Entertainment
Ice Cube Responds to Candace Owens’ Explosive ‘Gangsta Rap’ Accusations, Fans Are Divided
Who created gangsta rap? According to conservative commentator Candace Owens, the federal government is behind the creation of gangsta rap, a genre born out of the tough realities of black and brown communities in California within the Nineteen Eighties and Nineties. She believes it was a part of a deliberate effort by federal agents to undermine black culture and values. But one in every of its founders blames the industry and personal prisons.
Are any of the choices incorrect?
The debate heated up on Platform X on Friday, September 20, after Owens tweeted, “Gangster rap was never black culture. It was created by the FBI who pitched deals to gay black men in prison, then turned them into fake celebrities.”
She continued: “The goal was to create false idols to destroy the values of black Americans. I will never change my mind on that.”
Gangster rap was never black culture. It was created by the FBI, which offered deals to gay black men in prison after which turned them into fake stars. The goal was to create fake idols to destroy black American values.
I won’t ever change my mind on this matter.
— Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) September 20, 2024
Owens’ controversial post quickly caught the eye of fans, one in every of whom tagged NWA founder Ice Cube, one of the outstanding pioneers of gangsta rap.
In response, Ice Cube, widely considered one in every of the founding fathers of the genre, explained the matter: “We called it Reality Rap. The industry called it Gangsta Rap. The fans wanted gangsta rap and that’s what they got. The FBI didn’t write any of my shit. I’m a real MC.”
We called it Reality Rap, the industry got here up with it Gangsta Rap. The fans wanted gangsta rap and so they got it. The FBI didn’t write none of my shit. I’m an actual MC. https://t.co/8ILsp4sFhw
— Ice Cube (@icecube) September 20, 2024
His response led some observers to conclude that Cube didn’t completely reject Owens’ argument, leaving open the likelihood that it was true.
One commenter he wrote“So he’s not saying Candace is wrong, but Cube has always been cautious.”
Another pointed one outside“Cube mentioned industry, not federal government.”
The debate points to a bigger conspiracy theory that record labels and the prison-industrial complex are linked, which the rapper has been promoting.
Perhaps fans saw through Cube’s rigorously crafted statement that he, too, believes in a conspiracy that forces at work that allowed gangsta rap to dominate the music scene for a few decade between 1988 and 1998.
User X commented on Owens’ post and common a 2023 excerpt from the “Club Random with Bill Maher” podcast, through which he says that “the same people who are on the labels own the prisons.”
However, the clip doesn’t show your entire conversation, through which he later says, “They don’t really run the label, they have financial interests” in each the music industry and the prison-industrial complex.
Maher helped the “Friday” filmmaker expand on his theory, saying, “If they have a financial interest in prisons, and your theory, if I understand correctly, is that these types of rap lyrics act as a funnel through which people are inspired to do things that could get them sent to prison… like writing a lyric like ‘fuck the police,’ could get someone arrested and sent to prison.”
“This could get someone arrested and sent to jail,” the artist said, making it clear that the host was referring to his 1988 song “F-ck tha Police.” “That’s just one example, one album that the record company didn’t manipulate, you know. That’s pure artistry.”
When asked if he had ever been manipulated by a record label, he replied “no,” explaining that he had all the time been an independent artist and had never had an art director suggesting he create certain kinds of songs.
“I wouldn’t let an A&R come into my studio,” he said, adding, “I’ve never had anyone be an A&R except Dr. Dre.”
According to cultural critic Davey D and the activist group Hip-Hop For Change, three firms — Warner Records, Universal Music Group and Sony Music Group — control 90 percent hip-hop music. Meanwhile, private prison firms like CoreCivic and GEO Group control nearly all of private prison beds within the U.S. The writer and the organization claimed that the 2 sectors share common shareholders, similar to Vanguard and BlackRock.
But they were partly improper.
In 2019, CNN reported that Vanguard and BlackRock are amongst the most important investors in private prisons.
However, According to to Vanguard and BlackRock, although these firms have stakes in over 500 firms, including major entertainment players similar to Disney, Live Nation and Fox, they didn’t put money into any of the three largest music distribution and recording firms in 2021.
There isn’t any evidence that the FBI created “gangsta rap,” as Owens claims. But conspiracy theories about government involvement within the genre gained traction following an investigation into the CIA’s role in facilitating cocaine sales to Los Angeles street gangs within the late Nineteen Eighties.
The proceeds from these drug sales were allegedly used to fund the Latin American guerrilla army in Nicaragua, often called the Contras, through the Iran-Iraq War, reported by the Justice Department. The complex scheme also involved illegal U.S. arms sales to Iran during that country’s eight-year cooperation with Iraq within the Nineteen Eighties, sales from which the CIA used to finance the Contras’ fight against the Nicaraguan government. The theory was developed after the San Jose Mercury News published articles alleging that the federal government was deliberately smuggling crack cocaine into black neighborhoods.
While a later investigation found that these reports exaggerated the facts, it acknowledged the uncertainties within the case. The government report noted that suspicions would remain due to unanswered questions.
Gangsta rap, which emerged through the crack epidemic, became a type of expression that directly addressed the devastation that drugs and law enforcement were inflicting on black communities.
Many imagine that the event of gangsta rap was influenced by outside forces aimed toward glorifying crime and perpetuating the cycle of incarceration.
The query is, who’re these forces really, and is, because the “Good Day” rapper claims, gangsta rap (or reality rap) a mirrored image of the tough realities he has experienced or a creation of federal or industrial manipulation?
Entertainment
An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit
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.
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.
Jeff Bezos’ fiancée, Lauren Sanchez, cropped a photograph of him in a jumpsuit and then set Instagram on fire with her look.https://t.co/n7YNGctQFE pic.twitter.com/DNKP2i9o9C
— Sean Joseph (@sjoseph_sports) December 2, 2024
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.”
Lauren Sanchez 2003 vs. Lauren Sanchez 2024
Nothing to see here, people, move on#LaurenSanchez pic.twitter.com/mgr4vj6mFq
— Occam was right (@OccamWasRight) November 21, 2024
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.
Entertainment
Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape
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.
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.”
Entertainment
ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence
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.
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