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You may be the reason D’Angelo hasn’t given us more music

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You may be one in every of the explanation why D’Angelo stopped performing. Yes you. If you might be of the age where you were a fan of his legendary song and video “Untitled (What It’s Like)” got here out. Let me explain. It’s a warning for Black Music Month.

D’Angelo was one in every of the most talented musical geniuses the culture had seen in many years. His first album from 1995 “Brown sugar” has proven himself to be a brilliant soul singer and writer in the classical tradition. He made us wait five years for his second album “Voodoo” but it surely was amazing and showed an enormous growth in his skills as a author and creator. This was partly because he went to Questlove School. They called it the University of Soul Music. I heard about all this when I wrote an enormous article in Rolling Stone about D’Angelo. The two worked on “Voodoo” for years, and a part of that work included studying the legends. They sat and watched videos of individuals they called Yoda characters: James Brown, Prince, Stevie Wonder, George Clinton, Marvin Gaye, Fela Kuti, Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Al Green, Sly, Hendrix and more .

The purpose of all of it was to coach myself to create the best music possible. When I interviewed D’Angelo and Questlove for a Rolling Stone article, they said they saw themselves as at war for the way forward for music. They wanted “Voodoo” to alter R&B and free it from business constraints. They believed this album could have an effect on the future and took this chance extremely seriously.

Meanwhile, D’Angelo had a superb younger brother who managed him, the late Dominik Trenier. Dom was a visionary and knew D’Angelo needed an unforgettable video, so Dom got here up with a video by which D’Angelo would be as naked as television would allow. From the top of your braids all the way all the way down to below your navel, which would not be rated X. This can be done in a single long, beautiful shot that may be fascinating and powerful. It would cement D’Angelo’s position as the biggest lover of the generation and dominate the attention economy.

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This would be a comeback of sorts, as D was a bit off form on his debut album. He told me he’s a chubby kid who lost 35 kilos in ninth grade, but gained loads while on the Brown Sugar tour since it’s really hard to eat, sleep well, and exercise if you’re on the road. So he didn’t exhibit his body like that once they were promoting “Brown Sugar.” But in the years between “Brown Sugar” and “Voodoo,” D worked with a trainer, went to the gym, sparred, ran and push-ups, and stuck to a careful weight loss program to develop his sick body.

But when it got here time to shoot the music video, D’Angelo didn’t need to do it. He was scared. Would it change the way people perceived him? He desired to be seen as a transformational musician. Would that help? But Dom was very persuasive and D trusted him. So despite his extreme reluctance, D went on the market and shot the music video for “Untitled (How Does It Feel).”

In the video, D is standing with no clothes that we will see. He is bathed in beautiful light and slowly turns around as the camera captures his gorgeous, sculpted body. It’s one long take, and it’s as gripping as Dom imagined it to be. The film quickly became a cult classic. For some time, that was all everyone in black culture was talking about. This generated enormous interest in D’Angelo and helped him sell many records.

But it also modified the way many individuals viewed him. In the case of Brown Sugar, the dominant narrative was that of a superb prodigy taking on the mantle of Gaye, Green and Curtis Mayfield. After the “Untitled” music video, the narrative became wow, D’Angelo is so hot. After years of working on his craft and delving into the heart of soul music, people weren’t listening to the music, just observing his chest. He would go to live shows and wish to indicate people what a fantastic pianist and singer he was and the way great his songs were, but the audience would shout, “Take it off! Take it off!” They desired to see his chest. The movie made them consider him as a sex symbol and that is exactly what they did. And each time he took off his shirt, as was demanded at show after show, a solid wall of screams went up, yeah loud that you may barely hear him singing.

He wasn’t seen as the soul legend he desired to be. He was a sex god. And he didn’t prefer it. He felt rejected. He told me, “I don’t want this to turn into something where this is what it’s all about. I don’t want it to distract from the music.” Sometimes people threw dollar bills. He said it embarrassed him. He wasn’t a stripper, but they treated him like one. Questlove said: “He doesn’t want (to take his shirt off). We do all these preparations to ensure a balanced performance, and he comes out and is treated the way women are treated every day – like a piece of meat.” D said, “Being on stage, attempting to make music, and individuals are like, ‘Take it off.’ I’m not a stripper. I’m on the market doing something I strongly consider in.”

It’s rare for a star to be so at odds together with his audience and so upset with how they react to him. D was right to be nervous about the movie. It modified the way people perceived him, which actually had an impact on him. It would be 14 years before he returned together with his third album, Black Messiah, and I used to be told that one in every of the reasons he stopped performing, and why it took so long to record one other album, was because the whole experience had hurt him a lot.


This article was originally published on : thegrio.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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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

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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

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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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