Bass Fellows visit Issa Rae’s HOORAE Media HQ

by Taylor Marie Contarino

Charlotta Bass, our Lab’s namesake, was a pioneering Black woman media mogul.

It seemed only right, then, that our last activity for the Spring 2024 semester was a visit to Issa Rae’s communications queendom — HOORAE Media. Her Inglewood office is the home of her film, TV, podcasting, talent management and affiliated entrepreneurial endeavors.

A welcome image greets the Bass Lab as the panel begins. [Photo credit: John Broadway]

As the Bass Fellows entered the doors on April 9, we were greeted by an enthusiastic staff, which included HOORAE’s operations manager and executive assistant. The lobby walls were lined with the company’s film and television posters, including iconic scenes of the infamous best friends, Molly and Issa, from Insecure. There were also promotional posters from Rap Sh!t; a poster from The Photograph, best known for its incredible soundtrack, (programmed by yours truly!), HOORAE Media, and their RAEDIO music supervision and distribution arm. 

From this spiritual home, Rae continues to pioneer impact and change from within this community. After entering the warm and inviting office, we were led on a tour of the open and airy facilities, getting an exclusive sneak peek into the three-floor office building where the magic that we see on the screens is made.

The Photograph is one of the many Issa Rae projects with posters that adorn the HOORAE workspace. [Photo credit: Taylor Contarino]

Through her work, Rae continually pioneers a powerful legacy of spotlighting Black women and Black folks in her media and content. She is best known for her impactful work within the entertainment industry including writing and producing television shows like Insecure and social media series like Awkward Black Girl. Rae first graduated from Stanford University in 2007, and has been making her mark in the entertainment industry ever since.

During the informational career visit, we had the  pleasure of attending and listening to an intimate and exclusive panel hosted by several integral employees of HOORAE. They shared expert advice on the realm of filmed entertainment, entertainment management, social media, podcast production, people-first human resources, and more.

Included in the panel were Nelson Moss (Director of HR), Tyra Johnson (Executive Assistant for Film & TV) Chervine Naamani (Manager) Lydia Zenaye (Social Media Coordinator), Rodney Morris (Director of Finance and Strategy), and May Tsehay (Associate Podcast Producer). It is said that every great leader has a great team behind them, and this team proves the saying to be true.

The Bass Lab takes a parting photo in the HOORAE Media HQ lobby. L-R: Sahil Thakkar, John Broadway, Maya Broomfield, Allissa Richardson, Zoe Trask, Ava Brown, Taylor Contarino and Rafiq Taylor.

“Visiting HOORAE was one of the most memorable experiences I have had in the Bass Lab this year. Having such an intimate panel with people who are so educated and experienced was so informative and inspirational,” said Ava Brown, a Marketing Associate for the Bass Lab. “Seeing an environment where people don’t compromise any part of  who they are was a beautiful experience.”