#MAGFAB: Travis Scott fo GQ Dec 2023
TRAVIS SCOTT PROWLS around the top of the huge, rambling faux-stone construction that will, in a few days, begin serving as the stage for his Circus Maximus tour. Sometimes he sings, sometimes he stops. As he does so, he visits different parts of the structure, which seems part battlement, part ancient ruin, part lonely asteroid, part coral island risen out of the sea, strewn with a miscellany of roundish faux-stone heads of varying sizes and facial expressions. It's surprisingly jarring to see Scott perform his songs without the full-on total commitment that is his trademark style, but right now is clearly about something else. It feels like he's trying to figure things out that only he can figure out, working out the rules in a world he created.
I inquire what he wants people to be thinking as they look at it.
"I just want people to be in just a good zone," he says. "Really not so much thinking, more just doing. It's like: You don't come here to think, you come here to let loose." And the heads?
"I mean, those are just, like, Disney World type of ideas," he replies.
I think he's saying that too much shouldn't be read into them, but I tell him I can't work out whether they're friendly or terrifying.
"No, it's all good vibes," he says. Then he reconsiders, a little.
"I don't know-terrifying is all subjective. I didn't want it just like corny, just like all like googly-goggly. Because life isn't just, like, all bright. It has its ups and downs, you know."
Read more HERE
#RHOA: Do y’all remember Phaedra Parks was once Bobby Brown’s Lawyer?
The series was both insanely popular and equally controversial, thanks to the tumultuous relationship between Bobby and Whitney. Between Bobby’s legal troubles and the public drug problems both of them dealt with, many considered the show to be more exploitative than informative. Some scenes aired that have gone down in reality TV infamy, and what aired was bad enough for Whitney to refuse to return, and the show was subsequently canceled. Before it was canceled, however, Bravo did manage to get them to film a Christmas special, giving fans of the show one more opportunity to see the inner workings of the Brown household.
The last episode of Being Bobby Brown was a Christmas special that Bravo requested before Whitney refused to return. In the episode, the house is abuzz because of a Christmas party they decided to throw last minute at their home. The episode starts off with Bobby and Whitney as they search for a puppy to get their daughter, the now-late Bobbi Kristina, as a gift. It’s early on as they set up for the party when Phaedra shows up, hanging out with Bobby’s family and laughing at his antics alongside them.
Despite the controversy surrounding the short-lived series, the Christmas special was filled with warm and fuzzy feelings. Those warm fuzzies were, of course, mixed in with Bobby’s usual tomfoolery. There is a hilarious moment in which Bobby, fed up with Santa getting all the glory, emphatically shares the news on camera that Santa isn’t real. Bobbi Kristina begs him to stop so that he doesn’t ruin Christmas for any kids who might watch the show.
The episode provided an opportunity to see these stars at their happiest and most relaxed. Even Phaedra was still in a place of not wanting to stir things up as she eventually became infamous for on RHOA. She, like everyone else, was a guest. It was a happy moment for the whole family. They sang around the piano, prayed over the food, and enjoyed themselves. It’s such a moment of normalcy for them all, and watching feels like an invitation not just into their lives, but into their extended family. It was both beautiful and sad knowing what was on the horizon for the family. Despite some of the train wreck of it all, it showed that the Houston-Browns were a normal family, whether the public liked the Bad Boy of R&B and America's Princess together or not.
Things did not go well for the Brown family after the Christmas special. Whitney filed for divorce in 2007. Five years later in 2012, Whitney died unexpectedly, and their only child together, Bobbi Kristina, died three years after her mother’s death at the age of 22. Bobby had continual legal troubles, which he shared more about in 2017. That was the year Bobby’s memoir, Every Little Step, was released.
He mentions Phaedra in the memoir, saying, “My lawyer at the time was a black woman named Phaedra Parks, who went on to become a reality television star on The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Her later television stardom didn’t surprise me because she always seemed like she was craving attention and publicity.” He also alleged that she wasn’t a very good lawyer, as he almost always went to jail after she represented him in several cases. He shared in the book that he hated how many cameras were present during his court proceedings, and requested that Phaedra kick them out, which never happened. Bobby believes that Phaedra wanted the cameras in the courtroom because she wanted to be a star. And her tactics may have worked, because she joined the cast of The Real Housewives of Atlanta in 2011, just six years after Being Bobby Brown was filmed.
Bittersweet ending aside, Being Bobby Brown had an incredible impact on reality TV. One can easily argue that it laid the foundation for the house Bravo is built upon: the Real Housewives franchise.
Episodes of Being Bobby Brown are not available to stream on Peacock like most Bravo shows. But they can be watched on YouTube. All seasons of RHOA can be streamed on Peacock.
#NewMusic from Deb贸rah Bond ‘My Holiday Wish’ & ‘Christmas Time Is Here’ Cover
Deb贸rah Bond had one wish this holiday season: to release her first-ever Christmas song. Well, she made her wish come true twice with the tandem drop of her original song “My Holiday Wish” and a cover of the Vince Guaraldi classic “Christmas Time Is Here.”
On “My Holiday Wish,” Bora makes it clear that this Christmas isn’t about material things or all the trappings of the season. For her, it’s about spending time and connecting with her bae. “Cause when I’m with you / My holiday wish comes true / As long as I’m here with you / And we spend time together/ You are the gift that I want,” she gushes on the chorus, summing up this festive bop.
Deb贸rah released two versions of the soulful groove produced by Trey Sorrells and written by Sean B. The original is a mid-tempo number showcasing keys and drums that has us two-stepping underneath the mistletoe. The remixed version, “My Holiday Wish (Quiet Storm Mix),” turns the song into a slow jam. Tha track is stripped down to keys and sleighbells, conjuring a more mellow mood. We can’t decide which we like best, so we’re keeping them both on repeat.
For her take on “Christmas Time Is Here,” she taps musician/producer Brandon Lane. The timeless holiday standard gets wrapped in Bond’s joyful effervescence with a jazzy soul bow on top. In 2021, we invited Deb贸rah to join our 12 Days Of SoulBounce Christmas series on Instagram to bring some Christmas cheer during the pandemic, and she warmed our hearts with this very song. We shared a snippet of the track and hoped for a full single at some point, and this year, she’s made our holiday wish come true.
Deb贸rah Bond’s “My Holiday Wish” and “Christmas Time Is Here” After you listen to both songs below, we suspect you’ll be adding them to your collections, too.
LISTEN HERE
#HipHopNews: Lil Uzi Vert Confirms Retirement After 'Luv Is Rage 3' Drops
Sunday (Dec. 24) morning, Lil Uzi Vert told TMZ that they still plan to retire following the release of their last album due to a lack of desire to drop music. Their interest in women’s fashion has kicked up, which will be their focus in the forthcoming years.
When asked about the success of Nicki Minaj’s “Everybody” and whether there would be an accompanying music video for the track, the “NFL” rapper said “Yeah.” They doubled down on their affinity for Minaj by saying, “I never heard a Nicki Minaj song I did not like.” When asked if they would like a joint collab tape with the Queens rapper, Uzi said, “I’m super down if she is with it, yes.”
The “Just Wanna Rock” artist put on a big smile when an onlooking fan asked them if they enjoyed the new Playboi Carti releases. They mentioned that they would be watching Carti’s latest track in the car when made aware that he dropped another track with Ken Carson in the video.
Uzi’s relationship with the music industry is rocky, to say the least. In a GQ interview, they described their place within rap culture. “I’m not really the outcast, even though I take on the outcast aesthetic,” Uzi explained. “I’m more of the class clown. Some days people will really like me. And then some days I get on they nerves.”
Lil Uzi Vert’s last album boasted collaborations with Travis Scott, Nicki Minaj and Don Toliver. The 26-track project marked a genre-bending blend of rap, rock and electronic influences.
Bishop T.D. Jakes Sets Record Straight About Diddy Gossip
Bishop T.D. Jakes has addressed rumors that he has any relation to hip-hop mogul Sean "P. Diddy" Combs following the latter's sexual abuse scandals. During his Christmas Eve sermon, the acclaimed preacher denied allegations that he's a frequent guest at sex parties that the rapper hosted.
"Out of concern, some of you come in to hear what I'm going to say. All of you who expect me to address a lie… you can log off," Jakes told the audience while looking visibly upset.
He went on noting, "I will not use this sacred day and this sacred pulpit to address a lie when I have a chance to preach a truth. So you can stop arguing with people….and just log off."
Prior to this, Jakes' team had issued a statement to The Christian Post, denying the accusations. "Recent claims circulating on pockets of social media about Bishop T.D. Jakes are unequivocally false and baseless," Jordan A. Hora, executive director of public relations and communications for the T.D. Jakes Group, T.D. Jakes Ministries and The Potter's House, stressed on Thursday, December 21.
"What has always been true, in the words of the late Pastor Charles H. Spurgeon, 'If you want the truth to go round the world you must hire an express train to pull it; but if you want a lie to go round the world it will fly; it is as light as a feather, and a breath will carry it,' " Hora continued.
The spokesperson, calling the viral videos "deepfakes" and a "distortion of words," added, "There is much more important work to be done to create a better world. The Bible teaches us the importance of compassion and care for others, especially those who may be marginalized or in need. Chairman Jakes undeterred by false, perverse, ignorant, and conspiratorial speculations will persevere in his continued dedication to create meaningful change for millions around the globe guided by the timeless principles of compassion, service, and ministry."
Kevin Spacey Claims 'Netflix Exists Because Of Me' In Bizarre Christmas Interview
Dropped on Sunday, December 24, the 7-minute long clip saw Tucker playing along as he's interviewing Spacey about Frank planning to run for the U.S. president in 2024. Of the matter, Kevin claimed that the country is "mired in so much contradiction and confusion." He added, "What doesn't come with a trigger warning these days. We are far too close to having a bean bag chair in the Oval Office."
"I've always believed that nothing should be off the table in life or in art," he went on saying. "I think we could both agree that we need to get some adults back in the room. So if that means taking on the chief executive role, well, that's a sacrifice I'm willing to make for this great nation."
At one point halfway through the interview, Tucker appeared to break the lines between fiction and reality by saying that he and Kevin had "something in common." In response, the embattled actor said, "Oh yes, we both got canned by our network." The New Jersey-born star was referring to his own firing from Netflix following multiple sexual misconduct accusations and Tucker's termination from Fox News for sending racist and misogynistic messages.
Later during the bonkers interview, Kevin went after Netflix for firing him from his popular show "House of Cards", which serves as the streaming giant's very first original scripted series. "It is bizarre they publicly cut ties with me on allegations that have now been proven false," the actor pointed. "Netflix exists because of me. I put them on the map and they tried to put me in the ground."
Toward the end of the clip, Kevin wished people a Merry Christmas. "The truth is, I love nothing better on this day than to do a line of blow, drink of whiskey and coke, hit a reindeer with my car, and wish you all the naughtiest Christmas ever," he nonchalantly concluded.
Jordan Peele's Next Directorial Movie Delayed, Reason Why Revealed
“Get Out” fans will have to wait longer for Jordan Peele‘s fourth horror film, as Universal has pushed back its release from its initial Christmas season 2024 slot due to the recently ended strikes by writers and actors.
Peele’s untitled upcoming project is getting a “strike-related” release delay, TheWrap has learned, with the new release date to be determined. Peele’s film had been set to go against a holiday slate that includes Paramount’s “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” and Focus Features’ horror film “Nosferatu.”
Since his feature debut “Get Out” became a pop culture sensation and won him an Oscar for its screenplay, Jordan Peele has become one of the few filmmakers in Hollywood with the clout among audiences to make his name the biggest selling point of his films.
Combined, Peele’s three original horror films — “Get Out,” “Us” and “Nope” — have grossed more than $680 million at the global box office. He has also served as a producer on projects including Spike Lee’s “BlacKkKlansman,” Nia DaCosta’s “Candyman” and a revival of CBS’ “The Twilight Zone,” which he also hosted and contributed to. Peele is also set to collaborate with “Metal Gear Solid” creator Hideo Kojima on his next video game, “OD.”
Scream 7 Director Christopher Landon Exits the Film: 'It Was a Dream Job That Turned Into a Nightmare'
Landon shared the news on X/Twitter, and his decision follows the controversial firing of Melissa Barrera over social posts on the conflict in Gaza and the departure of Jenna Ortega due to a scheduling conflict.
"I guess now is as good a time as any to announce I formally exited Scream 7 weeks ago," Landon wrote. "This will disappoint some and delight others. It was a dream job that turned into a nightmare. And my heart did break for everyone involved. Everyone. But it’s time to move on.
"I have nothing more to add to the conversation other than I hope Wes’ legacy thrives and lifts above the din of a divided world. What he and Kevin created is something amazing and I was honored to have even the briefest moment basking in their glow."
Landon took over Scream 7 directorial duties earlier this year from the duo known as Radio Silence, as they reportedly chose to step back to focus on their Universal monster movie. Radio Silence, which is made up of Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, led the 2022 reboot of scream and Scream 6.
Landon, on the other hand, was the director behind We Have a Ghost, Happy Death Day, Freaky, and Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones.
After Barrera was fired, more than 1,300 actors and artists signed a letter condemning what they call censorship against speaking out on Palestine.
In response to the firing, Landon said in a now deleted post on X/Twitter that "everything sucks. Stop yelling. This was not my decision to make."
Simone Biles asks fans if they're done debating her marriage to Jonathan Owens
Simone Biles has a simple question for social media users who have turned remarks made by her husband, Jonathan Owens, regarding their relationship into a days-long debate about pride and ego: “Are y’all done yet?”
The Olympic gymnast tweeted the rhetorical question on Saturday (Dec. 23), three days into her and the Green Bay Packers safety becoming a viral topic. Owens, 28, appeared on the Dec. 20 episode of “The Pivot Podcast,” where he spoke about his football career, mental health and the origin story of his and 26-year-old Biles’ relationship.
His comments about considering himself “the catch” in their marriage and stating that he did not really know who she was, let alone her icon status, when they linked up on the dating app Raya in 2020 have been circulated across social platforms to no end. During the episode, Owens also spoke candidly about his wife pursuing him, a reality that he expressed gratitude for. Biles was present for the taping, and though seated away from the men, she gleefully quipped, “I know what I like, and I know what I want.”
Still, the podcast clip of her husband has prompted a flood of reactions, much of which is backlash for the football player. He appeared to respond to the discourse around his union when he posted a photo from their May wedding ceremony with a caption that read, “Unbothered. Just know we locked in over here.”
Retired NFL player and podcast host Ryan Clark also weighed in on the issue, first calling out those who have expressed outrage for not watching the full show. “He talked about the way Simone Biles has changed his life, how she has helped him, [and] how much their love and their journey and their story [are] all tied together,” said Clark.
“So, what is happening is [that] people sitting in their homes, whether married or unmarried, are now worried about this man and his relationship instead of being happy for two people who are excited to be together, two people who support one another wholeheartedly,” he continued before noting, “Just because you feel like he should be worshipping the gymnast Simone Biles doesn’t mean that you can’t respect that he’s in love with the woman Simone Biles.”
Oprah Winfrey Fans Say ‘Nasty Energy’ Is at Play Amid Speculation That Mogul Snubbed Whoopi Goldberg During ‘Color Purple’ Reunion on ‘The View’
The movie, which opens on Christmas Day, also sees the return of Oprah Winfrey, who starred in the original 1985 film as Sophia. In its latest iteration, she took on the role of executive producer alongside Steven Spielberg, who directed the original film.
Rumors swirl that “The View” producers are “pissed” Oprah Winfrey missed interview opportunity.
The media mogul has been front and center for a bevy of photo shoots and interviews, however, her absence from the cast’s Dec. 13 appearance on “The View” has become the subject of chatter, alleging tension between Winfrey, the talk show’s producers, and Whoopi Goldberg.
Goldberg also starred as Celie in the original film based on author Alice Walker’s novel of the same name. A purported source told Page Six that the recent promo stop at the round table was a “missed opportunity” for the billionaire and EGOT winner to reconnect.
The outlet released a report claiming that “‘The View’ is pissed that Oprah avoided ‘The View'” on the Nov. 27 pre-recorded episode. Barrino, Brooks, fellow actress Taraji P. Henson, and director Blitz Bazawule instead appeared on the show, which featured a special introduction from Winfrey for the “Favorite Things” segment.
A HARPO spokesperson explained that a scheduling conflict was the source of the business-savvy entertainer’s absence. “As one of the producers, there have been appearances Ms. Winfrey did not participate in with the cast, and was unable to be in New York when this segment was filmed right after Thanksgiving. She is overjoyed to see the cast have their moment,” said the individual in a statement to Page Six.
Amid since-debunked rumors of a rift between Winfrey and Henson over the “Empire” star’s pay, other speculations among the crew have cropped up.
“It’s a real nasty energy around the Color Purple press run. First Whoopi calling out Oprah’s snub from back in the day, now Taraji’s disassociation due to her angst w/ industry snubs. And although her styling has been amazing, Fantasia does not look happy in her press photos,” read one post.
“I mean Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah beefing over the movie too because Oprah told Fantasia, Whoopi wouldnt be interested to mentor Fannie and Whoopi felt blindsided. Truth is Oprah didnt want to share the success with the original star of The Color Purple,” read another post.
Winfrey, who has appeared on “The Sherri Shepherd Show,” “The Drew Barrymore Show,” and “CBS Mornings,” also joined the movie’s four female stars for an interview with DeVon Franklin. The 69-year-old spoke about fighting to increase the film’s budget from $50 million to $100 million.
“There is no question that Alice Walker is the mother of it all from her writing it in 1982, but I feel like I am the godmother of it…if it was going to go forward in another iteration, it was really important to me that, number one, I find a way to be involved to support the cast and the team that was doing it and to give it what it deserved,” Winfrey told Franklin.
Ahead of its cinema debut, the project has garnered critical acclaim, with many fueling Oscar buzz for the film and Barrino.
Cardi B & Offset Are Being Sued, Face Lawsuit by LA Rental Home Owner
Cardi B and Offset are being faced with a lawsuit. The estranged couple and rappers have been sued by the owner of the home they rented out in Los Angeles, which they vacated back in October “without notice,” according to documents obtained by Us Weekly.
Cardi and Offset are being sued for breach of contract and negligence, as the legal docs claim they lived in the rental home for only 20 months and vacated the house without notice.
Following their exit, there was allegedly “significant property damage,” which includes “broken furniture, holes in the walls and permanent scratches and stains to the limestone tile floors, rugs and curtains.”
They also state there were “burn marks on things like tables, counters and cabinets, per the filing.”
The owner has tallied the damage to be worth $85,000, and claims that they have reached out to Cardi B and Offset multiple times to no response
‘Home Alone’ Director Reveals That Donald Trump “Bullied” His Way Into The Sequel Film
Chris Columbus, the director of both “Home Alone” movies, claims that Donald Trump insisted on being included in the film.
Columbus explained that Trump’s cameo was necessitated by the need to film in the hotel. He stated, “We wanted to shoot in the lobby. We couldn’t rebuild The Plaza on a soundstage.”
Usually, a production team could secure the use of a physical location by paying a fee. However, in this case, Trump desired more than just monetary compensation.
“We paid the fee, but he also said, ‘The only way you can use the Plaza is if I’m in the movie,’” Columbus added. “So we agreed to put him in the movie.”
Columbus proceeded to film the scene, but he remained uncertain about its inclusion in the final cut until the movie underwent testing with an audience.
“People cheered when Trump showed up on-screen,” the director continued. “So I said to my editor, ‘Leave him in the movie. It’s a moment for the audience.’ But he did bully his way into the movie.”
The 1992 sequel to “Home Alone,” titled “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” starred Macaulay Culkin in his breakthrough role as Kevin McCallister. Donald Trump, the owner of New York’s Plaza Hotel at the time, made a cameo appearance in the film.
Keke Palmer Drops Holiday Photos With Her Son Leodis!
In a second set of images, Palmer dons a Black gown as Leodis has a bow tie and cute hat.
Earlier this month, Keke Palmer demonstrated the strength and independence of women in her latest music video for “Assets” from the Big Boss (Deluxe) album.
Directed by Edgar Esteves, the seven-minute visual unfolds in a vibrant beauty salon and bank, symbolizing Palmer’s versatility. The video explores themes of female empowerment and independence, as the artist embodies various comical characters.
The lyrics echo a desire for acknowledgment, emphasizing that hard work should be seen as an asset, not an intimidation factor. Keke Palmer, also a businesswoman and founder of KeyTV, takes a moment in the video to champion women entrepreneurs, shedding light on the disparities they face. The “Assets” video is a powerful representation of Palmer’s commitment to delivering a message of strength, resilience, and recognition for women in all walks of life.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
The Grinch couldn’t Steal Christmas
So he got a kiss instead.
So he got a kiss instead.
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL馃巺馃徑!!!
EFREM
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