Last night we celebrated 100 years of Black History Month, honoring the stories, contributions, and leadership of our Black community.
Our new photo installation, Brooklyn’s Finest: Legends, is a tribute to Brooklyn’s Hip-Hop legends and the photographers who captured iconic moments. It was especially meaningful to honor two of Brooklyn’s powerhouses: Jamel Shabazz @jamelshabazz and Fab 5 Freddy @fab5freddy .
Brooklyn’s Finest: Legends is now on view at Brooklyn Borough Hall through February 28, Mondays-Fridays, 9:00am - 4:30pm. Special thank you to @graphichouse@respectthemag and @datwon for making this all possible.
It happened. Last night. Appearing at Brooklyn Court House 100 years of the greatest Hip Hop makers ‘n creators Jonathan Rhinegold honoring the legendary lens folks who graced the gods of hip Hop music. Praise the Life Magazine photographer renaissance man Gordon Parks Jr for having the heart, soul, and coolness to make the ultimate group portrait in Harlem of them years ago, high praise Queen Sheena Lester for her powers of focus and persuasion . A shout out to life immitating ART. Leaving the courthouse last night I discovered 2 for real young artist walking up the stairs of history at the courthouse. It was a glorious night thank you all for doing the beautiful music and taking the people higher. @life@afrokosmicaleart@graphichouse #leica #hiphopnews #hiphop #music #nyc #dreams
Time flies. Paris rooftop almost 15 years ago — pre-cover shoot (cover for XXL Dec. 2006 cover). This was after one of the most decedent nights. Jay was an incredible host — the best food, wine and people imaginable. And I recall @stevestoute among the guests and @wattsupphoto taking amazing photos that I hope one day to see. What up Ben!? Break those 📷s out my guy! #jayz #paris #xxlmagazine #legend
Hip-hop magazine history right here -- behind-the-scenes memories of yours truly about the production of @xxlmag_ Spring 1999 cover featuring Jay Z / @jarule / @dmx@datwon@strongislandmediachi@jonathanmannion@defjam
#xxlmag #xxlmagazine #print #defjam #hiphop #thesourcemagazine #vibemagazine #hiphopmagazines
CROWNED AT 50. KING 4EVER. @datwon is a legend and deserved his flowers 👑. A true friend. To 50+ more! Thank you Bashar—master jeweler of @nicoles.jewelry #thisis50 #kingmagazine #xxl #respect
It’s my Mommy’s birthday. Our first without her.
Celebrating my own birthday on the 27th without her was surreal—the woman who brought me into this world, and now I couldn’t hear her voice or see her face.
Thank G‑d, the universe has been good to me. I’ve asked for signs—and they’ve come. Maybe it’s a coping mechanism. But there have been too many to ignore. 11:11. Is it coincidence that the number repeats? Or is it a code—a message meant to connect me more deeply to her? I don’t believe in coincidence.
I held her hand in that quiet room she only entered for her final day—September 17th. She hadn’t opened her eyes in two days. But at exactly 11:11, when I had returned to the room, I said her name, and she opened them. Just for me. I had my phone in my right hand, and somehow—without thinking—I tapped the screen and saw the time. 11:11. I remembered, in that moment, how my kids always make wishes when they see that number. I took a screenshot, without knowing why.
She passed around 1am, on the 18th.
Since then, the 11:11s have followed me. Not just once or twice—everywhere. In the car while speaking about her, my kids pointing at the clock. At the register, when two slices of pizza totaled exactly $11.11 and the endless # of times my daughters and I share 11:11 sightings (a few pics of this depicted in this post).
I looked it up, and I was floored by the meaning: • Synchronicity • Spiritual influence • Manifestation – that the universe is listening at that moment • A wake-up call • A connection to angels—offering love, protection, and guidance • A sign of new beginnings
She died on the 18th. In Hebrew, that number means Chai—life.
I know she’s watching over us. So many amazing things have happened since she left, and I feel her hand in all of it.
Happy birthday in heaven, Mommy.
As you always used to say—“Love you to pieces.”
And Mom… I know you’re having tea right now, catching up with everyone and getting to know all my friends parents who have left us in recent times. So I’ll stop here. I love you to pieces. Forever.
