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Coming to Israel: Meet the Black Hebrew Israelites

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**giveaway below!**

Hola Chicas!

So…you see all the ornately and beautifully dressed Africans in the picture above? Fun fact– they ain’t from Africa (at least not directly) and many of them have Chicago accents! #SouthSide

Meet the Black Hebrew Israelites.

Would you believe me if I told you that there are more than 3,000 African-Americans living in the Negev desert in Israel that claim a Jewish identity and heritage?  And that they left the United States nearly fifty years ago and have been living as an autonomous community in three different settlements in Israel for nearly as long? Well believe it, boo. Black Hebrew Israeli Nationals, and I ain’t talking about burnt Kosher hotdogs. You might want to sit down…or perhaps angle your computer monitor away from your boss’ watchful eyes for this one…

Peep the view–
So, if you recall, on Wednesday night last week,  Hillary (F.A.N.G.A.) said to me-

“You all have good timing, I have something you absolutely have to see… but it’s almost 3 hours away.  Are you up for a road trip in the morning?” #TomorrowTho

Y’all know we #DoIt (still not sure if that’s good or bad) so at around lunch time on Thursday, she and Resa picked us up for the amazing adventure, which came complete with a soca soundtrack #TheyTrini.  We had zero prep, other than that we were going to meet some Black Jews, and due to my experiences in Israel thus far, I assumed they’d be Ethiopian (or Drake-like) #AintNooooTelling

We ended up in the desert, 40 miles from the Gaza strip, which due to location, happens to be the first place to get hit by felonious rockets… Resa told us that if we hear the air raid sirens, we have 5 seconds to get to one of many bomb shelters. #5SecondsTho #ThatsIt? #GetLisaNem

So we pull up in Dimona, Israel. We parked and walked down on what looked like one big family reunion, complete with music, matching clothes, fellowship, card tables and kids running around. We were one electric slide away from being in a Rick Famuyiwa movie.

my first steps in Dimona, walking through semi-permanent housing structures  #WeOutHere

We were immediately approached by members of the community and my jaw dropped when they began talking… without African accents.  I couldn’t wrap my head around it.  It was Black America in Israel.  And apparently my response came as no surprise to them– this is not something you see everyday and their visitors are always taken aback.  #LearnedSomethingNew

They all graciously welcomed us (literally, saying, ‘welcome home’) and Bahtel and her husband Horacheal, from Chicago and Texas respectively quickly became our hosts, showing us around and introducing us to all the dignitaries.  She was like my long lost aunty!

They were celebrating 48 years since the exodus of the Hebrew Israelites from America. It was probably the most awesome and mind blowing experience we’ve had to date.  They have an amazing community, full of beautiful people that definitely have more in common with us than you can imagine.

#HeyFam

With more than 3000 residents from Chicago, St. Louis, Atlanta, Philly, Washington D.C., the Caribbean, London, Ghana and Kenya, their community is amazingly diverse.  I even met a dentist from Ferguson!

Hillary and Resa! #SoCrown
My skirt is from diyanu.com 

and they’re off… #ToddlerRaces

Meeting some women from Baltimore.  Folks in the religion come from far and wide to celebrate the New Passover.  She’s an attorney and was only in town for the event! 

Each family wears unique clothing decorated in matching colors and patterns…kind of like a Black Hebrew Israelite Coat of Arms. Check out the family above…mama, papa, and kiddo dressed in blue. 
Meet Menukha Gent.  She makes hair care products for the community.  Her secret ingredient? Cayenne pepper!  Her goal is to have it available to the general public soon!

Fun fact- the Black Hebrew Israelites are vegan.  But get this, they basically had all the fixings from a traditional #OurPeople Bar-b-que, without the requisite brats or hotdogs.  I’m talking potato salad and string beans… with no ribs.  So the crew dipped out and drove to the mall where we enjoyed schwarma and orange soda 🙂
I also bought a blanket because apparently, it gets very cold at night in the desert- 

and then this happened! #Concert #TurnUp #AllTheMarleySongs

Pictured above are two of Bahtel’s daughters (left and center) and a friend (right).  Notice that one daughter wears the military uniform of the Israel Defense Forces.

Later Gators,
Nik

I’m giving away a year’s supply of Henna Sooq’s Red Raj Henna (12, 100g boxes)! All you have to do is comment on all the Israel related posts that have the ‘CurlyNikki WorldWide’ logo at the bottom.  On May 30th (at 5pm EST), one lucky commenter will be randomly chosen to receive #AllTheHenna! Good luck!

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Reckless Rhymacide Drops New Birthday Anthem “It’s Yo Birthday”

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Indianapolis’ own Reckless Rhymacide has just released his latest track, “It’s Yo Birthday,” produced by the renowned Whodunit Beats. This fresh spin on the classic “Happy Birthday” song brings a catchy vibe, making it a perfect fit for nightclub atmospheres and adult birthday parties. With its catchy beats and modern twist, the track is set to become a staple for birthday celebrations everywhere, offering a new, exciting way to mark the occasion.

Reckless Rhymacide’s “It’s Yo Birthday” showcases his unique flair for blending contemporary sounds with familiar themes, ensuring the song resonates with a wide audience. Whodunit Beats’ production enhances the track with deep, rhythmic basslines and sleek instrumentation, creating an immersive experience that draws listeners in. As the song gains traction, it’s poised to redefine how birthdays are celebrated, combining tradition with a fresh, energetic sound that captures the essence of today’s music scene.

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Unveiling BIG 4.1’s Anthem: “BIG SACK”

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Hailing from Gwinnett ‘DA NAWF’, BIG 4.1 emerges as a beacon of authenticity in the realm of hip-hop. With his latest track, “BIG SACK,” recently released and produced by the skilled Joe Peoples, BIG 4.1 delivers not just a song, but a mantra for financial empowerment and self-improvement. In a world obsessed with flaunting bags, BIG 4.1’s message cuts through the noise, urging listeners to focus on filling their “BIG SACK” with tangible wealth rather than mere appearances.

The song’s genesis stems from BIG 4.1’s desire to instill a culture of financial responsibility and foresight. Emphasizing the journey from a single $100 bill to a sizable nest egg, “BIG SACK” serves as a daily anthem for those striving to secure their futures. In an exclusive statement, BIG 4.1 explains his motivation: “It’s that time, it’s right on time for what’s going on and to teach our culture to save up that BIG SACK start at 20. By the time you’re 40 you can retire yourself if you do it right.” With lyrics that resonate beyond the beats, BIG 4.1 aims to spark a movement towards financial literacy and empowerment.

As BIG 4.1 gears up for his show in Anderson, South Carolina, alongside his team, the BOONDOCK KINGS, his mixtape “ME VS ME BAR-4-BAR THE MIXTAPE Vol 1” sets the stage for a musical revolution. Promising “HIP Rock” or “Kuntry Rap,” BIG 4.1 delivers an authentic sound that transcends genres, appealing to listeners from all walks of life. With originality and consistency as his guiding principles, BIG 4.1 stands out not just as an artist, but as a visionary ushering in a new era of meaningful music.

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Victor Ray’s Heart Explodes In “i tried.” EP

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Victor Ray, the rising star on Capitol Records, is set to release his highly anticipated EP, i tried., on June 14th. Until then he unveils the soul filling single Falling Into Place featuring the mesmerizing vocals of UK soul star Debbie. Written from personal experience, the track delves into the whirlwind of emotions that come with falling for someone new, capturing the hope and uncertainty of budding romance. According to Victor:

Falling Into Place” is about “meeting a stranger that you know could end up becoming a lot more.

Debbie relating to the same sentiment added:

The song makes you feel something.

Their collaboration brings an additional depth to the tracks genuine emotion. The EP follows Victor’s sold-out European tour and sees him joining Teddy Swims on his sold-out UK tour, kicking off in Manchester. Named as Apple Music’s new Up Next UK artist, Victor continues to captivate audiences with his soulful sound and heartfelt lyrics. Don’t miss out on his latest musical journey and follow Victor Ray today on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Spotify. Stream “Falling Into Place” below and here.

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