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J. Cole drops “Port Antonio” and manages to seem even more sincere than before

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thegrio.com, j cole, drake, kendrick lamar, port antonio, hip hop

There are only a handful of hip-hop artists as of late for whom the news of a song being released would make me drop what I used to be doing and go test it out. As it seems, J. Cole is one such artist. While I used to be in the course of watching Season 7 of Love Is Blind, I saw a post on Instagram that indicated that J. Cole had released a brand new song titled “Port Antonio.” I had no idea what the song was about and I had no idea if the title was a Jamaican reference – in fact I googled Port Antonio – or if Cole was creative and shy, but deep down I believed it could be a reference to beef, that J. Cole ignited and then pulled out in one of the vital honest and surprising moments in hip-hop history.

I’m not going to repeat the entire thing, but in October 2023, Drake released his album “For All The Dogs”, which included this song “First Person Shooter” with J. Cole selecting to call himself, Kendrick and Drake the “Big Three” of rap, a reference to an era within the NBA that consisted of several teams, including three talented superstars, with the goal of winning a championship NBA. Either way, we learned in March and the summer of 2024 that Kendrick is selfish and wants the throne for himself, but more importantly, he hates Drake. Literally.

J. Cole released one album titled “7 Minute Exercises” from his April 2024 mixtape “Might Delete Later” (which he didn’t delete, but “7 Minute Drill” isn’t any longer available on streaming platforms) in response to Kendrick’s verse on the song “Yes” from Metro Boomin and Future’s album “We Don’t Trust You”. But then, in essentially the most unlikely scenario of all time, on the Dreamville Festival in Fayetteville, North Carolina, J. Cole was famous for his truest and most honest statement and an apology to his fans (and Kendrick Lamar) for taking a shot he didn’t really mean within the name of hip-hop and battle. Look, whether you’re keen on or hate J. Cole, you could have to respect him for having the strength to rise up on stage (and into the world, really) and admit that releasing this record geared toward Kendrick didn’t feel right to his spirit and that he gracefully withdraws from the situation. Even as I watched him speak again, I had to raise my fist within the air to thank my brother.

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Afterwards, we just about all agreed he made the appropriate decision because the difficulty had gone up to now left that Cole looked like a genius. But that also doesn’t stop people from talking negatively about him – people not only say “my bad” in hip-hop, but they die on the hills they built out of a way of pride.

In “Port Antonio,” J. Cole hammers home this statement and a few of them. Over the identical Lonnie Liston Smith sample “The Garden of Peace” that Jay-Z utilized in the song “Dead Presidents”, in addition to the backing vocals from a sped-up sample of Cleo Sol’s song “Know You Are Loved” from his absolutely classic album “Mother”, in the primary verse J. Cole talks about his upbringing and how he became a rap star. The second verse is the one which the hip-hop media and J. Cole will likely be talking about and specializing in.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Introspective J. Cole is well among the best rappers to ever do it, in any era, in any respect time. His pen game seems easy as he explains and analyzes something. That’s what this second verse does; points out the hypocrisy of bloodlust on social media even though he “started” the entire thing and how his relationships are more vital than proving once more how great he’s at this rap thing. Cole has focused on his larger purpose and the legacy he’s following, and if meaning some people won’t give you the option to join him on this ride because he’s chosen to stay above the fray, so be it. This level of maturity is admirable, nothing more.

There they’re several bars which speak directly to this maturity and are value emphasizing:

This level of understanding purpose is crucial to defining who you’re and who you wish to be in whatever space you occupy. Props to J. Cole for realizing this.

As a hip-hop fan who grew up within the ’90s, I wanted J. Cole to shoot like crazy when Kendrick drew his line within the sand earlier this yr, however the version of Cole that emerged is the one The most I’m interested by hearing from. I rarely waited for a J. Cole album to be released; I feel J. Cole is among the best rappers of all time, but I also think his albums have not fully showcased that potential. Some people think I’m crazy; possibly I’m. But after his spring and now this song, I’m looking forward to what he thinks will likely be his final album, The Fall Off, satirically titled because, as “Port Antonio” shows, irrespective of what, what Cole doesn’t can do is fall.


This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Chloe Bailey’s sultry dance music video faces criticism as fans call on her to ‘stop pushing’ a sexy image

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Things get interesting when Chöle Bailey puts on a leotard.

The singer’s latest song Instagram post on Friday, November 15, featured a sexy dance video dedicated to her latest single, “Nice Girls Finish Last.”

In the clip, Bailey dons a tight black leotard, sheer tights and high heels while dancing alone to her single in a dimly lit studio. Her caption, “It feels good to move again,” didn’t exactly prepare fans for the seductive moves they were about to see.

Chloe Bailey attends the 2024 BET Awards at the Peacock Theater on June 30, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo: Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)
Chloe Bailey attends the 2024 BET Awards on the Peacock Theater on June 30, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo: Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)

Throughout the video, Bailey flawlessly spins on the ground and demonstrates the moves related to the song’s exciting lyrics:

“Nice Girls Finish Last” is the most recent single from Bailey’s second album, Trouble in Paradise, which was released in August this yr.

Shadow Room shared the singer’s video and most agreed; hearing Bailey sing the lyrics is at all times welcome, but seeing her undressed gets boring.

“I need a branding team because it’s not working,” one person said.

This fan recognized Bailey’s potential as a complete package. “She can sing, she can dance, and the body is shaping… there is still a disconnect and I don’t know why!”

One follower quoted, “The over-sexualization of her image since she went solo is just weird and unnecessary.” One person responded in agreement, “That’s pathetic.” Another went further, wishing the singer would “stop hypersexualizing everyone.”

This person’s opinion shared the opinion of others, questioning the singer’s “authenticity”. “I think it just never feels like the authentic her that she can be. I just always feel like she’s performing in a way that’s not “her own.” She is beautiful, sexy in shape and incredibly talented. But we can’t seem to connect with her authenticity.”

“I know it sounds crazy, but she gives me virgin energy 😂,” said one commenter from the far left. But one other offered a more reasonable perspective. “This is what happens when you protect your children in religion. They meet the real world and go crazy.”

Another follower said the “Boy Bye” singer should listen to her fans. “She still doesn’t see what her fans have been screaming about since day one of the Bus It Challenge.” You’re too talented to be so hypersexual. I’ve never seen such a large fanbase demanding restraint and more modesty from an artist, and he or she continues to push for it. There is a real disconnect. It was cute, but will he sell those records? I do not know, we’ll see.

Since her solo appearance, Bailey has been criticized for her seductive appearance. She’s been raising the difficulty for the reason that debut of the risqué visual for her single “Have Mercy,” which caused a stir. Especially for fans who felt her image was too different from that of her Disney princess sister.

As the world reveled in the fantastic thing about her curves in 2021, Bailey sat down with “The Real” co-hosts Adrienne Bailon and Loni Love and talked to them about her journey into her sexuality and individuality.

“It’s constantly on my mind, and while I may seem confident most of the time, on the inside I don’t feel that way,” she said.

She explained further. “I have to remind myself that as long as I’m authentic and myself, you know that’s all that matters. People say I do too much, and maybe I do, but I don’t do it on purpose, it’s just the way I am. You can’t please everyone. Some people will like me and some won’t. It’s okay. I love everyone, I send love to both of them, they talk, so that’s good!”


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union ignore their baby’s birthday after throwing an extravagant party for daughter Kaavia

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Gabrielle Union fans defend her against critics accusing her of not including Dwyane Wade

Fans can not seem to miss the void in Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union’s picture-perfect family photos, in addition to the absence of the previous NBA star’s youngest son, Xavier.

On November 7, the Wade family’s baby girl, Kaavia James, celebrated her sixth birthday. Photos from her big Barbie-themed party within the backyard of their Los Angeles home were posted to Instagram 4 days later. There are loads of posts from this eventful day comments marveling at her parents’ obvious love for her.

“You should plan for another baby!!! I just love it,” wrote a fan. Another said: “From the photos and videos she posted, you can really feel how much she loves and adores her dad. It’s so sweet and whole.”

Gabrielle Union's fans are defending her against criticism accusing her of not inviting Dwyane Wade's son, Xavier, to their family gatherings. (Photos: @gabunion/Instagram; @aja_metoyer/Instagram)
Gabrielle Union’s fans are defending her against criticism accusing her of not inviting Dwyane Wade’s son, Xavier, to their family gatherings. (Photos: @gabunion/Instagram; @aja_metoyer/Instagram)

But for a 3rd person, this completely happy moment was a reminder that Xavier isn’t shown attending vacations or special events with the complete Wade family. An outraged person wrote: “It’s crazy that his other son was never shamed by YALLL!”

It has been well documented that the actress and the retired NBA star form a blended family unit, with Union serving as an additional mom to her husband’s children, Zaya and Zaire, and his adopted nephew, Dahveon.

Wade welcomed two older children together with his first wife, Siovaughn Funches. Funches and the Chicago native were married in 2002 but separated in 2007. Their divorce was finalized in 2010, and a 12 months later, in 2011, Wade gained sole custody of their children.

Xavier’s surprise addition took place on November 10, 2013. The news hit the press shortly thereafter. The former Miami Heat star and Union briefly split after three years of dating when Wade impregnated former “Basketball Wives” forged member Aja Metoyer. He alleged that unbeknownst to the general public, the 2 had been friends for a while.

Union and her longtime love reconnected shortly after checking out she was expecting their third child. The former Miami Heat star has since publicly revealed that telling Union about his “broken baby” was the toughest thing he’s ever done – “harder” than losing to the San Antonio Spurs within the 2014 NBA Finals.

“Yes,” Wade replied. “Man, listen, let me tell you, I wouldn’t have made it through this moment without her.” Wade proposed to Shannon Sharpe on “Club Shay Shay” in September 2023. “It’s been a tough time for me, bro.”

However, this didn’t prevent them from getting married in 2014. Due to the “Deliver Us from Eve” star’s struggles with infertility, they were unable to welcome their only biological child, Kaavia, together through a surrogate until 2018.

Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union have received criticism for not publicly celebrating their baby’s birthday ahead of their daughter Kaavia’s birthday party. (Photos: @kaaviajames/Instagram, @aja_metoyer/Instagram)

However, as he celebrates his birthday and shares loving posts, there isn’t any public appreciation for Xavier on any of the A-lister’s social media. Metoyer rarely posts details about her son online and has chosen to not share footage she recorded of his birthday party.

Instead, on her Instagram Story, she shared a friend’s video of the 11-year-old blowing out the candles on his cake as family members gathered around him within the kitchen. The co-parents gathered earlier to have a good time Xavier’s 2020 birthday.

Wade and the “Perfect Find” star got here under fire in early November when their young son was apparently excluded from the revealing of a ballista statue outside the Kaseya Center. The couple never commented on these rumors.

At least one person he theorized“How do people not know if the child had other plans with the mother? This is a random question. Let these people live in the family the way they want!”

For a moment last 12 months, fans almost convinced themselves that Xavier can be shown more public recognition after he was spotted on the court during a Lakers game together with his dad. Around the identical time, rumors of a rift between Wade and Union intensified.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Denzel Washington ready to ‘kill’ ‘Gladiator II’ co-star Pedro Pascal for getting too close to his wife Pauletta

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As considered one of Hollywood’s most respected veterans, Denzel Washington not does two things: his own stunts and pretending to have significant kinship with his colleagues. So far, the actor has been stomping the pavement on two projects: “The Piano Lesson”, which he produces, and the long-awaited “Gladiator II”, wherein he stars.

The latter action-adventure film was directed by Ridley Scott and stars Denzel, 69, because the villain Macrinus, an arms dealer who briefly rules Rome, and Pascal as Marcus Acacius, a ruthless Roman general. Premiere in cinemas on November 22.

At the film’s London premiere on November 14, the artist made some eyebrow-raising remarks on the red carpet that shocked not only his online fans but additionally his collaborator, Pedro Pascal.

Denzel Washington destroys 'Gladiator II' co-star Pedro Pascal with explosive confession 'They're not friends' (Photos: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images; Simon Ackerman/FilmMagic)
Denzel Washington destroys ‘Gladiator II’ co-star Pedro Pascal with explosive confession ‘They’re not friends’ (Photos: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images; Simon Ackerman/FilmMagic)

Pascal was in the midst of a red carpet interview with “Entertainment Tonight” when his Oscar-winning co-star interrupted the interview. The very first thing he did was grab the reporter’s microphone and say, “He’s not as good an actor as I am,” after which joked that the name of the movie could be modified to “Pedro One starring Pedro, written by Pedro, directed by Pedro, edited by Pedro.”

Pascal chimed in and remarked, “I only take directions from this guy. …I’m happy to have a trilogy in my future. I hope you agree to this,” which gave way to much more interesting remarks from his co-star.

“I’m not taking part in this,” Denzel said, looking seriously on the camera. The two men laughed and hugged, greeting one another warmly. Their playful banter carried over to the older man, who added that Pascal was a “good man.” Great actor. Okay – I would not call him a friend. … You know, it isn’t like we drink tea.

The younger actor seemed stunned that Denzel admitted he wasn’t considered a friend. He then stated that he was “waiting in the wings” for a chance to meet up with friends. “It’s a promise. You come to Los Angeles, you come home,” said the “Training Day” star. Early reactions from fans who saw a shortened clip of their exchange were: “I feel Pedro froze slightly when he heard that.” Someone else wrote: “That was awkward.”

However, in an extended recording, it seems that this masculine moment was interrupted by Paulletta Washington, Denzel’s wife, who emerged from behind the movie star, eager to greet the Chilean-born actor. “I just wanted to say that me and Pauletta are friends,” Pascal told Denzel.

In response, he joked, “Yes, that’s right. You are all friends!” as he watched his wife hug her castmate. The camera then slowly panned towards the actor, who then looked directly into the lens and said, “See how this goes? This is life. That’s how it really works. This is Pedro, who’s spending time with my wife. If I were in Gladiator, I might kill Pedro straight away, but I won’t because he’s a pleasant guy.

On X, viewer commented“I wouldn’t call you a friend, it’s so true because apparently friendship means more than just making a movie together.” Second fan he said“This is the realest dirt ever.” Both stars previously shared the screen in 2018’s “Equalizer 2.”

Of course, all the exchange was lighthearted, however it was an incredible moment that made headlines amongst co-workers.

After over 40 years of playing quite a few iconic roles, Denzel is finally preparing to retire from the screen, but before he fully pursues directing, he plans to make at the very least five more movies, including one other collaboration with Spike Lee and a possible appearance within the upcoming the movie “Blank Panther”.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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