|
|
Post by veu on Aug 28, 2020 4:51:35 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by veu on Aug 28, 2020 4:57:03 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by veu on Aug 28, 2020 4:59:23 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by veu on Aug 29, 2020 4:46:18 GMT -5
From Studybreak: SOUNDS X AUGUST 26, 2020
Chloe X Halle Have Cemented Their Place In Music History With ‘Ungodly Hour’
Sibling acts like the Jackson 5, the Jonas Brothers, HAIM and the Bee Gees need to make room because there’s a new and ferocious sister duo that’s here to stay.
BY RENEE CANTOR, UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
On June 12, what quickly became the soundtrack of my summer was released: “Ungodly Hour” by Chloe x Halle. The duo’s sophomore album entered the music scene with perfect timing, months into quarantine when my saved music on Spotify had long since grown stale. In fact, the album occupies a spot on my relatively short list of positive things to come out of 2020 so far.
“Ungodly Hour” is what caught my attention, but it’s the musicians behind the album who have retained it. Though already successful, this album and its promotion proved that Chloe x Halle are not just trending artists, but big names in music who are here to stay.
The Duo
The duo behind the voices are sisters, Chloe and Halle Bailey, from Atlanta, Georgia. Those who are familiar with their work but not with the women themselves will be surprised to learn that they are only 22 and 20, respectively. Their talent and poise has likely resulted from years of experience.
Despite their young ages, both Chloe and Halle have been hard at work for many years. With a start in acting, they eventually turned to music, looking to YouTube as their platform. The first video on their channel, a performance posted in 2008, seems to have been shared by their parents.
In 2011, at the ages of 13 and 11, they released their first made-for-YouTube cover, a video style they stuck to. The video, a cover of Beyonce’s “Best Thing I Never Had,” foreshadowed their big break moment, which was a 2013 cover of “Pretty Hurts” that catapulted them into the spotlight. It even snagged the attention of Beyonce, who, after viewing it, signed them to her management company, Parkwood Entertainment. This earned the sisters the title “Beyonce’s proteges.” This video is still the most popular on their channel, with over 19 million views.
Since then, the sisters have jumped into the world of original music with impressive ferocity. In 2016, Chloe x Halle released the EP “Sugar Symphony,” following it up a year later with a mixtape called “The Two of Us.” In 2018, they garnered two Grammy nominations with their first studio album, “The Kids Are Alright.”
On top of that, they have not abandoned their acting roots. They play the twin Forster sisters on the show “Grown-ish,” a spin-off of ABC’s “Black-ish.” “Grown,” a song on their first album, serves as the show’s theme song. Furthermore, Halle is playing Ariel in the upcoming live-action version of “The Little Mermaid.”
The Musicality of “Ungodly Hour”
Clearly, the talent of Chloe x Halle is not new information. Their previous discography is fun, and their covers, no matter how old, are beautiful. However, their sophomore album displays clear artistic and personal maturation, which really makes it shine. It solidifies their names into lasting importance in the world of music.
From a purely musical and lyrical standpoint, “Ungodly Hour” is fantastic. From the beginning, it speaks of personal power, empowering not just the musicians but also the listeners. “Don’t ever ask for permission, ask for forgiveness,” Chloe breathes at the end of the album’s opening, titled “Intro.”
The empowerment doesn’t end there. “Baby Girl,” the third song, tells women who are listening, “don’t let the world take back all the love you gave out” and “this is all our world now, this is all your world now.” The song is an anthem for women and particularly celebrates the existence, love and joy of Black women.
In fact, last month, choreographer Thomeography shared a video of 20 Black dancers dancing over Zoom to the song in honor of Black women who lost their lives as a result of police brutality, including Breonna Taylor. Chloe x Halle, who are vocal in urging their fans to support the Black Lives Matter movement and actually postponed the release of their album as to not distract from the movement, shared the video on their Instagram.
The energy of “Do It” is contagious, and the song even has its own dance to go with it. “Overwhelmed” is a relatable interlude. My favorite song of the album, “Wonder What She Thinks of Me,” features the duo’s unmatched harmonies. Some may label it as overly theatrical, but I love how Chloe x Halle lean into the drama. I truly could go through each of the album’s songs and explain why I love them.
Overall, the music of Chloe x Halle is special because their sound is unique. They make their own music the way they want, not based on the rules or trends of music. And, yes, they write their own music. Chloe actually produced 10 of the 13 songs.
“We did most of this album in our garage here in our home,” she said in an interview with NPR. “When we were creating songs for this album, it truly felt like we were just storytelling and telling each other things that had been going on in our lives.” This lends each song an intimate and personal feel.
Grown Now
In the track “Grown” from their first album, Chloe x Halle chant “watch out, world, I’m grown now.” Yet, it is in “Ungodly Hour,” not “The Kids Are Alright,” that their maturation is obvious. “Ungodly Hour” speaks of maturity, womanhood, love and relationships, personal power and many other things.
“On this album, we have songs about our insecurities, our ups and our downs, our love lives, some things we do that are naughty,” Halle expressed in an interview with The Rundown. “We wanted to change the narrative about who we are because everybody always compliments us and says, ‘Oh, you guys are just like perfect angels.’ So we wanted to take that narrative and flip it. Show the other side, show the raw side of us, the insecurities that we have,” she continued.
Thus, the album celebrates loving all sides of not only the duo, but of yourself. Chloe shared with Billboard the meaning behind the title track: “It literally says ‘love me at the ungodly hour.’ It’s saying, ‘love me not only when I’m at my best, but also at my worst.’” This idea is represented in the album cover, where the sisters’ angel wings contrast with black latex dresses.
Promotion During a Pandemic
Anyone following Chloe x Halle knows that I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how they have been promoting their album during a global pandemic. In lieu of in-person performances and live interviews, the sisters have been spreading the word from home, with various Zoom-style interviews.
They have also been putting on absolutely amazing performances from the tennis court in their backyard. These are not the backyard performances you would expect. Each one is complete with scenery, lights, extravagant costumes, impeccable choreography and, of course, gorgeous vocals.
The tennis court debuted in a Teen Vogue photoshoot shot by drone. Next came many court performances, such as on the Today Show and as a part of YouTube’s graduation celebration, Dear Class of 2020.
In my favorite at-home performance, Chloe x Halle have a dance-off with themselves, and I don’t mean one sister against the other, but for the BET Awards. Even their campaign with Fendi, which Chloe x Halle had complete creative control of, was created from home.
Names to Know
“Ungodly Hour” is the album the world needs at this time. Halle noted how today “does feel like the ungodly hour,” and in response to that, they “hope that [their] music can be a healer right now.” Without a doubt, their music and performances are providing joy and comfort to all of their listeners.
Chloe x Halle have truly come into their own with “Ungodly Hour.” They are no longer just side characters on “Grown-ish,” or just Beyonce’s proteges. They are powerhouses by their own names, and they are undoubtedly musicians to watch, ones that have a place in music history. I am already anxiously awaiting their next album. Clearly, they’re on a trajectory that only goes up from here. |
|
|
|
Post by veu on Aug 29, 2020 4:49:45 GMT -5
From TopTrendsGuide: 30 Most Beautiful Black Women in the World
Most Beautiful Black Women
The world is full of impressive black women who heavily contribute to popular culture, art, philanthropy, and business. Not only are these black women talented, accomplished, and famous, these ladies are also incredibly beautiful and sexy. From chart-topping music to best-selling books to blockbuster movies, these gorgeous queens have shaped our world. We’ve compiled a list to highlight and honor these actresses, musicians, and models for their contributions and success. From Beyonce to Gabrielle Union, here are the most beautiful black women in the world you need to know!
Beyoncé
Many people consider Beyoncé a powerhouse figure – she’s beautiful, talented, and has incredible influence as a celebrity. Her vocal range is impressive, as seen by her roots in girl-band Destiny’s Child, and ever since – especially when she broke off into a solo career. She’s had hit after hit, and has topped charts even with unannounced album releases, such as her 2016 discography “Lemonade.” Her fans call themselves the “beehive,” and are ready at the helm to promote and defend her status as Queen B.
Zendaya
Stunning American actress, dancer, and singer Zendaya has been in the business since she was a small child, and became widely known after her role on Disney Channel’s Shake It Up. Since then, she’s surpassed 72 million followers on Instagram, joined the cast of Spiderman, and is the lead character in HBO’s Euphoria.
Rihanna
When it comes to successful, charming, inclusive, talented, and beautiful black women, Rihanna immediately comes to mind. In her music career, she’s sold over 250 million records, earning her the title of one of the top-earning musicians in the world, along with countless awards ranging from Grammys to Billboard Awards to African American Music Awards. Aside from her impressive vocals, the Caribbean-born artist is also an entrepreneur, owning and operating the Fenty brand. She’s also founded the Clara Lionel Foundation and is an ambassador to the government of Barbados.
Janelle Monáe
Captivating, artistic, and quirky, Janelle Monáe is a beautiful musician, actress, producer, and LGBTQ icon. She’s known for her avant-garde performances, Covergirl partnership, tuxedo style, and eight Grammy nominations. She’s also been on the screen, in award-winning films like Hidden Figures and Moonlight and television shows like Electric Dreams. While flirting with ambiguity, Janelle pushes the envelope with her gender expression and has talked about her sexuality through a bisexual and pansexual lens.
Viola Davis
Actress and producer Viola Davis is gifted, gorgeous, and stands out with her incredible career. Among many accolades, Viola is the only black woman to have been nominated for three Academy Awards. On the screen, Viola is known for movies such as The Help and television shows like How to Get Away with Murder. She’s been a top-performer on Broadway, television, and film.
Zoe Saldana
Zoe Saldana is one of the most beautiful and accomplished black women in Hollywood, with a diverse career in film. Fans have seen her in the Marvel cinematic universe as the green-skinned Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy, the blue-skinned indigenous character Neytiri in Avatar, and many non-CGI roles in films like Star Trek, Center Stage, and Pirates of the Caribbean. Regardless of character skin color, Zoe Saldana is known for her sexy stage presence and amazing skills.
Lisa Bonet
Beautiful Lisa Bonet is a black woman who has graced television sets since her role as Denise Huxtable on The Cosby Show, starting in 1984. In her childhood, Lisa participated in beauty pageants until she was discovered and continues to be iconic. She’s the mother of Zoe Kravitz and wife of fellow heartthrob Jason Momoa.
Gabrielle Union
Gabrielle Union has been blessing audiences with her timeless beauty and acting skills since the 1990s. This Nebraska-born author and actress has made waves, from Bring It On to Deliver Us From Eva. She’s also been active in philanthropy for victims of violence against women and has been praised, along with her husband Dwyane Wade, for their loving parenting style of their transgender child.
Jasmine Tookes
Many fans might recognize the stunning Jasmine Tookes as a highly successful supermodel and one of the Victoria’s Secret Angels. She’s the third black model to ever wear the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Fantasy Bra. Aside from lingerie, Jasmine has also been featured in top publications and fashion shows, from Vogue to Versace. She’s been included in Forbes’ “top-paid models” list, ranked in the entire world.
Aja Naomi King
As one of the main characters on the hit series How to Get Away with Murder, Aja Naomi King is a rising star as a beautiful black woman and prominent actress. She’s got over a million followers on Instagram, several reoccurring roles on television, and a resume that includes an award from the Black Women in Hollywood organization.
Halle Bailey
Many people recognize the beautiful Halle Bailey as the new face of the Little Mermaid – her name made headlines when Disney announced a black woman would be playing the redheaded character in a live-action film. Halle has been acting since childhood and is also in a widely successful band with her sister, called Chloe x Halle.
Lupita Nyong’o
Beauty and skill intersect with actress Lupita Nyong’o, who has risen to fame in the performance industry. Lupita identifies as Kenyan-Mexican and has citizenship in both countries; she also is fluent in several languages, including Swahili, Spanish, English, and Luo. Career-wise, Lupita is an award-winning actress, starring in films like 12 Years a Slave, Star Wars, Us, and Black Panther, she’s performed on Broadway (and won a Tony Award), has written a bestselling children’s book, and was named “The Most Beautiful Woman” by People Magazine.
Tyra Banks
Before stepping into her role as creator and host of the hit television show America’s Top Model, Tyra Banks was known herself as one of the highest-paid models in the world. She rose to fame as the first black woman to pose on the cover of GQ Magazine and was an original Victoria’s Secret Angel. Tyra has several other accomplishments as an actress, talk-show host, author, producer, and even singer, and has been paving the way for other African American women to shine both on-screen and on the runway.
Zuri Tibby
After being discovered at a shopping mall at the age of 15, Zuri Tibby rapidly gained traction as a beautiful black woman and professional model. In 2016, Zuri was the very first black model to represent Victoria’s Secret PINK brand and has subsequently walked in their high-profile shows.
Naomi Campbell
The name Naomi Campbell has been associated with one of the most beautiful black women alive, since the British model’s career debut at age 15. Naomi was not only the first black model to appear in TIME magazine, but she also graced the covers of over 500 different publications across the world. Without argument, she’s one of the top supermodels of all time.
Ciara
While widely considered one of the most beautiful black women in the world – even featured on Maxim’s Hot 100 list – Ciara is most known for her accomplishments in the recording studio. Since her breakout album, Ciara’s won numerous awards, from the Grammys to BET, and sold over 23 million records.
Alicia Keys
By the age of 12, Alicia Keys was a musician composing original songs. By 15, she signed onto Columbia Records and the rest of her career flourished: she has 15 Grammy Awards, recognition from the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, and 17 NAACP Image Awards, which recognize her talent within the black community. Alicia has been featured on several “Greatest Artists of All Time” lists and is a best-selling author, activist, mother, and icon in the music industry.
Kerry Washington
Since starring in the popular series Scandal in 2012, Kerry Washington has become a household name as an actress and producer. However, she’s been active in her career since 1994, acting in movie roles, from Fantastic Four to Django Unchained, as well as several independent films. In 2018, it was reported by Forbes that Kerry Washington was the eighth highest-paid actress in television, a well-deserved accolade.
Winnie Harlow
Winne Harlow is immediately recognizable, as a beautiful black woman with a rare skin condition called vitiligo, which depigments sections of the skin. Winnie’s rise to fame as a contestant on America’s Next Top Model has also brought awareness to women who defy traditional beauty standards; she’s become an international inspiration, vitiligo spokesperson, and successful model.
Jada Pinkett Smith
Though Jada Pinkett Smith is married to Will Smith and mom to Jaden and Willow, her fame is all her own. This beautiful powerhouse gained fame throughout a career spanning over 20 films and launched a music career in the early 2000s. She’s also the owner of a production company, a children’s book author, and the host of the Facebook talk-show Red Table Talk.
Chanel Iman
American model Chanel Iman is a gorgeous powerhouse within the beauty industry. She’s recognized as her work with Victoria’s Secret, posing for major covers along the lines of Vogue and Vanity Fair, and her runway shows for top fashion brands, from Gucci to Michael Kors.
Rosario Dawson
From Rent to Sin City to Luke Cage, Rosario Dawson has been a leading woman since 1995. Flawlessly beautiful, Rosario is also known for her singing, comic book writing, and producing talents, along with her contributions to philanthropy and social causes.
Keke Palmer
The ever-beautiful and talented Keke Palmer has been making waves in the entertainment industry since 2004. Her breakout role in Akeelah and the Bee allowed audiences to see a fierce talent and unique beauty at an early age, and she’s only continued to impress ever since. She’s created music, started a talk show, and continues to act in television and film roles.
Jourdan Dunn
With many awards and accolades on her resume – including the first black woman to walk a Prada runway in over 10 years – Jourdan Dunn is dazzling. Her iconic looks have been featured across the fashion industry, representing top labels, brands, and makeup companies like Maybelline New York.
Halle Berry
As of 2007, Halle Berry is the only black actress to have taken home an Academy Award for Best Actress. She’s an incredibly talented, beautiful, and versatile actress, model, and household name who has been named “Sexiest Woman Alive” numerous times.
Solange
Solange is identified as a strong, beautiful, and talented black woman who has been active in the music industry since the age of 16. While she’s also known as Beyonce’s younger sister and a former member of the band Destiny’s Child, Solange has long since been a force of her own – with a Grammy Award, BET Award, and reputation as a top-grade R&B singer, songwriter, dancer, and actress.
Taraji P. Henson
Once voted in the “10 Sexiest Women of 2001” by the readers of Black Men Magazine, Taraji P. Henson has been a longstanding figure of feminine beauty and power. This actress, singer, and author is as influential as she is skillful, with an Academy Award under her belt along with several captivating performances in productions such as Empire, Hidden Figures, Person of Interest, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
Zoe Kravitz
Audiences have embraced Zoe Kravitz as a beautiful and talented actress, singer, and model. In addition to her band, Lolawolf, Zoe has had roles on-screen in X-Men, Big Little Lies, Divergent, and more. Her parents are Lisa Bonet and Lenny Kravitz.
Nykhor Paul
New York-based model Nykhor Paul was born into civil conflict in South Sudan and grew up as a refugee in Ethiopia before moving to the United States as a teenager. During her time in the US, Nykhor has risen to extreme success as a model, working for Louis Vuitton, Rick Owens, Bale, and Vivienne Westwood, and is revered for her gorgeous, dark-toned skin.
Kelly Rowland
Harmonic in a group as well as on her own, musician Kelly Rowland started her career in Destiny’s Child before breaking out on her own. Beautiful, talented and successful, Kelly Rowland’s music has been prominent in mainstream culture since the 1990s. |
|
|
|
Post by veu on Sept 1, 2020 5:15:57 GMT -5
From Vanity Fair: FROM THE MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2020 ISSUE
CHLOE X HALLE GET THEIR BEST ADVICE FROM BEYONCÉ
The R&B duo on their new album, their activism, and the “no-scroll” rule.
BY BRITT HENNEMUTH
August 31, 2020
Halle’s top and pants by Christopher John Rogers; boots by Giuseppe Zanotti. Chloe’s bustier by Christopher John Rogers; jeans by R13; shoes by Acne Studios. All jewelry by BULGARI. Throughout: hair products by Oribe; makeup by Pat McGrath Labs. Styled by Zerina Akers.Photographs By Quil Lemons.
In 2013, Chloe and Halle Bailey went viral when they posted a cover of Beyoncé’s “Pretty Hurts” on YouTube, from their childhood home in Atlanta. A week later, the superstar’s Parkwood Entertainment reached out to sign the sisters. Since then, Chloe x Halle have dropped two albums, performed at the Obama White House, and starred on Kenya Barris’s sitcom Grown-ish. The release of their new album, Ungodly Hour, coincides with their branching out even further—Chloe (22) produced many of the album’s songs herself, and Halle (20) stars as Ariel alongside Melissa McCarthy and Javier Bardem in Disney’s upcoming live-action remake of The Little Mermaid.
Photographs By Quil Lemons.
THE BAILEY SISTERS caught the performance bug at a camp talent show at ages five and seven. “We sang ‘Summertime,’ ” remembers Halle. “After hearing all our friends cheering for us, we just never stopped singing.”
Jumpsuits by Bottega Veneta. Chloe’s earrings by Sapir Bachar. Halle’s earrings by Sara Robertsson.Photographs By Quil Lemons.
ADVICE FROM QUEEN B: “The first thing she told us was the ‘no-scroll rule,’ ” says Chloe. “Whether it’s positive or negative comments, just don’t scroll. That one negative thing could affect you. The second was to never dumb ourselves down for the world. Just let them catch up to us and our sound.”
Photographs By Quil Lemons.
UNGODLY HOUR was supposed to drop on June 5; amid the George Floyd protests, the sisters decided to push the release. “The week was so much bigger than us,” explains Halle. “It’s traumatizing as a person of color when you see somebody that looks like they could be your family die on the street. We’re Black women; we’ve seen these experiences happen for a long time. Justice is all we’ve ever wanted, and music has been healing since the beginning of our lives.”
Photographs By Quil Lemons.
Photographs By Quil Lemons.
DURING THE PANDEMIC, their backyard tennis court has become a stage for virtual performances for the BET Awards, the Today show, Global Citizen, and YouTube’s “Dear Class of 2020.” “We don’t even play tennis,” says Chloe. “But it’s transformed into our very own arena.”
Photographs By Quil Lemons.
THOUGH MANY of the Little Mermaid characters will be animated, Halle confirms that Ariel will remain live: “It will be me.”
BOTH SISTERS are using their platform to encourage political involvement. “All of our ancestors fought for the right to vote,” says Chloe. “There are so many crazy things happening in the world, and we could help put a stop to that through voting.” |
|
|
|
Post by veu on Sept 4, 2020 7:41:10 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by veu on Sept 4, 2020 14:57:57 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by veu on Sept 5, 2020 15:12:34 GMT -5
From Skyler Shuler Instagram Stories:  |
|
|
|
Post by veu on Sept 8, 2020 13:56:19 GMT -5
From Cosmopolitan: Chloe x Halle Are Here to Save—No, Take Over—the Rest of Your 2020
Grammy-nominated sisters Chloe and Halle Bailey haven’t been waiting their whole lives for this moment—they’ve been working for it. Who knew it’d feel so weird?
STORY BY LAKIN STARLING and PHOTOGRAPHS BY RAMONA ROSALES
SEP 8, 2020
There’s a reason all eyes are on Chloe x Halle right now. Actually, there are a lot of reasons:
Their style. (Impeccable.)
Their energy. (Good, v good.)
Their voices and harmonies. (Transcendent—the sound makes you feel held one minute and like you’re levitating the next.)
They’re in full control of their careers. Of their songwriting, their production, their image.
Beyoncé is their *mentor*.
And oh, yeah: They dropped one of the most creative projects to come out of quarantine—no, 2020. Let’s throw in 2021 too.
october 2020 cosmopolitan cover of chloe x halle
GET YOUR COPY RIGHT HERE
So you should know by now that when it comes to music, the sisters are a singular force. So singular, in fact, that when asked if they could be interviewed individually for this cover story, their publicist politely explained that no, “Chloe x Halle is one artist, together.”
That synergy is what elevates their most recent album, Ungodly Hour, above basically everything else. It’s Chloe x Halle’s all-grown-up offering after their adolescent 2018 debut, and it’s a proclamation to the world—a reintroduction, if you will—that Chloe, 22, and Halle, 20, are women now. And while they’re moving through all that growth gracefully, “I’m so…am I on edge?” Chloe asks her sister.
“Yes,” Halle replies without missing a beat or looking up from her coloring book.
Yes, they’re coloring. It’s their new wind-down activity—a way to tap into that inner-child energy they sing about staying connected to on Ungodly Hour’s ode to self-love, “Baby Girl.” The part of you that’s unjaded and hopeful.
“I’ve gotten hooked because I don’t really communicate how I feel inside,” Chloe tells me of her new hobby on a quiet mid-July morning in Los Angeles, her cute bubblegum-pink spaghetti-strap bodycon dress begging to be let out of the house, her locs swinging around her shoulders as she fills in a trippy-looking stag’s head. She shares this deeply real revelation fewer than five minutes into our Zoom call. She refuses to share, however, the title of her coloring book, one of two Halle got her for her birthday. Instead, she holds both up to the laptop camera: Calm the F*ck Down and Fuckity ******. Halle, coolly flexing in a high ponytail, pristine lip gloss, and a Chloe x Halle hoodie from their merch collection, is smirking. “I color when I’m upset or just feeling anxious,” Chloe continues. She’s the type of person who likes to stay busy, to have a plan, to know exactly what’s coming next. Without that sense of control, she says, “I get very anxious.”
It’s called being an early-20something. That time when you’re bursting with aspirations and convictions about arriving at the fully adult-woman version of yourself that feels like it’s taken forever to reach. It’s a transition filled with a whirlwind of realizations, frustrations, and disappointments.
Now imagine experiencing all that with the entire world watching. Now imagine experiencing all that with the entire world watching and there’s an urgent civil rights movement sweeping the nation and there’s a pandemic taking over the world that’s made everything feel even more unsettled, more daunting, more like it’s moving in slow motion.
So yes, Chloe’s been pretty anxious lately.
During the mood-boarding process for Ungodly Hour—which Chloe describes as “like, four posters we taped together with red duct tape on a wall in our studio”—they cut out and attached the phrase “the trouble with angels” because it resonated with the layers they wanted to reveal. The album name they wrote as a result symbolizes, for them, the idea that there’s room for error and self-acceptance even at their flawed and most impious moments. “It’s okay to accept all that you are, all of your layers,” Chloe explains. “You at the ungodly hours.”
Of course, that’s easier said than done. During the first two months of their album-writing process, the pressure to make instant radio bops—which was, admittedly, fully self-imposed—was front and center. It’s what happens when you’re ready to show the world your 2.0 version: the spiral of wanting to be seen but not wanting to be seen as anything less than a hundred percent how you see yourself, and somewhere in there, feeling like you’re getting in your own way. “We got in our heads and were creating the worst stuff,” Chloe remembers. “Even the beats I was making were trash.” (“They were never trash,” Halle lovingly shoots back.)
But the way around your own self-blocking is, of course, an obvious one: Trust your instincts. “There came a moment when it was just like, you know what? We do music because we love it,” Chloe recalls. “And we love the way it makes us feel. It’s our right to be creative and do anything we want.” That includes owning their rawest feelings and turning them into fuel.
“What does this mean? What’s happening? Is this going somewhere, or is it not...?” Halle says, describing where her mind goes when a relationship feels like it’s heading left. “I have to let go and say, ‘Listen, this might be in my life plans, it might not be, so I’m going to see what happens and use this juice for creativity.” Similarly, for Chloe, being good to herself is all about setting boundaries. “Anytime something doesn’t work out,” she explains, “it’s not really healthy to say, ‘I was the reason it messed up.’ I’m still learning that. I’m learning that your happiness, you can’t put on someone else.”
Unngodly Hour quickly landed on Rolling Stone’s top-50 list for the best albums of 2020 and debuted in the top 20 of the Billboard chart, their highest ranking to date. It even made Twitter actually bearable in the 24ish hours after its June 12 release with funny, gushing confessions like, “Listening to Ungodly Hour for the 19th time today. (I’m not joking. )” But the moment was still fraught.
The original plan had been to release the album a week earlier. But following the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, and too many others, and as the country poured out into streets to mourn and protest the brutality of systemic racism and police violence, Chloe and Halle were emotionally fragile and “not in the right state of mind to release our project.”
They worried it’d feel disrespectful in some way. Or that it would take up space when the movement around fighting for Black lives needed all of the spotlight. In the end, they put it out there—but not because some record-label exec said they had to. Because it suddenly felt necessary. “Music has been such a healer for the Black community since the beginning of time,” Halle says. “Maybe it could help some people distract their minds from quarantine and what’s going on in the world today with hope and positivity.”
And if you can call the vibrant, elaborate, professional performances they produced from home for the likes of the Today show and the BET Awards or the electric backyard photo shoots they’ve brought to life for their latest Fendi campaign (and, you know, this magazine) “distracting,” then yes. They did that. You can also call it their “breakthrough moment.”
They’ve been at this for a while, having been discovered by Beyoncé in 2014 when the then-teens were uploading YouTube covers of tracks like “Pretty Hurts.” Beyoncé signed them to her label, Parkwood Entertainment, a year later. Since then, they’ve dropped a debut album that earned them two Grammy noms and a well-received spot on the Coachella festival lineup, opened for Jay-Z and Beyoncé on their On the Run II Tour, and amassed a loyal following in the millions, with whom they regularly connect and interact on Instagram. And for the past two and half years, they’ve also costarred on Freeform’s Grown-ish, playing twin sisters Jazz and Sky on the popular teen spin-off of ABC’s Black-ish.
But *this* is it. The moment when things go from huge to astronomical. Just weeks after Ungodly Hour’s release, Chloe x Halle earned what’s sure to be the first of many award nominations from the BET Awards (Best Group) and MTV Video Music Awards (Best R&B for “Do It” and Best Quarantine Performance). Their press tour has included high-profile stops in high-profile places like Billboard, Vogue (both Teen and regular), Hot97, Time, NPR, Vulture, and the Wall Street Journal. And on top of all that, they’re simultaneously wrapping up a little side project called Becoming Famous Actresses.
Chloe has recently finished production for Russell Crowe’s upcoming thriller, The Georgetown Project, while Halle is preparing for her breakout lead role as Ariel in the much-hyped, no doubt box-office (or stream)-smashing live-action remake of The Little Mermaid. (She’s recording the soundtrack too.) The outcry from racist trolls that followed Halle’s casting announcement last year was disheartening, but it couldn’t take away from the excitement. This is history-making. A welcome chance to breathe new, better life into a much-loved problematic fave.
Whether you’re a Disney-head or not, being crowned a princess is mega. And it’s a stage Halle’s standing on alone, sans sis. But when it comes up, there isn’t even the slightest sense of tension or reluctance that comes through the Zoom window. As Chloe describes how their parents raised them to “stand in our power,” to be as strong individually as they are together, you get the sense that she’s honestly too evolved for something as petty as jealousy. In fact, Chloe showed up for Halle, staying with her during the first month into Halle’s three-month UK shoot to help ease her younger sister into being away from home. (Halle’s own stay was cut short when production stopped suddenly over COVID-19 safety concerns, just days before filming was slated to start.) Chloe’s support made her feel confident that she could actually do this on her own, Halle says.
“Whenever we’re apart, I feel like my right arm is missing,” she adds, smiling at her sister. “I say this all the time: I’m not sure what I would do if I was by myself going through this whole thing.” Since she could remember, Halle has looked up to her big sister, to her talent, to her potential—“You are so nice!” Chloe interrupts.
“But it’s true,” Halle continues. “Whenever individual opportunities come, it’s exciting because when one of us wins, the other one does too.”
And those individual opportunities aren’t a manufactured attempt at building their own brands. “Whatever we bring to the table,” Chloe says, “it’s not like we’re trying to come up with, ‘Okay, I’ll be this way and you be that way.’” But it does speak to the fact that yeah, Chloe x Halle may be one artist, but Chloe and Halle are two different women. Take, for instance, that Chloe does most of the talking, while Halle doesn’t rush to speak.
Halle laughs as she muses about her inner Aries (translation: fiery, passionate, overly honest) coming out in relationships, while Chloe’s big-sister energy comes off as nurturing, analytical, and tender. (She’s a Cancer.) They may naturally complement each other, but it is natural. “We’re not trying to force anything or purposely construct two different narratives or suffocate the other into one type of way,” Chloe says.
The thing they are though: fully in control of those narratives. It’s the same as the one-not-two interview rule. Or the not-really-negotiable, definitely-very-exact number of minutes (71, if you count the follow-up call) they’ll allot for that interview. It’s not about being difficult, because they aren’t. It’s about being deliberate, autonomous, self-assured. They know precisely what parts of themselves they want to give you, how much you’ll need, and how to deliver it. It’s gracious in its thoughtfulness. Call it the Beyoncé Method. Having a strong sense of agency is crucial in an industry that often tries its best to morph young Black artists, especially women, to fit its repressive standards and expectations. It’s no wonder, then, that for fans, it feels like a privilege to watch them figure it all out.
Although they don’t name it outright, Chloe and Halle, who were raised rooted in spirituality, are putting their faith in faith to help them do that. “The divine plan is always better than whatever I could ever come up with,” Chloe says with a smile. “And it always ends up working out the best.” Despite the bumps they may hit in their journeys, showing up for each other and their fans will always feel true. As artists—but more importantly, as sisters—growing into their own impressions of womanhood.
For now, all that love and transformation is happening from home, often in front of their coloring books, until the world opens and they’re able to step out again. And that’s just fine. “I’ve realized the things that matter to me are my happiness, my family, being around the people I love and keeping my spirit clean with their positive energy,” Halle says. “As long as I have that, no matter what happens, I am gucci, I am good.”
Fashion by Cassie Anderson. Hair and makeup by the ladies themselves, advised over Zoom by Tinisha Meeks and Christiana Cassell. Manicure by Mimi D for The Gel Bottle. Props by Natalie Shriver at Art Department. Production by Crawford & Co Productions.
Lawn chair look: On Chloe: Baja East dress; Fenty heels; Tom Wood ear cuff. On Halle: Baja East top and skirt; Tom Wood ear cuffs. Bird's eye view look: On Halle: Area Couture top. On Chloe: Miu Miu top and skirt; Tom Wood ear cuff. Full-length lawn chair look: On Chloe: Baja East dress; Fenty heels. On Halle: Baja East top and skirt; By Far heels; Tom Wood ear cuffs. Close-up look: On Chloe and Halle: Monse dresses.
STORY BY LAKIN STARLING
Lakin Imani Starling is a music and culture writer from Philadelphia and based in Brooklyn. |
|
|
|
Post by veu on Sept 9, 2020 3:37:53 GMT -5
From Uproxx: Halle Bailey Of Chloe x Halle Has Begun Recording ‘The Little Mermaid’ Reboot’s Soundtrack
Carolyn Droke Contributing Writer
September 8, 2020
Chloe and Halle Bailey of the R&B duo Chloe x Halle have had an immensely busy year thus far. Just a few months ago, the sister pair released their sizzling sophomore album, Ungodly Hour, and have since found clever ways to stage at-home performances on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and the 2020 MTV VMAs pre-show. The two even tapped Doja Cat and Mulatto to lend verses on a revved-up remix of their hit “Do It.” But that’s not all they have in store for this year. Halle recently revealed she has begun recording the soundtrack to Disney’s upcoming live-action reboot of The Little Mermaid after she landed the lead role as Ariel.
While the pandemic has surely halted some production, that hasn’t stopped Halle from working on the upcoming film’s soundtrack. A recent interview with Cosmopolitan confirmed Halle is already in the soundtrack’s recording process. “Whenever individual opportunities come, it’s exciting because when one of us wins, the other one does too,” Halle said about the upcoming project.
Last year, The Little Mermaid‘s director Rob Marshall confirmed Halle’s casting and said, “After an extensive search, it was abundantly clear that Halle possesses that rare combination of spirit, heart, youth, innocence, and substance — plus a glorious singing voice — all intrinsic qualities necessary to play this iconic role.” |
|
|
|
Post by veu on Sept 9, 2020 8:00:02 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by veu on Sept 10, 2020 11:34:55 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by veu on Sept 10, 2020 12:06:32 GMT -5
From Bet.com: Halle Bailey, Of Chloe X Halle, Confirms She’s Recording For ‘The Little Mermaid’ Soundtrack
Production for the highly anticipated remake was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Published 18 hours ago
Written by BET Staff
R&B duo Chloe x Halle have been having a stellar year since the release of their acclaimed sophomore effort, Ungodly Hour. The sisters have become a quarantine staple with their creative at-home performances on the TODAY show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, YouTube’s “Dear Class of 2020” virtual commencement, the 2020 BET Awards, and, most recently, MTV’s Video Music Awards. And fans won’t soon forget their sizzling remix of the fan-favorite “Do It,” featuring Mulatto, the City Girls and Doja Cat.
On Tuesday (September 8), Chloe and Halle were unveiled as the latest cover stars for Cosmopolitan’s October issue, also dubbed the “Sisters Issue.” In the accompanying profile, the Grammy-nominated duo delved into their songwriting process, sisterly bond, growing into their womanhood, and how they’re coping in quarantine.
They also opened up about the timing of their album coinciding with a global health crisis coupled by a revitalized Black Lives Matter movement. Originally, Ungodly Hour was supposed to drop in early June but it was pushed back by a week to June 12. Ultimately, Chloe and Halle decided to release the album with the hope it could offer some reprieve to listeners during what has been very challenging year.
“Music has been such a healer for the Black community since the beginning of time,” Halle says. “Maybe it could help some people distract their minds from quarantine and what’s going on in the world today with hope and positivity.”
“There came a moment when it was just like, you know what? We do music because we love it,” Chloe continued. “And we love the way it makes us feel. It’s our right to be creative and do anything we want.”
The two also spoke about their latest film projects. Chloe recently wrapped up production for the upcoming thriller, The Georgetown Project, while Halle is in the midst of preparations for her big screen debut as Ariel in Disney’s highly anticipated live-action remake of their animated classic,The Little Mermaid.
Chloe stayed with Halle in the UK for three months while shooting The Little Mermaid. Production has subsequently been halted because of the coronavirus pandemic for the time being but Halle shared that she has already begun the recording process for the soundtrack.
“Whenever we’re apart, I feel like my right arm is missing. I say this all the time: I’m not sure what I would do if I was by myself going through this whole thing,” Halle said of the upcoming project. “Whenever individual opportunities come, it’s exciting because when one of us wins, the other one does too.” |
|
|
|
Post by veu on Sept 11, 2020 10:40:09 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by veu on Sept 11, 2020 16:22:54 GMT -5
From Inside The Magic: Halle Bailey, Cast set to Record ‘The Little Mermaid’ Soundtrack
IN DISNEY, MOVIES
Posted on September 11, 2020 by Nathanial Eker
Halle Bailey, the former child actor playing Ariel in the next Disney live action remake has begun recording The Little Mermaid soundtrack, a recent interview has confirmed.
Speaking alongside her sister Chloe, Halle told Cosmopolitan how much her sister meant to her as well as confirming that she’d recently been working on the soundtrack to a major new Disney movie, despite filming being postponed thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. Voice work has already begun.
Halle talks Little Mermaid recording sessions
Speaking to Cosmopolitan about her R&B group with sister Chloe, Bailey reflected on how having her sister with her was a comfort during this crazy time. Chloe reportedly stayed with her during the first three months of filming which took place in the United Kingdom. Halle said;
‘Whenever we’re apart, I feel like my right arm is missing. I say this all the time: I’m not sure what I would do if I was by myself going through this whole thing … Whenever individual opportunities come, it’s exciting because when one of us wins, the other one does too.’
The actor/singer then confirmed that despite filming being postponed thanks to the global pandemic, she has still started the recording process for the Little Mermaid soundtrack. In terms of Disney movie soundtracks, The Little Mermaid is up there as an undisputed fan favorite along with the Mulan soundtrack and others like The Lion King. It’s always interesting to see how the filmmakers change (or don’t change) the orchestrations in a live action remake of a Disney musical.
As for Bailee, this future Disney Princess has already received a lot of attention simply by being cast in the role. Ariel is undoubtedly a Disney legend in terms of beloved characters and it’ll be cool to see how Bailey takes her in a different direction in the live action remake.
Remember that this animated classic is the film that kick-started the Disney renaissance, so there’s certainly an expectation for it to be great, especially after the lacklustre reception of fellow animated classic Beauty and the Beast (2017).
As for Bailee, this future Disney Princess has already received a lot of attention simply by being cast in the role. Ariel is undoubtedly a Disney legend in terms of beloved characters and it’ll be cool to see how Bailey takes her in a different direction in the live action remake.
Remember that this animated classic is the film that kick-started the Disney renaissance, so there’s certainly an expectation for it to be great, especially after the lacklustre reception of fellow animated classic Beauty and the Beast (2017).
Halle Bailey as Ariel
The actor/singer went through a rough time after it was announced she’d been cast as Ariel. Twitter was flooded with #NotmyAriel posts that must’ve been very hard for the young star to see. She gave a graceful response shortly after and was defended by a number of big stars including Halle Berry, fellow Disney star Auli’i Cravalho and original Ariel Jodie Benson.
Regardless, I for one can’t wait to hear Halle’s new take on the iconic Little Mermaid soundtrack by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman; each song is a classic!
With her amazing voice, the Grammy nominated artist is bound to nail ‘Part of Your World’ and every other song. Let’s hope we get a taste of that soundtrack in the near future. The Little Mermaid remake is due to release (at the moment) on November 21, 2021. The live action adaptation stars Halle Bailey, Jacob Tremblay, Daveed Diggs, and Melissa McCarthy as the sea witch Ursula. More on the cast as it’s revealed. |
|
|
|
Post by veu on Sept 12, 2020 4:44:20 GMT -5
From The Kingdom Insider: Halle Bailey Has Begun Recording ‘The Little Mermaid’ Soundtrack!
By Kristin Swan -September 11, 2020
Halle Bailey, who was announced late last year to play Ariel in the new live action Little Mermaid, has graced the new cover of Cosmopolitan magazine with her sister Chloe. Halle stated in her interview with the magazine that she has already begun recording the soundtrack for the new Disney film!
In her interview, Bailey stated that her sister Chloe stayed with her during the first three months of filming which took place in the United Kingdom. Halle stated, “Whenever we’re apart, I feel like my right arm is missing. I say this all the time: I’m not sure what I would do if I was by myself going through this whole thing … Whenever individual opportunities come, it’s exciting because when one of us wins, the other one does too.”
The Grammy nominated singer went on to say that filming stopped due to the coronavirus pandemic, but that she has still started the recording process for the Little Mermaid soundtrack. Bailey has received a lot of attention since being announced as the new Ariel, and we are so excited to see the direction Disney goes in with her character in the new live action remake!
There was quite a bit of controversy after the announcement was made that Bailey was set to be our new mermaid. Twitter was bombarded with #NotmyAriel posts and one can only imagine how the comments must have affected the young actress. She did, however, give great response shortly after and was defended by a number of big stars including Halle Berry, fellow Disney star Auli’i Cravalho, and the original Ariel, Jodie Benson.
If you haven’t heard Bailey sing yet you are in for a treat! I personally am so excited to see her go fathoms below and hear her vocals on the iconic Little Mermaid soundtrack by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman!
The Little Mermaid remake is set to release on November 21, 2021, but we could see the film get pushed back like so many others have due to COVID-19. The live action film stars Halle Bailey, Jacob Tremblay, Daveed Diggs, and Melissa McCarthy as the sea witch Ursula. The film will be directed by Rob Marshall and produced by Marshall, John DeLuca, Marc Platt, and Lin-Manuel Miranda. |
|
|
|
Post by veu on Sept 12, 2020 17:45:37 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by buckmana on Sept 12, 2020 23:48:00 GMT -5
I wonder if the girls remember that episode of their tv show where one of the sisters criticises the other for wearing sparkly glittery bodysuits instead of dressing like a serious athlete.
Granted, it was fiction and driving the plot, but after seeing all those photos, I am remembering that scene.
|
|
|
|
Post by veu on Sept 13, 2020 15:22:08 GMT -5
From HelloBeautiful: Chloe X Halle Were Forced To Wear Bad Wigs That Hid Their Natural Hair
Marsha B. @introvertnthecitymarsha B. @introvertnthecity , Contributing Writer
Posted September 11, 2020
The entertainment industry has the tendency of white-washing Black talent so they fit the mold of how an acceptable Black should look. Most times, entertainers have to compromise things like their hair, weight, and style to be noticed or taken seriously. This grueling initiation process is usually over once the artist reaches a level of success in their career that allows them to make their own decisions as far as their image goes.
Before singers Chloe X Halle became the mega stars we know to day, they were young women heading to auditions in side ponytails and knitted hats. Both filled with tremendous talent, they’d be turned away from their auditions because casting directors didn’t care for their natural look. In an interview with Tina Knowles, the sisters recall a time in their career where they had to cover up their loccs to land roles.
“We would go on auditions for these different roles and so a lot of the feedback it would be, ‘Oh we like you guys but we don’t want to see the locs,’” Chloe said. “So the solution was to you know, get a wig to go on these auditions with.”
http://instagram.com/p/CFAFP2tJMmu
Succumbing to the pressures of the industry, Chloe X Halle took the advice and wore the wigs. “We got played okay!” Halle said. “Some lady put Troll wigs on us. She was telling us it was the right hair. ‘This is what everybody wears. This is the real deal.’ We look back at the pictures? We looked like Trolls.”
Now years into their careers, Chloe X Halle have left their wigged past behind them. Both sisters rock their natural hair proudly. They’ve stepped into their own in a way that is inspiring to women of all ages. I am so happy Chloe X Halle told the story of how they had to change distinct parts of themselves to be viewed as acceptable in tHollywood’s eyes. As the world makes an attempt to be more inclusive, we’re also seeing a small shift in societal beauty standards. Don’t get me wrong, white-washing still happens, the only difference is now Black people are speaking up against it, forcing diversity to happen. |
|
