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In need of some new tunes from your favorite queer artists? We’re here to help. Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of Queer Jams of the Week, our roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ+ artists.
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From Kehlani’s lovelorn new R&B track to Kevin Abstract’s confessional new collaboration, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Kehlani, “Folded”
Break ups don’t always have to be a hot mess. With her latest offering “Folded,” Kehlani isn’t aiming to put her ex on blast, but rather to extend them an olive branch. A breezy R&B melody helps the singer glide through this airy song of moving on after lost love, as she asks her lover if they can come pick up their clothes. “I have them folded,” she offers.
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Kevin Abstract & Dominic Fike, “Geezer”
We love it when a plan comes together, and seeing Brockhampton frontman Kevin Abstract reunite with his old friend Dominic Fike on their new duet “Geezer” feels like the best of plans. Over some indie guitars and a scattershot beat, the pair trade verses about finding their way to success, even when the people around them still feel stuck in the same place. It’s a tender take off Abstract’s upcoming new LP, and one that’s only bound to make you more hype to hear the whole thing.
Blondshell, “Diet Pepsi” (Addison Rae cover)
If you’re still jamming out to Addison Rae’s cult-favorite track “Diet Pepsi” from last year, then allow us to offer you a little bit more with a slightly different vibe. Indie star Blondshell takes Rae’s breakout alt-pop track and puts the emphasis back on the “alt,” as she translates the song into a shimmering alt-rock track that sounds like it could’ve come off her latest album. Add in Blondshell’s excellent live vocals, and you’ve got a killer cover on your hands.
Japanese Breakfast, “My Baby (Got Nothing At All)”
When it comes to soundtracking modern romance, there are few people more adept that Michelle Zauner. So it’s no wonder why A24 tapped the alt-rock star to pen her new Japanese Breakfast song “My Baby (Got Nothing At All)” for their new film Materialists. Throughout this sunny slow jam, Zauner takes some light shots at the gold-diggers of the world, opting instead for a tune about how little her lover has — and how special that makes their own connection in turn.
salute & Peter Xan, “Gbesoke”
The Yoruba word “gbesoke” roughly translates to “lift it up” in English — and after listening to salute’s latest collaboration with Peter Xan, you’ll understand why they chose to use that word as their title. With salute’s top-tier dance production working overtime alongside Xan’s alt-rock voice delivering commands to the listener, “Gbesoke” easily accomplishes its goal and will have you lifting it all up as you bounce along to this banger.
G Flip, “Big Ol’ Hammer”
What even is Pride Month without a big, campy, gay pop song to play? Thankfully, G Flip is here with just the right track for the occasion. “Big Ol’ Hammer,” the Australian star’s country-meets-synth-pop magnum opus, sees them embracing their butch side as they sing about a lover that makes the “feel like a man.” The music video only adds further context, with Flip dancing it out in a garage surrounded by fellow queers in coveralls as they declare that they’re hanging “in a tool belt, like a big ol’ hammer.”
Check out all of our picks below on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist:
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The Cure is back with a new remix album titled Mixes of a Lost World.
The new album, released Friday (June 13), features 24 remix tracks from the British band’s 2024 album Songs of a Lost World. The album was inspired by a collection of unsolicited remixed tracks from their 2024 album that were sent to The Cure’s lead singer Robert Smith. He began to wonder what the whole album would sound like if it was reinterpreted, and thus, the remix project was born. Remixes featured on the album have been re-worked by guest artists like Four Tet, Paul Oakenfold and Orbital.
In celebration of the new album, we’ve compiled a short list of some of our favorite The Cure-inspired pieces to shop now from top brands like Urban Outfitters, Funko, Pacsun and Redbubble. From t-shirts to figurines and stickers, we know fans and fanatics of the band will find something that they’ll love.
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Backstage Graphic Cropped Muscle Tee
A black cropped tee with blue, yellow and black graphics on the front.
This cropped muscle tee gives pure rocker vibes, and it’s only $35.00. Made of ultra-soft cotton, this piece features a vintage quality with a distressed graphic, short cut-off sleeves and a cropped fit. Sizing options range from small to XXL. A blue, yellow and black graphic of The Cure’s lead singer Robert Smith, fixed to the front.
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The back features lyrics from The Cure’s song “In Between Days” in a contrasting white font. Although this tee is marketed toward men, we can see this easily being unisex thanks to the androgynous cut and fit. For a rocker look, we can envision this tee worn alongside boot-cut jeans and a good old pair of low-top Converse, beat up or otherwise. For a more feminine look for the ladies, this t-shirt would look great with a gauzy white maxi-length skirt and riding boots.
Funko Pop Rocks The Cure Robert Smith Vinyl Figure #306 Black Metallic Expo Exclusive
$25.97
$28.99
10% off
A figurine of the lead singer of The Cure.
Figurines are a staple of fan culture. Funko has capitalized on that craze in all sectors from comic fans to music lovers. That being said, this Funko Pop figurine is perfect for The Cure fans. It’s dark and grungy black metallic hue, forgoing the classic figurine coloring, in order to appeal to fans of the rock band. The figure is currently on sale for $25.97 and depicts Robert Smith in his signature “Boys Don’t Cry” attire. Perfect for display, the figure stands 3 inches wide, 3 inches long and 4 inches tall so you can prop this little guy on your shelf or desk so you can proudly show off your undying love for the British band.
The Cure Graphic Stainless Steel Insulated Tumbler
A black stainless steel tumbler with The Cure graphics throughout.
This gothic The Cure-branded stainless steel tumbler is for those fans looking for practical merch that’s cute too. Retailing for $22.99 via Amazon, the tumbler is made of scratch-proof BPA-free stainless steel that’s dual wall insulated to keep iced beverages cool and hot beverages hot. From coffee and tea to soft drinks, this tumbler can hold up to 20 oz of liquid.
This piece also perfectly matches the gothic aesthetic of fans of The Cure with spooky and whimsical graphics like a crescent moon, cats and a haunted-looking house. The lid of the tumbler is certified-leak proof, equipped with a clear slider to open and close. If the black metallic look isn’t your thing, the themed tumbler also comes in a silver brushed metal look.
Where’s Robert Smith – The Cure Zipper Pouch
A The Cure-themed zipper pouch.
This merch item is a little out of left field. It’s colorful and playful, aesthetics that The Cure fans are not too keen on. While it’s not dark and gothic, this zipper pouch is extremely practical. The pouch’s design is a play on “Where’s Waldo?,” but in The Cure fashion. Owners must search for a cartoon graphic of Robert Smith in a sea of people in a game cheekily coined “Where’s Robert Smith?” The graphic is colorful and striking, printed on a rectangular 100% polyester canvas pouch with a zipper closure in gold. The pouch is great for organizing your bag. With this pouch, you can carry every essential from pens to makeup and even your phone.
The Cure Band Sticker Pack (10 Stickers)
A The Cure sticker pack with 10 unique stickers.
If you’re like me, you smack stickers on everything. From laptops to binders and iPads, stickers look good on pretty much every surface. This sticker set comes with 10 unique stickers with graphics that reference The Cure in colorful fashions. These stickers feature a slightly shiny finish, giving them a vintage quality. For those looking to decorate their water bottles, these stickers are waterproof too.
The Cure Faces T-Shirt
A black t-shirt with a colorful The Cure graphic on the front.
Pacsun’s The Cure Faces T-Shirt is subtle in design but packs a major colorful punch. Retailing for $29.00, this tee features a vibrant The Cure graphic on the front set atop a black background to make the motif pop. The piece also includes short sleeves and a crew neckline. Like the other tee on our list, this one can easily be unisex. Whether you’re a fan of the band, or a poser looking for a colorful and comfy tee, this shirt makes a great addition to your wardrobe. We can envision this shirt styled with baggy distressed jeans and lifestyle sneakers or black micro shorts and bright red ballet flats. However you choose to style it, this t-shirt is a statement-maker for sure.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Want to see Billboard cover star Chris Stapleton live this summer? Fans can find plenty of affordable ticket options to experience the country star’s 2025 All-American Road Show Tour in a city near you. Earlier this year, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter added nine new concert dates spread across the U.S. including New York, Denver, Utah and Florida.
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The tour extension kicked off on June 6 in Charlottesville, Va. and is heading to Grand Rapids, Mich. next on June 13. Stapleton’s tour will continue throughout the summer with upcoming shows at Tinley Park, Ill. (June 28), New York, N.Y. (July 26), Noblesville, Ind. (Aug. 2), Phoenix, Ariz. (Aug. 9), Salt Lake City, Utah (Aug. 16), Denver, Colo. (Aug. 23) and ending with Hollywood, Fla. (Oct. 11).
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Where to Find Chris Stapleton 2025 Tickets Online
Want to see Chris Stapleton in person? Tickets to Chris Stapleton’s concerts first went on sale through Ticketmaster, but many of the dates have either sold out The best ways to find Chris Stapleton tickets online is through a third-party site, like StubHub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, Ticket Network and others — all of which guarantee authentic tickets in time for your event. Here’s where to find tickets still available and on sale online below.
TOP PICK
Find Chris Stapleton Tickets at StubHub
Stubhub has Chris Stapleton tickets available. Stubhub’s Fan Protect Guarantee ensures valid tickets or your money back. And if your event is canceled and not rescheduled, you’ll receive 120% in credit or be given the option of a full refund.
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Find Chris Stapleton Tickets at Vivid Seats
You can also find Chris Stapleton tickets online at Vivid Seats, which lets you search by price, location and “Super Sellers,” which denotes reputable sellers with the best deals on tickets.
Vivid Seats is also great for group tickets: the site has a rewards program that gives you your eleventh ticket free (in the form of a credit) after you buy ten tickets online. And as a bonus, you can use our exclusive promo code BB30 to take $30 off your purchase at VividSeats.com.
BEST PRICES
Find Chris Stapleton Tickets at SeatGeek
One of the lowest prices we’re seeing for Chris Stapleton tickets is at SeatGeek, which has stubs from $50 and up. Use our discount code BILLBOARD10 to save an additional $10 at check out.
PROMO CODES
Find Chris Stapleton Tickets on TicketNetwork
TicketNetwork has tickets to Chris Stapleton’s concerts with all-in pricing that lets you see exactly what you’ll pay up front (fees included). For a limited time, you can use our exclusive code BILLBOARD150 to save $150 off $500 or BILLBOARD300 to save $300 off orders of $1000 and up.
See the slate of newly added tour dates below:
June 13: Grand Rapids, Mich. (Van Andel Arena)+
June 18: Greensboro, N.C. (First Horizon Coliseum)^
June 20: Albany, N.Y. (MVP Arena)^
June 27: Tinley Park, Ill. (Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre)#
July 11: St. Louis, Mo. (Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre)‡
July 12: Milwaukee, Wis. (Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival)
July 23: Belmont Park, N.Y. (UBS Arena)~
July 25: New York City (Madison Square Garden)~
Aug. 1: Noblesville, Ind. (Ruoff Music Center)**
Aug. 8: Phoenix, Ariz. (Desert Diamond Arena)‡‡
Aug. 15: Salt Lake City, Utah (Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre)*
Aug. 22: Denver, Colo. (Ball Arena)**
Oct. 10: Hollywood, Fla. (Hard Rock Live)
*with special guest Marcus King†with special guest Nikki Lane‡with special guest Brittney Spencer+with special guest Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs^with special guest Maggie Rose# with special guest The War and Treaty~with special guest Grace Potter**with special guest Allen Stone‡‡with special guest Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
With the highly anticipated release of the Nintendo Switch 2 comes a slew of new and improved tech.
Capitalizing on the new gaming tech drop, Belkin released a gaming charger case, and it’s available now on Amazon. Retailing for $69.99, the charging case currently comes in three colors including black, khaki and olive green.
Great for on-the-go gaming, this case elongates the life of the Switch 2 thanks to a fast-charging Nintendo Switch charger built into the case along with a removable 10,000mAh power bank that delivers up to 30W, charging your Switch up to 1.5x for extended hours of playtime. Said removable charger comes equipped with a nifty LCD screen that tells you the current battery life of your console, perfect for hassle-free marathon gaming sessions.
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Belkin Gaming Charger Case for Nintendo Switch 2
A charging case for the new Nintendo Switch 2.
Perfect for storage or long travel days, the genius of this case is that it offers a custom fit that shields your console with features like anti-scratch lining and shock-absorbing materials that protect your precious console from wear and tear. Looking for extra storage for your collection of games? This case allows storage for up to 10 game cards that can be situated in a dedicated slot system. You can also keep tabs on your Nintendo Switch case by utilizing a hidden AirTag compartment embedded into the case so you’ll never lose it.
Compact and sleek, this carrying case is great for traveling. It’s small enough to store easily in a backpack, purse or carry-on. The case itself is also easy to carry thanks to a short strap fixed to the top.
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Nintendo Switch 2
$499.99
$499.00
The second iteration of the Switch.
According to Nintendo’s IR information, the original Switch sold over 152 million units worldwide. The Switch launched back in 2017, receiving widespread acclaim from everyone including video game-obsessed celebrities like Chance The Rapper, Meghan Trainor, Bella and Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner and Chrissy Teigen. With the success of the OG Switch, it’s no wonder Nintendo launched this new console.
What’s so different about the Switch 2 you ask? Well, the new console is vastly improved, coming equipped with a larger screen and upgraded graphics, something that fans of the console have taken umbrage with about the original. The updated console also includes redesigned Joy-Con 2 controllers that include mouse functionality and a C button for voice chat.
Mario Kart World -Nintendo Switch 2
A new Mario Kart game exclusive for the Switch 2.
Some Switch 2-exclusive games will include Mario Kart World and Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, along with upcoming titles like Donkey Kong Bananza, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, and The Duskbloods. If you’re looking to grab the new Switch 2, prospective buyers can snag the console at Walmart and Target now for $499.00.
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Streamer Kai Cenat and rapper Wale found themselves in 2025-worthy non-controversy during and after the 2025 BET Awards on Monday night (June 9). After Kai ran into Wale but had seemingly had no idea who he was, he says to blame his youth, not his heart, basically.
As previously reported, Wale was playing on his Nintendo Switch and ran into Kai Cenat. But, while streaming live, Kai asked “What he do?” and had to be hipped that it was a rapper, while also mispronouncing said MC’s name. Social media loves a controversy and the chirping commenced, but Wale added gas to the moment by later approaching Kai on quiet (not really), and saying their previous hallway interactions was making him look “crazy.”
However, Kai was mic’d up and the audio came in crystal clear to the entire world. Add Wale’s alleged history of “sensitivity” to the mix and a faux-controversy was launched.
Fast forward to Thursday (June 12), and Kai Cenat is claiming it’s his age that caused the Wale ignorance.
“I’ma go ahead and say to Wale, umm, I hope he didn’t take my interaction personal, ya feel me…how can you blame me from just being who I am? You feel me? I’m young!,” said Kai on his chat.
After proceeding to play Wale’s hit with Miguel “Lotus Flower Bomb,” Kai added, after noting he knows the song, “2011? I was nine years old.”
Many people pointed to Kai’s youth off the rip. But many are also unconvinced, considering being aware of pop culture goes with his streamer lifestyle/gig. But also, as Wale has noted, they have met and interacted before.
Also, if Kai is into J. Cole and Drake as he has claimed, how are you not familiar with Wale? All that to say, expect Wale to be streaming with Kai Cenat before the summer is up. Probably.
Are you buying what Kai Cenat is selling? Check out reactions in the gallery.
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To honor the life of Beach Boys mastermind Brian Wilson, who died Wednesday (June 11) at age 82, CBS will re-air A Grammy Salute to the Beach Boys on Sunday from 9-11 p.m. ET/PT.
The live concert special was taped at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Feb. 8, 2023, three days after the 65th annual Grammy Awards were held in Los Angeles. The special originally aired on April 9, 2023. It was No. 1 in its time period with 5.18 million viewers and was the night’s No. 2 primetime broadcast in viewers. (The night’s champ was its lead-in, the venerable 60 Minutes, with 6.43 million viewers.) The two-hour program had the largest audience for a Grammy Salute special since A Grammy Salute to Prince, which aired on April 21, 2020.
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A Grammy Salute to the Beach Boys featured performances by Andy Grammer, Beck, Jim James, Brandi Carlile, John Legend, Charlie Puth, Fall Out Boy, Foster the People, Hanson, Norah Jones, Lady A, John Legend, Little Big Town, Luke Spiller, Taylor Momsen, Michael McDonald, Take 6, Mumford & Sons, My Morning Jacket, Pentatonix, LeAnn Rimes, St. Vincent and Weezer.
It also featured appearances by fellow music icons Elton John and Bruce Springsteen; actors Tom Hanks, Drew Carey and John Stamos; Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr.; and former chair of the academy’s board of trustees Jimmy Jam.
The special was produced by Tenth Planet Productions. Joel Gallen, Rick Krim and Irving Azoff served as executive producers and Rick Austin as co-executive producer. Gallen also directed the special.
The Beach Boys entered into a partnership with Azoff’s Iconic Artists Group (Iconic) in 2021 to preserve and grow their legacy in a digital era. “This celebration highlights, once again, the power of the Beach Boys music to influence today’s biggest artists and reach new generations of fans,” said Jimmy Edwards, president of Iconic.
The Beach Boys special followed such previous Grammy-branded specials as The Beatles: The Night That Changed America (2014), Stevie Wonder: Songs in the Key of Life – An All Star Grammy Salute (2015), Stayin’ Alive: A Grammy Salute to the Music of The Bee Gees (2017), Elton John: I’m Still Standing – a Grammy Salute (2018), Aretha! A Grammy Celebration for the Queen of Soul (2019), Let’s Go Crazy: The Grammy Salute to Prince (2020) and Homeward Bound: A Grammy Salute to the songs of Paul Simon (2022).
NBC announced the musical lineup for the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks special on Thursday (June 12), including Jonas Brothers, Eric Church, Lenny Kravitz and Keke Palmer. According to a release, the patriotic holiday special, which naturally airs on July 4, will also include performances by Ava Max and Trisha Yearwood, as well as a […]
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KATSEYE just served major looks in their latest interview with SSENSE.
The shoot, photographed by Jason Omar Al-Taan and styled by Spencer Singer, saw the girl group dressed head-to-toe in pieces currently available on SSENSE’s website. Set against a dramatic black background and a mirrored floor, the “Gnarly” singers modeled to their heart’s content, styled in girly and sporty silhouettes from top brands like Versace, Wales Bonner, Sporty & Rich and Vivienne Westwood, among others. From Lara to Sophia, each member wore two outfits that best coordinated with their curated personas.
Following the shoot, the members were also interviewed by Hyunji Nam in a piece titled “Embrace the Chaos.” In it, the group spoke about their new EP Beautiful Chaos, which drops on June 27. The new EP follows the group’s breakout debut EP, SIS (Soft Is Strong). They also spoke as a group to their strengths. Manon, the group’s center and visual, remarked, “What forced us into learning how to communicate was learning how we work with each other—and I think that was one of the biggest areas of growth and change.”
To celebrate the news of their upcoming EP and their stellar fashion moments, we’re picking our favorite pieces that the members wore for the shoot that you can shop now on SSENSE.
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Wales Bonner Green Triumph Embroidered Midi Skirt
$970.00
$1,515.00
36% off
A pale green midi-lentgh skirt with beading throughout.
Styled on Lara, the group’s vocalist, this Wales Bonner piece is a glittering dream. The singer wore this high-waisted skirt alongside a brown triangle top and a billowing cream-colored button-up jacket. Retailing for $970.00, the garment is a minty hue constructed of silk organza and crinkled viscose layered overtop a twill midi skirt.
The layered construction gave way to sequins and beaded detailing that gave the piece a high-shine feel and textural interest. Darts at the front and back near the waistband offer the skirt structure We’d recommend sporting this skirt with pastel garments. Think pink, pistachio and light blue. You’d also want to offset the high-waisted nature of the skirt with something short on top, like Lara. For the warmer months, we could see this skirt styled with a white cropped tank, accompanied by low-top sneakers or thong sandals.
Sporty & Rich Red Varsity Crest Disco Shorts
Comfy red high-waisted shorts with white logo detailing.
This sporty little number was also worn by Lara in her secondary look, styled with a plunging cowl top and a green and blue trucker hat. The Varsity Crest Disco shorts, hailing from Sporty & Rich, evoke retro vibes like something out of a 70s film. These shorts are high-waisted and made of a breezy bright red cotton jersey.
A contrasting white logo can be seen close to the hem of the shorts reading “Sporty & Rich Country Club.” Additional details include a concealed drawstring for a custom fit and three pockets to hold all your valuables. Casual and comfy, sporty pieces might work best with this one. We’re thinking colorful athletic sneakers or a cozy zip-up. To create contrast, you might want to opt for more formal pieces, like Lara.
Vivienne Westwood Taupe Argyle Cardigan
A taupe, red and black argyle button-up long sleeve sweater.
In preppier fashions, Yoonchae wore this ultra-cozy Vivienne Westwood sweater. The group’s vocalist and lead dancer wore a coordinating argyle top to match, along with a micro skirt and heels. All preppy and sweet, this designer piece consists of a cotton knit and cinched ribbed trim that offers the sweater a form fit. Button closures give way to an orb logo detailing stitched to the bodice, an iconic design detail of Vivienne Westwood’s garments. To style, we recommend playing into the preppy vibes with this one, donning things like pleated tennis skirts or structured slacks. Or go the less-formal way like Yoonchae in micro shorts and your favorite kitten heel.
Valentino Garavani Black Ladycrush Patent Leather Heeled Sandals
Black patent leather caged sandal heels with bedazzled heels.
Worn with her Vivienne Westwood sweater, Yoonchae sparkled in these Valentino Garavani Ladycrush patent leather sandal heels. Retailing for $1,290.00, the footwear choice is glitzy and glamorous, equipped with glossy patent leather uppers in black and crystalized detailing affixed to the 3-inch heel.
The toes of the shoe are caged in, while the soles are gilded and embossed with the brand’s logo. Thin but sturdy ankle straps keep the shoe in place, made adjustable thanks to gilded buckle closures. All in all, this sandal evokes the flappers of the 1920s all liberated and whimsical. It’s a retro-esque silhouette that would look best with other formal pieces like a black silk maxi dress or a structural pinstriped suit.
Simone Rocha White Deep Lace Trim Slip Minidress
A white slip dress with lengthy lace trim.
Sophia, the group’s lead vocalist and leader, was styled in a Simone Rocha slip in a bridal white. The chosen garment was uniquely layered beneath a belted pleated skirt and a baby tee. It served as a supporting role in her ensemble, however, it’s a stand-out in our hearts. Worn on its own, the dress is simple and versatile, equipped with adorable white lace trim that further diversifies the otherwise plain silhouette.
The bodice is pleated and strappy, while the skirt is rather boxy, creating a welcomed juxtaposition. We envision this dress worn with contrasting biker-esque boots in black, bringing edgy vibes to this soft and subtle slip. Or you could play into the girly aesthetic and switch out the boots for ballet flats in a sweet pink hue. Otherwise, you could make like Sophia and layer this slip beneath something like a graphic tee or leather jacket.
Manolo Blahnik Blue Callamu Heeled Sandal
A blue heeled sandal with a kitten heel.
Baby blue and absolutely perfect, these Manolo Blahnik Callamu heeled sandals just scream Sex and The City. Sophia wore these cute sandals alongside gray trousers and a deep blue cropped polo. The designer style is comprised of patent calfskin uppers in a delicate powder blue that transitions into crisscrossing straps atop the toes and a short and walkable 2.25-inch kitten heel. The shoe is backless, making it easy to slip on and off.
Working this style into your summer wardrobe will be a piece of cake. While the color might scare some of you, you have nothing to fear. The construction is simple enough that you can get away with wearing the Callamu with a bunch of different ensembles, formal or otherwise. For a casual brunch, we’d recommend pairing these heels with classic barrel jeans and a lacy white blouse. Headed to a formal dinner date? You can pop these on with a plunging ruffled maxi dress in black or white to offer the ensemble a pop of playful color.
Chopova Lowena Brown & Green Sonny Carabiner Miniskirt
A midi-length skirt with a built-in belt and silver hardware.
Chopova Lowena is a designer best known for its whimsical skirts, often adorned with charms and edgy hardware. The group’s dancer and vocalist Megan wore this piece, accompanied by a striped polo top. The Sonny skirt is brown and green and features a cotton seersucker knife-pleated fabric that makes up the base of the skirt, attached to a grained leather belt.
The piece is littered with silver hardware, from carabiners to charms and adjustable buckle closures that juxtapose the skirt’s girly nature. We’d recommend going the maximalist route like Megan by tucking in a top with bold coordinating colors. To be truly maximalist, the chosen top should be filled with whimsical prints, clashing colors or patterns that create contrast when worn against the subtle checkerboard print found on the skirt.
Dsquared2 Khaki Jacquarded Poker Cropped Vest
A cropped poker-inspired cropped vest.
This knitted shetland wool vest was worn by Daniella, the group’s other lead dancer. The vest was styled alongside shorts with a built-in skirt and a choker necklace. This piece is playful, evoking nights spent raking in the dough at poker games.
Key details include a shawl collar, two-way zip closure and a cable-knit cropped hem that offers a cheeky peek of the navel when worn with low-rise bottoms. Card and dollar sign graphics are depicted on the front, while Dsquared2 branding reading “DSQ2” can be seen on the back. Chunky knitwear pieces like this are extremely statment-making. For this reason, we recommend you style this vest with toned-down pieces that play with structure rather than color or print like low-rise jeans or a gray bubble skirt.
Dolce & Gabbana Black Satin Balconette Bra
A black satin cone bra top.
Manon made like Madonna for the photoshoot, dressed in a Dolce & Gabbana cone bra made of shiny black satin fabric. The performer paired the bra top with a pink button-up worn open and black pleated trousers. This piece is structural and sensual, featuring a sweetheart neckline and dramatic conical padded cups. To style, we’d envision this piece worn with a suiting-inspired moment, like Manon. Choose formal pieces that juxtapose the bedroom-esque nature of the top like pleated trousers or a business-y pinstriped blazer. Sleek black patent leather pumps would look great with the designer top too.
Versace Silver Gianni Ribbon Headband
A metallic headband with a bow fixed to the top.
Both Yoonchae and Sophia wore a Versace Gianni headband, red and silver respectively. Retailing for $179.00, the sparkling accessory features a raised and sculptural bow fixed to the top with an ornate Versace logo in the center. The headband is made of metallic silver patent leather calfskin. You’ll likely find success styling this piece as a statement alongside simpler pieces to make it more wearable. Yoonchae and Sophia wore the metallic accessory with preppy-inspired ensembles, something we’d bet would look good on you too.
Former MTV VJ Bill Bellamy is paying tribute to his former colleague Ananda Lewis, who died this week after a yearslong battle with breast cancer at age 52.
The comedian and actor talked to TMZ after the death of his beloved friend and influential television host, whom he referred to as his “little sister” and had nothing but heartwarming things to say about.
“Ananda had a really warm soul,” he told the outlet. “There was something about her that was very comforting and you could just sit there and kick it with her. And she wasn’t stiff or stuffy or anything — her beauty didn’t even matter, it was actually an introduction to who she was. I just feel very, very heartbroken to get that kinda news about her because she was such a good person and just gave us the best of her.”
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He then brought up the important work early in her career when she hosted BET’s Teen Summit for three seasons before she took a gig at MTV. Teen Summit talked about issues plaguing the youth during the ’90s, and Lewis played an important role in the show’s success during her time as host.
“Teen Summit was a big deal,” Bellamy said. “Her show was really, really, really pivotal at that time because it was a voice of the youth [where they] talked about social issues and cultural issues, and she was that beautiful sista, intelligent, talented, her smile would light up a room.”
He continued by saying that the two quickly became friends when she headed over to MTV because of their similar cultural background. “When she came over to MTV, it was kinda dope because it’s like now we got two African-American people on this channel representin’ and we both always felt that we had to represent the culture and that’s when I knew she was my girl, because we knew at an early age that the opportunity we had on television was monumental and that we were representing our culture in a positive way.”
He added that her versatility in who she was able to interview was unique, and he compared her to legendary journalist Barbara Walters. “She would do obviously the music as well, but then she would jump off and do her really dope interviews,” Bellamy said. “She was like to me the Black Barbara Walters, because Ananda could sit down and have a dope ass intelligent conversation with you where she could rock out, from Obama to Lil’ Kim to whatever. She was nice like that. And so, for me, I always rooted for her because I just thought that this is what we need to see.”
Lewis interviewed then-first lady Hillary Clinton on Teen Summit in 1996, during which they talked about topics like healthcare and abortion — which was a big deal, because folks of that stature rarely engaged with shows that focused on minorities and inner-city youth in that era. The former host remembered that important episode on her YouTube page in 2016. You can watch it below.
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Summer is upon us again, which means you’ll have to combat the sweltering sun’s rays once again.
Unlike last year, however, you can put away the sunscreen and prep your wardrobe with help from Apivoe’s sun-protected “shirts.” Retailing for as low as $9.77 depending on the colorway, this men’s hooded long-sleeve makes for the perfect gift for those who love the sun, without the damage. If you’re heading to a festival or to the beach, we can see this style coming in handy for any sun-soaked activities.
Men’s Sun Protection Hoodie UPF 50+
A men’s hoodie in deep blue that protects from the sun’s rays.
The long sleeve comes in 12 colorways and sizes small to 3XL. No matter the colorway, this piece is constructed of UPF 50+ fabric or Ultraviolet Protection Factor, which blocks up to 98% or more of the sun’s harmful UV rays, providing the wearer with a high level of protection against pesky sunburn, skin aging or even skin cancer. No, it’s not magic. The UPF-rated fabric utilizes specific weaves, materials, and coatings to absorb, reflect and block UV rays, offering a barrier of sorts.
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Beyond being sun-protecting, the fabric is also elasticized, making it extremely comfortable. While we can see this long sleeve working well for all festivals this season, it could also be great for those who labor outside like construction workers or athletes.
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This piece is also extremely breathable and waterproof. The hood attached to the neckline offers optimum coverage and is equipped with a built-in mask that allows you to customize your look based on weather conditions. Still looking for a gift for Father’s Day? If you buy now, Amazon will ship this shirt out ahead of the holiday, making gifting for those stubborn dads a breeze.
Men’s Sun Protection Hoodie UPF 50+
A men’s sun protecting hoodie in rainbow gradient hues.
Some of our favorite colorways include Black, Gray and Camouflage, which looks more like a rainbow gradient despite its name. The color options allow for endless styling possibilities. The neutral tones lean more casual, while the colorful tones would be great festival attire.
We can see the rainbow gradient style lending itself well to pride parades galore, accompanied by denim shorts, white sneakers and a bandana. For a work day under the sun or a hiking trip with scenic views, we can envision the shirt worn with cargo pants and boots, a backpack slung over your shoulder for a rugged moment. Whatever way you choose to style this piece, you’ll know you’re protected from the sun no matter the occasion. Summer just became worry-free.
Men’s Sun Protection Hoodie UPF 50+
A men’s hoodie in black that protects from the sun’s rays.
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