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John Legend Says Lil Wayne Is In “The Sunken Place”

It’s officially Election Day in the United States Of America, and by the end of the night, either Joe Biden or Donald Trump will be the President. For many, the outcome is as high-stakes as they come. Anxiety has reached a feverish high, with fear of widespread protests transpiring regardless of the results. For the most part, a score of musicians and celebrities have come forward with endorsements for Biden — at least, in public. Others have made their Trump loyalties known, with rappers like Lil Wayne, Kodak Black, and Lil Pimp tossing their red hats into the ring.

John Legend Lil Wayne

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Last night, John Legend held it down with a performance at Joe Biden’s final campaign rally. No stranger to voicing his political takes, Legend made sure to offer some thoughts on his fellow musicians, as well as those emboldened by some of Trump’s more negative qualities. “Now, some people see the meanness, the bullying, the selfishness of Donald Trump and they mistake it for strength, a kind of twisted masculinity,” says Legend. “Some see his greed and they mistake it for being good at business.”

“Some of your former favorite rappers have been taken in by these lies,” he continues, a clear allusion to Lil Wayne; last we checked, Lil Pimp hardly fit the mold of anyone’s favorite rapper. “I think they even founded a new supergroup, it’s called The Sunken Place. But Trump’s Platinum Plan for Black folks is nothing but fool’s gold, because you can’t bank on a word he says. Ask the students of Trump University. Ask all of the contractors he stiffed. Ask people his charity was supposed to help before it was shut down for being a fraud. Ask all the Black and Brown Americans who are dying from this virus and losing their jobs under his watch.”

It should be noted that Legend and Wayne have worked together in the past, having previously connected on Tha Carter IV’s “So Special.” It’s not the first time he watched a collaborator endorse Donald Trump, with Kanye West having notoriously boarded the Trump train prior to his own political ambitions. And while Legend did not call out Weezy by name, it’s abundantly clear as to whom he’s speaking on. Though to be fair, it’s possible he was alluding to 50 Cent and Ice Cube, though neither of them has stood firmly behind either party.

Check out Legend’s speech below, and sound off — do you think it’s counterproductive to equate hip-hop’s Trump supporters to Jordan Peele’s racially driven body-horror classic?

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François Marius and Bérénice creates a tender acoustic pop confession with “Billie Jean”

François Marius’ latest release, “Billie Jean (Acoustic Version),” cuts to the quick and lets raw emotion take over. What you get, ultimately, is a personal pop experience that feels closer to a secret than to either a spoken-word show or a performance. The initial soft strum of an acoustic guitar creates a mood that is soft, sweet, and quietly interesting. It’s a full-throated, backbones-out piece, and every note is screaming its potential. It’s simple but riveting, and it proves that sometimes less is more.

François Marius and Bérénice’s voices sound right together, their voicings intermingle so naturally that they seem accidental or spontaneous, harmonies that emerge from nowhere. The way they speak to one another is very, I mean, they really love each other. That even makes the track seem like a conversation about feelings.

The two artists are clearly close. Romance and Eros are not just ideas, and they inhabit every note that lingers and every minuscule shift in tonality. The harmonies soar effortlessly over the acoustic foundation, a blend of sweetness and strength. It’s a sign of strength and also of a willingness to be hurt.

“Billie Jean (Acoustic Version)” is stripped of any fancy production or theatrical effects, it wins you over with its frankness and forthrightness. Sandy François Marius’s impersonation is fresh and real, endowed with depth and softness thanks to Bérénice’s presence, which definitely makes everything more perfect. This acoustic performance serves as a stark reminder of the elements that do connect people: the singer, his guitar, and a story from the heart.

Connect with François Marius on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube || Twitter || Soundcloud

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RoHaNa and Morpheus von Dobenhausen paint love in shadows and light “WHEN A BOY LOVES A WOMEN”

RoHaNa feat. Morpheus von Dobenhausen, in this new release, “When a Boy Loves a Woman,” This track, recorded in winter, has a hint of gothic style that blends emotional restraint with atmospheric elegance. The track is all about RoHaNa’s emotional singing, which fits perfectly with the carefully crafted production. Her voice shows desire, weakness, and dedication without being too loud, letting each note ring out. The result is a sound that affects people on a personal and universal level. There is a sense of innocence that permeates, capturing the delicate nature of love in its purest form.

Morpheus von Dobenhausen is a guest singer who deepens the track’s emotional journey. Their voices work together to make a conversation of feelings that is both clear and mysterious. The song doesn’t go too fast, so the listener can feel the mood and atmosphere as they go through its subtle changes.

“When a Boy Loves a Woman” is unique because it strikes the perfect balance between modern pop and gothic restraint. The result is a soundscape that is both creepy and easy to listen to. It is a moving story about love and devotion, told with grace and quiet strength.