AZIA- Multifaceted Brooklyn Artist Takes The Spotlight

Written by: Julz Mancini

Having the ability to develop one’s self into a quadruple threat in the entertainment business creates a recipe for success. As each ingredient is added, it helps increase the probability of making a name for yourself in an over-saturated industry. Mastering each talent you intend to showcase to the world is imperative, as it portrays your diligence, work ethic, and capabilities. When striving for the spotlight, executives seek to find the “it” factor; a marketable and unique individual who has the potential to rise to the top. We have been able to witness superstars such as Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez effectively dabble into singing, acting, fashion, cosmetics, and more. It is not surprising that recording artist, Azia, is heading in the same direction as the superstars mentioned. She is reaching heights that many can only dream of.

Usually the love for music flourishes throughout the duration of a person’s childhood. As a teenager, Azia strategically created a show on cable access T.V. titled, “Flex in Brooklyn” while also hosting parties that quickly became popular. As her buzz grew louder, the opportunities started to knock at her door. As a natural beauty, it was only a matter of time before the masses approached her to be featured in videos, television, etc. Her video credits include, “Panda” by Desiigner, “Change Your Mind” by Trey Songz, and “Pick It Up” by Famous Dex, to name a few. Azia’s energy, beauty, and talent glowed on camera allowing for more prospects to pour in. Kanye West’s “Yeezy Season” and Nike’s “Caribbean Pack” were her next ventures. Due to the amount of exposure Azia was receiving, it was the perfect time to allow the world into her sanctuary of music. She was able to prove herself, not only as model, but also as an artist when she released her debut album, “The Audacity”.

As Azia continued to soar through the entertainment world, she became the star of BET’s “Hustle in Brooklyn”. Coming from Brooklyn herself, it was a perfect match and helped her become a well-known socialite in the business. In addition to being a Brooklyn native, Azia is Haitian and Trini all of which she has showcased in her music and videos. In her single, “Pull Up”, she stayed true to her roots grasping the attention of her fans as they watched and listened. Azia recently released her single, “Eat It Up”. With sexy lyrics and unique word play, this catchy song is certainly a fan favorite. Not only is the song superstar quality, but the music video brings the viewer to Azia’s neck of the woods. As she dances on an ice cream truck, chills in the park, and flaunts her beauty and sex appeal, Azia portrays her true self. “Thirty-one flavors, never know what you can get. I got thick ones, slim ones, tall ones, red hair, brown hair, blonde hair, all fun. Now, how many licks does it take to get a stick…” “Eat It Up” definitely has a fun and flirty vibe that causes the listeners to seek more content from Azia.

While navigating through her website, iamazia.com, I noticed Azia is not only a model, recording artist, and popular socialite, but also a designer. She owns “Brownie’s Couture”, a cosmetic line in which offers lip gloss of many shades, enhancing the beauty of her customers. To ensure her customers will be happy with the products, Azia offers them free samples.

It is apparent that Azia is multi-talented and is eager to continue her journey in the entertainment business. With her fan base increasing and the opportunities piling up, she isn’t going anywhere. Her fans anticipate the release of her upcoming project titled, “A Whole Mood” due to be available this fall. Azia is someone you want to keep an eye on as the sky is the limit for her. She is a force to be reckoned with which is obvious with all of her accomplishments.

Click on the links below to follow Azia and her journey!

https://www.iamazia.com

https://www.instagram.com/azia.iam/

Should we really be mad at H&M?

 

The internet is still buzzing about the debate on “whether its moral to shop H&M or not” after their recent incident of insensitive culturalism. In the beginning of January 2018,there was a photograph released on the Europe’s H&M website that projected a little African-American boy wearing a green hoodie that said “The Coolest Monkey in the Jungle”. Yes, clearly this is something that would piss off anyone of color for several reasons;

1) Who in their right mind would allow something like this and think it wouldn’t be recognized?

2) What was the mother really thinking when she allowed her son to have photos taken in that hoodie? As the mother has clearly stated that we are the ones starting the conflict as far as linking the two main factors together.But does she have a point?

Fashion has seen its wide share of culturalism that umbrellas into different categories. Lets not forget that back in the 90’s, Tommy Hilfiger was “disappointed that the urban demographic took us away from our roots. He also stated that if he had it to repeat history, he would “stick to my heritage and not chase trends.” Even in the brands we rap and sing about or listen to in our songs, little do people know that these designers actually not keen for being displayed off the backs of our people of color. Here are a few examples of a few designers who share this same perspective.
Michael Kors- “I’m tired of pretending I like blacks…Just for the sake of a sale I have to deal with women like Nicki Minaj? I’d rather not. After all my fans made me money, It’s only fair I be honest and let them know how I really feel… I cant stomach the thought of my Michael Kors purses being stuffed with synthetic hair, weave or what ever else my fans are into.”
Marc Jacobs-“all who cry ‘cultural appropriation’ or whatever nonsense about any race of skin color wearing their hair in a particular style or manner – funny how you don’t criticize women of color for straightening their hair”
Ralph Lauren-Who dressed up old photographs of deceased legendary Native Americans in their new collection for their 2014 Holiday Collection
Adidas-Not only was the founder of Adidas a well known Neo-Nazi, the brand collaborated with Jeremy Scott to design a sneaker that resembles shackles along the ankles

This list can go on, but is the message sincerely clear? Coming from the perspective of a woman of color who she too has seen both sides (consumer and producer) of the fashion industry, it’s safe to say that NO! We shouldn’t be too angry about this H&M story. Yes,it’s wrong and unfair to see or witness, but until we stop shopping in stores or purchasing brands that have been representing racism and cultural appropriation in the name of “flossing”, we cannot just stop shopping in one store. As a group of passionate leaders and trend setters(which by the way, EVERYONE should strive to be), let’s support labels and brands that come from people of color such as Martine Rose, B Michael, Narciso Rodriguez, Oscar De La Renta, Stella Nolasco, etc. We have the power to determine what we represent and Put on our backs. As a whole, we need to stop picking and choosing which stories are ok to go overboard with and trend online when we are still rocking Timberlands like the tree had no significance to slavery or manifest destiny.

But you don’t have to take my word for it, look it up for yourselves.