CYPHER AVENUE’S BEST OF 2013 AWARDS 

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NICK:

Tasting more like Atomic Fireballs than actual whiskey, this 66 proof cinnamon flavored alcohol is great for introducing women, gay men and newbies to the joys of dark liquor. Gay parties featuring red cups filled with Vodka & Cranberry gets very old very fast. Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey spices up the mundane with a candy tasting flavor that’s great for drinking straight up-no-chaser or even better, perfect for a round of party starting shots to the head!

 

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Many gay men are timid, deer-in-the-headlights cowards when it comes to approaching and striking up a conversation with new men. Even in familiar situations like House Parties, gays will creepily stare at men for hours before building up the nerve to speak. The beauty of this 2013 Conversation Starter is even if you’ve never actually seen the other person in your life, it’s easy to move on once the flow of dialogue begins. For example:

Me: “You Look Familiar…Don’t I Know You From Somewhere?”

Him: “I don’t know…I don’t think so…”

Me: “Do you ever go to that comic book store on West Peachtree, downtown?”

Him: “Nah.”

Me: “Oh, okay. I think I saw a dude who looks just like you in there. You read comics?”

Him: “Not like I used to.”

Me: “Yeah same here. Did you see Man of Steel? Garbage, right?”

See what I mean? You can go anywhere with that conversation. If he looked to be in good physical shape, I could have used a gym instead of a comic book store and then easily shifted the conversation with him to working out, sports, Anderson Silva’s broken leg or pretty much anything. Past parties, travel destinations, or even your hometown could also be substituted depending on the guy and the situation.

 

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Gravity reminded everyone this year why it’s still better to go to the movie theater instead of just watching Netflix on laptops. This film wasn’t just a movie, it was an experience. While I didn’t see it in a huge IMAX 3D orgasma-scope theater, it was still an amazing roller coaster ride that I won’t soon forget. Gravity may have a weak screenplay, but the film is wonderfully directed and the often annoying Sandra Bullock was surprisingly tolerable.

  

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No film featuring gay/bisexual characters of color made by gay men of color was as entertaining, engaging and well-made as the latest short film by Deondray Gossett and Quincy LeNear. From the opening scene to the closing credits, it was very hard to find any flaws with this little brother in the D.L. Chronicles franchise.

The film (produced, written, directed and edited by the duo) follows the life of a recently paralyzed firefighter who must come to terms not only with his disability but also his newly emerging feelings for his male physical therapist/caregiver. There are a few twists and turns that follow to make this a welcome addition to the limited pool of films featuring gay men of color.

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Yeah, yeah, yeah…Breaking Bad was great and has cemented it’s place in history as one of the greatest dramas on television ever, EVER. However, as much as we anticipated and enjoyed those last eight episodes of Breaking Bad in 2013, nothing on that show kicked us in the balls as hard as that Red Wedding scene on HBO’s Game of Thrones.

Talk about a moment in history. Everyone was talking about that scene for at least two weeks afterward, even people who’ve never seen the show. In one fell swoop, Game of Thrones reminded us of what made it such a great show in the first season: Any character could die at any time, even your favorites. This simple yet major idea keeps viewers on their toes and eager to see new episodes with anxious trepidation. Here’s to new episodes in 2014!

 

 

I’m not one of the hordes of Game of Thrones fans who already knew what was going to happen due to reading the novels.  Like most viewers, I was jar-dropped jumping off the couch while screaming “NOOOOOO!” as the events of the Red Wedding unfolded onscreen. 

 

George R.R. Martin, the author of the Game of Thrones books stated, “Just as you grieve if a friend is killed, you should grieve if a fictional character is killed. You should care. If somebody dies and you just go get more popcorn, it’s a superficial experience isn’t it?”  And grieve we did

 

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Key & Peele are gaining popularity for a reason; it’s because their show is so fucking hilarious! Now being honest, just as with most sketch comedy shows, not all of their sketches are funny. However I do feel that about 90-95% of them are…I can’t say the same thing about SNL.  Due to their biracial backgrounds, the duo are able to tackle cultural and racial topics in a very unique way. You know you are on to something when you have the President of the United States laughing at the caricature of himself stating, “It’s pretty good stuff.” 

 

Riding high off of their critically acclaimed third season on Comedy Central, the MADtv vets are quickly becoming a household name. Cypher Avenue created this new category specifically for a reason….we just had to give them their much deserved props. Key & Peele is the best comedy show of 2013, hands down!

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“No Shade” crept up outta nowhere. This consistently funny and creative gay web series surprised even hard to please gay film critic Nick Delmacy. While the basic premise is pretty tired and cliché for narrative gay media (four gay best friends laughing and crying together as they look for sex, love and relationships), creator Sean Anthony managed to inject wit and satiric absurdity into the predictable genre.

Overall, this was a fun peek into the lives of the flamboyant, the transgender, the effeminate and the masculine (ish) gay man of color living in New York City.

 

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When a performance makes you cry, you know it’s a good one. Chewitel Ejiofor’s (pronounced Chew-e-tell Edge-gi-oh-for) portrayal of free African American Solomon Northrup who was kidnapped and forced to live “12 Years A Slave” riveted movie-goers worldwide, earning him much well deserved acclaim and many award nominations. We look forward to seeing what great work he continues to deliver in the future.

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After the news of former NBA player Jason Collins coming out of the closet, the media was in full blitz mode with gay athlete hysteria. A less dramatically impromptu TMZ interview with Darren Young didn’t set the media ablaze as Mr. Collins confession did. While at baggage claim at LAX airport in Los Angeles, WWE star Darren Young was asked about his opinions concerning gay wrestlers, asking if “a gay wrestler could be successful within the WWE?”

 

The response: “Absolutely. Look at me. I’m a WWE superstar and to be honest with you, I’ll tell you right now, I’m gay and I’m happy. I’m very happy.”

 

His revelation makes him the first wrestler to come out while still signed to a major promotion company. Before coming out, Young was already a champion by using his voice to support anti-bullying campaigns and supporting LGBT youth causes. While speaking to kids at a recent anti-bullying rally Young stated “Be the best you can, be involved, it’s very important because you guys are the future.”

 

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I’ve always rooted for Derrick Rose. Being from the Midwest, I was a long time Chicago Bulls fan while growing up. So seeing Chicago native Rose not only get picked First Overall in the 2008 NBA draft but also being voted Rookie of the Year the following season pumped a lot of fans up with excitement to see the Chicago Bulls begin to reclaim their former glory.

 

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NICK: 

The long anticipated debut from rapper Lasto “Where’s Vivian” turned out to be well worth the wait. Featuring quality music production and lyrical dexterity far surpassing his counterparts, the album solidified his place in music as not only the best openly gay rapper on the scene, but also a rapper who could easily go toe-to-toe lyrically with any straight MC as well. If you’re not yet a believer, the 16-track album is available on iTunes and Amazon and is well worth the $5.99 price tag.

Also, you have to love the artist’s confidence. When we announced Frank Ocean to be the winner of the Best Gay Artist category in 2012, Lasto responded with this tweet declaring that he was taking the Cypher Avenue crown from the young crooner. Sure enough, he did it.

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NICK:

Sonically speaking, “Modern Vampires of the City” by mellow rock group Vampire Weekend is just perfect. Lead singer Ezra Koenig effortlessly compliments the band’s melodic compositions that feel more like movie scores than songs. The album takes you on a journey where, from the opening track, you know that you’re in good competent hands.

NICK:

Kanye West’s Yeezus, on the other hand, is a punch to the gut in both sound and expectations. The wonderful thing about this album is that it’s both musically creative and lyrically substantive. West touches on taboo topics that few would dare to tread such as equating corporations and record labels to slave masters.

Thanks to the critically acclaimed album Yeezus, the sold-out tour, the successful yet controversial Yeezus clothing line, the birth of his daughter with his newly engaged fiancé Kim Kardashian and his numerous informative, ever entertaining interviews…Kanye West owned 2013.

 

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20-year-old Chance The Rapper’s release of “Acid Rap” was hands down the best (and most downloaded) mixtape of the year. This Chicago rapper reminds me why I fell in love with Hip Hop in the first place. No tales of drug dealing or murder or misogyny here.

 

His Midwestern sensibility mixed with eccentric wordplay and his love of J-Dilla formed like Voltron to produce one of the most innovative and fun hip hop releases of 2013. Even though he’s been on collaborations with Justin Bieber, Lil Wayne, James Blake and Childish Gambino, Chance The Rapper is still an unsigned artist. So that means his options are completely wide open, making 2014 his to own.

 

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NICK:

While we’re often a fan of obscure, abstract videos but Ace Hood’s literal video interpretation to his hit turn-up song “Bugatti” in the Gil Green directed video was fucking great.

Ace Hood raps, “I woke up in a Bugatti” and sure enough the video begins with Ace waking up in the most expensive car in the world. Future sings “I come looking for you with Haitians…” and sure enough, much of the video features Ace Hood being chased by shotgun wielding Haitians. As simple as it is, the video and the song are a perfect match. Turn up!

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In just a year, heterosexual male model Shawn Cruz went from being relatively unknown to having over 12k Twitter followers and a name buzzing throughout the industry. His chiseled lean 6’ 4” physique is so near perfection that the model regularly sees fake “catfish” Instagram, Tumblr and Twitter accounts using his images, pretending to be him. Cruz modestly takes it all in stride, often making light of the blatant identity theft on social media.

Being an athlete and aspiring actor as well rounds out wealth of talent this young man possess. Clothes on or off, we look forward to seeing more great things from Mr. Cruz in 2014.

 

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This has actually been somewhat of a trend for the last couple decades: Gangsters, Rappers and Black Male Adult-Film Stars brandishing chains and tattoos of Christian Crosses as we see them do very un-Christian activities.

It’s always amusing to watch a Rick Ross music video where he brags about drug dealing and murders all while a shiny Christian Cross bounces on his huge exposed tattooed gut.

Or how about black gay adult-film actors having bareback sex as hot bodily fluids splurt out onto their “Only God Can Judge Me” crucifix tattoos and holy cross necklaces?

This is proof that Religion is really just a fashion trend for many modern men of color.

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Grand Theft Auto, Call of Duty: Ghost, Battlefield 4, Assassin’s Creed, blah blah blah.  One of these titles will surely be named as the best video game of the year on a multitude of lists…Not here.  The PS4’s Resogun is a throwback to the arcade shooters such as Asteroid, Centipede and Millipede but with impressive nextgen graphics.  Even with all the action on the screen, the frame rate never slows down.

 

Developed by Housemarque; instead of the field of play being flat the field of play is cylinder.  The “basic” premise of shoot the aliens, is very challenging and fast paced.   The techno music playing in the background is fitting and adds to this shooters futuristic feel. It’s easy to see why this game has received critical acclaim from numerous video game reviewers and websites.  By the way it’s a free download on PlayStation plus.

 

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BEST VACATION DESTINATION: SPAIN

OCKY:

 

When we think of Spain many think of the Cathedral of Barcelona or bullfighting, but this country has much more to offer than the typical tourist destinations.  What about Ibiza, Alhambra, the Canary Islands or the theme park Terra Mitica located in Benidorm or the beautiful beaches of Gran Canaria? Spain is located in southern Europe giving it a pleasant climate all year round with over 3000 hours of sunshine each year.

 

Spain offers an abundance of World Heritage historic monuments, natural spaces, museums and wild life.  Outside of Madrid and Barcelona other major cites include Bilbao, Seville, Cordoba, Granada, Zaragoza, Santiago de Compostela.  With vibrant resorts, nightlife, nude beaches and unique Mediterranean cuisine Spain is a destination that will surely please all the senses.

 

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I stopped, stared and smiled. I could envision two small gym bags and two fishing poles in the back.  I dreamed of my bro and I driving down 85 South headed to Florida with the carbon fiber hood roof panels removed…riding like two balla’s, T-top style.  As you can see my imagination was running wild as I stood behind a candy apple red 2014 Corvette Sting-Ray at the dealership. 

 

This muscle/sports car is heaven. 450 horsepower (335 kW) and 450 lb.-ft. of torque (610 Nm). It’s able to accelerate from 0-60 in less than four seconds and achieve more than 1g in cornering grip. It’s the most fuel-efficient Corvette ever. An all-new 6.2L LT1 V-8 engine combines advanced technologies, including direct injection, Active Fuel Mgt, continuously variable valve timing and an advanced combustion system that delivers more power while using less fuel. 

 

Let’s not forget the interior with leather and carbon fiber, all digital instrument panel dash and gauges.  Yes I can dream.

 

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 KERRY RHODES, RUSSELL “HOLLYWOOD” SIMPSON & DISCREET CITY

 

For all those stuck under a rock, former NFL Arizona Cardinal safety Kerry Rhodes was Outed by his effeminate former assistant Russell Simpson who claimed that the duo were lovers in the past. The problem is, Rhodes denied that he was even Gay even after the release of many photos of himself and Simpson together in many questionable intimate positions. The black gossip blogs were lit on fire.

We were even somehow mixed into this fuckery when one of our random tweets on the controversy rubbed the folks at the celeb gossip blogs “Funky Dineva” and “Madame Noire” the wrong way prompting them to write entire essays about it.

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OCKY:

 

Voyager 1 launched on Sept. 5, 1977 and has toured our solar system, taking close-up looks at Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune systems. After 35 years of space flight, Voyager 1 left our solar system around August 25th 2012; however NASA was not able to fully confirm this until September of 2013. I have always been fascinated with our universe with all its mysteries and wonders.  So like many other space geeks this was very exciting news. Even more sensational news was that we now know what interstellar space sounds like.  NASA has advised the sounds are produced by the vibration of dense plasma, or ionized gases which were captured by the probe’s plasma wave instrument. You can listen to it here. Voyager 1 is truly going where no man has gone before.

 

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From LeBron James & Chris Paul to Rick Ross & Meek Mill, athlete and rapper photo selfies and photo uploads have made the mobile app worth checking regularly. Whether it’s eye-candy images of the exquisite athletic physiques or stills of rappers overly tattooed bodies flashing jewelry costing more than what some people make in a year, you can easily waste an hour scrolling through your timeline.

 

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Professional Football Player Brendon Ayanbadejo has been an ally and champion of marriage equality and an LGBT advocate for years.  He’s currently still labeled a “Free Agent”, it’s unfortunate his views and outspokenness over equality have possibly led to a premature retirement from the NFL.

 

As the son of interracial marriage Ayanbedejo publicly announced that their union would have been illegal in 16 states prior to the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark Loving v. Virginia decision in 1967, and thus he has no intention of remaining silent on an issue of conscience and public importance.  As one of Cypher Avenue’s favorite people, it’s beautiful to see a man honor and commit to his convictions.

 

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