Beauty And The Beast Archives

Kanye West Announced His Next Solo Album ‘Bully’ Before Debuting Its Featured Track ‘Beauty And The Beast’

September 28, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Has Ye (more commonly known as Kanye West) abandoned the rumored Vultures 3 project with Ty Dolla Sign? Well, that the question fans of the musical duo are asking themselves today (September 28).

During the “Talking/Once Again” rapper’s latest concert in Haikou, China, he announced his next solo studio album. In front of the packed Wuyuan River Stadium crowd, Kanye West confirmed that his next back of work, Bully, will be released soon.

“I got a new album coming out,” he said. “The album’s called ‘Bully,’ and this song is called ‘Beauty and the Beast.’”

In the video captured by concertgoers. (viewable here), Kanye West then graciously debuted the track. “I still think about it every night and day to try to stay away, to keep my audience / Don’t take this disrespect, I’m sitting here trying to redirect,” sings West.

Fans immediately began to look for clues regarding the forthcoming project. The first sprinkle of information came from Mike Dean, a longtime collaborator of Kanye West. Over on Instagram (viewable here), the producer seemed to confirm support theories that West would be reworking vaulted songs, by writing: “Donda leftover.”

Ordinarily the comment could come off as passive-aggressive (especially considering their history), but keeping in mind the supposed mountain of legal blowback from his Vultures album pulling from his own work might be best. However, the 2021 album also faced copyright infringement lawsuits.

No updates were provided regarding the future of Vultures 3.

HER Was A Guitar-Shredding, Enchanting Belle In Disney’s ‘Beauty And The Beast: A 30th Celebration’

December 16, 2022 by newhiphopnews

Grammy award-winning artist HER is always making history. The latest of her achievements is her role as Belle in Disney’s 30th celebration televised special of Beauty And The Beast. She is the first Black and Filipina woman to play that role, and she was nothing short of amazing when it took place last night (December 15).

Not only was her singing crystal clear and enchanting, but she even shredded on an electric guitar, making it seem effortless, donning the character’s iconic yellow princess gown and her own signature shades while descending the stairs. The event was definitely one of the most breathtaking performances to witness, which one can tell just from this short clip posted by ABC below.

This love story is truly one of our favorites #BeautyAndTheBeast30th pic.twitter.com/hmAniclOEj

— ABC (@ABCNetwork) December 16, 2022

When discussing her role on Good Morning America, Wilson said, “I never thought I could be a Disney princess.” She later added, “Of course, every little girl wants to be a Disney princess, but I’ve never seen one that looks like me — so I get to be that to little girls now.” She added about production, “That’s such a huge deal on top of being a producer on Beauty And The Beast, which is crazy. I got to do a lot of the new arrangements and work with Alan Menken, the original arranger and producer. It’s been an amazing experience just learning so much about myself, and it’s been a lot of fun, honestly.”

HER Played An Impromptu Ukulele Cover Of ‘Beauty And The Beast’ On ‘Fallon’

December 9, 2022 by newhiphopnews

Soulful R&B star HER is all set to make history as the first Filipina to portray Disney princess Belle in ABC’s television special adaptation of Disney’s animated classic Beauty And The Beast. The 30th-anniversary celebration is set to air on Thursday, December 15 at 8 pm ET and stream the next day on Disney+. HER will make her appearance credited under her real name, Gabriella Wilson. Last night, she appeared on The Tonight Show to talk about making her childhood dream come true and wound up playing an impromptu ukulele cover of the film’s Grammy-winning title track.

HER knows a thing or two about winning Grammys. She’s already got some hardware for her protest anthem, “I Can’t Breathe” (along with an Oscar for the Judas And The Black Messiah track “Fight For You”), but she’s also nominated this year after co-writing “Good Morning Gorgeous” with Mary J. Blige. During her interview last night, in lieu of showing a clip of the show — which will air live and so there wasn’t one available — Jimmy Fallon pulled the ukulele from behind his desk, handing it over, and letting Ms. Wilson shine. Jimmy joined in, harmonizing admirably with the veteran performer (he’s been doing this for some time, himself) and the audience was clearly delighted. Check it out above.

HER Is Pumped To Be Making History As The First Filipina Belle In The ‘Beauty And The Beast’ Anniversary Special

December 7, 2022 by newhiphopnews

R&B sensation HER (real name Gabriella Wilson) is making history again. As the singer prepares for her musical special debut as part of Disney’s 30th celebration televised special of Beauty And The Beast, Wilson becomes the first Black and Filipina woman to play the role of Belle.

For clarity, singer Toni Braxton was the first Black woman to star as Belle on Broadway in 1998. But Wilson’s portrayal will mark the first time a woman of color has played the character on the small screen. During a stop at Good Morning America, the “Back Of My Mind” singer shared with host Michael Strahan what this opportunity means to her.

Wilson confessed, “I never thought I could be a Disney princess.” She later added, “Of course, every little girl wants to be a Disney princess, but I’ve never seen one that looks like me — so I get to be that to little girls now.”

When asked about her experience as Belle, Wilson replied, “Being a Disney princess is fun!”

Striving for the coveted EGOT status, Wilson could very well earn an Emmy as she also serves as a producer of the special. Wilson discussed the production side of the special, stating, “that’s such a huge deal on top of being a producer on Beauty And The Beast, which is crazy. I got to do a lot of the new arrangements and work with Alan Menken, the original arranger and producer. It’s been an amazing experience just learning so much about myself, and it’s been a lot of fun, honestly.”

Without giving too much away vocally, Wilson sang a teaser of the production’s opening number, “Belle,” and let’s say viewers are in for a treat.

@gma

@herofficial singing ‘Belle’ is the highlight of our week! #HER #Belle #BeautyAndTheBeast #Disney #Princess

♬ original sound – Good Morning America

Other notable names joining Wilson in the production include Shania Twain (in the role of Mrs. Potts), Josh Groban (in the role of Beast), Martin Short (in the role of candlestick Lumière), Joshua Henry (in the role of Gaston), and David Alan Grier (in the role of Cogsworth, the clock). Rita Moreno will narrate the special.

The Beauty And The Beast: A 30th Celebration television event will air on ABC on December 15 and on Disney+ the next day.

Watch the full interview above.