THIS IS THE CHRONICLES OF EFREM: August 2020

Tracee Ellis Ross for Elle - The State Of Black Beauty Issue 2020!

The Pattern founder also speaks candidly to interviewer Kerry Washington about celebrating Black beauty as part of Elle.com's new ongoing franchise.

On Thursday, Elle.com introduced its inaugural installment of The State of Black Beauty, a franchise the publication describes as "an ongoing exploration of — and destination for — beauty at the intersection of Black culture." For its debut, Tracee Ellis Ross stars in a series of (frankly, stunning) images photographed by Djeneba Aduayom and styled by Shiona Turini. Ross also speaks candidly on the subject of Black beauty and the mission behind her own hair-care company, Pattern, in an interview with Kerry Washington. (The duo met via Zoom, just days before their individual appearances hosting the Democratic National Convention, a press release from Elle.com notes.

Ross's photo shoot was led by an all-Black team, including aforementioned photographer Aduayom and stylist Turini, as well as hairstylist Araxi Lindsey. Ross provided the creative direction for the shoot and also did her own makeup, just in case it wasn't already clear how multi-talented she is.

The Pattern founder also speaks candidly to interviewer Kerry Washington about celebrating Black beauty as part of Elle.com's new ongoing franchise.

Of the mission behind Pattern and the importance of its existence in the beauty market, Ross tells Washington: "It started as such a personal relationship with my own hair, and feeling like I didn't have the support to find what I needed. Not just in terms of products, but in terms of how to love myself.... There was a void, in both seeing ourselves in our natural, authentic beauty, and also having products that would work for us to do our hair naturally — to wear it the way it naturally came out of our heads."

It's precisely these types of conversations — and so much more — that Elle.com's State of Black Beauty will continue to explore, striving to bring much needed visibility to Black beauty in mainstream media. Elle.com Beauty Director Chloe Hall, along with Nerisha Penrose and Angel Lenise, has created a recurring franchise that will continue to spotlight Black beauty creators and celebrate the complex beauty of Blackness.

"The thing about Black beauty is that it is infinite. There is no limit to the stories that can and should be told. They cannot be contained in a single issue or month in the calendar year," writes Hall in her introduction to the franchise. "This is our commitment: Black beauty is and will be at the center of everything we do at Elle.com. We will launch the visuals, stories, videos, audiograms, letters, and covers dedicated to our community. As editors, writers, producers, friends, and sisters, it’s our job to keep telling these stories and using our platform to amplify our stories and the stories of our community."

In addition to Ross's feature, the inaugural State of Black Beauty issue also showcases audio testimonials from real women speaking about microaggressions they've faced because of their hair styling choices. In another feature, Mariel and Katherine Tyler — professionally known for their portrait photography as The Tyler Twins — share a photo essay of the 2020 Bronner Bros. Beauty Show, an annual event showcasing Black hair's beauty since 1947.

For more on Elle.com's State of Black Beauty, read Hall's full introduction here.

#RHOA: Marlo Hampton Embraces Her Beautiful Natural Hair Texture!

It's no secret that Marlo Hampton loves playing with her look, especially her hair. A sleek platinum blonde bob, a neon pink and green lob, a short curly cut with bangs — you name it, Marlo's probably rocked it. But recently The Real Housewives of Atlanta pal has also been giving her natural mane some time in the spotlight, and we are loving every moment of it.

After sporting waist-length blonde micro braids for several weeks, Marlo recently brought her real hair out to play. In an Instagram Stories clip shared on August 25, Marlo flaunted her natural hair texture while cozied up in bed. The HER Hair Collection founder looked as radiant as ever while she ran her fingers through her voluminous 'do.

Along with a look at her beautiful hair, Marlo shared a powerful message: She captioned the photo, "Black Lives Matter," and also wore a T-Shirt representing the movement.

Marlo has been using her voice and platform to support the Black Lives Matter movement. In June, she enlisted her two nephews, Michael and William, and her "sisters at Bravo" to honor Ahmud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and "so many others who have lost their lives" in a PSA

#NewMusic from Jojo And Tinashe ‘Love Reggae’!

JoJo re-ups with the deluxe edition of her album good to know featuring a collaboration with Tinashe.

The ladies team up on the standout “Love Reggae,” which was co-written and produced by Grammy-winning duo NOVA WAV (Beyoncé, Rihanna). On the bedroom bop, the two turn up the heat. “Want your love now, make it come down / Make it rain down,” sings JoJo, while Nashe adds, “Put it on him twice, two times in a night.”

“Love ya @iamjojo ur such a special soul! I liveeee for our harmonized runs, real duet vibezzz,” said Tinashe, who also appeared in JoJo’s video for “Man.”

LISTEN HERE

The deluxe edition of good to know also features a remix to “Lonely Hearts” with Demi Lovato and a new version of “Comeback” without Tory Lanez, plus six other new tracks, including the single “What U Need.”

#HipHopNews: Megan Thee Stallion Uses Virtual Concert To Honor Victims Of Gun Violence & Police Brutality!

Megan Thee Stallion’s roller coaster 2020 has seen her score No. 1 singles while dealing with personal trauma and more. On Saturday (August 29), the Hot Girl Coach returned to the stage for the first time since her July shooting incident and raised her platform to honor those affected by police brutality across the country.

Megan took the stage for a virtual performance presented by Live Nation and during a moment of pause from rapping, twerking and performing fan favorites such as “Freak Nasty”, the Houston rapper gave tribute to individuals such as George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tamir Rice, Freddie Gray and Jacob Blake. Each man and woman had either been killed or victimized during police-involved incidents and the video display included a brief description of the incidents as well as the dates they took place. The tribute ended with the following question: “Why is it so hard being Black in America?”

The live performance was not the first time Megan paid tribute to those lost to police brutality. In June during the 2020 BET Awards telecast, she used her “Savage” performance to highlight Black Lives Matter. Following the performance, Megan vowed to not remain silent on issues she believes in.

“Sometimes being a public figure, you don’t wanna say the wrong thing because you don’t want to be insensitive to people or get too opinionated,” she told NME in July. “But I will always say what I feel. I don’t speak on things that I don’t know about, and I won’t speak on things I don’t believe in.”

A recent victim of gun violence herself, Megan publicly outed Tory Lanez for allegedly shooting her in July.

“So, since you hoes so worried ’bout it, yes this nigga Tory shot me,” Megan told fans on August 20. “You shot me! And you got your publicist and your people going to these blogs lying and shit. Stop lying.”

Ryan Coogler Gives An Emotional Tribute to Chadwick Boseman, “What An Incredible Mark He’s Left For Us”!

Chadwick Boseman withheld his cancer battle from the world for four years, and the people that knew respected his wishes. It wasn’t until the passing of the marvel superhero that we knew he was actually a real-life superhero.

Director Ryan Coogler released an emotional tribute in honor of the Black Panther star after he lost his battle to colon cancer on Friday.

In a lengthy statement released Sunday morning, Coogler mourned the loss of his friend whom he calls a “special person” who left an “incredible mark.”

Boseman had never spoken publicly about his diagnosis, Variety reports, and Coogler said the actor “deeply valued privacy.”

“I wasn’t privy to the details of his illness,” Coogler wrote. “After his family released their statement, I realized that he was living with his illness the entire time I knew him. Because he was a caretaker, a leader, and a man of faith, dignity, and pride, he shielded his collaborators from his suffering. He lived a beautiful life. And he made great art. Day after day, year after year. That was who he was. He was an epic firework display. I will tell stories about being there for some of the brilliant sparks till the end of my days. What an incredible mark he’s left for us.”

Coogler spoke on the time he met Boseman in 2016 before the two collaborated on the hit film “Black Panther.”

“I noticed then that Chad was an anomaly,” Coogler wrote. “He was calm. Assured. Constantly studying. But also kind, comforting, had the warmest laugh in the world, and eyes that seen much beyond his years, but could still sparkle like a child seeing something for the first time.”

Black Panther was such a box office success that the two were expected to reunite for a sequel due in 2022.

“I spent the last year preparing, imagining, and writing words for him to say, that we weren’t destined to see. It leaves me broken knowing that I won’t be able to watch another close-up of him in the monitor again or walk up to him and ask for another take,” Coogler said.

Rest in Peace, Boseman.

Read the Full Letter Below:

“Before sharing my thoughts on the passing of the great Chadwick Boseman, I first offer my condolences to his family who meant so very much to him. To his wife, Simone, especially.

I inherited Marvel and the Russo Brothers’ casting choice of T’Challa. It is something that I will forever be grateful for. The first time I saw Chad’s performance as T’Challa, it was in an unfinished cut of “Captain America: Civil War.” I was deciding whether or not directing “Black Panther” was the right choice for me. I’ll never forget, sitting in an editorial suite on the Disney Lot and watching his scenes. His first with Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, then, with the South African cinema titan, John Kani as T’Challa’s father, King T’Chaka. It was at that moment I knew I wanted to make this movie. After Scarlett’s character leaves them, Chad and John began conversing in a language I had never heard before. It sounded familiar, full of the same clicks and smacks that young black children would make in the States. The same clicks that we would often be chided for being disrespectful or improper. But, it had a musicality to it that felt ancient, powerful, and African.

In my meeting after watching the film, I asked Nate Moore, one of the producers of the film, about the language. “Did you guys make it up?” Nate replied, “that’s Xhosa, John Kani’s native language. He and Chad decided to do the scene like that on set, and we rolled with it.” I thought to myself. “He just learned lines in another language, that day?” I couldn’t conceive how difficult that must have been, and even though I hadn’t met Chad, I was already in awe of his capacity as actor.

I learned later that there was much conversation over how T’Challa would sound in the film. The decision to have Xhosa be the official language of Wakanda was solidified by Chad, a native of South Carolina, because he was able to learn his lines in Xhosa, there on the spot. He also advocated for his character to speak with an African accent, so that he could present T’Challa to audiences as an African king, whose dialect had not been conquered by the West.

I finally met Chad in person in early 2016, once I signed onto the film. He snuck past journalists that were congregated for a press junket I was doing for “Creed,” and met with me in the green room. We talked about our lives, my time playing football in college, and his time at Howard studying to be a director, about our collective vision for T’Challa and Wakanda. We spoke about the irony of how his former Howard classmate Ta-Nehisi Coates was writing T’Challa’s current arc with Marvel Comics. And how Chad knew Howard student Prince Jones, who’s murder by a police officer inspired Coates’ memoir Between The World and Me.

I noticed then that Chad was an anomaly. He was calm. Assured. Constantly studying. But also kind, comforting, had the warmest laugh in the world, and eyes that seen much beyond his years, but could still sparkle like a child seeing something for the first time.

That was the first of many conversations. He was a special person. We would often speak about heritage and what it means to be African. When preparing for the film, he would ponder every decision, every choice, not just for how it would reflect on himself, but how those choices could reverberate. “They not ready for this, what we are doing…” “This is Star Wars, this is Lord of the Rings, but for us… and bigger!” He would say this to me while we were struggling to finish a dramatic scene, stretching into double overtime. Or while he was covered in body paint, doing his own stunts. Or crashing into frigid water, and foam landing pads. I would nod and smile, but I didn’t believe him. I had no idea if the film would work. I wasn’t sure I knew what I was doing. But I look back and realize that Chad knew something we all didn’t. He was playing the long game. All while putting in the work. And work he did.

He would come to auditions for supporting roles, which is not common for lead actors in big budget movies. He was there for several M’Baku auditions. In Winston Duke’s, he turned a chemistry read into a wrestling match. Winston broke his bracelet. In Letitia Wright’s audition for Shuri, she pierced his royal poise with her signature humor, and would bring about a smile to T’Challa’s face that was 100% Chad.

While filming the movie, we would meet at the office or at my rental home in Atlanta, to discuss lines and different ways to add depth to each scene. We talked costumes, military practices. He said to me “Wakandans have to dance during the coronations. If they just stand there with spears, what separates them from Romans?” In early drafts of the script. Eric Killmonger’s character would ask T’Challa to be buried in Wakanda. Chad challenged that and asked, “What if Killmonger asked to be buried somewhere else?”

Chad deeply valued his privacy, and I wasn’t privy to the details of his illness. After his family released their statement, I realized that he was living with his illness the entire time I knew him. Because he was a caretaker, a leader, and a man of faith, dignity and pride, he shielded his collaborators from his suffering. He lived a beautiful life. And he made great art. Day after day, year after year. That was who he was. He was an epic firework display. I will tell stories about being there for some of the brilliant sparks till the end of my days. What an incredible mark he’s left for us.

I haven’t grieved a loss this acute before. I spent the last year preparing, imagining and writing words for him to say, that we weren’t destined to see. It leaves me broken knowing that I won’t be able to watch another close-up of him in the monitor again or walk up to him and ask for another take.

It hurts more to know that we can’t have another conversation, or FaceTime, or text message exchange. He would send vegetarian recipes and eating regimens for my family and me to follow during the pandemic. He would check in on me and my loved ones, even as he dealt with the scourge of cancer.

In African cultures we often refer to loved ones that have passed on as ancestors.

Sometimes you are genetically related. Sometimes you are not. I had the privilege of directing scenes of Chad’s character, T’Challa, communicating with the ancestors of Wakanda. We were in Atlanta, in an abandoned

warehouse, with bluescreens, and massive movie lights, but Chad’s performance made it feel real. I think it was because from the time that I met him, the ancestors spoke through him. It’s no secret to me now how he was able to skillfully portray some of our most notable ones. I had no doubt that he would live on and continue to bless us with more. But it is with a heavy heart and a sense of deep gratitude to have ever been in his presence, that I have to reckon with the fact that Chad is an ancestor now. And I know that he will watch over us, until we meet again.”

Adele Faces Backlash for Wearing Jamaican Flag Bikini, Bantu Knots in Tribute to Canceled Carnival!

Adele is facing backlash for the bikini and hairstyle she wore in an Instagram post marking the canceled Notting Hill Carnival festivities.

On Sunday, the British pop star, 32, shared a photo in tribute to Notting Hill Carnival, which celebrates Caribbean and Black culture in the U.K. In the photo, Adele wore a Jamaican flag bikini top and Bantu knots, a traditional African hairstyle.

"Happy what would be Notting Hill Carnival my beloved London 🇬🇧🇯🇲," she captioned the post for Carnival, which is being celebrated virtually this year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Adele came under fire after posting the photo, as many on social media accused her of cultural appropriation.

One follower commented, "black women are discriminated against for wearing cultural hairstyles like bantu knots and locs but white people are not, that’s not fair and that’s why people are pissed off."

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Others took offense with Adele's Jamaican bikini top.

"Dear white people, please just be yourselves and stop it for good with cultural appropriation. Adele the bantu knots were unnecessary. The Jamaican flag bikini top was unnecessary... Please just stop it," another follower wrote.

However, other followers came to Adele's defense.

"WE LOVE SEEING OUR FLAG EVERYWHERE!!!!" one person wrote in the comments. "This made me smile . It shows the impact my little island has on the whole world. How influential we truly are."

Another commenter added: "This is cultural appreciation not appropriation."

On Saturday, the carnival’s executive director, Matthew Phillip, spoke to The Guardian about the significance of the event in 2020, despite it being held online.

“For more than 50 years carnival has been a statement that Black Lives Matter,” he said. “That’s normal practice for us, it’s not something that we’re just jumping on now because of the current global climate and what’s going on. Carnival has been making these statements for 50 years.”

“In a year when people have been protesting against the treatment of black people I think this is a good way of showing that we have something to contribute, something that is positive,” he added, referencing the worldwide unrest over racial injustice and police brutality that ignited in May with the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Here Are All the Winners From the 2020 MTV VMAs!

Who won big at the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards?

Lady Gaga walked away with several awards, including artist of the year, while The Weeknd took home video of the year. K-Pop sensation BTS also added several moonpersons to their mantles -- for best K-pop, best pop, best group and best choreography.

See the full list of winners below.

VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Billie Eilish – "Everything I Wanted”

Eminem ft. Juice WRLD – “Godzilla”

Future ft. Drake – “Life Is Good”

Lady Gaga with Ariana Grande – “Rain On Me”

Taylor Swift – “The Man”

The Weeknd – “Blinding Lights” -- WINNER

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

DaBaby

Justin Bieber

Lady Gaga -- WINNER

Megan Thee Stallion

Post Malone

The Weeknd

SONG OF THE YEAR

Billie Eilish – "Everything I Wanted”

Doja Cat – “Say So”

Lady Gaga with Ariana Grande – “Rain On Me” -- WINNER

Megan Thee Stallion – “Savage”

Post Malone – “Circles”

Roddy Ricch – “The Box"

BEST COLLABORATION

Ariana Grande & Justin Bieber – “Stuck with U”

Black Eyed Peas ft. J Balvin – “RITMO (Bad Boys For Life)”

Ed Sheeran ft. Khalid – “Beautiful People”

Future ft. Drake – “Life Is Good”

Karol G ft. Nicki Minaj – “Tusa”

Lady Gaga with Ariana Grande – “Rain On Me” -- WINNER

PUSH BEST NEW ARTIST, Presented by Chime Banking

Doja Cat -- WINNER

Jack Harlow

Lewis Capaldi

Roddy Ricch

Tate McRae

Yungblud

BEST POP

BTS – “On” -- WINNER

Halsey – “You Should Be Sad”

Jonas Brothers – “What a Man Gotta Do”

Justin Bieber ft. Quavo – “Intentions”

Lady Gaga with Ariana Grande – “Rain On Me”

Taylor Swift – “Lover

BEST HIP-HOP

DaBaby – “Bop”

Eminem ft. Juice WRLD – “Godzilla”

Future ft. Drake – “Life Is Good”

Megan Thee Stallion – “Savage” -- WINNER

Roddy Ricch – “The Box”

Travis Scott – “Highest in the Room”

BEST ROCK

Blink-182 – “Happy Days”

Coldplay – “Orphans” -- WINNER

Evanescence – “Wasted On You”

Fall Out Boy ft. Wyclef Jean – “Dear Future Self (Hands Up)”

Green Day – “Oh Yeah!”

The Killers – “Caution”

BEST ALTERNATIVE

The 1975 – “If You're Too Shy (Let Me Know)”

All Time Low – “Some Kind Of Disaster”

Finneas – “Let’s Fall in Love for the Night”

Lana Del Rey – “Doin’ Time”

Machine Gun Kelly – “Bloody Valentine” -- WINNER

Twenty One Pilots – “Level of Concern”

BEST LATIN

Anuel AA ft. Daddy Yankee, Ozuna, Karol G & J Balvin – “China”

Bad Bunny – “Yo Perreo Sola”

Black Eyed Peas ft. Ozuna & J. Rey Soul – “Mamacita”

J Balvin – “Amarillo”

Karol G ft. Nicki Minaj – “Tusa”

Maluma ft. J Balvin – “Qué Pena” -- WINNER

BEST R&B

Alicia Keys – “Underdog”

Chloe x Halle – “Do It”

H.E.R. ft. YG – “Slide”

Khalid ft. Summer Walker – “Eleven”

Lizzo – “Cuz I Love You”

The Weeknd – “Blinding Lights” -- WINNER

BEST K-POP

(G)I-DLE – “Oh My God”

BTS – “On” -- WINNER

EXO – “Obsession”

Monsta X – “Someone's Someone”

Tomorrow X Together – “9 and Three Quarters (Run Away)”

Red Velvet – “Psycho”

VIDEO FOR GOOD

Anderson .Paak – “Lockdown”

Billie Eilish – “All the Good Girls Go to Hell”

Demi Lovato – “I Love Me”

H.E.R. - ”I Can’t Breathe” -- WINNER

Lil Baby – “The Bigger Picture”

Taylor Swift – “The Man”

BEST MUSIC VIDEO FROM HOME

5 Seconds of Summer – “Wildflower”

Ariana Grande & Justin Bieber – “Stuck with U” -- WINNER

Blink-182 – “Happy Days”

Drake – “Toosie Slide”

John Legend – “Bigger Love”

Twenty One Pilots – “Level of Concern”

BEST QUARANTINE PERFORMANCE

Chloe x Halle – “Do It” from MTV’s Prom-athon

CNCO – Unplugged At Home -- WINNER

DJ D-Nice – Club MTV presents #DanceTogether

John Legend – #togetherathome Concert Series

Lady Gaga – “Smile” from One World: Together At Home

Post Malone – Nirvana Tribute

BEST DIRECTION

Billie Eilish – “Xanny” – Directed by Billie Eilish

Doja Cat – “Say So” – Directed by Hannah Lux Davis

Dua Lipa – “Don't Start Now” – Directed by Nabil

Harry Styles – “Adore You” – Directed by Dave Meyers

Taylor Swift – “The Man” – Directed by Taylor Swift -- WINNER

The Weeknd – “Blinding Lights” – Directed by Anton Tammi

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

5 Seconds of Summer – “Old Me” – Cinematography by Kieran Fowler

Camila Cabello ft. DaBaby – “My Oh My” – Cinematography by Dave Meyers

Billie Eilish – “All the Good Girls Go to Hell” – Cinematography by Christopher Probst

Katy Perry – “Harleys In Hawaii” – Cinematography by Arnau Valls

Lady Gaga with Ariana Grande – “Rain On Me” – Cinematography by Thomas Kloss -- WINNER

The Weeknd – “Blinding Lights” – Cinematography by Oliver Millar\

BEST ART DIRECTION

A$AP Rocky – “Babushka Boi” – Art Direction by A$AP Rocky & Nadia Lee Cohen

Dua Lipa – “Physical” – Art Direction by Anna Colomé Nogu ́

Harry Styles – “Adore You” – Art Direction by Laura Ellis Cricks

Miley Cyrus – “Mother’s Daughter” – Art Direction by Christian Stone -- WINNER

Selena Gomez – “Boyfriend” – Art Direction by Tatiana Van Sauter

Taylor Swift – “Lover” – Art Direction by Ethan Tobman

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

Billie Eilish – “All the Good Girls Go to Hell” – Visual Effects by Drive Studios

Demi Lovato – “I Love Me” – Visual Effects by Hoody FX

Dua Lipa – “Physical” – Visual Effects by EIGHTY4 -- WINNER

Harry Styles – “Adore You” – Visual Effects by Mathematic

Lady Gaga with Ariana Grande – “Rain On Me” – Visual Effects by Ingenuity Studios

Travis Scott – “Highest in the Room” – Visual Effects by ARTJAIL, SCISSOR FILMS & FRENDER

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY

BTS – “On” – Choreography by Son Sung Deuk, Lee Ga Hun, Lee Byung Eun -- WINNER

CNCO & Natti Natasha – “Honey Boo” – Choreography by Kyle Hanagami

DaBaby – “Bop” – Choreography by Dani Leigh and Cherry

Dua Lipa – “Physical” – Choreography by Charm La'Donna

Lady Gaga with Ariana Grande – “Rain On Me” – Choreography by Richy Jackson

Normani – “Motivation” – Choreography by Sean Bankhead

BEST EDITING

Halsey – “Graveyard” – Edited by Emilie Aubry, Janne Vartia & Tim Montana

James Blake – “Can't Believe the Way We Flow” – Edited by Frank Lebon

Lizzo – “Good As Hell” – Edited by Russell Santos & Sofia Kerpan

Miley Cyrus – “Mother’s Daughter” – Edited by Alexandre Moors, Nuno Xico -- WINNER

Rosalía – “A Palé” – Edited by Andre Jones

The Weeknd – “Blinding Lights” – Edited by Janne Vartia & Tim Montana

BEST GROUP

5 Seconds of Summer

The 1975

BLACKPINK

BTS -- WINNER

Chloe x Halle

CNCO

Little Mix

MONSTA X

Now United

Twenty One Pilots

SONG OF THE SUMMER

BLACKPINK – “How You Like That” -- WINNER

Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion – “WAP”

DaBaby ft. Roddy Ricch – “Rockstar”

DJ Khaled ft. Drake – “Popstar”

Doja Cat – “Say So”

Dua Lipa – “Break My Heart”

Harry Styles –“Watermelon Sugar”

Jack Harlow – “Whats Poppin”

Lil Baby ft. 42 Dugg – “We Paid”

Megan Thee Stallion ft. Beyoncé – “Savage (Remix)”

Miley Cyrus – “Midnight Sky”

Pop Smoke ft. 50 Cent & Roddy Ricch – “The Woo”

SAINt JHN – “Roses”

Saweetie – “Tap In”

Taylor Swift – “cardigan”

The Weeknd – “Blinding Lights”

Tricon Award

Lady Gaga – WINNER

Congrats to all the winners!

Anne Heche, Jesse Metcalfe and Vernon Davis Confirmed for ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Season 29!

The ballroom awaits! Us Weekly can exclusively confirm that Anne Heche, Jesse Metcalfe and Vernon Davis are all set to compete on the upcoming 29th season of Dancing With the Stars. According to sources, the three celebs will compete for the Mirrorball trophy when the season premieres on Monday, September 14.

Heche, 51, is best known for films include Donnie Brasco, Seven Days, Seven Nights and a recent role on Chicago P.D. Metcalfe, 41, for his part, has starred on Desperate Housewives and in the film John Tucker Must Die among others. Former NFL player Davis, 36, played with the San Francisco 49ers and the Denver Broncos, with whom he won the Super Bowl in 2015. He finished his pro career in Washington, D.C.

The celebrities join Backstreet Boys member AJ McLean who first teased the news via Instagram when he alluded to his strict eating regimen. “I’m on a very strict diet, grain-free, gluten-free, sugar-free, no sodas of any kind, and completely sober for almost nine months,” he said wrote. “This amazing, but rigorous, workout is all due to my amazing trainer, Mr. Bobby Strong. He’s been a huge asset in my transformation, trying to get myself prepared and ready for what’s to come in the next few weeks. A lot of surprises coming from me.”

Days later, the “I Want It That Way” crooner, 42, confirmed the news via Twitter: “We’re going for the mirrorball, baby!! I am so grateful to @dancingabc and @abcnetwork for the opportunity to be joining this season’s cast of #DWTS,” he captioned a selfie from a dance studio on August 27. “I also want to thank my wife and my two girls for letting Daddy go on this new adventure. I’m doing it ALL for you!”

Former Bachelorette Kaitlyn Bristowe is also confirmed to compete. Months before announcing any other celebrities, Chris Harrison asked Bristowe — who has voiced her hopes to do the show — during an episode of The Bachelor: The Greatest Seasons — Ever in June. Bristowe previously claimed that Bachelor creator Mike Fleiss didn’t allow her to dance on the show.

Every ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Pro Through the Years: Where Are They Now?

Tyra Banks is set to host after Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews were axed. Dancing With the Stars premieres on ABC Monday, September 14 at 8 p.m. ET.

Bella Thorne Apologizes After Receiving OnlyFans Backlash: "This Is F--ked Up"!

Bella Thorne is issuing an apology to OnlyFans users after receiving backlash.

Earlier this month, the actress made her debut on the subscription-based platform. That wasn't the only thing to make headlines, though. Bella broke records and ended up earning $1 million in just 24 hours. In total, she raked in more than $2 million.

Following the news, however, OnlyFans users and sex workers criticized the former Disney Channel star. One person on Twitter explained that Bella seemingly "endangered the livelihood of hundreds of thousands of creators."

Allegedly, Bella's earnings not only caused issues with payments for other creators, but many users asked OnlyFans for a refund when they claimed Bella didn't keep her end of the bargain for a $200 PPV (pay per view). According to the Los Angeles Times, there are now new restrictions on spending limits.

After much buzz, the actress apologized with a series of tweets on Saturday, Aug. 29.

"PT1 Remove the stigma behind sex, sex work, and the negativity that surrounds the word SEX itself by bringing a mainstream face to it that's what I was trying to do, to help bring more faces to the site to create more revenue for content creators on the site," Bella began her post.

"I wanted to bring attention to the site, the more people on the site the more likely of a chance to normalize the stigmas, And in trying to do this I hurt you. I have risked my career a few times to remove the stigma behind sex work, porn, and the natural hatred people spew...," she continued.

Adding, "Behind anything sex-related. I wrote and directed a porn against the high brows of my peers and managers because I WANTED to help with the stigma behind sex."

The 22-year-old star explained that given her celebrity, she wanted to help those who aren't always shown in a positive light.

"I am a mainstream face and when you have a voice, a platform, you try to use you in helping others and advocate for something bigger than yourself. Again in this process I hurt you and for that I'm truly sorry," she expressed.

Bella also shared that she's meeting with OnlyFans to learn more about the "new restrictions" and why things were changed. "This is f--ked up and I'm sorry," she closed. "Comment any ideas or concerns you want brought up to OF!! and send me your links and a pic so I can promote you guys."

Originally, Bella told the Los Angeles Times that she joined OnlyFans in order to do research for an upcoming film. She also noted that OnlyFans would be a source of additional income, but that wasn't the main reason for signing up.

"It's a feature we are researching as I'm living it currently," she explained earlier this month. "What are the ins and outs? What does a platform like this do to its users? What's the connective material between your life and your life inside the world of OnlyFans? ... How can it change your life for the worse and the better? How far are you willing to go, and how far do you WANT to go? You can be me, or this talented girl from Montana, and OnlyFans could change your life — if you want it to, of course."

It's unclear if Bella will continue working on the project or if it's getting scrapped due to the backlash.

Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez Withdraw Bid to Buy the Mets!

Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez previously expressed the intention to purchase the New York Mets. They wanted to become the first minority couple to purchase the baseball team, but this will not happen. The power couple will now no longer pursue the acquisition of the team.

Lopez confirmed that they have withdrawn their bid with a statement on Instagram. She explained that their group had submitted a fully-funded offer for the Mets and that it was a "record price." However, they would not be part of the revitalization of New York City. "Alex and I are so disappointed!! We worked so hard the past 6 months with the dream of becoming the first minority couple and the first woman owner to buy her father's favorite Major League Baseball team with her own hard-earned money. We still haven't given up!! [New York Forever]" Lopez wrote on Instagram.

The confirmation from Lopez follows previous reports by the New York Post that the couple withdrew their bid. At the time, however, it was reported that they ended the bid after "negotiations with potential partners failed to materialize." Additionally, the Wilpon family — owners of the Mets — reportedly did not want to part ways with SportsNet New York (SNY).

Lopez and Rodriguez had a potential partner in Long Island biotech billionaire Wayne Rothbaum, but this relationship reportedly "soured quickly." There were two reasons for the change, including that Rothbaum wanted to purchase the Mets at a discounted price. He also reportedly wanted more control of the team than the couple was comfortable with.

One interesting twist with the now-defunct bid is that Lopez and Rodriguez did not want to run the business side of the New York Mets. They reportedly planned on passing that side off to someone with considerable experience. Instead, they would focus on working with the players.

While the Yankees — the team for which Rodriguez spent part of his career — have found considerable success, the Mets have struggled more regularly. The team has won two World Series in its history and last appeared in the last World Series in 2015. However, the Mets lost to the Kansas City Royals. The Mets finished the 2019 season with an 86-76 record and ultimately fired manager Mickey Callaway. The team later hired Carlos Beltran last year but parted ways with him due to his role in the Houston Astros cheating scandal.

John Thompson, legendary Georgetown coach, dead at 78!

Legendary former Georgetown basketball coach John Thompson died overnight at age 78, according to multiple reports.

The first Black coach to lead his team to the NCAA men’s basketball championship, Thompson coached Georgetown from 1972-99, compiling a 596-239 record. He was a pivotal figure in the formation and rise of the original Big East Conference.

“He was a giant. What he did coaching speaks for itself,” former Big East commissioner Mike Tranghese told Yahoo Sports. “As we’ve sat here and watched what’s going on with the NBA and social justice, John did it 30 years ago. But he did it by himself.”

Thompson turned Georgetown into a national power by bringing Patrick Ewing to campus in 1981. He recruited and coached four Hall of Famers: Ewing, Alonzo Mourning, Dikembe Mutombo and Allen Iverson.

Thompson and Ewing combined to lead Georgetown to three Final Fours, winning at the expense of Hakeem Olajuwon and Houston in 1984 but losing to Michael Jordan and North Carolina in 1982. Villanova’s victory in 1985 still is considered one of the greatest upsets of all-time.

The 6-foot-10 Thompson was a three-time Big East Coach of the Year and two-time National Coach of the Year.

But, height aside, he also was a towering figure with a fiery temper for the way he advocated for his players.

In 1989, Thompson walked off the home court and turned over in-game coaching duties to an assistant in protest of Proposition 48, which prohibited scholarship athletes from playing as freshmen if they failed to qualify academically. He spoke his mind that standardized testing was a form of racism against underprivileged youth.

That same year, Thompson said he sent out word to the streets that he wanted to talk with noted violent drug lord Rayful Edmond III about steering clear of his program and any players that came into his nightclub. Edmond later received a life sentence on 43 counts of drug-related offenses.

Thompson’s son, Princeton graduate John III, later coached Georgetown from 2004-17 and was succeeded in the position by Ewin

Denzel Washington Honors Late Chadwick Boseman Years After Paying His Tuition!

Denzel Washington remembered Chadwick Boseman fondly more than two decades after he paid for the late actor’s study abroad tuition at the British American Drama Academy.

“He was a gentle soul and a brilliant artist, who will stay with us for eternity through his iconic performances over his short yet illustrious career,” Washington, 65, said in a statement after Boseman’s death was announced to the public on Friday. “God bless Chadwick Boseman.”

Boseman passed away at the age of 43 to stage IV colon cancer. He was first diagnosed with stage III in 2016, according to a statement his family released.

As an undergraduate enrolled in Howard University, Boseman and eight other students were accepted into the BADA’s prestigious Oxford Mid-Summer Program. Actress Phylicia Rashad, who was a teacher at the Howard at the time, reached out to Washington for assistance in the covering tuition fees.

Boseman publicly thanked Washington for his generosity in June 2019 at the American Film Institute Awards, where Washington received the 47th AFI Life Achievement Award.

“Many of you already know the story that Mr. Washington, when asked by Phylicia Rashad to join her in assisting nine theater students from Howard University who had been accepted to a summer acting program at the British Academy of Dramatic Acting in Oxford. He gracefully and privately agreed to contribute,” Boseman said. “As fate would have it, I was one of the students that he paid for.”

“Imagine receiving the letter that your tuition for that summer was paid for and that your benefactor was none other than the dopest actor on the planet,” he continued. “I have no doubt there are similar stories at Boys and Girls Clubs and theaters and churches across the country where I know you have also inspired and motivated others.”

“An offering from a sage and a king is more than silver and gold. It is a seed of hope, a bud of faith,” Boseman added. “There is no Black Panther without Denzel Washington.”

The two actors collaborated on Boseman’s last film, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” in which Washington served as a producer.

Based on the 1982 Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name that was written by August Wilson, the upcoming Netflix movie features Boseman and Viola Davis. It is set to release at some point in 2020, according to People. A date has not been revealed.

50 Cent Throws His Son, Sire, Awesome 'FORTNITE' Themed Birthday Party!!

50 Cent just catapulted himself to a position to win father of the year, after he threw his 8-year-old son Sire the coolest 'Fortnite' birthday party you have ever seen!

The 'In Da Club' rapper posted a video from inside the insanely epic gathering where the entire place was decked out in 'Fortnite' themed food, drinks, and games!

In the video, fifty shows off the inside of the birthday bash, including Sire's family and all the cool swag at the party. The rapper's son is celebrating his 8th birthday, so most of the swag had the tagline "Sire's Fortnite Galaxy Chapter 8!"

Take A Look!

Of course, almost immediately someone pointed out that the rapper spelled 'Fortnite' wrong, but he was just being a dad! Not everyone (your age) plays the video game!

At the party, 50 had Fortnite themed weather bottles, drinks, and even the cake is a cool video game treat! Plus, the place was loaded with pillows that read, "Floss Like A Boss."

"That’s awesome @50cent tell your little boy happy bday for me," one fan wrote.

"Happy Birthday little buddy🎉🎉🎉🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈," another said.

"Damn wish I was invited!" one fan wrote. Ya, we know the feeling!

Interestingly, if you listen closely Travis Scott is playing in the background during the party. So, someone asked, "Why they listening to Travis Scott and not you 50?😹"

The answer: Travis Scott is in Fortnite and had the coolest digital concert most of these kids have ever seen! Sorry, Dad!

As Fifty pans the room, you can see the party is set up with a ton of controllers for the kids to play the Epic video game while attending the party. Like we said, the coolest party ever!

In the end, 50 Cent films his son, who gives him that look we all gave our parents when they were filming our birthday parties! "He’s like dad get outta the way," a fan described it.

You know the deal

"AHHHHH HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUGAR FOOT SIRE MY KING @50cent THIS IS BEAUTIFUL 😘😘😘👑👑👑👑🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🎉🎉🎉 ENJOY YOUR DAY BABY BOY MY KING YOUR GRANDFATHER LOOKS MARVELOUS I LOVE YOU ALL 🎉🎉🎉🎉🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾" one person wrote in the comments.

Happy Birthday, Sire!

Suspect Arrested And Charged In ‘Heinous’ Attempted Rape On Manhattan’s Subway Platform!

A video circulating across the web shows a man attempting to rape a woman at an Upper East Side subway platform late Saturday morning.

Jose Reyes, 31, has been identified as the suspect who approached and pushed the 25-year-old female to the platform’s ground, ABC7 New York reports.

The incident took place inside the Lexington Avenue, and East 63rd Street subway around 11 am Saturday. The victim says she first noticed Reyes when they were riding on the same train, and said noticed he was smoking something.

She told authorities when she exited the train in an attempt to get away from him, he followed her onto the platform before pushing her, punching her, and climbing on top of her. New York Police Department’s Chief Rodney Harrison called it a “heinous” crime.

A group of bystanders were able to intervene the situation and Reyes ran away. The victim suffered minor injuries but declined medical attention.

Thanks to three Crime Stoppers tips and a bystander’s video, police were able to arrest Reyes who has a prior criminal history, with some of those crimes taking place within the transit system.

Reyes faces charges of attempted rape as well as assault.

Stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts when someone’s vibe feels off. Luckily, this woman was able to get away.

Omari Hardwick BLASTED For ‘Inappropriate’ Tribute To Chadwick Boseman!!

Actor Omari Hardwick Is going viral this morning. People on social media are upset with his “tribute” to deceased actor Chadwick Boseman,

Omari and Chadwick have had parallel careers. The two Black actors were often up for the same roles in Hollywood, and they had a healthy competition against each other.

When news of Chad’s untimely passing hit, Omari took to Twitter to tell people what he thought.

First Omari posted the full video of HIM receiving a Golden Globe award, where he quickly mentioned Chadwick.

Then he said this, about Chad’s passing:

One of my biggest honors was being one of your biggest competitors and an even bigger friend. …

A wise man told me this morning…”In the Kingdom no crown is wasted. When one man drops his crown, another man picks it up. Pick it up O!”

Many feel that Omari’s response was inappropriate and self serving. As one Tweeter posed: The man’s body isn’t even cold yet, and you’re already talking about “picking up his crown”

Kenosha Shooter Kyle Rittenhouse Caught On Camera Assaulting A Girl!

Kyle Rittenhouse is no stranger to violence. The 17-year-old Kenosha killer, who fatally shot two and injured one during protests’ was seen assaulting a girl on camera.

From the camera footage, the fight seems to be between two women at first. You then see Rittenhouse, in his notorious blue and white crocs, walking upon a girl and yelling at her.

When a fight breaks out 30-seconds later, you very clearly see Rittenhouse attacking and punching one of the girls.

The camera footage also shows the men filming the video along with a few others jumping Rittenhouse for beating up the woman.Rittenhouse remains in a juvenile facility, charged with two counts of first-degree intentional homicide and one count of attempted homicide. Also, he is facing two more charges — underage possession a firearm and recklessly endangerment.

WATCH

If convicted of his two homicide charges, he could face life in prison.

AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES

Courtesy of P.o.WM

‘QUEEN OF THE BEEJ’

If you want to get good at anything, you have to practice nonstop. There are no off days.

HAVE A GREAT DAY EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!

EFREM

THIS IS THE CHRONICLES OF EFREM

8/31/20

Surprise! Niecy Nash reveals wedding to singer Jessica Betts! 💝🌈🌈💝

The Daily Buzz For Sept 1 ☕📰☕

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