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Reflections By Steve Holsey
The king of arrogance Kanye West is a man with an ego nearly as big as the sky. He thinks the sun doesn’t rise until he gets up. Well, he is at it again.
(still)
This time His Royal Pretentiousness described himself as “the Michael Jordan of music.” Keep in mind that this is the same Kanye West who said, “I will go down in history as the voice of this generation, of this decade.”
June 19-25, 2013
michiganchronicle.com
Kanye West
By Steve Holsey
Then there was, “I’m too busy writing history to read it…I think I am the greatest.”
This story was inspired by Prince. The legendary, iconic, groundbreaking megastar seems to be defying some of the realities of being older, facing “Father Time” head-on…and winning, round after round, year after year, decade after decade.
And, of course, we can’t forget the infamous, “George Bush don’t like Black people.”
It is difficult to believe that Prince turned 55 early this month. He doesn’t look much different than he did 20 years ago, and furthermore, hasn’t gained a pound.
Also, West just might be toying with something many believe to be sacred by calling new album “Yeezus.” OPRAH WINFREY, one of wealthiest women in the world — net worth, $2.8 billion as of March 2013 — also happens to be one of the most generous.
Prince once quipped, “I’m ageless.” And even though we know he was not serious, you still have to wonder.
The influential megastar recently donated $12 million to The Oprah Winfrey National Museum of African American History and Culture, which is being built in Washington, D.C. and scheduled to open in late 2015. President Barack Obama (I still love saying that!) participated in the groundbreaking.
With regard to people of color (like the strikingly beautiful and in shape Jennifer Lopez), many believe it has something, or much, to do with the presence of melanin, “a natural substance that is the primary determi- Tina Turner, 73. nant of skin color.”
Mariah Carey’s new album, “The New Era Begins,” will be released on July 23. Among the selections is the lead single, “#Beautiful,” featuring Miguel that is No. 1 in 30 countries. (That’s impressive!) Had to smile when I became aware of the title of 52-year-old comedian/actor George Lopez’s latest book: “I’m Not Gonna Lie: And Other Lies You Tell When You Turn 50.” Millie JackGeorge Lopez son had something to add regarding reaching middle age: “Things ain’t like they used to be!”
Chaka Khan, 60.
CONGRATULATIONS to Detroit’s own Courtney B. Vance on winning a Tony Award in the Best Featured Actor in a Play category for his work in “Mr. Lucky,” with Tom Hanks. The ceremony took Courtney B. Vance place June 9 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
Prince, 55. Whatever. But Prince is not alone in something that has been called “age defiance.” SHAUN ROBINSON, for example. She continues her lengthy stint as correspondent and weekend anchor on the popular entertainment newsmagazine show “Access Hollywood.” There is disbelief when people learn that Robinson will be 51 next month.
John Legend, basically known for soulful crooning (perfect example, his first hit, “Ordinary People”), has been saying that he has been giving consideration to doing a remake of the Doors’ “Light My Fire.” Actually, that would be quite interesting. He could certainly put a different spin on the rock classic rock, just as José Feliciano did in 1968. Niecy Nash, the actress currently co-starring with Cedric the Entertainer in the TV Land sitcom “The Soul Man,” might want to choose her words more carefully.
Robinson, by the way, is from Detroit, attended Cass Technical High School (as did Diana Ross, Lily Tomlin, David Alan Grier and Kenya Moore, among others) and graduated from Spelman College. Could Smokey Robinson really be 73? That became a reality in February. The week Robinson was a mentor to the finalists on “American Idol” last season, judge Nicki Minaj teased, “Look at you, looking like a man half your age!”
Shirley Bassey, 76.
It is highly likely that the ultimate romantic crooner has taken advantage of the availability of Botox, but so what! He looks great.
In a recent interview she said, “I have a lot of experience as a girlfriend, wife, ex-wife and new wife again…If you keep a man’s stomach full and penis empty you won’t have a problem.”
SO DOES LL Cool J.
The rap superstar turned acclaimed actor — currently co-starring on the popular series “NCIS: Los Angeles” — is an unlikely 45, having celebrated
Berry Gordy’s autobiography, “To Be Loved,” which was adapted for the Broadway show “Motown: The Musical,” is now available in e-book form.
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“Motown: The Musical” received four Tony Award nominations. Gordy’s book is very good and very informative, as were the autobiographies of Mary Wilson, Otis Williams, Martha Reeves and Motown producer/songwriter RayBerry Gordy noma Gordy Singleton. Coming up a bit short were those of Smokey Robinson and Diana Ross.
Mary Wilson, then 61, interviews Beyoncé Knowles for “Extra” at the premiere of “Dreamgirls” in 2006.
BETCHA DIDN’T KNOW…that Famous Hooks and June Stroud were the first Black dancing couple to become stars on “American Band.” They became regulars after the iconic show moved from Philadelphia to Los Angeles in the mid-1960s.
Smokey Robinson, 73.
Natalie Cole, 63.
Shaun Robinson, 50.
Samuel L. Jackson, 64.
MEMORIES: “Band of Gold” (Freda Payne), “Something About You” (the Four Tops), “I Can’t Stand the Rain” (Ann Peebles), “Try a Little Tenderness” (Otis Redding), “In and Out of Love” (Diana Ross & the Supremes), “Come Get to This” (Marvin Gaye), “Let Me Make Love to You” (the O’Jays), “You Are So Beautiful” (Billy Preston), “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” (Sylvester), “Tighten Up” (Archie Bell & the Drells).
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Lenny Kravitz, 49.
La Toya Jackson, 57.