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Mary J. Blige’s Strength of a Woman Festival Takes New York City by Storm

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Over the weekend, the third annual Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit took New York City by storm, thanks to the collaborative efforts of GRAMMY and Emmy Award-winning artist Mary J. Blige, PEPSI®, Live Nation Urban, and MVD Inc. From May 10th to May 12th, the vibrant city was swept up in a whirlwind of music, empowerment sessions, industry speakers, and heartfelt testimonials, all under the banner of female empowerment. The event-filled weekend included appearances by Taraji P. Henson, 50 Cent, Funk Flex, Jill Scott, Tasha Smith, Method Man, Marsai Martin, Larenz Tate, Angie Martinez, Pinky Cole,  Robert Glasper, Crystal Hayslett, Jess Hilarious, The Lox, Misa Hylton, Bevy Smith, Claire Sulmers, Michael Rainey Jr., The Clark Sisters, and many more! 

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The festival, created and curated by Mary J. Blige herself, marked a significant milestone for the iconic American sports franchise, the New York Giants. It celebrated a century of gridiron greatness through a bespoke apparel collection developed in collaboration with Starter, one of the most esteemed sports apparel companies globally.

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Mary J. Blige, reflecting on the electrifying weekend, remarked, “This past weekend was a whirlwind in the best way possible. Getting to bring this home to NYC is something I won’t forget. Thank you to everyone who came out, to all my family who participated, and to everyone involved, including my partners at Pepsi, who made this dream come to life. Until next year!”

The festival kicked off with an intimate welcome party hosted by Mary J. Blige at Corner Social in Harlem, followed by sold-out jazz shows headlined by 5x GRAMMY-winning artist Robert Glasper at the legendary Blue Note in Greenwich Village. The evening culminated in a soulful performance by Mary J. Blige herself, alongside Glasper, leaving the audience with an inspiring mantra: “Each one, teach one, help one.”

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Saturday saw the commencement of the highly-anticipated Strength of a Woman Summit at The Glasshouse, drawing over 4,000 attendees. The star-studded panels, including “Girl Talk with MJB” and “Our Men Honor the Strength of a Woman,” celebrated the magical bond of Black women’s friendships and delved into dynamic discussions led by industry luminaries.

The Summit also featured activations including a tooth gem station by Get Gem’d and a build-your-own bouquet bar. Attendees immersed themselves in “Mary’s Living Room,” featuring Sun Goddess wine and Sister Love’s jewelry designs. Pepsi Dig In Village showcased dishes from five female-owned restaurants, spotlighting the diverse flavors of the city.

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The grand finale at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn saw Mary J. Blige and an ensemble of music icons, including 50 Cent, Jill Scott, Fat Joe, and Jadakiss, delivering electrifying performances. The evening celebrated the essence of Hip Hop, with surprise appearances and heartfelt tributes to “Hip Hop Moms.”

The festival concluded with a sold-out Mother’s Day Brunch Experience held at Brooklyn Chop House in Times Square. Hosted by Mary J. Blige, followed by an uplifting gospel concert presented by Femme It Forward, featuring The Clark Sisters and Jane Handcock.

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This year’s festival expanded its reach across the city, embodying its mission of empowerment, elevation, and education. The event’s success was a testament to Mary J. Blige’s enduring impact and commitment to uplifting underserved communities.

As the curtains closed on another remarkable weekend, the Strength of a Woman Festival left an indelible mark on New York City, echoing Mary J. Blige’s message of love, empowerment, and resilience.

The post Mary J. Blige’s Strength of a Woman Festival Takes New York City by Storm first appeared on The Source.

The post Mary J. Blige’s Strength of a Woman Festival Takes New York City by Storm appeared first on The Source.

WATCH: A$AP Rocky Playfully Checks Man Who Hands Rihanna a Rose on Mother’s Day

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A$AP Rocky Seen Cheering Rihanna During 2023 Oscars Performance

Who wouldn’t flirt with Rihanna? The queen was strolling out of a New York City-based event on Sunday, and a paparazzi member was outside, wished Rih a Happy Mother’s Day, and handed her a single rose.

A$AP Rocky found room for a playful response, “Don’t be romantic to my girl like that.”

Rocky continued, “What’s up, n—a? I’m just playing with you.”

You can see the playful moment below.

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky continues to give us parenting goals. The two were spotted in New York on Saturday, hosting a part for their song RZA. He will soon be two years old.

Rihanna, the iconic Bajan billionaire, has always had a vision of how she would dress her children. However, when she welcomed two sons instead of daughters, she found fashion inspiration in her partner, A$AP Rocky’s style.

In a recent interview with ET, Rihanna shared her approach to dressing her sons, RZA Athelaston Mayers and Riot Rose Mayers. She revealed that she always tries to match their style with Rocky’s, emphasizing his influence on their fashion choices.

Despite initially envisioning dressing daughters, Rihanna enjoys seeing her sons wear pieces from her Fenty x Puma collaboration. She expressed delight in watching them enjoy her designs, highlighting the love and support they receive in their home.

Rihanna described her son RZA as an empath and noted his gentle spirit beneath any tough exterior he may portray. She also shared a heartwarming anecdote about how their favorite song, “The Wheels on the Bus,” brings harmony and joy to their household.

As both parents are prominent figures in the music industry, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky are considering incorporating their sons’ voices into their upcoming albums. Rihanna teased that she already has ideas for creating hits from their samples.

The power couple is set to attend the prestigious Met Gala in Manhattan, where they will undoubtedly dazzle in their “Garden of Time” attire. Their romance, confirmed in 2020, has blossomed over the years, cementing their status as a music industry power duo.

The post WATCH: A$AP Rocky Playfully Checks Man Who Hands Rihanna a Rose on Mother’s Day first appeared on The Source.

The post WATCH: A$AP Rocky Playfully Checks Man Who Hands Rihanna a Rose on Mother’s Day appeared first on The Source.

Snoop Dogg Summer Apparel Line Drops at Walmart

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Snoop Dogg Summer Apparel Line Drops at Walmart

Another week is upon us, which means that Snoop Dogg has unveiled yet another one of his entrepreneurial ventures- and just in time for summer! Over the weekend, the multiplatinum artist unveiled the new summer collection of his clothing line, “Dogg Supply,” which is available exclusively through Walmart.

In an Instagram post, Snoop teased a series of swim trunks, shorts, polo shirts, button ups, and matching sets- all mimicking the patterns and style of prior drops in his collection. While the summer collection is heavy on Snoop’s traditional blue, gray, and khaki palette, this drop seems to include some bright orange sets as well. Most items appear to be priced for under $20, a move that was met with much praise on social media by fans who applauded the affordability and accessibility of the collection.

Snoop Dogg Summer Collection Drops at Walmart
Snoop Dogg Summer Collection Drops at Walmart

While the summer line doesn’t appear to be available on Walmart’s website just yet, other items are and can be found at https://www.walmart.com/browse/clothing/dogg-supply-by-snoop-dogg/5438_3317124_6774751?povid=ApparelNav_MENS_DoggSupply_B_Pills_Cat_DoggSupplyApparel.

The post Snoop Dogg Summer Apparel Line Drops at Walmart first appeared on The Source.

The post Snoop Dogg Summer Apparel Line Drops at Walmart appeared first on The Source.

Donald Trump May Owe IRS More Than $100 Million in Back Taxes

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Donald Trump May Owe IRS More Than $100 Million in Back Taxes

The IRS may soon come calling to collect an unpaid debt of more than $100 million in back taxes supposedly owed by former President Donald Trump.

Trump’s financial woes stem from handling the Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago, his most recent major construction project. Built-in 2008 amidst the Great Recession, Trump claimed significant losses from the project, utilizing it as a tax write-off. But get this: the self-proclaimed greatest deal maker initially cited the tower as a “worthless” deduction on his tax return in 2008, emphasizing the overwhelming debt load over any potential profit.

However, the investigation revealed that Trump allegedly claimed the same tower as a loss again in 2010 after transferring it to a new partnership, which was still under his control. This move resulted in an additional $168 million in reported losses over the following decade. Huh? Double dipping? Oh, but this guy owes New York State over $400 million after a judge ruled he defrauded New York widely through his real estate. 

Details of Trump’s IRS audit surfaced in 2020, coinciding with the agency’s investigation into a nearly $73 million tax refund from 2010 — the same year as the establishment of the new Chicago tower partnership.

Trump’s son, Eric Trump, the smart one, defended his father’s tax strategies, stating, “This matter was settled years ago, only to be brought back to life once my father ran for office.” He cited support from various tax experts, including the former general counsel of the IRS.

Despite ongoing audit proceedings, last publicly updated in December 2022, Trump may face substantial tax penalties once the process concludes and any appeals are exhausted. This potential nine-figure bill adds to Trump’s mounting legal troubles, including an $83.3 million penalty from a defamation case by writer E. Jean Carroll and the aforementioned $464 million verdict in a civil fraud suit. Bonds have been secured for both cases, which are currently under appeal. Good luck with that. 

The post Donald Trump May Owe IRS More Than $100 Million in Back Taxes first appeared on The Source.

The post Donald Trump May Owe IRS More Than $100 Million in Back Taxes appeared first on The Source.

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky Celebrate Son RZA’s Second Birthday in NYC

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Rihanna and A$AP Rocky Take Their Son to the Beach for a Photoshoot

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky continues to give us parenting goals. The two were spotted in New York on Saturday, hosting a part for their song RZA. He will soon be two years old.

Rihanna, the iconic Bajan billionaire, has always had a vision of how she would dress her children. However, when she welcomed two sons instead of daughters, she found fashion inspiration in her partner, A$AP Rocky’s style.

In a recent interview with ET, Rihanna shared her approach to dressing her sons, RZA Athelaston Mayers and Riot Rose Mayers. She revealed that she always tries to match their style with Rocky’s, emphasizing his influence on their fashion choices.

Despite initially envisioning dressing daughters, Rihanna enjoys seeing her sons wear pieces from her Fenty x Puma collaboration. She expressed delight in watching them enjoy her designs, highlighting the love and support they receive in their home.

Rihanna described her son RZA as an empath and noted his gentle spirit beneath any tough exterior he may portray. She also shared a heartwarming anecdote about how their favorite song, “The Wheels on the Bus,” brings harmony and joy to their household.

As both parents are prominent figures in the music industry, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky are considering incorporating their sons’ voices into their upcoming albums. Rihanna teased that she already has ideas for creating hits from their samples.

The power couple is set to attend the prestigious Met Gala in Manhattan, where they will undoubtedly dazzle in their “Garden of Time” attire. Their romance, confirmed in 2020, has blossomed over the years, cementing their status as a music industry power duo.

The post Rihanna and A$AP Rocky Celebrate Son RZA’s Second Birthday in NYC first appeared on The Source.

The post Rihanna and A$AP Rocky Celebrate Son RZA’s Second Birthday in NYC appeared first on The Source.

Happy 91st Birthday The The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan!

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One of the last, real unapologetic voices of Black America that survived the COINTELPRO strategies of the 60s and 70s to become one of the most prolific figures of U.S. history, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, turns 91 years old today.

Born Louis Eugene Walcott in New York in 1933, Minister Farrakhan moved to Boston at a very young age , where he became a very accomplished violinist and later went to Winston-Salem Teachers College on a track scholarship. The Minister married a woman he met in college named Betsy Ross, who later became known as Khadijah Farrakhan. He dropped out of college to take care of his new family and pursued his career as a professional calypso.

When Farrakhan first joined the NOI, he was asked by The Honorable Elijah Muhammad to put aside his musical career as a calypso singer. On April 17, 1993, Farrakhan made his return concert debut with performances of the Violin Concerto in E Minor by Felix Mendelssohn. Farrakhan intimated that his performance of a concerto by a Jewish composer was part of an effort to heal a rift between him and the Jewish community. The New York Times music critic Bernard Holland reported that Farrakhan’s performance was somewhat flawed due to years of neglect, but “nonetheless Mr. Farrakhan’s sound is that of the authentic player. It is wide, deep and full of the energy that makes the violin gleam.”

In July 1955, still known by the name Walcott, the Minister became a registered member of the Nation of Islam and took on the name Louis X, but was soon given the name Farrakhan by Mr. Muhammad, who told all musicians in the NOI they had to choose between music and the Nation of Islam. Farrakhan became the assistant minister at the Muhammad Mosque in Boston under Minister Malcolm X less than a year after becoming a member. Farrakhan was mentored by Malcolm X until he was assassinated in 1965. After Malcolm X’s death, Elijah Muhammad appointed Farrakhan to the two prominent positions that Malcolm held before being dismissed from the NOI.

In an interview with 60 Minutes in 2000, Farrakhan stated that some of the things he said may have led to the assassination of Malcolm X. “I may have been complicit in words that I spoke”, he said. “I acknowledge that and regret that any word that I have said caused the loss of life of a human being.”

After working under the leadership of Elijah’s son, Warith Deen Muhammad, from 1975 to 1978, Farrakhan founded a weekly newspaper entitled The Final Call, which was intended to be similar to the original Muhammad Speaks newspaper that Malcolm X claimed to have started. Farrakhan criticized Warith Deen for allegedly deviating from the teachings of his father, giving some white people X’s and he extended efforts at inter-religious cooperation and outreach to Christians and Jews.

From the early 80s until the present, the Minister is still one of the most prominent voices of reason and justice in the Black community in America. Farrakhan is named dropped by several Hip Hop giants including Public Enemy, Jay-Z, Busta Rhymes, Gangstarr, Common, Flaor Unit’s Lakim Shabazz and numerous others. The Minister has also been known as the go-to elder to resolve a number of beefs in the Hip Hop community including the beefs between Wreckz-N-Effect and A Tribe Called Quest, Common and Ice Cube, and was even called to mediate the beef between Ja Rule and 50 Cent, but was unsuccessful in the latter.

The Minister will continued to be celebrated by the Hip Hop community and The Source Magazine/Northstar Group would like to wish the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan a happy born day today and wish him many more hereafter!

The post Happy 91st Birthday The The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan! first appeared on The Source.

The post Happy 91st Birthday The The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan! appeared first on The Source.

Mashonda Tifrere Presents ‘I Never Really Knew You’ Exhibit Opening May 15 In Los Angeles

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n honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Art Genesis founder Mashonda Tifrere has curated “I Never Really Knew You …,” a dual exhibit composed of a six-artist group exhibition and a solo exhibit of L.A. based artist Lanise Howard’s newest body of work, “M.U.S.E. Miss. Understood. Sensuality. Economized.”

“I Never Really Knew You …” features works from artists Tonia Calderon, Swoon, Dionne Simpson, Malik Roberts, Amani Lewis (in collaboration with photographer Mazi Smazi), and Calvin Clausell Jr. and has been carefully crafted to reflect the many layers of the ego and serve as a visual journal that offers a story of self-awakening and truth.

Spanning various genres and mediums, “I Never Really Knew You …” invites the viewer into the minds of the artists, highlighting their individual creative processes, growth, vision, and diverse voices.  “Our mental, emotional, and physical health are all victims of the lies our ego-selves whisper in our minds,” Tifrere said. “The ego is the master of disguise. But once you witness the ego, you realize that it never really existed. ‘I Never Really Knew You …’ invites the viewer to realize that we are in control of our human story and that the only way to reveal our truths is by removing our masks and the many layers of fear they hide. Each work of art in this exhibition is a testament to the transformative power of self-realization to align us with life’s potential wonders.”

The exhibition will be open from May 15 to June 1 at Praz-Delavallade, located at 6150 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048. The exhibition’s gallery hours are Wednesday – Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment. 

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Atlanta Producer Rico Wade’s Last Interview Reveals Reconciliation with Dungeon Family

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The music world was shocked with the unexpected passing of Atlanta super producer Rico Wade. In his final interview before his death, Rico opened up about his recent reconciliation with the Dungeon Family, reflecting on the profound impact it had on his life and career.

Decked out in André 3000 gear, Rico spoke to AllHipHop about his newfound connection with the Dungeon Family, just weeks before his untimely passing. Recounting his experience at André 3000’s concert the night before, Rico’s enthusiasm was palpable as he expressed gratitude for being able to attend the event after undergoing heart surgery.

“I just had heart surgery…God didn’t want my life. He wanted my attention and he got it,” Rico shared. “It’s been blessings on blessings on blessings since then. Since that moment, I’ve been blessed in every way.”

Rico, who played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of artists like André 3000, Big Boi, Goodie Mob, Killer Mike, and others, revealed how touched he was by the outpouring of love and support from his Dungeon Family members following his health scare. He spoke fondly of the heartfelt messages and gestures of reconciliation from his music family, including his younger cousin Future.

“They all love and respect me,” Rico reflected with a smile. “They all look at me as a person that did it for them, especially after what I just went through… I’m glad you’re still here.”

Despite the busy schedules of his fellow artists, Rico emphasized the genuine connection and renewed bonds he shared with each member of the Dungeon Family. From heartfelt conversations to timely responses to texts, Rico felt a deep sense of validation and appreciation from his peers.

“I hate for it to take a life-altering situation,” Rico lamented, “but even Future—that’s my cousin—he’s been so busy. But if I text him now, he texts me right back.”

As the music community mourns his loss, Rico Wade’s legacy will live on through his profound impact on Atlanta’s vibrant hip-hop scene and the heartfelt connections he cultivated in the music industry.

The post Atlanta Producer Rico Wade’s Last Interview Reveals Reconciliation with Dungeon Family first appeared on The Source.

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Kash Doll Delivers New Single “Kash Kommandments”

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Kash Doll Delivers New Single "Kash Kommandments"

Detroit’s hip hop queen, Kash Doll, returns to the spotlight with her latest anthem, “Kash Kommandments,” released via MNRK Music Group. Produced by Go Grizzly, the track not only teases her upcoming sophomore album but also delivers a potent message of empowerment and self-assurance.

With her magnetic verses and commanding presence, Kash Doll solidifies her position as a boundary-breaking artist in the industry. Unapologetic and confident, she continues to captivate audiences with her unique blend of skill and attitude.

You can hear the single below.

The post Kash Doll Delivers New Single “Kash Kommandments” first appeared on The Source.

The post Kash Doll Delivers New Single “Kash Kommandments” appeared first on The Source.

Gunna Announces ‘One of Wun’ Album for May 10 Release, Drops “Whatsapp (Wassam)” Single

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Atlanta’s rap sensation Gunna is set to release his highly anticipated fifth studio album, One of Wun, on May 10th. Accompanying the announcement is his latest single, “Whatsapp (Wassam),” produced by Turbo and Evrgrn and released via Young Stoner Life Records/300 Entertainment.

Gunna’s return to the spotlight earlier this year with singles “Bittersweet” and “Prada Dem” featuring Offset signaled a triumphant comeback since his chart-topping album a Gift & a Curse. The album soared to #3 on the Billboard 200 and marked his fourth consecutive #1 debut on the Billboard Top Hip-Hop/R&B Albums Chart.

The unveiling of the One of Wun artwork, along with a special performance video for “Bittersweet” directed by Leff, offers fans a glimpse into the creative vision behind the album. The artwork, crafted by Calvin Clausell Jr. with creative direction by Spike Jordan of The Genius Club and art direction/design by Tal Midyan, sets the stage for Gunna’s latest musical endeavor.

To coincide with the album release, Gunna will embark on The Bittersweet Tour, commencing on May 4th at Schottenstein Center in Columbus, OH. The tour will span 16 stops across the U.S., including cities like Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, and Houston, culminating in a hometown performance at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena on June 11th.

The post Gunna Announces ‘One of Wun’ Album for May 10 Release, Drops “Whatsapp (Wassam)” Single first appeared on The Source.

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