Connect with us

Entertainment

Quincy’s Hip Hop Jones – Andscape

Published

on

However, Jones had no intention of repeating his previous business glories, 75 million albums sold and 13 of the 28 Grammy Awards he won within the Eighties. Jones envisioned an idea album that might mix black musical expression, from Zulu choral songs, jazz and gospel to R&B, funk and the latest member of the family, hip-hop.

Just just a few years earlier, Jones had planned an unlikely collaboration in 1987 between Jackson, nicknamed the King of Pop, and Queens, New York hip-hop group Run-DMC on an anti-drug song called “Crack Kills” that was never realized. above the bottom. Jones believed that rap, a young and controversial art form, deserved a seat on the table. So in the summertime of 1989, he invited hip-hop artists Melle Mel, Ice-T, Kool Moe Dee and Big Daddy Kane to a recording session in Los Angeles. Eyebrows rose.

The uncompromising rappers were actually out of line An excellent American songbook luminaries reminiscent of Ray Charles, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan. – What are we going to do with this s…? The 4 MCs wondered aloud after Jones played them the New Jack Swing title track, Melle Mel recalled in a 2001 book. The Master calmed them down. “Stretch,” Jones said. “It’s about solving the mind, not polluting the mind, about staying authentic on the streets and true to yourself.”

For Ice-T, the godfather of West Coast gangsta rap, Jones’ signature was powerful. “As rappers, we don’t get as much respect from the music community.” Ice-T said in the course of the premiere of the documentary in 1990. “But now when someone of Quincy’s caliber says, ‘Yo, rap is hot… all you losers need to leave it alone now.’ “

Jones saw hip-hop as a full-fledged, legitimate movement. In 1986, he threw his son, rap fanatic Quincy Jones III, a surprise party at Canastel’s restaurant in Manhattan. Everyone from Run-DMC, LL Cool J and the Beastie Boys to The Fat Boys, Roxanne Shante, Whodini and Kurtis Blow were in the home.

“It was clear then – at least to some of us – that rap had made its mark on our culture,” Jones said, looking back. “This was our newest baby and she was here to stay.”

From left to right: Take 6 evangelistic group, Quincy Jones III, Siedah Garrett, Tevin Campbell, Al Jarreau, Quincy Jones and Kool Moe Dee, February 10, 1990

Raymond Bonar/NBCU/NBCUniversal Photo Bank

For Jones, this wasn’t a cheeky attempt at being a cool dad. When he saw his son’s wide-eyed meeting of tight-knit MCs, he was reminded of the primary time he met his bebop jazz heroes 35 years earlier, who, just like the burgeoning hip-hop scene, faced opposition from social activists, politicians and law enforcement.

This was the golden age of hip-hop, producing artists reminiscent of Eric B. & Rakim, Too $hort, Salt-N-Pepa, Public Enemy, NWA, De La Soul and Queen Latifah. Rappers went platinum and sold out arenas. Critics and fans praised the youthful genre for its dynamic wordplay, unfiltered urban social commentary, and groundbreaking use of a production technique called sampling. Critics of rap have described it as the perfect noise for youth and, at worst, a threat to the community.

But Jones saw the longer term of hip-hop. And it went beyond music. Impressed by the witty comedic rhymes and Middle American charm of 21-yr-old rapper Will Smith, one half of the double-platinum Philadelphia duo Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, Jones asked Smith to check out for a starring role in a brand new comedy series he was executive producing for NBC.

“Rap is not the main thing,” Jones told the magazine in 1990. “If you eliminated rap, the premise wouldn’t fall apart. But rap gives you the purest street consciousness.” became a rankings hit and launched Smith on the trail to becoming one in all Hollywood’s most profitable movie stars.

Left to Right: Actor Will Smith, Music/TV Producer Quincy Jones and Singer Al B. Sure! on set October 20, 1990 at Columbia/Sunset Gower Studios in Hollywood, California.

Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection

Jones wasn’t done. In 1993, he co-founded the magazine, a glossy hip-hop publication that gave rappers like Snoop Doggy Dogg, TLC, OutKast, Master P, The Notorious BIG and Lil’ Kim the identical serious, long-read gravitas as ’70s white rockers. Jones along with his magazine’s biggest cover star, Tupac Shakur, nevertheless, was more complex.

When Shakur was interviewed by the magazine in 1993, – he rushed at Jones regarding his relationships with white women and having “f**ked up children.” “I wasn’t happy at first,” Jones said in 2012. “He attacked me for having all these white wives. And my daughter Rashida, who went to Harvard, wrote a letter to separate him.

Things eventually took a positive turn when Shakur met Jones’ daughter, Kidada (the couple later became engaged). “I remember dropping Rashida off at Jerry’s deli one night, and Tupac was talking to Kidada because he had fallen in love with her,” Jones recalled in an interview. “Like an idiot, I walked up to him, put my hands on his shoulders and said, ‘Pac, we need to sit down and talk, man.’ If he had a gun, I would be finished. But we talked. He apologized. We became very close after that.”

Jones remained one in all hip-hop’s strongest defenders even after the deaths of two of hip-hop’s brightest stars. In 1997, he wrote an impassioned editorial condemning the murders of Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. as “senseless” and calling the East Coast-West Coast rap war a “sad farce”. But when a reporter asked Jones about negative criticism of hip-hop, he responded.

“Condemning hip-hop is tantamount to condemning two generations of our youth, and it is a far-reaching indictment that we cannot allow.” he said. “It hurts the situation more than it helps.”

Over the years, Jones’ relationship with hip-hop has remained close. He appeared within the music video for Wu-Tang Clan’s 1997 song “Triumph” and wrote the music for 50 Cent’s 2005 film. After his death, tributes poured in from hip-hop artists praising the person who embraced the culture.

“,” Jones rapped within the prologue to the song, which sold 3 million copies and won seven Grammy Awards, including album of the yr in 1991. Melle Mel, Ice-T, Kool Moe Dee and Big Daddy Kane won a Grammy for best rap performance performed by a duo or group.

Mission achieved.

Keith “Murph” Murphy is a senior editor at VIBE magazine and a frequent contributor to Billboard, AOL and CBS Local magazines. The veteran journalist has appeared on CNN, FOX News and A&E Biography, and is the writer of the lads’s lifestyle book “The XO Manifesto.”

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Entertainment

Craig Melvin will replace Hoda Kotb on the Today show.

Published

on

By

Craig Melvin, Today show, Hoda Kotb, Black broadcasters, Black newscasters, Black in media, theGrio.com

As Hoda Kotb’s departure from the Today show nears, more changes are on the horizon. Longtime host Craig Melvin is preparing to replace Kotb as co-host.

Melvin, 45, who’s already hosting his third hour of “Today” alongside Al Roker, Sheinelle Jones and Dylan Dreyer, made the announcement during Thursday broadcast. The announcement comes roughly two months after Kotb announced that she was leaving the show after nearly twenty years to focus on her family.

“I’m extremely excited and grateful,” Melvin said, getting emotional during the broadcast. “I have enjoyed blessings all my life, and this is the latest in a long list of blessings.”

In an interview with Kotb, Melvin said: “It means a lot to me to inherit this from you. You have been the heart of this place for a long time. You helped save this program.”

Roker, who joined the show via Zoom to congratulate Melvin, said: “I knew this day would come. I watched you grow up. “I saw you as a journalist, but more importantly, I saw you as a dad, a son and all the things that make you who you are,” he said. “I’m so proud and happy for you right now because you’re worth it.”

Starting Monday, January 13, Melvin will host for 3 straight hours. Kotb’s last day on the program is scheduled for Friday, January 10.

The two-time Emmy winner from South Carolina has worked at NBC News for 14 years and have become the anchor of “Today” in 2018. His coverage includes breaking news, meetings with presidents and other outstanding figures, multiple Olympics and Super Bowls, and more. In 2011, he married sports presenter Lindsay Czarniak; together they’ve two children.

An anonymous source reported People Magazine“Craig is an incredibly talented presenter. It is very versatile. It has everything you need to fill this role. Hoda has two really important jobs, and they take them step by step, thinking about everything.”

Other upcoming programming changes include changing the fourth hour of the show to “TONIGHT with Jenna and Friends.” The recent hour, which debuts on January 13, will feature a rotating addition of co-hosts until a everlasting host is chosen.

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
Continue Reading

Entertainment

Martin Lawrence and “Life” co-star Eddie Murphy, back together? Fans are looking forward to the new film, but are concerned about Lawrence’s health

Published

on

By

After Martin Lawrence’s recent appearance on “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” fans couldn’t help but be concerned about his health once more.

Concerns about the comedian’s health began in 2023 and intensified after his appearance at the 2024 Emmy Awards, where fans noticed he had difficulty reading a teleprompter, prompting fears of a possible stroke.

Many people also noted how his longtime collaborator Will Smith often supported him during interviews and outings, and once helped Lawrence appear in a viral video.

Many fans are concerned about comedian Martin Lawrence’s health, suggesting that he suffered a stroke following his recent appearance on “The Jennifer Hudson Show.” (Photo: JC Olivera/Getty Images)

This later prompted Lawrence to directly address the rumors about his health and make a transparent statement while promoting their latest hit, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.” However, after his recent TV appearance, fans are still surprised by his health condition.

Lawrence joined Jennifer Hudson’s staff and crew for a brief promotion for the Soul Train line before heading to the most important stage. Known for his energetic personality and physical comedy, the “Big Mama’s House” star surprised viewers when fans watching him online noticed he was moving slower than usual.

During his episode, the “Martin” star and voice creator sounded noticeably deeper and slower than his usual banter, which was enough to spark a wave of speculation online. Many longtime fans have expressed their concern on social media, suggesting that “something is wrong” with considered one of the biggest stand-up specials to happen during the “Def Comedy Jam.” Others attributed it to him growing up.

“Your brother had a stroke or something, Fr. Go what he says. He lost his rhythm” – one person wrote on X about 59-year-old Lawrence.

In his defense, someone added, “He’s an old guy,” but they were quickly reminded, “He’ll be the Old Blacksmith and he’ll still be Will Smith. Same with Denzel. I’m not trying to hear it.

Another person as well as“Look, yes, it’s older, but for anyone who watched it in the Nineties and early 2000s, there’s something incorrect with it. Like it was subtle, like in his mannerisms and the way he spoke. He wasn’t cloned, he was just drugged and in a coma, which affects the brain. But no less than he’s alive and looking good.”

Someone posted a GIF of considered one of Lawrence’s legendary scenes from his hit sitcom and noted, “He was too old to actually play it!”

One fan he was joking“They definitely cloned him, he doesn’t even act the same.”

In an interview on “Ebro In the Morning,” host Ebro Darden asked Lawrence if he would really like to directly address the topic of his health.

The iconic host didn’t hesitate and said, “I’m wonderful. I’m in God’s hands. I’m blessed, you realize.”

Lawrence further“I’m happy to wake up every day and everything. I’m fine. There is no need for people to worry.”

With characteristic humor, he added: “I’m healthy as hell. Stop the gossip!”

During his appearance on Hudson’s show, Lawrence also discussed his film Y’all Know What It Is! comedy tour that may feature not only his new material, but also emerging comedy talents as opening acts.

Lawrence talked a bit of about his parenting style, saying that he’s an understanding father to his three daughters and allows them to make their very own decisions because they’ve shown common sense to date. He also mentioned the relationship of considered one of his daughters, Jasmine Lawrence, with Eddie Murphy’s son, Eric Murphy.

This allowed Hudson to dig deeper and uncover one other exclusive piece on Lawrence’s upcoming sequel to the 1999 film “The Blue Streak.” He also revealed that he’s collaborating along with his longtime friend and Life co-star Eddie, and fans are hoping for an element two.

“He and Eddie should make ‘Life 2.’ Life after prison with Claude and Ray…would be an instant classic,” one superfan wrote on YouTube.

While fans are concerned about Lawrence’s health, it looks like Lawrence is targeted on living life to the fullest and savoring his enormous success, including considered one of the biggest movies of the 12 months.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
Continue Reading

Entertainment

The Cavaliers maintain the prospect of becoming the first team since 2015 to start the season 13-0

Published

on

By

Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, theGrio.com

PHILADELPHIA (AP) Amid the chuckles and talk of history that filled the Cleveland Cavaliers locker room, Donovan Mitchell tried to add some perspective on the team’s 13-0 start to the NBA season.

“We’re being chased, but it’s also November,” the Cleveland star said after scoring 23 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists in the game The Cavaliers won 114-106 against Philadelphia on Wednesday evening. “Let’s relax. You know, I say it’s November and we’re not winning the championship right now. But these are good tests for us.”

Cleveland became the first team since Golden State in 2015–16 to win 13 straight games to start the season. The Warriors team holds the record for many wins, having began the season with 24 straight wins.

The Cavaliers are only the sixth team in NBA/BAA history to start a game 13-0. Four of the previous five teams reached the championship round. In doing so, he tied Cleveland’s franchise record of 13 consecutive wins, set 3 times previously – in 2009, 2010 and 2017 – all with LeBron James.

“It’s an 82-game season and we only have 13 left,” said guard Darius Garland, who led Cleveland with 25 points in the last win. “We have to clean up so much of things. But it’s good that we also can achieve such victories. We have a superb balance now because we all know we are able to get a lot better regardless that we’re still undefeated.

Part of the Cavaliers’ success was based on ball movement and scoring. Six Cleveland players – Mitchell, Garland, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, Caris LaVert and Ty Jerome – entered Wednesday night’s game averaging double-digit points.

“We’ve all played a lot of games and you can get tired mentally and physically,” Mitchell said. “But you’ve to have the ability to still do little things for one another. That’s what an evening like tonight will take (to win).

“You have to be a team that does the little things for each other in those moments and still makes the right plays.”

Car exhaust fumes can be linked to autism, a developmental disorder increasingly diagnosed in black children

Wednesday night turned out to be tighter than expected against a short-handed Philadelphia lineup that was missing Joel Embiid (left knee contusion), Paul George (left knee contusion), Tyrese Maxey (right hamstring strain) and center reserve Andre. Drummond (illness).

It also showed how much of a burden Cleveland was carrying due to its winning streak.

“If you were the Sixers coming in, you’d be thinking, ‘We could end this streak,’” first-year Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson said. “It all the time motivates players and coaches, knowing you possibly can throw someone off. I do know our players feel it and have talked about it.

First-round rookie Jared McCain scored a career-high 34 points to lead Philadelphia to victory with just over three minutes left.

“He came out and showed he could play,” Garland said. – He can be searching for a spot on this team. It was good, it was a superb performance for all of us.

That’s when Mitchell got hot, ending with 11 points in the final three minutes and nearly missing his first profession triple-double.

“He made a big step back three,” Atkinson said. “We will forgive him (for missing the triple-double).”

After a break day on Thursday, Cleveland will host Chicago on Friday and Charlotte on Sunday before the final litmus test – Tuesday’s game against defending NBA champion Boston.

“We have a mature and consistent group that is neither too high nor too low,” Atkinson said. “It’s a modest group. I don’t know if they read the media quotes and I don’t think anyone is beating the drum and saying how great we are. Donovan always says we haven’t done anything yet, so they understand what we need to do and what the next step is. And they keep that chip on their shoulder.”

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
Continue Reading
Advertisement

OUR NEWSLETTER

Subscribe Us To Receive Our Latest News Directly In Your Inbox!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Trending