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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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Artist Spotlight

Wyn Calico create the need to support with his latest release “Support”

Wyn Calico steps into deeply personal territory with his latest single, “Support,” a heartfelt offering that addresses a feeling many people know, but rarely express so openly. It’s a song about the universal desire to be encouraged, recognised, and uplifted, turning personal frustration into a relatable message of resilience.

https://open.spotify.com/track/1MNvjKqPPbCmQsA8NCwMxT?si=0f5ab4fc2ee24ab8

“Support” is a meditation on what it feels like to work tirelessly for something you want, but not have the support you need to fully achieve it. Wyn Calico expresses the emotional burden of wanting to make a difference, believing in your purpose, and still moving forward when you hit setbacks. The song is not only about disappointment, but also a rallying cry of resilience in the face of adversity.

This song also highlights an important truth, there are many talented and hard-working people out there who have everything it takes to make a difference, except the encouragement and opportunity to flourish. Wyn Calico’s lyrics and delivery shine a light on that struggle and offer a sense of solidarity to those in similar situations.

“Support” isn’t just a personal statement. It’s a conversation starter. It encourages us to think about the value of community, support, and believing in each other. Wyn Calico’s latest drop is honest, relatable, and emotionally driven, a powerful reminder that even in the moments of isolation, the desire to keep pushing forward is still stronger than ever.

Connect with Wyn Calico on Spotify || Instagram

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Artist Spotlight

NNORDY steps into jazz fusion with latest release “Wrong Turn”

NNORDY’s latest release, “Wrong Turn” is a fully live jazz fusion album that showcases the limitless possibilities of instrumental storytelling with the remarkable chemistry between guitar, keyboards, bass, and drums. The song has no words but is an excellent story told through musicianship and sets the stage for listeners to embark on a rich jazz experience.

“Wrong Turn” shows the strength of live performance from the get-go. Each instrument feels alive and in conversation with the others, a dynamic dialogue that develops organically over the course of the piece. Without vocal guidance, each musical phrase is left to speak for itself, giving the listener the freedom to interpret the track in their own way.

The guitar and keyboards often lead, crafting complex melodic lines and textures that give the music direction and atmosphere. Meanwhile, the bass and drums lay down a solid rhythmic base, creating movement and momentum while still leaving a lot of room for exploration. NNORDY creates a track that both dedicated jazz fans and listeners looking for something adventurous and fresh will enjoy. “Wrong Turn” shows that instrumental music can be as expressive and compelling as vocal music.

Connect with NNORDY on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube