The energy inside Buckhead Theatre was electric as culture, entertainment, and fashion converged for the 20th Anniversary Sheen Magazine Awards. Among the night’s standout stars was Staten Island native Johnell Young, best known for his breakthrough portrayal of Gary / RZA in Hulu’s hit series Wu-Tang: An American Saga.
Stopping by to chat on the red carpet with Atlanta Wave TV, the multitalented actor, producer, and director reflected on his recent Actor of the Year nomination, his new crime drama series D.O.P.E. Unit, and why celebrating Black excellence in Atlanta hits differently.
From Wu-Tang Saga to Detective Dorsey
While fans continue to stream all three seasons of Wu-Tang: An American Saga, Young is already making major moves in his next chapter. He stars as Detective Dorsey in the original series D.O.P.E. Unit, distributed by ALLBLK and MACRO.
“Y’all could go and stream [Wu-Tang] right now. I got a new TV show out that’s on ALLBLK and MACRO just brought us,” Young shared. “It’s called D.O.P.E. Unit and I play Detective Dorsey. Matter of fact, a new episode dropped right now today.”
The high-stakes crime drama places Young alongside a powerhouse ensemble cast, including Erica Peeples, Terayle Hill, and Robert Ri’chard.
Fatherhood First and Celebrating Excellence in Atlanta
Beyond the screen and red carpet accolades, Young remains grounded in what matters most. When asked to define his journey and identity, he immediately highlighted his priority above all artistic titles: being a father.
“Father first, God for what—what else?” Young emphasized, proudly taking in his nomination for Actor of the Year.
Transitioning from New York to Atlanta’s thriving entertainment hub for the evening, Young expressed deep gratitude for the brotherhood, creative synergy, and warm reception within the city’s creative scene.
“I’m from Staten Island, New York. So to be around my fellow Black people in love… I feel good, man. We’re just celebrating Black excellence.”
With a new series airing, fresh nominations under his belt, and the Atlanta entertainment ecosystem firing on all cylinders, Johnell Young continues to demonstrate why he remains one of the most dynamic talents to watch.
G-STAR AND WU-TANG CLAN’S NEW DENIM COLLABORATION BRINGS EXCLUSIVE FIRST ACCESS TO ATLANTA
Atlanta becomes the first city in the world to shop the new G-STAR x Wu-Tang Clan collaboration, exclusively at the Lenox Square G-STAR Store,
timed to Wu-Tang Clan’s Shaky Knees Festival performance
RZA to Appear at G-Star Store Atlanta, September 20
Atlanta will be the first city anywhere to get its hands on the new G-STAR x Wu-Tang Clan collection. Starting September 20, G-STAR and Wu-Tang Clan, in association with Iconic Artists Group, are giving local fans exclusive early access to the debut drop of their multi-year collaboration. The collection will be available only at the Lenox Square G-STAR store in Atlanta, located at 3393 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30326, ahead of its global release.
Timed to Wu-Tang Clan’s headlining performance at Shaky Knees Festival (September 18–20, Piedmont Park), fans can shop the collection in person at the G-STAR store in Atlanta starting September 20, from 12 noon to 7p, while supplies last, ahead of wider availability later this year.
To celebrate the launch, Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA will make a special in-store appearance at the G-STAR Atlanta store on September 20th between 1 and 3p. Fans and shoppers will have the opportunity to preview the limited collection in person, with additional details regarding entry to be announced prior to the event.
The collaboration marks a new chapter in how Wu-Tang Clan’s cultural language is expressed through fashion – not applied as branding, but built into the cut, construction, and discipline of G-STAR denim. Expect G-STAR’s signature washes and silhouettes reworked with Wu-Tang detailing, alongside outerwear and knitwear. The partnership had its first moment in the wild in March, when Wu-Tang Clan members wore a limited-edition tour jacket, sourced and embroidered in the Netherlands, onstage in Amsterdam – a preview of the craftsmanship behind the wider collaboration.
Following the Atlanta debut, the collection rolls out worldwide in November, timed around Wu-Tang Day (November 9) and Wu-Tang Clan’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (November 14). Additional drops, including capsules for women, are planned for 2027.
“Wu-Tang built a world out of nothing but skill, code and imagination – that’s the same discipline behind every pair of jeans we make. Atlanta feels like the right place to introduce that to the people,” said Rob Schilder, Chief Executive Officer, G-STAR.
“G-STAR is on the scene representing the rugged, mixed with swag and elegance, a style that completely fits Wu-Tang because we’ve always represented urban ruggedness yet elevated swag,” said RZA.
“Iconic Artists Group’s SVP, Head of Licensing and Brand Partnerships, Bil Bertini, said, “This partnership is a perfect alignment of G-STAR’s raw denim heritage and Wu-Tang’s raw, unbridled energy.”
ABOUT G-STAR
Founded in 1989, G-STAR has pioneered the future of denim through innovation, craftsmanship, sustainability, and creativity. Known for redefining the denim space, the brand blends a sophisticated edge with premium design and bold collaborations with icons like Pharrell Williams, Marc Newson, and Snoop Dogg. With a rebellious spirit, G-STAR continues to challenge conventions, push boundaries, and champion creative expression.
ABOUT WU-TANG CLAN
Founded in New York City’s Staten Island in the early 1990s, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees-elect Wu-Tang Clan comprises members RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, U-God, Masta Killa, Inspectah Deck, Cappadonna, and the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard (ODB).
Led by the production of RZA, samples from martial arts films have thematically appeared throughout the group’s music, as have samples of classic funk and soul tracks from artists like Rick James, James Brown, and Syl Johnson. As a group, Wu-Tang Clan have three platinum albums among their eight LPs, and the group’s complete anthology (including solo albums) has more than 85 full-length releases. More than just rappers, Wu-Tang Clan are entrepreneurs and successful cultural influencers, with an empire that features everything from clothing lines and video games to books and acting credits.
Considered by many to be the greatest hip-hop group of all time, Wu-Tang Clan have been touring as a unit since their debut record — Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) — came out in 1993. The now triple-platinum release vaulted the New York City group with songs like “C.R.E.A.M.” (Cash Rules Everything Around Me) and “Protect Ya Neck” that are about as recognizable as anything in the rap canon.
Whether they’re headlining their global farewell tour, Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber, delivering the 36 Chambersrecord front to back on the album’s 25th Anniversary Tour, or bringing tracks from GZA’s seminal Liquid Swords and Raekwon’s mafioso-minded Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…, while honoring the legacy of their departed brother, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, on stages worldwide, every Wu-Tang Clan show is a celebration of prolific careers as individuals and especially as the most storied group in hip-hop history.
ABOUT ICONIC ARTISTS GROUP
Iconic Artists Group is dedicated to acquiring, actively managing, and preserving the important legacy of iconic musical artists. Founded by industry veteran Irving Azoff, Iconic fills a void in the music business by providing artists and their estates with a trusted guardian for their intellectual property and a partner with the expertise to maximize the value of their assets and maintain their brand. Iconic works in direct collaboration with artists, their managers, record labels, and publishers, and legal heirs to provide a comprehensive solution that unites the music with the brand to efficiently drive value in both. For more information, visit https://iconicartistsgroup.com/.
Actionable Takeaways
- Stream ‘D.O.P.E. Unit’: Watch Johnell Young as Detective Dorsey on ALLBLK and MACRO networks.
- Binge ‘Wu-Tang: An American Saga’: Catch up on Seasons 1–3 currently available on streaming platforms.
- Support Local Atlanta Events: Keep up with regional award shows and creative platforms spotlighting Black media and independent film.
Conclusion
Johnell Young’s presence at the 2026 Sheen Magazine Awards reinforces Atlanta’s position as a premier destination for celebrating talent, culture, and community. Whether stepping into complex dynamic roles on screen or championing family and faith off the mic, Young represents the modern renaissance artist.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What role does Johnell Young play in ‘D.O.P.E. Unit’?
Johnell Young plays Detective Dorsey in the ALLBLK crime drama series D.O.P.E. Unit.
Where can I watch ‘D.O.P.E. Unit’?
D.O.P.E. Unit is available for streaming on the ALLBLK platform.
What previous major roles is Johnell Young known for?
Young gained widespread acclaim playing Gary / RZA in Hulu’s biographical drama series Wu-Tang: An American Saga.
Where were the 2026 Sheen Magazine Awards held?
The 20th Anniversary Sheen Magazine Awards took place at the Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia.
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