LeBron James isn’t shy about whatever his current favorite songs are. LeBron is a dedicated fan of music (he calls himself a hip hop historian) and raps on camera whenever he digs the flow of a song. But there is another side to his musical endeavors that has come to light recently: LeBron is constantly butchering lyrics.
LeBron has A&R’d 2 Chainz’s fifth studio album, “Rap or Go to the League,” and he makes no secret his love for hip hop, old and new. LeBron is no spry youth anymore, with 40 closer to him than 30, and with age comes many things.
It means it’s harder for ‘Bron to stay in touch with new trends. It means when he tries, he often sounds just straight up like an old head.
Consequently, it means he has not a shred of embarrassment about that, because old heads never do. And it also means that when LeBron raps his favorite songs, he often absolutely butchers the lyrics.
Here are three examples of such times.
LeBron tries to rap 6lack, and fails… or does he?
Lebron has always been good at keeping up w new music but the way he never knows any of the lyrics when he’s rapping along in his IG stories always has me weak af he really said “yabadabadodobo old navy” 💀 pic.twitter.com/gsDmrTZxyq
Bruh. We know LeBron likes his music, but didn’t know it was to the point where he feels comfortable changing the lyrics!
“Yabadabadodobo old navy” is really one of the wildest lyrics one can imagine, but LeBron says it with supreme confidence.
Is that because he is one of the best athletes to ever walk the Earth? Or does it simply come down to the fact that he is approaching old head territory and just doesn’t care?
It’s probably both, but LeBron’s confidence in butchering the lyrics even caused 6lack to double-check.
The topic of LeBron butchering the lyrics in his favorite songs does not stop there. Pop Smoke’s “For the Night” caused LeBron to slip up again, but this time in consecutive bars.
Pop Smoke’s cadence can be understood by most people. He’s no Young Thug, or Playboi Carti, or even Lil Baby for that matter, also on the song. Nonetheless, LeBron absolutely massacres the lyrics, but powers right through.
People be talking about how Lebron never knows the lyrics to the songs he’s singing along to 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/DT8VLySkSa
The “hey” and “uh” spoken with such confidence after he butchers the lyrics is not just hilarious, but also kind of impressive for LeBron.
We can all aspire to be so confident and perseverant in our tasks, however big or small. And when LeBron has new music and his favorite songs in front of him, we know we are going to get some good content out of it.
LeBron narrowly butchers Drake lyrics
LeBron is known to be good friends with Drake. Their relationship even stretches to the point where it seems LeBron acts as a bit of a big brother to Drake.
That still didn’t help LeBron from messing up his little brother’s lyrics though.
I hope to one day be as happy as LeBron is singing Drake and roller blading with Jeff Green. pic.twitter.com/KNOiOQ35lK
A simple mistake, and one that did not garner much attention, LeBron sings “coming home” instead of “going home.”
We’ve all made small mistakes like this before. And we wince or blush after. But not ‘Bron. He just powers though like mum’s the word.
But being so close to Drake, and hearing the exact same lyric before in the video, you’d think LeBron could get it right. But shit… he’s only the best or second best basketball player in all of recorded history. We’ll give him a pass.
A trip through LeBron’s favorite songs… Is he truly a hip hop historian?
LeBron may yet be a proven hip hop historian. He called himself as such on his own, The Shop, when Drake made a guest appearance. He also clearly knows his older rap.
He’s also obviously been name-dropped in a bevy of rap songs. In some he even served as the entire inspiration behind it. But that doesn’t mean it was a certainty he’d memorize the lyrics…
LeBron has even dabbled with his own rap before, but being it was his own creation, he did not absolutely butcher the lyrics like John Travolta at an Oscars.
LeBron is the content king. Not just for what he allows others to create about him with his sick highlights, but for what he shows his fans about his daily life.
The world wants to know what LeBron’s favorite songs are. They want to know what music LeBron likes, how he sounds rapping, and noticeably recently, how he can absolutely butcher lyrics.
But it is all, of course, in good fun. LeBron does seem to have some merit as a hip hop historian, and 2 Chainz’s word holds more weight than just about anyone else’s.
The content world got stronger when fans noticed LeBron butchering rap lyrics. We appreciate the kings and queens who pick up on these things, and we thank them for a laugh. As LeBron would say, Strive for Greatness everyone.
Interested in how LeBron got to the top and set up his team for success?
“I want to rediscover what it means to start from nothing. No limits, no boundaries and no definition,” says Zhong Lin, the brilliant artist capturing portraits.
Zhong Lin pledged to take a portrait a day for 365 days. Calling it the “365 challenge,” at first she struggled maintaining focus and creative inspiration. Something we can all relate to at some point or another.
But Lin found focus and inspiration in spontaneity. And, shooting around Taiwan in South Asia, she was able to capture beautiful portraits of people without worrying as much about the coronavirus, as the country did a brilliant job mitigating its spread.
“Every visual starts from a blank page. I have learnt that there is no right or wrong in creativity and with this vision I invite you to take on this journey with me to title what is yet to be named.”
Zhong Lin’s work has been celebrated in Vogue China, Harpers Bazaar China, and many more publications. She was born in Malaysia, though as mentioned before, traveled around the area of Taiwan capturing portraits in 2020.
Her project is still ongoing, as from the day she began, 365 days is not yet up. It also just so happened that, despite the immense difficulties the pandemic presented and the severe loss felt, it gave her a chance to look around and reflect.
“The breakout of COVID-19 happened to give me a pause and an opportunity to start this project.”
Zhong Lin
As of January 19, 2021, Lin has captured 272 portraits, the most recent being this delightfully enigmatic close-up.
Zhong Lin is a self-taught photographer, which should provide the most novice (and aspirational) creatives to follow, and teach themselves whatever they want to do.
Each of Lin’s images are distinctly unique, which of course is no simple feat with 272 completed (and more to come). They are dreamy, like they all exist within an ethereal plane.
And capturing portraits is not an easy feat itself either. One has to make their subject feel comfortable, giving instructions, but not too many as to bother.
Another important aspect of Lin’s work, and for all portrait photographers, is to let the creation come to them. Don’t force it.
“In the beginning, I just wanted to create beautiful things without boundaries, with different people and talents I meet at work or in life… and to share my visions with the world.”
We follow Zhong Lin’s portraits with giddy anticipation. She, truly, is an inspiration to creatives seeking to start something new. Creatives looking for reinvigoration. Any of us looking for how to create in isolated times.
Asked where the inspiration for this project came from, Zhong Lin had something to say that we should all listen to.
“I’d been thinking it’d be so cool to work with these people creating something that’s free from limits; just create to create.”
Saweetie’s “Best Friend” music video went off for more than 18 million views over its debut weekend. Along with Doja Cat, Saweetie showed in the video why she is a superstar blossoming.
The director of the video Dave Meyers, director of photography Joshua Zucker-Pluda, and stylist Bryon Javar deserve an immense amount of credit for the end-product of this successful video.
Even with Saweetie’s prowess as a star, the video was not successful due to her name and skill alone. Massive work from Meyers, Zucker-Pluda, and Javar, in particular, was needed to propel this video to extreme heights.
So let’s show some love to the creatives behind Saweetie and Doja Cat’s “Best Friend”video. An effort like this star-studded music video is not ever accomplished by one person alone.
Director Dave Meyers
You may know Dave Meyers for his successful music videos in the past. There was Kendrick Lamar’s “Humble” in 2017, “Havana” by Camila Cabello the next year, and Taylor Swift’s “Me!” in 2019.
Meyers also directed “I’m Real” by JLo, “Sicko Mode” by Travis Scott, “Bad Guy” by Billie Eilish, and many other award-winning music videos.
And possibly his biggest hit yet? Directing Drake’s “Laugh Now Cry Later” wide-ranging video.
Seemingly everything Myers takes under his belt winds up being successful. And now Myers has another hit under his belt. Saweetie and Doja Cat’s “Best Friend” music video is a hit for all the right reasons.
Camaraderie, women empowerment, and hot girls doing hot sh**. Dave Meyers made it happen, and like Saweetie, he doesn’t miss.
Most recently, he worked with Meyers on Saweetie and Doja Cat’s “Best Friend” video. One can see the stunning visuals of the star duo’s video were delicately crafted and executed to perfection.
Zucker-Pluda, who goes by “hamletpowpowpow” on Instagram, captures beautiful landscape shots when he’s not helping create popping videos. The talented and multifaceted cinematographer/photographer is on our watch list for big city photographers going up in 2021.
“I wanted it to feel like she was a chick in Harlem in 1994,” Javar, her stylist of three years, told BAZAAR.com in regards to Saweetie in “Best Friend.”
The nostalgic throwback to the ’90s look was important for Javar, especially going as far as to reach out to Dapper Dan and have him deck out Saweetie in Gucci head to toe.
Saweetie in 5-piece custom Gucci set by Dapper Dan (Cred: @saweetie)
Bryon Javar’s work on this soon-to-be-iconic music video cannot be overstated, as the fresh looks and vibrant colors that propel this music video to legendary status are the product of Javar’s vision.
Saweetie is setting a new standard in music
We tip our cap to the amazing trio (and others) who made Saweetie’s “Best Friend” music video so hot. Fun, uplifting content like this is so important during uncertain and problematic times.
Saweetie’s debut album is expected to drop this year, and it will be interesting to see if the three creatives who worked on “Best Friend” join her when it does.
We also acknowledge that star creatives behind the scenes need star artists in front of the camera to prosper. It is a mutually beneficial relationship, the type we all strive for in our creative endeavors.
Because once that perfect symbiotic note is reached, we are left with some of the greatest art we have ever seen.
Dave Meyers, Joshua Zucker-Pluda, and Bryon Javar all deserve a ton of credit for their superb work on Saweetie and Doja Cat’s “Best Friend.”
The creatives behind the scene getting recognition is what we like. And let’s hope they don’t stop creating anytime soon.
See more about how Saweetie bosses up and empowers women here:
Civil rights photography is incomparable to any other form of the art. There is no other form of photography that captures, at its essence, a group of people crying out for their own humanity to be recognized.
As the latter half of the 20th century illustrated, and this past year reminded us, the fight for civil rights is a war, not a battle. Small fights matter, but it takes a strong, unified coalition of all races acting in consistent and trustworthy faith, to vanquish the evil powers of racism and all that it permeates.
There is no similarity to civil rights photography because there are no other photographs that can capture such vivid and visceral emotions that represent a time. Whether it be a photograph of MLK speaking, a group of people protesting police brutality, or a little girl walking with poise while racist adults eight times her age scream at her, civil rights photography cannot be mimicked.
And in its most intrinsic nature, it cannot be forgotten. Here are 10 civil rights photographs that are equally harrowing as they are inspiring for a new generation.
MLK photographed
@gettyarchive
This picture is as iconic as they come. Brothers in arms, freedom fighters marching for justice.
No violence, no seething tempers, no fear. These men, led by MLK in the middle, know they are doing no wrong. Even moreso, they are doing what is undeniably right, judged not by man or woman, but by something greater.
With the late great John Lewis included in this civil rights photograph, let us be reminded how recent these civil rights marches and demonstrations are.
“I come here to urge every person under the sound of my voice, to go to the polls on the third of November and vote your conviction.”
Martin Luther King Jr.
Sound familiar? Freedom fighters have been calling for the disenfranchised to get out and vote for decades. And we just saw in 2020, how it can pay off.
It is deeply impressive how poised MLK was, constantly in the spotlight, looked up to by so many. And still not letting fear and anger consume him.
Martin Luther King is greeted by his wife Coretta and children, Marty and Yoki, at the airport in Chamblee, Georgia, following his release from prison after being arrested at a sit in in Atlanta, 27th October 1960.(Cred: Bettmann/Getty Images)
We leave you with this beautiful image of MLK and his family. He did not fall prey to despair, even though the anger from all he had seen and knew could consume the best of people. As candid an image as you will see, this MLK photograph fills us with joy.
Rosa Parks photographed
Seen here, Parks (center) rides a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, after the Supreme Court ruled segregation illegal on the city bus system on December 21, 1956. (Cred: Don Cravens/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images)
Rosa Parks is one of the most famous civil rights icons in U.S. history. Her disobedience, her bravery in standing up to what she knew deeply in her heart was right, inspires us greatly.
“People always say that I didn’t give up my seat because I was tired, but that isn’t true. I was not tired physically, or no more tired than I usually was at the end of a working day, I was not old, although some people have an image of me as being old then. I was forty-two. No, the only tired I was, was tired of giving in.”
Rosa Parks
Parks famously refused to give up her seat for a white person on the front of the bus in Montgomery, Alabama. She was subsequently arrested. The image below shows her face well, ostensibly unperturbed because she had had enough.
@jacobyork
The first image, however, shows Parks in more peace. Her decision to not move for the white person on the bus inspired the Black community to boycott Montgomery buses for over a year. Eventually, in November 1956, a decision was made that bus segregation was unconstitutional under the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Gordon Parks photography
Gordon Parks, Untitled, 1941 (Cred: @gordonparksfoundation)
An iconic image. Gordon Parks is widely known as one of the most important civil rights photographers of all time. His work defines a generation of social justice, and it has inspired generations of photographers to emulate his passion and skills.
“The guy who takes a chance, who walks the line between the known and unknown, who is unafraid of failure, will succeed.”
How fitting is that quote, for it captures the extreme bravery of civil rights leaders like MLK, while also inspiring photographers like Gordon Parks to always strive for more.
Gordon Parks was not just a photographer, but an activist too, and we shall remember him as such.
August 28, 1963 — More than 250,000 people, across all races, classes and ideologies gathered in Washington, D.C. for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. It was here that MLK delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. (Cred: @gordonparksfoundation)
Angela Davis photographed
Angela Davis in 1971 (Cred: @secondmoonvintage)
Known as one of the most influential civil rights leaders in U.S. history, Angela Davis continues to shine. The civil rights photography that captured her in her natural states is some of certain photographers’ most influential work.
“When you talk about a revolution, most people think violence, without realizing that the real content of any kind of revolutionary thrust lies in the principles and the goals that you’re striving for.”
Do her words stand in stark contrast to something we all heard recently? We heard a lot of backlash over the Black Lives Matter protests last summer, how the protestors could have gone about things a different way. Angela Davis’ words will forever ring true about how a revolution is not determined, or remembered, by the journey, but rather by its goals/decisions at the conclusion.
Her insight will always be appreciated and inspiring for those seeking to ensure justice and freedom for everyone.
Ruby Bridges photographed
Ruby Bridges walks the steps of William Frantz Elementary School with a security detail in 1960. (Cred: @RubyBridgesOfficial)
There is no greater indication of how recent the sweeping civil rights movement of the past was than the fact that Ruby Bridges is only 66 years old. A civil rights icon, activist, author, and speaker, Bridges came into national attention over the New Orleans school desegregation crisis.
Her poise in walking through crowds of white adults screaming expletives and hateful rhetoric at her, even with demonstrative threats, will always be inspiring to me. The bravery that must have taken is nearly unfathomable.
Fred Hampton, Chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party. (Cred: Melaninisthemood)
Fred Hampton was the Chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party (BPP). At just 21 years old, he was a leader of the party as a whole and a leader in the civil rights movement.
He was killed unlawfully by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office in conjunction with the F.B.I. in 1969 due to the U.S. government’s fear of his influence. Hampton is the subject of Lakeith Stanfield and Daniel Kaluuya’s upcoming film, Judas and the Black Messiah.
We will never forget Hampton and what he meant to the Black community in Chicago and beyond. And due to poignant civil rights photography having captured him, we will always have a piece of him to look back to.
Muhammad Ali photographed
Muhammad Ali, London, England, 1966. (Cred: @gordonparks foundation)
Muhammad Ali is best known as the greatest boxer of all time. But his efforts outside the cage are even more prominent. He was an activist, and vehemently against the war in Vietnam, or at least Black people’s forced inclusion in it.
“Why should they ask me to put on a uniform and go ten thousand miles from home and drop bombs and bullets on brown people in Vietnam while so-called Negro people in Louisville are treated like dogs and denied simple human rights?”
Ali is both a model for how to achieve success and stay at the top. And for calling out what is wrong and speaking on what is right. We will always remember him for his impact on the world, and for always staying true to what he believed in. The civil rights photography surrounding him contains some of the most profound images ever.
Muslim minister and activist, Malcolm X trains his camera on a tuxedo-clad Muhammad Ali, then still going by the name Cassius Clay, in 1964. (Cred: Bob Gomel/The LIFE Images Collection via Getty Images)
This civil rights photograph shows icons Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali together. The boxer was celebrating his victory over Sonny Liston and his new title – Heavyweight Champion of the World.
Malcolm X photographed
Malcolm X, Harlem, New York, 1963 (Cred: @gordonparksfoundation)
The discourse around Malcolm X is one of the most contentious of any icons in modern history. He advocated and insisted upon the liberation of Black people, but had a different idea of how to get there than MLK and others.
What is undeniable, however, is his impact on his community in Harlem and the entire world. As Angela Davis alluded to, it is not the means for securing a revolution that matter, but the goals at the end of it.
Malcolm X wanted justice for his Black brothers and sisters, just like more-revered MLK did. Let us remember that about him above all else.
Maya Angelou photographed
Maya Angelou speaks at the First Million Man March in 1995 (Photographer unknown)
The late great Maya Angelou is captured here in one of the most iconic civil rights photographs ever. The poet is remembered for her beautiful, poignant words, as well as her civil rights efforts. May she rest in peace.
John Lewis photographed
(Cred: @gettyarchive)
John Lewis, seen earlier with Martin Luther King Jr., sadly passed away last July.
His memory reminds us that laws are arbitrary, and often upheld by those who wish to stay in power. This civil rights photograph, and all that captured him on that day with MLK, show that fighting back against oppressive powers is necessary.
“Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.”
John Lewis
Lewis also rose to become a Georgia congressman, fighting from inside politics to ensure a better future for our youth.
Let us all remember that civil rights photography is not some ancient thing. Some of those who were photographed and listed above, either recently passed or are still living today.
The fight moves on, and photography, like that of Gordon Parks, helps show us the way. We do not need to reinvent the wheel to fight for civil rights. We can ask our elders what they did, what they wish they could’ve done, and more.
These ten great civil rights leaders photographed remind us of a world both seemingly far away, and at the same time, distinctly familiar.
Kyrie Irving missed his third straight game Sunday due to personal reasons, leading Brooklyn Nets fans and just naturally inquisitive specimens alike to wonder when Irving’s return will take place.
The Nets have dropped two out of their last three games, and with Kevin Durant’s status in question due to the NBA’s health and safety protocols, Irving’s absence has exacerbated the Nets’ recent woes.
Kyrie Irving’s absence began after the January 6 storming of Capitol Hill by the pro-Trump mob. Irving, a deep-thinker and emotional feeler, has been in the limelight for his actions before. But this time is different.
Will we see a glorious knight-in-shining-armor headline declaring “Kyrie Irving Returns, Nets Back on Track”? Or will it be a much more harrowing one for Brooklynites: “Kyrie Irving Decides to Retire fromBasketball”?
With Kyrie, anything is possible, both with his game and outside of it. These questions add intrigue to the biggest enigma in the NBA, but they also, for some people, cast aspersions. Here’s a deep dive into Kyrie Irving’s status missing games and whether it is likely or not he will return soon.
The Nets are behind him, but clearly are ready for Kyrie Irving’s return
Besides what the media has been told is due to “personal reasons,” there have been no updates on the specifics of Kyrie Irving’s absence. Recent fans of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, and NBA fans in general, know not to take these things too lightly.
Irving prioritizes his mental health above all else, as he should. But a steady streamline of communication between him and the Nets organization is essential for the franchise’s success.
“We support him 100 percent,” said Kevin Durant of Kyrie’s current situation. Nets Head Coach Steve Nash also naturally had to weigh in on Irving’s absence.
“Ky’s still on personal leave and all the communication with Ky, between the organization, I’m going to keep private and I’m sure you’ll hear from him at some point.”
Steve Nash
The Nets clearly publicly, and seemingly privately too, respect Kyrie Irving and stand with him in solidarity. One can hope that those feelings are mutual, and that Kyrie can get back on the floor soon.
Kyrie Irving: as enigmatic a superstar as the NBA has ever seen
Kyrie’s actions off the court are much like his actions on it. After saying he believes the Earth is flat, fans yell out “what is he doing?” just like they do when he makes an insane up-and-under layup.
When he calls the media “pawns,” supporters scream “what on Earth is he doing?!!” just like they do when he takes a long-range three-pointer at the beginning of the shot clock, which subsequently goes in.
Irving looks beneath the surface. No one can ever say he was conned by the powers that be.
Irving has done an immense amount of work for the disenfranchised, and is a constant advocate for women, specifically Black women. He is, by all accounts, a great man, leader, and role model.
Different things affect different people differently. And Kyrie is not one to blindly follow someone in front of him. We can learn a lot from him, while still positing that his actions have a large effect on his team.
We don’t know when Kyrie Irving’s return will be, and his absence is felt daily by the Nets and entire league alike.
The mental toll of the past few months has hit us all
From November onward, there has been much uncertainty, vitriol, and blatant lies in the airwaves of the United States. There has been an echo chamber of misinformation and hateful rhetoric that has been impossible to tune out.
While those of us on the side of justice feel a near-impenetrable amount of obstacles to cross, let us remember we are together in this.
Kyrie Irving’s absence clearly takes a toll on the Nets and their aspirations. His return is up in the air, just like much of the NBA is right now with players sidelined due to COVID.
It is not our job to cast aspersions on Irving for his missing games, but rather to empathize with him. We may all be different, but in our experiences, most of us have been through much of the same.
For the Nets and Irving’s sake, let’s remember the NBA is a family, and a player missing time due to personal reasons should not be scoffed at. When Kyrie’s return does come, we will feel reignited to follow one of the best players the game has ever seen.
WNBA activism stands at the forefront of what we will remember about 2020 and early 2021.
Not only did WNBA players set a new standard for athlete activism, but they stood up for Black people everywhere with their pursuit of getting Rev. Raphael Warnock elected to the Senate over Atlanta Dream co-owner Kelly Loeffler.
Black women are too often overlooked in their efforts and tribulations. Let this stand as a reminder that Black womenhave been the single biggest upholder of democracy in the United States.
WNBA activism
It is not just recently that WNBA players have stood up for social justice movements. Maya Moore, for example, freed a man with an unjust sentence in prison and has been outspoken about the unfairness of the justice system in the United States.
WNBA athletes have been bold and courageous in their outspokenness for the causes they believe in. Kelly Loeffler, co-owner of one of their teams or not, represents the antithesis of what these women, predominantly Black, believe in and stand for.
And how beautiful it was that Loeffler’s team’s own players specifically, were the main backers of her opponent. Raphael Warnock is now the first Black person to be elected to the Senate in Georgia.
LeBron James thinks about ownership in the WNBA
Fresh off Kelly Loeffler’s defeat in Georgia, LeBron took to Twitter to ponder an idea.
Either just getting some digs in at Loeffler, or actually serious about putting together an ownership group to buy her stake out, LeBron has certainly been tapped into the ongoing political processes in this country. And more importantly, the WNBA activists who have done their part to uphold democracy.
WNBA players deserve better than Loeffler
When the owner of a team takes direct measures to tune out its players and disregard them, it is a jarring showing of disrespect. When that owner also happens to be in a place of political power, and votes on things that would directly negatively effect its players, it’s an even bigger problem.
One cannot help think of the sharecropper’s mentality when thinking of how some sports owners treat their players. In Loeffler’s mind, she owns them, and therefore does not have to care for them or their wellness.
It is this (probable) thinking that led her to say she would vote to throw out Georgia’s election results. All just for a coup attempt by the big baby Trump.
Let us not forget about these dedicated, brave, courageous WNBA athletes who spent their spare time rallying for equality and democracy. These are not lavishly rich women. They do not have overwhelming political ties. This is grassroots organizing working in front of our eyes. And it got LeBron James and many more people’s attention.
WNBA activism stands at the forefront of the social justice movement in sports.
Photographers are capturing harrowing and distressing occurrences at the U.S. capitol right now, as a mob of MAGA supporters storms Washington D.C.
It is a travesty what is taking place in the U.S. capitol currently, though to us who have been paying attention, it is not completely surprising. Rather it is a natural culmination of events when the man with the highest office in the land treats his job and democracy itself as a device to advance his personal desires.
Still, these troubling scenes playing out in front of all of us are captured with a certain fervor and depth that only the best photographers can elicit. Here are five photographers capturing the dangerous siege.
The photos from talented and brave @AP photographers in the midst of chaos really tell the story about what's happening right now in the #Capitol. pic.twitter.com/6cfkFdtRqV
The storm on the capitol is being captured by Baltimore-based AP photographer Julio Cortez.
Cortez is at the frontlines on capitol hill, thus risking his life in the process. First capturing the rally, Cortez has since covered the ensuing storm protesting the certification of President-elect Joe Biden.
Manny Ceneta is also an Associated Press staff photographer, but he is located in D.C. He has also been covering the pro-Trump mob attacking Capitol Hill.
Just yesterday he photographed Trump heading to Georgia before a big MAGA rally in support of Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue.
The capitol storm is able to be seen by the rest of the country and world because of brave Getty photographers like McNamee. The pro-Trump mob is storming in, and the situation is dire. Stay safe everyone.
Drew Angerer
Drew Angerer is also a Getty Images photographer, working with McNamee. His efforts on the capitol storm scene are featured below. (Warning: Images are distressing)
Photographers capturing the mob on Capitol Hill are risking their lives
Photographers on Capitol Hill have captured the scenes at the highest offices in the land for years now. But they, and thus us, have never witnessed quite something so severe as this before.
Officers being forced to fire shots. Elected officials on lockdown and fearing for their lives. We are able to witness the visuals in a colossal moment in American history (not for the better) because of these brave photographers.
He kept creating. He kept inspiring. And he never stopped making us laugh and smile. Zack Fox is Kulture Hub’s 2020 Creative of the Year.
In a year of unprecedented adversity, Zack Fox stayed consistent in his pursuits, humble in his resolve, and most importantly, he inspired those in his community along the way.
We reached out to some folks in Fox’s inner circle to hear about how he inspired them in this tumultuous, but from a creative perspective, beautiful, year.
What makes Zack… Zack? From his closest loved one
“Not only does he inspire and support me, but he has actually helped bring my ideas to life when I could use his artistic help,” states Kat Matutina, wellness marketing professional, fitness trainer, radio host, and Zack Fox’s partner.
“Zack has always inspired me to follow through with my ideas whether it’s creating a skincare product, merch, an event, a radio show, a podcast…anything.”
Kat Matutina
As an example of creative’s support, Matutina said she drew a “sad draft” of what she wants to be her skincare brand logo, and Zack Fox flipped it and designed it for her in five minutes.
He did the same for her ASS CAMP logo in 15 minutes after she briefly described her vision.
“He is the most supportive, inspiring, talented, creative person I know and I’m so lucky to call him my partner!”
After dropping out of college, Fox’s career started in 2013 under the alias “bootymath.”
As a popular Twitter and YouTube influencer, he gained notoriety for his witty jokes and goofy disposition. As he put it himself, he “needed an escape from being broke and homeless.”
He found solace in laughter, much like we find it in him today.
The Atlanta artist’s resume has ramped up consistently as the years have gone on. He has been a radio host, an artist, an illustrator, and as each new skill was added to his gauntlet like an Atlanta Thanos, Fox’s collaborations grew.
As the ’10s moved on, Fox’s inner-circle of creatives grew. He would go on to collaborate with Thundercat, Flying Lotus, and Kenny Beats, with his repertoire expanding into film and music.
Zack Fox’s foray into the musical world has him where he is today: one of the world’s most exciting young artists. In the case of his two most recent tracks, it also landed the creative with a new producer, BNYX®.
Zack Fox’s impact — from his most recent producer
BNYX® is a music producer, songwriter, filmmaker, and just about anything else you could name. He is the producer behind Zack Fox’s latest two singles: IHY2LN + Marinate.
As BNYX® explains, he went from laughing at Zack Fox’s tweets and YouTube content as a fan behind a screen to working with him up-close on the daily.
When BNYX® was living in LA, F1lthy, a producer from the collective “Working On Dying” (Drake, Uzi, Carti Etc) introduced him to Zack, saying he needed an engineer, someone to record his music. Zack came over to his studio, they made some songs, watched some funny videos and clicked.
“Whenever Zack hits me for music it pushes me and keeps me inspired, ‘cause Zack could literally call anybody and I mean anybody to make music for him…”
“He’s friends with some of the people that inspired me to even pursue music. He trusts me with his art and vision… which means the world to me. And to top it off he’s a really good friend.”
Sam Jay, a self-declared all-encompassing “professional person” is another one of Fox’s homies. She says Zack helped her a lot with the creative and visuals for the special she launched in August of 2020, 3In The Morning.
In what is clearly a theme for those close to Fox, Jay said, “I just consult Zack on pretty much all things.”
In addition to her special, Jay works as a comedian and staff writer for Saturday Night Live.
It is clear Fox is more than just the average friend. He is the person you hit up when you get your long-awaited terrific news. The friend you reach out to when you need creative advice. The helpful hand when you’re lost and need direction.
Zack Fox continues to inspire those within his inner circle and aspiring creatives
From all of us at Kulture Hub, the multi-hyphenate creative Zack Fox reminds us, every day, that there is beauty and humor within the process, and there are always ways to support and inspire.
In a year of ups and downs, Zack Fox can be measured not just by the leaps he took, but by the people he inspired along the way. Happy New Year and tap in to Zack Fox’s latest singles here.
Hopefully our creative of the year motivates you to keep going. Bless up.
The Lakers ring ceremony last night was a touching and heartfelt tribute to a season of upheaval, resolve, and ultimately, victory.
In a stadium devoid of fans due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Los Angeles decided to keep their banner hidden until fans could be there to join in. But the Lakers players and staff did get their rings.
And, with the difficulty of less ambiance without cheering fans in the background, the Lakers did a beautiful job in making the ceremony feel what it had to be: special.
Prerecorded videos played, having each player and staff’s family introducing them and congratulating them on their championship.
It was such a beautiful moment to watch them see their loved ones present them with the pinnacle of what it means to be an athlete: a championship ring.
And it was these Lakers rings, the most expensive and elaborately crafted rings of all time, that stole the show.
The Lakers ring was crafted with the finest detail
The Lakers’ 17th championship ring is special. Not just the fact that it ties the franchise with the Celtics for most rings in the NBA, but it is what went into the ring that takes our breath away.
The rings have a removable top that reveals the retired Lakers jerseys (Kobe Bryant, with 8 and 24, has two). The Lakers ring has a mamba snake behind players’ number to honor Kobe.
The word “UNITY” is etched into the rings, a social justice message that represents much of what the NBA bubble was about. Furthermore, the rings say “Leave A Legacy,” a reference to the Lakers’ playoff slogan. And there are 804 stones and 16.5 carats inside of each Lakers ring. That’s a lot of mining.
The rings were crafted with fine detail, care, and attention. And of course love, as 2020 was perhaps the most strenuous NBA season, especially for the Lakers, in NBA history.
Who created the Lakers rings?
Jason Arasheben, otherwise known as Jason of Beverly Hills, was the architect beyond this exceptional ring.
In a normal year, he would have had months to craft the symbolic token to represent a year of struggle to eventually achieve the ultimate goal. But just like everything in 2020, this time it would be more difficult.
Because of the shortened offseason, Jason had just a month to craft the ring for the opening night ring ceremony.
Jason of Beverly Hills has created rings for six NBA title winners, including three previous Lakers teams. But this time, like always, was different.
“Every ring has to have an identity of its own because every team has an identity of its own and every season has an identity of its own.”
Jason of Beverly Hills
Along with Jason, came poppin’ streetwear designer Don C to help out.
Don C is notable for his NBA apparel, namely shorts like the Lakers shorts LeBron James wore in his first public appearance as an LA Laker.
The Lakers rings represent a year like no other
It wouldn’t have been abnormal or all too surprising if, in the short offseason, the Lakers’ rings were underwhelming.
Hell, that’s how this whole year has felt in large part outside of travesty. You take what you can get, and be thankful for that.
A good life lesson sure, but a bitter pill to swallow, especially as it would be for champions.
But Jason of Beverly Hills, Chicago Don C, and company crafted a ring that is anything but underwhelming. The Lakers newest ring is extravagant, it is touching, and it is beautiful.
The Lakers family and world lost Kobe Bryant. The league shut down because of the pandemic, and the Lakers cheers after winning the championship largely fell on deaf ears as fans were not allowed to be in attendance.
But these rings are special. And they offer a chance for the whole Lakers franchise, upon seeing them, to take a nostalgic glimpse into where they were just a year before, what they went through, and how they emerged as champions on the other side.
We discuss the push for justice regarding the tragic Vallejo Police shooting of Sean Monterrosa and how other victims of police violence can cope in our Advocate Daily Podcast with the Monterrosa sisters below.
The Vallejo police shooting that forced the Monterrosa sisters into the spotlight
When my editor, Claude J. Easy, and I spoke with the Monterrosa sisters in September, I was captured by their positive disposition in discussing their brother Sean Monterrosa’s brutal slaying by a Vallejo police officer.
Their poise and resolve, in discussing such a harrowing moment, comes from a place I’m not quite sure everyone has in them.
It was clear, in the days before we published the Advocate Daily episode, that Michelle and Ashley were inspired by their brother, and driven to keep fighting against oppressive powers like the Vallejo PD.
Michelle and Ashley Monterrosa were arrested along with a dozen or so other protestors outside of California Governor Gavin Newsom’s. It was near the four-month anniversary of their brother Sean Monterrosa’s murder.
Two days ago, it was announced that the charges were dropped against the Monterrosa sisters. A small victory that lets us, their allies at The Gathering for Justice, and freedom fighters across the country and world feel better for their safety. But a distracting headline that takes away from the core issue.
The Vallejo police shooting that rocked the nation during a summer of chaos is just part of the issue that the Monterrosa sisters want rectified.
A greater problem requires a greater resolve
There is a problem in the United States with police violence against communities of color, and there always has been. It is an issue that reform cannot weed out, as the system is inherently designed to be corrupt.
Thus, reform is not the answer. Revolution is. Governor Newsom must hear the Monterrosa sisters and their allies’ pleas, not offer tepid reconciliation.
The Vallejo police shooting was no anomaly, but rather the next fallout of a dangerous and corrupt force that chooses who lives and dies in this country. There was no justice served, back in June or two days ago with the dropped charges against Sean’s sisters. Only life taken far too soon.
The Monterrosa sisters fight so that justice is served. And so other families will not be put in a similar devastating situation as theirs. That selfless fight inspires me beyond words.
Let us not be distracted by public relation-fueled consolation. Cheap headlines without real action.
Many people (most of them white) are comfortable with maintaining the status quo. They may acknowledge a problem, but offer no desire or assistance in helping root it out.
The Monterrosa sisters don’t seek out adulation, but continue to fight for justice
And then there are the Monterrosa sisters, who use their pain, anguish, and most importantly, their brother Sean Monterrosa’s guiding light, to fuel their fight for justice.
2020 has been a year of turmoil, upheaval, and devastation. The Monterrosa sisters have known sadness that most of us will be lucky enough to not even brush past in our lifetimes.
But it is what they have done in their actions since the tragedy, that measures the true test of their character. Don’t expect them to stop now.
