#MAGFAB: NLE Choppa for Paper Magazine!
"They said this shit wouldn't work," NLE Choppa reminds his doubters every time he performs his viral track, "Slut Me Out 2." But right now, it's working exactly how he wants.
A mean strut down the Rolling Loud stage in March 2024 and a call for "all the bad bitches to the floor" would introduce "Slut Me Out 2" as one of the year’s most salacious songs. As NLE Choppa debuted the track, the hook, "If I was a bad bitch, I'd wanna fuck me too/ I'd wanna suck me too," rang out from speakers, stunning the crowd and social media alike. Sexually centered lyrics are not new to Choppa’s musical content, with the track's predecessor, "Slut Me Out," openly professing his big dick energy. However, its sequel is even sluttier, taking on the perspective of a woman who is attracted to Choppa. At the top of the first verse, he leaves no room for misinterpretation and ever so bluntly asks, "Bitch, is we fuckin' or what?"
Choppa’s jarring lyrics were met with quivering legs, pelvic thrusts and even more suggestive and sporadic dancing in an official music video. The freedom of his movements, in tandem with the song's explicit content, garnered significant attention and served up his confidence unapologetically. This dramatized interpretation tapped into Choppa’s overtly sexual bravado and emphasized his cartoonish facial expressions, taking his strut from the stage to the stairs as he traveled through a dreamy mansion full of women. The overarching theme of self-love resonated with the masses, quickly solidifying “Slut Me Out 2” as an anthem that highlights where Choppa is in life: loving himself and those around him.
Born Bryson LaShun Potts, 21-year-old NLE Choppa was raised in east Memphis, Tennessee, an area he's described as dangerous, though he attributes his strength to the rough environment. His animated, carefree persona hides the realities of that troubled upbringing, one he says left his parents uncertain about his future. But now Choppa has transitioned from troubled teen to grounded adult to zealous father, and today he’s in tune with himself, spiritually, emotionally and physically, which shouldn't come as a surprise given the provocative and reassuring lyrics of his music.
For Choppa, who is of Jamaican descent, staying connected to his roots is easy. His momager Angela Potts, affectionately known as "Momma Choppa," and his grandmother, "Grandma Choppa," are both from Kingston, but have since moved to the United States. "I keep my mom and grandmother around me daily, so I always feel close to my roots,” he says, speaking of the influence Jamaica has on his daily life and music. “I've always been able to explore it. I've always been able to let people know this is a part of me, and it's beautiful because a lot of people don't even know that about me.”
His song “Catalina” represents that desire to show more of his connection to Caribbean culture, and features Yaisel LM, a Latin reggaeton artist from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The bilingual ass-shaking track blends Yaisel's vibrant Latin energy with Choppa's jaw-dropping bars about sex and women over a hypnotic dembow beat. In 2023, Yaisel also featured Choppa on the remix for his song "Boy Boy."
A foray into Latin music isn't too far-fetched for Choppa, who has embarked on several different creative pursuits during his short career. In 2020, he began documenting holistic practices on his YouTube channel, Awakened Choppa. To fans, the shift might have felt like a stark 180 for the rapper whose popular songs like "Shotta Flow" and "Walk Em Down" centered on crime and violence, but for Choppa, it’s just a natural inward progression. "I realized around 17 or 18 that everything was way deeper than I thought,” he says. “I'm still realizing that, going through certain tests, journeys and walks.”
In a short time, Choppa has identified his purpose: being a testimony and a testament. "I've realized it's not about being the most righteous person. It's about turning your pain into champagne and inspiring other people going through the same things you've been going through," he says, continuing with passion in his voice: "Someone who wins through triumph so other people can feel like they can win, too. That's the spiritual journey, for real. It's not all about getting some crystals, it's a lot more serious."
With his new mixtape Slut SZN and new endeavors in fashion and entertainment, NLE Choppa is getting serious about it all, allowing himself the space to be free and officially declaring that his time is now.
You've been in the industry since your teen years. Now that you're 21, what's your perspective on the current state of music?
It's whatever you make it, for real, and the amount of work you put in. The blessings come back tenfold. How positive you stay through the midst of the storm is important. Just stay deeply rooted in what you know and want to do, and have the utmost confidence in yourself because you got there. No one came looking for you, you feel me? You put yourself in a position to be seen. That's the thing to always carry. I got here, so now it's time to stay here, thrive here and dominate. I'm just staying consistent with that.
You released "Slut Me Out" in 2022 and then followed that up last year with a Sexyy Red remix. How did that come about?
Man, I was just going with my gut. It was around a time when Sexyy had the "Pound Town" song going, but a lot of people wasn't hip to who she was. A lot of people heard that song, but when it's your first hit song, some people may know the song, but they may not know your face. I was like, “You know what? I want to reach out to her and put her on the ‘Slut Me Out’ remix. I feel like it'll make sense with the record I stumbled across.”
And it was funny because many people was like, "Oh, you don't want to get this person on the remix or that person?" I'm like, "Nah, I want to put her on it. It makes more sense." You know, it was other people where they felt made more sense, or like the big artists at that time. And I was like, "Nah, she’s perfect for it."
Get more HERE! https://www.papermag.com/nle-choppa-40th-anniversary
A mean strut down the Rolling Loud stage in March 2024 and a call for "all the bad bitches to the floor" would introduce "Slut Me Out 2" as one of the year’s most salacious songs. As NLE Choppa debuted the track, the hook, "If I was a bad bitch, I'd wanna fuck me too/ I'd wanna suck me too," rang out from speakers, stunning the crowd and social media alike. Sexually centered lyrics are not new to Choppa’s musical content, with the track's predecessor, "Slut Me Out," openly professing his big dick energy. However, its sequel is even sluttier, taking on the perspective of a woman who is attracted to Choppa. At the top of the first verse, he leaves no room for misinterpretation and ever so bluntly asks, "Bitch, is we fuckin' or what?"
Choppa’s jarring lyrics were met with quivering legs, pelvic thrusts and even more suggestive and sporadic dancing in an official music video. The freedom of his movements, in tandem with the song's explicit content, garnered significant attention and served up his confidence unapologetically. This dramatized interpretation tapped into Choppa’s overtly sexual bravado and emphasized his cartoonish facial expressions, taking his strut from the stage to the stairs as he traveled through a dreamy mansion full of women. The overarching theme of self-love resonated with the masses, quickly solidifying “Slut Me Out 2” as an anthem that highlights where Choppa is in life: loving himself and those around him.
Born Bryson LaShun Potts, 21-year-old NLE Choppa was raised in east Memphis, Tennessee, an area he's described as dangerous, though he attributes his strength to the rough environment. His animated, carefree persona hides the realities of that troubled upbringing, one he says left his parents uncertain about his future. But now Choppa has transitioned from troubled teen to grounded adult to zealous father, and today he’s in tune with himself, spiritually, emotionally and physically, which shouldn't come as a surprise given the provocative and reassuring lyrics of his music.
For Choppa, who is of Jamaican descent, staying connected to his roots is easy. His momager Angela Potts, affectionately known as "Momma Choppa," and his grandmother, "Grandma Choppa," are both from Kingston, but have since moved to the United States. "I keep my mom and grandmother around me daily, so I always feel close to my roots,” he says, speaking of the influence Jamaica has on his daily life and music. “I've always been able to explore it. I've always been able to let people know this is a part of me, and it's beautiful because a lot of people don't even know that about me.”
His song “Catalina” represents that desire to show more of his connection to Caribbean culture, and features Yaisel LM, a Latin reggaeton artist from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The bilingual ass-shaking track blends Yaisel's vibrant Latin energy with Choppa's jaw-dropping bars about sex and women over a hypnotic dembow beat. In 2023, Yaisel also featured Choppa on the remix for his song "Boy Boy."
A foray into Latin music isn't too far-fetched for Choppa, who has embarked on several different creative pursuits during his short career. In 2020, he began documenting holistic practices on his YouTube channel, Awakened Choppa. To fans, the shift might have felt like a stark 180 for the rapper whose popular songs like "Shotta Flow" and "Walk Em Down" centered on crime and violence, but for Choppa, it’s just a natural inward progression. "I realized around 17 or 18 that everything was way deeper than I thought,” he says. “I'm still realizing that, going through certain tests, journeys and walks.”
In a short time, Choppa has identified his purpose: being a testimony and a testament. "I've realized it's not about being the most righteous person. It's about turning your pain into champagne and inspiring other people going through the same things you've been going through," he says, continuing with passion in his voice: "Someone who wins through triumph so other people can feel like they can win, too. That's the spiritual journey, for real. It's not all about getting some crystals, it's a lot more serious."
With his new mixtape Slut SZN and new endeavors in fashion and entertainment, NLE Choppa is getting serious about it all, allowing himself the space to be free and officially declaring that his time is now.
You've been in the industry since your teen years. Now that you're 21, what's your perspective on the current state of music?
It's whatever you make it, for real, and the amount of work you put in. The blessings come back tenfold. How positive you stay through the midst of the storm is important. Just stay deeply rooted in what you know and want to do, and have the utmost confidence in yourself because you got there. No one came looking for you, you feel me? You put yourself in a position to be seen. That's the thing to always carry. I got here, so now it's time to stay here, thrive here and dominate. I'm just staying consistent with that.
You released "Slut Me Out" in 2022 and then followed that up last year with a Sexyy Red remix. How did that come about?
Man, I was just going with my gut. It was around a time when Sexyy had the "Pound Town" song going, but a lot of people wasn't hip to who she was. A lot of people heard that song, but when it's your first hit song, some people may know the song, but they may not know your face. I was like, “You know what? I want to reach out to her and put her on the ‘Slut Me Out’ remix. I feel like it'll make sense with the record I stumbled across.”
And it was funny because many people was like, "Oh, you don't want to get this person on the remix or that person?" I'm like, "Nah, I want to put her on it. It makes more sense." You know, it was other people where they felt made more sense, or like the big artists at that time. And I was like, "Nah, she’s perfect for it."
Get more HERE! https://www.papermag.com/nle-choppa-40th-anniversary
#RHOA: Phaedra Parks Wants to Break the ‘DWTS’ Housewives ‘Curse’ and Show Everyone That Bravo Stars Can Dance
Phaedra Parks isn’t the only Housewife to compete on Dancing With the Stars — but she’s ready to be the first one to win a mirrorball trophy.
“The Housewives generally haven't fared that well,” Parks, 50, exclusively told Us Weekly on Wednesday, September 4, after being announced as one of the celebrity contestants for season 33 of the dance competition. “I want to break the curse because we can definitely win.”
Parks is teamed up with pro Val Chmerkovskiy, who is fresh off his season 32 win with partner Xochitl Gomez. That energy is something the Real Housewives of Atlanta star wants to capitalize for her own run on the reality series.
“I want to show the world that Housewives can do more than talk trash,” she teased. “We can actually dance.”
Parks follows in the footsteps of the Housewives who’ve come before her on DWTS, including Real Housewives of New Jersey’s Teresa Giudice and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ Lisa Vanderpump, Lisa Rinna and Erika Jayne.
Fellow RHOA stars Kim Zolciak-Biermann and Kenya Moore have also competed for the coveted trophy. Rinna, 61, lasted the longest out of all the Housewives, getting eliminated during round seven of season 2. Moore, meanwhile, made it to week six during season 30 in 2021 before getting sent home.
Parks told Us on Wednesday that she hasn’t spoken with Moore about her casting on DWTS. However, she is excited to replace Moore on RHOA for season 16 after Moore’s exit in June. (Moore was accused of spreading revenge porn photos earlier this year involving cast member Brittany Eady. She denied in June that she had any involvement but was not asked back for RHOA’s upcoming season.)
Parks, meanwhile, joined RHOA in 2010 and was fired seven years later after spreading rumors about costar Kandi Burruss and her husband, Todd Tucker, allegedly wanting to drug Porsha Williams. Burruss and Tucker have denied the claims repeatedly.
In July, Parks announced that she is coming back to the Bravo series for season 16. She teased to Us that she’s bringing “the sass in the class” with her comeback.
While RHOA doesn’t return until 2025, fans of Parks can see her on DWTS later this month.
“I have been a huge fan of the show since season 1, so I've always wanted to do it,” Parks told Us of DWTS. “It’s definitely something off my bucket list, so I'm super excited.”
Dancing With the Stars premieres on ABC Tuesday, September 17, at 8 p.m. ET. Episodes will air live simultaneously on ABC and Disney+ and are available next day on Hulu.
#NewMusic from Q. Parker (formerly of 112) “Beg”
Q. Parker (formerly of the legendary group 112) makes his return to new music with the release of the new solo single “BEG.
This song highlights Q Parker’s smooth R&B vocals, blending heartfelt emotion with relatable storytelling from a lover’s perspective.
Nice!
#HipHopNews: 16-Year Old Charged For Murdering YBC Dul In Fatal Drive-By Shooting
A 16-year-old has been charged for the murder of YBC Dul, The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. The fatal drive-by occurred last month in Philly, and the teen has been linked to multiple other shootings in the city, according to police.
The rapper, né Abdul Vicks, was 25 at the time of his passing and was reportedly the latest casualty from the Young Bag Chasers collective in Philly’s ongoing gang war, per The Philadelphia Inquirer.
In the surveillance footage, a person pulls up in a white Hyundai next to the car that the rapper was in and shoots directly into the vehicle. Philly law enforcement located the Hyundai in question later that afternoon, burning in a vacant lot. The 16-year-old is being charged as an adult.
Prior to his death, Dul was actively releasing music. In 2024, he dropped off singles like “5500,” “Draco,” “Evil Thoughts,” “Left Hollywood,” “The Villains/Nonstop,” and plenty more.
His last interview would also be released just days before he was fatally shot. YBC Dul spoke to YouTuber Brand Buckingham as the two walked around his neighborhood and spoke about his current situation.
“I go overboard. I disrespect people—like, badly… I ain’t gonna’ lie, bro,” the rapper said. “You should be nervous, though, ’cause walking with me a bad jawn. We tortured the whole hood. Nobody don’t come outside around here. We walking through blocks, you don’t see nobody. This sh*t is a ghost town… It ain’t no block you could go on down here and people outside.”
Vicks added, “We f**ked the blocks up… I never got robbed, I never got touched.”
Kendrick Lamar will headline 2025 Super Bowl halftime show in New Orleans
The "Not Like Us" rapper, 37, is set to perform during the 2025 Apple Music Super Bowl halftime show. He shared the news Sunday in a YouTube video that showed Lamar on a football field in front of a giant American flag.
"My name is Kendrick Lamar, and I'll be performing at Super Bowl LIX," he says in the clip. "Will you be pulling up? I hope so."
Roc Nation, Apple Music and the NFL confirmed the news in a news release, and the NFL shared a promotional poster on X that showed Lamar sitting on a football field.
"Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date," Lamar said in a statement on Sunday. "And I'll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one."
Seth Dudowsky, NFL's head of music, noted that, "Few artists have impacted music and culture as profoundly as Kendrick Lamar," adding, "Time and time again, Kendrick has proven his unique ability to craft moments that resonate, redefine, and ultimately shake the very foundation of hip-hop."
Lamar previously performed during the Super Bowl halftime show in 2022 as part of a star-studded lineup that also included Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and 50 Cent.
The gig comes amid a big year for Lamar, who has been making headlines for a high-profile feud with Drake. The two rappers have traded barbs in a series of back-and-forth diss tracks, including Lamar's "Not Like Us." Released in May, "Not Like Us" debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart, and it's nominated for song of the year at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards on Wednesday. In June, Lamar performed the hit track five times during a Juneteenth concert in California.
The feud between Lamar and Drake escalated in March when Lamar appeared on Future and Metro Boomin's song "Like That" and rejected the idea of there being a "big three" in rap consisting of himself, Drake and J. Cole. "It's just big me," he rapped. Drake has fired back with his own diss tracks, including "Taylor Made Freestyle."
Lamar has won 17 Grammy Awards throughout his career. The Super Bowl halftime show was most recently headlined in 2024 by Usher, who was joined by Alicia Keys, H.E.R., will.i.am, Lil Jon, Jermaine Dupri and Ludacris.
Super Bowl LIX is scheduled for Feb. 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
Rihanna Gives Naomi Campbell Cold Shoulder In Viral Video At NYFW
New York Fashion Week was abuzz with more than just the latest designs. A viral video captured a moment that has fans speculating about the status of Rihanna and Naomi Campbell's relationship.
At the Alaïa runway show, the "Umbrella" singer made a grand entrance in a dazzling crystal-covered mesh gown. While she received a warm welcome from former British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful, a notable snub occurred as she seemingly ignored Campbell, who was seated right next to Enninful.
In the clip, Rihanna engages in a friendly hug and cheek kisses with Enninful but barely acknowledges Campbell, despite potential eye contact. This blatant disregard did not go unnoticed by fans, who quickly took to social media to discuss the icy interaction. One fan commented, "Rihanna said God forgives but I don't lmao," while another dubbed Campbell's expression a "bombastic side eye."
“The Housewives generally haven't fared that well,” Parks, 50, exclusively told Us Weekly on Wednesday, September 4, after being announced as one of the celebrity contestants for season 33 of the dance competition. “I want to break the curse because we can definitely win.”
Parks is teamed up with pro Val Chmerkovskiy, who is fresh off his season 32 win with partner Xochitl Gomez. That energy is something the Real Housewives of Atlanta star wants to capitalize for her own run on the reality series.
“I want to show the world that Housewives can do more than talk trash,” she teased. “We can actually dance.”
Parks follows in the footsteps of the Housewives who’ve come before her on DWTS, including Real Housewives of New Jersey’s Teresa Giudice and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ Lisa Vanderpump, Lisa Rinna and Erika Jayne.
Fellow RHOA stars Kim Zolciak-Biermann and Kenya Moore have also competed for the coveted trophy. Rinna, 61, lasted the longest out of all the Housewives, getting eliminated during round seven of season 2. Moore, meanwhile, made it to week six during season 30 in 2021 before getting sent home.
Parks told Us on Wednesday that she hasn’t spoken with Moore about her casting on DWTS. However, she is excited to replace Moore on RHOA for season 16 after Moore’s exit in June. (Moore was accused of spreading revenge porn photos earlier this year involving cast member Brittany Eady. She denied in June that she had any involvement but was not asked back for RHOA’s upcoming season.)
Parks, meanwhile, joined RHOA in 2010 and was fired seven years later after spreading rumors about costar Kandi Burruss and her husband, Todd Tucker, allegedly wanting to drug Porsha Williams. Burruss and Tucker have denied the claims repeatedly.
In July, Parks announced that she is coming back to the Bravo series for season 16. She teased to Us that she’s bringing “the sass in the class” with her comeback.
While RHOA doesn’t return until 2025, fans of Parks can see her on DWTS later this month.
“I have been a huge fan of the show since season 1, so I've always wanted to do it,” Parks told Us of DWTS. “It’s definitely something off my bucket list, so I'm super excited.”
Dancing With the Stars premieres on ABC Tuesday, September 17, at 8 p.m. ET. Episodes will air live simultaneously on ABC and Disney+ and are available next day on Hulu.
Q. Parker (formerly of the legendary group 112) makes his return to new music with the release of the new solo single “BEG.
This song highlights Q Parker’s smooth R&B vocals, blending heartfelt emotion with relatable storytelling from a lover’s perspective.
LISTEN HERE:
#HipHopNews: 16-Year Old Charged For Murdering YBC Dul In Fatal Drive-By Shooting
The rapper, né Abdul Vicks, was 25 at the time of his passing and was reportedly the latest casualty from the Young Bag Chasers collective in Philly’s ongoing gang war, per The Philadelphia Inquirer.
In the surveillance footage, a person pulls up in a white Hyundai next to the car that the rapper was in and shoots directly into the vehicle. Philly law enforcement located the Hyundai in question later that afternoon, burning in a vacant lot. The 16-year-old is being charged as an adult.
Prior to his death, Dul was actively releasing music. In 2024, he dropped off singles like “5500,” “Draco,” “Evil Thoughts,” “Left Hollywood,” “The Villains/Nonstop,” and plenty more.
His last interview would also be released just days before he was fatally shot. YBC Dul spoke to YouTuber Brand Buckingham as the two walked around his neighborhood and spoke about his current situation.
“I go overboard. I disrespect people—like, badly… I ain’t gonna’ lie, bro,” the rapper said. “You should be nervous, though, ’cause walking with me a bad jawn. We tortured the whole hood. Nobody don’t come outside around here. We walking through blocks, you don’t see nobody. This sh*t is a ghost town… It ain’t no block you could go on down here and people outside.”
Vicks added, “We f**ked the blocks up… I never got robbed, I never got touched.”
Kendrick Lamar will headline 2025 Super Bowl halftime show in New Orleans
The "Not Like Us" rapper, 37, is set to perform during the 2025 Apple Music Super Bowl halftime show. He shared the news Sunday in a YouTube video that showed Lamar on a football field in front of a giant American flag.
"My name is Kendrick Lamar, and I'll be performing at Super Bowl LIX," he says in the clip. "Will you be pulling up? I hope so."
Roc Nation, Apple Music and the NFL confirmed the news in a news release, and the NFL shared a promotional poster on X that showed Lamar sitting on a football field.
"Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date," Lamar said in a statement on Sunday. "And I'll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one."
Seth Dudowsky, NFL's head of music, noted that, "Few artists have impacted music and culture as profoundly as Kendrick Lamar," adding, "Time and time again, Kendrick has proven his unique ability to craft moments that resonate, redefine, and ultimately shake the very foundation of hip-hop."
Lamar previously performed during the Super Bowl halftime show in 2022 as part of a star-studded lineup that also included Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and 50 Cent.
The gig comes amid a big year for Lamar, who has been making headlines for a high-profile feud with Drake. The two rappers have traded barbs in a series of back-and-forth diss tracks, including Lamar's "Not Like Us." Released in May, "Not Like Us" debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart, and it's nominated for song of the year at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards on Wednesday. In June, Lamar performed the hit track five times during a Juneteenth concert in California.
The feud between Lamar and Drake escalated in March when Lamar appeared on Future and Metro Boomin's song "Like That" and rejected the idea of there being a "big three" in rap consisting of himself, Drake and J. Cole. "It's just big me," he rapped. Drake has fired back with his own diss tracks, including "Taylor Made Freestyle."
Lamar has won 17 Grammy Awards throughout his career. The Super Bowl halftime show was most recently headlined in 2024 by Usher, who was joined by Alicia Keys, H.E.R., will.i.am, Lil Jon, Jermaine Dupri and Ludacris.
Super Bowl LIX is scheduled for Feb. 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
Rihanna Gives Naomi Campbell Cold Shoulder In Viral Video At NYFW
New York Fashion Week was abuzz with more than just the latest designs. A viral video captured a moment that has fans speculating about the status of Rihanna and Naomi Campbell's relationship.
At the Alaïa runway show, the "Umbrella" singer made a grand entrance in a dazzling crystal-covered mesh gown. While she received a warm welcome from former British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful, a notable snub occurred as she seemingly ignored Campbell, who was seated right next to Enninful.
In the clip, Rihanna engages in a friendly hug and cheek kisses with Enninful but barely acknowledges Campbell, despite potential eye contact. This blatant disregard did not go unnoticed by fans, who quickly took to social media to discuss the icy interaction. One fan commented, "Rihanna said God forgives but I don't lmao," while another dubbed Campbell's expression a "bombastic side eye."
WATCH
It's worth mentioning that Rihanna and Campbell were once considered friends, having been photographed together multiple times and even sharing an Italian dinner in May 2016. However, their friendship reportedly soured when Campbell sparked romance with RiRi's ex-boyfriend, billionaire Hassan Jameel. Their simultaneous unfollowing of each other on Instagram added fuel to the speculation.
While Rihanna has never publicly addressed any feud rumors, Campbell has taken steps to deny any bad blood. On an episode of "Watch What Happens Live" in October 2021, she vehemently told host Andy Cohen, "Everything's fine. Of course, it's fine. I don't have beef. I don't have beef, especially with black women that I think are powerful and out there. We're all in the same thing, doing the same struggle."
Despite her attempts to squash the rumors, the recent event at New York Fashion Week has reignited the conversation. Whether this was a mere oversight by Rihanna or a deliberate snub remains up for debate, but one thing is clear: the public's fascination with their dynamic endures.
As this story continues to develop, it serves as a reminder of the pressures and public scrutiny faced by celebrities. In the world of high fashion and media, even the smallest interactions are dissected and analyzed, sometimes blowing things out of proportion.
LL COOL J, GloRilla, Lenny Kravitz, And More To Perform At 2024 MTV VMAs
The 2024 MTV VMAs are officially going down next week and the lineup is sure to get fans excited. On Wednesday (Sept. 11), stars from all over the globe will unite at New York’s UBS Arena to celebrate another year of musical excellence. The stacked lineup of official performers includes LL Cool J, GloRilla, Lenny Kravitz, Anitta featuring Fat Joe, DJ Khaled, and Tiago PZK, KAROL G, and plenty more.
Megan Thee Stallion will be extra busy that night, as she’s billed to not only perform, but also host the show as well.
2024 “VMAs” will air live on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 8PM ET/PT across MTV’s global footprint, including BET, BET Her, CMT, Comedy Central, Logo, MTV, MTV2, Nick at Nite, Paramount Network, Pop, TV Land, VH1, and Univision.
Presenters who will help announce the winners and performers include Big Sean, Busta Rhymes, Fat Joe, Flavor Flav, French Montana, DJ Khaled, Halle Bailey, Jordan Chiles, Lil Nas X, Carson Daly, Cyndi Lauper, Damiano David (Måneskin), DANNA, Miranda Lambert, Naomi Scott, Paris Hilton, Tinashe, and plenty more.
Last year’s VMAs broadcast was one to remember with Nicki Minaj handling hosting duties. Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion delivered their stellar debut performance of “Bongos,” Doja Cat pulled off a memorable medley of “Attention,” “Paint the Town Red,” and “Demons,” while legends like DMC, Doug E. Fresh, Lil Wayne, and more veterans came together for the Hip-Hop 50 tribute. Ice Spice took home the award for Best New Artist and Nicki Minaj won Best Hip-Hop for “Super Freaky Girl.”
Judge Kathleen Ryan is off her cases following serious allegations that she made anti-gay slurs and racist comments, leading to her removal from the bench on August 27th. The shocking claims surfaced after court administrator Edward Hutton blew the whistle, revealing secret recordings of the judge that exposed her inappropriate behavior.
“I just want to make it right. I want to keep my job and do it in peace,” Hutton shared in an interview with WXYZ-TV. “I want the people in Oakland County to have their day in court, with an unbiased judge deciding their fate.”
While Judge Ryan herself hasn’t commented on the matter, her legal team, attorneys Gerald Gleeson and Thomas Cranmer, say they’re ready to clear her name in the proper legal channels.
In Michigan, probate judges are responsible for handling sensitive cases like wills, estates, guardianships, and matters involving mental health laws. However, Ryan’s conduct has come under scrutiny after recordings revealed her using an anti-gay slur to describe David Coulter, Oakland County’s top elected official, who is openly gay. Ryan also referred to Black people as “lazy” during one of her conversations.
“I’m not systemically racist. I’m a new racist,” Ryan reportedly said, according to the recordings. First elected in 2010, Ryan is now under investigation by the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission.
Hutton, who had secretly recorded their phone conversations for years, says it was time to take a stand. Michigan law allows recordings with the consent of just one party, and Hutton used this to gather evidence of Ryan’s misconduct. He sent the recordings to David Coulter, Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement, and other officials. As a result, Chief Probate Judge Linda Hallmark removed Ryan from her duties with pay while the investigation is underway.
As the case unfolds, many are keeping a close eye on the Michigan judiciary, awaiting further action from the Tenure Commission. Judge Ryan’s future remains uncertain, but the revelations have already cast a long shadow over her career.
It's worth mentioning that Rihanna and Campbell were once considered friends, having been photographed together multiple times and even sharing an Italian dinner in May 2016. However, their friendship reportedly soured when Campbell sparked romance with RiRi's ex-boyfriend, billionaire Hassan Jameel. Their simultaneous unfollowing of each other on Instagram added fuel to the speculation.
While Rihanna has never publicly addressed any feud rumors, Campbell has taken steps to deny any bad blood. On an episode of "Watch What Happens Live" in October 2021, she vehemently told host Andy Cohen, "Everything's fine. Of course, it's fine. I don't have beef. I don't have beef, especially with black women that I think are powerful and out there. We're all in the same thing, doing the same struggle."
Despite her attempts to squash the rumors, the recent event at New York Fashion Week has reignited the conversation. Whether this was a mere oversight by Rihanna or a deliberate snub remains up for debate, but one thing is clear: the public's fascination with their dynamic endures.
As this story continues to develop, it serves as a reminder of the pressures and public scrutiny faced by celebrities. In the world of high fashion and media, even the smallest interactions are dissected and analyzed, sometimes blowing things out of proportion.
LL COOL J, GloRilla, Lenny Kravitz, And More To Perform At 2024 MTV VMAs
Megan Thee Stallion will be extra busy that night, as she’s billed to not only perform, but also host the show as well.
2024 “VMAs” will air live on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 8PM ET/PT across MTV’s global footprint, including BET, BET Her, CMT, Comedy Central, Logo, MTV, MTV2, Nick at Nite, Paramount Network, Pop, TV Land, VH1, and Univision.
Presenters who will help announce the winners and performers include Big Sean, Busta Rhymes, Fat Joe, Flavor Flav, French Montana, DJ Khaled, Halle Bailey, Jordan Chiles, Lil Nas X, Carson Daly, Cyndi Lauper, Damiano David (Måneskin), DANNA, Miranda Lambert, Naomi Scott, Paris Hilton, Tinashe, and plenty more.
Last year’s VMAs broadcast was one to remember with Nicki Minaj handling hosting duties. Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion delivered their stellar debut performance of “Bongos,” Doja Cat pulled off a memorable medley of “Attention,” “Paint the Town Red,” and “Demons,” while legends like DMC, Doug E. Fresh, Lil Wayne, and more veterans came together for the Hip-Hop 50 tribute. Ice Spice took home the award for Best New Artist and Nicki Minaj won Best Hip-Hop for “Super Freaky Girl.”
Sade Adu To Release First Song In 6 Years In Support Of Transgender Son
New music from Sade Adu will soon, marking her first new release in six years. The Nigerian-British singer is set to release the track “Young Lion,” dedicated to her transgender son Izaak Theo Adu.
According to Variety, the song is a part of the Transa benefit album, arriving on Nov. 22, 2024. Red Hot is the nonprofit organization behind the work, which is intended to support transgender awareness and spotlights both trans and non-binary artists.
“We started talking about all the gifts that trans artists have been giving to the world, and wanted to create a Red Hot project that centered and celebrated those gifts,” explained Dust Reid to the outlet. Reid put together Transa alongside artist Massima Bell.
“We hoped to create a narrative that positions trans and non-binary people as leaders in our society insofar as the deep inner work they do to affirm who they are in our current climate. We felt this is something everybody should do. Whether you identify as trans or non-binary or otherwise, if you took the time to explore your gender, get in touch with the feeling side of yourself, maybe we would have a future oriented around values of community, collaboration, care, and healing.”
Transa will feature over three-and-a-half hours of music, including a mix of covers and exclusive tracks from Sam Smith, André 3000, Kelela, and more. Per Variety, the project has over 100 contributing artists, and is structured across eight chapters and 46 songs, in reverence to the eight-stripe rainbow pride flag.
According to its website, Red Hot “has produced 20 original projects since 1990 in collaboration with some of the most interesting and creative artists in the world.” These projects combine music, video, design, and other media to raise awareness and funds in the ongoing fight against HIV and AIDS.
The organization Hot was started in 1989 by Leigh Blake and John Carlin as a response to the devastation wrought by AIDS on a generation of New York artists and intellectuals. The history of contributing artists listed on the website includes Bilal, Bon Iver, Chance The Rapper, Ledisi, Lauryn Hill, Pete Rock, L.E.S., SWV, and more.
New music from Sade Adu will soon, marking her first new release in six years. The Nigerian-British singer is set to release the track “Young Lion,” dedicated to her transgender son Izaak Theo Adu.
According to Variety, the song is a part of the Transa benefit album, arriving on Nov. 22, 2024. Red Hot is the nonprofit organization behind the work, which is intended to support transgender awareness and spotlights both trans and non-binary artists.
“We started talking about all the gifts that trans artists have been giving to the world, and wanted to create a Red Hot project that centered and celebrated those gifts,” explained Dust Reid to the outlet. Reid put together Transa alongside artist Massima Bell.
“We hoped to create a narrative that positions trans and non-binary people as leaders in our society insofar as the deep inner work they do to affirm who they are in our current climate. We felt this is something everybody should do. Whether you identify as trans or non-binary or otherwise, if you took the time to explore your gender, get in touch with the feeling side of yourself, maybe we would have a future oriented around values of community, collaboration, care, and healing.”
Transa will feature over three-and-a-half hours of music, including a mix of covers and exclusive tracks from Sam Smith, André 3000, Kelela, and more. Per Variety, the project has over 100 contributing artists, and is structured across eight chapters and 46 songs, in reverence to the eight-stripe rainbow pride flag.
According to its website, Red Hot “has produced 20 original projects since 1990 in collaboration with some of the most interesting and creative artists in the world.” These projects combine music, video, design, and other media to raise awareness and funds in the ongoing fight against HIV and AIDS.
The organization Hot was started in 1989 by Leigh Blake and John Carlin as a response to the devastation wrought by AIDS on a generation of New York artists and intellectuals. The history of contributing artists listed on the website includes Bilal, Bon Iver, Chance The Rapper, Ledisi, Lauryn Hill, Pete Rock, L.E.S., SWV, and more.
Ellen DeGeneres' Final Comedy Special To Address Controversies
Ellen DeGeneres, the former daytime TV titan, is making a significant return to the comedy spotlight with her final special, "Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval". This much-anticipated Netflix special, premiering globally on September 24, arrives on the heels of a whirlwind few years filled with controversy and change for the entertainer.
The 66-year-old comedian, who last graced the standup stage with 2018's "Relatable", has been candid about addressing the elephant in the room, the allegations of racism, sexual misconduct and intimidation on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show", which concluded its run in May 2022 after 19 successful seasons. "To answer the questions everyone is asking me - Yes, I'm going to talk about it. Yes, this is my last special. Yes, Portia really is that pretty in real life," DeGeneres said in a statement.
DeGeneres' final comedy special, directed by Joel Gallen and produced alongside her wife Portia de Rossi and Emmy-winning Ben Winston, promises to give audiences an inside look at the star's life post-scandal and her reflections on being "kicked out of show business." According to a Netflix synopsis, the special will see DeGeneres explore a spectrum of topics, "from the mundane world of raising chickens and parallel parking to the harsh reality of becoming a brand name celebrity."
While the comedy world mourns the approaching end of DeGeneres' stand-up career, fans are eager to see her return to form and address these issues with her signature wit and humor. Her tour for "Ellen's Last Stand... Up", which covered 27 stops, faced some hiccups with cancellations in Dallas, San Francisco, Seattle and Chicago, but the performer remained resolute, asserting, "This is the last time you're going to see me. After my Netflix special, I'm done."
The multi-talented DeGeneres has not entirely stepped away from the entertainment industry. She's working as an executive producer on projects like "Little Funny", aiding rising comedians, and "Couple Time", a film starring Allyn Rachel and Patrick Carlyle. This indicates that while DeGeneres may be stepping back from the limelight, her creative influence will continue shaping future entertainment.
DeGeneres hopes that in these final acts, she can leave her audience with moments of joy, introspection and inspiration. "To all of you who have watched me and supported me, thank you so much for this platform," she said in her final monologue. "And I hope that what I've been able to do in the last 19 years has made you happy, and that I was able to take a little bit of pain away from a bad day or anything you're going through."
The 66-year-old comedian, who last graced the standup stage with 2018's "Relatable", has been candid about addressing the elephant in the room, the allegations of racism, sexual misconduct and intimidation on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show", which concluded its run in May 2022 after 19 successful seasons. "To answer the questions everyone is asking me - Yes, I'm going to talk about it. Yes, this is my last special. Yes, Portia really is that pretty in real life," DeGeneres said in a statement.
DeGeneres' final comedy special, directed by Joel Gallen and produced alongside her wife Portia de Rossi and Emmy-winning Ben Winston, promises to give audiences an inside look at the star's life post-scandal and her reflections on being "kicked out of show business." According to a Netflix synopsis, the special will see DeGeneres explore a spectrum of topics, "from the mundane world of raising chickens and parallel parking to the harsh reality of becoming a brand name celebrity."
While the comedy world mourns the approaching end of DeGeneres' stand-up career, fans are eager to see her return to form and address these issues with her signature wit and humor. Her tour for "Ellen's Last Stand... Up", which covered 27 stops, faced some hiccups with cancellations in Dallas, San Francisco, Seattle and Chicago, but the performer remained resolute, asserting, "This is the last time you're going to see me. After my Netflix special, I'm done."
The multi-talented DeGeneres has not entirely stepped away from the entertainment industry. She's working as an executive producer on projects like "Little Funny", aiding rising comedians, and "Couple Time", a film starring Allyn Rachel and Patrick Carlyle. This indicates that while DeGeneres may be stepping back from the limelight, her creative influence will continue shaping future entertainment.
DeGeneres hopes that in these final acts, she can leave her audience with moments of joy, introspection and inspiration. "To all of you who have watched me and supported me, thank you so much for this platform," she said in her final monologue. "And I hope that what I've been able to do in the last 19 years has made you happy, and that I was able to take a little bit of pain away from a bad day or anything you're going through."
Skai Jackson won’t be charged following August arrest
In August, the former “Jessie” star was arrested after police officers were called to Universal CityWalk in Los Angeles when security spotted Skai, 22, and her boyfriend arguing.
However, the Los Angeles County DA’s office is now declining to file charges against her.
“Skai is relieved that the investigation revealed that this was nothing more than a misunderstanding. We appreciate that the DA determined very quickly that there should be no charges of any kind and Skai looks forward to putting this behind her,” a representative for Jackson told People.
TMZ previously reported that Jackson pushed her boyfriend “more than once” and the couple were detained by security until law enforcement arrived.
Both Jackson and her boyfriend denied a physical fight and are said to have told officers that they were engaged.
However, after deputies reviewed the security footage and saw evidence of pushing, Jackson was arrested, cited and released a few hours later.
There were no weapons involved nor any identifiable injuries, according to the sheriff’s department at the time.
Jackson and her unnamed partner have previously kept their relationship out of the public eye.
Jackson played Zuri Ross on “Jessie” and its spinoff “Bunk’d” and appeared on “Dancing with the Stars” in 2020.
In August, the former “Jessie” star was arrested after police officers were called to Universal CityWalk in Los Angeles when security spotted Skai, 22, and her boyfriend arguing.
However, the Los Angeles County DA’s office is now declining to file charges against her.
“Skai is relieved that the investigation revealed that this was nothing more than a misunderstanding. We appreciate that the DA determined very quickly that there should be no charges of any kind and Skai looks forward to putting this behind her,” a representative for Jackson told People.
TMZ previously reported that Jackson pushed her boyfriend “more than once” and the couple were detained by security until law enforcement arrived.
Both Jackson and her boyfriend denied a physical fight and are said to have told officers that they were engaged.
However, after deputies reviewed the security footage and saw evidence of pushing, Jackson was arrested, cited and released a few hours later.
There were no weapons involved nor any identifiable injuries, according to the sheriff’s department at the time.
Jackson and her unnamed partner have previously kept their relationship out of the public eye.
Jackson played Zuri Ross on “Jessie” and its spinoff “Bunk’d” and appeared on “Dancing with the Stars” in 2020.
John Legend and Chrissy Teigen are stronger as a couple after son’s diagnosis
John Legend and Chrissy Teigen are “stronger” as a couple because of their son’s health problems.
The 45-year-old singer and his wife Chrissy, 38, discovered that their son Miles 6, has type 1 diabetes — a chronic condition in which the body struggles to produce enough insulin — after he became ill at a summer camp and even though they knew the diagnosis would be “life-changing” for him, is confident that they can all navigate the situation together.
“I remember he was at the emergency room because of it and they checked his blood sugar. The thinking was, this may be a reaction to the infection or he may be diabetic. They did some more tests and decided it was the latter, that he was type 1 diabetic. Chrissy was upset a little bit when she first heard. She’s been so good at learning what she needs to do.
“My personality is one where I’m very optimistic and I’m very practical. As soon as I learned that he had this I knew it was going to be life-changing for him and for us, but I’m also like, ‘We can do this.’ We’ve got great advice and lots of people offering support to help us learn. This speaks to us feeling like a team and knowing we can do this. It just makes us stronger,” he told People.
The singer — who also has Luna, 8, Etsi, 20 months, and 15-month-old Wren with Teigen — noted that his eldest son is “early in the diagnosis” so there is still some more work to do but he and his wife are both just “more aware” of paying attention to his dietary and medicinal needs now.
“He’s early in his diagnosis, and when you’re early, your insulin is still doing some of the work that it needs to do. But as the disease progresses, it’s going to get to a point where we really need to monitor everything, count carbs, give him insulin beforehand. We just have to be more aware,” he said.
The 45-year-old singer and his wife Chrissy, 38, discovered that their son Miles 6, has type 1 diabetes — a chronic condition in which the body struggles to produce enough insulin — after he became ill at a summer camp and even though they knew the diagnosis would be “life-changing” for him, is confident that they can all navigate the situation together.
“I remember he was at the emergency room because of it and they checked his blood sugar. The thinking was, this may be a reaction to the infection or he may be diabetic. They did some more tests and decided it was the latter, that he was type 1 diabetic. Chrissy was upset a little bit when she first heard. She’s been so good at learning what she needs to do.
“My personality is one where I’m very optimistic and I’m very practical. As soon as I learned that he had this I knew it was going to be life-changing for him and for us, but I’m also like, ‘We can do this.’ We’ve got great advice and lots of people offering support to help us learn. This speaks to us feeling like a team and knowing we can do this. It just makes us stronger,” he told People.
The singer — who also has Luna, 8, Etsi, 20 months, and 15-month-old Wren with Teigen — noted that his eldest son is “early in the diagnosis” so there is still some more work to do but he and his wife are both just “more aware” of paying attention to his dietary and medicinal needs now.
“He’s early in his diagnosis, and when you’re early, your insulin is still doing some of the work that it needs to do. But as the disease progresses, it’s going to get to a point where we really need to monitor everything, count carbs, give him insulin beforehand. We just have to be more aware,” he said.
NAACP and USC (University of South Carolina) Students Unite in Call to CANCEL Kamala Harris ‘Roast’
*Kamala Harris may be the apple of the Democratic Party’s eye as their 2024 presidential election nominee, but she looks to be anything but for one organization, in light of a planned “roast” of her at the University of South Carolina (USC).
Newsmax reports the NAACP has joined forces with a group of students from the school to call for USC to cancel the event, which is scheduled to take place on Sept. 18.
In a letter to university President Michael Amiridis, the NAACP mentioned that while it does not endorse candidates and is nonpartisan, it was “compelled to write this letter because of the blatantly sexist and racist nature of the event, the advertisement for it, and the potential for violence on campus because of the proposed event.”
The upcoming roast, The Hill noted, will be an event held by the student chapter of Uncensored America, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated in its fight for free speech. Proud Boys founder Gavin McInnes and controversial far-right political commentator Milo Yiannopoulos will serve as the “roastmasters.”
Doubling down on its argument against the roast, NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson issued a separate statement, saying, “[H]ate speech has long served as a weapon to undermine the progress of our nation. At a time where we are witnessing groundbreaking history, bad actors aim to cast a dark shadow on those very achievements.”
“If South Carolina University’s leadership values their black students, it’s only right they shut this event down,” the statement continued. “Our nation’s schools must remain havens for learning, not platforms for hate. It is imperative that the university takes swift action in this matter and protects the campus community from patterns of divisiveness and degradation.”
The NAACP’s opposition to the roast of Vice President Harris roast marks the latest development in the backlash against the event.
Before the organization’s letter, student leaders voiced their disdain for the event via an online petition they organized, which expressed that “[I]n order to ensure an environment of inclusive excellence, we must prevent USC from being associated with events like [the roast] to ensure marginalized students who experience discrimination outside of campus can feel safe and welcomed at our university.”
The NAACP’s letter further emphasized its cancellation desire for the roast, under the notion of the event’s promotion causing more potential harm than good.
“While the NAACP is a staunch advocate for, and defender of, free speech, in light of the advertisement used for the proposed event, the NAACP urges USC to cancel the proposed event, not because of what might be said at the event, but because of what already has been said and depicted in the obscene advertisement,” the organization’s note read.
*Kamala Harris may be the apple of the Democratic Party’s eye as their 2024 presidential election nominee, but she looks to be anything but for one organization, in light of a planned “roast” of her at the University of South Carolina (USC).
Newsmax reports the NAACP has joined forces with a group of students from the school to call for USC to cancel the event, which is scheduled to take place on Sept. 18.
In a letter to university President Michael Amiridis, the NAACP mentioned that while it does not endorse candidates and is nonpartisan, it was “compelled to write this letter because of the blatantly sexist and racist nature of the event, the advertisement for it, and the potential for violence on campus because of the proposed event.”
The upcoming roast, The Hill noted, will be an event held by the student chapter of Uncensored America, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated in its fight for free speech. Proud Boys founder Gavin McInnes and controversial far-right political commentator Milo Yiannopoulos will serve as the “roastmasters.”
Doubling down on its argument against the roast, NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson issued a separate statement, saying, “[H]ate speech has long served as a weapon to undermine the progress of our nation. At a time where we are witnessing groundbreaking history, bad actors aim to cast a dark shadow on those very achievements.”
“If South Carolina University’s leadership values their black students, it’s only right they shut this event down,” the statement continued. “Our nation’s schools must remain havens for learning, not platforms for hate. It is imperative that the university takes swift action in this matter and protects the campus community from patterns of divisiveness and degradation.”
The NAACP’s opposition to the roast of Vice President Harris roast marks the latest development in the backlash against the event.
Before the organization’s letter, student leaders voiced their disdain for the event via an online petition they organized, which expressed that “[I]n order to ensure an environment of inclusive excellence, we must prevent USC from being associated with events like [the roast] to ensure marginalized students who experience discrimination outside of campus can feel safe and welcomed at our university.”
The NAACP’s letter further emphasized its cancellation desire for the roast, under the notion of the event’s promotion causing more potential harm than good.
“While the NAACP is a staunch advocate for, and defender of, free speech, in light of the advertisement used for the proposed event, the NAACP urges USC to cancel the proposed event, not because of what might be said at the event, but because of what already has been said and depicted in the obscene advertisement,” the organization’s note read.
Lee Daniels Calls ‘Empire’ His ‘Worst Experience’ Yet
*Lee Daniels, the visionary creator behind the highly acclaimed series “Empire,” has recently unveiled his candid thoughts about his experiences working on the show. In a provocative interview with The Film Stage concerning his latest project, “The Deliverance,” Daniels, 64, described his time on “Empire” as the “worst experience” of his career.
“Empire,” a riveting six-season drama that aired on Fox from 2015 to 2020, starred an impressive ensemble cast including Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson, and Jussie Smollett. The Emmy-nominated series chronicled the life of a wealthy entertainment executive grappling with terminal illness as he contemplated which of his sons would inherit his empire.
According to Daniels, in his interview with TheFilmStage, he said his decision to co-create “Empire” with actor Danny Strong stemmed primarily from curiosity.
“I wanted to know what that experience was like,” he remarked, reflecting on his predominantly independent filmmaking career. “It was so hard. It was really hard. Horrible. Absolutely the worst experience. Horrible!”
His frustration revealed a deeper yearning for creative freedom, as he shared his reluctance to be constrained by studio demands.
Despite the tough challenges he faced in the television realm, Daniels concedes that the financial rewards of Empire played a significant role in justifying the endeavor.
“I was able to put my kids through college and s***. So that in itself was worth it,” he concluded, acknowledging the often difficult balance between artistic integrity and financial necessity.
Now, as Daniels embarks on his next project, “The Deliverance,” he appears undeterred by his past studio experiences. Collaborating with Netflix for this latest film, Daniels insisted on having final cut rights to ensure his creative vision remained intact. He detailed the clash in expectations with Netflix, revealing their desire for frequent “jump scares” which he initially struggled to execute.
“I said, ‘Listen, man, I can’t do this. I don’t know how… it does not compute,’” he stated. Ultimately, he struck a balance, finding a way to blend his artistic vision with the streaming giant’s demands: “Okay, let me just give them what they want a little bit because it’s a Lee Daniels film, but it’s also a Netflix film.”
“The Deliverance” taps into the real-life horror story of Latoya Ammons, who, along with her family, claimed to be tormented by a malevolent presence after relocating to a rental home in Gary, Indiana, in 2011. The film features a notable cast, including Andra Day, Glenn Close, Caleb McLaughlin of Stranger Things, and Mo’Nique.
However, “The Deliverance” has not fared well with critics, currently holding a dismal 33 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have been harsh, with HuffPost labeling the film “a mess” and IGN asserting it’s “neither scary nor thoughtful enough to leave a mark.”
Despite the lukewarm reception, Daniels maintains his unique perspective as he navigates the challenges of blending his independent film roots with the expectations of major studios.
Through his honesty about the trials of Empire and his current project, Lee Daniels continues to illustrate the complexities of being a creator in the entertainment industry. In his journey, he echoes a common sentiment among artists: the struggle between artistic integrity and the financial realities of the business. As he moves forward, fans and critics alike are left to wonder how his next ventures will unfold amidst the ongoing tension of creative ambition and commercial expectations.
“Empire,” a riveting six-season drama that aired on Fox from 2015 to 2020, starred an impressive ensemble cast including Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson, and Jussie Smollett. The Emmy-nominated series chronicled the life of a wealthy entertainment executive grappling with terminal illness as he contemplated which of his sons would inherit his empire.
According to Daniels, in his interview with TheFilmStage, he said his decision to co-create “Empire” with actor Danny Strong stemmed primarily from curiosity.
“I wanted to know what that experience was like,” he remarked, reflecting on his predominantly independent filmmaking career. “It was so hard. It was really hard. Horrible. Absolutely the worst experience. Horrible!”
His frustration revealed a deeper yearning for creative freedom, as he shared his reluctance to be constrained by studio demands.
Despite the tough challenges he faced in the television realm, Daniels concedes that the financial rewards of Empire played a significant role in justifying the endeavor.
“I was able to put my kids through college and s***. So that in itself was worth it,” he concluded, acknowledging the often difficult balance between artistic integrity and financial necessity.
Now, as Daniels embarks on his next project, “The Deliverance,” he appears undeterred by his past studio experiences. Collaborating with Netflix for this latest film, Daniels insisted on having final cut rights to ensure his creative vision remained intact. He detailed the clash in expectations with Netflix, revealing their desire for frequent “jump scares” which he initially struggled to execute.
“I said, ‘Listen, man, I can’t do this. I don’t know how… it does not compute,’” he stated. Ultimately, he struck a balance, finding a way to blend his artistic vision with the streaming giant’s demands: “Okay, let me just give them what they want a little bit because it’s a Lee Daniels film, but it’s also a Netflix film.”
“The Deliverance” taps into the real-life horror story of Latoya Ammons, who, along with her family, claimed to be tormented by a malevolent presence after relocating to a rental home in Gary, Indiana, in 2011. The film features a notable cast, including Andra Day, Glenn Close, Caleb McLaughlin of Stranger Things, and Mo’Nique.
However, “The Deliverance” has not fared well with critics, currently holding a dismal 33 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have been harsh, with HuffPost labeling the film “a mess” and IGN asserting it’s “neither scary nor thoughtful enough to leave a mark.”
Despite the lukewarm reception, Daniels maintains his unique perspective as he navigates the challenges of blending his independent film roots with the expectations of major studios.
Through his honesty about the trials of Empire and his current project, Lee Daniels continues to illustrate the complexities of being a creator in the entertainment industry. In his journey, he echoes a common sentiment among artists: the struggle between artistic integrity and the financial realities of the business. As he moves forward, fans and critics alike are left to wonder how his next ventures will unfold amidst the ongoing tension of creative ambition and commercial expectations.
OH NO! Angel Reese Suffers Season-Ending Wrist Injury
Angel Reese’s phenomenal rookie season in the WNBA has come to a heartbreaking close after suffering a wrist injury during Friday’s game against the Los Angeles Sparks, the Chicago Sky announced on Saturday night.
Reese, who was the 7th overall pick in the 2024 draft and a standout national champion from LSU, made waves in her first year as a pro.
She delivered 26 double-doubles—an achievement that ranks second for the most in a single WNBA season—and even set a league record with 15 consecutive double-doubles earlier this summer.
Angel Reese wrapped up her rookie campaign with impressive stats, averaging 13.6 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game.
Her dynamic play earned her an All-Star spot, making history alongside Caitlin Clark, her college rival and top competitor for Rookie of the Year.
Ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Dallas Wings, Reese was listed as questionable, but news of her season-ending injury came shortly after.
Reflecting on her rookie year, Reese took to social media, writing: “What a year. I never would have imagined my last bucket of the season would be a 3-pointer, but maybe that was God’s way of giving them a glimpse of what’s to come in Year 2 lol. I’m filled with emotions right now, but also with gratitude for what’s next. Although this is God’s timing, I’m grateful for a much-needed physical and mental break.”
Despite some early skepticism from talent evaluators about how Reese’s game would translate to the professional level, her relentless energy and rebounding ability silenced any doubts.
She became the first WNBA player to record 20 or more rebounds in consecutive games, doing so three times in a row.
Her 446 rebounds in 34 games set a new league record, and her rebounding average is the highest ever recorded in a single season.
Beyond her on-court performance, Reese’s popularity transcended basketball.
With a massive following on social media—4.3 million on TikTok and 4.1 million on Instagram—Reese became a cultural icon.
She was spotted at the Met Gala, joined Megan Thee Stallion on stage at a concert in Chicago, and even appeared in a music video with Cardi B and Latto.
Her impact extended beyond basketball, bringing a new level of attention to the WNBA.
Reflecting on her season, Reese said, “Through it all, I’ve shown I belong in this league, even when others doubted me.
All I ever wanted was to make an impact, and I believe I’ve done just that.”
Angel Reese also shared that despite her injury, she still plans to participate in “Unrivaled,” a new 3×3 league co-founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, launching in January.
As for the Chicago Sky, they are battling for the final playoff spot with a 12-22 record.
Although they’ve struggled in the second half of the season, going 2-8 and missing key players like Chennedy Carter, they ended a seven-game losing streak against the Sparks on Friday.
Despite the challenges, Reese’s unforgettable rookie year has left an indelible mark on the league.
Please join me in sending positive vibes and prayers to Angel Reese for a full and speedy recovery.
Angel Reese’s phenomenal rookie season in the WNBA has come to a heartbreaking close after suffering a wrist injury during Friday’s game against the Los Angeles Sparks, the Chicago Sky announced on Saturday night.
Reese, who was the 7th overall pick in the 2024 draft and a standout national champion from LSU, made waves in her first year as a pro.
She delivered 26 double-doubles—an achievement that ranks second for the most in a single WNBA season—and even set a league record with 15 consecutive double-doubles earlier this summer.
Angel Reese wrapped up her rookie campaign with impressive stats, averaging 13.6 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game.
Her dynamic play earned her an All-Star spot, making history alongside Caitlin Clark, her college rival and top competitor for Rookie of the Year.
Ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Dallas Wings, Reese was listed as questionable, but news of her season-ending injury came shortly after.
Reflecting on her rookie year, Reese took to social media, writing: “What a year. I never would have imagined my last bucket of the season would be a 3-pointer, but maybe that was God’s way of giving them a glimpse of what’s to come in Year 2 lol. I’m filled with emotions right now, but also with gratitude for what’s next. Although this is God’s timing, I’m grateful for a much-needed physical and mental break.”
Despite some early skepticism from talent evaluators about how Reese’s game would translate to the professional level, her relentless energy and rebounding ability silenced any doubts.
She became the first WNBA player to record 20 or more rebounds in consecutive games, doing so three times in a row.
Her 446 rebounds in 34 games set a new league record, and her rebounding average is the highest ever recorded in a single season.
Beyond her on-court performance, Reese’s popularity transcended basketball.
With a massive following on social media—4.3 million on TikTok and 4.1 million on Instagram—Reese became a cultural icon.
She was spotted at the Met Gala, joined Megan Thee Stallion on stage at a concert in Chicago, and even appeared in a music video with Cardi B and Latto.
Her impact extended beyond basketball, bringing a new level of attention to the WNBA.
Reflecting on her season, Reese said, “Through it all, I’ve shown I belong in this league, even when others doubted me.
All I ever wanted was to make an impact, and I believe I’ve done just that.”
Angel Reese also shared that despite her injury, she still plans to participate in “Unrivaled,” a new 3×3 league co-founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, launching in January.
As for the Chicago Sky, they are battling for the final playoff spot with a 12-22 record.
Although they’ve struggled in the second half of the season, going 2-8 and missing key players like Chennedy Carter, they ended a seven-game losing streak against the Sparks on Friday.
Despite the challenges, Reese’s unforgettable rookie year has left an indelible mark on the league.
Please join me in sending positive vibes and prayers to Angel Reese for a full and speedy recovery.
Jennifer Williams’ Fiancé Christian Gold Sentenced To Jail A Week Before Their Wedding
Christian Gold, the fiancé of “Basketball Wives” star Jennifer Williams, is heading to jail just a week before their wedding.
A Dekalb County judge sentenced Christian to 15 days in jail for violating his probation.
Christian previously served 30 months in prison for a false imprisonment charge and was released in 2018.
However, he violated the terms of his probation when he and Jennifer Williams traveled to Italy and Switzerland in July without permission from his probation officer.
The probation officer found out about the trip through their social media posts.
Christian also failed to pay $12,500 in restitution to his victim, but he settled the balance during his court appearance on Friday.
Christian Gold was immediately taken into custody after the court hearing on Friday (September 6).
However, the judge showed mercy by allowing Christian to be released after serving just two days in jail so that he can travel to Paris for their September 14 wedding.
There won’t be a honeymoon, though, as the judge ordered Christian to return to jail immediately after the wedding to serve the remainder of his sentence.
A Dekalb County judge sentenced Christian to 15 days in jail for violating his probation.
Christian previously served 30 months in prison for a false imprisonment charge and was released in 2018.
However, he violated the terms of his probation when he and Jennifer Williams traveled to Italy and Switzerland in July without permission from his probation officer.
The probation officer found out about the trip through their social media posts.
Christian also failed to pay $12,500 in restitution to his victim, but he settled the balance during his court appearance on Friday.
Christian Gold was immediately taken into custody after the court hearing on Friday (September 6).
However, the judge showed mercy by allowing Christian to be released after serving just two days in jail so that he can travel to Paris for their September 14 wedding.
There won’t be a honeymoon, though, as the judge ordered Christian to return to jail immediately after the wedding to serve the remainder of his sentence.
Detroit Judge Judge Kathleen Ryan Caught Using Anti-Gay and Racist Slurs Gets Removed from Cases
Judge Kathleen Ryan is off her cases following serious allegations that she made anti-gay slurs and racist comments, leading to her removal from the bench on August 27th. The shocking claims surfaced after court administrator Edward Hutton blew the whistle, revealing secret recordings of the judge that exposed her inappropriate behavior.
“I just want to make it right. I want to keep my job and do it in peace,” Hutton shared in an interview with WXYZ-TV. “I want the people in Oakland County to have their day in court, with an unbiased judge deciding their fate.”
While Judge Ryan herself hasn’t commented on the matter, her legal team, attorneys Gerald Gleeson and Thomas Cranmer, say they’re ready to clear her name in the proper legal channels.
In Michigan, probate judges are responsible for handling sensitive cases like wills, estates, guardianships, and matters involving mental health laws. However, Ryan’s conduct has come under scrutiny after recordings revealed her using an anti-gay slur to describe David Coulter, Oakland County’s top elected official, who is openly gay. Ryan also referred to Black people as “lazy” during one of her conversations.
“I’m not systemically racist. I’m a new racist,” Ryan reportedly said, according to the recordings. First elected in 2010, Ryan is now under investigation by the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission.
Hutton, who had secretly recorded their phone conversations for years, says it was time to take a stand. Michigan law allows recordings with the consent of just one party, and Hutton used this to gather evidence of Ryan’s misconduct. He sent the recordings to David Coulter, Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement, and other officials. As a result, Chief Probate Judge Linda Hallmark removed Ryan from her duties with pay while the investigation is underway.
As the case unfolds, many are keeping a close eye on the Michigan judiciary, awaiting further action from the Tenure Commission. Judge Ryan’s future remains uncertain, but the revelations have already cast a long shadow over her career.
Jeezy Is Not Complying With His Rigorous Divorce Settlement Stipulations, According To His Now Ex-Wife Jeannie Mai
In his cocky bars on JT’s “Okay” remix, Jeezy bragged that a rocky divorce wouldn’t stop from enjoying the summer months. But the “Super Hero” rapper’s now ex-wife, Emmy Award-winning TV host, Jeannie Mai claims that he still has a list of things to do before he can act out his “single as a dollar bill” line.
In an exclusive report published by TMZ, Jeannie Mai accused Jeezy of failing to comply with the stipulations outlined in their divorce settlement.
Jeannie claimed that Jeezy did not make good on his coverage of daycare costs and school tuition for their daughter Monaco reportedly amounting to $4,000. The court document also stated that Jeezy hasn’t provided Jeannie with access to an investment account (supposedly in the amount of $500,000) for their daughter.
Outside of his parental obligations, Jeannie stated that she is still waiting for Jeezy to reimburse her for four months of her rent (allegedly totaling $92,417.39). Lastly, Jeannie argued that Jeezy hasn’t yet transferred the titles of a 2021 Range Rover and a 2022 Ford Bronco into her name. His supposed lack of action has allegedly prevented her from securing insurance or from having one of the vehicles shipped from their former martial residence in Atlanta to her newly established residence in Los Angeles.
Jeezy has not yet issued a legal response or public statement regarding Jeannie Mai’s claims.
In an exclusive report published by TMZ, Jeannie Mai accused Jeezy of failing to comply with the stipulations outlined in their divorce settlement.
Jeannie claimed that Jeezy did not make good on his coverage of daycare costs and school tuition for their daughter Monaco reportedly amounting to $4,000. The court document also stated that Jeezy hasn’t provided Jeannie with access to an investment account (supposedly in the amount of $500,000) for their daughter.
Outside of his parental obligations, Jeannie stated that she is still waiting for Jeezy to reimburse her for four months of her rent (allegedly totaling $92,417.39). Lastly, Jeannie argued that Jeezy hasn’t yet transferred the titles of a 2021 Range Rover and a 2022 Ford Bronco into her name. His supposed lack of action has allegedly prevented her from securing insurance or from having one of the vehicles shipped from their former martial residence in Atlanta to her newly established residence in Los Angeles.
Jeezy has not yet issued a legal response or public statement regarding Jeannie Mai’s claims.
WSB-TV Apologizes After Misidentifying Shooting Victim as Shooter in Apalachee High School Tragedy
WSB-TV, one of Atlanta’s prominent news outlets, found itself in hot water after a serious error in their social media coverage of the recent Apalachee High School shooting. In an unfortunate mistake, a photo of one of the victims was mistakenly posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) and was presented in a way that led some to believe the victim was actually the shooter.
The post was quickly taken down after the station was made aware of the mix-up, but not before it spread confusion online. This led WSB-TV to issue an immediate public apology. “We deeply regret this error and sincerely apologize to the victim’s family and loved ones,” the station said in a statement.
Such missteps in journalism, particularly in cases involving violence and loss, can have a lasting impact, adding unnecessary pain to the grieving families. WSB-TV emphasized that the error was unintentional and assured the public that steps are being taken to prevent this from happening again.
The shooting at Apalachee High School, which left the local community shaken, has been a top story in Georgia. As more details unfold, accurate reporting remains crucial, and WSB-TV has expressed its commitment to providing that moving forward.
WSB-TV, one of Atlanta’s prominent news outlets, found itself in hot water after a serious error in their social media coverage of the recent Apalachee High School shooting. In an unfortunate mistake, a photo of one of the victims was mistakenly posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) and was presented in a way that led some to believe the victim was actually the shooter.
The post was quickly taken down after the station was made aware of the mix-up, but not before it spread confusion online. This led WSB-TV to issue an immediate public apology. “We deeply regret this error and sincerely apologize to the victim’s family and loved ones,” the station said in a statement.
The shooting at Apalachee High School, which left the local community shaken, has been a top story in Georgia. As more details unfold, accurate reporting remains crucial, and WSB-TV has expressed its commitment to providing that moving forward.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Your Mom, Formally Known As DAD
Where's GRANNY?
HAVE A GREAT WEEK ALL!!!
EFREM
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