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Interview: The Fat Jewish

Josh Ostrovsky aka The Fat Jew is known around the world as the Instagram superstar and plus-sized model that has provided human beings with endless laughs and absurd delight through his infamous Instagram page abounding with pop culture memes and more. The rowdy man who has created a career out of morphing an Instagram account into an online comedy planet of it’s own has made waves in the entertainment industry and sparked controversy with his unnerving humor around the globe. I touched base with the man behind the madness to discuss his online ascension, off the wall artistic projects and more.  

First and foremost, introduce yourself to the world. How was The Fat Jew brought to life?

You know, everyone had literal nicknames. You know, such as Hot Breath Omar. I am literally just a Fat Jew. I was being an idiot before there were places on the internet to share being an idiot. I am old enough to remember a time when you would do really stupid shit just for people to hear about, talk about and for people see live and if you weren’t there, you weren’t there. But, I am young enough to also now really put that idiotic mindset to work. And now I have a huge fucking following and giant network of people that I can share my stupidity with. 

Where were you brought up and how has that influenced your extensive knowledge of Pop Culture?

My mom is a Queen of memes. I was raised in a network of unbelievably peaceful, hip gay men. I had a male housekeeper and he was a gay Maliasian dude who like wore cut off shorts and all of my mom’s friends are beautiful, rich power gays. I was sorta raised by them. I had ten to fifteen uncles with sun-splashed brown thumbs and incredible shoes with hyper-judgemental attitudes. I think that that combined with Jewish summer camp and really getting to figure out how to get to third base with a girl named Rachel; that all together made me the man that I am today. I was raised by ten, peaceful gay dads, basically. 

Jessica (laughs)- And you know, it warms my heart that it’s lead you to the position that you’re in today. It really, really does.

Fat Jew (laughs) – I appreciate that. Every day, I never know where I am going to wake up. And that’s the best part. There’s wine marketing and the rose stuff that takes a part of my day, and then I just try to get out there. I’ll probably eat a panani at some point throughout the day. My office is in the back of a nail salon in Queens, I rent out their waxing room. So, I go to the nail salon.

Jessica – I’m sure that they take great care of you.

Fat Jew – Yeah, they really do. My pubic designs are top notch. It’s a wonderful benefit. I have interns and we’re working on everything. Instagram brings a lot of interesting opportunity; people asking me to take them to prom, or a bunch of people will ask me to go on their yacht in France. I actually wrote about it in the book, I went on a yacht with a bunch of Scandinavians and they took me down to the deck and said that they wanted to show me something. So, I went down, and I thought it was going to be grenades, gold or something ridiculous, but, they had a live ostrich chillin’ in a room as their pat. They were like, “You cannot touch him. He is very dangerous. Do not go near him.” It was an ostrich, just chillin’ in a room on a yacht, and they named him Bradley Cooper. And I’m like, how do I get into these situations? It’s not about money, it’s about the fucking memories.

Jessica – It is, man. And you are really putting yourself out there. These days, there are so many pigeons out there who are afraid to even cross the street, and the things that you’re doing are really standout and bold, which can serve to influence an alternative culture. You only live once. Make some bad decisions. You’ll tell a damn good story. And you never know where that’ll get you. I mean, look at you. 

Fat Jew – Exactly.

Tell us more about your plus size modeling career. 

You know, there’s the female sorta plus size movement really gaining a ton of momentum which is really amazing because there is nothing better than full-figured women. And it’s really inspiring to watch. And then I thought, why aren’t there any men doing this? I really embrace my Shrek body, it’s probably the one really positive thing that I’ve ever done. You know, people hit me up and say thank you for being so comfortable with being in your body and being willing to be naked. You know, because I’ll show off my penis, which is basically a fleshy champagne cork, and you know, you’d think that I should really keep that under wraps. But I’ve gotten messages from people thanking me for being so proud of my mediocre body. And it’s really unintentional. I wasn’t trying to do it at all.

Jessica – Right, and you know, it’s society’s perception of mediocre. To each their own. If that’s the body that you enjoy being in, then that’s beautiful. And you know what? There are a lot of insecure individuals, both men and women, who struggle with that. And being a key factor in that with your platform and sharing that people should just embrace themselves and who they truly are is a beautiful thing.

Fat Jew – I completely agree. I also think that having a sick body for a man where you’ve got abs up to your neck and those V lines that you get when you’re in killer shape that go toward your dick, I think having those are super lame. It means that you don’t have any friends. You’re at the gym all of the time. Why aren’t you out doing stupid shit with your friends?

Jessica – Dude, you do have to spend a significant amount of time at the gym for that unless you’re a genetic God.

Fat Jew – Right. Unless you’re a NFL player who eats a ton of Mcdonald’s and still gets stronger, it means you’re at the gym a lot. And I kind of think that you’re a loser. You should be out getting shitty tattoos with your friends while drunk. Not waking up and not going to the gym. I’m not advocating anyone to be so fat that they have to be in a rascal scooter, although that does sound chill, or you know those railings that go up the stairs where you have to sit on the chair and it takes you up the railing?

Jessica – Yeah. Like a chair lift on a ski hill but in a public setting?

Fat Jew – Yeah. Those are fucking chill as hell, but don’t be so fat that you need any of that. Take care of yourself enough to ensure that you’re healthy, and go do fucking stupid shit with your friends and not at the gym with an acai bowl.”

If you were an animated character, who would you be and why?

I would probably be one of the girls from Sailor Moon, because they seem really chill and they are Japanese. And being a Japanese woman basically means you’re from the future. Keeping people on their fucking toes, you never know what to expect from me. I wrote a chapter on erotica. I swear to God I am a really talented erotic writer. My next book is going to be completely erotic fiction. There’s a whole explicit chapter of the book about me having a three way with Kim and Kanye and her glistening, Persian areolas.

Jessica – Ultimately, you have your category that Instagram placed you in as a public figure, but I mean; you don’t have to define yourself. You’re a human being just doing whatever you want to do.

Fat Jew – Exactly. About a month ago, I just drove cross country and reviewed the food at fifty different strip clubs. Just the food. And it’s coming out in a magazine. We’re hitting a little bit of social media burnout. Too many pictures of babies, sunsets, 5ks and you know, fucking acai bowls. Eventually, real life is going to get hot again. And as much as I love the internet and Instagram, which has been so fun and taking me to some really fucking weird places, real life is where the fuck it’s at. I’m not sitting in a basement finding funny pictures for the internet. I am literally driving cross country and reviewing the risotto at a strip club in Tampa Bay.

Last but certainly not least, what’s your motto or advice that you live by?

You can’t ever get an STD if you don’t go to the doctor and know that you have it. It’s 2020, honestly, anything is fucking possible. They used to say that twenty-five years ago, but that wasn’t true. Thirty years ago, you could only have this one job where you’re one fucking word, you know, you’re a doctor, a garbage man, or you worked at a bakery. But now, the world is basically ending. The polaroid ice caps are melting, Donald Trump is President, everything is crazy. As scary as that is, it really means that you have to remember that anything is genuinely fucking possible. If you want to start a fucking company that makes scarves for dogs, that shit now works. Everybody wants a fucking scarf for their dog.

Jessica – You’d bank. That would blow up with all of the basic bitches around the world.

Fat Jew – I agree. Exactly. Thirty years ago, if you started a scarf dog company, how would people find out about you? How would you of even known where people were that want scarves for their dogs? People weren’t even open-minded enough to think that their dog needed a scarf. Absolutely anything is possible.

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BUKU Music + Art Project Set to Light up New Orleans with Top Global Acts

BUKU Music + Art Project is set to ignite the masses that are heading to New Orleans for an unforgettable weekend abounding with Top 40 Global Musicians and Artists from around the world displaying their unique craft and talents. Creating a reputation as one of the most prominent and go-to music festivals over the years, BUKU expands in 2020 with a roster of musicians including Tyler, The Creator, Flume, Illenium, Megan The Stallion, Glass Animals, Run The Jewels, Roddy Ricch and more.

Friday Lineup:

Flume

Glass Animals

SuicideBoy$

Alison Wonderland

Charli XCX

Roddy Ricch

Chris Lake

Flatbush Zombies

Taking Back Sunday

Space Jesus

Troyboi

Goldlink

Lucky Davis

Svdden Death: Voyd

Young M.A

Chanel Tres

100 Gecs

I_O

Mija

Mr. Carmack

Blanke B2B Lick

The Trifinity

J. Worra

Ohso

TSHA

Daily Bread B2B Artifakts

Stone Cold Jizzle

Treety

Bouffant Bouffant

Mhadi G

Malik Ninety Five

DJ Heelturn

Raise The Death Toll

Saturday Lineup:

Tyler, The Creator

Illenium

Run The Jewels

Zeds Dead

Kaytranada

Megan The Stallion

Ari Lennox

Kayzo: Unleashed

Gramatik

Subtronics

Cashmere Cat

CloZee

Dance Gavin Dance

JpegMafia

Don Toliver

Dom Dolla

Kota The Friend

LSDream

Eli + Fur

Kaash Paige

Kompany B2B Calcium

Pussy Riot

Turnstile

Pluko

Lucii

TVBoo

Trigem B2B Meso

Video Age

Lady Lavender B2B Edgar Allan Po’ Boy

P-Tab

Upbeat Academy

Grab remaining available passes HERE and get your flights and hotels booked for a weekend in New Orleans that you’ll never forget.

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Concert Reviews Features

Detroit Legend, Royce 5’9”, Celebrates ‘The Allegory’ Album Release at The Garden Theater

Detroit Legend, Royce 5’9″, routinely embraces his bold perception of both the world around him and the world within through embodying his inner contentment through lyrically sensational releases ever since the drop of ‘Rock City’ in 2002. Talking about social activism and his unique stance within the game has solidified Royce’s spot as one of the greats stemming from Detroit. Not only has Royce collaborated with some of the greatest of all time, he has now dished out eight consciously uplifting albums that serve to educate the masses and even touch the hearts of those who are known for routinely skipping classes. In celebration of the release of ‘The Allegory’, we caught Royce 5’9″ at The Garden Theater in Detroit for the first live performance of his new album.

 

 

All Photo Credit: Jessica Golich

Grab your copy of Royce’s new album, ‘The Allegory’, HERE and let us know what your favorite track is so far in the comments below.

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Interview: Prestigious Music Photographer, Scott Legato, Set to Exhibit At Detroit Shipping Company

Prestigious Music Photographer, Scott Legato, has paved a legacy of his own as one of the most renowned photographers to step foot into a photo pit in Detroit and beyond. Scott’s presence is naturally known in the photo pit, and his expertise and keen eye for creating eccentric and standout photography pieces is an honor to be amongst. I caught up with Scott prior to his first exhibit at Detroit Shipping Company on January 17th, 2020 to discuss his history as a music photographer, his time with Getty Images, tips for those who desire to follow in his footsteps, photographing everyone from Lady Gaga to Motley Crue and more.

First and foremost, tell us about the first concert that you ever photographed and what started your journey as a live music photographer?

My first concert that I photographed was in 1984, Motley Crue: ‘Shout at the Devil Tour’. Back in those days, you could bring cameras to concerts; I had front row. I took two rows of film and slayed it; been hooked ever since.

As there is only one week left in the decade, what are some of your favorite live music experiences and moments that you have photographed from the 2010s?

Damn this is a tough one. I know that Miley Cyrus stands out. U2, Van Halen, Lenny Kravitz, Iggy Pop, Lady Gaga, Aerosmith, etc! 

Can you tell our readers what is in your main kit bag and what is your go-to gear for live shows? 

I shoot with (2) Canon 5D Mark IV’s, Canon Glass: 24-70 f2.8 II, Canon 16-35 f2.8 III, Canon 70-200mm f2.8 II. If I’m shooting festivals, I use my Canon 28-300 f4.0-5.6 and for Soundboard shoots, I use Sigma 150-600 f5.0-6.3 Sports Lens. I also have a Sigma 15mm f2.8 Fisheye that I never use.

What is your perception of the digital world that we live in and social media culture? 

The digital world is crazy. I’m 54-years-old and when I was a kid, we didn’t have all the gadgets kids have today. Through social media, you really have great tools to expand your profession. It’s a GREAT thing but evil too.

No career path or amount of followers negates from the fact that you are a human being. Tell us about parts of yourself that you take pride in beyond being a live music photographer. 

I pride myself in being very musically inclined. I guess I was born with music in my blood (hence my last name: Legato). Been playing guitar since I was 8-years-old. LOVE IT!

Photo Credit: Tony Patroske of Detroit Media Magazine

If you could recommend three restaurants in Detroit to a tourist that has never visited, which three would you choose and why? 

Bucharest (Best $6 you can spend)

Sweetwater Tavern for the Chicken Wings 

Motor City Casino Buffet for the Prime Rib and Crab Legs 

You have photographed anyone and everyone and your work is featured in Rolling Stone, Hypebeast, US Weekly, MSN, NPR, Daily Wire and many more. Do you still feel the same thrill shooting shows as you did when you first picked up your camera? 

You tend to lose the thrill of it after awhile, so you take a break and get back into it with a passion. Everyone thinks us photographers have the best job in the world. Sometimes that is true, but it does wear on you after awhile. Late nights, being away from my wife, etc, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Your first gallery exhibit is a few weeks away at Detroit Shipping Company. I’m sure preparation has taught you about event planning, etc. What do you look forward to most with the show and tell us as many details about the show that you can. 

I am looking forward to it being over! It is A LOT of work. I am more nervous about my photographer friends bashing me over anything else (But is all out of love). I want to make my parents and family proud, that is most important. I will be displaying 60+ pics. Everything from Amy Whinehouse to Lou Reed to Van Halen and everything in-between. Some of the shots are the ones I am most proud of. I hope everyone feels the same. I am not out to make $, I just want to showcase all the hard work I have put in for the last 17+ yrs doing this professionally. 

Last but certainly not least, any messages for fellow photographers and admirers of your work? 

For the new photographers, respect the rules and respect the elders. My opinion is you have to earn the right in the pit. Also, sorry for being an asshole in the photo pit.. maybe? I know my reputation to some is not the best, but I take my photography serious and I hate when photographers in the pit are there for the wrong reasons. I hate fan boys/girls in the pit. We are ALL fans, but do that shit after the 3rd song! But for the admirers of my work; thanks for the support, it means a lot. It makes my hard work worth while.

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Note: ALL Photos in this piece are intellectual property of Scott Legato and are photographed by Scott Legato.

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Show Preview: Pop Enigma, Poppy, Heading to Detroit

Pop Enigma, Poppy, represents the burgeoning of multi-faceted artists who are unafraid to break all of the rules to showcase the depth that they’ve built within. As a performance artist, musician, fashionista, YouTuber, comic book writer and more, Poppy has given her artistry her all and continues to empower fans with a sense of independence and freedom that is electric and magnetic.

All Photo Credit: Jesse Draxler 

Having rocked the ring with WWE NXT to perform “I DISAGREE” and “Scary Mask”, Poppy is dipping her feet in a variety of endeavors that continue to drive her artistic style and prowess home right into the hearts of her growing fan-base worldwide. The world is on the edge of their seat in anticipation of Poppy’s new metal-infused album, ‘I DISAGREE’, which is set to drop on January 10th, 2020.

 Grab your tickets HERE for Poppy’s show at The Majestic in Detroit on Saturday, February 1st.

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Concert Reviews Features

Legendary Rapper, Jeezy, Gives Back to the Youth in Detroit

Atlanta Rapper, Jeezy, showed up big and gave back to the kids in Detroit at the Downtown Boxing Gym Youth Program ahead of his highly-anticipated Winter show at Little Caesar’s Arena. Right in the midst of celebrating Christmas, Jeezy rolled up with a ton of his local friends and fellow rappers including Brooklyn Queen and Nick LaVelle to hand out gifts and uplift the spirits of the kids in Detroit who left the building with nothing short of smiling hearts and faces. Spreading a positive message of hope, inclusivity and love, Jeezy showed his philanthropic roots and was nostalgic and candid about the pain that he faced on his rise to the top.

All Photo Credit: Jessica Golich

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Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan Joins Michigan Governor to Announce New $300 Million U-Research Education Center in Detroit

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan joined Michigan Governor, Gretchen Whitmer and fellow public figures and business owners to announce the astounding New $300 Million U-M Education Center in the heart of Detroit. The world-class site will be comprised of a $300 Million, 190,000 square-foot research and education center slated to serve up to 1,000 graduate and senior-level undergraduate students pursing advanced degrees in a range of high-tech innovation disciplines including mobility, artificial intelligence, data science, entrepreneurship, sustainability, cybersecurity, financial technology and more.

“This Announcement represents an incredible commitment to Detroit by Stephen Ross, Mark Schlissel and Dan Gilbert that will allow us to develop, attract, and retain world-class talent” said Mayor Mike Duggan

“I spent my childhood and many of my young adult years living and working in Detroit and have long wanted to find a way to have a real impact on my hometown”, said Stephen Ross, Philanthropist, Founder and Chairman of Related Companies. “The University of Michigan helped spark my entrepreneurial spirit and nurtured curiosity for all aspects of innovation, leading me to not only become a founder, but an incubator and investor in a variety of technologies and businesses. The idea of the new Center reflects the shared commitment of Dan, myself, the city, the county, the state and University of Michigan to create a transformative center for innovation that will help fuel the city’s next chapter of growth. The center has the potential to not only attract new businesses to Detroit, but the school and its graduates will generate new ideas, new companies and new opportunities for the community, the city and the region”

The academy center will give faculty and students the opportunity to engage in interesting innovative research across a number of technology-based fields and be designed with faculty input. This development gives purposes to not only surrounding community members, but also provides an opportunity for Detroit to move the world and become one of the most prominent tech cities in the world. For more information on the development, visit DetroitCenterForInnovation.com.

All Photo Credit: Jessica Golich

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Tennis Sensation, Serena Williams, Gives Listeners Chills at The Forbes Under 30 Summit

Tennis and Entrepreneurial Sensation, Serena Williams, served up a message of hope, perseverance and motivation as the feature speaker at The Forbes Under 30 Summit in Detroit. Speaking about the launch of her latest clothing brand, Serena, and how important it is to build partnerships with trust, Serena’s bold presence was felt by every single member of the packed Masonic Theatre in Detroit.

Serena Williams is one of the most sought-after public figures in the world and one of the richest self-made females and athletes ever. If there is a journey of a human being that provides inspiration, it’s Serena’s powerful movement and force that comes with a sheer and bold presence that is abounding with a soulful essence.

All Photo Credit: Jessica Golich

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NOTE: Under no circumstance does any publication, Instagram Account, Fan account or Public Figure have permission to repost any photos by Jessica Golich unless credited. If reposted without permission, credit or fiscal compensation, legal ramifications will be immediately taken.

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Actress and Activist, Olivia Munn, Gets Down to Business at Forbes Under 30 Summit in Detroit

Actress and Activist, Olivia Munn, gets down to business and how her personal relational choices from the past affected her trajectory at Forbes Under 30 Summit in Detroit.

Photo Credit: Jessica Golich

Diving into her relationship history and how meeting the demands of a significant other led to her subconsciously making decisions while blinded by love, Olivia embodies vulnerability with pride as she spoke of overcoming that season of her life and ensuring to live for herself moving forward. Catch Olivia Munn on The Rook on the STARZ App now.

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Activist and Detroit Blows CEO, Sophia Bush, Serves a Message of Hope at Forbes Under 30 Summit

Activist and Detroit Blows CEO, Sophia Bush, swept through Detroit delivering an influential message shining light on her entrepreneurial journey at The Forbes Under 30 Summit in Detroit.

Joined by her Detroit Blows partner, Nia Batts, who spread a message of hope pertaining to her journey in the comeback city, Detroit, Forbes Under 30 Summit attendees take away their business acumen with hope toward brightening their own futures.

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