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Nicki Minaj Responds to Michael B. Jordan ‘J’Ouvert’ Rum Line Controversy
Michael B. Jordan is facing accusations of cultural appropriation over his new rum line, J’Ouvert. The Creole French word refers to the annual indigenous festivities held since the 1800s in Trinidad and Tobago and Grenada during Carnival. The…
Michael B. Jordan is facing accusations of cultural appropriation over his new rum line, J’Ouvert.
The Creole French word refers to the annual indigenous festivities held since the 1800s in Trinidad and Tobago and Grenada during Carnival. The packaging for J’Ouvert reads, “Derived from the Antellian Creole French term meaning ‘daybreak,’ J’OUVERT originated in the pre-dawn streets of Trinidad, as celebration of emancipation combined with Carnival season to serve as the festival informal commencements. Crafted on those same islands, J’OUVERT Rum is a tribute to the party start.”
Michael B. Jordan owns rum made in Trinidad? (I’m assuming “those same islands” mean Trinidad and Tobago? idk chile) pic.twitter.com/ZGDVIGG01Y
— Cece. (@caribbean_cece) June 20, 2021
But social media has criticized the L.A.-born actor for attempting to trademark the name despite no apparent connection to Caribbean culture.
Additionally, the trademark application claims that “the wording ‘J’OUVERT’ has no meaning in a foreign language.”
I’m curious, what upsets you most about this J’OUVERT Trademark? #JouvertRum https://t.co/82py5GEuaG via @Change
— JAY BLESSED(r)️ (@JAYBLESSED) June 22, 2021
Amid the backlash, over 10,000 people have signed a petition on Change.org demanding that the trademark filing be dismissed.
“We are not a powerless people!” writes the petition organizer, Jay Blessed. “We are a people rich in culture, history and love. It’s time we love ourselves enough to stop the sale of our culture to foreign entities that do not respect or value our global contributions, and who do not support and uphold our countries in respectful, long-lasting, tangible and verifiable ways!”
The petition also calls for Jordan “to do the right thing by calling this a loss!”
You know what I want? A public apology to the people of T& T, and the Caribbean at large, from @michaelb4jordan Scott Williams, @AngosturaHouse, Louis Shaffer and everyone hiding behind the scenes of this #JouvertRum scandal!
— JAY BLESSED(r)️ (@JAYBLESSED) June 22, 2021
Nicki Minaj, who was born in Trinidad and Tobago, has also weighed in on the controversy by sharing a “history lesson” explaining the true meaning of J’Ouvert, while urging the Creed star to change the name of his rum.
“I’m sure MBJ didn’t intentionally do anything he thought Caribbean ppl would find offensive,” wrote the “Seeing Green” rapper, “but now that you are aware, change the name & continue to flourish & prosper.”
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Megan Thee Stallion Shares Her Resilience and Grief In A New Documentary, “In Her Words”
Megan Thee Stallion, celebrated for her fierce confidence and electrifying performances, recently opens up in a new documentary that delves deep into the intimate struggles behind her public persona. In “In Her Words,” streaming now on Prime Video, the Houston rapper and superstar bravely recounts one of her life’s most devastating moments: the heartbreak surrounding the death of her mother, Holly Thomas, in 2019. Megan’s experience of resilience and vulnerability shines as she shares the heartbreaking decision to take her mother off life support and how this tragic event of loss immensely impacted her life.
Throughout the documentary, Megan reveals how her mother’s health deteriorated rapidly due to back-to-back seizures, ultimately leaving her unresponsive and eventually brain-dead. Holly Thomas was more than just family; not only her mother but also her manager, mentor, and most prominent supporter. She had always been Megan’s guiding force, the foundation of her artistry, instrumental in shaping her career. With honesty and tenderness, Megan describes spending each day by her mother’s side, hoping for a miracle. But as time went on, watching her mother’s condition remain unchanged, Megan knew what her mother would want, facing the heart-wrenching realization that her mother would not come back to let her go.
“They had to put her under, and she was just brain dead,” Megan recounts. “I stayed up there every day… just praying that she could shake back from it,” she said. “But once I realized she wasn’t coming back, I knew I couldn’t keep her like this.” She made the decision, and her mother passed the following day.
The documentary highlights the depth of their relationship and the irreplaceable loss Megan faced. With her mother gone, she felt an unfamiliar emptiness. “When my mama passed away,” she shares, “I think I really forgot who I was. I lost a lot of confidence because I was so used to my mama telling me what to do.” The absence of her mother’s guidance hit Megan personally and professionally, leaving Megan adrift, grappling to rediscover herself alone amid her grief.
“In Her Words” showcases Megan Thee Stallion’s incredible strength and resilience, offering fans a closer glimpse at her life and a reminder that even icons who seem confident and robust have vulnerable moments and hidden battles to face. In this documentary, Megan’s unfiltered honesty truly shines, paying tribute to the enduring bond that even death cannot sever. It exudes a powerful portrait of a young woman navigating loss, fame, and healing.
Entertainment
Megan Thee Stallion Brings Texas-Sized Energy with a New Twerk Session Video
When Megan Thee Stallion proudly declares, “Everything’s bigger in Texas,” she truly embodies that spirit with her incredible dance moves. Recently, the Houston rapper energized her fans with a lively twerk session set to her new song, combining the charm of Southern culture with her remarkable dancing. The video showcases her talent and pays homage to her Texan roots, reflecting her pride and joy.
While some people criticize Megan for her bold performances, calling them excessive, she sees her dancing as a joyful and confident expression of herself. It’s significant for her during these challenging times in her life. In her new documentary, “In Her Words,” she opens up about the heart-wrenching experience of losing her mother and the difficult choice she had to make about her mother’s care. This loss deeply affected Megan, leading her to feel lost and uncertain about herself. “When my mama passed away, I think I really forgot who I was,” she shares. “I lost a lot of confidence because I was so used to my mama telling me what to do.”
Megan’s story reveals a woman who carries much weight on her shoulders but still finds ways to spread joy to her fans. A recent fun clip from her Halloween party with fellow rapper Dreezy shows them dancing in fantastic costumes, celebrating life, and shaking off their worries for a fun night.
Despite facing ongoing legal challenges and public scrutiny related to the shooting case involving Tory Lanez, Megan remains solid and trustworthy. No matter what others think, her resilience and ability to enjoy the bright moments in life reflect her Texas-sized strength. For Megan, celebrating life and everything bold and big will always be essential to her adventure.