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Why Usher’s visit to the disgraced Russell Simmons was a betrayal – Andscape

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One of my first big freelance assignments was an 800-word tribute to the music mogul and visionary I assumed I wanted to be after I grew up. The article was about his achievements before some award he would receive. It was about how I admired his ingenuity and greatness.

The article was about Russell Simmons.

Simmons, co-founding father of the hip-hop label Def Jam Recordings, has been around ever since accused of sexual assault and harassment by multiple women and was the subject of a documentary about these accusations. He also decided to spend the previous couple of years in Bali – with some speculation that he was living there to avoid the legal consequences he would face if he stayed in America.

Since taking day off, Simmons has openly surrounded himself with celebrity friends, despite the accusations leveled at him. a syndicated radio show had him as a guest, affectionately calling him Uncle Russ in 2020. Rappers Redman and The human method they featured it on their Verzuz in 2021 Actress Taraji P. Henson I took smiling photos with him in Bali last 12 months. A brand new, unexpected name was added to Simmons’ guest list: singer-songwriter Usher.

Every time the star poses in public with Simmons, it means greater than just supporting a friend. It’s public support. Usher should know that lending his fame to Simmons is greater than just hanging out with a friend, it’s a public declaration that he stands by a man whose trials will more than likely happen only in the court of public opinion. For Usher to do that at the height of his popularity and fame is beyond disappointing. This is betrayal.

This situation and our response to it’ll test our resolve to hold celebrities’ feet to the fire for his or her support of Simmons and others accused of abuse, and can remind us that no one, regardless of how much they’re loved, must be allowed to nothing to complain about the circumstances.

Usher Raymond IV has spent the previous couple of years having fun with the third or fourth highlight of his profession, establishing himself as one in all the R&B icons of his generation. Everything from his performance to his Las Vegas residency, all culminating in his Super Bowl halftime show in February, made Usher as popular as ever. I’m one in all those that rejoices in Usher’s renaissance, even writing about how his act of serenading women in Las Vegas caused insecure men and toxic masculinity to run amok. We have covered and celebrated Usher extensively on Andscape. Often, once you support someone or change into a superfan of them, it becomes easier to look away once they do something harmful. But celebrities’ biggest cheerleaders must be the first to call them out once they have clearly failed so many individuals who’ve supported them.

Usher’s visit to Simmons is undeniably embarrassing, and he at the very least deserves all the criticism he receives for such a decision. It was not nearly the visit, but about the public nature of the meeting, viz Simmons’ social media post celebrating this occasion.

“When I was at the lowest point of my life, I woke up and this man was sitting by my bed. I actually have known Usher since he was a child, but we truly bonded over our mutual love of self-discovery and our belief in yoga science as a direct path to realizing God consciousness inside ourselves… People, remember this… a friend is available in when others go… I’ll always remember the generosity of spirit I witnessed on this man. God bless you brother @usher 🙏🏾 I really like you!!!!”

I do know I should stop being surprised by such actions by celebrities and other people I do not know personally, but I’m still shocked and indignant by Usher’s decision. I feel the same way about comedian Katt Williams, who I also praised for the first few months of the 12 months for his honesty on the podcast and his comedic courage – even using him to contrast him with Dave Chappelle’s anti-transgender version of comedy. But Williams has since betrayed that good faith by turning on Joe Rogan’s podcast to discuss some silly conspiracy theories and his own brand of anti-transgender bias.

“20 years ago I knew transgender people were going to be fashionable,” Williams said as Rogan stared at him along with his mouth open. “…I noticed that was the earliest I had ever heard the word ‘transgender’ come from Baphomet, transgender. I knew that in Baphomet’s transgender ritual, to show allegiance to him, you had to kiss his ring.

The tirade was as senseless because it was dangerous: linking transgender individuals with Baphomet – seen primarily as satanic and occult figures – is as damaging as anything Chappelle has ever said. And it destroys the goodwill Williams has earned, especially recently.

The stars have discovered how to fight summonses for one of these crime. They consider it’s “cancel culture” and consider criticism an irrelevant tool for people who find themselves too sensitive to matter. But it’s just regular gas lighting. Williams and Usher specifically perpetuate the damage. In Usher’s case, he stands alongside a powerful man accused of harming several women. Williams says he’s using dangerous rhetoric about a community that already experiences disproportionate violence. And these two men do it at the height of their popularity, once they are most influential.

For those that consider these decisions don’t have any impact on us, they’re easy to ignore. Partying with celebrities should never obscure our love for the most vulnerable amongst us. We cannot love a celebrity an excessive amount of for our opinion about them to change. I had to change my views on Simmons, someone I admired enough to praise early in my profession. We have to be willing to change our feelings about these people after we receive latest information. This is what distinguishes us from blind fanatics.

Anything else is a failure on our part. Usher and Williams made their very own decisions. It is up to us to face the truth about these decisions and never ignore them.

DavidDennis Jr. is a senior author at Andscape and winner of the American Mosaic Journalism Prize. His book titled The Movement Made Us will likely be released in 2022. David is a graduate of Davidson College.


This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit

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Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.

Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”

She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.

Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.

Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez shows off a “winter white” look, weeks after critics slammed her busty latex outfit. (Photos: @laurenwsanchez/Instagram, Theimagedirect.com via Page Six)

On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”

One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.

Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.

When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.

Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”

Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”

Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.

Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.

Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape

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India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.

“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”

Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.

Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.


Singer India Shawn grew up singing in church with her family. “I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” she said.

India Shawn

Name:
India Shawn

Hometown:

Los Angeles

Artistic soundscape

Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric

The oldest musical memory

Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.

Influences

For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.

Creative process

Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”

Challenges and development

As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”

Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.

Current project

There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”

Sheila Matthews is a digital producer at Andscape and a proud HBCU graduate. She believes “Return of the Mack” must have won a Grammy, and her Twitter mentions are open to all debate.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence

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With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.

Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.

From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.

In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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