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Lollapalooza 2024: SZA, Victoria Monét, Megan Thee Stallion and More Close Out Festival Stage – Essence

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Photo credit: Peyton Reich

Taking place in Chicago’s iconic Grant Park, Lollapalooza 2024 was full of great music, delicious food, and an environment befitting its fame as one in every of the largest and best festivals within the country. This yr’s lineup was eclectic, with some major players in dark entertainment amongst them.

During the festival’s opening night on August 1, audiences were treated to performances from FLO, Tyla, and Houston headliner Megan Thee Stallion. The “WAP” rapper opened her set with “HISS,” followed by popular tracks “Ungrateful” and “Thot Shit.” Despite torrential rain during her performance, the gang’s energy never wavered, especially when Meg took a moment to point out her support for presidential candidate Kamala Harris ahead of the November election.

Lollapalooza 2024: SZA, Victoria Monét, Megan Thee Stallion and More Close Out Festival Stage
Photo credit: Anthony Vazquez

“Kamala said she supports women’s rights,” Megan told the big audience. “Kamala said she’s sick of these high gas prices. Kamala said she stands with the people — Hotties for Harris, God b***h.” After Chicago Sky winger and former LSU star Angel Reese got here on as a special guest, Megan closed out her electrifying performance with “BOA,” and the gang was begging for more as she left the stage.

On Friday, festivalgoers flocked to Grant Park for performances by artists like Sexxy Red, Victoria Monét, and SZA. Monét, who recently had an incredible run of performances at ESSENCE Festival of Culture 2024 and the BET Awards, lit up the T-Mobile Stage just before sunset. Victoria’s set featured hits from her album and a steamy medley along with her dancers.

Lollapalooza 2024: SZA, Victoria Monét, Megan Thee Stallion and More Close Out Festival Stage
Photo credit: Peyton Reich

SZA, the headliner of the evening, took the stage just after her scheduled 8:45 p.m. time on the T-Mobile Stage. She delivered an unforgettable performance that included songs like “Seek & Destroy,” “Broken Clocks,” “Ghost in the Machine,” “F2F,” “Drew Barrymore,” and “Blind.” The audience’s engagement during “Normal Girl” and “Nobody Gets Me” showed how deeply SZA’s music resonates with audiences from all walks of life. She closed out her set with a final-minute performance of “20 Somethings,” from her classic album, .

Lollapalooza featured some incredible activations from a few of the world’s biggest brands, together with offerings from food vendors each near and far. Bacardi, Red Bull, and Coca-Cola made their presence felt, while venues like Jack Daniel’s Karaoke Experience, Bud Light Backyard, Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge, and House of Dunkin’ kept things going strong all weekend long.

Lollapalooza 2024: SZA, Victoria Monét, Megan Thee Stallion and More Close Out Festival Stage
Courtesy of Liquid IV

Intravenous fluid had an unmissable activation, situated in the guts of the festival grounds. There, attendees could chill out within the shade while trying out the brand’s latest flavors, including Hydration Multiplier Popsicle Firecracker and Hydration Multiplier Cotton Candy. There was also a cool photo booth and a special DJ day-after-day at Hydration Haven, namely

Day three featured performances from Armani White, Killer Mike, and a highly anticipated set from Future and Metro Boomin. Closing out the night on the Bud Light stage just after 9:15 p.m., Future and Metro delivered a dynamic and energetic performance that wowed the gang. Songs like “All My Life,” “Stick Talk,” and “Like That” were sung word for word by the 1000’s in attendance.

Lollapalooza 2024: SZA, Victoria Monét, Megan Thee Stallion and More Close Out Festival Stage
Photo credit: Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere

The final day of the festival featured a various mixture of artists, including Vince Staples and SiR. Known for his charismatic presence, Vince Staples engaged the audience in conversation and invited young fans on stage to assist him recite lyrics, creating memorable moments for fans in addition to those watching from afar.

Chicago was bustling with tourists all weekend long with the festival and events just like the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Conference. As in previous years, Lollapalooza 2024 was an enormous success, showcasing a big selection of musical talent and creating an unforgettable experience for all attendees. The festival once more demonstrated why it stays a cornerstone of the worldwide music circuit.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.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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