Category Archives: Features

Macy’s Celebrates the Soul Era of Fashion with June Ambrose and Johnetta Boone

IMG_2846Chicago’s fashionistas assembled at the historic Macy’s on State Street on February 19th to see fashion queen and stylist to the stars June Ambrose and costume designer Johnetta Boone for Macy’s Black History Month Celebration focusing on the “Soul Era” of fashion.

Moderated by Chicago journalist Robin Robinson (wearing local designer Barbara Bates), Ambrose and Boone gave their insights and expert opinions on the 70’s soul era and today’s fashion. Boone said during the 70’s, there was an explosion of designers going to Africa and bringing back the styles they found. Ambrose added that during that time everything was over the top and there were more African-American designers then than there are now.

Ambrose and Boone also discussed their respective starts in fashion. Ambrose was originally in the financial world as an investment banker and Boone got her big break as the costume designer for the 2004 film The Notebook. They both agreed that stars like Beyoncé, Solange and Ledisi and Janelle Monae are embodying the soul era.

When asked what their “I made it” moment was, Ambrose said she still feelsIMG_2840 like she’s working towards it, she said when she started, she didn’t think about being celebrated, I thought about making a difference. She said she wanted to be seen and heard, she never thought about the money or getting a publicist. She wasn’t thinking about those things, she said” I was thinking about how do I make this amazing so it can lead to future jobs, how I do I use this to build my brand, how do I recognize the power of my skill set, how do I make a difference in a person’s life.”

Boone added that the reason that you don’t see African American costume designers winning Oscars is because no one goes to see African American movies We need to support one another to be successful. Ambrose said she uses her digital platform to mentor to up and coming stylists and she’s very grateful for that platform.  The ladies ended with discussion stating anything is possible and asking attendees to think about what kind of legacy are they going to leave behind.

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The event also included fashion from the 70’s, make overs by Fashion Fair Cosmetics and a photo opportunity with Ambrose and Boone.

More photos posted on UnRated Magazine instagram page. 

KRS-ONE Performs at the Shrine in Chicago (Review)

By Brand Gilliam

20150117_011724A high level of energy descended upon Chicago’s Shrine nightclub in anticipation for the arrival of the legendary KRS-ONE.

PNS (Molemen) commanded the turntables and kept the crowd at a feverish pitch playing golden era Hip-Hop and an onslaught of Reggae and Dancehall tunes while waiting for the show. Then, around 12:30 a.m., The Blastmaster aka The Teacha aka I Am Hip-Hop took command of the stage like Moses holding the Ten Commandments. A controlled chaos ensued as the 50 year old emcee and 28 year Hip-Hop veteran, Lawrence Parker, aka KRS-ONE, gave an adrenaline-charged 40 minute performance.

He kicked things off with a bundle pack of old school classics from albums Criminal Minded (1987), By All Means Necessary (1988), Edutainment (1990), Return of the Boom Bap (1993), KRS-ONE (1995), and I Got Next (1997). After about 15 minutes ripping the mic non-stop, KRS-ONE declared “Now I am ready to start the show”. KRS-ONE saw a fan in the crowd holding up a piece of paper which said Invaders; a Mexican empowerment anthem released in 2013.

20150117_011728From breath control to freestyle skills, crowd command, stage presence and song selection, his simple yet awe-inspiring performance was 100% on point. KRS-ONE frequently broke into off the dome freestyles which came effortlessly to him. KRS-ONE never lost the full attention of the crowd or the electrifying momentum that he had built on stage. The only down side about the performance was that it was only about 40 minutes long and that he and the DJ (PNS) did not seem to be on the same page when it came to the sound levels. Also he ended the performance rather strangely… he went to sign a fan’s album cover and just ran off stage. The fans were puzzled and did not know if the show had ended or not. The host came out and said that the show was over and about 5 minutes later KRS-ONE came into the crowd to take pictures and sign autographs.

KRS-ONE’s high power performance would put 98% of these so-called rappers to shame. I have been to a lot of rap show/concerts and the only other crew that I have seen equal and/or surpass the energy of a KRS-ONE performance is Public Enemy.

Overall the performance was an “A+”. Although the two and half to three hours of waiting in a packed shoulder to shoulder crowd… for a 40 minute performance with an abrupt ending was a “D-“.

 

KRS-ONE performed at the Shrine in Chicago on January 16, 2015

Photos by Brandy Gilliam

Ne-Yo to Release Non-Fiction on January 27th

NeYoSuperstar hitmaker NE-YO returns with his first album in two years, Non-Fiction, which will be released in the U.S. on January 27, 2015 by Motown Records/Compound Entertainment. The international release will follow on February 16. See below for track listing.

Non-Fiction finds NE-YO collaborating with some of the most talented names in music today. Juicy J is featured on the new single, “She Knows,” which was produced by powerhouse pop guru Dr. Luke (Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus). Billboardhailed the track as “spare and hard-hitting” while Complex praised its “traditional R&B style.”

“This track is dedicated to the kind of strong, confident woman who demands attention when she walks in the room. All you can think of is, ‘yeah she knows.’ She knows she is beautiful. She knows all eyes are on her. She knows how to command the room,” explains NE-YO. “Dr. Luke’s production is incredible and J brings his club swag to the track. No matter what the song is about, he can always take the subject matter home.”

Other featured artists include Candice, David Guetta, Jeezy, Charisse Mills, Schoolboy Q and T.I. “Time of Our Lives,” NE-YO’s new collaboration with Pitbull, appears on both Non-Fiction and Pitbull’s new album.

The pre-order for Non-Fiction launches today. Fans who pre-order Non-Fictionon iTunes, Google Play, or Amazon will instantly receive “She Knows” feat. Juicy J, “Money Can’t Buy” feat. Jeezy and “Religious.” Non-Fiction will be available in standard and deluxe configurations. The iTunes and Target editions of the deluxe album will each contain two additional tracks exclusive to those retailers.

As its title suggests, every song on Non-Fiction is derived from a true story. Some are NE-YO’s own personal tales while others were submitted by fans on social-media platforms like Twitter and Instagram.

“I didn’t just want to tell my story. I like letting people try to guess which is which!” explains NE-YO. “I’m a storyteller: with this album, I wanted to put a magnifying glass on that. I wanted Non-Fiction to feel cinematic: each track gives listeners something entertaining, yet if they take their time with it, they’ll discover different dimensions and subplots.”

NE-YO was joined in the studio by production mainstays from throughout his career such as Shae Taylor and Stargate plus new associates Key Wayne and Glass John and members of his own Compound Music production team, including Corporal. DJ Camper (JAY Z, Kanye West, John Legend) also worked on many tracks.

The new songs are the kind of ultra-relevant narratives blended with powerful hooks that NE-YO became renowned for – both on his own hits like “So Sick,” “Closer” and “Miss Independent” and tracks he’s helped craft for Rihanna, Beyoncé, Celine Dion, Carrie Underwood, Whitney Houston, Pitbull, Ciara and many others.Non-Fiction follows his late 2012 release, R.E.D. (Realizing Every Dream), which received stellar reviews. USA Today noted, “There isn’t a more natural singer/songwriter in contemporary R&B than NE-YO” and The Washington Post hailed him as an “extremely gifted and versatile songwriter.” NE-YO‘s first three studio albums debuted at No. 1 on the SoundScan chart and were all certified RIAA Platinum. He is a three-time GRAMMY® winner and a two-time winner at the BET, MOBO and Soul Train Music awards.

Track Listing – Non-Fiction

Standard Edition

  1. Run feat. Schoolboy Q
  2. Integrity feat. Charisse Mills
  3. One More feat. T.I.
  4. Who’s Taking You Home feat. David Guetta
  5. Time of Our Lives with Pitbull
  6. Coming With You
  7. Good Morning
  8. Make It Easy
  9. Money Can’t Buy feat. Jeezy
  10. Religious
  11. She Knows feat. Juicy J
  12. She Said I’m Hood Tho feat. Candice
  13. Story Time
  14. Congratulations

 

 

Tamar Braxton Launches Clothing Line and E-Commerce Site

Tamar Braxton - Tamar CollectionGrammy nominated singer-songwriter Tamar Braxton launches her first line of apparel that retails exclusively online at TamarCollection.com. Braxton, a self professed fashion shopaholic, developed the brand and shopping experience to address various concerns that she has personally found challenging over the years. As a result, the brand features superior quality, runway-inspired fashion that is available in extended and unisex sizes, all at affordable prices.

“Anyone who knows me knows I’m all about looking fabulous without breaking the bank. So when designing this collection, it was important that the line had a wide variety of looks. A little everyday fashion, but also some runway looks at incredible prices. It is important to me that all of my fans feel like there is something for them,” says Braxton.

Braxton has had an extensive career in the industry which includes executive producing two hit reality shows on WE TV, releasing hit singles like ‘Let Me Know’ from her upcoming album due in early 2015 and most recently co-hosting daytime talk show, The Real. Braxton has now taken on her latest venture with the support of her husband, Vincent Herbert. “He has played a major role in launching my fashion line along with my son, Logan, who inspires me every day,” says Braxton.

Braxton continues to build upon her momentum with her new fashion business and is excited to have another opportunity to engage and interact directly with women across the globe by dressing them in quality, affordable fashions. To create the collection, Tamar has partnered with IconStyle LLC, a NYC based company that specializes in conceptualizing, designing, manufacturing, marketing and selling fashion product on behalf of global celebrities

Tamar Collection is the only US-based fashion brand to use a photo-accurate, virtual fitting room solution in its e-commerce store. This technology enables shoppers to check the fit of any garment on a virtual avatar after entering his/her precise body shape and size. This technology will improve customer satisfaction and help eliminate the frustrating problem that e-shoppers experience of having to return items that do not fit.

To see all of Braxton’s inspired styles please visit, www.TamarCollection.com

French Montana And Jeremih Co-Headline “Set It Off Tour”

French MontanaBad Boy/Interscope recording artist French Montana announces dates for the upcoming Set It Off Tour.  French will be co-headlining with Def Jam recording artist Jeremih, for ten* of the sixteen stops.  The national tour will start in Fort Lauderdale onDecember 1, and wraps on December 22, in San Francisco, CA.

French Montana is currently in the studio putting the finishing touches on his sophomore project, Mac & Cheese, which will be released on December 16.  The Moroccan born, Bronx bred rapper blesses his fans with a taste of what’s to come on his new single “Don’t Panic.” The DJ Mustard produced track is accompanied by an intense, hard hitting video directed by Eif Rivera.  With a slew of chart topping singles and a top 10 debut record, Montana proves to be one of hip-hops most talented artists. For more information, visit http://www.frenchmontanamusic.com/tour

 

Date City  Venue
Monday, December 1*  Fort Lauderdale, FL  Revolution
Tuesday, December 2*  Orlando, FL  Firestone Live
Wednesday, December 3*  Charlotte, NC  The Fillmore
Thursday, December 4*  Sayreville, NJ  Starland Ballroom
Friday, December 5  Providence, RI  Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel
Saturday, December 6  Clifton Park, NY  Upstate Concert Hall
Sunday, December 7  Baltimore, MD  Sound Stage
Monday, December 8*  Boston, MA   House Of Blues
Tuesday, December 9*  New York, NY  Best Buy Theater
Wednesday, December 10*  Washington, DC  The Fillmore
Thursday, December 11  Norfolk, VA  The Norva
Friday, December 12  Stroudsburg, PA  Sherman Theater
Saturday, December 13  New Orleans, LA  Lakefront Arena
Sunday, December 14  Chicago, IL  Double Door
Friday, December 19  Phoenix, AZ  The Press Room
Saturday, December 20*  Las Vegas, AZ   Brooklyn Bowl
Sunday, December 21*  Los Angeles, CA  Club Nokia
Monday, December 22*  San Francisco, CA  The Regency