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Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Euphoria’ Diss to Drake Sets the Stage for Rap’s Next Big Feud – Andscape

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7 months ago

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Just a few weeks ago, I wrote about Kendrick Lamar’s “Like That” verse by which he dissed fellow rappers Drake and J. Cole. In this text, I related Lamar’s desire to be the best, regardless of who it upsets, to Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant’s desire to be higher than his peers. Since then, Drake has released two diss records of his own:Push-ups“And”Taylor created freestyle” prompting Lamar to respond. So on Tuesday at 8:24 a.m. West Coast time, in an apparent tribute to Bryant, Lamar tweeted a link to a full-fledged, six-minute onslaught of insults aimed directly at Drake’s neck. Song, “Euphoria” and its sequel, “6:16 in Los Angeles”, which dropped early Friday morning, is now official: two of the best MCs of their class engage in a musical tug-of-war to see who will win. However, at the moment they’re holding their Big Jokers close to the vest in an attempt to control the narrative of winning the battle. With the release of “Euphoria,” we all know Lamar is prepared for a full-on, no-holds-barred smoking session and intends to cut deep. The battle has officially begun.

“Euphoria” is Aubrey Graham’s chaotic surgical dissection. It’s each funny – Kendrick talks about how much he likes Drake singing and desires him to keep doing it, which is funny – and venomous. Lamar consists of insult after insult. Some of them are as direct as possible: “.” Other insults take more time to decipher, corresponding to when Kendrick says, “”he isn’t talking about an engine, he actually means a machine that helps people drop pounds, alluding to rumors of cosmetic procedures Drake has undergone lately.

The challenge of defaming someone as culturally ubiquitous as Drake is that we have heard all of it before. He is certainly one of the most memed rappers in history. He has already managed to survive allegations from Pusha T that he’s an absent father and Meek Mill that he uses ghostwriters. Most recently Rick Ross Drake disgusted repeatedly calling him a “white boy” and clowning his private jet. So capturing a singular insult has all the time been a challenge. But Lamar takes all the low-hanging fruit and adds something to each of them.

For example, as an alternative of calling Drake a “white boy,” Lamar insinuates that Drake uses black culture – specifically black American culture – as a fancy dress to gain fame. “” he asks Drake regarding the song. When Lamar says his opponent doesn’t like women, it is not an attack on Drake’s sexuality. It’s about his history of insults and feuds with women. Beneath the surface of all of it are veiled threats that he’s willing to speak about Drake’s history of interactions with underage girls, which is questionable at best. Like the double meaning of the word “pacify” in the poem “.” Lasting over six minutes, “Euphoria” is overloaded with senses and lyrically dense.

Its follow-up, “6:16 in Los Angeles,” posted on Instagram, is a calmer and kinder open-heart surgery. The song is one more warning to Drake that he has disloyal friends in his circle, and Lamar has dirt on the Toronto rapper that he isn’t afraid to scoop up and unleash on the world. And he did all of it based on quite a lot of measures that may take several days to analyze.

On each songs, Lamar dips out and in of pockets and styles, using multi-syllable internal rhymes and metaphors to create a song that’s as arresting because it is multi-layered.

Honestly, these are songs that Drake has never been able to create.

This is just not a slight against Drake, who’s a terrific rapper in his own right and may make great music without the lyrical flexing that Lamar does. There are few artists in the world who can put words together like Lamar.

Drake definitely tried. After “Like That” dropped, inside 21 days Torontonians responded “Push-ups” but as an alternative of the knockout punch some were hoping for, it was light work. Drake had to answer Lamar, but he didn’t want to play his entire hand. So he decided to drop a second-grade insult about Lamar’s shoe size and height, which was fair and amusing enough, before talking about Lamar, who owes half of his publishing credits to his former label, Top Dawg Records. Drake followed this up with “Taylor created freestyle” which used AI versions of Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg to discredit Lamar. The song was mostly a troll, a social media play intended to lure Lamar into responding. It appeared like Drake was simply testing out what had been required of him so far: he had to respond to Kendrick indirectly, especially after he embarrassed himself by withdrawing from the Pusha T feud without eventually returning. However, the consequence of his battle with Lamar will all the time rely on how aggressively the Compton, California MC approaches the battle and the way Drake could have to respond.

For now, there’s a battle occurring there, with the two megastars tweaking their narratives to persuade fans how they need to select the winner.

“Push Ups” takes place on Drake’s home turf, where he raps about publishing deals, topping the charts, and who has the most power in the industry. Wanting to keep the fight there is smart because his chart numbers are untouchable. So when Rick Ross claims he has more cash than Drake, it feels hole and unbelievable. Lamar knows this and doesn’t care about fighting for charts and money (“,” he raps on “Euphoria”). He said the same thing in “Like That” when he said “”, referring to the undeniable fact that artistic respect was more necessary to him than record sales.

My artistic preferences lean towards Lamar’s version of this beef. I do not care about rappers’ record deals or who has the most hits. I care about who will perform the most masterful takedown of their opponents. And these breakdowns have to be set to music. Drake won’t win with memes and jokes on social media. His destruction of Meek Mill was complete thanks to two great diss songs and a clever understanding of the Internet. These social media gadgets won’t cut it on this battle. This is about music. And now it’s Drake’s turn to show that he could make music that makes rap’s lyrical demigod bleed.

Even if Drake fails, he’ll try, showing him the best motivation to prove his doubters fallacious. So at the very least we’re getting recent music from two of rap’s biggest stars who’re determined to give it their all. When the dust settles, their careers will probably be superb. They will each be secure.

It’s us, the fans, who will profit from the same style of competition that rap is built on. For now we wait. because it is going to only recuperate.

DavidDennis Jr. is a senior author at Andscape and the writer of the award-winning book “The Movement Made Us: A Father, a Son, and the Legacy of a Freedom Ride.” 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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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

Published

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

Published

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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