{Book Alert} "How To Be More Like Kendrick For Dummies"

Load up the pro tools and press three.

Who knew that the book from the Squabble Up video was not just a subtle diss, but an actual book to be released?  HA.  Through 250 pages, How To Be More Like Kendrick For Dummies features his iconic quotes, thought-provoking insights, and facts about Mr. Kendrick Lamar himself.  

{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.  

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.

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".  

{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."

Sister Souljah Announces a New Installment to The Coldest Winter Ever, "Love After Midnight"

{Warning: SPOILERS Ahead for 'The Coldest Winter Ever" and "Life After Death"}

The Winter Santiaga story is not over.  Sister Souljah has resurfaced with an announcement of the new 384-page installment, "Love After Midnight".  This novel is said to pick up where we left off... confirming that Winter is alive and is back making her own world once again.  Midnight being in the title could be alluding to his character presence in this one possibly.  It's described as a 'hip-hop hood style, global romantic comedy'.  Interesting.  

 

I'm gonna be real with ya'll...

Rapper Trina Unveils New Memoir, "Da Baddest", with Foreword by Missy Elliott

I can't wait to share my story with you all!!!

Katrina 'Trina' Taylor has announced her memoir, Da Baddest, featuring a foreword from her good friend/legend Missy Elliott.  Published by Simon & Schuster, Da Baddest will channel Trina's 'coming of age' story in Miami, FL through her rise to stardom and present day legacy.  

Big Sean Announces Upcoming Wellness Book, "GO HIGHER: Five Practices for Purpose, Success, and Inner Peace"

Find that peace that's so hard to find in this world...

Rapper/Actor Big Sean announced via video message that he is adding the title Author to his resume.  The Detroit, MI native gushed excitedly about his upcoming 240 page guidebook on mental wellness-  GO HIGHER: Five Practices for Purpose, Success, and Inner Peace.  It focuses on Sean's personal journey of inward reflection, self-acceptance, and so forth.  Accepting, Strategizing, Trying, Trusting, and Manifesting.

I've always been about like speaking from the heart.

Following your intuition...

Questlove Announces Release Date for His Upcoming Book, "Hip Hop is History"

Six time Grammy-Award winning musician.  Academy-Award winning filmmaker.  New York Times Best Selling author.  Drummer of the legendary group 'The Roots'.  Musical Director for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.  It's important that I started this post with his accolades.  Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson is releasing an upcoming book that traces the perception and his personal reflection of the first 50 years of Hip-Hop.  Quest shares exclusive stories while traveling through the revolution and evolution of the mega cultural force that influences people across the globe.  

Michael Schwartz

Eve Gets Deep and Personal in Memoir, "Who's That Girl?"

They wanna know?!

Grammy Award winning, Multi-Platinum, Emmy nominated, rapper, singer, actress, songwriter, philanthropist, and entreprenuer... Eve.  The West Philadelphia native took her career by storm in 1999 and kept pushing forward with more accolades, more experiences, and now another title- Author.  

Written in collaboration with Kathy Landoli, Who's That Girl? will explore Eve's ups and downs with stardom and personal life, including reveals of behind the scene stories with some of the biggest names in Hollywood.  

I'm excited for people to get to know me on a deeper level.  This story is decades in the making.  

Quavo Released a "Huncho Farms Cookbook" During Thanksgiving

img via FYI Brand Group

*ad lib, Grandma!

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, Quavo released a "Huncho Farms Cookbook" featuring some of his family recipes and nutritious cooking tips.  Baja Beans Dip, Brined & Roasted Turkey, and Individual Baked Apple Crisps to name a few.  Presented by his Quavo Cares initiative, Urban Recipe, and Atlanta Community Food Bank, the cookbook was inspired by The Migos member sentiments that connecting with loved ones over a home-cooked meal can bring community together in joy and peace.   

In addition to the release, Quavo held his annual turkey drive in Atlanta, GA last Monday and expanded it to a Thanksgiving themed farmers market. 

{Trailer} SHOWTIME Presents... a Michael Jackson "Thriller" Documentary for its 40th Anniversary

There are two things in the music business: before Thriller and after Thriller.

 -Steven Ivory, Journalist

Thriller, an entity within itself.  The production, the music video/cinema, the album.  No matter what aspect of Thriller you think of, greatness is associated with each one.  Here's a commemoration in lieu of the 40th anniversary of this global phenomenon, that is the best selling album of all time, that is 34x Platinum globally.  

Director Nelson George takes fans on a time travel that chronicles the making of the "Thriller" masterpiece.  Never before seen footage, exclusive interviews and much more.  

Watch the trailer after the jump!

{Book Alert} DOOM'S BISTRO- a MF DOOM Inspired Cookbook by. Ben Gore

I’ve been a huge DOOM fan for decades and this cookbook came together as a way to pay tribute to an icon of hip hop while adding a delicious dimension to his back catalogue. 

-Ben Gore to Creative Boom

Mm.. Food.

There are few artists who transition to the afterlife and leave a distinct impact across the world forever.  MF DOOM is one of them.  DOOM's BISTRO is an illustrated cookbook inspired by foods that MF DOOM mentioned throughout his discography, containing over 60 recipes for foods and drinks referenced.  “Deep Fried Frenz”, "Fillet-O-Rapper", "Nice Verse Pie", "Rapp Snitch Knishes".  The list goes on and on. It's surely a treat for any DOOM fan.

The only rule I gave myself was that in every illustration, there has to be a DOOM mask alongside the dish or an ingredient.

 Gore added a few notable guest dishes to the book: J Dilla's 'doughnut' inspired by his "Donuts" album, and Raekwon’s 'Butter pecan ice cream', inspired by the world renowned Wu-Tang track "Ice Cream".

You Can Now Interior Design Your Home Like Beyoncé, thanks to Brigette Romanek

Prominent and coveted interior designer, Brigette Romanek, is bringing her personal approach towards interior design to a coffee table near you.  With A-List celebrity clientele like Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Gwyneth Paltrow, Christian Bale, the Crate and Barrel brand and more, her reputation certainly precedes her.   

Romanek's upcoming book, "Livable Luxe", features over 150 photographs that reflect the personality/lifestyle of interior design projects for her various clients along with her own personal related life stories.

Her 'Gucci meets Gap' design blend is admired by many who desire to have give their space a feeling of comfort and style.  Authored by Brigette Romanek and Foreword by Gwyneth Paltrow, "Liveable Luxe" is 240 pages of energetic inspo in more ways than one.

Pharrell Releases a Jewelry Book, Delving Into His Most Iconic Pieces

Don't wanna sound full of myself or rude

but you ain't looking at no other dudes...

P hit the gas in 2023 and hasn't let up since.  His artistry runs decades deep and he is still continuing to peel back layers of his genius to the world.  We get a closer look at over 100 of Pharrell's iconic jewelry pieces--the craftsmanship, the influence, the creativity in "Pharrell: Carbon Pressure & Time: A Book of Jewels".  

His personal collection of chains, pendants, and rings include collaborations with Jacob & Co., Lorraine Schwartz, and Yoon & Verbal.  Luxury gems that were an intricate addition to his distinctive style that became a trailblazer in Hip Hop culture.

Jada Pinkett Smith Reclaims Her Narrative with Memoir, "Worthy"

..I was believing that my journey was not a worthy journey.  But when I saw it on paper —I couldn't help but look at myself and say, Wow.  What a life.

-Jada Pinkett Smith to PEOPLE mag

Actress and Talk Show Host, Jada Pinkett Smith, has been in the news over the last couple of years for less than favorable instances.  Most were brought to the forefront beyond her control unexpectedly.  She began writing her book in December 2021 and is now ready to tell HER story.  Uncut. 

Michel Haddi presents... a "TUPAC – THE LEGEND " Photography Book

I said you know my friend, you are a young Martin Luther King...

...says renowned photographer, Michel Haddi, while recalling the first time he met Tupac.  Haddi is releasing a 45x30cm photo book dedicated to the Legend containing 40 images he captured of him, on Galerie Art gloss paper.  Designed by Creative Director, Roberto Da Pozzo, each of the 500 copies will be personally hand-signed by Michel Haddi.  50 of those copies will be a limited edition presented in a black box that includes an 11x14in print; also hand-signed.  

Jeezy Announces Pre-Sale for his Memoir Book, "Adversity for Sale"

...for all my day ones and everybody that's been down with me since the beginning.

Many rappers have dabbled in the literature field with their own memoirs such as Rick Ross, LL Cool J, Raekwon, Jay-Z, 50 Cent, DMX, to name a few.  Young Jeezy is now next up to bat.

He declares this 272-page book as a 'motivational memoir' and the 'greatest story never told'.  

Frank Ocean's Homer Brand Publishes New Photography Book, "Mutations"

If the ground is black and yellow?

If you aren't familiar... Frank Ocean founded his American luxury jewelry and accessories brand, Homer, in 2018.  It commercially launched in 2021.  Though Frank mainly keeps a low profile, the business is still up and running.  Recently, Homer published "Mutations".  

Rapper Ab-Soul set to Teach an Online Writing Course

They'll never understand Herbert Anthony...

They just might now.  Well... maybe a little.  Ab-Soul is the latest legendary guest professor to lecture on Mickey Factz's Pendulum Ink Academy.  Soul-lo ho is set to discuss and share his writing process along with diving into some insight on his creative process.  The course is interactive and few participants will have the opportunity to ask him a question personally.  

Previous guest professors include Cyhi, Inspectah Deck, Che Noir, Method Man, Twista, Phonte and more.