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A throwback to Mos Def’s 1999 debut album ‘Black on Both Sides’ – 25 years later

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thegrio.com, yasiin bey, mos def, black on both sides, hip-hop, talib kweli

There are a couple of songs that I remember vividly the primary time I heard them (or saw them, if the video was my introduction). Outkast’s “Elevators (Me & U)” and Juvenile’s “Ha” immediately come to mind – each songs have had such an impact on my life that I even remember where I used to be when these songs became a component of my life. Black Star “Definition” that is one other one in all those records. The video aired on “Rap City” the summer before my sophomore yr of school in 1998, and as I sat on the couch, I immediately knew two things: 1) I used to be going to buy any album by these two rappers, Mos Def (now Yasiin Bey) and Talib Kweli released; and a couple of) Mos Def was

Some artists just have that something, that elusive quality that makes you are feeling like you are looking at a star. Mos Def was one in all those cats. From the opening bars: “From the first to the last, the message is passionate, the whole, not the half, the vocabulary, not the math…” I felt that he was a rapper I needed to know more about and wanted to hear more from. Black Star’s debut album “Mos Def and Talib Kweli are Black Star” released on September 29, 1998 (the most important release date in hip-hop history) didn’t disappoint. Both songwriters and producer Hi-Tek created an album that received critical acclaim. While I liked it, I didn’t prefer it, but it surely kept me waiting for what I (and everybody else) knew on the time. There was no way Mos Def would not release an album soon. The streets were asking for it.

And then, within the late summer of 1999, the primary single was released, “SM. Fat ass. Wait, did Mos Def, a rapper who could do almost anything lyrically, make a record that was flawless for each men and ladies? Yes. Yes, he did it. Have you ever heard a record that managed to tick all the best boxes instantly? He had rhythm, rhyme, life, ease of reference and the flexibility to work on the dance floor. Mos released the one, which became an fast classic and stays so to at the present time.

In 1999, it was the Mos Def experience. When Black on Both Sides was released in October 1999 – on October 12, to be precise – Mos had someway managed to release an album that was overly black, political, entertaining, rooted in real experiences, conspiratorial, respectful, offended, optimistic and prophetic. .

(*25*)Lifestyle

introductory disc, “Don’t be afraid of man” which borrows each its title and beat from Fela Kuti’s 1977 song and album of the identical name, opens with Mos’s statement and warning concerning the state of hip-hop, with Mos simply stating that whatever happens to people that is what what is going on to occur with hip-hop. These words ring more true in 2024 than I believe even Mos expected 25 years ago. Music reflects community and environment much more today with the appearance of social media than it ever did in 1999.

Black on Both Sides is an album filled with such moments. Many provisions are still valid in 2024. “I have” talks about how easy it’s to get robbed on the road if you happen to’re not being attentive, and unfortunately that is a lesson that many rappers have yet to learn. “Mr. Nigger” is a reminder that irrespective of what you achieve in life, society still prefers to see Black people as lower than ever possible. “Water of the New World” is made for the conspiracy theorist in all of us and you recognize what, the Internet has made conspiracy theories a component of on a regular basis life, the difference is that many conspiracy theories haven’t got that much reach.

The point is that Mos Def’s album, a classic by any definition of the word, can also be incredibly timely because Mos selected to focus on the human experience of being a black man in America and, in some cases, use real-life examples to make it work. It deals with the appropriation of black culture through music, specifically rock ‘n’ roll, and it is a conversation we’re still having and one which shows no signs of ending. Pop culture has borrowed and outright stolen black culture for profit, and it has been going on for so long as black art has been able to be commodified. Certainly, the material of the album shouldn’t be modern, but the whole lot in a single place and with such a transparent way of conveying the actual production – well, Mos Def is one in all the few who created an inventive work that has a lot power in a single package.

Surprisingly, thanks to the samples and production decisions made, the album doesn’t feel dated either. Sure, there are signs that the album is not recent, but there’s not a single mention of social media on the album. But someway that does not detract from the album’s impact. Just like most classic love songs omit words and phrases that might indicate their date, “Black on Both Sides” does this and I feel like I could introduce this album to someone in 2024 they usually might think it’s something recent. That’s a feat in itself. All while being Black on each side, a nod to the phrase “give me five on the side of the Black hand.”

“Black on Both Sides” is timeless hip-hop. It’s math.


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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