Fashion

“It’s Not the Glamour That Draws Me”: Kylie Minogue on Her New Album

The Australian singer discusses her decades-long career, why disco is right for this moment, and how she’s still overcoming insecurities….

Describing Minogue’s enduring appeal to newcomers can feel like explaining why so many children worship Santa Claus. “She is so versatile and always plays different characters and keeps each era so different, whilst remaining the essence of Kylie,” British singer Jessie Ware says of Minogue, whom she had on her Table Manners podcast earlier this fall. “I love that, like someone similar to Dolly Parton, there is still so much mystique around her—she is an untouchable pop star with such warmth.”

As an artist, Kylie has not so much reinvented the musical wheel as she has bedazzled it and kept it spinning. Her music is sumptuous, but utterly free of frills or fuss. Her stickiest lyrics tend toward the hummable and uncomplicated (“I just can’t get you out of my head”; “Get out of my way”); their outer simplicity is the strongest, smartest suit she plays. Mingoue’s songs are agreeable, multigenerational gifts loved equally by straight dads, gay sons, and hip grandparents.

Born Kylie Ann Minogue in Australia in 1968, the international treasure says that although she spent the early years of her career building a name for herself as an actor, singing always came first in her mind. Her breakout role arrived in 1986 with the hit soap Neighbours, an Australian series that was simulcast in the U.K., where audiences embraced Minogue with the sort of overwhelming love ordinarily reserved for glamorous royalty or Paddington Bear. Her character’s wedding episode brought nearly 20 million viewers—on par with the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton 30 years later.

On the heels of soap success, Minogue signed a record deal (fellow artists on her then-label included Bananarama and Rick Astley); her first single, a joyful cover of “The Loco-Motion,” topped the Australian charts and shot her to No. 2 in the U.K and No. 3 in the U.S. A debut album (Kylie) came next, followed by a decade of albums and chart success. After a label switch, she found a home at Parlophone, which helped guide her to the most popular eras of her career with 2000’s Light Years and 2001’s Fever. Accolades flew her way; Hollywood called (Street Fighter, Moulin Rouge); and superlatives piled up (she’s the rare artist to earn first-name-only status worldwide, as well as spots on several “Hottest Women of All-Time” lists). At one particularly high point, one U.K. research group declared the Australian singer the “most powerful celebrity in Britain.”

[embedded content]

In 2005, Glastonbury booked her to headline, a slot she had to withdraw from one month prior to the festival after a breast cancer diagnosis at age 36. Following surgery, she successfully completed chemotherapy, and in 2007, returned to music with X, an album that presciently predated electronic music’s eventual stranglehold on pop. In total, she’s released 15 full-length albums (including this month’s Disco), eight live LPs, a bushel of compilations and EPs, countless remixes, a Christmas album, and a couple of celebratory box sets for good measure, to say nothing of her myriad world tours and global Pride performances. “I just really like the ‘work’ part of it,” she says without a hint of sarcasm. “Oh, I love it so much. It’s not the glamorous part at all that draws me. I would always rather be back in the studio again.”

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Fashion

Raekwon Unveils “The Emperor’s New Clothes” With All-Star Lineup

Raekwon, a legendary rapper known for his role in the Wu-Tang Clan, has just announced his long-awaited eighth studio album, titled “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” set to be released through Mass Appeal. Although no singles have been shared yet, the album is already creating a buzz and is highly anticipated this summer. It’s been seven years since Raekwon last released a solo album, and this new project feels more like a grand return than just another release.

He’s teamed up with a mix of familiar faces from the Wu-Tang Clan and some fresh talent in hip-hop. Listeners can look forward to clever lyrics and captivating stories filled with raw emotion. Raekwon has invited his Wu-Tang brothers Ghostface Killah, Method Man, and Inspectah Deck to feature on the album, ensuring a classic blend that fans love. He’s also brought in well-respected artists outside of the Wu-Tang family, like Nas and members of the Griselda collective, Westside Gunn, Benny The Butcher, and Conway The Machine, who are known for their gritty style.

Adding to the variety, singers Stacy Barthe and Marsha Ambrosius will provide soulful vocals to complement Raekwon’s hard-hitting verses. The album’s production features talented names like Swizz Beatz, Nottz, J.U.S.T.I.C.E League, Frank G, and Roadsart, promising a rich, cinematic sound that matches Raekwon’s lyrical skills. Even with such an impressive lineup, there’s still a sense of mystery around the album. There have been no early songs or previews released, just the announcement itself, which builds even more expectation.

But for Raekwon, this is part of his journey. He has always delivered powerful lyrics and relatable street stories without much introduction. The title, The Emperor’s New Clothes, suggests a fresh start and a daring vision that might challenge the current state of rap. With his experienced flow and storytelling still sharp, Raekwon seems prepared to reestablish his place among the top artists in hip-hop.

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Fashion

Wendy Williams Makes Stylish Splash At Columbia Supporting Her Designer

In a delightful surprise for fans and fashion enthusiasts, Wendy Williams made a rare appearance at Columbia University on Tuesday, and everyone couldn’t help but notice her. The former talk show host was in high spirits as she showed up to support her longtime friend and fashion designer, Mel Maxi. Wendy looked fantastic in a stylish black-and-white outfit that included a Yankee hat and her trademark flair.

Designed by Maxi himself, her outfit was not just chic but also had a personal touch that highlighted her vibrant personality. In a heartwarming moment recorded on video, Wendy told Maxi, “This is amazing! This was specifically designed for me… this is really hand done.” Wendy came to cheer on Maxi, who was set to give a lecture about fashion design at the prestigious university. Her appearance was a meaningful moment between two creative friends who have supported each other for years. Wendy’s presence emphasized the importance of friendship and collaboration in the creative world.

As she walked by, a nearby fan shouted their love for Wendy, and she instinctively responded with her signature warmth and enthusiasm: “Thank you!” she exclaimed with a big smile. After being away from the spotlight for months, Wendy’s visit was a refreshing change for fans who have missed her lively spirit. There were no fancy events or flashing cameras, just Wendy enjoying the moment, supporting a friend, and reminding us all of the significance of showing up for the people we care about.

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0