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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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Simone Biles torn apart after giving George Strait’s wife a ‘vulgar look’ while fans came to her defense

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Did Olympic gymnast Simone Biles cut George Strait’s wife’s eyes on the Country Music Awards?

Some people think so after a viral video of Biles, 27, showing her frustration within the audience on the 58th annual CMA Awards on November 20.

In several clips circulating online, the 27-year-old gave Strait’s wife, Norma Strait, a “dirty look” on the annual awards show where her husband was honored with the John Paul II Lifetime Achievement Award. Willie Nelson.

The seven-time Olympic gold medalist asked viewers if she had glanced out of the corner of her eye on the Lifetime Achievement Award winner’s wife through the 2024 CMA Awards. (Photo: @simonebiles/Instagram)

“Does anyone know if there is a dispute between Simone Biles and George Strait’s wife?” – one in all the X users asked on the evening of this system.

X’s post included a clip of Biles looking nervous as Norma and other attendees danced in the gang on the Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony tribute performance.

The tribute to the “King of Country Music” featured country stars Lainey Wilson, Jamey Johnson, Miranda Lambert and Parker McCollum. Additionally, Chris Stapleton joined Strait on stage to walk through the “Honky Tonk Hall of Fame” to conclude the segment.

Speculation about Biles’ possible disdain shown on the CMA Awards has turn into a topic of debate online, with fans and critics taking sides in the controversy.

“I watched it live and wondered the same thing, and then death looked up and down, she definitely hated!” answer on X platform he stated.

Original X poster he replied“As long as I’m not the only one who saw it.”

However, the legendary gymnast had her defenders. For example, user X sent“He’s probably just watching her reaction (honestly) without thinking about the cameras.”

“Nothing happened” – another person he argued. “George Strait’s wife doesn’t care about messy things like that. It looks like Simone could have a resting face. She wasn’t the one black person either. There are many Black people in country music, from singers to musicians.

Similar entry To read“I saw it and cringed, it’s just her face, but she should politely decline if she doesn’t like country music.”

Another fan he wrote“She probably saw the camera give attention to George Strait’s wife and just looked around curiously. I do not think she’s giving a mischievous have a look at all, she just looks like she’s noticed that the camera is specializing in the people next to her.

Despite questions on Biles’ on-screen response, the multiple-time world champion expressed her excitement to attend the 2024 CMA Awards on the day of the event.

Biles reposted photos from the evening on her Instagram Story. In one photo, shared by hairstylist Justin Revenge, the Olympic gold medalist showed off the short red dress she wore to the red carpet, in addition to the silver off-the-shoulder dress she wore to the CMA Gala.

The star of the Netflix docuseries “Simone Biles Rising” appeared at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville to present the Female Vocalist of the Year award to country singer Lainey Wilson.

Lainey Wilson won the Female Vocalist of the Year category, beating out fellow nominees Kelsea Ballerini, Ashley McBryde, Megan Moroney and Kacey Musgraves.

Biles herself had a successful 12 months as an athlete. The Texas native won 4 medals on the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, bringing her profession total to a record 11 victories for an American gymnast.

However, Vice President Kamala Harris couldn’t replicate Biles’ success because the Democratic presidential candidate in 2024. Harris lost to former President Donald Trump within the nationwide election.

Biles publicly called on current Democratic President Joe Biden to take a stand on behalf of American women before Republican MAGA leader Trump enters the White House on January 20, 2025.

“Mr. Biden, you need to stand up, straighten your back and shake some things up before you go… xoxo women of America,” the Olympian wrote on Twitter on November 6 in response to the election results.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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What do you know about Cynthia Erivo?

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Cynthia Erivo, Wicked, Cynthia Erivo controversy, Black Hollywood, theGrio.com

With the discharge of Wicked fast approaching, it’s protected to say that Cynthia Erivo is on fire straight away.

The film adaptation of the Broadway musical (which is an adaptation of a best-selling novel based on one other novel) is about to open to over $175 million worldwide this weekend, and Erivo has just landed a significant deal.

Universal Pictures has struck a first-look cope with its production company Edith’s Daughter, Deadline reported.

“Having spent the last three years working with Donna Langley, Peter Cramer and the Universal team on Wicked, I have experienced first-hand the love and fearlessness with which they tell stories and uplift narrators,” said Erivo. “I am absolutely delighted to take the next step in our cooperation under our first-look agreement. This is not only a milestone for my production company, but also a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of diverse voices in film. I can’t wait to bring our visions to life and share them with the world!”

However, some could also be just discovering the 37-year-old from Stockwell, London (where she was born right into a family of Nigerian immigrants) or may don’t know about her background and profession to this point. There’s quite a bit to like about the Emmy, Grammy and Tony winner – and much more to grasp beneath the surface. Below we have gathered some things you have to know about Erivo, including some very necessary ones.

He is a Broadway sensation

Before Erivo became a star of the silver screen, she made a reputation for herself on the stage. The actress’ breakthrough role was the role of Celie within the musical adaptation of “The Color Purple” on Broadway. From 2015 to 2017, she delivered critically acclaimed, groundbreaking performances, winning the 2016 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.

She has played several iconic black characters

Aretha Franklin, Harriet Tubman and Recy Taylor are black American historical figures immortalized on screen by Erivo, who has played all of them in movies. Shortly after her Broadway run in 2017, Erivo played Taylor in “The Rape of Recy Taylor.” She then starred as Tubman within the 2019 film “Harriet.”

In 2021, Erivo played Franklin within the National Geographic anthology “Genius: Aretha”. While critics praised her performance, Franklin’s family had a special tackle the project, claiming she was never consulted and even felt “disrespected” by the production team.

He is a queer icon

Earlier this yr, Erivo received the Schrader Award from the Los Angeles LGBT Center as a self-proclaimed member for her talent and support of the queer community.

“Acknowledging that I am queer publicly – especially in the public eye – means taking a risk to claim my freedom,” she said in her speech through which she agreed to return out as queer later in life. “It seems we prefer to see the world in black and white rather than accept the difficult (but beautiful) complexities of our humanity.”

Although it has never been explicitly confirmed, Erivo has long been considered one half of a fairly powerful Black Hollywood power couple, as she is commonly seen at red carpet events alongside fellow industry heavyweight Lena Waithe.

He has a novel sense of fashion

From shaving her eyebrows to her signature long and ornamental nails, Erivo is understood for her daring sense of fashion. Her uniqueness was even incorporated into her makeup for “Wicked.” The makeup artist used stencils to attract eyebrows and add freckles. Meanwhile, a special shade of green face and body makeup was developed to make Erivo’s melaninated skin appear “clearly” on screen, and the shade was named “Cynthia Green,” the film’s makeup artist said People Magazine. It’s value noting that despite the hours-long application process required day by day for months of filming, she also said that Erivo “never, ever, ever complained.”

She doesn’t suffer fools

Social media was abuzz this week with response to actor/podcast host Dax Shepard’s invasive query about Erivo’s signature elaborate manicure, specifically how he moves through it while using the lavatory. When footage of her interview with Shepard hit the Internet, many individuals were quick to sentence its inappropriateness, asking her how she wipes herself while having very long, jeweled nails.

“My answer is that no one wipes their ass with just their fingers. You use wipes, right? And you wipe it off,” she replied calmly.

Erivo further expressed her annoyance with this query; the one she had exhibited before.

“I understand, it annoys me. Come on, guys,” she said. “I understand, but I’m a functioning adult and I’ve never walked around smelling like… you know.”

People participating within the discussion found this query rude, disgusting and invasive. It can also be, as Erivo identified, unoriginal. In response to this viral exchange, some have responded by demonstrating how they adapt these very human processes to long fingernails – and shockingly, it’s just about the identical process we have all been doing since potty training. It’s really not that complicated.

Cynthia Erivo Recalls Her Reaction to Fan-Made 'Wicked' Poster: 'I Probably Should have Called My Friends'

He has some questionable tweets in his search history

When it was announced in 2018 that Erivo would play Harriet Tubman within the biopic “Harriet,” the British actress’s seemingly problematic comments made years earlier about the language of Black Americans inevitably resurfaced. As previously reported by theGrio, this compounded existing questions about the choice to forged British-born Erivo because the historical African-American hero, given what some perceived as a disdain for African-American culture.

“As for the tweets, they were taken out of context, giving me no room to explain what they meant – and they weren’t actually mocking anyone,” she explained on the time: Complex reported. “It was not intended to be (offensive) at all. It was to celebrate a song I (wrote) when I was 16.”

Speaking further about the controversy during an event on the Toronto International Film Festival, she said: “I actually have never… never spoken negatively about people because I don’t desire to; I don’t desire this energy to be passed on to others.”

She continued: “I do not think it’s good for us in any respect; I do not think it serves any purpose apart from to bring negativity into my life and yours, and I just don’t desire that.

Perhaps he has some tension with the band in “The Color Purple.”

For unknown reasons, Erivo claims she was not invited to a special screening of the musical “The Color Purple” for family and friends, which was also attended by other members of her Broadway forged. It’s a bit strange that the Tony-winning revival star wasn’t on the guest list. When asked about her apparent rejection in the course of the interview and whether it reflected her initial considerations for Celie’s role within the film adaptation, Erivo suggested she couldn’t talk about it.

Despite every little thing, he’s capable of admit his mistake

Erivo can have had mixed emotions previously as a result of questionable comments or her unwavering passion for her craft, but she is ultimately capable of admit when she was incorrect. In the lead-up to Wicked’s premiere, fan-made art got here to light that edited the film’s poster to look more like the unique Broadway Playbill, obscuring Erivo’s direct gaze with the brim of her witch hat. The actress was initially very offended, but later admitted that she can have overreacted.

“I think for me it was a human moment…” she later explained. “I probably should have called my friends, but I’m fine.”

Cynthia Erivo accepts Los Angeles LGBT Center award for speech on freedom to 'be different'

After all, she is an expert

Say what you want, but Cynthia Erivo is robust and talented. He can also be a one that is alleged to place the nice of the team ahead of his personal glory. During a recent appearance on “Cutting room floor” podcast, she described her technique of coming into harmony together with her “Wicked” co-star Ariana Grande and the way the 2 worked together to create a unified sound fairly than resorting to diva-like behavior in an try and outshine one another.

For example, although she and Grande have very different voices, Erivo noted that what they’ve in common is way more necessary.

“I think what connects us is the way we hear music, so we can hear each other,” she explained. “And the beauty of singing with someone who can also hear is that you follow each other back and forth. We can find ways to make our textures and sounds make sense, and that’s really hard with humans.”

Erivo added: “It also signifies that you found someone completely selfless because they care about working with you, and being an element of that’s essentially the most amazing thing. When you find someone who’s committed to creating sound together, (there may be) no ego.

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Snoop Dogg Takes Over ‘Amazon Music Live’ in Season 3 Finale – Essence

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Snoop Dogg attends the Los Angeles Premiere of “Gladiator II” held on the TCL Chinese Theater on November 18, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo: Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)

When Snoop Dogg takes the stage at Amazon Music Live on November 29, it is the moment hip-hop fans have been waiting for. The West Coast legend ends Season 3 with a performance that guarantees to be nothing in need of legendary.

Airing after Black Friday Football at 7pm EST on Prime Video and Twitchthe show will showcase his expansive musical journey, combining chart toppers with deep cuts that defined a complete generation.

Sponsored by the brand new 2025 Nissan Kicks, fans can expect an exclusive first hearken to songs from his upcoming album ‘Missionary’, which might be released next month. The announcement comes at a critical point in Snoop’s profession and marks the following evolution of an artist who moves seamlessly between music, acting and entrepreneurship.

(*3*)Snoop Dogg takes over

Amazon Music Live has change into a powerhouse of musical innovation, and Snoop’s final performance epitomizes what it’s all about. Throughout Season 3, the series featured standout moments from artists resembling Jelly Roll, who brought together country and rock stars for an epic performance, and Big Sean, who paid tribute to historically black colleges and universities together with his breathtaking tribute .

For those that wish to have fun in advance and luxuriate in the final word Snoop experience, Amazon Music has REDISCOVER Snoop Dogg playlist it’s the proper foundation. It’s a musical time capsule chronicling his journey from the Long Beach underground scene to world-famous superstardom. Each track tells the story of an artist who not only survived in the music industry, but fundamentally modified it.

With 16 Grammy nominations to his name, Snoop continues to prove that he’s greater than only a rapper – he’s a real entertainment icon. His influence extends far beyond music, touching on film, television, cannabis culture and entrepreneurship. The Black Friday performance might be the following chapter in a profession defined by constant reinvention.

The performance isn’t only about music – it’s also a presentation of, amongst others, recent nissan kicks 2025. As an official sponsor of Amazon Music Live, the compact crossover was integrated throughout the season, giving fans a glimpse of its modern style and advanced technologies through pre-show and in-person experiences on the show.

For those in the Los Angeles area, a limited variety of tickets can be found from DICE. But for everybody else, Prime Video and Twitch will bring the magic of Doggfather right to your screen. It’s a probability to see a living legend in top form, delivering a performance that guarantees to be as unpredictable and electrifying as Snoop himself.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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