#FASHIONFAB: Bad Bunny Reunites With Adidas For The Badbo 1.0
Bad Bunny and Adidas release the new BadBo 1.0. Photo: Adidas
Bad Bunny has spent his career dismantling expectations, so it was only a matter of time before he demanded a silhouette created in his own image. Reuniting with Adidas, Benito designs the BadBo 1.0.
While the inaugural chocolate brown release pays homage to his birth year with a limited run of 1,994 numbered pairs, the shoe itself bears the weight of a cultural artifact meant to bridge the gap between high concept fashion and the raw energy of the street.
The Adidas Para Bad Bunny BadBo 1.0 design pairs teasel suede with a translucent outsole, creating a look kindred to a lost hiking boot discovered in a futuristic nightclub. Here, triangular cutouts replace the traditional serrated stripes, offering a sly nod to Adidas heritage while signaling that the old rules no longer apply.
Whether you are aiming for the brown drop or waiting for the February 9 release of the “Resilience” colorway, a tonal white tribute to the endurance of Puerto Rico, the message is clear. Bad Bunny is no longer just a face for Adidas, he is the architect of a new era.
Bad Bunny and Adidas release the new BadBo 1.0. Photo: Adidas
While the inaugural chocolate brown release pays homage to his birth year with a limited run of 1,994 numbered pairs, the shoe itself bears the weight of a cultural artifact meant to bridge the gap between high concept fashion and the raw energy of the street.
Whether you are aiming for the brown drop or waiting for the February 9 release of the “Resilience” colorway, a tonal white tribute to the endurance of Puerto Rico, the message is clear. Bad Bunny is no longer just a face for Adidas, he is the architect of a new era.
#RHOA: Drew Sidora & Kelli Ferrell Feud Over Closed Waffle House & “Low Budget Movies”
The ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ season 17 may not be on screens just yet, but the drama is already spilling onto social media.
And this time, the sparks are flying between Drew Sidora and Kelli Ferrell.
While the central storylines of season 17 are under wraps, it looks like there is no love lost between Sidora and Ferrell.
Taking to Instagram, the former shared a clip of herself visiting the newly-opened Sandy Springs location of Kelli’s Nana’s Chicken & Waffles – only to find it closed.
Sidora vented: “I am so confused. I wanted chicken waffles. I came to support my girl, and no one is here. No one is answering the phones. There is no one inside. And we were just at the grand opening a few months ago. Somebody help me out. I guess I’ve got to go to Waffle House.”
Clapping back, Ferrell did not hold back. Tagging Sidora directly, she wrote:
“I get it, you’re scrambling for a storyline, WE know you GAVE NOTHING all season o
Unfortunately, I’m not available, I actually have “real life” things going on.
So continue with the low budget movies, unpaid promo tours, and imaginary business ventures. If you ever plan on opening up an ACTUAL business, let me know— I’ll consider supporting in “real life”. Until then… keep my name out of that dry mouth of yours ++(maybe you can get a man that actually claims you) THIS is the weird shit that Drew does, & when s
Call me next time boo”
And this time, the sparks are flying between Drew Sidora and Kelli Ferrell.
While the central storylines of season 17 are under wraps, it looks like there is no love lost between Sidora and Ferrell.
Taking to Instagram, the former shared a clip of herself visiting the newly-opened Sandy Springs location of Kelli’s Nana’s Chicken & Waffles – only to find it closed.
Sidora vented: “I am so confused. I wanted chicken waffles. I came to support my girl, and no one is here. No one is answering the phones. There is no one inside. And we were just at the grand opening a few months ago. Somebody help me out. I guess I’ve got to go to Waffle House.”
Clapping back, Ferrell did not hold back. Tagging Sidora directly, she wrote:
“I get it, you’re scrambling for a storyline, WE know you GAVE NOTHING all season o
Unfortunately, I’m not available, I actually have “real life” things going on.
So continue with the low budget movies, unpaid promo tours, and imaginary business ventures. If you ever plan on opening up an ACTUAL business, let me know— I’ll consider supporting in “real life”. Until then… keep my name out of that dry mouth of yours ++(maybe you can get a man that actually claims you) THIS is the weird shit that Drew does, & when s
Call me next time boo”
#MusicNews:Karyn White Returns With New Single “You’re Gonna Want Me Back”
R&B royalty has officially returned. Karyn White, the voice behind the era-defining anthems of the late 80s and early 90s, has released her highly anticipated new single, “You’re Gonna Want Me Back.” Decades after she first captured our hearts with “Superwoman,” “The Way You Love Me,” and “Romantic,” White proves that her vocal prowess and artistic instinct are as sharp as ever.
In a landscape often dominated by fleeting trends, “You’re Gonna Want Me Back” is a masterclass in classic R&B sensibilities infused with a modern, sophisticated edge.
“You’re Gonna Want Me Back” captures that rare lightning in a bottle—the ability to sound nostalgic without feeling dated. The production leans into a mid-tempo, soulful groove that honors White’s Minneapolis-sound roots while embracing the crisp, atmospheric textures of 2026 R&B.
The track opens with a lush, melodic arrangement that immediately signals a return to the “grown and sexy” vibe Karyn has always mastered. However, the star of the show remains her voice. White’s delivery on the track is effortless; she navigates the verses with a cool, confident restraint before opening up in the chorus with the emotive power that made her a platinum-selling icon.
R&B royalty has officially returned. Karyn White, the voice behind the era-defining anthems of the late 80s and early 90s, has released her highly anticipated new single, “You’re Gonna Want Me Back.” Decades after she first captured our hearts with “Superwoman,” “The Way You Love Me,” and “Romantic,” White proves that her vocal prowess and artistic instinct are as sharp as ever.
In a landscape often dominated by fleeting trends, “You’re Gonna Want Me Back” is a masterclass in classic R&B sensibilities infused with a modern, sophisticated edge.
“You’re Gonna Want Me Back” captures that rare lightning in a bottle—the ability to sound nostalgic without feeling dated. The production leans into a mid-tempo, soulful groove that honors White’s Minneapolis-sound roots while embracing the crisp, atmospheric textures of 2026 R&B.
The track opens with a lush, melodic arrangement that immediately signals a return to the “grown and sexy” vibe Karyn has always mastered. However, the star of the show remains her voice. White’s delivery on the track is effortless; she navigates the verses with a cool, confident restraint before opening up in the chorus with the emotive power that made her a platinum-selling icon.
LISTEN HERE:
Lyrically, “You’re Gonna Want Me Back” is the spiritual successor to the themes of independence and self-respect found in her earlier work. If “Superwoman” was a plea for appreciation, this new single is the definitive closing of the door.
The song explores the aftermath of a relationship where one partner was taken for granted. White sings with the perspective of a woman who knows her value, warning a former flame that the void she leaves behind will be impossible to fill. It is an anthem of empowerment that resonates with long-time fans who have grown up alongside her, as well as a new generation of listeners discovering her legacy.
Karyn White’s return to the spotlight isn’t just about a single song; it’s about the enduring power of the “independent woman” archetype she helped create. Since her resurgence in the 2010s with Carpe Diem and her work in film and lifestyle, Karyn has balanced her artistic output with a keen sense of business and mentorship.
#HipHopNews: Nicki Minaj Gets U.S. Citizenship After Controversial Appearance With President Trump
Nicki Minaj's recent endorsement of President Trump has come with a reward, as she has been granted U.S. citizenship following a controversial appearance with the POTUS.
On Wednesday (Jan. 28), Nicki Minaj joined President Trump on stage as he delivered a speech during the Treasury Department's Trump Accounts Summit at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, DC. It looks like Nicki's unyielding support of the MAGA regime has paid off. Shortly after the event, she shared a photo on X of a Trump Gold Card.
The card grants citizenship to illegal aliens, for a price. According ot the Department of Homeland Security website, applicants must pay a $15,000 application fee and give a $1 million gift "upon completion of the individual’s vetting is evidence that the individual will substantially benefit the United States." However, Nicki says her card was free.
"Finalizing that citizenship paperwork as we speak as per MY wonderful, gracious, charming President," she typed in a follow-up post. "Thanks to the petition. I wouldn’t have done it without you. Oh CitizenNIKA you are thee moment. Gold Trump card free of charge."
After previously calling out President Trump, Nicki Minaj, who came to the country illegally from Trinidad at the age of 5, has turned into a full-throated MAGA supporter recently. This is the third time in two months that she has endorsed the Trump regime. Last November, she spoke at a United Nations event in New York on the party's behalf. In December, she was a surprise guest at Erika Kirk's AmericanFest conference, where Nicki was over the top with her praise of Trump. During Wednesday's event, she labeled Trump the best president of all time.
Keke Palmer Reveals Why She Will Never Live in Same House as Her Romantic Partner
Moving in together? That's a nope from Keke Palmer.
In fact, the 'Burbs star, who shares 2-year-old son Leodis with ex Darius Jackson, said she'll "never" live in the same house as a romantic partner—even when they're married.
"I like my alone time," Keke told Today's Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones during the Feb. 2 broadcast. "That's real."
The 32-year-old went as so far as to reference Whoopi Goldberg's famous quote about why she has no interest in a serious relationship after her marriages to Alvin Martin, David Claessen and Lyle Trachtenberg.
"I just feel like Whoopi Goldberg said it best once. She was like, 'I don't want nobody in my house,'" Keke continued. "And I feel that."
But the Nope actress is willing to make a compromise. As she put it, "Around the corner would be great."
"You can be in the guest house," Keke shared. "We can be on the same land, but I'm over there and he's over there. At best, separate rooms."
Plus, she believes living apart keeps the relationship "fun and exciting."
"Think about how fun it would be to be like, 'I'm going over to my man's house,'" Keke shared, adding that her partner would likely make a "mess" at her place if he slept over. "I want to go sit on his couch."
That being said, Keke's door will always remain open for her son.
"The funny thing about it, the child is the most responsible you can be," she told E! News in 2024. "Having a child is going to bring a certain level of responsibility that nothing else will."
"I need to be the best for him and to be the best for him, I gotta be the best me," the Disney Channel alum added. "I'm not gonna be able to be the best me for him if I'm not focusing on the things that make me the best I can be."
On Wednesday (Jan. 28), Nicki Minaj joined President Trump on stage as he delivered a speech during the Treasury Department's Trump Accounts Summit at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, DC. It looks like Nicki's unyielding support of the MAGA regime has paid off. Shortly after the event, she shared a photo on X of a Trump Gold Card.
The card grants citizenship to illegal aliens, for a price. According ot the Department of Homeland Security website, applicants must pay a $15,000 application fee and give a $1 million gift "upon completion of the individual’s vetting is evidence that the individual will substantially benefit the United States." However, Nicki says her card was free.
"Finalizing that citizenship paperwork as we speak as per MY wonderful, gracious, charming President," she typed in a follow-up post. "Thanks to the petition. I wouldn’t have done it without you. Oh CitizenNIKA you are thee moment. Gold Trump card free of charge."
After previously calling out President Trump, Nicki Minaj, who came to the country illegally from Trinidad at the age of 5, has turned into a full-throated MAGA supporter recently. This is the third time in two months that she has endorsed the Trump regime. Last November, she spoke at a United Nations event in New York on the party's behalf. In December, she was a surprise guest at Erika Kirk's AmericanFest conference, where Nicki was over the top with her praise of Trump. During Wednesday's event, she labeled Trump the best president of all time.
Keke Palmer Reveals Why She Will Never Live in Same House as Her Romantic Partner
Moving in together? That's a nope from Keke Palmer.
In fact, the 'Burbs star, who shares 2-year-old son Leodis with ex Darius Jackson, said she'll "never" live in the same house as a romantic partner—even when they're married.
"I like my alone time," Keke told Today's Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones during the Feb. 2 broadcast. "That's real."
The 32-year-old went as so far as to reference Whoopi Goldberg's famous quote about why she has no interest in a serious relationship after her marriages to Alvin Martin, David Claessen and Lyle Trachtenberg.
"I just feel like Whoopi Goldberg said it best once. She was like, 'I don't want nobody in my house,'" Keke continued. "And I feel that."
But the Nope actress is willing to make a compromise. As she put it, "Around the corner would be great."
"You can be in the guest house," Keke shared. "We can be on the same land, but I'm over there and he's over there. At best, separate rooms."
Plus, she believes living apart keeps the relationship "fun and exciting."
"Think about how fun it would be to be like, 'I'm going over to my man's house,'" Keke shared, adding that her partner would likely make a "mess" at her place if he slept over. "I want to go sit on his couch."
That being said, Keke's door will always remain open for her son.
"The funny thing about it, the child is the most responsible you can be," she told E! News in 2024. "Having a child is going to bring a certain level of responsibility that nothing else will."
"I need to be the best for him and to be the best for him, I gotta be the best me," the Disney Channel alum added. "I'm not gonna be able to be the best me for him if I'm not focusing on the things that make me the best I can be."
Eddie Murphy & Martin Lawrence Becoming Grandfathers: Eric & Jasmin Expecting
Eric Murphy and Jasmin Lawrence just dropped some major family news. The couple announced they’re expecting their first child together. Eric posted maternity photos on Instagram on Monday. Jasmin looked radiant in an off-shoulder dress that showed her growing bump. “Thank you Jesus for the greatest gift,” they wrote together.
Eric is Eddie Murphy’s eldest son. Jasmin is Martin Lawrence’s oldest daughter. The pregnancy news means both comedy legends will soon be grandfathers.
Martin Lawrence already shared his excitement about becoming a grandpa. He posted photos from the couple’s maternity shoot on his own Instagram.
“What a blessing to start the day! My heart is overflowing with love and gratitude after the announcement of my first grandchild!” Martin wrote. “Watching Jasim and Eric begin this journey into parenthood means everything to me.”
The couple tied the knot in May 2025. They had a private church ceremony with just the two of them and a preacher. Eddie Murphy revealed the wedding news on The Jennifer Hudson Show last year.
“They went off, everybody was making the big wedding plans, and then they decided they wanted to do something quiet with just the two of them,” Eddie said at the time.
Eric is Eddie Murphy’s eldest son. Jasmin is Martin Lawrence’s oldest daughter. The pregnancy news means both comedy legends will soon be grandfathers.
Martin Lawrence already shared his excitement about becoming a grandpa. He posted photos from the couple’s maternity shoot on his own Instagram.
“What a blessing to start the day! My heart is overflowing with love and gratitude after the announcement of my first grandchild!” Martin wrote. “Watching Jasim and Eric begin this journey into parenthood means everything to me.”
The couple tied the knot in May 2025. They had a private church ceremony with just the two of them and a preacher. Eddie Murphy revealed the wedding news on The Jennifer Hudson Show last year.
“They went off, everybody was making the big wedding plans, and then they decided they wanted to do something quiet with just the two of them,” Eddie said at the time.
Sherri Shepherd's Daytime Talk Show Sherri Canceled After Four Seasons
Another daytime talk show host is saying goodbye: "Sherri," hosted by Sherri Shepherd, is ending its run after four seasons in syndication, Variety reports. The final episodes are expected to air this fall, according to EW.
"This decision is driven by the evolving daytime television landscape and does not reflect on the strength of the show, its production – which has found strong creative momentum this season – or the incredibly talented Sherri Shepherd," Ira Bernstein and Mort Marcus, co-presidents of show producers Debmar-Mercury, said in a joint statement. "We believe in this show and in Sherri and intend to explore alternatives for it on other platforms."
Hosted by comedian and "30 Rock" alum Shepherd, who won a Daytime Emmy as a co-host of "The View," "Sherri" debuted in September 2022 as a replacement for "The Wendy Williams Show." It was renewed for Season 4 last March.
On the show, Shepherd "offers her fun and flirty take on pop culture and trending topics to the daytime audience," according to the official synopsis. "As America's favorite girl next door, her comedy-driven show [features] celebrity interviews, informative experts, moments of inspiration, and amazing everyday people to create an hour of entertainment escapism."
Shepherd's not the only one saying goodbye to daytime: "The Kelly Clarkson Show" is also ending after seven seasons, it was announced earlier on Monday, leaving just a handful of traditional daytime talk shows on the air, including "The Drew Barrymore Show" and "The Jennifer Hudson Show."
Another daytime talk show host is saying goodbye: "Sherri," hosted by Sherri Shepherd, is ending its run after four seasons in syndication, Variety reports. The final episodes are expected to air this fall, according to EW.
"This decision is driven by the evolving daytime television landscape and does not reflect on the strength of the show, its production – which has found strong creative momentum this season – or the incredibly talented Sherri Shepherd," Ira Bernstein and Mort Marcus, co-presidents of show producers Debmar-Mercury, said in a joint statement. "We believe in this show and in Sherri and intend to explore alternatives for it on other platforms."
Hosted by comedian and "30 Rock" alum Shepherd, who won a Daytime Emmy as a co-host of "The View," "Sherri" debuted in September 2022 as a replacement for "The Wendy Williams Show." It was renewed for Season 4 last March.
On the show, Shepherd "offers her fun and flirty take on pop culture and trending topics to the daytime audience," according to the official synopsis. "As America's favorite girl next door, her comedy-driven show [features] celebrity interviews, informative experts, moments of inspiration, and amazing everyday people to create an hour of entertainment escapism."
Shepherd's not the only one saying goodbye to daytime: "The Kelly Clarkson Show" is also ending after seven seasons, it was announced earlier on Monday, leaving just a handful of traditional daytime talk shows on the air, including "The Drew Barrymore Show" and "The Jennifer Hudson Show."
R. Kelly Victim Says She Was 14 When Tape Was Recorded, Tells Her Story After 25 Years
The woman once known only as “Jane Doe” in the notorious R. Kelly videotape is finally stepping out of the shadows — and her new memoir Who’s Watching Shorty? pulls no punches about the abuse she survived.
Now 41, Reshona Landfair reveals how she went from a 14-year-old girl featured in the infamous tape to a woman determined to reclaim her name and narrative. For decades she hid behind aliases like “Chon,” afraid of recognition and rejection.
In the brutally honest memoir, she describes how Kelly groomed her as a child by inserting himself into her family’s life, giving gifts and positioning himself as a father figure. She alleges the manipulation and control went far deeper, saying he insisted she call him “Daddy” and that the experience left her feeling trapped and isolated.
Landfair also speaks to the emotional toll of being associated with the scandal long after Kelly’s music and name loomed over her life. “It’s everywhere I go,” she says, recounting how the soundtrack of his songs greeted her even at her job — a grim reminder of her past that she had no choice but to confront.
She pulls no punches in writing that Kelly “knowingly victimized me as a child” and that she became suicidal from the cycle of abuse, control, and shame — blunt revelations that strip away decades of public speculation and rumor.
Now out on shelves as Kelly serves decades in prison for related federal convictions, Landfair’s memoir isn’t just a recounting of trauma — it’s her attempt to restore agency, shed the label forced on her, and use her voice to help other survivors break their silence.
Now 41, Reshona Landfair reveals how she went from a 14-year-old girl featured in the infamous tape to a woman determined to reclaim her name and narrative. For decades she hid behind aliases like “Chon,” afraid of recognition and rejection.
In the brutally honest memoir, she describes how Kelly groomed her as a child by inserting himself into her family’s life, giving gifts and positioning himself as a father figure. She alleges the manipulation and control went far deeper, saying he insisted she call him “Daddy” and that the experience left her feeling trapped and isolated.
Landfair also speaks to the emotional toll of being associated with the scandal long after Kelly’s music and name loomed over her life. “It’s everywhere I go,” she says, recounting how the soundtrack of his songs greeted her even at her job — a grim reminder of her past that she had no choice but to confront.
She pulls no punches in writing that Kelly “knowingly victimized me as a child” and that she became suicidal from the cycle of abuse, control, and shame — blunt revelations that strip away decades of public speculation and rumor.
Now out on shelves as Kelly serves decades in prison for related federal convictions, Landfair’s memoir isn’t just a recounting of trauma — it’s her attempt to restore agency, shed the label forced on her, and use her voice to help other survivors break their silence.
Michael “5000” Watts, Swishahouse Founder And CEO, Dead At 52
Paul Wall, Slim Thug, and other Swishahouse alums paid tribute to Watts' life and legacy
Music producer Michael 5000 Watts attends the UGK Concert at Club Bar-Rio February 19, 2006 in Houston, Texas. Ray Tamarra/Getty Images
Michael “5000” Watts, the influential founder of the iconic Southern Hip-Hop record label Swishahouse, has passed away at the age of 52.
On Friday (Jan. 30), news broke that the Houston native died due to complications stemming from an irregular heartbeat. According to a statement shared on his Instagram account, Watts was “surrounded by loved ones” at the time of his passing.
“It is with profound sadness and heartbreak that we inform the public of our beloved Michael Watts,” read a post on the CEO’s Instagram account. The message went on to thank supporters and fans for the outpouring of love shown over the years. “We truly appreciate the love shown to Michael throughout his career and we ask for continued prayers as we navigate through this very hard journey.”
Further details regarding his death were also shared with the public. “Mr. Watts developed a fatal heart rhythm called Torsades de Pointes causing a sudden cardiac death.” Watts is survived by his wife, Tammy Watts, five children, and two grandchildren.
A community event celebrating his life and lasting legacy is currently in the works and will be announced on his social media platforms, according to the family.
Born and raised in Houston, Michael Watts was a pivotal figure in shaping the sound and business of Texas Hip-Hop. He began as a DJ, selling mixtapes as a teenager and quickly built a reputation by spinning at local parties.
His hustle eventually led to a weekend DJ position at Houston radio station 97.9 The Box, where he met fellow Houston native Ronald “DJ OG Ron C” Coleman in 1994. Together, they founded Swishahouse, a DJ and rapper collective that helped propel the chopped-and-screwed sound—pioneered by DJ Screw—onto the national stage.
Through Swishahouse, Watts helped discover and elevate artists who would become household names, including Slim Thug, Paul Wall, Chamillionaire, and Mike Jones. His catalog includes influential projects such as Swisha ’98, Choppin Em Up Part 2, The Day Hell Broke Loose, and The Day Hell Broke Loose 2.
DJ Michael “5000” Watts of Swisha House and rapper Paul Wall (Paul Slayton) on the set of the “Sittin’ Sideways” music video in Houston, Texas on May 10, 2005. Julia Beverly/Getty Images
In 2005, Swishahouse entered a joint venture with Asylum Records, leading to platinum-selling albums like Mike Jones’ Who Is Mike Jones? and Paul Wall’s The People’s Champ.
Tributes poured in from across the Hip-Hop community. Paul Wall reflected on Watts’ impact, writing, “I wanna extend heartfelt gratitude for his guidance and friendship. My prayers and condolences are with his family during this difficult time. This is a tough loss for Texas, and for HipHop. Thank you Watts for everything.”
Slim Thug also shared his grief, stating, “I took the time to look back and reminisce last night and this morning we did it BIG!!! As a DJ u did an amazing job broke so many artist we made millions of mixtapes underground sold millions worldwide from SH.”
Michael “5000” Watts leaves behind a legacy that forever altered the sound of Southern Hip-Hop and opened doors for generations of Texas artists to come.
Paul Wall, Slim Thug, and other Swishahouse alums paid tribute to Watts' life and legacy
Music producer Michael 5000 Watts attends the UGK Concert at Club Bar-Rio February 19, 2006 in Houston, Texas. Ray Tamarra/Getty Images
Michael “5000” Watts, the influential founder of the iconic Southern Hip-Hop record label Swishahouse, has passed away at the age of 52.
On Friday (Jan. 30), news broke that the Houston native died due to complications stemming from an irregular heartbeat. According to a statement shared on his Instagram account, Watts was “surrounded by loved ones” at the time of his passing.
“It is with profound sadness and heartbreak that we inform the public of our beloved Michael Watts,” read a post on the CEO’s Instagram account. The message went on to thank supporters and fans for the outpouring of love shown over the years. “We truly appreciate the love shown to Michael throughout his career and we ask for continued prayers as we navigate through this very hard journey.”
Further details regarding his death were also shared with the public. “Mr. Watts developed a fatal heart rhythm called Torsades de Pointes causing a sudden cardiac death.” Watts is survived by his wife, Tammy Watts, five children, and two grandchildren.
A community event celebrating his life and lasting legacy is currently in the works and will be announced on his social media platforms, according to the family.
Born and raised in Houston, Michael Watts was a pivotal figure in shaping the sound and business of Texas Hip-Hop. He began as a DJ, selling mixtapes as a teenager and quickly built a reputation by spinning at local parties.
His hustle eventually led to a weekend DJ position at Houston radio station 97.9 The Box, where he met fellow Houston native Ronald “DJ OG Ron C” Coleman in 1994. Together, they founded Swishahouse, a DJ and rapper collective that helped propel the chopped-and-screwed sound—pioneered by DJ Screw—onto the national stage.
Through Swishahouse, Watts helped discover and elevate artists who would become household names, including Slim Thug, Paul Wall, Chamillionaire, and Mike Jones. His catalog includes influential projects such as Swisha ’98, Choppin Em Up Part 2, The Day Hell Broke Loose, and The Day Hell Broke Loose 2.
DJ Michael “5000” Watts of Swisha House and rapper Paul Wall (Paul Slayton) on the set of the “Sittin’ Sideways” music video in Houston, Texas on May 10, 2005. Julia Beverly/Getty Images
In 2005, Swishahouse entered a joint venture with Asylum Records, leading to platinum-selling albums like Mike Jones’ Who Is Mike Jones? and Paul Wall’s The People’s Champ.
Tributes poured in from across the Hip-Hop community. Paul Wall reflected on Watts’ impact, writing, “I wanna extend heartfelt gratitude for his guidance and friendship. My prayers and condolences are with his family during this difficult time. This is a tough loss for Texas, and for HipHop. Thank you Watts for everything.”
Slim Thug also shared his grief, stating, “I took the time to look back and reminisce last night and this morning we did it BIG!!! As a DJ u did an amazing job broke so many artist we made millions of mixtapes underground sold millions worldwide from SH.”
Michael “5000” Watts leaves behind a legacy that forever altered the sound of Southern Hip-Hop and opened doors for generations of Texas artists to come.
Paramount Sued Over ‘Smurfs’ Song Performed by Rihanna as Songwriter Seeks Compensation
Rihanna is being accused of wrongdoing over a Smurfs movie song she had nothing to do with.
A lawsuit filed Friday (Jan. 30) by Grammy-nominated songwriter ROMANS, born Sam Roman, claims Paramount Pictures used songs he wrote for the 2025 Smurfs movie without permission or payment and then tried to shift the blame onto Rihanna.
According to legal documents reviewed by Billboard, Roman says Paramount used the Rihanna-performed track "Anyone" after negotiations collapsed, without his consent and without "paying him a dime." The lawsuit accuses the studio of copyright infringement, fraud, and negligent misrepresentation.
Roman also alleges Paramount later refused to remedy the situation while having "pointed its finger at Rihanna,” claiming that she was responsible for his lack of payment.
In the complaint, Roman's attorney Jonathan Steinsapir writes, "Paramount took the tack common to a toddler confronted with wrongdoing: Blame someone else. In this case, blame Rihanna. Paramount decided to punish plaintiff — and brazenly infringe his copyrights by using them without consent and without paying him a dime — because the studio was mad at Rihanna."
The suit also alleges that Smurfs, which reportedly lost Paramount about $80 million, included another Roman-written song, "Always on the Outside," performed by James Corden, also without authorization.
Steinsapir writes, "Paramount knew full well that it had no right to use plaintiff's intellectual property in this way. Indeed, Paramount credits plaintiff as the songwriter and producer of both tracks. Despite these credits, Paramount has still not paid plaintiff even a penny."
Rihanna is not named as a defendant in the complaint nor accused of any wrongdoing.
Roman claims Paramount first approached him in 2022 with the promise that the song would be performed by Rihanna, heavily promoted, and that he would retain “significant backend royalties.”
His lawyers write, “To state the obvious, big-name performers significantly drive the commercial value of songs. Writing and producing just one hit for an artist like Rihanna can yield economic benefits for decades.”
As the film's release neared, Roman claims he was told “Anyone” would not be released commercially, a shift he says changed the deal's economics and caused talks to be “completely halted.” The suit states the movie went on to be released with his music featured in "key scenes."
His attorneys write, “At no time did plaintiff consent in any way — expressly or impliedly — to Paramount releasing the songs and recordings without a written agreement.”
The film’s official soundtrack only features one song performed by Rihanna, “Friend of Mine,” which Roman does not have a writing credit for.
After the film’s release, Roman alleges Paramount chose to "blame Rihanna" by telling him it was "very frustrated by the money it had supposedly spent on Rihanna's participation" and that they did not get "an appropriate return from her."
The complaint states, "Paramount explained that Rihanna had supposedly required Paramount to waste a lot of money and go over budget on the movie. Because of that, Paramount explained, plaintiff was just out of luck."
“Plaintiff has no issue with Rihanna,” Roman’s lawyers emphasized. “His issue is squarely with Paramount.”
A lawsuit filed Friday (Jan. 30) by Grammy-nominated songwriter ROMANS, born Sam Roman, claims Paramount Pictures used songs he wrote for the 2025 Smurfs movie without permission or payment and then tried to shift the blame onto Rihanna.
According to legal documents reviewed by Billboard, Roman says Paramount used the Rihanna-performed track "Anyone" after negotiations collapsed, without his consent and without "paying him a dime." The lawsuit accuses the studio of copyright infringement, fraud, and negligent misrepresentation.
Roman also alleges Paramount later refused to remedy the situation while having "pointed its finger at Rihanna,” claiming that she was responsible for his lack of payment.
In the complaint, Roman's attorney Jonathan Steinsapir writes, "Paramount took the tack common to a toddler confronted with wrongdoing: Blame someone else. In this case, blame Rihanna. Paramount decided to punish plaintiff — and brazenly infringe his copyrights by using them without consent and without paying him a dime — because the studio was mad at Rihanna."
The suit also alleges that Smurfs, which reportedly lost Paramount about $80 million, included another Roman-written song, "Always on the Outside," performed by James Corden, also without authorization.
Steinsapir writes, "Paramount knew full well that it had no right to use plaintiff's intellectual property in this way. Indeed, Paramount credits plaintiff as the songwriter and producer of both tracks. Despite these credits, Paramount has still not paid plaintiff even a penny."
Rihanna is not named as a defendant in the complaint nor accused of any wrongdoing.
Roman claims Paramount first approached him in 2022 with the promise that the song would be performed by Rihanna, heavily promoted, and that he would retain “significant backend royalties.”
His lawyers write, “To state the obvious, big-name performers significantly drive the commercial value of songs. Writing and producing just one hit for an artist like Rihanna can yield economic benefits for decades.”
As the film's release neared, Roman claims he was told “Anyone” would not be released commercially, a shift he says changed the deal's economics and caused talks to be “completely halted.” The suit states the movie went on to be released with his music featured in "key scenes."
His attorneys write, “At no time did plaintiff consent in any way — expressly or impliedly — to Paramount releasing the songs and recordings without a written agreement.”
The film’s official soundtrack only features one song performed by Rihanna, “Friend of Mine,” which Roman does not have a writing credit for.
After the film’s release, Roman alleges Paramount chose to "blame Rihanna" by telling him it was "very frustrated by the money it had supposedly spent on Rihanna's participation" and that they did not get "an appropriate return from her."
The complaint states, "Paramount explained that Rihanna had supposedly required Paramount to waste a lot of money and go over budget on the movie. Because of that, Paramount explained, plaintiff was just out of luck."
“Plaintiff has no issue with Rihanna,” Roman’s lawyers emphasized. “His issue is squarely with Paramount.”
YouTuber Markiplier Cries As He Thanks Fans For Iron Lung’s Box Office Success
Markiplier’s leap from YouTube to the big screen has turned into an emotional milestone. The creator, who independently financed and led the horror film Iron Lung, was overwhelmed with gratitude after the movie shocked the industry with a massive box office debut.
As ticket sales climbed and online buzz exploded, Markiplier went live to thank fans, fighting back tears while reflecting on what the moment meant for him and independent filmmaking.
Markiplier gets emotional amid movie’s success
Iron Lung, inspired by David Szymanski’s cult-favorite 2022 horror game, hit theaters on Jan. 30, 2026, and immediately exceeded expectations. The indie flick climbed straight to the top of the U.S. box office, snagging the No. 1 spot. It beat out Sam Raimi’s “Send Help”, along with the Melania documentary. Even more impressive was the fact that the movie was made for under $3 million and pulled in about seven times that amount.
Just two days later, Markiplier went on a livestream on Feb. 1 to thank fans directly. Clearly emotional, he gave full credit to the audience for showing up and supporting the film in theaters. He urged people to keep watching through the weekend, explaining that holding onto the top spot could help “Iron Lung” get noticed at festivals and create more opportunities for indie filmmakers. “I don’t give a sh*t about the numbers,” he said. He explained that visibility and momentum mattered more than box office stats.
Markiplier opened up about how the weekend felt like a rollercoaster. He said it was draining, but incredibly satisfying after pouring years into the project. He said messages from the cast, crew, and people close to him really made the moment sink in. “If I could bring them a win… if I could take it to a festival, that might mean a lot,” he said.
That heartfelt moment took off online fast. Fans flooded social media, applauding him for going head-to-head with big studios and still keeping his feet on the ground. A lot of people cheered his rise from YouTube gaming clips to filmmaking. Markipliern doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon and has plans to make “stuff” in the near future.
Markiplier’s leap from YouTube to the big screen has turned into an emotional milestone. The creator, who independently financed and led the horror film Iron Lung, was overwhelmed with gratitude after the movie shocked the industry with a massive box office debut.
As ticket sales climbed and online buzz exploded, Markiplier went live to thank fans, fighting back tears while reflecting on what the moment meant for him and independent filmmaking.
Markiplier gets emotional amid movie’s success
Iron Lung, inspired by David Szymanski’s cult-favorite 2022 horror game, hit theaters on Jan. 30, 2026, and immediately exceeded expectations. The indie flick climbed straight to the top of the U.S. box office, snagging the No. 1 spot. It beat out Sam Raimi’s “Send Help”, along with the Melania documentary. Even more impressive was the fact that the movie was made for under $3 million and pulled in about seven times that amount.
Just two days later, Markiplier went on a livestream on Feb. 1 to thank fans directly. Clearly emotional, he gave full credit to the audience for showing up and supporting the film in theaters. He urged people to keep watching through the weekend, explaining that holding onto the top spot could help “Iron Lung” get noticed at festivals and create more opportunities for indie filmmakers. “I don’t give a sh*t about the numbers,” he said. He explained that visibility and momentum mattered more than box office stats.
Markiplier opened up about how the weekend felt like a rollercoaster. He said it was draining, but incredibly satisfying after pouring years into the project. He said messages from the cast, crew, and people close to him really made the moment sink in. “If I could bring them a win… if I could take it to a festival, that might mean a lot,” he said.
That heartfelt moment took off online fast. Fans flooded social media, applauding him for going head-to-head with big studios and still keeping his feet on the ground. A lot of people cheered his rise from YouTube gaming clips to filmmaking. Markipliern doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon and has plans to make “stuff” in the near future.
Halle Berry Says Winning an Oscar 'Didn't Necessarily Change the Course of My Career'
Halle Berry doesn’t believe that winning an Oscar altered her career trajectory.
The 59-year-old actress won for Best Actress in Monster Ball at the 2001 Academy Awards.
During a new profile piece with The Cut, Halle said she once told Cynthia Erivo—who has been nominated for three Oscars, “You god—n deserve it, but I don’t know that it’s going to change your life. It cannot be the validation for what you do, right?”
Reflecting on her own win, Halle said, “That Oscar didn’t necessarily change the course of my career. After I won it, I thought there was going to be, like, a script truck showing up outside my front door. While I was wildly proud of it, I was still Black that next morning. Directors were still saying, ‘If we put a Black woman in this role, what does this mean for the whole story? Do I have to cast a Black man? Then it’s a Black movie. Black movies don’t sell overseas.’”
Since her win in 2001, which made history as the first time a Black woman won the Best Actress Oscar, no other Black winner has won in that category. Michelle Yeoh is the only other non-white actress to win Best Actress, in 2023 for her role in Everything Everywhere All at Once.
The 59-year-old actress won for Best Actress in Monster Ball at the 2001 Academy Awards.
During a new profile piece with The Cut, Halle said she once told Cynthia Erivo—who has been nominated for three Oscars, “You god—n deserve it, but I don’t know that it’s going to change your life. It cannot be the validation for what you do, right?”
Reflecting on her own win, Halle said, “That Oscar didn’t necessarily change the course of my career. After I won it, I thought there was going to be, like, a script truck showing up outside my front door. While I was wildly proud of it, I was still Black that next morning. Directors were still saying, ‘If we put a Black woman in this role, what does this mean for the whole story? Do I have to cast a Black man? Then it’s a Black movie. Black movies don’t sell overseas.’”
Since her win in 2001, which made history as the first time a Black woman won the Best Actress Oscar, no other Black winner has won in that category. Michelle Yeoh is the only other non-white actress to win Best Actress, in 2023 for her role in Everything Everywhere All at Once.
Don Lemon Tells His Arrest Story on 'Kimmel,' Reveals What Happened in Moments Before Get Handcuffed
Don Lemon is opening up about what happened on the night that he was arrested.
The 59-year-old journalist made an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Monday (February 2) to tell the story in his own words.
Don was taken into custody on late Thursday night while in Los Angeles covering the Grammy Awards. The arrest is in connection with his presence at St. Paul Church in Mineeapolis on January 18, where it was believed one of the pastors was an ICE official.
Don was charged with federal civil rights crimes in connection to the anti-ICE protest that disrupted a service at a Minnesota church, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said. He is charged with conspiracy and interfering with the First Amendment rights of worshipers at the Cities Church in St. Paul, where an ICE official serves as a pastor. Another journalist and two protestors were also arrested in Minnesota.
So, what happened when he was arrested? Don said that he went to the Black Music Collective’s Grammys event on Thursday night and then went back to his hotel after the party.
“I got back to the hotel. I had my swag bag from the [party], and I was walking up to the room,” Don said. “I pressed the elevator button and all of a sudden, I feel myself being jostled and people trying to grab me and put me in handcuffs. And I said, ‘What are you doing here?’ They said, ‘We came to arrest you.’ I said, ‘Who are you?’ Finally, they identified. I said, ‘If you are who you are, where’s the warrant?’ They didn’t have the warrant. So, they had to wait for someone outside, an FBI guy to come in, to show me a warrant on a cell phone.”
Don said that his husband Tim Malone was asleep in the hotel room when the arrest happened. The only way Tim found out about what was happening was because Don asked an agent to bring his bracelet, which was colliding with the handcuffs, to his hotel room.
Don said that he’s doing “okay.”
“I’m not going to let them steal my joy, but this is very serious. I mean, these are federal criminal charges,” he said.
“I’m in the middle of this, so I can’t say a lot,” he added. “There’s a lot that I cannot say, but what I will say is that I’m not a protester. I went there to be a journalist. I went there to chronicle and document and record what was happening. I was following that one group around. And so that’s what I did. I reported on them. But I do think that there is a difference between a protester and a journalist.”
Don Lemon is opening up about what happened on the night that he was arrested.
The 59-year-old journalist made an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Monday (February 2) to tell the story in his own words.
Don was taken into custody on late Thursday night while in Los Angeles covering the Grammy Awards. The arrest is in connection with his presence at St. Paul Church in Mineeapolis on January 18, where it was believed one of the pastors was an ICE official.
Don was charged with federal civil rights crimes in connection to the anti-ICE protest that disrupted a service at a Minnesota church, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said. He is charged with conspiracy and interfering with the First Amendment rights of worshipers at the Cities Church in St. Paul, where an ICE official serves as a pastor. Another journalist and two protestors were also arrested in Minnesota.
So, what happened when he was arrested? Don said that he went to the Black Music Collective’s Grammys event on Thursday night and then went back to his hotel after the party.
“I got back to the hotel. I had my swag bag from the [party], and I was walking up to the room,” Don said. “I pressed the elevator button and all of a sudden, I feel myself being jostled and people trying to grab me and put me in handcuffs. And I said, ‘What are you doing here?’ They said, ‘We came to arrest you.’ I said, ‘Who are you?’ Finally, they identified. I said, ‘If you are who you are, where’s the warrant?’ They didn’t have the warrant. So, they had to wait for someone outside, an FBI guy to come in, to show me a warrant on a cell phone.”
Don said that his husband Tim Malone was asleep in the hotel room when the arrest happened. The only way Tim found out about what was happening was because Don asked an agent to bring his bracelet, which was colliding with the handcuffs, to his hotel room.
Don said that he’s doing “okay.”
“I’m not going to let them steal my joy, but this is very serious. I mean, these are federal criminal charges,” he said.
“I’m in the middle of this, so I can’t say a lot,” he added. “There’s a lot that I cannot say, but what I will say is that I’m not a protester. I went there to be a journalist. I went there to chronicle and document and record what was happening. I was following that one group around. And so that’s what I did. I reported on them. But I do think that there is a difference between a protester and a journalist.”
Donald Trump Is Shutting Down The Kennedy Center For Two Years
What started as a shake-up just turned into a full shutdown. Donald Trump announced that the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will close completely on July 4, 2026, for about two years so it can undergo a full rebuild under his direction.
Trump made the announcement himself, saying the closure will allow crews to overhaul the aging venue and reopen it as what he called a “world-class” performing arts landmark. He tied the timing to the nation’s 250th anniversary and said a full shutdown is the fastest way to get the work done.
However, this move did not come out of nowhere.
Over the past year, Trump has taken control of the Kennedy Center’s leadership, removing board members and installing allies. That new board then voted to add Trump’s name to the institution, a move that immediately triggered backlash from lawmakers and arts leaders who say Congress would need to approve any official renaming.
Because of those leadership changes, the center has already been losing talent.
Several major artists and organizations have canceled performances or cut ties altogether, saying the direction of the institution no longer aligns with their values. Composer Philip Glass publicly withdrew a planned premiere, and other productions connected to opera and Broadway followed suit.
Now the shutdown means something even bigger.
The Kennedy Center, which has hosted thousands of performances a year and serves as a living memorial to John F. Kennedy, will go dark. No concerts. No operas. No premieres. Just construction walls and unanswered questions.
Critics argue the closure is less about repairs and more about control, especially since Trump’s team has not released detailed evidence backing claims that the building is in severe structural or financial distress.
Trump made the announcement himself, saying the closure will allow crews to overhaul the aging venue and reopen it as what he called a “world-class” performing arts landmark. He tied the timing to the nation’s 250th anniversary and said a full shutdown is the fastest way to get the work done.
However, this move did not come out of nowhere.
Over the past year, Trump has taken control of the Kennedy Center’s leadership, removing board members and installing allies. That new board then voted to add Trump’s name to the institution, a move that immediately triggered backlash from lawmakers and arts leaders who say Congress would need to approve any official renaming.
Because of those leadership changes, the center has already been losing talent.
Several major artists and organizations have canceled performances or cut ties altogether, saying the direction of the institution no longer aligns with their values. Composer Philip Glass publicly withdrew a planned premiere, and other productions connected to opera and Broadway followed suit.
Now the shutdown means something even bigger.
The Kennedy Center, which has hosted thousands of performances a year and serves as a living memorial to John F. Kennedy, will go dark. No concerts. No operas. No premieres. Just construction walls and unanswered questions.
Critics argue the closure is less about repairs and more about control, especially since Trump’s team has not released detailed evidence backing claims that the building is in severe structural or financial distress.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Courtesy of P.O.Wm
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HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
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