Whether it’s for someone else or yourself, a little goes a long way when it comes to these products. Best of all, these businesses belong to talented and heartful businesses that are working hard to provide quality products for everyone, with a special emphasis on Black women.

From skincare to haircare, if everyone is going to be home this season, they might as well be feeling radiant with some self-pampering that won’t break the bank. These brands are not only tested and true, they’re also sold for a variety of prices for any budget.

It’s true, most of the spas are closed now, but it’s also true that people can now transform their home into a luxurious pamper session.

We’re going to provide you with some of the top must-try businesses in no particular order, and showcase which items we recommend the most. Here is our ultimate skin and hair care gift guide for and by Black women.

Skincare

Naturals by Naj

This is one Etsy store that has been taking the skincare game to the next level. Ceo and founder, Najja Haynes provides her customers with luxurious skin and hair products for both men and women. 

Her products are specially formulated for those with sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Najja has a variety of body butters, shea butters, body oils, sugar scrubs and more. 

“When I first experimented with creating body butter, the first thing I realized is how a little bit of product goes a long way and that the product lasts much longer throughout the day compared to name brand products,” Haynes explained in a recent interview with BGN.

Arguably, some of her best products are her Shimmering Body Oils and Body Butters that are undeniably crafted with melanated skin in mind. The oils are available in the shades “Bronzed Babe,” “Sweet as Honey” and “Sunkissed.” 

Each of her skin products are also available in an assortment of fragrances, including vanilla, mango, Enchanted (which is like RIRI), Bad Gal (like Rihanna’s scent), cocoa glow, unscented, and more. 

Beija-Flor Naturals

Next up is the lovely BeijaFlorNaturals, a skin and hair care business owned by the amazing Stevonne Ratliff. During an interview with Ratliff, BGN learned about the history of her business. 

“I started BeijaFlorNaturals back in 2010. So, at the time there weren’t very many green, natural beauty brands, period, but especially those that cater to women of color. I had a lot of skin issues, so I had discoloration and really dry skin. It was just so hard to find products that did not contain petroleum because petroleum is a common ingredient used in skin care,” Ratliff explained.

She understands the struggle to access skin products that are high quality and affordable, especially for those with skin conditions and easily irritated skin types. While living in Brazil, Ratliff began crafting her own skin products to help her skin, as she discovered there were many botanical ingredients available there. 

“I wanted to focus on having the best quality ingredients and ingredients that actually work,” she said. “So, they were tested over a number of years. I handcrafted them. I didn’t go to some random lab. I wanted to know a lot about my own products. So every product that I have, I made myself, I touched myself.”

Ratcliff showcases her dedication to providing natural products for all women, but especially Black women. When it comes to hair and skin, there are unique struggles that Black women often encounter, like hyperpigmentation and discoloration.

One of the most beloved BeijaFlorNaurals products is the Amazon Antioxidant Treatment, which, according to Ratcliff, is packed with “a lot of vitamin C, and vitamin C is really good for evening your skin tone.” 

This product is a powerhouse for skin discoloration repair made from a Brazilian Butter blend that diminishes cell destruction and provides anti-aging, treats acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

Aja Naturals

There’s no forgetting the fabulosity that is Aja Naturals created by Aja (pronounced Asia). After having a scare at the age of 17 when she discovered lumps on her breasts (luckily just cysts), Aja had a life-changing realization.

Her surgeon was a smart and talented Black woman who helped Aja discover that her lumps were partially caused by some of the skin products she was using. It was then that Aja decided that it was unacceptable for her or any other person to have products containing harsh chemicals and harmful ingredients hurt their bodies.

That event in her life was a “know better, do better” moment for Aja, and she has been leading the way with her business. She started with natural products for herself, friends, and family. However, she decided to expand her successful products to the world.

Her Creamy Cocoa Sugar Scrub is not only incredibly cute with amazing hints of chocolate and vanilla, but also part of her entire Chocolate line of products that are all handmade with love.

Hair Care

Melanin Hair Care

Those of you that aren’t currently nerding out over natural hair YouTuber Whitney White’s (AKA Naptural85) hair product line that just hit the shelves at Ulta Beauty, you’re late to the party.

Melanin Hair Care features products that White has shared with viewers on her channel for years. Known as the number one DIY handmade natural hair guru on YouTube, White has always been about accessibility when it comes to natural hair care.

She decided to take a step beyond her tutorials to launch her product line, and we’re glad she did. 

One thing her products have been famous is for how many rich oils and butters she packs into every batch. Natural ingredients include to tea tree oil, avocado oil, sweet almond oil, Vitamin C oil, olive oil, castor oil, argan oil, shea butter, cocoa seed oil, and more.

Her line includes all of the necessities: oil, shampoo, conditioner, and a styling cream that are perfect for both new and seasoned naturals. 

CurlyCoilyTresses

When it comes to healthy curls, CurlCoilyTresses is another business that should definitely be highlighted on the map. 

Business owner Angela is known for her impressive data-driven findings that determined most products people use have high allergens or irritating fragrances that cause inflammation and irritation.

She’s determined to create products that improve hair health for both transitioning and natural hair, especially when it comes to moisture, healthy growth and those with sensitive scalps and skin. 

We’re doting on CurlCoilyTresses’ Dry to Fly Holiday Collection, which is currently on sale for fifty dollars. It includes hypoallergenic and fragrance-free intensive hair moisturizers. They’re all packed with nourishing oils to make the hair soft and strengthened.

More Great Businesses

BLK + GRN

Happy Girl

NUELE

Clean Beauty for Black Girls

Radiant By Nature

The post BGN’s Ultimate Skin and Hair Care Gift Guide For and By Black Women appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

However, for those unable to catch the Room 6A panel, the cast and creators shared a few gems that fans can expect to see in Season 2 during a SDCC interview with Black Girl Nerds.

BGN spoke to stars Kyla Pratt (Penny Proud), Paula Jai Parker (Trudy Proud), JoMarie Payton (Suga Mama), Alisa Reyes (LaCienega Boulevardez), Soleil Moon Frye (Zoey Howzer), and creator and executive producer Bruce W. Smith and executive producer Ralph Farquhar about Season 2 and the overall impact of the reboot. 

Smith and Farquhar started things off by sharing their excitement to explore certain character arcs in Season 2 that they weren’t able to expand on within the original series and Season 1. 

“I think in Season 1 [of the reboot] we spent time re-establishing ourselves and the family,” Smith said. “But with Season 2, we’re gonna get a lot more of the Proud family friends, the adults also; we’re going to get to more characters and see what their growth is.” 

They were sure to point out that in Season 2, “You get a lot of Dijonay [Karen Malina White]” — which for seasoned fans means one thing: it’s going to be a lively season. Farquhar also told BGN that they’re “introducing a new character to the universe in Season 2,” but he can’t say who they’re played by. He teased, “It’s going to be a nice surprise.”

Both executive directors shared that Season 2 will also delve more into the stories of Zoe (Soleil Moon Frye) and Maya (Keke Palmer). Smith said the exploration of many characters will transpire in ways “you wouldn’t expect.”

With that said, the show won’t lose its unique charm and voice, especially when it comes to the world that audiences have come to love. Pratt spoke to how the show continues to transform into something more special. 

“It feels amazing to be back and play a character that I played almost 20 years ago,” Pratt said. “When they called me about the reboot, there was no hesitation at all. I feel like we had unfinished business and it was off way too soon, and now we’re back and we’re able to do it better than ever.”

One of the key things that the cast collectively agreed on was that the reboot is aiming for “better,” especially with the level of diversity and representation they’ve been able to bring. They want fans to see that not only is the Proud family world always changing and growing, so are its characters. 

“We go from tweens to teens,” Reyes said. “So, not only do we look physically different with the amazing new key art, but I feel like the storyline of LaCienega Boulevardez has her go from being so spunky to wrapping things around a little faster and trying to learn moral lessons.” 

Reyes also dished that the lineup of “strong female voices,” “LGBTQ”  and other storylines and intersections will continue to be navigated in Season 2. They are seeking to make the show as real and authentic as possible, and, as many cast members echoed, sometimes it’s about having difficult conversations that are needed — especially in families.

“I love seeing Zoey grow and seeing her come into her own,” Fyre said. “It’s such an amazing opportunity for me to have this character to explore.” She also noted the significance of the show being able to tackle topics that not only resonate with its characters but also real-life viewers. It’s a visibility that many cartoons simply don’t have. 

Parker and Payton also spoke to the value of representation throughout the series, especially when it comes to reflecting a multi-generational Black family that lives together.

“We don’t only have a mother and a grandmother, we have a daughter too. I feel like we have a responsibility on this generational journey that we’re going on,” Payton explained. “What I appreciate is that 20 years ago Trudy and Suga Mama got along and 20 years later, they’re still getting along. To have the relationship still be shown 20 years later — not to take it away, kill someone off, have Oscar [Tommy Davidson] and Trudy break up or whatever — to us it’s special.”

Feeling the same sentiments, Parker expressed that she also loves Trudy and Suga Mama’s relationship. 

“I’m a daughter-in-law, and in so many households, the mother-in-law and the daughter-in-law are at odds,” Parker said. “But she [Suga Mama] will slap her son upside the head to defend Trudy. You rarely see that or hear about the daughter-in-law and mother-in-law getting along and loving each other.”

Both Payton and Parker agree that the glue that helps their characters maintain a close bond is their mutual love for Oscar and, by virtue, the entire family. Parker shared that the Comic Con Season 2 preview was the first time that she (and many other cast members) saw the footage. 

During production, she didn’t see the animation, so it was exciting for her to feast her eyes on the full project’s completion. She described seeing the “bright colors and the HD, the fonts, the music” as “so exciting.” Laughing, Payton went on to say that she was sold by the footage alone and that she’d watch it if someone had just shown it to her on Disney+ for the first time. 

Payton reflected on all of the hard work put into the show when explaining that it takes more than just the voice cast to put the show together, Parker echoed that idea by saying in a sing-song voice, that it takes “a village.” Both on-screen and beyond the cast and creators of The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder are indeed a village, and fans will have the opportunity to see the family continue to grow.

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder Season 2 is coming soon to Disney+. All episodes of Season 1 are available to stream now only on Disney+.

The post SDCC Exclusive: ‘The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder’ Cast Drops Season 2 Teasers appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

The lights dropped and Ballroom 20 of the convention center was pitch black as the notorious voice of the Watcher (Jeffrey Wright) began narrating the What If…? episode introduction. Suddenly, audiences were transported into the world of everything Marvel animation.

Big Announcements

Black Girl Nerds got an exclusive look at the latest projects that the studio has in store — and that includes some multiverse-shattering Marvel animation updates.

One of the gems that Marvel shared was an episode of the upcoming Disney+ series I Am Groot, featuring everyone’s favorite powerful dancing tree taking a bath that goes somewhat awry. They also dropped the official trailer for the series and dished that in addition to the episodes releasing on August 10, the creators are developing five more episodes.

Creators Bryn Andrew and AC Bradley revealed the Season 2 trailer for Emmy-nominated series What If…? and shared that there will be a Season 3. 

Bryan Andrews invited panel attendees to delve into the upcoming Marvel Zombies series and some of the zombie characters that they can expect to see, including: Hawkeye, Captain America, Abomination, Ghost, Captain Marvel, Scarlet Witch, Okoye, and more. 

Some of the non-zombie team members include: Kate Bishop, Red Guardian, Death Dealer, Shang Chi, Jimmy Wu, a skrull biker gang, a team of Black Widows and Ms. Marvel (panelists teased that Ms. Marvel, Kamala Khan, will be a major player in the series). There will be even more comic book characters on the roster as well. 

There was also some exciting concept art from Spiderman: Freshman Year, created by Jeff Trammell. He presented the cast of characters, and Ryan Meinerding provided the audience with a first-look at the new Spiderman suit for the series. Trammell explained that the suit reflects an early Spider-Man Peter Parker that was his own DIY costume. The suit itself is a blend of casual and techy. The image showed the teen in tennis shoes and a backpack paired with high tech accessories, most likely crafted by Peter himself. 

They also shared some of the characters that fans can expect to see, including: Peter’s friend Nico Minoru, Lonnie Lincoln, Dr. Strange, Daredevil (who will be voiced by Charlie Cox), Unicorn, Chameleon, and more.

It was also announced that there will be a Season 2 entitled: Spiderman: Sophomore Year. This will be Marvel’s first animated Spiderman series under Disney.

Finally, fans were treated to a first peak at X-Men ‘97, which included a sizzle reel with the cast and creators from the original 1990’s animated show. Executive producer and head writer Beau DeMayo revealed an animatic AC piece that showed off an early concept rendition of an action sequence with the original X-Men theme music playing in the background. Winderbaum also shared that the series is already confirmed for a Season 2. 

He recommends that followers of the show rewatch the classic episodes to prepare for the new season, as they will have some connections. 

Get to Know Marvel Studios Animation Creators 

Without a doubt, each creative was glowing with pride as they spilled the tea on their upcoming Marvel projects. 

Winderbaum reflected on how watching cartoons when he was growing up made animation hold a special place in his heart. For him, animation always seemed like the “logical” approach to creating a series with such a large number of Marvel characters and their multiversal dimensions. 

However, Winderbaum noted that this mission would be impossible without the help of the entire visual development department that designs characters, looks, and the feel of film, animation, and live action projects. 

Another key player that Tompkins introduced is Ryan Meinerding, who received a video homage noting everything he does to ensure Marvel projects look exceptional. Meinerding draws from comic book styles, develops concepts, magic, fire, and other unique visuals. A Marvel project veteran, Meinerding told fans that the process for live-action and animation visuals aren’t much different. 

Speaking to the connection between animation and live-action, Lepore explained that I Am Groot will take viewers along for Groot’s coming of age days. His childhood will be similar to many other kids: he’ll get in trouble, experience things for the first time, and even experience some bathtime woes. However, it will also embrace the unusual and special experience that it is to be Groot. Still voiced by Vin Diesel in the Disney+ series, Groot will reflect the same charming character from the Guardians of the Galaxy movies fans know and love.

When asked if there will be any specific easter eggs from the Guardians of the Galaxy, Lepore dodged providing answers. It would seem that audiences are going to have to stay tuned. 

I Am Groot launches exclusively on Disney+ August 10, with all five shorts available for viewing. Season 2 of What If…? launches exclusively on Disney+ in early 2023. X-Men ’97 begins streaming on Disney+ in Fall 2023. Spider-Man: Freshman Year arrives exclusively to Disney+ in 2024.

The post SDCC Exclusive: Marvel Reveals ‘I Am Groot’ and ‘What If…?’ Trailers appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Produced by Disney Television Animation, Marvel Animation, Cinema Gypsy Productions, and Lawrence Fishburne (The Matrix series) with animation from Flying Bark Production the project brings several power players. That includes show talents and Marvel newcomers: Diamond White (Lunella Lafayette/Moon Girl), Fred Tatasciore (Devil Dinosaur), 

Lunella Lafayette’s life gets turned upside down when the gifted teen accidentally brings Devil Dinosaur into present-day New York. Of course, chaos immediately ensues, but in one of the best ways possible. Lunella and Devil Dinosaur become a dream team. With the help of her best friend and eventual manager, Casey (Libe Barer), they protect the lower east side of New York City. 

BGN got an exclusive look into the world of Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur at the show’s San Diego Comic-Con Panel. Panelists included Diamond White (The Bold and the Beautiful), Libe Barer (Sneaky Pete), Fred Tatasciore (Marvel’s Hit-Monkey), Sasheer Zamata (Woke), executive producer Steve Loter (Kim Possible), supervising producer Rodney Clouden (Futurama) and producer Pilar Flynn (Elena of Avalor). Janine Rubenstein, editor-at-large, PEOPLE magazine moderated the panel.

Here’s what the cast and creators had to say.

Big Announcements

The biggest news has arrived and includes a list of guests and a recurring voice cast: Alison Brie, Andy Cohen, Daveed Diggs, May Hawke, Jennifer Hudson, Craig Robinson, Cliff “Method Man” Smith, Cobie Smulders, and Westley Snipes. Revealed before the panel, the news that Laurence Fishburne will have a recurring role as The Beyonder had already landed. However, Fishburne gave panelist attendees a special message about how much this comic–and soon show–means to him. 

The cast and creators also revealed an official first-look clip from Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur. 

Additionally, Loter dished that fans can expect many Marvel Easter eggs throughout the series and even exploration of Marvel characters (including villains) that haven’t been introduced in the MCU yet. So, well-versed Marvel comics fans should be on the lookout. However, in response to an audience question, he shared that (while he loved the Disney+ show), there are no plans to have Moon Girl and Moon Knight team up. Loter said that the vision for the show is for Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur to be “complimentary to the MCU,” not canon to it. 

The creators also mentioned that there are “Many toys coming!” But they couldn’t say much more. There will likely be Devil Dinosaur plushies in the future for those ready to have their own furiously loveable dino friend. 

Get To Know Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur Cast and Creators

Making her San Diego Comic-Con debut as a panelist and the voice of Marvel’s first Black girl lead on a Disney show gave White a mix of nerves and excitement. 

“I’m shy, and this is wild,” she said when asked her favorite thing about Lunella. “She’s very smart, and she felt like me.” The voice actress was overwhelmed by the significance of her accomplishments. She noted later that she started voice acting with Phineas and Ferb. She’s told everyone in attendance that she’s grateful.

Joining in the gratitude, Tatasciore decided to grace the panel with his finest Devil Dinosaur sounds. Not shy about embracing his inner dino, the Marvel voice-acting veteran summed up his character perfectly. 

“Devil Dinosaur would do anything for Lunella. He can destroy anything but is a big softy that loves snuggling, hot dogs (all food, really)” he said. “He’s a good guy.”

Tatasciore pointed out the fact that, while Devil Dinosaur is powerful, he’s as innocent as a boy scout. Followed, of course, with more Devil Dinosaur sounds. 

For the entire cast, the significance of the show’s diversity wasn’t lost. Feeling close to one another, they echoed the same sentiments: the show is all about authenticity. Zamata (Lunella’s mom, Andrea) explained that the show is special because it has a “Strong family theme.” She said it’s “Great to see a Black family on-screen in one house,” especially with different generations of family members. 

Her character, Andrea, runs a roller rink on the lower east side and also enjoys hosting parties for the community. She even DJs at the roller rink. The feeling of a tight-knit community in New York that reflects its real-life diversity was paramount for this project.

That meant creating the right feel for the show. Fortunately, Clouden (supervising producer) had that territory covered. He told audiences that “New York is gritty, not shiny.” That means they had to incorporate the most realistic street art possible. 

Pop art, graffiti, murals, textures, and the graphic quality of a comic book are all components he wanted to include. He also threw some shade at how other cartoons include graffiti that looks like “Trash.” That’s not something he wanted to repeat. 

Clouden also expressed that he likes that Moon Girl’s story isn’t born out of tragedy. There was no death in her family to catalyze her hero’s journey. It’s not about Black suffering — it’s about Black joy. 

To add to the unique feel of the show, Loter also shared that in addition to exceptional artwork, they will have special musical fight sequences. Each of Lunella’s battles is accompanied by music, almost like a music video. The team wasn’t afraid to have the music switch up styles either, especially after landing American singer Raphael Saddiq. Having Black artists be a part of a show with a Black lead plays a major role in telling the story the creators envisioned. 

Similarly, Flynn (producer) and Libe (Casey) expressed how the show’s creators ensured the real-life experiences of everyone involved were incorporated into the series with dignity. Flynn said it was personally important as a Latina for the story to feel authentic. She was proud to share that women, people of color, and LGBT+ communities are all part of Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur real-life team. The diversity that audiences see on screen also exists off-screen. 

Barer also spoke to this inclusivity by noting her own experience with the team. While Casey was always supposed to be a Latina character, the creators decided to write her as Latina and Jewish to honor Barer’s own heritage, thus making her character more authentic. 

She describes Casey as a “street smart” social media maven that’s a true friend. The friendship between Lunella and Casey is paralleled by the tight bond that White and Barer have outside of the show. 

Ultimately, the cast and creators are their own team of super ready to take on anything that’s thrown at them together. With such a thoroughly aligned team, viewers can only imagine the payoff when the series lands on Disney Channel and eventually Disney +.

Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil’s Dinosaur will premiere on Disney Channel in 2023.

The post SDCC Exclusive: ‘Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur’ Reveals First-Look Clip appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

This time around, fans are introduced to two Miami-based rappers, Shawna (Aida Osman) and Mia (KaMillion), who join forces years after their high school days to form a rap group. Together, they begin slowly climbing the ladder to fame. As expected, their quest to fulfill their dreams isn’t an easy one.

The series was produced by Hoorae Productions and 3 Arts Entertainment with Syreeta Singleton, now stepping into her own as the series’ showrunner after writing for Insecure. Additionally, the show draws reference and authenticity from real-life rappers. This includes the show’s co-lead KaMillion, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj, City Girls, and more.

The Good: Rap Sh!t Spits Its Own Distinct Rhymes 

Rap Sh!it comedically immerses and juxtaposes Miami tourist culture with local culture. This makes it clear that similar to Insecure, the plot is driven by location. From the first episode, the creators convey plans to be very Miami-centric. They introduce audiences to both Miami, Florida, and the specific group of people they have living there. 

While, in many ways the show, replicates the same formula as others, it brings a refreshing perspective through its depiction of social media. Although social media plays a vital role in American life, many series fail to reflect how much leverage an online presence has on social and professional success. This series makes viewers more mindful of their own behaviors (literally with selfies and IG lives). Audiences have a realization that most people use social media like currency — and that’s just what it is on Rap Sh!t. 

Social media takes on a persona of its own, as it simultaneously conveys information, fuels conflict, bolsters careers, and cancels people as episodes go by. It plays with surveillance and what it means to constantly live in front of and behind a camera. Even intimate moments are observed by strangers and inundated with comments and likes. In that light, each episode presents a serious phenomenon amid lighthearted booty twerks and dropping beats. 

The series also addresses the issues of selling out, cultural appropriation, and talent that goes overlooked. In the rap industry especially, Black women have always had the odds against them–even after making countless contributions to rap culture. 

While it’s about the music industry, Shawna and Mia tell a bigger story about how Black women are discounted and devalued for their work. Instead of competing against each other, the Black women rappers in Rap Sh!t are (for the most part) a team. Many of Shawna’s raps are about the structural issues of racism, colonialism, student debt, and misogyny–which are ignored versus music about sex and partying. By contrast, Mia’s raps are more geared toward money, parties, sex, and fast cars. Together, the show pushes the message that rap should combine politics and party to inspire listeners. Thus, making this team the dream.

Finally, there are hilarious “Karen” moments and other pokes at entitled white women that hop on Black trends for the social media likes (but don’t actually value Black people). The show reflects the reality of Black women trying to break into a superficial industry without compromising who they are.

The Bad: The Characters Don’t Extend Further Than Their Social Media

Overall, there aren’t standout performances. However, Osman does create a compelling character that carries to the story. Shawna is the most developed character with clearly understood motives and struggles. Mia, on the other hand, works wonders comically — but presents a character that’s difficult to take seriously. While she endures considerable struggles, there’s an almost unbelievable (and aggravating) ignorance about her, which makes her friendship with Shawna perplexing. 

While pairing characters with vastly different temperaments and moral codes may be engaging in some projects, in Rap Sh!t it’s awkward. The same goes for Osman and her longtime boyfriend Cliff Lewis (Devon Terrell). They both seem like they went on a few dates rather than being in a committed relationship for several years. Whether on purpose or due to lack of chemistry, the two don’t make any sense. They beg the question of why the relationship is introduced in the series at all. What it does (if anything) to build the story.

Following a similar path, the minor characters melt into the show without making a strong impact. They help move the plot forward, and not much more. While the social media aspect is engaging, it seems to often act in place of character building. The characters are reduced to their social media–and it feels like a lot of noise without substance.

The number of characters is also disorienting. So many names and faces are introduced within the first few episodes alone that it’s difficult to connect or relate with anyone beyond Mia and Shawna. 

Final Verdict

Rap Sh!t is no Insecure. It has charm — but the two don’t and shouldn’t be compared. While there’s nothing like Issa Dee mirror rapping to hype herself up (or not), this is a different rap vibe altogether. Few shows dive into storytelling through social media so boldly while making people evaluate their own lifestyles at the same time. For that, the show is notable. However, it lacks the substance-infused comedy Rae is known for bringing to her projects.

So far, the story of Shawna and Mia draws intrigue without adoration, making for an overall mildly fun show that (if given another season) could become the newest top-charting hit.

Rap Sh!t arrives on HBO Max on July 21, 2022.

The post Review: Issa Rae’s ‘Rap Sh!t’ Drops a Unique Beat of Its Own appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Ms. Marvel follows Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani), a 16-year-old Muslim Pakistani-American girl from Jersey City, New Jersey. She’s a devoted gamer, thriving student — and Captain Marvel’s biggest fan. However, she struggles to find her place in her family and school life. Things get even more complicated when she gets superpowers. 

Suddenly, she experiences abilities like some of her biggest heroes — and as many Marvel fans know, that’s a lot of responsibility for a teenager. Tyesha is the newest member of Kamala’s family and brings some major Black girl magic into the mix as Kamala’s soon-to-be sister-in-law.

Both Springer and Tyesha are Black women who converted to Islam, which made the role “feel right” for Springer. In many ways, she sees herself in Tyesha, which informs how she approaches the part as an actor.

First introduced in the Ms. Marvel comics, Tyesha serves as a role model for Kamala and is also quite the Black girl nerd. She loves video games and doesn’t shy away from the opportunity to help the young hero when she needs it most. Springer explains, “I thought it was so magnificent and special that a character like this even existed for me to audition for. It doesn’t happen often enough — where an actor gets an audition and feels immediately connected to the character and the material.” 

The ability for Black and Brown girls and women to be nerdy on television is often limited. Geeking out over different things herself, Springer sees examining “the spectrum and range of Black girl nerdiness and nerdom” as special and important. 

While Tyesha isn’t the main character, her presence is enormously felt, especially for Black Muslims in America that have never seen people like them in a Marvel project. This resonates with Springer as someone who’s seen the erasure of Black Muslims in America — and even globally. She pointed out that most people hear the word Muslim and think of Arab people. However, Black Muslims make up a large population in the United States alone — but often are left out of the equation.

Ms. Marvel presents what Springer calls, “a chance to change the narrative.” The show introduces a dynamic range of Muslim people as heroes instead of the common and racist trend of casting them as terrorists. It’s about authentically creating and connecting Hillman’s fictional experience with Springer’s lived experience. With pride, she told BGN that she’s “honored to play a Muslim convert Black girl nerd in the MCU.” Part of such an impactful role includes portraying Tyesha as someone Kamala can look up to. 

In the comics, Tyesha and Kamala have a special relationship that’s sisterly. This enabled Kamala to take some notes from Tyesha’s life as a “confident, self-assured, and unapologetic” Black Muslim woman who makes her own choices. From her strong religious faith to her fierce  love for her family, Springer believes it’s vital for Kamala, “as a young woman to see an older woman carry herself that way.” 

Their on-screen relationship is filled with potential, especially when it comes to the charisma of the Khan family.  Both in the show and the comics, family is a powerful force. “It was really natural for all of us to connect as a family. Another gift from the universe is that Aamir, played by Saagar Shaikh, who’s my fiance [in the show], is actually a friend of mine in real life,” Springer said. “So, he hit me up when the breakdown [of the show] came out and was like, ‘are you reading for this?” The rest is history from there, as Springer did indeed read for the role and then get it.

She shares that she and Shaikh already had “chemistry” and “banter” that felt natural. In fact, when it came to bonding with the entire Khan family actors, Springer expressed that “it wasn’t forced at all” and a “blessing” that they all go along so effortlessly. 

Although Ms. Marvel has already presented some trials and tribulations for the Khan family, it sounds like they won’t be an easy family to throw for a loop. Springer believes the show represents “the power within us to rise to the occasion when the time calls for it.” Going from that, it sounds like for Kamala and the family—there will be plenty of action-filled calls to action. Audiences can only hang tight as they wait to see which glass ceiling their new on and off-screen heroes, Tyesha Hilman and Travina Springer will be shattering next. 

New episodes of Ms. Marvel premiere Wednesdays on Disney+.

The post ‘Ms. Marvel’s’ Travina Springer: on a Mission to ‘Change The Narrative’ For Muslim Black Girl Nerds appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Created by Steve Blackman and developed by Jeremy Salter, the series follows the adopted sibling superheroes, known as the Umbrella Academy, and their rich and eccentric father, Sir Reginald Hargreeves (Colm Feore). Hargreeves adopted the children as infants after 43 women around the world gave birth at the same date and time in 1989, despite not being pregnant until labor began. Only able to get 7 of the children, Hargreeves named them after their numbers and used cruel tactics to train most of them to use their abilities. 

Eventually, most of them were given real names by their robot-mom, Grace: Klause (Robert Sheehan), Allison (Emmy Raver-Lampman), Luther (Tom Hopper), Ben (Justin H. Min), Vanya, later changed to Viktor (Elliot Page), and Diego (David Castañeda). Number 5 (Aidan Gallagher) disappeared as a child, before he could receive another name. When the dysfunctionality of the family becomes too much, the siblings go their separate ways — until their father’s death unlocks a mystery that could hold the key to stopping the end of the world.

Following the Season 2 cliffhanger, Season 3 has some work to do, particularly when it comes to unpacking the newly introduced Sparrow Academy and the alternate timeline that the Umbrella Academy siblings have transported to. Fortunately, the series ensures that nothing rains on its parade.

Season 3 has many new characters and lots of context and story to unload, but previous seasons laid the groundwork for the series to build on, and it works for the most part. The elements that fans enjoy are still there with a few key surprises added to the mix this time around. 

The Good: It’s Got the Charm Umbrella Academy Fans Have Come to Love

Nothing gets lost in the sauce, even though there’s a lot of sauce to navigate through. The plot remains just complex enough for audiences to thoughtfully engage with without being a complete mess of characters and ideas without rhyme or reason. It avoids many of the pitfalls that series fall into when it comes to third seasons. There’s no redundancy or absolutely ridiculous turn of events; this isn’t filler — it’s quality content that’s building up to a potential fourth season. 

It’s intriguing to see different arcs for each sibling based on the traumas they’ve experienced in previous seasons. The show handles the mix of emotions and overall stunted and complex love each sibling has for both themselves and others. For the most part, it’s easy to empathize with many different perspectives introduced, which makes it a compelling installment.

Seeing new powers introduced is also a treat that gives fans the opportunity to learn about the Sparrow Academy, and in turn, the larger issues within time travel and Hargreeve’s motives. Many questions have been floating around for a while about why each child was born with powers and why their mothers were chosen to give birth. There’s a missing origin story here, but Season 3 gets closer — and drops something huge at the end.

Probably the most heartwarming component that extends beyond the show itself is the way that the creators and cast not only honor and respect Elliot Page’s desire for his character Viktor to go through a similar transition journey to his own, but the loving way they did it. Despite being a family constantly at odds, this season shows that the Umbrella Academy can be loving when it matters most. The season’s June premiere during Pride Month makes Page’s portrayal of Viktor even more meaningful. While fans have been hesitant of such a large change, those concerns should dissolve quickly. The show doesn’t rush or brush over Vanya’s transition to Viktor — it matters in every single episode without being forced. They write Viktor with dignity. 

The fight sequences are satisfying, as this season sheds a little more blood than usual and even has some mild jump scare moments. As usual, it balances the intensity with humor and silliness that usually goes over well. It’s binge-worthy and ends each episode with a hook to keep audiences wanting more. 

Standout performances come from Emmy Raver-Lampman, Robert Sheehan and Aidan Gallagher. Raver-Lampman, especially, had to depart from Allison’s usual temperament and reach for something different from the other two seasons, and she made it work. 

The Bad: Some Characters Arcs Just Didn’t Land Well

The good news is, there’s not very much bad to report — but there’s some. The newly introduced Sparrow Academy includes: Marcus/No. 1 (Justin Cornwell), Ben/No. 2 (Justin H. Min), Fei/No. 3 (Britne Oldford), Alphonso/No. 4 (Jake Epstein), Sloane/No. 5 (Genesis Rodriquez), Jayme/No. 6 (Cazzie David) and Christopher/No. 7, who’s a psykronium cube. They fit into the mold of the show fairly well, but the season fulfills an annoying trope and does Marcus no justice in terms of story arc. Sloane is a very basic and bland character void of personality, other than being generally nicer than the rest.

This season spends a lot of time focusing on Ben and his complex connection to both the Umbrella and Sparrow academies, but it would have been more satisfying if the debuting siblings were explored a little bit more. They start off as interesting, but are eventually reduced to plot devices despite their intriguing abilities. 

The direction the show takes with Luther this time around is very odd. At times, he’s a comic relief, but for most others, he’s over-the-top clueless and naive. This becomes somewhat annoying, as his character wasn’t quite this gullible in the past. Similarly, Diego had a disappointing arc that could have ultimately been skipped. It felt pointless at times but did inform the rest of Season 3’s storyline occasionally. 

These aren’t filler arcs, but they have a feeling of being fluff to kill time, which shouldn’t have been needed. 

The Verdict: It’s a Fulfilling Season with a Few Storm Clouds

Season 3 of Umbrella Academy is a satisfying watch. It hits all the right notes for returning fans and brings something new to the table. The combination of so many different elements could have spun out of control, but it was kept together with care. With that said, there are certain story arcs and approaches to the plot that take away from it being an exceptional season all around. 

Umbrella Academy Season 3 will arrive at Netflix on June 22, 2022.

The post Review: ‘Umbrella Academy’ S3 Will Suck You In with a New Arc of Mayhem appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Whether it’s a day full of joy or a time to cope with a difficult relationship with a father figure, this holiday calls for products that honor self-care, love, and memories that have been gathered throughout the years. After all, fathers and father figures shape who we are — even when it comes to complex relationships. 

We’ve compiled a list of products that offer up many Father’s Day gift options without being cliche or boring. From the coffee-loving dad to the father figure with a soft spot for family videos — BGN has something for every kind of dad in our 2022 Father’s Day Gift Guide.  

1. Heirloom Video Book

There’s hardly a better way to cherish memories with the father figure in your life than with a custom video book filled with your favorite moments. This is for the father who loves replaying home videos and would enjoy having them stored in a physical book for both at-home and on-the-go viewing. 

Buyers can select from 12 special covers and then connect them to their computer to upload videos to their Heirloom Video Book. The books can store up to 10 to 20 minutes of footage on a 5” HD screen. Users can even add a personal message inside the cover. Make special memories more shareable with loved ones for generations to come. 

Heirloom Video Books are available on SendHeirloom.com and Uncommon Goods; 10-minute video books cost around $49 and 20-minute books cost around $69. Customers can even add a gift box for $12.

2. In Common 

Here’s one for all of the eco-friendly fathers out there looking for comfy clothes that are also environmentally friendly. One standout item at In Common is their Better Men’s Crew Neck Shirt, which is made with BCI cotton antibacterial modal fabric. This option is great for fathers with allergies or sensitivities to certain fabrics — and it’s so breathable! The modal is twice as soft as cotton and made with recycled thread. 

In Common’s sustainable Father’s Day options also include: The Better Boxer Brief, Long Line Boxer Brief, and Jersey Boxer ($12); The Better Men’s Crew or The Better Men’s V Neck ($25); The Better Henley ($32) and The Better Men’s Long Sleeve ($25); The Better Men’s Jogger ($65); and The Better Men’s Hoodie ($65). The Better Men’s Crew can be purchased individually for about $25 or in sets of 3 for about $65 or 5 for about $100. 

3. Splish Splash Handmade Products 

This is one for fathers with LGBTQ+ pride. It’s pretty divine that Father’s Day and Pride land in the same month — we think attention must be paid. Whether the father in your life is part of the rainbow or an ally, Splish Splash has a variety of self-care products that provide the perfect at-home pamper day with Pride-themed goodies. In fact, this brand is so dedicated to practicing what it preaches that it donated Pride Soaps to the Vancouver Pride Society to be given to their 2021 Pride event volunteers throughout the city. 

Inspired by Hammam spa culture, Splish Splash focuses on cleansing and exfoliating rituals. 

Their Pride products can be sold individually or as a Pride Spa Gift Box that includes: Pride Flag Mango Goat Milk Soap, Pride Flag Mango Soy Wax Candle, Pride Flag Lavender Coarse Dead Sea Salt, Pride Flag Lip Balm Mango, Pride Flag Marine & Cypress Castile Gentle Liquid Olive Oil Hand Soap and the Lemon Verbena Bath Bomb, which costs about $100. They also have an assortment of non-Pride-themed products. 

4. Partners Coffee 

It’s time for java-loving fathers to rejoice, because Partners Coffee has all the options that they could ask for. The cafe in Williamsburg Cafe & Roastery is where they roast, package, and ship their products. The brand showcased its Rockaway Cold Brew along with a range of light to medium coffee roasts, including decaf. They even have delectable teas, like their cozy Apple Cider Tea, among others. 

Partners Coffee sells brewing equipment to help drinkers optimize their experience with the brand to bring out the sharpest flavors. They are offering the promotion to subscribe to Rockaway Cold Brew for 10% off but this promotion is only from May 15-Aug 30. Customers can subscribe for regular weekly deliveries or do one-time purchases. Additionally, Partners Coffee is offering new digital gift card experiences and there are some fun Father’s Day ones. Folks can send the digital gift cards to their fathers so dad can always stay stocked up on Partners Coffee!

5. Tuscan Wine Selections

There’s no overlooking all of the wine dads out there. Luckily we have just the right historical Tuscan wines to put on your radar. The Castello del Terriccio Tassinaia 2017 ($35) is “a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in almost equal percentages.” Featuring notes of French oak, this red wine is rich and divine. 

The Tenuta Luce Lucente Toscana IGT 2019 ($30) includes a 50% Sangiovese and 50% Merlot blend with a “deep and bright red color.” It offers hints of “blackberry, plum, and currant, enriched by toasted and vanilla nuances.” This fruity wine is great for any, and all, Father’s Day celebrations under the sun.

Finally, we couldn’t leave out the Montecucco Rosso DOC ($20) and Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG ($20–$40). From a small region, nestled in the Maremma area between the Brunello di Montalcino and Morellino di Scansano appellations, this main wine is made from a minimum of 90% Sangiovese. It has the signature Sangiovese grape flavors, including tart cherry, red plum, fig, and even notes of roasted pepper, thyme, and more. They have very earthy tones that will feel refreshing. 

No matter what you get for the father in your life, we hope that these products can add to each cherished moment and help those coping with loss or complicated relationships feel a sense of self-love and celebration. 

The post BGN’s 2022 Father’s Day Gift Guide: Products and Brands Father Figures Will Love appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Based on the comic book created by Sana Amanat, Stephen Wacker, and G. Willow Wilson with artists Adrian Alphona and Jamie McKelvie, Kamala Khan was the first Muslim character to get her own solo Marvel comic book series, Ms. Marvel, in 2014.

However, that’s not the only thing she’s noteworthy for. Kamala is basically the biggest fan of Captain Marvel (Brie Larson). Following the comics, the Disney+ series, created by Bisha K. Ali, spotlights Kamala’s life as a Pakistani American teenager from Jersey City while tackling issues of assimilation, religion, and family and capturing her absolute adoration for the human-Kree powerhouse, Carol Danvers. Eventually, Kamala gets her own super powers too.

In the comics, Kamala became a polymorph after her latent Inhuman genes were activated, giving her the ability to stretch her body in various ways. Her elongation powers allowed her to contort her body, including shrinking in size, becoming giant and even becoming paper thin. In the Disney+ series, her powers are a bit different, which means the possibilities are practically limitless. The MCU took a crack at crafting a new origin story for this character while maintaining her charm. However, while the rest of the series is full of potential and redemption, the first two episodes of Ms. Marvel have failed to shine as brightly as they could have. Here’s why.

The Good: Kamala Khan’s Family Is Amazing and the Comic Book Art Style Is Fun 

Similar to Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse, Ms. Marvel takes a vibrant, colorful and playful approach in the overall style of the show. It feels like audiences are going through the comic book doodles in Kamala’s imagination and seeing through her eyes. Communication in both episodes go beyond what’s spoken on screen and uses art to help move the story forward, whether it’s during an action sequence or merely testing. This is a bold move that other MCU shows have yet to explore. 

This stylistic choice also reflects a sense of Kamala’s innocence and eagerness to absorb each new experience like a sponge. The show makes itself distinct and plays on a nostalgia that classic comic book readers will appreciate. This includes the way her family and friends are introduced.

Kamala’s family is charming and messy all at once, as the show beautifully weaves in her Muslim identity, family ups and downs, high school life, and friendships with Bruno Carrelli (Matt Lintz) and Nakia Bahadir (Yasmeen Fletcher). It’s refreshing to have the series already addressing how Brown girls aren’t usually heroes in a Eurocentric world, including the current mainstream MCU lineup. The first two episodes address feminism, faith, and Kamala’s attempt to come of age while also honoring her family. Finally, the end of Episode 2 leaves enough of a cliffhanger to motivate viewers to keep watching. 

The Bad: These Two Episodes Move Slow and Become Boring Fast

Sadly, this highly anticipated series starts off slow and drags on with a lot of fluff and little substance to show for it. It’s very cliche: teen doesn’t fit in with the high school crowd but dreams of being special. Then they discover they are special — hooray! If it weren’t for her family’s standout personalities, the show would be flat so far. Kamala’s friends aren’t particularly interesting — yet. Hopefully, they can develop a bond with viewers going forward. While Vellani portrays Kamala with a somewhat endearing naivety, the character is ultimately a bit bland and generic. 

The change of Kamala’s origin story may have something to do with this dullness. Instead of delving into her Inhuman origins (because the Inhumans are barely canon in the MCU, with Black Bolt recently introduced in Doctor Strange 2’s alternate universe), the show goes for a less complicated explanation for Kamal’s powers. In the show, she harnesses cosmic energy from a magical bangle. Rather than stretchy powers, she produces crystalline purple energy using the bangle that sometimes enlarges her fists for a similar effect to her comic book powers. It can also form purple surfaces. More powers will likely be revealed in following episodes.

Without the Inhumans background, it looks like the MCU may be drawing from another comic book origin: the Kree artifacts, known as Nega-Bands (which may have a link to 2023 film, The Marvels). They were worn by the original Captain Marvel as a source for cosmic powers in the comics. While this may or may not be what the show is hinting at, the fact is that the introduction of this bangle provides little intrigue (when it kind of seems pretty important for the entirety of the show). This mechanism of energy feels forced into the storyline, and there’s an almost comical lack of reaction to its potential for destruction.  

The Verdict: First Two Episodes Disappoint, But There’s Hope for the Series

While the first two episodes weren’t all that they could have been, all is not lost. For both loyal comic book fans and Ms. Marvel newcomers, there’s a lot of potential for this series. It’s a celebratory opportunity for a marginalized character to break the mold and show people that Black and Brown heroes are worthy of shows that depict them as dynamic, multifaceted and compelling. There’s work to do, but there are six episodes in total and these are only two. It’ll be thrilling to see if the show can morph and change into something truly cosmic. 

Ms. Marvel premieres on June 8, 2022, on Disney+ with new episodes releasing weekly. 

The post ‘Ms. Marvel’ Episodes 1 and 2 Review: Reaches High, But Fails to Meet Expectations So Far appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

The American superhero series was developed by Eric Kripke at Amazon Studios and based on the comic book series of the same name created by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson under Dark Horse Comics. The story follows Hughie Campbell Jr. (Jack Quaid), as he discovers that the superpowered beings (supes) with celebrity status that work for the corporation Vought International aren’t as heroic as the media portrays them to be. Haunted by a personal vendetta against the supe, A-Train (Jessie T. Usher), who accidentally killed his girlfriend while on drugs, Hughie joins “The Boys,” a group dedicated to taking down supes. 

The Boys are led by William “Billy” Butcher (Karl Urban), who hates all supes–especially, “the Seven,” an exclusive group of superhero elites led by the corrupt and violent supe, Homelander (Antony Starr). Season 3 continues right after the events of Season 2, as Homelander faces public scrutiny after being in a romantic relationship with a white supremacist supe named Stormfront (Aya Cash). As he works to smooth things over (or not) with fans, The Boys plan their next move to eliminate Homelander, but this time, by working for the government. As usual, things don’t go as planned for anyone, and chaos ensues. 

The particular catalyst for calamity this season comes from newcomer Soldier Boy (Jensen Ackles), and the history of the team he once led, called Payback. S3 is ambitious with new characters, fitting in comic book moments–like the famous supe orgy called Herogasm, including a musical number led by the usually mute character, Kimiko Miyashiro (Karen Fukuhara), and exploring Black Lives Matter, all while keeping the storyline cohesive. For the most part, S3 delivers on everything it teases and more. The Prime Video series packs a mean punch that will leave audiences with their jaws on the ground every single episode.

The Good: The Boys S3 is Deliciously Insane

While there may be an excessive amount of superhero shows out there, not one of them is like The Boys. The show serves as an obvious cautionary tale about the dangers of super-powered beings becoming celebrities, influencers, politicians, and even revered as gods. It warns that power ultimately corrupts people, especially when their actions go unpunished. However, the show goes further than a morality lesson by showing viewers some of the most immoral behavior their eyes have ever seen. It’s pretty fantastic.

S3 isn’t afraid to take things too far and aims to make fans uncomfortable yet thoroughly entertained. The balance of seriousness, violence, humor, sex, grotesque, loving moments, and completely new elements–is a hit. Yet, it could have easily been a mess with too many characters, storylines, and overall content. There’s a lot to cover this season, which could take away from what makes it unique, but each storyline is covered with care. Nothing is rushed, even minor characters get their time to shine under the sun. 

This season also sets up a possible S4 quite well, as it feels like a natural progression that can be put together with another installment. With so many issues presented, there’s no way that all loose ends could be tied up in S3, and that’s okay. The unpredictability is refreshing. Each character’s motives aren’t announced or overshared compared to other shows. There are some with plans that audiences aren’t privy to–which makes them even more dangerous and compelling. 

There are betrayals that many won’t see coming and twists that will blow minds. It’s not cliche. It’s not boring. It’s insane. For those looking for something that they can binge-watch from the edges of their seats–this is it.

Even the characters that some don’t like as much present some interesting moments and help to push the story forward (in a non-forced kind of way) or even as comic relief. Standout performances come from Antony Starr (Homelander), as usual, he masters being an all-powerful baby that throws disturbing tantrums when he can’t get his way. Beyond that, he continues to illustrate the absolute pain that comes with the pressure of being the “perfect” supe. Following his noteworthy portrayal, other standouts include Karl Urban as Butcher, Fukuhara (Kimiko), and Tomer Capon (Serge/Frenchie). 

The Bad: It Can Get Disturbing and Repetitive

While this is the third season and fans should know the drill by now — S3 takes on a new level of intensity. S1 and S2 were wrong in some of the best ways, but people may think that S3 is wrong in the worst ways. It’s fueled by gore and sex — often combining the two. It’s heavily graphic, and probably one of the most disturbing shows that people will ever see. So, not great for kids and even some adults. Proceed with caution and know that it may require some fast-forwarding or looking away for those that can’t stand extreme violence in ways they never imagined they’d see. 

In addition to the gore and sex, certain themes and discussions can also be triggering, as this season explores issues of racism, sexism, physical and emotional abuse, and more. Again, these aren’t novel to the series, but they take different turns this time. 

Occasionally, characters are so unbelievably delusional about their own power (or lack of it) that can be frustrating. It’s a cliche: weaker characters think they can do damage, but end up hurting the mission and self-sabotaging the team’s goal. They’re plot devices that serve to make things go wrong–but it gets a bit redundant at times. In a show with little innocence, naive characters (not including children) drag the authenticity down. 

Focus on media propaganda, interviews, and the overall image of Vought gets a lot of screen time. S3 throws supe propaganda out there left and right, and it may be tedious for some. Either that or people won’t believe how gullible the public is depicted to be. It’s a core part of S3, so if fans don’t like it—they’re in for some dull moments. 

The Verdict: The Boys S3 is Fulfillingly Twisted

Point blank: for those that loved previous seasons of The Boys that are down for things getting more graphic and messed up–this will likely be one of the best shows of the year. It’s more complicated than most super-hero shows while also being easy to binge-watch. Regardless of anyone’s comic book familiarity, it’s got a wealth of rewarding content that will be shocking, gross, and exhilarating at the same time. Most of all, at the center of everything going on this season, the show continues to have heart — even if it’s not attached to a body. 

The Boys S3 lands on Prime Video on June 3, 2022.

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