One way was to suppport Black financial institutions and businesses. The united rappers and entertainers individually opened accounts at Unity Bank, the only black-owned bank in the state of Texas located in Houston’s Third Ward area. Houston’s big names such as Paul Wall, Slim Thug, Lil Ke Ke, Willie D and many more all participated in this cautious action.

“We don’t want to wait until there are riots in the streets ’til we do this,” said White rapper and business owner Paul Wall. “Let’s do this now. Let’s be proactive about it.”

Mayor of Houston Sylvester Turner knows how impactful the actions of a united celebrity driven group could be on the people. As a result, he intensively listened to the artists’ concerns, including the urgent call for more economic opportunity and the controversial request for cops to racially reflect the communities of color they patrol.

“There a lot of people in our city that have lost hope,” Mayor Turner said. “And people are feeling helpless. People in many ways are feeling disrespected, and these individuals here- these artists- they have collectively more power than I do.”

The rappers plan on using their influence heavily. Putting money in Black-owed bank was a move inspired by Atlanta activist and hip-hop star Killer Mike after he was responsible for Citizens Trust, a black-owned bank in Atlanta, gaining more than 8,000 members, including ATL rapper T.I,Usher and Jermaine Dupri after he urged them to open up accounts.  Houston native, singer and record company owner Solange Knowles also has her money in a Black-owned bank.

That’s just the first step in the making change. Not only is the goal of the unified Houston emcees goal to end racial injustices, police brutality, and violence but to also educate people on the what the movement is about.

At the meeting, Houston hip-hop legend Willie D said this group’s mission is to “create an atmosphere of respect instead of discontent with our law enforcement. You know, it’s very important that people understand that when we say Black Lives matter, we’re not saying that Blue Lives do not matter.”

Pictures from the meeting:

#UDIGG

A photo posted by TIP (@troubleman31) on Jul 20, 2016 at 5:47am PDT

While some folks complaining about rappers My Bros in H Town #bankblackbanksmallbanklocal! Salutes Slim Thug, Trea, Willie D and all the H Town Leaders that are leading! What rappers and Town are next!!!

A photo posted by Killer Mike (@killermike) on Jul 19, 2016 at 7:37pm PDT

Suggsted articles:
#BlackLivesMatter: Golden Age – “What’s A Black Life Worth?”
Melania Trump Accused of Plagiarizing an Old Michelle Obama Speech

The post Houston Rappers Unite To Pledge Allegiance To Black-Owned Businesses 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.

Elevating diversity is at the forefront of Solange’s endeavours, as a partnership with Bigcommerce sees the Saint Heron brand fly to new levels. By showcasing further designs, the vocal sensation brings creativity to life with digital platforms holding the key; adding a message of vibrancy.

A collection of products that not only represent individuality but symbolize power, is a rather energizing movement. There is no doubt that the newly expanded store keeps musical culture flowing in all directions, and this only leaves an imprint of style that is way more than a fabric collection. Rather a community. What seems to bring difference to the table is that a wide level of inspiration has been taken from designers, yet remixed and miss-matched; spinning various tastes from around the world. Authenticity is the first word that comes to mind, as what better way to showcase a colourful project than to paint the difference you wish to see. In fact the words of Solange say it all:

“Saint Heron was really birthed to bring together a community of people who want to celebrate diversity through music, fashion, culture, and art. Re-launching the store has been an inspiring journey that elevated the brand to a beautiful place. At the heart of everything, the way Saint Heron looks and feels to our community is essential to its identity, and we couldn’t have achieved the same result without Bigcommerce. I really wanted to create a space that spoke to me as a young girl in the way that I wanted to be seen; represented with the imagery and scenes I wanted told.”

Of course this is not the first time that Sol-Angel has pressed on the world of fashion, and well, this probably won’t be the last. What can we take from this journey? Dress and inspire in style.

The post Solange’s ‘Saint Heron’ Brand Celebrates Diversity appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Solange Knowles

Solange  wore an over-sized suit composed of a glittering black pants and a matching tuxedo jacket from H&M.

Alexandra Shipp

The actress wore a Falguni & Shane Peacock fall 2014 dress composed of sheer materials with embroidery and a delicate beaded work.

Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus wore Alexandre Vauthier. This year, the singer did not want people to talk about her because of her outfit, her signature tongue/smile or her twerking skills. Instead, she wanted to use the platform she was given to talk about an important cause.  After her highly talked-about performance from last year, Cyrus discovered the she had a voice and people were paying close attention to what she had to say. Below is a video of her explaining what she had in mind for the night.

Here is the memorable acceptance speech given by Jesse, a homeless man, who went on stage for Miley Cyrus. If you want to support the cause, click: here

Miley Cyrus – Wins Video Of The Year – VMA’s 2014 by IdolxMuzic

Jennifer Lopez

J.Lo  went for a slick and shiny look last night. Wearing a revealing and elegant Charbel Zoe dress  she proved that when it comes to the VMAs, she can do no wrong.

Chanel Iman

The model looked like she freshly stepped off the runway last night on the red carpet. She was wearing a Balmain dress and Casadei heels.

Katy Perry & RiFF RaFF

RiFF RaFF and Katy Perry were undoubtedly embodied the VMA spirit last night. The two wore a Versace Couture denim outfit inspired by Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake‘s 28th Annual American Music Award outfit from 2001. “WE’RE GOIN FOR DA BEST WORST DRESSED TODAY #THISISHOWWEDOVMAS,” tweeted Perry earlier on Sunday. “I must admit my outfit is a result of my love for nostalgia and my tumblr addiction #THISISHOWWEDOVMAS,” she continues.

The outfits were perfectly tailored and showcased how the musical couple does it: loud, fun and memorable. Britney herself was a fan of the look. She messaged Perry saying: “Just when I thought the denim dress had retired….you bring it back! You looked amazing tonight bb.”

Which was your favorite look of the night?

The post Shine Bright: The 2014 Video Music Award Best Dressed appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

We don’t typically post compilations, but this is a special case; these artists represent a much-needed aesthetic shift in R&B and beyond. Where they will take us is unclear, but the journey itself is definitely worth our time, especially since some of these artists have been vying for our attention for ages.

The post Album Stream: Saint Records – Saint Heron Compilation appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Tuba Gooding Jr. of the Roots

Rappers have always repped their hometowns in some way or another, but few have shown love to their city like The Roots. As usual, for their 6th annual Roots Picnic, they assembled an impressive array of artists to give their city a night to remember. Following their lead, we’ve assembled an impressive array of photographs capturing that special night in Philadelphia. Enjoy.

(all photos by Chelsea Memmolo)

Hit-Boy

Solange

Solange

Solange

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Macklemore

Ryan Lewis

Macklemore getting high.

Black Thought & the Roots

Black Thought & Questlove

The post Exclusive Photos from the 6th Annual Roots Picnic appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Sometimes less is more. In the video for “Locked in Closets,” we get fleeting images of Solange doing mundane activities like walking the streets, riding a bike and looking at flowers, but there’s something enticing about how brief they are. Perhaps this is the best way for the relationship between fan and artist to exist: brief interactions that are powerful, yet fulfilling. Get your fill below.

The post New Video: Solange – “Locked in Closets” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.