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Beignets and Bootays: Essence Fest 2023 Brought The Heat To New Orleans

by Chantell Hayden July 13, 2023
written by Chantell Hayden

The NOAA Climate Forecast System predicted this year’s Fourth of July as a record breaking “hottest day” ever. While global warming could very well be the reason for this, we think it was just the residual heat from Megan thee Stallions performance at Essence Fest.

The annual Essence Festival was back in its home of New Orleans for another full weekend of fun events, performances and panels and more. Now, every year at Essence Fest is a good time but this year being the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop made it extra special. And the sweltering heat was no match for this year’s star-studded lineup.

Jill Scott, Monica, Juvenile, Mannie Fresh, Jagged Edge, Jermaine Dupri, Big Boi, Ludacris, Ice Cube, Slick Rick and Janelle Monae are only a few of the artists that graced the stage at The Caesars Superdome Friday and Saturday night.

Friday night’s headliner Lauryn Hill killed her performance, despite her tardiness. The Grammy-nominated songstress stylishly strolled on stage adorned in an all-black fit with a massive pleated, ruffle top and showed us why she is and will always be one of the most defining musicians of our time. Fellow Fugees member and long-time collaborator Wyclef Jean also joined the star on stage. Comedian and actor Deon Cole kept the good vibes going through in between performances as the host for the night.

Saturday night brought even more energy. Missy Elliot gave a show-stopping performance with a nostalgic medley of her award-winning catalogue.

Hosted by Abbot Elementary star Janelle James with sounds by the legendary DJ Spinderella, Sunday night’s concert included performances from several artists like Remy Ma, Salt-N-Pepa, Mia X, Eve, Angie Martinez and Megan Thee Stallion to help commemorate Hip-Hop 50. Rapper and New Orleans finest Lil Wayne surprised fans with an impromptu but, nonetheless, epic performance.

Wizkid and Tems brought Nigeria to New Orleans and linked up to perform 2022’s song of the summer “Essence.”

But Big Boi, Ludacris and Megan Thee Stallion took the cake (no pun intended) for our favorite performances from the weekend.

Big Boi had everyone on their feet as he rapped along to his iconic OutKast hit “The Way You Move” in his standard long, fur coat. Ludacris gave us hit after hit like “Move Bitch” and brought out Lil Jon for their 2000 collaboration “Bia Bia.”

And last but certainly not least, Sunday night the Houston Hottie Megan Thee Stallion had every cheek in Caesars Superdome shaking while dozens of fans joined her on stage for an iconic twerk battle.

Tons of events and panels took place, some simultaneously, at The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center where dozens of vendors from fashion to beauty were housed for the weekend. Guests could purchase from their favorite black owned businesses all under one roof.

Popular beauty and lifestyle company BeautyCon made their return to the beauty scene after a four-year hiatus and with a new owner — Essence Ventures, LLC. BeautyCon is an annual event made to highlight new trendy products in the industry, with the help of makeup influencers, celebrities and fans. It’s safe to say the company is in good hands as they plan to introduce a whole new BeautyCon experience for everyone to enjoy very soon.

What better way to make a comeback than at one of the largest festivals in the U.S.? Guests were able to stop by the BeautyCon booth and listen to singer Coco Jones and Shea Moisture President of Beauty & Wellbeing Cara Robinson Sabin recall their experiences in the beauty industry as black women.

Oprah Winfrey, Taraji P. Henson and Danielle Brooks all came together for a special conversation surrounding the legacy of the 1985 coming-of-age film The Color Purple. Winfrey, Henson and Brooks all play a major role in the upcoming reboot of the film set to release later this year on Christmas Day.

Vice President Kamala Harris even joined the fun as she spoke on a panel for a conversation on the fight for reproductive freedom and the socioeconomic development of the black community alongside Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen.

Other panel speakers included Dominique Fishback, Tyler James Williams, Michelle Williams, YoYo, Roxanne Shanté, Jacob Latimore and Kim Whitley.

 

July 13, 2023 0 comments
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EntertainmentMusic

Bronx Artist to Watch: Gudda Babby

by Lenique Vincent July 4, 2023
written by Lenique Vincent

With household names such as Cardi B, J Lo, French Montana, Swizz Beats and the legendary Notorious B.I.G; it’s safe to say the Bronx, New York is responsible for some of the most influential musical artists. Sharing the same birthplace as Hip-Hop may have greatly shaped the many musical talents that continuously emerge from the “boogie down” Bronx; which is the case of up and coming rapper GuddaBabby who credits the nitty gritty borough for fueling his craft.

Taking influences from Notorious B.I.G, Lil Wayne, Young Thug, Drake and more; GuddaBaby released his first studio record “Mhtl” on December 22,2020. Since, the Bronx native locked into the studio to record his latest project, “Life is Beautiful.” The Knocktural was able to conduct an interview via email with GuddaBabby, to get some insight to the story behind the artist.

Q: What’s the story behind your stage name?

A: GuddaBabyy steams from the slang, “Gutter Child.” Growing up I spent a lot of time in the streets, or in slum areas. Growing up in a low economic station I kind of adapted to the lifestyle that came with it. However, as I got older, I started to lean towards the more positive things in life. I could never forget where I Came from . I’ll forever be a GuddaBabyy.

Q: When did you start making music?

A: I started making music around 2015 during high school, however, I never took it as seriously as I do now until around late 2019. Once my first studio recorded track “Mhtl” hit all platforms, I just kind of took off from there .

Q: Tell me about your latest project? How did it come about? What’s the main message behind it?

A: “Life is beautiful,” my first studio project released on March 20, 2023. It was inspired by the events that took place within the three months of me actually focusing on my craft.I took about three months to actually focus, plan and execute the mission no matter what was going on in my life. Three months of dedication opened doors for me I never thought I’d walk into. This project was everything I felt, went through and did within that time span and I just wanted to share it with everyone.

Q: Drill is so popular right now, how do you keep your sound and image unique?

A: With the drill scene taking over mass majority of the industry, I do my best to stay versatile and have unique schemes, punchlines, metaphors, and sounds. As far as my image goes, I like to keep it calm, clean and not too extra.

Q: How do you hope your music will contribute to the NYC music scene?

A: I wouldn’t consider myself a Drill artist, however, I hope my music can contribute to the NYC drill scene to inspire, uplift, motivate and relate to my supporters. I pursue music to let everyone know: no matter who you are, you can do whatever you want. You just have apply the pressure and don’t ever quit!

Supporters can stream Gudda Babby on Apple Music and YouTube! He will also be releasing a single titled, “Don’t Know,” on his birthday July 6.

July 4, 2023 0 comments
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EntertainmentThe LatestVideo

Exclusive: The Knockturnal Talks With Cast Of New Biz Markie Documentary ‘All Up In The Biz’ At Tribeca Film Festival

by Aurora Fowlkes June 24, 2023
written by Aurora Fowlkes

Calling all Hip Hop aficionados! The Tribeca Film Festival recently hosted a worldwide screening of ‘All Up In The Biz’ – an enlightening star-studded documentary paying homage to the late and great iconic rapper and beatbox wiz.

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June 24, 2023 0 comments
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MusicThe Latest

Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Celebrates Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary

by Jody Wong June 18, 2023
written by Jody Wong

The musical genre known as Hip-Hop has defined movements, communities and generations for 50 years.

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June 18, 2023 0 comments
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EntertainmentEventsMusic

Mary J Blige Returns To Atlanta For The 2nd Annual Strength of a Woman Fest

by Chantell Hayden June 6, 2023
written by Chantell Hayden

After a successful first year, Mary J. Blige was back in the peach state to host her annual Strength of a Woman Festival right in the heart of Atlanta. The three-day event focuses on highlighting people of color in music, business, philanthropy and more.

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June 6, 2023 0 comments
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Luh Kel
MusicThe Latest

Luh Kel is Ready to Bust the Door Open

by Robert Frezza May 30, 2023
written by Robert Frezza

Diddy may have declared R&B dead, but Luh Kel has a different take on it. The R&B and hip-hop star is ready to wake up the genre at just 21 years old. He says, “Someone needs to bring the genre back to life.” Either way, he’s doing a great job at resuscitating it.

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May 30, 2023 0 comments
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MusicThe Latest

Breaking Boundaries: Emmy-Winning Actor Jharrel Jerome Unleashes His Artistry with Debut Hip Hop Project, ‘Someone I’m Not’

by Parris Rose May 25, 2023
written by Parris Rose

Jharrel Jerome, widely recognized for his powerful portrayal of Korey Wise in the acclaimed miniseries “When They See Us,” has taken a bold leap into the realm of music.

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May 25, 2023 0 comments
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Naya Ali
MusicThe Latest

Naya Ali is Ready to Breakthrough

by Robert Frezza May 8, 2023
written by Robert Frezza

Female rapper Naya Ali is feeling blessed. As I sit across from her, she is glowing. She’s ready for her spotlight as she grew up in Ethiopia and then settled in Montreal, Canada. She’s ready to break in the United States with her ferocious rhymes and beats. She is most noted for her first two albums: More Life, Less Names and Godspeed: Elevated.

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May 8, 2023 0 comments
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EntertainmentMusicThe LatestTV

Da Brat Reveals Pregnancy Cravings, Baby’s Gender and IVF Troubles at Season 3 Premiere of ‘Brat Loves Judy’

by Chantell Hayden May 1, 2023
written by Chantell Hayden

Rap Star Da Brat and her wife, entrepreneur Jesseca Harris-Dupart a.k.a. Judy are back for the third season of their hit realty TV show Brat Loves Judy. The married couple return to WE tv for another season of love and drama but this time, they’re bringing along a plus one.

The Atlanta rapper announced her pregnancy back in February, shocking fans everywhere when the news hit. This is Brat’s first child with Judy, who has three children from previous relationships. The couple confirmed they will be having a boy!

While Brat and Judy’s pregnancy announcement initially took the internet by surprise, the response was mostly positive. Outpours of congratulations flooded the comments under the announcement. TV producer Mona-Scott Young, Xscape member Tamika Scott and actress Naturi Naughton are just a few of the many celebs that showed support for the couple.

Between an exclusive PEOPLE Magazine feature, morning talk show appearances and a special collaboration with Judy’s hair line Kaleidoscope Hair Products, the smitten pair have been on cloud 9. But the road to happiness hasn’t been easy for Brat and Judy.

At the season three premiere of Brat Love Judy in Atlanta on Thursday, fans were graced with an early screening of the first episode which shows Brat and Judy’s IVF process at Atlanta-based fertility clinic Hope Fertility.

It’s revealed that the couple suffered a miscarriage after the first round of IVF. Luckily, that didn’t stop them from trying again. Now, they are teaming up with Hope Fertility to give away a $10,000 grant to a lucky winner who would like to start IVF.

We all know Da Brat from her wild days as hip-hop royalty but what’s she like as a mom?

Now in her third trimester with about 11 weeks left, the rapper says she just wants to sit back and relax while eating her current obsession: Harold’s fried chicken wings.

The new season of Brat Loves Judy is now available to watch on Thursdays at 9 PM EST on WE tv.

May 1, 2023 0 comments
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MusicThe Latest

Mind Over Music

by Wahnita April 15, 2023
written by Wahnita

 It was a pleasure to attend the conference series, discussing Hip-Hop‘s relationship with health over the past 50 years! 

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April 15, 2023 0 comments
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Step inside the chaotic world of The Chair Company Step inside the chaotic world of The Chair Company, where office life meets absurd comedy. 🪑 
Stream it now on @HBO. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/la-premiere-hbos-the-chair-company/

✍️: Katherine Wright
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#TheChairCompany #HBO #HBOOriginal #HBOShow #BingeWorthy #MustWatch #StreamingNow
@justinbieber led @skylrk to a standout win at The @justinbieber led @skylrk to a standout win at The Leag, one of LA’s most talked-about underground sports events. With celebrities, athletes, and creators filling the sidelines, the night captured the energy of competition and culture colliding under the lights. 🏀

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/justin-bieber-leads-skylrk-to-victory-at-las-underground-sports-phenomenon-the-league/

✍️: Parris Rose

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@nmixx_official spoke with The Knockturnal about t @nmixx_official spoke with The Knockturnal about their journey as six members, a long, inspiring adventure that’s led them to a major milestone: their first-ever full-length album, Blue Valentine. 💙

The project dives deep into the complexity of human emotions, wrapped in NMIXX’s signature MIXX-pop sound. 🎶

“The story of NMIXX is still unfolding.” 

Full Article 🔗 https://theknockturnal.com/nmixx-blue-valentine/

By @EmmaSalehi 

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Want to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Want to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of @beetlejuicebway? Now you can! From now until Halloween, @tempotimessquare hosting an unforgettable Beetlejuice Suite experience where every corner is bursting with spooky charm, strange surprises, and a whole lot of Netherworld flair. 💀✨ 

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just a little strange and unusual, this is your chance to step into the world of the ghost with the most. 👻 #BeetlejuiceBroadway #TempoTimesSquare #BeetlejuiceSuite
#ParkChanWook new film might make you laugh when y #ParkChanWook new film might make you laugh when you least expect it — and flinch when you do. 👀💥

Full review out now.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/park-chan-wooks-no-other-choice-is-dark-gripping-and-bitingly-funny/

✍️: Ishan Wankavala 

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📸 WOODZ (@woodz_dnwm) — the artist redefining 📸 WOODZ (@woodz_dnwm) — the artist redefining boundaries with each track, image, and evolution. Dive into our exclusive to uncover the artistry behind the name. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/woodz/

✍️: Emma Salehi

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#Woodz #Kpop #ArtistSpotlight #Editorial
EXCLUSIVE: STAYC take the Stay Tuned tour to elect EXCLUSIVE: STAYC take the Stay Tuned tour to electrifying new heights, bringing “I WANT IT” to life with unmatched energy, confidence, and flair. Every beat, every move, every note is a reminder that STAYC don’t just perform—they command the stage. 🌈💥

From their glowing visuals to powerhouse vocals, @stayc_highup deliver a night that’s equal parts spectacle and soul.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/stayc/

✍️: Emma Salehi

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#STAYC #StayTunedTour #IWANTIT #STAYCgirls #STAYChighup #Kpop #ConcertHighlights #ExclusiveFeature
Park Chan-wook shares how The Ax inspired his new Park Chan-wook shares how The Ax inspired his new film, exploring its unique darkness. 🌟

#ParkChanWook #NoOtherChoice #TheAx #KoreanFilm #KDrama #NYFF #NYFF26
Big sci-fi dreams ahead 🔥🤖Park Chan-wook tea Big sci-fi dreams ahead 🔥🤖Park Chan-wook teases his probable upcoming project Genocidal Organ! 

#ParkChanWook #GenocidalOrgan #NYFF #NYFF26
Dark humor and deep tragedy with @byunghun0712 in Dark humor and deep tragedy with @byunghun0712 in his latest film @nootherchoicefilm. 🖤🎬

#LeeByungHun #NoOtherChoice #KDrama #NYFF #NYFF26
Two worlds, one screen 🌏🎥 Lee Byung-hun refl Two worlds, one screen 🌏🎥 Lee Byung-hun reflects on 20 years of film, from South Korea to Hollywood! 

#LeeByungHun #Hollywood #KoreanCinema #Film #NoOtherChoice #NYFF26 #NYFF
Brighter days ahead 🌞 @cix.official share what Brighter days ahead 🌞 @cix.official share what it means to move forward together in their latest comeback. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/cix/

✍️: Emma Salehi

Photo Credits: C9 Entertainment 
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It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North Ameri It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North America on their ‘Stay Tuned’ tour! 💖

Watch their energetic and fun filled show near you 👀🌟

#stayc #kpop #kpopconcert #iwantit #staycstaytuned #staytuned
Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷 We had the most a Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷

We had the most amazing day of inspiring panels, activations and networking at @femalefounderworld, with @eyebuydirect! 👓
Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joa Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joachim Trier for their sixth cinematic journey, co-writing Sentimental Value, a poignant exploration of family, memory, and reconciliation. 

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#Screenwriting #Storytelling #WritingForFilm #FilmWriting #NYFF2025 #NewYorkFilmFestival #IndieFilm
At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to l At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to life in Sentimental Value, portraying a character whose journey through family complexities and personal discovery resonates deeply. 

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#RenateReinsve #NYFF #SentimentalValue #NoraBorg #FilmFestival #Actress
@nobledanceroslo at @thenyff shares his vision as @nobledanceroslo at @thenyff shares his vision as a director, bringing his story to life with precision, collaboration, and attention to every frame. 

The film reflects his dedication to emotion, storytelling, and cinematic craft. 🎥

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#JoachimTrimmer #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #Director #Filmmaking
We spoke with @ingalilleaas at @thenyff about the We spoke with @ingalilleaas at @thenyff about the emotional process behind her latest film. ✨

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#IngaIbsdotterLilleaas #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #Cinema
Poised, perceptive, and endlessly compelling — @ Poised, perceptive, and endlessly compelling — @ellefanning in conversation at this year’s @thenyff.

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✨ From powerful panels to unforgettable performa ✨ From powerful panels to unforgettable performances, the 2025 #TeenVogueSummit brought together voices shaping fashion, culture, and activism today. 💬🎶

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/2025-teen-vogue-summit-recap-full-of-fun-fashion-and-connection/

✍️: Zipporah Pruitt

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#TeenVogueCommunity #TeenVogueStyle
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