Fans can get a feel for what Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is cooking, and a few imagine it is a colossal return to the WWE ring.

The People’s Champion sent social media right into a frenzy when he shut down Bad Blood’s high-stakes battle in Atlanta this month.

There were five arranged matches through the October 5 premium event, however it was The Rock’s ominous 1-2-3 countdown and slit-throat gesture that sparked speculation of a Wrestlemania 41 meeting between him and Roman Reigns, his real-life cousin, Cody Rhodes and possibly Jimmy Uso.

Johnson was a star of the WWE franchise when he left in 2004 to pursue an acting career in Hollywood. However, he has never officially retired, and his ties to the organization run deeper than ever since cementing the deal this yr that brought him property shares in WWE.

The “Fast and Furious” antagonist returned to the ring in 2011 and again in 2013, when he lost the WWE Championship to John Cena. His last Wrestlemania appearance was in 2016 through the thirty second event.

He has since created a series of pop-ups, most notably on Smackdown in September 2023 and January 1, 2024 on Raw. The Rock’s followers were pleased to see him hint at a possible upset during Bad Blood, which speculators imagine has been two years in the making.

The artist published clip features him backstage drumming in anticipation of his next return to WWE after shocking the Atlanta crowd. Comments expressed not only excitement concerning the possible gameplay, but in addition general joy to be back in competition.

One fan wrote: “Finally… The Great One is back.” Another supporter said: “Stone is the definition of a walking megastar and people have really tried to say that wwe doesn’t need rock.”

However, not everyone was thrilled with the reappearance of the Final Boss. Doubts about his motives for reappearing were raised in other comments. “You need to retire and leave it to a younger boss,” reads one such comment.

The third response seemed to take aim on the indisputable fact that the 52-year-old had an absence of blockbusters last yr. This person commented, “Just tell us Hollywood fired you.”

The Rock catching the wrestling bug again due to Black Adam’s disastrous flop is the best gift in wrestling history pic.twitter.com/zvlN087LHa

— Lord Lambo (@LordLambo99) October 6, 2024

Johnson’s last major film success was 2023’s “Fast X,” although he was not the lead actor in the film. The tenth installment in the long-running series grossed greater than $700 million.

He previously tried his hand at playing DC Comics anti-hero Black Adam in the eponymous 2022 film, which grossed $392 million.

According to Variety, the corporate had to exceed the $600 million threshold to make a profit after recouping production costs, which the magazine says is also unsuitable, and specialists from Warner Bros. they claim this number is incorrect, citing $400 million because the break-even point.

The sequel was canceled a couple of months after the flop. The Rock told friend and frequent collaborator Kevin Hart that his passion project fell victim to the “whirlwind of new leadership” last yr on “Hart to Heart.”

Also in 2022, Johnson shot the film “Fast X”, which didn’t premiere until 2023. He then continued to produce the third season of his autobiographical series “Young Rock”.

Apparently he did too received $50 million from Amazon for the yet-to-be-released film “Red One.” Apart from that, his name has not been associated with some other blockbuster movie.

However, reports have already indicated that the superstar is returning to wrestling to save face. The last 4 productions on took part they’ve been associated with video games, television series and WWE specials.

One fan said: “Looks like it’s back now that the final boss is back!” while one other added: “He’s a legend but his time in the Ring is over.”

With the death of comedian and radio personality Wanda Smith on Saturday, October 12, 2024, fans have begun to recall among the legendary personality’s most memorable moments on the airwaves.

Smith was best often called co-host of “Frank & Wanda in the Morning Show” on V-103 in Atlanta, where she appeared alongside Frank Ski from 1998 to 2012. Radio presenter Ryan Cameron worked with Smith in 2014 before Ski rejoined the series in 2018.

One of probably the most viral interviews on her radio show was the infamous 2018 interview with comedian Katt Williams. Williams was V-103’s morning guest while promoting his show at The Comedy Theater in Norcross. What began as competitive banter between two seasoned comedians quickly became a verbal altercation.

“My hair is 19 inches long and I don’t have a perm… Come on, when you’re on the air, run one of your gnarly fingers through it so they can hear you lying,” Williams said after Smith took a dig on the comedian’s outfit and referred to it as rapper Lil Mama.

With her death, the video got here to light, and several other fans got here to Smith’s defense, arguing that the moment didn’t quantify her legacy.

One User X posted: “#WandaSmith She ought to be remembered as a wife, mother and comedian. #kattwilliams never went back to that moment because he moved on. The remainder of the stress was caused by the group on social media. #Tear.”

Other fan shared their memories of Smith, who was the soundtrack to their mornings for over 17 years. “I prayed for the reappearance of @WandaSmith_ATL, who took me to high school on the morning show from 2018-2001. I pray she knows she is loved and that we appreciate her.”

“RIP my condolences to her husband, children and the rest of her family,” said one in all many individuals who found“She was more than just a Katt Williams roast.”

There’s no denying that many individuals outside of Atlanta got here to know Smith through Williams’ passionate interview and the way he ultimately modified the trajectory of their careers.

The heated exchange escalated the next week when Williams showed up at an event where Smith was performing. There, her husband, Lamorris Sellers, decided to confront the “Next Friday” actor on his wife’s behalf.

According to 11Alive, Williams told police that Sellers pointed a gun at him and pointed it in his face. The salespeople admitted to chasing Williams and his bodyguards into a close-by parking zone after the fight began. He told authorities he did have a gun on him, but “it fell out of his waistband while he was chasing Williams, so he stopped to retrieve it.” Sellers claimed he didn’t point the gun at Williams.

Several people cited the alleged gun incident, saying Smith sent her husband and son there to examine on Williams after the roast.

However, One fan cleared up some misinformation about Smith intentionally sending his family to attack Williams. “She didn’t send anyone to kill this man. Wanda performed on the event and her family was there to support her. Katt didn’t perform, just to indicate support for Red Grant. Just say anything here.

The difficult situation ultimately led to V-103 turning over its documents to Smith 4 months later.

Although many listeners felt the radio station was unsupportive of Smith within the aftermath of the interview, it honored her nonetheless. They shared an official statement via Instagram from Vice President and Market Manager Rick Caffey honoring the legendary radio host.

“Our hearts grow heavier today as we mourn the lack of our beloved Wanda Smith, someone who all the time made us smile and who was an enormous a part of V-103 over time. We offer our sincerest prayers and condolences to her family,” the radio station began in its post.

“In her role on V-103, which dates back to 1997, Wanda Smith has brought so much joy and caring while serving the Atlanta community. Wanda’s impact not only made us laugh, but also touched other people’s lives… Many times she advocated behind the scenes efforts to change the lives of those who were without. Rest in peace Wanda, taking your place among the stars. We will miss you.”

The post informed fans that they might be honoring Smith on Sunday Morning Praise with Larry Tinsley and encouraged them to “tune in and then call” to pay their respects and share stories about Smith’s impact on Atlanta. In addition to appearing on the airwaves for over twenty years, Smith also had several acting roles, including within the Tyler Perry movies “Madea Goes to Jail” and “Madea’s Witness Protection,” and founded the nonprofit organization for teens, Girls Stand Together , Inc.

With the announcement of Smith’s death, celebrities and media personalities took to social media to precise their condolences.

Tiny Harris shared her feelings within the V-103 post. “So sad! Wanda played an important role in my musical radio journey and the legend of Atlanta radio. She will be missed.”

Singer and radio presenter Sunshine Anderson said she was “very sorry to hear this news”.

Tamar Braxton also paid tribute to the Miami native, commenting, “Rest in peace,” after which mentioning that Smith died the day after her birthday.

Smith, 58, leaves behind a husband and three children.

For generations, gospel music has been a significant source of strength and resilience for Black Americans, sustaining them through their deepest struggles. Since slavery, spiritual songs and hymns have provided a way of survival, offering hope, faith, and a shared sense of purpose. On this foundation is built a legacy of Black Gospel artists, continuing the tradition of music that uplifts and strengthens our communities in times of difficulty and triumph.

The wealthy history of black gospel music

Black gospel music whose roots return to slavery when enslaved people sang call-and-response songs equivalent to “Roll, Jordan, Roll” and “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.” These early folk songs were as much about spirituality as they were about providing comfort and community in a shared fight for freedom. At the turn of the twentieth century, instruments were introduced to black gospel music, a major advance since enslaved people were often ban on the use of certain instruments.

Black composer and musician Thomas A. Dorseyhe became a highly influential figure in black gospel music from the Twenties and Thirties. He earned the title “Father of Gospel Music” for writing over 1,000 hymns, including classics equivalent to “Peace in the Valley” and “Take My Hand, Precious Lord.”

Eventually, black gospel music began to tackle a more modern sound with artists equivalent to Andrae Crouch and The Clark Sisters, who introduced the subgenre of contemporary urban gospel. Over the centuries, black gospel music has evolved into what it’s today: a various genre that tells the story of a faith that has been passed down from generation to generation.

Notable Black Gospel Music Artists and Their Contributions

Gospel music is what it’s today because of the countless black artists who handcrafted the genre.

Mahalia Jackson

Mahalia Jackson she is one of the matriarchs of gospel music. Born into poverty in New Orleans in 1911, Jackson began singing in churches and funerals before attracting widespread attention together with her 1947 song “Move on Up a Little Higher,” which became a success in 1948. She brought gospel blues to the masses, crooning versions of “Take My Hand, Precious Lord” and “How I Got Over” to crowds world wide. She also raised her voice in support of the civil rights movement, becoming a private friend of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and acting at the March on Washington. Her contralto voice was enhanced with heavy vibrato. Jackson moved expressively on stage and was known for her ability to evoke strong emotions within the audience, often while becoming almost emotional herself.

CeCe Winans

Talking about CeCe Winans without BeBe Winans seems a bit sacrilegious, but she deserves flowers because she is one of essentially the most famous and successful black gospel singers of all time. CeCe Winans’ solo gospel profession yielded hits equivalent to “Well Alright,” “Pray” and “Goodness of God.” Her first solo album, “Alone in His Presence”, was released in 1995 and went double platinum, topping the gospel charts ten times. Winans followed this up in 1999 with the hugely successful album “Alabaster Box” on her own WellSpring Gospel label. Winans’ wealthy tone and incredible vocal control have remained consistent through the ages. In late October 2024, he’ll release More Than This, a widely praised contemporary gospel album that combines old and latest classics.

Kirk Franklin

Congregation favorite Kirk Franklin has been a mainstay within the church and charts because the early Nineteen Nineties. His first band was “The Family”, which included his friends and neighbors, and in 1993 he released “Kirk Franklin & The Family”. The album went platinum and remained on the gospel music charts for several years after its release. Franklin created many hits that expanded his appeal to a wider audience, including “Stomp” and “I Smile”. Fans comprehend it’s not Kirk Franklin making that joyful sound. His true talent lies less in his own vocal abilities and more in his divine talent for bringing out the wealthy, united voices of his choirs.

Kierra Sheard

Kierra Sheard made her gospel singing debut on the age of 9 on her mother’s album “Finally Karen” (referring to Karen Clark-Sheard of the Clark Sisters). So while the younger Sheard can have had a bonus early on, she has a voice all her own, which she uses on songs like “You Don’t Know,” “Why Me?” and “Something has to break.” Sheard, a mezzo-soprano, serves up delicious R&B grooves and riffs. In addition to music, Sheard also boasts acting, playing a mother on Lifetime’s “The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel.”

Whitney Houston in “The Preacher’s Wife”

The 1996 comedy-drama The Preacher’s Wife was a light-hearted story a few church and a wedding on the brink, and an angel sent to save lots of them. Whitney Houston gave it her all within the film after which blessed us again for the soundtrack. Her performance of “I Believe in You and Me” was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. “Joy” was an original work by then-new gospel artist Kirk Franklin and the Georgia Mass Choir. At the time, Houston was a longtime artist, and “The Preacher’s Wife” is one of them best selling gospel albums of all time, and Houston gained recognition for her raw and real vocals.

The influence of Black Gospel artists on popular music

Black gospel artists span a range of genres. You can hear it almost each time you alter the radio station (or shuffle it on Spotify).

Cross-species collaboration that crossed boundaries

Nicki Minaj’s verse on a gospel song doesn’t sound likely, but Minaj appeared on “I’m Getting Ready” with Tasha Cobbs Leonard in 2017. Some criticized Leonard’s collaboration with Minaj, but Leonard stood his ground: saying“This is not a task given to me by a man. This is the task God has given me.”

People may act like controversial collaborations are something latest, but Salt-N-Pepa’s Kirk Franklin and Cheryl “Salt” James had some people in church dizzy in 1997 once they released “Stomp”.

The roots of gospel R&B, soul and hip-hop

The reach of gospel music extends beyond the church doors and into almost every other genre.

Gospel’s influence on R&B is sort of profound, considering many artists equivalent to Sam Cooke and Aretha Franklin got their start singing in church. Similarly, gospel music was in some ways the predecessor of soul music, with the 2 types of music often sharing common lyrical structures, rhythms, and melodies (from Heaven). Hip-hop can be not resistant to gospel influences. Kirk Franklin was an enormous hip-hop OG within the ’90s, and artists like Lecrae and Tedashii carry that spirit today.

Honors and recognition for gospel legends

Some of essentially the most successful artists of all time are black gospel artists. Kirk Franklin is nineteen Grammys to his name, and CeCe Winans currently holds the record together with her for essentially the most Grammy Awards awarded to a gospel artist 15 trophies. The Dove Award is taken into account the equivalent of a Grammy in gospel music, and black artists equivalent to Lecrae, Jonathan McReynolds and Ricky Dillard are only a couple of contemporaries who’ve received awards for his or her work within the genre.

The continuing influence of Black Gospel artists

From church pews to concert halls, Black Gospel artists proceed to encourage and uplift through their timeless contributions to music. Their legacy, rooted in faith and resilience, will proceed to shape the soundtrack of our lives for generations to come back.

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