Kerry Washington, Zoe Saldana, Quvenzhané Wallis & More Hit The 2013 Independent Spirit Awards

Published

11 years ago

February 24, 2013

On the eve of the Oscars, celebs hit up the big 2013 Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica Saturday afternoon. We’ve got the YBF celebs who made their way to the fab event inside….

She gorgeous and knows how to rock an Italian designer. Django Unchained star Kerry Washington donned a green and purple floral two-toned dress by Giambattista Valli. And paired it with matching shoes and a Bottega Veneta clutch. Adore this look.

Zoe Saldana kept with the green trend and rocked a striped Dolce & Gabbana dress paired with white Casadei pumps with green piping. And she hit the carpet with her sister Cisley:

It’s def not the easiest look to pull off. We don’t hate it, but not loving it.

Zoe posed it up with Best Actress nominee Quvenzhané Wallis.

She and her staple puppy purse looked cute as usual. And we’re pulling for her at the Oscars!

Q brought her mom and sister along for some moral support.

Silver Linings Playbook star Chris Tucker hit the pink carpet in a white dinner jacket.

Paula Patton rocked a matronly look of an off-white knee length lace dress with conservative bow tie Louboutin pumps:

Thoroughly convinced she doesn’t have a stylist. This isn’t Sunday School boo.

"Parks & Recreations" star Rashida Jones is still getting buzz for her Celeste & Jesse Forever movie last year.

Movie 43 star Common hit the event’s pink carpet looking yummy.

Hill Harper made an appearance as well.

And newcomers Emayatzy Corinealdi, who starred in the Miu Miu all-female short "The Door," and David Oyelowo looked fab at the event. David had a role in the Oscar nominated film Lincoln and also starred with Kerry Washington in The Last King of Scotland and will play in Nina with Zoe Saldana.

And speaking of The Door," the short’s director Ava Duvernay took home the John Cassavetes award for her film, Middle of Nowhere. Congrats!

Interview

Behind the Music: Creating KOKOmotion

Published

2 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.

Audio

Cincinnati native Big Lotion drops his new single “Green A Go”

Published

3 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Nancy B

Cincinnati native Big Lotion drops his new single titled “Green A Go.” Listen below via Spotify or on any music platform. You can also follow him on IG.

Artist

Derek2ILL Slays In “Magic Box” Ft. Biggz x Zero 610

Published

1 day ago

April 24, 2024

MJ HipHop

Derek2Ill is busting out the hinges of a “Magic Box.” The new single, presented by Digital Dynasty Music Group features Biggz and comes with production by Zero 610. Listeners will get minutes of in-your-face bars that will keep whack rappers on the sidelines. Classic cuts and scratches heighten the duo’s performance and message. Stream “Magic Box” and connect with the Bethlehem artist below.