Welcome to another journey inside the kaleidoscope of Caribbean brilliance. In this episode we sit down with an artist whose voice carries the vibrancy of steelpan and the passion of calypso, yet is anchored in a soul that never forgets its roots. She is none other than Lil' Bitts, soca powerhouse, actress, cultural ambassador, and daughter of Trinidad and Tobago. We had the pleasure of tracing her path through the soca industry, exploring how her training in theater sharpened her stagecraft and allowed her to command audiences with both voice and presence. Lil' Bitts possesses an admirable devotion to her homeland and to Trinidad’s Carnival, “the greatest show on earth,” which has shaped her artistry and her worldview. Her love for dance and other forms of art deeply informs her creativity. Though she rides the sonic waves of soca rhythms with expert precision, she admits that at an early age she was engulfed in everything Whitney Houston. Her love for R&B coupled with exposure to Trinidad’s top brass in calypso and soca shaped the person we now know as Lil' Bitts. What is even more admirable about Lil' Bitts is her intricate knowledge of the entertainment industry and the politics that surrounds it. Lil' Bitts is unique. She is constantly seeking creative expansion. Musically, that has taken form by her working with writers and producers not just from Trinidad, but from across the Caribbean. She has also, hosted TV shows, promoted her own events, represented her country at Carifesta… sigh.. is there anything that Lil' Bitts can’t do? Through it all, she shares her dreams for the future, her unwavering loyalty to her family, and her deep love for the culture that raised her. This is a story of talent, tradition, and triumph, wrapped in the glow of a woman whose star continues to rise. This is the story… thus far… Of Lil' Bitts

Throughout history, the machine that is the music business, has trained, molded, and branded artists to fit their expectations. Rinse and repeat. In some instances the formula has worked. However, even the industry is knocked on its back when an artist like Nailah Blackman emerges. Young, intelligent, sophisticated, truly unique vocals, master of several instruments and an incredible dancer. Most importantly, she entered the industry with a sense of self, situational awareness, ambition and knowledge of the industry seldom seen; even in veterans.Nailah Blackman’s grand entrance on to the Soca stage came with a BANG in 2017 that made even the casual listener of the genre take notice. Her first soca song was an automatic classic. “Workout” the soon to be ubiquitous track with Kes, one of the elite members of Soca’s royal court, reached far and wide across the globe. Nailah’s sound was heard by the masses for the first time and the world immediately wanted more. As she promoted her first songs, she performed at several bars and small clubs in her native Trinidad, however Nailah wanted more. Within months, she devised a plan to promote her own concert because as she stated in our conversation, she was a “stadium performer”. The fans would soon understand that truer words had never been spoken. With the success of her first concert, promoters took notice and began to book her on major shows. Nailah’s performances, equipped with her bevvy of hit songs and collaborations became one of soca’s most desired experiences. Night after night, fans entered as regular fans of soca and left as certified members of the Nai-Army. In the years since, Nailah has undoubtedly become a member of Caribbean music’s top brass and is one of the region’s leading ambassadors world-wide. Her use of the soca genre, her grandfather’s creation, masterfully blended with other genres, her sense of style, incredible visuals and a stellar social media game have added to her meteoric rise. When the annals of Caribbean music are written, the name Nailah Blackman is sure to sit atop those who did it… and did it well. With less than a decade into her professional career, Nailah has only just begun. This is the story… thus far… of Nailah Blackman.      

From the moment he stepped onto the stage as a bright-eyed primary schooler in the Prince and Princess Show, it was clear, Viggy Da Artist had that something special. A magnetic presence, a natural gift, and a love for performance that could not be denied. But as fate would have it, the journey wasn’t so simple. While music tugged at his soul, cricket whispered dreams of global glory. For years, Viggy danced between two worlds, bat and ball in one hand, microphone in the other. Still, the stage has a way of calling home those who belong. And in the end, music won. Thank goodness it did. Since choosing the path of performance, Viggy has become a bonafide force in the Soca world, delivering hit after hit, building bridges across the Caribbean, and mastering the art of connection, both on and off stage. He’s a networker, a grinder, and a creative hurricane with no signs of slowing down. Fresh off a fire performance at the St. Thomas U.S.V.I. Carnival, Viggy dove headfirst into Anguilla Carnival 2024 with laser focus. And it paid off! He walked away as the 2024–2025 Groovy Monarch, a title he wears with pride and purpose. But Viggy isn’t stopping there. After an electrifying press run in Trinidad, performances on major stages, and radio spins on some of the island’s top Soca stations, he’s got his eyes set on something bigger. The world stage. On this episode, we dive into the journey of a young boy from Anguilla with two passions, and the courage to choose the one that sets his spirit on fire. This is the story… thus far… of Viggy Da Artist.

She grew up on the beautiful island of Anguilla, the daughter of two teachers, in a home where discipline was law and excellence was expected. As a child, Nicole Beal dreamed of following in her parents' footsteps. She admired the way former students would stop them in the streets, offering warm greetings and heartfelt thanks, proof of the impact they had made. Teaching, she thought, would be her path too. But as she grew older, Nicole discovered new passions. Singing became her outlet, a way to emerge from her shell and express herself. Ultimately, it was the dynamic world of hospitality that truly capture her heart. After interning at two of Anguilla’s top resorts, her future became clear. She pursued hospitality in undergrad, then earned her business degree to sharpen her skills. When the pandemic hit, Nicole and her partner decided to turn challenge into opportunity. Merging her business insight with his architectural design background, they launched Blackwood Premium, a luxury accessories brand built on sleek style and sustainability. From watches and sunglasses to bracelets and beyond, the brand is redefining Caribbean-inspired elegance. Through it all, Anguilla remains at the heart of everything Nicole does. Whether it’s through business, mentorship, or inspiration, she sees it as part of her life’s mission to uplift her island home. Nicole Beal isn’t just building a brand, she’s building a legacy. She believes in the power of investing in yourself, but never at the expense of lifting others as you climb. Her journey is one of vision, heart, and purpose. This is the story, thus far… of Nicole Beal.

The road less traveled can lead to the most extraordinary destinations. Miekaile Browne, is  a name that is quickly becoming synonymous with brilliance in the worlds of dance, fashion, and film. Born and raised on the serene shores of Anguilla, a tiny gem in the Caribbean, Miekaile’s first love wasn’t center stage; it was the race track. Coming from a family of athletes, it was only natural that he’d spend his childhood training, racing, and winning. With his uncle cheering him on stride for stride, it seemed inevitable that athletics would be his destiny. But everything changed on orientation day at Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School, the island’s only secondary school. As a group of dancers from the Klassique Academy of Dance took to the stage, Miekaile sat transfixed. The movement. The precision. The passion. It was nothing short of magic. In that single moment, he knew… he had to dance. Miekaile didn’t wait. He applied to the academy and was performing onstage within months. Though he felt a constant inner tug, between the safe, celebrated path of athletics and the uncharted, uncertain world of dance, his heart always led him to the stage. He followed his heart all the way to university, where he immersed himself in the art form, sharpened his craft, and bloomed. And now? That small-island boy with big dreams is living in London, lighting up screens, runways, and stages around the world. From Hollywood blockbusters to globally distributed commercials, Miekaile Browne is no longer chasing dreams.. he’s dancing in them. This is the story… thus far… of Miekaile Browne

Special thank you to Mr. Rickiell Hodge and the Communications Unit of the Government of Anguilla and Mr. Gilbert ‘GAF’ Fleming of Titanium Audio Visual for their technical assistance for this episode of the Planet Thirty Podcast.______________________________________________________________________________Cora Richardson-Hodge is a woman of firsts, of fierce devotion, and of purpose forged by both love and legacy. She holds the history-making title of Anguilla’s first female Premier. A moment that did not arrive by chance, but by the slow, steady build of commitment and calling. Born in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and shaped by the sunlit summers of Anguilla, her heart always knew where home truly was. The wide-open landscapes and ocean inspired lifestyle on Anguilla fueled her love for nature. Science became her first love. She dreamt of oceanography, dabbled in mechanical engineering, and found her stride in environmental engineering. But destiny had a different blueprint. Law came calling, not just as a career, but as a tool for change. With advocacy as her compass, Cora carved out a space where legal precision met community passion. It was love and purpose that brought her back to Anguilla, where she didn’t wait for a title to serve. Even after an early political setback, she didn’t pause. Through efforts like The Hope Center, she stood firmly with families in need, planting seeds that would one day bloom into leadership. Then came 2025! A campaign that was short, sharp, and transformative. The people chose her. As she implies, she too chose them. In this episode, we unpack the grit behind the grace, the vision behind the voice, and the story still unfolding.This is the story… thus far…of The Honorable Premier of Anguilla, Cora Richardson-Hodge.

Heather Baldwin Mc Dowell is a reservoir of information. She makes any conversation about the arts, especially music come alive. She lives and breathes culture, rhythm, melody and harmony. A native of Trinidad of Tobago, Heather grew up with a father who was a connoisseur of music and a mother who was a fashion forward seamstress who patterned and created dresses for some of Trinidad’s most stylish ladies. It is at their feet, that she studied, was exposed to and eventually cultivated a deep love for fashion, art, photography and yes… MUSIC.Heather would become a fixture in the Public Relations Community throughout the Caribbean, championing not only individual organizations and artists, but promoting the region’s culture along the journey. Her life’s mandate allows her to offer a rare blend of legal acumen and cultural fluency, paired with a deep love for music and an encyclopedic knowledge of the genres that pulse through the Caribbean’s soul. Whether it's the syncopated rhythms of Soca, the storytelling depths of calypso, or the evolving fusion of Caribbean genres with global sounds, Heather understands music not just as entertainment, but as heritage — as a powerful vehicle of identity, resistance, celebration and yes, an undeniable economic driver! In this episode we explore her journey, her thoughts on the state of Caribbean art and why protecting the region’s cultural capital has never been more important. If you are passionate about protecting and properly exploiting Caribbean music and culture, then please pay attention to Heather’s wise words. This is the story… Thus far of Heather Baldwin- McDowell

Young Dennis Liburd was an exceptional athlete. In an alternate reality, this interview could have been with super star basketball player Dennis Liburd. Liburd may have followed in the footsteps of fellow St. Croix native Tim Duncan and entered the NBA. Conversely, we could have been chatting with Dennis Liburd the professional soccer player and his preparation for the next world cup. Either of these could have been the purpose of this interview. Instead, we have the privilege of interviewing the real evolution of Dennis Liburd, a charismatic, extremely talented and energetic giant of an artist that the world of soca known as PUMPA. Hailing from one of the smallest islands in the Caribbean, Pumpa and his smash hit The A list have knocked down the doors of the wider Soca industry. Not since the 1990s has an entity from the northern Caribbean’s cluster of small islands enjoyed such success. After studying the game, experimenting, fighting battles, learning, executing and most importantly working, Pumpa is arguably the most popular artist to come from that region in decades. But he continues to push and excel. Collaborations with Nailah Blackman and now Machel Montano himself prove that Pumpa has no intention of being stagnant. With a slew of new hits and visuals planned, the world will have no other choice but to prepare for its introduction to Pumpa. His success was by no means handed to him. The road that lead to this point has been quite the interesting one. But don’t let me tell it. Listen to the intriguing story of Dennis “PUMPA” Liburd, in his own words. This is the story… thus far… of PUMPA!

Nessa Preppy burst on to the music scene in Trinidad and Tobago a little over a decade ago. The Arima native with a multicultural background including German and First Peoples is the embodiment of what Trinidad represents. A potpourri of features and cultures all masterfully blended to create something… or in this case someone unique.  A lover of all genres, her Soca songs were delivered to audiences with a sound that was distinctively Nessa. Her cadence, melodies and choice of beats and riddims were not common for that era. Nessa wove elements of hip-hop and dancehall throughout her compositions and presented them with a bevy of colorful and energetic music videos. Not everyone got her in the beginning, however, Nessa was never deterred. She knew and understood who she was from the start. By extension, she also understood her brand, how powerful it was and how powerful it could become. Betting on herself and her brand would pay off.  In the last six years Nessa has found solid footing in the soca industry as an A list act with a string of hits including Tingo, Splash with Patrice Roberts and the anthemic and ubiquitous SNACK! Nessa is unapologetically Nessa, and that is why her fanbase continues to grow rapidly. I an industry that is sometimes inundated with singers sewn together by age old formulas, Nessa’s star shines brightly. Her authenticity, coupled with her approach to music and artistry will no doubt propel her into markets untouched, up to this point, by soca artists.  With the debut of her second album “Little Miss Arima” Nessa is set to not only rack up another thread of hits but in our estimation, this could be the project that makes the wider world turn its head in the direction of Nessa Preppy. Believe us, the era of Nessa Preppy has just begun… This is the story... thus far... of Nessa Preppy.

Marva Carty is a renaissance woman. Life has taken her to many countries, introduced her to many hobbies and has offered her experiences beyond her wildest dreams.   Marva was born in London England but at an early age she was whisked away and taken to her mother’s homeland, Trinidad. It is here that Marva would adopt the wonderful habit of reading. She confesses, she read any and everything. She especially remembers learning random trivia from the set of World Book Encyclopedias that her family owned. That random knowledge would benefit her in some surprising ways later on in life. Marva’s odyssey has seen her work in varied industries. From the admissions office at an American University to hospitality to toys. The latter perhaps, is what led her to her current line of projects. The super intelligent little girl with a fierce appetite for knowledge is now an author. Mari Loves Mangoes is the title of her first book. Complete with vibrant illustrations and a great story, Marva hopes to inspire children from diverse backgrounds to embrace who they are, love one another and pay attention to life’s lessons. This is just the first step in a series of books that she plans to expand upon. And in the future?  Well... Marva plans to own a multi-media conglomerate. When you hear her journey, you will understand why this dream of hers is 100% attainable. Smart, ambitious, persistent and hard working. This is the story… thus far… Of Marva Carty.

Darius James says that he has always been a BIG THINKER. When you hear his story, you may agree that even the word BIG is too small to describe the way Darius thinks. Born in Dominica, Darius says that he has always felt that his purpose in the world was to execute big projects with the intention of helping others. Darius’ father introduced him and his siblings to music. His father lived abroad for a time and on one of his trips back to Dominica he brought several instruments to the household. Darius says that he was immediately drawn to the drums. Little did he know, but the pulsing rhythms of that first drum set would guide and dictate the rhythm of his life for years to come. After some years of operating several businesses in his homeland, Darius accepted a job in the cruise industry. After three years of sailing the seas and exploring multiple countries, Darius decided that it was time to move on and settle down. A chance invitation to Anguilla landed him in the middle of the Tranquility Jazz Festival. Within days, the universe would align, and Darius would meet several players in Anguilla’s music industry. Anguilla, he decided would now be his home. After settling in, developing a business, falling in love and perfecting his craft, Darius realized that there was a need to train young minds on the island and beyond. Enter the Anguilla Music Academy. Darius’ brainchild that has pinned on its wings and has now taken flight. With the help of the community and investors, Darius dreams of helping the world are coming to fruition. However, the story is much deeper. And believe us, Darius James story does not end here. This is the story… thus far… of Darius James.

The Honorable Haydn Hughes is the son of a politician. The Honorable Haydn Hughes became a politician. He admits that this was not always in the cards for him. His high school days were spent hanging out and admittedly skipping some classes. His behavior, however, did not reflect his intellect. While the lessons in the classroom may not have intrigued him, he was inspired by books and authors outside of the school's curriculum. Mr. Hughes tells the tale of him going to the local Public Library on the tiny island of Anguilla and reading everything and anything that the library had to offer. He became a voracious reader, seeking knowledge whenever he could and the from wherever he could. His thirst for understanding the world would lead him to other bookshelves including his father's where he would read books by world leaders and politicians. Even after reading these books, he never fancied himself a future politician. Mr. Hughes worked several jobs as a young man and understood the value of money from a young age. According to him he did not purchase his first car until he was almost 30 years old. What he did accomplish before the age of 30 was building a house and the successful business. Mr. Hughes’ journey through life would take him from being a physical education teacher to a bank worker and eventually into the hospitality industry. He journeyed to France, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. These experiences showed him another side of the world. A side that he had read about as he fingered through the pages of those library books so many years before. Some of Mr. Hughes' experiences prompted him to become more politically active. Upon return to his native Anguilla, Mr. Hughes joined politically active groups and even hosted a radio show. With determination he would run for election. Mr. Hughes would fail to win a seat for 15 years, but he was not deterred. In 2020 Mr. Hughes won his seat and was elected into the government of Anguilla. Though he had served in his father's administration before in another capacity, Mr. Hughes’ love for Anguilla and his and enthusiasm to see the country succeed motivated him to push until he could win, so that he could contribute in a major way. In his capacity as the minister of Infrastructure, Communications, Utilities, Housing and Tourism, Mr. Hughes is determined to push his island forward. The island that taught him so many lessons and exposed him to so much at an early age. Some call his approach experimental. Mr. Hughes however says that he has a clear vision as to where Anguilla should go and along with his fellow ministers, he is determined to take the country there. Whether or not you agree with his philosophies, opinions or approach, the journey that got Mr. Hughes to his conclusions is a fascinating one. In his own words… this is the story…. thus far, of the Honorable Haydn Hughes.

If you didn’t know that it was reality you would be convinced that it was a fairytale. Young man from a tiny Caribbean Island with a love for music records song for his island’s carnival festivities and the song shoots to #1 in the world. It could have been a fairytale. But it actually happened. Kevin Lyttle grew up on the island of St. Vincent. His love of the arts lead him to join his uncle’s dance group in his younger days. His love for the arts grew and he began to experiment with music. Although the airwaves were pumping soca and reggae predominantly, Kevin developed a love for R&B music. His understanding of that genre and its structure would lead him to fuse melodies, rhythms and harmonies in his head that were unconventional yet appealing. With little opportunity on the island for a fulltime career as an artist, Kevin sought employment with the local government. He was a hard worker, but swiftly realized that he was not prepared to give up on his dreams of becoming an internationally known artist. With what was at the time the equivalent of one month’s salary, Kevin risked it all and wrote, co-produced and recorded what he knew in his heart would at least be a local hit. What transpired upon the song’s release would be beyond Kevin’s wildest dreams. His song, ‘Turn me on’ became a worldwide anthem for party goers and lovers of dance everywhere. Kevin Lyttle has had and continues to have an incredible career. He has performed on every inhabited continent on planet earth. He journeyed from an island with a population of just over one hundred thousand to perform and be loved by millions of fans from every country. Kevin Lyttle’s career and life philosophies are a master class for any artist or musician seeking success. But for as much as he has accomplished, Kevin Lyttle is not yet done. This renaissance man has added yet another business to his growing empire as an entrepreneur. This is the story… Thus far… Of Global Super Star Kevin Lyttle…

Dr. Tremane Bartley is the eldest of three siblings. Him, his brother and his sister were raised by parents who were entrepreneurs. His younger siblings took notice of his hard work as he paved the way for them by setting a good example. In his last year of high school, a chance meeting one morning would lead him into a full scholarship at Benedict College, a prestigious HBCU in South Carolina. His stellar performance at the undergraduate level ushered him into dental school at the University of Connecticut. His fascination with science and inspiration from his parents lead him to not only cultivate a love for business, but a love for helping people. Dr. Bartley is a long way from Jamaica, but the lessons and values he learned on the island have stayed with him. Today he is a dedicated father and husband and owns a thriving Orthodontic Practice. He works from three locations in the state of Connecticut. The young man who dreamed of being an entrepreneur took a leap of faith and is building an incredible legacy. Oh yea… and his siblings? They too are both Dr. Bartley! They followed the lead of their big brother. Both of them are now dentists. Interestingly, Dr. Bartley works with his brother and although their sister lives in another state, the three are each other’s biggest cheer leaders. A leader, entrepreneur, excellent orthodontist and more. Dr. Tremane Bartley is the definition of discipline, sacrifice and hard work. With plans to expand his business even more, there’s no telling what giant move he’ll make next. This is the story… thus far… Of Dr. Tremane Bartley.

If you are a friend or a member of her family, then her name is India. If you are a fan of competitive gaming and in particular Rocket League, then her name is Alanis! At just 16 years old, India Browne is already making history. In 2022 she became the youngest female from the UK to win a gold medal in E Sports at the Commonwealth Games. She may be just a teen; however she is as focused as an experienced CEO. India speaks with determination and an authority that many adults are still chasing. India assembled her own computer specifically to play video games and compete in Esports tournaments. In our interview she explains how she went from having casual curiosity about Rocket League to being on stage viewed by millions of fans from the gaming world. Though she has tremendous passion for gaming. India is well rounded. She is now in college (Form 6) in the UK and is trying to decide where her interest lies more. Is it in business, hospitality or law? Whichever one she decides upon she is bound to be successful. Whether it is in the arena of academics or Esports, India or Alanis is far from finished. The question is. How will she make history next? This is the story… thus far… of India ‘Alanis’ Browne  

Daryl C Thompson has solidified a sound reputation as an artist in the Northeastern Caribbean. However, he is a sage of sorts. Not only does Daryl run his family’s business successfully, but he has used his experience and education to assist young entrepreneurs to start their ventures the right way. Do you need to rebrand? Ask Daryl. Would you like a beautiful painting? Ask Daryl. Need new logo? You guessed it. Ask Daryl.  Daryl is a source for all things creative. The artist, entrepreneur and startup guru was raised in the Caribbean between three islands. Though the status quo and culture would encourage traditional career paths, Daryl took the road less traveled. Not only studying art at University but returning to the Caribbean to pursue an entire career steeped in everything colorful and textured. Daryl’s love for painting and curiosity eventually lead him to graphic design. He admits that this sector seemed more promising financially. And of course, that never hurts. He has taken the sum of all he has learned and has quietly changed the way new businesses brand and represent themselves on Anguilla, his island home. After years of directing others, Daryl the branding expert has entered new waters. He has decided to rebrand himself. Daryl has become a model. Brands are now seeking him out to represent their products. Though he has adjusted well to his new role, he is still tickled by the fact that he is now being directed as opposed to being the director. Entrepreneur, painter, model and father. Daryl C Thompson has had a fascinating life thus far. But he is nowhere done with exploring what else life has to offer. This is the story…. Thus far… Of Daryl C. Thompson.

Chicago is a special city. Two former first ladies, Robin Williams, Jennifer Hudson, Walt Disney, Bernie Mack and today’s guest T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh are all products of this spectacular city. It is certainly a blessing to be gifted in one facet of the arts, however T’Keyah executes at an extremely high level in multiple areas. The director, actor, writer, producer and poet has struck gold on and off screen. Her initial plan in life saw her heading in the direction of finance. However, a few profound experiences in college lead her to the arts. It didn’t take long for her to be hooked. Although I am certain that she would have made a brilliant banker or trader, the world is grateful that she found her true calling and has in tern shared her talent, spirit and energy with us all. The term ‘artist’ is used loosely by many. In the case of T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh, it is not a vague suggestion of what she does, it is the essence of who she is. From improv to live theatre, from network television to movies, T’Keyah has graced our screens for several decades. She is a true legend. Her playful voice over work on Pinky and the Brain made us smile, her iconic roles on In Living Color, Cosby and That’s so Raven are unforgettable, her Solo stage performances have provoked our thoughts. Oh yes… T’Keyah Crytsal Keymáh is the definition of the word … Artist! For all that she has accomplished, she has remained humble and is an exemplary human being. It was a definite honor and pleasure being able to share time with her and allowing her to share her own narrative. A narrative that continues through her excellence. This is the story… Thus far… Of T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh

Barth! If you have never heard the name, it is now time to remember it! Barth is poised to be the next big… no colossal thing in fashion. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Barth was influenced early on by styles, cuts and colors on the streets of New York. New York City’s streets are infamous for doubling as the world’s favorite runways and catwalks. Unknown to a young Barth, these sights would influence him in years to come. Barth admits that he wasn’t initially a “fashion guy”. Like every other New Yorker, he loved to look good. He appreciated designs that were not common but didn’t see a future in that industry. Barth was a designer at heart, but of a different kind. His passion layed in creating huge spaces. Barth wanted to design buildings. After graduating from Howard University with a degree in architecture Barth was excited to affix his creations on boulevards and blocks across the globe. He however grew disenchanted when he realized that most developers were not so much interested in the creative or the aesthetically pleasing, but in simply maximizing profit from square buildings. Barth knew that there had to be some other way to express the myriad of ideas floating around in his mind. After some research he came to realize that legendary fashion designers such as Coco Chanel, Tom Ford and Virgil Abloh all had architectural backgrounds. This was the fuel that Barth needed. He flew to Europe and explored the fashion scene. From fashion houses to fashion shows, Barth was inspired and there was no turning back. He returned to the US and thus B Gold NYC was born. After years of designing and promoting his brand, several celebrities and high-profile individuals started to take notice and wear his pieces. That recognition led to him being selected for HBO Max’s “The Hype”; a street wear competition series that highlights the top tier of street wear designers. Barth as you would imagine emerged victorious. Equipped with that title, incredible designs, his wit and cleverness, an unmatched work ethic and a vision for creating stunning garments Barth has only just begun. This is the story… thus far… of Barth of B Gold NYC

This episode is dedicated to two of the most kind, loving, intelligent, creative and humorous souls that the world lost within the past decade. Erika Cannegeiter was a dear friend to me and this episode’s guest the Honorable Perin Bradley. Kareem Bradley was a very very close friend. To say I miss his presence is an understatement. While I miss him as a friend, my guest misses him as his brother. To Erykah and Kareem. We miss you both. The times we spent together coupled with the impact you had on our lives are forever etched in our minds and hearts.   The Honourable Perin Bradley grew up in a tight knit village on the tiny Caribbean Island Anguilla. He admits that as a teen, he really had no clue what he wanted to do with his life. It was his mother’s constant guidance, persistence and prayers coupled with visits to his neighbor’s vast library that sparked young Perin’s imagination and showed him that there was so much more to aspire to. A few years went by and he found himself working at a local bank, driving a cool classic car and dating a wonderful young lady. What more could he want? Though that combination of spoils may have been enough for some, Perin wanted more. With the encouragement of his mother and some friends, he decided to attend Washington DC’s Howard University. Perin’s tenure at university unlocked new experiences, perspectives and knowledge. He credits those days for playing a significant part in shaping the man he is today. A consummate professional, he has served his island in several capacities, not only teaching but more importantly learning along the way. Perin, is sharp as a whip, witty and possess among other subjects a great knowledge of world politics, economics, finance and well… reggae music. He is one of the most interesting persons you can converse with. Today, he is the Deputy Governor of his island. Amid challenges he holds his head high and continues to do his best for the people of Anguilla. This is the story… thus far… Of the Honourable Perin Bradley

Her name says it all. Flyy Moon. Her personality, her spirit and her art invite anyone who crosses her path to elevate and indeed ascend to the level of…. Flyy Moon. Born and raised in Compton, Flyy Moon discovered writing at an early age. When her heart and pen first connected, beautiful poems decided to manifest themselves. That was followed by stories, then plays and scripts and all sorts of wonderful pieces that erupted from her musings. Through the years she thoroughly enjoyed all forms of writing, however Flyy felt as if it was time for her words to be accompanied by her own voice. With encouragement from her Godmother, the legendary T’keyah Crystal Keymah, Flyy Moon decided to get behind the mic in a studio and record her first song. Flyy Moon realized that her poems were dictating their own directions and in some cases they were begging for melodies. Some of her beautiful poems were becoming beautiful songs. “Black” is one such song. More like a piece of art, “Black” is the new anthem. It celebrates black people globally. It pays attention and highlights the struggles of black people while allowing the music to breathe over its genuinely optimistic melodic chorus. Coupled with its opening soliloquy by T’keyah Crystal Keymah and closing poetry by famed Chicago poet Useni Eugene Perkins, “Black” is sure to become a staple across every important moment of teaching and celebration for decades to come. “Black” is also a strong indication of the journey that Flyy Moon will be taking us on through her music and words. She is equipped to shift lives, attitudes and culture with her work and we should all look forward to it. With several singles and visuals planned for the next few months, Flyy Moon is just getting started… And this is the story… thus far… Of Flyy Moon!