#MAGFAB: Tessa Thompson for W Magazine
Nice, Get more HERE!
#RHOA: Kandi Burruss Talks About Todd Tucker Future ‘After Divorce’
Kandi thinks she and Todd can be friends in the future
Kandi joined Amazon Live recently (with her stunning new 2026 bob and bangs) and answered some questions from fans. One of the questions was whether she thought she and Todd could be friends after the divorce.
“Yes,” she answered immediately. “I think after a divorce, I think anybody should be able to … hopefully…” the former Housewife paused and looked meaningfully at the camera. “Don’t get me started lying,” she added with a laugh.
It’s true that many reality TV and Housewives divorces have not ended well, with both sides resenting or hating one another. In the end, it may really depend on how bad the divorce gets to see if a friendship can be salvaged from the wreckage.
“I hope we can be friends,” Kandi amends. “That’ll be my goal. But you know, I think when you’re going through the divorce, people get on your nerves,” she added honestly. “And you really start looking at them differently. So that’s why I’m hoping that we can make it through unscathed.”
While there have been a couple of bumps in the former couple’s divorce, it still looks like things are civil between Kandi and Todd. Todd gave his estranged wife props on her performance in the Broadway show & Juliet online. And Kandi posted a holiday photo that included Todd and the whole family together in fun Christmas pajamas.
So maybe a friendship in the long run is not so far-fetched?
#MusicNews: Ari Lennox Releases New Single “Twin Flame”
R&B star Ari Lennox has released her latest single, “Twin Flame,” via Dreamville/Interscope Records.
The single features production that utilizes live instrumentation, including prominent basslines and electric piano arrangements. The composition adheres to a classic soul structure.
LISTEN HERE:
“Twin Flame” is a mid-tempo R&B ballad that features multi-layered vocal harmonies and transitions between Lennox’s lower register and her head voice. The lyrics explore the concept of a “twin flame”—a spiritual connection characterized by soul-mirroring and intense personal recognition.This is her latest offering from her upcoming album “Vacancy” which is set to release on January 23rd.
#HipHopNews: Kid Cudi To Debut “Echoes of the Past” Art Show In Paris As Scotty Ramon
The Paris exhibition will reportedly showcase 10 original paintings and a new musical score by Kid Cudi under his alias, Scotty Ramon.
Cudi’s transition into visual art reflects themes of mental health, identity and introspection.
The show marks a new chapter in his creative journey, connecting his music legacy with fine art.
You can officially add “painter” to Kid Cudi’s lengthy resume. The Cleveland musician and actor recently announced he is holding an exhibition of his artwork in France.
When the “Maui Wowie” rapper has a brush in his hand, his moniker is Scotty Ramon (his birth name is Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi). Titled “Echoes of the Past,” the multi-hyphenate’s exhibition will run from Jan. 31 through March 1 at Ruttkowski;68 in Paris.
According to the gallery’s announcement, when Ramon was a child, he wanted to become a cartoonist. He apparently decided to revisit his talents in the visual arts just over a year ago, when he made his first painting. Per that timeline, the 41-year-old managed to do so while creating his Free album, which dropped in August. In May 2025, when he announced his book, “Cudi: The Memoir,” he proudly shared that its cover art was one of his paintings. Shortly after the title and LP dropped, he did note that he would be falling back from creating new music for “a while.”
Fans of his sonic work will certainly be happy to hear that Cudi created a score that will be played in the gallery as part of the exhibition. The announcement describes the new music as “atmospheric and electric” with “propulsive synths.”
As for the art, 10 of his original pieces will be on display, according to Hypebeast. Some of the paintings, which are acrylic on canvas, feature a character he calls “Max,” who is described as an alter ego. The same themes of introspection, mental health and resilience that run throughout his music are apparently found in his artwork, too.
The opening reception for “Echoes of the Past” is on Jan. 30 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cudi’s transition into visual art reflects themes of mental health, identity and introspection.
The show marks a new chapter in his creative journey, connecting his music legacy with fine art.
You can officially add “painter” to Kid Cudi’s lengthy resume. The Cleveland musician and actor recently announced he is holding an exhibition of his artwork in France.
When the “Maui Wowie” rapper has a brush in his hand, his moniker is Scotty Ramon (his birth name is Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi). Titled “Echoes of the Past,” the multi-hyphenate’s exhibition will run from Jan. 31 through March 1 at Ruttkowski;68 in Paris.
According to the gallery’s announcement, when Ramon was a child, he wanted to become a cartoonist. He apparently decided to revisit his talents in the visual arts just over a year ago, when he made his first painting. Per that timeline, the 41-year-old managed to do so while creating his Free album, which dropped in August. In May 2025, when he announced his book, “Cudi: The Memoir,” he proudly shared that its cover art was one of his paintings. Shortly after the title and LP dropped, he did note that he would be falling back from creating new music for “a while.”
Fans of his sonic work will certainly be happy to hear that Cudi created a score that will be played in the gallery as part of the exhibition. The announcement describes the new music as “atmospheric and electric” with “propulsive synths.”
As for the art, 10 of his original pieces will be on display, according to Hypebeast. Some of the paintings, which are acrylic on canvas, feature a character he calls “Max,” who is described as an alter ego. The same themes of introspection, mental health and resilience that run throughout his music are apparently found in his artwork, too.
The opening reception for “Echoes of the Past” is on Jan. 30 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Russell Simmons Escalates HBO Lawsuit With Public Call for Massive Damages
Russell Simmons has reignited his long-running conflict with HBO, issuing a sharp demand for financial restitution tied to the network’s 2020 documentary Off the Record. The renewed challenge surfaced January 8 in a post on Threads that paired pointed language with striking visuals.
Simmons accompanied his message with an AI-generated image showing himself surrounded by falling money, a visual that matched the scale of the claim he was making. In the post, he accused the network of owing him an enormous sum and framed the demand as necessary compensation rather than a bid for personal enrichment.
“HBO you owe me 100s of millions of dollars,” Simmons wrote. “I need my bread, for all my charities and family members, specifically my children.”
He connected the requested payout to broader consequences he says followed the documentary’s release, positioning the money as restitution tied to both personal and charitable obligations. The tone of the post quickly sharpened as Simmons went on to accuse the network of intentional wrongdoing.
“You know what you did was horrific and malicious,” he added, asserting that HBO acted with purpose rather than error. The wording suggested a dispute rooted not just in disagreement over content, but in alleged deliberate harm.
Simmons also challenged the network’s credibility and transparency, urging public scrutiny of how the documentary was produced. “You can’t hide,” he wrote, while encouraging people to “ask Oprah or anyone whose ever looked at the evidence.”
The reference to Oprah Winfrey, who withdrew from the project before it aired, appeared intended to reinforce Simmons’ argument that key information was omitted. With the post, Simmons signaled that his dispute with HBO remains unresolved and firmly in the public arena.
Russell Simmons has reignited his long-running conflict with HBO, issuing a sharp demand for financial restitution tied to the network’s 2020 documentary Off the Record. The renewed challenge surfaced January 8 in a post on Threads that paired pointed language with striking visuals.
Simmons accompanied his message with an AI-generated image showing himself surrounded by falling money, a visual that matched the scale of the claim he was making. In the post, he accused the network of owing him an enormous sum and framed the demand as necessary compensation rather than a bid for personal enrichment.
“HBO you owe me 100s of millions of dollars,” Simmons wrote. “I need my bread, for all my charities and family members, specifically my children.”
He connected the requested payout to broader consequences he says followed the documentary’s release, positioning the money as restitution tied to both personal and charitable obligations. The tone of the post quickly sharpened as Simmons went on to accuse the network of intentional wrongdoing.
“You know what you did was horrific and malicious,” he added, asserting that HBO acted with purpose rather than error. The wording suggested a dispute rooted not just in disagreement over content, but in alleged deliberate harm.
Simmons also challenged the network’s credibility and transparency, urging public scrutiny of how the documentary was produced. “You can’t hide,” he wrote, while encouraging people to “ask Oprah or anyone whose ever looked at the evidence.”
The reference to Oprah Winfrey, who withdrew from the project before it aired, appeared intended to reinforce Simmons’ argument that key information was omitted. With the post, Simmons signaled that his dispute with HBO remains unresolved and firmly in the public arena.
Rihanna casts Elon Musk’s trans daughter Vivian in new Savage x Fenty lingerie campaign
Elon Musk’s daughter Vivian Wilson has been cast in the latest lingerie campaign for Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty brand.
Vivian is a 21-year-old model who is the daughter of the billionaire and his first wife, Justine Wilson. She is the eldest of Musk’s 14 children, and has been publicly estranged from him since coming out as trans in 2020.
She has been a rising name in the modelling world and has accolades under her belt including designing a shirt alongside Wildfang to raise funds for The Trevor Project, and making her debut at the prestigious New York Fashion Week last year.
Now, she has signed up for one of her biggest campaigns yet, and has teamed up with Rihanna to model for the singer’s Savage x Fenty lingerie campaign.
The new photoshoot comes in time for Valentine’s Day, and sees Wilson surrounded by Greek statues and posing alongside fellow models Lovie Simone and Emma Arletta. Rihanna herself also got involved in the photoshoot, and was photographed separately wearing different items from the collection.
Check out a shot from the new campaign below.
Vivian applied to legally change her name back in 2022, in part as a means to sever ties with her father. She took her mother’s maiden name, Wilson.
According to court documents from the time (via Sky News), she said that the reason for the filing was: “Gender Identity and the fact that I no longer live with or wish to be related to my biological father in any way, shape or form.”
The move came following Musk facing backlash in 2020 after tweeting that “pronouns suck”, and later claiming that while he “absolutely support trans” people, he thought “all these pronouns are an aesthetic nightmare.”
Musk’s partner at the time, Grimes, then called him out on the former post, and publicly requested that he “turn off [his] phone”, adding: “I cannot support hate. Please stop this. I know this isn’t your heart.”
The Tesla CEO and X/Twitter owner then hit out at Vivian again during an interview with Jordan Peterson. In the interview, he repeatedly deadnamed and misgendered Wilson, claimed that she had “been killed by the woke mind virus”, and alleged that he was “tricked” into signing the paperwork to allow her to use puberty blockers.
Those comments prompted Grimes to then speak out again in support of Wilson, saying: “I love and am forever endlessly proud of Vivian.”
Vivian also addressed the comments made by Musk on Instagram, sharing a video of herself lip-syncing to an infamous quote from RuPaul’s Drag Race: “I look pretty good for a dead bitch.”
She also spoke to Teen Vogue about their relationship, and she said she barely thinks about her father, joking: “The only thing that gets to live free in my mind is drag queens.”
Elsewhere in the interview, she called Musk a “pathetic man-child” and revealed they hadn’t spoken in five years: “That was almost half a decade ago at this point. Thank God.”
Also in 2025, the model responded to accusations that her father made a Nazi-like gesture at Donald Trump’s inauguration.
The incident took place when Trump was sworn into the White House for the second time, and at the inauguration ceremonies, the tech billionaire twice slapped his chest with his right hand and extended his arm upwards with the palm facing down.
“I’m just gonna say let’s call a spade a fucking spade,” she wrote on Instagram’s Threads platform on Tuesday (21). “Especially if there were two spades done in succession based on the reaction of the first spade.”
In 2024, actor Marlon Wayans criticised Musk for disowning Vivian, and said that the billionaire’s comments made him want to drive a Tesla “over a cliff”.
“I don’t like what he be saying about his trans child. You don’t treat babies like that, you don’t disown your baby. Love your child,” the actor said.
“l’m sad to say, some parents, some family members, and some people, it’ll take them a lifetime. They’ll never get to that magical place that I’m at, which is just acceptance. Still my child. That’s my baby.”
Wayans announced in 2023 that he had a trans child. He has been publicly supportive of Kai and has used his platform to frequently support the LGBTQ+ community since.
As for Rihanna, the singer and business mogul recently welcomed her third child with A$AP Rocky, and it was reported that her cancelled rumoured London comeback shows may be rescheduled for 2026.
Vivian is a 21-year-old model who is the daughter of the billionaire and his first wife, Justine Wilson. She is the eldest of Musk’s 14 children, and has been publicly estranged from him since coming out as trans in 2020.
She has been a rising name in the modelling world and has accolades under her belt including designing a shirt alongside Wildfang to raise funds for The Trevor Project, and making her debut at the prestigious New York Fashion Week last year.
Now, she has signed up for one of her biggest campaigns yet, and has teamed up with Rihanna to model for the singer’s Savage x Fenty lingerie campaign.
The new photoshoot comes in time for Valentine’s Day, and sees Wilson surrounded by Greek statues and posing alongside fellow models Lovie Simone and Emma Arletta. Rihanna herself also got involved in the photoshoot, and was photographed separately wearing different items from the collection.
Check out a shot from the new campaign below.
Vivian applied to legally change her name back in 2022, in part as a means to sever ties with her father. She took her mother’s maiden name, Wilson.
According to court documents from the time (via Sky News), she said that the reason for the filing was: “Gender Identity and the fact that I no longer live with or wish to be related to my biological father in any way, shape or form.”
The move came following Musk facing backlash in 2020 after tweeting that “pronouns suck”, and later claiming that while he “absolutely support trans” people, he thought “all these pronouns are an aesthetic nightmare.”
Musk’s partner at the time, Grimes, then called him out on the former post, and publicly requested that he “turn off [his] phone”, adding: “I cannot support hate. Please stop this. I know this isn’t your heart.”
The Tesla CEO and X/Twitter owner then hit out at Vivian again during an interview with Jordan Peterson. In the interview, he repeatedly deadnamed and misgendered Wilson, claimed that she had “been killed by the woke mind virus”, and alleged that he was “tricked” into signing the paperwork to allow her to use puberty blockers.
Those comments prompted Grimes to then speak out again in support of Wilson, saying: “I love and am forever endlessly proud of Vivian.”
Vivian also addressed the comments made by Musk on Instagram, sharing a video of herself lip-syncing to an infamous quote from RuPaul’s Drag Race: “I look pretty good for a dead bitch.”
She also spoke to Teen Vogue about their relationship, and she said she barely thinks about her father, joking: “The only thing that gets to live free in my mind is drag queens.”
Elsewhere in the interview, she called Musk a “pathetic man-child” and revealed they hadn’t spoken in five years: “That was almost half a decade ago at this point. Thank God.”
Also in 2025, the model responded to accusations that her father made a Nazi-like gesture at Donald Trump’s inauguration.
The incident took place when Trump was sworn into the White House for the second time, and at the inauguration ceremonies, the tech billionaire twice slapped his chest with his right hand and extended his arm upwards with the palm facing down.
“I’m just gonna say let’s call a spade a fucking spade,” she wrote on Instagram’s Threads platform on Tuesday (21). “Especially if there were two spades done in succession based on the reaction of the first spade.”
In 2024, actor Marlon Wayans criticised Musk for disowning Vivian, and said that the billionaire’s comments made him want to drive a Tesla “over a cliff”.
“I don’t like what he be saying about his trans child. You don’t treat babies like that, you don’t disown your baby. Love your child,” the actor said.
“l’m sad to say, some parents, some family members, and some people, it’ll take them a lifetime. They’ll never get to that magical place that I’m at, which is just acceptance. Still my child. That’s my baby.”
Wayans announced in 2023 that he had a trans child. He has been publicly supportive of Kai and has used his platform to frequently support the LGBTQ+ community since.
As for Rihanna, the singer and business mogul recently welcomed her third child with A$AP Rocky, and it was reported that her cancelled rumoured London comeback shows may be rescheduled for 2026.
Teddy Riley Posts New R. Kelly Music, Says More Is On The Way
Teddy Riley has seemingly announced new music from R. Kelly in the form of a remix of one of Chris Brown’s recent popular songs.
Riley posted a snippet of Kelly singing Brown’s “It Depends” over what sounds like a phone call. The rough track finds Kelly informing everyone that it’s really him singing, and giving a shoutout to Brown. The track was first shared by Kelly's label Rockland Records on Instagram on Thursday (Jan. 8).
In the caption of his post, Riley seemingly hinted that Kelly has more new music on the way.
“Still the King of R&B Bar None!!!! Can’t wait for yall to hear the new music!!! Til then teaser missiles will be dropping!!! It’s about that time for real music!!! #legendary #letsgo,” Riley wrote.
Brown responded in the comments of Rockland's original post with some eye and fire emojis, suggesting that he likes what the incarcerated singer did to his song.
The idea that Kelly is gearing up to release new music from behind bars aligns with a comment that he made last year on the Inmate Tea with A&P podcast, where he suggested he has written 25 albums since being locked up.
When asked if he was continuing to make music, Kelly responded with, “Well, singing is a beautiful disease that’s incurable. That’s not gonna happen, stop singing. I don’t care where I’m at. I’m always singing, I’m always writing. I’ve written, like, 25 albums since I been in here, and right now I’m just working on getting out…I’m using patience as a tactic right now.”
Kelly is currently serving a 30-year sentence after being found guilty of nine counts of racketeering and sex trafficking by a Brooklyn jury in 2022. That sentence is currently scheduled to end in late 2045.
He was also found guilty of three counts of production of child pornography and three counts of enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity in a different federal case in Chicago. That comes with a separate 20-year sentence.
Riley posted a snippet of Kelly singing Brown’s “It Depends” over what sounds like a phone call. The rough track finds Kelly informing everyone that it’s really him singing, and giving a shoutout to Brown. The track was first shared by Kelly's label Rockland Records on Instagram on Thursday (Jan. 8).
In the caption of his post, Riley seemingly hinted that Kelly has more new music on the way.
“Still the King of R&B Bar None!!!! Can’t wait for yall to hear the new music!!! Til then teaser missiles will be dropping!!! It’s about that time for real music!!! #legendary #letsgo,” Riley wrote.
Brown responded in the comments of Rockland's original post with some eye and fire emojis, suggesting that he likes what the incarcerated singer did to his song.
The idea that Kelly is gearing up to release new music from behind bars aligns with a comment that he made last year on the Inmate Tea with A&P podcast, where he suggested he has written 25 albums since being locked up.
When asked if he was continuing to make music, Kelly responded with, “Well, singing is a beautiful disease that’s incurable. That’s not gonna happen, stop singing. I don’t care where I’m at. I’m always singing, I’m always writing. I’ve written, like, 25 albums since I been in here, and right now I’m just working on getting out…I’m using patience as a tactic right now.”
Kelly is currently serving a 30-year sentence after being found guilty of nine counts of racketeering and sex trafficking by a Brooklyn jury in 2022. That sentence is currently scheduled to end in late 2045.
He was also found guilty of three counts of production of child pornography and three counts of enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity in a different federal case in Chicago. That comes with a separate 20-year sentence.
Salt-N-Pepa’s Lawsuit Against Universal Music Group Dismissed
Last year, Salt-N-Pepa’s Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton filed suit against Universal Music Group (UMG) over the rights to their catalog, claiming that the label had pulled the duo’s songs from streaming platforms after they attempted to regain control of their masters. Lawyers for UMG subsequently filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, and today (Thursday, January 8), a judge in New York’s Southern District Court ruled in their favor.
James and Denton—Salt-N-Pepa’s former DJ, Spinderella, was not party to the complaint—based their claim on the “termination rights” outlined in Section 203 of the Copyright Act of 1976, which allow artists to reclaim the copyrights on their master recordings after several decades. However, in a copy of her decision obtained by Pitchfork, U.S. District Judge Denise Cote finds that Salt-N-Pepa never owned their masters to begin with; the group had originally granted ownership to their first label, Noise in the Attic (NITA) Productions, and were not included in the contract that transferred those rights to UMG predecessor Next Plateau Records in 1986.
In a statement to Pitchfork, a UMG spokesperson wrote, “While we are gratified that the court dismissed this baseless lawsuit, it should never have been brought in the first place. Prior to this suit—and without any legal obligation to do so—we made multiple attempts to resolve the matter amicably, improve the artists’ compensation, and ensure that Salt-N-Pepa’s fans had access to their music. Even with the court’s complete rejection of their claims, we remain open and willing to find a resolution to the matter and turn the page so we can focus our efforts on working together to amplify Salt-N-Pepa’s legacy for generations to come.”
“We respectfully disagree with the Court's decision and fully intend to pursue our rights on appeal,” Salt-N-Pepa wrote in response to the dismissal. “We remain committed to vindicating and reclaiming our rights as creators under the Copyright Act.”
James and Denton—Salt-N-Pepa’s former DJ, Spinderella, was not party to the complaint—based their claim on the “termination rights” outlined in Section 203 of the Copyright Act of 1976, which allow artists to reclaim the copyrights on their master recordings after several decades. However, in a copy of her decision obtained by Pitchfork, U.S. District Judge Denise Cote finds that Salt-N-Pepa never owned their masters to begin with; the group had originally granted ownership to their first label, Noise in the Attic (NITA) Productions, and were not included in the contract that transferred those rights to UMG predecessor Next Plateau Records in 1986.
In a statement to Pitchfork, a UMG spokesperson wrote, “While we are gratified that the court dismissed this baseless lawsuit, it should never have been brought in the first place. Prior to this suit—and without any legal obligation to do so—we made multiple attempts to resolve the matter amicably, improve the artists’ compensation, and ensure that Salt-N-Pepa’s fans had access to their music. Even with the court’s complete rejection of their claims, we remain open and willing to find a resolution to the matter and turn the page so we can focus our efforts on working together to amplify Salt-N-Pepa’s legacy for generations to come.”
“We respectfully disagree with the Court's decision and fully intend to pursue our rights on appeal,” Salt-N-Pepa wrote in response to the dismissal. “We remain committed to vindicating and reclaiming our rights as creators under the Copyright Act.”
The Man accused of stealing unreleased Beyoncé music pleads not guilty
A man accused of breaking into a rental car belonging to Beyoncé’s team during her tour stop in Atlanta pleaded not guilty in court on Wednesday.
Kelvin Evans faces charges of entering an automobile with the intent to commit theft and criminal trespass. He allegedly stole several items, including jump drives containing unreleased music, show plans, AirPods and a MacBook Pro.
Evans’ next court date is Feb. 11 for case management.
On July 8, police were called to Krog Street NE, where the singer’s choreographer and a dancer said the car had been broken into in a parking deck. Beyoncé was in town for her “Cowboy Carter” tour, which had four shows at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
In September, police named Evans as the suspect. He had been arrested by police in Hapeville on Aug. 26 for a parole violation.
Evans was released from Fulton County Jail in October on a $20,000 bond.
A man accused of breaking into a rental car belonging to Beyoncé’s team during her tour stop in Atlanta pleaded not guilty in court on Wednesday.
Kelvin Evans faces charges of entering an automobile with the intent to commit theft and criminal trespass. He allegedly stole several items, including jump drives containing unreleased music, show plans, AirPods and a MacBook Pro.
Evans’ next court date is Feb. 11 for case management.
On July 8, police were called to Krog Street NE, where the singer’s choreographer and a dancer said the car had been broken into in a parking deck. Beyoncé was in town for her “Cowboy Carter” tour, which had four shows at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
In September, police named Evans as the suspect. He had been arrested by police in Hapeville on Aug. 26 for a parole violation.
Evans was released from Fulton County Jail in October on a $20,000 bond.
Angela Bassett To Receive Excellence In The Arts Award At ABFF Honors
Angela Bassett will be receiving her flowers at the 8th American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors. On Feb. 16, the actress, director, and executive producer will be receiving the Excellence in the Arts Award for her career achievements and acclaimed body of work.
In the span of her nearly 40-year career, Bassett has taken on notable roles on the silver screen. On the movie front, Bassett portrayed the likes of Betty Shabazz in 1992’s Malcolm X, Tina Turner in 1993’s What’s Love Got to Do with It (1993), the fed-up wife Bernadine ‘Bernie’ Harris in Waiting to Exhale (1995), and most recently, in Marvel’s Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever as Queen Ramonda. As for her roles in television, the 67-year-old thespian expanded her talent into Emmy-nominated roles on shows like Jacksons: An American Dream (1992), The Rosa Parks Story (2002), FX’s American Horror Story, and ABC/Fox’s 9-1-1.
“Angela Bassett is the embodiment of excellence,” said Nice Crowd CEO Jeff Friday and President Nicole Friday. “Her body of work is both extraordinary and enduring, defined by performances that are fearless, powerful, and deeply human. She has set a standard for artistic integrity and cultural impact that continues to inspire generations, and we are honored to celebrate her remarkable career with the Excellence in the Arts Award.”
The evening will also honor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson with the Entertainment Icon Award. Grammy-winning artist and talk show host Jennifer Hudson will be honored with the Renaissance Award. Trailblazing director and executive producer Salli Richardson-Whitfield will receive the Evolution Award, and the Horizon Award recipient will be critically acclaimed actor Damson Idris. ABFF Honors will also pay a special tribute to the creative team behind Ryan Coogler’s box office hit, Sinners.
The intimate, non-televised event will be held at the SLS hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif., and hosted by comedian and New York Times best-selling author KevOnStage.
In the span of her nearly 40-year career, Bassett has taken on notable roles on the silver screen. On the movie front, Bassett portrayed the likes of Betty Shabazz in 1992’s Malcolm X, Tina Turner in 1993’s What’s Love Got to Do with It (1993), the fed-up wife Bernadine ‘Bernie’ Harris in Waiting to Exhale (1995), and most recently, in Marvel’s Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever as Queen Ramonda. As for her roles in television, the 67-year-old thespian expanded her talent into Emmy-nominated roles on shows like Jacksons: An American Dream (1992), The Rosa Parks Story (2002), FX’s American Horror Story, and ABC/Fox’s 9-1-1.
“Angela Bassett is the embodiment of excellence,” said Nice Crowd CEO Jeff Friday and President Nicole Friday. “Her body of work is both extraordinary and enduring, defined by performances that are fearless, powerful, and deeply human. She has set a standard for artistic integrity and cultural impact that continues to inspire generations, and we are honored to celebrate her remarkable career with the Excellence in the Arts Award.”
The evening will also honor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson with the Entertainment Icon Award. Grammy-winning artist and talk show host Jennifer Hudson will be honored with the Renaissance Award. Trailblazing director and executive producer Salli Richardson-Whitfield will receive the Evolution Award, and the Horizon Award recipient will be critically acclaimed actor Damson Idris. ABFF Honors will also pay a special tribute to the creative team behind Ryan Coogler’s box office hit, Sinners.
The intimate, non-televised event will be held at the SLS hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif., and hosted by comedian and New York Times best-selling author KevOnStage.
Judge Faith Jenkins, Kenny Lattimore Take Legal Action Over Viral YouTube Lies
Judge Faith Jenkins and her husband, R&B singer Kenny Lattimore, are speaking out after what they describe as a coordinated online misinformation campaign that spread false stories about their family across YouTube and search platforms.
Jenkins said dozens of videos containing fabricated claims were released within a short time frame, many repeating the same allegations using nearly identical language. She warned that this type of volume and timing allows misinformation to gain traction and be treated as legitimate by algorithms and search engines.
Rather than addressing the rumors publicly, Jenkins and Lattimore said they pursued legal action to identify the people behind the anonymous accounts. According to Jenkins, that process traced the origin of the fake stories to a monetized, U.S.-based YouTube channel now being held accountable in court.
The couple also claimed their investigation uncovered foreign operators allegedly running multiple channels while posing as U.S.-based creators — amplifying false narratives and profiting from fabricated scandals, particularly those involving Black public figures.
Now, Jenkins and Lattimore say they are taking the issue beyond the courtroom and heading to Washington, arguing that the misinformation economy is harming families and communities while rewarding those who spread false content for profit.
Judge Faith Jenkins and her husband, R&B singer Kenny Lattimore, are speaking out after what they describe as a coordinated online misinformation campaign that spread false stories about their family across YouTube and search platforms.
Jenkins said dozens of videos containing fabricated claims were released within a short time frame, many repeating the same allegations using nearly identical language. She warned that this type of volume and timing allows misinformation to gain traction and be treated as legitimate by algorithms and search engines.
Rather than addressing the rumors publicly, Jenkins and Lattimore said they pursued legal action to identify the people behind the anonymous accounts. According to Jenkins, that process traced the origin of the fake stories to a monetized, U.S.-based YouTube channel now being held accountable in court.
The couple also claimed their investigation uncovered foreign operators allegedly running multiple channels while posing as U.S.-based creators — amplifying false narratives and profiting from fabricated scandals, particularly those involving Black public figures.
Now, Jenkins and Lattimore say they are taking the issue beyond the courtroom and heading to Washington, arguing that the misinformation economy is harming families and communities while rewarding those who spread false content for profit.
President Trump says he won't grant Diddy's pardon request
In a two-hour sit-down with New York Times reporters on Jan. 7, Donald Trump was given the names of several high-profile people who are imprisoned, including the 56-year-old music mogul, and asked whether he would consider pardons for them. Though Combs allegedly wrote Trump a letter seeking clemency, Trump confirmed he is not considering granting Combs' request.
After he told reporters that Combs "asked me for a pardon... through a letter," the president was asked when the alleged communication was sent. Trump said, "Oh, would you like to see that letter?" but did not bring it forth.
Trump previously revealed to reporters in the Oval Office on Oct. 6 that the Bad Boy Records founder, who is appealing both his sentence and conviction as he serves a 50-month prison sentence in New Jersey, had asked for a pardon. It is unclear whether Combs sent the president any new communication since Trump's October comments.
In an Oct. 21 statement to USA TODAY, a White House spokesperson said there is "zero truth" to a report that the president was deliberating commuting Combs' sentence.
"The president, not anonymous sources, is the final decider on pardons and commutations," the official added.
Trump opened up in a previous interview about having a soured relationship with the embattled rapper, telling Newsmax host Rob Finnerty in an Aug. 1 interview that Combs' "hostile" comments during Trump's first presidential term made it "more difficult" to consider a pardon.
"Well, he was essentially, I guess sort of, half-innocent. I don't know what they do, he's still in jail or something," Trump said. "He was celebrating a victory, but I guess it wasn't as good of a victory."
During the interview, Trump said "probably..." before pausing and revealing to Finnerty, "You know, I was very friendly with him. I got along with him great; seemed like a nice guy. I didn't know him well, but when I ran for office he was very hostile."
When Finnerty clarified by asking if it was "more likely a no for (pardoning) Combs," Trump replied, "I'd say so."
On July 2, following a nearly two-month trial, a 12-person jury delivered a bombshell split decision. They found Combs guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution – charges related to former girlfriends Casandra "Cassie" Ventura Fine and "Jane," who both testified. However, he was acquitted of the most serious charges, which were racketeering and two counts of sex trafficking.
After he told reporters that Combs "asked me for a pardon... through a letter," the president was asked when the alleged communication was sent. Trump said, "Oh, would you like to see that letter?" but did not bring it forth.
Trump previously revealed to reporters in the Oval Office on Oct. 6 that the Bad Boy Records founder, who is appealing both his sentence and conviction as he serves a 50-month prison sentence in New Jersey, had asked for a pardon. It is unclear whether Combs sent the president any new communication since Trump's October comments.
In an Oct. 21 statement to USA TODAY, a White House spokesperson said there is "zero truth" to a report that the president was deliberating commuting Combs' sentence.
"The president, not anonymous sources, is the final decider on pardons and commutations," the official added.
Trump opened up in a previous interview about having a soured relationship with the embattled rapper, telling Newsmax host Rob Finnerty in an Aug. 1 interview that Combs' "hostile" comments during Trump's first presidential term made it "more difficult" to consider a pardon.
"Well, he was essentially, I guess sort of, half-innocent. I don't know what they do, he's still in jail or something," Trump said. "He was celebrating a victory, but I guess it wasn't as good of a victory."
During the interview, Trump said "probably..." before pausing and revealing to Finnerty, "You know, I was very friendly with him. I got along with him great; seemed like a nice guy. I didn't know him well, but when I ran for office he was very hostile."
When Finnerty clarified by asking if it was "more likely a no for (pardoning) Combs," Trump replied, "I'd say so."
On July 2, following a nearly two-month trial, a 12-person jury delivered a bombshell split decision. They found Combs guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution – charges related to former girlfriends Casandra "Cassie" Ventura Fine and "Jane," who both testified. However, he was acquitted of the most serious charges, which were racketeering and two counts of sex trafficking.
Young Thug Gets Seized RICO Property Back After Judge Issues State Order
Young Thug has finally been returned money and property that was seized during a previous investigation tied to his YSL RICO case.
In a legal order from January 7, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Paige Reese Whitaker demanded that the state give back most of the property that investigators seized, such as a 2022 Chevrolet Corvette, a 2022 Porsche 911, a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a 2018 Lamborghini vehicle, a Can-AM Spyder, three Mercedes-Benz vehicles, and more than $149,000 in cash.
Aside from these items, Thug also had six different guns confiscated — a Glock 19X, a Glock 45 9mm-caliber, a Glock .357-caliber, a Glock 30S .45-caliber, an FN Five-Seven, and a Smith & Wesson M&P .40-caliber.
"The Court finds that the plain language of the statute requires that Claimants' property be returned promptly, free of liens and encumbrances," the ruling by Whitaker reads. "The State has not identified any authority that would allow it to retain custody of the property where the forfeiture complaint has been dismissed, and now the State's appeal of that dismissal has been dismissed."
Young Thug’s attorney Brian Steel confirmed to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that prosecutors met the Friday (January 9) 5 p.m. deadline and returned the rapper his items.
Thug’s attorney, Rian Steele, previously petitioned the court using the argument that the state had not held a civil forfeiture hearing within the 60-day time limit.
Thug is currently serving 15 years of probation due to the outcome of the YSL RICO case where he pleaded no contest to a racketeering conspiracy charge and one count of leading a street gang, and pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a machine gun, one count of possession of a firearm during a felony, and three counts of violating Georgia's Controlled Substances Act.
Young Thug has finally been returned money and property that was seized during a previous investigation tied to his YSL RICO case.
In a legal order from January 7, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Paige Reese Whitaker demanded that the state give back most of the property that investigators seized, such as a 2022 Chevrolet Corvette, a 2022 Porsche 911, a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a 2018 Lamborghini vehicle, a Can-AM Spyder, three Mercedes-Benz vehicles, and more than $149,000 in cash.
Aside from these items, Thug also had six different guns confiscated — a Glock 19X, a Glock 45 9mm-caliber, a Glock .357-caliber, a Glock 30S .45-caliber, an FN Five-Seven, and a Smith & Wesson M&P .40-caliber.
"The Court finds that the plain language of the statute requires that Claimants' property be returned promptly, free of liens and encumbrances," the ruling by Whitaker reads. "The State has not identified any authority that would allow it to retain custody of the property where the forfeiture complaint has been dismissed, and now the State's appeal of that dismissal has been dismissed."
Young Thug’s attorney Brian Steel confirmed to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that prosecutors met the Friday (January 9) 5 p.m. deadline and returned the rapper his items.
Thug’s attorney, Rian Steele, previously petitioned the court using the argument that the state had not held a civil forfeiture hearing within the 60-day time limit.
Thug is currently serving 15 years of probation due to the outcome of the YSL RICO case where he pleaded no contest to a racketeering conspiracy charge and one count of leading a street gang, and pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a machine gun, one count of possession of a firearm during a felony, and three counts of violating Georgia's Controlled Substances Act.
T.K. Carter, 'The Corner' and 'Space Jam' Actor, Dead at 69
According to TMZ, the actor, born Thomas Kent Carter, was found deceased in his Duarte, California, residence on Friday (January 9). No foul play has been suspected in Carter's death, although the cause of death has not yet been released.
Carter began his career in the 1970s, making his television debut as a minor character on Good Times before attaining major roles in 1980s series Just Our Luck and Punky Brewster. Carter's resume would continue to grow throughout the '80s and '90s, starring in 1982 sci-fi/horror The Thing, The Sinbad Show, and Space Jam, in which he voiced Monstar Nawt, loosely based on former NBA player Muggsy Bogues.
By 2000, Carter would make a resurgence in limited HBO crime drama The Corner, a precursor to The Wire, which lasted for five seasons. In a 2025 episode of podcast Live From the Green Room, Carter said he wasn't initially considered for the show until actor and filmmaker Tasha Smith connected the actor with her manager to set up an audition.
Carter last starred in three episodes of former FX show Dave and drama series The Company You Keep.
Nicki Minaj Sneakers Put on Clearance
Nicki Minaj fans have been in revolt since she revealed herself as a staunch conservative
Now Nicki's sneaker collection have been put on the clearance rack...
WELP!
Boosie Badazz sentenced for gun possession, avoids jail time
Louisiana-based rapper Torrence “Boosie Badazz” Hatch Jr. was sentenced by a federal judge in San Diego to time served and 300 hours of community service related to a count of firearm possession.
The rapper was arrested by San Diego police on May 6, 2023, after two loaded handguns were found during a traffic stop in the Chollas View neighborhood. He had been in town to film a music video and to perform at a Gaslamp Quarter nightclub in downtown.
Court documents allege Hatch was seen by police with a gun in his waistband on an Instagram livestream while he was filming the music video in what appeared to be the backyard of a home. They used a helicopter to track down the vehicle he was in, conducting the traffic stop and arresting him at that time.
Hatch was originally charged with possession of a firearm as a felon in interstate commerce, but the case was later dismissed due to a federal court precedent that found the law unconstitutional as it applies to those convicted of non-violent crimes.
U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath’s office then filed another indictment against the rapper — one involving interstate commerce as a convicted felon and one for knowingly possessing a firearm while dealing with abuse of a controlled substance.
Hatch pleaded guilty to the federal gun charges in August 2025.
Louisiana-based rapper Torrence “Boosie Badazz” Hatch Jr. was sentenced by a federal judge in San Diego to time served and 300 hours of community service related to a count of firearm possession.
The rapper was arrested by San Diego police on May 6, 2023, after two loaded handguns were found during a traffic stop in the Chollas View neighborhood. He had been in town to film a music video and to perform at a Gaslamp Quarter nightclub in downtown.
Court documents allege Hatch was seen by police with a gun in his waistband on an Instagram livestream while he was filming the music video in what appeared to be the backyard of a home. They used a helicopter to track down the vehicle he was in, conducting the traffic stop and arresting him at that time.
Hatch was originally charged with possession of a firearm as a felon in interstate commerce, but the case was later dismissed due to a federal court precedent that found the law unconstitutional as it applies to those convicted of non-violent crimes.
U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath’s office then filed another indictment against the rapper — one involving interstate commerce as a convicted felon and one for knowingly possessing a firearm while dealing with abuse of a controlled substance.
Hatch pleaded guilty to the federal gun charges in August 2025.
Bob Weir Dead - Grateful Dead Guitarist & Co-Founder Passes Away at 78
“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Bobby Weir,” his family shared in a statement on Instagram. “He transitioned peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after courageously beating cancer as only Bobby could. Unfortunately, he succumbed to underlying lung issues.”
“Bobby’s final months reflected the same spirit that defined his life. Diagnosed in July, he began treatment only weeks before returning to his hometown stage for a three-night celebration of 60 years of music at Golden Gate Park,” the family said. “Those performances, emotional, soulful, and full of light, were not farewells, but gifts. Another act of resilience. An artist choosing, even then, to keep going by his own design. As we remember Bobby, it’s hard not to feel the echo of the way he lived. A man driftin’ and dreamin’, never worrying if the road would lead him home. A child of countless trees. A child of boundless seas.”
“His loving family, Natascha, Monet, and Chloe, request privacy during this difficult time and offer their gratitude for the outpouring of love, support, and remembrance. May we honor him not only in sorrow, but in how bravely we continue with open hearts, steady steps, and the music leading us home. Hang it up and see what tomorrow brings,” the statement concluded.
Our thoughts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Bob Weir during this time. RIP.
Jay-Z Signs Autographs for Fans Outside of Roc Nation Offices in NYC
Jay-Z is feeling the love.The 56-year-old “Empire State Of Mind” rapper signed autographs for fans waiting outside of his Roc Nation offices as he wrapped a day of work on Friday (January 9) in New York City.
For his day at the office, Jay-Z sported a gray suit and matching sweater paired with a black beanie and sunglasses.
Jay-Z‘s outing comes weeks after his wife Beyoncé was officially declared a billionaire.
Back in November 2025, the superstar couple made a rare appearance together at 2025 Formula 1 Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix where the 44-year-old “Alien Superstar” entertainer was photographed wearing a hot outfit as she and Jay-Z went for a hot lap around the track with Lewis Hamilton.
Jay-Z is feeling the love.The 56-year-old “Empire State Of Mind” rapper signed autographs for fans waiting outside of his Roc Nation offices as he wrapped a day of work on Friday (January 9) in New York City.
For his day at the office, Jay-Z sported a gray suit and matching sweater paired with a black beanie and sunglasses.
Jay-Z‘s outing comes weeks after his wife Beyoncé was officially declared a billionaire.
Back in November 2025, the superstar couple made a rare appearance together at 2025 Formula 1 Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix where the 44-year-old “Alien Superstar” entertainer was photographed wearing a hot outfit as she and Jay-Z went for a hot lap around the track with Lewis Hamilton.
Matt Rogers Apologizes for Urging Voters Not to Donate to Jasmine Crockett’s Senate Campaign, Says He Has ‘Great Respect’ for Her: ‘My Phrasing Was Not Right’
Matt Rogers has apologized for previous comments urging voters not to donate to Texas Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s U.S. Senate campaign, after the remarks sparked online backlash.
“Hey everybody. I hear the response and I am taking every bit of it to heart, I promise,” the comedian and “Las Culturistas” podcast co-host wrote on his Instagram Story on Saturday. “Transparency and candor matter to me, especially on the podcast. I’m a very progressive person who cares deeply about winning these elections, but my phrasing was not right. I will be more thoughtful! I really do promise.”
Rogers continued, “I have great respect and admiration for Rep. Crockett, and I regret that my words suggested otherwise. I just want us to win and I will be better at finding ways to help.”
On a recent episode of the “Las Culturistas” podcast, co-hosted by Rogers and “SNL” alum Bowen Yang, the duo discussed their political views amid the current climate, including predictions for the 2028 presidential election and the future of the Democratic Party. Rogers said he does not believe California Gov. Gavin Newsom will emerge as the party’s 2028 presidential nominee.
“Any time a politician is making it too obviously about themselves, I’m already done. And don’t waste your money sending to Jasmine Crockett. Do not do it. Don’t do it, you’re going to waste your money,” Rogers said, looking into the camera. Yang responded, “I must agree,” before Rogers elaborated on his point moments later.
Rogers said he fears the party could “flop by putting up whatever everyone said they hated in the beginning,” describing that scenario as nominating “an establishment California Democrat.” “It doesn’t work,” he said.
Rogers further explained his thoughts on Crockett, saying on the podcast, “Let me just qualify the Jasmine Crockett thing. She’s not going to win a Senate seat in Texas, you guys. If Beto O’Rourke couldn’t do it, Jasmine Crockett is not going to do it.” He continued, “It’s nothing against her, it’s just that she is a politician, in that she is very well-defined already, and it’s my opinion that we’re going to need someone who is less defined at this moment that rises up.”
On Saturday, Yang reposted Roger’s statement to his Instagram Story and wrote, “Should not have cursorily weighed in on this. Understanding the platform and will use it more responsibly.”
“Hey everybody. I hear the response and I am taking every bit of it to heart, I promise,” the comedian and “Las Culturistas” podcast co-host wrote on his Instagram Story on Saturday. “Transparency and candor matter to me, especially on the podcast. I’m a very progressive person who cares deeply about winning these elections, but my phrasing was not right. I will be more thoughtful! I really do promise.”
Rogers continued, “I have great respect and admiration for Rep. Crockett, and I regret that my words suggested otherwise. I just want us to win and I will be better at finding ways to help.”
On a recent episode of the “Las Culturistas” podcast, co-hosted by Rogers and “SNL” alum Bowen Yang, the duo discussed their political views amid the current climate, including predictions for the 2028 presidential election and the future of the Democratic Party. Rogers said he does not believe California Gov. Gavin Newsom will emerge as the party’s 2028 presidential nominee.
“Any time a politician is making it too obviously about themselves, I’m already done. And don’t waste your money sending to Jasmine Crockett. Do not do it. Don’t do it, you’re going to waste your money,” Rogers said, looking into the camera. Yang responded, “I must agree,” before Rogers elaborated on his point moments later.
Rogers said he fears the party could “flop by putting up whatever everyone said they hated in the beginning,” describing that scenario as nominating “an establishment California Democrat.” “It doesn’t work,” he said.
Rogers further explained his thoughts on Crockett, saying on the podcast, “Let me just qualify the Jasmine Crockett thing. She’s not going to win a Senate seat in Texas, you guys. If Beto O’Rourke couldn’t do it, Jasmine Crockett is not going to do it.” He continued, “It’s nothing against her, it’s just that she is a politician, in that she is very well-defined already, and it’s my opinion that we’re going to need someone who is less defined at this moment that rises up.”
On Saturday, Yang reposted Roger’s statement to his Instagram Story and wrote, “Should not have cursorily weighed in on this. Understanding the platform and will use it more responsibly.”
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Courtesy of P.O.Wm
Enjoy!
Crispy
Straight outta Planes Trains and Automobiles lol
AND NOW Meet:
It's ! You can see more HERE
DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT OWN any images posted on this blog. All images are found online or submitted.
Enjoy!
HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD ALL!!!
EFREM
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