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From Saturday morning to Saturday night Frankie Beverly and Maze had you covered

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Growing up in black America makes you accustomed to certain things, almost by default. Of course, I can not speak for all black Americans, however it looks as if a lot of us share common experiences of laughter, spice, head nodding, and a bunch of other cultural minutiae that, I do not know, make you realize that even when we do not know the main points of one another’s every day lives, we’re all on this together.

One such cultural touchpoint that connects just about all of black America was Frankie Beverly, who died on September 10 on the age of 77. Frankie Beverly & Maze, or Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, or just Maze, seems to have been an element of just about every black person I do know growing up. Frankie was definitely an element of my life; I actually don’t know after I was introduced to Frankie Beverly & Maze’s music; they were just, in a way, all the time there. I remember listening to “Joy and Pain” ad nauseam – my father loved this record. It was the identical with “Happy feeling” AND “The golden time of day.” Frankie Beverly’s music just kept playing, which is form of crazy because searching through his discography since his death, I can not even pretend to know all of the songs or album titles, although I distinctly remember album covers that featured Maze’s hand, which you either know or you don’t.

The undeniable fact that Frankie’s music was all the time playing is considered one of my primary memories from my youth. I associate Frankie Beverly & Maze with my youth, after I was a child growing up into my teens in Frankfurt, Germany. Stereotypically, music was all the time playing on Saturday mornings. I’m sure they cleaned up, how much probably depends upon whether you ask my siblings or my parents, but I remember my dad turning on the stereo and different artists playing through the speakers – artists from Kiara to Hall & Oates, to Janet Jackson, to, in fact, Frankie Beverly & Maze. Based on conversations I’ve had over time, Saturday mornings in lots of, many black homes were devoted to cleansing, but that cleansing all the time had a soundtrack. And it looks as if the soundtrack to sweeping included a number of Frankie Beverly.

The interesting thing is that Frankie Beverly followed just about all of us into maturity. There is a certain barbecue soundtrack that black people gravitate towards. While creating the final word barbecue playlist is a idiot’s errand, I can guarantee without absolute certainty that each single considered one of them incorporates no less than one Frankie Beverly & Maze song, “Before I Let Go.”

I don’t know when “Before I Let Go” became ubiquitous in black America and a staple of black cultural expression, but at this point it’s essential listening. I’m 45 years old and “Before I Let Go,” Maze’s ode to lost love, is played at almost every event I’m going to, whether it’s a club to let people comprehend it’s time to go, a white party, or a backyard barbecue. The undeniable fact that you can hear “Before I Let Go” in a nightclub that also plays songs by Future, Meg Thee Stallion, and “Insert Latest Fad Song Here” is telling. Frankie and Maze have created a song that can outlast their careers and be certain that they survive perpetually. It’s funny that when the tributes to Frankie Beverly began pouring in on social media, my first thought was that Frankie won’t ever rest because I guarantee they play that song in heaven when God needs a moment to himself; No other song evokes more emotions than “Before I Let Go,” and actually not after a bunch of line dancing.

That’s the second thing: next to Cameo’s “Candy,” “Before I Let Go” is a song that will certainly kick off a round of “Electric Slide.” Do you understand how vital your music has to be to be synonymous with a line dance that, just like the song, will outlive everyone who ever did it? I’m convinced that when the world finally explodes, the very last thing that can occur will probably be a cockroach doing the Electric Slide to “Before I Let Go.”

Music

I ponder what Frankie Beverly felt in his later years. For many artists, flowers often appear after they’ve passed away. Frankie could see his influence live. Beyoncé cover “Before I Let Go” It’s popular, but I’m undecided it’s surpassed the unique, or if it ever will — I’m undecided anyone would allow it. The respect that the black community has for that one song is unmatched. We argue about whether it’s the true black national anthem; imagine that — Frankie lived to see people have real, actual debates about whether the song he created together with his group is an important song within the black community. While a lot of us were annoyed that the NFL decided to play “Lift Every Voice and Sing” before the primary game of the previous couple of seasons, I do not think any of us had any problem with “Before I Let Go” since it’s a jam. and it’s that good.

It have to be nice to create something culturally significant—an actual cultural touchstone. The black community is really higher off due to music that Frankie Beverly & Maze is making; a number of groups can say that, but not everyone has songs which have had such generational traction over time. It’s special, and I’m grateful for each memory I even have with my family, friends, and community through the sounds of Frankie Beverly & Maze. It really transported me from my Saturday mornings to my Saturday nights in black America.

You’ve made us pleased, Frankie… before you allow us to go.


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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