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Issa Rae

Issa is me and I am Issa. From the brilliant writing, acting, and creation of her hit HBO show, “Insecure”, to her “I’m rooting for everyone black” red carpet moment, to the lit AF #LemonPepperKickback, which had ATL popping, Issa IS 2017 for me! 

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“What A Beautiful Name”

As a songwriter and a Christian, I pray for that song that exudes the breath of God and ushers in the presence of God with ease. This song does just that. When I first heard this worship anthem, I was floored. Although simple, it is POWERFUL. Written by Brooke Ligertwood and Ben Fielding, “What A Beautiful  Name” is easily one of my favorite worship songs and arguably one of the best ever written. Currently, it has won “Song of the Year” at the 48th Annual Dove Awards and is nominated for a Grammy for the 60th Annual Grammy Awards. If you haven't heard it yet, then click here!

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Chad Foster

Yes, Chad Foster is as cool as he looks! When I first met Chad it was during a panel discussion at our alma mater, Morehouse College. Chad was one of the panelists. Although short and slim, Chad always commands attention and exudes excellence from the very fiber of his being. We connected on our similar interest and love of the entertainment and music industry. Hearing Chad speak about the state of the industry and more, I knew that he had no other option but to be successful. Chad has strategically positioned himself into the place where he wants to be: the music industry. Currently, Chad serves as Manager of Podcast Partnerships at Spotify. Through his new role, Chad was able to create and host the podcast, R&B Matters, which focuses on the state of R&B industry and its continued need in today’s world. With guests, such as TLC, Ro James, Rico Love, and more, Chad had me eagerly awaiting each episode. There is nothing left to say but congratulations Chad on all of your success and I’m rooting for even more success for you! 

[zarylandsmostfascinating-blog]

Louis York

Imagine being two of the most talented and creative individuals, nominated for multiple Grammys, working with the top artists from Michael Jackson to Celine Dion, and then leaving the limelight of the Hollywood Hills and New York lights for the mountains and countryside of Nashville. Well, that is exactly what these two did. Both Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony are both accomplished songwriters and producers. Chuck has written for Celine Dion, Ledisi, and Rihanna, while Claude has written for Britney Spears, Michael Jackson, and Bruno Mars. However, at one point, both felt the need to leave the music industry for their inner peace. After a conversation with each other, they decided to rewrite the rules and break the barriers that the industry placed upon them. They began to write music for themselves and then they formulated a group, known as “Louis York” (which derives from their birth cities). With a new perspective, Louis York creates music that has no genre and no border. Whether country, R&B, jazz, and even Christmas music, it just feels good. In Nashville, Louis York has set up the “Weirdo Workshop”, which is an independent record label and an artist collective. Recently, Louis York released their third EP, Masterpiece Theater – Act III. Much like their other releases, it is hard to pick just one favorite song because they all are AMAZING (however I’ve played “Hell” like 70 times). Louis York is an inspiration to all creatives and although they don’t know it yet, Claude and Chuck will be my mentors. Because of Louis York, I am proud to be a WEIRDO. 

[zarylandsmostfascinating-blog]

Brian Young

Michael Jordan said that "some people want it to happen, some people wish it would happen, others make it happen.” When it comes to Brian Young, he is a person that MAKES IT HAPPEN time and time again. Brian is an alumnus of Morehouse College (the best institution that ever existed). While at Morehouse, Brian interned with Sony Music Group and helmed many different projects. However, upon graduation, Sony and Brian parted ways. Doing what he does best, Brian found a way out of no way. He founded his brand management company, B. Young Enterprises, and got to work immediately. Out of all of the many clients that Brian has under his roster, one of the biggest and one of his first, is the popular media company The Shade Room. Now working with K. Michelle, Rick Ross, and countless others, Brian shows no sign of slowing down and nor should he. I am very proud of Brian and all of his accomplishments and I know that there is more on the horizon for him. Follow Brian on his instagram (@byoungg) and don’t forget to always step into The Shade Room!

[zarylandsmostfascinating-blog]

AfroTech

When the word “tech” is mentioned, it usually isn’t associated with African-Americans. Until NOW. Founded by the creators of Blavity, AfroTech is a “conference where the founders and employees of some of the fastest-growing tech startups will present the tactics & strategies they use to grow their products and businesses.” And if it isn’t obvious from the name, the conference is overflowing with melanin! Black people have always been creative and technical. Unfortunately, societal standards formulated and either excluded or made it very difficult for blacks and minorities to enter it. AfroTech is the answer that we’ve longed for. In order to break the cycle, we have to make diversity the “norm” and we must start early. The founders of AfroTech understand this which is why they offer a student track so that minority students can receive exposure to the industry early and be surrounded by those who look like them. I wholeheartedly support AfroTech and I even plan on attending the next conference. For more information about the conference and ways to support, please visit their website here. 

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Zaryland’s Most [ Fascinating ]: Revisited

Zaryland's Most Fascinating List is a comprehensive list of fascinating people, groups/organizations, and/or events that have shaped the year for ME. This list is not ranked according to which person is more amazing than another, nor does it only include celebrities or prominent figures on our television and digital radars daily. "Fascinating" can come from the people right in our own neighborhoods!

I completed my first list in 2013, and surprisingly received rave reviews from my peers. So this year, I'M BACK AT IT AGAIN! I hope that when the list is released, you would be inspired by those who have made it and support those in your own circle who are "fascinating"!