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Let’s revisit the video discussion. We were delving into Lizzo’s recent activities. Despite her focusing on her own endeavors and enjoying life, it seems like some people just won’t let her be. There’s a noteworthy clip circulating on Instagram, courtesy of The Neighborhood Talk, shedding light on an issue with starving manatees in Florida. While watching this clip, I couldn’t help but feel uneasy. What struck me was the naming of one of the manatees after Lizzo. Here’s what was said on The Today Show:
“More and more of these gentle giants are in a life and death struggle, but for all the heartbreaking losses, those that are rescued are likely to survive. Like the newest arrivals in Ohio, nicknamed Cardi T, Lizzo, Mary Kate, and Ashley.”
I’m certain some of you watching might find this amusing. You might wonder, “What’s the harm?” After all, they’ve given their manatees nicknames like Mary Kate and Ashley, and even came up with “Cardi T,” a playful nod to Cardi B. So, why the fuss if they add Lizzo to the mix? Well, it’s not about the act itself, but the underlying implications. See, the folks at the Columbus Zoo knew exactly what they were doing. They understood that dubbing a manatee “Lizzo” and making it public would attract attention, and unfortunately, most of the jokes would target Lizzo. It’s not that people mind manatees being named after other celebrities; it’s the association with Lizzo that sparks controversy. Because, sadly, society finds amusement in comparing Lizzo, a plus-size woman, to large creatures. It’s subtly racist, in my opinion. Now, am I perhaps exaggerating this story? Maybe. But it’s undeniably offensive. While some might find it humorous, I believe it paints Lizzo as a target, which feels incredibly shady to me. What do you all think? Harmless fun or subtly offensive?
Moving on to the next subject, let’s discuss Chloe and Halle. Chloe has expressed frustration over people constantly comparing her to Halle. We’re all aware of Chloe and Halle’s rise to prominence since pursuing individual paths. Chloe, especially, has been actively pursuing her solo endeavors, notably with her hit single “Have Mercy,” which has gained significant traction on urban radio. Meanwhile, Halle has been focusing on her music career and recently completed filming for the “Little Mermaid” movie. Both sisters have been making strides in their respective careers. However, despite their unity, there’s a tendency for some to pit them against each other, a notion Chloe finds disheartening. She has openly voiced her disappointment, emphasizing her strong bond with her sister and rejecting any attempts to create rivalry between them.
Recently, Chloe participated in an interview with Indigo, shedding light on the incessant comparisons she faces with her younger sister, Halle. When questioned by interviewer Elaine about any drawbacks of entering the industry alongside a sibling, Chloe expressed her frustration, highlighting the negativity surrounding online comparisons. She lamented the shallow nature of such actions, emphasizing the love and unity between herself and her sister. Chloe denounced the practice of pitting two young Black sisters against each other merely due to their differences.
It’s unfortunate that Chloe and Halle are subjected to these comparisons, echoing similar struggles faced by other sibling pairs like Tia and Tamara, Toni and Tamar, and Solange and Beyoncé. The spotlight often invites scrutiny and preference for one sibling over the other, leading to unnecessary division. This behavior reflects a broader issue of society’s struggle to accept multiple talented Black women thriving simultaneously without competition.
Instead of tearing down one sister to uplift the other, it’s crucial to recognize and celebrate both Chloe and Halle’s individual talents. The insistence on comparing them undermines their achievements and perpetuates the harmful notion that only one can succeed. In truth, both sisters can shine brightly without the need for comparison or rivalry. It’s time to move beyond this outdated mindset and embrace the diversity and excellence of Black women in the spotlight.
Now, let’s shift gears and discuss an emerging artist who’s been making waves recently: Muni Long, spelled M-U-N-I-L-O-N-G. Initially, I mistook her name for “Mooney Long,” but it’s actually “Muni Long.” Her track “Hours and Hours” has gained significant traction on platforms like TikTok and social media, even reaching the number one spot on Apple Music across all genres, a remarkable feat. Currently sitting at number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, it continues to climb. Muni Long’s repertoire extends beyond this hit, boasting a collection of stellar tracks worth exploring. Personally, her collaboration with Young Blue on “Build a Bay” captivated me early on, solidifying my admiration for her artistry. It’s gratifying to see her garnering well-deserved attention now; I anticipate more chart-toppers from her this year. Another track gaining momentum from her catalog is “Sneaky Link,” signaling her rising prominence.
2022 appears to be Muni Long’s breakout year, a culmination of years of underappreciated talent. Notably, she previously operated under the alias Priscilla Renee, transitioning from an artist to a behind-the-scenes songwriter. Her songwriting prowess is evident in several chart-topping hits, including Rihanna’s “California King Bed,” Fifth Harmony’s “Worth It,” and Pitbull and Kesha’s “Timber.” Additionally, she’s contributed to Mariah Carey’s “A No No” and Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj’s collaboration “Bang Bang.” Muni Long’s songwriting credits extend to Chris Brown’s “Don’t Wake Me Up” and K. Michelle’s standout track “VSOP,” which was intended for her own album but ultimately released without her consent, a revelation shared in interviews with Raiden R&B and The Neighborhood Talk.
Reflecting on this experience, Muni Long expressed frustration at the industry’s dynamics, emphasizing her resolve to safeguard her creative work in the future. However, her comments drew criticism from K. Michelle’s sister, citing Muni Long’s handling of the situation. Despite this, Muni Long remains undeterred, focusing on her musical journey ahead.
Muni had reached her limit, and I could empathize with her frustration. Without knowing the full backstory, it’s hard for people to grasp the depth of certain situations. “VSOP” held special significance for her, a song that felt like it was unjustly taken away. So when she urges, “Write your own song,” it’s not about undermining K. Michelle; it’s born from a place of pain and exasperation. Muni reflects on the times she felt sidelined in the industry, valued only for her songwriting contributions to others. When she finally had a chance for her own breakthrough hit, it was snatched away, leaving her feeling robbed. It’s a sentiment shared by many songwriters in the industry. I recall an interview with Sevyn Streeter where she recounted a similar experience, likely referring to “Pieces,” a deeply personal song she reluctantly gave to Tamar Braxton. The industry’s habit of reassigning songs without consent is unfortunately widespread, as seen with Ashanti’s compositions ending up in Jennifer Lopez’s repertoire. But now, Muni Long is receiving the recognition she’s long deserved, overcoming numerous setbacks with resilience and consistently delivering quality work. It’s about time she gets her moment in the spotlight. So, here’s to Muni Long’s well-deserved success! What are your thoughts on this? Feel free to share in the comments below. Don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video. Thank you for watching, and see you next time! Bye!