Solange Knowles and all her fabulousness were honored at last night’s ESSENCE Women in Music event at Greystone Manor in L.A. Check out all the YBF ladies who came out to support–Kelis, Jill Scott, LisaRaye, Estelle, KeKe Palmer, NeNe Leakes and plenty more–and their gorge purple carpet looks inside…
Honoree Solange, who also performed, kept her signature look of a bold printed leg-baring dress and bold lip color. This one is by London designer duo Susanne Ostwald and Ingvar Helgason. And she paired her look with a hot pair of metallic and white-capped toe Nicholas Kirkwood pumps. Fabulous as usual.
During the event, Solo hit the stage to perform some of her new songs….and even got accompanied by Earth, Wind & Fire’s Verdine White!
Jill Scott gushed about it all saying, "@solangeknowles is swag. Ok? She is swag."
Agreed.
Speaking of the fab Jill Scott, she hit the carpet at the event, which was sponsored by the 2013 Lincoln MKZ. Wearing a ruby red front slit Michael Costello (former Project Runway contestant) dress, she paired her look with sparkling pumps and a bold red lip. Gorge.
Leave it to Kelis to bring out a feisty look or the occasion. She rocked thigh high black boots with a gold cap toe, a long snakeskin coat with a black & white dress. Lots going on, including that hair. But that’s why we love her.
"Single Ladies" star LisaRaye McCoy hit the event in a white (her signature) Tadashi Shoji white pintuck illusion dress.
And snapped a pic with Kelis and actress Vanessa Williams.
KeKe Palmer debuted her new curly hair with a sleek black dress. Loves it.
Singer Dawn Richard rocked a silver & white geometric dress and her black Louboutin pumps.
We adore Estelle’s look of printed red & white skinny pant trousers with a matching jacket.
Tamia, who just made history as the first Canadian to be nominated for a GRAMMY in the R&B album category, hit up the event last night:
She kept it trendy in a Michael Costello mermaid leather skirt, Eleven Paris Biggie tee and an Alexander McQueen blazer. Fab as always.
Mary Mary’s Erica Campbell showed off her curves in a fuchsia dress.
"Glee" star Amber Riley kept it pretty in pleated pink.
Former "Charlie’s Angels" star Annie Illonzeh looked ready for spring in her tangerine pants and printed top.
"Single Ladies" star and model Denise Vasi kept it chic in a head to toe black and sheer look.
And singer Goapele went for the all black look as well.
Couples also took to the carpet ahead of the event:
Eric Benet brought his wife Manuela Testolini to the event.
And star of the upcoming Tyler Perry film, Confessions of a Marriage Counselor, Jurnee Smollett hit the carpet with her hubby Josiah Bell. Cute.
Naturi Naughton went for a little blue iridescence on the carpet.
NeNe Leakes came out to support the ladies.
Actress Sharon Leal attended the event with her boyfriend Paul Becker. We’ll keep our comments to ourselves.
Vanessa Williams and her killer gams are still hot.
And speaking of killer legs…model Jessica White rocked a feminine tuxedo pants look for the occasion. Fab times.
Prepare to be blown away by Cleva Music/C.M’s latest hit, “Steppa Dreams.” With an astounding 4 million streams in just one week across all platforms, this track is setting the industry on fire. CM’s confident assertion, “People feel my shit,” reflects the undeniable connection he has with his audience. His distinctive sound and infectious lyrics have garnered him global attention, establishing him as a frontrunner in the music scene. With each release, CM pushes the boundaries of creativity, redefining what it means to be a true artist. His unwavering dedication and passion shine through in every note, leaving fans eager for more. As “Steppa Dreams” continues to soar, it’s clear that this rising star is destined for greatness, and the world eagerly awaits his next move.
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.
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