In Memoriam... 2024

Getty Images

Gone, but not forgotten.

In memoriam...

Hinton Battle

Carl Weathers

Hydeia Broadbent

Dexter Scott King

The Brooklyn Museum Introduces New Advice Column, "Dear Ms. Lonely Arts"

New Line Cinema

Calling all lovers (of anything)!  The holiday season can be a bittersweet time for most.  Shorter days, colder weather (depending on your location), sorrow, reflections of the year... what have you accomplished?  what have you not?  and so forth.  The new advice column from the Brooklyn Museum couldn't have come had a better time.  A time where people need it the most.

"Dear Ms. Lonely Arts" offers sanctuary and community to those seeking advice.  Here's how it works:

HEAT: Tyler, the Creator's GOLF WANG x NFL Collab Has Arrived

The GOLF WANG x NFL Merch Collab has arrived and my... is it FIRE!  The collection highlights 7 NFL Teams to include the Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, and San Francisco 49ers.  It extends through several pieces.  Hot Dog Holders, Keychains, Coasters, Necklaces, Crossbody Bags, Socks, Polos, T-Shirts, Varsity Jackets, Bomber Jackets, Hoodies, Sweaters, and Hats.  Thee absolute works. 

Film to Theatre: Jason's Lyric - Live on Stage

 Je'Caryous Johnson is back with another live adaptation of a classic black film.  Jason's Lyric Live! features the reprise of Allen Payne in his role of Jason as well as Treach as his role of Alonzo.  

Time Warp... 1999 : Unleash The Dragon | Sisqo

Circa 1999.

I remember seeing this video once before, only to never see it air again.  I recall the ''script', but not the Tatyana Ali cameo.  Thank God for the internet right?  Beanie Sigel is on the album version, but not featured in this video version.  Make it Hot and Da Kidd have their verses laced instead.  I got this album for Christmas that year and played it OD.  Even then, it was an undeniable classic debut and has aged even better.  Not the video though.

Tired of holdin' back

I'm about to let the drag attack

Related Post:  {Watch} VICE presents Mini Doc... "The Story of the 'Thong Song'" by Sisqo

Related Post:  Time Warp... 2001 : Dance For Me | Sisqo

{Book Alert} Assouline's "The Book of Hov: A Tribute to Jay-Z"

In 2023, The Book of Hov immersive exhibit took over the Brooklyn Public Library (drawing over 600,000 visitors) with a groundbreaking honor to celebrate the multifaceted Icon and Legend... Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter.  Luxury book brand, Assouline, has transformed the unforgettable exhibit into a physical book form. 

"The Book of Hov: A Tribute to Jay-Z" is materialized in Classic and Ultimate editions.  The Classic is organized into eight chapters showcasing Hov's artistry, lyrics, entreprenuership, activism, and overall cultural impact.  

The Moncler x Willow Smith Collab Has Arrived

Moncler releases a new art of genius collection with Willow Smith.  It specifically themes around 'a post-apocalyptic garden where humans and nature can exist in harmony'.   

The pieces air a sense of 'metropolitan armor' through standout outerwear, jackets, boots, t-shirts and more.

Kelis Releases a Children's Book "Seven Wonders of Africa"

Kelis Official

Kelis has started a new company titled, Make It Brown.  Its first release is the "Seven Wonders of Africa" children's book, written by Kelis herself.  The story was inspired by Kelis' personal journey with her family throughout Africa this year; seeing and appreciating all that the continent has to offer.  Her 'Make It Brown' company aims to provide characters and stories about places and adventures that our children can see themselves represented in.  "Seven Wonders of Africa" introduces the world to... 

Abel Sabbath Brown.

Fear of God Teams Up with the WNBA and NBA for New Collection

Jerry Lorenzo's Fear of God fashion house has inked a multiyear partnership with the WNBA and NBA aspiring to create a new industry space that fills the demand for fan merchandise.  Staying true to their signature style, the first installment features apparel of franchises across both leagues to include the Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Sky, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Sparks, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, and New York Liberty. 

Time Warp... 1989: Say No Go | De La Soul

Circa 1989.

Believe it or not, the plot forms a fee more than charity

But the course doesn't coincide with the ride of insanity...

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

Related Post:  {WATCH} :: Mass Appeal presents De La Soul documentary.... "De La Soul is Not Dead"

Sneak Peek: A Go-Go Museum is Opening in Washington D.C

Fox5 DC

It don't mean a thing..

If it don't got the go-go swing.

On Monday, a cutting ceremony took place in Washington, D.C. to unveil the city's first Go-Go Museum and Café.   The new cultural landmark is housed over 8,000 square feet in the historic Anacostia neighborhood.  In February 2020, Mayor Muriel Bowser signed DC law 23-71, selecting Go-Go music as the official music of Washington D.C.  The DMV (D.C, Maryland, Virginia) Metropolitan area has created the Go-Go identity and popularized it to the masses from the early 1970s through present.  

Fox5 DC

Sidebar: shouts to the photographer.  what a stunning shot.

 The Go-Go Museum & Café features interactive holograms, collection artifacts, exhibitions, a recording studio, outdoor stage for live performances, and of course a café.

 Phil Lewis/Huff Post 

Coi Leray Shines in "Step Into Your Gift" 2024 Holiday Campaign

Choosing the perfect gift, whether for yourself or someone special, is more than a holiday tradition – it's an opportunity to create lasting memories.

- Kim Waldmann/Chief Customer Officer of Foot Locker, Inc.

At the top of holiday season, Foot Locker has launched their 2024 "Step into Your Gift" Campaign.  Grammy-nominated Artist Coi Leray shines as a lead style influencer for Adidas; alongside NBA athletes LaMelo Ball (PUMA) and Anthony Edwards (Adidas).    

evian x Pharrell Williams Limited Edition 'Fountain of Youth' Water Bottles

As he is notably complimented on his amazing and youthful looking skin, it was only right that evian snagged the 51-year-old icon for the “Fountain of Youth".  Sharing parallel ethos, Pharrell Williams credits the key element of maintaining this with hydration.  

Staying hydrated is fundamental to my wellness routine. These bottles represent more than just water—they're a reminder that self-care can be simple and joyful. Our collaboration aims to inspire everyone to prioritise their health and embrace the small, everyday moments that contribute to our overall wellbeing. The ‘Fountain of Youth’ phrase on the bottle is designed to grab attention, start conversations, and reminds us of the important role that water plays in our wellness.

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: Halloween 2024 x All Things Fall

It's the most

Wonderful time

Of the yearrrrrrrrrrrr.

I just truly love October.  Remember as kids how the air... the same air that we breathed every day of the school year would somehow be fresher and crisper on a field trip morning?  That's exactly how October feels to me.  Fall weather, pumpkin activities, fall leaves, my birthday, Halloween.  It's just...

*sigh 

everything. 

Whoopi Goldberg Launches First All Women Sports Network

The View

It'll be the home for live women's sports from around the world...

Academy Award winning actress, Whoopi Goldberg, has collaborated with JungoTV and CommonSpirit Health to present the first television platform dedicated solely to female athletes, teams, and leagues across the globe.  AWSN (All Women's Sports Network) aims to not only provide visibility, but also, celebrate women's achievements that are often overshadowed by male-dominated sports.

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: "INFINITY & Beyond by. Jada Imani M" Exhibit Closing Reception

 

Jada Imani M's "INFINITY & Beyond" closing ceremony allowed guests one last visit of her visual project showcasing Black beauty in the past, present, and future.  There was a metaphoric (I'll dig into that later) hair salon set up surrounded by various portraits of Black women that exuded our different hairstyles and culture.  The artist talk segment was so relatable and quite refreshing for that reason.  Here's a recap through my lens.... 

Jay-Z's Shawn Carter Foundation Announces Financial Education Program for HBCU's

Getty Images

Every day at the Shawn Carter Foundation, we dedicate ourselves to uplifting students and communities that are underserved. To launch a financial education program that will reach more students and communities, along with dedicated partners like Toyota and the Wharton School of Business, is a vision we are finally seeing come to fruition. We are so excited to see the incredible impact of CFFL unfold and look forward to its growth.

- CEO/Co-Founder (and Jay-Z's mother) Dr. Gloria Carter

Jay-Z's Shawn Carter Foundation has partnered with Toyota Motor North America to launch a financial education program for HBCU's (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) across the U.S.  As of now so far, it will be available to students enrolled at Lincoln University, Norfolk State University, and Virginia State University.  The program is set to be introduced in Spring 2025 containing curriculum developed with the Coalition for Equity and Opportunity at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.  Structured through budgeting, credit scores, stock market and other financial topics, this program will serve as a foundation and tool for wealth and success.  

Getty Images

{Personal Post} PHOTOS/VIDEO: Block Party at MLK Library #ArtAllNight

Art All Night took over the Nation's Capitol yet once again.  Throughout the weekend, several art events are held across the city.  I went to the Block Party at MLK Library this year.  They had an insane Go-go band line up rolled out: Experience Unlimited (EU), Black Alley, Junkyard, Backyard, DC Vybe, Relentless, and Push Play ft. D. Floyd.  Front Porch hosted by Noochi was, also, on the bill.  Art, Food, Music, Vendors.

Ain't no party like a D.C. party...

{Personal Post} PHOTOS/VIDEO: Lucky Daye "Algorithm" Tour | Washington D.C

The magic of this post lies within the video...

 The sounds, the vocals, the set list.  Everything about this show was perfect.  A true eargasm for music lovers.  I had missed his tour stop here a few years prior, but had a chance to see him Philly.  I made it a point to not miss this show and I'm so glad I got to experience it.  Worth every penny... and some.

{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...