• Women

by Stacy Jackson

December 13, 2023

Chicago Comedian Hits Cultural Nerve With ‘Corporate Erin’ TikTok Persona

A Chicago comedy scene regular from Gary, Indiana, honed characters while contracting for corporations.

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Chicago comedian Lisa Beasley struck a chord on TikTok with her “Corporate Erin” executive parody — but don’t expect the persona to break character for an interview.

In her videos, Beasley incarnates the passive-aggressive office culture and empty corporate-speak familiar to millions of workers. Erin’s distinguishing verbal tics, like the “corporate gulp” between buzzwords, are provoking traumatic flashbacks, 13 News reported.

“This is SPOT ON. The corporate accent, the nonsense, the talking for 30 min and saying nothing,” one delighted viewer commented, according to the news outlet.

Another follower said, “The corporate word salad is so accurate,” about one of her enactments. 

Neither Beasley nor her alter ego Erin will elucidate the enigmatic executive’s backstory. “I’m the manager for the manager of logistics from Management MC Management,” Erin said when asked about the comedian’s sabbatical.

The brilliance of Beasley’s performance art reflects her roots. A longtime Chicago comedy scene regular from Gary, Indiana, she homed characters while contracting for corporations. “You encounter a version of me in every workplace,” Beasley told 13News. Her 2022 Chicago mayor parody likewise went viral. 

Erin has struck a collective nerve as Americans grow unhappier at work, per a 2023 Gallup poll. Like “The Office”’s Michael Scott, she lets viewers cringe yet keep watching. “Even though she causes me anxiety…I’m so invested,” one confessed. Erin is a safe scapegoat who can’t actually fire anyone.

By refusing to break persona, like Stephen Colbert facing down Bill O’Reilly, Beasley leaves Corporate Erin’s reality open to interpretation — and endlessly memeable. Since there’s no clear backstory, TikTokers project their own work trauma onto the act. “This is every meeting, every day,” a veteran manager concurred. 

Another trend involves duetting Erin’s speeches to act out exasperated reactions, sparking catharsis through shared camaraderie online.  

While millions find humorous release through Erin’s antics, the caricature also hints at deeper dysfunction within real work culture. “Corporate Erin is a little too real for me,” one commented. “This is satire but also my corporate life. It’s fine. I’m fine. Everything is fine.”

Where she goes next depends on her audience’s reaction. For now, the creator seems content, allowing the mystery executive to take on a self-perpetuating life of her own.

• News

by Daniel Johnson

December 13, 2023

Third Mississippi Man’s Death Allegedly Concealed From Family For Months

Following the discoveries of Dexter Wade and Marrio Moore in a pauper's field, the family of Jonathan David Hankins is now seeking answers of their own

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After BLACK ENTERPRISE reported that the Jackson Police Department buried two Black men in a pauper’s grave on the same day, The Associated Press reports that there has been a third occurrence in Mississippi. Following Dexter Wade and Marrio Moore, the family of Jonathan David Hankins is seeking answers in what is becoming a common occurrence within the Jackson Police Department.

Civil Rights Attorney Benjamin Crump released a statement detailing that Hankins’ family had been searching for information about what happened to him for over a year. “Jonathan David Hankins’ family has been desperately seeking answers about their loved one’s disappearance for more than a year,” Crump said. “Now, to find out from news reports that his body was found in the same county where Dexter Wade’s body was buried after being struck by a police cruiser raises disturbing questions.”

Similar to the stories of Wade and Moore, what happened to Hankins was not revealed to his family by the Jackson Police Department, who said in the other cases that it did not communicate with the families of those men because it could not find their correct phone numbers or addresses. The only difference between Hankins and the other two men is that while Wade and Moore are Black men, Hankins is white.

Instead of the police contacting Jonathan David Hankins’ family, The Associated Press reported, they found out through reporters from NBC News, who informed them on Dec. 4 that Hankins’ body had been found in a motel room on May 23, 2022. Similar to the other two men, according to Crump, the family of Hankins was not notified of his death, even though investigators had been able to identify his body. 

The Hinds County Penal Farm in Raymond, Michigan, has become a focal point of the reports concerning the Jackson Police Department, especially after Wade’s body was found there in August. Wade was killed on March 5 after he was struck by an off-duty Jackson Police Department officer while walking across Interstate 55. Making things worse, Wade’s mother said that she was not informed that her son had been killed until late August, a full five months after his death. 

As previously reported by BE, Moore was buried in the same field on the same day as Wade: July 14. Crump said that Moore’s family waited even longer than Wade’s family. They did not find out he had died until eight months had passed. The police said they tried to contact Moore’s brother, but the number they had didn’t work. However, several members of Moore’s family told the AP that they didn’t recall being contacted by the department. 

There have been calls for the federal government to investigate the burials, but Gretchen Hankins, Jonathan David Hankins’ mother, believes that the department simply didn’t care because they thought her son was a drug addict.

Hankins told NBC News, “I want people to know that somebody is not doing their job and making folks go through what I’ve been through,” Hankins continued, calling the department’s competence into question, “They can’t even do the job of notifying a dead person’s next of kin. They probably just thought, ‘Another drug addict, gone.’”

Jason Ware, an attorney representing the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department, told The Mississippi Free Press, “She [Hankins] came up [to the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office] and said, ‘My son’s been missing.’ We put out all this information to try to locate him,” Ware said. “We still had this individual listed as a missing person as of last week.”

Meanwhile, Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade announced a new next-of-kin notification policy during a press conference on Nov. 13, saying at one point, “We have several policies that we have to revise, create, and change. You would think that we’d have a death notification policy, but we do not. But we will as of today.” 

According to The Mississippi Free Press, the policy gives direct responsibility to Jackson Police Department officers to contact the next-of-kin when a body is discovered.

This, of course, is no consolation to Hankins’ mother, who described her anguish over not knowing what happened to her son. “That’s ridiculous,” she said. “Going that dang long and not calling people that’s just inhumane. It’s wrong. It’s just wrong.”

• Health and Wellness

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 13, 2023

Dak Prescott Tackles Colon Cancer With ‘Sh-t Talk’ Video

Dak Prescott is the latest partner of the colon cancer awareness initiative Lead From Behind, debuting his new video clip "Sh*t Talk" on the importance of health screening.

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Dak Prescott is sparking the conversation regarding colon cancer with the new video “Sh-t Talk,” as part of the colon cancer awareness initiative Lead From Behind. In the video, Prescott tackles the importance of screenings for the illness.

The clip, in partnership with Colorectal Cancer Alliance and Ryan Reynolds-led Maximum Effort, features the NFL star breaking the stigma on screenings for colon cancer. Prescott, whose mother died after battling the disease, is taking the notion of “sh-t talking” on the football field and twisting it to be a push for ensuring one’s health instead.

“As a professional quarterback, I get a lot of shit,” says the Dallas Cowboys player amid clips of fans trash-talking the 30-year-old. “And I get it — when you are not a fan of something, sh-tting on it can make you feel good. But what if I told you that now, it can do some good, too.”

The professional athlete explains an “important-ass message” of home screening kits, encouraging people who are 45 or older to speak to their medical providers about testing.

For Prescott, sh-t-talking doesn’t always have to be negative — it is a way to stay on top of one’s health.

“It’s that easy to get screened for colon cancer and make your feelings abundantly clear. So talk to your doctor today,” he says.

Dak released a statement regarding his new partnership with the health cause, saying his mother’s passing from cancer was a motivator, and also noting that Black Americans are significantly impacted by the disease.

“Losing my mother to colon cancer was devastating, and no one should have to go through that,” said Prescott. “That’s why I started the colon cancer screening and research pillar of my Faith Fight Finish Foundation. Partnering with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance and LEAD FROM BEHIND is another way I can let people, especially Black Americans who are at greater risk, know that colon cancer is preventable and there are a variety of screening options.”

With Black Americans being 15% more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 35% more likely to die from the disease, the awareness campaign is vital for the health and well-being of underrepresented groups. With this in mind, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance has also launched a health equity fund that will provide Cologuard screening kits in communities of color. More information on Lead From Behind can be found on its platform.

• Celebrity News

by Sharelle Burt

December 13, 2023

Jason Lee Accuses Beyoncé Of ‘Snubbing’ Black Media From ‘Renaissance’ Premiere

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During an episode of “The Jason Lee Podcast,” Lee accused Beyoncé of shading Black media outlets during her sold-out Renaissance World Tour, and social media is all ears.

While the superstar’s tour made millions in revenue and her Bey Good Foundation issued checks to both Black and LGBTQ+ businesses around the world, Lee feels that isn’t enough.

“I think optically when you don’t include other Black leaders in the culture in the fold, take me out of it, The Breakfast Club. I mean, you should have honored and brought more Black people in because Beyoncé has such a huge voice,” Lee said. “I’ve done a lot, and I’m not even going to say it here because if I did, this internet, Beyoncé’s good internet, would go crazy. Did I tell y’all what I’ve done?”

He continued to spill the tea to his co-hosts while covering his mouth with paper and having his producer bleep his words out, all to get their reactions.

The controversial creative claims he spent over $40,000 to see Beyonce’s show three times and says he feels unappreciated. Leaving viewers curious, Lee went on to say, “There should be a little love there.”

Then, after alluding to “receipts,” the former “Love and Hip-Hop: Hollywood” star pointed the finger at the “Cozy” singer’s longtime publicist, Yvette Noel-Schure, saying while Bey doesn’t know what he has allegedly done, Noel-Schure does.

That’s where things got sticky. Lee hopes to have Kelly Rowland, Destiny Child member and Beyoncé’s best friend, on his show, and said if that doesn’t happen, the “receipts” will be exposed. “I’m just being critical. That’s just what I do. You know that, Yvette. I’m trying to book Kelly Rowland right now,” Lee said.

“Now, if I don’t get Kelly Rowland because I say this about — then, then it’s gon’ be a problem. Then I’m putting out receipts. The receipts I just told y’all about, then I’ll put those out.”

As the video started circulating around social media, users called “cap” on Lee’s accusations, calling him shady and pointing out that he may not have said anything under the paper.

“He didn’t say shit under that piece of paper. I’m crying,” @itunesdrop said.

Another reminisced on Lee being ignored by Bey at a past Roc Nation brunch. “Isn’t this the same guy she was avoiding at the Roc Nation brunch,” @HenriettaSnacks wrote. “That is the closest he is ever going to get to her, and now he just lost his invitation to the next one.”

Hopefully Lee will change his ways, as the reality show star recently filed paperwork to enter the District 6 council race in his hometown of Stockton, California. He says that after all these years in the entertainment industry, now is the right time to run.

• Career

by Charlene Rhinehart

December 13, 2023

Introverts Can Survive Holiday Office Parties With These 4 Tips

Here are a few tips to help you avoid holiday party jitters and make some meaningful connections at your next office party.

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Originally published Dec. 6, 2016

If you’re an extrovert, the thought of attending an office party probably leaves you beaming with excitement. What better way to celebrate the end of the year by making new friends and having fun over food and drinks? All you have to do is find the perfect holiday attire and you are ready to roll.

On the other hand, if you’re a shy introvert, you’re probably strategizing the best way to decline the party invitation. Being around large crowds of people can be overwhelming and draining—a party with you and your book in the comfort of your home would be much more appealing. But since it’s the end of the year, you’ve decided to make a social compromise, and you have constantly been telling yourself that this will be worth your time.

Breathe. All you have to do is prepare yourself and walk in with a purpose in order to make your time worthwhile. Here is what you can do to avoid holiday party jitters and make some meaningful connections at your next office party:

Prepare Yourself for the Social Experience

If you haven’t been out in a while, you don’t want your holiday party to be your first appearance back on the social scene. Build your social confidence by surrounding yourself with people who would be thrilled to meet you and converse with you.

Toastmasters is the perfect place to test your social skills in a safe learning environment. As a guest, you will have the chance to introduce yourself at the beginning of the meeting, and you will be able to participate in table topics during the meeting; tables topics is the extemporaneous speaking portion of the meeting that allows people who are not on the agenda to speak for 1-2 minutes on a topic designated by the table topics master. Don’t worry about your nerves getting the best of you. The smiles and positive reinforcement from the members of the club will provide you with the encouragement you need to reduce any social anxieties that try to creep inside of you. If you can handle this, you’ll be ready to engage with people at your next holiday party.

A Enjoy Alone Time Before the Party

Need alone time? Introverts typically need to recharge their energy with some quiet time before embarking on a social event. This is the perfect time to make an appointment for that Milk & Honey foot spa treatment. You’ve had your eyes on this type of pampering for months. Soaking your feet in a warm milk bath with honey-infused brown sugar crystals will not only soothe your feet, but it’ll also give you the chance to refuel your batteries before the holiday party, making you a happier and more effective networker.

Brainstorm Conversation Starters

The last thing you want to do is join a conversation and have absolutely nothing to say. Not everyone is the outgoing extrovert who can start a conversation with anyone on the spot. Do what works for you: just make sure to have purposeful, meaningful, and impactful conversations. Entering a conversation armed with potential small talk starters will make your evening a lot more pleasant. Need ideas? Think about the people who will be attending. Refresh your memory with stories about the people you already know. Remember details about their personal lives that could make a person light up with excitement.

Don’t know anyone? Well, don’t let that stop you from initiating conversation; this can actually be a conversation starter! Walk up to an open and friendly group of people (or one person if that’s a bit more comforting) and simply say, “Hi! I don’t know that many people here so I just wanted to introduce myself. I’m (insert name) and (insert something about you that would lead to a good conversation).” You can say, “I just traveled here from (location), I work for (insert), “I help people (insert).” You can ask others, “What brought you here tonight?” or “What’s your story?” Ask open-ended questions that will allow you to further engage with others.

Review Proper Dining Etiquette Procedures

You don’t want to draw unnecessary attention to yourself at the dining table by accidentally using your neighbor’s silverware or chowing down on your bread roll like it was a juicy hamburger. Here are a few basic dining etiquette rules to remember:

• Place your napkin on your lap as soon as you arrive at the table.
• Pay attention to the placement of all silverware, glasses, and plates around you. Eat to your left and drink to your right. Any food dish to your left is yours to grab, and the glass to your right is yours.
• Wait for everyone to be served before you start eating.
• When multiple utensils are by your plate, work from the outside in. Use the silverware farthest from your plate first; this is typically what you use for the salad. When you are finished with your meal, the knife and fork are placed side by side on the plate.

Try these tips and you won’t have to stress about your next holiday party. You’ll just have to find the perfect outfit and you’re ready to roll.

RELATED CONTENT: 5 Tips For Power Rapport-Building For Networking

• News

by Sharelle Burt

December 12, 2023

Businessman Convicted Of Millionaire Wife’s 2019 Death Says It Was Result Of Self-Defense

Conviction and all... Andre McDonald is standing on victim-blaming.

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Andre McDonald, the Air Force major convicted of manslaughter in the death of Andreen, his millionaire businesswoman wife, blames her for it, according to a “48 Hours” report.

He was convicted of manslaughter after pleading not guilty to the March 2019 murder in which Andreen McDonald vanished in San Antonio. Hundreds of people began to search for her, and her remains were found just six miles from the couple’s lavish home in a gated community.

Andre had told law enforcement that the last time he saw his wife was the night before as they argued about their lucrative assisted living business. He left the house to calm down, and when he returned, he thought Andreen McDonald was sleeping in their daughter’s bedroom.

He was arrested for her murder but stayed tight-lipped about what happened the night of her death. That was until Jan. 30, 2023, the fourth day of his trial, when he testified that their heated argument led to her death. Andre said he learned his wife and business partner had started another business a year earlier without him knowing.

“Basically, that meant to me, pretty much, that she was robbing me,” he testified. This time on the stand, he said that when he returned, Andreen was waiting for him in order to continue their argument. Things escalated. Divorce and the idea of splitting the business in half came up, which he said made Andreen angry.

Andre claimed the argument moved from verbal to physical when she attacked him. He said he was ducking her punches when suddenly Andreen fell. That’s when he kicked her twice.

“The second kick, I think I heard, like, some type of wheezing, you know, coming out of her,” Andre testified. “And then also, like, in the background, I could hear, like, some footsteps.” Those footsteps were those of the couple’s daughter, Alayna. He left Andreen on the floor, injured but alive, to put their little girl to bed.

When he returned 30 minutes later, she was dead.

According to the U.S. Sun, the defense team said Andre committed the crime in self-defense, explaining that he feared for his life since Andreen was a powerlifter, lifting close to 300 pounds. A jury didn’t buy it, however, and sentenced Andre to 20 years in prison.

Watch how the entire case unfolded on CBS’ “48 Hours,” above.

• Education

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

December 12, 2023

Former Black Special Ed Student Who Graduated With 1.8 GPA Is Now A Best-Selling Author, Therapist

Ronnie Sidney, II, who spent seven years in Special Ed and graduated high school with a 1.8 GPA, is now a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), therapist, best-selling author, and entrepreneur.

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Ronnie Sidney, II, who spent seven years in Special Ed and graduated high school with a 1.8 GPA, is now a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), therapist, best-selling author, and entrepreneur. Despite being labeled as an African American student with learning disabilities, he also went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services at Old Dominion University in 2006. After that, he earned a Masters degree from Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Social Work in 2014.

Now, Sidney is both a best-selling and award-winning author and entrepreneur. In 2015, he released an Amazon bestseller entitled Nelson Beats the Odds, a semiautobiographical comic book about a young man who struggles with the shame of being placed in special education. He also released another successful book entitled Tameka’s New Dress, which addresses topics like childhood trauma, parental substance abuse, kinship care, and bullying with a gentle touch suitable for even the youngest children.

For his work, in 2017, Old Dominion University honored Sidney with the prestigious Darden Award, an award given to Darden College of Education alums who have made outstanding achievements. In 2020, Virginia Commonwealth University featured Sidney in the Shafer Court Connections magazine, and he was one of 200 VCU Alumni featured in The Power Issue, which honored inspiring alums. 

Sidney’s early academic challenges ignited a passion within him to pursue social justice and to work with inner-city youth. All in all, he has spent more than 15 years in the mental health and academic counseling fields.

In addition to his professional and academic life, Sidney is a loving husband and father of four amazing children. He is also a member of several boards, including the advisory board for VCU’s Center on Transition Innovations (VCU-CTI), which provides evidence-based resources, information, and emerging practices in the field. He is also an active member of the Essex County Economic Development Authority and Essex Youth Football Association.

Be sure to follow him on @RonnieSidneyII

This story was first reported on blackbusiness.com

RELATED CONTENT: WHAT SPECIAL EDUCATION HAS TO DO WITH THE SCHOOL-TO-PRISON PIPELINE

• Money

by Derek Major

December 12, 2023

White House Awards $93M In Grants To HBCUs, MSIs, And Tribal Schools

The U.S. Department of Education announced $93 million in grant awards to 20 HBCUs, MSIs, and Tribal colleges and universities.

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The U.S. Department of Education announced $93 million in grant awards to 20 colleges and universities to support research and development efforts for underserved students.

According to a DOE release, the grants will support Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) and boost completion rates. 

The grants will be provided to the institutions under the Research and Development Infrastructure (RDI) program and the Postsecondary Student Success Grant (PSSG) program. The RDI program provides funds to HBCUs, TCCUs, and MSIs to overhaul research infrastructure, including strengthening research productivity, faculty expertise, physical infrastructure, and partnerships leading to increases in external funding. 

The PSSG program aims to equitably improve postsecondary student outcomes, including retention, transfer, credit accumulation, and completion, by leveraging data and implementing, scaling, and rigorously evaluating evidence-based approaches.

Since President Joe Biden took office, the grant funding has added to the more than $25 billion the Biden administration has provided to HBCUs, MSIs, and TCCUs.

“The Biden-Harris Administration recognizes the urgency of this moment in higher education and that creating opportunities for students of color and other underserved students to succeed in today’s most cutting-edge fields has never mattered more,” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a statement. “These grant awards will help many of our nation’s most inclusive and diverse colleges and universities expand their capacity to drive research and innovation and propel more students to graduation day and fulfilling careers. This is how we Raise the Bar for college excellence and attainment in this country and close equity gaps in higher education that have no place in the 21st century.”

RDI program grants will be given to five HBCUs and three MSIs to increase their level of research activity in alignment with the Carnegie Classification designations to move from the Doctoral and Professional Universities (D/PU) classification toward the Doctoral Universities with High Research Activity (R2) classification. Additionally, the grants will increase their classification from the Doctoral Universities with High Research Activity (R2) toward the Doctoral Universities with Very High Research Activity (R1) category.

Two TCCUs will use the grants to support increased research activities, undergraduate research opportunities, faculty development, research development, and infrastructure, including physical infrastructure and human capital development.

Schools receiving RDI program grants include Hampton University, Southern University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Texas Southern University, Tennessee State University, United Tribes Technical College, Blackfeet Community College, City College of New York, The University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, and California State University, Fullerton. Schools receiving PSSG program grants include The University System of Maryland, Long Beach City College, Saint Peter’s University, California State University, Fullerton, Tulsa Community College, University of California, Berkeley, City College of New York, Colorado State University System, and Georgia State University.

• Celebrity News

by Rafael Pena

December 12, 2023

Drake Turns Turks And Caicos Bartender Into Overnight Celebrity

A recent getaway by Drake to Turks and Caicos inadvertently turned the spotlight on a local bartender named Flacka.

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A recent getaway to Turks and Caicos by Drake has inadvertently turned the spotlight on a local bartender named Flacka, causing a surge in business for Noah’s Ark beach club, where she works. The rapper’s patronage of the establishment, coupled with his camaraderie with Flacka, has ignited social media, fueling speculation about a potential romance, as reported by Complex.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Flacka ❤️‍🔥 (@flaacka.a)

Flacka, an assistant manager and bartender at Noah’s Ark, has become a viral sensation, with videos and photos circulating on various social platforms capturing moments of her interaction with Drake. However, on Flacka’s earliest Instagram post, it’s apparent the two had crossed paths about a year ago, on Drake’s last trip to Turks and Caicos.

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A post shared by Flacka ❤️‍🔥 (@flaacka.a)

Phillip Misick, manager of Noah’s Ark, revealed to TMZ that the presence of Flacka with Drake has significantly boosted the club’s food and drink sales. The influx of customers eager to glimpse the rapper and witness Flacka’s charm has been so overwhelming that Misick has yet to quantify the exact impact on revenue.

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A post shared by Turks and Caicos TV 📺 (@turksandcaicostv)

Customers have openly admitted that they frequent the bar for the chance to see Drake and to witness Flacka in action. Misick disclosed to TMZ that the bartender is now receiving partnership offers from various brands seeking to capitalize on her newfound popularity on social media.

While Flacka continues attracting attention, Drake is preparing for his upcoming It’s All A Blur Tour: Big As The What? tour with J. Cole. The tour will kick off in Denver on Jan. 18 and traverse several U.S. cities before concluding in Birmingham, Alabama, on March 27.

Noah’s Ark is a beach club that hosts events for tourists and celebrities throughout the year. The club’s popularity has grown since Drake’s first visit, opening the door to more celebrity appearances, including DJ Khaled and Kevin Durant.

• Arts and Culture

by Rafael Pena

December 12, 2023

Questlove Lost 2 Teeth Producing Hip-Hop’s 50th Tribute At Grammys

Questlove shared the intense stress of producing Grammy tribute and how the pressure led to losing two teeth.

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During an interview on Grammy.com on Dec. 7, Questlove shared the intense stress he experienced in planning the tribute to 50 years of hip-hop at the Grammy Awards, confessing that the pressure led to the loss of two teeth by the project’s conclusion.

Questlove, the multifaceted musician, author, and director, took the helm as curator, orchestrating a seamless collaboration between legendary figures like Grandmaster Flash and contemporary artists like Lil Uzi Vert. 

Initially hesitant, Questlove recognized the importance of seizing the opportunity to influence the course of hip-hop representation in the industry. Frustrated with being on the sidelines, he embraced the chance to be a catalyst for change, debunking the perception that he was merely a “suit.”

“The thing that really motivated me — Look, man, roll up your sleeves and run through this mud — was like, if there ever was going to be a hip-hop time capsule, a lot of the participants in this show are somewhere between the ages of 20 and 60, and everybody’s still kind of in their prime,” he told Grammy.com.

Reflecting on the magnitude of the stress, he said, “After the success of the thing that we did in March — that 12-minute revue thing — I’ll be honest with you, for 12 minutes, that was like going through damn near, and I’m not even using hyperbolic statements by saying, coming out within an inch of my life.”

After the momentous 12-minute performance concluded, Questlove found himself on an airplane heading back to New York, only to have two of his teeth unexpectedly fall out. The level of stress had reached such extremes that it became a visceral, physical manifestation.

Questlove described the surreal moment, saying, “That’s the level of stress I was [under]. Imagine landing in JFK, and I got to rush to ‘The Tonight Show,’ but then it’s like, Oh, wait, what’s happening? Oh God, no! My teeth are falling out! And going to emergency surgery. My whole takeaway was like: Never again.”