Entertainment
On the Death of Rich Homie Quan and the Lost Generation of Atlanta Rap — Andscape
How tributes began arriving on Thursday sudden death rapper Rich Homie Quan (born Dequantes Lamar), one particularly stood out. Another Atlanta MC Quavo, one third of the city’s legendary rap trio, Migos, posted a photograph on his Instagram Stories. “May God be with us, we never saw this as part of our journey” he wrote in the photo, which features himself, his Migos bandmates Offset and Takeoff (killed November 2022), Rich Homie Quan and the currently imprisoned and awaiting trial Young Thug.
The frozen moment was a stupendous reminder of five artists who reshaped the sound of hip-hop in the post-blog era of the early and mid-2010s, in addition to a painful reminder of how much the city and culture of Atlanta has sacrificed musically and culturally.
Rich Homie Quan, who would have turned 34 in October, was a timeless artist. His unique mix of melody and lyrical dexterity made him a signature voice for Atlanta and hip-hop over the past decade. His hits became party anthems and rallying cries like “Flex (Oh, Oh, Oh)“Go through“YG”My find“And”Type of road,” Which Michigan State University football team the band used the song as its theme song to propel them to a 2014 Rose Bowl victory over Stanford with Rich Homie Quan in the locker room afterward. Retired coach Mike Dantonio expressed his condolences on X, formerly generally known as Twitter. Like many rappers of the era, particularly from the South, his catalog included quite a few cult classic mixtapes (with DJ Drama) and EPs. His one studio album, , was released in 2018.
His most memorable and genre-bending project is gearing as much as rejoice its tenth anniversary on September 29. In 2014, Rich Homie Quan and Young Thug released . At that point Rich Homie Quan Described as “their best collaboration since OutKast.” Turns out he was right. Across the sprawling, 20-track odyssey, the two combined sounds, cadences, and unorthodox rhyme schemes to create cult classics like “Lifestyle“Tell them“And”Freestyle.” was called a “ridiculously funny mixtape” and heralded the arrival of a “latest rap supergroup.” HipHopDX praised the project, saying it felt almost “large enough to persuade you that these guys are Billboard-certified stars and not only tweety weirdo rap mainstays.”
Therein lies the heart of the pain attributable to Quavo’s Instagram Stories photo, which seems distant since it is. Rich Homie Quan’s death is one other blow to the city’s rap scene, which isn’t any stranger to grief. Young Thug has been in prison for 2 years, with an end to his RICO trial seemingly out of sight. Bankroll Fresh, whose “Take over your trap“it happened sports anthemwas killed in 2016 at the age of 28. Police closed the case in 2018 without an arrest. The “Bring It Back” rapper Troubles was killed in 2019 at the age of 34, and Lil Baby, Lil Marlo’s partner, died in 2020 at the age of 30 Shooting from the rideYSL/Young Thug collaborator Lil Keed died in 2022 at just 24 years old as a result of liver and kidney failure.
Takeoff’s death, like the 2022 death of TLC rapper Left Eye, has taken away the future of one other legendary Atlanta trio. Quavo and Offset are the survivors of that era. Their contemporary, Rich Homie Quan, has continued to reminisce on social media, expressing how wonderful artist, but really manwas alleged to be nearby. How generous what kind of person he was. And how modern he was for his short time in the highlight. It’s common rhetoric in death, but its weight never becomes less real or grim.
In the wake of Rich Homie Quan’s death, rap is coming to terms with a harsh truth. The generation of ATLiens has been essentially worn out. These artists, including Rich Homie Quan, spent years creating the sound of the city and the soundtrack of post-blog rap culture. They got here. They saw. They conquered. And almost as quickly because it happened, it was over. Not just of their careers, but of their lives. Few made it to 30. Even fewer made it to 35.
The longer we live, the more we realize how present death is in every moment. Rich Homie Quan, like many others of his generation, and his success reflected the memories they cherished through their music. The drunken nights at the club or barbecues. The house parties that seemed limitless and the road trips that also dominate group chat conversations. The memories are everlasting, but the success was never meant to be. With the death of Rich Homie Quan comes the age-old query that has been asked of artists who died far too soon, long before he was born. What did he actually sacrifice for that success? And how much of his success was already perceived as not his?
In a 2023 interview on Math Hoffa podcast, Rich Homie Quan opened up about his struggles with addiction, which he called the “dark cloud” at the time, and the reason his music profession faded.
“That was the worst thing I’ve ever experienced. I got to that point quickly…! I blame myself” he said.
Asked if he was high, Rich Homie Quan made no bones about citing his heavy use of the mind-altering drug molly. “Oh, fuck yeah! I was molly every single day. High! Chilled! I felt like I couldn’t do a song or a show without being on molly.”
As for who introduced him to Molly, he replied, “A family member.”
Rich Homie Quan’s girlfriend, Amber Williams, reportedly found him passed out on a couch. Early reports indicate a drug overdose. His peak as an artist was temporary, but at all times undeniable and at all times timeless. That’s not the most heartbreaking part. At 33, Rich Homie Quan is now hip-hop’s newest forefather. His memories permanently inhabit the past tense. And if that overdose led to his final moments, he’s one of the last names to succumb to The drug epidemic in America. Rich Homie Quan’s music will discover a place to live when those that grew up along with his music are older. The music is supposed to outlive the artist. Nevertheless, the loss of Rich Homie Quan is critical.
Unfortunately, this territory is all too familiar to hip-hop — especially the city of Atlanta.
Entertainment
Did Janet Jackson Actually Apologize for Her Comments About Kamala Harris? Here’s What We Know.
Janet Jackson stirred up controversy this weekend along with her comments on Vice President Kamala Harris’ race. In an interview published by The guard On Saturday, Jackson reportedly questioned the Democratic presidential candidate’s race when asked concerning the prospect of the United States electing its first black woman president.
“You know what they supposedly said? She’s not black. That’s what I heard. That she’s Indian,” the singer said. “I haven’t watched the news in a few days, they told me they found out her father is white.”
Although the interviewer reportedly clarified that Harris is each black and Native American, Jackson’s claims reflect a false narrative that former President Donald Trump has spread. During a 30-minute question-and-answer session on the National Association of Black Journalists convention, the Republican presidential candidate said that Harris “has always had Indian ancestry” and “has only promoted Indian ancestry.”
“I didn’t know she was black until a few years ago when she became black,” Trump added. “Now she wants to be known as black. So I don’t know if she’s Native American or black?”
Regardless of how he understands Harris’ racial and ethnic background, Jackson believes that no matter who wins the election, “there could be chaos.”
Social media response
The star’s comments sparked controversy on social media platforms as users expressed their disappointment with the star’s statements.
“Janet Jackson sounded like a complete idiot in this interview and I am very disappointed” one user shared on X.
“The power of disinformation, smh,” wrote theGrio’s Natasha Alford Xjoining the discussion. “That’s why they keep doing it.”
Another user added: “Janet Jackson is one of the most influential people in music history. It was simply irresponsible of her to repeat something she “heard” which was exactly what they are using against Kamala! Her own race. We have less than 50 days until the election. We need to speak up!”
Featured Stories
Jackson’s Apology Saga
Following a wave of criticism, the alleged member of Jackson’s team issued an apology. On Sunday Buzzfeed was the primary channel to report Jackson’s alleged apology for comments about Harris. Mo Elmsari, who claimed to be the star’s manager, issued an announcement to media that read:
“Janet Jackson would like to clarify her recent comments. She acknowledges that her statements regarding Vice President Kamala Harris’ racial identity were based on misinformation. Janet respects Harris’ dual heritage as a Black and Native American woman and apologizes for any confusion this has caused. She values the diversity that Harris represents and understands the importance of celebrating this in today’s society. Janet remains committed to promoting unity and understanding.”
After multiple media outlets reported Elmsari’s statement, members of Jackson’s team said: Diversity that the star didn’t authorize the statement. Shutting down Elmasari’s claim that she is Jackson’s manager, the singer’s representative reportedly told the outlet that her brother Randy is her manager and was not available for comment in light of their sibling Tito’s death.
What happened to Mo Elmsari?
After a fake apology, Elmsari announced that he had been fired by the star.
“Janet Jackson fired me because of the misunderstandings between me, her and Randy after her meeting with the Guardian and her ambiguous statements,” he said Everyday Beast also noting his support for Kamala Harris.
In an email to Variety, he explained that he was “fired by Janet and Randy after trying to improve her image in the eyes of the public and fans,” adding that “it’s something (he) doesn’t deserve.”
Has Janet Jackson apologized for her statements?
The star has not yet issued an official apology.
Entertainment
Yolanda Adams Responds to Critics, Tells Haters to ‘Stop’ Amid Negative Reaction to Her Daring Outfits
Gospel music star Yolanda Adams refuses to let fans pigeonhole her style, confidence, and message as a gospel artist.
The Grammy Award winner wants social media critics to “stop” caring after she recently faced criticism for wearing tight clothes.
“Because I was raised in a very free-thinking family where everyone had their own voice and talent, I didn’t feel the need to be anything other than Yolanda,” Adams said in a brand new interview with People“And it was very visible, not only in music, but also in fashion.”
Over the many years of her profession, the “Open My Heart” singer has been revered for her powerful voice and music, inspiring hundreds of thousands of individuals and becoming a distinguished figure on the earth of music.
Despite her success, which incorporates 14 studio albums, three Grammy Awards, and becoming the primary female artist to win an American Music Award for Contemporary/Inspirational Artist, she has faced criticism for her wardrobe selections, particularly outfits that some consider too revealing or too tight for the gospel singer.
Adams got here under critical fire following the discharge of her seventh album, 2001’s Believe.
The album cover features the singer in an electrical blue, tight, crocheted GiGi Hunter dress. The dress and the album were hits with fans but irritated some traditionalists within the genre.
“Because I don’t have the typical gospel singer body type, I think it was easy for me to just pick what I wanted and then just wear what I wanted,” Adams explains. “Again, I didn’t grow up in a home where we had restrictions on what we could wear, what we couldn’t wear, what we could listen to, what we couldn’t listen to in my family.”
Comedian Steve Harvey remarked on the singer’s beauty in the course of the 2005 Celebration of Gospel. During his hosting performance, the comedian exclaimed, “Yolanda sho’ is sexy,” describing his fascination together with her presence. The topic was further explored in his 2006 comedy special Don’t Trip, He Ain’t Through with Me Yet.
“When he said it, I knew he was joking. I knew he was joking,” Adams said, referring to Harvey, whom she calls her “brother.” “But when he said it, it caught me off guard, but then I started reading what people were saying, you know, commenting on it.”
The “Victory” singer then admitted that she had mixed feelings when she began reading fans’ reactions.
“It’s like, ‘yeah, she’s like,’ it’s okay. I wish she was my wife.” No!” she continues with a laugh. “That sort of thing. And after all there have been some who (said), ‘well, I do not know the way she dresses together with her shoulders off and all that.’ Ma’am, that is the Shrine Auditorium. This will not be third Baptist Church across Ecclesiastes Road.”
Adams caused much more of a stir in 2016 when she wore a cleavage-baring gown to the 2016 Stellar Awards.
Before the whispers got too loud, fellow gospel singer Erica Campbell he defended Adams in X (then Twitter), writing“Did the Saints Really Have a Problem with Yolanda Adams’ Dress on Stellars?”
After fans said the old rules and standards ought to be thrown out the window, Campbell replied“I love your answers. We need to focus on our souls and not get caught up in a person’s appearance.”
The debate about expectations of modesty and conservatism will not be limited to individuals with a 6’1″ model’s figure or people with pseudonyms “The Gospel Stallion” equivalent to Adams, but for anyone who dares to step outside the arbitrary mold imposed on artists on this genre.
With her ability to attract a various fan base, Adams has at all times represented the intersection of religion and private expression, championing a culture that celebrates diversity throughout the gospel community and throughout the genre of music.
“I thank God for the way I was raised because I don’t have those limitations and I don’t put them on anyone else. When I see you, I see that loving spirit. And that’s how I want to live,” she concluded.
Entertainment
Black Country Singers Make Their Mark
Country is a broad musical category that encompasses elements of folks, bluegrass, and blues. Whether you find it irresistible or hate it, the genre is as quintessentially American as apple pie.
While white men in cowboy hats will be the very first thing most individuals imagine once they consider country music, black country singers have been making their mark on the genre since its inception. We’ll take a take a look at a few of crucial contributions black artists have made to country music, in addition to the genre’s pioneers and a few of the undeniable talents making waves today.
Contributions by Black Country Singers
Let’s start with how black musicians have contributed to the event of the country music genre over time.
Unique perspectives and experiences
Black country musicians are in a position to offer unique perspectives that other artists within the genre simply cannot convey with the identical level of authenticity. Country music’s deep ties to the American South, for instance, tackle a distinct resonance within the hands of black artists.
Beyond their music, many black country singers have also spoken directly about how race has shaped their music and their careers. Darius Rucker, for instance, has often spoken about his experiences as a black man within the predominantly white country music industry.
Breaking stereotypes
Black country artists like Yola, Brittney Spencer, and Tanner Adell are difficult stereotypes within the genre. Yola uses a “genre fluid” approach to defy traditional categorizations, bringing elements of rock, Americana, and even disco to her music.
Spencer and Adell have notably worked to make use of their platforms to offer representation for young black women in country music. Both have been energetic on social media in speaking out in regards to the difficulties of being black in country music, saying it doesn’t mean you may have to vary who you might be to achieve success.
Redefining the genre
Black people bring a certain flavor to each genre they touch, including country music.
Blanco Brown and Lil Nas X masterfully mix country with hip-hop. Hits like Blanco’s “The Git Up” and Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” challenge genre norms while staying true to their roots. Now, we’ve got a complete latest wave of “country rap” taking on the music industry and certain shaping genre concepts for generations to come back.
Of course, we will’t forget Bey’s album Cowboy Carter. The album features appearances from Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and even the most recent country sensation, Shaboozey. The artist skillfully blends traditional country music together with her signature R&B style, and even became the primary black woman to have a No. 1 country album.
Impact on future generations
These latest sub-genres of country at the moment are having a big impact on future generations. Jimmie Allen uses his lane to rap about black excellence in a rustic aesthetic. Willie Jones stands for diversity in his unique musical style.
Lil Nas X has opened a ton of doors for increased representation in country music. He has not only influenced black artists, but he has helped create a whole path for LGBTQ+ artists in music as a complete.
Black Country Music Pioneers
Now let’s take a take a look at a few of the musicians who paved the way in which for black country artists while also shaping the sound of country music as a complete.
DeFord Bailey
Bailey, a pioneer of black country music, was the primary black star on the Grand Ole Opry. He was also a master harmonica player, with incredible control over rhythm and tone. His performances within the Nineteen Twenties and Nineteen Thirties demonstrated the flexibility of the harmonica in country music. Despite racial discrimination, his influence opened doors for future black artists within the genre.
Charley Pride
Charley Pride was an absolute pioneer of country music. He broke racial barriers to attain massive success within the Nineteen Sixties. He became an enormous country star within the Seventies, having 29 #1 hits on the Billboard country charts and winning three Grammy Awards. His smooth baritone voice combined together with his heartfelt performances cemented his legacy as a pioneering figure in the sport.
Contemporary Black Country Singers
In recent years, black artists have brought country back into the mainstream and altered the landscape of the music industry as a complete. Here are a couple of who’re making waves.
Kane Brown
Kane Brown began his rise to fame by performing a canopy of George Strait’s “Check Yes or No” on social media, which went viral. He is understood for his mix of country, R&B, and pop. These influences are evident in his chart-topping singles like “What Ifs” and “Heaven.”
Mickey Guyton
Mickey Guyton has been an outspoken advocate for diversity in country music because the starting of her profession. Her song “Black Like Me,” released through the protests following the death of George Floyd, highlighted her personal experiences with racism. It became a strong anthem that earned her a Grammy nomination, making her the primary Black woman to be nominated for a solo country performance.
Famous Black Country Music Artists
Beyond that, there are a couple of names that may surprise you who’ve had a big impact on country music as a complete.
Ray Charles
Most people don’t immediately consider Ray Charles as a rustic artist. However, he had a big impact on country music together with his groundbreaking 1962 album Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music. He combined elements of R&B, jazz, and pop with country to interrupt down racial and genre barriers. Charles’ willingness to cross genres paved the way in which for future artists to mix several types of music with country.
Linda Martell
As the primary black female solo artist to play the Grand Ole Opry, Linda Martell is a hidden gem of sorts in country music. She brought a novel perspective to the country world together with her song “Color Him Father.” The song describes her stepfather, who stepped in and took care of her and her six siblings, along together with her mother, when her father didn’t return from combat.
Tina Turner
Like Ray, Tina Turner just isn’t universally synonymous with country music. Nevertheless, along with her pop profession, she recorded a ton of country music together with her husband, Ike, and even released a whole country album. She was well on her option to country greatness and left her own unique mark on the genre before her premature death.
Darius Rucker
The world’s No. 1 country music star got his start within the rock band Hootie and the Blowfish. They achieved widespread mainstream success until 2008, when Darius decided to go solo. He began to top the charts on his own, surpassing even his previous band’s success. His cover of “Wagon Wheel” became an enormous hit, landing him in the highest five hottest country songs of all time.
Lil Nas X
Last, but definitely not least, the most well-liked Billboard Hot 100 artist of all time, Lil Nas X modified not only country music, but all the music industry. The success of his hit “Old Town Road” radically modified genre expectations, rejecting stereotypical notions of country as highly traditional and immune to change, and galvanizing Black and LGBTQ+ artists to bring their very own influences to country music.
Featured Stories
-
Press Release6 months ago
CEO of 360WiSE Launches Mentorship Program in Overtown Miami FL
-
Business and Finance4 months ago
The Importance of Owning Your Distribution Media Platform
-
Press Release5 months ago
U.S.-Africa Chamber of Commerce Appoints Robert Alexander of 360WiseMedia as Board Director
-
Business and Finance6 months ago
360Wise Media and McDonald’s NY Tri-State Owner Operators Celebrate Success of “Faces of Black History” Campaign with Over 2 Million Event Visits
-
Film5 months ago
Time Selects Taraji P. Henson to Host ‘Time100 Special’ in 2024 on ABC
-
Press Release6 months ago
Eggstravaganza, Returning to Miramar Regional Park
-
Ben Crump6 months ago
Attorney Ben Crump vs Google Black Minority Lawsuit
-
Fitness6 months ago
At Smartwater Wellness, check in with fitness trainer Shy Lovell