Jessica Simpson for Glamour US - Honesty Issue 2020!
Jessica Simpson's most recent cover interview takes the term "open book" to a new level. The singer and mom of three covers Glamour's February digital issue where she's seen in a promo video transforming from wearing full glam to nothing but eyelash extensions. "One of the most important things I've learned in life is to be honest with myself. Own your story to inspire others," she captioned a photo from the spread on Instagram. "Thank you @glamourmag and @sambarry for featuring me on the cover of the first ever #GlamourHonestyIssue."
Simpson's cover is for the magazine's first ever Honesty Issue, and the accompanying story includes an excerpt from her new memoir Open Book, which was officially released on Feb. 4. In it, she opens up about her struggles with alcohol, her past and current relationships, and being a mother. Head over to Glamour to read Simpson's full interview and to check out the excerpt from her book.
#RHOA: Kandi Burruss Says NeNe Leakes & Kenya Moore Clash Because They Are a Lot Alike!
“Real Housewives of Atlanta” stars NeNe Leakes and Kenya Moore are clashing quite a bit on the upcoming season. In fact, the women nearly came to blows a couple of times. And their feud has spilled onto social media and their latest interviews. So it’s pretty clear that they won’t be able to make peace anytime soon.
Interestingly enough, Kandi Burruss has her own theory as to why Kenya and NeNe don’t get along. And she said that the two women clash because they are so much alike. When it comes to NeNe Leakes and Kenya Moore, the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” stars won’t be ending their feud anytime soon. In fact, things have actually gotten worse between them. On the current season, they nearly came to blows. And they have been throwing plenty of jabs at each other on social media, too.
Kandi Burruss has a theory as to why these two can’t get along. In her latest “Speak On It” video, Kandi says that NeNe and Kenya clash so much because they are more alike than they realize. And both women are quick to point out each other’s faults while they don’t really like to acknowledge their own.
Kandi also said that NeNe was right when she said that all the women on the show fight with each other, however, they are all slow to forgive NeNe for past transgressions. So Kandi agrees that NeNe isn’t exactly treated fairly.
#Empire: Are you Ready for that Cookie Lyon Spinoff because IT’S HAPPENING!
Taraji's PR company seemingly confirmed an "Empire" spin-off starring Taraji is currently in the works. They said she took a break from Chicago where she is shooting the "Empire" spin-off. Last month, a spin-off series centered around Taraji's character, Cookie Lyon, was still kind of in the air.
“We have talked about it but there has been no pitch, and there has been no deals,” FOX entertainment chief Michael Thorn said during TCA. “Would we like to keep Taraji on our air for as long as possible? Of course!”
“We have talked and continue to talk with the producers about spinoffs all the time, but when you have a show that’s iconic, if we are going to do it, it’s got to be great and hopefully worthy of being in the same sentence as the original,” he said, noting that there are ongoing conversations but “nothing formal.”
So, get ready for that Cookie Lyon "Empire" spin-off.
#MusicNews: Justin Bieber’s New Project ‘Changes Finds him on the bumpy road to maturity!
Justin Bieber last released a studio album in 2015: the Grammy-nominated Purpose. However, the pop star has been doing anything but resting on his creative laurels in the last half-decade. He’s been a featured artist on a string of No. 1 singles—including Major Lazer’s “Cold Water,” a remix of Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s “Despacito,” and DJ Khaled’s “I’m The One”—and landed hits with EDM producer DJ Snake, country stars Dan + Shay, and his fellow pop iconoclast Ed Sheeran. These eclectic collaborations not only helped Bieber continue to transcend his teen-pop sound—they also cemented that his boundary-pushing on Purpose was no fluke.
Perhaps the futuristic vibrancy of these songs explains why Bieber’s latest solo album, the subdued and monotonous Changes, sounds like a step backward. Although his increased vocal confidence and ability to tease out emotional nuance are welcome developments, the music doesn’t match this bold progress. Pastel soul-pop and watery R&B slow jams abound, spiced up occasionally by earnest guitar licks (the Justin Timberlake-esque “E.T.A.” boasts prominent bluesy strums), piano flourishes (highlight “Confirmation”), or rattling trap rhythms (“Available”).
Unfortunately, Changes’ production sounds dated—the numerous people tweeting that the album’s beats resemble ringtones aren’t far off—and the melodic hooks are flat and unmemorable. If anything, the album’s most enduring moments come when Bieber gets a boost from featured artists. The Quavo-featuring earworm “Intentions” boasts a twisting, sticky melody, Bieber’s skyscraping falsetto, and some clever wordplay (“Heart full of equity / You’re an asset”); Post Malone and Clever bring gruff vulnerability to the longing “Forever”; and on the chilled-out R&B duet “Get Me”—a song boasting moody production full of whirrs, clicks, and squiggles—Kehlani adds soulful harmonies and lead lines. Overall, however, Changes sounds like the kind of inoffensive music you’d hear while trying on clothes in a store dressing room lit by harsh fluorescent lighting.
Thematically, the album focuses on ideas like embracing unconditional love, eschewing solipsism, and making time to support a partner—all topics no doubt influenced by Bieber’s 2019 marriage to Hailey Baldwin. Highlights include “Habitual,” a sweet meditation on romantic gratitude, and the earnest “Take It Out On Me,” on which Bieber promises to “be your punching bag” if need be. The no-frills honesty of these songs is welcome; the tunes offer generous emotional depth that hits the mark.
On the downside, Changes is also marred by wildly inconsistent lyrical quality and sometimes facile sentiments. The single “Yummy” feels unfinished (“Yeah, you got that yummy-yum / That yummy-yum, that yummy-yummy”), while the sincerity of the blissful “Forever” is marred by clunky imagery: “Set my feelings to the side, they all got dusty on a shelf / Wiped them down when I had nothin’ left.” And “Come Around Me” is a study in contrasts: The lyrics focus on thinly veiled double entendres and cringey come-ons (“When you come around me / Do me like you miss me / Even though you been with me”), but then suddenly the songwriters elevate the song’s vocabulary by working the word “expeditiously” into a line.
Changes resonates more when Bieber drops the bravado and digs deep about where he is in his own personal journey. “Confirmation,” which scans like a surefire future wedding dance staple, offers the reassuring lines, “All you ever really want / All you ever really need is at home.” And on the title track, he ruminates about the personal transformations he’s experiencing, and references his faith directly: “People change, circumstances change / But God always remains the same.” Artists can certainly grow up and mature without losing their edge or creative spark. Changes, however, is ultimately a transitional record that finds Bieber navigating how to reconcile adulthood with pop stardom—and discovering that, at least in his case, this merger is a tricky one.
#HipHopNews: There are New Details On Pop Smoke’s Murder Surface: Report!
More details have been released surrounding the tragic murder of Pop Smoke. On Wednesday morning (Feb. 19), several news outlets reported more information around the fatal shooting, which happened hours earlier at a home in the Hollywood Hills section of Los Angeles where Smoke was apparently staying.
According to TMZ, surveillance video has been obtained and it shows "at least" four men in masks and hoodies break into the home just 10 minutes after the occupants locked the deadbolts on the front door.
This aligns with an LAPD press conference from earlier this morning where a spokesperson stated there were varying reports of two to six suspects. The report also states that the house alarm was not turned on by the occupants, which aided the people breaking into the home.
The police have yet to officially name Pop Smoke, born Bashar Jackson, the victim of the crime. However, ABC News is reporting they have confirmed the rapper was the person killed during the break-in. The label Pop Smoke called home, Republic Records, has released a statement regarding his untimely passing.
"We are devastated by the unexpected and tragic loss of @POPSMOKE10," it reads. "Our prayers and thoughts go out to his family, friends and fans, as we mourn this loss together."
Local news outlet ABC 7 also reports that detectives are calling the incident a gang-related shooting. They state that LAPD authorities are in talks with local and federal law enforcement officials in New York to investigate whether the incident had anything to do with Smoke's recent arrest. The rapper was accused of stealing a Rolls-Royce that was loaned to him for a music video in Los Angeles and transporting it to New York without permission. Pop Smoke maintained his innocence.
It was also recently discovered by social media users that the night before the murder, Smoke posted gift bags sent to the home on his social media and accidentally showed the address. The video remains on the rapper's official Facebook page as of press time. It appears to have been posted around 8 p.m. on Tuesday evening (Feb. 18), just hours before the break-in around 5 a.m. on Wednesday. Pop had also just posted a series of photos on Instagram that show him and a friend holding a large amount of cash, which could have contributed to a motive for the intruders.
Police have interviewed witnesses and neighbors about the crime, but as of press time, no one has been apprehended. During a press conference on Wednesday morning, authorities revealed they were notified about the situation after they received a call from "back East" from a person reporting that a friend of theirs' home was being broken into.
Many of Pop Smoke's peers have shared their shock and condolences on social media including 50 Cent, Nicki Minaj and Snoop Dogg.
#DemDebateLasVegas: Elizabeth Warren grills Mike Bloomberg over allegations of sexism and nondisclosure agreements!
In a stunning moment of the Democratic debate on Wednesday, Sen. Elizabeth Warren confronted former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg directly and repeatedly about nondisclosure agreements his past employees agreed to sign regarding allegations of a hostile work environment.
Warren and others have been pushing for Bloomberg to release employees of these NDAs — which prevent them from speaking out publicly about alleged experiences with sexism and harassment — for months. And she ramped up the pressure on Wednesday, following up on a question initially raised by moderator Hallie Jackson.
“Mr. Mayor, are you willing to release all of those women from those nondisclosure agreements? So we can hear their side of the story?” Warren asked. Bloomberg struggled to respond as Warren pressed him on the subject, arguing that these employees had willingly agreed to the NDAs, and noting, at one point, that the accusations weren’t so bad.
“None of them accuse me of doing anything other than maybe they didn’t like a joke I told,” he said, eliciting groans from the audience.
There were plenty of other women who worked at his company and foundation that he’d helped build successful careers, Bloomberg also emphasized, deploying a common tactic those who have been accused have used in the past to evade responsibility for their alleged behavior.
Warren, however, wasn’t having it. After Bloomberg failed to answer the question, she simply asked him again.
“I hope you heard his defense. ‘I’ve been nice to some women,’” she said. “What we need to know is exactly what’s lurking out there. He has gotten some number of women — dozens, who knows — to sign nondisclosure agreements both for sexual harassment and gender discrimination in the workplace.”
“We have very few nondisclosure agreements,” Bloomberg responded.
But Warren kept calling him out. “How many is that?” she said repeatedly. “Some is how many?”
Bloomberg, despite multiple attempts, wasn’t really able to provide a satisfactory response. He never directly committed to releasing the women from the NDAs they signed — and never provided a clear answer for how many women have signed them.
This back-and-forth, which drew an audible reaction from the audience, culminated in Warren emphasizing how the allegations facing Bloomberg posed an obstacle to his electability — and made it tough to draw a contrast between him and President Donald Trump, who’s been accused of sexual misconduct by more than 20 women.
A December ABC News report identified 17 women who had taken some legal action against Bloomberg’s company, and three of the cases the publication found cited him specifically as playing a role in the toxic workplace culture. It’s still unclear how many people have signed NDAs to keep their allegations confidential and Bloomberg has denied these allegations.
It’s worth noting that Warren’s point did not equate the potential allegations against Bloomberg with the allegations of assault raised against the president — though she did an effective job of underscoring how his track record could make it tough for him to take on Trump.
“We are not going to beat Donald Trump with a man who has who knows how many nondisclosure agreements and the drip, drip, drip of stories of women saying they have been harassed and discriminated against,” she said.
Bloomberg didn’t have much to say in return.
Kevin Hart Begins Filming First Movie After His Car Accident!
Kevin Hart is officially back at work! The 40-year-old actor and comedian was spotted arriving on set of his new movie on Wednesday (February 19) in Atlanta, Georgia.
Kevin kept things cool and stylish in a tan jacket over a maroon shirt and black jeans as he spent the day filming.
This new movie marks the first movie Kevin has started working on since his car accident in September, which resulted in him needing serious back surgery.
If you missed it, Kevin Hart recently landed a new show on this upcoming streaming service!
Janet Jackson Remembers 'Good Times' Mom Ja'Net DuBois After Her Death!
Janet Jackson is remembering the late Ja’Net DuBois.The 53-year-old entertainer took to Instagram on Tuesday (February 18) to pay tribute to her Good Times mom Ja’Net, after it was announced she suddenly passed away.
“I am so very saddened to hear my longtime friend Ja’Net DuBois has passed away. I saw first hand how she broke stereotypes and changed the landscape for Black women in entertainment,” Janet wrote. “I’m grateful in recent years I had a chance to see her and create more lasting memories. I pray for comfort for all her family and friends.
Thank you Ja’Net, I’ll miss you. 🖤”
Ja’Net starred as Willona Woods for all six seasons of Good Times back in the 1970s. Janet joined the cast in season five as Penny Gordon, a young girl who was being physically abused by her birth mother. Willona eventually adopted Penny.
Our thoughts are with Ja’Net DuBois‘ loved ones during this difficult time.
Hold Up, Is 'Braxton Family Values' Being Canceled?
Braxton Family Values became a huge hit after making its debut on WE tv in 2011. Following the lives of Toni Braxton and her family, viewers have tuned in by the millions to watch them as they navigate their love lives, relationships and careers. It’s considered must-see TV by some and a staple in households around the world. But has it run its course?
A recent report claims that the future of the show could be in jeopardy and that the end might be approaching. Here’s what to know.
On Feb. 19, a source told the entertainment website The Jasmine Brand that things aren’t looking too good for the show.
“It’s a strong possibility that the show will be canceled,” the source said. “Ratings have declined.”
Amid the sixth and most recent season, it was reported that the show had achieved higher ratings than its predecessor, making it seem like the show was in good standing. But perhaps they still weren’t high enough as WE tv executives might have liked.
That’s not the only problem, though
Beyond ratings, the source also said that there are contractual issues.
“The sisters are not interested in what the network is offering in terms of a contract,” the insider continued. The source did not share any information regarding the numbers or potential negotiations.
They did, however, point out that Tamar Braxton “is no longer under contract with them.” It’s unclear why, but the “Love and War” singer had major issues with her sister Traci Braxton in the last season.
As of writing, neither WE tv or the reality stars have addressed the report.
Former Presidential Candidate Andrew Yang To Join CNN As Commentator!
Former Democratic candidate Andrew Yang is joining CNN as a political commentator.
CNN announced on Wednesday that the 45-year-old businessman would be joining as one of the program’s featured commentators. Yang ended his political campaign for presidency last week, but that didn’t deter him from the political arena. In excitement, Yang tweeted the news, saying, “I’m excited to join CNN to help shed light on the election and the candidates’ experiences. Learned a lot these past months and am glad to contribute to the public discussion.”
Yang soared to popularity from a relatively unknown presidential candidate to a party favorite for his Freedom Dividend, a plan that would pay every American adult $1,000 a month of universal basic income. The initiative, he said, would help fix a variety of socioeconomic issues like poverty.
From crowd-surfing with his fans, singing in church choirs to performing the “Cupid Shuffle,” Yang quickly became a fave in the Democratic community. However, Yang won’t be the only former presidential candidate at CNN; he will also join 2016 GOP presidential candidates #RickSantorum and #JohnKasich.
For now, Yang will be sitting this election out, but he has hinted at a potential run in the future. Yang could also be a possible candidate for New York mayor, according to a statement from his team on Wednesday. “Andrew Yang and his bold vision for the country are not going anywhere,” said Yang’s campaign manager Zach Graumman.
Caroline Flack's Cause of Death Has Been Revealed!
Just four days after her tragic passing, Caroline Flack's cause of death has been confirmed.
According to the coroner, the former Love Island host died by suicide by hanging, multiple outlets report. At Wednesday's inquest, it was revealed that Flack was found lying on her back when the London Ambulance Service arrived on Feb. 15 and while CPR was administered, she could not be revived, E! News has learned. The 40-year-old was pronounced dead on the scene.
On Friday, the day before Flack was found unresponsive in her East London home, an ambulance was called to her house. "We were called shortly after 22:30 on February 14 to a residential property," a London Ambulance Service spokesperson previously told E! News. "Crews attended and, following a clinical assessment, the person was not taken to hospital. Due to patient confidentially we cannot comment further."
Following the devastating news, touching tributes began pouring in for the late star. While her ex Harry Styles wore a black ribbon to the 2020 Brit Awards seemingly in her honor, pal Russell Brand wrote an essay to express his grief.
"I am angry and sad that Caroline Flack found herself in that place," the actor shared. "I am sad because she was a lovely little person, a real laugh, a dynamo and the idea that she had been so drained of hope by her circumstances chokes me."
And while Love Island temporarily went off air out of respect for the host, the reality show returned on Monday to remember Flack.
"We are all absolutely devastated by the tragic news that Caroline, a much loved member of our Love Island family, has passed away," narrator Iain Stirling began. "Our thoughts are with family and friends at this dreadful time."
"Caroline and me were together from the very start of Love Island and her passion, warmth and infectious enthusiasm were a crucial part of what made this show connect with millions of viewers," he continued. "Like many of you, right now we're all just trying to come to terms with what has happened. My only hope is that we can all try and be kinder, always show love and listen to one another."
Flack served as host of the dating series from its debut in 2015 up until December, when she stepped down following charges for allegedly assaulting her boyfriend Lewis Burton. She had pleaded guilty and was due in court next month.
"My heart is broken," Burton captioned a snap of them on Instagram. "We had something so special. I am so lost for words I am in so much pain I miss you so much I know you felt safe with me you always said I don't think about anything else when I am with you and I was not allowed to be there this time I kept asking and asking."
"I will be your voice baby I promise I will ask all the questions you wanted and I will get all the answers nothing will bring you back but I will try make you proud everyday," he continued. "I love you with all my heart."
Loni Love Thanks Tamar Braxton During 1000th Episode of ‘The Real’ Amid New Reports She Got the Singer Fired!
The ladies of “The Real” brought in their 1,000th episode with celebrity guest appearances, drinks, and fan giveaways this past Monday. During the celebration, co-host Loni Love thanked former co-host Tamar Braxton for her contribution to the show.
Love told viewers, “I do want to say something. You know, I want to say to Tamar Braxton, you are still our sister. This is your 1,000th episode, too.”
Love’s message to Braxton comes days after Comedy Hype released an interview of Love’s ex-friend and comedian and writer Cookie Hull, telling viewers Love had Braxton fired from “The Real.” Hull said Love told her she wanted to be “the only ghetto girl on the show.” When Braxton missed a few episodes because she was sick and was participating in “Dancing with the Stars,” Love allegedly wrote the network and told the network they no longer needed Braxton on the show because the ratings did not change.
Fans took to social media to express how they felt about Love expressing gratitude to Braxton despite claims that Love is the reason Braxton was fired.
One ‘ The Real’ fan said, “Alexa play she’s lying.”
“Fake tears” a user commented.
“That whole damn show fake.”
“I see that shade you threw Loni. You know she don’t like you Loni 😂😂😂,” a fourth said.
“Tamar don’t even like ya’ll,” a fifth said.
In spite of the allegations against Love, Love has maintained her innocence. In an interview with Wendy Williams, Williams asked Braxton if she would consider going back to “The Real.”
Braxton responded by saying, “Here’s the thing. I don’t want to be anybody’s marketing tool this season. No shade, but I just wish everybody well. I just feel like sometimes God has to move you out of situations before you become more toxic to yourself. What if I was in a situation where I was doing ‘The Braxtons’ and it’s very stressful and then I’m doing this other show where people are being catty behind my back.
“What kind of person would I be right now sitting on this couch? I wouldn’t be focused. I wouldn’t be ready for my transformation. I wouldn’t be ready for my elevation, and that’s why I got to go, I got to be on the up and up.”
Love responded by saying, “Tamar, nobody’s trying to use you as a marketing tool, sweetie. You apologized to us over the summer and we just thought, to close the circle…to mend fences, that was the intention. That is it. You are still welcome, my dear.”
Love told viewers she did not have the power to get Braxton fired. Amanda Seales replaced Braxton on Season 6 of “The Real.”
Loni Love thanks Tamar Braxton for her contributions to “The Real.”
Young Thug Accused Of Transphobia After Misgendering Dwyane Wade's Daughter!
Young Thug has come under fire for misgendering Dwyane Wade's daughter Zaya.
In a since-deleted tweet directed at the 12-year-old, who recently came out as transgender, Thug wrote, "All I wanna say to dwade son is 'GOD DONT MAKE MISTAKES' but hey live your true self."
The 28-year-old rapper was quickly hit with an onslaught of tweets accusing him of being transphobic, which seemingly caused him to delete the post.
His comments were especially surprising given the fact that Thug — who's known for breaking traditional gender norms when it comes to his fashion choices as he wears dresses, heels, and skirts — previously stated he didn't believe in gender. "In my world, you can be a gangsta with a dress or you can be a gangsta with baggy pants," the "Goodbyes" rapper said for a Calvin Klein ad in 2016. "I feel like there's no such thing as gender."
Thug's unsolicited tweet came hours after Boosie Badazz decided to criticize Dwyane's decision to support his daughter. In a transphobic video, posted on Instagram, Boosie spoke of the retired basketball star's recent interview on The Ellen Degeneres Show where he said he was a "proud parent" of a child in the LGBTQ+ community.
It should be noted that Dwyane has at no point indicated that Zaya is receiving gender reassignment surgery.
Whitney Houston Hologram Tour To Begin Next Week!
More than eight years since her untimely death, it has been announced that a holographic version of the late, great icon will embark on a European tour that starts in England on February 25 and runs through early April. Stateside tour dates are expected to be announced. "Now is just the right time," Pat Houston, the singer's sister-in-law and executor of her estate, said of the upcoming show, which was previewed last week for Los Angeles media. “In the spirit of Whitney, I know we’re doing all the right things right now."
An Evening With Whitney: The Whitney Houston Hologram Tour is in collaboration with BASE Hologram and is set to feature the superstar projected onto a fabric to accompany real dancers, back-up singers and a live band. The hologram was made using a body double along with hundreds of hours of her performances and GCI technology. The set, which was conceived five years ago, will feature some of her biggest hits like "How Will I Know," "Saving All My Love For You," "I Will Always Love You," as well as some rare additions like her cover of Steve Winwood’s "Higher Love."
"We created the hologram the same way they did Carrie Fisher in the Star Wars movie Rogue One," Marty Tudor, CEO of BASE Hologram, revealed. “It’s lengthy, it’s tedious, it’s a big, complicated process, but I think it worked." Click here for more information on An Evening With Whitney.
Trump Pardons Phaedra Parks Nemeses Angela Stanton!
Back in 2012 former Real Housewives of Atlanta star Phaedra Parks got put on blast by her former friend Angela Stanton after Stanton wrote a scathing tell-all book detailing Phaedra's alleged criminal enterprise and how she left Stanton for dead after she was convicted on fraud charges for doing Phaedra's bidding
This week Donald Trump issued a pardon for Angela Stanton...
Stanton, who is an ardent Trump supporter and who's social media presence is largely devoted to his re election, was pardoned by Trump along with former Chicago Governor Rod Blagojevich, who was impeached and went to prison for trying to sell Barack Obama's senate seat and former New York police commissioner Bernie Kerik, who pled guilty to 8 felony charges including tax fraud and lying to White House officials.
Critics accuse Trump of trying to normalize corruption with his recent flurry of pardons.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘PRETTY PETE’
I feel pretty
Oh, so pretty
I feel pretty and witty and bright!
And I pity
Any girl who isn’t me tonight
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ALL!!!
EFREM
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