Precious Fondren, Freelance Journalist Profile

Articles

Sipping Boba and Trying to Smile with Yaya Bey

1 week ago | bkmag.com | Precious Fondren

This profile was supposed to open with a triumphant anecdote about Yaya Bey performing at Governors Ball earlier this month—a vivid snapshot of her post-show glow, maybe a quip about her energy onstage. But the weather had other plans, and her set was abruptly canceled on day two due to torrential rain, a frustrating yet all-too-familiar industry reality for independent artists. So instead, we met at a laid-back café in Brooklyn.
Why 9 a.m. Banger Might Be the Best Party in New York City

2 months ago | bkmag.com | Precious Fondren

When Sharice Coleman decided to celebrate her 33rd birthday with a group of friends at the 9 a.m. Banger, she knew they’d have to thoroughly prepare for the event. While most people were hitting snooze on their alarms on Saturday, April 5, Coleman and the girls were pre-gaming with iced lattes, buttered toast, pancakes, and unreasonable amounts of water. “I went to bed at 8 p.m. to prepare exactly for this day,” Colemen said.
10 Unforgettable Bowls of Pho

Feb 25, 2025 | bkmag.com | Precious Fondren |Kim Pham

While the weather remains honest for February in Brooklyn, you’ve still got time to battle the brutal chill with some nice hot soup. Specifically, pho. Because, if we’re being honest, few things hit like a steaming bowl of rice noodles, tendon, and crystal clear broth on a frigid day. And, quite fortunately, Brooklyn Magazine is here to guide you to some of the best bowls we’ve come across recently.
Brooklyn Pastry Chef Wins Great Borough Bake-Off With Tribute to Storied Building

Jan 6, 2025 | bkmag.com | Precious Fondren

Brooklyn came out on top in the third annual Gingerbread NYC: The Great Borough Bake-Off. Well, at least a woman from Brooklyn did. Julia Kiskie, a 38-year-old mom and pastry chef based in Midwood, won the competition this week for her edible version of the legendary Upper West Side based Dakota Apartments, according to the New York Post. “It was a lot of long nights,” Kiskie told the outlet.
A Guide to Good Hot Chocolate in Brooklyn

Dec 30, 2024 | bkmag.com | Precious Fondren

There’s a chill outside, which means it’s time to grab a warm drink. And what better beverage to indulge in at this time of the year than hot chocolate? Whether you like your hot cocoa with warm whole milk (I’m an oat milk girl myself) or toasted marshmallows, there’s a spot to get the perfect cup for you somewhere in Brooklyn. BKMAG schlepped to numerous shops in search of hot cocoa worth our (and your) money.
Brooklyn Played a Major Part in Pop Culture This Year. Here’s How.

Dec 27, 2024 | bkmag.com | Precious Fondren

Beyoncé popped up at a Luar show, while Luigi Mangione and Diddy are ending 2024 at MDC.
Toy Drives and Giveaways Happening in Brooklyn This Week

Dec 18, 2024 | bkmag.com | Precious Fondren

The holidays are here. In the next couple of weeks, people will spend more time with their families and friends gathering for dinners, games, and, of course, to unwrap toys. Around Brooklyn, a slew of community centers, churches, and other organizations will host toy drives to make sure as many kids have a special holiday as possible. Below, BKMAG highlighted some of the most accessible toy drives happening around the borough for anyone who wants to give a gift to light up a kid’s world.
A Guide to Brooklyn Dance Spots

Dec 10, 2024 | bkmag.com | Precious Fondren

Whether you like it or not, dancing in the “clerb” is in style again. Gone are the days of treating the dance floor like a forgotten middle child, nervously babysitting your phone in a corner, or standing with your back up against the wall. Not today. Instead, it’s time to lose yourself to the music. It’s time to twirl, glide, and maybe even attempt that TikTok routine you’ve been practicing.
Brooklyn Is Getting Its First Luxury Building for Couples With 2 Incomes and No Kids

Dec 5, 2024 | bkmag.com | Precious Fondren

A new apartment building in a family-friendly neighborhood in Brooklyn that’s geared toward DINKs—that is, couples who are dual-income, no kids—will accept lease applications this week, according to the New York Post. The building, located at 655 Union St. in Park Slope, is designed to lure childless 20- and 30-somethings to the area with fancy amenities including a pilates studio, rooftop pool, and a dog spa.
Jay-Z’s Most Brooklyn Songs, Ranked

Dec 4, 2024 | bkmag.com | Precious Fondren

If there’s one thing that’s certain in this lifetime? It’s that Jay-Z loves Brooklyn. And for what it’s worth, Brooklyn loves Jay-Z right back. (Just last year, the biggest library in the borough dedicated basically what could be considered a shrine to the rapper, culminating in an exhibit that got thousands of people to sign up for a library card.)The rapper born Shawn Carter turns 55 today.