Entertainment
DJ Clark Kent was a true rap superhero – Andscape
When I feel of DJ Clark Kent, a certain quote at all times involves mind.
“I saw early on what happened to the industry and Jaz(-O)” – Jay-Z once said. “If Clark hadn’t encouraged me to make that first album, I don’t know where I would be.”
Kent, born Rodolfo Franklin in Panama, died Oct. 24 after a three-12 months battle with colon cancer, the statement said. posted on his Instagram. He was 58 years old. In a 12 months that has already seen profound losses in hip-hop — DJ Mister Cee, Rob StoneRich Homie Quan, Rico Wade and Fatman’s spoon simply to name a few – the lack of Kent hits a particular nerve, given his history and the style by which he passed away.
It seems trivial to say that without so-and-so, the history of hip-hop wouldn’t be the identical. However, within the case of DJ Clark Kent, the saying applies. First of all, his CV speaks for itself. His profession began within the late Nineteen Eighties as a DJ for Brooklyn rapper Dana Dane. He later DJed on the tour of Notorious B.I.G., one other Brooklyn resident. His first big hit as a producer was Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s “Player’s anthem” The song that marked Lil Kim’s first appearance on the album and that Clark coached her through was, satirically, the song that Clark and crew recorded the night Tupac Shakur was shot five times within the lobby of Quad Studios in November 1994.
Clark’s reach would extend beyond Biggie’s crew. As Jay-Z confirmed, his 1996 debut album wouldn’t have been possible without Clark’s influence. He produced three songs for the album, including “Coming of Age” and “Cashmere Thoughts”. But it was “The better of Brooklyn,” the primary of several collaborations between Jay and BIG, leading to a fun story that Clark has told several times through the years.
BIG had heard about Clark’s “man” Jay-Z for years but had never met him, although they briefly went to the identical highschool. Clark told the story “Who shot you?”, which was widely seen as a taunt towards Tupac following the Quad studio shooting. As Clark recalls, BIG recorded it as a show of lyrical dominance in front of Clark, who kept talking about “how nice” Jay-Z was. Before BIG heard the “Brooklyn’s Finest” beat, he wanted to keep it to himself, but – Clark said it was for Jay. This decision irritated A LOT, but he begged Clark to be on the record. When BIG entered the studio on the night of the session, Jay-Z and Dame Dash (who Clark also he introduced Jay years earlier) I saw art. From then on, he and Jay-Z spoke on daily basis for the remainder of BIG’s life.
Over the years, Clark’s production game has only improved. He produced “The sky is the limit” within the posthumous release of BIG album – the song is probably the most introspective version of BIG. Clark also produced Mariah Carey’s 2001 smash hit “Lover” which was the number two song within the country. But even these hits only provide a glimpse into Clark’s deep and profound legacy.
DJ Clark Kent’s cultural fingerprint was profoundly diverse. If his death is a huge blow to hip-hop, his death is equally devastating to the sneaker world. Clark boasted considered one of the most important and most extensive collections known. Throughout his life, he touted several collaborations with Nike and Adidas because these brands understood the influence and credibility he brought. He became embedded within the culture as a revered figure because he loved sneakers rather more than the hoopla surrounding them. This was seen in Clark and Russ Bengston’s Quickstrike, which aired from 2013 to 2016 on Complex TV. In this system, they turned a discussion about shoes and the stories related to them into an education. According to Clark, it inspired Jay-Z and Dame Dash to develop into obsessive about the Nike Air Force 1 throughout the early years of Rocafella Records. Clark was known to purchase ridiculous amounts of AF1, wear it once and throw it away. Aside from having tens of 1000’s of kicks, perhaps his best legacy within the sneaker world is what he shared together with his fans. He routinely distributed shoes to children and homeless shelters. The scavenger hunt he led throughout New York became a Clark Kent staple.
Clark stood out for his unique talent and passions, but at the identical time he was in a position to attract people. This, amongst other things, made him the force he was – and, truth be told, at all times might be. Still, there’s a sobering reality that Clark is gone. According to the American Cancer SocietyColorectal cancer affects the Black community at a much higher rate than another group. Black men and ladies are roughly 20 percent more more likely to develop colon cancer and 40 percent more more likely to die from it than other ethnic groups. DJ Clark Kent, like Chadwick Boseman, Clarence Williams III, and even my uncle, is currently considered one of those unlucky statistics. Clark has fought privately and celebrated publicly for the past three years. Even as a terrible disease ravaged his body, it never undone what he contributed to the culture just by appearing. There’s a reason why negativity and Clark Kent never really lived in the identical airspace. The energy he dropped at hip-hop and sneakers – to each room he entered – was warmth and camaraderie.
Days after we learned of his death, the tributes are still pouring in, as they need to. What DJ Clark Kent dropped at the world now seems different – a little less vibrant and a little less revolutionary. Living in a world without Clark hurts, but knowing that he now not suffers is a small dose of spiritual medicine.
To say that Clark died “too soon” is just too easy, even essential. Partly since it’s a coping mechanism. We all use it to create tragedy. However, Clark Kent’s death is yet one more reminder that death is the tailor of morality. It at all times puts life into perspective and reminds us that we’re all on borrowed time. Clark was lovingly called “God’s favorite DJ” and now she is with Him. Even beyond the sadness of an irreplaceable cultural loss, there’s the wonder that brought DJ Clark Kent into our lives – and, more importantly, made us appreciate him while he was with us – in the primary place.
Entertainment
The art collector left his mark on TheGrio’s Masters of the Game
In the next episode of Masters of the Game, hosted by Touré, we introduce you to Shirley and Bernard Kinsey, an influence couple who’ve dedicated their lives to preserving African American history through art and artifacts. Through greater than 50 years of marriage and a shared passion for education and history, the Kinseys have built one of the largest and most influential private collections of African American history in the world.Kinsey collection— making them true champions of history, art and cultural preservation.
Art collectors
The Kinseys have long believed in the transformative power of education. For them, educating others means sharing the wealthy history of African-American culture through art and historical artifacts. Their collection includes works by iconic artists corresponding to Ernie Barnes, Charles Alston and Beauford Delaney, nevertheless it is their collection of rare historical documents that really stands out. Among their treasures is a heartbreaking nineteenth century letter delivered by an enslaved girl who couldn’t read – she was sent from one plantation to a different under false pretenses. The next work of their collection is Zora Neale Hurston’s brave and hilarious letter to her ex-husband, through which she asks him to remain out of her life endlessly.
From humble beginnings to becoming one of the most influential black couples of our time, Toure’s conversation with the Kinsey family takes us on a journey through the depth, resilience and radiance of African-American culture. Their collection not only preserves history, but in addition inspires future generations to inform their very own powerful stories, making the Kinseys true masters of the game. Don’t miss this episode of “Masters of the Game” at 8 p.m. ET on Friday and 1 p.m. ET on Saturday on TheGrio Cable Network.
Entertainment
Simone Biles torn apart after giving George Strait’s wife a ‘vulgar look’ while fans came to her defense
Did Olympic gymnast Simone Biles cut George Strait’s wife’s eyes on the Country Music Awards?
Some people think so after a viral video of Biles, 27, showing her frustration within the audience on the 58th annual CMA Awards on November 20.
In several clips circulating online, the 27-year-old gave Strait’s wife, Norma Strait, a “dirty look” on the annual awards show where her husband was honored with the John Paul II Lifetime Achievement Award. Willie Nelson.
“Does anyone know if there is a dispute between Simone Biles and George Strait’s wife?” – one in all the X users asked on the evening of this system.
X’s post included a clip of Biles looking nervous as Norma and other attendees danced in the gang on the Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony tribute performance.
The tribute to the “King of Country Music” featured country stars Lainey Wilson, Jamey Johnson, Miranda Lambert and Parker McCollum. Additionally, Chris Stapleton joined Strait on stage to walk through the “Honky Tonk Hall of Fame” to conclude the segment.
Speculation about Biles’ possible disdain shown on the CMA Awards has turn into a topic of debate online, with fans and critics taking sides in the controversy.
“I watched it live and wondered the same thing, and then death looked up and down, she definitely hated!” answer on X platform he stated.
Original X poster he replied“As long as I’m not the only one who saw it.”
However, the legendary gymnast had her defenders. For example, user X sent“He’s probably just watching her reaction (honestly) without thinking about the cameras.”
“Nothing happened” – another person he argued. “George Strait’s wife doesn’t care about messy things like that. It looks like Simone could have a resting face. She wasn’t the one black person either. There are many Black people in country music, from singers to musicians.
George Strait, 72, makes a rare appearance with wife Norma on the 2024 CMA Awards #George #quarrel https://t.co/ua4Xcsjdsq pic.twitter.com/vYByc0Ub6k
— DHNDE (@dhndecom) November 21, 2024
Similar entry To read“I saw it and cringed, it’s just her face, but she should politely decline if she doesn’t like country music.”
Another fan he wrote“She probably saw the camera give attention to George Strait’s wife and just looked around curiously. I do not think she’s giving a mischievous have a look at all, she just looks like she’s noticed that the camera is specializing in the people next to her.
Despite questions on Biles’ on-screen response, the multiple-time world champion expressed her excitement to attend the 2024 CMA Awards on the day of the event.
Biles reposted photos from the evening on her Instagram Story. In one photo, shared by hairstylist Justin Revenge, the Olympic gold medalist showed off the short red dress she wore to the red carpet, in addition to the silver off-the-shoulder dress she wore to the CMA Gala.
The star of the Netflix docuseries “Simone Biles Rising” appeared at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville to present the Female Vocalist of the Year award to country singer Lainey Wilson.
Lainey Wilson won the Female Vocalist of the Year category, beating out fellow nominees Kelsea Ballerini, Ashley McBryde, Megan Moroney and Kacey Musgraves.
Biles herself had a successful 12 months as an athlete. The Texas native won 4 medals on the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, bringing her profession total to a record 11 victories for an American gymnast.
However, Vice President Kamala Harris couldn’t replicate Biles’ success because the Democratic presidential candidate in 2024. Harris lost to former President Donald Trump within the nationwide election.
Biles publicly called on current Democratic President Joe Biden to take a stand on behalf of American women before Republican MAGA leader Trump enters the White House on January 20, 2025.
“Mr. Biden, you need to stand up, straighten your back and shake some things up before you go… xoxo women of America,” the Olympian wrote on Twitter on November 6 in response to the election results.
Entertainment
What do you know about Cynthia Erivo?
With the discharge of Wicked fast approaching, it’s protected to say that Cynthia Erivo is on fire straight away.
The film adaptation of the Broadway musical (which is an adaptation of a best-selling novel based on one other novel) is about to open to over $175 million worldwide this weekend, and Erivo has just landed a significant deal.
Universal Pictures has struck a first-look cope with its production company Edith’s Daughter, Deadline reported.
“Having spent the last three years working with Donna Langley, Peter Cramer and the Universal team on Wicked, I have experienced first-hand the love and fearlessness with which they tell stories and uplift narrators,” said Erivo. “I am absolutely delighted to take the next step in our cooperation under our first-look agreement. This is not only a milestone for my production company, but also a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of diverse voices in film. I can’t wait to bring our visions to life and share them with the world!”
However, some could also be just discovering the 37-year-old from Stockwell, London (where she was born right into a family of Nigerian immigrants) or may don’t know about her background and profession to this point. There’s quite a bit to like about the Emmy, Grammy and Tony winner – and much more to grasp beneath the surface. Below we have gathered some things you have to know about Erivo, including some very necessary ones.
He is a Broadway sensation
Before Erivo became a star of the silver screen, she made a reputation for herself on the stage. The actress’ breakthrough role was the role of Celie within the musical adaptation of “The Color Purple” on Broadway. From 2015 to 2017, she delivered critically acclaimed, groundbreaking performances, winning the 2016 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.
She has played several iconic black characters
Aretha Franklin, Harriet Tubman and Recy Taylor are black American historical figures immortalized on screen by Erivo, who has played all of them in movies. Shortly after her Broadway run in 2017, Erivo played Taylor in “The Rape of Recy Taylor.” She then starred as Tubman within the 2019 film “Harriet.”
In 2021, Erivo played Franklin within the National Geographic anthology “Genius: Aretha”. While critics praised her performance, Franklin’s family had a special tackle the project, claiming she was never consulted and even felt “disrespected” by the production team.
He is a queer icon
Earlier this yr, Erivo received the Schrader Award from the Los Angeles LGBT Center as a self-proclaimed member for her talent and support of the queer community.
“Acknowledging that I am queer publicly – especially in the public eye – means taking a risk to claim my freedom,” she said in her speech through which she agreed to return out as queer later in life. “It seems we prefer to see the world in black and white rather than accept the difficult (but beautiful) complexities of our humanity.”
Although it has never been explicitly confirmed, Erivo has long been considered one half of a fairly powerful Black Hollywood power couple, as she is commonly seen at red carpet events alongside fellow industry heavyweight Lena Waithe.
He has a novel sense of fashion
From shaving her eyebrows to her signature long and ornamental nails, Erivo is understood for her daring sense of fashion. Her uniqueness was even incorporated into her makeup for “Wicked.” The makeup artist used stencils to attract eyebrows and add freckles. Meanwhile, a special shade of green face and body makeup was developed to make Erivo’s melaninated skin appear “clearly” on screen, and the shade was named “Cynthia Green,” the film’s makeup artist said People Magazine. It’s value noting that despite the hours-long application process required day by day for months of filming, she also said that Erivo “never, ever, ever complained.”
She doesn’t suffer fools
Social media was abuzz this week with response to actor/podcast host Dax Shepard’s invasive query about Erivo’s signature elaborate manicure, specifically how he moves through it while using the lavatory. When footage of her interview with Shepard hit the Internet, many individuals were quick to sentence its inappropriateness, asking her how she wipes herself while having very long, jeweled nails.
“My answer is that no one wipes their ass with just their fingers. You use wipes, right? And you wipe it off,” she replied calmly.
Erivo further expressed her annoyance with this query; the one she had exhibited before.
“I understand, it annoys me. Come on, guys,” she said. “I understand, but I’m a functioning adult and I’ve never walked around smelling like… you know.”
People participating within the discussion found this query rude, disgusting and invasive. It can also be, as Erivo identified, unoriginal. In response to this viral exchange, some have responded by demonstrating how they adapt these very human processes to long fingernails – and shockingly, it’s just about the identical process we have all been doing since potty training. It’s really not that complicated.
He has some questionable tweets in his search history
When it was announced in 2018 that Erivo would play Harriet Tubman within the biopic “Harriet,” the British actress’s seemingly problematic comments made years earlier about the language of Black Americans inevitably resurfaced. As previously reported by theGrio, this compounded existing questions about the choice to forged British-born Erivo because the historical African-American hero, given what some perceived as a disdain for African-American culture.
“As for the tweets, they were taken out of context, giving me no room to explain what they meant – and they weren’t actually mocking anyone,” she explained on the time: Complex reported. “It was not intended to be (offensive) at all. It was to celebrate a song I (wrote) when I was 16.”
Speaking further about the controversy during an event on the Toronto International Film Festival, she said: “I actually have never… never spoken negatively about people because I don’t desire to; I don’t desire this energy to be passed on to others.”
She continued: “I do not think it’s good for us in any respect; I do not think it serves any purpose apart from to bring negativity into my life and yours, and I just don’t desire that.
Perhaps he has some tension with the band in “The Color Purple.”
For unknown reasons, Erivo claims she was not invited to a special screening of the musical “The Color Purple” for family and friends, which was also attended by other members of her Broadway forged. It’s a bit strange that the Tony-winning revival star wasn’t on the guest list. When asked about her apparent rejection in the course of the interview and whether it reflected her initial considerations for Celie’s role within the film adaptation, Erivo suggested she couldn’t talk about it.
Despite every little thing, he’s capable of admit his mistake
Erivo can have had mixed emotions previously as a result of questionable comments or her unwavering passion for her craft, but she is ultimately capable of admit when she was incorrect. In the lead-up to Wicked’s premiere, fan-made art got here to light that edited the film’s poster to look more like the unique Broadway Playbill, obscuring Erivo’s direct gaze with the brim of her witch hat. The actress was initially very offended, but later admitted that she can have overreacted.
“I think for me it was a human moment…” she later explained. “I probably should have called my friends, but I’m fine.”
After all, she is an expert
Say what you want, but Cynthia Erivo is robust and talented. He can also be a one that is alleged to place the nice of the team ahead of his personal glory. During a recent appearance on “Cutting room floor” podcast, she described her technique of coming into harmony together with her “Wicked” co-star Ariana Grande and the way the 2 worked together to create a unified sound fairly than resorting to diva-like behavior in an try and outshine one another.
For example, although she and Grande have very different voices, Erivo noted that what they’ve in common is way more necessary.
“I think what connects us is the way we hear music, so we can hear each other,” she explained. “And the beauty of singing with someone who can also hear is that you follow each other back and forth. We can find ways to make our textures and sounds make sense, and that’s really hard with humans.”
Erivo added: “It also signifies that you found someone completely selfless because they care about working with you, and being an element of that’s essentially the most amazing thing. When you find someone who’s committed to creating sound together, (there may be) no ego.
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