Culture

Friday Notes: Supreme court rules in favor of Black Alabama Voters, Release Day, NBA Finals and Champions League Previews

In a surprise ruling, two conservative Supreme Court justices sided with Black Alabama voters to uphold the Voting Rights Act. PSG simultaneously signals it will entertain summer bids for Kylian Mbappe, with Real Madrid ready to move.

Music

Release Day: Amaarae, Janelle Monáe

Amaarae's Fountain Baby is a globe-trotting sonic otherworld where Afropop, punk, hip-hop, and alternative rock coexist seamlessly. Janelle Monáe's The Age of Pleasure trades Afrofuturism for unmasked sensuality and a pan-African love letter.

Culture

Thursday Notes:

Jamal Murray matched Nikola Jokic's 30-point triple-double in NBA Finals Game 3, cementing Denver's two-star dominance. The same day, Lionel Messi agreed to join Inter Miami with a landmark deal brokered around Apple and Adidas partnerships.

Culture

Wednesday Notes: PGA x LIV, NBA Finals Game 3 Preview, Black Chefs win James Beard Awards

The PGA Tour announced a merger with LIV Golf and the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, signaling a financial takeover of professional golf. Four young Black chefs simultaneously made history as the headliners of the 2023 James Beard Award class.

Culture

Tuesday Notes: NBA Finals, Charlie Wilson, Fear of God

Miami Heat guard Gabe Vincent, son of a Nigerian-born psychology professor, is inspiring a continent with his NBA Finals run. Cornel West declared his People's Party presidential candidacy the same week Apple revealed the $3,499 Vision Pro.

Fashion

Palace x Oakley

Palace and Oakley's summer 2023 collaboration delivers workwear-inspired pieces — a reflective shell jacket, five-pocket trousers, shorts, hoodies, tees, caps, and beanies — all arriving June 9th in sand, camo, black, and grey.

2023 Sneaker Releases

Stussy x Nike Vandal High

Stüssy and Nike bring back the Vandal High with a hemp upper, embroidered Swoosh, and a signature hook-and-loop ankle strap in three colorways: fossil/black, black/metallic silver, and deep royal blue/black. Releasing June 9th via select stores and Stussy.com.

Fashion

Fear of God ESSENTIALS presents The Black Collection.

Fear of God ESSENTIALS' Black Collection refreshes coveted pieces in new shapes and an essential all-Black colorway, featuring hidden pockets and fuller silhouettes.

Culture

Monday Notes: Apple VR Headset

Apple's long-awaited VR headset debuted at WWDC 2023 while the NBA Finals set up a clash between Nikola Jokic's Nuggets and the Miami Heat — plus the Supreme Court's race-neutral admissions ruling loomed.

Culture

Sunday Notes: Community Policing, High School admission rates in NYC

A Brownsville two-block stretch tried running its own emergency response for five days — and only 7 Black students were admitted to Stuyvesant High School out of 762 this year.

Culture

Saturday Notes: Gianni Lee, Picasso at the Brooklyn Museum

Gianni Lee and Dawn Richard's 'Walk In (Club Mix)' blends Club, Afro drums, and house — meanwhile critics panned Hannah Gadsby's Picasso-centered show at the Brooklyn Museum.

Culture

Friday Notes: Burna Boy, Release Day

Burna Boy's new single samples Brandy's 1998 hit 'Sitting on Top of the World' featuring Mase — a classic flip in his signature style, alongside Meta's new return-to-office mandate.