Future Icons Podcast

Nathan J. Lee

Future Icons Podcast brings you best Los Angeles emerging talent. Young stars on the brick on stardom in art, dance, poetry, film, tv, and theater discuss their background, experience, challenges, achievements, and next steps with host and journalist, Nathan J. Lee.

Episodes

  1. 07/14/2025

    Jamarius | FUTURE ICONS | Episode 10 – The Floridian-Bred, Atmospheric Quiet Storm in Alternative R&B

    Future Icons Podcast hosted by Nathan J. Lee featuring Jamarius   Artist: Jamarius Host: Nathan J. Lee Director: John Doe Producer: Boubacar Soumare Camera Operator: Evan Cox Management: Natural Authority MGMT “I describe my artistry as alternative R&B,” says Jamarius, who tells stories, draws on gospel roots and early R&B influences, and has a sharp ear for contemporary sound. Based in Los Angeles and originally from Lake Wales, Florida, Jamarius fuses smooth melodies with emotionally grounded lyrics to create a brand of alternative R&B that feels both familiar and refreshingly personal.   Nathan J. Lee is a journalist and storyteller whose work at the Los Angeles Sentinel spans arts, culture, entertainment, sports, and community-driven stories. His articles spotlight emerging talent, historical milestones, and impactful events shaping Los Angeles. From in-depth interviews with rising artists to coverage of cultural celebrations and social issues, Lee’s writing captures the pulse of the city with authenticity and insight. Read article at lasentinel.net   https://lasentinel.net/jamarius-is-a-floridian-bred-atmospheric-quiet-storm-in-alternative-rb.html Hashtag: #JamariusLeaks #AlternativeRNB #FloridianBred #LosAngeles #AtmosphericRNB #GospelRoots #RNBInfluences #ChrisBrown #ToryLanez #NeYo #TreySongz #BoyzIIMen #NewEdition #IndiaArie #ReadyForLove #SadFace #ChaseTheMoney #SVNTHHOUSE #AcousticSets #EmotionalHonesty #ModernRNB #Crooner #SoulfulVocals #EmergingArtist #DebutEP #LivePerformances #AuthenticityInMusic #VulnerableLyrics #ArtistSpotlight #SingerSongwriter #MoodyProduction #IntrospectiveMusic #QuietStormRNB

    14 min
  2. 07/04/2025

    Princess Fortier | FUTURE ICONS | Episode 9 – This Genre-Jumping, High Note-Hitting, Rebel

    Future Icons Podcast hosted by Nathan J. Lee featuring Princess Fortier “I sing for my supper,” says Princess Fortier, the Los Angeles-based model, actress, and recording artist. “Country, opera, musicals, jazz, I’ll sing anything,” she adds, self-assured and smiling. From the moment she began releasing original music to her recent contributions on high-profile projects like Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter,” which won this year’s Album of the Year, Princess has proven she is a voice for every genre. Princess describes her artistry as “eclectic and random,” a reflection of the many genres she has mastered. Her creative range defies categorization by design. “I don’t put limits on my life,” she explains, not as a boast, but as a quiet declaration of personal truth. Whether in the studio, on stage, or in front of the camera, Fortier brings the same fearless freedom to every performance. Nathan J. Lee is a journalist and storyteller whose work at the Los Angeles Sentinel spans arts, culture, entertainment, sports, and community-driven stories. His articles spotlight emerging talent, historical milestones, and impactful events shaping Los Angeles. From in-depth interviews with rising artists to coverage of cultural celebrations and social issues, Lee’s writing captures the pulse of the city with authenticity and insight.   Read article at lasentinel.net https://lasentinel.net/genre-jumping-and-high-note-hitting-princess-fortier-wont-be-boxed-in.html   Tags: Princess Fortier, model, actress, recording artist, Beyoncé, Cowboy Carter, Album of the Year, Beck, Colors, All American, CBS, HBO, Paramount+, Marcus Eldridge, Cloud Nine, neuroscience, UCLA, Emory University, Los Angeles, Grammy Awards, Opening Act competition, independent artist, Black women in entertainment, genre-defying artists, rising talent, entertainment profile, artistic identity, Black female creatives in Hollywood, music, vocal power, music industry, Los Angeles artist, future icon, Nathan J. Lee   #PrincessFortier #Model #Actress #RecordingArtist #Beyoncé #CowboyCarter #AlbumOfTheYear #Beck #Colors #AllAmerican #CBS #HBO #ParamountPlus #MarcusEldridge #CloudNine #Neuroscience #UCLA #EmoryUniversity #LosAngeles #GrammyAwards #OpeningActCompetition #IndependentArtist #BlackWomenInEntertainment #GenreDefying #RisingTalent #EntertainmentProfile #ArtisticIdentity #MultidimensionalSuccess #BlackFemaleCreatives #Music #Empowerment #CreativeVoice #VocalPower #MusicIndustry #FutureIcon #NathanJLee

    14 min
  3. 07/02/2025

    Nia Renee | FUTURE ICONS | Episode 8 - Turning Career Crossroads into a Comeback

    Future Icons Podcast hosted by Nathan J. Lee featuring Nia Renee While Hollywood hits pause, Nia Renee hits record. The USC-trained actress, filmmaker, and producer launched The Nia Renee Network, a self-made, digital platform for bold, unscripted content including her original series “Meet Me at the Club” streaming now on YouTube.   Nia Renee is a USC-trained actress, filmmaker, and producer. Her acting credits include the BET+ original movie “Dutch II: Angel’s Revenge,” the TV series Buzz Kill, and the short film Vivere. She hosts Meet Me at the Club,” her self-produced original series on The Nia Renee Network. Nia and husband, actor David Lami Friebe collaborate on many projects, including “Son of Oakland,” an award-winning short film honoring their late friend Victor McElhaney.   Nathan J. Lee is a journalist and storyteller whose work at the Los Angeles Sentinel spans arts, culture, entertainment, sports, and community-driven stories. His articles spotlight emerging talent, historical milestones, and impactful events shaping Los Angeles. From in-depth interviews with rising artists to coverage of cultural celebrations and social issues, Lee’s writing captures the pulse of the city with authenticity and insight.   Tags: Nia Renee, The Nia Renee Network, Meet Me at the Club, David Lami Friebe, USC, Arlette Muli, Pop the Balloon, Son of Oakland, Victor McElhaney, Leimert Park, Hollywood strikes, reality television, unscripted TV, actress, filmmaker, producer, Black creatives, women in film, Oakland, Bay Area, independent creators, career pivot, storytelling, digital platforms, creative rebirth, network launch, pandemic burnout, young Black talent, industry disruption, DIY filmmaking, Black Los Angeles, artistic expression, lateral networking   Hashtags: #NiaRenee #TheNiaReneeNetwork #MeetMeAtTheClub #DavidLamiFriebe #USCAlumni #BlackCreatives #WomenInFilm #RealityTV #UnscriptedContent #IndependentFilmmaker #SonOfOakland #VictorMcElhaney #LeimertPark #HollywoodRebels #OaklandPride #CreateYourOwnSpace #CareerComeback #DigitalPlatform #BlackExcellence #ArtAsHealing #BurnoutToBreakthrough #YoungHollywood #IndustryDisruptor #entertainmenticon

    27 min
  4. 06/28/2025

    boysloveflowers | FUTURE ICONS | Episode 7 - The big, black, gay world of boysloveflowers edit

    Future Icons Podcast hosted by Nathan J. Lee featuring boysloveflowers “Ty is resilient. Ty is authentic, Ty is smart, and boy, is Ty sexy,” says the Philadelphia-born rapper. Known for his audacious, sensual flair and tongue-in-cheek lyricism, Ty Gaffney-Smith, better known as boysloveflowers, creates “fun, sexy, and quirky,” music for L.A.’s trap-electronica scene. But behind the showman, is a sharp cultural architect crafting a new standard for what it means to be a Black indie artist.  Ty Gaffney-Smith, known professionally as boysloveflowers, is a Philadelphia-born rapper crafting “fun, sexy, and quirky” music within L.A.’s trap-electronica scene. Beyond the beats, he is a cultural architect building platforms for Black queer visibility, blending art with advocacy through music, podcasting, and performance. With nearly a decade at APLA Health, Ty’s creative work is vested in community care, purpose, and the belief that every platform and space should stand for something.   Nathan J. Lee is a journalist and storyteller whose work at the Los Angeles Sentinel spans arts, culture, entertainment, sports, and community-driven stories. His articles spotlight emerging talent, historical milestones, and impactful events shaping Los Angeles. From in-depth interviews with rising artists to coverage of cultural celebrations and social issues, Lee’s writing captures the pulse of the city with authenticity and insight. Read full article at lasentinel.net https://lasentinel.net/inside-the-big-black-brilliant-world-of-boysloveflowers.html Tag: Ty Gaffney-Smith, boysloveflowers, Endless Vacation Tour, Pansy, Nip Tuck, Flora FM, Boys Love the Radio, Black gay artists, queer music, LGBTQ+ rap, trap-electronica, Philadelphia-born rapper, Black indie artist, APLA Health, Black excellence, Pride Month, podcast creator, Black queer visibility, Flowers and Smoke, Black, Gay & Retired, Thought and Opinion, euphoric queer freedom, creative advocacy, Black culture, LA music scene, community care, music and activism, Black LGBTQ+ content, indie music, queer storytelling, Nicki Minaj, Maxwell, Lauryn Hill Hashtags:#boysloveflowers #TyGaffneySmith #EndlessVacationTour #Pansy #NipTuck #FloraFM #BoysLoveTheRadio #BlackGayArtists #QueerMusic #LGBTQRap #TrapElectronica #BlackIndieArtist #PhiladelphiaRapper #APLAHealth #BlackExcellence #PrideMonth2025 #QueerVisibility #BlackQueerJoy #PodcastCreator #QueerStorytelling #IndieMusicScene #MusicAndActivism #CreativeAdvocate #BlackLGBTQVoices #FutureOfRap

    27 min
  5. 06/18/2025

    Eric Devontae | FUTURE ICONS | Episode 6

    Future Icons Podcast hosted by Nathan J. Lee featuring Eric Devontae It’s very urban, very Black. It’s very soulful, very sexy, sly, witty and fun,” says Eric Devontae Russell, an actor, host, and rapper who moves between camera, mic, and pen with a signature blend of soul and swagger. His artistry channels Queens grit with a Los Angeles creative edge. “Think of it like an urban sex kitten,” he laughs. “A little Lil’ Kim, a little Foxy Brown… Very proud. Strong. Self-reflective. Gritty. A little gutter-like. It’s very New York. It’s very where I come from.” Eric Devontae has built a reputation as a sharp, intuitive interviewer, connecting with a wide range of talent including Raven-Symoné, Natalie Nunn, and Dwayne Wade. His ease on the red carpet and ability to ask unexpected, thoughtful questions have made him a trusted voice in entertainment media. Nathan J. Lee is a journalist and storyteller whose work at the Los Angeles Sentinel spans arts, culture, entertainment, sports, and community-driven stories. His articles spotlight emerging talent, historical milestones, and impactful events shaping Los Angeles. From in-depth interviews with rising artists to coverage of cultural celebrations and social issues, Lee’s writing captures the pulse of the city with authenticity and insight.   Tags: Eric DeVontae Russell, Eric Devontae, actor, rapper, host, interviewer, red carpet, The Black Queer Cypher, boysloveflowers, Herby, Jasper Dupri, Rich Bomb, DJ, Antwon Russell, Love & US, Franklin, WatchVim, Church Secrets, Don B. Welch, BET Hip Hop Cypher, Black queer talent, LGBTQ+ artists, queer rappers, underground rap, Los Angeles, New York, Queens, Black entertainment, urban artistry, multi-hyphenate, creative identity, queer storytelling, Black culture, media personality, rising star, breakthrough artist, Nathan J. Lee Read article at lasentinel.net https://lasentinel.net/eric-devontae-built-for-the-spotlight-born-for-the-mic.html Hashtags: #EricDevontaeRussell #EricDevontae #ActorHostRapper #RedCarpetVoice #BlackQueerTalent #LGBTQArtists #QueerRappers #UndergroundRap #TheBlackQueerCypher #Boysloveflowers #Herby #JasperDupri #RichBomb #DJAntwonRussell #LoveAndUS #FranklinFilm #WatchVim #ChurchSecrets #DonBWelch #BETHipHopCypher #UrbanArtistry #BlackEntertainment #CreativeIdentity #MultiHyphenate #MediaPersonality #BreakthroughArtist #RisingStar #QueensNY #LosAngelesCreatives #BlackCulture #QueerStorytelling #NathanJLee #JournalistSpotlight #SoulAndSwagger #AuthenticVoices

    21 min
  6. 04/13/2025

    Javonte Rose | FUTURE ICONS | Episode 5

    Javonte Rose is a multi-hyphenate artist whose journey from small-town New Hampshire to the entertainment world spans modeling, reality TV, music, and authorship.    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjavonterose/ IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9071570   Nathan J. Lee is a journalist and storyteller whose work at the Los Angeles Sentinel spans arts, culture, entertainment, sports, and community-driven stories. His articles spotlight emerging talent, historical milestones, and impactful events shaping Los Angeles. From in-depth interviews with rising artists to coverage of cultural celebrations and social issues, Lee’s writing captures the pulse of the city with authenticity and insight. Website: https://nathanjlee.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanjunglebaby/ IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14991011/?ref_=hm_rvi_i_1   Tags: Javonte Rose, Caribbean R&B, Caribbean Condition, Bon Appétit, Craving for You, 24 Hours of Love with Vanji, Vanessa Vanjie Mateo, Pop the Balloon, Casablanca Studios, John Casablancas Modeling and Career Centers, Elite Model Management, Tyra Banks, modeling, short films, reality television, Los Angeles, Boston, New Hampshire, Behind the Blue Eyes, self-love, anti-bullying, Black creatives, multi-hyphenate artists, music, fashion, entertainment industry, emerging talent, Nathan J. Lee   Hashtags: #JavonteRose #CaribbeanRNB #CaribbeanCondition #BonAppétit #CravingForYou #24HoursOfLoveWithVanji #VanessaVanjieMateo #PopTheBalloon #CasablancaStudios #JohnCasablancas #EliteModelManagement #TyraBanks #Modeling #ShortFilms #RealityTelevision #LosAngeles #Boston #NewHampshire #BehindTheBlueEyes #SelfLove #AntiBullying #BlackCreatives #MultiHyphenateArtist #Music #Fashion #EntertainmentIndustry #EmergingTalent #NathanJLee   Read article at lasentinel.net https://lasentinel.net/javonte-rose-the-multi-hyphenate-speaks-on-art-beauty-and-becoming.html

    19 min
  7. 03/26/2025

    Elizaul Santana | FUTURE ICONS | Episode 4

    Future Icons Podcast hosted by Nathan J. Lee featuring Elizaul Santana   Elizaul Santana’s journey from Salem, Massachusetts, to the streets of Hollywood is fueled by grit, grind, and an unbreakable passion for acting, drawing inspiration from legends like Jharrel Jerome, Denzel Washington, Anthony Mackie, Samuel L. Jackson, Martin Scorsese, Ryan Coogler, and Jordan Peele. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizaul_santana/ IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13860730/   Nathan J. Lee is a journalist and storyteller whose work at the Los Angeles Sentinel spans arts, culture, entertainment, sports, and community-driven stories. His articles spotlight emerging talent, historical milestones, and impactful events shaping Los Angeles. From in-depth interviews with rising artists to coverage of cultural celebrations and social issues, Lee’s writing captures the pulse of the city with authenticity and insight. Website: https://nathanjlee.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanjunglebaby/ IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14991011/   Tags: Elizaul Santana, Salem Massachusetts, Hollywood, Jharrel Jerome, Denzel Washington, Anthony Mackie, Samuel L. Jackson, Martin Scorsese, Ryan Coogler, Jordan Peele, Beyond the Eyes, JOY, Death Watches, Curse of Vanishing, Brandon Lee Ward, Anthony Salinas, acting, hustle, grind, Afro-Latino, emerging talent, film industry, dedication, passion, Nathan J. Lee   Hashtags: #ElizaulSantana #SalemMassachusetts #Hollywood #JharrelJerome #DenzelWashington #AnthonyMackie #SamuelLJackson #MartinScorsese #RyanCoogler #JordanPeele #BeyondTheEyes #JOY #DeathWatches #CurseOfVanishing #Acting #Hustle #Grind #AfroLatino #EmergingTalent #FilmIndustry #Dedication #Passion #NathanJLee

    19 min
  8. 03/25/2025

    Shaun Bedgood | FUTURE ICONS | Episode 3

    Future Icons Podcast hosted by Nathan J. Lee featuring Shaun Bedgood   Shaun Bedgood, an accomplished actor known for standout roles in Shameless, Animal Kingdom, and The Rookie, is more than just a name, he is a whole vibe. He began his career as a stand-up comedian in Boston, where he climbed the entertainment ladder before landing on Hollywood’s doorstep. “I did stand-up comedy for a long time, but acting was always the plan,” Shaun admits. And like any good comic, he milked the laughs before switching lanes, performing at iconic LA venues like The Comedy Store and Hollywood Improv. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4121885/ https://www.instagram.com/shaunbg/   Nathan J. Lee is a journalist and storyteller whose work at the Los Angeles Sentinel spans arts, culture, entertainment, sports, and community-driven stories. He spotlights emerging talent, historical milestones, and impactful events shaping Los Angeles. From in-depth interviews with rising artists to coverage of cultural celebrations and social issues, Lee’s writings capture the pulse of the city with authenticity and insight. https://nathanjlee.com https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14991011/ https://www.instagram.com/americanjunglebaby/ Tags: entertainment, Hollywood, stand-up comedy, acting career, multicams, single cams, entrepreneurship, social media strategies, Los Angeles, comedy to acting, Shaun Bedgood, film and television, creative visionaries, modern creatives, adaptability in entertainment, Madame Web, Eric Aronson, Any Day Now, Shameless, Animal Kingdom, The Rookie, The Comedy Story, Hollywood Improv, Nathan J. Lee Read article at lasentinel.net https://lasentinel.net/shaun-bedgood-from-stand-up-comedy-to-hollywoods-big-screen.html

    39 min
  9. 03/20/2025

    Johnny Tsunami | FUTURE ICONS | Episode 2

    Future Icons Podcast hosted by Nathan J. Lee featuring Johnny Tsunami John Origines Santos Jr., better known as Johnny Tsunami, is a rapper, singer-songwriter, dancer, actor, and choreographer. A San Pedro native, he is classically trained in concert dance while excelling as a commercial dancer, ballroom performer, and rap artist. https://www.instagram.com/ohrigines/ https://open.spotify.com/album/68IlcRLBx4S3CdXgBaGTRd Nathan J. Lee is a journalist and storyteller whose work at the Los Angeles Sentinel spans arts, culture, entertainment, sports, and community-driven stories. His articles spotlight emerging talent, historical milestones, and impactful events shapingLos Angeles. From in-depth interviews with rising artists to coverage of cultural celebrations and social issues, Lee’s writing captures the pulse of the city with authenticity and insight. https://nathanjlee.com https://www.instagram.com/americanjunglebaby/   Tags: Johnny Tsunami, John Origines Santos Jr., Dawn Richard, Danity Kane, Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow, Rosalía, Anthony Bawn, Family Reunion, Larry Powell, The Madame of Leimert, Enyce Cozy, King of the West, Lord Saint Black, Sean Cheesman, Prince, JanetJackson, Helios Dance Theater, Rhetorical Dance Company, Jazz Antiqua, Apple,Hennessy, Hoka, Coca-Cola, Blackville, Bakunawa, Double Scorpio, ballroom, hip-hop, music, choreography, acting, performance art, Black artists, Filipino artists, industry trailblazer, creative evolution, rising star, entertainment industry, Nathan J. Lee Read full article read onlasentinel.net https://lasentinel.net/the-evolution-of-johnny-tsunami.html

    18 min
  10. 03/13/2025

    Elijah Rashad Reed |FUTURE ICONS | Episode 1

    Future Icons Podcast hosted by Nathan J. Lee featuring Elijah Rashad Reed   Elijah Rashad Reed is a Los Angeles-born actor, writer, and filmmaker whose career spans feature films, short films, commercials, and television. A true local, born and raised in Silverlake, many refer to him as a “Silverlake unicorn”—one of the few native Angelenos still capable of finding success in the ever-evolving entertainment industry. https://elijahrreed.com https://www.instagram.com/elijahrashad__   Nathan J. Lee is a journalist and storyteller whose work at the Los Angeles Sentinel spans arts, culture, entertainment, sports, and community-driven stories. His articles spotlight emerging talent, historical milestones, and impactful events shaping Los Angeles. From in-depth interviews with rising artists to coverage of cultural celebrations and social issues, Lee’s writing captures the pulse of the city with authenticity and insight. https://nathanjlee.com https://www.instagram.com/americanjunglebaby/   Tags: Elijah Rashad Reed, Silverlake Unicorn, Hollywood Actor, Rising Star, Brothers of Affliction, LA Theater Scene, Film and Television, Actor to Watch, Grown-ish, Doom Patrol, Theater and Film, Snowfall, Colin Black & White, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Ava DuVernay, This is Us, Paris Crayton III, Nathan J. Lee   For full article read on lasentinel.net https://lasentinel.net/elijah-rashad-reed-proves-why-he-is-the-silverlake-unicorn-to-watch.html

    20 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Future Icons Podcast brings you best Los Angeles emerging talent. Young stars on the brick on stardom in art, dance, poetry, film, tv, and theater discuss their background, experience, challenges, achievements, and next steps with host and journalist, Nathan J. Lee.