Beyonce celebrates black women in intricate album-film

NEW YORK | Pop superstar Beyonce released a musically diverse new album in the form of a film Saturday, a bold tribute to the perseverance of African American women.

“Lemonade” was advertised only as a special on cable network HBO but, more than halfway through, Beyonce dropped an album by the same name.

The sixth studio album by the 34-year-old pop giant features collaborations with the critically acclaimed rapper Kendrick Lamar, garage rocker Jack White and the young R&B sensation The Weeknd.

It also shows a growing musical range by Beyonce, who performs one song with simple acoustic guitar, but elsewhere goes into hip-hop and electronica.

The movie opens with a bleak picture of betrayal and jealousy as Beyonce dances across New Orleans, smashing up cars as she rages against the infidelities of an unnamed partner.

The subject matter immediately triggered a fury of speculation on social media that “Lemonade” was an elaborate artistic announcement of separation from her husband, rap mogul Jay-Z.

But toward the end of the film, Beyonce heads into a chapter entitled “Forgiveness” as she is seen embracing a sullen-looking Jay-Z.

In a further sign that they are still together, Beyonce released the album of “Lemonade” exclusively on the Tidal streaming service led by Jay-Z.

Beyonce, who appears throughout the film with African American women in roles as speakers, artists and dancers, drew a theme early in “Lemonade” as the film cuts to a snippet from late civil rights leader Malcolm X, who is heard saying: “The most disrespected person in America is the black woman.”

The album is Beyonce’s first full-length release since her chart-topping self-titled album in late 2013.

The “Beyonce” album also brought in a strong visual component, with a series of short films to accompany the music.

But the theme of the 2013 album was far different, as it dealt with passion and monogamy, with the song “Drunk In Love” an ode to marital bliss sung in duet with Jay-Z.

source: interaksyon.com

Guitarist Jack White stalks off NY concert stage after 45 minutes

NEW YORK – Jack White didn’t quite repeat the rock star meltdown by Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong, but he did enrage fans by stalking off the stage just 45 minutes into his Saturday night concert at New York City’s famed Radio City Music Hall.

The critically acclaimed guitarist behind the White Stripes and The Raconteurs – and now touring behind his solo record “Blunderbuss” – pulled the plug after 12 songs lasting just 45 minutes.

White, 37, thanked the crowd and exited stage right, leaving the sold-out venue chanting for more. The crowd’s enthusiasm initially turned to perplexity as roadies removed White’s guitars but transformed into anger as the curtain fell on the stage.

No official explanation was given for White’s quick exit. While audience members had been told not to use their cellphone cameras, early in the concert White was seen exchanging words with someone video recording the concert from the seating area nearest the stage.

In between songs, White also seemed underwhelmed by the crowd response, at one point asking, “Jesus Christ, is this an NPR convention?”

Radio City security officials scrambled to barricade the stage door as angry concert goers crowded the exit and, once outside, banged on two parked tour buses. Other fans crowded the lobby to return t-shirts, records and other merchandise purchased ahead of the show.

Twitter lit up with complaints and theories about why White quit.

“Chatter about Jack White’s abbreviated show at New York’s Radio City Music Hall last night has officially lasted longer than the concert itself,” noted Spin.com, the music website.

White’s skill as a guitarist has enabled him to play with the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Jeff Beck, Alicia Keys and other well-known musicians.

His abrupt exit came a week after Green Day’s Armstrong said he would seek substance abuse treatment after losing his temper at the iHeartRadio Festival in Las Vegas, culminating in an expletive-laced tirade followed by the smashing of his guitar.

source: interaksyon.com