#FASHIONFAB: Mona Tougaard August News in Vogue France, Alaïa F/W 2022.23 Campaign
Muticultural model Mona Tougaard was born in Denmark and is of Turkish, Somali and Ethiopian descent. With a solid portfolio behind her, Tougaard joins Mirthe Dijk and Victoria Fawole in the Alaïa F/W 2022.23 ad campaign, shot by Willy Vanderperre.
Tougaard, now a 20-year-old model who has walked the runway for Chanel, Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Prada and more, was scouted at the very young age 12 — a trend that has all but stopped among top brands and media, who won’t work with such young girls. She actually began modeling at age 15.
The youngest of three children, Mona was just 9 years old when her mother died, and she was raised by her father in Aarhus, Denmark. “We are so supportive and we are also really connected. We wish only good on each other because we want to see the Black community rise and be better and do better,” Tougaard told WSJ Magazine in December 2020 about Selena Forrest.
She participated in the 2017 Elite Model World Look competition, known for boosting the careers of Cindy Crawford and Gisele Bündchen. Next stop was the Prada fall 2019 runway show, where she met Adut Akech, Cara Delevigne, Gigi Hadid and Kaia Gerber.
Mona Tougaard was photographed by Luis Alberto Rodriguez in the Fall 2021 issue of i-D, wearing all-Alaïa from new creative design director Pieter Mulier’s first collection, after the death of the beloved Tunisian founder Azzedine Alaïa.
Luis Alberto Rodriguez again lensed Tougaard, this time with Ugbad for the cover of Vogue France August 2022.
#RHOA: How Phaedra Parks Really Feels About Ex-Husband Apollo Nida's RHOA Cameo
One woman's ex is another woman's confidant. Such is the case for Apollo Nida, Phaedra Parks' former husband who made an appearance on the Aug. 28 episode of The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Though his ex-wife no longer appears on the Bravo series, current cast member Shereé Whitfield told cameras that they've "always been good friends, but we lost contact when he went to prison."
However, it was actually because of Apollo's time in jail—the result of him pleading guilty to charges of mail, wire and bank fraud in 2014—that Shereé sought him out, as she was looking for advice about her ex-boyfriend Tyrone Gilliams, who had also served time in prison.
That, and to ask him if he'd model in her upcoming She by Shereé fashion show—something Phaedra told Bravo's The Daily Dish she hadn't been expecting. "I don't know. I have no idea," Phaedra said when asked about Apollo and Shereé's working together. "I have no idea about that part. He loves fashion. Being in the [fashion] industry, I don't know about that. I tend to mind the business that pays me, and since he's not one of the businesses that pays me, what he does when he's not around me and my kids is none of my business."
The response was similar to one Phaedra gave earlier this summer on Watch What Happens Live. Though Shereé and Apollo's meeting had yet to air on RHOA, he previously popped up in the season 14 trailer.
"Him hanging out with Shereé...Honey, if it makes him some money, he can buy these children some shoes and some Chick-fil-A," Phaedra said of her and Apollo's children, Dylan, 9, and Ayden, 12. "Hang out with Shereé, hang out with whoever you need to hang 'round with to get a check. Bring it to Mama."
Phaedra filed for divorce from Apollo the same year he was sent to prison. She's currently single, while he got engaged to Sherien Almufti back in 2016 when he was still serving time.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta airs Sundays at 9 p.m. on Bravo. See more of Phaedra on the recently-released second season of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip, now streaming on Peacock.
#MusicNews: Madonna Becomes First Woman to Earn Billboard 200 Top 10 Albums Each Decade Since the ‘80s
Her remix retrospective 'Finally Enough Love' starts at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 and tops multiple other charts, including Top Album Sales & Vinyl Albums.
Madonna becomes the first woman with newly charting top 10 titles on the Billboard 200 albums chart in the 1980s, ‘90s, 2000s, ‘10s and now the ‘20s. The Queen of Pop’s new remix compilation, Finally Enough Love, debuts at No. 8 on the Sept. 3-dated chart. She’s just the 10th act to have achieved this distinction – and the other nine are all solo male artists or groups comprising men.
Madonna notched her first top 10 album on the Billboard 200 with her self-titled debut effort, which reached the top 10 dated Oct. 6, 1984 (rising 12-10), and peaked at No. 8 two weeks later (Oct. 20, 1984). She logged a total of five top 10s on the Billboard 200 in the 1980s (Madonna, Like a Virgin, True Blue, the Who’s That Girl soundtrack and Like a Prayer), seven in the ‘90s (I’m Breathless: Music From and Inspired by the Film Dick Tracy, The Immaculate Collection, Erotica, Bedtime Stories, Something to Remember, the Evita soundtrack and Ray of Light), six in the 2000s (Music, GHV2: Greatest Hits Volume 2, American Life, Confessions on a Dance Floor, Hard Candy and Celebration) and four in the ‘10s (Sticky & Sweet Tour, MDNA, Rebel Heart and Madame X).
Of those 23 top 10s, nine reached No. 1: Like a Virgin, True Blue, Like a Prayer, Music, American Life, Confessions on a Dance Floor, Hard Candy, MDNA and Madame X.
Acts With New Top 10 Albums on the Billboard 200 Chart in the 1980s, ‘90s, 2000s, ‘10s & ‘20s:
AC/DC
Def Leppard
Paul McCartney
Madonna
Metallica
Ozzy Osbourne
Robert Plant
Meanwhile, McCartney (including his work with Wings), Springsteen and Taylor’s streaks stretch back six decades to the ’70s, and that’s not counting the output of, and McCartney’s driving contributions to, The Beatles, who landed 17 top 10 sets on the Billboard 200 in the ’60s (and 15 more since).
Finally Enough Love largely consists of previously released dance remixes, as the set celebrates Madonna’s 50 No. 1s on Billboard’s Dance Club Songs chart. She remains the first and only act with at least 50 No. 1s on any single Billboard chart.
Finally Enough Love is the first remix album to reach the top 10 on the Billboard 200 since 2014, when Beyoncé’s six-track More Only EP debuted and peaked at No. 8 on the Dec. 13, 2014 chart. The last remix album to chart higher was Justin Bieber’s Never Say Never: The Remixes which debuted at No. 1 on the March 5, 2011-dated chart. And, Finally Enough Love is the highest-charting dance/electronic remix album in more than a decade, since Lady Gaga’s The Remix debuted and peaked at No. 6 on the Aug. 21, 2010, chart.
Finally Enough Love is also the top-selling album of the week in the U.S., as the set launches atop Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart with 28,000 copies sold. It also debuts at No. 1 on Top Current Album Sales.
It’s her eighth No. 1 on the 31-year-old Top Album Sales chart. (It launched on May 25, 1991.) Among women, only Taylor Swift has more No. 1s on this chart, with 10, while Beyoncé is in third, with seven.
The retrospective was available in either a 16-track standard album and an expanded 50-track deluxe set. Physical album sales comprise 23,000 (12,000 on vinyl and 11,000 on CD) and digital album sales comprise 5,000.
Finally also starts at No. 1 on Vinyl Albums with 12,000 sold – Madonna’s largest sales week for a vinyl album since Luminate began tracking sales in 1991. The 16-track standard album was available in multiple color variants exclusively sold through Target, Walmart and Amazon, in addition to its standard black LP. Its 50-track version was available in in a limited-edition box set with six LPs (6,000 manufactured globally).
Finally additionally launches at No. 1 on both Top Dance/Electronic Albums and Tastemaker Albums. The former ranks the most popular dance/electronic albums of the week, by equivalent album units. The latter tallies the top-selling albums at independent and small chain record stores.
Madonna Ties for Fourth-Most Top 10 Albums on Billboard 200 Among Soloists
As Finally Enough Love marks Madonna’s 23rd top 10, that ties her with Bob Dylan for the fourth-most top 10s among solo acts.
#HipHopNews: Lil Wayne Postpones Lil Weezyana Fest
Lil Weezyana Fest has been put on hold. Less than 48 hours before he was set to take the stage, Lil Wayne has announced that his hometown festival will no longer take place on Saturday due to “unforeseen circumstances.” Tickets will be honored for the rescheduled date on Oct. 29.
“It is with my sincerest apologies that I must announce…due to unforeseen circumstances, Lil Weezyana Fest will be postponed until Oct 29,” the Young Money boss announced Thursday on Instagram.
He went on to apologize to his fans and vowed to make it up to them. “To my fans, you know I always want to deliver the best show possible and we hope this has not inconvenienced you in anyway,” he added. “The festival was sold out thanks to you. Please hold on you to your tickets and I will see you in October. I promise to make it up to you and to my city.”
The festival was set to return to New Orleans for the first time in two years. In addition to a headline performance from Weezy, this year’s lineup included Moneybagg Yo, Coi Leray, Babyface Ray, and Rob 49.
Lil Weezyana Fest was last held in 2019, but missed two years due to the pandemic. In past years, the festival has featured Megan Thee Stallion, Gucci Mane, Meek Mill, Master P, Saweetie, NBA YoungBoy, Jeezy, Migos, and 2 Chainz, as well as surprise appearances from Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Chris Brown.
Earlier this month, Wayne joined Drake and Nicki Minaj for the Young Money reunion concert in Toronto where he announced that he was working on the long-awaited sixth installment in his Carter series. “I’m working on Carter VI, coming soon!” he told fans.
Mikhail Gorbachev, the final leader of the Soviet Union and a reformer who helped end the Cold
War and lead his country from communism to capitalism, died Tuesday at 91, according to the Gorbachev Foundation.
“Mikhail Sergeevich Gorbachev died this evening after a serious and long illness,” the Central Clinical Hospital reported, according to Interfax.
Born in the village of Privolnoye, Gorbachev grew up a committed communist during World War II. He wound up winning a Nobel Peace prize in 1990 for helping end the Cold War.
Unlike his predecessors, when pro-democracy rallies began in Poland and swept across the Soviet bloc in 1989, Gorbachev did not send in Soviet tanks to crush the uprisings.
But within two years, the Soviet Union began to disintegrate as the captive Baltic nations of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia peeled away and other nations that had long been under Moscow's yoke, including Ukraine, sought independence.
Gorbachev's death came as Russia was bogged down in a brutal war with Ukraine.
Chris Rock Says He Turned Down Hosting The Oscars In 2023
Chris Rock has no interest in returning to the Oscars. Five months after Will Smith slapped him onstage at the Academy Awards, the comedian revealed during his stand-up show in Phoenix that he was asked to host next year’s ceremony but turned down the invitation.
According to Arizona Republic, Rock said returning to the Oscars would be like going back to the scene of a crime. He referenced the murder trial of O.J. Simpson, comparing it to asking Nicole Brown Simpson “to go back to the restaurant” where she left her eyeglasses before being killed.
During his 90-minute show at Arizona Financial Theatre on Sunday, Rock also shared that he was offered a Super Bowl commercial following the infamous slap, but refused that as well.
Rock went on to joke that he was physically outmatched by the King Richard star. “He’s bigger than me,” he said. “The state of Nevada would not sanction a fight between me and Will Smith.”
In May, ABC’s President of Entertainment Craig Erwich told Deadline that he was open to seeing Rock return to host the Oscars in 2023. Rock has hosted the show twice before in 2005 and 2016.
In the wake of the controversy, the Academy banned Smith from returning to the Oscars for the next decade. Last month, the actor issued another apology to Rock after he slapped him for making a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith.
“Chris, I apologize to you. My behavior was unacceptable and I’m here whenever you’re ready to talk,” he said in an emotional video.
Megan Thee Stallion Cast In Marvel's 'She-Hulk'
Megan Thee Stallion is joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Grammy-winning rapper has been cast in the Disney+ series “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law,” it was revealed in an interview with The Cut. It’s unclear what her role will be, with one report suggesting she will likely appear as herself.
Earlier this year, it was rumored that the “Pressurelicious” rapper had filmed an action scene for the Marvel Comics series, which stars Tatiana Maslany as Jennifer Walters / She-Hulk.
This is the latest acting gig for Megan, who recently guest starred as her alter ego Tina Snow on Starz’s “P-Valley.” She is also set to star in A24’s upcoming musical comedy Fu**ing Identical Twins, an R-rated comedy musical inspired by The Parent Trap.
When it comes to acting, Megan aspires to follow the careers of Queen Latifah and Ice Cube. “When I look at them, it inspires me to take it further than just music,” she said. “I don’t feel like I’m only going to be an actress — I feel like I’m also going to be a director and I’m also going to be a producer.”
But her dream role would be to play Gabrielle Union’s character Isis in a Bring It On reboot. “I always have wanted to be Isis. I would be perfect for that,” she revealed. “If they were ever to make a new Bring It On, I should be that character.”
Megan isn’t quitting her day job. In between her burgeoning acting career, she released her sophomore album Traumazine, which debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200.
OH? Meghan Markle says British press called her children ‘the N-word’
According to Markle, Prince Harry said 'I lost my dad' due to toxic tabloid scrutiny
Meghan Markle wasn’t eager to share photos of her children with the British press for a reason.
During her time as an active member of the British royal family, the Duchess of Sussex was expected to release pictures of her now 3-year-old son, Archie, to the Royal Rota, which is the press pool that covers Queen Elizabeth II and the royal family.
"There’s literally a structure," the former American actress explained in The Cut cover story on Monday.
"Why would I give the very people that are calling my children the N-word a photo of my children before I can share with the people that love my children?" the 41-year-old, who is biracial, explained. "You tell me how that makes sense and then I’ll play that game."
According to the duchess, she and her husband, Prince Harry, didn’t have any control over the @KensingtonRoyal Instagram account that they initially shared with Prince William and Kate Middleton.
One month before Archie was born, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex launched their own Instagram handle, @sussexroyal, where they refused to play the "exchange game." Instead, they broke their own news and even posted photos that sometimes never made it to the Royal Rota. But after they stepped back as senior members of the royal family, they shut down the account. The outlet noted that they can no longer use "royal" in their branding.
Markle later announced that she wasn’t returning to social media due to constant bullying from trolls.
The duchess also weighed in on the "toxic" tabloid culture and how it negatively impacted two families.
"Harry said to me, ‘I lost my dad in this process,’" she said. "It doesn’t have to be the same for them as it was for me, but that’s his decision."
Markle has had a strained relationship with her father, former Hollywood lighting director Thomas Markle, especially after The Mail on Sunday leaked a personal letter she wrote to the patriarch begging him to stop speaking with the press. She sued the outlet for invasion of privacy and won.
The outlet also described Markle and Harry’s lavish California home following their departure from royal duties. Markle said the property "kept popping up in online searches." She said that while they were looking to lay down roots in the coastal city of Montecito, they initially resisted visiting the property.
"We didn’t have jobs, so we just were not going to come and see this house," she explained. "It wasn’t possible. It’s like when I was younger and you’re window shopping – it’s like, ‘I don’t want to go and look at all the things that I can’t afford. That doesn’t feel good.’" But after touring the home, the pair "fell almost immediately in love." Following a $25 million Spotify deal and a reported $100 million Netflix deal, the home was "within their means."
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex briefly visited the U.K. for Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee. However, they soon headed back to California where they happily reside.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex briefly visited the U.K. for Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee. However, they soon headed back to California where they happily reside. (Chris J. Ratcliffe)
"One of the first things my husband saw when we walked around the house was those two palm trees," she pointed out. "See how they’re connected at the bottom? He goes, ‘My love, it’s us.’ And now every day when Archie goes by us, he says, ‘Hi, Momma. Hi, Papa.’"
According to the outlet, the home was purchased for $14.65 million.
"The Montecito house is the kind of big that startles you into remembering that unimaginable wealth is actually someone’s daily reality," the outlet described. "It evokes a classic Tuscan villa, a Napa vineyard, and a manicured Beverly Hills country club decorated with careful, considered coastal tones for a casual air – the home equivalent of billionaires dressing down in denim."
"We did everything we could to get this house," said Markle. "Because you walk in and go… joy. And exhale. And calm. It’s healing. You feel free."
Markle became the Duchess of Sussex when she married Harry, 37, in May 2018 at Windsor Castle. The couple welcomed a son named Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor in 2019.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s departures from royal duties began in 2020 over what they described as the British media’s intrusions and racist attitudes toward the former "Suits" star. The family now resides in Montecito.
In the wake of quitting royal duties, they gave an explosive TV interview to Oprah Winfrey in March 2021, in which the couple described painful comments about how dark Archie’s skin might be before his birth. The duchess talked about the intense isolation she felt inside the royal family that led her to contemplate suicide.
Buckingham Palace said the allegations of racism made by the couple were "concerning" and would be addressed privately.
In June of that year, the couple welcomed their second child, a daughter named Lilibet "Lili" Diana Mountbatten-Windsor. The name pays tribute to both Harry’s grandmother, whose family nickname is Lilibet, and his late mother, Princess Diana.
Jay-Z Awarded $6.78 Million in Royalties Against Parlux Fragrances
Jay-Z is adding to his vast fortune as a Manhattan court gave judgment in favor of the rapper against a perfume company that initially sued the rapper for millions in damages.
Jay-Z partnered with Parlux Fragrances in 2013 for his “Gold Jay-Z” cologne. The relationship with the parties, however, deteriorated, with Parlux suing the rapper a few years later in 2016.
Parlux had brought a $68 million lawsuit in October 2021 for damages. The company claimed that the New York rapper failed to promote the cologne in violation of their agreement, and as a result, the company suffered losses.
On Thursday, Jay-Z was awarded millions for unpaid royalties plus interest for the cologne Gold Jay-Z. The rapper appeared during the trial this week which culminated on Thursday with him being awarded the judgment.
The matter was presided over by Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Andrew Borrok, who found that Parlux owed the rapper $6.78 million in unpaid royalties, including interest.
“We’ve been awarded and will be receiving the money as we should,” Jay-Z’s lawyer Alex Spiro said.
Parlux had been sued by Jay-Z in a counterclaim after bringing the initial lawsuit worth $68 million, which the jury declined to award.
Jay-Z had countersued for $4.5 million in royalties. The case took three weeks before the jury found neither side should be liable for damages.
Parlux previously lost its appeals case in February and was found to be liable to pay the rape for royalty payments due and owing going back to 2015. The amount of royalties was in dispute leading to Judge Borrok determining the amount owed.
According to a NY Post report, Parlux has filed an appeal on justice Borrok’s ruling.
Meanwhile, as he is as leaving the courtroom, a smartly dressed Jay-Z was asked by the press if he had comments on the matter. One person could be heard asking the rapper if he had “98 problems now,” to which he laughed.
“98, I like that,” he said as he cracked a smile while walking away with his lawyers.
Iman Reacts to Lil Nas X's VMAs Look that is Identical to Her 2021 Met Gala Moment
Lil Nas X turned heads at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards with a dazzling Harris Reed-designed outfit, but Iman wants you to know that she did it first!
via People:
The Harris Reed design — which Iman, 67, sported in gold and white and Lil Nas X in solid black — is a dramatic feathered look consisting of a hoop skirt and headpiece. For the 2021 Met Gala, Reed dressed Iman in a gold jumpsuit under the feathers and accompanied her in a complementary white outfit and headpiece.
For this year’s MTV VMAs black carpet, Reed put Lil Nas X, 23, in an all-black version of the look from his London Fashion Week presentation in February. The “Industry Baby” singer went shirtless and wore a pair of black trousers under the skirt.
On Monday morning, Iman took to Instagram to make sure everyone knew that she wore the designer’s creation first, writing, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery! Congrats to @harris_reed @lilnasx @vmas 2022.”
Reed commented on her post — which included photos of herself and Lil Nas X — writing, “I love you,” while plenty of others simply commented crowns and flames.
When Iman put on the golden look, which Reed created in a partnership with Dolce & Gabbana, for the Met Gala last year, she told PEOPLE at the gala that the headpiece was “not heavy at all.” On the flip side, Lil Nas X said on this year’s VMAs carpet that it was, in fact, “heavy.”
When Iman first saw Reed’s creation for her Met Gala appearance, she told Vogue that it was “divine.” She added, “It’s beyond what I thought, the illustration doesn’t do it justice.”
Each of these looks by Reed — who has also dressed Harry Styles, Adeleand Emma Corrin — is part of his Fall 2022 Ready to Wear collection that he presented in February at LFW.
“It’s such a fashion moment,” Reed told WWD of his show, which he named “60 Years a Queen.” “I don’t care if some people hate it. What I care about is that it’s a moment and you can’t look away. It’s giant feathered headpieces, arrows flying, draped gowns, it’s a lot going on baby.”
And while dressing huge names has become par for the course for the 26-year-old designer, the opportunity to put Lil Nas X in one of his designs was particularly special for Reed.
He wrote on Instagram after the VMAs what an “honor” it was to dress a “true queer icon,” adding that Lil Nas X is someone he looks up to for “being brave, daring, loud and different.”
Reed also gave a nod to everyone who helped pull the look together, including Lil Nas X’s stylist, Hodo Musa, and collaborator Vivienne H. Lake, who helped create the headpiece.
Beverly Hills Cop 4 Is Officially Happening With Eddie Murphy Joined By Joseph Gordon-Levitt And Taylour Paige
A year after Eddie Murphy revived one of his classic roles in "Coming 2 America," the actor is officially set to bring the world of "Beverly Hills Cop" back from the dead. "Beverly Hills Cop 4" has been in development for several years, but there finally seems to be some momentum on the project, as Deadline reports it now has a name –- "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley" –- and a supporting cast. "Zola" breakout star Taylour Paige will join Murphy in the new film, as will "Super Pumped" star Joseph Gordon-Levitt. (There's no casting info available, but Gordon-Levitt has big Billy Rosewood energy, so could he be playing Judge Reinhold's character's son here?)
The "Beverly Hills Cop" franchise was initially a massive moneymaker, as its first installment made over $300 million at the worldwide box office in 1984 and showed that audiences had a taste for R-rated entertainment and Murphy's uproarious brand of comedy. The follow-up films didn't fare nearly as well, and after the release of "Beverly Hills Cop III" in 1994 didn't yield an immediate sequel as expected, it looked like the franchise might have reached its conclusion.
Still, talk of a fourth installment has lingered for decades, with a Brett Ratner-helmed version in the works back in 2008, and a legacy sequel series about Axel's son planned at CBS in 2013. The latter was eventually shelved when, according to Murphy, the studio passed on the pilot after realizing Murphy wouldn't be a recurring guest star. "It tested where they have these knobs [that you] turn if you like it," Murphy told IndieWire, "And whenever I came on the screen, Axel Foley would come on the screen, they turned it so they literally broke the knobs on the thing. It was like, 'Damn, they breaking knobs?'"
This time, though, Axel's name is right there in the title, so it should be clear to anyone and everyone that Netflix's version of "Beverly Hills Cop 4" will star Murphy as Detroit cop Axel Foley. The project started off with Paramount, but moved over to Netflix in 2019 before presumably being slowed down by the pandemic. Now it's finally on the horizon, with Mark Molley directing from a script by "Aquaman" screenwriter Will Beall. Jerry Bruckheimer, Chad Oman, and Murphy will produce.
"Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley" isn't the first time the comedian has worked with Netflix. In 2019, the actor put in an excellent performance in "Dolemite is My Name," one of the streamer's best original film offerings. While there's no word yet on whether or not Netflix will give the new "Beverly Hills Cop" a theatrical release like they did with "The Gray Man," it would be great to see the former box office champion on the big screen when all is said and done.
"Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley" does not yet have a release date.
Here are the details about Michael Jackson’s forthcoming ‘Thriller 40 (Anniversary Edition)' album
Pre-orders can be made as of today.
In November, Sony Music and Michael Jackson’s estate will observe the 40th anniversary of the late icon’s classic Thriller album by releasing Thriller 40, a double CD set comprised of the original album and a second disc. According to the announcement made back in May, the release will be “full of surprises for fans, including never-released tracks which were worked on by Michael for the Thriller album.”
Today (Aug. 29), the exciting update arrived that Thriller 40 is now officially available for pre-order. Also, the titles of the ten bonus tracks will be revealed one at a time, starting after Labor Day with the last track being revealed just before release date, Nov. 18. The double CD set consists of Jackson’s original masterpiece and a bonus CD of rarities and demos.
The release of Thriller 40 commemorates one of the most commercially successful albums of all time. Pop up events and worldwide activations are also planned to honor Jackson’s work creation and additional details are to come. Thriller won eight Grammy Awards and changed the frontiers of pop music and music videos forever. The body of work also has spent more than 500 weeks on the Billboard 200 and has sold over 100 million units since its release on Nov. 30, 1982.
For the U.S., Walmart will sell an exclusive version of the original Thriller album featuring an alternate 40th anniversary cover. Target will have an exclusive version of the original album with a special Thriller 40 vinyl slip mat. Both versions will also be available outside the U.S. through various retailers. Pre-orders can be made here.
Travis Scott donates school supplies to hundreds of Houston teachers
On Sunday (Aug. 28), through his Cactus Jack Foundation (CJF), Travis Scott gifted over 1,000 Houston-area teachers free school supplies for the new school year.
As reported by Fox 26 Houston, the rapper’s Teacher Supply Drive supported teachers in the Houston Independent School District who often have to provide supplies to their classrooms out of pocket. Scott, whose real name is Jacques Webster, held a registration so teachers could receive care packages and gift cards.
Scott’s sister and CFJ spokesperson, Jordan Webster, stressed the importance of helping educators and empowering the youth. “We wanted to show our love and support for these school teachers because they are such a core essential part to the cultivation of young students and young leaders,” she said. “To be able to know that we’ve been able to provide some relief for them today is what we wanted to happen today.”
In March, Scott pledged a million dollars towards scholarships for students in historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The grants were included in the five million-dollar initiative to various philanthropic projects as part of his Project HEAL foundation. Through the foundation, the Waymon Webster Scholarship Fund offered $10,000 scholarships to 100 HBCU seniors who have achieved academic excellence but struggle to pay for their education.
He stated in a press release that his grandfather’s influence played a significant part in his philanthropic efforts. “My grandfather was an educator who made a difference in thousands of young lives throughout his life,” he said. “He is a major influence on me and countless others, whose dreams he believed in, whose hopes he invested in, and whose futures he made big. It’s in his spirit that we are creating projects and programs that will look to the future of our communities and create hope and excellence in as many lives as possible.”
Currently, the Houston rapper is working on his long-awaited album UTOPIA.
Serena Williams Makes U.S. Open Entrance Wearing a Train Ahead of Retirement
Serena Williams is playing at her final U.S. Open and she just made her entrance on the court for her first round of the tournament!
The 40-year-old tennis star wore a train while making her entrance on the court on Monday (August 29) at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City.
Serena is playing Danka Kovinic of Montenegro in the first round of the Women’s Singles tournament.
Nike revealed that Serena is wearing a figure skating-inspired dress that is encrusted with diamonds along with the NikeCourt Flare 2 tennis sneaker.
Lizzo Clarifies Who She Was Actually Addressing During MTV VMAs 2022 Speech
Lizzo is making a clarification about her 2022 MTV Video Music Awards speech last night.
The 34-year-old entertainer got on stage to accept the Video for Good award and seemed to call out Aries Spears in her speech. If you don’t know, Aries publicly body shamed Lizzo over the weekend and went viral for his quotes.
“And now, to the bitches that got something to say about me in the press… You know what, I’m not gonna say nothing. They’re like, ‘Lizzo, why don’t you clap back?’ Because bitch, I’m winning, ho. Big bitches winning, ho!” she said.
On Monday morning (August 29), Lizzo clarified, “Lemme make one thing VERY clear— I wasn’t addressing anybody in my speech last night.. I was addressing EVERYBODY💋💋💋.”
Taylor Swift Announces New Album Midnights
The post Taylor Swift Announces New Album Midnights appeared first on Consequence.
Taylor Swift has announced the release of a new album called Midnights, which will be released on October 21st.
In a note accompanying the album’s announcement, Swift wrote that Midnights comprises “the stories of 13 sleepless nights scattered throughout my life.”
“This is a collection of music written in the middle of the night, a journey through terrors and sweet dreams,” she explained. “The floors we pace and the demons we face. For all of us who have tossed and turned and decided to keep the lanterns lit and go search – hoping that just maybe, when the clock strikes twelve … we’ll meet ourselves.”
Midnights serves as Swift’s tenth full-length to date, and her first original release since dropping folklore and evermore in late 2020. Last year, she released newly recorded versions of Fearless and Red as part of an ongoing project to re-record her first six studio albums in a bid to regain control of her catalog after Scooter Braun bought and then sold the rights to those master recordings without her input. More recently, she teased 1989 (Taylor’s Version) with by releasing “This Love (Taylor’s Version).”
Swift teased the release of Midnights during her acceptance speech for Video of the Year (“All Too Well”) at the 2022 VMAs on Sunday evening. As one fan pointed out, the timing of the announcement coincides with the 13th anniversary of Kanye West famously interrupting Swift’s VMAs acceptance speech. The album’s release date — October 21st — is also the birthday of West’s ex-wife, Kim Kardashian.
'Glee' actor says she was so intimidated by Lea Michele on set that she couldn't look in her direction or talk to the star
Lindsay Pearce said she told herself not to look at or talk to Lea Michele while filming "Glee."
She said she did so because Michele was "the star of the show" and she was "nervous."
Above all, Pearce said she's really proud of her performance and confidence on "Glee."
Although "The Glee Project" prepared Lindsay Pearce to be on "Glee" in 2011, it didn't entirely calm her nerves.
Speaking to Insider ahead of the 10-year anniversary of "The Glee Project" ending, Pearce said despite interacting with "Glee" cast members throughout the reality competition, she was "nervous" about working with the principal stars once she got on set.
In her two-episode arc, Pearce's character, Harmony, intimidates Lea Michele's character, Rachel Berry, with her talents, and even makes her cry — but Pearce said she was actually intimidated by Michele in real life.
"I remember when Lea came in and I was like, 'Don't talk to her. Don't even look in her direction. Leave her alone,'" she recalled. "Because she's the star of the show."
On the other hand, Pearce said she did interact with "Glee" creator Ryan Murphy and costar Chris Colfer, who played Kurt Hummel, on set. She said Murphy told her he "loved" her character's red beret, and Colfer told her he was "really excited" that they were filming together.
"Chris was like, 'Did you win?' I was like, 'I didn't!'" she recalled. "He was really sweet."
During her run, Pearce also led a memorable mash-up of "Anything Goes/Anything You Can Do." She said she had just two days to learn the intense, tap-dance-filled moves from "Glee" choreographer Zach Woodlee.
Still, she told Insider, she was "thankful" editors ended up cutting away from her feet for the majority of the scene.
Pearce was the first 'Glee Project' contestant to appear on 'Glee' — and she's proud of her run on the show
Pearce won a two-episode spot on the show for being a runner-up on "The Glee Project," a title she shared with Alex Newell. Though Newell was also promised two episodes, they ended up appearing in over 40 as Unique Adams.
Still, the Broadway actor said she "never felt robbed" and "did a good job with what she was promised."
"I've seen clips of those performances throughout the years and I marvel at how on fire I was, how locked in I was," she told Insider.
"I can't believe that at 20, I was so confident. 'The Glee Project' trained me really well to do 'Glee' well, and I was always really proud of what I was able to put out in those two episodes."
Buffalo Bills Release Newly Drafted Punter Matt Araiza Following Gang Rape Accusation
The Buffalo Bills have announced the release of their punter Matt Araiza. The roster adjustment comes two days after a civil lawsuit was filed stating Araiza and two of his former teammates at San Diego State gang raped a minor.
According to ESPN, Araiza and the other two men are accused of rape, gender violence, and false imprisonment. Araiza’s two former teammates have been removed from the San Diego State football team.
“This is bigger than football,” Bills’ general manager Brandon Beane said. “Let’s just step back and [let Araiza] go handle this. That’s what we thought was most important.”
Araiza was not present for the team’s most recent appearances but did release a statement on Friday: “The facts of the incident are not what they are portrayed in the lawsuit or in the press. I look forward to quickly setting the record straight.”
Beane added, “With the serious nature and allegations, and we just can’t, we don’t have the means to put all the facts together.”
Araiza was 21 at the time of the alleged crime, and Jane Doe was 17 and a high school senior. The incident occurred at an off-campus party in the early morning of October 17, 2021. The woman stated she was taken inside of a homie and was raped for over an hour and a half by Araiza, Zavier Leonard, a redshirt freshman, and Nowlin Ewaliko. Piercings in the nose, belly button, and ear were pulled out during the act, and she was bleeding from the vagina.
Araiza’s criminal attorney Kerry Armstrong released a statement:
“I am sure he is very upset and disappointed that his career with the Bills ended not because he played poorly, but because of false allegations leveled against him by a young lady and her attorney. I hope he is back in the NFL soon.”
Lorenzo ‘Fat Cat’ Nichols Requests Compassionate Release From Prison Citing Health Complications
Fat Cat wants out of prison. Famed Queens’ druglord Lorenzo “Fat Cat” Nichols has requested a compassionate release from prison, citing stress from being in jail leading to migraines. Nichols is serving time for ordering the killing of his parole officers in 1985.
According to the New York Daily News, Nichols wrote to Brooklyn Federal Court Judge Edward Korman for his release. Nichols was sentenced to 25 to life in the state and a concurrent 40-year federal sentence for the 1992 murder of parole officer Brian Rooney and two more people. The 63-year-old also has a 10-year sentence in Florida awaiting him.
Nichols has also been associated with the murder of NYPD officer Eddie Byrne who was in his patrol car in South Jamaica, Queens, in February 1998.
Nichols was ordered release earlier this year by the state parole board after spending the last 34 years in prison. He is now looking to bypass the remaining time owed to the feds. In his letter, Nichols highlights not having access to vegan food items and his diminishing health.
“I am fearful of my health rapidly declining under these conditions. I have now developed migraines after receiving news of being incarcerated for four more years due to miscalculations and a failure to inform of a probation violation in which I was never charged, sentenced, nor knew existed,” Nichols wrote.
Nichols revealed if released, he would move to Jacksonville, FL, and work for his wife’s catering company.
Virgil Abloh Award Presented by LVMH to Be Introduced by Harlem’s Fashion Row
A new award in honor of Virgil Abloh will be introduced by Harlem’s Fashion Row next month as part of launch festivities for NYFW.
As announced Monday, the Virgil Abloh Award presented by LVMH will be introduced as part of the 15th Anniversary Fashion Show and Style Awards on Sept. 6, the 2022 theme of which is “Future’s Past.” The award, per a press release, has been created to celebrate “likeminded individuals who embody Virgil’s spirit, brilliance, and vision” in their chosen field.
Receiving the Virgil Abloh Award presented by LVMH this year is Issa Rae, star and co-creator of HBO’s Insecure and creator of the recently launched HBO Max series Rap Sh!t. The award will be given by Virgil’s wife, Shannon Abloh. Earlier this year, it was announced that Shannon would be taking on the dual role of CEO and managing director of the Virgil Abloh Securities corporation.
Others being honored this year in other awards categories include Janet Jackson, Sergio Hudson, Ade Samuel, and Robin Givhan.
Shannon Abloh to Take on Dual Role of CEO and Managing Director at Virgil Abloh Securities
“We are moving into the future by reaching back to understand, honor, and pull strength from our past,” Harlem’s Fashion Row founder Brandice Daniel said of the theme of this year’s event, additional details on which can be found here.
The Most Exciting and Disappointing Sneakers Coming This Year | The Complex Sneaker Podcast
This month, Abloh’s legacy was celebrated with Mercedes-Benz’s sharing of a behind-the-scenes video focused on the Project MAYBACH sessions.
“We are honored to have worked with a creative genius and to have been inspired by his ideas and his attitude,” a rep fo the German luxury auto brand said when sharing the footage.
‘Metallic Red’ Nike Air Foamposite One Re-Releasing in 2023
Nike plans to release a retro of the “Metallic Red” Nike Air Foamposite One colorway next year, according to an internal brand document viewed by Complex.
The shoe is slated to be part of Nike’s Summer 2023 collection and anticipated to launch in the first half of May. Its release date is subject to change—sneaker release dates will often shift before shoes are launched, especially in the wake of disruptions to the global supply chain caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
The “Metallic Red” Nike Air Foamposite One first released in 2012 and released again in 2017. There are no images of the 2023 pair yet, and the one shown here is of the 2017 iteration. Based on the document viewed by Complex, the sneaker should look the same as the previous pairs, featuring a shiny red upper and translucent outsoles.
Nike has not publicly confirmed the release of this upcoming Foamposite and likely won’t do so until well into next year.
Chris Brown Look-Alike Denies Charging Fans $1500 for Meet-and-Greet
*A Chris Brown look-alike is allegedly charging $1,500 to meet and greet fans of the R&B superstar.
As reported by XXL Magazine, on Aug. 25, Twitter user @LilWhoady_ posted on Instagram a photo of the alleged Brown impersonator known as @tysonwuthi along with the caption, “Going To Be In Detroit This Weekend Meet & Greets $1500.”
After the photo went viral, the Brown look-alike slammed reports that he is charging a higher fee for his events compared to the real CB who charges fans $1,000 to get close to him.
“THESE ARE ALL LIES ABOUT ME…I HAVEN’T MADE AN AGREEMENT WITH ANYONE,” Brown’s doppelganger reportedly wrote in all caps on his Instagram Stories, according to the XXL report. “I WOULD NEVER DO THAT.. THE MEDIA LIES TO YOU JUST TO MAKE THAT FANS GET MAD AT ME..DON’T BELIEVE IT.”
Duke Volleyball Player (Rachel Richardson) Says BYU Officials Failed to Stop Racist Heckling
*(CNN) — A player on the Duke University women’s volleyball team says Brigham Young University officials in Utah did not act quick enough to stop the racist harassment she and other Black players were subject to during a Friday game.
Rachel Richardson, a sophomore outside hitter for Duke, tweeted a statement Sunday explaining she was not the only player who was the target of the racist slurs and heckling.
“Friday night in our match against Brigham Young University my fellow African American teammates and I were targeted and racially heckled throughout the entirety of the match,” Richardson tweeted. “The slurs and comments grew into threats which caused us to feel unsafe.”
Richardson’s godmother, Lesa Pamplin, initially tweeted about the incident Saturday, accusing the school of allowing the behavior without intervening.
“My Goddaughter is the only black starter for Dukes volleyball team. While playing yesterday, she was called a n***er every time she served,” Pamplin’s tweet read.
The incident led to an apology from BYU, the school banning a fan and Duke changing the locations of the team’s next game. It also caught the attention of NBA superstar LeBron James, who tweeted: “We are a brotherhood and sisterhood! We have her back. This is not sports.”
Richardson said both BYU officials and coaching staff were made aware of the incident during the game, “but failed to take the necessary steps to stop the unacceptable behavior and create a safe environment.” Even after the incident was brought to their attention, Richardson said BYU officials “failed to adequately address the situation.”
Ciara Launching New Skincare Brand, ‘On A Mission’
Ciara is “On A Mission” to give up highly requested secrets about her skincare routine. The singer took to Instagram on Monday to announce her new skincare brand.
Adding to a list of celebrity launches in the beauty industry, somehow, the 36-year-old’s launch feels different. If you’ve been a fan of Ciara, you know her for dancing, singing, and bomb skin, so launching her own skincare line just makes sense.
On A Mission by Ciara, nicknamed OAM, is a personal tribute to the star herself and her impressive resume over the years. In an exclusive interview with Allure, Ciara said, “But it all goes to the power of believing in yourself. I always say I’m a woman of ambition on a mission” when describing the brand.
The singer announced the brand on Monday in a series of Instagram posts.
The first post revealed the brand a secret sauce as she captioned the video with many comments and support asking about her clear skin, “You’ve been asking… and here it is. Meet my secret sauce ✨”
She also revealed that the brand has been “Years in the making” and gave fans a date when the brand will come out.
It looks like it’s right around the corner, with a hard launch of September 15 expected to hit the site
In another post partnered with Allure, the post hinted at a whole line consisting of multiple steps.
“THIS IS NOT A DRILL. #Ciara has a new “one, two step” for your #skincare routine ✨ The artist is launching her own skincare line, On a Mission. Head to our #linkinbio for all the exclusive details on what products she’s launching first and why she chose to start the line.”
Per Ciara’s last post on the skincare line, she revealed the line has five steps.
The clinical level self-care routine consists of a Vitamin C Hydrating Cleanser, Vitamin C Brightening Pads, 20% Vitamin C Brightening Serum, Vitamin C Eye Revitalizer, and a Vitamin C Radiance Moisturizer.
By the looks of the caption, this is only the Radiance System, meaning there could be many more systems next after the launch.
The Radiance system will be available at Oamskin.com on September 15.
Maryland Appeals Court Rules D.C. Sniper Must Be Resentenced
A Maryland appeals court ruled that D.C. sniper Lee Boyd Malvo must be resentenced due to his juvenile status at the time of his original sentencing.
Malvo was 17 years old when he shot and killed 10 people, injuring three more, in a series of sniper-style shootings that occurred in and around Washington D.C. in October 2002. He was sentenced to life without parole in Maryland and Virginia.
The court used the US Supreme Court’s guidance on sentencing for juvenile defenders in Friday’s ruling. In decisions rendered after Malvo’s sentencing, the Supreme Court ruled that life without parole is not applicable to youthful offenders under the Eighth Amendment.
Life without parole is not permitted “if a sentencing court determines that the offender’s crime was the result of transient immaturity, as opposed to permanent incorrigibility,” stated Judge Robert McDonald in the decision.
Malvo is currently serving out life without parole in the Red Onion State Prison in Virginia. McDonald wrote that Malvo would have to be granted parole in Virginia before he could begin serving his life sentences in Maryland. He is serving his sentences consecutively.
His accomplice in the shootings, John Allen Muhammad, was executed in Virginia in 2009 for his role in the murders.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘PINKY TUSCADERO’
Pepto Bismal anyone?
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM.
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