{Personal Post} PHOTOS/VIDEOS: Roots Picnic 2024

Ran it back to the Roots Picnic again.  Philly always treats me well.  There weren't many interactive things this year compared to last, so I combined all of my shots for both days into one post.  Let's dig into the details...

Law Roach Announces Upcoming Book, "How to Build A Fashion Icon"

It's the first thing that I'm doing outside of being a stylist.

Fashion Icon Law Roach has made a name for himself with his notable styling moments for celebrity clients and distinctive judging during competition fashion television series.  His styling resume includes Celine Dion, Zendaya, Kerry Washington, Hunter Schafer, Anya Taylor-Joy and more.  Aside from being a prominent figure in the fashion industry, Law Roach has announced his upcoming book, "How to Build a Fashion Icon".  

Sha'Carri Richardson Glows as the Latest Face of OLAY

Her look and the necklace being the centerpiece promo in this ad is fire.  I love it. 

The current 'fastest woman of the world' has conquered any obstacle thrown her way and continues running upward.  Ahead of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, it is announced that Sha'Carri Richardson is a new Brand Ambassador for OLAY.  This is her first beauty partnership and surrounds OLAY's cleansing melts-- water activated cleansing squares that dissolve and 'melt' away sweat, makeup, excess oil, and sunscreen.  

{Trailer} "Piece By Piece", the Pharrell Williams story

...‘Man, how do I sit and listen to myself philosophize for an hour and change?’ So I never really wanted to do it, but when I was given the opportunity to do a documentary any way I wanted, and Morgan (Neville) raised his hand, it was like, ‘OK, this could be interesting.’ And it’s been nothing but magical. This guy is a masterful painter in the color of vulnerability. He’s just one of the greatest stitchers of tapestry and of eras, ever, and I’m just lucky to be one of his many, many, many subjects.

-Pharrell to Variety 

The idea that Pharrell's story should be expressed through a Lego movie fits perfect with his unique and standout personality.  I, myself, thought it was just chatter until the actual trailer released.  It's a real thing.  Focus Pictures presents "Piece by Piece"- the lego cinematic experience of Pharrell's life story featuring voice overs from Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes and more.  "Just be open".  Take a look at the trailer after the jump!

{Trailer} NETFLIX presents... The "Black Barbie" Documentary

...black barbie, dressed in bvlgari

- Lil Kim

Barbie debuted in 1959.  It was in 1980, over 20 years later, that the world received the first Black Barbie doll.  From Shonda Rhimes/Shondaland Media in conjunction with Netflix, this documentary unpacks the origin and evolution of Black Barbie while highlighting the legacy of three Black women pioneers who worked at Mattel.  The impact of representation matters.  
Watch the trailer below:

Venus Williams is Honored with her own Mattel Barbie

img via Mattel

In a continued celebration of Barbie's 65th anniversary, Mattel honors athletes in their new Team Barbie collection.  Tennis Legend, Venus Williams, is among the athletes featured.  Others include Rebeca Andrade (Gymnast), Mary Fowler (Football), Alexa Moreno (Gymnast), Estelle Mossley (Boxer), Federica Pellegrini (Swimmer), Susana Rodriguez (Paratriathlete), Christine Sinclair (Soccer), and Ewa Swoboda (Sprinter).

I’m honored to be recognized as a sports role model and join forces with Team Barbie to continue empowering the next generation of young girls to never stop believing in their dreams. 

{Trailer} PARAMOUNT+ presents... The "How Music Got Free" DocuSeries- Produced by Eminem and LeBron James

We talk about what went wrong.  What went wrong for who? 

The artist or the industry?

-Rhymefest 

You don't know what you've got til it's gone.  

The good ol days.  Walking into a record store to buy your favorite vinyl, tape, cd, and sometimes even meet the artist personally there.  Technology began to take over and we still had it good.  Limewire!?  A time you really just HAD to experience for yourself.  For us music lovers, words don't do it justice.

"How Music Got Free" dives into the captivating story of physical media to digital media and how it changed the music scene forever.  File sharing, theft, investigations, and the overwhelmingly increasing robust demand for new music.  Executive Produced by Marshal 'Eminem' Mathers (Shady Films), LeBron James and Maverick Carter (SpringHill), along with Paul Rosenberg and Steve Stoute (Interscope Films), watch the trailer after the jump!

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: "Might As Well by Brian Bailey Jr" Opening Reception

Brian Bailey Jr's "Might As Well" Opening Reception was an inaugural solo exhibition showcasing his passion through his artistic designs and creations within the Washington, D.C. community.  The space filled with DJ spun tunes surrounded by thought provoking yet relatable statements/anecdotes through colorful art, feelings, and countless people showing love.  A celebration it was.

Curated by Nefertiti Nakiya, "Might As Well" stands tall on its own.  

Walk with me...

{Comic Book Alert} MARVEL Pays Homage to MF DOOM x TidalWave Immortalizes Janet Jackson's Life Story in "Female Force"

The Late Great MF DOOM and Legendary Janet Jackson have made waves in the comics recently.  Marvel published a new comic book focusing on the Doctor Doom character, which is said to be the first release of a Doom comic issue since MF DOOM's passing in 2020.  It pays homage by featuring a slightly revamped quote from MF DOOM's Accordion track "Living off borrowed time, the clock tick faster" that Sanford Greene felt was a 'cool nod' to MF DOOM while fitting the story he wanted to tell.

 TidalWave released a 22-page "Female Force: Janet Jackson" comic, written by Michael Frizell and illustrated by Ramon Salas.  It follows Janet's life growing up in the Jackson household and rise through mega stardom.  Frizzel gushes about the issue stating "You know what's cool about writing about Janet Jackson?  It's like telling a story of triumph and creativity.  Her legacy isn't just about hits; it's about breaking barriers and being unapologetically herself."

Mary J. Blige x Giuseppe Zanotti Release "The Mary Boot"

Catch me with the B's on the wheels

Giuseppe's on the heels...

- Mary/Enough Cryin' (2005)

A personal jam and the first thought after hearing their collaboration announcement.  Mary has always been known to rock a fierce boot whether it's during a performance, acting gig, or at an event.  Nearly 20 years later, the iconic brand and iconic singer have brought their statement look to life.  'The Mary Boot' dons a heel 4 inches high (105mm to be exact), reflective rose-gold synthetic fabric, and a leather sole with logo; ranging from women's US 4 to US 12 sizes.

This Week Only: Live Nation Offering $25 Concert Tickets, including Janet Jackson, Missy Elliott , Limp Bizkit & Many More

Starting today through May 14, 2024, Live Nation is offering $25 tickets for 'concert week'.  It's important to note in the fine print that this is the price before taxes/fees, if applicable.  Nevertheless, a great deal.  This offer is comprised with tickets to 5,000+ shows across the nation of over 100 participating artists. I see quite a few that I'll personally be spending on.  Check out all included in the promo below:

 311.  21 SAVAGE.  A BOOGIE WIT DA HOODIE.  AJR.  ALANIS MORISSETTE.  AVRIL LAVIGNE.  BASHFORTHEWORLD.  BLINK-182.  BRET MICHAELS.  BROOKS & DUNN. BRYSON TILLER.  BUSH.  CAGE THE ELEPHANT.  CAIFANES & CAFÉ TACVBA.  CELESTE BARBER.  CHARLIE WILSON.  CHICAGO AND EARTH, WIND & FIRE.  CIGARETTES AFTER SEX.  CODY JINKS.  COLE SWINDELL.  CREED.  DAN + SHAY.  DANE COOK.  DARYL HALL + ELVIS COSTELLO.  DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL.  DEEP PURPLE.  DIERKS BENTLEY.  DITA VON TEESE.  THE DOOBIE BROTHERS.  

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: Snack Arcade Pop-Up

Events DC held a 90s inspired immersive pop-up called Snack Arcade in celebration of global food.  It was located within the International City Food Festival and contained vintage low-fi and table games to snacks galore from all 7 continents.  I love arcades.  Add snacks, too!?  Of course, I'm there...

Beats By Dre Spotlights Sha'Carri Richardson, Angel Reese, and Naomi Osaka for Solo 4 Ad

*cues up Ladies First by. Queen Latifah

The new line of Beats Solo 4 headphones campaign features three of the most recent culturally relevant young ladies in their respective sports.  Sha'Carri Richardson (2023 and 2024 World 100m Champion), Angel Reese (LSU star/newly WNBA Chicago Sky player), and Naomi Osaka (Grand Slam singles champion) advertise in statement photos that highlight the product along with a nod to their career.

{Watch} Belvedere Vodka Debuts 'Belvedere 10' Campaign... Starring Future and Taika Waititi

I appreciated the concept that you cannot feign it.  You must genuinely embody it.

-Future

Belvedere Vodka enlists legendary Rapper, Future, and Actor/Director/Filmmaker Taika Waititi for their Belvedere 10 cinematic campaign ad.  The 'opulent, faceted, and effortlessly smooth' Belvedere 10 is 40% ALC and presented as the brand's new luxury spirit.  

The brief film showcases Belvedere 10 with an intriguing interaction between Future and Taika Waititi.  Additional credits include styling by Vogue Australia Editor-in-Chief, Christine Centenera | Photography by Atiba Jefferson | Original Soundtrack produced by Grammy Award-winning ATL Jacob.  Check it out after the jump:

Pharrell Collaborates with Tiffany & Co. for New Titan Collection

Jewelry is the punctuation mark of a person. 

—Pharrell Williams 

Tiffany & Co. unveils their first collection with Icon and Multi Mogul Pharrell Williams.  Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams feature designs inspired by the Greek Mythology God, Poseidon— ruler of the water and King of Atlantis, which also happens to be the name of the community Pharrell grew up in in Virginia Beach, VA.  In addition, Pharrell sustains that the details of the pieces are very intentional.  Including the use of black titanium, which he attributes as "a physical manifestation of beauty in blackness." 

Available Now: Curren$y Unveils New 'Jet Life' THC Soda and Gummies

The Highest level of Refreshment. 

Spitta delivers his passion for Mary, Mary, Mary in a new format that Lifers will certainly appreciate.  Long overdue, Jet Life THC and THC gummies are now on the market!  Available in a distinct flavor of grape lemonade, both products contain premium THC extracts.  In case you were pondering, they are 100% legal.

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: Sally Beauty x The Black Hair Experience "Rooted In Success" Event

Sally Beauty partnered with the Black Hair Experience for an immersive event celebrating hair, community, and culture.  'Rooted in Success' offered product demonstrations, panel conversations to fireside chats, several photo ops, and complimentary products from brands at the 'Black Beauty Boutique'.  Hundreds of people came out to support.  The line was CRAZY, but it was worth it!  Here's a glimpse...