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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.

The Fat Jew Social Links:

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Interviews

Interview: YONAS

Hip Hop Artist, YONAS, is riding the high from his #GoodDayChallenge viral momentum which continues to attract millions of users on Instagram and TikTok. Though YONAS spearheaded livestream culture through maximizing the features on his YouTube Channel prior to the IG Live quarantine boom, YONAS continues to weave a fresh culture of fun into his artistry which is both refreshing and liberating. I caught up with YONAS for a great discussion about the inspiration behind “Good Day”, resilience, balancing the business side of music, being mindful of healthy eating while on the road and more.

Congrats on the success of your “Good Day” challenge so far. Tell us about the message and intention that you intended to portray throughout the track and challenge. 

Thanks! I wrote “Good Day” in a time where I needed to remind myself to remain positive. I wrote it from the standpoint of “look at all these things happening in our daily lives, how can we not be happy!?” We had been sitting on the song and given how strange the times are right now, the team and I thought that it needed to surface now. We launched the challenge around it to further the messaging of positivity. Seeing how many people have taken part is nuts, hopefully we can keep the good vibes spreading!

As we are all in quarantine, how have you been occupying your day-to-day to remain grounded and driven in the eye of COVID?

I’ve been spending a lot of time with my daughter which is something I haven’t taken for granted. My work has me on the road a lot but Covid has slowed all of that down so it’s been a blessing in disguise. I’ve also been working on a ton of new demos as well as working out daily again.

Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time? 

The idea of retiring from being a performing artist. When you do something because you love the artform but then it becomes a business, it’s tough to maintain your passion at its purest form. I love the business side and I’ve been fortunate to have made great money from music, but as an artist I’m in it to compete at the highest level artistically. To have the music I create exposed to the masses based on its quality. That’s really hard when you have artists like 6IX9INE, Lil whoever, etc. getting praise for average lyrics and average music all because they have extraordinary marketing dollars and shock factor gimmicks. What is the music industry really if not about the art? The percentage of artists that make it based on talent is so minuscule, it just gets discouraging at times. I don’t want to sound naive… I knew this was the industry from day one and I’ve been fighting the good fight for nearly 10 years independently. But it’s just challenging to continue fighting a machine with endless amounts of cheat codes. At the end of the day though, I’m resilient, and I found a way to set up new goals, continue to raise my profile, get back into that fighter’s mentality, and I’m now seeing doors open that can be career and life changing. Love for the arts always conquers, and always wins in the end.

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

I love how interconnected we are. I wouldn’t have the career I do if it wasn’t for the digital world and how it allows for discovery of music and art from anywhere in the world. The culture of social media is constantly changing which always feels like you’re fighting an uphill battle. One week we’re pushing all of our fans to like my Facebook page, the next week you can’t even reach them without spending tons of ad dollars. Just a rapidly evolving space.

PHOTO CREDIT: Ken Pham

No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in. 

I just take pride in my resilience. Life isn’t easy for anyone, and the only thing we’re guaranteed is that things are bound to go wrong at some point in life. It’s how you deal with it and how you push through it that defines you.

As you are exposed to tons of stimulus, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road?

I try to eat well while I’m on the road. A lot of tours just stick to the fast food/gas station world, but if I eat like that, I feel horrible, and that’s reflected in my mood, sleeping, and performances. I try to make sure I’m well caffeinated and eating healthy while on tour. It does wonders for my physical, mental, and emotional health.

If you could sit down and have a conversation with your younger self, what would you say to him? 

Your life is just a moment in time. Don’t overthink it. Contribute all that you can to the world, turn over every stone, and do everything with the intention of pushing human civilization forward. Think forward. Build forward. Create forward. And when the history books are reviewed, you’ll be among those that did life the right way.

Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?

Appreciate all of you. We’ve taken this movement from a kid in the South Bronx to an artist who has toured the world. Lets keep it going!

PHOTO CREDIT: Ken Pham

YONAS Social Links:

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Concert Reviews

Migos Superstar, Quavo, Delivers a Motivational Message at The Forbes Under 30 Summit

Migos Superstar, Quavo, came through Detroit with a profound message about his entrepreneurial journey at The Forbes Under 30 Summit in Detroit. Giving credit to his brothers who have come together to be the biggest and most sought-after Hip-Hop Group in the world, Migos, Quavo mentioned the importance of keeping both trust and equity in the family. Reminding all of the entrepreneurs in the crowd of the importance of staying true to themselves in the process, Quavo sat tall and delivered an honest review of his highs and lows which have led him to being one of the highest ticket-tag when it comes to branding, partnerships and more.

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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Music Reviews

LA Superstar, Jillian Shea, Releases New Single – “Talk Too Loud”

LA Superstar Musician and Artist, Jillian Shea, is as consistent as it comes and is having fun coming into her own and claiming her throne throughout her latest single, “Talk Too Loud”. Approaching vulnerability lyrically without a slight bit of hesitation, Jillian Shea embraces that her voice is heard throughout the nation and beyond and has reached a place within in which all veils have been replaced with the courage to simply be herself. Having thoroughly embraced the expansive opportunities that have come through the digital age, Jillian is commonly recognized through her lead role on the Disney hit series, ‘Walk the Prank’, but it is becoming evident that she is also becoming recognizable and notable as a musician.

Through each and every new single that Jillian Shea puts out, the color palette in her mind continues to burst and expand and come together to paint musical pictures that emit nothing short of humble confidence. Maturing with each and every new hit, Jillian Shea is on the edge of stardom while remaining grounded as an artist of many talents. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Selena Gomez, Halsey and Camila Cabello, then keep an eye on the promising ride ahead for Jillian Shea on Soundcloud.

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Music Reviews

Chicago House Legend, Matt Warren, Shines Throughout ‘Music Is My Life’

Chicago House Legend, Matt Warren, has infused the restoration of Nu-House Music with an electrifying dose of soul throughout the notably charted and well-received release of his latest full-length album, ‘Music Is My Life’. Soaring beyond expectations with prestigious accomplishments such as charting at #1 on Digital Radio Tracker for two weeks in a row in the 4th Quarter of 2018 and playing on a total of 279 US radio stations in rotation or on specialty play, Matt Warren regenerated his creative fuel and put out a release that will stick in the hearts of listeners over time. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts. 

Photo Credit: ACRONYM

Kicking off with the first track, “How Do I Love Thee (Featuring Pepper Gomez)”, horns that energize the rapid mind and compliment the dynamic technical approach that Matt Warren took throughout the production style of the song while the sultry vocal style of Pepper Gomez puts listeners in the mood for deepening the kinetic link between two human beings who yearn to simply be. The second track, “The Way To My Heart (Featuring Pepper Gomez)”, sizzles through the night and creates an atmosphere of intent as Matt and Pepper Gomez’ synergy creates a showcase of musical divinity. “Catch Me If You Can (Featuring Pepper Gomez)” is the third track that picks up the pace with a Miami-fused beat that gets listeners on their feet for a fun night full of glitz and glamour while celebrating the ever-blooming inner rebirths that have stemmed from the sheer joy that comes through release. The fourth track, “Catch Me If You Can (Featuring Pepper Gomez) (Disco Mix)”, sets itself apart with a thumping opening beat that mesmerizes listeners with a entrancing element of Groove that is charmingly unexpected and appealing to the modern-day genre junkie and musical risk takers.

“Get On Up (Featuring Janis McGee)” is the lead single and fifth track that has been a major hit that just passed 22K views for the accompanied music video on YouTube as Janis McGee brings out a bright flower garden of ancient wisdom and soul through her vocals that soothe the spirit and serve as the golden ticket. The sixth track, “Going Deeper”, creates an atmosphere of Jungle and mind-bending Groove that is fluidly laced to serve as a source of comfort for listeners of all walks of life. “Musica Es Mi Vida (Featuring Pepper Gomez)” is the seventh track that captures the pizzazz of the multicultural aura of Pepper Gomez as a Spanish work of musical gold that is medicine for the soul. The eighth track, “Bang The Box”, blasts off with a hard-hitting style akin to the DJ style of musicians that play at Berghain in Berlin that consumes the listener in the most welcoming and enthusiastic way. “La Rosa (Featuring Elena Andujar)” is the ninth track that twists the exotic Flamenco style of Elena Andujar into a banging House beat that shakes up the dance floor and leaves listeners yearning for more. The tenth track, “Sometimes (Featuring Pepper Gomez and Sharkeyes)”, is the black sheep of the family in the most welcomingly crepuscular way that mimics the style of Poe in her ‘Hello’ days. Closing out with “The Dark Storm”, Matt ends by  incorporating the style of the modern-day DJ with a short sample that swiftly shifts into a beautiful piano spill of compassion, tenderness and care. 

Wake Up Music Group is regenerating the lifestyle that naturally was through the vinyl and physical availability of ‘Music Is My Life’ as the value of owning a musical artifact is back with limited copies available to preserve the multi-sensory musical decadence throughout tracks such as hit single,”Get On Up” and “How Do I Love Thee” featuring Pepper G.  Spearheading the movement that is Wake Up Music Group which was founded by Visionary, Pepper Gomez aka MyMy Lady G, Matt Warren and the Wake Up Music Group team are set to awaken their dreams throughout 2019 which is bound to be the most exciting year yet. ‘Music Is My Life’ is a sign that the stars align. Keep an eye out for the upcoming new music video for “How Do I Love Thee” by Matt Warren filmed by Detroit Creative Guru, ACRONYM. In the meantime, if you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Richie Hawtin and Carl Cox then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Matt Warren on Soundcloud.

Matt Warren Social Links:

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Release charted on the following National Charts (Peak Positions)

— #1 Top 150 Independent Airplay

— #1 Chill Radio Airplay

—  #1 Top Hip-Hop Radio Adds

—  #2 Latin Radio Airplay

— #3 Top Hip-Hop Radio Adds

— #7 Electronic Radio Airplay

— #11 Hip Hop Radio Airplay

— #42 Top 200 Airplay

— Unweighted Radio Airplay #182

— Weighted Radio Airplay #432