Stacy-Ann Ellis
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writer with an eye. | Howard U alum. | busy telling stories, both yours and mine.
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Articles by Stacy-Ann Ellis
Props: A Nod To Issa Rae’s ‘Insecure’ Original
Getting this life thing right on the first try is overrated. And, as Issa Rae’s Insecure continues to teach us 10 years after its October 9, 2016 HBO premiere, hella unrealistic. When we first met Rae on screen as Issa Dee, rapping to herself in a bathroom mirror for a confidence boost, the show’s star was approaching 29 and hitting a plateau. Undervalued and underutilized in a middling job and coasting in a sparkless long-term relationship, Issa wanted more out of life.
Mary J. Blige’s ‘Growing Pains’ Makes Peace With Pain
There's a special kind of freedom in stepping out of one’s own shadow, especially a lauded one that has sprawled out across decades. When recalling Mary J. Blige’s staggering catalog, her name has long been linked to the idea of the worst of things. Whether it's reeling from a bout of heartbreak, betrayal, abuse, self-deprecation, or inexplicable sadness, a Mary J. Blige song – ideally from 1994’s My Life or 1997’s Share My World – playing in the background feels most appropriate for the occasion.
"Find Christ At The River"
As soon as the brown heap landed in her lap, Sylvie knew hell could come as quickly as she wanted it to. It was wet and cold when it hit her, splattering into a million little blobs at the base of the white swimsuit making its first appearance all summer. Grainy chunks spread out across wide thighs, over the hibiscus plant neatly drawn around the right one, peppered with pores. It wasn’t even the good kind of sand; the white, wispy, Sandals resort in Cabo kind of sand. It was ruddy, river dirt sand.
Mary J. Blige's 'Growing Pains' Makes Peace With Pain
Cover: Courtesy of Universal Music There’s a special kind of freedom in stepping out of one’s own shadow, especially a lauded one that has sprawled out across decades. When recalling Mary J. Blige’s staggering catalog, her name has long been linked to the idea of the worst of things. Whether it’s reeling from a bout of heartbreak, betrayal, abuse, self-deprecation, or inexplicable sadness, a Mary J.
At The Grand
Laughter. Screams. Expletives. Anything and everything but patience the sound of a pin drop. Or maybe it was annoyance, second-hand embarrassment, anger. Edwin hunched over, shifting in his seat. Its nicked wooden legs sighed underneath his weight, echoing in the air. He wondered if they could feel the heat coming from him, see the wetness gathering at his temples, or hear his heart thumping so hard against the inside of his ribs that he swore it was rattling his chain.
Talking Travel With R&B Musician Masego
By Stacy-Ann EllisFeb 3, 2021 • 4 minutes read Masego, the R&B musician behind the EP Studying Abroad, shares his black book of must-see stopovers for Black creatives. Kingston, Jamaica-born, Newport News, Va.-raised "trap/house/jazz" [singer, rapper and instrumentalist Masego has created a fruitful career out of being a global citizen.
The Brownies Are a Grassroots Incubator for Black Friendship
Despite the risk that comes with introducing friends from two different corners of your life to each other—potentially a recipe for disaster—Ayanna Wilks has a thing for mixing peer groups. In fact, that’s where she thrives. Wilks, Senior Director of Publicity at Epic Records and co-founder of The Brownie Agency network, is what you’d call a relationship person, both by trade and by heart. “I'm all for the integrated friends and the integrated friendships,” she says over Zoom with a laugh.
Social Club's Create the Club Artists and Designers Describe Their Work
A famous adage says that the company you keep is a reflection of who you are. When it comes to the creatives who are part of hard seltzer brand Social Club’s ‘Create the Club’ squad of artists, designers, artisans, and makers, those wise words couldn’t be more true.
Chance The Rapper Is Chicago's Outstanding Youth Of The Year
November 10, 2014 - 11:02 pm by Stacy-Ann Ellis Congratulations are in order for Chancelor Bennett. Chance The Rapper is making waves in more than just the music world. Yesterday (Nov. 9), the Chicago rapper found out just how proud his city is of him. He was nominated and chosen by 100 fellow Chicago teens to receive Chicago's Outstanding Youth Of The Year Award.
How Oddisee Arrived at a Clear Vision for His Life and Career
This feature is one of a two-part Ray-Ban series that highlights the brand’s connection to timeless, authentic artists who display courage and creativity in their work and output everyday. More than just musicians, these icons-in-the-making are also thought leaders, purposefully using their art to build people up, support their global communities, and to help people clearly see the best in themselves. Read on to see how they’re accomplishing these goals in style.
The Borrowers: 9 Hood Trends That Went 'Chic' After Cultural Appropriation
February 5, 2015 - 8:38 pm by Stacy-Ann Ellis No one should take fashion trends too seriously. It's understood that sartorial crazes tend to come and go as quickly as traffic lights change, but things get interesting when a shiny new phenomenon strikes a culturally familiar chord. In the past few years, we've watched as daily attire aligned more with house wear while the 'hood ran Fashion Week runways.
Meena Harris's Phenomenal Woman company makes shirts to inspire others. Original
Meena Harris didn’t plan on creating a movement—it just happened. Even using the “M” word to describe the popularity of the Phenomenal Woman T-shirts she makes causes her to pause. “It has really grown into what some call a movement, which makes me uncomfortable, because I never really set out to do that,” says Harris, founder and CEO of philanthropic lifestyle brand, Phenomenal.
UOMA Beauty's Sharon Chuter Uses Her Platform to Pull Up For Change
Right now, Sharon Chuter is happy to have customers yelling at her. That’s because the Nigerian-born, L.A./London-based founder of UOMA Beauty knows that with millions staying home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, makeup is less of a priority for most. It’s a blessing to have any customers at all. “We can't complain, because in a time where other people are packing up businesses because it's so bad, we're here,” Chuter says via video chat.
Bill O'Reilly Says 'Maybe Blacks Should Wear 'Don't Get Pregnant At 14' Shirts'
December 19, 2014 - 11:04 pm by Stacy-Ann Ellis MLK’s eldest son, Martin Luther King III sat down with Bill O’Reilly for his show, The O’Reilly Factor. While in the midst of having an open debate on the current issues stemming from Mike Brown’s death, the openly critical of blacks host, made comments against protestors that have been wearing the “I Can’t Breathe” shirts.
Revolt TV Launches October 21 In New York, Los Angeles And Chicago
October 1, 2013 - 11:34 pm by Stacy-Ann Ellis Thanks to Diddy, the revolution will be televised very soon. His Revolt TV network will be hitting New York, Chicago and Los Angeles airwaves starting Oct. 21. The channel is geared towards millennials interested music's influence on art, culture and society and will will be presented by Comcast and Time Warner Cable. Check out Puff's PSA for the movement. The Vibe Mix Newsletter All things VIBE. Daily - Straight to your inbox.
The Art & History Of Handwritten Love Letters
Four ILY readers shared the letters they kept with them, buried within both their belongings and their hearts: I. Dear Mya: “I love you all jokes aside and [you’re] one of the best and most beautiful/talented females I have ever met. I pray that you stay that way and don’t ever change cause that drive is what got my attention in the first place. Mya [you’re] a very special person and I need you to not hear it or read it.
Visual artist Louis De Guzman explains how teamwork helps his art reach the masses.
Most diehard basketball fans have a Kobe Bryant story. Visual artist and designer Louis De Guzman can recall his clearly. In 2016, the Chicago native had just relocated to Los Angeles and was working with streetwear designer Don C on a series of basketball socks with Stance for the NBA All-Star Weekend games. Aesthetically nodding to the surrounding Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day holidays, De Guzman’s designs and colorways drew inspiration from both he and Don’s home team, the Bulls.
Saada Ahmed Shares How Everyday People Became the World’s Coolest Day Party
Saada Ahmed can’t help but join in on the commotion when the voices on the other side of her phone line erupt in a swirl of shock, disbelief, and laughter. The 32-year-old entrepreneur is in L.A. juggling the tedium of unpacking boxes from a cross-country move with a phone interview, and she’s just told a mixed party of listeners a truth even her own manager didn’t know. “I'm an only child, which is very rare for someone who’s African,” she begins.
Stella Meghie on Everyday Stories and Representation in Film
ER This is your fourth film since Jean of the Joneses in 2016, and you have another Issa Rae–fronted project, American Princess, in the works. How did you get here from your first career in public relations? SM I have always written and I wasn’t that good at PR, so I needed to move on and find what I was good at. I went back to school for screenwriting and got my master’s. Then I just wrote and wrote and started breaking through a bit.
Aurora Perrineau Is Not Who You Think She Is. That’s The Best Part
It’s a nippy Friday afternoon in New York when I find Aurora Perrineau. The actress is tucked in a sunlit nook in the lobby of the James New York NoMad, sipping on her sixth cup of fruit-infused water, cool as a cucumber. A black newsboy cap hugs a tight head of waves framing a mostly-bare face — the most noticeable accents are warm blush and a sweep of copper shadow across her lids.
Gladys Knight Does Not Have Pancreatic Cancer
Getty Images August 31, 2018 - 4:20 pm by Stacy-Ann Ellis Gladys Knight says she "had the same disease" as Aretha Franklin. While the nation was (and still is) celebrating the life of Aretha Franklin at her day-long homegoing service in Detroit, another blow to the stomach came from one of our living soul legends. Unfortunately, Gladys Knight has revealed that she, like Aretha Franklin, has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Davido On Afrobeats, New Album, Confidence And Nigeria
Stacy-Ann Ellis October 15, 2019 - 4:33 pm by Stacy-Ann Ellis The afrobeats artist talks making "world music" and the confidence that comes from having a solid foundation. Davido can’t sit still. Maybe it’s early afternoon energy or impatience or knowing that his press rounds for the day aren’t winding down for some hours. Or maybe it’s just the fact that he’s sitting on what he considers to be an audio goldmine.
Stacy-Ann Ellis
Stacy-Ann edits and crafts many sentences for VIBE. She hates when people disrespect her first name by adding an unnecessary "e." She is also emotional. No, seriously.
How Fall Shopping Is An Act Of Self-Care: A Guide
Stylist Africa Miranda and life-coach Danika Brysha share five tips on how strategic shopping can be an act of self-care. Along with the motivation of Q4, October has brought with it the crisp chill in the air many have long been waiting for. Yes, the fall equinox signaled that the heat of summer is over, but what it really means is that new wardrobes can flourish. And oftentimes, a change of the outer self comes with a significant change in the inner.
Keke Palmer Is Cool With You Thinking of Her as Akeelah
Keke Palmer has been fielding questions all afternoon about stepping into the shoes of Mercedes, a naturally comical stripper in Hustlers. It’s one of the reasons why director Lorene Scafaria sought her out for the role. “Lorene wasn't really familiar with any of my prior work,” Keke tells Teen Vogue at New York’s Whitby Hotel one day before the premiere date. “She was more familiar with my Instagram and my social work.
Flour Shop's Amirah Kassem Travels With Sprinkles in Her Carry-On
The Packing ListStacy-Ann EllisNatalie Shields There’s no such thing as static for Amirah Kassem. “I don’t think that I have been in the same city for more than five days in the last couple of months,” the baker, author, and Flour Shop owner says, giggling at the thought. Two days before this call from Los Angeles, she was home in New York City posing alongside multicolored suitcases—a new addition to the Away family—that mirror the youthful decor of her Lafayette Street bakery.
H.E.R. Debuts New Song 'Anti' At VMAs 2019: Watch
August 27, 2019 - 3:37 pm by Stacy-Ann Ellis Whether we're judging by vocals or performance or both, it's clear that H.E.R. can do no wrong. Last night at the 2019 MTV Video Awards (Aug. 26), the rapidly rising singer-songwriter and instrumentalist flexed all three of her talents for all the world to see with a performance of a brand new song.
Aaliyah's Madame Tussauds Wax Figure Channels 'Try Again'
Madame Tussauds for VIBE August 21, 2019 - 9:00 pm by Stacy-Ann Ellis Aaliyah’s brother, Rashad, was instrumental in making sure that his late sister’s legacy was properly memorialized, from her posing down to her body art. Today (Aug. 21), the newest addition to Madame Tussauds family of icons makes its big debut. After much demand, a wax figure of Aaliyah, or “Babygirl” to long standing fans and music industry peers is now open to the public at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas.
Cincinnati Music Festival Uplifts Cincy's Black Community
"Jazz Fest" in the Queen City is a satisfying slice of black entertainment, excellence, and kinship. It’s 2 p.m. on a balmy July Friday and, for a rare moment during a weekend that promises to be anything but still, Cincinnati’s Fountain Square feels quiet. A bronze statue with water free-falling from its palms marks the center of the city’s Downtown meeting place, and around the fountain’s edge, a smattering of passersby are sitting down to rest.
Aldis Hodge Talks 'Brian Banks' Movie, Judicial System Flaws
According to 'Brian Banks' star Aldis Hodge, “anytime to address flaws when it comes to fighting for justice is the right time.” Anger is nothing but clouded judgment, and Aldis Hodge wants me to be clear on that. It’s a pleasant June afternoon and before the actor departs from the East Coast for his next film project, we’re chatting over the phone about the particulars of the infamous Brock Turner case.
DussePalooza , GDE And The Party-To-Festival Pipeline
I. “This is for the ni**as in the suburbs and the white kids with ni**a friends who say the n-word” – Tyler, The Creator The first time I was ever called a ni**er to my face I was, for lack of a better phrase, "spared” the indignity of it also being in English. Language will leave you grateful for the strangest things I suppose.
Examining Kim Kardashian-West's Influence on Trump
Before July 19, no one would’ve imagined that A$AP Rocky would be on Donald Trump’s radar. Nineteen days after the touring rapper was detained for a scuffle in Sweden, allegedly in self-defense, the president tweeted this: “Just spoke to @KanyeWest about his friend A$AP Rocky’s incarceration.
Fabolous Made His Way Down To Ferguson To See Mike Brown's Family
Starz's critically-acclaimed drama Power will soon call it quits after five years and six seasons. With rumors of additional spinoffs, executive producer, rapper and actor, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson has brought fans a new rendition of the series theme song "Big Rich Town," according to BET. He surprised fans with his latest power-play via Twitter on Friday (July 12). The remix features R&B casanova Trey Songz and emerging Bronx-native rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie.
Kendrick Lamar Releases 'To Pimp A Butterfly' Early On ITunes
March 16, 2015 - 12:10 am by Stacy-Ann Ellis Christmas came super early for K.Dot fans. Aside from March being time for a spotlight on badass women, TDE is making sure this month is all Kendrick Lamar everything. Without any sort of warning, K.Dot made his anxiously awaited sophomore album To Pimp A Butterfly available on iTunes in full. There's only one catch: it's the clean version.
Raury Releases Video For 'Devil's Whisper'
June 25, 2015 - 2:52 pm by Stacy-Ann Ellis Raury wants you to run from evil like him in his new video. Kendrick Lamar said it best when he rhymed that "the evils of Lucy" were all around him all throughout To Pimp A Butterfly. Based on his latest offering to the music world, Raury agrees.
Kanye West Is Unwanted At Glastonbury Festival
Starz's critically-acclaimed drama Power will soon call it quits after five years and six seasons. With rumors of additional spinoffs, executive producer, rapper and actor, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson has brought fans a new rendition of the series theme song "Big Rich Town," according to BET. He surprised fans with his latest power-play via Twitter on Friday (July 12). The remix features R&B casanova Trey Songz and emerging Bronx-native rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie.
6 Live Music Venues in Accra to Experience Ghana's Rising Music Scene
For the last two years, Accra, Ghana, has hosted Afrochella, a music festival that celebrates all things pan-African and draws descendents of the African diaspora from around the world. But there’s plenty of live music to savor year-round here, too. For issue 08 of Here Magazine, up-and-coming Ghanaian singer Cina Soul shares her guide to Accra’s best venues, from jazz clubs to Erykah Badu–themed haunts. Cina Soul performed at Afrochella for the first time in 2018.
Freddie Gibbs Talks 'Bandana' Album And Acting Ambitions
It was “1989, the number, another summer,” and in New York City, the racial tension was thick as the season’s heat. For New York, it wasn’t just “another summer” - 1989 was a defining year for the city, and for its black and brown youth. The swift persecution of five black and brown boys for the Central Park Jogger attack, with little evidence, is in the national conversation today, but divided the city along racial and class lines that spring.
How Accra's Annual Afrochella Festival Connects Music Lovers With Afrobreat Culture
In the days following Christmas, Accra is bursting at the seams with natives returning home to family for the holidays, foreigners rekindling their diasporic ties to the continent, and those simply curious to see what the magic of the West African city looks like up close. Afrochella, a new culture festival sandwiched in between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, wants to welcome them all.
Opinion: Kanye’s 'Yeezus' And J. Cole’s 'Born Sinner' Separate The Almighty From The Lesser
Harvard University reportedly rescinded admission for a Parkland shooting survivor due to his use of the N-word and anti-Semitic comments. Kyle Kashuv’s reported use of various racial slurs cost him a spot in Harvard University’s class of 2023. Kashuv– who has become a high-profile, pro-Second Amendment activist since the deadly Parkland shooting in 2018– discussed the controversy in a Twitter thread.
'The Chi' Recap: Season 2, Episode 9 - 'Guilt... And Whuppings'
June 10, 2019 - 5:56 pm by Stacy-Ann Ellis In this episode, various characters are bloodied, abused, and disciplined when the person the world sees doesn’t match up with who they truly are. You aren’t you all the time, no one is. Trayvon Martin was a teenager interested in aeronautical science to those who knew him. But to George Zimmerman, he was a potential criminal. To the world, Aaliyah was a 15-year-old aspiring singer in 1994.
Taylor Bennett Drops 'American Reject' Project: Stream
Taylor Bennett May 28, 2019 - 12:02 pm by Stacy-Ann Ellis Right off the Memorial Day holiday weekend, Taylor Bennett has gifted his fans with a new project to carry them deeper into the season. The American Reject, which he argues is his best work to date, officially released on Tuesday, May 28.
How To Spring Clean Your Look From The Top Down: A Guide
Oftentimes, the phrase “spring cleaning” is immediately associated with a weekend-long spree of knees-on-the-floor scrubbing, sorting, tossing and rearranging within one’s home, but it should be a little deeper than that. Yes, pristine living quarters are an ideal way to step from one season to the next, but that same fixer-upper dedication should also be applied to the self. Self-care in 2019, especially for women of color, has become paramount.
'Queen Sugar' Season Four Trailer Released: Watch
On Tuesday night, May 22nd, ABC is celebrating TV creator and producer Norman Lear with Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear’s All in the Family and The Jeffersons, a live remake of his two most iconic shows. Lear and his partner Bud Yorkin were the primary drivers in moving television sitcoms from the idealistic representations of husbands and wives sleeping in separate twin beds in the 1960s to a realistic depiction of America in the 1970s.
Take A Look At Rick Ross' First Run As A 'Rolling Stone' Advice Columnist
April 24, 2014 - 1:41 am by Stacy-Ann Ellis Ever wanted to seek counsel from Rick Ross? Well, now you can thanks to Rolling Stone's new advice column. The Bawse himself will be serving as the mag's new advice columnist (no, seriously). Before you start listing your doubts, read into first. There are some truly hilarious finds.
Taraji P. Henson Announces Mental Health Summit
Getty Images May 10, 2019 - 6:14 pm by Stacy-Ann Ellis As a way to celebrate Mental Health Awareness month IRL, actress Taraji P. Henson has announced that a summit surrounding the issue will be coming very soon after the commemorative month.
First Encounter: Rachel Scott & Nick Mohammed
First Encounter: Rachel Scott & Nick Mohammed Words and photos by Stacy-Ann Ellis. For the second episode of First Encounter, a series exploring the origins of relationships, ILY takes a trip to the very beginning of Rachel Scott and Nick Mohammed’s love. Co-produced by Stacy-Ann Ellis and Jessica Rovniak. Directed by Jessica Rovniak. Director of photography and editing by Mayellen Matson. Like this: Like Loading...
Tribeca Film Festival To Screen John Singleton's 'Boyz N The Hood'
Getty Images May 2, 2019 - 3:08 pm by Stacy-Ann Ellis The masses are still mourning the unexpected passing of beloved director John Singleton by reflecting on his impact both individually and on the culture at large. To double down on the latter sentiment, the Tribeca Film Festival, which was underway at the time of his death, has decided to air a special screening of his film debut, Boyz n the Hood.
Will Smith Is A Fan Of The Viral 'BEL-AIR' Trailer
April 30, 2019 - 12:32 pm by Stacy-Ann Ellis Putting your own spin on a cult classic TV show out there is risky business, but getting the star of the show in question to bless the project is the reward of a lifetime. Filmmaker Morgan Cooper has learned this first hand. Cooper, the filmmaker behind the BEL-AIR trailer that made its way across the web at the top of March, shocked and impressed the masses with his reimagined version of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, especially Will Smith.
Interview: Raury Is Young, Black, Gifted And Woke
As one of music's rapidly rising rock stars, Raury holds purpose high above popularity and commercial success. Raury Tullis simply cannot sit still. The hot Manchester, Tenn. sun has long dipped out of the sky and the singer-rapper hybrid with a penchant for sun hats and patterned blouses is seated inside one of Bonnaroo's artist tents, catching a quick bite to eat and some limited downtime.
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