Beauty
Megan Thee Stallion’s Creative Director JaQuel Knight on That Epic AMAs Performance
After giving the world the iconic dances from “Single Ladies” and “WAP,” Knight teamed up with Megan Thee Stallion for a game-changing live set….
Having a diverse skill set allows Knight to pull off arresting moments like Megan’s American Music Awards set, which utilized video, dramatic transparent costumes, and a smoke-filled stage to set a mood. When he began working with the artist at the tail end of 2019, he was keen on taking her live performances to the next level. “It’s just teaching her stage etiquette, “ he explains. “The tools required for superstardom, to become a household name, and soar freely on and off the stage.” The dance was an essential element, one that required daily practices that began in the wee hours. “There has to be a commitment to the art form; it all starts with them,” Knight says of the line between a good and great performer. “Megan is putting in the hours, she’s working hard, and this is all happening incredibly fast for her. Because she’s such a natural, it can look easy, but this is a first for her, and she’s learned so much about how to execute [a performance] on a high level.”
She may have gone from college student to hip-hop superstar seemingly overnight, but when it came time to master the physically demanding choreography for “Body,” Megan was up to the challenge. A mix of NOLA bounce and stomp-and-shake styles, the routine ranks among Knight’s best—a version of it is featured in Megan’s music video for the song as well—and was a 180 from some of the star’s previous performances. “[Before] we saw one side of Megan with the twerking, and that’s kind of where people were starting to write her off,” says Knight. “My goal was to allow people to realize that she’s so much more than that.” Pushing into new territory wasn’t always easy. “There were some things that she was terrified of,” he says of the rig that descended from the ceiling in the show’s opening, and tackling new styles of dance. “To see her commit to the process and to doing whatever it takes to deliver that knockout, stellar performance was beautiful. She’s not playing—we put on a show like nothing we’d ever done before.”
With the #BodyodyChallenge already spreading on TikTok and Instagram, Knight’s work appears to be done, but there’s plenty more he’s eager to tackle soon—TV, film, music, it’s all on the table as long as it connects with his audience. “My biggest thing is creating formats that speak to people who love the arts,” he says. “The sky is the limit; in the last 12 years, I’ve been able to do so much, but I’m just getting started—this is the only the introduction, my opening number.”
Below, Knight shows Vogue a few behind-the-scenes moments from the rehearsals for last night’s performance.
Knight backstage during rehearsals.
“This takes place at the beginning of the first hook. Here, we see the dancers strutting forward, off of the platforms.”
“This is at the beginning of the second hook, and the move is inspired from New Orleans movement, The NOLA Bounce.”
“The group groovin’ and rockin’ during the second pocket of the second verse.”
“This is called the Stomp & Shake, and it’s from HBCU (Historically Black College and University) culture.”
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Lil Baby Set the Stage For A “Totally Different” Vibe Amid New Music Teases
Fans are buzzing with excitement after Lil Baby hinted on social media that a “totally different” chapter in his career is on the way. The Atlanta rapper is gearing up to make a significant impact in the hip-hop world with a new album and a fresh perspective. This week, he shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, opening up about some tough times he faced over the past two years. He wrote, “Ain’t It Cra*y How They Tryna Play Me Like I Ain’t The One!!! It’s That Time! I Would Say Again, But This Run Will Be Totally Different!!” His words showed his confidence and suggested he was ready to bring something new to his music.
Lil Baby has already given fans a taste of this new direction with his latest single, “5AM.” But what’s really getting people excited is his collaborations with other big names like Travis Scott, Future, and especially Young Thug, who has just been released from jail. Their teamwork is especially noteworthy since Young Thug has hinted at working on something with Lil Baby, leading fans to think a new song might drop soon.
However, there’s some drama surrounding these developments. New rumors suggest there might be tension between Young Thug and Gunna, which could involve Lil Baby, especially concerning some ongoing controversies. After Young Thug made a brief and cryptic post on social media, fans are curious to see if Lil Baby’s new path will also involve taking sides.
Regardless of the drama, Lil Baby shows determination as he builds excitement for a deeply personal project. He’s already previewed some new songs during his concerts, making it clear that he’s ready to make his mark in the industry again. Whether this comeback is a gradual buildup or a sudden splash, one thing is sure: Lil Baby is prepared to shake things up. With a fresh outlook and a lineup of powerhouse collaborators, his return is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in his career.
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Attorney Tony Buzbee Pushes Legal Crusade Against Celebrities Linked to Diddy’s Alleged Parties
The legal situation surrounding Diddy is heating up as prominent lawyer Tony Buzbee expands his efforts beyond just the music mogul himself. Buzbee is known for representing more than 120 people who have accused Sean “Diddy” Combs of misconduct. Now, he is also looking at other celebrities who may have been at Diddy’s infamous parties, where allegations of bad behavior occurred. Buzbee is sending a strong message to those who ignored what was happening: they need to either pay up or may face lawsuits that could seriously harm their reputations.
In a recent appearance on TMZ’s documentary titled The Downfall Of Diddy: Inside The Freak-Offs, Buzbee talked about the responsibility of celebrities who attended these events. He highlighted that those who saw or heard about alleged sexual abuse and drugging yet chose to stay silent are just as guilty as the ones accused. Buzbee revealed that some of these stars have already received letters demanding they settle privately or risk facing public lawsuits.
This situation has significant implications. Buzbee’s tough stance comes as personalities like Ray J speak up, claiming that various stars have contacted him worried about their involvement. Ray J has been vocal about Diddy’s alleged misdeeds and suggested that some celebrities try settling with victims before more accusations come to light. It’s unclear if Ray J’s claims indicate real legal trouble or growing anxiety among those involved, but Buzbee’s push for accountability adds a new twist to the ongoing story.
Focused initially on Diddy, this legal battle now shows how famous figures can get caught up in high-profile scandals. As Diddy faces serious federal and criminal cases, the potential consequences for others connected to him are becoming more evident. For now, Tony Buzbee is committed to seeking justice, clarifying that being famous won’t protect anyone from the law. Whether these efforts lead to public trials or quiet settlements, it’s clear that pressure is building for those linked to Diddy’s controversial events.
