Femme It Forward Launches ‘MUSE’ Mentorship Program to Empower Female Artists in Music Industry

Femme It Forward Launches 'MUSE' Mentorship Program to Empower Female Artists in Music Industry

Femme It Forward (FIF), the pioneering music and entertainment company dedicated to championing female visionaries, is expanding its mentorship initiatives with the introduction of “MUSE” (Musicians Uplifting Stars Everyday), a groundbreaking Mentorship Program tailored to guide emerging female artists and creatives in the music industry. Spearheaded by FIF’s Founder and President, Live Nation Partner Heather Lowery, MUSE aims to cultivate talent and foster diversity within the music landscape.

Recent research from USC Annenberg’s “Inclusion Initiative” underscores the urgency of programs like MUSE, revealing stark gender disparities in music production and songwriting credits. While progress has been made in increasing female representation as solo or featured artists, the lack of women in key production roles remains concerning. MUSE seeks to address these disparities by providing mentorship, resources, and opportunities for aspiring female artists to thrive.

“I have made it my mission to pave the way for future generations of women to be equipped with the tools they need to sit at any table,” says FIF’s President and Founder, Heather Lowery. “MUSE has lived in my heart for the last 3 years, and I am honored to release it into reality as a high-powered program to combat the inequities, disparities, and disturbing statistics around the historic underrepresentation of women in the music industry, especially women of color.”  

Alicia Keys, Erykah Badu, and Teyana Taylor headline MUSE’s advisory panel, offering invaluable insights and guidance to program participants. Additionally, esteemed industry professionals such as Nova Wav, Nija, Jozzy, and Ann Mincieli will serve as hands-on mentors, providing personalized support to mentees.

Rapper Rapsody, Trina, and Amber Riley are among the talented artists paired with mentees, fostering meaningful connections and nurturing talent within the industry. Furthermore, music created through FIF’s MUSE Labs will be featured in the company’s upcoming music compilation album, amplifying the voices of emerging female artists.

In a statement, Erykah Badu expressed her commitment to MUSE, emphasizing the importance of empowering the next generation of female creatives. With its multifaceted approach and commitment to diversity, MUSE represents a significant step towards building a more inclusive and equitable music industry.

As MUSE takes flight, it promises to inspire, uplift, and empower female artists, paving the way for a new era of creativity and innovation in music.

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Mariah Carey Announces Additional Dates for Vegas Residency at Park MGM

Mariah Carey Announces Additional Dates for Vegas Residency at Park MGM

As Mariah Carey prepares to dazzle audiences with her headlining residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM starting Friday, April 12, she’s delighted fans by announcing eight additional dates for her exclusive engagement, “Mariah Carey: The Celebration of Mimi Live in Las Vegas.” These new performances will run from July 26 through August 10.

In honor of the anniversary of her iconic album, The Emancipation of Mimi, Mariah will treat audiences to fan favorites from the album along with hits from her illustrious career. Citi cardmembers can access pre-sale tickets from April 12 to April 18, while members of MGM Rewards, SiriusXM, Live Nation, and Ticketmaster customers can purchase during the pre-sale from April 15 to April 18.

Tickets for all performances can be purchased at ticketmaster.com/MariahVegas, with shows starting at 8 p.m.

A portion of ticket sales will benefit The Fresh Air Fund’s Camp Mariah, a summer program for children aged 11-15. Additionally, Amazon Music is the exclusive merch provider for Mariah’s Vegas engagement, offering a collection featuring designs from the iconic photoshoot for “The Emancipation of Mimi” album.

Fans can shop the collection online at Amazon.com/MariahCarey or in person at Dolby Live Theatre and the Park MGM Lobby Gift Shop. Prime members can enjoy easy shipping with Prime delivery. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable Vegas experience with Mariah Carey.

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[WATCH] Exclusive Interview With Amara La Negra: A Journey of Resilience and Evolution

amara la negra

In an exclusive interview with Love and Hip Hop Miami star Amara La Negra, journalist Courtney Brown delves into the multifaceted life of the viral Afro-Latina artist. During a candid discussions about her music career, motherhood, activism, and upcoming projects, Amara shares her journey of resilience and evolution. As they delve into Amara’s music career, she reflects on the ups and downs she has faced–as well as those pesky rumors about cast member Safaree. She shares insights into her creative process and hints at exciting new projects on the horizon.

Reflecting on her journey in Love and Hip Hop Miami, Amara acknowledges the changes she has experienced since joining the show. “A lot of things have changed,” she notes. She speaks candidly about the challenges of sharing personal struggles on television while maintaining authenticity.

Amara’s dedication to activism and advocacy is evident as she discusses her efforts within the Afro-Latino community and her ongoing support for black and brown women. “I continue to work the Afro Latino community,” she states. “I continue to be an activist for black and brown women and minorities.”

Check out the interview below.

Interviewer (Courtney Brown): Hello, Amara! How are you today?

Amara La Negra: Hello, mi amor! Hello, you’re mute. Hi, Amada. How are you? Getting yourself come through with the bangs. Okay. It’s a Bang Tuesday. You see it.

Courtney: You look stunning, Amara. Thank you for chatting with me today. Can you tell us about what’s been happening with your music career?

Amara: Things didn’t work out the way that I planned… I kind of stopped doing music for a little bit… But then I did start doing some music. And one thing led to the other.

Courtney: It’s amazing to see you back in action. How do you manage to juggle motherhood and your career?

Amara: I’m still young… Breastfeeding, too, at the same time will do something for you… But I’m in a space where I do want to start going to the gym. I want to live as long as possible for my girls.

Courtney: Absolutely, self-care is crucial. Now, reflecting on your journey in Love and Hip Hop Miami, how have things changed since you first started?

Amara: A lot of things have changed… It’s very difficult to be open about a lot of personal things that you don’t want to share… It becomes very difficult.

Courtney: You’ve been a powerful voice for the Afro-Latino community and an advocate for black and brown women. Can you speak about your activism?

Amara: I continue to work the Afro Latino community… I continue to be an activist for black and brown women and minorities… I am grateful for the platform.

Courtney: That’s incredibly important work you’re doing. Lastly, can you give us a hint about what to expect in the upcoming season of Love and Hip Hop Miami?

Amara: Something very, very big… Almost like the biggest thing that has happened… It’s about to happen.

Courtney: We can’t wait to see! Thank you so much for your time, Amara. It’s been a pleasure talking with you.

Amara: Thank you so much, my love. Bye. Thank you so much, Courtney. All right.

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Cardi B Reveals She is ‘A Little Nervous’ About Second Album in Social Media Interaction with Missy Elliott

Cardi B Delivers New Video for "Enough (Miami)"

Missy Elliott is encouraging Cardi B to let her album fire. Hitting X, Missy encourages Cardi to experiment, revealing Bardi is nervous but trusting her ears.

“Yeup!!! I’m a little nervous… but I don’t care! I’m liking doing things that my ears want to listen to and reflecting the moods I been in. It feels good,” she said.

Earlier this year, Missy Elliott unveiled her history-making debut headline tour, OUT OF THIS WORLD — The Missy Elliott Experience.

The tour, featuring Hip-Hop legend Busta Rhymes, multi-Platinum-selling superstar Ciara, and mega-producer Timbaland, marks a milestone in Elliott’s groundbreaking career.

“This is an incredible time in my life as I am experiencing so many milestone ‘firsts.’ Being the FIRST female Hip Hop artist to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and now going out on my FIRST headline tour,” shares Elliott. “Fans have been asking me to tour forever but I wanted to wait until I felt the time was right because I knew if I was ever going to do it, I had to do it big, and I had to do it with family! So get ready to be taken OUT OF THIS WORLD with me, Busta Rhymes, Ciara, and Timbaland! We can’t wait to share this experience with the fans!”

Produced by Live Nation in association with Mona Scott-Young of Monami Entertainment, the 24-city run will kick off on July 4 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver. It will then traverse North America, stopping in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Brooklyn, and more, concluding on August 22 at Allstate Arena in Rosemont.

In true Missy Elliott fashion, the tour announcement was accompanied by an OUT OF THIS WORLD visual spectacle crafted by her longtime collaborators, including director Dave Meyers, stylist June Ambrose, and creative director Hi-Hat.

Tickets for the tour will be available through various presales starting April 9, with general on-sale beginning April 12 at 10 a.m. local time on Missy-Elliott.com. Verizon customers will have exclusive access to a presale through Verizon Up, while VIP packages offering premium tickets and fan activations will be available via vipnation.com.

In Cardi’s world, “Enough (Miami)” cracked into the top 10 at No. 9. The record, which fans have been anticipating to hear new music from the Bronx emcee, marked Cardi’s 12th entry into the Top 10. The single scored nearly 15 million streams and 8.8 million radio audience impressions.

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Rihanna Says Crafting Visuals Are Inspiring New Music

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Rihanna is pulling the curtain back on her current creative process. In a new Interview Magazine cover story, Rihanna revealed she is working backward.

“I have a lot of visual ideas,” Rihanna said. “It’s weird. My brain is working backward right now. I usually have the music first, and the music leads me into all of these visual opportunities, and now I’m having all of these visuals, and I don’t have the songs for them yet, but maybe that’s the key, this time.”

She added, “Maybe the visual ideas are leading me to the songs that I need to make.”

You can read the full interview below.

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Embracing True Beauty: First Date Tips from Celebrity Makeup Artist Lora Arellano and Chispa

Embracing True Beauty: First Date Tips from Celebrity Makeup Artist Lora Arellano and Chispa

For many, Spring is a time for renewal and fresh starts. It’s also the perfect opportunity to dive into the dating scene, with the aim of making lasting first impressions. Lora Arellano, the renowned makeup artist and founder of Melt Cosmetics, recently partnered with Match Group’s Chispa, the leading dating app for Latinos, to share her expert beauty tips for those ready to meet their match. Lora unveils how to embrace true beauty and authenticity, ensuring you leave a memorable mark on your first date.

The essence of making a striking first impression, according to Lora, lies in the art of subtlety. “Makeup should enhance your natural features,” she advises, emphasizing that over-application can detract rather than attract. The goal is for your date to be captivated by your features, not overwhelmed by your makeup. This approach fosters a genuine connection from the get-go!

Lora’s extensive experience working with high-profile celebrities has deeply influenced her views on beauty. She reveals that fearlessness and authenticity in one’s style are key to making a lasting impact. “The most successful artists are those who are relatable, authentic, and trendsetters rather than trend followers,” Lora shares. This philosophy extends to personal beauty routines, where being true to oneself can spark a unique allure that sets you apart in the dating world.

Lora Arellano
Lora Arellano

Drawing inspiration from her Latina heritage, Lora incorporates elements of bold color and classic elegance into her beauty tips. She fondly recalls the iconic looks of vintage Mexican cinema—clean skin and bold red lips—a testament to timeless beauty that resonates to this day. Embracing cultural roots can add a deeply personal touch to your beauty routine, making your first date look unforgettable.

Fun Fact: Lora’s first entry into online dating was on Chispa, to find someone with a similar cultural background and interests. The app currently has over 9MM downloads and is described as a community platform where Latinos and Latinas can find meaningful connections. 

When asked about her go-to look for dating, Lora champions the appeal of natural beauty. A foundation that mimics the texture of skin, complemented by warm-toned blush, subtle lip color, and delicate eye makeup, can create an effortlessly stunning effect. This approach not only highlights your best features but also ensures you feel comfortable and confident in your skin.

For Lora, representing Latina culture in the beauty industry is not just important—it’s imperative. As both a Latina makeup artist and an entrepreneur, she is acutely aware of the need for more representation. Through her work, Lora aims to inspire and empower, demonstrating that diversity and authenticity are not just trends but foundations for genuine expression and success.

We asked Lora what her go-to music playlists are. “I love listening to Karol G, she’s such a vibe. Reggaeton music gets me in the mood to get dolled up and get out there.” Music, much like makeup, is a form of expression that can set the tone for the night ahead.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Women’s National Title Game Has Largest Basketball Audience Since 2019

dawn staley ncaa champ

South Carolina’s win against Caitlin Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes in the women’s NCAA championship drew a preliminary audience average of 18.7 million on ABC and ESPN, with viewership expected to rise upon Nielsen’s final release.

Nielsen reported a peak audience of 24 million. This marks the most-viewed basketball game since 2019, surpassing the men’s NCAA title game’s 19.6 million average on CBS.

According to ESPN, the only sporting events with bigger audiences were the NFL, World Cup, and the Olympics. The last basketball game to grab 18 million eyes was the Toronto Raptors and Golden State Warriors in Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals.

In a thrilling showdown, the South Carolina Gamecocks emerged victorious over the Iowa Hawkeyes, securing their third national championship under coach Dawn Staley and capping off a flawless 2023-24 season. The Gamecocks avenged their only loss from the previous season, defeating Iowa 87-75 in a hard-fought battle.

Last season’s stunning defeat to Iowa in the semifinals served as a motivating factor for South Carolina, driving them to reclaim the national title and end their season on a high note. The victory also marked the end of an illustrious college career for Iowa’s Caitlin Clark, who, despite her remarkable achievements, fell short in the championship game once again.

Freshman guard Tessa Johnson emerged as a standout performer for the Gamecocks, surpassing her scoring average with a stellar display throughout the tournament. Johnson’s stellar performance, coupled with contributions from key role players, propelled South Carolina to victory, despite a valiant effort from Iowa’s Clark.

Clark, playing her final game for the Hawkeyes, showcased her scoring prowess with 30 points on 10-of-28 shooting. However, South Carolina’s relentless defensive effort limited her effectiveness, ultimately tipping the scales in favor of the Gamecocks.

“I wanna personally thank Caitlin Clark for lifting up our sport, she carried a heavy load,” Coach Staley said. “When she’s the number 1 pick in the WNBA draft she’s gonna lift that league up as well. So Caitlin if you’re out there you are one of the GOATS.”

The Gamecocks’ dominance extended beyond the scoreboard, as they asserted control in various aspects of the game, including rebounding, second-chance points, and bench scoring. South Carolina’s relentless defensive effort limited Iowa’s offensive opportunities and paved the way for their triumph.

With a remarkable season culminating in an unbeaten national championship, South Carolina solidified its status as a powerhouse in college basketball. The victory not only secured Coach Staley a significant bonus but also highlighted the team’s resilience and determination to achieve greatness on the court. As celebrations ensued, the Gamecocks basked in the glory of their triumph, marking a historic moment in their basketball legacy.

Dawn Staley has made history as the first African American college basketball coach to win three national championships, and her rising popularity is reflected in her social media activity. The analytical team at CasinoenligneGuru conducted an analysis and observed a significant increase in her Instagram following, indicative of her growing popularity. For instance, on March 8, 2024, she had 327,097 followers, but just a month later, this number surged to 345,199. Gaining over 18,000 fans in a month is indeed an impressive achievement for an influencer.

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Beyoncé “Levii’s Jeans” Single Causes 20% Jump in Levi’s Jean Stock

Beyoncé Announces 'Act II' Album, Releases Two New Singles

Beyoncé is boosting stock prices. Beyoncé collaborated with Post Malone on the Cowboy Carter album for “Levii’s Jeans.”

CBS News now reports a 20% stock jump, cosigned by Levi’s CEO Michelle Gass. “I would just say that denim is having a moment and the Levi’s brand is having a powerful moment around the world.”

She added, “One of the things that really is significant about the Levi’s brand and we place a lot of emphasis and investment is making sure that Levi’s brand remains in the center of culture.”

Beyoncé is back on top of the Billboard 200 chart. Queen Bey’s reign over music continues as Cowboy Carter leads the Billboard 200 while holding the Top Country Albums chart.

Act II pulled in 407,000 album equivalent units for the first week, instantly becoming the biggest first-week total of 2024.

The album had 300.41 million on-demand streams, becoming the biggest streaming week for Beyoncé ever. She was also the first Black woman to hold the Top Country Albums chart.

Cowboy Carter is now Beyoncé’s eighth No. 1 album.

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Missy Elliott Announces Debut Headline Tour ‘OUT OF THIS WORLD — The Missy Elliott Experience’

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Today’s solar phenomenon was overshadowed by a stellar announcement as global superstar Missy Elliott unveiled her history-making debut headline tour, OUT OF THIS WORLD — The Missy Elliott Experience.

The tour, featuring Hip-Hop legend Busta Rhymes, multi-Platinum-selling superstar Ciara, and mega-producer Timbaland, marks a milestone in Elliott’s groundbreaking career.

“This is an incredible time in my life as I am experiencing so many milestone ‘firsts.’ Being the FIRST female Hip Hop artist to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and now going out on my FIRST headline tour,” shares Elliott. “Fans have been asking me to tour forever but I wanted to wait until I felt the time was right because I knew if I was ever going to do it, I had to do it big, and I had to do it with family! So get ready to be taken OUT OF THIS WORLD with me, Busta Rhymes, Ciara, and Timbaland! We can’t wait to share this experience with the fans!”

Produced by Live Nation in association with Mona Scott-Young of Monami Entertainment, the 24-city run will kick off on July 4 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver. It will then traverse North America, stopping in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Brooklyn, and more, concluding on August 22 at Allstate Arena in Rosemont.

In true Missy Elliott fashion, the tour announcement was accompanied by an OUT OF THIS WORLD visual spectacle crafted by her longtime collaborators, including director Dave Meyers, stylist June Ambrose, and creative director Hi-Hat.

Tickets for the tour will be available through various presales starting April 9, with general on-sale beginning April 12 at 10 a.m. local time on Missy-Elliott.com. Verizon customers will have exclusive access to a presale through Verizon Up, while VIP packages offering premium tickets and fan activations will be available via vipnation.com.

With anticipation building for “OUT OF THIS WORLD — The Missy Elliott Experience,” fans can expect an unforgettable journey through music and visual artistry, celebrating Elliott’s unparalleled impact on the industry.

OUT OF THIS WORLD — THE MISSY ELLIOTT EXPERIENCE TOUR 2024 DATES: 

Thursday, July 4 — Vancouver, BC — Rogers Arena

Saturday, July 6 — Seattle, WA — Climate Pledge Arena

Tuesday, July 9 — Oakland, CA — Oakland Arena

Thursday, July 11 — Los Angeles, CA — Crypto.com Arena

Saturday, July 13 — Las Vegas, NV — T-Mobile Arena

Tuesday, July 16 — Denver, CO — Ball Arena

Thursday, July 18 — Austin, TX — Moody Center

Saturday, July 20 — Houston, TX — Toyota Center

Sunday, July 21 — Fort Worth, TX — Dickies Arena

Wednesday, July 24 — Tampa, FL — Amalie Arena

Thursday, July 25 — Sunrise, FL — Amerant Bank Arena

Saturday, July 27 — Atlanta, GA — State Farm Arena

Thursday, August 1 — Baltimore, MD — CFG Bank Arena

Friday, August 2 — Hampton, VA — Hampton Coliseum

Saturday, August 3 — Belmont Park, NY — UBS Arena

Monday, August 5 — Philadelphia, PA — Wells Fargo Center

Thursday, August 8 — Washington, DC — Capital One Arena

Friday, August 9 — Newark, NJ — Prudential Center

Saturday, August 10 — Boston, MA — TD Garden

Monday, August 12 — Brooklyn, NY — Barclays Center

Thursday, August 15 — Detroit, MI — Little Caesars Arena

Saturday, August 17 — Montreal, QC — Bell Centre

Monday, August 19 — Toronto, ON — Scotiabank Arena

Thursday, August 22 — Rosemont, IL — Allstate Arena

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SOURCE SPORTS: Dawn Staley and South Carolina Claim Unbeaten National Championship

dawn staley ncaa champ

In a thrilling showdown, the South Carolina Gamecocks emerged victorious over the Iowa Hawkeyes, securing their third national championship under coach Dawn Staley and capping off a flawless 2023-24 season. The Gamecocks avenged their only loss from the previous season, defeating Iowa 87-75 in a hard-fought battle.

Last season’s stunning defeat to Iowa in the semifinals served as a motivating factor for South Carolina, driving them to reclaim the national title and end their season on a high note. The victory also marked the end of an illustrious college career for Iowa’s Caitlin Clark, who, despite her remarkable achievements, fell short in the championship game once again.

Freshman guard Tessa Johnson emerged as a standout performer for the Gamecocks, surpassing her scoring average with a stellar display throughout the tournament. Johnson’s stellar performance, coupled with contributions from key role players, propelled South Carolina to victory, despite a valiant effort from Iowa’s Clark.

Clark, playing her final game for the Hawkeyes, showcased her scoring prowess with 30 points on 10-of-28 shooting. However, South Carolina’s relentless defensive effort limited her effectiveness, ultimately tipping the scales in favor of the Gamecocks.

“I wanna personally thank Caitlin Clark for lifting up our sport, she carried a heavy load,” Coach Staley said. “When she’s the number 1 pick in the WNBA draft she’s gonna lift that league up as well. So Caitlin if you’re out there you are one of the GOATS.”

The Gamecocks’ dominance extended beyond the scoreboard, as they asserted control in various aspects of the game, including rebounding, second-chance points, and bench scoring. South Carolina’s relentless defensive effort limited Iowa’s offensive opportunities and paved the way for their triumph.

With a remarkable season culminating in an unbeaten national championship, South Carolina solidified its status as a powerhouse in college basketball. The victory not only secured Coach Staley a significant bonus but also highlighted the team’s resilience and determination to achieve greatness on the court. As celebrations ensued, the Gamecocks basked in the glory of their triumph, marking a historic moment in their basketball legacy.

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