Entertainment
Who’s afraid of Shaboozey? — Andlandscape
The yr was 1971 and Charley Pride was about to make history. At the Country Music Association Awards ceremony, renowned singer-songwriter and guitarist Glen Campbell opened the envelope and flashed a knowing smile as if he had just heard the perfect news of the day. “Artist of the Year…yes he deserves it, our buddy Mr. Charley Pride!” At the time, the image of a black man presenting essentially the most coveted award to a white-dominated music genre was surreal. And Pride fully deserved it, as he released five consecutive platinum-selling albums, in addition to his fourth No. 1 country single: “I’d somewhat love you“
Pride, who died in 2020, was an agent of change within the industry — his hit-making profession spanned from 1952 to 2020 with the discharge of “Amy’s eyes” as his last charting single in 1990 – and opened the door to future generations of Black Country artists, most recently 29-year-old breakout star Shaboozey. There was actually cause for optimism when the Virginia native was nominated for New Artist of the Year and Single of the Year on the 58th Annual Awards.vol Annual CMA Awards. However, after performing a mixture the somber “Highway” and his record-breaking song “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” Shaboozey won in each categories.
The losses were enough to lift eyebrows amongst some fans and viewers on social media. Before the musician stepped foot on stage in Nashville, Tennessee on November 20, his ubiquitous hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” had already topped the Billboard Hot 100 for an incredible 17 weeks, tying Lil Nas X’s hit “Old Town Road” the 2019 remix (“A Bar Song” has it has now topped the charts for 19 weeks). It also broke American country sweetheart Carrie Underwood’s record for the longest-running No. 1 debut single on country airwaves.
Despite his record-breaking hit and moving awards performance, many of the evening’s headlines focused mainly on the “jokes” Shaboozey witnessed in the course of the telecast. Throughout the show, his name was was a relentless, mocking punch line, a lot in order that CMA’s hometown newspaper exclaimed: drained running gag. The biggest offender, producer Trent Willmon, seemingly out of nowhere, dropped the artist during his acceptance speech for Album of the Year for his production for Cody Johnson.
“I have to tell you,” Willmon said. “This is for that cowboy who’s been kicking Shaboozey for years, y’all, Cody Johnson.” Some emphasized that it was only a harmless joke. Others have rightly identified that Nigerian-born American artist Collins Obinna Chibueze has said in interviews that he took a liking to “Shaboozey” after, amongst other things, his former college coach mispronounced his surname. Shaboozey, who seemed untroubled by all this, responded in a social media post later that evening, stating, “Nobody kicks me!” He continued“I am here today hoping that I am fulfilling my purpose…Country music has changed my life and I am forever grateful.”
Willmon responded to this confusion: writes on Instagram“greetings to Shaboozey for reacting to my misunderstandings and great sense of humor. Congratulations on this #1 song in 17 weeks!” But the outrage over bad jokes concerning the name turned out to be low-hanging fruit. An even bigger shadow was forged: Shaboozey’s hypocritical attitude.
Since its inception, country music has at all times been about relationships and community. It’s a tight-knit scene where you’ll be able to feel the poser across the corner, identical to in hip-hop culture. Black people have at all times had a spot within the history of country music, whose roots lie in African-American musical traditions including blues, gospel and folk music. Due to America’s deep-seated prejudices and sophisticated racial and cultural order, “hillbilly records” were used to advertise music geared toward white audiences and “racial records” were used to advertise music geared toward black audiences starting within the Nineteen Twenties.
The oppressive whiteness of country music was its ultimate guardian, even within the early days of the Grand Ole Opry favorite DeFord Baileyblack musician, during his historic performances from 1926 to 1941. Over the years, outside of Pride, a black artist’s industrial success in country music has largely been attributed to outsiders resembling genre-hopping icons Ray Charles, who released his album in 1962, and R&B group The Pointer Sisters, who scored in 1974 Grammy Award for “Fairytale”. And for female solo artists and songwriters, from such provocative talents as Linda Martell, Frankie Staton and Alice Randall, to the following wave of Mickey Guyton, Rissi Palmer, Brittney Spencer and Tanner Adell, their journey has been an underappreciated endeavor, at times.
Some black artists have benefited from the dominant brother hierarchy within the genre. Darius Rucker, Kane Brown, even a fallen star Jimmy Allen all achieved multi-platinum album status and sold out arenas. But what happens if you’re labeled a “hybrid” country artist and you’ll be able to’t avoid getting noticed?
Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” will be heard in television commercials and sporting events. Which brings us back to his puzzling CMA defeat. How noted by author Emily Yahr, Chris Stapleton’s soulful single “White Horse” was “a typical Stapleton hit, released over a year ago” and seemingly a far cry from the dominant track “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” New Artist of the Year Megan Moroney received a nod, but she did not have as raucous a yr as Shaboozey.
There was widespread discussion amongst some country purists that Shaboozey shouldn’t have even been nominated for a CMA Award, given his 808-drum mix, hip-hop-inspired lyrical cadence, and heartwarming honky-tonk storytelling. However, country has long overtaken the standard artistry of such giants as Loretta Lynn, George Strait and Brooks & Dunn. Polarizing duo Florida Georgia Line he rapped in his 2014 hit “This is how we roll”, featuring Luke Bryan, one of countless multi-platinum country, hip-hop and rock mash-ups that earned them several national awards.
The easy-to-root Jelly Roll (Shaboozey is currently touring with the CMA winner as a gap act) began his profession as a rapper before making the jump to country. And while playing the guitar Shaboozey brings similar hip-hop backgroundhe didn’t at all times benefit from the same favor as his fellow country adventurers.
The irony, of course, is that Shaboozey first became national news when he appeared on Beyoncé’s acclaimed show. The genre-crossing album has been praised for shedding much-needed light on the contributions of Black Country artists. Beyoncé’s ode to line dancing:Texas Hold’Em”, was a world #1 hit.
However, Queen Bey was lower than impressive in Nashville, with some even claiming that the singer was attempting to money in on the country’s growing popularity by showing no respect to the genre’s community. Beyoncé made it clear that this was not a rustic album. The criticism turned out to be a private attack at best and a racist overtone at worst.
Still, Shaboozey’s success provides the right litmus test for top country musicians. He did every part they thought Beyoncé hadn’t done: hit up country radio, cut his teeth playing local shows in Nashville, and gained the respect of other performers at country music festivals. Yet he returned home empty-handed. But Shaboozey doesn’t wallow in a single dizzying disappointment. He is headliner of the Detroit Lions Thanksgiving halftime show. He has already scheduled a performance for January 18, 2025 on the hallowed venue of country and western music, the Grand Ole Opry. Charley Pride, the visionary who helped make Shaboozey’s dream a reality, modified the humiliation of being nicknamed “Supern–r” by Willie Nelson. right into a badge of honor. Shaboozey is unfazed. He stands on the shoulders of giants.
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.
Entertainment
Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape
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.
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.”
Entertainment
ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence
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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