Entertainment
It’s time to admit that Juvenile’s “Back That Thang Up” is the greatest song of all time
For years I’ve been ready to die on a hill where Mark Morrison’s polarizing song “Return of the Mack” is the greatest song of all time. It has all the requirements to meet this bill: simplicity, ability to sing for a protracted time, popularity, karaoke, divisiveness, etc. Basically, everyone knows it and loves it or hates it, but regardless of what, they feel something. While my heart is not quite ready to pass the baton to one other song, my head tells me that the real greatest song of all time probably belongs to the New Orleans pop classic Juvenile, “Back That Thang Up”, a song from the classic Juvenile Cash Money release Records “400 Degreez”. The single was released on June 11, 1999, making it 25 years old, which is the perfect time to discuss its place amongst music’s greatest.
(Due to the family-friendly nature of this site, we will likely be using the clean version of the title, “Back That Thang Up,” as opposed to the actual song title, “Back That *CENSORED* Up.
Listen, “Back That Thang Up” has the whole lot you would like to make an awesome song. The song itself, produced by Cash Money Records’ in-house hitmaker Mannie Fresh, is a straight hit. I do not understand how many hip-hop songs start with strings, but this song does, and the effect is great. You can sing to it for a protracted time, you could have to dance to it, people will certainly come to the dance floor and I do not know anyone who doesn’t like this song. I’m sure there are individuals who don’t find it irresistible – music is subjective, of course – but do they really dislike it? Show me a one that doesn’t like “Back That Thang Up” and I’ll show you a one that hates a superb thing. The song even gave us sayings. “Cash Money Records Acquires Recordings from 99 and 2000” is a way of communicating to see if one other person is on the same wavelength. Honestly, people either know when Cash Money Records took over or they do not, and in the event that they don’t, they are not my type of people.
It is also highly utilitarian; you possibly can play this song almost anywhere you would like music to be played. Sure, there is a subset of black people for whom making records isn’t their thing, but at once the song is being played in all sorts of places and events, from clubs to restaurants to sporting events to NPR. What began as a tweet suggesting that Juvenile would perform on NPR’s famous Tiny Desk concert series ended with Juvenile bringing an entire slice of New Orleans to the NPR offices in Washington, D.C., where, of course, he performed “Back That Thang Up” along with his Mannie Fresh side. While we were all excited to see Juvenile here, what we all really wanted to hear was “Back That Thang Up” on the Tiny Desk. The thing is, where there’s music, there’s “Back That Thang Up.”
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Let’s discuss its durability for a moment. There are absolutely individuals who listen and love the music who will not be aware of this record. But the thing is, for the last 25 years, literally because it became successful, the record has been a pop music mainstay. You could teach a category on what particularly gave this song such a protracted life. Is this music? Is that a thong? Is it since it’s an ode to the buttocks? Is this the song we all decided would change into a cultural phenomenon? By the way, that’s exactly what happened. All music will outlive its creator, but most music fades from the popular culture zeitgeist so long as the artist lives. Aliens and cockroaches won’t have the option to escape from “Back That Thang Up”. Once upon a time, when all the living have passed away, club DJs, using whatever devices can be found in the future, will still play “Back That Thang Up” together with “Never Too Much” by Luther Vandross, “Maze” featuring “Frankie Beverly’ “Before I Let Go” and “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey. Some songs won’t ever die, but the songs mentioned above will live endlessly. But “Back That Thang Up” is what gets people to take motion the most. It just… resonates. And if it resonates, it’s one of the best.
There is no party without this song. DJs wait for the right moment to play it because it should take the party to the next level. When it appears, everyone moves. This is significant because the mayor of New Orleans announced June 11 as “Hold It (Thang) Up Day.” How many songs you like have a day declared of their honor? (I do not know how common this phenomenon is; the Internet hasn’t been very helpful with this information.) It doesn’t matter, because do you recognize what the song is about? “Pick up this thing.”
Maybe you’re thinking that I’m crazy. Maybe you’re thinking that that a certain sonata is the greatest. You might find it hard to imagine that a song about your butt might be the best, but let’s be honest; is a song dedicated to the human condition, desires and the journey towards love and understanding. “Back That Thang Up” is a song that talks about dancing and twerking as key elements of cultural expression. This is a call to our ancestors. Our ancestors at all times picked up the phone. They also know that Cash Money Records took over the label in the 1999s and 2000s. Sometimes greatness is available in the least expected places, but the history of this tape can’t be denied. “Back That Thang Up” has a case for being the best song of all time.
Once you do that, stop, now what-what-what, throw it prefer it’s hot.
They at all times do it, Wayne, they at all times do it.
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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