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https://blackgirlnerds.com/beyonces-album-renaissance-has-been-under-attack-but-why/

After six years of waiting, Beyonce blessed her fans with another genius work of art that has been put together over 16 tracks of music. With her teaser song Break my Soul, reminiscent of house music, everyone was excited to see what Queen B created. Yet the reactions to her album have been a mixture of applause and criticism. Let’s dive into some of the top critics of Beyonce’s album, how Beyonce has reacted, and the overall response to her new album. 

Points of offense

Ableist slur: In this progressive era, the internet is helping everyone regardless of gender, sexual preference, or physical ability feel seen and heard. Evidence of this was Lizzo’s song using an ableist term meant to describe a person that is out of control. Yet, for those with different physical abilities, the word comes from the word spastic, which describes involuntary movement or control over one’s body.

The problem with this word is that when used loosely to describe an abled-body person it further perpetuates the idea of inferiority for those in the disabled community. 

When the social media world blew up with a new perspective on the word, Lizzo quickly responded and changed the lyrics to be more inclusive. This set the example, or so we thought, for other artists. Yet not too long after this win for the disabled community Beyonce released a song using the same offensive slur. 

Which has the public asking, why Bee, why?  Wasn’t she aware that this term was offensive? Or did she think she could get away with it because of her fame?  Not that I’m not pointing fingers, just questioning the awareness of multi-platinum globally famous artists such as Beyonce.  

Thankfully Beyonce responded as the compassionate artist we all know her to be and she is changing the lyrics. It’s also important to note that the term still lingers in other popular songs from highly revered artists such as T.I., Method Man, Lady Leshurr, and more.

Yet, this was only one mishap that brought to attention other issues on her album.

Kelis’ sample: Milkshake was the song of the early 2000s. Almost everyone can recognize that beat and sing the chorus verbatim. So to Kelis’ surprise and others, a sample of the song was used in Beyonce’s song Energy. Some find it even more appalling that Kelis did not receive any recognition.

Now, again, Beyonce did the right thing and removed the sample. Yet this news begs many questions.  Why didn’t Beyonce simply give Kelis the credit she sought?  Also, sampling continues to happen through decades and decades of music.But it’s always a difficult decision that often leaves many artists frustrated from having their art essentially stolen.

Beyonce fans across Instagram still defend the pop star saying that her track didn’t need Kelis’s sample and Kelis should have been grateful. Some listeners can’t even spot the difference between the sample and unsampled versions. 

Along with this, some fans are not in agreeance and question if Beyonce is being targeted. This is possible since even  Monica Lewinsky is asking for a lyric rewrite some 10 years later.

Monica Lewinsky: Everyone knows the seductive song Partition, where Monica Lewinsky’s name is used to reference the scandal between her and Bill Clinton some 30+ years ago. So when Lewinsky noticed that Beyonce was changing lyrics, she raised her hand via a tweeter post and asked if the popstar could do the same. 

However, some fans are saying that Lewinsky is asking too much. They are pointing out that the song has been out for over 10 years and to let it go and accept it. Perhaps after being the butt of countless jokes for many years, Lewinsky just wants a little sympathy.


(Photo by Cliff Lipson/CBS via Getty Images)

General reactions to the album

Setting aside the controversy critics love and rave about Beyonce’s new album. Many of us have seen that Beyonce takes her art and music seriously. When she creates something, she pulls inspiration deep from the far corners of cultures across the globe to present music that makes a statement and is from the heart. 

Entertainment Online describes her album as a safe haven for her and her listeners. The past two years have been difficult, to say the least, and Beyonce in all her stardom has felt that grief too and provides a release through her album. 

The album is held together with diverse sounds some club culture with “ Church Girl” and of course “Break My Soul” and has collaborated with producers such as 40, Hit-Boy, and Key Wane, to give the album a new edge. 

Personal review

After Beyonce’s powerful Lemonade album that told the story of her heartbreak and healing, I enjoy the fun and upbeat tone of this album. Beyonce’s music is the soundtrack of my life, especially when I need a confidence boost and Beyonce’s album does just that while making me want to dance. 

August 12, 2022

Beyonce’s Album ‘Renaissance’ Has Been Under Attack but Why?

https://blackgirlnerds.com/beyonces-album-renaissance-has-been-under-attack-but-why/

After six years of waiting, Beyonce blessed her fans with another genius work of art that has been put together over 16 tracks of music. With her teaser song Break my Soul, reminiscent of house music, everyone was excited to see what Queen B created. Yet the reactions to her album have been a mixture of applause and criticism. Let’s dive into some of the top critics of Beyonce’s album, how Beyonce has reacted, and the overall response to her new album. 

Points of offense

Ableist slur: In this progressive era, the internet is helping everyone regardless of gender, sexual preference, or physical ability feel seen and heard. Evidence of this was Lizzo’s song using an ableist term meant to describe a person that is out of control. Yet, for those with different physical abilities, the word comes from the word spastic, which describes involuntary movement or control over one’s body.

The problem with this word is that when used loosely to describe an abled-body person it further perpetuates the idea of inferiority for those in the disabled community. 

When the social media world blew up with a new perspective on the word, Lizzo quickly responded and changed the lyrics to be more inclusive. This set the example, or so we thought, for other artists. Yet not too long after this win for the disabled community Beyonce released a song using the same offensive slur. 

Which has the public asking, why Bee, why?  Wasn’t she aware that this term was offensive? Or did she think she could get away with it because of her fame?  Not that I’m not pointing fingers, just questioning the awareness of multi-platinum globally famous artists such as Beyonce.  

Thankfully Beyonce responded as the compassionate artist we all know her to be and she is changing the lyrics. It’s also important to note that the term still lingers in other popular songs from highly revered artists such as T.I., Method Man, Lady Leshurr, and more.

Yet, this was only one mishap that brought to attention other issues on her album.

Kelis’ sample: Milkshake was the song of the early 2000s. Almost everyone can recognize that beat and sing the chorus verbatim. So to Kelis’ surprise and others, a sample of the song was used in Beyonce’s song Energy. Some find it even more appalling that Kelis did not receive any recognition.

Now, again, Beyonce did the right thing and removed the sample. Yet this news begs many questions.  Why didn’t Beyonce simply give Kelis the credit she sought?  Also, sampling continues to happen through decades and decades of music.But it’s always a difficult decision that often leaves many artists frustrated from having their art essentially stolen.

Beyonce fans across Instagram still defend the pop star saying that her track didn’t need Kelis’s sample and Kelis should have been grateful. Some listeners can’t even spot the difference between the sample and unsampled versions. 

Along with this, some fans are not in agreeance and question if Beyonce is being targeted. This is possible since even  Monica Lewinsky is asking for a lyric rewrite some 10 years later.

Monica Lewinsky: Everyone knows the seductive song Partition, where Monica Lewinsky’s name is used to reference the scandal between her and Bill Clinton some 30+ years ago. So when Lewinsky noticed that Beyonce was changing lyrics, she raised her hand via a tweeter post and asked if the popstar could do the same. 

However, some fans are saying that Lewinsky is asking too much. They are pointing out that the song has been out for over 10 years and to let it go and accept it. Perhaps after being the butt of countless jokes for many years, Lewinsky just wants a little sympathy.

(Photo by Cliff Lipson/CBS via Getty Images)

General reactions to the album

Setting aside the controversy critics love and rave about Beyonce’s new album. Many of us have seen that Beyonce takes her art and music seriously. When she creates something, she pulls inspiration deep from the far corners of cultures across the globe to present music that makes a statement and is from the heart. 

Entertainment Online describes her album as a safe haven for her and her listeners. The past two years have been difficult, to say the least, and Beyonce in all her stardom has felt that grief too and provides a release through her album. 

The album is held together with diverse sounds some club culture with “ Church Girl” and of course “Break My Soul” and has collaborated with producers such as 40, Hit-Boy, and Key Wane, to give the album a new edge. 

Personal review

After Beyonce’s powerful Lemonade album that told the story of her heartbreak and healing, I enjoy the fun and upbeat tone of this album. Beyonce’s music is the soundtrack of my life, especially when I need a confidence boost and Beyonce’s album does just that while making me want to dance. 


August 10, 2022

TWINN: ‘Trigun’ is Back, Baby! and ‘The Devil Is a Part-Timer’!

https://blacknerdproblems.com/twinn-trigun-is-back-baby-and-the-devil-is-a-part-timer/

It’s time for another anime round-up! Victoria and Mikkel walk you through upcoming anime they’re looking forward to most, including the return of a classic. 

Hear about that and more on This Week in Nerd News.

Subscribe on Apple PodcastsSpotify, or Stitcher.

Check out other episodes of TWINN here.

Want to get Black Nerd Problems updates sent directly to you? Sign up here! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, and Instagram!

TWINN

The post TWINN: ‘Trigun’ is Back, Baby! and ‘The Devil Is a Part-Timer’! appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.


August 10, 2022

Walmart Looking to Get Into Streaming Service Game

https://nerdist.com/article/walmart-looking-to-get-into-streaming-service-game/

Right now, streaming services are being handed out like Oprah used to hand out cars to her audience on her show. “You get a streamer! And YOU get a streamer! Everybody gets a streamer!” Well, this piece of news isn’t quite that. Although it may seem to be on the surface. According to a report coming from The New York Times (via Slashfilm) big box store giant Walmart is looking to get in on the streaming world too. But not with a new streaming service of their own exactly. Instead, they’re looking to partner with an existing streamer, via their app, Walmart+.

A Walmart superstore.
CBS News

Walmart+ offers customers perks like free shipping, product discounts, and even free grocery delivery. But to enhance the deal for their customer base, Walmart is trying to find a major streaming service to partner with, in order to sweeten the stew, so to speak. This is similar to how Prime Video comes with an Amazon Prime subscription. But the question now is, which streaming service will land the gig? Whichever one it is might wind up as transformative for the company. Having a partner like Walmart could soften the blow of big content expenditures.

The obvious choice for a bundle like this is Disney+. For starters, they already have a “plus” in the name, just like Walmart+ does. These kinds of companies totally love synergy more than anything. Secondly, Disney+ has the broadest appeal kind of content. Very limited adult content in fact, until recently. That is something that a big box store that is so ubiquitous with American life like Walmart would find appealing.

Then again, streamers like Paramount+ and Peacock could really use the boost that something like a Walmart partnership will provide. Not to mention access to millions more homes. And, it would keep their stock prices high. But for all we know, it might be Netflix, which is going through rough financial times at the moment. Whatever the outcome is, a streamer you probably use right now might soon become part of the place you go to buy your common household items.

The post Walmart Looking to Get Into Streaming Service Game appeared first on Nerdist.


August 9, 2022

Reservation Random Selection Process for D23 Expo 2022

https://www.thenerdelement.com/2022/08/09/reservation-random-selection-process-for-d23-expo-2022/

D23 Expo released information on how the reservation process will work. For all of those going to D23 make sure you read over the information so you are ready!

The Reservation Random Selection Process (“Reservation RSP”) entry period for all D23 Expo 2022 event days will open on Monday, August 15, at 12 p.m. PT, and conclude Friday, August 19, at 12 p.m. PT.

Be sure to transfer any additional badges to individuals in your party by 11:59 p.m. PT on Sunday, August 14. After this time, badges will no longer be transferable. An individual can only submit one reservation entry per badge type. Example: if you purchased two Friday badges, you can only request a reservation for one badge and the other must be transferred to another person for them to request a reservation. Badge transfers will not be allowed after the reservation process has begun.

Please note: A valid, activated D23 Expo adult badge is required to check in for a reservation. Children under the age of 16 are unable to make reservations, but can accompany an adult as their designated guest. You will be able to make one reservation per time slot. If you do not arrive by the time specified prior to your reservation, your spot will be filled by standby guests.

HOW THE RESERVATION RSP WORKS
Unlike past years, the Reservation RSP is not first come first serve. You will have until 12 p.m. PT on Friday, August 19, to make your selections before the entry period closes. You can return to the page as often as you would like to review and modify your reservation selections before the entry period closes.

Reservations will be randomly distributed based on preferences and availability, and starting September 2, reservations will be assigned and then communicated to you via email if you have a confirmed selection(s).

There are four (4) categories in which to make your reservation selections. Each section will allow you to choose up to four (4) items. The more selections you make, the better your chances may be of receiving at least one reservation. For each item you select, you can choose to bring up to one (1) guest.

  • StagePass – Hall D23: Provides reservations to the confirmed sessions at Hall D23 (Note: Hall D23 Preferred Seating ticket holders will not be able to make selections for Hall D23.)
  • StagePass: Provides reservations to the confirmed sessions at Premiere Stage, Backlot Stage, Walt Disney Archives Stage, and Hyperion Stage
  • TalentPass: Provides reservations for the confirmed talent photos and signings at Talent Central
  • Show Floor Experiences: Provides reservations for the confirmed talent signings, demonstrations, presentations, and giveaways happening in booths around the Show Floor

NOTES

  • If you are picking up your badges at will call, you can still participate in the Reservation RSP with your D23 member login associated with your badge.
  • Guests under the age of 16 are unable to make reservations but can still participate in reservation as the guest of an adult with an activated D23 Expo badge.
  • The most popular offerings will have a lot of interest, so consider signing up for some of the smaller events to increase your odds of getting a confirmed reservation.
  • Guests with Hall D23 Preferred Seating will not be able to make Hall D23 selections as your badge guarantees reserved seating for ALL presentations in Hall D23.
  • For guests who do not get reservations for their preferences, standby queues will be available for most panels and experiences.
  • All reservations are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
  • If you do not arrive by the time specified in your reservation confirmation email, your place will be filled by standby Guests.
  • If you are assigned a StagePass reservation, please check for the arrival time noted in your confirmation email. If you do not arrive on time, your place may be given away to a guest from the standby queue.

check out the D23 Schedule Here : https://d23expo.com/schedule

The post Reservation Random Selection Process for D23 Expo 2022 appeared first on The Nerd Element.


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