Erykah Badu Talks Style And Substance With ‘Vogue’
Photo: WENN
This week, hundreds of thousands of people, if not millions, are heading down in droves to New Orleans to check out this year’s Essence Festival.
Erykah Badu, who will be headlining the event with fellow Soulquarian Common and rap god Kendrick Lamar, is bringing her unique brand of flair to the Down Bottom region. In lieu of her upcoming show this Saturday at 8:35pm, Vogue got a chance to catch up with her to discuss her rock star style and how she survives without a glam squad.
“I make no distinction between what I wear on the street and the stage; it’s all just my style,” she told the publication from her home in Dallas, Texas. “I don’t work with a stylist, and I never plan what I’m going to wear, it’s always an of-the-moment thing.” To better demonstrate the point, Badu has caused uproar during her live shows for some of her ensembles, most famously at comedian Dave Chappelle’s Brooklyn block party where he hair caught an updraft of wind and threatened to fly off her scalp.
The moment was captured in time as one of the realest moments from the Queen of Neo-Soul, as the Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter snatched her own wig off and belted out notes with the ferocity of a passionate lioness. More likely to make an impression straight from her bedroom than the dressing room, Badu is one of the few performers that can make everyday wear look so amazing. The 44-year-old soulstress tours relentlessly, so she might not have the time or patience to wait on anyone to suggest outfits to her.
Plus, Badu is notoriously known for being clear and concise on what she wears. From the beginning of her career, she has held a keen awareness of what works and what accentuates her coolness. “I’ve always enjoyed dressing my head,” she said when speaking of her head wrap she wore on the cover of her debut album Baduizm back in 1997. “Whether it’s head wraps, hats, or wigs, I’m not sure why… I think that’s just where my mojo lives.” A shining black embodiment of radical beauty and feminine wiles, Badu is the personification of the phrase “Black Girls Are Magic.”
An interesting tidbit to learn from this Vogue chat is that Badu’s accessories are personalized and designed specifically for her. From the Ankh rings that were created by her uncle to talon-like knuckle duster rings curated in collaboration with Lillian Shalom, crystals, semi-precious stones and more all have special sentiment (and healing qualities) for the mystical musician. “Accessories really are everything for me,” she said. “I travel with a black body bag full of them when I’m on tour. I’ll throw on my Yoruba beads, my Maasai beads—and there’s space for six hats in my hat box.”
While Pharrell Williams took it there with the hat game, it was Badu’s variation that won her rave reviews at the 2014 Met Gala in New York City. Making her stand head and shoulders above everyone else during the event, the giant hat was the crowning glory to her Givenchy look, which she pulled off flawlessly. It is that confidence within her personal style that has endeared her to fashion designers such as Tisci and Tom Ford. The upgrading of her motif from sinewy body-con dresses to men’s blazers and shirts shows that she plays by her own rules and no one can ebb her flow. “I was the weird kid,” she admitted, “I liked to wear what everyone else wasn’t.”
With her sense of style set to be on full view in New Orleans, we take a look back over the years at Erykah Badu’s most memorable fashion choices.
[via Vogue]
The post Erykah Badu Talks Style And Substance With ‘Vogue’ appeared first on StyleBlazer.
In the bustling streets of Southeast, Washington DC, rapper Kazon’s latest offering, “My Brother,” emerges as a symphony of redemption and advocacy, resonating with audiences far and wide.
Kazon’s path to musical stardom has been fraught with obstacles, from brushes with the law to a brush with death that left him scarred but unbroken. Through it all, he credits his resilience to the belief that every setback is an opportunity for growth.
With “My Brother,” Kazon takes on the role of a lyrical mentor, offering guidance and solace to Black youth grappling with violence and systemic oppression. Through heartfelt verses and melodic refrains, he shares his own journey of redemption, using his past mistakes as a catalyst for change.
At its core, “My Brother” is a call to action—a plea for unity, love, and advocacy within the Black community. Kazon’s harmonious tale serves as a reminder that through solidarity and advocacy, we can effect real change and pave the way for a brighter future.
As the final notes of “My Brother” fade into the ether, Kazon’s message lingers: every trial is a testament to our strength, and every mistake is a chance to do better. Through his music, he invites us to join him in a journey of redemption and advocacy—one that holds the promise of a more just and equitable world for all.
Listen to Kazon’s music here:
Straight outta New Jersey, Global Pro Ent is setting the streets ablaze with their latest release, “777.” This isn’t just any mixtape—it’s a testament to the raw, underground vibes that real hip-hop heads crave. The significance of “777” runs deep; not only does it mark the founding date of Global Pro, but it also represents the original unity of seven members, embedding the essence of family and origin into every track.
The vision behind “777” was clear from the get-go: bring back that classic mixtape feel, the kind that never made it to mainstream albums but thrived in the underground scene. This project is designed to resonate with those who appreciate hip-hop in its purest form, crafted to reignite a passion for the game with a modern twist that only Global Pro can deliver.
Featuring a lineup that reads like a who’s who of emerging talent—Zilla, Bgroovecmd, Skillzondabeat, JLondabeat, Luxx, Lil Geno, and HG, plus knockout features from Big Moose 280, Scrilla 280, 211, A$, and Mike Checks—”777″ showcases a powerhouse of diversity. Each artist brings their unique style to the table, from hardcore rap and drill to melodic flows, creating a dynamic sound that defines the Global Pro brand.
The CEO of Global Pro isn’t just overseeing from the sidelines; he’s a frontline leader deeply involved in the creation process. From booking studio sessions to giving real-time feedback, he ensures that every track not only hits hard but also carries the authentic spirit of the label—family first, quality always.
While specifics of the marketing strategy are kept under wraps, the label is buzzing with activity—video shoots, photo sessions, and non-stop studio work. This relentless hustle ensures that when “777” drops, it doesn’t just release; it makes an impact, echoing through the streets and across the industry.
Despite facing challenges like coordinating efforts across New Jersey’s sprawling landscape, the label’s proactive approach has turned logistical hurdles into stepping stones. They’re on a mission to transform New Jersey into a new hotspot for hip-hop, proving that unity and hard work pay off.
“777” is more than just a mixtape; it’s the beginning of a new era for Global Pro Ent. It’s a declaration that they’re here not just to play the game but to elevate it. With artists like Lil Geno and JL as the next up, the label is not just predicting the future of hip-hop; they’re writing it. So, get ready—Global Pro Ent is about to turn the volume up, and they’re just getting started. Jersey, it’s your time to shine!
Listen to the project: https://open.spotify.com/album/4RTPWz1pm6Vx6zXudsfJF3?si=k0uXNjM8SGimuejDKoGIiQ
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