culture

Following Beyoncé's unforgettable and historic Coachella performance that celebrated the greatness of black women, her music will be featured at the April 25 mass of a San Francisco church.Reverend Jude Harmon, founding pastor of the Vine and director of innovative ministry for Grace Cathedral, first conceived the idea prior to Queen Bey's epic performance. The Vine's pastoral intern, Sam Lundquist, inspired Harmon to use Bey's music after he told the reverend about a class taught by Professor Yolanda Norton at San Francisco Theology Seminary, “Beyoncé and the Hebrew Bible.” “This is not a service deifying Beyoncé,” Professor Norton told Essence. “This is a service that uses Beyoncé’s music as a tool to engender positive, empowering conversation about black women. The premise of ["Beyoncé and the Hebrew Bible"] is that if we look at the personal life, career trajectory, music and public persona of Beyoncé, so much of her life reflects aspects of black women’s stories.”Harmon's mass will include Bey's classic songs and major hits, Bible readings, preaching, praying and communion. Among the more traditional elements, Norton will preach a service aimed at protesting gender bias and social injustices that plague society.“To that end, women of color are leading every part of the worship service they can, from singing and reading Scripture to lamenting and protesting the structural injustices of our world — Professor Norton will preach,” Harmon explained. “We are so grateful to her for sharing her vision with us, and for agreeing to let us lift her and other female voices of color up in this service.”April 25's mass will be one of three in a series called “Speaking Truth: The Power of Story in Community.” Over the course of Beyoncé's two-decade career, she has repeatedly been attacked by critics for her body, marriage and performances. She has become a symbol for what it means to be a black woman in America: always criticized and expected to hold families together while excelling in everything. “All of these things are a part of black women’s stories,” Norton said. “We are dismissed, used, underestimated and asked to perform Herculean tasks. In spite of all these things, Beyoncé, like most Black women, have found mechanisms for survival and thriving — found our own God language and developed strong...

Azealia Banks said she was roofied and raped by a man she was hanging out with in several Instagram stories posted Saturday, April 14.  The 26-year-old rapper said that she felt "low" and "embarrassed" about the incident in the Instagram stories. “I just feel so dirty and stupid right now, you know? We were just hanging out, and one thing led to another,” she said tearfully.According to The New York Daily News, Banks was allegedly assaulted and threatened to quit music during the encounter with the unidentified man. “I just feel really dumb, because it was partially my fault… I’m just like sitting here like feeling f**king low and sh*t … I just want to f**king disappear right now.”“I’m just really realizing this rape, men can just prey on you and just f**king badger you and force you to say yes, to the point where you feel like you gave consent, but you didn’t give sh*t.”Banks can also be heard saying that she was so distraught that she “can’t even look at music right now.” For roughly four minutes, she continued recounting the incident.  “You never wanted to do sh*t and then there you are, feeling f**king powerless. Someone really just got the f--king best of me."In an additional story posted Saturday afternoon, Banks updated fans on the incident stating that relatives and friends came to help her cope. She wrote that the man spiked her drink during the encounter, and she blacked out soon after. “What is even in a roofie? I’ve never felt that type of intoxication in my life. I woke up, my throat was in pins and needles. It’s under control now; my brothers and friends are here. I’m going to be fine; don’t panic guys. I love you. I def got drugged in my drink, but I’m waking up again,” she wrote. “It takes (a lot) to take this elephant down!! Show is still on for tomorrow...see ya’ll...

Terry Crews is not mincing words when it comes to toxic masculinity. The actor, known for his comedic roles in shows like "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" and "Everybody Hates Chris," was a part of a recent discussion during Tina Brown’s ninth annual Women in the World Summit on Saturday, April 14. “Masculinity can be a cult,” Crews said. “And when I say ‘cult,’ it’s no different than David Koresh. It’s no different than Jim Jones.” Living in a male-dominated society can negatively influence the way men look at the women in their lives. “This is what you have to understand ― there is a humanity issue here,” he continued. “[Women are] like, ‘Why don’t you hear me? Why don’t you see my feelings?’ And [men are] like, ‘But you’re not all the way human. You’re here for me, you’re here for my deal.’ It’s real.”Recently, Crews revealed in an interview with Dr. Phil his battles with porn addiction and how he looked at women only as objects of pleasure. “I am guilty,” Crews said. “I believed, simply because I was a man, that I was more valuable than my wife and the other women in my life.”He told the enthusiastic crowd that prior to his acting career, he would frequent strip clubs when he was a football player after a long day of practice or a game. Every time a woman would speak about her life, his teammates would tell her to stop because he claims the women were being humanized before their eyes.“Once she starts talking about that she has kids or she starts talking about anything in her life, it’s like, ‘Stop, stop, stop.’ Because [she’s] becoming a human before my eyes,” he said. “I don’t want you to be a human. I want you to be an object. I want you to be something pretty to look at. But as you talk, you’re making things too real for me.”Crews has become an outspoken activist in recent years and become a pivotal voice in the #MeToo movement after speaking about his experiences with sexual...

While Beyoncé and her incredible performance dominated most of the Coachella conversation, recent comments by rapper Vince Staples flat-out calling R&B singer R. Kelly a child molester are ruffling feathers.During an interview with Complex's Nadeska Alexis at Coachella, Staples said that once his probation ended he wanted to speed around in a Tesla. Alexis responded that she didn't want him to end up in prison. He retorted with the claim that black celebrities don't go to prison unless they are gangster rappers.  ladies and gentlemen, vince staples on r kelly pic.twitter.com/SmZdYu9PNJ— andy (@aboynamedandy) April 16, 2018"I’m changing my whole path," he said. "Think about it: R. Kelly never went to jail, and he’s a f**king child molester. He’s a child molester, and he pees on people, and he can’t read and write and he didn’t go to jail." Staples also mentioned claims from a 2017 BuzzFeed report alleging the pied piper facilitated a human trafficking ring in an Atlanta suburb."I’m a good person—R. Kelly’s a piece of f**king sh*t. So if piece of f**king sh*t R. Kelly didn’t go to jail for being a child molester and peeing on people and having a human trafficking ring in Atlanta, then I’ll be alright."The host tried to no avail moving the conservation away from R. Kelly and his litany of sexual misconduct accusations. “Because R. Kelly a piece of s**t? He don’t work here," he replied. "They should have booked R. Kelly if they like R. Kelly so much. He would have pissed on somebody in the crowd. Because he pees on people.” Shortly after the exchange hit the web, a new R. Kelly accuser also surfaced. A Dallas woman claimed she was infected with a sexually transmitted disease during her relationship with Kelly when she was 19 years old. Despite the overwhelming number of accusations levied at Kelly, his stans still support him and have reportedly come for Staples on Twitter. While everybody overreacting to my pretty logical take on Robert Kelly I’m gonnna leave you an image of black excellence. Repost for 65 years of good luck. #freepacslimm #wakandaonthe4yard pic.twitter.com/bFaO3LKzjG— Vince Staples (@vincestaples) April 16, 2018I just got a text saying R. Kelly people is looking for me. Guess it’s time to get security, the Pied Piper is coming....— Vince Staples (@vincestaples) April 17, 2018It’s always the high note hitting niggas who too tough to get clowned life is crazy.— Vince Staples (@vincestaples) April 17, 2018Staples clearly isn't...

For the majority of people who could not pay to see Beyoncé perform Saturday night, the 36-year-old pop icon still snatched wigs with her historic performance at Coachella 2018. As the first black woman artist to headline the nearly 20-year-old music festival, Beyoncé performed for 2-hours accompanied by a black marching band consisting of alumni from historically black colleges, gorgeous dancers and there was even a reunion of Destiny's Child. Here are some of the best reactions from Queen Bey's electrifying musical experience: Folks praised Beyonce for being the Queen that she is --- giving them new life and wowing them simultaneously. B.C. means Beyoncé at Coachella A.D. means After i Died from watching Beyoncé at Coachella— Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) April 15, 2018Beyoncé’s Coachella performance was out of this world. The vocals, the choreography, the dancers, the band, the orchestra, the production, the outfits, the camera work, Jay-Z Destiny’s Child and Solange’s appearances... Everything was perfect. #BeyChella— . (@goddessyonce) April 15, 2018#BEYCHELLA The best live-streamed concert of all time. Wow. It’s 3am in NYC and I am up, alert, watching this. She’s art. I do hard work for a living and her service to humanity is that she takes all of our minds off of so much ugliness. Just...wow.— Shaun King (@ShaunKing) April 15, 2018beyoncé performed for 2 hours straight with full choreo, looks, and sang the entire thing live in PERFECT PITCH. she is the greatest performer of all time, there is literally not one person that can argue otherwise #Beychella— Dylan (@scholaurship) April 15, 2018I HAVE BEEN CRYING FOR TWO STRAIGHT HOURS BEYONCÉ IS SO GENEROUS 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭— Heben Nigatu (@heavenrants) April 15, 2018Beyonce just made Coachella her bitch.— Lena Waithe (@LenaWaithe) April 15, 2018Beyoncé’s Coachella performance just broke the Guinness Book of World Blackness 🙌🏽 ICONIC!! #Beychella Forever 👊🏽 I am changed!— Charli Penn (@ManWifeDog) April 15, 2018I just saw the greatest show to ever happen. @beyonce— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) April 15, 2018Then, there was a slew of tweets that were just straight up funny.Ok so I think I just woke up my entire neighborhood, BUT DAMMIT THEY SHOULD BE UP BEYONCE IS RULING COACHELLA, REUNITED DESTINY’S CHILD AND I’M PRETTY SURE JUST STARTED HER OWN DAMN UNIVERSITY! #Beychella #Coachella #DestinysChild pic.twitter.com/HBEkrJlkhk— Andre Black Nerd (@BlackNerd) April 15, 2018Me showing up to enroll at Beyonce' University first thing Monday morning. #Beychella pic.twitter.com/C1ZtGIXsjv— Matthew A. Cherry (@MatthewACherry) April 15, 2018Beyonce: Give it up for Jay-zThe Internet:#Beychella pic.twitter.com/DQBmCza39M— Matthew A. Cherry (@MatthewACherry) April 15, 2018Beyoncé gave us one of the best performances in history. I’m just hoping I don’t see a bunch of white folks running around in vintage black greek paraphernalia. #BeyChella #Coachella2018 pic.twitter.com/rRGYODr1ai— Frederick Joseph (@FredTJoseph) April 15, 2018Me after Beyoncé’s performance. #Beychella pic.twitter.com/zc1NBda9qX— Aasha Collins (@aashacollinsxo) April 15, 2018Wow Beyoncé. What edges do I have left? None. #BeyChella pic.twitter.com/5J7pHlwWzR— B. Wambui (@brendawambui) April 15, 2018At #beychella like 😂😂😂😂 #mysugardaddywouldntpayformytickets #usingmyneighborswifi #nochella pic.twitter.com/kVWjwDAXIz— Khadi Don (@KhadiDon) April 15, 2018Many were taken aback by the unapologetic blackness of the whole experience.This band full of beautiful black people has me in tears. What an experience. Thank you, @Beyonce. #SheDidThat— Jackée Harry (@JackeeHarry) April 15, 2018I don't think I've ever had a prouder moment as a parent. 😂😂😂😂 #beychella pic.twitter.com/rPbJpt1wUy— Β Δ K | Spring '18 (@disorderedstar) April 15, 2018Yasss to Beyoncé having BBWs in this number. We don’t only eat, WE F*ck ish up TOO!! #BEYCHELLA pic.twitter.com/uB0ZtuLzOk— pink panther (@itsPaulana) April 15, 2018if you've ever been in a black marching band #beychella felt like going home.— king crissle (@crissles) April 15, 2018And, finally, there were some folks that dug a little deeper and offered up their analyses of what the historic performance meant on the grand scale of pop culture. At this point, if you disagree that Beyoncé is the greatest performer alive, there's hateration where your heart used to be. This should be undisputed. #Beychella pic.twitter.com/4mGNfZ8ckb— Awesomely Luvvie (@Luvvie) April 15, 2018Fam.The Black National Anthem.Malcolm X quotes.Nina Simone samples.Stepping and marching bands.Jigga for the deja vu.A Destiny’s Child reunion.A Solange dance collabo.The greatest living entertainer is a Black woman named Beyonce. This is not up for debate.#Beychella— Amanda Parris (@amanda_parris) April 15, 2018Beyoncé's colors are black and yellow because of the bee motif and because she's QUEEN BEY. ALSO black and gold are the colors for the Alphas —the first black fraternity—because she's the first black woman to headline Coachella.LEVELS. I"M SHOOKETH. GOOD-NIGHT. #Beychella pic.twitter.com/fIMtUUu9hh— Dani Kwateng-Clark (@danikwateng) April 15, 2018 It does not matter how you try to spin it, don't bet against...

Beyoncé’s Coachella performance Saturday has left everyone wanting more of the band that accompanied her on the stage.  The pulsating rhythm fueling the 36-year-old's historic performance was made up of talented alumni from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other universities around the country. Led by Don P. Roberts, the Drumline members come from Florida A&M University, Tennesse State University, Alabama State University, Prairie View A&M University, Hampton University, North Carolina A&T State University, Norfolk State University, Bethune-Cookman University, Univerisity of Georgia, Kennesaw State University and more.  Before making history with Beyoncé, Roberts was the band director of Southwest DeKalb High School's Marching Panthers in Decatur, Georgia.Quite a few of the Coachella performers were alumni of that award-winning high school band. Southwest Dekalb (SWD) is home to one the best magnet programs for African-American students in the state of Georgia. Students of the high school get infused with pride for black culture and a desire to excel in all areas they pursue. Southwest DeKalb alumni Dasmyn Grigsby, Pop Price, Rashaad Horne, Wayne Westley, M Jarmal Terry, and Kadeem Chambers were right on stage with Queen Bey making their alma mater proud. These dope band members started their musical careers at SWD but they all went off to some of the distinguished schools mentioned above. Take a look at some of the talented members...

At this point, Donald Glover has become one of the most important men in Hollywood. Now, the already hardworking "Atlanta" star will pull double duties May 5 when he appears on "Saturday Night Live."Glover was revealed to be the next host of the comedy sketch show when "SNL" released a title card during Saturday's telecast. Glover, who goes by rap alter-ego Childish Gambino, will join an elite class of musicians that have hosted and performed on the show on the same night, according to Variety. Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Justin Timberlake, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Drake, Blake Shelton and Ariana Grande have all pulled it off in the past. So this should be a cakewalk for the brilliant renaissance man. Prior to landing the role of Lando Calrissian in Disney's Solo: A Star Wars Story, Glover wrote for Tina Fey's hit sitcom "30 Rock." He also starred in the hit NBC comedy series "Community" produced by Dan Harmon of "Rick and Morty" fame. It is very likely when Glover switches over to Childish Gambino, he will play hits from his most recent album, 2016’s “Awaken, My Love!" The hit album received Grammy nominations in the categories of album of the year and urban contemporary album. This year has arguably been one of Glover's best years of his career. His show, "Atlanta," has received rave reviews from critics, and he is scheduled to go on tour in September.We can't wait to check out Glover in a few weeks when he takes the "SNL" stage on May...

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter may have broken the internet after what many are calling the greatest performance at Coachella -- ever. The 36-year-old made history Saturday by being the first black woman to headline the music festival, and she was sure to remind everyone of that fact in her unapologetically black performance. From the band to the step routines to the moments of homage to black icons, it's no doubt that the music legend's performance was for the culture.  Here are some of the dopest moments from her 2-hour performance of brilliant choreography, raw vocals, and four costume changes.  1. The lit HBCU-style band and stepping was everythingThe Houston singer's showmanship is unmatched. While making history at Coachella, she also paid homage to historically black colleges and university (HBCU) bands that have been known to show up and show out. She brought a marching band of her own that was vital to her historic performance.   Many were also quick to notice her nod at black fraternities and sororities with the Bug-A-Boos and the many step performances throughout the show. SUUUUUUUCK ON MY BAAAALLS BICHHHHH. 💃💃💃💃 #beychellapic.twitter.com/tu8OEck1lB— #StyleConsciousGents (@TUMELQ) April 15, 2018 Beyoncé's colors are black and yellow because of the bee motif and because she's QUEEN BEY. ALSO black and gold are the colors for the Alphas —the first black fraternity—because she's the first black woman to headline Coachella. LEVELS. I"M SHOOKETH. GOOD-NIGHT. #Beychella pic.twitter.com/fIMtUUu9hh— Dani Kwateng-Clark (@danikwateng) April 15, 2018 2. She sang the black national anthem for the cultureCreated in 1900 by James Wheldon Johnson, "Lift Every Voice and Sing" became the black national anthem representing the triumphs and perseverance of black people in America. Beyoncé blew people's minds with her flawless rendition of the song.   Lift every voice and sing Till earth and heaven ring Ring with the harmonies of liberty Let our rejoicing rise High as the list'ning skies Let it resound loud as the rolling seapic.twitter.com/Sii6iozITw— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) April 15, 2018 3. Destiny's Child reunited and it felt so good One of the most important girl groups in history reunited on stage for the festival. It was the first time the trio performed live for a huge audience since their reunion at the 2013 Superbowl during Beyoncé's halftime show performance. Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams joined Beyoncé in matching black and gold costumes to knock out the crowd with their hits “Say My Name,” “Soldier” and “Lose My Breath." ICYMI: Destiny’s Child Reunion at #Beychella pic.twitter.com/NkiVTs8Pc2— Philip Lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) April 15, 2018 4. Her queen-like entrance snatched edgesThe camera sets its focus on a badass woman drummer and then swoops past a few dancers to finally reveal Queen Bey in all of her glory. Beyoncé proves yet again that she is one of the greatest entertainers alive with this entrance that set the tone for what was to come.   ICYMI: Beyoncé also gave us the blackest performance entrance I’ve ever seen.#BeyChella #Coachella2018 pic.twitter.com/L4CdHqjDXQ— Frederick Joseph (@FredTJoseph) April 15, 2018 5. Solange came through to drop it low with her sisSolange joined her sister in a dance break for the ages to the classic hit "Get Me Bodied" on stage. Take a look at the video below of the legendary sisters dropping it low.  Beyoncé and Solange dancing to Get Me Bodied. I never knew how much I needed this until now. I love these legendary sisters. #BeyChella pic.twitter.com/qptNpH7iNj— . (@goddessyonce) April 15, 2018 6. Bey and Jay gave us all "Déjà Vu" Two of pop culture's most important people, Jay Z and Beyoncé, took the stage to perform “Déjà Vu"  from her second solo album, B'Day.  Beyoncé and Jay-Z performing Deja Vu. I love their chemistry. This song will forever be a bop #BeyChella pic.twitter.com/8AajdvPkLX— . (@goddessyonce) April 15, 2018 7. She paid homage to Nina Simone and Malcolm X All the while entertaining the crowd, Beyonce also managed to pay tribute to the "High Priestess of Soul" Nina Simone and civil rights icon Malcolm X. The tribute was timely because Simone was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with the "Godmother of Rock & Roll" Sister Rosetta Tharpe this past Saturday night.  BEY GAVE US VOCALS. CHOREO. LOOKS. CULTURE (NEW ORLEANS & HBCU BAND LIFE) HISTORY (NINA SIMONE) BITCH SHE SWAG SURFED AND BACKED THAT ASS UP. I DONT WANNA HEAR NOBODY SAY SHIT ABOUT SHIT #BEYCHELLA #BEYPHIBEY pic.twitter.com/avUp3N2qp9— 𝒞. (@xocvbox) April 15, 2018 8. She reminded everyone that in Coachella's nearly 20-year history she's the first black woman to headline"Thank you for allowing me to be the first black woman to headline Coachella,” she said midway through her performance, before adding:“Ain’t that ’bout a bitch.” We can't wait to see what the queen has in store for us during weekend two of...

Kanye West has a way of keeping his fans on their feet. The Chicago rapper announced in an interview with his interior designer Axel Vervoordt for The Hollywood Reporter that he is writing a philosophy book, Break the Simulation, that will focus on time, spirituality and photography. Break the Simulation will be one of Yeezy's biggest projects since the release of his 2016 album The Life of Pablo. "I've got this new concept that I've been diggin' into," he explained in the interview. "I'm writing a philosophy book right now called Break the Simulation. And I've got this philosophy — or let's say it's just a concept because sometimes philosophy sounds too heavy-handed. West added that he's not sure how he feels about photographs, claiming that people dwell too much on memories. In recent years -- most notably since his marriage to Kim Kardashian -- the hip hop mega-producer has had a series of bad run-ins with overzealous paparazzi."I've got a concept about photographs, and I'm on the fence about photographs — about human beings being obsessed with photographs — because it takes you out of the now and transports you into the past or transports you into the future," West said. "It can be used to document, but a lot of times it overtakes [people]. People dwell too much in the memories. People always wanna hear the history of something, which is important, but I think it there's too much of an importance put on history."For him, time is now. "The future is here now, the past is here now," he said. Rolling Stone notes that West's latest project could be connected to his wife, Kim Kardashian West's 2015 coffee table book, Selfish. He called his socialite wife "a Marie Antoinette of our time" in reference to the French queen. "A designer told me that my wife was a master of light and I was a master of time," West said. "How to use time is equal to being someone who can cut a diamond. The ability to preserve time is more valuable than the ability to preserve a diamond because time is our most valuable resource. So using something timeless to remind us of what time is, is a good bar. When you walked into the room, I had been dealing with a very heavy concept this week that I couldn't get out of my head. Just the way you're expressing yourself has lifted the burden on...

Atlanta resident and Florida A&M University alum Darnell Jordan always wanted to be an actor, but hadn't had a chance to step in front of the camera until he won a role in Marvel's latest blockbuster Black Panther, WTXL reports.In 2016, Jordan's life changed for the better. The budding actor learned from his photographer that the Marvel project was being shot in Atlanta, and director Ryan Coogler was looking to cast extras. Jordan decided to throw his hat into the ring, and submitted his photos.Focused on his work as a model and fitness trainer, Jordan did not expect to receive a congratulatory email in February of 2017, which stated he was chosen to be in the film. He was cast as one of the Border Tribe Warriors, which guard Wakanda’s boundaries.“This was the first film set I’ve ever stepped foot on,” said Jordan. Jordan graduated from FAMU in 2006 not with an acting degree, but with a degree in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in exercise science. He has used his education to be a successful fitness trainer, but wanted more. And he got it in Black Panther. Jordan says it is an experience he will never forget. “In hindsight, I’m just in awe of all the talented people I had the privilege of working with. The set was like family,” said Jordan. “Seeing so many African countries and cultures being represented in arguably the biggest movie of 2018 was an experience.” Currently, Jordan is a stand-in on The CW drama Dynasty. He continues to move his acting career forward, and will never forget who gave him his big break.“So, thankfully I listened to him because I got an email inviting me to the open call. That’s when I met casting agent, Tammy Smith, whom I had no idea would change my life forever,” Jordan...