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...

Pharrell Williams is the New Men's Creative Director for Louis Vuitton

Clear the streets out. 

I first got wind of this appointment from Pusha T's tweet yesterday morning.  It hadn't been formally announced yet (at least to the rest of the world), but he wanted to publicly congratulate his long time friend.  Within the next couple of hours, the official news spread like wildfire.  Pharrell Williams- Producer, Songwriter, Singer, Rapper, Designer - is now the Men's Creative Director for Louis Vuitton. 

The position was previously held by world renowned designer and visionary, Virgil Abloh, who sadly passed away in November 2021.  When Abloh was appointed, he became the first Black Director at Louis Vuitton.  A predecessor whose bar was set HIGH for anyone to assume this position after.  

Valentine's Day Edition- Time Warp... 2021: Stay High | Brittany Howard (Childish Gambino cover)

I just wanna stay high...

with you. 

Related Post:  Valentine's Day Edition- Time Warp...1971 : You're the Reason Why | The Ebonys

Related Post:  {Listen} :: The "Feels" Mix .... Valentine's Day Edition.

FIT Museum Celebrates the Culture with New Exhibit: " Fresh, Fly, and Fabulous: Fifty Years of Hip Hop Style"

img via Getty

"As a fashion historian, it is important to highlight aspects of fashion culture that are not generally known or are misunderstood.  Hip Hop style is such an influential part of American fashion, and in turn, international fashion, but this is not always recognized.  From athleisure, to logo-mani, sneaker culture, and streetwear, Hip Hop has shaped the clothing that everyday people wear.  Hip Hop style is, also, so much more diverse than people realize."

- Elizabeth Way, associate curator of "Fresh, Fly, and Fabulous: Fifty Years of Hip Hop Style" costume, via Essence Magazine.

img via Getty

The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) is celebrating 50 Years of Hip Hop through the fashion lens.  Over the last five decades, Hip Hop influence has taken over the world.  The same culture that is often criticized has been visibly and publicly incorporated in countless aspects; mainly fashion.  To pay homage and provide a token scope on this unstoppable machine, the Museum at FIT presents " Fresh, Fly, and Fabulous: Fifty Years of Hip Hop Style".

Dapper Dan of Harlem, bomber-style printed jacket, 1987.

Date Night for Two: McDonald's Offers a Special "Cardi B & Offset" Valentine's Day Meal

“Whether it’s going for a date night or grabbing a bite after late-night studio sessions … I’m always asking Offset to take me to McDonald’s.  And now, Offset and I have a meal named after us! I want all my fans to try it – especially with that BBQ sauce.”

-Cardi B

Dinner doesn't have to be fancy on every occasion.  Sometimes, McDonald's will do the trick.  Releasing tomorrow for Valentine's Day, McDonald's has announced "The Cardi B & Offset Meal" which is comprised of the celebrity couple's favorite menu items.  

{Watch} 2 Chainz "Most Expensivest" Season 4 Trailer

I enjoy this show.  If you aren't familiar, "Most Expensivest" is series, lead by 2 Chainz, that reveals the most outrageous and grandeur luxurious items the 1 percenters choose to spend their wealth on.  Chainz is effortlessly hilarious most times and takes us on an interesting journey each episode.   I hope his dog Trappy makes another appearance. 

Intrigue.  Excess. Wealth.  

Watch the trailer for the new season below!

Largest U.S. Black-owned Bank Launches Surcharge Free Initiative #BlackHistoryMonth

img via the Boston Globe

“We listened to our customers who want better access and more control over their money” 

-Teri Williams, President & Chief Operating Officer of OneUnited Bank

OneUnited Bank, America's largest Black-owned bank, has announced their new initiative covering customers and non-customers across the nation.  The "Empowerment Network" allows all to withdraw money from OneUnited ATM's with no additional service fee.  That's right, a surcharge free ATM network at any of their 100,000+ ATM's.

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

The Fuzz--A lovely female trio hailing from Washington D.C.  Their self-titled debut album, released in 1971, is noted as one of the first female artist concept albums.  With Valentine's Day peeking around the corner, let's venture into a love song. 

I don't know how to explain

my love's seasonal change

it's never the same...

All I know is I love you

for so many reasons

Which means I love you

for all seasons...

Related Post:  Time Warp...1975: Valentine Love | Norman Connors x Michael Henderson x Jean Carne

{Watch/Teaser Trailer}- First Look: Tyler, the Creator & Pharrell talk Influence on HULU's "RapCaviar Presents"

"Make something undeniable.  and make it equally as infectious."

- Pharrell

Spotify's popular rap playlist is now being adapted to film.  HULU has rolled out a first look at their new series, “RapCaviar Presents”.  Comprised of 7 parts, the docu-series features Tyler, the Creator, Pharrell, Coi Leray, Jack Harlow, City Girls, Polo G, Roddy Ricch, and more.  

img via euphoriazine

In the first look clip, Tyler and Pharrell share the story of influence and purpose of making music.  Watch the teaser trailer after the jump!

Wanna Travel? : Hong Kong is Giving Away 500,000 Free Airline Tickets

As the COVID pandemic continues to change the world forever, tourism has hit a low in many previous hotspots.  Specifically in Hong Kong, travelers had to abide by quarantine restrictions and mandates including multiple COVID-19 tests along with 21 days isolation.  The number of visitors declined drastically from over 50 million to barely reaching 100k.  

Now in efforts to boost tourism, the gov of Hong Kong has introduced the 'Hello Hong Kong' initiative.  Hong Kong is planning to give away 500,000 free airline tickets through their major airlines — Cathay Pacific, HK Express, and Hong Kong Airlines.  Interested?  Here's how.

BET announces "Black + Iconic: Style Gods"- Hosted by Billy Porter

 “With this definitive and original documentary franchise, we look forward to giving some of the amazing Black icons who have shaped and continue to influence popular culture their well- deserved recognition,”

- Connie Orlando

EVP, Specials, Music Programming, Music Strategy and News

Executive produced by Stanley Nelson, "Black + Iconic: Style Gods" is a new four part series that explores pioneering and groundbreaking black icons in the arts industry of fashion, music, film, and dance.  Billy Porter will host/narrate each 2hr episode of the series, kicking off February 18th @ 8PM ET on all BET platforms; during the beginning days of London Fall/Winter Fashion Week.

Related Post:  {Watch} Trailer:: New Streetwear Competition series, The Hype, feat. Offset, Wiz Khalifa, Dapper Dan + more

Related Post:  {Watch}:: Phenomenal. Men’s Fall-Winter 2022 LOUIS VUITTON Fashion Show, composed by Tyler the Creator. #VirgilWasHere

Photos:: Drake's OVO x NFL Collection

Earlier last week, OVO announced the "North America Game-day" Fall/Winter 2023 collection.  Their NFL collaboration includes apparel for the Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, Las Vegas Raiders, and New York Giants. 

Jackets, hoodies, sweatpants, t-shirts, and mini helmets.  

Time Warp... 1981: B-Movie | Gil Scott-Heron. #BlackHistoryMonth

Find any song about humanity... life.. from decades ago and I promise some form of it is still applicable now.  2023.

Ahem.  And now a word from Hall of Fame poet and musician, Gil Scott-Heron.  

What has happened is that in the last 20 years, 

America has changed from a producer to a consumer 

And all consumers know that when the producer names the tune, the consumer has got to dance 

That's the way it is 

We used to be a producer - very inflexible at that, and now we are consumers and, finding it difficult to understand 

Natural resources and minerals will change your world 

 The House claims all ties 

Jobs are down, money is scarce, and common sense is at an all-time low on heavy trading 

Movies were looking better than ever, and now no one is looking, because we're starring in a " B" movie ' 

Related Post:  Time Warp... 1972: Be Real Black for Me | Roberta Flack x Donny Hathaway. #BlackHistoryMonth

Related Post:  {Streaming Now} 5 Movies Worth Checking Out ... #BlackHistoryMonth

AMC Theaters Offering $5 Movie Tickets during #BlackHistoryMonth

"AMC seeks to embrace diversity and identify opportunities to educate and empower."

Starting today, AMC Theaters is offering a price special during Black History Month.  Through four cycles, movie goers will be able to purchase $5 movie tickets for the film selected on that cycle.  

More details on the select films and cycle dates after the jump!

{Photos/Trailer} :: A First Look at Donald Glover's Beyoncé Inspired Series, "Swarm"

*trailer added 02/27

"We just thought it'd be fun to make a post-truth Piano Teacher mixed with The King of Comedy."

- Donald Glover to Vanity Fair.

Donald Glover aka Childish Gambino is tapping his creativity into the tv world once again.  The series idea was pitched to Atlanta writer and producer, Janine Nabers, who was on board with the modern "anti-hero story".  Swarm enlists Dominique Fishback (Judas and the Black Messiah), Damson Idris (Snowfall), and singer Chloe Bailey as lead roles.  Notably, Malia Obama is apart of the writers room.

Meet the Tisdale Twins: The Teenage Tap Dancers featured on Kendrick Lamar's "MMTBS" Album. #BlackHistoryMonth

You may have noticed tap dancing notes throughout Kendrick Lamar's critically acclaimed 2022, Mr. Morale and The Big Steppers, album.  Meet the real life dancers: Freddie and Theodore (Teddie) Tisdale.  Hailing from Toledo, OH but residing in Los Angeles, CA, the 14-year old identical twin brothers have been dancing since the age of 4.  To stay sharp, the classically trained pair dedicate 15+ hours a week to their craft.  

Prior to this spotlight, the Tisdale twins were already on the road to stardom.  They performed on NBC'S Little Big Shots, 2018 BET Awards J. Cole performance, and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon to name a few.

Photos:: GAP x The Brooklyn Circus Collection. #BlackHistoryMonth

"We are the future ancestors.  Act like it." - Ouigi Theodore, Founder

If you aren't familiar, The Brooklyn Circus (BKc) is a Haitian owned stylish menswear fashion brand based out of... you guessed it... Brooklyn, NY.  Kicking the year off big, BKc have teamed up with the GAP for a limited capsule of stand out casual pieces.  This collection expresses culture and history, modernized.  

Quality with very affordable prices.  Check out a few more of the collection pieces below and after the jump!