Happy Monday, UpRising fam! As we proceed to give you what you need, we present a curated collection of the relevant short and long reads you’re gonna want to consume as you head into a new week. This batch of stories from around the ‘net covers film, fashion, and music — the perfect mix for watercooler convo (or that two to three minutes of small talk before your morning Zoom meeting.). Get into it below.
Davido Does It Again [Vibe]
The Atlanta-born, Lagos-bred Afrobeats singer sat down with journalist Ivie Ani to discuss his legacy, regrets, and upcoming album, Oriadé.
Black Panther 3 Isn’t Recasting Chadwick Boseman. It’s Wrestling With His Legacy. [Andscape]
An examination of how actor David Jonsson will step into T’Challa’s suit in Black Panther 3 — and how his coronation will complement his predecessors to the throne.
Meet Nicolás García, The Colombian Designer Who Just Made History at Milan Fashion Week [We Are Mitu]
Last month, Nicolás García presented its Spring/Summer collection, “Latin Dreamers,” on the official Milan Fashion Week calendar of Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana, becoming the first Colombian fashion brand in history to do so. Get to know the man behind the Garcias brand.
In China, People Are Renting Out Their Faces to AI [Rest of World]
A growing number of online Chinese platforms are paying people anywhere between $15 and $700 to license their likeness for AI-generated content.
How the Durag Beat Both Respectability Politics and Gentrification [Level]
Tuskegee University trended this week after implementing a new dress code for the 2026-2027 academic year that bans bonnets and durags in classrooms, dining facilities, and official university events. This reported narrative traces the history of the beloved headwrap, from shunned to celebrated and back again.
The 10 Best-Dressed WNBA Players Right Now [Complex]
These professional hoopers are dripping before ever stepping foot onto a court. Complex crowns the most stylish woman of all.