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Meet Charm La’Donna, the choreographer behind Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” music video – Andscape

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In the world of dance, where rhythm and artistry meet, Charm La’Donna stands out. A seasoned choreographer and artist, La’Donna has collaborated with musicians like rappers Dr. Dre and Lil Baby, in addition to singers Dua Lipa, Selena Gomez, Meghan Trainor, The Weeknd and more. Behind her success is a story of determination and a desire to create an area where others can shine. La’Donna’s passion for dance is clear in how she talks about her profession and the way her eyes light up when asked about her journey. But it wasn’t easy.

“Sometimes (my) male colleagues get paid more than me, even though I know I’m capable and have the same resume. There are times when I’m the only black person, let alone a woman, in the room — and I’m proud of that,” La’Donna said of her entertainment industry experience. “A lot of people ask if I’ve ever felt imposter syndrome. I say no, because I know I belong there. I put in the work, the hours, and I’m dedicated to my craft.”

For the Compton, California-based artist, collaborating with rapper Kendrick Lamar on his concert, “Not like us”the music video and representing my city felt like a closing circle.

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“Something about being with Kendrick and being home just hits different. I’m just filled with joy all the time,” La’Donna said.

In a recent interview with Andscape’s Rhoden Fellows podcast, La’Donna spoke about her profession, inspirations, challenges she’s faced in the industry, and dreams for the future.

How did you get the opportunity to work with Kendrick Lamar?

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I’ve been working with Kendrick for about 10 years now. My mentor, Fatima RobinsonI began working with him once I was helping her. As our relationship grew, we just began vibrating. And then I began choreographing for him.

Could you tell us a bit about your creative process in the context of choreography?

I hope it isn’t a cliché to say that: I do what I feel. I never create anything before I get into the room. I at all times create only in real-time points because that is where I get my inspiration from—what’s happening in real time. Sometimes getting into with a plan of what you’re thinking that should occur can block your creativity since you’re trying to determine one thing that in your mind should work that way and sometimes it doesn’t. I bear in mind what the artist feels and what the dancers feel. So I’d say it’s about the real-time space.

Who has been your biggest inspiration during your journey?

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Well, I’ll say my mother. She was a lady, amongst many in my life, who pushed me and inspired me to be myself and to attack every dream. I cannot tell my story without mentioning Fatima Robinson and her influence on my life since I used to be 10 years old.

My grandmother passed away last 12 months. I remember not knowing what my purpose was or how I used to be going to do it. She at all times kept me grounded and jogged my memory, “You are exactly where you are supposed to be.” Those are my predominant inspirations.

As a black woman working in your industry, have you ever encountered any difficulties?

100%. I’ll say that I used to be fortunate and blessed to have a mentor, Fatima Robinson, who can also be one other black woman, who has opened plenty of doors for me, and while she has opened some doors, there are doors that I even have needed to open alone. I’m fighting for what I deserve.

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I’ve done all the pieces I can to arrange myself to walk right into a room, and all I even have to do is walk in there like God sent me. There were situations and things that were said, but nothing will stop me, and I actually imagine that nothing will stop us. As one door closes, I open five more for the girl behind me.

What motivates you to beat difficulties?

It’s knowing my talents and loving every aspect of what I do. It’s getting a message from a lady saying, “Charm, you inspired me.” It’s watching videos of little girls taking a look at my work and dancing; they’ve someone who looks like them to emulate. I’m so blissful and grateful that I get to do what I really like and make a living. I put my heart into it and I do not take anything without any consideration. But there are days once I just don’t desire to stand up. I’ve lived my whole life in survival mode. Sometimes I even have to stop and tell myself that I’ve made it, stop surviving and begin living, because I’m still going.

For a protracted time, I didn’t know the best way to say no because I assumed if I said no, I used to be missing out. So now I’m in a spot where I’m really living and appreciating all the pieces I do—the things that keep me going.

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What is your most satisfying memory thus far?

It’s hard to pinpoint one moment, but every project and artist I’ve worked with has been fulfilling in its own way. I’m just in awe of how we will explore art—whether it’s acting at the Super Bowl during the week or connecting with artists from different backgrounds.

I’m from Compton. And there is a connection between Kendrick and me, coming from where we’re from. But connecting with other artists from different places and having the ability to help bring their vision to life is admittedly necessary to me. I find little things in every project. You know. I used to be capable of choreograph the Super Bowl during COVID-19. We were capable of try this in every week. In every project, each time I feel like I can not do something, I can do it.

You’ve already achieved a lot in your profession. What’s your end goal?

I would like to have a nonprofit with dance. I would like to do more directing, more filmmaking, more bringing dance stories to life otherwise, and more writing. I’m an art kid. I really like all of that. I just see myself continually evolving. I still mentor. I herald young, aspiring choreographers or simply young girls to my team. Some of my girls have turn out to be assistant managers and so they do all of those things simply to be around, and that is what I would like to do on a distinct level.

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Nilea (pronounced “Ny Lee”) Cosley, a senior majoring in mass media arts with a minor in journalism, hails from Philadelphia. Cosley is the editor-in-chief of the CAU Panther newspaper.


This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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Tyler Perry praises Angie Stone at the funeral: “I’m angry with the way she was treated”

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Mogul Film and Television Tyler Perry paid tribute to the singer R&B Angie Stone on Friday, telling the church church at Word of Faith Cathedral in Austll, Ga. That he was “bad” from how she was treated in the music industry.

“I am angry with the way she was treated,” said Perry, who said that only recently he realized the challenges that the stones faced in recovering the money resulting from her label. “Thinking that this woman has been operating for all these years … All these years, all these songs, all the money that was due to her. Where is it? This is bad. “

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Stone, who died on March 1 at the age of 63 after his involvement in a automotive accident in Alabama, had previously had common In social media on January 2, that after greater than 40 years in the industry she didn’t receive license payments from her former label, Universal Music Group. “They will have to give me money,” said Stone, who said that she had only recently learned about her financial situation after asking amongst medical problems. Ironically, the night stone was killed, traveled from the concert in Montgomery.

“There is a difference between the performance because you want and the performance because you have to,” said Tyler Perry. “I am tired of vision, how we fight and go through things, I work hard and do not benefit from what we were supposed to draw.”

The Creator of the “Madei Family Meeting” and “Beauty in black” added: “You must be careful when you start treating people badly, especially God’s children, because the Bible says:” Do not touch my anointed and don’t do my prophet. “

Although Perry admitted that he didn’t know the stone, in addition to others, sharing that he often saw her at concert events, he called the soul singer a “prophet”, adding: “she prophesied and preached her own vagina.”

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Perry remembered the text of Stone’s hit “No More Rain (” In This Cloud “), saying to the congregation:” He says: “My sun came and I am flashy. There is no more rain in this cloud. “He continued:” The beauty of what she was talking about is when the cloud no longer has tears, it disperses. Disappeared. But if you listen to this song again, there is a part that I want you to really listen. She said: “What is occurring. What goes up must fall. The stuff you come back to you. “

Media tycoon praised Angie Stone for somebody who “sold kindness … (i) joy to people … sold people and her voice.” He summed up his comments: “God bless you, Angie, my heart, my soul, is with you. I am so glad that there is no more rain in your cloud. “

(Tagstransate) Angie Stone

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This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Coco Gauff’s Mometown Roots Power New Balance’s latest tennis shoe – Essence

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Coco Gauff's Mometown Roots Power New Balance's latest tennis shoe

Melbourne, Australia – January 19: Coco Gaufff from the United States celebrates victory within the match with Belind Bencic from Switzerland within the match within the fourth round of ladies’s singles through the eighth day of the Australian Open 2025 in Melbourne Park on January 19, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo of Fred Lee/Getty Images)

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The words “tennis” and “availability” had a protracted -term complex relationship. We took a glance, watching the story for the legacy of Serena and Venus Williams. It showed us that behind the splendor of central courts and trophies ceremonies (which Coco Gauff has lots), there may be a sport that many think financially. It is that this reality that makes the latest cooperation between New Balance and the Coco Gauff tennis star is especially noteworthy.

Today, New Balance and Gauff presented Delray Coco, a tennis shoe that pays tribute to her hometown of Florida, while coping with wider questions on who can play this sport. Available from March 13 for $ 110, shoes stand out in the marketplace, where tennis footwear often proves much higher prices.

“I am incredibly proud of launching the new Delray Coco, because this is the opportunity to expand access to people interested in playing the game and will have a positive impact on culture for the upcoming generations,” said Gaufff within the commercial. “Delray Beach helped to cause my tennis journey, so it is special for me to tell the story of this community, which influenced exactly why I love this sport.”

Coco Gauff's Mometown Roots Power New Balance's latest tennis shoe

Technically, Delray Coco provides what you may expect from ready -made footwear for competition. It has a nylon stability plate, a light-weight fuel sole for convenience and a durable rubber outer sole designed for prolonged game on various manor surfaces. The low project includes the aesthetics of tennis and basketball from the 90s, reflecting Gauff’s appeal.

“Our hope with Delray Coco is to emphasize access to sport for everyone. For Coco, a lot means that everyone who wants to play tennis should be able to choose a rocket and play, “said Evan Zeder, head of Tennis sports marketing at New Balance. “Delray Coco represents her constant commitment to promoting this integration in sport, starting from her own yard.”

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This yard – especially Pompey Park in Delray Beach – just isn’t only referred to marketing materials, but serves as a spot of premiere. New Balance and Gauff organize an event there with a campaign film show, after which a discussion with Gauff, her grandmother and inventive collaborator Joe Robinson (professionally referred to as Joe Freshgoods) about sports availability and the influence of the community.

New Balance also doesn’t end with one version of the shoe. Throughout the yr, they drop latest Delray Coco colours, releasing them together with the Gauff’s higher CG2 model. Coordinated editions mean that recreation players can take Gauff’s style, no matter their skill level. And even though it may not seem lots, it is kind of serious. Both Gauff and New Balance be sure that everyone feels on, no matter where they’re on a tennis journey.

At the top of the day, tennis still faces current questions on diversity, representation and access, and products reminiscent of Delray Coco offer a selected contribution. While shoes price 110 USD is not going to transform right into a tennis economy, this can be a step in the best direction. Delra Coco is offered all around the world at Newalance.com and chosen retail sellers with a suggested retail price of $ 110. For more information, visit newbalance.com/tennis.

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This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Jennifer Hudson breaks silence a few days after she was hit in the face with basketball during the NBA match

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Jennifer Hudson opens up about her date with Common when she “knocked up” with basketball.

The Egota winner was in Madison Square Garden on March 4 with her rapper-boy. They each sat outside, watching New York Knicks play against Golden State Warriors, when the ball suddenly flew the ball towards its direction, when Knicks Miles McBride tried to save lots of him from going outside.

In the clip of March 13 published on YouTube, “Jennifer Hudson Show” Hudson told about what happened to her audience in her talk show.

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Jennifer Hudson explains what happened when she hit the face with basketball in the NBA match. (Photo: @Iamjhud/Instagram)

After confirming the ball, she actually hit her, got up and approached her audience. She said, “So I’m sitting there and then I talk suddenly. Don’t talk when you sit outside. First of all, so I look this way, and then suddenly I am like why everyone looks crazy. And then bam! “

Hudson said it happened: “So fast, true! So I am like what the hell did me? Something had to hit me. From all people to hit, did you hit Jennifer Hudson? Really?”

Then she confirmed that “the ball actually hit me” in response to still unclear people what happened.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5M3TL9M7WA

“So I’m sitting there, and then suddenly something just hit me from blue. And I thought, “I do not know what happened”, and then suddenly people stand over me. They like “OK? Everything’s all right? And I’m like “Hold, let me only for a moment. Let me only gather my thoughts – said Hudson.

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She explained that she was hit when McBride tried to save lots of the ball. She noticed that he was crushed about the incident and “wanted to finish the whole game.” “He was like” Oh my God. I made Jennifer, Lord. And I’m like “Honey, I’m fine, go play your game,” the mother of certainly one of them continued.

As the mother of 15-year-old David Daniel Otung Jr., whom she welcomed with her former Fiancé and former WWE star David Otung, Hudson said she understood what could occur in the game, accompanying her son and his friends in basketball matches.

She and Otung Sr. They got engaged after lower than a 12 months of dates, but separated for good in 2017 after 10 years of dates.

From 2023, the star “Dreamgirls” arranged with Common, which was sitting next to her when the ball flew on her face.

Referring to the “right” actor in the next a part of her memories, Hudson said: “And my sweet love was like” Ok, is every part okay? Would you want to go away? And I’m like “I’m good, let me sit down and gather here” because the very last thing you need to do is stand up and go somewhere. No, you would like a moment. “

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But it was not a “sweetest part”, in accordance with Hudson, who then ordered the producers to throw the McBride speaking clip.

In the film he appears on the screen: “Hey, Jennifer, here is the pleasant” Deuce “McBride.” I just desired to say that I’m sorry that I got here up with you in our game last week. You know that I was in the zone, attempting to play, attempting to bring some energy, and unfortunately you were in the incorrect place at the incorrect time. I’m sorry I got something for you. We hope that we might be cool after that. I appreciate that you simply show us support and go, Knicks. “

The gift that McBride gave her was a pink bouquet of roses, which was handed over to someone from her team.

Fans replied for the incident in “Entertainment Tonight” the Instagram clip repost.

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One person said: “He does too many brahs. It was an accident. “

Another wrote: “OMG drama … next time sit in the stands. She will react. “

On her side One person said: “Good in Deuce for apologizing, making a camera and sending flowers.”

The fourth said: “These roses are beautiful.”

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Later, Hudson revealed that the dancers of the city of Knicks decided to make a spiritual tunnel when she entered the game “before it was knocked up”, identical to in the Spirit tunnel, which he creates for guests in his program. She added that she was right to participate in the All-Star game yearly in honor of the late brother Jason who would participate.

Jason Hudson is certainly one of the three relations who were killed by William Balfour, the alienated husband of Sister Jennifer, Julia, who was convicted of crimes. Jason and his mother, Darnell Donerson and her nephew, Julian King, found dead at home in Chicago in 2008.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjoz-vtwgiw

(Tagstranslat) Common

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This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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