Tag Archives: Black Culture

Solange’s 9-Minute Medley Of ‘When I Get Home’ On ‘The Tonight Show’

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Sis Solo took to ‘The Tonight Show’ stage to give viewers a medley from her classic album, ‘When I Get Home.’

via Complex:

Solange strung together “Taking on the Light,” “Things I Imagined,” “Down with the Clique,” “Binz,” and “Almeda” to create a nine-minute set for Fallon. Although she was limited to a late-night stage, Solange still put together a visual performance that rivals her concerts. She was accompanied by live musicians as well as dancers who synchronized their movements with Solange and her back up singers. The set ended with only Solange and a figure draped in silver performing on a black stage. 

Like almost everything Solange does, this was an atypical take on Fallon’s musical guest segment. Her performance was meant to honor When I Get Home’s interdisciplinary art film. The original version was a 33-minute project that Solange described as a “Texas film.” It dropped in March along with her album. Next week, the singer will be releasing a director’s cut of the film for her fans. 

When I Get Home is Solange’s fourth studio album. It follows her highly acclaimed 2016 album, A Seat at the Table. While A Seat at the Table uses Solange’s connection to New Orleans as a backdrop to address several themes, When I Get Home is dedicated to her hometown of Houston, Texas. The film uses historically black areas of Houston as it’s setting including the hair salon that used to be owned by her mother, Tina Knowles-Lawson. 

Solange And Husband Alan Ferguson SPLIT After 11 Years Together: ‘A N*gga Ain’t Perfect’

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Rumors have been swirling for quite some time, but now it’s official official — Solange and Alan Ferguson have separated after being together 11 years .

They met in 2008 after being introduced by Janelle Monae and eventually got married in 2014.

Solange took to Instagram to share a note on life and confirm their separation.

She writes:

the past 2 years have brought me more physical and spiritual transition and evolution than ever before
my body left me with no choice but to listen and be still
within that stillness i begin my journey in confronting my worst enemy, fear.
ive lived my best and worst moments in front of the lens and gaze of the world since i was a teenager. ive always tried to live in my truth no matter how ugly or full of love it is. ive also tried to carve out the space to protect my heart, and my life as it unfolds, evolves, and changes. 11 years ago i met a phenomenal man who changed every existence of my life. early this year we separated and parted ways, (and tho it ain’t nan no body business ?) i find it necessary to protect the sacredness of my personal truth and to live in it fully just as I have before and will continue to do. it is unfair to not have power of your own story as you shape and mold and rewrite it yourself. a nigga ain’t perfect, but im leaning into the fear of the unknown and all the glory and power i know exist within god and the universes grace. may all of your transitions no matter how big or small, be kind to you and filled with incredible love and light!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4VZMkyJCJ9/?igshid=1npj4us5ule5n

Comedian and Actor John Witherspoon Had DiedAt 77

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John Witherspoon, best known for his roles in ‘Friday,’ ‘The Wayans Bros.’ and voice of ‘Grandad’ on ‘The Boondocks’ has passed away. Reports says he went under cardiac arrest and passed shortly after.

He was 77 years old.

“It is with deepest sorrow that we can confirm our beloved husband and father, John Witherspoon, one of the hardest working men in show business, died today at his home in Sherman Oaks at the age of 77,” his family said in a statement. “He is survived by his wife Angela, and his sons JD, Alexander, and a large family. We are all in shock, please give us a minute for a moment in privacy and we will celebrate his life and his work together. John used to say ‘I’m no big deal’, but he was huge deal to us.”

via Deadline:

Comedy great Witherspoon was born in Detroit in 1942 as John Weatherspoon. He launched a stand-up comedy career and began acting in the late 1970s with guest-starring TV roles, making his feature debut in the 1980 The Jazz Singer.. Witherspoon appeared in numerous films, including Hollywood Shuffle, Boomerang, Vampire in Brooklyn, I’m Gonna Get You Sucka, Bird and The Meteor Man.

Witherspoon was perhaps best known for his role as the grump Mr. Jones alongside Ice Cube and Chris Tucker in Friday. He also appeared in the sequel Next Friday, and was expected to reprise his role in the long-gestating final installment of the franchise titled Last Friday.

Witherspoon also voiced Gramps on the cult animated series The Boondocks. He likely would’ve returned for the series’ upcoming revival on  HBO Max. Also known for his role as Pops on The Wayans Brothers, Witherspoon did stints on such comedy series as The Tracy Morgan Show, The First Family and Black Jesus.

Even with his busy film and TV career, standup comedy remained an important part of Witherspoon’s life. At age 77, he continued to perform regularly and had several dates coming up at the time of his death.

Rest In peace Pops . We will miss the legend.

Staying Strong : DMX Checks Into Rehab BEFORE Relapsing

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DMX took it upon himself to go to rehab before he relapsed on drugs.

via TMZ:

Sources close to the rapper tell TMZ … one of X’s kids is very sick — in and out of the hospital — and the stress of that coupled with the pressure of performing again made him feel tempted to use.

We’re told X knew he needed help trying to balance his home and work life without the use of drugs, so he preemptively checked himself into rehab — hoping to learn how to deal with his issues moving forward.

Our sources say he knows a relapse could jeopardize his freedom, and wants to stay out of jail so he can support his family and friends — while still performing for his fans.

DMX is on probation and gets tested randomly for drugs and alcohol … so another failed test could result in him back behind bars.

I love me some X. . He can do this. Im here for the proactivity and dedication to staying clean

Nipsey Hussle’s Family Gets Guardianship Of His Daughter Emani, Lauren London Granted Guardianship Over Son Kross’ Estate

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Nipsey Hussle’s family has been awarded guardianship of his 10-year-old daughter, Emani.

The decision was made after his family collected sufficient evidence for their petition calling Emani’s birth mother, Tanisha Foster, unfit. Nipsey’s siblings Samantha Smith and Sam Asghedom — and his mother, Angelique Smith — have been appointed as Emani’s guardians.

Lauren London received the judge’s approval to manage her and Nipsey’s son’s finances as the 3-year-old inherits half of his dad’s estate.

via TMZ:

London was in court Tuesday to get a guardianship over 3-year-old son, Kross’s estate. It’s a little misleading because an estate is created when someone dies, but this case is different.  Lauren is the go-to person who will handle the financials that could set Kross up for life

It’s worth noting, there was never a dispute between Lauren and Nipsey‘s family when it came to Kross.

Things haven’t been so smooth with Nipsey’s other baby mama, Tanisha Foster, who battled with Nipsey’s brother and sister over the care of Nip’s 10-year-old daughter, Emani. The girl is expected to inherit the other half of Nipsey’s estate. It appears there’s at least 2 million on the line because the docs say Kross is expected to pocket a million bucks.

This is some super awesome news. May family the best in their continued healing.