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10 minutes with Victoria Monet as she prepares for the second weekend of Coachella

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COACHELLA, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 19: <> April 19, 2024 in Coachella, California. (Photo: Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Heineken)

Victoria Monet is having her moment.

Fresh off winning multiple Grammy Awards, the singer reached one other milestone in her solo profession by closing out the Coachella stage. Her performance during Weekend 1 delighted her die-hard fans and won the hearts of many other viewers and live streams as she performed her hits.

ESSENCE caught up with Monét as she prepared to enter the iconic Heineken House and storm the Mojave stage once more during the festival’s second weekend to speak about nerves, improvement, and staying present on this magical moment.

First of all, congratulations in your first performance at Coachella! How did you’re feeling whenever you first stepped on the Coachella stage last weekend? You’re obviously a veteran, but did you experience any stage fright on a stage of this size?

I used to be definitely quite nervous. I know the way big Coachella is and you discover out about being part of the lineup in the summer, so I’ve been looking forward to the show for a protracted time.

So there’s quite a bit of emotion and it was very exciting, even knowing who had done it before. Having been in the audience at previous Coachellas and watching other people, I just desired to ensure that I evoked the same feeling. Overall there was quite a bit of excitement and nervousness, but it surely was really fun.

It’s like a celebration of all festivals. So it was definitely a dream come true.

10 minutes with Victoria Monet as she prepares for the second weekend of Coachella
COACHELLA, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 19: Victoria Monét attends the Heineken House at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 19, 2024 in Coachella, California. (Photo: Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Heineken)

Are you a “Coachella mom”? Over the years, we now have noticed that it’s becoming an increasing number of common to take babies with us. Did you bring Baby Hazel with you to see the show or did she stay home for the show?

She’s been in quite a bit of rehearsals, but this weekend at Coachella I assumed it might be best if she stayed home since it’s a couple of three-hour drive after which I would not be taking her to the festival, I’d actually be going to Palm Springs to hang around in home. My mom got here to look at it so she had some Grandma time, but she apparently watched the show and was locked out for 45 minutes of my live set. So she was still an element of him. She also appeared on the show as we used her vocals for the countdown and there was a visible of her on screen as well. So it was like she was there.

Which was too cute, by the way! What song were you most excited to perform last weekend and what was the best crowd response? What did you enjoy the most and what are you looking forward to performing this weekend?

I feel dance breaks are at all times really fun because I placed on other people’s music and just get the audience in a superb mood so I even have a superb time and dance really fast. But I definitely enjoy performing “On My Mama” simply because I feel it’s the song that individuals know best and I can see their faces light up. They perform choreography to the audience and just have a good time. And I’m very excited to do the show again. 45 minutes goes by quickly, so I’ll attempt to stay present on this set as well.

10 minutes with Victoria Monet as she prepares for the second weekend of Coachella
COACHELLA, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 19: Victoria Monét attends the Heineken House at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 19, 2024 in Coachella, California. (Photo: Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Heineken)

Heading into the second weekend, do you’re feeling like all the pressure is gone, or do you’re thinking that getting on stage will likely be different this time? How does it feel to be preparing to retread each stage of this performance?

The feeling is absolutely like this… I even have notes. I even have things I would like to repair. There were quite a bit of little things and I feel that is normal for festival shows, simply because it is not your environment and there are quite a bit of changes and performers in a single space. So I even have a couple of things I would like to repair, after which I even have more rehearsals to refine certain things and solve problems like set design flaws and wardrobe elements that we will improve. I’m just fine-tuning the set, so hopefully this weekend will likely be even higher than last. The pressure is absolutely to return back and do higher than the first weekend.

Now this yr you may be staying at the iconic Heineken House on the festival grounds. Who are you looking forward to performing?

I would love to see BIA! I like BIA. I like Channel Trés and I like Lupe [Fiasco] too, but I’ll be on the Mojave stage during Lupe’s performance. So I’m looking forward to introducing artists on Friday that I have not seen yet, in order that will likely be quite a treat. I can just watch and be part of an exciting environment and see other performers doing their thing, which sounds really, really fun.

(*10*)10 minutes with Victoria Monet as she prepares for the second weekend of Coachella
COACHELLA, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 19: Victoria Monét attends the Heineken House at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 19, 2024 in Coachella, California. (Photo: Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Heineken)

Coachella can boast a protracted list of successes already in the first quarter of the yr. You’ve been working hard for years to turn into a solo star, and all of it seems to finally be happening in quick succession. How does it feel to have a lot come to fruition directly and what’s next for you?

There’s definitely a way that there are quite a bit of great things happening. So my fundamental goal is to simply stay present. Because there’s a lot to rejoice, but in addition a lot to do and work. So it’s kind of a balance between realizing that I’ve gotten to where I would like to be, but in addition knowing that there is still quite a bit of things that I would like to do, just having that duality and ensuring that I’m at all times grateful, but in addition still hungry and dealing on the next things.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Former Bad Boy artist Shyne reveals his true feelings about Diddy’s role in sending him to prison following Mogul’s recent arrest

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Former rapper turned politician Moses “Shyne” Barrow has broken his silence on the recent arrest of Sean “Diddy” Combs.

The Belize-born artist, once an integral a part of Diddy’s Bad Boy Records, has publicly shared his thoughts for the primary time on the music executive’s recent legal troubles.

Though he’s made it clear that Diddy’s legal troubles “don’t make him happy,” the “Bad Boyz” chart-topper stays adamant that his former boss “ruined” his life.

Former Bad Boy artist Shyne blames Diddy for his 10-year sentence for a 1999 nightclub shooting. (Photo: Prince Williams/WireImage; Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

Shyne’s statement got here just days after Combs was arrested on federal charges including extortion, human trafficking and prostitution, which resulted in Diddy being denied bail twice.

The case has made headlines, with many wondering about Diddy’s past. Not only are people bringing up his infamous “Freak-offs” and “Diddy Parties,” but in addition his infamous connection to an incident at a New York nightclub in 1999, where Shyne was partying with the Bad Boy founder and his then-girlfriend, Jennifer Lopez, before gunfire injured two people.

Shyne had no idea how his life would unravel after that night. His profession was cut short, and his life as a free man was marked by first-degree assault, possession of a weapon and reckless endangerment. The chart-topping star was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2001 for his role in the altercation. He was eventually released in 2009 and deported to Belize.

Fast forward to 2024, and the 2 men appear to be on completely different paths. Shyne is now the leader of the opposition in the Belize House of Representatives, while Diddy faces charges that would land him a life sentence. Shyne shared his thoughts on his former boss’ case at a press conference in Belize.

“When I was an 18-year-old kid who wanted to do nothing but make my mother and Belize happy and be recognized for my talent and take over the world,” Shyne recalled in an interview with Channel 5 Belize. “I defended him and he turned around and called witnesses to testify against me.”

Shyne’s face remained impassive as he explained the role Diddy played in his legal struggles. “He contributed to… basically sent me to prison. That’s the context in which this (relationship) should always be described. I’ve forgiven. I’ve moved on. But let’s not pretend I was in Miami for Thanksgiving and Christmas.”

Shyne suggested that he and Combs aren’t as close as some might think. Despite his forgiving heart, he made sure to set the record straight about their relationship.

“So let’s not lose sight of the cold, hard facts,” Shyne said. “This is not someone I vacationed with and he and I had this wonderful, intimate brotherhood with. This is someone who destroyed my life and I have forgiven him and moved on.”

For years, Shyne has worked with Diddy to bring resources to Belize, but Diddy has clarified that their partnership is strictly business-related.

“Don’t distort it like we’re boom bally. This is someone who ruined my life,” he continued.

Shyne’s evolution from rapper to politician has not gone unnoticed. When The Shade Room published press conference, many praised him for his grace and wisdom in handling the situation, with one commentator noting, “Shyne is the true definition of someone who will sit back and let God do the work.”

Another person said, “This man has really grown. Holding on to bitterness and resentment only hurts you, not the perpetrator. Let life deal with people. Karma never loses its address.”

“Forgiving someone without an apology is powerful,” said a 3rd comment.

Not everyone was impressed. Some wanted him to admit his role in his death.

“First of all, you ruined your life…let’s take responsibility,” the Shade Room commentary admonished. “That’s the problem, people not taking responsibility for their actions and how it leads them to destruction.”

Despite his troubled past, Shyne stays focused on his future and the well-being of his country. “Nobody has to fail for me to succeed,” he said, further evidence of his growth.

Meanwhile, the producer behind the success of artists like Mary J. Blige, The Notorious B.I.G. and The Lox is facing legal troubles. His legal team had proposed a $50 million bail to secure his release, but a judge denied the request, citing concerns about witness intimidation and flight risk. The music mogul will remain behind bars in Brooklyn as his trial approaches.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Pharrell Williams ‘Irritated’ by Celebrity Political Endorsements

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Pharrell Williams shouldn’t be a fan of celebrity political endorsements. In an interview with Hollywood ReporterThe multi-faceted star shared her more “humanist” view of politics and her opinion on the music and entertainment industry’s involvement in elections.

“I’m more of a humanitarian. I like people who try to help others. I’m not sure I’ll ever vote for the far right. I won’t,” he reportedly said with fun. “But I’m not really into politics. I do like some of the politics; I think education is important. We have a nonprofit called YELLOW (whose mission is equality through education), and then there’s another 501(c)(3) that helps black and brown entrepreneurs called Black Ambition—those are the things I lean into. I’m not an activist, but I believe in action.”

As hundreds of men and girls rally to support Vice President Kamala Harris within the 2024 presidential election, Williams revealed his mixed feelings about celebrities publicly endorsing political candidates. When asked if he would allow any party to make use of his music of their campaigns, as Beyoncé did with Harris, Williams said no, adding that he sometimes “gets irritated” by celebrities getting involved in politics.

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“Sometimes I get annoyed when I see celebrities trying to tell you (who to vote for). There are celebrities I respect who have their own opinions, but not all of them. I’m one of those people (who says, ‘What the hell? Shut up. Nobody asked you,'” he explained. “When people come out and start thinking they’re righteous, they roll up their sleeves and go around with a sign saying, ‘Shut up!'”

In recent years, celebrity endorsements have turn into a key a part of each parties’ political campaigns. While Williams apparently has no plans to endorse anyone this election cycle, he publicly endorsed former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2016. Similarly, he sent former President Trump a letter demanding that he stop using his song “Happy” at one in all his rallies.

“Politics is not my field of expertise,” he said, at a Clinton rally in 2016“But I am a human being. I am a human being with a family, a human being who shares this Earth with other people. These elections are simply too important. I could not sit on the sidelines and just remain silent.”

Social media users were quick to criticize the Louis Vuitton menswear creative director for his seemingly contradictory comments.

“I respectfully disagree, Pharrell. The voices of the informed can educate,” one user wrote on X.

“That’s a privileged approach, lol,” said one other as well as.

Regardless of your opinion on celebrity political endorsements, Williams’ statement reminds us how vital it’s to do your research and fully understand the ballot before casting your vote.

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Jennifer Lopez allegedly wants ‘revenge’ on Ben Affleck, revealing how he ‘let her down’ in the bedroom amid embarrassing divorce

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jlo-ben-affleck revenge

Soon-to-be-four-time divorcee Jennifer Lopez is reportedly gearing up to disclose unflattering details about her relationship with Ben Affleck following their recent split.

According to a brand new report, Lopez, 55, who has previously praised their passionate sex life in her music, is now considering changing her praise and should be preparing to release a song that paints a very different picture.

jlo-ben-affleck revenge
Sources claim that singer Jennifer Lopez wants to embarrass her soon-to-be ex-husband Ben Affleck with songs about his poor bedroom performance. (Photos: @jlo/(Instagram; Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

As tensions between them intensify following their breakup, a more essential side of their time together begins to come back to light.

Lopez, who once bragged about watching the “Good Will Hunting” actor have sex in the bedroom while singing sensual lyrics in “The Greatest Love Story Never Told,” appears to be changing his tune on Affleck’s abilities in the bedroom.

“When things were going well between them, J.Lo put Ben and his bedroom skills on a pedestal,” the insider said. revealed to In Touch, “but she’s taken off her rose-tinted glasses and is telling people he was actually a pretty selfish and basic lover.”

This marks a major change from Lopez’s previous tributes to Affleck, in which she appeared to idolize him each personally and physically.

Her latest album, This Is Me… Now: A Love Story, released in February, was intended to have a good time their renewed romance.

Lopez’s ninth studio album featured a companion film that showcased their relationship in a vibrant light. While she produced the project herself, In Touch’s alleged source claims that Affleck played a major role behind the scenes, likely controlling the narrative greater than people realize.

Just two months after the project’s premiere, the couple announced their end of collaboration and have remained separated ever since.

However, Lopez’s tone has reportedly modified drastically. She not praises Affleck’s talent but as a substitute expresses frustrations about their personal lives, especially his mediocre performance in the bedroom, a brand new report claims.

“She’s so pissed she wrote all those sexy lyrics about him,” an alleged insider told In Touch, claiming Lopez is considering writing one other song that exposes Affleck’s flaws.

The person said at the time: “She says she’s now ready to write a breakup song that hits where it hurts most and makes up to him for all the ways he let her down, including in the bedroom.”

Adding that Lopez uses writing as an outlet for her emotions and that her team is fully supportive of the idea, the anonymous spokesperson said, “She’s very emotional and angry right now, and part of the way she deals with her emotions is by keeping a journal and writing. Her team is encouraging her to channel that into songwriting.”

Lopez’s longtime manager Benny Medina and her team are reportedly urging her to pursue the project, though some speculate they’ve been working behind the scenes to break Affleck’s image since their marriage began to unravel.

This alleged manipulation is not any stranger to those that have previously been involved with Lopez’s life.

Her first husband, Ojani Noa, recently spoke to the Daily Mail about the similar treatment he experienced during his marriage to the star.

“(Her people) wanted her to look good for everything that was coming out — the movie, the album, and they didn’t want any bad publicity,” Noa claimed. “They made it sound like I didn’t want to be with her, and it was the opposite.”

There’s no word on whether Lopez plans to officially channel her frustrations with Affleck into recent music. She’s currently promoting her latest film, “Unstoppable,” a project she co-produced with Affleck and his longtime friend Matt Damon. Lopez recently attended the Toronto International Film Festival to advertise the film, although Affleck was noticeably absent.

Despite their split, the duo have remained in touch, reportedly raising their combined family together. Lopez and Affleck were recently spotted at the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel, where they met up with their children — Affleck’s daughter Seraphina, 15, son Samuel, 12, and Lopez’s twins, Emme and Max, 16 — for a family chat.

Art often imitates life, and Lopez’s story suggests she could use this tumultuous time to fuel her creativity. Whether it’s a chart-topping song or successful movie, the fallout from this breakup could encourage her next big hit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mMFIOGsIdA


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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