The Weeknd For British GQ-Global Issue, September 2021!
With an instantly recognizable voice and songs that have been streamed several billion times, he’s one of the most ubiquitous pop stars in the world. But where does Abel Tesfaye end and his dark, grimy public persona begin? Mark Anthony Green finally gets the artist to explain.
By Mark Anthony Green for GQ
Adult movies. Color TV. Waterbed. These are three amenities that the Harvard House, an hourly motel tucked away on Hollywood Boulevard, still proudly advertises in 2021. When a Yelp user wrote a one-star review that concluded with the line “Definitely AVOID this shithole,” I doubt they foresaw it being the temporary lair for one of the biggest global pop stars of our time.
He’s leaning against a wall, wearing a pinstripe Louis Vuitton suit and Celine Cuban heels that are so tall they look like you need a safety permit to wear them. Styling assistants and groomers buzz around him, primping and tweaking. Today his hair, a celebrity in its own right, consists of tiny curls perfectly cascading out of an Afro. Each rogue coil attracts light from the sun, creating something like a halo. Despite the current heat advisory in L.A., there isn’t a single bead of sweat on his brow. No sheen. Nothing.
Everyone crowding around the monitor looking at the incoming photos is thinking the same thing: It’s him. The Starboy. The architect of the sexiest music to ever chart. Sole winner of Super Bowl LV. Lover to some of the most desired women on earth. The Ethiopian kid who changed R&B with three twisted, druggy mixtapes and never showed his face. The one with the falsetto rivaled only by the GOAT. The pop star who was infamously nominated for an award at a kids’ show for singing about face numbing off a bag of blow. Sure, the Harvard House has seen some shit. But so has Abel Tesfaye—a.k.a. The Weeknd.
The day before the photo shoot, I met that same guy at a recording studio in Century City. He was wearing a black Online Ceramics hoodie and sweatpants that were more function than fashion. I don’t remember his shoes, but they weren’t Cuban heels. A backpack weighed down his right shoulder. It was stuffed as if he had packed for a whole day of bouncing around in Ubers. There were no disco aviators. His ’fro wasn’t illuminated. We were supposed to meet at 6 p.m. He apologized, repeatedly, for being late. He arrived at 6:07 p.m.
It’s clear that the rumors are true: Abel and The Weeknd are two very different beings. The Weeknd has the longest-charting song by a solo artist in history and billions of worldwide streams. The Weeknd spent his pandemic in a red blazer licking frogs dipped in LSD. Abel, meanwhile, was bingeing The X-Files. (“Everyone copied them, bro,” he told me. “Everyone.”) Abel talks about getting a good night’s sleep the way someone might talk about good MDMA. He has been rediscovering L.A.: Last year, when the streets emptied out, he started taking long walks. He exudes a type of politeness found only in the world capital of politeness (Ontario, Canada). The Weeknd is the guy who destroys the suite at Caesars Palace like in The Hangover. Abel is the sweet guy whom they lose in the first 30 minutes and spend the rest of the movie trying to find.
GQ: What is the difference between Abel and The Weeknd?
The lines were blurry at the beginning. And as my career developed—as I developed as a man—it’s become very clear that Abel is someone I go home to every night. And The Weeknd is someone I go to work as.
So am I interviewing The Weeknd or Abel?
I think you’re getting a Jekyll and Hyde situation right now. [Laughs.]
Which one’s Jekyll and which one’s Hyde?
I don’t know. Abel can be badass sometimes, man. But I guess The Weeknd is Hyde. Abel is Dr. Jekyll.
Image may contain Face Human Person Beard Sunglasses Accessories Accessory Hair and Glasses
Jacket, price upon request, and turtleneck, $1,090, by Amiri. Sunglasses, $750, by Jacques Marie Mage.
How do you feel about people thinking you’re a dark person?
I am not dark. My art is dark, and I’ve gone through dark times. I’ve used those dark times as inspiration for my art. But I feel like because I’m not dark, I was able to channel it and put it into my music and into my art.
What was the original reason for your anonymity?
I don’t know. Maybe there is a deeper issue with that, but I feel like with me it’s never been about the artist and the image of the artist. With House of Balloons, nobody knew what I looked like. And I felt like it was the most unbiased reaction you can get to the music, because you couldn’t put a face to it. Especially R&B, which is a genre that is heavily influenced by how the artist looks.
Get more at GQ!
BREAKING: AG Letitia James Report Finds Cuomo Sexually Harassed, Intimidated 11 Women!
Governor Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women and fostered a toxic work environment, violating federal and state law, according to a bombshell and much-anticipated investigation by State Attorney General Letitia James released Tuesday, Aug. 3.
The five-month probe led by outside lawyers Joon Kim and Anne Clark found that Cuomo harassed 11 women including touching them without consent and making inappropriate comments.
“What this investigation revealed was a disturbing pattern of conduct by the governor of the great State of New York and those who basically did not put in place any protocols or procedures to protect these young women who believed in public service,” said James at a press conference releasing the findings. “I believe women, and I believe these 11 women.”
The women include nine who worked for the Governor or the state and two members of the public, whom he stands accused of groping and touching inappropriately, kissing, or making otherwise sexual remarks, according to the report.
Many of the allegations had already appeared in the press over the past months, but the investigation also revealed previously-unreported incidents, such as a State Trooper who was assigned to Cuomo’s security detail.
Cuomo allegedly kissed her on the cheek in front of another trooper and asked her to kiss him at another occasion, which she declined, and made numerous suggestive comments, the investigation shows.
The governor and his team also unlawfully retaliated against his first public accuser, former Empire State Development chief of staff Lindsey Boylan, by leaking confidential files about her to the press trying to paint her in a negative light and penning an unpublished op-ed theorizing about her connections to supporters of President Donald Trump and politicians looking to unseat Cuomo.
The abuse and retaliation were enabled in part by a toxic work environment in the Executive Chamber, according to the investigators, which fostered a culture of “secrecy, loyalty to the Governor, and fear.”
“On the one hand, he makes all this inappropriate and creepy behavior normal and like you should not complain. On the other hand, you see people get punished and screamed at if you do anything where you disagree with him or his top aides,” said Alyssa McGrath, another one of the complainants, told investigators.
During a taped video statement released Tuesday afternoon, the governor denied the allegations but offered an apology — kind of — to one of the 11 victims, Charlotte Bennett, but defended his statements and conduct as being misinterpreted.
James’s office chose not to formally charge Cuomo, saying that will be up to the State Assembly — which is conducting a separate investigation which could lead to impeachment proceedings — or the Governor’s office, prosecutors, or the public to take further action.
“We have concluded our investigation and now our work is done,” said James. “As it relates to next steps, that’s entirely up to the Governor, the Assembly, and the public… We’re going to allow the chips to fall where they may.”
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D–Bronx) released a statement Wednesday saying the details were disturbing and gut-wrenching, and would make Cuomo not fit to hold office.
“The findings contained in the report are disturbing. The details provided by the victims are gut-wrenching. Our hearts go out to all the individuals who have had to endure this horrible experience. The conduct by the Governor outlined in this report would indicate someone who is not fit for office,” Heastie said. “”We will have more to say in the very near future.”
The Assembly’s Judiciary Committee along with other lawmakers and hired lawyers will do an “in-depth examination,” according to Heastie.
Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, who would be first in line if the Governor steps down and who previously has remained staunchly loyal to Cuomo, denounced his behavior, but stopped short of calling for him to resign.
“Sexual harassment is unacceptable in any workplace, and certainly not in public service. The Attorney General’s investigation has documented repulsive and unlawful behavior by the Governor towards multiple women. I believe these brave women and admire their courage coming forward,” said Hochul in a statement Wednesday afternoon. “No one is above the law. Under the New York Constitution, the Assembly will now determine the next steps.”
You can read the entire 168-page report by clicking here.
#RHOA #TWIRL: Kenya Moore Shared Some Adorable Vacation Photos with Brooklyn!
Kenya Moore and her daughter, Brooklyn Daly, are kickstarting their summer with a dreamy family vacation to the Bahamas. The Real Housewives of Atlanta cast member and her little girl are enjoying “the sweet life” during their tropical getaway, as captured in a series of adorable photos on Instagram.
Kenya took to Instagram to share a glimpse into their trip — and from the looks of it, little Brooklyn had the time of her life. The toddler, who turns 3 in November, has been enjoying all sorts of fun island activities during their family vacation. In a precious photo posted on Brooklyn’s Instagram account on July 3, the mother-daughter duo can be seen getting acquainted with some local animals.
“Swimming with the pigs and feeding them too,” the caption alongside the sweet snapshots read.
In another photo posted on June 28, Brooklyn munched on some watermelon while wearing a swimsuit gifted to her by one of Kenya's fellow Housewives.
“The Sweet Life,” the caption reads. “Thank you @teresagiudice for my swimsuit!”
Brooklyn also enjoyed some quality time with her dad, Marc Daly, during the vacation, as Kenya revealed in another Instagram post earlier in the week.
“Family time,” she wrote alongside the heartwarming photo.
#MusicNews: Frank Ocean To Headline Coachella In 2023!
Fans will have to wait a little longer to see Frank Ocean at Coachella.
The singer is set to headline the festival in 2023, Coachella co-founder Paul Tollett revealed in a new interview with the Los Angeles Times.
While Coachella does not usually reveal its lineup this far in advance, Tollett said that he wanted to reassure fans that Ocean would be back.
“Right now, it’s the Wild West,” Tollett said. “I’m just trying to be as fair as I can to artists and to the fans to make sure that eventually they get to see everyone that we talked about.”
The reclusive star was originally supposed to headline the 2020 festival alongside Travis Scott and Rage Against the Machine before it was canceled in the wake of the pandemic. Ocean was not available for the 2022 festival, which will be held April 15-17 and April 22-24, 2022, at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, Calif.
Ocean has kept a low profile and does not perform at many festivals. He performed at Coachella once before, in 2012, and headlined Los Angeles’ FYF Festival in 2017.
Tollett also confirmed that Travis and Rage Against the Machine will be back to headline next year, in addition to an unannounced third headliner. Megan Thee Stallion and Doja Cat are also among the return performers.
#HipHopNews: Dj Premier Receives Roc-A-Fella Chain In Celebration Of 25th Anniversary Of ‘Reasonable Doubt’!
Recently, special Roc-a-Fella chains have been given out as gifts to those who worked with JAY-Z on Reasonable Doubt. The album celebrates its 25-year anniversary this year. DJ Premier is the latest to showcase the coveted necklace.
“To Primo! The Best Behind The Beat!” Hov wrote to DJ Premier. Premier captioned the Instagram post “VERY SPECIAL INDEED! THANKS JAY!”
On the classic album, Premier contributed “D’Evils,” “Friend or Foe” and “Bring It On.”
Simone Biles earns bronze medal on balance beam in rousing Olympic finale!
TOKYO — Simone Biles made a rousing return to these Olympics, with a last-chance last stand on the balance beam that garnered her a bronze medal, her record-tying seventh and almost certainly final career medal.
Biles delivered a steady, strong routine and while she was, no doubt, trying to win gold, this was as much about competing, and overcoming, than anything else. That a medal came in the end was an added bonus.
China’s 16-year-old sensation Guan Chenchen (14.633) won gold and teammate Tang Xijing Tag (14.233) took silver. They were the two highest qualifiers and thus the favorites to win the event.
Biles, who entered with just the seventh-highest qualifying score, finished third with a 14.000.
“I was just happy to be able to perform regardless of the outcome,” Biles said. “I did it for me and I was happy to be able to compete one more time … Training for five years and coming here and kind of being triggered and not being able to do anything wasn’t fun.”
One week and four competition days after dropping out of the team event citing an inability to perform due to mental stress and a lack of “air awareness,” she triumphantly and enthusiastically returned to an Olympics where she had been expected to be the main event.
Upon cleanly landing her dismount, Biles beamed a smile, clapped her hands, patted her heart and acknowledged the cheers form teammates, opponents, officials and everyone else gathered here, many of whom were standing and cheering. She quickly bear-hugged her coach Cecile Canqueteau-Landi and then teammate Sunisa Lee.
Biles' routine required no twists in the air — she replaced her dismount with a double pike. That alone may have given her the confidence to perform.
“The other ones I couldn't physically do without putting health and safety at risk because it is twisting,” Biles said. “Beam, I didn’t have that issue.”
She said she fought for a week to get cleared and confident to perform. She appreciated the outpouring of support both online and at the Olympic Village that she received, but noted that criticism of her was also hurtful and came, she believed, from people who had no understanding of her issues or how the sport of gymnastics works.
“You have to be more mindful of what you say online because you have no knowledge of what the athletes are going through [or] their sports,” Biles said.
She also tried to clear up one online rumor that not being able to take medication for ADHD — which is banned in Japan — was an issue. “I haven’t taken ADHD medication since 2017,” she said.
The pressure of an Olympic final took its toll on the field, where five of the eight qualifiers struggled to perform to the standard of their qualifying, often significantly.
The Olympics are being staged without fans, and that includes here at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre. However, certain fellow athletes and staff can attend events and a relatively sizable crowd came out for this event. That included International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach.
The place was still mostly empty, but they provided a big cheer for Biles when she both was introduced and finished. A number of her teammates shouted and cheered throughout as many others held their breath, just hoping that an athlete who entered the event with six Olympic medals and 25 world championship honors could go out strong.
Biles did that. She bobbled on her triple wolf spin and wobbled later during a leap series, but was mostly solid. Her routine, typically a 6.500 difficulty, had been stripped down to a 6.100. With a 7.9 in execution, she couldn’t overcome the easier routine on the scoreboard.
Lee, who had already won the all-around gold and a bronze on bars, struggled in her routine, although she admirably stayed on the beam during a difficult side aerial combination.
Lee scored a 13.866 and out of medal contention.
Biles had previously withdrawn from every individual event at these Games — all-around, vault, floor and uneven bars. She won gold in the first three of those events at the 2016 Olympics, plus a bronze on balance beam.
The 24-year-old was forced to withdraw from the team competition last Tuesday after a single rotation. She was unable to perform her planned vault — falling a full twist short of completion — and landed awkwardly, delivering a devastatingly low score for her teammates
Biles cited a lack of “air awareness” or what gymnasts call “the twisties” that make trying to complete extremely difficult moves extremely dangerous.
“I didn’t know where I was in the air,” Biles said.
Biles had been both working out in the gym and meeting receiving professional mental health help in hopes of being able to return. She announced Monday that she would give it a shot on beam.
Her decision did not impact any other American gymnast. Lee was already in the final, having qualified third overall. No other U.S. team member would have qualified even if Biles dropped out. By withdrawing in other events, Biles helped assure that all six of the American female gymnasts here left with at least one medal.
The Houston native said she had been suffering from stress, anxiety and mental health issues upon arriving in Tokyo, where the immense pressure to push for perfection became too much.
“These Olympic Games, I wanted it to be about myself,” Biles said last week, as her voice shook with emotion and tears welled up in her eyes. “And I came in and I felt I was still doing it for other people and it hurts my heart that doing what I love has been taken away from me to please other people.
“... I was like, ‘I am not in the right headspace [to continue to compete on team]. I am not going to lose a medal for this country and these girls because they’ve worked way too hard to have me go out there and lose a medal.’”
The United States, almost hopelessly behind Russia after the first team rotation, was able to still win silver with Lee, Jordan Chiles and Grace McCallum handling all of the remaining rotations. Biles received a silver with them.
An outpouring of both support and criticism followed.
Gymnasts detailed their struggles with focus, concentration and the dreaded twisties. Others praised Biles for acknowledging mental health issues, a once-taboo topic especially for elite athletes. Yet still others criticized her for thinking she somehow “quit” on her team.
Biles never returned though, seemingly proving that this wasn’t about quitting an event but a deeper struggle that wiped out an Olympics she trained years — including a year longer than expected — to compete in.
She was expected to be one of the biggest stars in Tokyo and was the centerpiece of NBC’s coverage in the United States. Instead she attempted just one doomed vault here, and despite continued training and sessions with professional help she was unable to get back on the mat.
She spent the rest of the time cheering on her teammates from the stands. That included a number of gymnasts who were able to step into competition slots vacated by her withdrawals.
“She's handling better than I thought,” said teammate MyKayla Skinner, who won silver in vault after Biles dropped out and opened a spot in the finals. “Every day she has been laughing and giggling, super supportive. I'm sure when she gets home it’ll probably hit her more.
“But honestly she’s been the happiest person and I am so happy to see what all she’s been through that she's making the best of it.”
On Tuesday, she finally got her chance to perform and didn’t disappoint.
Meet The Newest Models For Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty’s First Curvy Lingerie Campaign!
Rihanna just showed us what being a badass boss is all about. She cast an black, all women motorcycle crew, Caramel Curves for her latest Savage X Fenty curvy lingerie line. The New Orleans’ Caramel Curves MC, who are made up of mothers, business owners and community leaders are known to ride with their must-have biker chic essentials-strappy heels, rhinestone jackets and custom t-shirts. “The Caramel Curves show the world what being a badass boss is all about, while bringing sexinies along for the ride.” Rhianna says in a press release.
Pulling up in heels on 2 wheels, the fly girls were photographed riding around New Orleans in body-skimming lingerie-curve-hugging bodysuits, fishnet tights and embroidered bras, along with their accessory of choice-Motorcycles of course. “You could tell that they put a lot of thought into making it for plus-sized women because that’s what’s hard to find: lingerie that fits good on a plus-sized woman,” says Nakosha “Coco” Smith, Co Founder of Caramel Curves. “They definitely knew where to put material at, and where none was needed.” she said in an article with Vogue.
The full collection is available now on savagex.com x rranging in size from XS to 3X and 32A to 42H.
‘I am not surprised that Rihanna picked the Caramel Curves because those girls stay fly.’” Says Nakosha “Coco” Smith, Co founder of the Caramel Curves
“I think that as females, we’re different. We’re always trying to make our mark in whatever we do,” says Tierra “Choosy” Thomas. “So coming through with heels and being those girls, it’s one of those things that we still going to make a statement every time we come home.”
Meghan McCain Slammed After Attacking Kathy Griffin Over Her Lung Cancer Diagnosis!
Kathy Griffin announced in a note posted to social media early Monday morning that she has lung cancer. While the news inspired an outpouring of support from celebrities, not everyone had kind words for the controversial comedian.
via: AceShowbiz,“My issue with Kathy Griffin is, I’m going to name-drop Clay Aiken as one of my closest friends in the entire world, he’s [basically] my brother. She made very, very, very cruel and homophobic jokes about him before he was out of the closet,” McCain said in the Monday episode of the talk show, referencing to Griffin’s jokes about the “American Idol” alum being gay. “We have to go back to like 2002, 2003, when that was still acceptable.”
Of the singer, McCain said, “He is a very strong person and he has a very strong constitution and he has said himself that he’s one of the last people that you can make homophobic jokes about and it’s still socially acceptable.”
The co-host also added that she would “love to hear an apology” from the comedian. “I don’t like her, I’m never going to like her for all the jokes she made about Clay,” McCain stressed, before talking about Griffin’s controversial picture of then-president Donald Trump’s severed head.
Her remarks quickly earned her criticism from Twitter users. “Kathy Griffin has done more for the gay community than Clay Aiken and Meghan McCain combined. Kathy Griffin has been an ally for decades. The remarks Meghan made today were deplorable, and @abc should demand a retraction and apology. They won’t. But they should. #theview,” a person noted.
“I’m not a Kathy Griffin devotee, by any means. But I am absolutely disgusted by Meghan McCain’s behaviour this morning on @theview. The fact @abcnetwork will let her get away with this is sickening,” another user said. “Meghan McCain feels about Kathy Griffin the same way we all feel about Meghan McCain,” someone else wrote.
Aiken himself, meanwhile, had reacted to Griffin’s cancer diagnosis. In contrary to McCain’s response, he sent a well-wish for her in a tweet which read, “Love and prayers for a speedy recovery to my dear friend @kathygriffin! Selfless and gracious, she even hosted a fundraiser for my congressional campaign years ago. Get well soon Kathy. I miss your jokes!”
Griffin revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer early on Monday and would undergo surgery to have half of her left lung removed. “I’ve got to tell you guys something. I have cancer. Yes, I have lung cancer even though I’ve never smoked! The doctors are very optimistic as it is stage one and contained to my left lung,” she wrote on Instagram. “Hopefully no chemo or radiation after this and I should have normal function with my breathing.”
Later, a spokesperson for the “Suddenly Susan” actress shared that the procedure “went well and as planned” and “Kathy is now in recovery and resting. Doctors say the procedure was normal without any surprises.”
Wayne Brady Target Of Racist, Expletive-Filled Voicemail At CBS Studios!
Wayne Brady was repeatedly called the N-word during a racist message left where he tapes Let's Make a Deal.
Wayne Brady confirmed reports he was the target of a racist, expletive-filled voicemail. The disturbing rant was left at CBS Studios in Los Angeles where the television host tapes Let's Make a Deal. The message was turned over to the Los Angeles Police Department, according to TMZ, and Brady's reaction to the whole ordeal is admirable.
"I'm not mad," Brady said on Monday's TMZ Live. "I'm actually happy that we can talk about this."
TMZ posted audio of the message in which the caller, who is a man, repeatedly called Brady a "f***ing n*****."
"I don't care what that dude has to say," the comedian declared. "You think that the best insult that you can come up with is to level that word, that piece of vitriol, that hate? You think that's clever? You think that's something that any Black person walking in this country right now hasn't heard? You are the least of my worries. You can kiss my a**."
Brady added it's "a shame" that we live in a world where "people feel they can say [whatever] they want," but he's not losing sleep over the message. In fact, he hopes this will spark a bigger conversation.
The Police Department looked into the message after CBS security filed a report. However, law enforcement sources tell TMZ that the cops determined that the voicemail didn't rise to the level of a crime.
Chris Paul will reportedly sign with Phoenix Suns for four-year deal worth up to $120 million!
Chris Paul is reportedly set to sign a new contract with the Phoenix Suns, and it’s apparently a big one.
According to a Monday (Aug. 2) report from ESPN NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski, CP3 has “agreed to stay on a new four-year deal that could be worth as much as $120 million, his agents Steve Heumann and Ty Sullivan of @CAA_Basketball tell ESPN.”
The Oklahoma City Thunder traded CP3 to the Phoenix Suns last year, and in his first year with the team, which features all-star shooting guard Devin Booker and a solid supporting cast, the team made it to the 2021 NBA Finals. With that in mind, even at age 36, it’s not all that surprising to see why the Suns would want to bring him back, even with a contract of that size.
This news arrives amid what’s been a busy first day of NBA Free Agency. Earlier today, it was reported that Lonzo Ball would sign with the Chicago Bulls for a four-year, $85 million deal. Around that same time, Kyle Lowry confirmed that he would be signing with the Miami Heat. The details of the deal haven’t yet been confirmed, but Yahoo’s Vincent Goodwill says it’s three-year deal. Lowry subsequently confirmed that he was going to the Heat, using his Twitter account to do so. He’ll join All-NBA wing Jimmy Butler and all-star Bam Adebayo.
Philadelphia 76ers want control of four first-round draft picks, all-star for Ben Simmons
While a few big deals have reportedly gone down, other big ones are very much up in the air. The Philadelphia 76ers are still shopping Ben Simmons, and they’re reportedly trying to get control of four first-round draft picks and an NBA All-Star in the trade. Thus far, both the Toronto Raptors and the Golden State Warriors have reportedly turned down deals involving Simmons.
Hip-Hop Icons Come To Patchogue To Honor Life Of Biz Markie!
The funeral for Biz Markie, the Clown Prince of Hip-Hop, was held today in his hometown of Patchogue. Markie died on July 16. He was 57.
The service, held at Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, featured emotional music performances and speeches that elicited applause and — true to Markie’s character — laughter.
The Rev. Al Sharpton arrived in the afternoon to deliver the eulogy.
Many prominent rappers, friends, influencers and fans of Markie’s, attended the event, including Big Daddy Kane, DJ Cool V, Craig G and Roxanne Shante of the Juice Crew, LL Cool J, Busy Bee, Treach from Naughty by Nature, Fat Joe, Montelll Jordan, Stevie D Lundy from the Force MDs, Ice-T, Grand Daddy I.U. and DJ Diamond J from EPMD.
Markie was a tremendous presence in the industry, and not just because he was 6-foot-3.
“I loved him as a fan first,” Treach said. “Before we even came out as artists, he took us under his wing. Everybody he got in contact with, he made sure that was family.”
DJ Diamond J from EPMD said he would not be the artist he is today without Markie, to whom he became an “annoying adopted little brother” when he met the late rapper in Brentwood at age 10.
“He took a real liking to me and he showed me what hip-hop was and he showed me everything that I needed to do to become entrenched in the culture and do it as a profession,” Diamond J said. “And I’ve been doing it professionally since straight out of high school and I’ve had an amazing career because of him.”
As though to raise spirits among the bereaved, a mural of Markie was prominently featured just beyond the theater lobby. It depicted the rapper seated in a bathroom “Pickin Boogers,” an image that adorns the “Biz’s Baddest Beats” compilation.
Every rapper who shared memories of Markie had a different, favorite funny memory to share.
DJ Cool V remembers an antic Markie did on-stage alongside him and Big Daddy Kane at The Apollo in 1985.
“The funniest thing Biz did rapping was he spelled his name 10 different ways back to back. B-I-Z-Z-Zebe-Zebe-Ze. The crowd loved it.”
Craig G recalled being on the receiving end of a “yo mama” joke during one of their “infamous snap sessions” on a bus.
“He said my mom looks like she standing in front of the liquor store all day,” he said “I know it don’t sound like much of a joke but the whole bus was laughing man. I couldn’t even reply, I was laughing for like 40 minutes.”
“There was no replying to Biz,” the Juice Crew member added. “It would keep going. You’d have to have all day.”
Although many outsiders in the crowd said they were saddened by Markie’s passing, it felt like more of a joyous celebration of his life. Chants of “You Can’t Beat The Biz” erupted from the crowd. One attendee brought a speaker to play many of Markie’s classics, and no one in the crowd refrained from singing when the chorus “Just a Friend” kicked in.
DJ Cool V, who worked with Markie throughout his entire career, said it was special that the celebration of Markie’s life took place in Patchogue “If you listen to his records, all he ever wanted to do was put Long Island on the map.”
Markie, who released five full-length albums and forayed into television and film is best known for his Top 40 hit “Just A Friend” and his work on the children’s series “Yo Gabba Gabba.”
Many of his peers, however, say Markie should be best remembered for his perseverance in the face of adversity.
“I want Biz to be remembered as the most incredible dreamer,” DJ Cool V said. “He was the biggest dreamer. He was one of the people that had absolutely no fear about going after what he wanted.
“And he dreamed so big and he made every dream come true.”
Before several of the artists made their way into the theater, they said a lesson everyone can learn from Markie is to be themselves.
“In today’s world, they’d be like, ‘He’d never make it as a rapper. He’s not a sex symbol and all that. He was himself; that’s what he taught you. He never changed. Biz was always the same dude.'”
Busy Bee Starski, one of Markie’s influences from which he derived his rap name, said Markie embodied the very essence of hip-hop.
“He is what we call hip-hop,” Starski said. “He was peace, he was love, he was unity and he was having fun. That is our culture.”
Top: Above photos were taken by Yellow House Images.
Bill Gates And Melinda French Gates Are Officially Divorced Following 27-Year Marriage!
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates have gotten divorced after 27 years of marriage. A Monday filing with the King County Superior Court in Washington made the move official, three months after the couple announced their plan to split up.
Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates were among the most prominent couples in global business, having once worked together. They traveled together and participated in joint media interviews. Melinda French Gates had been uncomfortable with her husband’s connection with billionaire investor Jeffrey Epstein, and after media outlets published details of the bond between the two men, she hired divorce lawyers, The New York Times reported in May.
Monday’s filing says neither spouse asked for a name change, but it doesn’t give insight into everything that will be changing. A separation contract was not filed with the court.
While the two have agreed to keep working together on philanthropy, it’s possible that collaboration will also end along with the marriage. Last month the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where the two are co-chairs and trustees, said Melinda French Gates will resign if after two years either of the two concludes that they cannot work together.
Bill Gates started Microsoft with Paul Allen in 1975 and Gates served as CEO, and Melinda French Gates worked at Microsoft from 1987 to 1996. The two met in 1987 and were married in 1994, and their foundation launched in 2000.
In 2019 Microsoft received a report that Bill Gates had tried to start an intimate relationship with an employee in 2000, and a board committee ran an investigation with help from a law firm, a Microsoft spokesperson told CNBC earlier. Gates left Microsoft’s board in early 2020, but a spokesperson for Bill Gates told the New York Times that his decision to step down was not related to the affair.
Today Bill Gates is the world’s fourth wealthiest person, with a $152 billion net worth, according to Bloomberg. Since the Gateses said they would be going their separate ways, filings show that Bill Gates’ holding company Cascade Investment has transferred AutoNation and Deere shares to Melinda French Gates.
Melinda French Gates has recently been active in philanthropy related to gender equality, alongside MacKenzie Scott, the former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
Kevin Hart and the ‘Real Husbands of Hollywood’ to Return at BET+!
*After five years, the “Real Husbands Of Hollywood” is returning for a six-episode limited revival at BET+, with Kevin Hart, Boris Kodjoe, Duane Martin, JB Smoove, Nelly, Nick Cannon, Robin Thicke, Cynthia McWilliams and Jackie Long all returning.
The original series debuted on BET in 2013 and ran for five seasons. The show was created by Hart, Chris Spencer, and Ralph R. Farquhar, and followed famous Hollywood men who are married, with each playing a fictionalized version of themselves, per Variety.
Hart’s IG message featured a photo of the main players along with the caption: “We are back MITCHES!!!!! You talk & I listen ….this just in….I called my partners at @betplus & said the world wants “Real Husbands Of Hollywood” back & they want it back now….and they said then what in the hell are we waiting for???? Give the people what they want….The entire gang is back people…. @nickcannon @robinthicke @nelly @boriskodjoe @ohsnapjbsmoove along with some amazing special guest and fan favorites…..Buckle up BITCHESSSSSS #RealHusbandsOfHollywood”.
As reported by Variety, the limited series is produced by Hart, Jesse Collins, Farquhar, Stan Lathan, Bryan Smiley, Mike Stein, Andy Horne, Dionne Harmon and Dave Becky. Wayne Stamps is executive producer and showrunner.
Per BET, Chris Spencer will executive produce and write while Carl Craig will produce. Johnny Mack and Buddy Lewis will write and produce. Robin Henry and Amberia Allen will be joining the writing team. Chris Robinson, Ali Leroi and Leslie Small will direct. Stein will oversee the project for Hartbeat Productions and Horne and Harmon will oversee the project for Jesse Collins Entertainment.
A release date for the series reboot has not yet been announced. The show is reportedly in production in Los Angeles.
Gospel Star Tamela Mann Shares Details About Her Impressive Weight Loss Journey, Working with Tyler Perry and the Secret to Her Long-Lasting Marriage!
Actress and award-winning gospel singer Tamela Mann is gearing up for the release of her upcoming album “Overcomer.” She recently talked to Atlanta Black Star about what it was like creating the project and some of her life experiences that inspired the album, including her inspiring weight loss journey. The Grammy nominee also chatted about her friendship with Tyler Perry and what it’s like working with the brain behind the gun-toting senior Mabel “Madea” Earlene Simmons and more.
Your new album “Overcomer” is set to release next month. What was the thought process behind this particular project, and how is it different from your other bodies of work?
Well, I think it differs for me, this album, because I really came from a place of actual things that I’ve been going through on my journey the last five or six years. The last five or six years, I’ve been dealing with my knee. I had to have knee surgery, but prior to the knee surgery, I was working just in pain, but a lot of people didn’t know what. I just kept the poker face. And also another thing that we’re all, I’ve been dealing with my whole life, which is weight. And then I decided to just think about my health and wellness. These last few years, to really kind of tune in on it to do better.
And also with menopause. Me getting older in my 50s, and dealing with that issue was different for me and my family. And I know it’s one thing that is really not talked about in our community, you know. It’s like you hear about people going through the change, but we really don’t talk about what the change is. And it’s really a serious thing and even for you as a person emotionally, but even for your family to have to deal with and actually kind of cope and ride with you — ride with through this thing because, trust me, it ain’t a fun thing. I’ve cried, and all that. So those three points are things that I’ve talked about in this album. So, it really hits home with me this time. I’ve written some on past albums, but this one, but this one, I was part of pretty much every song.
You have a few guest appearances from Wyclef Jean and Kirk Franklin on “Hello God.” If you could collab with anyone you have never worked with, who would it be and why?
It was an amazing experience just to, for me — I was really geeked. First of all, I had told Kirk Franklin, we were working on another song, and I was like, “I really want to do a Caribbean tune,” and he looked at me like, “really?” I was like, “yeah.” I said I’ve never done it. So, when I do go to the islands, I have something to present. You know, to have, that’s of the culture and all that, and he was like, OK, and he just — we just kind of started working back on the music. And a few days later, he had an interview and it wound up being with Wyclef.
Wyclef played a clip, the chords of “Hello God.” And Kirk was like, “Man, I need that song for my sister, for Tamela Mann.” He said, “Do you know who she is?” He said, “Yes, I know who she is.” And so, a few days passed and Kirk call me and said, “I think I got your Caribbean tune,” and I was like, “what?!” I was like we just talked about this and, you know, the Lord just let them return just that fast, and he was like, “Yeah, I told Wyclef about you wanting to do a song and he was like, I think, yeah, he was like, ‘Yes, I want to do it.’” So we all talk, we all got on the phone, which I was really geeked then.
So it was really funny. I felt, you know, like a little teenage girl again, but since it was happening during COVID, he recorded it from home where he is and we recorded at home here, me and Kirk. But it was just great to just think of the vibe, you know, you wake up every morning and you say hello to everybody, but we never really give thanks back to God. Just for a new day, just to wake up and just say hello.
I want to collaborate with Celine Dion. I love her. I just think because she’s so small, but I seen her live at her show twice in Vegas, and I was like, “Man, that’s a dream of mine.” I did some work with Kirk and her years ago. … We did the choir part, but she wasn’t there. … I really wanted to team up with her and do something with her. Because I just think our voices could be compatible, that’s why.
Your album cover looks amazing! Your weight loss journey has been an inspiration to many. Share with our audience what motivated you to change your lifestyle.
Get more at Atlanta Black Star!
Fourth Police Officer Who Responded To Capitol Riot Dies Of Suicide!
A Washington, DC police officer who responded to the deadly riot at the US Capitol on Jan. 6 took his own life last month, making him the fourth law enforcement officer who took part in the events of that day to die by his own hand.
Officer Kyle DeFreytag helped enforce the curfew put in place after hundreds of supporters of then-President Donald Trump breached the Capitol building in an effort to disrupt the certification of the 2020 election results, The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) told WUSA.
DeFreytag died on July 10. He was described as a Pennsylvania native and a five-year veteran of the DC force.
The officer’s obituary said that a memorial service was held in the nation’s capital over the weekend. His family has not said his death was caused by the riot.
Earlier Monday, the Metropolitan Police confirmed that Officer Gunther Hashida, part of an Emergency Response Team within the department’s Special Operations Division, was found dead in his home last week. A GoFundMe page set up by a relative describes Hashida as “a devoted and loving husband and father” who “worked to serve and protect the public.” The page had raised more than $71,000 as of Monday night.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) described Hashida in a statement as “a hero, who risked his life to save our Capitol, the Congressional community and our very Democracy.
“All Americans are indebted to him for his great valor and patriotism on January 6th and throughout his selfless service,” Pelosi added. “May Officer Hashida’s life be an inspiration to all to protect our Country and Democracy. And may it be a comfort to Officer Hashida’s family that so many mourn their loss and pray for them at this sad time.”
The riot led to the deaths of five people, including US Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick. Three days after the riot, another Capitol Police officer, Howard Liebengood, committed suicide. Metropolitan Police Officer Jeffrey Smith fatally shot himself on Jan. 15, one day after he was ordered back to work.
Smith’s widow, Erin, told The Washington Post in February that one of the rioters hit Smith on the head with a pole during the chaos, causing him constant pain before his death.
More than 500 arrests have been made in connection with the attack, and the FBI has said it is looking for hundreds of additional suspects.
If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255).
Blac Chyna Calls Out Tyga: ‘Tyga Loves Trans’!
Blac Chyna and Tyga’s relationship has seemingly taken a turn.
On Monday, the model took to Twitter to put her ex and the father of her son on blast, claiming he loves trans women.
“Tyga loves Trans , me 2,” she wrote, adding, “Tell the truth @Tyga !!!!!”
It’s unclear what provoked her tweets or if she was hacked, but the bizarre messages currently remain on her timeline.
The former couple, who split in 2014, share an 8-year-old son, King Cairo. After their split, Tyga went on to date Kylie Jenner. In an interview with Wendy Williams, Chyna said she wasn’t aware of Tyga’s relationship with Jenner until she was “thrown out” of their shared home.
Tyga has not addressed Blac Chyna’s comments. On Friday, he released his new single “Mrs. Bubblegum.” Blac Chyna is also focused on her music career and recently dropped her single “Thick” featuring Desiigner.
Alfonso Ribeiro Speaks Candidly About Being Rejected From The Black Community!
Alfonso Ribeiro is best known for his role as Carlton Banks on the beloved 1990s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air starring Will Smith.
Carlton’s character is important because he represents a non-stereotypical member of the Black community who isn’t considered “Black enough.”
Ribeiro opened up about being typecast for roles like Carlton and the backlash he receives from being in an interracial marriage.
“It still happens almost every day, unfortunately,” Ribeiro told the Atlanta Black Star about having his Blackness challenged. “I am in a mixed relationship. And I get things and looks and comments constantly. And I find it very interesting because you see a lot of things on social media where people say things and people have positions and perspectives. And it’s not easy to make that choice, because you’re not at home in any home. I’m never going to be white and I’m never going to be fully supported in the Black house.”
Ribeiro opened up more about his relationship with writer, Angela Unkrich. “I’m in my own little world with support from almost no one, to be in love with someone I’ve fallen in love with. How does that make sense? It doesn’t,” he said. “We all want to live in a world where everyone is accepted for being and loving and living the way they choose to live. I will support any person that wants to live in a world that they want to live in.”
“I live in a mixed world. I love in a mixed world. I live in a Black world, and I love in that world. I feel everyone should be supported,” he continued.
Alfonso Ribeiro added that he’s never even been invited to the BET Awards despite his contributions to the culture.
“I laugh at the fact that I am a mainstream television host, been in the game forever and I could purchase tickets to go to the BET Awards. So it is what it is. I’m not going to purchase the ticket…But at the end of the day, if that’s the view they take, then that’s the view they take. I can’t change their mind. All I can do is live my life and be me and be the best version of me. And continue to love everybody equally, and let it fall where it falls.”
Despite his experience, Ribeiro’s friendship with his co-star Smith has not severed.
“Well, we were friends before. So that helped a lot,” Ribeiro said. “We were able to…play on set. We were able to not take things so seriously that our egos would never get in the way of creating funny. The things that we learned very early on was, if I’m his straight man and he gets the big laugh, we both win. If he’s my straight man and I get the big laugh, we both win….I believe our success on the show was so great because we never stopped each other from winning.”
One user responded to Ribeiro on Twitter with a cringey “this you?” moment. “Maybe this is why we didn’t care about your marriage or why you haven’t been invited to BET,” @iamlexstylz wrote.
Passengers Stranded After Spirit Airlines Cancels 165 Flights!
Dozens of Sprit Airline customers were stranded at airports after over 156 flights were canceled or delayed on Sunday and Monday.
Videos and pictures of the chaos were posted on social media when Spirit Airlines unexpectedly canceled. As reported by USA Today, the airline carrier canceled 246 flights on Monday and 165 on Sunday. Passenger Rebecca Osborn said that the situation looked like a “hurricane shelter” at Orlando International Airport.
Spokesman Erik Hofmeyer said in a statement to the outlet that the delays and cancellations were caused by “weather and operational situations.”
“We’re working around the clock to get back on track in the wake of some travel disruptions over the weekend due to a series of weather and operational challenges We needed to make proactive cancellations to some flights across the network, but the majority of flights are still scheduled as planned.”
Due to the delays, airports have been urging passengers to check their emails before heading to the airport as flights have been canceled or delayed.
The airline’s website will be adding a chat function to issue refunds, vouchers, and other alternatives to customers.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘FIX YOUR KNIFE CHOICES’
Just in case a lot of choices to stab you with Freedom.
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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