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January 1, 2018, New York, NY – This is the last week of the Louis Vuitton exhibition in downtown New York City, held at the site of the former American Stock Exchange.This is the first time the legendary French Fashion house is presenting a major exhibit in North America. The exhibition Titled Volez, Voguez, Voyagez – Louis Vuitton (sail, fly, travel), designed by Robert Carsen and curated by Olivier Saillard, opened on October 27, 2017, and will run until January 7, 2018. The hours of the exhibit are Monday to Saturday 10:00am – 8:00pm and Sunday 11:00am – 7:00pm.

The exhibition catalogs the history of the brand from 1854 to present, and centers around the product that started the brand; the steamer trunk. The exhibit is divided into ten chapters illustrating the vastness of the brand and the use of the trunk through the history of the brand (Part 1: The Trunk of 1906, Part 2: Wood, Part 3: Classic Trunks, Part 4: The Invention of Travel, Part 5: Writing, Part 6: The Painting Trunk, Part 7: Curio Trunks, Part 8: The Beauty of Fashion, Part 9: The Music Room, Part 10: Louis Vuitton Loves America).

If you are a Louis Vuitton fan I suggest you make time for this exhibit. The exhibit gives you an in-depth look at one of the major brands that have helped to shape popular culture since its inception.

Check out some of the shots from the exhibit below.

VOLEZ VOGUEZ VOYAGEZ January 1, 2018, New York, NY - This is the last week of the Louis Vuitton exhibition in downtown New York City, held at the site of the former American Stock Exchange.This is the first time the legendary French Fashion house is presenting a major exhibit in North America.

#allurenoirmag #Louis vuitton #NYC #verityrollinsphoto #Art #Culture #Fashion

November 3, 2017, Brooklyn, NY – Allure Noir Magazine was in attendance for the Master of Ceremony concert at the Barclays Center. What an amazing event as some of the best MCs in the game took to the stage. The event featured an all-star lineup: Freeway, The LOX, Jeezy, 5o Cent, T- Pain, Beanie Sigel, Fabolous, Busa Rhymes and much more.

Check out some of the shots from this event.

Masters of Ceremony @Barclays Center (11.3.17)

Master of Ceremony 2017 November 3, 2017, Brooklyn, NY - Allure Noir Magazine was in attendance for the Master of Ceremony concert at the Barclays Center.

Brooklyn Made Me

December 18, 2017 Brooklyn, NY- A select group of students from Ascend Charter School and Young Women’s Leadership School got an oppertunity to attend the Brooklyn Made Me Career Invitational Hosted By DJ Self. The event gave these students an opertunity to meet and pick the brains of several entertainment industry professionals ( DJ Self, Chris Green , Alicia Ferriabough Taylor, Sable Fields,…

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November 9, 2017, Queens, NY – Seven-time Grammy winner Gladys Knight gave an unforgettable performance at the Colden Auditorium in Flushing Queens this past Thursday.This is the second time the singer performed at the venue. After such an outstanding performance the first time, it left many New York fans longing for her return.Knight has been in the music and entertainment industry for seven decades, and at 73 years young the singer hasn’t missed a beat. The crowd was in amazement and awe as the “Empress of Soul” took the stage. Knight, looked amazing with her eye-catching outfit floating across the stage with such elegance and class; like a fine wine, the singer just gets better with age. The “Empress of Soul” captivated the audience with her mesmerizing voice as she sang songs from her very extensive catalog of classics. In between tunes, Ms. Knight engaged the audience by telling funny stories about her life and band.

Knight has been in the music and entertainment industry for seven decades, and at 73 years young the singer hasn’t missed a beat. The crowd was in amazement and awe as the “Empress of Soul” took the stage. Knight, looked amazing with her eye-catching outfit floating across the stage with such elegance and class; like a fine wine, the singer just gets better with age. The “Empress of Soul” captivated the audience with her mesmerizing voice as she sang songs from her very extensive catalog of classics. In between tunes, Ms. Knight engaged the audience by telling funny stories about her life and band.

Allure Noir Magazine was honored to be in attendance for this phenomenal performance. If you had the misfortune of missing this event, you can check out photos and clips from this event below. For a listing of upcoming concert dates, shows, and new music check out www.gladysknight.com.

An Evening with Gladys Knight @ Kupferberg Center

An Evening With Gladys Knight November 9, 2017, Queens, NY - Seven-time Grammy winner Gladys Knight gave an unforgettable performance at the Colden Auditorium in Flushing Queens this past Thursday.This is the second time the singer performed at the venue.

#Diva #gladysknight #NYC soul #R&B #2017 #Music #queens

Allure Noir Magazine had the honor of interviewing Gary Lockwood (Freehand Profit), Artist / Designer/ Illustrator

2017 BET Experience

Q. How long have you been making masks out of sneakers, and what got you started?

A. I made my first mask from sneakers in 2010, it came about during a year-long, daily creative project called MASK365. I spent that year making masks out of all different types of materials, was looking to work with materials that meant something to me – I realized the answer was on my feet the whole time.

Q. what and who are your influences?

A. Hip-Hop has been my biggest influence, emcees like Rakim and Nas, Ice Cube, Jay-Z, Bone Thugs, Redman, WuTang Clan, Everlast, Snoop & Dre. Earliest influences would be comic books, graffiti artists like DAIM & CANTWO, movies like Star Wars, Style Wars and Back to the Future. Later I would be inspired by artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Sandy Skoglund, Warhol, Rothko, Dali & Noah Scalin.

Q. Do you do other types of art like painting etc…?

A. Actually, I spent most of my life as an artist focused on two-dimensional mediums – drawing, painting, photography, graphic design, illustration. Sculpting is just my newest obsession, for 27 years I convinced myself I couldn’t sculpt. Now that I’ve proved myself wrong I have the next 30 years to explore all the three-dimensional options.

Q. What is your favorite piece that you have done?

A. Common question, but a tough one. I definitely have pieces that are favorites, but I could probably narrow that down to a top 5: the 3Lab5 Elephant Gas Mask, Solar Red NMD Balaclava, DB5 Angler Fish Gas Mask, White Cement III Gas Mask & the EQT Quetzalcoatl Mask. But damn, that leaves out the DB6 Pit Bull Gas Mask… too hard to play favorites lol.

Created by Freehand Profit. Commissioned by M.Telvi. Officially unveiled at Rosewood San Diego as part of Freehand Profit’s solo show “Rise of the Undeadstock”. Made from 1 pair of 2011 Air Jordan Retro 3s (White Cement)

The 134th sneaker mask created by Freehand Profit. Made from 3 pairs of adidas NMD R1s. Find out more about the work on FREEHANDPROFIT.com. On display at adidas SOHO 3/2017!

The 111th sneaker mask created by Freehand Profit. Made from 1 pair of Jordan Doernbecher 5s. Find out more about the work on FREEHANDPROFIT.com.

The 146th sneaker mask created by Freehand Profit. Made from 1 pair of Air Jordan Doernbecher VIs. Find out more about the work on FREEHANDPROFIT.com.

Q. How long does it take you to do a piece?

A. Each mask can take on average about 6 weeks. But some masks take more than a year. Some jobs don’t allow for that much time, I’ve created numerous masks for brands like Adidas in as little as 2 days. But that’s not a healthy workflow, if I do that for more than a couple weeks at a time I burn out hard.

Q. What memorable responses have you had to your work?

A. My wife and I were talking with Everlast (of House of Pain) at his studio one day, he described the first time seeing my masks. He said that when he saw it he thought “Why does this make me feel this way?”

That’s what art is! Evoking emotion through your chosen medium. To have that effect on an emcee and artist that I grew up listening to and being influenced by is surreal.

Q. What is the best piece of advice you can give to someone else that wants to create the same type of work you do?

A. I wouldn’t advise anyone to create the same type of work that I do. I developed this body of work through self-reflection and by pushing to be creative every day. So instead I would advise them not to make art like I make, instead, think like I think. Find the pieces that make up your identity and explore where they intersect.

Q. Professionally, whats your goal in regards to your work?

A. My goal since I was a young artist has been to one day make it into the art history books.

Q. why do you do what you do, what drives you to create this type of work?

A. I have always been driven to create. Life’s struggles seem to push us to destructive tendencies, the process I’ve developed looks to find a balance between the creative and destructive forces. The masks reflect the world I see.

Q. What kind of creative patterns, routines or rituals do you have in regards to creating your work?

A. I love to listen to music or watch movies while I work, I also use Audible to listen to audio books while working. The most important ritual is actually the mask photo shoots, the person modeling the mask really has the opportunity to be channeled by the mask’s spirit – they are so important to bring the mask to life.

Q. describe your creative process?

A. Each mask is quite different and so each process is quite different. They all start with dissecting the shoes, considering the concept and design, then I use various adhesives, sewing techniques, rivets, thermoplastics, sculpting epoxies, silicone molds to casting resin parts… different materials and structures require different treatments.

Q. How does your personality show in your work?

A. While my work is very personal I don’t want the work to be about me. It’s a reflection of me but more so it’s a reflection of us. I’m a perfectionist, hopefully, that part of my personality shows through the work.

Q. How do you deal with creative blocks?

A. For me creative blocks are related to mental health, depression, fatigue, stress are the usual suspects. So when a creative block hits it’s a warning that something else is out of balance. If there is not a deadline then it’s best to step away and take a break. If there’s a deadline then maybe I’ll meditate for a bit, focus on resetting my mind and body, and then get right back to it, push through the block and trust instinct and experience to guide me.

Q. Where do you see this type of art going in the future?

A. It’s amazing to see my masks inspire artist/creatives & fans around the world. I have plans and ambitions but I try to stay clear of predicting the future. Hopefully, the work will continue to grow organically, the slow growth isn’t easy but it got me here so I put my faith in that. If you had asked me in 2009 what I thought I’d be making in the future I wouldn’t have guessed it’d be making sneaker masks.

Q. You are basically the pioneer in this kind of art. How does it feel to be at the forefront of something so creative?

A. It’s a blessing and a curse. I had to fight my way through art school, defending the work I made. And I’ve had to do so explaining the artwork I make, it’s not like a painter gets asked frequently “What is it for?”. We all know a painting is art so it is meant to be hung and admired, but when you step out of the widely accepted art mediums you double your workload. You have to make and explain the work, but you also have to justify that it is art. Now that I have done so others can imitate or emulate the work without having to pay their dues. And for something like my artwork, which is so personal, to be so easily appropriated is hard to accept sometimes. But honestly I wouldn’t change a thing, and I certainly would never want to discourage another creative. Maybe they saw a piece of themselves in the work I make, that’s a beautiful thing, regardless of how it can reflect through the funhouse mirrors of social media and human psyche.

Freehand Profit: Hip- Hop Sneakerhead Allure Noir Magazine had the honor of interviewing Gary Lockwood (Freehand Profit), Artist / Designer/ Illustrator…

#freehandprofit #garylockwood #hiphop #masks #nike #sneaker #style #Art #Culture #Fashion #Featured Article

October 5-8, 2017, New York, NY – This year’s Comic Con was awesome as always, with four days of panel discussions, events, cosplay, and tons great stuff to buy. This year many of the events were live streamed so if you werent able to get tickects you were still able to catch some of the action.

Check out some shots from this year’s Event.

2017 New York Comic Con October 5-8, 2017, New York, NY - This year's Comic Con was awesome as always, with four days of panel discussions, events, cosplay, and tons great stuff to buy.

#Art culture 2017 comiccon2017 allurenoirmagazine marvelcomics DCcomics cosplay NYC

October 16, 2017, New York, NY – Allure Noir Magazine was in attendance for “PADDLE OF THE SEXES 3” Charity Ping-Pong tournament, presented by Hard 2 Guard Entertainment. Several celebrities battled it out for bragging rights as they raised funds for Smile Design Gallery, which provides free dental care to underserved youth, homeless and previously incarcerated persons transitioning from prison.

This year’s event was held at Midtown Loft, located at 267 Fifth Ave., in Manhattan, and featured a live Art installation by Shawn Outen and custom pieces by Uncutt Art.

Raining champion, Jason Humble despite some pretty tough competition, successfully defended his title this year winning a set of Beats Headphones and the championship trophy.

Like previous years, the event was wonderful, full of friendly competition, positive energy and a lot of celebrities and influential people working towards a great cause.

Check out some shots from this event.

Hard 2 Guard-Paddle of the Sexes 3 -Celebrity Ping Pong Tournament (10.16.17)

Paddle Of The Sexes 3 October 16, 2017, New York, NY – Allure Noir Magazine was in attendance for “PADDLE OF THE SEXES 3” Charity Ping-Pong tournament, presented by Hard 2 Guard Entertainment.

#verityrollins #2017 #Allure Nior Magazine #Art #Jswift photos #Ping-Pong

October 7, 2017, New York, NY – Nigerians from all over the United States and abroad gather in New York City to participate in the Nigerian independence day parade, celebrating 57 years of Nigerian independence. This is the 26th year of the parade since it started in 1991. The Parade brings together many Nigerians from all over, making it the largest gathering of Nigerians outside the homeland. The parade celebrates the best of Nigeria’s culture, music, food, and fashion.

The parade started on East 54th street and Second Avenue and ended on East 44th Street in Manhattan. Immediately following the parade the Nigerian Independence Day Festival was held at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza near the United Nations Headquarters. The event was organized by the Nigerian Independence Day Committee. The committee comprises of cultural, religious, business, and social groups committed to preserving and celebrating Nigeria’s rich culture and history.

This year’s parade and festival not only celebrated Nigeria’s independence but also addressed the current issues plaguing Nigeria at the moment. The event called for unity, peace and an end to the bloodshed and discord so Nigeria can grow and flourish as a nation.

Check out some of the shots from this great event.

2017 Nigerian Independence Day Parade October 7, 2017, New York, NY - Nigerians from all over the United States and abroad gather in New York City to participate in the Nigerian independence day parade, celebrating 57 years of Nigerian independence.

#dance #Nigeria #NYC #style #2017 #Art #Culture #Fashion #Music

September 21 – 24, 2017, New York, NY – Allure Noir Magazine was in attendance for this year’s 21st annual Urban World Film Festival Red Carpet event. This year’s festival featured amazing work by some extraordinarily talented and gifted individuals.

Since the inception of the festival in 1997, content creators of color have been able to showcase their talents and share their work with a larger audience, which might not have been possible had the festival not existed. There is an abundance of amazing talent out there with amazing ideas and artistic work but due to lack of exposure, and resources, many of these great talents go unnoticed.

Organizations like Urbanworld Foundation Inc., the nonprofit that hosts the Urban World Film Festival is at the forefront of a movement to make the film industry more reflective of the worlds multicultural landscape.

Check out some of the shots from this year’s Red Carpet.

Urban World Film Festival (Day 2)

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 20: Issach De Bankole attends the 21st Annual Urbanworld film Festival at AMC Empire 25 theater on September 20, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by: Verity Rollins / Allure Noir Magazine)

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 23: Saul Rubinek attends the 21st Annual Urbanworld Film Festival at AMC Empire 25 theater on September 23, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by: Verity Rollins / Allure Noir Magazine)

Urban World Film Festival (Day 2)

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 22: Liza Rios attend the 13 Paces Film, ‘SHINE’ Urbanworld Film Festival Premiere on September 22, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by: Verity Rollins / Allure Noir Magazine)

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 23: Associate Producer of the film ‘Blackout’ Dedra N. Tate attends the 21st Annual Urbanworld Film Festival at AMC Empire 25 theater on September 23, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by: Verity Rollins / Allure Noir Magazine)

Urban World Film Festival (Day 2)

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 22: ‘Baltimore Rising’ cast member Douglas Baldeo Lyrik Cruz attends the 21st Annual Urbanworld Film Festival at AMC Empire 25 theater on September 22, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by: Verity Rollins / Allure Noir Magazine)

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 23: filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles attends the 21st Annual Urbanworld Film Festival at AMC Empire 25 theater on September 23, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by: Verity Rollins / Allure Noir Magazine)

Urban World Film Festival (Day 2)

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 22: ‘Covered’ cast member Karla Mosley attends the 21st Annual Urbanworld Film Festival at AMC Empire 25 theater on September 22, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by: Verity Rollins / Allure Noir Magazine)

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 23: Actress Kisha Batista attends the 21st Annual Urbanworld Film Festival at AMC Empire 25 theater on September 23, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by: Verity Rollins / Allure Noir Magazine)

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 23: Actor Turron Kofi Alleyne (R) attends the 21st Annual Urbanworld Film Festival at AMC Empire 25 theater on September 23, 2017 in New York City.

Urban World Film Festival (Day 2)

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 22: ‘Covered’ cast member Darian Dauchan attends the 21st Annual Urbanworld Film Festival at AMC Empire 25 theater on September 22, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by: Verity Rollins / Allure Noir Magazine)

Urban World Film Festival (Day 2)

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 23: Co-Producer of the film ‘Blackout’ Lamese Williams attends the 21st Annual Urbanworld Film Festival at AMC Empire 25 theater on September 23, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by: Verity Rollins / Allure Noir Magazine)

Urban World Film Festival (Day 2)

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 22: ‘Double Play’ cast member Saycon Sengbloh attends the 21st Annual Urbanworld Film Festival at AMC Empire 25 theater on September 22, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by: Verity Rollins / Allure Noir Magazine)

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 23: Associate Producer of the film ‘Blackout’ Andrea Holmes Tompkins attends the 21st Annual Urbanworld Film Festival at AMC Empire 25 theater on September 23, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by: Verity Rollins / Allure Noir Magazine)

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 23: Television broadcaster Tamron Hall attends the 21st Annual Urbanworld Film Festival at AMC Empire 25 theater on September 23, 2017 in New York City.(Photo by: Verity Rollins / Allure Noir Magazine)

Urban World Film Festival (Day 2)

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 22: ‘Double Play’ cast member La La Anthony attends the 21st Annual Urbanworld Film Festival at AMC Empire 25 theater on September 22, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by: Verity Rollins / Allure Noir Magazine)

Urban World Film Festival (Day 2)

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 20: Mustafa Shakir attends the 21st Annual Film Festival at AMC Empire 25 theater on September 20, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by: Verity Rollins / Allure Noir Magazine)

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 23: (L-R) Actors Sterling K. Brown, Josh Gad and Chadwick Boseman attend the 21st Annual Urbanworld Film Festival at AMC Empire 25 theater on September 23, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by: Verity Rollins / Allure Noir Magazine)

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 22: Anthony Nardolillo and Liza Rios attend the 13 Paces Film, ‘SHINE’ Urbanworld Film Festival Premiere on September 22, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by: Verity Rollins / Allure Noir Magazine)

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 20: Linda Cortez Attends the 2017 UrbanWorld Film Festival at AMC Empire 25 theater on September 20, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by: Verity Rollins / Allure Noir Magazine)

Urban World Film Festival (Day 2)

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 23: Saul Rubinek and filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles attends the 21st Annual Urbanworld Film Festival at AMC Empire 25 theater on September 23, 2017 in New York City. (photo by: Verity Rollins / Allure Noir Magazine)

Urban World Film Festival (Day 2)

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 23: Actress Ahna O’Reilly attends the 21st Annual Urbanworld Film Festival at AMC Empire 25 theater on September 23, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by: Verity Rollins / Allure Noir Magazine)

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 23: Actress Kate Hudson (R) and Danny Fujikawa attend the 21st Annual Urbanworld Film Festival at AMC Empire 25 theater on September 23, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by: Verity Rollins / Allure Noir Magazine)

Urban World Film Festival (Day 2)

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 23: Actor Anthony Chisholm attends the 21st Annual Urbanworld Film Festival at AMC Empire 25 theater on September 23, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by: Verity Rollins / Allure Noir Magazine)

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 23: Kartik Singh (Writer- Director) attends the 21st Annual Urbanworld Film Festival at AMC Empire 25 theater on September 23, 2017 in New York City.

Urban World Film Festival (Day 2)

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 22: ‘Double Play’ cast member Dani Dare attends the 21st Annual Urbanworld Film Festival at AMC Empire 25 theater on September 22, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by: Verity Rollins / Allure Noir Magazine)

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 23: Singer Melissa Morgan attends the 21st Annual Urbanworld Film Festival at AMC Empire 25 theater on September 23, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by: Verity Rollins / Allure Noir Magazine)

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 23: Actor Robert Brickle-Tate attends the 21st Annual Urbanworld Film Festival at AMC Empire 25 theater on September 23, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by: Verity Rollins / Allure Noir Magazine)

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 22: ‘Shine’ cast member Gilbert Saldivar attends the 21st Annual Urbanworld Film Festival at AMC Empire 25 theater on September 22, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by: Verity Rollins / Allure Noir Magazine)

Urban World Film Festival (Day 2)

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 23: (L-R) Actors Sterling K. Brown, Kate Hudson, Chadwick Boseman and Josh Gad attend the 21st Annual Urbanworld Film Festival at AMC Empire 25 theater on September 23, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by: Verity Rollins / Allure Noir Magazine)

Urban World Film Festival (Day 2)

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 23: Music supervisor Vernon ‘Dyverse’ Wooten attends the 21st Annual Urbanworld Film Festival at AMC Empire 25 theater on September 23, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by: Verity Rollins / Allure Noir Magazine)

Urban World Film Festival (Day 2)

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 23: Writer/director Jerry LaMothe, attend the 21st Annual Urbanworld Film Festival at AMC Empire 25 theater on September 23, 2017 in New York City.(Photo by: Verity Rollins / Allure Noir Magazine)

Urban World Film Festival (Day 2)

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 23: Actress Kate Hudson attends the 21st Annual Urbanworld Film Festival at AMC Empire 25 theater on September 23, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by: Verity Rollins / Allure Noir Magazine)

Urban World Film Festival (Day 2)

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 23: Actor Sterling K. Brown attends the 21st Annual Urbanworld Film Festival at AMC Empire 25 theater on September 23, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by: Verity Rollins / Allure Noir Magazine)

2017 Urban World Film Festival: Celebrating 21 Years of Film. September 21 - 24, 2017, New York, NY - Allure Noir Magazine was in attendance for this year's 21st annual Urban World Film Festival Red Carpet event.

#film #redcarpet #style #verityrollinsphoto #2017 #Art #Beauty #Culture

September 15 – 17, 2017, Queens, NY- Three days of amazement from start to finish; if you’re a music lover you were in attendance for the 2017 Meadows Music Festival. Words can not describe this year’s festival. The Meadows featured an array of amazing performers Jay- Z, Nas, LL Cool J, Q-Tip, Busta Rhymes, Nicki Minaj, Gorillaz, Big Boi and The Red Hot Chili Peppers to name a few. With so many top artists in one place over three days its hard to pick your favorite moment of the show every performance was amazing and entertaining.

On day one Jay-Z gave an amazing opening day headlining performance. For nearly two hours JAY went in on stage, going through hit after hit of his very extensive catalog, giving a flawless performance. If the festival ended that day you would have gotten more than your money’s worth. Throughout Jay’s performance, there were a lot of key memorable moments but in my opinion none more memorable that when he brought out Damian Marley, the set’s only guest performer for the song “Bam” their collaboration on Jay-Z’s recently released 4:44 LP. Jay-Z not only a true artist but also a true music fan switched it up going into the role of Hype Man and allowing Damian Marley to perform his signature track ” Welcome to Jamrock”. Jay-Z ended his set with one of his most inspiring tracks “Forever Young”, which was the perfect song to end the day. As always Jay-Z’s performance was nothing short of perfect.

The Meadows Music & Arts Festival (2017) (Day1)

After such an awesome opening day you didn’t think that day two would have been able to compare especially with Jay-Z closing out the first day, but day two was just as good as day one. The second day of the festival featured many great performances and a host of guest appearances, such as Nicki Minaj, Young Thug, and A Tribe Called Quest to name a few.

All the performances on day two were amazing, and it’s very hard to choose one performance over another, but I can’t help but highlight the performance of a music legend such as LL Cool J. The Rap icon gave the audience a history lesson bring out other legends of the Rap game, Q-Tip and Jarobi White of A Tribe Called Quest, D.M.C of Run D.M.C and none other than Grand Master Flash and the Furious Five. LL’s performance was filled with high energy giving the audience classic LL; he hasn’t lost a step. He embodied the meaning of timeless preforming now just as good as he did in his prime. The Queens M.C. ended his set with one of his most notable signature tracks” Rock the Bells”.

The Meadows Music & Arts Festival (2017) (Day2)

Day two featured other amazing performances from De La Soul, Erykah Badu, A-Trak, Big Gigantic, Future, M.I.A., Tv on the Radio, Gorillaz, Mos Def, and Del Tha Funkee Homosapien.

The final day of the festival brought a change of pace, where the first two days were dominated mostly by Hip Hop acts, day three was filled with rock and dance artists. Fantastic Negrito kicked off the day with his passionate soulful music. As it drew you in, you got lost in the crowd forgetting that soon the epic event would come to an end.

The rest of the day featured performances from the Dreamers, Wild Belle, GTA, Broods, St. Paul & the Broken Bones, Foster the People, Action Bronson, Broken Social Scene, NAS, Weezer, Lido, Sleigh Bells, Bassnectar, and the legendary Red Hot Chili Peppers. Day three was just as exciting as the previous two days, so much so you didn’t want it to end.

Unfortunately, the festival had to come to an end and there was no better choice than to end with the world famous Red Hot Chili Peppers. One of the most successful rock acts in history, the Red Hot Chili Peppers came out and gave a mind-blowing performance to end the day; despite some minor technical difficulties. Delivering 90 minutes of straight hits the Peppers had you in music heaven, there was no doubt why they were chosen to end the festival.

The Meadows Music & Arts Festival (2017) (Day3)

The Meadows has been one of the most exciting events so far this year in the NYC Tristate area. If you had the misfortune of not making it this year make sure you get your tickets early for next year’s festival. Check out some of the shots from this amazing three-day event below.

The Meadows Music & Arts Festival (2017) (Day2)

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The Meadows Music & Arts Festival (2017) (Day3)

The Meadows Music & Arts Festival (2017) (Day2)

The Meadows Music & Arts Festival (2017) (Day3)

The Meadows Music & Arts Festival (2017) (Day1)

The Meadows Music & Arts Festival (2017) (Day2)

The Meadows Music & Arts Festival (2017) (Day3)

The Meadows Music & Arts Festival (2017) (Day2)

The Meadows 2017 Music and Arts Festival. September 15 - 17, 2017, Queens, NY- Three days of amazement from start to finish; if you're a music lover you were in attendance for the 2017 Meadows Music Festival.

#NAS #NYC #2017 #Allure Nior Magazine #Citi Field #Culture #Damian Marley #jay-z #Jswift photos #LL Cool J #Music #Nicki Minaj #Q-Tip #queens #Red Hot Chili Peppers #The Meadows

September 9, 2017, New York, NY – Allure Noir Magazine was in attendance for the 15th anniversary of the South Street Seaport Music Festival. The festival ran from September 7 -10th featuring four days of great entertainment and events. Unfortunately, Allure Noir was only able to attend the festival on Saturday, which was a big disappointment for us because we missed out on so much. If the events on Saturday reflected the rest of the festival we really missed out big.

On Saturday several amazing musical acts were featured, that brought the Seaport to life, Big Huge, Azar Swan, Jean Grae, and Ted Leo and the Pharmacists. Each act gave an amazing performance to a packed seaport crowd. Full of great vibes and positive energy the event was amazing in every possible way. Check out some of the shots from this event below.

South Street Seaport Music Festival

South Street Seaport Music Festival: Celebrating its 15th Anniversary September 9, 2017, New York, NY - Allure Noir Magazine was in attendance for the 15th anniversary of the South Street Seaport Music Festival.

September 4, 2017, Brooklyn, NY- Once again summer comes to a close in the city marked by the Labor Day Parade. Every Year the Labor Day Parade is the cumulating event for summer in the city. New Yorkers and people from all over come to celebrate this wonderful event representing New York’s rich Caribbean culture.

Labor Day Parade 2017

This was the 50th annual Labor Day Parade and officials expected more than 1.5 million people to be in attendance. Brooklyn came alive as people gather on Eastern Parkway ranging from the very young to the very old, enjoying the music, food, good vibes, and cultural entertainment which the parade is famous for. Among those in attendance, several NYC politicians were in the mix enjoying the festivities and also campaigning for future votes; our city’s fearless leader Bill de Blasio, Governor Andrew Cuomo and NYPD commissioner James O’Neil to name a few.

This Year’s parade had an increased police presence due to several fatal incidents that took place in the vicinity of the parade in previous years. Even with the increased police presence attendees still had a great time.

Check out some shots from this year’s parade below.

Labor Day Parade 2017

2017 West Indian Labor Day Parade: Celebrating 50 Years! September 4, 2017, Brooklyn, NY- Once again summer comes to a close in the city marked by the Labor Day Parade.

#allurenoirmag #brooklyn #Carnival #Labordayparade2017 #verityrollins #verityrollinsphoto #Culture

Dedicated to The Movement: Dick Gregory a life devoted to progress and change

On August 19, 2017, the world mourned the passing of Comedic Legend Richard Claxton Gregory or better known as Dick Gregory, who through his craft helped to shine a light on the harsh realities of racism and bigotry in America. Mr. Gregory devoted his life to championing many different social causes and the forward progress towards equality for all in this nation and abroad. Unapologetic of his…

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#allurenoirmag #Blacklivesmatter #civilrights #Dick Gregory #justice

July 5, 2017, Newark, NJ – Allure Noir Magazine was in attendance for the, 2017 Black Girls Rock Awards Red Carpet. This year as previous years the awards brought together a host of beautiful, inspiring and powerful women like Taraji P. Henson, Roberta Flack, Suzanne Shank, Yara Shahidi, Maxine Waters, Natalie and Derrica Wilson and Issa Rae to name a few. From the Red Carpet alone you can tell that this year’s awards will be one for the record books.

Created in 2006 by the fabulous Beverly Bond to celebrate, inspire and uplift Black Women who are at the forefront of their fields and contribute to the empowerment and elevation of others. The awards ceremony highlights the most often overlooked fact that Black Women have been and are an integral part of this world. Black Women have contributed a great deal to many of the achievements and advancements we as a world benefit from today. Black Girls Rock as a whole is at the forefront leading a movement to change the negative views and stereotypes many have of Black Women. It also seeks o instill pride and strength it Black Women and Black Girls, who due to years of negative media, the systematic destruction of Black families and under valuation by the world, and especially their male counterparts have left many Black Women and Black Girls devoid of self-worth and self-esteem.

Before organizations like Black Girls Rock, a lot of opportunities for Black Women and Black Girls were hidden, unknown or nonexistent. Now due to the hard work of these organizations Black Women and Young Black Girls are receiving the recognition they deserve, are being exposed to a variety of opportunities only afforded men at one time, and are rebuilding a positive self-image and a strong sense of awareness.

Although great strides have been made there is still a long way to go. Thank you, Black Girls Rock for contributing to the advancement of Black Women and Young Black Girls, for empowering them, for helping them to see the potential some of them didn’t see before!

The Awards hosted by actress Taraji P. Henson will air on the BET network on August 22, 2017.

Check out some of the shots from the Red Carpet below, and for information on Black Girls Rock click here.

Black Girls Rock Red Carpet 8/5/2017

Black Girls Rock! July 5, 2017, Newark, NJ - Allure Noir Magazine was in attendance for the, 2017 Black Girls Rock Awards Red Carpet.

#allurenoirmag #BET #beverlybond #blackgirlsrock #maxinewaters #redcarpet #robertaflack #TarajiHenson #verityrollins #2017

July 30, 2017, New York, NY – The world famous Rock Steady Crew celebrates 40 years in the Hip Hop game; before the 90s era, Auto – Tuned rap vocals, Gangsta rap, and the new Mumble rap, The Rock Steady Crew help give birth to the art form we know now to day as Hip Hop. Since its inception Hip Hop has evolved and grown, from what started out as a way of expressing your self, and having a good time in the park to a massive cultural movement; a way of life for many.

Rock Steady Crew’s 40th Anniversary at SummerStage (7.30.2017)

Allure Noir Magazine was honored to be in attendance for this monumental celebration, of one of Hip Hop’s pioneering dance crews. From start to finish the event was amazing packed full of pioneers, who have contributed, and helped shaped Hip Hop culture from the beginning right through to the behemoth it is today, such as Crazy Legs, DJ JS-1, Mighty Mike C, Grandmaster Caz, DJ Premier and Havoc to name a few, and lets not forget the legendary Mc Lytle.

All the performers were outstanding but Mc Lyte stole the show, after taking the stage Mc Lyte started by shouting out legends and pioneers in the game who paved the way for her and many others. Mc Lyte then went to work opening up with a cover of “Top Billin” and then going into a variety of other covers and freestyles one of which was the classic 1988 song “Self Destruction”. During her set right before going into her 1993 classic hit “Ruffneck” Mc Lyte took a minute to shout out Black men, pointing out that black men are important to the development of our community, and the importance of upholding and respecting the best parts of black men, not the worst. Mc Lyte also stressed the importance of introducing the new school to the old school. Stating that it a must in order for our children to better understand their culture.

The show ended with a tribute to one of Hip Hop’s icons; Prodigy from Mobb Deep. The tribute opened up with a tribute video featuring radio personalities, artists and members of the Hip Hop community taking turns speaking on the influence prodigy and Mobb Deep had on the Hip Hop Community. The crowd was silent during the playing of the video you could hear a pin drop, but coming on to the end o f the video Havoc the second half of the Mobb Deep duo took the stage and the crowd went wild. Havoc went through hit after hit of Mobb Deep classics, at times doing both his and Prodigy’s verses.

What a great show; it’s times like these that really put things into perspective, who would have imagined that Hip Hop would have taken it this far! Hip Hop has had such a monumental impact on the world and keeps evolving who knows where Hip Hop will end up.

Check out some shots from this event.

Rock Steady Crew’s 40th Anniversary at SummerStage (7.30.2017)

40 Years In The Game July 30, 2017, New York, NY - The world famous Rock Steady Crew celebrates 40 years in the Hip Hop game; before the 90s era, Auto – Tuned rap vocals, Gangsta rap, and the new Mumble rap, The Rock Steady Crew help give birth to the art form we know now to day as Hip Hop.

#summerstage17 #2017

July 24, 2017, New York, NY – Union Square Park was host to an improve Medicare For All rally, people from all over the city gathered to voice their discontent with the state of Medicare in America. The rally echoed many Americans fear that they will not be able to afford health care under the Trump regime. As pointed out during the rally people feel it’s a shame that in such a wealthy nation being able to provide good and affordable healthcare for all is a problem.

As stated by many rally participants not only do they have health care concerns, but many of them feel that the policies being implemented under this regime is a direct attack against the poor and middle class of this nation. Many feel that a change has to happen because the Trump administration threatens to destroy years of progress gained through struggle and sacrifice.

The over all theme and feel of the rally is that many Americans are scared and afraid of what is to come. Trump has not painted a picture of positive growth and equality for all, but a picture of discord, tyranny and societal regression.

Checkout some shots from this event.

Improve Medicare For All !! July 24, 2017, New York, NY - Union Square Park was host to an improve Medicare For All rally, people from all over the city gathered to voice their discontent with the state of Medicare in America.

#america #equality #healthcare #justice #lgbt #NYC #passnyhealth #Trump #verityrollins #verityrollinsphoto

July 20, 2017, New York, NY – New York city is host to so many events during the year; you can always find some thing to do, from dancing to ice skating to free movies etc… But during the summer New York really comes alive with a host of free events in parks throughout the city. During the summer Union Square park offers a host of free events for the whole family; fitness, art battles, live performances, movies, you name it the park has it. The other day Allure Noir Magazine was in attendance for one of the fitness sessions in the park.

The other day Allure Noir Magazine was in attendance for one of the fitness sessions in the park; what an amazing experience. You had an enjoyable experience whether you were dancing or just watching. Check out some of the shots from the event, below. For more information on events happening in Union Square park Click here.

CITI SUMMER IN THE SQUARE July 20, 2017, New York, NY - New York city is host to so many events during the year; you can always find some thing to do, from dancing to ice skating to free movies etc...

#allurenoirmag #citisummer #dance #fitness #summerinthesquare #unionsquare #usqsummer #verityrollinsphoto

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