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….

Megan Thee Stallions Choreographer JaQuel Knight on That Epic AMAs Performance — Photo: Emilio Coochie

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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Celebrity

Lizzo’s Bold Transformation and Powerful Message Ignite Fan Debate

Grammy winner Lizzo is back in the spotlight this time, not for her music, but for a new chapter on a different path in her life. The “About Damn Time” singer sparked a flurry of comments when she took to Instagram over the weekend, showing off a noticeably trimmer figure. But she wasn’t just turning heads with her transformation. It was the statement she made alongside it.

In the clip, Lizzo spray-painting the words “Bye B####” across the cover of her Special album felt like a bold yet symbolic move. Alongside the clip, she wrote, “End of an era.” The four words reverberated across social media, leaving fans and critics alike wondering. What era was coming to a close, and what’s next?

Lizzo’s body positivity and self-love advocacy have long been central themes of her work, which makes this moment all the more provocative. Several fans lauded her evolution, viewing it as a sign of natural maturation. Others were unsettled, wondering if her transformation changed the message she had long promoted.

Social media erupted in response. Some commended her for calling her own shots in a changing era, while others debated whether this decision was consistent with the fearless body-acceptance philosophy she had long personified.

The Special era was a watershed moment for Lizzo, cementing her place among the industry’s heavy hitters. From songs of self-empowerment to adrenaline-infused performances, she clearly illustrated that confidence isn’t about a stain on a scale. It’s about knowing who you are. By spray-painting the album cover, she appears to be closing a chapter to clear the way for something else.

Artists evolve. As musicians do, Lizzo is trying her skills out on fresh sounds; her evolution physically, emotionally, and artistically is hers to narrate. Whether this moment is a rebrand, a shift in perspective, or an artistic expression, one thing is certain: Lizzo is fully owning being Lizzo.

With an “end of an era” declaration, fans eagerly wonder what comes next. Will she bring in a new sound? A new way to think about body image? An utterly wild card project? If Lizzo has a specialty, it’s ensuring that the world never knows what to expect.

Whether you love, hate, or celebrate it, her latest move shows she still owns her narrative and is not afraid to rattle the bones.

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Celebrity

Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” Dominates Spotify’s Global Chart for Ninth Consecutive Day

Kendrick Lamar’s powerhouse hit “Not Like Us,” is showing no signs of slowing, spending its ninth consecutive day atop Spotify’s Global Chart. The track, which debuted on top on the strength of dethroning The Weeknd and SZA, shows no signs of losing momentum. Lamar’s blistering anthem has fended off all challengers, racking up 11.4 million streams this week alone, despite fresh competition from Drake and PartyNextDoor’s new album, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U.

This newest milestone only enhances the song’s already historic run. Before this week, “Not Like Us” spent two weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and a record 20 weeks at No. 1 on the Hot Rap Songs chart. The track also solidified its legacy on Spotify’s Billions Club, crossing a billion streams on the platform earlier this month.

The series, it turns out, has also been involved in a legal battle that continues to roil the industry, beyond its streaming success. (A Model Company)/Duckwrth With Allure Records, Drake Accuses UMG of Defamation, Alleges Payola Tactics at His Expense Previously, Drake Filed a Federal Lawsuit Against UMG Earlier This Year Drake Filed a Federal Defamation Lawsuit Against The Label This Year (image) Drake filed a federal lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) the label that allegedly used payola tactics at his expense. UMG has vigorously denied the accusations, which adds an extra layer of intrigue to the current feud between the two rap titans.

K. Dot, you’ve done it again, and with “Not Like Us” still topping the charts and making headlines, your influence in the music world is as formidable as ever. Whether it’s record-shattering streaming figures, contentious rivalries, or cultural relevance, one thing is for sure this song isn’t leaving the chat anytime soon.

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