What Teyana Taylor's Retirement Teaches Us About Supporting Creatives

Teyana Taylor recently announced her retirement from music and it took the world by surprise. After just releasing her critically acclaimed album, ‘The Album’ that even made legends such as Elton John join in on the praise, it's hard to see why Teyana Taylor has decided to give up her role in the music industry. According to Taylor herself, she expressed she felt  “super unappreciated as an artist, receiving little to no real push from the ‘machine,’ constantly getting the shorter end of the stick, being overlooked.” With this announcement, Teyana Taylor got major love from fans and even fellow peers in the music industry such as Swiss Beatz, The Game and Janet Jackson. 

With the retirement of Teyana Taylor, can this teach us how to appreciate creatives and artists as a unit. How can we be more supportive of creatives in the industry that may not be pushed by a major record label, agency or brand? Even those who are pushed by a major machine such as Teyana Taylor or Tinashe during her time with RCA records have felt how lonely it can be in the creative industry. It's a hard spot to be as a creative to constantly showcase your talents and be vulnerable enough to let people into your creative process only for them to shut you down or not give you the proper support you need.

This begs the question, is it better to be a creative and work independently? Once Tinashe was released from her label, that gave her more room to grow and release amazing music projects and even collaborate with other artists that were more aligned with her brand. Seeing Teyana Taylor’s retirement playout only made me realize that many of the talented artists not only in the music industry but in many sectors of the creative industries are not supported financially or even emotionally. By just posting someone's artwork or commenting on their process on social media is a big boost to help them get one step closer to their goals. Even checking in on their wellbeing can be a big help and give them the tools to keep going. Be sure to check in on your creative friends even if everything looks good from the outside, you never know how your support can help them to continue to succeed and grow. 

7 Rings

Megan Thee Stallion has encapsulated her fiery, world-conquering boldness in a symbol most befitting her extraordinariness: her “f**k you” rings. The hip hop superstar proudly flaunts seven brilliant diamond rings, upon which each letter of the brashly worded “f**k you” is affixed. Valued at $200,000 and encompassing 126 carats, Megan’s fans have embraced the crystallized catchphrase as a welcome addition to her signature looks.

The ostentatious ring set not only signifies Megan’s unceasing confidence, but is also an emblem of her triumphs against adversity. In defiance of the public’s lack of sympathy for her suffering from gunshot wounds allegedly inflicted upon her by singer Tory Lanez, she debuted her rings on Instagram with the caption “Dear haters” alongside middle finger emojis. The “f**k you” rings then made a reappearance at the American Music Awards, where “WAP,” Megan’s provocative duet with Cardi B, was deemed “Favorite Rap/Hip Hop Song.”

The reemergence of the rings was received with overwhelming praise on social media, solidifying them as integral to the rapper’s wardrobe. While Megan admitted to being surprised by people encouraging her to wear such profane jewelry regularly, she will nonetheless gladly indulge in her popular fashion statement.

Photo Credits: Blavity, Page Six

Report: Nia Hunt

Costuming Catwoman

Zöe Kravitz winning the role of the iconic Batman villain Catwoman has roused conversations about her forthcoming portrayal of the character, one of the topics of discussion being her wardrobe. There have been glimpses of the costume design months prior, and now the newly released images from the set of The Batman provide a more definite tone for Kravitz’s villainous style.

The first trailer for The Batman featured Catwoman in an outfit that viewers found underwhelming. A torn ski mask and a uncouth cat burglar bodysuit seemed to be a massive downgrade from the more sleek, alluring fashion sense of past depictions of the femme fatale. Nevertheless, Kravitz praising costume designer Jacqueline Durran for the progression of the character’s personal style indicated that the shoddiness was temporary.

The latest images from the film pictured Kravitz clad in leather boots, a trench coat, and a hat, affirming that this iteration of Catwoman will be just as characteristically seductive as her predecessors. While this ensemble was likely the plainclothes attire of Catwoman’s secret identity, Selina Kyle, the coquettishness on display is undoubtably a harbinger of a far more memorable super-villain costume.

Photo Credits: W Magazine & Vogue

Report: Nia Hunt

Billy Porter - the Centerpiece of Pose

Talk about a show-stopping look.

Pose tells the story of LGBTQ ballroom culture in New York City during the late 1980s and early 1990s and has thus been applauded for being a television show with prevalent trans actors. A key player in bringing this historical scene to life is Billy Porter, who portrays the character Pray Tell. Porter is renowned for his flamboyant, gender-nonconforming attire, which has overlapped between his onscreen and real life fashion sense.

Porter wearing an eye-catching green printed suit.

Outfitting him are the talented costume designers Lou Eyrich and Analucia McGorty, who took painstaking measures to exhibit Pray Tell’s vivacious demeanor. Eyrich and McGorty realized their artistic vision by collecting clothes from vintage shops and secondhand stores and transforming them into new, more extravagant ensembles. One interesting aspect of their creative process is that they often model outfits after those of the 1970s, demonstrating their attention to detail by recalling the show’s post-disco setting. 

This yellow coat over printed silk blouse outfit commands.

Much of Pray Tell’s wardrobe includes garish hats, including a lavender top hat and green captain’s hat with the label “Yellow Cab.” Among the character’s iconic outfits are a vinyl trench coat, mixed-print silk robe, and most ostentatiously, a shimmering sequined dress complemented by blue and green feather jacket. Fans of the show have voiced their disappointment at Pose being snubbed for an Emmy nomination, and failing to consider awarding Eyric and McGorty is indeed a missed opportunity.

Photo Credits: PopSugar

Report: Nia Hunt

Chloe x Halle Show Us How Stylish a Virtual Performance Can Be in Reflective Fabric

Chloe x Halle performed at the 2020 BET Awards in not one but two expertly crafted outfits constructed by their stylist Zerina Akers. Zerina tapped TLZ L'Femme for some white reflective fabric that seemed to be her favorite out of the two polar-opposite looks.

The girls started the performance singing "Forgive Me" in black latex and fishnet stockings (Chloe in a cutout minidress and Halle in high-waisted shorts, a bralette, and blazer), but "Do It" brought out the low-slung cargos and crop tops with sashes swinging every which way. The mood was very early 2000s for the latter ensemble. Even though these looks were different by design, Chloe x Halle accessorised with sparkling jewels in both scenarios — chunky silver hoops in scene one and crystal-encrusted combat boots in scene two.

"The Girls Next Door vs. The Girls Around The Way. I've been dying to use this 3M reflective fabric in a look," Akers wrote on Instagram, thanking Derek Milton for his expertise in directing the virtual snippet, which was rather flawless from an aesthetic perspective.

Report: Amanda T Lou

Justin Bieber Accused of Sexual Assault 6 Years Later

It is not the first time that we've heard of celebrities getting caught up in sexual assault and abuse claims. But, this one hits a little different. We have watched this star grow from a young popstar to who he is today, with the setbacks and media drama as well. Earlier this week, Justin Bieber was notified of an accused sexual assault against him that occurred in 2014. Bieber took to twitter to address the claim and prove his innocence with detailed alibis of his whereabouts on the night the assault had taken place. Bieber claims he was never a guest of the hotel where the woman was staying at, he simply was in the restaurant. He continues to state that he was with his ex-girlfriend Selena Gomez, who has yet to make a comment about the matter. Fans continue to back Bieber up, but others see his Gomez Alibi as "mentally abusing" to Selena as she has finally healed from their toxic relationship. Claiming sexual assault is a serious matter and should not be taken lightly, as we all should know. Bieber further explained the magnitude of the situation on twitter saying "every claim of sexual abuse should be taken very seriously and this is why my response was needed. However this story is factually impossible and that is why I will be working with twitter and authorities to take legal action". Whether his story or her story is the truth, only time will tell. Hopefully, Bieber will do the right thing in the situation for his fans, his family, and for the woman.

photos: screenrant.com; popsugar.com

Report: Hannah Zaremba

British Vogue Auctions Models' Wardrobes to Raise Money For NHS Charities Together and the NAACP

British Vogue is teaming up with luxury resale site, Hardly Ever Worn It and 23 of the world's favorite supermodels to raise money for NHS Charities Together and the NAACP (The National Association For the Advancement of Colored People). "The Way We Wore" auction, which began on Tuesday, June 9, at 9 a.m. ET, includes one coveted fashion item from each of the models' luxury-filled wardrobes, and will be available to bid on for 72 hours.

Models supporting this great initiative include: Adut Akech, Amber Valletta, Candice Swanepoel, Ashley Graham, Bella Hadid, Christy Turlington, Gigi Hadid, Zayn Malik, Helena Christensen, Imaan Hammam, Irina Shayk, Xiao Wen Ju, Joan Smalls, Karlie Kloss, Kate Moss, Lily Aldridge, Mariacarla Boscono, Karen Elson, Paloma Elsesser, Pooja Mor, Rianne Van Rompaey, Shalom Harlow, and Stella Maxwell.

"We asked 23 of the biggest models to photograph themselves at home in pieces that were special to them, and subsequently donate to the auction," said Sarah Harris, British Vogue's deputy editor and fashion features director, in a video post on Instagram. Model Pooja Mor will be donating her Gucci bag, Lily Aldridge is giving her Prada dress, Candice Swanepoel is sending a sweet Chanel bag, and Imaan Hammam is donating her Celine earrings to support frontline healthcare workers in the UK and the NAACP in the United States.

You can view and shop all the items available in the auction on the Hardly Ever Worn It website now

Report: Amanda T Lou

Tyler the Creator Speaks in Support of the Recent Protests.

Rapper Tyler The Creator is just one of many celebrities and public figures who have publicly voiced support or solidarity with the George Floyd protesters and the Black Lives Matter movement. He has been seen by many attending protests and gatherings in the Los Angeles area. Tyler's support is especially helpful, as his Los Angeles store, GOLF, was vandalized in a protest earlier this week. When a Twitter user tweeted about how the store was vandalized, and that it was sad that Tyler supported the protests, Tyler took to GOLF's official Instagram account to say that the location was actually "fine." "This is bigger than getting some glass fixed and buffing spray paint off," reads the comment. "Understand what really needs to be fixed out here." Tyler later posted a 1996 photo of the Black Panthers, a famous black revolutionary socialist organization, on GOLF's Instagram account, with the caption, "BLACK FURY: keep your eyes wide and educate yourself."

Many people have tried to categorize these protests as "violent" and as excuses for people to loot and vandalize stores. However, those who support it are providing clips and evidence on social media that the people attending these protest intend for it to remain peaceful, that most of the violence is incited by the law enforcement, and that many of the looting and vandalism are actually coming from outside groups, who are seemingly masquerading as protesters.

Report: Anna Bechtel

Rihanna Shuts Down Fenty in Honor of Blackout Tuesday

Blackout Tuesday, a now famous hashtag on social media applications such as Instagram and Twitter, was promoted by activists to observe, mourn and bring about policy change in the wake of the death of George Floyd.

While many celebrities posted on their personal social media, Rihanna took it upon herself to promote this cause on her business platforms and in result, has closed all three of her profitable brands – cosmetics company Fenty Beauty, Lingerie line Savage x Fenty, and LVMH-helmed Luxury line FentyShe temporarily to raise public awareness and encourage the Black Lives Matter movement.

On Fenty’s Instagram page she writes, “FENTY as a brand was created to elevate beauty, power and freedom! At this very moment racists are attempting to rip those values away from Black people and we will NOT stand by and let that happen. We are too powerful, creative and resilient. In support of the Black community, we will be donating funds to Color of Change and Movement for Black Lives. We ask you to speak up, stand up, and pull up against racism and discrimination in all forms. We are not staying silent and we are not standing by. The fight against racial inequality, injustice, and straight up racism doesn’t stop without any movement.”

Report: Woo Jong Kim

It’s Been 15 Years Since *That* Iconic Grey’s Anatomy Scene

From the very beginning Grey’s Anatomy has been a massive success, drawing in millions of viewers. Shonda Rhimes, the creator of Grey’s Anatomy wasn’t well known when Grey’s first started but has since blossomed into one of the most successful screenwriters in the country, known for putting everyone straight into their ‘feels.’ This past week marked the 15th anniversary of one of the most iconic scenes of Grey’s Anatomy, and quite possibly one of the most iconic scenes in the history of television.

Meredith Grey, played by Ellen Pompeo has been the star of the 16 season plus hit drama. At the culmination of its widely successful first season Meredith found out that her boyfriend, Derek Shepherd AKA McDreamy (played by Patrick Dempsey) was married. In the infamous scene Addison Montgomery, played by Kate Walsh traveled to Seattle from New York to come get her wayward husband. She went to the hospital to find him and ended up walking in on Meredith and Derek who were about to leave together on a date. Addison responded with this phenomenal line, “You must be the woman who’s been screwing my husband.” Leaving Meredith and all Grey’s Anatomy fans stunned.

Earlier this week Kate Walsh tweeted about the anniversary of this scene saying, “Unreal that today marks 15 years ago to the day since this little lady walked on to your screen and checked ya for screwing her husband.” Ellen Pompeo quickly responded saying, “Thank god I messed with your hubby!! It worked out well for us both!!! Love you so much and THAT scene...when your character showed up...was such a defining moment for this show. From that point on we had them hooked!!!” As if that wasn’t enough Kate put her own twist on the popular twitter challenge, sharing a meme of what their hopes and plans were and what 2020 has ended up being. She shared a picture of Meredith and Derek, saying “my plans:” and a picture of Addison coming saying, “2020:”

From the very beginning Grey’s Anatomy has been a hit, to this day it’s still going strong. In fact, April 9th was the last episode of the 16th season, a season which was cut short like many other shows due to the COVID 19 pandemic. However, don’t fear, Grey’s Anatomy is set to have a 17th season once things are able to resume for filming. Even though Shonda Rhimes, the creator of Grey’s Anatomy, now works for Netflix and even 15 after that scene aired, Shonda still has the power to put fans and her actors right back in their feels. We wouldn’t have it any other way.

Report: Rebecca Vanderkooi

Levi's Golf Wang-Inspired Anniversary

Having been in business for an astonishing 147 years, Levi’s Jeans celebrates each anniversary with their 501 Day, in homage of their signature 501 jeans. Each May, Levi’s hosts worldwide events and campaigns commemorating their legacy as the leading brand of jeans for over a century. A noteworthy milestone of this year’s 501 Day has been the collaboration with Golf Wang, Tyler the Creator's fashion label.

Levi's and Golf Wang are two brands that complement each other well due to their respective mission statements. Levi’s 501 jeans embody self-expression and individuality, as their simplistic build makes them adaptable to customizations and redesign. Meanwhile, Golf Wang is a brand rooted in whimsicality, consisting of brightly colored hats, sports jerseys, and duffel bags emblazoned with random images such as chicken and waffles. Defying the hip hop fashion convention of glorifying luxury items, Tyler opts to imbue with his products with dark, absurdist humor.

Together, Levi’s and Golf Wang have previewed a more vibrant iteration of the classic 501 jeans, one spangled with multi-colored polka dots as Golf Wang’s heart-and-flower logo adorns the back pocket. These rainbow jeans are truly a vivid, fantastical creation, and they are available for purchase on both of Levi’s and Gold Wang’s websites on now.

Photo credits:

https://hypebeast.com/2020/5/golf-wang-levis-tyler-the-creator-501-day-polka-dot

https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-hook/6099335/tyler-the-creator-golf-wang-style

Report: Nia Hunt

The Ryan Murphy Series "Hollywood," and its 1940s Costumes

Ryan Murphy's newest TV masterpiece is the Netflix show Hollywood. It centers around the TV and film industry in the 1940's, with aspiring actors and directors trying to make it big. It is almost a "what if" look at the industry, with fictionalized versions of well-known figures, like Rock Hudson.

Since the show is a period drama, the fashion and costumes were a big part of the series. Costume designers Lou Eyrich and Sarah Evelyn based the fashions on "golden age cinema". They used a color palette of golden browns, pinks, caramels, reds, greens, and purples. Evelyn and Eyrich call this palette "harvest tones". They also took references from famous 1940's icons and movies, like Woman Of The Year, Casablanca, The Red Shoes, The Killers, Gilda, and Gentleman's Agreement. "As we looked at the characters and made the tone board, we developed style icons for each of the characters", Evelyn says about their process. Evelyn and Eyrich also worked closely with the hair and makeup departments, to determine the looks. "If Ryan chose a specific hair color or wig", Evelyn said, "that would affect our work greatly".

Many of the costumes were custom made because, "1940s clothing is extremely difficult to find and generally very small", Evelyn explains. However, some of the pieces were bought from vendors who specialize in vintage clothing.

Several of the show's actors enjoyed their costumes, some even got attached to them. "We definitely had characters who got attached to their costumes and wanted to take stuff home", Evelyn says.

Report: Anna Bechtel

QUAY X LIZZO FOR GOOD

You're going to need a pair of sunnies to shade your eyes from the shine of Quay's new collection. The Australian sunglass company just dropped a new line in collaboration with, the only and only, Lizzo. With a spark and originality that only the artist herself could embody, the new shades will be the vibrant addition to your summer wardrobe that you’ve been craving.

The singer, songwriter and performer took the world by storm with her fun, empowering, resilient music and energy, and these qualities become tangible as they are integrated into the new designs. Featuring colorful yet sophisticated styles, the collection has superstar written all over it.

The Lizzo inspired line includes a variety of silhouettes such as aviators and cat eye, as well as sunglasses with metal brow bars and studded embellishments like mini stars and rhinestones. Some of the shades are also offered in a translucent rainbow finish. No matter what style you choose, every pair will help you shine a little bit brighter before you ever even hit the sun.

Probably the most significant reason why this new collection outshines that of its predecessors is the fact that proceeds from every purchase will be used towards donating meals all across the United States. In addition to teaming up with Lizzo, the Quay company has also partnered with Feeding America during this time of uncertainty. Each individual purchase is the equivalent of 100 meals that are distributed by local food banks.

Besides the obvious charm and enthusiasm of the new collection, the ability to contribute meaningful meals and provide a sense of security to fellow Americans is what makes this line one of our favorites of the season. You will undoubtedly add a spark to your style when wearing these fun and eccentric shades while simultaneously making a difference in the lives of people who need it most.

All photo credit can be attributed to the Quay website.

Report: Alexandra Donnelly

High Off Life

Future’s highly anticipated album is finally here. The Haitian-American rapper recently released his latest project titled “High Off Life” and it has caused quite the buzz on social media. This is his first project following the hit 2019 album “The Wizrd”. The songs have had all the men feeling as though they can relate the hit rapper. This is Future’s seventh No. 1 Album. High Off Life was at No. 1 on the most recent Billboard 200 chart. It earned 153,000 equivalent album units for its debut week which ran until May 21 which was mostly streamed and the rest purchased.

Future is known as one of the most influential artists of the past decade and he’s managed to conquer the charts by emulating a sound that has reshaped rap as a whole. Ever since he peaked with DS2, he has continued to release music steadily. Although Future spent the first half of the 2010s changing his sound and experimenting, this new album emulates the signature sound that all major Future fans were waiting on. The entire album centers around men evoking confidence in life and not necessarily focusing on women, but rather themselves. A lot of women think that his lyricism may give the idea that women are disposable in his opinion but that is up for discussion.

The Atlanta rapper has been under some fire on social media due to his personal family drama, but what makes this album so iconic is that despite all that, he claims “Life is Good” which is one of the top songs on the album featuring Drake. The album is for sure an album for the summer and has so many hits that will make you feel like nothing else can bother you because life is going great. Future will continuously be an iconic rapper for all those who listen.

Photo Credits:

Album cover: @future

Colored picture: @future

Report: Soila M Douce

Savage x Fenty Teams up with Megan Thee Stallion for Their 2020 Campaign

Rihanna’s lingerie line, Savage X Fenty, has announced Megan Thee Stallion as their 2020 brand partner. The collaboration deemed #SavageXTheestallion, is part of the brand’s community-led summer campaign where brand partners, ambassadors and influencers take photos from inside their homes. The brand is teaming with mixed media artist Rafatoon to put together the campaigns.

The “Savage” and “Hot Girl” singer was given this opportunity with Savage X Fenty after she helped launch TikTok’s account in April with the #SavageChallenge. From the app, she was seen modeling the brand’s lingerie while dancing along to her hit song, Savage. The challenge has become viral and has nearly 800 million views.

When interviewed about the collaboration, Rihanna said “Meg is the energy we were looking for. She is a risk-taker with an attitude, character and personality.”

In the first campaign shots, Megan is seen wearing a yellow lace bra, paired with a matching thong. Another shot shows Megan on top of a leather chair featuring the same lingerie that she wore from the original #SavageChallenge video.

The collaboration will feature fits of all available sizes, from 32A-42H and XS on www.savageX.com, Amazon.com, ASOS.com and Zalando.com and is nothing short of classy, bougie and ratchet.

Report: Woo Jong Kim

Music At What Cost

In the past year, Summer Walker quickly rose to fame like many other musicians at a young age. As a woman, the music industry can use and abuse then throw you away if you’re not the total package. It’s not enough to just have the voice of an angle anymore, not since sex started to sell.

Many talented female artists such as Lil Kim, K Michelle, and Nicki Minaj have undergone extremely dangerous plastic surgery to their body to appeal to the music industry and its fans. Today, artists are speaking out and freely about their toxic journey in the industry that has led them to their addictions to be accepted and promises to be made a star and make it to the top. Industry professionals have brainwashed women to thinking unless they channel their creativity through drugs or make millions showing their assets, then they had no career.

The most recent is Summer Walker. She’s previously spoken out about how she’s dealt with her newfound fame and constantly being in the spotlight. On her last tour, after dealing with the performance part of her fame Summer only performed at nine of the tour dates canceling the original 29. She then took to Instagram to explain what she was feeling to her fans, “I’m not going to be able to finish this tour because it doesn’t really coexist with my social anxiety and introverted personality.”

Summer Walker - Before

“I’m a person; I have feelings. I get tired, I get sad and it’s just a lot.” She added, “I want to give you all what I can, so I’m going to keep making music and I might do a few more shows, but I can’t finish.” “I hope that you understand that wellness/health is important.”

Following this courageous act, Summer Walker decided to take a break from social media after receiving backlash on multiple occasions following her canceled tour and her public breakup with London on Da Track On May 16, it seems she is a new woman. Summer Walker is practically unrecognizable in her newest Instagram video and photos showing off what looks like a new face and body. It makes you wonder, what led her to this new transformation with a noticeably new bigger butt. Is she the newest victim of mental abuse from the industry and social media?

Is she the new Lil Kim? Why is it that the music industry teaches young black women that unless they have curves they’re talent means nothing? It is an industry that makes hit records and millions of dollars on a regular basis and young black women and their mental health pay the price.

Report: Josephine Coiscou

Kehlani Releases Quarantine Style Music Video for “Open (Passionate)”

She just dropped her latest album and new merchandise for her fans. Kehlani clearly isn’t letting quarantine stop her from putting out some of her best content. One of her most recent music videos “Open (Passionate) was edited herself and was shot quarantine style. Steamy, sexy and visually pleasing with trees and a forest green background, the video starts off with Kehlani soaking in a Jacuzzi with a wine bottle and what seems to look like two mimosas sitting on the side of her arm. Then she’s driving down a vacant highway with her dangling gold earrings and sunglasses. There are moments which capture the eye, when she’s wearing a bold orange dress which brings out her natural beauty down to when she’s standing on top of a car dressed with a dark denim coat and brown Louis Vuitton head scarf giving her an edgy look.

Kelahni’s second part of the track “Passionate,” features her in a much more relaxing setting. She can be seen in the driver’s seat of her own car, bundled up in a two toned puffer jacket that’s grey on the outside and orange on the inside. Although things appear more serene, Kehlani’s melodious voice and captivating lyrics speak to the soul. She sings “It’s only your passion how you move by/You fallin’ head over, right outta the sky/Fatal attraction, you lay down and die/Know how you get, I know how you do it.

If you haven’t streamed Kehlani’s new album “It Was Good Until it Wasn’t,” why not go ahead and do that? After all, Kehlani said in her own words on Instagram that she wanted us to. She posted on her Instagram account 2 days ago saying “it would mean the world to me if you go stream the album, i’m already hella grateful for whatever happens but this would be really insane.”

English singer-songwriter James Blake, who is featured in Kehlani’s song “Grieving” on her new album had some words of his own. On his Instagram account he posted their song together saying “So proud to play a small part on her completely fire album.”

While Kehlani blesses us with some of her best music, other artists are taking the time to live stream their concerts for fans to view, all while in the comfort of their own homes. This month artists such as Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, OneRepublic, Ellie Goulding, Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers, Sam Smith, James Taylor, Meghan Trainer and Tina are all set to perform for this year’s Red Nose Day Special. Other artists such as Miley Cyrus, Mariah Carey, Bon Jovi, Billy Joel and Sing will also be performing live concerts as well. Who knows how long we’ll be in quarantine but it seems this is the new direction music and live streaming are taking.

Photo Credits:

Picture of Kehlani:YourinfoDaily

Picture of Blake Shelton: nbcumv.com

Report: Juana Norales

The Queerness of Little Richard's Fashions

Rock and roll icon Little Richard tragically passed away on May 9, 2020, and his innovation and legacy in his genre cannot be overstated. For decades he entranced audiences with his flashy, energized performances—a key component of which was his trendsetting fashion sense. His penchant for shimmering garments not only defined his aesthetic, but also symbolized his queerness. In fact, his unapologetic femininity was a defiance of the heteronormativity of his time.

Little Richard’s queer identity was crucial in shaping his onstage wardrobe. After performing in drag shows under the moniker “Princess LaVonne”, he permanently adopted a more flamboyant style of dress, complete with turbans and capes. When his hit songs “Tutti Frutti” and “Long Tall Sally” launched him into the spotlight, the brilliance of his sequins and spangles shone even on black-and-white television sets of the 1950s. While he was not free from mockery for his feminine attire, Little Richard was overall a phenomenon who garnered a racially integrated fanbase. Thus, he only grew more ostentatious in the following two decades, indulging in even more sequins and flaunting lamé crop tops and brocade tunics.

Little Richard’s toned-down (albeit still lustrous) fashions in his later years were likely attributed to his old age, but they also paralleled his distancing from his own queerness. In recent years he vilified homosexuality, and his diminished brilliance was representative of this retrospective self-hatred. Little Richard’s internalized bigotry is indeed an unfortunate note on which to end a lifetime of rebellious theatricality, but he has nonetheless influenced generations of male musicians to don their own sparkling outfits and embrace their feminine sides.

Photo credit: https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/little-richard-rock-n-roll-fashion-impact

Report: Nia Hunt

"Savage"

Beyoncé and Meg the Stallion astonished the world with their shake to the music industry. The remix to the rapper's viral hit "Savage" on Thursday, April 29th, had the beehive (fans) emphatically freaking out over their unique collab on several media platforms.

"And this is why she's queen," one listener wrote on the popular social media of Twitter, along with Queen Bey's verse in which she name drops Onlyfans, TickTock, And her beautiful mother Tina Knowles-Lawson, in which she claims to get her “savagness” from. This sparked a lot of different interests in people to step into their own “savage”power.

For instance, Kerry Washington declared “Savage" the song could not get any better which was a tweet written for Beyoncè where she pays homage towards the queen. I think it’s safe to say many fans can agree, her adding a touch of her magical voice on the song helped to drive the song to number one!

Report: Stacey Rattray

BET Airs One Night Special To Raise Funds for Those Impacted by COVID-19

In an effort to provide support for racial disparities during the COVID-19 pandemic cable channel BET launched it’s BET COVID-19 Relief Effort. In partnership with NAACP, United World Wide, and numerous African American activists and businesses, BET hopes to provide crucial financial, educational, and emotional support needed by communities of color during this time. According to an updated preliminary report released by the CDC, African Americans make up approximately 30 percent of the total cases, even though only making up 13 percent of the US population. Specifically in NYC, according to a report made by NYC Health African Americans are being infected, hospitalized, and dying of the virus at a significantly higher rate than their white peers, making up 38 percent of the death as of April 18th, 2020, despite only making up approximately 24 percent of the city’s population.

As a part of these initiatives to further generate relief, BET aired their “Saving Our Selves: A BET COVID-19 Relief” one- night special. Hosted by actors Anthony Anderson and Regina King, TV personality Terrence J, and singer Kelly Rowland. The special aired April 22nd featuring various special appearances and musical performances made by some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. This special is like no other that BET has ever aired because it was all recorded virtually from the celebrities’ homes.

The special opened with a beautiful rendition of “I Smile”, performed by Kirk Franklin, Kelly Price, Fantasia, Jonathan McReynolds, Tyrese, Le’Andria Johnson, Melvin Crispell III, and more. Streaming from their homes comedians, singers, and actors try to spread what BET’s EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy Connie Orlando calls the “healing power of music, comedy, and entertainment” in order to educate viewers about what is happening to their community during these unprecedented times.

The donations made to the BET COVID-19 Relief Fund will allow United Way to provide resources to local organizations in New York, Atlanta, Chicago, New Orleans, and Detroit, where communities have been struck hardest by the pandemic.

For more details, or to contribute to the fund, visit BET.com/COVID19.

ALL PHOTO CREDS: @BET on Instagram

Report: Lauren Tucker