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Are You in the Ballpark? (finally, The 21st Century Creative on YouTube)
Have you ever had the experience of getting tantalisingly close to a big opportunity in your creative career a but not quite making it? Maybe it was a pitch, or a competition, a publishing opportunity, a senior role, or a funding application. Maybe you got really positive feedback. They said you were great, your work [â¦]
The post Are You in the Ballpark? (finally, The 21st Century Creative on YouTube) appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness | Since 1996.
Creative Disruption: How 12 Creatives on 5 Continents Rose to the Challenge of the Pandemic
When the Covid 19 pandemic struck in 2020, human life on earth was massively disrupted. Not only the human tragedy of millions of lives lost, but also the social and economic damage caused by the virus and our attempts to control it. As a writer and a coach for creatives, I have been particularly concerned [â¦]
The post Creative Disruption: How 12 Creatives on 5 Continents Rose to the Challenge of the Pandemic appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness | Since 1996.
How I Created, Funded and Launched My New Podcast (while the World Was in Meltdown)
Welcome to Episode 10 of the Creative Disruption season of The 21st Century Creative, where we are hearing stories of creatives around the world who came up with a creative response to the challenges of the pandemic. Itas been my most ambitious season yet, with creatives from 5 continents and probably the closest Iall ever [â¦]
The post How I Created, Funded and Launched My New Podcast (while the World Was in Meltdown) appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness | Since 1996.
From Tattoos to NFTs with Ichi Hatano
Welcome to Episode 9 of the Creative Disruption season of The 21st Century Creative, where we are hearing stories of creatives around the world who came up with a creative response to the challenges of the pandemic. This week we are off to Tokyo, to meet Ichi Hatano, a wonderful artist whose work has deep [â¦]
The post From Tattoos to NFTs with Ichi Hatano appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness | Since 1996.
Using Lockdown to Launch a Dream Project with Nicky Mondellini
Welcome to Episode 8 of the Creative Disruption season of The 21st Century Creative, where we are hearing stories of creatives around the world who came up with a creative response to the challenges of the pandemic. Have you ever had the idea for a creative project that youave never quite got round to starting? [â¦]
The post Using Lockdown to Launch a Dream Project with Nicky Mondellini appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness | Since 1996.
All Arts Are Performing Arts
If you work on your own a in your office or studio, or your bedroom or at your kitchen table a it can feel like no one is watching. So it doesnat matter whether you show up. If you skipped a day on your novel, who would know? If you didnat go to the studio [â¦]
The post All Arts Are Performing Arts appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness | Since 1996.
Taking Deep Work Online with Laura Davis
Welcome to Episode 7 of the Creative Disruption season of The 21st Century Creative, where we are hearing stories of creatives around the world who came up with a creative response to the challenges of the pandemic. Today weare focusing on a creative sector that is close to my heart, which was massively disrupted but [â¦]
The post Taking Deep Work Online with Laura Davis appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness | Since 1996.
Sometimes You Have to Grind the Work Out
A few months ago I was listening to the DavidBowie: AlbumtoAlbum podcast, a terrific show about Bowie hosted by Arsalan Mohammed. In Season 3 episode 11 Arsalan spoke to Donny McCaslin, the leader of the jazz band that Bowie discovered in a New York club, and asked to work with him on what turned out [â¦]
The post Sometimes You Have to Grind the Work Out appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness | Since 1996.
Helping Musicians Through Lockdown with Charlotte Abroms
Welcome to Episode 6 of the Creative Disruption season of The 21st Century Creative, where we are hearing stories of creatives around the world who came up with a creative response to the challenges of the pandemic. Today we are off to Australia in the company of Charlotte Abroms, a music manager based in Melbourne [â¦]
The post Helping Musicians Through Lockdown with Charlotte Abroms appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness | Since 1996.
Work on Multifaceted Projects
Last week I suggested that if youare serious about achieving your creative ambitions, you need to think in terms of projects, not tasks. Because if you get up every morning and ask yourself aWhat should I work on today?a you risk making decisions based on what feels urgent right now, rather than what will make [â¦]
The post Work on Multifaceted Projects appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness | Since 1996.
Staying Creative as a Parent (Even in a Pandemic) with Kay Lock Kolp
Welcome to Episode 5 of the CREATIVE DISRUPTION season of The 21st Century Creative, where we are hearing stories of creatives around the world who came up with a creative response to the challenges of the pandemic. Today we are going to look at one of the biggest challenge for many people during lockdown, whether [â¦]
The post Staying Creative as a Parent (Even in a Pandemic) with Kay Lock Kolp appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness | Since 1996.
Focus on Projects, Not Tasks
When we think of productivity we typically think about tasks and to-do lists, working habits and routines. We focus on how to make the most of our time on a daily or at most a weekly basis. All of which is great, but if this is all we focus on, thereas a danger of getting [â¦]
The post Focus on Projects, Not Tasks appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness | Since 1996.
Launching a New Business in the Pandemic with Amrita Kumar
Welcome to Episode 4 of the CREATIVE DISRUPTION season of The 21st Century Creative, where we are hearing stories of creatives around the world who came up with a creative response to the challenges of the pandemic. Today we meet Amrita Kumar, the co-founder and CEO of Candid Marketing, an innovative marketing agency in India. [â¦]
The post Launching a New Business in the Pandemic with Amrita Kumar appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness | Since 1996.
Make Your Marketing Personal with a Media Dashboard
Marketing is a word that strikes fear into the heart of a lot of creatives. Itas an area where a lot of us feel we donat have a natural talent a weare far more comfortable making work than telling the world about it, let alone trying to get people to buy it. One reason for [â¦]
The post Make Your Marketing Personal with a Media Dashboard appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness | Since 1996.
Rebooting Global Filming with Hometeam
Welcome to Episode 3 of the CREATIVE DISRUPTION season of The 21st Century Creative, where we are hearing stories of creatives around the world who came up with a creative response to the challenges of the pandemic. Today we are looking at the world of film and TV production, which was massively disrupted by the [â¦]
The post Rebooting Global Filming with Hometeam appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness | Since 1996.
Why Rejection Doesnat (Necessarily) Mean Your Work Isnat Good Enough
A lot of creative professions involve submitting work to gatekeepers of various kinds: agents, editors, publishers, gallerists, funders, producers, studios and competition judges and so on. Yes, the 21st century gives us plenty of options for creating things without gatekeepers a you can sell direct, build your own platform, launch your own event, self-publish or [â¦]
The post Why Rejection Doesnat (Necessarily) Mean Your Work Isnat Good Enough appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness | Since 1996.
Lockdown Series: Windows on a Changed World with Earl Abrahams
Welcome to Episode 2 of the CREATIVE DISRUPTION season of The 21st Century Creative, where we are hearing stories of creatives around the world who came up with a creative response to the challenges of the pandemic. This week we are off to South Africa, to hear from Earl Abrahams, an artist and filmmaker who [â¦]
The post Lockdown Series: Windows on a Changed World with Earl Abrahams appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness | Since 1996.
Eat that Frog (But Eat the Cake as Well)
aEat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you for the rest of the day.a This quote is often attributed to Mark Twain. Apparently thereas no hard evidence linking it to him, but that hasnat stopped it from concentrating the minds of many people when they ask themselves [â¦]
The post Eat that Frog (But Eat the Cake as Well) appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness | Since 1996.
The Rocky Road for Theatre through the Pandemic with Steven Kunis
Today we kick off Season 6 of The 21st Century Creative, the podcast that helps you thrive as a creative professional amid the demands, distractions and opportunities of the 21st Century. The theme for this season is CREATIVE DISRUPTION. Every episode will feature an interview with a creator whose work was disrupted by the Covid-19 [â¦]
The post The Rocky Road for Theatre through the Pandemic with Steven Kunis appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness | Since 1996.
Video: Forget the Career Ladder a Start Creating Assets
I hope this finds you as well as can be. Here in the UK weare bracing for what we are assured will be a large wave of Omicron. I know things may be very different for you, depending on where you are in the world. But whatever the circumstances, I hope you are finding your [â¦]
The post Video: Forget the Career Ladder a Start Creating Assets appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness | Since 1996.
My new podcast (and why itas the opposite of The 21st Century Creative)
Today is the launch of my new podcast, and itas something Iave been planning and dreaming of sharing with you for years. Itas called A Mouthful of Air. And in several ways, itas the opposite of my 21st Century Creative podcast. I designed the two shows to work together from the start, although itâs taken [â¦]
The post My new podcast (and why itas the opposite of The 21st Century Creative) appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness | Since 1996.
Ideas Are Leprechauns
Last night I was about to go to bed when I suddenly remembered an idea Iad had for an article a few months ago. Though I say so myself, it was a great idea, and I was keen to revisit it, so I opened up the Scrivener project where I had written it downa| and [â¦]
The post Ideas Are Leprechauns appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness | Since 1996.
Avoiding the Advice Trap with Michael Bungay Stanier
Todayas guest on The 21st Century Creative is Michael Bungay Stanier, a returning guest whose interview way back in Season 1 proved very popular. And his book The Coaching Habit turned out to be even more popular, as it went on to sell three quarters of a million copies. Michael is back with some excellent [â¦]
The post Avoiding the Advice Trap with Michael Bungay Stanier appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness | Since 1996.
Every Creative Project Is a Revolving Door
A lot of productivity advice tells us that we need to stop procrastinating, beat Resistance, and get things done. The Americans like to talk about ashippinga, meaning finished and sent out for delivery. This emphasis on getting things done and out to market is part of their extraordinary entrepreneurial culture. Famously, Guy Kawasaki even said [â¦]
The post Every Creative Project Is a Revolving Door appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness | Since 1996.
The 21st Century Illustrator with Krystal Lauk
Todayas guest on The 21st Century Creative is Krystal Lauk, an illustrator who took an unconventional path by creating illustrations for tech companies, and founded a studio that counts Google, Uber, Facebook and The New York Times among its clients. Itas a fascinating story of discovery and enterprise at what Krystal calls athe intersection of [â¦]
The post The 21st Century Illustrator with Krystal Lauk appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness | Since 1996.
You Have to be Bad to Get Good
Iave recently started taking one-to-one Japanese conversation lessons. It hasnat been easy. In fact, itas been a bit of a humbling experience. Between work and family responsibilities, I only have 30 minutes a day to study Japanese, and Iave spent this time every day for the past two years memorising kanji characters, vocabulary and grammar [â¦]
The post You Have to be Bad to Get Good appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness | Since 1996.
Writing a World-Changing Book with Cynthia Morris
Todayas guest on The 21st Century Creative is Cynthia Morris, a coach for creatives who shares insights on the book-writing process, based on her latest book The Busy Womanas Guide to Writing a World-Changing Book. So if you are contemplating writing a book â whether itas your first one or your twenty-first â there is [â¦]
The post Writing a World-Changing Book with Cynthia Morris appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness | Since 1996.
The Art of Overhearing Yourself
If you think about overhearing something, you probably think of listening to someone elseas conversation, whether deliberately or accidentally, and picking up a titbit of information that you would never otherwise have been privy to. It might be funny, or shocking or useful, or â as in the case of so many loud phone calls [â¦]
The post The Art of Overhearing Yourself appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness | Since 1996.
The Adventure of Writing with Emily Kimelman
Todayas guest on The 21st Century Creative is Emily Kimelman, a thriller author who has travelled the world in a boat and criss-crossed the USA in an Airstream trailer while writing and publishing her books, and selling hundreds of thousands of copies in the process. Emilyas adventurous spirit shines through in her writing as well [â¦]
The post The Adventure of Writing with Emily Kimelman appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness | Since 1996.
Keyword Selected: Oklahoman
Keyword Selected: Oklahoma
Watch Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Euphoria’ Lyrics Video | Drake Diss
âKendrick Lamar just reminded us thereâs no substitute for real emotion in rap beef. âThis morning, the LA rapper released his response in the ongoing feud between himself and Drake, by dropping a six-minute diatribe aimed at Drizzy as a rap artist and, more importantly, as an assassination of his character on a human level.â [â¦]Watch Anarchy at Columbia University as Anti-Israel Protesters Occupy Building News Video
âNew York police entered Hamilton Hall at Columbia University to end a student-led occupation of the building late Tuesday after Columbia University said it was left âwith no choice.â âA steady stream of officers entered through a second story window using an New York Police Department armored vehicle with a mechanized drawbridge.â Read more at [â¦]Watch Amazon Shares Climb on Earnings & Revenue Beat News Video
âAmazon a Shares gained nearly 2% after the company beat on both top and bottom lines. Amazon posted earnings of 98 cents per share on $143.31 billion in revenue. âAnalysts surveyed by LSEG had forecast earnings of 83 cents per share on $142.5 billion in revenue. âThe advertising and Amazon Web Services segments also topped [â¦]Watch Barbra Streisand Asks Melissa McCarthy About Ozempic in Awkward Exchange Celeb News Video
âA comment Barbra Streisand left on an Instagram post shared by Melissa McCarthy has sparked a conversation about weight, shaming and the increasingly widespread use of drugs for weight loss. âMcCarthy, 53, shared two photos on her Instagram page Sunday of herself with director Adam Shankman attending a gala in Los Angeles over the weekend.â [â¦]Watch 2024 Tony Award Nominations Announcement Video
âaHellas Kitchen,a a musical inspired by Alicia Keysa teenage years in New York City, and aStereophonic,a the story of a rock group in danger of splintering, dominated the 2024 Tony Awards nominations. âThe two shows, one focused on a pre-celebrity pop titan coming into her talent and the other examining a darker, druggier side of [â¦]Watch New ‘The Veil’ Teaser Video | Coming Up This Season
âSPOILER ALERT: This post contains spoilers from the first two episodes of aThe Veil,a now streaming on Hulu. âNo cigarette goes unsmoked in the premiere of FXas new series aThe Veila a and that was all part of Elisabeth Mossa plan. âIn the new series from aPeaky Blindersa creator Steven Knight, Moss plays a woman [â¦]Watch ABC News Weatherman Rob Marciano Fired After aAngera Issues News Video
âABC News meteorologist Rob Marciano is out at the network. A source confirms to The Hollywood Reporter that the meteorologist and Good Morning America regular is no longer employed by the news division. The exact circumstances of his departure arenat clear, though Page Six reported in March 2023 that he had been abanneda from GMAas [â¦]Watch Married At First Sight Australia Couples Video | Still Together or Divorced?
âMarried at First Sight Australiaas 2024 series is almost at an end and reunion week continues on the E4 reality series. Just before the series brings the curtain down viewers have heaped praise onto expert and sexologist Alessandra Rampolla after she had a tense exchange with Lauren, Jonathan, and Ellie.â Read more at Wales OnlineWatch New ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Movie Teaser Trailer Video
âDisney has released the first trailer for aMufasa: The Lion King,a a prequel to the 2019 photorealistic remake of aThe Lion King,a and revealed that Blue Ivy Carter has joined the voice cast. âFrom aMoonlighta director Barry Jenkins, aMufasaa will explore the titular lionas origin story, depicting his childhood with his brother Taka aka Scar, [â¦]Watch New ‘The Idea of You’ No Spoilers Movie Review Video
âAnne Hathaway is reflecting on her emotional reaction to first screening The Idea of You at SXSW earlier this year, and how the reception to the rom-com reminds her of the reaction she received to The Princess Diaries in 2001. âBefore its red carpet in New York on Monday, The Idea of You world premiered [â¦]Watch Travis Kelce Signs 2 Year Extension, Becomes NFL’s Highest Paid TE In History Sports News Video
âTravis Kelce reached a new deal with the Kansas City Chiefs that makes him the highest-paid tight end in the NFL. The future Hall of Famer will be in Kansas City for at least two more seasons until his age-36 season. âChiefs general manager Brett Veach is confident Kelce will continue playing at a high [â¦]Watch Jerry Seinfeld Blames Woke aPC Crapa for Ruining Comedy Celeb News Video
âSeveral conservative pundits praised Jerry Seinfeld this week after he garnered criticism online for suggesting political correctness is killing comedy. âThe online discourse began after a clip of the comedian, who starred in and co-created the popular â90s sitcom âSeinfeld,â circulated across social media on Sunday. During an interview with The New Yorker, Seinfeld suggested [â¦]Watch Monroe County DA Sandra Doorley Releases Statement on Traffic Ticket Tirade News Video
âMonroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley has issued an apology, saying she is taking âfull responsibilityâ for her conduct during a traffic stop last week that was caught on camera. The incident prompted Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday to refer the case to the Commission on Prosecutorial Conduct. âLawmakers from across Rochester and Monroe County [â¦]Watch New ‘Rabbit R1’ AI in a Box Video | Barely Reviewable
âThis story was supposed to have a different beginning. You were supposed to hear about how, earlier this week, I attended a splashy launch party for a new AI gadgetathe Rabbit R1ain New York City, and then, standing on a windy curb outside the venue, pressed a button on the device to summon an Uber [â¦]Watch Hainault: Teen Dead After East London aSworda Attack News Video
âKing Charlesâs âthoughts and prayers are with all those affectedâ after a sword attack in north-east London, Buckingham Palace has said. âA boy of 14 died in Tuesdayâs attack in Hainault. Four people including two police officers were injured. âThe Palace said the Kingâs thoughts were particularly with âthe family of the young victimâ who [â¦]Watch 4 Dead In Devastating Oklahoma Tornado News Video
âAt least four people are dead, including an infant, after a tornado outbreak in Oklahoma overnight, as severe storms threaten more twisters, heavy rain and large hail from Missouri to Texas Sunday. âMultiple large and extremely dangerous tornadoes were reported on the ground simultaneously overnight Saturday across parts of Oklahoma, according to the National Weather [â¦]Watch Inside the NBA Congratulates Candace Parker on Legendary Basketball Career News Video
âCandace Parker always said shead know when it would be time to retire. That day came Sunday. âThe three-time WNBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist announced on social media that her career was over after 16 seasons.â Read more at Associated PressWatch Nicole Kidman Honoured With AFI Life Achievement Award Celeb News Video
âNicole Kidman has been honoured with an American Film Institute life achievement award at a ceremony in which stars shared stories of aquite simply one of the greatest actressesa. âThe Oscar-winner became the first Australian actor to receive the highest honour for a career in film at AFI, during a ceremony that featured speeches from [â¦]Watch Presidential Candidate Jill Stein Arrested & Booked on Assault Charges During Protest News Video
âGreen Party presidential candidate Jill Stein was among dozens arrested at Washington University in St. Louis on Saturday as students continue to protest the Israel-Palestine war on college campuses across the country. âMore than 80 arrests were made after students, employees and others âmarched to multiple campus locations, pitched tents, and indicated that they did [â¦]Watch Harvey Weinstein Hospitalized After His Return to New York From Prison News Video
âHarvey Weinstein has been hospitalized. âOn Saturday, April 27, the disgraced Hollywood producer, 72, was transported to the prison ward of Bellevue Hospital in New York City for a aseries of tests,â his attorney, Arthur Aidala, and publicist, Juda Engelmayer, confirmed to The Washington Post.â Read more at YahooNicki Nicole Says Rap Music Helped Her Get Out of Her Shell
It's a drizzly Thursday afternoon in New York City, and Nicki Nicole has spent most of her day answering back-to-back interview questions from journalists. For someone who just concluded a tour between Latin America and Europe, not to mention nine sold-out shows at the Movistar Arena in Buenos Aires, where more than 100,000 fans were in attendance, you'd think she was ready to slow down. But hours before our conversation, she announced that her first US headlining tour would kick off next month in Mexico City. You can see the tunnel vision in her green eyes. Her fans, who have been by her side since day one, are what motivate her to keep going.
The 23-year-old budding singer, rapper, and songwriter has cemented a name for herself in her native country of Argentina. Nicole Cucco prides herself on never sticking to just one genre when creating music; it helped define her place as a multidimensional creative keen on bridging the gap between singing and rapping.
With the announcement of the US leg of her tour comes new music that does just that. Her first single of the year, "Ojos Verdes," is a cumbia ballad inspired by personal situations she's gone through, quite possibly alluding to her recent public breakup with Peso Pluma. The lyrics translate to: "But I brought out the best in you / And you realized it the day I left."
"Since I was a young girl, I've listened to cumbia and know so much about it. The only other time I've worked on a cumbia song before was with the [band] Angeles Azules," she says. "Now I feel comfortable and prepared to make my own song, so this is me doing it on my own."
Nicole has come a far way in a short amount of time. Her 2019 debut album "Recuedros," filled with sprinkles of pop, soulful R&B, and urbano tones, includes her standout single, "Wapo Traketero," which she performed a couple of years later on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" - making her the first Argentine artist to ever perform on the late-night show.
Meanwhile, her 2021 sophomore studio album, "Parte de MA," plays around with reggaeton, hip-hop, and upbeat pop sounds, along with heavy collaborations from acts like Rauw Alejandro, Mora, and Mon Lafarte, just to name a few. "ALMA," a self-exploration album that ties reggaeton, Latin R&B, and dark ballads all together, was nominated for "Best Urban Album" at the 2023 Latin Grammys.
"The truth is, every album and every song I put out has really helped me to evolve my sound," she says. "If you listen to my first and third albums, you can see the growth not only vocally but down to the overall concepts, even the way I express myself. I love when people can notice that evolution in my music."
Her fourth studio album is still a work in progress, but Nicole notes that the project's overall concept is finished. "I don't want to limit myself or rush the album. I'm always learning something new. Just being here in New York for a week, I made some incredible songs," she says. "For this next project, when it comes to structure and melodies, there will be a lot of hip-hop, R&B, and rap - that will be the focus. Musically, though, aside from my next project, there will be many surprises that will come about this year."
Growing up, Nicole's musical influences varied. She grew up listening to tango, cumbia, rock, and various genres. "Amy Winehouse, Christina Aguilera, Kendrick Lamar are some of the artists who have influenced my music. I've never worked on rock music as a solo artist, but that's something I plan to explore as well," she says.
Nicole's love for hip-hop began when she was 15, around the time she started attending freestyle battle competitions. She remembers being intrigued by "The Get Down," the Netflix series that centers on the birth and rise of hip-hop in New York City, and wanting to learn more about the genre's origins.
"Before watching [the series], I knew somewhat of the history of hip-hop, but as I continued watching I wanted to learn more about this world, it really caught my attention," Nicole says. "I started to listen to more rap music; I fell in love with it all. I was sad that there was only one season of the show."
At 17, a younger Nicki Nicole was joining in on freestyle competitions, which helped shape her wordplay today. Her favorite past and present rappers include Nuyorican rapper Hurricane G, Lauryn Hill, Ivy Queen, Nathy Peluso, and her sister, SofAa Gabanna. The rise of hip-hop culture in Argentina isn't new; it's been a movement for some time now. Nicole is grateful for El Quinto EscalA3n, dubbed Argentina's most prominent rap competition, which was held from 2012 to 2017 in Buenos Aires. Duki, Paolo Londra, Milo J, and many others - each with their own style and essence - have all participated in the competition and are key players in the Argentine hip-hop scene today.
As a white Argentine woman, Nicole understands that she occupies a space created and originated by Black folks - hip-hop is Black history. It was never hers to begin with, so as an outsider, it's imperative for her to navigate it thoughtfully and avoid any appropriation of the culture.
"This didn't start out as my fight, and it's easy for anyone to co-opt a space that they didn't begin in, but I'll never take ownership of a space I'm a guest in," she says. "To know the origins of hip-hop is important, bringing visibility to things that went on in the culture in the past, and so many incredible rappers that make up these spaces, appropriating the space is something I don't ever plan to do."
She says she also owes hip-hop and rap culture for helping her get out of her shell and shaping her ability to freestyle.
"I feel like hip-hop, but mostly rap, taught me how to express myself when freestyling. Not just musically, but also it taught me how to get out of my shell because I used to be really shy," she shares. "Everything I didn't have the [courage] to say in person, I would say it in a freestyle, in a studio, in a battle, and I learned to express myself this way. And through freestyling, I learned how to socialize, and it also served me in my personal life in how to speak to people."
With so much music and talent coming out of Argentina - Cazzu, Emilia, Tiago PZK, Duki, Maria Becerra, and so many more - Nicki Nicole is proud of the greatness coming from her country.
"I know that every single Argentine artist that is putting in the work right now really deserves all of the recognition," she says. "I know a lot of them personally, so it makes me happy because I know all of the work and effort that goes behind it all, and I know that they do all of this because they dreamt it. It's an honor to know them."
As Nicki Nicole prepares for her tour and plans her world domination, she is unphased by any outside noise - anything that comes between her work. Nothing can stop her, unless it's an opportunity to get in the studio with the legendary Tego Calderon or electropop band Miranda, which she hopes will happen one day. What's keeping her grounded is her family and friends, and enjoying what she does.
"I'm really achieving everything I ever dreamed of, and that's what keeps me going," she says. "To be able to support my parents, to be able to spend time with the people I love, that's the most important thing to me in this world of music."
Brenda Barrientos is a Peruvian American journalist and social strategist with more than seven years of experience. In addition to her work in social media, Brenda writes about music and culture, with a particular focus on Latine creators. In addition to PS, her writing has been published by Billboard, Byrdie, People en EspaA+-ol, Refinery29, Rolling Stone, and more.
Revisiting Jennifer Lopezas 2011 Album aLove?a and What It Signifies Today
As the anniversary of Jennifer Lopez's sixth studio album "Love?" approaches, it's a fitting time to reflect on this album's significance within J Lo's career, its impact on fans, and its continued relevance in light of her recent endeavors.
Released on April 29, 2011, "Love?" came at a time when Lopez was already a multifaceted force in entertainment. Music, film, and fashion-she'd conquered them all. Yet, "Love?" transcended mere career markers. It delved into love, a theme central to Lopez's personal narrative.
This wasn't just an album; it was a declaration. Through "Love?" Lopez explored her own quest for love and fulfillment. The title track, "(What Is) LOVE?" beautifully captures this yearning. Lopez laid bare her vulnerabilities through her music, creating an emotional connection with her audience. Take the poignant question - "Is this just a dream / Is this what it seems?" - which echoes a longing for validation, her desire to be someone's girlfriend, and the fulfillment of romantic love.
Fast forward to 2024. Lopez's recent projects, including her latest album and musical film by the same name, "This Is Me... Now," and the documentary "The Greatest Love Story Never Told," were released on Amazon in March and offer a deeper look into her relationship with self-worth, love, and her ex-fiance turned husband, Ben Affleck.
The documentary sheds light on the last two decades of Lopez's personal life, including her struggles with self-love and the pressures of fame. Although the documentary has been arguably overshadowed by a viral clip where she references being from the Bronx, Lopez is still very raw about her emotions throughout the doc. She shares why she had been constantly searching for love and highlights her self-love journey. She also admits that her back-to-back marriages and relationships resulted from not being in a good place with herself.
Similarly, her musical film underscores her journey toward self-acceptance and empowerment. In these works, Lopez confronts the need for validation head-on, emphasizing the importance of self-love and resilience.
While "Love?" may not be Lopez's biggest commercial success, its strength lies in its raw honesty. The album humanizes her, connecting listeners with her experiences and emotions. Debuting at number five on the US Billboard 200 chart, it holds immense significance in J Lo's journey of love, self-love, and healing for a few key reasons. Produced while she was pregnant with her twins Emme and Max, "Love?" marked a period of introspection for Lopez and served as a platform for her to shed her usual glamorous image and expose her vulnerabilities.
"Love?" explored Lopez's own needs and desires but marked a crucial step in her journey towards self-love and understanding. She seemed to prioritize honesty over mainstream appeal, baring her insecurities and desires for love. The themes Lopez explored in "Love?" laid the groundwork for her recent documentary and self-love music video/album, echoing the messages of self-acceptance and resilience first seeded in this album.
In many ways, the album served as a turning point for Lopez, allowing her to explore her inner world and pave the way for her continued growth and self-discovery. Despite all of Lopez's accolades throughout her career, some still question her talents, as she openly shared in her 2022 documentary "Halftime." Lopez's achievements speak volumes. Her multifaceted success includes her influence on the Latine community, her role as a businesswoman, and her contributions to pop culture through film, music, fashion, and beauty.
Ultimately, "Love?" is a testament to Lopez's authenticity and resilience as an artist. It reminds us that even the most celebrated figures crave love and acceptance. As we celebrate the album's anniversary, let's appreciate its honesty, acknowledge its impact, and recognize J Lo's continued significance as an artist and cultural icon.
Kimmy Dole is a contributor for PS Juntos known for her sharp insights and compelling storytelling. An entertainment enthusiast, Kimmy immerses herself in the glitz of the industry, delivering a captivating blend of celebrity interviews, insights from industry experts, and the latest pop culture trends. Her work offers readers a genuine and relatable perspective, especially when exploring the complexities of relationships.
Thalia's "A Mucha Honra" Album Is a Love Letter to MAosica Mexicana
Throughout her illustrious career, Thalia has proudly represented Mexican culture through her music, iconic looks, and unforgettable performances. With mAosica Mexicana going global, the Mexican pop icon is tapping into the sounds of her roots through her new album "A Mucha Honra," where she pays homage to the music of her country while embracing the new wave of corridos.
"This album is called 'A Mucha Honra' because, as a Mexican, it makes me so excited to sing this music," she tells PS. "It's in my DNA. I feel like with everything happening now with our music on a global level, it's made us so proud. This is a celebration of our music and Mexican culture."
Thalia's career spans five decades since she entered the scene in the '80s as a member of the Mexican children's group Timbiriche. In the '90s, she launched her solo career, which took her worldwide, transforming her into a global artist. Among the many genres she's explored as a top Latina pop star, Mexican rhythms like mariachi and ranchera have always been present in her biggest hits like the empowering "Piel Morena" or the sultry "Amor a la Mexicana." Thalia credits her longevity to always changing with the times.
"Follow your pulse," she says. "Follow your intuition, which will soon guide you in learning different things about yourself. Sing different styles of music. Embrace things that will help you refresh your style and help you grow, change, and evolve. You have to dare yourself to take chances. I believe that's always been a principle of my career."
"A Mucha Honra" isn't Thalia's first rodeo in the mAosica Mexicana realm. In addition to her aforementioned hits, she also released a banda music album in 2001. "Thalia Con Banda: Grandes Axitos" included her classics like "Arrasando," "Entre el Mar y una Estrella," and "MarAa la del Barrio," the theme song to one of her famous telenovelas, which was rerecorded in the banda style. Thalia shakes off the criticisms of people who overlook her past in the mAosica Mexicana genre.
"In my music, I've always sung with Mexican arrangements in different albums throughout my career," she says. "It's something that's always been constant within my discography. I have a wonderful fan base. My Thali-familia are incredible for remembering things that we've done together. That's beautiful because they have a strong connection with me. This isn't something that I'm doing out of nowhere. I've always done it."
What is different about Thalia's latest exploration of mAosica Mexicana is that she's taking on contemporary sounds. What has helped the genre go global is the rise of corridos tumbados, or the trap-infused take on the traditional Mexican corrido and sierreA+-o. Corridos tumbados were first popularized in 2019 by Mexican singer Natanael Cano and his LA-based label Rancho Humilde. More Gen Z artists like his labelmates Junior H and Fuerza Regida and Mexican superstar Peso Pluma have pushed corridos tumbados to the top of the charts. SierreA+-o has also made waves thanks to the success of the Mexican American group Eslabon Armado. For "A Mucha Honra," Thalia tapped Rancho Humilde founder Jimmy Humilde and Edgar RodrAguez, who has produced hits for this new generation of artists. She seamlessly blends sierreA+-o and pop in the heartbreaking ballad "BebA(c), PerdA3n."
"[Edgar] has the Yellow Room [recording studio] where all the mAosica Mexicana stars have recorded," she says. "This album was created at the center of the Mexican movement that's taking over. It has that strong and intense essence of that movement and captures what Jimmy and Edgar do best. The songs and arrangements are spectacular."