A Dutch singer from an early age Naomi Sharon she saw her future. “Around the age of three or four, I was already intrigued by music,” Sharon tells ESSENCE. “If I saw someone on TV, I’d think, ‘Oh, that’ll be me.’ I always dreamed I wanted to do this.” The emotional depth of her sound will be attributed not only to being born right into a music-centric family, but additionally to her inspiration from many culture-bending genres.

Now the first artist signed to Drake’s record label, OVO Sound, Sharon’s debut album (2023) – a 16-track project that exploits her vulnerabilities like a memoir – has transformed her right into a singer-songwriter value watching. Her unparalleled sound is full of musical references from Stevie Wonder and Sting to Eva Cassidy and Sade.

But learning from industry masters is not only a reference point for her ambient voice. “Madonna at the beginning of the 21st century, when she had black hair and everything was gothic and cool tones,” she says about her cosmetic inspirations. “When I go back to the inspiration boards, I look at photos from that period, not only by her, but also by artists in general.”

Currently opening for Tems’ Born in the Wild Tour, the great thing about Sharon’s sound, skin and makeup is eye-catching and ear-fluttering. What about her beauty routine? “I love Korean skin care,” she says. “I think they live in the future. I’m addicted [a brand called] Medicine” – he adds of the viral brand known for his or her Age-R amplifier device.

When it involves make-up, the cool-toned enthusiast obviously refers to Madonna, using her eye shadow palettes Mario’s makeup AND The great thing about Huda. “I like to try new things in every performance, but I never go for warm shades,” she explains. Her natural beauty is not limited to her face – she cuts her hair to stop it being stuck in a weave. “I was addicted. The only way to stop was to just quit,” he says. Still, “I still love to change things up every now and then,” she says, which supplies us a clue as to what we are able to expect from this budding artist, each musically and cosmetically. “It feels like a new era has arrived.”

Happy Friday, people. This week brings a fresh wave of recent music releases from the industry’s biggest stars that you do not need to miss. From highly anticipated debut albums to a beloved musician’s return to form, there’s something for everybody.

GloRilla presents performances by Megan Thee Stallion and Latto, and October London gives its fans gifts. Today, hip-hop fans can vibe to latest singles by Cordae and EARTHGANG, and R&B lovers shall be delighted with the newest jazz offering from Amari and Samara Joy. No matter what genre you want, this week’s repertoire is certain to fill your playlist with the most popular latest songs.

Below you may read our list of recent products.

GloRilla – “GREAT”

Today, GloRilla continues its phenomenal yr with the discharge of its debut album EXCELLENT. The project features stars similar to Megan Thee Stallion, Latto, Sexyy Red, Kirk Franklin, T-Pain and more. Listen to this HERE.

Tyla – “TYLA+”

Tyla releases a deluxe edition of her self-titled debut album today, which features three latest songs: “Shake Ah,” “Push 2 Start,” and “Back to You.” Check it out HERE.

Kane Brown – “Backseat Driver”

Ahead of the discharge of his Different Man album, country star Kane Brown releases lead single “Backseat Driver.” Listen to the song HERE.

Pharrell Williams – “Piece by Piece” [Soundtrack]

In celebration of the premiere of the animated biopic, super producer and musician Pharrell Williams is gifting listeners with the film’s official soundtrack. The album includes classic recordings and five original songs. Stream HERE.

DeJ Loaf – “The End of Summer”

Today, DeJ Loaf releases his first album in 4 years titled End of Summer. The album features Meek Mill, 2 Chainz, Kash Doll, Babyface Ray and more. Check it out HERE.

October London – “October Nights”

Singer October London releases his second album. The project features 15 original tracks, just about all produced, mixed and mastered by October London himself. Listen to the album HERE.

Amaria – “Free Fall”

The talented Amaria releases her third album Free falling. Check out the 12-track project HERE.

Samara Joy – “Portrait”

To the delight of jazz (and music) fans world wide, young Samara Joy presents her latest album Portrait. Listen to this HERE.

EARTHGANG, Spillage Village and T-Pain – “Love You More”

Atlanta rap duo EARTHGANG shares latest song – lead single “Love You More” featuring T-Pain from their upcoming album Perfect fantasy. Check it out HERE.

Culture Jam, Saweetie, Flo Milli, Lay Bankz – “Pretty Girls Cry Too”

Three talented hip-hop ladies – Flo Milli, Saweetie and Lay Bankz – collaborate on the song “Pretty Girls Cry Too”. Listen to this HERE.

Skepta ft. Flo Milli – “Why Lie”

Popular Skepta collaborates with Flo Milli on the visuals for “Why Lie”. Watch the video HERE.

Cordae – “Mad as F*ck”

Cordae lit up 2024 together with her collaboration with Lil Wayne, “Saturday Mornings,” followed by “Summer Drop.” Today he released his latest single “Mad As F*ck”. Check it out HERE.

Curren$yx DJ.Fresh – “The Encore”

Hailing from New Orleans, Curren$y collaborates with DJ.Fresh of their joint project The Encore. Listen to this HERE.

The journey from sports star to business tycoon is not easy – it’s more like a grueling marathon with unexpected obstacles.

However, Black female athletes are overcoming these obstacles to create empires that reach far beyond the sphere and court. Their transition is not only a game changer; it’s rewriting the algorithm for fulfillment.

Report on the state of women-owned enterprises for 2023 he dropped a bombshell: Between 2014 and 2019, the variety of Black women-owned businesses skyrocketed by 50%. It’s not only growth – it is a boom that is shaking up the entrepreneurial landscape. And guess who’s leading the charge? The same women who break records and shatter expectations in sports.

Serena Williams: Serena aces at Venture Capital

When Serena Williams steps onto the court, everyone pays attention to her. Now he commands the identical respect in boardrooms. By Serena Venturesdoesn’t invest only in start-ups; is revolutionizing the VC game.

With over 60 firms in her portfolio, Williams doesn’t just write checks – she modifies lives. In 2022, she raised a staggering $111 millionbut here’s the most effective part: it’s focused on founders who’ve been marginalized previously. From beauty disruptors to ed-tech innovators, Williams embraces diversity. And let me inform you, this bet is paying off.

Remember when Allyson Felix and Nike had that public spat? Instead of letting this derail her, Felix tied his shoelaces and jumped right into entrepreneurship. Enter Saysh, its originator within the sports footwear space.

This isn’t one other celebrity brand. Felix saw a niche available in the market – athletic shoes designed for women’s feet, not only smaller versions of men’s shoes – and rushed to fill it. Thanks to Series A funding of $8 million Saish it is not only a brand; this statement. Felix says, “If you don’t give us what we need, we will create it ourselves.”

Renee Montgomery: Changing the sport from the owner’s box

Renee Montgomery not only retired from the WNBA, but additionally stepped up. As co-owner of the Atlanta Dream team, she not only initiates actions – she initiates decisions that affect the complete league.

This move isn’t only historic; it’s revolutionary. Montgomery’s transition from player to owner is like going from reading a book to writing it. She’s not only in the sport; it changes how it’s played, who can play it, and who advantages from it.

Let’s not beat across the bush – the road to entrepreneurial success is steep, especially for black women. The ProjectDiane 2022 report exposed the ugly truth: Black women founders received a paltry 0.27% of total enterprise capital investment in 2018-2019. It’s like running a marathon in cement shoes.

But that is where athletes shine – they are used to defying adversity. Take Candace Parker. Not only did she collaborate with Adidas; she signed a contract for her own signature line, and to top it off she even became president Adidas women’s basketball. In a world where female athletes in statement shoes are as rare as unicorns, Parker doesn’t just play the sport – she modifies the consequence.

There can be Nneka Ogwumike – WNBA star, Adidas athlete and trade union president. He’s not only fighting for higher pay on the court, he’s fighting for equality within the boardroom and leading the best way within the media. Her moves are a masterclass in harnessing athletic prowess for long-lasting results.

It’s not nearly individual success stories. It’s about making a plan for the following generation. Young athletes watching these women don’t just dream of gold medals – they imagine constructing an empire.

Ripple effect

When these athletes-turned-entrepreneurs make waves, they do not just disrupt industries, they transform them. They prove that skills honed over years of sports discipline – resilience, strategic considering, teamwork – are invaluable within the business world.

Their success isn’t just personal; it is common. By breaking into spaces traditionally closed to them, they open doors for others to follow. They don’t just construct firms; they create a legacy that can outlast any sporting record.

The impact of those women goes far beyond balance sheets and financial results. They change narratives, challenge stereotypes and redefine leadership. In this fashion, they not only change the foundations of the sport – they create a very recent field of activity.

As we glance to the long run, one thing is evident: the following generation of game changers won’t just appear on our screens and stadiums. They will serve on our boards, lead progressive firms and spearhead social change. They can even have the chance to thank the pioneers, athletes-turned-entrepreneurs, for showing them that the trail to victory doesn’t end after they leave the court – it is just just starting.