Entertainment
This is J. Cole’s moment
Just before midnight, a message landed on my phone.
“It’s late… and I’m sure you’re in dad mode, but I’m pretty sure Drake’s response will arrive in 10 (minutes),” it read. “(I do not know) if it’s that or Cole’s album. But I used to be told Drake recorded something the opposite day.
A moment later, J. Cole landed on streaming platforms and social media discourse went crazy.
To the industry insider’s credit, it was a diss. In the last song of the surprise album “7-minute exercise”, J. Cole took direct aim at Kendrick Lamar against a backdrop reminiscent of the Sega Genesis, returning the shots that Lamar sent to J. Cole and Drake in his fiery verse on “Like That” from Future and Metro Boomin. “Like That” became an instant cultural touchstone thanks to NBA legend LeBron James rapping (mostly) word for word during the pre-match warm-up and beyond not only by playing part of the verse on-air, but also referencing it during Thursday’s telecast. It was a record catapulted to #1, leading to an undeniable reality: at its core, hip-hop is a competitive sport. Claiming to be the perfect means proving it.
And J. Cole has spent much of the previous few years attempting to separate himself from the competition. He confirmed this on “7 Minute Drill,” claiming that Lamar’s time at the highest of rap’s Mount Everest was a protracted one, looking back. “,” J. Cole rapped, an interpolation of Jay-Z calling out Nas’ catalog in “Takeover.” “”
Calling Lamar Ambien music – when many critics of J. Cole’s work over time have said the identical about his music – is intentional. Whether he truly believes that is not the purpose or whether he’s completely missing the larger point. Lamar’s catalog is his quest for hip-hop immortality. As talented as J. Cole is, his body of labor still rivals Lamar’s. But J. Cole knows that specializing in Lamar’s discography while bringing up the same old topics of conversation about Compton, California, emcee boredom, and taking longer breaks between projects is a strategy to focus the conversation, regardless of how basic it could be .
J. Cole called this album a “warning shot,” and it was exactly that. Hours after the autumn, rapper Reason of Top Dawg Entertainment (Lamar’s former label) wrote on social media: writing“I hope you all understand this sport and don’t take it too seriously, at least from Dot and Cole. It’ll just be a friendly sparring session. I’m (excited) to hear that they’re both doing fine without any major issues. Just rap!”
As Reason noted, any tension between J. Cole and Lamar has yet to cross the road into something more personal. J. Cole confirmed last 12 months that he and Lamar had discussed a project together years ago but schedules didn’t allow it. These are two guys who, beyond that moment, showed one another cordiality and respect for one another’s talents, which dated back to the times after they recorded their first compilations. However, J. Cole stands to realize significant progress in his quest to be “the UN” – if he can play his cards right at this point.
“This year has always been a big year for Cole. “His ‘supposed’ last album, and now this barrel is falling in his lap,” said rap historian and documentarian Jeff Rosenthal. He and his brother Eric Rosenthal created the award-winning podcast, which focused on the period (roughly 2007-2012) when J. Cole, Lamar, Drake and the Legionnaires rose to music fame via the Internet. “If he really wants to achieve a good result and consolidate his status as number 1 in the generation, he has a way to do it. The momentum is on his side.”
In addition to the project’s latest song, there is also a well-rapped body of labor, featuring a wide selection of sounds and voices from artists resembling Cam’ron, Ab-Soul, Ari Lennox, Gucci Mane, Young Dro and others. As his annual Dreamville festival kicks off on Saturday and Sunday, all eyes are on J. Cole. And with big names like SZA, 50 Cent and the all the time controversial Nicki Minaj within the lineup, this is J. Cole’s stage.
“Cole has always been a champion of people. Drake has been topping all the charts for the last 15 years, and Kendrick has won the hearts of all critics and intellectuals. But Cole has built the most loyal and passionate fan base,” said Eric Rosenthal. “Critics may say his honesty makes him boring, but there’s no denying he attracts fans and collaborators, including Drake and Kendrick, who appreciate the very specific path Cole is on.”
Overall, J. Cole’s response to Lamar is satisfactory. “7 Minute Drill” won’t ever be amongst the long-lasting battle records in rap history. But nevertheless, it was never meant to be. J. Cole will perform several of this weekend’s songs in front of hundreds of fans flocking to Raleigh, North Carolina for the festival, including the one everyone is talking about, “7 Minute Drill.” And debates about where the feud between the 2 heavyweight rappers will lead will only deepen.
However, the elephant within the room becomes increasingly inescapable. Going back to Reason’s tweet, he said the rap battle was just fun — “at least on Dot and Cole’s part.” This one phrase is the textbook definition of “weightlifting.” J. Cole’s response only increases the pressure on Drake – the fundamental goal of Lamar’s ire on “Like That” – to reply. Once friends – or dear collaborators, if anything – the strain between Drake and Lamar is personal in a way that the lyrical rift between Lamar and J. Cole is not. Drake and Lamar have been trading bullion for the past decade, and Lamar has been rather more confrontational. Since “Like That,” Drake has responded in the shape of Instagram captions, impromptu TED stage talks, and over-the-top antics like accurate shots to an enormous image of Travis Scott’s head during a recent stop on his and J. Cole’s tour.
Drake is as battle-tested as they arrive. He destroyed Common on “Stay Schemin'” in 2012 and publicly exposed Meek Mill in 2015 with the Grammy-nominated album “Back to Back.” His loss in 2018, nevertheless, was Drake himself He admitted — for Pusha, T represents an incurable scar. Drake’s attitude and musical tone modified under the influence of ‘Pusha T’Adidon’s story” The record not only revealed the identity of Drake’s son, but questioned Drake’s very existence as an artist and an idea. Now Drake finds himself at one other pivotal moment defined by deep-seated friction. The last half-decade has seen a rather more combative Drake, due to his clash with Pusha T. Now, the anticipation of him lyrically taking up Lamar is deafening.
If and when Drake responds, it’s going to be on an enormous stage because he has no other option. WITH “First-person shooter” further, everything that involved these three took place in front of the watching world. In a way, J. Cole didn’t do Drake any favors by releasing “7 Minute Drill” before Drake could get into the booth and issue his own criticism. But as J. Cole stated on the record, almost in agreement with Lamar:
Much like J. Cole’s other passion, basketball, his rap lead disappears in almost the blink of an eye fixed. J. Cole has been improving results for years. But very similar one other North Carolinian, a three-point dagger opportunity like he’s never seen before in his profession is right in front of him. Album-before-album. A loud disagreement. His own festival. And then probably the most anticipated rap project. 2024 is expected to be J. Cole’s MVP 12 months. Now every little thing will depend on his future.
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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