RELATED
Book this under: delightful summer news. Our favorite warrior, otherwise known as Kesha, has joined the judging panel for ABC's upcoming entry into the singing competition landscape, a little show called Rising Star. The blonde powerhouse joins Ludacris and country superstar Brad Paisley at the table. Josh Groban has been tapped to host the live show.
Set for a June 22 premiere, Rising Star is the network's second attempt at a singing reality show in recent years, following the one season of Duets in 2012. That show starred Jennifer Nettles, Kelly Clarkson, Robin Thicke and John Legend at the panel.
Big news coming mañana! Sleep soundly, tweepers
— josh groban (@joshgroban) May 16, 2014
Unlike most of its major network counterparts, Rising Star is hoping to make a big splash this summer, bolstered (mostly) by its live voting component. It will be taped in Los Angeles and aired on the east coast. As contestants sing behind a electric screen, fans at home will be able to vote yay or nay on each performance. If the voting reaches a pre-determined threshold, the wall will rise, revealing the judging panel and a live studio audience. Only then will the finalist have a chance of moving forward in the competition.
This new show comes at a time when singing shows are losing their foothold in the industry. American Idol, the grandaddy of 'em all, has plummeted from its perch. Even The Voice has dipped to new series lows this season--its sixth installment in three years. Elsewhere, The X-Factor, helmed by Simon Cowell, was cancelled after only three seasons. What future does Rising Star have? A dim one, at that.
Admittedly, it's great to see Kesha taking on this new role, especially following her stint in a clinic earlier this year. You go, girl!
Don't forget to tune in June 22 on ABC for the series premiere!
[THR]
For more Kesha updates, stay tuned to Popdust.com and follow @Popdust on Twitter!
For all things entertainment, feel free to follow JasonTheScott.
Culture Feature
This Haunts Me: When Jeffree Star Ruined the Black-owned Beauty Brand Juvia's Place
How a cosmetics company representing African culture, vitality, and pride was "canceled" because of a known racist influencer.
12.02.2020
YouTube
As we're (finally) making more efforts to support Black-owned businesses, we should inevitably be wondering why there have been so few of them visible to mainstream consumers.
Within the astoundingly white-washed beauty industry, Black-owned brands account for a shamefully small fraction of the industry. This is especially egregious considering that, on average, Black women spend nine times more on beauty and hair care than white women. In 2017 Rihanna's Fenty Beauty released an inclusive range of 40 shades of foundation to wild acclaim, and the industry began to reckon with its lack of diversity.
Major brands like Dior, Rimmel, and CoverGirl have attempted to release more diverse shades, but their tactic of "diverse" advertising often commodifies and objectifies non-white skin tones. As writer Niellah Arboine critiques, "There is something really dehumanizing about calling [products] chocolate, caramel, mocha and coffee while all the lighter shades are porcelain or ivory."
<p><!-- Ezoic - under_second_paragraph - under_second_paragraph -->
</p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-813"><center><script async="" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>
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<!-- End Ezoic - under_second_paragraph - under_second_paragraph --><p></p><h4>The Birth of Juvia's Place</h4><p><span></span>But there have always been small beauty brands catering to dark skin tones without using diversity as a marketing gimmick. </p><p>In 2014, Nigerian-born business owner Chichi Eburu launched her cosmetics company, <a href="https://www.juviasplace.com/collections/eyeshadow-palettes/products/the-zulu-eye-shadow-palette" target="_blank">Juvia's Place</a>, with just $2,000; it would become one of the fastest growing Black-owned brands in the industry. Designed with dark skin tones in mind, <a href="https://lisaalamode.com/2017/11/23/meet-woman-behind-fastest-growing-black-owned-cosmetics-brand-market/#:~:text=Juvia's%20Place%20owner%2C%20Chichi%20E,rapid%20growth%20of%20the%20brand." target="_blank">Juvia's Place's eyeshadow palettes </a>became known as some of the most pigmented products on the market.</p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-632"></div>
<!-- End Ezoic - undersecond12 - under_second_paragraph --></p><div id="7a503" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="44bd0d9dee6ce4ae5cfc0d2ee3be0bb2"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0;
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CATF3oRp0V0/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif;
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</div></blockquote></div><p>In 2017, Eburu said in an interview, "When I was creating my palettes I wanted each palette to be representative of the African culture and art. I took a look at the beauty industry and there was nothing that truly represented the black culture as a whole. I feel like the market is here, we're here [black women] and we're beautiful. It just doesn't make any sense why we're not represented fully in the cosmetic industry." </p><p>Among Juvia's Place most popular palettes are "The Saharan," "The Nubian," "The Zulu," and "The Afrique." Eburu said she's inspired by all aspects of African culture when she names a new product. </p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-633"> </div>
<!-- End Ezoic - incontent1 - mid_content --></p><p>"Most of our palettes are very vibrant and colorful," Eburu said. "Anytime I have to create a new palette or new product I think of culture, the food, the spices, everything. That's what inspires me creatively. African festivals, music, clothing, the artwork, the environment."</p><p>Juvia's Place rose swiftly in popularity thanks in part to Instagram. When asked what's the biggest lesson she learned in the first three years of operating her company, Eburu said, "We always knew social media was powerful, but we didn't know how powerful. Instagram has really grown our business, so we've had to learn to be really protective of our brand and always put our customers first."</p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-634"> </div>
<!-- End Ezoic - incontent11 - mid_content --></p><div id="d8faf" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="b43fbebcf09bc0f86e7cb4042ab8bcde"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0;
border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15);
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<div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC);
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B0hb6HFHuaU/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif;
font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;
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</div></blockquote></div><h4>The Racist Known as Jeffree Star</h4><p>Sadly, like the tragic flaw of a Greek play, the brand's Instagram presence would be what briefly crippled their reputation in 2019. The brand's online popularity resulted in attention from prominent beauty YouTube, such as <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnAkUO1xSbc" target="_blank">NikkiTutorials </a>(touting over 13 million subscribers)–and also Jeffree Star.<br></p><p><strong>What can we say about the influencer who released a Jeffree Star Cosmetics product called "Cremated" amidst a global pandemic?</strong> At 36 years old, the ex-MySpace star and failed singer has amassed over 16 million subscribers on YouTube and a net worth of approximately <a href="https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/jeffree-star-net-worth-2019.html/" target="_blank">$50 million</a>. </p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-635"> </div>
<!-- End Ezoic - incontent2 - long_content --></p><p>Remember when he released an <a href="https://www.allure.com/story/jeffree-star-apologizes-for-racist-comments" target="_blank">apology video for all of his past racist remarks</a>? Aside from the fact that he called the video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Su6FeI7lHVg" target="_blank">"RACISM." </a>and referred to his discriminatory remarks as an "issue<em> I've </em>been dealing with for a long time" (emphasis is our own), he phrased his apology more as a defense than anything. </p><p>Star said, self-pityingly, "I think it's time for me to get my side out and hope that people listen to it and absorb it. If you watch it and you still hate me after, that's okay. At least I got to say my side of the story."</p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-636"> </div>
<!-- End Ezoic - incontent22 - long_content --></p><p></p><center><script async="" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script><!-- Popdust Mobile Banner 320x100 --><ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:320px;height:100px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4301469008561137" data-ad-slot="6952751205"></ins><script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script></center><p></p><p>Or perhaps you've seen infamous Jeffree Star <a href="https://www.vox.com/2018/8/28/17769996/laura-lee-jeffree-star-racism-subscriber-count" target="_blank">Twitter feuds</a>, footage of him harassing individuals in public (including <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8sGibVg1mk" target="_blank">screaming the n-word</a> at a group of women), or from fellow famous influencers (from Kat Von D to Jackie Aina) accusing him of <a href="https://www.teenvogue.com/story/jeffree-star-racist-jackie-aina" target="_blank">racist</a> or even outright <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSoaHF0s1Rs" target="_blank">illegal</a> behavior. As<a href="https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/scaachikoul/jeffree-star-shane-dawson-conspiracy-collection-youtube" target="_blank"> </a><em><a href="https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/scaachikoul/jeffree-star-shane-dawson-conspiracy-collection-youtube" target="_blank">Buzzfeed News</a></em> pointed out, "Somehow, all roads in the YouTube beauty world seem to lead back to Star."</p><div id="f9ad9" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="65fef9f599ef6ece4a1d01fd54c50d15"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1045859621309534213" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">. @jeffreestar https://t.co/5VUyCzfMf4</div> — Naira Banks (@Naira Banks)<a href="https://twitter.com/jackieaina/statuses/1045859621309534213">1538187339.0</a></blockquote></div><p>Unfortunately, Juvia's Place was no exception. In 2019, Star posted a review of the brand's foundation, concealer, and setting powder. He gave the products a glowing review, saying, "For an indie brand that has just come on the market with their first ever foundation, they're killing it, let's just say that right now...I'm throughly impressed."</p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-637"> </div>
<!-- End Ezoic - incontent3 - longer_content --></p><p><strong>However, the public was quick to point out the hypocrisy of a white man with a history of racist rhetoric and behavior reviewing a Black-owned beauty brand that catered especially to Black </strong><strong>demographics.</strong></p><p>But what was more damaging was Juvia's Place's public acknowledgement of the review, expressing gratitude to the problematic influencer. They posted Star's review on their Instagram page, writing, "We're Speechless...Thank you, @jeffreestar."</p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-638"> </div>
<!-- End Ezoic - incontent33 - longer_content --></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-proxy-image">
<a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/jamedjackson/twitter-is-dragging-jeffree-star-and-juvias-place-for-a?utm_source=dynamic&utm_campaign=bfsharecopy&sub=0_122884761#122884761" target="_blank"><img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vbWVkaWEucmJsLm1zL2ltYWdlP3U9JTJGYnV6emZlZWQtc3RhdGljJTJGc3RhdGljJTJGMjAxOS0wNiUyRjE4JTJGMTAlMkZhc3NldCUyRmJ1enpmZWVkLXByb2Qtd2ViLTAyJTJGc3ViLWJ1enotMjEzOTItMTU2MDg2ODkzMy0xLnBuZyUzRnJlc2l6ZSUzRDYyNSUzQTEzNTYmaG89aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZpbWcuYnV6emZlZWQuY29tJnM9ODg4Jmg9ZGE0NTk3Y2JhZDZmZTI0ZDU0NzBmZTRmMTcwNDEyYTEyYWU2ODM1NmY1NTUyYmM4NTQ1ODE0NDQxNjNiODdlOCZzaXplPTk4MHgmYz0yOTg1MzY5NzM4IiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxNDQ3ODk2MH0.GScaUSVInhGqE3BKH88kZ_HrwANtz_VGih6MAe7DfeQ/img.jpg" id="145f1" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="71f97ab2f4418992ce8dabdccb1369e2" alt="Jeffree Star Juvia's place"></a>
<small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">
<a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/jamedjackson/twitter-is-dragging-jeffree-star-and-juvias-place-for-a?utm_source=dynamic&utm_campaign=bfsharecopy&sub=0_122884761#122884761" target="_blank">www.buzzfeed.com</a>
</small>
</p><h4>Why Juvia's Place Was "Canceled" (Sort of)</h4><p>The result? Juvia's Place was swiftly "canceled" for betraying their customer base<strong>. </strong>Many Black consumers accused the company of abandoning the community by supporting Star. </p><p>One ex-customer critiqued, "Why do some of these brands and influencers go against all that is good to be in his good graces? He's NOT the God of makeup. He's a continuously problematic brand owner and influencer that people have given far too much power to. It's gross."</p><p>Other prominent Black beauty bloggers like Jackie Aina and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alissa.ashley/?hl=en" target="_blank">Alissa Ashley </a>accused Juvia's Place of ignoring them and choosing more prominent white beauty bloggers to endorse their products over them. Aina, in particular, critiqued the company for selling out and using "pro-black imagery to lure black [money], only to step over them on the way to the top and reject them when you get there."</p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-639"> </div>
<!-- End Ezoic - incontent4 - longest_content --></p><div id="7f7aa" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="752fe89a6f5b7f4f306139f00fb65a58"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1140107774736527360" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">“all skinfolk ain’t kinfolk”🙁
I can’t align myself with any brand, black-owned or not, that purposely taunts their… https://t.co/vUfSaI0Lov</div> — Naira Banks (@Naira Banks)<a href="https://twitter.com/jackieaina/statuses/1140107774736527360">1560657850.0</a></blockquote></div><p><strong>Ultimately, critics overlooked the fact that Juvia's Place didn't send Jeffree Star the products, nor did they ask him for a review.</strong> He heard about the brand's exceptional quality from fellow beauty blogger NikkiTutorials and sought out the products at his local Ulta Beauty store. Star was not paid nor given a commission, as Eburu later explained on Instagram.</p><p>So how was Juvia's Place supposed to remain "loyal" to its customers? By rejecting free exposure to millions of new customers? </p><p>Eburu soon made it clear that her company is about representing Black culture in a major mainstream industry that's historically overlooked (and commodified) the Black community. <strong>Her products are designed to embody African culture, vitality, and pride–so wouldn't the disservice to the Black community be to refuse mainstream attention?</strong></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQwMjUyMC9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2ODc0NjY5Mn0.8fbf-HsYA61FEszVqkUX6l-DAmCSF1sXCjSZVP4M9lU/img.png?width=980" id="85a45" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="884e860dec03199c94b37aca74260350" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Juvia's Place Jeffree Star">
<small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">Instagram</small></p><p><script async="" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>
<ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block; text-align:center;" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4301469008561137" data-ad-slot="1863811088"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script></p><p>It's ironic that in 2017 Eburu commented on the fierce scrutiny Black-owned businesses are subjected to, not knowing that her company would be targeted in the coming years. She said, "I think Black-owned brands get the most heat for minor issues. We have to realize as people of color we don't have the same resources as most commercial brands." </p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-640"> </div>
<!-- End Ezoic - incontent44 - longest_content --></p><p>The Juvia's Place founder added, "I strongly believe resources are limited in the Black community, however, togetherness is the strongest quality any group of people can have. If we come together as a Black community any challenge can be conquered. It's that simple. Togetherness is key."<br></p><p>Despite the <a href="https://blacgoss.com/juvias-place-cosmetics-is-facing-backlash-for-praising-influencer-jeffree-star/" target="_blank">backlash</a>, Juvia's Place is still going strong in 2020. With over 2.5 million followers on Instagram, the brand is known for producing some of the most pigmented eyeshadows on the market and putting its signature image of Queen Nefertiti (which Eburu calls a symbol of "Black beauty, black power") in the hands of millions of customers.</p>
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The Weeknd
Every year, Spotify listeners win out over devotees to other streaming platforms when they unveil their Spotify Wrapped playlists — a data driven analysis of what the year sounded like.
And while this year's personal Spotify Wrapped summaries are still loading, Spotify just released their data for their most streamed global music and podcasts of the year.
Announced the week following the Grammy nominations, Spotify Wrapped feels like vindication for artists who were snubbed by the awards committee, like The Weeknd and Halsey.
The summary also analyzed trends of when and how people were listening to content, noting increased popularity in nostalgia-themed playlists and work-from-home-themed playlists. Spotify users were understandably playing music from home more, which even caused an uptick in streaming music from gaming consoles. Listeners also tuned obsessively into wellness podcasts like never before.
<p>While Spotify's full wrapped summary can be found on their website, here are the highlights:</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDg1MzQ1Ny9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1MjIwMzQzOH0.6NguyFelZ2_Bu_VvDFyXBKYt6DpnKijQdoJbwV0_eHM/img.png?width=980" id="48d9d" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c9629d93b196753fafbf68bbd48ad1e0" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="">
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Top 5 Artists Globally</small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">via Spotify</small></p><p><strong><br></strong></p><p><!-- Ezoic - under_second_paragraph - under_second_paragraph -->
</p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-813"><center><script async="" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>
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(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script></center></div>
<!-- End Ezoic - under_second_paragraph - under_second_paragraph --><p></p><p><strong>MOST STREAMED OF THE YEAR</strong><br></p><p><strong>Most Streamed Songs Globally</strong></p><p>1. "Blinding Lights" by The Weeknd</p><p>2. "Dance Monkey" by Tones And I</p><p>3. "The Box" by Roddy Ricch </p><p>4. "Roses – Imanbek Remix" by Imanbek and SAINt JHN</p><p>5. "Don't Start Now" by Dua Lipa </p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-632"></div>
<!-- End Ezoic - undersecond12 - under_second_paragraph --></p><p><strong>Most Streamed Artists Globally</strong></p><p>1. Bad Bunny</p><p>2. Drake</p><p>3. J Balvin</p><p>4. Juice WRLD</p><p>5. The Weeknd</p><p>Bad Bunny took the crown as most streamed artist of the year with over 8.3 billion streams. His album, <em>YHLQMDLG</em>, released in February and, stacked with collaborations with Daddy Yankee and other big names, topped in global album streams. He reaches the top spot after appearing at 5th most streamed artist in 2019. </p><p>Another Latin star in the top three is J Balvin, the 5th most streamed male artist last year, making the top 5 for the second year in a row.</p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-633"> </div>
<!-- End Ezoic - incontent1 - mid_content --></p><p>Drake takes the second spot, after a series of successful singles and an album this year. Though he didn't make the 2019 top 10, he was the most streamed artist of the 2010s in last year's Spotify Wrapped of the decade. The Weeknd appears at number 5 globally and his song "Blinding Lights" was the most streamed of the year. </p><p>His summer album <em>After Hours</em> was second only to Bad Bunny. The album showcased The Weeknd's <a href="https://www.popdust.com/the-weeknd-new-music-review-2641495969.html" target="_self">signature performance character at his most glamorized and exaggerated</a>. Yes, it was toxic. Yes, the people loved it. This is some much needed validation for The Weeknd and his fans after receiving no nominations from the Grammys.</p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-634"> </div>
<!-- End Ezoic - incontent11 - mid_content --></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDg1MzQ3MC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NDg1NDI5MX0.vhIq3PaHFFaZl7qz0IoTH8eYQvq2BA4iBXTqu08m-JQ/img.jpg?width=980" id="8f5e8" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="26b760ed6b177654ff0c212aa7e44ef9" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Bad Bunny</small></p><p><strong>Meanwhile in the U.S, the Most-Streamed Artists were:</strong><br></p><p>1. Juice WRLD</p><p>2. Drake</p><p>3. Lil Uzi Vert</p><p>4. Post Malone</p><p>5. Taylor Swift</p><p>The US charts were quite distinct, with the late Juice WRLD racking up big numbers. The only other name consistent between the two lists is Drake, who keeps his number 2 spot. </p><p>New additions include Lil Uzi Vert, Post Malone, who topped the global list in 2019, and Taylor Swift. With the latter two up for a large number of Grammys for their albums,<em> Hollywood's Bleeding</em> and <em>Folklore</em>, this is no surprise.</p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-635"> </div>
<!-- End Ezoic - incontent2 - long_content --></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDg1MzQ3Ni9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzMjE0NDc3OH0.dB4I_OCFBjnhsxrSyMhvsdhG8kLiQZKlSL1INu0e-Nc/img.png?width=980" id="e7754" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="581645bf1c622bce79e96cc903d920d3" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Top 5 Female Artists</small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">via Spotify</small></p><p><strong><br></strong></p><p><script async="" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>
<ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block; text-align:center;" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4301469008561137" data-ad-slot="1863811088"></ins>
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</script></p><p><strong>FEMALE ARTISTS</strong><br></p><p>Taylor is the only female artist that made the top list in the US, as opposed to 2019 when both Ariana Grande and Billie Eilish made the top 5. However "Dance Monkey" by Tones And I and "Don't Start Now" by Dua Lipa were both songs by female artists which were in the top 5 streamed songs globally.</p><p>The Most Streamed Female Artists Globally were:</p><p>1. Billie Eilish</p><p>2. Taylor Swift</p><p>3. Ariana Grande</p><p>4. Dua Lipa</p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-636"> </div>
<!-- End Ezoic - incontent22 - long_content --></p><p>5. Halsey</p><p>And in the U.S, the Most-Streamed Female Artists were:</p><p>1. Taylor Swift</p><p>2. Billie Eilish</p><p>3. Ariana Grande</p><p>4. Halsey</p><p>5. Megan Thee Stallion</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDg1MzQ5MS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2NjAzNDg5Mn0.UfM3PmLO8jg5ilvtlwmnFfWvnTYQpxfZP_jvNBlGA_o/img.jpg?width=980" id="9f4f0" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="20ef63c6b44aa7a040ef55f106fe6f83" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Megan Thee Stallion</small></p><p>Again, Ariana and Billie Eilish were in the top 3. Both have released high-streaming singles this year, most recently Billie's "I Think Therefore I Am" and Ariana's "Positions" and subsequent surprise album. Taylor's <em>Folklore</em> brought her to 2nd in comparison to last year's 3rd.<br></p><p>Dua Lipa replaced Camila Cabello this year, and her <em>Future Nostalgia</em> scored her some Grammy nominations, after having won Best New Artist in 2016. Halsey stays in the top 5, though like the Weeknd she has commented on her lack of recognition by the Grammys as unfair, blaming bribes for the results.</p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-637"> </div>
<!-- End Ezoic - incontent3 - longer_content --></p><p>Megan Thee Stallion unsurprisingly makes the US list. She's up this year for a number of Grammys, including Record of the Year and Best New Artist. Her songs "Savage," including the Remix featuring Beyonce, and "WAP" have all been viral hits — a recipe for instant charting success.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDg1MzQ4My9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NDkzMzgwN30.zEWJQdrBVpQ9Asp-fimK_Zbys4ARTTqnyeZVVOFi0E0/img.png?width=980" id="93030" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="749e85a83dc09398a1189f042cf72201" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Top 5 Albums</small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">via Spotify</small></p><p><strong>MOST STREAMED ALBUMS</strong><br></p><p>Most Streamed Albums Globally:</p><p>1. YHLQMDLG, Bad Bunny</p><p>2. After Hours, The Weeknd</p><p>3. Hollywood's Bleeding, Post Malone</p><p>4. Fine Line, Harry Styles</p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-638"> </div>
<!-- End Ezoic - incontent33 - longer_content --></p><p>5. Future Nostalgia, Dua Lipa</p><p>Harry Styles's<em> Fine Line</em> makes it to the top 4, which for some is further proof that he was robbed of one of the big three nominations at the Grammys – Album of the Year, Record of the Year, or Song of the Year. </p><p>U.S. Most Streamed Albums:</p><p>1. Legends Never Die, Juice WRLD</p><p>2. Eternal Atake (Deluxe) – LUV vs. The World 2, Lil Uzi Vert</p><p>3. Hollywood's Bleeding, Post Malone</p><p>4. After Hours, The Weeknd</p><p>5. Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial, Roddy Ricch</p><p>The US was more rap heavy, paying tribute to the late Juice WRLD and bumping Uzi. <em>After Hours</em> and <em>Legends Never Die</em> epitomize the trend of lovably toxic rappers — which also makes us surprised that "Dior" by the late Pop Smoke didn't make the list. And though Drake was streamed heavily, his recent album didn't make the cut either.</p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-639"> </div>
<!-- End Ezoic - incontent4 - longest_content --></p><p>Roddy Rich makes it to the US list, after his massive single "The Box" from earlier this year, which was the third most played of the year and earned him Grammy nominations for Song of the Year and Record of the Year. </p><p>But until the Grammys in February, we'll be waiting for our own personal Spotify wrap-ups.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDg1MzQ5NS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0OTY0ODU2M30.95zSe30KWhuLF1RWF_KWHSZWVGcVfDEOOQSwUeztyQU/img.jpg?width=980" id="a8f63" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="11e8e6aa656363190e698e3615a6abc4" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Juice WRLD</small></p>
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Rihanna and A$AP Rocky for Fenty Skin
After months of on and off again speculation, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky seem to be dating.
Obviously, this is good news if it's true. Can you imagine? For the coordinating outfits alone, I need it.
<p>The two have been friends for years, dodging dating rumors between partners. Since collaborating on Rihanna's <em>Talk That Talk</em> album in 2013, the pop stars have frequently featured on each other's music and been mainstays at each other's events. </p><p></p><center><script async="" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script><!-- Popdust Mobile Banner 320x100 --><ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:320px;height:100px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4301469008561137" data-ad-slot="6952751205"></ins><script>
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</script></center><p></p><p>Known for their style, cultural relevance, and music in equal measure (A$AP Rocky, AKA Pretty Flacko, has even received the unofficial moniker "The Male Rihanna" for his innovative dress sense), the two often attend the same fashion shows and parties.</p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-630"> </div>
<!-- End Ezoic - underfirst11 - under_first_paragraph --></p><p>Recently, they were spotted together at the Beatrice Inn in New York City. Though reportedly they were with a group of friends, this is not the first time they have been spotted together at an upscale hotel in NYC.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDg1MzU3OC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2ODYxMDQ1OX0.fk3xEYQBYyUtQXH7wvafjuoF0y2MQVeg7M6S1YhZs6s/img.jpg?width=980" id="80c6b" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="00126ee2fce1684425d2417afd7290a7" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Rihanna and Rocky at the Diamond Ball, 2020">
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Rihanna and Rocky at the Diamond Ball, 2020</small></p><p>Rihanna's last longtime boyfriend was Hassan Jameel, heir to Toyota, whom she dated for three years. They split in January of this year, around the time the first rumors of Rihanna and Rocky began to circulate after a close trip to New York together. However, so soon after her split with Hassan, these rumors were quick to fade.<br></p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-632"></div>
<!-- End Ezoic - undersecond12 - under_second_paragraph --></p><p>The two were linked again this summer during the promotion for Fenty Beauty's unisex skincare launch, Fenty Skin. A$AP acted as a spokesperson for the brand, doing virtual press conferences with Rihanna and appearing beside her in the promotional shots. For fans, this was more than enough to send the rumors flying again, but this latest instance seems like an official confirmation.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDg1MzU4MS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1NzYzMzg1NX0.SunSQz1A3scKDrYDTdmJD3jshYgvu7y4cViKVaEHqg4/img.jpg?width=980" id="68c1b" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="8af92925b275d75c4d8ecd78509e07d0" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Rihanna and Rocky doing virtual press for Fenty Skin</small></p><p>However, it's also possible that the two are just friends...still.</p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-633"> </div>
<!-- End Ezoic - incontent1 - mid_content --></p><p>In the time of Covid, the best we can hope for at this point are pictures of the supposed couple in equally incredible outfits roaming around New York. But if the relationship lasts, I'm hoping for matching red carpet fits and, dare I say … Met Gala photos?</p><h2></h2><p>If the rumors are false, we'll be disappointed, but not for long. After all, single Rihanna is the best Rihanna.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube">
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="dcb525aa3c6688bd0bb8174084b3928a"><iframe type="lazy-iframe" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TEdNKKIu1Q4?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Rihanna - "I'm not looking for a man, let's start there"</small>
<small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEdNKKIu1Q4&ab_channel=_S" target="_blank">www.youtube.com</a>
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Music Lists
On This Day: Vanilla Ice and Other Problematic White Rappers
There have been a ton of icky white rappers over the years, but these take the cake.
12.01.2020
On this day in 1990, Vanilla Ice's "Under Pressure" reboot "Ice, Ice Baby" debuted at No. 1 in the UK, kickstarting a Billboard run that would soon carry over to the states and invigorate a fleeting love for Vanilla Ice and his whole...vibe.
Of course, we all know how it ends. Vanilla Ice's credibility and career unraveled as quickly as it began. "Ice Ice Baby" took on a satirical identity larger than its creator, all while Robert Van Wrinkle refused to pay royalties (or even give a shout-out) to Freddie Mercury and David Bowie despite liberally sampling the track's true creators. Ice instead tried to cultivate a hollow rap identity, one where he was a hardened former-gang member from Miami and not a middle-class teen from a Texas suburb. The chorus of the song then came under fire by a black fraternity, who accused Vanilla Ice of ripping off their fraternal chant ("ice ice baby/ too cold, too cold.")
<p>Needless to say, Vanilla Ice became more known for being <a href="https://www.distractify.com/p/suge-knight-vanilla-ice-balcony" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">dangled over a balcony by Suge Knight</a> than for his music. His lyrics remained corny, and his whole existence–especially his unbearable whisper-raps on 1990's "I Love You"– instead morphed into a parody of late 90s culture. Reflecting back on the inappropriate actions of Van Wrinkle call into question a decades-old conversation regarding <a href="https://www.theringer.com/music/2020/10/6/21502594/history-of-white-rappers-eminem-vanilla-ice-mac-miller" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">white people's place in hip-hop</a>. Lord Jamar recently told Eminem that he believed white people "were a guest" in the house of Hip-Hop, a statement that polarized fans of the "Lose Yourself" emcee and reaffirmed the dire need for authenticity when attempting to take part in black culture. </p><p>Mimicry would never be welcomed, but authenticity and grace would be (sometimes) applauded. Some white rappers (The Beastie Boyz, Lil Dicky, Mac Miller, Eminem) would no doubt bring about inventive styles to the genre, while others (Macklemore, Logic, Miley Cyrus, Iggy Azalea) would instead make <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/drake-calls-macklemores-grammy-apology-text-wack-as-f-k-81580/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> problematic gestures</a>, and quickly wash away with the cultural tide–Cyrus is still famous obviously, but it seems she makes <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/miley-cyrus-plastic-hearts-album-review-1096369/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">80s rock now</a>.</p><p>White rappers' mere existence will always be political and polarizing, but here are the true culture vultures, the ones that just never got it, the ones like Vanilla Ice who should be remembered as parodies more than legitimate acts.</p>
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<div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-630"></div>
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Bhad Bhabie
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="b713478c8d0b2ded9dc38ad30d984dd1"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZW4YGJRUgc4?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>Born from a meme, 15-year-old Danielle Bregoli has somehow maintained a relatively steady rap career these last few years, despite remaining ignorant to the culture she borrows from. Her outlandish behavior has seen no bounds. She <a href="https://www.eonline.com/news/1138116/bhad-bhabie-claps-back-after-she-s-accused-of-darkening-her-skin" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">darkened her skin</a>, <a href="https://metro.co.uk/2019/12/04/bhad-bhabie-defends-box-braids-hairstyle-accused-cultural-appropriation-11267702/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">spawned dreads</a>, and quelled critics with a shrug. "I act urban," she said. "You can't tell me I'm acting black because I braid my hair. That makes no sense whatsoever." </p><p>Regardless of Bhad Bhabie's inflammatory antics, she has maintained a profitable career, and to everyone's dismay, was even nominated "Top Rap Female Artist" at the 2018 <a href="https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/nielaorr/bhad-bhabie-iggy-azalea-eminem-danielle-bregoli" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Billboard Music Awards</em></a><em>. </em>Luckily, Cardi B won instead. Nevertheless, it is hard to picture where Bhad Bhabie fits into a culture she's so clearly milking for an image. </p>Woah Vicky
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="9dd8d75a460357677027f74ca240d73a"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TAN9ahGEaI0?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>People may remember Woah Vicky, Bhad Bhabie's equally as problematic foe, from a few years ago after a series of back and forth disses between her and Bhabie resulted in a few crude brawls. But Vicky's polarizing career actually came to fruition in 2017 after <a href="https://www.bet.com/news/national/2017/09/07/white-woman--whoavicky--says-she-can-use-the-n-word-because-of-a.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">she claimed to be black and allowed to use the N-word</a> despite being white. "Ancestry.com did tell me I was black," she says in the video. "So I have the right to say that I'm black." </p><p>The test told her she was 25% black, and she has since been regularly accused of "acting black" and "putting on a voice" that is not her own. She has since used her millions of followers to help kickstart a budding rap career, and the Bhad Bhabie beef helped establish a tough and even more problematic image. Many are hopeful it doesn't go much farther than it already has.</p>G-Eazy
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="d90a905da844696eeb2f681c25ca9c40"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HCQ6uf0HTGw?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>Bay Area rapper G-Eazy has continued to churn out lackluster pop-rap for years. His pop-laden sound has gotten cleaner and cleaner over the years, and as a result, he is often accused of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/jul/31/g-eazy-rapper-gentrify-hip-hop-interview" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">"gentrifying rap." </a>His moniker is no doubt a playoff of rapper Jeezy and Eazy-E, and while he has long dismissed allegations of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/jul/31/g-eazy-rapper-gentrify-hip-hop-interview" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">cultural appropriation</a> and acknowledged his guest status in Hip-Hop, it's still hard to respect him. </p><p>Maybe it's because he's a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/jul/31/g-eazy-rapper-gentrify-hip-hop-interview" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">coked-out woman abuser</a>, or maybe it's because he has seen an astronomical level of fame, mostly because of his skin color. Or maybe it is because of the time he <a href="https://www.barclayscenter.com/events/detail/g-eazy-logic-the-endless-summer-tour" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">darkened his skin on a promotional poster for a 2016 tour</a>. One thing is for sure: his music has never warranted the praise it's gotten, and his whole James Dean meets Drake image is just confusing.</p>Denny Blaze
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="6df2bd26d05fc815f89503a32b6a97a5"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Uj5urT2VBxo?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>It still remains to be seen whether Denny Blaze, aka Average Homeboy, was ever in on his own joke. His viral YouTube debut "Average Homeboy" polarized everybody when it mysteriously appeared online in 1989. Many applauded the video's entertainment value that comes with watching a sincere teen attempt to playfully rap–Blaze's goofy suburban teen vibe would later be mastered by Lil Dicky, but in a way less problematic way–but Denny's seemingly well-intentioned rhymes played into some dangerous stereotypes. Aside from equating Blackness to crack use in "Average Homeboy," cringe tracks like "Black Men Can't Swim" would all but assure the demise of Denny Hazen's rap alter-ego.</p>Kreayshawn
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a136eb6f81d66dd41bd19a58790f7f43"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6WJFjXtHcy4?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>Natassia Zolot, aka Kreayshawn, and the now-defunct White Girl Mob gained public attention after the release of Kreayshawn's "Gucci Gucci." The video accumulated millions of views and resulted in a lucrative record deal for Kreayshawn, but the single's coinciding video was accused of appropriating black culture, with Kreayshawn's doorknocker earrings <a href="https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/nielaorr/bhad-bhabie-iggy-azalea-eminem-danielle-bregoli" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">coming under particular scrutiny.</a> She soon ended up retiring from rap.</p>Mike Stud
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="b51971360f1e52de266e58cc4ab0846e"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KpDmPtz7noM?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>One of the sole-surviving frat-rappers of the mid-2000s, Mike Stud has maintained steady fame despite his awkward relationship with hip-hop. An all-American baseball player at Duke University, Stud took to rapping after an injury derailed his sports career. In 2016, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/21/arts/music/white-rappers-geazy-mike-stud.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>The New York Times</em></a> called him a "Drake clone," citing the fact that his recent traversal into sing-rapping with songs like "Say No More" are melodically similar to Drizzy in more ways than one. </p><p>"His signature catchphrase, a sort of elongated "yup," is essentially lifted from the R&B singer Trey Songz," <em>The Times</em> adds. He's now the star of his own reality series on The Esquire Network, a show that has come under fire for its "ode to binge drinking" and "Girls Gone Wild approach to gender relations." </p><p>Race is never mentioned by Stud or any of his constituents throughout the show, but the closest they come is when they showcase a very uncomfortable performance by Stud in Orlando, Fl, where he's standing among a crowd of Black people rather than drunk sorority girls. "It's a different lineup than we are used to," his tour manager tells the camera. "It's a weird vibe, but it's a show that we have to do." </p><p>Stud can be seen on stage rapping cautiously, trying to showcase respect by not leaning too hard into the fratty antics that normally make up a Mike Stud concert. "Mike Stud's understanding of the difference between his usual show and the Orlando outlier suggests at least a whiff of self-awareness about his unusual relationship to the rest of hip-hop," writes <em>The Times</em>.</p>
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Paul Mescal, Phoebe Bridgers, Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Many media worlds have collided at once in the new music video for Phoebe Bridgers' "Savior Complex."
The black-and-white music video stars Paul Mescal, the gorgeous Normal People co-lead who shot to fame earlier this year thanks to his brilliant performance and now-infamous neck chain.
Mescal went from being a relative unknown to achieving a rare kind of superstardom this year; his boyish good looks and complexity made him the subject of many a profile.
As if that weren't enough of a high-profile collaboration, the video was directed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, creator and star of Fleabag and the subject of many a Phoebe Bridge-related joke.
phoebe waller-bridge is the best phoebe bridge— traitor joe (@traitor joe)1559255143.0
<p>This has been a huge month for Bridgers, whose album, <em>Punisher, </em>was met with critical acclaim and garnered her several Grammy noms. Her orchestral EP <em>Copycat Killer </em>just came out, and a <a href="https://www.popdust.com/phoebe-bridgers-and-maggie-rogers-cover-the-goo-goo-dolls-iris-for-joe-biden-2648892369.html" target="_blank">cover of the Goo Goo Dolls' "Iris" with Maggie Rogers raised $173,703.59</a> for Stacey Abrams' <a href="https://fairfight.com" target="_blank">Fair Fight</a> organization, which is mobilizing voters in Georgia.<br></p><p>Bridgers and Mescal met earlier this year in Ireland, which sparked many dating rumors. No one knows for sure what they actually talked about, but perhaps Bridgers asked him to star in her music video.</p><p>Bridgers has also long been a fan of Waller-Bridge, and apparently, according to the press release, "the feeling was mutual." "After connecting over email during Covid quarantine, the two hatched a plan to collaborate together on a music video for 'Savior Complex,'" the press release reads.</p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-632"></div>
<!-- End Ezoic - undersecond12 - under_second_paragraph --></p><p>"The result, starring Emmy-nominated Irish actor Paul Mescal and introducing an exceptional new talent known only as Charlotte is released today exclusively on <em>Facebook," </em>the statement continues. Charlotte is a small fluffy dog, who is obviously the true star here.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDg1MzExMi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0OTUyMDcwMH0.y6kn_jaDQTlLsmojEIY4RQn0y5Tg_h60yRZQPV8Pa7Y/img.jpg?width=980" id="3dc96" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="53bce994a1f8011202cbcb157d418b54" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Rock Cellar Magazine">
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Rock Cellar</small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">Paul Mescal</small></p><p><strong>Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Phoebe Bridgers, and Paul Mescal all seem to love projects that involve sad, horny white people making mistakes, crying, having sex, and being very wry, so it makes sense that they all collaborated</strong>—though the video is surprisingly not all that horny given its subjects' typical interests.<br></p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-633"> </div>
<!-- End Ezoic - incontent1 - mid_content --></p><p>The video is, true to form, a bit sad, a bit funny, and a bit surreal. It follows a beat-up Paul Mescal and his relationship with a small, fluffy dog, and takes place in what appears to be Ireland. In the beginning, Mescal, beat-up and looking destitute, steals a car and drives to a hotel, only to discover the little dog he met on the beach has come with him. </p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-634"> </div>
<!-- End Ezoic - incontent11 - mid_content --></p><p>Eventually, we realize Mescal faked all his injuries for some reason, perhaps as part of a heist. He eventually befriends the dog and becomes fond of her, but then the dog steals all Mescal's belongings and brings them back to Bridgers as part of another heist. The video ends with Bridgers and the pup sitting by the seaside, both wearing capes. </p><p><script async="" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>
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</script></p><p>What does it all mean? Perhaps it's about the way that we, as people, betray and fool each other. Maybe it's about the way that everyone is playing a role, performing weaknesses and vying for sympathy in efforts to scam each other. People with "savior complexes" only feel good about themselves when they're saving others, even if that help ends up being harmful.</p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-635"> </div>
<!-- End Ezoic - incontent2 - long_content --></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDg1MzEyMS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxMzk1ODQwMn0.jIKSurAjlflnpSfvJO_u2U9BWXH8hBEtyk4iBBBDL4E/img.jpg?width=980" id="a2ae3" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="91e9f49d83a337a3177efafddcbbc2e0" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
</p><p>In the song, Bridgers says she's a "bad liar with a savior complex," and then says, "All the skeletons that you hide, Show me yours, I'll show you mine." The song seems to follow a destructive relationship wherein both partners are tormented by their own demons. </p><p>According to Bridgers, the song is about "dating someone who hates themselves," and it does encapsulate the strange loops that define those kinds of relationships. Dating someone who hates themselves is also something that Phoebe Waller-Bridge's main character in <em>Fleabag</em> and Paul Mescal's Connell in <em>Normal People</em> can relate to, so it all coheres in the end. </p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-636"> </div>
<!-- End Ezoic - incontent22 - long_content --></p><p>All in all, it's a fine collaboration by some of this year's most beloved breakout stars, all of whom — somewhat ironically — have found great success by expressing extreme self-loathing in their songs and characters. Perhaps Mescal's fake wounds in the video represent the fact that artists often perform and exploit their and their characters' emotional wounds for audiences to gawk over.<br></p><p>Regardless, the Phoebe Bridgers Extended Universe is growing at a simply unstoppable pace; all we can do is watch in awe. </p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-637"> </div>
<!-- End Ezoic - incontent3 - longer_content --></p><p><strong>Watch the video <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=387568852315403" target="_blank">here</a>.</strong></p>
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