Power BooK IV: Force’s Gabrielle Ryan Name Drops The Shade Room In Episode One
Power Book IV: Force premiered on Sunday morning at midnight, and within the first ten minutes, The Shade Room was mentioned by Gloria. She meets Tommy Egan for the first time.
Gloria is described as a “sharp-shaver and gorgeous former Marine” seeking to create her own way to Chicago. It has a bar where it concocts Michelin dishes, inspired by Jamaica, and dreams of owning its own restaurant someday. But a bunch of Irish mobsters looking to move into his territory could threaten this. Her chance encounter with Tommy will soon destroy her world, over which she alone can take control.
As for The Shade Room, If you are not familiar with what it is. It’s one of the most popular Urban sites on the internet. It is an Instagram-based media outlet for gossip and up-to-date news from the mainstream to the Urban culture.
The company was founded by Angelica Nwandu in March 2014.
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
