#MAGFAB: Angelina Jolie for Vogue US - November 2023
FAB!
#RHOA: Kandi Celebrates Another Career Milestone Joined by a Few Real Housewives & Her Family
Kandi Burruss has once again proved she can't be stopped. With new music out and plenty of other projects to keep her busy (including her restaurant empire and producing the movie, The Pass, which is streaming on Peacock), The Real Housewives of Atlanta cast member just celebrated another career milestone with her family and a few Real Housewives by her side.
Kandi and her husband, Todd Tucker, are producing the famed musical, The Wiz, which is currently on its national tour before it lands on Broadway. Kandi, Todd, their kids Ace and Blaze, as well as The Real Housewives of Potomac's Candiace Dillard Bassett and Wendy Osefo, were on hand for a performance in Baltimore. She shared more details about the stop on Instagram.
"Last night was a great night!" she captioned a set of photos from the performance. "Thank you to everyone that came to support [and] sold out the venue here In Baltimore again for a second time! [The Wiz] is absolutely amazing!!!! Everybody in the family will love it! Get your tickets before it’s too late."
BTW, Wendy shared her review of the performance on Instagram: "Congrats [Kandi] on the sold out premiere of THE WIZ!! The show was absolutely amazing! The costume, music, dancing, EVERYTHING!! Y’all, make sure to check out [the show] when it comes to your city and bring a friend or two."
According to Deadline, The Wiz will land on Broadway in 2024. Broadway previews will kick off on March 29, 2024 with an opening night set for April 17 of next year. The show will take place at the Marquis Theatre with Wayne Brady set for the title role.
Kandi is not new when it comes to her work on Broadway, and when it comes to her work as a producer. In an interview with The Daily Dish back in April 2022, Kandi shared that she does want to attain EGOT status.
"My overall dream is that I get the EGOT," she shared at the time. "Meaning I got a Grammy. I need an Emmy, I need an Oscar, I need a Tony. And so it's like [I need to] analyze the Emmy, Oscar, Tony, and figure out what are all the things I can do to qualify me to be recognized for something like that? So I'm working towards those goals."
She added, "So it's not like I'm stopping there. I'm gonna continue to put in the work until I get my ultimate goal. But it's like, for me, I'm one of those people. I look at the things people do to give me motivation, [like the] people who have done it. When I go back and look at people who have all four, and I feel like, 'Dang, I've been working at it this long and I only have this one.' Then I go back and look, and it's like, [for] a lot of them it took them 50 years, 60 years to get all of them. So I'm like, OK, well, I guess I'm not too, too far off."
In other news, Kandi also recently dropped new music. Last week, she premiered the track, "Only For You," which, by the way, has Todd's seal of approval. "It’s for me ah yah yah!," he shared about the song's lyrics. Kandi also appears in the video for the track and in it wears a sheer, sparkly black outfit while lying on satiny pink sheets.
#MusicNews: Brian McKnight Announces New Album “McKnighttime Lullabies”
Although Brian McKnight had previously announced that his 2020 album “Exodus” would be his last, it appears his creativity will continue on.
His latest offering gives us a whole new take on R&B music in the form of “McKnighttime Lullabies”.
The experience of fatherhood at this point of Brian McKnight’s career and life inspired him to apply his immense talent as a songwriter, musician, and performer to lullabies and soothing music for kids, parents, and grandparents. The collection of songs includes originals and covers inspired by his new son and dedicated to parents and children everywhere.
Still very much a Brian McKnight album, “McKnighttime Lullabies” will be arriving soon.
#HipHopNews: Offset, DaBaby, And Sexyy Red To Perform At 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards
Slated to take place on Oct. 10 at 9 p.m. ET, BET is pulling out all the stops for its annual Hip Hop Awards. As Fat Joe gears up to host for the second year running, the network rolled out a star-studded lineup of entertainers on Wednesday (Sept. 27).
The announcement revealed heavyweights like Offset and DaBaby as well as rising stars Fivio Foreign, GloRilla, and Sexyy Red as performers. Outside of the relatively fresh faces in the genre, the evening will also see more than just solo acts. BET is set to stage a tribute celebrating So So Def’s 30th anniversary. It will be headlined by Jermaine Dupri and feature iconic names like Bow Wow, Da Brat, and Ludacris.
“This year’s BET Hip Hop Awards will mark the culmination of our yearlong celebration of hip hop’s storied creation and the art form’s sonic and cultural expansion,” Connie Orlando, BET’s EVP of specials, music programming, and music strategy, explained.
She continued, “We are honored by this year’s roster of nominees as they continue to carry the creativity and diversity of hip hop into the future. We congratulate each nominee on their accomplishments as they take hip hop artistry to new heights.”
Moreover, the network’s original cypher segment is set to make a comeback with a twist. Superproducers Timbaland and Swizz Beatz will present this event’s lyrical battle, which will contain verses from Bun B, Cassidy, and up-and-comers like Lady London and Lola Brooke. Elsewhere, DJs E Feezy and Runna are slated to keep the turntables spinning.
A separate cypher will be hosted by DJ Hed. Nell Grant, Maiya The Don, and That Mexican OT will be featured in this particular freestyle showdown. These acts join the list of top contenders nominated for awards, which includes Cardi B and 21 Savage, leading with 12 nods each. Meanwhile, Drake trails behind the pair with nine.
Additionally, Burna Boy and DJ Khaled clinched seven nods, while J. Cole earned six.
Keke Wyatt To Premiere New Reality Show “Keke Wyatt’s World” On WE tv
It has been announced that Keke Wyatt will premiere her all new reality tv series “Keke Wyatt’s World” on October 12th, on WE TV.
The six, one-hour episodes follow R&B artist, Keke Wyatt, as she navigates her demanding singing career along with being a wife, daughter, diva, friend, and mother to 11 children. Having been in the music game for over a decade, Keke is ready to take her career in a new direction with her first new album in over six years while exploring challenges in love and as a mother. With a new baby added to her brood, Keke finds this new path far more difficult than ever before, unable to manage her way to super stardom the way her team would like.
As the pressures mount, she fights to keep it all from unraveling with the help of husband, Zackariah, a stay-at-home dad who manages the house; her mother, Lorna, who is her rock but also stirs up trouble in the family; and manager and BFF, Andrae, who struggles to keep her on track. Can Keke continue to balance motherhood and family life with the demands of her career and her fans?
Keke Wyatt’s World is produced by Conveyor Media with Colin Whelan, Rebecca Sirmons and Kat Uyenco serving as Executive Producers and Rodney Holland and Carlos Vargas as Co-executive Producers. Keke Wyatt and Andrae Crenshaw also serve as Executive Producers. Angela Molloy, SVP Development & Original Production, Unscripted and Ashley McFarlin VP Development & Original Production, Scripted Executive Produce for WE tv.
Britney Spears Reacts To Concerns Over Her Knife Dancing, Says Fans Need To 'Lighten Up'
Britney Spears has said to fans they need to "lighten up" about her knife dancing. The "Toxic" singer, 41, has caused fears for her safety and mental health in the last two days by posting two videos of her gyrating with two huge blades at her LA mansion - with the second clip showing her wearing a bandage and appearing to have cuts on her arm and leg.
"Lighten up about the knives I'm copying Shakira (monkey face emoji.)!!!" she told her 42.1 million followers in a video posted on her Instagram on Wednesday.
She was referring to Shakira, 46, dancing with a pair of ornamental knives at the MTV VMAs earlier this month when she performed a medley of some of her greatest hits. It seems the singer was paying homage to an Arabic dance known to some as the dance of the daggers.
TMZ has reported those responsible for Britney under her controversial 13-year conservatorship made a list of recommendations as it ended last year, with one point being to keep knives away from her.
The outlet said, "Sources have told us Britney sees knives as a type of protection... and we were told she keeps them all around her house, including her bedroom."
TMZ reported in May Britney had an "obsession" with knives. Sources have also said Britney hurled blades at the walls of her LA home since news broke her husband of only 14 months Sam Asghari, 29, had filed for divorce from her in August.
The singer revealed in 2021 that she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and has promised to tell all about her turbulent life - which saw her bound to the terms of a 13-year conservatorship until last year - in her upcoming memoir "The Woman in Me".
She claimed in her first knife-dancing video posted on Tuesday, September 25 the blades were not real - but her fans said they sounded like the genuine article as they could be heard clinking together in the clip.
Many have urged her to get "help" and said she looks "deranged" after she posted a follow up video showing one of her arms bandaged and apparent cuts on her arm and upper leg.
Lizzo Asks Court to Dismiss Former Dancers’ Harassment Lawsuit
Lizzo has asked a judge to dismiss the sexual harassment lawsuit filed by three former dancers.
In a response filed Wednesday by Lizzo’s legal team and obtained by Rolling Stone, the singer and her Big Grrrl touring entity denied “each and every allegation” in the lawsuit and asked that it be dismissed “in its entirety with prejudice.” Otherwise, Lizzo seeks a trial by jury to fight the lawsuit.
“Defendants deny generally and specifically each and every allegation contained in the Complaint, and the whole thereof, and deny that Plaintiffs have sustained any injury or loss by reason of any act or omission on the part of Defendants, and deny that Plaintiffs have been damaged in the amounts mentioned in the Complaint or any amount whatsoever,” the response stated.
Lizzo’s legal team also said the three dancers suing her “are guilty of unclean hands,” a legal term meaning that they are not entitled to any damages because they themselves failed to perform under the terms of their contracts.
“To the extent Plaintiffs allege punitive damages, the Complaint fails to allege a claim for which punitive damages can be recovered,” the response stated. “Defendants are not liable in whole or in part for punitive damages because they did not (a) engage in wrongful conduct, (b) authorize or ratify any wrongful conduct, or (c) have advance knowledge of the unfitness of any employee and employ that employee with a conscious disregard of the rights and safety of others.”
The three plaintiffs — Crystal Williams, Arianna Davis, and Noelle Rodriguez — filed their lawsuit against Lizzo in August, accusing her of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment stemming from incidents that allegedly took place beginning in 2021 and through 2023. The accusations followed the plaintiffs’ participation in a reality TV show contest for the opportunity to join Lizzo as one of her dancers during performances and on tour.
While Lizzo denied the “outrageous” allegations in a statement, a member of her tour’s wardrobe department filed another lawsuit against the singer and her team earlier this month.
“This is the first step of a legal process in which Lizzo and her team will demonstrate that they have always practiced what they’ve preached – whether it comes to promoting body positivity, leading a safe and supportive workplace or protecting individuals from any kind of harassment,” Lizzo’s spokesperson Stefan Friedman said in a statement to Page Six. “Any and all claims to the contrary are ridiculous, and we look forward to proving so in a court of law.”
Los Angeles attorney Neama Rahmani, who is representing the plaintiffs, said in a statement to Rolling Stone, “Lizzo’s answer merely consists of boilerplate objections that have nothing to do with the case. That said, the key takeaway is that Lizzo is agreeing to our clients’ demand for a jury trial. We look forward to presenting our case in court and letting a panel of her peers decide who is telling the truth, Lizzo and her team who continue to shame the victims or the plaintiffs and so many others who have come forward sharing similar stories of abuse and harassment.”
Kanye West Reportedly Working On A Comeback Album Amid Indecency Scandal In Italy
Despite multiple controversies, Kanye West is working on his comeback to the music industry. A new report claims that the rapper is in a "great headspace" and has finished almost ten tracks in just one week. The new album will reportedly have more of the "old Kanye" sound.
His last music project was over two years ago when he released the highly acclaimed "Donda" in 2021. In late 2022, the "Good Morning" rapper released a now-deleted "Censori Overload" track in tribute to his now-wife Bianca Censori.
According to the news outlet's sources, West's new project will feature themes similar to the "Old Kanye." The rapper is also working with Ty Dolla Sign, an artiste he's worked with severally in the past. There's speculation that the duo might create a joint album aside from West's solo project.
There's been heavy fan demand for new music from West, which became even more intense after a recent leak. Last week, the rapper's "Jesus Is King 2" album collaboration with Dr. Dre leaked on social media and drove fans into a frenzy.
"Jesus Is King 2" was meant to be the sequel to West's 2019 gospel album "Jesus Is King." The leaked project contained 15 songs with an impressive list of featured artists. There were collaborations with Eminem, Anderson Paak, Travis Scott, A$AP Ferg, and Snoop Dogg.
The album was mostly remixed versions of West's songs from the 2019 album, including "God Is" and "Everything We Need." With the excitement on social media concerning the leaked album with Dr. Dre, it looks like the upcoming project would do well.
According to the TMZ sources, there is currently no confirmed release date for the new project. The "All of the Lights" rapper is reportedly taking his time with the production to ensure the album maintains the quality his previous music projects have set.
West has been silent on social media and in public since his anti-Semitic controversy began in 2021. The anti-Semitic rants cost the Yeezy founder heavily, and he lost multiple brand partnerships, business deals, and his billionaire status.
One of West's most significant losses was his partnership with Universal Music's Def Jam Records. At the time, the label condemned the rapper's anti-Semitic stance. Their statement read, "Def Jam's relationship with Ye as a recording artist, its partnership with the GOOD Music label venture and Ye's merchandise agreement with Bravado all ended in 2021."
Damian Lillard traded to Bucks after 11 seasons with Portland Trail Blazers
Damian Lillard finally got his wish. Mostly. The Milwaukee Bucks are acquiring the seven-time All-Star guard from the Portland Trail Blazers in a three-team deal with the Phoenix Suns, the team announced Wednesday night.
As part of the deal, Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton and Toumani Camara are going to the Blazers, as well as the Bucks' 2029 unprotected first-round pick and unprotected swap rights in 2028 and 2030. The Suns land Jusuf Nurkić, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little and Keon Johnson.
Lillard requested a trade on the second day of 2023 free agency after years of seemingly going back and forth with Portland on trying to build a championship contender around him. He signed a two-year, max contract extension in the summer of 2022. Lillard is owed $216.2 million over the next four seasons, including $63.2 million in the 2026-27 campaign.
Lillard averaged 32.2 points per game last season, a career high, in a resurgent season after injuries hampered him for stretches of the past two seasons, missing 77 games in that stretch, double the games he missed over the first 10 seasons of his career. The Trail Blazers missed the postseason the past two seasons.
Lillard led the franchise to eight postseason appearances, making it to the Western Conference finals in the 2018-19 season. However, the Blazers mostly suffered first-round exits and could never make it to the pinnacle of the league despite having its best player in franchise history.
Lillard leaves Portland as the Blazers' all-time leading scorer (19,376 points), passing Clyde Drexler in 2022, and the franchise leader in 3-pointers made, free throws made and scoring average.
Why Damian Lillard is leaving the Portland Trail Blazers
Lillard’s loyalty to Portland had long since become one of the NBA’s most frequently repeated talking points. But speculation about whether he’d one day seek greener pastures reached new heights following a disappointing end to the 2020-21 campaign.
The Blazers bowed out to the Nuggets in six games in the first round — their fifth Round 1 exit in eight postseason appearances under head coach Terry Stotts — despite Denver playing without injured star guard Jamal Murray, despite Lillard putting up 55 points on 24 shots in a pivotal Game 5 that Portland lost in double overtime and despite holding a 14-point second-half lead in Game 6. After that dispiriting defeat, Lillard delivered loud and clear on-the-record comments about how he wanted to see increased urgency from then-general manager Neil Olshey and the Blazers’ front office in renewed pursuit of championship contention.
What followed underwhelmed: Olshey fired Stotts, replacing him with first-time head coach Chauncey Billups; brought back swingman Norman Powell on a five-year, $90 million deal; and signed Cody Zeller, Tony Snell and Ben McLemore as rotation ballast. (The Blazers fired Olshey a couple of months later, citing violations of the team’s code of conduct uncovered in an investigation of workplace misconduct within the organization.) Without significant reinforcements, and with Lillard struggling through an abdominal injury that would eventually require surgery, limiting him to a career-low 29 games, Portland plunged to a 27-55 record, setting the stage for what Lillard called a “critical summer” … during which he signed a $122 million extension to his previous supermax deal to stay under contract in Portland for two additional years.
Healthy again, Lillard turned in a career year last season, finishing third in the NBA in scoring at 32.2 points per game and 10th in facilitating at 7.3 assists a night. That wasn’t nearly enough to lift the Blazers out of the doldrums, though, as Portland stumbled to a 33-49 mark and another lottery pick — this time, third overall. Landing the No. 3 selection forced new Blazers GM Joe Cronin into a difficult choice. Would he dangle that enticing trade chip, and potentially talented young players like Anfernee Simons or Shaedon Sharpe, in search of established veterans who could help build a more competitive roster around Lillard? Or was it better to sit tight and take the pick, continuing to build out Portland’s young core — while also knowing that committing to the path of rebuilding might lead Lillard to finally ask out?
The draft came and went. The Blazers kept the pick, drafting G League Ignite star Scoot Henderson — a 19-year-old über-prospect who just happens to play Lillard’s position. Lillard and his agent, Aaron Goodwin, met with Cronin to discuss the future; Lillard reportedly said he’d wait to see what Cronin and Co. did at the start of free agency before making any decisions.
As soon as free agency opened, Portland gave Jerami Grant $160 million. The following morning, Lillard requested a trade from the only franchise he’s ever known.
The Blazers said they wanted to accommodate that request. But the fact Lillard had pegged Miami as the only place he wanted to go — and that his representatives were trying to depress the market by scaring off other potentially interested suitors, telling them they’d be getting an unhappy Dame if they dealt for him — complicated matters. (The NBA later sent all 30 teams a memo emphasizing any comments suggesting a player “will not fully perform the services called for under his player contract in the event of a trade” will be subject to league discipline.)
The most frequently theorized packages for Miami to send to the Pacific Northwest were headlined by former Sixth Man of the Year Tyler Herro. But adding another combo guard who’d cannibalize touches and playmaking opportunities for Simons, Sharpe and Henderson didn’t seem all that enticing to the Blazers … which is why Portland reportedly preferred constructions that would move Herro to a third team … which, with Herro just about to start a four-year, $120 million contract extension, profiled as a tricky bit of business.
And so: a holding pattern. The Blazers, who’d hoped for a return for Lillard on the order of what the Timberwolves gave up for Rudy Gobert or the Suns forked over for Kevin Durant, didn’t like Miami’s offer enough to quickly consummate a deal. The Heat, seeing no other actual offers on the board, felt no compulsion to bid against themselves and add any sweeteners to their package. And with Lillard having signed that extension to keep him under team control through at least the summer of 2026, the Blazers represented a willingness to just hunker down and wait for something better.
“We're going to be patient,” Cronin told reporters at Las Vegas Summer League in July. “We're going to do what's best for our team. We're going to see how this lands. And if it takes months, it takes months.”
That made sense. The nearest pseudo-deadline in the proceedings was when NBA teams reconvene for media day on Monday ahead of the start of training camp. (Even the question of which camps Lillard would be willing to report to spurred a little drama.) Sure enough, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported in mid-September the Blazers had “done a lot more talking with teams in the [previous two weeks] than they did probably in at least a month-plus prior,” with their sights set on constructing multi-team deals that could net a larger package of draft picks and young players than a straight one-to-one swap with Miami would offer.
Lillard, for his part, said during multiple media appearances that while “in a perfect world” he’d love to stay in Portland, he can’t help seeing himself and the Blazers organization moving in different directions.
“You don’t want the same thing no more, and you show me that you don’t want the same thing,” he said. “We don’t want the same thing."
Anderson Cooper Reveals His Relationship Status & If He's Still Living With Benjamin Maisani
Anderson Cooper revealed his relationship status and if he’s still living with his ex.
The 56-year-old CNN anchor made an appearance on SiriusXM’s The Howard Stern Show, where he was asked some questions about his personal life.
First, Howard inquired if he still had the same living arrangement where he resides with his ex, Benjamin Maisani. Benjamin and Anderson co-parent two sons: Sebastian, who they welcomed in February 2022 and Wyatt, who they welcomed in April 2020.
Anderson responded, “Yes, he’s my partner in parenthood.”
Howard responded, “That’s very unconventional.”
“I guess so. We’re best friends. We’re family. We love these kids. And, we’re adults,” Anderson added.
Howard then said it must be awkward for Anderson to date while still living with an ex.
“I’m not dating,” he said. “I’ve got two kids who I can’t imagine not spending every minute with, and I’m working all the time. I’m happy.”
Howard even offered to help set him up but that resulted in this response from Anderson: “When straight people try to set gay people up, it rarely works. I’ve got a great love affair with my kids right now. It’s the best thing ever.”
Broadway-Bound Betty Boop Musical Finds Its Beloved Baby-Faced Flapper In ‘Mean Girls’
Jasmine Amy Rogers, who recently finished a run as the scene-stealing “Gretchen Wieners” in the national tour of Mean Girls, has been cast in the title role of the pre-Broadway world premiere of BOOP! The Betty Boop Musical.
Rogers will play the iconic big-headed Jazz Age flapper for a limited engagement at Chicago’s CIBC Theatre from November 19-December 24. The production is part of the Broadway in Chicago line-up.
Directed and choreographed by Tony winning Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Pretty Woman: The Musical, Hairspray), BOOP! features music by composer David Foster, lyrics by Susan Birkenhead and a book by The Prom‘s Bob Martin.
Although the Chicago staging is described by producers as a “pre-Broadway premiere,” neither a Broadway production timeline nor Broadway casting has been disclosed yet.
“From the moment Jasmine walks into a room and shares that magnificent smile and her contagious laugh, you know you are in the presence of Betty Boop,” said Mitchell in a statment. “And, like the cartoon Betty, Jasmine can do everything brilliantly – acting, singing, dancing – I know her performance will capture the hearts of audiences of all ages.”
Prior to her Mean Girls role, Rogers played “Melody Green” in Paper Mill Playhouse’s production of The Wanderer and as “Francis Bassey” in the world premiere of Becoming Nancy, directed by Mitchell at the Alliance Theatre. On television she has appeared in Evil on Paramount+.
The design and creative team includes David Rockwell, set design; Gregg Barnes, costumes; Philip S. Rosenberg, lighting; Gareth Owen, sound; Finn Ross, projection design; and Daryl Waters, musical supervision and arrangements.
#RHOA: Kandi Celebrates Another Career Milestone Joined by a Few Real Housewives & Her Family
Kandi and her husband, Todd Tucker, are producing the famed musical, The Wiz, which is currently on its national tour before it lands on Broadway. Kandi, Todd, their kids Ace and Blaze, as well as The Real Housewives of Potomac's Candiace Dillard Bassett and Wendy Osefo, were on hand for a performance in Baltimore. She shared more details about the stop on Instagram.
"Last night was a great night!" she captioned a set of photos from the performance. "Thank you to everyone that came to support [and] sold out the venue here In Baltimore again for a second time! [The Wiz] is absolutely amazing!!!! Everybody in the family will love it! Get your tickets before it’s too late."
BTW, Wendy shared her review of the performance on Instagram: "Congrats [Kandi] on the sold out premiere of THE WIZ!! The show was absolutely amazing! The costume, music, dancing, EVERYTHING!! Y’all, make sure to check out [the show] when it comes to your city and bring a friend or two."
According to Deadline, The Wiz will land on Broadway in 2024. Broadway previews will kick off on March 29, 2024 with an opening night set for April 17 of next year. The show will take place at the Marquis Theatre with Wayne Brady set for the title role.
Kandi is not new when it comes to her work on Broadway, and when it comes to her work as a producer. In an interview with The Daily Dish back in April 2022, Kandi shared that she does want to attain EGOT status.
"My overall dream is that I get the EGOT," she shared at the time. "Meaning I got a Grammy. I need an Emmy, I need an Oscar, I need a Tony. And so it's like [I need to] analyze the Emmy, Oscar, Tony, and figure out what are all the things I can do to qualify me to be recognized for something like that? So I'm working towards those goals."
She added, "So it's not like I'm stopping there. I'm gonna continue to put in the work until I get my ultimate goal. But it's like, for me, I'm one of those people. I look at the things people do to give me motivation, [like the] people who have done it. When I go back and look at people who have all four, and I feel like, 'Dang, I've been working at it this long and I only have this one.' Then I go back and look, and it's like, [for] a lot of them it took them 50 years, 60 years to get all of them. So I'm like, OK, well, I guess I'm not too, too far off."
In other news, Kandi also recently dropped new music. Last week, she premiered the track, "Only For You," which, by the way, has Todd's seal of approval. "It’s for me ah yah yah!," he shared about the song's lyrics. Kandi also appears in the video for the track and in it wears a sheer, sparkly black outfit while lying on satiny pink sheets.
#MusicNews: Brian McKnight Announces New Album “McKnighttime Lullabies”
Although Brian McKnight had previously announced that his 2020 album “Exodus” would be his last, it appears his creativity will continue on.
His latest offering gives us a whole new take on R&B music in the form of “McKnighttime Lullabies”.
The experience of fatherhood at this point of Brian McKnight’s career and life inspired him to apply his immense talent as a songwriter, musician, and performer to lullabies and soothing music for kids, parents, and grandparents. The collection of songs includes originals and covers inspired by his new son and dedicated to parents and children everywhere.
Still very much a Brian McKnight album, “McKnighttime Lullabies” will be arriving soon.
#HipHopNews: Offset, DaBaby, And Sexyy Red To Perform At 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards
The announcement revealed heavyweights like Offset and DaBaby as well as rising stars Fivio Foreign, GloRilla, and Sexyy Red as performers. Outside of the relatively fresh faces in the genre, the evening will also see more than just solo acts. BET is set to stage a tribute celebrating So So Def’s 30th anniversary. It will be headlined by Jermaine Dupri and feature iconic names like Bow Wow, Da Brat, and Ludacris.
“This year’s BET Hip Hop Awards will mark the culmination of our yearlong celebration of hip hop’s storied creation and the art form’s sonic and cultural expansion,” Connie Orlando, BET’s EVP of specials, music programming, and music strategy, explained.
She continued, “We are honored by this year’s roster of nominees as they continue to carry the creativity and diversity of hip hop into the future. We congratulate each nominee on their accomplishments as they take hip hop artistry to new heights.”
Moreover, the network’s original cypher segment is set to make a comeback with a twist. Superproducers Timbaland and Swizz Beatz will present this event’s lyrical battle, which will contain verses from Bun B, Cassidy, and up-and-comers like Lady London and Lola Brooke. Elsewhere, DJs E Feezy and Runna are slated to keep the turntables spinning.
A separate cypher will be hosted by DJ Hed. Nell Grant, Maiya The Don, and That Mexican OT will be featured in this particular freestyle showdown. These acts join the list of top contenders nominated for awards, which includes Cardi B and 21 Savage, leading with 12 nods each. Meanwhile, Drake trails behind the pair with nine.
Additionally, Burna Boy and DJ Khaled clinched seven nods, while J. Cole earned six.
Keke Wyatt To Premiere New Reality Show “Keke Wyatt’s World” On WE tv
It has been announced that Keke Wyatt will premiere her all new reality tv series “Keke Wyatt’s World” on October 12th, on WE TV.
The six, one-hour episodes follow R&B artist, Keke Wyatt, as she navigates her demanding singing career along with being a wife, daughter, diva, friend, and mother to 11 children. Having been in the music game for over a decade, Keke is ready to take her career in a new direction with her first new album in over six years while exploring challenges in love and as a mother. With a new baby added to her brood, Keke finds this new path far more difficult than ever before, unable to manage her way to super stardom the way her team would like.
As the pressures mount, she fights to keep it all from unraveling with the help of husband, Zackariah, a stay-at-home dad who manages the house; her mother, Lorna, who is her rock but also stirs up trouble in the family; and manager and BFF, Andrae, who struggles to keep her on track. Can Keke continue to balance motherhood and family life with the demands of her career and her fans?
Keke Wyatt’s World is produced by Conveyor Media with Colin Whelan, Rebecca Sirmons and Kat Uyenco serving as Executive Producers and Rodney Holland and Carlos Vargas as Co-executive Producers. Keke Wyatt and Andrae Crenshaw also serve as Executive Producers. Angela Molloy, SVP Development & Original Production, Unscripted and Ashley McFarlin VP Development & Original Production, Scripted Executive Produce for WE tv.
Britney Spears Reacts To Concerns Over Her Knife Dancing, Says Fans Need To 'Lighten Up'
"Lighten up about the knives I'm copying Shakira (monkey face emoji.)!!!" she told her 42.1 million followers in a video posted on her Instagram on Wednesday.
She was referring to Shakira, 46, dancing with a pair of ornamental knives at the MTV VMAs earlier this month when she performed a medley of some of her greatest hits. It seems the singer was paying homage to an Arabic dance known to some as the dance of the daggers.
TMZ has reported those responsible for Britney under her controversial 13-year conservatorship made a list of recommendations as it ended last year, with one point being to keep knives away from her.
The outlet said, "Sources have told us Britney sees knives as a type of protection... and we were told she keeps them all around her house, including her bedroom."
TMZ reported in May Britney had an "obsession" with knives. Sources have also said Britney hurled blades at the walls of her LA home since news broke her husband of only 14 months Sam Asghari, 29, had filed for divorce from her in August.
The singer revealed in 2021 that she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and has promised to tell all about her turbulent life - which saw her bound to the terms of a 13-year conservatorship until last year - in her upcoming memoir "The Woman in Me".
She claimed in her first knife-dancing video posted on Tuesday, September 25 the blades were not real - but her fans said they sounded like the genuine article as they could be heard clinking together in the clip.
Many have urged her to get "help" and said she looks "deranged" after she posted a follow up video showing one of her arms bandaged and apparent cuts on her arm and upper leg.
Lizzo Asks Court to Dismiss Former Dancers’ Harassment Lawsuit
Lizzo has asked a judge to dismiss the sexual harassment lawsuit filed by three former dancers.
In a response filed Wednesday by Lizzo’s legal team and obtained by Rolling Stone, the singer and her Big Grrrl touring entity denied “each and every allegation” in the lawsuit and asked that it be dismissed “in its entirety with prejudice.” Otherwise, Lizzo seeks a trial by jury to fight the lawsuit.
“Defendants deny generally and specifically each and every allegation contained in the Complaint, and the whole thereof, and deny that Plaintiffs have sustained any injury or loss by reason of any act or omission on the part of Defendants, and deny that Plaintiffs have been damaged in the amounts mentioned in the Complaint or any amount whatsoever,” the response stated.
Lizzo’s legal team also said the three dancers suing her “are guilty of unclean hands,” a legal term meaning that they are not entitled to any damages because they themselves failed to perform under the terms of their contracts.
“To the extent Plaintiffs allege punitive damages, the Complaint fails to allege a claim for which punitive damages can be recovered,” the response stated. “Defendants are not liable in whole or in part for punitive damages because they did not (a) engage in wrongful conduct, (b) authorize or ratify any wrongful conduct, or (c) have advance knowledge of the unfitness of any employee and employ that employee with a conscious disregard of the rights and safety of others.”
The three plaintiffs — Crystal Williams, Arianna Davis, and Noelle Rodriguez — filed their lawsuit against Lizzo in August, accusing her of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment stemming from incidents that allegedly took place beginning in 2021 and through 2023. The accusations followed the plaintiffs’ participation in a reality TV show contest for the opportunity to join Lizzo as one of her dancers during performances and on tour.
While Lizzo denied the “outrageous” allegations in a statement, a member of her tour’s wardrobe department filed another lawsuit against the singer and her team earlier this month.
“This is the first step of a legal process in which Lizzo and her team will demonstrate that they have always practiced what they’ve preached – whether it comes to promoting body positivity, leading a safe and supportive workplace or protecting individuals from any kind of harassment,” Lizzo’s spokesperson Stefan Friedman said in a statement to Page Six. “Any and all claims to the contrary are ridiculous, and we look forward to proving so in a court of law.”
Los Angeles attorney Neama Rahmani, who is representing the plaintiffs, said in a statement to Rolling Stone, “Lizzo’s answer merely consists of boilerplate objections that have nothing to do with the case. That said, the key takeaway is that Lizzo is agreeing to our clients’ demand for a jury trial. We look forward to presenting our case in court and letting a panel of her peers decide who is telling the truth, Lizzo and her team who continue to shame the victims or the plaintiffs and so many others who have come forward sharing similar stories of abuse and harassment.”
Kanye West Reportedly Working On A Comeback Album Amid Indecency Scandal In Italy
His last music project was over two years ago when he released the highly acclaimed "Donda" in 2021. In late 2022, the "Good Morning" rapper released a now-deleted "Censori Overload" track in tribute to his now-wife Bianca Censori.
According to the news outlet's sources, West's new project will feature themes similar to the "Old Kanye." The rapper is also working with Ty Dolla Sign, an artiste he's worked with severally in the past. There's speculation that the duo might create a joint album aside from West's solo project.
There's been heavy fan demand for new music from West, which became even more intense after a recent leak. Last week, the rapper's "Jesus Is King 2" album collaboration with Dr. Dre leaked on social media and drove fans into a frenzy.
"Jesus Is King 2" was meant to be the sequel to West's 2019 gospel album "Jesus Is King." The leaked project contained 15 songs with an impressive list of featured artists. There were collaborations with Eminem, Anderson Paak, Travis Scott, A$AP Ferg, and Snoop Dogg.
The album was mostly remixed versions of West's songs from the 2019 album, including "God Is" and "Everything We Need." With the excitement on social media concerning the leaked album with Dr. Dre, it looks like the upcoming project would do well.
According to the TMZ sources, there is currently no confirmed release date for the new project. The "All of the Lights" rapper is reportedly taking his time with the production to ensure the album maintains the quality his previous music projects have set.
West has been silent on social media and in public since his anti-Semitic controversy began in 2021. The anti-Semitic rants cost the Yeezy founder heavily, and he lost multiple brand partnerships, business deals, and his billionaire status.
One of West's most significant losses was his partnership with Universal Music's Def Jam Records. At the time, the label condemned the rapper's anti-Semitic stance. Their statement read, "Def Jam's relationship with Ye as a recording artist, its partnership with the GOOD Music label venture and Ye's merchandise agreement with Bravado all ended in 2021."
Damian Lillard traded to Bucks after 11 seasons with Portland Trail Blazers
Damian Lillard finally got his wish. Mostly. The Milwaukee Bucks are acquiring the seven-time All-Star guard from the Portland Trail Blazers in a three-team deal with the Phoenix Suns, the team announced Wednesday night.
As part of the deal, Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton and Toumani Camara are going to the Blazers, as well as the Bucks' 2029 unprotected first-round pick and unprotected swap rights in 2028 and 2030. The Suns land Jusuf Nurkić, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little and Keon Johnson.
Lillard requested a trade on the second day of 2023 free agency after years of seemingly going back and forth with Portland on trying to build a championship contender around him. He signed a two-year, max contract extension in the summer of 2022. Lillard is owed $216.2 million over the next four seasons, including $63.2 million in the 2026-27 campaign.
Lillard averaged 32.2 points per game last season, a career high, in a resurgent season after injuries hampered him for stretches of the past two seasons, missing 77 games in that stretch, double the games he missed over the first 10 seasons of his career. The Trail Blazers missed the postseason the past two seasons.
Lillard led the franchise to eight postseason appearances, making it to the Western Conference finals in the 2018-19 season. However, the Blazers mostly suffered first-round exits and could never make it to the pinnacle of the league despite having its best player in franchise history.
Lillard leaves Portland as the Blazers' all-time leading scorer (19,376 points), passing Clyde Drexler in 2022, and the franchise leader in 3-pointers made, free throws made and scoring average.
Why Damian Lillard is leaving the Portland Trail Blazers
Lillard’s loyalty to Portland had long since become one of the NBA’s most frequently repeated talking points. But speculation about whether he’d one day seek greener pastures reached new heights following a disappointing end to the 2020-21 campaign.
The Blazers bowed out to the Nuggets in six games in the first round — their fifth Round 1 exit in eight postseason appearances under head coach Terry Stotts — despite Denver playing without injured star guard Jamal Murray, despite Lillard putting up 55 points on 24 shots in a pivotal Game 5 that Portland lost in double overtime and despite holding a 14-point second-half lead in Game 6. After that dispiriting defeat, Lillard delivered loud and clear on-the-record comments about how he wanted to see increased urgency from then-general manager Neil Olshey and the Blazers’ front office in renewed pursuit of championship contention.
What followed underwhelmed: Olshey fired Stotts, replacing him with first-time head coach Chauncey Billups; brought back swingman Norman Powell on a five-year, $90 million deal; and signed Cody Zeller, Tony Snell and Ben McLemore as rotation ballast. (The Blazers fired Olshey a couple of months later, citing violations of the team’s code of conduct uncovered in an investigation of workplace misconduct within the organization.) Without significant reinforcements, and with Lillard struggling through an abdominal injury that would eventually require surgery, limiting him to a career-low 29 games, Portland plunged to a 27-55 record, setting the stage for what Lillard called a “critical summer” … during which he signed a $122 million extension to his previous supermax deal to stay under contract in Portland for two additional years.
Healthy again, Lillard turned in a career year last season, finishing third in the NBA in scoring at 32.2 points per game and 10th in facilitating at 7.3 assists a night. That wasn’t nearly enough to lift the Blazers out of the doldrums, though, as Portland stumbled to a 33-49 mark and another lottery pick — this time, third overall. Landing the No. 3 selection forced new Blazers GM Joe Cronin into a difficult choice. Would he dangle that enticing trade chip, and potentially talented young players like Anfernee Simons or Shaedon Sharpe, in search of established veterans who could help build a more competitive roster around Lillard? Or was it better to sit tight and take the pick, continuing to build out Portland’s young core — while also knowing that committing to the path of rebuilding might lead Lillard to finally ask out?
The draft came and went. The Blazers kept the pick, drafting G League Ignite star Scoot Henderson — a 19-year-old über-prospect who just happens to play Lillard’s position. Lillard and his agent, Aaron Goodwin, met with Cronin to discuss the future; Lillard reportedly said he’d wait to see what Cronin and Co. did at the start of free agency before making any decisions.
As soon as free agency opened, Portland gave Jerami Grant $160 million. The following morning, Lillard requested a trade from the only franchise he’s ever known.
The Blazers said they wanted to accommodate that request. But the fact Lillard had pegged Miami as the only place he wanted to go — and that his representatives were trying to depress the market by scaring off other potentially interested suitors, telling them they’d be getting an unhappy Dame if they dealt for him — complicated matters. (The NBA later sent all 30 teams a memo emphasizing any comments suggesting a player “will not fully perform the services called for under his player contract in the event of a trade” will be subject to league discipline.)
The most frequently theorized packages for Miami to send to the Pacific Northwest were headlined by former Sixth Man of the Year Tyler Herro. But adding another combo guard who’d cannibalize touches and playmaking opportunities for Simons, Sharpe and Henderson didn’t seem all that enticing to the Blazers … which is why Portland reportedly preferred constructions that would move Herro to a third team … which, with Herro just about to start a four-year, $120 million contract extension, profiled as a tricky bit of business.
And so: a holding pattern. The Blazers, who’d hoped for a return for Lillard on the order of what the Timberwolves gave up for Rudy Gobert or the Suns forked over for Kevin Durant, didn’t like Miami’s offer enough to quickly consummate a deal. The Heat, seeing no other actual offers on the board, felt no compulsion to bid against themselves and add any sweeteners to their package. And with Lillard having signed that extension to keep him under team control through at least the summer of 2026, the Blazers represented a willingness to just hunker down and wait for something better.
“We're going to be patient,” Cronin told reporters at Las Vegas Summer League in July. “We're going to do what's best for our team. We're going to see how this lands. And if it takes months, it takes months.”
That made sense. The nearest pseudo-deadline in the proceedings was when NBA teams reconvene for media day on Monday ahead of the start of training camp. (Even the question of which camps Lillard would be willing to report to spurred a little drama.) Sure enough, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported in mid-September the Blazers had “done a lot more talking with teams in the [previous two weeks] than they did probably in at least a month-plus prior,” with their sights set on constructing multi-team deals that could net a larger package of draft picks and young players than a straight one-to-one swap with Miami would offer.
Lillard, for his part, said during multiple media appearances that while “in a perfect world” he’d love to stay in Portland, he can’t help seeing himself and the Blazers organization moving in different directions.
“You don’t want the same thing no more, and you show me that you don’t want the same thing,” he said. “We don’t want the same thing."
Anderson Cooper Reveals His Relationship Status & If He's Still Living With Benjamin Maisani
The 56-year-old CNN anchor made an appearance on SiriusXM’s The Howard Stern Show, where he was asked some questions about his personal life.
First, Howard inquired if he still had the same living arrangement where he resides with his ex, Benjamin Maisani. Benjamin and Anderson co-parent two sons: Sebastian, who they welcomed in February 2022 and Wyatt, who they welcomed in April 2020.
Anderson responded, “Yes, he’s my partner in parenthood.”
Howard responded, “That’s very unconventional.”
“I guess so. We’re best friends. We’re family. We love these kids. And, we’re adults,” Anderson added.
Howard then said it must be awkward for Anderson to date while still living with an ex.
“I’m not dating,” he said. “I’ve got two kids who I can’t imagine not spending every minute with, and I’m working all the time. I’m happy.”
Howard even offered to help set him up but that resulted in this response from Anderson: “When straight people try to set gay people up, it rarely works. I’ve got a great love affair with my kids right now. It’s the best thing ever.”
Broadway-Bound Betty Boop Musical Finds Its Beloved Baby-Faced Flapper In ‘Mean Girls’
Jasmine Amy Rogers, who recently finished a run as the scene-stealing “Gretchen Wieners” in the national tour of Mean Girls, has been cast in the title role of the pre-Broadway world premiere of BOOP! The Betty Boop Musical.
Rogers will play the iconic big-headed Jazz Age flapper for a limited engagement at Chicago’s CIBC Theatre from November 19-December 24. The production is part of the Broadway in Chicago line-up.
Directed and choreographed by Tony winning Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Pretty Woman: The Musical, Hairspray), BOOP! features music by composer David Foster, lyrics by Susan Birkenhead and a book by The Prom‘s Bob Martin.
Although the Chicago staging is described by producers as a “pre-Broadway premiere,” neither a Broadway production timeline nor Broadway casting has been disclosed yet.
“From the moment Jasmine walks into a room and shares that magnificent smile and her contagious laugh, you know you are in the presence of Betty Boop,” said Mitchell in a statment. “And, like the cartoon Betty, Jasmine can do everything brilliantly – acting, singing, dancing – I know her performance will capture the hearts of audiences of all ages.”
Prior to her Mean Girls role, Rogers played “Melody Green” in Paper Mill Playhouse’s production of The Wanderer and as “Francis Bassey” in the world premiere of Becoming Nancy, directed by Mitchell at the Alliance Theatre. On television she has appeared in Evil on Paramount+.
The design and creative team includes David Rockwell, set design; Gregg Barnes, costumes; Philip S. Rosenberg, lighting; Gareth Owen, sound; Finn Ross, projection design; and Daryl Waters, musical supervision and arrangements.
For almost a century, the cartoon character of Betty Boop has won hearts and inspired fans with her trademark looks, squeaky & sexy voice, and thoroughly modern style. In the new musical, Betty’s dream of an ordinary day off from the super-celebrity in her black-and-white world leads to an extraordinary adventure of color, music, and love in New York City — “one that,” per the synopsis, “reminds her and the world, ‘You are capable of amazing things.”
First introduced in 1930, Betty Boop was created by Max Fleischer for his black and white “Talkartoons” animated series, the world’s first cartoon talkies which Fleischer Studios produced for Paramount Studios. Betty initially appeared as a dog-like stage performer who sang and danced with another dog-like character named Bimbo, but inspired by Jazz Age flappers, Betty by 1932 had evolved into the only female animated screen star in the world, known for her liberated, sexy dancing and cooing “Boop-oop-a-doop!” catchphrase. Her dress would soon be the leggy, bright red number – short enough to reveal a heart-shaped garter belt – and Betty would star in more than 100 cartoons, voiced by the great Mae Questel.
Bruce Springsteen, Recovering From Illness, Postpones All Remaining 2023 Shows Until Next Year
Tickets for postponed performances will remain valid for the soon-to-be announced dates, and refunds will be offered for anyone who can’t make the rescheduled concerts if they submit requests within 30 days of the 2024 shows being announced.
“Thanks to all my friends and fans for your good wishes, encouragement, and support,” Springsteen said in a statement posted on social media. “I’m on the mend and can’t wait to see you all next year.”
Reps said that Springsteen is on the mend with ongoing treatment, and that all the dates for the tour — which originally were to wrap up in mid-December — were being postponed “out of to an abundance of caution.”
Springsteen’s health issues first became apparent to fans when there was a last-minute postpone of shows in Philadelphia August 16 and 18, with the nature of his illness going unspecified at the time. Those Philly shows were immediately pushed back to August 21 and 23, 2024, even as he quickly went back on the road with his usual epic setlists, playing shows lasting as long as three hours at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium Aug. 30 through Sept. 3.
But that return to the stage did not last long, as on Sept. 6 his organization announced that all of his remaining September concert dates would be delayed until next year, and peptic ulcer disease was revealed to be the source of his affliction. Springsteen already had a lull set after that in his and the E Street Band’s touring schedule, taking the month of October off, so for the time being it was assumed that he might return to the road in November to complete the last six weeks of the U.S. tour, as scheduled.
Wednesday’s announcement makes it clear that Springsteen cannot put such an early deadline on his complete recovery from the illness. The makeup dates for the scotched September still had not been announced, so when the 2024 replacement gigs are announced in one fell swoop, it will represent about nine weeks’ worth of touring that is being rescheduled.
The postponement happened suddenly enough that Springsteen’s official tour page still lists the shows that have just been taken off the books, which were to have found him resuming the tour Nov. 3 in Vancouver, BC and spending nearly the entire month of November in Canada. He was set to return to the U.S. with a Nov. 30 gig in Phoenix, followed by California shows in San Diego, Inglewood and San Francisco in the first two weeks of December.
The only concerts Springsteen and his band definitely have on the calendar at the moment are those makeup shows in Philadelphia next August, so it’s unknown as of yet whether the artist will be rescheduling all his postponed dates in the summer or later or might be getting an earlier start.
Fenty Beauty Debuts At Ulta Beauty at Target Stores
Fenty Beauty is making its way to Target shelves! Rihanna’s highly acclaimed cosmetics line, Fenty Beauty, is renowned for catering to various skin types and shades, boasting an impressive 50-shade foundation range. Excitingly, Fenty Beauty is soon making its debut at Ulta Beauty within Target stores. This collection will be unveiled on October 1st, featuring a unique selection of best-selling products, newly introduced mini-sized items, and curated sets specially tailored for Ulta Beauty at Target.
“For two years, Ulta Beauty at Target has offered the makeup, skincare and hair care brands our guests love, and we are thrilled to add the beloved Fenty Beauty brand,” Jill Sando, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, said. “Our curated assortment including Fenty’s best-selling products, as well as new mini sizes and sets, will spark discovery and deliver affordable joy to our guests.”
In addition to offering full-size products, Ulta Beauty at Target will also present a selection of budget-friendly miniatures and curated sets known as Fenty Snackz.
“The goal has always been to bring Fenty Beauty to as many people as possible,” Rihanna said. “I’m excited to introduce the Fenty Snackz and give Ulta Beauty at Target guests a new way to experience our brand.”
According to Target’s website, the Fenty Snackz will include:
Mini Match Stix Duo Contour + Shimmer Set — mini versions of the iconic Match Stix Contour and Shimmer Skinsticks, available in specifically curated sets for all skin tones
Fenty Fam Faves 3 Piece Eye, Lip + Highlighter Set — a Gloss Bomb Mini Universal Lip Luminizer in Fenty Glow, full-size Hella Thicc Volumizing Mascara and Killawatt Mini Freestyle Highlighter in Wattabrat
Lil Gloss Bomb Trio Mini Lip Gloss Set — a mini set of three bestselling, fan-fave shades: Fu$$y, Hot Chocolit and Glass Slipper.
Brittany Renner Shocks Shannon Sharpe By Revealing That She Slept With 35 Guys On Club Shay Shay Podcast
The “Basketball Wives LA” reality star shocked many, including Sharpe when they stumbled upon the topic of body counts. Renner did what most women shy away from, revealing how many people she has slept with while comparing her numbers to the former Yankees shortstop, Derek Jeter.
Renner revealed that she had slept with 35 men, and Shannon Sharpe needed to take an extra two shots.
“Oh, lord!” the ex-NFLer said. “Anybody else need a shot of this?! We are in a bar, so help yourself!”
Brittany Renner dived deeper into the conversation by sharing that she once caught a yeast infection after having intercourse with three men within 24 hours.
The interview switched gears and Sharpe asked about Renner’s ex, NBA player P.J. Washington. The two are cool with one another and how she’s happy for Washington on his recent engagement to Alisah Chanel.
“I’ve sat down with his fiancée,” Renner said. “We’ve had a four-hour conversation out for brunch.”
“I think they’re a perfect match for each other, quite frankly.”
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
The Hood OG
YOoooooooo!
YOoooooooo!
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ALL!!!
EFREM
