Vixen: Black Beauty and Pop Culture

In this episode, we trace the history of JET’s Beauty of the Week feature, from its 1950's origins, through its cultural peak! We break down the conversations around colorism, sexuality, and representation that shaped page 43 of one of the most iconic and recognizable pieces of black media. You can keep up with all things Vixen by finding links at https://linktr.ee/thevixenmemoirs , and if yo...

In the early 2000s, Blu Cantrell stepped on the scene with the looks, the voice, the style, and a chart-topping debut. However, as rumors got louder and the industry shifted, she disappeared from the public eye. What happened? In this episode, we revisit Blu’s career and examine how talent can be overshadowed by headlines, and how quickly the GP moves on. Stay to the end for a personal update on w...

Back for a bonus episode! Join me as I talk with Danyel Smith, author, writer, and host of the Black Girl Songbook podcast about her brand new book, Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop!  We discuss the impactful careers of three of the many women highlighted in the book- Diana Ross,  Aretha Franklin, and Stephanie Mills. Later, we talk about Danyel's connection to thes...

On this season's film review finale episode, we talk about Southern Black Gothic movies centered around black girlhood- specifically Beloved and Eve's Bayou. We're back with a BRAND NEW SEASON on 5.11.22! ⁠ Instagram: @THEVIXENMEMOIRS Join the Book Club: WWW.THEVIXENMEMOIRS.COM Donate: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thevixenmemoirs Music: https://soundcloud.com/vhslogos   Submissio...

Today's episode is the second and final part of a two-part series on the history of black beauty pageants! This one talks about Miss Black USA, the uniqueness of the pageant's mission, and controversy over the years.  Instagram: @THEVIXENMEMOIRS Join the Book Club: WWW.THEVIXENMEMOIRS.COM Donate: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thevixenmemoirs Music: https://soundcloud.com/vhslogos   Sub...

Today's episode is the first part of a two-part series on the history of black beauty pageants! Today, we talk about the inception of Miss Black America pageant and how it progressed over the years. Instagram: @THEVIXENMEMOIRS Join the Book Club: WWW.THEVIXENMEMOIRS.COM Donate: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thevixenmemoirs Music: https://soundcloud.com/vhslogos   Submissions: VIXENPODCAST@G...

On this week's episode, we talk about the life and career of Zelda Wynn Valdes, her black starlet clientele, and the innovative moves she made to propel the fashion world forward.  Instagram: @THEVIXENMEMOIRS Join the Book Club: WWW.THEVIXENMEMOIRS.COM Donate: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thevixenmemoirs Music: https://soundcloud.com/vhslogos   Submissions: VIXENPODCAST@GMAIL.COM

Sadia Morrison was a promising, determined, young stylist and image consultant with a very bright future. Then, she was found behind the Highbridge Projects in the Bronx. What happened to Sadia? Trigger Warning: in this episode, we discuss the topics of suicide and murder. Instagram: @THEVIXENMEMOIRS Join the Book Club: WWW.THEVIXENMEMOIRS.COM Donate: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thevixenmemoir...

Today's episode talks about the short (or was it?) life of Esther 'Baby Esther' Jones, the young black singer, dancer, and entertainer who was the inspiration behind the iconic Betty Boop character. Instagram: @THEVIXENMEMOIRS Join the Book Club: WWW.THEVIXENMEMOIRS.COM Donate: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thevixenmemoirs Music: https://soundcloud.com/vhslogos   Submissions: VIXE...

This week we've got a bonus episode centered around the Black Girl Luxury phenomenon currently taking the Internet by storm. Where did it come from? What defines 'luxury'? Is the popularity of this 'movement' helpful or harmful (or a mix of both) for black girls?  Instagram: @THEVIXENMEMOIRS Join the Book Club: WWW.THEVIXENMEMOIRS.COM Donate: https://www.paypal.com/paypalm...

Today's episode is all about artist and muse Lithofayne Pridgon, also known as 'Fayne' or 'Faye.' We talk her childhood in Dirty Spoon, GA,  moving to the big city, and her relationships with Willie John, Sam Cooke, and of course, Jimi Hendrix.  Instagram: @THEVIXENMEMOIRS Join the Book Club: WWW.THEVIXENMEMOIRS.COM Donate: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thevixenmemoirs M...

Today we're talking Esther Baxter- one of the most recognizable and successful video vixens to ever do it! Let's talk about her early life, how she got into urban modeling, her acting career, and what she's up to now.  Tola Maria Life Coach: www.tolamariaadeyinka.com Instagram: @THEVIXENMEMOIRS Join the Book Club: WWW.THEVIXENMEMOIRS.COM Donate: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thevi...

Today's episode follows the life of Sudanese supermodel Alek Wek. We discuss her life in Wau, Sudan, being discovered in a market, and her ongoing career as a supermodel, muse, and humanitarian.  Tola Maria Life Coach: www.tolamariaadeyinka.com Get 20% OFF Single Sessions & 12% OFF Group  Sessions With Code: VIXEN Instagram: @THEVIXENMEMOIRS Join the Book Club: WWW.THEVIXENMEMOIRS.COM Don...

SEASON 5! Let's talk about short-lived 90's girl group duo, Zhane, their rise to fame, their breakup, and the success both members had outside of the group.   Ooo That's My Jam Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ooo-thats-my-jam/id1603100355?i=1000547444783 Tola Maria Life Coach: www.tolamariaadeyinka.com Get 20% OFF Single Sessions & 12% OFF Group  Sessions With Cod...

Halloween edition bonus episode, focusing on the real events that inspired the urban legend cult classic film, Candyman. Ruthie Mae McCoy was a poor, black woman living with schizophrenia in the Abbott Homes on the west side of Chicago when she was brutally murdered.  What happened? Tola Maria Life Coach: www.tolamariaadeyinka.com Get 20% OFF Single Sessions & 12% OFF Group  Sessions With CODE...

THE SEASON 4 FINALE IS HERE! This film review episode focuses on movies about black girl singing groups, specifically Dreamgirls and Sparkle! We will talk about the original Dreamgirls musical and movie remake, then get into the original Sparkle film and the 2012 remake, ending with the Instagram Story poll answers from y'all! I'll be BACK for SEASON FIVE (STILL can't believe it!) o...

Taking a break from the usual Vixen content for a bonus episode! This is all about the history of the legendary NYC hip-hop hotspot The Tunnel, the mega-club responsible for breaking many records, artists, and bottles.  Meet me here next Wednesday for the finale! 

Today's episode is all about Connie Fleming AKA Connie Girl- artist,  supermodel,  legendary figure of the downtown NYC scene, the most well-known nightclub door girl,  and so much more! Podcast Interview With Connie & Tracy Norman: https://soundcloud.com/neverapartmtl/radio-never-apart-connie-fleming-interviews-tracey-norman Tola Maria Life Coach: www.tolamariaadeyinka.com Get 20% OFF Si...

Back to blaxploitation! Today we discuss the lives and careers of 'blacktresses' and queens of the film genre, Brenda Sykes and Vonetta McGee. Tola Maria Life Coach: www.tolamariaadeyinka.com Get 20% OFF Single Sessions & 12% OFF Group  Sessions With CODE: VIXEN! Instagram: @THEVIXENMEMOIRS Join the Book Club: WWW.THEVIXENMEMOIRS.COM Submissions: VIXENPODCAST@GMAIL.COM Donate: https:...

Let's get into Nollywood's highest paid actress,  Genevieve Nnaji! Called "Nigeria's Julia Roberts" by Oprah, Genevieve is also an activist, producer, singer, director, a  true doll.  Tola Maria Life Coach: www.tolamariaadeyinka.com Get 20% OFF Single Sessions & 12% OFF Group  Sessions With CODE: VIXEN! Instagram: @THEVIXENMEMOIRS Join the Book Club: WWW.THEVIXENMEMOIR...

The story of the late, great Phyllis Hyman, a legend gone way too soon. We talk about her upbringing in Pittsburgh, how she worked the jazz circuit in Miami & ⁠NYC, getting signed, and more about her career and personal life. TW: this episode discusses drug ab*se, mental ab*se, depression, bipolar disorder, and suic*de. Please feel free to skip this episode if you feel you should. National Sui...

In the very first anniversary episode, I share some unreleased stories on Azizi Johari- former Playmate, model, and actress, as well as Marie Bryant, legendary professional dancer. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, VIXEN!!!! Tola Maria Life Coach: www.tolamariaadeyinka.com Get 20% OFF Single Sessions & 12% OFF Group  Sessions With CODE: VIXEN! Instagram: @THEVIXENMEMOIRS Join the Book Club: WWW.THEVIXENMEMOIRS....

Irish pop princess Samantha Mumba is the focus of today's episode- let's talk about her meteoric rise to fame, the transition to acting that might have hurt her, her juicy love life, and what she's up to now! Tola Maria Life Coach: www.tolamariaadeyinka.com Get 20% OFF Single Sessions & 12% OFF Group  Sessions With CODE: VIXEN Instagram: @THEVIXENMEMOIRS Join the Book Club: WWW....

Thelma Wright was pretty, popular, and a promising athlete.  After her beloved husband, drug  kingpin Jackie Wright was murdered, Thelma was left behind to pick up the pieces, becoming quite the queenpin in her own right. Tola Maria Life Coach: www.tolamariaadeyinka.com Get 20% OFF Single Sessions & 12% OFF Group  Sessions With CODE: VIXEN Instagram: @THEVIXENMEMOIRS Join the Book Club: WWW.TH...

This episode focuses in on Jacki-O, Miami-born hardcore femme rapper turned minister. We discuss her fast rise to stardom, beef with another rap star, label troubles, and how she found religion. Tola Maria Life Coach: www.tolamariaadeyinka.com Get 20% OFF Single Sessions & 12% OFF Group  Sessions With CODE: VIXEN Instagram: @THEVIXENMEMOIRS Join the Book Club: WWW.THEVIXENMEMOIRS.COM Submissio...