How far would you go to find inner peace? How far would you go to share that inner peace with others after you’ve found it? That’s the important part, isn’t it? Sharing a newfound peace with others so that they can find it too.
The most famous unfamous singer-songwriter, Mike Posner, is doing exactly that. His journey from Asbury Park, NJ to Venice Beach, CA, ensued two weeks ago, just a couple of months after he released his latest album A Good Kid, in Jan.
In a recent IG post, he said,
“I hope my walk can remind myself and others that life is now. Life isn’t in five years or after I accomplish some goal. This is it. We have to enjoy each step.”
The album is an in-depth look at the triple threat of tragedies that have recently occurred in Posner’s life — the death of his father, his longtime collaborator Avicci, and homie Mac Miller.
For anyone who has lost someone, especially three people over the course of two years, you know that refilling that void can be difficult. Still, somehow we must find a way to stay strong and carry on.
Some are able to continue on their life journey by creating and others by giving the love that they had for their lost ones to those that really need it. For Posner, it seems as if he’s tackling his inner issues by walking across America and performing what he’s described as “ninja concerts.”
Incredible, isn’t it? It takes a lot of strength to stand up after you take an L and remind people that you’re still in it to win it. The beauty of continuing can inspire many and what Posner is doing is a direct reminder of what true inner peace can look like.
On this journey across America, he’s disconnected with worldly things and connected to what really matters — the people. He’s touching the hearts of those with his music. We can only wonder what he’s thinking.
Is he ok? Yes. Will he keep going? Of course, we need him to. All we can do is hope that those who he comes across on his journey across The Land of Opportunity will be inspired and find the same inner peace Posner has found.
Please, keep on going Posner.
Also, if you haven’t had a chance to stream his new album A Good Kid we ask that you do so below.
Ye’s clout might have come into question, again, after what went down at his Easter Sunday Service at Coachella.
Pitchfork called Ye’s performance atop a grassy California mountain “A Sacrilegious Mess.” Plus, Twitter fingers unveiled performance hiccups and the blasphemous cost of Kanye’s “Sunday Service” apparel.
Yet, I still feel like that shit was hot. Everything was straight heat. The fact that this man convinced Coachella that he would do his performance on top of a mountain like when Jesus read the Beatitudes is unheard of.
Another firey moment, he made us watch the whole thing through a peephole. Most hated it but it’s creative moments like this we live for. Not to mention the merch. Yeah, he sold church socks for $50 but stop hating you wish you had thought of that first.
What about the dookie brown “Holy Spirit” sweaters selling for $225? Or the t-shirts going for $70 a pop? Stop acting like the church hasn’t been robbing society of their coin for centuries fam. Pull up to the Vatican, you’ll see the pope has nuns flipping rosaries like candy and for the racks too.
Don’t play yourself. You know that no matter how much hate for Kanye has festered in your musical soul, deep down, you still love what he does. From the purple Flintstone vitamin fit to missing a lyric while performing “All Falls Down,” we all should’ve loved Yeezus’ Easter Sunday Service performance at Coachella.
This performance was a musical blessing and historical. Even if you didn’t like it we bet this was the first thing you and the homies talked about when you dapped it up. In fact, everyone is talking about “the performance,” all around the world. In the end, isn’t that the whole purpose of what Kanye did anyway.
Furthermore, if people aren’t talking about how shitty or good Ye did at Coachella this year, they’re definitely talking about the new track he dropped at the end of his two-hour set.
Titled “Water” the song features a high pitched singing Kanye, is accompanied by a gospel choir, and features collaborator Ant Clemons . This is definitely an early morning shower track or maybe your new alarm. Either way, it’s something that sticks.
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Keep going Kanye and keep inspiring us, fam. We know about your back peddling but it’s even better to know that you are making a move towards redemption.
In May, New York artist Kehinde Wiley will finally be able to call his new studio space and artist-in-residence program, in Dakar, home. Lowkey, over the past five years or so, the contemporary painter was working on his multi-disciplinary residency program Black Rock Senegal.
Back then the idea was just conceptualized and the site where Black Rock Senegal would be built was a rock-and-litter-filled plot. Now, at the same site, a 4,000 sq foot house, infinity pool, and a three-story townhouse are almost completed.
These are very boss moves from the man who painted a presidential portrait of Barack Obama in 2017. Yet Black Rock Senegal seems like an initiative that’s been in the back of Wiley’s mind for some time now. After all, he did his residency at the Studio Museum in Harlem back in 2005.
For sure, it will be a very special feeling for Wiley when he throws down for the official opening of Black Rock Senegal in late May. But most importantly, this is huge for international artists looking to invest time in their creative careers. Why? Wiley has made himself of a gatekeeper within the art industry.
“There was that feeling of destabilization and of fear, that sense of adventure, of not knowing what will come of it. I hope those who come here will feel all that.”
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Who wouldn’t want to be under Wiley’s wings while chillin’ in Dakar? The westernmost point of continental Africa is a cultural haven. Freshly caught fish, dope mbalax music, and DAK’ART are enough to keep any artist entertained.
Of course, a stipend is provided and trips to Gorée Island and the newly opened Musée des Civilisations Noires will be organized. Plus, the views, steam room and sauna, and infinity pool we’re sure would make it easy for anyone to settle in. Especially,
Additionally, while at Black Rock Senegal, three multidisciplinary artists, at a time, will have the chance to take part in one-to-three-month sessions.
During their stay, they will take English, French, and Wolof tutoring sessions in order to navigate Senegal with ease. Throwing in more support, the diverse group of creatives will have Wiley’s staff on deck to assist with studios visits from local and visiting artists and curators. Wiley told The Cut,
“For most of these artists, this will be their first time in Dakar. So, having only three artists at a time will allow for a more immediate experience.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwUslM1gxwn/
How can we help but be excited for Wiley and his new Senegal venture? He’s putting it on for creatives. The artists won’t just be painters but filmmakers, photographers, sculptors, textile artists, writers, and mix media masterminds.
The deadline to apply was April 15, 2019. Still, you never know. Put an application in, keep your fingers crossed, stay updated, and hope another admissions period is right around the corner. It has to be an experience of a lifetime.
Laura Ingraham, you are wildin’ for respect fam. What were you thinking on Friday’s episode of The Ingraham Angle? Did the culture miss something? Is there a reason why you found humor in the death of our king Nipsey Hussle Tha Great after he was put to rest three hours earlier?
To you, Mrs. Ingraham, it might just be another black person that lost his life to the cold streets. But, for us, FOR US, Nipsey was more than great. He was and still is a beacon of hope for many.
He wasn’t just some thug. He was our thug. A thug with a large heart. A thug who was human. A thug that left behind two children. A thug who was truly invested in his community. A thug who had a legacy.
His life’s blueprint can be used as a way out for the youngins still chained to the streets. Your sarcastic remarks on your little Fox show were not needed. Still, you couldn’t hold back, could you?
That tight lip of yours couldn’t refrain from throwing shade on one of the greatest rappers. Your tight skinny lip just couldn’t hold back…
“Now that’s a very creative refrain,” Ingraham goes. Pshhh.
THAT’S RIGHT LAURA. YEAH, FUCK DONALD TRUMP, STILL! Just seeing how hard it was for you to say “F Donald Trump” was entertaining hell! It sent a chill through my spine watching you clench your jaw while saying the sweetest phrase I’ve heard in the past decade.
Unannounced to you Mrs. Ingraham, “FDT” is a revolutionary rap track packed with metaphors and hip-hop similies, but all you heard was the hook. Did you even bother watching the video from the beginning? Did you even bother to do your research before putting up the “FDT” snippet? Because in that little video you played you featured the big homie YG not Nipsey Hussle, cuz.
Mrs. Ingraham, you missed the part where YG and Nipsey Hussle charged viewers to “register and choose wisely.” If you were to call yourself a “journalist” you would’ve been well aware of what this video really represented.
But, no you want to focus on the hook. What about the three other verses or the interlude…
“We the youth. We the people of this country. We got a voice too. We will be seen, and we will be heard.”
All artists ask for are to be heard. Similarly, it’s just like millions of people hear you, every day, on your ass racist show. Truthfully, Mrs. Ingraham, your actions were truly trashy AF!
Do better dawg. Simply put, Laura [clasp hands and exhales], it’s not looking to good for you out here on these streets. Don’t you ever talk down on an OG’s name ever again. Especially, because he’s not alive to clap back.
It is important for masterminds to work together. Especially, if the work drives others to become great. Instilling this greatness in the youth is the XQ Super School non-profit initiative.
Established in 2015, XQ Super School’s mission is to fuel America’s collective creativity. But how Sway? Pushing the culture forward, this community of educators, students, families, and civic-minded citizens are rethinking high school education so that every student succeeds.
Thus far, XQ has pledged more than $130 million to create Super Schools that make those visions a reality.
Propelling this mission even further is the nonprofit’s storytelling tour XQ Super School Live.
The collaboration between the initiative and Pop-Up Magazine brings together the power of storytelling, theatre, and art to ignite social change in communities throughout the United States.
This year, XQ Super School Live kicked off in Memphis and has hit other major cities like Nashville, Denver, Colorado Springs, San Diego, LA, and Chicago. There’s one remaining citiy for the multimedia tour at VA Beach. Get tickets here.
With the support of major figures, advocates, and key tastemakers like Pharell Williams, Ava DuVernay, Marc Ecko, Hebru Brantley, and more, XQ Super School Live is inspiring youngins on their grind.
In light of all these inspirators working together for a greater cause we caught up with XQ Super School’s creative chair and creative director, Hebru Brantley and Marc Ecko.
For our interview, the Chicago based artist and Complex Magazine founder discussed the power of creativity and how the two ensure the right message is conveyed to high school students through the XQ Super School Live initiative.
Both Hebru and Marc grew up during a time period where there weren’t enough programs instilled in high school curriculums that supported creatives. “There was nothing set up in the school system to help cultivate our voices,” said Hebru.
As a young cat growing up in Southside Chicago he was more reliant upon his peers to engage in the arts in order to sustain a community amongst themselves. For this reason, XQ Super School’s mission drew in the established artist. He told us,
“Programs for fostering creative talent were pretty non-existent when I was growing up… I think that is a huge reason that I was drawn to XQ’s mission, I would love to be able to give younger generations the opportunity to learn in a way that is best for them.”
Back in the 90s, after Ecko graduated high school, he had to learn a great deal of his creative craft on his own. “It sounds hard to believe, but back in 1990, when I was graduating High School— the notion of what desktop publishing and a copy of photoshop could do for creatives was not mainstream,” he said.
For this reason, Ecko was able to personally relate. He spoke on how the “system” needs to keep up. Trust, it would make a difference.
“So many more kids don’t have that shot, and it is a shame that the system can’t keep up with them. So often kids don’t so much drop out, as much as they “drop in” to other things that are more challenging or seemingly stimulating. Unfortunately, if conditions aren’t right— that doesn’t always end up successfully.”
For everyone who is able to attend the XQ Super School Live experience, Ecko and Hebru, as creative director and creative chair, work to ensure a powerful message is conveyed.
The two have known each other for some time. So, an artsy collaboration was inevitable. Plus, Hebru has been itching to collaborate with Ecko on something. So for him, it was great to finally be working with him on XQ’s initiative.
For a long time, Ecko has admired Hebru’s works because his Flyboy and Lil Mama characters have served as a source of inspiration for people from all walks of life. “I am grateful that so many people feel connected to my characters and the stories that I tell. I am excited to be able to contribute in this way,” said Hebru.
Although Hebru’s heroic characters appear child-like they naturally appeal to the youth. They allow young people to understand the story that he is telling and integrate their story too.
“I hope that it inspires them to dream bigger,” he said.
Ecko spoke on how it is an honor to work with Hebru and his studio for a great cause.
“He [Hebru] is a world builder. I am very drawn to his portrayal of heroes. I look at the work and I am always imagining what the backstories are. What does Lil’ Mama’s voice sound like? Where are they soaring too? Really, we are lucky because we are so creatively aligned— and there is such a strong foundation within his universe to draw from.”
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XQ Super School Live proves that collaboration between creatives can make waves in a pond of cultural problems. For our interview, Marc touched on the importance of artists working together for a greater cause.
“The greatest outputs I have ever had, both from a net-net outcome professionally and personally, have come by route of collaboration,” he said. His collaborations weren’t incidental or for clout either.
“Tackling the complicated issue of rethinking high schools in America is going to take a lot of conversations. Lots of listening. Lots of persuasions. Lots of unrelenting persistence. Hebru is so powerful for XQ, as he helps us tackle this from a cultural perspective— through hearts and imagination.”
For Hebru, “it’s impossible to create real change without the help of others.” Particularly, without his network of creatives and thinkers, he wouldn’t be able to develop as an individual and within his craft.
Creative collaboration is necessary and Hebru couldn’t be more thankful.
“I am so fortunate to have a great network of creatives that are always looking to collaborate and elevate one another.”
XQ Super School Live’s initiative is helping the youth at the foundation of their lives and that’s of great significance. Leaders like Hebru and Ecko need to come together to inspire those who might be looking for light.
Forever they will be an example for younger generations to prosper, wherever their positive interests may lie. Similarly, they are both “creatively restless” and will not stop until their missions are complete.
At the close of our interview, both Ecko and Hebru and left wisdom behind for the youngins looking to swerve within the same lane.
“Be restless. Do not settle. And please; apply your energy and creativity to industries that NEED innovation. Spread the skills,” said Ecko.
Hebru added,
“Dream big. Take full advantage of the resources available to you. The world is at your fingertips with the internet, utilize it to research and learn all that you can.”
Word up! Make sure you stay in tune with XQ Super School’s mission. Hopefully, they’ll be able to make a change within your community too.
Surrealist master mind Clockwork Cros has cultivated a scent in remembrance of renown artist Frida Kahlo.
The FK perfume conceptualized by the LES artist embodies the very signature scent that followed the talented Mexican female artist.
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The aroma was first introduced to the senses of those who were able to attend Clockwork Cros curated site Frida Kahlo House during Miami at Art Basel 2018.
The project celebrated legendary painter and cultural phenomenon, Frida Kahlo, by presenting work from contemporary artists who valued her ethos.
Artfully celebrating Kahlo’s creativity, a 40-foot shipping container was turned into a three-day multimedia pop-up experience at the Satellite Art Show in Miami.
Additionally, the exhibit featured works from not only Clockwork Cros but from artists Filip Custic, Lola Jiblazee, Keli Lucas, Augustus Pallante, HidjiWorld, Marguerite Van Cook, Jasmine Besiso and E Besiso and Ellie Weatherbee.
Showing even more love to Kahlo’s legacy, a percentage of sales and post-show sales from “FRIDA KAHLO HOUSE” were donated to Rotary Polio in order to help realize would-be-doctor Frida Kahlo’s original intention of helping others overcome Polio.
Obviously, the pop-up exhibition represented Frida Kahlo correctly — down to the scent that whisked around patrons’ noses, fam. FK truly summons a realm filled with honey and roses. Provided by some of the world’s most renowned perfumers the fragrance is unforgettable.
Many have said that Kahlo’s perfume was so extraordinary that her fragrance announced her presence even before she arrived. Furthermore, those interested can use a touch of FK for subtle and enticing effect, or mist to make a bold lingering statement.
Plus, the fragrance is safe and sustainable, containing phthalate/paraben-free organic ingredients. The FK perfume that permeated the three-day installation is now available here. Also, stay posted for more Frida Kahlo clocks…
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv2QNUiFWgx/
Talk about embodying the essence of a legend. Good shit Clockwork!
Last year’s Made in America Fest. was chock full of great performances… Nicki Minaj, Janelle Monáe, Based God, Tekashi 69 (aka Lil Lord Voldemort), Meek Mill, Jay Rock, and more.
It was fun. Still, this year, it’s finna be the movie we’ve all been waiting to see. For MIA Fest ’19 headliners Travis Scott and Cardi B will grace the stage. We are sure everyone will be raging — Budweiser in hand.
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Not to mention a performance from Juice Wrld whose appearance at Made in America last year rocked the TIDAL stage. Fans held on to stoplights and climbed trees just to get a peek of Juice Wrld’s clout.
For sure, the 20-year-old rapper, singer, songwriter, will crush his set at Made in America 2019, especially if heavy hitters like James Blake, Anderson .Paak, and Jorja Smith are supporting acts.
Additionally, uncle Jay-Z is back at it again with his philanthropic vibes. Over two years he has helped 21 Savage and Meek Mill, handling their legal business godfather style. Then he got the case of a Florida 6th-grader dismissed for not standing during the Pledge of Allegiance.
Now, for Made in America 2019, he looks to give back and have a positive impact on all the communities involved.
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Since the inaugural two-day concert in 2012, the event has generated $102.8 million in economic impact for the city. Produced by Roc Nation, this year’s festival will once again benefit the ACLU of Pennsylvania as its official charity partner.
Additionally, a portion of net proceeds will also support The REFORM Alliance. What’s the REFORM Alliance? The initiative’s purpose looks to remove one million people from the criminal justice system within five years. Boss!
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Furthermore, the festival not only honors artists and music lovers, but it also benefits organizations that are vital to accomplishing much needed positive work through Cause Village.
As always Made in America is going down at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, PA and for those unable to attend, global music and entertainment platform, TIDAL, will live stream the festival on TIDAL.com/MIA.
Of course, TIDAL members will have access to a special pre-sale beginning on Tuesday, April 2 at 10 am EDT through Thursday, April 4 at 10 pm EDT. Plus, those who sign up for TIDAL to access the presale will receive a free three-month trial.
The perks for copping TIDAL? Members attending the festival will have access to a wide array of exclusive benefits including fast track entrance, and TIDAL lounge access with air conditioning.
Other come ups include seating and complimentary phone charging, artist meet and greets, ticket upgrades, limited-edition merchandise and premium views of the main stage on the TIDAL VIP riser. Honestly, all of these perks at Made in America were very lit last year.
The last time we spoke to Harold Villarosa he was redefining what it means to be a boss chef in the kitchen. Since then, his influence has reached many and has transformed into something special.
Watching him make moves in the cooking industry is cinematic and we couldn’t resist the temptation to see what Chef Villarosa was up to when we were invited to pull up to his most recent food pop-up at Skal Brooklyn.
At Skal Brooklyn, the vibey setting was inviting as miniature in-pot plants and palms were placed perfectly around the quaint space. From the entrance, you could see the kitchen and Chef Harold with his creative and culinary teams. Like the homie he is, he greeted me at the door with the ultimate dap.
Next to him, was his photographer and Creative Director, Ivan Halpern. They both looked amped for the Unkle Harold’s pop-up that would soon ensue. In the background, a woman was scribing on a chalkboard – Unkle Harold’s Pop Up Launch by Insurgo – this was about to become a milestone in Chef Harold’s career.
Photo Cred: @ai.creo
The event marked the beginning of a new conceptual culinary initiative. Chef Villarosa spoke about the importance of his Unkle Harold’s pop up and what it means to the youth. He said,
“It’s to show everyone that you can do it too. The significance of Unkle Harold’s represents me as a chef working for other people over 18 years, being able to step out on my own, and create a pathway for me to make money…”
His pop-up is evidence that with the right mentality you can break the system. We have to teach the next generation not only how to maneuver through education but also how to navigate a room full of vultures.
Take the time you need to perfect your craft and always build on your brand. You have to find yourself before you have an organic selling point.
“You can be whoever you want to be, just be happy and leave all those problems you have at the door. At Unkle Harold’s we’re chillin’,” said Chef Villarosa.
The brand is strong.
Unkle Harold’s represents everything Chef Villarosa has done throughout his career and who he is as a family man. Including his work with the UN and their efforts to reach their sustainability goals. Not to mention his dealings with Chef’s Manifesto and US Embassies.
“Unkle Harold’s will become a hub for social gastronomy, food justice, and social justice.”
On long wooden and blue tiled tables, in the middle of the cafe, collapsible food boxes were lined up and ready to be endorsed by Chef Villarosa, stamped with an Unkle Harold’s sticker, and then filled with tasty eats.
Photo Cred: @ai.creo
Looking at the boxes, they reminded me of open mouths that couldn’t wait to be filled. I was hungry and couldn’t wait to find out what was going inside each box. My eyes danced around the room and my pupils landed on the kitchen once more.
Chicken thighs were frying, collard greens were soaking, biscuits were baking, and a thick cheese was melting over penne pasta in an oven. This is what would go in each box and bring a smile to everyone who purchased one.
In a way, it was like Chef Villarosa was paying homage to the chicken spots in our own respective hoods, from Church’s to Kennedys Fried Chicken. But there’s a twist, Unkle Harold is not afraid to let people know where his food comes from.
Chef Villarosa is a huge supporter of the field to fork movement and finds it very important that people are educated about where their food is sourced.
“Even though it’s fried chicken, the chicken will be one of the best chickens you’ll ever taste because it comes from a farm that treats its chickens well instead of making this mass-produced product.”
What can’t this man do? The Filipino born and South Bronx raised culinary genius made his way to the top by raising rank in the kitchen.
Literally, he’s made moves up the culinary ladder from behind a grill at McDonald’s to working alongside Michelin star awarded restaurateur, Claus Meyer at WellPlated in Times Sq.
Not to mention the work he’s doing within the community through the Insurgo Project that ensures our urban youth have opportunities to embody the flavors from an international culinary movement.
Through Insurgo, Chef Villarosa is working hard to season the culinary game and empower people from all walks of life. Everyone embraced is “an engineer of their own faith” and although it’s food related it focuses on inspiring those who work hard.
“We speak the language of the people,” said Chef Villarosa.
Photo Cred: @ai.creo
Chef Villarosa is really for the people.
His assistant chef for the night, Fe, has been a long time disciple and was right alongside him the whole night while they both cheffed away to keep hungry bellies at bay. From day one she told me that Villarosa gave her a chance.
After she lost her job Chef Villarosa took her under his wing and after seeing that Fe knew her way around the kitchen it was a wrap.
“He’ll give you your freedom to do what you want to do but help guide it. He’s been like a big bro to me from day one,” said Fe.
Photo Cred: @ai.creo
Big bro or Unkle, whatever you want to call Chef Villarosa, we know that he is more than a mentor. Plus, his undying passion to educate inner-city youths and urban communities about healthier food options go unmatched.
Whether it’s knowledge about food sustainability or holding your hand through financial fires, for sure Chef Harold wants all to understand that there is always a way to create something.
Expect to see more Unkle Harold’s pop-ups around the globe as Chef Villarosa looks to embark on an Asian tour. Additionally, keep your eyes peeled for Insurgo as they expand into the non-profit and tech sectors.
“We’re excited and we are in a good place. We are trying to be a new type of company where we are multi-disciplined. But we always come back to our core which is giving back to the community, making sure we never forget where we come from, and uplifiting the next generation so that they are successful too.”
Virgil Abloh debuted his LV menswear collection “We are the World” this past Fashion Week in Paris. Normally, most would be hype but it appears as if many are low-key questioning the Michael Jackson influence.
Lately, eyes have been glued on Virgil Abloh. It’s like Abloh is under a microscope on a partly cloudy day and it’s only a matter of time before the fashion giant gets roasted. We don’t want that…
In a recent profile published this month, the New Yorker deemed him “menswear’s biggest star.” Throughout the piece, he discussed the controversy surrounding plagiarism claims that have surfaced and his “We are the World” menswear collection that gave tribute to the greats – Basquait, Jordan, Jackson.
The rumors of plagiarism surfaced again when watchdogs within the “drip industry,” known on IG as @Diet_Prada juxtaposed pictures of Off-White drops that were very similar to what indie streetwear labels Colrs and Gramm. had already released.
“Another men’s fashion week, another @off____white collection with cherry-picked references from indie streetwear labels,” the caption whines before going into an in-depth explanation of how this might not be a coincidence…
Seasoned vets ripping ideas off of upcoming cubs within any industry is an act that is as old as time itself. Still, it would be a pity, if Virgil really did mean steal the ideas of young bulls trying to make a break in the game.
It’s easy to think that he did do them dirt, but in his interview with the New Yorker he actually gave his haters some props and said, “All props to them, that’s a great concept…”
The 38-year-old designer would then stand his ground and exclaim that he had never seen the Colrs look when he designed his yellow Off-White ensemble. He went off on a rant,
“I could go on for a whole hour about the human condition and the magnet that is negativity. That’s why the world is actually like it is. That’s why good doesn’t prevail, because there’s more negative energy. You can create more connective tissue around the idea that this is plagiarized. It’s better just to sit and point your finger. That’s what social media can be. All that space to comment breeds a tendency to fester, versus actually making something…”
From his response, it’s easy to understand that re-creating a clothing piece that is awfully similar to that of another designer’s can be coincidental. But, Virgil we still need a better explanation… What’s really good with all the MJ references?
I know its hard to let him go and the both of us might be lying to ourselves about the things Michael Jackson allegedly did but this is terrible timing to drop anything related to the “King of Neverland.” Still, how could he have known?
In his interview with the New Yorker, Abloh was asked if he’d heard anything about the four-hour Leaving Neverland HBO documentary which would debut eight days after his “We are the World” collection.
He explained, that he wanted to focus on “the Michael that I thought was universally accepted, the good side, his humanitarian self.” Yeah, MJ did a lot of great things but no one cares, his name has been tarnished forever.
As a result, any items that have an MJ touch will not go to production. LV released a statement via WWD, where Abloh condemned child abuse and explained his intentions. he said,
“I am aware that in light of this documentary the show has caused emotional reactions. I strictly condemn any form of child abuse, violence or infringement against any human rights… My intention for this show was to refer to Michael Jackson as a pop culture artist. It referred only to his public life that we all know and to his legacy that has influenced a whole generation of artists and designers.”
Since the worldwide cancellation of the ‘King of Pop,’ some radio stations have stopped playing Jackson’s music, ads have been taken down, and The Simpsons pulled their Michael Jackson episode.
Even Drizzy made some bold moves and removed the song “Don’t Matter to Me” that features MJ’s vocals from his setlist on the UK leg of his international tour.
No radio. No ads. No TV. No features. With the controversy surrounding “menswear’s biggest star” and his LV, trust, that we can expect to see MJ’s legacy dissipate from the fashion industry as well.
Skrrrt, Skrrrt! If you haven’t peeped their latest Instagram post yet, the Migos have partnered with Canadian automotive company Can-Am, to launch the all-new 2019 Can-Am Ryker three-wheel motorcycle.
Widely known now for their hit single “Motorsport” the partnership with Can-Am was a no brainer. Flashes from cameras go off as Quavo, Offset and Takeoff are seen stunting infront of the new 2019 Can-am Ryker in the short hype clip they posted on the gram.
While ad-libbing and serving up some bars like “Stryker Ryker wave NO CAP” it’s obvious that no other rapper, influencer, celebrity, or brand ambassador could’ve flexed harder for the three-wheel motorcycle drop.
“The Ryker is hard, that’s why we’re excited to team up with them” said Quavo. “Can’t wait to get one of my own. Skrrt Skrrt!”
For sure, there is more than a volcano of motor culture erupting when it comes to having the fastest, dopest, and waviest roadster out there.
Additionally, hailing from Atlanta, which has been a hotbed of hip-hop and youth culture throughout the last decade, the Migos witnessed firsthand the ways powersports can fuse into an urban environment to create a unique dynamic and aesthetic.
The new Ryker comes strapped with over 75,000 ways to customize it and for this release, Can-Am created three custom Ryker’s, one for each member of Migos, for them to enjoy.
The amount of drip that comes with the $8,500 three-wheeled motorcycle is undeniably unreturnable and it’s what makes this new Can-am Ryker look so fire.
Make sure to keep your eyes at 10 and 2 and your ears to the streets because throughout the year the Migos will be participating in key events, creating exclusive social media content and sweepstakes, and teaming up with Can-Am for one of their upcoming music videos for their newest tracks.
Whatever Can-Am and the Migos drop next it’s definitely going to be heat.
