2020 May

R&B Legends Bell Biv DeVoe and Jagged Edge Set to Perform Via Funk Fest TV Live Stream

May 21, 2020

It’s no secret that the global coronavirus pandemic has upended most industries. The music business is no exception.

Thanks to hip hop DJ D-Nice spinning seemingly never-ending sets and innovative ventures like Verzuz, the celebratory battle created by iconic producers Swizz Beatz and Timbaland, music is still reaching and comforting the masses. As music lovers turn to social media and online outlets to satisfy their ears in lieu of in-person performances, more and more artists are following suit.

In case you missed it, legendary hip hop/pop trio Bell Biv DeVoe, better known as BBD, is joining forces with popular R&B quartet Jagged Edge to bring fans a night of nostalgic tunes on May 28, 9pm EST via Funk Fest, the longest-running urban music festival.

The powerhouse groups who dominated the ‘90s and early aughts will perform live under BBD’s aptly named “Garage Concert Series,” and will be shown online via the festival’s new streaming platform Funk Fest TV.

Designed to be an organic “jam session” that strips away the bells and whistles and transports the performance experience back to its grassroots origins, the can’t-miss show will surely be a welcomed addition to the new frontier of how we consume live events. Plus, proceeds from the set will benefit Covid-19 relief efforts via BBD Cares, the trio’s community initiative.

“We’re proud to launch the ‘Garage Concert Series’ and our BBD Cares effort to raise money and awareness during a time when our communities, our culture, and our society need healing,” Bell said in a release. Bivins echoed, “The Garage Concert Series, which we conceptualized and named after other culture-shifting brands like Amazon and Microsoft that started in their garage, is our contribution to the global community.” DeVoe continued, “Our goal is to continue to spread the love, while raising money for those who are most in need.”

If you’ve never seen a BBD or Jagged Edge live performance, you’re in for a treat!

So, grab your baggy jeans and oversized gear and get ready to party and give back…all from the comfort of your couch!

Tickets are available here for $3. For more information, please visit Funk Fest TV.

Crayola Launches New ‘Colors of the World’ Crayons To Represent Diverse Skin Tones

May 21, 2020

Budding artists rejoice!

Crayola just released a box of crayons with global appeal. Yup, the iconic brand has finally added an extensive array of shades mirroring skin tones ranging from creamy alabaster to rich mahogany, to their already colorful offerings. Basically, the inclusive box, dubbed, “Colors of the World” will feature a palette of realistic hues that reflect our beautiful and incredibly diverse society.

“With the world growing more diverse than ever before, Crayola hopes our new Colors of the World crayons will increase representation and foster a greater sense of belonging and acceptance,” Crayola CEO Rich Wuerthele said in a statement. “We want the new Colors of the World crayons to advance inclusion within creativity and impact how kids express themselves.”

With 24 shades intended to represent 40 skin tones, those cute kindergarten self-portraits are about to get a major, true-to-life upgrade. Now, children will no longer have to substitute or mix colors to achieve their unique complexions.

Crayola’s “Colors of the World” crayons available here, $3. Photo Courtesy of Crayola

Landing on the the specially formulated crayon selections took extensive research and rigorous consumer testing. To ensure that the color spectrum was as accurate and inclusive as possible, the brand partnered with Victor Casale. For more than 30 years, he’s led global color matching efforts for some of the biggest names in beauty including, Cover FX and MAC Cosmetics.

“I have spent my life trying to create truly global shade palettes because I know what it’s like to be with a person who has finally found their exact match,” Casale said in a release. “They feel included and recognized, and I am hoping every child who uses these crayons and finds their shade will have that feeling. Growing up, I remember mixing the pink and dark brown crayons to try and make my shade, so I was thrilled when Crayola asked for my help to create the Colors of the World crayons.”

Color us happy too. Bravo, Crayola!

Do you have a creative mini-me at home who will be happy to hear this news?