Misa Hylton, Mikki Taylor And More Featured At “Don’t Touch My Hair” Art Experience

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The Culture Parlor, led by visionary filmmaker Ayana Morris, unveiled its inaugural mobile art installation, “Don’t Touch My Hair,” at Harriet Tubman Square during the Newark Arts Festival. This immersive exhibit, designed to challenge societal norms surrounding Black hair, marks a significant cultural moment in Newark’s artistic landscape.

The opening ceremony, held on October 11th, featured esteemed guests, including Newark Mayor Ras J Baraka, Congresswoman LaMonica McIver, and Rutgers University–Newark Chancellor Jeffrey Robinson. The event commenced with a powerful address by Ayana Morris, who highlighted the exhibit’s mission to celebrate and reclaim Black identity through art.

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Once inside the “Don’t Touch My Hair” exhibition, the viewer is immersed in seven moving images that explore various aspects of Black women’s hair. Themes such as bondage, resistance, embrace, assimilation, and survival are highlighted. A powerful poem accompanies these visuals, helping the audience grasp the struggles and triumphs Black women have experienced with their hair. For example, the image on assimilation portrays a woman with blow-dried straight hair, symbolizing the pressure to conform. In contrast, the theme of survival reflects on how hair was braided into maps, guiding the path to freedom for slaves. The exhibition features a full service salon installation with products from renowned hair product company Mielle. Illuminated by ambient lighting, dynamic table dressings and reflective mirrors, the exhibit encourages introspection on the historical and cultural significance of Black hair, creating a space for dialogue and empowerment.

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Throughout the weekend, attendees enjoyed a series of events, including the Hair Gala, which encouraged attendees to express their creativity through elaborate hairstyles while enjoying a panel discussion. Saturday’s conversations with Allure’s Jessica Cruel, Shauna Kay, Barri Gibson, Amanda Mitchell, and Kela Walker, and Jennifer Edwards covered Black Women’s Portrayal In Print Media, Black In Beauty, as well as leveraging social media. On Sunday, The Grit & Glam Brunch honored influential figures Mikki Taylor, Misa Hylton, and Claire Sulmners for their contributions to Black beauty and fashion. Panel discussions, live performances, and a vibrant Hair Gala further enriched the festival’s theme of “Radical Reimaging,” enhancing Newark’s cultural vibrancy. Music was provided by DJ Sienna. 

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Ayana Morris’s “Don’t Touch My Hair” will remain on display at Harriet Tubman Square until November 15, 2024, inviting the public to engage with its transformative narrative. 

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Megan Thee Stallion Spreads Awareness For Youth Suicide Prevention

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Here’s a feel good story about a scary topic. Megan Thee Stallion is using her platform to bring attention to an important cause. So, in honor of National Mental Health Day on Oct. 10, the Houston rapper has partnered with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to support the Never A Bother initiative, which is dedicated to preventing suicide among teens and young adults.

When it comes to the program, it focuses on increasing awareness of suicide prevention tools and resources that can be used before, during, and after a crisis. Launched this year, Never A Bother also aims to reduce instances of self-harm by encouraging individuals to support their friends during difficult times.

Get this, the initiative provides materials for those dealing with mental health challenges, individuals who want to help a friend, and adults who care for young people. These resources are available on the campaign’s official website.

Megan, posted on the Gram alongside the campaign video, encouraging her fans, “Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or alone? Hotties, you don’t have to go through it by yourself!”

In the video, the “Savage” rapper opens up about her personal experiences with mental health struggles. The clip includes footage from her interview with Billboard’s executive director of R&B/Hip-Hop, Gail Mitchell, where she reflects on her journey toward seeking help.

“It took me a long time to be comfortable talking about my mental health,” Megan reveals. “Asking for help doesn’t make me weak. Asking for help actually built my strength… going to get the help gave me the tools to be stronger. So I just definitely want to talk to the Hotties and let them know it’s OK to ask for help… Hotties, you are never a bother.”

What’s more, Megan Thee Stallion has consistently used her platform to advocate for mental health awareness. Beyond her music, she created the Bad Bi**hes Have Bad Days Too website, which offers a variety of resources for people facing difficult times.

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Summer Walker Hosts Second Annual “Buy Black Women Sh*t” Initiative

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The initiative highlights several black-owned businesses in Atlanta offering discounts, exclusive products, and more, all in the name of self-care

Summer Walker (LVRN/Interscope Records) celebrated the upcoming anniversary of her debut mixtape, Last Day of Summer, by giving back to her community with the relaunch of “Buy Black Women Sh*t.” The initiative took place on the actual last day of the Summer season, September 22, and had Summer highlighting a group of Black women-owned businesses that push for self-care in the Atlanta area with an activation that offered fans access to discounts, products, and more.

The initiative was also in partnership with LVRN Cares, the powerhouse label’s philanthropic arm that aims to assist underrepresented communities. Some of the businesses that participated in this year’s event include City Dogz, Lot23 Chandler, The Secret Garden, The Lash Vault, Dope People Meet, Sati Yoga & Wellness, The Lash Vault, Atlanta Curves, and more. The directory for the initiative will be available on Walker’s website until September 22, 2025. Walker first launched the initiative last year on September 22, which is also “Summer Walker Day” in Atlanta.

Last Day of Summer was released in October 2018 and propelled Walker into the spotlight and spawned her multi-platinum single, “Girls Need Love,” and the celebrated remix featuring Drake, which soared to No. 2 on the Hot R&B and entered the top 40 of the Hot 100. She also released the revamped version of Last Day of Summer (Sped-Up) after the viral explosion of her sped-up platinum-certified single “Karma,” which created spikes in her streams, went No. 2 on the Hot R&B and entered the top 40 of the Hot 100.

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Queen of the Ring Celebrates 14 Years of Female Battle Rap And Prom Night 2

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For the past fourteen years, Queen of the Ring (QOTR) has been at the forefront of female battle rap, creating a powerful platform for women to showcase their lyrical skills and take center stage in the battle rap community. Founded by Deebo, Babs Bunny, and Vague, QOTR has become a global force, attracting fans and competitors worldwide who come to witness history in the making. The platform has hosted some of the most legendary moments in battle rap and helped catapult female competitors to new heights.

QOTR’s legacy is built on the hard work of its founders and the unwavering support of fans who have been there from the beginning. The entire QOTR family—Deebo, Babs, Vague, and the talented women who make the platform what it is—extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to this journey. Their collective mission remains to celebrate and push the culture forward by giving women a powerful voice in battle rap.

Now, Babs Bunny alongside Firehouse Entertainment is back with her second epic Prom Night 2, happening on September 28th in Atlanta. This highly anticipated event promises to be even bigger and better than last year’s, blending the elegance of prom night with the raw energy of battle rap. Picture this: fire bars, elite celebration vibes, a lit DJ, and music that will keep you dancing all night long. The fusion of class and competition creates the perfect atmosphere for an unforgettable evening.

Prom Night 2 isn’t just a regular night out—it’s an exclusive experience. Attendees are encouraged to dress to impress because this event brings together the world of battle rap and high-class celebration in a way that’s never been done before. The highlight of the evening? Crowning the Prom King and Queen, an honor that will go to the standout performers of the night. The competition will be fierce, and the energy will be unmatched.

Tickets for Prom Night 2 are on sale now, but space is limited. This event is already creating a buzz, and spots are filling up quickly. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exclusive night of culture, competition, and celebration. Secure your tickets before they sell out—this is one for the books!

Mark your calendars for September 28th in Atlanta. Whether you’re a die-hard battle rap fan or just looking for a night of unforgettable fun, Prom Night 2 is the place to be. Give it up for the ladies once again, as they light up the stage and push the culture forward at this epic event!

Check out my recap of last years Prom Night below.

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Sister Souljah Releases New Novel “Love After Midnight,” Continuing the Winter Santiaga Saga

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Renowned author Sister Souljah returns with Love After Midnight, the highly anticipated sequel to her bestseller Life After Death, continuing the gripping journey of her iconic character Winter Santiaga. This new novel marks the latest chapter in the Winter Santiaga series, which began with the critically acclaimed The Coldest Winter Ever.

Love After Midnight picks up where Life After Death left off, with Winter Santiaga having experienced a life-altering brush with death that forced her to confront the realities of heaven, hell, and the Fear of God. Despite these profound experiences, Winter remains entangled in the pursuit of life’s most tempting desires—sex, love, fame, and revenge.

Described by Simon & Schuster as a “hip-hop hood style, global romantic comedy,” Sister Souljah’s latest work promises to bring the same gritty, compelling storytelling that her fans have come to love. Winter, once the ultimate “worldwide top bxtch,” is alive and facing a crossroads, where she must navigate her desires while reckoning with newfound spiritual awareness.

Sister Souljah’s Love After Midnight is a powerful blend of street savvy, romance, and soul-searching drama, sure to captivate readers who have followed Winter’s journey for decades.

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Gospel Great Yolanda Adams Returns With ‘Sunny Days’ Her First Album In 13 Years

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Yolanda Adams, the platinum-selling legendary gospel singer makes her grand return today with the release of her latest solo studio album, Sunny Days, the four-time GRAMMY winner’s first album since 2011’s Becoming. Sunny Days is a 15-track offering and includes features from Terry Hunter, Sir The Baptist and Donald Lawrence.

The release of Sunny Days comes amidst Ms. Adams’ co-headlining The Reunion Tour with some of gospel’s most decorated heavyweights: Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Fred Hammond, The Clark Sisters and Kierra Sheard-Kelly. The 29-date trek is underway and in the thick of its midwestern swing; Ms. Adams will perform live in Cincinnati, OH this evening. Ticket and tour stop information is here.

Sunny Days is supported by its lead single, “Church Doors,” a resounding and powerful performance from Yolanda Adams, who reprises her role as one of the most explosive vocal performers in all of music—sacred or secular—on her first new single in over a decade. “The world has been through so much,” Adams said of the song’s theme to Billboard. “So to have some good news about what God has done is what we need right now. Ms. Adams is joined by Sir the Baptist, Donald Lawrence and J. Ivy on two remixes of the song, both by three-time GRAMMY-nominated house DJ Terry Hunter. Earlier this month, Ms. Adams performed the heralded new single on The Tamron Hall Show, a performance that left fans in awe of her continued excellence on social media.

“I’ve had so many producers say hey why don’t you come and do this,” says Ms. Adams about her commitment to gospel music in conversation with Indiana’s News 8 while on tour. “But I look at the patterns of different types of music. Gospel music is the only genre where you can sing from the age of 13 to the age of 100. Because, my thing is, if I’m using my gift in the right way then God will always provide.”

The post Gospel Great Yolanda Adams Returns With ‘Sunny Days’ Her First Album In 13 Years first appeared on The Source.

The post Gospel Great Yolanda Adams Returns With ‘Sunny Days’ Her First Album In 13 Years appeared first on The Source.

Beyoncé Announces New Whiskey Venture With Moët Hennessy, ‘SirDavis’

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Beyoncé Knowles-Carter aka Cowboy Carter, after her recent successful entry into country music just announced the launch of her new whiskey brand, SirDavis.

See, whiskey is a popular drink in country music culture, so the timing is interesting to say the least. 

The diva revealed the exciting new venture on the Gram, posting a photo of herself with a glass of the whiskey and showing off the sleek bottle. The bottle itself is adorned with a golden horse emblem. 

Check this, from her caption, she referenced lyrics from her 2024 song “Bodyguard,” writing, “Davis in my bones,” and included a link to the SirDavis website. Smart marketing, always.

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Okay so the product SirDavis is an American whiskey founded by Beyoncé in collaboration with Moët Hennessy and renowned master distiller Bill Lumsden. 

Sounds like they are legit with this collab!

Get this. the whiskey is described on the official website as a blend that marries the complexity of rye with the elegance of malted barley, finished in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks to create a harmonious balance of spice and subtle fruit notes. Even before its public launch, SirDavis has already earned multiple awards in 2023, establishing itself as an award-winning brand.

Now the idea for the whiskey’s name, SirDavis, actually honors Beyoncé’s great-grandfather, Davis Hogue, who was a successful moonshiner during Prohibition. 

Beyoncé dedicated a letter to him on the brand’s website, writing: “I feel you in the landscapes. Your laughter rolling in the rye. What songs did you sing? What gaps did you fill? Great-grandfather, did you dream of me? Your legacy is a force that drives me.” She concludes the letter by raising a glass to his legacy.

Currently, the SirDavis website also features a selection of specialty cocktails, such as the Honey Bee, Texas Buckin’, Houston, and Davis Old Fashion, complete with recipes for each. 

Fans and whiskey enthusiasts alike, can preorder a 750ml bottle of SirDavis whiskey for $89.99. Additionally, a SirDavis brand home is set to open in Beyoncé’s hometown of Houston in 2025, offering a unique experience for visitors.

Sounds like another win for Queen Bey. 

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Rihanna Rumored for 2025 Music Takeover with New Album and Tour

Rihanna Sets New Record for Most Diamond Singles by a Female Artist

The Rihanna music return rumors are back running rampant.

The latest comes from The Sun, which states that Rihanna is looking to release the album and embark on a world tour throughout 2025. Additionally, Rihanna is believed to headline next summer’s Glastonbury festival. She was originally scheduled to perform at the fest in 2023 before becoming pregnant with her second child.

An insider added:

“It’s been a running joke how long Rihanna’s ninth album has taken to be released, but finally the wait is almost over.

“Over the years so many songs have been recorded with loads of different people, including Alesso and Diplo.

“She has gone from pop to reggae to hip-hop and everything in between. But because she wants it to sound fresh, and because of where Rihanna is at in her life, practically everything was scrapped.

“Some have been reworked but the majority was canned completely when she went back to the drawing board earlier this year.

“Rihanna has been back in the studio for a while now and things are finally coming together.”

You can read the full report here.

But in the meantime, Rihanna owns Crop Over. She hit her home in Barbados for the carnival celebration and donned a crown to top off a stunning costume.

You can see images of a stunning Rihanna below.

Rihanna and Fenty Beauty just keep winning, and we are absolutely here for it.  

Bad Gal RiRi, is making waves once again with her massive Fenty brand, securing a top tier partnership with the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics. We like the latter as much as the former, as the Paralympics can benefit from more A-list affiliations of Rihanna’s caliber.

The news broke on Thursday (July 18), where the “Pour it Up” singer posted on the Gram to announce the big news. 

She captioned the post, “Tried to tell y’all… we outside all 2024!!! PROUD to announce that @FentyBeauty is a premium partner of the Olympic AND Paralympic Games baby!!! #FentyxParis2024.”

The partnership followed the more recent launch of Rihanna’s highly-anticipated haircare line, “Fenty Hair,” which hit her ecosystem last month. The new addition to her Fenty empire has already made a major impact on the beauty industry at large. 

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“You know how much switching my hair up matters to me. I’ve had almost every texture, color, length, from weaves to braids to natural,” Rihanna dished, giving insight into Fenty Hair.

Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty shows no signs of slowing down with reported revenues of approximately $1 billion in 2022, Fenty Beauty remains a significant contributor to Rihanna’s wealth, which Forbes estimated at $1.7 billion in 2021.

The post Rihanna Rumored for 2025 Music Takeover with New Album and Tour first appeared on The Source.

The post Rihanna Rumored for 2025 Music Takeover with New Album and Tour appeared first on The Source.

Rihanna Stuns at Crop Over 2024

Rihanna Sets New Record for Most Diamond Singles by a Female Artist

Rihanna owns Crop Over. For the carnival celebration, she hit her home in Barbados and donned a crown to top off a stunning costume.

You can see images of a stunning Rihanna below.

Rihanna and Fenty Beauty just keep winning, and we are absolutely here for it.  

Bad Gal RiRi, is making waves once again with her massive Fenty brand, securing a top tier partnership with the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics. We like the latter as much as the former, as the Paralympics can benefit from more A-list affiliations of Rihanna’s caliber.

The news broke on Thursday (July 18), where the “Pour it Up” singer posted on the Gram to announce the big news. 

She captioned the post, “Tried to tell y’all… we outside all 2024!!! PROUD to announce that @FentyBeauty is a premium partner of the Olympic AND Paralympic Games baby!!! #FentyxParis2024.”

The partnership followed the more recent launch of Rihanna’s highly-anticipated haircare line, “Fenty Hair,” which hit her ecosystem last month. The new addition to her Fenty empire has already made a major impact on the beauty industry at large. 

Screen Shot 2024 07 18 at 5.13.22 PM

“You know how much switching my hair up matters to me. I’ve had almost every texture, color, length, from weaves to braids to natural,” Rihanna dished, giving insight into Fenty Hair.

Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty shows no signs of slowing down with reported revenues of approximately $1 billion in 2022, Fenty Beauty remains a significant contributor to Rihanna’s wealth, which Forbes estimated at $1.7 billion in 2021.

The post Rihanna Stuns at Crop Over 2024 first appeared on The Source.

The post Rihanna Stuns at Crop Over 2024 appeared first on The Source.

Rihanna Stuns at Crop Over 2024

Rihanna Sets New Record for Most Diamond Singles by a Female Artist

Rihanna owns Crop Over. For the carnival celebration, she hit her home in Barbados and donned a crown to top off a stunning costume.

You can see images of a stunning Rihanna below.

Rihanna and Fenty Beauty just keep winning, and we are absolutely here for it.  

Bad Gal RiRi, is making waves once again with her massive Fenty brand, securing a top tier partnership with the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics. We like the latter as much as the former, as the Paralympics can benefit from more A-list affiliations of Rihanna’s caliber.

The news broke on Thursday (July 18), where the “Pour it Up” singer posted on the Gram to announce the big news. 

She captioned the post, “Tried to tell y’all… we outside all 2024!!! PROUD to announce that @FentyBeauty is a premium partner of the Olympic AND Paralympic Games baby!!! #FentyxParis2024.”

The partnership followed the more recent launch of Rihanna’s highly-anticipated haircare line, “Fenty Hair,” which hit her ecosystem last month. The new addition to her Fenty empire has already made a major impact on the beauty industry at large. 

Screen Shot 2024 07 18 at 5.13.22 PM

“You know how much switching my hair up matters to me. I’ve had almost every texture, color, length, from weaves to braids to natural,” Rihanna dished, giving insight into Fenty Hair.

Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty shows no signs of slowing down with reported revenues of approximately $1 billion in 2022, Fenty Beauty remains a significant contributor to Rihanna’s wealth, which Forbes estimated at $1.7 billion in 2021.

The post Rihanna Stuns at Crop Over 2024 first appeared on The Source.

The post Rihanna Stuns at Crop Over 2024 appeared first on The Source.