Jay-Z has designed a shirt in homage of legendary African-American tennis star Arthur Ashe. A customized Rocawear Arthur Ashe shirt will be sold during this year’s U.S. Open in New York. The customized shirt marks the 40th anniversary of the National Junior Tennis and Learning Network, a tennis organization Ashe co-founded. “I am thrilled that someone of Jay-Z’s stature would take part in this project,” said Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe, Arthur Ashe’s widow. “This shirt will honor the legacy of my husband and remind people of his contributions to both the sport of tennis and this country’s underprivileged youth.” Proceeds from the sales of the shirt will be donated to Arthur Ashe Endowment for the Defeat of AIDS. The U.S. Open takes place August 31-September 13 in Flushing, New York.
Rap star Nelly expanded his Apple Bottom clothing line last weekend when he launched a boutique area inside of department store, Dillard’s. The rapper attended a meet and greet at the Dillard’s inside of The Galleria Mall, where he signed autographs and merchandise to promote the new Apple Bottom boutique. Nelly’s clothing line is sold in Dillard’s and other department stores throughout the United States. He is currently planning the launch of an Apple Bottom’s fragrance, which will retail for $58. Nelly launched Apple Bottom in 2004 with his cousin Yomi Martin and business partner Ian Kelly.
Fabolous has been tapped to headline the 9th Annual New Jersey Reggae Fest this year in Newark, New Jersey. Fabolous will be featured alongside popular dancehall and reggae acts like Buju Banton, Beenie Man, Machel Montano and others. The event, which takes place at Newark’s Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium, is being produced by G City Entertainment, CCB International, Icon World Entertainment and Race Entertainment. “This year, we wanted to focus on the international appeal of Caribbean musicians,” stated co-promoter Race Grant of Race Entertainment. “There are many Hip-Hop artists of Caribbean decent that have made huge strides in the American music landscape. The ‘founder’ of Hip Hop is Jamaican immigrant. This show brings the best of the Caribbean to Bears Stadium-both from the Caribbean and from the Caribbean-American community.” The 9th Annual New Jersey Reggae Fest tales place Sunday (September 20). Tickets are priced between $39.99-$99.99.