Rita Ora chosen for first ever female cover shoot in Esquire Middle East.
Superstar singer Rita Ora – whose new album Phoenix will be released on November 23 – spoke to exclusively to the magazine on a variety of subjects from #MeToo to Brexit, whilst also posing for over six exclusive shots.
Superstar singer Rita Ora has been chosen as the first ever female cover shoot star for Esquire Middle East.
The singer – whose new album Phoenix will be released on November 23 – spoke to exclusively to the magazine on a variety of subjects from #MeToo to Brexit, whilst also posing for over six exclusive shots.
Ora – who also performed live last month at a Dubai party to celebrate Esquire Middle East’s 100th issue, said she is proud to off her raunchy image to the public.
“I find it very empowering. I love being in tune with my body, and I don’t see me being sexy as a form of disrespect to other people or my upbringing. It is a form of freedom of expression.” she told Esquire Middle East.
“You know, men also show off their body’s on Instagram and people don’t give them as much sh*t.”
She also urged men to be more supportive of the #MeToo movement through “actions” not words.
“I do like seeing men stressing about what they can and can’t say these days!" she said.
"But in all honesty, it’s more about actions not words. It’s about being supportive of progressive change, even it means just being there. Sure, if you feel it’s the right thing to do then speak up, but the key is to show support in whatever way you can.”
Matthew Baxter-Priest, Editor in Chief of Esquire Middle East, said: “As the leading men’s brand in the Gulf, celebrating the landmark 100 issues allows us to consider what direction we want to take moving forward for the future, and I wanted it to be one that is inclusive; one that celebrates success and a trailblazing attitude. Shooting a successful, empowered and globally-renowned talent such as Rita Ora is evidence of that.”
The AMAs 2018: See the Winners List!
Stars flocked to the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Tuesday to see their favorite musical talents perform and get recognized for their yearly accomplishments during one of music’s biggest nights, the 2018 American Music Awards. Shortly after Taylor Swift made her grand return to the AMAs stage for the first time since 2014 as the show’s opener, Cardi B won the first award for Favorite Artist in the Rap/Hip-Hop genre. Swift later won Tour of the Year, Artist of the Year, Best Pop/Rock Album for Reputation and Favorite Female Artist in the Pop/Rock genre, breaking the record for most wins by a female artist. See the complete list of winners (in bold) and nominees below.
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Drake
Imagine Dragons
Post Malone
Ed Sheeran
WINNER: Taylor Swift
FAVORITE NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
WINNER: Camila Cabello
Cardi B
Khalid
Dua Lipa
XXXTentacion
FAVORITE COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR
WINNER: “Havanna,” Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug
“Finesse,” Bruno Mars & Cardi B
“Rockstar,” Post Malone ft. 21 Savage
“Meant to Be,” Beba Rhexha and Florida Georgia Line
“The Middle,” Zedd, Maren Morris and Grey
FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST, POP/ROCK
Camilla Cabello
Cardi B
WINNER: Taylor Swift
FAVORITE MALE ARTIST, POP/ROCK
Drake
WINNER: Post Malone
Ed Sheeran
FAVORITE DUO OR GROUP, POP/ROCK
Imagine Dragons
Maroon 5
WINNER: Migos
FAVORITE SONG, POP/ROCK
WINNER: “Havanna,” Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug
“God’s Plan,” by Drake
“Perfect,” by Ed Sheeran
FAVORITE ALBUM, POP/ROCK
Scorpion, Drake
÷, Ed Sheeran
WINNER: Reputation, Taylor Swift
FAVORITE MALE ARTIST, COUNTRY
WINNER: Kane Brown
Luke Bryan
Thomas Rhett
FAVORITE ALBUM, COUNTRY
WINNER: Kane Brown, Kane Brown
This Ones’s for You, Luke Combs
Life Changes, Thomas Rhett
FAVORITE SONG, COUNTRY
WINNER: “Heaven,” Kane Brown
“Tequila,” Dan + Shay
“Meant to Be,” Beba Rhexha and Florida Georgia Line
FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST, COUNTRY
Kelsea Ballerini
Maren Morris
WINNER: Carrie Underwood
FAVORITE DUO/GROUP, COUNTRY
Dan + Shay
WINNER: Florida Georgia Line
Lanco
FAVORITE ARTIST, RAP/HIP-HOP
WINNER: Cardi B
Drake
Post Malone
FAVORITE MALE ARTIST, SOUL/R&B
WINNER: Khalid
Bruno Mars
The Weeknd
FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST, SOUL/R&B
Ella Mai
WINNER: Rihanna
SZA
FAVORITE SONG, SOUL/R&B
“Young, Dumb, and Broke,” Khalid
“Boo’d Up,” Ella Mai
WINNER “Finesse,” Bruno Mars & Cardi B
FAVORITE ALBUM, RAP/HIP-HOP
Scorpion, Drake
Luv Is Rage 2, Lil Uzi Vert
WINNER: Beerbongs & Bentleys, Post Malone
FAVORITE SONG, RAP/HIP-HOP
WINNER: “Bodak Yellow,” Cardi B
“God’s Plan,” Drake
“Rockstar,” Post Malone ft. 21 Savage
FAVORITE ALBUM, SOUL/R&B
American Teen, Khalid
CTRL, SZA,
WINNER: 17, XXXTentacion
FAVORITE ARTIST, ADULT CONTEMPORARY
WINNER: Shawn Mendes
Pink
Ed Sheeran
FAVORITE ARTIST, ALTERNATIVE ROCK
Imagine Dragons
WINNER: Panic at the Disco
Portugal. the Man
FAVORITE SOUNDTRACK
WINNER: Black Panther
The Greatest Showman
The Fate of the Furious
FAVORITE ARTIST, LATIN
J Balvin
WINNER: Daddy Yankee
Ozuna
FAVORITE ARTIST, CONTEMPORARY INSPIRATIONAL
WINNER: Lauren Daigle
Mercyme
Zach Williams
FAVORITE ARTIST, ELECTRONIC DANCE MUSIC
The Chainsmokers
WINNER: Marshmello
Zedd
FAVORITE SOCIAL ARTIST
WINNER: BTS
Cardi B
Ariana Grande
Demi Lovato
Shawn Mendes
FAVORITE MUSIC VIDEO
WINNER: “Havanna,” Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug
“Bodak Yellow (Money Moves),” Cardi B
“God’s Plan,” Drake
FAVORITE TOUR OF THE YEAR
Beyoncé and JAY-Z
Bruno Mars
Ed Sheeran
WINNER: Taylor Swift
U2
Congrats to All the winners!
#RHoA: NeNe Leakes Joins ‘How High 2’ Cast
NeNe Leakes is scheduled to appear in How High 2, the sequel to the marijuana-friendly comedy starring rappers Redman and Method Man. The Real Housewives of Atlanta star shared the news one week ago.
Leakes uploaded images from the set of the film to her Instagram standing alongside her costars rapper Lil Yachty and comedians DeRay Davis and DC Young Fly.
“Moving in silence has been the best thing for me this year because I believe there are people who try an pray against your success!,” The reality star wrote.
“Fun times on set filming a movie with these guys! My hot boyfriend @deraydavis my son @lilyachty and my crazy funny nephew @dcyoungfly .”
Although she didn’t mention the name of the movie, Yachty and DC Young Fly were announced for the lead roles as Roger and Calvin, respectively, last month.
#Empire: Have you seen The prison version of Andre Lyon?
Something's up with Andre Lyon (Trai Byers) on Empire. For the past two years, he's been serving time in prison for spiking Anika's (Grace Gealey) drink, an act that ultimately led to her shocking death in the Season 4 finale. Since then, he's been learning the ropes and has adjusted to life behind bars quite well — too well, some would say.
In this exclusive sneak peek at Wednesday's episode, Lucious (Terrence Howard) visits Andre to check up on his eldest son and is surprised by how well the book smart Lyon has taken to his new digs.
"This place is good for me," Andre says in the video, catching Lucious off guard. "You sent me to Wharton to learn how the business world operates and now I'm here learning how the street operates. With that combination, I'll be unstoppable. ... I've learned to allow people to underestimate me, think they got me boxed in and that's the moment I strike. No warning, no threats, pure annihilation."
Andre might be smart but will this newfound arrogance lead to his downfall?
See how it all turns out when a new episode of Empire airs Wednesday at 8/7c on Fox.
#NewMusic: from Brian McKnight – ’42 (Grown Up Tipsy)
Legendary R&B singer Brian McKnight returns with a jam for the adults on the brand new single “’42 (Grown Up Tipsy)”. The song is an excellent showcase of how McKnight has been able to mix in some of the more progressive sounds to his music while still keeping it traditional.
The song was produced by Tim Kelley formerly of production duo Tim & Bob. The producer also helped him craft his previous album “Gemeni” which came out last year.
LISTEN HERE
McKnight has also hinted via his social media that he’s currently shooting a video for the song.
#HipHopNews: LL Cool J Nominated For 2019 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Class
LL Cool J’s taste-making career has long earned him a place in the hip-hop history books. However, 2019 could be the year his legacy is cemented in yet another impressive historic institution: the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
On Tuesday (Oct. 9) the nominees for the class of 2019 were announced, with LL Cool J, a returning nominee, being joined by a mixture of new and old candidates.
According to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s official announcement, LL Cool J has officially been nominated for voting consideration alongside the likes of Janet Jackson, Def Leppard, Devo, John Prine, Roxy Music, Stevie Nicks, Todd Rundgren, Kraftwerk, MC5, Radiohead, Rage Against the Machine, Rufus featuring Chaka Khan, The Cure and The Zombies.
The 2019 class marks the fourth time both LL Cool J and Kraftwerk have been nominated for possible induction. Previously, the rap veteran has been considered for the classes of 2010, 2011 and 2018, but did not garner enough votes needed for entry.
Fans interested in casting a vote can do so via Rockhall.com through December 9. Inductees will be announced in December and the 2019 induction ceremony will take place at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on March 29.
Earlier this year, LL Cool J launched his own classic hip-hop radio channel, Rock The Bells, on SiriusXM, catering toward the OGs and celebrating the genre-defining acts that paved the way for hip-hop to evolve into the leading culture it is today. Best of luck to LL Cool J
Janet Jackson Among 2019 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2019 Nominees
She's Made For NOW, Miss Janet Jackson!
The 52-year-old "Made for Now" singer is one of 15 nominees included on the shortlist for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2019. Others in consideration include Def Leppard, Devo, John Prine, Kraftwerk, LL Cool J, MC5, Radiohead, Rage Against the Machine, Roxy Music, Stevie Nicks, The Cure, Todd Rundgren, Rufus feat. Chaka Khan and The Zombies. This is Jackson's third nomination, following recommendations in 2016 and 2017.
Artists become eligible for nomination 25 years after the release of their first recording.
Nine of the 15 artists have been nominated before—and Nicks first became an inductee 20 years ago with Lindsey Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood, Peter Green, Danny Kirwan, Christine McVie, John McVie and Jeremy Spencer, when Fleetwood Mac was added to the Hall of Fame.
LL Cool J was nominated for a fifth time; if selected, he would become the seventh hip-hop act to be inducted. Other candidates who have been passed over include Kraftwerk (4), MC5 (3), The Zombies (3), Rage Against the Machine (2), Rufus feat. Chaka Khan (2) and The Cure (1).
Ballots are sent to an international voting body of more than 1,000 artists, historians and music industry figures who consider "an artist's musical influence on other artists, length and depth of career and the body of work, innovation and superiority in style and technique," according to Rock Hall. A fan ballot is also available online and in person at the Rock Hall's museum in Cleveland. Ballots are now open, and fans can cast a vote a day through Dec. 9 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
The final list will be revealed in December, and the induction ceremony is scheduled for March 29 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn; HBO and SiriusXM Radio will broadcast excerpts later.
YOUR FIRST LOOK: Ruby Rose As ‘Batwoman’ For The CW’s Crossover Event
Ruby Rose took to social media to unveil the first look of herself as Batwoman.
The actress is set to play the role of Batwoman for The CW’s huge crossover event of their shows, “The Flash,” “Arrow,” “Legends of Tomorrow,” and “Supergirl” on December 8.
Synopsis: Kate Kane is armed with a passion for social justice and a flair for speaking her mind, she soars onto the streets of Gotham as Batwoman, an out lesbian and highly trained street fighter primed to snuff out the failing city’s criminal resurgence.
When Ruby landed the role, she took to social media and gushed:
The Bat is out of the bag and I am beyond thrilled and honored. I’m also an emotional wreck.. because this is a childhood dream.
This is something I would have died to have seen on TV when I was a young member of the LGBT community who never felt represented on tv and felt alone and different.
Thank you everyone. Thank you God.
She later quit Twitter after receiving an overwhelming amount of backlash over the role and she has limited who can comment on her Instagram posts.
Did you know that Samira Wiley Was Outed By an 'Orange is the New Black' Cast Member?
Samira Wiley gave an interview and revealed that she wasn’t out during the first season of Orange Is the New Black and was publicly outed as gay by one of her co-stars.
“First season [of OITNB] I wasn’t out at all,” Samira said on WNYC’s Nancy podcast this week. “Someone from my cast actually, doing an interview they were talking about out gay actors in the cast… and they mentioned my name and I saw it in print, and I cried. I cried a lot.”
“I tried to get it taken down, I had a journey you guys,” she continued. “That’s something somebody took from me. Everyone’s journey is their own. You should be able to come out on your own terms.”
Samira did not name who outed her. Samira has since left the show and she recently won the
James Gunn Lands New Job After 'Guardians of the Galaxy' Firing: 'Suicide Squad 2' Writer & Possible Director
After being fired by Disney for resurfaced offensive tweets, director James Gunn may have just landed a new job in Hollywood.
Deadline reports that the 52-year-old director has been hired by Warner Bros. to write Suicide Squad 2. He also may direct the second DC Universe film. The first Suicide Squad movie hit theaters in 2016.
James was fired back in July from his job with the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. He later received support from the Guardians cast to be rehired.
No official word from Warner Bros. or James Gunn just yet about his possible new gig.
#RHoBH: Lisa Vanderpump Fired From ‘RHOBH’? Producers Are Reportedly Done With Her Insane Demands
Lisa Vanderpump’s days on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills might be over. Inside sources say producers are tired of Vanderpump’s diva-like behavior on set and are thinking about giving her the boot instead of signing her on to Season 9. The firing news comes amid Vanderpump’s ongoing feud with multiple co-stars.
Insiders claim that Vanderpump is dishing out insane demands on set and that nobody likes working with her. Even her fellow RHOBH co-stars are tired of her behavior and want to see her fired before things reach a tipping point. They have already voiced their opinions with producers, who could not agree more about Vanderpump’s future.
“Lisa’s the most difficult housewife to work with,” a source explained, adding that if Vanderpump does not get her way then “everyone has to hear about it.”
Vanderpump, on the other hand, sees nothing wrong with her antics. According to All Things Real Housewives, Vanderpump believes she is the star of the series and that it would not be the same without her.
Her co-stars, of course, disagree and think the show would be better if she got the boot. If Vanderpump is up against producers and her co-stars, then there is a strong possibility her days are numbered.
To make things worse, Vanderpump has been fighting with a number of different cast members and even kicked some of them out of her dressing room during a recent photo op.
In fact, the only cast member that is talking to Vanderpump is newbie Denise Richards, which means she is feuding with Lisa Rinna, Erika Jayne, Teddi Mellencamp and Dort Kemsley. Given her behavior, sources believe that it is only a matter of time before producers fire Vanderpump and find a replacement.
Lisa Vanderpump has been a staple on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills since the first season. Filming for Season 9 is currently underway.
Kanye West to Visit Trump, Discuss Prison Reform, Violence
White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said Tuesday that West is scheduled to have lunch with President Donald Trump and meet with Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. Sanders says they’ll talk about manufacturing, prison reform, preventing gang violence and reducing violence in Chicago, where West grew up.
The White House hasn’t said when West will visit.
Trump recently tweeted praise for West, who closed a “Saturday Night Live” show wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat and delivering an unscripted pro-Trump message after the credits rolled.
West is married to reality television star Kim Kardashian West, who successfully pushed Trump to grant a pardon for a drug offender this year and has met with senior aides regarding criminal justice reform.
Jermaine Dupri Postpones Tour Launch
Over the weekend Jermaine Dupri announced that he was pushing back the start of the So So Def 25th anniversary tour...
Oh wells……..
Meek Mill To Be Casted In Jada Pinkett Smith’s Movie, ’12 O’clock Boys’
Ever since rapper Meek Mill has been released from prison late April this year, he turned over a new leaf. As if appearing on stage with Drake wasn’t a surprise in itself, he is reportedly appearing on the big screens as well.
Although this isn’t Meek’s first time acting, rumor has it that the “Dreams and Nightmares” rapper will be playing a role in Jada Pinkett-Smith’s new movie called, 12 O’Clock Boys.
The movie is said to be an adaptation of Lotfy Nathan’s documentary from 2013. It will narrate a story about a character named “Mouse,” whose goal in the film is to be initiated into a biker gang named, Midnight Clique.
Meek Mill will play the leader of the bike gang that Mouse wants to join. The character, “Mouse” will be played by Jahi Winston alongside actors Will Catlett and Teyonah Paris.
We are excited to see how Meek will do in this film! Will you be watching?
Hurricane Michael strengthens to Category 3 as it menaces Florida
TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Oct 9 (Reuters) - Hurricane Michael grew into a major Category 3 storm as it howled closer to Florida's Gulf shore on Tuesday, sending tens of thousands of coastal residents fleeing to higher ground one day before its expected arrival with towering waves and roof-shredding winds.
Michael is projected to plow into Florida's panhandle at midday on Wednesday, unleashing potentially devastating waves of seawater as high as 12 feet (3.6 meters) that could rush inland for miles around the storm's center, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned.
By Tuesday, Michael was already causing major disruptions to U.S. oil and gas production as it churned north over the Gulf of Mexico.
President Donald Trump declared a state of emergency for the entire state of Florida, freeing up federal assistance to supplement state and local disaster response.
At latest report, the NHC said the storm was packing sustained winds of up to 120 miles per hour (195 km per hour), jumping from a Category 2 to Category 3 hurricane on the five-step Saffir-Simpson wind scale.
Winds of that magnitude can inflict substantial damage to roofs and walls of even well-constructed homes, according to the National Weather Service.
The storm also is likely dump prodigious amounts of rain over Florida, Alabama, Georgia and the Carolinas - still recovering from severe flooding last month in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence. Up to a foot of rainfall (30 cm) is forecast for some areas.
"This is a storm that is going to be life-threatening in several ways," said Bo Patterson, the mayor of Port St. Joe, Florida, whose small beachfront town lies directly in the storm's projected path.
Florida Governor Rick Scott said Michael was expected to be "the most deadly, destructive storm to the panhandle in decades."
Tens of thousands of residents and tourists were ordered evacuated from low-lying areas in at least 20 Florida counties stretching along 200 miles (322 km) of shore in the Panhandle and adjacent Big Bend regions. A hurricane warning was posted along more than 300 miles (483 km) of the coast from the Florida-Alabama border south to the Suwannee River.
"If you don't follow warnings from officials this storm could kill you," said Scott, a Republican running for the U.S. Senate in November's congressional elections.
Some of the storm's most significant early impact was to offshore energy production. U.S. producers in the Gulf cut oil production by about 40 percent and natural gas output by 28 percent on Tuesday, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement said, citing reports from 27 companies.
The Gulf accounts for 17 percent of daily U.S. crude oil output and 5 percent of daily gas production, according to government figures. The partial shutdown ahead of Michael helped drive oil prices slightly higher on Tuesday.
Scott declared a state of emergency in 35 counties, mostly encompassing rural areas known for small tourist cities, beaches, wildlife reserves and the state capital, Tallahassee.
Nikki Haley resigns as Trump’s UN ambassador.
Nikki Haley will leave her post as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations later this year, sparking intense speculation in South Carolina about the Bamberg native’s next move.
President Donald Trump accepted the former S.C. governor’s resignation Tuesday, after the two met last week at the White House. At a press conference, Trump said Haley indicated at least six months ago she was ready to take time off.
“It’s been eight years of intense time, and I’m a believer in term limits,” Haley said, citing key moments in her six years as S.C. governor and nearly two years as U.S. ambassador. “You have to be selfless enough to know when you step aside and let someone else do their job.”
Without being asked, Haley — wearing her signature necklace, featuring the S.C. state flag’s palmetto tree and crescent — quickly threw cold water on any speculation that she will challenge Trump in 2020.
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Haley said she will support Trump’s re-election bid.
“Hopefully, you’ll come back at some point,” Trump said Tuesday, as Haley chuckled. Trump said Haley could have her pick of jobs in his administration.
Haley also brushed aside any speculation she would challenge Republican U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham of Seneca in 2020.
AND FINALLY FROM THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART FILES
‘ON THE RISE’
No need for a loaf a bread when you got a bun in the oven
EGGPLANT NATION: Meet Henry Cub!
Meet Henry! You can see more when CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PICS! And remember they’re NSFW!
DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT OWN any images posted on this blog. All images are found online or submitted.
Enjoy!
HAVE A GREAT DAY EVERYBODY!!!
EFREM
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