Entertainment
Fans Debate Whether D’Angelo Was ‘Groomed’ By Angie Stone, Singer Says ‘People Need to Express Their Feelings’
The stereotype of older men dating young women is so common amongst celebrities that most of the people doesn’t listen to it.
But when the tables are turned, and the concept of an “older woman” finding love with much younger men is brought up, it’s often criticized—and sometimes with serious accusations of seduction. Such was the case with a recent post concerning the romance between award-winning neo-soul singers D’Angelo and Angie Stone.
When Instagram user @KnowledgeCjanice recently published An old photo of the couple got people talking about it, and Stone immediately jumped in to silence the naysayers.
The former couple dated for 4 years within the ’90s, starting when she was 30 and he was 19. They collaborated on D’Angelo’s 1995 debut, “Brown Sugar,” which the older divorcee co-wrote and co-produced. The album earned a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Album.
The couple also collaborated on one other enterprise: their 25-year-old son, Michael Archer II, aka Swayvo Twain. The “No More Rain” singer has publicly admitted that co-parenting with D’Angelo has been a challenge “when the whole world is watching.” Now, some are turning their microscopes back on their former relationship.
Comments ranged from “sugar momma” and “their relationship gives me the creeps” to more serious accusations of seduction and being “predatory as hell,” with one critic posting the next:
“A 30-year-old has nothing on a 19-year-old. Anyone who defends that, in my opinion, would date someone that young if they had the chance. A 19-year-old is still a kid, I don’t know how legal they are.”
However, amidst the wave of criticism, fans expressed support for Stone’s relationship with the award-winning “Lady” singer.
“She saw beauty in him and loved him at his worst when he couldn’t see it himself and just tried to get her when he succeeded. She let the industry get in his ear through someone who loved him,” one fan wrote.
Another added: “Angie, I always come on this site to talk about facts, never tea. You loved him, period, and you were the real one in his corner. No problem. You should have told the truth. I’m thrilled about that.”
This prompted Stone to respond with an exasperated, “Thank you for the truth!!!” The “No More Rain” singer also spoke out to clear up a couple of details, stating that she was 30 on the time of the connection, not 31 or 32.
She also slammed the naysayers. “Be careful what you say, it’s sad that you don’t understand how love works, it’s timeless, it’s ageless and colorless, luckily for us, we found each other. We had a beautiful friendship that turned into a relationship… I was not a predator,” Stone wrote.
She also confirmed that D’Angelo was 19 on the time, noting, “He chased me and I followed him shortly after, so I wasn’t a predator.” She added, “I used to be his friend and guess what, I’m still the perfect friend he’s ever met.
I used to be 2 years old today after I came upon Angie Stone was dating D’Angelo and braided his hair with string 😩 photo:twitter.com/1XPixlkWK4
— Mx B. Hawk Snipes (they/she) (@BHawkSnipes) March 12, 2023
As more comments concerning the “original Puma” began to appear, one other fan tried to indicate the double standards.
“You need to stop exaggerating in this post! He was 20 and she was 32 when they started hanging out! Every time an older black woman dates a younger guy who is ALSO black, you always want to infantilize the man like he’s a little kid getting ready! It’s stupid and annoying!”
Stone agreed, writing, “Well said, men do it and there’s no problem, people need to stop thinking about who I’m hanging out with, we loved each other then and we love each other now, people are so fucking jealous they see it’s ugly but the beauty was clearly in the relationship, in the music, in the magic that jealousy was destroying.”
Stone tried to make clear the facts about their relationship last yr in VladTV in an interview, saying that it was D’Angelo who courted her, not the opposite way around.
“I thought he was older than he was because he had an old soul… At the time, we were just best friends. Over time, we fell in love. All I can tell you is that shit happens,” the 61-year-old said on the time.
The two artists have struggled with personal and legal issues over time, but have each moved on — though Stone has taken to social media comments to defend their past relationship, so there is no doubt she still has respect for the person she once called “the love of her life.”
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.
-
Press Release8 months ago
CEO of 360WiSE Launches Mentorship Program in Overtown Miami FL
-
Press Release8 months ago
U.S.-Africa Chamber of Commerce Appoints Robert Alexander of 360WiseMedia as Board Director
-
Business and Finance6 months ago
The Importance of Owning Your Distribution Media Platform
-
Business and Finance9 months ago
360Wise Media and McDonald’s NY Tri-State Owner Operators Celebrate Success of “Faces of Black History” Campaign with Over 2 Million Event Visits
-
Ben Crump8 months ago
Another lawsuit accuses Google of bias against Black minority employees
-
Theater9 months ago
Telling the story of the Apollo Theater
-
Ben Crump9 months ago
Henrietta Lacks’ family members reach an agreement after her cells undergo advanced medical tests
-
Ben Crump9 months ago
The families of George Floyd and Daunte Wright hold an emotional press conference in Minneapolis