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Kendrick Lamar Wants to Be the Best, Making Hip-Hop Fun – Andscape

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The 2002 NBA All-Star Game accommodates one in every of those Kobe Bryant moments that claims quite a bit about who he was on the court. The game is an exhibition and players generally don’t care much about who wins. Well, players not named Kobe Bryant. The Philadelphia native wanted to win MVP honors at home, in a city the 76ers had eliminated in the previous NBA Finals. Despite the crowd cheering, Bryant got here out and played prefer it was a playoff game, making 25 shots. He attempted 10 more shots than forward Kevin Garnett’s 15, and defended every possession as if the game was on the line – much to the annoyance of players on each teams.

Bryant didn’t care about anyone else. He wanted to win.

Kendrick Lamar has had the same energy since he became a participant in the Top Rap Dog competition. He brought that energy to his role Future and Metro Boomin “Like That” from their recent album. In the song, Lamar dropped bombs at Drake and J. Cole, two of rap’s biggest stars. While there’s loads of subliminal screaming and jabbing on this verse, lyrics like “” and “‘” – a comment on the value of artistry over chart-topping – are undoubtedly geared toward Drake, and J. Cole catches the shrapnel.

Although Lamar and Drake collaborated on songs like “Buried Alive Interlude” from Drake’s 2011 album, Lamar’s “Poetic Justice” and A$AP Rocky’s 2012 “F-in Problems,” things have modified , when Lamar took over his competitive streak. ON “Control” with Big Sean in 2013, Lamar took aim at almost every rapper in his class, from J. Cole and Big KRIT to Big Sean and, yes, Drake.

Lamar’s verse highlighted exactly what he was trying to accomplish: “.” This is a rapper offended by the audacity of anyone who’s on the same level as him. This is Bryant in Philadelphia. This is Michael Jordan dropping six 3s in Game 1 of the 1992 NBA Finals, ending all debate about whether famed guard Clyde Drexler would ever be at his level. This is Houston Rockets center Hakeem Olajuwon gutting San Antonio Spurs center David Robinson in the 1995 playoffs and winning MVP honors. That’s what great greats do. They accept competition like a python accepts its prey.

Lamar’s “Control” verse sent shockwaves through the industry, and almost every rapper he mentioned reacted. Some dismissed it as friendly competition (Lamar later created songs with several other people mentioned, similar to Pusha T and Mac Miller). Others submitted their responses – namely Big KRIT, whose “Mt. “Olympus,” he replies is as underrated as it is devastating. And then there was Drake, who never actually addressed the song directly on wax, but seemed particularly concerned about it: says in 2013“I know well and good that Kendrick will not murder me at all, on any platform.”

Since then, every time Drake’s name comes up in discussions as the best in the world, Lamar shows up ready for war. He did it through dissing Drake w in 2013. He slyly addressed Drake’s ghostwriting allegations on 2015’s “King Kunta” before Meek Mill did. And he did some not-so-veiled diss tracks throughout the Dr. album. Dre.

But now it’s “Like That.” There isn’t any room for hesitation here. There’s no denying that Lamar recorded an album with two of the biggest names in rap. But let me repeat: Lamar has nothing against these guys. He doesn’t want to fight either of them for real, and in the event that they saw one another in public, I’m sure it could just end with slaps and hugs.

However, the better part of this competitive spirit could also be that these feuds make these battles exciting again. Rap is cool when artists don’t desire to hand over their first place to anyone. Jay-Z and Nas’ beef in the early 2000s was of the same vein. It’s exciting to see Lamar keeping this energy alive in hip-hop. Now he needs willing sparring partners who’re willing to return fire. Drake showed little interest in a full-scale battle. But J. Cole may prove to be less like those 2002 NBA stars, just here to have a great time, and more like Drexler and even Jordan himself – holding his own against someone who also wants to declare himself the best in the world.

Because otherwise, what’s the point of being great in the event you’re not willing to prove it once they call you on it?

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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