Shifter Selects: Black Messiahs, Broken Hearts + Bodycon Moments

Graphic by Samantha N. Olson. Photos from left to right: "Judas and the Black Messiah"/HBO Max, FendiiDoll/Pinterest, HYRA/Instagram.

Welcome to Shifter Selects, a new addition to our digital component where we’ll highlight the latest trends in music, film/TV and fashion. Here’s how it’ll go down: on Monday of every week, we’ll be on the lookout for trending topics and give our hot takes on the matter. Sound like something you’d be interested in? Look no further than our Shifter Selects for the week of Feb. 22–26.

"Judas and the Black Messiah" has taken the world by storm during Black history month and bodycon clothing is making a comeback. Also, how could we not talk about the new single by HYRA, one of our past Shifter Fest performers? Let's get into it.

Music

HYRA's new single "Broken Heart" serves 80s realness and catches the ear of Zane Lowe

by Camille Ruiz Mangual

Where to listen: Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube, Soundcloud, Tidal

Independent musician HYRA dropped her catchy fourth single “Broken Hearts” on Feb. 19. The 22-year-old Latina teamed up with Australian producer, Mastrada, to release a disco-style song she describes as a pop banger with an “80’s vibe.” Prior to its release, HYRA shared a bit of the song on TikTok, catching the attention of music journalist Zane Lowe who enjoyed its “deep disco four on the floor vibes.” In an interview with Early Rising, HYRA says that the story behind the lyrics is one of heartbreak and immediate remorse. HYRA also says she and her producer wanted the song to blend analog and electronic instrumental elements.

If you haven’t already heard the song, trust us, you’re going to be hooked.

Make sure to check out HYRA’s new single, follow HYRA on Instagram, and read our exclusive Shifter Fest Q+A with HYRA.

Film/TV

"Judas and the Black Messiah" and its powerful message

by Brianna Bradley

Where to watch: HBO Max (with subscription)

Photo by Glen Wilson/Warner Bros.

“Judas and the Black Messiah” is a biographical drama film about Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya), the chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party in Chicago during the late 1960s. William O’Neal (Lakeith Stanfield) was a 17-year-old criminal and FBI informant who went undercover to infiltrate the organization.

Although the BPP was portrayed as a Black-nationalist hate group by the American government, the film rewrites the narrative. Hampton and the BPP did not aim to terrorize or spread hate; in fact, members often provided food and medical care to the Black community. The Civil Rights Movement and the Black Lives Matter Movement show that change will come, but change will always be met with resistance.

The film premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival and hit theaters on February 12th. It is nominated for two Golden Globe Awards: Best Supporting Actor (Daniel Kaluuya) and Best Original Song (“Fight for You”). “Judas and the Black Messiah” brings Black power to the big screen.

Fashion

Cling-on Clothing by Valerie Galarza

by Valerie Galarza

Where to follow: Givenchy, Versace, David Koma, Tess Holliday, Ashley Graham

Show off your curves with the comeback of the year, body-hugging clothing. With a tight sensual dress, anybody can rock this iconic fashion look as seen on models such as Tess Holliday and Ashley Graham, who are known for being activists in body positivity.

“I get passed for opportunities quite a lot because of my height, size and tattoos,” Holliday said in an article for Elle Magazine. Holliday’s iconic white cut-out gown emblazoned with the phrase “sample size,” is still engraved in our minds as we look back at her bold fashion statements that promoted body positivity.

Body-hugging clothing knows no gender or size, so grab that tight-fitting dress you’ve been wanting to wear and stunt the streets with this iconic fit.

Want to keep up with the latest trends?

Tune in next Monday for our next installment of Shifter Selects!