New AmErykah Part One (4th World War)
Erykah Badu
Released February 26, 2008 Motown/Universal
Funky. Sexy. Spiritual. What word best describes New AmErykah? Maybe enlightened as ever, Erykah Badu dropped her 5th album since 2003’s Worldwide Underground. New AmErykah has eleven tracks but Badu manages to make it seem like twice that, due to the content. The very first song, “Amerykahn Promise”, sets the tone for the entire album. It subtly reaches for non-materialism while abruptly expressing how crude achieving The Dream can be. In songs that follow, Badu makes no apologies for speaking her mind or for being herself. Best attributable: many of the tracks have the hardest beats with the most thought-provoking lyrics. They diverge from the popular bass beat with shallow lyrics to her usual deep lyrics over a somber eight. The album’s producers, like Madlib and Shafiq Husayn, do justice to Badu’s soul hip-hop genre with songs like “The Healer” and “That Hump”. Adding to the album’s character, some tracks have 70s and 80s inspired instrumentals like “Master Teacher “ (written in part by Curtis Mayfield) as well as the “;heart;” Bonus Tracks. Socially, historically, and politically steeped, this album smoothly jars listeners awake if they are asleep. Part Two of New AmErykah promises to be just as eye-opening and randomly enjoyable as Erykah Badu.
Go to www.erykahbadu.com to listen to the album.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Fashion Philanthropy
One of my favorite philanthropic efforts has been in fashion. From the rubber sports bands to tee-shirts by major designers like Ralph Lauren. A few years ago I bought a tee that simply states "Africa Works". It was sold by United Colors of Benetton to raise money for an entrepreneurial Africa. United Colors of Benetton sells vibrant clothing for the average career woman (and man too) who enjoys travel and has an open mind which makes me love the clothes. But its campaigns and programs for multicultural, international knowledge makes me love the brand.
I first discovered its multicultural anthem in 2005 while interning for an editorial. Not only does the clothing company design outstanding garb, but it also designs a quarterly magazine, COLORS, edited by Tibor Kalman. The magazine mainly reaches youth around the world made possible through it being printed in 4 different languages and distributed to 40 countries.
The other reason why I love the brand derives from the ad campaign it did in 2008 called Africa Works. The campaign included events, press ads, outdoor ads, and media development with Senegalese singer Youssou N'Dour. Multi-tiered advertising for philanthropy has risen to a whole new level.
It was an innovative idea of promoting micro-credit: a mini loan given to entrepreneurs in Senegal.
The campaign promoted Senegalese singer Youssou N'Dour's micro-credit program Birima. The proceeds from the campaign by United Colors of Benetton went to support Birima. Little-known yet incredibly ambitious, the Africa Works project may have paved the way for future retail campaigns that reach a multinational destination of giving. If you are interested in micro-finance and helping poor countries develop businesses for more promising futures, visit www.birima.org or www.kiva.org.
I first discovered its multicultural anthem in 2005 while interning for an editorial. Not only does the clothing company design outstanding garb, but it also designs a quarterly magazine, COLORS, edited by Tibor Kalman. The magazine mainly reaches youth around the world made possible through it being printed in 4 different languages and distributed to 40 countries.
The other reason why I love the brand derives from the ad campaign it did in 2008 called Africa Works. The campaign included events, press ads, outdoor ads, and media development with Senegalese singer Youssou N'Dour. Multi-tiered advertising for philanthropy has risen to a whole new level.
It was an innovative idea of promoting micro-credit: a mini loan given to entrepreneurs in Senegal.
The campaign promoted Senegalese singer Youssou N'Dour's micro-credit program Birima. The proceeds from the campaign by United Colors of Benetton went to support Birima. Little-known yet incredibly ambitious, the Africa Works project may have paved the way for future retail campaigns that reach a multinational destination of giving. If you are interested in micro-finance and helping poor countries develop businesses for more promising futures, visit www.birima.org or www.kiva.org.
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