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Mary Lambert On Crop Tops, Self Love And Her Latest Single

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mary-lambert-1Photo: Coutsey of Mary Lambert

 

The world is filled with musicians that create music that awakens feeling that are hiding deep within your soul. Musician and song writer, Mary Lambert is one of those people that knows how to make you feel alive with her music. The lyrical genius is leaving her mark in the world, beyond her music. Her words inspire people, but her style is just as moving. As a plus size woman that has dealt with her share of bulling and body shame, she is turning a negative into a positive by being a leader in the body positive movement.

Lambert had a chat with StyleBlazer recently about self love and her personal style, as well as how the plus size fashion world have evolved through the years.

What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion is about confidence and makes you feel good. I think that’s where retraining mental patterns comes into it play. I believe fashion is such an intricate part of rewiring your brain because our clothes are how people see us and how we present ourselves to the world. It’s an opportunity for expression and a proclamation to make a statement to the rest of the world. What are you going to do with that responsibility, you know?

Do you believe in fashion rules?
I don’t believe there are any rules in fashion. When people think of rules, they are talking about judgments and how they will be perceived rather than how it makes them feel. The biggest rule of fashion is how you feel in your outfit. If you feel good, then wear it! It’s really simple.

We love your stylish threads. How would you define your personal style?
My personal style is versatile. I love bright colors, crop tops, twirly skirts, and really feminine floral things. When I want to butch it up, I wear cut-offs, flannel shirts, and combat boots. I want my style to be indicative of my personality, which is so multi-faceted. We are incredibly complex. In general, people want to be loved and accepted. In our society, it’s easier to love someone when they are “digestible.” When you put someone in a box —say, rockabilly, or something, it’s sometimes easier to be understood.  Style can reflect that.

I remember when I came out at 17, I was so sad. I thought, “Well I’m gay. Now I don’t get to wear makeup and have to cut my hair.” I didn’t understand that being gay is just a part of me and that didn’t have to define my personal style. I can still enjoy my favorite things and activities. I can still be a complex person and embody that.

You mentioned your teenage years. What fashion advice do you wish someone would have given you then?
You don’t have to hide. I think that was my biggest frustration. I mean ten years ago there weren’t a lot of plus-size options and going shopping was a devastating event. I’m really proud of the strides that plus-size fashion has made.

 

mary-lambert-2

Photo: Mary Lambert

 

Speaking of strides in the plus-size world, we are excited to see that you are part of JCPenney’s #HereIam Campaign.  How does it make you feel to see a major retailer supporting the body positive movement?
You have no idea how honored I am to be a part of this. Rather than speak for the plus size community, JCPenney asked us what we wanted. The 17-year-old me is leaping to see bodies like mine, confident, sexy, and dressed in cute clothes. One point I really wanted to drive home from this campaign is that every BODY is on its own journey. You don’t know where someone’s at when you meet them. You have no idea what they have experienced, what illnesses they’ve had, or where they are in their self-worth or self-love.

Back to your style, is there a city that you feel has really inspired your sense of style?
Totally. New York is so great and I love that there is so much variety in terms of fashion. I’ve been to London a couple of times and people there are impeccably dressed. I’m like, “Why am I wearing jeans? I can’t possibly wear flip flops here!” I like to rise to the challenge! I’m also heavily influenced by Seattle. Growing up, I remember wearing overalls with one strap off.

What do you love about Seattle and the style scene there?
There is great body positive activism in Seattle that encourages me. One woman in particular, Kim Felling, comes to mind. She’s this amazing fashion guru and I have always loved her aesthetic. I actually invited her to my “She Keeps Me Warm” video shoot, and she came wearing a crop top.  She was the first plus size girl I had ever seen wearing a crop top and I remember thinking, “What is she doing? We’re not allowed to wear things like that?” She was a big inspiration.  I like seeing people my size wearing crop tops, bodycon dresses, and whatever the f**k they want because they fell good in it.

What’s your biggest fashion “ah-ha” moment?
The revelation that I can wear crop tops. I love crop tops and I must have 20.  I’m wearing one now and feel so free, sexy and cute. In the past couple of years. I’ve been able to look in the mirror and not feel indifferent. I look great. I really love my body!

I feel like we do this thing in the body positive circle from time to time. The messaging is to just love yourself and your body, but it’s not that easy. You don’t just go from complete self-loathing to loving and embracing your body and wanting to wear a crop top. There is a process involved, and I want to look at it critically. What are the tools we can also share as a community that work for different people? I know that for me, I look at my body in the mirror functionally rather than aesthetically, and ask myself, “How do I feel?”

We’re going to take a wild guess here, but would your crop top be the clothing item you couldn’t live without?
Yeah, I think it would be. It makes such a statement. They are comfortable and I think it’s empowering to see women of all sizes in crop tops.

 

 

Tell us a little more about your new single “Hang Out With You.” When it comes to your fashion styling for the video, what was your vibe?
“Hang Out With You” is very autobiographical. Being genuine is  important to me, and I wanted that to translate to the video. The outfits I wear in the video are my actual clothes. I wear that sweater all the time! I wanted to show a more relaxed, casual side as well as show the side that prances around in crop tops- both are reflections of my identity.

Your style has a retro vibe, do you have a favorite pinup?
I love Ditta Von Teese, Brigitte Bardot, Bettie Page, all the quintessential rockabilly idols.

Before we go, we have to take a moment to admire your sleeve. What is the significance of your pansies?
The pansies on my half-sleeve represent the generations of Mary’s in my family. My mom, grandmother, great grandmother, and myself are all singers, play the piano, and have pansies.

The post Mary Lambert On Crop Tops, Self Love And Her Latest Single appeared first on StyleBlazer.


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DeeYounginn Releases New Visual “Right Now”

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Fast-rising Charlotte recording artist DeeYounginn makes 2024 his moment and it starts with his latest single, “Right Now.”

In the latest visual, he cruises the streets in a foreign rapping about his undeniable impact, living a lavish lifestyle, and more. After gaining popularity with previous hits, the latest release is the perfect origin point for newfound fans as DeeYounginn rises to the moment as one of the year’s hottest new stars in modern hip-hop.

“Right Now” sets up the rising star’s upcoming album arriving in 2024. Check out the new video below, and, afterward, follow the rising star on social media for daily updates and more.

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Behind the Scenes: Deja Destinee’s Creative Process and Musical Inspiration

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The music industry is an ever-evolving landscape where artists must find their unique voice to stand out. In a detailed conversation, the grind of music and creativity were dissected with candor and passion by Shah Cypha and the multi-talented artist, Deja Destinée. They unpack the essence of Deja’s brand, her perspective on the music industry, and her multifaceted ventures beyond music.

The Genesis of a Brand: A Personal Story Through Music

The brand an artist creates is often a tapestry woven from their personal stories. For Deja Destinée, her name carries a legacy and an inspiration that fuels her artistic presence. “Deja Destiny is destiny… My first name was by my sister… Named after Tyra Banks’ character in Higher Learning… Destiny was named by my grandmother before I was born,” she recounts. This personal lineage adds depth to her music and offers her audience a piece of her narrative, creating a genuine connection that transcends the rhythms and lyrics.

In the music industry, the background behind a name often holds a significant weight, and Deja’s is intertwined deeply with her familial ties. Her music doesn’t just offer sound; it provides listeners with resonance, a shared experience that taps into the emotional fabric of the listener. This personal touch has become a beacon for her brand and her music, positioning her as an artist with a story to tell, a history to honor, and a future to shape.

Commanding the Stage: Performance as a Reflection of the Artist

A major theme from the discussion centered around Deja’s approach to performance. Stating that music comes as “first nature,” it’s evident that her on-stage persona is where she truly shines. Describing her performances, Deja says, “I give a lot of cocky energy. When I get on the stage, I usually bring my dancers, I have, you know, the flashy custom outfits… it makes them feel good, and for it to make them feel like they really that b\*\*\*h.”

This attitude exemplifies the confidence and showmanship that Deja brings to her craft, setting her apart in a crowded industry. The energy of a live performance, where the artist and audience feed off each other’s enthusiasm, is particularly crucial for Deja. Each show becomes an intimate conversation between them, a shared moment of empowerment and celebration of talent. It’s in these details that Deja’s commitment to her artistry, and her desire to elevate the music experience, shines brightest.

A Nexus of Creativity: Beyond Music

During the conversation, it became apparent that Deja is not content with being pigeonholed as just a musician. With interests in acting and entrepreneurship, such as her unique skincare line *Co-Skin*, she relays, “I do hair, I do makeup, I have my own like, skincare line doing shea butter… It’s so many things that I feel like I can tap into.”

Her tenacity to take on multiple creative endeavors showcases not only her talent but her understanding of the importance of diversification in a modern artist’s career. Deja leverages her platform in music to venture into other areas of interest, broadening her reach and solidifying her presence both in and out of the music world. This blend of artistry and enterprise spotlights a new generation of artists who are as business-minded as they are creative, indicative of the changing tides within the industry.

The Future Sounds of Success: Deja’s Continual Growth

As the conversation turned towards future prospects, Deja Destinée laid out her vision of evolving within the industry and her plans to be a game-changer. With new music on the horizon, including the engagingly titled single “ATE”, and a role in the upcoming film premiere set for June 6th at Newark Cinema, Deja’s grind is relentless.

Echoing her earlier sentiments on the significance of grinding, she reiterates, “To work and put in the work… when you don’t want to do it, put in the work then, too, because in the end, it’s gonna pay off.” It’s with this unwavering dedication and drive that Deja Destinée forges ahead, paving her path with an unshakeable belief in her art and her ability to influence the industry.

Deja’s narrative is one that is building upon the foundations of authenticity, perseverance, and an uncompromising vision for what she wants to achieve. With a solid grounding in the values instilled in her name and approach to music, the future beckons with infinite possibilities, each one an opportunity to further the imprint of Deja Destinée on the world.

STREAM THE LATEST SINGLE SHE/HER ON ALL DIGITAL PLATFORMS NOW

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From New York to the World: D-Kno Money’s Impact on Hip Hop

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The world of hip-hop is a constantly evolving tapestry, colored by the individual stories and passionate endeavors of artists navigating their craft. A recent candid conversation with Southside Jamaica, Queens representative, D-Kno Money, sheds light on the sincerity and grind of an artist dedicated to originality amidst an industry prone to imitation.

Dedication to Hip-Hop’s Essence

In the heart of the discussion, D-Kno Money underlines a stronghold on the authentic sound of hip-hop, an element that often feels lost in today’s market. “\[…] if you like hip-hop in its essence, you like rapping in its essence. I always stick to those roots,” D-Kno Money asserts, emphasizing his commitment to preserving the genre’s true spirit. He maneuvers through the contemporary soundscape while ensuring his music retains a timeless quality. His approach crafts a bridge between the nostalgic and the innovative, appealing to both old-school enthusiasts and modern listeners. Quoting the artist, “If you listen to D-Kno Money for the first time, you’re not gonna hear what’s out like at the moment. \[…] I still have an authentic sound.”

This balance between tradition and evolution in the hip-hop genre is vital. It functions not only as a gateway for diverse expression within the art form but also exemplifies the genre’s ability to adapt without losing its core identity. D-Kno Money’s music serves as a beacon for what hip-hop can continue to be—an insightful, powerful, and expressive outlet for creativity.

Crafting an Artistic Identity

D-Kno Money’s story is a narrative of relentless ambition channeling into artistry since early childhood, heavily influenced by the monumental group Wu-Tang Clan and solo artists like Jay-Z and Nas. His musical journey, which began in 2003, highlights the dedication and passion required to make a mark in the industry. Taking his artistic vocation seriously from his first mixtape in 2006 to dropping over 15 projects, he proves that consistency is the key to a substantial body of work. The discussion emphasizes the importance of investing in one’s craft, pointing out, “My body of work put me in an advantageous state over a lot of my fellow peers.”

For D-Kno Money, the art of creating music is only part of the equation. The multifaceted lifestyle he leads speaks to the entrepreneurial spirit and the various roles artists must play to sustain and elevate their brand. Tackling responsibilities like personal management and business ventures, such as the Blue Exclusive beverage liquor brand, reinforces the narrative that today’s artist must also be an astute businessperson.

Revitalizing New York’s Hip-Hop Scene

Touching on a subject close to many New Yorkers’ hearts, D-Kno Money shares his perspective on the current state of New York hip-hop, particularly noting the dominance of drill music. “Everything different. So, like with D-no Money, that’s all I really stand on,” he remarks, articulating his desire for the return of artistic diversity. The artist yearns for an era where uniqueness was celebrated rather than subdued, hoping for a resurgence of the individual sound that made New York a hip-hop powerhouse.

This standpoint resonates with a broader sentiment within the hip-hop community. The craving for originality isn’t a rejection of new trends, but rather a call to honor the genre’s rich, varied history. By advocating for diversity in sound and content, D-Kno Money echoes a larger directive—a call to action to reinvigorate the scene with the uniqueness that made it a global phenomenon.

The music industry, and hip-hop in particular, stands at a crossroads where the choices of artists like D-Kno Money can shape its trajectory. His advocacy for authenticity, commitment to craftsmanship, and emphasis on innovation could very well be the catalysts needed to relight the fires of the hip-hop scene in New York and beyond. As the landscape evolves, artists like D-Kno Money remind us of the importance of preserving the heart of the genre while creatively advancing into the future.

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