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J. Cole’s Inevitable is an audio series that every aspiring creator should listen to

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J. Cole, J. Cole Inevitable, J. Cole audio series, J. Cole career, J. Cole hip-hop, The Big Three hip-hop, theGrio.com

While two-thirds of rap’s short-lived Big Three – Kendrick Lamar and Drake – are respectively dropping albums and taking legal motion, the remaining one-third (J. Cole, whose commentary on the Big Three is somewhat liable for the direction 2024 has taken in hip-hop) went in a special direction. J. Cole recently released an audio series that details his history and position as one in every of hip-hop’s most iconic and well-known figures. And I have to say that should you are creative in any capability, this series is well definitely worth the price ($10) and listening. The hater in me would say this is the very best $10 I’ve ever spent on a J. Cole project; fall out.

Let me address the light-skinned elephant within the room: I actually have been quite critical of J. Cole throughout his profession. Some of this criticism was valid and a few was not. As a featured artist, I used to be critical of his musical work. I actually have often been unimpressed together with his albums, even though it has at all times been in regards to the production and never the lyrics. J. Cole is and can be one in every of the best possible rappers in the sport. Dot. I actually have been, perhaps unfairly, critical of the reception of J. Cole because the second coming of Nas. I kept joking that I showed up at J. Cole’s party every week later – and after I did, he was anointed the KOZZ and I spent his entire profession trying to hear that in his music. His fans are offended and delusional; an important combination that ensures that Cole will remain an necessary figure in hip-hop for so long as he chooses to participate.

I also want to make it clear that I’m willing to say it out loud: J. Cole is the very best feature artist I actually have ever heard in my life. When I see a song with the words “featuring J. Cole” in it, I do know I’m about to hear a verse so good that I’ll wonder how annoyed the singer of that song was when that verse got here back. His talent is unquestionable, and the introverted J. Cole is a cheat code. I actually consider it. My unfair criticism comes from his fans, but my fair criticism comes from his God-given talent.

Having said all this, I also admitted that J. Cole, as an individual, is one of the crucial interesting artists in hip-hop. I watch every documentary about or made by Cole and at all times come away from each project grateful that he is an artist we will listen to and connect with. I realize that I’m a bundle of contradictions; sue me, I’m human. (Just kidding, Drake; please don’t sue me.)

Cole’s latest attempt to show just how likable, relatable and interesting he is as a rapper and as an individual is his audio series, “Inevitable,” an audio journey that begins together with his beginnings as a rapper and leads through his albums. On the show’s website, the episodes only appear in “2014 Forest Hills Drive,” but I can not imagine him not continuing this on his other albums ultimately.

I remember early Kanye West being an artist that most of us college kids became attached to in hip-hop. Kanye’s highschool dropout formula encapsulated all of the hallmarks of our college experiences, but the reality is that it was J. Cole who truly embodied this ethos (as did Phonte and Pooh from Little Brother and a handful of other rappers and groups like Kids In The Hall). Early episodes feature J. Cole telling his story (together with longtime friend and manager Ibrahim Hamad and director Scott Lazer), including stories about applying to and stepping into college, what it took for his family to make it, financial problems, his early recordings and that famous story about waiting outside the studio to give Jay-Z a record. But it isn’t just the story Cole tells that makes this such an enchanting and galvanizing read; the purpose is that he shares emotions that, even in his stories, still seem as vivid and real as they did then.

Cole is not some industry-made artist given the keys to the dominion, but a child with talent, dreams, and enough delusions (he mentions his delusions early and infrequently) to consider he could make it – and has probably far exceeded even his wildest dreams . The stories behind the creation of his artistic endeavors are great, however the seriousness with which he tells them, sharing where he was in life, especially at first, is so believable. I used to be inspired by his journey and I’m only three episodes in. Not only do I need J. Cole to win (he clearly did and did), but I’m also invested in him winning. This is especially irritating because while listening, you possibly can almost forget that the person you are listening to is one in every of the largest and most successful musical artists in the sport. It’s not guarded or pretentious. He names individuals who helped him and shouts out to them. He keeps his feet firmly on the bottom.

This kinship makes Cole’s journey feel like a journey any of us can take. This doesn’t apply to the streets. This doesn’t mean having to overcome a life stuffed with struggles. It’s a couple of smart, talented kid from North Carolina who has a recognized talent, wants to achieve it, and meets the appropriate individuals who will help them on this journey that they’re all on together even today. Cole’s story could also be “inevitable,” but I feel every creator can and should hear it since it’s an inspirational journey. Above all, it makes you realize that sometimes you only have to keep going; you possibly can develop into the best person in your field.

Perhaps your story is inevitable too.


Panama Jackson theGrio.com

This article was originally published on : thegrio.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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