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This week (June 27), BET+, the premiere streaming service for the Black audience, announced the return of its wildly successful original docuseries, “The Impact Atlanta.” Click inside to meet the cast of season two!
Highlighting the second season is the addition of a new Atlanta-based cast member, rapper, and influencer Jerrika Karlae. In addition to that, fan favorite Tuson Jewell has been upped to a full-time cast member. Returning cast members from season one include Ari Fletcher, Arrogant Tae, Lakeyah and Dess Dior.
In the eight-episode series, these young trendsetters give viewers an all-access pass to their fast-paced lives and the most important events, conversations, and moments happening in the zeitgeist. In an age where social media plays such a key role in business, music, beauty, and fashion, viewers will also get a peek at the creative process, preparation, and deal-making it takes to truly impact the culture.
In addition to their fast-paced business lives, the new season promises to deliver on the personal growth of each of our stars, adversities, and major life decisions that could impact friendships and family.
With a combined social media following of more than 20 million users, the cast represents a new generation of influencers that have leveraged their personas and technology to amass followings, start and grow businesses, set trends in beauty and fashion, and deliver music that charts.
The docu-series drew a record number of new subscribers to the platform in its inaugural season debut in October 2022. “The Impact Atlanta” is executive produced by Kevin “Coach K” Lee, Pierre “P” Thomas and Brian Sher (Quality FIlms); Karam Gill; as well as Tara Long and Gennifer Gardiner (eOne). Morgan Miller will serve as the showrunner while Connie Orlando (EVP of Specials, Music Programming and Strategy) and Angela Aguilera (SVP of Music Programming and Development) will oversee for BET+.
The series is currently in production with a premiere date to be announced later this year. Until then, scroll down to meet the cast of the upcoming season!
1. Ari Fletcher (@therealkylesister)
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Ariana “Ari” Fletcher, one of social media’s highest-earning influencers, grew her following into a multimillion-dollar endorsement and branding machine.
Ari rose to popularity on social media for her trendsetting wardrobe choices and hairstyles, and recently launched her makeup line “Remedy By Ari” which sold out within minutes after its first drop. Her YouTube Series “#DinnerWithTheDon” which features her cooking and comedy skills in a lighthearted format, has already gained nearly half a million subscribers.
A proud mother and sister, Ari continues to honor her brother Kyle Jamison’s legacy with his name in her Instagram handle after his untimely passing in 2013.
2. Destiny “Dess Dior” Bailey (@1dessdior)
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One of the most sought-after influencers, Dess Dior, made a mark for herself in the rap game with her hit singles “Don’t Play” and “Rich B*tch.”
The Savanna, Georgia native brings, rapping since the age of 12, Dess launched her own entertainment label and leveraged her popularity as a known fashion and beauty influencer to amass nearly two million combined social media followers. No stranger to detail, Dess also owns the “Rich B*tch Gang” (RBG) accessory line geared to empower her female followers.
While working on her own fashion line, Dess has expanded into print modeling recently donning the front rows and runways of notable fashion brands.
Dess’s latest EP “RAW“ became an instant hit giving her new material for appearances on rapper Future’s multi-city “One Big Party” tour in 2023.
3. Dionte “Arrogant Tae” Gray (@arrogant_tae123)
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Dionte “Arrogant Tae” Gray is the sought-after, trendsetting, hairstylist whose clientele includes names like Nicki Minaj, Lala Anthony, and JT from City Girls, to name a few.
The Chicago native was exposed to the hair business at an early age where he eventually began styling his mom and family members. After honing his craft for years, with clients in the U.S. and abroad, Tae has expanded his reach to include product branding and multiple endorsement deals.
Tae recently introduced his hair care line “Obviously Arrogant” with a national retail distribution deal and his clothing brand is set for a summer 2023 debut.
Tae’s impact on the beauty industry has crossed over into popular culture, even being mentioned in Drake’s hit “Laugh Now Cry Later,” with the lyrical reference “we in Atlanta, I buy her a wig, she’s telling me Tae is the best.”
4. Jerrika Karlae (@okaykarlae)
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Jerrika Karlae is a multifaceted recording artist, influencer, and entrepreneur hailing from Winston Salem, North Carolina.
Although deeply involved in fashion, music has always held a special place in Karlae’s heart. Initially a hobby, her writing and performance talents quickly gained recognition with her debut on the 2018 hit “U Ain’t Slime Enough.” Since then, she has collaborated with top rappers like Yung Miami of City Girls, Coi Leray, Gunna, and Lil Yachty.
Using her social media presence, Karlae has secured major deals with brands like Fashion Nova and PrettyLittleThing.
5. Lakeyah Robinson (@lakeyah)
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The Milwaukee-born rapper and singer entered the spotlight in 2019 with a remix of a City Girls track for the viral “First Day Out” challenge, which gained traction online and caught the eyes of Quality Control Music and City Girls’ JT, who reposted her track. In early 2020, Lakeyah followed up with The Keymix II project, which introduced the world to her unmatched range, effortlessly swinging between aggressive, braggadocious rap and soulful, earnest R&B tracks.
After Lil Baby reshared Lakeyah’s remix of his single “We Paid,” Quality Control signed her immediately. Since signing, Lakeyah has consistently fed her fans with music eventually and landed a spot in XXL’s coveted ‘2021 Freshman Class.’
In 2022, Lakeyah signed to Motown Records and released two EPs, No Pressure Part 1 and No Pressure Part 2. The projects boast breakout singles “Mind Yo Business” [feat. Latto] and “Real Bitch” [feat. Gloss Up] respectively, showcasing Lakeyah’s clever flows, cutting-edge delivery, and undeniably catchy hooks.
6. Tuson Jewell (@bm313atl)
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Artist and aspiring actor, Tuson Jewell, is a native of Detroit, MI. Tuson spent time in his family’s studio as a child, developing a love for music which eventually led to the release of his first album, “What’z My Name?” at 10 years of age.
Introduced as Ari’s bestie and Tae’s assistant in season one of “The Impact Atlanta,” Tuson instantly became a fan favorite with his sharp reads and quick-witted humor.
Tuson moved to Atlanta to further his career by creating timeless “feel good” music that “uplifts” people. He is currently working on an EP set for a summer 2023 release.
