The Original Manhattanite is a pop culture blog focused on entertainment, television, music, art, fashion and more, written by pop culture enthusiast, freelance writer, and the queen who wears her New York crown proudly and many hats, Chloe Jewel Riccardo her blog has been published and was created on October 21, 2008 in New York City.
Usher Raymond nearly 30 years in the music business songwriting, dancing, singing, acting, and never missing a beat within his career. He was just in high school learning how to manage classes when his talent was first discovered. To this day now in 2022, Usher continues to evolve, adapt, and take in everything in this current generation to make sure he is giving his fans great R&B music that will make people party, get pumped up, blast in their cars, make love to, inspire them, and most of all enjoy everything life has to offer. I can attest to this because seeing his growth from the teenage superstar at 14-year-old stepping up and taking his place in the music industry.
He continues to blaze a trail from the next generation. He proudly and he owns that he has to set an example to his little brothers he calls them, Chris Brown, Trey Songz, August Alsina, Ne-Yo, Kevin Ross, all of the R&B new crooners who have a new example to set in Pop, R&B, Dance, and other genres of music they need to inspire artists, aspiring musicians, singers, songwriters, and their fans as well to continue to get out there and create. I have seen the growth I remember I was a little girl around 11 years old one of my girlfriends was telling me “Do you know him? Do you know his music?”.
They knew how much I loved music and I wanted to be a singer/songwriter growing up as a kid. My friend had the album she’s like you have to listen to this one song I love. Mind you we are in junior high school we don’t know anything about relationships, dating, just tween little girls drooling over our favorite pop and R&B stars.
She told me to listen to this song called, “Bedtime” she’s like that’s how you feel about your my crush he was a grade older than me. I had a crush on this one guy in middle school. The lyrics and the song yes I could identify with the feelings he was expressing to his lady love. The only difference is I was 11 and he was 19 years old a young man getting ready to step into his twenties. He was a young man on his way getting ready to embark on musical success. He was getting ready to become not only musical influencer but also a musical mentor to many others. The millions of his fans feel the same way it’s not just a song when it comes to Usher. You feel his passion, his love, his experiences through his music. You know this is someone who’s not just singing a song, he’s lived through these romantic spirals the highs, the lows, and he knows how to repair and rebuild his relationships too. Continues to show nothing but admiration and respect for all of the women in his life. They have helped him create some of his greatest hits in the music business.
So with that being said he continues to top his reputation in the music business time and time again.
He shows he can make collaborations and hits on an album with artists like Lil Jon, Ludacris, Rick Ross, Will.I.Am, Alicia Keys, Ella Mai, and so many more that will continue to stand the test of time as he grows as an entertainer and recording artist. Get ready to see Usher this summer he’s coming back for us with new music, get ready for the second part of Confessions Part 2 the follow up of his multi-platinum, Confessions Part 1, and his new 11th album coming later this 2022.
For more information on Usher, the tour, new music, and many more of his upcoming film projects, and news. Please visit http://www.usherworld.com and http://www.livenation.com and www.ticketmaster.com begins in July!
Remember it all started when he was a teen heartthrob now he's become an R&B/Pop King in his own right.
Owen Wilson and Jennifer Lopez a photo from their new film Marry Me coming Valentine's Day weekend 2022
She’s a romantic by nature, optimistic, enthusiastic, and genuinely loves relationships. I saw the promotion and anticipation for this movie for Jennifer Lopez it seemed perfect for her to be in this role. We have seen her in other romantic comedies starring in , “The Wedding Planner”, “Maid in Manhattan”, and “Monster -in-Law”. This movie I notice though is a bit life (or perhaps J-Lo's life) imitating art somewhat in certain ways because we know she’s an international pop/Latina star and someone who loves romance. I am not surprised that this person who is a true believer in love would want to be apart and star in this film.
How can we not want to see J-Lo win in a movie? Just as she does in her real life. She puts her heart, her soul, her business-savvy, and more into all of her films.
Just as she does in her relationships.
This film stars international pop star and multi award winner, Maluma, Jennifer Lopez, and Owen Wilson in the film. Jennifer stars as an international pop star and discovers her that her love interest is with someone else right before she hits the stage. She discovers it and after breaking up realizing she wants to still give love a try. So she finds a way and solution “Let me try something different”. So she spots an innocent, average Joe who was just enjoying the concert himself and sees him holding a sign saying “Marry Me” from there the movie takes off bringing up the question is it better when celebrities date someone within the entertainment industry? Or is it simply more quiet, more normal, and better with anonymity, a normal life not being in the spotlight. We have seen J-Lo with high profile stars, aspiring dancers, entertainers, and men who may not be in the spotlight. Who are more low-key and behind the scenes. So will this film imitate life or will there be quite a pleasant surprise?
We all won’t know until Valentine’s Day 2022. Go check out her latest film, take your friends, family, your significant other, and everyone else you want to love up on that fun and special day. Valentine’s day is just an extension of how we all feel about our loved ones and friends. So make your people feel special and have some fun.
Once upon a time....5 years ago, summer of 2017 I decided to take love classes, yes, I went to love school there is a thing as love classes. It’s when you listen, watch, and study positive relationships to see how your relationship with yourself, your potential future mate, your family relationships, and friendships change or need to change all around you. How you need to work on or develop different skills to make yourself, your partners, family, and friendships stronger. I found 5 couples on YouTube I loved and I have spoken them about them before on my blog. Some of YouTube's breakout stars, The Caseys, The Grimwades, the Lokkos, the Ellises, and the Edwards. They really did open up my views on relationships, marriage, growing, changing, and more. I have seen all of these couples have been blowing up and it’s amazing to watch.
I think for me I realized there was something happening in my personal relationships that was affecting me from getting to the next or a higher positive level in my relationships. I have been dating since I was 16 years old, I didn’t really start getting into more serious relationships I would say until around 23 I knew I wanted something more serious back then. I have dated multiple people and I have been through many different dating experiences. I have also met people online dating too, and I have done speed dating (when’s the last time people have done that in person it's been a while for us?). I split one of my long-time boyfriends in February 2017 after a break-up with one of my exes after 1 year and a half in a relationship. It was lack of communication, him not being open, more honest about his feelings, and vulnerable with personal things in his life. He decided to just end things abruptly.
We were long distanced and then a year later he came back to New York to live here too. We split but we reunited a few years later and have decided to remain very good friends for now. We got back together in 2021 but I realized he wants to put a timestamp and a time frame on having children and I am someone who wants a family now and commitment (He kept saying "2 years...2 years again" for me just seemed unrealistic cause when you know you're ready you know. I realized I needed to look at every aspect of this person and people I have dated too. To really look at who could be a long-term partner too.
So long story short the first time we split I dug deep within myself really deep my intuition told me you need positive influences. I have had some positive examples to look at with my parents when they were together, my mother and my stepfather, my closest friends who are all in long-term relationships and marriage. So I had positive examples. I needed to surround myself with positive people and positive relationships. As a single woman who has never been married or does not have children yet it feels great to have people around me whether virtual or in person who are positive and helpful. It gives aspiring singles, those dating, in relationships, and more a sense of hope and positivity You can survive anything and everything with the right person by your side. So thankful for these two and the other 10 couples I have been watching behind the scenes.
I needed to get it into my psyche you need healthy relationships to get you to a healthy, long-term, intimate, and happy relationship too. So I realized let’s look around at all relationships…“Ok Chloe, look at positive relationships, black relationships, interracial relationships, people of all lifestyles, and backgrounds. What are they doing? What was I not doing? What makes me feel secure in my relationships and made me feel like I needed to get it blossoming, growing, and changing. I took notes, mental notes, and even wrote down things too.
I looked to these couples and 5 years later I can say I know I should get some kind of love certificate because I feel like I am in such a better, positive place now when it comes to the hope and future for close relationships, my family, friendships, and the future in my own personal life. I have watched podcasts, vlogs, videos, and more from my favorite couples. They are all blossoming, flourishing out they are changing people’s lives and inspiring them to better in their own relationships too. One of the couples as I mentioned was the Casey Crew. I admire them 26 years of being in a friendship, relationship, they met as teenagers in high school around 15 and 16. Gia and Raashaun first met and were easily captivated by each other a long time ago and have developed into a power couple. Most of millennials and generation-X and Y, Z will know Raashaun aka “DJ Envy” from “The Breakfast Club”.
I listen to their podcasts frequently and they are probably one of my top 10 podcasts I feel like an extra member of their growing family and millions of followers. Here are a few things I learned from all of these amazing couples and people…
1. There is no perfect relationship….everyone especially the longer you are together. The longer you will experience situations where issues will arise. There will be some tests that will come out of left field and out of the blue. You have to stay united together as a couple with trust, honesty, transparency, loyalty, and need to know the truth when lies may come into play too. There is no perfect way on how to meet someone. You can meet your mate at a restaurant, store, church, post office, down the street, at a meeting, online, school, wherever God places you. He or She will come into your life. If you’re lucky you can meet your potential wife or husband as babies, children, high school, or college. It’s all designed by God I believe and if you believe in love and that person. You both will work it out and will allow your religious and spiritual faith to be the center of your relationship from outside noise and distractions. You will ultimately will fight for your love.
2. Keep God and your faith at the center of your relationships and potential marriage. If God brought you two together on purpose he will make sure that the two of you will come out on top of the situation together collectively. He will make sure that no matter what the issue or problem may be there will be a solution fit for that couple if that is what they both want and need to get to the next level in their relationship.
3. Lean on your support system. Sometimes you will be surprised the people rooting for you will push to make sure you both stay together. I say definitely rely on the people who know you best and know your partners the best too. They will have your back. I remember listening to one of their podcasts where they were discussing a major issue that came up in their marriage. They separated but then mentioned how their support system their closest friends pushed and pushed for them to reunite. They both sought out not only support from friends and family. They also leaned on outside support with counseling and help. We often do not see things in ourselves or partners may be missing. We might get a little “tunnel vision” when we are in love and enamored by our partners. So, it is always helpful and essential for people to go to a third-party to say “I need you to take a look at our relationship/ marriage we need help”.
4. Vacation together the family that vacations together aside from praying stays together. I have done many family trips with my parents and extended family and friends. I think this is something that should be reinforced in your family. Those dinners, breakfasts, meals together at night whether you do a cruise together, go to Disneyland, Disney world, Six Flags, and other places around the globe. Everyone can still have their own space and still enjoy family time at night or morning. I think those trips left a big impact on me and my family still today. To see the world and other opportunities. So, I would say they reinforced that to me how important we need those trips from time to time together to reconnect. To remember what binds us and keeps us loving each other too.
5. Self-Love is necessary in order to be present for your significant other I learned this from them when they talk about finances preparation for the future, the presentation of yourself, speaking up about what you want for yourself in all areas of the relationship. Self-Love, self-care is important it rolls over into other parts of your relationships and friendships too. You see it with the Caseys and hear it with them. They look out for each other as individuals and as a couple too. Always making sure you are ok with you first that includes your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. You need to make sure that you are your best if you want to be present and there for others too.
6. Forgiveness whatever the issue may be in your relationship or marriage is that one thing we all probably ride the fence on when it comes to a small or major problem. I admire Gia Casey’s strength and forgiveness when it comes to her husband and children. You hear them sharing stories of their teen years, their 20s, when they first got married and even stories today now with their 6 children. That they truly have learned every level of forgiveness, how to stay committed to one another, and make sure their family got stronger, tougher, more united together. They leaned on their support system to get through tough times to both learn how to forgive one another.
Now with a few of a little tools I learned from them. I hope you will take notes and will be reading
Their new book, “Life Lessons: Real Life, Real Love Life Lessons on Joy, Pain, and the Magic that holds us together” by Raashaun “DJ Envy” and Gia Casey will be out this spring on April 19, 2022 which will be in honor of them celebrating their 21st wedding anniversary in May. I think this is a great read for everyone who is just starting out with dating, in serious relationships, and newlyweds. Also look out for live events from the Caseys you will see them back in action with special guests from all over hosting events.
Follow the Casey Crew on http://www.apple.com on the Podcasts section, www.YouTube.com, and www.iheartradio.com
As a little toddler I got my musical education very early. The Jacksons were introduced to me at a very early age. I had to be about 31/2 almost 4 years old. My mother, father, family friends introduced me to their music…the first Jackson was Michael who I knew about then I learned about the woman next in line the Queen of R&B/Pop of the 1980s and 1990s his baby sister, Janet. The title was turned over to her when she
Janet you say her name whether her first name solely or you add her royal household last name Jackson it’s like a bomb goes off in your brain because she’s part of the royal Pop/R&B family the Jacksons. The baby girl, the youngest of 3 girls, LaToya and Rebbie (her older sisters) and 6 brothers (Jackie, Jermaine, Tito, Marlon, Michael, and Randy). Janet has changed and left a mark for women in R&B, pop, soul, contemporary, and dance music for the past 3 decades.
Her debut album came out in 1982, "Dreamstreet" was first. She will be celebrating the 40th anniversary this year in 2022. To kick of a year of Janet we are going to go back down memory lane to celebrate her, her impact in the music industry, pop culture, the entertainment industry, fashion, hairstyles, as a humanitarian, an African American woman, a singer, dancer, and as the youngest Jackson. Janet has influenced me since I was a kid I first heard her song, “Alright” when I was about 5 years old I knew about Michael Jackson one of her older brothers but then listening, watching Janet I was instantly hooked. It was a natural attraction to her music, her song lyrics I felt like I knew her, I can feel some of her experiences, especially as she matured as an artist. I am able to get Janet’s music now as an adult in my mid-thirties.
As a kid I got some of what she was talking about in her lyrics. She celebrated life, embraced it, saw goodness in others, having a great time no matter what in her songs.
Songs like “Escapade”, “Alright”, "Runaway",
“Pleasure Principle”, “Rhythm Nation” a songs you want to party, dance to, enjoy the moment in the music. Songs that make you feel empowered like “You Want This”, “Nasty”, and “What have you done for me lately?” give you the extra boost of confidence, sassiness, and empowerment for yourself. Songs that demand respect like “Control”, “If”, “Let’s Wait A While” are songs that were written to show young ladies and men that you can demand respect, appreciation, and reciprocity in your relationships. My personal favorite love songs to play for your lover and significant other from her there are too many I listen to and still listen to as an adult. “Come Back to Me”, “That’s the way love goes”, “Again”, “Every time”, “Funny How Time Flies (When you’re having fun”, and “Anytime, Anyplace”. These songs are timeless and they make everyone’s hearts swoons, everyone’s legs want to get up and dance, and she takes you back to a certain time in your life whether it was the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s or currently. Janet’s music continues to inspire us, make us want to party, and so many people are influenced by her. Her last major tour for Black Diamond Tour in 2017 is the one where we saw our Queen of Pop immerse herself into her music from a 2-year period her last album, “Unbreakable”. Her most recent album released during the pandemic “Black Diamond” right when she was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2019. She has influenced a generation of musicians and dancers for these last few decades. Her style, the way she has flipped, moved, and more. It all has made us inspired, her warm smile makes us feel “Alright” no matter what is happening at that current time.
Janet’s documentary is going to take us all on a inside magical ride about the living legend, the queen of pop, and recording artist who continues to reinvent herself over again and keeps up with the current generation. That’s why she stays relevant with the entire music and entertainment industry.
For more information on the documentary and Janet Jackson’s music, film, or television projects and upcoming tours visit http://www.janetjackson.com and follow her on all social media platforms. Also visit http://www.lifetime.com for more information on the airing of the documentary.
He was born to be an entertainer, create, use his voice, use his abilities, he’s not just a handsome face, but he’s has gone from teenage R&B, Pop, Dance, and Hip-Hop recording newbie in 2005 to 17 years later declaring this generation, and decade as his era. Despite what some naysayers may have opinions about he has not allowed his passion, his tenacity, and persistence with music cease. I remember vividly I was in my spring semester of college studying for my Journalism degree. I am on the bus out to my college from North Bergen to Paramus, New Jersey reading one of my favorite magazines, Vibe magazine.
They did a full on spread for Christopher Maurice Brown inside the magazine there was an article with him about his debut album. A 16-year-old from Tappahannock, Virginia who has an amazing voice, next in line after Usher’s spot. Who knew that not only would he become the next R&B star he would prove to the music industry, his true music fans, and the entertainment
Love this photo is so dope was painted by one of his fans.
business? You need to bet on me I have exactly what you need. He was born May 5, 1989 (Cinco de Mayo) what a fun way to celebrate to bring the future next king of R&B music. Recently Brown was saying with his tenth album he was ready to declare this time as his era. I believe he has been living in his era he doesn’t realize his influence has touched his peers and this generation of new recording artists too.
He has proven himself showing us his slick dance moves influences from Michael Jackson, James Brown, Bobby Brown, Usher, and many artists. His music he’s done collaborations with everyone and continues to earn a hit, Rita Ora, DJ Khaled, August Alsina, Juelz Santana, Justin Bieber, Ne-Yo, T-Pain, Aaliyah, Big Sean, Rihanna, Fat Joe, Fabolous, Trey Songz, Pitbull, Nicki Minaj, H.E.R, Omarion, Jhene Aiko, Busta Rhymes, and that’s just the beginning I have not even covered everyone else yet. His musical influence has spanned into EDM, Dance, Pop, R&B, and Hip-Hop.
He covers songs about everything in relationships from the unexpected twists and turns it can take heartbreak, betrayal, and loneliness. To praising his ladies on their beauty, their worth, celebrating their attributes. How the special ladies in his life have opened-up his mind spiritually, mentally, and his heart. What Brown has offered to the table as a musician for the millennial generation, generation X-Z is he shows the vulnerability of the man. He shows the softer side, but he still knows how to relate to all his audiences, he shows his flashiness, his toughness, and then he also shows even as a man he won’t tolerate any mess in his relationships too. Brown, he knows of course how to get any party started whatever you may celebrating. Songs like “Forever”, “Wall to Wall”, “Run It”, “Kiss Kiss” ft T-Pain, “International Love” ft Pitbull, “My Last” ft. Big Sean, then when Chris exposes his vulnerability you will hear in his song lyrics his true voice.
What he has experienced with songs like “Don’t Judge Me”, “On My Own” ft. Justin Bieber, “Perfect” ft. Dave East, “Sorry” featuring Rick Ross. This is one of my favorites it’s about him exposing the truth in a failed relationship. He owned his flaw, but he also knew apologizing g was enough. He made a mistake about getting a new girlfriend pregnant while still in a love triangle. This man has done so many collaborations you must give him his own concert special just to be able to acknowledge everyone who he has teamed up with in the studio. He’s not afraid to do a duet songs like “I Luv this ….”ft. August Alsina, and Trey Songz.
I loved his music from the first moment I heard it and then seeing his videos. You see this charmer, this kid who has amazing confidence not afraid to interact with women. You knew he had this charisma and skills that would impress the music industry.
His video, “Yo Excuse Me Miss” where he serenades model and future reality television star, Erica Mena. He could light up any room you put him in he just has the IT Factor. There’s no price on that it’s God given, natural born talent. You know when a star is walking into the room even if they don’t realize it themselves.
His music has shown tremendous growth not just from a cute teenage Pop/R&B singer, you see the growth of a man who isn’t afraid to show I am human, yes I made mistakes, but I also learned my lessons, and I own it all. Chris Brown’s documentary, “Welcome to My Life” debuted in 2017 that reflected his journey and rise from his stardom to his success as a performer and entertainer. You saw the rawness and honesty of his experiences personally and professionally in the music industry. You also see his maturity and growth. A lot of times we the public forget how old our recording artists are and what stage of life they are in. We tend to attack right away as opposed to realizing the person may have experienced things prior or even in that moment too. There are entertainers who are inexperienced with handling the price of fame of success, some entertainers are born into it, others choose the career, some are groomed, they have connections, and some are discovered. What I am saying is despite some of the issues that affected his reputation in the music and entertainment industry. Chris rose and surprised all of us continuing to record, write, produce, and extend himself in other areas of his career.
10 albums later, over 100 collaborations how do you give a young man who has been in hit films like “Stomp the Yard”, “Takers”, “Think Like A Man”, and “This Christmas”. Has been apart of tours selling out, multi-platinum albums, one album, “Heartbreak on a Full Moon” (2017) with over 45 hits worth of songs. So now with the upcoming celebration of his tenth album. He has way too much to celebrate with his fans, numerous accomplishments to be proud of as a young man, a father of 2 to Royalty and Aeko Brown, he’s a recording artist, songwriter, entertainer, actor, and more. He has proven to us despite personal flaws, mistakes he made as a very young man. He is now 32 years old will be 33 in 2022 he has come into his own as an artist. He followed his passions, and he was destined to be one of the most successful American, African American recording artists. I believe he’s going to have future singers, songwriters, and dancers emulating his style, copying his moves to match their own, and wanting to follow in his footsteps in the music business. He’s done more than leave his mark, he has a music catalogue worth of number 1 hits and hits on the Billboard charts. I will not be surprised if he makes it to Music Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and more Grammys in the future. For more information on Brown’s upcoming album, tours, and news visit http://www.chrisbrownworld.com
I was way too excited with the announcement of this line up for the Pepsi 2022 halftime show next year. Hip hop legends will be taking over the annual show. February 13, 2021 Sunday Valentine’s day weekend hip hop will be rocking the Inglewood stadium in California bringing California’s own hip hop legends with 30 plus years in the music and entertainment industry. Snoop Doggy Dogg/Brother Lion, Dr. Dre, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar along with surprise guests will be performing on the PEPSI live stage along with dancers, their band, and performers on stage. All of these artists have contributed not only lyrically and with the music they have produced. They have contributed to the entertainment industry and in business. They all also give back to communities all across the globe in different fields.
So some of you may not know who these artist are….please allow me to introduce these five amazing legends and legends in the making.
Born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. aka “Snoop Doggy Dogg” or “Brother Lion” born October 20, 1971 in Long Beach, California was destined to be in the music industry. Since he was a child he had a strong passion for music. He participated in the choir growing up and he had a strong connection to music even more because of listening to songs together. He has pumped out over 30 years in his musical catalogue. Hits with songs like, “Doggy Dogg World”, “Gin & Juice”, “What’s My Name?”, “187” ft. Dr. Dre, “Amerika’s Most Wanted” ft. Tupac, “Sensual Seduction”, and many more hit songs will surely get all of the NFL members feeling nostalgic, amped up, hyped, and more.
These songs have been played at many parties for all of us in nightclubs, college parties, and other events. You think but there’s a lot of profanity, yes but at the same time you have to think about the issues that people were really dealing with those issues back then. Snoop has a way to make a song that will spark your attention, make you think deeper about an issue, or want to go out party, and roll down the street in your car with the music blasting. He is currently showing another side of his personality many haven’t seen he’s been featured on reality television show with his family, “Fatherhood” where he coaches his sons football teams, and he has a show with the domestic goddess, Martha Stewart, called “Martha Stewart and Snoop’s Potluck Dinner” which debuted in 2016
Dr. Dre the man who would grow up to become a successful multimillionaire entrepreneur creator of Beats by Dre, a co-founder of Death Row Records, Aftermath Records, a founder of NWA one of the best and successful hip hop groups in the late 1980s that birthed a whole slew and new generation of talent. He was one of the producers who was featured on NWA’s debuted albums when they first came out. Coaching, guiding, and helping fellow rapper, Eric “Eazy-E” Wright and O’shea “Ice Cube” Jackson Sr.
If anyone ever needed to find out more information on his journey and career part of his life story has chronicled the beginning with “Straight Outta Compton” the 2015 movie came out and received so much love, press, and people were wearing Straight Outta Everything t-shirts, hats, and more.
The woman who would become “The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul” was born Mary Jane Blige on January 11, 1971 in the Bronx, New York and raised in Yonkers, NY. Her voice takes you through the highs, the lows, the peaks, valleys, and she has a way of captivating healing your soul, your heart, and mind all at the same time.
I feel like Mary is a bit of my soul sister or soul twin in a way. I can relate to some of her experiences they may not have been exactly the same way but there are stories wrapped up in her songs everyone can identify with and it’s relatable. Mary knows how to connect with her male and female audiences. Uplifting all men in her lyrics, then with females giving us the strength and empowerment to deal with our relationship, self-relationship, and all of the issues we face. Mary gives you that glory you need when you’re overcoming obstacles in your life. She will not only give the fans an extra boost of confidence she uplifts your soul and she’s a true survivor.
All 5 of the artists have one thing in common they have survived true challenges in their journey. They have each been tested and have overcome many obstacles while also finding a way to still strive towards their own predestined stardom.
Next is Marshall Bruce Mathers the third born October 17, 1972 in Detroit, Michigan who would become “Eminem” or “Slim Shady” his alter-egos in the rap/hip hop industry. Mathers it took a long journey to get to his career close to a decade until he was finally discovered by Dr. Dre and put on Aftermath Records. He performed at local nightclubs, restaurants he worked at, house parties, talent shows, and so many events just to get a chance to have his voice heard in his community. Eminem’s debut album on the Billboard charts debuted at #2 with “The Slim Shady LP” on March 13th, 1999 right before the turn of the century. His follow up album peaked at number 1 on June 10th, 2000. His discography includes 10 albums and many collaborations with artists like 50 Cent, Rihanna, Kanye West, Big Sean, D12, and so many others he has discovered as his musical proteges just like Dr. Dre did with him. Mathers journey was an easy one he had to battle many other hip hop heads just to get a chance to get to the top spot. He had a serious determination to succeed he came from a broken home where his parents were often fighting he could only rely on certain people in his family to keep him protected, guided, as they were dealing with their own personal demons and personal enemies. He found a way to always come back to music as an escape to get to the root of it all.
The last person who I believe definitely has a huge impact on this generation coming up now some call him this generation’s Tupac Shakur because of lyrics, the way he can take any topic and has a way of captivating his audience’s attention through their ears. Kendrick even had the opportunity to see his heroes Tupac and Dr. Dre record the video, “California Love” in 1995 when he was 8 years old in person.
Kendrick Lamar is one everyone needs to continue to watch and pay attention to immediately as a recording artist and entertainer. Kendrick Lamar Duckworth was born June 17, 1987 in Compton, California. Kendrick grew up with two working class parents who struggled to make ends meet when he and his siblings were growing up. He saw things he says in interviews no kid should see at a young age. Seeing the pain, struggles, and poor choices of those who were affected by drug dealing, drug abuse, and more. Pain translates into art and therefore it was written in the stars when Kendrick opened his mouth and started penning down exactly what he wanted to say to his audience at this moment. His first debut album was “Section .80” in 2011 when he was 24 years old peaked at #24 but stayed on the charts for the entire year of 2011 into 2012. His follow up sophomore album went straight to #1 on November 10, 2012 for “Good Kid, M.A.A.D City”, and on April 4, 2015 “To Pimp A Butterfly” went to #1, and on May 6, 2017 “DAMN” went straight to Number#1 which features “D.N.A”, “Loyalty”, “LOVE”, “PRIDE”, all had number one hit tracks featured on this album. Kendrick knows how to speak to all neighborhoods of kids, teens, and adults. He identifies with them because he has been exposed to so many different social circles and backgrounds. He can predict social situations in his lyrics and speak to everyone on political, racial, injustices, disenfranchisement, financial struggles, family struggles, and personal battles we all identify with every day.
Get ready for these 5 warriors to crush and destroy the Super bowl halftime show when all 5 come together for a celebration in California where Snoop, Dre, and Kendrick will honor their hometowns, Eminem, and Mary J. Blige will be performing along side rocking the stage to all of their latest, greatest, and current hits. 2022 get ready to party! For more information visit http://www.pepsi.com,http://www.kendricklamar.com, http://www.maryjblige.com, http://www.drdre.com, http://www.snoopdogg.com , and http://www.eminem.com. Follow them on all social media platforms for more information.
A clip of Will Smith as Richard Williams walking a young Venus Williams ( played by Saniyya Sidney) and Serena Williams (played by Demi Singleton)
into a match in the mid 1990s.
I love how they are coming out with this movie. This is the second movie that’s got me so emotional and hyped up this year. There are many movies I have seen that hit me in the gut. Touched my heartstrings but this one right here. It touches your soul. You get chills up your spine watching the trailer of this movie.
These ladies, their amazing family, friends, and me
ntors who helped them along the way are being acknowledged. It is a dream come true for anyone to give their mother and father a chance to share their life story to the world. That is one of the greatest gifts you can give your parents.
The chance to see your child walk, listen to them talk, graduate from school at any stage, then you accomplish to give your parents a house, a car, or the chance to see your life story told worldwide. Is one of the greatest gifts to share with the world.
I am sure Venus, Serena, and their siblings are extremely excited to see the story themselves in theaters with their family and friends. Serena and Venus the difference and their influence in the sports world, business, fashion, television, entertainment, and pop culture has affected women of all backgrounds.
Many women and men can attest to the influence these ladies have had on so many people especially the sports and tennis community. Serena originally came out with her documentary, titled “Being Serena” a few years ago discussed her multiple wins at Wimbledon, US Open, and many other tennis matches.
Between both Venus and Serena they have competed against the following Maria Sharapova, Katerina Siniakova, Andrea Hiavackova, and Lucie Hradecka. These women have competed in Olympic competitions, US Open, and on every grand scale of athletics. In 2012 they both achieved victory together in London on August 5, 2012 in their doubles match both earning trophies together. After that game they both would continue to dominate the sport. Nearly 25 years under their belts, Serena and Venus have put in the dedication, the non-stop hard work, They both continue to achieve greatness all while staying incredibly humble, they simply love what they do.
If it wasn’t for the vision, the dream, the seed Oracene and Richard Williams planted before any of his 5 daughters were even born and walked the earth. That is outstanding and powerful that a father loved his daughters even before knowing their purpose he prophesized they would accomplish greatness and would be at the very top in any of their professions. I hope you, your closest friends, your family members will go see this movie. This holiday season.
Also let’s not forget about the amazing cast playing these incredible women, Will Smith will be featured as Richard Williams do I need to list his movies. I think you all know who the Fresh Prince then turned multi nominated performer and entertainer is right?
Let me shine some light and magic on these two incredible actresses who will be playing the younger versions of Venus and Serena before they became well known public figures. Saniyya Sidney will be playing Venus Williams and Demi Singleton will be playing Serena Williams in the film. Along with Tony Goldwyn will play the real life tennis coach, Paul Cohen in the early days along with Williams sisters’ father and mother, Oracene would take over later in their adult years. I feel like if you grew up hearing these two ladies names, their story, and watched them as the tennis queens. You are going to be so inspired, so proud, and rooting for both of these incredible women.
For more information please look out for the movie will be featured on HBO Max and worldwide in theaters, Friday, November 19, 2021 just in time for the holiday season. Follow them on social media platforms. Congratulations ladies and the cast! Visit http://www.hbo.com and http://www.kingrichardfilm.com.
Usher Raymond nearly 30 years in the music business songwriting, dancing, singing, acting, and never missing a beat within his career. He was just in high school learning how to manage classes when his talent was first discovered. To this day now in 2022, Usher continues to evolve, adapt, and take in everything in this current generation to make sure he is giving his fans great R&B music that will make people party, get pumped up, blast in their cars, make love to, inspire them, and most of all enjoy everything life has to offer. I can attest to this because seeing his growth from the teenage superstar at 14-year-old stepping up and taking his place in the music industry.
He continues to blaze a trail from the next generation. He proudly and he owns that he has to set an example to his little brothers he calls them, Chris Brown, Trey Songz, August Alsina, Ne-Yo, Kevin Ross, all of the R&B new crooners who have a new example to set in Pop, R&B, Dance, and other genres of music they need to inspire artists, aspiring musicians, singers, songwriters, and their fans as well to continue to get out there and create. I have seen the growth I remember I was a little girl around 11 years old one of my girlfriends was telling me “Do you know him? Do you know his music?”. 
