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GRAMMYs

Nipsey Hussle

Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage

News
How Nipsey Hussle Transcended Hip-Hop how-nipsey-hussle-transcended-hip-hop-starting-los-angeles-streets

How Nipsey Hussle Transcended Hip-Hop, Starting In The Los Angeles Streets

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To hip-hop, he was a celebrated rapper, but to Los Angeles he was an agent for change—something that echoed from his city streets into the Black community and beyond
Kathy Landoli
GRAMMYs
Apr 3, 2019 - 3:06 pm

On March 31, 2019 Ermias Asghedom—better known to the world as Nipsey Hussle—was assassinated at 33 years old. He was standing in front of The Marathon Clothing, one of his many business endeavors, located on the corner of West Slauson and Crenshaw Boulevard in the heart of South Los Angeles.

To hip-hop, he was a celebrated rapper, but to Los Angeles he was an agent for change—something that echoed from his city streets into the Black community and beyond. It’s hard to really comprehend just what exactly the man affectionately known as "Naybahood Nip" truly meant to the world.

Prior to his meteoric rise to fame, Nipsey was interviewed by renowned journalist Davey D about his potential career trajectory. In the interview (now circulating through social media), Nipsey tells Davey D what his plans are. "You’re not blinging and having all kinds of crazy diamonds and all that. I guess you’re here to get your money right," Davey D says.

"All the time," young Nipsey replies. "You know, all that is cool for the image and all that, but all that’s not business. I'd rather invest in some real estate." Shocked, Davey asks him to repeat himself. "Invest in some assets, as opposed to trick off my money on some liabilities like diamonds or cars that lose value as soon as you drive them off the lot," Nipsey continues. "[Get] some assets to take care of my people." He made good on that promise.

In 2005, Nipsey Hussle first entered the rap game by way of the mixtape circuit. His debut Slauson Boy Volume 1 became the catalyst for his movement, as comparisons soon circulated that a new West Coast artist with the finesse of Snoop Dogg yet the charisma of Tupac Shakur was about to make waves. By 2008, he had already inked a deal with Cinematic Music Group in conjunction with Epic Records, dropping two more mixtapes Bullets Ain’t Got No Name, Volume 1 and Volume 2, along with Volume 3 at the close of 2009. Things moved quickly for Nipsey.

Early collaborations with both Drake and Snoop Dogg showed how the young artist stood in between two different worlds within hip-hop: the classically trained-by-the-streets legends and the soon-to-be legends looking toward the future. “I think Nipsey Hussle represented a new type of artist from Los Angeles," says Soren Baker, author of The History of Gangster Rap: From Schoolly D to Kendrick Lamar, the Rise of a Great American Art Form. "A lot of the older generation of artists—the Ice-Ts, the Ice Cubes, and the Dr. Dres—have earned that respect over time. But I think Nipsey Hussle, because of how he approached things, was able to command that respect of the newer generation of artists. As his career progressed. He continued solidifying himself both musically and on the business side."

2010 was a monumental year, to say the least. Soon after he parted ways with Epic Records, Nipsey dropped his independent project The Marathon, participated in Haiti's "We Are The World 25," as well as entered into the coveted XXL Freshman Class. With every move, it became clear that Nipsey was a different breed of artist with a razor sharp focus on his community. In 2013, his Crenshaw initiative went viral, when he announced he would be selling 1,000 hard copies of the project for $100 each, making $100,000 in less than a day and pouring it right back into his community business ventures.

"Nipsey was the epitome of everything you want an individual to embody," says Karen Civil, one of four cofounders of the Marathon Agency with Nipsey, Steven Carless and Jorge Peniche. "He cared for his community, he was a businessman, he gave opportunities to people who lost hope. Crenshaw and Slauson is a dark place. Nipsey was the light. When he said he was gonna buy the block, he did."

"Being from New Jersey, I wondered, was this what it felt like when they killed Tupac?"

Through tears, Civil recalls a decade ago, her first meeting with Nipsey. "When I moved to Los Angeles 10 years ago, most people go to the Walk of Fame, they go to Disneyland, all these places. I went to Crenshaw and Slauson because I wanted to meet him," she remembers. "I remembered seeing him perform in New York and I just wanted a T-shirt. When I got there, Nipsey was behind the counter feeding his daughter. I remember saying, 'Hey, can I get a picture?' He was like, 'Are you from here?' I was like, 'No, I just moved here with Beats By Dre.' He had a whole conversation with me. Nipsey was the type of individual where when I started doing philanthropy. I said, 'I want to build a playground in Haiti. He gave me $5,000 and said, 'Go ahead.'" 

In addition to the Marathon Agency, Nipsey built his now-famed The Marathon Clothing store, the unfortunate location of his untimely death. Per Civil, he had over 14 businesses. His Vector90 tech venture offered co-working space to local residents as well as STEM programs for the youth, while he also teamed with Fatburger for special run Crenshaw jerseys. Then of course there’s Destination Crenshaw, his community-driven initiative that not only changed the perception of South Los Angeles, but gave the youth an opportunity to harness their own powers as change agents. "Destination Crenshaw showed it was much more than music for Nipsey," says Soren Baker. "That was something that developed; it wasn’t instantaneous. That’s a testament to his evolution as both an artist and businessman."

While Nipsey continued to secure wins with his music, including the GRAMMY-nominated Victory Lap in 2018, it was uplifting Los Angeles that remained his main mission. "He was a husband, he was a father, he was an entrepreneur," says Civil. "He was somebody that invoked change." His loss is felt on a number of levels, hip-hop just merely being one of them. "Being from New Jersey, I wondered, was this what it felt like when they killed Tupac?" she continues. “The air has been sucked out of Los Angeles.”

Above all, Nipsey Hussle was a visionary. Not many individuals can start in gang-affiliated streets, make music that the entire world felt, and take those wins and pour them right back into the city that raised him. He was one of a kind, and his inspiration will live on.

"The Marathon continues and will continue," Civil says. "His message will not die in vain."

Nipsey Hussle, Beloved L.A. Rapper And Activist, Lived As A Patron To His Community

Nipsey Hussle and Lauren London 2019 GRAMMYs

Lauren London & Nipsey Hussle

Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage/Getty Images

News
Obama Pens Note For Nipsey Hussle's Memorial nipsey-hussles-memorial-service-had-powerful-statements-barack-obama-kendrick-lamar

Nipsey Hussle's Memorial Service Had Powerful Statements From Barack Obama, Kendrick Lamar & More

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"Nipsey saw potential. He saw hope…I hope his memory inspires more good work in Crenshaw and communities like it," former President Obama wrote
Ana Monroy Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Apr 11, 2019 - 3:41 pm

On April 11, the people of Los Angeles gathered to celebrate the late rapper and community activist Nipsey Hussle, with over 21,000 people joining his memorial service at Staples Center in downtown L.A. The memorial was livestreamed with countless Nipsey fans far and wide tuning in and sharing messages on social media with the hashtag #NipseyHussleForever.

Despite the huge space left behind by Hussle's death, which has shaken his community in South L.A., not to mention his family and closest friends, the messages during his service were deeply inspirational and hopeful.

https://twitter.com/Essence/status/1116408211958054912

.@KarenCivil reads a letter sent by @BarackObama to honor Nipsey Hussle. #CelebrationOfNipseyHussle #RIP 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/nOwOdz3y0a

— ESSENCE (@Essence) April 11, 2019

Karen Civil, Hussle's longtime friend and marketing manager, held back tears while reading a touching letter from former President Barack Obama:

"While most folks look at the Crenshaw neighborhood where he grew up and see only gangs, bullets and despair, Nipsey saw potential. He saw hope. He saw a community that, even through its flaws, taught him to always keep going. His choice to invest in that community rather than ignore it—to build a skills training center and a coworking space in Crenshaw; to lift up the Eritrean-American community; to set an example for young people to follow—is a legacy worthy of celebration. I hope his memory inspires more good work in Crenshaw and communities like it."

https://twitter.com/nytimes/status/1116420914223169541

"He had such beautiful energy. He's intelligent. He's radiant. He's a superhero," Nipsey Hussle’s mother, Angelique Smith, said at her son’s funeral https://t.co/HtLVSpnWI0

— The New York Times (@nytimes) April 11, 2019

Many of Hussle's family and friends spoke during the memorial, including both his mother and father. "I'm very proud of my son," his mother Angelique Smith said. "My son, Ermias Joseph Asghedom, was a great man."

https://twitter.com/Complex/status/1116411770158100481

“I want you to know I feel real joy in my heart when I’m around you
I feel safe around you... Protected.”

A text message Lauren London sent Nipsey Hussle in January. 💙 #CelebrationOfNipseyHussle pic.twitter.com/9kDuMkwTaj

— Complex (@Complex) April 11, 2019

Lauren London, Hussle's longtime girlfriend and mother to their two-year-old son, Kross Asghedom, read a heartfelt text message she had sent to Hussle back in January.

"I want you to know I feel real joy in my heart when I'm around you…you have encouraged me and inspired me to reach higher," she read from the message. She added, "His soul was majestic, the strongest man I ever knew. He was completely self-taught, always seeking knowledge."

https://twitter.com/Genius/status/1116420538254098433

GRAMMYs

Content Not Available

Fellow L.A. rapper Kendrick Lamar, who collaborated with the late rapper on "Dedication," from Hussle's debut LP Victory Lap, also shared a moving message that was included in the book. He recalled the first time the pair met, on tour in 2009.

"I watched a young, ambitious black male orchestrate fellowship amongst the men around him on that tour. Determined to execute one thing–and that was Greatness. Greatness in knowledge, greatness in wealth, and greatness in self," Lamar wrote.

https://twitter.com/FOXLA/status/1116436146840408064

“For those who knew Nipsey Hussle personally, he had nothing but love for every single gang member no matter the neighborhood,” Snoop Dogg said about late rapper Nipsey Hussle at Hussle’s “Celebration of Life” ceremony. #NipseyHussle #CelebrationOfLife #NipseyHussleForever pic.twitter.com/e8YAMONFU0

— FOX 11 Los Angeles (@FOXLA) April 11, 2019

Another L.A. hip-hop icon, Snoop Dogg, took to the stage at Staples to offer support for Hussle's family and to share words for his friend. "For those who knew Nipsey Hussle personally, he had nothing but love for every single gang member no matter the neighborhood," he said.

https://twitter.com/FOXLA/status/1116441877861953537

“Enough of people being killed by guns and violence,” - Stevie Wonder said at the “Celebration of Life” ceremony for late rapper Nipsey Hussle. #NipseyHussle #CelebrationOfLife #NipseyHussleForever https://t.co/5O1DD3C6qr pic.twitter.com/uOZ3mxoJ4M

— FOX 11 Los Angeles (@FOXLA) April 11, 2019

Stevie Wonder also gave a speech at the event, speaking out against gun violence before singing Eric Clapton's "Tears in Heaven."  

"It is a heartbreak to again lose a member of our family. It is a heartbreak because it’s so unnecessary," he said. "It is so painful to know that we don’t have enough people taking a position that says: Listen, we must have stronger gun laws. It is unacceptable. It is almost like the world is becoming blind."

https://twitter.com/ComplexMusic/status/1116379013046525953

The vigil for Nipsey Hussle outside his store in L.A. keeps growing. The funeral procession will pass by here later today. #NipseyHussleForever 🏁💙pic.twitter.com/AqYqr9mzeq

— Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) April 11, 2019

Following the memorial, where Hussle's casket sat onstage during the event, a 25-mile funeral procession is set to take place through L.A., stopping at his business and place of death, The Marathon Clothing store.

https://twitter.com/ComplexMusic/status/1113034250876522498

What a tribute. Rest in power, Nip 🙏🏽#NipseyHussleForeverpic.twitter.com/3fJkomG2to

— Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) April 2, 2019

Rest In Power, Nipsey Hussle.

Remembering Nipsey Hussle

How Nipsey Hussle Transcended Hip-Hop, Starting In The Los Angeles Streets

GRAMMYs
News
Poll: Who Will Win Best Rap Performance? poll-who-do-you-think-voters-will-pick-best-rap-performance-2020-grammys

Poll: Who Do You Think Voters Will Pick For Best Rap Performance At The 2020 GRAMMYs?

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J. Cole, J.I.D., Bas, EARTHGANG, Young Nudy, DaBaby, Nipsey Hussle, Roddy Ricch, Hit-Boy, Offset and Cardi B are all in the running for Best Rap Performance at the 62nd GRAMMY Awards—tell us who you think will win!
Ana Monroy Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Dec 11, 2019 - 2:10 pm

And the Best Rap Performance GRAMMY goes to…

We'll have to wait until the 62nd GRAMMY Awards on Jan. 26, 2020 to find out how the sentence will be completed, so, for now, let's revisit the talented artists and fire tracks that are currently nominated for Best Rap Performance. Take the poll below to pick who you think Recording Academy voters will select as the winner, and read on to learn a bit more about the songs and artists in the running, which include J. Cole, J.I.D., Bas, EARTHGANG, Young Nudy, DaBaby, Nipsey Hussle, Roddy Ricch, Hit-Boy, Offset and Cardi B.

Polls

Who Do You Think Voters Will Pick For Best Rap Performance?

Former 2012 Best New Artist nominee J. Cole has become one of the biggest names in hip-hop over the past decade, and with his talent-rich Dreamville Records imprint, is bringing many younger rappers up with him. This past January, the North Carolina legend released "MIDDLE CHILD," which would serve as a lead single to the Dreamville compilation album, Revenge of the Dreamers III, released later in the year, on July 5.

Not only is Cole up against himself in this category, as "Down Bad" is also nominated, he and the Dreamville squad are also up for Best Rap Album for Revenge of the Dreamers III.

Related: Find Out Who's Nominated For Best Rap Album | 2020 GRAMMY Awards

Following a series of mixtapes, first-time GRAMMY nominee DaBaby, also from North Carolina, released his debut studio album, Baby On Baby, this past March. It was indeed a huge year for the rising rapper, as not only was his album well-received, but he also saw viral success with its single, "Suge," and he was featured in XXL's 2019 Freshman Class. He also served up several high-profile features, including for remix versions of both Lizzo's "Truth Hurts" and Lil Nas X's "Panini."

"Suge," whose title is a reference to Death Row Records co-founder Suge Knight, is also nominated for Best Rap Song, a songwriters' award.

"Down Bad" was released on June 12, 2019, one week after Revenge of the Dreamers III finally dropped, as its next single. As the album itself is a product of the collaboration of many artists, the majority who are signed to Cole's Dreamville label, this track is a shining example of both a solid rap posse cut and the collab-led album.

"Down Bad" features J.I.D., Bas, EARTHGANG—all of whom are on Dreamville, Young Nudy and Cole himself, who offers his flow to a bulk of the LP's 18 tracks.

Another Poll: Who Will Win Best Pop Vocal Album At The 2020 GRAMMYs?

"Racks In The Middle," was the last empowering single Nipsey Hussle released before we lost the Los Angeles icon this spring. The track features emerging L.A. rapper Roddy Ricch, another XXL Class Of 2019 inductee and GRAMMY-winning producer Hit-Boy. Like "Suge," "Racks In The Middle" is also both up for Best Rap Song.

The late, great Hussle is also up for a third nomination this year, for DJ Khaled's track "Higher," which also features vocals from John Legend and was released after Hussle's death. At the 61st GRAMMYs earlier this year, the hip-hop hero received his first GRAMMY nomination for his long-time-coming debut studio album, Victory Lap.

Hip-hop powercouple Offset and Cardi B slayed at the 2019 GRAMMYs this past February. Not only did they look fly on the red carpet, they shared a major moment onstage earlier this year when Cardi took home her first golden gramophone, for Best Rap Album for her 2018 killer debut studio album Invasion Of Privacy.

Later that month, Offset released his first solo album, FATHER OF 4, the final Migos' member to release their solo project. The album's second single, "Clout," features none other than Cardi B, who adds a big dose of bad b***h attitude to the track and music video.

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Stay tuned to GRAMMY.com (sign up for our weekly newsletter digest above!), our social media channels (follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter), YouTube page, to keep up on all things 2020 GRAMMYs. And don't forget to catch the big show live on CBS on Jan. 26, 2020.

Find Out Who Just Made History With Their GRAMMY Nominations: 2020 GRAMMYs By The Numbers

GRiZ at Bonnaroo SuperJam

GRiZ & friends at SuperJam

Photo: FilmMagic/Getty Images

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GRiZ Honored Dr. John During Bonnaroo SuperJam griz-friends-honored-dr-john-and-other-music-legends-during-bonnaroo-superjam-set

GRiZ & Friends Honored Dr. John And Other Music Legends During Bonnaroo SuperJam Set

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"His style of writing—without that I wouldn't exist. There's this badassery to it. His breaking rules paved the way for people like myself to do similar things with music," the saxophone-toting DJ/producer told Rolling Stone
Ana Monroy Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Jun 18, 2019 - 12:49 pm

During Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival this weekend, DJ/producer/saxophone master GRiZ offered two very different sets. Both showcased his energetic sax playing, but one saw him as the bandleader of the dozens of performers he brought together for the fest's annual SuperJam event.

This year's late-night jam session, which is curated and executed by a different artist every year, was titled "G.O.A.T.: A Celebration of Music Legends SuperJam with GRiZ." The 90-minute set was dedicated to late musical greats including late GRAMMY winners Dr. John, Aretha Franklin, David Bowie and Prince, GRAMMY nominees Mac Miller and Nipsey Hussle, and others. A powerhouse house band and specials guests, all chosen by GRiZ, filled the stage and brought the music to life.

This @Bonnaroo SuperJam is about to be WILD! Added more friends to the lineup. See you out there next weekend!! pic.twitter.com/JsCfTSEJok

— GRiZ (@Griz) June 6, 2019

Rolling Stone reports that the Dr. John tribute, which came in the form of his 1973 song "Right Place, Wrong Time," with GRiZ assisting the house band on his sax, was worked into the set list, following his sudden passing on June 6. They spoke to GRiZ and Stu Brooks, SuperJam's Music Director, who worked on the program for five months, organizing its music and plethora of incredibly talented musicians. The pair emphasized it was important to both of them to work Dr. John's magic into the performance.

As the outlet explains, not only does the festival's name comes from Dr. John's 1974 album Desitively Bonnaroo, but Brooks performed as member of his touring band in 2015 and GRiZ is deeply influenced by the late New Orleans' jazz/funk legend.

Related: Dr. John, New Orleans Music Legend, Dies At 77

"We obviously had to pay tribute to Dr. John," Brook's told Rolling Stone. "It's a great way to process loss of someone's life—by celebrating at this [festival], it's serendipitous to the max."

"It's a really morbid situation to be in," GRiZ added, "but also kind of a blessed situation—that we had a platform that we were able to celebrate his life." The Detroit-native also spoke to how Dr. John's joyously experimental music inspired his own risk-taking in his sound and style:

"His style of writing—without that I wouldn't exist. There's this badassery to it. His breaking rules paved the way for people like myself to do similar things with music…That 'free and easy' thing—that makes me feel like I don't have to be worried about what my heart feels about this music and the way it should sound."

One simple yet poignant piece of wisdom Dr. John shared with Brooks during their time touring together, "Be free and easy," served as the thesis statement for the sprawling set. "I feel like that's the ethos of this entire SuperJam," GRiZ added.

 @Bonnaroo #SuperJam practice pic.twitter.com/XpI1oBULEH

— GRiZ (@Griz) June 12, 2019

Rapper/animator ProbCause, a regular GRiZ collaborator, and singer Chrishira Perrier, a backing vocalist for Trombone Shorty and GRiZ, were two members of his SuperJam house band who helped bring the show to life, along with a stage full of instrumentalists that included the Naughty Professor's horns.

Perrier helped lead the salute the Franklin, Prince and Rick James and Miller with respectively, "Respect," "1999" with help from K.Flay, "Mary Jane" and "Dang!," which ProbCause supported. Prob also rapped "Grinding All My Love" for Nipsey, and K.Flay channeled her inner- Kurt Cobain for Nirvana's "Lithium." Activist singer/songwriters Nahko Bear and Nattali Rize sang Bob Marley's "Could You Be Loved."

Avicii's "Wake Me Up" was also on the 25-song set list, as well as Bowie's "Let's Dance," Queen's "We Will Rock You," in honor of Freddie Mercury, as well as their collab "Under Pressure." Walk The Moon frontman Nicholas Petricca helped lead the glam-rock classics.

While the loss of Dr. John and the other transcendent musicians has left a void in our hearts and in the music world, their powerful music will allow their legacy to live on for generations. As GRiZ told the outlet, the power of performing the songs was palpable:

"Every time we get a featured vocalist or a featured [musician who played with the artist we cover], the energy explodes. You can close your eyes in that moment and feel like you're in the presence of that person performing that song."

GRiZ Talks Pride, Snoop Dogg Collab, Detroit's Music Scene, Giving Back & More

Clarence Avant _The Black Godfather

Photo: Courtesy of Netflix

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Snoop Dogg, Obama, More Talk Clarence Avant In Doc black-godfather-snoop-dogg-barack-obama-diddy-more-talk-clarence-avant-new-doc

'The Black Godfather': Snoop Dogg, Barack Obama, Diddy & More Talk Clarence Avant In New Doc

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"Sometimes real power is behind the scenes, helping people achieve their dreams," producer Nicole Avant (and daughter of Clarence) said
Ana Monroy Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Jun 7, 2019 - 3:28 pm

Today, a powerful new documentary telling the decades-spanning story of visionary music executive Clarence Avant, was released on Netflix. The Black Godfather, directed by Reginald Hudlin and produced by Avant's daughter Nicole Avant, features interviews from Snoop Dogg, Diddy, Lionel Richie and Former President Barack Obama, to name a few, all of whose lives were touched by Avant.

"Driven by a sense of equality, loyalty, and justice, Avant left the Jim Crow south behind to emerge as a powerhouse negotiator at a time when deep-seated racism penetrated every corner of America. Avant defied notions of what a black executive could do, redefining the industry for entertainers and executives of color and leaving a legacy of altruism for others to emulate," a press release explains.

The filmmakers also spoke with Geffen Records' David Geffen, actress Cicely Tyson, film/TV producer Suzanne de Passe and GRAMMY winners Jamie Foxx and Quincy Jones, who earned his 28th GRAMMY Award this year, for Quincy, the doc directed by his daughter Rashida Jones.

"This story is important to me not just because it's my father, but it's a story of civic engagement, social activism and the power of giving back. I want people to be inspired to help others and share the blessing," Nicole Avant told The Hollywood Reporter during the film's premiere on Monday. "Sometimes real power is behind the scenes, helping people achieve their dreams."

Avant was honored by the Recording Academy earlier this year, with the GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons Award at the Clive Davis-hosted Pre-GRAMMY Gala. He also received the Academy's Trustees Awards back in 2008, celebrating individuals whose music careers (outside of performing) have made "significant contributions" to the recording industry.

Music. Power. Respect. Clarence Avant used them to empower people of all colors to change the world. "Letter To My Godfather" is an original song by me and @ChadHugo​ from the @Netflix​ documentary #TheBlackGodfather in select theaters and on Netflix.https://t.co/HEqhKlBBSY pic.twitter.com/WXUu2QNZvf

— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) June 7, 2019

The ever multifaceted GRAMMY winner Pharrell Williams paid tribute to Avant today, releasing a new track featured in the film, called "Letter To My Godfather." He wrote on Twitter: "Music. Power. Respect. Clarence Avant used them to empower people of all colors to change the world." Neptunes co-founder Chad Hugo assisted production on the shimmering song.

The Black Godfather is available to watch now on Netflix. The GRAMMY Museum in downtown Los Angeles will be screening the film on June 25, followed by a conversation with the director and producer; more info here.

Ari Lennox On Representing Dark-Skinned Black Women, Why She Loves Roots Picnic & More

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