Shmira Ibrahim

In this discussion, freelance music and culture journalist Rihanna Cruz and culture writer Shamira Ibrahim dive into the highlights of the Grammys. They celebrate Beyoncé's historic win for Album of the Year and Kendrick Lamar's big night with Record and Song of the Year. The duo analyzes unexpected victories and the evolving landscape of music genres at the awards. They also reflect on the emotional responses within the music community and tackle the complex balance of celebration and tributes amid recent tragedies.

Trevel Anderson, a journalist and author of "We See Each Other," and culture writer Shmira Ibrahim dive into the new prequel, Mufasa: The Lion King. They discuss the evolution of Scar's character, focusing on ambition and identity, while critiquing its engagement with queer themes. The conversation also touches on a TikTok account capturing Black family dynamics and reflections on beloved holiday music. Their insights beautifully intertwine nostalgia with contemporary storytelling, sparking deep thoughts on family and cultural narratives.

Shamira Ibrahim, a culture writer and critic with a background as a lapsed New York Giants fan, joins to dive into the recent Super Bowl. They recap the Eagles' impressive 40-22 win against the Chiefs and dissect Kendrick Lamar's electrifying halftime show alongside guests like Samuel L. Jackson and Serena Williams. The conversation also explores the mix of creativity and commercialism in Super Bowl ads, critiquing the reliance on celebrity endorsements while highlighting impactful messages, especially for women in sports.

Rihanna Cruz, a freelance music and culture journalist, and Shamira Ibrahim, a culture writer and critic, dive into the highs and lows of the 2025 Grammy Awards. They discuss Beyonce's historic Album of the Year win, the unexpected outcomes that shook the genre landscape, and the powerful performances asserting artist welfare and social causes. The duo highlights the blend of established artists and newcomers while examining the Grammys' balance between celebration and sensitivity in light of community challenges, offering a nuanced take on music's biggest night.

Shamira Ibrahim, a Brooklyn-based culture writer and reporter, dives deep into the iconic Oscar night where Will Smith slapped Chris Rock. The conversation spans nostalgic reflections on the Oscars and the cultural significance of Beyonce’s performance. They dissect the emotional fallout from the slap, touching on themes of humor, free speech, and the complexities of public personas. Shamira also candidly discusses the implications for diversity in Hollywood and the unique challenges faced by black women in the entertainment industry.