ART-IS-1ST | APRIL. 12TH 2025 | w/ Comedy by Brandon Jones + Bodeany + Comedian Tez

Art-is-1st is a recurring event that showcases a vibrant mix of talent, including singers, rappers, comedians, poets, and other creatives who resonate with the mission and vision of /CW. Each event is designed to celebrate and elevate the diverse artistic expressions that align with our brand's dynamic and inclusive spirit.

Through an applicant-based selection process [via Google Forms] artists will submit to be a guest for an intimate [in-studio] performance [with complementary social media recording]. Here we will use the /CW platform to put the “Artist First”, and capitalize on highlighting a growing creative economy with session/episode sponsors, industry guests, and more. 

APRIL 12TH, 2025
COMEDY BY:

Brandon Jones

Bodeany

Comedian Tez

Tea Parties Don’t Stop At A Certain Age; Here’s How Not Your Mama’s Tea Keeps Sisterhood On The Right Page

Have you ever noticed just how closely our kids’ toys and games mimic real-life experiences and elements that are a part of their elders’ lives? Each year, millions of dollars are poured into the sales of fake kitchenette sets, baby dolls, and medical supplies that allow children to pretend to be the most prestigious doctor in their homes. They not only fill excitement inside the kiddos from head to toe but it opens a glimpse of what adulthood will look like. It’s no secret that us grown folk have access to a whole ‘nother world as well as a right of passage to do as we please and make all decisions on our own; whereas children coming behind us have restriction after restriction. Ironically, one of the few things children get to enjoy that takes up the majority of adult’s leisure time is partying. Think about it /CW fam kids have a party for any and everything. I know you remember those Valentine’s day parties at the end of the day. Although there are hundreds of different types of parties such as birthdays, engagements, housewarmings, and even pizza parties, we used to collect a mountain hill of box tops for each party, which mirrored the same purpose. No matter how star-studded or lowkey the party is, the goal of letting loose, enjoying one another, and living in the moment remains the same. Surprisingly, there’s one kind of party that kids have on lock over their parents. (Drum roll please……….) Tea Parties!

The representation and lifestyle element of tea has always held high importance and demand in select counties including prestigious kingdoms and well respected cultures. However; the country labeled as innovative, spontaneous, and welcoming (The United States) did not gift tea the well deserved representation and education as others. Within the past five years, that narrative has done a complete 180-degree turn and it has now caused an international frenzy. Primetime showrunners and writers, including one of the industry's fairy godmothers, Shonda Rimes, have become heavyweight champs in creating stories and yellow brick roads to the doors where tea parties and the drink's social impact are the main setting and primary gears that heighten the story. The roles have reversed, and now children are educating their teachers, parents, and grandparents on how the theme is supposed to be carried out in an authentic yet organic light.

Although it would be easy and smooth to give all the credit to those behind the scenes of your favorite shows like award-winning Bridgerton, the real impact comes from everyday people hosting themed events and centering tea into their daily routine like founder of Not Your Mama’s Tea, Rhonda Hill. 

An intergenerational tea social club that strengthens both personal and professional relationships amongst the black community is what can describe Not Your Mama’s Tea. I view this phenomenon as the medium between “The Pit” and Khadijah James magazine Flavor in ‘90s hit sitcoms Living single & A Different World. A seed was planted inside founder Rhonda Hill back in 2018 when the unicorn launched in Milwaukee, WI. 

“The inspiration is about honoring the rich history and influence of tea in communities worldwide while incorporating it with hip-hop culture. Tea has always been a connector, much like music. It’s about providing a space where people can engage with tea culture and Black culture. Often afternoon tea time comes with thoughts of English tea time, with hats and gloves like Queen Elizabeth. As an avid tea drinker, I wanted to make sure I reflected my own Black culture when hosting an afternoon tea, thus tea for the culture.”- Rhonda Hill 

She made an interesting observation that struck me. Now I want you to be honest with yourself; when you think of tea what spaces and faces pop up in your head? For most people, they think of the UK, royalty and early 1600s interactions. On the other hand what comes to mind when you think of hip-hop culture? The scoreboard becomes filled with vocabulary such as energetic, loud, wild, colorful wardrobe and minority faces. Hill and her team found this to be unfair and mind-blowing how African-Americans; especially women, are not illustrated and represented in spaces that have tea at the forefront. This harsh reality lit a fire in her to create her business and start carving out an identity for black culture in the polished light of the beloved beverage. A simple idea to make tea and hip hop culture the hot new combo on the block quickly grabbed the eyes and ears of our city’s bold yet underground community of black women who are hardly recognized. 

The cultural innovation held its latest event on February 16th, 2025 at Milwaukee's Hip Hop Museum at 2222 N 19th St Milwaukee, WI. Soulful music served with a platter of intentional yet entertaining conversations regarding career development, self-identity, wearing a million hats as a black woman and true love for hip hop was carefully curated by Not Your Mama’s Tea during the afternoon. A light was shed on the newfound trend surrounding Valentine’s Day which is Galentines. Many mistake this day for only recognizing and praising romantic love but Galentines has rebirthed the structure of the national holiday. Thousands of friend groups are celebrating each other by having cozy girls’ night ins, a night on the town or intimate spaces to highlight their friendships. Hill and her team incorporate this type of atmosphere and sense of belonging all year round; not just for Galentines. Sisterhood shouldn't be celebrated during only one month out of the year when we are all sisters 365 days a year. 

“The culture of our events is all about inclusivity, relaxation, and celebration of ‘girlfriend’ culture. We create a space where women can unwind, enjoy quality tea, and vibe to great music, especially hip-hop. It’s about blending different aspects of life—culture, music, and community—into a warm welcome. We have been hosting parties at the Milwaukee Hip Hop Museum, making for a great blend of hip hop and tea.” - RH

Tea parties shouldn't end once of our little girls becomes a teenager or reach womanhood. They mirror a safe space for women to let their guard down and tune in their inner Angela Bassett in What’s Love Got To Do With It, where she played Tina Turner finding peace as she chanted “Nam-myoho-renge-kyo” and drunk tea. Since 2014, it's become one of the highest in demand beverages of the African-American household; acting as a bridge between social and health perspectives. Hill has made it a point to throw a variety of events using this framework such as birthday parties, community events and action plan workshops. You ever notice how when women are in union with one another there's always time for a good drink and plate of food made with love. No matter if it was Joan, Lynn, Maya and Toni in Girlfriends or Kim, Niecey, and Moesha in Moesha; drinks and food always served as comfort and connection. 

“Tea is a universal symbol of comfort and conversation. We chose tea because it is one of my favorites, making it a great way to blend my enjoyment of tea with my desire to connect and serves women. It’s not just about sipping great tea—it’s about creating a moment of connection. Tea encourages slow, intentional interactions, and that’s the kind of energy we want to cultivate in our events.”- RH

Do you feel that nobody can relate, understand or connect with you both socially and emotionally? Maybe you want space as a black woman to just be yourself without all the expectations and just looking for a good time to let your hair down and not be required to be superwoman all day. Become a member of the social club by booking your next event with them or purchasing a ticket for the company's next event on their website: https://www.notyourmamastea.com/.

Join the circle by following their Instagram @Tea4TheCulture as well to get access to the next sip of tea curated specifically for you. Comment down below what type of event you want to see next from them. In the meantime ladies I challenge you to drink your favorite blend of tea while bopping a hip hop song you can't live without. 

Desriana Gilbert | Entertainment & Social Journalist for /CW 

MKE BLACK | Pitch Black Marketing Series

*Info provided by MKE Black

Unlock the Power of Marketing at this Pitch Black Marketing Series

Are you a business owner looking to grow your brand, attract more customers, and master the latest marketing strategies? MKE Black invites you to the Pitch Black Marketing Series, an exclusive 9-week conference designed to equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to elevate your business in today’s competitive market.

Why You Should Attend:

• Learn from Experts – Gain insights on everything from Marketing 101 to AI-driven marketing techniques and media training.

• Hands-On Support – Get personalized coaching every Friday at the BizStarts Community Café to apply what you’ve learned.

• Exclusive Freebies – 15 business owners will receive free Canva Pro, Hootsuite, and ChatGPT Plus subscriptions to level up their marketing game.

• Exciting Giveaways – Attend for a chance to win iPads, radio ad campaigns, and Visa gift cards – but you must be present to qualify!

• It’s FREE! – Thanks to the generous support of WEDC and the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, this transformational conference is completely free with registration.

Event Details:

When: Every Thursday, March 6 – May 1, 2025 | 5 PM – 8 PM
Where: The Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery, 917 W. Juneau Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233

Don’t miss out on this game-changing opportunity to take your marketing to the next level. Seats are limited—register now!

Happy Vday From your /CW Fam!

/CW CREATIVE SERVICES PROMO SALE | CREATIVE MEDIA KITS

"In My Home" Series | By Carlos M. Vergara Jr.

Carlos M. Vergara Jr.—more than a fashion enthusiast, more than a creative director, more than just style. A creator who moves with intention, deeply rooted in his culture, community, and self. Every vision I bring to life is a reflection of the creativity that runs through me, a tribute to the stories, people, and experiences that shape who I am.

“With that, I introduce In My Home—a series that invites you into my world, where inspiration meets intimacy, and where every frame tells a story of influence, identity, and expression.”

Milwaukee Founding Father of Hip Hop BLAX Unveils Limited Edition Vinyl Album “BLAXPLOITATION”

Lyric assassins, cultural shapeshifters, and uncensored canvases have always existed in our barbershops, recreational centers, corner stores, churches, and neighborhoods. The masked hindrance that keeps thousands of conscious, bold, and talented people arm’s length from grasping stardom is exploitation. Record label executives, industry moguls, and well-known managers hide that they’re wolves in sheep’s clothing with their suave vocabulary, empty promises, and glamorized walls of success. This is how the exploitation of artistry, power, and the humanization of legal connections have become embedded into the moving tracks of the music industry. Countless artists become easily blinded by the mortal feeling of being a god, electrifying stages, dead presidents in their bank accounts, and the lens of cameras. Only a portion of superstars master the essence of obtaining the same reflection in the mirror they had before their signature was signed on the dotted line. The realm of their morals, values, vision, and connection to self is their number one priority and remains intact throughout their entire career. Ladies and gentlemen did you know we have one of the rare and mighty in our backyard? Adebisi Agoro also known as BLAX doesn’t just fit this description but he reps it wholeheartedly.

From being signed to New York record label Social MisFits/New Records to being crowned the title of Best Rap/Hip Hop Artist of 2018 by Wisconsin Area Music Industry Awards Council; living large and being known as the man when it came to the eccentric and homegrown sound was not taboo to BLAX. He had a front-row seat to every angle of the industry; from millions of faces in the crowd going toe to toe with him after each word of his songs, to tasting black luxury as a lifestyle, and the angelic connection his mind and voice had when creating music. Ironically, BLAX viewed himself as an oxymoron in the business; it wasn’t about the dollar bills, power from the snap of a finger or temptations of that world. His morals and view of success were far from what media and other hip hop artists would describe it. As a freshman in high school losing rap battles did nothing but spark the hunger and love the superstar had for his music. It was never something he would walk away from.

“Success is being happy with yourself; this is why you should be SELF-MADE.”-BLAX

Life/death, peace /disturbance, motivation/tough love, this is what you experience when listening to the multidimensional hip hop artist. There was never any need to fake or manipulate his artistry because BLAX has always put the raw and untamed experiences of his real life in his craft. For example, losing those who owned his heart, his grandmother and son between the years of 2013-2018 took a brutal toll on the emcee but footprints of his feelings could easily be found in his album Angeline where he began processing grief and was on a mission to seek truth. Each album is a present testament of the man BLAX is and how far his journey will go. His catalog is not just for the conscious and woke, but for any and everybody who values truth, growth, and those real conversations that make you question yourself.

“All artists have the responsibility to make you think. It’s not always about bubblegum ish all the time.”

With the legend coming off of the highly anticipated summer 2024 tour: The Dreamweaverz Tour w/ RMLLW2LLZ; he felt it was time to gift some new music to the streets.

On January 28th, 2025, the midwest cultural shapeshifter, BLAX’s dream came true as he released his album BLAXPLOITATION as his first ever vinyl album. For nearly twenty years the artist has always wanted to create such a timeless, tangible and personal piece of art to his supporters and especially for himself. Just as any musician, both the beautiful and heart wrenching side of the entertainment industry has took hold of his eyes. BLAX wanted to make it clear with his latest album that nobody can hold him back, take advantage of him, outsmart him or carry him as a man. He’s his own person, sketchpad, producer, songwriter, and moral compass. These ten tracks give a deeper scope of BLAX- the grown man whose accepted all things life comes with but also his raw emotions to that. The society we live in today consumes such a colossal digital footprint where music, visuals, and even artists are hot today and forgot about tomorrow. In a world of streams, single-radio, and less touring opportunities, it’s become difficult for a large body of work to be believed in and pushed by not only record labels but independent artists as well. BLAX set out to provide tangible connection and conversation between his fanbase and himself with this masterpiece.

“BLAXPLOITATION” will uncontrollably rebirth the most authentic and emotionally intelligent version of you. From the tracks, Interpretation of Dreams, Ballerina and Intelligent Beings you won’t skip a second. It’s a musical sonnet of the ups and downs life and being an artist has to offer. Sugarcoating and empty promises were not the ingredients used when BLAX was cooking up this album. He is a true creative who knows to never turn off the genius inside him! It is because of his versatile lyricism, out of the ordinary visuals and consistent artistry that he is considered one of the founding fathers of the Mikwaukee and Racine Rap/Hip Hop landscape. He’s created another space where the album will be analyzed and broken down on his new podcast, The Blaxploitation Podcast. Go tune in here: Don’t miss your chance to own one of the one hundred copies BLAX has released for the album; making BLAXPLOITATION limited edition.

Owning the vinyl is not enough and you want to experience an intimate and immersive night with BLAX himself to breath and feel every emotion of the album? Join the emcee at The Wiggle Room March 7th, 2025 at 2988 S. Kinnickinnic Ave Bayview, WI for BLAX’s album listening party dedicated to BLAXPLOITATION. You can not only follow the raw and lively man of the hour @the_god_degree on all social media platforms

Comment down below what question you think this album will make you feel? Do you think BLAX is paving the way for vinyl albums to make a huge comeback in the music industry?

Desriana Gilbert | Entertainment & Social Journalist for /CW

The All Black Xperience 2024 Presented By: Johnny L. Jones, Myron “M-Town” Smith & Tim Ricketts

Can you think of a moment in time where you felt the words of James Brown, “Say It Loud-I’m Black & I’m Proud” was your city’s anthem? Let’s take it back to February 2018. The infamous Ryan Coogler film, Black Panther was released and had anybody from eight years old to eighty years old rushing to theatres in their best-dressed outfits; whether it was a dashiki or all-white fit from head to toe. The city of Milwaukee felt different for the Black Community. It was as if every one of all races had come to an epiphany-there is success and elegance when it comes to black people.  I often wonder if it was the story of the film; Prince T’Challa taking on the crown of his country following his father’s passing to save the innocence and future of his people or the costume design that had all of Milwaukee in a chokehold. Prince T’Challa’s wardrobe mainly consisted of the color black. Why? Black is the color of power, sophistication, wealth, and elegance. 

However, as soon as the film left theatres, everyone put the urgency and need for black pride and unity in a box to left as well. (Shout out Queen Bey). Well all that changed Friday, November 29th, 2024 as almost the entire MKE was in attendance for The All Black Xperience hosted at the Baird Center which was presented by Johnny L. Jones, Myron “M-Town Smith, and Tim Ricketts in downtown Milwaukee. These three men who could be described as Milwaukee’s own BellBivDevoe have taken on the responsibility and challenge of normalizing the celebration and elevation of Black Excellence. Each of these three men are known in the city for being an ambitious entrepreneur, developer, and the life of the party. They all have over a decade of experience dedicating their lives to making Milwaukee more familiar with wealth, power, and luxury in the black community.

The All Black Xperience illustrated a night whose theme was black luxury and elegance. Think of NewNew’s (played by Lauren London) parents in the coming of age film, ATL. Successful, prestigious, fly, smooth and creative black people filled up the guest list quicker than your family members rushing to the line to get their Thanksgiving plates. The purpose of this event was for a night of entertainment, networking, and celebration to be experienced by those in Milwaukee who are not only making moves for their own success but also hyper focused on what the future and sustenance of black excellence will look like after this year comes to a close. 

Not only did musical guests Rick Ross and Tweet keep everyone’s attention from the beginning to the very end of the night; but the red carpet was a head-turner as well.  Everyone followed the number one rule which was to wear ONLY BLACK! The dress code was made clear and nobody was disappointed. The men were dressed in their black suits and ties giving a real depiction of when Justin Timberlake & Jay-Z hopped on a track together; as the ladies shut down the carpet in their all black dresses. Let me just stop and answer the question I know you are all thinking;

“Des, what was on the menu?”. The food and drinks were centered around the culture of our city as a whole. A variety of sausages including bratwursts, frozen custard, cheese curds and alcoholic beer beverages made up the menu for this memorable night. Sounds like an MKE night at SummerFest. The All Black Xperience did more than check all the boxes when it came to the perfect date night such as music that makes you want to move, a reason to pull out that outfit in your closet, while also eating and drinking some things that make you feel good. This experience got the city to show up, show out, but most importantly present the opportunity to figure out what’s the next route when it comes to the celebration of black elegance & excellence being normalized in Milwaukee.

There were only a few calls made by the dynamic three (Jones, Smith, and Ricketts) as they selected who the hosts for the night would be. One of those calls went to author, motivational speaker, and life influencer, Steph Crosley. The hosts needed to embody what the event symbolized: a hustler’s mentality, active community member, classy, and who also knows how to turn up and feed that energy to the guests. Crosley shared how the highlight of her night was not just the feeling on stage with Jammin 98.3’s Earl Stokes and DJ Cheerio but also honoring and awarding movie director, producer and writer; Ramon Swift Sloan towards the end of the evening. I asked the life influencer what is the correlation between celebration, motivation and inspiration because those are the three things that surrounded her that night. Crosley stated, “I believe you’re inspired - there’s a spark and then there’s a force that propels you internally to ‘do something’ and then there’s an outward display of your accomplishment - the celebration - in that order.” The perfect equation that should be used more often than it is by people who look like us. Steph’s night mirrored hundreds of others that attended the event; a night of music, food, fashion, and networking specifically catered to high-class black people in the city; but that wasn’t all that she remembered from that night.

“One of the messages to take away from the All Black Xperience is that together we can - it takes all moving parts to make an event successful from the organizers - to the city trusting the vision and coming out to support - to the DJs and host doing our part and everything in between. Together we can and I believe it will continue to do well and grow.”-Steph Crosley

It’s up to us to keep events like this in an consistent rotation and celebrate one another. So what will motivate you to do your part? Is it musical guests being in attendance? An opportunity to dress up? Or is it having the chance to talk to some of the most influential and intelligent black people in the city?

On behalf of the /CW fam I would like to applaud Johnny L. Jones, Myron “M-Town” Smith, Tim Ricketts, Steph Crosley and all the other hosts who came together to make this night possible. As Crosley would say, there is power in numbers; might even have some of us starting to walk like Ghost off the Starz show Power. The celebration and elevation of black entrepreneurs, media, success, and unity needs to become normalized and consistent. So I challenge each of you. Comment down below what you think it’ll take for this to happen. Go follow the creators of this event. Their instagrams are @stillstephc, @jlj164, @therealmtown, @therickettsshow and catch the live recaps and photos from an unforgettable night.

Desriana Gilbert | Entertainment & Social Journalist for /CW

Clyde's | SnapShot Press Release

“Do I look hungry?”

The question was rhetorical but I took the bait, blurting out from the darkness of the theater. .

“Yes! You do!”

Hunger exists where there is a void, or need for something more. It is the lack of satiation that we feel [& fill], that urges us to find a means of sustenance. Without it, we are empty, weak, and coercively vulnerable.

Excuse my pepper-jack cheese of linguistics, but Clyde is a hungry B*tch.

Sunday’s [November, 9th, 2024] Milwaukee Chamber Theater’s performance of Clyde’s, showcased the unhinged reality of the people who serve our society. This form of service comes with being a scapegoat for the power structures we call capitalism that demands the use of bread, lettuce, or cheese [those are all words for money, depending on who you are asking] as the means to survive. 

From behind the kitchen door of a truck stop sandwich shop, this staff of “rehabilitated” individuals, shows us through the erudition of Lynn Nottage, a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwriter, how hard it can be to do better when surrounded by misery, after being locked away from the world.

Clyde’s is a purgatory-like place, equipped with stainless steel food prep islands, a smokey flap-top grill, and a loud commercial-grade refrigerator [It was real! I could hear the motor kick on and off like we were really in the kitchen. Nice Touch!]. But here there will be no Michelin stars. Instead, it is where Montrellous (Bryant Bentley) carefully crafts aspirations of hopes, one slice of bread at a time. It is where Letitia (N’Jameh Camara) grapples with her value between every piece of cheese and where Jason (Nate Press), repents through sprigs of parsley. It is where Rafael (Justin Huen) grieves over the grease. It is where dreams go to be broken, and souls go when they are desperate to survive. 

This kitchen is a symbolic prison and Clyde [Lachrisa Grandberry] is the overseer, warden, and the Devil herself wrapped in spandex and pleather! Her abuse [mental, emotional, and the bruised back of Rafael proves it to be physical] is a reflection of her self-loathing. As an ex-con, she believes that hiring what she frames as a societal outcast gives her the prerogative to treat her employees like they are less than human [which sadly they are used to]. But it is the way Grandberry postures her raunchy, classless, erotica torture that makes her character so cringe-worthy. To make the crowd love you is beautiful, but to make them despise you is a wicked deed that pulls from the worst parts of humanity, forcing us to wipe crumbs of blissful delusion off our faces. Lachrisa girl, YOU DID THAT!

I found myself rooting for the world's underdog as they spilled their hearts out sharing the stories of how they became incarcerated. Montrellous story offsets the scales of justice, as Bentley’s delivery demands you listen with your chest, and question how much you are willing to sacrifice for the greater good of others. Letitia, tormented my maternal instinct [first when she chopped that lettuce into oblivion], N’Jameh playing up her ability to evoke empathy with her climatic cadence [Stop trying to make me cry now. You already had me with ILLIAD, LOL]. Rafael’s desperate need to prove his love to others is a fatal flaw, and Huen seems to be a master of humility and sensitivity. But Jason. . should we forgive him? The Black woman in me tingled with the, “now you know how it feels” mantra, that is only triggered when “justice” falls on the door of the socially privileged. But Press, made me believe that the internal torture he felt was real. 

Kudos to Director, Dimonte Henning, who did not skirt away from the “nasty” [metephorically and literally]. From the scandalous gestures of Clyde [I mean Rated R and Rated Hillarious] to the transitions of BTS kitchen life between scenes, it was a glimpse into the world we don’t often get to see. 

It also made me crave a sandwich, something serious!

Clyde’s is for those who dare to eat havarti on a butter brioche, with heirloom tomatoes, a slather of cajun-style hot sauce, and a cucumber chutney [See I can make an epic sandwich recipe too. LOL], and dare to call it a “sammich”. In other words, it is the hole in the wall of art we should steep ourselves in because you never know what might send you to Hell, purgatory, and back again. 

Let’s stop judging, and well. . .Do better.

Lexi S. Brunson  | Editor-in-Chief /CW

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