February 16, 2017 

By Brandon I. Brooks 

Managing Editor

The 59th annual Grammy awards opened up with singing sensation The Weeknd, who performed, “Starboy,” and “I Feel It Coming,” featuring a special guest collaboration with EDM pop group Daft Punk. 

 

Rihanna and Drake lost the Grammy of Best Pop Duo Performance with their hit single “Work,” to Twenty One Pilots for their hit single “Stressed Out.”

 

The mother of Beyoncé, Tina Knowles, introduced her daughter for her live Grammy performance while simultaneously acknowledging her other songstress daughter, Solange, with a speech speaking on how thankful and appreciative she felt for her children and their careers. Beyonce’s husband rap superstar Jay-Z, was in the audience supporting along with their daughter Blue Ivy.

 

Beyoncé opened her Grammy performance with a video tribute celebrating the struggle of Black women and highlighting the strength and empowerment of all women. She performed “Love Drought and the hit single “Sandcastles,” which was written by Vincent Berry, II.

 

The video tribute featured an appearance from her mother as well as her daughter. Beyoncé graced the stage looking royal in a gold outfit resembling the garbs of America’s statue of liberty. Beyoncé showcased her pregnant belly confirming reports she is expecting twins with her husband Jay-Z.  Beyoncé looked stunning performing pregnant. She did not miss a beat as to say, here I am, take me as I am. Black, pregnant and beautiful!

 

The Knowles sisters had a victorious night as Beyoncé won two Grammys. She won for Best Urban Contemporary Album, for the album “Lemonade,” and a second Grammy for “Best Music Video” for the song “Formation.” Solange won her first Grammy award for Best R&B Performance, for the song “Cranes in the Sky”.

 

Beyoncé was very passionate during her acceptance speech on stage reading from a gold notecard sharing, “We all experience pain and loss and often we become inaudible. My intention for the film and album was to create a body of work that will give a voice to our pain, our struggles, our darkness and our history, to confront issues that make us uncomfortable,” she said. “It's important to me to show images to my children that reflect their beauty so they can grow up in a world where they look in the mirror, first through their own families, as well as the news, the Super Bowl, the Olympics, the White House, and the Grammys, and see themselves. And have no doubt that they're beautiful, intelligent, and capable. This is something I want for every child of every race, and I feel it's vital that we learn from the past and recognize our tendencies to repeat our mistakes.”

 

Solange spoke backstage during the Grammy award show about her status as a fashion icon and how important fashion is to her music. “I think that visual art in all aspects are super important to me whether it be through the creation through my music videos or my album artwork,” said Solange. “Creating strong visual representation of not only myself but again, Black women and getting to see us as avant-garde beings in a world that sometimes puts us in a box is really important to me.” 

 

As for who inspires her, Solange shared that she looks to legends such as Nina Simone and Marvin Gaye and the artists of our times that have really pushed political messages through their music and their artistry.

 

“I think all we can do as artist is write what is true to us,” said Solange. “And I think that the music that is out right now and really connecting and thriving reflects that and I am really grateful to those artists pushing for paying it through because it’s not easy it’s scary putting yourself out there on the line when you are making political and social statements with your work. So, I just honor the greats. I look to Nina Simone who did that during a time where it’s interesting the trajectory of her career now she is being so celebrated and revered she was really shut up during that time and really told to just sing. Those are the artists that paved the way for us to do what we are doing now, so we are not doing nothing new.”

 

Solange introduced the rap performance collaboration of Anderson .Paak and Tribe Called Quest which paid tribute to late member Phife Dawg, of Tribe Called Quest who passed away in 2016. Anderson .Paak displayed his versatility playing the drums, singing and rapping. Hip hop legend Busta Rhymes joined the Grammy performance and sarcastically said that he wanted to thank President “Agent Orange,” referring to President Donald Trump.  The performance highlighted the negative stigma of immigrants that are under attack by the current administration. The group brought out different people representing immigrants throughout American history. “Resist, Resist, Resist”, chanted the rap performers on stage.  “We the People”!

 

Bruno Mars may have been the best overall performance of the night giving the audience a taste of his versatility performing “That’s What I Like,” serenading the women in the audience with the line, “can I break it down?”

 

Stax record legend William Bell and rising star Billy Clark, Jr. blended the old school with the new performing the classic record “Born Under a Bad Sign.” 

 

Rising star Andra Day performed alongside artist Demi Lovato, Tori Kelly and Little Big Town for a Bee Gee’s tribute. 

 

The awkward moment of the night went to international superstar Adele during her tribute to the late George Michael while performing his record, “Fast Love.” Adele messed up during the beginning of her performance and asked for forgiveness for cursing on live television. She started the entire performance from the beginning which is something I cannot recall ever happening in Grammys history. The year prior, Adele experienced technical difficulties during her live Grammy performance so by her sharing backstage with writers she is “anal,” and a “perfectionist,” she obviously was not going to allow for another mishap to mess up her live tribute to Michael.

 

Adele won all of her nominated categories taking home 5 Grammy’s. She is the first person to sweep, album, record and song of the year, twice. Social media erupted, as many Beyonce fans were upset that Adele beat her out for both album and record of the year but it’s important to note Adele gave Beyonce proper respect during her speech. “The Lemonade album was so monumental and so well thought out, so beautiful and soul barring,” said Adele.

 

“Superstar” actress Taraji P. Henson presented the award for Best Rap Album, which went to Chance the Rapper for “Coloring Book,” beating out Los Angeles rapper School Boy Q for his album “Blank Face.”

 

Chance has broken barriers the last couple of years becoming an independent pop phenomenon. Chance also took home the Grammy awards for “Best New Artist,” and “Best Rap Performance,” for the hit song, “No Problem.”  Chance the Rapper thanked God and shared he didn’t know he was going to win. “This is for every indie artist,” said Chance. “Shout out to DJ Drama who did if first.”

 

Gospel giants Kirk Franklin and Tamela Mann joined Chance the Rapper during his performance blending hip hop and gospel music.

 

Franklin took home the Grammy for “Best Gospel Album,” “Losing My Religion,” and Mann took home the Grammy for “Best Gospel Performance/Song” for “God Provider,” which featured Franklin as well.

 

Lifetime achievement awards went to several Black legends such as gospel legend Shirley Casear, Jazz and pianist legend Ahmad Jamal, country music legend Charley Pride, legendary singer and activist Nina Simone and soul and funk legend Sly Stone.

 

Songwriter Thom Bell won the Grammy’s Trustees award and Black Entertainment Television (BET) President & CEO, Debra Lee, won the Grammy President’s Award. 

 

The soul group The Time, gave a wonderful performance tribute to the legendary career of Prince, who passed away in 2016.  The Time performed the hit records, “Jungle Love” and “The Bird.” Bruno Mars graced the stage for the tribute performance showcasing his versatility playing the guitar like he was Prince and singing a rendition of Prince’s, “Let’s Go Crazy.”

 

The Sentinel caught up with the group The Time backstage and asked them how important they felt Prince’s legacy is to music? Morris Day of The Time responded by saying, “He (Prince) was one of the best ever. His legacy will go on forever and he is just one of the best musicians that ever lived.”  

 

John Legend and Cynthia Erivo performed and gave tribute to those who passed away since the last Grammy awards telecast. Al Jarreau (76) passed away the morning of the award ceremony and was acknowledged by group Pentatonix on stage before they performed an acapella rendition of “ABC,” by the Jackson 5.

 

Other notable Black entertainers that took home Grammy’s were:

 

Lalah Hathaway for Best Traditional R&B Performance, “Angel” and Best R&B Album, “Lalah Hathaway Live”

 

Drake for Best Rap Song, “Hotline Bling,” and Best Rap Song Performance, “Hotline Bling”

 

Ziggy Marley for Best Raggae Album, for the album titled, “Ziggy Marley”

 

Blues legend Bobby Rush for Best Traditional Blues Album, for the album “Porcupine Meat.”

 

Superstar actor Don Cheadle and his collaborators, Steve Berkowitz and Robert Glasper, for “Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media,” for the movie “Miles Ahead,” based on the life of Jazz legend Miles Davis who Cheadle portrays in the film.

 

For post coverage and videos interviews from the 2017 Grammy Red Carpet, visit www.lasetninel.net.

February 09, 2017 

By Brittany K. Jackson 

Contributing Writer 

Recently, the Sentinel sat down in an exclusive interview with actor and comedian Tony Rock to discuss his latest TV-Series on TV One as the host of “The Game of Dating”, a game show that consists of family, friends and viewers at home predicting each dater’s next move to score points. Rock leverages his hilarious commentary and wittiness to read between the lines of complex relationships, leaving viewers at home ready to see what will happen next. 

 

LAWT: The title of the show “The Game of Dating” suggests that in fact or theory there is an art or science to dating, do you believe this to be true?

 

TR: There is absolutely an art and a science to dating. I love the name “The Game of Dating” because it’s kind of like a play on words. Dating is a game, it’s a chess game, a meeting of the minds and you’re trying to figure things out, what you like, what you don’t like and what it is about this person that intrigues you outside of the physical. The physical is too easy. I always tell people in dating the physical is what makes you approach; the mental is what makes you stay. And that’s what “The Game of Dating” is, is figuring out does your mental mesh with my mental.

 

LAWT: Tell us about the show and what we can expect from the daters.

 

TR: You can expect the unexpected from the daters because I watched the show, I was there for every episode, trust me. The dates are great because while we are recording them, they’re not playing up for the cameras; the cameras are actually quite far away. These daters are in their natural habitat. It’s entertaining to see how people act on a date, it’s entertaining to see how people interact on a date, and it’s entertaining to see the craziness that is dating.

 

LAWT: On the show, family and friends play an integral role behind the scenes, helping each dater score points by predicting their next move. How important do you think it is for family and friends to be involved in one’s dating life?

 

TR: It’s very important for your family and friends to be somewhat involved, but not overbearing in your dating life, because you have your mistakes like anything in life. You’ve got to make your own mistakes and learn from your mistakes to be the best person you can be. So I like that my family and friends are involved in my dating life, but not overbearing.

 

LAWT: Dating is much different today than it may have been in past generations where people often fell in love after one date. What do you think are some cardinal rules for dating today?

 

TR: Dating has changed today and I will tell you why. Social media has destroyed the ability to sweep a girl off her feet. Back in the day, you had to talk to a girl, you had to get to know her. Based on the questions you asked and the information you got from her, you would surprise her with that later on.

 

TR: Now, you can just go on Instagram, you can see everything she likes, everything she don’t like, who her friends are, what her favorite designer is, where she likes to party, where she went on Spring break, it’s all laid out right there, so there’s no ability to sweep a girl off her feet anymore. That’s how dating has changed in this social media era, and I think it was better back then.

 

LAWT: What prompted you to take this role as a comedian hosting a dating show?

 

TR: I was prompted to take the role because I am a comedian and they let me be a comedian. In my standup life, I have to create the material, I have to write, I have to read stuff. In this show, the material is right there in front of me, the jokes kind of write themselves, and I get to be myself and create the joke while we’re all watching it together, so everybody sees what I’m talking about, I just get to be quick witted and make the joke up right there on the spot, which is one of my favorite things to do.

 

LAWT: What was one of the most unexpected dating scenarios you saw on the show?

 

TR: Quite a few of them are unexpected. One of the dates I remember was a couple that were on shaky ground and they didn’t know if they should explore the possibilities together or let it go. And, I’m not going to give away too much, but one of the daters was clearly further along in the relationship than the other… It’s weird to see how people can be in one relationship, and be in two different mental spaces.

 

LAWT: What has been one of the most awkward or weirdest dates you’ve ever been on?

 

TR: I don’t really go on awkward dates. I don’t go on weird dates only because I don’t have time to waste, time is the most valuable thing in the world, I don’t have time to waste, so I will end the date before I sit and suffer on a bad date.

 

LAWT: What dating advice do you have for today’s men?

 

TR: You gotta’ be a gentleman. Gentlemen are a dying breed. I don’t know why in this day and age, people think, as soon as you say the word gentleman, some men think sucka, you gotta’ be soft, you gotta’ be a sucka. It’s being respectful of the young lady who is giving you the most valuable thing in the world, her time. When I go on dates, the first couple of dates I’ve ever been on, I always say thank you for your time, cuz’ you gave me your time, I’m going to make sure your time is fun, but I always say thank you for your time.

 

One of the greatest takeaways Rock says he’s learned from the show is seeing how many people don’t factually know where they are in relationships. Rock says “some people will stay in a bad relationship just to be in a relationship” or “turn a blind eye to obvious signs”. There are, however, some happy endings. Be sure to tune in to the TV One premiere of “The Game of Dating” hosted by Tony Rock on January 31, 2017.

February 09, 2017

Aries   

March 21 – April 19 

The upbeat element to the week ahead increases as lively Mercury enters electric Aquarius. The week could bring unexpected invitations and opportunities to connect with friends and network for pleasure and profit. The big news is the Lunar Eclipse, which could bring about a small revolution, particularly when it comes to your personal interests and leisure. A sport or subject may prove fascinating and pave the way for new activities and friendships.

  

Taurus 

May 21 - Jun 20 

You're very much in the limelight with the Sun moving across the topmost sector of your chart. That means this is the ideal time to showcase your skills and abilities. With a Lunar Eclipse across this axis, business proposals, contracts, or your career plans may change. As one door closes, another one may open to bring fresh opportunities that prove very appealing. On another note, you might connect with an old friend who has something interesting to share with you.

  

Gemini 

May 21 - Jun 20 

You could develop a feeling of wanderlust and a great fondness for exploring new territory. This desire to enjoy new experiences may also be a sign that aspects of your life need upgrading. If your routines have become too familiar lately, you'll certainly crave something different. This week's Lunar Eclipse could bring fresh opportunities your way that sparkle with promise. Don't rush into anything, however. Instead, take your time to thoroughly check out the merits of each option.

  

Cancer 

Jun 21 - Jul 22 

With some lovely aspects this week, career options could appear out of the blue. If you're looking for a new job, think back to the past and to skills and abilities that you used in previous years and jobs. Even if they need to be upgraded, you could find that they're exactly what someone is looking for and the key to a new job or contract. Also, go easy regarding finances. Try to save so you'll have spare cash for unexpected events.

  

Leo 

Jul 23 - Aug 22 

Feisty Mars continues its journey through your sector of travel and new experiences, so the urge to learn something to your advantage could be quite strong. Your focus may be very much on the future and what you can do to make it as exciting and worthwhile as possible. Relationships need work this week, and a Lunar Eclipse in Leo could encourage emotions to surface. This can be a good time to resolve issues that need some careful handling.

 

Virgo 

Aug 23 - Sep 22 

As your personal planet Mercury enters your sector of routines and lifestyle, the coming weeks can be an opportunity to explore ways to improve key facets of your everyday life. This week's Lunar Eclipse can be a call to let go of habits or activities that no longer serve you. The days ahead could bring a series of revelations regarding areas where you may have a blind spot. Events can highlight this and encourage you to take action over the coming weeks and months.

 

Libra 

Sep 23 - Oct 22 

Pleasure options continue to delight as the Sun moves through your sector of leisure and fun. It might be best to keep an open schedule this week and expect the unexpected. One or two events could prove very surprising but still enjoyable. Should you find yourself falling in love, tread very carefully. With a Lunar Eclipse in your social axis, this is quite possible. Don't rush into anything. Take the time to get to know the person better before you commit.

 

Scorpio 

Oct 23 - Nov 21 

This could be a week when you're stirred by the powerful vibes of the Lunar Eclipse in your chart's topmost sector. It's a chance to think about what's most important to you, not only for the coming weeks but also for the rest of the year. What do you hope to achieve? The days ahead could also bring new considerations that surprise you with their freshness and sparkle. It's possible that a career path you've never considered suddenly seems very attractive.

 

Sagittarius 

Nov 22 - Dec 21 

As Jupiter continues retrograde in your friendship sector, connections from the past could reappear and be important in the weeks and months ahead. Also, a piece of information could have you exploring some very entrancing opportunities, but make sure they're solid and real, not simply a mirage, before you dive in. Moreover, you might have to let something go in order to take advantage of it, so be sure that it's right from the start.

 

Capricorn 

Dec 22 - Jan 19 

Although the week could seem predictable at first, it may not remain that way. In fact, it might help to lighten your schedule to make way for the unexpected. You also need to take care with your finances, particularly when it comes to shared resources. A Lunar Eclipse indicates that you should go easy if taking out a loan or mortgage. On the plus side, this Eclipse can encourage you to pay off debt and sort out things to your advantage.

 

Aquarius 

Jan 20 - Feb 18 

You might be in the mood to study, especially if it will help you forge ahead with your career and goals. Meanwhile, the presence of Venus in your sector of communication can be helpful for finding romance online or off. A Lunar Eclipse in your relationship zone could be a call to explore options that improve your connection with a friend or present partner. Something might need discussing, and the way you do it can hold the key to success.

 

Pisces 

Feb 19 - Mar 20 

The presence of Mars in your money zone could stir things up in this sector and encourage you to take action, especially regarding overdue bills or money matters that need attention. Doing it now offers a sense of relief and leaves you feeling more in control. The cosmos is encouraging you to attend to your health and let go of any habits or routines that no longer serve you. Opt for a schedule that enhances your well-being instead.