Celebrity Coverage
Spotify and CultureCon Studios Team Up to Launch New Podcast, “CultureCon Uncut” [EXCLUSIVE] – Essence
Photo Source: Maya Iman
Spotify and CultureCon Studios announced today that they’re teaming up to launch an exciting latest original podcast series titled , The premiere is scheduled for Thursday, August 29.
Hosted by Imani Ellis, founder and CEO of CultureCon and The Creative Collective, this video podcast offers an unfiltered take a look at the lives and careers of Black cultural transformers who’ve forged their very own unique paths. Every week until CultureCon in New York City on October 5-6 will feature candid conversations with influential leaders, artists and activists who will share their ups and downs and the difficult path to creative success.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Spotify to amplify the journeys of some incredible visionaries,” Ellis said in an announcement. “The vulnerability and rawness of each episode is sure to inspire the next generation of world-changing creators.”
With , listeners can expect to hear from celebrities like journalist and birthFUND founder Elaine Welteroth, actor and writer Jay Ellis, creative director of beauty and wellness Sir John, CEO and founding father of Uncle Nearest Fawn Weaver, and many more. This series goals to encourage the following generation of creators by uncovering powerful stories of perseverance and passion.
“Our newest content arm, CultureCon Studios, is on a mission to amplify the stories and influence of Black and Brown creators,” said Shareese Bembury-Coakley, Vice President of Partnerships and Business Development at CultureCon. “We’re thrilled to partner with Spotify to launch the first of many exciting audio projects.”
Celebrity Coverage
Hip-hop stars increase voter turnout in the 2024 elections – Essence
(Photo: Kaitlyn Morris/Getty Images)
Ahead of those crucial elections, celebrities and public figures have mobilized to have interaction in the political process by publicly supporting their chosen candidates. Was massive voter turnout in states across the countryand influential voices in the music industry, including Megan Thee Stallion and Quavo, have publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who has added her voice to a youth-led movement that’s reshaping politics.
This initiative will not be an isolated endeavor; it’s a part of a broader wave of digital outreach that has made social media an important tool for mobilizing young voters during election season. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter and TikTok are flooded with messages from celebrities and influencers urging people to vote, and hip-hop artists are leading the way by utilizing their cultural influence to galvanize civic duty. This digital push is particularly necessary in battleground states where Black voters could make a decisive impact, including Georgia, Pennsylvania and Michigan.
However, it will not be only these stars that gather their fans. Some hip-hop artists have gone a step further, using their talents in a final push to spur voter turnout. Atlanta-based Crime Mob artist Lil Scrappy, legendary New Orleans artist Big Freedia, in addition to New Orleans rapper Mia X, civil rights attorney Lee Merritt, and musicians Cookie Nasty and Trae Crockett have collaborated with Hip Hop Club create a political cipher.
The Hip Hop Club was founded as a non-profit organization that strengthens political activism for the younger generation, using hip-hop music and culture as a tool to spread awareness. The political cipher is just certainly one of the initiatives the organization has undertaken this 12 months, following the launch of the Respect My Voice! campaign. Campaign and tour that took place earlier this 12 months.
Hip-hop’s commitment to social justice is nothing latest; the genre has long served as a platform for cultural commentary and political activism. Following in the footsteps of groups like Public Enemy and NWA, today’s artists are carrying the torch forward, proving that hip-hop stays a robust vehicle for change. As each artist in the cypher delivered bars calling on fans to make their voices heard, Mia votes and “if you don’t vote, you don’t matter.”
This effort by Black artists and activists builds on a wave of influential voices calling for motion and public support of Harris.
Scroll below to observe the full political cypher.
Celebrity Coverage
‘All The Queen’s Men’ Returns: Eva Marcille Hosts an Exciting New Season on BET+ – Essence
BET+ is ready to light up the vacation season with the highly anticipated return of season 4, premiering on Thursday, November 28, 2024. Fans can be treated to a gripping, two-episode premiere that may set the tone for what guarantees to be probably the most explosive season yet, with latest episodes published every week.
The hit series, which stars Eva Marcille because the fierce and fearless Marilyn “Madam” DeVille, dives into deeper waters as she embarks on an ongoing mission to destroy those behind her father’s kidnapping. This season’s plot delivers a symphony of intrigue, betrayal and unrelenting ambition as Madam fights fiercely to guard her empire and exact revenge.
Series regulars return to Madam’s dangerous journey, including Skyh Alvester Black (Amp “Addiction” Anthony), Candace Maxwell (DJ Dime) and Racquel Palmer (Blue), bringing greater intensity and complicated dynamics to the screen. With its distinctive mix of high-stakes drama and shocking twists, season 4 is prepared to thrill viewers from start to complete.
For those trying to revisit or catch up on the gripping saga, seasons one through three are actually available to stream exclusively on BET+. With its return, the platform continues to solidify its position as a middle for powerful storytelling and Black excellence in entertainment.
Take a have a look at the trailer below.
Celebrity Coverage
ICYMI: Cardi B’s rally look, Adut Akech’s baby bump and more – Essence
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Ahead of the 2024 election week, stars supported each political and classic hair and makeup moments. From micro bobs and presidential updos to butterscotch lipsticks with matching manicures, moderate shades complemented this season’s trendy hairstyles.
Cardi B’s updo meant business Kamala Harris rally in Milwaukeeturning a straightforward sleep pin-up right into a political statement. The rapper’s beauty moment was the most recent after last week’s rally star look “dance party” with Beyoncéblonde bombshell and microbob Kelly Rowland. However, dominant hairstyles weren’t limited to election campaigns.
Traditional, edgy styles like Coco Jones’s bob and supermodel Anok Yai’s ponytail are transformed into prim and proper with curled ends. The former combined an asymmetric cut with undecided French suggestions: black on one side, white on the opposite. Meanwhile, a sensual nude manicure rested between her lips. To end the week, pregnant Adut Akech styled her baby bump with blackberry nails to match the thick, dark line of her fall lip.
In case you missed it, take a have a look at 9 celebrity beauty moments from the week.
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