Entertainment
Full circle with Frankie Beverly
With a soulful sound and a particular look rooted in our shared adult culture, Frankie Beverly is definitively associated with summer – then, now and without end. The music for Maze featuring Frankie Beverly is the soundtrack to warm twilights spent wandering local back streets, windows down and speakers on. Beverly’s voice brings back memories of late afternoons when she sat in a sunny corner of the massive family’s spacious backyard, eavesdropping on discussions about “adult matters” within the refrigerator while the smell of an lively grill filled the air. The group’s songs conjure up muscle memories of an electrical slide on freshly mowed grass, a Soul Train line within the lounge, and slow dances under the celebs.
It is subsequently no surprise that the legendary performer returns to the height of summer, the ESSENCE Cultural Festival, on the occasion of our thirtieth anniversary. He will receive flowers as a legacy artist and can rule for the last time the scene he helped construct from its beginnings.
“I haven’t been on the ESSENCE stage for a while, but it’s nice to be asked back,” says Beverly before her final performance at our festival. The singer and his iconic band finished acting on Sunday night at our inaugural music festival in 1995 – and each 12 months for the subsequent 14 years. Now they can be honored on the identical stage for all they’ve contributed to this culture. “When ESSENCE contacted us and wanted to honor me, I really couldn’t say no,” states Beverly. “We have a long and rich history. The ESSENCE festival is an important part of my career.”
An illustrious profession, punctuated by nine Gold-certified albums and multiple R&B chart entries, took place on stages around the globe. Dressed front and center in all-white underwear and accompanied by the legendary Maze, Frankie Beverly dazzled audiences on dozens of tours over greater than five many years. Since 1970, Beverly has been baring his “Raw Soul” on stage, and his clear, soulful vocals at all times accompany the live band. Their sound shaped the very concept of soul, for the millennial generation and beyond. However, Beverly’s adventure as a performer began much earlier.
“I grew up in church and loved singing even as a child,” he says of his upbringing in Philadelphia. “My grandparents loved hearing me sing. It took root and I wanted to sing all the time.” This desire led him to form his own doo-wop group, Blenders, when he was a teen. Later he began collaborating with the band The Butlers. A move to California, a reputation change to Raw Soul, and a probability meeting led to the band’s formation while on tour with Marvin Gaye. At Gaye’s astute suggestion, the group eventually modified its name to Maze.
There’s no way Frankie Beverly and Maze could have predicted that when he and his bandmates first took the stage, the many years of unforgettable moments they’d create together. But Beverly at all times knew that when he sang, he was at home.
From his early years as a recording artist, Beverly has created anthems that resonate. From 1977’s “Happy Feelin’s” to 1980’s “Joy and Pain” to perhaps his most enduring hit, 1981’s “Before I Let Go,” Beverly’s music has at all times conveyed elation, disappointment and mixed emotions related to finding and losing love. His music stays as powerful now because it was within the Nineteen Seventies, and tickets to his shows remain in high demand for many years. “I think my music has remained consistent over the generations because God blessed me to write music from the heart and not following the latest trends,” the singer reflects. “It remains relevant regardless of generation.”
Funny enough, there is a phenomenon of people that, although they’ve known “Before I Let Go” all their lives as a licensed culinary classic, have never actually stopped to take heed to its lyrics. As crowds stroll through predetermined line dance steps and lift their voices in unison with Beverly’s smooth baritone at key moments, many have missed that this is definitely an anthem about ending a relationship; told from the angle of a person saying a bittersweet goodbye to the lady he loves, mourning the connection and still not quite sure why they couldn’t work out. But in that case few actually realize what this song is about, why can we all adore it a lot?
“Because this is real life!” Beverly replies. “Sometimes you’re just too young to understand the lyrics but not the music [still] will get you on your feet to dance.”
Indeed, the sound of Frankie Beverly & Maze brings everyone to their feet – from toddlers who’ve just regained their balance in recent months, to seniors whose feet have carried them across many dance floors through many years of celebration.
“Like I said, I’m not giving up on my music,” says Beverly. “I can’t say why it appeals to all generations, but I believe God has made a way for my music to reach every generation.”
Beverly’s music has survived the emergence of latest genres, the decline of print media, and the shift to streaming services, and it’s going to definitely endure irrespective of what the subsequent phase of musical innovation is. However, the 77-year-old singer selected 2024 because the 12 months to say goodbye to live performances.
His departure from the stage marks the top of an era defined by our aunts, uncles and peers flocking to stadiums and amphitheaters wearing all-white linen to emulate the signature look of Frankie Beverly and Maze. They were able to sip wine, link arms and sing classics along with the titan of soul – and, as his silky vocals urged, “feel that happy feeling.”
But, as Beverly assures us, this goodbye isn’t without end. Although he’ll not be touring, the group can be renamed Maze Honoring Frankie Beverly – and he says he may stop by now and again to remain in contact with his bandmates and the legion of loyal fans he says have faithfully showered him with love and blessings for over 50 years.
“Music is who I am,” he explains. “I’ve never done anything else. Music is the love of my life. You won’t get out of love.”
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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