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Black America Web
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Where My Girls At?: R&B Girl Groups You Forgot About
We always talk about the slew of nostalgic boy bands and groups, but we never talk about the girls… There was something magical about the girl group era of the 90s and early 2000s. Labels were still investing in artist development, videos stayed on rotation for weeks, and every crew had their own style. Some groups dropped timeless singles that still get love at the clubs, while others faded before getting some shine. RELATED: 11 Living Legends Who Deserve Their Flowers These weren't just singers, they were whole personalities. You could tell who the lead was before they even hit the hook. And the fashions? It used to be a masterclass on 'one band, one sound' outfits with just enough individuality to stand out. But as the music scene shifted, a lot of these groups got lost in the shuffle. Maybe their label folded. Maybe the sound changed. Sometimes there was internal conflict amongst the girls. Maybe the public just wasn't ready for what they were bringing. Still, their records sit in glove boxes and old CD collections waiting to be played again. We all remember TLC, Xscape, SWV, and Blaque… but what about these girls? Let's take a trip down memory lane… Where My Girls At?: R&B Girl Groups You Forgot About was originally published on 1. Cleopatra A British R&B/pop group made up of sisters Cleo, Yonah, and Zainam Higgins. Signed to Madonna's Maverick Records in the late 90s, they are remembered for their 1998 debut single 'Cleopatra's Theme.' 2. MoKenStef A Los Angeles R&B trio consisting of Monifa, Kenya, and Stephanie. Signed to Outburst Records, they scored a hit in 1995 with the single 'He's Mine.' 3. 3LW A female R&B trio consisting of Adrienne Bailon, Kiely Williams, and Naturi Naughton. The group debuted in 2000 under Epic Records and is best known for the singles 'No More (Baby I'ma Do Right)' and 'Playas Gon' Play.' 4. Drama A female R&B trio from the 90s consisting of Regina Craig, Thea Norman, and Malinda Jenkins. Signed to Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis' Perspective Records, they were discovered by Gerald LeVert, who helped produce their 1997 debut album, 'Open Invitation'. 5. Willie Max A Detroit-based R&B trio of sisters Rose, Sky, and Lyric Williams. Signed to Raphael Saadiq's Pookie Records in the late 90s, they released the single 'Can't Get Enough' in 1998. 6. Gyrl A teen R&B group featuring Jamila, Miyoko, and Paulette Maxwell. Associated with Immature/IMx in the mid-90s, they are known for their 1995 single 'Play Another Slow Jam.' 7. Assorted Phlavors A female R&B quartet made up of LaKisha Johnson, Julia Garrison, Tiffany Phinazee, and Antonia Bryant. Known for blending R&B, jazz, and hip-hop, they recorded songs including 'Be Patient,' 'Tell Me,' and 'Don't Let Go.' 8. Jade A female R&B trio made up of Tonya Kelly, Joi Marshall, and Di Reed. Signed to Giant Records, they broke out in 1992 with the hit 'Don't Walk Away' from their debut album Jade to the Max. 9. Allure An R&B quartet consisting of Alia Davis, Linnie Belcher, Lalisha McLean, and Akissa Mendez. Signed to Mariah Carey's Crave Records in the late 90s, they are best known for 'All Cried Out' with 112. 10. For Real A female R&B quartet featuring Josina Elder, Necia Bray, Wendi Williams, and LaTanyia Baldwin. Signed to A&M Records in the mid-90s, they gained recognition with 'Love Will Be Waiting at Home' from Waiting to Exhale. 11. Isyss An R&B quartet featuring La'Myia Good, LeTecia Harrison, Ardena Clark, and Quierra Davis-Martin. Signed to Arista Records in the early 2000s, they are remembered for 'Day & Night' featuring Jadakiss and 'Single for the Rest of My Life'. 12. JS A sister duo consisting of Kim and Kandy Johnson. Mentored by R. Kelly and signed to Interscope Records, they released 'Ice Cream' in 2003. Kandy is currently married to Ron Isley. 13. Cherish An Atlanta-based R&B group made up of sisters Farrah, Neosha, Felisha, and Fallon King. Signed to Capitol Records, they gained mainstream success in 2006 with 'Do It to It.' 14. Nina Sky Identical twin sisters Natalie & Nicole Albino. Signed to Next Plateau/Universal Records, they broke through in 2004 with the Reggaeton-infused hit 'Move Ya Body.' 15. TG4 A teen R&B quartet consisting of Sevyn Streeter, Keisha Henry, Davida Williams, and Ashley Gallo. Signed to T.U.G./A&M Records in the early 2000s, they released the single 'Virginity' in 2002. 16. KP & Envyi An R&B/hip-hop duo consisting of Khia Phillips (KP) and Susan Hedgepeth (Envyi). Signed to EastWest Records, they scored a major (and timeless) hit in 1998 with 'Swing My Way.'
Black America Web
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Tisha Campbell Reveals She Recently Got A Mommy Makeover: ‘It's Snatched'
Source: MICHAEL TRAN / Getty It's always refreshing when celebrities are open and honest about the plastic surgery that they have had done (although they're definitely not obligated to) and the iconic Tisha Campbell recently spilled all the tea about her refreshments while on the red carpet for the 25th annual BET Awards. Speaking exclusively with Entertainment Tonight , Campbell volunteered the information that she recently had a mommy makeover, and that she is thrilled with the results. 'For those who don't know I recently got plastic surgery,' Campbell began. 'You know it was a mommy makeover. I had extra skin from the baby and a little bit of droppage here and a little bit of droppage there, and they tightened me together.' Campbell felt so good about her results that she convinced SWV members Taj and Lelee to also go to the same surgeon. The three are currently working on BET's The Ms. Pat Show . 'We got a chance to talk and I convinced them to call the doctors. They wanted mommy makeovers too, and I just feel like we should be feeling good about ourselves,' she said. While noting that she is single, the legendary actress noted that she didn't do the mommy makeover for love, instead, she did it just for herself. 'I just wanted to feel good for me and that's what this was allowing me to have, you know just to feel good about me.' Source: Kayla Oaddams / Getty Campbell explained her decision to share her surgery publicly, given that many in the industry do not. 'I just wanted to be honest about it. I think it's more important to be honest.' 'It's nice to be a little bit more snatched around that area, for me. It's not for everybody, but it was for me,' she said. Campbell will next be seen in the ALLBLK film Operation: Aunties , directed by Wendy Raquel Robinson and co-starring Melissa De Sousa, which will be available to stream on the platform on July 11. SEE ALSO Tisha Campbell Reveals She Recently Got A Mommy Makeover: 'It's Snatched' was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Indianapolis Star
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Indianapolis Star
Indiana Black Expo outdoor concert lineup released. Who's performing in 2025?
It's a lineup to make old-school R&B fans weak. Keith Sweat and SWV will headline the Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration 's outdoor concert. The July 18 Music Heritage Festival will also feature Cameo, singer-actor Christopher Williams and Gary, Indiana, native Deniece Williams. This marks the second year for the Music Heritage Festival at its new home at the IU Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium, 1001 W. New York St. Indiana Black Expo tweaked its annual free concert offering in 2024, making it a paid ticketed event and moving it from downtown Indy's American Legion Mall. The new enclosed stadium seating venue offered enhanced security, organizers said. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. How much are tickets for the Indiana Black Expo concert? The ticket costs ranged from $10 for general admission to $50-$100 for premium seating last year, with proceeds benefiting IBE's youth and family programs and its scholarship fund. Summer Celebration is back in July This year, the Summer Celebration returns to the month of July, running July 10-20. The 2024 expo events were staged in June to accommodate the National Eucharistic Congress that took place at Lucas Oil Stadium July 17-21. Indiana Black Expo 2025 outdoor concert lineup Keith Sweat: The six-time platinum producer, songwriter and R&B singer ('I Want Her,' 'Make It Last Forever') helped usher in the New Jack Swing Era and later formed supergroup LSG ('My Body') with Gerald Levert and Johnny Gill. SWV: The New York City trio's debut studio album, 'It's About Time,' produced top 20 R&B chart singles – 'Right Here,' 'I'm So Into You,' 'Weak,' 'Right Here/Human Nature Remix,' 'Dowtown,' and 'You're Always on My Mind.' Cameo: The funk band led by Larry Blackmon is best known for 80s hits 'Word Up!' 'Candy,' and 'Single Life,' but charted with ballads 'Why Have I Lost You,' 'Feel Me' and 'Sparkle.' Deniece Williams: The four-time Grammy Award winner with a four-octave range sang backup on some of Stevie Wonder, Minnie Riperton and Roberta Flack's biggest projects before recording on her own hits, including 'Free,' 'Silly, 'It's Gonna Take Miracle' and 'Let's Hear It for the Boy.' She dueted with Johnny Mathis on 'Too Much, Too Little, Too Late' and teamed with him again for the 'Family Toes' sitcom theme song 'Without Us.' Christopher Williams: Coming onto the scene in the early '90s with hits like 'I'm Dreamin'' and 'Every Little Thing U Do' the singer also acted in the classic hip-hop film 'New Jack City.' How to get tickets to the Indiana Black Expo outdoor concert The outdoor concert will begin at 6 p.m. on July 18. Tickets go on sale April 28 at or The outdoor concert is a centerpiece of the annual Summer Celebration, which also features business and health expos and conferences. The Summer Celebration is one of the major events produced by Indiana Black Expo Inc., a nonprofit organization that promotes social and economic advancement of African Americans through year-round initiatives, including its Black Business Training Institute, Scholarship Fund, Performing Arts Academy and Community Learning Hub as well as the Circle City Classic. For more information about Summer Celebration, visit
Forbes
28-03-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Visa System Hampering Businesses Seeking Workers, Says U.K. Lawyer
The financial district of London. (Getty Creative) According to a partner at one of the U.K.'s leading law firms, the country's immigration system is 'holding businesses back' in their attempts to recruit the foreign workers they need. The commentary highlights current tensions in the U.K., between the need for more foreign talent to fill critical skills shortages on the one hand, and the political pressure on the government to limit immigration numbers on the other. Writing for 'People Management,' the HR news site run by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, David Winnie, a partner at law firm Gilson Gray, outlines the ways the U.K.'s current system for skilled labor immigration is getting in the way of businesses trying to recruit. These issues broadly emanate from the way the Skilled Worker Visa (SWV) system works. The SWV was established to manage skilled labor immigration in the wake of the U.K.'s exit from the European Union, after which the country stopped benefitting from the free movement of workers from around Europe. The system sets minimum salary thresholds for potential foreign workers in various sectors, with particular exceptions and carve-outs for jobs in sectors deemed critical. The system in theory ensures minimum standards while also allowing businesses to recruit the workers they need, thereby supporting Britain's economic growth. In practice, however, businesses and immigration advisers have found the system often difficult to navigate, preventing businesses from recruiting. 'While (the scheme) sounds reasonable and it was set up with the right intentions,' writes Winnie, 'the system is highly complex and convoluted.' Where the scheme gets difficult, says Winnie, is the finer details of calculating whether a worker's salary meets those minimum standards, taking into account hours worked, the particular sector and other benefits included in the employment package. Compounding matters, he says, is a series of recently-introduced regulations from the Home Office (the U.K. ministry responsible for immigration), which have proven difficult to keep up with. Getting all the details right is very important, as failure to properly follow the rules - even inadvertently - could mean employers are fined or even stripped of their ability to hire more foreign workers. Winnie's post highlights a point of tension in the U.K., where immigration is a very sensitive political issue. There is enormous pressure on the government to reduce the overall amount of immigrants coming to the country. The government then has a fine line to tread between making sure the country's businesses and economy overall are getting the workers they need, while at the same time trying to head off the political damage they may receive by being seen as letting in 'too many' people. As it stands, it is clear the U.K. still does not have nearly enough workers as it needs, with massive shortages long reported across many key sectors. David Winnie's expert commentary outlines how the inefficiencies in the existing system are only exacerbating that problem. 'Whatever your views on the politics of immigration, the fact is that we don't have enough skilled workers in the U.K. to grow our economy,' he concludes. 'Unless the shortcomings of the current system are addressed – and hopefully they will be in future updates – many businesses could be hindered from reaching their full potential.'
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Nordstrom's Beauty Director Autumne West Has a Virgo-Approved Inbox Strategy
In series Office Hours, we ask people in powerful positions to take us through their first jobs, worst jobs, and everything in between. This month, we spoke to Autumne West, national beauty director at Nordstrom. West has worked at the retailer for over 20 years, and now she directs its beauty vision, connecting the brand's merchandise to customers. To do so, she travels often to stores nationwide (still, she swears that she never uses a hotel shampoo). Ahead, West on the best advice she's learned as a leader at a 'people first' company, the saying from her mentor that has never left her mind, and how she got over imposter syndrome. I was a cashier at a grocery store in Omaha, Nebraska. I was a teenager in high school and thought it was so grown up. But really, I needed a job, because I wanted to maintain getting my nails done—specifically my SWV[-inspired] nail look. I was probably too young to be doing it, but I saw [the extra-long nails] on MTV and was like, I must have it. My mom said, 'I'm not paying for that.' But I also created jobs for myself. I traveled a lot as a kid. I was born in Washington, D.C., but then we immediately moved to Spain. Then I lived in Scotland, Florida, Italy, Nebraska, and L.A. There was a summer when we lived in Italy that I was a babysitter. I remember creating my own 'summer camp' and being really into it, where I would plan meals, snacks, and activities. I was in the fourth grade. A friend's sister had mascara, and after putting it on, I came home, and my mom said, 'Are you wearing makeup?' I was like, No, no, absolutely not. I was so determined to be mature. I was crying, and as I did, the mascara was literally running down my face. My mom grounded me. But I remember that I wanted to wear makeup so badly. When I got the opportunity to be a department manager. I oversaw the whole beauty floor at a Nordstrom location called South Center, which is south of Seattle. I remember being so excited. I worked so hard to make it to that level and loved my manager at the time. It was one of my most fun experiences, and it felt so good to get a team to want to believe in you. But prior to my current job, I could have happily retired being a [beauty] buyer [for Nordstrom]. I loved it so much. I was like, You're gonna have to kick me out of this job. I was a beauty advisor at the Nordstrom MAC counter. I worked at a store called Alderwood, and I still shop there on my days off, because it is close to where I live. I started there on the floor, in my mid 20s. My friend was doing makeup, and she said, 'I think you'll like it, try it out.' I figured, Oh, this will be a pit stop, but it has now evolved into an amazing career. At one point, I thought that I was going to be a MAC Global Artist and the person doing a model's makeup backstage. But I've found so much enjoyment in being a people leader, and so I went that route instead. I'm not sure I've had one. But I was the most terrified when I was on the Nordstrom sales force. I was there for seven years, doing different things. I went from a department manager at our Seattle flagship into the buying office and then to a more financial job. Imagine going from customer-facing to being at a desk with Excel spreadsheets and looking at ordering systems. I was working as a system replenishment buyer [who manages inventory] and couldn't believe they trusted me to spend the company's money. I was so stressed out. I kept thinking, If I'm bad at this job, I'm not going to make it or get to the next step. I had a major case of imposter syndrome. I genuinely thought they had made a mistake. It worked out in the long run, but it was a lot. We all have natural insecurities. I had a great mentor at the time. She was the general merchandising manager at Nordstrom. I just reminded myself that she believed in me, so I needed to believe in myself. I paused and remembered that I was there for a reason. The worst thing you can do in any job, big or small, is to not ask questions. If you are in a job for a while and don't admit that you don't know something early on, there will be a time when someone will be like, 'You didn't know that?' And yes, that's right, because you didn't say anything for six months. Even though we have a 'people first' philosophy at Nordstrom, that doesn't mean everyone's a people person. That's the reality. My first mentor used to say, 'People work for people.' I translate that as: Yes, we are here to do a job. Yes, we need to make the numbers and the goals. Yes, in order to do that, the paycheck should be the incentive. But people are human. The simple act of kindness—saying please, thank you—and appreciation can go such a long way. Sometimes you have to take the job out of it and be like, How am I supporting this person so that they can better support me, and we can get the job done together? I find a lot of value in that. I am not an 'inbox zero' person. But I am a Virgo, so I do have a routine. On Mondays, I have to write my to-do list for the week. I always start my week by looking at my calendar and writing out the list. If I don't prioritize that, I'll get sucked into replying to emails and reacting. For my email, I am very comfortable with an email that's not so important. I do not feel the urgency to reply. And then, when I do take the time to look at an email, there needs to be an action. I either have to file, delete, or action it. I like to run my inbox that way. People will leave product reviews. We still have a customer service line that people can call, you can also email our chat, and we get feedback from all angles. I've even gotten feedback from a customer on LinkedIn. They found me, and they told me something they didn't like. And I was like, You know what? Thank you for that feedback. I wish I had endless money to be an investor. I wish things were easier for indie brands. I hope it continues to get better. I also think customers have too much access to information, because sometimes it's wrong or bad information. But I enjoy that the consumer is asking questions. It means that we have to pay attention as an industry, and that can hold brands accountable. I do want to continue to see more diversity and women at those big seats at the table. There is still so much room to grow in that space. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. You Might Also Like The 15 Best Organic And Clean Shampoos For Any And All Hair Types 100 Gifts That Are $50 Or Under (And Look Way More Expensive Than They Actually Are)
