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Are we sure Drake will get better? — Andlandscape

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2 weeks ago

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I at all times considered Yasiin Bey a fortune teller.

Nearly 25 years ago, I went to Circuit City and acquired Bey’s (then often known as Mos Def) debut solo album. . I used to be 13 years old and hungry for rap music that was like a full meal. The album became the premise for my understanding of the world as a black teenager in America. I told people on the time that this album was top-of-the-line books I had ever read since it taught me about gentrification, colonization, and racial double standards. But the song I kept coming back to growing up was “Water of the New World”, a track that originally didn’t impress me sonically.

The song is concerning the commodification of something as common as water, with prices rising and unsafe water being provided to the black community. I used to be fascinated by this song when water crisis in Flint, Michigan, it happened. I considered this after I was in my hometown of Jackson, Mississippi fought to maintain water clean. I take into consideration this as our global climate is falling apart by the day. Whenever I see these headlines I feel: Mos Def was attempting to warn us.

Maybe we must have seen Drake are available 2024 when it will be the identical fairy began the 12 months asking one critical query about Drake: “What happens when this thing collapses?”

Bey later walked back his comments, calling Drake “very talented,” but his original statements resonated all year long. At the time of Bey’s comments, the considered Drake’s empire falling seemed as not possible because it did for him and Bey to record a song together.

But almost a 12 months later, something that gave the impression of a fantasy is now more possible than ever. Drake’s profession is at its lowest point and he isn’t doing himself any favors. The once unquestionable, at all times calculating hit machine becomes the topic of viral lyrics, stadium-filling chants and accusations of cultural appropriation. It’s an odd place to see him. But possibly we, like Mighty Mos Def, could have expected it.

Of course, the impetus for Drake’s not-so-good, very-bad 2024 was a musical attack from now-bitter rival Kendrick Lamar. Throughout the summer, the 2 traded songs in a musical chess match that gave rap one in every of its most enjoyable feuds ever. When the songs aimed toward one another were first released – Drake’s “Taylor Made Freestyle” and “Pushups” and Lamar’s “Euphoria” and “6:16 in LA” – I used to be dismissive of the concept that the feud could be clearly detrimental to either of them. them. their careers. “When the dust settles, their careers will be fine,” I wrote in May. “They will both be safe.”

Lamar then ramped up his attacks, launching a calculated, military-level lyrical invasion that targeted every weak spot of Drake’s. Sure, other rappers called him corny. But Lamar examined every blemish with exquisite precision. At the core of the attacks was the claim that Drake was not, in truth, a part of the black American culture. He is an outsider. The knockout punch was “Not Like Us,” a chart-topping anthem that questioned Drake’s relationships with underage girls, called him a colonizer, and, frankly, made him look uncool. Even after Lamar secured the victory, it gave the impression of Drake would bounce back. All he needed was one hit, right?

But Lamar didn’t stop.

Was “Not Like Us” music video.“Pop Out” concert on June 11, the announcement of the Super Bowl halftime show and the promise that 1000’s of viewers and hundreds of thousands at home will be screaming “Minor” in harmony and a surprise album stuffed with latest hits and more reasons to have fun Lamar. One thing that each one of those moments had in common was that they featured groups of individuals – a community – large crowds from Compton, California, members of the Crips and Bloods performed on stage, and songs were played by bands from historically black colleges and universities. They all banded together to make fun of Drake to the purpose that Drake’s clowning became cool. Even brands and social media influencers hungry for a chunk of hip-hop loot dismissed Drake as low-hanging fruit.

Rapper Drake attends the sport between the Houston Rockets and Cleveland Cavaliers on the Toyota Center on March 16 in Houston.

Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

With each passing day, it seemed less and fewer inevitable that Drake would find a way to undo all of it together with his next shot, largely due to his own mistakes. His latest rebuttal: “Heart, part 6″ was as ill-conceived a diss record as he could have produced, full of inaccuracies about Lamar’s music and an incredible attempt to create a narrative that would spread information into Lamar’s camp. Drake then slowed down gigabytes of content as a throwaway that didn’t move the needle. He randomly released loose songs that sometimes sounded great (“No face” is one in every of his best songs this 12 months), however it hasn’t been as well received because it often is, even in the event that they are only released to the general public. For example, his 2021 EP got here out of nowhere and still managed to chart, and “Wants and Needs” peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. This may appear to be a contradiction or an overreaction, as Drake he wasn’t attempting to release a totally polished single with the goal of dominating the charts, but these moments matter.

Rap battles, like political battles, are sometimes won on the margins. A slight deterioration within the demographic situation can damage all the campaign. A neighborhood in Pennsylvania can change all the state. A mistake in a small town in Wisconsin can damage every thing. According to Drake, he has been on the sidelines for a while now.

When did he start? insinuating that Megan Thee Stallion was lying about being shot by Tory Lanez and in addition you are turning pale together with one other Canadian rapper, this resonated together with his black female fans, which contributed greatly to his success. The ghostwriting allegations which have dogged him for years have damaged his standing among the many same hip-hop purists who now rally around Lamar’s authenticity and writing style. And yes, strange exchanges with underage girls also turned off some segments of his base. These dents weren’t enough to scale back Drake’s overall popularity prior to this 12 months. Still, they matter when presented as a unifying whole – on this case, Lamar – who laid out all the explanations to hate Drake in clever, catchy, and sometimes hilarious rhyming couplets and chants.

And now Drake has delivered a suicide note that betrays the rapper’s history as the identical calculating, sensible warrior who crushed Meek Mill to dust in his clenched fist. Two weeks ago, Drake filed two complaints against the corporate own record label, Universal Music Group, for artificially amplifying “Not Like Us” and promoting a song that he claims spread false accusations about him. Other than that, Drake didn’t prefer to lose and successfully called the police on the black man. In a dispute based on Drake’s association together with his Blackness and his status as a hip-hop interloper, filing a legal challenge over words spoken during a rap battle discourages any motion Drake can have taken. While Drake has been memed and joked about throughout his profession, the uproar has never been like what we’ve seen over the previous few weeks.

There has at all times been a belief that Drake is one stroke away from forgetting every thing – disqualifications, accusations and banality. But I’m not sure that is the case anymore. We enter the aftermath of a feud that’s more paying homage to the lopsided beating 50 Cent received Ja Rule within the early 2000s, effectively ending his superstar profession, than the back-and-forth between Jay-Z and Nas that helped each side rise to the following level. their careers. It’s one-sided and the tide is popping towards the megastar greater than expected. Unfortunately, lots of the problems are Drake’s fault. Lamar masterfully took down one in every of rap’s biggest stars, but he also used Drake’s refusal to handle and fix a few of the issues that were already bubbling beneath the surface. Now the road to recovery is bumpier than ever, and Drake’s future is unsure. What once gave the impression of an obstacle is increasingly looking like a ditch from which it will take some serious work for the once biggest rap star to climb out of.

Nobody could have predicted this.

Except possibly Mos Def, after all.

DavidDennis Jr. is a senior author at Andscape and the writer of the award-winning book “The Movement Made Us: A Father, a Son, and the Legacy of a Freedom Ride.” David is a graduate of Davidson College.

This article was originally published on : andscape.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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1 week ago

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December 9, 2024

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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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1 week ago

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December 9, 2024

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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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1 week ago

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December 9, 2024

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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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