celebrities
Music celebrities in the growing entertainment industry.
Lamentation for the CEO of Soul Who Stood for Respect
The titles of royalty are bandied about in America as if they lived in the United States. It is as if the forefathers did not devise an antidote to tyranny and oppression with the Declaration of Independence. There has been a King of Swing in Benny Goodman; a King of Rock in Elvis Presley; a King of Pop in Michael Jackson; A Queen of Pop in Madonna; A Princess of Rhythm and Blues in Aaliyah; and of course the alleged Queen of Soul in Aretha Louise Franklin, just to list a few. This last honorific is close but not quite what Miss Franklin should be remembered for concerning lifetime. She was the CEO of soul music. Much like Frank Sinatra was Chairman of the Board (this was actually do to his status on the board of Reprise records, however), Franklin could command a stage with her larger than life presence and deep, controlled vocal power. No honorific title related to royalty suffices when it comes to the female boss of soul music.
By Skyler Saunders7 years ago in Beat
The Sounds of Solange Knowles
I must admit that music has always been a very interesting topic for me. Growing up listening to different styles of music taught me to appreciate the different genres used by the solo singers and groups. There are few singing groups of the 1970s through 1990s, who were blessed to have recorded at least one album, that I haven’t heard of. At one point in my life, I listened to different genres of music daily. From the Jacksons to Jefferson Starship to Destiny’s Child and many more, I enjoy and appreciate the difference in their style of singing and music. There is an instant connection between music and me because I appreciate differences.
By Nathonia Smith7 years ago in Beat
Madonna at 60 - The Evolution of a Legend
Madonna’s 60th birthday celebrations are still continuing and who can blame her. Turning 60 is a highlight for anybody. At the start of Madonna’s career, it was predicted she would be a “one hit wonder.” To still be at the top of her game at the age of 60 is a celebration alone. Madonna, however, has evolved into a mega star and earned her legend status. The path was not easy and success did not happen overnight.
By Mayapee Chowdhury7 years ago in Beat
Taylor Swift Will Never Go Out of Style
What is it about an artist that makes us so drawn to them? Why do we feel such a connection with certain music? Think about some of your favorite songs of all time. Got them? Are any of them songs you’ve known since childhood or that you first heard sometime in your younger years? Likely they are. When a song or an artist is that important to us, that song or artist will stick with us for years to come.
By Lily Kristian7 years ago in Beat
Mac Miller Is Trying to Keep Swimming
Mac Miller is of a different breed. His debut single "Knock Knock" was released 9 years ago and since then he has transformed from being a Fratboy Rapper to being one of the more creative MC's in the game today, as evident in his last 3 projects GO:OD AM, the divine feminine, and Swimming.
By Calder Amos-Wood7 years ago in Beat
Taylor Swift Bounced Back Harder Then Your Ex
Taylor Swift, one of the most successful, talented, and powerhouse superstars in the world. Someone who is no longer afraid to be herself, someone who isn’t afraid to put herself out there anymore, someone who finally, for the first time in three years, showed up to an award show last night looking so freakin’ gorgeous I wanted to cry.
By Ethan Titus7 years ago in Beat
Reason First: Most Telling Signs that Nicki Minaj’s Career Is Done, Listed from Stop the Beef to Live That Pop Life
Over the course of more than a decade, Onika Tanya “Nicki Minaj” Maraj has dominated charts, garnered awards, and drew ire from hip hop legends. But in that time, her star has been dimming slowly. Yes, the “Chun-Li” rapper has fallen incrementally. While album sales are still strong, they are not as formidable as her Rap world collaborators and competition alike. As she arrived into the game with a style reminiscent of R&B legend Mildred Virginia “Millie” Jackson, she has painted a self-portrait of an artist in flux. She seems to change herself more than a chameleon. Her saving grace has always been her predilection for being one of the most flamboyant, over-the-top, show women in the game. With four albums and dozens of songs to her credit, Minaj can say that she has had a successful career both critically and commercially. Her outlandish costumes, hair, and cosmetics have been toned down as of this writing. But the hunger and drive seems to have been diminished as well. As one of the best-selling artists of all time, it is clear that Minaj is no slouch. She works and works and continues to perform and endear to her audience. But all of that labor is for naught. Most rappers are fortunate to get one or two albums in and a few songs on the charts and be happy with the financial windfall based on their endeavors. They usually have a window of about two to five years to churn out music like a maiden converting cream into butter. For Minaj, she has had her time in the sunshine. Now, new women of Hip Hop ought to take center stage. So, get your Roman Zolanski RIP memes for Why Are You Ranking: Most Telling Signs that Nicki Minaj’s Career is Done Listed from Stop the Beef to Live that Pop Life.
By Skyler Saunders7 years ago in Beat
Forever 27 Club
The list of musicians who have died at the age of 27 is daunting. Not in just names of talented individuals, but the fact 27 is considered the beginning of life, yet these lives were cut short, almost as if by a morbid “right-of-passage.” At 27, some of us still haven’t figured out exactly what we are doing with our lives, and for so many amazing musical greats to die at this age is particularly upsetting when you look at the lifespan of famous celebrities overall. What makes 27 the age to survive in the music industry?
By Virtuosity's NewVMusic 7 years ago in Beat
Eilish, O’Connell; Names to Remember
Billie Eilish (IG :@wherearetheavocados) and her brother Finneas O’Connell (IG:@finneasoconnell) are two young talented artists. I discovered Billie in December 2017 with her single "Six Feet Under" and not long after that I discovered Finneas with "Life Moves On." I’m completely obsessed with these two ever since I heard their voices. They are a perfect team and they have a brother/sister relationship goals.
By Charlie Garcia7 years ago in Beat
Why Are You Ranking: Best Lil’ B Disses and Curses Listed from Unhappy to Based
Belief in superstitions still persists even though the Age of Enlightenment dispelled those mystical notions centuries ago. Within the realm of booty shaking, loud bass, and wanton drug usage, Hip Hop, hardly anywhere else is the idea of curses so regarded as veracious. Point to the Bay Area rapper Brandon “Lil’ B” McCartney’s infamous alleged “spells” that he cast on rappers and professional basketball players alike. The key to the whole thing is that Lil’ B doesn’t actually believe in curses, allegedly. He just likes to stir the pot (as a part of his cooking dance) and see the facts of reality play themselves out before all of our eyes. Though under 30 years old as of this writing, without a major label, management, or the other accoutrements that go along with being a rap star, Lil’ B has amassed millions of views on his YouTube channel; he has a following of over a million people on Twitter; and he has a deep catalogue of independent music. With the curses and the disses, he proclaims himself to be The BasedGod. This moniker gives him the power to decide whether an individual will be called out and eviscerated culturally based on The BasedGod’s sharp barbs and verbal attacks. For anyone who dares to cross this man, prepare for the scrutiny (at least) of a youngster with enough power to sway an entire genre. So, get your wonton soup and big belts for Why Are You Ranking: Best Lil’ B disses and curses listed from unhappy to Based.
By Skyler Saunders8 years ago in Beat
Keith Richards
The Life of Keith Richards Keith Richards was born on the 18th of December 1943 and was the only child to Doris and Herbert Richards. He grew up in Dartford, Kent, England around relatives who had a profound influence over him. His grandfather, who was in a jazz band, is said to have given Richards his first guitar and encouraged him to practice ferociously, practicing along to jazz records. Richards has cited Scotty Moore (lead guitarist for Elvis Presley) as one of his first influences. Richards began to drift away from school, but rather playing guitar more frequently. He met Mick Jagger who shared an interest in the same music as Richards and they later joined to form the Rolling Stones in 1963.
By Eric Dawson8 years ago in Beat
