Noname made a dent in the music industry with her debut mixtape “Telefone” in 2016. As the Chicago rapper rose to stardom, unlike most celebrities who embrace the capitalistic structure, she boldly challenged the dominant framework. And she has not let up since. Beginning in 2019, the poet created the NoName Book Club with a coalition of activists sharing one goal, to provide “reading materials for the homies.” The online book club selects two books a month written by people of color surrounding a social justice movement. Just two years after its inception, Noname has yet again raised the bar with a step that will help books become more accessible for Black and brown communities. even better, we a library so everything FREE 😏💛💛💛 https://t.co/yK09gkLW9X — 🌊 (@noname) October 3, 2021
Vic Mensa has come to the rescue of a Black-woman-owned business in his hometown of Chicago, IL. On March 13, 2024, the rapper made a stop by Da Book Joint. Self-described as “Your African American book source,” the bookstore has been in operation since 2007,” according to its website. “We are particularly interested in books targeted at the youth,” the website wrote. “We are looking to play our part in the development of the youth of the country, and we do so by providing a healthy selection of books and titles for them to select from.” To help keep Da Book Joint’s doors open, Vic Mensa presented the bookstore with a check for $7,200. “We are thankful,” Da Book Joint shared in an Instagram post. “We are honored. We are grateful. We are truly living a dream right now. Thank you so much to @vicmensa and his entire @93boyz team for blessing us today by covering our rent for an entire year.” It continued, “Thank you for seeing our mission and helping us stand in our purpose. You are...
Nipsey Hussle’s dream behind his Marathon clothing store — launched in 2017 — was unfortunately deferred after his untimely passing. But with the support of his family, the marathon continues! The late rapper’s legacy will keep living on with the upcoming opening of “The Marathon Clothing store No 2” in Los Angeles later this year. The Guardian reports that Hussle’s older brother, Samiel Asghedom, and his family purchased commercial property in the Melrose arts district in LA for the clothing brand. “This second location is a dream that Nipsey always had, and it’s important that his kids are able to see his plans fulfilled,” said Asghedom. The news comes in after a report of the LAPD using predictive policing technology to target Hussle and his businesses. AfroTech previously shared the force’s history of their alleged harassment and scrutinizing his every move — especially after the opening of the flagship store for his brand.
Looks like 2 Chainz will be adding a new title under his belt. According to a press release, the multihyphenate will become the Head of Creative Marketing for fast-food chain Krystal. For 2 Chainz, who grew up enjoying music and Krystal’s delicious sliders and shakes, the rapper looks forward to putting the southern jewel on the map for many more. “As someone who grew up in the South and understands Krystal’s place in culture and community, 2 Chainz is a perfect partner for adding to and amplifying our brand message,” said Thomas Stager, President of Krystal Restaurants, according to a press release. “There is an authenticity in this relationship that reflects our own deep pride in and commitment to the brand and our communities, and we know 2 Chainz has his own equally deep personal connections to Krystal. Together, we will bring the feeling and flavor of Krystal to as many new fans as possible.”
It’s no secret that Nipsey Hussle and the legacy he left behind holds a special place in modern-day history. The late rapper is deemed as a groundbreaker especially in his hometown of Los Angeles. However, despite his more than valuable contributions to the city, it’s now been revealed that he had more haters plotting on his downfall than what was initially foreseen. The Guardian reports that Hussle and his businesses were profiled by an LAPD program called Operation Laser (Los Angeles Strategic Extraction and Restoration).
Abraxas Higgins is a sensation making a splash in the fashion, lifestyle, and social audio space, but his journey into the creative realm was not overnight. Before becoming a successful content creator, he worked for seven years in the financial sector at the largest global asset management company, BlackRock. Abraxas Higgins managed to climb toward the top starting as an intern and landing a role as a strategist on Wall Street. Arguably, Abraxas Higgins was at the peak of his game but discontent loomed in the back of his mind because he knew there was far more he wanted to pursue. Higgins believed it was time to make a shift to pursue his lifelong passions. Taking a leap of faith, he quit his well-compensated position and moved to Los Angeles to work as a digital strategist for rapper David Sabastian. In this transition, Abraxas Higgins found his footing and the confidence to branch out into the creative industry. As he branched out, he became a spectator of fashion and indulged in...
Solange made it clear with her widely acclaimed album “A Seat at the Table” that she’s dedicated to protecting what Black people own, and she’s just announced her inaugural free library that does just that. Under her studio and platform Saint Heron, the singer has revealed its new community library filled with rare books and art by Black creators for research, study and exploration, Variety reports . As previously reported by AfroTech, Saint Heron’s mission is to preserve, collect and uplift the stories, works, and archives of Black and brown artists within our creative communities. https://www.instagram.com/p/CU-n3_YvBEz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link “The Saint Heron Library continues the work we have been building by preserving collections of creators with the urgency they deserve,” Solange said. “Together we seek to create an archive of stories and works we deem valuable. These works expand imaginations, and it is vital to us to make them accessible to students, and our...
NLE Choppa has made it clear, with both his actions and words, that he has no intention of merely being known as “just a rapper.” Born Bryson Lashun Potts in Memphis, TN, the rising Hip-Hop superstar has already started diversifying his interests outside of the music industry. On Sept. 27, AfroTech reported that Potts launched a vegan food truck that, he hoped, would be the flashpoint for change in his economically depressed neighborhood. NLE’s This Can’t Be Vegan Food Truck Is Official Up And Running. First Pop Up Will Be At The Eat To Live Vegan Fest At 645 E Georgia Ave, Memphis, TN 38126 FOLLOW @nlethiscantbevegan On Instagram For More Updates On Locations In The Future 💜 pic.twitter.com/y1rjvFg3rg — NLE Choppa (@Nlechoppa1) September 25, 2021 “Memphis, I feel like, is a place where vegan food is needed the most ’cause I know, just by getting our hands on better food will change the thought process,” NLE Choppa said. “Possibly the crime rate will go down, scholars will go up,...