Entertainment
Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant continues his Nike Producer Pack series with music producer Bink! — Andlandscape
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant has made the choice to have interaction the legendary music producer Bink! in the most recent Nike KD17 Producer Pack, he was shocked. Before their joint studio session within the winter of 2023, the basketball star and the rap beatmister had no skilled or personal relationship. After these sessions with Durant, Bink! by accident received a call from Nike informing him that he would receive his own sneakers.
Bink bonding quickly! and Durant may be attributed to their shared passion for music, especially hip-hop. Bink! is understood for his gorgeous, often soulful and powerful beats, regardless that he has remained largely under the radar after over 30 years in the sport. His biography and discography span waves and generations. He has recorded albums with Jay-Z (“1-900-Hustler”, “Blueprint (Momma Loves Me)”), Drake (“You Only Live Twice”), Rick Ross (“Santorini Greece”), Dr. Dre (“It’s All On Me”) and plenty of others.
Bink’s KD17 sneaker design! is a testament to the manufacturer’s underappreciated and understated legacy. It features subtle embellishments that, when unwrapped, reveal Easter eggs related to his profession, Virginia upbringing and private musical history. Before the shoe was launched, Bink! talked about what it’s prefer to design custom sneakers for certainly one of the most important basketball footwear brands.
Like Bink! KD17 being created?
It was entirely Durant’s idea. There was no pitch or anything like that. We recorded with 38 Spesh, Ransom, Durant and me for a number of days. It was an excellent session in an excellent atmosphere, but I didn’t think much about it. Just a few months later, Nike called me and told me that Durant wanted me to get entangled in a Nike campaign. So I believed, “Okay, great.” So I’m like, “I wonder what beat he wants in this ad.”
I texted KD and asked, “Hey, did someone scam me?” Nike says something about Nike promoting. KD said, “Yes, I’ll call you in a moment.” So before Durant called me, Nike called me back and I asked, “So what beat does Durant want?” They asked, “Beat?” I believed, “Yeah, what type of music? What’s the atmosphere like?
He said, “He doesn’t want a beat.” He gives you the shoe. He had to interrupt it down and tell me the story of the Producer Pack they’d written with before Cardo Got Wings, Boi-1da and ninth Wonder. A Nike representative told me that (The) Alchemist, Metro Boomin and I can be latest recipients this 12 months. It was each flattering and surprising.
How long have you ever known KD? How did you and Durant originally meet?
I have never known KD for very long. When we did the recording session, it was my first meeting with him.
Did he contact you or how did all of it come together?
38 words he contacted me. 38 Spesh and Durant are close, so that they arranged this together.
What was your response whenever you came upon they were sneakers?
I didn’t know what to think because I had never owned sneakers. So I ask, is that this real? What is that this? What’s happening now? So it took an extended time to get going, you recognize?
So he didn’t provide you with any warning. One day you simply called Nike and said, “Hey, we need you to make a sneaker.” KD selected you?
So I called and said, “Hey, is it true, are you all playing with me?” He didn’t even give me a heads up, so I believed, “What the hell is going on?”
Once you knew what you were doing, what were the following steps in the method?
We began making the arrangement in June last 12 months. We began doing a number of Zoom meetings and the prefer to help me design the shoe.
Did they let you know what shoes you can be making?
Yes, they told me that whatever the design of the KD17, we might have full creative control to create their very own custom pair.
How does it feel to see the KD sneakers coming out?
Look, man, I’m still attempting to process all of it. This really struck me through the photo shoot in Cali and it was a extremely great production. It was amazing.
What elements did you add to your custom design? I noticed your signature on the side and an icon or logo on the back.
This is a Virginia thing. It’s two up, two down, or VA. This is what we throw to point out where we come from. I desired to make it right into a Virginia shoe.
But I selected all the pieces. The colours were a combination of the colours of the highschool I attended, Maury High School in Norfolk, Virginia, after which Norfolk State, which has a marching band that I loved growing up. I loved listening to them during football games. My mother took me to parades and football games to listen to the band. And I’m just an earthy guy. It’s a combination of those three things. This is how the shoe design was created.
Very good. How about “Easy” on the heel?
Oh, he’s a sniper with easy money. This is the KD stamp.
“Humble Monsta” is that you simply?
It’s me. This is the name of my company on the underside of the shoe.
Are there another details we missed?
It has a beige sole with orange spots and the ankle collar has brown denim. A detail it’s possible you’ll not notice is the tattoo on the hands on the back of the shoe. It’s an identical to a tattoo I’ve had on my arm for years. I sent them a photograph (of my tattoo) they usually put it on the shoe.
And is the only transparent so you may see Humble Monsta? Does it have another meaning? I also noticed that the back looks almost like basketball leather.
Normal. And that is the point. It uses denim, leather after which almost like mesh. I really like most of these shoes because they’re hard to get dirty. Wipe it off and you have to be straight, you recognize? You can have this shoe for a very long time unless you might be that individual about it.
You’ve said you must create shoes that last and you have been involved in hip-hop for 31 years. Does the sturdiness of sneakers have anything to do with yours?
I absolutely represent keeping strong. It’s a blessing to be in something this long, still relevant, and never miss a step.
And because you’re associated with Metro and Alchemist, in some ways it’s like three different generations of producers.
The alchemist and I are in the identical class. We arrived around the identical time. The subway is latest blood, but I’m in great company, you recognize?
How do you’re feeling about being associated with KD after knowing him for such a short while? Apparently it’s from the DMV area too. Is this someone you were a fan of? With? When did it first appear in your radar?
When he first got here to the league, possibly a bit of earlier, being that tall and handling the ball such as you were 5’7 was phenomenal. This is crazy. I all the time thought he was an outstanding basketball player, so to be recognized for my artistry as much as I appreciated his was an honor.
How many pairs will you retain for yourself and your loved ones?
I ensure that I get a pair, but I only need two pairs, one to place down and one to place down so I never touch one another again.
It’s for the archives and the museum, right?
Yes, that part. It’ll be right next to my drum machine.
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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