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https://www.themarysue.com/melted-m-and-ms-heat-wave/
One man revealed just how really hot it is outside after something strange happened to his Culver’s ice cream with M&M’s. TikToker Matt Bray (@mattbray37) shared a short clip of his dessert, which unsurprisingly has already melted. However, he–and millions of viewers–didn’t expect his choice of topping to melt, too.
“The M’s came off of the M&M’s,” Bray says in his clip. Inside his cup of chocolate ice cream, one can see various prints of just the “m” floating around. The white letter prints all rose to the surface, detached from the candy itself.
One man revealed just how really hot it is outside after something strange happened to his Culver’s ice cream with M&M’s. TikToker Matt Bray (@mattbray37) shared a short clip of his dessert, which unsurprisingly has already melted. However, he–and millions of viewers–didn’t expect his choice of topping to melt, too.
“The M’s came off of the M&M’s,” Bray says in his clip. Inside his cup of chocolate ice cream, one can see various prints of just the “m” floating around. The white letter prints all rose to the surface, detached from the candy itself.
Let’s face it… Existence has been a complicated prospect of late. Between the world catching fire and the smaller griefs and heartbreaks we still have to contend with every day, gasping onto meaning and connection seems than ever. And if these are all too relatable sentiments, we have a welcome balm to offer you, a small escape to help you feel less alone. And that is the incredible first season of Fabuloso!, titled “Alone Together.” Whether you’ve been feeling too much of late and struggling to contend with it, or conversely feeling totally empty and looking for a way to reconnect, the beautiful movements and stories that Fabuloso! tells through its episodes of dance are here to help. Trust me, the emotional catharsis is real.
Fabuloso! introduces its first “season” of dance with the following quote. “I’ve never been good at spotting my stains. My mom taught me how. But every time a pen leaks, I still call one of my sisters to help me fix the inky black blotch.” And then offers, “Let us clean your stains.” And that is exactly what Fabuloso! does if you let yourself immerse in the beautiful work created by its talented artists. It’s like calling your family to help you clean a stain, but instead it’s calling on a vulnerable outpouring of emotion made palpable through dance and video so that you, too, can access your feelings through it, positive and negative, and let yourself be seen.
But what exactly is Fabuloso!? Fabuloso! creators Steven Bangerter and Mio Ishikawa explain that Fabuloso! is a collaborative entity that focuses on “site-sympathetic choreography, which is dance that sympathizes with the location while prioritizing a human state.” Fabuloso! has kicked off its projects with what it terms its season one, titled “Alone Together,” which features several episodes of dance devoted to the idea. And personally, we love the concept of creating and sharing seasons of dance that tell a story in the way that seasons of TV do. Dance is every bit as visual and storytelling of a medium as any other kind, and arguably one of the most emotionally evocative ones of all.
Bangerter and Ishikawa share on their Patreon, which you should definitely join, that “Everything in season one is about aloneness and togetherness, and being alone together. The music and lyrics all speak the same language.” And the movement and dancing sure do as well. The notion of videos threaded together by a theme will be happening in every season of Fabuloso!, with each theme representing one season. Of course, past seasons will continue to inform creations to come. And if “Alone Together” is any indication, they’ll all be executed to great perfection.
What struck me as I watched the incredible videos of “Alone Together” was just how perfectly they evoke that ephemeral pain in your chest, both harrowing and beautiful, that occurs when you taste the bittersweet pain of loss. There’s true grief in them, but also a vision of joy because, often, grief implies that there was also the existence of something beautiful not too long ago. And although only you alone can experience the emotions you hold, there’s a healing nature to seeing the essence of them reflected back to you through Fabuloso!‘s creations, the true gift of knowing you’re not alone in feeling this kind of feeling. Truly, these videos remind you that you are alone, together.
And, in fact, capturing these kind of states is baked right into the title of Fabuloso! Bangerter shares, “Fabuloso! is a great name. That’s the cleaner they used at Sleep No More and Life and Trust, and there’s something about smell that’s really evocative. The concept of smells, how they help your brain register memories, but it’s fleeting, then they go away, it’s magical. I’ve always been interested in how smells do that. And Sleep No More had such a distinct smell, as did Life and Trust, that now whenever I smell things, it’s just this instant nostalgia and joy and sadness all wrapped up in one, and it’s just really beautiful.”
And that instant evocation of such convoluted sensations is exactly what Fabuloso! accomplishes so gracefully in its first season of dance videos. Or as Bangerter calls them, “Little blurps of video that are little whiffs of memories” that surface, “and then they go away.” For a short and sweet time, Fabuloso! helps complicated bursts of feeling rise to the surface. Among other fluttering notes, “Alone Together” evoked in me loss, joy, grief, community, the fragile beauty of just sitting with someone you love, levity, a search for something or someone missing, loneliness, and light. But just as the bittersweet ache took over, the video ended, keeping me there for just the right amount of time.
The videos and work created by Fabuloso! are also so clearly steeped in great love and passion. For those not aware, Sleep No More and Life and Trust, mentioned above, were two incredible immersive theater performances in NYC. Fabuloso! creators Bangerter and Ishikawa performed in both together, alongside many of the incredible dancers that feature in Fabuloso!‘s projects. The recent loss of both these shows hit the community of performers who created them and the fans who loved them incredibly hard. But through Fabuloso!, Bangerter and Ishikawa hope to keep both the spirit of exploration the shows offered and the gorgeous community they manifested alive.
The creators reveal that it was Ishikawa who came up with the idea, noting especially that they wanted to keep performing with the casts they adore. They were out of a job, but didn’t want to stop working together, didn’t want to stop learning and researching from people who could help them grow and evolve. And “Alone Together” is only the beginning.
For one, season two of Fabuloso! is coming, although we don’t yet know its theme. In it, Bangerter and Ishikawa aim to continue to collaborate with familiar faces to Sleep No More and Life and Trust fans, as well as create more involved stories with even greater depth (if that’s even possible, considering how exquisite Fabuloso! season one is). They also tease other projects on the horizon, including dance films, live performances, and work with artists in other disciplines.
To conclude, Ishikawa shares, “We wanted to work with people we loved and be interested in what we do. Sleep No More ended. Life and Trust ended. But our research should never end. I thought it was right to start something.” And ultimately, the results could not be more right or more meaningful.
To support and learn more about Fabuloso!, make sure to support them on Patreon, https://www.patreon.com/c/povofabuloso, and follow them on Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/povofabuloso/. You can check out the entirety of season one, “Alone Together,” in order, below.
If you’d like to follow the fabulous creators and dancers featured in the videos, here they are as well: Steve Bangerter, Mio Ishikawa, Madison Olandt, Babou Sanneh, Spencer William Grossman, Hannah Straney, Ny, Lenin Fernandez Jr, Ryan VanCompernolle, and Noah Wang.
“To the povo fabuloso!” (Fabulous people!)
Fabuloso! Season 1: Alone Together
Fabuloso! Season 1—Alone Together: Vol. 1, Pt. 1
Fabuloso! Season 1—Alone Together: Vol. 1 Pt. 2
Fabuloso! Season 1—Alone Together: Vol. 2
Fabuloso! Season 1—Alone Together: Vol. 3
Fabuloso! Season 1—Alone Together: Vol. 4
Fabuloso! Season 1—Alone Together: Vol. 5
Fabuloso! Season 1—Alone Together: Vol. 6
Fabuloso! Season 1—Alone Together: Vol. 7
Side Quest
The post FABULOSO! Invites You to Feel Something Real with Its Gorgeous Seasons of Dance appeared first on Nerdist.
Black food entrepreneurs have always done more with less: flipping recipes, reclaiming space, and serving culture one plate at a time. Whether you’re pulling up curbside with a food truck or locking in the keys to your first storefront, the question stays the same: what model sets you up to win your way?
As Chef Erick Williams of Virtue says, “This work is not just about feeding people; it’s about feeding purpose.” That purpose shows up in how you build your kitchen, how you scale your business, and even what kind of deep fryer or commercial dishwasher you trust to keep up with demand.
Here, we will help you weigh both options, stay grounded in your goals, and build something that lasts.
Food Truck Business
For many Black chefs and food creators, the mobile food truck is where the vision starts. It’s more than a business; it’s mobility, creativity, and community all rolled into one. Just look at Trap Kitchen: two friends, one idea, and now a brand that moves through cities feeding the culture.
So what’s it really like running mobile food businesses? Here’s the real breakdown: what works, and what’ll test your patience.
Lower Start-up Costs
Food trucks cost way less to launch than a sit-down spot, especially if you’re buying used or leasing. The average food truck costs $50K to $200K, depending on setup, gear, and permits. That lower barrier makes it real for folks without deep pockets to still build something powerful.
Mobility
You can pull up where the people are: festivals, breweries, neighborhoods, and campuses. That flexibility lets you chase foot traffic, follow events, and stay visible. In the mobile food industry, being able to move with the moment is major.
Market Testing
Food trucks let you test recipes, pricing, and branding without the overhead. You get instant feedback from real customers, not focus groups. Going into the food truck industry is one of the smartest ways to build your brand before going bigger.
But it’s not all smooth streets and sold-out weekends. There are some real challenges that come with running a food truck, too.
Limited Space
Working in a mobile food truck is tight; think fast moves, hot grills, and nowhere to stretch out. Storage is minimal, and prep gets creative real quick. If you’re used to working in a full commercial kitchen or simply not organized, the pressure builds fast.
Weather Dependency
Rain, snow, or extreme heat can crush your sales days. If you don’t have catering or indoor contracts to fall back on, you’re at the mercy of the forecast. Seasonal slumps are real in the food truck industry.
Permitting Challenges
You’ll need health permits, business licenses, parking approvals, food handler certifications, and more. Rules vary by city and change often. Some places are food truck–friendly, while others require you to jump through hoops. For Black entrepreneurs, navigating that red tape without inside connections can take time, patience, and a thick skin.
Brick and Mortar Restaurant
Opening a traditional brick spot is a whole different kind of play (there’s food, space, presence, and a clear restaurant concept rooted in culture and community). For some restaurant owners, this is the dream: your name on the door, your story on the walls. Take The Busy Bee Cafe in Atlanta, for example, a legacy restaurant that’s been serving soul food and history since 1947, showing how a neighborhood spot can become a cultural institution.
Let’s break down the real wins and real work that come with running a full-service, traditional restaurant.
Established Presence
A physical location signals stability and staying power; it says you’re here to build, not just hustle. People remember where they sat, who they came with, and how your place made them feel. That kind of rooted presence is why established restaurants often become cultural landmarks.
Greater Revenue Potential
With more seating, longer hours, and liquor sales, brick-and-mortar can bring in bigger numbers. You’re not limited by how many meals fit in a food truck window or which menu items travel well. If the business plan is tight and demand is strong, the ceiling is much higher.
Enhanced Experience
In your own space, you control everything: ambience, plating, music, scent, story. It’s not just a meal; it’s the full vibe. That freedom to shape the guest experience doesn’t exist outside a traditional restaurant setting.
Of course, for all the benefits, a brick-and-mortar restaurant grind comes with its own set of struggles you’ll want to be ready for.
High Startup & Operating Costs
Rent, utilities, cooking equipment, and payroll; restaurant costs stack up fast. You’re looking at six figures minimum before the first plate even drops. And once you’re open, operational expenses stay high month after month.
Longer Setup Time
Finding the right space, passing inspections, and buying gear all take time. You can’t flip the switch and open on a weekend. Especially if you’re dealing with permits, contractors, or expensive real estate, expect months of planning before you serve your first guest.
Higher Risk
If business slows down, those fixed costs don’t wait. A bad month can hit harder when a significant portion of your income is tied to rent, payroll, and utilities. That’s why funding, consistency, and a sharp eye on your margins are non-negotiable in this game.
The Best of Both Hustles
A hybrid restaurant model blends a food truck with a brick-and-mortar space. Some folks start mobile to build buzz and test their cuisine, then open a traditional location when the brand is strong. Others run both at once, using the truck to hit different locations and attract new customers, while the storefront offers consistency and a neighborhood base.
This approach has range. You get the mobility of a truck, the stability of a restaurant, and more ways to drive revenue, especially if you’re sharp with social media marketing. But it also demands more: more essential equipment, a commercial kitchen that can handle scale, tighter systems, more time, and a bigger initial investment, especially if you’re funding growth out of your own life savings.
One business that’s made this model work is World Famous House of Mac in Miami. Chef Teach started with a food truck serving soulful comfort food, then expanded into brick-and-mortar while still tapping into mobile events and pop-ups. His hybrid model proves that growing at a moderate rate, with smart risks and strong branding, can turn a small setup into a serious player in fast food restaurant sales.
This path isn’t for everyone, but if you’re feeling the stretch, it might be time to move. You might be ready for the hybrid model if:
- You’ve maxed out your food truck’s potential and need more space to grow.
- Customers keep asking where they can find you every day, rain or shine.
- You’ve built a loyal following that shows up consistently.
- Your team is strong, and you’re confident delegating.
- Your systems, inventory, prep, and finances can scale with growth.
- You’re ready for longevity, not just mobility.
- You’ve got a clear vision, and the grind to match it.
Real Talk Before You Decide
Whether you’re rolling with a food truck, opening a storefront, or juggling both, the key is knowing what works for your grind. Don’t let hype rush your moves; build with intention, protect your margins, and use tools like restaurant software to track costs, staff, and sales from the jump. This game is tough, but when it’s rooted in purpose, community, and smart systems, it can feed more than just plates.
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Written by Ebony Johnson
The Summer season in the tri-state area kicked off with the annual Hot 97 Summer Jam, Friday, June 20—and an honorable tribute to Murder Inc.’s Capo Irv Gotti. In its 31st year, the hip-hop event was powered by the Black Promoters Collective and continues to draw crowds and delight audiences. The 2025 lineup brought JaRule, Gunna, Glorilla, Kash Doll, Jim Jones and Meek Mill to Newark, New Jersey’s Prudential Center stage—among others like A Boogie and Muni Long. Fans even got a dose of Jada Kiss. The Yonkers rapper blessed the building with his presence and mic with his verse off the track “I’m From New York” alongside JaRule.
Cash Cobain hit the stage with hits like “Fisherr” and “Slizzy,” and introduced Zeddy Will to perform “Get Jiggy.” The set was brief but filled with high energy and followed by Tanzanian artist Diamond Platnumz, who graced the stage with an amazing dance crew. Ayra Starr performed “Rush” and “Bloody Samaritan,” and got some good audience engagement as they performed some adlibs to her song. Masicka followed Asake with a surprise performance, giving a live presentation of what it’s like behind the doors of Magic City. If you know you know.
The highlight of the night was a tribute to Murder Inc hitmaker and founder Irv Gotti. Irving Lorenzo, died Feb. 5 of a stroke after a lengthy battle with diabetes. Gotti was the engine behind Ja Rule’s solo career, and singer Ashanti’s early success. Irv produced hits for Jay-Z, DMX, Jennifer Lopez, Lloyd, Fat Joe and others. A montage of Irv’s life was shared with concertgoers. It included pictures of Irv, his parents, his friends and his record label.
The Irv Gotti tribute included a throwback roster of Murder Inc. members from the early 2000s. As Deniece Williams’ classic song “Free” plays, the crowd is shocked when Mic Geronimo performs his song “Sh-t’s Real.” It’s clear his performance is a special one. Ja Rule’s friends included Lloyd, Charli Baltimore and Vita. Hope lingered. Fingers were crossed that maybe Ashanti would pop out to perform one song. Unfortunately, that did not happen.
Nonetheless, what would Summer Jam be without Funkmaster Flex? New York City’s veteran DJ set the tone for the rest of the show with his turntable talent and ability to transition from one song to the next in a matter of seconds?
Jim Jones took the stage, performing songs with Juelz Santana, Rowdy Rebel, Bay Swagg and Zeddy WIll again (it was an amazing night for him). As mics were cut from Jim Jones’ set, the Dipset rapper expressed he gets dreams and nightmares when that happens. The next thing the crowd knows, Philly rapper Meek Mill is standing on stage performing his hit song “Dreams and Nightmares,” not once but twice with the audience so loud he didn’t need to rap a word.
Muni Long hits the stage at midnight to perform her songs: “Hrs & Hrs” and “Made for Me.” Glorilla follows and brings remarkable energy and choreography to perform a plethora of her hit songs: “TGIF,” “Yeah Glo!” and “Wanna Be” and more. She brought life back to the audience for Gunna’s arrival. Gunna performs “Top Off,” “P Power,” “Pushin P” and he finishes with “Fukumean.”
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie hits the stage at 2am. His hits “Jungle” and “DTB” set the crowd off. Boogie’s songs “My Sh-t”, “Look Back At It” and “Drowning” finished the night on a positive note.
All-in-all, Summer Jam was an eventful night filled with amazing performances and dope contributions to Black Music Month.
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