Beard Pack 07 - Mutton Chops

I discovered the Lemmy Beard by Mamyrocker and I wanted to make some add-ons for it.

Mutton chop beards with four different 3D mustaches to choose from. 2 versions of each: regular and full.

Full size preview pics in the zip.

Credits:

Lemmy Beard by Mamyrocker

Imamiii for a few beard textures I blended in

Omega for the converted Sims Medieval beard mesh

EA for the 3D mustache mesh that I edited

Download: simfileshare / mega

[ARTICLE] Lay Zhang Signs With Range MEdia (EXCLUSIVE)

Range Media Partners has signed Chinese actor, singer-songwriter, dancer and fashion icon Lay Zhang and will represent him globally across all areas. 

The 31-year-old star, who operates under multiple pseudonyms including Lay and Little Sheep, rose to fame as a former member of K-Pop boyband EXO before launching a solo career, already is a household name in Asia, boasting more than 80 million followers across social media.

As an actor, he stars under his full name Zhang Yixing in the Chinese box office smash “No More Bets,” which has earned more than $527 million in China to date, becoming the country’s biggest hit of the summer. Zhang is now the youngest and fifth-ever Chinese actor to reach this box office milestone. “No More Bets” also received a limited release in the U.S. on Sept. 1. 

Next year, he will be seen starring opposite Jackie Chan in the film “A Legend.” His other film credits include films “The Island” and “Kung Fu Yoga,” and he has also appeared on the TV series “Go Fighting!” and “Idol Producer,” serving as a judge and host on the latter.

Since his rise as a core member of EXO, he embarked on a solo career, with his debut EP “Lose Control” hitting No. 4 on Billboard’s U.S. World Albums chart. He is the first Chinese solo artist to hit the Top 25 on the Billboard 200 and the first Chinese solo artist to hit Top 5 on the Worldwide iTunes Album Chart. 

In August, Zhang’s “Grand Line Tour” concerts in Shenzhen and Beijing immediately sold out, with more than 30,000 tickets purchased within seconds of going on pre-sale, leading to additional concerts being added in Shanghai, Nanjing and Chongqing.

As a global brand ambassador, Zhang is currently working with Hublot, Sprite, Fila and Bang & Olufsen. He was Calvin Klein’s first Chinese global spokesperson for their underwear and jean lines and the first Valentino, Converse, Perrier, MAC and Daniel Wellington spokesperson in China. 

“Lay Zhang is exactly the type of artist Range was built for. He’s a true multihyphenate with global appeal,” said Range Music managing partner Cory Litwin and Range co-founder and CEO Peter Micelli in a joint statement. “With the recent breakthrough success of his latest film, ‘No More Bets,’ his presence onscreen shows big box office potential.”

Zhang, who is fluent in Mandarin, Korean and English, joins a Range Music roster that has made impressive strides since its inception two years ago. The division launched its own label in partnership with Capitol Music Group and Virgin Music & Artist Label Services and represents a wide range of talent including Jack Harlow, Saweetie, Justin Tranter, Cordae, Midland, Murda Beatz and Nicky Romero. The division earned seven Grammy nominations this year, with Nova Wav nabbing two awards for its production and songwriting work on Beyonce’s “Renaissance.”

who did jay z cheat on beyonce with work M95#

💾 ►►► DOWNLOAD FILE 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 During this break, Jay allegedly hooked up with a year-old Rihanna, who was signed to his Def Jam label. However, it has since been reported. JAY-Z confirms that he cheated on Beyoncé and apologizes on wax. On the title track, Jay discusses their marriage as well as their three. Jay-Z releases his new album , which features a collaboration with Bey called Family Feud, which features lyrics that seem to. Beyonce Finally Exposes How Jay Z Cheated On New SongAfter weeks of hype, Beyonce released her seventh studio album called Renaissance and. JAY-Z On Beyoncé's 'Lemonade': 'The Hardest Thing Is Seeing Pain On Someone's “Some questions I encourage partners to ask are, 'Did I do. With 45 Grammys, over 10 platinum studio albums, and several multi-million dollar business ventures between the two, Jay-Z and Beyonce are undoubtedly one of the most powerful couples in hip-hop history. But did the rapper really cheat on Beyonce? And who did Jay-Z even cheat with? Finally, in , Hova finally broke his silence. The collabs sparked rumours that the pair were an item, but it took two more years for them to make their red carpet debut at the MTV VMAs. At this point, the couple were becoming a force to be reckoned with in the hip-hop world — the two dropped hit albums within months of each other in In January , they welcomed their first baby girl Blue Ivy Carter. Then nearly two years later, Beyonce shocked everyone by dropping an eponymous visual album that has since been regarded as a masterpiece and a revelation into the groundbreaking artist that she is. However, not long after, leaked footage revealed that trouble was brewing for the couple. The statement made no mention of the cause of the altercation, but rumours were bubbling that Solange was furious at Jay for allegedly being unfaithful with his wife. And then, just when fans had assumed the couple put the mess behind them, Beyonce drops Lemonade , another stunning visual album in the same vein as Beyonce. But this time, the album is laden with songs about heartbreak and infidelity. While The Bey Hive were sent into a tailspin trying to piece together clues about whether Jay-Z actually cheated or if the whole thing was a massive marketing ploy, the couple welcomed twins Rumi and Sir and continued both their personal and professional relationships. Finally, on the same months the twins were born, Jay dropped , whose title track includes something pretty darn close to an admission from the rapper. Like a dam breaking, the notoriously private rapper opened up once more in a New York Times interview later that year, where he shared that therapy and listening to the songs they wrote about each other on Lemonade and proved to be cathartic. He confirmed that he did cheat on his wife but shared that the couple wanted to work things out together. Yes, the couple remains married and seem to be going stronger than ever! The two have been on tour together since the allegations, and have released a collaborative album called Everything Is Love under their surnames The Carters. On this album, Jay and Bey talk about, among other things, how they stay strong in the face of such a tough period in their lives. Rhys McKay. Get more from Who.

who did jay z cheat on beyonce with new ZYTP%

💾 ►►► DOWNLOAD FILE 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 During this break, Jay allegedly hooked up with a year-old Rihanna, who was signed to his Def Jam label. However, it has since been reported. JAY-Z confirms that he cheated on Beyoncé and apologizes on wax. On the title track, Jay discusses their marriage as well as their three. Jay-Z releases his new album , which features a collaboration with Bey called Family Feud, which features lyrics that seem to. Beyonce Finally Exposes How Jay Z Cheated On New SongAfter weeks of hype, Beyonce released her seventh studio album called Renaissance and. JAY-Z On Beyoncé's 'Lemonade': 'The Hardest Thing Is Seeing Pain On Someone's “Some questions I encourage partners to ask are, 'Did I do. With 45 Grammys, over 10 platinum studio albums, and several multi-million dollar business ventures between the two, Jay-Z and Beyonce are undoubtedly one of the most powerful couples in hip-hop history. But did the rapper really cheat on Beyonce? And who did Jay-Z even cheat with? Finally, in , Hova finally broke his silence. The collabs sparked rumours that the pair were an item, but it took two more years for them to make their red carpet debut at the MTV VMAs. At this point, the couple were becoming a force to be reckoned with in the hip-hop world — the two dropped hit albums within months of each other in In January , they welcomed their first baby girl Blue Ivy Carter. Then nearly two years later, Beyonce shocked everyone by dropping an eponymous visual album that has since been regarded as a masterpiece and a revelation into the groundbreaking artist that she is. However, not long after, leaked footage revealed that trouble was brewing for the couple. The statement made no mention of the cause of the altercation, but rumours were bubbling that Solange was furious at Jay for allegedly being unfaithful with his wife. And then, just when fans had assumed the couple put the mess behind them, Beyonce drops Lemonade , another stunning visual album in the same vein as Beyonce. But this time, the album is laden with songs about heartbreak and infidelity. While The Bey Hive were sent into a tailspin trying to piece together clues about whether Jay-Z actually cheated or if the whole thing was a massive marketing ploy, the couple welcomed twins Rumi and Sir and continued both their personal and professional relationships. Finally, on the same months the twins were born, Jay dropped , whose title track includes something pretty darn close to an admission from the rapper. Like a dam breaking, the notoriously private rapper opened up once more in a New York Times interview later that year, where he shared that therapy and listening to the songs they wrote about each other on Lemonade and proved to be cathartic. He confirmed that he did cheat on his wife but shared that the couple wanted to work things out together. Yes, the couple remains married and seem to be going stronger than ever! The two have been on tour together since the allegations, and have released a collaborative album called Everything Is Love under their surnames The Carters. On this album, Jay and Bey talk about, among other things, how they stay strong in the face of such a tough period in their lives. Rhys McKay. Get more from Who.

The Black Renaissance 2.0

It’s now been duly noted that the campaign and subsequent two-term presidency of Barack Obama circa 2008-2016, was in part responsible for ushering in a renewed era of cultural and political engagement. After all, we all remember the massive amounts of pressure that was placed on the millennial, Black, and the intersectional Black millennial voting blocs to bring home the first African American presidency. I’m almost certain that we remember the way in which conversations in the media about the then Illinois junior senator’s run gingerly, but unsuccessfully, attempted to avoid any allusion to exactly what he would say about the ‘elephant in the room’ issue of race in America. We surely remember what the stakes really were. What about the reactions of those staunch supporters of the republican opposition of Sen. John McCain and former governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin to Barack Obama’s run for the White House? Such comments ranged from the veiled and incorrect attempts by some to link him to socialism, others were completely wacked out like that of the crazy cat lady at a McCain rally who stated that Obama was “an Arab” only to have Sen. McCain snatch the mic from her with the quickness. As Black folk, we knew exactly what lied behind these exhortations from the white delegation, an anxiety, a coming to terms moment with the fact that a scenario once considered a punchline in Black comedy and a fantasy played out by the likes of Morgan Freeman, was indeed a reality...a Black president. For many of us, it was a coming of age moment. There will be many a Black millennial, such as myself who will be able to forever mark their maturation from the election of Barack Obama. Yet, while the former prez’s election could be considered nothing less than a watershed moment, his presidency was marked by that line most recognized by those who are enthusiasts of Charles Dickens, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Obama’s was an era in politics marked by tremendous progress on the health care front, and his signature act, the ACA, or Obamacare will forever be a testament to the reality that he got shit done, considering the environment towards him. He took out one of the most wanted terrorist in world history in Osama bin Laden, in a way that a 10 year long botched war in Iraq didn’t. He bailed the financial and auto industries, the former on which had for decades used financial charlantry to such a degree that it crashed the the global markets, costing homes and jobs for millions. By restructuring regulations to protect consumers, and punishing criminal financial outfits, he eventually brought back balance to the markets that hadn’t seen a tank like that since the Great Depression. Needless to say, that in the span of 8 years there were many more accomplishments, the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”, the passing of the “Lily Ledbetter Act”, and the legalization of same sex marriage (whatever your take on these) at the very least must be considered monumental achievements given the stalemate that such issues had previously been met with in Washington. Still, President Obama also presided over the most polarized political environment since Lincoln. What was a victory for so many African Americans was at once a devastating blow to the white psyche. Forty-three times in a row, the most powerful space in the world had been occupied by a white man and the presidency was synonymous with the continuation of white administrative power. But this upstart, a junior senator with culturally androgynous roots in Kenya to his birthplace in Hawaii, to Indonesia, to the South side of Chicago, with a name such as Barack Hussein Obama to boot, must’ve been way too much for the melanin impaired! As such, there were no shortage of racial dog whistles, and slurs such as “food stamp president”, “welfare president”, existed alongside images of stuffed monkeys dressed in suits, and signs that read “go back to Africa”. Since Black folk are endowed with a sixth sense that alerts us to America’s racism, we expected it, and Obama probably being well acquainted with the ways of the Nordics himself, exuded a chill factor that made such detractors look like mere children in his world. This only infuriated them more and made us even more proud of him for his ability to execute with unmatched cool. Still, the racial divide that in part marked his time in office manifested itself most potently in the exorbitant amount killings of unarmed African Americans, many of which have gone on to become martyred household names, Oscar Grant, Trayvon Martin, John Crawford, Tamir Rice, Eric Garner, Philando Castile, Rekia Boyd, Laquan McDonald, Mike Brown, and these names are just the most widely known, because in Obama’s era there were at least 500 other such state sanctioned murders. For us, these killings and white American “justice” system’s nonchalance toward the perpetrators of these deeds, were the in part an outward manifestation of America’s need to “put Black folk back in place”, as to say, that not even a Black president could save us. Which brings us to a flashpoint in which the issue of race and the reality of Blackness took centerstage in a way not seen since the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements of the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. If race took centerstage with the election of Barack Obama in 2008 and our moment of “post racial” euphoria was quickly jolted with the killing of Oscar Grant by a transit cop in 2009 just weeks before Obama’s inauguration, the murder of Sanford, Florida teen Trayvon Martin and the subsequent acquittal of his murderer, George Zimmerman was the event in which all of the forces of unabashed Black political consciousness collided. The rise of the #BlackLivesMatter movement and other similar Black protest organizations, marked what would paradoxically become an unfortunate Godsend as the era of social media, camera phones, and 24 hour online and offline news cycles were just some of the newer tools of 21st century Black revolution. Further, while such movements have been either directly or indirectly linked in one way or another with liberalism, given the African American link to the democratic party, what was amazing about this moment was how it seemed as if 400 years of oppression brought out ideologies across the African American spectrum. What comes to mind is Ta-Nehesi Coates’ depiction of his experience at Howard as being “The Mecca” of Blackness in his book “Between The World And Me”. Such were the times during the Obama era that Black folk from all stripes politically and ideologically occupied a space to weigh in on the most pressing issues of the day, from police brutality, to economic empowerment, to media. While Black pride and power had never truly ceased to exist, this renewed sense of it began to spill over in the most influential of spheres with music and popular culture that reflected the signs of turbulent and changing times. For instance,  hip hop artist such as Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole found their rise to hip hop stardom during this era with lyrics that didn’t shy away from the realities of being Black in America. Filmmakers such as Ava DuVernay created and released poignant films that not only touched intimately on Black life, but narrated Black history, and put critical issues like mass incarceration center stage. There was the rebirth of grassroots activism spawned by the wave of police killings of Blacks and in part supported by the relatively new tool of social media in which names of activists like Alicia Garza, Patrice Cullors, Shaun King, DeRay McKesson, Opal Tometi, and Johnetta Elzie (to name just the few) became household names. And certainly there were no shortages of Black academics, writers, and pundits whose new found dominant presence in the public intellectual sphere was part and parcel of 44th president’s mere existence in creating dialogues and partly due to the wave of all things Black once again dominating the population at large. While such legendary and well known  minds as Dr. Cornel West, Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, Jelani Cobb, Tavis Smiley, Dr. Kimberle Crenshaw, and Donna Brazile, were infused into the new era and being reintroduced to a new generation with noticeable vigor, such new and young Black minds like Angela Rye, Joey Jackson, Dr. Marc Lamont Hill, Cornell Belcher, Ta-Nehesi Coates, Dr. Melissa Harris-Perry, Yamiche Alcindor, Van Jones, Joy Reid, Toure, and many of their peers and contemporaries in part became the voice and impetus for the new Black. Still, there are also other voices coming out of this era that rose to prominence despite the so-called controversy they engender, names such as Dr. Umar Johnson, Tariq Nasheed, Dr. Claud Anderson, Dr. Joy DeGruy, and Dr. Boyce Watkins, names once not considered as much a part of the “mainstream”, but whose messages of Black independence and empowerment in the Pan African strain (economically and culturally) has since regained new life and noticeably influenced the minds of many in the Black community. Even pop cultural icons within the Black America from Oprah, to Beyonce, Jay-Z to LeBron James and the many influential behemoths of media, sports, and entertainment have rose to the task in a sphere in which it was once thought that being mum on social and political issues was the path to sustained popularity and success, especially if you were Black. Messages of not only Black economic empowerment, but creative freedom and unabashed Blackness in the face of white oppression dominated the lyrics and even business moves of the most successful among us. In other words, we went from talking it, to living it. This may be due in no small part to the advent of the digital world’s role in cutting out middle men in business and entertainment, allowing for newfound freedoms in connecting directly to consumers and creatively using platforms to engage on topics that once would’ve been censored by gatekeepers. Further, the democratization of media has created spaces for the likes of once ordinary citizens to create content on levels that can have both niche and mainstream appeal (see: Issa Rae) making Black life in it’s fullness, a main plot, not a marginal one. It was and is this Black renaissance that was in part responsible for the white backlash of 2016 and the election of Donald Trump. There can be no doubt that it would be hard to imagine America voting for such a flawed 45th president, had the 44th one been white instead. But it was not just President Barack Obama’s presence as leader of the free world that was the problem, it was what he stood for, it was what he (inadvertently) created by his being alone. It was the renewed since of pride and the benchmark of Obama’s occupation of the highest office in the land that in part, created varied conversations across the Black spectrum, and laid a foundation off of which a new generation of Black folk define themselves, smart, engaged, and swagged out to boot! While there can be no doubt that there is still much work to be done, as it always has been in America for Black folk and while we may be able to debate what policies we please, what can’t be debated is the role of Barack Obama’s presidency in creating the atmosphere of our renewed aspirations toward Black excellence. This, to me at least, is President Barack Obama’s most lasting legacy, and we have him in part to thank for the Black renaissance we are witnessing today.

Breaking Down The Celebrity Cameos In Childish Gambino’s ‘Feels Like Summer’ Video

Donald Glover — aka Childish Gambino — has demonstrated a true flair for the visual components of his latest releases. First, his “This Is America” video lit up the internet with discussion as fans and journalists alike analyzed the symbolism throughout the video and its various imitators. Then, just days ago, he released the animated video to follow-up “Feels Like Summer,” packing it to the brim with cameos and commentary on the rap game.

From visually remarking on Nicki Minaj’s one-sided feud with Travis Scott to referencing Migos’ enthusiasm for basketball, many of the cameos portray a piece of the hip-hop tapestry that has expanded to include both pioneers like Puff Daddy and upstarts like Lil Pump. There’s even a semi-controversial scene in which a crying, MAGA-hat clad Kanye West receives a loving hug from Michelle Obama. That particular tableau was dissected both on Twitter and in several publications by viewers trying to parse its intent.

Here are all the cameos from the video, with brief explainers of who each of the figures is and why they’re so important to hip-hop today.

Lil Pump and Trippie Redd

Youtube

Two of the hottest up-and-coming rappers from the Soundcloud scene, it could be said their appearance makes reference to the way their presence seems to pester older, more established artists.

21 Savage and Metro Boomin

Youtube

21 Savage, known for his aggressive deadpan and harrowing tales of the trap life, sits in his car with Metro Boomin, one of trap music’s top producers, smoking a joint, and shooing away Pump and Redd. The pair released a joint album last year with Offset from Migos.

Kodak Black

Youtube

Kodak Black, another Soundcloud-affiliated rapper, can’t come out to play with his buddies Pump and Trippie, possibly referencing Kodak’s current legal troubles. His orange shirt sure looks like a prison jumpsuit.

Migos

Youtube

Quavo, Offset, and Takeoff hoop in the driveway, a favorite summer pastime of both the hood and the trap rap trio, who have taken to getting in games with Drake on their shared Aubrey And The Three Amigos tour.

Chance the Rapper, Jaden Smith, Birdman

Youtube

Birdman, CEO of Cash Money Records, works the grill while Jaden Smith, son of Will and all-around quirky, eccentric young thought leader, leaps around in a homemade superhero costume — much like his real-life counterpart. Chance The Rapper seems amused and is easily identifiable from his trademark “3” hat — which he once claimed his own daughter can’t recognize him without.

Will Smith

Youtube

Rap’s current number one dad takes part in the most “dad” ritual of the warmer months — scrubbing up the family station wagon in socks and sandals. The only thing missing is a Bluetooth earpiece.

Azealia Banks

Youtube

Unlike the real-life Azealia, the animated version keeps out of the way, perching on a branch in a nearby tree and surveying the neighborhood goings-on. If only the real one could confine herself to doing the same, she might have been a lot more successful like the erstwhile rival who appears next.

Nicki Minaj and Travis Scott

Youtube

Possibly the most topical appearance of the whole video, Nicki appears annoyed when Travis pulls a support block out of her block castle, causing the whole thing to crumble. This mirrors the real-world temper tantrum Nicki threw when Travis outsold her comeback album, Queen, in its first week, even though his own album, Astroworld, was in its second.

The Weeknd, Ty Dolla $ign, and Frank Ocean

Youtube

The three crooners are seen playing tug-of-war with A$AP Rocky, Solange, and Willow Smith, but perhaps this is a bit of good-natured summer fun rather than a musical commentary. After all, Rocky doesn’t even obviously fit with this particular group, who are all notable singers leading the R&B renaissance on radio and streaming stations for the past two years.

Soulja Boy

Youtube

Soulja Boy is seen instructing Trippie Redd and Lil Pump, which is apropos; Soulja was arguably the first rapper to really break through to the mainstream using online resources like Youtube, which helped propel his viral hit “Superman” into cultural ubiquity and was likely a staple of the younger rappers’ upbringings.

Drake and Future

Youtube

Drake and Future are paired, as they were on their joint mixtape, What A Time To Be Alive, but here, Drake struggles to chase down Future, who seems to have stolen his bike. Again, this is probably more a reference to summertime shenanigans than any sort of beef between the two.

Kid Cudi

Youtube

The first break in the neighborhood scenes depicts a pretty sad-looking Kid Cudi. The reason for his melancholy expression isn’t readily apparent, but as one of the rappers who put depression at the forefront of his musical agenda, the look isn’t out of place on Cudi’s face.

Kanye West and Michelle Obama

Youtube

The most controversial scene of the video portrays either the healing power of a mother’s love, the need for Black women to “save” Kanye from “The Sunken Place,” or Kanye’s secret hope to be embraced by the Obama administration, the rumored cause of his sudden liking for Donald Trump.

Beyonce

Youtube

Beyonce’s presence here could likely lend credence to one of the Kanye theories, or simply be representative of the end result of finding and accepting oneself and the inner peace that comes along with it, judging from her beatific expression.

Andrew Gillium

Youtube

Perhaps depicting a sort of hope for the future, the Democratic Atlanta governor hopeful sits on a park bench, maybe relishing a moment of peace from his long, unlikely campaign.

Lil Uzi Vert, Oprah Winfrey, Kehlani, and Tiffany Haddish

Youtube

Returning to the neighborhood, Donald passes a porch where Lil Uzi Vert, current symbol of a new kind of carefree masculinity in hip-hop, gets his hair braided by Oprah alongside Bay Area crooner Kehlani, who is attended to by comedian Tiffany Haddish. Uzi and Kehlani have both been open with their struggles with mental health and have challenge gender stereotypes while unabashedly expressing their individuality in recent years — something Oprah and Haddish probably know plenty about.

Lil Yachty and Charlamagne

Youtube

Radio personality Charlamagne Tha God shares an ice cream bar with young rapper Lil Yachty, who he once called the “Poster Child For Wack Rappers.” Maybe Gambino hopes for a reconciliation between the two hip-hop generational figureheads, which could ease tensions among the broader culture. After all, everybody loves ice cream.

Gucci Mane

Youtube

Gucci Mane, one of the godfathers of modern Atlanta hip-hop, sunbathes, showing off his newly chiseled physique. Gucci shocked the world when he was released from prison last year slimmer and brimming with optimism, but his new outlook paid off as he had a huge 2017 complete with book deals, weddings, and collaborations galore.

Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Diddy, Wiz Khalifa, and Jay-Z

Youtube

This grouping seems bizarre, but all five of these rappers are also big names when it comes to business, with Jay and Puff Daddy (aka Brother Love) topping Forbes‘ Wealthiest Hip-Hop Acts of 2018 with Dr. Dre. The stoner duo of Snoop Dogg and Wiz are also perennial favorites with some of the broadest-reaching fanbases due to their affable personalities and love of cannabis. However, the verity of the dance skills displayed here is questionable (especially for Jay), and barring some kind of perspective trick, everyone’s heights are wildly off — Snoop and Wiz are by far the tallest at 6’4, while Diddy tops out at 5’10.

Ball Brothers and Young Thug

Youtube

Although they’re primarily known as athletes, the Ball brothers (Lonzo, LiAngelo, and LaMelo) have become fixtures in hip-hop as well thanks to their outspoken father Lavar and Lonzo’s rap ambitions. Young Thug seems content to play his video game and do his own thing — fur coat and all.

2 Chainz, Meek Mill, Pusha T, and Lil Wayne

The photo 2 Chainz takes on his iPhone seems unlikely; Lil Wayne and Pusha T have been beefing since about 2006, but if anyone has what it takes to promote some “peace” in hip-hop, it’s Meek Mill, recent advocate of prison law reform.

Rae Sremmurd and J. Cole

Youtube

Unfortunately, 2 Chainz may have to shoot another pic, as pranksters Slim Jxmmi and Swae Lee spray down his subjects with their Super Soakers. Rae Sremmurd have seemed pretty lighthearted and rambunctious in interviews, so their antics here wouldn’t be totally out of the realm of possibility. Of course, J. Cole is slightly better armed with a gardening hose and though he may seem like a pretty serious guy, he’s always come off as good-natured, turning his short-lived “beef” with Lil Pump into a teachable moment for all of hip-hop.

Janelle Monae and Tessa Thompson

Youtube

Former android stand-in Janelle Monae — who may have one of the best albums of 2018 so far — skateboards down the street with rumored paramour Tessa Thompson in tow.

Chris Brown

Youtube

As the neighborhood fades away again, the first figure to appear from the darkness is one who has long struggled with his time in the spotlight, Chris Brown. In the video, he too sheds some tears, as perhaps the real-life Brown wishes he could do without the pressure of outdated ideas of masculinity pressuring him into violent behavior and displays of bravado.

Outkast

Youtube

The original ambassadors of Atlanta rap are reunited here in Donald Glover’s imagination, even if it seems even more unlikely than ever that they’ll link up again for the betterment of hip-hop and music as a whole. Their iconic status is sealed, though, and maybe that’s why they appear here like monuments to a legendary time in history.

Rihanna

Youtube

The singer appears as an ethereal being, like a goddess with a mischievous smirk on her face. Perhaps this is how Childish Gambino sees her — and he wouldn’t be the first.

Whitney Houston

Youtube

The late singer appears like a flashback, probably as a tribute to her remarkable influence over many of the artists who also appear in the video. Like Outkast, she is a legendary artist who deserves to be remembered at her peak.

Michael Jackson

Youtube

Continuing that theme, we see the King Of Pop himself, but perlaterot the version we came to know later in his life. This is the ideal Michael Jackson, proud of his appearance, self-assured, unbothered by his father’s judgements or the standards of the world that he would spend his latter years trying to escape. If the ultimate goal of the video was to depict Donald Glover’s musical influences and heroes, then perhaps he saved the best for last, honoring his greatest idol with prime placement as the last face the video shows before Glover’s animated counterpart makes it home.

source https://uproxx.com/hiphop/childish-gambino-feels-like-summer-video-cameos/

Every Case For, And Against, Each Album Of The Year Nominee (2018 Edition)

The Album Of The Year award is the epitome of everything a recording artist strives for. The heralded (and heavily criticised) committee has been the standard for rewarding artists for six decades, and this year some all time greats are fighting for the top achievement. This year is particularly special with each album having a strong case to win, but there is a flip side to each coin.

Bruno Mars - “24k Magic”

Genre: Pop

Pro: The New King Of Pop

It’s fair to say Bruno Mars is arguably the biggest pop artist in the world. His male competitors for the Pop throne leave more to be desired, or just aren’t “Pop” enough to earn the title. Drake is a hip-hop act, Ed Sheeran has recently been critically chewed up and spit out, The Weeknd has only had a few years of true Billboard staying power with only 6 Top 10 singles against Bruno’s 9. (Nice). With “24k Magic” being a global smash with massive concert sales, album sales, singles domination, and a proven track record with the committee and the hearts of the people, even with such a large gap between full length projects.

Con: Hip-Hop’s Big Moment

Hip-Hop officially becoming the most popular genre of music in the world along with and influx of hip-hop related acts getting heavy nomination after decades of backlash for the shunning of the genre and its legitimacy. That along with the award show being held in New York City with Jay-Z receiving an Icon Award makes the night more and more skewed in favor on paper to rap music over Bruno’s pop / new jack swing filled LP.

Childish Gambino - “Awaken, My Love!”

Genre: R&B / Funk

Pro: Rewarding An Unrewarded Sound

Childish Gambino, aka the Renaissance man Donald Glover, is nominated a few times for one of the few true funk albums of the past decade. The album is soaked in influence and even song lyrics from Sly & The Family Stone along with Parliament-Funkadelic. These artists Gambino strives to encompass in his latest LP have for their whole careers fallen into the two most shunned categories in the multi-decade dynasty of the Grammys. Experimental and Black. Bootsy Collins (leader of Parliament) has 1 nomination, which turned into a win for his 2001 music video for the song “Weapon Of Choice” and George Clinton (creator of the Parliament-Funkadelic family tree) has 2 Grammy noms, one being as a short feature on Kendrick Lamar’s “To Pimp A Butterfly”. With a win for Donald, it can also be seen as a win for Sly, George and Bootsy that has been long overdue.

Con: Lack Of Grammy Experience

Earning your dues in the eyes of the committee will pay a large roll in the cases for other artists this year, which is a large flaw in Gambino’s case. The Grammy’s ever so rarely give an Album Of The Year award to a first time nominee in the Big 4 Categories (none this decade), especially one who’s lone album related nomination before this year was for Rap Album Of The Year with 2012′s “Because The Internet”.

Jay-Z - “4:44″

Genre: Hip-Hop

Pro: The Golden Veteran Theory

Everything is in line theoretically for Jay-Z to take home the top honor on Sunday. The Grammy’s left LA for New York City this year, the home of Hova himself. The committee has faced heat for not giving recognition to hip-hop since it’s inception, but neither of these things are as comparable to the Golden Veteran Theory. The Theory tells of whenever a Golden Veteran (an artists with the most albums, most nominations and has earliest year of first nomination) is up for Album Of The Year they have an almost a guarantee to win. Jay’s first nomination came in 1999, before any of the acts had even graduated high school. Jay also has 13 official solo albums, again, more then everyone nominated combined. As far as nominations go Jay has 72 compared to the other four nominees only tallying 68 together. Jay is the seasoned vet by miles, but if that will be enough will be decided early in the night when he faces Kendrick for Best Rap Album.

Con: Beyonce

For the first time in the history of the universe having Beyonce by his side may come back to bite Mr. Carter. Looking at this may take a tin foil hate but bare with me. With the inequality and double standards between men and women in entertainment being at the forefront of national news more and more every hour, how would it look for the Grammy committee to reward Jay for telling his side of the story in their highly publicized marital issues, while Beyonce lost to Adele’s snore-fest “25″ for her perspective? Criticism of “4:44″ has largely surrounded this concept, along with it being called Jigga “opening up and becoming emotionally vulnerable” at the ripe age of 48.

Kendrick Lamar - “DAMN.”

Genre: Hip Hop

Pro: The Artist Of The Year Argument

Kendrick has after over a decade of making music has had his breakout year on the commercial side of the success triangle. Having long been acclaimed by his peers and professional critics alike, Kendrick has finally reached chart breaking success with three Hot 100 singles and “DAMN.” being the third highest selling album of the year, highest out of each nominated album. Along with acclaim in every possible way, Kendrick has also secured deals with Reebok, named as co-executive producer for Marvel’s Black Panther soundtrack and sold out a multi-month country wide tour. The Year Of Kung Fu Kenny would receive a cherry on top by sweeping the Grammy’s, including the crown jewel itself.

Con: May Be Too Experimental

Though Jay-Z may have the “blackest” album of the 5 nominations, Kendrick definitely has the most complex. The album was admittedly created to be played backwards, presenting a different meaning depending on which way you decide to play it. That along with concepts of black Israelites, game breaking song structure, beat switches, obscure sample choices, and heavy political topics may have created to deep of a project for a voting body that has time and again shown a preference to simpler albums, proven best with Kendricks’ “To Pimp A Butterfly” (one of the highest acclaimed albums in music history) losing to Taylor Swift’s low risk low reward “1989″.

Lorde - “Melodrama”

Genre: Pop

Pro: The Future Of Pop Musics Progression

The dull, repetitive, cookie cutter structure that most pop songs are made in is as annoying and ear bleedingly painful as it has ever been. Lorde though has again pulled through the muck and slop of the genre to create something interesting and excited. Breathing new life into the genre with a loose concept album with songs smart enough to tickle the brain of a music vet, but infectious enough to play at full volume at a homecoming dance. Lorde took year between releases, but with a second highly received album, the hope is that it will inspired a quicker turnaround in production then the last go around to keep a high quality songwriter on the charts.

Con: The Weakest Overall Album Of The Group

Let’s be honest with ourselves, of the 5 albums one is not like the other. Though Lorde released an astounding project, it just isn’t in the same tier as the other nominees. Had the committee listened to the public or other critics as to what the best projects were, this spot would without a doubt be filled by a Thundercat, SZA, Drake, or Daniel Caesar. Though the when an oddball is among what seems to be obvious choices, they always are their for a big gold plated and gramophone shaped reason.