Entertainment

Explained how J. Cole failed the culture

Published

7 months ago

April 11, 2024

IAM

On Sunday in Fayetteville, North Carolina, rapper Jermaine Cole took the stage at the Dreamville Festival to specific his regret at disparaging K-Dot’s catalog in “7 Minute Drill,” where Cole raps:

J. Cole “7 Minutes of Exercise”

“That’s one part of this shit that makes me feel like the most crappy thing I’ve ever done in my fucking life” – Cole he told the audience. “So I felt conflicted because I was like, bro, I don’t even feel like that. And I know that’s not something a lot of people want to hear.”

Cole’s heartfelt public apology sent Black Twitter into a frenzy with memes, jokes, and even discourse on mental health and self-care. While the mea culpa for doing something that “offends (his) spirit” and “disturbs (his) peace” was an admirable act of contrition and self-reflection, Cole was right about one thing: it wasn’t about what many people wanted it to be hear.

One of the privileges of writing for a black audience is that I don’t have to explain what I mean when I say my youngest sister has always been “sensitive.” I’ve never really heard the definition of feeling “somehow,” but I know what it means. Every black child is born with the ability to distinguish “white people’s business” from “adult business.” For many people, Cole’s actions not only undermined one of the founding principles of hip-hop, but broke one of the unwritten rules that govern disparate Black communities across America:

You need to get your licking back.

Getting your lick back is a God-given right. It is as important as life, freedom and the pursuit of happiness. Reciprocating licking has little to do with violence or revenge; it’s about competition, honesty and, above all, never giving up. This fundamental principle is one of the pillars on which black culture and art are built. Baking or “playing the tens” is just a verbal form of getting the lick back. The improvisational guitar and saxophone solos that define American music evolved from “cutting competitions” — when black jazz and blues musicians fought one another during a performance. Even moving to the beat can turn into a contest. You cannot just tap dance in the face of Bill Bojangles Robinson or play Alpha Train at a Que party and expect no response. They get their licks back.

Perhaps nothing embodies this doctrine higher than a culture that comes with every pre-existing type of black art and black creativity. Whether it’s breakdancing, emceeing, DJing, or graffiti, every element of hip-hop involves some type of competitive response. Positioning is a basic condition of hip-hop culture. The art form relies on the concept of opposition, real or imagined. Therefore, “I’m great at rapping” was the thesis of 86.4% of old rap music. That’s why there are not any hits about reliable cars, medium-strength marijuana and cheap jewelry. That’s why Drake invited J. Cole to perform on the single “First-person shooter” to answer the question: “Who is GOAT? … It’s just (Drake) and Cole.” This cultural need for competitive excellence is also why Cole stated:

J. Cole on “first-person shooter”

This wasn’t what Kendrick Lamar wanted to listen to.

Like Cole, Kendrick Lamar is understood for creating emotionally sensitive, unapologetically black rap music that touches on topics of politics, spirituality and mental health. But despite the Grammys, Pulitzers and other Caucasian accolades showered on Lamar from outside the culture, on occasion he transforms into “Kung Fu Kenny,” the undisputed master of verbal combat. He has already said that he has nothing but love and respect for his peers, but he “he thinks hip-hop is a sportThe only difference between the more contemplative poet and his bold alter ego is that Kung Fu Kenny does not tolerate even the insinuation that anyone lives in the same sublime atmosphere as him.

For Lamar, Drake and Jermaine to put him on their level was an insult. The light-skinned duo’s intention was irrelevant. He just followed the rules. So Kendrick Lamar had no choice but to fulfill his duty to hip-hop by upholding the standards and practices of a culture in which he is deeply rooted. Lamar picked up a feature on ‘Future’ and ‘Metro Boomin’Yes” address the problem.

“These niggas talk all the time,” he began. “Don’t take the coffin out of your mouth, I’m too paranoid to make threats.” What followed was a verse filled with somewhat obscure references that true hip-hop fans would immediately recognize. He quoted rap pioneer Melle MelAndre 3000 flute i Click members of E-40 and B-Legit. After dropping song and album titles, Lamar left no ambiguity: “Motherf–k the Big Three. Nigga, it’s just me.

He got his licking back.

In an era where rap music is often indistinguishable from pop music, true hip-hop fans were delighted to witness the exchange between respected creators of their beloved art. It was like LeBron challenging Giannis to a one-on-one game at Rucker Park. Not since Nas and Jay-Z’s cultural battle have we seen two artists at the cultural avant-garde engage in the most fundamental form. And like “Ether” vs. “Takeover,” the winner debate was less necessary than the artistic competition. While nobody doubts the excellence of either artist, all this “beef” was only about who was the best.

It was hip-hop at its best.

But there may be a difference between rap and hip-hop. One is the product of a capitalist music industry built by white people for the specific purpose of commodifying black art. The second is a culture that has rules that govern the standards and practices of those participating. A mural artist may paint over one other artist’s work. But in hip-hop, crossing out one other graffiti author’s tag is taken into account a misdemeanor. While Beyoncé’s fans love her reinterpretation of “Jolene,” if the hip-hop artist did the same, she could possibly be accused of “biting” Dolly Parton. Worse yet, they could saddle Bey with one in all the most offensive labels of all – loser MC.

While some, including my colleague Touré, rightly praise J. Cole for prioritizing mental health and maintaining personal ethical standards, hip-hop purists are mistaken to wonder, “What part of the game is this?” Unlike people whose Spotify playlist includes Post Malone and Ice Spice, as you want to to imagine, I have never met a single soul who’s into J. Cole. They were simply disenchanted to see a rivalry that promised to be a watershed moment in hip-hop vanish into thin air. They are not any different than individuals who need to return to the era when NFL players could decapitate opponents on the field. They just need to add an old fashioned twist to all the songs about taking Percocet and going to weekly therapy sessions. Part of the disappointment comes from the knowledge that hip-hop is evolving, perhaps in a very good direction.

But what rapper doesn’t want his lick back?

Perhaps the only loser in all of that is the hip-hop purist. We “heads” feel the same as the boxing fans who watched Tyson bite Evander Holyfield on the ear. nobody wanted it, the risk that this conflict would end in bloodshed was very small); they desired to see two champions fight for the title. J. Cole has the right to apologize. His fans even have a right to feel slighted that he mainly confessed to his opponent.

If there’s one shiny side to this whole controversy, it’s J. Cole to Kendrick Lamar. While it could have disenchanted hip-hop fans who love watching friendly competition, individuals who enjoy the occasional good rap song can enjoy the remainder of the music that does not make them “feel bad spiritually.” His apology could seem to have broken one in all the fundamental tenets of his craft, but that does not make him a coward or a traitor. For those that doubt Cole’s commitment to the culture, rest assured that his spirit will not be stirred as he boldly raps about violence and Black women. Despite all the things, .

So much drama on the street, I feel like the beef is random
Lots of murders, turn into Thor, gotta keep the hammer
Cause the weather gets worse, shots are fired at the innocent,
the neighbors still do not know who sent them the shit, it’s like secret Santa
I’m here, reaching for a better frequency, I’m going to do it
Relax in the presidential suites or sleep in cabins on the beach
Sketching on 1000’s of sheets of paper, I hit weirdos in tandems
Catch them after which throw them in a cab like East Atlanta
How does it feel to see the flyest bitch and know he can land her?
Every word I say on beats will certainly fuel the fandom.

– J. Cole on “Stickz N Stonez”

Although some people (For example, Mos Defa) I doubt Drake is even a component of hip-hop, for the sake of culture I hope he gets his licks back. Even if it doesn’t occur, we are able to ensure of 1 thing:

Drake feels it someway.

Entertainment

Why Fantasia’s 2007 hit “When I See U” always seems to be on its radar in 2024

Published

52 mins ago

November 15, 2024

IAM

thegrio.com, fantasia, fantasia barrino, when i see you, r&b, 2000s music

In early November 2024, a video of University of South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer appeared online. After South Carolina’s 44-20 victory over Texas A&M University, Coach Beamer decided to take this step have his players serenade his wife in the locker room on her birthday. And what song were his players shouting with enthusiasm at the highest of their lungs? None apart from singer Fantasia’s 2006 hit “When I See U,” a song that topped the R&B charts way back in 2007 but seems to be primary in the hearts and minds of individuals all over the world this 12 months of ours sir two thousand twenty 4.

To quote Kanye West: “Like SWAY?”

How did a song that was a hit before America had its first black president develop into wildly popular almost twenty years later? Well, the apparent answer is social media, especially TikTok. In fact, a straightforward seek for “Fantasia When I See You” on the platform brings up over 24 million videos. TWENTY-FOUR MILLION. There are videos of basketball players sing a song and folks join in their houses do covers. There they’re presenters AND dances. People have converted their very own versions. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

Even though social media has decided that “When I See U” needs to get all its flowers and glory, what’s it about this song that makes adults, children, and perhaps even animals sing (and/or scream) the words on top of their lyrics? lungs?

Watch a video of the football team serenading the coach’s wife. The coach has heard this song enough times to know that his players find it irresistible. The coach knew they liked it a lot that if he played it out of nowhere, enough of his players wouldn’t only know the words, but would fully participate in sharing it with the world – and his wife. But have a look at this joy; as soon because the musicians heard those opening chords, they took flight. I do not know if Coach Beamer’s wife knows this song, however it doesn’t matter. Everyone in this room did it.

And everyone knows it, because “When I See U” is an undeniable hit. It’s jam. It’s sunny on your wedding day. He’s a cop who shows up in court to contest a speeding ticket. It’s finding an additional helping of fries in your bag if you only ordered one. This is gorgeous. It gets stuck and Fantasia gets stuck on it. “When I See U” is a song about nervously falling in love with someone. That’s lovable. It’s about infatuation. It’s a contemporary version of The Temptations “It’s Just My Imagination (Running With Me)” definitely certainly one of the best songs of all time. This is one other song whose opening chords make everyone who knows it lose their mind and switch into Temptations for a number of minutes.

When I hear Fantazja singing together with her incredibly beautiful, one-of-a-kind voice, I get excited. The song is an ideal mixture of beats, rhymes and life. It’s hip-hop in the shape of R&B with a beat that rappers like Fabolous used to turn into monster rap jams.

Also, let’s analyze this quickly: who DIDN’T feel like hearing the lyrics to this song? Who hasn’t caught your eye yet, that one who captures all of your attention and you would like to talk to them, but you are afraid to do it? For me, it was three out of 4 years of school. And true story, we’re all probably that person to another person too. We’ve been there and done that. That’s the plot of many romantic comedies in three minutes and thirty-six seconds, and who doesn’t love romantic comedies? (If someone doesn’t love them, tell me never to talk to these people again.) I’m married and I like the thought of ”new love” in moves I’ve watched 100 times.

Most importantly, “When I See U” is just incredibly fun to sing. There are some songs which can be perfect for karaoke. What comes to mind is “Return of The Mack”, anything by Luther Vandross, “We Are Never Getting Back Together” by Taylor Swift, the SWV catalog, etc. “When I See U” by Fantazja is unquestionably in the highest ten of this list. And because so many individuals know these words, it really works well for big Black gatherings like churches, live shows, family reunions, funerals, and cookouts.

There’s really no bad time to play this song. One evening, for some reason, a bunch of individuals visited me, and the music person put on “When I See U” and everybody, young and old, sang the words in unison and joyfully. (No matter if you read this sentence, it is going to be true; there are ALWAYS people in my house.)

I do not know who decided that the 2020s needed a hit Fantasia as much because the 2000s, but that person is a national hero. In a world filled with chaos, I’m glad we’ve got Fantazja, her voice and music, which make things somewhat higher.

“When I see you” today, “When I see you” tomorrow, “When I see you” ceaselessly.

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com

Entertainment

Donald Trump’s jealous obsession with Baron’s son’s height sparks outrage days after Melania avoids his kisses

Published

4 hours ago

November 15, 2024

IAM

Donald Trump could also be just a little jealous of his son, Barron Trump; a minimum of that is what some fans online think.

Trump has much to have a good time as he recently won the 2024 presidential race, which is able to see him serve a second term on January 20. However, in the course of the campaign, rumors of a grudge against his son Barron began to grow.

Fans began to note Trump’s obsession with his son’s height after: clip his interview with Moms For America went viral in December 2023. When asked how Melania was doing, Trump wasted no time gushing about his wife’s capabilities as a mother before talking about his then-17-year-old son’s physique.

Fans suspect that Donald Trump's obsession with the height of his 18-year-old son Barron Trump is a form of jealousy. (Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images) — Fans suspect Donald Trump’s obsession with the height of his 18-year-old son Barron Trump is an indication of jealousy. (Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

“(Melania is) great. He’s doing an important job with my son, who’s a implausible guy,” Trump began. – He’s a superb tall guy too. Very tall.

When asked about Baron’s height, Trump brightened up. “I’d say 6’8″. So he’s up there, right.

“It’s very telling that the first thing Donald mentions about Barron is his height, as there are reports that Donald Trump resents Barron for being taller than him” – user X he tweeted.

“She talks about him like he’s a rival,” one other person he replied.

Another X user he stated“I heard Trump has nothing to do with him because he hates anyone taller than him. You notice that he needed to say his name in a sentence to recollect it.

Trump has apparently been obsessed with his son’s height these days, too. In June, during a press tour, Trump visited Fox & Friends, where he was asked how his family was coping with the news that he had been found guilty on 34 felony counts related to paying adult film star Stormy Daniels to influence the end result of the 2016 election r. When asked in regards to the well-being of his youngest son, Trump replied: “He is amazing. He is tallhandsome guy. He is a excellent student. He applies to universities and goes all over the place… He’s a really smart guy. It’s very tall guy… He’s cool. I’m telling you, he’s pretty cool.

Trump on Baron: “He’s a tall, handsome guy. He is a excellent student. He applies to universities and goes all over the place… He’s a really smart guy. He’s a really tall guy… He’s cool. I’m telling you, he’s pretty cool.

Do we all know in the event that they ever met? pic.twitter.com/HgY6qAaAMb

— Ryszard Hanania (@RichardHanania) June 2, 2024

“This is what jealousy looks like” he wrote one user X in response to the interview clip.

Later that month, Trump spoke with Logan Paul and Mike Majlak on the “Impaulsive” podcast, where he discusses his 18-year-old son’s height. Almost immediately he mentioned his son’s height.

“I even have a stupendous boy, Barron, who loves Mike Tyson. He’s an enormous boy,” he said he said before sharing that his son is taller than average. “And I could not get him to play basketball or football. He can be a superb athlete. But he’s 6 feet 9 inches. Handsome guy. He is tall, there isn’t a doubt about it.

“I say, ‘Barron,'” he continued. “I don’t want to take a picture next to you.”

According to journalist Michael Wolff, this isn’t any different than when Trump has an issue with people taller than him. Wolff spoke to MSNBC in 2023 to debate his book “Siege: Trump Under Fire” and within the interview touched on Trump’s obsession with growth.

He said: “He is jealous of everyone’s height. He never allows himself to be photographed with anyone taller than himself. Height is one of his techniques. He uses his height and remember that Donald Trump is a very big man.”

But as a substitute of supposedly hating his son’s physique, Donald may have to point out him just a little gratitude for helping him get a superb chunk of the “bro votes” in his presidential run.

“Brother vote” refers to getting votes from a selected demographic of men, typically those within the young millennial and Gen Z age groups.

According to Time warehouseAs Donald’s team was strategizing in regards to the various podcasts he should appear on, Donald told his 27-year-old GOP consultant, Alex Bruesewitz, to take the list of podcasts Bruesewitz desired to feature and discuss it with Barron.

Barron pointed to Adin Ross, a streamer who works with celebrities to live stream video games.

The former reality star’s appearance on Ross’ Live garnered over 2.7 million views.

It was only up from there. As the race was winding down, Donald appeared on the “Joe Rogan Experience” podcast. This video itself is lower than a month old, but has over 50 million views.

Fans aren’t entirely buying the proven fact that Donald was seriously concerned about Barron’s height. One person put“He looks like a proud father to me. A twisted reporting story.

Other he wrote“He’s just a proud father. The media must always read something negative.”

A 3rd shares similar sentiments he said“It looks like he’s just pleased with his son! Here’s the media doing it again…

This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com

Entertainment

Hugh Jackman’s scandalous affair with a younger Broadway star during their 27-year marriage leaves his ex-wife stunned

Published

7 hours ago

November 15, 2024

IAM

Scandalous details about 56-year-old Hugh Jackman and his latest relationship have social media users shocked following speculation concerning the timeline of their affair and his divorce from ex-wife Deborra-Lee Furness, 68.

The former couple announced the top of their marriage in September 2023, after 27 years.

Now the Australian actor has been accused of cheating on his wife with his “The Music Man” castmate, 49-year-old American actress Sutton Foster.

The conversation began in 2021 when Hugh and Sutton were filming the movie. The film was released in 2022, industry rumors suggest that the romance between the 2 will happen in 2023. At the time, the “Wolverine” actor was still married to Furness, and Foster was still married to screenwriter Ted Griffin.

Meanwhile, Foster he filed for divorce According to US Weekly two days before their anniversary on October 25, 2024, they’ve an adopted daughter, Emily, who was born in March 2017.

“Deadpool and Wolverine” star Hugh Jackman was accused of cheating on his then-wife Deborra-Lee Furness (left) with his “The Music Man” co-star Sutton Foster (right). (Photos: thehughjackman/Instagram; musicmanbway/Instagram)

The same website reports that Furness liked an Instagram post by gossip blogger Tasha Lustig from her private Instagram account. Desirable disclosed information on social media about Jackman and Foster’s “soft start” to their relationship.

Lustig claimed that Jackman “blinded” his ex-wife by “eloping with his mistress.” She also added that Jackman “reportedly had an obsession with Sutton, which made Furness pay special attention to her.” She and fans in her comments say they should not fearful about Jackman’s ex-wife, who many consider will soon have her moment to shine post-divorce.

“In this case you are right. FYI, my lovely friend Deb will be glowing anytime!” – wrote British media personality Amanda de Cadenet under the post.

Another said: “I used to be very surprised that he and Debra split up. Now Sutton’s divorce is smart.

But the camaraderie was on full display online. In March 2022, Foster shared a clip of Jackman leading the forged and audience of “The Music Man” in singing “Happy Birthday to You” in celebration of her forty seventh birthday.

“Hugh Jackman is an evil, terrible and GREAT man. He had the entire audience singing to me last night,” Foster wrote in an Instagram caption.

More details concerning the alleged budding romance between Jackman and Foster were featured in one other Us Weekly. article. Their performances within the Broadway musical “The Music Man” allegedly led to infidelity.

“Hugh’s relationship is the reason for Hugh and Deb’s divorce,” a source said, citing an alleged source connected to Foster.

The source added: “A lot of people on Broadway knew about it, but we kept it a secret because they are both very nice and wonderful people. Everyone respected their privacy. But there was romance and overlap.”

Jackman and Foster are said to be “really happy now.” Despite being called “Broadway’s worst kept secret,” Furness was allegedly “the last to know” about her ex-husband’s private affair with his girlfriend.

Furness’ unnamed friend said: “(For) a woman who has been married for (27) years and then discovers that her partner has been unfaithful and untrustworthy, it is quite a devastating life experience.”

An Instagram user wrote within the comments section of Us Weekly’s Instagram page: “Oh Hugh. Simply the toughest result. Eh. Another person added: “I’ve lost respect for Hugh.”

A 3rd commenter declared: “This is tacky on so many levels. He was disloyal and disrespectful. Dot, dot, blank!”

One critic criticized Foster for allegedly disrespecting her then-spouse, writing: “They are both the same, he cheated on his wife, she cheated on her husband, after all, birds of (a) feather flock together.”

In response to Furness allegedly hitting the like button on Lustig’s post, one woman commented: “It’s the best way she doesn’t say anything and yet she speaks up. Or it may very well be a bunch of bullshit, so Hugh and Sutton, your move.

Jackman and Furness met while filming the Australian television show “Correlli” in 1995, and married in April 1996.

They have two adopted children: son Oscar Maximilian, born in May 2000, joined the family the identical yr, and daughter Ava Eliot was adopted in 2005, after being born in July.

When the 2 Australians announced their separation last yr, it seemed that it could be amicable.

“We have been blessed to spend almost thirty years together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage. Our journey is now changing and we have decided to separate to continue our individual growth,” the couple said People.

The joint statement continued: “Our family has been and always will be our top priority. We take on this next chapter with gratitude, love and kindness. We greatly appreciate your understanding in respecting our privacy as our family navigates this change in each of our lives.”

Hugh Jackman and his wife Deborra-lee are ending their marriage amicably after 27 years: https://t.co/gm5kw3nWiU pic.twitter.com/yATjZkYtAA

— People (@people) September 15, 2023

Jackman shouted out Furness multiple times on social media during their marriage. For example, on February 14, 2023, he expressed his love for the “Shame” actress.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, love. You light up the room wherever you go… Your humor, generosity, wisdom and spirit shine so brightly. I celebrate you on our 28th Valentine’s Day together. I love you,” Jackman captioned a photo with his then-wife.

In April 2023, the “Deadpool and Wolverine” actor praised Furness for her laughter, spirit, generosity, humor, sass, courage and loyalty in one other celebratory post on Instagram on the occasion of their twenty seventh wedding anniversary.

However, this yr it’s unclear whether he spent Valentine’s Day 2024 alone or with Sutton. However, it seems that social media users discovered about all of the juicy details of Jackman’s latest relationship, prompting him to limit comments on all of his Instagram posts.

This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com