On a vibey Friday night in February, Highly Unique Magazine stepped into a new era. To mark the moment, we hosted an exclusive, invite-only release event for our Q1 2026 relaunch issue right in the heart of the city.
For the setting, we tapped May Peel Cocktail Bar inside the Granada Hotel, a sleek, elevated space that matched the energy in the room. As guests arrived, industry leaders, creatives, tastemakers, and featured talent connected effortlessly, setting the tone for the night.
More than anything, this wasn’t just a release. It was a statement!
At the center of it all, our relaunch issue leads with a powerful double cover featuring Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum producer OG Parker alongside media personality, podcaster, and New York Times bestselling author Mandii B. Together, they represent both sides of the culture, the sound and the voice, pushing the conversation forward.
Beyond the cover, we highlight voices actively shaping the city and beyond. For example, the issue features Brian Freeman, K. Botchey, and celebrity tour DJ Go C.Watts. At the same time, we continue to invest in what’s next through our “Takeoff Artist” spotlight, introducing rising Atlanta artists Jiah and Dante Clay.
As the night continued, the energy only built. Not only did the May Peel team deliver top-tier service, but The DJ CLLCTV also kept the room in motion with a seamless, no-skip soundtrack that carried the vibe from start to finish.
In addition, we partnered with Georgia-based brands Patel Bourbon and Murrell’s Row Spirits to elevate the experience even further. Patel Bourbon curated an exclusive tasting, allowing guests to explore their premium whiskey selections up close. Meanwhile, Murrell’s Row kept cocktails flowing with signature blends that complemented the night perfectly.
Midway through the evening, the focus shifted as our Editor-in-Chief Joe Ellick and Managing Editor, Khalinah Ellick took the floor. During their toast, Joe spoke directly to the room, sharing the vision, the grind, and the purpose behind Highly Unique Magazine. More importantly, he made it clear that this relaunch goes beyond print; it’s about building a platform that consistently pushes the culture forward.
Ultimately, the night captured exactly what Highly Unique Magazine stands for: community, culture, and elevation.
In the end, this wasn’t just a magazine drop. Instead, it marked the beginning of a new chapter.
And from here, we’re only going up.
