Eats, Beats, and Feats HTx
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(Erykah Badu launched her nationwide “Unfollow Me” Tour Sunday night at San Antonio, TX AT&T Center. Badu made good on her promise to take on a sonic and sensory journey as the show features fan favorite music and a spectacular light show, amid a surrealistic setting. Courtesy of Tony Krash/BaduWorld)
June 12th 2023
Erykah Badu's Inaugural "Unfollow Me" Tour Stop has Fans Doing Everything but its Namesake Request
by Genia R. Washington
Erykah Badu's "Unfollow Me" tour has kicked off, but fans are doing anything but unfollowing her on social media. The 25-city tour began with a stop in the great state of Texas at San Antonio's AT&T Arena. With fans raving about Badu's smooth moves, funky grooves, unique style, and custom creative merch such as the "H*-stopper" eyewear; tour goers are guaranteed to have a mind-blowing experience.
In true Badu fashion, Erykah expressed that she was very intentional about details regarding this special tour. Sunday afternoon, Erykah Badu created a call-to-action TikTok challenge that offered fans a chance to win tickets to her concert. 40 fans successfully completed a scavenger hunt-like challenge and were rewarded with tickets to the show. Badu also posted a meet and greet video on her social media page to celebrate the successful start of her tour.
Aligning with Hip Hop's 50th anniversary, Rapper yasiin bey also joins the tour to take fans on a collaborative journey. Artwork featuring the Grammy award winning songstress by London-based artist, Vince Fraser, adorned the background while amazing displays of regal colors and bold lighting accompanied. Fans can expect to hear some of the well-known classics such as "Tyrone" and "Apple Tree" from earlier albums but as for the rest; expect the unexpected.
Despite the tour's name, fans are more than happy to continue following Badu on her musical journey. Erykah's next tour stop is Glendale, AZ on June 13th. Texans will however have a chance to experience the show on a grand scale during the tour finale in Erykah's hometown of Dallas, Texas on July 23rd at American Airlines Center.
(Michael Render affectionately known as "Killer Mike" introduces the world to " Michael", the man behind the big persona and shares his inspiration behind his new and much anticipated self-titled album during SXSW 2023. (Photo courtesy of Genia R. Washington /ERW Photography & Media )
June 23rd 2023
Killer Mike introduces the world to "Michael": the Man & the Album - A Review
by Genia R. Washington
"Killer Mike is the product of the imagination of a 9 year old kid , 12 year old rap enthusiast, and a 15 year old battle rapper..he's a superhero of sorts. He's badass!", responded Michael Render in an exclusive SXSW interview when asked how does his onstage persona Killer Mike compare to Michael. He followed with, " Humans can be amazingly graceful and damn near holy to sinners and bullsh*tters and sometimes that human being is the same person ; I've been that person many times in my life. Michael is just a human being. " In Killer Mike's latest release , melodic spiritual hooks meet hard yet humble witty wordplay tackling topics such as faith struggles, failed relationships, and even the hardships of parenthood within a track entitled , "Shed Tears"which samples the legendary Clark Sisters', "Now is the Time." and features songstress Leona Byrd-Miles .
In addition, hard-hitters such as comedian Dave Chappelle, fellow ATLien Andre 3000, and r&b crooners Jagged Edge are among the featured artists contributing to the masterpiece that is "Michael". Infused with southern charm yet coupled with a low-key "flex"vibe, songs such as "NRich" speak to the over comer of social, racial, and economic disparities while "Talk'n That Sh*t" brings a heavy beat and even mentions some of the finest southern lyricists such as UGK, 8Ball & MJG, and Juvenile.
In an ode to his maternal figures Denice (mother) and Betty (grandmother), Michael pens "Motherless" . With the specific recollection of events regarding the loss of his mother and grandmother throughout the song, he also reveals an intentionality to identify the strength of the many significant women in his life. He also expresses the harsh realities that comes with grief and the loss of such a great magnitude.
Killer Mike concludes this 14 track LP with " High & Holy" rapping , " Blowing smoke up at the heavens , counting blessings tryin' to find atonement; my life's a testimony. That's why I stay high and holy." Bringing "Michael" full circle with a marrying of churchy hooks, audacious verses, and complex beats, it's evident that Killer Mike wants to let the world in on thoughts,vision, struggle, and triumphs of the man behind the stage name. I give this album a solid 7.5/10 .
