By: Erika Mejía

Erika Mejía who lives in the city of Miami, came to the United States in the same way that many immigrants do; full of expectations, on a fixed budget. When she was a newcomer to Florida, she only had $200 in her pocket and a tremendous desire to work.

She learned about the floristry trade in one of the many jobs she had, becoming completely fascinated with roses and everything that could be done with them. After some years perfecting her technique, she managed to become a professional florist.

Erika Mejía seems to have a special gift, which is to turn roses and other types of flowers into authentic works of art. After a great deal of discipline, dedication, effort, and hard work, she is now the proud owner of her own flower shop called Lovely Roses.

Lovely Roses, is Miami’s most famous floristry dedicated to creating authentic bouquets of roses as luxurious as they are exclusive. Her designs have not only captivated her occasional clients, but have also made Miami’s rich and famous fall in love.

The Honduran hardworking immigrant went from being an employee to an employer. Among her many clients are celebrities such as: Demi Lovato, Anuel AA, Karol G, Luis Fonsi, Camila Cabello,Thalía, along with others.

Although well-known names appear among her best-known clients, her greatest motivation has been and will continue to be her family and friends. Erika Mejía stands out for being a fierce and determined businesswoman, but above all things, she remains humble and her values keep her centered.

Her presence in Miami’s Latino community has become highly relevant, and she is already one of the city’s iconic characters. Today, Erika Mejía continues to be a tireless fighter, who wants to share the secrets of her success with those who are interested in learning the art of roses and floristry in general.

Her life of hard work has been rewarded with business and personal success. Without a doubt, Erika Mejía is and will continue to be an example for all Latin American immigrants, who have faced similar trials and triumphs as her. 

The post Meet Erika Mejía: The Founder Of Lovely Roses The Famous Rose Shop in Miami appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

UPDATE: A few more details have materialized — mainly, that there was a party that took place that attendees may or may not have bailed on once they realized that Demi Lovato was in trouble. You can read that update here.

Following confirmation from Demi’s aunt, the star’s rep released the following statement to TMZ: “Demi is awake and with her family who want to express thanks to everytone for the love, prayers and support. Some of the information being reported is incorrect and they respectfully ask for privacy…”

Songstress Demi Lovato has been hospitalized after allegedly overdosing on heroin.

According to TMZ, the “Sorry Not Sorry” singer was rushed to the emergency room on Tuesday (Jul. 24) after being found unresponsive in a home in the Hollywood Hills a few blocks from her home just before noon.

The singer was transported to the hospital and as of press time her condition is currently unknown.

Lovato has been very transparent over the year about her battle with sobriety, revealing at one point she lived in a sober living home after getting released from a treatment center. She had been 6 years sober from alcohol, cocaine, and Oxycontin.

In June, Lovato released her latest single “Sober”, where she revealed that she recently fell off the wagon and was struggling with getting back on her path to being totally sober.

In a YouTube documentary about the singer called Simply Complicated, she opened up about her past drug use, which began when she was 17.

“I felt out of control the first time I did it. My dad was an addict and an alcoholic. Guess I always searched for what he found in drugs and alcohol because it fulfilled him and he chose that over a family.”

Our prayers are definitely with Demi Lovato for a speedy recovery.

We will continue to update as this story develops.

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Demi Lovato at TD Garden in Boston, MA. All photos shot by Miguel Crespo for RESPECT.

Demi Lovato has come a long way since her days with the Disney Channel. Today, she is one of the biggest names in Pop and in music in general. The multi-platinum singer and song writer has arrived in Boston’s famous TD Garden to celebrate her latest project, Tell Me You Love Me.

Father of Asahd, better known as DJ Khaled, was invited as a special guest on the Tell Me You Love Me Tour. The producer, DJ and mogul spun a wide variety records from his catalog. “I’m The One,” “All I Do Is Win,” and of course, the song of summer 2017, “Wild Thoughts,” had fans off their feet. Hands up, waving side to side, Khaled had the participation of every fan in the building. “Top Off,” DJ Khaled’s newest record, featuring Future, Jay-Z and Beyonce, is the first record off of his upcoming album, Father of Asahd. The song is a clear hit. Fans sang along word for word. Father of Asahd is coming soon.

DJ Khaled

What can’t you say about Demi Lovato? She has an extremely lengthy resume full of accolades. 6 top-five albums, including one #1, is just a small example. Fans undeniable love for Demi was evident. TD Garden was packed to capacity for a sold out performance.

The “Sorry Not Sorry” singer came out from under the stage. Heavy smoke and bright lights gave Demi an aura that highlighted her presence. Cellphone lights lit up from every seat in the arena. “You Don’t Do It For Me Anymore” played with a soothing melody and a powerful voice. When the song was over, she then disappeared and a video played on the arena’s screens. Throughout the night, different videos played. One that stood out was a compilation video of hate-tweets she had received over her career. Fans enjoyed the video because it showed how Demi had overcome much adversity and is still able to be great today.

“Lonely,” a very intimate song featuring Lil Wayne, gave for a unique and sexy performance. Another stage appeared where Demi would perform. The platform was located on the opposite side of the arena so it gave her audience that had seats in the balcony an opportunity to see her close. 30-foot smoke shot up from the stage and a spectacular light show flashed fans. The night ended with confetti covering the arena and Demi Lovato would sing her final song.

The performance was incredible and easily the best concert I have been to this year thus far. This is not a show to miss.

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As part of their Future Now tour, Nick Jonas and Demi Lovato surprised everyone at Barclays on Friday night when they announced a special guest: Brooklyn-native, Desiigner.

The always energetic (re: lit) rapper performed his hit single “Panda” which the audience ate up while Jonas and Lovato danced along in the back.

Desiigner wasn’t the only guest of the night, however.

After performing “Stone Cold,” Lovato nonchalantly called out Jamie Foxx, who was already on stage as the pianist.

Foxx stood and told the audience, “You know where you are” and performed the hook to Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind.”

The duo then sang Ray Charles’ “Georgia on My Mind” as an homage to Lovato’s Southern roots and Foxx’s Oscar-winning portrayal of Charles in Ray.

Foxx also performed some throwbacks with a solo snippet of  “Gold Digger” and then “Blame It” with Jonas.

Watch the “Georgia on My Mind” performance below.

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The post Desiigner & Jamie Foxx Dominate ‘Future Now’ Brooklyn Stop appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Where are they now? Take a look below.

Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige has had her music featured on numerous film soundtracks, been featured magazine covers and has acted in film and television shows. She has also gone on to win 9 Grammys. Mary J. Blige is currently the host of Real Talk on Beats 1 Radio. The show premiered in November and has featured Jada Pinkett Smith, Tyrese Gibson, Demi Lovato and other guests.

The Notorious B.I.G.

May 21, 1972 – March 9, 1997

On March 9, 1997,  The Notorious B.I.G. was killed by an unknown assailant in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles. His double-disc album Life After Death, released 16 days later, rose to No. 1 on the U.S. album charts and was certified Diamond in 2000, one of the few hip hop albums to receive this certification. Two more albums have been released since his death.

Foxy Brown

Foxy Brown is an American rapper, model, and actress. On August 14, 2012, Foxy Brown appeared as a special featured guest on Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday Tour in New York City. On August 15, 2013, Foxy Brown appeared on MTV Rapfix and announced her fourth studio album tentatively titled Bandz Up and a single of the same name, produced by Joe Milly, which was set to be released December 24, 2013, but was not released for unknown reasons. Foxy has also had a slew of legal trouble and personal health issues regarding her hearing. Recently Brown said her hearing is fine now, and is excited about recording and performing again. According to NY Daily News, she also received a key to the city from Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams recognizing her as one of the “Leaders of Tomorrow” for her music.

Memphis Bleek

Memphis Bleek currently hosts parties and making vlogs. Since Reasonable Doubt he discovered Rick Ross.

Sauce Money

In 2006, he appeared at Jay-Z’s ‘I Declare War’ concert to perform “Reservoir Dogs.” Sauce Money also released a 2008 single entitled “Listen 2 Me”, sampling the Oompa-Loompas from the 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.

Big Jaz

Besides being an emcee, he has produced songs for several hip hop artists other than Jay-Z, such as Group Home, M.O.P, Ras Kass, Rakim, Kool G Rap Neilleon and others.

Mecca

In 2014 his single “ZOOM ZOOM” was featured in numerous workout DVD’s as well as VH1’s Single Ladies and Fox’s Red Band Society, and then featured again in Chasing Life on ABC Family (now FreeForm) in 2015. His single “FLAT STOMACH” was the premiere single at the 2014 Labo Ethnik Fashion & Lifestyle week in Paris.

Pain in Da Ass

Has a budding acting career and continues to appear on multi-platinum albums.

DJ Clark Kent

DJ Clark Kent is a hip-hop DJ and producer. He is well known as a sneaker collector and has worked with Nike a handful of times in creating sneakers, many of them carrying his signature 112 look. According to SneakerNews.com, Kent has also teamed up with Adidas Originals under the Quickstrike monicker featuring a two-pack of classic three stripe silhouettes with subdued woodland camouflage accents throughout.

Jay-Z

Jay-Z has been a busy man since his Reasonable Doubt days. The 21 time Grammy winner is not only a music power house but a business mogul as well. His empire, according to Business Insider, includes:

Roc Nation, LLC 

An American entertainment company founded by rapper Jay-Z in 2008. The company has offices in New York City, London and Los Angeles. It is a full service entertainment company housing a record label, talent agency, touring and concert production company, music, film, and television production company as well as a music publishing house. The company is home to a diverse roster of recording artists, musicians and record producers such as J. Cole, Big Sean, Rihanna, Kanye West, Grimes, Demi Lovato, DJ Khaled, T.I. and Rita Ora. The company also has partnerships with global management companies Three Six Zero and Philymack. The firm has a multi-year partnership with live event company Live Nation. In June 2009, Roc Nation signed a 4-year distribution deal with Sony Music. In 2010, Roc Nation partnered with London-based entertainment company Three Six Zero Group. In February 2013, Roc Nation signed a worldwide music publishing administration deal with Warner/Chappell Music. In April 2013, Roc Nation formed a new sports management division, Roc Nation Sports, a subsidiary dedicated to sports representation for professional athletes. Shortly thereafter, Roc Nation Sports also launched a boxing promotion division. After the Sony deal expired, in April 2013, Roc Nation signed a multi-year partnership with Universal Music. In February 2015, Roc Nation and Three Six Zero Group announced the formation of Three Six Zero Entertainment, a division representing clients in film, television and the literary arts.

The New Jersey Nets

Jay-Z is a part owner of the NBA team the New Jersey Nets. Last year Forbes valued it at $269 million.

The 40/40 Club

Jay-Z founded The 40/40 club, a chain of sports bars with a club atmosphere. The club now has eight locations, including Tokyo and Macao.

The Spotted Pig

After investing in the semi-famous chic New York bistro in the West Village, Jay-Z bought the entire building. The place is Michelin-starred and doesn’t empty.

Rocawear

Jay-Z founded Rocawear back in 1995 and has promoted the hell out of it since, and it’s worked. He sold the company for $204 million in 2007, but retains creative and operational control.

Carol’s Daughter

Jay-Z co-owns the Carol’s Daughter line of perfumes and beauty products. The line has been featured on shows like the Tyra Banks Show and Oprah.

Decoded

Jay-Z is publishing a book called Decoded, built around his lyrics and that is, according to the WSJ, “a hybrid of music history, social commentary and memoir.”

What’s interesting here from a business perspective is the innovative promotion: Jay-Z got Microsoft to put up $1 million to promote the book as part of an initiative with Bing. Pretty cool.

Reebok

In a four-year partnership, Jay-Z became the first non-athlete to have a line of Reebok shoes named after himself, the S.Carter line, which was popular.

Budweiser Select

In 2006 he didn’t just star in ads for Budweiser Select, but he also helped craft them.

Cherry Cola, HP, Translation Advertising

Coca-Cola, the world’s greatest brand, brought in Jay-Z to advise on the redesign and relaunch of Cherry Coke. Most of these brand partnerships (Budweiser, Coke, HP) go through the ad agency Jay-Z cofounded with Steve Stoute, a serial entrepreneur who had sold his previous company to Interpublic, the third largest ad agency conglomerate.

To read up more on Reasonable Doubt, hit up the respect-mag.com site. It’s Jay Day, All Day Baby!

The post ‘Reasonable Doubt’: Where Are They Now appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Anna Wintour attends the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

The annual Met Gala is known to be a night of fashion and last night did not disappoint.  The big event is always star-studded and a night to remember.  From Rihanna‘s 2015 canary-yellow Guo Pei couture gown, that trended for days to Beyonce leaving everyone breathless with her 2015 all sheer Givenchy Haute couture by Riccardo Tisci that slayed for days.  This past Monday, May 2nd was no different; there was some of best to some of not so best fashion that hit the red carpet.  The fellas were out, the couples were out, and the ladies were definitely ready to get the night turned up with the year’s theme “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology.  Check out some of the electrifying moments of the night:

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Beyonce attends “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Kylie Jenner attends the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Amy Schumer attends the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Taylor Swift attends “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02:  Zoe Kravitz attends the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Zoe Saldana attends “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Lupita Nyong’o attends the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Wiz Khalifa attends “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City.

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Recording artist Rita Ora attends the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Idris Elba attends the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Kerry Washington attends “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Demi Lovato attends the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Actor Colin Farrell attends the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Ciara attends the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Zendaya attends the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Kris Jenner attends the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Adriana Lima attends “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Willow Smith attends the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic)

Aside from the fellas looking dapper and the ladies killing the carpet, the couples were in the building rocking the best:

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Kim Kardashian West (L) and Kanye West attend the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: The Weeknd (L) and Bella Hadid attend the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Gigi Hadid (L) and Zayn Malik attend the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Carmelo Anthony (L) and La La Anthony attend the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic)

Last, but not least some of the not so best fashion of the night:

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Solange Knowles attends the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Ashley Olsen (L) and Mary-Kate Olsen attend the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Lady Gaga attends the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Madonna attends the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Katy Perry attends the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images)

Overall, the 2016 Met Gala was another successful year of fashion that will be talked about years to come!

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The post Met Gala 2016 Fashion: Best and Worst Dressed appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.