This week (September 17th), BET+ announced that their original series The Impact Atlanta has been renewed for a third season. Continue reading to find out who will comprise the cast.
Quality Control and Lionsgate’s hour-long docuseries follows the lives of Atlanta’s top-tier influential trendsetters. This multi-talented group of friends has excelled at turning clicks and likes into multimillion-dollar brands. They have shaped and moved the culture with every post, making them the ultimate VIPs and cultural icons. Beyond the glitz and glamor, they reveal their deeply human side and the truth behind their flashy façade, showcasing a new generation of Black entrepreneurs breaking barriers and creating a blueprint for success.
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. This season, Ari Fletcher, Karlae and Tuson Jewell are set to return. New cast members include DJ Tori Brixx and artists LightSkinKeisha and Gloss Up. Additionally, Coca Vango, DayyBella, Sir Julien, and Derrian “Phreshy” Perry will join as supporting cast.
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The Impact Atlanta is executive produced by Pierre ‘P’ Thomas and Kevin ‘Coach K’ Lee, CEOs and founders of Quality Control, along with Brian Sher and Karam Gill. Gennifer Gardiner executive produces for Lionsgate.
The series is currently in production with a premiere date to be announced later this year. While we wait for that (and the official trailer), get to know this season’s cast below! Share your thoughts in the comment section.
1. Ari Fletcher (@therealkylesister)
Ariana ‘Ari’ Fletcher, also known as @therealkylesister, is a model and influential social media personality from Chicago, Illinois. She is the founder of two successful e-commerce brands: Remedy By Ari, which promotes confidence and self-care, and Remedy Swim, focused on lifestyle and travel. Ariana’s YouTube series, “#DinnerWithTheDon,” features her cooking and infectious humor, has gained over half a million subscribers. As an original cast member, Ari has additional business ventures in beauty, swimwear, reality TV, culinary arts, and more, demonstrating her diverse talents and ambitions.
2. Karlae (@okaykarlae)
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Karlae, originally from North Carolina and raised in Georgia, is a multi-talented entrepreneur, rapper, model, and influencer, representing a new generation of musicians who do not conform to labels or limitations. While she has a passion for rapping, Karlae’s music is primarily rooted in Hip-Hop but also draws inspiration from R&B and Pop. Her journey into music began with recording songs like “RIXH” featuring Rich The Kid and “U Aint Slime Enough” from the 2018 “Slime Language” mixtape. Following this, Karlae signed with Young Stoner Life (YSL) and released singles such as “Jimmy Choo” featuring Young Thug and Gunna, “Sheesh,” “I Like” featuring Coi Leray, and “Trance” featuring Yung Bleu, showcasing her versatility. Her latest EP, “Enter,” marks her first full-length project, offering fans a glimpse into her inner thoughts and world. The EP includes singles like “Blind” featuring Lil Yachty and “Did That.” With assistance from collaborators such as Bhad Bhabie, Dess Dior, Yung Mal, and labelmates Young Thug, Gunna, and Yak Gotti, Karlae is making an impactful and grand entrance into the music scene.
3. Tuson Jewell
Source: Getty
Tuson Jewell, a multifaceted artist and emerging actor from Detroit, Michigan, has been immersed in music from a young age, releasing his first album at just 10 years old. He gained recognition as Arrogant Tae’s assistant which boosted his profile in the entertainment industry. Now based in Atlanta, Tuson focuses on creating uplifting music and has also made a significant mark in the business world. He founded Rare Smoke, a luxury vape pen brand known for its state-of-the-art technology, rigorous safety standards, and commitment to sustainability.
4. LightSkinKeisha (@lightskinkeisha)
LightSkinKeisha, the talented rapper from Decatur, Georgia, is a rising star in Atlanta. Known for her vibrant personality, she first discovered her passion for music by freestyling as a child. In 2017, she made her official debut with the track “Weather,” which accumulated over two million streams. She was later signed by record executive L.A. Reid to HITCO Entertainment where she released her first mixtape, “That’s Just the Bottom Line.” LightSkinKeisha’s success extends beyond music, as she landed a role that has spanned four seasons in the STARZ series “Power Book II: Ghost” as Brushandria Carmichael. Her latest project, “Break The Bank,” showcases her rap skills but also her vocal ability in the song “What Ya Came For.” In addition to her music, she is also engaged, launched a clothing line and is planning to release a podcast in the near future. With her diverse talents and upcoming ventures, LightSkinKeisha is definitely an artist to watch.
5. Tori Brixx (@toribrixx)
Tori Brixx is a DJ, artist, TV host, and beauty and lifestyle influencer. She was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and raised in South Carolina. In 2018, a swimsuit photo she posted went viral across social media, quickly gaining her over 2 million followers and making her an instant Instagram sensation. Tori also appeared on Nick Cannon’s “Wild ‘N Out” Season 8 and has worked as a model and ambassador for BeatsBy Dre, Fenty, Fashion Nova, Maxim, and Good American Denim. She co-hosted a seat on Revolt’s talk show “Black Girl Stuff” and is currently Revolt TV’s female DJ for their corporate music events. Moreover, this year, Brixx secured a summer poolside DJ residency at Buckhead’s The Thompson Hotel. Needless to say, Tori Brixx is a well-known brand.
Gloss Up is making a name for herself as a prominent force in southern rap. Hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, the rapper started writing verses at a young age and began recording music on her phone before transitioning to the studio after leaving home at 17. Her raw and authentic rap style, combined with her lively personality, secured her a record deal with Quality Control. In January 2023, Gloss Up released her debut full-length mixtape, “Before the Gloss Up,” which received positive reviews from publications like XXL, Complex, and Pitchfork. Her latest project, “Shades of Gloss,” came as a follow up and was also released via Quality Control Music in August of 2023. Gloss Up has showcased her versatility in live performances at events like Yo Gotti’s annual birthday bash, Rolling Loud in Los Angeles, SXSW, and even made a surprise appearance at Coachella. Gloss Up displays her artistic range through songs like “BestFrenn” featuring GloRilla and her 2021 single “Sunshine,” in which she professes her love for her first-born son and speaks on dedicating her future wealth and success to her kids. A dedicated mother of two, Gloss Up aims to empower everyday women through her music, promoting confidence and individuality. With her talent and unique approach, Gloss Up is set to captivate fans and shine as one of the standout stars in rap music this year.
7. Coca Vango (@cocavango)
Amin Rashad Best, also known as Coca Vango, is from Decatur, Georgia. He left his hometown at the age of 20 after the loss of many friends due to incarceration or death. Driven by a strong determination to succeed and with the financial means to support his dreams, Coca Vango set out on a journey to share his story and inspire others through his music. Coca Vango discovered his passion for music at the age of 17 and decided to pursue it as a career. His series “Motivational Purposes Only” reflects his desire to share his story and motivate others to pursue their dreams. In addition to his music career, Coca Vango is also involved in fashion design, owning the clothing brand, Merlins Father. He also works as a printing producer for touring artists and is engaged in clothing manufacturing. Coca Vango appreciates the current state of the music industry, noting its independence and improved deal structures that benefit artists. Through his music and fashion endeavors, Coca Vango continues to inspire and motivate others, leaving a lasting impact on those who follow his journey.
8. DayyBella (@dayybella)
Dayira “DayyBella” Jones is a native of Washington D.C., raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She is an entrepreneur, influencer, and most importantly, a mother to her son Cairo. Dayy is the owner of The Bella Xperience, Atlanta’s premier event planning company. Although her event planning business is her most successful venture, Dayy has been an entrepreneur since the age of 15 and has witnessed many businesses start, fail, grow, and thrive. Over the years, she has been an advocate for supporting women-owned businesses through her organization, Ladies Who Brunch, which provides various workshops and opportunities for women in business to support and uplift themselves and others. In addition to supporting women business owners, Dayy has also launched The Saint Legend Foundation which will offer support to mothers of children with autism, a cause that is close to her heart due to her direct connection to autism through her son.
9. Sir Julien (@sirrjulien)
Sir Julien was born in Atlanta, Georgia, where he grew up in an environment that prioritized education. Known as the “dot connector” in his social circles, Julien founded his own Gen-Z-led digital marketing and brand management company, Viral Management, while still in high school. Alongside his close friend Nasir Dean, the son of Swizz Beatz, he organized sessions with major artists such as Trippie Redd, Lil Yachty, and Rick Ross, earning recognition in the musicindustry. With aspirations of becoming a modernized music mogul with a Gen-Z twist, Julien is determined to make his mark in the industry. He is a formidable presence, forging his own path to industry dominance while uplifting the talent around him.
10. Phreshy (@iamphreshy)
Derrian “Phreshy” Perry, also known as Phreshy, is an award-winning publicist, lifestyle specialist, and event curator from Houston, Texas. In October 2017, Phreshy moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he began establishing one of the fastest-growing PR firms owned by an African American man. Phreshy was recently recnogized during the 2024 Grammy Awards weekend for his outstanding work in public relations, cementing his status as a trailblazer in his field. Phreshy’s client roster includes Offset, Saucy Santana, K Michelle, Sean “The Pen” Garrett and award-winning rapper Yung Miami. He was also recently appointed head of Urban Music PR at Sony AWAL. He has worked with and worked with renowned entertainers and brands such as Cardi B, Migos, MTV and Swisher Sweets, among others. Phreshy shares knowledge through panel discussions, hosts empowerment brunches, and contributes to his community. His work has been featured in Forbes, Business Times, Yahoo, and more.
