As we enter the latter half of 2020, it's safe to say that you made it, sis.
This year hasn't been all rainbows and butterflies but you've managed to block the bullshit with your head held high and if nobody has told you today, I'm proud of you. Amidst a pandemic and global protests, you're still standing––but every now and then, you need to sit your ass down on your favorite piece of lounge furniture and catch up on the all of the new Black AF titles on Netflix and xoNecole has you all the way covered.
For everything that's new and Black AF on Netflix this July, scroll below!
I Am Not Your Negro (July 1)
I Am Not Your Negro
I'ma let y'all finish, but James Baldwin was one of the greatest American orators of all time and in I Am Not Your Negro, director Raoul Peck takes an in-depth look at his last work before his death.
A Thousand Words (July 1)
A Thousand Words
We all have that friend who could stand to learn a thing or two about the solace that can be found in silence and if you don't, you're that friend. In this 2012 comedy co-starring Kerry Washington, we see Eddie Murphy as a new father, husband, and big-time industry exec who couldn't keep his mouth shut if his life depended on it.
Double Platinum (July 1)
Double Platinum
As an early's 90s baby, I can admit that I was today-years-old when I learned that Brandy and Diana Ross starred in a film together and now that it's made its way onto the streaming platform, I plan to get my entire life.
Ali (July 1)
Ali
Starring Jada Pinkett and Will Smith, this 2001 biopic about one of the greatest boxers to ever live is now streaming.
Shaft (July 1)
Shaft
This 1970s blaxploitation classic starring a young Richard Roundtree will give you all the nostalgia and then some.
This Christmas (July 1)
This Christmas
Netflix just gave us Christmas in July with a 2007 romantic comedy featuring an all-star cast including but not limited to Chris Brown, Lauren London, Regina King, and Idris Elba that will put you all the way in the holiday spirit.
Only (July 5)
Only
When a viral disease kills every woman on the planet, a couple isn't far along on their quest for survival before they are met with unforeseeable danger.
A Kid From Coney Island (July 6)
A Kid From Coney Island
I may not know much about sports, but I do know that Netflix does not come to play when it comes to their documentaries, and A Kid From Coney Island is no exception. Chronicling the rise and fall of former NBA hard-hitter, Stephon Marbury, this film is proof that men need mental self-care, too.
The Old Guard (July 10)
THE OLD GUARD (2020)
Current circumstances have us all ready to open up a can of whoop-ass, and thanks to the latest Netflix Original superhero film The Old Guard, you can live vicariously through Charlize Theron and KiKi Layne as they do exactly that.
Fatal Affair Starring (July 16)
Think Fatal Attraction. But Black. And in reverse. In a thriller featuring Nia Long and Stephen Bishop, Omar Epps gives us big stalker energy when a regrettable one night stand turns into a living nightmare.
Cursed (July 17)
Netflix
While this Netflix original series is only slightly melanated, the historical drama junkie in your life will live for this coming-of-age story starring Shalom Brune-Franklin and Devon Terrell (Barry) as a young King Arthur.
The Last Dance (July 19)
ESPN
The ESPN 10-part Michael Jordan-inspired documentary series that intimately detailed the ball player's professional journey and gave the internet memes for days is finally hitting the streaming service on July 19.
The Remix: Hip Hop x Fashion (July 22)
The Remix: Hip Hop x Fashion
In a documentary detailing the impact of fashion pioneers Misa Hylton and April Walker, The Remix: Hip Hop X Fashion sheds light on the unsung story of how these women virtually created the art of streetwear and changed the industry forever.
Shameless: Season 10 (July 26)
Shameless
If you need a break from the real-life drama and are ready to dive into some on-screen mess, I'd strongly recommend that you pull up to the Gallagher household. Returning for its second-to-last season, this dysfunctional family TV drama is guaranteed to make you feel helluva lot better about your own life.
Seriously Single (July 31)
Seriously Single
Being alone doesn't mean you have to be lonely, just ask the South African stars of Netflix's latest comedy who, after a couple of rocky breakups, are seriously about that single life.
The Umbrella Academy: Season 2 (July 31)
Netflix
Last year, the Netflix Original sci-fi drama series The Umbrella Academy took the internet by storm, and at the end of this month, our weird and dysfunctional family of teenaged superheroes are returning for a second season.
Featured image by Double Platinum.
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In a xoNecoleexclusive, the iconic actress opens up about embracing this season of her life, new projects, and overall being a “bad motherfucker.” Gabrielle reveals that she was 37 years old when she was diagnosed with perimenopause and is still going through it at 51 years old. Mayo Clinic says perimenopause “refers to the time during which your body makes the natural transition to menopause, marking the end of the reproductive years.”
“I haven't crossed over the next phase just yet, but I think part of it is when you hear any form of menopause, you automatically think of your mother or grandmother. It feels like an old-person thing, but for me, I was 37 and like not understanding what that really meant for me. And I don't think we focus so much on the word menopause without understanding that perimenopause is just the time before menopause,” she tells us.
Gabrielle Union
Photo by Brian Thomas
"But you can experience a lot of the same things during that period that people talk about, that they experienced during menopause. So you could get a hot flash, you could get the weight gain, the hair loss, depression, anxiety, like all of it, mental health challenges, all of that can come, you know, at any stage of the menopausal journey and like for me, I've been in perimenopause like 13, 14 years. When you know, most doctors are like, ‘Oh, but it's usually about ten years, and I'm like, ‘Uhh, I’m still going (laughs).’”
Conversations about perimenopause, fibroids, and all the things that are associated with women’s bodies have often been considered taboo and thus not discussed publicly. However, times are changing, and thanks to the Gabrielle’s and the Tia Mowry’s, more women are having an authentic discourse about women’s health. These open discussions lead to the creation of more safe spaces and support for one another.
“I want to be in community with folks. I don't ever want to feel like I'm on an island about anything. So, if I can help create community where we are lacking, I want to be a part of that,” she says. “So, it's like there's no harm in talking about it. You know what I mean? Like, I was a bad motherfucker before perimenopause. I’m a bad motherfucker now, and I'll be a bad motherfucker after menopause. Know what I’m saying? None of that has to change. How I’m a bad motherfucker, I welcome that part of the change. I'm just getting better and stronger and more intelligent, more wise, more patient, more compassionate, more empathetic. All of that is very, very welcomed, and none of it should be scary.”
The Being Mary Jane star hasn’t been shy about her stance on therapy. If you don’t know, here’s a hint: she’s all for it, and she encourages others to try it as well. She likens therapy to dating by suggesting that you keep looking for the right therapist to match your needs. Two other essential keys to her growth are radical transparency and radical acceptance (though she admits she is still working on the latter).
"I was a bad motherfucker before perimenopause. I’m a bad motherfucker now, and I'll be a bad motherfucker after menopause. Know what I’m saying? None of that has to change. How I’m a bad motherfucker, I welcome that part of the change."
Gabrielle Union and Kaavia Union-Wade
Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images
“I hope that a.) you recognize that you're not alone. Seek out help and know that it's okay to be honest about what the hell is happening in your life. That's the only way that you know you can get help, and that's also the only other way that people know that you are in need if there's something going on,” she says, “because we have all these big, very wild, high expectations of people, but if they don't know what they're actually dealing with, they're always going to be failing, and you will always be disappointed. So how about just tell the truth, be transparent, and let people know where you are. So they can be of service, they can be compassionate.”
Gabrielle’s transparency is what makes her so relatable, and has so many people root for her. Whether through her TV and film projects, her memoirs, or her social media, the actress has a knack for making you feel like she’s your homegirl. Scrolling through her Instagram, you see the special moments with her family, exciting new business ventures, and jaw-dropping fashion moments. Throughout her life and career, we’ve seen her evolve in a multitude of ways. From producing films to starting a haircare line to marriage and motherhood, her journey is a story of courage and triumph. And right now, in this season, she’s asking, “What’s next?”
“This is a season of discovery and change. In a billion ways,” says the NAACP Image Award winner. “The notion of like, ‘Oh, so and so changed. They got brand new.’ I want you to be brand new. I want me to be brand new. I want us to be always constantly growing, evolving. Having more clarity, moving with different purpose, like, and all of that is for me very, very welcomed."
"I want you to be brand new. I want me to be brand new. I want us to be always constantly growing, evolving. Having more clarity, moving with different purpose, like, and all of that is for me very, very welcomed."
She continues, “So I'm just trying to figure out what's next. You know what I mean? I'm jumping into what's next. I'm excited going into what's next and new. I'm just sort of embracing all of what life has to offer.”
Look out for Gabrielle in the upcoming indie film Riff Raff, which is a crime comedy starring her and Jennifer Coolidge, and she will also produce The Idea of You, which stars Anne Hathaway.
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Feature image by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images
We got a chance to speak to some influencers and stars about their ComplexCon experience and what “culture” meant to them. Those among many who joined the conversation included the cast of Netflix’s hit show Love is Blind. Newlywed Brent Brown, a prominent figure in the fashion industry, emphasizes the importance of embracing differences and bringing people from diverse backgrounds together. He states, "It's like a constant thing that can bring people from all over different backgrounds together. This feels like the epicenter of Culture."
Marshall Glaze, a strong advocate for street culture, believes that there is no better culture than street culture. This mindset reflects the power of authenticity and staying true to oneself. Kwame Appiah, another influential figure, sees culture as a reflection of one's internal state. He finds it beautiful to witness the self-expression and creativity at ComplexCon, stating, "It's like bringing Ghana with me."
Luka SabbatPhoto courtesy of Complex
Luka Sabbat, a renowned fashion influencer, actor, and model, believes that culture is whatever people make it. He lives in his own world and does not conform to societal norms. This individualistic approach showcases the diversity and uniqueness of the cultural landscape at ComplexCon. He was there exhibiting a recreation of the living room from his hotel room in the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles.
Sustainable brands like Murd333r.FM, owned by Tate M. and Bloody Osiris, are actively participating in ComplexCon once again. They prioritize sustainability by reusing old pieces and working with a women-owned operation in Turkey. Tate explains, "We source these hoodies from Turkey, it's 100% organic Turkish cotton. We don't source our stuff from China, it's all coming from Turkey and other places that have sustainable systems in place and pay a living wage." This commitment to sustainability is evident even in their pricing strategy, as they cap their prices at $333 to ensure affordability for consumers and to provide brand consistency.
ComplexCon is not just about fashion and sneakers (though anybody who knows anything about sneakers and fashion was in the building) but also a hub for art and food culture. The event showcases an array of creative and innovative artwork and installations, including cover artist Nicky Chulo, and exhibits that cater to the diverse interests of attendees. From eye-catching paintings and sculptures to interactive digital installations, ComplexCon aims to provide a platform for art that pushes boundaries and sparks conversations.
When it comes to food, ComplexCon offers a unique culinary experience by inviting some of the most sought-after eateries and food vendors. From trendy food trucks to famous restaurants, attendees can indulge in a wide variety of cuisines, ranging from gourmet burgers and tacos to exotic fusion dishes. One food highlight was Hot One's collaboration with Hot Pocket, debuting four new incredible spicy flavors. Hot Ones is a talk show hosted by Sean Evans, produced by First We Feast, and Complex Media, created by Chris Schonberger. Hot Pockets is a cultural classic.
Lauren LondonPhoto courtesy of Complex
Additionally, ComplexCon has become known for its brand collaborations, particularly between designers and celebrity guests. This year, renowned artists and musicians like Chris Brown and Jim Jones joined forces with notable fashion brands to create limited-edition collections exclusively available at the event. Chris Brown with The Auracles, and after 20 years, Dipset reunited with B.B. Simon. These collaborations not only demonstrate the intersection of fashion and music but also give fans and attendees the opportunity to own one-of-a-kind pieces that combine the artistic visions of their favorite celebrities and designers.
ComplexCon is not just about celebrating culture and sustainability; it also serves as a platform for influential voices to share their messages. T.I., a highly respected Grammy-nominated rapper, emphasizes the importance of authenticity and sharing one's lifestyle organically. He states, "Being authentic to how you live and sharing that lifestyle, that mindset, that perspective with others organically. Sharing it by being the example of how you live your life." T.I. has made groundbreaking moves in the music and entertainment industry and he's currently promoting his new independent film Da’Partments, which stars himself, Lil Duvall, DC Young Fly, and his son King Harris.
In a lighthearted conversation between Funny Marco and Speedy Morman, the importance of not chasing money is highlighted. Funny Marco shares the valuable lesson he learned from his former manager, Ray, stating, "Do not chase money." He believes that true success lies in waking up every day and doing what you love, rather than focusing on material possessions. He gave himself flowers during the interview but also gave fans a hint that he might be changing his name from Funny Marco to his real name Marco Summers, but he has to earn that right.
Many of your favorite celebrities were simply walking around buying and ingesting the environment, like Luh Tyler, Xzibit, YG, Swaggy P, Russell Westbrook, who was spotted with his son, social media star La’Ron Hines, Kid Cudi, who headline Sunday night, and millennial childhood favorite Barney, made an appearance.
As ComplexCon continues to grow and evolve, it remains a symbol of cultural expression, sustainability, and economic growth. Speedy Morman expresses his excitement about being a part of ComplexCon, stating, "Feels incredible, happy to be here, dream come true." He envisions an even brighter future for the event, saying, "ComplexCon 2023... movie. And if you're not here this year, come next year. It will be even more lit."
Speedy has had some of the most entertaining and informative interviews in the last few years, including his recent sit-down with Rick Ross and Meek Mill. And who can forget his hilarious moment with Ray J and his Raycon glasses? Speedy Morman is one of the voices pushing the culture as it stands and one of Complex’s star players.
In conclusion, ComplexCon 2023 promises to be a cultural phenomenon that merges art, design, sustainability, and star power. This event serves as a testament to the importance of embracing diversity, staying true to oneself, and prioritizing sustainability. By doing so, we can create a brighter future for our economy, environment, and quality of life.
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Feature image courtesy of Complex
