He's Back: Tyler, the Creator drops New Single "DOGTOOTH" + Album Release Date

***UPDATE 03/29 "SORRY, NOT SORRY" added

Every 2 years, Tyler drops.  I know it's every 2... I acknowledge it's every 2... I expect it to be every 2 and I STILL react with exhilaration when the drop is announced.  Early this AM, Tyler surprised his fans with a fire new single and video, DOGTOOTH.  (Video gives me 'Bimmer' vibes)

He switches up a line towards the end and says "If you don't know my daughter name ".  My antennas went up and so did many others.  Tyler cleared that up immediately on Twitter saying 

He, also, explains via tweet "CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST WAS THE FIRST ALBUM I MADE WITH ALOT OF SONGS THAT DIDNT MAKE THE FINAL CUT. SOME OF THOSE SONGS I REALLY LOVE, AND KNEW THEY WOULD NEVER SEE THE LIGHT OF DAY, SO IVE DECIDED TO PUT A FEW OF THEM OUT." 

This started discourse on the validity of that because he references Virgil Abloh as an angel - "Virgil my chaperone, he look out from overhead" -  howeverrrr,

Time Warp...2000: Break Fool | Rah Digga

Circa 2000.
I revisited her Dirty Harriet album the other day and it aged very well.  I ran it back twice.  Previously, I noted my love for female MCs during this time/era.  Digga was definitely one of them and deserved more flowers.  She be spittin!  

'Tight' taking over spots like my name was Robin Givens...

Related Post:  Pod Post Thursdays: Cha Cha Cha | Flipmode Squad

Related Post:  New Hoes| Rah Digga ... {Kanye 'New Slaves' revamped}

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: A Ma Maniére NIKE Air Max Day

A Ma Maniére (meaning My Way in French) is a luxury apparel brand inspired by Parisian culture and fashion.  With store front locations in Washington DC, Atlanta, GA, and Houston, TX, their retail experience offers a trendy designed boutique housing new styles and threads from some of the hottest luxury streetwear and footwear brands.  The DC location held an event on 3.26 to celebrate Air Max Day and the return of the 86' Air Max 1.  It featured a handpicked Air Max exhibition curated by sneaker collectors Abdul (@dontchargeabdul) and Kevin (@kevykev), along with spins from DJ Jerome Baker (@jeromebaker3rd), DC's 'Sandlot' mocktails, and more.   A good time!  Check the vibes...

For the People: TELFAR is letting the Customer Pick the Price

Telfar has skyrocketed since its launch back in 2005.  Creating a lane of its own in fashion, style, and culture, the brand is now executing a unique sale for its latest collection.  Telfar Live hit the market at Noon EST today.  You read that correctly.  LIVE.

The collection dropped at a wholesale price, starting more than 50% off.  Each passing second, the price of the product goes up until it reaches full price.  Whatever price the product sells out at, then, becomes the price indefinitely (of course with fine print).  With that being said, the quicker you act on the purchase, the lower the price you pay.

{Personal Post} PHOTOS/VIDEOS:: Young Dolph's "Dolphland" Pop-Up Museum

The realist advice I can give you is to never stop...

Dolph's Paper Route Empire Label partnered with Trap Music Museum to launch the national Dolphland Pop-Up Museum tour.  The tour has been across the U.S. over the last couple of months and will conclude in Dolph's hometown of Memphis, TN in May.  He's one of the few celebrities whose death I'm still affected by and anticipated heavy emotions going to this, but knew it was something I could not miss.  My brother, another fellow Dolph fan, accompanied me to this one.   Countless of patrons have showed up and showed love.  You could literally feel the love in the atmosphere.   Rightfully so, only Dolph records were playing throughout.  Special shout out to ALL of the artists who contributed their pieces to make this happen!!  

Here's how it went through my lens.  

You know what up... It's DOLPH!

NBA's James Harden Introduces New Wine, J-HARDEN Prosecco

"This is an exciting time for wine and I love being a part of it. I've been eager to get my new Prosecco out there because I know people will love it"

NBA superstar James Harden is making moves on and off the court.  Last Thursday, J-HARDEN Prosecco Doc went live!  This is the latest addition to the J-HARDEN wine brand, which already offers a California Cabernet Sauvignon and California Red Blend. 

{Personal Post} PHOTOS/VIDEOS:: "Anyways, Life's Great" GloRilla DC Concert

As much as I played this and the Set the Tone EP(s), it was inevitable that I was going to this show.  GloRilla was on a sold out U.S. Tour with a DC stop along the way.  She brought the gang with her... Aleza, K Carbon, Slimearoni, and Gloss Up as opening acts.  Unfortunately with this show, K Carbon did not come out.  I, personally, was disappointed because I reallllly wanted to experience Set the Tone live, BUT... I just charged it to maybe she didn't feel well.  We're human.  It happens.  The show was still super LIT and I enjoyed myself.  Walk with me...

{Watch} "Little Richard: I Am Everything" Documentary Trailer

shut up!

Richard Penniman.  Innovator and originator of Rock n' Roll.  Richard was known for putting on a hell of a performance and speaking his mind.  "Little Richard: I Am Everything" digs more into his personal life story and how his art form helped shape the world of music.  We should start giving more legends flowers while they are here.  This documentary was long overdue. 

Watch the trailer below:

Rapper Ludacris and his Daughter Launch a Satin Bonnet Collection for Girls

If you aren't familiar, Ludacris' Karma's World Entertainment company premiered their animated Netflix show, Karma's World, in 2021.  In real life, Karma is his oldest daughter.  The show, however, centers a character named Karma who juggles rap dreams and ambitions.  Fast forward to 2023.  Firstline Brands has partnered with his entertainment company to launch a Karma's World Satin Sleep Collection.  

More than Music: Amerie is Releasing a Children's Book- "You Will Do Great Things"

Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Amerie proves that is indeed not just one thing.  Having a Bachelor's Degree in English, Amerie is now on a journey through literature.   Her current accolades in this realm include being the editor of NY Times bestseller "Because You Love to Hate" and  she, also, founded "Amerie's Book Club".  This month, her debut children's book "You Will Do Great Things" is set for release!

"You Will Do Great Things" is described as a magical picture book centering the future of great possibilities and accomplishments for our youth. 

The detailed synopsis:

Time Warp...2006: Make Ya Feel Beautiful | Ruben Studdard

Circa 2006.
I haven't heard this song in so long and it came on randomly the other day.  It really should've been a hit.  

Quality R&B.

I want you to know this

Girl, I want you to see that it's real

I want you to feel that you're my focus

And girl that's what you'll be

Related Post:  Time Warp...1995: Can't Be Wasting My Time | Mona Lisa x Lost Boyz

{Watch} "Show Me"... a short film by Joey Bada$$ featuring Serayah

I never knew a love that wasn't painless...

Directed by Levi Turner and McCray Sutherlin, Joey enlists actress Serayah (Empire, BMF, Wu-Tang: An American Saga) as his love interest. 

The pair give us a steamy, yet relatable, visual for his "Show Me" record, which released on Joey's 2022 album - 2000.  

Can't spell 'us' without 'trust'

Put the lust aside, there's some things we gotta discuss...

Watch the short film below:

Rapper Juvenile Launches his Own Line of Beer, "Juvie Juice"

Whoadie wusup!?

Urban South Brewery is the largest craft brewery in Juvie's hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana and is one of the leading breweries in Southern states.  Their current collaboration with Juvenile brings us a new beverage, Juvie Juice.

Juvenile, whose real name is Terius Gray, deems the inspiration stemmed from his favorite drink, Arnold Palmer.  Juvie Juice is a 5% ABV of half lemonade and half iced tea- available in 12oz and 19.2 oz cans; the brewery's first kind.

PHOTOS: Issa Rae Opens 4th Location for Coffee Shop, "Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen"

Actress, Producer, Writer Issa Rae continues to expand her resume.  Towards the end of last month, she celebrated the opening of the 4th location in California for Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen.  The chain was founded and initially started by Yonnie Hagos and Ajay Relan (both pictured below) in 2018.  

"We're from LA.

...We take pride in creating fun environments for people to connect with each other and themselves."

Rae became involved in 2019 and assisted with launching their first location in Inglewood.  Now, they are on their 4th in Downtown LA.  Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen offers a variety of coffee, expressos, and teas along with an assortment of food bites on the menu such as breakfast sandwiches, burritos, pastries, super foods bowls, sides of grits, sides of bacon... the list goes on.  Their "Immunity Booster" drink is a popular one that features orange, ginger, lemon, turmeric, black pepper, and honey.  Here's a glimpse inside their newest location:

Rapper Lola Brooke Shines in Timberland's Latest Campaign, Celebrating Hip-Hop

The Don't Play With It rapper's buzz continues to rise.  
The original Timberland boot and Hip-Hop were both birthed in 1973.  As there have been various celebrations of homage to Hip-Hop's 50th Anniversary, Timberland has joined the club with their release of a limited edition "Hip Hop Royalty" boot. 

"Hip Hop has impacted our brand enormously over the past five decades, so we're proud to present Brooklyn MC, Lola Brooke, who is one of the voices carrying Hip Hop into the next 50 years..."

The 6" boot is royal purple with the upper being gold colored premium leather.  Slight grafitti is placed around the logo and features Sedgwick Ave on the tongue; the street in the Bronx, New York where Hip-Hop began.  You can, also, find a boombox chain tag on the side.  Remaining true to their classic features, the boot is a waterproof nubuck with a durable/rugged outsole and insulation for warmth.  Check out more photos and a closer look at the limited tribute boot after the jump! 

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

img via MoyoAfrika

New Jersey natives, Aly-Us (Eddie "Supa" Lewis, DJ Kyle "Small" Smith, and William Brian Jennings), gave us a classic house music record that continues to live on through decades.  One that's upbeat, invokes joy, and delivers a message.  As we bring this Black History Month to a close, let's reflect on our triumphs and where we are going.  YuEnEyeTeeWhy.

I'm hoping

to see the day

When my people 

Can all relate

We must stop fighting

To achieve the peace

  

Related Post:  Time Warp...1971: What's Happening Brother | Marvin Gaye #BlackHistoryMonth

{Photos/Trailer} Teyana Taylor Previews her Upcoming Air Jordan 1 Collab + new film, "A Thousand and One"

Singer, Actress, and Dancer Teyana Taylor is kicking off the new year with two major projects.  She has teamed up again with Jordan Brand to release a limited edition shoe collaboration, "A Rose From Harlem".  With her own spin, the Teyana Taylor x Air Jordan 1 design reflect just that.  Check the details...

(shoe imgs via @prvt.selection x @sneakertigger) 

Meet Tiffani Ashley Bell: Founder of a Non-Profit to Help Families Pay Their Water Bills. #BlackHistoryMonth

img via Stacey McChesney

 “You don’t have to be this wealthy, well-resourced person to actually make a difference.”

- Tiffani Ashley Bell to AfroTech

We often see commercials requesting monetary donations for those of need in other countries, neglecting what's actually going on the home land.  Tiffani Ashley Bell set her foot forward to create change in many communities starting with something that all humans require.  Water.

Founded by Bell in July 2014, "The Human Utility" is a platform that brings people together to assist families with paying their water bills.  Currently, the platform serves people in Baltimore, Detroit, and 28 other cities in Michigan.  

Where did the inspiration come from?  Bell told AfroTech...

“We shadowed the (Atlanta) mayor at the time and then all the cabinet members. And we just got to see how cities worked basically.  I got to see most importantly, all the decision-making behind certain stuff. That was a one-year engagement.  Halfway through that, I read about what was happening in Detroit with water bills and shutoffs, and I was just thinking about — ‘Okay, you have Atlanta and you have Detroit. What’s making them make the decision to instead of actually helping people, just turn their water off?’ So, I was like, ‘Well, we could do something about it. Why not just start paying bills for people?’ And that’s what it turned into.” 

Time Warp...1979 : Ain't No Stopping Us Now | McFadden & Whitehead. #BlackHistoryMonth

Hailing from Philadelphia, Gene McFadden and John Whitehead met at school in their teenage years.  They went on to co-write/produce timeless songs such as Bad Luck (Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes), Backstabbers (The O'Jays), Wake Up Everybody (Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes), and I'll Always Love My Mama (The Intruders) to name a few. It's Friday.  Thankful for the music and messages they left behind.  It's Friday.  

Let's celebrate just because.  

There's been so many things

that held us down

But not, it looks like things are finally comin' around

I know we've got a long, long way to go

And where we'll end up

I don't know...

Related Post:  Time Warp... 1971: I Love You For All Seasons | The Fuzz. #BlackHistoryMonth

HEAT: Supreme drops Spring/Summer 2023 Collection

Supreme is releasing some HEAT this season.  Their SS23 Collection is full of striking streetwear led through sequins, prints, patterns, and many other unique types of styled threads.  

The first drop arrived yesterday and will continue the rollout with weekly releases.  Check out a preview of their looks below:

{Watch} Ne-Yo "In My Own Words" Documentary Trailer

Grammy Award Winning Singer, Songwriter, Producer, Dancer, Actor... Ne-Yo.  

The Las Vegas native shared the news of his upcoming short documentary along with a (very) brief trailer.  The documentary features interviews, behind the scenes footage, and the story of Ne-Yo's journey from his massive blow onto the scene with his first album through present. 

Why the MSCHF Big Red Boots are Becoming a Trend

Over the last two weeks, these big red boots appeared on the internet and never disappeared.  With Twitter, every other tweet was either an ad for the boots, a photo, or an opinion.  Hate em or love em, everyone was talking about them in one way or another.

MSCHF is a New York based collective found in 2016.  There is no limit to what they 'create' and many of their 'creations' have immediately gone viral.  For example, in 2019, without NIKE's blessing... MSCHF released a pair of Nike Air Max 97s (where the soles were said to contain holy water from the Jordan River) called "Jesus Shoes."  They were sold for over $1400 and have since doubled plus on the resale price. 

Back to the Big Red Boots though...