A worthy obsession: Reed between the lines wardrobe

Take a peek at the wardrobe that has us drooling. Those Zara shopper handbags that Tracee Ellis Ross is gets to carry are certainly are on our most wanted list.

Read More

Meet Devin Tracy

Our newest addition to music department of Worthy Magazine goes by the name of Pasha. Her love for all kinds of music is aptly captured in her writing. Recently she got the opportunity to speak with 21-year-old jazz singer Devin Tracy. Trust us, you will want to know who he is. Here is her exchange with the singer. 

It’s uncommon to to find a 21 year old jazz singer with so much soul these days, I came across an amazing artist 2years ago at Bamboo hair Studio launch of its own product. When Mr. Devin took the stage and opened his mouth I was amazed at this strong voice coming out of someone so tiny.  Devin Tracy, a very talented 21 year old soul/nu jazz and popular music singer/songwriter and military brat was born in Miami, Florida. His father retired from the Air Force in 1996, and then moved to Jacksonville, Florida. Devin's talent was discovered while in Jacksonville at the tender age of six. As a teenager Devin developed a special appreciation for jazz music.

While most youngsters his age had a musical appetite for hip hop and other mainstream genres, he was influenced by artists like John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Norman Brown, Herbie Hancock, Phyllis Hyman, Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald etc.
While in middle school he performed with a live band at talent shows, churches and other local competitions. During his High School years, Devin Tracy was recognized as "a small guy with a big voice". He attended Bethune Cookman University majoring in music technology. He then met producer William (Chase) Neckles in Music Tech class, who is a counterpart of Roderick Whyte and production team called "The Radicals".

The Radicals introduced Devin Tracy's music to Lamar Coaston who in turn introduced Devin to multi platinum producer Herb Middleton. Together the two are creating a synergy around the young new rising star, now known as "Mr. Devin Tracy". The "Mr." in Devin's stage name prophetically signifies the level of respect that “Mr. Devin Tracy" will be eventually receiving from his peers. This young man is a musical mission and he's about his business. His knowledge of legendary jazz greats surpasses those in his age group. "Mr. Devin Tracy" is destined to blow the minds of the music industry and music lovers all over the world. He’s a breath of fresh air that over time will eventually expand into one of the more popular artists of our time. With his unique look, sound and live performance, he’s guaranteed to make a difference in the music world. Ladies and Gentleman..."Mr. Devin” 

1. When did you start singing?

Devin Tracy: I started singing around 5 or 6 years old.

2. When I first heard you at the Bamboo hair event I was shocked that, that voice came out of that little body!  Did your voice shock you? How did others respond?

Devin Tracy: My voice didn’t shock me at all, when I was younger I would love to hear myself make up melodies and harmonies and what not. Others responded as if I been in the music industry, they were the ones shocked by how big my voice was (coming from a small body like mine)

3. At what moment did you decide this is what you wanted to do for the rest of your life?

Devin Tracy: The moment I decided I wanted to do this, was when I realized how heavy I inspired a lot of people, and how I touched people that I never really spoken to, & how people were driven by my voice alone.

4. Who inspires you? What music influences yours?

Devin Tracy: I don’t really have anybody who inspires me but my parents. The music that influences me the most is Jazz; I LOVE it SO much, because it’s so free. I love to improve (scat) as well. Sometimes I would feel venerable.

5. What do you want people to take from your music?

Devin Tracy:  I want people to see that there’s more to music than just the crap they hear on the radio or see on TV ,music is everywhere, its in everything we do, even if we you don’t realize it. It’s diverse, widespread.

6. What would you like your legacy to be?

Devin Tracy: I would like for my legacy to be; How Devin opened doors for a lot young jazz artist, because if you can see jazz you can sing anything.

7. Who would you love to work with?

Devin Tracy: I would love to work with a lot of artist like Pharrell Williams, Kelis, Esperanza Spalding, Emily King, Tweet, Amerie, Ledisi, Robert Glasper, Lady Gaga, etc

You can find out more about Devin Tracy at http://www.reverbnation.com/DevinTacy and follow Devin Tracy on www.twitter.com/DevinTracy 

PGray

Read More

Director's roundtable becomes controversial as only one director discusses race in film

Steve McQueen held no punches when he discussed the world of film as it pertains to American films. McQueen sat next to some of Hollywoods heavy weights: Jason Reitman, Bennett Miller, Mike Mills, Alexander Payne and Michel Hazanavicius.

When the question rose about the lack of minorities featured in American films, McQueen was the only vocal director on the panel.

“I’m always astonished by American filmmakers, particularly living in certain areas, when they never cast one black person, or have never put them in a lead in the movie,” McQueen said. “I’m astonished. It’s shameful. How do you live in New York and not cast a black actor or a Latino actor? It’s shameful. It’s unbelievable,” McQueen Said. 


Only one director spoke up 

“Not stepping into that,” said Reitman, who’s had Oscar nominations for best director.

McQueen made it a point to state that film should be a reflection of reality and that most films are no longer reflecting reality. 

What do you think? Do you agree? Does the reality of film upset you? Or have we gotten past the issues of race?

Read More

Worthy Men's Fashion

Read More

Single Spotlight: Drake's "Make Me Proud"

Toronto representative and Young Money recording artist Drake recently released the newest single from his forthcoming "Take Care" album, which will be in stores Nov. 15.

"Make Me Proud," which features fellow YM artist Nicki Minaj, is built on a hypnotic T-Minus-produced beat and classic Drake chorus--a catchy mix of sing-song rap bars with his usual crooning.

This track is definitely for the ladies, as evidenced by lines like "I like a woman with a future and a past/a little attitude problem all good, it'll make the shit last," but guys can easily rock to it as well.

Nicki's presence in the form of rapped bars and a singing hook is key to the target demographic but may actually hurt the song's vibe at moments.

Sure, Minaj fans will love the eccentric braggadocio that Nicki is so known for, but the bars following her hook are played out at best. Sticking with the hashtag-style of rap that Young Money played out long ago, she raps lines like "I'm a star--sheriff badge."

Even with it's slight pitfalls, the song, as of Oct. 19, was a #1 single on iTunes and is definitely worth your listening time, money and hard drive space.

Stream the song below courtesy of Drake's Soundcloud or purchase on iTunes.

Drake - Make Me Proud Feat. Nicki Minaj by octobersveryown

Read More

Kelly On the Cover Of Cosmo UK

Looking quite motivating and sexy on the Cover of the UK Cosmopolitan, Kelly Rowland opens up about everything to the magazine. She even gets quite candid about her breast implants, openly saying that she was tired of having "little nuggets for boobs". 

The decision was 10 years in the making, so I'm comfortable talking about it

Read More

BET Gets Kudos for Featuring Gospel Rap

BET did it again with a great Hip Hop Awards show. All the cyphers were amazing, we are still replaying them. However, bringing in Lecrae elevated the International Cypher to another Level. Lecrae is a pretty well known gospel rapper and in the BET cypher he stayed true to his roots. You have to watch.

Check out his music

Read More

Kelly Rowland 'Lay it on me' Love it or Leave it?

Kelly Rowland is giving it to us in her new video with Big Sean. We LOVE it. Do you?

Read More

Rihanna Named The Sexiest Woman Alive By Esquire

Given the way Rihanna has been serving it up, it is not a surprise to us at all that Esquire named the singing beauty 'Sexiest Woman Alive'. In her interview with Esquire, she speaks openly about her feelings towards  singer Chris Brown. Take a look at her red-hot spread.

On listening to Chris Brown’s music: “It’s incredible to see how he pulled out of it the way he did. Even when the world seemed like it was against him, you know? I really like the music he’s putting out. I’m a fan of his stuff. I’ve always been a fan. Obviously, I had some resentment toward him for a while, for obvious reasons. But I’ve put that behind me. It was taking up too much of my time. It was too much anger. I’m really excited to see the breakthrough he’s had in his career. I would never wish anything horrible for him. Never. I never have.”

Read more: http://www.askkissy.com/2011/10/11/esquire-names-rihanna-sexiest-woman-alive-after-she-agreed-to-get-naked-and-profess-her-love-to-chris-brown/#ixzz1aXDqhggc

Read More

Steve Jobs Remembered Forever

1955-2011
 "Have the courage to follow your gut and intuition. They already know what you want to become.  Everything else is secondary"   - Steve Jobs

Breaking news today of Steve Jobs death left a multitude of people, touched by his brilliance, speechless. Steve Jobs was a genius, ahead of his time, who was kind enough to leave behind remnants of his brilliance. His impact on this world is undeniable, as it is almost certain that you are reading about the news of his death on one of his devices. He was more than just the man who gave us Pixar, the iPad, iPhone and iMac. He is the man who revolutionized the world of communication. We are eternally grateful for his shared talent and his contributions to the world.

Read More

HOW AMAZON WILL SAVE ANDROID TABLETS!

Wednesday, Amazon- the world's largest online retail outlet, announced the latest upgrade of its original kindle e-reader. The company showed off a new, color kindle named the Kindle Fire and the tablet world has been ablaze ever since. Bloggers were very quick to introduce the moniker, IPAD KILLER into discussions of the 7 inch tablet's future but I believe that most discussions have missed Amazon's true intent, entirely. Most tech writers have focused on the potential sales profitability of the Kindle Fire but the sales potential of the new kindle is a short term concern,and Amazon is a company that plays the long game. Most tech blogs have missed the mark entirely. The Kindle Fire isn't going to kill the iPad but it may save it's competitors.

Most writers have asserted that the Kindle Fire is going to destroy the market of android tablets, but they are wrong. The Kindle Fire has opened the only window of opportunity any of the other android tablets have seen, since their failed debuts. Among tablet watchers, a saying has developed: " There is no tablet market. There is an iPad market". This hackneyed truism is unfortunately very accurate. When ever I happen to see a person with an android tablet, a small part of me whispers.....why? Why would you buy an android tablet? The interfaces have been clunky and confusing and most importantly, the content is largely lacking. Despite the potential of tablets for content creation, they have largely become synonymous with content consumption and any tablet without a robust ecosystem behind it, has seemed like an irrational purchase for most consumers. The non-iPad market has consisted largely of apple haters and android fanatics. Most consumers have not been willing to tolerate the smaller app choice, the chaotic google market, and the awkwardness of Android, in general. It is easy to see why analysts would see the phoenix-like rise of the Kindle Fire as the death of the other Android tablets, but this is short sighted.

What the analysts have missed is that Amazon solves most of the other the problems with the failing android tablet market. Instead of seeing amazon as the competitor, amazon will eventually be seen as the savior. Consumers crave content. They want apps in an easily navigable market. They want large music libraries,books and magazine subscriptions. And they want it from a company they can count on to supply that content, in the years to come. Whereas Samsung, HP, ASUS, Sony and all of the other manufacturers, lack satisfactory markets for content, I believe that amazon can, and eventually will supply the content that will make these alternative tablets a success.

Amazon has never envisioned itself as the next great computer manufacturer. The Kindle has always been a loss leader for the online supermarket. The kindle and now the kindle fire, are simply a means to an end. Amazon wants one thing only; a huge, consistent consumer base that relies entirely on amazon as a convenient-one stop shop for virtually every potential purchase. Even if consumers of the kindle fire or the amazon app store don't consume large amounts of cloud based services, amazon wants them to have the habit of turning to the online store first. It is in Amazon's best interest to offer it's music, tv, and app services on as many devices as possible, if only to reinforce that habit. Instead of seeing Amazon as an apple competitor it makes more sense to see Amazon as a Netflix competitor or direct competitor with the iTunes division of apple. Netflix doesn't care about being loyal to a particular device, they just want people to buy movies from them. Amazon will have much of the same attitude.

Amazon wants to sell millions of the Kindle Fire, but they want to sell many more movies, songs and apps. Supplying content is Amazon's primary concern, not selling the hardware. Android tablet makers will eventually realize this and make amazon the defacto iTunes/App store for Android Tablets. Add to this the possibility that Amazon may eventually allow others to distribute and use it's custom Silk Browser. Silk, is an advanced split web browser that offers consumers a faster web experience, but it offers amazon an unprecedented amount of data about the user of the browser. This data helps Silk predict user interests but it will likely help companies target adds to consumers. Amazon's real interest with Silk is the information it provides them about consumers. The data is simply another product for Amazon to sell. Silk, like the Kindle Fire is simply a means to Amazon's ultimate end. The only thing left for android tablet manufacturers to do, is follow Amazon's lead, and fork android into an attractive user interface (amazon might even be willing to help).

In the near future, consumers will be less choosy about who they buy their tablets from because they will all function in much the same way and they will all have access to the same content. The Kindle Fire won't kill the iPad, but it will make it possible for a real competition to ensue. Amazon will bring balance and equilibrium back to the computing market, essentially restoring consumer purchasing patterns to the way things were, before the iPad came along. In the end, Apple will once again become the manufacturer of the premium variety of the pc-like product, with Android tablets as the somewhat cheaper, mildly more accessible and less elitist alternative (at least until Windows 8 is finished).

Read More

Nyasha Matonhodze by Solve Sundsbo For Vogue Japan

Source 

Read More

The Fearless Issue Is Out

We have an amazing editorial from Andre Samuels
A great review from our music editor William J. Kennedy
And a nice feature of a designer you need to know and so much more. It's a must read.

Open publication - Free publishing - More fashion

Read More

How to: Bounce Back After a Breakup

Kaira Traver is our online contributing writer and here are some tips she has on How to Bounce Back After a Breakup.

So you’ve been dumped or maybe for some of you, you’re the dumpee. Either way, you’re fresh out of a relationship. Ending a relationship can be one of the hardest times for some women. You’re filled with emotions, questions and sometimes remorse. But ladies, although it may feel like it, it’s not the end of the world.

So what do you do now? As for everything else, different things will work for different people but everyone could use a little help now and then. Here are some do’s and don’ts to help you get over your newly single slum.

1-   DON’T keep it bottled up – Cry, scream, get angry, and just get it out. One of the worst things you can do when a relationship ends is to keep all those emotions inside. If you’re like most women, you’re going to be hurt and then it’s pretty much inevitable where you’ll eventually get pissed. Just don’t hold it in.

2-   DO delete – Delete his number.  Delete his texts. Delete his e-mails and do something that I like to call, “Facebook cleansing for the heart”. Delete him as your friend. Let’s be honest, you’re going to look and see what he’s up to, any chance you get. How are you supposed to heal and move on if you’re constantly checking up on him and looking at his wall to see who he’s talking to? Do yourself a favor and just cut him out of your life completely until you’re over him. If you ever decide you want to try a friendship later down the road, make sure you’re ready and that you can honestly handle being just friends.

3-   DON’T rethink your decision – When we’re left to our emotions, it’s easy to spend a lot of time thinking. For some, they focus on all of the positive things about an ex or the relationship and don’t really think about what they should be… the bad things. Obviously the bad things are why the relationship didn’t work out in the first place, right? Think about all the problems your relationship had and remember that if it didn’t work out it’s probably for the best.

4-   DO hang out with the girls - Being in a relationship probably means that you haven’t spent as much time with your closest friends and family as much as you wanted to. This is the perfect time to have a family dinner or round up the girls for a ladies night. If you’re feeling like a Sex and the City night out on the town with the girls, drinking cosmos, go for it; or better yet, a quiet night in with wine, so you can catch up on what’s going on in each other’s lives. Talk to them. They’re there for you. That’s what friends are for.

5-   DO find inspiration – It may seem silly, but finding something that inspires you can really help you bounce back from a bad break-up. Finding things you can relate to emotionally can help you a great deal. You can do this by listening to music, reading a book or even daily inspirational quotes. A free, easy way that you can find inspiration is by following inspirational quote accounts on twitter. They update their accounts daily to constantly shed some positive light on your days.

6-   DON’T sulk – We’ve all been there. All you want to do is sit in your room alone, watching slasher films with the only two men that matter at the moment, Ben & Jerry. But the best way to get out of your head is be active. Your emotions can take a toll on your body. Sulking can make you sad, tired and lazy. When you’re active, it releases endorphins and it can improve your mood. In order for you to feel better, your body has to feel better. So get off the couch and get active!

7-   DO try something you’ve always wanted to do – Getting out of your comfort zone and trying something new can be scary and exciting. But it can also keep you busy and keep your mind off of the break-up. Join a club, go rock climbing, train for a marathon or anything else that you have a passion for. You never know you could end up with a new hobby and meet some new and interesting people.

8-   DO make a change – If you’re brave enough, do something drastic. Dye your hair or give it a new do. Reinventing yourself is one of the most fun ways to shake off the old and move on with the new. If drastic isn’t for you, maybe try a new wardrobe. Try something that will make you feel sexy and good about you. If you look good, chances are you’ll feel good too. Are you on a tight budget? You can search online on great ways to make stylish new outfits out of items you can find in your very own closet. Get crafty and be creative!

9-   DON’T lose your faith in other people – Just because one person let you down does not mean that everyone will. I’m not going to lie, there is a possibility that you may go through another break up. But eventually you will find the perfect person and someday you’ll look back and realize that everything you went through got you to where you are today. All you can do is remember that there is a good and a bad side to everyone.

1-   DO get back out there – Once you’ve dealt with the emotions, have plenty of “you” time and when you think that you’re ready to get back on the dating scene, do it. Take what you learned from your past relationship and allow it to help you grow in a new one. Who knows, this next guy could be “the one”.

Read More

Going Natural And The Big Chop

So the season of natural hair has clearly not been a phase. More and more ethnic women are going back to the natural texture of their hair. So as you say goodbye to the relaxers and texturizers and prepare for "The Big Chop," assistant editor Monica Thorpe has some advice for you. 

This past summer was the season of locs, twist and all things natural. Going natural is a very exciting but can also be a confusing and difficult time. The most confusing part is transitioning from relaxed hair to kinks and curls especially if you don't know what you are doing. A lot of women find it easier to start over by cutting the permed or chemical processed hair out while for others the “big chop” isn’t necessary.  According to, treasuredlocks.com during the transition period you can either keep the permed hair at the end of the natural hair that’s coming in and try to minimize the breakage. Or you can do what many women have done and do the “big chop” and cut the relaxed hair off. However, they advise women to not wear styles where too much hair combing is involved because this will minimize breakage.  “I went natural because I wanted to start over so my hair could grow longer and healthier,” said Tiffany Cameron who has been natural for over a year. Just like most women in the same situation as Tiffany, starting over was a great decision. Since going natural she has found it easier to maintain her hair and also has found a new form of confidence in herself. I recommend before making that huge decision of starting over its best to educate yourself more about not only going natural but what products are good for your hair as well. Enjoy your natural hair journey!

Ways to keep your natural look fab!

    (According to Curltopia.com…the curly hair boutique)

1. Trim your natural hair every 8-12 weeks and transitioning hair should be trimmed every 4 weeks by a professional to promote healthy hair growth.
2. Do not wash your hair too often because it may become dry and fizzy if shampooed too often as this rubs the natural oils off the hair and scalp.
3. Do not use oils (coconut, olive) to moisturize your hair because oils sit on the hair which means your hair isn’t benefiting from the moisturizer because the oils don’t reach the inner cortex of the hair shaft.
4. Use a daily moisturizer and a shampoo that’s sulfate –free because a shampoo with sulfate will strip all natural oils from your hair. Shampoo with sulfate in it has suds, similar to suds in dish detergent. Dish detergent strips oil and shampoo with sulfate will strip your hair.

Read More

Fashion Week Coverage Ray Vincente Fashion Show

 Our shoe doctor Tamanika Finikin, Has been sending her favorite fashion discoveries through out Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week. She attended a fashion show for a designer that you should know about, Ray Vincente enjoy.

Read More

Demi Lovato is UNBROKEN

Although Demi Lovato is done with television, she isn’t done with recording music! She released her hit single, Skyscraper, in July and her full album, Unbroken, is scheduled to be released on September 20. Skyscraper made it to the Top 100 on iTunes and it has reached out to many fans worldwide.

Unbroken is intended to be more radio friendly and a pop style compared to her past two albums, Here We Go Again & Don’t Forget. Here We Go Again and Don’t Forget contained great songs with no featured artists. But Unbroken contains many other popular pop artists such as Missy Elliot, Timbaland, Dev, Iyaz, and Jason Derulo.

Many of us know that Demi Lovato has gone through a lot, including going to rehab in the middle of the “Camp Rock Tour”. The lyrics of the songs in Unbroken are not just lyrics to memorize and sing at her concerts but it is her way of expressing how she feels at this point in her life. She is now in good condition and although she is nervous to go back on stage, it is a way of saying, ‘Thank You’ to fans that have supported her all the way.

Read More

Fashion Week Worthy Street Style

Fashion Week Worthy Street Style courtesy of our Shoe Doctor Tamanika.

We love this look.

Everyone looks amazing.

Read More

Fashion Week At A Glance

Fashion Week is still pressing on and we are happy to say that we have some photos coming in from valued contributors to the magazine who were lucky enough to experience the fashion fun. Enjoy some of these photos from Fashion Week.

Mackage Spring 2012 presentation during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Hudson Hotel 

Custo Barcelona 2012 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion...

Read More

Live Runway

While going through my YouTube journey, which I have not been able to do lately, I found this amazing channel! Although you may not be able to attend a fashion week in person YouTube has opened the doorway for people to be able to attend and sit front and center from their homes. There are no more worries about getting access, paying high prices or not getting great seats to watch the show. With this channel you are now sitting in VIP, with all the hottest designers and celebrities, while enjoying the comforts of being at home. What more could you ask for?

I love fashion a little more than I lead people to believe, or maybe I have grown to love fashion more. Honestly, my mother is...was a fashion designer when we lived in New York, so I do have a level of respect for fashion. It has taken me a long time to grow to enjoy fashion shows, other than the spectacular designs and performances at the Victoria Secret Fashion Shows that I have only watched once or twice.

Maybelline® New York: The Face of Fashion  

As the Official Makeup Sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Maybelline New York is proud to bring the excitement and energy of the runway to all women, everywhere, by presenting live streaming fashion shows on YouTube Live from the Runway.

Season after season, Maybelline New York takes trends from the catwalk to the sidewalk. Empowering women to make a statement. Explore new looks, experiment without risk, flaunt their own artistry.
http://www.maybelline.com                   http://www.facebook.com/maybelline http://www.twitter.com/maybelline       http://maybelline.tumblr.com/

To keep it simple hurry up and go watch before the stream stops.

Read More