Tyler Perry for Ebony’s POWER 100 LIST!
The entertainment industry never understood what Tyler Perry represented. People laughed at him, but they also learned from the New Orleans native. He arrived in Hollywood 15 years ago already a self-made millionaire, thanks to his built-in fan base with a franchise centering around the feisty, take-no-mess granny named Madea. As you would expect, Perry controlled the rights to his work then just as he does now.
“I had to own the intellectual property because that is where the value is. That is the thing that changes wealth for generations to come. That will change my son’s future,” the father of a 5-year-old son, Aman, tells EBONY. “I wish more of us, as African-Americans, knew that the value is in ownership, which is the only thing that is going to keep this momentum going. We’re in this great moment in Hollywood where Black is in.”
The media mogul looks over his complex, which is larger than the Disney, Paramount and Warner Bros. studios in Burbank, California, put together.
Just recently, he hosted the grand opening of the historic Tyler Perry Studios, a $250 million Atlanta facility that sits on 330 acres. There were no outside backers. Perry is the first African-American to independently own his own studio, on land he purchased in 2015. Once a Confederate Army base, Fort McPherson, the enormous complex includes 12 soundstages ranging in size from 10,000 to 38,000 square feet that are named after legendary Black actors and filmmakers, including Sidney Poitier, Cicely Tyson and Spike Lee. Marvel’s box office smash Black Panther was the first feature filmed there in part before the studio’s official opening. The location rivals and is larger than the Disney, Paramount and Warner Bros. studios in Burbank, California, put together.
“Combined, you can put all [the other studios’] ground on this land. I’m a person who dreams really, really big. In my prayers, why did it have to be this big and why did it have to be this much?” he asks. “I realize and understand that it’s not for me as much as it is for other people, especially people of color, who have had to take the backseat in this country to see that it’s possible. This moment is showing what is possible when you work hard.”
Perry continues to show what is possible. He’s hoping in the near future to have pods at the complex for LGBTQ youth, battered women and those who’ve aged out of foster care. “That is my next goal,” he shares. “I’ve done a lot of work with charities that have worked with all of these groups, but I want to have a place where I know they are safe.”
Most recently, the November 2019 Democratic presidential debate was held at the landmark facility. His star power also was literally cemented the month before when the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce honored him with the 2,675th star on the fabled Hollywood Walk of Fame. As the co-owner of the subscription streaming service BET+, his new series lineup includes the political drama The Oval and the dramatic comedy Sistas. Expect access to all his films and stage plays. Then there’s the Netflix movie A Fall From Grace (see sidebar)and a new partnership with Peachtree & Vine Productions.
“There are so many stories. It’s about finding other projects and producing other projects. It’s kind of like what Oprah and I did with the movie Precious. I hope that Peachtree & Vine picks up the slack on other artistic stuff I want to do,” says the media mogul, whose The Haves and the Have Nots has been renewed on OWN for a seventh season.
In 2019, he officially retired Madea, the character on whose shoulders his wealth and empire were mostly built. The final film, A Madea Family Funeral, grossed more than $74 million. And Perry was “surprised” that his 21st and last stage play, Madea’s Farewell, was his “most successful.” He has come to accept that, though tried and true, the industry still doesn’t quite get him or his audience. He’s unbothered at this point because it’s about agency and advocacy in the big A.
Executive mansion: Perry’s own White House soundstage is a three-story stucco replica of the one in the nation’s capital, complete with an Oval Office, a press room and a resolute desk. The Oval is written, directed and executive produced by Perry.
“Build your own table, and stop asking for a seat at someone else’s table. That’s why I came to Atlanta. I know the value in what I do, and I know how important our stories are to us. We have to stop trying to run and cross over and get attention from somebody else,” he emphasizes. “These are people who don’t even care . . . I found value in my own face, in my own people, in my own color. Until we realize as Black people that there is tremendous value in our own community, we will always be asking somebody to validate us. Why ask someone to validate me outside of the world I live in that is so special and built this entire place, ticket by ticket, grandmothers coming with their grandkids, laughing, to see Madea?”
He’s yielded power, perhaps in the Hollywood sense of the definition, through the very trappings of wealth and fame. So with more money comes more problems, right? Wrong. “I believe it is all relevant. I have the same amount of issues I had when I was broke, it’s just different issues,” he explains. “People look at the now but don’t look at the then. I still felt like I was the same person then as I do now. I still felt rich even though I couldn’t pay bills. I still felt wealthy within my soul and myself as a person.”
Power, he quickly clarifies, doesn’t have to mean having money. For Perry, it’s much deeper than what’s in one’s pockets.
Leaning on a 1977 Rolls-Royce Camargue once owned by Mr. Showbiz himself, Sammy Davis Jr., Perry builds on the legacy of past entertainment industry icons.
“I know a lot of people who have power but aren’t necessarily rich. A definition for me is when you have a tool that you can use for good to uplift, encourage and open doors for people. That’s what I think the definition of power, in this setting, should be,” he says. “I can’t speak to power without talking about faith in God. Power for me, from birth growing up, was going to church and understanding the power of God and working hard to align with that. You might have talent, but if everything is not lined up, it might not happen. I had the time and the talent, but it took God for everything to line up. That’s the ultimate power for me.”
Perry’s Power Reminders:
It is a two-way sword.
Handle it with care.
Use it for good.
It doesn’t make you who you are.
If in the right hands, it can change the world.
Nice. Go pick up Ebony Magazine’s POWER 100 List on newsstands now!
#RHOA: Porsha Williams Says She Is 'Done' With Fiancé Dennis Mckinley and She’s 'About To Tell It All'!
Real Housewives of Atlanta star Porsha Williams seemingly declared that she was “done” with fiancé Dennis McKinley on Instagram on Friday, January 24. The reality star also warned that she was “about to tell it all.” Porsha and Dennis first called off their engagement in June 2019 after she learned he had been unfaithful while she was pregnant with their daughter Pilar Jhena
Dennis, 43, recently raised eyebrows when he was caught on video with four women at a diner in Atlanta at 4 a.m. on Saturday, January 4. "He came in with four beautiful women. Porsha was not with him. Dennis was the only man in the group and all of the women were flirting with him," a source told RadarOnline.com at the time.
Porsha hinted at ongoing relationship problems with Dennis during her appearance on Watch What Happens Live on January 19. "We’re working on our relationship," she cryptically said. "Do you trust him?" host Andy Cohen asked, which caused Porsha to get defensive. "I think you ask me every time I come here. I think every relationship is a work in progress. We have a daughter together. Just pray for us. You pray for yourselves, add us in there too," she responded.
Andy then referenced the video of Dennis at the diner with the women and asked if it had impacted their relationship. "I don’t know, he was out. Can y’all just continue to comment and speculate and let me figure out my life? I’m figuring out my life," Porsha said.
Porsha ended her engagement to Dennis the first time back in June 2019, when she learned he had cheated while she was pregnant. They reconciled in August 2019 and Porsha announced that they were officially engaged again during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live on December 1.
On the December 15 episode of RHOA, Dennis claimed that his cheating was brought on by Porsha's postpartum depression. "We had a rough pregnancy, all the way from start to finish. Sex during pregnancy, it’s nothing what a man wants to do. And after PJ got here, postpartum was very real. We cried together like every night. That’s not a good enough why, but that’s the why [I cheated]," he admitted during a couple's therapy session.
Porsha was vocal about trying to expand her family with Dennis in the months leading up to her being "done" with him.
Do you think Porsha will end up forgiving Dennis again?
#Empire: Vivica Fox Speaks Out On Jussie Smollett and Empire Finale!
Fox has already handed down its decision on whether or not Jussie Smollett will be back for the Empire finale later his year, but that hasn’t stopped one of the actor’s former co-stars from weighing in on whether or not she wants it to happen.
Vivica A. Fox plays Candace Mason — sister to Lyon matriarch Cookie, played by Taraji P. Henson — on the Fox hit series. She recently visited the CBS daily yakfest series The Talk to promote Empire’s final season.
“We are only halfway through the final season,” Fox revealed. “But it’s amazing, the chemistry on the set is amazing. This season [Cookie] got to spend a lot more time with her sisters and interact, and we’re trying to get her away from Lucious [played by Terrence Howard]. And so, it’s been an amazing experience so far.”
The co-hosts of the show asked Fox if she’d like to have Smollett appear in these last episodes to give closure to not only his character Jamal but also to the characters who have relationships with him.
Vivica Answers The Big Question “Of course, I love Jussie, and I always will,” Fox responded. “He’s family. You know, things happen. We started the show with him, and in my honest opinion, I’d love to finish it with him. But it is up to the network.”
Fox made the decision to release Smollett from the show after it came to light that the attack he reported last year appeared to have not occurred the way the actor said it did. In fact, Smollett has been accused of concocting the incident for various reasons. Recently, the show confirmed Smollett’s return as Jamal was still not happening.
You can check Fox’s interview with the women of Talk below. The Talk is hosted by Sharon Osbourne, Sheryl Underwood, Eve, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Marie Osmond. It airs daily on CBS. Check local listings for air times. The series finale of Empire is reportedly set to air in May.
#NewMusicVideo from New Video: Deborah Cox – Easy Way!
Veteran R&B singer Deborah Cox returns with the brand new Rico Love produced single “Easy Way”. We finally get to hear the results of this collaboration which the pair had teased from the studio a few months back.
WATCH HERE
The track allows Deborah Cox to flex her signature beautiful vocal abilities over a vintage Rico Love production.
#HipHopNews: Meek Mill Reportedly Gets Into a Scuffle With Ex Nicki Minaj & Her New Husband
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA – Former couple Meek Mill and Nicki Minaj reportedly ran into each other on Friday (January 24) at the high-end clothing store Maxfield in West Hollywood where chaos ensued. According to TMZ, Nicki and her new husband Kenneth Petty were casually browsing around the store when they bumped into Meek.
While it’s unclear what prompted it, a shouting match quickly erupted with Petty calling Meek a “pussy” and Meek returning the sentiment. Then it sounds like Petty screams, “You ain’t talking to her no more! You can’t talk to me one-on-one!” Nicki appears to jump in and call Meek a “bitch.”
Fellow rapper ReTcH, who happened to be in the same area, snapped two separate selfies with both Meek and Nicki. After the alleged incident popped off, he approached Nicki who initially thought he was part of Meek’s crew. She got in his face at first but then apparently realized who he was.
“JUST RAN INTO THE QUEEN SHOPPIN FOR DRIP,” he wrote in all caps. “WE WAS BEEFIN AT FIRST WE FRIENDS NOW @NICKIMINAJ.”
ReTcH reportedly went into more detail on his Instagram Live where he confirmed Nicki, Petty and Meek did indeed “start beefin.”
WATCH
Meek was ultimately escorted out of the store by his own security team and store employees
Gabrielle Union Hits Back At Terry Crews After His 'Today' Show Comments!
Gabrielle Union is not here for people dismissing her truth. The actress and producer sprinted into the Twitter streets to address Terry Crews’ recent comments on Today.
During his appearance on Thursday, Crews, who was a judge on America’s Got Talent with Union, commented on her claims that the culture of the show was toxic and racially insensitive.
“That was never my experience on America’s Got Talent. In fact, it was the most diverse place I have ever been in my 20 years of entertainment,” Crews said. “The top 10 acts were Asian, women, older, younger, Black, White. It was everything in the gamut.”
Crews continued: “I can’t speak for sexism because I am not a woman, but I can speak on behalf of any racism comments.”
Racist jokes targeting the Asian community and comments that Union’s hairstyles were “too black,” were among the issues she reportedly raised in the workplace before learning that her contract would not be renewed.
Crews said his wife was the reason he did not feel compelled to support his coworker by issuing a statement. “I believe you should listen to women — you should always believe women — so I asked my wife what I should do,” he said. “Because Gabrielle Union has not made any statement to this day about any of these allegations publicly…My wife said, ‘Well, if she hasn’t made a statement, why would you?” he added. He did not reveal why he felt compelled to comment on his differing experiences on television or imply his wife’s feelings about him doing so.
Union responded swiftly by tweeting: “Why anyone would gleefully get up on TV and tell lies that NO ONE disputed… But we already know,”
“Can someone please ask abt what happens to all that diversity folks are talking about BEHIND THE SCENES. Like, legit… where the hell is all that diversity in the production though homie? In the decision making ranks who control the fate of the diversity in front of the camera?”
She referenced the several witnesses who, she says, validated her claims in a Tweet thanking a well wisher for their continued support. “Thank u! Cuz girlllllll Truth telling, wanting change & having MULTIPLE witnesses who bravely came forward to let EVERYONE know I didn’t lie or exaggerate, really exposes those who enthusiastically will throw you under the bus, forgetting quickly who stepped up 4 THEIR truth.”
When former America’s Got Talent host Julianne Hough appeared on Today, she stood in solidarity with Union. Said Hough, “We need to start conversations and I just commend Gabrielle for speaking her truth and starting a conversation.”
Whitney Houston’s Sister-In-Law Deems Taraji P. Henson Fit To Play Singer In Upcoming Biopic!
Clive Davis, Grammy Award-winning record producer and current CCO of Sony Music Entertainment, has not been shy about his dedication towards re-creating another Whitney biopic. After the first received a great deal of backlash, Clive told LA Times, “The story of Whitney Houston has not been told yet.”
Although the new biopic from Davis is in its earliest stages, people are eager to know who will play the infamous singer.
Friday at LAX, TMZ reporters spoke to Pat Houston, sister-in-law of Houston, about the upcoming biopic and revealed she is actually collaborating with Davis on the project. “Davis is a wonderful person — he’s also credited with bringing Houston to prominence — so [I’m] doing anything [I] can to help him,” TMZ reported on Pat’s behalf.
Pat is unable to share who is on the list to play Whitney, but she shared who she believes to be the best fit to represent her late sister-in-law. TMZ stated, “She can’t help but blurt out how much she loves Henson’s and wants her for the role.”
Danny McBride says Kanye West asked him to play him in a movie!
From sampling Blades of Glory in “N***** in Paris” to making a cameo in Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, Kanye West has made little secret of his Will Ferrell fandom. But it’s another member of Hollywood’s so-called “Frat Pack” that the rap star would reportedly like to see play him in a movie.
That honor goes to Danny McBride, the actor known for comedic gems like The Foot Fist Way, Pineapple Express and Eastbound & Down. According to a new interview, The Righteous Gemstones star gave to the Guardian, West asked him to take on a very unexpected role.
“Kanye asked me to play him in a movie of his life,” McBride told the British newspaper, laughing at the memory. “That was a pretty stunning phone call to get. I don’t know why he wanted me to do it. Maybe that sense of ego I’m able to portray? I have no clue.”
According to McBride, West even flew down to visit his family and watched his young son play Fortnite. Plans for an actual West biopic — which would presumably cover his marriage to Kim Kardashian and recent support of President Donald Trump — remain vague, however.
“That was a pretty incredible day,” McBride said. “Maybe someday we’ll make the film. Who knows?”
Speaking of unconventional casting choices, McBride’s Tropic Thunder co-star Robert Downey Jr. has recently defended wearing blackface in the 2008 film, in which he played a white method actor who goes above and beyond to portray a black character.
Tracee Ellis Ross supposedly dating Black-ish Creator Kenya Barris!
Apparently, love is in the air on the set of "Blackish"The words on the streets are that Tracee Ellis Ross He is currently in relation to Kenya Barris, the creator of the ABC series. Love B. Scott was the first to report this story.
However, it is still unclear when they started dating, since none of them have responded to the rumors so far. There is also the possibility that Tracee does not address his new romance considering that it is notoriously private when it comes to his personal life. The "Dad's girls"The star said earlier in an interview:" I was born in a very public family, so I gained a relationship for myself with what is important … [and] with what I am afraid of in my life. "
She continued: "I don't make a decision [that] & # 39; I will never talk about my relationships & # 39; or anything like that. Certainly it is not a decision that I made or anything like that, but there are certain things that are sacred to me which is not for public consumption. They are mine. "
Until today, Tracee only had at least one known relationship, since he once dated music executive Abou "Bu" Thiam. It is unclear when the ex separated, although About said earlier that the two still had a "genuine and unconditional relationship" despite the separation. He added the reason for the separation, "She is in a place in her career that if I can't give her all of me, I don't want to waste … no … waste her time, but I don't want to put her in that space … So why not give him the chance to find someone else who can. "
Meanwhile, Kenya was in a 20-year marriage with Dr. Rania "Rainbow" Barris. He filed for divorce from his wife now separated in August 2019.
Power Shares First-Look At Mary J. Blige’s Character In Spin-Off Series!
“Power” is really out here proving the series never really ends. This week, STARZ’s popular show shared a first-look at actress/singer Mary J. Blige in the upcoming “Power Book II: Ghost” series. Look
HOT!!!!
Taylor Swift Has Reportedly Canceled Her 'Secret' 2020 Grammys Performance!
Contrary to speculation, Taylor Swift will not be performing at the 2020 Grammy Awards.
According to multiple source reports from Variety, whatever surprise performance the “Lover” musician might have been planning for tomorrow’s annual awards ceremony is now a no-go. As the outlet indicates, Swift had been gossiped to be a “secret” (albeit unannounced) performer for the show but apparently pulled out of the commitment last-minute for reasons undisclosed.
Although Swift was never confirmed as a performer, it was believed she was the mystery “TBA” artist listed on the rehearsal schedule for the taping at Staples Center, where the Grammys will take place on January 26. What's more, it was said the 30-year-old artist would deliver her feminist record “The Man." No one knows what caused the performance to fall through, though Variety theorized the controversy surrounding the Recording Academy trustees and ousted CEO Deborah Dugan could have potentially been the reason Swift decided to bow out altogether.
Rumors of the songbird’s surprise showcase started swirling as she supported the premiere of her Netflix documentary, Miss Americana, at the Sundance Film Festival. Before the Dugan drama, it was assumed Swift was so quick to hop a plane back to Los Angeles on Thursday night because she was allegedly preparing to put something together for the music celebration.
As fans now, Swift is nominated in several categories at the Grammys this year including for Song of the Year for her smash hit “Lover,” Best Pop Vocal Album (Lover), and Best Solo Performance for “You Need to Calm Down.”
Tamra Judge & Vicki Gunvalson Are Leaving 'Real Housewives of Orange County'!
The Real Housewives of Orange County are losing two longtime cast members.
Tamra Judge and Vicki Gunvalson have both announced their time on the Bravo reality show is over and they will not be returning for the upcoming 15th season.
Tamra announced her departure on Saturday (January 25). She joined the RHOC during it’s third season in 2007 and is currently the longest-running full-time cast member in Housewives history.
“It’s been a wild ride, and after all these years, I’m looking forward to life away from the cameras,” Tamra shared with People. “I was offered a chance to come back to the show in a limited role, but would prefer to walk away on my own terms.”
The day before, Vicki announced that she is leaving the show. She was the “OG of the OC,” being with the show since it premiered in 2006. In season 14, she was demoted to a “Friend of the Housewives” role.
“I will always be the OG of the OC, but it’s time to say goodbye to The Real Housewives of Orange County. It’s been an incredible ride for 14 years and I want thank all of you for your support, for your love and for ‘whooping it up’ with me along the way,” Vicki wrote on Instagram. “I’ve been working on new projects that will be exciting, empowering and inspirational. My podcast with Westwood One will be launching soon and I will have much more to say about this on ‘Whoop it up with Vicki.’ I hope you will join me with my new journey so please stay tuned. I love all my fans, and I want to thank Bravo and Evolution for this incredible experience which my family and I have will never forget.”
Justin Bieber and Quavo Were Spotted At Daycare Filming Music Video!
It’s been nearly 4 years since we have gotten a full length project from Justin Bieber following his 2015 album, Purpose. However, he’s back on the scene and collaborating with Migos member, Quavo. Following a tease of their collaboration a couple of weeks ago, the two were spotted filming a music video in front of a daycare together. Dancing along with children and other members of the community. The singer and dancer seem to be having a good time dancing to a heartfelt track.
“Ain't it funny how the money, and the cars, and the clothes were nothing until I met Jesus / And ain't it funny how they you look up in the sky and see the stars & the moon and still don't believe them," Bieber is heard rapping in the snippet released.
The song is assumed to appear on Bieber’s upcoming album rumored to be titled, Changes. The album is slated to be released in March 2020 and features his first released single, Yummy.
Bieber recently had a private listening party for his new album in Los Angeles, admitting to attendees that he’s had to deal with some tough struggles, yet find solace with his wife Haley Baldwin.
“I don’t even think I should be alive,” Bieber told the audience as he recalled a “super challenging” period in his life. “I feel like God’s brought me out of a really dark place.”
The Performer did admit that Shawn Mendes is not on the LP and pointed out which of the songs that his wife, Hailey Baldwin, enjoyed the most. The project reportedly focuses on the healing powers of love and marriage, and sees Bieber return to the R&B/pop sonics of his 2013 project, Journals.
Expect more from the Biebster when his YouTube docuseries, Seasons, arrives on the social media platform on January 27.
Kimora Lee Simmons Has Adopted Her 5th Child!
Kimora Lee Simmons and her husband Tim Leissner are now a family of seven!
The Baby Phat founder's rep told Us Weekly, the married couple recently adopted their 10-year-old son, Gary. “He joins the family as Kimora’s two daughters have gone off to college,” the fashion designer’s rep revealed.
The statement continued, “Ming Lee Simmons is a sophomore at NYU, and the next youngest (daughter Aoki Lee Simmons) is a freshman at Harvard. Both have started their college careers and join Kimora as the faces and creative vision behind their newly relaunched family business, Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons. Kimora now has all boys at home. Gary joins sons Kenzo Lee Hounsou and Wolfe Lee Leissner.”
Kimora shared the first photo of Gary back in November on Instagram. "So thankful for these guys! The best part of me! #happythanksgiving #family #love🙏🏼🐥🍁💖," she captioned a picture of her five children (Gary is standing up in the green).
Gary joins Kimora and Tim's 4-year-old son, Wolfe, who they welcomed in 2015. The fashion designer also has three more children from previous relationships: son Kenzo, 10, with her ex Djimon Hounsou, and daughters Aoki, 17, and Ming, 20, with her ex-husband, Russell Simmons.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘CRACK TIME’
Twilight Part 6: Super Blood Moon
EGGPLANT NATION: Meet Sharok Behr
Meet Sharok! You can see more when GO HERE TO SEE THE PICS! And remember they’re NSFW!
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Enjoy!
HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD ALL!!!
EFREM
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