Grammy-nominated artist Doechii returned to her former place at ul Howard W. Blake High Schoolher alma mater, where she performed on stage at a homecoming ceremony that inspired a brand new generation of artists. The Tampa-born star began her musical journey as a young girl, honing her skills in her school choir. Little did she know that her passion for music would lead her to international fame.

During her visit, Doechii interacted with students participating in the college’s choir program. She shared words of wisdom and discussed the importance of exertions, sacrifice and staying true to yourself.

“It was a beautiful moment for me, reconnecting with my old teachers/staff and walking around the old campus was very grounding for me,” Doechii exclusively says.

Since bursting onto the scene along with her hit single “What It Is (Block Boy),” Doechii has quickly grow to be one of the exciting recent artists in hip-hop.

The highlight of the visit was an issue and answer session, during which students had the chance to ask Doechii about her music, her path to success and her plans for the longer term. She shared her experiences and gave advice on pursuing a profession in music, in addition to the importance of exertions, dedication and being true to yourself.

In a conversation with the scholars, Doechii said that she saw “so much of herself” in them and emphasized that she wanted to give something back to them and encourage them as they progressed of their careers. She expressed deep gratitude to Howard W. Blake High School, saying, “Blake High School has played a huge role in what I have been able to accomplish so far.”

Her latest mixtape only cemented her repute as a rising star, garnering critical acclaim and 4 Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist – an achievement that comes as no surprise.

Doechii left the scholars of Blake High with a reminder that dreams are close by for those willing to work hard and stay true to their vision. Her journey from her school choir program to a Grammy nomination is proof of the ability of passion. For Doechia, returning to her alma mater was not only a way to give back, but additionally to remember the roots that shaped her.

“This was just the first step because as my career progresses, I want to give back and inspire them as much as I can. I’m so grateful my mom signed me up there and I can’t wait to continue making them proud!”

It was a special homecoming season for Rihanna. This week, the makeup artist and popular culture icon officially celebrated the launch of Fenty Beauty in the Caribbean with a launch event in her home country of Barbados!

Rihanna announced via Instagram come early October that the brands might be officially available at select retailers in nine different Caribbean territories. This includes Antigua, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada and St. Maarten from October 24, 2024.

“I always felt awkward that my brand wasn’t in my home, so I always wanted to do it,” the Barbadian native told ESSENCE at the launch event. “I always insisted,” she said. “The moment we received permission to come here, we arrived.”

She also said she plans to proceed rolling out Fenty Beauty in the Caribbean. “The Caribbean, I carry it on my back, just like Barbados. Even though we have now launched operations on nine islands, we will continue to open and expand. We intend to cover the entire Caribbean and beyond,” said the superstar.

Stars prefer it Queen Carterand the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley, were present at the launch event. The ceremony took place last Thursday at the idyllic QP Bistro, an oceanfront restaurant overlooking the island’s west coast. Rihanna, who can be one of Barbados’ national heroines, delighted the participants by having fun with the guests and even taking up the DJ’s microphone.

Rihanna also touched on how her Caribbean heritage has influenced the development and trajectory of her brands, stating: “Beauty has all the time been a really honest space. But now I incorporate ingredients from the island into my skincare, my beauty and the reason I even have the only powder that may mattify you at any time, especially when wet!

“The launch in the Caribbean actually reinforces what we built this brand to be from the starting – which is that it’s inclusive. Everyone found shade, everyone found their soul mate in our gondola,” she said. “I want to keep pushing it. The first person I saw applying foundation was my mother, a black woman. I never knew there was a void. I just did it from the bottom of my heart because that’s what I know.”

For Rihanna, “inclusiveness does not mean being limited to one space. This means insulting everyone. I want to be able to shop at Fenty Beauty, Fenty Skin, Fenty Hair – that’s my goal.”

Just when winter begins to fade, the warmth returns as Camille, Tye, Quinn and Angie return to our screens. The Prime Video favorite will eagerly return for a 3rd season on January 23, promising more drama, laughter, and life-changing decisions for our favourite Harlem Four.

The second season’s cliffhanger left everyone wondering what would occur next, and this 12 months guarantees much more twists and turns as the ladies enter latest stages of their often tumultuous lives. Now they’re able to set their priorities and begin a brand new life. Expect mother-daughter dynamics, romantic complications, and profession crossroads like never before.

The excitement doesn’t end there – season three introduces some latest faces which might be sure to cause a stir. Joining the solid are Meagan Good, Grace Byers, Shoniqua Shandai, Jerrie Johnson and Tyler Lepley, Kofi Siriboe as Seth, a captivating MLB player who quickly catches the attention of certainly one of the women. Meanwhile, Logan Browning steps into the role of Portia, Ian’s former love, whose return to Harlem brings back greater than just memories. Gail Bean and Robin Gives also appear, with Bean playing Eva, a passionate enterprise capitalist working alongside Tye, and Gives playing her powerful mother.

From the creative mind of Tracy Oliver, it continues to explore the complexities of black womanhood with humor and heart, making it a novel comedy that captures the wonder and grit of life in New York City. The latest season, produced by Amazon MGM Studios and Universal Television, reaffirms the series’ position as a source of living storytelling – returning just in time to warm up the winter. So mark your calendars and prepare for a New York minute filled with style, surprises and sisterhood.

Here are some First Look photos from the upcoming third season.

The solid of “Harlem”.

Logan Browning and Tyler Lepley.

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Tyler Lepley and Meagan Good.