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Megan Pete, a.k.a. Megan Thee Stallion, was one of 843 graduates who crossed the stage during TSU’s Winter Commencement on Saturday, December 11, 2021, in the Health & Physical Education Arena. The university held two ceremonies – one at 9:30 a.m. and a second at 12:30 p.m. – to recognize and celebrate students who have persevered through portions of three academic years dealing with COVID, matriculating with bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and professional degrees. These students were part of the safe “Return to Tiger Land” for in-person classes with the Fall 2021 semester, following several semesters impacted by the pandemic. TSU President Dr. Lesia Crumpton-Young, who recently completed her first 100 days in office, shared her dream for her first class of graduates– a dream inspired by Martin Luther King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech. “As we celebrate their achievement, we also welcome them into Tiger Nation as alumni across the globe. I am confident that our graduates are prepared to transform the world through knowledge and experiences gained at TSU,” she said. The winter class boasted 595 undergraduate degrees, 187 graduate degrees, 16 Doctor of Pharmacy degrees, and 45 Juris Doctor degrees from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law. TSU’s morning (9:30 a.m.) ceremony included graduates from the College of Education, School of Communication, Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs, Jesse H. Jones School of Business, and the Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Megan particpated in the afternoon (12:30 p.m.) ceremony, which included graduates from the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, College of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences, and the College of Science, Engineering and Technology. Congratulations to all the graduates! As an added bonus, Megan was honored in a special ceremony where she received Congressional recognition from the Honorable Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee.
Celebrate 2022 in style at B’s Wine Bar, and though magnificent on any night, the art-filled luxurious wine bar will be the stage for performances from Quinton Sampson featuring Unbiased Live Band. Sampson gained international attention as a fan favorite in the Netflix singing competition series “Sing On!” released in 2020, where singers from all over the world competed to win in each themed episode. Sampson is the winner of the Love Songs episode singing Mariah Carey’s Hero. Click here to watch. Beginning at 10 p.m., enjoy premium drinks at multiple fully stocked bars and a Cajun-style menu. Throughout the night, a live DJ will spin as guests dance into the new year. After the concert, countdown to the midnight balloon drop and raise a glass towards 2022… and beyond. Click here to purchase tickets on EventBrite.
If you look up the name Lydia Harris, you will see this Queen is connected to the biggest names in music history, from Marion “Suge” Knight to her ex-husband, Michael “Harry-O” Harris, who was just pardoned from prison by former President Donald Trump. A Vanity Fair article calls her “The Real Cookie Lyon” with many saying Taraji P. Henson’s iconic “Empire” character was a twist on Harris’ life. Harris, who was nicknamed “Lady Boss,” successfully sued Suge for $107M for unpaid properties and royalties and, although he has not paid up yet, she is climbing her way back to the top one creative concept at a time. From authoring a powerful book, working on a new record label, to catering, this Houston woman gives new meaning to the phrase “you can’t keep a good woman down.” We talked to Harris about her latest venture in our “Vibe With” series. Vibe Houston: Tell us about yourself Harris: I am the co-founder of the Death Row Records, now a mother, author and a chef. I am passionate about creating a new legacy that will outlive the infamous record label. That was the beginning of my journey as an entrepreneur and taught me valuable lessons, but none like being a mother to my daughter. I wrote my book for her because I didn’t know what life would look like for me coming up in the era of Death Row. I found a passion in cooking. It became my peace, which I now can share with the world. Vibe Houston: How did you go from the music industry to the restaurant industry? Harris: After Death Row, my life changed. I had to figure out how to live and how to survive and cooking became my escape. The kitchen became a therapy zone for me to be able to express myself in creative ways. I have had several restaurants and my passion has been being able to share the intimacy and see the smiles on peoples faces due to my work in a way that you cannot see in a concert or arena filled with people. Vibe Houston: What do you feel is the best feature of your company…the food or the experience, or is it something else? Harris: When people experience Lydia’s Catering some people experience family for the first time, some love and some joy. It is the level of satisfaction that they get from placing and order and it being fulfilled to their desires. It is an upscale experience. No matter the environment, venue or party I am able to lay out some of the best dishes that people have experience. The food is so good it makes you wanna’ dance. Vibe Houston: Let’s talk about your menu selection. What do you offer and what would you say are your most popular dishes? Harris: Nothing about me has ever been one dimensional. In culinary school they taught us how to prepare a variety of dishes. So, I offer whatever the party requires. Every menu will vary depending on the event. My specialty would have to be fried lobster tails. Growing up, lobster was always considered a high-quality seafood dish. It was expensive and I am a woman who takes pride in what I deliver and giving people the best experiences with every bite. Lobster tails just remind me of elegance and excellence. Vibe Houston: How have you adjusted during COVID? Is business still well? Harris: During COVID business got better because it was more intimate and people experienced more of a convince of Lydia coming to them. I think it really helped because people got to know me for being even more than a chef. I was able to have conversations and build relationships with my clients which made all the difference in the business. Vibe Houston: What do you do to give back to the community? Harris: Recently I have partnered with women’s shelters. I take pride in being able to empower women. We live in a world where too often men will attempt to count a woman out. Or women will compete with each other. My goal is to make collaboration popular again among us. So I enjoy being able to spend my time inspiring women to uplift one another. Every month I aim to do something that gives back to the community in ways that I wish I would have experienced myself. I have a big heart, so I always look for opportunities to use my gifts to be a blessing to others. Vibe Houston: How do you feel about the renewed interest or national push of supporting Black businesses? Do you think it will be short-lived? Harris: I don’t really like the term short-lived. I especially wouldn’t say that about the push for the interest in black businesses. I think we are finding our worth. We are finding our identity. We are waking up in a world that wants to keep us asleep for so long. If you keep pushing through things get better. That’s the power of endurance and perseverance. It’s better to help support black businesses and not give up so easily on them because they can only get better. That’s what happened with all of the great businesses that we know today. When they failed, not only did they keep going but their support also kept going because of their resilience. Vibe Houston: Any advice to entrepreneurs or small business owners fighting to stay afloat during these challenging times? Harris: The challenge is the biggest part of life. You can’t run from it, you have to run to it. Embrace what you don’t know and what makes you think a bit harder. That is where your breakthrough is. Don’t give up because you lose money, people stop supporting, people talk down on your ideas. This is why you have to have identity and trust that God has a plan even when things seem to be still. You will win in the end and that’s
When you hear the name “John Wayne,” you think of “The Duke” from the legendary old Westerns, right? Well not so fast, Houston resident John Wayne S . III is making big Hollywood moves in his own right, and helping to put Houston on the map. He took a moment to “Vibe With” us, telling us about a new movie, “Ebony Hustle,” which was shot right here in H-Town and premiering this month. The film has already been blazing a trail, winning several honors at film festivals across the country. CLICK HERE TO WATCH FULL MOVIE ON TUBI Vibe Houston: Tell us about “Ebony Hustle” and how you all came up with the concept …. synopsis of movie, who stars in it, etc.? John Wayne: Ebony Hustle is a bout an ex-stripper turns private investigator. It stars Michelle Lamb (Ebony), Andrew Chandler (Caleb Truth), Jessica Mitchell (Cal) and Kennetra Searcy (Felicia). This film is a creative partnership between my company Londyn Town Pictures and the distributor Maverick Entertainment. They wanted to do women lead film, like Foxxy Brown. Between myself, my writing partners Frank Ovelton and Nia Kayse, Ebony Hustle was born. [WATCH TRAILER: Ebony Hustle] Vibe Houston: Tell us about yourself? Where are you from, what do you do? John Wayne: I’m originally from Chicago. Been producing television, film and media for about 28 years. I have worked as a publicist, music A&R director, artist manager and record label president. Vibe Houston: What brought to Houston? John Wayne: I came to Houston to work on a TV series for FOX called Texas Justice. Once I realized that I did not have to be cold, I never went back to Chicago. Vibe Houston: Ebony Hustle deals with a lot of tough topics, including domestic violence, sex trafficking or kidnapping, abuse, manipulation, stalking, etc. Do you think that was “too much” trauma to deal with in one movie? No, it’s a slice-of-life film. Many people experience those elements everyday, if not all of them simultaneously. How did you keep it light, at times? Sometimes in life, you have to laugh to keep from crying. It’s a as simple as that. During this #MeToo era, what is the takeaway message? I would hope that this film would give someone courage to speak up or save themselves. Vibe Houston: How do we make a Houston a major player for big budget movies? John Wayne: The state, local and private industry have to make the investment in filmmakers and infrastructure. Vibe Houston: How has it been shooting during the pandemic? John Wayne: Not easy. You have to be diligent and follow protocol. It’s becoming the new normal. Vibe Houston: Will Ebony Hustle be seen on streaming platforms or in theatres? John Wayne: Ebony Hustle has a digital release in the US set for December 1. It will premiere on FOX TV’s streaming channel Tubi for two weeks. On December 14th, it will be available on Amazon, Vudu and other major streaming platforms. It also had a successful limited theatrical run in parts of Europe. Vibe Houston: Do you think the movie theatre industry will fully bounce back? John Wayne: Yes, I believe so in time. Vibe Houston: Do you think the streaming revolution will remain in high demand? John Wayne: Yes, it is here to stay. Vibe Houston: What’s next? John Wayne: We have two features and a TV series we are looking to bring to production next year. Vibe Houston: What do you tell anyone who has a dollar and a dream? John Wayne: Stay focused and determined. STAY CONNECTED! Learn more information about Ebony Hustle and connect with your favorite actors on IMDb
Ebony Hustle is a bout an ex-stripper turns private investigator. It stars Michelle Lamb (Ebony), Andrew Chandler (Caleb Truth), Jessica Mitchell (Cal) and Kennetra Searcy (Felicia). This film is a creative partnership between Londyn Town Pictures and Maverick Entertainment. The film has a stellar soundtrack featuring four independent (indie) artists from Houston, Texas — Rosie Bush, Caleb Truth, NataliaJ and 86. All songs were produced by Lamar Jones, who is also from Houston. In addition to the soundtrack, an outstanding score was produced by Collin Andrew Grant. The soundtrack and score are available on all music streaming and social media platforms. [CLICK HERE TO ACCESS SOUNDTRACK ON ALL PLATFORMS] Here’s a bonus for ya! See Ebony Hustle’s first music video release of the film soundtrack, “Chuch” by Caleb Truth aka Andrew Chandler Kslay. To download more music, CLICK HERE.
Academy Award-winning actress, director, and producer Halle Berry will receive “The People’s Icon” award at the 2021 “People’s Choice Awards.” Grammy Award-winning artist Cardi B will present the award to Berry at the ceremony. The PCA Award-winner and seven-time nominee will be honored for her contributions in TV and film, including her directorial debut in the highly-anticipated film “Bruised,” which will be in select theatres on November 17 and arrives on Netflix on November 24. Cardi B and Berry teamed up to executive produce the film’s soundtrack, which features six original songs by award-winning and multi-platinum female artists, including a song by Cardi B. The 2021 “People’s Choice Awards” will air simultaneously on both NBC and E! on Tuesday, December 7 at 9pm ET/PT from the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, CA. “Throughout her career, Halle Berry has broken down barriers, directed and starred in diverse roles that have paved the way for others in the industry,” said Jen Neal, Executive Vice President, Entertainment Live Events, Specials & E! News, NBCUniversal Entertainment Television and Streaming. “In addition to her filmography accolades and trendsetting ethos, Berry is known for her philanthropic work with women, children and underserved communities. She is an icon of our time and for all these reasons and more, we are honored to present her with ‘The People’s Icon’ award.” As an actor, producer, director, activist, philanthropist, and fashion icon, Berry has made history on multiple accounts. Highlights include her performance in “Monster’s Ball,” which earned her the Academy Award for “Best Actress,” making her the first Black woman to receive that honor, as well as being nominated for a Golden Globe for “Best Actress” for her role in “Frankie and Alice.” Berry also earned an Emmy, Golden Globe, SAG and NAACP Image Award for her extraordinary performance in HBO’s telefilm, “Introducing Dorothy Dandridge,” which she also produced. Most recently, Berry filmed Netflix’s “The Mothership,” which she stars in and executive produced, and will be seen in Roland Emmerich-helmed sci-fi epic “Moonfall” for Lionsgate, which is due in theaters February 2022. In 2020, Berry made her highly-anticipated directorial debut in new film “Bruised,” in which she also stars. Outside of her filmography success, Berry is an active supporter of the Jenesse Center in Los Angeles, which supports victims of domestic violence and aims to change the pattern of abuse in the lives of women and children. Further, Berry joined forces with Novo Nordisk and the Entertainment Industry Foundation to launch the Diabetes Aware Campaign and has supported a vast amount of charities and organizations such as Afghanistan Relief Organization, Black Lives Matter, Clothes Off Our Back, Love Our Children USA, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Stand Up to Cancer, Revlon Run/Walk, and United Nations World Food Programme. Berry also founded rē•spin, a platform created to provide broader access to health and wellness content and products through inclusivity and conversation. Rooted in discovery and learning, the heart of rē•spin is its global community connected around the core belief of a holistic mind, body, and soul approach to wellness. The 2021 “People’s Choice Awards” will air simultaneously on both NBC and E! for the first time on Tuesday, December 7 at 9:00pm ET/PT from the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, CA. “Live from E!: The 2021 People’s Choice Awards” will kick off the night with a red carpet special at 7:00pm ET/PT on E!. The “People’s Choice Awards” and “Live from E!: The 2021 People’s Choice Awards” are both produced by Den of Thieves with Executive Producers Jesse Ignjatovic, Evan Prager and Barb Bialkowski. See the full list of all 40 categories and nominees online.
As Thanksgiving approaches, Masego and acclaimed singer-songwriter Devin Morrison have just one question: “Can I get to the yamz?” A silky smooth R&B track, the new single “Yamz” exudes a relaxed, sensuous vibe. The vibrant official video, directed by Mac Grant (Earthgang, J.I.D, Childish Major), leans into the double entendre of the song’s playful title. The clip follows a cast of characters on their neighborhood journeys to get to the “yamz,” whether that be sex, love, or money. A young content creator racks up tips on the ONLYYAMZ platform, a street entrepreneur is ambushed while finishing his last sales, and a student endures peer pressure to impress his crush, all in the lead up to Thanksgiving dinner. With Bussin’ – his 2019 debut album – Morrison demonstrated his talent for sultry, groove-oriented anthems that masterfully combine R&B, gospel, hip-hop and funk. He’s gone on to collaborate with such artists as Phonte, Zo!, Nao Yoshioka and Submerse. Masego, who has amassed over two billion combined global streams in his career to date, already has his sights already set on 2022. He’ll kick off a headline tour of Europe and the U.K.. on February 11 in Warsaw. The run will wrap up at London’s O2 Brixton on March 13. Mereba will support on all dates. “Yamz” follows another celebratory hit from Masego – “Garden Party” ft. Big Boi and JID, which has amassed 3.2 million combined streams since its release last month. NPR praised the song as “a lush neo-soul single that unveils wonderland.” Soul Bounce said, “it is a perfect track to close out of the heat of summer and take us into the subdued feel of fall.” Masego is a singular talent and surprising presence who cites 1930s Harlem big bandleader Cab Calloway as a guiding spirit and was mentored by DJ Jazzy Jeff. His 2018 debut album, Lady, Lady, included the breakout hit single “Tadow.” With more than one billion combined global streams, the song is certified Platinum in the U.S., Diamond in Brazil and Gold in Mexico. Earlier this year, Masego released Studying Abroad: Extended Stay, the deluxe edition of his acclaimed 2020 EP, via EQT Recordings and Capitol Records. The collection includes the hit “Mystery Lady Ft. Don Toliver” plus the beautifully reimagined “Mystery Lady (Sego’s Remix).” Combined global streams of “Mystery Lady” have soared past the 150 million mark. Masego, who has sold out shows and played festivals on every continent except Antarctica, recently played One Music Festival and Suwannee Hulaween in the U.S. Click here for tickets and additional details.
Three-time Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Asiahn demonstrates her range and depth with a jazz-inflected sultry single, “We Can,” out via Since the 80s / Motown Records. The sensitive song, in which she hesitantly invites a lover back into her heart, also features a sample from the late, great singer and actress Eartha Kitt at its core. Listen to the track HERE. Like a lot of Asiahn’s upbeat songs, “We Can” is hot, heavy, and uncompromising. Swift drum patterns shuffle underneath flutters of flute and sax as Asiahn swoops in to assert her place in a relationship. “Don’t got permission to fall in love with me,” she sings. “Unless I tell you so.” The whole track is fun and fierce, and it’s punctuated by two interludes from Eartha Kitt, who talks about love and compromise and falling for oneself first and foremost—a sentiment that also holds true throughout Asiahn’s lovingly rendered songs. “We Can” follows the sultry “Fall Back,” and continues the Los Angeles-based artist’s transition from lovesick songstress to empowered star, as showcased on her Motown debut, The Interlude EP, released earlier this year. The EP debuted on multiple Billboard charts and earned Asiahn Billboard’s Emerging Artist Spotlight, started at #33 on Apple Music Charts, and received support from fans and critics ranging from Halle Berry, Lena Waithe, and Keke Palmer, to American Songwriter, Essence, Nylon, Refinery29, MarieClaire, and many more. Asiahn also plays the title character in the recently released Netflix animated series, Karma’s World, created by Ludacris. The show tells “the story of a girl finding her voice and using it to change the world.” Sounds like the ideal role for this 3x-Grammy-nominated talent who continues her steady rise, which includes being named Pandora’s Artist to Watch 2021, participating in Live Nation’s Black History Month, and Tidal Sessions performances. About Asiahn: Raised in Charleston but based in Los Angeles, artist and songwriter Asiahn—pronounced “Ahh-zee-yahn”—knew she needed a break between installments of her beloved Love Train EPs. Creatively, she was inspired by something new: heartbreak, and picking up the pieces afterwards. Thus, The Interlude—a five-track explosion of talent and control by one of music’s most in-demand creatives—was born. Showcasing new sides to the sultry, boundary-breaking artist, The Interlude tells the story of Asiahn realizing that the break between relationships signified the start of harvest season as she rediscovered herself after heartbreak, bouncing back from the pain and learning to speak her truth in every corner of her life. With songs like “Messed Up” and “Gucci Frames,” Asiahn is giving you something to fall in love with throughout The Interlude, a project that tells the full story of welcoming vulnerability in service of getting ready to love again. “If I’m going through something hard, I don’t wanna write about it until I’ve healed, because otherwise I’m bringing you into my negative space and I have no resolve for you,” Asiahn says of The Interlude. “And with this project, I wanna make sure I’m giving you just enough to be satisfied, but not enough to be full.” Asiahn is known for penning hits for massive stars like Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull, Drake, Lil Wayne, and Dr. Dre, but with The Love Train series, and now The Interlude, she’s ready to usher you into her own world. “At the end of the day, my music is my identity,” she says. “And I can’t expect anyone else to know what I want to say and how I want to say it. I’m the best person to tell my own stories.”
The Houston Astros announced that Paula Harris has been named the new Executive Director, Astros Foundation and Senior Vice President, Community Affairs. Harris brings over 33 years of experience working in the Houston community, both professionally as an executive with Schlumberger Ltd., and personally with a passion for civic interest and volunteerism. “I am honored to be joining the Houston Astros as the Executive Director of the Astros Foundation,” said Harris. “Working throughout the Houston community, I have always respected the work of the Astros Foundation with their five pillars of youth baseball and softball, military, childhood cancer awareness, homelessness and domestic violence awareness. I can’t wait to continue to foster our relationships in the community while extending our reach to help more Houstonians.” On the hiring of Harris, Astros Owner and Chairman Jim Crane said, “Paula stood out to us during our search for this position because of her extensive work and dedication to the Houston community over three decades. We are proud to have her join our team and continue to champion our longstanding commitment to this community.” Harris has extensive connections throughout the Houston community, as she currently serves on the boards of Chart Industries (GTLS), The Vantage Group, Children’s Museum Houston, the Petroleum Club of Houston, the Independent Petroleum Association of America’s Energy Education Center and the Energized for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Charter School. She is a founding member of the Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy, an all-girl’s engineering school serving primarily minority communities in Houston with the goal to graduate girls prepared to attend top engineering universities. Harris has a particular passion for advancing STEM education and career opportunities for all communities, but especially for women and underrepresented minorities. Previously, she served on the boards of the Houston Independent School District, the Permian Strategic Partnership in Midland, TX, the Space Center Houston and numerous other education and outreach associations. In 2020, Harris received the Women Who Mean Business Lifetime Achievement award from the Houston Business Journal. In 2019, she received the Women on the Move award from Texas Executive Women and the United Nations Global Citizenship Award. During her 33-plus years in the international oilfield services with Schlumberger Ltd., Harris, educated as a Petroleum Engineer, worked in many roles over three decades with the company. She worked her way up from working on offshore rigs as a Field Engineer to leadership positions such as Director of Community Affairs from 2010-2015, and, most recently as Director of Global Stewardship. A native Houstonian, Harris graduated with a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering from Texas A&M University and a Master’s of Education in Technical Instruction and Learning from Abilene Christian. The owner of her own publishing company, Harris has authored, published and distributed four books, including When I Grow Up I Want To Be An Engineer. The book was translated into four languages and over 150,000 copies were distributed globally to schools, museums and non-profits.
Nine-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated R&B superstar Tank has announced today’s release of his new single. “I Deserve” is available today via R&B Money/Atlantic Records at all DSPs and streaming services; an official music video directed by Matt Alonzo and starring Adam Waheed and Juhahn Jones premieres today via YouTube. “I Deserve” sees Tank bringing his extraordinary two-decade career full circle by sampling his now-classic single, 2001’s Top 40 smash, “Maybe I Deserve.” The new single heralds the upcoming release of what will be Tank’s final album, R&B MONEY, due to arrive Friday, February 4, 2022. Written, produced, and sung solely by Tank, “Maybe I Deserve” recently made its long-overdue streaming debut alongside the artist’s landmark first three solo albums, including 2001’s RIAA gold-certified, #1 debut, FORCE OF NATURE, 2002’s ONE MAN, and 2007’s chart-topping, GRAMMY® Award-nominated SEX, LOVE & PAIN. Rolling Stone acknowledged the historic streaming premiere with an exclusive interview with Tank, writing, “For the first time, fans will also be able to travel through his catalog in reverse, rewinding from 2021 to 2000.” “I Deserve” follows the premiere earlier this year of the #1 R&B hit, “Can’t Let It Show,” featuring an instantly memorable sample of Kate Bush’s “This Woman’s Work” and available now at all DSPs and streaming services; an official music video is streaming now at the official Tank YouTube channel HERE. Hailed by REVOLT as “emotionally charged,” the track proved another chart-topper for Tank, reaching #1 at Adult R&B radio outlets nationwide. Tank’s tenth studio album, R&B MONEY marks the full-length follow-up to 2019’s acclaimed ELEVATION, highlighted by the #1 singles, “Dirty“ and “I Don’t Think You’re Ready,” both of which reached the peak position on Billboard’s “Adult R&B Songs” – Tank’s fourth and fifth time atop that airplay chart. ELEVATION in turn followed 2017’s SAVAGE, featuring the blockbuster single, “When We.” The RIAA platinum-certified single – which marked the only core R&B record to crack Billboard’s “Hot 100” in 2018 – spent 13 consecutive weeks atop the Billboard and Mediabase Urban AC charts, ultimately being named as both outlets’ #1 Adult R&B Song of 2018 while also earning a nomination as iHeart Radio’s “R&B Song of the Year.” In addition, the official “When We” companion video now boasts over 115M individual views via YouTube alone HERE. Among his many achievements, Tank, who yesterday was nominated for Favorite Male R&B Artist at the 2021 American Music Awards airing on Sunday, Nov. 21, has proven an in-demand actor with roles including Lifetime’s recent film, Lust: A Seven Deadly Sins Story, executive produced by Bishop T.D. Jakes and co-starring Keri Hilson. Last year also saw the launch of two successful projects, R&B Money Podcast and the YouTube reality show, Babbs to the Bone, an unscripted series featuring his wife Zena Foster-Babbs and their children.
