Weekly
Fuel your Ambition Energy with links, news and sources as your weekly dose of inspiration.
NEW ENERGY
In Week 32 of 23 we celebrated 50 years of hip hop. Now it’s week 33 and we kick off the 51st year with an all female Ambition Energy. Get in the right mood with a new Awich Remix, marvel at the fascinating craftsmanship from Stella Stockbridge, binge watch the new Netflix miniseries ‘Ladies First’, have your coffee with a good read from the NYTimes magazine and finally get excited about a new maternity wear line by SAVAGE x FENTY.
Let’s get it!
Photos courtesy of #Awich, #ShoesByStella, #Netflix, #NYTimesMagazine and #SAVAGExFENTY
Awich, NENE, LANA, MaRI, AI & YURIYAN RETRIEVER – Bad B*tch 美学 Remix (Prod. Chaki Zulu)
In a stellar collision of talent, Awich gathered a modern day version of the J-rap power rangers with NENE, LANA, MaRI, AI, and YURIYAN RETRIEVER to come together and unleash the fiery “Bad B*tch 美学 Remix” – masterfully produced by the iconic Chaki Zulu. It’s a vibrant blend of contemporary hip-hop aesthetics with a touch of traditional Japanese motifs, resulting in a powerful expression of female empowerment and artistry.
Stella Stockbridge: @shoesbystella
Sneaker customizer Stella Stockbridge offers a rare glimpse into her creative journey, from initial idea brainstorming to the final masterpiece. Commissioned by Foot Locker EU for a sneaker diorama, Stella immediately dove into conceptualization after their initial discussion in May. Being a visually-driven artist, her early sketches act as a blueprint, guiding her through her evolving ideas.
Ladies First: A Story of Women in Hip-Hop (Out On Netflix!)
Producer Carri Twigg recalls being introduced to her future filmmaking ally, Raeshem Nijhon, where they discussed creating a distinctive project on women in hip-hop. This conversation birthed “Ladies First: A Story of Women in Hip-Hop” – a four-part docuseries. The series explores the journey of women in the genre, highlighting their early challenges and triumphs against sexism, leading to their current prominence in music. It debuted on 11 August, marking hip hop’s 50th anniversary.
NYTimes Magazine: The Future of Rap is Female
Male rappers today grapple with societal pressures and contradictory ideals, leading to music filled with desolation and drug references. This intense focus threatens to make the genre outdated. The prevalent themes of violence and societal challenges faced by young, Black artists are palpable in their tracks. The dominating machismo in rap draws parallels to mafia films, with gunshots being a recurring motif, symbolizing the real threats they face both personally and legally. The genre stands at a crossroads, appearing both unyielding and vulnerable. So, The New York Times Magazine proclaims “The Future of Rap is Female” to kick off the 51st year of hip hop.
SAVAGE X FENTY by Rihanna: Maternity Wear
In 2022, Rihanna challenged traditional maternity style, often seen in bold outfits that celebrated her baby bump. Now expecting her second child with rapper A$AP Rocky, Rihanna is launching a maternity capsule collection through her lingerie brand, Savage X Fenty. Rihanna expressed her desire through a news release for the collection to empower mothers, emphasizing that they can embrace their sensuality and confidence throughout parenthood.
