Entertainment
Black Twitter defends black professor after DJ Vlad threatens to expel her from Princeton for telling him to drop hip-hop thread because he’s white
Hip-hop media personality Vladislav Lyubovny, also referred to as DJ Vlad, discovered he wasn’t as popular within the rap community as he thought after an internet exchange with a Princeton professor after Black Twitter called for his dismissal.
It began on Saturday, May 4, when Kendrick Lamar dropped “Not Like Us,” his latest contribution to the countless diss tracks aimed toward Drake over the past week. While most listeners were impressed by the Bay Area influence on the DJ Mustard-produced beat and the catchiness of K. Dot’s lyrics, DJ Vlad turned his attention to other areas.
Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” needed a greater mix. This takes away from the song,” he wrote on Twitter.
Morgan Jerkins, whose X profile lists her as a school member in Princeton University’s Lewis Center for the Arts creative writing program, responded to Vlad’s tweet by saying, “You are WHITE. This is a black people’s issue.”
Jerkins’ response outraged the DJ-turned-journalist, who then threatened to fire her.
“Wait, so a professor at Princeton is telling me that a white person shouldn’t be allowed to express their opinion on hip-hop?” Vlad stated before asking, “Is this how you interact with your students?”
Morgan didn’t budge. “I want to say that you put your opinion into a discussion that is not necessary. This conversation is and should be focused on Black people, not you.
DJ Vlad doubled down and wrote on Twitter: “Good luck being a professor at @Princeton again. I question whether the university supports its professors who tell non-black students to shut the fuck up about anything related to hip-hop because of their skin color.
While DJ Vlad suggests that Morgan Jerkins exclude him from the Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake conversation because he is white and she has prejudices, Morgan on the other hand believes that he only singled her out because she is a black woman and tries to use a gun in her words, trying to get her kicked out of the Ivy League.
“I find it funny that you chose to respond to me, belittling my education and threatening my job, while others responded to you in a much harsher way. Very interesting. And talking,” Morgan said after explaining that she never told him to “shut up” when it got here to anything hip-hop-related because of the colour of his skin.
The former DJ warned her not to change her words now, promising, “I’ll contact Princeton about this on Monday,” to which Morgan immediately notified him that she had accomplished each the semester and her contract at the college.
“But thank you for trying to get me fired from my job of centering Black people because your feelings were hurt. Very retaliatory, huh? Nice tactic,” she added.
This is known as a “persistent record”. Every university has one. I went to Berkeley myself. People publicly hurl ignorant and bigoted comments at you, and once they get a response, they act like they’re being persecuted. Typical victim mentality. Go ahead and take it @princeton outside…
— DJ Vlad (@djvlad) May 5, 2024
It didn’t take long for other X users to claim that DJ Vlad had passed out for a selected reason. One of the X users, following the conversation, quickly noted Morgan’s name and identified the university professor’s relationship with the outstanding producer, Rodney Jerkins.
Rodney Jerkins, also referred to as “Darkchild”, gave his biggest hits to stars resembling Michael Jackson, Brandy, Whitney Houston, Jennifer Lopez, Toni Braxton, Lady Gaga and others. He was also interviewed by DJ Vlad.
“Morgan, Are You Related to Rodney Jerkins (Darkchild)” he asked Eagle-eyed user X. “I am culturally competent to know who he is in this culture. Vlad may not know. Vlad, do you know who Rodney Jerkins is? Do your research.
“Yes, that’s my uncle,” Morgan replied.
“DJ Vlad trying to dox and bully a black professor at Princeton is hilarious. but the funniest thing is that she is Darkchild’s niece lol,” one X user he was joking.
DJ Vlad’s decision went silent when Morgan’s connections were made public, but the rest of Black Twitter jumped in to defend her.
“You get accused of being a white person who needs to stay out of black businesses, and the first thing you do is…. *checks notes* …Threaten to call the manager,” one X user said.
You are WHITE.
This is a black people’s issue. https://t.co/BC2NbQcJ0W
— Morgan Jerkins (@MorganJerkins) May 5, 2024
The one person who can always come to the defense of hip-hop is rapper and Flipmode Squad member Rah Digga, who also rushed to defend Morgan.
“Damn, you calling her the principal for talking battle rap? Big right. I don’t read the room, man, she said he tweeted.
“Rah, consider it this fashion,” Vlad shot back. “If a black music blogger commented that a Taylor Swift song didn’t have a good mix and a Harvard professor responded to him and said, ‘You’re BLACK.’ This is a white people’s issue. Would you be okay with this professor teaching kids at a top university? Not me.”
The feminine woman in Flip mode spoke up, “You just described AMERICA. This is literally what they are screaming for Beyonce NOW. And it’s still MUSIC. Like many of your white hip-hop counterparts right now.
Digga Digga left him with words of wisdom, especially as a white man in hip-hop. She told him, specifically regarding Morgan’s message, “If you think you’ve earned your place. Sticks and stones, man…
Journalist Bomani Jones also spoke on the matter.
“And let me be clear: vlad… anyone heard the footage of this battle and was primarily talking about the mix? not like us. well, maybe like you. but definitely not like me. f*** it,” he said, stating that mixing a song is the very last thing a real hip-hop fan cares about during a battle.
“I understand and respect your position. But ultimately, Kendrick’s sound is heard by tens of millions of people – a rough mix equals a blurry image. Meanwhile, Drake is giving his all on the production and mixing level,” Vlad replied.
Bomani reminded Vlad that it is a diss track and it’s much deeper.
“He called Drake a slaver, and you called Kendrick to track him down.” not old. no, he replied, proving that after again Vlad was completely detached from reality.
“He went all out too, Karen,” replied an observer of the conversation.
Even comedian Kev on Stage mocked Vlad’s criticism, but he wasn’t personally attacked like Morgan was. However, she warned him that he might be next: “You higher take it off before the room monitor sends you to the principal’s office!!!”
You better take it off before the room monitor sends you to the principal’s office!!! https://t.co/gZ6v3VOjeg
— Morgan Jerkins (@MorganJerkins) May 5, 2024
The other professors also sided with Morgan, telling Vlad he could call their schools.
My friend 😭 Thank you https://t.co/dvEbBCLeKP
— Morgan Jerkins (@MorganJerkins) May 5, 2024
Vlad said he responded to Morgan’s post because he saw that she was a real person and not a “bot” hiding behind a fabricated identity. The college English teacher said it was much more than that, suggesting his comments were based on misogyny.
She he tweeted“He also didn’t think anyone would defend me because I was a black woman. So thank you to everyone who did this. I know why he responded to me, and it wasn’t because his other critics were “bots.”
If Vlad believed that, he was wrong.
Darkchild did not comment on the quarrel between his niece and DJ Vlad.
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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