Tag Archives: Verizon Wireless

By Naomi K. Bonman

Freestyle is culture. Free style is art. And art and culture is Hip-Hop. On Tuesday, August 29, at Play House Nightclub in Hollywood, eight freestyle rappers from across the Nation battled it out at Verizon’s #freestyle50 challenge where they competed for a debut produced by London On Da Track, an opening slot in the upcoming 300 Artist Development Tour, and $10,000. The challenge was hosted by Sway Calloway (former MTV VJ) and Smack White. Nine were chosen from over 9,000 entries submitted through Instagram and Twitter. However, out of the nine finalists only eight performed, due to one being from Houston and having to deal with unfortunate weather conditions which prevented him from attending the finals.

“We’re looking for energy,” London On Da Track stated when asked what skill set that the judges would be looking for. Producer Kevin Liles added to the statement, “Two words, Beast Mode.”

And that is what the finalist brought, energy! The energy was felt throughout the club in the battle between the last two standing, Damond Blue and Y.K Supe went head to head for the grand prize. It was a close call with both rappers staying on cue with a smooth style. Y.K Supe from Chicago took home the grand prize.

The judges of the night included Tuma Basa, Spotify; Carl Chery (Apple Music); and Big Boy, radio host and actor. Other special guests that were in the house and that performed was rising stars Tee Grizzley, OMB Peezy, Cyhi the Prince. Last year’s winner, Tre Da Kid also came on stage and did a quick freestyle. He recently released his debut single, “Run it” which has over one million streams on music streaming platforms. World Renowned Hip-Hop artist, Redman, made a surprise debut and hyped the crowd up before the last two finalists took the stage for the prize.

#freestyle50 was inspired by Verizon’s 8GB for $50 prepaid offer available exclusively at Walmart.

Photo highlights (Photo Credit: Kristina Dixon/11:One Visuals) 

(Photo by Michael Bezjian/WireImage)

Four talented and diverse fashion designers showcased their collections to a select group of celebrities and influencers during Grammy weekend

LOS ANGELES, CA- Harlem’s Fashion Row (HFR) presented Style Beat, its first-ever West Coast event during Grammy Awards weekend in Los Angeles.  The glamorous daytime affair took place on Friday, February 6th at a luxurious Beverly Hills estate.  HFR is a unique movement founded to increase diversity in fashion by producing events to educate, stimulate, and advance opportunities for emerging designers of color.  Collections by four talented and diverse fashion designers were showcased to a select group of 250 tastemakers.  The featured designers were the legendary L.A.-based designer Kevan Hall, custom menswear designer Waraire Boswell, and emerging designers, Joseph Bethune and “Project Runway” finalist Kimberly Goldson.

As a partner, Verizon Wireless was able to help HFR’s Founder and CEO Brandice Henderson- Daniel pursue her passion through technology and bring Style Beat to life, which was co-hosted by actress/entrepreneur/model/TV personality Vanessa Simmons (styled by Shop Le Look) and recording artist/actor Quincy.  Attendees were able to take part in Verizon’s 360 Glam Cam to share their fashion and style. There was also a special one-on-one conversation with Kevan Hall discussing his career and influences.  The event culminated with the poolside runway fashion show featuring designs by Hall, Boswell, Bethune and Goldson.  Celebrity and influencer guests included Vanessa Williams, Tamala Jones, Melissa De Sousa, Michael Jai White, Gillian Waters, Cedric Sanders, Gloria Govan, Laura Govan, AJ Johnson, VaShawn Mitchell, Malina Moye, Kwame Boateng, Kofi Siriboe, Davidson Frere, V Bozeman, Kay Cola, Ugo Mozie, Daver Campbell and Harriette Cole, among others.  Guests were treated to a complimentary beauty bar, gifting, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and much more.

“Style Beat could not have happened without the generous support from Prudential and Verizon Wireless.  Because of them, we were able to show four incredible designers, all of whom I’m thankful for their participation.  I am still blown away by the amazing welcome we received in Los Angeles and we look forward to presenting more events here in the near future,” said Brandice Henderson-Daniel, Founder/CEO of Harlem’s Fashion Row.

About Harlem’s Fashion Row 

Harlem’s Fashion Row (HFR) is an influential arts and entertainment organization that engages audiences and aligns brand partners with emerging multicultural designers.  HFR’s mission is to discover and showcase rising talent of color through a platform of national events and customized multi-platform programs.  HFR has gained corporate support from companies such as AOL, Target Stores, Iman Cosmetics, Smartwater, Dark & Lovely, and BET. Harlem’s Fashion Row has also been covered by Women’s Wear Daily, NY Daily News, Fashionista, New York Time Out, and Jones Magazine, as well as, “That’s So New York”, The Cut, NY Racked, Black Enterprise, and Centric.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest and most reliable 4G LTE network.  As the largest wireless company in the U.S., Verizon Wireless serves 108.2 million retail customers, including 102.1 million retail postpaid customers.  Verizon Wireless is wholly owned by Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ).  For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com.  For the latest news and updates about Verizon Wireless, visit our News Center at http://www.verizonwireless.com/news or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/VZWNews.