SnapShot Press Release: HOOPS [adorning Culture through performative social commentary]

SnapShot Press Release:  HOOPS [adorning Culture through performative social commentary]

Saturday's [March 11th, 2023] world premier or HOOPS, by Eliana Pipes with original music by B~Free based on The HOOPS Project by Nicole Acosta, was an opus of social commentary that other narratives of Culture have never really grappled with. . . well, at least until now. Its unapologetic portrayal of Hoop earrings as an legacy adornment spoke to the range of existence that is tied to these magical objects that hang from one's earlobe like an extension of their souls. 

Read More

Nails | CW Fashion Feature

"I don't see how she can get her nails so long! How can she do anything with those?! Nails with anything more than color and way too long are so unprofessional! Red nails are for Jezebels!"

Did you know both Queen Nefertiti and Cleopatra both wore red nails? The practice of nail expression goes way back to ancient times. Even these historical icons partook in the  ornamentation that is scratched deep into the culture and positive self expression of Black women.

Though nails have evolved overtime, they're still a part of who we are. I fell in love with nail Culture at a very young age. I still remember the very first pair of press-ons my mom had bought me when I was younger. They were from the value beauty down the street from my house and I had begged her each time we went in for this Winnie the Pooh set. The first few times she said no; but I was persistent. I just HAD to have this set. One day, she surprised my sister and I with our own. 

That moment meant the absolute world to me and became the catalyst for my love of the nail culture. 

The act of getting nail enhancements is much more than just sitting in someone's chair and paying them for whatever they give, no. It's a form of self-care; it's that moment a mother finally gets away from the kids, that, I haven't done anything for myself in so long, that, this is a gift to myself; a pure form of self empowerment. 

If you've ever seen a Black woman before and after getting her nails done, you'll see what I mean. The hand gets to going, the keyboard gets to clacking, and she just refuses to do certain things because she just got her nails done. It's nail culture code. I honestly wouldn't have it any other way. 

Nails bring women together and is a very therapeutic experience for most. Every time I service someone, by the time we're down, they feel different, relieved, and enlightened. 

My prayer is that the culture truly stands the test of time, as it's always been more than JUST nails.

/Jeronica Brister | @jbtravelingnailtech

Creatively Directed by Vato Vergara

Styled by Vato Vergara and Kyndal J

Nail Art by Jeronica Brister 

Models Sydney Beason and Emerald Monet

Shot by Chris Spencer

The Color Block | CW Fashion Feature

Alexa Play “Hey, Mr. DJ by Zhane.”

The song that highlights the energy we represent in The Color Blocking. 

 2021 has brought back a trend straight out of the 70’s. Color blocking started during the age of disco by a black man named Stephen Burrows. Burrows was able to spread this trend throughout Europe and the US. This trend has now been brought to life by designers throughout the world. 

 Color blocking in its simplest form is taking two to three contrasting colors and placing them in the same outfit. Wearing so many colors at once can seem overwhelming and can look messy but Stylist Kyndal J. and Vato Vergara make it look easy in our Color Pop spread.

 CopyWrite Magazine invited Funk 2 Fashion created by Kyndal J.  to bring her knowledge of style and accessories to collaborate for this “Color Pop” spread. Her jewelry is all made by hand and inspired by her creative lifestyle. Vato and Kyndal approach the trend with intention, giving these colorful ensembles structure flow. 

Photographer: ShotbyBasi

/CW

Meet the our New Fashion Intern, Kyndal J.

Say what’s up to Kyndal!

image0.jpeg

Kyndal J. is a multi-faceted creative. She ventures in the art of singing, songwriting , fashion, and jewelry design. She combines her many talents with confidence and style, curating a complete experience. We love her as a local creative and can’t wait for her to bring her energy to our fashion department!

/CW team.

Kyndal J. - 'Fall'

Soulful songstress Kyndal J. is back at it again with ‘Fall’, a single that captures her signature vocals, relatable concepts, and jazzy backiings.

She reminds us how you can fall into the ways of others being, captivating a different sense of self we had yet to discover.

Give it a listen and comment below if you want to hear more from Kydal J.

/CW

"Never thought finding someone new could case me to lose myself. " -Kyndal J.

AR Wesley - The Self Portrait PT 2

AR Wesley is an artist that continues to elevate and adapt his sound all while bringing home his life stories over a dope beat. 

To reflect back on Part One a little, AR pulled out components and perspectives to display who he is and what he symbolizes. In Part Two, he continued this journey. Giving us, what he says, "an in-depth look at [his] personal views pertaining to love, life, and circumstances."

Those circumstances led to several references, music samples and some dope featured artists. (Can you can peep the Craig Mack & Pharcyde reference?) 

Featured singers, Kyndal J., B~Free, Lex Allen and Cree Myles gave each song a new spin as we heard a new story be unraveled. And when you have amazing producers such as Mike Regal, B~Free (shout-out to the lady producers) and Ekstoluke in your corner; your project is indefinitely FIRE. 

But don't take our word for it. Listen to Pt. 2 and a little birdie might have told us Pt. 3 is in the works so let AR know how you feel in the comments. 

And if you haven't seen the video for "Here iGo" featuring Von Alexander, peep it below.

Rhythm Changes - "We Had No Choice"

Perfectly blended and ready for your Sunday morning; grab a cup of coffee (or whatever you drink) and listen to "We Had No Choice" by Rhythm Changes.

The jazz, neo-soul project is a small sample of what the band has to offer for the soul but well they "had no choice." While the project will give you all the feelings; we have to warn you, you just might fall in love with Kyndal J. scatting over the melodies and rhythms.

Listen below.

#WeSeeYou CAMB – "Ain't I Social?"

“One line from homeless. One hook from Mansions.“

No matter what path you have; we’ve all felt this way at one point of our lives. The crossroad between the struggle and “making it” is REAL.

CAMB (pronounced Cam) brings us his highly anticipated project “Ain’t I Social?” that speaks to the real in CAMB’s life from the things he knows to the things he dreams. Filled with a diverse range of production styles, some dope features and a lot of inspirational and melodic vibes, the album is definitely a product of love.

Listen to “Ain’t I Social?’ below on Soundcloud but you can also listen to the project from anywhere you listen to your music (TIDAL, Apple Music, Spotify…).

#WeSeeYou CAMB

And if you didn't know, tell CAMB congrats on his baby girl. 

Ain't-I-Social? EXCECUTIVE PRODUCERS: T. Barrett- Bays, Isaiah Matthews, Jack Duros RECORDED, MIXED, and MASTERED BY: S. Sloans ADDITIONAL PRODUCTION BY: Jack Duros (Bass, Electric Guitar): No Assists, Honestly, All For You My Pops (Bass Guitar): Even If They Don't Say It Twitter: twitter.com/itscamb Facebook: facebook.com/cambmusic Instagram: itscamb

Kyndal J. - QUEEN ft. Camb

When you grow up what will you Be? Who will you Be? What will you create?

These are questions we've all asked ourselves and will continue to ask ourself as we navigate through our lives and as we create the person that we want to be.

In Kyndal J.'s newest single, "Queen" featuring the homie Camb, Kyndal speaks on her future daughters path to who she will be. That she will make her proud, to say the least, and that her parents will remind her everyday of her worth.

Produced by Hakeem Paragon, the soulful song mixed with a Kyndal's soft and sultry voice and Camb's mid-song verse brings together a beautiful vibe and a song for the books (and maybe a future lullaby for parents around the world).

Listen to the track below and read more about Kyndal J. and one of her biggest supporters (her mom) in Issue Six: Behind The Scenes here

Queen is a reflection piece. It represents who I am today and who my daughter will be in the future. I want her to know that she is loved and that she is worth it. She is royalty! Her parents will love her and want the best for her and will lay down their life for her! With the love and knowledge that her parents give her she will grow up to be strong and confident in herself! Knowing her worth and believing in her purpose.