#CWEverydaySteez
/This Weeks Style: "Dark and Determined"
/Vato
Taiyamo Denku - 'Enuff is Enuff'
/We have to take the vibe a bit back...Remember when emcee’s actually had something to say? When they would stay on beat and the rhyme didn't have to rhyme as long as you felt the message? Nahhh? Too far back? Well, Taiyamo Denku is bringing us a little nostalgia with the classic boom-bap beat from Dcypha, that reminds us of where the culture came from and well what some have to say about it now.
‘Enuff is Enuff’, is Taiyamo Denku reflection of those things that Hip-Hop has become, how society is pushing it and maybe a bit of truth of how it's not all that it's cracked up to be. So should we listen to our “Old Heads” or are they just making noise?
Leave a comment below and let us know.
/CW
#WCW Aja Janay of Heal + Glow
/“Close your eyes. Then breathe in; breathe out.
Take a moment for you.”
This is why I love yoga and meditation. It’s not about anyone else other than yourself. It’s a time to be selfish; to check in with yourself and to remind yourself of how you’re feeling at that moment.
This is why this month’s #WCW is Aja Janay; the creative director and founder of heal + glow. She “began making candles during my time as an undergraduate to relieve [her] … stress, anxiety and moments of deep depression. During those really dark moments of sadness, the flames of each [lit] candle reminded [her] that there's always a little bit of light in a space full of darkness. This light did not come easy. [She] had to fight for the light. [She] was forced to journey into the crevasses of my being to find what was there.”
Photo by FreakishNerd for Papyrus and Charms
heal + glow is a candle line but it’s also more than that. They use their online and social platforms to discuss and share self-love and self- care along with visual arts, literature, performing arts, and the latest in fashion and beauty.
But back to the candles, their packaging is beautiful. The scents are magical and their perfect “to add to your meditation practices, your alters for rituals, or to your relaxing baths.” A FreakishNerd favorite is the Egyptian Amber; because well, who doesn’t love Amber candles? And I'll be buying some new additions to my candle collection soon. :)
#CWEverydaySteez
/This Weeks Style: "Koo-Rat-Tay"
Dirty Thoughts: Time of Logic
/As the clock starts over (in theory) we hope so will follow everything hampered by time. However, if you are like me, you have this ability to predict the future ( by way of normal everyday analysis of cause and effect, and people watching….its called logic). In predicting the future there is a sense of knowing that is comforting but in the same breath can leave you uneasy, because even in knowing there is no way to change what likely will happen without disturbing natural order. (Go ahead and try and see how the butterfly effect comes back to bite you).
Now here is the term that is critical to this plot: Logic!
Everybody's aptitude to determine what is logical is different. For example, to me it is logical that if you play with fire, eventually you will get burnt, that if you get caught selling drugs the police will take your “hard away” *inside joke* (mind you POP culture references are still my favorite), or if you act an A** eventually you will be perceived as an A** and get treated accordingly (Its still Karma for Karma). All in due time.
Everybody does not have that same capacity...and that's not your problem.
I have personally started my clock over (just like I said I would) and time has been testing my logic. I too have tried to out run time and now that I have hit refresh, there seems to be more of a liberating pep in my step and chuckle in my heart at the things that I can not control….like time, people, perspective. I use my logic only to determine my next move and I avoid interacting with people whose logic does not fit onto my spectrum. (We don't dodge bullets from people who carry fake guns).
As the tick-tock, becomes less of a threat and more of a reminder, there is something to note: Everything expires...it's what you do before that time comes that makes the difference.
/Dirty
P.S. Its time for a new Dirty Thoughts picture. I dont even look like that anymore! Lol
Cleo Fox - 'Trippin' (VIDEO)
/Eastside feels. Smoker vibes. Cleo Fox has come up with a smooth way to ask a girl if she is “Trippin”. Even though she might be, Cleo seems unphased. Local visuals, and night views of some places you might recognize if your in the 414. He gives a little sample of what he is working on. Check out this video and let us know what you think.
Do you still want more Cleo Fox, or is he Trippin?
/CW
Local2Local - Natural Mystic Co.
/My Local2Local this month, has Black Girl Magic sprinkled all over it and it will keep your glow from never dimming a wink.
So meet Natural Mystic; an Austin-based (but Wisconsin started) company skincare line. Their products are “handcrafted in small batches to ensure that each one is created with love + good intentions.” Owned and operated by Nyesha Lashay (@nyeshalashay), this graduate student is not only enhancing the skin you’re in but promoting self-love along with bringing forth your inner natural mystic. #WeWokeUpLikeThis
But in reality, your skin changes when you move across country. Sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worst. It has to do with a lot of changes happening to not only your life but in general, the water and climates your body is use to are different. So usually you have to change up your face cleaning regimens to keep your skin in the best shape. For me, I’ve finally have my new skin regimen down packed and that includes a lot of masks and deep cleaners...i.e. why I had to try out Natural Mystic’s products.
Syn’s review of The Elements Pack:
What it includes: The Moroccan earth mask + the zen hydration jelly ($30 + shipping)
The Moroccan earth mask: It smelled great and had the texture of a deep cleansing scrub with the color of brown clay (hence the Moroccan earth haha). It was smooth to apply and dried in about 10 minutes. I prefer to leave my masks on for the time it takes to watch a full episode of a cartoon (20/30 minutes). The mask made my face feel tight and rejuvenated right away.
The Zen hydration jelly: A little bit went a long way. I used about the size of a dime to apply to my whole face. However it did leave my face smelling good and my skin was soft and GLOWING.
Overall: The purchasing process was simple. I got an email when I could expect my package (It came a day earlier but I am in the Austin area.) I also liked that the website included a quick 2-step process to make sure I knew what I was doing.
It was a little more expensive than something I would normally purchase for my face but it was worth it to support a Woman of color business and get a handmade quality product.
I think I’ll be using this pairing at least once a week to make sure my skin is on point and beaming.
Support this boss lady business by following them on Instagram for some self-love and self care motivation. Or support them now by buying the products on http://naturalmystc.bigcartel.com/ I'm eyeing more products on the site as I type.
Leave a comment below and tell me your self-care secrets and other skin care regimens you love. I'm listening. /Syn
CJ Flemings - 'Forever Wanted More'
/Look what popped up in our CopyWrite submission emails, new music all the way from Montreal.
22-year-old, CJ Flemings, comes at us with his vibey take on rap aesthetics. Manish but melodic (gently put), calm but aggressive, with distinct beat selections. His project ‘Forever Wanted More’, released December 15th, gives us dreamy flows that reflect perspectives we are sure you will find reminiscent and comforting. What's the lifestyle? What's the story? What more does he want? Take a listen and find out.
Our favorite track: ‘Gentle’
Check it out here and leave a comment. Should we ask for more of CJ Flemings at CopyWrite?
Let us know!
/Lexi
#CWEverydaySteez
/This Weeks Style: "Rocking Solids"
/Vato
#WCW Mikey C. Apollo
/It’s really simple (we think).
When you put good energy in the world and you work really hard; you get that energy back from the universe. That’s why picking our #WCW wasn’t really hard this time around and well; it is Capricorn season.
Photo Credit: Brei Harvey
“Michaela Murry (Mikey C. Apollo) is a collection of curves, curse words, and curated poems. As an artist, much of Mikey’s work revolves around her experience as a Black woman & feminist.
When she’s not updating her Facebook page or falling in love, you can find her planning a show for House of Renji, a creative platform and record label based out of her hometown Milwaukee, Wisconsin.”
Photo Credit: FreakishNerd
Mikey’s infectious positive energy and her kind heart makes her a light in every room she walks in and a force that you just want to be around.
Her first collection of poems, “Black Girls, Silence, and Other Things Made of Gold” already spreading her force to the world currently. We’re excited to see more from Mikey and her creative journey to share her light and energy with the world.
Stolen from Mikey's FB page
Pre-order a copy of “Black Girls, Silence, and Other Things Made of Gold”, share some light with her and friend/follow her on your favorite social media at:
FB: Mikey Cody Apollo or IG: mikey_motocicleta
Thanks for being our #WCW Mikey. #RespectTheHouse
