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How Lenny Kravitz captured the “human” experience after 6 years away from music

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It’s only natural that Lenny Kravitz, one in all music’s most legendary artists and entering his fourth decade in music, has seen and done all of it, got the jersey and earned enough stripes to inform the remainder of the world how he’s doing. However, at the age of 59, the rock star still feels he has loads to learn.

“I’m still a student,” Kravitz tells ESSENCE just before releasing his second feel-good single, “Man

(*6*) he explained. “Many seniors think they know everything. “This is how it is,” and think, “I’m older, so I’ll tell you how to do it.” He had the opposite approach. So he was a very good teacher who showed me the importance of remaining a disciple all the time.”

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Ever the student of life and his surroundings, Kravitz took the global Covid-19 pandemic – a time that effectively calmed the world – as a chance to reflect on the energy that sustained him through all the storms in his life, ultimately transferring it to what became his twelfth .studio album, .

How Lenny Kravitz captured the

As he prepares to return to the highlight after the pandemic – his 2020 was cut short by worldwide quarantine protocols – Kravitz is feeling higher than ever. Few artists, no matter genre, can maintain a way of relevance over the a long time like a rocker can. Consistently at the forefront of favor, at all times on the big and small screens, and together with his music serving as a continuing soundtrack to the lives of Gen X, Millennial and Gen Z rock fans, Kravitz has develop into much more obsessed with creating with each passing yr.

“I am more inspired than ever. I’m hungrier than ever. I still have a great desire for this life, for creating music and art. I really feel like I’m warming up,” says the rocker in an interview with ESSENCE, preparing for the performance upcoming world tour. “I feel like everything I’ve done over the last 35 years has been a great education that I can use now to push myself into the future.”

This energy led the songbird to create his latest work on his own in his home in the Bahamas for 2 and a half years, writing, recording and operating instruments himself, with the help of his long-time collaborator and guitarist Craig Ross. The album’s release scheduled for May 24 and her worldwide tour starting in late June mark the end of the longest hiatus in Kravitz’s illustrious profession.

“It’s just because of life. It’s not like I left or anything,” he says of his extended absence. “This is my biggest break between two releases, but everything is happening as it should and everything is great.”

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And while he could have easily done that, it isn’t like Kravitz just lounged in the Bahamian breeze and casually made music for six years. In addition to pouring his energy into his latest work, he starred in the 2022 Amazon Original film starring Jennifer Lopez, wrote and performed “Road to Freedom” for the 2023 Netflix Original biopic starring Colman Domingo, and basks in of their rightful ways, from a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame to a nomination for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

How Lenny Kravitz captured the
American musician Lenny Kravitz poses together with his newly unveiled star during a ceremony on the Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, California, on March 12, 2024. (Photo: VALERIE MACON/AFP) (Photo: VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images)

Yet while having fun with well-deserved recognition, Kravitz stays aware of the spaces into which he has yet to be welcomed. In an often misinterpreted statement that spread like wildfire November 2023 featurethe singer mentioned that he just isn’t “celebrated by people who run [Black] publications or organizations” despite being “a dream and an example of what a black artist can do.”

Although many on social media and in black journalistic circles initially thought he was being dismissive coverscoverage and praise he has received over the years from the Black press, Kravitz clarified that he was specifically referring to Black awards shows that had in some way consistently omitted his invitation as a Black artist working in the Black genre.

“My comment was intended to express my concern for Black artists being recognized for their work within what is currently called ‘non-traditional’ Black music, which it is not,” he wrote in an Instagram Stories post.

“I just wanted to sit at our table because I love our table,” Kravitz tells ESSENCE. “I come from this. I grew up among black pioneers who were in my mother’s friend group, and I am deeply rooted in our black culture.”

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Bigger than personal invitations to the BET Awards, the mistake, in accordance with Kravitz, comes when our people have a look at genres like Rock & Roll and do not recognize it as the black music genre it has at all times been. As genres converge in an age of organic audiences and fame gained through independent uploads, and increased tinkering and musical experimentation by kids born in the ’90s, the singer sees hope for the future and more public light shed on a history that is usually neglected.

How Lenny Kravitz captured the
photo: Marek Seliger

“Walls that were once difficult to climb are now just easier to climb to the other side, and I love that,” he says. “I love that Rock & Roll is part of the conversation and part of that connection because we have to own the things that we invented and pioneered.”

“There were times when, for instance, little black kids would stop me and ask, ‘Why are you making this white music?’ And then we would have to take a seat down and have an entire conversation about Chuck Berry and Little Richard and Fats Domino and Bo Diddley and Sister Rosetta Tharpe and so forth and so forth and so forth and make them understand where it got here from and that it’s black music.

“Everything is opening up,” he says about today’s music. “I like the way we speak about Beyoncé doing it now [for Country]. I mean, I remember my grandma telling me about country music once I was somewhat boy and telling me where it got here from. She told me, “These are all the songs and stuff I heard us singing in the fields,” and so forth. We need to grasp what we now have done and keep on with it.

“Music is for everybody. The music is colorless. That feeling. But let’s get the story.”

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With his own music, Kravitz enriches the wealthy history of Rock & Roll with a message of affection, light and positivity. His latest project is an energizing expression of joy and radiating good vibes – a message that underlies Kravitz’s entire catalog.

How Lenny Kravitz captured the
photo: Marek Seliger

“From now on, that’s what I’m doing,” Kravitz says of his album’s positive vibes. “I am here to strengthen love. I talk about it in different ways, but it’s my thing. I believe in love. It is the most powerful energy that exists and is the answer to everything if we only listen.”

“This music is… I’m just an antenna. I broadcast what I receive, so I don’t do it [even] doing this. It just comes through me and I accept what comes through me.”

His second single “Human” is an ideal example of this message. The song, placed at the very center of the album, reminds us methods to be ourselves on this impermanent life.

“When spring comes, it’s an anthem that you can just run out into the street and just start dancing. It just has that feeling,” Kravitz said. “It is a statement of celebrating this human experience that we have as spiritual beings and being authentic to who God created us to be.”

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While that is definitely a sensible word to live by, Kravitz says it is also the secret to his longevity – physically, mentally and musically.

“Staying true to who I am, not following trends, just being myself and being authentic,” Kravitz says about his secret to constant success. With his sixtieth birthday looming on the horizon, coinciding with the release weekend of his latest album, the rocker is prepared for whatever comes next, and he hasn’t lost a step.

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“I feel great where I am,” he says. “As human beings, we deal with age and what to do, at what age and when to stop, and so on. As for me, I’m here to say it doesn’t matter. You can be 30 years old and worn out and old, or you can be 80 years old and young and full of energy. It depends on you. I feel like I’m just getting started.”

As he prepares for fans to listen to his latest offering and as he prepares to hit the road and establish “communion with the people who bring your music to life,” Kravitz says he hopes that anyone who opens up and listens to his work will they’ll open their hearts to whatever personal message they get from it.

“Whatever it is, they get it [out of the music] – it’s not for me to say – but I hope they feel that spirit, love and positivity, that, as I say, they feel that feeling and just have fun with it,” Kravitz says about the message of his album. “We live in such a demanding world. We have to create our own fun. And for me this album was amazing. I don’t usually use this word, but it’s important that we have moments of fun and provide ourselves with relief and joy.”

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Travis Hunter Adidas Football’s Star headlines – Gotna Class Debutant 2025 – Essence

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Travis hunter headers football star football from 2025. Debutant class class

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Football has returned, honey!

Well, just a little. In the case of football fans who paid out every Sunday (Thursday and Mondays), the actual motion continues to be in a couple of months, but a minimum of tomorrow’s draft NFL may satisfy itching just a little longer.

Just for some time, football Adidas enters the motion. Sports clothing giant simply He dropped his debut class 2025 A Travis Hunter, the winner of Heismman Trophy, will take his talents back to the brand, which results in the accusation of twelve players of rookies.

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Many got acquainted with Hunter for the primary time during his unusual two -way game in Colorado (and if not, by online controversy a couple of months ago along with his fiancee Leanna Lenee), and he’ll proceed his existing cooperation with Adidas when he goes to skilled ranks. His historical season brought him an unprecedented collection of awards, including Heismman Trophy, Walter Camp Award, AP Player of the Year, Paul Hornung Award, Chuck Bednarik Award and Biletkoff Award.

“Adidas was great at how they supported me on my journey to the league,” said Travis Hunter. “I can’t wait for everyone to see the exciting things that we have cooking for my debutant when we combine speed and style.”

The Hunter to Hunter are forecasted by the ten best kinds of Abdul Carter (Olb, Penn State) and Jalon Walker (Olb, Georgia), distinguished defensive known from the mixture of speed and power. The debutant class also offers anticipated selections in the primary round of Shemar Stewart and nothing Scorton, each defensive ends from Texas A & m.

Other signatories present Adidas’s eye for talents in numerous positions. With the wide receiver of Emek EGBUK (Stan Ohio), corner Maxwell Hairston (Kentucky) and Shavon Revel (ECU), escaping Dylan Sampson (Tennesse), wide receivers of Jalen Royals (Stan Utah) and Nick Nash (San Jose State) and the narrow end of Elijah Arroyo (Miami).

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Forecast as the most effective alternative in tomorrow’s draft, Hunter represents a rare modern athlete who stood out on each side of the ball at the best collegiate level. His abilities that change the sport as a receiver and defensive make him a unicorn in today’s specialized football landscape.

This incoming class joins the Adidas list, with the participation of certainly one of the most important NFL stars, including Patrick Mahomes from Kansas City Chiefs, including Micah Parsons from Dallas cowboy cowboy, Amon-Ra St. Brown from Detroit Lions, Garrett Wilson from New York Jets and Chris Jones from Kansas City.


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Fans will never allow Russell’s ex -wife to forget about crushing QB because her NFL reaction becomes viral again

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The first round of 2025 NFL Draft took place on April 24 and once again the annual event caused jokes about the previous wife of the most recent player New York Giants, Russell Wilson.

Wilson (36 years old) and Ashton Meem (37 years old) were beloved in highschool, who married a couple of months before his dreams of NFL in April 2012. But their divorce in 2014 lives within the history of NFL memes, and fans consistently jogged my memory of how she rummaged.

Like other girls or wife of aspiring NFL stars, Meem sat at Wilson’s side when he was elected by Seattle Seahawks within the third round of the NFL Draft 2012.

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Ashton spends Russell Wilson
Fans pull Ashton Meem (L) about their divorce with Russell Wilson (R) among the many 2025 NFL project. (Photo: @1ASHTONWILSON // Instagram)

Film material from Wilson receiving the decision as 75. The general alternative in NFL Draft 2012 has turn out to be a viral meme-with too enthusiastic reaction of his partner, which still attracts mockery online.

Draft NFL 2025 has turn out to be a catalyst for the most recent comedy stab on the expense of Meem. AND Wilson celebration clip He was published within the threads along with his wife and other family members in Draft Night 2012.

“She thought she was called,” the poster of the thread signed a clip, referring to Meem, shouting the enjoyment that Wilson went to Seahawks, where he finally signed a contract for a debutant value $ 3 million.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GSVRCllnnu

Another person replied: “It will always be fun.” However, the third joked: “You won’t let it die.” While many individuals knew a 13-year video, others discovered it on Monday.

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One thread user replied: “For the first time seeing the movie – interesting how his shoulder began to hug her and quickly removed it, as if he saw her too excited and had to think about it.”

“This is hilarious! I have never seen a real movie, I thought her face was in Photoshop,” she admitted one person in the applying. Another poster wondered: “Bro, why does her face look like this?”

Meem got a backup when one person expressed: “How these men treat their long -lasting girls when they are called, you have to examine.” When he enters … “the narrative is so real.”

A yr after the divorce, Wilson met his current wife, a singer R&B Ciara, whose name appeared several times within the thread for a joyful approach of Meem in 2012. One fan joked: “He (he is) on the phone with Ciara.”

“I don’t like to comment on people’s relationship, but he chose it. However, his chemistry with Ciara is incredibly noticeable,” said the user of the thread about Wilson on the platform.

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Russell and Ciara met through a joint friend in 2015, which led to a dinner dating on the Ciara house. They vowed in July 2016, and Wilson became stepfather to the son of the singer “Goodies”, Future Zahir.

The amended Wilson’s family developed when Ciara gave birth to their daughter Sienna (born April 2017), their son of victory (born July 2020) and their daughter Amory (born on December 2023).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8vgcl1x7us

Their nine -year marriage is a meme alone because of social media users who often use the hashtag #ciaraprayer as a way to call spiritual help find a suitable and loving spouse.

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In 2019, Ciara revealed a prayer that led her to Wilson after the fans went through their online relationship. Many years later, Summer Walker included “Ciara Prayer” on her album “Still Over It” from 2021, together with Cici’s narrative about the closing work of the project with her name.

With Ciara in his corner, Wilson signed a five -year extension of the agreement value $ 245 million with Denver Broncos after he was sold to a franchise with Seattle in March 2022.

After two seasons in Colorado, Wilson joined Pittsburgh Steelers within the 2024 season. In March 2025, the Richmond signed an annual agreement value $ 10.5 million from New York Giants.

Wilson won his only Super Bowl championship with Seahawks in February 2014, when he officially married his first wife. MEEM has maintained a low public profile since parting with a graduate of the University of Wisconsin.

The breakdown of Meema from Wilson after just two years led to rumors that she had betrayed him with her teammate Seahawks, a large recipient of Golden Tate. In 2015, Tate denied his involvement in an extramarital confusion.

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“I didn’t have an affair with Wilson’s wife of Russell, and I had nothing to do with his divorce. It’s funny for anyone who knows us,” tate wrote In op-ed for the cauldron. “His ex -wife, Ashton, continues to be one of the best friends with my girlfriend.

In 2014, the PRO Bowl player added: “Russell and I were good friends when I was in Seattle, on the pitch and outside – he knows that the rumors about me were unfounded, harmful to my reputation and an attack on my character. Everyone who circled in this gossip was simply irresponsible.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7esvriyc5HW

(Tagstotransate) ciara

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“Abbott Elementary” Star William Stanford Davis in the finals of season 4 – Essence

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The

Credit photo: GL Askew

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After a long time of everlasting work, the roles of the characters and unwavering perseverance, they became the decisive chapter in the long-term profession of William Stanford Davis-I in no case is the latter. Known to the Millions as Mr. Johnson, delightfully the unusual and infinitely clever guardian from the most charming fictitious school in Philadelphia, Davis turned something that began as a repeated place with a repeatedly awarded, favorite fan.

“When you enter as a guest star, you visit someone’s house,” said Davis. “You don’t want to overturn the furniture.” But when the creator of the series Quint Brunson told him that there was a daily series, this guy became a family. “It’s an indescribable feeling because it’s all you worked on. But it was the most amazing thing to even hear these words out of her mouth – it changed my life.”

Now, three-time nominated for the NAACP Image Award-i winner of 2024, an impressive actor supporting in the comedy series-Davis finally receives the recognition that his talent has long justifies. In addition to awards, the most resonated by the emotional combination of Davis together with his character, together with the talented solid of the series. Mr. Johnson, together with his underground edges and sharp one lines, appeared as a secret weapon. “I love them all,” he talks about his stars. “You work on some sets in which you can’t wait to go home. In this I can’t wait to return.”

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“I love them all in my own way,” said Davis about his stars. “Sometimes you work on some sets where you can’t wait to go home, but with []I can’t wait for the return, because it’s so much fun, so much love. “The undeniable fact that an actual bond outside the screen helped revive the series in a way that connects to the viewers. They develop into great moments.”

The performance of Mr. Johnson was greater than a groundbreaking role for the countryman St. Louis – it opened to a brand new creative territory. He appeared in the upcoming drama next to Wanda Sykes, adopting a more serious role that shows his range. While preparing for the character, Davis drew from his own experience, teaching acting, shaping a job that might increase his older profession anyway.

While his character in May enjoy bizarre antics and conspiracies, Davis’s approach to craft is rooted for intention and immunity. His path was long, full of moments of uncertainty and dedication. But when he devoted himself to the journey, there was no turning back. For him, acting will not be only a profession – it’s a calling that is decided so long as the road stretches forward.

“There is an old prince Ellington who says:” Rule primary doesn’t hand over. Rule number two never forgets Rule primary ” – explained the actor. “When I committed to this, there was no turning back.” Interestingly, he is his first regular role. He was 32 when he moved to Los Angeles to continue his full -time acting, and now, years later, he lives a dream he refused to give up. “That’s all I actually desired to do,” he says. “So I just decided that I’d proceed until I can do it – or ride it until the wheel falls.”

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Season 4 was provided by one of his best programs to this point, pushing each character to a brand new breakthrough, while going to land in honest, hope. The final was related to long-term stories-a method in his dream role as a director, Barbara found a renovated goal, and Ava, despite her release, left with a way of grace. The solid went to Philadelphia to film the last episode of The Children’s Touch Me Museum, a bizarre and matching background for closing moments.

At the center of this cultural juggernaut is of course Brunson, whom Davis calls “boss”. He says: “He knows exactly what he wants – and he does it in such a loving way. Every detail on this screen is her vision.”

For Davis, being part of this vision changes life. But even now, with prizes and the famous role of his name – it is much from the end.

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