#FASHIONFAB: J Balvin Poses for SSENSE, Talks Music & Mental Health
All smiles, J Balvin shows off his Grillz as he wears a CMMN SWDN balaclava. Photo Credit: Victor Llorente / SSENSE
J Balvin garners fresh attention thanks to a profile for luxury retailer SSENSE. For the occasion, the Colombian music artist connects with photographer Victor Llorente. The charismatic allure of J Balvin, 37, is captured in Llorente’s photographs when he flashes his Grillz or models SSENSE’s must-have fashions.
Sita Abellán styles J Balvin in various looks that feature clothing by Marc Jacobs, Bottega Veneta, Hood By Air, and other brands. J Balvin engages Matthew Ismael Ruiz in discussion for SSENSE. The singer talks about his brand, music, and plans for the future.
J Balvin, often known as the “Prince of Reggaeton,” has nothing but affection for his genre and the upcoming generation of musicians.
“I love what I do. You have to know who’s gonna be the next one,” J Balvin explains. “I’ve been really blessed to see the future with a lot of artists.”
J Balvin, a voice supporting mental health awareness, has been open about his issues. The Colombian singer argues, “It’s OK to not be OK.”
There are numerous stigmas and misconceptions. J Balvin believes it should be discussed because it is a part of life.
“People are like, ‘I don’t wanna talk about this’—I take a lot of shots, you know,” confides J Balvin. He says to the critics, “They’re just like snipers every time they say, ‘Oh, the depressive guy, the anxiety guy, the ungrateful guy, the guy that has everything.’ They don’t understand.”
#RHOA: Kandi Admits She Doesn't Have Good Relationship With NeNe
The Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kandi Burruss admitted that she does not currently have a good relationship with former housewife NeNe Leakes. Kandi joined RHOA season 2 and came onto the show with an open mind and was ready to get to know each cast member for herself. As it turns out, Kandi grew close to Kim Zolciak-Biermann, and the two formed a close relationship, which NeNe had an issue with. So Kandi and NeNe's relationship did not start on a good note due to NeNe's disapproval of Kandi's relationship with Kim.
As time progressed, the two were able to form a cordial friendship but were never exceptionally close. The friendship between the two became strained when Kandi accused NeNe of referring to her as a racial slur. Despite the fractured friendship, Kandi said she would not mind having NeNe back on the show because she believed that NeNe has an excellent personality for television. Their friendship also assumingly got worse after Kandi said she did not agree with NeNe's discrimination lawsuit against Andy Cohen, Bravo and other supporting networks of the franchise.
In a recent interview with ET at the BET Awards, Kandi admitted that she has not tried to reach out to NeNe because their relationship is not in a good place. "No, we don't talk. We don't have a good relationship in that sense," said reality star Kandi. She clarified that she is not closing the door to a friendship with the former RHOA star, but currently, they are just not in a good space. "I don't know what the future would hold, but as of now, we don't have a good relationship, so we don't communicate," said Kandi. In stressing the point, she went on to say, "You can never say never, I would suppose. But as of now, we just aren't on the same page."
These questions come after NeNe did an interview with ET where she said she does not hear from any of her former cast members, nor has she heard from Andy concerning the lawsuit. However, NeNe said that her partner, Nyonisela Sioh, has been an excellent support system for her. While on the red carpet at the BET Awards, Kandi also spoke openly about what it is like to be her genuine self. She said, "I always feel like if I'm always my true, authentic self, then there's nothing for you to out or drag or whatever. I'm always me, no matter what."
Though The Real Housewives Of Atlanta star is on different pages with NeNe, she is still good friends with Eva Marcille, Porsha Williams and Cynthia Bailey, who are also former housewives of the reality series. The same cannot be said for Marlo Hampton and Sheree Whitfield, who currently hold peaches alongside Kandi. Since the release of RHOA season 14, Kandi's relationship with Marlo and Sheree has been tested, and based on recent Twitter feuds, it is safe to say that the friendship between the three is abysmal. However, based on previous seasons of the series and what was been released from RHOA season 14 thus far, the three may be able to make amends.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta airs Sundays at 8 p.m. EDT on Bravo.
#MusicNews: Chris Brown's 'Breezy' Earns Top 5 Debut
Chris Brown returns to the top 10 this week with Breezy.
The singer’s 10th studio album debuts at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 with 72,000 equivalent album units. The 24-track set earns 87.36 million on-demand official streams, while album sales comprise 5,000.
Breezy, which features appearances from Lil Wayne, Bryson Tiller, Lil Baby, and Jack Harlow, becomes Brown’s 12th top 10 album and follows 2019’s Indigo, which debuted at No. 1 with 108,000 equivalent album units.
It was just 1,000 units shy of the No. 3 spot, occupied by Drake’s Honestly, Nevermind, which drops 1-3 in its second week with 73,000.
Lil Durk’s 7220 reenters the top 10 at No. 5 with 68,000 equivalent album units following the deluxe reissue with 13 additional tracks.
Elsewhere, Bad Bunny’s Un Verano Sin Ti reclaims the No. 1 spot for a third non-consecutive week with 115,000 units, while Future’s former No. 1 I Never Liked You rounds out the top 10 (43,000).
Billboard 200 Top 10
1. Bad Bunny – Un Verano Sin Ti – 115,000
2. Luke Combs – Growin’ Up – 74,000
3. Drake – Honestly, Nevermind – 73,000
4. Chris Brown – Breezy – 72,000
5. Lil Durk – 7220 – 68,000
6. Harry Styles – Harry’s House – 63,000
7. NAYEON – IM NAYEON: The 1st Mini Album – 57,000
8. Morgan Wallen – Dangerous: The Double Album – 51,000
9. Conan Gray – Superache – 43,000
10. Future – I Never Liked You – 43,000
#HipHopNews: Hip Hop Legend Pop 'N Taco - Famed Michael Jackson Dancer Breakin' Actor - Dead At 58
The Hip Hop community is mourning the death of 58-year-old Bruno “Pop ‘N Taco” Falcon. The legendary breaker, who appeared in the cult classic film Breakin’ in 1984 and worked alongside Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson, reportedly passed away at his Long Beach home on Saturday (July 2), although no official cause of death has been disclosed.
Longtime friend and collaborator Popin’ Pete, who also worked with the King of Pop on videos such as “Thriller,” “Smooth Criminal” and “Beat It” and starred in Breakin’ alongside Pop ‘N Taco, confirmed the news with an Instagram post, writing, “Rest my brother Taco, glad we had this moment last year after not seeing each other in 15 years.” He added, “Rest in peace my brother Popin n Taco, you will be missed..can’t believe this.”
Fellow Hip Hop/music legends flooded the comment section with condolences, including fellow B-Boy Crazy Legs, The Beat Junkies’ D-Styles and Rhettmatic, Sheila E. and Omarion.
Pop ‘N Taco was born on June 10, 1964 in Los Angeles, California and quickly fell in love with dancing as a kid. He ultimately became one of the first Mexican-American dancers to rise to notoriety. Starring in videos such as “All Night Love” by Lionel Richie, “I Feel For You” by Chaka Khan and, of course, several of Michael Jackson’s videos, Pop ‘N Taco helped popularize popping, locking and breaking with mainstream culture. He ultimately wound up as Michael Jackson’s dance teacher for over 16 years, showing the late pop icon popping, waving, gliding and animation techniques.
“Before Breakin’, I had danced in the movie DC Cab, dancing on a set of the White House with Irene Cara,” he told Rock The Bells last year. “I knew the other dancers in Breakin’—Popin’ Pete, they called him ‘Pistol Pete’, from Electric Boogaloos. He trained me when I was very young, at Polytechnic High School.
“He got the part as my sidekick. Then Ana ‘Lollipop’ Sánchez got the other part and we became Electro Rock—the rivals. I had never had lines in a production before, plus I was really bashful. They told me just play the opposite of my character, so I went in and did it: ‘Hey punk! Are you back for more, fool?’”
In addition to Breakin’, Pop ‘N Taco also appeared in Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey in 1991, Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo and the 2009 documentary Michael Jackson Live in Bucharest: The Dangerous Tour. Later in life, he was committed to hosting choreography workshops for young dancers to hone their craft.
Tributes are pouring in on social media from artists such as Breakin‘ co-star Ice-T, KXNG Crooked, “Mickey” singer Toni Basil, The Egyptian Lover, Project Blowed and Jermaine Durpi. We also send our condolences to Pop ‘N Taco’s family and friends.
Adele Is Ready for a 'Couple More Kids' Amid Blossoming Romance With Boyfriend Rich Paul
It sounds like Adele and boyfriend Rich Paul are on fast forward when it comes to their romance. Sure, there have been a few rocky moments along the way, but it seems like they have ironed out those issues and are moving ahead with life plans.
The duo was most recently spotted in New York City at the wedding of Cleveland Cavaliers basketball player Kevin Love and model Kate Bock looking like a total Hollywood power couple. Now, Adele is talking about how she would like to make some serious family plans in the near future. “I definitely would like a couple more kids,” she told BBC Sounds’ Desert Island Discs podcast on July 3. “It would be wonderful.” The 34-year-old star isn’t pushing the idea of expanding her family too hard on Paul it seems because she added, “If not, I’ve got Angelo.”
Angelo Adkins is her nine-year-old son from her marriage to Simon Konecki, so she is incredibly grateful to be his mother even if she would like to add to her brood. If you’re wondering how Paul feels about the situation, he appears to be on the same page as the “Easy on Me” singer. As a dad to three children already, he has some regrets about not being as present as he would have liked. “As a young dad, growing a business, it was pretty tough.” He told E! News, “But now looking as an older dad, if I was to have more kids, I’m looking forward to being a different dad.” The sports agent added that he thinks he would be “a more patient dad” if he expands his family.
With the couple reportedly living together in the massive mansion Adele bought from Sylvester Stallone, it sounds like this duo is going strong. The best part is that they seem to have a similar desire to have more kids — and that might be the next step in their blossoming relationship.
Brittney Griner pens handwritten letter to Biden from Russian prison: "I'm terrified I might be here forever"
A handwritten letter from Brittney Griner was delivered to the White House on Monday morning, according to the Griner family, who provided excerpts to reporters. In her letter, the imprisoned WNBA star pleaded with the president not to forget her, and said her already deep appreciation for Independence Day has taken on new meaning this year.
"I'm terrified I might be here forever," wrote Griner, who has been detained in Russia since mid-February. "On the 4th of July, our family normally honors the service of those who fought for our freedom, including my father who is a Vietnam War Veteran. It hurts thinking about how I usually celebrate this day because freedom means something completely different to me this year."
Griner, whose trial began last week, was arrested at a Moscow airport in February after Russia claimed she had cannabis oil in her luggage. A Russian judge ordered Griner, the Phoenix Mercury center who played in Russia during the WNBA off-season, to remain in custody for the trial's duration.
The U.S. has said Griner is being wrongfully detained.
In her personal plea, Griner urged Mr. Biden to free all U.S. captives. "I realize you are dealing with so much," she wrote, "But please don't forget about me and the other American detainees. Please do all you can to bring us home."
Griner noted in the letter that she voted for Mr. Biden in 2020, the first time she voted. "I believe in you. I still have so much good to do with my freedom that you can help restore," she wrote.
While some supporters back a prisoner swap, Griner's detention and trial come at a low point in U.S.-Russia relations amid the war in Ukraine.
"We believe the Russian Federation is wrongfully detaining Brittney Griner. President Biden has been clear about the need to see all U.S. nationals who are held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad released, including Brittney Griner. The U.S. government continues to work aggressively – using every available means — to bring her home," National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said in a statement on Monday. "The President's team is in regular contact with Brittney's family and we will continue to work to support her family."
Griner's wife, Cherelle, and family had no further comment on the letter.
Rihanna is Now America's Youngest SELF-MADE Billionaire Woman
The youngest self-made billionaire woman in the U.S. didn’t grow up in a Manhattan high rise or the Hollywood Hills.
The 34-year-old entertainer is now America’s youngest self-made billionaire woman thanks to the empire she has built through her musical and entrepreneurial endeavors, NBC4 reports.
As previously reported, the Barbados native officially hit billionaire status in August 2021. No stranger to accolades, she recently made Forbes’ annual richest self-made women in the U.S. list for a third consecutive year. Rihanna, born Robyn Fenty, is the only billionaire under the age of 40 to make the esteemed list.
Now, her net worth sits at an estimated $1.4 billion and, while some of that amount has accumulated from her success in the music business, a lot of this stems from her retail companies, which include Fenty Beauty, Fenty Skin, and Savage X Fenty. In a previous interview with The New York Times, the “Bitch Better Have My Money” songstress says that achieving financial success is not going to stop her from working.
The global superstar also admitted that the fortune she’s amassed isn’t just for her, but to help others. “My money is not about me; it’s always the thought that I can help someone else,” Rihanna expressed. “The world can really make you believe that the wrong things are priority, and it makes you really miss the core of life, what it means to be alive.”
When she isn’t setting trends or topping the nation’s self-made billionaire list, the “Love on the Brain” crooner is fulfilling a new duty…motherhood. She recently made her first public appearance to support boyfriend ASAP Rocky after the pair welcomed a son in May.
Previously, Rihanna joked with Elle about being an intense first-time parent. “I feel like that’s the type of mom I’m going to be. Psycho about it, “she chuckled, noting that “it’s over” if anyone talks about her child.
Boyz II Men’s Shawn Stockman Believes R&B Has Lost Its Identity
Conversations about whether the R&B singers of today are able to carry their own have made their rounds and Shawn Stockman of the iconic R&B group Boyz II Men is giving his two cents.
In a series of tweets, the 49-year-old expressed how singers of today are more concerned with competing “with the bravado of the hip hop world” instead of taking time to perfect their craft by “investing in their vocal performances (or not having very strong ones).”
Stockman started off by saying that there once was a time when there was a “clear distinction between a rapper and a singer, persona wise.” He tweeted, “R&B has lost their identity because it felt like it had to compete with the bravado of the hip hop world. Because labels stopped supporting the perception of Black men being more than displaying a ‘thug image.'”
He added, “Let me disclaim, my tweets are not to say there aren’t any great singers out there. There always have been great singers, but the love they get is disproportionate. So let’s do this: send me some artists y’all think are and I’ll repost! I’ll go first.”
He concluded his sentiments and expressed gratitude to those who didn’t take what he said the wrong way. He tweeted, “Thanks to those who understand my comments concerning R&B is out of pure concern for the culture I gave my life to. It’s not about dissing anyone, it’s not about excluding those who rep the right way. Just bringing 2 light that the love 4 the real is disproportionate.”
The singer’s tweets seem to have been prompted by the recent Verzuz battle between R&B singers Omarion and Mario, with other performances by Ray J, Sammie, Bobby V, and Pleasure P. Following the battle, there were plenty of mixed views about the vocal capabilities of Omarion, Ray J, and Jeremiah specifically. In addition, R&B sensation Giveon also caught flack for his recent BET Awards performance in which he blamed what appeared to be his vocal shortcomings on the technical difficulties of his microphone.
Are you in agreement with Shawn?
Mary J. Blige To Perform An Exclusive Apple Music Concert
Mary J. Blige is set to perform her biggest hits in an exclusive performance for Apple Music. The Grammy Award-winning artist will host a performance for one night only, celebrating her life and music. The show will be available on the digital streaming platform in over 165 countries on July 27th at 7:00 p.m. PT.
A press release describes the concert as featuring a career-spanning setlist, and reflections from her decades-long career. It will take place at New York City’s historic United Palace.
“The last year of my career in particular has been an exciting ride,” expressed Mary J. Blige. “From continuing to act, to recording and releasing my 15th studio album, growing and expanding different businesses like Sun Goddess and Sister Love Jewelry, to performing at the Super Bowl, launching my Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit and now getting ready to go back on tour, it feels amazing to take this opportunity to celebrate, reflect and have an intimate night with my fans through this platform Apple Music is providing me.”
The performance comes as her debut album What’s The 411 reaches its 30th anniversary on July 27th. Apple Music Hits has planned to devote the entire day to all things Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, including exclusive programming, music, and interviews showcasing the key moments from her legendary catalog and career.
Fans aged 16 and older interested in attending the free taping can register here. Attendance is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Woman pardoned 27 years after being sentenced to life as a teen for killing man who trafficked her
Twenty-seven years after being sentenced to life imprisonment for killing her abuser, Sara Kruzan has been officially pardoned by California Governor Gavin Newsom.
In 1995, Kruzan was found guilty of first-degree murder one year after she killed George Gilbert Howard when she was 16 years old. In the years after her conviction, Kruzan became an advocate for policy reform regarding victims of sex trafficking and accused Howard of sexually abusing and trafficking her as a teen.
In a profile by the Los Angeles Times, it was reported that Kruzan met Howard when she was 11 years old. Soon after their meeting, Howard trafficked her and forced her to have sex with other men. Years later, after being threatened by her boyfriend’s uncle, Kruzan agreed to rob Howard at a motel, where she ultimately shot and killed him while in fear for her life.
On July 1, Newsom pardoned Kruzan, who was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole, along with 17 others who were also granted clemency.
“When Ms. Kruzan was 16 years old, she fatally shot the man who had abused her and trafficked her for sex,” Newsom wrote in his pardon, adding that “she has provided evidence that she is living an upright life and has demonstrated her fitness for restoration of civic rights and responsibilities.”
In 2011, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger reduced her sentence to 25 years and included in his clemency petition the possibility of parole. Two years later, in 2013, a Riverside judge lessened her sentence even further, and Kruzan was released from prison that year when she was 35 years old. As the LA Times reported, her conviction affected her ability to obtain work.
A press release regarding the pardon explained that, while it does not erase her conviction, the pardon does work to remove “counterproductive barriers to employment and public service.”
Method Man issues an apology to Destiny’s Child for 2001 incident
In a new conversation with Math Hoffa, Method Man issued a public apology to Destiny’s Child for an incident that happened in 2001 while they were backstage. The Wu-Tang emcee begins the explanation by sharing how he first met Destiny’s Child at the UK’s MOBO Awards in 1999 alongside JAY-Z and Dame Dash. He recalls always thinking highly of the women and always had a good impression of them. Also at the time, Method Man said he was coming off of a time period where he dealt with a high volume of drug and alcohol usage.
“I didn’t like myself so I didn’t like anybody fucking else,” he began. “So that meant anything that would have come in my circumference at that point in time was gonna get it. My family went through a lot with my ass during that era, man. And I can admit that I did take a lot of my fucking misery out on them, and they did not deserve it. And I took some of my misery out on people at Def Jam that did not fucking deserve it.”
Method Man then spoke about the time he tried to greet Destiny’s Child, but things didn’t go too smoothly. “We were at Janet Jackson’s ‘Icon’ and I remember I had just come off stage and where we were sitting, there were nothing but VIPs,” he says. “And I see the girls, so I kinda moseyed out of my seat to go over and say ‘What’s up’ to them. Now, this is still me in my low self-esteem era.”
When Method Man tried to speak to them, Destiny’s Child didn’t acknowledge him, and he wound up taking personal offense to this.
As he continued, he shared that he sees the situation completely differently now. “My ass, in my head, with my low self-esteem is like, ‘They just shitted on me.’ When in fact, they didn’t even hear me. It was so loud in that muthafucka. That’s the excuse that I’m giving right now – they didn’t even fucking hear me,” he reflects. “Afterward, Rockwilder, he was gonna do the ‘Bootylicious’ song for them. He comes over, he’s talking to them, he’s like, ‘Oh, you know Red and Meth?’ And they put their hands out to shake, and I kept my hand here and was like, ‘Go ‘head with that Hollywood shit.’”
He ends the story with an apology for his behavior. “To this day, that shit hurt my heart because neither Kelly, Beyoncé or Michelle ever did any fucking thing to me,” he says. “But me being so miserable and in that fucking moment, I felt like they wasn’t treating me the way I should have been treated. Who am I to think that about these girls? And to this day, man, I don’t think I’ve ever apologized for that.”
You can view the full clip of the apology by Method Man HERE.
Big Sean says he "can't wait to be a dad"
Big Sean is excited to be expecting his first child with girlfriend Jhené Aiko. The couple was first spotted in Beverly Hills, California on Sunday (July 3) when photos surfaced of Jhené’s baby bump. The Detroit rapper showed the expecting mother of his child praise via his Instagram Stories. “Whole new motivation foreal!” he shared. “Very grateful God continues to bless us, Thank You.” Another Instagram Story read, “Can’t wait to be a Dad.”
Although Big Sean admitted to being a “mama’s boy” in a 2015 interview with The FADER, he discussed the type of relationship he and his dad had growing up. “It was great,” he said. “My mom and my dad were split up, but they were friends and they got along in honor of me and my brother. He took us to school a lot, spent time with us. Always made an effort. Everybody doesn’t have a dad, you know? Especially where I’m from. I’m lucky to have a great mom and a great dad, even though they’re not together,” he said.
With solid examples of great parents, it’s no wonder Sean is excited for this new journey he’s about to embark on. “It’s funny, because my dad always felt like he could talk to me, even when I was a little kid. When he’d take me to school, he’d be telling me about his life. I thought that was cool,” he added.
The “What A Life” rapper has been extremely transparent about a difficult obstacle the couple faced. He confirmed on “Sway in the Morning” that the lyrics to his 2020 song “Deep Reverence” were indeed about the miscarriage the two endured. “Should be a billionaire based on the time off I’m not takin’/Probably why this shit with me get crazy and we lost a baby,” Sean raps.
“The couple is overjoyed and looks forward to this next chapter,” a representative for Aiko shared with People.
Joey Chestnut Puts Protestor in Chokehold During Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, Still Wins!
There was a crazy moment during this year’s Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest!
Joey Chestnut unsurprisingly was the winner of the annual contest, but wait until you see what happened to him during the competition.
The 38-year-old competitive eater was approached by a protestor in the middle of the contest on Monday afternoon (July 4) at Coney Island in New York City.
Joey put the man into a chokehold while he had a hot dog still in his mouth… and he still won the contest
Venus Williams Claps Back at Reporter Who Tried to Pit Her Against Sister Serena Williams
Venus Williams did not mince words when she and fellow tennis star Jamie Murray were asked a shady question about their siblings during a press conference over the weekend.
The two athletes played in the mixed doubles competition at Wimbledon this year. And after winning their first-round match against Michael Venus and Alicja Rosolska on Saturday, one reporter asked the duo whether Venus and Jamie were hoping to best her sister Serena Williams and his brother Andy Murray in the tennis tournament.
"Are you in it to win it or is it the first target to get past the third round where Serena and Andy became a cropper?" the reporter said in video of the exchange from the BBC that has since gone viral, referencing how Serena and Andy had respectively been defeated in earlier rounds of Wimbledon's singles competition.
Seemingly confused by his question, Venus, 42, looked at Jamie, 36, and wondered, "What kind of question is that?"
"We're in it for a stroll," she sarcastically responded the reporter. "Like, come on."
But the reporter was not done yet despite Venus' obvious dismissal of his words. "Are you in it for the experience or are you going to go all the way?" he went on to ask.
"Are you going to write a good article or just a half way decent one?" Venus clapped back.
Fans went wild over Venus' response, championing her words as a "fantastic response" on Twitter.
Sadly, Venus and Jamie weren't able to make it much further. The duo failed to best Alicia Barnett and Jonny O'Mara in ta following round when they were unable to convert five match points in a marathon third-set tiebreaker.
This was Venus' first tournament in more than 10 months. "The queen is BACK," a post on her activewear brand EleVen's Instagram account wrote last week, revealing her return to London. "@venuswilliams is returning to the historic grass courts of @wimbledon where she holds 5 singles titles & 6 doubles titles — let's add a mixed doubles title to that list, shall we?!"
Harmony Tan of France, 24, defeated her younger sister, Serena, in her first singles match in a year during the first-round of the Wimbledon singles tournament. Serena, 40, opened up about her return to the courts on Instagram afterwards, calling it "insane and intense."
"Not the result I came for, but my goodness I enjoyed that," she wrote in the caption alongside a picture of herself waving to the crowd. "I hope you did as well. Onward and up. ☺️ ☺️."
Tommy Davidson Says He Was Supposed to Star In a ‘Coming to America’ TV Series, Felt Eddie Murphy Should Have Done More to Help
Tommy Davidson claims he was part of the television series based on Eddie Murphy‘s 1998 film “Coming to America.” The beloved comedian opened up about the high and lows of his career, but Davidson says the show never panned out.
“This is about the failure of a TV show that I worked my butt off for, as the star,” he told the Chicago Tribune. “And when it was all said and done, I was left with nothing.”
The “In Living Color” actor mentioned that he started receiving recognition before starring in the 1990s comedy sitcom. He remembers gaining opportunities such as a a role on the CBS sitcom, “Murphy Brown” and a TV and movie development deal with Disney. The 58-year-old also recalls auditioning for comedy shows like “A Different World” and “The Cosby Show.” He also received an offer from Murphy’s production company to star in the TV pilot for “Coming to America.”
According to Davidson, “The show was going to center around Prince Tariq, the little brother of the Prince Akeem character in the movie, and it was going to be about what his life is like when he comes to America.”
After not landing the role in “A Different World,” he chose to pass on deals with Disney and “Murphy Brown” to play Prince Tariq in ‘Coming to America.'”
“The Woo” star said, “I chose it because it was Eddie Murphy — another brother, another Black dude doing really well you know? It was perfect because, next to Eddie Murphy, I was the funniest guy at the time.” He continued, “His company had an option with Paramount to do television shows, which is huge, and this is the one he wanted to do. And it was starring me! How could it be better?”
He said he “didn’t get any help” from Murphy’s team to move forward with the series, which was never picked up.
“I just got left there with the studio and a writer [Ken Hecht] who was really out of touch with comedy,” Davidson explained. “He had written for Black sitcoms from years ago, like ‘Good Times,’ but the world had changed by 1989.”
Davidson described Murphy as a “superstar” who was “worth a lot in Hollywood.” He said he was “devastated…hurt…frustrated and scared” after missing out on his “first big opportunity.” He felt Murphy should have done more to advocate for the “Coming to America” series, noting that he wished things worked out differently.
“He should have, yes. I was left alone to fend for myself,” stated Davidson. “And I say that in awareness of how the universe also works itself out and how much I love him,” he shared. “It could have helped, but who knows if it would have made a difference? So I disliked the behavior, but I love the man. And everything happens for a reason.”
With the “Coming To America” show not moving forward, Davidson went back to what he knows performing on stages and at comedy clubs, including a headlining a room at The Comedy Store. He solidified his place in comedy after sharing the same stage as vets like Murphy and Richard Pryor, which opened many doors for his career.
Lil Uzi Vert Allegedly Leaves Woman Bleeding From The Head After Throwing Phone Into Crowd
While headlining at this year’s Wireless Festival in London, England on Friday (July 1), Lil Uzi Vert got a little too turnt up on stage and ended up throwing a fan’s phone back into the crowd, allegedly leaving a woman bleeding from the head.
On Sunday (July 3), a TikTok user @ ccornonmycob (aka Drilla G) shared several posts showing off her bloodied head, alleging that the Philadelphia rapper was to blame.
In the first post, the woman shows video of the “XO Tour Llif3” rapper hyping up the crowd before he performed his 2016 hit song
“Money Longer.”
As Lil Uzi turns around, he is seen bending down to pick up a phone that a fan threw on stage. As he grabs the phone, he lifts his arm and hurls it high into the sky and far into the crowd.
The alleged victim then shared another post with a few photos of her bloodied head getting treated while at the event.
She also shared a video of her being escorted out of the crowd by security, which she says was a struggle because of the overcrowding at the festival.
In a second clip, she identified herself as the “chick that got her head smashed in by the phone,” and claimed another person was involved or may have gotten hit by the same phone; but she would not go into much detail, let alone identify the guy she was referring to.
The woman said, “Yes, there was some damage caused, but the guy got his phone back and everything is being dealt with.”
The woman goes on to say that she was unable to even dodge the flying phone because the crowd was so tightly packed in.
She said, “And even if I did [move out of the way] it would have hit someone either way, [the phone] wouldn’t hit [the ground] first.”
Before ending her clip explaining the incident, the woman said “everything is being dealt with,” but did not go into further detail about how serious her head injury was or what is happening next; ie: any legal action, etc.
Aside from this incident, Lil Uzi Vert is also seen in another clip, circulating around social media, performing a front flip off of the stage and throwing himself into the crowd as he performed his track “POP” of his 2020 album ‘Eternal Atake.’
Meanwhile, Lil Uzi Vert and his reps have yet to comment on the incident or address the alleged victim’s TikTok videos.
Kanye West Hit With Lawsuit Over Alleged Sample for ‘Flowers’ on “Donda 2” Album
Kanye West has been hit with another lawsuit. This time for a track on his eleventh studio album, Donda 2.
Ultra International Music Publishing LLC claims that Ye sampled Marshall Jefferson’s 1986 house song, “Move Your Body,” on his song, “Flowers,” without permission. Allegedly the sample has been repeated a total of 22 times throughout the song.
It also alleges that Ye and his reps acknowledged the “Move Your Body” sample but did not get a license for it.
The lawsuit reads, “West advocates for artists’ rights with one hand, yet has no shame in taking away rights from another artist with the other.”
This isn’t the only music lawsuit the rapper faces. Earlier this year, Texas Pastor David Paul claimed that Ye’s “Come to Life” on DONDA was used without his permission and a recording from one of his sermons.
Ye has yet to comment on his pending lawsuits.
Bodega Worker Facing Murder Charges For Stabbing Man During Potato Chip Argument
A customer is dead, and a bodega worker is facing murder charges for killing the man during a dispute over potato chips.
On Friday night, shortly after 11:00 p.m. Jose Alba, of Blue Moon Convenience Store on Broadway in Hamilton Heights, New York City, got into an argument with a woman inside his store. The two reportedly exchanged words because she didn’t have enough money to pay for a bag of potato chips. The woman left and called 37-year-old Austin Simon to the store, though it is unclear if he was already outside the bodega or if he came there after learning of the verbal exchange. It also remains unknown what Simon’s relationship was with the identified woman. Once inside, Simon argued with Alba, and at some point, he went around the counter and began physically attacking Alba. The 51-year-old store clerk retrieved a knife and stabbed Simon once in the neck and twice in the chest.
When first responders arrived, they located Simon suffering from stab wounds. He was rushed to Harlem Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Alba was questioned and subsequently charged with murder and criminal possession of a weapon, though it appeared that he initially acted in self-defense. Police located the knife used in the killing at the bodega
Robert Crimo, Highland Park parade shooting person of interest, taken into police custody
A man wanted in connection to the deadly mass shooting at a Fourth of July parade outside Chicago was taken into custody Monday night.
Police announced Monday evening that Robert “Bobby” Crimo III, 22 — who was named as the prime person of interest in the shooting that killed six and wounded dozens more — was taken into custody in Lake Forest, IL following a short police pursuit.
Aspiring rapper Robert Crimo was taken into custody after the parade shooting.
A North Chicago police officer spotted a vehicle on US 41 matching the description of the one Crimo was believed to be driving and attempted to pull him over.
Crimo instead pumped the gas and fled in a 2010 silver Honda Fit. A brief chase followed before Crimo came to a stop and surrendered without incident, Highland Police Chief Lou Jogmen said at a press briefing.
Footage of the arrest shows Crimo’s car stopped at an intersection with dozens of police vehicles behind. He exits the vehicle with his hands up and lays face-down on the roadway at the instruction of police. Officers then swarm him with their guns out and cuff him.
Crimo was being taken to the Highland Park Police Department and no charges had been filed as of Monday evening.
Police launched a massive manhunt for Crimo who was believed to be armed and dangerous hours after a gunman rained bullets onto unsuspecting parade-goers from a rooftop in the Chicago suburb of Highland Park.
The shooter opened fire on the crowd below with a high-powered rifle, killing six and injuring 24 others, minutes after an Independence Day parade began at 10 a.m.
Eyewitness footage showed a frantic scene as attendees — some of them bloodied — ran for their lives as the sound of rapid gunfire exploded. Many were running with young children in their arms and ducked for cover behind cars or ran into nearby businesses.
Law enforcement warned residents to stay out of the area while the shooter remained on the loose Monday afternoon.
“STAY OUT OF THE AREA – allow law enforcement and first responders to do their work,” the Lake County Sheriff’s office tweeted as the carnage unfolded
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
BETTER THAN THE AMERICAN MOVIE
Such big hands
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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