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Kamala Harris Up Close in Hip-Hop — Andscape

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In September 2023, Vice President Kamala Harris took the stage on the lawn of her Washington, D.C. residence to have fun 50 years of hip-hop. Guests included rap immortals and powerlifters like Slick Rick, MC Lyte, Doug E. Fresh, Fat Joe, Common and Lil Wayne. “Hip-hop is the ultimate American art form,” Harris told the group. “Hip-hop now shapes nearly every aspect of American popular culture and reflects the incredible diversity and ingenuity of the American people.”

Of course, the event now looks as if a lifetime ago. It happened before Joe Biden shocked the political landscape on July 21 by becoming the primary sitting president to drop out of the reelection race since President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968 and endorsed Harris as the primary Black woman and first South Asian American to move the presidential ticket; before Harris introduced Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate and before she launched her campaign with the support of Beyoncé, whose anthem “Freedom” became official candidate theme song.

The message was very clear when Megan Thee Stallion and former Migos rapper Quavo appeared at sold-out rally in Atlanta for Harris in front of 10,000 ardent supporters, telling the group that Harris “stands for business.”

“You can’t understand the fight against gun violence unless you’re in the field or in the heart of it,” Quavo said. The rapper has been working with Harris since his nephew and bandmate Takeoff was killed in 2022. “One thing I’ve learned from working with Vice President Harris is that she’s always got her back. From inviting me to the White House last year to talk about these solutions, to passing some of the biggest gun safety laws today.”

The convergence of hip-hop and politics hasn’t been this apparent since Atlanta’s Jeezy and rhyme giant Nas declared,My president is black!” during candidate Barack Obama’s seismic 2008 presidential campaign. The historic election of the primary black president transcended political showmanship. It signaled the emergence of the primary hip-hop president.

Rapper Jay-Z He campaigned for Obama in 2012. and was a frequent guest on the White House with Beyoncé, who sang the national anthem during Obama’s second inauguration in 2013. They also supported presidential candidate Hillary Clinton during her own historic 2016 campaign. As for Harris, she has the support of a strikingly diverse group of hip-hop artists and producers, including Love for special tasks, Lil Nas XLil Jon and Plies who he said Harris had “Trump, MAGA, Republicans and mainstream media so shocked.” And while rapper Cardi B has said she won’t vote in the upcoming election unless there may be a ceasefire in GazaFrom the start of the presidential campaign, she opposed misogynistic attacks on Harris.

“I’ve always known how people are when it comes to women, but disrespecting them?” Cardi B said of Harris in late July during a Spaces session on X. “Listen, if you don’t like her as a politician, that’s your business. But if you don’t respect her because she’s a woman? That’s very disgusting,” adding, “The way you disrespect her, that’s what makes me like her.”

As documented in the Andscape film The seeds of this unlikely political union date back to President Ronald Reagan’s 1985 Inaugural Ball, where legendary actor Jimmy Stewart introduced performance by the legendary New York City Breakers. Ironically, it was Reagan’s devastating policies against the black and Latino communities that accelerated the event of hip-hop as crucial musical and cultural art type of the last decade.

“Too $hort, Ice-T, Toddy Tee, Public Enemy,” executive producer and narrator Jeezy said. “Those are just a few rappers who are exposing what Reagan’s so-called war on drugs did to the places where hip-hop lived.”

For a lady who stands on the shoulders of Shirley Chisholm, the primary African-American woman and the primary woman to hunt a major-party nomination for president of the United States, that connection has sometimes been tenuous. On Aug. 14, rapper and criminal justice reform advocate Meek Mill questioned Harris’ record during her tenure as San Francisco’s district attorney from 2004 to 2011.

“I want to ask Kamala Harris questions about her past as DA, even if she had to be tough. All I hear about her is rumors,” the 37-year-old rapper said published on XFormerly generally known as Twitter. “I would ask her 3 questions about black and brown men going to prison and her views and try to help her understand from a survival perspective that she may never have had to face!”

A Facebook post that was shared greater than 200,000 times ahead of the November 3, 2020 election said: Harris Puts 1,500 Black Men Behind Bars on Marijuana Charges as District Attorney Dispels Charges. Harris actually oversaw 1,956 marijuana convictions. Only 45 people ended up in state prison.

While nobody can dispute Meek Mill’s sincerity — In 2017, he was sentenced to 2 to 4 years in prison for violating his probation on a firearm and drug-related misdemeanor dating back to when he was 19, and he was released on appeal before being pardoned in January 2023 — talk that has only emboldened some hip-hop artists to support former President Donald Trump.

Lil Pump, Waka Flocka Flame, Kanye West and Sheff G are only a number of of the rappers who’ve publicly endorsed the Republican nominee. Sexyy Redd faced criticism after telling podcast host Theo Von in October 2023 that some black people supported Trump “when he started bailing black people out of prison and giving people this free money.”

“We love Trump” Sexyy Redd said“We need him back in office. We need him back because, baby, those checks. Those stimulus checks. Trump, we miss you.” (For context, the Biden administration delivered $1,400 stimulus checks to most Americans in 2021 through the coronavirus pandemic. Sexyy Redd also appeared to withdraw her support for Trump, saying: she didn’t support anyone.)

Ice Cube made headlines in 2020 after rejecting a call from Harris’ camp, and has since develop into a favourite of conservative pundits like political commentator Tucker Carlson and podcaster Joe Rogan. Fivio Foreign and Kodak Black recently released a surprise pro-Trump track, “ABOARD THE 47RD.”

“,” rapped Kodak Black, whose 46-month sentence for forging documents used to purchase a gun at a Miami gun shop was commuted by Trump in 2021.

Harris, nevertheless, shouldn’t be losing sleep. The Howard University graduate and Oakland, Calif., native, who can recite the lyrics to Sugar Hill Gang’s 1979 breakthrough “Rapper’s Delight” by heart and I used to be listening to a fellow Oakland MC Too $hortquickly becoming a milestone in hip-hop culture.

This week, the joyful spirit of hip-hop’s return was at home on the Democratic National Convention on the United Center in Chicago as Harris officially accepted the Democratic nomination. Common performed his latest song, “Fortunate,” with Pete Rock on the second night of the convention, telling the group, “I thank God for this moment where Kamala Harris will change the world for the better with love, hope and grace.”

DJ Cassidy breathed latest life into the often solemn ceremony of Roll Call delegates for every U.S. state and territory, playing a spread of songs combining different genres featuring hip-hop gems from Jay-Z, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg to House of Pain and Kendrick Lamar.

Grammy Award-winning industrial producer and creator Lil Jon represented Georgiareversing the “from the window to the walls” chant from his classic East Side Boyz and Ying Yang Twins song “Get Low” by shouting to the group, “VP Harrissss … Gov. Walzzzz!”

It was a reminder that Harris, 59, was still in college when Run-DMC’s 1986 album ushered in hip-hop’s golden age. After all, are you able to imagine Trump dancing to Q-Tip’s “Vivrant Thing”?

Maybe not, but it surely doesn’t get any more hip-hop than that.

Keith “Murph” Murphy is a senior editor at VIBE Magazine and a frequent contributor to Billboard, AOL and CBS Local. The veteran journalist has appeared on CNN, FOX News and A&E Biography and is the creator of the lads’s lifestyle book, XO Manifesto.


This article was originally published on : andscape.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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