#MAGFAB: Zendaya Flourishes in Couture Elegance for American Vogue May 2024!
Zendaya has no intention to make music anytime soon. Not only is her life overflowing with acting projects like her just-opened film ‘Challengers’, where her character Tashi, a fiercely-competitive tennis phenom turned coach over an accident, whips her husband into shape on the tennis court and in the bedroom.
Zendaya is the cover star for both American Vogue and British Vogue’s May 2024 issues, photographed for American Vogue [IG] in these images by Annie Leibovitz [IG] and for British Vogue by Carlijn Jacobs. Marley Marius is in charge of her Vogue interviews.
Zendaya has no intention to make music anytime soon. Not only is her life overflowing with acting projects like her just-opened film ‘Challengers’, where her character Tashi, a fiercely-competitive tennis phenom turned coach over an accident, whips her husband into shape on the tennis court and in the bedroom.
Zendaya is the cover star for both American Vogue and British Vogue’s May 2024 issues, photographed for American Vogue [IG] in these images by Annie Leibovitz [IG] and for British Vogue by Carlijn Jacobs. Marley Marius is in charge of her Vogue interviews.
In this cover story Zendaya, whose ambassadorships include Louis Vuitton since spring 2023, Valentino until spring 2023, Bulgari, and Lancôme, is styled in couture elegance by regular stylist Law Roach.
Designers include Dior Haute Couture; Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda; Fendi Couture; Giambattista Valli Haute Couture; Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture by Simone Rocha; Loewe dress; Louis Vuitton custom cape and dress; Schiaparelli Haute Couture by Daniel Roseberry./ Hair by Kim Kimble; makeup by Raoúl Alejandre
Returning to why Zendaya has little interest in making more music, the lack of privacy afforded pop stars on the road for long periods of time is too overwhelming in the star’s mind. Her acting roles allow her to explore her own inner self both in character and perhaps even in opposition to her character, without being constantly scrutinized or explaining what’s going on in her own mind.
Clearly, their decision was based on a desire to live life fully in Paris. But it did not reflect Zendaya’s desire for anonymity — and the Louve tried to dissuade them from coming. All was obviously forgiven when they arrived anyway, and museum officials encouraged them to roam through the famous art museum, even after it closed.
“You just kind of get used to the fact that, Oh, I’m also one of these art pieces you’re going to take a picture of. I just gotta be totally cool with it and just live my life,” she said.
#RHOA: Peacock Opens The Bravo Vault To Shows Starring Nene Leakes, Kim Zolciak, Rachel Zoe, Tabatha Coffey & More
Fans of The Real Housewives franchise will have more shows to watch as several spinoffs become available on the streaming service.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta has been the franchise to produce the most spinoffs, such as when cameras followed Nene Leakes getting married with the I Dream of Nene: The Wedding special. Kandi Burruss also got her special as she tied the knot on TV.
Kim Zolciak left RHOA, but cameras continued to follow her and her family as she married Kroy Biermann with Don’t Be Tardy for the Wedding, which ultimately evolved into Don’t Be Tardy for the next seven seasons.
The Grande Dame of The Real Housewives of Potomac, Karen Huger, also scored a spinoff that followed her family reunion.
Peacock will also have the first and only season of The Real Housewives of D.C., the franchise that made global headlines after Bravo star Michaele Salahi and her husband crashed a party at the White House.
All of the seasons of Shahs of Sunset will be available, as will The Rachel Zoe Project, Married to Medicine: Los Angeles, Tabatha Takes Over, Blood, Sweat & Heels, Thicker Than Water, and NYC Prep.
Lists Of Bravo Shows Coming To Peacock
Blood Sweat & Heels (Seasons 1-2)
Don’t Be Tardy for the Wedding (Season 1)
Don’t Be Tardy… (Seasons 2-8)
I Dream of Nene: The Wedding (Season 1)
Married to Medicine: Los Angeles (Seasons 1-2)
Million Dollar Decorators (Seasons 1-2)
NYC Prep (Season 1)
The Rachel Zoe Project (Seasons 1-5)
The Real Housewives of Atlanta: Kandi’s Wedding (Season 1)
The Real Housewives of D.C. (Season 1)
The Real Housewives of Potomac: Karen’s Grande Dame Reunion (Season 1)
Shahs of Sunset (Seasons 1-9)
Tabatha’s Salon Takeover (Seasons 1-3)
Tabatha Takes Over (Seasons 4-5)
Thicker Than Water (Seasons 1-3)
Top Chef: Just Desserts (Seasons 1-2)0
#MusicNews; Andra Day Set for Debut Performance at NYC’s Blue Note Jazz Club Ahead of New Album!
Andra Day is making her Blue Note Jazz Club debut. The Grammy winner and Academy Award-nominated actress will perform for the first time at the New York City venue on May 6. The one-night-only engagement will consist of showtimes at 8 p.m. at 10:30 p.m. Ticket information is available at Blue Note’s website.
The upcoming appearance marks Day’s first NYC first headlining performance in seven years. The club recently announced upcoming dates by Killer Mike, Kelela and Robert Glasper.
Day will also headline the 2024 edition Blue Note Jazz Festival in New York City. The five-week parade of concerts begins on June 1 and will encompass 94 performances by nearly four dozen acts at five venues — primarily the Blue Note club itself in Greenwich Village, as well as Sony Hall, the Brooklyn Bowl, Town Hall, SummerStage in Central Park and Celebrate Brooklyn at the Prospect Park Bandshell.
Corinne Bailey Rae, Yussef Dayes, the Ezra Collective and many more will also perform during the month-plus festival.
Day is gearing up for the release of her highly anticipated third album, CASSANDRA (cherith), which is scheduled to arrive May 10 through Warner Records. On Thursday (April 11), she released her new single “Chasing.”
Earlier this year, Day officially added herself to a historic line of annual pre-Super Bowl performances by singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at the 2024 Super Bowl, held at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium on Feb. 11.
Day, who received an Oscar nomination three years ago for her lead performance in The United States vs. Billie Holiday, also performed “Memory Lane” during the 2024 NAACP Image Awards at Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium in March.
#HipHopNews: DJ Mister Cee’s Cause Of Death Revealed
Following his death, Mister Cee’s family released a statement expressing their appreciation for the public’s well-wishes in their time of mourning.
“On behalf of the Lebrun, Wilson, Calixte families we want to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support for our brother, uncle, nephew Calvin ‘DJ Mister Cee’ Lebrun in the wake of his untimely passing,” the statement, published by AllHipHop, read. “It’s a huge loss for our entire family, the borough of Brooklyn and the entire Hip-Hop Community.”
Various members of the Hip-Hop community shared their reaction to Mister Cee’s passing, one of the first being longtime Hot 97 spinner Peter Rosenberg, who recounted hearing the Brooklyn native spinning on the radio mere hours prior to his death.
“We have lost the iconic Mister Cee,” wrote Hot 97’s Peter Rosenberg on X. “I listened to him yesterday and am in complete shock. He was a dear friend to all of us, a wonderful man, and one of the most important and impactful DJs of all time. I love you Cee.”
In addition to serving as a DJ on Hot 97 and 94.7’s The Block, Mister Cee is renowned for his work with rap legends like Big Daddy Kane and The Notorious B.I.G., the latter of which he helped discover and secure a record deal.
R.I.P. to Mister Cee.
Blake Griffin Announces Retirement From NBA After 14 Seasons
On Tuesday (April 16), Griffin, 35, shared the news via a statement released on social media, in which he looked back on his accomplishments and expressed his appreciation for the game. “I never really envisioned myself as the guy who would have a ‘letter to basketball’ retirement announcement,” Griffin, who played for four NBA teams over 14 seasons, wrote.
“And I’m still not going to be that guy. But as I reflected on my career, the one feeling I kept coming back to and the one thing I wanted to express was thankfulness.”
The Oklahoma native also acknowledged his inner-circle, professional and personal, with helping to guide and encourage him along the way during his tenure in the league. “I’m thankful for every single moment — not just the good ones: the wins, the awards, the dunks, and the memorable times spent with family, friends, fans, teammates, and coaches,” Griffin wrote.
“I could continue on about the people in my life who have contributed immensely to my career, but in this short non-letter, I have to acknowledge my parents, Tommy and Gail, and my brother, Taylor, for their unconditional support and guidance. Lastly, my agent Sam Goldfeder, who has been a steadfast voice of reason and my wartime consigliere — thank you.”
The former perennial All-Star also looked back on the lowlights of his career, accrediting those experiences with giving him a full scope into the peaks and valleys endured. “I am equally thankful for the not-so-good-moments: the losses, the injuries, the wayyyy too many surgeries, the lessons, the heartbreaks, and it wouldn’t be (a) sports retirement letter without acknowledging the ‘haters.’” he added.
“All of these experiences made my 14 years in the league truly unforgettable, and I can’t help but to just feel thankful.” Griffin concluded his open letter by expressing his lack of regret in terms of his career, as he feels the game has provided more than he could ever ask for.
“The game of basketball has given me so much in this life, and I wouldn’t change a thing. Last but certainly not least, here comes the obligatory ‘I’m excited for my next chapter’ part: just kidding, I’m done.”
After a standout career at the University of Oklahoma, Griffin was selected No. 1 overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2009 NBA Draft. After sitting out the 2009-10 season due to injury, Griffin made his NBA debut during the 2010-11 season, winning the Rookie of the Year Award, the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, and became the first rookie voted to an NBA All-Star team by coaches since Tim Duncan in 1998.
During his career, which included stints with the Clippers, Detroit Pistons, Brooklyn Nets, and Boston Celtics, Griffin garnered numerous accolades, earning six All-Star selections and five All-NBA selections
Celine Dion Shares First-Look Image At Documentary, Unveils Premiere Date
The image featured the 56-year-old legendary singer's side profile. Pulling her hair back, the "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" hitmaker, who is battling a rare autoimmune neurological disorder stiff-person syndrome (SPS), seemed to be in high spirits as she's seen holding up an empowered fist.
In the caption, Celine's team wrote, "Get ready! @amazonmgmstudios announces release date to the highly anticipated documentary! I AM: CELINE DION will be streaming globally on @primevideo starting June 25."
It further noted that the documentary, directed by Academy Award nominee Irene Taylor, "gives us a raw and honest behind-the-scenes look at the iconic superstar's struggle with a life-altering illness. Serving as a love letter to her fans, this inspirational documentary highlights the music that has guided her life while also showcasing the resilience of the human spirit."
Fans immediately expressed their excitement in the comments section. "I've been waiting for this for ages. I'm so excited!" one person wrote. "I'm rooting for Celine with all my heart."
"This is a must watch immediately upon release," another added. Someone else said, "I don't know how to express my excitement in French, so I'll say it in English. WOOHOO!!!" Fellow singer Cyndi Lauper also showed love for Celine by writing, "Many many blessings! Love you Celine!"
"I Am: Celine Dion" was announced in January. "This last couple of years has been such a challenge for me, the journey from discovering my condition to learning how to live with and manage it, but not to let it define me," Celine shared in a statement at the time.
"As the road to resuming my performing career continues, I have realized how much I have missed it, of being able to see my fans," the "All by Myself" singer continued. "During this absence, I decided I wanted to document this part of my life, to try to raise awareness of this little-known condition, to help others who share this diagnosis."
Nicki Minaj's Husband Granted Permission To Join 'Pink Friday 2' World Tour Amid Probation
Nicki Minaj's husband, Kenneth Petty, has received court permission to accompany her on her upcoming "Pink Friday 2" world tour.
Petty, who is on probation for failing to register as a sex offender in California, filed a request to travel with the family on tour for "various purposes, including childcare." According to court documents, his request was granted by Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald.
Petty's probation officer reportedly had no objection to the request, and the federal government took no position. Judge Fitzgerald approved the travel schedule, which spans from April 17 to July 14, 2024, and includes destinations in Canada, Europe, and the United Kingdom.
The tour approval comes amidst ongoing legal challenges for Petty. Last month, a judge granted a default judgment to a woman who claimed Petty sexually assaulted her in 1994. The judgment ordered Petty and Minaj to pay the victim approximately $500,000.
Despite these legal issues, Petty will now be able to join Nicki Minaj on her international tour. The tour is scheduled to kick off in Toronto on April 30, 2024
Uber Driver Loletha Hall, 61, Fatally Shot By William Brock, 81, After They Were Targeted By Scammers
The incident occurred on March 25 outside Brock’s home in South Charleston, Ohio, where he allegedly believed Hall was collaborating with a scammer.
According to Lt. Kristopher Shultz of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Brock received a call from someone posing as a court officer, claiming that a family member was in custody and required a significant bond.
“Mr. Brock received some scam call by a person purporting to be someone from our courts who informed him a family member was incarcerated and that he had a bond of a significant amount of money,” Shultz said.
“The calls turned from ‘I’m an officer in the court’ to ‘We have this subject hostage, this is a ransom demand.'”
Unbeknownst to Loletha Hall, the scammer or an accomplice ordered an Uber to pick up the money from Brock’s residence.
“Ms. Hall did not have any idea,” Shultz added.
Upon her arrival, William Brock confronted her with a firearm, demanding to know who she was working for.
Despite her lack of involvement or threat, he took her cell phone, prevented her from leaving, and ultimately shot her multiple times, resulting in her tragic death.
“When she tried to get away, he shot her once, then there was more exchange between them,” Shultz said
“Mr. Brock was at some point injured to his head, and he shot Ms. Hall a second time. There was more conversation, and then he shot her a third time. Only after he shot her a third time did he then make contact with authorities to report the incident.”
Loletha Hall did not threaten William Brock, have a weapon or assault him, according to the sheriff’s office and a complaint filed in Clark County Municipal Court.
She was taken to a hospital where she died from her injuries, according to the complaint.
The Uber spokesperson conveyed the company’s condolences to Hall’s family and affirmed their cooperation with law enforcement.
This is a horrific tragedy and our hearts continue to be with Loletha’s loved ones as they grieve.
We have been in contact with law enforcement and remain committed to supporting their investigation.
Furthermore, they disclosed the banning of the individual’s Uber account responsible for summoning the ride to Brock’s residence.
However, officials have refrained from identifying the perpetrator or announcing any additional arrests related to the case.
In a grand jury presentation Monday, William Brock was indicted on multiple charges, including murder, felonious assault, and kidnapping.
WATCH HERE
If convicted of that charge, he could be sentenced to 15 years to life in prison or a $15,000 fine.
My sincerest condolences and prayers to Loletha Hall’s family and all who knew and loved her.
I hope that the person(s) responsible for the scam are brought to justice and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law so they can sit in jail with William Brock.
Jerrod Carmichael Clarifies Controversial ‘Slave’ Joke & Apologizes To Dave Chappelle
Jerrod Carmichael stopped by “The Breakfast Club” and addressed the race play backlash he’s received over his controversial “slave” joke.
In case you missed it, the Emmy-winning comedian got dragged on social media after he made a joke on his Max reality series, “The Jerrod Carmichael Show,” where he likened himself to a slave who is being taught to read by his white boyfriend.
I SOMETIMES JOKE TO HIM THAT, LIKE, OUR RELATIONSHIP IS LIKE THAT OF A SLAVE AND THE MASTER’S SON WHO TEACHES ME TO READY BY CANDLELIGHT.
When the crowd groaned, Jerrod became defensive and quickly said, “Yeah, he groans too cause he’s a good person. He doesn’t like the f— joke. I like that joke.”
“That’s my burden,” he added. “ I think that s— is hilarious.”
But, during his appearance on “The Breakfast Club,” Jerrod Carmichael came in with guns blazing and made it very clear that he didn’t like that the narrative of his joke was flipped into race play with his boyfriend in the bedroom.
He stood 10 toes down on his joke and accused those who criticized him did so without hearing the joke in its entirety.
Jerrod totally glazed over the fact that his audience who did hear the joke during his stand-up set groaned when he said it and he had to defend the joke.
He also failed to acknowledge that his boyfriend even hates the joke because “he’s a good person.”
Kudos to Charlamagne Tha God for not backing down when DJ Envy tried to get him to apologize to Jerrod.
While at “The Breakfast Club,” Jerrod also made it his business to publicly apologize to Dave Chappelle for calling him an “egomaniac.”
Talk about the pot calling the kettle…
Does Jerrod Carmichael’s explanation of his “slave” joke make it more palatable?
Wendy Williams’ guardian demands ex Kevin Hunter return $112K after he was ‘overpaid’ in divorce & wants him silenced
In the court filing, exclusively obtained by The U.S. Sun, the former talk show host's guardian not only claimed that her ex Kevin, 52, was overpaid, but she also wanted the divorce judge to issue a gag order to stop him from speaking about the case. Sabrina says that according to the couple's Marital Settlement Agreement, Kevin was to receive what has been delineated as severance payments from Wendy, 59.
She claims "the payments to Mr. Hunter were to terminate if [Wendy's] yearly earned income is less than 2 times her then yearly income (as of February 1, 2020)."
The guardian alleges that "'yearly income' is defined in the Agreement as [Wendy's] W-2 income and any income paid as a result of her working on a show."
In the filing, the guardian said Wendy, who had not shown up to host The Wendy Williams Show for her entire last season, stopped being paid her full salary in October of 2021, but Kevin continued to be paid.
"She continued to pay Mr. Hunter. He says in his motion papers… that he was paid through January of 2022.
"As a result, [Kevin] has been unjustly enriched by the receipt of $112,500 ($37,500 x 3 months) belonging to [Wendy]," the filing continued.
Sabrina is asking a court to order Kevin to pay the $112,500 sum, plus interest, back.
Additionally, the guardian is asking that the judge place a gag order on Wendy's ex. "I request that the Court increase the protection of this case and issue a 'gag order' thereby instructing Mr. Hunter not to speak to the press or others, except for legal advisors, about these matters and to instruct anyone with whom he has previously discussed these matters that they should not communicate about these matters with anyone else," Wendy's guardian demanded in the filing.
She is also seeking to have the court dismiss Kevin's request to bring the case once again before the court, and instead decide whether the case should go to arbitration.
As reported last month, Kevin is asking the court to intervene after he claims the payments, which were agreed to in his and Wendy's Marital Settlement Agreement, suddenly ceased just before she was placed under guardianship in 2022.
He is now asking for the payments to resume. Kevin repeatedly asked for Wendy's financial records during mediation, according to sources.
Kevin said despite supposed assurances from his ex's guardian and her attorney that they would provide him with Wendy's bank records, they never materialized.
MONEY WAR Wendy's guardian demands ex Kevin return $112K after he was 'overpaid' in divorce
During Wendy's docuseries Where is Wendy Williams? which aired on Lifetime last month, the star said while discussing her guardianship, "I have no money."
"And let me tell you something, if it happens to me, it can happen to you," she told the camera of her financial situation.
The Gap between Caitlin Clark's WNBA salary and her male counterparts' draws outrage
College basketball superstar Caitlin Clark is set to soar to new heights in the WNBA — but her rookie contract means she will pocket a fraction of the millions her male counterparts have made on the court.
Clark, the University of Iowa legend who has already made history as NCAA Division I basketball’s overall top scorer, sealed a contract with the Indiana Fever after she was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft Monday.
Clark will earn $338,056 over four years, according to the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement.
Under the 2024 WNBA rookie scale for the No. 1-4 draft picks, she'll earn a base salary of $76,535 for her first year, $78,066 the second year and $85,873 the third, with a fourth-year option of $97,582.
Despite Clark’s unprecedented star power, her salary is a sliver of the eye-popping amount male athletes make in the NBA.
WNBA draft picks No. 2-4 — Stanford’s Cameron Brink, who went to the Los Angeles Sparks, South Carolina’s Kamilla Cardoso, with the Chicago Sky, and Tennessee’s Rickea Jackson, also with the Sparks — will make the same pay as Clark.
For comparison, San Antonio Spurs rookie star Victor Wembanyama — the No. 1 pick in last year’s NBA draft — secured a $55 million four-year contract under which he pocketed $12.1 million in his first season, according to the athlete contract tracker Spotrac.
Though Clark is likely to rake in much more through endorsements and sponsorships, outraged simmered on social media over the glaring salary disparity between the WNBA and the NBA.
Co-host Jenna Bush Hager added: “Honestly the gap is so jarring. ... We’re talking about equal pay. That ain't even close.”
They said things are likely to change in the future as games have already sold out and viewership, which has historically lagged behind the NBA, has soared, partly on account of Clark’s celebrity.
President Joe Biden said on social media Tuesday" "Women in sports continue to push new boundaries and inspire us all."
"But right now we’re seeing that even if you’re the best, women are not paid their fair share," he said. "It’s time that we give our daughters the same opportunities as our sons and ensure women are paid what they deserve."
Male athletes also chimed in.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson shared a post about Clark's pay on X, adding: “These ladies deserve so much more … Praying for the day.”
One user wrote on X, “To the people saying it doesn’t matter what Caitlin Clarks salary is because she will be making millions through endorsement, it actually does matter.”
Another wrote, “Presumably she’ll make bank on endorsements but Caitlin Clark’s WNBA salary is less than that of a union nurse, teacher, or cop.”
Journalist Lisa Ling wrote on Instagram: “Steph Curry makes more per game than what Caitlin Clark is making for 4 years! With the toll sports and travel take on women’s bodies, is this even a living wage? I know WNBA games have not brought in comparable numbers by any stretch of the imagination, but this is disgraceful. Do better for all of our women athletes!”
The fight for more equitable pay in women’s basketball has been a long one.
“From a salary standpoint, it’d be great for the women to be able to make more money,” WNBA legend Lisa Leslie said in a conversation with fellow basketball stars LeBron James and Draymond Green on an October 2022 episode of “The Shop: Uninterrupted.”
“It’s a lot of work — it’s a lot of hard work. I think I saw something that said one player that makes maybe $12 million on an NBA team can cover the whole WNBA’s salaries. And so that’s kind of crazy,” she added.
The WNBA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Idris Elba & Kid Cudi Hit the Red Carpet at 'Knuckles' Premiere in London
Fellow cast members in attendance included Adam Pally and Rory McCann.
Idris also had the support of wife Sabrina Idris and his mom Eve at the premiere.
The upcoming series will be set in between the events of 2022′s Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and the forthcoming movie Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
In the series, Knuckles goes on a hilarious and action-packed journey of self-discovery as he agrees to train Wade as his protégé and teach him the ways of the Echidna warrior.
The six-episode event series will debut on Paramount+ on Friday, April 26th in the US and Canada, and next day in additional territories.
Toni Braxton Had To Visit ‘At Least’ Six Doctors Before Being Properly Diagnosed w/ Lupus
The 56-year-old recently shared that she had to make several visits to at least 6 different doctors before being diagnosed with the disease and spoke to how it’s affected her life and career.
Toni Braxton, who was diagnosed with lupus in 2008 after collapsing on stage during two different performances, spoke about the matter during a recent podcast interview. Sharing how she was misdiagnosed for a long time before actually getting the right help, she stated:
“Lupus can be very challenging and difficult to diagnose because everything has to line up; it’s almost like an eclipse…And no one could find out what was wrong with me.”
After revealing that she visited “at least” six doctors prior to meeting Dr. Daniel Jeffrey Wallace, who ultimately diagnosed and has been helping the singer manage her lupus over the years, Toni Braxton continued:
“It took me 10 years to get a diagnosis…I felt like a hypochondriac…Like I’m just telling people, ‘I don’t feel well,’ and no one’s listening….And lupus doesn’t have a look to it. Not to say that other things do, but we always try to fake that we’re feeling great or don’t want to worry anyone. As mothers and women, we tend to do that anyway.”
In case you’re unfamiliar, lupus is an autoimmune disease that typically has symptoms similar to other conditions like chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia, leading to regular misdiagnosis. During the interview, Braxton went on to state that she first thought her ailments, specifically her tightness of breath, were due to her breast implants and had them removed. However, the “Unbreak My Heart” singer said she continued to feel sick and extremely fatigued and grew even more concerned after collapsing on stage again years after the first time it happened.
Once she was able to get the right diagnosis, Braxton admitted that things didn’t necessarily get easier. The musician opened up about having to terminate her third pregnancy due to risks stemming from the lupus. Additionally, she stated that her career was also in jeopardy because the entertainment industry isn’t fond of “sick celebrities.” Explaining how work-life shifted after the diagnosis, Braxton stated:
“People get scared around sick celebrities. I couldn’t get insured. You would not get work, because the second I was told I had it, I didn’t get work at first,”
However, Braxton shared that she’s since learned to navigate her health and career, insisting that she’s being heavily supported by Cedric The Entertainer ahead of their coming Las Vegas Residency together.
Remembering Selena Quintanilla On What Would Have Been Her 53rd Birthday
Singer Selena Quintanilla was one of the most promising artists of her time when she rose to fame in the 1980s and early 1990s. Though she was violently taken at a young age, let’s honor the superstar who wished to be remembered as a “person who cared a lot” on what would have been her 53rd birthday.
Having found success for years in Tejano music, which fuses Mexican and American genres. As part of The Quintanilla Family, a music group consisting of Selena and her loved ones, she worked closely with those she loved but would later explore her solo endeavors in the late 1980s. Still keeping her family close, Selena’s self-titled 1989 major-label debut allowed fans outside of her community to experience her gentle vocals and catchy hits. The EMI Latin release was partly written by her brother A.B. The ten-track project was primarily recorded in Spanish, though it displayed elements of R&B and pop. The track “My Love” was released in English, which utilized these genres, further showcasing her versatility. The album peaked at number seven on the Billboard Regional Mexican Albums chart.
Selena unveiled her second EMI Latin studio album, “Ven Conmigo,” in September 1990. One of the singles, “Baila Esta Cumbia,” would become one of Selena’s most successful records. From there, the young vocalist would release several successful LPs, including her May 1993 live album, which won a Grammy Award for Best Mexican-American Album at the 36th Grammy Awards, making her the first Tejano artist to achieve this. “Selena Live” also snagged two awards from the 1994 Billboard Latin Music Awards and three at the Tejano Music Awards that same year. In addition to her musical success, the performer was a budding entrepreneur who launched Selena Etc. The apparel company had two locations, one in Corpus Christi, Texas, and another in San Antonio. Hispanic Business Magazine once reported that the singer brought in over five million dollars from this venture.
Sadly, the world lost Selena the following year at age 23 when she was gunned down by the president of her fan club and manager of Selena Etc., Yolanda Saldívar. The singer and her sister Suzette fired Saldívar on March 9th, 1995, after learning she was stealing money from the businesses. Just weeks later, Saldívar shot Selena in the back on March 31st, 1995, when the adored entertainer met with her at a Days Inn to retrieve financial records. She was subsequently sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after thirty years.
The singer would be forever immortalized with the August 1995 posthumous release of her “Dreaming Of You” and the title track, which received critical acclaim. The 1997 biopic starring Jennifer Lopez also helped keep Selena’s memory alive.
Men’s USA Basketball Team For 2024 Olympic Games Almost Finalized
According to ESPN, Team USA will be featuring some of today’s icons and legends on the roster as the likes of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Joel Embiid will be taking the court to represent the red, white and blue. Pacing on the sidelines to coach the upcoming superstar roster will be the Golden State Warriors head coach, Steve Kerr. Kerr’s no stranger to leading his team to the promised land as he’s helped his Warriors bring home four NBA Championships but has no Olympic gold in his illustrious trophy room. (The man also won a few championship rings alongside the GOAT, Michael Jordan).
The rest of the roster will feature some pretty big names who’ve been making much noise this season and seem Hall of Fame bound when it’s all said and done.
ESPN reports:
U.S. basketball is planning to formally announce this 11-man roster that also includes Lakers forward Anthony Davis, Suns guard Devin Booker, Minnesota guard Anthony Edwards, Boston forward Jayson Tatum, Boston guard Jrue Holiday, Miami center Bam Adebayo and Indiana guard Tyrese Haliburton, sources said.
James is playing in his fourth Olympics, a career that includes a bronze medal in 2004 and gold medals in 2008 and 2012.
Haliburton and Edwards are the only players from the non-medalist 2023 FIBA World Cup team who were selected for the Olympic Games.
Naturally, Knick fans were outraged that the team’s MVP, Jalen Brunson, wasn’t added to the team given the standout year that he’s been having thus far. Averaging 28.7 PPG and 6.7 assists per game, Brunson has carried an injury ridden Knicks team to its first 50-win season in more than a decade while helping them secure the No. 2 seed in the playoffs.
But with Team USA managing director Grant Hill keeping one roster slot open ahead of a July training camp and exhibition games in Las Vegas, Brunson might just make the cut. But we’ll just have to wait and see.
What do y’all think of Team USA’s current roster? Who would you add or replace?
Courtney Love Says Taylor Swift Is ‘Not Interesting as an Artist,’ Doesn’t Like Beyoncé, Lana Del Rey, and Madonna
In usual Courtney Love fashion, the rock legend still keeps it frank about her thoughts on contemporary women in pop music.
The former Hole frontwoman spoke to The Standard in a article published last week, where she gave some hot takes about Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, and her longtime frenemy, Madonna.
Concerning Beyoncé's latest album, Cowboy Carter, the singer made it clear that she wasn't a part of the BeyHive. "I mean, I like the idea of Beyoncé doing a country record because it’s about Black women going into spaces where previously only white women have been allowed, not that I like it much. As a concept, I love it. I just don’t like her music," Love told the publication.
After speaking highly of female rock, soul and pop pioneers like Patti Smith, Nina Simone and Joni Mitchell, Love frowned upon Swift, a modern pop sensation who's the most-streamed female artist of all-time. ‘Taylor is not important. She might be a safe space for girls, and she’s probably the Madonna of now, but she’s not interesting as an artist,'" Love scoffed.
She even threw some shade at Swift's bestie, Lana Del Rey, whom she hasn't liked "since she covered a John Denver song," and even suggested that the singer "should really take seven years off." "Up until ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ I thought she was great. When I was recording my new album, I had to stop listening to her as she was influencing me too much," Love continued.
In terms of Madonna, who Love infamously disrupted during the 1995 MTV VMAs post-show, Love insinuated that there's still beef between them. "I don’t like her and she doesn’t like me. I loved 'Desperately Seeking Susan,' but for the city of New York as much as her."
Love's gone head-to-head with top women in pop music before, once dissing Gwen Stefani as being a "cheerleader," in a 2004 interview with Seventeen. Turning the shade into a chart-topping hit, Stefani responded with her 2005 single "Hollaback Girl," which has an iconic cheerleader-inspired chorus.
The upcoming series will be set in between the events of 2022′s Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and the forthcoming movie Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
In the series, Knuckles goes on a hilarious and action-packed journey of self-discovery as he agrees to train Wade as his protégé and teach him the ways of the Echidna warrior.
The six-episode event series will debut on Paramount+ on Friday, April 26th in the US and Canada, and next day in additional territories.
Toni Braxton Had To Visit ‘At Least’ Six Doctors Before Being Properly Diagnosed w/ Lupus
Toni Braxton, who was diagnosed with lupus in 2008 after collapsing on stage during two different performances, spoke about the matter during a recent podcast interview. Sharing how she was misdiagnosed for a long time before actually getting the right help, she stated:
“Lupus can be very challenging and difficult to diagnose because everything has to line up; it’s almost like an eclipse…And no one could find out what was wrong with me.”
After revealing that she visited “at least” six doctors prior to meeting Dr. Daniel Jeffrey Wallace, who ultimately diagnosed and has been helping the singer manage her lupus over the years, Toni Braxton continued:
“It took me 10 years to get a diagnosis…I felt like a hypochondriac…Like I’m just telling people, ‘I don’t feel well,’ and no one’s listening….And lupus doesn’t have a look to it. Not to say that other things do, but we always try to fake that we’re feeling great or don’t want to worry anyone. As mothers and women, we tend to do that anyway.”
In case you’re unfamiliar, lupus is an autoimmune disease that typically has symptoms similar to other conditions like chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia, leading to regular misdiagnosis. During the interview, Braxton went on to state that she first thought her ailments, specifically her tightness of breath, were due to her breast implants and had them removed. However, the “Unbreak My Heart” singer said she continued to feel sick and extremely fatigued and grew even more concerned after collapsing on stage again years after the first time it happened.
Once she was able to get the right diagnosis, Braxton admitted that things didn’t necessarily get easier. The musician opened up about having to terminate her third pregnancy due to risks stemming from the lupus. Additionally, she stated that her career was also in jeopardy because the entertainment industry isn’t fond of “sick celebrities.” Explaining how work-life shifted after the diagnosis, Braxton stated:
“People get scared around sick celebrities. I couldn’t get insured. You would not get work, because the second I was told I had it, I didn’t get work at first,”
However, Braxton shared that she’s since learned to navigate her health and career, insisting that she’s being heavily supported by Cedric The Entertainer ahead of their coming Las Vegas Residency together.
Remembering Selena Quintanilla On What Would Have Been Her 53rd Birthday
Singer Selena Quintanilla was one of the most promising artists of her time when she rose to fame in the 1980s and early 1990s. Though she was violently taken at a young age, let’s honor the superstar who wished to be remembered as a “person who cared a lot” on what would have been her 53rd birthday.
Having found success for years in Tejano music, which fuses Mexican and American genres. As part of The Quintanilla Family, a music group consisting of Selena and her loved ones, she worked closely with those she loved but would later explore her solo endeavors in the late 1980s. Still keeping her family close, Selena’s self-titled 1989 major-label debut allowed fans outside of her community to experience her gentle vocals and catchy hits. The EMI Latin release was partly written by her brother A.B. The ten-track project was primarily recorded in Spanish, though it displayed elements of R&B and pop. The track “My Love” was released in English, which utilized these genres, further showcasing her versatility. The album peaked at number seven on the Billboard Regional Mexican Albums chart.
Selena unveiled her second EMI Latin studio album, “Ven Conmigo,” in September 1990. One of the singles, “Baila Esta Cumbia,” would become one of Selena’s most successful records. From there, the young vocalist would release several successful LPs, including her May 1993 live album, which won a Grammy Award for Best Mexican-American Album at the 36th Grammy Awards, making her the first Tejano artist to achieve this. “Selena Live” also snagged two awards from the 1994 Billboard Latin Music Awards and three at the Tejano Music Awards that same year. In addition to her musical success, the performer was a budding entrepreneur who launched Selena Etc. The apparel company had two locations, one in Corpus Christi, Texas, and another in San Antonio. Hispanic Business Magazine once reported that the singer brought in over five million dollars from this venture.
Sadly, the world lost Selena the following year at age 23 when she was gunned down by the president of her fan club and manager of Selena Etc., Yolanda Saldívar. The singer and her sister Suzette fired Saldívar on March 9th, 1995, after learning she was stealing money from the businesses. Just weeks later, Saldívar shot Selena in the back on March 31st, 1995, when the adored entertainer met with her at a Days Inn to retrieve financial records. She was subsequently sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after thirty years.
The singer would be forever immortalized with the August 1995 posthumous release of her “Dreaming Of You” and the title track, which received critical acclaim. The 1997 biopic starring Jennifer Lopez also helped keep Selena’s memory alive.
Men’s USA Basketball Team For 2024 Olympic Games Almost Finalized
The Men’s U.S. Basketball team for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris is being rounded out. Some of your favorite NBA superstars will be partaking in the event this summer while others will remain in America to cheer on their professional peers from the comfort of their own homes.
According to ESPN, Team USA will be featuring some of today’s icons and legends on the roster as the likes of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Joel Embiid will be taking the court to represent the red, white and blue. Pacing on the sidelines to coach the upcoming superstar roster will be the Golden State Warriors head coach, Steve Kerr. Kerr’s no stranger to leading his team to the promised land as he’s helped his Warriors bring home four NBA Championships but has no Olympic gold in his illustrious trophy room. (The man also won a few championship rings alongside the GOAT, Michael Jordan).
The rest of the roster will feature some pretty big names who’ve been making much noise this season and seem Hall of Fame bound when it’s all said and done.
ESPN reports:
U.S. basketball is planning to formally announce this 11-man roster that also includes Lakers forward Anthony Davis, Suns guard Devin Booker, Minnesota guard Anthony Edwards, Boston forward Jayson Tatum, Boston guard Jrue Holiday, Miami center Bam Adebayo and Indiana guard Tyrese Haliburton, sources said.
James is playing in his fourth Olympics, a career that includes a bronze medal in 2004 and gold medals in 2008 and 2012.
Haliburton and Edwards are the only players from the non-medalist 2023 FIBA World Cup team who were selected for the Olympic Games.
Naturally, Knick fans were outraged that the team’s MVP, Jalen Brunson, wasn’t added to the team given the standout year that he’s been having thus far. Averaging 28.7 PPG and 6.7 assists per game, Brunson has carried an injury ridden Knicks team to its first 50-win season in more than a decade while helping them secure the No. 2 seed in the playoffs.
But with Team USA managing director Grant Hill keeping one roster slot open ahead of a July training camp and exhibition games in Las Vegas, Brunson might just make the cut. But we’ll just have to wait and see.
What do y’all think of Team USA’s current roster? Who would you add or replace?
Courtney Love Says Taylor Swift Is ‘Not Interesting as an Artist,’ Doesn’t Like Beyoncé, Lana Del Rey, and Madonna
In usual Courtney Love fashion, the rock legend still keeps it frank about her thoughts on contemporary women in pop music.
The former Hole frontwoman spoke to The Standard in a article published last week, where she gave some hot takes about Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, and her longtime frenemy, Madonna.
Concerning Beyoncé's latest album, Cowboy Carter, the singer made it clear that she wasn't a part of the BeyHive. "I mean, I like the idea of Beyoncé doing a country record because it’s about Black women going into spaces where previously only white women have been allowed, not that I like it much. As a concept, I love it. I just don’t like her music," Love told the publication.
After speaking highly of female rock, soul and pop pioneers like Patti Smith, Nina Simone and Joni Mitchell, Love frowned upon Swift, a modern pop sensation who's the most-streamed female artist of all-time. ‘Taylor is not important. She might be a safe space for girls, and she’s probably the Madonna of now, but she’s not interesting as an artist,'" Love scoffed.
She even threw some shade at Swift's bestie, Lana Del Rey, whom she hasn't liked "since she covered a John Denver song," and even suggested that the singer "should really take seven years off." "Up until ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ I thought she was great. When I was recording my new album, I had to stop listening to her as she was influencing me too much," Love continued.
In terms of Madonna, who Love infamously disrupted during the 1995 MTV VMAs post-show, Love insinuated that there's still beef between them. "I don’t like her and she doesn’t like me. I loved 'Desperately Seeking Susan,' but for the city of New York as much as her."
Love's gone head-to-head with top women in pop music before, once dissing Gwen Stefani as being a "cheerleader," in a 2004 interview with Seventeen. Turning the shade into a chart-topping hit, Stefani responded with her 2005 single "Hollaback Girl," which has an iconic cheerleader-inspired chorus.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Drag or Brag?
An old drag queen on Walmart
An old drag queen on Walmart
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
