#MAGFAB: BRITISH RAPPER STORMZY FOR BRITISH VOGUE!
Stormzy is no stranger to exercise, but this is something new. As the sun streams into his cream kitchen on this unseasonably warm autumn day, the task occupying his biceps couldn’t be more domestic or British: mixing the batter for a Victoria sponge.
“It’s f**king boiling in here,” declares the rapper, real name Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr or, as most in his orbit call him, Mike. He puts down the cake mix, decisively drawing the blinds on the bright garden of his spacious London house.
It’s a modern, detached home – minimalist with a touch of bachelor clutter. A games room – complete with a large card table – peeps out from the corridor. Around a hundred gold-clad bottles of Armand de Brignac (which retail for around £200 each) line the top of a cabinet. And most strikingly, stacked up on the floor beside the TV is a large, framed cover of Time magazine, declaring my host, whose image fills the front page, as a “Next Generation Leader”.
Like all leaders, Stormzy – 6ft 4in, tall, lean – has his trademark uniform. “I’m known for black,” he says, laughing, adding in equally trademark Black London slang, “Black clothes, hood up, blacked up, whips are black, little snood.” And today he is true to his reputation, wearing black vest, shorts, socks and Crocs. The only colour in his entire get-up is a reassuring gold-toothed glint, which flashes every time he smiles. Despite the arduous batter-mixing, there’s still not a bead of sweat on his skin, so smooth and brown he once rapped, “They call me cocoa butter Mike.”
“When I’m touring, I do these really extreme diets and training plans. I’m sure it’s not entirely healthy,” Stormzy reflects, in his trademark deep-bass south London voice, liberally sprinkled with expletives. “I have very, some would say, unfair expectations of myself.” Off-tour, as he is now however, he allows himself some respite. “For the past few weeks, I’ve been eating whatever I want.”
Stormzy’s private chef, Vic, whose principal role seems to be providing nutritional moderation in between these extremes, keeps a watchful eye on our baking efforts. “Even Vic will say, ‘Bruv, you ain’t gotta do it that f**king extreme,’ he jokes. “But the way I look at it, when I’m on stage, performing, it’s an extension of my art,” he adds. “Giving someone an incredible show means a lot.”
Get more at British GQ https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/stormzy-british-vogue-interview
Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter has died at 96
Rosalynn Carter, former first lady and wife to President Jimmy Carter, has died. She was 96 years old. She died peacefully in the company of her family, according to The Carter Center.
Carter was known for her work in her duties as first lady, as well as in the charitable work she participated in long after her husband left the Oval Office. She was active in various philanthropic causes, including mental illness, homelessness, and human rights.
Born Eleanor Rosalynn Smith in Plains, Georgia, in 1927, Carter grew up in a small town, working with her mother to help out the family after her father died of cancer when she was 13 years old. Carter attended Georgia Southwestern College (now part of Georgia Southwestern State University). While in college, she began dating Jimmy Carter, who was home from the U.S. Naval Academy. Also from Plains, Jimmy Carter met Rosalynn long before their courtship, when she was a baby and he was 3 years old. They married in 1946.
In her role as first lady, Carter did everything from helping the president write his speeches to advising him on key issues. She worked alongside her husband for decades, helping out with his presidential campaigns as well as his preceding campaigns for state senator and governor of Georgia.
In 1979, Carter testified before Congress for the Mental Health Systems Act, marking the first time a first lady testified before a congressional committee since Eleanor Roosevelt did so in the 1940s. She continued her work advocating for mental health once her husband left the White House, launching the Rosalynn Carter Symposium on Mental Health Policy in 1985, which continued for 32 years.
“The President of the United States cares what I think. I find myself in the eye of history. I have influence. And know it,” she said in a 1979 speech.
In 1987, she also helped establish the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers, which helps support caregivers of people with physical and mental illnesses. She was inspired to get involved in the cause after her experience growing up with a sick father, as well as her mother-in-law, who was a nurse.
“I was deeply influenced by how chronic illness affected and shaped my family and by the heroic and selfless efforts of health care providers, including Jimmy's mother, Lillian Carter,” Rosalynn wrote in a 2008 essay published in the scientific journal Preventing Chronic Disease. “The type of assistance that Lillian provided as a nurse is increasingly being provided today by family members.”
While Carter was well-known for her work in politics and social justice, one of her most notable accomplishments is her marriage to Jimmy Carter, which at 77 years is the longest marriage between a presidential couple in history. Speaking about their relationship during an interview with Associated Press for their 75th anniversary, Rosalynn Carter said, “It’s a full partnership.”
Her husband followed up, saying, “My biggest secret is to marry the right person if you want to have a long-lasting marriage.”
Carter and her husband had four children: Amy, Jack, Chip, and Jeff. Between them, they have 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, including a grandson, Jeremy Carter, who died in 2015.
Carter has also been prolific in writing about her life, having authored five books in her lifetime: “First Lady from Plains”; “Everything To Gain: Making the Most of the Rest of Your Life” – co-authored with Jimmy Carter; “Helping Yourself Help Others: A Book For Caregivers”; “Helping Someone with Mental Illness: A Compassionate Guide for Family, Friends, and Caregivers”; and “Within Our Reach: Ending the Mental Health Crisis.”
“I have learned that you can do anything you want to,"Carter said in a 2013 interview on her role as a first lady. "They used to ask me if I thought the first lady ought to be paid. If you get paid, then I have to do what the first lady is supposed to do. But you can do anything you want to, and it's such a great soapbox."
Rest in Peace Lady Carter
RHOA: Nene Leakes Says Bravo Treats Black Women Unfairly!
On the latest episode of Bethenny Frankel’s ReWives podcast, Nene Leakes alleged that as the only Black original cast member on Real Housewives of Atlanta, she endured “a lot of unfair treatment” and was offered fewer episodes than her white counterparts.
“I felt that over the years that I was treated differently,” Leakes said. “Lisa Vanderpump walked off [The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills], never returned. She still got [Vanderpump Rules] and she can still sit over there and talk to Andy [Cohen] all day long if she wants to. [Teresa Giudice] can go to prison and stay for 10 years and they’ll wait until she gets back and then the show will start again. But the Black girls do not get that same treatment.”
When Frankel asked why she thought she was given less screen time despite her undisputed status as the show’s breakout star, Leakes replied: “It felt like I was being phased out. I didn’t understand why I was given less and less episodes, and I was asking, ‘Why am I given less and less and less every season, and everyone else is getting more?’ I was constantly being told by the executives in the offices that I was unhappy. And I don’t know how you tell a person they’re unhappy.”
“Again, I go back to—I’m the only original Housewife on the show, and all the other original Housewives on their shows are white women, and they’re all given full episodes,” Leakes went on. “I’m the only Black original on my show and I was given less.”
She added: “In the end, the reason I made the decision that I’m not going to be able to take these six episodes [was because] it was during the Black Lives Matter movement. I got on the phone with the executives and they wanted me to come for Kandi [Burruss], is what they said.”
Burruss, a fellow Atlanta Housewife, frequently butted heads with Leakes, and Bravo executives “wanted me to make sure that I confront her and I address her and all that stuff,” Leakes explained. “And I said, ‘No, I really don’t want to do that.’ This is Black Lives Matter and I don’t want to do that.”
“There was a lot of unfair treatment happening to me,” Leakes later added. “During a period of years, things were happening. For instance, let me give you an example. We are a cast of Black women and we have a white woman on our show. She doesn’t travel, we travel. She doesn’t shoot, we shoot. There was a lot of different treatment happening on the show and I was more of the outspoken one, the one that was in the front.”
And Leakes alleged that Bravo never meaningfully addressed her concerns: “You would think that someone there would have said, ‘Let’s pick up the phone and talk to her and see what’s happening.’ They never picked up the phone. No one ever wanted to speak to me.”
It’s far from the first time Leakes has called out Bravo and Cohen for allegedly mistreating her.
“They ALWAYS manipulating black women to say negative things about each other while they sit and enjoy us tearing each other down,” she tweeted in 2020, amid a dispute that began when Wendy Williams trashed Leakes on the Bravo aftershow Watch What Happens Live.
“The racist is the master manipulator,” Leakes added at the time, seemingly referring to WWHL host Andy Cohen. “They using me for ratings like they have always done.”
#MusicNews: Lalah Hathaway Signs With SRG/ILS Group To Release Upcoming Album!
The SRG/ILS Group is adding to their impressive list of R&B/Soul talent with the announcement of the signing of the legendary Lalah Hathaway.
Lalah Hathaway is a 5x GRAMMY award-winning singer/songwriter and producer and 10-time nominee. She is undeniably music royalty. Lalah’s music transcends genre – from R&B ballads to pop standards and soulful jazz – she has collaborated with today’s top hitmakers, including Pharrell Williams, Kendrick Lamar, Dr. Dre, Anderson .Paak, Robert Glasper, and Esperanza Spalding. Lalah draws upon her God-given talent, experiences, and expertise to create some of the most memorable songs in R&B and Jazz.
“Lalah Hathaway is perhaps the finest vocalist on the planet, period! We welcome her with open arms to the SRG/ILS Group. Expect greatness!” – Claude Villani, CEO The SRG/ILS Group
Lalah Hathaway’s long-awaited follow up to her 2018 Grammy nominated album Honestly is currently being completed for release in early 2024.
#HipHopNews: Nicki Minaj Announces "Pink Friday 2 Tour" RSVP
Nicki Minaj revealed what cities she plans on preforming her new album in with the option for fans to RSVP. The rapper’s fifth studio album, Pink Friday 2, is slated to debut on Dec. 8.
Although official dates and venues are yet to be announced, a general idea of where the concerts will take place appeared on her official website. Notable stops include Atlanta, New York City, Toronto, Miami, Nashville, Philadelphia and more. Minaj will subsequently take her trek overseas with locations lined up for the Netherlands, London, Paris, Berlin and Manchester, to name a few.
Earlier this week, the “Red Ruby Da Sleeze” hitmaker disclosed that 2024 Rolling Loud California would serve as the Los Angeles stop. She’s slated to headline the festival on Mar. 15, 2024. Sexyy Red, Lil Tecca, Lay Bankz, Rae Sremmurd and PARTYNEXTDOOR are among the list of other artists hitting the stage that day.
On Thursday (Nov. 16), a fan asked if they could reserve tickets for multiple locations. Minaj responded, “Great question. In fact, by signing up [tomorrow], you help to have your city added to the OFFICIAL routing if it’s not currently a city on our list. So [tomorrow], if your city isn’t included, just sign up along [with] others you know from that city who’d attend as well.”
Minaj initially announced that she would be going on tour for Pink Friday 2 in June. She tweeted, “I love you guys so much. I am so grateful for the years of support and love you guys have given me. At times, maybe I didn’t even deserve all that you have poured into me. Nonetheless, you will love this album. I will give tour deets closer to that time, but obviously, the tour will start around the first quarter of 2024. I’ll also share the REAL album cover at a later date.”
So far, Minaj has shared singles like “Last Time I Saw You” and “Big Difference.” The official tracklist is presumed to be revealed in the week leading up to the full-length project’s official release.
Janet Jackson and Naomi Campbell Appear to Delete Recent Diddy Party Pics: Report
Janet Jackson, Sean Combs aka Diddy and Naomi Campbell attend the celebration for Diddy’s birthday and new album launch at LAVO on November 9, 2023 in London, England. Dave Benett/Getty Images
The backlash against Sean “Diddy” Combs is continuing with some of his famous friends distancing themselves from the music mogul. It comes in the wake of ex-girlfriend Cassie’s shocking lawsuit, in which she made claims of abuse and sex trafficking,
Janet Jackson and Naomi Campbell were photographed partying with Diddy last week in London in celebration of his 54th birthday and his recent release, Love the Album: Off the Grid. Both reportedly shared photos from the party on their Instagram accounts, according to Page Six. Yet, as of Friday, those posts have been deleted from both Jackson’s and Campbell’s accounts.
The moves by Jackson and Campbell come a day after former Danity Kane singers Dawn Richard and Aubrey O'Day spoke out on the situation.
"Praying for Cassie and her family, for peace and healing," Richard wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter) Thursday. "You are beautiful and brave."
O'Day also took to X, writing simply "I stay trying to tell y’all.." alongside screenshots of various reports of the new allegations.
In a lawsuit filed Thursday, the "Me & U" singer (real name Casandra Ventura) alleges Diddy subjected her to a "cycle of abuse, violence, and sex trafficking" for over a decade.
She says she was physically assaulted by the musician; he plied her with drugs, forcing her to have sex with multiple male sex workers while he masturbated and filmed, he made her hold his gun in her purse as an intimidation tactic, and raped her in her home after she tried to leave him.
In the lawsuit, Cassie also claimed that Diddy blew up rival rapper Kid Cudi's car after he expressed romantic interest in her.
Diddy's attorney Ben Brafman previously denied Cassie's allegations in a statement to The Messenger.
"Mr. Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations. For the past 6 months, Mr. Combs, has been subjected to Ms. Ventura's persistent demand of $30 million, under the threat of writing a damaging book about their relationship, which was unequivocally rejected as blatant blackmail," Brafman said. "Despite withdrawing her initial threat, Ms. Ventura has now resorted to filing a lawsuit riddled with baseless and outrageous lies, aiming to tarnish Mr. Combs' reputation and seeking a pay day.
Cassie Settles Sexual Assault Lawsuit with Sean “Diddy” Combs
The R&B and singer Cassie, who had accused Sean “Diddy” Combs of rape, sexual battery, and sex trafficking in a bombshell lawsuit this week, has settled her suit with the hip-hop mogul. Her attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, announced the development in a press release Friday night (November 17), a day after the New York Times first reported on the suit.
Both parties shared brief statements about the swift end to the case, with Cassie writing, “I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some level of control. I want to thank my family, fans and lawyers for their unwavering support.”
Diddy, for his part, offered, “We have decided to resolve this matter amicably. I wish Cassie and her family all the best. Love.” Wigdor said that neither his client nor Diddy would make further comment on the matter, and did not disclose the sum of the settlement.
In her suit, Cassie, whose legal name is Casandra Elizabeth Ventura, detailed numerous instances of sexual, verbal, and physical abuse over the course of several years, along with accusations of sex trafficking and forced drug use. She filed the suit under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, which expires on November 23. Former Danity Kane members Dawn Richard and Aubrey O’Day, who had both worked with Diddy via Making the Band, expressed their support for Cassie
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, we encourage you to reach out for support:
RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline
https://www.rainn.org
1 800 656 HOPE (4673)
Crisis Text Line
SMS: Text “HELLO” or “HOLA” to 741-741
If you or someone you know have been affected by domestic abuse, we encourage you to reach out:
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
https://thehotline.org
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Dwyane Wade Praises Fellow Father of a Trans Child Marlon Wayans for Showing ‘Unconditional Love’ to Son
Dwyane Wade says he’s impressed by Marlon Wayans publicly speaking out about the “unconditional love” he has for his transgender son.
During an appearance earlier this month on “The Breakfast Club,” Wayans revealed that his next comedy special is inspired by his 23-year-old trans son, Kai.
“I talk about the transition ― not their transition, but my transition as a parent, going from ignorance and denial to complete and unconditional love and acceptance,” Wayans said. “I think there’s a lot of parents out there that need to have that message. I know, I’m dealing with it. It was a very painful situation for me.
Wade, whose daughter Zaya is trans, praised Wayans when I caught up with him Thursday at the GQ Men of the Year party at Bar Marmont in West Hollywood.
“I think unconditional love allows us to step in and listen and learn of what we do not know and what we were not taught, especially in the Black community,” Wade said. “I salute Marlon for speaking out and speaking up about this experience with his child just the same way as I’ve done. We’re just the voices that are speaking for our kids right now before they get an opportunity to grab that microphone and speak for themselves. I salute him.”
Wade continued, “This is his experience and what he’s dealing with. He’s coming out selling it from his point of view. It’s great for fathers especially to speak on them from their point of view and how they had to handle it and deal with it.”
Zaya was 12 years old when she came out as trans. Since then, Wade and his wife Gabrielle Union have become outspoken LGBTQ advocates.
Wade previously spoke to Variety in May 2022, offering advice for parents of trans children. “[Think of] the moment when you were in the hospital and you grabbed your daughter, and you looked at your daughter,” he said. “All the things that went through your mind and all the emotions that went through your mind. And how much love fills your heart at that moment. Don’t let that ever leave you, no matter what.”
Kool And The Gang's Drummer George Brown Lost Battle With Lung Cancer At 74
Stormzy is no stranger to exercise, but this is something new. As the sun streams into his cream kitchen on this unseasonably warm autumn day, the task occupying his biceps couldn’t be more domestic or British: mixing the batter for a Victoria sponge.
“It’s f**king boiling in here,” declares the rapper, real name Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr or, as most in his orbit call him, Mike. He puts down the cake mix, decisively drawing the blinds on the bright garden of his spacious London house.
It’s a modern, detached home – minimalist with a touch of bachelor clutter. A games room – complete with a large card table – peeps out from the corridor. Around a hundred gold-clad bottles of Armand de Brignac (which retail for around £200 each) line the top of a cabinet. And most strikingly, stacked up on the floor beside the TV is a large, framed cover of Time magazine, declaring my host, whose image fills the front page, as a “Next Generation Leader”.
Like all leaders, Stormzy – 6ft 4in, tall, lean – has his trademark uniform. “I’m known for black,” he says, laughing, adding in equally trademark Black London slang, “Black clothes, hood up, blacked up, whips are black, little snood.” And today he is true to his reputation, wearing black vest, shorts, socks and Crocs. The only colour in his entire get-up is a reassuring gold-toothed glint, which flashes every time he smiles. Despite the arduous batter-mixing, there’s still not a bead of sweat on his skin, so smooth and brown he once rapped, “They call me cocoa butter Mike.”
“When I’m touring, I do these really extreme diets and training plans. I’m sure it’s not entirely healthy,” Stormzy reflects, in his trademark deep-bass south London voice, liberally sprinkled with expletives. “I have very, some would say, unfair expectations of myself.” Off-tour, as he is now however, he allows himself some respite. “For the past few weeks, I’ve been eating whatever I want.”
Stormzy’s private chef, Vic, whose principal role seems to be providing nutritional moderation in between these extremes, keeps a watchful eye on our baking efforts. “Even Vic will say, ‘Bruv, you ain’t gotta do it that f**king extreme,’ he jokes. “But the way I look at it, when I’m on stage, performing, it’s an extension of my art,” he adds. “Giving someone an incredible show means a lot.”
Get more at British GQ https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/stormzy-british-vogue-interview
Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter has died at 96
Carter was known for her work in her duties as first lady, as well as in the charitable work she participated in long after her husband left the Oval Office. She was active in various philanthropic causes, including mental illness, homelessness, and human rights.
Born Eleanor Rosalynn Smith in Plains, Georgia, in 1927, Carter grew up in a small town, working with her mother to help out the family after her father died of cancer when she was 13 years old. Carter attended Georgia Southwestern College (now part of Georgia Southwestern State University). While in college, she began dating Jimmy Carter, who was home from the U.S. Naval Academy. Also from Plains, Jimmy Carter met Rosalynn long before their courtship, when she was a baby and he was 3 years old. They married in 1946.
In her role as first lady, Carter did everything from helping the president write his speeches to advising him on key issues. She worked alongside her husband for decades, helping out with his presidential campaigns as well as his preceding campaigns for state senator and governor of Georgia.
In 1979, Carter testified before Congress for the Mental Health Systems Act, marking the first time a first lady testified before a congressional committee since Eleanor Roosevelt did so in the 1940s. She continued her work advocating for mental health once her husband left the White House, launching the Rosalynn Carter Symposium on Mental Health Policy in 1985, which continued for 32 years.
“The President of the United States cares what I think. I find myself in the eye of history. I have influence. And know it,” she said in a 1979 speech.
In 1987, she also helped establish the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers, which helps support caregivers of people with physical and mental illnesses. She was inspired to get involved in the cause after her experience growing up with a sick father, as well as her mother-in-law, who was a nurse.
“I was deeply influenced by how chronic illness affected and shaped my family and by the heroic and selfless efforts of health care providers, including Jimmy's mother, Lillian Carter,” Rosalynn wrote in a 2008 essay published in the scientific journal Preventing Chronic Disease. “The type of assistance that Lillian provided as a nurse is increasingly being provided today by family members.”
While Carter was well-known for her work in politics and social justice, one of her most notable accomplishments is her marriage to Jimmy Carter, which at 77 years is the longest marriage between a presidential couple in history. Speaking about their relationship during an interview with Associated Press for their 75th anniversary, Rosalynn Carter said, “It’s a full partnership.”
Her husband followed up, saying, “My biggest secret is to marry the right person if you want to have a long-lasting marriage.”
Carter and her husband had four children: Amy, Jack, Chip, and Jeff. Between them, they have 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, including a grandson, Jeremy Carter, who died in 2015.
Carter has also been prolific in writing about her life, having authored five books in her lifetime: “First Lady from Plains”; “Everything To Gain: Making the Most of the Rest of Your Life” – co-authored with Jimmy Carter; “Helping Yourself Help Others: A Book For Caregivers”; “Helping Someone with Mental Illness: A Compassionate Guide for Family, Friends, and Caregivers”; and “Within Our Reach: Ending the Mental Health Crisis.”
“I have learned that you can do anything you want to,"Carter said in a 2013 interview on her role as a first lady. "They used to ask me if I thought the first lady ought to be paid. If you get paid, then I have to do what the first lady is supposed to do. But you can do anything you want to, and it's such a great soapbox."
Rest in Peace Lady Carter
RHOA: Nene Leakes Says Bravo Treats Black Women Unfairly!
“I felt that over the years that I was treated differently,” Leakes said. “Lisa Vanderpump walked off [The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills], never returned. She still got [Vanderpump Rules] and she can still sit over there and talk to Andy [Cohen] all day long if she wants to. [Teresa Giudice] can go to prison and stay for 10 years and they’ll wait until she gets back and then the show will start again. But the Black girls do not get that same treatment.”
When Frankel asked why she thought she was given less screen time despite her undisputed status as the show’s breakout star, Leakes replied: “It felt like I was being phased out. I didn’t understand why I was given less and less episodes, and I was asking, ‘Why am I given less and less and less every season, and everyone else is getting more?’ I was constantly being told by the executives in the offices that I was unhappy. And I don’t know how you tell a person they’re unhappy.”
“Again, I go back to—I’m the only original Housewife on the show, and all the other original Housewives on their shows are white women, and they’re all given full episodes,” Leakes went on. “I’m the only Black original on my show and I was given less.”
She added: “In the end, the reason I made the decision that I’m not going to be able to take these six episodes [was because] it was during the Black Lives Matter movement. I got on the phone with the executives and they wanted me to come for Kandi [Burruss], is what they said.”
Burruss, a fellow Atlanta Housewife, frequently butted heads with Leakes, and Bravo executives “wanted me to make sure that I confront her and I address her and all that stuff,” Leakes explained. “And I said, ‘No, I really don’t want to do that.’ This is Black Lives Matter and I don’t want to do that.”
“There was a lot of unfair treatment happening to me,” Leakes later added. “During a period of years, things were happening. For instance, let me give you an example. We are a cast of Black women and we have a white woman on our show. She doesn’t travel, we travel. She doesn’t shoot, we shoot. There was a lot of different treatment happening on the show and I was more of the outspoken one, the one that was in the front.”
And Leakes alleged that Bravo never meaningfully addressed her concerns: “You would think that someone there would have said, ‘Let’s pick up the phone and talk to her and see what’s happening.’ They never picked up the phone. No one ever wanted to speak to me.”
It’s far from the first time Leakes has called out Bravo and Cohen for allegedly mistreating her.
“They ALWAYS manipulating black women to say negative things about each other while they sit and enjoy us tearing each other down,” she tweeted in 2020, amid a dispute that began when Wendy Williams trashed Leakes on the Bravo aftershow Watch What Happens Live.
“The racist is the master manipulator,” Leakes added at the time, seemingly referring to WWHL host Andy Cohen. “They using me for ratings like they have always done.”
#MusicNews: Lalah Hathaway Signs With SRG/ILS Group To Release Upcoming Album!
The SRG/ILS Group is adding to their impressive list of R&B/Soul talent with the announcement of the signing of the legendary Lalah Hathaway.
Lalah Hathaway is a 5x GRAMMY award-winning singer/songwriter and producer and 10-time nominee. She is undeniably music royalty. Lalah’s music transcends genre – from R&B ballads to pop standards and soulful jazz – she has collaborated with today’s top hitmakers, including Pharrell Williams, Kendrick Lamar, Dr. Dre, Anderson .Paak, Robert Glasper, and Esperanza Spalding. Lalah draws upon her God-given talent, experiences, and expertise to create some of the most memorable songs in R&B and Jazz.
“Lalah Hathaway is perhaps the finest vocalist on the planet, period! We welcome her with open arms to the SRG/ILS Group. Expect greatness!” – Claude Villani, CEO The SRG/ILS Group
Lalah Hathaway’s long-awaited follow up to her 2018 Grammy nominated album Honestly is currently being completed for release in early 2024.
#HipHopNews: Nicki Minaj Announces "Pink Friday 2 Tour" RSVP
Although official dates and venues are yet to be announced, a general idea of where the concerts will take place appeared on her official website. Notable stops include Atlanta, New York City, Toronto, Miami, Nashville, Philadelphia and more. Minaj will subsequently take her trek overseas with locations lined up for the Netherlands, London, Paris, Berlin and Manchester, to name a few.
Earlier this week, the “Red Ruby Da Sleeze” hitmaker disclosed that 2024 Rolling Loud California would serve as the Los Angeles stop. She’s slated to headline the festival on Mar. 15, 2024. Sexyy Red, Lil Tecca, Lay Bankz, Rae Sremmurd and PARTYNEXTDOOR are among the list of other artists hitting the stage that day.
On Thursday (Nov. 16), a fan asked if they could reserve tickets for multiple locations. Minaj responded, “Great question. In fact, by signing up [tomorrow], you help to have your city added to the OFFICIAL routing if it’s not currently a city on our list. So [tomorrow], if your city isn’t included, just sign up along [with] others you know from that city who’d attend as well.”
Minaj initially announced that she would be going on tour for Pink Friday 2 in June. She tweeted, “I love you guys so much. I am so grateful for the years of support and love you guys have given me. At times, maybe I didn’t even deserve all that you have poured into me. Nonetheless, you will love this album. I will give tour deets closer to that time, but obviously, the tour will start around the first quarter of 2024. I’ll also share the REAL album cover at a later date.”
So far, Minaj has shared singles like “Last Time I Saw You” and “Big Difference.” The official tracklist is presumed to be revealed in the week leading up to the full-length project’s official release.
Janet Jackson and Naomi Campbell Appear to Delete Recent Diddy Party Pics: Report
Janet Jackson, Sean Combs aka Diddy and Naomi Campbell attend the celebration for Diddy’s birthday and new album launch at LAVO on November 9, 2023 in London, England. Dave Benett/Getty Images
The backlash against Sean “Diddy” Combs is continuing with some of his famous friends distancing themselves from the music mogul. It comes in the wake of ex-girlfriend Cassie’s shocking lawsuit, in which she made claims of abuse and sex trafficking,
Janet Jackson and Naomi Campbell were photographed partying with Diddy last week in London in celebration of his 54th birthday and his recent release, Love the Album: Off the Grid. Both reportedly shared photos from the party on their Instagram accounts, according to Page Six. Yet, as of Friday, those posts have been deleted from both Jackson’s and Campbell’s accounts.
The moves by Jackson and Campbell come a day after former Danity Kane singers Dawn Richard and Aubrey O'Day spoke out on the situation.
"Praying for Cassie and her family, for peace and healing," Richard wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter) Thursday. "You are beautiful and brave."
O'Day also took to X, writing simply "I stay trying to tell y’all.." alongside screenshots of various reports of the new allegations.
In a lawsuit filed Thursday, the "Me & U" singer (real name Casandra Ventura) alleges Diddy subjected her to a "cycle of abuse, violence, and sex trafficking" for over a decade.
She says she was physically assaulted by the musician; he plied her with drugs, forcing her to have sex with multiple male sex workers while he masturbated and filmed, he made her hold his gun in her purse as an intimidation tactic, and raped her in her home after she tried to leave him.
In the lawsuit, Cassie also claimed that Diddy blew up rival rapper Kid Cudi's car after he expressed romantic interest in her.
Diddy's attorney Ben Brafman previously denied Cassie's allegations in a statement to The Messenger.
"Mr. Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations. For the past 6 months, Mr. Combs, has been subjected to Ms. Ventura's persistent demand of $30 million, under the threat of writing a damaging book about their relationship, which was unequivocally rejected as blatant blackmail," Brafman said. "Despite withdrawing her initial threat, Ms. Ventura has now resorted to filing a lawsuit riddled with baseless and outrageous lies, aiming to tarnish Mr. Combs' reputation and seeking a pay day.
Cassie Settles Sexual Assault Lawsuit with Sean “Diddy” Combs
Both parties shared brief statements about the swift end to the case, with Cassie writing, “I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some level of control. I want to thank my family, fans and lawyers for their unwavering support.”
Diddy, for his part, offered, “We have decided to resolve this matter amicably. I wish Cassie and her family all the best. Love.” Wigdor said that neither his client nor Diddy would make further comment on the matter, and did not disclose the sum of the settlement.
In her suit, Cassie, whose legal name is Casandra Elizabeth Ventura, detailed numerous instances of sexual, verbal, and physical abuse over the course of several years, along with accusations of sex trafficking and forced drug use. She filed the suit under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, which expires on November 23. Former Danity Kane members Dawn Richard and Aubrey O’Day, who had both worked with Diddy via Making the Band, expressed their support for Cassie
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, we encourage you to reach out for support:
RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline
https://www.rainn.org
1 800 656 HOPE (4673)
Crisis Text Line
SMS: Text “HELLO” or “HOLA” to 741-741
If you or someone you know have been affected by domestic abuse, we encourage you to reach out:
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
https://thehotline.org
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Dwyane Wade Praises Fellow Father of a Trans Child Marlon Wayans for Showing ‘Unconditional Love’ to Son
Dwyane Wade says he’s impressed by Marlon Wayans publicly speaking out about the “unconditional love” he has for his transgender son.
During an appearance earlier this month on “The Breakfast Club,” Wayans revealed that his next comedy special is inspired by his 23-year-old trans son, Kai.
“I talk about the transition ― not their transition, but my transition as a parent, going from ignorance and denial to complete and unconditional love and acceptance,” Wayans said. “I think there’s a lot of parents out there that need to have that message. I know, I’m dealing with it. It was a very painful situation for me.
Wade, whose daughter Zaya is trans, praised Wayans when I caught up with him Thursday at the GQ Men of the Year party at Bar Marmont in West Hollywood.
“I think unconditional love allows us to step in and listen and learn of what we do not know and what we were not taught, especially in the Black community,” Wade said. “I salute Marlon for speaking out and speaking up about this experience with his child just the same way as I’ve done. We’re just the voices that are speaking for our kids right now before they get an opportunity to grab that microphone and speak for themselves. I salute him.”
Wade continued, “This is his experience and what he’s dealing with. He’s coming out selling it from his point of view. It’s great for fathers especially to speak on them from their point of view and how they had to handle it and deal with it.”
Zaya was 12 years old when she came out as trans. Since then, Wade and his wife Gabrielle Union have become outspoken LGBTQ advocates.
Wade previously spoke to Variety in May 2022, offering advice for parents of trans children. “[Think of] the moment when you were in the hospital and you grabbed your daughter, and you looked at your daughter,” he said. “All the things that went through your mind and all the emotions that went through your mind. And how much love fills your heart at that moment. Don’t let that ever leave you, no matter what.”
Kool And The Gang's Drummer George Brown Lost Battle With Lung Cancer At 74
"George Brown died November 16, 2023 in Los Angeles after a battle with cancer," his representative told TMZ on Friday about the passing of the star, who had been battling stage four of the disease.
George's spokesperson also asked that any donations in his honour be made to the Lung Cancer Society of America.
Along with being Kool's drummer, George co-wrote many of the band's iconic hits, including "Ladies Night", "Too Hot", "Jungle Boogie", "Celebration", and "Cherish". When asked to describe his music, the musician always replied with the line, "The sound of happiness."
George had talked about his cancer fight in October with KCAL News, after he had fought the disease and it had gone into remission - before it returned when he went back to his music career.
Kool formed in 1964 in Jersey City, New Jersey and by 1969 had their self-titled first album. The other founding members included brothers Robert Bell (on bass) and Ronald Bell (keyboards), Dennis Thomas (saxophone), Robert Mickens (Trumpet), Ricky West (keyboards), and Charles Smith (guitar.)
Robert "Kool" Bell, 73, is the only surviving member of the band, which won two Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, and, in 2006, a Music Business Association Chairman's Award for artistic achievement.
In 2013, the group released a Christmas album "Kool for the Holidays" - the band's 24th studio album. In 2015, the group received their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
George is survived by his wife, Hannah Brown, and his five children.
Mariah Carey Sparks Split Rumors With Longtime Boyfriend Bryan Tanaka
There seems to be trouble in paradise between Mariah Carey and Bryan Tanaka. The "Hero" songstress and her boyfriend of seven years sparked breakup rumors after he was noticeably absent from her recent show.
On Wednesday, November 16, the 54-year-old kicked off her "Merry Christmas One and All!" shows at Yaamava' Resort & Casino in Highland, California. Her beau was not onstage that night despite having been a fixture on the singer's tours since 2006.
In addition, fans noticed that something was off in Mariah's performance. "Every clip I've seen she looks like she doesn't want to be there," one person wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Another added, "She looks depressed, like something is going on behind the scenes."
A third assumed, "Girl going through break up era !!!" Someone else, meanwhile, wondered, "I don't see Bryan Tanaka. Where is he?" A different individual then chimed in, "Streets saying Bryan wasn't at Mariah concert last night and she was looking sad are they really done."
Mariah began dating the choreographer in 2016. The pair started working together professionally in 2006. Once she called it quits with fiance James Packer, Bryan danced his way into her heart in 2016.
In December 2022, a source told HollywoodLife.com that Bryan has a close relationship with Mariah's twins, whom she shares with ex-husband Nick Cannon. "Bryan is a great role model to her kids and is so close to them," the source claimed.
While the kids "look at him like a second father," they reportedly do not call him dad. "That word is reserved for Nick who is very active in his children's lives. Nick and Bryan get along great, and Bryan has been a part of Mariah's life since 2006, so Nick trusts him with everything," the insider continued.
Case against ex-officer involved in fatal Breonna Taylor raid ends in mistrial
This marked the second time that Hankison avoided a conviction for charges related to the raid. In 2022, he was acquitted on three counts of wanton endangerment, which was handed down by a state grand jury months after the deadly incident took place.
As previously reported Hankison, along with Jonathan Mattingly and Myles Cosgrove, forcibly entered into Taylor’s apartment on a narcotics investigation. Thinking that they were being robbed, Taylor’s boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, fired at the plainclothes officers, striking Mattingly in the leg.
The authorities then returned 32 shots in response; six of those bullets found Taylor, one of which proved fatal. While he did not hit the 26-year-old emergency room technician, Hankison was charged with two counts of deprivation of rights for firing 10 rounds through Taylor’s bedroom window and sliding glass door, both of which were covered with blinds and a blackout curtain. Multiple bullets also entered a neighbor’s apartment.
“Just couldn’t get to that unanimous verdict. Of course the family is disappointed, this is not the outcome they wanted,” said Taylor family attorney Lonita Baker in a press conference. “We are here for the long game. Just as the prosecutors intend to retry Brett Hankison, we intend to be here when that retrial takes place… [Taylor’s mother] Ms. Palmer was disappointed, but still encouraged. A mistrial is not an acquittal, and so we live another day to fight for justice for Breonna.”
Kevin Hart to become the next recipient of the Mark Twain Prize For American Humor
On Wednesday (Nov. 15), the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced that Kevin Hart will become the 25th recipient of the Mark Twain Prize For American Humor. Previous awardees for the prestigious honor include Richard Pryor, Whoopi Goldberg, Will Ferrell, Eddie Murphy and Dave Chappelle.
“I’ve been doing comedy since the inception of this award 25 years ago. To be honored in this commemorative year feels surreal,” said the Philadelphia actor, comedian and mogul. “Comedy is my outlet for social commentary and observations on life — I am grateful to the Kennedy Center for recognizing my voice and impact on culture. I can’t wait to celebrate!”
Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter also shared a statement on Hart’s upcoming inclusion. “For over three decades, Kevin Hart has been a source of laughter across America and throughout the world with his iconic characters, inimitable physical comedy and relatable narratives,” she expressed. “An accomplished writer, producer, actor and comedian, he has made lasting contributions to the comedic landscape and represents our celebration of American humor at the Kennedy Center.
Rutter closed, “We express our gratitude to Kevin for enriching American culture and look forward to celebrating his exceptional career.”
As revealed by the Kennedy Center, 11 of Hart’s films debuted at No. 1 at the box office. The Hartbeat chairman also grossed more than $4.23 billion in global revenue. Back in July, he returned to standup with his eighth special, Reality Check, which was streamed exclusively through Peacock. He’s set to star in two films, Lift and Borderlands, in 2024.
Outside of entertainment, Hart continued to make strides in the food industry with his plant-based Hart House chain. As previously reported, the restaurant opened its fourth location on the University of Southern California campus. “I founded Hart House to create a good experience that combines the joy of coming together over food with the power of purpose,” a statement from Hart reads on the chain’s official website.
Rihanna Supports A$AP Rocky at His Puma x F1 Collection Launch in Las Vegas
The event is part of the leadup to the 2023 Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, scheduled for Saturday (November 18).
Rihanna and A$AP were all smiles as they greeted fans at the event.
Viola Davis Wears Prosthetic Nose in 'Hunger Games' Prequel, Talks Challenging Process of Removing Makeup
Viola Davis is sharing details about her look in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
In the Hunger Games prequel film, Viola plays Dr. Volumnia Gaul, Panem’s head Gamemaker.
During a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the 58-year-old Oscar-winning actress revealed how she achieved Dr. Gaul’s look and how she managed the challenges of her costume.
“The makeup took 4 hours and then it took maybe 45 minutes to take it off,” she said.
Viola shared that she wore a prosthetic nose, which presented the biggest difficulty for her.
“The hardest part to take off was the nose,” she said. “I mean it was so hard that the makeup artist literally had to brace their feet and just pull it. It was like an anal probe, I mean stretching it. You have no idea!”
After drawing a laugh from the audience, Viola added, “It was like plastic coming off. By that point, we were hysterical.”
Elton John's musical about Tammy Faye Bakker to land on Broadway next season
Elton John's musical about televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker is coming to Broadway from London.
“Tammy Faye” will land in New York City during the 2024-25 season, producers said Friday. John wrote the music, while Scissor Sisters frontman Jake Shears penned the lyrics.
The musical was nominated for four 2023 Olivier Awards, including best musical, but lost the musical crown to “Standing at the Sky’s Edge.” The story is by James Graham with direction by Rupert Goold.
Bakker, who died of cancer in 2007 at age 65, has captivated popular culture. Her story was told in the RuPaul-narrated documentary “The Eyes of Tammy Faye,” and that was turned into a Hollywood movie that snagged Jessica Chastain her first Oscar for “The Eyes of Tammy Faye" opposite Andrew Garfield.
In England, Olivier Award-winner Katie Brayben played Bakker, with Tony Award-nominee Andrew Rannells as her first husband, Jim Bakker. Casting for the Broadway version was not announced
John, who just wrapped up his last tour, has had smashing success on Broadway — like with “The Lion King,” “Aida” and “Billy Elliot: The Musical” — but also a flop, “Lestat.”
Jim Bakker and Tammy Faye rose to prominence as the husband-and-wife televangelist hosts of TV’s Praise the Lord Club from 1974 through 1987. They were embroiled in a scandal when Bakker was accused of sexual assault and financial fraud involving hush money paid to his alleged victim. Tammy Faye would go on to marry Roe Messner, who was himself convicted of bankruptcy fraud in 1996.
Michael B. Jordan will be back to Direct 'Creed IV'
During Deadline’s Contenders Film event in Los Angeles, Creed franchise’s producer, Irwin Winkler, shared, “We are planning to do Creed IV right now… We have a really good story [and] a really good plot. We got a little delayed because of the strikes, but about a year from now we’re going into pre-production.”
Despite noting that Jordan was set to direct the upcoming installment, Winkler peddled back stating he “wasn’t supposed to say.” “[We're] just glad that this one worked and people want to see more,” said panelist and producing partner Elizabeth Raposo, joined by writer Keenan Coogler.
Released earlier this year, Creed III served as Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut and earned an estimated $58.7 million USD domestically and $41.8 million USD internationally, exceeding expectations to become the biggest sports film box office opening ever.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Stay Classy Everyone
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HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD ALL!!!
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