theroot--2020-12-21--Rock Your Body With You: Pharrell Reveals Justin Timberlake's Justified Tracks Were Originally for M

Rock Your Body With You: Pharrell Reveals Justin Timberlake's Justified Tracks Were Originally for Michael Jackson

Well , apparently , Pharrell Williams is sparking that imagination as the artist-producer said Jackson actually rejected the bulk of the Justified album , which was then given to Justin Timberlake , on a recent appearance on N.O.R.E .
and DJ EFN ’ s podcast , Drink Champs .
Yes , the very album that went triple platinum and catapulted Timberlake to another level beyond his *NSYNC days was almost yet another legendary work of Jackson ’ s .
Here ’ s how it went down , according to Billboard : “ You hit me and said , ‘ Yo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beats !
’ , ” N.O.R.E .
recalled while chatting with Pharrell .
“ You said to me , ‘ He told me , “ NOPE !
I don ’ t think N.O.R.E .
would rhyme on that .
I was like , ‘ My life is done !
’ ” Pharrell elaborated on the tale .
“ John McClain was his manager at the time .
We sent him pretty much all the stuff you guys are hearing on the first Justified album—that ’ s all Michael stuff , ” the performer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ All but one song , they were written for Michael.
” “ John McClain was like , ‘ Man , Michael don ’ t want that shit !
He want the shit you givin ’ Noreaga !
’ ” Pharrell continued , noting that this was right before the King of Pop ’ s “ You Rock My World ” era .
He also shared that it was one of his collaborations with N.O.R.E .
that Jackson wanted .
“ He was like , ‘ Yo , he want that “ Superthug.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Neptunes production-partner-in-crime Chad Hugo , was a part of the production process for Justified and the duo has producer credits on hit singles from Timberlake ’ s debut solo album such as , “ Señorita , ” “ Like I Love You ” and “ Rock Your Body.
” In other news , the Purple One also turned down some Pharrell tracks .
That ’ s right , Prince turned down Pharrell ’ s music after Pharrell tried “ for years to make records for him.
” “ My first attempt at making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ , ” he shared , referencing the song he ended up recording himself .
“ I think I wrote a different version a little bit for him .
He wasn ’ t into it.
” Hey , you can ’ t win ‘ em all .
Given the sheer number of major hits Pharrell has produced , I guess the fact he didn ’ t land those major artists is just an example of basic odds .
If you want to check out the full episode of Drink Champs featuring Pharrell , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Legendary Career , Working With Snoop , Justin Timberlake , Nigo & More / Revolt TV ( YouTube )

Tonja Renée Stidhum on The Grapevine, shared by Tonja Renée Stidhum to The Root

Imagine Michael Jackson singing about crying over rivers.
Well, apparently, Pharrell Williams is sparking that imagination as the artist-producer said Jackson actually rejected the bulk of the Justified album, which was then given to Justin Timberlake, on a recent appearance on N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN’s podcast, Drink Champs.
Yes, the very album that went triple platinum and catapulted Timberlake to another level beyond his *NSYNC days was almost yet another legendary work of Jackson’s.
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Here’s how it went down, according to Billboard:
“You hit me and said, ‘Yo, I just sent Michael Jackson some beats!’,” N.O.R.E. recalled while chatting with Pharrell. “You said to me, ‘He told me, “NOPE! I don’t think N.O.R.E. would rhyme on that. I was like, ‘My life is done!’” Pharrell elaborated on the tale. “John McClain was his manager at the time. We sent him pretty much all the stuff you guys are hearing on the first Justified album—that’s all Michael stuff,” the performer, songwriter and record producer revealed. “All but one song, they were written for Michael.” “John McClain was like, ‘Man, Michael don’t want that shit! He want the shit you givin’ Noreaga!’” Pharrell continued, noting that this was right before the King of Pop’s “You Rock My World” era. He also shared that it was one of his collaborations with N.O.R.E. that Jackson wanted. “ He was like, ‘Yo, he want that “Superthug.”’
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Pharrell, along with his Neptunes production-partner-in-crime Chad Hugo, was a part of the production process for Justified and the duo has producer credits on hit singles from Timberlake’s debut solo album such as, “Señorita,” “Like I Love You” and “Rock Your Body.”
In other news, the Purple One also turned down some Pharrell tracks. That’s right, Prince turned down Pharrell’s music after Pharrell tried “for years to make records for him.”
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“My first attempt at making a record with him was “Frontin’,” he shared, referencing the song he ended up recording himself. “I think I wrote a different version a little bit for him. He wasn’t into it.”
Hey, you can’t win ‘em all. Given the sheer number of major hits Pharrell has produced, I guess the fact he didn’t land those major artists is just an example of basic odds.
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If you want to check out the full episode of Drink Champs featuring Pharrell, you can below:


theroot--2020-12-21--The Perks of Buying Groceries on Walmart+

When the pandemic shutdowns were rolled out in full force , Bryce Gruber , a women ’ s magazine editor and mom of 5 , began to rely on online shopping options .
Gruber tells me that these competitor services were convenient , but she “ quickly realized the prices are inflated and customer service is absolutely terrible.
” Gruber was always a Walmart shopper , preferring the Supercenters .
When Walmart+ rolled out , it was “ a no brainer ” for her to become a member .
And Walmart+ hasn ’ t disappointed her or her family .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ many , and it ’ s the reliable , budget-friendly , and safe shopping choice .
Free delivery from your store* , with groceries & more delivered as soon as today , at low prices you will love .
I asked Walmart+ members like Gruber about the membership , and these are some of the reasons you too should sign up !
Chloe Slaven originally signed up for Walmart+ because of the Covid19 pandemic .
“ I wanted an option for contactless grocery delivery or pickup during COVID , she tells me .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ same day and next day delivery and/or pickup times available .
There is also a Walmart about five minutes from my house so it made pickup very convenient.
” But it ’ s not just Covid restrictions and safety concerns that make Walmart+ attractive .
It ’ s a convenient , and hassle-free experience .
“ It saves me a trip out to stores with little kids , says Gruber .
“ I can get my groceries and other items delivered as I stay on a work zoom , feed the kids their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The Best Prices for Quarantine Goodies “ Walmart already has the best prices on basics like beans , pasta , paper towels , juice for the kids , and other pantry staples , ” Gruber tells me .
But really , it ’ s that getting the best everyday low prices definitely extends to Nutella .
“ Nutella is a quarantine game-changer , ” Gruber says .
“ And I know it sounds silly , but when competitors are asking you to pay $ 12 for a Nutella 2-pack with a 2-day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 40 percent cheaper and arrives same day from Walmart+ , there ’ s no discussion.
” Avoid Impulse Buying and Shop on the Go Cynthia is a full-time mom ( and now a full-time cyber teacher ) to a teenage daughter .
She hates grocery shopping , so Walmart+ was exactly what she needed to stay out of the dreaded grocery store and shop on the go .
Not just saving her the trouble , but she gets to keep her husband out of the grocery store too .
“ He tends to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kinds of junk food .
This way I can make sure we keep that stuff out of the house and I can make sure we eat better food.
” Working a full-time job , Elisia Holsinger wanted to save time , so she signed up for Walmart+ .
“ I can add stuff all week long to the app as I run out , ” Holsinger said to me .
“ If I go in person I shop with my eyes and buy things I don ’ t actually need.
” Walmart+ also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meals better , and it saves her money .
“ If I go in person I shop with my eyes and buy things I don ’ t actually need , ” she says .
The app helps you avoid unintentionally pricy meals , keeping your budget on track and letting you track your costs better .
A Walmart+ membership pays for itself in just two deliveries .
** It saves you time , money and you get the best products for a steal .

Gabe Carey and Chaya M Milchtein on The Inventory, shared by Ignacia to The Root

Walmart+ (15 Days) | Free | Walmart
Walmart+ (1 Month) | $13 | Walmart
Walmart+ (1 Year) | $98 | Walmart
When the pandemic shutdowns were rolled out in full force, Bryce Gruber, a women’s magazine editor and mom of 5, began to rely on online shopping options. Gruber tells me that these competitor services were convenient, but she “quickly realized the prices are inflated and customer service is absolutely terrible.”
Gruber was always a Walmart shopper, preferring the Supercenters. When Walmart+ rolled out, it was “a no brainer” for her to become a member. And Walmart+ hasn’t disappointed her or her family.
The benefits of a Walmart+ membership are many, and it’s the reliable, budget-friendly, and safe shopping choice. Free delivery from your store*, with groceries & more delivered as soon as today, at low prices you will love. I asked Walmart+ members like Gruber about the membership, and these are some of the reasons you too should sign up!
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No Contact Pickup and Free Walmart+ Shipping
Chloe Slaven originally signed up for Walmart+ because of the Covid19 pandemic. “I wanted an option for contactless grocery delivery or pickup during COVID, she tells me. “Walmart seemed to very consistently have same day and next day delivery and/or pickup times available. There is also a Walmart about five minutes from my house so it made pickup very convenient.”
But it’s not just Covid restrictions and safety concerns that make Walmart+ attractive. It’s a convenient, and hassle-free experience. “It saves me a trip out to stores with little kids, says Gruber. “I can get my groceries and other items delivered as I stay on a work zoom, feed the kids their lunches, or just about anything else.”
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The Best Prices for Quarantine Goodies
“Walmart already has the best prices on basics like beans, pasta, paper towels, juice for the kids, and other pantry staples,” Gruber tells me. But really, it’s that getting the best everyday low prices definitely extends to Nutella.
“Nutella is a quarantine game-changer,” Gruber says. “And I know it sounds silly, but when competitors are asking you to pay $12 for a Nutella 2-pack with a 2-day delivery time and the same Nutella is 40 percent cheaper and arrives same day from Walmart+, there’s no discussion.”
Advertisement
Avoid Impulse Buying and Shop on the Go
Cynthia is a full-time mom (and now a full-time cyber teacher) to a teenage daughter. She hates grocery shopping, so Walmart+ was exactly what she needed to stay out of the dreaded grocery store and shop on the go.
Not just saving her the trouble, but she gets to keep her husband out of the grocery store too. “He tends to impulse buy and comes home with all kinds of junk food. This way I can make sure we keep that stuff out of the house and I can make sure we eat better food.”
Advertisement
Working a full-time job, Elisia Holsinger wanted to save time, so she signed up for Walmart+. “I can add stuff all week long to the app as I run out,” Holsinger said to me. “If I go in person I shop with my eyes and buy things I don’t actually need.”
Pricing Out Your Meals
Walmart+ also helps Holsinger budget her family’s meals better, and it saves her money. “If I go in person I shop with my eyes and buy things I don’t actually need,” she says. The app helps you avoid unintentionally pricy meals, keeping your budget on track and letting you track your costs better.
Advertisement
Sign Up for Walmart+
A Walmart+ membership pays for itself in just two deliveries.** It saves you time, money and you get the best products for a steal.
* $35 minimum. Restrictions apply.
**Based on the $7.95 delivery fee


theroot--2020-12-21--Black Pastors Call Kelly Loeffler’s Attacks on ‘Radical’ Raphael Warnock Sermons an ‘Attack Against

Black Pastors Call Kelly Loeffler’s Attacks on ‘Radical’ Raphael Warnock Sermons an ‘Attack Against the Black Church’

There ’ s a reason why white people—especially conservatives—are always so blind to their own racism : T hey view everything through a lens of whiteness .
On Saturday , a group of Black pastors , mostly from Georgia , penned an open letter to Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler and her campaign in response to recent “ too radical for Georgia ” attack ads against her Democratic opponent in the Georgia Senate runoff election , Rev .
Raphael Warnock , and the sermons he has delivered at the historically Black Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta .
Before we get too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let me just say that , while I ’ ve never been much of a churchgoer , I remember the days when my mother would occasionally drag the family out of bed to her favorite place of worship where Black pastors didn ’ t only preach about God and scripture , they discussed the Black community .
They discussed the violence within our communities as well as the violence and injustices committed against our communities by a racially biased justice system .
So it ’ s no surprise to me that Warnock preaches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and systemic racism .
It was also no surprise to me or most Black people when clips of Jeremiah Wright ’ s “ God damn America ” sermon surfaced when Barack Obama was running for his first term and conservatives used his former pastor ’ s sermon to attack him as too radical and anti-American .
White people , on the other hand , are always shocked and appalled to learn that Black pastors occasionally preach about these things because their pastors would never .
But the reason white pastors don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : America has never done anything to white people .
There ’ s no history of slavery , Jim Crow law , housing discrimination , redlining , police brutality or a racist judicial system for white pastors to preach about , so of course , everything they do preach about is America-friendly .
In the letter—which was first reported by the New York Times—the coalition , which includes dozens of Black pastors , accused Loeffler of attacking the Black church in general , not just her opponent .
“ We call on you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Reverend Warnock as ‘ radical ’ or ‘ socialist , ’ when there is nothing in his background , writings or sermons that suggests those characterizations to be true , especially when taken in full context , ” the letter read , the Times reports .
“ We see your attacks against Warnock as a broader attack against the Black Church and faith traditions for which we stand.
” One of Loeffler ’ s campaign ’ s attack ads includes footage of a sermon Warnock delivered in 2011 in which he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the military.
” Her campaign generally criticized the sermon as an attack on the troops .
Warnock provided context for that sermon , according to 11 Alive .
“ The gospel lesson says that you can not serve God and mammon , ” Warnock told reporters .
“ That a person can not have two masters .
It is a spiritual lesson that is basic and foundational for people of faith .
What I was expressing was the fact that as a person of faith , my ultimate allegiance is to God , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may commit myself to , it has to be built on a spiritual foundation .
So , it ’ s about priorities and about how one orders your priorities so that you can live a moral life.
” Of course , Warnock ’ s explanation wouldn ’ t stop people like Fox News ’ Tucker Carlson and Republican Sen. Tom Cotton from acting like his sermons and his praise for Wright and his sermons are an affront to America instead of expressions of the Black experience .
Also , I guess we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said anything that could be construed as anti-military .
Anyway , Warnock tweeted the Times article Sunday saying that Loeffler ’ s “ attacks on our faith are not just disappointing—they are hurtful to Black churches across Georgia.
” Without even acknowledging the pastors who wrote the letter , Loeffler responded saying , “ No one attacked the Black church .
We simply exposed your record in your own words .
Instead of playing the victim , start answering simple questions about what you ’ ve said and who you ’ ve associated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t—you shouldn ’ t be running for U.S. Senate.
” It wouldn ’ t surprise me if Loeffler is truly oblivious to the implications her attacks on Warnock have on the Black church in general .
That ’ s what the lens of whiteness does ; it measures patriotism according to white American standards and views everything else as “ too radical .
”

There’s a reason why white people—especially conservatives—are always so blind to their own racism: T hey view everything through a lens of whiteness.
On Saturday, a group of Black pastors, mostly from Georgia, penned an open letter to Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler and her campaign in response to recent “too radical for Georgia” attack ads against her Democratic opponent in the Georgia Senate runoff election, Rev. Raphael Warnock, and the sermons he has delivered at the historically Black Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta.
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Before we get too deep into Loeffler’s attacks, let me just say that, while I’ve never been much of a churchgoer, I remember the days when my mother would occasionally drag the family out of bed to her favorite place of worship where Black pastors didn ’t only preach about God and scripture, they discussed the Black community. They discussed the violence within our communities as well as the violence and injustices committed against our communities by a racially biased justice system. So it’s no surprise to me that Warnock preaches about things like slavery, police brutality and systemic racism. It was also no surprise to me or most Black people when clips of Jeremiah Wright’s “God damn America” sermon surfaced when Barack Obama was running for his first term and conservatives used his former pastor’s sermon to attack him as too radical and anti-American.
White people, on the other hand, are always shocked and appalled to learn that Black pastors occasionally preach about these things because their pastors would never. But the reason white pastors don’t preach sermons about American oppression is simple: America has never done anything to white people. There’s no history of slavery, Jim Crow law, housing discrimination, redlining, police brutality or a racist judicial system for white pastors to preach about, so of course, everything they do preach about is America-friendly.
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In the letter—which was first reported by the New York Times—the coalition, which includes dozens of Black pastors, accused Loeffler of attacking the Black church in general, not just her opponent.
“We call on you to cease and desist your false characterizations of Reverend Warnock as ‘radical’ or ‘socialist,’ when there is nothing in his background, writings or sermons that suggests those characterizations to be true, especially when taken in full context,” the letter read, the Times reports. “We see your attacks against Warnock as a broader attack against the Black Church and faith traditions for which we stand.”
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One of Loeffler’s campaign’s attack ads includes footage of a sermon Warnock delivered in 2011 in which he said that “nobody can serve God and the military.” Her campaign generally criticized the sermon as an attack on the troops. Warnock provided context for that sermon, according to 11 Alive.
“The gospel lesson says that you cannot serve God and mammon,” Warnock told reporters. “That a person can not have two masters. It is a spiritual lesson that is basic and foundational for people of faith. What I was expressing was the fact that as a person of faith, my ultimate allegiance is to God, and therefore, whatever else that I may commit myself to, it has to be built on a spiritual foundation. So, it’s about priorities and about how one orders your priorities so that you can live a moral life.”
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Of course, Warnock’s explanation wouldn’t stop people like Fox News’ Tucker Carlson and Republican Sen. Tom Cotton from acting like his sermons and his praise for Wright and his sermons are an affront to America instead of expressions of the Black experience.
Also, I guess we’re all just pretending Donald Trump never said anything that could be construed as anti-military.
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Anyway, Warnock tweeted the Times article Sunday saying that Loeffler’s “attacks on our faith are not just disappointing—they are hurtful to Black churches across Georgia.”
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Without even acknowledging the pastors who wrote the letter, Loeffler responded saying, “No one attacked the Black church. We simply exposed your record in your own words. Instead of playing the victim, start answering simple questions about what you’ve said and who you’ve associated yourself with. If you can’t—you shouldn’t be running for U.S. Senate.”
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It wouldn’t surprise me if Loeffler is truly oblivious to the implications her attacks on Warnock have on the Black church in general. That’s what the lens of whiteness does; it measures patriotism according to white American standards and views everything else as “too radical.”


theroot--2020-12-21--The Jets Can't Even Lose Right, Dez Bryant Finally Sees the Light and Other Takeaways From Week 14 o

The Jets Can't Even Lose Right, Dez Bryant Finally Sees the Light and Other Takeaways From Week 14 of the NFL

There was football this weekend ?
Oh .
Let ’ s get to it .
The Jets Had One Job The worst kept secret on planet Earth is that Trevor Lawrence , the best quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck , will be the No .
1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft .
This means that if you ’ re the Jets , Jaguars , or any other organization whose proven themselves incapable of putting together a competent roster , your job was to lose as many games as humanly possible this season in order to give yourself the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ticket and winning the Trevor Lawrence sweepstakes .
For 14 consecutive weeks , the Jets had it in the bag .
With Adam Gase—the human embodiment of white privilege—at the helm , the Jets turned in embarrassing performance after embarrassing performance as they hoped and prayed for that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow .
There was a 36-7 blowout against the Colts , a brutal shutout against the Dolphins , and that time Gregg Williams courageously fell on the sword to keep New York ’ s winless streak intact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the Rams with a 0-13 record , it was a foregone conclusion that Sean McVay and them were gon na wipe the floor with Gang Green .
But alas ...
The Jets actually played like they gave a fuck—while collecting Frank Gore ’ s 100th career touchdown—and New York miraculously somehow prevailed over the playoff-bound Rams .
While I ’ m sure Sam Darnold and the rest of the team were overjoyed with relief , Jets owner Woody Johnson was probably off somewhere pounding Zoloft and hurling chairs into oncoming traffic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ very well might ’ ve cost them that No .
1 draft pick—and more importantly , Trevor Lawrence .
Per ESPN ’ s Power Football Index , the Jets now only have a 29 percent chance to pick first in the draft .
While the Jaguars , who are equally inept with their own 1-13 record , are sitting pretty at 71 percent .
Bruhhhhhhh , was it worth it ?
Since being unceremoniously dismissed by the Cowboys in 2018 , it ’ s been a brutal couple of years for former Pro-Bowler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tear to a body already ravaged by injuries , and prior to signing with the Ravens in November , he had been wasting his life away on Twitter like everybody else .
But after a COVID-19 scare kept him from exacting his revenge against the Cowboys earlier this month , Dez caught an 11-yard pass from Lamar Jackson and scored his first touchdown since Dec. 10 , 2017 .
And you already know how he celebrated : By crossing his arms to form his signature “ X ” .
After Baltimore ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know Dez had plenty to say about his triumphant return to the end zone too .
“ The meaning is to X out the negative , to truly never give up and beat the odds and destroy adversity , ” Bryant told reporters .
“ That ’ s what it means .
That ’ s why I do it .
Me throwing up the X and the world seeing it , it makes me feel good.
” Jackson knew what that moment meant for Dez , too .
“ We wanted to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ Brown ] were talking about that , and it just happened today , ” he said .
“ I ’ m happy he was the one throwing it up before we did .
Like you said , three years , that ’ s incredible he came back , got open on a broken-down play and he did the rest .
Hat ’ s off to him.
” After all of the adversity that he ’ s faced , I got ta clap it up for Dez proving he still has something left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Done , Son On the same day that Baker Mayfield balled out and helped propel the Browns to their first 10-win season since 2007 , the Patriots got punched in the mouth by the Dolphins and will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2008 .
So what does Tom Brady , the guy who Bill Belicheat shoved out the door , think about this shocking development ?
“ They have their own thing going , ” Brady told reporters after his Bucs beat the Falcons .
“ I ’ ve really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be at quarterback , the execution I need .
They ’ re not really an opponent of mine.
” “ Obviously I have a lot of friends there , a lot of great relationships , but they ’ ve been focused on what they need to do and I ’ ve been trying to focus on what my job is .
[ ... ] I wish everybody the best all the time .
I don ’ t ever wish for anyone to not perform at their best.
” Kyler Murray went ape @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rookie quarterback in Eagles history to score four total TDs , but did you see what Derrick Henry did ?
!
AGAIN ?
!

There was football this weekend? Oh. Let’s get to it.
The Jets Had One Job
The worst kept secret on planet Earth is that Trevor Lawrence, the best quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck, will be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. This means that if you’re the Jets, Jaguars, or any other organization whose proven themselves incapable of putting together a competent roster, your job was to lose as many games as humanly possible this season in order to give yourself the best possible odds of scratching your lotto ticket and winning the Trevor Lawrence sweepstakes.
For 14 consecutive weeks, the Jets had it in the bag. With Adam Gase—the human embodiment of white privilege—at the helm, the Jets turned in embarrassing performance after embarrassing performance as they hoped and prayed for that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. There was a 36-7 blowout against the Colts, a brutal shutout against the Dolphins, and that time Gregg Williams courageously fell on the sword to keep New York’s winless streak intact.
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So entering Sunday’s game against the Rams with a 0-13 record, it was a foregone conclusion that Sean McVay and them were gonna wipe the floor with Gang Green. But alas...
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“Not so fast!” said fate.
The Jets actually played like they gave a fuck—while collecting Frank Gore’s 100th career touchdown—and New York miraculously somehow prevailed over the playoff-bound Rams.
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While I’m sure Sam Darnold and the rest of the team were overjoyed with relief, Jets owner Woody Johnson was probably off somewhere pounding Zoloft and hurling chairs into oncoming traffic. Because by winning on Sunday, it very well might’ve cost them that No. 1 draft pick—and more importantly, Trevor Lawrence. Per ESPN’s Power Football Index, the Jets now only have a 29 percent chance to pick first in the draft. While the Jaguars, who are equally inept with their own 1-13 record, are sitting pretty at 71 percent.
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Bruhhhhhhh, was it worth it?
X Marks the Spot
Since being unceremoniously dismissed by the Cowboys in 2018, it’s been a brutal couple of years for former Pro-Bowler Dez Bryant. He suffered an Achilles tear to a body already ravaged by injuries, and prior to signing with the Ravens in November, he had been wasting his life away on Twitter like everybody else.
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But after a COVID-19 scare kept him from exacting his revenge against the Cowboys earlier this month, Dez caught an 11-yard pass from Lamar Jackson and scored his first touchdown since Dec. 10, 2017. And you already know how he celebrated:
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By crossing his arms to form his signature “X”.
After Baltimore’s 40-14 win against the Jags, you know Dez had plenty to say about his triumphant return to the end zone too.
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“The meaning is to X out the negative, to truly never give up and beat the odds and destroy adversity,” Bryant told reporters. “That’s what it means. That’s why I do it. Me throwing up the X and the world seeing it, it makes me feel good.”
Jackson knew what that moment meant for Dez, too.
“We wanted to do that against Dallas, me and Marquise [Brown] were talking about that, and it just happened today,” he said. “I’m happy he was the one throwing it up before we did. Like you said, three years, that’s incredible he came back, got open on a broken-down play and he did the rest. Hat’s off to him.”
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After all of the adversity that he’s faced, I gotta clap it up for Dez proving he still has something left in the tank.
The Patriots Are Done, Son
On the same day that Baker Mayfield balled out and helped propel the Browns to their first 10-win season since 2007, the Patriots got punched in the mouth by the Dolphins and will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2008.
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Look at God.
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So what does Tom Brady, the guy who Bill Belicheat shoved out the door, think about this shocking development?
“They have their own thing going,” Brady told reporters after his Bucs beat the Falcons. “I’ve really been focused on how my play needs to be at quarterback, the execution I need. They’re not really an opponent of mine.”
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“Obviously I have a lot of friends there, a lot of great relationships, but they’ve been focused on what they need to do and I’ve been trying to focus on what my job is. [...] I wish everybody the best all the time. I don’t ever wish for anyone to not perform at their best.”
Translation: “HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!”
Who Balled Out
Kyler Murray went ape shit and Jalen Hurts became the first rookie quarterback in Eagles history to score four total TDs, but did you see what Derrick Henry did?! AGAIN?!
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Lord Jesus.
See y’all next week.


theroot--2020-12-21--Jamaal Bowman Wants to Reimagine the Democratic Party

Jamaal Bowman believes the Democratic Party needs a makeover .
That ’ s why he ’ s been so outspoken over former President Barack Obama ’ s anti-defund the police remarks .
Of course , he ’ s not dissing the first negro-in-chief .
Bowman just believes Obama isn ’ t a relevant voice who can speak to the millions of people who rose up this summer after the killing of George Floyd by police .
Bowman , who is set to be sworn into Congress on Jan. 3 , has been very vocal about Obama ’ s “ defund @ @ @ @ @ @ @ center-left to moderate approach won ’ t energize the party ’ s growth .
“ I don ’ t think Obama is the standard we should be striving towards , ” Bowman told The Root .
“ I think the Squad is more of a standard we should be striving towards because I think the Squad is more responsive to what ’ s happening today in our streets .
I think Obama represents a certain demographic of the Democratic Party , but the Democratic Party is a big and diverse tent .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of what ’ s happening right now in the party , on the ground , in the streets—particularly with parts of the community that we haven ’ t always engaged very well.
” But his critiques don ’ t end there .
The party is full of moderates who treat comparisons to socialism like a Breitbart report accusing them of wearing b lackface in college .
The country is bracing for a long recovery from COVID-19 with more than 318,000 dead ( and counting ) , and survivors are out of work and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Policies like providing rent relief , Medicare for all , defunding the police and ending America ’ s carceral state aren ’ t just slogans ; they are policy needs for America ’ s most oppressed people .
But Democrats can ’ t champion those views until they disentangle themselves from neoliberalism and fears of socialism .
Indeed , the party has a messaging problem , but , more to the point , Democrats need more timely and relevant messengers , as Bowman sees it .
“ The Democratic Party , historically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engaging moderate , middle-of-the-road , consistent voters .
We need to ask ourselves , ‘ Why aren ’ t certain parts of the community voting consistently , and what can we do better to engage them ?
’ That ’ s what we did in our race , ” Bowman said of his upset run against Rep. Eliot Engel , whom he ’ ll be replacing in the next Congress .
“ We engaged the historically disengaged .
We listened to them .
We learned from them and we created policy in alignment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where something like ‘ defund the police ’ comes from.
” He is outspoken because the party , he thinks , needs a massive makeover and the best way to do it is to simply acknowledge it .
Out loud .
But the course of the party must go beyond lawmaking and interrogate its philosophical outlook—starting with capitalism .
He believes much of the knee-jerk reactions from his colleagues over the lackluster House results come from allowing Republicans to misconstrue their words and weaponize them .
They have a media campaign around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and they put Democrats on the defensive .
“ Republicans have been masters of that , ” Bowman said .
“ For me , we have to ask ourselves ‘ Is this current system of capitalism working for the majority of American people ?
’ ” He doesn ’ t believe it is .
And if Democrats can admit that it is not working , they have to ask themselves why isn ’ t it working .
“ I believe our current system of capitalism is slavery by another name , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from physical chattel enslavement and physical racial segregation to a plantation economic system .
One that keeps the majority of Americans unemployed , or underemployed and struggling just to survive , while the power elite continues to concentrate wealth in the hands of a few , and allow large corporations to pretty much run the world as multinational corporations .
The pandemic has revealed it .
With almost 300,000 dead from the pandemic , disproportionately Black and brown , and Jeff Bezos is the first $ 200 billionaire .
In the next six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trillionaire .
That ’ s slavery by another name .
It ’ s a system that ’ s not working , so we need a new system.
” As Democrats enter into the new year with Joe Biden in the White House but fewer members in the House and a Georgia runoff that may or may not end in Democrats ’ favor , Bowman believes there is a lot of room for growth between left-leaning lawmakers and his moderate colleagues .
He ’ s very eager to work with the new incoming Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maloney .
Bowman said Maloney has centered racial and economic justice in his approach to reaching new voters and is very clear that dramatic response to the consistent killing of Black people by police is needed .
“ That ’ s a breath of fresh air , ” he said of Maloney .
Bowman , 44 , has never held elected office and is still learning the ropes of how to be a lawmaker .
Things that he ’ s getting comfortable with include protocols and rules in terms of how the House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the who ’ s who and of what .
Learning the difference between the speaker and the chairman , and the vice-chairman , the assistant speaker .
It ’ s just a lot of titles to get used to and navigate .
What ’ s the process of getting from an idea to a bill ?
Engaging colleagues to co-sponsor and support that bill .
As for working with his more moderate colleagues , Bowman doesn ’ t foresee any real clashes over issues such as defund the police and Medicare for all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to pass legislation they all , in principle , agree on .
For example , he says he ’ d like to see a greater decrease of federal funding that goes to local police departments , jails and prisons .
There needs to be further reversals of the 1994 crime bill in regards to mandatory minimums , truth-in-sentencing laws , ending life sentences and the federal death penalty .
“ This is not just about policing .
This is about the criminal justice system overall that needs to be completely transformed and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We need to look at more alternatives to incarceration , especially when we talk about people who are incarcerated right now because of drug offenses like marijuana and others .
So , a whole lot of work to do.
” A former school principal , Bowman sees himself more as a public servant than a politician , per se—one who is inspired by a grassroots approach that is centered on the belief that progress is pushed from the margins .
Ideologically , his mother inspires his thinking about politics and how the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bowman saw himself as “ Malcolm X-ite , ” as he calls it .
His mother instilled in him an appreciation of Black liberation and how the system of white supremacy oppresses and kills Black people .
Angela Davis and James Baldwin also helped frame his political outlook .
Besides the civil rights movement , Occupy Wall Street was critical to shaping his thinking ; Bernie Sanders ’ runs showed him that there is an energy for a new type of politics , and the BLM movement reinforced the thinking he had heard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ None of these outlooks need to be viewed as incompatible with his colleagues , no matter how much banter there is between the different ideological groups among Democrats .
One thing they all agree on is that Americans need to get $ 1,200 instead of $ 600 and that the incoming Biden administration will do a better job of managing this pandemic .
And for all of the differences about how to deal with policing , housing , economic inequality Democrats may express , none of them are beyond a compromise that can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outcomes .
But that starts with being honest about the state of the party , what got them in their current situation , and how they will become the powerhouse people of color , the working poor and other displaced Americans will feel compelled to join .
Creating a public discourse over how to get there is part of that process .
“ This ideological divide is healthy for the party because we have to have honest conversations about what ’ s happening in our individual districts , but also what ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ That ’ s the only way to strengthen our party and to make it formidable going into 2021 , 2022 and beyond .
”

Jamaal Bowman believes the Democratic Party needs a makeover. That’s why he’s been so outspoken over former President Barack Obama’s anti-defund the police remarks. Of course, he’s not dissing the first negro-in-chief. Bowman just believes Obama isn’t a relevant voice who can speak to the millions of people who rose up this summer after the killing of George Floyd by police. Bowman, who is set to be sworn into Congress on Jan. 3, has been very vocal about Obama’s “defund the police” comments and believes his center-left to moderate approach won’t energize the party’s growth.
“I don’t think Obama is the standard we should be striving towards,” Bowman told The Root. “I think the Squad is more of a standard we should be striving towards because I think the Squad is more responsive to what’s happening today in our streets. I think Obama represents a certain demographic of the Democratic Party, but the Democratic Party is a big and diverse tent. I think the Squad and myself represent more of what’s happening right now in the party, on the ground, in the streets—particularly with parts of the community that we haven’t always engaged very well.”
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But his critiques don’t end there.
The party is full of moderates who treat comparisons to socialism like a Breitbart report accusing them of wearing b lackface in college. The country is bracing for a long recovery from COVID-19 with more than 318,000 dead (and counting), and survivors are out of work and are enduring lifelong health complications from coronavirus. Policies like providing rent relief, Medicare for all, defunding the police and ending America’s carceral state aren’t just slogans; they are policy needs for America’s most oppressed people. But Democrats can’t champion those views until they disentangle themselves from neoliberalism and fears of socialism. Indeed, the party has a messaging problem, but, more to the point, Democrats need more timely and relevant messengers, as Bowman sees it.
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“The Democratic Party, historically, has done a good job of engaging moderate, middle-of-the-road, consistent voters. We need to ask ourselves, ‘Why aren’t certain parts of the community voting consistently, and what can we do better to engage them?’ That’s what we did in our race,” Bowman said of his upset run against Rep. Eliot Engel, whom he’ll be replacing in the next Congress. “We engaged the historically disengaged. We listened to them. We learned from them and we created policy in alignment with their needs. That’s where something like ‘defund the police’ comes from.”
He is outspoken because the party, he thinks, needs a massive makeover and the best way to do it is to simply acknowledge it. Out loud. But the course of the party must go beyond lawmaking and interrogate its philosophical outlook—starting with capitalism. He believes much of the knee-jerk reactions from his colleagues over the lackluster House results come from allowing Republicans to misconstrue their words and weaponize them. They have a media campaign around the weaponization of particular words or phrases, and they put Democrats on the defensive.
Advertisement
“Republicans have been masters of that,” Bowman said. “For me, we have to ask ourselves ‘Is this current system of capitalism working for the majority of American people?’”
He doesn’t believe it is.
And if Democrats can admit that it is not working, they have to ask themselves why isn’t it working.
Advertisement
“I believe our current system of capitalism is slavery by another name,” he said. “We’ve moved from physical chattel enslavement and physical racial segregation to a plantation economic system. One that keeps the majority of Americans unemployed, or underemployed and struggling just to survive, while the power elite continues to concentrate wealth in the hands of a few, and allow large corporations to pretty much run the world as multinational corporations. The pandemic has revealed it. With almost 300,000 dead from the pandemic, disproportionately Black and brown, and Jeff Bezos is the first $200 billionaire. In the next six years, he might become the first trillionaire. That’s slavery by another name. It’s a system that’s not working, so we need a new system.”
As Democrats enter into the new year with Joe Biden in the White House but fewer members in the House and a Georgia runoff that may or may not end in Democrats’ favor, Bowman believes there is a lot of room for growth between left-leaning lawmakers and his moderate colleagues. He’s very eager to work with the new incoming Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney. Bowman said Maloney has centered racial and economic justice in his approach to reaching new voters and is very clear that dramatic response to the consistent killing of Black people by police is needed.
Advertisement
“That’s a breath of fresh air,” he said of Maloney.
Bowman, 44, has never held elected office and is still learning the ropes of how to be a lawmaker. Things that he’s getting comfortable with include protocols and rules in terms of how the House floor runs. Then there’s the who’s who and of what. Learning the difference between the speaker and the chairman, and the vice-chairman , the assistant speaker. It’s just a lot of titles to get used to and navigate. What’s the process of getting from an idea to a bill? Engaging colleagues to co-sponsor and support that bill.
Advertisement
As for working with his more moderate colleagues, Bowman doesn’t foresee any real clashes over issues such as defund the police and Medicare for all because there are plenty of alignments between them to pass legislation they all, in principle, agree on. For example, he says he’d like to see a greater decrease of federal funding that goes to local police departments, jails and prisons. There needs to be further reversals of the 1994 crime bill in regards to mandatory minimums, truth-in-sentencing laws, ending life sentences and the federal death penalty.
“This is not just about policing. This is about the criminal justice system overall that needs to be completely transformed and completely upended,” he said. “We need to look at more alternatives to incarceration, especially when we talk about people who are incarcerated right now because of drug offenses like marijuana and others. So, a whole lot of work to do.”
Advertisement
A former school principal, Bowman sees himself more as a public servant than a politician, per se—one who is inspired by a grassroots approach that is centered on the belief that progress is pushed from the margins. Ideologically, his mother inspires his thinking about politics and how the world should function. Growing up, Bowman saw himself as “Malcolm X-ite,” as he calls it. His mother instilled in him an appreciation of Black liberation and how the system of white supremacy oppresses and kills Black people. Angela Davis and James Baldwin also helped frame his political outlook. Besides the civil rights movement, Occupy Wall Street was critical to shaping his thinking; Bernie Sanders’ runs showed him that there is an energy for a new type of politics, and the BLM movement reinforced the thinking he had heard and read about throughout his childhood.
None of these outlooks need to be viewed as incompatible with his colleagues, no matter how much banter there is between the different ideological groups among Democrats. One thing they all agree on is that Americans need to get $1,200 instead of $600 and that the incoming Biden administration will do a better job of managing this pandemic. And for all of the differences about how to deal with policing, housing, economic inequality Democrats may express, none of them are beyond a compromise that can achieve what he thinks should be progressive outcomes.
Advertisement
But that starts with being honest about the state of the party, what got them in their current situation, and how they will become the powerhouse people of color, the working poor and other displaced Americans will feel compelled to join. Creating a public discourse over how to get there is part of that process.
“This ideological divide is healthy for the party because we have to have honest conversations about what’s happening in our individual districts, but also what’s happening across the country,” Bowman said. “That’s the only way to strengthen our party and to make it formidable going into 2021, 2022 and beyond.”


theroot--2020-12-21--The Root Tapped to Buy NBC for #NegroSolstice

JUST IN : The Root is in final talks to acquire NBC in an unprecedented deal .
NBC , which stands for Niggas Be Cappin ’ , will officially merge into The Root ’ s mega-media conglomerate on Dec. 21 , 2020 at approximately 12 p.m. CPT , known as the Negro Solstice or Negro Soulstice .
“ I ’ m thrilled about this partnership to champion the most Blackity Black content on an expanded platform and to use our new superpowers to dominate airwaves , ” The Root Editor-in-Chief Danielle Belton said in a statement .
With the acquisition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chairmama and will oversee company operations as well as supervise the Charcuterie Board of Directors .
Belton also wants to make sure to alleviate any fears that this merger will incite The Man to overthrow The Root as the publication may become too powerful with this acquisition , thus a clear threat to the ruling media elite .
Along with digital media sites focusing on breaking news , politics , entertainment , culture , health , sports , education , food and spades , The Root is already diving headfirst into its new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ content for the first quarter : A Word for Wypipo : a nightly talk show focusing on the ridiculously racist letters The Root receives in their inbox on the daily .
Will air on NBC ’ s political channel , MSNBC ( My Superpower Niggas Be Cappin ’ ) .
This Be Us : an emotional drama following two Very Smart Brothas on their journey to become the next Key & Peele .
America ’ s Got Mediocre Talent : a competition reality show where various performers compete to present the best representation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead of the glossy version we ’ ve been taught to be proud of for many years .
Friday Night Live : a spinoff of comedy sketch show Saturday Night Live , because Friday night is when we just got paid .
The above titles will air on The Root ’ s broadcast network platforms as well as its new streaming service , NBC Plus Max .
The Root will also pivot to film production with the ultimate goal of creating a NCU ( Nigga Cinematic Universe ) , starting with the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iron Mayne .
The Root is repped by CAA ( Cookout Acceptance Association ) and Joan Carol Clayton , Esq .
brokered the deal .

JUST IN: The Root is in final talks to acquire NBC in an unprecedented deal.
NBC, which stands for Niggas Be Cappin’, will officially merge into The Root’s mega-media conglomerate on Dec. 21, 2020 at approximately 12 p.m. CPT, known as the Negro Solstice or Negro Soulstice.
“I’m thrilled about this partnership to champion the most Blackity Black content on an expanded platform and to use our new superpowers to dominate airwaves,” The Root Editor-in-Chief Danielle Belton said in a statement. With the acquisition, Belton has now been named Executive Chairmama and will oversee company operations as well as supervise the Charcuterie Board of Directors. Belton also wants to make sure to alleviate any fears that this merger will incite The Man to overthrow The Root as the publication may become too powerful with this acquisition, thus a clear threat to the ruling media elite.
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“We’re the captain now,” Belton added.
Along with digital media sites focusing on breaking news, politics, entertainment, culture, health, sports, education, food and spades, The Root is already diving headfirst into its new role with an exciting slate of television content for the first quarter:
A Word for Wypipo: a nightly talk show focusing on the ridiculously racist letters The Root receives in their inbox on the daily. Will air on NBC’s political channel, MSNBC (My Superpower Niggas Be Cappin’). This Be Us: an emotional drama following two Very Smart Brothas on their journey to become the next Key & Peele. America’s Got Mediocre Talent: a competition reality show where various performers compete to present the best representation of the real and true America, instead of the glossy version we’ve been taught to be proud of for many years. Friday Night Live: a spinoff of comedy sketch show Saturday Night Live, because Friday night is when we just got paid.
Advertisement Advertisement
The above titles will air on The Root’s broadcast network platforms as well as its new streaming service, NBC Plus Max. The Root will also pivot to film production with the ultimate goal of creating a NCU (Nigga Cinematic Universe), starting with the first film of an expected lengthy franchise: Iron Mayne.
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The Root is repped by CAA (Cookout Acceptance Association) and Joan Carol Clayton, Esq. brokered the deal.


theroot--2020-12-22--How to Get Away With Making Viola Davis 'Disappear': Ma Rainey's Hair and Makeup Leads Talk Transfor

How to Get Away With Making Viola Davis 'Disappear': Ma Rainey's Hair and Makeup Leads Talk Transformation

If you ’ ve yet to watch the Netflix-produced adaptation of August Wilson ’ s Ma Rainey ’ s Black Bottom , you are missing out on a moment in Black history—both long past and very recent .
While the title evokes one of the great blues singers of nearly a century ago , what is already being considered one of the play ’ s seminal interpretations showcases the almost otherworldly talents of several of the greatest actors of their respective generations : Viola Davis , Colman Domingo , and Glynn Turman among them—and at the center of it all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final performance onscreen .
While much can—and absolutely should—be said of Boseman ’ s emotional transformation into the talented but tortured trumpeter Levee , the equally dramatic transformation of Viola Davis into the real-life Ma Rainey has rightly sparked conversation of its own .
Fully committed to embodying the blues pioneer , Davis both gained weight and wore padding for the role , a choice she discussed in her August cover story for Vanity Fair , saying plainly : In an interview with Entertainment Weekly , co-star Colman Domingo referenced Davis ’ hair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grotesque , but it ’ s completely beautiful.
” As her longtime personal makeup artist ( and Shondaland veteran ) Sergio Lopez-Rivera explains , Davis ’ own beauty was obscured at the urging of the actress herself .
“ Anyone can tell you that working with Viola Davis is a dream , and that is the truth , ” Lopez-Rivera told The Glow Up via email .
“ As a true character actress , she leaves her vanity at home .
She is all in with the process of becoming her character .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of fact , it was Viola , sensing my hesitation at taking this makeup as far as it needed to go , who said to me : ‘ Sergio , just think of [ Bette Davis ] the movie Whatever Happened to Baby Jane ?
” As an old movie buff , it was a directive he could get behind .
But as Lopez-Rivera further explained , the makeup design for Ma Rainey was created with several specific objectives in mind : “ 1 ) Make Viola Davis ‘ disappear , ’ ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The gold teeth that Ma Rainey wore were absolutely essential in erasing Viola ’ s iconic smile .
2 ) Convey Ma ’ s efforts to conceal her lack of conventional beauty , and 3 ) Look like it was melting off her face , which would hopefully deliver the tragic look of a vanishing doll .
“ I needed to make this makeup ‘ emotional ’ and self-applied , which is why Coleman ’ s description is perfect : grotesque and beautiful , ” he added .
Turning one icon into another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lopez-Rivera found in Sandra Lieb ’ s biography Mother of the Blues : A Study of Ma Rainey , another Davis recommendation .
“ I had much to learn about the beauty industry in that time , and what was and was available for women of color , which was very little , ” he said .
“ While the cosmetic industry was thriving , almost no product catered to women of color.
” Recreating Rainey ’ s grease-painted look in this century , Lopez-Rivera had ample options , shouting out Iman , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the game ” in providing shades suited for Black skin .
“ All the products I used on Viola/Ma are products that you may find at Sephora or department stores today , but I played with the application to give the makeup a ‘ jittery ’ DIY feeling , ” he explained .
His “ star items ” ?
The Black female-owned Danessa Myricks ’ Colorfix cream eyeshadows and glaze he used “ to create the ‘ melting tar ’ quality of [ Ma Rainey ’ s ] eye makeup , ” while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helped him “ create almost microscopic eyebrow hair and stubble dots around Ma ’ s drawn-in eyebrows.
” To create the “ ‘ doll-like ’ rosy cheeks ” and the appearance of hyperpigmentation , he relied on a Broadway and Hollywood staple , a cream color wheel by Ben Nye .
However , the real magic was in the application , noted Lopez-Rivera .
“ I decided to put away my makeup brushes and use only my fingers .
The result is bleary and melting , which served the character of Ma Rainey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this makeup ‘ emotional , ’ because there ’ s a tragic element to the application that is a reflection of the efforts the Ma had to make in order to feel seen and respected , ” he explained .
“ The makeup helps the audience connect to her vulnerability—at least , that ’ s my hope.
” Working closely with Lopez-Rivera was Makeup Department Head Matiki Anoff ( Fences , Spider-Man : Far From Home , The Wiz Live ! )
, who faced the monumental task of not only cohesively rendering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , and the band , but the entire cast of the production as envisioned by award-winning director George C. Wolfe and costume designer Ann Roth .
“ In terms of my research , I felt our goal was to successfully recreate 1927 Chicago , prioritizing the disparity of class and race without those factors weighing heavily or overly impressing the fabric of the scenes , ” explained Anoff in her email to The Glow Up .
“ [ Wolfe and Roth ’ s ] collective visions were more about the emotions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to , and how they held their space on celluloid .
They also wanted to create an atmosphere filled with authenticity , grit , and sweat .
“ The biggest factor I would say is that Ma Rainey had to out-sweat everybody , ” said Anoff .
“ George and Ann both wanted everyone sweating , so that was really the challenge , to balance everybody with their degrees of sweat—with the exception of Dussie , who connived how she was going to improve her life .
She ’ s really the only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The proprietors [ of ] the establishment are sweating because they can ’ t get Ma to behave .
The band is sweating because they ’ re playing or fighting .
[ Ma ’ s nephew ] Sylvester ’ s sweating because he has a stammer , but Ma out-sweated them all , ” she added .
Another set of details to consider ?
“ De-modernizing the talent ... People were cast for their talent , especially the dancers , so we didn ’ t know who was going to come in , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Anoff continued , listing piercings , microbladed brows , tattoos , and gel and acrylic nails among the challenges she and Key Makeup Artist Carl Fullerton ( co-producer Denzel Washington ’ s personal artist ) encountered , along with a team of 20 makeup artists led by Background Makeup Supervisor Debi Young ( Watchmen , Queen Sugar , True Detective ) .
“ You can ’ t make a period film without that kind of personnel , ” said Anoff , later adding , “ You are nothing without your team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as your team , and my team came to play and they played hard ...
They are phenomenal .
We finish each other ’ s sentences , and that makes for a great behind the scenes crew .
That ’ s how we achieved everything so successfully , and I ’ m eternally grateful to them.
” “ Every single person is a principal in a period piece , ” Anoff explained , noting nuances like distinguishing the makeup of the country cast , which she described as “ a lot more stripped-down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access at the time , ” from that of “ the city ladies , ” who were made to look “ more glamorous and fair-skinned.
” Drama Desk Award-winning Hair Department Head Mia Neal ( The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks , Top Five ; Broadway ’ s Shuffle Along and A Raisin in the Sun ) made similar distinctions while building approximately 100 wigs with Key Hair Stylist Leah Loukas and an intentionally tiny team ( to preserve continuity in styling ) .
“ We had country girls who were laborers with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of them in roller sets , ” said Neal .
“ When we see city girls , they ’ re a lot more polished .
You see that in their complete aesthetic ...
There ’ s a drastic difference in what they had access to , and you see that in their hair.
” The process , incredibly accomplished within two-and-a-half weeks , included giving texture to stock wigs of European hair by perming them with stirring straws , before cutting and styling them into a variety of 1920s styles and silhouettes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ two wigs to conceal a dancer ’ s long dreadlocks .
Concurrently , set barber Tywan Williams ( Power , BlacKkKlansman , She ’ s Got ta Have It ) completed all 400 men ’ s haircuts aside from the main band by himself , often during cast fittings .
“ He stayed at the fittings because it was so specific , ” Neal explained .
“ It was important that he was present at the costume fittings to make sure we could make that person ’ s hair into 1927.
” To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Neal , in collaboration with Ann Roth , relied on materials and techniques authentic to both the period and the woman herself .
“ We stuck to the photos and research of her , and the descriptions people gave of her , ” said Neal .
“ This is a woman who was larger than life , a queer woman in 1927 .
There ’ s something about her that ’ s going to stand out , regardless .
It ’ s about trying to be authentic to the descriptions we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an outstanding job with making all of these elements around her real.
” Those elements included wearing a “ show ” wig made of horsehair ( as Rainey typically wore ) as well as a second personal wig made of European hair , more reflective of Ma ’ s own wealth and finery .
“ She ’ s going to have the furs , the jewelry , the gold teeth , the ring , and a pretty young thing on her arm .
And , she ’ s going to have the waves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have in the magazines , so that wig helps with the persona of her stature in society , ” Neal noted .
With the horsehair , however , came a swift learning curve ; Neal explained that she “ figured out through the process why Ma Rainey wore a horsehair wig—horsehair has memory , like a synthetic wig .
Once you set it , you don ’ t have to reset it , and it keeps its shape .
With her being on the road , she needed a wig that would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not all salons would service people of color , so this was Ma ’ s best option.
” In lieu of the heavy grease and pomades of the era , Neal relied on hair gel and oils to give Ma ’ s wigs more control on set .
But what she couldn ’ t have anticipated was that the horsehair , sourced from Etsy , would arrive covered in manure and lice , making for a tedious wig building process .
“ I had to boil it several times to wash that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adding , “ It also was nothing like human hair—it was more like a wire brush ... the strands were so thick that only one would fit through the lace at a time , so the entire wig was single-strand.
” If those imperceptible details added untold depth to the 94 minutes of richly rendered cinema that was Ma Rainey ’ s Black Bottom , so too did the predominantly Black hair and makeup department responsible for helping to bring its vision to life .
While Wilson ’ s play is a work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as some have mistakenly presumed ) , some of the very real issues it grapples with are representation and creative control—specifically , whether Black talent is valued equally on and off-screen .
While Anoff and Neal credit Roth , Wolfe , and producers Washington and Todd Black ( along with Dany Wolf and Executive Producer Constanza Romero ) with giving them each the opportunity to helm their respective departments , Neal says it ’ s Netflix that has “ single-handedly changed the game.
” “ I don ’ t know if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they did it , ” she said .
“ The way that film has always gone , everything has to go through a studio for approval ... so they have these strict boundaries , which have been made by people who don ’ t look like us .
As a result of that , a lot of times these stories are being told with so many filters that it ’ s not us anymore .
“ Netflix is really the first platform that ’ s recognized and respected the fact that we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the resources that we need to create , ” she continued .
“ We ’ re able to tell meaningful stories.
” “ Netflix is showing that people of all colors like Black stories , so long as it ’ s a good story , ” said Anoff , before adding , “ This was a labor of love .
”

Maiysha Kai on The Glow Up, shared by Maiysha Kai to The Root

If you’ve yet to watch the Netflix-produced adaptation of August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, you are missing out on a moment in Black history—both long past and very recent. While the title evokes one of the great blues singers of nearly a century ago, what is already being considered one of the play’s seminal interpretations showcases the almost otherworldly talents of several of the greatest actors of their respective generations: Viola Davis, Colman Domingo, and Glynn Turman among them—and at the center of it all, Chadwick Boseman, electric in his final performance onscreen.
Advertisement
While much can—and absolutely should—be said of Boseman’s emotional transformation into the talented but tortured trumpeter Levee, the equally dramatic transformation of Viola Davis into the real-life Ma Rainey has rightly sparked conversation of its own. Fully committed to embodying the blues pioneer, Davis both gained weight and wore padding for the role, a choice she discussed in her August cover story for Vanity Fair, saying plainly:
“She was 300 pounds. In Hollywood, that’s a lot….Everybody wants to be pretty, so they’ll say, Ooh, I don’t want to be 300 pounds, can we just ignore that? In my opinion—no. If they say she’s 300 pounds, you have to be 300 pounds, or else you’re not honoring her.”
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In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, co-star Colman Domingo referenced Davis’ hair and makeup as “at times...grotesque, but it’s completely beautiful.” As her longtime personal makeup artist (and Shondaland veteran) Sergio Lopez-Rivera explains, Davis’ own beauty was obscured at the urging of the actress herself.
“Anyone can tell you that working with Viola Davis is a dream, and that is the truth,” Lopez-Rivera told The Glow Up via email. “As a true character actress, she leaves her vanity at home. She is all in with the process of becoming her character. She is fearless. As a matter of fact, it was Viola, sensing my hesitation at taking this makeup as far as it needed to go, who said to me: ‘Sergio, just think of [Bette Davis] the movie Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?”
Advertisement
As an old movie buff, it was a directive he could get behind. But as Lopez-Rivera further explained, the makeup design for Ma Rainey was created with several specific objectives in mind: “1) Make Viola Davis ‘disappear,’” he said, noting that: “The gold teeth that Ma Rainey wore were absolutely essential in erasing Viola’s iconic smile. 2) Convey Ma’s efforts to conceal her lack of conventional beauty, and 3) Look like it was melting off her face, which would hopefully deliver the tragic look of a vanishing doll.
Advertisement
“I needed to make this makeup ‘emotional’ and self-applied, which is why Coleman’s description is perfect: grotesque and beautiful,” he added.
Turning one icon into another of course involved extensive research, which Lopez-Rivera found in Sandra Lieb’s biography Mother of the Blues: A Study of Ma Rainey, another Davis recommendation.
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“I had much to learn about the beauty industry in that time, and what was and was available for women of color, which was very little,” he said. “While the cosmetic industry was thriving, almost no product catered to women of color.”
Recreating Rainey’s grease-painted look in this century, Lopez-Rivera had ample options, shouting out Iman, MAC and Pat McGrath for “changing the game” in providing shades suited for Black skin. “All the products I used on Viola/Ma are products that you may find at Sephora or department stores today, but I played with the application to give the makeup a ‘jittery’ DIY feeling,” he explained. His “star items” included Black female-owned Danessa Myricks’ Colorfix cream eyeshadows and glaze he used “to create the ‘melting tar’ quality of [Ma Rainey’s] eye makeup,” while Blinc’s ultra-thin liquid eyeliner pen helped him “create almost microscopic eyebrow hair and stubble dots around Ma’s drawn-in eyebrows.” To create the “‘doll-like’ rosy cheeks” and the appearance of hyperpigmentation, he relied on a Broadway and Hollywood staple, a cream color wheel by Ben Nye.
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However, the real magic was in the application, noted Lopez-Rivera. “I decided to put away my makeup brushes and use only my fingers. The result is bleary and melting, which served the character of Ma Rainey beautifully...That is why I call this makeup ‘emotional,’ because there’s a tragic element to the application that is a reflection of the efforts the Ma had to make in order to feel seen and respected,” he explained. “The makeup helps the audience connect to her vulnerability—at least, that’s my hope.”
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Working closely with Lopez-Rivera was Makeup Department Head Matiki Anoff (Fences, Spider-Man: Far From Home, The Wiz Live!), who faced the monumental task of not only cohesively rendering Ma, Dussie Mae (Taylour Paige), and the band, but the entire cast of the production as envisioned by award-winning director George C. Wolfe and costume designer Ann Roth.
“In terms of my research, I felt our goal was to successfully recreate 1927 Chicago, prioritizing the disparity of class and race without those factors weighing heavily or overly impressing the fabric of the scenes,” explained Anoff in her email to The Glow Up. “[Wolfe and Roth’s] collective visions were more about the emotions of each character, what they were up to, and how they held their space on celluloid. They also wanted to create an atmosphere filled with authenticity, grit, and sweat.
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“The biggest factor I would say is that Ma Rainey had to out-sweat everybody,” said Anoff. “George and Ann both wanted everyone sweating, so that was really the challenge, to balance everybody with their degrees of sweat—with the exception of Dussie, who connived how she was going to improve her life. She’s really the only character who doesn’t sweat. The proprietors [of ] the establishment are sweating because they can’t get Ma to behave. The band is sweating because they’re playing or fighting. [Ma’s nephew] Sylvester’s sweating because he has a stammer, but Ma out-sweated them all,” she added.
Another set of details to consider? “De-modernizing the talent...People were cast for their talent, especially the dancers, so we didn’t know who was going to come in, and had to be prepared for anything,” Anoff continued, listing piercings, microbladed brows, tattoos, and gel and acrylic nails among the challenges she and Key Makeup Artist Carl Fullerton (co-producer Denzel Washington’s personal artist) encountered, along with a team of 20 makeup artists led by Background Makeup Supervisor Debi Young (Watchmen, Queen Sugar, True Detective).
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“You can’t make a period film without that kind of personnel,” said Anoff, later adding, “You are nothing without your team, and you are only as good as your team, and my team came to play and they played hard...They are phenomenal. We finish each other’s sentences, and that makes for a great behind the scenes crew. That’s how we achieved everything so successfully, and I’m eternally grateful to them.”
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“Every single person is a principal in a period piece,” Anoff explained, noting nuances like distinguishing the makeup of the country cast, which she described as “a lot more stripped-down, just due to a lack of access at the time,” from that of “the city ladies,” who were made to look “more glamorous and fair-skinned.”
Drama Desk Award-winning Hair Department Head Mia Neal (The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Top Five; Broadway’s Shuffle Along and A Raisin in the Sun) made similar distinctions while building approximately 100 wigs with Key Hair Stylist Leah Loukas and an intentionally tiny team (to preserve continuity in styling). “We had country girls who were laborers with more textured and processed hair, some of them in roller sets,” said Neal. “When we see city girls, they’re a lot more polished. You see that in their complete aesthetic...There’s a drastic difference in what they had access to, and you see that in their hair.”
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The process, incredibly accomplished within two-and-a-half weeks, included giving texture to stock wigs of European hair by perming them with stirring straws, before cutting and styling them into a variety of 1920s styles and silhouettes. Others were hand-built—including one which required combining two wigs to conceal a dancer’s long dreadlocks. Concurrently, set barber Tywan Williams (Power, BlacKkKlansman, She’s Gotta Have It) completed all 400 men’s haircuts aside from the main band by himself, often during cast fittings.
“He stayed at the fittings because it was so specific,” Neal explained. “It was important that he was present at the costume fittings to make sure we could make that person’s hair into 1927.”
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To coif Davis’ transformation into Ma Rainey, Neal, in collaboration with Ann Roth, relied on materials and techniques authentic to both the period and the woman herself.
“We stuck to the photos and research of her, and the descriptions people gave of her,” said Neal. “This is a woman who was larger than life, a queer woman in 1927. There’s something about her that’s going to stand out, regardless. It’s about trying to be authentic to the descriptions we have about Ma Rainey, and Viola did an outstanding job with making all of these elements around her real.”
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Those elements included wearing a “show” wig made of horsehair (as Rainey typically wore) as well as a second personal wig made of European hair, more reflective of Ma’s own wealth and finery. “She’s going to have the furs, the jewelry, the gold teeth, the ring, and a pretty young thing on her arm. And, she’s going to have the waves in her hair like the white women have in the magazines, so that wig helps with the persona of her stature in society,” Neal noted.
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With the horsehair, however, came a swift learning curve; Neal explained that she “figured out through the process why Ma Rainey wore a horsehair wig—horsehair has memory, like a synthetic wig. Once you set it, you don’t have to reset it, and it keeps its shape. With her being on the road, she needed a wig that would be ready for showtime. At that time, not all salons would service people of color, so this was Ma’s best option.”
In lieu of the heavy grease and pomades of the era, Neal relied on hair gel and oils to give Ma’s wigs more control on set. But what she couldn’t have anticipated was that the horsehair, sourced from Etsy, would arrive covered in manure and lice, making for a tedious wig building process. “I had to boil it several times to wash that out,” she cringingly shared, adding, “It also was nothing like human hair—it was more like a wire brush...the strands were so thick that only one would fit through the lace at a time, so the entire wig was single-strand.”
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If those imperceptible details added untold depth to the 94 minutes of richly rendered cinema that was Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, so too did the predominantly Black hair and makeup department responsible for helping to bring its vision to life. While Wilson’s play is a work of fiction (not a Rainey biopic, as some have mistakenly presumed), some of the very real issues it grapples with are representation and creative control—specifically, whether Black talent is valued equally on and off-screen. While Anoff and Neal credit Roth, Wolfe, and producers Washington and Todd Black (along with Dany Wolf and Executive Producer Constanza Romero) with giving them each the opportunity to helm their respective departments, Neal says it’s Netflix that has “single-handedly changed the game.”
“I don’t know if they set out to do it, but they did it,” she said. “The way that film has always gone, everything has to go through a studio for approval...so they have these strict boundaries, which have been made by people who don’t look like us. As a result of that, a lot of times these stories are being told with so many filters that it’s not us anymore.
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“Netflix is really the first platform that’s recognized and respected the fact that we’re all artists, and gives us the resources that we need to create,” she continued. “We’re able to tell meaningful stories.”
“Netflix is showing that people of all colors like Black stories, so long as it’s a good story,” said Anoff, before adding, “This was a labor of love.”


theroot--2020-12-22--You Have Two Days Left to Grab 20% off Qualifying Items at Ulta

This is one of those deals that are really great but take a bit of patience and finagling .
Until December 24 take 20 % off qualifying items with the code 851679 .
So I say this is difficult because so many brands are currently on sale or have pretty good deals running .
But after playing around there are still quite a few items that this code will work with .
A great option is Pixi ’ s Purifying Trio Kit .
It looks like most Pixi products will vibe with the discount code .
This trio is all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible .
In three easy steps cleanse , exfoliat e , and purify .
Have a wintery shimmer and hydrated skin for the rest of the season with travel-friendly sizes of the Glow Mud Cleanser , Glow Tonic , and T-Zone Peel-Off Mask .
Post-holiday stress or even just general 2020 stress calls for a moment of self-care and a bath bomb can certainly help you take a pause .
I ’ ve had a few of these from da Bomb and this one is hands down my favorite .
It fizzes like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and leaves your skin silky smooth .
Oh , and you get a prize once it fully dissolves .
There are thirty-two bombs to pick from so definitely something for everyone , even kids .
Free shipping on all orders over $ 35 .

Sheilah Villari on Kinja Deals, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Free Shipping (No Minimum) | Ulta Beauty | Use Code 939905
This is one of those deals that’s really great but takes a bit of patience and finagling. Until March 6, take $3.50 off qualifying items with the code 939905. So I say this is difficult because so many brands are currently on sale or have pretty good discounts currently running. But after playing around, there are still quite a few items that this code will work with. You have to spend a minimum of $15. If you find something you love, grab it today because there’s free shipping with no minimum required.
A great option is Pixi’s Purifying Trio Kit. It looks like most Pixi products will vibe with the code. This trio is all about keeping your face as glowing as possible. In three easy steps, cleanse, exfoliate, and purify. Have a wintery shimmer and hydrated skin for the rest of the season with travel-friendly sizes of the Glow Mud Cleanser, Glow Tonic, and T-Zone Peel-Off Mask.
2020 part deux stress is rolling on and calling for a moment of self-care; a bath bomb can certainly help you take a pause. I’ve had a few of these from da Bomb, and this one is hands down my favorite. It fizzes like fluffy pink cotton candy, smells awesome, and leaves your skin silky smooth. Oh, and you get a prize once it fully dissolves. There are thirty-two bombs to pick from, so definitely something for everyone, even kids.
Animal Crossing’s makeup from ColourPop just landed recently at Ulta. There are still a few things left, like the 5 Star Island palette. This my favorite of the bunch and is my go-to from the original launch. It’s a 4-pan palette with rich hues of pink. You can actually use the semi-metallic yellow as a base and then blend a very vibrant peachy pink matte. You also get a uber sparkly and lush glitter pink and a hot pink matte sparkle too. There are a lot of girly and bold looks to be had here. Kind of an 80s aesthetic.


theroot--2020-12-23--12 Christmas Songs Where the 'Soul' Cover Is the Superior Version

When it comes to holiday classics and their covers , any song sung by Whitney Houston , Ella Fitzgerald , @ @ @ @ @ Legend is going to be an improvement on the original .
With these tried and @ @ @ @ @ take holiday song traditions—remixing and redoing them—and create new classics out of something old and @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Northern Soul or putting the funk in a holiday function , Black artists @ @ @ @ @ standards and making new soulful traditions .
From The Temptations to the Jackson 5 , @ @ @ @ @ and R & B influence in each rendition that no matter how many times you @ @ @ @ @ re always going to find something to love .
You can bump the “ classics @ @ @ @ @ like , but it ’ s undeniable that these 12 recreations blow them out of @ @ @

When it comes to holiday classics and their covers, any song sung by Whitney Houston, Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder, or John Legend is going to be an improvement on the original. With these tried and true standards, black artists take holiday song traditions—remixing and redoing them—and create new classics out of something old and staid.
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Whether through Motown’s Northern Soul or putting the funk in a holiday function, Black artists are known for taking these standards and making new soulful traditions. From The Temptations to the Jackson 5, there is so much jazz and R&B influence in each rendition that no matter how many times you listen to them you’re always going to find something to love. You can bump the “classics” as much as you like, but it’s undeniable that these 12 recreations blow them out of the water.


theroot--2020-12-23--New Jersey Attorney General to Begin Implementing Extensive Overhaul of Police Use-of-Force Policies

New Jersey is set to implement the first overhaul to its police use-offorce policy in over 20 years .
According to NJ , the new policy will ban cops from using force to accelerate an arrest , require cops to report any use of force incidents to an online portal within 24 hours , and prevent the use of police dogs on people who are only resisting arrest among other changes .
The new policies are all a part of New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal ’ s Excellence in Policing initiative .
Grewal has said the new policies are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ human life.
” The attorney general ’ s office in New Jersey is unique in that it holds direct oversight of all the state ’ s law enforcement officers ; from beat cops all the way up to county prosecutors .
Grewal is also one of seven state attorneys general who is appointed rather than elected , so he ’ s free of the politics that comes with making these decisions .
Grewal announced last year that the use-of-force policy would be rewritten and consulted with law enforcement , civil rights groups , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While the effort was underway prior to the death of George Floyd , officials told NJ that the public outcry that followed accelerated the process .
The new rules label “ prolonged sitting , kneeling or standing on a person ’ s chest , back , or neck ” as “ deadly force.
” After a person is put into police custody they are now required to “ immediately be put in an upright position.
” The rules also mandate that officers give medical assistance in the event a person is injured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use force , they must vocally warn the potential victim and give them “ a reasonable opportunity ” to respond .
New Jersey Gov .
Phil Murphy praised the new policies , calling them “ another major step toward addressing the gap in trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve , ” in a statement .
I really don ’ t understand why these kinds of overhauls aren ’ t happening across all 50 states .
Well , OK , I know why but it ’ s still odd because these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve been doing in the first place .
While Black people are disproportionately the victims of police violence , it ’ s not like white folks haven ’ t also been brutalized by the police .
You would think basic self-interest would lead to widespread support for overhauls such as this one , but I guess some folks would just prefer to lick a boot .
While the new policies don ’ t go into full effect until Dec. 31 , 2021 , some of the changes have already taken place .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are utilizing the use of force portal as of Oct. 1 , adding that it should be partially accessible to the public early next year .
The portal will allow departments to track all instances of use of force and monitor for any officers who are more prone to using force than others .
Officers in the state have until the end of next year to complete a two-day training program that goes over the new policies .

New Jersey is set to implement the first overhaul to its police use-offorce policy in over 20 years.
According to NJ, the new policy will ban cops from using force to accelerate an arrest, require cops to report any use of force incidents to an online portal within 24 hours, and prevent the use of police dogs on people who are only resisting arrest among other changes. The new policies are all a part of New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal’s Excellence in Policing initiative. Grewal has said the new policies are designed to protect “the sanctity of human life.”
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The attorney general’s office in New Jersey is unique in that it holds direct oversight of all the state’s law enforcement officers; from beat cops all the way up to county prosecutors. Grewal is also one of seven state attorneys general who is appointed rather than elected, so he’s free of the politics that comes with making these decisions. Grewal announced last year that the use-of-force policy would be rewritten and consulted with law enforcement, civil rights groups, and the public when drafting the policies. While the effort was underway prior to the death of George Floyd, officials told NJ that the public outcry that followed accelerated the process.
The new rules label “prolonged sitting, kneeling or standing on a person’s chest, back, or neck” as “deadly force.” After a person is put into police custody they are now required to “immediately be put in an upright position.” The rules also mandate that officers give medical assistance in the event a person is injured. Should an officer be about to use force, they must vocally warn the potential victim and give them “a reasonable opportunity” to respond.
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New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy praised the new policies, calling them “another major step toward addressing the gap in trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve,” in a statement.
I really don’t understand why these kinds of overhauls aren’t happening across all 50 states. Well, OK, I know why but it’s still odd because these changes just seem like what cops should’ve been doing in the first place. While Black people are disproportionately the victims of police violence, it’s not like white folks haven’t also been brutalized by the police. You would think basic self-interest would lead to widespread support for overhauls such as this one, but I guess some folks would just prefer to lick a boot.
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Couldn’t be me.
While the new policies don’t go into full effect until Dec. 31, 2021, some of the changes have already taken place. Grewal said that over 500 police departments are utilizing the use of force portal as of Oct. 1, adding that it should be partially accessible to the public early next year. The portal will allow departments to track all instances of use of force and monitor for any officers who are more prone to using force than others.
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Officers in the state have until the end of next year to complete a two-day training program that goes over the new policies.


theroot--2020-12-23--Pon De Re-Plate: Rihanna’s Coming Out With a Cookbook Instead of an Album Soon, and No I’m Not Cryin

Pon De Re-Plate: Rihanna’s Coming Out With a Cookbook Instead of an Album Soon, and No I’m Not Crying About It, You Are

Look .
Because I don ’ t want Rih to cuss me out if she happens upon this article , let me first start by saying how overjoyed I am to learn that my favorite bad gal is coming out with a cookbook .
Speaking with British magazine Closer , the “ Love On the Brain ” artist divulged that she was inspired because of all the time spent in the kitchen over the quarantine and that she is , indeed , working on a cookbook .
She went on to express how much she “ loves food from her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fresh fish , ” but still indulges in some comfort food like “ mac n ’ cheese , Shepherd ’ s pie , and rum punch.
” ( Who doesn ’ t love rum punch and mac n ’ cheese , though ?
Maybe not consumed at the same time but separately ?
They both slap . )
Rihanna also noted that the forthcoming cookbook will be filled with some of her favorite Caribbean recipes that remind her of home .
As far as the new album , Rih made it very clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always working ” on her music .
But she didn ’ t give any more details other than that ( if you can even call that a detail.That ’ s not a detail , that ’ s like a “ ask me again about this damn album .
Go ahead , ask me.
” ) But you know ?
Between you and me , I think I ’ m just going to stop expecting things from Rihanna .
And when I say “ things , ” I mean musical things .
We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from her since ANTI dropped : Fenty Beauty , Fenty Skin , Fenty luxury fashion , Savage x Fenty .
And while I ’ m glad to see the Fenty empire continue to expand , I ’ d be lying if I said my ears weren ’ t ready for some new sounds .
But as we all well know by now , Rihanna gon ’ do what Rihanna wants to do .
And we ’ d just be wasting our breath in trying to convince her to do otherwise .
I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she ’ ll call this cookbook .
Fenty Cooking ?
Recipes by Rih ?
Good Girl Gone Cooking ?
Must Be Caribbean Cuisine on the Brain ?
Ehh , that last one ’ s iffy .
Knowing Rih , I ’ m sure she ’ ll think of something .
Meanwhile , I ’ ll try to work my new supernatural powers to teleport me into her kitchen so we can have a heart to heart about this album .

Shanelle Genai on The Grapevine, shared by Shanelle Genai to The Root

Look. Because I don’t want Rih to cuss me out if she happens upon this article, let me first start by saying how overjoyed I am to learn that my favorite bad gal is coming out with a cookbook.
Speaking with British magazine Closer, the “Love On the Brain” artist divulged that she was inspired because of all the time spent in the kitchen over the quarantine and that she is, indeed, working on a cookbook. She went on to express how much she “loves food from her Barbadian roots and eats a lot of fresh fish,” but still indulges in some comfort food like “mac n’ cheese, Shepherd’s pie, and rum punch.” (Who doesn’t love rum punch and mac n’ cheese, though? Maybe not consumed at the same time but separately? They both slap.) Rihanna also noted that the forthcoming cookbook will be filled with some of her favorite Caribbean recipes that remind her of home.
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As far as the new album, Rih made it very clear to the magazine that she is “always working” on her music. But she didn’t give any more details other than that (if you can even call that a detail.That’s not a detail, that’s like a “ask me again about this damn album. Go ahead, ask me.”) But you know? Between you and me, I think I’m just going to stop expecting things from Rihanna. And when I say “things,” I mean musical things. We’ve gotten everything we never asked for from her since ANTI dropped: Fenty Beauty, Fenty Skin, Fenty luxury fashion, Savage x Fenty. And while I’m glad to see the Fenty empire continue to expand, I’d be lying if I said my ears weren’t ready for some new sounds. But as we all well know by now, Rihanna gon’ do what Rihanna wants to do. And we’d just be wasting our breath in trying to convince her to do otherwise.
I am curious, though, as to what she’ll call this cookbook. Fenty Cooking? Recipes by Rih? Good Girl Gone Cooking? Must Be Caribbean Cuisine on the Brain? Ehh, that last one’s iffy. Knowing Rih, I’m sure she’ll think of something. Meanwhile, I’ll try to work my new supernatural powers to teleport me into her kitchen so we can have a heart to heart about this album.
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(Please don’t kick me out, Rih. I come in peace.)


theroot--2020-12-22--Touch Your Elf With This Stocking Stuffer Bundle From Ella Paradis

Whether you 're celebrating with your loved ones in person or from a distance , The Inventory staff is dedicated to spreading holiday cheer with the top gifts to ring in the season—and maybe a few good deals to snatch up for yourself .
It 's okay , your secret 's safe with us .
Ella Paradis has the perfect little bundle for a few extra Christmas goodies .
This Stocking Stuffer Bundle has just the right amount of whimsy and function for a truly jolly holiday .
In this set , you get two Better Love vibes .
E @ @ @ @ @ @ @ button and has ten vibration modes .
They ’ re made of safe silicone and one has a cute little bunny ear sleeve and the other a removable reindeer sleeve .
These vibes are powered by LR44 b atteries which they say aren ’ t included but mine have always come with them .
( Y es , I said that . )
You ’ re also getting a travel-friendly lubricant in an adorable f ruit-shaped container in a grape scent .
There ’ s also some lady lube from Pjur .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for sensitive skin .
Everything in this bundle will make a wonderful yuletide just be sure the right presents are w rapped .
This item will ship for free .

Stocking Stuffer Bundle | $35 | Ella Paradis
Ella Paradis has the perfect little bundle for a few extra Christmas goodies. This Stocking Stuffer Bundle has just the right amount of whimsy and function for a truly jolly holiday.
In this set, you get two Better Love vibes. E ach is easy to use with one button and has ten vibration modes. They’re made of safe silicone and one has a cute little bunny ear sleeve and the other a removable reindeer sleeve. These vibes are powered by LR44 b atteries which they say aren’t included but mine have always come with them. (Y es, I said that.) You’re also getting a travel-friendly lubricant in an adorable f ruit-shaped container in a grape scent . There’s also some lady lube from Pjur. The Nude Lube is water-based and specially developed for sensitive skin. Everything in this bundle will make a wonderful yuletide just be sure the right presents are w rapped.
This item will ship for free.