Naptural's Traveling With Natural Hair Video

"This video was inspired by all the traveling I did last month! There were a lot of events, so I had to be prepared for any natural hair disasters I might come across! I've made some mistakes along the way, but I learned some great tips on how to organize my luggage and what to pack for my natural hair, as well as how to wear my hair to the airport! I hope this helps you pack for your next vacation or big event!" -  Naptural85

Nico & Vinz Music Video - Am I Wrong

I am  in love with the new song and video from Nico & Vinz called "Am I Wrong". Not only are they singers talented with a great song, the video is also visually appealing and unique.

"The video for "Am I Wrong" was filmed in Botswana. It was put together in a deliberate effort to present a positive side of Africa when the image of the continent is too often mired in negative news stories." - Wikapedia. The song also has a great message of thinking outside of the box and not following the crowd.   To learn more about the singers, go to their website Nico & Vince.

A Lady Named Pearl

Linda Pearl Fils-Aime, also known as A Lady Named Pearl, was born and raised in Miami, FL to parents that migrated from Haiti to the United States.  Pearl started rapping when she was 19 years old after singing background vocals in a studio.  �As I heard the rapper deliver his rhymes,� she recalls, �I thought to myself, this is something that I would like to do.�  That night, she went home and wrote her first 8 bars. The next day, she went to that same studio and asked the producer if she could record the rhymes she wrote. He let her, and when she walked out the booth, he gave her the name "Black Pearl.� Pearl�s 8 bar rhyme was added to a song that later landed on the radio, and her rap career was born. Pearl�s hip hop style is infused with Jazz, African, and Caribbean influences, while blending empowering lyrics with beauty and style. She credits Lauryn Hill, Grace Jones, and Fela as her major influences.

In June 2012, Pearl released her debut album "Transformation"executive produced by Daz-I-Kue of Bugz In The Attic, to glowing reviews. Of the album�s 12 tracks, Pearl states that track number 3, titled �Natural,� is her favorite. The first single from the album, �Natural� pays homage to the natural beauties of the world and has a real connection with audiences. But, the song has an even deeper connection to its writer.

In 2010, Pearl went natural.  �My hair was damaged from chemicals, and I became frustrated. I was wearing wigs to hide the damage,� Pearl remembers.  �After a while, I reached a point, where I no longer wanted to put chemicals in my hair, I no longer wanted to wear wigs or weaves, so I did the big chop.� Pearl refers to this decision as one of the best decisions that she�s made in her life.  �I have found my identity, and I love who I am.�

Going natural has also benefited her career as she has found an audience that shares her values. �I have a unique look, and it's me, no hiding under anything artificial.�  In addition to being a performing artist, a model, and a professor, Pearl also serves as "2013 World's Next Top Natural Hair Model," sponsored by Taliah Waajid. This title helps her spread her advocacy.

Pearl does not feel pressured into conforming into mainstream media�s image of beauty because she is happiest with her current image.  �The youth motivates me to maintain my image,� she says.  �I want them to know that it's not all about weaves. You have options, and you can still be fly, sexy, and cool, rocking your natural hair.� 

For more updates on Pearl, please visit her website at http://www.aladynamedpearl.com.    ~ Written by Kentrice Rush

Aevin Dugas - Holds record for the biggest Afro

A link to this story was just shared with me today. It is about Aevin Dugas who has the world record for the largest Afro.

"Aevin Dugas of New Orleans, Louisiana holds the Guinness World Record for largest natural afro entering the book with an astounding 4 foot 4 inch circumference. Ms. Dugas� afro is larger than a disco ball and Guinness says that it�s so sizable that she could fit the world�s shortest man inside her hairstyle. The 38-year-old social worker has grown her hair for over 14 years and credits her mother as her first inspiration to go natural saying, �My mom has this picture of her with an afro before I was born, and I thought it was such a cute picture. I was like, �Ooh, when I go natural, I want to wear my hair like my mom.��

But at one time Aevin wished for bone straight hair and got perms which resulted in chemical burns on her scalp. After that she swore off chemicals and went natural sporting the style she wears today. Aevin told the Daily Mail, �I don�t know why, but there�s something very important to me about little girls appreciating my hair and then wanting to wear their hair the same.� As proud as Aevin is of her luscious locks, she also concedes to the downsides of her crowing glory like difficulty with peripheral vision while driving, getting hooked in trees she passes, and getting caught in people�s drinks at clubs. The record holder explained, �I don�t wear it like this on an airplane because people would probably slap me, because it touches people. I�ve had somebody want to beat me up at a concert,� adding, �So it can be kind of problematic, but I still wouldn't change a thing about it.��

To learn more about Aevin, check her out on The Bragg Group. 

~ Sources: Aevin on Facebook