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KENDRICK LAMAR from Page 18...
Kendrick Lamar: Out of ‘Control’? Shakayla Lee and Tyra Green STAFF WRITERS
Along with calling out other artists, Kendrick Lamar refreshed the New York versus California feud with one line that seems to be the most controversial statement in the
song. Kendrick Lamar states “I’m Machiavelli’s offspring, I’m the king of New York, king of the coast, one hand, I juggle them both.” Being a California native, those few words ignited a flame that may never burn out. “As an upcoming artist I like the new per-
Graphic by: Armando Urena
spective that Kendrick Lamar is bringing. In this song, the message was meant to be disrespectful. I understand that he was trying to spice up the rap game,” explained Senior Kevin Ledford. “Now old cats from New York are trying to revive their careers and claim that they run their town, which at this point may not be the case.” Determined to make a statement, Kendrick Lamar didn’t stop at claiming the throne to both the East and West coast. In the flow that put the “rap game on crutch” he compares himself to being in the Olympics with his competitors and that nothing is going to stop him from getting the gold. He later states “What is competition? I’m trying to raise the bar high. Who’s trying to jump and get it? You better off trying to skydive.” Soon after the release of the song thousands of people took to Twitter, including rappers and record industry executives, to share their views on one of the most talked about tracks of this month. Mixed emotions spiraled among Hollywood, as some artists were impressed and even inspired to raise their music to the next level. Tyga,
The next flick is Netflix Brett Alayon STAFF WRITER
Instantly watching movies and TV shows on a computer, mobile device, or gaming console is an invention that hasn’t been around for too long. Netflix launched on August 29, 1997, setting the standard for what new generations will be provided with to watch their favorite television programs. As of July 2013, Netflix had approximately 37.6 million subscribers across the globe, according to Yahoo news. People have totally wiped out the idea of going to the movies, as teenagers this past summer were addicted to Netflix from beginning to end. For just $7.99 a month, people are able to stare at their computer screen for countless hours every day. These Netflix obsessions include students here at PPCHS, such as account owner, Amadeo Gonzalez, junior. “The only TV I
Netflix: Students’ lives have been overcome with this new craze. Photo by: Alex Monge
watch besides sports games is on Netflix. A lot of people used it over the summer during free time and once you get into a show,
you just want to keep watching.” Gonzalez certainly isn’t alone when it comes to being infatuated with Netflix. It
Entertainment September 2013
who is famously known for the song Rack City, confessed that for the last two years he free styled on his albums and didn’t take much time to actually write down his rhymes. He tweeted (via @Tyga), “That Kendrick verse is crazy! I have to get back on my own grind. I’m not gonna lie I made so much money, I lost inspiration for music. #Inspired right now.” Others artists however, were ready to get in the booth and give the freshman artist more than a slap on the wrist. Over 20 responses were released a short time after the debut of the track. Senior, Micah Baxter stated “I believe Kendrick is over-hyped. Papoose and Cassidy had the best diss songs by far, they went in!” According to billboard.com, the buzz about the song on social media sites range from Twitter to Youtube and has added 209,000 new followers to Kendrick Lamar’s Twitter. Currently nominated for fourteen BET Awards, Kendrick Lamar has achieved a new level of fame and is truly giving those in the industry a run for their money.
was almost as if the popular question on the first day back to school was “What shows and movies did you watch on Netflix this summer” instead of, “Where’d you go on a vacation this summer”. The show Breaking Bad was at the top of the ranking for the most-watched Netflix shows over the summer and the movie The Grey was popping off at the top of the list too (yahoo.com). Although recording TV shows or movies on actual television is a pretty cool innovation, Netflix just flat-out overwhelms that whole idea. A much familiarized owner of a Netflix account, junior Lauryn Oddy stated, “Netflix is the easiest way to watch a show and the best way in my opinion. It’s so easy to get involved and it makes it so much better that I can finish a show all at once.” Netflix appeared to overtake anything that happened this past summer as teenagers are still drooling over their computer screens.
Another one bites the dust with pixie cuts Alexys Nowak COPY EDITOR
Celebrities and stars all hold their own reputations based on their work, actions, and quite often, their appearances. Since the days of “Hannah Montana,” Miley Cyrus has been a role model to young girls all over the world, and has developed a fan base as both “Hannah” and “Miley.” Beyoncé, known for her amazing performances on stage and signature dance to “All the Single Ladies,” is another entertainer that has grown over the years in more way than one. Both of these stars have one aspect in common- they are looked at as stunning individuals, who of all things, have wonderful hair. The two have also made the courageous decision of chopping off their gorgeous locks, drawing attention from critics and fans alike. Miley Cyrus, who auditioned for the role of “Hannah Montana” at the tender age of 11, grew up on set. As she progressed from a young, aspiring actress to a full on super star, one thing stayed the same—her long, auburn locks that flowed in loose curls down her back. Her signature hair left both girls and guys star struck when she appeared on screen or exited the stage. This would all change when she cut her hair last year, shocking everyone with such a risky
decision. As if cutting her hair to above her chin was not surprising enough, she dyed it bleach blonde. Lifelong Miley Cyrus fan, sophomore Lulu Salem has changed her whole outlook on Cyrus. “At first, I was all for Miley’s change because I would support everything she did. However, it became more than just a haircut. She started to change as a person, especially with her video ‘We Can’t Stop.’ It’s shocking to me how a pair of scissors and a little bit of over-confidence can affect someone in such a negative way,” Salem said. Other fans have not been affected by her decision. Sophomore Steven Gomez’s opinion on Miley has not changed since she cut her hair. “I still really like her music and I think she is an overall great person. A haircut is just a physical appearance, and it shouldn’t label the person. I will always support her because she has a talent that cannot be ignored,” said Gomez. “All the Single Ladies” no longer applies to Beyoncé as she is now happily married to Jay-Z, and has started a family with her daughter, Blue Ivy. A new life seems to have called for a change in physical appearance as well, as she too also brought the scissors to her previously long, flowing hair. Beyoncé now sports the ‘pixie-cut’ look, surprising everyone with a post on Instagram to show it off. Her post received
controversial comments that were either flipping her hair around when she dances, all for her new do, or completely against so I guess she’ll have to think of something it. Responses ranged from ‘too short’ and else to add to her moves,” Pirro said. ‘please grow it back,’ to things such as Public appearance is everything in the ‘she’s beautiful no matter what’ and ‘so current day, and Miley and Beyoncé have precious.’” Freshman Emily Nakhleh sup- been figures to look at for years. Now, with ports Beyoncé’s new look to the max. their new short hair, fans are either all for, “I really think she can pull anything off, and or completely against their decisions. Who that she might have just wanted a change in knows, maybe more and more stars will her life. It doesn’t mean that it’s a change strut down the red carpet rocking their new in her personality. If she wants to change pixie cuts too. her public persona then it’s up to her, and I think that it could definitely be a positive change in the long run,” Nakhleh explained. On the other hand, sophomore Michelena Pirro does not support Beyonce’s decision at all. She feels as if “Beyoncé’s new look will take away from her presence on stage. Pixie cuts: Gabrielle Hofmann is living proof that this new style is becoming more popuShe is always lar. Photo by: Sydney Silverberg