Monthly Archives: April 2019

L.A. Pays Respect to Nipsey Hussle

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Nipsey Hussle will headline the City of Los Angeles one last time.  Yesterday, it was announced on his Instagram that the event “Nipsey Hussle’s Life Celebration” will take place on Thursday in Downtown LA.  The memorial service will be held at the Staples Center, and is for California residents only.  A public procession, spanning roughly 25 miles through South LA, will take place after the ceremony.  This will include a stop at Hussel’s Marathon Clothing store, where the artist and inspirational speaker was killed.

It’s been just over a week since Hussle was killed, and the news of his passing has impacted the world at large.  A peaceful gang rally took place lastThursday and Friday, which was said to have been the largest since the LA Riots in 1992.  Different factions came together in unity to honor Nipsey, including an appearance by  Minister Louis Farrakhan and The Nation of Islam.  Thousands more are expected to fill the Staples Center and line the streets of LA in memory of Nipsey.

On Saturday, J. Cole honored Nipsey at the first ever Dreamville Festival in Raleigh, NC.  Cole had these words to say about his friend’s passing and the impact on the community: "I just seen footage yesterday of all types of different sets and hoods walking together in L.A. to pay homage and pay respect to Nipsey Hussle. So, I need us to do the same thing tonight."

In Los Angeles, Kanye West opened his “Sunday Service” spiritual jam session the very next day with moving words recorded by Nipsey prior to his death.  “Just wanted to send some words of encouragement,” said Nipsey’s voice, powerfully emanating from the speakers. “Y’all stay focused, y’all keep working hard. Believe in y’all self. Prove everybody that doubt y’all wrong. Show up every day. Stay pure. Stay motivated. Stay smart. Show love to your people.”

“Nipsey Hussle’s Life Celebration” will take place at 10 AM this Thursday, April 11th, at the Staples Center. For fans that were unable to purchase tickets for the already sold out ceremony, information will be released soon regarding the procession.

Netflix Announces Beyoncé Film

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Beyoncé’s empire continues to expand. Last week, Adidas announced a mega-partnership with the music and fashion icon, and today Netflix trumpeted a new film in conjunction with Bey called “Homecoming: A Film By Beyonce.”

“Homecoming presents an intimate look at Beyoncé’s historic 2018 Coachella performance that paid homage to America's historically black colleges and universities,” according to the official synopsis. “Interspersed with candid footage and interviews detailing the preparation and powerful intent behind her vision, ‘Homecoming’ traces the emotional road from creative concept to cultural movement.”

Beyoncé’s Coachella performance was ranked as an instant classic by fans. Not only did she she electrify with her own hits, she also brought an inferno to the stage with a special dance break to O.T. Genasis’ “Everybody Mad,” which went viral. The trailer for the movie dropped today and shows Bey on and off stage, as well as bands from historically black universities. The film is set to be released on April 17.

Between "Homecoming" and the Ivy Park relaunch with Adidas, 2019 is clearly becoming the year that Beyoncé’s cultural empire expands in new directions, both watchable and wearable.