This Soundcheck is brought to you by naps, locs, kinks and coils (like everything else on this site!). dead prez released a video for a song this week called “The Beauty Within” that celebrates the beauty of natural hair. With lyrics like, “Real Black girl, I salute your existence,” this is definitely a new favorite in the Garden. Watch the official video below and support these honorary earthBrothas who support us. Some of the lyrics: this Hollywood world so pretentious every other girl got a perm or extensions but you don even rarely wear lipstick still your beauty is...

Ah, yes. Spring. Rebirth. As we emerge from a harsh, bitter winter, let’s look back on the birth of earthSista ISIS as she takes a refreshing stroll through one of the Garden’s secret paths. This set is relaxed and easy, with playful sunlight and delicate poses. ISIS declares who she is, and the camera captures her awakening. Bookmark on Delicious Digg this post Recommend on Facebook share via Reddit Share with Stumblers Tumblr it Tweet about it Subscribe to the comments on this post

As I was digging in the archives, I came across this image set featuring Shells, one of the models at Apache. The way she held her head was striking, and as I began to read further, I saw that Vince had noted it as well: My thinking on Shells is that her head is never down. And before I knew who she was and what she was doing, she was beautiful to me in that way. Yep. Her head is most definitely never down, and after reading some more about her, I found out why. Her background is as unique and beautiful as she is. On this night at Apache, she became an inspiration for the Garden. Bookmark on...

Carolyn Grady of RhythmLife Entertainment, shared her love of this particular mix by DJ Rahdu of BamaLoveSoul. BamaLoveSoul is a Movement created to change the perception that everyone in Alabama listens to a certain type of music, BamaLoveSoul has become so much more! Its contributors have become highly regarded international taste makers, who help shed light on new artists & sounds to a community with discerning taste. Its a smooth mix of some old school soulful music of the Roots and I was curious as how it might enhance the experience of this beautiful image set. What do you think? Bookmark...

by earthSista Kire Na RepJA could not have chosen a better set of models. The ladies and gentlemen of Pangea’s Garden were up early that Sunday morning in June to grace the internationally expressed fashions of RepJA! This vibrant and colorfully cultivated and edgy clothing line blends into its style the language, music, and dances of Jamaica with an American twist.  The models were up for the task of showcasing the Pangea’s Garden natural essence, while accentuating RepJA’s Caribbean flair in fashion. RepJA is young, hip, and up-to-date, yet speaks to the tastes of fashion lovers. Spanning...

I moved to Atlanta almost three years ago convinced that the Deep South’s biggest “black” city would give me a home with a black cultural pulse unlike any other.  She hasn’t disappointed me yet; from historically black orchestras to Sweet Auburn (which is this weekend!) to the newly reinstated Freaknik, Atlanta continually showcases the vibrant creativity we possess.  When I heard there was a convention for natural hair lovers, I could only smile.  In April, I went to my first World Natural Hair Health and Beauty Show, my afro reaching toward the sun, excited to see exactly...

heritage’s mark… revisiting the beauty of Trinette and the vision of Chi-Rue99. Trinette and Chi-Rue99 captures continue in this momentary homage to family. Along with the rest of their extraordinary captures Trinette’s form and beauty is the elaborate personal family tree that decorates her back. A lovely tree made of the linage of generations of Trinette’s family is captured expertly by Chi’s lens, portraying these marks on form artitstically and sensually. To see more of the works of Chi-Rue99 Photography you can go here and here. To see more of...

Antiquity is back on the bridge again. One must realize that although you have burned one bridge doesn’t mean you can’t build another somewhere else. As the sun embraces her, she recognizes that her possibilities are endless. Her future is as beautiful as the 5 o’ clock sun and she must embrace it. She stands beautifully exuberating strength and prosperity. She knows that God has her best interest at heart and would never give her more than she can bear. With humility, strength, confidence, and faith she sets foot on the bridge again toward success. Antiquity: normally used...

“a moment with the uniquely beautiful and terribly kinky…” That’s the mantra behind the works created by Chi-Rue99 Photography and Trinette the model. This set of images is the first of a two part set. To see more of the works of Chi-Rue99 Photography you can go here and here. To see more of Trinette, you can go here. Bookmark on Delicious Digg this post Recommend on Facebook share via Reddit Share with Stumblers Tumblr it Tweet about it Subscribe to the comments on this post

the words of the Imperial Goddess… “My main goal is to live life to my best ability, just to be happy, and feel happy about what I become in the future.” “I let Got take my life in his hands… Whatever he has in store for me, thats what I will become. I don’t set goals, because you live your life trying to fulfill those goals and by doing that you let so many opportunities pass you by.” “Don’t be afraid to change coarse, do it passionately and you’ll find your way.” “I display my natural crown for all to see.” Nerissa...