In September 1984, a film hit the streets that had the folks we now call “seasoned saints” in a headlock. “A Soldier’s Story,” based on a Pulitzer Prize winning play written by the late, great Black playwright Charles Fuller, was directed by legendary (white) director Norman Jewison and depicted, via a story about a Jim Crow-era segregated Army regiment, how white supremacy can cause Black folks with power to terrorize Black folks without any.

But what makes “A Soldier’s Story” most notable is that it features a breakout performances of a nearly-30-year-old Denzel Washington, who is only in a supporting role but is dripping with the charisma that we all know and love him for decades later. It came out five years before “Glory” nabbed Washington his first Oscar nomination and set him on the path of Hollywood legend.

The film clearly had Black intellectuals buying popcorn in 1984. But seeing how it made over , everyday Black folks went to see it too.

“A Soldier’s Story” tells the story of a segregated Army regiment in the Jim Crow south. Since so many Black men had just come home from Vietnam a decade or so before the film’s release, they helped the film nab more than $21 million off a $6 million budget.

Washington’s costars in “A Soldier’s Story” were no slouches: Adolph Caesar was an established theater actor before he embodied the film’s central character: The alcoholic and tyrannical Sgt. Vernon Waters. His character showed us how trying to impress white folks led Waters down a path where the Black soldiers under his command would eventually kill him.

Just a few years before “In Living Color,” David Alan Grier showed us he was a damn good dramatic actor. The film also features a wonderful performance by Howard Rollins, one of your grandmother’s favorite actors who she never knew was probably gay. And though he was never a big name despite popping up in films we’ve all seen, Art Evans gives a striking performance as a man who plays a central role in how the film ends.

Though Caesar nabbed an Oscar nomination for the role, Washington showed us why he would eventually go on to become that diamond-in-the-rough Black actor. His portrayal of PFC. Melvin Peterson is the reason kids today say rizz. He is funny. He is sympathetic. And while you will not always agree with his choices, but you understand why he makes the decisions he does.

Washington is that rare actor of any race that everyone knows you’re talking about when you say his first name only. Arguably, you couldn’t do that with his predecessor Sidney Poitier, and you can’t do it with his successor, Michael B. Jordan (yet).

(Wesley Snipes came for Washington’s crown in the 1990s, but he lost his way when he started messing around with a non-Black woman. But that’s a conversation for another column.)

Watch “A Soldier’s Story.” It is an insightful movie about race, but, if you’re not into all that, you should watch it because it might as well have been called “Damn, dat boy Denzel Washington sho’ can act.”

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Multi-platinum-selling artist and entrepreneur Saweetie is back with a powerful new single, “IS IT THE WAY.” Released via Warner Records, the track is a fresh take on Jill Scott’s classic “The Way,” infused with Saweetie’s signature style and empowering lyrics.

Dedicated to women everywhere, “IS IT THE WAY” celebrates individuality, strength, and the “ICY Girl” mentality. The accompanying music video, directed by Tajana Tokyo, is a cinematic journey through the vibrant streets of London, showcasing Saweetie’s undeniable energy and head-turning fashion.

In a recent interview with Jennifer Hudson, Saweetie opened up about her new single, video, and upcoming projects, as well as her personal growth and the exciting new era she’s embarking on. Her vulnerability and transparency during the candid conversation are sure to resonate with fans.

Saweetie’s summer anthem “NANi” recently hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Airplay chart, marking her fourth chart-topping hit in the category. Her unapologetic track “My Best” was also featured on former U.S. President Barack Obama’s Summer 2024 Playlist.

In addition to her music, Saweetie has been busy with various television appearances, including a guest role on STARZ’s hit series BMF and serving as a mentor on NBC’s The Voice.

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Born Shawn Corey Carter, Jay-Z is not just one of the most successful rappers of all time. He’s a cultural icon whose influence extends far beyond music. 

Jay-Z started from humble beginnings in the Marcy Projects of Brooklyn and rose to the heights of becoming a billionaire mogul. His legacy is rooted in his ability to evolve with the times while consistently setting new standards in the hip-hop industry. He has multiple classic albums, business ventures and philanthropic endeavors that have made him a key figure in the world of music, technology, fashion and social justice.

Jay-Z’s business acumen has redefined what it means to be a modern entrepreneur. He continues to leave an indelible mark on the culture.

Early life and education

Jay-Z was born on Dec. 4, 1969. He was raised by his mother, Gloria Carter, after his father, Adnis Reeves, left the family when he was a young child. Growing up with a single mother in the Marcy Projects, he experienced the struggles of inner-city life firsthand. Surrounded by crime and poverty, his environment deeply influenced his music and became a central theme in his lyrics.

Jay-Z went to high school with other future legends such as The Notorious B.I.G. and Busta Rhymes. He eventually dropped out of George Westinghouse Career and Technical Education High School and got to the streets.

His first rap name was actually “Jazzy.” He was inspired by legends like Grandmaster Flash and The Sugarhill Gang, who helped pioneer hip-hop in New York. Eventually, he changed his name to the iconic “Jay-Z,” partly inspired by the J and Z subway lines near his projects.

Being a product of his environment, Jay-Z found himself in difficult circumstances, including selling drugs. But he was always focused on a way out, and he used these experiences to fuel his creativity.

Rise in the music industry

Jay-Z’s rise in the music industry started with him battle rapping in the streets of Brooklyn. His street credibility, combined with his neighborhood’s support for his rapping ability, showed him that hip-hop could be a promising career for him. In the early 1990s, he started recording demos independently.

His buzz around New York eventually attracted the attention of Dame Dash, who helped him shop his music to several labels. After many failed attempts at securing a record deal, they teamed up with Kareem “Biggs” Burk to launch Roc-A-Fella Records in 1994. Roc-A-Fella went on to independently release Jay-Z’s debut album, “Reasonable Doubt,” in 1996.

Key albums (1995 – 2005)

In the span of just 10 years, Jay-Z became a global rap sensation with multiple classic albums. 

• “Reasonable Doubt” (1996): This album is often hailed as one of the greatest rap albums of all time. It received critical acclaim for its sharp lyricism and its matter-of-fact commentary on the reality of street life. Despite modest sales upon release, the album became a classic due to Jay-Z’s rising notoriety in the media. But, as of this writing, it’s also garnered a lot of controversy as Dame Dash, who currently owns 33% of Roc-a-Fella and the album, is in multiple negotiations to sell his ownership.
• “The Blueprint” (2001): This album marked another pivotal moment in Jay-Z’s career. It was released during a heated beef with rapper Nas, real name Nasir Jones, and contained a scathing diss called “Takeover,” which he premiered at Hot 97’s 2001 Summer Jam (that could be a whole article in itself. The album was mostly produced by Ye (formerly known as Kanye West) and Just Blaze. The soulful production in “The Blueprint” helped it receive critical acclaim as well as influencing the shift toward sample-based production in hip-hop.
• “The Black Album” (2003): Marketed as a retirement album, “The Black Album” was another critical success for Jay-Z. It featured hits like “99 Problems” and “Encore,” which are still some of the most streamed songs to this date. This was the first time Jay announced his retirement, starting the marketing trend of artists announcing their retirement in a usually successful attempt to sell more albums and make their comeback projects even more anticipated.
• “4:44” (2017): Though released later in his career, this was one of Jay-Z’s most introspective albums. It takes listeners deep into his psyche and viewpoint of the culture. A mix of impressive wordplay and modern flows, the album addresses personal topics such as infidelity, relationships and financial lessons. The title track, “4:44,” is meant to be a public apology to Beyoncé for infidelity, which attempts to showcase Jay’s vulnerability and growth. It continues to be acclaimed for its mature themes and common-sense style delivery.

Significant singles and hits

Jay-Z’s career has been marked by several iconic singles, most of which have left an indelible mark on both hip-hop and mainstream music. 

• “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)” (1998): As one of his most defining hits, “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)” transformed Jay-Z into a household name. By sampling “Annie” the musical, he created a juxtaposition between the struggles of inner-city life and the optimism of success.
• “Big Pimpin” (1999): A huge song with the Houston duo UGK, “Big Pimpin” emphasizes a life of opulence and power. It garnered a ton of radio play for both Jay-Z and UGK and helped catapult UGK into the mainstream as well.
• “Empire State of Mind” (2009): This is another iconic single where Alicia Keys belts, “In New Yooork!” As a tribute to New York City, “Empire State of Mind” features some of the most amazing production and vocals in hip-hop. This quickly became the anthem for New Yorkers while resonating with listeners from all walks of life.

We could write a whole article on Jay-Z’s singles and hits, but these, along with the aforementioned songs, cemented Jay’s dominance in the culture.

Compilations and collaborations

Jay-Z is known to be a prolific collaborator. He hasn’t just conquered hip-hop but impacted various genres and musical styles. 

• “03 Bonnie and Clyde” (2002): This iconic collab with Beyoncé highlighted their musical partnership and marked the beginning of their public relationship.
• “Watch the Throne” (2011): This collab album with Ye featured the smash hit, “Ni**as in Paris” and started the trend of solo hip-hop artists doing joint albums together in the mainstream.
• “Umbrella” (2007): This global hit with Rihanna was produced by The-Dream and Tricky Stewart. Jay-Z sets the tone for the track with metaphors about not being affected by negativity and his “rain man” ability to rap his verses without needing to write his lines.
• “Drug Dealers Anonymous” (2016): The raw lyricism of this track featuring Pusha T is highly praised by hip-hop purists. It dives into the bleak existence of having all the material possessions of being a kingpin while attempting to suppress all the personal struggles that come with it.

Live album and mixtapes

Live albums and mixtapes have played an important role in Jay-Z’s career. The live albums showcase his ability to push the boundaries of hip-hop performance. 

• “Jay-Z: Unplugged” (2001): This album helped redefine how rappers can perform with live bands. Jay performed alongside The Roots for this intimate acoustic set.
• “B-Sides” (2015, 2019): This is a special concert series where Jay-Z performs rare tracks from his catalog instead of only mainstream hits. These shows have been a treat for hardcore Jay-Z fans to hear songs that showcase his raw lyrical prowess.
• “The Demos: Before Reasonable Doubt”: This is a collection of Jay’s demos before he broke into the mainstream. It showcases his lightning-fast delivery before slowing down the flow for Reasonable Doubt and subsequent releases. The audio has been circulating the internet and is for sale in a physical medium in various places online.

Notable feuds and conflicts

Jay-Z vs Nas

Jay-Z’s battle with Nas is still one of the most long-standing conflicts in hip-hop history. It continues to significantly shape both of their careers. It all started when Nas ghosted Jay on a studio session for his debut album. Since Nas didn’t show up, Jay decided to use a sample of one of his songs in “Dead Presidents II.”

Nas wasn’t cool with this, and it led to a few rounds of sneak disses in their music, which both are masters at. Eventually, Jay-Z went all out on “Takeover.” Nas clapped back with “Ether,” which is still regarded as one of the best diss tracks of all time. Jay tried to shoot back with “Supa Ugly,” but it lacked the impact of “Ether” and contained below-the-belt insults that fans at the time didn’t resonate well with.

Though they performed together in 2005 to symbolize a truce, there is still a phenomenon where Jay seems to release music on the same day as Nas.

Jay-Z vs Prodigy

Prodigy also caught some strays on “Takeover.” Jay-Z and Prodigy had been subbing each other for almost a decade. What started as friendly competition turned into an all-out lyrical assault.

Jay-Z vs DMX

DMX was a powerful emcee who was revered for his skills in hip-hop about as much as Jay-Z at the time. Eventually, fate brought them to the same place at the same time, and they faced off in a rap battle in a smoke-filled room as associates watched in awe.

Jay-Z vs Lil Wayne

As Lil Wayne was on the most incredible mixtape run the world has ever seen in the mid-2000s, he started to claim he was the best rapper alive. Jay-Z felt he had to respond if he was to hold his throne, but wanted to do it subtly by sending sneak jabs in records to keep industry relations copacetic.

However, many people feel Jay-Z’s major chess move happened in 2024 when he chose Kendrick Lamar to perform at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans over Lil Wayne.

Musical style and technique

Jay-Z’s musical style has evolved significantly over the years. Although he’s always adapted to the current times, he still finds a way to keep a soulful hip-hop element to his tracks.

He started out using a superfast, complex flow that amazed people on the streets of Brooklyn, but he soon realized he had to slow it down a little to appeal to a more mainstream audience. This evolution also allowed him to deliver more profound themes.

Jay-Z’s lyrical themes range from his personal experiences to broader societal reflections. Early albums such as “Reasonable Doubt” and “The Blueprint” series explore street survival, while later works such as “Magna Carta Holy Grail” and “4:44” delve into themes such as personal growth, legacy and social responsibility.

His ability to blend commercial appeal with thought-provoking content continues to influence countless rappers in terms of style and career trajectory.

Business ventures: Building the Roc Nation empire

Jay-Z’s influence on culture is profound, not only through his music but through his business acumen.

Technology ventures

Jay-Z’s foray into tech with TIDAL marked a significant turning point in the music streaming industry. When he acquired the platform in 2015 for $56 million, he touted it as an artist-owned service, distinct from competitors such as Spotify by offering higher royalty payouts to musicians.

TIDAL was marketed as an artist-friendly service that provided a premium and high-fidelity option. Jay-Z eventually went on to sell it to Square Inc. for $302 million.

Ownership in sports teams

Jay-Z has had a significant involvement in sports ownership. In 2003, he acquired a minority stake in the Brooklyn Nets. His influence played a key role in the branding and cultural shift of the franchise, including the iconic black-and-white uniforms.

Unfortunately, due to a conflict of interest between the NBA and his growing sports agency, Roc Nation Sports, he was forced to sell his stake in the Nets in 2013. Jay-Z’s influence continues to expand through his new company, which represents top athletes such as Robinson Cano and Kevin Durant.

Media and entertainment projects

Jay-Z also played a significant role in other areas of the entertainment industry as both a producer and executive. 

• “The Harder They Fall” (2021): Jay-Z produced this western film where an outlaw reunites with old acquaintances upon learning his enemy is being released from prison.
• “The Book of Clarence” (2023): He worked closer with Jeymes Samuel to create this film about a man who searches for a way to pay off his debt after being inspired by the rising Messiah.
• Super Bowl Halftime Show: Jay-Z officially became the co-producer of the Halftime show in 2019. He selects the artists that will perform at the Super Bowl as part of the Roc Nation deal.

Personal life

Jay-Z’s personal life is marked by high-profile relationships, family dynamics and legal issues.

• Marriage to Beyoncé (2008): This is one of the most celebrated unions in the entertainment industry. Jay-Z and Beyoncé have three children together: Blue Ivy, born in 2012, and twins Sir and Rumi, born in 2017. Being a power couple did not come without struggles, though. Jay-Z’s  infidelity was exposed in Beyoncé’s album “Lemonade,” and he owned up to it on his own album, “4:44.”
• “Decoded” (2010): Jay-Z’s memoir goes into explicit detail about how his former lifestyle influenced his music. He confessed to being deeply involved in selling crack cocaine. He even goes into detail about how he once sold crack to his own mother.
• Lance “Un” Rivera trial (1999): Jay-Z was allegedly involved in stabbing Lance when he caught him allegedly bootlegging his album “Vol. 3… Life and Times of S. Carter.” Eventually, Jay pleaded guilty to a lesser charge and was put on probation.

Philanthropy and social impact

Social justice and philanthropy are nothing new to Jay-Z.

• Shawn Carter Foundation (est. 2003): This foundation focuses on providing scholarships to underserved youth and has donated over $4 million to various programs.
• “Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story” (2018): Jay produced this documentary on Trayvon Martin to highlight systemic racial injustices in the U.S. criminal justice system.
• Team ROC: Jay’s most recent philanthropic endeavor shows his commitment to fighting systemic inequality. He continues to advocate for bail reform and ending mass incarceration.

Cultural influence and legacy

To sum up this short Jay-Z biography, his legacy is monumental. His cultural influence not only rings out through the music industry, but across business, fashion and social injustice. His impact on hip-hop is so profound that when Jay-Z makes a statement, everyone listens.

Jay-Z’s success also paved the way for other rappers to venture into business. From clothing lines to alcohol brands, Jay-Z showed others how it’s done by building brands like Rocawear and D’USSÉ cognac.

His legacy is one that will continue to shape the future generations of entrepreneurs.

Lifestyle

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The world is mourning the loss of legendary actress Maggie Smith, who passed away at the age of 89. According to a statement from her family shared with The Washington Post, Smith died on Friday, September 27, in London. Details regarding the circumstances of her death have not been disclosed.

Smith, whose illustrious career spanned over six decades, was known for her remarkable versatility and the ability to bring both gravitas and wit to a wide range of roles. The two-time Academy Award winner leaves behind a towering legacy in both film and television, with iconic performances in productions such as Downton Abbey, David Copperfield (1999), and the beloved Harry Potter franchise, where she played Professor Minerva McGonagall.

Her filmography is filled with celebrated performances in classics such as A Room With a View (1985), Sister Act (1992), The Secret Garden (1993), and All the King’s Men (1999), earning her a place in the hearts of multiple generations of fans.

Following the announcement of her death, tributes from around the globe flooded social media, as fans and fellow actors alike honored her incredible career. Fans of Smith praised not only her vast body of work but also her ability to seamlessly transition between comedy, drama, and fantasy with extraordinary ease.

RIP Maggie Smith, this was one of my favourite scenes from Harry Potter with professor mcgonagall 💔 pic.twitter.com/Qe61BS7u9w

— Aaron Paul – ImHybrid (@HYBRlD) September 27, 2024

Her passing marks the end of an era in British cinema and television. Known for her sharp wit and impeccable timing, Maggie Smith was a trailblazer whose influence will be felt for years to come. As tributes continue to pour in, her impact on the arts is undeniable.

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Sean “Diddy” Combs was hit with new sexual assault allegations Friday as a woman filed a lawsuit in New York saying she was repeatedly raped and drugged at the music mogul’s homes and became pregnant after one of the encounters.

It’s the latest of several similar lawsuits by women against Combs, who also was arrested last week on a federal sex trafficking indictment.

The lawsuit was filed against Combs, his companies and several associates and seeks undisclosed damages for physical injuries, severe emotional distress, humiliation, anxiety and other harms. A lawyer for Combs, his company and one of his representatives did not immediately return emails seeking comment Friday.

The woman in the latest lawsuit, identified by the pseudonym Jane Doe, accuses Combs of sexually assaulting her while she was unconscious from drugs, and it alleges Combs and his acquaintances recorded sexual encounters without her permission. She says that she met Combs overseas in fall 2020 and that the assaults and harassment continued through July this year.

Doe says she often was coerced and harassed into traveling to Combs’ homes in New York, Los Angeles and Miami and other cities, including monthly in 2021 and 2022.

“At every visit, (Combs) would make her ‘perform a show’ for him and would ply her with alcohol and substances until she passed out — she would wake up with bruising and injuries but with no recollection of how she sustained her injuries,” the lawsuit says.

Lifestyle

In a July 2022 encounter with Combs at his Los Angeles home, the woman alleges in the lawsuit, she was forced to ingest drugs she believes included ketamine and blacked out. She later took a pregnancy test and told Combs it was positive, she says. A Combs associate repeatedly demanded she get an abortion, and she had a miscarriage, she asserts.

This past July, Doe says, Combs “commanded” her to go to his home in Miami, where she alleges Combs shoved two pills in her mouth. She says that the next morning, she felt ill and confused and could not remember what had happened the night before, and that the bedroom was in disarray.

Doe, being represented by attorneys Marie Napoli and Joseph Ciaccio, also alleges Combs and his associates tracked her location and monitored her conversations. She says Combs discouraged her from working and gave her an “allowance” that he used to control her.

“Powerful figures in the entertainment industry have long exploited aspiring artists and fans,” Napoli said in a statement. “Recent high-profile lawsuits aim to hold these celebrities accountable, potentially transforming industry practices and providing justice for victims. No one is above the law. Fame and wealth do not protect Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs from serious allegations of sex trafficking and abuse.”

On Tuesday, another woman sued Combs, alleging that the music mogul and his head of security raped her and recorded it on video at his New York recording studio in 2001.

Combs remains jailed without bail in New York on the federal charges alleging he ran a vast network that facilitated sexual crimes and committed shocking acts of violence, using blackmail and other tactics to protect Combs and those close to him.

He pleaded not guilty to racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. His attorney said he is innocent and will fight to clear his name.

Earlier this month, Combs admitted that he beat his ex-girlfriend Cassie in a hotel hallway in 2016 and apologized after CNN released video of the attack.

Combs, 54, is one of the best-known music executives, producers and performers across hip-hop, having won three Grammys and worked with artists such as Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, Usher, Lil Kim, Faith Evans and 112. He founded Bad Boy Records in 1993, the influential fashion line Sean John, a vodka brand and the Revolt TV network. He sold off his stake in the latter company in June of this year.

When DeNaesha Gonzalez saw a new silver purse with tags on the shelves next to baby lotion and children’s medication in her local Target, she was overwhelmed with compassion. Gonzalez, a mother herself, knew the mom who left that purse behind made the choice to sacrifice something for herself to provide for her child. Although she never saw the mom who left that bag behind, she wanted her to know she was appreciated.

“To the Mother who chose themselves last, you deserve the world tonight and always,🤎” she captioned a September 4 video posted on TikTok.

The post has since received over 4.5 million likes and tens of thousands of comments from other mothers who could relate to the struggle.

“Crying cause it’s so much more then a purse, it’s a representation of all our sacrifices🥹,” wrote someone.

Others took time to share messages of appreciation to the mothers who always put them first.

“When I get angry at my mom but remember she sold her wedding ring just so she could have enough money to feed me and my brother,” someone wrote.

Gonzalez’ now-viral video has inspired others to help moms do more for themselves. A quick search of the hashtag #shedeservedthepurse will produce videos shared by people hoping to pay it forward by hiding cash and gift cards inside boxes of diapers and medication in their local stores. Gonzalez says she hopes to continue to expand the movement’s reach with the help of brand partnerships.

“There were just times where I didn’t have or there were times where I had to put down certain things so that my son could have,” she told NBC News. “And so I think it just was a moment where I was like, ‘Oh, my gosh, this is so familiar.’”

But unfortunately, not everyone jumping on the trend has the best intentions. The trend has produced some bad actors as videos have appeared online of people opening diaper and formula containers in stores to look for money.

But Gonzalez is hopeful that even more good will come out of this movement. She recently posted a clip thanking those who have done what they can to help other women.

“An intimate moment between myself and a purse has sparked a movement that has left me speechless. I am so blessed to see the outpour of love that has blessed hundreds of women! I pray this generosity continues beyond local stores and makes its way to mothers EVERYWHERE,” she captioned a September 25 TikTok video.

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Just days before the opening night of her HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR, Billie Eilish has released the official music video for her global hit “BIRDS OF A FEATHER.” The video made its broadcast premiere across MTV Live, MTVU, and MTV Biggest Pop, adding to the excitement surrounding the critically acclaimed track.

Directed by Aidan Zamiri, the video arrives following a wave of accolades for the x2 RIAA platinum-certified single, which currently holds the Number 1 spot at Top 40 Radio and has topped the Billboard Global Charts for three consecutive weeks.

“BIRDS OF A FEATHER” has also dominated the Billboard Pop Airplay Chart and the Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs Chart, marking Eilish’s record-breaking achievement as the solo artist with the most No. 1’s on the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. On top of these accolades, Eilish is currently the most-streamed female artist in the world on Spotify.

Eilish’s highly anticipated HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR kicks off on Sunday, September 29, in Quebec, QC, before making its way across North America. The tour includes three sold-out shows at New York City’s iconic Madison Square Garden.

In a landmark week for the artist, Eilish will also make her return to NBC’s Saturday Night Live on October 19. Demonstrating her continued commitment to sustainability, she recently unveiled the tour’s eco-friendly initiatives aimed at reducing its carbon footprint.

Eilish’s third studio album, HIT ME HARD AND SOFT, released on May 17 via Darkroom/Interscope Records, has been a massive success, amassing over 4.7 billion global streams and hitting Number 1 in 25 countries.

The album’s first-week sales of 339,000 units, including 90,000 vinyl sales in the U.S., have surpassed her previous releases, marking her biggest debut to date.

Eilish is now the youngest and one of only two artists to sell over 300,000 units in a single week in the past eight years. She is also the first female solo artist to have three songs—”LUNCH,” “CHIHIRO,” and “BIRDS OF A FEATHER”—achieve over 8 million daily streams on Spotify’s Global Chart in their first week.

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LONDON (AP) — British supermodel Naomi Campbell has been barred from being a charity trustee in England and Wales for five years after the poverty charity she founded nearly two decades ago was deemed Thursday to have been “poorly governed” with “inadequate financial management.”

Following a three-year investigation into the financial activities of “Fashion for Relief,” the Charity Commission, which registers and regulates charities in England and Wales, said it had found “multiple instances of misconduct and/or mismanagement,” and that only 8.5% of the charity’s overall expenditure went on charitable grants in a six-year period from 2016.

For example, it said that thousands of pounds worth of charity funds were used to pay for a luxury hotel stay in Cannes, France, for Campbell as well as spa treatments, room service and even cigarettes. The regulator sought explanations from the trustees but said no evidence was provided to back up their explanation that hotel costs were typically covered by a donor to the charity, therefore not costing the charity.

Campbell, 54, said she was “extremely concerned” by the findings of the regulator and that an investigation on her part was underway.

“I was not in control of my charity, I put the control in the hands of a legal employer,” she said in response to a question from the AP after being named a knight in France’s Order of Arts and Letters at the country’s culture ministry for her contribution to French culture. “We are investigating to find out what and how, and everything I do and every penny I ever raised goes to charity.”

The commission, which registers and registers and regulates charities in England and Wales, also found that fellow trustee Bianka Hellmich received around 290,000 pounds ($385,000) of unauthorized funds for consultancy services, which was in breach of the charity’s constitution. She has been disqualified as a trustee for nine years. The other trustee, Veronica Chou, was barred for four years.

“Trustees are legally required to make decisions that are in their charity’s best interests and to comply with their legal duties and responsibilities,” said Tim Hopkins, deputy director for specialist investigations and standards. “Our inquiry has found that the trustees of this charity failed to do so, which has resulted in our action to disqualify them.”

The charity, which was founded in 2005 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, was dissolved and removed from the register of charities earlier this year. On its website, which is still active, the charity said that it presented fashion initiatives and projects in New York, London, Cannes, Moscow, Mumbai and Dar es Salaam, raising more than $15 million for good causes around the world.

The charity had been set up with the aim of uniting the fashion industry to relieve poverty and advance health and education, by making grants to other organizations and giving resources towards global disasters.

The commission said that around 344,000 pounds ($460,000) has been recovered and that a further 98,000 pounds of charitable funds have been protected. These funds were used to make donations to two other charities and settle outstanding liabilities.

“I am pleased that the inquiry has seen donations made to other charities which this charity has previously supported,” said the regulator’s Hopkins.

Lifestyle

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Billie Eilish continues her trailblazing environmental activism by announcing an extensive sustainability plan for her upcoming HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR, set to kick off on September 29 in Quebec. Known for her commitment to eco-conscious initiatives, Billie has partnered with environmental nonprofit REVERB, Support+Feed, and Live Nation to ensure the tour minimizes its ecological footprint and empowers her fans to do the same.

The plan touches everything from eco-friendly transportation options to reusable merchandise, food choices, and behind-the-scenes efforts to cut waste and reduce emissions.

Green Travel Options
A major focus is reducing emissions from fans attending the shows. Eilish’s team, in collaboration with Google Maps, encourages fans to opt for walking, cycling, or public transport to reduce carbon emissions. The app will provide real-time transit directions and highlight fuel-efficient driving routes for those who must drive.

Sustainable Eating and Drinking
Billie’s fans will have access to plant-based options at every venue, and she’s working with local restaurants to spotlight eco-friendly dining options before and after the concerts. Free water refill stations will be available at every show, and fans are encouraged to bring their empty water bottles to cut down on single-use plastics. For those wanting to make a statement, reusable bottles featuring custom artwork will be sold on tour, with proceeds supporting environmental causes.

Eco-Action Village
Every stop on the tour will host an “Eco-Action Village,” a space for fans to engage with local climate organizations, register to vote, and participate in initiatives like the Support+Feed Pledge to eat plant-based meals. The Village will also promote REVERB’s Fast Fashion Study, which aims to explore the environmental impact of fashion in the music world.

Changemaker Tickets
Billie has also created “Changemaker Tickets,” the proceeds from which will fund her Music Decarbonization Project, a campaign aimed at reducing greenhouse gas pollution across the music industry. These tickets offer fans a unique opportunity to be part of a wider movement while supporting critical environmental work.

Merchandise Goes Green
In line with her values, all merchandise sold on tour will be made from sustainable materials, including recycled cotton and polyester. Posters and vinyl albums will also be produced using eco-friendly methods.

Eilish’s HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR will run across North America, Europe, and Australia through 2025, with sustainability at the forefront of the experience for both fans and crew. As the artist continues her work with REVERB to measure the tour’s carbon footprint, she remains committed to using her platform to lead by example in the fight against climate change.

Upcoming Tour Dates
Eilish will kick off her North American tour in Quebec City on September 29, with shows scheduled across major cities, including Toronto, New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. She’ll take the tour global in 2025, with stops in Australia and Europe.

For more information on how to be part of the eco-friendly experience, fans are encouraged to visit Billie’s Sustainability Page.

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