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- 22 of the Best (& Most Unforgettable) Grammy Awards Performances - SheKnows
- Police Captain Who Called For A Beyoncé Boycott Now Says He's Black - Essence
- Blue Ivy Is Beyoncé's Mini-Me in This Rare Birthday Instagram Photo - Oprah Mag
- Is This the First Year Lady Gaga and Beyoncé are Both Nominated for Grammy Awards? - Showbiz Cheat Sheet
- Who Has Won More Awards: Beyoncé or Jay-Z? - Showbiz Cheat Sheet
- Grammys 2020: Nominees, Performers, Date, Start Time, How to Watch - Parade
- Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Gaga, Pink and Kesha cleared the way for women in the 2010s - NBC News
- Saweetie Talks Debut Album, Aaliyah, Beyoncé & More | Up Close & Personal - Recording Academy | Grammys
- Megan Thee Stallion on Beyoncé, “Texas Fever,” and Selling Her “Hot Girl Summer” Wardrobe on Depop - Vogue
- 'Dangerously In Love' Beyoncé And Jay-Z Are Hollywood's Most Powerful Couple - The Seattle Medium - Seattle Medium
| 22 of the Best (& Most Unforgettable) Grammy Awards Performances - SheKnows Posted: 21 Jan 2020 02:47 PM PST The Grammys are known for many things: outrageous fashion, gasp-worthy unscripted moments, and — of course — incredible performances by the greatest musicians of our time. So, what do all the best Grammy Awards performances have in common? Well, they up-end our expectations, either with an innovative set-up, costume, dance routine, and or by switching up the tone of their usual stage persona. From raw, emotional performances that made us cry to dance numbers that had us jumping out of our seats, these Grammy performances are absolutely unforgettable. At the Grammys, all genres are represented, from country stars like Kacey Musgraves and Maren Morris to pop stars like Lady Gaga and Katy Perry. At the 2020 Grammys, airing on Sunday, January 26, at 8 p.m. EST, host Alicia Keys will be joined by performers like Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani, Lizzo, Demi Lovato, and more. No matter what your preferred tunes are, the Grammys have something for everyone — and so do these 22 standout performances from the 60-plus years the Grammys have been running. Dolly Parton Tribute, 2019
In 2019, Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton blew us away with their rendition of "Jolene," a tune Cyrus had already memorably performed in a 2012 "Backyard Sessions" YouTube video. Kesha, 2018
Kesha's performance of "Praying," from her first album in five years Rainbow, was especially emotional given her recent legal battles with former producer Dr. Luke, who she's accused of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. Adele, 2017
Adele has had many memorable Grammy performances, but her 2017 delivery of "Hello" was a new level of impressive. Beyoncé, 2017
Bow down! While pregnant with twins Rumi and Sir, Beyoncé belted out "Sandcastles" and "Love Drought" in this insanely regal attire. Kendrick Lamar, 2016
Everyone was rapt at Kendrick Lamar's 2016 Grammys performance, where he sang hits "The Blacker the Berry" and "Alright" from To Pimp a Butterfly. Madonna, 2015
Madonna's "Living for Love" at the 2015 Grammys proved this star is still unbeatable — and the bullfighting theme made for a hell of a performance. Beyoncé & Jay-Z, 2014
We love a Carter moment. Beyoncé and Jay-Z opened the 2014 Grammys with their performance of "Drunk in Love" — and everyone else might as well have gone home after. Taylor Swift, 2014
Whether you love her or hate her, you have to admit Taylor Swift gives it her all on stage. That was never more apparent than the 2014 Grammys, where her performance of "All Too Well" didn't leave a dry eye in the house. Carrie Underwood, 2013
Carrie Underwood performed "Blown Away" and "Two Black Cadillacs" at the 2013 Grammys — while wearing a dress that doubled as a film screen. Unforgettable. Jennifer Hudson, 2012
Jennifer Hudson can always make us cry with her beautiful singing voice, but her 2012 tribute to Whitney Houston left us especially emotional. Lady Gaga, 2011
In the biggest Grammys stunt performance in recent years, Lady Gaga was carried around in a giant egg from which she then "hatched" on stage for her performance of "Born This Way." (Get it?) Pink, 2010
Pink's "Glitter In the Air" performance was a sneak peek at how acrobatic the singer's shows have now become. At the time, her gymnast skills here relatively unknown — and when she suddenly flew up into the air on a sheet, jaws everywhere collectively dropped. Amy Winehouse, 2008
Amy Winehouse won five Grammys in 2008, and her performance makes it easy to understand why. "Rehab" and "You Know I'm No Good" were both performed via satellite from London due to the singer's Visa issues, but that didn't stop her performance from stealing the show. Christina Aguilera, 2007
Sing it, Xtina! Christina Aguilera's rendition of "It's a Man's Man's Man's World," performed in tribute to James Brown, is talked about to this day for the passion and power of her delivery. Kanye West, 2006
Kanye West went all out for his 2006 performances of "Gold Digger" and "Touch the Sky," enlisting both Jamie Foxx and the entire Florida A&M University marching band to round out the show. Beyoncé & Prince, 2004
Is it any surprise that Beyoncé pops up most often on this list? When icons Beyoncé and Prince joined forces in 2004 for "Purple Rain" and "Baby I'm a Star," the crowd was on their feet. "Don't hate us 'cause we fabulous," Prince warned the audience before walking off the stage. No Doubt, 2003
Will we ever stop being nostalgic for the days of No Doubt? Gwen Stefani and her crew rocked out "Underneath It All" and "Hella Good," and it's still one of our favorite performances to watch. Destiny's Child, 2001
Speaking of nostalgia — Destiny's Child took the Grammys stage in 2001 to perform "Independent Woman" and "Say My Name," two hits that remain classics now and forever. Shania Twain, 1999
What's more memorable, the way Shania Twain sang "Man, I Feel Like a Woman," or what she wore to do it? We swear we're not trying to distract from her skills as an artist — but that opera glove-corset combo haunts our dreams. Céline Dion, 1998
The only thing better than Céline Dion's 1998 performance of "My Heart Will Go On" might be the backstory. Only 24 hours before the Grammys, Dion's plan to perform a duet with Barbra Streisand fell through (Streisand fell ill with the flu). Yes, that's right — Dion prepared this highly memorable rendition in less than one day. Eric Clapton, 1993
Eric Clapton's "Tears in Heaven," written for his late son Conor, will bring tears to your eyes in a recording. Performed live, no one stood a chance. Whitney Houston, 1986
Rolling Stone calls this performance by Whitney Houston the moment she became a "full-fledged superstar." We agree. Curious who will be added to this list? Tune in to the 62nd Grammy Awards on Sunday, January 26, at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.  |
| Police Captain Who Called For A Beyoncé Boycott Now Says He's Black - Essence Posted: 21 Jan 2020 06:43 AM PST  Miami police Captain Javier Ortiz stood before a Miami City Commission meeting on Friday and responded to allegations that he was making a mockery of efforts to bring more Black officers onto the force. According to reports, the cop, who possesses a record of race-baiting and racial discrimination, had previously changed his race designation from Hispanic white to Black. "I'm a Black male," Ortiz claimed from a podium as Miami City Commissioner Keon Hardemon and others looked on with bewilderment. "Yes, I am. And I am not Hispanic. I was born in this country. That's how I feel." The exchange between the commissioners and the former president of the Fraternal Order of Police was caught on camera. Ortiz was present for a discussion regarding racial equality within the Miami Police Department. Accusations have been made that the department is racist in nature and has fostered discrimination. Ortiz himself has been accused of racist conduct including making false accusations against Black NFL player Robby Anderson, arresting Black men without just cause and calling on cops to boycott Beyoncé because she performed a Black Panther-inspired set at the 2016 Super Bowl halftime show. Ortiz, who has been promoted despite his racist tendencies, says his new-found Blackness stems from finding out that there are people in his family who are Black. "You're probably Black too," he tells a White commissioner during the meeting.  |
| Blue Ivy Is Beyoncé's Mini-Me in This Rare Birthday Instagram Photo - Oprah Mag Posted: 08 Jan 2020 12:00 AM PST  Alberto E. RodriguezGetty Images
It's hard to believe that Beyoncé and Jay-Z's eldest child, Blue Ivy, is 8 years old. After all, this writer still remembers when the singer delivered a chilling medley of Lemonade songs while pregnant at the 2016 Grammys. But a recent picture of Blue Ivy has rendered us speechless. Why? Because in it she looks grown—and just like her mom. Seriously, Blue Ivy is Beyoncé's mini. The image, shared by Matthew Knowles on Instagram, was posted in honor of Blue's birthday. In the shot, Blue Ivy can be seen wearing an off-the-shoulder orange top and cherry-covered skirt. Her hair is straight and long and a pineapple backpack is slung over her shoulders. Knowles captioned the photo: "Happy Birthday to my beautiful and oldest granddaughter Blue Ivy. Love, Papa G." He also added some cute animations, including stars, confetti, and a big "Happy Birthday" message. Of course, this isn't the first time fans (and even Blue's family) have noticed similarities between her and her parents. When she was born, Beyoncé admitted Blue looked just like Jay-Z. Last week, Megan Thee Stallion posted a pic of Mama Bey and Blue, prompting one follower to write "Beyoncé made blue by herself." And last year, the "Single Ladies" singer posted a side-by-side comparison. "Someone made this comparison of me at age 7 and Blue at age 7," the singer wrote, adding "my baby is growing up." As for the couple's twins, Rumi and Sir, many believe the former looks just like Beyoncé and Blue Ivy too. Who do you think the kids most resemble? For more ways to live your best life plus all things Oprah, sign up for ournewsletter!  |
| Posted: 09 Jan 2020 12:00 AM PST The two divas of pop music are branching out and conquering, other avenues. Beyoncé recently appeared in and wrote music for the Disney photo-real adaptation of The Lion King. Lady Gaga starred in and wrote music for the Golden Globe award-winning film, A Star is Born. Is 2020 the first year both Lady Gaga and Beyoncé could win a Grammy Award? Here's our look into these artists and their history with this ceremony. Beyoncé Knowles-Carter is one of the artists with the most Grammy Award nominations and winsAs one of the most-nominated artists at the Grammy Awards, as of 2019, Beyoncé has 70 nominations with this award show. Her solo work, in culmination with her role in Destiny's Child and her album released with Jay-Z, The Carters, earned Beyoncé 23 Grammy Awards. "It's important to me to show images to my children that reflect their beauty, so they can grow up in a world where they look in the mirror, first through their own families — as well as the news, the Super Bowl, the Olympics, the White House, and the Grammys — and see themselves, and have no doubt that they're beautiful, intelligent and capable," Beyoncé said during her 2017 Grammy speech, according to the New York Times. Lady Gaga already earned Oscars for her role in 'A Star is Born'Lady Gaga earned a handful of Grammy Awards and nominations herself. As of 2019, Lady Gaga has 9 wins and 27 nominations with this award show. That includes nominations for her album with Tony Bennett, Cheek to Cheek. However, the artist recently earned Golden Globes and Oscar Awards for her work with the film, A Star is Born. Both awards were for the song "Shallow." "It's not about winning," Gaga said of her first Oscar win. "What it is about is not giving up. If you have a dream, fight for it. If there is a discipline or passion, it's not how many times you get rejected or you fall down or are beaten up. It's about how many times you stand up and are brave and keep on going."  Is this the first year both Lady Gaga and Beyoncé could win Grammy Awards?About 10 years ago, both Lady Gaga and Beyoncé earned Grammy Awards in their respective categories. In 2009, Beyoncé won six Grammy's, including Song of the Year for "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for "Halo." Lady Gaga won two awards for Best Dance Recording and Best Electronic/Dance Album. In 2010, these artists earned the Grammy nomination, Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals, for their song, "Telephone." Now, Beyoncé is nominated for her song "Spirit" from Disney's The Lion King. Lady Gaga is nominated in the same category, Best Song Written for Visual Media, for "I'll Never Love Again (Film Version.)" The Grammy Awards broadcast on Jan. 26, 2020. Music by Lady Gaga and Beyoncé, including the soundtrack for A Star is Born and The Lion King: The Gift, are available on Spotify, Apple Music, and most major streaming platforms.  |
| Who Has Won More Awards: Beyoncé or Jay-Z? - Showbiz Cheat Sheet Posted: 31 Dec 2019 12:00 AM PST Beyoncé and Jay-Z are separately two of the biggest names in the music industry, and together, they make one of the most famous and successful couples in music history. But who has been more successful: Beyoncé or Jay-Z? Who has won more awards? To answer this question, we'll first take a closer look at each of their respective music careers, how they broke into the music scene, and what they've been up to in recent years. How did Beyoncé and Jay-Z become famous? Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Beyoncé performed in singing and dancing competitions as a child, but she first found fame as the lead singer for Destiny's Child in the late '90s. Beyoncé then began starring in movies and recorded her first solo album – Dangerously in Love – in 2003, which debuted at No. 1 on the US Billboard 200 chart. Once Destiny's Child broke up, Beyoncé continued to further the success of her solo career, releasing her second solo album, B'Day. She also started her acting career, starring in films such as The Pink Panther, Dreamgirls, and Obsessed. In 2008, she married Jay-Z, which many cite as a big influence for her third album, I Am… Sasha Fierce. The album went on to earn a record-setting six Grammy awards in 2010. Born and raised in New York City, Jay-Z began his musical career after founding the record label Roc-A-Fella Records in 1995. He then released his debut studio album, Reasonable Doubt, in 1996. His newly released album solidified his standing in the music industry, but Jay-Z wasn't planning on just being good at one thing. He also began venturing into the business world, founding the clothing retail company, Rocawear, in 1999, and founding the luxury sports bar chain, 40/40 Club, in 2003 – both of which have evolved into multi-million dollar corporations. Jay-Z went on to release twelve additional albums, which have all attained generally positive critical reception and commercial success, including the full-length collaborative albums, Watch the Throne (2011) with Kanye West, and Everything is Love (2018) with his wife, Beyoncé. Who has won more awards in their lifetime – Beyoncé or Jay-Z?When you crunch the numbers and look at the stats, Beyoncé has both been nominated for more awards (182) and won more awards (76) than Jay-Z. Jay-Z has more than held his own, winning more awards (34) than many artists dream of along with 114 nominations. Beyoncé is the most nominated woman in Grammy Award history, with a total of 23 wins. She is also the highest-paid black musician in history as of 2014. Jay-Z, on the other hand, has won a total of 22 Grammy Awards, the most by a rapper, and holds the record for the most No. 1 albums (14) by a solo artist on the Billboard 200. What's in store for the couple in the future?In 2019, Jay-Z was officially named the first hip hop billionaire, making him the third wealthiest African-American and the wealthiest American musician, according to Business Insider. He also recently bought the tech company Aspiro and took over their media streaming service Tidal, which has since become the world's third-largest online streaming company. Beyoncé, for her part, seems to be thriving just as much as her husband, if not more. She recently starred as the voiceover role of Nala in the cinematic The Lion King remake, and she also produced an accompanying album titled, The Lion King: The Gift, comprising of music fully curated by Beyoncé. Despite the ups-and-downs of their relationship, which is often heavily covered by the media, the couple seems to be heading in 2020 doing as well as two people can do – and a lot better than many.  |
| Grammys 2020: Nominees, Performers, Date, Start Time, How to Watch - Parade Posted: 21 Jan 2020 12:47 PM PST  Music-lovers, rejoice! It's about that time of awards season when we switch gears from TV and film to celebrate some of today's chart-topping artists. That's right, the 62nd annual Grammy Awards are just around the corner. From Beyoncé to Taylor Swift, several of our favorite performers are nominated across 30 genres and in 84 categories. Aside from the big name nominees, the show will also feature a variety of performances, including one from the queen of self-love herself, Lizzo. So if listening to tunes is more your speed than watching movies, then we have an awards season date for you to mark on your calendar! Here's everything we know about music's biggest night of the year. When are the 2020 Grammys?The 62nd annual Grammy Awards ceremony is taking place January 26. What time are the 2020 Grammys?The ceremony will air live at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST. How to watch and stream the 2020 Grammys on TV or online?Tune in to music's biggest night on CBS. If you have a CBS All Access account, then you can stream the Grammys online, or on your mobile device. Related: Brad Goreski's Awards Season Fashion Predictions & Who He Thinks Will Have a "Gaga-Type" Year Who is hosting the 2020 Grammys?Alicia Keys is returning to host the ceremony following the success of her first time in 2019. "At first I did think last year was a one-time thing but when the opportunity came back around there was no question about returning as host of the GRAMMY Awards," she said in a statement. "Last year was such a powerful experience for me. Not only did I feel the love in the room, but I felt it from around the world and it confirmed the healing and unifying power of music." Where are the 2020 Grammys being held?The awards show will be held in Los Angeles at the STAPLES Center. Who are the 2020 Grammy nominees?Here is the complete list of nominees… Record of the Year Album of the Year Song of the Year Best New Artist Best Pop Solo Performance Best Pop Duo/Group Performance Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album Best Pop Vocal Album Best Dance Recording Best Dance/Electronic Album Best Contemporary Instrumental Album Best Rock Performance Best Metal Performance Best Rock Song Best Rock Album Best Alternative Music Album Best R&B Performance Best Traditional R&B Performance Best R&B Song Best Urban Contemporary Album Best R&B Album Best Rap Performance Best Rap/Sung Performance Best Rap Song Best Rap Album Best Country Solo Performance Best Country Duo/Group Performance Best Country Song Best Country Album Best New Age Album Best Improvised Jazz Solo Best Jazz Vocal Album Best Jazz Instrumental Album Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album Best Latin Jazz Album Best Gospel Performance/Song Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song Best Gospel Album Best Contemporary Christian Music Album Best Roots Gospel Album Best Latin Pop Album Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album Related: Taylor Swift, Demi Lovato and 12 Other Celebrities Who Led the Body Positivity Movement in 2019 Best Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano) Best Tropical Latin Album Best American Roots Performance Best American Roots Song Best Americana Album Best Bluegrass Album Best Traditional Blues Album Best Contemporary Blues Album Best Folk Album Best Regional Roots Music Album Best Reggae Album Best World Music Album Best Children's Album Best Spoken Word Album (Includes Poetry, Audio Books & Storytelling) Best Comedy Album Best Musical Theater Album Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media Best Song Written for Visual Media Best Instrumental Composition Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals Best Recording Package Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package Best Album Notes Best Historical Album Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical Producer of the Year, Non-Classical Best Remixed Recording Best Immersive Audio Album Best Engineered Album, Classical Producer of the Year, Classical Best Orchestral Performance Best Opera Recording Best Choral Performance Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance Best Classical Instrumental Solo Best Classical Solo Vocal Album Best Classical Compendium Best Contemporary Classical Composition Best Music Video Best Music Film How are the winners determined?The winners are voted for by the Recording Academy's voting members, which is made up of music creators, i.e. artists, producers, songwriters and engineers. Eligible voters are allowed to vote in the four general field categories—Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best New Artist—and in up to 15 additional award categories based on their areas and genres of expertise. Who is being honored?Four-time Grammy Award-winning band Aerosmith will be honored as the 2020 MusiCares Person of the Year. The tribute will take place during the 30th Anniversary MusiCares Benefit Gala, two nights prior to the awards ceremony. The band is being recognized for their philanthropic efforts over the course of the past five decades and their impact on American music history. Meanwhile on the eve of the ceremony, Sean 'Diddy' Combs will receive the Industry Icon Honor at the annual Pre-Grammy Gala for his 25-year trailblazing career and his continuous influence on the music industry. Who will perform at the 2020 Grammys?2020 MusiCares Person of the Year Aerosmith is set to perform a medley of some of their biggest hits, while Lizzo will make her Grammy stage debut at the ceremony. Music power couple Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton will also hit the awards show stage for the first time together. Other performers that have been announced (so far) include Billie Eilish, Camila Cabello, H.E.R., Jonas Brothers, Rosalía, Tyler, The Creator, Bonnie Raitt, Run-DMC, Charlie Wilson, Ariana Grande and Demi Lovato.
What's the difference between Record, Song and Album of the Year?According to the Recording Academy, the Record of the Year is awarded to a single track and recognizes an artist's performance, in addition to the contributions of the producer(s), recording engineer(s) and/or mixer(s), whereas Song of the Year is awarded to the songwriter(s) who wrote and composed the song. Album of the Year is awarded to a project with a minimum of five different tracks and a total playing time of no less than 15 minutes. Awards season is in full swing! Study up on who is nominated for an Oscar.  |
| Posted: 28 Dec 2019 12:00 AM PST The first No. 1 single of the 2010s was a blippy, raunchy ode to partying by a young pop newcomer with a dollar sign smack in the middle of her name. "TiK ToK," the debut single by the brash Ke$ha, greeted the decade with a bedheaded, yet confident, opening line — "Wake up in the mornin' feeling like P. Diddy," in honor of the hip-hop mogul — and a feeling that the party would never end. Which party was that? As the aughts had ended, there wasn't much cheer on pop's business side: Sales had sunk, record stores were closing and the revenue gap between $16.99 compact discs and 99-cent single songs didn't seem to be narrowing. But Ke$ha was part of a phalanx of young women, who were ruling radio and selling out arenas with outsized personalities and even larger-than-life songs — P!nk, Rihanna, (Lady) Gaga, Taylor (Swift) and Beyoncé. It was an auspicious beginning to the 21st century's teen years, although the way things turned out in the decade for these six women varied widely. Kesha dropped the currency symbol from her name and became one of the avatars for #MeToo in the industry, taking on her one-time mentor Lukasz "Dr. Luke" Gottwald — whom she accused of physical, sexual and mental abuse — in a series of lawsuits. (Gottwald, for his part, retreated behind the scenes, accusing Kesha of lying and allegedly continuing his producing career under pseudonyms.) Her biggest hit in the latter part of the decade, "Praying," is a smoldering poison-pen letter to those who have hurt her that climaxes in a high note — the mirror inverse of "TiK ToK," but no less potent a listen. P!nk was already the veteran solo artist of this group at the decade's outset, having released her first album before Y2K. Her earlier hits such as "Family Portrait" and "Don't Let Me Get Me" established her as one of pop's realest-talking stars of the early millennium, and she continued to hone that aspect of her music as the years went on. While her end-of-decade singles like the politically charged "What About Us" and the storming "Walk Me Home" didn't score big on top-40 radio, both scored on adult-contemporary radio — a format where her music has performed exceptionally well since the early 2000s, when programmers began incorporating more teen-pop singers into the mix of Celine Dion and Shania Twain hits. Rihanna's aughties hits included "Pon de Replay," "S.O.S." and 2007's massive "Umbrella," and then continued her torrid run by putting out an album every November between 2009 and 2012, collections that showed her seemingly innate ability to predict what kinds of music would hit big on radio and with listeners. While the lack of an eighth album in the fall of 2013 — and 2014, and 2015 — surprised some fans, she maintained her visibility by appearing on a handful of singles, including collaborative efforts such as "FourFiveSeconds" with Paul McCartney and Kanye West and "This Is What You Came For" with Calvin Harris, as well as with solo efforts like like "Bitch Better Have My Money." The moody, genre-agnostic "Anti," which came out in early 2016, garnered praise from critics for its showcase of her musical curiosity — it included a cover of Aussie psych-rockers Tame Impala's "Same Ol' Mistakes," cameos from stars such as SZA and Drake and forays into hard-edged electro and dancehall — and vocal ability, which particularly shone on the torchy "Love on the Brain." In the latter part of the decade, Rihanna became more of a mogul than a pop star, releasing makeup, lingerie, and high-fashion lines that sent shock waves through each industry, but her presence in music is still strong enough that she's regularly being asked about the release date for her next album in Instagram comments and on red carpets.  Dec. 2, 201900:42 Get the think newsletter. Lady Gaga kicked off the decade with the audacious "Born This Way," which included powerhouse singles, like the Clarence Clemons-assisted "The Edge of Glory" and the drama-heavy "Marry the Night." But on its followup, 2013's "Artpop," she seemed to lose the plot, its halfhearted songs backed by her puddle-deep proclamations of being a serious artist. This foray into performance-piece gibberish wound up being a perfect setup for her rise back into capital-a Authenticity, though, beginning with 2016's "Joanne," which wasn't as countrified as the pink 10-gallon hat she wore on its cover implied but which did contain a couple of stirring piano ballads. Her efforts at remaking herself then crested with the 2018 remake of "A Star Is Born," which contained the world-conquering power ballad "Shallow." Those triumphs — as well as her collaborative record with Tony Bennett and her Las Vegas residency "Enigma," both of which showcased her ability to channel old-school crooners — put the indulgent "Artpop" era far in the rear view mirror. (She's also franchised her name with her Amazon-distributed makeup line Haus.) Taylor Swift's decade wasn't as up-and-down as Gaga's, although the moment when observers seemed invested in turning her public tussles with Kanye West into pop's most era-defining feud was perhaps their most embarrassing time. She released five albums in the 2010s — "Speak Now," "Red," "1989," "Reputation," and this year's "Lover" — that engaged directly with the way people were discussing her, while mostly avoiding the trap of celebrity self-indulgence. ("Reputation," which shrouded her in monochrome newsprint, is probably the worst offender on this point, although in the glow of "Lover," it now comes off as a more darkness-before-the-dawn moment.) Swift, who in the early part of her career was dismissed for her youth, also grew into a place where she garnered respect not just from listeners, but also from critics. The artist who weathered the music industry's travails of the 2010s with the most gusto was likely Beyoncé, who blazed the trail for remaking the pop-star ideal with her 2011 album "4." An ode to inner bliss that recalled the R&B that harkened back to her childhood, it did well among the ever-more-fervent Beyhive and among online fans, but thanks to radio programmers turning away from R&B and embracing sounds borrowed from dance clubs, it didn't spawn a single top-10 pop hit. Indeed, over the 2010s, when she definitely was one of pop's most mega of stars, she only hit the Hot 100's top 10 twice — and her lone No. 1 hit came when she hopped on a track by jack-of-all-trades moppet Ed Sheeran. But Beyoncé, who pioneered the surprise-release strategy with her 2013 self-titled album and epitomized what the synergy of streaming music and streaming video could mean for an album with 2016's "Lemonade," also helped chart a new path for pop stardom by operating outside the gate-kept realms of radio and the male-dominated world of the streaming charts. Her cultivation of a fervent fan base led to sold-out stadium shows both on her own and with her husband, Jay-Z, a strategy that mirrored the outside-the-box successes of fiercely beloved artists such as Carly Rae Jepsen and Kacey Musgraves; her surprise-release blueprints were copied by many, including the chart-topping Ariana Grande. Pop music underwent a lot of sweeping changes in the 2010s. The way these six women, all of whom are still considered capital-p Pop Stars, weathered its shifts defied conventional wisdom about how women in the spotlight can hold on to their status — and laid the groundwork for late-10s world-beaters such as Lizzo and Grande to upend expectations with even more gusto. More from our decade reflections project: • THINKing about 2010-2019: Where we started, how we grew and where we might go • A decade of Black Lives Matter gives us a new understanding of Black liberation • How our phones became our whole lives in just 10 years • College in the U.S. is at a crossroads. Will it increase social mobility or class stratification? • The 'me too' movement's success took a decade of work, not just a hashtag. And there's more to do. • The decade in LGBTQ: Pop culture visibility but stalled political progress • Egg freezing and IVF in the 2010s brought us the next phase in women's lib • How Netflix, Star Wars and Marvel redefined Hollywood — and how we experience movies • Opioids, pot and criminal justice reform helped undermine this decade's War on Drugs • Climate change became a burning issue in the past decade, but also an opportunity • Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow made the 2010s the decade of health and wellness misinformation • White Christian America ended in the 2010s  |
| Posted: 10 Jan 2020 12:00 AM PST  If you got down to "My Type" last year, you already have a taste of who rising West Coast rapper Saweetie is. The stylish 26-year-old, born Diamonté Harper in Hayward, Calif., has been on a steady rise since the viral success of "ICY GRL" (which samples Khia's "My Neck, My Back") in 2017. With several buzzy rap hits, countless confident bars and two EPs under her belt, as well as a busy 2020 tour schedule ahead, Saweetie is ready to shake up the hip-hop world with her icy swag and heavy-hitting bars. She is also expected to release her anticipated debut album this year, with a bigger taste of her bold sound and style. The "My Type" rapper recently stopped by the Recording Academy headquarters for our latest episode of Up Close & Personal to talk about her breakout hits, what we can anticipate on her first full-length, her biggest influences and more. You can watch part of the conversation above and read the full interview below. You can also visit on our YouTube page for a longer version of the video, as well as for other recent episodes. Watch: Omar Apollo Talks Being Young, Indie & Latinx | Up Close & Personal On "My Type," you served up a fresh 2019 sample of Petey Pablo's "Freek-A-Leek," which is amazing. Can you explain where the inspiration began? What's funny about "My Type" is, its actually the last song I added to the EP and it's the song that did the best. But it was just that my EP was missing something and I wanted something that got me excited as a little girl. When I was little, me and my cousins would listen to "Freek-A-Leek." I mean we didn't know what he was talking about, but we really loved the song. So just taking that, flipping it and then making it my own hit, feels amazing. The "My Type" music video was shot in the Bay Area, where you grew up. Was filming it there as much fun as it looked? Definitely, it was. I went home on purpose because my family and my friends are out there. I wanted to basically do everything that I did as a little kid, but as an adult. The barbecue picnic, the side show, the basketball court, those are all moments from my childhood that I revisited. And even my hairstyles were stuff that I would've worn as a little kid. And how do you feel that growing up in the Bay influenced your music and style? In the Bay Area, we're very strong on uniqueness. By telling my story and really just being fly; we're very fly, down to earth individuals and when you go to the Bay Area you feel that. The girls out there are pretty but they're doing a thiz face. We've got a whole bunch of swag and a whole bunch of personality. Looking through your IG, you're rocking killer looks all the time. How would you describe your style? Thank you. I would describe my style as not being able to describe it, only because it really just depends on my mood. If you go through the performance outfits or a day to day outfit, everything is just based on how I feel then. I like to make my outfits custom a lot. Many of the fan favorites are things that came from my imagination; I collaborate with my stylist and we bring it to life. Yes! Playing dress-up every day. Girl, playing dress-up every day. I love to do that. I heard you're working on a new album. What's your biggest hope and excitement for this project? My excitement with this project is, with any project, we're starting from scratch, and I feel like through trial and error and through just recording a lot, I'm able to feel like what kind of direction I really want to go in for my sound. Because I'm still a developing artist, but for this time around, I really want to focus on the artistry and the instruments and really creating from scratch. Watch: Ashanti Talks "Getting Back To R&B Roots" On New EP | Up Close & Personal And then back in 2017 when you uploaded "ICY GRL" to SoundCloud, did you ever imagine it would take off the way that it did? I didn't imagine "ICY GRL" taking off. It kind of felt like a great mistake, in the sense that I didn't expect for it to be a song. It was one of the raps that I was just rapping in my car and my manager was like, you need to record this. And I want to say within a week of uploading it, every major hip-hop blog and website picked it up and featured me as upcoming, poppin'. "ICY GRL" was a viral sensation. So it was great to just see it take a take a turn for the best. Was there a moment when you decided or even dreamed that you would pursue a career in hip-hop? Definitely. When I was 14 I realized that music is what I wanted to do. I always had dreams of being a musician when I was a little girl. When I was a little I was really into Aaliyah, Ashanti, the R&B girls, but I couldn't sing like that. And when I was 14 I realized that I could rap. Read: "Say My Name" 20 Years Later: Why The Destiny's Child Staple Is Still On Everyone's Lips What was the first CD you ever bought? And the first concert you ever went to? Okay, so I think the first CD that I asked my mom to buy was probably Aaliyah. Back in the day they had the special edition CDs with the music videos on it, so I would sit in front of the TV all day just trying to mimic Aaliyah's dance moves. I loved her so much. And the first concert I ever went to was probably a Destiny's Child concert. It was so amazing. When I saw them perform I was like wow, this is what real artistry is. Who are your biggest role models? I feel like a great role model would be Beyoncé. I really love how she's sexy, she's classy, she's a businesswoman, she's a great performer. She's just a mogul that and she's self-made, and that's something that I strive to be. I feel like being an "Independent Woman"—which is her record with Destiny's Child—is extremely important. And that's what I strive to be. I have my own label, I have my own company, Icy. I have my own jewelry, I have my own beauty line and all of these things are doing really well. I'm about to start getting into acting and I feel like these are all the areas that she touched. So I feel like she's a great imprint for younger girls like me. JAMESDAVIS On Their Latest Album 'MASTERPEACE,' Music Industry Advice & More | Up Close & Personal  |
| Posted: 15 Jan 2020 07:02 AM PST 05.jpg) Last year, three little words went viral. "Hot girl summer" was the phrase that defined the middle and end of 2019, a term that was spun, at hyper-speed, into the cultural consciousness by a 24-year-old female rapper out of Houston, Texas. Her name is Megan Thee Stallion, otherwise known by her given name, Megan Pete, and by her Twitter handle, "Hot Girl Meg." She released an album titled Fever in May of last year and, playing on her virtual moniker, printed the following on the cover: "She's thee hot girl and she's bringing thee heat." In a post-release tweet, Pete explained the meaning behind her words: "Being a Hot Girl is about being unapologetically YOU, having fun, being confident, living YOUR truth, being the life of the party etc." Thus, a million memes were born and "hot girl summer" became common jargon for, well, a lot of different things: hotness, coolness, fearlessness, and so on and so forth. It also came to define a certain sense of sexy and wildly bold style, one that Pete became the official spokeswoman for. Now, the rap sensation is giving some of that hot girl magic to her fans. She's partnered with Depop, the global social shopping app featuring independent sellers, on a special sale of items from her closet, as well as items from the "Hot Girl Summer" and "All Dat" videos. Launching Friday, the sale is Texas themed, in honor of Pete's home state, and also includes pieces from Depop's top sellers in the Houston area. The curated shop is called "Texas Fever" and it includes items like Pete's red cowboy hat and matching fringe-and-fur-trimmed mini dress, as well as a vintage Mickey Mouse University jacket, denim shorts, and body chains. Pete says she was happy to collaborate with Depop because the app "gives the creative community something big that they can be a part of." She adds, "The creative community in Houston is kind of hidden, you wouldn't even know there are so many young people here designing and selling their own clothes." Pete says that she's "all about the eco-hottie vibe. I can find vintage pieces and not have to buy something new. I've been trying to use less plastic after my beach cleanup last year and I'm definitely going to try and buy more cool vintage pieces now that I'm on Depop." Pete has always been a fan of vintage clothing, especially classic Texan wardrobe staples like cowboy boots, hats, and chaps. "Those are the things that never go out of style and will always be in my closet." Her personal style muse? "Beyonce is the O.G. Houston hot girl," Pete explains. "I love how she always gives love to Texan style, even on the red carpet." So will "Texas Fever" become the latest viral phrase from Pete? She'd like to think as much and hopefully her Depop sale will help shine a light on that "hidden" creative community in Houston. As Pete defines it, "'Texas Fever' is about celebrating Texan attitude. It's about big hoops, big hair, we got the whole cowboy and cowgirl aesthetic that everyone now wants to wear, but we all know who started it first. I definitely think Texans have a unique style. I mean, everything's bigger in Texas!" Spoken like a true hot girl.  |
| Posted: 17 Jan 2020 07:23 AM PST  Beyoncé performing on The O2 in London. Photo by idrewuk (originally posted to Flickr as Hello hubbie!) [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons) NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent When Beyoncé married Jay-Z in 2008, the skeptics were as loud as the audience at a sold-out Destiny's Child concert. At its worst, critics expected that the marriage would be Bobby and Whitney all over again – a hip-hop bad boy meets a sexy songstress with a squeaky-clean, all-American image. Some of those critics believed the marriage would only last as long as the union between Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley – an odd and uncomfortable 20-month marriage that ended with Elvis' daughter filing for divorce citing irreconcilable differences. After a dozen years, hundreds of millions of records sold — and one infamous elevator fight at a Met Gala between Jay-Z and Solange Knowles, (Beyoncé's little sister) — Hollywood's preeminent power couple are still "dangerously in love." "I believe Beyoncé and Jay-Z have been successfully married as a Hollywood power couple for so long because they can see beyond the wealth, fame and materialism that comes with a Hollywood lifestyle," stated hip-hop artist and activist Sean XGL Mitchell. "The music business can be brutal so artists and couples who are grounded, in touch with reality and are consciously aware of who they are, have the keys to success and longevity," Mitchell noted. "In particular, when you watched Beyoncé's Super Bowl performance a few years ago, she paid tribute to the Black Panthers while performing her new hit' Formation. Their costumes and choreographed dance routine, which included a fist in the air, was a true sign of self-knowledge and pride," Mitchell added. "It was equally apparent in Jay-Z's lyrics in the song the 'Story of O.J.' When you have two people who are more than just artists, who can transcend power, you have the making of a successful partnership and marriage," he said. According to medium.com, the average divorce rate of Hollywood celebrities is 52 percent, slightly higher than that of the general public. The length of celebrity marriages can be as short as hours, while the average is about six years, the website reported. That Jay-Z and Beyoncé have doubled that time and are still going strong, doesn't exactly surprise experts who've followed their careers and relationship. Dr. Fran Walfish, a Beverly Hills family and relationship psychotherapist and regular expert child psychologist on CBS-TV's "The Doctors," said it's no secret the power couple has overcome big problems in their marriage. At a Met Gala event in 2014, cameras caught Solange hitting and kicking Jay-Z as Beyoncé watched quietly. Later, it was revealed that Solange confronted her brother-in-law over cheating rumors, and things quickly escalated. "The critical key is that they hung in together with a solemn commitment to each other and the couple ship," Walfish stated. "Today, it seems, they are doing better than ever and are parents to a 7-year-old daughter and two-year-old twins." In a 2017 interview with The New York Times Style Magazine, Jay-Z opened up about his infidelity and the near demise of his marriage. "You know, most people walk away, and like the divorce rate is 50 percent or something because most people can't see themselves," Jay-Z told the Times. "The hardest thing is seeing pain on someone's face that you caused, and then have to deal with yourself. So, most people don't want to do that. You don't want to look inside yourself. And so, you walk away." Walfish stated that Jay-Z's interview with the Times was telling. "The hardest part for him was seeing the pain on his wife, that he caused," Walfish said. "That is accountability and owning up to a huge mistake. Beyoncé, on the other hand, had to be open to forgiveness. Her love and non-judgmental character, along with probable therapeutic help, allowed for repair in the relationship. The secondary gain is that this type of relationship deep repair can bond a couple even more strongly together than before," Walfish added. Born Sean Carter in Brooklyn, NY in 1969, Jay-Z has won 22 Grammy Awards with hits that include "Hard Knock Life," "99 Problems," and "Run this Town." With a net worth of more than $1 billion, Jay-Z also has produced several films, and he owns the streaming service, Tidal, and other companies. Born in 1981 in Houston, Texas, Beyoncé rose to fame with the singing group "Destiny's Child" in the 1990s. Her solo career took off in 2002 with the release of the album, "Dangerously in Love," which included a collaboration with Jay-Z. Beyoncé has won 23 Grammy Awards and owns and operates Parkwood Entertainment, a company that includes various brands of music, movies, videos, and fashion. Forbes Magazine has placed Beyoncé's net worth at approximately $500 million. "These two powerhouse moguls understand the nature of engagement that is vital in a marriage," stated Dr. Allana Da Graca, a psychologist, and self-styled persistence expert. "I think they both understand the arduous journey to fame that can also blur lifelines of meaning and authenticity amongst themselves. They hold one another accountable and maintain the muse of each other," Da Graca said.  |
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