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Issa Rae Partners With Synchrony Bank For Financial Responsibility Mixtape

Words by: Michelle A. Dartez Financial services company Synchrony has teamed up with Issa Rae and her label Raedio to release a 3-song mixtape, The Bankroll EP, where the songs take…

Words by: Michelle A. Dartez

Financial services company Synchrony has teamed up with Issa Rae and her label Raedio to release a 3-song mixtape, The Bankroll EP, where the songs take you on a journey towards financial responsibility.

Many know Issa Rae from her hit HBO series Insecure which is coming up on its last season soon. Music played such an important part in the shows that Issa was a part of, so it is no surprise that she created a music label. But she is so much more than the loveable personas that we see on screen. This multi-talented actress, writer, and producer has been making a lane for herself, as well as other young black creatives.

Synchrony Bank is a premier financial services company that provides customized financing programs across top industries. Two main categories that they service are the healthcare and retail industries. They aim to assist businesses to increase their sales, using up to date technology innovations, build customer loyalty, and enhance the overall customer service experience. Adapting to our current world and use of technology, Synchrony has a plugin that allows you to easily access their financial solutions from anywhere.

This collaboration may be a little surprising to some. It is not the first time that these two have partnered up for a project, though. They debuted a short film called Pay Day at the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival. The film project is like The Bankroll EP, telling the story of a young frivolous spender, who learns to save instead of spending every time she earns a paycheck.

Just like many other companies, Synchrony wanted to find a way to reach a younger audience, while also being relatable. This mixtape is a carefully curated playlist, consisting of three songs that take you on a journey from the view of young, up and coming artists. The artists featured on this EP are Latashá, Rae Khalil of Netflix’s Rhythm and Flow, Secret Jones, Amindi, and Jorge Amadeus. They were selected by Issa and her team, who already have had worked with them before.

The first song on The Bankroll EP, “Pay Out”, starts the character’s journey where they spend money without a second thought. Next is “Golden,” where the prior decisions back-fire, and they are forced to face the consequences of not being more responsible with their finances. The end of this story, and the lead song, “Raindance” shows the positive effects of developing good money habits and becoming more financially literate.

A music video was shot for “Raindance,” directed by Laurence Lamont, who is known to have worked on projects with Big Sean. The visuals for this song are so fun and colorful, showing a group of friends seeing what it is like when you make better decisions with your money. You can check out this EP on Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you stream your music. Hopefully, this is not the last time that we see a project from Issa Rae and Synchrony.

The post Issa Rae Partners With Synchrony Bank For Financial Responsibility Mixtape appeared first on The Source.

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Artist Spotlight

SZA’s Cheeky Take on Drake’s Kissing Skills Sparks Buzz

SZA knows how to keep her fans engaged through her heartfelt music or the rare insights into her personal life. This week, the R&B star sparked many conversations during an interview when she was asked a surprising question: Is Drake a good kisser? This question comes as people are again curious about their brief relationship from 2009.

Fans have often assumed about SZA and Drake’s connection, but she has usually stayed quiet about their past. So, when SZA was asked about Drake’s kissing skills during her interview, everyone was eager to hear her answer. With her usual calm and playful style, she smiled and replied, “Good kisser? Let’s say… Drake’s passionate about everything he does.” Her response left fans guessing what she meant.

As expected, social media lit up within hours, with fans analyzing every word. Was she teasing him? Complimenting him? Or just skillfully avoiding the question? Regardless of the interpretation, her answer was intriguing. SZA’s reply also shows her professionalism. She clarified that she has no intention of saying anything bad about an old friend. As for Drake, he probably won’t respond directly to her comment. He might choose to address the situation in a future song instead.

Fans of both artists are hopeful for a renewal of their friendship, either in the music studio or personally. Despite the ups and downs in their relationship over the years, their ability to create amazing music together is undeniable. Songs like “Slime You Out” and “Rich Baby Daddy” showcase their incredible chemistry, no matter the status of their friendship. Overall, SZA’s response is a great example of how to handle tricky questions with style and humor.

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Artist Spotlight

When Words Cut Deep, Flo and Amara La Negra Clash Over Colorism on Love & Hip-Hop Miami

The latest episode of Love & Hip-Hop Miami stirred up a lot of drama as Flo and Amara La Negra got into a heated argument over accusations of colorism. This intense confrontation quickly grabbed viewers’ attention and sparked discussions on social media about an important social issue. This particular clash resonated with viewers in a way that went beyond just reality TV. The fight started when Flo made comments that Amara perceived as rooted in colorism.

Amara La Negra, who identifies as Afro-Latina and speaks against racism, wasn’t afraid to defend herself. For her, this situation was personal, as she has long advocated for darker-skinned women facing discrimination. On the other hand, Flo, known for her straightforward approach and strong personality, tried to explain her perspective but received backlash both during the episode and from fans. Some viewers felt her comments were dismissive, while others thought the argument was blown out of proportion.

This confrontation sparked a response on social media, with clips of the argument going viral. People shared their opinions, with some praising Amara for standing her ground and others criticizing the show for seemingly sensationalizing a serious topic. The clash has allowed people to discuss the ongoing inequalities in society. It serves as a reminder of reality TV’s influence in bringing attention to cultural issues.

After the episode aired, Flo and Amara stayed active on social media. Amara continued to emphasize her commitment to fighting colorism. On the other hand, Flo hinted at her perspective, promising more details in upcoming episodes. While Love & Hip-Hop Miami thrives on drama, situations like this highlight the delicate balance between entertainment and meaningful conversation.

As the season progresses, fans wonder whether this intense moment will lead to understanding between the two or create more division. The argument will continue well beyond the TV screens, adding depth to the cultural conversations surrounding Love & Hip-Hop Miami.