Tommia is Naturally Glam!

Published

10 years ago

February 13, 2014

Were you a slow transitioner or a Big Chopper & why? (tell us your natural hair journey)

I had naturally curly hair throughout my entire life! I didn’t start WEARING it till my second year of high school. It was definitely a ‘maturity’ thing. I grew into wearing it natural because I began to like it a lot and wanting to step out the box.

Had you always embraced your texture?

Read More>>

In high school, I was going through ‘blonde Beyonce’ phases. I still would straighten it a lot. I started doing my own hair and learning about it. I didn’t have a computer, no YouTube or tumblr or anything. My curls were not even CLOSE to how healthy and fabulous they are today. At the time I was battling to bring out the true essence of my curls. Nothing but trial and error, and wanting my curly hair to be or look some way it’s NOT. The natural stepping stones to falling in love and embracing your true texture! And yes, I became a product junkie. Took me years to break out of that! Its all out my system now. Bleaching, heat, experimenting, impulsive product buying, I’m pretty much a pro now!

How did family and friends react to your decision to go natural? How did they react to the new you? What was your response to them?

I remember my mom and sister always encouraged me to wear my hair curly growing up, they would say it’s beautiful and that I didn’t know what I have. I use to look at them so crazy, I literally thought they didn’t know what they were talking about. It didn’t help that no one knew how to style it, so I didn’t give it a chance. I just remember it being wild, super wavy/3b curls. It was very long with no shape. I didn’t know much about salons and layering then. So my mom would get the grease and press it for me. I always wanted it straight. I can just faintly remember how my curl texture was when I was younger. When I started wearing my curly hair I was 15 years old everyone loved it, some haters envied it, but it definitely made it easy for me to feel comfortable w/ the natural state of my hair. It was pretty, even my first love digged it. My best friends thought it was fun and exotic, compliments kept rolling in, especially when I bleached the majority of it, it definitely made me stand out. I know this sounds dramatic, but when I did that my life somewhat changed and my confidence shot up. I was stepping out the box and I felt unstoppable. My mom was just letting me do what I wanted w/ my hair

Describe your hair (fine or coarse, thin or thick, highly porous, low, etc.)

I have fine textured hair and thick density. I’m not sure of the porosity of my hair, I think it’s high, it depends on the product though, and since its fine I like light moisturizing cremes for it because it can get weighed down. My hair does catch frizz from high humidity which can be annoying. So I want to say it’s high.

What’s your current hair routine? How often do you wash, condition, and style? favorite products! Deets!

My staple products to use is Mane and Tail Conditioner as a leave-in -I been using that since I was a baby. Also Moroccan moisturizing conditioner, Bouncy Creme, and Aquage curl gel. Those are professional products that do it for me. I like many deep moisturizing conditioners. I barely shampoo, so I use anything lying around, I prefer moisturizing clarifying shampoo though. My current ‘seal-in’ is Pantene shine serum w/ argan and Moroccan healing oil for the ends and mid-shaft of my hair. I use a paddle brush to evenly distribute product and smooth out my curls, then follow-up with a wide toothed comb to separate to my curls, give it some body. This all done WET.

How do you maintain your hair at night?

Most people I think do the “pineapple” overnight but after trial and error I feel it makes my curls look a bit ‘wirey’. I realized my hair was always trained to be tied loosely in the back overnight. Even when my hair is straight I simply tie it in a low and very loose ponytail then pop my bonnet on. When it’s curly, I lightly put all my hair into a loose bun in the center back of my head and pop my bonnet on. In the morning after I take out the scrunchy, and shake my hair, everything is back in tact!

How do you maintain healthy length?

To maintain length I condition my hair once or twice a week. I shampoo once every two-three weeks. When my curls start getting ‘old’ I still would let it rock out. Or I may just put in a slick updo and use Groganics creme, and Jamaican healing oil to help stimulate growth. I leave that in for a day or two. I’m constantly doing something to my hair. I deep condition once every week. Trims help. I’m currently getting out of the awkward stages of growing out my layers due to a short curly cut I got almost a year ago. I’ve just been sticking to trimming every six months. My overnight routine helps because I’m not putting much tension on my hair. And 95% of the time my hair is curly, so no worries w/ heat damage. My hair is growing out a lot, due to maintaining the length I already have, and trimming off the bad.

What’s the best thing about being curly?

The amazing thing about being curly is that I don’t have to do much w/ my hair and even on a ‘bad day’ I still can get a way with it. I feel very unique. I personally think of it being as special and different as our fingerprints. It’s YOURS; one of a kind and no one can say it’s ‘wrong’, natural or curly, it is our ‘God given crowns’! It’s very ironic, you do find yourself putting a lot of effort and time into taking care of your natural hair and figuring it out, it’s simply putting pride into yourself. But the result is beyond worth it.

Where can folks find you on the web?

Facebook: Tommia Broomer 

Tumblr: @tommia  

Instagram: @tommia_

“The Coldest” In The Room Is Skilla Baby

Published

4 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Big C

Flaunting a scorching signature style without comparison, rising Detroit rapper Skilla Baby unleashes his anxiously awaited new project The Coldest. Across 16 tracks, Skilla Baby levels up from every angle. Production credits on the project include the likes of Southside, MIA JayC, Ben Billions, TooDope, and more. Skilla teased the standout leading single Free Meech, then followed up with an official video. Paving away for the new body of work, Skilla spoke on the project:

I took my time to put this project together… Sometimes, I feel like people try to place me in a box. The pressure of being a new artist, being successful, staying disciplined, and still clocking into the studio is very strenuous, but fun at the same time. As an artist, I’m known as the ‘Girl’s guy.’ But I’ll never forget I come from the streets. As a real person, I feel so many emotions (mad, sad, happy, anxious, etc.). I say that to say, sorry for the wait but I wanted to put everything I feel into one project. Grab your coats…

Next up, the Vultures Eat The Most Tour takes him across the country on his most extensive jaunt yet. Headlining the tour with Rob49, you can see him featured on the single Mike Jack with G Herbo. Look for tickets near you here because you don’t want to miss the energy of a street demon taking no prisoners. Stream your copy of the project here and let us know your thoughts on the visuals below. As more media outlets take notice, stay connected with Skilla Baby by following him on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Videos

Big Steppa’s ‘Neva Fold’: A Motivational Anthem of Resilience

Published

16 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Tampa Mystic

Atlanta/Louisiana-based artist Big Steppa delivers a powerful message of perseverance and determination in his latest release, “Neva Fold,” which hit the airwaves on March 1st, 2024. Produced by the talented Au1rontheBeat, this track serves as a testament to Big Steppa’s personal journey, drawing inspiration from his own trials and triumphs.

“Neva Fold” stands out as a significant milestone for Big Steppa, marking his debut into the mainstream music scene. Reflecting on his motivation behind the song, he shares that it is a product of his life experiences, channeling the resilience he’s cultivated in the face of adversity. With its infectious beats and empowering lyrics, the track resonates with listeners on a profound level, reminding them to stand tall in the face of challenges.

As Big Steppa gears up for an exciting lineup of projects, including music videos and upcoming live performances, fans can expect to witness his evolution as an artist firsthand. With the support of his dedicated followers and the creative process of his producer team, #Au1ronthebeat, Big Steppa is poised to make waves in the music industry. Follow him on Instagram @iambigsteppa6 to stay updated on his journey and be part of the movement towards greater heights of success.

Interview

Behind the Music: Creating KOKOmotion

Published

19 hours ago

April 25, 2024

TGR Media

The world of music is a melting pot of cultures, sounds, and stories. In this exclusive interview with Shah Cypha on “On The Grynd Live,” we get an inside look at KOKO, an artist whose journey from Finland to New York City exemplifies the grind and passion that drive the music industry. KOKO’s story is one of diversity, self-empowerment, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams.A Blend of Cultures: KOKO’s International Soundscape

KOKO’s music is a testament to her international background. Hailing from Finland and spending part of her life in Brussels, Belgium, she brings a blend of Northern European sophistication and Middle European jazz and funk to her music. It’s this eclectic mix that sets her apart, making her sound a breath of fresh air in the New York scene.

KOKO mentions her fondness for the jazz and funk she experienced in Brussels, stating, “I definitely have like funk elements in my music, especially from the time when we lived in Brussels, because we went to see like a lot of jazz, for example, at all times.” This richness in artistry isn’t just serendipitous; it’s intentional and a core part of who she is as an artist.

The New York City Metamorphosis

Moving to the epicenter of varied artistic expression, New York City, KOKO continued to evolve her craft. It’s here that she found the latitude to further her studies in sound engineering and delve deeper into the music world. Attending SAE Institute of Technology was a decision that would shape her future, immersing her in a community that lives and breathes sound.

Yet, it isn’t just about the music for KOKO. It’s about being “in motion,” as she refers to her debut LP, aptly titled “Coco Motion.” This project encapsulates her experiences and growth during her time in the States. Each song represents a timestamp, chronicling her evolution from an international student to a New York artist. “It’s like a timeline, almost like how my journey has been here,” she reflects.

The Beacon of Self-love and Empowerment

Amid the beats and melodies, there’s an underlying narrative in KOKO’s music: the importance of self-love and empowerment. These are not just themes but the lifeblood of her creative expression. KOKO is on a mission to inspire, guide, and remind listeners of their inherent worth and capacity for love.

She doesn’t shy away from her advocacy for mental health, recognizing its significance in today’s society. For KOKO, music is a medium for healing and spiritual growth. “My sound is conscious pop,” she says, signaling the reflective quality of her songs and their purpose to resonate on a deeper level with her audience.

As we recap the indelible impression KOKO has made in her interview with Shah Cypha, it’s clear that her trajectory is not simply one of personal ambition but also of universal resonance. Her music, imbued with both her Finnish and Brussels-influenced roots, has found a nurturing home in New York City, blossoming into a soundtrack of self-development and positive vibrations. With a firm stance on female empowerment and mental health, KOKO’s presence in the industry goes beyond entertainment; it’s a catalyst for transformation and healing. Her upcoming LP, “KOKOmotion,” is set to ripple through the collective consciousness, reminding us all to stay in perpetual movement toward our highest selves.