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Embarrassing Olympic moves, white girl’s durag raises eyebrows

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PARIS (AP) — From an Australian b-girl with a meme-worthy “kangaroo” dance to Lithuania’s silver-medal winner in a durag, breaking’s Olympic debut had several moments that left viewers wondering whether the essence of hip-hop’s art form was captured on the Paris Games.

Rachael Gunn, or “b-girl Raygun,” a 36-year-old professor from Sydney, Australia, quickly rose to web fame, but not necessarily for her Olympic-level skills. Competing against several b-girls half her age, she was swept out of the round robin without scoring a single point, her unconventional moves landing flat, no match for her opponents.

At one point, Gunn lifted one leg while standing and leaned back, her arms bent toward her ears. At one other point, lying on her side, she reached up together with her toes, rolled over, and did it again, a move often called the “kangaroo.”

Gunn has a PhD in cultural studies, and her LinkedIn profile says she is desirous about the “cultural politics of break-up.”

“I never set out to beat these girls at what they do best — their power moves,” Gunn said. “What I bring is creativity.”

Australian Rachael Gunn, often called B-Girl Raygun, competes within the Round Robin Battle break-up competition at La Concorde Urban Park in the course of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin)

Clips of her performance went viral on TikTok and other platforms, with many individuals wincing on the sight of her moves showcased on the Olympic stage as a logo of hip-hop and breaking culture.

“It’s almost like they’re mocking the genre,” wrote one X user.

Some of this was “strange to see”

Many black viewers, specifically, criticized Lithuanian silver medalist b-girl Nicka (legally named Dominika Banevič) for wearing a durag to every of her battles. Once worn by enslaved Africans to tie their hair up for work, durags are still worn by black people today to guard and magnificence their hair. They became a trendy symbol of black pride within the Sixties and Nineteen Seventies, and have become a preferred hip-hop style element within the Nineties and early 2000s. But when worn by individuals who aren’t black, the durag might be seen as cultural approval. Banevič is white.

Actor Kevin Fredericks responded on Instagram to Banevič donning the headgear that “it’s weird to see someone who doesn’t need a headgear for protection or waves, but wears a durag.”

The 17-year-old competitor ultimately won the silver medal, losing in the ultimate to Japanese b-girl Ami (Ami Yuasa).

Banevič, in turn, attributes his success and breaking style to Nineteen Seventies Bronx breakdancers — the OGs, or “original gangsters” of hip-hop, who created the dance.

Lithuanian Dominika Banevic, often called Nick’s B-Girl, competes within the B-Girls quarterfinals within the breakdance competition at La Concorde Urban Park in the course of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin)

“It’s a huge responsibility to represent and raise the bar every time it comes to breaking because they did an incredible job. Big respect to the OGs and the pioneers who came up with all these moves. Without them, it wouldn’t be possible,” she said. “Without them, breaking wouldn’t be what it is today. So I’m grateful.”

Concerns about losing roots

Friday’s mishaps “may have turned off too many new viewers from getting the response they wanted from our Olympic premiere,” Zack Slusser, vice chairman of Breaking for Gold USA and USA Dance, said in a text message to The Associated Press.

“We need to change the narrative from yesterday’s initial impression of breakdancing as an Olympic sport. There were significant organizational and management shortcomings that could have been easily reconciled but unfortunately negatively impacted Breaking’s first point of contact with a new global audience.”

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The challenge for Olympic organizers was to achieve a broad audience, including many who were skeptical about adding the dance form to the Olympic list. Others feared that the subculture can be co-opted by officials, commercialized, and subjected to a rigid judging structure, while the spirit of breaking took root in local communities centered around street fights, ciphers, and street parties. Hip-hop began as a youth culture in black and brown communities within the Bronx as a method to escape socioeconomic conflict and struggles and to precise their will at a time when New York politicians labeled them as lost, lawless kids.

Refugee breaker Manizha Talash, or “b-girl Talash,” channeled that rebellious spirit by donning a “Free Afghan Women” cape during her pre-qualifying match — a defiant and private statement from the 21-year-old, who fled her native Afghanistan to flee Taliban rule. Talash was quickly disqualified for violating the Olympics’ ban on political statements on the court.

Both American b-girls were eliminated in Friday’s round robin, a blow to the birthplace of hip-hop in what stands out as the sport’s only appearance on the Games. B-girl Logistx (real name Logan Edra) and b-girl Sunny (Sunny Choi) were ranked in the highest 12 on the earth but didn’t advance to the quarterfinals.

“Breaking for the Olympics changed the way some people dance,” Choi said, referring to a number of the flashier moves and more packed routines. “Breaking changes with the times. Or maybe I’m just old-fashioned and don’t want to change. … I think a lot of people in our community were a little afraid of that.”

B-boys will take to the stage Saturday to present Olympic breakdancing one other probability to represent the culture.


This article was originally published on : thegrio.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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