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Al Pacino says hip-hop turned “Scarface” into a cultural milestone despite its rocky beginnings

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Oscar-winner Al Pacino’s portrayal of Tony Montana in “Scarface” left an indelible mark on the film industry, however the 1983 film’s journey from critical skepticism to cult classic got here thanks largely to an unlikely audience: the hip-hop community.

While promoting his recent book “Sonny Boy,” the Manhattan native appeared on Marc Maron’s “WTF” podcast and talked about how the film is uniquely relevant to rap culture.

Whether it’s basic mentions or snippets of his own dialogue from a sampled film, “Scarface” is commonly mentioned and referenced in rap and hip-hop lyrics.

Al Pacino says the hip-hop community made ‘Scarface’ a cultural classic, but Hollywood almost didn’t want it. (Photo: Gotham/GC Images)

At the time of its release, “Scarface” was not universally received by critics or Hollywood pundits.

During the interview he common“At the premiere, Martin Scorsese turned around halfway through the movie and said, ‘You guys are great, but be prepared, because Hollywood is going to hate this.'”

“He told me this, but he didn’t know me from Adam,” Pacino continued. “And I said, ‘Why?’ He said, “Because it’s about them.”

He even recalled that before the premiere of “Scarface” he lost interest in acting. But the fan response said otherwise.

“The audience loved it. It took a while,” Pacino admitted.

The film’s influence began to realize on the streets relatively than within the studios. With the emergence of hip-hop within the Eighties and Nineteen Nineties, artists and fans alike discovered a deep connection to the rags-to-riches story of Tony Montana, Pacino’s character. It also showed the ability of a drug dealer and kingpin, which at one point became a major theme in rap music.

“Hip-hop just nailed it. They understood it,” he remarked to the host. “Rappers embraced it. And the subsequent thing you already know, VHS comes out and more people watch it.

Rappers similar to JAY-Z, Raekwon, Nas, The Lox and The Notorious BIG have referenced the film, and groups similar to Mobb Deep have sampled its music. In 2003, Def Jam released a compilation titled “Music Inspired by Scarface”, which featured other artists similar to Cam’ron, NWA, Joe Budden, and even rap pioneer Melle Mel.

Pacino identified how hard it is just not to see the influence, saying, “These rappers, we’re on records. And then it just carried on and on.

The film’s stark portrayal of Cuban immigrant Montana’s rise to power parallels the experiences of many hip-hop artists who saw themselves in its tumult.

Brooklyn’s Microphone Jay-Z examined the film’s influence in his song “Ignorant S—,” rapping, “The movie Scarface did more for me than the rapper Scarface,” referring to the Texas rapper who earned the name, though the content of his music largely didn’t reflects the character of the film.

According to Vogue, Brad Jordan initially gave the true name of the music artist Hov fired rap profession under the name DJ Akshen, but later modified it, feeling a strong bond with Tony Montana, who was “Scarface” within the film.

In 1989, Jordan released the 12-inch single “Scarface/Another Head Put to Rest,” marking his first skilled use of the name on wax. This opened the best way for him to sign a contract with Rap-A-Lot Records and join the cult Geto Boys. Since then, no other emcee has even come near questioning his name.

“I took the name Scarface because that was who I was,” he said he said within the Def Jam documentary accompanying the compilation.

Latin rapper Fat Joe called Tony Montana “the greatest ghetto superhero.”

“His attitude basically went from nothing to something,” Jermaine Dupri said. “Before we started making records, we weren’t sitting on Bentleys. We sat on the porches.”

Snoop added: “He got here from nothing. We saw him come from nothing and need to fight to get citizenship where he needed to rush.

In the identical documentary, Sean “Diddy” Combs said during an interview that he had watched “63 times” a film that depicted among the same racketeering, drug dealing and other crimes which have Combs currently held in prison while he awaits to trial for allegedly committing a crime.

“We were just happy that another cat made it,” Diddy said. “No matter how he got it.”

For Pacino, seeing “Scarface” transcend its original reception and turn out to be a symbol of ambition and resilience was incredibly rewarding.

Forty years later, the film continues to be eagerly watched by artists young and old.

Atlanta rapper Future recorded a song with Drake from once they were friends called “Tony Montana,” which introduced the film to the subsequent generation of rap fans. Future performed the identical song at an NFL game in 2012.

Younger artists similar to Lil Baby and Da Baby have used “Scarface” as storyboards for his or her music video “Child” in 2019.

Thanks to its reception by the hip-hop community, the film stays a special cultural touchstone for future generations searching for to grasp the Eighties drug scene and the history of Latino immigrant mob life.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.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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