Like many people, hip-hop was my entryway to a lot of the music I know and love today. Through the use of samples, I made my way into various genres of music and discovered the lifeblood of artistry on several continents. Similarly, it enabled me to become more well-versed in American treasures.
It’s been 13 years since Calvin Klein—who created still-recognizable zeitgeist scents like Obsession and Eternity—has released a new fragrance. But now under the helm of chief creative officer Raf Simons, the brand is returning to creating iconic scents with the July launch of a new scent, simply called “Women.”
The childhood home where famed singer and civil rights icon Nina Simone was born has suffered through failed restoration attempts over the years and currently sits in terrible shape, complete with crumbling ceilings and sagging floorboards.
David Oyelowo is often mistaken for an Oscar winner. Right now you’re probably like, wait, he doesn’t have an Oscar? And you’re checking Google. And ... nope, no Oscar. But he does have several accolades that make him a trusted piece of Hollywood royalty. In fact, his besties Ava DuVernay and Oprah Winfrey co-sign his…
For a certain segment out there, I imagine that Jay-Z’s song “The Story of O.J.” introduced them to Nina Simone (born Eunice Waymon). The song samples her famous 1966 song “Four Women,” released on the Wild Is the Wind album. For those who were introduced to her through Jay-Z, I’m both happy and sad: happy because at…
In the world of women in music, there are queens, princesses, first ladies and even a duchess—but there has only ever been one high priestess of soul: Nina Simone.
Jazz has always been one of the soundtracks of black people’s journey toward freedom in America. Artists like Nina Simone and Gary Bartz became the fearless messengers of African-American protest.
The video below was published in partnership with Peabody Spotlight, a digital series produced by the Peabody Media Center at the University of Georgia in commemoration of Black History Month.
Let’s be honest with each other. There’s way too much hateration in this dance soiree (yes, that is what Mary J. Blige was trying to sing to us). This land of the free and home of the brave that we’ve found ourselves living in is taking a turn for the worse. Like, Jennifer Holliday, who would obviously do anything for…
I was in the fourth grade when my white best friend told me a racist joke.
The documentary The Amazing Nina Simone, by filmmaker Jeff L. Lieberman, provides an intimate look at the life of singer Nina Simone, who combined art with activism. Often called the voice of the civil rights movement, Simone made songs, including “Mississippi Goddam,” that spoke to the turbulence of the time and the…
When news first broke a few years ago that Zoe Saldana would be cast in Nina — the yet-to-be-released biopic about the iconic artist and activist — I wasn't as put off about the aesthetic dissimilarity between Saldana and Simone as many of us seemed to be. Mainly because I generally don't believe an actor needs to be…
I dont know why I never did this before. But better late than never they say. They say a lot of things. Anyway, because so many folks here at VSB are self-appointed music heads (myself being one of them) and have such vast and expansive musical tastes, I think I'm going to start doing a weekly playlist of sorts. It…
