Shameless Self-Promotion
First up is some promo (sorry). Buckle in, kittens, because next week I’m unveiling…a clean stand up showcase! TWIST.
Laura Merli and I have gathered some of our funniest, most dynamic friends for a show where we try to not say “fuck” or get nasty. For some of us, it’s simple; for others, it’s an invitation to flop sweat and confront our creative limitations. Join us at Easy Lover in Brooklyn 11/21 at 7 PM. Tickets are $5. See you there 🧼
Revisiting Mary J. Blige's 'Crispy Chicken' Controversy
When I say “Mary J. Blige”, you might envision the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul on the floor of her local dancery, denouncing hateration and holleration. But in 2012, her public image was imperiled by a commercial for…chicken wraps. Let me explain:
That April, an unfinished (allegedly) Burger King commercial leaked featuring Blige exalting the new Ranch Crispy Chicken Snack Wraps to the tune of her song “Don’t Mind.”
The ad was part of a larger rebranding campaign that utilized celebrity spokespeople, including Jay Leno and David Beckham. But something about Mary crooning “Crispy chicken, fresh lettuce, three cheeses, Ranch dressing…” generated a response that Burger King (and the agency behind it, Mother New York) didn’t anticipate. Media critics and journalists denounced the ad as racist and offensive; some found it unbecoming that Blige — an accomplished musician who occupies a distinguished place in the Black community — would hawk chicken for a fast food chain. Regardless of your personal interpretation, the spot was poorly executed and misused its spokesperson’s considerable talent and influence. It was quickly pulled, a move attributed to vague “licensing issues.” Blige eventually addressed the backlash on Hot 97 with Angie Martinez.
To provide a sense of scale, the controversy was significant enough that Second City satirized it. Keep your eyes peeled for Sam Richardson (I Think You Should Leave, VEEP, Detroiters)!
But the most beautiful piece of art the scandal produced was Durand Bernarr’s incredible cover, which I still bump to this day. The man has pipes (and would like you to know that he doesn’t use AutoTune but rather an effect called Flanger).
Creative work is challenging. It’s normal to fail in pursuit of making something good. But I bet you’ve never made something so bad that it threatened the career of a trailblazing musical icon. So that’s your silver lining for today!
Recommendations
The Curse on Showtime/Paramount+
It’s tough to blanket recommend this new show from Nathan Fielder and Benny Safdie because a) only the first episode’s aired so far b) it’s bizarre. It centers on a couple attempting to combine philanthropy and house flipping for an HGTV show amidst their marital issues and the manipulation of director Dougie, who specializes in exploitative unscripted content. If you enjoyed the cringe of Nathan For You and the existential dread of The Rehearsal, you’ll probably like it. But it’s not for the faint of heart. Don’t tune in if you *don’t* want to see closeups of a (prosthetic) micropenis. You’ve been warned!
This Throwback Onion Video Sketch
Is…is Booty Wave actually a banger? Let me know your thoughts.
Until next time—