Ciara Rocks Her First ‘ESSENCE’ Cover, Talks Motherhood & Engagement To Russell Wilson
Ciara‘s sitting pretty on two covers for ESSENCE magazine’s May 2016 issue. She shows off her flawless skin in a strapless top paired with floral pants, in her first ESSENCE cover feature.
Inside the issue, Ciara opens up about her life now, turning out to be just as she imagined it would as a teenager. She says she made a goal sheet, which included selling “3 to 4 million” records and “have longevity” – dreams that came true by the time she was 21.
“I’d always wanted to have my own family,” she said, in talking her dream of motherhood and a family. “And my pregnancy was planned when I was at a point in my life when I was finally ready to take on the responsibility.” She welcomed her son, baby Future, on May 19, 2014 – fulfilling the dream of being a mother.
CiCi says that following her very public breakup with Future, she “had to reflect and reorganize [her] thoughts,” the moment she realized she was going to be a single mother – as that wasn’t necessarily part of her vision. “I decided to trust that God had a plan for me, and move forward one day at a time,” she explains.
She continues, revealing that she was very specific when pointing out what she wanted in a man, prior to her relationship with, Seattle Seahawks quarterback, Russell Wilson – who proposed to her during a romantic getaway in Seychelles.
“I remember telling my friend the kind of guy I wanted: a God-fearing man with a very fun spirit who loves kids and would really, truly care for me. I was very specific because I do believe you can have it all.”
Pick up a copy of the May issue of ESSENCE – on newsstands April 15th – for more.
#RHOA: Sheree Whitfield Talks Chateau Sheree; Kandi Burruss Understands Todd’s Frustrations With Phaedra
Sheree Whitfield and Kandi Burruss are reflecting on the final episode of the Real Housewives of Atlanta reunion. Sheree talks about the status of Chateau Sheree and also her friendship status with NeNe Leakes. Kandi dishes on the short-lived relief of escaping the couch to go pump.
Sheree didn’t win the mansion completion race with Kenya Moore, who should be moved into Moore Manor by now, but Sheree maintains that she’s moving in any day now. “I have not moved into Chateau Sheree yet, but SOON. VERY SOON! I’m a perfectionist and I just want it to be perfect for me and my family, so I’ve made so many changes aesthetically. However I cannot wait to share the end results to all of my blood, sweat, and tears I’ve put into this project…very, very, very soon!”
On keeping in touch with NeNe Leakes since they rekindled their friendship, she shared, “NeNe and I have kept in touch, and we have even hung out a few times since reuniting. NeNe is always a lot of fun and I’m happy to report that so far things are going well!” Sheree also said she was glad that viewers had a chance to see the fun side of her and Bob this season.
As for Kandi’s reunion experience, she was grateful for the small break from the couch torture while she went to pump. It’s good to be breastfeeding! “Of course I was happy! Anything to get out of debating with the women all day long.”
On watching Todd and Phaedra arguing, “You never want your husband to argue with any woman, but I understood his frustration. I’m glad it is over with and we don’t have to talk about it anymore.” Kandi says she went home and straight to bed after the reunion taping. I don’t blame her a bit!
So what you think, will Sheree Be In The Chateau By Next Season?
#EMPIRE: Jussie Smollett Talks About Growing Up in a Biracial Home and Pranking His ‘Empire’ Costars
There is lots of great music, loads of drama and plenty of surprises packed into each episode of Fox’s "Empire." And much of it is centered around break-out star Jussie Smollett who plays singer/musician Jamal Lyon, son of fictitious music moguls Cookie and Luscious Lyon (played by Taraji P. Henson and Terrance Howard). It’s the role that has thrust Smollett into the spotlight - something he’s still wrapping his head around.
“I was sitting in a restaurant yesterday and I was just in a lunch meeting and then I look and there’s paparazzi out there taking pictures. And I’m like, 'That’s so weird. It’s not normal,'” Smollett told ABC News. “At first you’re looking around, and you’re like, 'Is One Direction here? Where’s Michael B. Jordan?' And then you realize that they’re there for you. And I’m like, ‘There’s gotta be something better to do than follow me around,’” joked Smollett.
“And because he’s gay, Luscious, played by the great Terrance Howard, is not very supportive,” said Smollett. “He’s not happy. He’s not going on any marches with his son, let’s just say that. He ain’t gone be there."
A gay, black man living in the world of hip-hop is a role rarely seen on prime-time television. But Smollett said he feels no added pressure on how he portrays the character.
“But it is a responsibility. But I felt that responsibility before I was on 'Empire,'” Smollett, 32, told Peter Travers. “I feel like Jamal and myself, we don’t just represent one group of people but instead represent anybody that has been misunderstood in their life anybody that has been misunderstood regardless of race or gender or age or sexuality or religion. We’ve all felt that at least one or a million times in our life, that somebody is prejudging me. They have these preconceived notions about me when they know nothing about me. We’ve all felt that way. And I feel like that’s why Jamal resonates with people.”
Smollett’s confidence likely stems from his upbringing. He grew up in a tight-knit family with a diverse background -- his mother is African American and his father is Russian-Polish -- and he's one of six siblings.
“We’re a very close family, a functioning family, instead of dysfunctional - unlike the Lyons,” Smollett said. “No one’s ever loved me in spite of who I am. They’ve always loved me because of who I am.”
He continued: “I look back on that and I’m like wait, we had bagels with hot links, pork hot links! This is not kosher at all! Well, that’s what Blue-ish people do! Black and Jewish. That’s what we do."
Smollett’s lighthearted demeanor appears to transfer to the set of "Empire." His millions of Twitter and Instagram followers have had the opportunity to see first-hand that he’s quite the prankster. Co-star Taraji P. Henson is typically his victim.
“Taraji backhands me every single moment that she can get because I’m constantly messing with her. And the thing about playing pranks on her is that you have to know how to play pranks,” joked Smollett. “There are certain things you should know. Stick with me. The great thing is that you don’t want to play a prank on somebody that’s just a stick in the mud. You want to do it to someone who you know their reaction is going to be legendary. And Taraji P. Henson gives the most legendary reactions."
#UNRELEASED Tunes: Listen: Mike City Shares Previously Unreleased A Young Jazmine Sullivan Song “Life Is Good”
Mike City is out here giving R&B fans life! The producer has been liberating rare gems and previously unreleased records from his vault, and his latest is none other than Jazmine Sullivan.
The song, titled “Life Is Good,” was recorded over 12 years ago in the early 2000s when Jazmine was just a teenager. Her vocal abilities were out of this world at a young age and Mike shared some thoughts on working with her back then.
“When you’re in the presence of greatness, you usually know right away..I knew Jazmine was great immediately!! She was only 14-15 yrs old and was an absolute BEAST and she STILL IS..being that today (4/9) is her b’day, i wanted to let the real R&B/Soul heads hear how she was getting down BACK THEN…She cut her vocals in 1-2 takes and was under the weather too.”
Take a listen HERE
WOW…
#NEWHIPHOP: Jim Jones Feat. Rich Homie Quan, A$Ap Ferg, & Desiigner – ‘Finesse’
After teaching fans how to ball, Jim Jones schools listeners on how to “Finesse.” In order to do this, the New York rapper has enlisted assistance from Rich Homie Quan, A$AP Ferg, and G.O.O.D. Music’s Desiigner.
Jones bounces through the track, rhyming about gang ties, trips to Miami, and getting blunted. Then, Ferg raps about putting “Twitter fingers in her rear,” Quan references Tony Montana and Lira Galore, and Desiigner makes his “Panda” gun sound effects throughout.
“Finesse” could land on Jim Jones’ next project. What might that be? Well, earlier today, Capo revealed that he’s been working on The Kitchen for some time now. “I ain’t get fresh in 2 months just been in th #TheKitchen cookin #ImGoingForMine #foodforthought,” he wrote.
For now, though, this star-studded single will have to do. Listen to “Finesse” HERE
UGH! You, Again. Nick Gordon Sitting Down with Dr. Phil
Nick Gordon returns to the Dr. Phil Show for his first interview since Bobbi Kristina's death... You’ll recall, the last time Nick appeared on the show (in a disturbing way we might add), Dr. Phil and his mother staged an intervention in hopes that Nick would seek professional help in rehab following the death of his then girlfriend Bobbi Kristina. Bobbi K passed away last summer, six months after being found unconscious, submerged under water in a bathtub inside of her home in Duluth, GA.
Bobbi K’s autopsy report was released last month on what would have been her 23rd birthday. Now, Nick, who’s facing a wrongful death lawsuit, is speaking out for the first time since the medical examiner’s report was released
The episode airs April 28.
“American Idol” Contestant La’Porsha Renae Responds To Anti-Gay Backlash
OH LAWD! “American Idol” runner up La’Porsha Renae is speaking out after getting dragged online for anti-gay comments she made during a recent interview with the media.
Here’s how it all went down…. During a conference call with reporters on Friday (April 8th), the 22-year-old Mississippi native, who didn’t win the singing competition but did nab a recording contract with Motown Records, was asked how she felt about Mississippi’s new law that would allow businesses, individuals, and religiously affiliated organizations to deny service to LGBT people.
La’Porsha responded: “This is how I feel about the LGBT Community. They are people just like us. They’re not animals as someone stated before. (Ed: boxer Manny Pacquiao made those remarks. She would have sung the NA at his fight this weekend if she had won.) They’re people with feelings. Although all of us may not agree with that particular lifestyle for religious reasons–whatever the reason is. You still treat each other with respect. Everybody is a human being. We should be able to coexist with one another. I am one of the people who don’t really agree with that lifestyle. I wasn’t brought up that way, it wasn’t how I was raised. But I do have a lot of friends and a lot of people that I love dearly who are gay and homosexual and they’re such sweet, nice people. We should just respect each other’s differences and opinions and move on. “
Folks were outraged and insulted that La’Porsha would refer to the LGBT community as a "lifestyle" and proceeded to bash her on social media.
La’Porsha soon took to her Twitter account to address the situation tweeting:
Then, she hopped on Periscope to chat with her fans where she addressed the controversy again saying she didn't mean to hurt anyone with her comments.
She explained: “I didn’t mean to hurt anyone. I tried to be as open and honest and neutral as possible, but that’s the way interviews go. Sometimes when you do interviews, it gets twisted up."
“I can understand when I read it back why people were offended, and for that I deeply apologize. I wasn’t trying to offend anyone. I was just trying to honestly answer a question that caught me off guard. It was supposed to be an interview about singing, and it became political and I’m not a political person at all.”
However, you don't find it strange that the the actual winner Trent Harmon who is also from Mississippi wasn't asked that? I wonder why? However this will be a teaching moment for LaPorsha in the world of being politically correct!
Sugar Shane Mosley blasts pro boxer over gay community
Manny Pacquiao came under fire earlier this year when he bashed the gay community, comparing gay people to animals. Pacquiao has already endured the major backlash, which cost him a lucrative endorsement deal, but now he’s back in the headlines thanks to fellow boxer “Sugar” Shane Mosley, who claimed that he’ll fight Pacquiao for the honor of the gay community.
As previously reported, Pacquiao said in an interview that animals are better than humans because, as far as he knew, homosexuality doesn’t exist in the animal kingdom.
“Will you see any animals where male is to male and female is to female? The animals are better,” Pacquiao said in the interview. “They know how to distinguish male from female. If we approve [of] male on male, female on female, then man is worse than animals.”
Clearly, Pacquiao hadn’t read an article or watched nature programs about the vast amount of homosexuality that naturally occurs in the animal kingdom, but he still decided to apologize for his comments while maintaining that he still believes homosexuality is wrong.
“I’m sorry for hurting people by comparing homosexuals to animals. Please forgive me for those I’ve hurt. I still stand on my belief that I’m against same-sex marriage because of what the Bible says, but I’m not condemning LGBT. I love you all with the love of the Lord. God bless you all and I’m praying for you,” Pacquiao wrote in an Instagram message.
Unfortunately for the pro boxer, Nike wasn’t happy with his comments and promptly ended their long-term contract with Pacquiao.
According to media reports, Mosley was recently asked about Pacquiao’s comments and Mosley’s girlfriend claimed that he’d take a rematch against Pacquiao in honor of the gay community.
“If he does fight Pacquiao, he’ll do it in honor of defending the gay community,” said Mosley’s girlfriend, to which Mosley replied, “Yeah.”
“One of my sisters is gay,” she told Mosley. “You better!”
“That could happen,” said Mosley about a possible match up.
Well, we doubt that match up would ever happen since Pacquiao said he’s retiring from the sport to focus on being a politician in the Philippines.
Afrika Bambaataa’s Accuser Ronald Savage Details Alleged Molestation
*Ronald Savage, the man who says hip-hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa sexually abused him at age 15, is speaking out about the experience in a new interview with the New York Daily News.
“I want him to know how much he damaged me growing up,” said Savage. “I was just a child. Why did he take my innocence away? Why did he do this to me?”
Savage, now a 50-year-old political activist, recalls at least five incidents of sexual abuse, during which he said he felt hypnotized as they occurred. At the time, Bambaataa was 23 and Savage was part of Bambaataa’s Zulu Nation.
As previously reported, Savage said he didn’t go to the police at the time because he was embarrassed and ashamed. Fear also played a role.
“People don’t understand that you are scared. You’re scared if you tell on this person, what are they going to do to you, what you’re going to do to your family,” Savage said.
He does not want money from Bambaataa. His only goal in coming forward now, he tells the Daily News, is bring awareness to the statute of limitations regarding sexual assault allegations in hopes that it will some day be removed altogether.
“I promised myself before I die, I’m going to let the world know what happened to me,” he told the News. “They need to get rid of the statute of limitations. How can anyone who has not been a victim say when somebody is ready to speak about this?”
Vivian Kimi Tozaki, Bambaataa’s attorney, has denied Savage’s allegations.
“Defamatory statements were published seeking to harm my client’s reputation so as to lower him in the estimation of the community while deterring others from associating or dealing with him,” she told the Daily News, referring to Savage’s self-published book, Impulse Urges and Fantasies. “The statements show a reckless disregard for the truth, were published with knowledge of their falsity, and are being made by a lesser-known person seeking publicity.”
Producer Will Packer Gets Surprise Birthday Party In Miami With Kandi and Todd Tucker plus MORE!
Hollywood producer Will Packer, who brought us films like Straight Outta Compton, Ride Along 2 & Think Like A Man, was thrown a surprise birthday dinner at Hakkasan Miami Beach in Miami over the weekend.
As expected, his wife Heather Hayslett was in attendance to show the birthday boy some love on his special day.
Cute!
Finding time in between shooting his new dating show “Coupled,” Will’s longtime friend and collaborator Terrence J made sure he was in attendance to celebrate with his friend.
After spending time out in the pool with Baby Ace a few days earlier, new parents again Kandi Burruss Tucker and Todd Tucker were also in the mix to celebrate.
Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed jetted to Miami for the birthday fun posing it up with the birthday boy and his lovely wife.
Celebrity managers Charlie Mack and Fred Whitaker was in the mix.
Fun times!
Happy Birthday Will!
2016 Billboard Music Awards: And The Nominees Are…
On May 22nd, Las Vegas will full of stars as the 2016 Billboard Music Awards takes over the T-Mobile Arena.
Ludacris and Ciara (who will co-host the show) paid a visit to “Good Morning America” to reveal a few of the nominees, and of course Taylor Swift, Adele, Justin Bieber, Drake and The Weeknd are all up for Top Artist.
In Fact, The Weeknd is the top nod-getter, followed by Justin Bieber, Drake and Fetty Wap. Stay linked for all the latest details leading up to the big event.
And the 2016 Billboard Music Awards hopefuls are:
Top Artist
Adele
Justin Bieber
Drake
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd
Top Male Artist
Justin Bieber
Drake
Fetty Wap
Ed Sheeran
The Weeknd
Top Female Artist
Adele
Selena Gomez
Ariana Grande
Rihanna
Taylor Swift
Top New Artist
Fetty Wap
Omi
Charlie Puth
Silento
Bryson Tiller
Top Hot 100 Song
Adele, “Hello”
Fetty Wap, “Trap Queen”
Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth, “See You Again”
The Weeknd, “Can’t Feel My Face”
The Weeknd, “The Hills”
Top Billboard 200 Album
Adele, 25
Justin Bieber, Purpose
Ed Sheeran, x
Taylor Swift, 1989
The Weeknd, Beauty Behind The Madness
Top Social Media Artist
Justin Bieber
Selena Gomez
Ariana Grande
Demi Lovato
Taylor Swift
Top Streaming Songs Artist
Justin Bieber
Drake
Fetty Wap
Silento
The Weeknd
Top Hot 100 Artist
Justin Bieber
Drake
Fetty Wap
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd
Top Billboard 200 Artist
Adele
Justin Bieber
Drake
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd
Top Song Sales Artist
Adele
Justin Bieber
Drake
Fetty Wap
The Weeknd
Top Radio Songs Artist
Justin Bieber
Ellie Goulding
Ed Sheeran
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd
Top Touring Artist
Madonna
One Direction
Rolling Stones
Taylor Swift
U2
Top Duo/Group
Maroon 5
One Direction
Twenty One Pilots
Rolling Stones
U2
Top R&B Artist
Chris Brown
Jeremih
Rihanna
Bryson Tiller
The Weeknd
Top R&B Album
Chris Brown, Royalty
Rihanna, Anti
Bryson Tiller, T R A P S O U L
Tyrese, Black Rose
The Weeknd, Beauty Behind The Madness
Top R&B Song
Alessia Cara “Here”
Omarion Featuring Chris Brown & Jhene Aiko, “Post To Be”
The Weeknd, “Can’t Feel My Face”
The Weeknd, “Earned It (Fifty Shades of Grey)”
The Weeknd, “The Hills”
Top Rap Artist
Drake
Fetty Wap
Future
Wiz Khalifa
Silento
Top Rap Album
Drake, If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late
Drake & Future, What A Time To Be Alive
Dr. Dre, Compton
Kendrick Lamar, To Pimp A Butterfly
Meek Mill, Dreams Worth More Than Money
Top Rap Song
Drake, “Hotline Bling”
Fetty Wap, “Trap Queen”
Fetty Wap, “679” feat. Remy Boyz
Silento, “Watch Me”
Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth, “See You Again”
Top Country Artist
Zac Brown Band
Luke Bryan
Sam Hunt
Chris Stapleton
Carrie Underwood
Top Country Album
Chris Stapleton, Traveller
Luke Bryan, Kill The Lights
Sam Hunt, Montevallo
Zac Brown Band, Jekyll + Hyde
Carrie Underwood, Storyteller
Top Country Song
Sam Hunt, “Break Up In A Small Town”
Sam Hunt, “Take Your Time”
Little Big Town, “Girl Crush”
Thomas Rhett, “Die A Happy Man”
Chris Young, “I’m Comin’ Over”
Top Rock Artist
Fall Out Boy
Elle King
Twenty One Pilots
Walk The Moon
X Ambassadors
Top Rock Album
Alabama Shakes Sound & Color
David Bowie Blackstar
Coldplay A Head Full Of Dreams
Mumford & Sons Wilder Mind
Twenty One Pilots, Blurryface
Top Rock Song
Fall Out Boy, “Uma Thurman”
Elle King, “Ex’s & Oh’s”
Twenty One Pilots, “Stressed Out”
Walk the Moon, “Shut Up And Dance”
X Ambassadors, “Renegades”
Top Dance/EDM Artist
The Chainsmokers
DJ Snake
David Guetta
Major Lazer
Zedd
Top Dance/EDM Album
David Guetta, Listen
Major Lazer, Peace Is The Mission
ODESZA, In Return
Skrillex & Diplo, Skrillex and Diplo Present Jack Ü
Zedd, True Colors
Top Dance/EDM Song
The Chainsmokers Featuring ROZES, “Roses”
DJ Snake & AlunaGeorge, “You Know You Like It”
David Guetta feat. Nicki Minaj, Bebe Rexha & Afrojack, “Hey Mama”
Major Lazer & DJ Snake Featuring MO, “Lean On”
Skrillex & Diplo, “Where Are U Now” with Justin Bieber
Top Latin Artist
Banda Sinaloense MS De Sergio Lizarraga
Juan Gabriel
Nicky Jam
Los Plebes del Rancho de Ariel Camacho
Romeo Santos
Top Latin Album
Juan Gabriel, Los Duo
Juan Gabriel, Mis Número 1…40 Aniversario
Mana, Cama Incendiada
Gerardo Ortiz, Hoy Mas Fuerte
Romeo Santos, Formula, Vol. 2
Top Latin Song
J Balvin “Ginza”
Ariel Camacho y Los Plebes del Rancho, “Te Metiste”
Nicky Jam & Enrique Iglesias, “El Perdon”
Maluma, “Borro Cassette”
Romeo Santos, “Propuesta Indecente”
Top Christian Artist
Casting Crowns
Lauren Daigle
Hillsong United
Mercy Me
Chris Tomlin
Top Christian Album
Lauren Daigle, How Can It Be
Hillsong United Empires
Joey + Rory, Hymns That Are Important To Us
TobyMac, This Is Not A Test
Chris Tomlin, Adore: Christmas Songs of Worship
Top Christian Song
Hillsong United, “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)”
Hillsong United, “Touch The Sky”
MercyMe, “Flawless”
NEEDTOBREATHE Featuring Gavin DeGraw, “Brother”
Chris Tomlin, “Good Good Father”
Top Gospel Artist
Anthony Brown and group therAPy
Tasha Cobbs
Kirk Franklin
Travis Greene
Marvin Sapp
Top Gospel Album
Anthony Brown & group therAPy, Everyday Jesus
Tasha Cobbs, One Place Live
Kirk Franklin, Losing My Religion
Jonathan McReynolds, Life Music: Stage Two
Marvin Sapp, You Shall Live
Top Gospel Song
Anthony Brown and group therAPy, “Worth”
Erica Campbell feat. Big Shizz, “I Luh God”
Kirk Franklin, “Wanna Be Happy?”
Travis Greene, “Intentional”
Brian Courtney Wilson, “Worth Fighting For”
Top Soundtrack
Empire: Original Soundtrack From Season 1
Fifty Shades of Grey
Furious 7
Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 1
Pitch Perfect 2
Top Selling Song
Adele, “Hello”
Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth, “See You Again”
OMI, “Cheerleader”
Rachel Platten, “Fight Song”
The Weeknd, “The Hills”
Top Radio Song
Adele “Hello”
Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth, “See You Again”
Mark Ronson Featuring Bruno Mars, “Uptown Funk!”
Walk the Moon, “Shut Up And Dance”
The Weeknd, “Can’t Feel My Face”
Top Streaming Song (Audio)
Justin Bieber, “Sorry”
Justin Bieber, “What Do You Mean”
Fetty Wap, “Trap Queen”
The Weeknd, “The Hills”
Drake, “Hotline Bling”
Top Streaming Song (Video)
Fetty Wap, “Trap Queen”
Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth, “See You Again”
Mark Ronson Featuring Bruno Mars, “Uptown Funk!”
Silento, “Watch Me”
The Weeknd, “The Hills”
#EGGPLANT NATION: Folks meet BEEFY BASEBALL BAT BOB!
Well folks wait until you see the BASEBALL BAT he’s swinging! Well you know what to do GO HERE TO SEE THE PICS! and remember they’re NSFW!
You’re Welcome!
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘THE APRON’
Now that is a FUPA of epic proportion! How do you honestly throw that outfit on and feel comfortable with your decision?
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!
EFREM
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