Is Kendrick Lamar the greatest rapper alive?
Kendrick Lamar’s reputation precedes him, but how much do you really know about the artist and his work? It’s certainly hard to believe he's only in his mid-thirties, since he’s already created the immense legacy that usually takes people’s entire lives—or their too-sudden deaths—to achieve. There are few artists as respected as K-Dot, being both a rapper’s rapper as well as nearly every pop fan’s choice of hip hop. Kendrick Lamar Duckworth (you can guess why he dropped the last name) maintains the marvel of rap’s lyrical integrity while still providing the bangers that everyone’s body craves. Born to a father who was embroiled in gangs and a mother who named him after American singer-songwriter Eddie Kendricks of the Temptations, Lamar’s upbringing was a mix of Compton streets and musical expression. He dropped his first full-length project when he was just 16, a mixtape titled ‘Youngest Head N–a in Charge (Hub City Threat: Minor of the Year)’ under the pseudonym K-Dot, and was soon signed to Top Dawg Entertainment. Seventeen years later, Lamar released his final album for Top Dawg Entertainment before embarking on a new era of music with his mysterious 'oklama' website. It wasn't until 2022, five years later, that his next album, 'Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers,' was completed. With each year, mixtape, album, soundtrack, and feature, Lamar refines his already razor-sharp talent, and his impact on the world of music, politics, and culture is tangible. His deep moral complexity and sharp political wit deserve a closer look, particularly after making history as the first hip-hop artist to win the Pulitzer Prize. Check out this gallery to see just what makes him such a big deal.
2024-09-12T07:21:39Z
Weirdest and rarest celebrity memorabilia ever auctioned
Celebrity memorabilia has always fascinated the masses. The once private and personal possessions of movie stars, singers, and sports personalities suddenly becoming available at auction invariably creates a buzz, especially if items are autographed or annotated. And among some truly rare and remarkable collectibles are those that stand out simply for their unusual novelty value. In 2021, a slice of Prince Charles and Princess Diana's wedding cake from 1981 was sold at auction. Several such slices have been saved in commemorative tins from the unhappy couple's wedding, as well as other significant royal weddings. The 41-year-old cake can be surprisingly valuable! Other slices saved from their wedding (where there were a whopping 23 cakes for their 3,500 guests) have sold for more than US$2,000 at auction. However, on this occasion, the auctioneers overestimated what royal enthusiasts would be willing to pay. It was offered with an estimated price of £200-300 (US$225-US$335), but ended up selling for a measly £170, or US$190. This particular slice of cake may have been less appealing than those which were previously auctioned for larger sums, as it didn't include a decorative coat of arms or one of the other impressive features of the luxurious historical cakes. Click through for a look at more of the weirdest and rarest celebrity curios ever to go under the hammer.
2024-08-12T12:54:35Z
How you act when you're jealous, according to your star sign
Like it or not, most of us have felt jealous at some point in our lives. Whether in a romantic relationship, friendship, or professional context, the green-eyed monster is often quick to rear its ugly head. When we're feeling jealous, there are a number of different ways we can react. Often, our reaction to feelings of envy feels to some extent within our control. Astrologists will tell you, however, that your reaction to feelings of jealousy is actually determined by your date of birth. Curious? Check out this gallery to learn how you behave when you're jealous, according to your star sign.
2024-07-12T08:06:51Z
Cursed: The dark side of the Kennedy family
The Kennedy family tree is extensive, complex, and powerful. The first generation of 'celebrity' Kennedys was that of John F. Kennedy and his eight siblings, which included his brothers Robert and Ted who joined him in politics, and his sisters, Kathleen, Jean, and Rosemary. John F. Kennedy was first elected to the US House of Representatives in 1947, and since then there hasn’t been more than a two-year period where a Kennedy wasn't holding office. The Kennedys are leaders, politicians, ambassadors, captains of industry, philanthropists, and environmental activists. At the same time, they’re seen as reckless philanderers, drug abusers, scandal-mongers, and, perhaps, the victims of a curse. Click through the following gallery to see why the Kennedys have such a complicated reputation and why many believe them to be cursed.
2023-12-29T15:09:46Z