Celebrity Coverage

Like Queen Laany’s digital art, it has become a cultural time capsule – essence

Published

1 month ago

March 14, 2025

IAM

Queen Laany. Thanks to the kindness of the artist.

Multi-Hyfenate Saloan Goodwin Dunlap, also often known as Queen Loana, will be known contemporary, will be known for her digital works of pop art, but her artistic journey becomes much deeper. Initially, working in photography, she landed to clients each locally and in the entire country. After her and her husband decided to expand her family in 2019, it was difficult for her to create through this medium, as she wanted.

“I started designing digital pop art at the end of 2019, when I was too pregnant to shoot,” says Dunlap. “The first song was an element of the collection that I still share a lot, as well as a piece of Rihanna, which I have not yet released. In February 2020 I created my piece of black hair and became viral. Immediately afterwards the world closed. “

What began as a creative outlet in the course of the transitional period in her life soon flourished into a powerful type of self -expression. She found inspiration from black experience, moments of popular culture in Black America, in addition to her own basic memories and things she saw in her community and round her. Due to the knowledge of all this, her work immediately resonated with people on the Internet, especially black women who saw one another in her songs. “When I see a photo that moves me, almost as if I had no control over my hands,” says the artist. “I will turn on the music and just go for it.”

Like Queen Laany's digital art, it has become a cultural time capsule

This ability to allow to photo caused its creative juices in such a way that he produces something so fascinating, also caught the favored fashion stylist June Ambrose. Like the remaining of the world, Ambrose found latest stores during a pandemic and asked Dunlap to design art for her and the virtual program of her daughter – it was a match made in heaven.

“I got DM since June, saying:” You have a job! “It surprised me because I wasn’t sure what happened, and I didn’t even remember to apply for anything,” recalls Dunlap. “People marked her in the article I did and she contacted me about my work and asked me to create photos from the cover for her live concert. It seems to me that Pandemia was really a blessing in a disguise, because it also forced people to release and pay attention to things. “

Despite finding success so quickly, Dunlap also realized what she wanted when it involves her art. Yes, the viral was amazing, but additionally undesirable expectations were created on the terms of other people in comparison with her own. She discovered that only to feel when the song was really in the very best and last form.

“I know that it is difficult for people to look at digital artists as real artists, so I have already fought with it,” he explains. “In addition to receiving requests here and there from people who demanded from me to chop my art based on how they wanted it to look. Everything became overwhelming and I just closed myself. “

Given herself for a moment, she returned in 2021 with a latest emphasis on artistic endeavors based on affirmation. These strengthening projects, containing the spirits, still construct their loyal supporters. She even raised the stake by designing the layers of affirmation cards, which also contain her creations.

“It started as a hashtag,” listen to yourself, turn to you, “says Dunlap. “When I put my songs on this planet, I just don’t share that my story, I also need to encourage people. Because sooner or later I experienced and went through it. This is where my affirmations come from. At the start I just tried to feed me, but it also became a have to feed people. There was the purposefulness that bloomed after the primary wave, which was simply popular. “

The same need for motion with the intention also forced her to create more elements that also positively reflect the black male experience in America. He wants black men to feel the identical as of their work, as black women do, especially amongst today’s social climate.

“The inspiration of black men just behind my father’s and my husband’s strength, as well as other people around me,” explains Dunlap. “Of course, creating a job that appeals to black women comes easily because it is my living reality. But when it comes to black men, I want to turn them on more because I don’t think they often receive reflection in such a beautiful way and I want them to have this experience. ”

Looking to the longer term, Queen Loany is worked up to cooperate closely with the National Museum of African American History and Culture in the longer term. Meanwhile, he hopes to begin the debut exhibition of Solo art this 12 months in his hometown of Charlotte.

When all this is claimed and done, she wants her art to be seen as a healing medium, which allows her to attach with people in a significant way. “I want people to connect with the same energy that kept us alive as children again. When they accept my songs, I hope he speaks to these basic memories that were full of joy and simplicity of life. “

Through his living digital works, he definitely does this, while raising his community and maintaining the fantastic thing about black American experience.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com

Celebrity Coverage

WNBA star Aliyah Boston’s Best Assist? Showing the properties of young women of black women is achievable – essence

Published

1 day ago

April 22, 2025

IAM

WNBA star Aliyah Boston's Best Assist? Showing the properties of home -made young black women is achievable

Uncasville, Connecticut – May 14: Aliyah Boston #7 Indiana Fever looks before the match against Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 14, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. Note for the user: The user clearly confirms and agrees that by downloading and or using this photo, the user agrees to the terms of the Getty Images license agreement. (Photo Elsa/Getty Images)

For many young skilled athletes, life is defined by continuous movement.

They spend hours and weeks at training, away matches and latest team cities, which is not exhausting for the body, but in addition the mind. But the star of WNBA Aliyah Boston finally finds his room and involves put away the roots in Charlotte, North Carolina at the age of only 23 years old.

Indiana fever that earned Rookie of the Year Honors in 2023She was in constant motion since she was 12 years old when she left her family home in the US Virgin Islands to implement basketball possibilities in the United States. Now he takes a distinct type of milestone: home owner.

“Entering my new home in Charlotte and realizing that it was my amazing moment,” says Boston Essence. “There was a deep sense of achievement and independence, knowing that I achieved this milestone.”

Boston’s journey to the owner of the house occurs at a time when such achievement is increasingly beyond the reach of many young Americans. According to Latest data From Zillow, lonely women gene with only 5% of all buyers of houses throughout the country. For Boston, securing her own space is greater than a financial investment.

After transition years – from the Virgin Islands to continental America, through her profession in Southern Carolina, where she led GameCocks to the national championships, to the election of the first in the general classification in 2023 a draft in Indiana Fever – Boston defines what the house means.

“I think there are several meanings,” she explained. “I found out figuratively, that a house is more than a place – it is a sense of comfort and belonging, and I was lucky that in many different places for years.”

For Boston, the process of becoming the owner of the house was not without challenges. Like many buyers for the first time, especially those in the twenties, navigating the mortgages, inspections and closures turned out to be discouraging.

“Moving around the housing market and understanding all details can be overwhelming, especially for young people,” she said. “I learned that you don’t have to do it yourself. Like basketball, you want to gather a team of experts who will support you through this process.”

Boston’s announcement in Boston appears shortly after a colleague WNBA Rising Star Angel Reese made an identical power movement by buying his first house at the age of 22. These young athletes construct generational wealth at the starting of their profession, giving an example to other young black women who can see the owner of the house.

“For my black women generation with, who think that the owner of the house is out of reach, I want to say it’s possible!” Boston emphasized. “Educate about this process, look for resources and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Thanks to determination and appropriate support, you can do it!”

On the pitch, Boston still imprints his trail in the era of WNBA full of young talents. After her outstanding debut season, wherein she On average, 14.5 points and eight.4 rebounds per matchShe considered herself one of the most vital players in the league and defensive anchors.

“It’s really an exciting time in WNBA and women’s sports,” Boston wondered. “We are surrounded by veterans of legends, and at the same time so many talented young players impress their trail. Energy is electric, and fans that in my opinion noticed what was fantastic for the development of the game.”

Asked about her relationship with a colleague from class 2023 Caitlin Clark, who drew unprecedented attention to the league, Boston emphasized cooperation on the competition.

“We make every effort to remain grounded and faithful to who we are. I am blessed that I have a family around me and a team of people who keep me on the right track,” she said. “Caitlin and I have great relationships and we focus on mutual support and raising all women in the league and outside. We are competitive on the pitch and wants to win, but at the end of the day it’s all love.”

WNBA has recorded record turnout and viewership this season, with young stars, resembling Boston, Clark, Reese and others attracting latest women’s basketball recipients. In the case of Boston, this growth appears to be validation of the labor, which she and her peers interjected during their journeys.

Looking back at his path from the Virgin Islands to Wnba Stardom, and now the owner of the house, Boston has a message for the younger self: “Be concentrated and continue to trust God’s plan for you. Every challenge and failure is the opportunity to develop and get closer to your dreams.”

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com

Celebrity Coverage

New music this week: Leon Thomas, Alex Isley, Davido and more – Essence

Published

4 days ago

April 19, 2025

IAM

The best new music this week: Leon Thomas and Halle are connected in

Happy Friday, people. Now that spring blooms, artists from all genres release amazing music to enrich the attractive weather. From inspired by hip-hop to south to spiritual R&B sounds, the list of recent editions this week has something.

After a 15-12 months break from the music industry, the singer and songwriter, Keri Hilson, return with a brand new album entitled Leon Thomas and Halle Bailey along with “Rather itself” and the star of Afrobeats Davido. On the rap side, Jid Dreamville will present “WRK”, and the moza hits the 18th streets. Today’s list also accommodates music from Alex IsleyWiz Khalifa, Destin Conrad and others.

Look on the summary of the brand new Essence releases below.

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Alex Isley – “when”

A singer nominated for Grammy, lyrics and producer Alex Isley invites listeners deeper in her sound universe with the discharge of her lush, emotionally wealthy latest EP, WHEN. Stream is HERE.

Way – “WRK”

After the premiere of the song in Dreamville festival A number of weeks ago, Street Now he officially dropped the brand new single “WRK”. Check it out HERE.

Tamar Braxton – “You on You”

Tamar Braxton And the difficult Stewart will merge with the brand new single, entitled “You on You”. Check the record HERE.

Leon Thomas ft. Halle – “rather to be alone”

The singer Leon Thomas continues its success because of the brand new single “Rather alone” with Halle Bailey. Listen to the album HERE.

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Mozzy – “Investmental thoughts”

A representative of the west coast of Mozy dropped 18 Intrusive thoughts Today. Stream latest album HERE.

Destin Conrad – “Public Intusing”

Today, Destin Conrad remains to be constructing a rush resulting in his debut album, Love in digitalwith the discharge of his latest single and video “Kissing in Public”. Check it out HERE.

Pink sweat – “Scared in love”

Today, a talented pink sweat releases “scared in love.” Stream song HERE.

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Goldlink – “Metatron”

From 2025 from Bang, Washington, DC Rapper Goldlink He comes with a brand new single entitled ‘Metatron. ‘Listen to the song HERE.

Wiz khalifa – “Kush + orange juice 2”

Khalifa’s visa rapper returns to his classic Mixtape series with the second installment Kush + orange juice. The album accommodates you Dolla $ IGN, Larry Juune, Juicy J and many others. Listen to this HERE.

Ovrkast. ft. Samara Cyn – “Little conversation”

Today rApp Surgery. joined forces with Samara earlier About the brand new single “Little conversation”. Listen to the song HERE.

Keri Hilson – “We must talk: love”

Almost 15 years after his last album, Keri Hilson returns to the sport with the long -awaited release We should talk: love. Listen to the project HERE.

Kilo Kish ft. Miguel – “negotiations”

The artistic kilo Kish released a brand new song called ArrangementsWhich Contains Miguel. Check it out HERE.

Vedo – “Fine Shit”

The singer Vedo will give “Fine Shit” to the stuffy listeners. Listen to the album HERE.

Hailey Kilgore – “dangerous game”

Today, the Nominee for Grammy and Tony Award Actor and the artist recording Hailey Kilgore drops the brand new single “Dangerous Game”. Stream song HERE.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com

Celebrity Coverage

The “R&B Cookout” route is a family congress we were waiting for – Essence

Published

6 days ago

April 17, 2025

IAM

(Photo Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for M2M Construction)

There is something saint in black cooking. The edition of the rib smell within the air, two -stage hymns playing from the Bluetooth speaker and aunt are in trouble in sundresses and sneakers. It’s greater than a meal-it’s a memory creation. And this summer, the legend of R&B Charlie Wilson bottles this very magic and takes it on the road.

We present uncle Charlie’s R&B Cookout, twenty first City Festival of Black Music, Joy and Points, containing a composition that feels like a list of playback of Greatest Hits: Babyface, K-Ci Hailey and El Debarge. The route begins in Hollywood Bowl on August 27 (without a debrie for chosen dates) and the night of high notes, harmony and residential vibrations.

“This route is not other than everything I did before,” said Wilson in a statement. “As someone who really loves R&B, sharing the scene with my friends Babyface, K-Ci and El is something that I really can’t wait for … R&B Cookout will be one great family meeting for us and our fans.”

For long -time fans of Charlie Wilson – voice for Gap Band’s “Outstanding” And solo hits akin to “Ich Goes My Baby” – this moment is serious. If he hadn’t been yet, this route strengthens him as a cultural Unc, one which hugs the last, wisdom that is still and the songs that the soundtrack of our lives.

And although the music itself is definitely worth the price of admission, the experience of the route sinks deeper. In chosen cities, fans will probably be treated for cooking throughout alive, together with classic dishes, specialized cocktails and a climate chosen for culture. Think: Soul Food meets Soul music, under one nostalgic summer sky.

“The idea came naturally,” said Michael Paran, CEO p music and co-producer of the route. “Instead of building the perfect list of cooking reproduction, I wanted to revive it … This trip is more than great performances. It’s about capturing this feeling.”

And this sense? Remembering your old flame as Babyface “Atut” atmosphere. This is Falsets El Debarge rising like smoke through an open window. It is love, heritage and rhythm-useed and slow.

Regardless of whether you stop together with your day by day or fiercely solo, uncle Charlie’s R&B Cookout is a place where culture will probably be gathered this fall. See the total list of concert dates below.

Dates of concert tours:

August 27 – Hollywood, California – Hollywood Bowl*
August 29 – Concord, Ca – Toyota Pavilion*
September 5 – Detroit, Mi – Little Caesars Arena
September 6 – Chicago, IL – Huntington Bank Pavilion on Northerly Island
September 7 – St. Louis, Mo – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
September 11 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
September 12 – New York, NY – Jones Beach Amphitheatre
September 13 – Boston, Ma – leader Bank Pavilion
September 14 – Philadelphia, Pa – TD Pavilion in Mann
September 19 – Raleigh, NC – Coast Union Music Park
September 20 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Arena
September 21 – Virginia Beach, Va – United Home Amphitheatre
September 26 – Houston, Texas – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman
September 27 – Oklahoma City, OK – Zoo Amphitheater
September 28 – Dallas, Texas – Toyota Music Pavilion
October 3 – Nowy Orlean, La – Smoothie King Arena^
October 4 – Atlanta, Ga – Chastain Park*
October 5 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
October 10-Birmingham, Al-Coca-Cola Amphitheatre
October 11 – Brandon, MS – Brandon Amphitheater*
October 12 – Memphis, TN – FedEx Forum