1/31/20

The Daily Buzz For Feb 1☕πŸ“°☕

Rita Ora for Love Magazine #23!
RITA Ora gets a few things off her chest as well as her clothes — but the gloves are still on.
The singer, 28, posed topless for a Love magazine shoot with just a huge necklace and gloves and bottoms on.
 Rita Ora stripped topless and wore just huge necklace and gloves for a magazine shoot
She also frolicked around in a pool exposing her modesty.
Masked Singer judge Rita told Love magazine: “People see the workaholic, headstrong, thick-skinned twentysomething, but there’s another side to me, one that is vulnerable, sensitive and pretty emotional.
My music is what it is, and does what it does – thankfully – and I’ve never really had to show that side of myself professionally — in fact I have purposely hidden it. "But maybe I’m ready. Is this what growing up feels like?”
Read Rita’s full interview in LOVE 23 ‘Chaos & Control’ which goes on newsstands February 3.
She is expected to release new music later this year too, following the success of her 2018 album Phoenix.
Rita has also lined up a series of big-earning shows for 2020, including a series of festivals in South America and summer shows including British Summertime Hyde Park on July 4.


#RHOA: Cynthia Bailey In Pigtails Do We Dig It?
Cynthia Bailey is the lady of a thousand hairstyles. The Real Housewives of Atlanta model-slash-businesswoman never disappoints. Whether she's rocking dreamy red wave ponytails, a sleek blonde bob, or sassy ringets, there is no hair look that Cynthia can't pull off with the greatest of ease... which is why it is took us by surprise that Cynthia's latest 'do is perhaps her easiest one yet.

On January 28, Cynthia shared a breezy pic as she chilled in the warm California sun wearing just a tan tank and a smile. Her bronzy, natural glow shone through with her clean, bold brow on full display. The RHOA stunner looked so young in the shot that for a second there we thought we were looking at her model daughter, Noelle Robinson. Perhaps it's her incredibly smooth skin or her toned arms or the combination of the two, but mostly it's her sweet double-braided hairstyle that helps Cynthia turn back the hands of time.
In the shot, her hair is parted down the middle with her micro-linked hair braided into two larger pigtails. "Taking nothing for granted," she wrote in her caption. "Oh thanks 4 my microlinks @gailhudson #thelittlethings #love #life #family." Even the hairstylist responsible for her adorable 'do, Gail Hudson, had to admit that Cynthia defies aging, saying, "CindyB aging in reverse."

So Do We Dig It?


#Empire: Taraji P. Henson backs Gabrielle Union against 'America's Got Talent': 'You’re saying that her hair is too black for America?'
Taraji P. Henson is showing support for Gabrielle Union, who has vocalized claims of discrimination that range from racist jokes to derogatory comments about her hair during her time on America’s Got Talent.
Things have definitely been heated in regards to Union’s continued battle with AGT, and now with its host Terry Crews. The former AGT judge responded to Crews’s comments that were seemingly aimed at discounting her claims; he then caused controversy by firing back with a tweet saying that the only woman he had to please was his wife.
Union has made claims against the popular variety show about experiencing sexism and racism, including comments that her hair was “too black.” And Henson understands the struggles faced by black women in Hollywood when it comes to their hair, which is one of the reasons she is creating a line of her own in the black hair industry.

In a recent interview with InStyle to promote her new haircare line TPH by Taraji, Henson shared her own stories about the lack of on-set stylists who know how to do her hair.
The Empire actress said she now makes sure she has her own stylists on set.
“It's about having the power," Henson said. "When they need you, they will go along with your plan. When I knew I had the power to request, I started just putting my foot down and said, 'No, I won’t do it unless I have my people.'"
Henson also had a few words for Union following the AGT fallout and the continued struggle for diversity.

"We are behind her, I got her back because this is ridiculous. You’re saying that her hair is too black for America? Then you don’t want black Americans watching your show. My children and my daughters and my cousins or whoever, they need representation,” she said.
In a climate that still looks at natural hair as controversial — including in a recent story about black students being suspended from school for displaying natural hair — the actress reiterated that black hair is beautiful.

"For so long we have been told that our hair in its natural state is ugly, or it’s nappy or it’s been given these horrible descriptions," Henson noted. "How can we fight what is naturally ours? Embrace it. Our hair defies gravity, think about that. Our hair points to the heavens, that’s powerful."


#NewMusic from H.E.R. Releases Inspirational New Song “Sometimes”
Fresh off her performance at last night’s 62nd Annual Grammy Awards, R&B star H.E.R. releases the new single “Sometimes”. The singer premiered the song live at last night’s show.

LISTEN HERE

H.E.R. had been nominated for five Grammy Awards this year but unfortunately did not win any. She did get a chance to perform for the second consecutive year.


#HipHopNews: 50 Cent Receives Star On Hollywood Walk Of Fame!
Seventeen years since the release of his debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin’, the multi-faceted rapper-actor-mogul received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Thursday (Jan. 30). Friends including Eminem and Dr. Dre were on hand for the star-studded ceremony near the intersection of Hollywood and Vine.

Following some words from former Starz CEO Chris Albrecht, Eminem took the stage to recall the first time he met a young Curtis Jackson. “It just kinda felt like he’s gonna be a star. The way he carried himself, swagger, everything. It just seemed like he was the whole package,” said the Detroit rapper, who signed 50 to Shady Records.
Em also reflected on their friendship. “I’m here today because this is not only a business partner to me, it’s one of the best friends I’ve ever known in the world and I would say it’s much more fun to be his friend than it is to be his enemy, ’cause this guy is fucking relentless. And he won’t stop.”
Eminem listed 50’s many accomplishments including rapper, actor, director, and producer. “He can juggle, he’s great at Scrabble,” he added. “He pretty much does it all. And he’s also helped me through a lot of hard times in my own life and he’s always been there when I need him, so 50 congrats on your star, man. Hollywood is making it official what I knew from the beginning and Dre knew from the beginning.”

The man of the hour then took the podium to speak. He started off by apologizing to former Interscope CEO Jimmy Iovine and acknowledging the role he played in his career. “I’ve said things about Jimmy that I didn’t mean,” he said. “I was wrong for not inviting him and having him here today. He’s a big part of the success that I’ve had.”
The 44-year-old mogul reflected on the lack of accolades he’s received despite his commercial success. “I told Em I felt like this was a lifetime achievement award for me and it’s because I didn’t receive a lot of awards according to the success of the music,” he said before mentioning his loss for Best New Artist at the 2004 Grammys. “They gave that shit to Ervanescence [Evanescence]. Can you find fuckin’ Ervanescence?” 50 joked as the crowd laughed.
In a rare show of emotion, he fought back tears as he recalled a conversation he had with Mary J. Blige, who called to congratulate him earlier in the day. “This is a different experience. I’ve been at awards shows and when you win at the awards shows, there’s some people there that feel like they should have won,” said 50. “This one is different because everybody’s in the same space. Everybody feels the same way about it. I just want to say thank you, man, thanks for supporting me.”

Other attendees included Eminem’s manager Paul Rosenberg, La La Anthony, TDE president Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith, Tony Yayo, and radio personality Big Boy.

The ceremony comes 10 days before the finale of 50’s hit Starz series “Power” and ahead of the Feb. 11 premiere of his new ABC drama “For Life.”


Ciara Is Pregnant With Baby #3!
Ciara and Russell Wilson are expanding their family once more, and their pregnancy announcement is one for the books.
Taking to Instagram, the expecting singer debuted her baby bump while on vacation in Turks and Caicos. Standing on the edge of a rock in a hot pink bikini, the 34-year-old shared the happy news that “baby number 3” is on the way. The man responsible for the epic photo is, of course, her hubby.

Wilson made his own grand announcement on via Instagram. His selfie features his pregnant wife in the background.
Ciara first became a mom back when she welcomed her son, Future Zahir Wilburn, with her ex-fiancΓ© Future back in 2014. After tying the knot with the Seattle Seahawks player in July 2016, the couple became pregnant and welcomed their daughter Sienna in 2017.
Since then, the couple has long been considering having a third child. Back in April 2019, Ciara alluded to the fact that she and her husband were considering having another little one. “I do look forward to the third one, but we got a little time right now,” Ciara told Watch What Happens Live. “I’m enjoying dancing with my flat belly right now.”

Last February, Wilson jokingly referenced the fact that he has enjoyed the um…journey of making a baby. However, in one particular video, baby Sienna wanted mom’s kisses all to herself.
Congratulations to the Wilsons on their new blessing!


Kelis Claims The Neptunes Kept All the Profits From Her First Two Albums!
Two decades after the release of her debut album, Kelis isn't mincing her words.
The NYC native spoke candidly while putting her career in perspective with The Guardian in a brutally honest interview released Thursday (Jan. 30). One quote that stood out among the rest was Kelis' claim that The Neptunes -- the production duo of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo -- kept all the profits from her first two albums.
The Neptunes fully produced both of her first two albums: 1999’s Kaleidoscope and 2001’s Wanderland. What seemed to be a safe creative space turned out to be the opposite, as she was "lied to and tricked," she claims. "I was told we were going to split the whole thing 33/33/33, which we didn’t do,” Kelis claimed, holding Pharrell and Hugo's management team and attorneys liable in the mess as well.

Kelis went on to say that she didn't even notice the publishing money missing from all the sales for her first two projects for a few years, because she was living off of her touring money. “Their argument is: ‘Well, you signed it.’ I’m like: ‘Yeah, I signed what I was told, and I was too young and too stupid to double-check it,'" she said.
The "Bossy" singer credits her faith for keeping her grounded and not being bitter about the whole situation. She actually saw Pharrell at a show somewhat recently, which just resulted in an awkward head-nod exchange. "I’m like, OK, I’m not going to yell back, ‘You stole all my publishing!’ So you end up nodding back and everyone thinks everything’s great," she said.

Check out the entire interview over at The Guardian.


Meghan McCain: “If Whoopi Goldberg Leaves ‘The View’, I Go”!
“The View” host, Meghan McCain‘s, notoriously conservative ideals often get her in trouble with the other women seated at her table – most notably Whoopi Goldberg. Meghan McCain and Whoopi Goldberg have engaged in several heated spats, with their most recent one coming to an explosive head in December.
However, Meghan McCain says that she could not and would not continue with “The View” if Whoopi were not involved. She told Andy Cohen this on a recent episode of “Watch What Happens Live:”

“It was rough. And I will say that she was having a bad day. We talked about it that night and the next day. It’s live TV and it’s really intense, stressful times for everyone and I adore her. She apologized off-air, she apologized on-air. We all f**k up on the show. It’s live. It’s everyday. And I forgive her, and I love her.”
She continued: “I could not do the show…If she leaves, I go. Whoopi is the anchor of the show and my life there and she always picks us up when we’re down. If she jumps, I jump. Whoopi, I adore her and I need her as the moderator.”
But this is not a forewarning of Meghan McCain’s departure. She said:
“If I was going to resign, there would be no ‘crypticism’ about it. I’d be like, ‘I’m out.’ It would not be a long, drawn-out thing.”
As for the rest of her co-hosts, she says that despite the way it looks on-air, they all have a good relationship:

“I think I was called ‘The Lone Wolf,’ obviously I’m the Lone Wolf, I’m the only conservative on the show. We’re going to disagree on things…Joy [Behar] and I are oftentimes in the corner talking about things we hit and things we missed during the break. So I think you can’t work on a show where the hosts don’t speak.”
Would you watch “The View” if Whoopi Goldberg and Meghan McCain left?


ABC News suspends Matt Gutman for inaccurate Kobe Bryant Report!
ABC News announced Wednesday the suspension of reporter Matt Gutman. Gutman inaccurately reported facts about Kobe Bryant’s family in the aftermath of Sunday's tragic helicopter crash.

Gutman stated on air during a breaking news report that all four of Bryant’s daughters were believed to be onboard the helicopter that crashed and claimed nine lives Sunday in California.
Bryant and his daughter Gianna both died in the crash. Bryant’s three other children were not onboard.
Gutman eventually apologized for his inaccurate report, but it came more than seven hours later.
Reporting the facts accurately is the cornerstone of our journalism,” according to an ABC News statement to the LA Times. “As he acknowledged on Sunday, Matt Gutman’s initial reporting was not accurate and failed to meet our editorial standards.”
The representative did not divulge the length of Gutman’s suspension. In a statement to The Times, Gutman issued another apology, the report states.

“We are in the business of holding people accountable,” Gutman said. “And I hold myself accountable for a terrible mistake, which I deeply regret. I want to personally apologize to the Bryant family for this wrenching loss and any additional anguish my report caused.”


'Young & the Restless' Renewed for Four More Seasons!
Young & The Restless is continuing on for several more seasons!
CBS confirmed that the long-running soap opera will be renewed for four additional seasons through the 2023-2024 broadcast season.

“Having the No. 1 show for any length of time in any daypart is a tremendous accomplishment. But The Young & the Restless has been daytime’s top drama for over three decades. The last time any other show was on top, Ronald Reagan was president, and the Berlin Wall was still standing. It’s a remarkable achievement and a testament to the extraordinary cast, gifted writers, talented producers and supremely passionate fans, as well as our tremendous partnership with Sony Pictures Television,” said CBS exec Kelly Kahl in a statement.

The show has been part of the CBS line-up for 47 years, and leads all daytime dramas in total viewers at 4.1 million.


Aaron Hernandez's Brother Says NFL Star Told Mother About Sexuality Prior to Death!
The story of Aaron Hernandez has recaptured the nation's attention thanks to Netflix's Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez docuseries. Now, his brother has decided to shed light on Hernandez's life and sexuality.
During his upcoming appearance on The Dr. Oz Show, Jonathan Hernandez recalled his brother telling their mother that he has had sex with men prior to him taking his life.
"He’s like, 'Mom, you’re going die never knowing your son,'" the older Hernandez said. "Then all of a sudden they have this conversation and they’re both flooded with tears across from each other."

While Hernandez admits that his brother carried the "weight" of being in the closet, he's unclear if this pressure pushed him into killing Odin Lloyd.
"That’s one of the questions and, you know, head scratches that they still have regarding really this entire case," Hernandez said when discussing his brother's sexuality and motive behind the murder of Lloyd. "There’s just so many questions regarding everything. And, for me to sit here and say it was this or that, I can’t say. All you can do is look at the evidence that was provided."

It appears that their mom was the only member of their immediate family that his brother confided in. Still, he didn't tell her until he was behind bars following a murder conviction. Hernandez believes that his brother was hiding this secret his whole life to escape ridicule or punishment from their father.
"I don’t know if he would have been able to finish his sentence," Hernandez responded when asked if his brother would've been able to talk to his father about his sexuality. "I don’t know at all, I really don’t. I can’t imagine him even being able to or my dad would have thought he could beat that out of him."

Hernandez went on to detail the abuse they experienced at the hands of their father.
"I don’t think ‘beat’ is really even the word that can be expressed when you literally have to blow on your brother’s wounds because of the creases of a belt or handprint in your body, and the burning sensation it has," Hernandez explained. "You now have a rule that in your household, you can get beat, but you stay away from the face, so other people can’t notice."
This is Hernandez's first interview since the docuseries premiered. This series dives deep into Aaron Hernandez's life in an effort to figure out what drove him to violence. He thinks this intimate look at his brother made the project very "powerful."

"I think [it’s] so powerful, and at least to me it is something that’s hard to deal with but also beautiful in the same aspects, as conflicting that is, because there’s limited experiences where you hear that," he said while fighting back tears. "To hear his voice throughout it was like he was alive."


Nicki Minaj to appear as guest judge on 'RuPaul's Drag Race'!
RuPaul's Drag Race has recruited a special guest judge for its Season 12 premiere.
VH1 announced in a video Thursday that rapper Nicki Minaj will serve as a judge for the episode, which airs Feb. 28 at 8 p.m. ET.
"I am Nicki Minaj and I pledge allegiance to the drag," Minaj says in the clip. "Show up and make herstory. Boom."
The video shows Minaj making an entrance on the show's runway and weighing in on the contestants.
"You look like a Barbie out of the box," she tells one contestant.
Minaj confirmed the news in a tweet Thursday.

"A dream of mine for so long," she wrote.
Minaj joins host RuPaul and judges Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley and Ross Matthews. VH1 introduced the new contestants in a series of videos last week.
Former Drag Race contestants Kim Chi and Miz Cracker appear in a teaser for a new Sabra hummus ad that will air during Super Bowl LIV. The pair are the first drag performers to appear in a Super Bowl commercial.

Minaj released her fourth studio album, Queen, in 2018, and released the singles "Megatron" and "Tusa" with Karol G in 2019.


Black Maryland Cop Charged With Murder In Fatal Shooting Of Unarmed, Handcuffed Black Man!
A Black Maryland police officer was charged with murder after shooting an unarmed Black man seven times while he was handcuffed inside the officer’s police car.
Maryland police say Prince George’s County Police Cpl. Michael Owen Jr. is facing a murder charge as well as manslaughter and associated weapons charges in the fatal shooting of 43-year-old William Howard Green in Temple Hills, Maryland. “I’m unable to come to our community this evening and provide you with a reasonable explanation for the events that occurred last night. I have concluded that what happened last night is a crime,” said Prince George’s County Police Chief Hank Stawinski.

On Monday, Owen and an accompanying officer responded to a call about a person ramming into parked vehicles in their car, according to WJLA. When they arrived, they found what they believed was a drunken Green. The officers then handcuffed the man and called for a “drug recognition expert,” an officer said in a police statement. The officers then put Green in the front passenger seat of Owen’s police cruiser until the expert arrived, but then Owen got in the driver’s seat of the vehicle, and police say, “Green was shot seven times by the officer’s duty weapon.”
Owen and the other officer then took Green out of the car and offered aid before he was taken to the hospital where he eventually died. No new details have been revealed about the incident, and authorities have not said what the other officer was doing while Owen was in the car with Green.

On Tuesday, police arrested Owen, who was with the force for 10 years, and on Wednesday, he was denied bond. Green’s fiancΓ©e, Sandra Mathis, said she is confused as to how Green could have prompted the officer to shoot him while he was handcuffed. “Obviously, he didn’t resist arrest because he was in handcuffs. His life mattered,” said Mathis.


Lauren London Buys $1.7 Million Home Nearly a Year After Nipsey Hussle’s Death!
Lauren London recently bought a new $1.7 million home. While the 35-year-old has kept a low profile since the death of her partner and rapper Nipsey Hussle in March 2019, it looks like London is planting new roots.
On Monday, Jan. 28, it was reported that the actress nabbed the 3,000 square feet Spanish-style home off the market. The house, which has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, was originally built in the '40s and features several tasteful renovations made over the years.

London's new home looks seemingly modest and cozy with a leafy green front yard and a beautiful living room, inviting in a lot of natural light on a sunny day. Her new home also features a covered porch, a backyard BBQ center with ample bar-style seating and a pool, perfect for summers.
Inside, the Spanish-style home also features a gorgeous dining area and a cozy family room right next to it, with a fireplace. The kitchen has luxury stainless appliances and the rest of the house features neutral-colored decor. The master suite also includes a private balcony and a walk-in closet.

London also recently made a public appearance at the 2020 Grammys, where she and Nipsey's grandmother Margaret Boutte, accepted the rapper's posthumous award for Best Rap Performance.


Tom Brady Posts Cryptic Instagram Photo Amid Rumors on Leaving Patriots!
The speculation over Tom Brady's NFL future has now reached the level where every move the star QB makes will be scrutinized and speculated over. The latest is a cryptic photo the superstar added to his social media, giving many fans an emotional feeling over what is possibly his final moments in New England.
The photo shows Brady as a silhouette as he walks out of the tunnel, presumably onto the field at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.

As pointed out over at Pro Football Talk, you cannot tell if Brady is walking away or onto the field. He also didn't add a caption to the photo, leaving room for speculation to thrive.
The image follows existing rumors that Brady is finished in New England and could play for another team in 2020. He is a free agent in March and the chances are high that he lands somewhere new. This could also mean he's retiring from the NFL, something that would be expected given his career but a shock considering the level he still plays at.
According to Adam Schefter, it is unlikely that the Patriots would wait until March 16 for Brady's decision about his future.
"I don't believe the New England Patriots are waiting until March 16 to get an answer from Tom Brady," Schefter said. "Last year, Rob Gronkowski wound up retiring in late March. I don’t know the conversations they did and didn’t have before, but New England missed the window on free-agent tight ends.
"So I don't think they're going to let Tom Brady go to free agency, all of a sudden, sign with Team X, and then on March 20, say 'Well, what do we do at quarterback now?' That's not the way that organization operates."
Brady also got words of support from former teammate Rob Gronkowski on his potential free agency appearance.

"He's been playing for so long, and just the way that he's been playing, the level he's been playing at, he definitely deserves an opportunity to go out there and test the market," Gronk said when pressed on the issue.
Brady has said he is on board to play in 2020 and doesn't intend to retire, but the reality remains to be seen.
"I'm open-minded about the process," Brady said. "At the same time, I love playing football and I want to continue to play and do a great job. I'm looking forward to what's ahead. Whatever the future may bring, I'll embrace it with open arms."

Rumors have said Brady could land with the Los Angeles Chargers now that they have parted ways with long-time quarterback Phillip Rivers. But new reports indicate Brady could end up with the Titans following their impressive post-season performance.


AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘HOMEMADE SHOULDER PADS’
Impressive when you can suit up for a game of football and bring your own shoulder pads. Cushion like that, my dude probably plays out on the rec field with no fear.


HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ALL!!!
EFREM

1/30/20

The Daily Buzz For Jan 31 ☕πŸ“°☕

Naomi Campbell for Vivienne Westwood Spring 2020 Ad Campaign!
Supermodel Naomi Campbell and Iconic Designer Vivienne Westwood did a collaboration with Vivienne Westwood for her Spring 2020 Ad Campaign. Take a look at the pics!
Thoughts!


#RHOA: Kandi Sat Down With Kenya To Discuss All Things RHOA!
Kandi Burruss told her fans that she sat down with Kenya Moore and discussed the RHOA series. She also shared a photo featuring the both of them on social media, and the ladies look amazing.
‘I finally sat down with my girl @TheKenyaMoore to discuss all things #RHOA! My squad decided to switch up my look for this one. Hair: @nakiazhordaan makeup: @lipsticker_ Styled by: @apuje Dress: @balmain @bravodailydish @bravotv #RHOAAftershow,’ Kandi captioned her post.

Someone told her that ‘My 8-year-old daughter and I watch RHOA and you’re our favorite,’ and one otheer follower said: ‘My 2 Beautiful And Gorgeous Queens.’
A fan wrote: ‘You guys look like real Barbie dolls..Black. Beautiful and Bold!’ and someone else posted this: ‘@kandi always shut sh*t DOWN so freaking gorgeous πŸ˜.’
One follower believes that this look makes Kandi seem older: ‘The look is ok; however, it makes you look older to me but pretty is pretty and that you are.’
One of Kandi’s fans wants her to invite NeNe Leakes on the series called Speak on It: ‘Can you please do a Speak on it with NeNe… I been waiting and waiting for that…’

In other news, the other day, Kandi and her hubby Todd Tucker attended a party, and they looked amazing.
Kenya Moore, Eva Marcille, Cynthia Bailey, and more shared love for their friend on social media with praising messages.
The other day, after Kandi learned about the tragedy that happened with Kobe Bryant shared a photo featuring him and captioned it with the following words:

‘I’m in shock! My heart goes out to @vanessabryant & their children & also to the families of the other people who didn’t survive. This hurts! We lost a legend. #RIPKobeBryant #RIPGiGi.’
Fans appreciated the fact that she posted about him, and they sent prayers via the comments section.


#MusicNews: Justin Bieber Enlists Summer Walker For ‘Yummy’ Remix!
Justin Bieber has enlisted the R&B songstress for a remix to his hit single “Yummy.” Taking to Twitter on Wednesday, the pop superstar said their collaboration would drop next week.
“Might have to drop this @IAMSUMMERWALKER #yummy remix next week,” tweeted Bieber, to which Walker responded, “im wit it.”
 “Yummy” was released earlier this month and peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

On Tuesday, the Biebs dropped his latest song “Get Me” featuring Kehlani off his upcoming album Changes, due Feb. 14. The “futuristic R&B/pop project,” which has been likened to 2013’s Journals, will reportedly also feature Travis Scott, Post Malone, and a Murda Beatz-produced collaboration with Quavo, for which a video was recently shot.
Bieber will also hit the road in support of the album. His “Changes Tour” with special guests Kehlani and Jaden Smith kicks off May 14 in Seattle and travels across North America before wrapping Sept. 26 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.


#HipHopNews: Kodak Black Working On New Projects In Prison!
Kodak Black is remaining busy behind bars. On Monday (Jan. 27), the rapper's lawyer went to visit Kodak at a federal facility in Oklahoma and shared an update on his client on social media. In an Instagram post, Bradford Cohen said that Kodak is in good spirits and is working on new projects.

"Flew up for the day to Oklahoma to see @kodakblack he's doing well," Cohen wrote. "As I have done for many of my clients that I want to check on. The FDC Oklahoma counselors and managers went put of their way to accommodate a visit on an off day and with short notice. We will address the issues in FDC Miami in good time. It was good to see him and he was in good spirits. He is working on new projects and reading. He wants to thank all of you for the support. #kodakblack #wingofjustice."
Cohen doesn't say what types of new projects Kodak is working on, so it will be interesting to see whether they have anything to do with music.

Kodak was just recently transferred to the Oklahoma facility as a temporary holding spot until he moves on to his permanent destination in Kentucky. The rapper will remain at the latter location until his official release date of Aug. 14, 2022.


Vanessa Bryant releases first statement after deaths of Kobe, Gianna!
LOS ANGELES — Vanessa Bryant has released her first public statement after the deaths of her husband Kobe and daughter Gianna on Sunday.
"My girls and I want to thank the millions of people who’ve shown support and love during this horrific time. Thank you for all the prayers. We definitely need them," Vanessa Bryant said in an Instagram post. "We are completely devastated by the sudden loss of my adoring husband, Kobe — the amazing father of our children; and my beautiful, sweet Gianna — a loving, thoughtful, and wonderful daughter, and amazing sister to Natalia, Bianka, and Capri."
The post goes on to say that the Bryant family appreciates the thoughts and prayers from around the world, but would like privacy as they continue to grieve.
Kobe, Gianna and seven others were killed when their helicopter crashed on a hillside in Calabasas around 10 a.m. PST on Sunday.
Vanessa Bryant says they've set up the "MambaOnThree" fund to benefit the families of the other victims in the helicopter crash.

She also says that MambaSportsFoundation.org will continue to honor Kobe and Gianna's legacy in youth sports.


ASAP Rocky Is Allegedly Dating Rihanna!
According to a report The Sun published on Tuesday (Jan. 28), the ASAP Mob boss and RiRi have been casually seeing each other for the past few weeks. A source close to Rihanna told the outlet that the pair of have hanging out a lot lately. The source also asserts that they shared a hotel room together during her recent stay in New York City.
“They shared a hotel suite during that trip in New York," the source said. "However, Rihanna is reluctant to put a label on it as it’s so soon after Hassan. They’re really enjoying each other’s company and taking things easy as it’s still early days."

It's not the first time were spotted out together recently. About two weeks ago, the Testing rapper, who's set to headline 2020 Rolling Loud in Miami, and the ANTI singer were seen together at 2020 Yams Day. That's also the same day the news about the end of her previous relationship with billionaire Hassan Jameel was revealed.
Prior to that, the "Babushka Boi" MC and RiRi were also spotted walking the red carpet together at the 2019 Fashion Awards at Royal Albert Hall in London, England back in December. The source also states that neither artist has confirmed their relationship status.
“It’s really casual between them and she’s not thinking about whether there’s a future with Rocky," the source said. "She’s a newly-single girl having fun.”

Rihanna and Rocky were previously rumored to have been dating in 2013.


Ellen DeGeneres surprises black teen told to cut dreadlocks with $20,000 scholarship!
Ellen DeGeneres has taken up the cause of a black Texas high school student who was told he won't be allowed to return to school or attend his graduation ceremony unless he cuts his dreadlocks — and surprised him with a $20,000 scholarship.
DeAndre Arnold, a senior at Barbers Hill High School in Mont Belvieu, appeared in an episode of "The Ellen Show" that aired Wednesday.
At the start of the segment, DeGeneres told Arnold, "I'm sure this is not easy or comfortable for you," referring to his appearance on television. "But I want you to just relax and know that I'm here for you."

"That's why you're here," she continued. "Because I don't understand this."
Arnold has said he was suspended over the length of his dreadlocks and told by his principal that he needed to cut his hair to return to school.
"You get good grades," DeGeneres said. "You've never been in trouble, ever. This is the first time anything has come up. And now, you haven't been in school for weeks because of this situation."

Ellen DeGeneresGrammy Award-winning artist Alicia Keys showed her support by surprising DeAndre Arnold, and together, Ellen and Alicia give him a check for $20,000 to put towards college, courtesy of Shutterfly.Michael Rozman / Warner Bros.
Arnold has worn dreadlocks for years and has said he always followed the dress code because he kept his hair off his shoulders, above his earlobes and out of his eyes, by tying up his dreadlocks. He told DeGeneres he was informed he was in violation of the dress code after the Christmas break.

"Every day I would go to school, I would be in dress code," he told DeGeneres. "But the thing with them is, if it was let down, I would be out of dress code."
DeGeneres asked if there were girls in his school with long hair, to which he responded in the affirmative and said: "There's plenty of girls with long hair at my school. Like, if girls can have long hair, why can't I have long hair?"
DeGeneres said that was the point she was trying to make.

"I just personally think you should be able to wear your hair however you want, especially if there's girls with long hair," she said. "What's the difference if girls have long hair and if guys have long hair?"
She said she did not think the policy was fair and asked Arnold to explain why his dreadlocks are important to him.
"It's really important to me because my dad is from Trinidad," he told her, adding that his dreadlocks are part of his culture and heritage. "And I really wish the school would kind of be open to other cultures and just, at least let us try to tell you some things. Don't just shut us out."

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DeGeneres agreed. "I think that's what school's supposed to do," she said, "is teach you about other cultures. You're not supposed to teach them. They're supposed to teach you."
African Americans make up 3.1 percent of the Barbers Hill Independent School District population.
Arnold, who has been out of school for weeks, said if he doesn't cut his hair, his only options are in-school suspension or an alternative school for children with behavioral issues.
Barbers Hill High School and the Barbers Hill Independent School District have not responded to multiple requests for comment.

DeGeneres then spoke into the camera and urged officials "to do the right thing."
"I am begging you. This kid is a good kid. He deserves to graduate, to walk with all the other kids," she said. "He's a good guy. I just am urging you to do the right thing. Please."
Afterward, she invited singer Alicia Keys on stage to award Arnold, who plans to become a veterinarian, a $20,000 scholarship for college.

"I want to tell you that, I couldn't believe the story when I heard it," Keys told Arnold. "And I'm super proud of you for standing up for what you know is right. And I know that the school needs to do the right thing."


Danny Glover & Mel Gibson Will Return For 5th & Final “Lethal Weapon” Film!
After over two decades of hiatus, reports confirm that the fifth and final installment of the Lethal Weapon film franchise is set to be made. To fans’ delight, the cop action flick will be completed with its original megastars: actors Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. In the most recent episode of “The Hollywood Reporter’s Producers Roundtable,” the movies’ producer, Dan Lin, confirmed the news:

“Mel and Danny are ready to go, so it’s about the script.”
The original Lethal Weapon film was released in 1987, spawning three more sequels after that. Detective Martin Riggs’ and Detective Roger Murtaugh’s most recent adventure was released in 1998.
The franchise was, later, revived as a television series starring Clayne Crawford and Damon Wayans from 2016 to 2019.

Dan Lin explained the fifth film’s significance:
“We’re trying to make the last Lethal Weapon movie. And Dick Donner’s coming back. The original cast is coming back. And it’s just amazing. The story is very personal to him.”

Are you ready for the final Lethal Weapon film?


Madonna Leaves With Boyfriend Ahlamalik Williams After 'Madame X' Tour Stop in London!
Madonna bundles up in a Versace coat while leaving the Palladium following her concert on Wednesday night (January 29).
The 61-year-old iconic singer was seen following her new boyfriend Ahlamalik Williams outside of the venue to their waiting car.
Earlier this week, Madonna resumed her tour after cancelling another date on it because of an injury.
She shared that she was “happy to have made it” to the crowd during the event.

Madonna has had to cancel several other dates on the Madame X Tour, including in New York City, Los Angeles, Boston, and Miami due to production issues, injuries and scheduling limitations.


Barbie Adds New Vitiligo & Hairless Dolls To Their Collection ”To Showcase a Multi-Dimensional View of Beauty & Fashion”!
In an effort to boost diversity, Barbie creators have released new designs that are sure to include everyone.
Mattel, the toy’s production company, released a statement saying that “the brand wants to showcase a multi-dimensional view of beauty & fashion.”
The Barbie’s Fashionista line will now include dolls with no hair and another design that features the skin condition, vitiligo.
In 2019, the brand released a model with a prosthetic limb and another in a wheelchair. Other dolls in the line include braided hair and different body shapes.

Since 2015 when the Barbie Fashionista collection first launched, the collection has now grown to include over 170 diverse dolls. The two best-selling dolls in the UK, 2019 were in wheelchairs, reports CNN.


Popeyes Announces Limited-Edition Clothing Line Following Ivy Park Colorway Comparison!
On Wednesday, Popeyes announced a new, limited-edition clothing line reminiscent of Beyonce’s new Ivy Park collection.
Earlier this month, Beyonce took to social media to promote her new fashion apparel, Ivy Park, a collaboration the megastar made with Adidas. Upon its release, the stores instantly sold out. The unisex sportswear line made Queen Bey the first African-American woman to become sole owner of an athleisure brand.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Even with the success of the launch. The internet made sure to present its comic criticism by comparing Ivy Park’s maroon and orange design to the Popeyes chicken sandwich wrapper. Immediately social media marketing advocate, Popeyes, leaped to the opportunity and contrived the limited-edition, That Look from Popeye’s collection.

The, ‘That Look from Popeyes,’ wardrobe includes 10 items inspired by the franchise’s work uniform. All proceeds from the release go to the Popeye’s Foundation.
This isn’t Popeyes first fashion line either. In December, the chicken chain’s ‘Ugly Christmas Sweater’ sold out in less than 14 hours, according to CNBC.

Supplies are available while they last.


Aaron Hernandez's FiancΓ©e Addresses His Sexuality After Netflix Doc!
Aaron Hernandez's fiancΓ©e Shayanna Jenkins-Hernandez has spoken out about Netflix's three-part documentary titled Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez, which chronicles the late athlete's life from childhood to his 2013 arrest to his suicide in 2017.

In a sit-down interview with ABC News' Amy Robach that aired on Wednesday (January 29) on Good Morning America, Shayanna opened about the questions surrounding Aaron's sexuality, which were discussed at length in the documentary.
“You can’t describe someone’s sexuality without them being here,” she said. “Although I have had a child with Aaron, I still can’t tell you what he was feeling inside, no one can.” In tears, Shayanna continued, “If he did feel that way, or if he felt the urge, I wish that I was told. I wish that he would have told me because I would not have loved him any differently. I would have understood.”

“It’s not shameful and I don’t think any should feel shameful on who they are inside regardless of who they love,” the mother-of-two added. “I think it’s a beautiful thing. I just wish I was able to tell him that."
Since its release, Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez has received backlash from those closest to the former New England Patriots tight end. While it provides new details about Aaron's legal cases — he was charged with the murder of Odin Lloyd in 2013 and as he awaited trial, he was charged with the fatal drive-by shootings of Daniel Jorge Correia de Abreu and Safiro Teixeira Furtado — it also implies that Aaron was in the closet, agonizing over his sexuality.

Aaron's lawyer Jose Baez, who repped the late athlete and helped him beat his double murder case, appeared in the documentary. However, after its release, the attorney posted a scathing Instagram post, slamming the producers for their allegedly untruthful documentary. "I don’t give a da*n about what some lame a** documentary has to say about Aaron. I knew him, they did not and while he was far from perfect, they are not even close to the truth," he wrote. "People have no idea how documentaries are made, the truth is usually found on the cutting room floor. These producers lied directly to my face, so I don’t expect their money making scheme to be much better. #ripchico #baezlawfirm #aaronhernandez."

The day prior, on the date of the documentary's release (January 15), she shared an inspirational quote. “Never forget how far you’ve come,” the quote read. “Everything you have gotten through. All the times you have pushed on even when you felt you couldn’t. All the mornings you got out of bed no matter how hard it was. All the times you wanted to give up but you got through another day. Never forget how much strength you have developed along the way.”

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.


'Living Single' star Erika Alexander calls out David Schwimmer for suggesting 'all-black' reboot of 'Friends'!
Despite David Schwimmer’s recent comments about his awareness of his own privilege δΈ€ and calling for an “all-black” or “all-Asian” reboot of Friends — Erika Alexander has chimed in to remind him that Friends is actually the all-white reboot of 90’s sitcom Living Single.

This past Monday, during his Guardian interview, Schwimmer defended the modern-day criticisms of Friends, which claim that it lacked diversity and was tone-deaf on topics like body size and LGBTQ representation. While HBO Max is reportedly trying to get a televised reunion with the show’s stars off the ground, Schwimmer insisted that none of them want to revisit their old characters. “Maybe there should be an all-black Friends or an all-Asian Friends,” he mused. “I’m very aware of my own privilege as a heterosexual white male whose parents were able to pay for a private education for me. I’ve always felt a sense of responsibility to give back and to call things out if I see an abuse of power,” said the 53-year-old actor.
However, yesterday afternoon Alexander took to Twitter to address Schwimmer’s comments. In the tweet which now has over 6,000 likes and almost 2,000 retweets, she wrote, “Hey @DavidSchwimmer @FriendsTV - r u seriously telling me you’ve never heard of #LivingSingle? We invented the template! Yr welcome bro,” followed by a wink. The fans of Living Single have also taken to Twitter to remind “Ross” that it’s already been done.

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In recent years, Alexander has been open about the fact that Living Single not only came before Friends, but downright inspired its creation. As she revealed during her 2018 interview with The Breakfast Club, even the name for Friends was taken from the development stage of its predecessor. She explained that the original name for Living Single was My Girls but it didn’t test well, so executives came up with some other names. Living Single and Friends were options on a list of names presented and “they chose Living Single for us and then the next year they created Friends,” says the actress.

She continued, “They both came from Warner Bros. We were on the ‘ranch lot’ and [Friends] was on the ‘big lot’ … We had nothing on that lot. We actually had no air conditioning. Our craft services table was basically rice with Tabasco sauce and Ritz crackers, but also what happened was the fact that we didn’t get the marketing … There were a lot of things that were in place to hold [us] down and make you not feel as valuable, but I’m sure if they looked and scaled, and looked at how much they made vs what they put in, I’m sure we’re on par if not way beyond what they made.”


Judge Denies R. Kelly’s Request To Reveal Accusers!
Two of R. Kelly’s accusers will remain anonymous until just before he faces trial, a federal judge in New York City ruled today.
U.S. District Judge Ann M. Donnelly decided that given the singer’s alleged history of witness tampering and intimidation, prosecutors have a valid reason to withhold the womens’ identies. As a result, he denied the request.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Kelly is facing a sweeping racketeering indictment in New York, alleging he and his associates recruited women and girls for illegal sexual contact with Kelly, then isolated and threatened them to keep them under his control.

Kelly’s team already knows the identity of four alleged accusers but contends that they cannot prepare an adequate defense for the singer without the identity of the two women in question.
Kelly has been charged for allegedly filming his sexual encounters with Jane Doe #2, who was a minor at the time, on multiple occasions. The other alleged victim, who has been identified as Jane Doe #3, was in her early 20s when Kelly invited her to his hometown for an an interview. He then reportedly locked her in a bathroom for three days, drugged her and sexually assaulted her while she was unconscious.

The disgraced singer faces separate charges of sexual misconduct in federal court in Chicago as well as Cook County criminal court.


AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘RIP’
Game recognize game. Not sure Mr. Peanut is as significant as Kobe and his daughter passing but I don’t know this man’s life and his relationship with peanuts, so I won’t judge. Everyone grieves in their own way, some just do it in style.


HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM

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