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Noize organized producer Rico Wade gave Atlanta his voice and amplified it with a capital A

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9 months ago

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A handful of local architects designed the image that many individuals have of Atlanta. Aesthetically, much of the town’s skyline is the work of real estate businessman John C. Portman. Politically and economically, it was built on the efforts of leaders corresponding to Maynard Jackson, Atlanta’s first black mayor. Culturally, it was shaped by the visionary music producer Rico Wade, who died on April 13 on the age of 52.

As one third of the pioneering production trio Organized Noize with Patrick “Sleepy” Brown and Ray Murray, Wade laid the inspiration for Atlanta’s three-decade presence in hip-hop and black music. With Murray and Brown being the musical heart and soul of the band, Wade was the voice of the operation, acting because the de facto glue, seed and leader of Organized Noize. While their predecessors, including Bobby Brown, L.A. Reid, Dallas Austin and Jermaine Dupri, showed that Atlanta was fertile ground for crafting polished hits, Wade and Organized Noize were instrumental in revealing what life in the town was really like within the post-post era. -civil. An era of rights, giving the natives a sense of pride and transplants as a reason to come back.

From left to right: Organized Noize members Rico Wade, Ray Murray and Sleepy Brown attend a private screening during SCADshow on March 18, 2016 in Atlanta.

Prince Williams/WireImage

Much like DJ Kool Herc’s electric innovation birthed hip-hop within the Bronx, Wade literally molded the sound out of southwest Atlanta, the red clay of Georgia, transforming an empty space in his mother’s unfinished basement into a studio affectionately called “The Dungeon” that became the headquarters the larger Dungeon Family collective, which included Parental Advisory, Outkast, Goodie Mob, Big Rube, Witchdoctor, Cool Breeze, Backbone, Joi Gilliam and second-generation scion Killer Mike, Future, Bubba Sparxxx and others. During hip-hop’s explosive growth within the ’90s, as East Coast producers drew on jazz influences and West Coast producers relied on funk, Organized Noize broke latest ground (with producers like UGK’s Pimp C) by introducing soulful elements within the form of Curtis Mayfield, using live instrumentation somewhat than sampling, creating a sonic identity that became often known as southern hip-hop.

“We always looked at New York as the father and Los Angeles as the mother, and we were the child that came from it,” Wade explained in a 2022 interview with The Times. Questlove Supreme Podcast. “This omission was enough for me to see this for myself.”

From left to right: Big Boi, Killer Mike and Rico Wade attend the Killer Mike Grammy Celebration at Knife Modern Mediterranean in Atlanta on February 25.

Prince Williams/WireImage

Like many Atlantans, Wade spoke with body language fueled by the town’s culture of dancing and skating. So despite the fact that you lost yourself in what he was saying through his shaky accent, his flailing limbs, quick hand gestures, dramatic facial expressions, and intense head nods sent the message he desired to convey. Nonverbal messages were also sent with intentional fashion selections, corresponding to proudly rocking Atlanta Hawks and Falcons gear even when the teams were struggling, and often showing off his “Dungeon Family” forearm tattoos, a gesture paying homage to a b-boy stance, but additionally to the brave, a pledge of allegiance that spoke louder than the trend of wearing a diamond-encrusted logo on a chain.

Even as Wade rose up and down the totem pole of demand and popularity within the music industry, he maintained the identical tough nature. When Organized Noize had songs like “Waterfalls” by TLC AND En Vogue “Don’t Let Go (Love)” on the charts, you would still find Wade around his torso at Headland & Delowe. Friends, co-workers and customers can share stories of Wade’s hospitable nature, offering all the things from a smoke to a box of wings and a place to sleep. Whether you made $1 million or worked at Family Dollar, you’ll likely find yourself with his number in your phone if you happen to’ve had greater than two long conversations with him. If he really rocked you, he excitedly greeted you each time he saw you, as if it was the primary time he had seen you in years. A man about town who may be found all over the place from the food market to the local Madden tournament, making him one of the vital accessible ships in a city where people are likely to isolate themselves after they grow to be more successful and withdraw much more when the principal mainstream Media attention is shifting away from them.

Although he never used his role to rap or sing alongside the artists he helped produce, Wade’s unique voice is a staple within the vast musical history of Atlanta hip-hop. He is the primary person you hear within the intro to Outkast’s 1993 breakthrough debut single “Player’s Ball” before Big Boi or Andre 3000 even began rapping their verses. Thirty years later, he delivered the opening monologue on the Grammy-winning album Killer Mike in 2023, launching into the momentous opening track “According to the law.”

Atlanta’s current mayor, Andre Dickens, often says that the town is a group project, promoting the concept everyone must work together for the town to maneuver forward. Rico Wade embodied this in his approach to creating music, constructing community, inspiring pride and creating a sound that made the town famous world wide.

“I never want to not want to be a part of it,” Wade said in a 2016 documentary, talking in regards to the dissolution and transformation of the Dungeon family over time. “We are all great, but we needed each other once and we always will.”

Rest in Black Man’s Heaven.


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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2 weeks 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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2 weeks 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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2 weeks 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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