Connect with us

Entertainment

“Looking at who I am now, I feel like I’m just getting started.” — Andscape

Published

on

It’s a brand new era and a brand new season for Coco Jones.

Jones, who plays Hilary Banks on Peacock, is happy in regards to the latest season premiering on Thursday. After the third season was delayed as a consequence of writers strike in 2023Jones is able to delve even deeper into her character.

“So many shows would love to be in the position that we’re fortunate to be in with Season 3 and really get comfortable with our characters and have that creative freedom to, you know, dive deeper into this show that we love with the people that we love,” Jones told Andscape. “So (the cast) really came back super-grateful. Everyone wanted to create something that was impactful. The whole world was just waiting for us, so we felt that gravitas going into Season 3.”

Since its premiere, the dramatic reboot of the ’90s sitcom has combined elements of the unique series and introduced latest characters and storylines. has a crossover character with the unique series. Tatyana Ali, who played Ashley Banks from 1990 to 1996, made a guest appearance in the primary season. Janet Hubert and Daphne Maxwell Reid, who each played Aunt Viv, appeared within the second season. According to TrailerJoseph Marcell, who played Geoffrey in the unique series, is about to seem this season.

While this season guarantees to be an interesting one for Jones, she can also be excited to release latest music. She won a Grammy for Best R&B Performance for her song “ICU”, which she performed during tribute to Usher at the 2024 BET Awards. She has accomplished recording her debut album, which is about to be released in the autumn.

Last week, Andscape spoke with Jones in regards to the latest season of , during which she plays the enduring black sitcom character, and the brand new single off her debut album.

In the primary two seasons people have noticed a whole lot of crossovers with the unique sitcom. What is it like watching the unique characters from in this system help mix old and latest program elements?

It does a terrific job of taking the amazing OGs and finding latest ways to do all the things. It’s like a option to re-inform a brand new generation about who got here before us and what really brought us to this show. Even with all of the story and premise of our show, a number of the fans are younger, and that is their first taste of all of those characters and the premise and the story. So it continues to tell younger generations. It was such a classic that it lasted for thus many many years, so hopefully it’s going to do the identical.

How did you manage to embody such an iconic character as Hilary Banks while also giving her your individual spin?

The way I put them together is to maintain the aura of confidence that OG Hilary had. Because it is a drama, we get to achieve out and see loads more of the ugly side of life. But what I all the time wish to keep as a theme is that Hilary was very confident, even when life didn’t reflect that. In who she is — her confidence, her belief in herself — I never wanted that to diminish. I think Karyn Parsons did a terrific job of showing women tips on how to stand tall and hold their heads high after they walk right into a room (and) look at one another (with) that leading lady energy. I desired to keep that in mind with my version of Hilary. Even though she might undergo more challenges in life and show those sides, I never wanted her to lose the spark that she has.

Hilary is thought for being a fashion lover, but have there been any particular looks this season which have caught your eye?

I’m glad Hillary’s going to have more “outfits which might be realistic for a day in your real life. Most girls don’t go to big business meetings (or) should wear suits with shoulder pads and matching skirts, you already know what I mean? You go somewhere nice and sweet and also you haven’t got to wear a blazer. You might be sweet and casual, but still (people will ask), ‘Where did you get that?’ I’m glad girls will see that. I think it’ll encourage a whole lot of people in the style world.

Hilary and Jazz broke up last season. Will there be a reunion this season?

You’ll see them together and you will think, What are you doing? What is that this? But it is so much like real life. (People) have that person they’ll all the time come back to, and facing the uncertainty of closing that chapter is just hard.

Pictured: (from left) Coco Jones as Hilary and Akira Akbar as Ashley within the third season of “Bel-Air.”

Travis Ellison/PAW

What advice would Coco give Hilary for the upcoming season?

That’s a very good query. I would say, girl, get some therapy, because are you even OK? Are you sure you are operating at full capability? Yes, these outbursts are disgusting and also you look like it, but what does it look like on the within? Let’s be sure that you are just as disgusting on the within, in your heart.

How do you discover the balance between sacrificing what you’ve got artistically in your acting projects and what you give to music?

It’s about knowing what you are signing up for. I think if I can determine how long it may take, how long it may take, and what the professionals and cons are of it, then I can either commit to it or I can say with all my heart that I cannot commit. So it’s about knowing what you are signing up for after which moving forward. I look at it like this: Where were you 4 years ago? Would you relatively be there? No. So you’ve got to maintain moving forward to get to where you would like to be. It’s just in regards to the price.

Quite a bit has happened for you previously 12 months. How would you describe this latest chapter in your life?

It’s like chapter 1A, because my EP () did loads greater than I could have expected, nevertheless it wasn’t my album. It was like a prelude or something, so it was like chapter 1 — but I cannot really say chapter 1 because I won the Grammy. So (now) for me it just must be chapter 1A. Looking at who I am now, I feel like I’m just starting.

With my debut album, I made a whole lot of decisions. I made a whole lot of decisions and I really needed to learn through the EP what feels authentic to me, how I can use my voice in a respectful way, and the primary theme has to return from me. So I should speak more. I should make decisions and determine what I actually need.

Given a number of the hints on social media, what are you able to say about your latest single, out Friday?

I can tell it’s on its way. Kudos to it! I’m excited because I don’t need people to forget that I’m still young and fun and I go to the club. So I’m like, OK, so what is the version of me that may balance it? What version of me can bring vocals and go to the club? Do I have any songs that I wish to hear within the club? And I said no. I intend to make latest songs that if I heard it within the club, I’d dance to it. And if I’m out with my girls and we’re driving somewhere, I’d dance to it. But I’m not losing my vocals. That was a fun challenge that I set for myself. My next single, “Sweep It Up,” is coming out. When it comes out, I’ll be super relieved to see the ladies singing it in a quick tempo like Coco.

Mia Berry is a senior HBCU author at Andscape who covers all the things from sports to student protests. She’s a Detroit native (What up Doe!), a long-suffering Detroit sports fan, and a Notre Dame grad who occasionally shouts, “Go Irish.”

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Entertainment

An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit

Published

on

By

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
Continue Reading

Entertainment

Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape

Published

on

By

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
Continue Reading

Entertainment

ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence

Published

on

By

Instagram

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
Continue Reading
Advertisement

OUR NEWSLETTER

Subscribe Us To Receive Our Latest News Directly In Your Inbox!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Trending