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Essence •

The Moment Is Theirs  | Essence

They came in as bright-eyed young girls with grown voices. Brandy Norwood from Carson, California, Monica Arnold from Atlanta. One raised in the West Coast suburbs, one straight out the Dirty South. Two different styles, two different coasts; both gifted with something the industry couldn’t manufacture: presence. From the start, the world framed it as competition. Labels, magazines and fans all leaned into the rivalry—before either had dropped a second album, before they were even old enough to...
Essence •

Toni On Top | Essence

Toni Braxton sits in her home, a picture of effortless elegance in a black turtleneck and sunglasses. She exudes a calm yet reserved energy as she takes a brief break from her sophomore Las Vegas residency, in which she’s sharing the stage with comedian Cedric the Entertainer. While many artists find their sanctuary in the recording studio, for Braxton, a seven-time Grammy winner, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of singing live. While her residency is not a new chapter, the audience evolut...
Essence •

‘This Love Feels Like Rest.’ LeToya Luckett And Taleo Coles Tie The Knot | Essence

LeToya Luckett has undergone the healing. “My soul is at ease,” she says, beaming at her husband, Taleo Coles. 


On the day of their wedding, the love in the air is palpable. Inside the bridal suite, LeToya and her bridesmaids are busy preparing for the big moment, their excitement and anticipation evident as they get ready. Just a few hours from the couple tying the knot, her friends and family are overjoyed to see LeToya in this moment. “It feels like I’ve passed the baton,” says Pamela Luck...
Essence •

EXCLUSIVE: NPR’s Tiny Desk Celebrates Black Music Month With All-Female Lineup | Essence

NPR’s Tiny Desk series has cemented its place within the music landscape as a pop culture stalwart. The small, 7×11 cubicle space has hosted intimate, live performances by a wide array of artists, including Anderson .Paak, Tyler The Creator, Trina, Usher, and Justin Timberlake.


While the concert series runs all year long, there’s a special anticipation for the month of June, which brings about Black Music Month, a special celebration and tribute to the Black musicians who have helped shape th...
Essence •

The Black Music Honors Were A Celebration Of Legacy | Essence

As we approach Black Music Month, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the incredible achievements and advancements made in Black American music. From jazz to hip-hop, Black musicians have been the pioneering forces behind the genres we cherish today. The ninth annual Black Music Honors in Atlanta provided a fitting tribute to some of these trailblazers, celebrating their monumental contributions to the industry.


This year, the ceremony honored an illustrious group of icons: Bootsy Collins, a...
Essence •

EXCLUSIVE: New Short Film Details Black Excellence In The Rodeo | Essence

Texas proudly boasts the nation's largest rodeo, the renowned Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, a stage where the nation's premier athletes in the field, including skilled bull riders and calf wranglers, showcase their talent. However, within the historical context of Texas rodeos, the significant contributions of Black cowboys and cowhands have often been overshadowed, despite being instrumental in shaping the sport into the cultural phenomenon it is today.


The story begins in Crockett, Texas,...
Essence •

Bun B Took Us Across The Country For His All-American Takeover | Essence

Legendary Texas rapper Bun B is celebrated not only for his solo career but also as one half of the iconic hip-hop duo, Underground Kingz (UGK). His influence extends far beyond Texas, with the Pimp C coined “country rap tunes” sound reaching the masses. His prominence earned him a coveted performance slot at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo for Black Heritage night. It was here that he introduced his groundbreaking “Takeover” concerts, a one-night-only extravaganza that draws a constellation...
Essence •

Beauty And The Beat | Essence

From the melodies of Motown to the rhymes of hip-hop, Black music has always been a force in shaping cultural identity. But in a more subtle way, Black music has also left its mark on beauty. Iconic musicians have influenced not just what we listen to but also how we express ourselves aesthetically. Our hairstyles and makeup choices find inspiration in the music created by Black entertainers.

Black people and their melanin have long been a symbol of elegance; and Black performers and their be...
Essence •

The Women's Playbook | Essence

Black women have always been the blueprint. Whether making moves on the hardwood or signing million-dollar deals in the boardroom, they know how to make the magic happen. The embodiment of power and grace, they dazzle us at the helm of teams like the Las Vegas Aces, which under president Nikki Fargas secured its second consecutive WNBA Championship this year; Orr they show their expertise in the corporate world, like mom-ager Felicia Jones, who inked a five-year, $260 million contract for her so...
Essence •

ESSENCE At 53 | Essence

Launched in May 1970, ESSENCE is a living testament to Black progress and a beacon of Black empowerment – few publications can claim such a legacy. Now, as we stand on the cusp of our 54th year, it seems only fitting to reflect on the journey so far and to appreciate the foundation upon which this house was built. The genesis of ESSENCE was an alchemy of creativity, passion, and vision that birthed a magazine in which Black people saw ourselves in ways that were truly magical.


As OWN’s five-...
Essence •

Breaking The Fourth Wall: Real Housewives Of Potomac | Essence

Among all the “Real Housewives” franchises, Potomac gained its claim to fame through its two matriarchal anchors, Karen Huger and Gizelle Bryant. While, like many of its counterparts, Potomac is recognized for depicting the lifestyles and interpersonal dynamics of women, RHOP has become somewhat lackluster in offering a compelling glimpse into the lives of the ladies of Potomac, Maryland. However, beneath the surface lies a deeper issue. 


Now in its eighth season, the show has mostly stayed w...
Essence •

LaTavia Roberson Is Stepping Back Into The Spotlight Once Again | Essence

LaTavia Roberson’s career tells a parable of the music industry. The Houston native was perhaps a part of one of the greatest girl groups of all time. Founded in 1990, Roberson joined the ranks of Girl’s Tyme early on, and after a handful of group name changes (Cliché, The Dolls) and later, Destiny’s Child, she became an integral part of the group’s early success. While she didn’t know it then, she would become a part of a larger legacy, for both the city of Houston and pop culture at large. As...
Essence •

Lola Brooke Is A Real, Down To New York Girl | Essence

Standing at 4’10,” Rapper Lola Brooke is a force to be reckoned with. What she lacks in height, she makes up for in high octane energy that has positioned her as the second coming of gritty New York rap. Representing Bedford-Stuyvesant, her gruff vocal presence comes off as menacing, but beneath the tough exterior lies a vulnerability where she can wax poetic about her life experiences. 


It’s most apparent in her debut album, Dennis Daughter. Her now deceased father was the impetus to naming...
Essence •

Angel Reese Triumphs In Return To The Court | Essence

Angel Reese made a big return to the hardwood Thursday night after the slam dunk of a win for Louisiana State University (82-64) against Virginia Tech. Her first game back follows a two week absence, where she missed four in-season games. 


According to ESPN, Reese came into the post-game press conference ready to speak with reporters. “How happy are you all to see me? I know y’all are. Let’s go. Let’s have some fun,” she said.


Against the backdrop of the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, Rees...
Essence •

Patti LaBelle To Be Honored At CMT's 'Smashing Glass' | Essence

Patti LaBelle knows a thing or two about smashing glass ceilings. After all, she was the frontwoman of two groups, Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles and later, LaBelle. The latter of which received mainstream plaudits for their smash hit, “Lady Marmalade.” She earned another No. 1 single in 1986 for her duet with Michael McDonald, “On My Own.” In more recent years, Labelle broke personal streaming records alongside her bestie Gladys Knight during their Verzuz battle in 2020. 


Today, LaBelle, a...
Essence •

Usher Gears Up For Super Bowl Celebration With Diabetes Pledge | Essence

Between a stellar NPR Tiny Desk concert, his Las Vegas Residency (and getting a key to the city), the announcement of his Super Bowl halftime performance and an upcoming album Coming Home, it's been a heck of a year for Ursher baby.

From his commanding stage presence during his Las Vegas residency, and gracing the nation's most-watched stage is not only a celebration of his musical career but also an opportunity to share with the world his love for what he does best, entertain. "I'm 45 years...
Essence •

Exclusive: Nikki Fargas Is Creating A Dynasty With The Aces | Essence

The Las Vegas Aces are laying the foundation for a basketball dynasty by crafting the ideal mix of players, coaches, and management. The franchise is riding a euphoric high following their second consecutive WNBA championship over the New York Liberty in Game 4 of the Finals last week. 


The Aces have reveled in a stellar season, clinching the WNBA championship title with style and panache. Their journey to success was nothing short of spectacular, and at the core of this radiant victory stand...
Essence •

Kirk Franklin Is Winning Wounded On New ‘Father’s Day’ Project | Essence

Kirk Franklin is in the middle of his Reunion Tour, alongside Tye Tribbett, David and Tamela Mann, The Clark Sisters, and Israel Houghton. This marks the Fort Worth native’s second tour following his recent circuit with Maverick City Music. 

His last album Long, Live Love (2019) marked a significant departure from the creative mindset the gospel artist currently finds himself in. “I think that Long Live Love was written from the porch,” he says of his previous album, “and Father's Day was writ...
Essence •

Bun B's Culinary Triumph In Hip-Hop Flavor, Trill Burgers | Essence

Watching the 2023 BET Hip-Hop Awards and seeing Port Arthur native Bun B bring some Texas heat to the coveted cyphers is a testament that his skills are just as sharp as when he and Pimp C released Super Tight in 1994. However, it’s no surprise that in the midst of his witty bars and effortless flow, he acknowledged his burgeoning enterprise, Trill Burgers, in his freestyle.


When the name Bun B comes to mind, most people venture to associate him with his role as one half of the Port Arthur ra...
Essence •

Glossier Leading In Inclusive Beauty With WNBA Partnership | Essence

In a groundbreaking move that intertwines sports and beauty, Glossier has solidified its position as the Women’s National Basketball Association’s (WNBA) first beauty partner. The partnership that initially began in 2020, with a campaign to celebrate the extension of Glossier’s Body Hero line, has evolved in a new and big way that extends beyond cosmetics and into the realms of empowerment, representation, and shared values.


The news of the partnership comes shortly after Glossier announced i...
Essence •

The Soundtrack Of Our Lives | Essence

This story originally appeared in July/August 2024 issue of ESSENCE magazine, on newsstands July 25.


The Fourth of July weekend in New Orleans holds a special significance, not just for locals but for music enthusiasts and aficionados of Black culture worldwide. It’s a time when the Big Easy becomes a nexus of Blackness—the city is buzzing with fans, socialites, celebrities and artists who’ve journeyed to the birthplace of jazz for one reason: to revel in the ESSENCE Festival of Culture....
Girls United •

Is Today’s Music Built to Last? Unraveling the Potential of Timeless Classics

Music has always been an essential element of cultural expression and a medium for conveying social messages. The music of the 70s and 80s, often referred to as the “Golden Age of Black Music,” brought forth an era of incredible creativity, innovation, and social commentary. This era of music stood the tests of time—the music served as a vehicle for revolution and fostered change.

When I was younger, my dad introduced me to the timeless masterpiece of Donny Hathaway, “Someday We’ll All Be Free.
Chron •

That Mexican OT is becoming a trailblazing voice of Texas rap

Destiny and opportunity seemed to align perfectly for That Mexican OT (Outta Texas), as if the universe had already written his story. Years prior to her untimely departure, OT's late mother, Sophia Ann Gazca, foreshadowed his future. A testament to her foresight can be found on the Bay City rapper’s Instagram page, where his second-ever post is a photo of a young OT clutching a toy microphone. The caption reads, “I was in the first grade failing every class, and my moms friends was tellin her,
Okayplayer •

The Resurgence of Flippers Roller Boogie Palace

Roller skating has experienced a surge in popularity during the pandemic. New Yorkers have latched onto the hobby, and even amidst the heat of summer, residents are looking forward to swinging a few laps at what Actress Jaclyn Smith once called "Studio 54 on wheels,” more commonly known as Flippers Roller Boogie Palace.

The inaugural Flippers Roller Boogie Palace, a cherished yet short-lived Los Angeles haunt, holds a special place in the hearts of many. Founded by Ian "Flipper" Ross, the venue
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