Hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg is set to add his west coast flair to NBC’s universal coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympics this summer. The legendary rapper will be featured in prime-time programming on both the NBC broadcast network and the Peacock streaming platform.
While Snoop Dogg may not be the most conventional choice for Olympic coverage, NBC is venturing into new territory to bring fresh and engaging content to its prime-time hours. This move follows the rapper’s previous stint as a commentator during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics alongside comedian Kevin Hart, and it seems that his unique take on the events resonated with audiences.
According to an NBC executive, Snoop Dogg’s previous Olympic commentary garnered “tens of millions of views,” showcasing the rapper’s ability to bring entertainment and a fresh perspective to the traditional sports coverage format.
As the Paris Olympics approach, fans can anticipate Snoop Dogg’s witty commentary and infectious energy to spice up the broadcast, making the games even more enjoyable for a diverse audience. NBC’s decision to bring back Snoop Dogg suggests a willingness to experiment with unconventional but popular figures to enhance the viewing experience for fans of all backgrounds.
Last week, the iconic DJ Clue surprised fans with an unforgettable performance at Grand Marnier’s Grand Encounter experience at AT in NYC. The legendary DJ, known for his significant contributions to hip hop culture, sat down with The Source Magazine to discuss 50 years of hip hop before taking the stage with a live band. The event marked a monumental moment in the intersection of music and mixology.
Grand Marnier, synonymous with sophistication and craftsmanship, used the Grand Encounter experience to introduce the taste of their Cognac Region to New York City. This exclusive event seamlessly blended the worlds of hip hop and high-end spirits, creating a unique atmosphere that captivated attendees.
DJ Clue, in the midst of the festivities, shared a moment backstage enjoying Grand Marnier Margaritas. When asked which hip hop song he would compare to a Grand Marnier cocktail, he humorously responded with Jay-Z’s “Show Me What You Got.” According to DJ Clue, the song’s live instruments, horns, and drums create an energy that resonates with the crowd, much like the enduring appeal of Grand Marnier.
Grand Encounter Events: A Blend of Music, Art, and Cocktails
This holiday season, residents of New York and Houston, aged 21 and above, are invited to immerse themselves in the world of Grand Marnier by attending the Grand Encounter experience in their cities. The event promises special hip hop performances and the opportunity to purchase the Grand Margarita cocktail kit, offering a seamless solution for holiday shopping.
Just as Grand Marnier combines Cognac and Orange Liqueur to create its signature flavor, the Grand Encounter experience blended music, art, and cocktails to provide a truly grand experience. Attendees had the chance to explore the world of Grand Marnier, savoring signature tastings of Grand Marnier Cuvée Louis Alexandre, an exceptional VSOP cognac known for its character and complexity.
The (W)rapping Paper Program: A Collaboration with Teezo Touchdown
Grand Marnier unveiled its (W)rapping Paper program in collaboration with rock and rap artist Teezo Touchdown and luxury black-owned gifting company UNWRP. This program celebrates the holidays, meaningful moments, and 50 years of hip hop with limited-edition wrapping paper, gift (w)rap content, custom cocktail kits, and a donation to The Hip Hop Museum.
The limited-edition (W)rapping Paper + Cocktail Kit is a tribute to hip hop’s 50th anniversary, drawing inspiration from Teezo Touchdown. Consumers can purchase a Grand Margarita holiday cocktail kit while supplies last, featuring all the ingredients to create Teezo Touchdown’s twist on the delicious drink, along with a free custom (w)rapping paper.
About Cocktail Courier: Elevating the Home Bartending Experience
Cocktail Courier, known for its cocktail delivery service, provided the Grand Margarita kit, ensuring attendees had all the fresh ingredients, alcohol, and instructions needed to mix up bar-quality cocktails at home. The service eliminates the hassle of recipe and ingredient hunting, transforming anyone into a professional bartender in minutes.
Grand Margarita Recipe: A Toast to Elegance and Flavor
As a highlight of the night, the Grand Margarita was a crowd-pleaser. Here’s the recipe for you to try at home:
Ingredients:
0.75 parts Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge 1.5 parts Tequila 0.75 parts Fresh Lime Juice 0.25 parts Agave Nectar Garnish: Lime Wheel through a nail cocktail pick, floating dehydrated star fruit Salt Rim (Optional)
Instructions:
Combine ingredients in a shaker tin. Add ice and shake. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a nail cocktail pick, lime wheel, and top with dehydrated starfruit. Enjoy the sophisticated and flavorful Grand Margarita!
The Grand Encounter experience with DJ Clue, Grand Marnier, and the (W)rapping Paper program showcased the perfect blend of music, art, and mixology, creating an evening that celebrated both the rich history of hip hop and the elegance of Grand Marnier.
As the seasons change, so does the fashion landscape, and this year, it’s all about making a statement with your footwear. We’ve curated a list of the hottest men’s shoes for the season, blending style, functionality, and innovation. From collapsible designs to timeless classics, these shoes are set to redefine your fashion game.
The Kody Travel Sneaker is not your average pair of kicks. Priced at $235, these sneakers feature a unique, collapsible design, allowing them to be folded flat effortlessly. Ideal for travel enthusiasts, these shoes occupy 75% less space than conventional footwear, making them the perfect companion for your escapades.
Designed with a disruptive and innovative approach, these travel-friendly sneakers redefine the very essence of dress sneakers, presenting an ultra-lightweight and supremely comfortable solution for the modern individual on the move. What sets them apart is their unique collapsible design, effortlessly folding flat to occupy a mere 25% of the space taken by conventional footwear – a game-changer for your travel escapades.
Handcrafted in Italy by skilled artisans, the Kody Travel Sneaker boasts exquisite Vento leather uppers, celebrated for their breathability and resistance to creasing. This dedication to premium materials ensures not only a sophisticated appearance but also a shoe that stands the test of time.
The patented XL Extralight outsoles are a standout feature, being 3x lighter, more durable, and flexible. Coupled with a cushioned insole, these sneakers offer optimal comfort even during extended wear. Elevate your travel style with the Kody Travel Sneaker.
Crafted with durability in mind, the Duke Low Top Dress Sneakers boast stitched rubber outsoles, complemented by waxed dress shoelaces for a refined finish. The classic yet modern silhouette, coupled with the versatile Vela Blue hue, makes these sneakers a timeless addition to any wardrobe.
The Wayne Travel Sneaker takes collapsibility to the next level. Crafted in Cuoio Buffalo Leather, Black Buffalo Leather, and White Buffalo Leather, these are the first-ever collapsible leather shoes that collapse to approximately 2 inches without creasing. Say goodbye to checked baggage fees as you easily pack these sleek sneakers into your carry-on or backpack.
The Duke Dress Sneaker combines sophistication with comfort. These sneakers offer a stylish alternative to traditional dress shoes. The navy leather adds a touch of elegance, making them suitable for a variety of occasions. Step out in style without compromising on comfort.
Jack Erwin, a renowned men’s and women’s footwear brand, has been making waves since its launch in 2013. Known for their timeless designer styles at an affordable price point, Jack Erwin offers a range of favorites from their men’s collection.
Standouts include the Ellis Lug Sole Loafers, Carmine, Ollie, and Reade, showcasing the brand’s commitment to effortless and classic designs.
This season, your footwear doesn’t just complement your outfit; it defines your style. Whether you’re jet-setting around the globe or making a stylish statement closer to home, these shoes compliment the modern man. Step into the new season with confidence and flair.
PUMA Hoops is set to make waves with the latest addition to LaMelo Ball’s signature shoe collection, the MB.03 Chino Hills. This new shoe pays homage to LaMelo’s origin story, specifically his remarkable achievement at Chino Hills High School when he scored an astonishing 92 points as a sophomore. The Chino Hills colorway is a nod to this jaw-dropping moment. It showcases design elements inspired by the MB.03 Toxic storyline, featuring bold neon accents and animalistic scratch marks, all of which celebrate LaMelo’s outstanding accomplishments.
The MB.03 Chino Hills boasts PUMA’s signature NITRO midsole for superior on-court performance, a double-layered mesh upper for added support, and a durable, engineered nonslip rubber compound for enhanced traction. The shoe’s upper construction is crafted with breathable monomesh, offering a supportive and lightweight fit.
In addition to the footwear, PUMA is releasing a three-piece apparel collection featuring a hoodie, shorts, and tee, with prices ranging from $40 to $125. The collection will be available starting November 17th at various retailers, including PUMA.com, the PUMA App, Foot Locker, Champs Sports, Foot Locker Canada, and Champs Sports Canada. Get ready to elevate your game with LaMelo Ball’s signature style.
If you are not familiar with Eastside Golf as of yet, you certainly need to be.
The fashion-forward golf lifestyle brand founded by Olajuwon Ajanaku and Earl Cooper recently introduced their third Jordan collaboration entitled The 1961 Project.
The collection commemorates the year the PGA of America lifted its Caucausian-only clause. Before 1961, a non-caucasian individual could not become a PGA professional tour player nor manage PGA-administered golf courses.
“We’re not just here to simply come up with some flashy clothing,” says Cooper. We want to use these clothes as messaging and a conversation piece to invoke a different perspective on the game completely.”
For most African-American culture, the attention to the sport of golf shifted in 1997, when Tiger Woods won his first Masters tournament at 22 years old. Cooper adds that the difference between “The 1961 Project ” from their previous collections is the “messaging” and education.
“We really want to see a real fundamental change and I think you see a lot of that messaging when it comes to our new collection,” Cooper added.
The Change 1961 Eastside Golf x Jordan three-shoe collection features an Air Jordan 1 High Golf, Jordan ADG, and Air Jordan 6 Low Golf. The themed apparel collection consists of 12 pieces, including long and short-sleeved tees, polos, hoodies, jogging sets, tracksuits, belts, hats, socks, and more.
“With the 1961 Project, I want people to learn about the change-makers who paved the way for more people of color to pursue this field and get a fair shot,” says Olajuwon.
Back in September, the duo hosted their first Eastside Golf Invitational in San Diego. The star-studded event was attended by Kevin Liles, CC Sabathia, Andre Iguodala, Sean “Pecas” Costner and more. During the invitational, The Eastside Golf founder donated $50,000 to the Morehouse College golf team. Cooper and Olajuwon are Morehouse College alumni.
You can catch more of Eastside Golf’s story on their six-part Hulu documentary, Grails, executive produced by Sean “Pecas” Costner with Steve Bartels and Hannah Storm.
Jada Pinkett Smith has had the internet in a frenzy but that hasn’t stopped her sales. Her new memoir Worthy debuted at #3 on the NY Times Best Seller list. Jada’s achievement contradicts earlier reports by DailyMail.com that her book was “a flop”. The NY Times lists the most popular books sold in the United States based on sales in the past week.
The courageous mom-of-two celebrated her book’s success in a video posted on her Instagram page.
She captioned the post:
“Thank you to the [Red Table Talk] family, the Worthy Warriors and to all who wanted to know my story beyond headlines … we made it to #3 on the NYT best sellers list. Congrats to the other 3 women who are holding the other top 4 spots on the list as well.”
In the video, she said:
“I was sitting here thinking that there was a time where women actually had to take on the names of men in order to be published, and here we have four women at the top of the bestsellers list.”
Hip Hop Fashion has always influenced fans, sports, music and most aspects of entertainment. In a dazzling fusion of high fashion and hip-hop culture, designer Kimberly Dumas has unveiled a groundbreaking creation to mark the 50th anniversary of hip hop – the Custom Black Biggie Smalls Crocs. Paying homage to the genre’s iconic figures and its undeniable impact on fashion, these custom Crocs are a stunning testament to the creativity and innovation that hip hop has inspired across various art forms.
The Biggie Smalls Crocs are not just another pair of shoes; they are a carefully crafted masterpiece that marries the laid-back comfort of Crocs with the opulence and style that have become synonymous with high fashion. Drawing inspiration from the legendary rapper Notorious B.I.G., also known as Biggie Smalls, Dumas has ingeniously woven together the elements that defined his style and legacy.
The most striking aspect of these custom Crocs is the meticulous detailing that sets them apart. One shoe is a nod to the iconic Coogi sweater, a signature of Biggie’s fashion repertoire. Dumas took this concept a step further by incorporating actual pieces of a Coogi sweater into the design. The result is a captivating blend of texture and color that captures the essence of Biggie’s bold and flamboyant style.
On the other shoe, Dumas channels the luxurious aesthetics of Versace, a brand that Biggie Smalls frequently referenced in his lyrics. Gold embellishments adorn the Croc, evoking the opulence that Versace is renowned for. But the pièce de résistance is undoubtedly the real crystals that spell out “Biggie Smalls” on the heel of the Croc. This detail not only adds an element of extravagance but also serves as a sparkling homage to the rapper himself.
Kimberly Dumas has been dubbed the NYC Croc Queen. Designing custom hip hop Crocs for the who’s who in the industry. “I needed to create a shoe to show Biggie’s fans that I mean business when it comes to celebrating one of the best lyricists to date. Having real Versace and Coogie pieces dominate the shoes were a necessity”, Dumas revealed. “Creating became something that fell into my lap. I was on vacation. I was staying with my sister who has everything in the world. I wanted to make her something money can’t buy. I decided to make her a custom pair of Crocs and the rest is history. It was my first time experimenting with any type of arts & crafts project and I have been customizing Crocs and other items for the past two years”, states Kim who made her sister a wedge Croc with bling on it. “It gave me so much joy to see my sister’s reaction”.
The Custom Black Biggie Smalls Crocs stand as a symbol of how hip hop has transcended musical boundaries to shape various aspects of culture, including fashion. Hip hop has always been a platform for self-expression and individuality, and these Crocs capture that essence flawlessly. They tell a story of an artist who defied norms, embraced his unique style, and left an indelible mark on both music and fashion. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip hop, the Custom Black Biggie Smalls Crocs stand as a testament to the enduring influence of the genre. They remind us that hip hop is more than just music; it’s a cultural movement that continues to inspire and shape the world around us. So, if you’re looking to step up your style game while paying homage to an icon, these custom Crocs are the perfect choice. Slip into them and walk in the footsteps of a legend, making a fashion statement that resonates with the beats of hip hop’s past, present, and future.
Check out the clip of other crocs and bling by Kim and CLICK HERE to follow her on social media.
On this day in 1999, Mobb Deep released their fourth LP, Murda Muzik. Coming after a three-year pause and numerous release date push-backs, Murda Muzik did everything but disappoint. Peaking at #3 on the Billboard 200 chart and shipping 1,000,000 copies in the year of its release prove that commercially this album was a success. The album also earned the #6 spot on the Canadian album charts.
Aside from its monetary success, the album was a hit. During a time in rap where Diddy and Master P were calling the shots, a project of this caliber came with much surprise and admiration. Havoc and Prodigy‘s stark realism and imagery depicting the darker side of the streets brought a necessary contrast to a game flooded with gold watch/diamond chain rap. Havoc’s style of production, although the majority unchanged from his previous work, was also a shift away from the norm of the ’99 to the 2000. This album has most definitely earned its respect and acclaim.
Rest in Peace to Prodigy and salute to Hav and the rest of the Mobb for this piece of Hip Hop history!
Nike continues its commitment to innovation and sustainability by launching the new Infinity RN 4 running shoe. Recognizing the importance of protecting the planet, Nike has combined cutting-edge performance design with more sustainable manufacturing and materials. The shoe features an all-new Nike ReactX foam midsole, which reduces the carbon footprint by at least 43% compared to the previous Nike React while providing runners with 13% more energy return.
“Many people today incorporate running in their lives as a way of powering a holistic betterment journey and they’ve asked us for a shoe that would support their performance and the planet too”, says Jeongwoo Lee, Nike’s Senior Design Director. “The InfinityRN 4 was designed to provide supportive cushioning for a smooth run. The shoe’s testing was led through women runners, whose insights influenced an all-new upper design with updated materials, as well as the soft cushioning underfoot.”
The development of ReactX foam was a breakthrough that challenged traditional foam manufacturing methods. By utilizing injection molding instead of compression molding, Nike achieved a more efficient and lower carbon footprint process without compromising on performance. The innovative formulation of ReactX foam combines the best aspects of both methods, maintaining sustainability, achieving impressive performance metrics, and working within the existing supply chain infrastructure.
“Athletic performance and impact on the planet aren’t mutually exclusive,” said Bret Schoolmeester, Nike’s Senior Footwear Director. “Our goal is to make athletes better and make the planet better for athletes. With materials representing about 70% of Nike’s total carbon footprint, innovating new, more sustainable materials is a top priority and we’ll do that, while delivering better performance.”
The Infinity RN 4 also boasts an all-new Nike Flyknit upper, maximizing airflow, breathability, flexibility, and containment while using 60% less waste than traditional footwear-upper manufacturing. The shoe incorporates a soft and supportive foam collar, a midfoot support system, and a water-resistant liner for enhanced comfort and performance.
Furthermore, the shoe’s waffle outsole provides durable traction, and its unique rocker design supports the three phases of a runner’s stride, offering flexibility when pushing off, a smooth ride during forward movement, and cushioning upon landing.
Nike has a history of pairing innovation with sustainability, with initiatives like the “Reuse a shoe program” and using recycled materials in apparel. The Infinity RN 4 joins the ranks of other Nike running shoes, such as Flyknit, Vapormax, Alphafly Next Nature, and Pegasus Turbo Next Nature, that have pushed the boundaries of sustainable production and redefined consumer expectations.
“Without a healthy planet, there is no future for sport,” said Golnaz Armin, Nike’s Material Innovation VP. “We all need to do more, and a key driver is addressing solutions at scale. Nike’s ReactX has that potential.”
The Nike InfinityRN 4 will be available in North America in August.
PUMA, the renowned global sports company, has joined forces with Roc Nation, Paper Planes co-founder Emory Jones, and footwear designer Alexander John to launch the highly anticipated Mixtape collection.
This unique apparel and footwear line celebrates the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and pays tribute to the iconic mixtape format. Exclusively available at Foot Locker and Champs Sports, the collection showcases the RS-XL shoe in three versions inspired by different mixtape formats: cassettes, CDs, and playlists.
Each shoe features an NFC-powered chip called the “LGT Tag” from Legitimate, which unlocks a digital portal offering exclusive content, weekly mixtape releases, and behind-the-scenes access to Roc Nation artists.
The collection includes a range of jackets, tees, and shorts with eye-catching graphics and music-inspired designs. The Mixtape collection will be available online and in-store at select retailers starting on Friday, July 14, with prices ranging from $35 to $130.
midsole for superior on-court performance, a double-layered mesh upper for added support, and a durable, engineered nonslip rubber compound for enhanced traction. The shoe’s upper construction is crafted with breathable monomesh, offering a supportive and lightweight fit.
