Following the release of his critically-acclaimed fourth studio album Assume Form via Republic Records, GRAMMY Award winner James Blake premieres the video for “Barefoot in the Park, ” featuring the beautiful and talented Latina crossover star Rosalía.
Directed by Diana Kunst and Mau Morgó (Rosalía, A$AP Rocky, FKA twigs), the video features Blake and Rosalía as characters whose fates are intertwined.
The Barcelona-born singer Rosalia is known for weaving flamenco, hip-hop, and pop sounds into compelling cuts, with her sexy, smooth voice and exotic accent; singing on both English and Spanish. Having had millions of streams, and praised by all from NPR, The New York Times, Hollywood Sentinel, and Vogue, she also received a 2017 Latin Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.
Watch “Barefoot in the Park (featuring Rosalía)” here:
Image and video, used with kind courtesy of the office of publicity of James Blake. 2019, all rights reserved.
The 91st Annual Oscars were held earlier this year, which is always an exciting time. The following is a brief excerpt of Lady Gaga’s speech for her big win for from that show, for Best Original Song for “Shallow,” along with Mark Ronson, Anthony Rossomando and Andrew Wyatt, from the motion picture “A Star Is Born.”
Q: I think that a lot of people might look at you and all the wins and success you’ve had in your life and they don’t really see what you’ve been through to get to where you are today. Can you talk a little bit about some of the struggles that you’ve had to overcome and what’s brought you to where you are today?
Lady Gaga: … “The truth is people see what they see on the outside. And in some way, shape, or form, at times, we become architects. But the truth is, I was so determined to live my dreams and yet there was so much in the way. There were so many things I did not anticipate that broke me, that tortured me, that traumatized me. And I think sometimes, what you are trying to clarify, is that people think that it comes easy to us because when we show up and we have our suits on, that it’s all okay. But the truth is every single person on this stage has been through so much. We are friends. We have worked on ourselves in life. We have tried to heal through the torment of this industry and being artists. And the truth is that this is very, very hard work. And it is not for the faint of heart. But I would never want to imply that anyone in the world is faint of heart. I wanted everyone tonight to feel like they could be each one of us on that stage. And I’m so very grateful that I got to be up there with these incredible men that I call my friends. I remember the moment we wrote this song together. It was great, it was beautiful, and I’m so honored to be here.”
Ashley Cruz; Photo Credit: Wes Klain, used with kind courtesy of the artist, all rights reserved.
Born and raised in the South Bronx by her hard working single mother; Ashley Cruz was her mothers only daugther of two children. Regularly receiving straight A’s, making honor roll, and numerous awards throughout her childhood, her extracurricular activities including dance made her family even more proud.
Beginning dancing in elementary school, talent shows, block parties, and anywhere she could find, Ashley competed and won the title of “Miss Bronx Queen of the Puerto Rican Day Parade.” Always feeling passionate about performing, Ashely says she felt at home on the stage and in front of the camera.
Eventually, Ashley states she began taking her talents more seriously. In high school she began making her way out of the Bronx and into Manhattan. Training at Broadway Dance Center, Peridance Capezio Center, and enrolling in some of the top commercial industry programs; Ashley realized that her passion for dance could become her career. Ashley says she turned down a scholarship to one of NYCs most prestigious schools; NYU, taking the risk of disappointing some of her family in order to live out her dream.
As noted in her official biography, “Refusing to do anything short of making it in the professional dance industry, Ashley Cruz infused all of her hard work, dedication, blood, sweat and tears into becoming the professional dancer and elite performer she is today.”
Ashley Cruz’s top energy, charisma, and talent has allowed her to perform on stage with some of the music industry’s biggest stars, including; Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Cardi B, Meghan Trainor, and Saweetie, among more.
Determined to follow in the footsteps of multi-talented business women such as Jennifer Lopez and Adrienne Bailon, Ashley says that she hopes to use her voice to inspire young girls in the Latin community to think big, and follow their dreams.
Listen to Part 1 of Hollywood Sentinel’s exclusive interview with Ashley Cruz, here below:
Listen to Part 2 of Hollywood Sentinel’s exclusive interview with Ashely Cruz, here below:
