Inside Taylor Swift’s Surprise Album Release
On July 23 Taylor Swift shocked the world by revealing that at midnight shwe would be releasing a new surprise album. She explained, “Most of the things I had planned this summer didn’t end up happening, but there is something I hadn’t planned on that DID happen. And that thing is my 8th studio album, folklore.” On midnight of July 24 the 16 track Alternative/Indie album was released. It has been an instant success and begs the question; Taylor has done country, pop, and now Indie, what can’t she do?
This year has been difficult for so many people amidst the COVID 19 pandemic. Plans have changed, events cancelled, and schools closed. Among the numerous concerts that have been cancelled is Taylor Swift’s Lover Fest, in which she had planned to perform songs from the album she released in August of 2019.
On July 23 Taylor shocked the world revealing that at midnight she would be releasing a new surprise album. On social media she shared, “Most of the things I had planned this summer didn’t end up happening, but there is something I hadn’t planned on that DID happen. And that thing is my 8th studio album, folklore.” On midnight of July 24 the 16 track album was released, much to the excitement of fans all across the globe.
This alternative Indie album has been an instant success and begs the question; what can’t Taylor Swift do? She has released hugely successful country and pop albums over the years and now has an impressive Indie title to add to her versatility. Although the album itself was recorded in isolation, Taylor collaborated with some amazing artists including: Aaron Dessner who helped co-write and produce numerous songs, and Bon Iver who helped write and sung with her on the song, Exile.
The album boasts emotional tracks including Exile, which is about a toxic or struggling relationship and the guy is simply wondering where everything went wrong. Epiphany is an emotional piece as well, which some have speculated to be about the doctors and nurses during this pandemic. One of the lighter hearted tracks is, The Last Great American Dynasty, which tells the story of how American composer Rebekah Harkness apparently dyed her neighbor's dog green after an argument.
Report: Rebecca Vanderkooi
Justin Bieber Accused of Sexual Assault 6 Years Later
Justin Bieber Comments on Alleged Sexual Assault in 2014
It is not the first time that we've heard of celebrities getting caught up in sexual assault and abuse claims. But, this one hits a little different. We have watched this star grow from a young popstar to who he is today, with the setbacks and media drama as well. Earlier this week, Justin Bieber was notified of an accused sexual assault against him that occurred in 2014. Bieber took to twitter to address the claim and prove his innocence with detailed alibis of his whereabouts on the night the assault had taken place. Bieber claims he was never a guest of the hotel where the woman was staying at, he simply was in the restaurant. He continues to state that he was with his ex-girlfriend Selena Gomez, who has yet to make a comment about the matter. Fans continue to back Bieber up, but others see his Gomez Alibi as "mentally abusing" to Selena as she has finally healed from their toxic relationship. Claiming sexual assault is a serious matter and should not be taken lightly, as we all should know. Bieber further explained the magnitude of the situation on twitter saying "every claim of sexual abuse should be taken very seriously and this is why my response was needed. However this story is factually impossible and that is why I will be working with twitter and authorities to take legal action". Whether his story or her story is the truth, only time will tell. Hopefully, Bieber will do the right thing in the situation for his fans, his family, and for the woman.
photos: screenrant.com; popsugar.com
Report: Hannah Zaremba
Music At What Cost
In the past year, Summer Walker quickly rose to fame like many other musicians at a young age. As a woman, the music industry can use and abuse then throw you away if you’re not the total package.
In the past year, Summer Walker quickly rose to fame like many other musicians at a young age. As a woman, the music industry can use and abuse then throw you away if you’re not the total package. It’s not enough to just have the voice of an angle anymore, not since sex started to sell.
Many talented female artists such as Lil Kim, K Michelle, and Nicki Minaj have undergone extremely dangerous plastic surgery to their body to appeal to the music industry and its fans. Today, artists are speaking out and freely about their toxic journey in the industry that has led them to their addictions to be accepted and promises to be made a star and make it to the top. Industry professionals have brainwashed women to thinking unless they channel their creativity through drugs or make millions showing their assets, then they had no career.
The most recent is Summer Walker. She’s previously spoken out about how she’s dealt with her newfound fame and constantly being in the spotlight. On her last tour, after dealing with the performance part of her fame Summer only performed at nine of the tour dates canceling the original 29. She then took to Instagram to explain what she was feeling to her fans, “I’m not going to be able to finish this tour because it doesn’t really coexist with my social anxiety and introverted personality.”
Summer Walker - Before
“I’m a person; I have feelings. I get tired, I get sad and it’s just a lot.” She added, “I want to give you all what I can, so I’m going to keep making music and I might do a few more shows, but I can’t finish.” “I hope that you understand that wellness/health is important.”
Following this courageous act, Summer Walker decided to take a break from social media after receiving backlash on multiple occasions following her canceled tour and her public breakup with London on Da Track On May 16, it seems she is a new woman. Summer Walker is practically unrecognizable in her newest Instagram video and photos showing off what looks like a new face and body. It makes you wonder, what led her to this new transformation with a noticeably new bigger butt. Is she the newest victim of mental abuse from the industry and social media?
Is she the new Lil Kim? Why is it that the music industry teaches young black women that unless they have curves they’re talent means nothing? It is an industry that makes hit records and millions of dollars on a regular basis and young black women and their mental health pay the price.
Report: Josephine Coiscou
Erykah Badu Vs. Jill Scott Instagram Live Battle
“Jill & Erykah isn’t even a battle… it's a vibe session. They’re just playing full songs, telling background stories and vibing out”- @theblackreginaG
On May 9, Erykah Badu and Jill Scott graced the world with an amazing Instagram live battle. The battle was hosted by producers, Timbaland and Swizz Beats, and was sponsored by Femme It Forward. The battle attracted some of r&b’s biggest stars and even Michelle Obama. Over the past couple of weeks, Instagram live battles have become very popular and are now being used to bring people together during the pandemic. To no surprise, this battle was highly anticipated as two of neo-soul’s greatest artists would come together to appreciate each other’s artistry.
For many fans that tuned into the Instagram battle last Saturday night, Badu and Scott’s music allowed them to reminisce about a simpler time. With everything that’s going on in the world, the battle offered peace, even if it was only temporary. Being that both artists have been making music for over 20 years, the battle only scratched the surface of each artist’s catalog. Despite that, both women showed how timeless good music is. These Instagram battles definitely have their perks. After the battle, both artists saw an increase in streams. Both Erykah Badu and Jill Scott played a mixture of their hits and deep cuts that some fans were introduced to and others revisited. While the music is what attracted so many people, the virtual concert had a deeper meaning. The message was sisterhood. Aside from the music, one of the most beautiful parts of the Badu vs. Scott battle was the respect that they had for each other as women and as artists. “Jill & Erykah isn’t even a battle… it's a vibe session. They’re just playing full songs, telling background stories and vibing out”, says @theblackreginaG (Twitter), a fan who watched the battle on Saturday. It was clear that both women were genuinely fans of each other’s music, which eliminated the “battle” atmosphere.
Generally, when you hear the word “battle” there is an implication of some sort of opposition. The music industry is notorious for putting artists up against each other, especially among female artists. It was very important to see that two women can have equal success and not feel threatened by each other. For three hours, the battle exuded peace, love, and the beauty of art. This was definitely one for the culture.
Photo Credits: @Verzuz.tv
Report: Brionna Thompson
Demi Lovato and Miley Cyrus Talk Staying Busy While Being Stuck At Home
Pop star Miley Cyrus has launched an Instagram Live Show called “Bright Minded: Live with Miley”. The show’s episode on March 17 featured an appearance from Demi Lovato, where they discussed how they’re keeping busy while at home and shared how they’re practicing self-care.
This week, pop star Miley Cyrus has launched an Instagram Live Show called “Bright Minded: Live with Miley” which offers hope and escapism, optimism, and a way to stay connected while people are practicing social distance. The live chat will air on the singer's Instagram every day this week at 11:30 a.m. PT/2:30 p.m. ET.
The show’s episode on March 17 featured an appearance from Demi Lovato, where they discussed how they’re keeping busy while at home and shared how they’re practicing self-care. Both singers enjoy using meditation apps like Headspace and Calm, while also enjoying quality time with their pets. Cyrus has been binge-watching “Love Island” while Lovato pledged to start knitting and do home workouts. Lovato practices breathing techniques and doing virtual therapy sessions with her therapist. She logs onto a guided prayer app daily, while maintaining her body with healthy foods and supplements. Lovato gave fans a tour of her “immunity table”, which included products like rubbing alcohol, Emergen-C, Manuka honey, apple cider vinegar gummies, vitamin C, CBD and probiotics. Lovato is also trying to use this time to be creative. Cyrus has been spending most of her alone time staying comfortable, she said, “I have not gotten of these sweatpants for five days and don’t plan on changing any time soon.”. She’s also working on the improving her skills with the guitar.
During the chat, they talked about why they rekindled their friendship. Lovato said, “It’s times like these to reconnect and realize what really matters. It’s important to stick together, especially being women in the industry. I feel like you've always been such a light and that's why we connected at 14.” Cyrus concluded their honest chat with an important for their fans to hear during the quarantine. Lovato said, “It's important not to beat ourselves up over getting nervous, over maybe not eating perfectly, not working out perfectly. These are different, very scary times. We've never been through anything like this in our lives. This is all new to everyone. Be gentle and take care of yourselves as much as possible."
Report: Amanda Lou
At the rise of Covid-19 many of us first questioned the timeline of fashion week and would we see the regular calendar continue - the question weighed over many of us for months! It was refreshing to see design houses and designers across the globe take advantage of the uncertainty and plow into production mode - thus my interest in Jerri Reid New York - The Black Designer based in Brooklyn New York wow’d instagram with his latest collection paying homage to the Black Is King film which debuted earlier this year in July. I was taken aback at quick of a turn round the young designer produced and released his well crafted designs reflecting some of the films most memorable moments.