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The documentary “Freaknik” tells the untold story of an Atlanta street party

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9 months ago

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LOS ANGELES (AP) – If you have ever attended Atlanta’s wildest gathering called Freaknik, be careful: You may appear in a brand new Hulu documentary about the legendary street party that became popular because of folkloric tales of traffic jams, public nudity and highway debauchery.

Many of these photos will undoubtedly be featured in “Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told.” But the documentary doesn’t solely give attention to the hypersexual environment and public safety concerns surrounding the festival that began 4 many years ago. It also tells the story of how this iconic event began as an easy black college cookout that eventually attracted 1000’s of people from across the United States, defining Atlanta as the cradle of culture and music.

“It’s more a question of culture. “This is the Atlanta version of ‘Beat Street,’” said Jermaine Dupri, who executive produced the project together with several others, including Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell and 21 Savage. The documentary premiered Tuesday night at SXSW in Austin, Texas. It will stream on Hulu on March 21.

Crowds of people crowd Marietta Street for Freaknik near the intersection of Peachtree Street in Atlanta on April 19, 1996. (Philip McCollum/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP, file)

“This is our story about our contribution to culture,” Dupri continued. “Through the music and the parties that happened during Freaknik. It’s much more than just people standing on top of cars and playing music outside.”

“Freaknik” will feature perspectives from Killer Mike, Jalen Rose, CeeLo Green, Rasheeda and Too $hort. The project features Freaknik founders Emma Horton, Amadi Boone, Monique Tolliver and Sharon Toomer, who discuss the origins of the festival and the name Freaknik – a mixture of picnic and freak. The inspiration for the song was the 1978 song “Le Freak” by R&B group Chic.

Dupri initially questioned whether the documentary would focus solely on the sexual nature of the festival. But the music mogul believed otherwise after meeting with Swirl Films producers Jay Allen and Nikki Byles, who told him the documentary would give attention to the full story.

“We want people who haven’t experienced Freaknik to relive the good, the bad and the ugly,” Allen said. “The people who were there will be able to tell their stories and their truth.”

Dupri wants viewers to see how Freaknik has elevated Atlanta’s now thriving hip-hop music scene and helped it turn out to be a destination for Black entrepreneurship and empowerment. He heard criticism about the documentary “putting Black people backwards.” There were also reports that some women would take legal motion to dam the documentary’s release for fear of potential exposure in the flashback clips. It is unclear whether a lawsuit was ever filed.

“It’s all educational. For me personally, it is Black history,” said Dupri, who attended Freaknik. “For those who need that reassurance, I would never allow my name to be associated with anything that would take a shine to Atlanta or do anything that I felt would undo that culture.”

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Uncle Luke called these critics “hypocrites” for participating in Freaknik’s lewd activities, after which criticized this generation for admiring hip-hop artists corresponding to Cardi B, Ice Spice and Sexyy Red, who’re known for his or her suggestive performances.

“They’ll get a taste of their own medicine,” said Luke, who was considered the godfather of Freaknik for bringing his provocative nature to the festival. The footage was mostly crowdsourced, with some of his VHS tapes converted to digital format.

Byles secured other recordings by reaching out on social media and knocking on the doors of former Freaknik participants, who passed on what they were comfortable communicating.

“It’s easy to point fingers at someone else’s children and say they’re living the life they actually lived as parents,” said Uncle Luke. “I wanted to show this perspective. But there’s also this great myth about Freaknik. Many people on the West Coast have heard about it. Some people have heard these stories. It was this story that was never really told. We wanted to tell this story of where it really came from.”

Overall views of the atmosphere at Freaknik21 – Celebrating Savage’s twenty first Birthday at Underground Atlanta on October 23, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo: Prince Williams/Wireimage)

Freaknik was an extensive street party throughout Atlanta from 1983 to 1999. The three-day event, held in April, was organized by black students (Morehouse and Spelman colleges) from the DC Metro Club who were stuck on campus during spring break and decided to assemble in a park to beat the boredom with boom boxes, coolers, and food.

Over the years, Freaknik has turn out to be a grassroots spring break destination, attracting roughly 250,000 partygoers from across the country. The event was so massive that it spread throughout the city center and concrete areas.

However, as Freaknik’s popularity grew, the uncontrollable crowds brought so much of problems. By the mid-Nineteen Nineties, the fun-filled event turned unruly and eventually faded into oblivion after sporadic looting, massive traffic jams, and lewd activities. City authorities shut down the event after tensions continued to escalate between festival-goers, law enforcement and native residents.

Toomer, one of the original organizers, stated that she was impressed by the way the documentary presented the full history of Freaknik. Toomer is upset that the festival has ended, but she hopes that viewers will understand the true essence of their work.

“I think people will have that moment of, ‘I didn’t know that,’ and they will kind of appreciate it,” she said. “I’m excited about it. It was truly – in its best and worst years – a special event. Over the years, having to start a conversation with a word has been frustrating, unlike the experience that so many young black people have had.”

Director P. Frank Williams said the documentary shows the convergence of politics, media, music and culture. He said that it will also affect those that tried to resurrect Freaknik, but to no avail.

“I know people on the Internet and they’re all looking for candy, fun, girls, turnout and cars,” Williams said. “We gave it to you in case you watch the video. But there are also vegetables, which is black culture. Black identity. I’m attempting to go against a system that was preparing for the (1996) Olympics and didn’t necessarily want these kids on the streets. It’s a much deeper story.

“Everyone is worried about their aunts and all these memes,” he said. “But I hope that when you watch, you will see that we did much more than just party.”


This article was originally published on : thegrio.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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3 hours ago

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December 9, 2024

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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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6 hours ago

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December 9, 2024

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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

Published

6 hours ago

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December 9, 2024

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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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