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CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED DIGITAL SERIES “GIANTS” RETURNS #FORTHECULURE, MORE DISRUPTIVE THAN EVER ON FEB. 21

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Returning to claim its position as a must-watch digital series for the “culture,” season two of Giants premieres Wednesday, February 21, 2018 on Issa Rae’s YouTube channel.

Giants is a scripted drama digital series created by and starring James Bland (USA’s upcoming crime series, “Unsolved”), alongside Vanessa Baden Kelly (“Kenan & Kel,” “Gullah Gullah Island,” and “Rosewood”) and Sean Samuels (SyFy channel’s “Toxic Shark”). Season one of Giants was praised for authentically capturing the black millennial experience and tackling stigmatized issues including mental health, sexual identity, and unconventional means of economic survival.

“I created Giants with the intent of addressing taboo topics that weren’t often seen on mainstream television, but are universal and relatable,” said Bland. “I think the success of our first season signifies a desire to not only see these challenges played out on screen, but also to start conversations about them off-screen.”

 

Giants is executive produced by Empire star Jussie Smollett and talent development intermediary LeadersUp. In an effort to help increase diversity and create on-ramps into the entertainment industry, Giants partnered with LeadersUp to provide young adults of color with the opportunity to gain experience as production assistants. The series is distributed under ColorCreative.tv, an initiative within two-time Golden Globe-nominee Issa Rae’s production company.

Giants returns bigger and bolder with six, half-hour episodes and an hour-long finale in its second season. Nothing will be the same for Malachi (Bland), Journee (Baden Kelly) and Ade (Samuels), who find themselves sharing a tiny, one-bedroom apartment and are forced to face their inner giants while on full display to one another. This season dives deeper into each character’s past and peels back the layers of their insecurities to find the root of their issues. In true Giants fashion, season 2 pushes the envelope by exploring real-life issues such as abortion, drug abuse, black masculinity and the parameters of sexual assault.

“Season two really raises the stakes for these characters and their problems rise to a level of hurt that leaves us wondering if they can ever come back from this,” said Bland. “By season’s end we learn that not all giants can be slayed. Some we tame and learn to live with.”

This season, the cast is joined by talented guest stars including Emmy-nominated Kelsey Scott (AMC’s “Fear the Walking Dead,” ABC’s “How to Get Away with Murder”), Will Catlett (CW’s “Black Lightning,” OWN’s “Love is ___”), KJ Smith (OWN’s “Queen Sugar,” CW’s “Dynasty”), Woody McClain (BET’s “The New Addition Story”), and J. August Richards (ABC’s “Kevin Probably Saves the World,” “Agents of SHIELD”), who also wrote and directed two episodes. Other notable guest directors include Carey Williams, whose short film Emergency won the Special Jury Award at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival, as well as Xavier Burgin, who is a Sundance Institute Fellow.

Giants received six Indie Series Awards nominations, including Best Drama against Amazon’s The Bay, and is an official selection of the 2018 Houston Black Film Festival, Pan African Film Festival, and HollyWeb Festival.

The series is produced by CJ Faison and Takara Joseph for James Bland Productions.

Check out the trailer now and tune in for the season two premiere of Giants on February 21st at youtube.com/issarae.

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Mvss and Butch Dawson Bring Fire and Purpose on “Fundamental”

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Mvss’ latest single, “Fundamental,” is a bold declaration of resilience, cultural pride, and unshakable determination. Featuring Baltimore powerhouse Butch Dawson, the track captures the essence of navigating today’s challenges while holding tight to the values passed down through generations. The production, with its booming bassline and subtle melodic layers, is a perfect foundation for Mvss’ commanding delivery. His opening lines immediately draw you into his world, where survival is an art, and success feels revolutionary. “Living life, making this money might look like a miracle,” he raps, weaving personal storytelling with broader cultural reflections.

Butch Dawson’s verse adds grit and urgency, balancing Mvss’ introspection with hard-hitting truths. His intricate wordplay and raw energy amplify the song’s impact, delivering lines like, “It’s a maze, but I never stress.” Together, they craft an anthem that’s equal parts empowering and confrontational, showcasing a synergy that feels both effortless and electric. As a preview of Mvss’ upcoming EP, Revolt, “Fundamental” is a statement piece, proving that hip-hop can be both deeply personal and powerfully universal. This is music that doesn’t just entertain—it challenges, uplifts, and inspires.

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