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Quick Take: Artists draw inspiration from social justice movements of 2020 - Daily Aztec

Posted: 09 Feb 2021 10:30 PM PST

Quick+Take%3A+Artists+draw+inspiration+from+social+justice+movements+of+2020

by Ryan Hardison, Senior Staff Writer

Protesting and music have long overlapped in the United States, dating back to the days of 20th-century union strikes and Billie Holliday's poetic rendition of "Strange Fruit." 

Most notably when it comes to R&B, rock, and rap, there's always been a roaring feeling of urgency in protest music. With the rise of Black Lives Matter, it's been no different. Songs like "Hell you Talmbout" by Janelle Monae, Kendrick Lamar's "Alright" and Black Thought's "Rest in Power" perfectly encapsulate long-held feelings of staunch disapproval towards America's highest leadership.  

The BLM movement has existed since 2013, following the controversial acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting of Trayvon Martin, and it has encompassed the pain, outrage, and determination of millions of African-Americans into collective action. Their actions have started conversations in favor of defunding and abolishing police departments, providing proper assistance to victims of systemic racism, and prosecuting police officers who abuse and murder civilians. 

Many songs released in 2020 were inspired by the surge of Black Lives Matter protests following the death of George Floyd. These songs contain strong political messaging and describe a brutal daily reality for Black people across the nation.

In celebration of Black History Month, here are several songs that embody Black pride and usher in a potent sign of the times.  

Beyoncé – "Black Parade" 

There's no time for mourning on Beyoncé's "Black Parade." Released on Juneteenth as a nonprofit charity single, Beyoncé's uplifting ode radiates pride for her home state of Texas and preaches unity while energetically chiding racist police officers. The song's release was accompanied by the creation of Black Parade Route, a directory of Black and African-owned businesses spanning beauty, fashion, and agriculture.

Like much of her music in the past decade, "Black Parade" is emphatically pro-Black and pays tribute to her past, while encouraging protesters to keep marching on and remember the path laid before them. As a celebration of Black tradition, Beyoncé namedrops legendary Black musicians and revolutionaries along with current activists, proving their legacies have not been left behind. 

"Curtis Mayfield on the speaker (Woo) / Lil' Malcolm, Martin mixed with mama Tina (Woo) / Need another march, lemme call Tamika (Woo) / Need peace and reparation for my people (Woo)"

It's hard not to walk away from this song feeling at least a little bit exalted and proud, but the volatile power of Beyoncé's music should come as no surprise.

Lil Baby – "The Bigger Picture" 

"The Bigger Picture" sees Lil Baby drift into vivid, socially conscious territory. Though he's previously rapped about social issues and his insecurities, the Atlanta rapper swings big in his first direct address at a major societal problem. Baby's honest recollection of life as a Black man is jarring, as he addresses the fear of living in constant paranoia of police. He's become accustomed to knowing to never take his chances, even when he's done nothing wrong.

"I see blue lights, I get scared and start runnin' / That shit be crazy, they 'posed to protect us / Throw us in handcuffs and arrest us / While they go home at night, that shit messed up"

The song's cover portrays Lil Baby on his bike at the forefront of a June 8th BLM protest in downtown Atlanta. While leading the protest, he guided protesters to city hall and spoke to his fellow Georgians about police violence, certifying himself as a true leader of his community. 

Noname – "Song 33" 

An infamously outspoken critic of patriarchy, capitalism, and white supremacy, Noname wraps up many of her critiques neatly into three concise but scathing verses on the striking Madlib-produced "Song 33." As a rebuttal to J. Cole's "Snow On Tha Bluff," a song where he weaponized his insecurities, "Song 33" turned the attention back to the protests and specifically to the tragic death of Olawutoyin Salau. The Tallahassee BLM activist was found dead on June 13th, a week after her Twitter thread about being sexually assaulted by a member of her community went viral. Referring to Salau, as well as the shocking number of Black women being targeted nationwide, Noname mourns the numerous ones left behind.

"One girl missin', another go missin' / One girl missin', another."

H.E.R. – "I Can't Breathe" 

"I Can't Breathe" is an achingly descriptive depiction of generational suffering through the lens of a true artist. H.E.R. guides this emotional rollercoaster with polished vocals and compassionate grace.  The track ends solemnly with a resounding spoken word passage where she criticizes the desensitization of Black violence by the media while ignoring none of the pain. 

"You are desensitized to pulling triggers on innocent lives / Because that's how we got here in the first place / These wounds sink deeper than the bullet / Your entitled hands could ever reach."

Leon Bridges feat. Terrace Martin – "Sweeter" 

On "Sweeter," Leon Bridges trades in his vintage soul sound for contemporary r&b and it suits him perfectly. On this track, he pleas for better treatment and a life that's "sweeter" where prejudice is no longer an issue. Bridges manages to sum up the impact of racism's everlasting and inescapable effect on him, his friends and family. His conclusion is that no matter what he does to combat hate, he is stuck in a never-ending cycle. 

"Hoping for a life more sweeter / Instead I'm just a story repeating / Why do I fear with skin dark as night? / Can't feel peace with those judging eyes"

Terrace Martin & Denzel Curry feat. Kamasi Washington, G Perico & Daylyt – "Pig Feet"

"Pig Feet," which refers to the denomination "pig" for a police officer, is a beautiful expression of someone's raging instincts in a moment of crisis. Produced by Terrace Martin and featuring a standout guest appearance from superhuman jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington, this song couldn't sound any more immediate. Beginning with a skit marked by ringing gunshots and a distraught woman yelling for someone to help her son, the song surges to a height of blinding ferocity. Rappers Denzel Curry and Daylyt trade unapologetic verses over passionate and demanding production that holds your intention for three emphatic minutes. This infectious collaboration is hopefully the first of many, and is certainly a politically-charged anthem that deserves to be played at dangerously loud levels.

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Beyoncé Once Took Credit For Writing a Hit Song She Didn't Write - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

Posted: 12 Jan 2021 12:00 AM PST

All hail Queen Bey! To so many of us, Beyoncé is the epitome of literal perfection. She is so fierce, so talented, and so gorgeous that we're willing to forgive her for most wrongdoings. She is the Queen, after all.

But some fans might be put off learning that Beyoncé has actually told a pretty big lie in her past – and stole acknowledgment from someone who deserved it. 

Beyoncé is one of the most successful musical artists of all time

Beyoncé

Beyoncé | ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images

Although we all met her when she was just a young girl singing as part of the girl trio Destiny's Child, Beyoncé has since grown in importance to become something of a world icon. She first started a solo singing career in 2003, and has appeared in movies as well.

Her 2008 marriage to legendary rap artist Jay-Z only catapulted her even further into American royalty. She has a passionate and loyal following all around the world.

Some of Queen Bey's most popular hit singles have included her debut single, 'Crazy In Love', 'Halo', 'Formation', and 'Brown Skin Girl'.

She is currently one of the most successful musical artists of all time, and has sold over 17 million albums just as a solo artist (not to mention the millions she sold as a member of Destiny's Child). She's currently worth around half a billion dollars.

'Irreplaceable', one of Beyoncé's most popular songs

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As soon as you hear, "To the left, to the left…" on the radio, you immediately recognize the song. Just about everyone in the world can sing along with one of Beyoncé's most famous songs ever, "Irreplaceable." The single was incredibly successful when it was first released in 2006 as part of the queen's second studio album, B'Day. 

The powerful anthem is told from the perspective of a woman who knows that her man is cheating on her, but is ready to replace him.

"You must not know 'bout me, you must not know 'bout me; I could find another you in a minute, matter o' fact he'll be here in a minute, baby," Beyoncé croons, mocking the fictional man who dared do her wrong. The song conveys a powerful message about female empowerment, and not having to put up with a partner who doesn't treat you right.

"Baby I won't shed a tear for you; I won't lose a wink of sleep. 'Cause the truth of the matter is, replacing you is so easy," she sings, as women across the world yell, "YES!"

"Irreplaceable" reached number one on the U.S. charts, becoming Beyoncé's fourth single to do so. It remained at the top of the Billboard 100 for ten whole weeks, and is in general one of the most memorable, recognized songs of the singer's career.

Did Beyoncé lie about writing 'Irreplaceable'?

According to Bustle, Beyoncé actually told a fib about writing the catchy lyrics to 'Irreplaceable'. Apparently, in an interview with Marie Claire UK, Beyoncé suggested that she wrote the lyrics to the song, saying: "I'm sure people think I wrote it about [Jay Z] or something, but… the obvious person is not the person at all." 

We did, in fact, wonder if the song was written about her husband (who's been known to be unfaithful in the past), but the song couldn't possibly have been written about him – because Beyoncé didn't write the lyrics at all.

Popular singer Ne-Yo claimed that he wrote the song. In an interview with a radio station, discussing songs that he's written for other artists, he said: "One song that I gave away and didn't want to is Beyoncé's "Irreplaceable." I honestly wrote that song for myself … However, a man singing it comes across a little bit misogynistic, a little bit mean."

So did our Queen lie? It seems like it, but one thing's for sure: we definitely forgive her.

The Biden-Harris inauguration playlist just arrived, and it features a Houston artist - Chron

Posted: 19 Jan 2021 12:00 AM PST

The inauguration team for President-elect Joe Biden and VP-to-be Kamala Harris has released an official inaugural playlist. The playlist is 46 songs, commemorating the incoming 46th president.

The Presidential Inaugural Committe partnered with DJ D Nice and Raedio, actor/producer Issa Rae's label, to release the playlist.

President-elect Joe Biden takes note from his predecessor, and includes a diverse mix of music in the playlist.

MORE PRESIDENTIAL PLAYLISTSBarack Obama's summer playlist includes Beyoncé and Megan Thee Stallion

The playlist has a variety of different genres, including hip-hop, R&B and rock, ranging from "What A Fool Believes" by The Doobie Brothers and "Destiny" by Burna Boy.

The curated playlist also includes none other than Houston hometown favorite Beyoncé. The array of songs features a track from her latest body of work, "The Lion King: The Gift."

Grammy nominees Dua Lipa and Kaytranada also appear in the playlist, as well as other timely artists like the Internet, MF Doom, Major Lazer and Tame Impala. We also get a blast from the past from artists like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Led Zeppelin and Bob Marley.

While the playlist does contain a versatile sound, the only genre conspicuously missing from the playlist is country, suggesting that the committee that made the picks was not thinking too hard about upping Biden's heartland appeal, according to Chris Willman at Variety.

Presidential Inaugural Committee CEO Tony Allen saud in a statement: "During a tumultuous year that has kept so many loved ones apart, music has been a consistent vehicle that has kept us connected. Whether you are a country soul, a jazz enthusiast, a hip-hop head, a classical sort, or just love that old-time rock 'n' roll, music clarifies, inspires, unites, and heals. Today we are excited to share President-elect Biden's and Vice-President Elect Harris' official inaugural playlist with the nation. These songs and artists reflect the relentless spirit and rich diversity of America. They are the score to a new chapter and will help bring people together as the Biden-Harris Administration begins its important work to unite our country."

The playlist is on all streaming platforms. You can check out the playlist here.

Super Bowl halftime: Michael Jackson, Prince, Beyoncé among iconic shows - FOX43.com

Posted: 02 Feb 2021 12:00 AM PST

The Weeknd will perform the Super Bowl LV halftime show and he'll have some big performances of the past to live up to.

Sometimes the Super Bowl halftime show is wilder than the actual game. From wardrobe malfunctions and uncoordinated dancers dressed as sharks to superstars jumping from the roof and surprise celebrity appearances, a lot can go down in the short break between halves. In one notable show, even mother nature added apropos ambiance for the performer.

The Weeknd is headlining this year's show in Tampa Bay to the smallest in-person crowd in the game's history -- just 22,000 fans due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here's a look back at some of the most memorable halftime shows in Super Bowl history.

Michael Jackson changes halftime forever

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We have to thank the King of Pop for making halftime shows the over-the-top productions that we expect today. During his 1993 performance at the Super Bowl in Pasadena, California, Michael Jackson immediately grabbed the audience's attention by standing completely still in silence on stage for nearly two minutes. He then performed a mashup of his hits, including "Billie Jean," and ended the show with "Heal the World" alongside hundreds of children who rushed on stage.

Prince sings "Purple Rain" in a rain storm

As rain poured down on Miami's stadium in 2007, Prince commanded the stage, dancing around on the slick surface and playing four different electric guitars. Before the show, he reportedly asked the production crew if they could "make it rain harder." Prince not only performed his beloved hits – including "Purple Rain" – but also played covers of Queen's "We Will Rock You," "Proud Mary" by Creedence Clearwater Revival, a medley of "All Along the Watchtower" by Bob Dylan and Foo Fighters' "Best of You."

Janet Jackson's "wardrobe malfunction"

It has become the most infamous halftime show of all time.

We all know the story: 2004. Houston, Texas. Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson. An exposed breast. 144 million television viewers. A whole lot of controversy. Fourteen years later, Timberlake returned to headline the Super Bowl LII halftime show, but without Jackson.

Fifteen years later, fans wanted to know why Maroon 5's Adam Levine was allowed to run around with his shirt off during the band's Super Bowl LIII halftime performance.

Left shark steals Katy Perry's show

As Katy Perry performed her hit song "Teenage Dream" on the Super Bowl stage in 2015, she was joined by two dancing sharks.

The shark on the right clearly knew all the dance moves. The shark on the left… not so much. "Left shark," as he was called in viral, online memes, flailed his flippers and seemed to forget that he was dancing next to a pop star and being watched by millions of people worldwide. Turns out, the seemingly random moves were all planned. One of Perry's dancers, Bryan Gaw, finally fessed up to being left shark.

He told NPR in 2018 that he was playing a character – "I'm in a 7-foot blue shark costume. There's no cool in that." So he decided to be a little goofy, and his movements turned out looking extra-goofy on the huge stage.

Beyoncé and Bruno Mars crash Coldplay's performance

For Super Bowl 50, there had to be an epic halftime.

It was supposed to be Coldplay's show. But then Beyoncé and Bruno Mars showed up. Bruno Mars kicked off his performance during the 2016 Super Bowl in Santa Clara, California, with his hit "Uptown Funk." Then Beyoncé entered the stadium with an entourage of backup dancers dressed in black and gold, singing "Formation." Beyoncé and her crew had a dance-off with Bruno Mars, and if you watch the video, it's clear Queen Bey won. 

Lady Gaga jumps from the roof

After singing a medley of "God Bless America" and "This Land is Your Land" with hundreds of drones creating an American flag behind her, Lady Gaga appeared to jump from the roof of NRG Stadium in Houston at Super Bowl LI. She then floated into the stadium and started singing "Poker Face." The whole performance was impressive, but she didn't actually jump from the roof. The beginning segment with the drones was prerecorded and, during the live set, she was lowered down from the roof by harnesses.

JLo, Shakira bring the heat 

Jennifer Lopez and Shakira brought serious girl power to the Super Bowl halftime show. The ladies came with the heat performing some of their biggest hit songs. 

Shakira kicked off the festivities in a red sequined outfit, singing a medley of her best songs, including "She Wolf," "Whenever, Wherever" and "Hips Don't Lie." She was joined by Bad Bunny for a cover of Cardi B's "I Like It."

Lopez followed with a rendition of her classic "Jenny From The Block" before launching into a mix that included "Ain't It Funny," "Waiting for Tonight" and "On the Floor." J Balvin joined the 50-year-old for a rendition of "Mi Gente." The singer had two stunning outfits, one black leather and one silver beaded. Lopez also showed off the pole dance moves she learned for her role in the movie "Hustlers."

Lopez's daughter, Emme, made a surprise appearance, belting a rendition of "Let's Get Loud" with her mother.  

The show was a little too caliente for some. The FCC received more than 1,300 complaints, mostly saying the show was too sexy.

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