Designers made bold statements with strong lines, colors, and pieces that rival those on runways in larger markets such as Los Angeles and New York. Collections as bold and divers as the gulf coast region, boasted pieces with high fashion flair and the type practicality that can land designers in stores. “Women and femininity are always my inspiration..” said Houston, Texas designer, Cherelle Yvette. She and other designers not only had an opportunity to showcase their talent on the runway but also in Fashion Week New Orleans’ Style Lounge.

We caught up with designer Miciaiah Bethune of The Wildlife Reserve, sporting his own line of accessories, including bow ties, neckties, and pocket squares, in the Style Lounge. He resounded a reoccurring theme among designers; a desire to reach fashion forward individuals in searching of new designers, in attempts to separate themselves, at least fashionably speaking, from the status quo.

From the looks of things, Fashion Week New Orleans is poised to be the cornerstone of something much greater. This showcase of some of the region’s most talented designers, models, makeup artist, and stylist has created a platform to springboard the gulf coast fashion industry, as well as individuals in it, to a place of prominence nationally, and even world wide.

Black history month is proof of America’s obsession with pacifist behavior. A sweet cyclic muse that we court each February, exploiting the notion that Black history is a subgenre of American history and therefore can be relegated to a month filled with partial truths — one short, concentrated heritage month spent divulging stories that have been diluted due to an overwhelming feeling of White guilt. This guilt urges historians to hide the truth and tell only those heroic tales of Blackness suitable for their grandchildren’s ears. This is not my Black history.

Each of us enters February anew. A month that begins and ends just like the others, with affixed holidays, anniversaries, and birthdays. Guilt, tradition, and a fear of discriminatory reprisal will lead teachers and the media to communicate misbegotten lessons that highlight the importance and relevance of Black people and our contributions, but we don’t have to bite. We don’t have to agree to learning only the lessons that post-racialists deem relevant to teach — a watery, fetishized skeleton of what is one of the most potent and vital legacies in American history.

My Black history, the one I celebrate every day, is intoxicating. It’s too vast, too compelling, and too detailed to fit into my pocket or yours. My Black history is shiny. It sparkles with glitter and gold. It’s feminine, mysterious, and integral. My Black history has many names: Baldwin, Carver, Chisholm, Hamer, Baker, and Douglas. It has been recorded and retold in many voices, through many narratives, and doesn’t consent to being muddled under the pretext of comfort. My Black history is tall, dashing, and poised. My Black history is not easily oppressed because it is fundamentally weaved into the foundational fabric of America.

Today, history is being strategically decontextualized. States like Texas and Tennessee are fighting to ensure that children learn only what’s easy to digest – only what feels comfortable and nothing more. This certainly isn’t my Black history because in addition to all of the above-mentioned qualities, my Black history is rooted in suffering and sorrow. It can be a sad, heartbreaking tale of death and destruction that weeps angrily. Its unembellished, uncovered body bares deep scars of a long, unforgiving, and vicious experience– an experience that cannot be denied no matter the amount of discomfort it causes, and an experience that cannot be commercially highjacked or co-opted and then slanted into agreeable information.

We are each responsible for our own awareness of history. The vitality of it is subjective. Black history isn’t an impartial regurgitation of facts and ideas; it is a cultural experience that has shaped the lives of not just Blacks but everyone born in this country. It is no less culturally important than other histories. In fact, it is the collective struggle that helps us transcend the idea that our cultural legacies be confined to heritage months.

My Black history is my own. It is the lessons I know to be true despite the constant denial. I will tell this history to anyone who asks, anytime of the year because my history isn’t a small compliant space. It is shiny and glittery and it sparkles, everyday.

It’s Angola Rodeo time again. If you’re not sure what that means, just watch this video, in which prisoners in Louisiana are gored by a bull to the delight of an audience noshing on fried food. Since 1965, Louisiana’s Angola prison has held the Angola Rodeo every Sunday in October. To participate, prisoners volunteer for a a series of wildly dangerous stunts for which their compensation is the cheers of the audience members, each of whom pay $15 for the opportunity to see imprisoned men get attacked by giant farm animals.

Photo courtesy of NO Adventures

Angola makes it a point to note that the prisoners are “inexperienced” at rodeo events, meaning they’re more likely to be injured by the animals than trained rodeo performers, and the events themselves are designed to be dangerous for the men. In “Guts and Glory,” a poker chip is tied to the “meanest, toughest” bull possible. Prisoners are then tasked with taking the chip off the bull while avoiding horns and hooves. Then there’s “Convict Poker,” in which a raging bull is released onto a circle of inmates. There is no actual card game, the inmates just have to conquer their fear and remain seated while the bull tears apart their opponents. Last man sitting wins.

Angola Rodeo proponents, some of whom are prisoners themselves, say the event allows the men to experience freedom they wouldn’t otherwise experience. And the funds raised from the rodeo go toward inmate education programs and funerals for prisoners. But one would think there has to be a better way to raise funds for people in prison than setting them before one-ton animals in bloodsport. We thought the days in which prisoners fought animals for hooting crowds ended with the fall of Rome.

via Good.is

There are too many Louisiana legends involved in this video. Mannie Fresh on the beat with rhymes by Mystikal, Juveline, Skip, and newcomer The Show.

For those of you craving more, Mannie Friesh, Juvie, and Mystikal will be performing at Maison on Oct 29.

Shot by B Mike (Does this dude ever sleep?).

First off, let’s start off with the cost. Movies are WAY too expensive for a man surviving in my economic situation. With internet giving you 1.2 million websites that show illegal movies , Netflix, and Redbox I can now spend the same amount of money it takes me to buy a condom and some Reese’s buttercup (What cha know bout those Redbox/ “Where did my shorts go” nights?)

I shouldn’t have to mortgage my house for a late night flick and a movie combo #4 with extra butter on a abnormally size big screen and share it with random strangers whom most stank.

Yes I said it. Strangers Stank!!! Which beings me to my 2nd point, “Those People”.

The concept of group watching a movie is almost dumb in theory. Sure we can all talk about it immediately afterwards…EXCEPT for the #THOSEPEOPLE (thinking about them just made me #hashtag angry). They want to talk about the movie AS IT’S HAPPENING.

Two things to clear up right now. First, no matter how hard you yell, she’s still going to die BECAUSE SHE CAN’T HEAR YOU!!! Second, stop asking me what’s going to happen. I literally bought my ticket when you got yours. I know you saw me in line.

I can spend close to nothing and have that same night on my couch and if I fall asleep, I can watch it again. Fall asleep in the movies and that’s like paying a prostitute to play monopoly with you.

On the other hand some movies are meant to be seen on the big screen such as Transformers, Paranormal Activity (side note: The movie was terrible but great in the movies because I’m a scary bitch) and anything James Cameron imagines.  I will always be partial to not going to the movies since I’m broke and so is 98% of Americans in this country but it’s a part of you that wants to be seen by others watching a movie. That’s cynical and crazy and while I was writing this I just bought tickets to see Contagion.

I’m Loosing in life,
@howardhall24

Ocean (born Christopher Breaux — Breaux!) is a New Orleans native, having left the city (and the University of New Orleans) following Hurricane Katrina, and relocated to Los Angeles, where he hooked up with teams of producers to write tracks for Beyonce and Justin Bieber, among others. He also joined the Odd Future crew, notably on the Tyler, the Creator track “She” from this year’s acclaimed and controversial Goblin.

His debut mixtape features the singles “Novacane” and “Swim Good,” which you can see below. The track also inspired a bounce remix, which you can download for free here.

via

We got a chance to sit down with Dupree to discuss his goal and aspirations for the camps as well as a few more topics.

Louisiana Social: What spark your interest to begin the Ron Dupree Camp?

Ron Dupree: I have an extreme passion for children and I wanted to show my genuine fondness by giving back to the youth. Not to mention, the camp will give the children an opportunity to learn more about a heathy lifestyle in their growing stages.

LS: Who were the individuals on your team to assist you in building this distinguished camp.

RD: I had the opportunity to gain the foundation from my loving wife, Jamela Dupree, she has the ideas *laughs*; along with Sevetri Wilson of Solid Ground Innovations,LLC.

LS: Was it always a dream of yours to get to such a compassionate point in your career to where you developed a camp such as this?

RD: Absolutely. I feel that it is a great time to give back and provide the children who lack the established means to participate in sports or have the expert direction into making them a discipline player, that golden opportunity.

LS: Is this camp annually?

RD: Yes, this is the first year, and we strive on making it bigger and better each year.

LS: What are the daily activities of the camp?

RD: The registered kids will take part in basketball drills, techniques, and basic guidelines, which will be instructed by me personally, along with a few of my NBA friends.

LS: When will the camp be held?

RD: July 15-16 (Friday – Saturday)

LS: What are the requirements for those eager basketball fueled kids to take advantage of the awesome camp?

RD: The age, in order to register, is 9-17. Boys and Girls can register.

LS:Are there any affiliated sponsors adding excitement to this camp?

RD:, Yes, VitaminWater and Subway. Greatly appreciative of the corporate support and help in giving back to the community.

LS: Can the public donate funds freely?

RD: Yes, anyone can visit the camp official website, http://www.rondupreesportsandnutrition.org/, and it has all the information on registering and donating. We encourage the professional to get on board and help an awesome cause.

Dupree closed interview with us saying, ” A place where kids can take a dream of pro sports and make it reality.”

For those of you interested in following up with Dupree, you can catch him on twitter at @Rdupree12.

Ron, it was a pleasure.

With my help, I’ll make sure you feel fresh and look fine, with these fashion facts on keeping you functional, fashionable and feeling flawless for the grand occasion.

Ladies

Light and loosely fitted blouses are perfect for this kind of occasion. While you are dancing and grooving to the essence of soul, it is great to know that your fit is moving with the flow. Ladies, pair this with shorts, tights, jeggings (jean leggings), or jeans containing at least 2% of spandex

For a more casual look, try a cotton dolman sleeved blouse. For a dressier look, sequin and embellishments are always a win.

Dresses are another great selection. They are flirty, fun, and functional. Maxis, midis, and minis are all appropriate. Any length would be suitable for this type of occasion. If you are going the casual route, Light cottons and linens are more comfortable. If you prefer to be dressier, jersey, silks, and rayon are just as great. Prints and patterns are hot right now: Tribal prints, floral prints, and stripes.

Wear comfortable shoes! This is very important. There a plenty of options for fashionably functional footwear. Try sandals (flat, wedged, or low-heeled). If you like to wear high heels, make sure the sole has a platform. This makes them much easier to move around in.

Key colors: Neutrals (Browns, nudes, tans, & creams) with pops of warm colors (reds, oranges, & yellows)

Ideal places to shop: Macy’s, Dillard’s, Express, ALDO, and BCBG

Remember Ladies, accessories complete the outfit. They are the ornaments of your look.

Men

Collared shirts, crew and V-neck tees are ideal for dressing up and down. Move smooth and feel cool while minimalizing the layers of your outfit. If you choose the dressier route, try a solid collared shirt; Western-style is more fashionable. If casual, plaids are perfect. Short sleeved may be a bit more comfortable, but long is always suitable. At this kind of event, you could wear a crew or V-neck tee, but it’s best to pair it with a vest or blazer (lightweight material).

You can pair these items with linen pants, chino pants, or dark jeans (they can easily be dressed up or down). Lightweight fabrics are ideal.

Step into the scene with some comfortable shoes. Boat shoes and loafers are ideal. Anything that’s not too heavy on your feet: leather, suede, & canvas. You don’t want to weigh yourself down and wear yourself out.

As for accessories guys, it’s ok to be bold. Scarves and hats are my suggestion. Fedoras and riding caps are very popular and quite appropriate.

Key colors: Neutrals (Browns, nudes, black, white & grey)

Ideal places to shop: Banana Republic, Express, Steve Madden, and ALDO.

With that being said, ladies and gentlemen, I wish you good hunting.

-Christine

In keeping up with supporting local talent, I present to you, 20yr old crooner, (@codybrandell) out of Lafayette, LA. Cody and his camp let this tape loose on twitter around 7 last night and it founds it way to our timeline.

The Tape, titled “The Wait Is Over”, is pretty much Cody putting his spin on some of your favorite beats with a few original productions of his own. I’d heard some of his work a while ago and it was pretty decent.

While I’ve only played through it once, I’m impressed enough to share it with the masses. He has a smooth voice and definitely knows his way around a track (read:SWAG).

Give it a listen, download it and PLEASE provode feedback below. Either encouragement or critic, you can’t get better without feedback.

***Update***

Ok, I’ve been through this tape about 3 times so far. This tape is REALLY SOLID. Production is great. Writings nice. OK, I’m a fan now. Props to @Jasmine_RaShae