Vera Ellen Wang is an American fashion designer. Wang initially pursued a career in figure skating before transitioning to fashion. She worked for Vogue and Ralph Lauren before launching her own bridal gown boutique in 1990.
Shawn Corey Carter, known professionally as Jay-Z, is an American rapper, businessman, and record executive. Rooted in East Coast hip-hop, he was named the greatest rapper of all time by Billboard and Vibe in 2023. Known for his complex lyrical ability—which often uses double entendres and word play—and braggadocio, his music is built upon a rags to riches narrative. He served as president and chief executive officer of Def Jam Recordings from 2004 to 2007, and founded the entertainment company Roc Nation the following year.
Ye is an American rapper and record producer. One of the most prominent figures in hip-hop, he is known for his varying musical style and polarizing cultural and political commentary. After dropping out of college to pursue a career in music, West began producing for regional artists in the Chicago area. As an in-house producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, he co-produced albums including Jay-Z's The Blueprint (2001) before signing with the label as a recording artist. West's debut studio album, The College Dropout (2004), was met with critical acclaim and yielded the Billboard Hot 100-number one single "Slow Jamz". He peaked the chart on four other occasions with the singles "Gold Digger" (2005), "Stronger" (2007), "E.T.", and "Carnival" (2024).
Harold "Hype" Williams is an American music video and film director, film producer, and screenwriter.
The BET Awards are an American award show that was established in 2001 by the Black Entertainment Television network to celebrate Black entertainers and other minorities in music, film, sports and philanthropy. The awards, which are presented annually, are broadcast live on BET. The annual presentation ceremony features performances by artists; some of the awards of more popular interest are presented in a televised ceremony.
Casandra Elizabeth Ventura, known mononymously as Cassie, is an American singer, dancer, actress, and model. Born in New London, Connecticut, she began her musical career after meeting producer Ryan Leslie in late 2004, who signed her to his record label, NextSelection Lifestyle Group. She was then discovered by rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs, who signed her to a joint venture with his label, Bad Boy Records, to commercially release her 2006 debut single, "Me & U". The song marked the first of her two entries on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number three.
Go Fug Yourself is a comedy blog devoted to fashion gossip.
Keep a Child Alive (KCA) is a nonprofit organization that provides healthcare, housing, and other support services to HIV/AIDS-affected communities in Africa and India. Co-founded by Leigh Blake and Alicia Keys, the organization aims to "realize the end of AIDS for children and families, by combating the physical, social and economic impacts of HIV." Keep a Child Alive organizes the annual fundraiser gala The Black Ball, established in 2004, where celebrities and philanthropists gather to support and raise awareness for the cause. Since the first Black Ball, the organization has raised over $28.7 million for HIV/AIDS treatment.
Media Take Out is a blog-style gossip website mainly focused on entertainment and celebrity news involving African American topics and celebrities.
Kimberly Noel Kardashian is an American media personality, socialite, and businesswoman. She first gained media attention as a friend and stylist of Paris Hilton, but received wider notice after the sex tape Kim Kardashian, Superstar, which she filmed in 2003 with her then-boyfriend Ray J, was released in 2007. Later that year, she and her family began to appear on the E! reality television series Keeping Up with the Kardashians, which aired until 2021. Its success led to the formation of two spin-offs and a successor show; Kourtney and Kim Take New York (2011–2012), Kourtney and Kim Take Miami (2009–2013), and Hulu's The Kardashians (2022–present).
Johnny Nuñez is a celebrity photographer turned entrepreneur. He is the founder of Nubuzzphoto and Cofounder of Followback.com. He has gained popularity in celebrity circles, including Hollywood actors, musicians, athletes, and other notable stars.
Lorraine Schwartz is an American bespoke high jewellery designer. She has designed jewelleries for a host of famous female celebrities including Beyoncé, Blake Lively and Kim Kardashian. In 2009, Angelina Jolie wore to the Oscars a pair of emerald earrings designed by Schwartz, valued at $2.5 million.
The 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, honoring the best music videos from the previous year between June 2008 to June 2009, were presented on September 13, 2009, at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City, and televised by MTV. The ceremony was hosted by Russell Brand for the 2nd consecutive year.
GK Reid is an American producer and Chief Communications Officer, known for his work across industries with the top celebrities from David Bowie to Rihanna and Lady Gaga, to the biggest global brands, producing films, communications strategies, music videos, ads, marketing campaigns and commercials, especially for innovative creative direction and regenerative sustainability and social impact projects. Constantly working around the world, he was raised between sword-fighting school with Nahangs in India, and learning healing arts with his Curandera mother in New Mexico, before moving to New York.
LaQuan Smith is an American fashion designer and founder and chief executive officer of womenswear clothing brand LaQuan Smith, LLC. He is based in New York City.
Clear heels are high-heeled footwear made from a transparent material.
Daniel White is an American magician, producer, and creative consultant. In March 2015, White began performing a headline show produced by Theory11 at The NoMad Hotel in New York City, titled "The Magician at The NoMad." The critically acclaimed show has been featured in Vanity Fair, Wall Street Journal, and 12 times on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
Michael Costello is an American fashion designer and reality television personality. He appeared on the eighth season of Project Runway and the first season of Project Runway All Stars.
Djakarta Jacobs, better known mononymously as Djakarta, is an American contemporary artist, comedian and actress. She is often mistaken for a persona she developed named "Deena Jacobs," who has appeared on numerous reality shows including Divorce Court, Dr. Drew’s Lifechangers, RuPaul's Drag U and H8R as well as her YouTube rants which are featured on blogs such as The Huffington Post, Perez Hilton, Bossip and Sister2Sister.
Jason Lee is an American podcaster, reality television star, philanthropist, and entertainment businessperson. He is the founder of Hollywood Unlocked, and former host of the podcast Hollywood Unlocked with Jason Lee and the television series The Jason Lee Show. He gained popularity for his recurring appearances in the reality series Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood. In November 2024, Lee was elected to the city council of Stockton, California, his hometown.
