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Chelsea Is Naturally Glam!

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Tell me about yourself!
Hey! My name is Chelsea Bumford and I am from Freeport, New York.  I’m a college student majoring in Elementary education and living on campus.  Being natural in college can be a struggle what with limited space and time, but as you can see, I make it work!

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Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper? What was your journey like?
I have been natural for most of my life and my hair has always been difficult to manage.  As a young child I wore it either braided with extensions or flat ironed for easy styling.  The one break in my lifelong natural streak was in middle school when I got a texturizer.  However, that did not last long because my hair immediately began showing signs of damage and breakage from the chemical.  Little by little the texturized hair was trimmed away as my natural hair grew in once again and I started wearing my hair mostly in braids.  By the time I graduated high school, I was all natural again.

Had you always embraced your texture?
Throughout my life, I have had mixed feelings about my hair.  Despite receiving compliments from family and friends on the length and texture, I was often frustrated because my hair would never lay flat even after having it flat ironed on high heat.  It took me some time to accept that the volume of my hair would not allow it to lay the way I wanted it to.

How did family and friends react to your decision to go natural? What was your response to them?
I am fortunate enough to live in a family of natural hair advocates and I am happy to say that my family and friends have always embraced the texture of my hair.

Describe your hair (fine or coarse, thin or thick, highly porous, low, etc.)
My natural hair is coily (I would say a mix of type 4a and 4b), very thick, and has low porosity.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done to your hair? 
Last December I used a permanent red color-lifting dye to color the perimeter of my hair red.  I was satisfied with the way it turned out, so this past summer I dyed it again but only my roots where my natural color had grown in.  Either from constantly being exposed to sunlight or from the chlorine in the pool, small portions of my red-dyed edges had turned blonde!

What’s your biggest hair related regret?
I think my biggest hair related regret is the texturizer I got in middle school.  It was a brief setback; luckily I was able to recover before too much damage had been done.

What’s your current hair routine? How often do you wash, condition, and style? Favorite products! Deets!
Wash day for me is usually every two weeks–occasionally three weeks depending on my schedule.  I work through the entire process with my hair in six sections to ensure that I get to all parts of my hair and to minimize tangling.  I begin by saturating each section with coconut oil and finger detangling. I then work in Aubrey Organics GPB protein conditioner, focusing on my ends.  After letting this sit on my hair for about 15 minutes, I go to begin washing.  I rinse the coconut oil and protein conditioner from my hair and wash with a combination of Alikay Naturals Coconut Milk Shampoo and Aussie Moist Conditioner, further detangling as I go.  When I finish I squeeze the excess water from my hair then apply Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque to deep condition.  I let this sit under a shower cap (each section bantu knotted) for about 40 minutes or so then rinse.  Since I have so much hair that would ordinarily take days to dry completely, I blow out my hair on low heat using the tension method after first adding a moisturizing heat protectant and light oil, combing through each section with a seamless wide tooth comb, and letting my hair air dry a bit for a few hours.  After my hair is blown out, I begin twisting (each of the six sections in three or four twists–detangled with a Denman brush) using Eden BodyWorks All Natural Coconut Shea Pudding Soufflé.  I then slip on my satin scarf and go to bed.  In the morning my hair is dry and ready to style.  I untwist, separate the clumps, shake it out, and I’m ready to go!  I repeat the twisting process the following week.

What’s your favorite hairstyle? Where do you get hairstyle inspiration?
My signature hairstyle is taking a section of hair at the front, rolling it backwards, and pinning it back to the side while leaving the rest out.  Few day old twist outs are my favorite because even though I lose curl definition, I love the extra volume that I get from putting my hair up at night.  I also enjoy high, fluffy updo styles.

Who is your curl crush?
Some of my curl crushes are Tracee Ellis Ross, Elle Varner, Taren Guy, and Naptural85.

How do you maintain your hair at night?
At night, I pineapple my hair and wrap it in a large satin scarf.  I always sleep with a satin pillowcase in case my scarf comes off.

How do you maintain healthy length?
I maintain my length by doing low manipulation styles.  I only run a comb or brush through it once a week, before I re-twist, and I keep my hair moisturized by scrunching in Oyin Handmade Hair Dew moisturizer whenever it feels dry.  I handle the ends of my hair as little as possible because they are the most delicate and prone to breakage.  The most important thing is to keep the ends moisturized and to trim whenever necessary.

What’s the best thing about being natural?
One of the best things about being natural is inspiring others to embrace their natural texture as well.  I’m always getting questions about what I do to my hair or what products I use.  It gives me a feeling of fulfillment knowing that I give hope to those who are transitioning, have just big chopped, or who are relaxed and planning on going natural.  Another great thing about being natural is knowing that I don’t have to rely on a chemical to “tame” my hair or to make it “presentable.”  My hair is beautiful the way it is!

Where can folks find you on the web?
You can follow my Instagram– @miss_chel602 or Facebook under my full name.

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Tupac’s “Dear Mama” Gets A Country Twist For Mother’s Day With A Tribute By @ItsRvshvd

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RVSHVD, the South Georgia singer-songwriter, is set to release his rendition of Tupac Shakur‘s iconic Dear Mama just in time for Mother’s Day. This heartfelt homage to one of hip-hop’s most beloved tracks pays tribute not only to Tupac, but also to RVSHVD’s own mother and the countless hardworking parents who sacrifice for their children. This deeply personal connection infuses RVSHVD’s rendition with authenticity and emotion, promising a moving listening experience for fans old and new. RVSHVD’s musical journey from hip-hop to country reflects his evolution as an artist seeking to express his truth. In RVSHVD’s own words:

Tupac was a major influence in my life growing up. His music and message has reached millions and will continue to do so. ‘Dear Mama’ has a special message that many who grew up with a parent that worked tirelessly for their child can connect to, myself include.

Inspired by Keith Urban‘s Sweet Thing, he found a sense of belonging in country music, where he could speak honestly about his experiences and emotions. His unique blend of hip-hop and country garnered attention with his version of Roddy Ricch‘s Ballin, amassing millions of streams and establishing him as a rising star in the industry. Recognized as Country Rookie of the Month by Billboard and featured as an Artist To Watch 2024 by CMT, RVSHVD continues to captivate audiences with his genre-bending sound and genuine storytelling. With upcoming live dates including a West Coast run, CMA Fest, Nashville Block Party, and London Long Road Festival, RVSHVD’s star is on the rise, promising an exciting journey ahead for fans worldwide. Experience RVSHVD’s heartfelt tribute to Tupac and celebrate the enduring love of mothers everywhere with “Dear Mama” below. Follow RVSHVD on Apple Music, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, TikTok, X, and YouTube. Stream your own company here.

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From Local to Global: Ace K’s Plans for World Domination

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In the ever-evolving landscape of music, authenticity remains the cornerstone of a resonating brand. The dynamic conversation between Ace K and Shah Cypha on On The Grynd Live serves as a testament to the importance of genuine connection with one’s roots, audience, and creative process. While navigating through the intricacies of the music business, Ace K emphasizes the significance of staying true to oneself, prepping meticulously for studio sessions, and the emotional gravity of having one’s music impact listeners. Drawing from the conversational gems and experiences shared, this article extrapolates the broader implications of the themes discussed, underlining their relevance to aspiring artists and veterans alike in the music domain.

The Evolution of An Artist: Adapting to Change While Staying True

The trajectory of Ace K’s musical career illustrates a journey marked by continuous learning and adaptation. From mastering his first 808 to exploring diverse genres, Ace K exemplifies an artist’s ability to grow while maintaining their core identity. It’s about “manipulating \[experiences] to the point where \[they] can write about them.” The gradual shift from analog to digital platforms and the evolution of music styles throughout his career is a testament to his resilience and versatility as an artist.

“It’s miles ahead and miles away from each other, but it still is the same basic anatomy, shall I say, where people

Crafting a Timeless Sound

In discussing the significance of cultivating a timeless sound, Ace K touches on the crucial element of cadence and the anatomy of music. It’s not about following the trends but about creating a “vibe” that transcends them:

“Music is a feeling, my guys. So if you make something that make people feel good, make feel sad, what not, what not. I mean, you gonna be successful.”

This perspective pushes artists to look beyond the surface-level metrics of success and delve into the emotional resonance of their work—a principle that ensures longevity in a fast-paced industry.

The Emotional Impact of Music: Bridging Generations and Cultures

Ace K’s narrative underscores music as an emotional catalyst capable of cutting across generational lines. When a fan shares that his grandfather connected with Ace K’s track “slacking,” it reveals the profound nature of music’s reach.

“He said, ace k, I want to let you know that my granddad loves your song. And he plays that. He told. He said, but how do you put it? He got on my nerves with your song, but I love it because he’s understanding our culture.”

Music, as portrayed by Ace K, is an intergenerational language, uniting listeners and creating common ground even where least expected. The universal appeal of Ace K’s music not only supports the brand’s growth but becomes a catalyst for broader acceptance and understanding within diverse audiences.

Cultivating Cultural Synergy

In a cultural landscape seeking connection, artists who speak to varying experiences enable the bridging of gaps. By fostering an environment of inclusivity, musicians have the power to create a cultural synergy that enriches both their personal brand and the communities they touch. Ace K’s experience is an embodiment of such a phenomenon.

Harnessing a Personal Brand: Importance of Pre-Studio Preparation and Self-Value

Ace K sheds light on the pragmatic aspects of building a successful music career: meticulous preparation prior to studio sessions and a firm grasp of one’s market worth. He advises fellow artists to “make sure all my lyrics is right” before even setting foot in the studio—a discipline that minimizes wasted time and resources. Additionally, understanding one’s value is a sentiment Ace K passionately shares, as he refuses to sign with “no bull stuff company” underscoring the power of a marketable brand.

“Market each song like it. Your last song… Put your all into everything.”

Armed with this dual emphasis on preparation and self-worth, Ace K’s approach to the music business stands as a blueprint for artists striving to carve their own niche in the industry.

The Business of Music Personified

The business of music extends beyond the creation of melodies and lyrics; it’s also about presentation, perception, and the strategic maneuvering of one’s brand in a saturated market. Ace K’s philosophy highlights the importance of being both the face and the foundation of one’s business, ensuring credibility and appeal to potential audiences.

In the midst of a landscape where content is prolific, and attention spans are fleeting, Ace K champions the significance of leaving a mark, whether it be through emotive music or carefully curated branding. His experiences and insights contribute to an evolving doctrine for artists in any stage of their journey, advocating for integrity, preparation, and self-awareness. By adhering to these tenets, one not only fosters a promising career but creates a life’s work that resonates with authenticity and purpose

Stream Ace K’s Latest record titled W.A.Y.N.E now which is available on all digital platforms

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Lord Salaam’s Debut Album ‘Lessons Learned’: A Deep Dive into Charleston’s Rising Hip-Hop Star

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Nestled within the vibrant streets of Charleston, South Carolina, emerges Lord Salaam, a formidable force in the realm of hip-hop. His debut album, “Lessons Learned,” serves as a compelling testament to his journey of self-discovery and resilience.

At the heart of the album lies its eponymous track, “Lessons Learned,” a mesmerizing blend of storytelling and emotion that captivates listeners. Lord Salaam’s evocative lyrics paint a vivid picture of his trials and triumphs, drawing from his personal experiences to craft a narrative that resonates with authenticity.

Teaming up with acclaimed producer Meka Beats, Lord Salaam delivers a sonic journey that transcends the boundaries of traditional hip-hop. From introspective verses to infectious beats, each track on the album offers a glimpse into Lord Salaam’s evolution as an artist and as an individual.

“Lessons Learned” is more than just an album; it’s a testament to Lord Salaam’s resilience and determination to carve his own path in the music industry. With each verse, he invites listeners to join him on a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and ultimately, triumph.

Experience the immersive soundscape of “Lessons Learned” and discover the rising star that is Lord Salaam. Dive into his debut album and unlock the depths of Charleston’s burgeoning hip-hop scene.

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