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