#MAGFAB: Billy Porter for Fashion Magazine!
Against all odds, Billy Porter is a magnificent couture creation of his own making — one that has conquered the worlds of music, acting and fashion.WORDS BY BERNADETTE MORRA Fashion Mag
Billy Porter is a hugger. But I don’t realize this at first. He arrives at the FASHION cover shoot in a studio near New York’s Hudson Yards serving feisty realness like only Porter can. He is animated and emphatic as he bellows into his cellphone dealing with some issues around his divorce. In fact, he is so fired up that I can hear him coming from way down the hall. But when he finishes the call, he takes a deep breath and centres himself. And after that, there are cheery greetings and hugs all around — for me, for senior creative director George Antonopoulos, for the photographer, for the videographer and even for the fashion assistants. I get the feeling that if a cleaner were to come in to empty the trash bins, they would receive a hug, too.
Porter marches over to the makeup chair, where his beloved glam team is waiting. Makeup artist La Sonya Gunter has been working with Porter since 2013, when he was headlining the Broadway hit Kinky Boots, for which he won a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical. “You may see us bicker because she’s like my sister,” he tells me, waving his hand at Gunter. “From the first day,” she drawls. Later, his real half-sister MaryMartha Ford (nicknamed “M&M”), who works as one of his managers, drops by. It’s clear that Porter surrounds himself with a fun but selective mix of biological and chosen family. At one point, hairstylist Cheryl Bergamy-Rosa and Porter give me a lesson on “doodoo” or “dookie” braids — so called because they are the thickness of poop. “That’s an old-school southern term — we are lettin’ you in, woman!” Porter howls with a throaty laugh.
Letting people in seems to come naturally to the extroverted Porter, though in his 2021 memoir, Unprotected, he admits to erecting emotional walls to keep people out. And with good reason. His childhood was challenging, to say the least. At age five, he was sent to a doctor in an attempt to “fix” his love of girlie clothes and skipping rope. He was bullied and beaten (even on his first day of school), twice landing him in hospital. His stepfather sexually abused him from ages seven to 12, a violation that is even more heinous considering how he manipulated Porter into viewing him as a father figure and a source of comfort. Singing became an outlet, then a job, then a career. Things got off to a great start when he won Star Search, and US$100,000, in 1992 at age 22. But this is a world in which talent isn’t always enough. Porter has been told he sings too high and speaks too white. He’s been pigeonholed into playing Black stereotypes and passed over for being “too flamboyant.” But along the way, he learned to stand up for himself and was always certain of his talent. If you haven’t seen Porter’s confidence on display, Google his impromptu rendition of “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” at the 2019 Tony Awards.
Kinky Boots arrived at a point when he was bankrupt and homeless and sleeping on a patron’s couch. Even so, he took a chance and spoke up to convince the producers that his character should be gay and not a straight cross-dressing boxer, as originally written. They agreed. It was the first time he would see himself — a gay Black man playing a gay Black man — on Broadway.
I Don’t Move Through The World Ultra-Masculine. I Don’t Move Through The World Ultra-Feminine. I’m Just There.
The show was a hit, but not without backlash. After a performance during the 2013 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Kinky Boots message of love and tolerance was attacked by right wingers. “I find it really odd that what I’m doing over here in my own life triggers you so much over there that you feel the need to beat me, hate me, shame me, take my rights away,” he says sharply. “Just leave me alone. Just leave us alone. Who am I hurting by expressing myself in this fabulous way? Nobody.”
More than 10 years later, Porter, at age 54, is pushing back harder than ever against hate— especially the type that comes from within. He is an outspoken role model for self-acceptance, something that is reflected in every aspect of his work. “When you are connected spiritually to all the things you embody, that’s where the healing lies,” he believes. Healing is something he talks about a lot. Of the 12 songs on Porter’s album Black Mona Lisa, released last November, almost all touch on his (sometimes rocky) road to overcoming shame, including his 2021 decision to come out as HIV positive after 14 years. His role as the ballroom emcee Pray Tell on Pose, a series set during the AIDS crisis in ’80s/’90s New York, helped with the emotional fallout from that trauma. “I lost more people by the age of 21 than my grandmother had at age 85,” Porter laments. “I used to always wonder ‘Why did I stay alive?’ Then I got that job and I’m like, ‘Oh, I survived to tell the story.’” He made history in 2019, when he became the first openly gay Black man to win an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. His rousing speech proclaimed “The category is love, y’all!!!” and he quoted author and civil rights activist James Baldwin: “‘It took many years of vomiting up all the filth I’d been taught about myself, and half-believed, before I was able to walk on the earth like I had a right to be here.’ I have the right. You have the right. We all have the right.”
Get more at Fashion Magazine!
#RHOA: Cynthia Bailey Says Phaedra Could Return to 'RHOA' After Kandi Burruss Leaves
Cynthia Bailey says her friend Kandi Burruss is gonna be just fine after leaving "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" ... but she adds the show itself needs some help.
TMZ spoke to the 'RHOA' mainstay outside WeHo hotspot The Henry, just days after her friend and longtime costar Kandi announced at the Grammys she was exiting 'Housewives.'
CB says she's a little surprised, but noted she talks to KB a lot when cameras aren't rolling ... so, she kinda saw this coming.
Cynthia's not worrying about her pal -- who joined the show before its second season in 2009 -- adding Kandi does so well while still juggling the show, and Bailey can't wait to see how high the "badass bitch" will fly without it on her plate.
She also thinks Kandi has a safety net, telling us she's on great terms with Bravo ... so, returning to 'RHOA' will always be an option. As Cynthia sees it, the show's OGs can "come and go" as they please.
However, she does say the show could use a few fresh faces to improve ratings -- not a complete blow-up of the cast, but a little something ... a notion former 'Housewife' NeNe Leakes also thinks needs to happen.
She also shouted out Phaedra Parks' role on "The Traitors" -- a reality competition/murder mystery show taking the TV world by storm, and said she should definitely come back to 'RHOA' now that Kandi's eyeing greener pastures.
Remember ... Kandi and Phaedra had an epic falling out during their time on the show -- with Phaedra even going as far as starting a rumor Kandi wanted to drug and sexually assault Porsha Williams during season 9. PP was fired at the end of the season.
Cynthia says any issues between Phaedra and Kandi are their business, she just knows Phaedra is "great TV" ... so she wouldn't be opposed to her return.
Cynthia also touched on Kim Zolciak-Biermann potentially coming back ... and while she thinks Kim is also must-see TV, Cynthia says it hurts to watch the downfall of Kim's marriage to Kroy.
We'll have to wait and see which, if any, OG cast members get tapped for a homecoming.
#NewMusic from Usher Releases New Album “Coming Home”
Legendary R&B icon Usher has just released his highly anticipated ninth studio album “Coming Home”.
Included on the album is the previously released hit single “Good Good”, along with guest appearances from Burna Boy, Summer Walker, 21 Savage, Pheelz, Latto, H.E.R. and The-Dream. Usher adds:
“COMING HOME is an ode to going back to your roots, whatever or wherever that may be. I’m COMING HOME to where I’m comfortable in being exactly who I am right now. My hope is that you identify with the new album no matter where you are or what you’re going through, too.”
STREAM HERE
Billy Porter is a hugger. But I don’t realize this at first. He arrives at the FASHION cover shoot in a studio near New York’s Hudson Yards serving feisty realness like only Porter can. He is animated and emphatic as he bellows into his cellphone dealing with some issues around his divorce. In fact, he is so fired up that I can hear him coming from way down the hall. But when he finishes the call, he takes a deep breath and centres himself. And after that, there are cheery greetings and hugs all around — for me, for senior creative director George Antonopoulos, for the photographer, for the videographer and even for the fashion assistants. I get the feeling that if a cleaner were to come in to empty the trash bins, they would receive a hug, too.
Letting people in seems to come naturally to the extroverted Porter, though in his 2021 memoir, Unprotected, he admits to erecting emotional walls to keep people out. And with good reason. His childhood was challenging, to say the least. At age five, he was sent to a doctor in an attempt to “fix” his love of girlie clothes and skipping rope. He was bullied and beaten (even on his first day of school), twice landing him in hospital. His stepfather sexually abused him from ages seven to 12, a violation that is even more heinous considering how he manipulated Porter into viewing him as a father figure and a source of comfort. Singing became an outlet, then a job, then a career. Things got off to a great start when he won Star Search, and US$100,000, in 1992 at age 22. But this is a world in which talent isn’t always enough. Porter has been told he sings too high and speaks too white. He’s been pigeonholed into playing Black stereotypes and passed over for being “too flamboyant.” But along the way, he learned to stand up for himself and was always certain of his talent. If you haven’t seen Porter’s confidence on display, Google his impromptu rendition of “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” at the 2019 Tony Awards.
Kinky Boots arrived at a point when he was bankrupt and homeless and sleeping on a patron’s couch. Even so, he took a chance and spoke up to convince the producers that his character should be gay and not a straight cross-dressing boxer, as originally written. They agreed. It was the first time he would see himself — a gay Black man playing a gay Black man — on Broadway.
I Don’t Move Through The World Ultra-Masculine. I Don’t Move Through The World Ultra-Feminine. I’m Just There.
The show was a hit, but not without backlash. After a performance during the 2013 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Kinky Boots message of love and tolerance was attacked by right wingers. “I find it really odd that what I’m doing over here in my own life triggers you so much over there that you feel the need to beat me, hate me, shame me, take my rights away,” he says sharply. “Just leave me alone. Just leave us alone. Who am I hurting by expressing myself in this fabulous way? Nobody.”
More than 10 years later, Porter, at age 54, is pushing back harder than ever against hate— especially the type that comes from within. He is an outspoken role model for self-acceptance, something that is reflected in every aspect of his work. “When you are connected spiritually to all the things you embody, that’s where the healing lies,” he believes. Healing is something he talks about a lot. Of the 12 songs on Porter’s album Black Mona Lisa, released last November, almost all touch on his (sometimes rocky) road to overcoming shame, including his 2021 decision to come out as HIV positive after 14 years. His role as the ballroom emcee Pray Tell on Pose, a series set during the AIDS crisis in ’80s/’90s New York, helped with the emotional fallout from that trauma. “I lost more people by the age of 21 than my grandmother had at age 85,” Porter laments. “I used to always wonder ‘Why did I stay alive?’ Then I got that job and I’m like, ‘Oh, I survived to tell the story.’” He made history in 2019, when he became the first openly gay Black man to win an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. His rousing speech proclaimed “The category is love, y’all!!!” and he quoted author and civil rights activist James Baldwin: “‘It took many years of vomiting up all the filth I’d been taught about myself, and half-believed, before I was able to walk on the earth like I had a right to be here.’ I have the right. You have the right. We all have the right.”
Get more at Fashion Magazine!
#RHOA: Cynthia Bailey Says Phaedra Could Return to 'RHOA' After Kandi Burruss Leaves
TMZ spoke to the 'RHOA' mainstay outside WeHo hotspot The Henry, just days after her friend and longtime costar Kandi announced at the Grammys she was exiting 'Housewives.'
CB says she's a little surprised, but noted she talks to KB a lot when cameras aren't rolling ... so, she kinda saw this coming.
Cynthia's not worrying about her pal -- who joined the show before its second season in 2009 -- adding Kandi does so well while still juggling the show, and Bailey can't wait to see how high the "badass bitch" will fly without it on her plate.
She also thinks Kandi has a safety net, telling us she's on great terms with Bravo ... so, returning to 'RHOA' will always be an option. As Cynthia sees it, the show's OGs can "come and go" as they please.
However, she does say the show could use a few fresh faces to improve ratings -- not a complete blow-up of the cast, but a little something ... a notion former 'Housewife' NeNe Leakes also thinks needs to happen.
She also shouted out Phaedra Parks' role on "The Traitors" -- a reality competition/murder mystery show taking the TV world by storm, and said she should definitely come back to 'RHOA' now that Kandi's eyeing greener pastures.
Remember ... Kandi and Phaedra had an epic falling out during their time on the show -- with Phaedra even going as far as starting a rumor Kandi wanted to drug and sexually assault Porsha Williams during season 9. PP was fired at the end of the season.
Cynthia says any issues between Phaedra and Kandi are their business, she just knows Phaedra is "great TV" ... so she wouldn't be opposed to her return.
Cynthia also touched on Kim Zolciak-Biermann potentially coming back ... and while she thinks Kim is also must-see TV, Cynthia says it hurts to watch the downfall of Kim's marriage to Kroy.
We'll have to wait and see which, if any, OG cast members get tapped for a homecoming.
#NewMusic from Usher Releases New Album “Coming Home”
Legendary R&B icon Usher has just released his highly anticipated ninth studio album “Coming Home”.
Included on the album is the previously released hit single “Good Good”, along with guest appearances from Burna Boy, Summer Walker, 21 Savage, Pheelz, Latto, H.E.R. and The-Dream. Usher adds:
“COMING HOME is an ode to going back to your roots, whatever or wherever that may be. I’m COMING HOME to where I’m comfortable in being exactly who I am right now. My hope is that you identify with the new album no matter where you are or what you’re going through, too.”
STREAM HERE
The album releases via mega, a music collective founded by L.A. Reid and Usher in partnership with gamma. the artist-first multimedia platform providing creative and business services across all artistic and commercial formats co-founded by CEO Larry Jackson and President Ike Youssef. This joint venture will see gamma. exclusively distribute and market all music released by mega.
#HipHopNews: Kanye West & Ty Dolla Sign Release The LP, 'Vultures 1'
In the wee hours of Saturday (Feb. 10) morning, Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign finally released their highly anticipated album, Vultures 1. The 16-track album boasts multiple A-list features from Playboi Carti, Quavo, Freddie Gibbs, Lil Durk, Chris Brown, YG, North West and more. The album also includes a Mike Tyson clip that praises West.
Vultures 1 was initially slated for the end of 2023 but dealt with a few different date changes before coming out on the 20th anniversary of West’s classic debut album, The College Dropout. As of late, the “Good Life” emcee has been seen wearing various masks. The cover of the new project shows Ye wearing a Jason Voorhees-esque face covering and standing beside his wife, Bianca Censori. This marks the first time West has been featured on an album cover since 2004.
Following two exciting “Vultures Listening Experiences” in Chicago and New York, Ty Dolla Sign posted the cover art with the caption, “Out now.” His post was met with massive support from his peers. Vic Mensa commented, “Let’s gooo,” while other Twitter fans expressed frustration with the album not being placed on Spotify.
One fan tweeted, “I guess I can take my Spotify account and go f**k myself, thanks Kanye,” and another mentioned it might be purposeful, stating, “Remember when Spotify threatened to remove Kanye’s music for ‘antisemitism’? Looks like Ye removed it for them, and now Spotify users are flocking to other streaming services to listen to his NEW album Vultures. Who gets the last laugh?”
As of late, Ye has seemingly found ways to continue adding shock value to his music. In his new track “Carnival,” the rapper references controversial figures such as Elon Musk, Bill Cosby, R. Kelly and more.
“This that ‘Game of Thrones,’ Yeezy, not the clones/ Elon, where my rocketship? It’s time to go home/ They served us the corn since the day we was born,” Kanye spat during his verse. “Anybody pissed off, gotta make ’em drink the urine/ Now, I’m Ye Kelly, b**ch/ Now I’m Bill Cosby, b**ch.” Notably, the song also sampled the Yeezy designer’s “Hell of a Life” and Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man.”
History was repeating itself.Jennings caught the 49ers’ second touchdown of the night with 11:22 early in the fourth quarter, but after a blocked extra point, the Chiefs were able to tie the game on an ensuing field goal that capped a 12-play, 69-yard drive, before winning it in overtime.
Mamba’s Monument: Kobe Bryant Statue Revealed At Crypto.Com Arena
The Kobe Bryant Statue during an unveiling ceremony at Crypto.com Arena on February 08, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
One of three Kobe Bryant statues was unveiled on Thursday (Feb. 8) at Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles.
The bronze figure stands 19 feet high, weighs 4,000 pounds, and wears his No. 8 uniform. The statue’s finger is pointed to the sky, as the NBA All-Star did the same after his 81-point game against the Raptors in 2006, per ESPN.
The statue was designed by Julie Rotblatt-Amrany, who also sculpted Michael Jordan’s statue in Chicago.
“For the record, Kobe picked the pose you’re about to see, so if anyone has any issues with it, tough sh*t,” shared his widow Vanessa Bryant. “As I see today’s current generation of star players follow in Kobe’s footsteps with huge scoring games, I know he would take pride in knowing that he’s still pouring inspiration into the game that was so special to him,” continued the mother of four.
“Leave the game better than you found it. And when it comes time for you to leave, leave a legend,” is the Kobe Bryant quote featured on the side of the base. There is also a QR code on the statue where visitors scan with their phones to watch a Kobe Bryant highlight video, narrated by Denzel Washington.
According to a spokesperson, the location of the second two statues is still being determined. One of the monuments will be Bryant in his No. 24 uniform and the other with his daughter, Gianna, who also died in the 2020 helicopter crash.
“When I found out there was going to be three statues, I just said, ‘That’s fitting,'” expressed Rob Pelinka. “Because it’s just how the City of Angels feels about Kobe. He deserves something that no other athlete that’s ever played here deserves.”
Attendees at the big reveal included Magic Johnson, Jerry West, Michael Cooper, Jamaal Wilkes, Mychal Thompson, and Pau Gasol; former Bryant teammates Metta World Peace, Caron Butler, Lamar Odom, Sasha Vujacic, Matt Barnes, Mark Madsen, Gary Payton, Larry Nance, Josh Powell, Kareem Rush, Devean George, A.C. Green, Vladimir Radmanovic, DJ Mbenga and Trevor Ariza; former coaches Del Harris, Jim Cleamons, Kurt Rambis, Byron Scott and Larry Drew, per ESPN.
Additionally, friends of the Bryant family were in the invite-only crowd, including Russell Wilson and his wife, Ciara, Bad Bunny, Dwyane Wade, Lisa Leslie, Candace Parker, Jamal Crawford, and Sydney Leroux.
Along with Vanessa Bryant, other speakers included Lakers governor Jeanie Buss, former Lakers guard Derek Fisher, Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Phil Jackson.
The Kobe Bryant Statue during an unveiling ceremony at Crypto.com Arena on February 08, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
“This statue may look like Kobe, but really it’s what excellence looks like, what discipline looks like, what commitment looks like, what love of family looks like,” Abdul-Jabbar said. “The statue is a wonderful contribution. It captures a person frozen in time, while at the same time acknowledges that the reason there is a statue in the first place is because that person is timeless.”
Fans hoping to see the statue can visit Star Plaza and also see life-like figurines of Elgin Baylor, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Jerry West and announcer Chick Hearn.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Unveils 2024 Nominees
The Class of 2024 nominees include a ton of first-timers. On Saturday (Feb. 10) morning, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced this year’s nominees, unveiling 15 artists who are in contention to join the Rock Hall’s Class of 2024.
The 2024 Rock Hall nominees are: Queen of Hip-Hop Soul Mary J. Blige; powerhouse singer-songwriter Mariah Carey; half-century-plus pop icon Cher; roots rock jam band Dave Matthews Band; hip-hop pioneers Eric B. & Rakim; stadium rock hitmakers Foreigner; arena-filling guitar (and talk box) pro Peter Frampton; alt hard rockers Jane’s Addiction; funky R&B legends Kool & the Gang; rock standard bearer Lenny Kravitz; Britpop poster boys Oasis; alt pop iconoclast Sinéad O’Connor; metal god Ozzy Osbourne; sophisticated R&B purveyors Sade; and alt hip-hop progenitors A Tribe Called Quest.
Two thirds of the names on the 2024 Rock Hall ballot are first-timers, despite years of eligibility (particularly in the cases of Cher, Frampton and Foreigner). This marks the second nomination for Mary J. Blige, Eric B. & Rakim, Jane’s Addiction and Dave Matthews Band, and the third for A Tribe Called Quest.
#HipHopNews: Kanye West & Ty Dolla Sign Release The LP, 'Vultures 1'
Vultures 1 was initially slated for the end of 2023 but dealt with a few different date changes before coming out on the 20th anniversary of West’s classic debut album, The College Dropout. As of late, the “Good Life” emcee has been seen wearing various masks. The cover of the new project shows Ye wearing a Jason Voorhees-esque face covering and standing beside his wife, Bianca Censori. This marks the first time West has been featured on an album cover since 2004.
Following two exciting “Vultures Listening Experiences” in Chicago and New York, Ty Dolla Sign posted the cover art with the caption, “Out now.” His post was met with massive support from his peers. Vic Mensa commented, “Let’s gooo,” while other Twitter fans expressed frustration with the album not being placed on Spotify.
One fan tweeted, “I guess I can take my Spotify account and go f**k myself, thanks Kanye,” and another mentioned it might be purposeful, stating, “Remember when Spotify threatened to remove Kanye’s music for ‘antisemitism’? Looks like Ye removed it for them, and now Spotify users are flocking to other streaming services to listen to his NEW album Vultures. Who gets the last laugh?”
As of late, Ye has seemingly found ways to continue adding shock value to his music. In his new track “Carnival,” the rapper references controversial figures such as Elon Musk, Bill Cosby, R. Kelly and more.
“This that ‘Game of Thrones,’ Yeezy, not the clones/ Elon, where my rocketship? It’s time to go home/ They served us the corn since the day we was born,” Kanye spat during his verse. “Anybody pissed off, gotta make ’em drink the urine/ Now, I’m Ye Kelly, b**ch/ Now I’m Bill Cosby, b**ch.” Notably, the song also sampled the Yeezy designer’s “Hell of a Life” and Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man.”
The Kansas City Chiefs defeat The San Francisco 49ers in OT of Super Bowl to begin their dynasty status
LAS VEGAS — The NFL has a repeat champion for the first time in 19 years. The Kansas City Chiefs, with a third Super Bowl triumph in five seasons, cemented the league’s modern-day dynasty with a 25-22 overtime win against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
This one, the same as the last two for Kansas City and its superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes, came with a stirring second-half comeback and, this time, with some late heroics in overtime.
Jake Moody’s 27-yard field goal on the first possession of overtime put the 49ers ahead 22-19, but the Chiefs responded with a 13-play, 75-yard drive and won it on 3-yard touchdown pass from Mahomes to Mecole Hardman.
It was but the latest must-have drive for Kansas City, a team that has built a reputation behind Mahomes as most dangerous when holding the ball last. The Chiefs trailed 19-16 with less than two minutes left in the fourth quarter when they marched 75 yards in 11 plays and Harrison Butker kicked a 29-yard field goal. The key play on the drive came on a third-and-7 with 16 seconds left, when Mahomes hit Travis Kelce on a crosser for a 22-yard gain that set the Chiefs up for the easy kick.
It’s the fourth Super Bowl win for the Chiefs franchise and the third for the team under coach Andy Reid, who joins Bill Walsh and Joe Gibbs in a tie for third-most all-time. Only Bill Belichick (six) and Chuck Noll (four) have more.
“The number three is a big number in terms of dynasties,” Kelce said this week, adding that he wanted to win this Super Bowl more than any of the previous three he’d played in. Three titles in a five-year window puts the Chiefs in a different conversation, one that includes some of the greatest runs in league history.
Mahomes earned his third Super Bowl MVP going 34-of-46 passing for 333 yards, two touchdowns and one interception resulting in a 99.3 passer rating.
The championship also elevates Mahomes — a remarkable 15-3 in the playoffs in his six-year career — into elite company: he’s now one of five quarterbacks in league history to win at least three Super Bowls, joining Tom Brady (seven), Joe Montana (four), Terry Bradshaw (four) and Troy Aikman (three). Aikman and Mahomes, 28, are the only ones of the group to win three before their 30th birthday. Across the last two postseasons, Mahomes has gone 7-0, throwing 13 touchdowns and just one interception.
When CBS announcer Jim Nantz mentioned on the winning podium about how the Chiefs were underdogs in the last three games of this postseason, Mahomes said, “Just know that the Kansas City Chiefs are never underdogs. Just know that.”
Kelce added: “We couldn’t have gotten here without having that target on our back all year. Now we got a chance to do it three times in a row.”
It’s a devastating defeat for the 49ers, and particularly coach Kyle Shanahan, who adds another chapter of Super Bowl heartache to what’s otherwise been a stellar career. As Atlanta’s offensive coordinator in 2017, Shanahan was on the wrong side of the biggest blown lead in Super Bowl history, when the Patriots rallied from a 28-3 third-quarter deficit to stun the Falcons in the only other championship game to go to overtime. Sunday’s loss is Shanahan’s second as a head coach in the Super Bowl; four years ago, the 49ers blew a 10-point fourth-quarter lead to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV, eventually losing 31-20.
San Francisco’s championship drought is now at 29 seasons. After winning five Lombardi Trophies within a 13-year window from 1982 to 1995, the 49ers have lost in all three of their trips to the Super Bowl since (after the 2012, 2019 and 2023 seasons).
Prior to this year’s Chiefs, the last Super Bowl champion to successfully defend its title was the 2004 Patriots. What had become routine in the first few decades of the Super Bowl era — there were eight repeat winners across the first 39 editions of the game — became nonexistent, a byproduct of increased parity across the league and an indication of just how taxing Super Bowl runs can.
The title caps a stunning late-season surge from Kansas City, which slogged through its worst regular season since Mahomes became the starter in 2018. Plagued by an uncharacteristically inconsistent offense, including a league-worst 44 drops by its receivers, the Chiefs were just 9-6 after a loss to the Raiders at home on Christmas Day. It looked dire enough that Kansas City general manager Brett Veach was left wondering if his team would even make the postseason.
“You see it every year,” Veach said this week, “a team gets off to a hot start and doesn’t make the playoffs.”
But the Chiefs wouldn’t lose again all year, finishing the regular season with a pair of victories before ripping off four straight wins in the playoffs. What started in frigid temperatures in Kansas City, a wild-card win over the Dolphins in the fourth-coldest game in NFL history, continued with two gutsy road wins in Buffalo and Baltimore — the first true road wins of Mahomes’ playoff career — and culminated with Sunday’s comeback in Las Vegas.
It’s the most improbable title of the Chiefs’ current run, not simply due to their regular season struggles but because of the intense spotlight that’s trailed the team for most of the year. Kelce’s relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift became its own phenomenon, and her appearances at games during the regular season and playoffs — she made it to all four during Kansas City’s postseason run, including Sunday’s Super Bowl after a Saturday show in Tokyo — became one of the biggest stories in sports.
Asked what he’s learned about the crush of celebrity over the past few months, Kelce smiled and offered this in the week leading up to the game: “That being famous worldwide is a lot different than being famous in Kansas City.”
On Sunday, the 49ers controlled the first half by owning the trenches, particularly when the Chiefs had the ball. San Francisco’s punishing defensive line constantly had Mahomes scrambling from the pocket, sacking him twice and regularly forcing hurried throws. In turn, the Chiefs’ offense never got in sync, managing just a late field goal to cut into San Francisco’s 10-0 lead.
The Chiefs finished with just 16 first-quarter yards — compared with 125 for San Francisco — and couldn’t get Kelce involved. Kelce caught an early bubble screen for one yard, his only target over the first 30 minutes of the game.
After kicker Moody drilled what was then the longest field goal in Super Bowl history — a 55-yarder in the first quarter — the 49ers scored the game’s first touchdown with 4:23 left in the second quarter when wideout Jauan Jennings, off a pitch from Purdy, hit McCaffrey for a 21-yard catch-and-run score. It was a gutsy and creative play-call from Shanahan, and the first touchdown pass of Jennings’ three-year career.
San Francisco led 10-3 at the break, and had Kansas City frustrated. CBS cameras caught Kelce bumping into Reid on the sideline during a tense exchange.
Their chances didn’t look any more promising after the opening drive of the third quarter, when Mahomes threw his first interception of the last two postseasons.
But the game swung after a critical 49ers’ mistake in the third quarter, when returner Darrell Luter Jr. fumbled a punt on San Francisco’s 35-yard line. The Chiefs’ Jaylen Watson recovered, and it took Mahomes all of one play to capitalize: he hit receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling for a 16-yard touchdown a moment later.
Suddenly, after being outplayed all game long, the Chiefs were in front.
LAS VEGAS — The NFL has a repeat champion for the first time in 19 years. The Kansas City Chiefs, with a third Super Bowl triumph in five seasons, cemented the league’s modern-day dynasty with a 25-22 overtime win against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
This one, the same as the last two for Kansas City and its superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes, came with a stirring second-half comeback and, this time, with some late heroics in overtime.
Jake Moody’s 27-yard field goal on the first possession of overtime put the 49ers ahead 22-19, but the Chiefs responded with a 13-play, 75-yard drive and won it on 3-yard touchdown pass from Mahomes to Mecole Hardman.
It was but the latest must-have drive for Kansas City, a team that has built a reputation behind Mahomes as most dangerous when holding the ball last. The Chiefs trailed 19-16 with less than two minutes left in the fourth quarter when they marched 75 yards in 11 plays and Harrison Butker kicked a 29-yard field goal. The key play on the drive came on a third-and-7 with 16 seconds left, when Mahomes hit Travis Kelce on a crosser for a 22-yard gain that set the Chiefs up for the easy kick.
It’s the fourth Super Bowl win for the Chiefs franchise and the third for the team under coach Andy Reid, who joins Bill Walsh and Joe Gibbs in a tie for third-most all-time. Only Bill Belichick (six) and Chuck Noll (four) have more.
“The number three is a big number in terms of dynasties,” Kelce said this week, adding that he wanted to win this Super Bowl more than any of the previous three he’d played in. Three titles in a five-year window puts the Chiefs in a different conversation, one that includes some of the greatest runs in league history.
Mahomes earned his third Super Bowl MVP going 34-of-46 passing for 333 yards, two touchdowns and one interception resulting in a 99.3 passer rating.
The championship also elevates Mahomes — a remarkable 15-3 in the playoffs in his six-year career — into elite company: he’s now one of five quarterbacks in league history to win at least three Super Bowls, joining Tom Brady (seven), Joe Montana (four), Terry Bradshaw (four) and Troy Aikman (three). Aikman and Mahomes, 28, are the only ones of the group to win three before their 30th birthday. Across the last two postseasons, Mahomes has gone 7-0, throwing 13 touchdowns and just one interception.
When CBS announcer Jim Nantz mentioned on the winning podium about how the Chiefs were underdogs in the last three games of this postseason, Mahomes said, “Just know that the Kansas City Chiefs are never underdogs. Just know that.”
Kelce added: “We couldn’t have gotten here without having that target on our back all year. Now we got a chance to do it three times in a row.”
It’s a devastating defeat for the 49ers, and particularly coach Kyle Shanahan, who adds another chapter of Super Bowl heartache to what’s otherwise been a stellar career. As Atlanta’s offensive coordinator in 2017, Shanahan was on the wrong side of the biggest blown lead in Super Bowl history, when the Patriots rallied from a 28-3 third-quarter deficit to stun the Falcons in the only other championship game to go to overtime. Sunday’s loss is Shanahan’s second as a head coach in the Super Bowl; four years ago, the 49ers blew a 10-point fourth-quarter lead to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV, eventually losing 31-20.
San Francisco’s championship drought is now at 29 seasons. After winning five Lombardi Trophies within a 13-year window from 1982 to 1995, the 49ers have lost in all three of their trips to the Super Bowl since (after the 2012, 2019 and 2023 seasons).
Prior to this year’s Chiefs, the last Super Bowl champion to successfully defend its title was the 2004 Patriots. What had become routine in the first few decades of the Super Bowl era — there were eight repeat winners across the first 39 editions of the game — became nonexistent, a byproduct of increased parity across the league and an indication of just how taxing Super Bowl runs can.
The title caps a stunning late-season surge from Kansas City, which slogged through its worst regular season since Mahomes became the starter in 2018. Plagued by an uncharacteristically inconsistent offense, including a league-worst 44 drops by its receivers, the Chiefs were just 9-6 after a loss to the Raiders at home on Christmas Day. It looked dire enough that Kansas City general manager Brett Veach was left wondering if his team would even make the postseason.
“You see it every year,” Veach said this week, “a team gets off to a hot start and doesn’t make the playoffs.”
But the Chiefs wouldn’t lose again all year, finishing the regular season with a pair of victories before ripping off four straight wins in the playoffs. What started in frigid temperatures in Kansas City, a wild-card win over the Dolphins in the fourth-coldest game in NFL history, continued with two gutsy road wins in Buffalo and Baltimore — the first true road wins of Mahomes’ playoff career — and culminated with Sunday’s comeback in Las Vegas.
It’s the most improbable title of the Chiefs’ current run, not simply due to their regular season struggles but because of the intense spotlight that’s trailed the team for most of the year. Kelce’s relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift became its own phenomenon, and her appearances at games during the regular season and playoffs — she made it to all four during Kansas City’s postseason run, including Sunday’s Super Bowl after a Saturday show in Tokyo — became one of the biggest stories in sports.
Asked what he’s learned about the crush of celebrity over the past few months, Kelce smiled and offered this in the week leading up to the game: “That being famous worldwide is a lot different than being famous in Kansas City.”
On Sunday, the 49ers controlled the first half by owning the trenches, particularly when the Chiefs had the ball. San Francisco’s punishing defensive line constantly had Mahomes scrambling from the pocket, sacking him twice and regularly forcing hurried throws. In turn, the Chiefs’ offense never got in sync, managing just a late field goal to cut into San Francisco’s 10-0 lead.
The Chiefs finished with just 16 first-quarter yards — compared with 125 for San Francisco — and couldn’t get Kelce involved. Kelce caught an early bubble screen for one yard, his only target over the first 30 minutes of the game.
After kicker Moody drilled what was then the longest field goal in Super Bowl history — a 55-yarder in the first quarter — the 49ers scored the game’s first touchdown with 4:23 left in the second quarter when wideout Jauan Jennings, off a pitch from Purdy, hit McCaffrey for a 21-yard catch-and-run score. It was a gutsy and creative play-call from Shanahan, and the first touchdown pass of Jennings’ three-year career.
San Francisco led 10-3 at the break, and had Kansas City frustrated. CBS cameras caught Kelce bumping into Reid on the sideline during a tense exchange.
Their chances didn’t look any more promising after the opening drive of the third quarter, when Mahomes threw his first interception of the last two postseasons.
But the game swung after a critical 49ers’ mistake in the third quarter, when returner Darrell Luter Jr. fumbled a punt on San Francisco’s 35-yard line. The Chiefs’ Jaylen Watson recovered, and it took Mahomes all of one play to capitalize: he hit receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling for a 16-yard touchdown a moment later.
Suddenly, after being outplayed all game long, the Chiefs were in front.
History was repeating itself.Jennings caught the 49ers’ second touchdown of the night with 11:22 early in the fourth quarter, but after a blocked extra point, the Chiefs were able to tie the game on an ensuing field goal that capped a 12-play, 69-yard drive, before winning it in overtime.
Mamba’s Monument: Kobe Bryant Statue Revealed At Crypto.Com Arena
The Kobe Bryant Statue during an unveiling ceremony at Crypto.com Arena on February 08, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
One of three Kobe Bryant statues was unveiled on Thursday (Feb. 8) at Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles.
The bronze figure stands 19 feet high, weighs 4,000 pounds, and wears his No. 8 uniform. The statue’s finger is pointed to the sky, as the NBA All-Star did the same after his 81-point game against the Raptors in 2006, per ESPN.
The statue was designed by Julie Rotblatt-Amrany, who also sculpted Michael Jordan’s statue in Chicago.
“For the record, Kobe picked the pose you’re about to see, so if anyone has any issues with it, tough sh*t,” shared his widow Vanessa Bryant. “As I see today’s current generation of star players follow in Kobe’s footsteps with huge scoring games, I know he would take pride in knowing that he’s still pouring inspiration into the game that was so special to him,” continued the mother of four.
“Leave the game better than you found it. And when it comes time for you to leave, leave a legend,” is the Kobe Bryant quote featured on the side of the base. There is also a QR code on the statue where visitors scan with their phones to watch a Kobe Bryant highlight video, narrated by Denzel Washington.
According to a spokesperson, the location of the second two statues is still being determined. One of the monuments will be Bryant in his No. 24 uniform and the other with his daughter, Gianna, who also died in the 2020 helicopter crash.
“When I found out there was going to be three statues, I just said, ‘That’s fitting,'” expressed Rob Pelinka. “Because it’s just how the City of Angels feels about Kobe. He deserves something that no other athlete that’s ever played here deserves.”
Attendees at the big reveal included Magic Johnson, Jerry West, Michael Cooper, Jamaal Wilkes, Mychal Thompson, and Pau Gasol; former Bryant teammates Metta World Peace, Caron Butler, Lamar Odom, Sasha Vujacic, Matt Barnes, Mark Madsen, Gary Payton, Larry Nance, Josh Powell, Kareem Rush, Devean George, A.C. Green, Vladimir Radmanovic, DJ Mbenga and Trevor Ariza; former coaches Del Harris, Jim Cleamons, Kurt Rambis, Byron Scott and Larry Drew, per ESPN.
Additionally, friends of the Bryant family were in the invite-only crowd, including Russell Wilson and his wife, Ciara, Bad Bunny, Dwyane Wade, Lisa Leslie, Candace Parker, Jamal Crawford, and Sydney Leroux.
Along with Vanessa Bryant, other speakers included Lakers governor Jeanie Buss, former Lakers guard Derek Fisher, Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Phil Jackson.
The Kobe Bryant Statue during an unveiling ceremony at Crypto.com Arena on February 08, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
“This statue may look like Kobe, but really it’s what excellence looks like, what discipline looks like, what commitment looks like, what love of family looks like,” Abdul-Jabbar said. “The statue is a wonderful contribution. It captures a person frozen in time, while at the same time acknowledges that the reason there is a statue in the first place is because that person is timeless.”
Fans hoping to see the statue can visit Star Plaza and also see life-like figurines of Elgin Baylor, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Jerry West and announcer Chick Hearn.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Unveils 2024 Nominees
The 2024 Rock Hall nominees are: Queen of Hip-Hop Soul Mary J. Blige; powerhouse singer-songwriter Mariah Carey; half-century-plus pop icon Cher; roots rock jam band Dave Matthews Band; hip-hop pioneers Eric B. & Rakim; stadium rock hitmakers Foreigner; arena-filling guitar (and talk box) pro Peter Frampton; alt hard rockers Jane’s Addiction; funky R&B legends Kool & the Gang; rock standard bearer Lenny Kravitz; Britpop poster boys Oasis; alt pop iconoclast Sinéad O’Connor; metal god Ozzy Osbourne; sophisticated R&B purveyors Sade; and alt hip-hop progenitors A Tribe Called Quest.
Two thirds of the names on the 2024 Rock Hall ballot are first-timers, despite years of eligibility (particularly in the cases of Cher, Frampton and Foreigner). This marks the second nomination for Mary J. Blige, Eric B. & Rakim, Jane’s Addiction and Dave Matthews Band, and the third for A Tribe Called Quest.
Surprisingly, The White Stripes – who appeared on the 2023 ballot and raised eyebrows when they failed to clinch induction – aren’t even on this year’s ballot. Cyndi Lauper is another name from the 2023 ballot not up for induction this year.
The 2024 nominees will be decided by a voting body of 1,000+ “artists, historians and members of the music industry,” per a press release. The Rock Hall’s Class of 2024 will be announced in late April.
This year’s induction ceremony returns to Cleveland, home of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame headquarters, this fall. For the second consecutive year, the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony will live stream on Disney+. It will air on ABC at a later, to-be-announced date, and be available on Hulu the following day.
Mo’Nique To Join “Fraternal Twin” Katt Williams On Comedy Tour
Club Shay Shay with Shannon Sharpe has become the hot spot for celebs to tell the truth.
Following both explosive interviews with Katt Williams, and then Mo’Nique, the two comedians will now be hitting the road together. A day after Mo’Nique’s episode aired, she announced that she’d be going on tour with her “fraternal twin brother” Katt Williams — a term she referred to him as in the interview.
In an Instagram video sitting besides her “king” Sidney Hicks, The Parkers star announced, “I wanna tell y’all about my twin brother Katt Williams, baby. Guess what? I’m gonna be joining my brother — my twin brother — Katt Williams on the Dark Matter Tour.”
“I cannot wait to see y’all, Connecticut,” she spoke of her first date on stage. “I’ll see y’all tomorrow night with our brother, Katt Williams. All over New York with our brother Katt Williams. And I’ll say this, too—and I told him this: I said for as funny and as talented as you are, your heart is far bigger.”
Ahead of announcing her joint venture with Williams, The Hicks also clarified an inaccuracy regarding Mo’Nique and D.L. Hughley.
Speaking of an inappropriate question that was asked about Mo’s husband while she appeared on Hughley’s radio show, the couple clarified that a cease and desist was never given to the comedian. However, it would’ve been the next step in getting the episode off the air.
“We are firm believers on ‘what is right is right and what is wrong is wrong,'” Mr. Hicks began. “We gotta start off by saying there was an inaccuracy as it regards Mo’Nique saying that there was a Cease and Desist that was given to D.L. to shut it down.”
The 56-year-old admitted during the episode, “I never knew D.L. Hughley had a problem with me. [He said] I was bitter. I was dangerous with what I was doing … my husband didn’t know what he was doing.’ This went on through the years. ‘I was unloved.’ All of these things and I said to myself, ‘I’m a see you.’”
Carl Weathers' Death Certificate has been Revealed
Obtained by The Blast, a copy of the death certificate shows that Weathers suffered from heart disease for years. Atherosclerosis is caused by the build-up of fats and cholesterol in and on the artery walls of the heart.
Despite this, the manner of Weathers' death is described on the official certificate as "natural." Matthew Weathers, his son, was the first person to notify the authorities of the late actor's death.
Weathers' family announced his passing earlier this month, revealing that he died "peacefully in his sleep." They said in a statement at the time, "We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers. He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024."
"Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. Through his contributions to film, television, the arts and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognised worldwide and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend."
Sylvester Stallone, Weathers' former co-star, subsequently took to social media to pay tribute to the late actor. In a video message posted on Instagram, the "Rocky" star said, "Hello everyone, today is an incredibly sad day for me. I'm so torn up I can't even tell you. I'm just trying to hold it in because ... Carl Weathers was such an integral part of my life, my success, everything about it."
"I give him incredible credit and kudos because ... when he walked into that room and I saw him for the first time, I saw greatness. But I didn't realise how great. I never could've accomplished what we did with 'Rocky' without him."
Pink Halts Australia Concert After Fan Goes Labor In Mosh Pit
To say that Pink's concert in Australia went eventful is probably an understatement. The "Just Give Me a Reason" hitmaker was forced to pause her show at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Friday, February 9 after one of her fans went into labor in the middle of a mosh pit.
Fans surrounding the mom-to-be fan were starting to wave to signal that she needed help. In a video that circulated online, Pink, whose real name is Alecia Beth Moore, could be seen being halfway through singing "Our Song" when she realized something happened in the mosh pit.
After knowing of the situation, the singer quickly put the show in a halt while the woman got the medical attention she needed. "Is it Alecia or Alex being born right now?" the singer, who is in the middle of her "Summer Carnival" stadium tour, asked. "I feel like we shouldn’t be looking. Everyone give her her privacy!"
After the woman was safely led out of the mosh pit in a wheelchair, Pink joked, "I thought it would have been like, 'Get the Party Started' or 'Never Gonna Not Dance Again'." Before she restarted the concert, the 44-year-old star said, "That's exciting. I don't even know what to say. But we have to sing now. Good luck! It's gonna be great! You're gonna do great."
Pink, however, might be too shocked as this wasn't the first time someone has gone into labor at her concert. Similar thing happened when the "Lady Marmalade" singer was performing at Fenway Park in Boston last August. That woman eventually walked a mile to the hospital to avoid traffic.
That aside, Pink's visit to Australia marked her first performance in the country after six years. During her concert, she invited her 12-year-old daughter, Willow, to join her on stage later to perform their single “Cover Me in Sunshine".
Half of Michael Jackson’s $1.2B catalog is being sold to Sony Music Corp
The deal is said to value Jackson’s assets at $1.2 billion or more, according to two people who were granted anonymity by the Times because they were not authorized to speak publicly about it.
According to the sources, the deal involves Sony purchasing a 50 percent stake in Jackson’s recorded music and songwriting catalogs, including the estate’s share of such megahits as “Beat It” and “Bad.”
Sony’s decision to purchase the catalog was first reported by Billboard.
ABC’s 'Abbott Elementary' Will Return For Season 4
Class will continue to be in session at “Abbott Elementary,” as ABC renewed the hit workplace sitcom for a fourth season, the network said Saturday.
Fresh off of the show’s Season 3 premiere earlier this week, cast member William Stanford Davis, who plays janitor Mr. Johnson on the Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning mockumentary series, announced the show’s renewal during ABC’s session at the Television Critics Association’s winter press tour.
Created by and starring Quinta Brunson, the ensemble sitcom, set at a fictional elementary school in Philadelphia, has received numerous awards and praise for revitalizing network television and spotlighting the work of Black and brown educators.
Brunson — who previously produced popular videos at HuffPost’s parent company, BuzzFeed — developed the show, drawing inspiration from her mother’s background as a longtime public school teacher in Philadelphia.
Brunson, who won an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, appears at the awards ceremony in Los Angeles on Jan. 15.
Since its first season debuted in 2021, the series has been the rare network show to become appointment viewing for multiple generations of TV audiences.
“I think most millennials take their stories to streaming because you get to be more raunchy there, but I enjoy making a show for families to watch around the TV, how I watched TV when I was younger,” Brunson told HuffPost in 2022. “Going to ABC felt like the natural choice. It was something about the team at ABC. I was like ‘They’re gonna let me cook.’”
Judge Mathis says comedian feuds are embarrassing the Black community
to task in the wake of two explosive “Club Shay Shay” podcast episodes. On Friday (Feb. 9), he recorded a video admonishing entertainers for hitting below the belt on public platforms instead of dealing with matters in private.
“Stop going after each other in public like this. You’re embarrassing yourselves, [and] you’re embarrassing our community. I know many times you have to defend yourself about what’s being said, but why can’t we do it directly? And I just want you to know, I believe that we’re being laughed at by all the major studios and by their executives seeing us in public, Black folks, going at each other,” said the television court show host.
The latest guest to appear on NFL great Shannon Sharpe’s hit show was Mo’Nique. The Academy Award winner forewarned that she was bringing “the whole truth and nothing but the truth” during her sit-down. When the episode premiered on Feb. 7, audiences witnessed the actress again address her grievances with Tyler Perry.
She also revisited her fallout with comedy peer D.L. Hughley. The former BET “ComicView” host addressed some of her remarks in a video where he called her a liar and implied that she has fake love for her “sweet baby,” “Sista” or “Brotha,” all terms she often uses to refer to fans and those she is speaking of, whether in a favorable or non-favorable manner.
“You don’t see this among other communities, and that’s why I say you’re hurting yourselves, and you’re hurting our community, and you’re hurting the young people who are looking and want to learn and need to learn how to resolve disputes in a better way,” continued Mathis, who avoided mentioning either Mo’Nique or Hughley’s names.
“I’m no saint; I’m guilty of having temper issues from time to time on my show. That’s entertainment. You guys, say what ya want; that’s part of your entertainment, but don’t go out [of] your way to personally attack each other, particularly your families. I appeal to you for that, let’s not turn on each other, let’s turn toward each other,” concluded his comments on the matter.
“The Parkers” star, however, is likely not done unloading her thoughts on those whom she feels have crossed her. In her response to Hughley, Mo’Nique announced that she was joining Katt Williams’ “Dark Matter Tour.” Williams set the internet ablaze in January when he unleashed on his peers Steve Harvey, Rickey Smiley, Kevin Hart and Cedric The Entertainer during his own “Club Shay Shay” appearance.
Denzel Washington and Spike Lee to reunite for 'High and Low' film
High and Low will be developed and produced by A24, Escape Artists and Mandalay Pictures with Lee and Alan Fox writing the script, and production will begin in March. Lee and Washington spoke on reuniting in 2023 — right before the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) initiated strikes that shut Hollywood down. High and Low eventually returned to the fold after the two unions were able to renew contracts with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
The project will be the fifth collaboration between Lee and Washington, both of whom are esteemed Academy Award winners. Previously, the duo struck gold on 1990’s Mo’ Better Blues, 1998’s He Got Game, 1992’s Malcolm X and — most recently — 2006’s Inside Man.
In an interview with The National, Lee revealed how Washington gave himself a year to properly prepare for his role as Malcolm X. “There was no pork on his fork and no alcohol. He learnt how to pray in Arabic and he studied the Quran, and that’s because he is the most intelligent actor on this earth, in my opinion,” the BlacKkKlansman director expressed. “There are many biopics, but just because you talk and look like the subject, that is only the surface. Denzel knew that his body is a vessel. And if he did the work, that somehow the spirit of Malcom X would come through him.”
Disney Announces 'Moana 2,' Reveals First Look & Surprise 2024 Release Date
Disney made a huge announcement about Moana! The Mouse House’s CEO Bob Iger revealed that Moana 2, a sequel to the 2016 film starring Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson, is release THIS year.
“Moana remains an incredibly popular franchise,” he shared in a statement. “And we can’t wait to give you more of Moana and Maui when Moana 2 comes to theaters this November.”
Moana 2 is set to “take audiences on an expansive new voyage with Moana, Maui and a brand-new crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.”
The sequel, which was originally supposed to be a Disney+ series, will also feature new music from The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical writers Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, as well as Opetaia Foa’i and Mark Mancina.
Moana 2 will be released in theaters on November 27th!
Roc Nation and Versace Unveil Multiyear Collaboration
Roc Nation and Versace are set to launch a multiyear partnership during the 2024 Super Bowl festivities.
On Friday, Roc Nation revealed a multiyear agreement with the renowned fashion brand. Versace affirmed that the collaboration will emphasize event sponsorships and “cause-focused initiatives,” particularly those dedicated to nurturing emerging talent. This commitment encompasses sponsoring scholarships for the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment, a program focusing on entrepreneurship, music, and sports management.
“Central to both Versace and Roc Nation is human capital and a commitment to creative empowerment, celebrating individuality and fuelling positive change,” Roc Nation said. “Championing artists across music, entertainment, and broader cultural landscapes will be underscored through the partnership.
Today marks the official commencement of the partnership, as Versace sponsors the Roc Nation Sports 2024 Super Bowl event. This collaboration follows the entertainment giant’s alliance with the NFL since 2019, where they’ve contributed to the league’s social initiatives and the Super Bowl Halftime Show.
“With its global reach, the National Football League has the platform and opportunity to inspire change across the country,” Roc Nation founder Jay-Z previously said. “Roc Nation has shown that entertainment and enacting change are not mutually exclusive ideas—instead, we unify them. This partnership is an opportunity to strengthen the fabric of communities across America.”
“Moana remains an incredibly popular franchise,” he shared in a statement. “And we can’t wait to give you more of Moana and Maui when Moana 2 comes to theaters this November.”
Moana 2 is set to “take audiences on an expansive new voyage with Moana, Maui and a brand-new crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.”
The sequel, which was originally supposed to be a Disney+ series, will also feature new music from The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical writers Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, as well as Opetaia Foa’i and Mark Mancina.
Moana 2 will be released in theaters on November 27th!
Roc Nation and Versace Unveil Multiyear Collaboration
On Friday, Roc Nation revealed a multiyear agreement with the renowned fashion brand. Versace affirmed that the collaboration will emphasize event sponsorships and “cause-focused initiatives,” particularly those dedicated to nurturing emerging talent. This commitment encompasses sponsoring scholarships for the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment, a program focusing on entrepreneurship, music, and sports management.
“Central to both Versace and Roc Nation is human capital and a commitment to creative empowerment, celebrating individuality and fuelling positive change,” Roc Nation said. “Championing artists across music, entertainment, and broader cultural landscapes will be underscored through the partnership.
Today marks the official commencement of the partnership, as Versace sponsors the Roc Nation Sports 2024 Super Bowl event. This collaboration follows the entertainment giant’s alliance with the NFL since 2019, where they’ve contributed to the league’s social initiatives and the Super Bowl Halftime Show.
“With its global reach, the National Football League has the platform and opportunity to inspire change across the country,” Roc Nation founder Jay-Z previously said. “Roc Nation has shown that entertainment and enacting change are not mutually exclusive ideas—instead, we unify them. This partnership is an opportunity to strengthen the fabric of communities across America.”
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Super Savings
This Super Saiyan is getting super savings.
This Super Saiyan is getting super savings.
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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