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Exclusive: Our MCM Trevor Jackson Says His Biggest Lessons Come From Heartbreak
Most heartbreakers would be banished to the "Do Not Disturb" abyss, but Trevor Jackson has broken a heart (or two) for good reason.
It's no surprise the 21-year-old Grown-ish star has a few love lessons under his belt. Similar to his on-screen character, he's attractive, smart, and can crack a joke with the best of 'em—a catch by any millennial's standards. Still, like the rest of us, it's not easy navigating the uncertain waters of situationships and swiping right. But what the multi-hyphenate artist (singer/actor/dancer) does know about the emotion, he puts it on wax.
Jackson recently released Rough Drafts Pt. 1, a colorful 15-track LP, on which he sings, raps and displays his self-taught guitar skills about lust, loving the girl who tolerates his faults, and dealing with the ultra-exposed world of fame. Inspired in part by Prince, the project, housed under his Born Art/Empire imprint, explores Jackson's rock, country, trap, and Caribbean influences; a mesh of sounds that doesn't exactly follow a specific concept like other LPs, which Trevor prefers. "There's not one song that everyone likes," he says. "People are really gravitating toward the entire project. It goes to show that every song has its own kinda feel."
Despite being jet-lagged from traipsing the country for Justine Skye's ULTRAVIOLET tour, a press tour, and readying the release of Director X-helmed remake, Superfly, the triple threat is alert and candid about his heartbreak, how God's love steers his life path, and most importantly what's next for his career.
xoNecole: The finale and second to last episode of Grown-ish was a big deal. We got to see Zoey (Yara Shahidi) choose between Aaron and Luca, and these are two guys with very different approaches to a relationship with her. How similar are you to Aaron and how he pulled up on Zoey?
Trevor Jackson: I'd say the communication is similar. You can never really act as if you're with someone until you have that conversation. It has to be verbal so that there's no guessing. Communication is key. And the way that Aaron does it, I definitely agree with. If there's ever a moment in my life where I feel that way about someone, I have to tell them, especially if I want to be with them.
"Communication is key... If there's ever a moment in my life where I feel that way about someone, I have to tell them."
Right. Just be upfront about it. What were your thoughts about the season as a whole and the reception you all got?
I was overwhelmed in a great way. Obviously shooting it, I knew it would be amazing but just being able to see the response and the relatability that the show has, the concepts, the stories that we're telling are very poignant and on-the-nose for this day and age, and that's crazy to be a part of.
It definitely seems like a show in 10 or 15 years that people will look back and acknowledge that this was a great snapshot of life as a young 20-something or late teen in America.
Yeah, and I feel that's needed. People want to feel not alone, and this show definitely brings people together like, 'Oh, we all go through the same stuff.'
What are you personal thoughts on dating in this generation?
I don't know, man. I don't think there's any rule to doing it, 'cause people, especially two people and the way they interact, are so specific. One way you go about it with one person can be completely different [than with someone else]. One person can wait two months before they kiss a person — there's just no way to know. I just go off my feelings and instincts.
Do you think our generation is expecting too much from dating, as far as wanting that long-term forever love?
Anything's possible. Honestly. If you actually want to do it, it's possible.
On "Apocalypse", you reference God. Do you feel your religious beliefs inform the way you love in romantic relationships?
I guess you can say that. My relationship with God bleeds into anything I do, which is what I prefer. I never want to go into anything alone. God always knows more than me, so I tend to have Him surrounding whatever I'm doing.
Sidebar, what is your religious background? Did you grow up in the church?
I didn't grow up in church, but I started my relationship with God with I was about 14. I go to One Church now, and I love Jesus. I don't know the Bible backwards and forwards, but I've felt God before and that feeling is like no other.
OK, dope. So, on "Broken Hearted", you talk about being damaged emotionally in some ways. How have you healed from heartbreak?
I write music. I actually have a whole album called Unlovable that I already have done, and it's about that. About breaking up and not being with the person that you were with every day and you feel like a part of you is just gone.
How do you deal with breaking someone else's heart?
Well, that's the only way that my heart has been damaged is because I've broken someone else's heart. And that is not the best feeling. The reason that I did is because I felt like I had a lot of growing up to do. I didn't want to drag anybody I was with through that. It just was not the right time. I don't regret it though because it would be worse if I didn't do it.
Do you feel like heartbreak has changed you?
Oh yeah. All the way. It's just a maturity thing. Nothing's for certain. Everything that you think is for you may not be and sometimes you have to step outside of yourself and look at it from a different perspective. Once you're in love and in something, you're so in it that it seems like it's the end all be all and there's nothing else. So I kinda had to go through that, and be like, 'Wow you'll be OK.'
Sounds like it's the good kind of heartbreak. You're saving that person from some bullshit down the line.
Right. It's just hard to see that bit of it though when you're not with someone.
How would you define love?
At this point in my life, love is someone you can't live without. But you have to look at yourself and be like, "Why do I love this person?" I think you have to grow into love, there are different stages and the older you get, the more experiences you get, love can mean different things.
If you could describe your perfect relationship using a song title from Rough Drafts Pt. 1, which song would it be?
"Broken Hearted" because it's a non-judgemental love. I'm very different because I've been through a lot of life very quickly, so I'm just a little bit crazy, and that's a song about someone who loves me past all of that. They understand me. Like, 'Although you're crazy, you're wounded and you're bruised, I'm still here to love you.' So that's the love I hope to receive and the love I hope to give.
What kind of man do you hope to become, outside of your art?
I always want to be who God wants me to be, so that's first. Also, I just hope to be the best at whatever I decide to do. I want to become more patient in my life. I always try to be and do good, and my intent is always a loving spirit. And you can never become someone you're not proud of if you live like that.
Within your work, what do you hope for the future?
I want to direct an Oscar award-winning movie. Yeah, I want to start directing that's why I've been doing all my own videos recently. It's painting my picture, my brush, the way I see it. It's coming from head to the screen, which is pretty amazing. So I want to keep sharpening that tool.
"It's painting my picture, my brush, the way I see it."
For more Trevor Jackson, follow him on Instagram. Be sure to catch him in this summer's Superfly, in theaters June 15. And if you haven't already, listen to Rough Drafts, Pt. 1.
Featured image by Getty Images
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Niki McGloster is a Maryland-based writer and co-founder of her sweat. She has written for ESSENCE, Genius, Billboard, VIBE and Teen Vogue. Follow her on Twitter at @missjournalism.
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
Summer Travel Guide: 9 Safest Vacation Spots For Black Women
When it comes to planning and choosing our international travels, there’s one question that is bound to come up: “Is it safe for Black women?”
At times, our travel plans can be halted by whether or not our desired destination is safe not only for solo travel but for overall protection as women of color. We want to have fun, go on excursions, taste the food, and let our hair down, so the last thing we need on our minds is navigating microaggressions and worrying about our safety.
According to a report by The Mandala Research Firm, 17% of Black Americans take one or more international trips and travel locally more than six times per year. Even more exciting, 42% of Black Americans said they would spend more in 2020 on travel than in 2019 (pre-Covid), and 50% of Black adults (16% more than the general population) are more likely to travel to locations associated with their ethnic or cultural heritage. All of this goes to show that we’re not afraid to pack our bags and book flights to our heart's desire.
Our passion for travel and exploration highlights a growing desire to connect with a wide range of cultures while discovering new fresh locales. By choosing destinations with positive reputations for safety and belonging, you can enjoy your next adventure with peace of mind. And to help, we’ve provided a list of the best vacation spots to add to our travel bucket list.
1.Havana, Cuba
Known for its vibrant culture and welcoming locals, Havana offers a unique travel experience for you and your girlfriends. Stroll through the historic streets of Old Havana and immerse yourself in the lively music and dance scenes that make this city unforgettable.
2.Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Famous for its Carnival, stunning beaches, and warm hospitality, Rio de Janeiro is a lively and safe city to explore all year long. Don't miss a visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and the bustling Copacabana Beach for a true taste of Rio's energetic spirit.
3.Belize
With its beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, and laid-back Caribbean vibe, Belize is a safe and adventurous destination for travelers. Discover the underwater wonders of the Belize Barrier Reef and explore ancient Lamanai Maya Ruins.
4.Paris, France
Who doesn’t have Paris, the city of lights, on their travel list? Renowned for its art, fashion, and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Paris offers a blend of romance and safety for travelers. Wander through the charming neighborhoods of Montmartre and Le Marais, explore the Louvre, and indulge in the city's exquisite culinary delights.
5.Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal's capital city, Lisbon, charms visitors with its historic architecture, delicious cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy breathtaking views from São Jorge Castle and savor traditional pastries at the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery.
6.Bali, Indonesia
We’ve all seen the viral photos off the Bali coast and Gates of Heaven, so why not make it a reality? Famous for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and serene temples, Bali offers a safe and enriching travel experience in Southeast Asia.
7.Tokyo, Japan
Recently, the value of the Japanese Yen has seen a significant drop, making it the lowest it has been against the dollar since 1986, which also means that there’s no better time than now to make your travel plans to the renowned cultural hub.
8.Accra, Ghana
There’s no FOMO like the kind felt from seeing all the beautiful faces enjoying their holiday at Ghana’s Afrochella Festival, so let this be your sign to start planning the trip now. Often referred to as a welcoming home for the African diaspora, Ghana offers rich cultural experiences and a sense of belonging. Explore the vibrant markets of Accra and visit the historic Cape Coast Castle to connect with the nation's poignant past.
9.Seoul, South Korea
You may be surprised to find this city on the list, but for Black travelers, Seoul is said to be one of the safest and most exciting cities to travel to. There will be plenty to eat, buy, and experience from this city’s rich history and culture.
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Featured image by Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images