[WATCH] MC Akilah Nehanda Goes Viral With Will Smith/Chris Rock Freestyle

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MC Akilah Nehanda has taken social media by storm with her controversial unapologetic freestyles.
From vaccinations to R.Kelly and now the Will Smith episode she voices her ‘unpopular opinion’ on trending topics. Garnering over 1 million views on TikTok, empress Akilah thanked viewers on her Instagram page.

1 million For the second time. #APDTA Listen! I just bring different perspectives! Will Smith can apologize. Jada can even say it was unnecessary and she doesn’t need protection! That doesn’t change my thoughts on the matter whatsoeverrrr. 🗣I SAID WHAT I SAID! I wish Breonna Taylors Killers got as much disciplinary actions for murder as Will is getting for a SLAP. All of them need to be in rehabilitation centers like they made Will go to 🤣 This country is sick. I hope y’all are watching what’s happening.

In a past interview with Vice magazine, the Houston beauty explained how and why she ventured into music.

I just started makin’ music, with the purpose of inspiration, and then, like you said, I just start realizing, “You know what? This can be bigger than what I’m makin’ it. I can make this bigger.” And I think — I try to think big, so I’m always like… the influence of Michael Jackson, that’s what we need, you know? [laughs] You know how big he was? This message deserves that type of impact on the world.

What do you think about her freestyles?

CLICK HERE to hear her latest viral freestyle.

Check out her new video below.

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Melody Ehsani’s ‘Everything You Think Is True’ Collection Set to Launch at Foot Locker

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Melody Ehsani, a designer and Creative Director for Foot Locker’s Women’s business, is debuting her new collection, Everything You Think Is True, exclusively at Foot Locker.

Following the success of his Vibrate Higher Foot Locker series, Ehsani is back with a new collection based on the mantra “energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transmitted or transformed.” Everything You Think Is True contains products that blend elements of energy and nature, such as butterflies and earth tones, resulting in a stylish collection that you’ll grab for this spring and beyond.

Included in the new collection is the ME Transformation Fleece Crew ($60) + Short ($45) – Engineered from luxe fleece, this flattering crewneck and short set is a complete style metamorphosis. Signifying transformation, butterflies also unveil nature’s unparalleled beauty. Also in the collection is the ME Fleece Boxer Short ($40) – Boxer brief inspired, these shorts provide comfort and style with a flattering fit. Pair it with your Melody Ehsani Stripe Half Zip Pullover to create a sweet set. Available in Aqua Foam and Puddy Pink.

You can see images of the collection below. Retailing for $35-$60, the collection will launch exclusively on FootLocker.com on April 9 at 10:00 AM ET.

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[WATCH] Twitter Roasts Chris Rock After Old Videos Resurface Of Him Shading Black Women

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Last week Chris Rock’s brother Tony Rock came to Chris’s defense after he was slapped by Will Smith at the Academy Awards for disrespecting Jada Pinkett-Smith.

After watching the world go through a phase of ‘protect the black woman’ it was interesting to see the response after a man well…protected his black woman.
The feelings and history behind black hair is way deeper than poor comedic jokes. From alopecia to being told our hair is ‘bad’— black women have endured years of embarrassment at the expense of a few laughs. From being called nappy-headed, bald-headed and worse, it’s expected that men with black moms, aunts and relatives understand  the pain behind black hair. Acceptance, convenience, time-management and lack of hair knowledge have all contributed to black women’s hair journey. While it can be as personal to many as personal hygiene, it’s always baffling when men speak on issues that pertain to women.

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Tony Rock tweeted that everyone should watch his brother’s movie ‘Good Hair’ to prove Chris has nothing against ‘women of color’. This quickly turned bad when he was reminded how badly Chris portrayed Black women in ‘Good Hair’ a movie he allegedly stole from another Black woman
From explaining to White America how and why Michelle Obama wears weaves to turning his nose up at women who relax their hair Chris Rock’s disdain for black women’s hair choices were inevitable. His film Good Hair was supposed to teach others about our hair journey. Reminiscent of the kid that goes to school and tells all his family’s business. While celebrities supported the film and women in the film laughed nervously—most black women cringed through his movie. From questioning a child about her perm to trying to sell black hair no one wanted, it was just another slap in the face to the women we are supposed to protect. While Chris Rock’s own relationships have seemed to fail in spite of him choosing women with awesome hair choices, the question remains…is it a man’s business to discuss what a woman does with her hair? 
Watch these clips below and Twitter’s response.

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Regina King Named Co-Chair of the Met Gala

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The Met Gala is set to return and will have Regina King as a co-chair. The high fashion event is set for Monday, May 2, bringing together celebrities and fashion elite together at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

According to Vanessa Friedman of The New York Times, King will co-chair the even with Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Honorary chairs will include Anna Wintour and Tom Ford. The theme for the 2022 event will be “Gilded Glamour.”

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Legendary MC Elzhi And Georgia Anne Muldrow Link Up For Collaborative Album ‘Zhigeist’

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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. 

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A carefully crafted mix of psychedelic instrumentation and whirlwind lyricism, Georgia Anne Muldrow also contributes vocals on several tracks.  

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“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.

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Dapper Dan Collaborates With Gap For “Dap” Sweater

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The clothing brand Gap has been making major moves in the fashion industry. Already, they teamed up with Kanye West and Balenciaga, now they’re partnering up with Harlem’s fashion icon Dapper Dan.

Dapper Dan, who made his name creating his own luxury-label items using authentic pieces from Fendi, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci at his Harlem atelier in the ‘80s and ‘90s.

His goal is to apply that same creativity to Gap. His first piece of clothing will be the salmon-colored hoodie that reads, charmingly, “DAP” in the same Gap font.

“This is the first time Gap has ever modified our iconic heritage logo by personalizing it for this collaboration,” said Mary Alderete, global head of Gap marketing.

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Although Dapper Dan has collaborated with designer brands such as Gucci, Gap has taken his career to new heights literally. Gap debuted the collaboration on 30-foot billboard, on 42nd Street in Times Square.

“Gap allows me to do something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time,” Dap said. “I have so many people who tell me stories, ‘Man, I used to walk by your store when you were in Harlem and I could never afford to buy anything from you. Then, fast-forward 25, 30 years later you’re with Gucci and I still can’t afford you.’ What Gap does for me is it gives me an opportunity to reach down to humanity and let them know that you know you can have a part of me.”

Dapper Dan and Gap’s new Dap hoodie was available for purchase at the price of $99, only slightly more than the average Gap arch-logo hoodie, but like all hyped fashion, the sweater immediately sold out shortly after its 4pm release.

Share your thoughts on social media.

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Kith Launches Aaliyah Capsule on International Women’s Day Supporting the Detroit School of Arts

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Kith Women has collaborated with the Aaliyah Estate and photographer Robert Whitman to produce an apparel collection released on International Women’s Day 2022, using never-before-seen pictures of the famous R&B diva.

Kith collaborated with her brother and estate manager, Rashad Haughton, to bring the project to life. It was born out of a desire to respect the late singer’s legacy by utilizing an array of images shot by Whitman throughout her career.

“I’m a huge fan of Kith and all that Ronnie has achieved, in taking that first store in Brooklyn and expanding it into a brand that touches the four corners of the globe. Aaliyah was born in Brooklyn, grew up in Detroit, and went on to touch the whole world with her light and creativity,” said Haughton. “That’s why I felt that Kith would be the perfect partner to release unseen photos of my sister on their incredible fashion designs.”

Kith discovered while working on the project that Aaliyah received a 4.0 GPA from her high school, the Detroit School of Arts. To commemorate the achievement and honor the DSA’s dedicated instructors and brilliant students, the brand flew to Detroit to produce a short film featuring the current dance team and their administrator, Dr. Mayowa Lisa Reynolds, in which they discussed Aaliyah’s lasting impact on the school.

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“It’s been a joy and privilege to help bring this project to life, after two years in the making. Ronnie and I first began speaking with Rashad about this in 2020, but knew we needed to hold on releasing anything until we could do it the justice it deserves,” explained Sharifa Murdock, Kith’s Chief Impact Officer. “It was so gratifying to be on set with the passionate, energetic young dancers at the Detroit School of the Arts. I learned so much from them in the time we spent together filming – they made me want to be back in high school! Aaliyah’s spirit truly lives on in their bright talent and futures, and the most fitting tribute we could conceive to give her is to help support them in this small way. Rest in Peace.”

“I loved the idea of going to DSA to film the students and create such a special moment of remembrance for my sister on International Women’s Day. It was all brought together so beautifully and I am proud to have done this with Ronnie and the amazing team at Kith,” added Haughton.

Aaliyah’s photos by Whitman may be found on various tees and hoodies. Classic Kith Women silhouettes are featured in the collection, enhanced with custom Kith typeface embellishments. Five unisex vintage-style t-shirts in multiple colors and graphics pay respect to Aaliyah’s essence are also included in the capsule. The Jane Hoodie in “Rock the Boat” comes in black and white, while the Lynn Cropped Crew, Mulberry Tee, Sonoma Long Sleeve Tee, and Classic Tee come in custom design combinations are finished in the brand’s vintage wash.

The Detroit School of Arts will receive 50% of the proceeds, while I Support the Girls will receive the other half. I Support the Girls gathers and distributes sanitary products and other vital supplies to females enduring homelessness, poverty, and hardship.

The collection is now available at https://kith.com/ and available for viewing below.

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Dua Lipa Narrates PUMA’s New ‘SHE MOVES US’ Brand Campaign for Women’s History Month

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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.

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 “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.”

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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!” 

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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.

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Foot Locker Announces Partnership with Monica Rose, Scottie Beam, and More for Women’s History Month

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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 BeamJessica WuJennifer 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.

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[WATCH] Women’s History Month: Fly Girl Jossie Harris-Thacker

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Harlem-bred former In Living Color, “Fly Girl”, Jossie Harris-Thacker was a trendsetter when she became one of the top hip hop dancers of all times. From her signature braids to her 90’s style—young girls everywhere wanted to be like Jossie. We watched In Living Color to get a glimpse of her moves and adored her as Renee in The Lost Boyz video. She was definitely the ‘it’ girl but doused in immense natural talent.

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Although she wasn’t formally trained in dance, her talent landed her featured roles in a host of music videos including, Michael Jackson’s, “Remember the Time”. As one of the most sought out dancers, touring the world with top artist such as Janet Jackson, and many others, Jossie starred as one of the acclaimed, “Fly Girls”, in Keenan Ivory Wayan’s, hit TV show, “In Living Color”, alongside her friend, Jennifer Lopez, Jim Carrey, Jamie Foxx, and Damon Wayans.

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Following, In Living Color, Jossie honed in on her natural acting talent that landed over 45 roles in many top television series. Jossie’s lead performance in the NAACP nominated short, “Brooklyn’s bride to Jordan”, led to her award winning role, “Charlie”, in Chicago International Film Festival’s best film, “Mississippi Damned”, which earned Jossie “Best Supporting Actress” award and makes her the first African American, Latina woman ever to win in that category. Jossie recently won the People’s Choice award for “Best Lead Actress”, at the Las Vegas Film Festival for her film work in, “No Weapon Formed Against Us”.

Still fine as wine, Jossie’s passion is teaching. Known as a professional acting coach to the stars, Jossie has her own, “Respect for Acting Academy” for adults and “Kids W.A.Y. (Who Are You?) Acting Academy. 

CLICK HERE to keep up with the Jossie!

Can you spot Jossie in the videos below?

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