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The South African
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
How Doechii became hip-hop's most daring new star
Doechii, Florida's self-proclaimed 'Swamp Princess', is rewriting the rules of hip-hop. She's already headlined Glastonbury, scooped a Grammy and a BET Award, and become a chart-topping sensation. Her journey from sneaking out of class to practise piano, to dazzling on the world's biggest stages, is a story of grit, vision, and bold authenticity. This past year, Doechii's star has soared. Her viral NPR Tiny Desk performance showcased her rapid-fire flow and all-female band, according to Vogue . She stunned on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, performing an entire number connected to her dancers by braids. But it was her Grammy appearance that truly cemented her as a global star. After her dancers ripped off her custom suit, she prowled the stage in a jockstrap, exuding confidence and power. 'I was born to do this,' she declared. Her mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal , won the Grammy for Best Rap Album. 'I wanted to make a record without the pressure.' The hit single Denial is a River resonated for its raw honesty. 'This is a dark time for me, I'm going through a lot,' she raps, before her therapist persona interrupts: 'By 'a lot,' you mean drugs?' Doechii never shies away from tough conversations. At the BET Awards, she addressed protests in Los Angeles against raids on undocumented immigrants. 'Trump is using military forces to stop a protest. We all deserve to live in hope and not in fear,' she told the crowd. She often uses her platform to highlight issues like reproductive rights. 'Keep abortion safe and legal' tank in her 'Nissan Altima' video. Her stylist, Sam Woolf, says, 'We like to put things on display that people like to hide or cover up.' Doechii's style is as fearless as her music. She's rocked everything from a Louis Vuitton shorts-suit at the Met Gala to a yolk-yellow Valentino Couture gown. 'My look says more about where I am in my life than who I am,' she says. Right now, she's drawn to preppy styles. 'It makes me feel confident, sharp, and like myself.' Doechii is already working on her next project. She wants it to be honest, raw, and vulnerable. 'I know it's going to be a similar theme from my last project, but with new lessons,' she says. She's also proud of her old YouTube vlogs, hoping they inspire young artists: 'Anything is possible. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't be here.' Doechii's story is one of courage, creativity, and conviction. She's not just making music; she's making history. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
TxC's BET Award win: Thakgi Ledwaba's shocking accusation of industry planting
'Piano Pulse' podcast co-host, Thakgi Ledwaba, has a controversial take on TxC's BET Award win and authenticity. Image: Instagram "Piano Pulse" podcast co-host Thakgi Ledwaba has raised some eyebrows after accusing Amapiano duo Tarryn Reid and Clairise Hefke, professionally known as TxC, of being industry plants. This comes after Reid and Hefke won a BET Award for Best New International Act in June. They made history by being the first DJ duo ever to be recognised in this category at the American awards show. When asked by co-host Khanyi Mars if he thinks Reid and Hefke are 'industry plants', Ledwaba responded with a yes. The term 'industry plant' is often used to describe an artist who achieves success with significant behind-the-scenes support from either a major label or industry connections, often while presenting themselves as independently successful. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ He questioned how they won the award before more established artists, citing that pioneers who have been making Amapiano hits have not been recognised internationally 'How is it that TxC won a BET award before Kabza De Small? How is it that they won a BET before Uncle Waffles? That is just not possible for Best New International Act. Whereas we know that Dlala Thukzin has done more than they do outside of the country,' said Ledwaba. He further expressed his doubts about their deserving the award, suggesting that there might be external factors at play, such as a record label or industry heavyweights pushing their music to global ears. Ledwaba drew comparisons to other South African artists, mentioning Uncle Waffles and Tyla, implying that their success might be due to industry support rather than organic talent. 'I don't think it was well deserved. I feel like it was pushed by whoever they are assigned to, whoever the distributor is at the moment. 'I feel that now people are just looking at South Africa and taking these female artists, making them superstars because they believe they're performers and can DJ. I'm looking at Uncle Waffles, I'm looking at what they did with Tyla, and now TxC is just next in line,' he said. Ledwaba was puzzled by the duo's nomination, adding that many South Africans are unfamiliar with their music and that they lack street credibility. He also stated that the duo does not seem to have a significant presence in the music scene, as they have never headlined an event, are not frequently discussed, and their songs are not widely known or sung along to, even among young fans.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kim Kardashian, Demi Lovato, Eva Longoria and More Speak Out Against Trump's LA ICE Raids: ‘Those Are Not Criminals'
Celebrities are making themselves known as vocal opponents of the ongoing ICE immigration raids as demonstrations continue in Los Angeles. 'There are ruthless attacks that are creating fear and chaos in our communities in the name of law and order,' rapper Doechii said while accepting her BET Award at the show Monday. 'Trump is using military forces to stop a protest, and I want y'all to consider what kind of government it appears to be when every time we exercise our democratic right to protest, the military is deployed against us. What type of government is that people are being swept up and torn from their families?' She continued: 'And I feel it's my responsibility to use this moment to speak up for all oppressed people, for Black people, for Latino people, for trans people, for the people in Gaza. We all deserve to live in hope and not in fear and I hope we stand together, my brothers and my sisters against hate and we protest against it.' Elsewhere, celebs like Kim Kardashian, Demi Lovato, John Leguizamo and more also spoke out on social media. 'What's happening in Los Angeles and across the country is heartbreaking.' Lovato wrote. 'Immigrants are a vital part of our community and the fabric of our country. While I feel powerless, I stand with those living in fear and hope that these resources can help in some way. Let's please continue to show up for one another and support our neighbors.' Eva Longoria called the raids 'inhumane' and 'un-American' in a video posted to her Instagram. 'We all can agree, nobody wants criminals in our country, nobody wants rapists, nobody wants drug dealers, nobody wants bad actors in our country- that's not what's happening,' Longoria said. 'These roundups are happening in birthday parties, in elementary school graduations, Home Depot. Those are not criminals. I hope that everyone has more compassion for this issue and realizes we have industries dependent on immigrant labor.' Kardashian posted similar thoughts to her Instagram Stories. 'When we're told that ICE exists to keep our country safe and remove violent criminals- great,' she said. 'But when we witness innocent, hardworking people being ripped from their families in inhumane ways, we have to speak up. We have to do what's right.' She added: 'Growing up in LA, I've seen how deeply immigrants are woven into the fabric of this city. They are our neighbors, friends, classmates, coworkers, and family. No matter where you fall politically, it's clear that our communities thrive because of the contributions of immigrants. We can't turn a blind eye when fear and injustice keep people from living their lives freely and safely. There HAS to be a BETTER way.' Leguizamo posted a video encouraging the protestors to keep at it as the raids drew on. 'Your protests are beautiful,' the actor said. 'Protesting is as American as apple pie. But Trump wants to create a situation. He wants to be able to call on the Insurrection Act. He wants to create martial law so he can take over every government in every city and every state, so don't give him that,' the actor pleaded to his followers. 'Don't give him what he wants. I mean, he's trampling on all our democratic values of due process, of listening to courts and the judiciary. Just stay calm, stay peaceful. Don't let don't give him what he wants.' The raids began late last week and sparked protesting over the weekend. President Trump mobilized 2,000 members of the National Guard to quell the gatherings – without consulting Governor Gavin Newsom – and then added an additional 700 marines to the mix on Monday. The protesting reached the point that LA Mayor Karen Bass placed a curfew downtown beginning Tuesday night. The post Kim Kardashian, Demi Lovato, Eva Longoria and More Speak Out Against Trump's LA ICE Raids: 'Those Are Not Criminals' appeared first on TheWrap.
Black America Web
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
The Top Moments From The 2025 BET Awards We're Still Talking About
The 2025 BET Awards aired last night, hosted by Kevin Hart, and they didn't disappoint. Viewers have declared that the BET Awards are back! From hilarious moments between Kevin Hart, Druski and Kai Cenat to nostalgic performances by artists like Ashanti, Keyshia Cole, Amerie, Mya, B2K, Bow Wow and Jim Jones to a tear-inducing tribute to Jamie Foxx, we're still talking about the top moments from culture's biggest night. Icon Mariah Carey received her first BET Award and Lil Wayne even hit the stage to perform music from his new album. Keep scrolling to see th most memorable 2025 BET Award moments. Kevin Hart Tries To Feed The Audience Cherries Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty Kevin Hart took a page out of Usher's book (and his red fur coat out the closet) to feed some lucky women in the audience cherries, but it hilarious backfired when he approached Tisha Campbell and Tischina Arnold. Perhaps it was his approach, calling them cougars back on the market, or his bare chest, either way, they weren't here for it and clowned the tiny comedian. When that failed, he tried his luck with Kerry Washington and that didn't go well either. The '106 & Park' Tribute Source: Christopher Polk / Getty What would a '106 & Park' tribute be without AJ and Free? While AJ was in the air during the awards (we later found out via Instagram), BET brought back our favorite VJs for a reunion that brought us back to the 2000s. Terrence J held it down for Rocsi, who also missed the ceremony. Ashanti kicked off the '106 & Park' segment, as the first artist to have her music video retired, performing a medley of her biggest hits. Following a messy breakup, B2K reunited on stage to perform 'Bump, Bump, Bump.' And then, Mr. 106 & Park, Bow Wow, himself hit the stage for a charismatic performance that had the crowd singing along to 'Like You.' Jennifer Hudson Brings Jamie Foxx To Tears Source: Paras Griffin / Getty With names like Babyface, Teddy Riley, Jennifer Hudson, Doug E. Fresh and T-Pain leading the Jamie Foxx tribute, we knew we were in-store for a treat. No one, particularly Jamie Foxx, could hold it together when Jennifer Hudson turned her solo into a spiritual awakening. Foxx was humbled and elated to sit back and receive his flowers beside his daughters who were equally as proud as their multitalented dad. Kai Cenat, Druski And Kevin Hart Keep Us Laughing Source: Paras Griffin / Getty Kevin Hart, Kai Cenat and Druski proved they were the duo we didn't know we needed when they held the ultimate streamer's sleepover. The trio reunited at the BET Awards and Kai gave us an epic behind-the-scenes look at the show thanks to Kevin who pulled some strings to allow him to live stream the event from his POV. Teyana Taylor's Masterful Performance Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Give Teyana Taylor her petunias because not only did sis give us a show from the audience with her boo Aaron Pierre, she put on a masterful performance of her new song 'Long Time.' Her fans flooded social media to sing her praises and thank the multi-hypenate entertainer for constantly elevating her craft and not retiring from music. Kirk Franklin Takes Us To Church Source: Earl Gibson III / Getty The ceremony capped off with a tribute to Kirk Franklin, who took us to church with a spirited performance by his choir. And just like that, the BET Awards came, saw and conquered. SEE ALSO The Top Moments From The 2025 BET Awards We're Still Talking About was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Black America Web
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Young Thug Walks BET Awards Red Carpet Wearing A Fur Mask, Social Media Confused
Source: BET Awards / X/Twitter Young Thug has remained pretty lowkey after beating RICO charges, but he did step out for the BET Awards Monday night. Accompanied by girlfriend Mariah the Scientist, Thug walked the red carpet with an unexpected outfit. He rocked a clean, fitted black suit with a white button-up, but the simplicity ends there. Atop a skinny black tie, he wore what appeared to be a fur tail. To match it, he wore a similarly tan-colored mask with cutouts for his eyes and mouth. Of course, the fit wasn't complete without his bag, which was shaped like a duck —eyes and all— with leather handles. He shied away from interviews with the media, but did speak with streamer Tylil for a moment, who asked him about his drip, revealing it was all from French luxury fashion house Yves Saint Laurent. 'Saint Laurent, bro,' he says before showing off his bird bag. 'One of one. You won't see any n-gga with this.' Even when he ran into Druski and Kai Cenat on the red carpet, they were unsure of who was behind the mask before dapping him up. It wasn't the only moment that had Thug making waves at the BET Award, as another time he seemed to be approached by a member of the media, and refused to speak to them, only responding 'We not doing that,' before telling Mariah 'c'mon' and dragging her along with him. Once a few feet away, he gave that group of people behind him the middle finger. It came on the same day that the YSL RICO case came to a close, with the last defendant, Christian Eppinger, being sentenced to 40 years in prison on charges related to gang activity and the 2022 shooting of an Atlanta cop. In an interview with GQ last month, Thugger discussed why he decided to accept a plea deal that helped him avoid jail time, but included restrictions on his future lyrical content, community service, and a 10-year ban from the Atlanta area. If violated, he could be sent back to prison to serve a term of up to 20 years. 'Absolutely. Just pleading to something you know that you didn't do is crazy,' he said. 'But you get a chance to keep fighting. [You can] worry about the jury's fate, or you [can] just go ahead now and go home. It's like sh-t. Go home.' See social media's reaction to Thug's time at the BET Awards below. Young Thug Walks BET Awards Red Carpet Wearing A Fur Mask, Social Media Confused was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
