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Kendrick Lamar’s ‘The Pop Out’ Concert Turned Hate Into Love – Andscape

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Six weeks ago, it gave the impression of the Drake-Kendrick Lamar feud had gone from a fun, dreamy juxtaposition of lyrics and jokes to an unsightly, joyless fight based on accusations, dark songs, and discomfort. “Drake has fallen”Family matters” who accused Lamar of domestic violence. Just a few minutes later, Lamar released “Meet the Grahams”, a bleak, hateful track claiming that Drake fathered a mystery child. While this move gave Lamar the upper hand within the battle, it felt like all of us lost a few of the joy we got from the prospect of two of rap’s biggest stars releasing their most dynamic music to prove who was one of the best.

Less than a day after “Meet the Grahams” hit the Internet, Lamar posted “Not like us” and every part modified. The song was the ultimate knockout punch for Drake. And on June 11, when he performed it five times at the tip of Wednesday’s “Popup: Ken and friends”, turning a song – and a moment – ​​centered on his disdain for a rival rapper right into a moment of unity. And love.

When it was announced that Lamar can be hosting a concert on the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, fans immediately began speculating what Kung Fu Kenny would do throughout the show. After all, Drake’s autopsy was so strategic, calculated and ruthless that anything was possible. Would he record a brand new song? Would he parade every rapper who has ever insulted Drake? Will any devastating recent information be revealed about Toronto?

Lamar didn’t do any of this stuff. Instead, he performed his Drake diss tracks interspersed with a few of his biggest hits, making a show equal to anything we have seen in rap, and one of the best rap concert I’ve ever watched on a TV screen.

But do not get it twisted: he began with Drake’s stuff. Namely, opening their set with a full six-minute version of “Euphoria”, his first full battle song. Artists don’t normally perform rap songs for that long at concert events, especially ones which might be mostly just bars. And they actually haven’t got an audience screaming every word. But “Euphoria” is different. It’s probably the greatest diss tracks ever released, stuffed with lines like “” that might be quoted endlessly. Lamar’s breath control throughout the performance allowed him to articulate each line of the song with perfect inflection. And while “Euphoria” features an infinite series of Drake jabs, when you have a look at the fans who were rapping, they were screaming the lyrics with pure joy on their faces. Because Lamar’s concert was greater than only a fierce series of attacks on the enemy. It was a celebration.

Much of the show’s content was a visit down memory lane for Lamar. He reminded us that he at all times had hits and anthems like “Money Trees” and “Humble.” The former was joined by guest Jay Rock together with the remaining of Black Hippy, Schoolboy Q and AB-Soul, jumping and joining in on the songs as a part of the group’s long-awaited reunion. At the tip, we were shocked by Dr. Dre’s performance, which was the one drawback of the series, as that is one other example alleged perpetrators of violence are featured on platforms in moments that should promote ideas of Black unity, which once more puts all of us, especially Black women, within the position of getting to overlook harm as a way to enjoy.

After Dr. Dre left the stage, it was time for the important event: “Not Like Us”.

When Lamar released this song a couple of weeks ago, there have been dark clouds hanging over the battle. If “Euphoria” was Lamar as rap’s big, bad boogeyman, “Not Like Us” was him because the gentle but dangerous giant putting your entire West Coast on his back and crushing every part in his path.

With one infectious, silly and fun song, Lamar turned a dispute right into a moment of joy. Yes, the song comprises a few of the most cutting and harsh lyrics of this battle – along with saying that Drake was attempting to colonize Atlanta’s sound, Lamar outright calls him a pedophile. But it also became greater than a song about Drake.

“Not Like Us” is a rebuke to culture vultures. It’s a song about reclaiming black American culture from individuals who dive in, take what they need from it, and take a look at to steal it for themselves. It’s a song that evokes pride and joy beyond a straightforward one-on-one rap argument. Yes, Drake was targeted by the bomb, however the shrapnel of “Not Like Us” could land on anyone inside a five-mile ideological radius. When the song was released viral clips it showed parties stuffed with Black people happily singing, dancing and hugging one another. “Not Like Us” became a #1 hit and the song of the summer.

Lamar understood the song’s cultural impact. So he ended his set with a performance of “Not Like Us.” The first three seconds of the primary performance had your entire Forum on their feet as fans went right into a frenzy over the song they desired to sing – but Lamar stopped after the primary verse. He then began the song over and fell silent while your entire crowd rapped every word. Let me remind you that the song is 6 weeks old. The third time, he rapped the song on stage with producer DJ Mustard.

He did it again because the stage began to fill with many luminaries from all walks of life on the West Coast, from NBA players Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan to rappers YG and Schoolboy Q and even Tommy the Clown. Lamar mentioned that the stage was stuffed with people from different parts of Los Angeles, representing different gangs, a few of them rivals, all gathered peacefully and celebrating the Juneteenth party. Then we got the song again. And over again.

Even though Lamar rapped about Drake, it didn’t appear to be Drake was anywhere near the song anymore. Instead, the words “they don’t like us” were a call to preserve our culture and identity within the face of those that attempt to take it away. It was a moment of triumph in a city where a few of the biggest streaming events of the previous few years were the funerals of rapper Nipsey Hussle and Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. It was like a balm for your entire region.

The Pop Out concert, and particularly the ending, was a moment for Kendrick and your entire West Coast to remind us that they’re more necessary than their tragedies. They are resilient of their calmness. Steadfast of their happiness. They are unwavering of their love for this culture and unabashed of their desire to bop when joy is at their feet. These are the things they jumped out and showed us.

Five times.

Five performances of the song which is the unofficial anthem of June ’24. “Not Like Us” is an iconic West Coast song that can never fade away. He can be remembered for a way he ended Lamar’s victory lap over Drake. He can be remembered for the unforgettable moments and the dancing we saw on stage on Wednesday evening. But it is going to even be remembered because the song that turned the battle against negativity right into a likelihood to do not forget that we were high.

As Lamar and about 50 of his closest friends left the Kia Forum stage, “Not Like Us” played for the last time. It reminded us that while the unique purpose of the song was to place the ultimate nail in Drake’s proverbial coffin, Drake’s destruction is now a byproduct of a song that united, renewed and remembered.

In this fashion, a battle based on hate changed into an anthem that showed us love.

DavidDennis Jr. is a senior author at Andscape and the writer of the award-winning book “The Movement Made Us: A Father, a Son, and the Legacy of a Freedom Ride.” David is a graduate of Davidson College.


This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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Pharrell Williams ‘Irritated’ by Celebrity Political Endorsements

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Pharrell Williams shouldn’t be a fan of celebrity political endorsements. In an interview with Hollywood ReporterThe multi-faceted star shared her more “humanist” view of politics and her opinion on the music and entertainment industry’s involvement in elections.

“I’m more of a humanitarian. I like people who try to help others. I’m not sure I’ll ever vote for the far right. I won’t,” he reportedly said with fun. “But I’m not really into politics. I do like some of the politics; I think education is important. We have a nonprofit called YELLOW (whose mission is equality through education), and then there’s another 501(c)(3) that helps black and brown entrepreneurs called Black Ambition—those are the things I lean into. I’m not an activist, but I believe in action.”

As hundreds of men and girls rally to support Vice President Kamala Harris within the 2024 presidential election, Williams revealed his mixed feelings about celebrities publicly endorsing political candidates. When asked if he would allow any party to make use of his music of their campaigns, as Beyoncé did with Harris, Williams said no, adding that he sometimes “gets irritated” by celebrities getting involved in politics.

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“Sometimes I get annoyed when I see celebrities trying to tell you (who to vote for). There are celebrities I respect who have their own opinions, but not all of them. I’m one of those people (who says, ‘What the hell? Shut up. Nobody asked you,'” he explained. “When people come out and start thinking they’re righteous, they roll up their sleeves and go around with a sign saying, ‘Shut up!'”

In recent years, celebrity endorsements have turn into a key a part of each parties’ political campaigns. While Williams apparently has no plans to endorse anyone this election cycle, he publicly endorsed former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2016. Similarly, he sent former President Trump a letter demanding that he stop using his song “Happy” at one in all his rallies.

“Politics is not my field of expertise,” he said, at a Clinton rally in 2016“But I am a human being. I am a human being with a family, a human being who shares this Earth with other people. These elections are simply too important. I could not sit on the sidelines and just remain silent.”

Social media users were quick to criticize the Louis Vuitton menswear creative director for his seemingly contradictory comments.

“I respectfully disagree, Pharrell. The voices of the informed can educate,” one user wrote on X.

“That’s a privileged approach, lol,” said one other as well as.

Regardless of your opinion on celebrity political endorsements, Williams’ statement reminds us how vital it’s to do your research and fully understand the ballot before casting your vote.

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Jennifer Lopez allegedly wants ‘revenge’ on Ben Affleck, revealing how he ‘let her down’ in the bedroom amid embarrassing divorce

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jlo-ben-affleck revenge

Soon-to-be-four-time divorcee Jennifer Lopez is reportedly gearing up to disclose unflattering details about her relationship with Ben Affleck following their recent split.

According to a brand new report, Lopez, 55, who has previously praised their passionate sex life in her music, is now considering changing her praise and should be preparing to release a song that paints a very different picture.

jlo-ben-affleck revenge
Sources claim that singer Jennifer Lopez wants to embarrass her soon-to-be ex-husband Ben Affleck with songs about his poor bedroom performance. (Photos: @jlo/(Instagram; Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

As tensions between them intensify following their breakup, a more essential side of their time together begins to come back to light.

Lopez, who once bragged about watching the “Good Will Hunting” actor have sex in the bedroom while singing sensual lyrics in “The Greatest Love Story Never Told,” appears to be changing his tune on Affleck’s abilities in the bedroom.

“When things were going well between them, J.Lo put Ben and his bedroom skills on a pedestal,” the insider said. revealed to In Touch, “but she’s taken off her rose-tinted glasses and is telling people he was actually a pretty selfish and basic lover.”

This marks a major change from Lopez’s previous tributes to Affleck, in which she appeared to idolize him each personally and physically.

Her latest album, This Is Me… Now: A Love Story, released in February, was intended to have a good time their renewed romance.

Lopez’s ninth studio album featured a companion film that showcased their relationship in a vibrant light. While she produced the project herself, In Touch’s alleged source claims that Affleck played a major role behind the scenes, likely controlling the narrative greater than people realize.

Just two months after the project’s premiere, the couple announced their end of collaboration and have remained separated ever since.

However, Lopez’s tone has reportedly modified drastically. She not praises Affleck’s talent but as a substitute expresses frustrations about their personal lives, especially his mediocre performance in the bedroom, a brand new report claims.

“She’s so pissed she wrote all those sexy lyrics about him,” an alleged insider told In Touch, claiming Lopez is considering writing one other song that exposes Affleck’s flaws.

The person said at the time: “She says she’s now ready to write a breakup song that hits where it hurts most and makes up to him for all the ways he let her down, including in the bedroom.”

Adding that Lopez uses writing as an outlet for her emotions and that her team is fully supportive of the idea, the anonymous spokesperson said, “She’s very emotional and angry right now, and part of the way she deals with her emotions is by keeping a journal and writing. Her team is encouraging her to channel that into songwriting.”

Lopez’s longtime manager Benny Medina and her team are reportedly urging her to pursue the project, though some speculate they’ve been working behind the scenes to break Affleck’s image since their marriage began to unravel.

This alleged manipulation is not any stranger to those that have previously been involved with Lopez’s life.

Her first husband, Ojani Noa, recently spoke to the Daily Mail about the similar treatment he experienced during his marriage to the star.

“(Her people) wanted her to look good for everything that was coming out — the movie, the album, and they didn’t want any bad publicity,” Noa claimed. “They made it sound like I didn’t want to be with her, and it was the opposite.”

There’s no word on whether Lopez plans to officially channel her frustrations with Affleck into recent music. She’s currently promoting her latest film, “Unstoppable,” a project she co-produced with Affleck and his longtime friend Matt Damon. Lopez recently attended the Toronto International Film Festival to advertise the film, although Affleck was noticeably absent.

Despite their split, the duo have remained in touch, reportedly raising their combined family together. Lopez and Affleck were recently spotted at the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel, where they met up with their children — Affleck’s daughter Seraphina, 15, son Samuel, 12, and Lopez’s twins, Emme and Max, 16 — for a family chat.

Art often imitates life, and Lopez’s story suggests she could use this tumultuous time to fuel her creativity. Whether it’s a chart-topping song or successful movie, the fallout from this breakup could encourage her next big hit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mMFIOGsIdA


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Fans slam Oprah Winfrey’s ‘shady’ move to hide her secrets after blocking upcoming documentary on her life

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oprah winfrey documentary

Oprah Winfrey has officially halted production on her online documentary, but fans want to know why.

The billionaire actress and former talk show host reportedly spent “a fortune” to make sure the docuseries never saw the sunshine of day after she fell out with Oscar-winning filmmaker and director Kevin Macdonald over the biopic project.

oprah winfrey documentary
Oprah Winfrey faces criticism after paying a “fortune” to block a documentary about her life. (Photo: MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)

According to Page SixA rep for the 70-year-old media mogul confirmed she paid to shelve the documentary after her content take care of Apple expired in September 2022.

“As her Apple TV+ deal was coming to an end, Ms. Winfrey purchased the rights to her docuseries and has since decided to put the documentary on hold,” Oprah’s spokesperson told Page Six.

Additionally, one other source said, “Kevin made a video, but Oprah didn’t like it and refused to make changes, so Oprah gave Apple her fee back.”

While speculation suggested McDonald refused to comply with Winfrey’s requests to edit, the TV personality’s team denied the claims, with Oprah’s camp insisting to Page Six that “it just wasn’t the right time to do the documentary.”

It comes amid speculation that Winfrey spent “millions” on the rights to the documentary. However, Team Oprah dismissed the concept the deal was price seven figures.

Deadline Originally announced as an Oprah Winfrey documentary for Apple TV+ in January 2021, MacDonald teamed up with Emmy-nominated producer Lisa Erspamer to create the now-cancelled biopic, which was to be presented in two parts.

They previously worked together on the documentary “Whitney,” which premiered in U.S. theaters in July 2018.

Internet users reacted to the news that the documentary had been frozen, with many wondering whether Winfrey was fearful that some damaging information was about to be released.

“Well isn’t that suspicious!” one person wrote within the Page Six comments section. Another person asked, “What is she afraid of or hiding?”

Similar footage appeared on the X program. For example, in response to an article concerning the cancellation of the documentary, an individual identifying himself as a Donald Trump supporter he tweeted“What is Oprah hiding?”

Another X account published“Oprah Winfrey spent a fortune to prevent a documentary from being released, that sounds credible… money tells the truth… not the truth.”

Winfrey was a goal of conservatives throughout the 2024 presidential campaign. The Tennessee State University graduate endorsed Democratic vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris, drawing the ire of Donald Trump’s MAGA legion.

After making a surprise appearance on the Democratic National Convention in August 2024, Winfrey faced backlash from Trump supporters over allegations of abuse related to the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy in South Africa.

Winfrey apologized to the parents of scholars who accused a Leadership Academy worker of molestation in 2007. Tiny Makopo, a dormitory supervisor at the college, he was acquitted of 14 charges related to allegations of abuse.

Winfrey’s announcement that she would hold a virtual “Unite for America” ​​rally in support of Harris also sparked outrage from the appropriate.

Critics have relentlessly hounded the “Beloved” star over her alleged “disappearance of girls” allegations, despite no evidence to support the disappearance of any Leadership Academy students.

Oprah Winfrey was born on January 29, 1954, in Kosciusko, Mississippi. After graduating from college and dealing in journalism, she became a household name, hosting the favored program “The Oprah Winfrey Show” from September 1986 to May 2011.

The so-called “Queen of All Media” has built an empire price $3 billion. Winfrey earned an Oscar nomination for her role within the 1985 film “The Color Purple.” She can be a two-time Emmy winner.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mMFIOGsIdA

This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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