Entertainment
Producer DeShawn Plair Shares ‘Freaknik’ Secrets
FREAKNIK: THE WILDEST PARTY NEVER TOLD – AUSTIN, TX – MARCH 12: Cast and EPs attend the SXSW World Premiere of Hulu’s “Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told” in Austin, Texas on March 12, 2024. (Disney/ Frank Micelotta) DESHAWN PLAIR
America spent the weekend “in Freaknik”, checking to see in the event that they had seen their parents or peers in archival footage from the favored documentary.
While many of the buzz within the months leading as much as the film’s release was about who we would see doing 360p on the streets of Atlanta within the early ’90s, the film focused on the emergence of Southern culture and town of Atlanta specifically. , as a mainstay of hip-hop and black popular culture.
DeShawn Plair, supervising producer, believes that this a part of the story is just too often lost when mentioning the legendary city-wide spring break party. “It was like magic in a bottle with its original purpose,” Plair tells ESSENCE.
We caught up with the three-time NAACP Image Award-winning producer to speak all things Freaknik – the ups and downs – and why “The Wildest Party” has left such an enduring mark on Black culture.
What made you become involved within the production of a documentary about this legendary representative of black culture of the 90s?
Well, what made me need to be a component of this project was Geraldine Porras. She is the showrunner and executive producer. I worked together with her on a Cosby documentary for Showtime.
Of course, I’ve heard all of the urban legends. Unfortunately, I wasn’t sufficiently old to be involved within the early days of Freaknik, but I had heard about it from shows like or . It was a cultural phenomenon. So I believed, “Okay, let me really understand what this is about.” I used to be pleasantly surprised to study its origins.
What did you learn from this process that you simply didn’t know before?
I learned that it was on the streets that Freaknik LaFace discovered latest artists. So So Def was signing latest artists there. Even Outkast, after they started off, handed out sample tapes, because what higher place to advertise music than when 200,000-300,000 students and others were descending on the streets of Atlanta? This was only the start and development of so many artists.
This event is usually remembered as a moment when men were free to objectify, sexualize, and sometimes harass women on the streets, yet there are two women at the middle of the production. Why do you think that it was essential for girls to be involved in telling this story?
It’s true that now while you consider the “Freaknik legacy” you turn into an event where guys have the chance to attend a free meeting with women. But the intention of those students at AUC [Atlanta University Center] there was a time in Atlanta after they couldn’t go home for spring break and needed a secure environment. When they began in 1983, it was a celebration of black joy. It wasn’t even lewd. I wanted to point out, “look, we know what it turned into, but that was the original intention.”
And yes, in some ways it’s a male-dominated history, nevertheless it was also a time when young ladies gained power. They were coming into their very own sexuality on the time, but that did not give people the correct to treat them a certain way. We desired to tell this full, balanced story. [But] we definitely didn’t need to be ashamed of it. We want women’s voices to be heard. In the film you too can hear, amongst others: [sexual violence] survivor.
Everything I do, I actually need it to have an effect on the culture – that’s, the great, the bad, the ugly and every part in between.
You see a whole lot of individuals who were either kids or weren’t even born yet during Freaknik’s heyday attempting to recapture that feeling and aesthetic. The documentary even opens with 21 Savage’s 2022 birthday celebration, a Freaknik-themed party. Why do you think that younger generations who have not had the prospect to live this experience try to reclaim what they think?
I like the best way you express it. It really is what it was. I believe this generation is like that captivated and fascinated by him since it was a time of black joy. It was a time when people felt secure – back within the day. It grew so organically, through word of mouth. The kids knew they’d to be in Atlanta every third weekend in April. We heard stories where people mentioned that they only had $10 and so they jumped within the automotive with their friends and still had a great time and it lasted all weekend. So I believe it’s just that spirit.
Freaknik was a time when the voices of Southern artists might be heard. And then the influence on fashion? Honey. Quite a lot of the archival footage featured girls with beehives, twists, quick weaves, and so forth. It was great to see that influence and that culture, and today persons are recreating those styles.
Entertainment
An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit
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.
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.
Jeff Bezos’ fiancée, Lauren Sanchez, cropped a photograph of him in a jumpsuit and then set Instagram on fire with her look.https://t.co/n7YNGctQFE pic.twitter.com/DNKP2i9o9C
— Sean Joseph (@sjoseph_sports) December 2, 2024
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.”
Lauren Sanchez 2003 vs. Lauren Sanchez 2024
Nothing to see here, people, move on#LaurenSanchez pic.twitter.com/mgr4vj6mFq
— Occam was right (@OccamWasRight) November 21, 2024
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.
Entertainment
Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape
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.
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.”
Entertainment
ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence
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.
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