Kenya Barris, famed writer, and producer, revealed interesting behind-the-scene details about the production of his 2021 film Coming 2 America. The information came as a part of Charlamagne Tha God’s talk show on Comedy Central, Hell of a Week. During the interview, Barris, famed for his hit ABC sitcom black-ish, revealed several things he wished played out differently for the film. As expected from any screenwriter, he lamented the amount of time given. He desired more time. He expounded how more time would have made things smoother for the film director, Craig Brewer. Kenya Barris also wanted to have the director work closely with the editors. Directors and editors occasionally can become distant, resulting in a less coherent product. Something Barris is aware of.
Kenya Barris Explains How He Would Change The Film
Barris also addressed the filming location. The movie’s scenes were shot primarily at rapper Rick Ross’ at his estate in Atlanta. A fact Charlamagne jokingly pointed out. Barris revealed his regret that the movie was unable to be shot on location somewhere in Africa. Something that felt more authentic but trickier and more costly to film production.
Dave Chappelle’s Cut Role
However, the most intriguing regret of Barris is the cut content of the film. The writer explained the original intent to have famed comedian and actor Dave Chappelle play a role. He confirmed the existence of a character cut out of the final product, which was written for Chapelle. He also claimed Chappelle liked the part and wanted to play it, but that did not come to fruition for various scheduling reasons.
Certainly, Chappelle’s addition to the film would have been to its advantage. While primarily known for his stand-up and television roles, Chappelle’s film pursuits showcase his natural talent for comedic roles on the silver screen. Most notably, the cult classic 2000 comedy Screwed, in which he starred alongside the late Norm Macdonald.
Eddie Murphy’s Contribution
Barris leaves the interview on a positive note. Although the many elements of the film he wished could have gone a different direction, he does not seem to regret the movie. He claims this sort of production chaos is commonplace. Something that he experienced as a veteran screenwriter. He also praised the inspired performance of Eddie Murphy. He states at one point that Murphy can put a movie on his back and carry it, something that rings true to many. Barris’ interview gives the layman an exciting sneak peek into how movies and films find their way to audiences.Â
Be On The Watch For More
Charlamagne and his panel discussed other cultural topics during his show. These ranged from the infidelity and season-long suspension of Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka, the new Jeffery Dahmer biopic from Netflix, and Barris’ new collaboration with Kid Cudi. Those wishing to keep up-to-date on cultural and entertainment topics can watch Comedy Central’s Hell of A Week with Charlamagne Tha God Thursday nights at 11:30/10:30 PM on Comedy Central.
Most people have a burning desire to accomplish a goal in their lives. Any individual who strives to make a difference in this world deserves to be heard. On August 9, FMHipHop interviewed up-and-coming artist, songwriter, and influencer Jules Liesl on her music career, goals, self-love, and modeling.
Liesl was born in Florida and raised by both of her parents. As an adopted child, she has six half-siblings, one biological sister, and one biological brother. The singer emigrated to California when she was 19 and has lived in LA for ten years. Additionally, Liesl loves the city’s great Hollywood history, which inspires her dream to become one of the biggest stars in the city someday.
Modeling Was Becoming An Increasingly Frustrating Experience For Jules Liesl
There has been a long journey for Jules to get to where she is today. She developed an eating disorder at 16 and continued suffering from it until 23. At the age of 20, she began a modeling career. Jules reevaluated her perception of beauty after living up to the standards of “beauty” imposed upon models for many years.
“I just wanna eat, I don’t care,” she said in the interview. “I just always had the mindset of, I’ll be wanted if I’m skinny, and then I was just like…no, someone will want me for who I am and what I bring and what I look like now naturally; and not 80 pounds.”
Jules Liesl models a red swimsuit. Shooting an advertisement for 138 Water in Malibu on March 27, 2019. Credit: celebmafia.com
As the 29-year-old continued, her increased confidence changed her perspective on modeling. No rule states that you cannot be beautiful if you enjoy great food.
Initial Discouragement About Singing
Moreover, Jules has always dreamed of becoming a singer. However, the difficulty of entering the music industry prevented her from considering that it was possible to achieve that goal in the past. Additionally, the artist asserted that pursuing music back then was not as straightforward as it is today.
“Now you can get noticed on TikTok. It’s different now, but back then, I just never thought that would happen for me,” Liesl said. “So I was like, I’ll just do modeling.”
After hearing the influencer sing for the first time, her male friend encouraged her to promote her singing abilities. As a result, Jules ceased modeling and changed her social media presence and self-image. Approximately four years ago, Jules and her friend began developing her career as an artist. In addition, it took her three years to develop her mental and physical strength, find inner peace, and improve her writing skills.
Jules Songs: What Is The Meaning Behind Them?
As of December 2021, Liesl began to release music to the general public. “Toxic Boy” was her very first composition. As Liesl tends to change her response a lot, the song tends to be her favorite at the moment. According to Jules, “Toxic Boy” transformed her into the artist she is today. The song’s message is to inform women not to associate with toxic men. Another piece of hers, “If I Were a Genie,” conveys that one should not depend on a man for happiness.
Furthermore, the artist’s single “Dangerous” is associated with the film Fifty Shades of Grey. The song is about being in love with a man who is dangerous and controlling. Here are some lyrics that correspond to her statement.
Devil inside that doesn’t seem so kind Suck out all the life, then leave me out to dry Signature on the contract, with dotted line My fear of rejection’s not what keeps me tied But I want him, he likes the mess in my mind There’s no other option, I am hypnotized
The Artist’s Most Requested Song At Her Shows
A significant part of Liesl’s vision is someday becoming a successful musician. If she had the opportunity to collab with one artist, her top choice would be Lil Nas X. However, collaborations with Cardi B and Colombian singer Maluma are also on her wish list, primarily since they both emit a Spanish persona in their music.
Furthermore, in her live performances, her audience looks forward to hearing her perform her single “Obsessed.” Jules has a routine that she adheres to when performing. During her shows, she’ll ask her audience to pull out their lighters or phone flashlights and wave them to the beat.
“Obsessed” is the song that I noticed that people sing mostly at a show,” Liesl said.
Do Artists Tend To Create Music From A Particular Mindset?
Many different mental states can lead to the creation of a song. Nevertheless, Jules believes that she does not need to be in a particular mood; she only needs to be high on marijuana. A significant portion of her songs is about men, which is also consistent with her attitude at times. However, regardless of Jules’ mood, the music is well received.
It has been revealed that some of the singer’s songs are based on her own experiences and those of her friends.
Appreciation From Fans
Due to her dedication to her work, the emerging artist records her songs the same day they are written. In addition, Jules co-wrote most of the 19 songs in her catalog. As a result of her inspirational music, she has also received recognition from her fans.
“I had this one girl message me when I first dropped Toxic Boy,” Liesl said. “She messaged me like, “‘this song is amazing. I was blasting it in the car with my mom today.'” “I love that! That’s women empowerment right there.”
An additional girl messaged the women inspirer via Instagram, thanking her for making the type of music she does because it had changed her life. Through her music, Jules hopes to evoke confidence in people. In the artist’s view, those who experience discouragement in their music career should surround themselves with those who believe in them.
“Do not give up because you can get it done,” the singer said. “You just need to have the right people around you to help you get it done because you can’t do it alone.”
New Music And Upcoming Shows?
In conclusion, Jules’s fans should prepare themselves as she and her team will release three songs soon. Moreover, she is scheduled to perform in West Hollywood on September 6. Keep an eye on her Instagram page @julesliesl to stay updated for more information. Nikiya Biggs brings the interview with Jules Liesl.
During a recent interview, will.i.am expressed his thoughts on the ever-present Tupac or Biggie debate. The grammy award winner’s response no doubt shocked many hardcore hip-hop heads. The Black Eyed Peas founder stated, “That kind of music doesn’t speak to my spirit.” Â
Will.i.am answered while on an episode of Hip Hop Confessions. The host asked the rapper a question asked to every rap fan at least twice a week. Biggie Smalls or Tupac Shakur? Will.i.am intended no harm or ill will with his nevertheless controversial take. The rapper went on and clarified his previous statement.Â
The Explanation
He elaborated, “I’m such a Tribe Called, De La Soul fan that I don’t like Tupac and Biggie.” He later went on to praise Pac and referred to him positively. However, he added that while Tupac’s music helped people, especially those in the projects, he found solace in other artists. He explained to the host that he found his escapism through the works of the groups above, A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul. To anyone familiar with his work, this should come as no shock. The happier and beat-driven work of the two groups find their way into will.i.am’s work.Â
The Bigger Question
Will.i.am’s words no doubt shock many rap enthusiasts; however, his claims raise an interesting question. When discussing rap greats, are the influences of Tupac and Biggie overblown to the point of detriment for other notable artists? Throughout this section of the interview, will.i.am name drops Tribe, De La Soul, Eric B. and Rakim, KRS-One, and Boogie Down Productions. All are influential rappers in their own right, but are they respected enough? It is a compelling enough question to ask. Certainly, Tupac and Biggie receive the most attention in discussing classic and historical greats of the genre. Perhaps it is time to offer recognition to those artists who spoke to the projects like Pac and Big, such as the ones mentioned in the interview.Â
It remains to be seen if the question raised by the interview will receive an answer soon. Much like the ever-present Biggie or Tupac question that started the whole discussion.
Dancehall star Shenseea recently got candid with popular fashion and lifestyle publication W Magazine.
In the story, published on May 20, she discussed several topics, including her Christian upbringing and collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion.
“Being raised in a Christian home, I wasn’t allowed to listen to dancehall, which is considered raunchy and sexual,” she said. “So I had no exposure to it until I had to take transportation by myself to get to high school. I would hear it in buses, taxis, on kids’ phones in school.”
Shenseea Recognizes Her Own Talent As A DeeJay–The Jamaican Term For Rapper
She added that when she began hearing dancehall, she recognized her own talent.
“That’s when I found out that I could rap. But I still wanted to be a pop star. I just could not start by doing pop: A Jamaican girl doing pop in Jamaica, they’re going to look at you like, This is not our style of music.”
Shenseea made it a note to shout out her hometown heroes as well.
“You should never forget where you’re coming from. It was important for me to put the OGs on my album, because they have been doing it long before me. Sean Paul gave me strength when he put me in a song with him in the early, early stages of my career. I never forgot that. As for Beenie Man, he has proven that he’s definitely the king of dancehall. He has a different energy that nobody else has.”
Shenyeng Talks More About Her Debut Album
Later on in the interview, she revealed how she linked up with Texas native rapper Megan Thee Stallion for “Lick.”
“Megan, I met her at an awards party. The day after, we exchanged numbers, and I sent her “Lick” and told her that she would sound really dope on it, and she hopped on.”
“Lick,” Shenyeng’s first hip-hop-infused single, was released in January. It has since garnered over 12 million views and counting on YouTube.
Her debut album Alpha dropped on Mar. 22 with features by Sean, Beenie, Megan, Offset, 21 Savage, and Tyga.
Shenseea also released a video for the track “R U That,” featuring 21 Savage, on Apr. 29. The video has reached about two million views on YouTube.
