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Lil ½ Dead’s 1994 album “The Dead Has Arisen” is one of the most well-produced West Coast albums that almost no one has heard

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thegrio.com, lil half dead, death row records, 90s hip hop, snoop dogg

I actually have a friend who, while in college, would buy any CD (remember that?) by any artist he had even heard a little bit about. Said artist’s talent was less necessary than supporting various homies and fans of superstar rappers and singers. As a collective, all my friends joked that he was the only one that actually bought Young Turk’s debut album (Hot Boy that Lil Wayne, Juvenile or BG – no shade), Young & Thuggin’ – the album title I had to envision out. (Which is saying something, considering the 1999-2000 debut albums by Cash Money Records artists were a banger.)

Either way, while I often added fun or two to the joke session, I could only be so amused; in highschool, I used to be that friend who bought all the artists’ albums that no one else was buying. I could not help myself; I had such a voracious appetite for music that I had to listen to every thing, even when I had no idea who the artist was, but possibly indirectly they jogged my memory of an artist I would know – especially if he was from the West Coast. I used to be a fanatic about West Coast artists and NWA. While the listening experience for these albums is very different at this point in my life, albums like “The Chronic” by Dr. Dre, Ice Cube’s “Death Certificate”, DJ Quik’s “Safe +Sound”, etc. were my absolute favorites to hearken to Do. Each of these albums still holds spots on my list of favorite albums of all time.

Each of these albums often featured artists or groups who made songs that were cool enough for a verse, but whose subsequent albums weren’t excellent. I do know this because like I said, I purchased ALL of their records, especially the ones related to DJ Quik. Well, it’s getting worse; I used to be so immersed in the sound and music of that era that even the mention of it by one of these artists made me buy the album.

This is how I discovered myself in a small group of individuals who bought the debut album by Lil ½ Dead, rapper and comrade of Snoop Dogg and Dogg Pound from Long Beach, California. I used to be minding my very own little business in October 1994, either at Sam Goody or one of Huntsville’s other now-defunct record stores, Madison Square Mall in Alabama, after I got here across “The Dead Has Arisen.” I learned Lil ½ Dead’s name from a Snoop Dogg verse “The Boy from the Little Ghetto” from the album Dr. Dre “The Chronic”. I suppose I didn’t know if it was the same one, but what number of rappers will be called Lil ½ Dead, right?

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I had the lowest expectations for the album. First, I only knew his name; I didn’t actually hear his voice, much less a verse from him. I didn’t know what I used to be getting, but I assumed it will be the same West Coast G-funk sound that was in vogue at the time.

What I heard knocked me off my feet.

While Lil ½ Dead is funny, even funny as a rapper, the lyrics throughout the album are full of house parties, gang shootings, rampant violence and misogyny; mainly every thing most west coast Los Angeles albums were stuffed with at the time. While this is not a great thing, it was normal in that era. Lil ½ Dead is neither great nor terrible as a rapper, but a serviceable voice and guide to an otherwise true gem of an album.

The production on this album is amazing. Controlled entirely by Tracy Kenrick AND Courtney Branch — two producers I learned produced songs from a litany of my favorite 90s West Coast albums — the entire album is full of smooth, soulful productions that I’ve never heard before. There is not a single beat on the entire album that might be considered even average; The fact that Snoop (or anyone from that era) didn’t hear this album and ask to play on every beat is surprising to me. I’ve been working on this album for 30 years and I’m still amazed at how well it is produced.

If Dr. Dre worked with Tracy and Courtney to combine this album and run it through the Death Row publicity machine, I actually have no doubt that “The Dead Has Arisen” could be as successful as any Tha Dogg Pound or Warren G album, all you Lil ½ Dead homies . In fact, one of the biggest questions I’ve asked myself over the years is why none of these collaborators were featured on this album. Perhaps it was produced and finished on the side and everybody was delighted after the fact.

For example, one of my favorite hip-hop beats ever (and I’m not exaggerating) is on this album: “East, West”. This beat is literally perfect. If Dr. Dre used this beat on “The Chronic”, I’m sure we might speak about this song in the same breath as “Dre Day” and “Nuthin’ But a G Thang”. From the single “12 Pacofdoja” to the Roy Ayers sampling of “That’s What You Get,” each beat hits the spot perfectly, perfect for driving around in a low-rider or minivan.

I still hearken to this album purely for the production quality. It’s reminiscent of the same conversations New York hip-hop artists are having about Group Home’s “Livin’ Proof,” where the conversation often centers on what might have been if higher rappers had these beats. The beats on The Dead Has Arisen are so good that I can not help but wonder what this album might have been in the lyrical hands of Death Row’s more popular talent.

But what is life without a little bit wonder? What I do know is that Lil ½ Dead, a rapper that the overwhelming majority of people either do not know or have already forgotten, still has one of the best-produced albums of all time, even 30 years later and 1000’s of years later. and 1000’s of albums were created. That’s a feat in itself; I still return and hearken to “The Dead Has Arisen” since it sounded SO good in 1994 and 30 years later it hasn’t lost any of its musical luster.


This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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‘Martin’ finale photos surfaced after years of blame on Tisha Campbell’s lawsuit against Martin Lawrence prompting fans to change the script

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Fans of the beloved Nineties comedy series “Martin” are investigating the circumstances behind the popular series’ questionable ending after online discussions.

It began after a number of easy X-plots that brought up the sexual harassment lawsuit that Tisha Campbell-Martin filed against the show’s star, Martin Lawerence, which contributed to its conclusion in 1997. The lawsuit and its aftermath left a fancy legacy amongst fans, who consider they never received full closure.

Fans are torn on who to blame for the end of “Martin”: Martin Lawrence or Tisha Campbell. (Photo: Arnold Turner/Getty Images for BET)

On November 18, an unrelated post read: “What TV show had the worst ending?” which once more led to a renewed conversation about “Martin’s” legacy.

Several responses stated that the Fox series’ ending left much to be desired, and a few detailed why.

This person he blamed it on Campbell. “Only because Tisha Campbell filed a lawsuit against Martin, the producers and HBO after accusing him of sexual harassment.”

One follower posted: “You are too young to remember that Gina (Tisha Campbell) had a very limited role after leaving the show due to sexual harassment and harassment claims from her and Martin’s cast. That was one of the reasons for the ending.”

Another user posed the query is, “Tisha Campbell is lying to Martin or has it just changed?”

However, some consider that Lawrence played an enormous role in the demise of his own program.

“Imagine all the insults and fights because I said big-headed Martin molested Tisha Campbell,” she added. questioned one person.

Another said: “It was ruined by Martin’s weird obsession with Tisha Campbell that gave us this ending. In this scene they’re in two separate rooms and it is gloomy. Like he ruined his own ending.

A separate post on November 16, which appeared after the spectacle of Mike Tyson and Jake Paul’s boxing match, expressed the same sentiments.

Some User X urged people to remember Tyson’s violent past against women and to think of the victims as he received the praise and admiration that followed his efforts during the fight.

Replies to the post reflected on the impact this event had on Tyson’s profession and the way, despite the fact that he was convinced, he received support from people like Lawerence.

“Martin Lawrence wore a Free Mike Tyson T-shirt on his popular TV show in support of the convicted rapist. This is how much “rape accusations ruin a man’s life and career” – one of them person published with a photograph of the comedian as proof.

Other user then issued a cryptic message encouraging people to “Sue Google Martin Lawerence Tisha Campbell…”

“Martin” enthusiasts’ mixed feelings about the series’ ending are nothing latest.

Campbell was involved in several viral moments during which fans suggested she was “lying” or exaggerating her claims against Lawerence, especially as the comedian continued to deny her accusations.

However, others say Campbell had every right to report any alleged misconduct and comment on her speech.

Before the show, Campbell and Martin had been working together for a very long time. They were forged members of the movies “House Party” (1990) and “Boomerang” (1992). Their extensive skilled relationship eventually blossomed into a private friendship, which Campbell says ultimately became a guiding light that helped them see the other side of legal matters.

In 2022, the forged of “Martin” celebrated the series’ thirtieth anniversary and took part in several interviews as the series was praised for its impact on television.

While interview on “CBS Mornings,” Campbell frivolously alluded to their ability to move forward.

“I wasn’t nervous about meeting the cast because we’re still friends,” she said. Campbell ultimately stated, “We have worked really hard to reconnect and forgive.”


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Shaunie has set new rules with second husband Keion Henderson after her traumatic marriage to Shaquille O’Neal

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‘Basketball Wives’ producer Shaunie Henderson has been very open about her marriage to NBA star Shaquille O’Neal and the way devastated she was when she came upon he had repeatedly cheated on her.

Shaq himself admitted to being a serial cheater and publicly apologized for his behavior of their marriage. So it was no surprise when she admitted that she entered right into a relationship with Pastor Keion Henderson, carrying with her loads of baggage stemming from her past experiences with the previous Los Angeles Lakers star.

Reflecting on her marriage to Shaq, she admitted that fidelity is a top priority when on the lookout for a new man and told Henderson that he had to deal with a couple of “deal breakers” if he was to be her man.

Shaunie Henderson told her new husband, Reverend Keion Henderson, that the deal-breaker is that he cannot cheat after marrying “serial cheater” Shaquille O’Neal. (Photo: @iamshaunie/Instagram; Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Pepsi Stronger Together)

While she talked about boundaries within the early stages of their relationship on “The GrOOw Zone” podcast last week, the preacher said she made an inventory about them.

“I think I came in with boundaries that aren’t there anymore,” Shaunie said after admitting that boundaries in a relationship are changing.

“Okay, tell people the list you gave me,” the reverend told his wife of two and a half years.

Although she stated that it was not an inventory, she noted that there have been certain things she didn’t tolerate. Shaunie stated, “The one who… no cheating… That one. … I got here with deal breakers, like for those who do that, I’m out. I do not have it.

Shaq has spoken openly about how his infidelity and broken vows contributed to the breakdown of his marriage to Shaunie. In a revealing conversation on “The Pivot Podcast” in 2022, the NBA legend admitted to leading a “double life” and took full responsibility for his or her breakup, saying: “I used to be offended. She was amazing. It was all me.

In addition to the contestant’s confessions, Shaunie recently revealed in her memoir “Undefeated: Changing the Rules” that she doubted she ever truly loved Shaq during their marriage.

Reflecting on the deep issues that plagued their relationship, she noted that she seemed in love with the life-style of marriage and motherhood.

Regardless of how Shaunie felt on reflection, his infidelity hurt her deeply. She was also offended by allegations that Shaq had an affair with fellow “Basketball Wives” star Laura Govan, who was engaged to fellow NBA star Gilbert Arenas on the time and was a family friend. Although each denied the allegations, leaked text messages allegedly between Govan and Shaq increased tensions, contributing to their separation and eventual divorce in 2009.

Despite the challenges, Shaq and Shaunie remained committed to raising their 4 children in a friendly way.

While this understandably set the tone for Shauna’s developing relationship with Keion, it did introduce some uncertainty that wasn’t necessarily present in the course of the date.

As their relationship deepened, Shaunie found that she began to query whether it was fair to impose such restrictions.

“Is it fair to enter into a relationship and impose restrictions on a person for a crime they did not commit?” Keion asked her. Shaunie admitted that this was not the case, but explained that it was a part of her healing journey.

While its boundaries on the time reflected vital needs, additionally they served as partitions, potentially limiting the organic development of their connection. Shaunie noticed that she wasn’t alone on this – many individuals enter new relationships with a defensive attitude, projecting the pain of the past onto someone new. For her, eliminating these boundaries was a process that took trust and time.

Now with a stronger footing in her relationship, Shaunie now not sticks with deal breakers. Instead, it emphasizes open communication and mutual respect. Now, together, they use their experiences to help others overcome similar relationship challenges.

Shaunie and Keion have been married since 2022 and that is their second marriage. Keion has a teenage daughter with his ex-wife Felicia Henderson.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Kim Kardashian’s lingerie photoshoot draws criticism from fans who say it’s ‘extremely shameful’

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Kim Kardashian’s latest SKIM partnership appears to be under fire for the second time, lower than per week after the serial businesswoman announced her collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana.

Initially, critics accused Kim and her sister Kourtney Kardashian – each of Armenian descent – of attempting to imitate the style and aesthetic of Italian icons comparable to Sophia Loren in promotional photos for the Dolce & Gabbana and SKIMS collaboration.

SKIMS owner Kim Kardashian has come under fire after posing in lingerie while wearing a Roman Catholic rosary. (Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

However, the newest response focuses on Kim wearing a Catholic rosary during a promotional shoot.

In the photo sent on her Instagram, the 44-year-old mother of 4 is seen wearing white underwear from the SKIMS and Dolce & Gabbana lines. Although the rosary just isn’t the focus of the shoot, its presence was met with heavy criticism on social media, with many individuals questioning the appropriateness of pairing a non secular symbol with revealing underwear.

Social media users didn’t refrain from commenting on The Daily Mail.

“Why does she always wear a cross when she’s half naked… like wtaf,” one person asked.

Another joked: “Nothing about you is sacred, take off your rosaries lol.”

A 3rd commenter said: “Uhm, did you ever consider the rosary before you took a half-naked photo of him? This is beyond shameful for your actions!”

Some critics have compared her to Madonna, who was famous for incorporating religious symbols into her provocative fashion selections within the Nineteen Eighties.

One person wrote in Spanish: “Quizás se inspira de la cantante Madonna,” which translates to “Maybe she was inspired by the singer Madonna.”

Another noted: “Madonna made a splash with this style in the 80s, but it was a stylish twist,” before adding: “She’s just blah, lazy and disrespectful. The worst thing is that she doesn’t even know that she is insulting thousands and thousands by attempting to be upset. Just thirsty.

The response deepened, with one user sarcastically asking: “Where is the holy water!!??? It must be splashed.

For Catholics, the rosary is a sacred symbol of piety and prayer. Traditionally it’s used as a tool to guide worshipers through a meditative sequence of prayers, with each bead representing a selected a part of the ritual.

It is usually utilized by Roman Catholic believers to reflect on significant events within the lives of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. A full rosary normally incorporates 59 beads, divided into five groups, or dozens, each containing 10 smaller prayer beads.

This just isn’t the primary time Kim has faced criticism for wearing religious symbols.

After recently celebrating her forty fourth birthday, she made headlines after wearing an Attallah cross, a big amethyst and diamond pendant famously worn by Princess Diana.

A cross fabricated from gold, silver and precious stones was one in all Diana’s signature items. Kim acquired the pendant in 2023 and wore it on November 2 on the Art+Film gala on the Los Angeles County Museum.

Critics accused her of being “obsessed” with wearing items that after belonged to deceased iconic women.

Adding fuel to the fireplace, Kim styled the cross by wearing a white Gucci gown with a plunging neckline, allowing the pendant to rest between her neckline. Fans called the look disrespectful, arguing that it reduced a big symbol to a mere accessory.

Although there’s at all times controversy surrounding the Kardashians, the cooperation with the Italian brand turned out to be extremely successful.

The vCollection officially launched in select stores and on SKIMS.com on November 19. According to to page six, the positioning crashed as a result of heavy traffic.

The SKIMS x Dolce & Gabbana collaboration features luxury underwear described as “curve-emphasizing pieces for everyday confidence.” It also includes sexy items that may be worn outdoors, like a skintight leopard print dress that retails for $498.

Despite the backlash, neither Kim Kardashian nor her team responded to the controversy. Why should they? It seems that the controversy has pushed her brand and made it the mega money-maker that it’s.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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