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The pandemic has pushed SiR into a dangerous addiction. This is how he won

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SiR photographed by Ro.lexx

When the Covid-19 pandemic began to uproot life as we knew it in 2020, the psychological impact of seeing industries and the world around us change almost overnight was maddening for many individuals. As the opioid crisis continues, the variety of fatal overdoses amongst Black men and ladies has virtually skyrocketed. According to American Psychological Associationin 2020, there was a 213 percent increase within the fatal overdose death rate, at 54.1 per 100,000 black men. Sir Darryl Farris, higher generally known as Grammy-nominated singer SiR, was almost certainly one of those men after combating drug addiction after the dust settled on his third album, while also combating depression, anxiety, isolation, relationship along with his wife, triggering aspects for many individuals who struggled with addiction through the pandemic.

“I turned to self-medication and drinking until it got to the point where I was completely addicted and not functioning as well as I could,” he told SiR during our conversation from his home via Zoom.

From Rehab to the GRAMMY Awards: A Look at SiR's Tough Road to Recovery
Sir, photographed by Ro.lexx

Now, having been clean and sober for over a yr and in a happier place along with his family, the Inglewood native has finally been capable of share his story from that point, starting in 2020, on his recent album, appropriately titled . Given his two Grammy nominations for “Best R&B Performance” and “Best R&B Song” for himself, and Alex Isley’s guest appearance on Robert Glasper’s “Back To Love,” the urgency for this album is to spark a conversation about addiction as well amongst those that suffer but lack the language and platform to discuss it, making this his most sensitive album yet.

“The crazy thing is that in all this time I actually have never stopped working on music, and this album is the culmination of that. I had a hard time making the album. [In 2020] we had some free time and worked, but more often than not I wasn’t fit,” SiR explained. “But I’m happy to say that these experiences shaped this album. “I am unable to say I’m sorry because my tragedies at all times turn into testimonies because I’m blessed.”

Mentioned testimonies akin to the title track “Heavy” and the one “Karma” featuring Isaiah Rashad underscore the depth of his confusion. SiR explains that the “Karma” theme refers to things he was out of balance with, akin to honesty and his relationship.

“[Karma] Have I tried to be honest with what I know? Every action has an equal or opposite reaction and I know you get what you give. ”, many people don’t understand this issue, that’s what I want to say. It talks about the person I was,” he told SiR.

Being isolated at the peak of the pandemic and compelled to, as he describes it, “deal with myself” was a huge boost for him as he watched those around him fall dangerously unwell with a virus that nobody knew how to navigate. In addition to anxiously watching the music industry transform and are available to a halt around him, his wife was pregnant on the time. And though he had access to more cash than he knew what to do with, he was practically a modern-day Atlus, carrying the world on his shoulders. The weight became an excessive amount of for him and to manage, he turned to drugs and alcohol.

The turning point for him was the moment when he needed to undergo surgery in 2020 and, as a part of his pre-surgery routine, the doctor asked him to write down down a chosen drug, which he didn’t wish to reveal, amongst other harmful substances he was taking before the procedure. anesthesia was administered. The doctor listed the names of the drugs with confusion within the eyes of his wife, who was next to him. Forced to take a stand where he needed to truthfully admit his drug abuse, his wife told the whole family, which led to a crisis intervention at home.

SiR’s problems with addiction were so deep that he was almost oblivious to the world around him, as many legendary black creators akin to Michael K. Williams, DMX and Shock G of Digital Underground died of drug overdoses, some related to the growing the prevalence of fentanyl. spiked with hard drugs like cocaine and heroin. He was “too high to care” whether he lived or died.

“My mind was kind of open [death] at one point because I was so deeply addicted that if I died this way, this is what would happen. It is what it is. I was pushing my body to the edge,” he told SiR.

Much just like the legendary D’Angelo, whom he effortlessly streamed on “See No Evil,” he gained a huge amount of weight during his battle with addiction, continually bloated and swollen. His blood pressure and cholesterol were uncontrolled.

“The pandemic has been hard on everyone and it just affected me more than a few other people, that’s all. However, I don’t feel special. They go through shit every day,” SiR said humbly.

From Rehab to the GRAMMY Awards: A Look at SiR's Tough Road to Recovery
Sir, photographed by Ro.lexx

Faced with the fact that many other Black people combating similar issues weren’t so fortunate, he recalled a time in rehab when he watched Documentary about Amy Winehouse. Learning about his documented struggles with addiction played a role in motivating him to recuperate and get to a higher place before he hit the statistics.

“Nobody knew what the hell was flawed until it was too late. [Amy] there have been so many eyes on her, she was so loved and had a lot support, but they couldn’t save her from addiction. And that is the one thing I’m grateful for, that I discovered it at the precise time. I am unable to count on anyone if I’m not willing to assist myself. I made a personal decision that I desired to see a change in myself before I could ask for help,” she told SiR.

After several rehabilitation attempts, SiR realized that, other than the religious points, many of the 12 steps didn’t work for him, so he did rehabilitation “his own way.” However, he says that therapy was top-of-the-line things he did to recuperate because he was capable of discover the foundation of his problems, which were relationship problems, attempting to balance SiR, a sultry R&B singer, with Daryl, a family man. He admitted that he began to make mistakes that he tried to forgive himself.

As the “Karma” singer went into recovery mode, he also underwent a physical health transformation that saved his life. From his days as a salesman at Bally Total Fitness, he was at all times a little bit of a gym rat, but struggled along with his weight-reduction plan, being a ‘foodie’. He finally sought help from a dietitian and started researching one of the best ways to eat higher to look and feel higher. These days, she typically eats foods akin to salmon, zucchini, spinach, chicken, sweet potatoes, brown rice and quinoa, consuming 190 grams of protein per day. He has also began cutting sugary and overly salty junk food off his plate, although he is currently gaining weight.

Since his recovery, he has taken higher care of his mental and physical health, prioritizing it as much as his profession, truthfully admitting that as he spent more time specializing in this and attempting to please others, his well-being took a backseat. The strategy of painstaking rebuilding after almost losing all the things has ultimately made SiR stronger in every way.

From Rehab to the GRAMMY Awards: A Look at SiR's Tough Road to Recovery
Sir, photographed by Ro.lexx

“The pressure I used to be under shaped the way in which I take a look at people, the way in which I take a look at myself. I used to be humiliated as hell. I feel far more confident and assured in what I actually have to say and how I implement my intentions. I’m glad that before I released this album and did all these items, I went deeper into myself. I went to my place and took care of myself,” he told SiR.

All of this led to the 2024 Grammy Awards, a historic day for his label Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) as he not only experienced his first nomination, but additionally watched his friend and labelmate SZA win three Grammy Awards for Best R&B Song with with the song “Snooze” Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Ghost In The Machine” and best progressive R&B album for . That was probably the most special thing in regards to the whole night for him.

“I got here to TDE right after her and Zay [Isaiah Rashad] has been signed. I just remember seeing them where Rayvon and Doechii began. We all began from the underside. We all undergo these stages to see her go – I went to her first signing, waited in line and surprised everyone. I actually have at all times admired her work ethic, not to say her talent and sweetness. For me, SZA is a 10 out of 10. I’m a big fan and I hope we are able to work together soon,” he said.

He says that now that he’s in a significantly better place, he hopes that his and SZA’s paths will cross again and that the time will probably be right for each of them.

Forgiving himself for his mistakes was some of the vital lessons he learned and therapy. Thanks to his recovery and recent music, he is on a higher path to recovery.

“I had a long year of tears, crying and therapy sessions. I definitely forgave myself today. And I have to forgive myself all the time because the pain doesn’t go away,” she told SiR. “These are scars, so they take time to heal. I still forgive myself.”

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Shaboozey on her YSL – Essence fragrance partnership

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Courtesy of YSL

Masculinity just got a brand new scent – and that is what it smells like Shaboozey. Starring Lil Nas XPeso Pluma, Vinnie Hacker and The Kid LAROI in the newest Yves Saint Laurent fragrance project “Bar song (tipsy)” artist is the newest to define the meaning of “modern masculine” beauty.

“The collaboration with YSL Beauty is truly exciting because the company has always been at the forefront of culture, redefining what it means to be bold and timeless,” Shaboozey tells ESSENCE. The musician’s true self-expression, showcased within the brand’s digital design “Born MYSLF, No Matter What”, represents the message behind their latest men’s fragrance MYSLF Perfume.

“I liked how we explored the concept that being strong doesn’t have to mean fitting into a box,” he says, topping off the country music genre with bleached-tipped wicks. “It’s about owning who you are, being real, and YSL Beauty gave me the space to show that.”

Known for his 18-week #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 (one week away from breaking Lil Nas the important thing to Shaboozey’s success is easy: balance.

From gym workouts to meditation sessions and knowing when to walk away, “for me, self-care was about finding balance,” she says, which is a chord that also strikes in the brand new fragrance. Vanilla bourbon in a YSL bottle, the extreme masculine aroma hits each floral and oud notes, providing sensuality and strength in equal measure. “She has that presence and stays with you, which is exactly what I need when I’m on the move.”

The global men’s grooming market is anticipated to be price $115 billion by 2028 (up 77 percent year-on-year) the boys’s cosmetics boom represents a obligatory shift not only from two-in-one shampoos and overpowering fragrances, but in addition within the definition of masculinity as an entire. According to Shaboozey, YSL’s latest fragrance is ahead of the curve. “YSL Beauty has a track record of pushing boundaries while staying classic, and that’s a vibe I’ve always admired.”


This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Kelis published her first children’s book, “The Seven Wonders of Africa”, inspired by her travels

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Getty

Kelis is a lady of many talents, and her latest featured work is as a children’s book writer. The singer announced on Instagram that she has written a brand new book titled, which follows the adventures of foremost character Abel Sabbath Brown across the continent. The singer also announced in the identical breath that she had began a brand new company.

“I’m so happy to finally show you something I’ve been working on. I WROTE MY FIRST CHILDREN’S BOOK!!! I started a company called MAKE IT BROWN,” she wrote within the caption on Instagram under a video during which she discusses the brand new book.

“We only aim to offer characters and stories about places and adventures that our youngsters can see themselves in. It’s all about love and representation. The inspiration to write down this story was my trip to Africa this yr,” she continued within the caption.

Over the past yr, Kelis has been giving us the travel content we didn’t know we wanted, documenting her travels across Africa. Artist Milkshake has traveled to places similar to Tanzania, Kenya, Zanzibar and Rwanda, immersing herself in local communities and agriculture.

The 45-year-old artist further wrote: “I traveled with my family and we were so grateful to see all the sweetness this continent has to supply. From the people to the bottom, it was just amazing. And I desired to share this with all of you and your families. I actually love us, so from the underside of my heart to you! Welcome into your heart THE SEVEN WONDERS OF AFRICA AND THE SABBATH BROWN. ❤️ #book #kids #To read #children’s book #Africa #eastafrica #to learn

The latest writer also announced in a separate post that the children’s book is now available on her website in paper, digital and audio versions.


This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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EXCLUSIVE: Bilal’s unfiltered genius comes to life live at Glasshaus – Essence

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Grammy Award-winning singer Bilal doesn’t need an enormous arena to dominate the room – only a studio in Brooklyn, 100 devoted fans and collaborators who understand the soul of music. On a December night in 2023, energy at Glasshouse was electrifying, with stars like Questlove, Common and Robert Glasper gathered close together, exchanging riffs and jokes as if the audience wasn’t even there. Now this magic has been closed and awaits its premiere on November 20, 2024 on Glasshaus’ YouTube channel.

Bilal isn’t only a concert film – it’s a mirrored image of his journey as some of the progressive and underrated musical talents. Directed by Glasshaus founder Jarrett Wetherell, the 65-minute documentary takes us on a rare, intimate performance. Alongside such influential collaborators as Questlove, Common and Robert Glasper, Bilal delivers performances which might be raw and electrifying, filled with the vulnerability and soul that make him an artist artist. The film captures not only the music, but additionally the unspoken bond between these legends and highlights Bilal’s position as some of the influential voices of our generation.

“This film is a love letter to one of the greatest singers of our time,” Wetherell reflects. “Bilal conveys a sense of vulnerability during his performances and interviews, which is rare among artists today. It is an intimate way that puts you in the studio with five legends, immersed in their music and the moment.”

it is a masterclass in creativity, captured in real time. Questlove turns a six-minute anecdote concerning the making of “Sometimes” into an unforgettable lesson in musical storytelling, while Common blurs the road between audience and performer, breaking into out-of-the-box freestyles and revisiting timeless verses from “Reminisce” and “Funkowo for You.”

In essence, the film is a love letter to some of the influential artists of his generation. From his genre-bending debut to underground hits like and , Bilal returns to his catalog with a fresh twist, delivering long-awaited releases just like the business release of “Something to Hold” and “All For Love.” Split-screen cinematography enhances the intimacy, drawing the viewer into every subtle moment – the movement of fingers over the strings, the glances exchanged during improvisation – all highlighting the magic of the music and the deep connection between these legends.

It’s Bilal who finally gets the flowers and each moment seems late. As Questlove put it best: “He’s Beyoncé’s favorite singer.” The film doesn’t just showcase Bilal’s vocals – it shows him as a cornerstone of the Soulquarian movement, whose influence is woven into the material of up to date music.

For fans, the experience goes beyond the screen. The limited edition 2xLP vinyl offers a tangible piece of magic, while the live album, released earlier this yr, is essential for collectors.

Watch the premiere on November 20, 2024 at 5:00 PM ET Glasshaus YouTube channel. Watch the video below.

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