James Baldwin and Nikki Giovanni are two of the most prolific Black writers of our time. Baldwin, known for his essays and novels, wrote about race and identity through the lens of someone who grew up in poverty in New York City. Giovanni’s poetry explored a wide range of topics, including Black love and family.

The writers met in London in 1971 to record a conversation for a PBS Black culture series called “SOUL!” During their riveting two-hour talk, the pair smoked plenty of cigarettes and covered everything from slavery to gender roles within the Black community. Although their gender identities and their 20-year age gap often led to some healthy disagreement, so much of what came out of their brilliant discussion is still relevant today.

This is the story of the conversation between James Baldwin and Nikki Giovanni.

Two Generations, One Powerful Conversation

Nikki Giovanni was 28 years old when she sat down for this conversation with a then-47-year-old James Baldwin. In a 2024 interview with Penguin Books UK, Giovanni said she discovered Baldwin’s work as a teenager and read his work over and over again. So when she was approached by PBS in 1971 to speak with one of her literary idols, she jumped at the chance, even though it meant flying across the pond to the UK.

“I said if I could do anything, I would like to meet James Baldwin,” she said. “I’d walk to London to talk to James Baldwin.”

They Kept Their Cool

One of the things that makes this interview something people can watch again and again is that while Baldwin and Giovanni don’t agree on everything, the conversation never goes off the rails. If you’re looking for some table-flipping drama, you won’t find it here. It’s easy to see the mutual respect these writers have for each other and how much they appreciate being heard.

In the same 2024 interview with Penguin Books UK, Nikki Giovanni described James Baldwin as a “great storyteller,” which she said made it easy for her to sit and listen intently to him throughout their conversation.

Beautiful Cinematography

Along with the powerful messages about Black identity and culture, fans of the interview also appreciate the cinematography.

“They turned 2 (maybe 3) cameras into absolute gold with all the various angles and shots they were getting. Masterful,” wrote someone on YouTube.

Giovanni said one of the things she loved most about the way the interview was edited for television was that it included close-up shots of their hands while they were speaking.

“Why I think it is so good, if I may, is that the British look differently at filming,” she told Penguin Books UK. “Both Jimmy and I talk with our hands. The Americans would never have photographed our hands in the same way.”

The Conversation Continues to Resonate With New Generations

That conversation between Nikki Giovanni and James Baldwin changed my life and I’m not exaggerating.

— Christine Mungai (@chris_mungai) December 10, 2024

Although Baldwin and Giovanni’s conversation took place over 50 years ago, it still captivates audiences today who share their favorite moments in short posts that go viral on every social media platform. A YouTube clip of the entire talk has received over 600,000 views to date and is flooded with thousands of comments.

“This should be required viewing for EVERYONE,” wrote someone.

Becoming a Collaborator

Early in the interview, Baldwin stressed that the impact of racism is extremely damaging to a Black person’s psyche. He argued that those who are oppressed are indoctrinated to believe that they are less than, and as a result, play a role in keeping themselves down.

“It was not the world that was my oppressor only,” he said. “Because what the world does to you is the world does it to you long enough and effectively enough, you begin to do it to yourself. You become a collaborator, an accomplice to your own murderers because you believe the same things they do.”

How Can a Man Love Without Morale?

When discussing gender roles in the Black community, Baldwin argued that Black men have a hard time being a loving presence at home because of the oppression and discrimination they face in the outside world.

“You get older. You get more weary, and since you cannot get a job, your morale begins to be destroyed, and the body begins to fail you. Your death approaches all because being a man, you’ve never been able to execute what a man ought to be able to do,” he said. “It’s not for anything that you have done or not done. By some arbitrary sentence. How in the world if I can’t get a job, if I can’t even get my axe out of the pawn shop, if I can’t even get money to get on the subway, how am I going to love anybody except in such an awful pain and rage that nobody could bear it?”

Bring Yourself

Giovanni pushed back on Baldwin’s position and challenged Black people to steer clear of the traditional roles she believes are destroying their relationships and families. Not being able to provide everything their family needs, she argues, is not an excuse for a Black man to not be physically present.

“The baby’s gonna sleep someplace, she’s gonna eat something, but what she needs at that moment is a man. And if the man functions as a man, which is not necessarily a provider for all that stuff, because everybody can understand why you can’t buy something. You don’t have a job, you didn’t have a job when you all was going to bed,” she said. “You’re never going to get the crib, bring yourself.”

Because I Love You, I Get the Least of You

In one of the most viral clips from the conversation, Giovanni talked about Black women receiving less than the best from their men. She suggests that if they can smile in the face of their bosses or other oppressors, they can give more to their women.

“You come home and I catch hell because I love you. I get least of you. I get the very minimum. And I’m saying, ‘fake it with me.’ Is that too much for the Black woman to ask of the Black man?” she asked.

We’ve Paid Too Much For The Country to Abandon It

James Baldwin believed the story of the Black experience in America is an important part of the nation’s history. Although he had no intention of making excuses for their plight, he told Nikki Giovanni that Black people have already been through too much to give up.

“I’m not being a missionary trying to save America, but I do know that we have paid too much for it to be able to abandon it,” he said.

Advice for Future Generations

Throughout the conversation, Baldwin stressed the importance of improving the quality of life for future generations of Black Americans. He argued that young Black people can carry the ball further than their ancestors by ensuring they know and understand their painful past, while being liberated from it. 

“He’s got to have respect for it but not be trapped by it,” Giovanni added.

We Can Get Further

James Baldwin shared his views on many of the obstacles that have been standing in the way of Black people’s progress, but the “Go Tell it On The Mountain” author was still hopeful for the future, telling Giovanni that the only way to overcome the pain of our past is to keep moving forward – something he believed we were more than ready to do.

“We have survived the roughest game in the history of the world,” he said. “No matter what we say against ourselves, no matter what our limits and hang-ups are, we have come through something, and if we can get this far, we can get further.”

Their Conversation Was Released as a Book

The transcript of the interview between Nikki Giovanni and James Baldwin was made available as a book. “A Dialogue” was published in 1973. If you happen to be lucky enough to own a first edition copy, hold on to it. The book is out of print.

Straight From

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

13

Pop provocateur Charli XCX is officially off the market. The 32-year-old Brat icon has reportedly married George Daniel, 35, drummer of indie-rock royalty The 1975, in an intimate wedding ceremony on Saturday in East London.

TMZ broke the news early Saturday evening, reporting that the couple was seen outside Hackney Town Hall kissing in front of family and friends. Footage shared on X (formerly Twitter) shows the newlyweds basking in post-nuptial joy, beaming as they posed for photos and embraced guests after saying “I do.”

Bridal Look Breaks Tradition, But Stuns

Charli XCX, born Charlotte Aitchison, ditched the princess core for something edgier and unmistakably “Brat.” She wore a white, off-the-shoulder silk mini dress, a nod to 1960s mod aesthetics, paired with a flowing white veil. Her long dark hair was worn down and center parted, unfussy but romantic. In true London fashion, the look was both refined and rebellious.

Daniel opted for a sleek, dark double-breasted suit, finished with a light collared shirt. The understated look complemented Charli’s avant-pop bridal ensemble, a chic, unfussy duo with indie cool written all over it.

Ceremony Details: Quiet, Personal, Star-Studded (Almost)

Sources tell TMZ that roughly 20 close friends and family members attended the civil ceremony. While the wedding was low key, it wasn’t without star power. Members of The 1975 were reportedly on site to celebrate, though notably absent was the band’s frontman and longtime friend of Charli, Matty Healy.

A Pop-Rock Power Couple Two Years in the Making

Charli XCX and George Daniel first sparked romance rumors in early 2022 following their musical collaborations on her album Crash. The couple went Instagram official in May of that year, and their chemistry, both personal and professional, became impossible to ignore.

Daniel contributed heavily to Crash, which debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 and solidified Charli’s reputation as a fearless shape shifter in pop. He continued producing for her on 2023’s “In the City” (a duet with Sam Smith) and “Hot Girl,” featured on the Bodies Bodies Bodies soundtrack.

Their engagement was confirmed in 2023, and since then, the two have remained fiercely private but visibly devoted. Fans often caught glimpses of them at music festivals, behind the scenes in studios, and occasionally on the red carpet.

Charli XCX: From Cult Hero to Cultural Force

This wedding caps off a monumental 18 months for Charli. Her 2024 release Brat didn’t just dominate the charts, it became a cultural lightning bolt. Peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, the project sparked memes, think pieces, and even found its way into the U.S. presidential discourse as a symbol of “bad bitch” millennial nihilism.

With Brat, Charli went from being a favorite of internet gays and music nerds to an unavoidable force in the mainstream. She followed the album with a packed out global tour that featured blood red lighting, brash visuals, and the kind of camp glam chaos only Charli can conjure.

Now, she’s pivoting into film. She’s currently developing and starring in The Moment, a collaboration with indie juggernaut A24. Even more unexpectedly, she’s signed on to star in a new film from cult Japanese horror director Takashi Miike (Audition, Yakuza Apocalypse), where she will also serve as co-producer.

Related

Actor, writer and comedian Marlon Wayans has been a significant part of the public discourse since the late ’80s, known in equal measure for his hilarious work with his brothers and subsequent solo roles. This bio will feature Marlon Wayans’ movies and TV shows, his wider career and contributions to the entertainment industry and his opinions on issues like identity and inclusion. You’ll also learn about his family legacy.

Marlon Wayans in film and television

Marlon Wayans was born in New York City in 1972. He’s the youngest of the 10 Wayan siblings, all of whom now work in the entertainment industry. His most famous family members are actor and writer Keenen Ivory Wayans, actor and producer Damon Wayans and actor and writer Shawn Wayans.

To date, there are a total of 27 Marlon Wayans movies, which have collectively earned nearly $2 billion at the global box office. He has also appeared in several high-profile TV shows. It’s no wonder, then, that his estimated net worth is $40 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

Early work in sketch and sitcoms

After graduating from school in 1990, Marlon enrolled at Howard University in Washington, D.C., but dropped out two years later. He then appeared in his brother Keenen’s sketch comedy show “In Living Color” on the Fox network.

“In Living Color” introduced many of the Waylan siblings to America and, according to People, knocked down barriers for Black comedy on network television. The show also helped launch the careers of comedians such as Jamie Foxx and Jim Carrey.

Talking about the rapport with his brother Marlon on “In Living Color,” Damon Wayans says:

“The thing that takes actors years to develop, we have that automatically, which is chemistry and trust. And so when Marlon starts going a certain way, I just know — I have faith he knows where he’s going, and if not, I can steer him back to planet Earth.”

In 1995, Marlon and his brother Shawn co-starred in the sitcom “The Wayans Bros.,” which ran on The WB from 1995 to 1999. Based on the brothers’ relationship and personalities, the show became the network’s flagship program. It was also the first show to feature a classic hip-hop track as its theme song.

Breakout success with ‘Scary Movie’ and ‘White Chicks’

Marlon quickly broke into mainstream films, first starring with his brothers in “Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood,” which grossed nearly $21 million at the worldwide box office.

He then appeared in “Scary Movie,” released in 2000, a parody of the horror genre. Marlon also co-wrote the movie, which Robert Egbert describes as a “raucous, satirical attack on slasher movies, teenage horror movies and ‘The Matrix.’” The movie cost less than $20 million to make but ended up grossing more than $157 million worldwide It also spawned additional horror comedy spoof films, such as “Scary Movie 2” and “Scary Movie 3,” which Marlon also co-wrote and acted in.

“White Chicks,” released in 2004, stars Marlon and Shawn and quickly became a cult classic. In the movie, the brothers go undercover as white women to protect two sisters from a kidnapping.

Reflecting on his comedy career, Marlon told The Hollywood Reporter:

“I think there’s a purpose for doing cutting comedy. I’m a cutting artist. I’ve always been. We did ‘White Chicks,’ ‘Scary Movie.’ I’m an alumnus of ‘In Living Color.’ We have always been equal-opportunity offenders. That’s what you can say about the Wayans tribe. And we don’t do things with kid gloves. It’s not to be mean. It’s to make fun.”

In 2017, Marlon starred in a self-titled NBC sitcom, which was canceled after its second season.

Dramatic turn in ‘Requiem for a Dream’

Marlon’s breakthrough dramatic role was Tyrone C. Love in “Requiem for a Dream.” He received critical acclaim for the successful film, in which he plays a drug dealer hoping to escape his neighborhood and gain the acceptance of his mother.

Marlon initially had reservations about appearing in “Requiem for a Dream,” directed by Darren Aronofsky, later saying that he didn’t like the way his character was written:

“I read the script… I was mad as a Black guy. ‘Brothers don’t really talk like that,’ I was insulted. ‘Come on, who still talks jive? This is 1990 something. How about they update the language?’…Then they sent the movie “Pi,” [also directed by Aronofsky], and when I saw the movie Pi, I instantly was like, ‘Wow, this director is amazing. I want to know what his vision is.’”

Upcoming role in Jordan Peele’s ‘Him’

Marlon stars in the sports-themed horror flick “Him,” which is due for release in September 2025. The movie is the latest project from Jordan Peele, a film director famous for telling Black-centered stories. His additional film credits include “Get Out” and “Us.”

In “Him,” Marlon plays the role of an aging football player who mentors a young quarterback. However, his unconventional training methods take a dark turn.

Other upcoming projects for Marlon include a sequel to “White Chicks.”

Check out the latest Marlon Wayans news to see what else he’s up to.

The influence of the Wayans family

Despite growing up in poverty, many of Marlon’s siblings had become actors or comedians by the time he started high school, so he grew up in a creative environment. Eager to follow in their footsteps, he went to the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. At 16, he appeared in his brother Keenen’s film “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka,” a parody of 1970s blaxploitation movies.

Marlon was heavily influenced by his brother Shawn growing up:

“My brother taught us to dream with no ceilings. He said, ‘and don’t put, don’t let them put the Black hat on you. I want you to take that cap off that they try to twist on yo’ head and I want your dreams to go outside yourself, outside this world, outside of any areas that people try and put on you outside your skin color. I want you to dream and dream big. You can play anything from an alien to a superhero to whatever you want. You don’t just have to play a gang member or a slave.’”

Many years after “In Living Color” and “The Wayans Bros.,” Marlon continues to work with his siblings on creative projects. For example, he co-wrote “Scary Movie 6,” which is due for release in 2026, with his brothers Shawn and Keenen Ivory. Marlon also made a cameo on his brother Damon’s sitcom “Poppa’s House” in 2025.

In 2025, the Wayans family was inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame.

Creative growth beyond acting

Although most famous for his acting work, Marlon is also an accomplished stand-up comedian, having performed to crowds across the country. In 2025, he started his “Wild Child Tour.” Marlon Wayans’ stand-up TV specials include “Marlon Wayans: Woke-ish,” “Marlon Wayans: God Loves Me” and “Marlon Wayans: You Know What It Is.”

Marlon says about his stand-up career:

“I never want to quit stand-up because it just helps me. It’s everything that you need to become a film actor, to become a writer and producer. You’re dealing with your live audience [and] you need to know what’s funny, what’s not funny, when you’ve gone too far. That live audience, energy and rush is everything. Adrenaline is the greatest drug ever.”

His stand-up comedy can be characterized as slapstick and over-the-top, the same style that made movies like “White Chicks” so enjoyable to watch for many.

Marlon has also produced and written for film and TV outside of his work with his brothers. For example, he was a producer on the horror comedy movie “The Curse of Bridge Hollow,” which he also starred in. His writing credits include the comedy “Fifty Shades of Black.”

Several of Marlon’s movies and stand-up comedy specials are available on streaming platforms such as Netflix, expanding his reach to new audiences.

Public response to a recent controversy

After Marlon criticized Soulja Boy for performing at a ball honoring President Donald Trump’s inauguration in 2025, the pair started feuding on X. The argument came to a head when the rapper made a series of homophobic tweets against Marlon’s transgender child, Kai, which received backlash across social media.

Marlon replied:

“If @souljaboy had a career, he could get canceled for this type of slander. Luckily, he ain’t been relevant since 2007.”

In an interview with People in 2024, Marlon said:

“At the end of the day, in my heart, [the] only thing that matters to me is that my child is happy.”

Advocacy through personal experience

Marlon uses his personal experiences to advocate for various social issues. In recent years, he has championed the LGBTQ+ community and the importance of inclusion while showing acceptance for his child, Kai.

In one Instagram post (which has since been deleted), he says:

“As a father of a child in the LGBTQ+ community, I show my support. Zero [expletive] what people think. If I lost you… GOOD! Your hateful [expletive] never loved me in the first place. How can you love anyone when you’re too busy judging. Some of y’all funny. I’m a troll. I’ll post all day.”

By standing up for underrepresented communities, Marlon is using his visibility for the greater good. In an opinion piece for BET.com, Michael Arceneaux says:

“I wish none of this had to matter so much, but there is an increasingly hostile climate towards queer and trans people, and it helps when straight men like Marlon Wayans signal to folks that being queer or trans is inherently wrong or contagious.”

Marlon identifies as straight.

A career grounded in legacy and growth

With a career spanning nearly 40 years, Marlon Wayans has no time to rest on his laurels. A talented actor, comedian, writer and producer, he continues to evolve as an artist while staying rooted in his values, using his personal family experiences to advocate for inclusion and acceptance.

In his new stand-up shows, Marlon showcases tradition by exhibiting the same type of slapstick comedy that made “White Chicks” and “Scary Movie” so iconic. However, he also represents progress by using his voice to fight bigotry and intolerance online.

While a star in his own right, Marlon continues to work on projects with his older siblings, who helped make him one of the most famous Black comedians in history. While he’s not sure about bringing back “In Living Color” to screens, he does want to do another TV show with his brothers eventually, possibly some type of variety show. “I think it’d be fun,” he says.

FAQs

Did Marlon Wayans come out?

Marlon identifies as straight. He has two children, Kai and Shawn, with Angela Zackery, with whom he was in a relationship from 1992 to 2013.

Why did they cancel “Marlon?”

Marlon starred in his own NBC sitcom from 2017 to 2019 before the network canceled the show. NBC didn’t give a reason for the cancellation; however, ratings had dropped over the course of the series.

What are Marlon Wayans’ specials?

As well as being an accomplished actor, Marlon is also a stand-up comedian. Many of his comedy tours have been turned into TV specials, such as “Marlon Wayans: Woke-ish” and “Marlon Wayans: God Loves Me.”

The legal smoke is heavy around 50 Cent—and this time, it’s not about TV scripts or power moves. The rap mogul’s publishing arm, G-Unit Books, is taking his ex and the mother of his eldest son, Shaniqua Tompkins, to court—suing her for over $1 million after she went public with stories from their past that they say she legally signed away years ago.

📽️ She Spilled Tea, But It May Cost Her Millions!

According to court documents, Tompkins allegedly violated a 2007 contract that gave exclusive rights to her life story—including anything about her relationship with Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson—to G-Unit Books. That deal reportedly banned her from speaking out or producing any content based on her personal experiences without their greenlight.

But earlier this year, Tompkins teased a self-produced series titled “The Other Side of the Coin”—claiming she helped build 50’s legacy and that “he wouldn’t be who he is today without me.” Most recently, she posted new videos titled “The Unspoken: Story Time” that included commentary about 50 Cent’s shooting, personal life, and even the Diddy trial.

🚨 G-Unit Moves To Muzzle The Mic

Now, G-Unit Books is asking a judge to block Tompkins from releasing any more content related to her life—especially if it includes her time with 50 Cent. The lawsuit demands over $1 million in damages and calls her recent uploads a “direct and deliberate” violation of her contract.

Let them tell it? They own the script to her entire story—and she’s out here freelancing with forbidden footage,

🎭 50 Reacts With Signature Shade

Y’all already know 50 Cent isn’t staying silent. The “Power” producer hit Instagram with a post that lightly mocked the situation, writing:

“She talking like she wasn’t legally gagged. Not smart.”

Whew.

So far, Tompkins hasn’t publicly responded to the lawsuit, but she reportedly plans to speak out soon—possibly in another clip or live broadcast. ⏳

---

💬 Noir Nation, Let’s Talk:

• Is this a Hot Mess Express or 50 simply protecting his brand?
• Should a person be blocked from telling their own life story—if they once signed a contract saying they wouldn’t?

Let us know in the comments.

Related

LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 17: A man looks at a photograph of US President Donald Trump and convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein after it is unofficially installed in a bus shelter on July 17, 2025 in London, England. The satirical artist behind the stunt has previously targeted Elon Musk and Tesla. The US president is facing criticism from his usually loyal Republican “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) supporters over suggestions that the administration is hiding details of Epstein’s crimes to protect the high profile figures he associated with, which included Trump. Having previously suggested that there was reason to investigate a rumoured list of clients, Trump has now refered to it as a hoax and called those calling for an investigation “weaklings”. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

The Epstein Files are causing so much trouble for President Donald Trump, and a Democratic senator just made a revelation that’s sure to cause even more of a headache for the president. 

According to The Hill, Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) has made claims that the Trump administration has access to the late Jeffrey Epstein’s financial records and it is not making the files available to Congress and the public. Wyden used his social media platform to inform the public that there are 4,725 wire transfers that total almost $1.1 billion. And that is just in ONE of Epstein’s bank accounts.

“Big news from my investigators on Epstein’s sex trafficking operation: the Trump administration has an Epstein file detailing 4,725 wire transfers and almost $1.1 billion flowing through just one of his banks. Hundreds of millions more through others.”

Wyden: Here is what it says: Treasury’s Epstein file details… 4,725 wire transfers. Let me repeat that. 4,725 wire transfers adding up to nearly $1.1 billion flowing in and out of just one of Mr. Epstein’s bank accounts. 

If you ask me, that is more than 4,000 potential lines… pic.twitter.com/qf19lfbEjB

— Acyn (@Acyn) July 17, 2025

 

Wyden: Here is what it says: Treasury’s Epstein file details… 4,725 wire transfers. Let me repeat that. 4,725 wire transfers adding up to nearly $1.1 billion flowing in and out of just one of Mr. Epstein’s bank accounts.

If you ask me, that is more than 4,000 potential lines… pic.twitter.com/qf19lfbEjB

— Acyn (@Acyn) July 17, 2025

He also stated that the evidence shows that Epstein used Russian banks to process hundreds of millions in payments. This is the perceived Russian connection that may be attributed to Trump, which may be why his administration is refusing to investigate.

After the FBI and the Department of Justice claimed that there were no Epstein files, Trump initially agreed with the assessment until turning back around and not “really” admitting that there was a list, but intimated that there is one, but it is a fake, contrived by former FBI Director James Comey, President Barack Obama and President Joe Biden.

Of course, Black folks are questioning the evidence after Wyden made the claims.

The madness could only last so long! There’s always a thread to be pulled 🤷🏿

— JeromeD (@JeromeD23) July 18, 2025

Every day seems as if Pandora’s Box is spewing out more!

Straight From

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

13

Kylie Jenner may have landed one of the most coveted spots in high fashion, fronting Miu Miu’s Fall/Winter 2025 campaign, but the internet has made it crystal clear: not everyone is impressed.

The 27-year-old beauty mogul and reality star appears in a new series of promotional images for the cult-favorite Prada offshoot, as unveiled this week by the brand and its Creative Director, Miuccia Prada. Styled by the ever-provocative Lotta Volkova, the campaign was intended to reflect the brand’s signature blend of intellectual quirk, youthful rebellion, and high-fashion oddity. But Jenner’s presence, many fans argue, misses the mark entirely.

And social media did not hold back.

“This Is So Off Brand”

The collection itself is classic Miu Miu. One of the campaign’s key visuals features Jenner in an oversized forest green chunky knit cardigan layered over a white tank, a matching skirt stopping mid-thigh, and embellished calf-high socks paired with black leather oxfords.

Another look shows her in a navy blue polo with a red bandeau layered underneath, a floppy hat, gray trousers, and heavy accessories.

A third ensemble opts for sleek minimalism, featuring a black satin coat, a pink handbag, and more of the signature socks and shoes combo.

But the criticisms came less for the clothes and more for the face behind them.

“She’s not whimsical enough to be a Miu Miu girl,” one Twitter user wrote, echoing the sentiment of dozens of others lamenting what they see as a betrayal of the brand’s identity.

“Lol this is what influencing is doing to fashion 🤣🤣🤣 Killing it softly,” another user posted.

“The face doesn’t match the style,” one tweet stated bluntly.

“These pics are so shitty lmao no hate to Kylie but what the fuck is Miu Miu doing,” said another, reflecting broader confusion over the brand’s decision.

“The Look in Her Eyes Is So… Void?”

Critics weren’t just skeptical of Jenner’s fit for Miu Miu’s playful and experimental tone. They also questioned the quality of the images themselves.

“Not just about the model choice. Those photos are genuinely bad. I thought Miu Miu was good at maintaining brand authenticity,” one post read.

“These pictures look like when I beg my friends to take pictures of me and end up looking like this hot mess,” someone else joked.

“The look in her eyes is so… void? I don’t know how to explain it but makeup used to give her character. She should go back to that,” another wrote, highlighting what many see as a lifeless or disconnected energy in the photos.

The campaign was, ostensibly, a high-fashion statement. But to some, it came off more like a poorly staged influencer shoot.

“Where Are the Weird Supermodels?”

The backlash also touched on the decline of unconventional beauty and models for the rise of celebrity and influencer casting in the fashion industry.

“Fashion is really dead,” one person posted. “Where are the weird supermodels with big foreheads, wide-set eyes, different noses, crooked teeth? I DON’T want Kylie Jenner in an editorial. NOBODY WANTS.”

Another post threw even sharper shade:

“All this because you guys keep saying she’s a better model than her sister. Eye roll.”

It’s not the first time fans have pitted Kylie against her model sister Kendall Jenner, who is a longtime runway regular for high-fashion houses like Givenchy, Versace, and yes, Prada.

“Remember when people said she models better than her sister,” another post taunted, reigniting the familiar debate.

Miu Miu’s Creative Gamble And Its Fallout

For Miu Miu, this campaign was likely a strategic fusion of celebrity pull and creative provocation. With Kylie Jenner’s name attached, the campaign was guaranteed press coverage. And with Volkova’s styling, it was going to raise eyebrows either way.

Still, not all reactions were negative. Jenner’s core fans praised her for “breaking into high fashion,” and some fashion insiders noted that the brand has always thrived on tension between the unexpected and the eccentric. Yet, the overwhelming online narrative suggests that, for many longtime Miu Miu devotees, this particular tension snapped a little too hard.

Related

One of the biggest sensations to emerge in the last few years, Lil Nas X has transitioned from a viral craze to a chart-topping, groundbreaking cultural force, famous for reshaping musical genres and sparking conversations in the press. Thanks to his catchy hits and clever marketing on social media, everyone is talking about this rapper and singer-songwriter.

But where did it all start? And why has Lil Nas X caused so much controversy? This bio tracks the evolution of this undeniable star, and you’ll learn more about his record-breaking career, impact and future projects.

His early life and the path to viral stardom

Montero Lamar Hill, now known to the world as Lil Nas X, was born on April 9, 1999, in Lithia Springs, Georgia, not far from Atlanta. On how he chose his stage name, Lil Nas X says:

“It was just Lil Nas. It was Lil Nas because when I first started rapping, I wasn’t as serious, so it was like, ‘Okay, every rapper’s name is starting with Lil lately.’ So I kind of got stuck with it. I added the X later on after I was more serious.”

His upbringing and musical influences

Lil Nas X’s parents divorced when he was six, which marked his early life. He spent his childhood years in Atlanta and later in Austell, Georgia, where he lived with his gospel singer father.

Despite this exposure to gospel music, Lil Nas X cites a wide range of musical inspirations from various genres. His biggest career influences include Frank Ocean, Tyler the Creator and Young Thug.

Lil Nas X frequently used the internet, especially X, during his teenage years, where he would post about pop culture topics. He experimented with different types of content creation as an internet personality.

He went to the University of West Georgia for a year before dropping out to start a musical career.

The creation and release of ‘Old Town Road’

Lil Nas X’s breakthrough came after the release of his country rap single, “Old Town Road.” The song became a viral smash before hitting No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2019. The song stayed at the top of this chart for 19 weeks, thanks, in part, to a remix featuring Billy Ray Cyrus. This makes it the joint-longest-running No. 1 hit in Billboard Hot 100 history.

Hot off the heels of “Old Town Road,” Lil Nas X was the male artist with the most nominations at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards. He won the awards for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Music Video at the ceremony. Other accolades around this time include two MTV Video Music Awards and one American Music Award.

Interestingly, Lil Nas X recorded “Old Town Road” in under an hour at a recording studio in Atlanta that offered a reduced rate.

How TikTok and social media fueled his breakthrough

TikTok played a noteworthy role in the success of “Old Town Road,” with thousands of videos featuring the song gaining popularity on the social media platform. Lil Nas X doesn’t receive payment for the track when it appears on TikTok — he uploaded it to the website’s audio database for free. However, such massive exposure led to tens of millions of streams on Spotify, where the star does earn royalties.

In 2019, Lil Nas X talked about the viral success of “Old Town Road:”

“I should maybe be paying TikTok. They really boosted the song. It was getting to the point that it was almost stagnant. When TikTok hit it, almost every day since that, the streams have been up. I credit them a lot.”

Lil Nas X’s musical evolution and reinvention

Since “Old Town Road,” Lil Nas X has released one studio album and multiple singles. His musical style continues to evolve, blending genres such as hip-hop, rap, soul and pop.

From country-rap to genre-defying artistry

From the country-rap stylings of “Old Town Road” to the hip-hop and trap sound of “Panini,” his second single after hitting the big time, Lil Nas X is known in the music industry for defying genres. In a review of his EP “7,” released in 2019, Hypebeast says the artist “traverses music’s different realms all in a span of 20 minutes.”

Lil Nas X’s debut album, “Montero,” came out in September 2021. It features a wide range of styles, with Entertainment Weekly noting “the muddying of distinctions between genres” and “sonics from all over popular music’s map.” The Guardian, meanwhile, says the album “hits an impressively eclectic sweet spot between hip-hop and pop” and “leaps confidently from trap beats and martial horns to grinding distorted hard rock.”

When it comes to the genre that helped launch his career, Lil Nas X has mixed feelings. Talking about his reception in the country music space and how artists like Beyoncé and Shaboozy have since been embraced, he says, “I wish this would have happened for me.”

“Old Town Road” only spent one week on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Billboard then removed the track from the ranking because it didn’t contain enough elements of modern country music.

Breaking records and redefining mainstream music

As well as being the joint-longest-running No.1 in the history of the Billboard Hot 100, “Old Town Road” has reached diamond status, meaning it’s sold more than 10 million units. Lil Nas X is only the second openly gay male artist to achieve this honor. He is also the first openly LGBTQ Black artist in history to pick up a Country Music Association award.

Lil Nas X is redefining mainstream music because he doesn’t fit into one genre. According to NPR, he also uses his platform to provoke conversations about Black queerness and eliminating homophobia from hip-hop.

He says:

“My intention was always to be as entertaining as possible. I’m not like trying to comfort anyone, or their children.”

The impact of his albums and hit songs

Lil Nas X has three No.1s and five top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. As well as “Old Town Road,” he has hit the top spot on this chart with “Industry Baby” (Lil Nas X & Jack Harlow) and “Montero (Call Me By Your Name),” both released in 2021. “Montero,” his debut album, reached No.1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.

The star’s music has also had a massive impact on social media, frequently serving as the backdrop for viral videos. On YouTube, Lil Nas X’s songs have garnered hundreds of millions of views, with “Old Town Road” being watched nearly 1.4 billion times as of June 2025.

The controversies and cultural conversations surrounding his work

Lil Nas X is no stranger to controversy, with his music videos and performances often sparking debate in the media. Despite plenty of criticism, he continues to receive unwavering support from many of his global fans.

His bold approach to self-expression and visuals

In 2021, Lil Nas X released the music video for “Montero,” the lead single from his debut album of the same name. The Post said the clip “broke the internet” because of its controversial imagery, which included the singer giving the devil a lap dance and sliding down a stripper’s pole to hell. The video led to an X feud between Lil Nas X and some members of the Christian community.

Lil Nas X has also courted controversy for how he expresses himself through fashion, including wearing a skirt on one of his tours.

Talking to People, he says:

“I was really nervous about going out on stage in front of my family and everybody in my cute, little Coach skirt. But as soon as I walked out, I felt like I was setting my younger self free. Afterwards, my family — a lot of whom used to believe in everything opposite to what’s up on that stage — told me they were really proud. I feel like I’m changing some minds.”

He also told the magazine that “Style is a form of self-expression.”

Backlash, industry reactions and fan support

Among other things, Lil Nas X has received backlash for his use of religious iconography in music videos and live performances. Perhaps most notably, he encountered a negative public reaction to his music video “J Christ,” released in 2024, in which he consumes communion bread and wine while dressed as Jesus.

The fallout divided many in the music industry, with Christian rapper Dee-1 criticizing Columbia Records, Lil Nas X’s label, for releasing the music video:

“They didn’t come out and apologize. You know what I mean? They allowed for this music video. They paid for the music video… But they are not the ones coming out and apologizing if they offended any Christians.” 

Reflecting on the video, Lil Nas X says:

“This [was a] thing that I thought was just like a little jokey fun video. I also had to think about how many of my family members are Christian, like my grandmothers and stuff, and like aunties and things like that. And I’m like, ‘Wow, do they see this as that too?’ If they do, you know, that’s really messed up. And it makes me sad.”

Despite controversies like these, many of Lil Nas X’s fans continue to support him. He has more than 10 million followers on Instagram alone.

His role in challenging traditional norms in music

Over the past six years, Lil Nas X has challenged many norms in music, including how modern-day artists should behave and perform. He has cemented his place in modern pop culture by constantly pushing the envelope and incorporating controversial themes in his songs, music videos and live performances.

OutSFL says Lil Nas X is a “contemporary symbol of defiance and self-acceptance” who uses his platform to push back against stereotypes within the music industry.

The marketing genius behind Lil Nas X’s success

Lil Nas X is a savvy marketer, using his social media platforms to promote his latest offerings and appeal to a wider audience. He also collaborates with artists across various genres, a move that broadens his appeal to other demographics.

Leveraging internet culture and memes

Before he became a mainstream star, Lil Nas X used the internet to build his fan base. He says:

“I was doing Facebook comedy videos, then I moved over to Instagram, and then I hopped on Twitter. That is where I really was a master. That was the first place where I could go viral.”

The star often reposts memes — or creates his own — on his socials, frequently using humor to stay connected with his fans and promote his latest music.

Strategic collaborations with major artists

Lil Nas X has collaborated with artists across diverse genres, boosting his visibility among audiences who may not have paid attention to him otherwise. Some of the most famous collaborations in Lil Nas X’s career include:

• “Old Town Road (Remix)” — with Billy Ray Cyrus (country)
• “One of Me” — with Elton John (pop)
• “AM I DREAMING” — with Miley Cyrus (pop/country)

His ability to control the narrative in the media

Because of his large social media following, Lil Nas X can quickly control the media narrative by responding to critics or explaining his creative choices in real time.

He often does this with humor. Case in point: The star posted a picture of himself as ‘pregnant’ to promote his “Montero” album. After a public and media backlash, he jokingly wrote on X:

“Let me get offline, all of this negative energy is not good for the baby.” 

His influence on LGBTQ+ representation in the music industry

In 2020, Lil Nas X said: “I 100% want to represent the LGBT community.” In the years since, he has explored LGBTQ+ themes in his music and videos, becoming a queer icon and a voice for communities that often lack one.

Being an openly queer artist in a competitive space

LGBTQ representation in the music industry is lacking, and it’s often difficult for queer artists to break through in such a competitive sector. Lil Nas X and his coming out has bucked this trend, with the star embracing his identity and becoming a genuine chart force.

How his visibility inspires future generations

Lil Nas X says he wants to open doors for other queer people to simply exist. As one of the most famous people in the music industry, his visibility may inspire future generations who eagerly await the next Lil Nas X tour and album.

He says:

“There’s going to be so many gay rappers. There’s going to be more trans people in the industry and whatnot. Ten years from now, everything that I’m doing won’t even seem like it was shocking.”

Lil Nas X’s future and the legacy he is building

Despite releasing only one studio album, Lil Nas X has made quite a mark on music and pop culture in the last few years. This talented rapper and singer-songwriter continues to flirt with different styles, famous for both his record-breaking country-rap hit “Old Town Road” and more experimental genre-defying sounds on “Montero.”

The future looks bright for Lil Nas X as he continues to build his legacy and release new music. A second Lil Nas X album, “DREAMBOY,” will come out sometime in 2025. The first single from the collection, “Listen Again,” released in 2024, sees the artist go in an interesting new direction, incorporating elements of electropop and featuring a sample from the R&B group Jagged Edge. There are no plans for a new Lil Nas X concert tour at the moment.

Check the latest Lil Nas X news for more information about upcoming projects.

Jennifer Lopez is standing on business with herself—after FOUR marriages (and two engagements), she’s officially tapping out on the idea of “I do.”

🎤 Onstage in Spain, J.Lo Spills the Truth

During her July 15 concert in Bilbao, Spain—while performing on her Up All Night Tour—J.Lo spotted a fan holding a “Marry Me?” sign. With a smile and no filter, she paused to address it:

“I think I’m done with that. I’ve tried that a few times.”

The crowd erupted as the 55-year-old icon let her emotions—and hard-earned wisdom—shine.

---

📜 A Rich History of Love and Lessons

J.Lo has walked down the aisle and walked away four times:

1. Ojani Noa (1997–98)
2. Cris Judd (2001–03)
3. Marc Anthony (2004–14), with whom she shares twins Emme and Max
4. Ben Affleck—reignited their early‑2000s romance, married in July 2022, and divorced in January 2025

She was also engaged to Alex Rodriguez (2019–21), making this the fifth time she nearly got hitched.

💪 From Broken Wings to Self-Love Anthem

In interviews, J.Lo has opened up about how past heartbreak left her feeling lonely and searching for identity:

“You can’t look for happiness in other people. You have to have happiness within yourself.”

Her recent song, “Wreckage of You,” dives into those low moments, showing just how much growth came from her pain.

🎭 Legacy: Motherhood, Music & Moving On

Despite the heartbreak, she’s balancing her dynamic career and co-parenting with grace. Lopez continues to rock her Up All Night tour—which wraps next in Kazakhstan—and recently became legally single, shedding the Affleck name.Amid all this, she remains proud of how she’s held it together for her twins and built a stronger relationship with herself .

---

Noir Nation, is J.Lo’s declaration a power move or a moment of healing pause? Is she truly done with marriage—or just prioritizing her peace and personal growth? Let us know below. 👇

Related

13

Katy Perry’s The Lifetimes Tour hit a terrifying snag on Friday night when her butterfly-shaped flying prop experienced a sudden and visibly dangerous malfunction mid-performance at the Chase Center in San Francisco. Perry was in the middle of belting out her 2013 mega-hit “Roar” when the mechanical butterfly lift she was riding jerked, stalled, and dipped erratically in front of a sold-out arena sending the crowd into a collective gasp and social media into a frenzy.

Check out the video below.

@sole.sunny

Omg!!! Casi se nos va Katy, que susto tan horrible mano 🥺 #katyperry #lifetimetour #sanfrancisco #concerts #roar

♬ sonido original – Sole 🔅

While the exact technical cause has not yet been confirmed, fan-captured footage shows Perry suspended high above the stage as the butterfly prop falters, swaying with increasing instability. At one point, the rig appears to seize before violently jolting forward prompting gasps from audience members and widespread concern online.

Security and tech crew could be seen hustling backstage as the pop superstar clung tightly to the structure, visibly bracing herself as it attempted to complete its descent.

Despite the heart-stopping moment, Perry proved herself once again to be one of pop’s most seasoned and resilient performers. She not only survived the malfunction without injury she kept singing. Without missing a note, the Grammy-nominated icon finished “Roar” to thunderous applause.

Social Media Reacts: “Get This Lady OFF”

As clips of the moment began circulating late Thursday night, fans and critics alike took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice both their terror and frustration with the increasing reliance on elaborate aerial stunts in modern touring.

“Everybody just need to stay on the stage atp,” one person wrote bluntly.

“Beyoncé’s car was strike one, Katy Perry’s butterfly(?) is strike 2, whoever has another one of these flying contraptions gonna have their concertgoers feel the wrath of God’s strike 3,” another tweeted, referencing Beyoncé’s May malfunction with her flying chrome vehicle during the Renaissance World Tour.

“Ok all singers need to stop doing flying things in their concert,” posted another fan.

The incident reignited an online debate over the safety of aerial theatrics in live concerts.

“Oh hell nah this is scary af. Get this lady OFF,” one user wrote.

“Seriously what’s with the obsession of artists with wired/cabled production during their tours?? Literally so scary and risky especially if the tour is moving,” added another.

Despite the drama, Perry never lost her composure. She smiled, waved, and returned to the stage as if nothing had happened a true Diamond-certified diva who has seen and survived it all. Her team has not yet issued an official statement about the mechanical failure or whether the butterfly will continue to appear at future stops.

We reached out to Perry’s representatives regarding the safety protocols for the butterfly prop and whether changes will be made for future shows. As of this writing, no response has been received.

Tour Continues Full Speed Ahead

The San Francisco scare hasn’t shaken the pop queen’s momentum. Perry’s Lifetimes Tour, which marks her first full-scale world tour since Witness: The Tour in 2017–18, continues across North America with high demand and rave reviews. Her next stop is Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena on July 21.

Here’s where Katy Perry is headed next:

• July 21 — Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge Arena






• August 3 — Detroit, MI @ Little Caesars Arena






• August 6 — Toronto, ON @ Scotiabank Arena (newly announced show)






• August 8 — Boston, MA @ TD Garden






• August 9 — Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center






• August 11 — New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden






• August 14 — Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center






• August 15 — Baltimore, MD @ CFG Bank Arena






• August 17 — Raleigh, NC @ Lenovo Center






• August 19 — Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena






• August 20 — Atlanta, GA @ State Farm Arena






• August 22 — Tampa, FL @ Amalie Arena






• August 23 — Miami, FL @ Kaseya Center

Related

As fans of “Love Island USA” continue to mourn the end of the seventh season, viewers have been patiently waiting for two original villa members to make their return to social media. Now, folks have finally got their wish as Ace and Chelley have officially made a social media comeback spilling all the tea!

Arguably one of the most loved couples on the show, Michelle “Chelley” Bissainthe and Ace Greene didn’t make it to the season finale. But they did, however, win over the hearts of thousands of viewers across the world. The couple– nicknamed “Chellace” on socials– have been taking their sweet time getting back to the real world. That is until Thursday (July 17) when both of them reflected on their journey inside the villa.

In a heartfelt post, Chelley wrote, “To those who’ve stood with me since the beginning, to my new fans, to every person whether white, Black, purple, yellow who has shown nothing but love, thank you.” As one of the few dark skin women this season, Chelley faced colorism and criticism from outside fans during the show’s filming.

She continued, addressing the controversies saying, “To the women who look like me, who saw parts of themselves in me, who felt inspired or found a little more light and confidence through my journey, I see you, I feel you, and I love you.”

The 27-year-old also thanked “the people who used their platforms not just to recap a show but to speak truthfully about the deeper realities Black women face.” She continued, “Thank you for holding the line of truth with me and for me in times where hate seemed stronger than usual.”

Ace, who was somewhat of a controversial character on the show, shared a similar sentiment. He wrote on Instagram, “This journey had its challenges emotionally, mentally, spiritually. But even in those moments, I never let go of who I am.” He continued, “As a man, I think before I speak and always listen to my heart when it comes to my feelings and what I choose to express; I cannot allow society and the ways of the world to dictate who I’m deemed to be.”

Chellace made their relationship exclusive before being voted off in episode 34 of the show. Many fans were disappointed, arguing that they had the best connection of all of the couples this season. “The truth is, who I am in real life and who I may have been perceived to be on TV are two very different things. But one thing is for sure I walked out that Villa a winner,” Ace continued. “I left with the most beautiful girl in the world, someone who truly means everything to me. And if I had to do it all again, I’d do it a billion times over.”

Ace and Chelley are set to return for the “Love Island USA” reunion hosted by Ariana Madix and Andy Cohen on Peacock. It will air on Aug. 25. 

Straight From

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.