ONCE IN A GENERATION
The trailblazing star of “Roots” and “The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter” passed away today at the age of 96. And she was a force to be reckoned with both onscreen and off.
Writer, editor, photographer based in New York City, Stereo Williams is an outspoken veteran entertainment journalist who's been published in Upscale, Ebony and Creative Loafing. He's also an accomplished screenwriter and documentarian who's co-produced films such as Exubia and Beautiful Skin.
Send him tips: tips@thedailybeast.com. You can also use our anonymous document submission system, SecureDrop. Click here to find out how.
TIME TO GROW UP
Despite some inspired moments and ace Dr. Dre production, the aging rapper just “can’t seem to get out of his own way,” writes Stereo Williams.
opinion
BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS
West “offers a mainstream window into the cultural and musical sphere of black gospel for people who have no investment in the experiences of black people,” writes Stereo Williams.
LOOKING BACK
The rap legend and mogul Jay-Z turned 50 this week, and his journey from street hustler to NFL dealmaker has been a bumpy one, writes Stereo Williams.
opinion
GET IT TOGETHER
The actress was ousted from the reality-competition series amid claims of racist behavior on the part of producers. It’s the latest example of questionable conduct at the network.
LISTEN UP!
The pop star almost couldn’t perform at the AMAs due to an ongoing battle with her old record label. And Swift is far from the first major artist to go to war with their overlords.
opinion
TUNE OUT
The “Jesus Is King” gospel-rapper is possessed of retrograde beliefs about what it means to be black in America, writes Stereo Williams.
NOPE
The MAGA rapper’s ninth studio album comes on the heels of his Sunday Services, and is a gospel-inspired effort that feels, well, uninspired.
JUSTICE
Kindness wasn’t a priority when George W. Bush trampled on civil liberties or when Amber Guyger murdered Botham Jean.
opinion
ROADS TO REDEMPTION
While Murphy has acknowledged his past mistakes and exhibited personal growth, West has gone a very different route toward currying public favor.