[In honor of Throwback Thursdays I'm posting this piece from 2005, originally published in the Sun Chronicle.] I know what they say about respecting your elders and obeying your parents and all, but to tell you the truth, I spent the better part of my formative years snickering at most of my mom’s advice. What … Continue reading »
Author Archives: Lauren Carter
Beauty / Commentary / Hair / Race
Does wearing natural hair really require boldness and courage?
In a recent interview, Oscar-nominated actress Viola Davis said the public’s reaction to her natural had been “huge.” “I think people admire the boldness of it, and the courage of it,” she told interviewer Kam Williams. “For me, personally, it represents my coming into who I am, not apologizing for it and being comfortable with … Continue reading »
Chris Kelly, Kris Kross and losing our idols
When I heard about the death of Kris Kross member Chris “Mac Daddy” Kelly, I instantly recalled the first time I saw the video for their smash 1992 single “Jump.” Like the two rappers on the TV screen, I was 14, but I wasn’t recording hit singles or touring with Michael Jackson. My parents were … Continue reading »
112 brings R&B hits, harmonies to stage
Apparently 112 never got the memo that R&B is dying and they should reinvent themselves as techno-pop artists or look for a new line of work. The quartet — comprised of Quinnes “Q” Parker, Daron Jones, Marvin “Slim” Scandrick and Michael Keith — brought heartfelt, danceable hits and gospel-tinged harmonies to the Wonderland Ballroom in … Continue reading »
Bigger than Rick Ross: Hip-hop has to take responsibility for its objectification of women
Rick Ross has rightfully caught flak for lyrics that allude to date rape on the song “U.O.E.N.O. (You Ain’t Even Know It),” a track from Atlanta rapper Rocko which also features up-and-coming artist Future. Amid talk of having “a hundred rounds in this AR” and “a bag of b*tches,” Ross raps: “Put molly all in … Continue reading »
Dear Mom
I’ve been thinking about you lately, and it makes me sad. I guess it’s because the anger has subsided, and the denial has subsided, and now I’m just left with the truth: I miss you. It’s hard for me to fathom that I’ll never see you again. Never talk to you. I know you would … Continue reading »
Fleetwood Mac enchants Hub crowd, buoys Boston fans in midst of chaos
[A shorter version of this review was published in The Sun Chronicle.] Boston has been a city on edge, but Fleetwood Mac helped to take the edge off with a dazzling 2 1/2-hour show at the TD Garden on Thursday night. While a regional response team stood ready with assault rifles outside the venue in … Continue reading »
Who’s your Diddy? Sean Combs brings his Dirty Money to Boston
[Originally published in the Boston Herald in April of 2011.] Sean “Diddy” Combs is the rap mogul prototype. The one-time label exec at Uptown Records founded Bad Boy Records as well as two clothing lines, two restaurants and the multi-faceted Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment Group. He’s also executive-produced such artists as Mary J. Blige, Jodeci … Continue reading »
Brother Ali speaks the ‘Truth’ in his hip-hop
[Originally published in the Boston Herald.] Brother Ali has a word of advice for fans dismayed by the state of mainstream hip-hop: disconnect. “To people who are complaining about hip-hop, it’s like, just don’t listen to it,” the albino rapper said while en route to Ann Arbor, Mich. “Don’t go to the shows. Don’t listen … Continue reading »
Nicks steps onstage and back in time on new tour
[Originally published in the Boston Herald in June of 2007.] Some stars reflect on past mistakes and claim they wouldn’t change a thing. Not Stevie Nicks. The rock goddess, who plays the Tweeter Center tomorrow with Chris Isaak, may weave layers of ambiguity through her songs, but she’s straightforward about her desire to erase almost … Continue reading »
