Kendrick Lamar was announced as the headliner of the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show on Sept. 8.
The 37-year-old entertainer from Compton, Calif., has 17 Grammy wins, is the only rapper to win a Pulitzer Prize, and has already graced the stage in Super Bowl 56’s halftime show alongside an iconic lineup of Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Mary J. Blige.
In a news release, Lamar expressed his excitement, proclaiming that “rap music is still the most impactful genre to date and I’ll be there to remind the world why.”
This announcement follows his rap feud with Aubrey “Drake” Graham earlier this year, which resulted in a significant win for Lamar, who has continued to impact the hip-hop world.
Since his major label debut in 2012 with “Good Kid, m.A.A.d City,” Lamar has become arguably the most influential and respected rapper in the industry.
Shawn “Jay Z” Carter, founder of Roc Nation, praised Lamar’s artistry and influence in hip-hop and culture.
Carter stated, “Kendrick Lamar is truly a once-in-a-generation artist and performer. His deep love for hip-hop and culture informs his artistic vision. He has an unparalleled ability to define and influence culture globally. Kendrick’s work transcends music, and his impact will be felt for years to come.”
However, Lamar has faced backlash from prominent figures in the hip-hop world, particularly Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., aka “Lil Wayne” associates like Birdman, Nicki Minaj, and Cam’ron who have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the selection on Twitter.
The source of their outrage is the belief that Wayne should have been chosen to headline the Super Bowl due to the upcoming event’s location in New Orleans, a city closely associated with Lil Wayne’s musical roots.
“God forbid if Wayne was to leave this earth right now, the culture would be in mourning,” Minaj wrote on Twitter. “That’s why so many ppl keep saying to give our legends their flowers while they are still around to smell them.”
Both Minaj and Cam’ron suggested that Jay-Z, who is partnered with the NFL, intentionally snubbed Lil Wayne in favor of Lamar.
Birdman, CEO of Cash Money, has a well-known feud with Lil Wayne that dates back to 2009.
This has led to speculation that Jay-Z favored Lamar due to the ongoing conflict.
However, it’s important to note that, according to www.BusinessInsider.com, Jay-Z does not solely decide who performs at the Super Bowl. The NFL board, which includes Jay-Z, considers a list of artists proposed by the hosting city.
On Sept. 12, Wayne expressed his disappointment on Instagram regarding not performing at the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
In a video shared on his Instagram account, he said, “That hurt. A lot. You know what I’m talking about. It hurt a lot. I blame myself for not being mentally prepared for a let-down.”
Wayne added, “It broke me, and I’m just trying to put me back together. I feel like I let all of y’all down by not getting that opportunity.”
According to TMZ, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed enthusiasm about the selection of Lamar as the headliner for the Super Bowl.
Goodell declared, “I’m feeling great about it.”
Several Jackson State University students shared their thoughts on the Super Bowl selection.
Joshua Hall, a senior criminal justice major from Chicago, Ill., mentioned that Lil Wayne is iconic.
“I feel like Wayne should have headlined the show, but how Kendrick changed the culture during the summer is something that should be recognized and I believe Kendrick deserves his spot,” Hall stated.
Damien Teroy, a sophomore bio-medical engineering major from Houston, Texas, emphasized that the Super Bowl involves marketing.
“People should have the decency to accept who the Superbowl chooses because it doesn’t matter what city it is in, especially since they’re a business first,” Terry stated.
Despite the mixed reactions, the choice has sparked conversation and heightened anticipation for the upcoming event, which will air on Fox.
Super Bowl LIX is scheduled to take place on Feb. 9, 2025 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La.
]]>Imagine walking into a world where New York’s streets become runways, and every garment tells a story—welcome to New York Fashion Week 2024, when innovation meets elegance in the most stunning exhibition of imagination.
New York Fashion Week 2024, which kicks off fashion week, has found itself at a turning point in recent seasons, while rivals in Milan and Paris have maintained supremacy on the industry’s calendar with desired shows and splashy celebrity guest invites.
This year, the event coincided with the U.S. Open, drawing a slew of A-list celebrities to view the events and participate on the runway.
At New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2024, a breathtaking assortment of designers filled the runway, each expressing their distinct perspectives. Influences, celebrities, and industry insiders flocked to New York City’s streets to see the reveal of the Spring/Summer collections.
The city was buzzing with excitement as everyone anticipated what amazing things the fashion industry would roll out.
Not only was New York Fashion Week 2024 a showcase of fashion, but it also served as a worldwide statement of the transforming power of fashion.
This year, the fashion offerings included a colorful festival of creativity, innovation, and style, with designers from all over the world showcasing their Spring/Summer collection. The event drew a broad crowd, including fashion editors, influencers, celebrities, buyers, and style experts, all having different motivations for going.
Some familiar names that graced the event included Madonna, Kim Kardashian, Kerry Washington, Ice Spice, Colman Domingo, and many more.
Influencers and social media celebrities attended the exhibitions to create platform content and engage with designers and businesses. For fashion enthusiasts, it was a chance to witness the creativity of fashion up close and feel the excitement of viewing the latest creations.
Marc Jacobs, the creator of the famous Tote Bag, wowed viewers with his brightly colored exaggerated designs and colorful patterns that evoked a feeling of nostalgia.
Meanwhile, Tibi introduced a fresh minimalist style with crisp lines and earthy colors, ideal for relaxed chic.
Altuzarra’s collection was a lesson in subtle elegance with elaborate embroidery and flowing materials that were both timeless and contemporary.
Meanwhile, Fear of God, an innovative streetwear brand, has revolutionized casual luxury with its large designs and luxurious materials.
Each designer contributed to a vibrant tapestry of fashion that characterized the season, laying the groundwork for trends that would shape the industry for months to come.
Some fashion-forward Jackson State University students shared how fashion impacts their lives and style.
“Fashion is a way to express myself and connect with others. I’ve had times when people have come up to me and we’ve just bonded off clothes, makeup & shoes,” said Kelise Stevens, a sophomore biology/pre-dental major from Joliet, Ill. “It’s so fun to talk about fashion with shared individuals.
Stevens added, “When you look good, you feel good, so I try to put some type of outfit on every day that was planned out.”
Fashion Week is receiving more attention than ever before because of live-stream footage, Instagram stories, and other forms of social sharing. As a result, more people are paying attention to what is seen on the runways.
“It’s (fashion) a part of my personality. It helps me express myself. My feelings, thoughts, and emotions, but most importantly, it’s about the culture and how fashion can have an economic impact on people as well,” said Dajah Edelin, a healthcare administration major from Washington, D.C.
]]>Movie-goers flocked to theaters for the nostalgia of watching “Coraline” again for the film’s 15th anniversary. Starting in August, “Coraline” was screened in select theaters, with a newly remastered 3D version.
The film begins with 11-year-old Coraline adapting to a new environment. However, she has a hard time adjusting to what her parents are trying to share with her. While adjusting to a new lifestyle, she finds herself in a dangerous predicament.
Coraline discovers a mysterious door to an alternate world with a different set of parents. She quickly realizes the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
“Coraline” is a family-based horror stop-motion film. It was originally PG-13 but has recently been changed to Rated R due to the scary theme. Nonetheless, reviews from fans (via Google) range between 4 and 5 stars.
According to Animation Magazine on oreganlive.com, $11.6 million was made from the 2024 re-release, remaining a classic.
Gregory Underwood, a junior elementary education major from Jackson, Miss., expressed his thoughts on the film.
“The film will always scare me lol, but the film remains a childhood classic,” said Underwood.
Kyle, a Google reviewer, called it a “dark delight.”
The re-debut of “Coraline” brought in over $20 million dollars at the worldwide box office. Old fans gained the nostalgic feeling the movie once brought. New fans got their first time experiencing the film.
The animation has been compared to the book by Coraline supporters. In 2009, the creators of “Coraline” based the movie on the 2002 published “Coraline” book by Neil Gaiman.
The creators of “Coraline” made a behind-the-scenes special for the film’s anniversary. During this, the creators explained the direction they took for the film and explained each section’s process.
The stop-motion film was created with clay and took four years to make. According to Weebly.com, there were 24 frames per second of the movie, so considering the film is 100 minutes long, that’s 144,000 frames to be shot to create this movie.
The behind-the-scenes at the end of the film also showcased the creators making different individual faces for Coraline and other characters. A whopping 15,000 replacement faces were made for each character because of its fragility.
Over 500 people were involved in the creation of the film. Director Henry Selick and the screenwriter went through a lot of drawings, sculptures, and versions of her hair.
Selick stated, “The main thing was to let her be a beacon of color.”
LAIKA Studios shared that 28 identical puppets of the lead character Coraline were created. Each took 10 people four months to build.
Coraline’s colorful character has had several faces for one piece of dialogue. The tedious process of Coraline gives a new appreciation for the film.
A Google review from Ray suggests that Coraline, “is a world of imagination that has been sewed up with every possible desire that we all had ever imagined… This movie made me so full of tears and gratitude with its thoughtfulness; I didn’t see that coming.”
Nonetheless, the dedication to the 2009 film did not go unnoticed as a misunderstood blue-haired little girl filled movie screens.
]]>By: Jania Harris
“Shrek 2” is commemorating its 20th anniversary this year. When the much-loved animated movie was released in 2004, its humorous characters, infectious soundtrack, and endearing message captured the attention of audiences worldwide.
What distinguishes “Shrek 2” from other sequels?
Tavaris Taylor, a sophomore industrial technology major from Miami, Fla., believes it’s the fact that “Shrek 2” was able to out-perform the first movie in terms of quality.
“’Shrek 2’ impacted the culture because “Shrek” was already a cinematic masterpiece and nobody was expecting the second one to be good because usually most sequels are horrible. But they managed to make a sequel that was better than the first one and it changed how people would make sequels from then to now,” Taylor said.
Puss in Boots and the Fairy Godmother are two of the most notable new characters that the movie introduces as it follows Shrek and Fiona as they visit Fiona’s parents in the Kingdom of Far Far Away.
Its sharp comedy and deft fairy tale and pop culture parodies never fail to make an impression on viewers of all ages.
Zion Murphy, a freshman meteorology major from St. Louis, Mo., shared his thoughts on the impact of “Shrek 2” on its audience.
“I can’t think of one in particular because it’s been so long since I’ve seen it, but I do know there are more vulgar references in “Shrek” that went over our heads when we were younger,” Murphy said.
Indeed, “Shrek 2’s” unique blend of humor for both children and adults is one of the reasons why it remains a fan favorite two decades later. From the catchy rendition of “Livin’ La Vida Loca” by Eddie Murphy’s Donkey character, to the emotional rollercoaster of Shrek and Fiona’s relationship, the film continues to stand the test of time.
“Shrek 2’s” influence on pop culture and the process of creating sequels is evident as we commemorate the movie’s 20th anniversary. The movie is a timeless classic that will endure for years to come because to its message of acceptance of oneself for who one is and the strength of genuine love.
“Shrek 2” has remained a mainstay of popular culture ever since its debut, with memes and allusions still making the rounds on social media almost twenty years after it was released. The film’s place as a timeless masterpiece in the animation genre has been solidified by its ability to appeal to both adults and children through brilliant humor and witty dialogue.
Furthermore, the sequel did not shy away from exploring more mature themes, such as the challenges of relationships and the complexities of family dynamics, making it relatable to a broader audience.
The character development in “Shrek 2” is another aspect that has been praised by viewers, as they see Shrek and Fiona navigating the ups and downs of married life amidst the chaos of the Fairy Godmother’s wicked schemes.
The soundtrack of “Shrek 2” is also deserving of recognition, with memorable songs like “Accidentally in Love” by Counting Crows and “Holding Out for a Hero” by Jennifer Saunders, adding depth and emotion to the film’s narrative. The use of popular music in the soundtrack not only enhances the viewing experience but also makes the film more accessible to a wider audience.
Overall, “Shrek 2” has cemented its status as a classic animated movie thanks to its enduring influence on pop culture, its capacity to amuse viewers of all ages, and its examination of mature subjects.
Looking back on the 20th anniversary of “Shrek 2”, it’s clear that the movie still has an impact on audiences and will be a beloved favorite for a very long time.
]]>Levon Campbell III
Staff Writer
In a spectacle that captivated millions of fans worldwide, “WrestleMania 40” unfolded over the weekend of April 6-7, leaving an indelible mark on the world of sports entertainment.
Hosted at a sold-out venue at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa., the annual extravaganza showcased the athleticism, drama, and pageantry that has made “WrestleMania” a cultural phenomenon for four decades.
This year’s edition of “WrestleMania” not only dazzled audiences in person but also shattered records in the digital realm. With the event exclusively available for streaming on Peacock, the NBCUniversal-owned platform, “WrestleMania 40” emerged as the most-streamed entertainment event in Peacock’s history, underscoring the enduring popularity of professional wrestling and the global reach of the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) brand.
The event was a thrilling night of action for fans throughout the WWE universe. From the return of beloved wrestlers to the culmination of long-running storylines, the mega event did not disappoint. Notable moments included: The Rock and Undertaker coming back to wrap up their epic saga; Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns’ championship match; and much more. All in all, “WrestleMania 40” delivered an unforgettable experience to fans around the world.
All the matches put on during the event were nothing short of spectacular. From Rhea Ripely claiming victory in the women’s championship to the superb NXT Stand and Deliver event, there was plenty of action and excitement across the board.
However, the matches that proved to be the most thrilling were those that wrapped up long-standing storylines. Trick Williams triumphing over Carmelo, Hayes and Rhodes securing the decisive victory against Roman Reigns and claiming the undisputed WWE Universal Championship, was among the most anticipated matches of the night and lived up to all expectations.
In an interview after his winning match, Rhodes emphasized the father-son narrative surrounding his journey and how it resonated with many people. He stated that it was essentially a true-to-life tale, as he wasn’t initially deemed a franchise player. Rhodes explained that he wanted to be this person because he felt that his late father should have been considered as one.
Despite facing setbacks and failure Rhodes believed that it was essential to complete this story. Additionally, he acknowledged his own skepticism regarding the belief that fans strongly identified with him but said that he still had to fulfill his mission.
“You asked, why it resonates? It’s the only answer I really know – because it’s real. I wanted to be this because at first, he wasn’t and I thought he should have been. Then when he passed away, I failed. I didn’t hand it to him. But it became about, I said this earlier, it was in the hype packages and stuff that was playing – the story was beyond me at that point. I still felt the need to finish it. I’ve been saying all week. I think I said it on First Take too that even if I didn’t believe people believed so I had to do it,” Rhodes stated.
Jackson State University students have expressed positive reactions to the outcome of “WrestleMania 40” and talked about their favorite moment, the return of the Undertaker. Many were ecstatic to see the iconic wrestler’s return and felt that the event was a success overall.
Cameron Holder, a freshman psychology major from Chicago, Ill., talked about his favorite moment during the event.
“I would say the Rock getting choked slammed by the Undertaker was the best part to me since the Undertaker is my favorite wrestler of all time,” Holder stated.
Zion Murphy, a freshman meteorology major from St. Louis, Mo., also felt the Undertaker stole the show.
“It had to be the Undertaker [for me] because every time that bell rang, you knew what was about to happen and it meant that the dead has risen,” Murphy said.
The entire event was a spectacular and showcased top-tier wrestling matches and memorable moments. From surprise returns of beloved wrestlers to the conclusion of long-running storylines, it was a celebration of the WWE’s legacy.
The epic scale and entertainment factor made it an unforgettable experience for all who viewed the mega event. And beyond the action inside the ring, “WrestleMania 40” was a celebration of the passion and enthusiasm of WWE fans and the sport’s enduring legacy.
]]>Shakell James
Staff Writer
As we spring into a breath of fresh air, fashion is what is also blooming. Making the transition from winter to spring can be challenging for the student wardrobe.
The warmer weather gives people options when customizing their spring wardrobe.
Vogue, a world-wide fashion and lifestyle magazine, mentions the need to have accessories for spring. A pop color always draws attention, no matter the location.
Iconic fashion areas such as Paris and the Danish capital embrace the radiant colors that compliment spring, as well as the paired layers. Layers and bright colors are a balance between classical and fun.
Just like social media, fashion is always changing. “The window to wear these beloved spring outfits can pass in the blink of an eye, so it’s best to take advantage of the forecast pronto, ” according to Vogue magazine.
Denim is again the topic of discussion for spring fashion. Denim outfit suggestions were provided with a seasonal touch.
Styles Provided:
Cropped Knit + Classic Jeans
Brown Leather Jacket + Jean Jacket and paints
Ruffled Blouse + High- Rise Jeans
Styled Trench Coat + White Tee + Baggy Jeans
Denim Skirt + Crewneck Sweater
Shaket(shirt and jacket combo) + Baggy Denim
Jarek Peterson, a sophomore therapeutic recreation major from Jackson, Miss., expressed the styles he is looking forward to wearing this spring.
“Some spring styles that I’m excited for would have to be the baggy shorts and oversized graphic tee look! I would describe my spring style as unique because sometimes I will wear an oversized button down with some shorts and loafers. It may sound different and strange but when you see the vision come together it’s actually a cool look,” said Peterson.
For the ladies, dresses are a major look, no matter the occasion. One of the categories being a white dress. It’s simplistic, but never goes out of style.
The white dress gives a modern look, with each brand adding their own personality to the easy, breezy, classic dress.
Another dress category would be patterns, specifically floral. Dresses styles have expanded, with designers creating a new fashion dress category called “air-con.”
Air-con materials are breathable outfits with less layering to minimize heat. Majority of the materials are knitted, making them thin, but wearable.
While we’re on the topic of thin materials, “sheer delights” brought subtlety, shape, and grace. Whether it’s mesh, tulle, or chiffon, the key is sheer.
You could never go wrong with a good collar, especially with a preppy aesthetic. Where there’s a collar, there’s a bottom to match.
Shorts and skirts are the epitome of spring, with the structure being comfortable and diverse.
Greg Underwood, a sophomore elementary education major from Jackson, Miss., shares his feedback on spring fashion as a model.
“As a model, I love fashion, especially around this time of the year. It’s really fun seeing what looks good on me. Spring is the season where everyone’s style is the most diverse with all the bright colors and accessories,” said Underwood.
Overall, light fabrics, vibrant colors, and diverse layering options are the way to go for any spring activity.
]]>The new album “Cowboy Carter” by Beyoncé was released on March 29, 2024. Her debut country album, “COWBOY CARTER,” is a lengthy one, featuring 27 tracks altogether.
The powerful and ambitious country album that follows “Renaissance” is crafted in the unique style of Beyoncé. In a way that only a pop singer with her level of talent and impact could, she takes pride in claiming her position in the genre.
The musician did have help on the chart-topping album. According to Billboard.com, the album’s guest artists include: Tanner Adell, Beyoncé’s daughter Rumi Carter, Miley Cyrus, Willie Jones, Tiera Kennedy, Linda Martell, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Post Malone, Reyna Roberts, Shaboozey and Brittney Spencer. Among the many additional players on the album: 070 Shake, Jon Batiste, Ryan Beatty, Gary Clark Jr., The-Dream, Rhiannon Giddens, Paul McCartney, Pharrell, Robert Randolph, Nile Rodgers, Raphael Saadiq, Sara Watkins and Stevie Wonder.
She places country music in the context of the black American musical canon, a storytelling genre that evolved alongside gospel and blues, and does it with elegance and swagger.
Many people are unaware of the extent to which African-Americans, both historically and currently, are deeply ingrained in cowboy culture. From the early 1800s until the 1950s, horsemanship played a significant role in many African-American communities, with one in four cowboys being Black.
According to Prnewswire, Beyoncé stated in an interview, “The joy of creating music is that there are no rules,” said Beyoncé. “The more I see the world evolving the more I feel a deeper connection to purity. With artificial intelligence and digital filters and programming, I wanted to go back to real instruments, and I used very old ones.”
She added,“I didn’t want some layers of instruments like strings, especially guitars, and organs perfectly in tune. I kept some songs raw and leaned into folk. All the sounds were so organic and human, everyday things like the wind, snaps and even the sound of birds and chickens, the sounds of nature.”
In fact, the album is a work of art. Every song is a unique retelling of a Western movie. She frequently had the movies playing on a screen as she recorded, drawing inspiration from movies like “Five Fingers For Marseilles,” “Urban Cowboy,” “The Hateful Eight,” “Space Cowboys,” “The Harder They Fall,” and “Killers of the Flower Moon.”
Students at Jackson State University expressed their opinion on Beyonce’s “Cowboy Carter” album.
Raegyn Phillips, a senior biology/pre-dentistry from Carthage, Miss. said, “I love that album. It’s fun! Beyoncé continues to break barriers and be an innovator. “II HANDS II HEAVEN’ is my favorite song.”
Alauna Brooks, a sophomore sociology major from Kansas City, Mo. feels Beyoncé made her own version of country music.
“Although it is a country album, Beyoncé added in her own elements which made it still sound like you’re listening to a Beyoncé album. Songs like ‘II Hands ii Heaven’, ‘Tyrant’, and ‘Sweet Honey Buckin’ makes you forget you’re listening to a country album.”
Beyoncé’s music has a profound emotional impact on many listeners, surpassing genre boundaries and making a lasting impression on popular culture. Her artistry develops with every new album, exhibiting her unmatched brilliance and solidifying her place in music history.
Many await her next musical endeavor with great anticipation. Fans want to feel the enchantment that only Beyoncé can provide.
Beyoncé’s recognizable and commanding voice is at the core of an intense and daring plot that enthralls the listener, all encircled by a beautiful soundtrack. Her singing throws a brilliant light on a story that is full of telling the truth, exposing obscure pasts, and celebrating all the joy you find when you deliberately go back to your roots.
According to Billboard.com, Beyoncé is the first black woman to lead country album charts. She is also the first woman to claim the top three positions simultaneously on Hot Country Songs on Billboard.
]]>Anicia Dixon
Staff Writer
The hip-hop community has yet again been divided. Rap fans feel the shift as their favorite artists are pinned against each other – by their own will.
On March 20, the collab album “We Don’t Trust You” by hip-hop artist Future and producer Metro Boomin was released. Many fans anticipated the album, but what caught them by surprise was the Kendrick Lamar feature over the Rodney-O & Joe Cooley’s “Everlasting Bass” (1986) and Eazy-E’s “Eazy-Duz-It” (1989) sample.
Lamar dissed rappers Drake and J. Cole on the Metro Boomin and Future album and fans broke down Lamar’s verse, pointing out that the theme was “3s.”
X user, Dissect Podcast broke down Lamar’s verse to their interpretation.
“Fore all your dogs gettin’ buried/ That’s a K with all the nines, he gon’ see Pet Sematary.
Triple entendre!”
Also, Lamar raps, “And your best work is a light pack…Prince outlived Mike Jack” (referencing world renowned artists Prince and Michael Jackson). This diss was particularly made towards Drake as he references Michael Jackson in his music and that Michael Jackson died before Prince.
Some fans believe the rap beef is friendly competition. Many believe that it stems from something deeper.
In “First Person Shooter”, a song dropped by artists Drake and J. Cole, J. Cole raps, “Love when they argue the hardest MC. Is it K-Dot? Is it Aubrey? Or me? We the big three like we started the league, but right now, I feel like Muhammad Ali,” referencing Muhammad Ali’s “I’m the Greatest” speech.
He also raps, “I’m the U-N-O,” claiming that he is number one out of Drake and Kendrick.
This sparked Kendrick’s comeback as he raps, “F*** the big three…it’s just big me”
It’s not rare to hear rappers saying that they are number one. Artists like Tupac, Biggie, and many other MCs have felt or feel this way in such a competitive industry.
Rappers claim to have G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) status and believe they are the best. In “First Person Shooter”, Drake raps, “November..it’s just you and Cole,” leaving Lamar out of the “Big Three.” Longtime fans of Drake, J. Cole, and Kendrick Lamar may have seen this coming.
Students at Jackson State University gave their thoughts about the Kendrick Lamar diss.
Freshman Kendrick Williams speculated on the purpose of the rapper’s diss while also showing appreciation towards it.
“I think the verse was obviously meant for Drake and J. Cole because of the way Kendrick referenced “First Person Shooter,” which is a song by Drake featuring J. Cole, that came out in October of last year because right before he mentioned it, he literally said, “…sneak dissing, first person shooter, I hope they came with three switches. The way that Kendrick intertwined the ‘First Person Shooter’ diss along with the very last verse in the song shows his lyrical genius/ability and I liked it,” Williams stated.
Jalen Miller, a junior social work major from Orinda, Calif., believes Lamar may be overreacting.
“I think it’s a big stretch. I think before when Drake and J. Cole was saying the ‘Top 3’ was more of a friendly competition. I think their 5’5 short king got his feelings hurt and really tried to take it a lot further than it needed to be,” Miller said.
He added, “Coming from a die-hard Drake fan, I think more-so when Drake and J. Cole were talking about the ‘Big Three,’ Kendrick took it a lot deeper than he needed to, and I used to live in California, like I know about Kendrick, I used to really like Kendrick’s music. I think he took it a lot further than he needed to.”
This curveball verse from Lamar has fans expecting a diss from Drake and J. Cole in response to what Lamar said on the ‘Like That’ track.
]]>Antonio Jackson
Variety Editor
A documentary that describes the untold stories of mistreatment towards young actors and staff that took place behind the scenes during the production of several shows, “Quiet One Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV”, was released on March 17, is.
From shows like “The Amanda Show”, “All That”, “iCarly”, “Drake and Josh”, and more, each series had a dark secret that was facilitated by their creator, Dan Schneider.
The first episode, Hidden in Plain Sight”, illustrates the experiences of two young Nickelodeon writers, Jenny Kilgen and Christy Stratton. Having landed the job of their dreams in a male dominated space of 1999, the two were under the impression that they were treated fairly despite that. However, as they described it, it was the total opposite. One of the first things Stratton and Kilgen had to face was that they were forced to share a salary, meaning their pay was cut in half from the start.
Schneider would also offer money for the two writers if they participated in humiliating actions.
One of which was eating two entire tubs of ice cream for $300. Stratton took Schneider’s offer, her reasoning being that she needed all the money she could get. However, she would never receive payment. Stratton would jokingly remind Schneider that he owed her already when offered money to do another “dare”, but Schneider would immediately scold her into silence for “insinuating that he doesn’t make good on his bets”.
This was one of many displays of power Schneider used to establish dominance over the employees under him.
Another gruesome detail that was brought to light by the documentary was the content that was used on television.
Throughout each episode of the shows Nickelodeon aired, there were several questionable scenes that raised concern during production. Countless scenes involving the actors/actresses feet, condiments being sprayed on them, and actresses wearing bikinis and acting in a provocative manner.
The most damning scene that was shown was a compilation of child actress turned pop star, Ariana Grande, doing extremely inappropriate acts. Grande was told to do things like pour water on her neck in a sexual manner and put her own feet in her mouth. The actions of Grande were obviously inappropriate to employees involved in production but since her character was written to be evidently “dumb”, no one spoke up to address it.
The most heinous situation that revealed was the scandal behind Bryan Peck. Peck was a close friend of Schneider, working alongside each other in several productions.
Peck would eventually become the dialogue coach for Drake Bell, making his debut for Nickelodeon in “The Amanda Show” and the hit show “Drake and Josh”.
Peck would meticulously craft a close relationship with Bell, inviting him to Disney World and showing up to Bell’s music shows.
Bell’s father and manager at the time, Joe Bell, would see through Peck’s malicious intent and try to keep him away from his son. However, Peck’s influence over Drake had already sunk too deep, causing Drake to fire his father as manager.
Eventually, Peck would sexually assault Drake several times when the opportunity presented itself. Fortunately, Peck would be charged and convicted for molestation, however this would not be enough to bring peace to Drake.
Bell’s mental health would slowly decline, eventually leading him to resort to alcoholism, losing his home to bankruptcy, and becoming the very thing that haunted his youth, a child predator.
“Quiet On Set” does an amazing job uncovering the truth to the masses about the dark side of Hollywood.
The documentary calls out the lack of support and protection for child actors and yearns for an immediate change.
“Quiet On Set” is available on demand, through streaming services Prime Video, Discovery Plus, Max, and more.
]]>Levon Campbell III
Staff Writer
Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, renowned hip-hop artist and entrepreneur known for his wealth and fame, is under scrutiny after his home was raided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials on March 26.
Two of his sons, Justin and Christian “King” Combs, were detained during the raid. The two houses that were raided were in Los Angeles and Miami and the actions are related to a federal investigation into possible crimes related to sex trafficking. This scandal has brought up longstanding allegations against Combs of unethical or unlawful behavior.
In a statement, the Homeland Security announced: Earlier today, HSI New York conducted enforcement actions as part of an ongoing investigation, receiving assistance from HSI units in Los Angeles and Miami and cooperating with local law enforcement partners. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
According to NBC News, citing an unidentified source, three women and one man were interviewed by federal authorities in Manhattan as part of the ongoing investigation. Three additional interviews were believed to be scheduled concerning allegations of sex trafficking, sexual assault, and the solicitation and distribution of illegal narcotics and firearms. In addition, federal agents found firearms on Diddy’s properties in Los Angeles and Miami according to sources that spoke to NBC News. It remains unknown what kind of firearms were discovered and who owned them.
Despite the raid, Diddy remained out of sight and rumors swirled that he may have left the country. According to TMZ, a private jet in his possession was removed from a popular flight tracker website on March 26. The black, 20-seat black Gulfstream Aerospace GV-SP is registered to Love Air LLC. TMZ reported that the plane had traveled across California on the March 24 and March 25 before taking off for Antigua.
Diddy was not on the plane during the trip. On March 26, flight data was removed from the tracker website at the plane owner’s request. However, reports indicated the plane returned the morning of March 27 and has remained parked at the Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport ever since.
Diddy was spotted in public for the first time on Thursday, March 28, when he took his twin daughters to Miami golf club Top Golf.
The 54-year-old rapper and music mogul has faced a series of sexual assault allegations in recent months.
In February, music producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones filed a lawsuit in federal court in New York, accusing Diddy of sexually assaulting him and forcing him to sleep with sex workers. The lawsuit claimed that Jones had to work in a bathroom while Diddy showered and walked around naked.
The rapper also identified Rapper 50 Cent’s former girlfriend and baby mother Daphne Joy, as one of the alleged sex workers involved, but She denies the claims.
According to Yahoo! Entertainment, Jones also alleged that Diddy had secretly installed cameras throughout his Los Angeles home. He claims that those cameras had caught footage of several individuals, including “celebrities, athletes, politicians, international dignitaries, and music label executives,” engaging in potentially disturbing and controversial activities.
Jones further alleges that these parties were a form of business model that allowed upcoming artists to further their careers by gaining access to music executives.
Back in November, Diddy and R&B singer Cassie, also known as Cassandra Ventura, settled a lawsuit after she alleged that she was the victim of sex trafficking, assault, and physical abuse by the rapper over 10 years. The lawsuit was settled rather quickly days later, not helping Diddy’s case.
Students at Jackson State University were stunned by the news of the house raid and the slew of allegations against Diddy that have come to light.
Emani Archie, a senior biology/pre-medicine major from Little Rock, Ark., expressed how surprised she was to hear about the raid.
“I was surprised because Diddy is a big celebrity and hearing about his homes being raided was shocking and I felt that since the feds had to raid his homes that meant he had something to hide,” Archie stated.
Jordan Pleasant, a senior journalism and media studies major from Jackson, Miss., talked about how surprising it was to learn that Diddy could be a criminal mastermind.
“I think it’s tragic that someone like P. Diddy, who has helped so many people, especially black people, is possibly not who we thought he was. It’s terrifying to think about it. It makes you think about what the people we see as role models are really like behind closed doors,” said Pleasant.
With the house raid and recent allegations, it seems as if Katt Williams’ prediction is proven correct.
On “Club Shay Shay” earlier this year, Williams stated “All these big deviants are catching hell in 2024. It’s up for all of them. It doesn’t matter if you’re Diddy, or whoever… TD Jakes, all lies will be exposed.” Also, 50 Cent is slated to release a documentary about Diddy, potentially revealing even more secrets about his alleged misdeeds.
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