (of EPMD fame). Their single "On A Roll" pairs PMD’s classic lyrical finesse with RJ’s fresh, authentic energy.
Follow RJ Da Realest https://www.instagram.com/rjdarealest_/
Rakim
Hip Hop Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 8 I 8.7.2025
Location: Orchard Beach I Bronx, NY
“Event Performer”
Widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential MCs in hip-hop history—revolutionized rap lyricism in the 1980s with his complex rhyme schemes, internal rhymes, and smooth, stoic delivery. Known For: Half of the iconic duo Eric B. & Rakim
Album “Paid in Full” (1987) named one of the greatest hip-hop albums by Rolling Stone, MTV, and The Source with Classic tracks: “Eric B. Is President,” “I Ain’t No Joke,” “Paid in Full”
🔹 Rakim’s Style has Influence such notable rappers, which include: Nas, Jay-Z, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Black Thought and many more..
Eminem once said: "Nobody can touch Rakim. Nobody ever will."
Alex Sensation
DJ, Radio Personality, and Recording Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 7 I 8.6.2025
Location: Orchard Beach I Bronx, NY
“Event Performer & DJ”
Colombian-American DJ, radio personality, and recording artist known for his influential role in Latin music, especially reggaeton and Latin urban genres. His reach as a DJ and radio host has helped break many Latin artists into mainstream popularity.
Radio Career:
Started DJing at La Mega 97.9 (WSKQ-FM) in NYC
Became one of the top Latin radio personalities in the country.
Hosts “La Mega Mezcla” and “La Mega Mezcla Sábado en la Noche.”
Music Career:
Signed with Universal Music Latin in 2015.
Known for hit collaborations with major Latin artists including:
Bad Bunny, Ozuna, Nicky Jam, Karol G, Gente de Zona, CNCO, and Anuel AA.
Popular tracks include: “La Mala y La Buena”, “Que Va” (with Ozuna), “Fantasia”. “After Party” (Remix / Kevin Lyttle) & “La Diabla”
El Blachy
Urban Merengue Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 7 I 8.6.2025
Location: Orchard Beach I Bronx, NY
“Event Performer”
Dominican singer-songwriter known for his dynamic fusion of traditional merengue with modern urban elements. With roots in típico music, he performed with renowned groups like Banda Real and Yovanny Polanco's orchestra before establishing himself as a standout solo artist.
His music carries an infectious energy, from dance-inducing anthems to heartfelt ballads, often infused with emotional and sometimes spiritual undertones—a reflection of his deep religious faith and respect for musical mentors such as Fefita La Grande and Yovanny Polanco
Most recently, “Me Mataron”, his collaboration with Puertorican merengue icon Elvis Crespo, received widespread acclaim for its powerful blend of bittersweet lyrical emotion and danceable rhythm
George Lamond
Freestyle & Salsa Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 7 I 8.6.2025
Location: Orchard Beach I Bronx, NY
“Event Performer”
Singer-songwriter known for both freestyle/pop and salsa music. Genres include dance‑pop, freestyle, salsa & Latin
🎶 Breakthrough in Freestyle
Debut single “Without You” (1989) soared to #4 on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Club Play chart & reached #32 on Maxi‑Sales charts.
Title track “Bad of the Heart” (1990) became his biggest hit, peaking at #25 on the Billboard Hot 100 & #5 on dance charts
Also released hits like “Look Into My Eyes” (#4 on dance charts, #63 on Hot 100) and “No Matter What” (duet with Brenda K. Starr, #49)
🌍 Transition to Latin & Salsa (1993)
His Spanish‑language album Creo en Ti (1993) spawned Latin Top 15 singles “Baby, Creo en Ti” & “No Morirá” (feat. Lisa López)
In 1999, he embraced salsa w/the album Entrega, featuring “Que Te Vas,” which reached #1 on Latin Tropical charts & earned a Gold certification from the RIAA
Jose Alberto aka El Canario
Salsa Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 7 I 8.6.2025
Location: Orchard Beach I Bronx, NY
“Event Performer”
Rose to prominence as lead singer of Típica 73 in 1977 in New York, gaining acclaim for his vocal and whistling talent, which gave him the nickname “El Canario (“The Canary”)”
Solo Career Launch: Founded his own orchestra in 1983 and released his debut album Noches Calientes in 1984, launching his solo trajectory
Breakthrough Album: Dance With Me (1991) helped define the salsa romántica genre, featuring hits like Sueño Contigo, Discúlpeme Señora, and Mis Amores
Over nearly five decades in the music industry, he’s released more than 27 albums and earned multiple Gold and Platinum records
Won Best Traditional Tropical Album for A Mí Qué – Tributo a los Clásicos Cubanos (2024)
Also recognized previously with Latin Grammy wins for No Quiero Llanto – Tributo a los Compadres (2016)
Collaborations: Worked with iconic legends such as Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Víctor Manuelle, Pablo Milanés, and more
Chubb Rock
Hip Hop Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 6 I 8.2.2025
Location: 125th Street I Harlem, NY
“Event Performer”
Brooklyn, NY born rapper and former National Merit Scholar known for his deep voice, socially conscious lyrics, and clever wordplay. He rose to prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s during hip-hop’s golden age.
🎤 Career Highlights:
Debut Album: Chubb Rock (1988) — Introduced him as an intelligent MC with a commanding flow.
Breakthrough Album: And the Winner Is... (1989), featuring tracks like “Ya Bad Chubbs”
Signature Album: The One (1991)
Included hits:
“Treat ‘Em Right” – A dance-floor classic
“The Chubbster”
“Just the Two of Us” (a powerful track addressing drug addiction)
Known for combining party anthems with conscious, introspective lyrics
Crystal Waters
House/R&B/Pop Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 6 I 8.2.2025
Location: 125th Street I Harlem, NY
“Event Performer”
House music singer and songwriter, best known for her infectious dance hits in the 1990s. With her distinctive voice and catchy hooks, she became a key figure in the rise of dance and house music in mainstream pop culture.
Her breakthrough Single, “Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless)” (1991), with its signature line: “La da dee, la da da” became a massive global hit known for blending deep house rhythms with a socially conscious message about homelessness and it reached the Top 10 in over a dozen countries
Flex Alexander
Actor, Comedian & Dancer
Rise Up NYC I Day 6 I 8.2.2025
Location: 125th Street I Harlem, NY
“VIP Guest Attendee”
Flex is currently co-starring in the BET PLus hit series “The Family Business” as Nevada Duncan, the cousin of the Duncan family children.
Season 6 is actively in the writing phase, and it’s scheduled to return "in the fall" of 2025
Career Highlights:
Dance & Comedy Roots: He started as a dancer in the late 1980s, performing with rap artists like Salt-N-Pepa and Queen Latifah. His stage name "Flex" came from his acrobatic dance style. He later moved into stand-up comedy.
Television: Best known for starring in the sitcom "One on One" (2001–2006) as Mark "Flex" Washington, a former NBA player raising his daughter. He also appeared in shows like Uptown Comedy Club, Homeboys in Outer Space, Girlfriends, and Snakes on a Plane.
Film: Played roles in Juice (1992), She’s All That (1999), Out Cold (2001), and The Hills Have Eyes II (2007).
Michael Jackson Portrayal: Famously portrayed Michael Jackson in the VH1 TV movie Man in the Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story (2004), which earned him critical attention.
Horace Brown
R&B Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 6 I 8.2.2025
Location: 125th Street I Harlem, NY
“Event Performer”
R&B singer and songwriter best known for his smooth vocals and mid-1990s hit “One for the Money.” He emerged during the golden era of ‘90s R&B, blending sensual lyrics with New Jack Swing and hip-hop-influenced production.
His self-titled album: Horace Brown (1996) Released under Motown Records featured other notable hits including “Things We Do for Love”, “Taste Your Love”, and “Let’s Get Naked”
Jeff Redd
R&B/Soul Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 6 I 8.2.2025
Location: 125th Street I Harlem, NY
“Event Performer”
R&B/Soul singer, music executive, and producer who rose to fame in the early 1990s. Known for his powerful vocals and smooth, emotionally driven style, Redd played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of New Jack Swing and early '90s R&B—and even helped launch the career of Mary J. Blige.
His Debut album: “A Quiet Storm” (1990) on Uptown Records featured his biggest hit: “You Called and Told Me” The song became a standout track from the Strictly Business movie soundtrack (1991) and reached the Billboard R&B Top 20. It soon became a classic of the New Jack Swing era
Johnny Gill
R&B Music Artist and member of New Edition & LSG
Rise Up NYC I Day 6 I 8.2.2025
Location: 125th Street I Harlem, NY
“Event Performer / Headliner”
Multiple Grammy Nominated R&B singer, songwriter, and record producer, known for his powerhouse vocals, emotive ballads, and membership in the legendary groups New Edition and LSG. With a career spanning over four decades, he’s one of R&B’s most respected voices.
He is often referred to as the “Voice” in R&B circles due to his technical ability and emotion-packed delivery
New Edition members: Johnny Gill, Ralph Tresvant, Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivens & Ronnie DeVoe (Bell, Biv, DeVoe)
LSG members include: Gerald Levert, Keith Sweat & Johnny Gill
Miss Jones
R&B Music Artist, TV Host, Radio & Media Personality for 94,7 The Block and Pix11 NY
Rise Up NYC I Day 6 I 8.2.2025
Location: 125th Street I Harlem, NY
“Event Performer”
Radio Personality:
Known for her bold, no-nonsense personality on NYC’s Hot 97 FM during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Hosted the “Miss Jones in the Morning” show, which became infamous for controversial interviews and feuds.
Later appeared on Philadelphia’s Power 99 FM and had a brief return to NYC radio.
Music Career:
Signed with Tommy Boy Records in the 1990s.
Best known musically for the hit “Where I Wanna Be Boy” (1998).
Provided vocals for Big Pun’s “Punish Me” on Capital Punishment (1998).
Author:
Wrote a memoir titled Have You Met Miss Jones?: The Life and Loves of Radio’s Most Controversial Diva (2007), detailing her career and personal struggles.
Betty Dee
Freestyle Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 5 I 7.27.2025
Location: Midland Beach I Staten Island, NY
“Event Performer”
Lead singer of the freestyle/dance-pop group Sweet Sensation, one of the most popular female groups to emerge from the late 1980s freestyle
Background & Career
Group Formation: Sweet Sensation was formed in New York City in the mid-1980s. Originally a trio, the group was created during the height of the freestyle music boom in NYC, blending Latin rhythms, R&B, and electronic dance beats.
Lead Singer: Betty Dee became the face and voice of the group with her powerful, soulful vocals and dynamic stage presence.
Breakthrough: Their debut album, Take It While It’s Hot (1988), included several freestyle club hits like “Hooked on You,” “Victim of Love,” and “Never Let You Go.”
Biggest Hit: In 1990, Sweet Sensation scored a Billboard Hot 100 #1 single with “If Wishes Came True” from their second album Love Child. The song showcased Betty Dee’s vocal strength in a more pop-ballad style, expanding their fanbase beyond freestyle audiences.
Impact: Sweet Sensation helped bring Latin freestyle into the mainstream and are remembered as one of the top all-female freestyle groups of the era.
C-Bank “Joei Mae”
Freestyle Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 5 I 7.27.2025
Location: Midland Beach I Staten Island, NY
“Event Performer”
Born and raised in the Bronx, she began singing at a young age and trained at New York’s High School of Music and Art. In 1986 she was chosen to front the freestyle group C‑Bank, and in 1987 recorded hits like “Perfect” and “I’m So In Love With You”. Later, as Joei Mae, she released tracks including “He’s My Baby Now” and “Promise Me Your Heart” under Afterdark Records.
Some of her best‑known tracks include “One More Shot”, “I Won’t Stop Loving You”, in addition to the earlier hits “Perfect” and “I’m So In Love With You”
Her original music helped define the freestyle genre, and she’s still active—releasing new songs like “He’s Just a Step Below Me” and “Heaven” in 2021, and upcoming tracks honoring classic disco sounds like “Nights of Summer”
Cynthia Torres
Freestyle Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 5 I 7.27.2025
Location: Midland Beach I Staten Island, NY
“Event Performer”
Spanish Harlem Born Freestyle singer and known as one of the “First Ladies of Freestyle,” Cynthia has earned enduring respect in the genre. She rose to fame in the late ’80s and ’90s—with that unmistakable style and energy captured in this classic portrait.
“Dreamboy/Dreamgirl”, her collaboration with Johnny O, became a standout success—peaking at #17 on Billboard’s Dance Sales chart and reaching #53 on the Billboard Hot 100
Other hits include “Change on me”, “Endless Night”, Thief of Hearts”, “Breakup to Makeup”, “If I had a Chance”, “I can’t change your mind” and much more…
David Torres
Freestyle Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 5 I 7.27.2025
Location: Midland Beach I Staten Island, NY
“Event Performer”
Member and Lead Vocalist of Nice & Wild, a Miami-based freestyle group best known for their 1986 hit “Diamond Girl”, which became a major freestyle/dance classic in clubs across the U.S. and Latin America.
About Nice & Wild:
Formation: Nice & Wild emerged from Miami’s vibrant Latin freestyle scene in the mid-1980s, a time when producers and DJs were blending disco, electro, and Latin rhythms with R&B-style vocals.
Breakthrough: Their debut single “Diamond Girl” (1986) was a club smash and remains one of the most recognizable freestyle anthems.
Members: The group was fronted by David Torres (lead vocalist) along with other contributing members/artists and producers behind the scenes.
Style: They combined smooth, soulful singing with electronic freestyle beats, making their sound distinct in the Miami freestyle movement.
Doug E. Fresh
Hip Hop Music Artist & Beatboxer
Rise Up NYC I Day 5 I 7.27.2025
Location: Midland Beach I Staten Island, NY
“Event Performer”
The “World’s Greatest Entertainer” and hip-hop pioneer known for his incredible beatboxing and timeless party anthems like “The Show” and “La Di Da Di.” When Doug E. hits the mic, the party truly begins! "Original Human Beat Box."
He is widely hailed as a hip-hop innovator for using beatboxing to anchor rap recordings and live performances in the early 80s and he continues to influence: his moves inspired the 2009 viral hit “Teach Me How to Dougie,” paying homage to dance steps he originated in the 80s
Fascination
Freestyle Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 5 I 7.27.2025
Location: Midland Beach I Staten Island, NY
“Event Performer”
Keeping the freestyle flame burning with “Don’t Stop Now,” a track that defined an era.
freestyle/dance-pop performer from The Bronx, New York City.
She was discovered dancing at the Copacabana and signed by producer Todd Terry.
Her early hits include "Why Ya Wanna Go" and "Don't You Think It's Time," and her single "Remember" charted on Billboard’s dance charts in the early 1990s. She later signed with Lumar Records
Her stage name is a direct nod to her first name — she performs as Fascination, with her real name being Elsie, hence “Elsie (Fascination).”
She rode the peak of the freestyle era, with a vibrant New York club presence and recording success in the early 1990s
Frankie Cutlass
DJ & Music Producer
Rise Up NYC I Day 5 I 7.27.2025
Location: Midland Beach I Staten Island, NY
“Event DJ & Performer”
Puerto Rican–American DJ, producer, and remixer from Spanish Harlem, New York. He came up in the late 1980s and 1990s, known for his work in hip-hop and Latin music. Started spinning at block parties in Harlem as a teen. By the late ’80s, he was part of the underground DJ scene in NYC.
In the early ’90s, he made his mark as a producer, creating remixes and beats for artists across hip-hop, R&B, and Latin freestyle.
Albums:
The Frankie Cutlass Show (1994) – featured Latin freestyle and hip-hop influences.
Politics & Bullsht* (1997) – included collaborations with Fat Joe, Kool G Rap, Mobb Deep, Lost Boyz, and more, cementing his status in East Coast hip-hop.
Hits/Notable Tracks: Best known for "Puerto Rico", a hip-hop anthem that blended New York rap with Puerto Rican pride.
Collaborations: Worked with a wide range of artists such as Fat Joe, Big Pun, Doo Wop, Angie Martinez, Kool G Rap, and members of The Lost Boyz.
DJ Legacy: Beyond production, Cutlass is respected as one of the early Puerto Rican DJs who helped bridge Latin identity and hip-hop culture in New York.
France Joli
Disco, Dance & Freestyle Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 5 I 7.27.2025
Location: Midland Beach I Staten Island, NY
“Event Performer”
France Joli is a Canadian singer coined “The queen of disco and dance” best known for her hit disco and freestyle music during the late 1970s and 1980s.
France Joli was just 16 when she released her breakthrough hit and disco anthem “Come to Me” in 1979. It became a massive hit in the U.S., peaking at #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and hitting #1 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.
Joli gained widespread attention after performing "Come to Me" at Fire Island’s famed beach party, substituting for Donna Summer at the last minute. The performance helped launch her career in the American disco scene.
France Joli is considered a pioneer in the crossover between disco and freestyle, and she remains beloved in LGBTQ+ and dance music communities for her early contributions to club music culture.
Jade Starling
Freestyle Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 5 I 7.27.2025
Location: Midland Beach I Staten Island, NY
“Event Performer”
Jade Starling is best known as the lead vocalist and songwriter of Pretty Poison, the Philadelphia-based pop/dance group that rose to fame in the 1980s.
Pretty Poison is best known for their contribution to the freestyle and dance-pop scene of the 1980s, particularly through their hit "Catch Me (I'm Falling)" released in 1987. While not purely a freestyle group in the traditional sense like Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam or Exposé, Pretty Poison is closely associated with the genre due to their synth-heavy production, danceable beats, and ties to the Latin freestyle movement that was rising at the time.
Stevie B
Freestyle Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 5 I 7.27.2025
Location: Midland Beach I Staten Island, NY
“Event Performer/Headliner”
Singer, songwriter, and record producer widely celebrated as the “King of Freestyle.” He emerged from Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Florida, and his music profoundly shaped the Latin freestyle and hi‑NRG dance music wave of the late 1980s into the early ’90s
🎤 Career Highlights
Debut & Breakout
Stevie B’s breakthrough came in 1987 with the club hit “Party Your Body,” which led to his 1988 debut album of the same name. The album quickly turned gold and spawned other hits like “Dreamin’ of Love” and “Spring Love (Come Back to Me)”
Rise to Pop Fame
His second album In My Eyes (1989) produced several Top 40 hits including “I Wanna Be the One,” “In My Eyes,” and “Love Me for Life”—the latter peaked at #29 on the U.S. Hot 100
Signature Ballad
The 1990 album Love & Emotion featured “Because I Love You (The Postman Song)”, his signature ballad that spent four weeks at #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary charts, and achieved international success including gold certification
TKA (Aby Cruz, K7 & Johnnie Salgado)
Freestyle Music Artists
Rise Up NYC I Day 5 I 7.27.2025
Location: Midland Beach I Staten Island, NY
“Event Performers”
Latin freestyle and house music trio that rose to prominence during the 1980s and early 1990s—especially renowned in freestyle hotspots like New York City and Miami.
TKA helped define Latin freestyle and are widely considered one of the most prominent and successful acts in the genre. Fans often refer to them as the "Kings of Freestyle," though Kayel (K7) himself humorously pushed back, saying, "There are no 'kings' in freestyle"
Early Hits: Their debut single, "One Way Love" (1986), brought them early fame in Latin clubs and landed at #75 on the Billboard Hot 100. This was followed by club favorites like "Come Get My Love," "Scars of Love," "Tears May Fall," and "X-Ray Vision
Wil &More
Freestyle Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 5 I 7.27.2025
Location: Midland Beach I Staten Island, NY
“Event Performer”
Wilfredo “Wil” Delvalle aka Wil &More is a member and lead vocalist of the Freestyle Music Group “&More”
A group popular during the late '80s and early '90s electronic/club-influenced subgenre. They delivered emotional, danceable tracks typical of that era.
One of their known songs is “You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine”, released in 1988
Brenda K. Starr
R&B, dance-pop, and freestyle Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 4 I 7.26.2025
Location: Midland Beach I Staten Island, NY
“Event Performer”
Brenda pursued music from childhood and even appeared in the 1984 film Beat Street, landing future industry connections
She signed her first record deal with Mirage/Atlantic and debuted in 1985 with I Want Your Love, featuring “Pickin’ Up Pieces,” which soared to #9 on the Billboard Dance Chart and #83 on R&B/Hip‑Hop charts
Her self-titled 1987 album on MCA Records included her signature power ballad “I Still Believe,” reaching #13 on the Billboard Hot 100; other hits include “What You See Is What You Get” (#24)
Brenda also played a pivotal role in launching Mariah Carey’s career—Carey sang background vocals for her and credits Starr with helping her secure a record deal by passing a demo tape to Tommy Mottola. Carey later covered “I Still Believe” on her #1's album as a tribute, earning her own chart success with the song
CeCe Peniston
Dance, Pop and Freestyle Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 4 I 7.26.2025
Location: Midland Beach I Staten Island, NY
“Event Performer”
🌟 Music Breakthrough & Career Highlights
Her breakthrough single “Finally” (1991) became a defining dance anthem—#1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play, #5 on the Billboard Hot 100, and #2 in the UK. It sold over 3 million copies worldwide.
Following singles such as “We Got a Love Thang”, “Keep On Walkin’”, “I'm Not Over You”, and “Hit by Love” also topped the U.S. dance charts, making her one of the most successful dance‑club artists of the early 1990s.
She released three studio albums: Finally (1992), Thought Ya Knew (1994), and I'm Movin’ On (1996).
Awards & Recognition
Multiple industry honors: ASCAP Awards, Billboard Music Video Awards, BMI Award, Soul Train nomination, and a VH1 dance‑music award.
Other recognitions include the Artists Music Guild Lifetime Achievement Award (2019) and Primetime Emmy (2023) for musical composition on Legends Unite for St. Jude, as well as a 2024 AMG Heritage Award.
Denine
Freestyle Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 4 I 7.26.2025
Location: Midland Beach I Staten Island, NY
“Event Performer”
Denine first gained attention in the early '90s, a pivotal era for freestyle music—a genre blending Latin rhythms, dance beats, and emotive vocals.
Her 1993 hit "I Remember You" became a freestyle classic, receiving radio play across the U.S., particularly in New York, Miami, and Philadelphia.
She released “Tearshed ’93” (a remake of a 1986 song by Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam) that helped solidify her place in the freestyle world.
Known for her emotional vocal delivery and catchy beats, Denine quickly became a fan favorite in freestyle clubs and on compilation albums.
DJ Skribble
DJ, Producer, Remixer, Radio Personality, and Actor
Rise Up NYC I Day 4 I 7.26.2025
Location: Midland Beach I Staten Island, NY
“Event DJ & Performer”
Recognized as a pioneer who bridged hip-hop and house music, Skribble shaped generations of DJs through performances in legendary NYC clubs, touring with Public Enemy, and bringing turntablism into the living rooms of millions via TV. His passion and mentorship continue to inspire upcoming talent
Skribble began DJing at age 11 in Queens, learning on Technics decks before mastering the art of scratching. He earned his name through graffiti and quickly became part of the Zulu Nation and Rock Steady Crew. His early involvement with the group Young Black Teenagers (late ’80s–early ’90s) helped launch his career in music
He gained mainstream recognition through recurring roles on MTV’s The Grind, Total Request Live, Spring Break, Hip Hop Night, and the Millennium Special Live. He also hosted MTV’s WWF Sunday Night Heat in 2000 alongside Rebecca Budig, Michael Cole, and Tazz. On radio, Skribble was a fixture at New York’s Hot 97 for two years and later a longtime DJ for WKTU for over a decade
DJ Solo
DJ & Music Producer
Rise Up NYC I Day 4 I 7.26.2025
Location: Midland Beach I Staten Island, NY
“Event DJ & Performer”
Matthew “DjSolo” Torres is a New York–based DJ, producer, and event host known for his energetic sets that blend hip hop, R&B, reggae, soca, Latin, and house music. He has performed at clubs, lounges, and festivals across the U.S. and internationally, often bringing a Caribbean and urban flavor to his mixes.
Beyond DJing, DjSolo has also worked in event promotion, radio, and collaborations with artists, building a reputation for creating vibes that connect diverse crowds. He’s been involved with mixtapes, live showcases, and special events in the nightlife and entertainment scene.
Joe Zangie
Dance/Electric and Freestyle Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 4 I 7.26.2025
Location: Midland Beach I Staten Island, NY
“Event Performer”
Italian‑American freestyle/dance music artist from Camden, New Jersey. He signed his first single at just 18 with Tazmania Records and made his debut with the track “In My Dreams”
He went on to release a number of singles with Tazmania/Metropolitan Records and performed on tour with noted artists like Denine and Collage
🎵 Notable Tracks & Collaborations
“In My Dreams” became a favorite in the South Jersey/Philadelphia freestyle scene in the early 2000s
He also collaborated with Rockell on a freestyle/dance remake of “Can’t We Try”, and they performed together on her national debut tour
In 2022, Zangie released the single “Love You Like Wow” on Fever Records—it quickly hit number one in freestyle/dance circles. The music video, filmed on the Jersey Shore, became a fan favorite
Joe Zangie released the original “I’ll Be Loving You” on July 12, 2024, as part of his I’ll Be Loving You EP under Tazmania Records—this includes several versions like the Classic Mix and Dark Intensity mix
Laura Enea
Freestyle Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 4 I 7.26.2025
Location: Midland Beach I Staten Island, NY
“Event Performer”
Laura Enea emerged in the early 1990s as a Latin freestyle/dance-pop vocalist, best known for her emotive vocal style and high-energy production typical of the era. Her signature track, “This Is the Last Time”, became a beloved underground classic in freestyle circles
🎧 Key Freestyle Tracks
“This Is the Last Time” (1992)
Her most iconic single—released on 12″ vinyl—has been featured in numerous freestyle compilations and is considered one of the genre’s standout tracks. It exemplifies early‑’90s freestyle with emotional hooks and dancefloor rhythms
“Catch Me Now” (1994, Extended Mix)
A vibrant club track showcasing her melodic range and the prominent production style of New York freestyle
“Can We Find a Way” (1996, Mic Mac Records)
Released on Mic Mac Records, another freestyle staple label, this track continued her presence in the dance music scene of the mid‑’90s
Lisa Lisa
Freestyle Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 4 I 7.26.2025
Location: Midland Beach I Staten Island, NY
“Event Performer / Headliner”
The queen of freestyle and R&B will perform her biggest hits, including “I Wonder If I Take You Home,” “Can You Feel the Beat,” and “Head to Toe.” She’s not just taking the stage — she’s being honored by the city for her lasting impact on music and culture!
Career Highlights:
Breakthrough with Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam (1984–1991)
Discovered by Full Force, Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam signed to Columbia Records and helped define the freestyle genre.
Hit singles include:
"I Wonder If I Take You Home" (1985), "Can You Feel the Beat", "All Cried Out", "Head to Toe" (Billboard Hot 100 #1), "Lost in Emotion" (Billboard Hot 100 #1)
Solo Career
After Cult Jam disbanded, Lisa Lisa pursued a solo career and released albums like LL77 (1994), which leaned more toward R&B and hip-hop influences.
Acting and Media Appearances
Lisa Lisa has appeared on television and stage, and she's remained a visible figure in Latin and freestyle revival tours.
Legacy:
Lisa Lisa is considered one of the pioneers of Latin freestyle music and one of the first Latina artists to gain mainstream success in the U.S. Her work laid the foundation for later artists in Latin pop, R&B, and dance music.
Sammy Zone
Freestyle Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 4 I 7.26.2025
Location: Midland Beach I Staten Island, NY
“Event Performer”
Sammy Zone, born in New York City's Lower East Side, is a prominent figure in the freestyle and Latin dance music scenes. He gained recognition in the 1990s with hits like "Without You," "Running," and "Broken Promises," known for their infectious melodies and rhythmic beats.
🎶 Music Career & Collaborations
Sammy Zone's music blends freestyle, Latin, and dance elements, often featuring collaborations with notable artists such as George Lamond, K7, and C-Bank. His track "Running Redux," released in 2018, showcases his enduring influence in the genre.
Sugar Hill Gang & The Furious Five
Hip Hop Music Artists
Rise Up NYC I Day 4 I 7.26.2025
Location: Midland Beach I Staten Island, NY
“Performers”
Sugarhill Gang (Barshon “Ethiopian King”, Hen Dogg & Master Gee)
Furious 5 (Grandmaster Melle Mel & Scorpio)
They are the two of the most influential groups in the history of Hip Hop!!
• Sugarhill Gang famously known for "Rapper’s Delight" (1979), the first commercially successful hip hop single, which introduced rap to mainstream audiences worldwide.
• The Furious 5 (Grandmaster Flash & The Furious 5) are famously known for such hits like “The Message”, White Lines and much more “AND” are the first hip hop group inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (2007)
Follow The Sugarhill Gang https://www.instagram.com/sugarhillgang/
Follow The Furious 5 https://www.instagram.com/the_original_furious_5/
Cara Maria Sorbello
Actress, Reality TV Star, Fitness Workout Coach and Athlete
A Night In Full Bloom: Fibroids Awareness Event I 7.24.2025
Location: Marriott Marquis I Times Square, NY
“VIP Guest Panelist”
🏆 Competition Career
Made her debut in Fresh Meat II and has since participated in over 16 seasons
Champion of Battle of the Bloodlines, Vendettas, and Champs vs. Pros
Reached the Final at least nine times, including wins and runner‑up placements
Holds the record for most elimination wins by a woman and has earned over $600,000 from the show
📺 Personality & Influence
Known for her fierce physical ability, sharp mental gameplay, and bold emotions—making her one of the most polarizing figures in The Challenge
Regarded by many coverage outlets as the “female face” of the franchise
Known rivalries (notably with Laurel Stucky) are legendary and central to the show’s narrative
🎙️ Recent Appearances & Projects
Made a cameo elimination appearance on Battle For a New Champion Season 39—delighting fans by jumping back into the arena
Actively involved in fitness, including Spartan races, and runs her own workouts & events company
Cynthia Bailey
Model, Actress, Reality TV Star and Entrepreneur
A Night In Full Bloom: Fibroids Awareness Event I 7.24.2025
Location: Marriott Marquis I Times Square, NY
“VIP Guest Panelist & Host”
(Bravo TV Real Housewives of Atlanta)
American model, actress, reality-star and entrepreneur from Decatur, Alabama.
🎬 Acting & Reality TV
Early acting credits include Without You I'm Nothing (1990), For Love or Money (1993), The Cosby Show, among others.
Joined The Real Housewives of Atlanta in 2010; starred through Season 15, later returned in Season 16 as a "friend of."
Expanded her Bravo presence on Ultimate Girls Trip, RHOBH, Below Deck, Love Hotel, and more.
🎥 Recent Projects
Transitioned into scripted roles: Cruel Instruction, Jingle Hellz, Different with Me, Bid for Love 2, Black Mafia Family, The Upshaws, How High 2, and others poised for 2025–26.
💼 Entrepreneur & Philanthropist
Founded Bailey Agency School of Fashion, launched eyewear, candles, leather goods, luxury CBVIOR bags, and The Bailey Wine Cellar in Atlanta.
Kym Lee
Celebrity Make-Up Artist
A Night In Full Bloom: Fibroids Awareness Event I 7.24.2025
Location: Marriott Marquis I Times Square, NY
“VIP Guest Panelist”
🎨 Career & Public Persona
A veteran makeup artist of over 25 years, Kym has worked with renowned figures like Whitney Houston, Serena & Venus Williams, Kerry Washington, Angela Bassett, and Hillary Clinton
Served as lead makeup artist at BET, contributed to television and film (“Avengers,” “Mission Impossible,” “Sparkle,” etc.)
Beauty correspondent on Fox 5 DC (Good Day D.C.), Radio-One, BET, and featured in magazines like Essence, Glamour, InStyle, and People
Founded Wink n Pout Cosmetics, a beauty brand reflecting her celebrity makeup expertise
📚 Author & Minister
Wrote Brain Beauty: The Ultimate Makeup Guide For Your Mind, Body & Soul, emphasizing inner and outer beauty
Holds a master’s in Divinity, is an ordained elder, and describes her makeup kit as her “pulpit,” embodying her mantra: “Clear it up instead of covering it up.”
💜 Fibroid Advocacy
After battling fibroids for over 12 years and undergoing a hysterectomy (a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the uterus) , she became a health advocate
Named Ambassador for USA Fibroid Centers; launched the #100WomenStrong challenge encouraging fibroid screenings during Fibroid Awareness Month
Received the Fibroid Fighter of the Year Award in 2023 for her impactful advocacy
LaTocha
R&B/Gospel Music Artist and member of “Xscape”
A Night In Full Bloom: Fibroids Awareness Event I 7.24.2025
Location: Marriott Marquis I Times Square, NY
“Musical Guest Performer”
LaTocha rose to prominence as a key member of the 1990s R&B all-female quartet Xscape, alongside Tamika Scott, Kandi Burruss & Tameka “Tiny” Cottle. The group achieved major hits like “Just Kickin’ It”, “Understanding” & “Who Can I Run To?” & went multi-platinum
Solo Journey & Gospel Focus
Although she ventured into a solo career in the late '90s and early 2000s—w/projects like Solo Flight 404—her spiritual roots eventually led her to sign with Motown Gospel. In April 2023, she released her debut gospel album, The Invitation: A Conversation with God, blending soul, R&B & uplifting gospel themes
Recent Highlights
Latocha announced an upcoming single, “Love Changes”, following a performance at the Joe Douglas Old School & Blues Festival
Shay Johnson
Reality TV Personality, Model, Entrepreneur, and Wellness Advocate
A Night In Full Bloom: Fibroids Awareness Event I 7.24.2025
Location: Marriott Marquis I Times Square, NY
“VIP Guest Panelist”
Shay is a multifaceted television personality, model, entrepreneur, and wellness advocate, best known for her appearances on VH1’s reality shows Flavor of Love, Charm School, Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta (supporting cast), and Love & Hip Hop: Miami (main cast seasons 1–3)
💼 Beyond Reality TV
Modeling & Vixen Career: Before reality TV, she appeared in music videos for Fabolous, Young Dro, T.I., Cee Lo and graced covers of magazines such as King, Giant, and BlackMen
Entrepreneurship & Wellness: Founder of The Healthy Hand wellness brand—selling herbal teas and juices—actively promoting fibroid awareness and other women’s health issues
Media Appearances: Worked as a studio coordinator/producer for fashion brand Opening Ceremony in NY, bridging her passion for creativity and production
📸 Film & TV Credits
Has appeared in feature/directorial projects like Losing Everything (2016), TRUST NOBODY (2021), and featured in music videos, notably Bubba Sparxxx ft. Ying Yang Twins’ “Ms. New Booty” (2006)
Toya Johnson
Reality TV personality, Businesswoman, Author, Actress, and Producer
A Night In Full Bloom: Fibroids Awareness Event I 7.24.2025
Location: Marriott Marquis I Times Square, NY
“VIP Guest Panelist”
🎬 Career Highlights
Rose to fame in 2009 with Tiny and Toya on BET, alongside Tameka “Tiny” Harris. Its debut broke BET records with over 3 million viewers.
Starred in her own BET series Toya: A Family Affair (2011).
Appeared in other reality shows like Growing Up Hip Hop: Atlanta, Marriage Boot Camp, My Super Sweet 16, T.I. & Tiny: Friends & Family Hustle, and currently Toya & Reginae.
Worked behind the camera too—as co-executive producer on Tiny and Toya.
📚 Entrepreneur & Author
Authored several books: Priceless Inspirations, In My Own Words… My Real Reality, How to Lose a Husband, and co-wrote You Just Don’t Get It with her daughter Reginae.
Owns two boutiques: G.A.R.B. in New Orleans and GARB Shoetique in Smyrna, GA.
Actress and producer credits include Hip Hop Family Christmas Wedding (2022).
🎯 Advocacy & Impact
A vocal advocate for women’s health, sharing her journey with uterine fibroids through her vlog “A Fibroid Journey” and partnerships like USA Fibroid Centers.
Promotes authenticity on social media, encouraging transparency and resilience in facing challenges.
Active in empowering Black women entrepreneurs—like at the 2023 Essence Festival, she emphasized unity and community support
Dr. Yan Katsnelson
Fibroids Fighters Foundation Founder & Cardiac & Vascular Surgeon
A Night In Full Bloom: Fibroids Awareness Event I 7.24.2025
Location: Marriott Marquis I Times Square, NY
“VIP Guest Panelist”
The Fibroid Fighters Foundation is a public welfare nonprofit focused on advancing women’s health by educating the public about uterine fibroids and promoting safe, effective treatment options
🧭 Mission & Focus Areas
Inform: Empower women and healthcare providers with accurate information on fibroid symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Educate: Highlight the social, health, and economic impact of fibroids.
Research & Advocacy: Support legislation and research efforts to improve detection and access to care, including endorsing federal bills like the Uterine Fibroid Research & Education Act
Ayanna Irish
R&B/Soul and Caribbean Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 3 I 7.21.2025
Location: Wingate Park I Brooklyn, NY
“VIP Guest Attendee”
Career Highlights
Recognition as a vocal talent: Patti LaBelle discovered Ayanna’s demo of “If Only You Knew” and invited her on tour, even calling her “the future of music” onstage.
Her voice has been featured on high-profile projects, including working with Kanye West on a Mission Impossible soundtrack single and collaborating with Jadakiss on the song “Can’t Stop Me”
Ayanna recorded the official version of Montserrat’s national anthem, Motherland, and earned a plaque for performing the U.S. national anthem over 20 times for the Brooklyn Nets.
Opened for major stars including Mariah Carey, Brian McKnight, Rod Stewart, and Ricky Martin, and performed at major events like George Lopez’s Haiti Charity Concert at The Staples Center
Latest singles:
Hey Mama (2025), NOEL (2024), Only Love (2023), All or Nothing (2020), and several holiday singles like It's Christmas Without You (2019)
Collaborations:
Featured on Talib Kweli’s track “You Are My Everything” (2023)
Participated on Booker T. Jones’s album Note by Note, contributing the song “Baby”
In 2025, she released I Wanna Be Me (Afro House Mix), signaling a fresh creative direction
Carson Barnes
Gospel Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 3 I 7.21.2025
Location: Wingate Park I Brooklyn, NY
“Event Performer”
Carson Barnes is a young, Chicago-native Gospel singer-songwriter. He grew up immersed in church music, singing in his grandmother’s youth choir and playing drums alongside his siblings as part of a group called C.M.C. (Carsie, Megan, Carson).
Career & Music: Barnes is signed to My Block Inc., an independent label founded by Grammy Award–winning producer Warryn Campbell. He recently released the single “What You Come To Do?”, which showcases his commitment to spreading the Gospel and inspiring listeners.
Collaborations & Performances: He’s featured on Adrian Dunn's "Get Free" (live version) and has performed in the Chicago area.
Next Steps: Barnes is set to join Erica Campbell on her “Laugh, Cry, Heal Tour,” an encouraging opportunity to reach more audiences with his message and vocal talent.
Erica Campbell
Gospel Music Artist, Songwriter, Radio Host & TV Personality
Rise Up NYC I Day 3 I 7.21.2025
Location: Wingate Park I Brooklyn, NY
“Event Performer”
The powerhouse voice of Mary Mary and Grammy award-winning solo artist
Mary Mary (formed 1998 w/Trecina Campbell / Sister): The duo has earned multiple Grammy, Stellar, Dove Awards and mainstream accolades, blending gospel with R&B, hip-hop, and soul
Solo success: Her debut solo album Help (2014) debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Albums and topped the Gospel Album Grammys. A follow-up project, Help 2.0 (2015), featured the chart-topping “I Luh God”
Recent work: In 2023, she released I Love You, produced by her husband Warryn Campbell; it earned gospel Grammy nominations. Her collaborative single “One Hallelujah” won a Grammy in 2025
Hezekiah Walker
Gospel Music Artist, Radio Host, Author and Preacher
Rise Up NYC I Day 3 I 7.21.2025
Location: Wingate Park I Brooklyn, NY
“Event Performer/Headliner”
The Grammy-winning pastor and artist known for timeless anthems like Every Praise and Souled Out will lead us in worship with his signature energy and heart for the people.
Born in Brooklyn, NY he is a celebrated American gospel singer, choir leader, pastor, and community advocate. Here’s a glimpse into his life and impact:
🎵 Musical Career & Impact
Walker is the founder and face of Hezekiah Walker & The Love Fellowship Crusade Choir, and later the Love Fellowship Tabernacle (LFT) Choir. He’s known for blending traditional gospel with contemporary and hip-hop influences—earning him the nickname “Hip‑Hop Pastor”
He’s released 15 albums, including pivotal records like Live in Atlanta at Morehouse College (Grammy-winner, 1994) and Love Is Live! (Grammy-winner, 2001).
His anthem, “Every Praise,” topped charts for a record-breaking 102 weeks and was named Gospel Song of the Decade by Billboard in 2019
Jules Juda
Gospel Music Artist, Producer, Songwriter & Bandleader
Rise Up NYC I Day 3 I 7.21.2025
Location: Wingate Park I Brooklyn, NY
“Event Performer”
Talented gospel musician, songwriter, producer, and musical director known for his authentic sound and spiritual creativity.
Musical Journey & Style
Jules Juda grew up immersed in music, raised in a West Indian church community. His early training at the famed Fame School in New York helped shape his gifted musical foundation
He’s closely associated with the Hammond B3 organ, often using it exclusively in performances to preserve its soulful authenticity
As a producer, he transitioned from analog recording to digital tools like Pro Tools, influenced by New York hip-hop simplicity and clarity.
Lena Byrd Miles
Gospel Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 3 I 7.21.2025
Location: Wingate Park I Brooklyn, NY
“Event Performer”
Lena (Oakland Bay Area, CA) began singing as early as age 4 in her grandfather’s church, growing up within a musical family, her mother played the organ & her father was the bassist. She also performed with her two younger sisters in an act called the "Byrd Sisters" during her youth.
Career Breakthrough
Her talent caught the attention of Grammy-winning producer Warryn Campbell while she was performing with the New Edwin Hawkins Singers. This led to her signing with his label, My Block Inc.
Notable Performances & Collaborations
Lena has performed at significant events like DMX’s homegoing service and participated as lead in Kanye West’s Sunday Service Choir. She also sang the “In Memoriam” tribute at the Academy Awards, performing Shirley Caesar’s "Heaven."
Honey Bxby
R&B Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 2 I 7.20.2025
Location: Wingate Park I Brooklyn, NY
“Event Performer”
🎤 Career & Background
Early life: Raised in Asbury Park, NJ, she grew up around music—her dad had a home studio and she began writing and recording as early as ages 5–6
Cosmetology to music: Before her debut EP, 3 Words, 8 Letters (2023), she attended cosmetology school and briefly worked as an exotic dancer—but it was her Instagram presence that attracted her manager, K Mack
Influences & alter egos: Inspired by Drake, Alicia Keys, Kehlani. Her track “Talk That S**t” introduced the confident alter ego Honey Bxby
Soul Train Awards debut: Performed on the 2023 Amplified stage, showcasing her live presence
Collaborations:
Toured with Sexyy Redd, building a strong fanbase
Co-signed by Busta Rhymes via a feature on the remix of “Touchin’”.
Featured alongside TheARTI$T on the R&B playlist track “Risk It All”
Recent Projects & Future Goals
Latest releases:
EP 3 Words, 8 Letters (2023), plus deluxe edition including “Trauma” and “Bonnie & Clyde” (with Fivio Foreign)
LP Raw Honey (2025) with singles like “Eastside,” “Left Eye (Remix)” ft. Lil’ Kim, “Right On Time,” “Think I Might” and more
Jennaske
Hip Hop Music Artist & Reality TV Star “Love and Hip Hop NY”
Rise Up NYC I Day 2 I 7.20.2025
Location: Wingate Park I Brooklyn, NY
“Event Performer”
Jennaske (also known as Jenna Ske) is a rapper, singer, and entertainer from Queens, New York. She’s known for her energetic personality, comedic social media presence, and bold, brash music style that blends elements of drill, trap, and club music.
Career Highlights:
Jennaske started gaining attention on social media for her funny skits and freestyles.
Her music often features confident, no-nonsense lyrics that reflect her NYC upbringing and fierce personality.
She appeared on VH1’s “Love & Hip Hop: New York” (Season 10), which helped introduce her to a wider audience.
She has collaborated with other NYC artists and has continued to build a fan base through both music and social media presence.
Jon B
R&B/Soul Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 2 I 7.20.2025
Location: Wingate Park I Brooklyn, NY
“Event Performer”
Multi-Platinum & Grammy Nominated R&B/Soul Music Artist known for classics like “They Don’t Know” and “Are U Still Down” (feat. 2Pac).
📚 Career Highlights
Debut Album: Bonafide (1995)
• Singles: “Someone to Love” (ft. Babyface) – hit top 10 on Billboard Hot 100; Grammy‑nominated for Best Pop Collaboration
• Also includes “Pretty Girl” and “Isn't It Scary”
Second Album: Cool Relax (1997)
• Certified Platinum, with hits “They Don’t Know” (peaked #7) and “Are U Still Down” (ft. 2Pac)
Later Albums:
Pleasures U Like (2001), Stronger Everyday (2004), Helpless Romantic (2008), Comfortable Swagg (2012), plus Waiting on You (2025) — his first album in 13 years
Latest Album: Waiting on You, released Spring 2025 — features collaborations with Tank, Donell Jones, Alex Isley, Rick Ross
He produced/wrote ~90% of the album, with standout singles like “Waiting On You,” “Natural Drug” (featuring Cynthia Bailey in the video), and more
Miabelle
Hot 97 New York City-based Personality, Producer, and Writer
Rise Up NYC I Day 2 I 7.20.2025
Location: Wingate Park I Brooklyn, NY
“Event Host/MC”
Radio / TV Host (HOT 97, WBLS, 100.3, BET ), Producer, Writer & Community Organizer
Started at Hot 97 as an intern, then worked her way into on-air roles through digital and street‑team experience HOT 97+1.
Hosts Saturdays on Hot 97 from 10 AM to 3 PM, and previously hosted “The Radio Game” late-night Mondays (12 AM to 5 AM)
🎧 Career & Roles
On-air personality, producer, and writer—with a passion for music, culture, art, and storytelling HOT 97+1.
Freelance writer and editor for outlets like Complex, Vibe, and community publications; works across TV and print formats.
Regular contributor and co‑host on People TV, and freelances in publishing and literary editing with a Master’s degree in Book Publishing
Beenie Man
Dancehall/Reggae Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 1 I 7.19.2025
Location: Wingate Park I Brooklyn, NY
“Event Performer/Headliner”
Jamaican dancehall artist widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the genre. Born on August 22, 1973, in Kingston, Jamaica, he earned the title "King of Dancehall" due to his longevity, lyrical prowess, and global appeal.
Beenie Man began performing at age 5 and recorded his first single, "Too Fancy," at just 8 years old.
Breakthrough: His 1995 album “Blessed” brought him international recognition, especially with hits like "Slam."
Major Hits:
"Who Am I (Sim Simma)" (1997) – his breakout international hit
"Girls Dem Sugar" ft. Mýa (2000)
"King of the Dancehall" (2004)
"Dude" ft. Ms. Thing (2004)
Collaborations: Beenie Man has worked with a wide array of artists, including Janet Jackson, Wyclef Jean, Sean Paul, and Nicki Minaj.
Grammy Award: Won Best Reggae Album in 2001 for "Art and Life."
Multiple International Reggae and World Music Awards
Bobby Konders
Dancehall/Reggae Producer, Hot 97 DJ, Radio Personality & Event Promoter
Rise Up NYC I Day 1 I 7.19.2025
Location: Wingate Park I Brooklyn, NY
“ Event DJ & Performer”
Bobby Konders
Profession: DJ, Producer, Radio Personality
Genres: Reggae, Dancehall, Hip-Hop, House
Notable Work:
Founder of the Massive B Sound System, a DJ and production crew known for reggae and dancehall.
Hosts "Fire Sundays" and other reggae-centric shows on Hot 97, where he has championed Caribbean music since the 1990s.
As a producer, he's worked with top dancehall artists such as Bounty Killer, Vybz Kartel, and Burro Banton.
Also known for deep house music in the early '90s (e.g., his 1990 track Nervous Acid).
Full Blown
Dancehall, Reggae, Soca & Hip Hop Infusion Music Duo
Rise Up NYC I Day 1 I 7.19.2025
Location: Wingate Park I Brooklyn, NY
“Event Performers”
Music duo (Kevon & Cory) known for their contributions to the Caribbean and urban music scene, particularly in the genres of dancehall, reggae, soca, and hip hop-infused island music. The group is often associated with the vibrant party and club culture of New York City and the broader Caribbean diaspora.
Style: High-energy, bass-heavy beats, often featuring collaborations with other Caribbean and urban artists.
Collaborations: They've been known to work with DJs and hosts like Bobby Konders & Jabba (Massive B), and perform at events tied to Caribbean carnivals, NYC club nights, and cultural festivals.
Presence: Active especially in the early-to-mid 2000s and tied to scenes like Hot 97, Labor Day Parade (NYC’s West Indian Day Parade), and various sound system events.
Music Themes: Party vibes, Caribbean pride, and urban street culture.
Patrice Roberts
Soca Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 1 I 7.19.2025
Location: Wingate Park I Brooklyn, NY
“Event Performer”
Patrice Roberts is a popular Trinidadian Soca singer, born on April 11, 1986, in the fishing village of Toco, Sangre Grande, Trinidad and Tobago.
She’s been recognized as a leading female soca artist, topping streaming charts and earning “Female Artist of the Year” distinctions
🎧 Notable Collaborations & Music
Patrice has worked with big names in the soca scene, such as Machel Montano and Bunji Garlin. Noteworthy tracks include:
“The Islands” (2005)
“Band Of De Year” (2006, with Machel Montano)
“Always Be” (2006, with Zan)
“Light It Up” (2007, with Machel Montano)
More recent hits: “Mind My Business”, “Criminal Wine”, “Toxic Love” and “Freak”
Preedy
Dancehall/Reggae Music Artist
Rise Up NYC I Day 1 I 7.19.2025
Location: Wingate Park I Brooklyn, NY
“Event Performer”
He is known for blending soca, dancehall, and reggae, Preedy’s music is both high-energy and lyrically rich. He has written tracks for major soca icons including Machel Montano, Patrice Roberts, and Nailah Blackman
Some of his well-known tracks include:
“Yuh Bad (No Stressing)” – a 2019 hit that expanded his fanbase
Other hits: “Say Yeah,” “Lost & Found,” “Mean It,” and “Wine Pon Live”
He released the EP “Maloney Story” in 2019 — a deeply personal collection reflecting his upbringing and community pride
🔥 Recent Work & Collaborations
His 2023 and 2024 releases include “Blaze Fire,” “Vibes Team,” “Feelings,” “Throw Dem Out,” and “Fine Wine”— tracks with bold messages and infectious rhythms
Collaborated with Bunji Garlin on the carnival anthem “Share It” in 2018; other notable works include songs with DJ Private Ryan, Nadia Batson, Skinny Fabulous, and more
Notable single "Pray," written with Kimi, reflects on personal tragedy and resilience, encouraging prayer amid societal challenges
DJ Prince Hakim
DJ, Music Producer & Son to the Legendary Robert “Kool” Bell (Founding member of Kool and The Gang)
Kool Kids Foundation Charity & Celebrity Golf Outing I 7.15.2025
Location: Cedar Hill Country Club I Livingston, NJ
“VIP Guest”
He has DJ’d at prestigious events including Bonnaroo Music Festival, Art Basel Miami, Sony Hall, La Esquina in NYC, and for clients like the Clinton Foundation, Tory Burch, and Carnegie Hall Notables
He toured alongside Kool & The Gang as a featured rapper and performer, including international tours and opening acts for artists like Van Halen
Prince Hakim serves as President of the Kool Kids Foundation, helping revive music programs in underserved schools through donations of instruments and support, working across his roots in New Jersey (Jersey City, Newark, Montclair)
Etan Thomas
Former NBA Player / Washington Wizards Center & Power Forward
Kool Kids Foundation Charity & Celebrity Golf Outing I 7.15.2025
Location: Cedar Hill Country Club I Livingston, NJ
“VIP Guest”
Former NBA center/power forward who played nine seasons in the league, primarily with the Washington Wizards. is also a published poet, freelance writer, activist, and motivational speaker. Known as “The Activist Athlete,”
Thomas has long used his platform for social and political engagement beyond sports
Regular contributor to publications like BasketballNews.com, The Guardian, The Undefeated, Washington Post, ESPN, CNN, and The Players’ Tribune
Co‑host of The Collision: Sports and Politics podcast/radio show and host of The Rematch, offering commentary across sports, culture, and activism
Recipient of the 2009 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Foundation Legacy Award and the 2010 NBPA Community Contribution Award
Hisham Tawfiq
Actor
Kool Kids Foundation Charity & Celebrity Golf Outing I 7.15.2025
Location: Cedar Hill Country Club I Livingston, NJ
“VIP Guest”
Actor best known for his role as Dembe Zuma—the loyal bodyguard and close confidant of Raymond “Red” Reddington—on NBC’s The Blacklist
🪖 Real-Life Heroism Before Acting
Served as a U.S. Marine during Operation Desert Storm.
Worked as a corrections officer at Sing Sing prison (1994–1996)
Climbing the ranks in the FDNY, he served nearly 20 years—including being a station chief and a 9/11 first responder—until retiring in 2015 to focus on acting full-time
Ja Rule
Hip Hop Artist, Actor and Entrepreneur
Kool Kids Foundation Charity & Celebrity Golf Outing I 7.15.2025
Location: Cedar Hill Country Club I Livingston, NJ
“VIP Guest”
Hip Hop Artist I Hollis, Queens (New York City), is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor. He gained fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s for blending gritty East Coast rap with melodic R&B hooks
His first album, Venni Vetti Vecci (1999), delivered the hit “Holla Holla.” He followed up with Rule 3:36 (2000), which starred “Put It on Me” and earned triple-platinum status
Pain Is Love (2001) debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, selling over 3 million copies, and featured chart-toppers like “Always on Time” (feat. Ashanti) and “Livin’ It Up” (feat. Case)
Continued hits included The Last Temptation (2002), Blood in My Eye (2003), and R.U.L.E. (2004), featuring “Wonderful” with Ashanti and R. Kelly
🎬 Actor & Entrepreneur
Film Appearances: Starred in Turn It Up (2000), The Fast and the Furious (2001), Half Past Dead (2002), Scary Movie 3 (2003), among others
Business Ventures: Launched whiskey brand Amber & Opal and a premium wine label
Philanthropy: Involved with Pencils of Promise, building schools in Ghana
Jermel Howard
Actor, Writer & Producer
Kool Kids Foundation Charity & Celebrity Golf Outing I 7.15.2025
Location: Cedar Hill Country Club I Livingston, NJ
“VIP Guest”
He’s a member of SAG‑AFTRA and trained at the New York Film Academy in 2019
🎭 Notable Roles
Shameek in Marvel's Luke Cage (Netflix), Mopreme Shakur in the Tupac biopic All Eyez On Me ., Brains in Power (Starz) during Season 4 , Lorenzo (ZO) in The First Purge film , Appeared in Salt-N-Pepa biopic as Treach .
Guest appearances include Law & Order (2011), BET’s Tales, and others
📚 Other Works
Author of the relationship guidebook "How Men Act in a Relationship and Why", available on Amazon and Kindle .
Company owner: Steel Island Productions, currently producing several self-created projects .
Miss Jones
R&B Singer & Radio Personality for 94.7 The Block & Pix11 NY
Kool Kids Foundation Charity & Celebrity Golf Outing I 7.15.2025
Location: Cedar Hill Country Club I Livingston, NJ
“VIP Guest”
Radio Personality:
Known for her bold, no-nonsense personality on NYC’s Hot 97 FM during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Hosted the “Miss Jones in the Morning” show, which became infamous for controversial interviews and feuds.
Later appeared on Philadelphia’s Power 99 FM and had a brief return to NYC radio.
Music Career:
Signed with Tommy Boy Records in the 1990s.
Best known musically for the hit “Where I Wanna Be Boy” (1998).
Provided vocals for Big Pun’s “Punish Me” on Capital Punishment (1998).
Author:
Wrote a memoir titled Have You Met Miss Jones?: The Life and Loves of Radio’s Most Controversial Diva (2007), detailing her career and personal struggles.
Rick Cerone
Former MLB Player / NY Yankees Catcher
Kool Kids Foundation Charity & Celebrity Golf Outing I 7.15.2025
Location: Cedar Hill Country Club I Livingston, NJ
“VIP Guest”
Former Major League Baseball catcher who played from 1975 to 1992
Indians (1975–76): Brief action in 7 games each season
Blue Jays (1977–79): Became starting catcher; hit .239 with 7 HR and 61 RBI in 1979
Yankees (1980–84): Best season in 1980 with .277 avg, 14 HR, 85 RBI, led AL in caught-stealing rate (51.8%) and finished 7th in MVP voting. Notable postseason runs in 1981 (ALDS) and 1981 World Series
Braves, Brewers, Red Sox, Mets, Expos (1985–92): Served mostly as a solid backup; numbers staying consistent around .245 average
Robert “Kool” Bell
R&B/Soul Music Artist & Founding member of “Kool and The Gang”
Kool Kids Foundation Charity & Celebrity Golf Outing I 7.15.2025
Location: Cedar Hill Country Club I Livingston, NJ
“VIP Guest”
Legendary bassist, singer, and co-founder of Kool & the Gang, the prolific funk/R&B band that emerged from Jersey City in 1964 and rose to global fame.
In their Legendary Historical run, Kool and The Gang amassed Two Grammys, seven AMAs, 25 Top‑10 R&B and nine Top‑10 Pop singles, 31 gold/platinum albums, induction into Songwriters Hall of Fame (2018), the New Jersey Hall of Fame, Hollywood Walk of Fame, and finally the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2024.
Robert is also the Co‑founder of the Kool Kids Foundation, a nonprofit promoting music education in inner‑city schools in honor of his late wife.
Tamala Jones
Actress
Kool Kids Foundation Charity & Celebrity Golf Outing I 7.15.2025
Location: Cedar Hill Country Club I Livingston, NJ
“VIP Guest”
Actress known for her long-standing career in both film and television.
Noteworthy Film Roles Include: Booty Call (1997), The Wood (1999), Kingdom Come and The Brothers (both 2001), What Men Want (2019), Ordinary Angels (2024) among many others
📺 Prominent TV Roles includes:
Lanie Parish on Castle (ABC, 2009–2016): Medical examiner with presence in nearly all series episodes IMDb+10Wikipedia+10The Movie Database+10.
Bobbi Seawright on For Your Love (NBC/The WB, 1998–2002): Showcased her comedic and dramatic range Wikipedia+6TV Insider+6Wikipedia+6.
Other appearances include recurring or guest roles on Dangerous Minds, Veronica’s Closet, ER, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, One on One, Studio 60, My Name Is Earl, and more
Thomas McClary
R&B/Soul Music Artist & Founding member of “The Commodores”
Kool Kids Foundation Charity & Celebrity Golf Outing I 7.15.2025
Location: Cedar Hill Country Club I Livingston, NJ
“VIP Guest”
R&B/Soul Singer (Founding Member of the Commodores)
American musician, guitarist, singer, songwriter, and record producer best known as the founder and lead guitarist of The Commodores. McClary is widely credited with having created the signature sound of The Commodores' original music.
Waliyy Dixon aka “Main Event”
Pro Basketball Player (Street Baller “AND1) & Podcast Host
Kool Kids Foundation Charity & Celebrity Golf Outing I 7.15.2025
Location: Cedar Hill Country Club I Livingston, NJ
“VIP Guest”
Waliyy Dixon, also known by his streetball nickname "Main Event," is a legendary figure in the world of street basketball, particularly recognized for his role in the AND1 Mixtape Tour — a major force in popularizing streetball in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Streetball Stardom:
One of the original stars of the AND1 Mixtape Tour.
Appeared in early AND1 Mixtapes, especially Mixtape Volume 1 (1998), which helped launch the brand and streetball into mainstream culture.
Famous for his incredible vertical leap, thunderous dunks, and dynamic charisma on the court.
Team Affiliation: Played for AND1 and later involved with Ball4Real, another streetball tour launched by former AND1 players.
🔹 Legacy & Impact:
Waliyy Dixon, as "Main Event," helped revolutionize how basketball was marketed, blending hip-hop culture, athleticism, and entertainment.
He’s considered one of the foundational players that built the AND1 brand into a global phenomenon.
Remains an influential figure in streetball and is remembered as one of the greatest dunkers of his era.
Bart Oates
Former NFL Player / NY Giants Center
A Giant Rewind I 7.12.2025
Location: Cedar Hill Country Club I Livingston, NJ
“Panelist”
Former NFL center known for his exceptional career with the New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers
3× Super Bowl champion (Giants: XXI ['86], XXV ['90]; 49ers: XXIX ['95])
5× Pro Bowl selection (1990, ’91, ’93–’95)
Played in 172 NFL games, with 165 starts; added 3 fumble recoveries
Noteworthy durability: started 125 consecutive games with the Giants
🎓 Off the Field & After Football
Earned a Juris Doctor (magna cum laude) from Seton Hall Law School in 1990 while still playing
Practiced law in New Jersey, primarily in real estate and healthcare
Served as a color analyst for NFL broadcasts on NBC in 1996
Held leadership roles with the NFL Alumni Association (past-president) and involvement in community and health initiatives
Inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame (Class of 2018)
Grant Marshall
Former NHL Player / Dallas Stars and New Jersey Devils
A Giant Rewind I 7.12.2025
Location: Cedar Hill Country Club I Livingston, NJ
“VIP Guest Attendee”
Canadian right winger best known for his NHL career spanning over a decade:
NHL Teams: Dallas Stars (1994–2001), Columbus Blue Jackets (2001–2003), New Jersey Devils (2003–2006)
Played 700 NHL games, recording 92 goals, 147 assists for a total of 239 point
🏆 Championships & Highlights
Won two Stanley Cups: with the Dallas Stars in 1999 and the New Jersey Devils in 2003
Delivered key playoff performances: scored the series-winning goal in a triple-overtime of the 2003 Eastern Conference Semifinals, also assisted on the clinch in Conference Final.
Howard Cross
Former NFL Player / NY Giants Tight End
A Giant Rewind I 7.12.2025
Location: Cedar Hill Country Club I Livingston, NJ
“Panelist”
Tight End for the New York Giants (1989–2001)
Games Played: 207 – second-most in Giants franchise history
Career Receptions: 201 for 2,194 yards and 17 touchdowns
Super Bowls:
Winner of Super Bowl XXV (1991 season)
Runner-up in Super Bowl XXXV (2001 season)
College: University of Alabama – standout blocker, earned the Jacobs Blocking Trophy in 1988
Drafted: 1989, Round 6, Pick 158 by the Giants
Post-Playing Career
Works as a broadcaster on the Giants’ Radio Network and YES Network (e.g., Giants First and 10)
Serves as a commercial real estate broker in NY/NJ through Cushman & Wakefield
Active in youth education and motivational outreach
Howard Margolies
A Giant Rewind Event Creator and Executive Producer
A Giant Rewind I 7.12.2025
Location: Cedar Hill Country Club I Livingston, NJ
“Event Creator and Executive Producer”
An EXCLUSIVE red-carpet event created by Howard Margolies, featuring football legends, celebrities & fans for an unforgettable night celebrating one of the greatest moments in football history I Super Bowl XXV
Lee Rouson
Former NFL Player / NY Giants Running Back
A Giant Rewind I 7.12.2025
Location: Cedar Hill Country Club I Livingston, NJ
“Panelist”
Former NFL running back best known for his time with the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns
🏈 Football Career
College: Starred at the University of Colorado (1981–1984), ranking fourth all‑time in rushing for the Buffaloes
NFL Draft: Selected in the 8th round (213th overall) by the New York Giants in 1985
Giants & Browns: Played 7 NFL seasons—1985–1990 with the Giants and 1991 with the Browns .
Super Bowl Rings: Won two—Super Bowl XXI (1987) and Super Bowl XXV (1991)
Special Teams Standout: Named NFL Special Teams Player of the Year in 1986
Career Stats: Over 92 games, he amassed 114 rushes for 415 yards, 33 receptions for 453 yards, and scored 4 touchdowns
Otis Livingston
CBS Sports Anchor
A Giant Rewind I 7.12.2025
Location: Cedar Hill Country Club I Livingston, NJ
“VIP Guest”
Otis Livingston is the longtime weekday sports anchor at WCBS‑TV (CBS New York), a multiple Emmy Award winner who has anchored on CBS News New York since around 2009–2010
He has reported on numerous marquee sporting events, including the NBA Finals, Stanley Cup Finals, World Series, U.S. Open Tennis and Golf Championships, Triple Crown horse races, and the New York City Marathon Wikipedia+2CBS News+2CBS News+2.
Olympic Reporting: In 2004, he carried the Olympic torch through Harlem and later worked as a studio host and field reporter for NBC during the Athens Summer Olympics. He also covered the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino CBS News+1CBS News+1.
Sideline Reporting: He’s served as a sideline reporter for the New York Giants (preseason) and for CBS Sports coverage of SEC football and the NCAA Tournament, partnering with broadcast talents like Ian Eagle and Greg Buttle
Ottis “OJ” Anderson
Former NFL Player / NY Giants Running Back
A Giant Rewind I 7.12.2025
Location: Cedar Hill Country Club I Livingston, NJ
“Panelist”
Rushed for 1,605 yards in his rookie year, earning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, Pro Bowl, and All‑Pro honors
Amassed 10,273 rushing yards, a 4.0 average, and 81 rushing TDs; plus 376 receptions, 3,062 receiving yards, and 5 receiving TDs
Selected to the Pro Bowl in 1979 & 1980, and awarded Comeback Player of the Year in 1989 after reigniting his career with the Giants
Super Bowl Glory
Most memorably, in Super Bowl XXV (1991), Anderson rushed 21 times, gained 102 yards, scored a key TD, and earned MVP honors as the Giants executed a dominant ball-control strategy
Rodney Hampton
Former NFL Player / NY Giants Running Back
A Giant Rewind I 7.12.2025
Location: Cedar Hill Country Club I Livingston, NJ
“Panelist”
NFL Debut & Super Bowl Win
The Giants selected him 24th overall in the 1990 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he rushed for 455 yards and 2 touchdowns, helping New York win Super Bowl XXV—though he missed the championship game itself due to a broken fibula
Prime Years (1991–1995)
Hampton became a cornerstone of the Giants’ offense:
Rushed for 1,000+ yards in five straight seasons (1991–1995)
Named to two Pro Bowls (1992, 1993)
Amassed 6,897 career rushing yards (second in team history at retirement) and 49 rushing touchdowns
Memorable Playoff Performance
In the 1993–94 Wild Card game vs. the Vikings, Hampton carried 33 times for 161 yards and 2 touchdowns in frigid, windy conditions—cementing himself as a postseason standout
Sean Landeta
Former NFL Player / NY Giants Punter
A Giant Rewind I 7.12.2025
Location: Cedar Hill Country Club I Livingston, NJ
“Panelist”
American football punter known for his exceptional longevity and performance in both the NFL and USFL
🏆 Professional Career
USFL (1983–1985)
Team: Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars
He was one of the top punters in the United States Football League and won two USFL championships with the Stars.
NFL Career (1985–2006)
New York Giants (1985–1993, 2006)
Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams (1993–1996)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1997)
Green Bay Packers (1998)
Philadelphia Eagles (1999–2002, 2005)
Career Span: 22 seasons (one of the longest for a punter)
Super Bowl Champion: 2× with the New York Giants (XXI, XXV)
NFL All-Decade Teams:
1980s and 1990s All-Decade Team (named by the Pro Football Hall of Fame)
Stephen “Touchdown Maker” Baker
Former NFL Player / NY Giants Wide Receiver
A Giant Rewind I 7.12.2025
Location: Cedar Hill Country Club I Livingston, NJ
“Panelist”
Former NFL wide receiver most remembered for his time with the New York Giants from 1987 to 1992. Nicknamed “The Touchdown Maker,” he was a key contributor to the Giants’ Super Bowl XXV win.
NFL Career
Drafted by the Giants in the 3rd round (83rd overall) in 1987.
Over six seasons with New York, Baker recorded 141 receptions for 2,587 yards and 21 receiving touchdowns, averaging an impressive 18.3 yards per catch.
Shining moment: his crucial 14-yard TD in Super Bowl XXV helped swing momentum late in the first half—billing epitomized what earned him his nickname.
Sterling Sharpe
Former NFL Player / Green Bay Packers
A Giant Rewind I 7.12.2025
Location: Cedar Hill Country Club I Livingston, NJ
“Event Host/MC”
Former NFL Wide Receiver and future Hall of Famer, who played his entire professional career for the Green Bay Packers in the NFL. Known for his exceptional hands, route running, and physicality, Sharpe was one of the most dominant receivers of the early 1990s.
🏈 NFL Career Highlights:
5× Pro Bowl selection (1989, 1990, 1992–1994)
3× First-team All-Pro (1989, 1992, 1993)
NFL Receptions Leader: 1992, 1993
NFL Receiving Touchdowns Leader: 1992, 1994
1992 Season: First player in NFL history to catch over 100 passes in back-to-back seasons (108 in 1992, 112 in 1993)
William Roberts
Former NFL Player / NY Giants Offensive Tackle
A Giant Rewind I 7.12.2025
Location: Cedar Hill Country Club I Livingston, NJ
“Panelist”
Former NY Giant Offensive Tackle/Guard, affectionately known as “Big Dog”
🏈 Career Highlights
NFL Draft: 1984, 1st round (27th overall) by the New York Giants
🏆 NFL Tenure
Giants (1984–1994): 11 seasons, 151 games played, 154 starts. Won two Super Bowls (XXI, XXV)
Pro Bowl: Selected in 1990 after switching from tackle to guard in 1989
Legacy & Recognition
Ranked #80 on the Giants’ Top 100 all‑time players list
Recognized as a vital part of two of the franchise’s greatest championship teams, anchoring the offensive line and paving the way for key rushing performances (e.g., Ottis Anderson’s Super Bowl XXV MVP game)
Brad Lander
NYC Comptroller
Event: 2025 NYC Pride March I 6.29.2025
Location: 5th Avenue, NYC
“VIP Parade Participant”
Comptroller since 2022: As NYC’s chief financial officer, he oversees roughly 800 staff, audits spending, manages $750,000+ in public pensions, and spearheaded net-zero goals, transparency dashboards, and audits exposing fiscal waste
2025 mayoral bid: Ran in the 2025 Democratic primary, earning key progressive endorsements (AOC, Elizabeth Warren), was considered The NYT’s top primary pick, then cross‑endorsed Zohran Mamdani and ultimately conceded
Recent Developments
ICE Court Arrest (June 2025)
Lander was briefly detained by ICE agents at Manhattan’s immigration court while “accompanying” an immigrant defendant. He was accused of impeding law enforcement but released within hours after Gov. Kathy Hochul intervened; no charges filed. Lander said he acted nonviolently, aiming to protect due process
Donovan Richards
Queensborough President
Event: 2025 NYC Pride March I 6.29.2025
Location: 5th Avenue, NYC
“VIP Parade Participant”
Queens Borough President:
– Won the 2020 Democratic primary and defeated Republican Joann Ariola in November with nearly 70% of the vote. Sworn in on December 2, 2020.
– Became the first Black man to hold the office in its 122‑year history
– Re‑elected for a full term, sworn in privately Dec 31, 2021, with his term running through January 2026 .
Kathy Hochul
New York State Governor
Event: 2025 NYC Pride March I 6.29.2025
Location: 5th Avenue, NYC
“VIP Parade Participant”
She is the 57th and first female Governor of New York, taking office on August 24, 2021, after Andrew Cuomo resigned, then she won her own full term in November 2022, defeating Lee Zeldin 53.1% to 46.7%—New York’s closest gubernatorial election since 1994.
A Democrat, she previously served as Lieutenant Governor (2015–2021), U.S. Representative (2011–2013), Erie County Clerk (2007–2011), and member of the Hamburg Town Board in Erie County (1994–2007) .
Kathy Hochul continues to lead with a focus on affordability, climate action, public safety, and reproductive rights, while navigating political headwinds in a high-stakes environment leading into 2026.
Letitia James
NYS Attorney General
Event: 2025 NYC Pride March I 6.29.2025
Location: 5th Avenue, NYC
“VIP Parade Participant”
Letitia is a Brooklyn native, is the 67th Attorney General of New York—making history as both the first woman and the first African American in that role. She took office on January 1, 2019, after winning the 2018 Democratic primary with about 40% of the vote and securing ~62% in the general election
Attorney General (2019–present):
Led enforcement securing over $7.5 billion from wrongdoers—$2.5 billion just from opioid settlements Wikipedia+3New York State Attorney General+3New York State Attorney General+3.
Took action on consumer protection, environmental violations, gun trafficking, housing justice, support for DACA, and reproductive rights X (formerly Twitter)+12New York State Attorney General+12New York State Attorney General+12.
Notably led a civil fraud lawsuit against Donald Trump, resulting in a massive $450 million judgment (ongoing appeal) Reuters+3Wall Street Journal+3New York Post+3.
Currently probing potential insider trading linked to Trump-affiliated tariffs—a novel state-level initiative
Marc D. Levine
Manhattan Borough President & 2025 NYC Democratic Comptroller Candidate
Event: 2025 NYC Pride March I 6.29.2025
Location: 5th Avenue, NYC
“VIP Parade Participant”
Marc is an attorney, educator, and Democratic politician currently serving as the 28th Borough President of Manhattan, a position he assumed on January 1, 2022
Since 2022, Levine has:
Launched initiatives including the “Million More Trees” plan, small-business Booster Loans, and advocacy for waterfront resilience via a proposed Waterfront Protection Agency
Continued his focus on equity, public health, housing, climate resilience, cycling infrastructure, and congestion reform.
🧭 Looking Ahead
Currently running for New York City Comptroller in the 2025 election
Won the Democratic primary on June 24, 2025, with ~48% support over Justin Brannan’s 34%
His campaign stresses using the comptroller’s office to protect affordability, oversight of city finances, and combat actions led by former national figures like Donald Trump
Marti Gould Cummings
New York Drag Performer, Activist & Political Trailblazer
Event: 2025 NYC Pride March I 6.29.2025
Location: 5th Avenue, NYC
“Parade Grand Marshall”
Celebrated New York City drag artist, activist, and pioneering political figure.
🎭 Drag Performance & Entertainment
A 16‑year staple of NYC nightlife, Marti has headlined at top venues like Joe’s Pub, 54 Below, Feinstein’s, and Lincoln Center’s Big Apple Circus
They host Stage Fright, a weekly Broadway + drag talk show at Red Eye, and a monthly drag brunch at 54 Below
Media presence includes appearances on The Marti Report (Logo), Shade Queens of NYC (Fusion), Worst Cooks in America, Drag Me to Dinner (Hulu), and more
They’ve featured in Vogue, W Magazine, Time Out NY, and campaigns for brands like Coach, McDonald’s, Brooklyn Brewery, and Steve Madden
🏛️ Activism & Politics
Served on NYC’s Community Board 9 and advised the Mayor’s Nightlife Advisory Board
In 2021, Marti became the first openly non‑binary candidate to run for NYC City Council (District 7); their journey was profiled in the documentary Queen of New York
Advocated for progressive issues like housing justice, defunding police, rent/mortgage relief during the pandemic, affordable transit, and queer-inclusive ID options .
Invited to moderate a panel at the UN on queer electoral representation—another first for a drag artist
Sirens Women’s Motorcycle Club of NYC
President & Vice President
Event: 2025 NYC Pride March I 6.29.2025
Location: 5th Avenue, NYC
“Parade Participants”
The Sirens are a historic and inspiring all‑female+/non-binary motorcycle club rooted in NYC's LGBTQ+ and motorcycling communities
🏍️ Club Overview
Founded in 1986, the Sirens are celebrated as the oldest and largest women’s motorcycle club in NYC
Membership exceeds 40 to 70 riders, encompassing women, trans women, and non-binary individuals aged 18+ =
The club began with a Village Voice ad and a first meeting in a living room; the name “Sirens” was chosen from options like Skid Lids and Sister Spokes
🎗 Mission & Activities
Leading the front of the NYC LGBTQ+ Pride March annually since 1987 (after debuting in 1986)
Thomas DiNapoli
NYS Comptroller
Event: 2025 NYC Pride March I 6.29.2025
Location: 5th Avenue, NYC
“VIP Parade Participant”
Politician serving as the 54th and current Comptroller of New York State since February 2007
📊 Comptroller Highlights
Watchdog of Taxpayer Dollars: Leads audits, combats waste, fraud, and abuse—leading to arrests and recovery of millions
Pension Fund Management: Oversees the NY Common Retirement Fund (one of the largest public pension funds worldwide)—recently achieving over 100% funded status (~102.9%) and ~9.5% returns in FY 2022
Transparency Proponent: Created Open Book New York and the Fiscal Stress Monitoring System to inform the public and monitor local government health
Responsible Investing: Directs pension investments toward local businesses, climate-conscious portfolios (net-zero by 2040), and minority/women-owned firms
Triad Brass
Grammy Award Winning Brass Ensemble
Event: 2025 NYC Pride March I 6.29.2025
Location: 5th Avenue, NYC
“Parade Participants”
Triad Brass is a vibrant New York City–based pop-up party brass band known for energetic performances of hip‑hop, Top 40 hits, and New Orleans–style grooves that get crowds dancing.
🎵 What Makes Them Stand Out
Performance Style
Since around 2012, Triad Brass has brought infectious party energy to public spaces, festivals, and clubs across NYC. Their concerts blend brass traditions with hip‑hop, NOLA rhythms, and pop hits delivered with show‑stopping choreography and stage presence
Recognition & Media Appearances
They’ve gained national exposure with appearances on Good Morning America, New York’s PIX11, and even performed during Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve
Frequent NYC Pop‑Ups
You can catch them in public event series like Bryant Park’s Midtown Music, often performing on Wednesdays through the summer in Midtown Manhattan at venues like the Upper Terrace and 33rd & 8th Avenue Plaza
Vanessa L. Gibson
Bronx Borough President
Event: 2025 NYC Pride March I 6.29.2025
Location: 5th Avenue, NYC
“VIP Parade Participant”
🌟 As Bronx Borough President
Elected Nov 2021 on platforms around COVID recovery, food insecurity, public safety, and housing
Launched programs for hunger relief, digital equity (securing ~$50 M+ for school tech), and small business support through microloans and grants .
Advocates tightly for public safety, including post–Twin‑Parks fire reforms and stronger fire-prevention measures
Promotes workforce development, business revitalization (e.g., Morris Park), and tourism initiatives
Catherine & Gabriella Vigorito
Reality TV Stars “Smothered” on TLC
Event: 5th Annual Pride Pool Party hosted by Jennifer Dilandro (Dolce Aesthetics) & Melissa Gorga (RHONJ) I 6.28.2025
Location: Coda Hotel I Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY
“VIP Guests”
Catherine
- Former Miss Connecticut USA 1988 and competitor in Miss USA
- A nationally syndicated inspirational columnist known for her weekly column “A New You”, syndicated in Hearst CT newspapers
- Author of books including A New You, God Will Do the Rest, and The Open Window
- Product designer for QVC, guest on TV & radio segments, and entrepreneur with A New You Worldwide, plus a jewelry line Diamond Crown Collection launched with Gabriella
Gabriella
A cosmetologist and popular TikToker (460K–760K followers, 12M–27M likes)
- Pageant competitor in Miss Connecticut USA 2021–2024, twice finishing in the Top 5, and awarded Miss Photogenic in 2023 alongside her mother’s legacy
Chrissy Monroe
Reality TV Star “Love and Hip Hop NY” on VH1
Event: 5th Annual Pride Pool Party hosted by Jennifer Dilandro (Dolce Aesthetics) & Melissa Gorga (RHONJ) I 6.28.2025
Location: Coda Hotel I Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY
“VIP Guest”
Reality TV Star “Love and Hip Hop NY” on VH1, Podcast Host, Founder of Survive to Thrive Global, Entrepreneur, Actress, and Former Model Agent
🎤 Podcast/Show Projects
Finding Chrissy – A reality-style TV series exploring Chrissy’s post-Love & Hip Hop life—covering her business, personal drama, and relationships
Despite its podcast-like storytelling, Finding Chrissy is a televised series, not a traditional podcast.
- Survive to Thrive Global is a nonprofit founded in 2016 by Chrissy Monroe. Its mission is to educate, empower, and support survivors of domestic violence, turning personal trauma into a catalyst for change .
It functions as an awareness and education platform, sharing personal stories, resources, and advocating for domestic violence prevention on social media
Helen Hoey
Reality TV Star “Below Deck” on Bravo TV
Event: 5th Annual Pride Pool Party hosted by Jennifer Dilandro (Dolce Aesthetics) & Melissa Gorga (RHONJ) I 6.28.2025
Location: Coda Hotel I Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY
“VIP Guest”
She is best known as a vibrant socialite and charter guest on Bravo’s reality TV series Below Deck
🎬 TV Appearances
Below Deck
Hoey was a repeat charter guest featured aboard yachts like Valor and My Seanna. She gained attention for her flamboyant style—think heels, manicures—and her larger-than-life personality. In Season 7 she teased chef Adrian Martin, even challenging him to a cook-off in heels after feeling he mocked her in the galley.
📸 Public Appearances & Events
Attended the reunion-event Reality Rushmore: Paramount + MTV The Challenge Reunion in June 2021, pictured alongside Richard Fiore
Jennifer Dilandro
Owner of Dolce Aesthetics
Event: 5th Annual Pride Pool Party hosted by Jennifer Dilandro (Dolce Aesthetics) & Melissa Gorga (RHONJ) I 6.28.2025
Location: Coda Hotel I Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY
“Event Host”
Founder of Dolce Aesthetics NY, with four locations (Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, soon expanding into New Jersey). Aesthetic nurse since 2001—one of NYC’s early nurse injectors—and holds Master’s in Nursing and NP certification, along with being an award‑winning injector: Recognized by Merz Aesthetics and Allergan—top injector rankings in 2018–2019
🎙️ Media Presence
- Hosts “Cats & Pudding” podcast: A WABC/Red Apple Media show where she interviews guests—fun, candid discussions on lifestyle and entrepreneurship
- Frequent on WABC’s “Sid & Friends”: Discussed Botox and aesthetics on multiple episodes in 2021,
Joy C Ortiz a.k.a. “Flavorican”
Owner/Creator | JJS OWN, LLC World-Renowned Dressings & Marinades
Event: 5th Annual Pride Pool Party hosted by Jennifer Dilandro (Dolce Aesthetics) & Melissa Gorga (RHONJ) I 6.28.2025
Location: Coda Hotel I Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY
“VIP Guest”
Everything she has achieved she worked hard to obtain. The obstacles that she has overcome have enabled her to proudly say JJS OWN is in one of the largest markets in the world.
Today, JJS OWN has increased to 6 amazing dressings and marinades and continues to grow.
JJS OWN now has a 5,500 sq foot facility where products and merchandise are sent out daily. You can find JJS OWN at 405 Railroad Ave. East Rutherford NJ 07073 where products can be picked up for local customers or shipped out to anywhere in the world. Whether JJ is bottling it herself or overseeing it, the quality and taste will never be compromised as she prides herself on customer satisfaction!
Mariah Lynn
Reality TV Star “Love and Hip Hop NY” on VH1 and Hip Hop Recording Artist
Event: 5th Annual Pride Pool Party hosted by Jennifer Dilandro (Dolce Aesthetics) & Melissa Gorga (RHONJ) I 6.28.2025
Location: Coda Hotel I Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY
“VIP Guest”
📺 Reality TV Fame
Rise to fame on VH1’s Love & Hip Hop: New York, joining in Season 6 (2015–16) and appeared through Seasons 6–8, with supporting roles in later seasons
Known for her dramatic feuds, fling-filled love life, and music pursuits on the show. Highlights include romance with Rich Dollaz, a stint with Cisco Rosado, signing to DJ Self’s label, and dating singer James R.
🎶 Music Career
She Broke into music with her single “Once Upon a Time (I Was a Hoe)”, promoted by DJ Self, followed by tracks like Money Gun and Too Much Money
Also featured on Zeus Network’s Baddies East, dropping new visuals in 2024
Mario Bosco
Italian‑American actor, producer, author, podcast host, social media influencer and stand‑up comic.
Event: 5th Annual Pride Pool Party hosted by Jennifer Dilandro (Dolce Aesthetics) & Melissa Gorga (RHONJ) I 6.28.2025
Location: Coda Hotel I Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY
“VIP Guest”
🎬 Career Highlights
- Acting credits include memorable roles in The Hard Way (1991), 54 (1998), Bullet (1996), Heartbreak Hospital (2002), At the Sinatra Club (2010), and Sister Italy (2012).
- In the late 1980s, he appeared in the short student film Mella’s Shoes, which led to more film work. His breakthrough came when a role was written for him on NYPD Blue in 2000.
- He’s also worked behind the scenes as a producer.
🎤 Beyond Film
- A standout stand‑up comedian, Mario performs at well‑known NYC venues and boasts a strong online presence with over 69K TikTok followers as @marioboscocomedy.
- He also hosts The Mario Bosco Show, a podcast/video series where he shares stories and insights.
📚 Memoir
Authored From Hopeless to Hollywood: The Mario Bosco Story, published in 2015; a memoir about his resilience and path to Hollywood fame.
Melissa Gorga
Reality TV Star “Real Housewives of New Jersey” on Bravo TV
Event: 5th Annual Pride Pool Party hosted by Jennifer Dilandro (Dolce Aesthetics) & Melissa Gorga (RHONJ) I 6.28.2025
Location: Coda Hotel I Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY
“Event Host”
Reality TV Star: Joined RHONJ in 2011 and has maintained her spot through numerous seasons
Music: Released singles in 2011–12 like “On Display,” “How Many Times,” “Rockstar,” and “I Just Wanna,” and charted on iTunes
Author: Wrote Love Italian Style: The Secrets of My Hot and Happy Marriage (2013)
Entrepreneur: Founded her boutique Envy by Melissa Gorga in Montclair (opened 2015), now with additional locations including Long Island
Launched Let’s Sprinkle by MG in 2024, turning a viral seasoning from show drama into a cookie and coffee cake line that earned over $500K in its first months
Hosts a lifestyle podcast, On Display with Melissa Gorga, since late 2021
Porkchopz
Stand Up Comedian
Event: 5th Annual Pride Pool Party hosted by Jennifer Dilandro (Dolce Aesthetics) & Melissa Gorga (RHONJ) I 6.28.2025
Location: Coda Hotel I Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY
“VIP Guest”
Joseph “Porkchopz” Lombardo is a New York–based stand‑up comedian and writer known for his Italian‑American charm and observational comedy
Comedy Style
- Italian-American flair — he blends cultural quirks, dating mishaps, smoking habits, relationships, and everyday absurdities into his set. He frequently stars on TikTok, YouTube, and podcasts .
Abby Phillip
CNN news Anchor
Event: 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards I 6.25 & 6.26.2025
Location: Palladium, Times Square, NYC
“Presenter”
Abby Phillip is a prominent Emmy and Peabody Award Winning American journalist and anchor of CNN’s NewsNight with Abby Phillip (weeknights at 10 p.m. ET), and co‑host of CNN Saturday Morning Table for Five.
🗳️ Career Highlights
- CNN (2017–present): Phillip joined CNN in 2017, covering the Trump administration and serving as a White House correspondent until 2019. She moderated CNN’s Democratic Presidential Debate in Iowa in January 2020 and anchored special coverage of the 2020 election.
- The Washington Post: Before CNN, she worked as a national political reporter, covering the White House.
- ABC News: Phillip served as a digital reporter for politics.
- Politico: She began her journalism career covering the Obama White House, campaign finance, and lobbying.
- In 2021, she was named to the TIME100 Next list and received the National Urban League’s Women of Power award
Adam Sharp
President and CEO of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
Event: 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards I 6.25 & 6.26.2025
Location: Palladium, Times Square, NYC
“VIP Attendee/Speaker”
He currently serves as the President and CEO of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, overseeing the annual presentation of the coveted Emmy® Awards for Children’s & Family, Daytime, Sports, and News & Documentary television, as well as achievements in television Technology & Engineering.
From 2010 through 2016, Sharp was Head of News, Government and Elections at Twitter, advising journalists, news organizations, candidates, and government officials in more than 20 nations.
Sharp served U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., from 2004 to 2009, first as a spokesman and later as Deputy Chief of Staff. He has also held leadership roles at NBC News and C-SPAN, is currently a board member of the National Press Foundation, and is a former President of the bipartisan U.S. Senate Press Secretaries Association.
Akram Abi-Hanna
ABC News Photojournalist & Director of Photography
Event: 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards I 6.25 & 6.26.2025
Location: Palladium, Times Square, NYC
“Silver Circle Inductee”
Akram Abi-Hanna (Silver Circle Inductee) Lebanese Veteran Cameraman & Photojournalist for ABC News He has served in high‑risk assignments, including coverage in Cairo, Egypt, often as a lead cameraman on site .
⚠️ Notable Field Incident In 2011, during the Egyptian protests, Akram Abi‑Hanna was part of an ABC News crew that was carjacked and threatened with violence, including beheading. According to his colleague Brian Hartman, Akram’s calm appeal to the crowd helped defuse the situation and secure their safe release Akram Abi-Hanna is a seasoned photojournalist and director of photography who has risked his life covering volatile regions. His experience—from high-pressure studio assignments to dangerous on-ground reporting—reflects a career rooted in both technical excellence and human-centered storytelling
Al Roker
Meteorologist, Journalist, Television personality, Author & Today Show Weather Anchor
Event: 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards I 6.25 & 6.26.2025
Location: Palladium, Times Square, NYC
“Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient”
Emmy Award Winning Iconic American weather presenter, broadcaster, author, and TV personality best known as the long‑time weather and feature anchor on NBC’s Today show and co‑host of its “3rd Hour” segment
Since 1996 Al Roker has been a staple in a holiday tradition co-hosting the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. The Parade will celebrate it’s 100th Anniversary in 2026 and Al will also be celebrating his 30 yr Anniversary at NBC’s The Today Show.
*He celebrates the night with his wife and fellow award recipient, Deborah Roberts (ABC 20/20 News Anchor and Contributor to GMA, World News Tonight & The View)*
Amy Schmelzer
Head of The News & Documentary Emmy Awards
Event: 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards I 6.25 & 6.26.2025
Location: Palladium, Times Square, NYC
“VIP Attendee/Speaker”
In June 2025, Amy was announced as the new Acting Head of the National News & Documentary Emmy Awards, a role at the national level with the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
🎖️ Emmy Awards – Summary Regional Emmys (Upper Midwest – KCCI, Des Moines)
She is a six-time recipient of the Upper Midwest Regional Emmy for Outstanding Directing, awarded between 2010 and 2016
In her capacity as KCCI’s News Operations Manager, her directing work on KCCI NewsChannel 8 at Ten earned her one of those Emmys
Andrea Canning
Dateline NBC Correspondent
Event: 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards I 6.25 & 6.26.2025
Location: Palladium, Times Square, NYC
“Nominee”
Andrea Canning is a Canadian‑born broadcast journalist best known as a correspondent for Dateline NBC (since 2012), reporting across NBC News platforms including Today, NBC Nightly News, and MSNBC
Early in her career she was an assignment editor at Extra, overnight anchor on World News Now, America This Morning, and reporting gigs in Canada and U.S. local news
She joined ABC News in 2004, notably covering Hurricane Katrina, Supreme Court, Casey Anthony case, and scoring a viral 20/20 interview with Charlie Sheen in 2011
In 2011 she moved to NBC News as a Dateline correspondent. and she hosts the Dateline True Crime Weekly podcast
Bill Whitaker
Television Journalist and Correspondent for the CBS News program 60 Minutes.
Event: 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards I 6.25 & 6.26.2025
Location: Palladium, Times Square, NYC
“Presenter”
Peabody & Emmy Award Winning broadcast journalist and longtime 60 Minutes correspondent on CBS News.
Began his career at KQED in San Francisco (1979), then progressed to WBTV in Charlotte, NC before joining CBS News in 1984
Served as Tokyo correspondent (1989–92), covering major Asian events like Tiananmen Square and Desert Storm build-up
Transferred to CBS Los Angeles bureau (1992–2014), earning acclaim for covering trials (Rodney King, O.J. Simpson), wildfires, politics, and more
Joined 60 Minutes in 2014, launching his eleventh season in 2024–25
📰 Notable Reports
Probed the opioid crisis, an award-winning series with The Washington Post that prompted a congressman to withdraw from a Trump-era nomination
Investigated ghost guns, covered COVID-19 vaccine efforts, Chanel Miller’s first TV interview, and generic drug price-fixing
Conducted global reporting from Uganda (virus hunters), France (Notre Dame rebuild, Macron interview), and more
Bill Owens
Former Executive Producer of CBS’s 60 Minutes
Event: 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards I 6.25 & 6.26.2025
Location: Palladium, Times Square, NYC
“Silver Circle Inductee”
Joined CBS News in 1988 as an intern and moved through ranks—desk assistant, assignment editor, field producer, senior broadcast producer for both CBS Evening News and 60 Minutes
📺 Career Milestones
2003–2007: Senior broadcast producer at 60 Minutes; worked on coverage like Hurricane Katrina and Sudan genocide
2008 onward: Executive Editor for 60 Minutes, shaping nearly 1,000 segments and launching digital expansions like 60 Minutes Sports and 60MinutesOvertime.com
2019: Named the program’s third Executive Producer in its 50+ year history, following Don Hewitt and Jeff Fager
🏆 Editorial Achievements
Under Owens’s leadership, 60 Minutes:
Maintained its status as TV’s No. 1 news program for 50 consecutive seasons (2023–24)
Oversaw landmark interviews with figures like Presidents Biden & Trump, Pope Francis, Zelenskyy, and more
Led major investigations: Havana Syndrome, Cambodian antiquities smuggling, Dominion Voting Systems claims—and earned awards like Emmys and a Peabody
Brandon Scott
Mayor of Baltimore City, MD
Event: 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards I 6.25 & 6.26.2025
Location: Palladium, Times Square, NYC
“Nominee”
Brandon Scott
He is currently serving as the Mayor of Baltimore, Maryland. He assumed office on December 8, 2020, becoming one of the youngest to hold the position—and the first mayor to win re‑election since Martin O’Malley, after defeating Shannon Wright with over 82% of the vote in November 2024
Cater Lee
News Executive at Spectrum News & E.W. Scripps
Event: 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards I 6.25 & 6.26.2025
Location: Palladium, Times Square, NYC
“Silver Circle Inductee”
Distinguished American Emmy Winning media executive whose career spans over three decades, marked by a blend of local journalism, television production, and strategic leadership
She served as Vice President of News & Content at Spectrum News 1 Southern California, where she spearheaded a 24/7 local news model emphasizing community-driven reporting.
Holds the position of Secretary on the Freedom House Board of Trustees, drawing on over 25 years of media and communications leadership
From 2011 to 2014, she was Senior Director of TV Program Development at the E.W. Scripps Company, then returned in 2015 as Vice President of Programming, where she launched award-winning syndicated series like The List and Right This Minute
In her Initial career she is a five-time Emmy-winning news anchor, reporter, and producer in markets including Los Angeles and Phoenix. She also produced for NBC's Today Show and CNN
She anchored and reported at CBS affiliates (e.g., Chattanooga), KNBC, and KCAL in Los Angeles
Cecilia Vega
Journalist and Correspondent for 60 Minutes
Event: 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards I 6.25 & 6.26.2025
Location: Palladium, Times Square, NYC
“Nominee and Winner”
Prominent Emmy Award Winning journalist—currently a correspondent for CBS’s “60 Minutes”. Previously she was Chief White House Correspondent at ABC News, and before that anchored Good Morning America and the weekend edition of World News Tonight.🌟 Career Highlights
Early Journalism & Local News
Started in 1999 as a print reporter at the San Francisco Chronicle and other outlets .
Transitioned into broadcast at ABC’s KGO‑TV in San Francisco; her team won a Northern California Emmy in 2010
ABC News (2011–2022)
Joined ABC News in 2011 as a Los Angeles-based correspondent.
Covered major global events: Fukushima disaster, Pope Francis’s election, Ebola outbreak, London Olympics, U.S. elections, etc.
Anchored World News Tonight Saturday from 2015–2017.
Named senior and then Chief White House Correspondent in 2017 and 2021 respectively
Gained attention for pressing interviews during Trump and Biden administrations—questioned border conditions, COVID origins, Supreme Court nominations, and impeachment matters .
60 Minutes (2023–Present)
Joined 60 Minutes in spring 2023, becoming the first Latina correspondent in the show’s 55-year history
Danielle Mannion
NATAS Foundation Cochair & Treasurer
Event: 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards I 6.25 & 6.26.2025
Location: Palladium, Times Square, NYC
“VIP Attendee”
Danielle is the co-creator and co-producer of the National Student Production Awards. Danielle is honored to serve as the Co-Chair of the Foundation, where she continues to support and advocate for the students, teachers, and members of NATAS. She is excited to help shape the NATAS Foundation into an organization where every member feels a strong sense of connection and pride in their affiliation.
Deborah Roberts
Television journalist and Co-Anchor of ABC News' 20/20
Event: 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards I 6.25 & 6.26.2025
Location: Palladium, Times Square, NYC
“Silver Circle Inductee”
Emmy and Peabody Award Winning Television journalist and co-anchor of ABC News' 20/20 Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame Inductee.
In 1995 Deborah transitioned from NBC News “Dateline” contributor to ABC News, becoming a correspondent for 20/20, and contributing to Good Morning America, World News Tonight Weekend, Nightline, and occasionally co-hosting The View
*She celebrates the night with her husband and fellow award recipient, Al Roker (Today Show weather anchor & TV Personality on NBC)*
Gabriel Francis Paz Goodenough
Director and Filmmaker
Event: 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards I 6.25 & 6.26.2025
Location: Palladium, Times Square, NYC
“Nominee”
Baltimore-based filmmaker best known as the director and producer of The Body Politic, a 90-minute documentary that follows Mayor Brandon Scott’s first year in office amid COVID‑19 and a national reckoning on policing
Gabriela Cowperthwaite
Director & Filmmaker
Event: 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards I 6.25 & 6.26.2025
Location: Palladium, Times Square, NYC
“Presenter & Nominee”
Multi-Award Winning Acclaimed American filmmaker known for powerful documentaries and narrative films that explore pressing social, cultural, and environmental issues
She spent over a decade directing, producing, writing, and editing for major documentary outlets—National Geographic, ESPN, Animal Planet, History Channel, and Discovery
In 2010, her documentary “City Lax: An Urban Lacrosse Story” aired on ESPN, chronicling a lacrosse initiative in an urban school setting,
In 2013 “Blackfish” Premiered at Sundance; examined the orca Tilikum’s role in SeaWorld and trainer safety.
- Earned her a BAFTA nomination and became a cultural phenomenon—contributing to SeaWorld ending orca breeding and shows latimes.com+5en.wikipedia.org+5dornsife.usc.edu+5.
- Created the “Blackfish Effect,” a movement against captivity-driven marine attractions
Gemma Cubero del Barrio
Producer, Director & Writer at PBS
Event: 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards I 6.25 & 6.26.2025
Location: Palladium, Times Square, NYC
“Silver Circle Inductee”
Spanish-American documentary filmmaker and producer based in Los Angeles. With over 25 years of experience, she founded Talcual Films in 2006, aiming to create compelling, human-centered documentaries that explore universal themes of identity, resilience, and environmental change .
Gordon Quinn
Filmmaker and Founder of Kartemquin Films
Event: 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards I 6.25 & 6.26.2025
Location: Palladium, Times Square, NYC
“Silver Circle Inductee”
BIO COMING SOON!
Emmy Award Winning documentary filmmaker and the Artistic Director and co-founder of Kartemquin Films a Chicago-based production company renowned for its socially engaged, vérité-style documentaries. Born in Washington, D.C., in 1942, Quinn began his filmmaking journey as a University of Chicago student in the early 1960s. His 1963 short film, ’63 Boycott, which documented a citywide student protest against school segregation in Chicago, was recently shortlisted for an Academy Award, highlighting its enduring relevance.
James Carville
Political Consultant and Author
Event: 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards I 6.25 & 6.26.2025
Location: Palladium, Times Square, NYC
“Nominee”
He’s a well-known American political consultant, strategist, and media personality, often recognized for his colorful personality and sharp political commentary. He gained national prominence as the lead strategist for Bill Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign, helping Clinton win the presidency by focusing on economic issues — most famously encapsulated in the phrase “It’s the economy, stupid.”
Carville has been a frequent guest and commentator on news networks like CNN and MSNBC, and has also co-hosted political shows and podcasts.
He’s advised political campaigns in multiple countries including Bolivia, Brazil, and Israel.
He has also co-wrote several books with political commentary, including All’s Fair: Love, War, and Running for President with his wife, and We're Right, They're Wrong.
Jon Else
Documentary Filmmaker and Former Professor Emeritus at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism
Event: 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards I 6.25 & 6.26.2025
Location: Palladium, Times Square, NYC
“Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient”
Emmy Award Winner & Academy Award Nominated Documentary filmmaker and Professor Emeritus at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism, where he directed the documentary program from 1997 to 2014. He is renowned for producing and directing powerful, socially engaged films that explore complex historical and contemporary issues.
🎬 Career Highlights
The Day After Trinity (1980): An Academy Award-nominated documentary about J. Robert Oppenheimer and the development of the atomic bomb.
Other notable works include Eyes on the Prize (1987), Cadillac Desert (1997), Sing Faster: The Stagehands’ Ring Cycle (2000), Wonders Are Many: The Making of Doctor Atomic (2008), and The Island President (2011):
Else has also worked as a cinematographer on numerous documentaries for major networks, including PBS, BBC, HBO, and Netflix, covering topics from civil rights to environmental issues. 📚 Current Work Else is currently producing a documentary about the California Gold Rush and continues to be involved in documentary filmmaking and education
Lester Holt
Dateline NBC & NBC Nightly News Anchor
Event: 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards I 6.25 & 6.26.2025
Location: Palladium, Times Square, NYC
“Nominee & Winner”
Lester Holt is a highly respected Emmy Award Winning American broadcast journalist, best known for his long tenure at NBC. He became the first African-American to solo anchor a U.S. weekday network nightly news broadcast.
He joined NBC in 2000 as correspondent and fill-in anchor
Co‑anchored Weekend Today (2003–2015) and anchored NBC Nightly News Weekend (2007–2015)
Became principal anchor of Dateline NBC in 2011
Interim weekday host of NBC Nightly News in 2015, then permanent anchor and managing editor (June 2015–May 30, 2025)
Moderated a Democratic presidential debate (Jan 2016) and the first Hillary Clinton–Donald Trump debate (Sept 2016
Marc Burstein
Former Senior Executive Producer & Mentor at ABC
Event: 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards I 6.25 & 6.26.2025
Location: Palladium, Times Square, NYC
“Gold Circle Inductee”
20x Emmy Winning Veteran television news executive who served as the Senior Executive Producer of Special Events at ABC News. He announced his retirement in December 2024, concluding a distinguished career that spanned over four decades. His final day with the network was January 31, 2025, following the inauguration of President Donald Trump. The decision followed a cancer diagnosis, and he plans to continue contributing as a consultant and mentor for ABC
🧭 Career Highlights
Joined ABC News in the 1980s, initially working on Good Morning America and World News Tonight
Became the executive producer for special events coverage in 1997, leading the unit through major moments like 9/11, millennium broadcasts, and seven presidential elections
Instrumental in orchestrating "ABC 2000", a 24-hour live broadcast marking the new millennium
Oversaw extensive, commercial-free coverage during the 9/11 attacks
🎖️ Reputation & Legacy
Described by Diane Sawyer as “steady in the storm; creative and daring when it’s over… the sweetest sound in your ear” during live coverage
David Muir praised him:
“I don’t remember a time when Marc Burstein wasn’t in the control room… He has been the very best at what he does… I’m sure I will hear his voice in my ear long after he leaves.”
Marcia Smith
Filmmaker, Writer and Firelight Media Co-Founder
Event: 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards I 6.25 & 6.26.2025
Location: Palladium, Times Square, NYC
“Gold Circle Inductee”
Distinguished Emmy and Peabody Award Winning Writer, Filmmaker, and nonprofit executive renowned for her dedication to producing nonfiction stories that address racial injustices rooted in African American history and contemporary lived experiences. In 1998, she co-founded Firelight Media with her husband, acclaimed documentarian Stanley Nelson, to create a sustainable platform for producing and supporting films that amplify underrepresented voices. Under her leadership, Firelight Media has become a pivotal force in the documentary field, providing artistic and financial support to emerging filmmakers of color through initiatives like the Documentary Lab, Impact Campaign Fund, FRONTLINE/Firelight Investigative Journalism Fellowship, and the William Greaves Fund for mid-career filmmakers
Smith has co-written several impactful documentaries with Stanley Nelson, including Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges and Universities, Freedom Riders, Jonestown: The Life and Death of the Peoples Temple, and The Murder of Emmett Till. Her work on The Murder of Emmett Till earned her a Primetime Emmy nomination and the Writers Guild Award for Best Nonfiction Writing in 2003 . She is also set to serve as the writer for Firelight Media’s upcoming four-hour documentary series, Creating The New World, which will explore the transatlantic slave trade .
Mariana Van Zeller
National Geographic Journalist and Correspondent
Event: 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards I 6.25 & 6.26.2025
Location: Palladium, Times Square, NYC
“Nominee and Winner”
Note: Mariana received 29 Nominations for Trafficked, which set a Nat Geo record, to which she won four and previously earned five wins in 2024
She is currently the Host & Executive Producer of Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller on National Geographic and Hulu (5 seasons, 51 episodes, since 2020)
📺 Career Highlights
Began her journalism career in Portugal at SIC television before moving to the U.S. and covering 9/11 from New York
Worked on documentaries for PBS Frontline/World, Current TV’s Vanguard, and was a correspondent for Fusion and Vice
🔍 Reporting Focus
Investigates the “hidden third” of the economy: black, gray, and underground markets—ranging from drug trafficking and human organ trade to scams, militias, and more
Noted for her empathetic interviewing style: “I’m here to understand, not judge,” she emphasizes, building trust to access shadowy networks .
Martha Teichner
CBS Sunday Morning Correspondent & Journalist
Event: 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards I 6.25 & 6.26.2025
Location: Palladium, Times Square, NYC
“Gold Circle Inductee”
Acclaimed Emmy Award Winning CBS News Sunday Morning correspondent known for her in-depth storytelling on politics, culture, science, and human interest—she's held that role since December 1993. Her CBS News career began in 1977, and she has been based out of New York City for decades.
Worked in radio and TV at WJEF (Grand Rapids), WZZM, WTVJ (Miami), and WMAQ (Chicago) before joining CBS
🌍 Foreign Correspondent & War Reporting:
Based in CBS bureaus around the world:
London (1980–84, 1989–94)
Johannesburg (1987–89)
Dallas (1984–87), Atlanta (1977–80)
Covered major global events: Lebanon War, First Intifada, Yugoslav conflicts, Romanian Revolution, Maze Prison hunger strike, fall of apartheid, Persian Gulf War, DEA operations in Bolivia
Morgan Hawkins
D.C. International H.S. Filmmaker
Event: 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards I 6.25 & 6.26.2025
Location: Palladium, Times Square, NYC
“NATAS Foundation Scholarship Recipient”
After racking up a slew of awards, accolades and film festival screenings as a high school student, Morgan Hawkins now has her sights set on a journalism and documentary filmmaking career. She earned widespread honors for a documentary she co-produced with Ajani Obaseki, profiling a man named Michael Woody, who was serving prison time for murder and burglary. The documentary highlighted a prison program that rehabilitates inmates through education, and the impact the program had on Woody's life.
The project was awarded Best Broadcast Feature Story at the All American High School Film Festival in New York, and won Best Non-fiction/Documentary Short at the Anacostia Youth Media Festival. She's a recent graduate of District of Columbia International School, where she studied news and documentary production and helped launch Dragon TV — the school's student news channel. She plans to attend Ithaca College in the fall, and pursue a career in broadcast journalism and documentary filmmaking. One day, she hopes to own her own production company.
The Douglas W. Mummert Scholarship is awarded to a student pursuing a career in any aspect of the television industry with a focus on community service, and is administered by The NATAS Foundation.
Muta Ali Muhammad
Director & Filmmaker
Event: 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards I 6.25 & 6.26.2025
Location: Palladium, Times Square, NYC
“Presenter & Nominee”
Emmy and Image award nominated filmmaker of feature docs “Moviepass, Moviecrash” ✨“Cassius X: Becoming Ali” ✨”Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn”
Cinematic Focus
- His work consistently illuminates social justice issues and personal narratives. He’s also produced over 130 entertainment news segments and has credits on shows such as “After Floyd: The Year That Shook the World” and “Juneteenth: Together We Triumph”
Press & Media
- His films have aired on HBO, Smithsonian Channel, ABC, among others. He’s been featured across major outlets like ABC News, The New York Times, Variety, Vulture, The Wall Street Journal, Essence, and IndieWire
Negin Farsad
Comedian, Actress, Writer & Filmmaker
Event: 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards I 6.25 & 6.26.2025
Location: Palladium, Times Square, NYC
“Host”
Negin Farsad was named one of 50 Funniest Women by Huffington Post, named one of the 10 Best Feminist Comedians by Paper Magazine, and was selected as a TEDFellow for her work in social justice comedy.
She is the author of the recently released How To Make White People Laugh, a memoir-meets-social-justice-comedy manifesto which was nominated for the Thurber Prize for Humor and recommended by Oprah Magazine. Farsad is host of Fake the Nation, a political comedy podcast on the Earwolf network and she’s a regular panelist on NPR’s Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me. She appears on the current season of Nat Geo’s Year Million, the upcoming season of HBO’s High Maintenance, and the last season of Netflix’s Chelsea Handler Show.
She is also the director/writer/star of the rom-com 3rd Street Blackout, starring Janeane Garofalo, Ed Weeks, and John Hodgman (now available on Amazon). She has written for/appeared on Comedy Central, MTV, PBS, IFC, Nickelodeon and others. She is director/producer of the feature films The Muslims Are Coming! starring Jon Stewart, David Cross and Lewis Black and Nerdcore Rising starring Weird Al Yankovic (both available wherever movies are streamed/downloaded). She has written good-old fashioned articles for The Guardian, The Daily Beast, Oprah Magazine, Indiewire and others. She has sued New York State’s MTA over the right to put up funny posters about Muslims and WON.
She started her comedy career as a Cornell and Columbia-educated policy advisor for the City of New York.
Pierre Thomas
ABC News Journalist & Senior Justice Correspondent
Event: 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards I 6.25 & 6.26.2025
Location: Palladium, Times Square, NYC
“Nominee”
Emmy & Peabody Award Winning & 2024 Silver Circle Emmy Inductee Chief/Senior Justice Correspondent at ABC News, reporting across World News Tonight, Good Morning America, Nightline, This Week, ABC News Live, Radio, and Digital
Major stories covered:
- 9/11 terrorist attacks and aftermath
- Mueller investigation into former President Trump
- Pulse Nightclub shooting, Boston Marathon bombing
- Death of George Floyd and racial justice protests
- January 6 Capitol insurrection including exclusive interview with Officer Harry Dunn
Soledad O'Brien
Hearst Television Broadcast Journalist, TV Host, Documentarian, Philanthropist and Executive Producer
Event: 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards I 6.25 & 6.26.2025
Location: Palladium, Times Square, NYC
“Nominee”
Emmy & Peabody Award Winner. Soledad began her career in radio and local TV, rising through NBC/MSNBC before joining CNN. She co-anchored American Morning (2003–2007) and later hosted Starting Point (2012–2013)
In 2016 she launched Matter of Fact with Soledad O’Brien, a nationally syndicated weekly political talk show produced by Hearst Television. However, the show is set to conclude its syndication run in August 2025 after ten seasons
She founded Starfish Media Group (aka Soledad O’Brien Productions) in 2013, focusing on social-issue documentaries on topics like race, class, the environment, and criminal justice
Her recent productions include The Rebellious Life of Rosa Parks (Peabody-nominated, premiered at Tribeca) and Black and Missing (HBO), both award-winning
Tabatha Starcher
Head of Business Development at the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS)
Event: 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards I 6.25 & 6.26.2025
Location: Palladium, Times Square, NYC
“VIP Attendee”
Tabatha is an Emmy Award–winning media executive who currently serves as the Head of Business Development at the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), overseeing major Emmy branches including Daytime, Sports, News & Documentary, and Children’s & Family.
Emmy Leadership:
- As Head of Business Development, she manages sponsorship portfolios and partnerships for Emmy shows, securing major collaborators such as Delta Air Lines, Amazon, Adidas, YouTube, NFL, WNBA, LEGO, Coca‑Cola, and more SoundCloud.
- Developed the first HBCU grant via the NATAS Foundation, funded by Coca‑Cola, inspired by her own educational challenges
Philanthropy & Mentorship:
- Lead voice in NATAS’s foundation efforts: scholarships, grants, and mentorship for underrepresented youth pursuing television careers
- Focuses on leveraging Emmy platforms to uplift small businesses, nonprofits, and minority-owned organizations
Talan Collins
Aspiring Journalist
Event: 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards I 6.25 & 6.26.2025
Location: Palladium, Times Square, NYC
“NATAS Foundation Scholarship Recipient”
The first time Talan Collins walked into a newsroom, he knew the sound: Phones ringing, keyboards clicking, pens tapping were the audio track of an urgency he carried in himself. It sounded like his own need to seek out the truth, and to air the points of view of voices seldom heard.
Talan recently graduated from Columbia River High School in Vancouver, Washington. He is the recipient of the Mike Wallace Scholarship, funded by CBS and administered by The NATAS Foundation.
In high school Talan joined a handful of students to change their school’s television news division to a multiplatform organization reaching thousands within and beyond the school’s walls. As anchor of The Rapids Report, Talan interviewed local leaders and state officials and moderated civic panels, looking through the lenses of school district issues and student concerns. His reporting, he says, made him feel empowered to “hold truth to power and advance meaningful dialog in my community.”
Talan will attend the George Washington University beginning in September of 2025
Rev. Al Sharpton
Civil Rights & Social Justice Activist, Baptist Minister, Radio Talk Show Host, and TV Personality,
Event: Jet Talk with Eric B “Behind The Scenes” I 6.20.2025
Location: Private Jet
Al Sharpton is an American civil rights activist, Baptist minister, television/radio talk show host, and founder of the National Action Network (NAN). He has been a prominent figure in U.S. politics and social justice movements since the 1980s.
Founder and president of the National Action Network (NAN), a civil rights organization focused on justice, police accountability, and economic empowerment.
Host of PoliticsNation on MSNBC, a political talk show.
Regular presence at high-profile protests and marches, particularly involving police brutality cases (e.g., George Floyd, Eric Garner).
Christopher Williams
R&B/Soul Music Artist & Actor
Event: Jet Talk with Eric B “Behind The Scenes” I 6.20.2025
Location: Private Jet
Renowned American R&B singer and actor, best known for his soulful baritone voice and early‑90s hits
He burst onto the scene in 1989 with his debut album Adventures in Paradise.
His Iconic Hit: “I’m Dreamin’”
Featured on the New Jack City soundtrack, this track topped Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip‑Hop Singles chart—his first and only #1 R&B hit
Film Appearances
Played Kareem Akbar in New Jack City (1991) alongside Wesley Snipes and Ice‑T; also performed in Gunmen and had a cameo in New York Undercover
Stage Career
During the 2000s, starred in numerous off‑Broadway gospel plays such as A Good Man Is Hard to Find, Men Cry in the Dark, and The Clean‑up Woman .
Curtis Sliwa
2025 Republican Mayoral Candidate and Guardian Angels Founder
Event: Jet Talk with Eric B “Behind The Scenes” I 6.20.2025
Location: Private Jet
Founder & CEO: Guardian Angels (founded 1977/1979 as a volunteer crime-prevention patrol in NYC subways)
Media Personality: Longtime radio talk show host on stations like WABC and syndicated nationally
Political Affiliation: 2021 & 2025 Republican NYC Mayoral Candidate
Darryl “DMC” McDaniels
Hip Hop Music Artist and member of RUN DMC
Event: Jet Talk with Eric B “Behind The Scenes” I 6.20.2025
Location: Private Jet
Trailblazing rapper, record producer, author, and philanthropist—best known as a founding member of iconic hip‑hop trio Run‑DMC.
He initially DJ’d under “Grandmaster Get High” but quickly transitioned to MCing, co-founding Run‑DMC in 1983 alongside Joseph “Run” Simmons and Jam Master Jay
Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with Run‑DMC in 2009; received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
Eric B
Hip Hop Music Artist, Producer, Business Mogul & Talk Show Host
Event: Jet Talk with Eric B “Behind The Scenes” I 6.20.2025
Location: Private Jet
Rapper, record producer, and DJ from New York City. One half of the golden age hip hop duo Eric B. & Rakim, he formed the group in 1986 and served as its primary producer and DJ.
Their debut album, Paid in Full (1987) was named the greatest hip hop album of all time by MTV in 2006,and the duo were nominated in 2011 for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Chuck Schumer
New York State Senator
Event: 2025 National Puerto Rican Day Parade I 6.8.2025
Location: 5th Avenue I Manhattan, NY
“Parade Participant”
Chuck Schumer is the senior U.S. senator from New York, a position he has held since 1999. Born on November 23, 1950, in Brooklyn, New York, Schumer has been a prominent figure in American politics for decades. He served as Senate Majority Leader from 2021 to 2025 and has been the Senate Minority Leader since 2025
Geraldo Rivera
TV Personality, Journalist, Attorney, Author, and Political Commentator
Event: 2025 National Puerto Rican Day Parade I 6.8.2025
Location: 5th Avenue I Manhattan, NY
“Parade Participant”
He is known for his sensationalistic reporting and his tendency to include himself in stories.
He gained national fame with his late-night talk show Good Night America (1974–1977) and later with The Geraldo Rivera Show (1987–1998). In 1986, he hosted the infamous live special The Mystery of Al Capone’s Vaults, which ended in disappointment when the vaults contained nothing of value.
In February 2024, Rivera joined NewsNation as a correspondent-at-large, making appearances across the network's programming .
Ismael Malave
2025 NYC Comptroller Candidate
Event: 2025 National Puerto Rican Day Parade I 6.8.2025
Location: 5th Avenue I Manhattan, NY
“Parade Participant”
Ismael “Ish” Malavé is a candidate for New York City Comptroller in the 2025 municipal elections. Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, and raised in the Bronx, Malavé has dedicated his life to public service and community engagement. He holds a BA in Economics from Lehman College and an MBA from Baruch College, both part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system.
Jumaane Williams
Activist and Politician
Event: 2025 National Puerto Rican Day Parade I 6.8.2025
Location: 5th Avenue I Manhattan, NY
“Parade Participant”
Activist and politician serving as the New York City Public Advocate since 2019. A member of the Democratic Party and a self-described democratic socialist, he previously represented the 45th District in the New York City Council from 2010 to 2019
Raymond Santana
Central Park Five/Exonerated Five member
Event: 2025 National Puerto Rican Day Parade I 6.8.2025
Location: 5th Avenue I Manhattan, NY
“Parade Participant”
He is a prominent advocate and entrepreneur best known as a member of the "Exonerated Five," a group of Black and Latino teenagers wrongfully convicted in the 1989 Central Park jogger case. Alongside Kevin Richardson, Antron McCray, Yusef Salaam, and Korey Wise, Santana was coerced into a false confession and spent five years in prison for a crime he did not commit
Yusef Salaam
Central Park Five/Exonerated Five member and NYC Council member
Event: 2025 National Puerto Rican Day Parade I 6.8.2025
Location: 5th Avenue I Manhattan, NY
“Parade Participant”
He is a New York City Council member representing District 9, encompassing Harlem and parts of Manhattanville, West Harlem, and East Harlem. Elected in 2023, he assumed office on January 1, 2024, succeeding Kristin Richardson Jordan. Salaam is widely recognized as one of the Exonerated Five—the group of Black and Latino teenagers wrongfully convicted in the 1989 Central Park jogger case. His conviction was vacated in 2002 after DNA evidence identified the actual perpetrator, Matias Reyes. In 2014, the City of New York settled a civil rights lawsuit brought by the Exonerated Five for $41 million .
bLAck pARty
Alternative/R&B/Soul Singer, Songwriter, and Producer.
Event: 2025 Governors Ball I 6.6.2025
Location: Flushing Meadows - Corona Park I Queens, NY
“Event Performer”
Malik Flint, known professionally as bLAck pARty, is an American singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist celebrated for his genre-blending style that fuses elements of R&B, soul, psychedelic funk, reggae, and dance music. Originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, and now based in Los Angeles, his music reflects a rich tapestry of influences, from Stevie Wonder and Bob Marley to Sade and Tupac
He has toured and opened for artists like MGK, Big K.R.I.T., Bush, and Nappy Roots.
Dogpark
Indie Rock Band
Event: 2025 Governors Ball I 6.6.2025
Location: Flushing Meadows - Corona Park I Queens, NY
“Event Performer”
Dogpark is an emerging indie rock band that originated at the University of Richmond in 2023. What began as a mix of jazz and a cappella enthusiasts evolved into a dynamic group known for their energetic live performances and catchy original music. The band comprises Eamon Moore (lead vocals), Christian Conte (drums), Declan Harris (lead guitar), Billy Apostolou (guitar), and Will Harford (bass/vocals).
Dogpark has gained significant attention for their live shows, including a 35-date headlining tour titled "Breaking in America 2024," which ran from September to December 2024 . They have also opened for notable acts such as The All-American Rejects and performed at festivals like Iron Blossom and Mighty Roots Music Festival.
Joe Nicchi
CEO & Founder of CVT Soft Serve
Event: 2025 Governors Ball I 6.6.2025
Location: Flushing Meadows - Corona Park I Queens, NY
“Food Vendor”
CVT Soft Serve participated as the official soft served ice cream vendor at the 2025 Governors Ball
CVT Soft Serve is a beloved Los Angeles-based ice cream brand known for its nostalgic, creamy soft serve served from retrofitted Mister Softee trucks. Founded in 2014 by Joe Nicchi, CVT stands for Chocolate, Vanilla, and Twist—the only three flavors they offer. Their minimalist approach and commitment to quality have garnered a loyal following and earned them accolades as one of LA's best food trucks.
In April 2024, CVT Soft Serve announced a partnership with Live Nation, becoming the first official ice cream partner at Live Nation’s amphitheaters across the U.S. This collaboration aimed to bring their soft-serve ice cream, packaged in innovative resealable pouches, to fans at concerts and festivals. While the partnership was highlighted in the press release, specific details about CVT Soft Serve's participation in the 2025 Governors Ball were not explicitly mentioned.
Adam Sharp
President and CEO of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
Event: 46th Annual Sports Emmy Awards I 5.20.2025
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center I Manhattan, NYC
"VIP Attendee”
He currently serves as the President and CEO of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, overseeing the annual presentation of the coveted Emmy® Awards for Children’s & Family, Daytime, Sports, and News & Documentary television, as well as achievements in television Technology & Engineering.
From 2010 through 2016, Sharp was Head of News, Government and Elections at Twitter, advising journalists, news organizations, candidates, and government officials in more than 20 nations.
Sharp served U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., from 2004 to 2009, first as a spokesman and later as Deputy Chief of Staff. He has also held leadership roles at NBC News and C-SPAN, is currently a board member of the National Press Foundation, and is a former President of the bipartisan U.S. Senate Press Secretaries Association.
Andrew Hawkins
ESPN Sports Anchor & Former NFL Player
Event: 46th Annual Sports Emmy Awards I 5.20.2025
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center I Manhattan, NYC
"Nominee”
Andrew is a former NFL wide receiver who has transitioned into a multifaceted career in media, technology, and entertainment. He played for the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, and briefly for the New England Patriots, also spending two seasons with the Montreal Alouettes in the CFL. Notably, Hawkins served as a team captain for both the Bengals and Browns
He's a founding anchor of the Emmy-nominated SportsCenter on Snapchat and has since appeared on various ESPN shows, including NFL Live, Get Up, First Take, and SportsCenter.
He's also a 2x Emmy Award-nominated on-air talent (Outstanding Personality – Emerging On-Air Talent 2021), Oscar-winning producer (Hair Love 2020), and Shorty Award-winning personality & producer (Best Twitter Video 2020).
Craig Borsari
UFC Chief Content Officer and Executive Producer
Event: 46th Annual Sports Emmy Awards I 5.20.2025
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center I Manhattan, NYC
"Nominee”
After UFC secured plans to host its Mexican Independence Day-themed UFC 306 at the immersive Las Vegas Sphere, it was up to Borsari to oversee production of the venue’s first live sports competition, which ultimately topped $20 million in production costs.
Borsari coordinated a months-long effort, and a team of more than 300, to curate content featured on the Sphere’s 160,000-square-foot screen and develop innovative methods to bring at-home viewers into the venue. That included the use of drones, specialty cameras, directional microphones and an innovative network of light fixtures installed behind the Sphere’s interior screen of LED panels.
All told, the event — ESPN’s first 1080p UFC broadcast — set a multitude of records, and its $22 million in gross revenue set a high-water mark for both UFC and the Sphere.
Dan Patrick
Sportscaster, Radio Personality & Actor
Event: 46th Annual Sports Emmy Awards I 5.20.2025
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center I Manhattan, NYC
"Nominee”
He hosts The Dan Patrick Show broadcast on radio on Premiere Radio Networks and streaming on Peacock. He co-hosted NBC's Football Night in America and serves as a senior writer for Sports Illustrated. He worked at ESPN for 18 years, where he often anchored the weeknight and Sunday 11 p.m. edition of SportsCenter. He is unrelated to his partner Bill Patrick at SportsCenter. He is also the host of the podcast "Dan Patrick Takes a Gamble", highlighting the world of sports wagering.
David Hill
Former President of Fox Sports
Event: 46th Annual Sports Emmy Awards I 5.20.2025
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center I Manhattan, NYC
"Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient”
Australian-born American Emmy Award-winning sports producer and executive, network chief, and now critically acclaimed independent producer. Hill has served as executive producer on many of the world's most prominent television programs, from the Oscars to the Super Bowl to American Idol, and holds numerous patents for production innovations. His creations include football's on-field first-down marker and the now ubiquitous constant score and clock graphic (commonly known as the Fox Box).
He served as the president of Fox Sports from 1993 to 2000, and as a senior EVP of 21st Century Fox for twenty-four years,
Eli Velazquez
Former Executive Vice President of Sports at NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises
Event: 46th Annual Sports Emmy Awards I 5.20.2025
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center I Manhattan, NYC
"Gold & Silver Circle Inductee”
He led Telemundo Deportes to new heights, establishing it as an award-winning sports division renowned for delivering engaging, high quality, record-breaking content.
He was responsible for sports production, programming, rights acquisitions, talent development, operations, and content, Eli shaped Telemundo’s broadcast landscape for major sports events, collaborating closely with NBC Sports and Peacock to bring the best of global sports to Spanish-speaking audiences.
Fred Anthony Smith, Kijafa Vick & Michael Vick “Evolution of The Black Quarterback”
Fred Anthony Smith (Director/Producer), Kijafa Vick (Executive Producer) & Michael Vick (Host)
Event: 46th Annual Sports Emmy Awards I 5.20.2025
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center I Manhattan, NYC
"Nominees”
Evolution of The Black Quarterback follows retired NFL QB Michael Vick exploring the history of Black quarterbacks, celebrating their progress and envisioning the future through interviews with influential Black QBs.
- Anthony Smith
He is known for The L.A. Marathon (2019), NFL 360 (2017) and Black Comedy in America (2024). FredAnthony has been married to Rhonda Richards-Smith since 2003. Awards. 1 win & 3 nominations total
- Kijafa Vick
She is known for Untitled Michael Vick/FredAnthony Smith Project, Baller Wives (2017) and The Michael Vick Project (2010). She has been married to Michael Vick since 30 June 2012. They have three children.
- Michael Vick
American college football coach and former player who is the head football coach at Norfolk State University. He played quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons, where he became the league's first quarterback to rush for 1,000 yards in a season and was the all-time leader in quarterback rushing yards at the time of his retirement. Vick played college football at Virginia Tech, where he won the Archie Griffin Award as a freshman, and was selected first overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2001 NFL draft. During his six years with the Falcons, he was named to three Pro Bowls and led the team to two playoff runs, one division title, and an NFC Championship Game appearance.
Greg Olsen
Former NFL Tight End and current NFL analyst for FOX Sports
Event: 46th Annual Sports Emmy Awards I 5.20.2025
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center I Manhattan, NYC
"Nominee”
Following his retirement from the NFL, he began his broadcasting career with Fox Sports in 2021. He was initially paired with Kevin Burkhardt as the network's No. 1 announcing team, but was recently moved to the No. 2 team with Joe Davis after Tom Brady joined Fox Sports as an analyst.
Jamie Erdahl
NFL Network and CBS Sports Reporter
Event: 46th Annual Sports Emmy Awards I 5.20.2025
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center I Manhattan, NYC
"Presenter & Nominee”
She currently serves as one of the hosts of Good Morning Football on NFL Network. She was formerly the lead sideline reporter for the SEC on CBS, teaming up with Brad Nessler and Gary Danielson. Erdahl also covers the NCAA men's basketball tournament for CBS/TNT Sports. She joined the company in 2014 and contributes to CBS Sports Network as a studio host.
Julian Sierra Robinson
9x Emmy Award Winning Film Producer
Event: 46th Annual Sports Emmy Awards I 5.20.2025
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center I Manhattan, NYC
"Nominee”
As a Producer and Editor, he has 8 feature films including SXSW FESTIVAL FILMS "Decoding Deepak” AND “THE PRICE.” “AMIRA & SAM”
WON 9 AUDIENCE AWARDS INCLUDING BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE AT THE SEATTLE AND NAPA VALLEY FILM FESTIVALS. “ALL SUMMERS END” PLAYED AT THE SANTA BARBARA AND SAVANNAH FILM FESTIVALS.
5 EMMY NOMINATIONS FOR TELEVISON, INCLUDING CURRENT TV’S “TV FREE BURNING MAN,” ABC’S DAYTIME EMMY-NOMINATED “EVERYDAY HEALTH” AND “RECIPE REHAB.” CURRENT TV’S “THE OXYCONTIN EXPRESS”
WON A PEABODY AWARD IN 2009. “AGENTS OF CHANGE” WAS PART OF AN EMMY-NOMINATED SERIES IN 2019. in 2022, co-executive produced and edited the PILOT episode of “WWE EVIL,” narrated by john cena. COMING IN 2024, EDITOR OF “GAME 7” FOR AMAZON SPORTS.
Kenan Thompson
Actor & Comedian
Event: 46th Annual Sports Emmy Awards I 5.20.2025
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center I Manhattan, NYC
"Presenter & Nominee”
He has been a cast member on Saturday Night Live since 2003, making him the show's longest-running cast member. He was also the first regular cast member born after the show's 1975 premiere. Thompson is known for his early roles in Good Burger, D2: The Mighty Ducks, and the TV shows All That and Kenan & Kel. In 2024,
Luke Wahl
Vice President of Unscripted Nickelodeon
Event: 46th Annual Sports Emmy Awards I 5.20.2025
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center I Manhattan, NYC
"Nominee”
Before his tenure at Nickelodeon, Wahl had a diverse career in digital media. He served as Head of Video at Gear Patrol, a men's lifestyle publication and content studio. Prior to that, he contributed to the launch of Sports Illustrated’s OTT service and worked as an Executive Producer for Yahoo! News with Katie Couric. He also held roles at AwesomenessTV and served as showrunner and co-executive producer for Embassy Row’s "TakePart Live" on Pivot TV
Nate Burleson
Television host, football commentator, and former football player
Event: 46th Annual Sports Emmy Awards I 5.20.2025
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center I Manhattan, NYC
"Nominee”
He played professionally as a wide receiver in the National Football League. Playing college football for the Nevada Wolf Pack, he earned first-team All-American honors in 2002.
Nate can now be seen on CBS Mornings and NFL Today
Noah & Ian Eagle
Father & Son Sportscasters
Event: 46th Annual Sports Emmy Awards I 5.20.2025
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center I Manhattan, NYC
"Nominees”
- Noah Eagle
Sportscaster. The son of sportscaster Ian Eagle, he is a play-by-play broadcaster for NBC Sports, calling primarily football games for the Big Ten Conference and National Football League, as well as basketball for the Big Ten, Big East Conference, National Basketball Association, and at the Summer Olympic Games. He is also a play-by-play announcer for the Tennis Channel, Brooklyn Nets, and NFL games airing on Nickelodeon and Netflix.
Previously, Eagle was a play-by-play announcer for the French Open, CBS Sports, Fox Sports, and the Los Angeles Clippers.
- Ian Eagle
Sports announcer. He calls NBA, NFL, and college basketball games on CBS, TNT, and TBS, as well as Brooklyn Nets games on the YES Network and French Open tennis for Tennis Channel. Other announcing experiences include Army–Navy football games, boxing, and NCAA track and field for CBS.
Richard Sherman
Amazon Prime Sports Analyst & Former NFL Player
Event: 46th Annual Sports Emmy Awards I 5.20.2025
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center I Manhattan, NYC
"Nominee”
Richard is a former NFL cornerback, Super Bowl champion and five-time Pro Bowler during his playing career. Sherman's 37 interceptions rank among the league's best during his tenure. He was a cornerstone of the Seahawks' "Legion of Boom," a defense that led the NFL in pass defense in 2013 and 2014. His leadership was instrumental in Seattle's victory in Super Bowl XLVIII
After retiring in 2021 he transitioned into a broadcasting career, joining Amazon Prime Video's "Thursday Night Football" coverage as a pregame, halftime, and postgame analyst. He collaborates with Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez, bringing his defensive expertise and engaging commentary to the NFL audience. He also co-host FS1's "Undisputed" alongside Skip Bayless. Sherman is expected to appear in 50–100 episodes of "Undisputed" per year, primarily during the football season.
Roy Wood Jr.
Stand Up Comedian & Actor
Event: 46th Annual Sports Emmy Awards I 5.20.2025
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center I Manhattan, NYC
"Host”
He first became well known for his correspondent appearances on The Daily Show. Wood has been hosting the American adaptation of the news and entertainment panel show Have I Got News for You on CNN since September 2024.
Ryan Clark
ESPN Sports Broadcaster & Former NFL Player
Event: 46th Annual Sports Emmy Awards I 5.20.2025
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center I Manhattan, NYC
"Nominee”
Ryan Clark is a former NFL safety turned prominent sports media personality. After retiring from football in 2015 (NY Giants, Pittsburg Steelers & Washington Redskins), he joined ESPN as an NFL analyst, contributing to shows like NFL Live, First Take, Get Up, and SportsCenter. His insightful commentary and engaging presence earned him the 2023 Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Personality/Studio Analyst
In addition to his work at ESPN, Clark co-hosts the podcast The Pivot with fellow former NFL players Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder. The podcast has gained popularity for its in-depth interviews and candid conversations with athletes.
Clark also hosts Inside the NFL, the iconic weekly NFL program produced by NFL Films, which airs on The CW Network.
Scott Van Pelt
Sportscaster & Sports Talk Show Host
Event: 46th Annual Sports Emmy Awards I 5.20.2025
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center I Manhattan, NYC
"Presenter & Nominee”
Scott Van Pelt is a prominent American sportscaster and television personality, best known for his work with ESPN. Born on July 9, 1966, in Brookeville, Maryland, he has been a fixture in sports broadcasting for over three decades.
He joined ESPN in 2001 as the network’s lead professional golf reporter. He quickly became a SportsCenter anchor and later co-hosted ESPN Radio's Tirico and Van Pelt. In 2009, he launched The Scott Van Pelt Show, which was later rebranded as SVP & Russillo in 2012 before concluding in 2015 when he transitioned to hosting the midnight edition of SportsCenter
As a former Golf Channel anchor, Van Pelt continues to be a central figure in ESPN's golf coverage, including major tournaments like The Masters and The Open Championship.
In August 2023, he was named host of Monday Night Countdown, ESPN's pregame show for Monday Night Football, alongside analysts Ryan Clark and Marcus Spears .
He also hosts the SVPod podcast, offering insights into sports and media.
Tony Santomauro
MLB Network Senior Vice President of Finance & Administration
Event: 46th Annual Sports Emmy Awards I 5.20.2025
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center I Manhattan, NYC
"Gold & Silver Circle Inductee”
Santomauro, the former Vice President of the Miss Universe Organization, is responsible for directing the financial and administrative services and components in order to build and grow the MLB Network.
Santomauro brings with him nine years of business planning experience while with the Miss Universe Organization, where he was responsible for all financial and strategic planning that ensured the development and growth of the company.
Prior to his work with the Miss Universe Organization, Santomauro spent nine years as the Director of Finance for CBS Sports. During his time at CBS, Santomauro handled day to day finance and business planning functions as well as supported live special events including the 1994 and 1998 Winter Olympics.
Tracy Wolfson
Sportscaster for CBS Sports
Event: 46th Annual Sports Emmy Awards I 5.20.2025
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center I Manhattan, NYC
"Nominee”
Tracy Wolfson is an eight-time Emmy Award-nominated reporter for CBS Sports and two-time recipient of the Sports Emmy for Outstanding Sideline Reporter (2024, 2025). She was named THE NFL ON CBS’s lead game reporter in May 2014 and once again teams with the lead announce team of Jim Nantz and Tony Romo on THE NFL ON CBS’s top game each week, as well as CBS Sports’ Thanksgiving games, the AFC Playoffs and the AFC Championship Game. Wolfson was on the sidelines as lead reporter for Super Bowl LVIII (2024), Super Bowl LV (2021), Super Bowl LIII (2019), Super Bowl 50 (2016) and also serves as the lead reporter for CBS Sports’ coverage of the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Championship. She has been the lead reporter on the Final Four since 2008.
Additionally, Wolfson serves as a panelist on CBS Sports' WE NEED TO TALK, the first-ever nationally-televised all-women sports show.
Charlie Tahan
Actor
Event: “Things Like This” Red Carpet Movie Premiere I 5.8.2025
Location: AMC Lincoln Square 13, NYC
"Cast Member / Role: Kenny”
Starting as a child actor, with appearances in the 2007 films American Loser and I Am Legend, he has progressed through teen and adult roles. Some of his other known roles, he has appeared in “A Complete Unknown” (2025 Academy Award Nominated Film), “Ozark”, “Charlie St. Cloud”, “Burning Bright”, “Super Dark Times” and much more..
Danny Chavarriaga
Actor
Event: “Things Like This” Red Carpet Movie Premiere I 5.8.2025
Location: AMC Lincoln Square 13, NYC
"Producer & Cast Member / Role: Peter”
Actor, Musician and The Films Producer. He is also the VP of Malibu, Bro Productions, that was founded by Max Talisman.
Jake Reiner
Actor & Former News Anchor
Event: “Things Like This” Red Carpet Movie Premiere I 5.8.2025
Location: AMC Lincoln Square 13, NYC
"Executive Producer & Cast Member / Role: Warren”
Jake Reiner is the third generation of Hollywood comedy legends. The Los Angeles-born son of a famous actor/director, Rob Reiner, and grandson of another, Carl Reiner, initially opted not to become an actor in favor of working in TV news. From 2013-2023, he was a general assignment reporter, sports reporter and anchor for KION (Salinas), KPRC (Houston) and KCBS (Los Angeles). He was acting part-time in Los Angeles when he left KCBS in 2023 and decided to pursue his true passion, following in his grandfather’s and father’s iconic footsteps.
Joey Pollari
Actor
Event: “Things Like This” Red Carpet Movie Premiere I 5.8.2025
Location: AMC Lincoln Square 13, NYC
"Cast Member / Lead Role: Zack Mandel”
Max is an Actor, musician, and director who became well known for his role as Eric Tanner on ABC's second season of American Crime, and in 2018, appeared in the film Love, Simon, as Lyle, one of Simon's potential boyfriends. In 2020, Pollari released his debut album, About Men.
Margaret Berkowitz
Actress
Event: “Things Like This” Red Carpet Movie Premiere I 5.8.2025
Location: AMC Lincoln Square 13, NYC
"Cast Member / Role: Chloe”
Actress, model, and producer based in Los Angeles. She is an alumna of The University of Oxford and NYU's Tisch School of The Arts
Max Talisman
Actor, Director, Writer & Producer
Event: “Things Like This” Red Carpet Movie Premiere I 5.8.2025
Location: AMC Lincoln Square 13, NYC
"Director, Writer, Producer & Cast Member / Lead Role: Zack Anthony”
Multi-talented actor, writer, singer, and director. Born and raised in Washington DC, Talisman started acting on stage at age 8 and professionally at 12. They made their TV debut in 2016 on the Netflix series Orange Is the New Black and their film debut in 2017's Super Dark Times. Talisman is also known for their roles in The Blacklist and Search Party.
They are the founder of Malibu Bro Productions
Revry Co-Founders Damian Pelliccione & Christopher Rodriguez
Event: “Things Like This” Red Carpet Movie Premiere I 5.8.2025
Location: AMC Lincoln Square 13, NYC
"Invited VIP Guests”
Revry, the LGBTQ+ community's go-to streaming platform, is your destination for a diverse array of queer movies, TV shows, music, and beyond – all available for free!
Sweaty Eddie
Drag performer, Visual Artist, and Animator
Event: “Things Like This” Red Carpet Movie Premiere I 5.8.2025
Location: AMC Lincoln Square 13, NYC
"Invited VIP Guests”
Eddie is best known from his audition in Season 18 of America’s Got Talent. His audition was briefly shown, consisting of long-armed sandwich making while giggling uncontrollably. Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara and Simon Cowell all buzzed the act. All 4 judges voted "No", eliminating him from the competition.
While gaining recognition in the drag scene. He is known for his distinct character and unique perspective, and has performed at events like Sasha Velour's NightGowns.
Sydney Elise Johnson
Actress
Event: “Things Like This” Red Carpet Movie Premiere I 5.8.2025
Location: AMC Lincoln Square 13, NYC
"Cast Member / Role: Anna”
She can be seen in the CBS series The Equalizer and the NBC series Law & Order: SVU. She also appears in Run the World on STARZ and plays a leading role in the BET feature Running Out of Time, which is currently streaming on all services, including Netflix and Amazon. While earning her BFA in Acting from Emerson College, Sydney trained at London Shakespeare’s The Globe, The National Theatre Institute, Matt Newton Studios, HB Studios and many more while also delving in other developing other skills like directing and producing plays such as Fefu and her Friends and Chekhovs' Three Sisters. Sydney is represented by Stewart Talent.
Tabitha Pease
Production Designer
Event: “Things Like This” Red Carpet Movie Premiere I 5.8.2025
Location: AMC Lincoln Square 13, NYC
"Production Designer”
She collaboratively designs environments where a story can thrive and the audience can be enraptured seamlessly into the narrative. She’s passionate about bringing stories to life, blending her expertise in production design, scenic design, interior design, and architecture.
Her experience spans film, television, theatre, and special events nationwide, where she consistently delivers impactful and visually compelling designs. She excels in adapting to different mediums, bringing a cohesive vision to each project, and ensuring that every visual element captivates and engages the audience.
Trisha Jeffrey
Actress
Event: “Things Like This” Red Carpet Movie Premiere I 5.8.2025
Location: AMC Lincoln Square 13, NYC
"Cast Member / Role: Roxie”
Trisha is a talent who "captivates the audience", playing diverse roles across the world and on Broadway.
With a Jeff Nomination for Best Actress in A Musical, Trisha Jeffrey is the proud recipient of a Black Theatre Alliance Award and a Broadway World Chicago Award for her portrayal of Celie in the Mercury Theatre Chicago production of The Color Purple.
Trisha's Broadway and international tours include Rent, Sister Act, and Motown The Musical, and her regional credits include Caroline or Change, Once On This Island and Jekyll and Hyde. In New York, she was seen in the new musicals Loveless Texas, Trio, and many others. Her Broadway credits include Rent, All Shook Up! and Motown The Musical, where she originated the role of Mary Wilson, also often seen as Diana Ross; but without a doubt, her Broadway debut as Crystal, one of the highly acclaimed Urchins in the New Broadway production of Little Shop of Horrors continues to be one of her favorite times on stage.
Abby Phillip
CNN News Anchor
Event: 2025 Time 100 Gala l 4.24.2025
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center I Manhattan, NYC
"Event VIP Guest”
American CNN news anchor who anchors CNN NewsNight and CNN Saturday Morning Table for Five. She previously worked for Politico covering the Obama White House, The Washington Post as a national political reporter, and ABC News as a digital reporter for politics.
Arianna Huffington
Author, Syndicated Columnist and Businesswoman
Event: 2025 Time 100 Gala l 4.24.2025
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center I Manhattan, NYC
"Event VIP Guest”
Greek American author, syndicated columnist and businesswoman. She is a co-founder of HuffPost, the founder and CEO of Thrive Global, and the author of fifteen books. She has been named to Time magazine's list of the world's 100 most influential people and the Forbes Most Powerful Women list
Bobbi Brown
Make-Up Artist & Business Mogul
Event: 2025 Time 100 Gala l 4.24.2025
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center I Manhattan, NYC
"Event Honoree / Time Magazine’s Icon of The Year”
American professional make-up artist, author, and the founder of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. She created ten natural-shade lipsticks which according to Entrepreneur "revolutionized the beauty industry".She has written nine books about beauty and wellness.In 2025, Time magazine listed her as one of the world's 100 most influential people.
After leaving Bobbi Brown Cosmetics in 2016, she launched Beauty Evolution, LLC, and became certified as a health coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.Brown also started a line of beauty-inspired wellness products.[and launched a second beauty line, Jones Road, in 2020. Brown curates an editorial website. She and her husband Steven Plofker redesigned The George, a boutique hotel located in Montclair, New Jersey.
Holly Zuelle
Actress
Event: 2025 Time 100 Gala l 4.24.2025
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center I Manhattan, NYC
"Event Guest”
American actress, model, writer and digital artist. Holly can currently be seen on the Hulu/Disney+/Duplass Brothers Productions series Out There: Crimes of the Paranormal in Episode 4, "Jersey Witch Hunt", Amazon Studios The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Law & Order SVU.
Josh Koskoff
Attorney
Event: 2025 Time 100 Gala l 4.24.2025
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center I Manhattan, NYC
"Event Honoree / Time Magazine’s Innovator of The Year”
Koskoff represented nine families of Sandy Hook Elementary School victims (Newtown, CT), who agreed to a $73 million settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit against defunct gunmaker Remington.
Kwame Onwuachi
Celebrity Chef & Restaurateur
Event: 2025 Time 100 Gala l 4.24.2025
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center I Manhattan, NYC
"Event Honoree / Time Magazine’s Innovator of The Year”
American chef based in New York City, New York. He has opened or owned several restaurants including Shaw Bijou, Kith and Kin, and Tatiana. A published author and restaurateur, he also appeared as a contestant on Top Chef in 2015.
Nok Suntaranon
Celebrity Chef & Restaurateur
Event: 2025 Time 100 Gala l 4.24.2025
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center I Manhattan, NYC
"Event Honoree / Time Magazine’s Innovator of The Year”
Thai chef and owner of Kalaya in Philadelphia. In 2023, she received the James Beard Foundation Award for best chef, Mid-Atlantic.
Padma Lakshmi
New York Times bestselling author, Emmy-nominated producer, and television personality.
Event: 2025 Time 100 Gala l 4.24.2025
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center I Manhattan, NYC
"Event VIP Guest”
New York Times bestselling author, Emmy-nominated producer, and television personality. She's best known for hosting and executive producing the Bravo cooking competition show Top Chef from 2006–2023. She also created and hosts the Hulu docuseries Taste the Nation, which explores the American palate through immigrant and indigenous communities.
Raquel Willis
Author, Journalist and Black Trans Activist
Event: 2025 Time 100 Gala l 4.24.2025
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center I Manhattan, NYC
"Event Honoree / Time Magazine’s Icon of The Year”
African American writer, editor, and transgender rights activist. She is a former national organizer for the Transgender Law Center and the former executive editor of Out magazine. Her memoir, The Risk It Takes To Bloom, was published in November 2023.
Yoshiki
Japanese Musician, Songwriter, Composer, Record producer, Film Director, and Fashion Designer.
Event: 2025 Time 100 Gala l 4.24.2025
Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center I Manhattan, NYC
"Event Honoree / Time Magazine’s Icon of The Year”
He is best known as the leader of the visual kei rock bands X Japan and the Last Rockstars, for which he is the drummer, pianist, and main songwriter.
He is the first Japanese artist to have his hand- and footprints memorialized at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles. He recently donated half a million dollars to support victims of the Los Angeles wildfires earlier this year, benefiting seven organizations.
Big Scott
Renowned Event Producer, Promoter & Owner of Big Scott Entertainment
Event: 55th Private Celebrity Birthday Celebration for Dave Huie aka $2 Dave l 4.13.2025
Location: Dear Brooklyn I Brooklyn, NYC
"Event Guest”
Big Scott Entertainment has been instrumental in the hottest corporate, sports and entertainment events for over 30 plus years. Founded by Scott “Big Scott” Shepherd, his mission was to promote sports, entertainment and fundraising events that would stimulate the economy and enhance the image of the South Jersey area as an event destination, thus provide outstanding entertainment opportunities for its local citizens. His experience also encompassed strategic planning, marketing, fundraising, and communications, so he relied on his strong work ethic to make Big Scott Entertainment a huge success. Scott is single-handedly responsible for bringing some of the biggest A-list celebrities, athletes, entertainers and philanthropist to the South Jersey area.
Bobby Bown
R&B/Soul Music Artist
Event: 55th Private Celebrity Birthday Celebration for Dave Huie aka $2 Dave l 4.13.2025
Location: Dear Brooklyn I Brooklyn, NYC
"Event Guest & Performer”
Bobby is a singer, songwriter, rapper, and dancer who helped pioneer new jack swing, a fusion of R&B and hip hop. Known for hits like "Don't Be Cruel" and "Humpin' Around", Brown won a Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for "Every Little Step" from his 1992 album Bobby. Brown's music blends swing beats, raps, and melodies, and includes the singles "My Prerogative" and "Every Little Step".
He is also famously known as a member of the R&B/Soul Legendary Group “New Edition”
Dave Huie
Two Dollar Dave, Vio/k Marketing Group, PowHERful. Founder of UNK NBA & Founding Partner of DADA & Erika Lynn Huie Downs Foundation
Event: 55th Private Celebrity Birthday Celebration for Dave Huie aka $2 Dave l 4.13.2025
Location: Dear Brooklyn I Brooklyn, NYC
"Birthday Honoree”
Dave is now embarking on a new venture as the Co-Host of a new Podcast entitled “Just The $2 of Us” with Hip Hop Legend, Chubb Rock
DJ Wiz
DJ & Music Producer
Event: 55th Private Celebrity Birthday Celebration for Dave Huie aka $2 Dave l 4.13.2025
Location: Dear Brooklyn I Brooklyn, NYC
"Event Guest”
DJ WIZ ™ (a.k.a. Mark “WIZ” Eastmond) is a Hip-Hop icon and a graduate of hip- hop’s classic era who broke onto the rap scene in 1988 as the DJ mix-master for one of the genres most revered and popular groups, KID ‘N’ PLAY. While throughout the 90’s, KID ‘N’ PLAY along with DJ WIZ™ continued to make their mark on the music industry on the road, touring with the likes of Salt ‘n’ Pepa, Queen Latifah, Public Enemy, MC Hammer, Big Daddy Kane, Digital Underground, Bobby Brown, Guy, Heavy D and the Boyz, N.W.A, J.J Fad, Too Short and Naughty By Nature.
He is the founder/owner of a company and brand called THE VIDEO MIX PARTY™. THE VIDEO MIX PARTY™ actually “mixes and scratches” music videos LIVE in real-time, using the newest audio-visual technology, combining the video classic hits of the past with today’s popular music videos. DJ WIZ™ and The Video Mix Party™ have been utilized for corporate parties and events in brand marketing for advertisers and companies that want to feature products in the marketplace while entertaining the crowd with the hottest music videos.
Eric Price
CIBC Managing Director and Head of U.S. Capital Markets
Event: 55th Private Celebrity Birthday Celebration for Dave Huie aka $2 Dave l 4.13.2025
Location: Dear Brooklyn I Brooklyn, NYC
"Event Guest”
Eric Price joined CIBC Capital Markets in 2009. He is currently Managing Director and Head, U.S. Capital Markets. Having built the U.S. desks for equity derivatives, commodity index, private placement and more, Mr. Price specializes across the platform at U.S. Capital Markets.
Mr. Price has extensive Capital Markets expertise. Prior to joining CIBC, Mr. Price managed institutional sales at AIG London 6 years. From there, he spent many years as Head of U.S. Institutional Foreign Exchange Sales at other competing firms in the U.S.
Greg Nice
Hip Hop Music Artist
Event: 55th Private Celebrity Birthday Celebration for Dave Huie aka $2 Dave l 4.13.2025
Location: Dear Brooklyn I Brooklyn, NYC
"Event Guest & Performer”
Greg Nice is a part of the Hip Hop Legendary duo “Nice & Smooth” Nice & Smooth is an East Coast hip hop duo from New York City that consists of Gregory O. "Greg Nice" Mays and Darryl O. "Smooth B" Barnes. The duo released four albums between 1989 and 1997.
Their first collaborative appearance was on the single "Dope on a Rope"/"Skill Trade" on Strange Family Records in 1987. On the strength of that underground single they managed a guest spot on the song "Pimpin Ain't Easy" by Big Daddy Kane on his 1989 album It's a Big Daddy Thing.
Joeski Love
Hip Hop Music Artist
Event: 55th Private Celebrity Birthday Celebration for Dave Huie aka $2 Dave l 4.13.2025
Location: Dear Brooklyn I Brooklyn, NYC
"Event Guest & Performer”
He is best known his platinum-selling 1986 single “Pee Wee’s Dance,” whose trademark hook, based on a key-switched interpolation of “Tequila,” has been sampled numerous times, Joeski Love was originally part of a hip-hop group that was signed by Vince Davis to his Elektra-disributed Vintertainment label. After the group disbanded, Love stayed on with Davis, who produced “Pee Wee’s Dance’ as well as another single, “Say Joe” b/w “My Girl.” A chance meeting with producer Hank Shocklee caused Love to team up with Salt-n-Pepa producer Hurby Azor, who aided Love with his 1990 debut effort for Columbia Records, “Joe Cool.” To date, this is his only album.
Mikey D
Hip Hop Music Artist
Event: 55th Private Celebrity Birthday Celebration for Dave Huie aka $2 Dave l 4.13.2025
Location: Dear Brooklyn I Brooklyn, NYC
"Event Guest & Performer”
He is famously known for being a lead member of the groups Mikey D & The L.A. Posse and Main Source. As a member of Main Source, he replaced Large Professor,[4] who parted ways with the group due to business differences. In 1994, he appeared on Main Source's second album, Fuck What You Think, as the lead MC.
Milk Dee
Hip Hop Music Artist
Event: 55th Private Celebrity Birthday Celebration for Dave Huie aka $2 Dave l 4.13.2025
Location: Dear Brooklyn I Brooklyn, NYC
"Event Guest & Performer”
Milk Dee came to prominence as one half of the ground breaking hip-hop duo Audio Two. In the late 80’s he scored with the classic hit Top Billin' which Rolling Stone Magazine lists as one of the top 50 hip-hop songs of all time. Top Billin’ has been sampled over 200 times across the musical spectrum by artist including Jay-Z, Kanye West, 50 cent, Mary J. Blige, Notorious B.I.G, R. Kelly, Ne-Yo and P. Diddy, to name a few.
Along with a successful rap career, Milk also has a stellar career as a producer working with artist such as MC Lyte, Janet Jackson, Mary J. Bilge and Sinead O’Connor. He also produced the multi-platinum worldwide smash single “Fuck It (I Don’t Want You Back)” by Eamon.
Rahzel
Hip Hop Music Artist, Voice Actor & Beatboxer
Event: 55th Private Celebrity Birthday Celebration for Dave Huie aka $2 Dave l 4.13.2025
Location: Dear Brooklyn I Brooklyn, NYC
"Event Guest & Performer”
Rahzel is a 3 x Grammy Award winning Vocal Percussionist and Voice Actor. He is best known for an ability to sing or rap while simultaneously beatboxing, as evidenced in his performances of "Iron Man" and his signature song "If Your Mother Only Knew", a hidden track on Make the Music 2000. His talents are showcased in various solo projects as well as on Ben Harper's 2000 single "Steal My Kisses." He also provided his own voice on video games SSX and SSX Tricky, as well as the EA Sports BIG logo from 2000 to 2008. Rahzel was featured on the album True Love by Toots and the Maytals, which won the Grammy Award in 2004 for Best Reggae Album, and showcased many notable musicians.
Ronnie Devoe
R&B/Soul Music Artist
Event: 55th Private Celebrity Birthday Celebration for Dave Huie aka $2 Dave l 4.13.2025
Location: Dear Brooklyn I Brooklyn, NYC
"Event Guest & Performer”
Ronnie is famously known as one of the members of the R&B/pop group New Edition, and the R&B/hip hop group Bell Biv DeVoe.
Supreme
Urban Legend
Event: 55th Private Celebrity Birthday Celebration for Dave Huie aka $2 Dave l 4.13.2025
Location: Dear Brooklyn I Brooklyn, NYC
"Event Guest”
Member of the Laurelton, Queens crew “Boom Bash” and childhood friend of Dave Huie.
Tajiri Swindell & Sukari Barnes
Wife & Sister-In -Law to the late Hip Hop Legend Kangol Kid
Event: 55th Private Celebrity Birthday Celebration for Dave Huie aka $2 Dave l 4.13.2025
Location: Dear Brooklyn I Brooklyn, NYC
"Event Guests”
Kangol Kid hip hop producer, songwriter, break dancer, and emcee. Kangol is best known as a member of the old school hip hop group UTFO.
Kangol Kid was the first hip-hop artist to endorse a product through his official sponsorship with Kangol headwear.His signature hat has been inducted into the Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Kangol Kid is considered to be one of the "pioneers of hip-hop".
Terrence Floyd
Civil Rights Activist & brother to the late “George Floyd”
Event: 55th Private Celebrity Birthday Celebration for Dave Huie aka $2 Dave l 4.13.2025
Location: Dear Brooklyn I Brooklyn, NYC
"Event Guest”
George Floyd was an African-American man who was murdered by a white police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during an arrest made after a store clerk suspected Floyd had used a counterfeit twenty-dollar bill, on May 25, 2020. Derek Chauvin, one of four police officers who arrived on the scene, knelt on Floyd's neck and back for over nine minutes, fatally asphyxiating him. After his murder, a series of protests against police brutality, especially towards black people, quickly spread globally and across the United States. His dying words, "I can't breathe", became a rallying slogan.
Tyesha Montford
Dave Huie’s Better Half
Event: 55th Private Celebrity Birthday Celebration for Dave Huie aka $2 Dave l 4.13.2025
Location: Dear Brooklyn I Brooklyn, NYC
"Event Guest”
Tyesha was the event Organizer and curator for Dave Huie’s 55th Private Celebrity Birthday Celebration
Clear Touch
Freestyle Music Group
Event: Birthday Celebration for Frankie Cutlass l 1.18.2025
Location: Paradise Island I Staten Island, NYC
"Event Performer”
Born and raised in the Bronx, John Sanchez, KC Rodriguez and Angel Solis formed Clear Touch.
The success of Clear Touch began in the Mid 90’s when their hits from their self-titled album "Surrender Your Love" and "Fallen Angel" hit the Billboard music charts. "Surrender" topped the charts in only a matter of weeks.
On a different side of this artistic spectrum, Clear Touch can be seen in the movie “Living in Paradise”. They have performed at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem as well as performed The National Anthem at Major Sports Events including live on HBO for the Michael Grant and Andrew Golata Fight, The New York Yankees, New York Knicks, New York Nets, and New Jersey Red Dogs, and Clubs and Arena’s all over the states.
Dr. Yolanda Ragland
Podiatric Surgeon
Event: 55th Private Celebrity Birthday Celebration for Dave Huie aka $2 Dave l 4.13.2025
Location: Dear Brooklyn I Brooklyn, NYC
"Event Guest”
Dr. Yolanda Ragland is the 1st & Only Black Female Podiatric Surgeon, to whom owns a practice specializing in fixing Bunions & Hammer Toes.
She is the creator and founder of Fix Your Feet Products and Pumps For A Purpose.
Fascination
Freestyle Music Artist
Event: Birthday Celebration for Frankie Cutlass l 1.18.2025
Location: Paradise Island I Staten Island, NYC
"Event Performer”
Born as Elsie Rodriguez in The Bronx, New York, Fascination, has always dreamed that one day she would be a successful recording artist. With that in her mind, she studied music, drama, and dance. Her love for dancing is what actually gave Fascination her big break in the Freestyle business. She was discovered dancing up a storm at the Copacabana in New York City, where she was introduced to producer Todd Terry.
Fascination's first release, "Why Ya Wanna Go" under Vinylmania Records, was a huge success that it was later followed by another huge hit, "Don't You Think It's Time". After the success of her first two releases, Fascination was signed to Lumar Records. In 1990, "Remember" was released and hit Billboard's Dance charts which then led to a major endorsement deal with Coca-Cola. During the time "Freestyle Lives" was released, Fascination had just released her next single under Cutting Records entitled "Still Miss You", and is/was currently collecting material for her a future album.
Fascination can be seen throughout the New York, Chicago, and Miami Club seen doing all of her hits. With recent performances including Mohegan Sun, Resorts Casino in New York City, and more, Fascination is still making the club seen through North America move.
Tonasia
Freestyle Music Artist
Event: Birthday Celebration for Frankie Cutlass l 1.18.2025
Location: Paradise Island I Staten Island, NYC
"Event Performer”
Born and raised in the boogie down Bronx from Italian immigrant Anthony Annunziata aka Tonasia always had a love and appreciation and passion for the arts and music. Being raised in a musical family there was no doubt he would follow. His mom loved music and played a mean piano and sang all the time , she was an incredible voice stress that ‘s where he gets it from, he says with a grin on his face ……He was signed to Mic Mac records in the late 80’s and his first hit single Wondering became an instant hit in the summer of 88 ‘and was dubbed a classic in the genre of the dance / latin freestyle music circle, radio and mix shows soon followed around the world. It was when he released his second hit single, “Games of Love” in the fall of 89 that became a huge sensation right out of the box as a test press and was added to prime time high rotation on clear water channel radio station Hot 97 fm , 103.5 kTU and Power 96 in Miami Fl. It became a huge national hit reaching all the main stream radio station nationwide including the Casey Kasem Top 40 countdown and moving its way down the charts in the top tens spots followed by his third hit single “Tears of Tears” with its strong drum patterns and base lines it was a instant hit with all the dj’s and fans ..after recording those hits with Mic Mac Records Tonasia pursued a freelance music career working with different producer and releasing different styles of music with numerous record labels releasing his first freelance hit single ( It Must Be love ) which was released on Metropolitan records in the 90’s …. collaborating and working together with numerous producers , friend , Dj’s and recording with them and coming up with all different types of elaborate edits , mixes and songs on different record Labels there was no stopping the music and magic that was being infused in ideas and different talents that was coming together in these production with Tonasia. There collaboration and compilations series with different genres of music and record companies through out his musical career was the right choice !!!! Truly a fun and magical experience.
Tony Moran
Freestyle Music Artist
Event: Birthday Celebration for Frankie Cutlass l 1.18.2025
Location: Paradise Island I Staten Island, NYC
"Event Performer”
DJ, record producer, remixer, singer and songwriter known for remixing popular songs. In 2007, he hit number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart twice with "Walk Away" featuring Kristine W and "Keep Your Body Working" featuring Martha Wash. Moran also has a total of seven number one hits on the Billboard Dance Club Songs music charts in the United States and he has recently had four number one Billboard chart hits in the years 2016 and 2017.
As a remix producer, Moran has remixed work from top music artists including Michael Jackson, Madonna, George Michael, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Cher, Selena Gomez and many others.
In December 2016, Billboard ranked him as the 92nd-most successful dance artist of all-time.