(Halloween Edition) Time Warp...2003: Dracula's Wedding | Outkast x Kelis

You're all I ever wanted, but I'm terrified of you...

Happy Halloweeeeen.  For those who celebrate the fun and spookiness of the holiday, enjoy!! and stay safe.  I will.

Plus, I make great peanut butter and jelly sandwiches

Van Helsing...

 

Related Post:  Time Warp (Halloween Edition) ... 1999. Ryde or Die | Ruff Ryders

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{Trailer} SHOWTIME Presents... a Michael Jackson "Thriller" Documentary for its 40th Anniversary

There are two things in the music business: before Thriller and after Thriller.

 -Steven Ivory, Journalist

Thriller, an entity within itself.  The production, the music video/cinema, the album.  No matter what aspect of Thriller you think of, greatness is associated with each one.  Here's a commemoration in lieu of the 40th anniversary of this global phenomenon, that is the best selling album of all time, that is 34x Platinum globally.  

Director Nelson George takes fans on a time travel that chronicles the making of the "Thriller" masterpiece.  Never before seen footage, exclusive interviews and much more.  

Watch the trailer after the jump!

Coi Leray x Tinder Want Your Friends to Help You Find Love with "Tinder Matchmaker"

..you want your friends to like whoever you’re crushing on, and Tinder Matchmaker is a fun way to get the bestie seal of approval even before the match.

- Coi Leray/Press Release

Matchmaker matchmaker, make me a match.  Find me a find.  Catch me a catch.

Ya'll remember that song?

The successful dating app has partnered with Coi Leray to launch their new "Matchmaker" feature that allows users to invite up to 15 friends (of the age 18 and over) to view and suggest potential matches for them.  This feature is available to all friends, even the ones who do not have a Tinder profile, for a 24 hour period.  

Tinder Matchmaker brings your circle of trust into your dating journey and helps you see the possibilities you might be overlooking from the perspective of those closest to you. 

- Melissa Hobley, Tinder Chief Marketing Officer

They made a cute commercial with Coi for the promo.  

Watch below:

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: Birthday Fun | Tokyo, Japan (Pt. 2)

10/11!  My birthday was spent in the streets of Tokyo this year, literally.  Started the day early with the Gym and then headed to the Tsukiji Outer market for some eats. After that, a little shopping in Chou City and more eats.  That night, we went to an amazing art installation that pictures do no justice for.  I finally got that chicken I mentioned in the previous Tokyo post.  I'll get to that.  Ukiyo!

Off we go...

{Book Alert} DOOM'S BISTRO- a MF DOOM Inspired Cookbook by. Ben Gore

I’ve been a huge DOOM fan for decades and this cookbook came together as a way to pay tribute to an icon of hip hop while adding a delicious dimension to his back catalogue. 

-Ben Gore to Creative Boom

Mm.. Food.

There are few artists who transition to the afterlife and leave a distinct impact across the world forever.  MF DOOM is one of them.  DOOM's BISTRO is an illustrated cookbook inspired by foods that MF DOOM mentioned throughout his discography, containing over 60 recipes for foods and drinks referenced.  “Deep Fried Frenz”, "Fillet-O-Rapper", "Nice Verse Pie", "Rapp Snitch Knishes".  The list goes on and on. It's surely a treat for any DOOM fan.

The only rule I gave myself was that in every illustration, there has to be a DOOM mask alongside the dish or an ingredient.

 Gore added a few notable guest dishes to the book: J Dilla's 'doughnut' inspired by his "Donuts" album, and Raekwon’s 'Butter pecan ice cream', inspired by the world renowned Wu-Tang track "Ice Cream".

Eminem Releases Jar Pasta Sauce, "Mom's Spaghetti"

Getty Images

...on his sweater already, Mom's spaghetti

he's nervous..

Eminem's infamous line from 2002 mega hit "Lose Yourself", ended up paving an unexpected lane for him in the Food industry.  Back in 2021, he opened a "Mom's Spaghetti" restaurant in his hometown, Detroit, MI.  Continuing with the success, the Mom's Spaghetti sauce is now jarred and available globally!  

The thing about Mom’s Spaghetti is that it was born with a clear mission: taste like a leftover sauce the first time around. Those second day sauces bring something else to the table… something seasoned and experienced.

Sixty Ink Tattoo x Tinder Offered a Special Free Cover Up Tattoo Event

We're really just trying to help people.

- Claudio Traina,  Sixty Ink Owner and Artist

Sixty Ink partnered with Tinder for a special pop-up event.  For 3 days only, Sixty Ink's top tattoo artists gave out free tattoos with one qualification.  The free tattoo requested must be a cover-up to a tattoo of an ex.  Over the course of the event, people showed up sharing their personal stories and ending them with a new tattoo... and a new beginning.  

left photo: Benedetta's tattoo of her ex's eyes

right photo: cover up of a detailed flower over the eyes

(imgs: Jackson Bowley)

left photo: Shi's tattoo of her and her ex's initials with a heart in the middle

right photo: cover up of her child's initial over her ex's

(imgs: Jackson Bowley)

{Personal Post} PHOTOS/VIDEO: Thundercat "In Yo Girl's City" Tour | Washington, D.C.

Everyday is like a dream to me.

Thundercat reached the D.C stop on his "In Yo Girl's City" tour and guess what?  It was on his birthday.  From one Libra to another, Love.  The weather was crisp and the show was amazing.  To my surprise and excitement, he performed 'King of the Hill'.  To hear him sing that in person was heaven.  I remember him sounding good at previous shows, but maybe because it's been so long?  His voice was out of this world at this one.  Not a tone or pitch missed.  The band, also, showed up and showed tf out.  

This was confirmation for me that he realllllly should do a Live album.

{Watch} Jay-Z Settles the "Lunch with Jay-Z or $500,000" Debate in Gayle King Interview

There has been an ongoing Twitter (X) debate for the past couple of years that tends to resurface every now and again:  "Lunch/Dinner with Jay-Z or $500,000 in cash?"

Jay himself spoke on what he thinks is the correct answer during an upcoming two-part Gayle King interview.  His reasoning for his answer is comical because.... exactly.  Haha.

Watch the clip below:

Time Warp... 1996: Touch Myself | T-Boz x Richie Rich

Circa 1996.

Remember this one?  A solo bop from T-Boz, though it definitely sounds like it could be a TLC record.  

It has randomly been stuck in my head for hours.   

it's alllright...

  I said it's allllright.

    

While we are here, might as well throw in the remix...

{Watch/Teaser} Mike Epps and Wife Kyra Upcoming HGTV series, "Buying Back the Block"

Comedian/Actor Mike Epps has scored a new series with HGTV that gives us a closer look at his personal real estate/renovation journey.  Epps purchased his childhood block, 6 residences to be exact, in his hometown of Indianapolis, IN.  Not only do they renovate the homes, but they aim to make them more affordable during selling.  Epps and his wife, Kyra, tag team efforts on revitalizing these homes in this series to bring back 'charm, community, and character'.  

If you're familiar with Mike Epps, you can expect a good story and of course... laughs.  Watch the episode teaser after the jump!

Tyler, the Creator Opens a GOLF WANG Store in London, UK

it's GOLF WANG.

The brand released it's new fall/winter 2023 collection this past Saturday and... opened a new store in London Soho!  This comes as the third store front; the other two located in New York, NY and Los Angeles, CA.  I remember the early years of this.  Wow.  Super proud of Tyler.

Distinct and bold, the aesthetics alone are sure to draw people in.  They will be greeted by the GOLF WANG fashion/accessories collection(s) and an interactive phone booth housed in the middle of the store, where patrons can take fun photos with GOLF backgrounds.  They are really cool---you can see them HERE.

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: The Temple | Tokyo, Japan (Pt. 1)

Rather than country hopping again for my birthday this year, I decided on one country... Japan!  City specific: Tokyo.  They are 11hrs ahead of Eastern Standard Time, so while we left here during day light, it shortly turned dark there after landing.  It was like pitch black by 5pm.  I wanted to get some culture in the first day and visit the Sensō-ji Temple; the oldest temple in Tokyo. That's a good place to start...

Time Warp... 2006: Do Ya Thing (Remix) | Cam'ron

Circa 2006.

We come together on this special dayyyy.

A sample done right.  Serotonin through the whole track.

Chicken. Cornbread. Collard on your greens. 

Related Post:  Time Warp... 2004: Don't Disturb This Groove (Remix) | Jim Jones x Victoria Beckham

Related Post:  Time Warp...1975: Let Your Hair Down | Yvonne Fair

{Trailer} AMAZON Prime presents... "Maxine's Baby: The Tyler Perry Story" Documentary

Amazon Prime is delivering the anticipated documentary for the media juggernaut, Tyler Perry.  We know him as a writer, actor, filmmaker, studio head, and for his philanthropic efforts, but who is the man behind the curtain?  First time directors Gelila Bekele and Armani Ortiz take viewers on an intimate journey of Perry's life from past to present that has been kept mostly private... until now. 

Watch the trailer below:

Giving Back: Rapper LaRussell Opens a 'Pay What You Can' Pop-Up Cafe

Turn this UP.  LaRussell and Momo's Cafe have partnered yet once again to give back to their local community of Vallejo, CA.  The Bay Area based rapper is giving his “proud 2 pay café ” a go for the second time at the Momo's Cafe location.  Between the hours of 10am- 2pm Monday-Friday, patrons will be able to stop by and grab a cup of coffee or food; paying whatever cash they have at the time.  LaRussell will cover the difference from his own pocket.  He explains

The goal is for people to pay what they can, and/or if you want to overpay to really support that’s a great thing, but you pay what you can. We know there’s people who can’t pay as well. We have a very high homeless population in Vallejo, and everyone’s not able to pay, but we still want to make sure you eat.

Glam Up With Rapper Bia's Exclusive Urban Outfitters Collaboration Lip Kits

Shaun Andru/ JP Bevins

My grandmother is super lady-like, she is like the epitome of a ‘real woman' to me.  I’ve had that instilled in me, if you want to feel good, you have to look good.

- Bia to WWD

Latin Grammy-Award winning rapper, Bia, launched her cosmetic line last year with a goal in mind to ease the process of glam all around.  'Beauty for Certain' is for everyday women and men.  Luxe lightweight textures to saucy shades; for all types and tones at any age.  The brand includes blushers, eyeliner, lashes, lip glosses, and other make-up necessities.  

Last Monday, Bia and Urban Outfitters released their joint collab with three exclusive 'Beauty for Certain' lip kits. 

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: Water Lantern Festival 2023

Usually every time I catch wind of this festival (and the other where you release them in the air), the tickets are sold out.  Not this year though.  Continuing with pre-birthday festivities, I went to the Water Lantern Festival before my trip.  They give you the tools and you create your own lantern.  Full creative control.  A comforting spirit was floating in the air...

but hold on... let's rewind. 

Joey Bada$$ Offers a Free Mentorship Program for Black Men

Imagine what 12 hours could do.

Giving back in a constructive way.  Rapper, Actor, and Philanthropist Joey Bada$$ launched a free mentorship program last week for Black men of the age 18 years and older; located in the U.S (including Puerto Rico).  Education level not required.

 With men of color being under-resourced and thus underrepresented in leadership roles, only six black men CEOs lead companies on the 2023 Fortune 500 list. We believe wholeheartedly that mentorship can help provide a path to professional and financial independence. In addition to career guidance, one of the most critical gifts the mentees receive is confidence.  

ImpactMENtorship is set to mentor for 1 hour, per month, for a year.  Joey recruited notable mentors in the art, culinary, fashion, film/television, media, music, and sports realm.  Some names include but are not limited to Swizz Beatz, Jaylen Brown, Tremaine Emory, JID, Malcolm Mays, Vic Mensa, Kwame Onwuachi and more.  Applications are now open through

Issa Rae Announces Her Very Own Wine, "Viarae" Prosecco

I am thrilled to share my love of Prosecco with everyone through Viarae. It’s carefully crafted, deliciously crisp, and the perfect beverage to celebrate La Dolce Vita.

Actress, Producer, and Entrepreneur Issa Rae has announced her partnership with E. & J. Gallo Winery, delivering her very own Prosecco wine-- "Viarae".  It's described as crisp, lively, and refreshing.  Issa and the brand share that the wine is intended to 'celebrate good times with great friends, no matter the occasion.'  Have the urge to try?  You can pick it up now at

Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson Lead as New President and VP of Reebok Basketball

We just want to do things differently.  That's what we were best known for back then and what we want to stay true to now.

- Shaq to Boardroom.

Congrats are in order for these two players apart of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame!  Another victory.  Shaquille O'Neal- four time NBA Champion x 15 time All-Star and Allen Iverson- 11 time All-Star and four time NBA Scoring Champion, are now the President and Vice President of the Reebok basketball brand.  Shaq as President will head the brand's strategy and partnerships; A.I. as Vice President will assist with player recruitment and community based initiatives.  

{Trailer} PARAMOUNT+ presents... The Milli Vanilli Documentary

Girl you know it's true.

The buzz for the documentary began a couple months ago and now it's releasing very soon.  The infamous story of mega pop duo, Milli Vanilli--one of the 90s biggest music scandals.  Robert Pilatus (Rob/ Left) and Fabrice Morvan (Fab/ Right) made it all the way to the Grammys and actually won the Best New Artist award, only for it to be discovered later... they were lip syncing to others singing their song.  

People could not stop talking about it.  We watched the Milli Vanilli episode on VH1 Behind the Music series at my house growing up when it aired and got the full back story.  After being outed, the extreme ascension from fame was too wounding and ended up costing Rob his life. 

Paramount+ is now releasing a feature-length documentary on the duo with unheard reveals within the story, captivating viewers yet once again.  Watch the trailer below: