Kenneth Williams Jr

With August designed to commemorate Black businesses, it’d be remiss not to acknowledge a particular industry powered by innovative Black minds since its inception, hip-hop. When one thinks of hip-hop heavyweights along the lines of Trina or Migos, the glamour of their respective artistries comes to mind but there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to these stars. Quietly brewing in the background, curating the magical moments that elevate and amplify the platform of these artists is Derrian 'Phreshy' Plummer.

Over the past year, viewers around the globe have been entertained by the likes of the hit web series Joseline’s Cabaret and Baddies ATL. With many of the controversial scenes transforming into viral moments repeatedly shaking up the Twittersphere, it’s imperative to note that these flamboyant productions are cogs in a much larger machine, Zeus Network, powered by Detroit native, Lemuel “Lemmie” Plummer.

When VH1’s Love & Hip-Hop Atlanta debuted almost 10 years ago, viewers across the globe instantly became obsessed with cast member Karlie Redd. Quickly clawing her way up to become a fan-favorite of the franchise, she has managed to steal the hearts of spectators. She achieves this acclaim through well intentioned tension-resolution yet radically transparent conversations, tapping into her inner mogul and showcasing what it means to be a woman of color with an entrepreneurial spirit.

“If I don't make it, that means that the people that are going to come up after me in this country are going to have a harder time," the 20-year-old musician said.
Up-and-coming rapper HAWA's foray into music began in her tween years as one of the youngest-ever composers of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.

They have inspired impactful dialogue of what it truly means to provide allyship to Black women and how they deal with their mental health.

If you've spent a fair amount of time on social media in the past couple of weeks, you were likely to come across semi-shockingly cruel commentary about 24-year-old hip-hop newcomer, Coi Leray.

In 2016, I lost my father to a battle with drugs. Here's what I wish I could say to him:

Real Housewives of Potomac fans collectively gasped this week when Karen Huger, properly nicknamed the "Grand Dame," boldly proclaimed her colleague, Gizelle Bryant, had a “hot box” on the season 6 premiere. While this explosive foray for the spoils of quintessential primetime victory had many a viewer clutching our proverbial pearls, for reality TV connoisseurs, it was just another day, another verbal jab.

As the world comes together this June to collectively pay homage to the LGBTQ+ community and its contributions to culture as we know it, it’d be remiss not to shine a light on ballroom culture. For those who are unfamiliar, ballroom is a subculture within the LGBTQ+ community where predominantly Black and brown community members compete or “walk” for prizes.

Damon Dash Recap Interview.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever been personally victimized by society’s placing of heteronormative standards on what constitutes a romantic relationship.
When I reflect on my formative years, I can vividly recall seeing healthy, happy relationships in the media and around me -- but they were all heterosexual.

For many of us, the plentiful time for introspection time brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic led to an awakening or two -- mine was about who I could call a friend.
Over the course of several years, I found myself acting as guidance counselor, career coach, and at one point, a marketing director for her fledgling business for a heterosexual woman who I also thought I could call a friend.

Damon Dash Talks Venturing Into Tech And Rock Music

Black women in particular have long made sacrifices to secure financial stability for their families in the midst of systemic barriers such as racism, sexism and classism. Award-winning actress Nia Long illustrates these efforts through her portrayal of Eunice Garrett in The Banker. Garrett was the former wife of Bernard Garrett Sr., who secretly purchased banks in Texas to assist Black residents who were unable to attain loans due to the Jim Crow era.

From Ray to the forthcoming film Tyson, Jamie Foxx is known for bringing stories to life with his dynamic acting. Since taking ownership of BSB-Brown Sugar Bourbon in March, Foxx has been bringing his storytelling talent to entrepreneurship, paving the way for Black creatives who aspire to capitalize on the intersection of creativity and business.
For(bes) The Culture caught up with Foxx to discuss his newest business venture, Black entrepreneurship and how creatives can bring their dreams to fruition.