world entertainment
Beauty and the Beast
By: Aniya Whitaker
8th grade staff writer
Disney released the animated version of Beauty and the Beast in 1991. Everyone knows the story of how Belle was captured by the Beast, how they fell and love, and how the Beast turned back into the Prince. Last week, the new, live-action, version was released. The new version casts Emma Watson as Belle, Dan Stevens as the Beast, Luke Evans as Gaston, and many more. Everyone has been rushing to see the updated re-telling.
The re-telling tried to stay as true to the original as possible, but added some new songs to make it even better. There are also slight changes to the way the characters look. All of the changes are for the better. Everyone seems to be loving the new version. So will the new version be as good as the original?
The 1991 version has a 8/10 rating from IMDb, a 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, and a 5/5 from Common Sense Media. So far, the 2017 version has a 70% on Rotten Tomatoes, a 7.9/10 from IMDb, and a ⅘ from Common Sense Media. The movie seems to be doing great and has received $425 million. You’ll have to rush to the theaters and go see for yourself.
8th grade staff writer
Disney released the animated version of Beauty and the Beast in 1991. Everyone knows the story of how Belle was captured by the Beast, how they fell and love, and how the Beast turned back into the Prince. Last week, the new, live-action, version was released. The new version casts Emma Watson as Belle, Dan Stevens as the Beast, Luke Evans as Gaston, and many more. Everyone has been rushing to see the updated re-telling.
The re-telling tried to stay as true to the original as possible, but added some new songs to make it even better. There are also slight changes to the way the characters look. All of the changes are for the better. Everyone seems to be loving the new version. So will the new version be as good as the original?
The 1991 version has a 8/10 rating from IMDb, a 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, and a 5/5 from Common Sense Media. So far, the 2017 version has a 70% on Rotten Tomatoes, a 7.9/10 from IMDb, and a ⅘ from Common Sense Media. The movie seems to be doing great and has received $425 million. You’ll have to rush to the theaters and go see for yourself.
"Burning Sands" Watch or Skip
By: Chayse Wilson
8th grade staff writer
So far throughout the month of March Netflix has been premiering some heavy hitters. One of the most recent and talked about releases was a Netflix original called Burning Sands. The movie is based around Hell week, the week dedicated to underground hazing at black fraternities at a fictional HBCU (historically black college). This is a very sensitive topic due to the fact that hazing is a big issue and black fraternities are something that holds a lot of pride in the black community. So naturally there would be many opinions about the movie. Good or bad.
The movie follows Zurich and his friends while thy endure Hell Week. We get to see their ups and downs while they battle their personal and school lives. Rotten tomatoes gave the movie an 83% saying the movie gave a ground breaking performance by one of its stars Trevor Jackson. Essence gave the movie an outstanding review. Saying that the movie just wasn’t about hazing but the brotherhood, friendships, and hardships that goes into a black fraternity. Others however said the characters in the movie lacked depth. The movie didn't shine a light on the character’s backstories. They focused more on their personal struggles while being hazed. Another complaint about the movie was the lack of female roles. There was three female roles in the movie that impacted the main character Zurich. Even then the characters were only in place to shake up Zurich’s hell week. For example his girlfriend was only there to conflict some of the decisions Zurich was making. Besides that she had no major storyline at all.
I thought the movie was a great portrayal of college hazing. What made the story even more powerful was that it wasn’t the theme or the lesson to be learned. The movie I thought was more about brotherhood than anything. These boys had never met a day in their life. From what we were told they all came from different walks of life. For them to come together and have to endure hell week was not only a humbling but a bonding experience that they will always share together. The movie was well put together and left me at the edge of my seat the whole entire time. The acting made it ten times better too. This movie is a definite watch.
8th grade staff writer
So far throughout the month of March Netflix has been premiering some heavy hitters. One of the most recent and talked about releases was a Netflix original called Burning Sands. The movie is based around Hell week, the week dedicated to underground hazing at black fraternities at a fictional HBCU (historically black college). This is a very sensitive topic due to the fact that hazing is a big issue and black fraternities are something that holds a lot of pride in the black community. So naturally there would be many opinions about the movie. Good or bad.
The movie follows Zurich and his friends while thy endure Hell Week. We get to see their ups and downs while they battle their personal and school lives. Rotten tomatoes gave the movie an 83% saying the movie gave a ground breaking performance by one of its stars Trevor Jackson. Essence gave the movie an outstanding review. Saying that the movie just wasn’t about hazing but the brotherhood, friendships, and hardships that goes into a black fraternity. Others however said the characters in the movie lacked depth. The movie didn't shine a light on the character’s backstories. They focused more on their personal struggles while being hazed. Another complaint about the movie was the lack of female roles. There was three female roles in the movie that impacted the main character Zurich. Even then the characters were only in place to shake up Zurich’s hell week. For example his girlfriend was only there to conflict some of the decisions Zurich was making. Besides that she had no major storyline at all.
I thought the movie was a great portrayal of college hazing. What made the story even more powerful was that it wasn’t the theme or the lesson to be learned. The movie I thought was more about brotherhood than anything. These boys had never met a day in their life. From what we were told they all came from different walks of life. For them to come together and have to endure hell week was not only a humbling but a bonding experience that they will always share together. The movie was well put together and left me at the edge of my seat the whole entire time. The acting made it ten times better too. This movie is a definite watch.
“The Rap Game”: Season 3
By: Payton Belvin
8th grade staff writer
Jermaine Dupri’s “The Rap Game”, season 3 premiered on January 13th, 2017. “The Rap Game” is a reality TV Show competition where Dupri takes five talented young rappers, and has them compete to be signed to his record label. At the end of their competition in Atlanta, only one young artist will be signed to his label and take home the “So So Def” chain.
This season Dupri has introduced 4 young new rappers and brought back a fan favorite from season two. First off, we have Nova. Nova is sixteen years old and Puerto Rican from Reading, PA. Nova goes in hard on all of his tracks is grinding hard to make sure he gets signed to the label at the end of the competition. Then, there is Flau’jae. Flau’jae is the daughter of the late Camouflage, a rapper who was murdered shortly before she was born. While occasionally underestimated, she is full of tremendous talent at the young age of 12 years old. Flau’jae has a talent that I know her father is proud of as he looks down on her from above. We also have King Roscoe, a 13 year old artist that is an amazing rapper. Everytime he spits his rhymes you can’t deny that he spits facts that can touch anyone’s heart. Roscoe is mostly known for having clever phrases that make you think in his verses. Next up, Deetranada. Deetranada (also known as Dee) is fifteen years old from Baltimore, MD. There is no denying that her raps are always on point. She is also set apart from the other rappers with her unique Baltimore accent. Each of her raps are unique crafts of art. Last but not least, we have Tally, a favorite among the fans who Dupri brought back from season two. Tally is sixteen years old from Nashville, TN. This season along with working on getting signed to the label, she is also working on separating herself from Iggy Azalea, who the young rapper is often compared to.
So far, season 3 of “The Rap Game” has been very interesting and unlike the two seasons previously. The first headturner of the season when viewers were shocked to see Tally back again after season two. In season two, after stumbling during one of their first challenges, she was sent home in the first episode. Then, a few weeks ago in episode 7 “Fight for Your Spot” everybody’s spot was put on the line. While at a radio interview with JD and the Dirty Boyz, the Dirty Boyz challenged JD, saying if the Boyz could find a rapper that could out rap all of JD’s rappers combined, their rapper gets a spot in the competition and one of JD’s rappers gets eliminated. In that episode everybody was teaming up together to create some fire verses so they wouldn’t get eliminated. However the day after the challenge was accepted, Tally went missing! Her room was completely empty and she and her manager was nowhere to be found. Thankfully, she returned back to the house in time to do her rap and keep her spot in the competition. I think it goes without saying, this has definitely been a season full of surprises on “The Rap Game”.
Personally, my favorite rapper is Deetranada. I really like her style, raps, and the way she expresses herself. She has been doing really good, landing herself at the top of the Hit List (the weekly ranking chart) twice. I like Nova’s raps, however he does come off as cocky a lot. King Roscoe is lit and his raps are on point, as well as Flau’jae, but I just feel they need a little bit more time to mature before they are ready to be signed onto JD’s label. Tally is okay. She has definitely grown and matured since season two, but I just don’t think that this is her season. Anyways, we will all just have to wait until the end of this season to find out which artist will take home a record deal and the “So So Def” chain.
NEW EDITION BIOPIC
By Chayse Wilson
8th Grade Staff Writer
Some time last year BET announced that they were going to make a biopic of the much loved R&B group New Edition. The films was highly anticipated with lots of PR and advertisement. Well this past January the New Edition biopic premiered on BET and Centric. This mini series spanned over three two hour long specials. Each receiving loads of good reviews from critics. The miniseries received a hefty amount of views with a whopping 29 million people watching.
The biopic followed the R&B group New Edition. They were very popular in the late 70’s early 80’s and some of the 90’s. The biopic leaves nothing out from their rise to fame at all. This was in part by the actual members playing a huge part in the actual production of the movie. Production also made it real to life by having the cast playing New Edition enter a boot camp. This was so they could learn the actual dance moves that New Edition used. They even went so far as to use the actual choreographer Brook Paine to coach them. All of this seemed to pay off. The New Edition movie was not only a big hit in views but also on social media. The movie was the number one trending topic on twitter. It spawned hashtags like #BobbyBrown, #Betamax, and #lukejames. This movie was fully authentic to the costumes, dancing, singing, and even the very diverse cast of veterans and fresh new faces.
This mini series was the highest rated thing BET has had in five years. With all of the sudden buzz of the New Edition biopic,the movie also created a discussion on many social media platforms about what other R&B groups deserve biopics. Some suggestions were Jodeci and Boyz ii Men. Well a Jodeci biopic is in the works right now. The New Edition movie was a biopic to remember. Some will even say it deserves a spot up there with Jackson 5 biopic.
By Chayse Wilson
8th Grade Staff Writer
Some time last year BET announced that they were going to make a biopic of the much loved R&B group New Edition. The films was highly anticipated with lots of PR and advertisement. Well this past January the New Edition biopic premiered on BET and Centric. This mini series spanned over three two hour long specials. Each receiving loads of good reviews from critics. The miniseries received a hefty amount of views with a whopping 29 million people watching.
The biopic followed the R&B group New Edition. They were very popular in the late 70’s early 80’s and some of the 90’s. The biopic leaves nothing out from their rise to fame at all. This was in part by the actual members playing a huge part in the actual production of the movie. Production also made it real to life by having the cast playing New Edition enter a boot camp. This was so they could learn the actual dance moves that New Edition used. They even went so far as to use the actual choreographer Brook Paine to coach them. All of this seemed to pay off. The New Edition movie was not only a big hit in views but also on social media. The movie was the number one trending topic on twitter. It spawned hashtags like #BobbyBrown, #Betamax, and #lukejames. This movie was fully authentic to the costumes, dancing, singing, and even the very diverse cast of veterans and fresh new faces.
This mini series was the highest rated thing BET has had in five years. With all of the sudden buzz of the New Edition biopic,the movie also created a discussion on many social media platforms about what other R&B groups deserve biopics. Some suggestions were Jodeci and Boyz ii Men. Well a Jodeci biopic is in the works right now. The New Edition movie was a biopic to remember. Some will even say it deserves a spot up there with Jackson 5 biopic.
BIG SEAN'S NEW ALBUM
By Payton Belvin
8th Grade Staff Writer
Big Sean’s new album “I Decided.” was released on Feb. 3, 2017. The album has 14 songs, each song packed with messages relevant not just to him, but listeners and fans everywhere. “I Decided.” features rappers and singers Jeremih, Eminem, TWENTY88, The Dream, Migos, The Flint Chozen Choir, and Starrah. The lyrical genius has outdone himself yet again with a great album. Here’s all you need to know about the highlights of the album, what critics are saying, and the inspiration behind it.
Big Sean revealed his inspiration for the album back in December of 2016. He said he was at a Motown exhibit with his mom and Berry Gordy. They discussed how one of the things many past singers such as Marvin Gaye and the Temptations did was inspire people to live good lives and be a better version of themselves. He also said the album would focus on rebirth. He described feeling like an old man, feeling unsuccessful and that this album was his second chance to change that. He said this album is for anyone who can be inspired by it.
On the website “metacritic.com” the album has received nine good reviews, three mixed reviews, and no bad reviews. Many of the good reviews call Sean’s album “solid” and say it is his “best, most personal work yet”. There are also a few notes on how Big Sean has evolved and grown in this album. The mixed reviews talk about how he was swallowed underneath the bigger brands or singers in the album. One review offers the example of “No Favors”, one of the tracks on the album where they believe Sean is overpowered and forgotten by the aggressiveness, agility, and fire of Eminem’s guest verse.
Personally, I really liked Sean’s new album. It talks about many relevant topics that I could relate to even though I am nowhere near his age. For example, in his song “Light” he talked about despite the many struggles black people face in modern society in America, you still have a light inside you that no one can take from you. As a young African American female, I was able to relate to this message and the message also inspired me. That is just one example of the many powerful messages in “I Decided.”. The last track “Bigger Than Me” talks about seeing the bigger picture and realizing you can’t do it all on your own.
“I Decided.” is a great album that is full of many complex tracks and messages. The album lets you see into the deepest parts of Sean’s mind as well as your own. The album forces you to reflect on parts of you and the world around you that you may never have thought about. Overall, the album is very deep. It has some very heavy themes mixed with a few “turn up” tracks such as the songs “Moves” and “Bounce Back”. I would definitely recommend listening to this album when you get the chance.
By Payton Belvin
8th Grade Staff Writer
Big Sean’s new album “I Decided.” was released on Feb. 3, 2017. The album has 14 songs, each song packed with messages relevant not just to him, but listeners and fans everywhere. “I Decided.” features rappers and singers Jeremih, Eminem, TWENTY88, The Dream, Migos, The Flint Chozen Choir, and Starrah. The lyrical genius has outdone himself yet again with a great album. Here’s all you need to know about the highlights of the album, what critics are saying, and the inspiration behind it.
Big Sean revealed his inspiration for the album back in December of 2016. He said he was at a Motown exhibit with his mom and Berry Gordy. They discussed how one of the things many past singers such as Marvin Gaye and the Temptations did was inspire people to live good lives and be a better version of themselves. He also said the album would focus on rebirth. He described feeling like an old man, feeling unsuccessful and that this album was his second chance to change that. He said this album is for anyone who can be inspired by it.
On the website “metacritic.com” the album has received nine good reviews, three mixed reviews, and no bad reviews. Many of the good reviews call Sean’s album “solid” and say it is his “best, most personal work yet”. There are also a few notes on how Big Sean has evolved and grown in this album. The mixed reviews talk about how he was swallowed underneath the bigger brands or singers in the album. One review offers the example of “No Favors”, one of the tracks on the album where they believe Sean is overpowered and forgotten by the aggressiveness, agility, and fire of Eminem’s guest verse.
Personally, I really liked Sean’s new album. It talks about many relevant topics that I could relate to even though I am nowhere near his age. For example, in his song “Light” he talked about despite the many struggles black people face in modern society in America, you still have a light inside you that no one can take from you. As a young African American female, I was able to relate to this message and the message also inspired me. That is just one example of the many powerful messages in “I Decided.”. The last track “Bigger Than Me” talks about seeing the bigger picture and realizing you can’t do it all on your own.
“I Decided.” is a great album that is full of many complex tracks and messages. The album lets you see into the deepest parts of Sean’s mind as well as your own. The album forces you to reflect on parts of you and the world around you that you may never have thought about. Overall, the album is very deep. It has some very heavy themes mixed with a few “turn up” tracks such as the songs “Moves” and “Bounce Back”. I would definitely recommend listening to this album when you get the chance.
2017 GRAMMY'S
By Aniya Whitaker
8th Grade Staff Writer
The 59th annual Grammy Awards was held on February 12, 2017. The Grammy Awards, presented by The Recording Academy, honors many stars for their artistic and technical achievements. This year’s host, James Corden, started off the show with a “disastrous” entrance and a fairly cringeworthy rap. The show was anything but bland. Performances by Beyonce, Bruno Mars, Adele, Chance the Rapper, John Legend and many more made this night amazing.
Adele stole the show winning Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop Solo Performance, Best Pop Vocal Album and Album of the Year. She also performed a tribute to George Michael, singing “Fastlove Pt. 1”. Bruno mars and Morris Day and the Time also made a tribute to the late Prince by performing “Let’s Go Crazy”. Bruno Mars even dressed as Prince, which really topped of the performance. Beyonce, winner of Best Music Video, also debuted her baby bump in an empowering performance singing “Love Drought” and “Sand Castles” in a gorgeous, glittering dress.
Not every part of the Grammy’s was spectacular though. Twenty-One Pilots won Best Pop Duo/Group performance, but accepted it in their underwear. Apparently they did this, because before they were famous they would watch the Grammy’s in their underwear, so they promised that if they ever got one, they would accept it in their underwear. Sweet, but still a little crazy. Also, James Corden tried to fit a bit of Carpool Karaoke into the night, but part of Karaoke is knowing the words, which most of the many stars up there didn’t when singing “Sweet Caroline”.
The 59th Annual Grammy Awards had its bad moments, but for the most part it was an amazing night. It was filled with powerful tributes, performances that made our jaws drop, many surprises, and lots of funny moments. Hopefully, next year will be even better.
By Aniya Whitaker
8th Grade Staff Writer
The 59th annual Grammy Awards was held on February 12, 2017. The Grammy Awards, presented by The Recording Academy, honors many stars for their artistic and technical achievements. This year’s host, James Corden, started off the show with a “disastrous” entrance and a fairly cringeworthy rap. The show was anything but bland. Performances by Beyonce, Bruno Mars, Adele, Chance the Rapper, John Legend and many more made this night amazing.
Adele stole the show winning Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop Solo Performance, Best Pop Vocal Album and Album of the Year. She also performed a tribute to George Michael, singing “Fastlove Pt. 1”. Bruno mars and Morris Day and the Time also made a tribute to the late Prince by performing “Let’s Go Crazy”. Bruno Mars even dressed as Prince, which really topped of the performance. Beyonce, winner of Best Music Video, also debuted her baby bump in an empowering performance singing “Love Drought” and “Sand Castles” in a gorgeous, glittering dress.
Not every part of the Grammy’s was spectacular though. Twenty-One Pilots won Best Pop Duo/Group performance, but accepted it in their underwear. Apparently they did this, because before they were famous they would watch the Grammy’s in their underwear, so they promised that if they ever got one, they would accept it in their underwear. Sweet, but still a little crazy. Also, James Corden tried to fit a bit of Carpool Karaoke into the night, but part of Karaoke is knowing the words, which most of the many stars up there didn’t when singing “Sweet Caroline”.
The 59th Annual Grammy Awards had its bad moments, but for the most part it was an amazing night. It was filled with powerful tributes, performances that made our jaws drop, many surprises, and lots of funny moments. Hopefully, next year will be even better.