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Veteran rappers Bun B and Raekwon get together at the behest of HipHopWired and they dropped all the triple OG knowledge you should have expected.
The acclaimed digital series I Got Questions returns to ensure that it’s the gift that keeps on giving, as this episode features two of Hip-Hop’s most official and highly respected MCs—UGK’s Bun B and Wu-Tang Clan’s Raekwon. The two veteran rappers and good friends sat down to talk about their careers, influences, and vital moments.
One of the conversation’s highlights was all about fashion and swagger, centered on the famous “Snow Beach” pullover jacket by Ralph Lauren that Raekwon wore in Wu-Tang Clan’s classic video “Can It All Be So Simple.” Bun B displayed his own “Snow Beach” jacket, telling the Staten Island, New York, native, “You created the most sought-after Polo piece ever.” Raekwon then shared that since the Clan didn’t have a budget, he went to find the most colorful shirt ever for the video, stumbling upon the jacket in a downtown Brooklyn store. “I had to look around, like no way that s—t is sitting in here.”
Another key moment highlighted a tough time that proved to be a bonding moment between Bun B and Raekwon is when the former was struggling with the loss of his UGK bandmate Pimp C, and the RZA reached out to him. “We just talked about grief and loss, and that was my first conversation with that brother,” the Port Arthur, Texas, native said. “It was such a blessing. It was words like that, that really gave me strength in the moment – eventually, I’m going to find a way to deal with this and move forward.”
The conversation also features Bun B talking about how he and Pimp C almost didn’t do their iconic collaboration “Big Pimpin’” with Jay-Z, and Raekwon sharing about the formation of the Wu-Tang Clan, particularly about him being one of the group’s artists chosen to get a solo deal with another label.
Check out the entire episode of I Got Questions featuring Bun B and Raekwon above.
Source: Hip-Hop Wired / iOne Digital
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Source: Google / Black Owned Friday
Google’s Black-Owned Friday continues spotlighting Black-owned businesses nationwide on America’s favorite shopping holiday.
Black-Owned Friday is back for its fifth iteration and is sticking to the same formula of using the biggest Black celebrities and influencers to help spread the word about fantastic Black-owned businesses.
Last year, Keke Palmer did a clever cover of Crystal Water’s iconic record “Pure Love,” joining other big names like Ludacris, Normani, T-Pain, and Flo Milli, who were involved in previous years.
This year, Google has tapped one of Hip-Hop’s hottest acts in GloRilla, social media superstar and current Google Pixel hypeman Druski, and YouTuber and entrepreneur Jayda Cheaves to help launch the 5th annual Black-Owned Friday shopping initiative from Google.
Source: Google / Black Owned Friday
The trio stars in “A Day of Black-owned Shopping with Druski, Glorilla, and Jayda Cheaves’ film directed by Rodney Lucas, highlighting Black-owned businesses and products featured in this year’s Black-Owned Friday” initiative.
In the short film, Druski, GloRilla, and Jayda Cheaves visit three Black-Owned businesses: Royal Crown Barbershop, Wadada Health Market and Juice Bar, and The Wellness Spot.
Druski, GloRilla & Director Rodney Lucas On The Importance of Black-Owned Friday
“As an artist, I’m all about representing where I come from and supporting my community, “GloRilla begins. “Partnering with Google for Black-owned Friday is my way of showing love to Black entrepreneurs who are out here making big moves. Supporting Black-owned businesses is more than a moment—it’s a movement, it’s how we grow, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
Source: Google / Black-Owned Friday
Druski adds, “I enjoyed working with Google on Black-Owned Friday because it’s all about celebrating the greatness in our communities. I’m a comedian, but this is serious business—spotlighting Black entrepreneurs and showing the power of supporting our own. It’s a cool way to remind folks that every choice we make can uplift the culture, and I’m here for that…plus who doesn’t love a good smoothie, shape-up, and yoga session? I’m more flexible than meets the eye (laughing emoji).”
Source: Google / Black-Owned Friday
“Working with the Google Team on Black-Owned Friday spoke directly to the soul of who I am as a Director and the level of care, support, and vibrations of Black joy that carry our communities,” Rodney Lucas begins. “At age 7, my first job was sweeping floors in one of the longest-standing Black-Owned record shops on the South Side of Chicago. That experience built the foundation of everything I am today. Our fillm gave me the opportunity to re ect, honor, and deliver a cinematic love letter to every Black-Owned business that helped propel my dreams. Black-Owned Friday is a moment to celebrate Black-owned businesses’ service, craftsmanship, and legacy worldwide, and I am grateful for the opportunity to add a chapter to this empowering and unifying campaign.”
Source: Google / Black-Owned Friday
More Details About Black-Owned Friday
Right now, you can visit the landing page for Black-Owned Friday to see more videos supporting Black-owned businesses and add your own to highlight a local Black-owned business in your community. You can also check out a blog post from Dr. Valaurie Lee Bridges, owner of the Wellness Spot in Atlanta, Georgia. If you’re a business owner, you can also learn more about resources like Google’s Black-owned business attribute and the ByBlack Platform powered by the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., to help people find your company on Black-owned Friday and beyond.
Hit the gallery below for a complete list of businesses and products participating in the initiative.
1. EssenceTree
EssenceTree Holistic Life is a lifestyle brand that celebrates organic beauty and inspired living, the passions of its founder Charmaine Gibbs-West. Created as a platform for empowerment, the Atlanta, GA based company consists of luxurious handcrafted beauty products, transformative wellness services and entrepreneurial education.
Established in 2005 on her husband’s family farm, EssenceTree started as a therapeutic hobby. After transitioning from a fast-paced Wall Street career in New York, Charmaine moved south to Tennessee and embraced a simpler, more sacred life.
A student of various healing therapies, Charmaine found herself experimenting with homemade concoctions, artfully infusing practices of aromatherapy, herbalism and intention into her original recipes. Themes which were noticeably absent in the beauty industry.
Even now, EssenceTree’s creations are still original works of art, blended with the finest natural ingredients and healing intent.
2. Marlie Mahogany
Marlie Mahogany started off as a shampoo girl in a doobie shop in Newark, NJ at the age of 14. She quickly became a specialist in hair maintenance, often taking care of the hair of family, friends and community members. After coming to Atlanta, Marlie went to school for dental assisting and quickly realized that her passion for doing hair was still calling her. Soon she began working for a celebrity hairstylist and learned a lot about the hair industry. Marlie was offered as position as a natural hairstylist at Royal Crown Barbershop in West End Atlanta where she worked for 6 years. Now she works full-time in her own hair studio, offering dedicated services and essential products to the natural hair community.
3. Natural Beauty Organics
My name is Cat Belle. My daughter, Saharah, and I were inspired to create this hair care line because we are natural hair care professionals and lovers of a holistic lifestyle. Natural Beauty Organics was created with specific goals in mind.
To have a hair care product that really, really works on textured hair.
To assist hair growth using herbs and essential oils that promote an overall healthy scalp.
To educate and empower women worldwide, about natural hair.
We use all natural ingredients, like hemp seed oil and avocado oil, both rich in omega 3 fatty acids that your hair loves. Combined, we have over 25 years of experience with natural hair. We love cultivating a space for women that choose to have relaxer free hair. We allow the narrative of Natural Hair and Loving Natural Hair to unfold here at Natural Beauty Organics.
4. The Royal Crown Barbershop
Source:The Royal Crown Barbershop
Ehl-Ahd, Royal Crown Barber Shop
“As a proud business owner serving the West End for 25 years, Royal Crown Barber Shop has been about more than just haircuts – it’s about building a community with my customers. Partnering with Google for Black-owned Friday lets me share that legacy and encourage everyone to support Black-owned businesses every day.”
5. Wada Healthy Market & Juice Bar
Jeanee Sellers, Wadada Healthy Market & Juice Bar
“Being part of Google’s Black-owned Friday campaign was an amazing opportunity! After years of serving our community at Wadada, I’ve witnessed firsthand how Black-owned businesses empower and uplift our community. I was proud to share my story and emphasize the importance of intentionally supporting and shopping with Black-owned businesses.”
6. The Wellness Spot
The Wellness Spot is an upscale fitness, day spa and private events destination in the heart of Historic College Park, GA. We deliver a total well-being experience. Whether you need to slip into an hour of calm or challenge yourself in a full-body sweat session. Our promise to you is a visit defined by quality, courtesy, comfort and respect. Learn more about The Wellness Spot journey.
7. Pretty Thuggish
Pretty Thuggish celebrates female empowerment through individuality, courage and power, embracing not only a pretty exterior, but also a “thuggish” interior. Pretty Thuggish has the essence of determination and self-love embedded into the fabric of each piece, and inspires others to be their authentic selves and live fearlessly.
Vibrant colors, edgy, yet feminine flair with a dash of tomboy sets Pretty Thuggish apart from other brands of women’s clothing. Our fun and flashy pieces make a bold statement no matter the occasion. Pretty Thuggish was created for confident women who emanate beauty through strength.
8. Waydamin
Est. 2021 • Ready to wear, size inclusive collections designed by Jayda Cheaves made to fit everyBODY.
9. Honey Beloved
Maisha Abdullah Owner of Honey Beloved
I believe there is much truth to the notion that we are pushed to be our best. My career as an Illustrator and Graphic Designer had become increasingly stressful and unsatisfying to the point that I decided to resign with little savings and an idealistic plan of working for myself. I was terrified to do this but I was more afraid of what would become of me if I didn’t. While establishing this plan I took a part time job at one of my favorite fashion retailers. Nearly everyday I was complimented by customers about my handmade jewelry and clothing. Even told that this multi million dollar company should be carrying my pieces. And additionally I must say that I learned allot from my retail fashion idol that I will be forever grateful for, however another common thought is don’t meet your idols. On my way to work the next big undeniable push for change came again. I knew if I didn’t change my course literally and immediately I would be stuck. I veered off the road and made a u-turn like a bandit breaking out of jail. I drove straight to the local jewelry supply store, bought some supplies, went home and got to work. I have always been a pretty reliable and responsible person but there comes a time in life when neither of those things are as important as saving yourself will ever be. I know that striking out in more ways than one is something that just had to be done!
10. Milano Di Rouge
Milano Di Rouge created by a Dreamer for the Dreamers, the visionaries, and ambitious individuals who aspire to a lifestyle of luxury, authenticity, and success. Our designs are more than just clothing; they’re the keys to unlocking a world where dreams become reality and ambitions are worn on one’s sleeve—literally. Each piece embodies excellence, designed for those who dare to dream and live with purpose. We offer more than just style; our brand narrative is woven into every aspect, inviting our audience to join a movement of boldness and authenticity. In every detail, Milano Di Rouge captures the essence of the dreamer’s journey.
11. Nourish Botanica
Founded in 2014 by Quianah Upton | Homegrown in Atlanta, GA.
With our shops and outdoor event space we provide healing through art, flowers and plants grown on our land, food as medicine and herbal blends. Nourish Botanica also provides a physical space for engagement and education around equity and social justice by centering joy.
12. King’s Barber Parlor By Geno
Book services by heading here.
13. LaRayia’s Bodega
The first Black-owned vegan bodega in Atlanta.
14. MoreLyfe Juice Co.
100% Plant Based 🧃 JUICES 🥤SMOOTHIES 🥐 PATTIES 🥣 BOWLS
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Source: David Berding / Getty / Rudy Gobert
Minnesota Timberwolves big man Rudy Gobert has once again stepped into it. This time, he threw his support behind one of Donald Trump’s heada** picks for his presidential cabinet and is getting roasted for it.
Felon 47, aka Donald Trump, is putting together what is easily one of the worst cabinets in the history of the presidency. His latest pick is Robert Kennedy Jr., a constant promoter of conspiracy theories related to health and vaccine hater, to run the Health and Human Services Department.
While the rest of the country knows just how BAD that is, Gobert took to Elon Musk’s dying platform, X, formerly Twitter, to express his excitement for the failed presidential candidate, landing a job he has no business having, writing in the post, “Let’s go @RobertKennedyJr (praying hands emoji).”
Now, why is this bad, you ask? Well, let’s quickly break it down. The former environmental lawyer turned his attention to public health and wrote numerous books that promoted baseless conspiracy theories, many of them about the use of vaccines, which ironically gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, a subject he also had conspiracy theories about.
Then there are reports about Kennedy Jr’s nonprofit group, the Children’s Health Defense, causing a measles outbreak in American Samoa in 2019 because they believed his nonsense about vaccines, leading to vaccine skepticism, which is on the rise globally and led to the death of 70 people.
You Know It’s Bad When People Actively Root For Draymond Green Against You
Combine the worst Kennedy’s track record and Gobert’s presser incident, which many believe was the catalyst to the NBA shutting down after the pro hooper caught COVID-19; it’s no wonder people are now saying on social media Draymond Green was right for putting him in a chokehold and constantly being a thorn in Gobert’s side.
The backlash to Gobert’s post on X has been epic, and honestly, we wouldn’t be shocked if it made him cry like when he got “snubbed” for participating in the 2019 NBA All-Star Game.
On top of that, Minnesota Timberwolves fans and superstar Anthony Edwards might want their overpaid big man to put down his phone and focus on basketball because he’s struggling right now, and the Timberwolves are not looking like the team they were last year.
Granted, the Timberwolves are not the same team from last year, but there were big moves made, with Karl-Anthony Towns being traded to the New York Knicks for Julius Randle, who is off to a great start, while Donte DiVincenzo struggles to fit in on his new team.
Welp.
You can see more reactions to Rudy Gobert celebrating our health going down the drain in the gallery below.
1. We understand Draymond, we understand
4. The timing is immaculate
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Source: Paras Griffin / Getty
There are certain ideas that make you say, “What took so long?,” when they finally come to fruition. Case in point, Pusha T has launched a coffee line called Grindin.
For the sake of those who are very new to this Hip-Hop music thing, the Neptunes-produced “Grindin” was the breakthrough hit of Pusha’s group the Clipse way back in 2002.
Hypebeast reports that Push A Ton is launching his coffee brand with a pop-up shop in Los Angeles this upcoming weekend. Reportedly, Grindin is being touted as this premium, high-caffeine black coffee blend that will be available first at OG LA coffee shop Café Tropical.
Reportedly, and per Hip-Hop marketing in 2024 protocol, the brand launch also includes a capsule collection of apparel. That aspect is being handled in conjunction with Carhartt WIP that includes a limited-edition hoodis, tees and tote bags. Fans who will be attending Tyler, The Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw music festival will be able to get their hands on the merchandise at the event.
Recently, Clipse announced it had signed a new record deal with Def Jam Records, with a new album out…soon? Produced entirely by Pharrell Williams, the new album is titled Let God Sort Em Out.
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Source: Reebok / Reebok
On Tuesday, (Nov. 12) Reebok launched their “Sport Is Everything” campaign that showcases athletes from across the globe to show and prove that sports isn’t defined by one country or place, but is limitless when people from all over the world participate in the games.
Source: Reebok / Reebok
With Reebok continuing to add superstar athletes like Angel Reese to their roster and getting back to basics as they look to once again be part of the big three in sports brand attire, the new campaign aims to remind everyone that we’re all in this together regardless of race, gender or nationality.
The new 60-second spot is narrated by the one and only Tobe Nwigwe and showcases some of Reebok’s most popular athletes and artists such as NFL quarterback Justin Fields, Puerto Rican artist Anuel AA and, of course, WNBA superstar Angel Reese.
Reese expressed her love and support for Reebok’s new initiative and explained why it mattered in today’s day and age. “I love the ‘Sport is Everything’ message because it’s something that resonates with all of us,” said WNBA All-Star in a statement. Angel Reese. “Whether you’re a world-class athlete, gamer, chef, or musician, sport is about anything that excites you—it’s a community we can all share.”
Looks and sounds like a winning message.
Check out Reebok’s “Sport Is Everything” campaign clip below and let us know your thoughts on the message in the comments section.
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Source: YouTube / E!
Everyone’s favorite gangsta rapper, Snoop Dogg, is inviting the world into the world of his daughter Cori “Princess” Broadus and her engagement. But, since it’s a 3-part docuseries that debuts December 5 on E!, you just know it won’t be as easy as just planning a wedding.
Along the way, with Snoop occasionally popping in, fans will get to see Princess deal with wedding planning, engagement drama with he fiancé Wayne Duece and her daddy’s hilarious concerns about her familiarity with ordering alcohol while eating out. We also get a glimpse of unexpected health issues as well as relationship drama that threatens to derail the pending nuptials.
The health scare isn’t manufactured, as back in January, Cori revealed that she suffered a severe stroke. Cori’s support system that includes Snoop, her mother Shante and her brothers Corde and Cordell.
Check out the superteaser for Snoop Dogg’s Fatherhood: Cori and Wayne’s Story below.
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Source: BAPE®/Anti Social Social Club / Photos courtesy of BAPE®/Anti Social Social Club
A pair of streetwear stalwarts, Anti Social Social Club (ASSC) and A BATHING APE (BAPE®), have linked up, once again, for a Fall/Winter 2024 collab.
The good folks at BAPE and ASSC have teamed to brush a rose floral pattern on BAPE’s familiar 1st CAMO print. Also in the collab, is a new SHARK STA sneaker from BAPE and as well as old reliable BAPE STA model.
As for design, the readily recognizable APE HEAD graphic gets combined with also familiar Anti Social Social Club word logo. The 1st CAMO print is throughout the collection, and gets three colorways; yellow, green and pink. They won’t be able to say you’re moving that lowkey rocking these wares in those aforementioned colors. For those who care, there’s also a “special embossed treatment” for “a touch of luxury,” per BAPE and ASSC.
The full Anti Social Social Club & BAPE collection includes the full zip hoodie, tees, accessories and the aforementioned BAPE SHARK STA kicks, which feature black patent leather along with the floral 1st CAMO and an APE HEAD logo on the heel to go with the white laces. There’s also a skate deck and trucker hat, but we can’t co-sign the latter just yet, respectfully.
You can pick up the ASSC x BAPE collection starting October 26 globally at antisocialsocialclub.com, selected BAPE stores and BAPE.COM. Check out some detailed photos below.
Source: BAPE®/Anti Social Social Club / Photos courtesy of BAPE®/Anti Social Social Club
Source: BAPE®/Anti Social Social Club / Photos courtesy of BAPE®/Anti Social Social Club
Source: BAPE®/Anti Social Social Club / Photos courtesy of BAPE®/Anti Social Social Club
Source: BAPE®/Anti Social Social Club / Photos courtesy of BAPE®/Anti Social Social Club
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Source: Marc Piasecki / Getty
Another luxury brand has formally embraced Black excellence. Chanel has announced Lupita Nyong’o as their newest brand ambassador.
As reported by Hypebeast, the Academy Award-winning actress will lend her star power to the French fashion house. In an exclusive statement to Women’s Wear Daily, Lupita explained that the brand has been outfitting her for years. “They were one of my first supporters. I remember wearing them as early as 2013 right when my first film, 12 Years a Slave, came out. And over the years, they’ve often invited me to things and treated me with wonderful hands, and so when they approached me to be an ambassador, I felt very honored,” she said. The New York Times bestselling author added, “of course, this is an important brand, a legacy brand, a historical brand, and I’m happy and very proud to add to that legacy.”
Lupita Nyong’o was born in Mexico City, Mexico, to Kenyan parents. She got her start in Hollywood as a production assistant and made her acting debut in 2008 via the short film East River. Soon after receiving her masters in fine arts from Yale University, she landed her breakout role as Patsey in 12 Years a Slave. Her portrayal won her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture. She would go on to star in several blockbuster films including Black Panther and Us. Last month, she launched her own podcast Mind Your Own, which highlights the stories of Africans.
You can listen to it here.
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Source: Jacopo Raule / Getty
It seems LVMH is looking to increase their portfolio within the luxury apparel sector. The conglomerate has made an investment into Moncler.
As spotted on Hype Beast the French holdings company announced on Thursday, September 26 that they acquired a 10% stake in Remo Ruffini (the investment vehicle controlled by Ruffini Partecipazioni Holding) which owns a direct stake in Moncler. The move will not only increase Double R’s ownership from 15.8% to 18.5%, but also affords LVMH the right to appoint two board seats at Double R. According to Yahoo! News long tenured LVMH executive Antonio “Toni” Belloni will get one of the seats while the other has yet to be announced. Remo Ruffini will remain as Moncler’s CEO and Chairman.
He expressed his enthusiasm in a formal statement. “This partnership reinforces Double R’s position in Moncler and provides the stability needed to execute my vision for the future” he said. “I have long admired Bernard Arnault’s entrepreneurial spirit and unique understanding of the luxury sector, and I am delighted he so clearly supports my long-term ambitions for our Group’s extraordinary brands.”
Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of LVMH, also commented on the agreement. “Moncler has been one of the most significant entrepreneurial success stories in the industry over the past twenty years. Remo Ruffini’s vision and leadership are remarkable and I am delighted to invest in his holding company to reinforce his position as leading shareholder on Moncler and support the independence of the Moncler Group.”
Moncler is an Italian luxury ready to wear apparel company based in Milan. They are most known for their down jackets
Source: @conradclifton / Hip-Hop Wired
Legendary Hip-Hop icons Common and Pete Rock sat down for the latest edition of I Got Questions.
For Common and Pete Rock, their collaborations in the past have been a blessing for Hip-Hop culture. And the public got to see one of their dreams realized as the duo released The Auditorium, Vol. 1 as the summer began. Now, as the two are finishing off their tour in support of the album in New York City this week, HipHopWired got them both to sit down and discuss their careers and partnership in the latest edition of the digital series I Got Questions.
Source: @conradclifton / Hip-Hop Wired
The conversation starts with a bang as Common discusses their first collaboration, the scathing 1996 diss track “The B*tch In You,” which was part of the feud the Chicago rapper had with Ice Cube.
“That was a tough time, but what made you decide to do that beat?” Common asked. “Just being in your house at that time, meeting your moms, and being concerned. Like, calm down,” Pete Rock said with a laugh. At that point, Common revealed that a lot of producers had initially turned him down for that track, surprising Pete. “I know what it’s like to want to get something off your chest,” he replied, as Common agreed and said he’s glad the team up happened and that it’s now a part of Hip-Hop.
Both discussed their first steps into rap, with Common sharing how he started rhyming through his late cousin’s crew in Cincinnati, Ohio, as well as being part of a group with veteran producer No I.D. and opening for Big Daddy Kane and N.W.A. Pete Rock reminisced on when he first met C.L. Smooth in high school and getting signed off the strength of their demo tapes. “That bugs me out to this day,” he said, “because I was just learning how to formulate music, and to get signed off of that by a major label…it was cooking.”
Source: @conradclifton / Hip-Hop Wired
Other gems from the conversation include Common revealing that The Source had planned to do an album full of Unsigned Hype artists like himself including The Notorious B.I.G., Mobb Deep, and Eminem, as well as Pete Rock detailing how he and Nas got together with the help of Large Professor to make the classic “The World Is Yours” track from the Queensbridge MC’s Illmatic.
Check out the entire I Got Questions episode featuring Common and Pete Rock above.