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Dave Chappelle Talks Social Justice Leaders: “Malcolm X Died Penniless”

Whether he likes it or not, millions of Dave Chappelle fans look to him for guidance. The longtime entertainer has often used his voice to bring a bit of comedy to serious issues that plague American culture, and during his chat with David Letterman on Netflix’s My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, Chappelle tackles why he doesn’t step forward as a social justice leader.

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“There’s somebody who they would look to for moral or intellectual guidance,” Chappelle said. “There’s no pension plan for leaders. Martin Luther King died penniless. Malcolm X died penniless. I don’t want to do that.” Letterman said, even so, he’s still waiting on cultural commentary from Chappelle.

“I said it behind what others were already doing and the commentary after it was very heady and intellectual and I was shocked that nobody ever talked about what it feels like to watch a man get murdered that way by a man in a police uniform,” Chappelle said of George Floyd. Letterman then shares the story of the late civil rights activist and politician John Lewis who was beaten to near-death by an officer many decades ago, and how the experience led Lewis to dedicate his life to fighting for equity and equality. He compared that moment in history to the death of Floyd.

“What a tragic footnote to a tragic culture. This is a lot to unpack,” said Chappelle. “Nights like this are important. Just talking about it. We’re countrymen, all of us. We live in America. It’s weird now, because this game of ‘who suffered more,’ everyone keeps getting the ball. They act like everyone’s suffering is mutually exclusive from everyone else’s, and you and I both know that this is far from the case.”

Check out a clip from Chappelle’s appearance on My Next Guest Needs No Introduction below and make sure to stream the series beginning tomorrow (October 21).

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Kieran James Honors Memory with “Part of the Grind”

Singer-songwriter Kieran James delivers a devastating new single with “Part of the Grind,” a track to tackle the tangled emotions behind loss and memory. A love letter penned to a close friend who faced severe cognitive decline, the song’s emotional heft feels universal yet heartbreakingly personal.

Set to delicate instrumentation and achingly sung vocals, “Part of the Grind” is both a lament and an honoring, a means of remembering while addressing the unavoidable cost of time and illness. His voice floats, leaving room for silence and the long pauses that so often come with grief. But in that silence, there is warmth as well, a refusal to let memory be totally extinguished.

Resilience is also implied in the song’s title, a reminder that even in heartbreak, life goes on and holding the memory of someone stays with the rhythm of everyday living. it’s an anthem for anyone who has ever looked on witnessing decline, mixed sorrow with love.

In Kieran James’s “Part of the Grind,” we hear music as well as go behind it. He gives us room feel, to mourn, and to honor. In the process, he turns private pain into something achingly universal, a song for everyone who has either loved or lost.

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Esthy glows up with joy on new anthem “light it up”

In her latest song, “light it up,” singer-songwriter and producer Esthy from LA brings a vibrant and uplifting vibe that feels like sunshine in musical form. By mixing elements of playful country with polished pop sounds, she creates a track that’s all about having fun and enjoying life.

Esthy’s singing truly shines, showcasing a lively and confident style. There’s a playful tone in her voice that makes the lyrics feel friendly and inviting, encouraging you to set aside your worries and immerse yourself in the moment.

“light it up” radiates energy and is lively and bright, featuring catchy guitar riffs and upbeat rhythms that draw you in right away. If you enjoy artists like Anne-Marie or OneRepublic, you’ll love this song, and Esthy adds her unique flair, making it special and memorable.

Esthy has a talent for creating catchy melodies, and with this one, you’ll find yourself humming throughout your day. Esthy is here to spread joy, inspire energy, and make music that connects with you instantly. This track is designed to remind you of your true unstoppable nature, and Esthy lights it up.

CLICK HERE TO STREAM Esthy’s “lights it up” on Spotify.
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