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Will Smith Doesn’t Need A Redemption Tour – Andscape

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6 months ago

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Since actor Will Smith stormed the Oscars stage in March 2022 and punched comedian Chris Rock on national television, creating one of the vital unforgettable and bizarre moments in popular culture history, the actor has been one of the vital polarizing figures in Hollywood. While most individuals can agree and understand that the slap was an act of violence that needed accounting in the mean time it occurred, the extent of vitriol, anger and resentment towards Smith was probably the most common point of debate.

Two years later, as Smith celebrates success with Martin Lawrence and back to music on Sunday, the slap remains to be being weighed within the court of public opinion. But the film’s success reminds us that Smith would never lose the support of black people, especially in light of the blatant double standards he faced.

Smith is one among the brightest stars Hollywood has ever seen. She dropped $100 million movies before it became the norm. In the ’90s, Smith had a top-rated TV show, chart-topping music singles, and created a few of the biggest box office hits every summer. That made Smith one of the vital beloved figures in popular culture, especially black culture.

However, this relationship with Black fans became strained in later years when it was once a person he gave his blessing playing legendary boxer Muhammad Ali would have involved some bizarre and questionable profession turns. He has made a slew of poorly received movies, including in 2013and his front-page headlines were mostly reserved for rumors about his marriage to Jada Pinkett Smith and speculation about his ties to Scientology. Throughout the years, Smith has strived to keep up the respect and prominence he enjoyed in his prime years of recognition.

“I think Black people understand that the more successful you are in Black Hollywood, the more isolated you are from Black people and Black culture,” said Saida Grundy, a professor of sociology at Boston University. “We still love you, but we understand that this is part of Hollywood.”

In 2017, Smith underwent a serious profession overhaul when he officially launched his Instagram page with a rigorously curated series of viral videos, inspiring messages and insight into the charismatic Will Smith we grew up with. Even as Smith and Pinkett Smith talked about their marriage in moments of web-breaking drama that nobody asked for, he still struggled to regain his box office dominance. Still, the genius of his social media team (and bestselling memoirs) maintained this bond together with his fans.

And then the Oscars got here.

Actor Will Smith, winner of the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his role in , attends the Vanity Fair 2022 Academy Awards reception following the 94th Academy Awards at The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, California, March 27, 2022.

PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images

Smith entered the 2022 Oscars in March as the percentages-on favorite. He became the sixth black man to win best actor for his role as tennis player Venus and Serena Williams’ father, Richard, in . The film was a transparent Oscar push that had eluded Smith, and his win gave the impression of a foregone conclusion, the culmination of a many years-long series. But as you understand, something went mistaken.

Rock joked about Pinkett Smith, comparing her hair to Demi Moore’s trendy hairstyle. Will walked as much as the stage and punched Rock before shouting the now infamous line, “Keep my wife’s name out of your fucking mouth.” And tens of millions of individuals were shocked.

It was one among the strangest, most unexpected, and most shocking moments in such a public, celebrity-filled space. Even now, watching it again, it looks like artificial intelligence. The Slap was greater than only a viral moment. It was a cultural storm. Even Smith’s most ardent fans would must admit he did something mistaken. Yes, Rock made a joke about his wife. Yes, there appears to be some legitimate bad blood lurking beneath the surface. But it’s hard—if not inconceivable—to defend Smith’s antics.

Then the backlash poured in, and it became clear that, regardless of how mistaken Smith was, double standards and racial politics were inevitably going to be the elephant within the room. And if there’s one thing that may make Black people rally around one other Black person—especially one who hasn’t offended Black people as an entire—it’s the presence of double standards and mistreatment due to that person’s blackness.

“White supremacy has always worked by associating bad manners, inappropriate behavior and violence with the people it oppresses,” Grundy said. “There was something disturbing to them about a Black man having the freedom to walk on that stage. We understand the unspoken.”

When director Judd Apatow I tweeted and deleted it that Smith could have “killed” Rock with a line like “It’s pure, uncontrollable rage and violence,” or when the comedian Posted by Amy Schumer that she still felt “triggered and traumatized” days later, gave the impression of overreactions. And for black people, they gave the impression of overreactions based on a history of racial politics that marks black men as cruelly aggressive, yes, even when others Black people were gathering.

Smith was mistaken, however the words used to explain what happened made black people wonder if the identical words can be used to explain a white man who did the identical. one other Oscar ban — Smith won’t give you the option to attend the ceremony for 10 years — also exposed double standards in light of who’s banned and threatened. Smith’s name now appears on an inventory of convicted sex offenders akin to former film producer Harvey Weinstein and comedian Bill Cosby. He can be not on the list of men accused of molesting women.

Actors Martin Lawrence (left) and Will Smith (right) attend the Bad Boys Miami premiere day celebration on the Perez Art Museum Miami on June 6 in Miami.

Aleksander Tamargo/Getty Images

So when was Smith purported to be fired this summer, after his first full-blown attempt at a summer blockbuster because the slapstick, publications quickly revisited the incident, running headlines just like the one from Variety who wondered if fans are willing to “forgive” his slap from two years ago. The questions were accompanied by box office projections that the film would earn between $30 and $45 million in its opening week. The film exceeded those projections and grossed $56 million.

It’s one other reminder of the disconnect between the media, Hollywood and black audiences, especially in the case of how we perceive Smith, his star power and his slap within the face.

While Hollywood may not have been able to forgive Smith, black audiences showed that we’ve moved on from a difficult moment two years ago. If you wish proof, look no further than the undeniable fact that black viewers made up 44% of the audience . Smith addressed those viewers throughout the film’s premiere, surprising the audience mostly in black cinemas and appears in black establishments akin to on SiriusXM. It doesn’t hurt that Will’s latest hit can be a return to a franchise that has all the time been geared toward black viewers, a franchise that began with two of the largest black TV stars of the ’90s and has all the time resonated with black viewers. The same black viewers who largely bashed and criticized Smith for The Slap and moved on.

Is Hollywood able to forgive Will Smith? It doesn’t matter in any respect. He has the support of the Black fans who were already there. And he’s clearly regained his status as a summer blockbuster star.

DavidDennis Jr. is a senior author at Andscape and the creator 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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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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5 days ago

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December 9, 2024

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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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5 days ago

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December 9, 2024

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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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5 days ago

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December 9, 2024

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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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