Celebrity Coverage
Khalid releases “Sincere” [Album Review] – Essence
Khalid’s third studio album, , marks his return to the solo music scene. Released after a five-yr hiatus since 2019, the brand new project showcases his sonic progression, exploring themes of affection, loss, and self-discovery. At 26, he brings recent dimensions to his music, hoping to further solidify his place on the planet of up to date R&B.
The 16-track album kicks off with “Adore U,” an upbeat opener that serves as the right backdrop for Khalid’s heartfelt lyrics. The next three tracks—“Everything We See,” “Altitude,” and “It’s All Good”—see the artist moving toward a more positive tone, with messages of connection and perseverance. On tracks like “Broken” and “Please Don’t Fall In Love With Me,” he visits a more turbulent side of intimacy, providing listeners with a seamless balance of storytelling throughout the album.
While the Texas-born singer has collaborated with numerous musicians, he kept things minimal on this project, with just one guest appearance from Arlo Parks on the track “Breathe.” In this mesmerizing duet, the artists explore poignant topics like isolation, depression, and the sense of longing that so many individuals experience.
Getting into the core, reflective songs like “Ground” and “Long Way Home” take center stage. Here, Khalid talks about finding stability amidst chaotic circumstances, while within the latter, he talks about navigating a difficult journey towards self-actualization. The album’s title track is a raw and honest look into the mind of a talented artist. The stripped-down production allows Khalid’s vocals and lyrics to take center stage, making it a robust and intimate track. A fitting end to the album is “Decline,” an outro that reflects on the tip of a relationship and the potential for accepting things as they’re.
as an entire, it’s a deeply personal release that underscores Khalid’s maturity. It’s an album that invites listeners into his world, offering a transparent and honest exploration of the complexities of life. As some of the compelling voices within the genre, Khalid is ready to proceed his evolution as each an artist and a person — and he embodies that in the easiest way possible.
Celebrity Coverage
ICYMI: Cardi B’s rally look, Adut Akech’s baby bump and more – Essence
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Ahead of the 2024 election week, stars supported each political and classic hair and makeup moments. From micro bobs and presidential updos to butterscotch lipsticks with matching manicures, moderate shades complemented this season’s trendy hairstyles.
Cardi B’s updo meant business Kamala Harris rally in Milwaukeeturning a straightforward sleep pin-up right into a political statement. The rapper’s beauty moment was the most recent after last week’s rally star look “dance party” with Beyoncéblonde bombshell and microbob Kelly Rowland. However, dominant hairstyles weren’t limited to election campaigns.
Traditional, edgy styles like Coco Jones’s bob and supermodel Anok Yai’s ponytail are transformed into prim and proper with curled ends. The former combined an asymmetric cut with undecided French suggestions: black on one side, white on the opposite. Meanwhile, a sensual nude manicure rested between her lips. To end the week, pregnant Adut Akech styled her baby bump with blackberry nails to match the thick, dark line of her fall lip.
In case you missed it, take a have a look at 9 celebrity beauty moments from the week.
Celebrity Coverage
Quincy Jones, iconic producer and entertainment mainstay, dies at the age of 91 – Essence
Quincy Jones at TIFF in 2018 (Photo: Chris Pizzello / Invision/AP)
Quincy Jones, a outstanding figure in the music and entertainment industry, died peacefully on Sunday at his home in Bel Air, California, surrounded by family members. He was 91 years old.
“Tonight, it is with full but broken hearts that we must share the news of the death of our father and brother Quincy Jones,” Arnold Robinson, publicist for the 28-time Grammy winner, said in an announcement. “And while this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the wonderful life he lived and know there will never be another like him.”
Born on March 14, 1933 in Chicago, Quincy Delight Jones was raised in a turbulent environment marked by the Great Depression and his mother’s mental illness. At the age of 11, discovering a piano at a neighborhood recreation center in Bremerton, Washington became the pivotal moment that modified his life from petty crime to a profession in music. He eventually mastered the trumpet and at the age of 14 was performing in jazz clubs with a young Ray Charles, which allowed him to showcase his limitless talent and set the stage for a unprecedented profession.
Jones’ journey began in earnest when he played trumpet in Lionel Hampton’s band at age 19, and continued as he collaborated with jazz legends equivalent to Dizzy Gillespie. In the Sixties, he began pursuing film scores, earning three Academy Award nominations in 1968 and 1969 for his work on , and , breaking barriers as one of the first black composers in Hollywood. His groundbreaking role as the first black musical director of the 1971 Academy Awards cemented his pioneering status.
Despite serious health problems in the Nineteen Seventies, including two life-threatening brain aneurysms that left him unable to play the trumpet, Jones remained undeterred. He then composed iconic themes for and Emmy Award-winning movies.
Most notably, Quincy’s profession peaked in the Eighties when he teamed up with Michael Jackson, producing the movies , and . itself secured eight Grammy Awards and became a cultural touchstone that transformed the music industry. In 1985, Jones organized and produced the all-star film “We Are the World,” which raised thousands and thousands for African famine relief and won three Grammy Awards. His work continued to influence the industry, from producing Sinatra to overseeing (*91*) Davis’ final album.
Known for his enduring versatility, Jones was the first African-American to carry an executive position at a significant record label, was a movie and television producer – directing such hits – and co-produced the 1985 and 2023 film versions of the film.
A loyal father, Jones’s personal life was full of complexities, including three marriages and seven children, amongst them actresses Kidada and Rashida Jones. The autobiography details his extraordinary journey from the gang-infested streets of Chicago to the pinnacle of global recognition, marked by each triumphs and challenges.
The iconic artist leaves behind an unparalleled legacy, combining music, film and television and inspiring future generations. His contributions to the arts and philanthropy proceed to resonate, highlighting the indelible mark left by a remarkable man whose story will remain a testament to resilience and innovation.
Celebrity Coverage
This Week’s Best New Music: The Weeknd, Kiana Ledé, Tyler, The Creator and More – Essence
Happy Friday, people. As we enter November, the music scene is buzzing with fresh releases that can surely boost your playlists. From genre-mixing collaborations to introspective solo projects, this week’s lineup offers a various range of sounds to suit every listener’s taste.
Headlined by Tyler, Creator’s latest album, EARTHGANG returns with , and The Weeknd teams up with Anitta on “São Paulo,” combining their unique sounds right into a fascinating track. Kiana Ledé offers soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics, while Pink Sweat$ serves up smooth single “Coffee.” Our list also includes music from Freddie Gibbs, IDK, Sheryl Lee Ralph and more
You can try today’s news roundup below.
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