{Personal Post} PHOTOS: Motel 6 Revamped during Design Week for 'Room Service' Pop-Up

Design week in DC.  A closed down former Motel 6 was transformed into a pop-up design showcase.  Each room was reimagined to a distinct style from several artists and creatives around.   Immersive and unique, shall we?  'Room Service'...

Supreme x Wu-Tang Clan Collection Set to Drop Tomorrow

On behalf of my crew, SUUUUUUUU!

Supreme has released the photo book for their Fall 2025 Wu-Tang Clan collaboration.  Each collection piece contains detail that embodies the world-renowned group's style and culture.  Gore-tex jackets/pants and jerseys aren't the only items featured.  Several different colorways are offered through t-shirts, hoodies, and beanie hats along with a variety of accessories that range from coffee mugs to skateboards.   30 years later and they're STILL making waves.   

In the front, in the back, killa bees on attack...

Time Warp... 1997: Appletree | Erykah Badu

Circa 1997.

Funny how the most random memories can carry with you for decades through song.  One of my countless times in Raleigh growing up.  Erykah was the new hot artist.  Unc had the Baduizm album blaring throughout; Appletree on at this point.  "I have a hoe... I take it everywhere I go".  Unc started laughing and said 'That girl wild" as he walked past to go light a cigarette.  I think of that every time i hear this song.  

Happy Birthday Unc.  I miss you.

Today... we jam.

 

Related Post:  Time Warp...1992 : Follow Me | Aly-Us #BlackHistoryMonth

Related Post:  {Personal Post} PHOTOS: Water Lantern Festival 2023

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: Umbrella Photo Fair 2025

Andddd we're back.  Umbrella has returned with a photo fair showcasing over 20+ of DMV photographers.  A rainy Saturday connecting art lovers and collectors.  Follow me...

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: "Women Artists of the DMV" Art Exhibition Opening Reception

Over 300 women artists, both established and emerging talents, were represented in nine separate art spaces.  Celebrating at the Joan Hisaoka Arts Gallery, take a look inside the "Women Artists of the DMV" opening reception...

{Personal Post} PHOTOS/VIDEO: Clipse "Let God Sort Em Out" Tour | Fairfax, VA

A beautiful summer day.  Not too hot and no humidity.  The hours went by fast leading up to the show.  I've seen Pusha twice live; once at 'The Life is So Exciting' tour with Fabolous and again at the Pepsi Dig In day a couple years back.  This would be my first time seeing Clipse live.  

I. couldn't. wait.

All things considered. 

Let's be specific...

From the actual concert to the parking lot, a TIME was had.  My voice was gone from rapping along the entire show.  This particular stop on the tour had a special treat as they performed Virginia... in well.. you see where the show was ;). Countless Clipse songs were blasting from cars during the let out (including ours).  We actually ended up staying until it was empty.  Just vibing man.  There is nothing like Hip-Hop.

You know we back right?  Clear the streets out...

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: 'Culture Meets Luxury' Art Exhibit

And we're back again.  Jerome Hood held his 3rd annual art showcase, "Culture Meets Luxury"... presented by the Hood Collection.  It was housed at the same location as the previous showcase, 'Buy Art Not Drugs', which inexplicably is perfect for the celebration of the art, music, and vibes they bring.  I really enjoyed these pieces and recognized some of the artists.  They spoke volumes to say the least.

Step inside...

Is This Thing On?...

I went back to Europe for 2 weeks in June/July as a treat to myself for accomplishing something major.  Plus, I really was in dire need of a vacation.

I packed my laptop with plans to publish draft blog posts and new ones during my down time on the trip.  What I found was that... I was completely exhausted from screentime and just wanted to enjoy the various cities/countries I visited.  Not being confined or pressured to a schedule, but rather just doing whatever the hell I wanted to do.

Once I landed back to my home turf, I unpacked my laptop to use it to look something up.  What I then found was... it wouldn't turn on.  I left it plugged up for an entire day thinking maybe it just needed a good charge.  To no avail.  

That was the beginning of July.

In case you were pondering the reason for the pause in posts.  I am happy to say today...

I want you to put the word out there that we back up.

Savannah James Launches Skin Care Brand, Reframe Beauty

Allure

After two years in the making, Savannah James has officially launched her skin care brand, Reframe Beauty.  Savannah and her team partnered with Howard University's College of Dermatology for clinical studying and to conduct testing across the Fitzpatrick Scale diligently, ensuring the products would be precise and effective.  

The first launch includes three products: Compression Complex (hydration and oxygen protector from blue light; i.e. phone screens), Pigment Processor (dark spot and irritation eliminator), and Circadian Cream (packed with collagen for skin repair overnight).

Alexa Sonsino

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: "One Last Job: Art Enables Assembles" Opening Reception

Art Enables is a Washington D.C. based studio gallery specifically committed to amplifying the creative careers for artists with disabilities.  In "One Last Job: Art Enables Assembles", the group exhibition themes a motley crew of misfits–each a highly skilled expert called out of near-retirement–teaming up to complete a high stakes operation.  I'm in.  Let's take a look inside...

 

Walmart Releases New Swimwear Collection with Megan Thee Stallion

Calling all hotties.  It's almost summer!

Walmart enlists Megan Thee Stallion for a new "Hot Girl Summer" swimwear collab.  The line includes 18 variety color pieces of one piece swimsuits, tops, bottoms, and cover ups.

No hottie is left out. Each suit, designed by Megan herself, is size inclusive up to XXL.  That's right.  There are swimsuits for everybody- ody.

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: "Dreams of You - The Genius of Marvin Gaye" Opening Art Reception | Baltimore, MD

A little over a week after Marvin's birthday, The Black Genius Art Show held the opening reception for their latest exhibit "Dreams of You: The Genius of Marvin Gaye".  The event featured pieces from over 20 creatives embracing the legacy impact and passion of the late great legend.  Artist talk, food, wine, and a live band.  Come get to this.

Take a peek inside...

Coco Gauff Serves Ahead in New Balance x Miu Miu Campaign

The New Balance x Miu Miu collection preview stars U.S. Open Singles champion and Youngest American Women's Singles Champion tennis player— Coco Gauff.  The collaboration centers sleek and vivid sport pieces, accessories, and footwear in primary colorways.

Pharrell's 'Black Ambition' Launches Virtual Learning Lab for Florida Entrepreneurs

Rex

...you can do it too.

Icon Pharrell Williams further expands his Black Ambition non-profit organization with a new virtual program geared towards Florida-based entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities.  The launch of the 'Fundable Founders Learning Lab' supports the initiative with an extensive 10-week virtual program offering mentorship, expert training, solid networking, and access to capital over the next two years.   

Supreme x Spike Lee's 40 Acres and a Mule Collection is Dropping Very Soon

If you can make a living doing what you love?  You won.

Where homage meets fashion.  Supreme has teamed up with the legendary Spike Lee for a one of a kind collection celebrating the filmmaker and his production company, 40 Acres and a Mule.  Parallel to that of Spike's films and his personal style, the collection pieces are bold, memorable, and make a statement.  Preview the collab and short video of Spike reflecting on his film-work after the jump!

{Personal Post} PHOTOS/VIDEO: Tyler, the Creator "Chromakopia" World Tour | Washington D.C

Chromakoooooopia.

Over the last 14 years, this is my 6th Tyler concert.  Would be 7, but I was sick during the Flower Boy show and had to sell my tickets.  Seeing him grow to a star of this magnitude has been quite the journey.  I grabbed these the moment they went on sale last year.  The album had already consumed my veins.  It was a must I go.  

The date finally came and was the last show of the North America leg of the tour.  Excitement is an understatement.  The show was nothing short of AMAZING.  Literally, perfecto.  Let me add... you can tell my boy's budget has increased.  The theatrics and more.  The price has definitely gone UP. 

From merch to the concert itself, I tried to capture the essence of it all through my lens.

Can you feel the light?

Grab my hand...