Everyone is a critic when it comes to social media. And some people, are just plain, nasty. Their ugly heads roared once again this weekend when 22-year-old Keke Palmer shared a selfie of herself post tanning session on Snapchat.
She captioned the photo of her bikini top pushed to the side showing her tan line with, “When u about that tan life #darkerpleaaaaaseee.” In the photo the actress has on no makeup— but still looks confident.
Well, social media wash’t having it. Soon after she posted the photo, commenters were calling using “terrible”, “ugly”, and “disgusting” to describe the photo. Some even insinuated she was on drugs.
Here’s the problem.
The laundry list of makeup techniques and products available these days, is enough to mention for days. Actually, there are whole websites, Youtube entrepreneurs and businesses based around our obsession with makeup. There’s contouring, strobing, highlighting, one layer of foundation, another layer of concealer. And on and on and on.
Keke Palmer is giving me Whitney Houston when she first started doing drugs all crazy
We’ve gotten so makeup heavy that we don’t actually know what people look like underneath it all— and when “exposed”, it’s a surprise.
As noted by MadameNoire.com’s Veronica Wells: There is something wrong with people publicly shaming someone for their looks and suggesting that her natural appearance is wrong. It’s sentiments like this that keep the magazine industry photoshopping celebrities until they’re unrecognizable on their covers. It’s thoughts like this that make women, famous and not, scared to leave the house with a bare face, for fear that someone might hurl the same judgement they lodged at Keke onto them.
Let this be a two fold lesson to everyone. First, STOP BULLYING PEOPLE ONLINE. Not because they may or may not look better compared to you— but because it’s nasty, unfruitful, and does nothing for the progress of humankind.
And second, work on the beauty within. Treat your natural skin with care and every once in a while, give yourself a break from makeup.
It’ll be less of a surprise to you, and apparently, everyone else.
“This is easily one the most important songs I have ever done because it provides Hip-Hop with a solution-based perspective meant to combat some of the problems we face as a culture. It’s honest, raw, and transparent. I’ve been friends with Raheem Devaughn for a long time, so to finally collaborate on a song feels great. When I played the record for him, he fell in love with it and instantly added his parts; which took the song to another level,” say’s the David Found His Slingshot author in a exclusive statement to Medium Creative Agency.
Award-winning rapper. educator, host, activist, business owner, and keynote speaker are synonymous with Louisiana’s Dee-1. The Nasir “Nas” Jones Hip Hop Fellow at Harvard University is a Billboard Top 10 charting, game-changing MC with a persona to match his penmanship. He’s transitioned from being a middle school math teacher in The Boot to a Hip-Hop heavyweight with much more to accomplish. He has released 10 albums and 21 projects thus far in his career.
Dee-1’s music is part of a bigger lifestyle movement called Mission Vision, which centers around three core principles: Be Real. Be Righteous. Be Relevant. In 2020, Dee received the prestigious NAACP “Power of Influence Award,” highlighting his community activism and commitment to inspiring the youth. In 2021, he was nominated for an Emmy Award for his work on “The Manhattan Project,” but he lost to Michelle Obama. Later that year, Dee was appointed to the “Louisiana Council for the Success of Black Men and Boys” by Governor John Bel Edwards, making him the first rapper in Louisiana history to become a governor’s appointee.
To celebrate “Greener” pastures, following the announcement of her joining Kid Cudi’s ‘Insano World Tour,’ Cleveland native Chelsea Pastel releases the Cassius G-produced single “Price Going Up.” Marking CP’s explosive entrance into 2024, the empowering anthem resonates with anybody pushing forward with resilience and determination. With infectious beats and powerful vocals, she asserts her presence as a rising star to watch. Setting the stage for an exciting year ahead, the brand-new track is a bold declaration of Chelsea’s unwavering commitment to excellence.
“I jumped off that porch, I’m not going back to that house and I mean just that. I’m never looking back. I took a leap of faith and where I land is where I’m staying,” says the talented triple threat in a press statement to Medium Creative Agency about her latest release.
Born and bred in Forest City, Chelsea found her passion for music early on, which led her to enroll in the Cleveland School of Arts. After graduating, Chelsea begin to make a name for herself throughout the Midwest and beyond. Her unique sonic style, catchy hooks, and lyrical prowess have earned her the title of Cleveland’s Next Up talent.
Apart from accolades, which include spotlight spots regionally on WKYC and Dirty Glove Bastard as well as national recognition on top-tier entertainment networks like BET, Chelsea is a self-taught instrumentalist who often handles her production, writing, and engineering. Her unique brand of ballads can be best classified as a fusion of Rap and Pop with a touch of Rock accented by old-school flavor.
Press play on “Price Going Up” on your DSP of choice below and watch the visual for “Greener” | HERE via Pastel Productions LLC / Vydia.
Hailing from the vibrant city of Irvine, the rising artist iazY is making waves with her latest single, “Pink Leaf,” released under her own label, iazY Music Ent. This track, produced by The Real Mapa and engineered by Troy “R8dio” Johnson, introduces listeners to iazY’s signature sound—a fusion of Urban pop rock melodies.
iazY shared her motivation behind crafting “Pink Leaf,” revealing, “I just had this vision of just a chill vibe, something for my ladies.” This intention shines through in the song’s laid-back groove and sultry lyrics, creating an irresistible atmosphere that invites listeners to unwind and groove along.
What sets “Pink Leaf” apart for iazY is not only its sound but also the emotions it evokes. She explains, “I think just how the song sounds and how it makes me feel. It just puts me in that ‘have fun chill’ vibe.” With its catchy hooks and lush production, “Pink Leaf” effortlessly captures iazY’s essence as an artist, marking a milestone in her musical journey.
As iazY continues to captivate audiences with her unique blend of genres and infectious energy, fans eagerly anticipate upcoming shows and releases. To stay updated on iazY’s latest endeavors, follow her on Instagram @iazyofficial and keep an ear out for future announcements from iazY Music Ent.