Aja Naomi King for Nylon - February 2019
For their February 2019 cover, Nylon magazine chose HTGAWM star Aja Naomi King. On the cover which was shot by Charlotte Prager and Dani Okon, Naomi is wearing a ALENA AKHMADULLINA SPRING 2019 dress and ROXANNE ASSOULIN earrings. In the issue, she talks about diversity in Hollywood, her HTGAWM cast, her new film, and more. Continue below to read some excepts from her interview and visit Nylon.com for more details. https://nylon.com/aja-naomi-king-nylon-february-2019-cover
On what she was thinking before she started in this industry:
Before I even started in this industry, I was just like, Oh man, if I could make it to be that white girl's best friend. If I could get there... That's where it started for me… to me that was a tremendous achievement. I never expected to lead a film. I didn't see enough of it to think it was possible.
On wanting to have a purpose:
I do try to amplify. That's the small part that I try to do—to get involved in whatever way I can and, at the very least, amplify.
On her character Ahmed in her new film 'A Girl from Mogadishu':
She is a light. I don't know how she does it. Everything is just so simple in her mind. She doesn't see problems, she only sees solutions. And she's always just—she's just a joy. She loves people, and she wants to do good, and I'll never forget, when I was in the beginning of doing this film, my life means nothing. If I can stop this from happening to one girl, then my life will mean something.
On her HTGAWM cast:
When I met the HTGAWM cast we all hit it off immediately. Over the years we’ve really grown as a family, and Aja has been integral to that growth. She remembers everyone’s birthdays, plans all of our cast outings, and is generally our number one cheerleader on set.
#SOTU2019: Stacey Abrams Of Georgia Delivered the response to The State of The Union Address: ‘Together, We Are Coming For America, For A Better America’!
WASHINGTON ― In the official Democratic response to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, former Georgia gubernatorial nominee Stacey Abrams delivered a passionate speech about the need for economic and social justice in America and said even though she disagrees with Trump on virtually everything, she still wants him to succeed.
“My reason for running for governor was simple: I love our country and its promise of opportunity for all,” Abrams said, beaming against the blurred backdrop of a group of men and women of different races. “I stand here tonight because I hold fast to my father’s credo: Together, we are coming for America, for a better America.”
Abrams, who is the first black woman to give a Democratic response to the State of the Union, denounced the president’s policies on immigration, LGBTQ rights, gun safety, education and health care. She didn’t need to name the president directly when she urged Americans to hold people “in the very highest offices” accountable for racism. But she did call Trump out directly for shutting down the government last month, making federal workers go without pay for weeks in his push for border wall money.
“Making their livelihoods a pawn for political games is a disgrace,” said Abrams. “The shutdown was a stunt engineered by the president of the United States, one that defied every tenet of fairness and abandoned not just our people but our values.”
Still, Abrams extended an olive branch to Trump, urging him to consider how much Democrats and Republicans can accomplish by working together.
“Even as I am very disappointed by the president’s approach to our problems, I still don’t want him to fail,” she said. “But we need him to tell the truth, and to respect his duties and the extraordinary diversity that defines America.”
Even as I am very disappointed by the president’s approach to our problems, I still don’t want him to fail.
Stacey Abrams
For all the potential of America, Abrams said, nothing is possible without “the bedrock guarantee” of people’s right to vote.
“Let’s be clear: Voter suppression is real,” she said. “From making it harder to register and stay on the rolls to moving and closing polling places to rejecting lawful ballots, we can no longer ignore these threats to democracy.”
The issue is personal for her. Abrams lost her governor’s race in November to Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp (R) amid allegations of voter suppression. Kemp refused to recuse himself as the state’s top election official in his own election, which many said was a conflict of interest. He also faced scrutiny after his office placed 53,000 voters’ registrations in suspense because their names didn’t exactly match a state record. Nearly 70 percent of the people on the list were black.
Abrams included a call to fight for voting rights in Tuesday night’s response and took a shot at Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who recently called a group of proposed voting reforms in Democratic legislation a “power grab.”
“We must reject the cynicism that says allowing every eligible vote to be cast and counted is a ‘power grab,’” she said. “The foundation of our moral leadership around the globe is free and fair elections, where voters pick their leaders ― not where politicians pick their voters.”
Ultimately, Abrams said, the American promise stems from basic family values like the ones she grew up with as her family fluctuated between being lower middle class and working poor. She talked about her parents coming home from work “weary and bone-tired” but still showing her and her siblings all that they could be.
“Our power and strength as Americans lives in our hard work and our belief in more,” Abrams said. “My family understood firsthand that, while success is not guaranteed, we live in a nation where opportunity is possible.”
GREAT SPEECH MADAME ABRAMS!
#RHoA: Cynthia Bailey Is Trying The Keto Diet To get a little more 'Snatched' For Her Reunion Show
Is she newest keto dieter? Real Housewives of Atlanta star Cynthia Bailey. In a recent interview with Us Weekly, Cynthia, 51, revealed that she's gearing up for RHOA's season 11 reunion show with the diet. "I keep hearing about the keto diet," she said. "The reunion is coming up in three weeks, so I think I'm going to try it to get a little more snatched."
According to Cynthia, her former work as a model makes her extra-conscious about slimming down. "My historical modeling career has been called into question a little bit," she said. "So I gotta make sure these cheekbones are more sucked in." (Tbh, those cheekbones are still poppin', but to each her own.)
Cynthia's also trying to be more aware of what she drinks. "Honestly, what I've learned is that the most fattening thing is drinking, and I'm a cocktail girl," she told Us Weekly. "I think it's more fattening than food!"
That's why Cynthia may pre-game her upcoming reunion show with an alcohol detox. "When I'm not drinking that much, I'm not bloated," she said. "I eat pretty healthy, but I drink pretty bad. If I detox for a week from drinking, I actually just naturally slim down."
So what you think, Will she be ‘SNATCHED’ by the Reunion?
#Empire: Jussie Smollett told police attackers knew he was on ‘Empire’
CHICAGO (AP) — “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett told police that two men seemed to know who he was before they beat him, shouted racial and homophobic slurs, and looped a rope around his neck during an early-morning attack in Chicago, according to a recently released police report.
Smollett told police that two men dressed in black got his attention by mentioning the name of the TV show as he walked downtown early on Jan. 29. Smollett said the more aggressive man wore a black mask to conceal his face.
Smollett, who is black and openly gay, said the men then shouted slurs, beat him in the face with their hands and poured an unknown substance on him that stained his clothes. He said the men tied a rope around his neck before running away, according to a brief police report released to the public following a Freedom of Information request by media outlets.
The report noted that the 36-year-old actor said he initially didn’t want to report the attack, but that another person convinced him to do so. The name of the person who encouraged Smollet to call police was redacted in the report, which notes that the person was with Smollet when officers arrived at his Chicago apartment.
When officers arrived at his apartment, Smollett still had a white rope draped around his neck. The report also noted that officers turned off their body cameras at Smollett’s request, something that crime victims sometimes ask officers to do, according to Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi.
No arrests have been made but police continue to collect and review surveillance video from the area and look for possible witnesses, Guglielmi said Tuesday. He said police are also going to stores to ask employees if they recall selling rope to anyone and to determine if security camera footage shows someone buying the kind of rope that was tied noose-like around Smollet’s neck.
“We are starting to search stores to see if any of this kind of rope was purchased in the area,” Guglielmi said.
Smollett went to Northwestern Memorial Hospital after being advised to do so by the officers, according to the police report. Police said he was treated for scrapes and bruises and released.
Smollett took officers to the spot where he was attacked and told investigators he’d received hate mail a week earlier. Police have said the FBI was investigating the letter, which was sent to the studio in Chicago where “Empire” is filmed.
Guglielmi said officers don’t yet have video showing the attack and are continuing to search for two men who were walking in the area at around the time of the attack to question them about what they may have seen.
#NewMusic: Trey Songz and Chris Brown ‘Chi Chi’
Trey Songz and Chris Brown have released their latest pillow-biting collaboration titled “Chi Chi.”
The seductive track finds both R&B heartthrobs musing shamelessly about the sexual acts they want to perform with their tour groupies. Songz warns his baddie not to give him any lip when he goes deep, while Brown brags that his D is amazing.
Along with the sleazy audio, the Virginia boys treated fans to the accompanying visual. Surrounded by various women, Songz and Brown get their rocks off in a gold plated room as well as at the poolside and in a strip club.
WATCH HERE
#NewHipHop: Travis Scott Drops Video For “Cut "Can't Say"
Travis Scott is making sure to capitalize off his appearance at Super Bowl LIII with a new release. The Cactus Jack Records founder has dropped a video for his Astroworld cut “Can’t Say” just a few days after his cameo performance in Maroon 5’s halftime show.
WATCH HERE
Scott’s latest video is another elaborate creation filled with CGI and religious iconography. The platinum-selling artist is seen riding around the city on a motorcycle, joined by a large group of followers popping wheelies along the way
Liam Neeson Says He's Not Racist, Explains Rage After Attack
NEW YORK (AP) — LIAM Neeson says violence breeds violence and bigotry breeds bigotry.
The 66-year-old actor appeared Tuesday on ABC's "Good Morning America," one day after he told an interviewer that he had violent thoughts about killing a black person after learning nearly 40 years ago that someone close to him had been raped.
Neeson says he had asked about the race of the attacker, along with other descriptive characteristics.
He says he had a "primal urge to lash out" before he was shocked by his reaction and sought help from a priest and friends.
Neeson says he's not a racist. The actor says we need to talk about these things because bigotry and racism exist.
Neeson was promoting his new thriller, "Cold Pursuit."
#LGBTQ: Congrats Bravo's Andy Cohen Is A Father!
Andy Cohen is officially a father! The Bravo host has welcomed a bouncing baby boy via surrogate and he’s completely over the moon!
In a post on his Instagram page, the proud papa announced the birth of his son by writing:
WOW! This is my son,
Benjamin Allen Cohen. He is
9 lbs 2 ounces !!
20 inches !! Born at 6:35 pm, PT
He is named after my grandfather Ben Allen. I’m in love. And speechless. And eternally grateful to an incredible surrogate. And I’m a dad. Wow. ♥🌈
A few of Andy’s “Real Housewives” friends celebrated in his joy…Congrats!
Pink Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame!
Philly’s own Pink was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Tuesday (February 5) in Hollywood, Calif.
Pink was joined by husband Carey Hart, as well as their children: Willow, 7, and Jameson, 2.
Ellen DeGeneres was on hand to present the prestigious honor to Pink, as well as Reno 911! star Kerri Kenney-Silver.
“She is a unique performer who leaves you in a state of joy and surprise at the same time. She mesmerizes the audience with her voice and her action-packed performances,” said Hollywood Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez.
Congratulations, Pink!
Broadway's 'Hair' Live Musical Cancelled By NBC!
Hair will no longer become a live musical on NBC. Originally, producers announced that on May 19, 2019, NBC would put on a live musical along the same lines as past live musicals including Rent Live, which just aired last month on Fox, Hairspray Live on NBC, and more.
“Live musicals are a part of this network’s DNA and we are committed to continuing that tradition with the right show at the right time,” NBC Entertainment co-chairmen Paul Telegdy and George Cheeks said to Forbes. “Since these shows are such enormous undertakings, we need titles that have a wide appeal and we’re in the process of acquiring the rights to a couple of new shows that we’re really excited about.”
Sources told THR that the cancellation was perhaps because of the date – May 19. On May 19, ABC will be airing the season finale of American Idol, and HBO will be airing the series finale of Game of Thrones.
Hair was most recently produced on Broadway in 2009 with a cast led by Tony winner Gavin Creel and Will Swenson.
Are Singer Liam Payne & Iconic Model Naomi Campbell Dating?
Liam Payne and Naomi Campbell are rumored to be dating and the couple is not doing anything to stop those rumors. They’re actually fueling them thanks to their insistent Instagram commenting.
In January the two exchanged very flirty comments on one another’s Instagram posts. On a selfie that Campbell posted Payne wrote, “Perfection in a person 🌹… don’t give me those eyes,” followed by the eye emoji and kissy face emoji.
On a Payne’s sultry selfie Campbell commented, “Beautiful soul ❤️.” Payne responded to her, “Takes one to know one,” with the kissy face emoji.
Ever since then there have been rumors that the two are dating.
Now according to The Sun, the two have been dating secretly for two months. The rumored couple even rang in the New Year together in Ghana and have been secretly been going on dates.
They were spotted out at the Davido Adeleke concert at the O2 in London on January 28, but back then no one was aware that the two celebrities were linked together.
Campbell is 23 years older than Payne, but Payne definitely has a thing for older women. His last girlfriend and mother to his son, Cheryl Cole is 10 years older than him.
A source told The Sun, “Liam thinks she’s amazing and beautiful and has said their intimate time together have been mind-blowing. He seems really into her and acting like he can’t believe his luck.”
With their Instagram comment and public dates, it looks like these two are a real couple. Do you ship Payne and Campbell?
'Atlanta' Season 3 Delayed, May Not Return This Year!
Sorry Atlanta fans: it looks like the show may not be returning for its third season in 2019.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Donald Glover-led show has been delayed at FX. PR boss John Solberg confirmed that the show won’t be back for the 2019 Emmys cycle, after being renewed for its third season back in June.
While an official reason for the delay hasn’t been announced, FX chief John Landgraf said that Glover’s life has made things a bit difficult, and that they are choosing quality over quantity by releasing the show when the time is right.
"As you might imagine, Donald Glover is sort of the king of all media, and he just has had an incredibly complicated life,” he said. “He's had personal things he's had to deal with, from injuries to other things I'd rather not say publicly that just have to do not with his personal life but his extended family. So I think one of the things that is just a reality of television today is you have to wait.”
Glover has a busy touring schedule this year with performances at Coachella and Bonnaroo as his rap alter ego Childish Gambino. However, he’s attempting to take it easy otherwise. He reportedly won’t be attending this weekend’s Grammy Awards ceremony, where he is up for numerous awards.
Frank Ocean's Tumblr Rumored To Be Hacked After Post On SZA, Kendrick Lamar And Andre 3000
The rumor mill is churning with speculation thanks to Frank Ocean's latest Tumblr update. The Channel Orange artist is assumably teasing a collaboration with "Solana + KL + Andre," leading spectators to believe they'll receive a meeting of the minds on wax between SZA, Kendrick Lamar, and Andre 3000. Ocean then capped the oblique message with "Here for the beans." Additionally, March 1 is the release date for the "Pyramids" singer's supposed collabo, but another Tumblr post also hints at something to come as far as 2020.
While little to nothing is known about the "Novacane" singer's latest post, he's been on the music scene from a quick cover of SZA's "The Weekend" to having released his own projects like Blonde although that was three years ago. In November 2018, the acclaimed singer-songwriter teased a new melody on his Instagram account, leading supporters to believe that he's preparing to release another project pretty soon.
In an interview with GQ, the 31-year-old musician discussed how social media can help you steer your own narrative, no matter how much of a recluse you might appear to be to the outside world.
"With some pop stars, the idea of them is maybe more balanced or fully formed: a half-dozen magazine covers, x amount of interviews, a daily influx of media," he said. "There's a way you wanna be in the visual press, although you could potentially be misrepresented; when you're completely minimal with media, there's a lot of pressure on whatever one thing you're doing, the stakes are higher. Social media helps that, 'cause you're fully in control and can message that how you want."
UPDATE:
After the masses received news of this possible collaboration, others were quick to note that Frank Ocean's Tumblr was most likely hacked. A photo of Drake in blackface was also posted to the website, which raised red flags for spectators. An unidentified person is also claiming to have possession of unreleased songs from Ocean and will release them if an Instagram picture gets a certain amount of likes.
SAY WHAT? R. Kelly is going back on tour despite 'Surviving' backlash 👀👀
R. Kelly is heading out on tour overseas. The embattled singer revealed Tuesday he will be performing in Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka, although no dates have been announced. This will be the first tour for R. Kelly (né Robert Sylvester Kelly) since Lifetime’s explosive Surviving docuseries premiered last month.
Flamingo Dreamz, an event promotions company that worked with Ja Rule for his Australia and New Zealand shows, is behind the tour. Yahoo reached out for comment about the company’s decision to partner with R. Kelly but did not immediately receive a response.
In January, promoters planning R. Kelly’s tour in Australia and New Zealand claimed they pulled out of talks with his management team in the wake of the sexual misconduct allegations against the singer that resurfaced after Surviving R. Kelly debuted.
In a social media post, R. Kelly called the tour “fake,” telling fans “I am not involved in this tour, nor do I have knowledge of it, its promoters, etc.” The promoters hit back, suggesting the singer was playing off local promoters in a bid for higher fees.
“Big Music Tour can confirm contracts were in place with R. Kelly and his management for the Australian tour. We have been in discussion regarding the bizarre social media post denying the tour and had been working towards a resolution,” the promoters told the Sydney Morning Herald in a statement. “However, given the current situation in R. Kelly’s personal life and the controversy surrounding him, the promoters have decided not to move forward and are focusing on other events.”
R. Kelly’s announcement was met with criticism on social media.
Last month, Sony Music dropped the singer after the #MuteRKelly movement gained steam following the Lifetime series. Surviving R. Kelly detailed the singer’s alleged sexual misconduct over two decades with women and underage girls. An attorney for the disgraced musician has denied all claims.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES?
‘#CRUSHING’
That awkward moment when your crush catches you staring…and she’s a 6 foot stuffed animal.
#EGGPLANT NATION: Meet Jose Bear!
DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT OWN any images posted on this blog. All images are found online or submitted.
ENJOY!
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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