Talk Dat Talk | Your Black Celebrity Gossip, Culture News & Trending Tea

Tag: Lionel Richie

  • NYT Explains Beyoncé’s Songwriter List Snub

    The New York Times recently released its highly anticipated list of ‘The 30 Greatest Living American Songwriters,’ and the absence of one particular music titan has sparked quite a debate: Beyoncé. While the list features an impressive array of talent, fans and critics alike are questioning why Queen Bey didn’t make the cut. The Times’ own critics have stepped in to explain their reasoning.

    Who Made The Cut?

    The unranked list, curated by The Times’ critics and informed by input from over 250 music industry insiders, includes legendary names. You’ll find artists like Stevie Wonder, JAY-Z, Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton, Mariah Carey, Kendrick Lamar, and Bruce Springsteen. Other notable inclusions range from Missy Elliott and Outkast to Bad Bunny and Lana Del Rey, showcasing a broad spectrum of genres and eras.

    The process involved sending out hundreds of ballots to music professionals, who then voted for their favorites. The Times’ critics then used their own judgment to narrow down the selections to the final 30. It was a challenging task, described as both the ‘greatest’ and ‘worst’ assignment by one of the podcast hosts.

    The Beyoncé Factor: Curator, Producer, Performer

    So, why was Beyoncé, an artist celebrated for her musical genius, left off a list of great songwriters? According to the critics involved, the distinction lies in her primary role within the music-making process. They view her not primarily as a songwriter in the traditional sense, but rather as a masterful ‘curator, executive producer, and performer.’

    This perspective suggests that while Beyoncé is deeply involved in shaping her music, her strength is seen in her ability to bring together collaborators, guide the overall vision of her projects, and deliver unforgettable performances. The critics’ explanation emphasizes a specific definition of ‘songwriter’ for this particular list.

    Defending the List’s Curation

    During a discussion on The Times’ podcast, ‘Cannonball With Wesley Morris,’ critics Jon Caramanica, Joe Coscarelli, and deputy editor Sasha Weiss delved deeper into their choices. They acknowledged the difficulty of leaving off such influential figures and defended the criteria used to select the final 30. The conversation highlighted the nuances and subjective nature of ranking artistic contributions.

    While Beyoncé’s exclusion from this specific ‘songwriter’ list has raised eyebrows, it doesn’t diminish her immense impact on the music industry. Her artistry extends far beyond traditional songwriting, encompassing a holistic approach to music creation and presentation that has redefined superstardom.

    Do you agree with The New York Times’ assessment of Beyoncé’s role? Who would you have included on the ‘Greatest Living American Songwriters’ list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

  • R&B’s Album Cover ‘Lean’ Makes a Comeback

    What does it mean to ‘lean’? In the world of R&B, it’s a comfortably relaxed, inviting pose that has graced album covers for decades. This year, artists like Eric Bellinger, Durand Bernarr, and Ari Lennox are all channeling this classic tradition, putting their own spin on the iconic reclining stance.

    A Nod to the Greats

    Eric Bellinger, noticing the trend, embraced it for his upcoming self-titled album. He told Rolling Stone that he wanted to capture a classic, vulnerable feel, drawing inspiration from legends like Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Luther Vandross, and Teddy Pendergrass. “I tapped into a much more personal and vulnerable approach this time around,” Bellinger explained, aiming to bring back the legendary ‘LEAN’.

    This pose has been a staple since at least Aretha Franklin’s 1979 LP, ‘La Diva.’ Pendergrass followed with a particularly sexy rendition on his 1981 album, ‘It’s Time for Love.’ Ari Lennox channels Franklin’s confident repose on her latest album, ‘Vacancy,’ while Michael Jackson’s 1982 masterpiece, ‘Thriller,’ arguably made the look truly iconic.

    The ‘Thriller’ Effect and Beyond

    The story behind the ‘Thriller’ cover shoot reveals that the pose was almost an afterthought, accommodating a tiger Michael Jackson wanted included. Photographer Dick Zimmerman noted that the shoot was a playful exploration that eventually led to the chosen shot. In the years that followed, artists like Lionel Richie and Luther Vandross adopted their own versions of the lean, though the trend eventually faded by the late Eighties.

    Interestingly, the resurgence of the ‘lean’ seems to be a collective, almost subconscious, movement among R&B artists this year. When Bellinger realized he was part of this trend, his initial thought was to reshoot his cover. However, he ultimately decided to stick with his original vision, feeling a “likeminded connectivity and resurgence amongst the gentlemen in R&B.”

    A ‘Rite of Passage’ for a New Era

    Durand Bernarr, whose album ‘Benarr.’ features him leaning on a couch, found the coincidence amusing. He shared that he encouraged Bellinger to stick with his vision, calling the lean “almost a rite of passage to lean on your album cover at LEAST once!” Bernarr’s photographer, Juan Veloz, aimed to emulate the classics, stating, “The moment we saw that lean pose, we knew the album was going to be iconic!”

    While some debate the origins and potential influences, like R&B artist Alfonzo Jones’s 1982 debut, the consensus is that 2026 is indeed the year of the shoulder lean. It signifies a return to classic aesthetics and a willingness for artists to present themselves in a more vulnerable, inviting light, connecting with the soulful traditions of the past.

    What do you think of the ‘lean’ pose making a comeback on R&B album covers? Which artist’s cover is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Lionel Richie’s Home Targeted in Burglary Attempt

    It’s unsettling to hear that even our beloved music icons aren’t immune to crime. Legendary singer Lionel Richie was reportedly the target of an attempted burglary at his Beverly Hills estate recently. Thankfully, the quick action of his home’s alarm system prevented anything from being stolen, and a suspect has been apprehended.

    Alarm System Foils Break-In

    According to reports, the Beverly Hills Police Department received a call about a break-in attempt at Richie’s residence in the early hours of Friday, August 22nd. The 75-year-old music superstar was actually home during the incident. The alarm system reportedly activated, startling the intruder and scaring them off before they could enter the home or take any belongings.

    Authorities quickly responded and arrested a 38-year-old suspect, identified as Michael John Bond, on suspicion of residential burglary. This incident highlights the effectiveness of robust home security systems in deterring potential criminals.

    A Growing Trend in Los Angeles

    Bond’s arrest comes at a time when Los Angeles is grappling with a significant increase in high-profile burglaries, often targeting celebrity homes. Just a few months prior, Brad Pitt’s Los Feliz property was also burglarized, leading to the arrest of four suspects.

    Law enforcement agencies are increasingly referring to this as ‘burglary tourism,’ where organized theft rings target affluent areas in Southern California. In response, the FBI launched a national initiative earlier this year to combat these groups and protect both public figures and ordinary citizens from such crimes.

    A Stark Reminder for Everyone

    For Lionel Richie, a voice that has brought joy to millions for decades, this attempted burglary serves as a stark reminder that the rising crime trend in Los Angeles affects everyone, regardless of their fame or fortune. It underscores the importance of staying vigilant and prioritizing home security.

    What are your thoughts on the rise of burglaries targeting celebrity homes? Share your safety tips and opinions in the comments below!