Lizzo was the keynote speaker at South By Southwest (SXSW), Austin’s annual culture, tech, and music conference on Sunday night. In an interview that she did with Angela Yee, Her powerful message spoke of self-love as well as a message to Texas lawmakers. The “Truth Hurts” singer shared a clip of her interview with Radio Personality and entrepreneur Angela Yee. The caption reads: “Who is protecting us from lawmakers’ biases? Your personal beliefs shouldn’t be reflected in the laws that are supposed to protect ALL AMERICANS. We have politicized bodies for far too long in this country. It’s time to focus on the real issues and mind ya business. Thank u SBSW.” The short video shared the Grammy Award-winning artist saying, “I’m proud to rep Houston, but I’m not proud to rep Texas politics right now,” which garnered loud applause from the audience.
In late February, Gov. Abbott issued a directive to investigate families who seek gender-affirming care for trans kids and encouraged other Texans to report these families to child services for abuse allegations, under penalty of law, and on Friday, District Judge Amy Clark Meachum issued a temporary injunction preventing the state from enforcing Abbott’s directive. In addition to her comments on the recent legislation that she says unfairly targets trans people, Lizzo also addressed the state’s abortion laws, which make it illegal to have an abortion as early as six weeks of gestation — or at the detection of a fetal heartbeat.” We got a lotta other things y’all need to be handling instead of y’all being in people’s homes and telling them what to do with their bodies and being all up in their uteruses,” Lizzo said. “The abortion ban is atrocious as well. Mind your business. Stay out of my body.” See the video in its entirety below and let us know your thoughts.
Who is protecting us from lawmakers biases? Your personal beliefs shouldn’t be reflected in the laws that are supposed to protect ALL AMERICANS. We have politicized bodies for far too long in this country. It’s time to focus on the real issues & mind y’all business. Thank u sxsw pic.twitter.com/Cu56eajlvr
Champion made the world’s first sports bra as an effort of celebration. Today, Champion has announced Saweetie as the first-ever Global Culture Consultant. Champion is also launching “Get it Girl,” a new swag(her)-filled campaign that highlights trendy solutions that female athletes can feel at ease in both on and off the field.
Champion and Saweetie have teamed together to give female athletes a spotlight by highlighting the “Champion Circle,” a group of 12 different female collegiate athletes that have the “Get it Girl” confidence to play by their own rules while looking nice. The athletes in the inaugural “Champion Circle” represent more than seven colleges and universities around the country and compete in a variety of sports such as basketball, cheerleading, and track and field.
Champion Circle_ Alissa & Logan
Champion Circle Alissa Logan
Saweetie1
Saweetie1
Champion Circle_Anna Maclure
Champion Circle Anna Maclure
Champion Circle_ Helena Sampaio
Champion Circle Helena Sampaio
Champion Circle_Nyla Jones
Champion Circle Nyla Jones
With her “Get it Girl” song, Saweetie, a former athlete, is unifying all female athletes and working to promote the next generation of female stars. Each member of the “Champion Circle” is featured in the campaign with Saweetie, dressed in apparel that shows their individual style, swagger, and skill, as well as the latest Champion lines, such as Soft Touch Sports Bras and Leggings. The “Champion Circle” will also receive a two-year Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) investment as official brand ambassadors, as well as mentorship in the fields of sports, entertainment, media, and marketing. The inaugural “Champion Circle” has 12 outstanding female athletes who are different not only in race, but also in sports.
The athletes selected are: ● Maya Brady: University of California, LA, Softball ● Alissa Pili: University of Southern California, Basketball ● Anna McClure: Ohio State, Volleyball ● Destiny Martin: Winston Salem State University, Cheer ● Helena Sampaio: University of Southern California, Soccer ● Logan Eggleston: University of Texas, Volleyball ● Morgan Lewis: Ohio State University, Track & Field ● Natalie Chou: University of California, LA, Basketball ● Norah Flatley: University of California, LA, Gymnastics ● Nyla Jones: North Carolina A&T, Cheerleading ● Sophia Hartwell: University of California, LA, Track & Field ● Ziyah Holman: University of Michigan, Track & Field
Erica Mena had the internet in a frenzy yesterday when she posted and revealed a pic of her newest look, a short pixie cut. The love In Hip Hop Star showed off her new cut with the caption “(Might delete later) Trying something New.” Although she didn’t reveal her process or the stylist who cut her hair she showed her look through a video so that you can see it from various angles. Her followers responded with “it’s a cutie comin thru” Yandy Smith. And “Love it !!” Rich Dollaz Fans also compared the look to singer Brandi, J. Lo, and Kris Jenner Erica looks good no matter what style she rocks. Check her out below.
Recently, My Block Inc. introduces the first single of 2022 from singer-songwriter JoiStaRR, “Love Story.” Written by Joi “JoiStaRR” Campbell and produced by Warryn Campbell “Love Story” will stoke excitement in true R&B lovers. JoiStaRR’s new single will be a delight to her existing fan base, while also serving as a proper introduction to new fans. “Love Story” is a soulful audio experience, blending JoiStaRR’s stellar vocals with energetic live instruments, flowing through the lyrics of love and loyalty.
In the video, the sunny skies and palm trees of California line a street leading us to JoiStaRR singing her story on the roof, while also showing the battle a relationship goes through on the street level. In the end, love of the likes of Romeo & Juliet and Bonnie and Clyde makes it through.
In an exclusive interview with The Source JoiStaRR details the creation of “Love Story,” and more.
The SOURCE:How did “Love Story” come about?
JoiStaRR: Simply with me hearing the music and just writing a story. Considering what I was actually in at the time, which was something I didn’t want. And then I decided to write a story of what I actually wanted.
When you say that, do you mean like an actual romantic experience?
Yes. In addition to a romantic experience, just a life experience. At the time when I wrote the song, I was in a not-so-cool experience and I wanted something that, resembled Queen and Slim type energy, real-life love that you only usually see in movies.
When you were creating this song, it was alongside the My Block team, how has your experience been with this team and how did you find the creative synergy to create such a great song?
My Block is headed by my older brother. It’s an interesting dynamic. It’s like, you know, the sibling, not necessarily rivalry, but we have our differences. So, he’s pretty much allowed me to be just creative cuz he knows that I live in a bubble. So, it really was me exuding all the lessons that my brother taught me, including how to be self-sufficient in the studio as a songwriter.
How did that familiarity with your brother help influence your decision to let you know that My Block was the team for you to move forward?
I saw a lot growing up, just watching him do it for so long and being around just celebrities and seeing the dynamic. I understood at an early age that a lot of it [the industry] was a lot of talk. So I decided to stick with somebody I actually trust that could really have my back in this business.
The beauty of this single is it both aligns with, true R&B sound, but there are also just so many layers to it in the instruments and the lyrics. How long does it take for you to create a single like this?
Oh, man. What’s so crazy about this particular song is I wrote it so quickly. I really wrote this song as I was listening to it. I wrote it in maybe 10, 15 minutes. I really considered it one of the greatest songs I ever wrote.
In a typical writing session, how long would it take you?
I kind of freestyle. I go in the studio and I just go in the booth and write. So sometimes it takes me five minutes, however length, however long. The musicality, it takes me and then I need about maybe three, four minutes, four minutes at tops.
That’s impressive.
And then there are times when I have a song idea that takes me a year or two to even complete.
You already have had a career that some people would dream of. What would be the standout moment to you?
Going on tour with Kanye West has been the most standout moment, period, hands down.
What did you learn and gain from that experience?
I learned and gained everything that I’m actually utilizing now. I pretty much tucked it in a little bag and put it away until I felt like it was time to use it. I held on to all that information that he personally gave me from 2005 to like 2011.
Looking at the video for this single, it seems very important to you to give visuals that you were familiar with. Also, there is the addition to the idea of the Queen and Slim love story. How did you go into conveying what you wanted this video directly to look like? Did it exist in your mind?
I was thinking about what I wanted women to see and what I wanted them to pull from. And also men as well. I think most times when people hear a love story, they expect to see the story as well. Maybe they expected to see me fall in love with some guy and we get married. But I wanted to show not only a love story being that but a love story being about you loving you. I think people need to see more about more of that. Especially women. Women need to see that regardless if they’re in a relationship or not, they are the walking love story. And if that expands into something greater connected to somebody else, then the icing on a cake, the cherry on top, but your happiness should never depend upon having a relationship with somebody else.
Joi36
When you were heading into this release, how did it personally make you feel?
It was a surreal moment, but I was also nervous and scared of the response. This particular song has been in the works for so long that I was almost nervous to even let anybody hear it. I love the song and anybody I ever played it for or ever heard it loves it. But now I’m gonna have an opportunity for more people to hear it. More ears, more eyes, what are they going to say? So it was a little bit of happy anxiety.
Singles grow and they exist and they marinate into the music world. What can we expect from you coming forth after this one?
You can expect to hear the why that I still do what I do. The story that’s connected to the what and reason I’m doing it. I think lyrically, I’ve been able to write that in a way where people can connect to me. I can be more relatable in that way. They can expect to hear real instrumentation and feel something.
Before we wrap up, you’re an outstanding actress. Is there a project coming forward that we can see you on in the future?
No, but there’s a project you can go see. Strive, which I star in the opposite of the legendary Danny Glover. I play Kalani, a high school student, a senior that grows up in New York.
For more information on JoiStaRR, follow her on social media @JoiStaRR.
Traci Braxton passed away Saturday morning after a private battle of esophageal cancer. Although her sister Toni Braxton issued a statement on behalf of the family shortly after her transition, It was the statement of her husband of 25 years and son that hit us the hardest. Her husband Kevin Surratt Sr. posted a message of her death on Sunday writing: “It took A lot for me to post this. It’s with A heavy heart I must say I’ve loss the love of my life @therealtracibraxton, due to her battle with cancer, She was my #dreamgirl my #world my #life #loveandbasketball #42 #mybonnie #lifeline #hummingbird #myrock #bestfriend #betterhalf #wife4life #myeverything. I’m lost without you, What am I supposed to do now..May god give me the strength. Thank you for our life we had together. Until we meet again Babygirl ETERNAL LOVE My FOREVER & EVER TRARATT” See the post in its entirety HERE.
Her Son, Kevin Surratt Jr. also released a statement on Saturday on Instagram shortly after her passing saying-” When I heard the news about my mother being sick first thing she said was I’m going to fight and beat this. She fought to the end and today she’s at peace. I love my mother forever and this hurts so much but I’m at peace knowing she’s isn’t in pain anymore. I love you ma I’m going to miss you.” See post HERE.
We are praying for the strength of the entire family.
The Columbus police officer who shot and killed 16-year-old Ma’Khia Bryant last year has been cleared of any criminal wrongdoing, Ohio prosecutors announced Friday.
Bryant was killed in April by Columbus police officer Nicholas Reardon as she swung a knife at a young woman, just seconds after pushing another woman to the ground. Police were responding to a 911 call made from Bryant’s foster home about a group of girls threatening to stab members of the household.
The killing led to a Justice Department review of the police department in Ohio’s capital city.
Officer Nicholas Reardon arrived on the scene and shot Bryant four times who died from her injuries. The coroner listed the cause of death as a homicide — a medical determination used in cases where someone has died at someone else’s hand, but not a legal finding. It doesn’t imply criminal intent. I shared my own experience as a young black girl in Harlem, NYC and the horror associated with protecting yourself in a hostile environment. Mediators and prevention are a necessary conversation to assist young girls with no influential guidance.
Your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper and former member of legendary hip-hop collective Slum Village—Elzhi is back with a new release with one of today’s iconic artists. Entirely produced by the genre-bending musician, producer, and vocalist Georgia Anne Muldrow, the release is undoubtedly a piece of art. Their new collaborative album Zhigeist was just released on all platforms and highlights the chemistry between these two prolific artists.
A carefully crafted mix of psychedelic instrumentation and whirlwind lyricism, Georgia Anne Muldrow also contributes vocals on several tracks.
“The album is a mixture of what we both bring to the table,” explains Elzhi. “I dabbled in different textures of technique over Georgia’s soundscape fusions.” Overall, the album is an aesthetic triumph infused with an undeniable message. “Lyrically and musically, this album is a love letter to people of color,” says Elzhi. “What makes this project special is our determination to put medicine in the music.”
Check out an exclusive look at the making of Zhigeist below, featuring behind-the-scenes footage of Elzhi, Georgia Anne Muldrow, and album contributor Dudley Perkins.
As far as New Artists On The Rise go, Kyla Imani, former Gen Z host for The Source Report and thesource.com, started 2022 with “BIG PLANS.” The name of her single holds true to her year as she will take the stage in Austin, Texas as an official SXSW 2022 artist. Kyla Imani will be on hand for the weekend of March 16 to March 20, infusing the city and festival with her brand of music, which is skyrocketing her into superstardom one stage at a time.
One of the stages Kyla Imani will be featured on is the Futuristic Femme Showcase, appearing alongside Omeretta The Great, Nezi Momodu, Santana Fox, and Keora.
Imani’s latest hard-hitting single, “BIG PLANS,” has caught the attention of Tunecore, who made her New Music Friday featured artist for 01/21/2022.
With over 1.5 million followers on TikTok and music as her brand’s signature, Kyla Imani is looking to bet on herself this year. Kyla has secured major sponsorship campaigns with companies like Adobe, L’Oreal, Ulta-Beauty, Grub Hub, Hype Bae, and Footlocker while also producing her music and working with media brands such as BeatStars (where she is co-creator of “The Hook” by Kyla Imani) and The Source Magazine, ushering in a fresh and new generation to the iconic media brand. This year, she has taken a leave of absence from the famed Tisch School of the Arts at NYU to pursue being a full-time content creator, songwriter, and music artist.
Last year was a significant artist development year for Kyla Imani, as she dropped several independent singles, including singles: “These Boys Ain’t It” and the “TrackStar: Let Him Hurt” remix, which became a TikTok anthem going viral and had young ladies all across the globe clapping back on the dating and heart-breaking games there dudes (or boys) play in a relationship — as she became a voice for the witty clap backs. Check and subscribe to her growing YouTube channel to hear more of her songs.
Keep up with Kyla Imani’s moves across SXSW and in the future on her Instagram.
PUMA’s popular brand campaign “SHE MOVES US” has been expanded to include its top female sports ambassadors, honoring the women who have pushed sports forward to inspire other women around the world.
PUMA has invited its female sports ambassadors to speak about their beliefs and the things that drove them ahead in their particular disciplines – their secret to success, the hurdles they’ve faced, and what they’ve learned along the way – led by global pop phenomenon Dua Lipa.
PUMA athletes including WNBA stars Skylar Diggins-Smith and Breanna Stewart, Peloton bike, tread, and strength instructor Olivia Amato, golfer Tisha Alyn, footballer Nikita Parris, Ingrid Engen, and Fridolina Rolfö, triple jumper Patricia Marmona, W-series driver Naomi Schiff, and skateboarder Isadora Pacheco will perform alongside Dua Lipa.
“To me, She Moves Us, it’s like a community,” said Diggins. “I see it as a platform to inspire, a platform to educate, to empower, encourage women, to uplift women, to celebrate women, to showcase women, and our lifestyle and how sports and culture and values intertwine into those things.”
Dua Lipa added, “Sharing stories of success is all part of changing the narrative, especially in fields like sports and entertainment that have tended to amplify the accomplishments of men. Women are already nailing it across the board and celebrating their achievements is exciting and empowering. It also encourages those rising up to aim for the stars. Now let’s show the world what we are capable of!”
In sports, PUMA provides an inclusive product offering for women and girls. Period underwear and activewear, modest sportswear, a maternity line, and performance-specific goods explicitly designed for women. PUMA encourages all athletes to reach their full potential and collaborates with organizations and partners dedicated to breaking down barriers that impede girls from participating in sports. Women Win, for example, is an organization that uses athletics to empower girls and women all around the world.
Foot Locker has launched its month-long Women’s History Month campaign – in partnership with notable celebrity stylist Monica Rose and charitable organization Bottomless Closet – dedicated to empowering women to integrate their personal style into their everyday workplace attire in honor of International Women’s Day today.
Foot Locker is redefining the rules for business wear for Women’s History Month and beyond since women are no longer bound by outmoded dress norms that have governed our social dressing standards for decades. Foot Locker collaborated with Monica Rose to design personalized styles for real-life female entrepreneurs and leaders to disrupt these outmoded conventions. Monica and Foot Locker hosted four modern-day working women at their flagship store in New York City for this campaign, where she shared her expertise by curating looks for each woman, including those who work in an office, work from home, or freelance, are always on their feet or on the go, and are interviewing for the next step in their careers. Entrepreneurs like Scottie Beam, Jessica Wu, Jennifer Barthole, and Vic Jacobi modeled these Monica appearances to reflect their occupations and new work settings.
Foot Locker is working with Bottomless Closet in conjunction with the launch of this campaign, including a $30,000 grant to be used for year-round significant resources and tools geared at better preparing women for success at all phases of their careers. For more than two decades, Bottomless Closet has assisted nearly 50,000 low-income New York City women in finding work and achieving success. This relationship also includes training hosted by Foot Locker executives on International Women’s Day to provide insight and tools in the retail business.
“As a lot of people are returning to the office or workplace, it’s more important now than ever for women to challenge industry norms,” said Monica Rose. “I loved partnering with Foot Locker and these women to do just that, curating the best type of look for their career and personality. I hope it inspires all women to dress for themselves and not according to others’ expectations.”
“The Foot Locker team is proudly committed to continuing its support and celebration of women-identifying individuals and brands who are paving the way in their careers and communities,” said Holly Tedesco, Vice President of Marketing at Foot Locker. “As a brand, we strive to respect, inspire, develop and empower our consumers this Women’s History Month and beyond, and there is no better partner who represents that than Monica Rose and the work she has done in her career and in her community.”
Foot Locker continues to invest in its Women’s business beyond Women’s History Month. This includes the extension of its Behind Her Label program, which aims to close the gender gap in streetwear by elevating and providing resources to young female streetwear designers, as well as the appointment of Melody Ehsani as the Creative Director of its women’s business in March 2021.
Trying something New.” Although she didn’t reveal her process or the stylist who cut her hair she showed her look through a video so that you can see it from various angles. Her followers responded with “it’s a cutie comin thru
! 
” See the post in its entirety 
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