Good evening and welcome to MK Weekly. A weekly round up of things in pop culture I want to bring attention to.
In today’s letter: Timbaland’s AI moves, the 106 & Park tribute and Ryan Coogler.
IS TIMBALAND TARNISHING HIS LEGACY?
Every day, there is a new headline about artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence (AI) is truly making its presence felt in every industry. Vulture reported that Hollywood is already utilizing AI technology and hiding it. Mattel and OpenAI are collaborating on products. Mark Zuckerberg is putting together a 'Superintelligence' AI team. Legendary music producer Timbaland is starting an AI label and reveals AI artist Tata. Everyone has thoughts on it, and in a recent interview, Russ said this: "You're kind of doing this because you want compliance, which isn't collaboration. It's not creativity. It's control. And, at that point, you're not building art." And honestly, who would seriously listen to an AI artist, someone who doesnt exist? This will not end well for Timbo.
106 & PARK TRIBUTE
This past week, the 25th anniversary of the BET Awards was held, and honestly, it was the best show they've had in a long time. The stars were in attendance. Kevin Hart hosted. Kendrick Lamar, Doechi, and Leon Thomas won awards. Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, Snoop Dogg, and Kirk Franklin were also honored with Icon awards. What I loved the most was the tribute on 106 & Park. Most of the past hosts were present from the 15-year run, introducing several artists (Ashanti, Bow Wow, Amerie, Jim Jones, Mya, B2K, and Keyshia Cole) in a medley performance. For me, this is 20 minutes of nostalgia.
RYAN COOGLER IN THE CRITERION CLOSET
Ryan Coogler oozes cool man. Fresh off the release of his successful and critically acclaimed original film Sinners, he visits the Criterion Closet to talk about some of his favorite films. I love watching someone talk about something they're passionate about. Here, Coogler delves into the works of Malcolm X, Love Jones, Thief, Devil in a Blue Dress, and more.
Sidebar: Coogler is the best-dressed director in the game right now. Every interview he's done for the Sinners press run has him styling on us.
Before we leave, Rest In Peace to BET/MTV legend Ananda Lewis, soul and funk legend Sly Stone, and South Bay rock legend Brian Wilson.
That's all for this week. Thanks for reading!