ASL

Rihanna’s ASL Interpreter Tells All In New Interview

by

Rihanna‘s iconic Super Bowl halftime show was met with anticipation, admiration, and well-deserved praise. But RiRi was not the only one to receive applause from the internet. The halftime show’s ASL interpreter, Justina Miles, earned her own spotlight after her equally energetic performance. Although the 20-year-old Tik Tok star is hard of hearing, she relentlessly worked to make the music performance enjoyable for the deaf community.

In an interview with CBS Mornings host Gayle King, Miles reflected on the days leading up to the performance. According to Miles, she only had a week to practice her interpretation for the show. Miles explained to King, “I practiced for a week and we rehearsed with everybody, the whole show. We ran through it, again and again, all week.”

Miles Makes History As An ASL Interpreter

Miles initially gained nation-wide recognition after her notable halftime show interpretation. Not only was she admired for being the first deaf female interpreter included in the Super Bowl, but Miles also was applauded for her spot on the conveyance of Rihanna’s songs. “I know all the songs, I was confident, I was like yes,” Miles told King, “so, what I did was look over the lyrics make sure I got all the meanings right.” So how was Miles able to convey music to those who are deaf and hard of hearing? “I memorize the lyrics and the beats,” she explained, “so that way, I can sign the lyrics and move to the beat so they can see the beat rather than, they can’t hear the beat.”

The 2023 Super Bowl included deaf ASL interpreters for the first time in history, and Miles was joined by Colin Denny and Troy Kotsur. In a press conference held before the Super Bowl, Miles mentioned how important the performance is for “not only for me to share this experience with the whole world, but to really bring that empowerment to millions and millions of Black deaf people all over the country who’ve never really seen that before. I feel that is truly lifting every voice, even my voice.” Despite her young age, Miles has already inspired many through her historical achievement. As for the future, she is currently attending Bowie State University with hopes of becoming a nurse post-graduation.

[Via]

Rihanna’s ASL Interpreter Goes Viral For Epic Performance

by

Rihanna isn’t the only star of the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show. ASL interpreter Justina Miles has gone viral for her epic performance signing RiRi’s best hits. Her flare and style added spice to the performance, and it’s evident that Miles had a blast on the job. Miles has made history as the first female deaf interpreter to participate in the halftime show. This isn’t Miles’s only big win, however, as the talented and outgoing interpreter also holds a silver medal as part of the USA’s Deaflympics 4×100 track relay team. She was also the valedictorian in high school.

At 20 years old, the Tik Tok star is already making a big name for herself. Along with Rihanna’s performance, Miles also signed “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” sung by Sheryl Lee Ralph. In a halftime show press conference, Miles signed how her work is “not only for me to share this experience with the whole world, but to really bring that empowerment to millions and millions of Black deaf people all over the country who’ve never really seen that before. I feel that is truly lifting every voice, even my voice.” This is the first year that the Super Bowl has featured deaf ASL interpreters. Miles was joined by Colin Denny and Academy Award winner Troy Kotsur.

ASL Interpreter Steals The Show

Miles has amassed a following on social media for her ASL interpretations of popular songs. Even though she’s hard of hearing, nothing has stopped the Philadelphia native from connecting the deaf community to music. Even with this remarkable success at such a young age, Miles has big plans for the future. She currently is a nursing student at Bowie State University (a school that features notable alumni like Wale and Toni Braxton).

In an interview with CNBC, Miles shared powerful words of wisdom as she said “not to let any obstacles prevent you from achieving your dreams, and to always believe in yourself to go beyond.” With the Super Bowl garnering over 100 million views nationwide, we sure do hope to see more of Miles spreading inclusion in other notable events.

Ari Lennox Unpacks Her Attractions In Her Steamy New Video For ‘Waste My Time’

by

Ari Lennox has shared a new visual from her acclaimed sophomore album, Age/Sex/Location. On the standout track, Lennox kills time with a man, while reminding him she’s in control.

“Waste my time, get on my line / ‘Cause I got the time to waste / Use that mouth blow this back out / Back up every word you say,” sings Lennox on the song’s chorus.

In the song’s accompanying visual, Lennox is seen in a therapy session, unpacking her attraction to men who aren’t good for her. She then quickly drifts off into a steamy fantasy, which sees her getting hot with a man, wading in a pool, and dancing in the clouds. As her fantasy ends, she gives her therapist the perfect answer to her question.

Today (January 26), Lennox kicked off her Age/Sex/Location tour. Fans can still purchase tickets for the tour here, and we would advise them to do so quickly. Back in December, Lennox took to Twitter and revealed that this tour would be her last.

“I love my genuine fans so much,” she said in a since-deleted tweet, “and can’t wait to give you my all every night!!

There’s no telling whether or not Lennox will change her mind on this.

But in the meantime, you can check out the video “Waste My Time” above.