Pharrell for i-D Magazine - The Faith In Chaos Issue 2020!
Kanye West and Pharrell Williams teamed up for a new interview in i-D‘s “The Faith In Chaos” Summer 2020 issue. The longtime friends and collaborators talked at length over the phone about their respective and historic careers, the importance of Virginia to modern Black music, and how essential American manufacturing is moving forward.
Kanye opened up the interview thanking Pharrell for breaking out of the mould as both a musician and as someone deeply invested in personal style. “I think one of the things that you, Pharrell, inspired in me was this fearlessness to break the mould. You’re the inspiration. Before I wore a pink polo you were wearing a pink polo. That lineage is mapped out and proven, and you can go from then all the way up to the moment we have in culture now. You broke down the doors in fashion for us.”
Given that Kanye was calling from one of his ranches in Wyoming, and Pharrell was somewhere in Miami, each practicing social distancing, they both detailed their experiences during the coronavirus pandemic. “This is a plague we’re living through at the moment. I don’t think there will be such a thing as a new normal – it doesn’t do enough justice to the difference in who we were pre-pandemic and who we will be moving forward,” Pharrell said. “Life’s going to have a different kind of gravity than it’s ever had before. It’s also gonna make us really separated… But we have been through many plagues before. We have been through pandemics. We survived. We’re gonna make it. In a lot of ways we got ourselves into this, we gotta get to work to get through it.”
“We need to understand humanity as one species. We need to change our mentality, readjust our mindset and use that readjusted mindset to change the world,” Kanye chimed in.
The interview was released just days after Kanye donated $2 million USD to various charitable causes and paid for George Floyd’s daughter’s college tuition. Later that day he joined protesters in his hometown, marching for reforms to both city police and the public schools in Chicago. West is also working on the follow-up to Jesus Is King tentatively titled God’s Country. Back in April, he spoke with GQ about architecture, sustainability and his fervent support of current President Donald Trump.
Kanye also discussed the cultural impact of Michael Jackson and how he feels like the media has plotted to tear him, and other Black cultural figures, down in a similar way over the years. “In a way [Pharrell]‘s very similar to Michael Jackson, in the ways where Michael Jackson was doing covert, super gangsta stuff, like he’d just pop the needles off. He kissed Elvis Presley’s daughter on MTV. Black culture used to be… we used to be fronting all night, but Michael was doing stuff that was different to what we were programmed to understand as being what we should do. He bought The Beatles’ back catalogue.”
Kanye continued, “We should have something that says we can’t allow any company to tear down our heroes. Not on The Shade Room, not on social media and especially not in documentaries. I’m like every time the media isn’t happy with me it’s like, ‘Here they go. They’re gonna come and Wacko Jacko me.’ Which in some ways, they’ve tried to do.”
Other highlights include Kanye’s continual plan to build homeless shelters, which he’s currently workshopping in Wyoming, the emergence of the Age of Aquarius and more. “Faith is not about what you see, faith is not about what you hear. Faith is about what you feel, and mankind is absolutely in a place and in a state of feeling more than it ever has been before,” Pharrell said.
Read the full piece via i-D. In more music news, André 3000 released a limited run of shirts inspired by his iconic concert jumpsuits with 100% of net proceeds donated to Movement for Black Lives.
#RHOA: NeNe Leakes Threatens To Expose More Bravo Stars For Racism After Stassi Schroeder Firing!
“Real Housewives of Atlanta” star NeNe Leakes is threatening to expose more Bravo stars who she claims have made racist comments after the network announced they fired “Vanderpump Rules” OGs Stassi Schroeder and Kristen Doute in the wake of their scandal with ex-employee Faith Stowers. Bravo announced the news on their social media accounts on Tuesday, June 9 and NeNe left a salty comment on their Instagram page that’s leaving many of the network’s fans on the edge of their seats.
Bravo’s statement read: “Bravo and Evolution Media confirmed today that Stassi Schroeder, Kristen Doute, Max Boyens and Brett Caprioni will not be returning to Vanderpump Rules,” which left followers immediately calling for others stars’ heads including cast members from “RHOC,” “RHOD,” and Jax Taylor from “Pump Rules.” “Do Kelly Dodd next!” one person requested. “What about Brandi Redmond?” questioned another. “WHAT ABOUT JAX!! why does he get a pass?” asked a third. But NeNe Leakes’ response is stealing everyone’s thunder.
Taking to Bravo’s Instagram announcement, the “RHOA” OG hit back by writing, “Well alrighty then! Now we have a few more questions to ask about in other areas where there’s a major difference,” before threatening, “Should we talk privately or publicly🤔.” Obviously, fans want her to spill the tea publicly and began begging the star to do just that. “I’m listening but say it loud for the people in the back,” one fan wrote. “Spill spill spill please 🙌🏼,” added another. “🗣Speak on it!” encouraged a third.
NeNe Leakes has yet to elaborate on which Bravo star or number of stars she is referring to but fans are taking bets. “Ramona should be next,” someone replied mentioning the “RHONY” cast member. “YES HONEY LET THEM KNOW WE WANT @mrjaxtaylor @brittany @lalakent too. I’ll have my people call your people,” added another fan referring to more of the “Vanderpump Rules” cast. Some even turned on NeNe and said she should be next. “When is @bravotv going to fire you?” a follower popped off. “You’re next,” added another.
As reported, Stassi Schroeder and Kristen Doute attempted to do damage control by issuing separate apologies days ago but fans weren’t having it and immediately called for Bravo to fire them. But the show isn’t all they are losing. Kristen’s book publisher has dropped her, and Stassi’s talent agency and PR team have cut ties. She’s also not getting that dream TV wedding to Beau Clark that Bravo was opening their checkbooks for. Which, as fans pointed out, is irony at its best.
#MusicNews: Prince’s Former Musicians Bear ‘The Cross’ For Minneapolis!
When he was with us, Prince was very vocal about standing up for social justice in his art. In fact, one of his last singles was protest song "Baltimore," which addressed the civil unrest that broke out after the death of Freddie Gray at the hands of police. He's no longer with us, but his activist voice lives on through his work and the lives he touched. A host of musicians who worked with him throughout his decades-long career decided to come together to perform his 1987 song "The Cross" as a tribute to Minneapolis, Prince's hometown and the city whose turmoil ignited the current blaze of unrest around the world.Though it's from Prince's Sign O' The Times era, "The Cross" fits in with this day and age quite well.
LISTEN
Helping to keep it relevant are a host of musicians and performers — including Ashley Tamar Davis, Frédéric Yonnet, Dr. Fink, Adrian Crutchfield, MonoNeon, Donna Grantis, Tommy Barbarella, Mayte Garcia, Marcus Anderson, Lynn Grissett, Cassandra O'Neal, Ida Nielsen, Marcus Anderson, Mike Scott and many, many more — who were assembled by drummer/producer Kirk Johnson. The group of musicians encompasses nearly the entirety of Prince's 40-year career, with representatives from The Revolution, New Power Generation and 3RDEYEGIRL among their ranks. Still, it's Ashley Tamar Davis (who was known as simply Tamar during her time as a Prince protégée) and Kip Blackshire who stand out here. Kip almost sounds exactly like his royal Purpleness at times as he sings the lead vocal. Meanwhile, Tamar injects a bit of soul and light with her fluttering vocal. The combination of their voices and the massive amounts of talent backing them makes this one a must hear. The cover was released to coincide with what would've been Prince's 62nd birthday, and it's not only a fitting tribute to him, but also to the city that he loved.
#HipHopNews” 6IX9INE And Nicki Minaj To Drop New Song “Trollz” On Friday!
It's official. 6ix9ine has teamed up with Nicki Minaj once again for his second single since being released from prison months early due to coronavirus concerns.
On Wednesday (June 10), Nicki confirmed that she and Tekashi are dropping a new track called "Trollz" at the end of the week. This morning, images of brightly colored merchandise promoting Nicki and 6ix9ine's new single began to circulate on social media after both rappers' webstores unveiled clothing, cassette, vinyl and digital versions of the record.
can be copped at nickiminajqueen.com.
Hits Daily Double then tweeted that 6ix9ine's new single "Trollz" will be released on Friday (June 12). "#TROLLZ by @6ix9ine and @NICKIMINAJ drops this Friday," the post reads.
Shortly after, Nicki officially announced on Instagram that the single while also sharing details about how the record will contribute to social injustice efforts. The Queens, N.Y. native said that a portion of the proceeds will be going to the Bail Project Inc., a program that provides free bail assistance to low-income individuals, who are unable to pay their bail as they await trial.
"A portion of the proceeds from #Trollz including merch items, will be going directly to The Bail Project Inc.," she wrote in the Instagram post." "The fund provides free bail assistance to low-income individuals who can’t afford to pay bail while awaiting their trial. We want to protect and support the thousands of brave people working on the front lines of social justice, using their voices to demand AN END to the targeting and killing of Black Americans by the police."
"Trollz" follows Nicki's song "Yikes," which dropped in February, and is the second single to be unleashed by the 6ix9ine since he was released from prison and into home confinement in April. In early May, Tekashi gave fans "Gooba," but it wasn't long before he promised another track was on the way and reports claimed it would be another single featuring Mrs. Petty.
After teasing something was on the horizon, the song was delayed due to scheduling. It was postponed again last week to stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and the murder of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man who was suffocated by former Minneapolis, Minn. police officer Derek Chauvin while being detained, and the many other victims of police brutality.
"Trollz" is not the first time Nicki and 6ix9ine have worked together. In 2018, before the "Bebe" rapper was taken into federal custody, the two New York rappers released "Fefe," which peaked at No. 3 after spending 20 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The Grammys Make Changes To R&B And Rap Categories!
The Grammys are taking action.
The Recording Academy has announced several rule changes and additional guidelines for the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards, which include the renaming of two R&B and rap categories.
The Best Urban Contemporary Album category, which was added to the Grammys in 2012, will now be called Best Progressive R&B Album. The Academy said that the new title serves as a “more accurate definition to describe the merit or characteristics of music compositions or performances themselves within the genre of R&B.”
The “urban” title change arrives amid conversations surrounding Black Lives Matter protests and the shifting climate. The word, which has become a synonym for black music, has been criticized for being antiquated and inappropriate at a time when hip-hop and R&B are the most dominant genres of music. As Rolling Stone points out, the Grammys will still use the “urban” verbiage in other categories including Best Latin Pop or Urban Album.
Previous winners for Best Urban Contemporary Album include Lizzo’s Cuz I Love You in 2019, Beyoncé and JAY-Z’s Everything Is Love in 2018, The Weeknd’s Starboy in 2017, and Beyoncé’s Lemonade in 2016.
MAJOR CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE TO SEVERAL RULES AND GUIDELINES THAT REFLECT THE ONGOING COMMITMENT TO EVOLVE WITH THE MUSICAL LANDSCAPE AND TO ENSURE THAT THE #GRAMMYS NOMINATING PROCESS AND RULES ARE MORE TRANSPARENT AND FAIR. HTTPS://T.CO/28EHO91Z1U
— RECORDING ACADEMY / GRAMMYS (@RECORDINGACAD) JUNE 10, 2020
Additionally, the Best Rap/Sung Performance category has been rechristened as Best Melodic Rap Performance to “represent the inclusivity of the growing hybrid performance trends within the rap genre.”
“These changes were necessary for the culture; the naming and defining of expressions from our culture is significant in providing agency for the historically underserved, misidentified, and misrepresented,” said Kokayi Walker, the Academy’s DC Chapter Trustee.
Other changes were made to categories including Best New Artist. Starting with the 2021 ceremony, artists will be eligible regardless of how much material they’ve previously released. Until now, artists who had released more than 30 singles/tracks were not eligible for the category.
“The new rules were voted in last month and aim to better serve the music community by ensuring they are inclusive and reflective of modern perceptions of music of all genres,” said the Academy in a statement.
The 63rd Grammy Awards will take place January 31, 2021.
Ne-Yo's performance at George Floyd's funeral earns raves, sparks controversy!
R&B superstar singer-songwriter and World of Dance judge Ne-Yo broke down twice while struggling through an a cappella rendition of “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday” at George Floyd’s funeral service, held Tuesday at the Fountain of Praise Church in Floyd’s hometown of Houston. But while Ne-Yo clearly sang from the heart, remarks he made before his performance generated swift backlash online.
“Fifty states are protesting at the same time. This man changed the world — changed the world for the better. So, I just want to personally thank George Floyd for his sacrifice, so that my kids can be all right later on. I appreciate the sacrifice, my brother, I genuinely do,” the father of four declared, referring to how the shocking May 25 death of Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, after white Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes, sparked national protests against police brutality and national conversations about systemic racism.
“It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday,” originally by G.C. Cameron, has become a go-to anthem of sorts in a year of mourning: Boyz II Men, who had a hit with it in 1991, performed the ballad with Alicia Keys during the opening of the 2020 Grammy Awards ceremony in tribute to Kobe Bryant, who had died in a helicopter crash that day. At Floyd’s memorial service, applause broke out the moment Ne-Yo began singing the song; this no doubt encouraged him to keep going. “God bless,” Ne-Yo said softly as he left the stage after he finished.
But while many fans watching the live stream of the service were moved by Ne-Yo’s performance, many others took issue with his comments about Floyd’s “sacrifice,” criticizing the statement as inappropriate and tone-deaf, or at least poorly worded.
Beyoncé Is Rumored To Be In Talks With Disney To Work On 3 Films For $100 Million!
Beyoncé's work with Disney may have only begun with her voicing Nala in the live-action version of The Lion King that came out last year. The Sun is reporting that Beyoncé allegedly is in talks with the House of Mouse to sign a $100 million deal to work on three major projects.
One of the films would be Black Panther 2; The Sun claims Bey would be part of the film's soundtrack.
A source said, “Beyoncé has become a major player for Disney and is the perfect fit for their brand." It added that “as part of the deal, they are also trying to get her team to agree to have Beyoncé voicing some of the new documentaries coming to Disney Plus. After the success of having Meghan Markle voicing the film Elephant on the platform, they have projects coming up which align perfectly with Beyoncé’s brand. The negotiations are still ongoing but it’s the final details that are being thrashed out now.”
Beyoncé most recently graced Disney with her presence on ABC's Disney Family Singalong special in April. During the special meant to honor those on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic, Bey shared a message to families before singing "When You Wish Upon a Star" from Pinocchio.
"I'm proud and honored to be part of the Disney family and to help present the Disney song singalong in partnership with Feeding America," Beyoncé prefaced the song. "I'd like to dedicate this song to all of the healthcare workers who have been working tirelessly to keep us healthy and safe. We greatly appreciate you."
Thomas Lane, Ex-Officer Charged In George Floyd’s Death, Leaves Jail After Posting Bond!
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Thomas Lane, one of the four former Minneapolis police officers involved in the death of George Floyd, has been released from Hennepin County Jail Wednesday afternoon after posting bond, according to jail records.
Lane, 37, was one of the officers — including Derek Chauvin, Tou Thao and J. Alexander Kueng — that responded to the call about the alleged use of a counterfeit $20 bill on Memorial Day at Cup Foods on East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in south Minneapolis.
The officers handcuffed Floyd, 46, then ended up restraining him on the street next to a squad car, where Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes. Chauvin has been charged with second- and third-degree murder, and third-degree manslaughter. The other officers, including Lane, have been charged with aiding and abetting both second-degree unintentional murder and second-degree manslaughter. All four will make their next court appearance on June 29.
Hennepin County Jail’s roster notes that Lane was released Wednesday at 4:08 p.m. His bail had been set at $1 million. Earl Gray, Lane’s attorney, has stated that the case against the former officer, who was on his fourth day on the job, is “weak.” He said Lane asked Chauvin at one point if Floyd should be rolled on his side, and he attempted to give Floyd CPR in an ambulance.
“[Lane was] pounding on this guy trying to revive him. Where is the willful intent?” Gray said.
Floyd’s death sent shock waves across the globe, causing a major shift in views on policing, and highlighting historic and systemic racism against Black Americans. Nine Minneapolis city council members — a veto-proof majority — announced Sunday that they aim to defund and dismantle the Minneapolis police department and shift the focus to a more compassionate and community-centered approach.
Both Mayor Jacob Frey and Police Chief Medaria Arradondo support reform instead of defunding, with Arradondo announcing earlier Wednesday that the department is pulling out of contract negotiations with the Minneapolis Police Officers Federation, led by Lt. Bob Kroll.
‘This Is Us’ Writer Jas Waters Dies at 39!
Jas Waters, TV writer and journalist, who was a writer on This Is Us and most recently on Kidding, has died.
The news was confirmed Wednesday in a statement from the This Is Us writers Twitter account. No cause of death was given. She was 39.
“The entire #ThisIsUs family was devastated to learn of Jas Waters passing,” the statement read. “In our time together, Jas left her mark on us and ALL over the show. She was a brilliant storyteller and a force of nature. We send our deepest sympathies to her loved ones. She was one of us. RIP @JasFly.”
Waters worked on the second season of NBC’s flagship drama series This Is Us. She most recently wrote on Showtime’s Kidding. Her other TV writing credits include VH1’s The Breaks and Comedy Central’s Hood Adjacent with James Davis. She also has a story-by credit on the Taraji P. Henson feature What Men Want.
This Is Us creator Dan Fogelman said of Waters on Twitter, “This news took my breath away. Jas was absolutely brilliant and had so many stories still to tell. She made an indelible mark on our show and my heart breaks for her loved ones. RIP @JasFly” This Is Us stars Mandy Moore and Susan Kelechi Watson also paid tribute to Waters.
Prior to her work in television, Waters was a columnist for Vibe magazine.
In a 2018 interview with Shadow and Act, Waters talked about her road to becoming a screenwriter. “I was raised in an old folks’ home. I never had a traditional life; I never had a safe, cookie-cutter, predictable, affirming life. From the moment I got here, the rules didn’t apply to me. If the basic rules of raising a kid didn’t apply to me, then nothing else really applies to me. So I just had to figure it out. There were several times in my life that I found to be very confining. But as I look back on it, it was very freeing,” she said.
‘The Wendy Williams Show’ Holding Off On @Home Editions For Now!
The Wendy Williams Show is taking a pause on @Home editions for now. Williams took to social media today to reveal the show will hold off on remotely-produced shows as it awaits word that it can go back into production in the studio.
“I’m waiting for the state of New York to say that we as a show can go back,” Williams told fans Wednesday in video posts on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. With a caption that reads “I (heart) u for watching!,” Williams told viewers “I want to go back to doing our show. Nothing makes me happier than to be Wendy on The Wendy Show… what I want the most is to be with you. I miss you. I miss you a lot.” You can watch the video in full below.
“The goal is to be back in studio as soon as we are allowed,” a show spokesperson confirmed in a statement. “If that is delayed until later in the year, we may revisit the @ Home shows.”
Williams announced in May that she was taking some time off from her show due to health concerns over her Graves’ disease.
The Wendy Williams Show had been airing remote episodes (Wendy@Home) from Williams’ New York City home since April 6 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The nationally syndicated talker, along with much of TV and film, shut down production on March 12 due to COVID-19 concerns.
The Wendy Williams Show, produced and distributed by Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury, has been renewed on Fox Television Stations through 2021-22.
George Floyd's Daughter Gianna Has Been Given A Full Ride To Texas Southern University!
Gianna Floyd sadly buried her dad, George Floyd, this week, after he was senselessly murdered over the Memorial Day holiday in Minneapolis.
Now, Texas Southern University is providing Gianna with a full ride scholarship to their university when she reaches age.
“Mr. Floyd was a lifelong citizen of the Third Ward and a revered graduate of Jack Yates High School. The Board, in conjunction with the TSU Foundation Board, has approved a fund to provide a full scholarship for Floyd’s beloved daughter, Gianna,” TSU shared in a post on Facebook.
The statement added, “TSU’s executive and academic staff will prepare a place for Miss Floyd if she wishes to attend the University.”
While many have applauded the school for the gesture, some have also spoken out and said the university should also provide scholarships for Mr. Floyd’s four other children as well.
Nia Long Encounters Racist Karen on American Airlines!
Actress Nia Long calls out American Airlines after racist incident on her flight...
This week Nia Tweeted American Airlines about a racial incident involving a 'Karen' which has become a euphemism white women who try to exert their white privilege in ways detrimental to Black people.
American reached out to Nia hoping to resolve the issue, in turn Nia asked her fans to re-Tweet her original message, indicating their response was inadequate.
Well Looky, Looky Raz B Starts an Only Fans Page!
B2K bandmate Raz B is latest celebrity to join the Only Fans adult entertainment wave...
Raz announced the launch of his page on Instagram last night.
The subscription cost is set at $19.99 a month.
NASCAR bans Confederate flag from all its events!
NASCAR will no longer allow the Confederate flag to be displayed at any of its events, ending an association, whether direct or indirect, with an emotionally charged symbol that some view as heritage and others view as hate.
Confederate flags have been flown by fans at NASCAR races throughout the Southern-based sport’s history.
NASCAR stated Wednesday:
The presence of the confederate flag at NASCAR events runs contrary to our commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans, our competitors and our industry. Bringing people together around a love for racing and the community that it creates is what makes our fans and sport special. The display of the confederate flag will be prohibited from all NASCAR events and properties.”
The move comes after Bubba Wallace said earlier this week on CNN that it was time to “get rid of all Confederate flags” at NASCAR races because “no one should feel uncomfortable when they come to a NASCAR race. So it starts with Confederate flags. Get them out of here. They have no place for them.”
His comments came a few days after NASCAR drivers posted a video on social media calling for an end to racial inequality and racism after the death of George Floyd on Memorial Day while in custody of the Minneapolis police.
Before last Sunday’s Cup race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, series officials stopped the cars near the start/finish line. NASCAR President Steve Phelps then issued a statement that included:
“Our country is in pain and people are justifiably angry, demanding to be heard. The black community and all people of color have suffered in our country and it has taken far too long for us to hear their demands for change. Our sport must do better. Our country must do better.”
After Phelps spoke, there were 30 seconds of silence before the event resumed.
In an interview Wednesday on the “Rich Eisen Show” on NBCSN, Jimmie Johnson said of the Confederate flag: “I support Bubba, and I support NASCAR that the Confederate flag should not be … at our race tracks.”
In 2015, NASCAR asked fans to refrain from displaying the Confederate flag at its races, releasing a statement signed by tracks. The statement came a day after Daytona International Speedway announced it would offer a flag exchange before the July race.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘CRACKIN’ JOKES’
Funny how the self-checkout always seems filled with people who check themselves out the least.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ALL!!!
EFREM
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