Beauty
These Intimate Portraits Celebrate the Beauty and Versatility of Black Men’s Hair
A look at Kadar Small’s new series, To the Root. “From Afros to coils, cornrows to twists and locs to everything in between; these are just a few of the many different styles Black men practice that represent freedom and value.”…
“My Trinidadian roots have always made me explore and be interested in hair,” says New York-based photographer Kadar Small. “I have always seen articles on Black hair, but particularly for women. Not a lot embracing Black hair on Black men.” To help address this gap, Small—who has shot for Essence, i-D, and Calvin Klein, among others—got to work on a photo series, To the Root, which aims to reconstruct what society thinks when they see a Black man’s hair.
“Identity for Black men is something we have always struggled with, not because we don’t understand who we are but because of what society tries to make us out to be,” he says. “From the way we walk, to the way we dress, we are highly stereotyped and profiled by White supremacy.” In a declaration of beauty and celebration of versatility, Small shot a number of portraits of men he street-casted around his New York City neighborhood of Bed-Stuy, aiming to show them in various settings that evoke joy—at the basketball court, on a swing set.
“From Afros to coils, cornrows to twists and locs to everything in between, these are just a few of the many different styles Black men practice that represent freedom and value,” Small explains. “For years, we were and still are left to feel less than human. By wearing our hair in these different styles, it speaks volume to our identity and roots.”
Small’s own hair journey has had an influence on his work and this series in particular. He loved his hair from a young age, and would experiment often with different cuts and colors, but he experienced prejudice at school. “When I was younger, my mother added beads to my cornrows. She got complaints from the teacher that it was ‘distracting’ to the other kids. It was very confusing to me how it was distracting to them when it was just different,” Small remembers. His Trinidadian family members are always changing up their looks, and embracing their culture. “It was very surprising and upsetting to me when I heard someone call locs ‘dirty’ for the first time in 4th grade while attending school in America,” he says. He realized the same hairstyles that Black men and women were condemned for, i.e. cornrows, were idealized when worn by white celebrities.
“It has been long overdue for us to start embracing everything about our culture as Black men,” Small says. Hair is just one place to start. “Don’t allow anyone to write your story. You are in control of the beginning, middle and how your story ends.”
Stay updated! Click the Google News follow button for more news and updates.
Follow on Google NewsCelebrity
Vybz Kartel’s Engagement To Sidem Öztürk From Behind Bars, A Tale Of Love Forever
In a story reminiscent of a romantic movie script, Jamaican dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel, after nearly a decade of resilience defying the odds, has taken a heartfelt leap in his relationship with longtime girlfriend Sidem Öztürk. Engaged since his days in incarceration, Kartel’s recent proposal to Öztürk exemplifies a bond that’s been tested, strengthened, and made all the more resilient by love, loyalty, and redefined devotion.
Vybz Kartel was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2014, a development that significantly altered the trajectory of his life and career. While many presumed that his influential voice would be silenced within the confines of his cell, an unexpected turn of events unfolded. Öztürk emerged as a beacon of dedication, captivating music fans worldwide during this challenging period. As Kartel articulated on social media, she provided steadfast support throughout his most difficult times, conveying messages of encouragement and affection across the barriers of incarceration. Their relationship, sustained through regular phone calls, prison visits, and unwavering loyalty, evolved into an unconventional yet profoundly impactful love story.
Following his recent release, Kartel didn’t miss a beat in reaffirming his commitment to Öztürk. On November 4, he took to Instagram to share a deeply personal, celebratory video, flashing a ring with excitement before kneeling in a hotel room to officially propose. With Öztürk visibly stunned, the moment encapsulated years of shared devotion, further enriched by Kartel’s caption: “You were there when I needed you most, and I’ll never leave you, baby.” He reminisced on moments they laughed together, cried together, dreamed together, and now celebrate together even during periods when freedom seemed unattainable.
The genesis of their romance dates back to a bold move by Öztürk in 2015 when, as she later revealed, her admiration for Kartel’s music and persona led her to track down his Instagram profile. What started as admiration quickly evolved into a profound connection, one she describes as an “obsession” that felt decidedly destined. Almost a decade later, her instincts have proven right, and the two are now engaged, looking forward to building a life beyond the confines of prison walls together in a love forged through extraordinary circumstances.
This evolving saga reflects a resilience that mirrors the trajectory of Kartel’s music career. Vybz Kartel and Sidem Öztürk are ready to start their future together, not constrained by bars but united by a promise reaffirmed multiple times.
Artist Spotlight
Edie Yvonne shared a vibrant sound “Sometimes”
Edie Yvonne released a vibrant force, infusing her youthful spirit into the familiar strains of No Doubt’s “Sometimes.” As the Coachella buzz electrified the air and whispers of No Doubt’s reunion tantalized fans, she stepped onto the scene with a bold reinterpretation.
With a nod to her roots in the City of Angels, this 15-year-old singer-songwriter imbues “Sometimes” with a fresh energy that resonates beyond generations. What begins as a tribute to her mother’s era morphs into something entirely her own, a fusion of funk-infused rhythms, pulsating drums, and intricate guitar licks that propel the listener into a whirlwind of sound.
Above all, her voice soars, effortlessly capturing the essence of youthful exuberance and raw emotion. Her seamless transition from her original compositions to this inspired cover demonstrates her talent and versatility as an artist.
Edie Yvonne is a beacon of sincerity and innovation in a world where authenticity sometimes feels elusive. Her rendition of “Sometimes” covers a bold statement, a declaration of her artistic prowess, and a promise of what’s to come.
For fans old and new, “Sometimes” is a rediscovery of a beloved classic through the lens of a rising star. With its infectious groove and undeniable charm, this track will find a home in playlists everywhere.
-
Indie11 hours ago
“Is Everything Okay?” by Tom Minor drops an anthemic vibe wrapped in a gold question
-
Artist Spotlight9 hours ago
Sadie Brown delivers a heartfelt illusion of a fake life with her new single “Counterfeit”
-
Celebs3 hours ago
T-Pain Gets A Heroic Tribute in Tallahassee with Key to the City and His Own Street “T-Pain Avenue”