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With the death of DJ Mister Cee, hip-hop mourns the loss of an irreplaceable titan

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8 months ago

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DJ, Mr. Ceea legendary New York DJ who played an integral role in the careers of rap luminaries resembling Big Daddy Kane and Notorious B.I.G. He died on Wednesday. He was 57 years old.

Condolences on social media from fans and friendssuch Kane50 Cent, Chuck D, Lil’ Cease, DJ Premier and author Cheo Hodari Coker. Many of the tributes focused on the same theme: Mr. Cee’s love for hip-hop culture knew no bounds. Cee, a hip-hop pioneer par excellence, was a strolling, secure space. Not just for the rappers and executives he has met and worked with over the years. He was like this with many he met.

“(Cee) was one of my favorite music encyclopedias. Learning from him was an absolute blessing. He handled hip-hop with such care and such deep love,” he said Scottie Beamformer Hot 97 digital producer who worked closely with Cee when he unleashed his legendary southern mixes. “He always wanted to meet the right people in his hip-hop domain. The impact, passion and work (Cee) put into this culture will never, ever be forgotten and I will miss him greatly.”

It’s inconceivable to inform the history of hip-hop without mentioning Mr. Cee’s name. Cee, born Calvin Lebrun in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, was the first person I interviewed about the book. Shortly after the quarantine began, I felt anxious. Here I used to be writing a book about one of Cee’s closest friends, and he may very well be skeptical or cautious. Considering where the world was at the time, it might have been comprehensible. I expected the interview to last half-hour. We talked for 3 hours.

During our conversation, Mr. Cee recalled his life. He grew up in the Lafayette Gardens projects in Brooklyn in the Nineteen Seventies, at a time when the city was awash with drugs. Some selected street life. Cee selected music. He laughed as he remembered the freestyle rap battles that took place in the Sarah J. Hale High School cafeteria in the early Nineteen Eighties. He cracked up much more, remembering how he jumped into cyphers, but using the lines of his then-group, the Magnum Force Crew. Cee’s laughter turned to tears of joy as he talked about his last ever opponent, MC Kane.

“When my lunch break ended, I went out and a guy in a leather jacket that looked like Kurtis Blow came up to me. The guy walks up to me, reaches into the inside pocket of his leather jacket – remember, we’re in high school now – and pulls out a microphone. He said, “Hey, I heard you wanted to fight me.” I’m MC Kane,” Cee told me, struggling to get through the story because he couldn’t stop laughing. “I thought the guy was crazy! I say, “No, I was using my rhymes for the crew.” I started to back away! I thought: I don’t want any problems. I thought this guy was crazy for wearing a microphone at school.”

He continued: “A week or two later, I come back to the dining room and there is a large crowd around the table. It was that MC Kane again, dude.” After lunch, Cee asked Kane to listen to him DJ and join his crew. Kane initially refused, claiming he was a solo actor. “So I said, listen, just come to me, hearken to me DJ, and perhaps perhaps you may reconsider. Sure enough, Kane got here to my projects in Bed-Stuy. He heard me DJing and said, “Hey, I’m depressed.” Whatever you ought to do, I’ll meet the crew. “

From that moment on, an unbreakable bond was formed as MC Kane became Big Daddy Kane. Cee and Kane met later Biz Markie, who helped get the two signed to Cold Chillin’ Records. Mr. Cee spoke with great pride and respect to people like DJ 50 Grand, Notorious BIG and Matteo “Matty C” Capoluongowhose “Unsigned Noise” column. caught the attention of Sean “Puffy” Combs. Cee remembered introducing Biggie to Puffy as if it had happened five minutes before we began talking relatively than thirty years earlier. And the same confidence Kane had in Cee, Biggie had in Cee too.

“Whatever Cee says, man,” Biggie told Combs when the then aspiring music executive mentioned a take care of Uptown Records. – Whatever Cee says.

Cee laughed as he recalled helping Biggie record songs like “Juicy” and “Big Poppa” for the album, which he executive produced. He cried as he recalled how Biggie lent him money to repay a deep debt to his landlord. He was still frustrated that Biggie threw his wife Faith Evans under the bus on the classic rap duet “Brooklyn’s Finest” with Jay-Z. And he fell silent for a couple of minutes, recalling the days, weeks and months after Biggie’s murder in March 1997.

The conversation was extensive, but what I took away most was Mr. Cee’s gratitude. He understood his place in hip-hop, but he also at all times wondered about the culture’s place in his life. Cee is accountable for some of street rap’s most significant lyrics, starting with Biggie’s demo tape, which Cee polished and placed in the right hands, to AND tapes for his own mixtapes, which have since change into part of the city’s cultural identity, no different from graffiti on the subway or block parties on warm summer nights.

“(Mister) Cee’s influence reached far beyond the airwaves, shaping the very fabric of DJ culture in New York” – Hot 97 shared in an announcement. Cee worked at the station for 21 years before his departure in 2014. “Our hearts are heavy as we send our love and condolences to his family and the fans whose lives he touched with his music.”

Perhaps the mostly used word to explain him is “friend.” In addition to all the good he delivered to the music world over five many years, Cee found immortality in his character, whether he realized it or not. He was at all times willing to share his knowledge and at all times willing to inform his stories because he knew that specific acts of kindness meant something to people. He listened as much as he spoke – and gave much more love than was given to him. It’s inconceivable to reflect on his life and never do not forget that in his later years, certain points of the culture weren’t so kind to Cee, especially when his sexuality has change into a hot topic of discussion.

Proverbial bullets that Cee took as a consequence of his personal lifeespecially after he has been arrested for recruiting transgender staff, was a teachable moment for a culture that was not behaving honorably at the time. J. Cole referenced this case in 2013’s “Forbidden Fruit,” rapping: “The ugliest venom got here from a Power 105 radio host Charlamagne Tha God, who repeatedly mocked Mr. Cee, calling him a “serial penis purchaser” on air. Cee watched as his character was examined under a microscope and pressure was put on him to explain his sexuality. (In 2021, Mr. Cee said he considered himself “trying sex.”) Despite this, despite the culture hidden homophobiapeople like Funkmaster Flex and 50 Cent he rushed to Cee’s defense.

The controversy over Mr. Cee’s sexuality could have ended his profession, however it didn’t. The culture eventually adapted to its needs or moved on to the next goal. But Mister Cee was greater than only a hip-hop expert. He was a hip-hop survivor. After his death, the species must once more ask itself why it’s mandatory to make anyone a survivor, especially individuals who offered a lot life in culture?

Mister Cee was a tour de force that is never seen on this genre. One who combined God-given talent with Heaven-ordained altruism. One who, when the culture lost a titan, was at all times there to send it to the pearly gates in style. No one praised his peers like Mr. Cee.

Cee told me a story about the day Biggie died. He’d gotten the call a couple of hours earlier and was sitting in the fog in a taxi to the Hot 97 studios. Five years earlier, Cee had convinced Biggie to take rap seriously and leave the hustle alone. Now he was the reality of life without the young man who had modified his life. When he walked into the Hot 97 office, Angie Martinez was already crying. His tears immediately began appearing. Somehow, they survived that day – one of the darkest in New York’s musical history – because they felt they owed a lot to the city. As news of Cee’s death spread, Martinez re-posted to Instagram with a heavy heart.

“Oh Cee, I’m having a hard time finding words. You were so good at it…NO ONE will ever do it better.” – she wrote on Instagram. “I have so many memories of (you) showing up for me all these years. So much healthy debate. So many brainstorming sessions and meaningful conversations. So much love. So much history. I am grateful for all this and for (you). I pray that you will be at peace, my friend.”

Fifty-seven continues to be a painfully young age in the grand scheme of life, and Cee is one more member of the hip-hop community who has never achieved senior status. But Mr. Cee has by some means packaged moments, relationships, and art that may last more than his physical frame ever could. Perhaps there may be joy on this sadness. DJ Mister Cee lived a hip-hop life price telling for future generations.


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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3 days ago

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December 9, 2024

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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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3 days ago

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December 9, 2024

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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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3 days ago

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December 9, 2024

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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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