Anticipating Cécred: Beyoncé's Haircare Revelation
THE Queen Bey sent an email blast that might have literally shaken the whole earth. Introducing Cécred - 2.20. We discuss it here!
By: Jayla Smith
Last night (February 7th, 2024) at 7:33 Pacific Standard Time, I nearly leaped out of my bed! THE Queen Bey sent an email blast that might have literally shaken the whole earth. Naturally, when Beyoncé speaks, we sure as heck listen… 'Look around, everybody on mute' or whatever the queen said. Introducing Cécred - 2.20 was the email summary. Honestly, I know how intriguing this sounds. What is Cécred (/ˈseɪ.krɪd/)? What is the 411?
In the middle of last year, on May 16, 2023, Beyoncé foreshadowed a haircare line via Instagram, teasing us with her precious insightful Instagram tactics. Although Beyoncé never really writes a caption in her photos, which, oh my gosh when she does, the girls squirm. However, in her photo carousel, she gave us a caption moment of its own.
Photo Credit: Beyonce’s Instagram
“How many of y’all knew my first job was sweeping hair in my mama’s salon? Destiny’s Child got our start by performing for clients while they were getting their hair done. I was exposed to so many different kinds of entrepreneurial women in her salon. I saw firsthand how the ways we nurture and celebrate hair can directly impact our souls. I watched her heal and be of service to so many women. Having learned so much on my hair journey, I’ve always dreamed of carrying on her legacy. I can’t wait for you to experience what I’ve been creating.”
Wait, but, it nearly does not stop there. Beyoncé so gradually invited many influencers to give them a tease of her haircare line. The collaboration included influencers such as Bet Man Rock, Jasmean, Makeup Shayla, Joyjah, and many more. Beyoncé picked up the influencers in a black luxurious SUV where a personalized audio note thanked them for joining her and her renaissance experience. They then arrived at the suite where they were able to meet Mama Tina. Along with the excitement of the concert, they were gifted with a gift bag of a Tiffany & Co necklace as well as a Renaissance tour book signed by Beyoncé.
Beyoncé is the brilliant force behind the magic of marketing. We are thrilled to witness her mastery at work with Cécred. As we anticipate the launch of a soon-to-be-winning hair care line, we can only imagine what is next.
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Alternative R&B: A Love Letter To Black Culture
Alternative R&B, which is at times referred to as Indie R&B, is a style of music that originated in the late 2000s, drawing inspiration from its sister-genre of contemporary R&B and serves as an abstract painting of our resilience and ability to transform. We discuss the rise of Alternative R&B here!
By: Cory Utsey
The genre of rhythm of blues, also known as R&B, has remained a staple in the Black community since it first took roots in the 1940s.
As a culmination of blues-inspired music, fast-paced rhythm, jazz, and light-hearted lyrical content, these songs hold the power to take listeners through a euphoric ride full of love, life, and redemption.
The term “rhythm and blues” was coined by music journalist Gerald “Jerry” Wexler in an attempt to replace the then-popular phrase “race music”, which was labeled offensive, while also marketing this new sound that had become popular in Black circles.
As the genre began to be associated with Black adolescence and late-night club scenes in the 1950s, it started to be seen as low-quality in comparison to Jazz music, which was regarded as a more refined form of Black expression. However, as R&B began to incorporate funk and soul, along with relatable lyrics about love, it was seen as more of an umbrella term for contemporary Black expression.
Nowadays, R&B and each of its sub-genres are easily accessible and highly revered-- especially alternative R&B.
Alternative R&B, which is at times referred to as Indie R&B, is a style of music that originated in the late 2000s, and it draws inspiration from its sister-genre of contemporary R&B.
Contemporary R&B combines elements of traditional R&B with lush, disco-like production and a distinct rhythm that is reminiscent of early hip-hop. It is best represented by artists such as Beyonce, Michael and Janet Jackson, and Usher.
Alternative R&B, on the other hand, takes some of those same attributes that are found in contemporary and traditional R&B, and fuses them with more prominent bass and vocals that almost feel like an echo.
As a versatile style of music, no two artists sound the same.
The airy, angel-like voices of singers like Brent Faiyaz or SZA can reel you in as they talk about toxic love and heartbreak, while Leven Kali and Syd might make you feel like you are seated on a cloud, so long as you tell them what you like. Solange might facilitate Black pride while providing a haven for different aspects of the Black experience, while Xavier Omar and Lucky Daye might have you aching for that “Old School” love.
The Internet - Girl (Official Video) ft. KAYTRANADA
Lucky Daye - How Much Can A Heart Take (Lyric Video) ft. Yebba
The subject matter varies from love and sex, to spiritual anecdotes and commentary on what is going on in the world.
If music has been a canvas for the expression of our pain, our joy, and our love, then alternative R&B is an abstract painting of our resilience and ability to transform.
Alternative R&B is the sister, the cousin and the love-child of the many different genres in which Black people have made a mark, and it is undoubtedly one of the most dynamic genres to top the charts in today’s day and age. It is a love letter to Black creativity and Black culture.
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Is Drake The Biggest Artist Of Our Generation?
Drake made history again by breaking a 54 year old record previously held by The Beatles with his 12th top 10 single this year appearing on Billboard’s Top 100 chart! Is Drake the biggest artist of our generation?
By: Omar Cook
In 1964, The Beatles racked in 11 top 10 singles on Billboard’s Top 100 chart. Well that record has been untouched until now. Bad Bunny's "MIA," featuring Drake came in at #5 on the Hot 100 giving Drake his 12th top 10 song of 2018. It’s been over 50 years since that record has been broken, so to say it’s been a great year of success for Drake would be an understatement. Take a look at all of the songs this year that Drake has put in the top 10.
No. 1 (11 weeks), "God's Plan," Feb. 3
No. 7, "Diplomatic Immunity," Feb. 3
No. 5, "Look Alive" (BlocBoy JB feat. Drake), March 3
No. 10, "Walk It Talk It" (Migos feat. Drake), April 14
No. 1 (eight weeks), "Nice for What," April 21
No. 6, "Yes Indeed" (Lil Baby & Drake), June 2
No. 2, "Nonstop," July 14
No. 7, "I'm Upset," July 14
No. 8, "Emotionless," July 14
No. 9, "Don't Matter to Me" (Drake feat. Michael Jackson), July 14
No. 1 (10 weeks), "In My Feelings," July 21
No. 5 (to date), "MIA," Bad Bunny feat. Drake, Oct. 27
This also becomes Drake’s 32nd Top song of his career which is the most for any individual male ever. With that being said, it’s hard to downplay his success. Drake is literally a walking hit maker and just about any song he hops on becomes a hit. It’s crazy to see the amount of success he’s built since the end the of Degrassi. I mean honestly, who would have predicted that wheelchair Jimmy was going to become one of the world’s biggest music artists?
Regardless of what you can say about someone else being a better singer or better rapper than Drake, the facts are no ones produces more hits than Drake and he’s more appealing musically to a broader audience. Even despite a beef with Pusha T that many people felt he lost and went about the wrong way for throwing out the white towel, he still managed to put out a hit album after that and is still breaking records.
Even among artists such as Beyonce or Rihanna, Drake has managed to position himself as consistent headliner. From Drake’s first project Room For Improvement, he’s consistently managed to evolve his music style to keep up with trends and stay atop the charts. it’s extremely difficult for an artist to remain in the spotlight or “relevant” for an extended time period, but Drake has done it for the past decade. No hating over here, we have to give respect where it’s due; Drake is the biggest artist of our generation.
Meet Jayla Smith, contributing Writer for 247 Live Culture!