Michelle Obama is a “Cowboy Carter” fan. The former first lady took to Instagram to celebrate Bey’s brand new album, writing that once again the Grammy Award winner has “changed the game.”
Michelle Obama speaks at 2023 WSJ’s Future Of Everything Festival at Spring Studios on May 3, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Joy Malone/Getty Images)
In her caption, the former first lady said the country album helps “redefine a music genre and transform our culture,” before saying, “I am so proud of you!” She continued saying the album is, “a reminder that despite everything we’ve been through to be heard, seen, and recognized, we can still dance, sing, and be who we are unapologetically.”
“This album reminds us that we ALL have power,” she added. “There’s power in our history, in our joy, and in our votes — and we can each use our own gifts and talents to make our voices heard on the issues that matter most to us.”
Obama took the time to discuss the current election year, writing, “together, we can stand up for what we believe in, and we must do that at the ballot box this year.” She said “the issues that impact us most are on the ballot across the country — from equal pay and racial justice to reproductive healthcare and climate change. And as Queen Bey says at the end of Ya Ya, we need to ‘keep the faith’ and ‘VOTE!’”
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She ended her message adding the website WhenWeAllVote.org to let users know where to register to vote.
As theGrio previously reported, “Cowboy Carter” is Beyoncé’s highly anticipated “Act II” album in her current “Renaissance” era. Featuring country legends like Linda Martell, Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton, and current hitmakers like Miley Cyrus, Post Malone and Shaboozey, the project fuses various influences together to create what Bey calls not a country album, “but a Beyoncé album.”
WILMINGTON, NC – SEPTEMBER 23: Mark Robinson, lieutenant governor of North Carolina, is seen during a Save America rally for former President Donald Trump at the Aero Center Wilmington on September 23, 2022 in Wilmington, North Carolina. The “Save America” rally was a continuation of Donald Trump’s effort to advance the Republican agenda by energizing voters and highlighting candidates and causes.Photo: Allison Joyce (Getty Images)
As the North Carolina Gubernatorial election draws closer, Republican nominee Lt. Governor Mark Robinson’s history of going after prominent Black figures online has understandably received significant attention.
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In multiple posts, Robinson, who is Black, compares prominent Black political and cultural figures to “Sambo” and “Quimbo” from Uncle Tom’s Cabin. And, for anyone who didn’t read Harriet Beecher Stowe’s abolitionist novel, no, that’s not a compliment.
In the book, Sambo and Quimbo were two enslaved Black people who loyally served their abusive enslaver at the expense of their fellow enslaved people.
In a post about civil rights leader Rev. William Barber, Robinson refers to him as “Sambo,” adding “or is it Quimbo. “I’d like to take this time to say thank you to Dr. William Barber (aka Sambo or is it Quimbo) for his tireless efforts in helping white liberals in there quest to keep blacks in North Carolina poor, dumb, and voting for the people who want them to stay that way,” wrote Robinson in a 2014 post, obtained by Talking Points Memo.
In another post that same year, he called Rev. Al Sharpton “a racist money-grubbing, scumbag Sambo.”
Political figures weren’t the only ones he compared to enslaved people. Snoop Dog and 50 Cent were also on the receiving end of the Uncle Tom’s Cabin comparisons. “Snoop Dogg is Sambo. 50 Cent is Quimbo. #shameonyouifyoudon’tunderstand,” he posted on Facebook.
The continuing legal drama surrounding music mogul Diddy, better known as Sean Combs, has taken an unexpected turn recently. According to TMZ, singer Cassie Ventura is assisting federal authorities concerning accusations made against Diddy.
According to TMZ’s exclusive sources, Cassie is one of the witnesses in Diddy’s federal lawsuit. According to these sources, she has been cooperating with investigators for several weeks, before the latest raids on Diddy’s homes.
While the specific extent of Cassie’s collaboration is unknown, speculation abounds about her possible role in the raid timing. However, no public pronouncements have been issued concerning the information Cassie may be supplying to authorities.
The relationship between Cassie’s collaboration and her latest lawsuit against the music mogul cannot be overlooked. Cassie sues Diddy for sexual assault, abuse, and sex trafficking. This association implies that her legal activities may be in line with the ongoing investigation.
It’s important to note that Cassie isn’t the only woman engaged in this case. According to the TMZ article, there are additional women identified as witnesses, but their identities have not been made public.
Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more opinions on theGrio.
Iowa star Caitlin Clark got her revenge on LSU star Angel Reese, surely enthralling goo-gobs of white folks who viewed Monday’s Elite Eight matchup through a racial lens. I certainly understand their glee in watching Reese get her comeuppance for taunting Clark in last year’s NCAA championship game.
Clark is their darling, the biggest star in women’s college basketball, which currently is far hotter than the men’s version. ESPN reports that Iowa’s 94-87 victory drew 12.3 million viewers, the most ever in women’s college hoops. Last year’s tilt set the previous record, 9.9 million viewers when Reese pointed to an imaginary ring and waved “you-can’t-see-me” as Iowa lost the title game.
Resse was demonized and caricatured afterward, becoming a target for anti-Black sentiment from haters of every stripe. Meanwhile, Clark continued her path as America’s sweetheart and a national phenom, setting numerous records on the court and at the box office.
The two stars couldn’t be any different in many ways. But they’re identical in their competitive nature and commitment to the booming sport.
“I’ll take the villain role,” Reese said Monday before Clark justified the hype by dropping 41 points. “I’ll take the hit for it, but I know we’re growing women’s basketball. If this is the way we’re going to do it, then this is the way we’re going to do it.”
They don’t need “help” from hip-hop mogul Ice Cube.
His 3-on-3 basketball league has offered Clark $5 million to play in the upcoming season, pitching the bid as pro-woman when it’s really more pro-Ice Cube. “BIG3 made a historic offer to Caitlin Clark,” he tweeted last week. “Why wouldn’t we? Caitlin Clark is a generational athlete who can achieve tremendous success in the BIG3.”
Clark has declared for the WNBA draft and is expected to be the No.1 pick, followed in some order by Stanford’s Cameron Brink, Tennessee’s Rickea Jackson and South Carolina’s Kamilla Cardoso. (Reese declared for the draft on Wednesday, though she should’ve gone back to school and worked on her game because her pro prospects are hazy.)
But Ice Cube made an offer to Clark alone, despite feigning concern for her less-famous and well-off peers.
“America’s women athletes should not be forced to spend their off seasons playing in often dismal and dubious foreign countries just to make ends meet,” he tweeted. “And they should have more than just one professional option in the U.S. at a time when American pro sports leagues are being infiltrated by autocratic, anti-women regimes such as Qatar. Our pathbreaking offer to Caitlin Clark demonstrates the BIG3 now offers another choice for athletes.”
No, the offer demonstrates his desire to promote the BIG3 at the WNBA’s expense.
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Clark won’t have a problem making ends meet without going abroad. She rakes an estimated $3.2 million in name, image and likeness (NIL) deals, including deals with Gatorade, State Farm, Nike and Xfinity. As the presumptive No.1 pick, her portfolio should grow. Reese doesn’t rank as high at the next level, but she’s done fine at the bank; her estimated $1.8 million from NIL makes her the only Black female in the top 10.
The duo’s fans and followers will stay along for the ride after Clark and Reese are drafted, bringing more eyeballs to the WNBA. Ice Cube rightly figures that Clark’s magnetic pull could shine a light on the BIG3, which arguably competes against the WNBA for viewers. He already told us what he thinks about professional women’s basketball, at least judging by the WNBA’s season, which runs from mid-May to the fall.
“I’m trying to make sure people understand that the league is here for our summer entertainment because summer sports are boring,” Ice Cube told Panama Jackson last year on “Dear Culture.”
Ice Cube went on a media tour complaining that the NBA was trying to kill the BIG3. He accused the Association of pressuring media outlets and corporate sponsors to steer clear of the BIG3, though his league posed no threat. It was an offseason blast to the NBA past, with former players on the court and legends like Julius Irving, George Gervin and Gary Payton as coaches.
What else is a basketball fan to watch between the NBA Finals and football season? The NBA nominates the league it co-owns, the WNBA. Ice Cube thinks his idea is more interesting.
How about the spectacle of Clark versus some grown-ass men!
I suppose the BIG3 would get record ratings for its broadcasts on CBS and Paramount.
But that’s not why Ice Cube made the offer.
Deron Snyder, from Brooklyn, is an award-winning columnist who lives near D.C. and pledged Alpha at HU-You Know! He’s reaching high, lying low, moving on, pushing off, keeping up, and throwing down. Got it? Get more at blackdoorventures.com/deron.
The mother of one of R. Kelly’s victims is scheduled to give a sworn, out-of-court oral testimony about how the disgraced star abuse her daughter, Faith Rodgers. It was reported that Rodgers’ mom will share her perspective on what happened to her daughter as part of the discovery process.
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Rodgers is just one of the five women that Kelly was convicted of abusing in 2021. She ultimately testified against him at Kelly’s Brooklyn federal-court trial. Kelly was found guilty of numerous charges, including sex trafficking, sexual exploitation of a child, racketeering and bribery.
A conference took place on March 7 according to court filings, but Rodgers did not attend. Kelly was represented by his lawyers, Jennifer Bonjean and Ashley Cohen. “Plaintiff shall respond to defendant’s written discovery requests by April 7, 2024,” the documents explained.
“Plaintiff shall provide dates for plaintiff’s deposition and plaintiff’s mother’s deposition by March 21st to take place in April. Fact discovery to close by June 30.” Back in 2018, Rodgers sued Kelly for false imprisonment as well as sexual battery.
In the suit, Rodgers stated that the pair met in 2017 when she was just 19 after he performed in Texas. She also said that Kelly forced her to engage in sexual acts without her consent and gave her a sexually transmitted disease. Kelly has been incarcerated since his 2021 arrest.
Most recently, he did a phone interview with Wack 100 last week to stand up for Sean “Diddy” Combs and the plethora of allegations against him.
“That’s why I don’t believe none of this shit. You could tell me about Puffy, you could about anybody in there,” Kelly said. “You could tell me on the news, the weather, the sky is blue, I’m not gonna believe the shit. ‘Cause I’m in it now, and I know what they did.”
Netflix unveiled plans for an enticing addition to its lineup with the announcement of a new limited series, “The Beast in Me.” Set to be a gripping mystery thriller, the show boasts an impressive lineup of talent both in front of and behind the camera.
Helmed by acclaimed showrunner and executive producer Howard Gordon, known for his work on hits like “Homeland” and “24,” and co-created by Gabe Rotter, who brings his expertise from “The X-Files,” the series promises to deliver edge-of-your-seat suspense.
At the forefront of the cast is the talented Claire Danes, known for her captivating performances in “Fleishman Is in Trouble” and “Homeland.” Danes not only takes on the lead role but also serves as an executive producer, showcasing her multifaceted talent in this project.
“The Beast in Me” follows the story of acclaimed author Aggie Wiggs, portrayed by Danes, who has withdrawn from public life following the tragic loss of her young son. However, her quiet existence is disrupted when Nile Sheldon, a renowned real estate mogul with a shadowy past, moves in next door. Played by an as-yet-unannounced actor, Sheldon becomes the unexpected inspiration for Aggie’s next book as she becomes increasingly obsessed with uncovering the truth behind his wife’s disappearance.
The logline for the series sets the stage for a gripping narrative: “At once horrified and fascinated by this man, Aggie finds herself compulsively hunting for the truth – chasing his demons while fleeing her own – in a game of cat and mouse that might turn deadly.”
Executive producers Daniel Pearle, Conan O’Brien, Jeff Ross, and David Kissinger bring their expertise to the table alongside Jodie Foster, promising a production of the highest caliber. With 20th Television serving as the studio, viewers can expect nothing short of top-tier storytelling and production values.
Yvette Nicole Brown defended her new show, an animated reboot of “Good Times,” after fans criticized the series for stereotyping the Black experience.
The 52-year-old actress, who voices wife and mom Beverly Evans in the series, spoke out on X (formerly Twitter), arguing that the new Netflix reboot “is edgier and more irreverent than the Good Times of our childhood, but it’s still a show about family, fighting the system and working to make things better despite where you start out in the world.”
The “Good Times” reboot, which stars Brown, J.B. Smoove, Marsai Martin, Jay Pharoah, Slink Johnson and Rashida “Sheedz” Olayiwola, faced immediate backlash from fans after the trailer was released on March 27. One fan questioned how Brown could be a part of the show, to which Brown responded “[the series] 100% lines up with my values.”
“It’s called #GoodTimes because it was championed by @TheNormanLear,” Brown wrote. “He was excited to update the story and use the freedom of animation to point out what still isn’t fair and equitable to Black folks. That is what we do with the show.”
“I’ve spent my whole life shining a light on the things that matter & calling out the systems that keep a boot on our necks. At times, I take parts in projects that do the same–even if they are irreverent or risky. Coming for me as if that’s wrong is a fool’s errand.”
Critics were quick to find fault with the series for its allegedly stereotypical portrayals of Black families. In the trailer, family members are shown joking about disability checks, one character is said to be repeating the 10th grade for the third time, and the family’s youngest child is a “drug-dealing baby.”
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“I can already tell this ‘good times’ is a gross caricaturization of a black family in the hood,” one fan wrote on X. “I’ll pass on this, and i don’t expect most black people to actually be entertained by this.”
“This is disrespectful & distasteful,” another fan commented on X. “They took a show that was based on a solid hardworking family into a cartoon caricature of Black America. Tried to guise it under the show “Good Times” smmfh.”
The “Good Times” reboot, which was produced by Stephen Curry, Norman Lear, and “Family Guy” creator Seth McFarlane, premieres on Netflix on April 12.
Monday night was a watershed moment in Women’s college basketball. You missed out if you didn’t watch Iowa vs LSU in the facing-off for a chance to go to the Final Four.
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“I’ve been through so much,” Reese said. “I’ve seen so much. I’ve been attacked so many times, death threats, I’ve been sexualized, I’ve been threatened, I’ve been so many things, and I’ve stood strong every single time.”
Angel Reese on online abuse: ‘I’m still a human’ | ESPN College Basketball
On Tuesday, FS1 commentator Emmanuel Ahco took an ignorant stance on Reese’s words during his show, “Speak.”
Listen to what he said below:
First and foremost, saying that you plan on taking a “gender-neutral” and “racially indifferent” take on Reese immediately disqualifies anything you say after that.
Why? It ignores the factors that have directly affected the way people treat her. People have sexualized her because she’s a woman, they label her as aggressive because she’s Black.
It’s why it’s frustrating when certain groups say “they don’t see color” when talking about Black people. You absolutely should, because people have used the color of our skin to marginalize and discriminate against us for hundreds. The same can be said with Reese.
Acho also claimed during this segment that Reese, “Can’t act like the big bad wolf, then cry like courage the cowardly dog.”
So you’re saying Reese deserves to be sexualized? Threatened?
As Torrey Smith said on X, “She never asked for sympathy on the court. She just asked to be treated like a human off of it.”
Which is why Acho’s comments are so asinine. Reese wasn’t complaining about the way people talked about her on the basketball court, she was talking about the way she is being treated off it, in the real world.
If Acho wanted to criticize her game, I could’ve lived with that, even if I sorely disagreed. But criticizing the way she carries herself is a different issue. Reese has been the same person in every setting, a beautiful outgoing Black woman who believes in herself more than anyone else.
Acho said she had to “take it on the chin” and “take the L like she’s grown.”
Did she act like a sore loser and not give Clark and the Iowa team their props? No! She wanted to be treated with respect by people who had nothing to do with the game on the court. You’re allowed to root against a team or player without being extremely racist or sexist.
I’ll be honest, I was rooting for LSU on Monday, but that didn’t mean I’m immediately given the right to speak about Clark like she’s inhuman if they win. Reese is simply asking for that same kind of treatment.
Following the criticism he’s faced on social media, Acho has attempted to justify his words by saying that he’s previously spoken out against racial & gender bias.
He wrote on X, “Please know, I always speak out on racial & gender bias. One of the few on TV to speak on it. I have also consistently publicly supported Angel through it. However, I don’t blindly support anyone. I assess every situation individually and then speak.”
He added, “Also, just because you disagree with one individual’s actions, one time, does not mean you hate them. The job is to be an analyst, not a fan. Which means your opinions must shift as actions shift.”
Yeah, not good enough. This makes what you said about Reese even more preposterous. If you’ve previously spoken out about racial and gender bias, then why ignore it now?
Your assessment of the situation with Reese was poor and instead of owning up to it, you simply said, “Well I’ve done it before.”
Either way, Acho has long frustrated people on social media. Remember, this is the same guy who sat down with a panel of white police officers after the murder of George Floyd when he should’ve spoken to the community that was directly affected by his death. Black people.
Amouranth, a popular Twitch streamer, has been suspended for the tenth time, according to StreamerBans. The latest suspension came after a manicure and pedicure video on her Kick channel headlined “FEET GUYS STAND UP,” leaving viewers perplexed about the specific reason for the disciplinary action.
The streamer announced her departure from Twitch in June, citing a lucrative opportunity on Kick. Her Twitch channel now displays the default notice indicating a temporary ban due to a breach of the platform’s community rules or terms of service.
This is the second suspension in four days after a brief, less than three-hour ban on March 30. Following her previous ban, Amouranth posted a provocative video of a popsicle on Twitter and touted her OnlyFans account, which she provided free access to. She has not yet replied to her latest social media restriction.
The announcement of her tenth ban generated a flood of social media reactions, with many criticizing Twitch’s enforcement tactics and guessing about the length of her most recent suspension. Some people also joked about her likely return to the platform.
As Amouranth’s involuntary hiatus continues, the community awaits further developments, pondering whether this suspension will mark a permanent departure from Twitch or merely another temporary setback in her streaming career.
Whether you’re on your first or hundredth listen of “Cowboy Carter,” Beyoncé has the masses ready to saddle up and hit the rodeo. In addition to igniting a change within the country music scene, the “Texas Hold ‘Em” singer is fueling the growing “cowboy core” fashion trend. Stars like Rihanna and Pharrell Williams are among those who have joined Bey on her sartorial trip, rocking their own spin on classic Western looks.
From cowboy hats to boots to bolo ties to full denim ensembles, fashion lovers from coast to coast seem to be channeling their inner “Wild, Wild West” aesthetic. The phenomenon known as “cowboy core” transcends current trends, and taps into the rugged charm and rich history of cowboys in the American South and West. Despite being largely overlooked in mainstream narratives, Black cowboys held an influential presence within the Western landscape, an impact that has since trickled down into contemporary pop culture.
“When you see cowboys portrayed, you see only a few versions,” said Williams, current director of Louis Vuitton Menswear, as previously reported by theGrio.“You never really get to see what some of the original cowboys looked like. They looked like us. They looked like me. They looked Black. They looked Native American.”
When in doubt, put on a cowboy hat! Hats are the easiest way to sprinkle a bit of Wild West into any outfit.
House of Brims
(Photo: House of Brims)
House of Brims is a Black woman-owned brand that brings a fresh, modern approach to classic hat designs. Founded by Avana McKoy, the brand was inspired by her grandmothers Judith and Peggy, whom she watched style hats no matter the occasion growing up.
“My grandmothers have always inspired me,” McKoy says in a statement on the website. “They have inspired me to create the House of Brims brand, so I dedicate this house to their legacy.”
Shop the brand’s neutral, modern cowboy hats at houseofbrims.com.
B.M. Franklin
(Photo: B.M. Franklin)
“B.M. Franklin fuses classic silhouettes and modern aesthetics to craft pieces reflecting the individuality and personality of the wearer.” This Black-owned brand uses trained artisans to craft creative interpretations of classic hat silhouettes. From straw hats to felt hats, B.M. Franklin offers a little something for everyone by playing with colors and textures.
What started as an April Fool’s joke has turned into a limited-edition collection of satin-lined cowboy hats. Kin Apparel is a Black-owned brand best known for its satin-lined products, which allow shoppers to protect their hair without compromising style. Now, curly-haired cowboys and cowgirls will be able to rock cowboy hats while protecting their tresses.
Whether a pair of “Apple Bottom Jeans” or “Levii’s Jeans,” denim has always been a wardrobe staple. Lately, denim has risen back to the forefront of fashion as denim skirts, overalls, and jumpsuits are all back in style.
Good American
(Photos: Good American)
Understanding how difficult it can be to find a pair of good-fitting jeans, Good American offers quality jeans designed specifically for women’s curves. Offering sizes 00 to 32 plus, the Black-led brand is committed to challenging industry norms about inclusivity. In addition to its jeans, Good American has become known for its denim jumpsuits and dresses, which offer a more flattering look for both slim and curvy girls.
Oak and Acorn is a Black-owned sustainable brand with a rebellious approach to fashion. Using co-fibers like hemp, Refibra and Tencel, recycled and repurposed denim, natural indigo artisan textiles and deadstock fabrics, Oak and Acorn’s denim pieces give a remixed, heritage-inspired take on wardrobe classics.
Charles Miller Brand (CMB) Denim is a 100% American-made, 100% Black-owned brand offering a mix of jeans, T-shirts, and flannels for both men and women. Inspired by their time serving in the military, Charles and Tara Miller used their travels to inform the quality of CMB Denim’s pieces.
Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” rollout has fans ready to hop on a horse and ride to the Zydeco. However, before joining in on the next line dance, consider investing in a pair of stylish cowboy boots.
Brother Vellies
(Photo: Brother Vellies)
Founded by Aurora James, Brother Vellies is a luxury accessories brand that produces unique handmade artisanally crafted pieces. Playing with a variety of textures, including cowhide and calfhair, the brand adds Western flair to modern pieces like mules and high-heeled boots. Similarly, Brother Vellies remixed the classic leather and suede cowboy boot silhouette with the use of handpainted designs, fringe detailing and more.
MCD Boots and Things is a Black-woman-owned company dedicated to providing high-quality products both online and in its store in Byram, Mississippi. From unique cowboy boots to hats to standout belt buckles, MCD is a one-stop shop for cowboy-inspired statement pieces.
