Entertainment
The black stand-up who is shaping the comedy scene
When you’re thinking that of black stand-up comedy, places like Apollo Amateur Night come to mind. The biggest black comedians presented comedic styles starting from raunchy to satire to slapstick. The genre’s history of talent is extensive and ever-evolving, as they often use comedy in inventive ways to discuss social issues like racism, sexism, poverty, and more.
The history of black comedy
Named after the famous soul food artist, the Chitlin track became a saving grace for several famous black comedians who were cut off from their traditional venues because of Jim Crow. Many famous comedians, resembling Redd Foxx, Richard Pryor and Moms Mabley, honed their skills at right-of-way venues.
With the development of media, all these progressive black comedies finally made their method to the screens. DEF Comedy Jam, which ran from 1992 to 1997 and returned in 2006, was the platform on which they introduced Martin Lawrence, Chris Tucker and Katt Williams. After all, lots of these famous comedians have made history (and made plenty of money) with their very own TV shows, hit movies, and Netflix specials. Some, like Sam Joy, didn’t let a late start stop them from difficult social norms.
African American comedians have long used comedy to handle social issues and lift awareness of racial inequality in all features of society.
Richard Pryor
No discussion of black stand-up can begin without mentioning the comedic skills of Richard Pryor, the man who bore the soul in the mostly autobiographical film “Jojo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling.” Long before rap music became controversial for its use of the N-word, Pryor was already making waves by making fun of everyone, including his white audience.
When asked about his use of profanity on stage, as reproduced on NPR, Pryor bluntly told the CBS Morning News in 1983:
“You know what’s dirty to me? The President of the United States goes on TV and tells people that by killing people, we are helping to fight communism in South America. I would never do that.”
Eddie Murphy
Speaking of creating fun of everyone, often through observational humor and comedy sketches, the 1987 comedy special “Eddie Murphy Raw” became the highest-grossing stand-up comedy released with a gross of over $50 million. At 19, Eddie Murphy became the youngest forged member (at the time) to hitch Saturday Night Live. Hits like “Beverly Hills Cop” and “Coming to America” continued to seal his comedic legacy before his dramatic turn in “Dreamgirls” – for which he received an Oscar nomination.
Dave Chappelle
Among the best sketches from Chappelle’s show was a parody of Frontline wherein a blind black man leads a white supremacist movement. His appearances in Netflix series and comedies proceed to cause selective outrage. So much so that individuals threatened to boycott Netflix.
Tiffany Haddish
As a part of the forged, Tiffany Haddish became a breakout star in “Girls Trip.” Her black stand-up performances showcase a daring and brash style that has allowed her to face out in a field often dominated by men. She began using comedy as an outlet while in foster care after her mother’s accident, a tragedy that left her brain damaged. Her personal experiences often became material for her comedy performances, as she once lived in a automotive to make ends meet.
Redd Foxx
Born John Elroy Sanford, Redd Foxx made a profession out of his raunchy and honest kind of black stand-up. He refined the comedy album’s artwork, creating 50 of them after signing a contract with the Dooto record label. His birth name, Sanford, was made famous on the hit NBC comedy series “Sanford and Son.”
I actually have Mabley
With a profession spanning over 50 years, Moms Mabley has broken several glass ceilings. She became the first woman to realize success in comedy and performed on the stage of the Apollo Theater and Carnegie Hall. Born Loretta Mary Aiken in 1894, her routines that always handled political, racial and sexual topics influenced other groundbreaking comedians on this list, including Murphy, who based his grandmother’s character in “The Nutty Professor” in her honor. “.
Bernie Mac
This king of comedy, born Bernard Jeffrey McCullough but often known as Bernie Mac, got his break from comedy in the movie “Friday.” His hilarious appearance on “The Original Kings Of Comedy” specials led to his own successful and beloved self-titled series that showcased his signature humor. Before his death in 2008, Mac made several other movies resembling “Charlie’s Angels Full Throttle”, “Ocean’s 12” and “Bad Santa”.
Kevin Hart
Kevin Hart made a reputation for himself in stand-up dark comedy with specials that provided insight into his personal misadventures. From his romantic relationships to his height, he made audiences laugh by laughing at themselves on stage and in film. In The Guide to Black History, Kevin Hart uses comedy and knowledge about black historical figures to create a singular and informative special.
Wanda Sykes
Born in Portsmouth, Virginia, this Black stand-up comedy skilled made waves along with her observations on race, gender and being LGBTQ+. She gained notoriety for her successful HBO special, “Wanda Sykes: Tongue Untied,” for which she earned credentials and Emmy nominations.
Chris Rock
After being discovered by Eddie Murphy, Rock landed a task in “Beverly Hills Cop II” and joined Saturday Night Live. He also found great success together with his autobiographical comedy show “Everybody Hates Chris,” wherein he often wrote about his experiences as a black kid in an all-white school.
The cultural impact of stand-up black comedy
Many comedians have used personal experiences to indicate the ups and downs of African American life of their comedy shows. They may use exaggerated or anecdotal episodes to make viewers laugh at things that may often be painful.
For example, in Chapelle’s program, comedy was a type of resistance or protest. So much in order that Chapelle famously walked away from over $50 million when he was not sure whether his social commentary against racism was conveying the nuances he meant moderately than simply making people laugh.
The lasting legacy of dark comedy
The irony behind black comedy is that it has often been easier for black talent to interrupt into film than dramatic acting. Only a couple of have made the dramatic transition that Will Smith did, from rap to comedy to serious movies.
Black comedy geniuses have historically used their skills in satire, exaggeration, and biting social commentary to silence social issues they might not have been in a position to address otherwise. Popular black comedians like Richard Pryor and Bernie Mac proceed to influence culture long after their deaths.
As NPR host Tony Cox stated in an interview with popular black stand-up comedian Darryl Littleton:
“Consider this. Someone shares a story of pain, racism, divorce, unemployment, and perhaps even murder. And what do you do? You laugh. But that is okay.”
Lifestyle
Entertainment
An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit
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.
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.
Jeff Bezos’ fiancée, Lauren Sanchez, cropped a photograph of him in a jumpsuit and then set Instagram on fire with her look.https://t.co/n7YNGctQFE pic.twitter.com/DNKP2i9o9C
— Sean Joseph (@sjoseph_sports) December 2, 2024
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.”
Lauren Sanchez 2003 vs. Lauren Sanchez 2024
Nothing to see here, people, move on#LaurenSanchez pic.twitter.com/mgr4vj6mFq
— Occam was right (@OccamWasRight) November 21, 2024
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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Press Release8 months agoCEO of 360WiSE Launches Mentorship Program in Overtown Miami FL
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