The Shop in Atlanta (l. to r. Hosts Paul Rivera and Maverick Carter, Monica, Lou Williams and Quavo) Photo by: Daryl Killian

Music royals Monica, Quavo and retired NBA star Lou Williams share the stage with hosts Maverick Carter and Paul Rivera For Live Taping and Block Party at WXLLXM in Atlanta (West End).

The Shop, the marquee franchise from The SpringHill Company in partnership with Lexus as its exclusive sponsor launched “The Shop UNINTERRUPTED Live Tour” and opened the doors of The Shop to local communities in New York City, Washington, D.C. and Atlanta. The two iconic brands first came together to bring an immersive experience to the New York community in Brooklyn followed by Washington, DC and Atlanta.

“At The Shop, community has always been at the heart of everything we do, and with The Shop UNINTERRUPTED Live Tour we get to bring the magic of the franchise directly to the people,” said Paul Rivera, Co-Creator of The Shop and Chief Brand Officer at The SpringHill Company

The Atlanta stop of The Shop featured Black music royalty Monica and Quavo and retired NBA star Lou Williams, who discussed a variety of topics including Atlanta’s treatment in the music industry, overcoming adversity in work and life and upcoming projects.

Photo (l. to r. Host Maverick Carter, Quavo, Monica, Lou Williams and Host Paul Rivera). Photo by Daryl Killian

“We are ground builders and ground breakers. They used to say we have to go to New York to succeed. We created a space for Atlanta,” offered Monica. “People like and copy what we do but don’t give us credit. We always rep ourselves to the fullest. We don’t try to be someone else. I have no problem saying a woman in Newark, NJ [Whitney Houston] was my biggest influence, so I don’t understand why artists won’t do the same for Atlanta artists,” the Grammy award-winner added.

Quavo of the iconic rap group The Migos, echoed Monica’s sentiments. “When we came with flow, it just took the world by storm. This [Atlanta] is the underground G.O.A.T.,” said Quavo. The rapper talked about not receiving “love” from Atlanta because they were from the Northside (Gwinnett County) and seen as outsiders. “Our whole formula was to take over our town and the world would follow,” he added. Clearly, their strategy worked with the success and influence the group has in the industry.

Monica talked about Whitney Houston as an influence and Lou Williams chimed in about Allen Iverson. “Not only was A.I. a teammate, he was my idol,” says the celebrated sixth man. “He embraced me. He never looked at me as competition but he treated me like a little brother,” Williams added.

Williams and Monica discussed the importance of being “authentic.” What sustains me and keeps me connected is the authenticity. I’m going to always be me.” Williams echoed that sentiment and discussed embracing his role on his team as the sixth man despite having aspirations of being a superstar player. “In my 5th or 6th year in the league, we (Philadelphia 76ers) were in a position where someone from our team could go to the All-Star game and it should have been me. I was the leading scorer coming off the bench as the 6th man. Instead the coach chose to promote someone else,” he added. Instead of giving up, Williams “completely embraced the idea of being the sixth man coming off the bench and made it mine.”

Monica, Quavo and Williams discussed the importance of family. “Right now you’re looking at me in the eye of the storm,” said Quavo. “Right now, I’m taking my problems, putting them on the board and seeing what I can do to get through on this journey.”

When Carter asked about balancing family and work, Monica stated, “There’s no balance. It’s family first and only God before that.” “I may not get all of the deals or be at every awards show, but I will be in my kids’ life,” she offered. Williams, who talked about his love of spending time with his children and discussed attending his daughter’s volleyball games added,”I decided I wanted to be in my kids’ lives so I made them the priority.”

The audience at The Shop in Atlanta. Photo by: Nsenga Burton

In addition to the celebrity conversation with Maverick Carter and Paul Rivera, attendees were able to support local Black owned-businesses (artists, vendors, food trucks) and of course witnessed the latest offerings from Lexus including the 2023 Lexus LC 500 and Lexus GX 460. The Shop was followed by a Block Party.

This article was written by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder & editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire. Follow Nsenga on social media @Ntellectual.

Follow the Burton Wire @TheBurtonWireNews or @TheBurtonWire on IG.

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