Connect with us

Entertainment

Clipse Return to Studio for New Album Entirely Produced by Pharrell Williams – Essence

Published

on

(L-R) Malice and Pusha T of Clipse attend the Til The Casket Drops album release party on the Pink Elephant on December 9, 2009 in New York City. (Photo: Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

In their highly anticipated return to the stage, No Malice and Pusha T — higher referred to as Clipse — are making waves with their first recent album in 15 years, but their reunion doesn’t end there. The duo can even take the stage at Pepsi Dig In Day in Chicago, which is a vacation dedicated to supporting black-owned restaurants across the country.

“It’s always great to perform with my brother,” Pusha (born Terrence Thornton) tells ESSENCE. “I feel like I’ve been doing my solo career for so long and I’ve always felt like I have a new-age fan base, but I can always tell the fans who know me from Clipse what they’re missing when I’m onstage by myself. So it’s always great to get in front of those people with my brother and see their excitement and just enjoy the discography. It’s amazing.”

The reunion of the Clipse marks a big moment in hip-hop history. After releasing their last album, , in 2009, the duo took a hiatus when Malice (whose real name is Gene Thornton) left the group to concentrate on his religious commitments. Now, with a brand new project on the horizon, the Clipse are reuniting to bring their distinct sound back to the forefront of the music industry. Their upcoming record, featuring Pharrell Williams’ signature production, guarantees to deliver a fresh yet nostalgic experience for fans.

Pepsi Dig In Day is back for its fourth 12 months and is the right backdrop for the return of Clipse. The initiative goals to support Black-owned restaurants and is expanding its reach to more cities and venues. The August 24 event encourages food lovers to dine at Black-owned establishments across the country with a special buy-one-get-one deal on a $100,000 meal at over 30 participating restaurants. This 12 months’s event is not going to only feature an exclusive performance by the duo, but can even feature products from local streetwear designer Don C and quite a lot of local food vendors.

As Pusha T and No Malice prepare to take to the stage once more, they’re ready to reignite their musical legacy and have a good time the community-focused spirit of Pepsi Dig In Day. Their reunion is ready to be the highlight of the event, marking a triumphant return to the music scene and an unforgettable day in hip-hop history.

ESSENCE: How did you begin working with Pepsi on the Dig In Day concert?

Pusher T: Well, I actually did Pepsi Dig In Day DC to promote my solo project last 12 months and it was good. Really great. DC, there’s all the time a celebration there and just the considered the food and the community and the music and everybody coming together in the town, it was really good, so I assume with this recent project, the brand new Clipse project, it made sense. Everything happened around the identical time so that they were like, “Oh man, new music.” And Chicago is an incredible market for us, so I believe they reached out to us about it.

Now Malice, I used to be at Something within the Water two years ago once you performed there and it was an incredible show. How does it feel to be performing together with your brother in Chicago?

Malice: Oh man, I just think it’s amazing. I believe it’s the appropriate time. I believe especially with where Hip Hop is right away, I believe our project definitely fills a void and just the energy and having the ability to reconnect with the fans which have been there because the starting of Clipse and see that our music is timeless and still stands the test of time, and I feel like we could compare it to anything that is occurring right away, and it just feels really good to be back.

The recent Clipse album shall be your first since 2009. Why did you are feeling this was the appropriate time to release recent work?

NM: I just feel prefer it all got here together organically. I’ve really enjoyed watching my brother through the years and just seeing the extent that he’s taken it from where I left off with him to where he’s taken it, and the last 15 years have been a variety of reflection for me. And then I believe all of it got here together after we worked on the album together. Then I did the “Punch Bowl” record on Nigo’s album, after which I used to be on my brother’s album on a song called “Pray,” and it just began organically taking shape. It just felt right and we felt prefer it was the appropriate time.

PT: I believe it’s the appropriate time. Just speaking to the fans, man, I feel like as soon as they saw us together, as soon as they heard “Punch Bowl,” as soon as they heard “Pray” on the album, I could feel their excitement. The web is talking, and it’s an instantaneous response, and I feel like that excitement was loud and really spoke to each of us.

Malice, there was some extent where you stepped away from rap for some time, I wanted to ask you the way you’re thinking that that affected your music in the way in which you create it, if in any respect?

NM: I believe it opened up quite a bit more content for me. I believe people know me as someone who really digs deep into my lyrics and form of paints either side of the image, and I do not know, just takes the time to think, reflect on my life, take inventory of things. I believe I even have quite a bit more to say and still deliver the identical energy and the identical themes that Clipse fans love.

Clipse is typically stigmatized as promoting “cocaine rap.” I wanted to ask you — what can listeners expect from this recent album?

PT: Well, I believe the largest goal, our biggest goal with this album is just to show that we’re timeless and to show that hip-hop that is lyrical and grounded doesn’t exit of favor. I believe you have a look at it, you have a look at the sport and also you have a look at the vibe of the sport, and I feel like we definitely bring something that is missing because I do not think there are any duos within the rap game right away. Definitely not with the content and the material and the extent of flavor that I believe we have now. I mean, you continue to hear the road talk, you continue to hear the voice of reason, you continue to hear all sides, all perspectives, and I believe that is what hip-hop is all about, especially street hip-hop. And I do not know if it’s something recent, but I just know that it’s something that folks don’t understand nowadays, and we bring it.

NM: Yes, I see Clipse as a novelty. I see us as an actual novelty that does not come around fairly often. It’s like a couple of mistakes where you’ll be able to get that form of uniqueness. I feel like what we bring is exclusive. What you get from Clipse is real-time evolution, real-time experience, real-time things that we have been through in our lives and put it together. We never chase a trend, we never try to sustain with what’s so-called fashion. I just think it’s timeless and unique.

Pharrell will produce all the album, right?

NM: Normal.

PT: Surely.

So I comprehend it’s probably very different from once you began. You’ve all evolved a lot since your first album, so I wanted to ask — is the recording process more arduous when you may have so many things occurring?

PT: Yeah, man, I might definitely say it’s tedious. It’s hard. We definitely put our time into it, and sometimes we go in there and we do not get anything. Sometimes we get a vibe and it is perhaps two or three songs. Sometimes we argue about what’s needed sonically and what’s not. It’s a process, but I mean what comes with it. I believe that is what comes with creating as a collective. You have a variety of different energies and opinions, and everyone knows that is what it’s about, everyone knows after we figure it out, everyone knows that is it, and it’s definitely a process to get to that time, but we get there each time and we all the time have.

NM: I agree. Like Push said, we work on it, we get there, and we all know exactly what it’s supposed to be. There’s all the time an ordinary that we’ll all the time hold ourselves to, and we do not all the time say we never make a bunch of songs or have leftovers. We don’t just throw stuff on the wall and see if it sticks. We know when it’s going to stick and we just nail it.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.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