The power of Bey
Beyoncé’s chart success has translated into a spike in streaming numbers for other Black country artists, as public interest in the genre’s roots has been piqued. Fresh into her “Cowboy Carter” era, Beyoncé has broken ground and multiple records on the charts. Music streaming giant Spotify says the album has officially crossed the threshold as the most-streamed album of 2024 and smashed records for Amazon music streaming, breaking ground as the most-first-day-streamed country album from a female artist in streaming history. But we can’t help but applaud our Houston superstar for providing an exponential uptick in streaming for the Black country artists she featured on her project. Songstress Tiera Kennedy experienced a 40,000 (yes 40-thousand) percent increase in catalog listens and 110% uptick in first-time streams. Similarly, both social media country darling Tanner Adell’s and Nashville crooner Reyna Roberts’ first-time streams each have shot up 125%. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. All hail the Queen.
Lizzo calls it quits
Lizzo says she’s tired of the hate. Credit: Getty
Someone NOT feeling the love is our other Houston superstar, Lizzo, who’s been embroiled in allegations of workplace harassment since August. She recently published an Instagram post suggesting she’s done working. “I’m getting tired of putting up with being dragged by everyone in my life and on the internet,” she wrote. “All I want is to make music and make people happy and help the world be a little better than how I found it. But I’m starting to feel like the world doesn’t want me in it.” Lizzo did not explicitly name the two lawsuits that were brought against her last year by employees on her 2022 tour, but she referred to “lies being told about me for clout & views,” as well as “being the butt of the joke every single time because of how i look” and “my character being picked apart by people who don’t know me and disrespecting my name.” We don’t know if the singer was just venting or if she’s really calling it quits. If she allows the hate to drive her off, it’ll be our loss.
Sports and sisterhood
Angel Reese #10, right, and Flau’jae Johnson #4 of the LSU Tigers soeak with the media after losing to the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at MVP Arena on April 01, 2024 in Albany, New York. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
In the world of collegiate basketball, victories and defeats are commonplace, but the true essence of the sport lies in the relationships forged between teammates, their resilience in the face of adversity, and their unwavering support for one another. This sentiment rings true for LSU women’s basketball stars Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson, whose bond transcends the confines of the court. Following a tough loss against Iowa in the Elite Eight game on April 1, where the LSU team fell short against the formidable Caitlin Clark (hey, we have to give her props), Reese opened up about the challenges she faced this season. The Maryland native, who played a pivotal role in her team’s journey to the NCAA title last year, shared the emotional toll that comes with being thrust into the national spotlight at just 21 years old. Through tears, she candidly spoke of the scrutiny, the hate, the attacks, and threats she’s endured since her championship win, highlighting the harsh realities of life in the public eye. Reese has faced her fair share of detractors for her competitive play and unapologetic demeanor on the court, and Johnson’s unwavering support serves as a reminder of the power of camaraderie and solidarity in the face of adversity. Together, they defy the stereotypes and misconceptions that often plague athletes in the public eye, reminding us that true victory lies in the strength of the relationships we build and the unwavering support we offer one another, both on and off the court. Bravo, ladies.
