Sprayground Teams Up With Sandflower For Collaboration Of Fashion Accessories Infusing New York And African Artistry

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Sprayground, the world’s most influential streetwear brand known
for its eccentric and highly coveted designs – has released ‘African Intelligence 6’ (Ai6), an ongoing collection co-designed by Independent Artist and Sprayground’s VP and Creative Director of Content, Sandflower. The concept and name of this collection was directed by Sandflower based on her personal life experiences.

This definition-defying collection of bags is inspired by the groundbreaking innovation and vibrant brilliance of the African diaspora, with an authentic New York twist in true Sprayground fashion. For this launch, along with Sandflower as the face of the campaign, she called on supermodels who descend from Jamaica and Ghana; Shannon Hamilton, Amanda Thomas and Gershona Annor, who embody the energy and spirit of the collection, truly helping bring it to life.

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The Ai6 collection delivers beautiful textiles, eclectic prints and a high dose of energy through vivid colors and contemporary patterns in the form of exquisite bags that act as a coded symbol of Afro-futuristic fashion. The concept features three designs, including a black jewel pattern
capsule collection, which includes six items: a backpack, crossbody, duffle bag, large sling bag, pouchette, and wallet. The coveted collection also comprises two single designs; an eye-catching lion print, that the Ai collection is known for, in vibrant purples, reds and yellows that speak to the colorful inspirations of true African culture, as well as a stylish denim design, that showcases Sprayground’s iconic collectible art piece – the shark mouth.

Sprayground first captured worldwide attention when the ‘Hello My Name’ backpack debuted over 10 years ago. Sprayground founder, David BenDavid (DBD), had high hopes to create a brand that he felt represented his childhood and upbringing. Exposed to streetwear, art and a variety of cultures from a young age, DBD took all this inspiration and turned it into creativity that is now admired worldwide.

Together with DBD, Sandflower has created tidal waves with the Ai collection since launching in 2019, now on its 6th series, this collection has proven to be one of Sprayground’s most popular capsules to-date.

The Ai6 collection will be available online at www.sprayground.com and exclusive boutiques nationwide on July 26, 2022.

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[WATCH] IG Model Finds Out She Has AIDS After Going Untested For Almost A Decade

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According to several confirmed reports, a Brooklyn-based Instagram model that made her acquaintance with several well known celebrities, revealed on social media that she almost died from AIDS after being infected by the virus almost ten years ago.

Gina Tew said she dropped down to 65 lbs., lost her sight in one eye as well as her ability to walk. medical advances in AIDS treatment has brought Tew back to almost a full recovery, but the recent revelation of the 27-year-old’s experience has gone viral, bringing many celebs who were romantically linked to Tew under the microscope of public opinion.

Tew is known to be linked to artists like Chief Keef, Chris Brown and Nick Cannon just to name a few.

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Today in Hip-Hop History: EPMD’s ‘Business Never Personal’ LP Turns 30 Years Old!

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Coming after what critics would call their worst album, Business Never Personal served as a proper revival and temporary farewell for one of Hip Hop’s greatest duos to touch the mic.

This album is considered EPMD’s third classic album, even though it was their fourth overall and second on the Def Jam label.. Although underground for the majority of their career, this album saw large commercial and mainstream success, peaking higher than any of its predecessors on the Billboard 200 chart at #14 and selling 500,000 copies in the first few months of its release. The popularity of this album came in large part from the breakthrough lead single, ironically titled “Crossover”. This single itself peaked at #42 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Top Rap singles chart.

Following this project, the duo disbanded only to join forces once again on a fifth LP, Back in Business. The group continued to bounce back and forth between activity and retirement until the release of their final album, We Mean Business in 2008.

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[WATCH] 50 Cent Comments On Brooklyn Bishop Robbed Of $400K In Jewelry During Service

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Earlier this week, it was reported that a bishop and his wife based in Brooklyn, New York were robbed of over $400,000 worth of jewelry during Sunday’s service at the Leaders of Tomorrow International Ministry in Canarsie.

Some sources say that over $1 million worth of jewelry was taken from the pastor and his wife, but nevertheless, the robbers fled from the crime scene in a white Mercedes Benz. Bishop Lamor Whitehead gave an update following the robbery, saying, “We’re pushing. We’re still doing what we need to do. I’m not a person from the suburbs; I’m from Brooklyn, I’m from the city. I understand the streets. This bishop, I’m not scared. I was born without jewelry, jewelry don’t make me.”

Since the video has gone viral, 50 Cent posted the video to his Twitter, tweeting, “Meanwhile back in New York, they robbing the church while it’s in service. WTF.”

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Today In Hip Hop History: The Hot Boys Dropped Their Sophomore Effort ‘Guerrilla Warfare’ 23 Years Ago

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23 years ago today, Turk, Juvenile, BG and Lil Wayne dropped their second collaborative LP together as the Hot Boys entitled Guerrilla Warfare on the Cash Money/ Universal label.

Produced exclusively by Cash Money Records’ production duo “Baby” Williams and Mannie Fresh aka The Big Tymers, this entire album was recorded in Miami, a thousand miles a large contrast from there NOLA roots and recording environment, this LP helped to solidify the term “bling” as a necessity in the culture at the turn of the millennium. The lead singles, “I Need A Hot Girl” and “We On Fire” propelled the album the pole position on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip Hop albums, selling 142,000 in the first week and reaching platinum status before the end of 1999.

Salute to the Hot Boys and Cash Money Records for making this exclusive piece of Hip Hop history!

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[WATCH] Mary J. Blige Previews Tomorrow’s Apple Music Live Performance

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Ahead of tomorrow’s broadcast of Mary J. Blige’s one-night-only Apple Music Live performance at New York City’s historic United Palace, the Grammy award-winning and Academy award nominated artist, actress, producer and entrepreneur joins Nadeska on Apple Music to discuss what fans can expect from the performance and her approach to crafting a career-spanning setlist with plenty of classic fan favorites. She also discusses how performing today differs from at the start of the career, why she’s proud of her career, being a north start for a new generation of female R&B artists, how her song “You Remind Me” changed her life, battling depression and insecurity between the release of her first two albums, her most recent album Good Morning, Gorgeous, early Diddy memories, collaboration, and more. 

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Today In Hip Hop History: Fat Joe Released His Debut Album ‘Represent’ 29 Years Ago

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On this date in 1993, legendary DITC delegate Fat Joe dropped his debut full-length studio album Represent on the Relativity/Violator imprint.

In 2020, Fat Joe is recognized as one of the icons of NYC Hip Hop, however, back in 1993, Joe was knee-deep in the streets and having only appeared on Diggin’ In The Crates founder Diamond D’s Stunts, Blunts And Hip Hop album was fairly a newcomer to the rap game. With assistance from his DITC crew members Diamond, Lord Finesse, and Showbiz behind the boars, Joe formulated one of the most integral audible time capsules of the era. Tracks like the Beatnuts-powered “Shit Iz Real”, “You Must Be Out Of You Fuckin’ Mind” featuring the late Apache of the Flavor Unit and Kool G Rap and the premiere single “Flow Joe” were all foundational examples of the “Fat Joe Da Gangsta” persona that is now respected and celebrated in 2020.

Salute to the late Chris Lighty, Fat Joe, Diamond D, Lord Finesse, Showbiz, and the entire DITC for this timeless piece of Hip Hop history!

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Today In Hip Hop History: Eric B. And Rakim’s Sophomore LP ‘Follow The Leader’ Dropped 34 Years Ago

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On this day in Hip Hop history in 1988, one of the culture’s most prolific duo’s Eric B. & Rakim released their sophomore LP Follow the Leader. Coming shortly after their game-changing debut Paid in Full, their second album showed that not only did the two find a formula of success but that they had yet to hit a ceiling. The refinement of both Rakim’s lyrical prowess and Eric B’s beat-making ability is evident in large part on this album. Follow the Leader had everything one could ask of an album from the Golden Era of Hip Hop.

Selling 500,000 within the year of its release, the album received gold certification as well as the #22 spot on the Billboard Pop Albums chart. Two of the four singles from the project, “Follow the Leader” and “Microphone Fiend” also made appearances on multiple Billboard music charts. Critically, this album received praise across the board being praised as more consistent and cohesive than the duo’s debut. Critics from numerous publications noted the growth of Eric B and Rakim as both rappers and pop icons. Although it may not have sold as many copies or made as much noise, Follow the Leader is in more ways than one a more polished project than Paid in Full and is in large part the reason for the duo’s longevity and status.

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French Montana And EST Gee Drop “Keep it Real” Visuals From ‘Montega’ Album

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3x Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum recording artist, humanitarian and entrepreneur French Montana releases the “Keep it Real” music video featuring rapper EST Gee. The hit track is off Montana’s latest and first independent album, Montegavia Coke Boys Records executive produced by legendary hip-hop producer Harry Fraud. 

The “Keep It Real” video, directed by Rook the Director, follows Montana and EST Gee through the streets of the Bronx. Showcasing his influence and impact in the community, the crowd gathers at a local bodega and basketball court to be with the fellow rappers. Driving in a foreign car and his crew following in Suburbans, Montana continues to rap, “slidin’ through your hood with my Haan,” making his presence known with his signature adlib. EST Gee then jumps on the hook and raps on staying true to his hometown roots and being unstoppable at the height of his career. 

Montana’s fifth studio album, Montega, produced by Harry Fraud released on June 24th bringing back his roots and original wave sound featuring hit tracks with Rick Ross, Quavo, Chinx, Benny the Butcher and more. Alongside the project, Montana released 1000 French Family NFT Membership (Ticker name :FM) with an exclusive launch party in New York City on June 19th. This NFT collection is the first-of-its-kind to launch with a music project giving fans worldwide access to own and share rights to a new project creating a Web3 milestone. This video follows the release of Montana and his brother/new recording artist Ayoub’s first collaborative single and video “Slidin” on Friday.

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Red Bull BC One Announces Winner Of Philadelphia Cypher

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The most prestigious, global breaking competition, Red Bull BC One, kicked off its 2022 US competition in Philadelphia this past weekend. Bringing together the best b-boys and b-girls from the region and beyond, the kick-off cypher celebrated the local Philly break scene, delivering unforgettable battle moments. 

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Following a bracket of 16 one-on-one b-boy battles, a panel of respected breakers announced Ricky Rulez as the reigning champion. Pep C stole the crown amongst the top 14 b-girl competitors. They will both go on to compete at the Red Bull BC One National Final in Los Angeles on September 17. 

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Red Bull BC One is the biggest and most prestigious one-on-one breaking competition in the world. Every year, thousands of breakers compete for a chance to represent at the World Final. With 18 World Finals hosted in major cities around the world since 2004, Red Bull BC One has over 60 events and programs in over 30 markets every year.

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