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Hot Boys reunion can’t be underestimated – Andscape

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Lil Wayne’s celebrated his twentieth anniversary on June 29. While the album represented a sonic and lyrical shift for him, one song particularly was a nostalgic look back at a previous chapter.I miss my dogs”was his love letter to his former labelmates — and more importantly — Juvenile, BG and Turk, his Hot Boys bandmates.

“,” Lil Wayne rapped on the time. “

Two a long time later, a song was born — which Lil Wayne once done with BG within the mid-2000s — is coming full circle. All 4 members will reunite on stage of their hometown of New Orleans for the 2024 Essence Festival, which kicked off July 4. The official billing calls the show a celebration of 30 years of Cash Money Records. Label co-founder Bryan “Birdman” Williams is the headliner for the evening, and Cash Money producer Mannie Fresh may even appear. But calling the reunion of one of the vital iconic and complicated groups in rap history historic is barely half the story. It’s a story of time, aging, and, surprisingly, a reunion happening in any respect.

In the late ’90s, American popular culture was hooked on boy bands. Groups like Backstreet Boys, N’Sync, and 98 Degrees were fueled by shows like MTV, but hip-hop’s chaotic, bouncy answer to the cookie-cutter pop hits was the Hot Boys. They were young, intense, and incredibly, unapologetically black. To various degrees, each member became a star in their very own right. As a bunch, the Hot Boys were rock stars. Albums like and were relentless. Singles like “I Need A Hot Girl,” “Back That Azz Up,” and “Bling Bling” not only soundtracked the turn of the millennium, they modified the lexicon.

Great success within the music industry is usually a preamble to even greater failure. The Hot Boys disbanded in 2003 after their last album — and that is where the story gets complicated. Turk was involved in a shootout with a Memphis, Tennessee, SWAT officer in 2004 and incident ultimately was sent to prison for nine years. BG and Juvenile blamed Cash Money Records for alleged financial irregularities (a claim that dogged the label for many of its existence) for his or her departures. Lil Wayne called himself “prisoner” to the label in 2014, marking the beginning of years of grievances against the company he carried on his shoulders for most of the 2000s. BG he was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison in 2012 for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Lil Wayne — who eventually became the most famous Hot Boy — he served eight months on Rikers Island after being convicted of a firearms offense in New York. The juvenile is the one member of the group who didn’t serve time.

Because of this, and since of varied animosities with the record company and with one another, a real reunion has never happened until now. (All 4 members reunited for Turk’s song “Shut up” in 2012) A homecoming of this scale is an act of God. Trace the history of the Hot Boys, and the hits and albums are essentially the most famous chapters of that story. Nevertheless, it is usually a depressingly dark story at times. Drugs plagued the group and essentially eliminated much of its potential. BG and Turk have admitted that cocaine and heroin use were an inevitable problem in the interior politics of the label. They later understood how these substances warped their careers and lives.

“(Birdman and Slim) weren’t with it. They used to hate that sh—,” The Turk said in a 2022 interview “Why would anyone tolerate their money growing if it’s ruining their money?”

From left to right: Rappers Juvenile, BG, Turk, Birdman, Lil Wayne of Hot Boys and producer Mannie Fresh attend an event on the Pantages Theater in Hollywood, California, August 18, 1999.

Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

“It started after one of my little buddies got killed and snorted weed. After his funeral, (we said) ‘We’ll snort a bag for our partner.'” BG said in a 2009 interview, then six years clean. “I would have never started snorting pot (when I was 15) if I knew it would take me down the path it did… It played a role in my career. It made me not as creative, not as driven (as) if I was sober.”

Even today, obstacles remain. Earlier this 12 months, BG was expected to be returned to federal prison after violating the terms of his probation. A probation officer found that BG, currently a resident of Las Vegas, had not obtained the correct license to practice his career. with Lil Boosie in February. On Tuesday, the situation was announced as resolved: BG is not going to should return to prison, but he may have to send all of the texts he wrote songs to his probation officer for review. The decision undermines a protracted-standing argument, one which has only intensified over time, about rappers, rap lyrics, and the way they’re treated within the legal system. It’s one other stark reminder that nothing has ever been a straight shot north for the Hot Boys — not even their success.

“We’ve talked about (doing a tour) a few times. Everyone’s had situations — like BG just going home. So he’s got to work it out,” Lil Wayne said possible reunion. “Can he travel? Can he tour? Ready for Juvie. Ready for Turk. We just have to see if Geezy can move or not.”

But the success achieved remains to be a hit value celebrating. Juvenile’s late comeback, led by his Tiny Desk Performance 2023 AND congressional resolution in his honor, warmed my heart. Lil Wayne’s peak is within the rearview mirror, but he features on albums like “The beast got here out“prove that being a naturally gifted wordsmith will all the time be in his arsenal. And in a genre that has lost so many key figures so young, having all 4 Hot Boys on stage will be a critical moment. Bands like UGK, A Tribe Called Quest, Mobb Deep, De La Soul, and even R&B stars like TLC are ceaselessly losing a component of what made them legends. And since this event will happen in New Orleans, a city the Hot Boys helped launch on the world stage, it only sweetens this pot of gumbo.

“Me, Wayne, Turk and BG, we’re all gonna be on stage with Mannie Fresh and Birdman,” Juvenile said within the film in June. “And we’ve already started working on the Hot Boys album.”

The Hot Boys grew up in a grotesque music industry, and there’s no option to tell what was taken from them. Their music was particularly graphic, giving listeners a glimpse into the lives of 4 young black people from the underside of the map. But also they are artifacts of the Bayou. The ones who helped transform places just like the Magnolia Projects, Hollygrove, and the seventeenth Ward from places of economic deprivation to birthplaces of transformative art. The ones who made soulja rags and white T-shirts cool. The ones who had a generation of black youth and young adults far beyond the Big Easy calling themselves “hot boys” and “hot girls.” The ones who brought pride to their city—even while carrying their demons, self-inflicted and societal—long before the New Orleans Saints won the Super Bowl. And those who survived New Orleans when it was capital of murder and never town most related to Hurricane Katrina.

,” Lil Wayne rapped on the 2004 song “I Miss My Dawgs.”

It only took 20 years, but now Lil Wayne can tell them to their faces. Not every story ends this manner.

Justin Tinsley is a senior culture author at Andscape. He believes that “Cash Money Records takin’ ova for da ’99 and da 2000” is essentially the most influential statement of his generation.


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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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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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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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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