Muni Long has partnered with Def Jam Recordings through her Supergiant Records label. The signing was announced today by Def Jam chairman & CEO Tunji Balogun.
Muni’s platinum breakthrough smash “Hrs & Hrs,” co-managed by Rashad Tyler and Chris Anokute, has taken the world by storm, racking up over 150 million streams, peaking in the Top 5 on Apple Music, #17 on the Billboard Hot 100, and now sitting at #3 at Urban radio and hitting the Top 10 at Rhythm radio.
“It has been a lifelong goal of mine to be able to bring my gifts to the world. This alignment with Tunji and Def Jam for a global takeover is a literal dream come true,” said Muni Long. “Supergiant Records started as an idea between myself and my husband Raysean in 2019 and over the course of the next two years we would invest, hire, strategize and create. As our team grew, so did our success, and as a result of hours and hours of hard work and intense focus, this year we reaped a bountiful harvest. Many, many thanks to my partners, Rashad Tyler, Raysean Hairston, Chris Anokute and all those who contributed to this historic moment. We look forward to an incredible journey with Tunji and the Def Jam family.”
“Muni represents everything a Def Jam artist should be: bold, independent, authentic, creative, visionary, and one of a kind” said Tunji Balogun. “I have followed her artistry and journey very closely, from her time as a writer for some of the biggest artists in the world, to the incredible run of success she is now so deservedly enjoying. Muni sets the new standard for where we want to go as a label. I’m thrilled to join with her and her world-class team in this exciting partnership. With all the amazing work done by Priscilla and Raysean, Chris, Rashad and the Supergiant team, along with J.R. McKee and his MPR team – combined with the resources and passion of the Def Jam family – the sky’s the limit.”
“We’ve both known Muni for over a decade, since the start of her music business journey as a teenager,” said Supergiant Records co-founder/co-manager Rashad Tyler and co-manager Chris Anokute. “So fast forward to now, through the ups and downs we’ve seen her endure, we couldn’t be happier for her current success. Let’s just say she put in her 10,000 hrs.”
On Wednesday night Cardi and her husband Offset shared their date night on Instagram showing off their glam but casual look. The couple, lovingly dressed in matching Supreme x Burberry coats for their outing, wearing matching knit hats: Cardi in cream, and Offset in black. Luckily, the trendy outfits didn’t take away from the Grammy winner’s impeccable hair and makeup perfect for a night out with bae. Cardi’s rocked a hip-length hair installed in her signature black shade by hairstylist Jared Henderson, who also posted about her look with the caption “Cute Face, New Lace ” and revealed the Cher-Esque wig was made by Mo Length lace adhesive. Her makeup was Cardi’s signature, true cardi style a nude beat with glamour eyes was created by Erika La’Peal. She shared her full step-by-step instructions including products on her post perfect for her fans See below for the DIY Cardi B date night makeup guide.
SXSW 2022 is underway and currently resembles its pre-pandemic form. Throughout the music portion of the festival, one of the hottest stages was the Futuristic Femme Showcase, hosted by Tavia Mapp-Deterville, and headlined by Omeretta The Great.
Ahead of the 2022 edition of the show, Tavia MD spoke with The Source about her career. You can learn more about Tavia below, and be sure to stay tuned to The Source for a recap of the Futuristic Femme event.
How did you get your start and what are you currently working on? Tavia Mapp Deterville: I started in Publicity in 2007. Needless to say, my life is consumed with planning, pitching, and connecting. I’ve always loved music and writing, so I took my writing more seriously when the pandemic happened, and I have had placements with Hello Beautiful. That also sparked writing for Thisis50. SXSW is days away, and I have two stages, Futuristic Flow and Futuristic Femmes. I’m really excited to bring an all-female lineup to the festival and happy to reconnect with people I have not seen in years.
Why do you host showcases at SXSW? I started curating stages to give the artists that I genuinely was a fan of a platform to showcase their work. In the last couple of stages I curated for A3C, I began showcasing more female talent simply to cut the tape.
What has providing these platforms done for artists previously? It’s granted them exposure and expanded their fan base. I have had artists connect and work together or attain distribution.
How did you stay connected to artists during the pandemic years? Honestly, through their team and social media. No matter where people were, everyone was on their phone.
Who are you looking forward to seeing most during this year’s events? Omeretta the Great! I was so lucky to get her as my headliner. I was hoping to see Lizzo as well and check out some panels.
Why should artists connect with you beyond SXSW? Artists who should look to connect with me would need a budget. I’m proud to be one of the leaders of the business, and I take it elevating careers seriously.
What more would you like readership to know about? I started a nonprofit named Future is Female is all about helping women connect and assist each other in starting over in new careers. You can also follow me @taviamd or connect on my site www.TaviaMD.com.
Expecting her first baby with rapper and boyfriend A$AP Rocky Bad Gal Riri is now, In her third trimester, The superstar and mogul open up about how she’s really feeling being pregnant and her expectations of motherhood in a recent interview with Elle. Since Rihanna revealed that she was expecting in February we have all gone a little Bad Gal Riri crazy. In what might be the most iconic pregnancy and maternity fashion show to date. When ask if her glow was due to her pregnancy or her Fenty Beauty products Rihanna responded with “They go hand in hand. There’s a pregnancy glow. There’s also those days, girl. Especially in the third trimester where you wake up and you’re like, oh, do I have to get dressed? Makeup for sure helps you feel like a real person. … Everything is a challenge, from getting dressed and how you’re going to do your makeup. But I like challenges.”
Rihanna is a ride-a-die Housewives fan, never been shy about sharing her as a bravo devotee, so it can as no surprise when she also reveals that her parenting style will be similar to reality stars Teresa Guidance. “Just love the way that she just allows her kids to be who they are. And that’s really inspiring to me. But Teresa [Giudice] from Jersey does not play about her kids. She will flatten you about those kids. And that resonates with me a lot because I feel like that’s the type of mom I’m going to be. Psycho about it…… You talk about my kids, it’s over.” Click HERE for the full interview.
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.
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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.
” and revealed the Cher-Esque wig was made by 
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
! 
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