Entertainment
Michael Rainey Jr. he is not afraid of the future
NEW YORK (AP) – Death threats on social media can have been one of the best things that ever happened to Michael Rainey Jr. – professionally, that is.
“When things really began going crazy, I used to be about 17, 18 years old. And at first I believed: ‘Damn, individuals are going crazy, bro!’ I feel prefer it’s only a show,” said the now 23-year-old main character of “Power Book II: Ghost.” Whether the threats at the end of his tenure on the original megahit series “Power” were literal or tongue-in-cheek, it was indicative of the love-hate relationship fans have developed with Tariq, the once-adorable son of drug kingpin James “Ghost.” Saint Patrick. Tariq eventually followed in his father’s footsteps.
“I salute the fans who responded because they helped me craft the storyline,” said Rainey, a forged member on all six seasons of the original series, which resulted in 2020. “(Writers) see how followers react and see in the event that they get a certain response and literally base the next script on that.
These scenarios and stories laid the groundwork for the Ghost spin-off, which can premiere in 2020 and center on Tariq attempting to juggle his illegal activities while attending a (fictional) Ivy League school. Polarized viewers’ feelings indicated that the latest series “Power” centered around Tariq was profitable.
But after three seasons, the series – consistently one of Starz’s most-watched shows – will premiere its fourth and final season on June 7. Although fans and critics expressed disappointment with the series’ ending, especially because it has been reported to be linked to reducing network costsRainey, a automobile enthusiast who is preparing to launch an episodic automotive channel on YouTube, says it took him a while to return to terms with the decision.
“I think there are some other directions we can go,” he said. “At the same time, I feel like they just wanted to end it while people still cared.”
The aspiring music producer, whose song from Wolfajoeyy will premiere in the mid-season episode, talked to the AP about his future, mentorship from veteran actors and avoiding typecasting. The conversation has been edited for brevity and clarity.
AP: What does it feel wish to know this is the last season?
Rainey: Definitely bittersweet. It’s been over 10 years of working with these wonderful people. It’s like we have turn into a family… It’s mainly over now. But at the end of the day, it’s still… you already know, it is a blessing. I’m very enthusiastic about what’s next for everybody – not just me – but everyone who was part of the forged.
AP: You’ve been running this series because you were 19. Do you’re feeling such as you get the respect you deserve as a predominant character?
Rainey: I feel prefer it is. I mean, all I actually care about is the respect and appreciation from my crew and forged, they usually give it to me… to all the other people on the outside, their opinion of me that I’m a very good #1 doesn’t really change anything For me.
AP: It feels like you had so much of support from veteran actors and collaborators like Larenz Tate and Omari Hardwick. What does this mean for you?
Rainey: Just having them in my corner and just searching for me and rooting for me is crazy. Especially like Larenz… literally day by day he’s on set, he involves me with the most encouraging words I’ve ever heard from anyone in my life. It makes me feel like there’s literally nothing I can not do, especially on the subject of acting.
It’s definitely a blessing to have people like that in your corner because it’s totally rare, especially to fulfill individuals who truly care about you and your profession on this business.
AP: Are you fearful about being singled out?
RAINEY: I’m really excited to maneuver on to the next chapter and really show you could take a look at me otherwise than… just Tariq or the dangerous kid.
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I really need to do a romantic comedy or something where I’m like a nerd or something, something completely different than what I’ve been portraying for the last 10 years.
AP: What did you learn from playing Tariq that you simply were in a position to apply to your life?
Rainey: Don’t feel too entitled to what you are depriving yourself of. I all the time say this because I feel like so much of people, especially kids my age and younger, should really understand that there are 1,000,000 other blessings in the world. You think this is the only blessing for you and it blinds you to the 10,000 million other blessings which can be literally waiting for you… That’s what I learned from 50 (Cent). I take this with me in every single place I am going.
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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