#MAGFAB: Kim Petras, Covers COSMOPOLITAN Spring 2024 Issue ‘The Sound of Now’
She’s perfected the art of sex-positive pop. But after a massive year (featuring: a Grammy! a world tour! a song with a billion streams!), the Cosmo cover star is ready to shed her stage personas and make vulnerable music that reflects her roots.
Kim on the many personas she’s had throughout her career: “I’m always looking to free myself of things. I think that’s where the alter egos came from. You can tell a lot about me by looking at the characters I made up.”
Kim on the rumor she learned English by watching Britney Spears music videos: “I knew how to record on VHS, and I’d rewind her back to watch again and study what she would say. I’d write her words down until I got to English in school, and that helped me understand her.”
Kim on Paris Hilton’s early support: “She was one of my first believers. She said, ‘You? You’re going to do things.’”
Kim on how her alter ego Slut Pop Kim was a true personal breakthrough, helping her learn to love her body as a trans woman and channel that into music: “She is the Kim who’s not afraid of anything sexual and really not ashamed of her body and really not limiting herself. That’s something I aspire to be. For me, growing up trans, all of that has been a big deal. Am I supposed to feel sexy? Does anyone think I’m sexy? ‘No, you’re the weird school freak’ is buried into you if you’re a trans kid. It felt freeing for me to talk about sex as if I never struggled with it.”
Kim on her “hopeless” childhood: “I want to let you in to the darker moments of my life. My childhood felt very hopeless. I felt so outside of society and so made into an object because my identity was constantly talked about. It felt like I had to deal with a lot of things that kids don’t have to deal with until they’re much older. Now, I see the beauty in the darkness. And so for my future project, I’m going to try to talk about that.”
Cool…..
#RHOA: Kenya Moore is open to a Porsha Williams comeback, teases plans for ‘dynamic’ Season 16!
Kenya Moore is open to once again sharing a screen with her former “Real Housewives of Atlanta” co-star Porsha Williams.
Though the “frenemies” have often sparred on the Bravo reality series, Moore tells Page Six in an exclusive interview that she acknowledges the impact of their highly entertaining chemistry.
“I think we made great TV together. You know, I think we’re the best frenemies. Some of the best times on that show have been created with me and Porsha,” the Kenya Moore Haircare founder, 53, shares.
“Some of the most iconic moments have been created with us being onscreen together. So I feel like that magic could still exist if she comes back.”
“I think we made great TV together. You know, I think we’re the best frenemies,” Moore says.
Williams, 42, made the “difficult decision” to quit the show in September 2021 ahead of Season 14 after a decade on the program.
At the time, she explained that she was ready to “begin [her] next chapter.”
Since then, the civil rights activist has gotten married. She said “I do” to Nigerian businessman Simon Guobadia in November 2022.
Moore goes on to add that casting for the forthcoming Season 16 of “RHOA” is almost “finalized.”
The actress predicts the process will be complete “within the next 30 days” and that filming will begin in the spring.
“I think they’re 100 percent focused on creating a dynamic new cast with some oldies and some newbies,” she teases. “So we’ll see. We’ll see. Season 16 might just be as sweet as you want it to be.”
While Moore is holding out hope for Williams’ return, she can’t say the same for series OG NeNe Leakes, who filed a racism and discrimination lawsuit against the Bravo network, executive producer Andy Cohen and others in April 2022.
Though she dropped the suit four months later, Moore is certain Leakes, 56 — who exited the program in September 2020 ahead of Season 13 — sealed her fate
“I pretty much know the door is closed on NeNe,” the mother of one tells us. “You know, I think Andy has said it out of his own mouth that, you know, he’s going to keep her name out of his mouth. So I think I have to say that’s not a possibility.”
Our chat with Moore preceded the news that Kandi Burruss would not be returning to “RHOA” after starring on the show for a record-breaking 14 years.
“I decided I’m not coming back this year,” Burruss revealed on Sunday’s 2024 Grammy Awards red carpet.
“It’s been 14 seasons, and they allowed us to sit around for a little too long,” she said of the unusually lengthy hiatus between Season 15, which concluded in September 2023, and Season 16 amid reports of a major cast shakeup.
“But during that time, I had started working on a lot of other things, and I got some nice big projects coming soon, so I’m super excited about those things.”
The multi-hyphenate, 47, noted that it wasn’t just the stall between seasons that impacted her decision to bow out.
“It’s just like, you know, after you really have time to think, and a friend of mine was like, ‘Why do you keep doing it?’ And I was like, ‘Well, I think because I’ve just been doing it so long, feels weird to think not to do it?'” she reflected. “So I was just like, ‘You know what? I’m going to take a break. I’m going to take a moment.'”
The Season 15 cast starred Burruss, Moore, Shereé Whitfield, Drew Sidora, Sanya Richards-Ross and Marlo Hampton.
#MusicNews: Billy Joel Live-Debuts ‘Turn the Lights Back On’ for His First Grammy Performance in 30 Years!
The Piano Man was back at the 2024 Grammys, with Billy Joel taking the stage to perform his latest single “Turn the Lights Back On.”
The performance — the first time Joel has played at the Grammys in 30 years — was preceded by a video package explaining the new song’s origin story, with co-writer Freddy Wexler saying his dream of meeting Joel was fulfilled when his wife introduced him “to a doctor who knew another doctor who once knew Billy Joel.”
This loose association led to a long lunch meeting between Wexler and the icon who, Wexler says, became “unlikely friends” and ultimately wrote the song together.
“It took him awhile to talk me into it,” says Joel, who says he did a recording and “didn’t hate my voice, and I usually do.”
Joel, who has scored 33 top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, ended up co-writing “Turn the Lights Back On” with Wexler, Arthur Bacon and Wayne Hector. Wexler also produced it. It’s Joel’s first song released with words since 2007’s “All My Life.”
“The whole point of doing what I do is because it was so much fun to do when I first started. I kind of lost that after awhile. Freddy got me to find the joy in it again,” Joel said.
The performance featured Joel at the piano singing the ballad, his voice sounding lower than it did in his heyday but still rich and true, with the camera occasionally cutting to Wexler singing along. Joel’s accompanists included Icelandic-Chinese singer Laufey, who won the Grammy for best traditional pop vocal album earlier in the evening.
She’s perfected the art of sex-positive pop. But after a massive year (featuring: a Grammy! a world tour! a song with a billion streams!), the Cosmo cover star is ready to shed her stage personas and make vulnerable music that reflects her roots.
Kim on the many personas she’s had throughout her career: “I’m always looking to free myself of things. I think that’s where the alter egos came from. You can tell a lot about me by looking at the characters I made up.”
Kim on Paris Hilton’s early support: “She was one of my first believers. She said, ‘You? You’re going to do things.’”
Kim on how her alter ego Slut Pop Kim was a true personal breakthrough, helping her learn to love her body as a trans woman and channel that into music: “She is the Kim who’s not afraid of anything sexual and really not ashamed of her body and really not limiting herself. That’s something I aspire to be. For me, growing up trans, all of that has been a big deal. Am I supposed to feel sexy? Does anyone think I’m sexy? ‘No, you’re the weird school freak’ is buried into you if you’re a trans kid. It felt freeing for me to talk about sex as if I never struggled with it.”
Kim on her “hopeless” childhood: “I want to let you in to the darker moments of my life. My childhood felt very hopeless. I felt so outside of society and so made into an object because my identity was constantly talked about. It felt like I had to deal with a lot of things that kids don’t have to deal with until they’re much older. Now, I see the beauty in the darkness. And so for my future project, I’m going to try to talk about that.”
Cool…..
#RHOA: Kenya Moore is open to a Porsha Williams comeback, teases plans for ‘dynamic’ Season 16!
Though the “frenemies” have often sparred on the Bravo reality series, Moore tells Page Six in an exclusive interview that she acknowledges the impact of their highly entertaining chemistry.
“I think we made great TV together. You know, I think we’re the best frenemies. Some of the best times on that show have been created with me and Porsha,” the Kenya Moore Haircare founder, 53, shares.
“Some of the most iconic moments have been created with us being onscreen together. So I feel like that magic could still exist if she comes back.”
“I think we made great TV together. You know, I think we’re the best frenemies,” Moore says.
Williams, 42, made the “difficult decision” to quit the show in September 2021 ahead of Season 14 after a decade on the program.
At the time, she explained that she was ready to “begin [her] next chapter.”
Since then, the civil rights activist has gotten married. She said “I do” to Nigerian businessman Simon Guobadia in November 2022.
Moore goes on to add that casting for the forthcoming Season 16 of “RHOA” is almost “finalized.”
The actress predicts the process will be complete “within the next 30 days” and that filming will begin in the spring.
“I think they’re 100 percent focused on creating a dynamic new cast with some oldies and some newbies,” she teases. “So we’ll see. We’ll see. Season 16 might just be as sweet as you want it to be.”
While Moore is holding out hope for Williams’ return, she can’t say the same for series OG NeNe Leakes, who filed a racism and discrimination lawsuit against the Bravo network, executive producer Andy Cohen and others in April 2022.
Though she dropped the suit four months later, Moore is certain Leakes, 56 — who exited the program in September 2020 ahead of Season 13 — sealed her fate
“I pretty much know the door is closed on NeNe,” the mother of one tells us. “You know, I think Andy has said it out of his own mouth that, you know, he’s going to keep her name out of his mouth. So I think I have to say that’s not a possibility.”
Our chat with Moore preceded the news that Kandi Burruss would not be returning to “RHOA” after starring on the show for a record-breaking 14 years.
“I decided I’m not coming back this year,” Burruss revealed on Sunday’s 2024 Grammy Awards red carpet.
“It’s been 14 seasons, and they allowed us to sit around for a little too long,” she said of the unusually lengthy hiatus between Season 15, which concluded in September 2023, and Season 16 amid reports of a major cast shakeup.
“But during that time, I had started working on a lot of other things, and I got some nice big projects coming soon, so I’m super excited about those things.”
The multi-hyphenate, 47, noted that it wasn’t just the stall between seasons that impacted her decision to bow out.
“It’s just like, you know, after you really have time to think, and a friend of mine was like, ‘Why do you keep doing it?’ And I was like, ‘Well, I think because I’ve just been doing it so long, feels weird to think not to do it?'” she reflected. “So I was just like, ‘You know what? I’m going to take a break. I’m going to take a moment.'”
The Season 15 cast starred Burruss, Moore, Shereé Whitfield, Drew Sidora, Sanya Richards-Ross and Marlo Hampton.
#MusicNews: Billy Joel Live-Debuts ‘Turn the Lights Back On’ for His First Grammy Performance in 30 Years!
The Piano Man was back at the 2024 Grammys, with Billy Joel taking the stage to perform his latest single “Turn the Lights Back On.”
The performance — the first time Joel has played at the Grammys in 30 years — was preceded by a video package explaining the new song’s origin story, with co-writer Freddy Wexler saying his dream of meeting Joel was fulfilled when his wife introduced him “to a doctor who knew another doctor who once knew Billy Joel.”
This loose association led to a long lunch meeting between Wexler and the icon who, Wexler says, became “unlikely friends” and ultimately wrote the song together.
“It took him awhile to talk me into it,” says Joel, who says he did a recording and “didn’t hate my voice, and I usually do.”
Joel, who has scored 33 top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, ended up co-writing “Turn the Lights Back On” with Wexler, Arthur Bacon and Wayne Hector. Wexler also produced it. It’s Joel’s first song released with words since 2007’s “All My Life.”
“The whole point of doing what I do is because it was so much fun to do when I first started. I kind of lost that after awhile. Freddy got me to find the joy in it again,” Joel said.
The performance featured Joel at the piano singing the ballad, his voice sounding lower than it did in his heyday but still rich and true, with the camera occasionally cutting to Wexler singing along. Joel’s accompanists included Icelandic-Chinese singer Laufey, who won the Grammy for best traditional pop vocal album earlier in the evening.
Joel later closed the 2024 Grammys with a rousing rendition of his 1980 classic “You May Be Right.”
#HipHopNews: Megan Thee Stallion's 'HISS' debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100
While she doesn’t mention any names on the song, Megan’s hard-hitting chart-topper is full of shots aimed at a variety of individuals.
“I feel like Mariah Carey, got these n**gas so obsessed, my p**sy so famous, might get managed by Kris Jenner next, he can’t move on, can’t let it go, he hooked, nose full of that Tina Snow, and since n**gas need Megan help to make money, b**ch, come be my h**, all of you b**ches is weak, on the Bible, talkin’ s**t from where no one can find you, I can never be judged by a b**ch that was dancin’, makin’ R. Kelly go viral…”
As previously reported, the Houston talent explained the meaning behind the fiery track on a phone call with “The Breakfast Club.” “It’s for these b**ches and h**s, b**ches and h**s alike, men or women,” she said. “Every time one of these motherf**kers uses Megan Thee Stallion’s name, they get 24 hours of attention.”
She continued, “Basically, I understand what y’all doing, and I want y’all to get up off me. Use something else. Do something different. Use another tactic. This one getting old.” When Charlamagne tha God pressed Megan about the song’s potential targets, she added, “I’m saying, a hit dog gon’ holler. That’s it. Whoever feel it, feel it.”
Usher Is the New Face of Skims
Usher’s debut for Kim K’s intimates label includes a commercial and a series of photographs that men everywhere will try to hide from their significant others. In the photos, Usher is holding a peach—the most erotic fruit!—while showing off a variety of boxer briefs. (Call Usher by your name, and he’ll call you by his.) He dangles a toothpick from his mouth in the video while announcing that he loves to entertain because of “the element of intimacy between me and an audience.” The Super Bowl often yields notoriously distant, over-the-top musical performances—but if anyone can bring intimacy to the halftime show, it’s Usher.
In addition to the scintillating campaign, Skims is also working with Usher on the rollout of his new album Coming Home, which drops on Friday. For the first week of its release, an exclusive digital version of the record with an alternative cover and a bonus track, “Naked,” will be available via Skims's webstore.
Skims has always gotten high marks for its partners. On the women’s side, the brand has enlisted everyone from The White Lotus season two stars Simona Tabasco and Beatrice Grannò to SZA and Lana Del Rey. Since entering the men’s market last year, the label has replicated that success by working with super stylish athletes like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Neymar Jr.
Skims has focused on the sports world as its natural entry point into the world of men’s undergarments. The first campaign featured huge names from the NFL, NBA, and the world of soccer. Now, the brand is hitching its wagon to the Super Bowl, one of the most significant sporting events on the calendar. And for all the supremely in-shape fellas taking the field on Sunday, it’s tough to beat Usher as a paragon for what men want to look and feel like in their underwear.
#BREAKING: Toby Keith, Country Music Star, Dies At 62
Country music star Toby Keith has died, his social media sites and website announced early Tuesday. He was 62.
The outlets said he "passed peacefully last night on February 5th, surrounded by his family. He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time."
Keith announced in June 2022 that he'd been undergoing treatment for stomach cancer since the previous fall.
The multi-platinum-selling singer tweeted at the time that he'd had surgery and chemotherapy and radiation in the prior six months.
"So far, so good," the Oklahoma native said. "I need time to breathe, recover and relax.
"I am looking forward to spending this time with my family. But I will see the fans sooner than later. I can't wait."
The music legend is survived by his wife Tricia Lucas, and their three children Shelley, Krystal, and son, Stelen. He also leaves behind four grandchildren.
Judge Pursues Lizzo Harassment Case After Singer Wants It Tossed Out
According to Billboard on Friday (Feb. 2), a judge has denied Lizzo’s motion to throw out her sexual harassment lawsuit filed by three of her former backup dancers Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez. Although certain accusations have been dismissed — such as fat-shaming claims —the judge will still pursue a trial.
Lizzo was accused of harassment and discrimination last year, and sought dismissal of the case under the California anti-SLAPP statute, a law that resolves meritless lawsuits that threaten free speech. The singer felt that she was trying to be “silenced.”
Judge Mark H. Epstein found that the anti-SLAPP statute didn’t apply to the circumstances. He stated, “It is dangerous for the court to weigh in, ham-fisted, into constitutionally protected activity. But it is equally dangerous to turn a blind eye to allegations of discrimination or other forms of misconduct merely because they take place in a speech-related environment.”
According to Rolling Stone, Lizzo’s legal team asked, “Can a global celebrity be forever insulated from civil liability because all their conduct is protected as free speech under the anti-SLAPP statute?” The statement also read, “Defendant Lizzo asks this Court to rule in exactly that fashion. Fortunately for all victims of celebrity malfeasance, the law says otherwise.”
However the judge will still proceed with trial. Back in August, the “Special” singer had allegations made against her claiming that she discriminated against one of her dancers for gaining weight. She was also accused of firing that person after they recorded a meeting “because of a health condition.”
The lawsuit also alleged that the singer pressured them into touching a naked dancer in an Amsterdam nightclub. While some of the other dancers and the plaintiffs were reluctant to participate, they reportedly decided to partake in the festivities for fear of losing their jobs.
Taylor Swift Reveals Tracklist Of Upcoming Album 'The Tortured Poets Department'
Taylor Swift may have left Swfities excited with her latest announcement. One day after announcing a new album titled "The Tortured Poets Department", the "All Too Well" hitmaker revealed the tracklist of her upcoming record, which is set to be released on April 19.
On Monday, February 5, the 34-year-old superstar made use of her Instagram page to upload a photo featuring the list of songs that will be included in the set. The black-and-white picture also captured herself and a message that read, "I love you, it's ruining my life." The singles on Side A are "Fortnight" (feat. Post Malone), "The Tortured Poets Department", "My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys" and "Down Bad". Furthermore, Side B consists of "So Long, London", "But Daddy I Love Him", "Fresh Out the Slammer" and "Florida!!!" (feat Florence and The Machine).
While Side C includes tracks titled "Guilty as Sin?", "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?", "I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)" and "loml", Side D features songs titled "I Can Do It With a Broken Heart", "The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived", "The Alchemy" and "Clara Bow". In Side D, Taylor also gives her listeners a bonus single titled "The Manuscript".
The revelation came shortly after Taylor broke the news of her new album at the 2024 Grammy Awards. During her 13th Grammy award acceptance speech at the Sunday night, February 4 event, she stated, "My brand new album comes out April 19th. It's called 'The Tortured Poets Department'. I'm gonna go and post the cover right now backstage. Thank you! I love you!"
In the meantime, the "Anti-Hero" songstress let out the album cover on her Instagram account. The black-and-white cover art featured part of her face and her body from her torso down to her thighs. She was photographed wearing a dark-colored ensemble.
Aside from it, Taylor uploaded a photo of a handwriting, which could be the lyrics of one of the songs from the forthcoming album. It read, "And so I enter into evidence/ My tarnished coat of arms/ My muses, acquired like bruises/ My talismans and charms/ The tick, tick, tick of love bombs/ My veins of pitch black ink."
New 'Daredevil: Born Again' Set Photos Offer First Look At Vigilante's New Costume
Emerging on Monday, February 5, the pictures saw Charlie Cox rocking a new version of the Marvel hero's suit. While it's still similar to the one on Netflix's "Daredevil", the new one looks redder. The new costume is more of a light red suit rather than maroon or black.
Another snap, meanwhile, served as a spoiler for Bullseye's look on the forthcoming Disney+ take on Daredevil's story. The picture was blurry, but it's enough to show Wilson Bethel's character rocking a blue/navy costume. It's reportedly a version of the suit that the villain wears in the comics.
Rumor has it the pictures were taken when they were filming a scene that involved Karen Page being killed, seemingly by Bullseye. It won't be totally surprising since Deborah Ann Woll allegedly will only appear in three episodes, but that doesn't mean that fans won't be disappointed if Karen dies so early on the show.
Elden Helson, who portrays Foggy Nelson, also could be seen on the set. He was dressed in a brown suit with a baby blue undershirt. He was pictured wearing a patterned scarf while also carrying a caramel coat in one of his hands. Thankfully, Foggy was reportedly alive after meeting Bullseye.
"Daredevil: Born Again" will also see Vincent D'Onofrio and Jon Bernthal returning as Wilson Fisk a.k.a. Kingpin and Frank Castle a.k.a. The Punisher respectively. Additionally, the new series is set to feature new cast members, including Sandrine Holt, Michael Gandolfini and Margarita Levieva.
"I think it's definitely a new show. It's not the Netflix show. It's definitely a new show," D'Onofrio told ComicBook.com in a recent interview. "I mean, all I can say is that Charlie [Cox] and I are not bored. We are having a great time. We have a great cast, and I think everybody else is having a great time too."
"Charlie's one of my favorite people, and I know that he comes here every day ready to knock it out of the park and you know how I am, I'm totally into this part, so I'm there for the same reason," he continued.
He added, "We're really just delivering. It's a lot of work. Charlie's amazing because he has to do all the stunts and stuff, so he's in constant training and learning different things. But the scenes are great. I'm trying to skirt around specifics, but I can only say that it is a different show and it feels like a different show."
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s Daughter Is Allegedly Receiving Death Threats
Ava -- born Simone Garcia Johnson -- has been taking the brunt of the backlash surrounding her father's recent surprise appearance, which many fans claim derailed the story with Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns.
The Rock's daughter -- NXT Superstar Ava -- is claiming that her inbox has been flooded with death threats and hateful messages after her father showed up at the WWE unannounced -- something that she says she has nothing to do with.
"Can ya'll just leave me out of this ffs I'm busy running a SHOW," Ava said on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, adding, "death threats over a situation I have nothing to do with … bffr."
After the NXT's General Manager spoke out, many came to her defense, including Ryan Avedisian, who said:
Wow, Ava does not deserve being treated like this. Ava is a gm of nxt and is not head of creative in nxt. It really shows how toxic the IWC really is. The fans that go too far with these death threats need to, grow a pair, be in jail and/or seek psychiatric help. These toxic fans need to calm down, wrestling is a scripted show. Ava deserves better than this. Let Ava do her job in peace.
Another fan took to X to say, "The fact that some of y'all on both sides of this Cody/Rock fiasco are harassing people who have nothing to do with it, like NXT GM Ava, is really disgusting."
"Say it louder for the halfwits in the back," one social media user responded.
As one social media user claimed, "my god when will y'all stop this madness? leave people ALONE, ava is on nxt she's got NOTHING to do with this, cody would hate this c'mon do better."
Dwayne Johnson himself has taken to social media following the backlash, stating, "There’s a word for this explosive, insane reaction - undeniable. No matter the era, the decade, or the city, the energy and connection between the People’s Champ and the People can never be broken and is truly an electrifying experience that creates chills every single time."
Fans, of course, let their opinions known as one user replied to 'The Rock', stating, "I was there live in the building, and it’ll be a moment I’ll never forget. And I love ya Rock. But PLEASE, don’t take this moment away from Cody. We want to see you fight Roman, but Cody deserves to beat Roman for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. Help him be THE GUY."
Another said, "Rock you’re a legend but this is Cody’s time and Cody’s match."
Johnson went on to thank those involved for the moment, stating, "Thank you Birmingham, Alabama, we made magical history in the “magic city”. Thank you WWE and thank you Cody for the love and the house (dream & soulman). Roman, there’s only one head of the table. I’ll see you in Vegas…Uso."
Tracy Chapman's original 'Fast Car' hits #1 on iTunes after Grammys performance
Tracy Chapman is back at the top of the charts, where hopefully she feels like she belongs. After the singer-songwriter performed her signature hit "Fast Car" at the Grammys on Sunday, the song rocketed to #1 on the iTunes store by Monday morning.
iTunes may not be as popular as it once was, but its store is still frequented by older music patrons — so perhaps listeners who remember the original 1988 release of "Fast Car" and/or grew up with Chapman's self-titled debut album are rediscovering the power of her work along with everybody else.
"Fast Car" has been undergoing a resurgence in popular culture thanks to Luke Combs' country cover of the song, which has been dominating the country charts since he released it as part of his 2023 album Gettin' Old.
Chapman has often been particular about how her music is used by other artists. In 2021, she won a $450,000 lawsuit against Nicki Minaj after the rapper sampled Chapman's song "Babe Can I Hold You" against her wishes.
But when it came to Combs, he has always honored and acknowledged her artistry as his cover gained popularity. When his version earned Song of the Year at the Country Music Awards last year, the award went to Chapman, making her the first Black artist to win it.
Chapman embraced Combs by playing "Fast Car" alongside him on stage on Sunday, more than 30 years after the song won her the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Performance. It was Chapman's first public performance in years, and the clip became one of the most popular online from Sunday's show.
The performance made a huge impact with many viewers. Former EW editor Sarah Rodman highlighted her personal favorite moments from the clip — especially those involving Combs and Chapman smiling at each other and acknowledging the special moment.
Music critic Steven Hyden was inspired to share an older clip of Chapman performing "Fast Car" in 1988 and silencing a packed crowd at London's Wembley Stadium.
Mathew Knowles Says Beyoncé's Record Label Is Also To Blame
Mathew Knowles joined us on "TMZ Live" Monday, and we asked him about Jay's spicy speech at the Grammys, and what's holding Beyoncé back from winning Album of the Year.
While HOV pointed the finger at the voters, Mathew claims Beyonce's record label, Columbia Records, isn't doing its part behind the scenes ... suggesting it's not going to bat for her when it comes to the voting process or the lobbying involved for award shows.
As Mathew explains, record labels can only support one artist per category, which becomes an issue when artists from the same label are nominated for the same award ... as has been the case with Beyoncé at least twice.
Mathew says this exact scenario played out back in 2017 ... when Beyoncé and Adele, who is also signed to Columbia, were both nominated for AOTY. Bey's dad claims Columbia Records threw its support behind Adele, and she ended up trumping Bey for the Grammy.
Harry Styles is also on Columbia, BTW ... and last year, he beat out Beyoncé for AOTY.
Mathew says there are all sorts of reasons a record label would support one artist over another -- he broke down a few for us, while also pointing out it's not always about the music itself.
Jay-Z admitted in his speech this whole process is subjective, and Mathew's not denying that ... but he says money is a big motivator here too.
Beyoncé may very well win AOTY somewhere down the line ... but at the moment, her father seems to be implying the powers that be just aren't in her corner for the top prize.
Of course, Jay's solution was to "keep showing up," to the point where she can no longer be denied ... but Mathew's saying Beyonce's label has to show up for her.
Author Terry McMillan Partners With Lifetime for Slate of New Original Movies
Bestselling author Terry McMillan has partnered with Lifetime to executive produce a slate of new movies under the banner “Terry McMillan Presents.” Best known for her novels turned hit films “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” and “Waiting to Exhale,” McMillan’s new movies for Lifetime will focus on the love and lives of African American women, and serve as part of Lifetime’s 40th anniversary.
“As women, we can be messy. We can be complicated. We can be so many things,” McMillan said in a statement. “Life is never tied up in a bow so it’s thrilling to be back in business with Lifetime who allows women to tell our own stories in an authentic way.”
The original movies under the “Terry McMillan Presents” banner will be announced later this year with casting information. Lifetime and McMillan previously collaborated on “A Day Late and a Dollar Short,” which starred Whoopi Goldberg, Mekhi Phifer, Anika Noni Rose, Kimberly Elise, Tichina Arnold and Ving Rhames.
“Terry is an American treasure with her ability to capture the female experience in finding love and happiness,” says Lifetime EVP and head of programming Elaine Frontain Bryant. “We are so excited to partner with her on these new movies that I know will also resonate with our viewers.”
McMillan has won the NAACP Image Award and the Essence Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award. Her debut novel “Mama” also received the Doubleday New Voices Award and the American Book Award. Additionally, all of her novels became New York Times Bestsellers, including her latest novel “It’s Not All Downhill From Here.”
Sybrina Fulton shares heartfelt birthday message to late son Trayvon Martin
“Happy heavenly birthday to my sun/sonshine. Just know I do this all for you,” the program coordinator-turned-activist wrote on Instagram. “You will forever be a part of my heart, and even the death of you has not separated my LOVE for you.” In the comments section, several big names offered support to Fulton, including Holly Robinson Peete, Ava DuVernay, Luenell Campbell, Tamika D. Mallory and Tina Knowles.
Since the tragic death of Martin at the hands of George Zimmerman in 2012, Fulton has remained unwavering in her fight for racial equality and gun reform. Alongside ex-husband and Martin’s father, Tracy Martin, she runs the Trayvon Martin Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to providing “emotional and financial support to families who have lost a child to gun violence.”
“Before I lost Trayvon, I can tell you I was living just a regular life,” she said to New York Magazine‘s The Cut in 2022, 10 years after her son’s passing. “I had not been to a march at all. I’m not telling people, you know, that, ‘Oh, I’ve been this community activist all my life.’ No, I have not.’ Don’t wait till it comes to your front door, like I did.”
Fulton continued, “What makes me angry is the fact that you have so many people that want to do something, but they don’t. You got so many people who comment, and who post, and who are talking heads on the news, and what are they doing? Nothing. You have to be active. You have to participate. You have to get involved. Those are the types of things that make me angry. You can’t just share a story on social media and figure, ‘Okay, I did my part,’ you know?”
Big Boi, Black Thought & More Congratulate Killer Mike On Grammy Win
Big Boi, Black Thought and many more have given Killer Mike his flowers after he won big at the 2024 Grammy Awards.
The Roots MC, who was also nominated for Best Rap Performance with “Love Letter,” demonstrated that he’s a team player on Monday (February 5) by extending his congratulations to Mike, who emerged victorious in the category.
“Honored to have been recognized by the @recordingacademy for a solo effort that allowed me to express my love for this thing we call Hip-Hop,” he wrote. “Thank you to my partners at @BET and @bennyboom for helping create ‘Love Letter.’ Congrats to @killermike for taking it home. Hip-Hop wins again!”
The night before, Big Boi celebrated his “brother” by acknowledging Killer Mike’s impressive sweep of every category he was nominated for.
“Congrats @KillerMike on sweeping all 3 nominations… yes sir ! Proud of you brother [spaceship emoji],” the OutKast rapper wrote on Twitter.
Fellow ATLien 2Chainz also showed love on Instagram, writing: “Congrats to @killermike on having album of the year at the Grammys and on achieving this goal[exclamation emoji] im happy and blessed to be apart of it [one-hundred emoji, blue heart emojis].”
Others who joined in on the celebration include Juicy J, Freddie Gibbs and Charlemagne Tha God.
Congrats @KillerMike on sweeping all 3 nominations… yes sir ! Proud of you brother 🛸
It was a momentous night for Killer Mike, who scored three Grammys Awards at the annual ceremony. In addition to winning Best Rap Album for Michael his song “Scientists & Engineers” featuring André 3000, Future and Eryn Allen Kane, won the awards for Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance.
When receiving his trophy, Mike said: “This is for all the people who think you’re too old to rap … we keep Hip Hop alive. Never ever stop doing what you do.”
However, celebrations took an unexpected turn when reports surfaced that the rapper had been taken into police custody and escorted out of the venue in handcuffs during the ceremony. The arrest is alleged to be the result of an altercation involving the Southern MC and a security guard.
“We hit a speed bump, and then we head back to the party,” Mike said, who phoned into The Big Tigger Show the following morning to address the situation.
The 48-year-old was otherwise reluctant to address the incident during the interview, preferring instead to concentrate on his victories.
“Three Grammys, 20 years in the game, 48 years old,” he said of himself. “Beat out everybody in the thing. He beat the best of the best, so all you could say is, he one of the best. The best album in the 50th year of Hip Hop came from Atlanta, Georgia, from a man who will be 50 years old in three years.”
Killer Mike’s last Grammy victory came 21 years ago for his featured verse on OutKast‘s “The Whole World,” which won Best Rap Performance By a Duo or Group.
Popeyes Is Serving Up Heart-Shaped Strawberry Biscuits For A Limited Time
"Balancing sweet and salty flavors, filled with fruity strawberry bits, and topped with creamy icing, these heart-shaped delights are perfect for sharing with that special someone," a press release states.
You can sink your teeth into Heart-Shaped Strawberry Biscuits from February 5 until February 25 for about $1.79 a pop (prices may vary by location). That sounds like a sweet deal. And what makes these biscuits even sweeter—metaphorically, at least—is knowing that Popeyes will donate $1 from each purchase to charity. The proceeds will go to the Popeyes Foundation, which supports company team members who are experiencing hardship from emergencies or natural disasters and also provides grants to community food programs.
In addition to preparing us for the season of love, the New Orleans-based chain is promoting its chicken wings in five flavors for football season. They're even offering a free six-pack of wings on Super Bowl Sunday if a team with wings in its name or logo wins the big game. The wings were added to the permanent menu in November, so you can grab some on any game day (or any regular day of the year). Set out some strawberry heart biscuits, chicken wings, and a couple of dips or appetizers, and you're ready for the football watch party of the year.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Daddy Long Legs
It’s not always easiest to show off parts of ourselves that we feel proud of because we feel that we may be judged in a negative way.
It’s not always easiest to show off parts of ourselves that we feel proud of because we feel that we may be judged in a negative way.
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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