Entertainment
‘Wicked’ may be set in Oz, but it feels very real in our current world – Andscape
Twenty minutes into the long-awaited film adaptation that musical theater buffs had been waiting to see, a moviegoer sitting in front of me motioned for me to come back closer. She practically turned her whole body, clearly stunned by the performance of Cynthia Erivo, the Oscar-nominated influencer who brought abolitionist superhero Harriet Tubman to life in 2019 (whether most of you thought she must have done it or not) .
Her words were muffled behind her mask, so she needed to repeat herself twice. She checked out the screen over again, on the already clear masterpiece that sat on the 50-foot screen, taking in the pink and green charm the film had to supply, and this time she pointed at Erivo.
“Is that Jennifer Hudson?”
And so began a two-hour and 42-minute journey into an overtly political journey that we are able to all experience in the film more than likely to be awarded – heavily – this season.
So did it translate masterfully to the silver screen as many had hoped?
That’s true.
But it delivers far more than it guarantees, and what it guarantees is sort of an exorbitant order – the powerful vocals captivate with a twisted version of a time-honored story that leaves everyone who listens to it questioning who’s inherently good and who is definitely evil .
On Broadway when this play was created, it starred theater queens Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda, a privileged witch, blonde, messy-haired, and seemingly blind to the world round her, and Idina Menzel as Elphaba, the raven-haired solid – minus the aspiring sorceress who was rejected by father, rejected (ultimately) by her sister and persecuted by the world round her due to color of her skin – she is green.
As Kermit said, it’s challenging being green.
But in this shot from director Jon M. Chu, we’re gifted with Erivo, and her micro braids and full lips give us a more determined take a look at an outcast who wants to alter the world for the higher. It’s hard to not know that underneath all that green is her black skin, and the pain of what that extra layer of otherness represents makes this version even higher than it must be.
In the film adaptation, which hit theaters on November 22, we see the uncomfortable dynamics of what happens when a jammer enters the chat room, and the way the world round her rejects her ideals – and what she looks like – in response. Especially when he doesn’t need to play the sport.
Especially when she’s mainly not ready for it – are you ready for it? – shut up and dribble.
Sound familiar?
The established order is unacceptable. The world will not be calm. Another community is kidnapped, locked in cages and deprived of their inalienable rights.
We’re still talking about it.
Here’s what’s sensible about this movie: nothing about this approach is recent. This is similar record-breaking production that has captivated Broadway and traveled across the country since 2003, this is similar story of the stage musical that surpassed the $1 billion mark in total Broadway revenues in 2016, putting it in unique long-time Broadway company staple and the just one to point out it. And today? It is the second highest-grossing musical of all time, after Disney.
But Elphaba Erivo might be a sharper representation of otherness – it’s inconceivable not to note it.
And he wants to make use of his emerging power for good. The problem is that the world she lives in – this excellent musical world filled with hopes, manifestations and dreams – only wants her to either be hidden away or – as we learn from the villains – use her powers to oppress others who’re also . other.
In the wake of the 2024 election – which tens of millions thought would result in the coronation of the primary woman president and the primary Black and Asian president – lots of us needed a moment to breathe.
Still yes. This is raw. And it’s early. And the consequences of the national elections are still there and can be there for a while. The headlines are harsh and terrifying. Neo-Nazis openly march in the streets of the Midwest. Anti-Semitic demonstrations before the performance. And unfortunately, there’s quite a lot of anti-black rhetoric.
This is when great art is created and enhanced.
This is when the world we live in is interpreted and transformed for creative consumption.
When art is finished well, when it is really at its best, it is a mirrored image of the times. It’s something that helps mark the story – even when it’s told from a fictional fantasy land that, in a way, is recycled, drawing inspiration from our very real experiences.
is loosely based on the 1995 book, inspired by L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel, which is in fact a movie adaptation of Baum’s book right into a 1939 film that a young Judy Garland helped make.
When Baum’s novel was first published, it was a story a few fantasy world that the creator initially created for youngsters – and later adults – a world that is essentially tortured by a tyrannical witch from whom everyone wants freedom. The story was a hit and was eventually named “America’s greatest and best-loved native fairy tale” by the Library of Congress.
By the time 1939 rolled around, the world had passed three years since athlete Jesse Owens became the primary American to win 4 gold medals in a single Olympic Games. His sporting victory was a direct rejection of Nazi Party leader Adolf Hitler’s belief in Aryan supremacy. Not that they were stopping the inevitable. After Owens’ victory lap, Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, starting World War II.
On American soil, 1939 also saw the discharge of a novel adapted from a Civil War novel that in some ways glorifies slavery.
There is not any Elphaba – there isn’t a anti-hero to root for and who’s willing to risk all the things to uproot the prevailing system. But to the world beyond this film is Hattie McDaniel, who became the primary black person to win an Oscar, and ultimately this film became a significant turning point in the way in which Black Americans were portrayed in cinema.
In , we’re in a position to see a well-known story – one which we all know in and out, one which is so rooted in our human experience that we’re like a family.
We know well. We know the wicked.
And since the world has modified a lot, we have now seen the opposite side of a improbable story that’s rooted in lots of the experiences all of us have.
Because stories with universal truths clearly connect with tens of millions of individuals. As they need to.
Entertainment
Salt-N-Pępa accuse UMG of minor retaliation in the fight for the property of “push it” a few months after Angie Stone claims against the same label
Salt-N-Pepa claims that the Universal Music Group punishes them amongst the legal battle to get masters to work their lives. Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton submitted a civil trial against the Global Music Corporation on May 19, looking for a command relief, declaratory relief and compensation, that are to exceed $ 1 million.
Deidra “DJ Spinderella” Roper isn’t part of the claim. She joined the group in 1987 and was released in 2019. Documents reviewed by Atlanta Black Star reveal that in 2022 the Rap duo “tried to use his rights” to take over the full property of his recordings through section 203 of the Act on the copyright of 1976.
The law allows artists to regain mental property after 35 years. Salt-N-Pepa operates with UMG, respectively through its predecessors of the next plateau and London record records, from 1986 and 1992.
“The fees generated by their sound recordings are significant, generating about USD 1,000,000 in the last five months in the synchronization licenses themselves and generating tens of millions of dollars a year through all forms of exploitation,” says the notification.
UMG “timely notifications of termination were served, but he’s accused of refusing to honor the request. Instead, female hip-hop pioneers claim that a malicious effort made of earnings was implemented and blocking their masters.
Therefore, most of their discography was taken from streaming services, resembling Spotify and Apple Music. “UMG pointed out that it would be a hostage of the plaintiff’s rights, even if it means refueling the plaintiff’s musical catalog and depriving fans of access to their work,” Salt-N-Pepa lawyers have invaded.
Pushing is dated on May 15, 2024 – on the same day lawyers say that some masters (“Hot, Cool & Vicious and” Solt with a Deadly Pepa “) would return to artists.
Additional reverse dates include November 2024 and March 2025 in the case of the recordings of “Black’s Magic”, “A Blitz of Salt-N-Pepa” on November 20, 2025, and around 2026 for “very needed”, “biggest hits”, “let’s talk about AIDS” and “Filly.”
Actually, the very sad BC Angie Stone just sent this film recently, calling for the Universal Music Group for the essentially improper track of it.
pic.twitter.com/un48w4cz8
– Eguapo. (@Tetrillgent) March 1, 2025
They also argue: “UMG seems to take the position that he can unilaterally decide when and/or the recording artist has the right to solve. This is not the right, and the UMG has no power.” Social media users didn’t express support for corporations.
One user on Instagram wrote“What happens to musicians deceiving UMG over their masters and publishing their rights.” Another person commented“It looks like UMG must be dismantled.” Many fans noticed that the Salt-N-Pępa fight resembled Angie Stone’s claims that the corporation stole 4 a long time with their royalties.
People allow Drake hatred to tug them away from the proven fact that there are various artists sued UMG for suspicious business practices https://t.co/jtwn7fcfddd
– The BluePrint (@Southpnw) May 19, 2025
The soul singer tragically passed after a automobile accident in March, just two months after she talked about financial dispute. Fan warned“Yes, we know how it is going to go, rest easy Angie .. Soon there will be a scandal or death.”
UMG at the same time fights with the artist Drake in court. The rapper claims that the label sabotaged his earnings, participating in defamation and harassment during his rap with Kendrick Lamar.
(Tagstotransate) salt ‘n’ pepa
Thanks to the courtesy of the trainer
When Jayson Tatum enters the room, he not only brings NBA Superstar Energy – he brings the intention, style and this character “you look how good they smell.” Now basketball phenomena directs all this right into a cordial partnership with the trainer, lighting a brand new fragrance campaign, which seems as personal as powerful.
“It’s a full moment for me,” says Tatum. “When I was about 10 or 11 years old, my mother got a clip from Brown Coach Money for my birthday. It made me feel an adult – as if I had some responsibility. Quickly forward, being an official partner with the trainer feels like this little child lives his dream.”
The latest fragrance of the trainer – Bold, alive and compelled to reverse his head – is deeply realized in the philosophy of the Tatum style. “There is no better compliment than someone who stops you to say:” Hey, you smell nice, “he says. “It’s a sort of certainty that this smell gives you. You may be in a suit at a black party or simply go at night-but in the event you smell good, you walk in another way. You keep your head higher.”
Asked what this smell recalls for him, Tatum doesn’t hesitate: “Extreme confidence.” And this manner of pondering is not reserved just for the days of the game or red rugs – it is something that brings to each area of your life, from personal care to paternity.
“You leave the shower like three or four times a day,” he laughs. “I have face washing, moisturizing cream, beard oil and gel for my curls. Then I am outside the door.” His increased trust? “Fresh cut. There is nothing like leaving a hairdressing chair. You feel unsuccessful.”
In addition to care, the Wellness Rutin Tatum is based on the family. “Being a dad, doing everyday things-pupils, parent-scientific conferences-it brings me peace,” he shares. “It reminds me that I’m more than just an athlete.”
While the trainers’ campaign is the fundamental milestone, Tatum covers unknown with gratitude and openness. “I never thought that the fragrance campaign would take me to the first New York Fashion Week,” he wonders. “I don’t know what will happen next – but I’m excited about what is coming.”
One thing is certain: Jayson Tatum not only defines what it means to be a NBA star – he prescribes the principles of modern masculinity, one Spritz directly.
Jordan Brand officially signed the 4-time WnBA All-Star Nafiesa Collier, today announced the company. This announcement coincides with the Tipoff of the WNBA 2025 season.
Collier, the prevailing defensive player of the 12 months, and second place in the MVP race last season, still strengthens his place as one in all the most talented league stars. In addition to W can also be a co -founder of unparalleled, the latest 3 × 3 basketball league, which goals to lift the rim of girls.
“Attaching to the Jordan family, I am now part of the legacy, which consistently defined what is possible in basketball,” said Collier in a press release. “This partnership seems particularly significant since it combines my results on the pitch with influence that goes far beyond the game itself.
“When young girls see this cult figure, I want them to inspire them to aim higher than they think. It is an honor to help achieve a tradition that smoothly combines the athletic size with cultural importance.”
Jordan Brand
Jordan Brand
Collier earlier signed a contract with Nike in 2020, which included each footwear and clothing. During her stick with Nike, she wore several models and debuted Exclusive colours for a lot of KD15 players in 2022
Her signing of Jordan appears when the brand refreshes its women’s basketball composition amongst the popularity of WNBA. Current athletes from Jordan are comparable to Rhyne Howard, Kia Nurse and Jordin Canada.
“Jordan Brand believes that the current monumental transition in women’s basketball can change the world in a similar way that Michael Jordan did in 1984 and later,” said the company in a press release. “By investing in trailblazers such as Collier, Jordan Brand confirms his commitment to shaping the future of basketball, while crossing cultural borders around the world.”
In the first round in 2019, Collier comes out of the best season with Minnesota Lynx. She obtained a mean of 20.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.9 thefts per match, leading the team to the WNBA finals.
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