Chicago Has Opened Its First Library Food Pantry

Michael Liptrot/Block Club Chicago

Legler Regional Library, located in the West Garfield Park neighborhood of Chicago, IL, has officially opened its first library food pantry.  In partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository, the pantry stock offers the community a rotating consistent selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, protein, pre packaged meals and other food items to support a healthy diet.  The pantry shelves also offer essential hygiene toiletries such as toothpaste and shampoo.     

Michael Liptrot/Block Club Chicago

Mayor Brandon Johnson YouTube channel

Pharrell x Moët & Chandon Unveil Birthday-Themed Collection

The best part about a birthday are the people who want to 

celebrate it with you.
-Pharrell Williams

The man of many hats, including Louis Vuitton Creative Director, teamed up with Moët & Chandon for an exclusive birthday-themed collection.  Each bottle features a custom sleek design— the Limited Edition (simple and elegant), the Bow Capsule (oversized fabric bow that also doubles as a brooch), and the Jewel Masterpiece (where the name speaks for itself).

Megan Thee Stallion's New Tequila Has Arrived

 I'm excited to share this labor of love with you all and hope you are inspired to enter your CHICAS ERA!

Hotties Drink Responsibly.  Owh.

As part of her 30th birthday celebration, Megan Thee Stallion launched a new brand.  Tequila!

Produced in Jalisco, Mexico, Chicas Divertidas arrives in two premium offerings of Blanco and Reposado.   Both benefit from the Arandas region volcanic soil and cool climate, which yields a naturally sweet agave.  

The HEINZ & DJ Mustard for Mustard Collab Is On the Way

An undeniably perfect use with Kendrick's yell of "MUSTAAAAARD" on he and DJ Mustard's 'Tv Off' track.  The promo commercial unveiled during the 67th Annual Grammy Awards this past Sunday.  Note, Dijon "DJ Mustard" McFarlane has since dropped the 'DJ' from his professional recording name however... its use here is to help from reading in a tongue twister.

The record producer and DJ is now the Chief Mustard Officer of HEINZ.  That title entails hosting events, exclusive recipes, creative energy and more into the sauce world.  In addition, a new mustard sauce is coming soon.  A first for HEINZ in almost a decade.

Sneak Peek: Tamar and Her Mom, Evelyn "Ms. E" Braxton, Debut Their Upcoming Cooking Show

Tamar and Ms. E became fan favorites through the long running reality tv show, Braxton Family Values.  Now they're back onscreen with a new series and venture.  Together in Cooking Sessions with Tamar and Ms. E, the Daughter and Mom duo will prepare some of their favorite recipes with a few guests here and there as well as... dishing out tea.  

Watch the sneak peek below:   

E-40's Son Promotes Health with "Finesse" Seasonings Brand

via IG

...I wanted to offer people the freedom to season generously while still prioritizing their health.

-  Emari Stevens to The Source

E-40's son, Emari Stevens, is stepping into his own spotlight in the food industry.  'Finesse' seasonings promotes health with low sodium alternatives to reduce the risk of high blood pressure.  It wasn't an overnight thing.  There were years of development to ensure this can be a successful blend without compromising the savory flavor.  

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.

{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:

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.

Now Available: Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg Officially Release Canned Cocktail, "Gin & Juice"

Kevin Winter/Getty

Together, we always try to create magic, we’re having fun being creative, and everything about this product is really us.

 -Dr. Dre

Laid back.

Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg have officially released their canned cocktail, fittingly named after their 1994 hit song, "Gin & Juice".  Containing 5.9% ABV, the brand delivers a 4-pack for each of their four flavor options: apricot, citrus, melon, and passionfruit.

Hennessy Debuts 'Made for More' Campaign... Starring Damson Idris and Teyana Taylor

Damson Idris and Teyana Taylor are two exploding artists, and I wanted to ensure we captured their essence. Even when he’s playing, Damson exudes style! And Teyana is just the epitome of cool. I think these qualities shine through in spades and fit perfectly with this new direction for Hennessy.

-Andreas Nilsson/Director of the 'Made for More' ads

Hennessy Very Special (which in this case should stand for Very Sexy) debuts their new campaign 'Made for More' starring hollywood heartthrobs, Damson Idris and Teyana Taylor.  The campaign aims to explore the infinite versatility of Hennessy Very Special with aesthetically pleasing visuals and introductions of several Hennessy cocktail recipes such as the Hennessy Margarita, Hennessy Honey Highball, Hennessy Pineapple and more.

Meet Beatrice Gray: Organizer of the First Co-op Grocery Store in Washington D.C #BlackHistoryMonth

via Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum

In the 1960s, Beatrice Gray noticed her neighbors and residents in the Southeast (S.E) Washington D.C community lacked access to quality grocery food within their quarters.  She decided to make a change and take action.  Initially, Gray generated a food buyers' club of affordable quality fresh food for 18 months before becoming the main organizer of the first co-op grocery store in Washington D.C.

photo via Smithsonian

Available Now: Rapper YG's "Cherry Bomb" Natural Male Enhancement Supplements

Big bank take lil bank.  The 4HUNNID lifestyle brand, founded by YG, released a new supplement immediately following love day for male enhancement!  No chaser, Cherry Bomb was made to help increase the male performance in bed (without prescription).  Heightening pleasure and stimulating blood flow, this all natural supplement will intensify your desires.  

Meet Dr. William Conan Davis: The Developer of Instant Mashed Potatoes and More #BlackHistoryMonth

Born in Waycross, GA on August 22, 1926, Dr. William Conan Davis served as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during the Korean War; receiving a Purple Heart in 1953.  In adolescent days, his father drove he and his brother Kenneth to the Tuskegee Institute to attend a workshop with thee George Washington Carver and Henry Ford.  It was here that his love for Chemistry blossomed.  Davis received a B.S. in Chemistry at Talladega College, a Masters of Science in Organic Chemistry at Tuskegee, and was the first African-American to receive a Ph.D. at the University of Idaho.  Dr. William Conan Davis thesis research, contrary to irony, involved the potato.  He applied for the Industrial Research Dept. at Washington State to study the buildup of particles on saw blades in lumber mills.  He identified arabinogalactan, which at the time.. no one knew how to use.  Davis was able to isolate the substance within fried potato chips and added arabinogalactans to the potato mixtures.  There... Instant Mashed Potatoes was created.

Michael B. Jordan Introduces New Organic Beverage, 'MOSS'

In today’s world where people are increasingly disconnected, MOSS is turning to the ocean to bring balance back to our lives.

Michael B. Jordan is the face and partner, with Dr Smood/Outlier Society Ventures, of a new health beverage... MOSS.  The beverage's proprietary formula features super ingredients such as sea moss, ashwagandha, and ginseng that supports MOSS wave of wellness: boost vitality, reduce stress, increase cognitive function, support memory, and focus mineral support.  

Presently, MOSS offers three flavors

McDonald's Shares the Menu for their New Restaurant, "CosMc's"

Interesting.  McDonald's has expanded their restaurant 'universe' with a new small format concept.  CosMc's is beverage led, however, does feature some food items.  The menu explores several beverage flavor combinations containing functional boosts and vibrant colors.  Consumers can further customize their drink with additional flavor syrups, vitamin c shots, boba, and more.  

The food bites, also, explore a different route from the typical McDonald's menu with new flavor mashups.

Grand Marnier & Teezo Touchdown Celebrate #HipHop50 with Holiday "(W)rapping Paper" Collab

As the year is coming to a close, Grand Marnier has joined in on the hip hop 50 celebration with a holiday (W)rapping program; right in time for Christmas.  Black owned luxury gifting company, UNWRP, added their creativity and quality to compose the limited edition hip hop inspired gift wrap that features music devices/players used over the years. 

 Just like the unexpected encounter of orange liqueur and cognac coming together to create something grand, this collaboration with UNWRP and Teezo Touchdown to create an item that blends hip hop, the holidays and cocktails demonstrates the fun you can have when you bring together the unexpected.

- Andrea Sengara, Vice President of Marketing for Campari America

The wrapping paper is included in a Grand Marnier holiday cocktail kit with:

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. 

Try Baskin Robbins "Turkey Day Fixin's" Ice Cream Flavor

If you ever wondered what Thanksgiving fixin's would taste like compiled into something else, think the everlasting gobstopper, this is for you.  Baskin Robbins is serving a flavor blend of sides in one ice cream scoop.  A new interesting addition to a tradition.

Helping Out: TARGET Is Offering a Full Thanksgiving Meal for $25

With food prices being ridiculously high, this deal is right on time.  Target is helping family and friends celebrate Thanksgiving, financially a little easier, by offering a full Thanksgiving meal for $25.  Target Exec VP and Chief Food & Beverage Officer assures that "guests can trust Target to find joy without compromise.” 

Here's what the dinner for 4 includes: