#MAGFAB: Brandy & Monica For Essence "The Moment Is Theirs"
They came in as bright-eyed young girls with grown voices. Brandy Norwood from Carson, California, Monica Arnold from Atlanta. One raised in the West Coast suburbs, one straight out the Dirty South. Two different styles, two different coasts; both gifted with something the industry couldn’t manufacture: presence. From the start, the world framed it as competition. Labels, magazines and fans all leaned into the rivalry—before either had dropped a second album, before they were even old enough to drink.
Then came “The Boy Is Mine.” The single they recorded together in 1998 was ubiquitous—a monster hit that sat at No. 1 for 13 straight weeks, earned them their only Grammy (out of a combined 18 nominations between them) and cemented them both as icons of late ’90s R&B. Their song, borrowing its frame from Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney’s “The Girl Is Mine,” flipped the script. But let’s be clear: The boy was never the point. The real story was what it took for two teenage Black girls to stand in front of the world and sing with that much conviction, that much control. The song was a snapshot of the pressure cooker they were in.
This tour feels like a chance to share the stage in a way that is deeply connected to who we are now.
The headlines wanted beef; but ask the two about it now and they cut through the noise. They don’t give that narrative any oxygen. They lean into what’s real, and what’s real is the bond they’re building today.
What Brandy and Monica gave instead of animosity was longevity. Brandy became “the Vocal Bible,” expanding into acting, producing, mentoring—building a career that crossed industries. Monica, crowned Miss Thang from the start, doubled down on the music, crafting albums that spoke to pain, resilience and love in a way that stuck to the bones. One became the blueprint for balancing pop stardom with artistry; the other became the voice of real life in R&B. Both played roles the industry didn’t fully know how to honor.
And now, with this reunion tour, they take it a step further. Not just performance but authorship. It’s evidence that Black women in music can endure scrutiny and speculation, and still rise above it all.
Their children have watched them weather the storm. Building legacies, they’ve proven that success isn’t in awards or headlines but in the lives touched, the generations raised, the fans still singing every word decades later.
Once upon a time, the story was about a boy. Today, it’s about two women who walked through the fire and came back, not as rivals but as coauthors of a moment that still leans on their voices. The moment was never his. The moment is—and always has been—theirs.
ESSENCE: What do you reflect on when you think about the journey you’ve shared, especially stepping into this tour together after all these years?
Monica Arnold: I try not to do a lot of reflection. I try to leave the past just as it is, and focus on the present and the future, because I think it’s so promising. I think unfortunately, over the years, we’ve missed a lot of opportunity because we maybe focused moreon the past. We’ve had an amazing reconnection, and the way that it has come together on our terms and our time is just divine timing.
Brandy Norwood: Stepping into this tour feels like a full-circle moment. It’s a chance to honor where we’ve come from, to celebrate the people who’ve supported us from the very beginning, and to share the stage in a way that feels fresh, powerful and deeply connected to who we are now. It’s emotional, it’s inspiring, and it reminds me that music really is timeless.
ESSENCE: Monica, there’s a protective energy and aura that you carry, especially when you and Brandy are together. So where would you say that instinct comes from?
Monica: I guess that was a sincere observation, because I do feel protective over her. I think the way the media is now makes her uncomfortable—and I say that respectfully, because she lives and breathes for entertainment. She’s an actress, she’s a writer, she’s a songstress, she’s a producer. She’s one-of-one in that area. This is a very judgmental space. It’s a space where now people can say any and everything that they want. So my protective nature toward her is because, as we’ve grown, we’ve started to share things with each other, and it just naturally heightens my natural protective nature. I’m like that with people that I love. So I try to be the person that she is most comfortable leaning on in this new space.
ESSENCE: Brandy, how does that affect you, and what does it mean to share that bond with her?
Brandy: When we’re together, it creates a sense of balance and support that allows me to be fully present. Sharing that bond with her goes beyond the music—it reflects a mutual respect and understanding that’s been built over years of experiences.
ESSENCE: When you think back to “The Boy Is Mine”—it became both a cultural anthem and a defining moment in how people saw the both of you. How do you see that moment now, over 25 years later?
Brandy: I see it as so much bigger than just a hit record. At the time, it was two young women coming together, bringing our voices and our stories into one moment—and the world connected with it in a way we couldn’t have imagined. To see how that song connected with people all over the world—and still does—is such a blessing. For me, it represented sisterhood and the power of collaboration. Now, all these years later, it feels like a landmark in R&B history, but also a reminder of how far we’ve come as women and as artists. It’s humbling to know that a song can stand the test of time like that, and it inspires me to keep creating music that resonates across generations.
Monica: I think that even though the lyrical content and some of what started to play out created more division than it did togetherness, we’ve taken control of that, and we’re making what the legacy of this song would be totally different for the next generation. And that’s what I’m most proud of, when I look at what is happening now with “The Boy Is Mine.” When Ariana Grande did her version, it was that subtle reminder for us of how special that moment was. And what I love so much about it was that we were young, living in the moment and creating. We were creating without critics. We were creating without anything outside of ourselves. And that was the part that I think made it so great and made it so timeless.
ESSENCE: Your music has been the soundtrack to generations of Black girlhood and womanhood. What does it mean to know that your voices raised so many of us?
Monica: I enjoy that more than music and melody, to be honest. Being connected to my people, if you look at my background, makes total sense. My connection to humanity, my connection especially to Black women—it is written in everything that I am. It’s written in everything that I’ve experienced. My mom has been the wife of a Methodist minister for almost five decades. And so all I saw her do was help people. When they couldn’t feed themselves: Go feed people. Stop by their homes. We sang to the sick and shut-in. Everything was about helping your people, and that was something that I kept with me.
So the connection, a lot of times, is even sharing in the midst of my pain. An example, “Still Standing”—I was still in the thick of it, figuring life out with two small sons, and coming from a lot of heartache, a lot of pain. But I was pushing through it, and I was still standing. Or After the Storm. Yeah, the storm was over, but the sun was just slowly peeking through the skies for me. So I was singing through my own pain, and tapping into the homesand the houses that were filled with pain as well. I was just tapping into all of those things—because we’re filled with pain as well. I was just tapping into all of those things, because that was our common connection, right?
ESSENCE: Brandy, your iconic braids, and Monica, your infamous pixie have influenced an entire generation. How has hair shaped your self-expression and representation as a Black woman?
Brandy: My hair has always been a big part of how I express myself. When I first came on the scene with the braids, I didn’t realize how much it would resonate. But it became such a symbol for young Black girls who wanted to see themselves reflected in a positive and authentic way. For me, braids weren’t just a style—they were a statement of creativity. I love knowing that it inspired a generation to feel confident in remaining true to their own style.
Monica: So here’s the thing about me: I don’t overthink it. I don’t do it because, “Oh, I have a project coming, and it’s time for me to do something new.” It’s a feeling. I am not stuck on any one thing. I am probably a promotional team’s nightmare. They probably see me one way, and then I show up to a shoot a completely different way. I ended up in a platinum blonde that I’m totally obsessed with. I always say: When I have the blonde hair, that’s Denise. She really does not play, okay!
ESSENCE: In an industry that often thrives on reinvention, how do you balance staying true to yourselves with evolving for new generations of fans?
Monica: There is no balance. I got to be me. There is no compromise. I say no to things that could monetarily change my life, all the time—because how do you come back from that? I refuse to sell my soul. There are a lot of tables I won’t have a seat at because of that, and I’ve made complete and total peace with that.
Brandy: For me, the balance comes from leading with authenticity. If you stay rooted in who you are, your evolution feels natural and not forced. Every season of my life brings new experiences, and I let those moments shape the lyrics and melodies in my music—that’s how it stays fresh, but still true to me. When I am recording new music, I don’t listen to the radio or pressure myself with “what’s hot.” I remind myself that my voice, my story and my truth are my testimony. That way, when I evolve, it’s not about chasing trends—it’s about growing alongside the people who’ve been with me from the beginning and inviting new fans into that journey.
ESSENCE: You’ve both released timeless music that defined eras. How do you decide which songs make the tour setlist—and are there any surprises in store?
Monica: There are definitely some surprises in store. We hear the people when they ask for certain things, but contractually there are also songs we must do. Bridging the gap between the two is the hard part. When I tell you we talk setlist all day long—it’s a never-ending conversation, and even when the tour starts, we may still be adding songs.
Brandy: It’s definitely one of the hardest parts, because so many songs hold a special place in our hearts and in the fans’ hearts. We thought about what records shaped the culture, what moments people connect with most, and how to create a flow that takes the audience on a journey. Of course, the classics are there, but we also wanted surprises—songs people might not expect to hear live, and even some new touches, to make the music feel fresh again. I might even throw in some unreleased music!
ESSENCE: This tour is one of the most anticipated reunions in R&B. What do you want the audience to feel and remember when they leave your show?
Monica: Ooh, I want them to feel joy. I want them to feel proud of the two of us, like anything is possible—because had you asked someone many years ago, they would’ve said it wasn’t. I want them to feel the togetherness, the love, that nostalgic feeling from when these songs were released. And I want them to feel like they could do it all over again. You know a concert is a great one when you could do it again.
Brandy: This tour is more than just nostalgia—it’s about celebrating our sisterhood, our growth and the music that connected us all. I want people to feel joy, empowerment and even a little healing, because these songs have been the soundtrack to so many lives. When they walk out, I hope they carry that energy with them—the memories, the emotions and the reminder that music has the power to unite us, across generations.
ESSENCE: The world has watched you grow from teen sensations into mothers and moguls. What’s one lesson you’ve carried from your early days in music that still grounds you today?
Monica: My family is everything. If you want to talk about being grounded: having a mother and father from Newnan, Georgia, and a stepfather from Whiteville, North Carolina, who raised me as his own—that’s it. I’m rooted in the right things: the Word, and demanding respect. There’s a certain grace that comes with me, even though I’m very edgy and I’ve experienced a lot. If I think it, I say it. Sometimes that gets me in trouble, and that’s okay. It’s just who I am, but the way I move comes from the roots my family firmly planted in me.
Brandy: The importance of staying true to myself. When I first started, there were so many voices, so many opinions about who I should be or how I should sound. What’s grounded me through every season is remembering that my gift was given for a purpose, and it’s my responsibility to honor it with authenticity. That means knowing my worth, protecting my peace and leading with love—not just in music but in motherhood, business and life. That foundation has kept me centered, no matter how much changes around me.
ESSENCE: Brandy, beyond music, you’ve built brands, businesses and platforms that stand on their own. What motivates your entrepreneurial drive today?
Brandy: The love I have for my daughter and my fans. Music will always be my first love, but I’ve learned that my purpose goes beyond the stage. Building businesses and platforms allows me to create opportunities, not just for myself, but for others—especially young women who need to see what’s possible. My drive comes from wanting to leave something lasting for my daughter and for the next generation—something that says you can dream big and actually build it.
ESSENCE: As a brand, ESSENCE is all about celebrating Black women. How has sisterhood—in family, friendship and music—carried you through your toughest moments?
Brandy: Sisterhood has been everything for me. Having that love and support gave me strength when I couldn’t always find it on my own. There’s power in knowing you’re not walking this journey alone—that there are women who understand, uplift you and remind you of your worth. It’s carried me through heartbreak, self-doubt and the pressures of this industry. It’s also brought me joy—to laugh, to celebrate, to create and to heal together. That bond is sacred, and it’s why I can still stand here proud of where I come from and who I stand with.
Monica: Sisterhood has been one of the greatest ways I’ve overcome hard times. My friend Toya Rushing once told me, “You’re so busy being strong that you don’t allow us to be there.” Hearing that shifted something—I felt safe again. I cherish my friendships like I do my family, because they’re an extension of that. To me, true sisterhood means being evenly yoked: no competing, no comparing, no turning our backs. Those relationships have helped me move past being labeled the “strong” Black woman. Instead, I’m the triumphant one—because I know my village has me.
There’s power in knowing you’re not walking alone— that there are women who understand and uplift you.
ESSENCE: How has motherhood shaped the way you approach your careers, and what do your children teach you about yourselves?
Brandy: Motherhood changed everything for me. In everything I do, I think about Sy’rai. As much as I love my career, being a mom has taught me balance, patience and the importance of being present. She shows me every day what unconditional love looks like. Through her eyes, I’m not “Brandy the artist”—I’m just her mom. That’s the most rewarding role I’ll ever have, and it pushes me to be better in everything I do.
Monica: The compassion and unconditional love I used to give the wrong people, I now pour into them—and they give it back. When I had my first son at 24, everything about how I saw life and love changed. Now, with him almost 21, I get to experience the return: our conversations, him picking me up, us sharing life together. That’s one of my greatest joys. A lot of people fear their kids getting older, but I embrace it. I keep it honest with all three of mine—good, bad or indifferent—because if I don’t prepare them for the world, who will?
ESSENCE: Looking ahead, what do you want your legacy as mothers, artists and businesswomen to mean for the next generation of Black women and girls watching you?
Brandy: I want young women to see that it’s possible to embrace every part of who you are—your dreams, your passions, your responsibilities—and still shine on your own terms. I hope they feel encouraged to chase their goals fearlessly, to trust their voices and to honor their worth, no matter what the world says. For me, being a mother, an artist and a businesswoman isn’t about doing it all perfectly; it’s about showing up fully, authentically and with passion. If my journey can give them even a little courage to step into their own light, then I know I’ve done something meaningful.
Monica: The greatest part of my legacy starts with where I’m from and the fact that no one ever gave me anything. “Go get it”—that’s the message when it comes to me, because it is possible for you.
Photo Production Credits:
Photographed by Myesha Evon
Styled by Jason Rembert
Brandy Hair: J Stay Ready at Chris Aaron Management
Brandy Makeup: Gabriela Torell
Monica Hair: Ricky Wing
Monica Makeup: Eva Lamy
Set Design: Sinclaire Reddings
Tailor: Shanita Denton
Lighting Technician: Brian McGuffog
Photography Assistants: Brett Falcon & Dayja Johnson
Digital Technician: Jamaal Wesley
Styling Assistants: Wilton White, Blake Turner, & Juliana DaSilva
Tailor Assistant: Bree Moore
Set Assistant: Nasheed Jones
Production: The Morrison Group
Production Manager: Jazz Ramos
Production Assistants: Chantal Gainous & Kyle Chattam
Post Production: Camerin Stoldt
Location: Media Production Studios
#RHOA: Porsha Williams Is Dating a Woman After Divorce From Simon Guobadia?
Discussing her dating life during an appearance at New York City’s CultureCon, staged from Saturday, October 4 to Sunday, October 5, Williams, 44, spoke about two new connections.
Fan footage of her appearance was shared via Instagram on Sunday, capturing Williams, who filed to divorce Guobadia in February after 15 months of marriage, telling the audience, “The people who I’m talking to now … it’s just two, I narrowed it down to two, and he is nice and she is nice.”
The candid commentary drew gasps from the crowd, which Williams laughed off before continuing. “I really just wanted to make sure that these were normal people,” she said. “And what I talked to my therapist the other day was, I’m having a hard time opening up because they’re not narcissists and guess what narcissists do? They … mirror you, and these people are not, they’re challenging you, they’re asking me questions, they’re not letting me walk over them.”
Williams’ split from Guobadia, 61, was reported on February 23, with an insider telling People at the time that the breakup was unrelated to troubles experienced by the couple due to Guobadia’s citizenship status. (Guobadia was detained by ICE, as confirmed by Us Weekly on February 21.)
Us confirmed that the Nigerian-born native was deported back to his home country in June after spending several months in detainment.
During a March confessional that featured on RHOA, Williams opened up about how quickly her relationship with Guobadia changed over their brief marriage. “One of my joys was getting up in the morning and just thinking about what I could do to make [Simon] happy, and I genuinely felt he was the same way about me,” Porsha told the camera during her confessional at the time. “I would have rode to the end of the world with this man, but the person I’m now mourning, he was not real.”
The former couple’s relations grew more complicated in the months that followed their separation, with Us exclusively reporting in July that Guobadia filed a federal lawsuit against Williams which included a request for alleged “reputation, emotional distress and humiliation” damages of $500,000. Williams denied these allegations. This legal battle has not yet been resolved.
Guobadia also formally appealed the pair’s initial divorce judgement, which saw Williams awarded spousal support and various assets.
Last month, Williams celebrated her ex-husband losing the divorce judgement appeal, as confirmed by Us on September 9. She also took to Instagram that day to share the words, “It’s over,” without any further details, however, a video of her boarding a private jet was captioned with, “Free.”
At CultureCon, Williams reflected on her own previous relationship behavior, noting that she’s ready to make changes to help her find happiness moving forward. “What I have to do is realize if you want something different, you have to also be different,” she told the crowd. “I have to soften up a bit.”
Porsha Williams has “narrowed down” her dating prospects to two people — a man and a woman.
The “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star opened up about her love interests following her divorce from Simon Guobadia during her appearance at New York City’s CultureCon this weekend.
“Of the people I am talking to now … he is nice,” the 44-year-old reality star told attendees, as captured in fan footage. “And she is nice.”
The audience members gasped, with many shouting, “Whoa!”
Williams, who did not reveal the individuals’ identities to the crowd, laughed as one attendee quipped, “You’re bold!”
She went on to share how the two people she is dating differ from her exes.
“I really wanted to make sure these were normal people,” she explained. “And what I talked about with my therapist the other day was, I’m having a hard time opening up because they’re not narcissists.
“And guess what narcissists do? They love bomb you,” the reality star continued, seemingly shading Guobadia. “They do everything to look perfect. They mirror you.”
The former couple wed in 2022, settling their divorce earlier this year
Williams explained that the man and the woman she’s now dating both “challenge” her by “asking questions” and not letting her “walk all over them.”
“I have to soften up a bit,” she acknowledged. “I have to not expect a whole lot of elaborate things … I have to expect someone to call me out from time to time.”
Reps for Williams and Guobadia have yet to respond to Page Six’s requests for comment.
Williams spoke to People in June about going through a “bad enough breakup” that she didn’t “like nobody.”
Through tears, she quipped, “I was sitting here [asking], ‘Do I like women enough? Can I get with a woman? Who can come and fill this void? Like, somebody?’ I have got to be able to sit with someone and feel a part of what I felt with him. But I don’t yet.”
She filed for divorce from Guobadia, 61, in February 2024 after 14 months of marriage.
In June, the businessman told Page Six he regrets his short marriage to the Bravo star and accused her of using him for money.
“I kept asking, ‘Why did you file for a divorce?’ And she wouldn’t say anything,” Guobadia told us, claiming he couldn’t get in touch with her family and felt “totally blindsided.”
He also reflected on their whirlwind romance, which was a rebound from his previous marriage to fellow ‘RHOA’ cast member Falynn Guobadia.
“I think I was targeted … from day one for financial reasons,” he alleged. “When I filed for divorce from my previous ex-wife, [Williams] was in my DMs praying for me. I think I was in a vulnerable position at that time, and I entertained it. So it just kind of snowballed from there.”
In response to his claims, a source told Page Six, “Porsha has moved on and wishes Simon the best.”
That same month, Williams told People about her plans to remain “alone until [she felt] whole” and able to date again.
#NewMusic from Ledisi Releases Dinah Washington Tribute Album “For Dinah”
Ledisi’s thirteenth studio album, “For Dinah”, is a tribute album dedicated to the legendary jazz and blues singer Dinah Washington. The album was released on October 3, 2025, through her own label, Listen Back Entertainment, with distribution by Candid Records.
Ledisi said the album, which was an idea she had eight years prior, is a way of paying tribute to Dinah Washington, who she considers her “lifelong hero”. According to Ledisi, Dinah Washington “gave me permission to move freely, create freely, be a woman in leadership, wear and say what I want”.
Ledisi’s thirteenth studio album, “For Dinah”, is a tribute album dedicated to the legendary jazz and blues singer Dinah Washington. The album was released on October 3, 2025, through her own label, Listen Back Entertainment, with distribution by Candid Records.
Ledisi said the album, which was an idea she had eight years prior, is a way of paying tribute to Dinah Washington, who she considers her “lifelong hero”. According to Ledisi, Dinah Washington “gave me permission to move freely, create freely, be a woman in leadership, wear and say what I want”.
STREAM IT HERE:
The album was produced by Ledisi, jazz musician Christian McBride, and longtime production partner Rex Rideout. It features collaborations with Gregory Porter, Christian McBride, and Paul Jackson Jr..
The album was produced by Ledisi, jazz musician Christian McBride, and longtime production partner Rex Rideout. It features collaborations with Gregory Porter, Christian McBride, and Paul Jackson Jr..
The tracklist includes:
* “What a Difference a Day Made”
* “If I Never Get to Heaven”
* “Caravan”
* “Let’s Do It”
* “You Don’t Know What Love Is” featuring Christian McBride
* “You’ve Got What It Takes” featuring Gregory Porter
* “You Go To My Head” featuring Paul Jackson Jr.
* “This Bitter Earth”
* “What a Difference a Day Made”
* “If I Never Get to Heaven”
* “Caravan”
* “Let’s Do It”
* “You Don’t Know What Love Is” featuring Christian McBride
* “You’ve Got What It Takes” featuring Gregory Porter
* “You Go To My Head” featuring Paul Jackson Jr.
* “This Bitter Earth”
New album releases
The singles “This Bitter Earth” and “What a Difference a Day Made” were both released prior to the album’s debut. In support of the album, Ledisi is on the “Ledisi for Dinah Tour,” which includes a show in Los Angeles on the day of the album’s release
The singles “This Bitter Earth” and “What a Difference a Day Made” were both released prior to the album’s debut. In support of the album, Ledisi is on the “Ledisi for Dinah Tour,” which includes a show in Los Angeles on the day of the album’s release
#HipHopNews: JT Fires Shots At Cardi B On New Diss Track
JT has clapped back at Cardi B on a scathing new diss track. Following speculation that JT had a response in store for Cardi, on Friday (Oct. 3), the former City Girls rapper went in on Bardi on wax. DJ Akademiks premiered the untitled new track, which will presumably be released on DSPs.
"Muthaf**k a h*e, and tell her I said it/I open up my a*s right now and tell her wet it," JT snaps. "H*es mad botched up, ugly and pathetic/I'm throwing shots at h*es, gon' stay up to catch it."
"Bodega Baddie, my a*s, you chopped cheese/That a*s lookin crazy, Cardi-in-a-diaper-B/Bi**hes jealous of the diva and they obsessed/Lame school dressing a*s h*e, picked the wrong test," JT continues.
"You can never be c*nt, you a lame h*e/Pregnant by a ni**a who suck d**k, after games, h*e," she adds, referencing accusations about the sexuality of Cardi B's boyfriend, NFL player Stefon Diggs.
JT's verbal assault comes after Cardi B took shots at JT on the Am I The Drama? track "Magnet" last month. The two rappers have been at odds since 2022, when they traded jabs on social media after Cardi felt like JT was throwing subliminal shade. Last year, JT dissed Cardi on the tracks "OK" and "Intro (Hope)" from the solo mixtape City Cinderella. Cardi returned the favor on "Magnet" from her new album, Am I The Drama?
"All that d**k ridin', still ain't get no feature-a*s bi**h (Haha)/She just mad she got a ni**a she be sharin' bags with (Shh)/My ni**a cheat, but I don't stick no dildos in his a*s, bi**h," Cardi raps on the track.
Last week, the two continued to diss each other on social media, with JT later hinting that she had a response looming.
Ike Turner Jr., son of Ike Turner and Tina Turner, has died at 67
Ike Turner Jr., the son of singer Ike and Tina Turner, has died. He was 67.
Tina Turner's niece Jacqueline Bullock confirmed the news of the 67-year-old's death to the New York Post and TMZ. No official cause of death was shared but TMZ reports that Ike Jr. died from kidney failure.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of my cousin, Ike Turner Jr. Junior’ was more than a cousin to me, but rather a brother, as we grew up in the same famed household together," Bullock said in a statement to the New York Post. "We, as a family, appreciate the outpouring of condolences and request privacy at this time.”
According to TMZ, Ike Jr. had been dealing with "severe heart issues" for some time and had a stroke in early September.
His death comes one day after his birthday.
Ike Jr.'s sister-in-law Afida Turner remembered the 67-year-old in a tribute posted to social media Sunday.
"REST IN PEACE IKE JR : U WAS AMAZING BROTHER IN LAW I M GLAD I SPEAK WITH U ON A PHONE BEFORE U GONE LOVE U RIP 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏," Afida said in an Instagram post.
Ike Jr. was born in 1958 to Ike Sr. and Lorraine Taylor. Tina Turner later adopted him and his brother Michael as her own.
After Ike Sr. and Tina Turner's turbulent separation, Ike Jr. went on to work as the "Proud Mary" singer's sound engineer for a brief period.
Ike Jr. also produced his father's 2006 "Risin' With the Blues" album, earning him and his father a Grammy Award for best traditional Blues album.
In 2023, he was arrested and charged with crack cocaine possession and tampering with evidence, according to People. His arrest came just weeks before the Tina's death in May 2023.
JT has clapped back at Cardi B on a scathing new diss track. Following speculation that JT had a response in store for Cardi, on Friday (Oct. 3), the former City Girls rapper went in on Bardi on wax. DJ Akademiks premiered the untitled new track, which will presumably be released on DSPs.
"Muthaf**k a h*e, and tell her I said it/I open up my a*s right now and tell her wet it," JT snaps. "H*es mad botched up, ugly and pathetic/I'm throwing shots at h*es, gon' stay up to catch it."
"Bodega Baddie, my a*s, you chopped cheese/That a*s lookin crazy, Cardi-in-a-diaper-B/Bi**hes jealous of the diva and they obsessed/Lame school dressing a*s h*e, picked the wrong test," JT continues.
"You can never be c*nt, you a lame h*e/Pregnant by a ni**a who suck d**k, after games, h*e," she adds, referencing accusations about the sexuality of Cardi B's boyfriend, NFL player Stefon Diggs.
JT's verbal assault comes after Cardi B took shots at JT on the Am I The Drama? track "Magnet" last month. The two rappers have been at odds since 2022, when they traded jabs on social media after Cardi felt like JT was throwing subliminal shade. Last year, JT dissed Cardi on the tracks "OK" and "Intro (Hope)" from the solo mixtape City Cinderella. Cardi returned the favor on "Magnet" from her new album, Am I The Drama?
"All that d**k ridin', still ain't get no feature-a*s bi**h (Haha)/She just mad she got a ni**a she be sharin' bags with (Shh)/My ni**a cheat, but I don't stick no dildos in his a*s, bi**h," Cardi raps on the track.
Last week, the two continued to diss each other on social media, with JT later hinting that she had a response looming.
Ike Turner Jr., son of Ike Turner and Tina Turner, has died at 67
Ike Turner Jr., the son of singer Ike and Tina Turner, has died. He was 67.
Tina Turner's niece Jacqueline Bullock confirmed the news of the 67-year-old's death to the New York Post and TMZ. No official cause of death was shared but TMZ reports that Ike Jr. died from kidney failure.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of my cousin, Ike Turner Jr. Junior’ was more than a cousin to me, but rather a brother, as we grew up in the same famed household together," Bullock said in a statement to the New York Post. "We, as a family, appreciate the outpouring of condolences and request privacy at this time.”
According to TMZ, Ike Jr. had been dealing with "severe heart issues" for some time and had a stroke in early September.
His death comes one day after his birthday.
Ike Jr.'s sister-in-law Afida Turner remembered the 67-year-old in a tribute posted to social media Sunday.
"REST IN PEACE IKE JR : U WAS AMAZING BROTHER IN LAW I M GLAD I SPEAK WITH U ON A PHONE BEFORE U GONE LOVE U RIP 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏," Afida said in an Instagram post.
Ike Jr. was born in 1958 to Ike Sr. and Lorraine Taylor. Tina Turner later adopted him and his brother Michael as her own.
After Ike Sr. and Tina Turner's turbulent separation, Ike Jr. went on to work as the "Proud Mary" singer's sound engineer for a brief period.
Ike Jr. also produced his father's 2006 "Risin' With the Blues" album, earning him and his father a Grammy Award for best traditional Blues album.
In 2023, he was arrested and charged with crack cocaine possession and tampering with evidence, according to People. His arrest came just weeks before the Tina's death in May 2023.
Joy Reid Slams JD Vance For Saying She Should Have More Gratitude For U.S.
Independent media host Joy Reid had an explosive retort for Trump Vice President JD Vance seconds after learning, for the first time, of his recent attack on her as contemptuous and ungrateful to America.
Vance posted a message to Reid this week over a video clip in which she discussed her mother’s experience as an immigrant, and wrote that she should show more “gratitude”:
Joy Reid has had such a good life in this country. It’s been overwhelmingly kind and gracious to her. She is far wealthier than most. Yet she oozes with contempt.
My honest, non-trolling advice to Joy Reid is that you’d be a much happier person if you showed a little gratitude
In a Substack interview Thursday, Reid — who left the X/Twitter platform years ago — revealed that even after a full day had passed, she still hadn’t heard about the message from the vice president.
Seconds after hearing it for the first time, Reid had a two-word message of her own for the VP she went on to call a “racist a**hole”:
TOMMY CHRISTOPHER: “You’d be a much happier person if you showed a little gratitude.”
That’s him talking right to you.
JOY-ANN REID: So I will start by saying, JD Vance, since you’re paying attention to me: F–k you!
TOMMY CHRISTOPHER: Whoa!
JOY-ANN REID: And I say that on behalf of every Black woman who heard you call Kamala Devi Harris “the trash.”
You calling a woman whose mother came to this country to do cancer research and to try to cure cancer. Who lost her mother not that many years ago, whose mother is the same exact racial identity as your wife.
The fact that you would stand in front of a crowd of mainly White MAGAs and call that woman who was the vice president of the United States, the highest elected female politician, political official in our nation’s history, call her “the trash” four days before the election?
Like, f–k you, forever!
There’s nothing you could ever say that I would take as advice, friendly or otherwise. I don’t need advice from you. You need to learn how to be a decent human being and you need to apologize to Kamala Harris for what you said. So let’s start with that.
The second thing is: JD Vance, I did not say that my mother said this country was not a land of opportunity for people like us. You need go back and listen to the interview.
What I probably said, I would have to pull up the interview, but what I will say again is that my mother came to this country as an immigrant. And believed in the sales pitch of what America says that it is, that it calls itself this sort of land of opportunity.
But what happens is if you are Black, you immediately come here and it isn’t long before you are treated the same way that America treats all of its Black citizens, as second class citizens, as people who need to, quote unquote, be grateful for White people apparently giving them opportunity.
See, in your statement, you forget the part that you believe for yourself, that White people earn their opportunities, that they create opportunity, that when they get a good job or get a big house or get a good salary, it’s because they earned it.
You, because you are a racist a–hole, believe that Black people are given opportunity by White people.
So you can’t accept that my mother, who became a PhD holding college professor, earned her opportunity to be a professor.
Lena Waithe's 'The Chi' to end with Season 8
"When I created The Chi, it wasn't just about making a TV show -- it was about owning our narratives and telling our stories with truth, care, nuance and complexity. It was about showing the soul of the South Side -- the beauty, the pain, the grit, and the magic that lives in every block, and in every family," the show's creator Lena Waithe wrote on Instagram Wednesday.
"After much reflection, we have made the decision to end The Chi with Season 8. I know, for the sake of our story and our characters, it's the right thing. I am committed to delivering a final season that our Chi Family deserves. It's been the honor of my life to build a platform for artists to shine -- not just in front of the camera, but behind the scenes as well. To helm the longest-running Black drama on television is a huge honor and it's something I don't take lightly."
The show stars Jason Mitchell, Ntare Mwine, Jacob Latimore and Lynn Whitfield.
Independent media host Joy Reid had an explosive retort for Trump Vice President JD Vance seconds after learning, for the first time, of his recent attack on her as contemptuous and ungrateful to America.
Vance posted a message to Reid this week over a video clip in which she discussed her mother’s experience as an immigrant, and wrote that she should show more “gratitude”:
Joy Reid has had such a good life in this country. It’s been overwhelmingly kind and gracious to her. She is far wealthier than most. Yet she oozes with contempt.
My honest, non-trolling advice to Joy Reid is that you’d be a much happier person if you showed a little gratitude
In a Substack interview Thursday, Reid — who left the X/Twitter platform years ago — revealed that even after a full day had passed, she still hadn’t heard about the message from the vice president.
Seconds after hearing it for the first time, Reid had a two-word message of her own for the VP she went on to call a “racist a**hole”:
TOMMY CHRISTOPHER: “You’d be a much happier person if you showed a little gratitude.”
That’s him talking right to you.
JOY-ANN REID: So I will start by saying, JD Vance, since you’re paying attention to me: F–k you!
TOMMY CHRISTOPHER: Whoa!
JOY-ANN REID: And I say that on behalf of every Black woman who heard you call Kamala Devi Harris “the trash.”
You calling a woman whose mother came to this country to do cancer research and to try to cure cancer. Who lost her mother not that many years ago, whose mother is the same exact racial identity as your wife.
The fact that you would stand in front of a crowd of mainly White MAGAs and call that woman who was the vice president of the United States, the highest elected female politician, political official in our nation’s history, call her “the trash” four days before the election?
Like, f–k you, forever!
There’s nothing you could ever say that I would take as advice, friendly or otherwise. I don’t need advice from you. You need to learn how to be a decent human being and you need to apologize to Kamala Harris for what you said. So let’s start with that.
The second thing is: JD Vance, I did not say that my mother said this country was not a land of opportunity for people like us. You need go back and listen to the interview.
What I probably said, I would have to pull up the interview, but what I will say again is that my mother came to this country as an immigrant. And believed in the sales pitch of what America says that it is, that it calls itself this sort of land of opportunity.
But what happens is if you are Black, you immediately come here and it isn’t long before you are treated the same way that America treats all of its Black citizens, as second class citizens, as people who need to, quote unquote, be grateful for White people apparently giving them opportunity.
See, in your statement, you forget the part that you believe for yourself, that White people earn their opportunities, that they create opportunity, that when they get a good job or get a big house or get a good salary, it’s because they earned it.
You, because you are a racist a–hole, believe that Black people are given opportunity by White people.
So you can’t accept that my mother, who became a PhD holding college professor, earned her opportunity to be a professor.
Lena Waithe's 'The Chi' to end with Season 8
"After much reflection, we have made the decision to end The Chi with Season 8. I know, for the sake of our story and our characters, it's the right thing. I am committed to delivering a final season that our Chi Family deserves. It's been the honor of my life to build a platform for artists to shine -- not just in front of the camera, but behind the scenes as well. To helm the longest-running Black drama on television is a huge honor and it's something I don't take lightly."
The show stars Jason Mitchell, Ntare Mwine, Jacob Latimore and Lynn Whitfield.
Chris Brown’s Memphis Concert Canceled
Promoters pulled the plug on Chris Brown’s upcoming Memphis concert, abruptly canceling the October 18 stop of his Breezy Bowl XX tour at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium—a show that would have marked the venue’s first major concert in 25 years.
Ticketmaster confirmed the cancellation but didn’t offer a reason. Refunds will be processed automatically within 14 to 21 days, according to the ticketing platform.
The Memphis date was set to feature Bryson Tiller and Jhené Aiko as special guests and would have been a landmark event for the stadium, which typically hosts college football games and the Southern Heritage Classic.
Despite the Memphis cancellation, Brown’s Breezy Bowl XX tour has been a financial juggernaut. As reported by Billboard, the tour has generated $241.4 million in gross revenue and moved 1.7 million tickets as of September 27.
That’s a 193% jump in earnings and a 270% spike in attendance compared to his previous tour. The tour has also shifted Brown from arenas to ballparks, tripling audience capacity.
In August alone, he pulled in $96.8 million from 14 shows, topping Billboard’s monthly touring chart for the first time in his career. The European leg was equally lucrative, bringing in $58.5 million from 14 sold-out dates and nearly half a million tickets sold.
Brown’s career has long walked a line between commercial success and legal drama.
In 2025, he was arrested in the United Kingdom after being accused of assaulting a music producer with a tequila bottle at a London nightclub. He pleaded not guilty to the charges in June.
Earlier this year, Brown also filed a $500 million lawsuit against Warner Bros., claiming a documentary falsely depicted him as a “serial abuser.”
Despite the legal turbulence, the Breezy Bowl XX tour rolls on.
With seven shows left, and an average of $7 million per stop in North America, analysts expect the tour to rake in another $45 million to $50 million.
That would push Brown’s career touring revenue past $500 million, placing him among the top-earning R&B performers in history.
The Memphis show was intended to honor Brown’s 20-year milestone in music, celebrating his evolution from a teenage breakout to a stadium-level headliner.
Angel Reese Reveals Off-Season Plans Include Hiring An Acting Coach And 'Adding To The Resume'
Angel Reese has spent her career making headlines on basketball courts across the country. Now, the two-time WNBA All-Star is preparing to captivate audiences in an entirely different arena. Her feature-film debut arrives Oct. 10 in A House of Dynamite, a political thriller that places her alongside Hollywood heavyweights and tests her abilities beyond athletics.
The transition from professional sports to acting represents uncharted territory for the 21-year-old Chicago Sky forward. Yet Reese approaches this challenge with the same determination that made her a dominant force in women’s basketball, armed with advice from seasoned performers who understand the pressures of stepping into the spotlight.
Before cameras rolled, Reese found herself receiving counsel from Idris Elba, who portrays the president in the Netflix production. The British actor, known for commanding performances in projects ranging from The Wire to Luther, recognized the anxiety that comes with debut performances.
His guidance proved straightforward: maintain confidence, embrace authenticity and enjoy the experience. For someone accustomed to performing under pressure in sold-out arenas, the advice resonated. Reese acknowledged in conversations with media outlets that Elba’s reassurance helped settle her nerves during those crucial first days on set.
The basketball star isn’t treating this opportunity as a one-time experiment. She’s already planning her next steps, influenced by another athlete-turned-actor who understands the journey ahead.
Rapper and actor Common, currently filming overseas for the second season of Silo, recommended she work with an acting coach. Reese embraced the suggestion enthusiastically, viewing professional training as essential to developing legitimate skills rather than relying solely on natural charisma.
At her age, she recognizes the advantage of exploring multiple career paths simultaneously. With modeling already part of her portfolio, acting represents another dimension to her expanding professional identity. The willingness to invest in coaching demonstrates seriousness about the craft rather than treating Hollywood as merely a celebrity side project.
Within A House of Dynamite, Reese appears as a WNBA star — a role that mirrors her real-life identity. Her scene unfolds during the film’s third act at Liberty Arena, where she waits courtside surrounded by young girls.
Elba’s presidential character joins them for an impromptu basketball session, discussing how athletics transformed his life and provided direction. The moment offers a glimpse of normalcy before urgent matters of state interrupt, pulling the president away to confront an unfolding crisis.
Director Kathryn Bigelow, whose The Hurt Locker earned her an Oscar for best director, crafted a narrative exploring government officials racing to identify the origin of a nuclear missile launch targeting American soil. Within this high-stakes framework, Reese’s appearance provides a humanizing counterpoint — a reminder of everyday inspirations amid geopolitical chaos.
This isn’t Reese‘s first encounter with cameras outside competitive play. She previously appeared in The Money Game: LSU, a 2024 Amazon docuseries examining how name, image and likeness deals reshaped college athletics. That experience offered a taste of entertainment production, though scripted film work presents distinctly different demands.
A House of Dynamite premiered at the Venice Film Festival before its Netflix debut, placing Reese’s first acting work on a prominent international stage. The streaming release ensures her performance reaches global audiences, exponentially expanding her visibility beyond sports fans.
While pursuing Hollywood opportunities, Reese continues dominating on hardwood. She just wrapped her second WNBA season with the Chicago Sky, starting all 30 games she played. Her statistics — 14.7 points and 12.6 rebounds per game — underscore her status as one of the league’s premier forwards.
Managing dual careers requires careful scheduling and boundless energy. Yet Reese appears undaunted by the challenge, instead viewing her various pursuits as complementary rather than competing. Each platform amplifies the others, building a personal brand that transcends any single medium.
The convergence of sports and entertainment continues accelerating, with athletes increasingly exploring creative opportunities that previous generations rarely accessed. Reese positions herself at the forefront of this trend, leveraging her basketball fame while refusing to let it define her limitations.
Her journey from college sensation to professional athlete to emerging actress reflects broader cultural shifts. Young stars now build multimedia empires, understanding that athletic careers eventually end while other opportunities can extend decades beyond retirement from sports.
Whether A House of Dynamite launches a sustained acting career or remains a memorable detour, Reese has already achieved something significant: proving her willingness to take risks, accept guidance and challenge herself in unfamiliar environments. Those qualities served her well on basketball courts. They may prove equally valuable under Hollywood’s bright lights.
Keith Powers and Ryan Destiny Announce Their Engagement in Joint Instagram Post
Keith Powers and Ryan Destiny are officially engaged. The 33-year-old Straight Outta Compton actor and the 30-year-old Star actress announced the news through a joint Instagram post on Sunday (Oct. 5).
“Engaged to the love of my life,” read the post, which included a look at Destiny’s engagement ring.
The couple previously dated from 2017 to 2022 and rekindled their relationship in 2023.
Powers told People at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival about the strength of their relationship, sharing that they “genuinely are best friends” and feel like “family.”
“I think partnership really works when you really do look at your partner [the way you would look at] siblings, in a way,” he said. “We could fight. We might not talk to each other for a minute. But we love each other. We come back. You know what I'm saying?”
He continued, “It's just like we're so locked in and we just get each other's jokes and it's just easy. We just flow honestly,” the Uglies star said. “And she teaches me a lot. I don't know if I teach her stuff, but she teaches me so much. She's made me a better artist, so it's been great.”
In a separate interview with People earlier this year at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards, Destiny confirmed the two had rekindled their romance.
“I just love him so much, and I just appreciate him every step of the way,” the actress said at the time. “He's such a cheerleader for me, as I am for him. It just means everything. We're just best friends—you know, we're more than best friends.”
Keith Powers and Ryan Destiny are officially engaged. The 33-year-old Straight Outta Compton actor and the 30-year-old Star actress announced the news through a joint Instagram post on Sunday (Oct. 5).
“Engaged to the love of my life,” read the post, which included a look at Destiny’s engagement ring.
The couple previously dated from 2017 to 2022 and rekindled their relationship in 2023.
Powers told People at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival about the strength of their relationship, sharing that they “genuinely are best friends” and feel like “family.”
“I think partnership really works when you really do look at your partner [the way you would look at] siblings, in a way,” he said. “We could fight. We might not talk to each other for a minute. But we love each other. We come back. You know what I'm saying?”
He continued, “It's just like we're so locked in and we just get each other's jokes and it's just easy. We just flow honestly,” the Uglies star said. “And she teaches me a lot. I don't know if I teach her stuff, but she teaches me so much. She's made me a better artist, so it's been great.”
In a separate interview with People earlier this year at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards, Destiny confirmed the two had rekindled their romance.
“I just love him so much, and I just appreciate him every step of the way,” the actress said at the time. “He's such a cheerleader for me, as I am for him. It just means everything. We're just best friends—you know, we're more than best friends.”
Tomi Lahren Falsely Says Bad Bunny Isn’t American While Criticizing NFL for Haltime Show Choice
Fox News host Tomi Lahren mistakenly said Bad Bunny isn't an American artist, accidentally evealing she didn't know Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens.
The moment came during a Tuesday episode of her podcast, Tomi Lahren is Fearless, where the right-wing commentator interviewed progressive pundit Krystal Ball. During the discussion, Lahren dismissed the Puerto Rican superstar's upcoming Super Bowl Halftime Show appearance, saying, "He's not an American artist."
Lahren briefly faltered before recovering and shifting the topic to Bad Bunny's political stances. "Do you have any problems with his anti-ICE sentiments?" she asked. Ball replied, "America agrees with him on that."
The exchange went viral on social media, with users mocking Lahren for the blunder. CNN's Jake Tapper and political strategist Maria Cardona also weighed in on Friday, with Cardona quipping, "She needs to crack a book."
Lahren's gaffe arrives amid a new round of conservative outrage over the 31-year-old Puerto Rican artist performing at the Super Bowl. Critics have complained that Bad Bunny, born Benito Martínez Ocasio, often raps in Spanish and has previously voiced concern about touring in the U.S. due to ICE activity.
"There was the issue of like, fucking ICE could be outside [my concert]," Bad Bunny told i-D magazine, explaining that he wanted his fans to feel safe.
Despite his outspoken views, Bad Bunny is a U.S. citizen, as are all Puerto Ricans by birth. That fact didn't stop Lahren's comments from reigniting conversations about widespread misconceptions regarding Puerto Rico's status.
As Ball summed it up during their exchange: "I'm not that knowledgeable about him, but it seems fine, and I don't see why it's such a big deal. He seems like a great American artist."
Fox News host Tomi Lahren mistakenly said Bad Bunny isn't an American artist, accidentally evealing she didn't know Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens.
The moment came during a Tuesday episode of her podcast, Tomi Lahren is Fearless, where the right-wing commentator interviewed progressive pundit Krystal Ball. During the discussion, Lahren dismissed the Puerto Rican superstar's upcoming Super Bowl Halftime Show appearance, saying, "He's not an American artist."
Lahren briefly faltered before recovering and shifting the topic to Bad Bunny's political stances. "Do you have any problems with his anti-ICE sentiments?" she asked. Ball replied, "America agrees with him on that."
The exchange went viral on social media, with users mocking Lahren for the blunder. CNN's Jake Tapper and political strategist Maria Cardona also weighed in on Friday, with Cardona quipping, "She needs to crack a book."
Lahren's gaffe arrives amid a new round of conservative outrage over the 31-year-old Puerto Rican artist performing at the Super Bowl. Critics have complained that Bad Bunny, born Benito Martínez Ocasio, often raps in Spanish and has previously voiced concern about touring in the U.S. due to ICE activity.
"There was the issue of like, fucking ICE could be outside [my concert]," Bad Bunny told i-D magazine, explaining that he wanted his fans to feel safe.
Despite his outspoken views, Bad Bunny is a U.S. citizen, as are all Puerto Ricans by birth. That fact didn't stop Lahren's comments from reigniting conversations about widespread misconceptions regarding Puerto Rico's status.
As Ball summed it up during their exchange: "I'm not that knowledgeable about him, but it seems fine, and I don't see why it's such a big deal. He seems like a great American artist."
Rihanna Joins A$AP Rocky for His Birthday After Welcoming Baby No. 3 Together!
Rihanna is back outside after welcoming her third child! The 37-year-old superstar was spotted in one of her first public appearances since giving birth alongside partner A$AP Rocky as he rang in his 37th birthday on Friday (October 3) in Los Angeles.
This is the first outing together as a couple since they welcomed their daughter, Rocki Irish Mayers.
The two were seen riding a black Rolls Royce convertible around in LA while heading to a private Hollywood celebration, with Rocky wearing a brown suit and striped tie, while RiRi rocked a black moto jacket.
Just days before the happy news, A$AP explained that he was praying for a baby girl.
This is the first outing together as a couple since they welcomed their daughter, Rocki Irish Mayers.
The two were seen riding a black Rolls Royce convertible around in LA while heading to a private Hollywood celebration, with Rocky wearing a brown suit and striped tie, while RiRi rocked a black moto jacket.
Just days before the happy news, A$AP explained that he was praying for a baby girl.
Ex-City Hall Staffer Details Alleged Romance with Mayor Eric Adams in New Memoir
Jasmine Ray, a former New York City Hall staffer, is releasing a self-published memoir that claims she once had a romantic relationship with New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
Titled “Political Humanity,” the book is described on Ray’s website as a “memoir of love, legacy & New York City politics.” Per New York Magazine, the book’s description reads, “From the shadows of City Hall to the silence of closed-door meetings, Jasmine Ray reveals her untold role in the life of New York City’s mayor, Eric Adams. Their hidden relationship — marked by intimacy, sacrifice, and betrayal — mirrors the larger struggles of politics itself: the tension between personal humanity and public expectation.”
Adams’ spokesperson, Kayla Mamelak, confirmed that Adams and Ray dated roughly a decade ago but emphasized their relationship was professional during their time at City Hall. Ray, ex-director of the Mayor’s Office of Sports, Wellness, and Recreation, resigned from her post days before Adams announced he would drop his reelection campaign.
Jasmine Ray screenshot via Instagram @ jasmineray_nyc
Ray promoted the book with an AI-generated Instagram video depicting dramatized scenes of their relationship, including meetings, dancing, and lying in bed, set to a choir-backed theme song with lyrics such as “Love and power and truth comes through!” The video also alludes to Adams’ legal challenges, with a voice-over stating, “She stayed silent while the world judged him.”
In interviews, Ray told the New York Times their story was less sensational than portrayed. They met in 2014 when Adams was the Brooklyn borough president, briefly dated, and reconnected in 2021, though their romance did not resume. Ray began writing the book during the pandemic despite Adams’ attempts to dissuade her, noting his reaction to the finished manuscript was “mixed.”
The memoir appears set to reignite public interest in both her role in the mayor’s office and her personal history with Adams.
Titled “Political Humanity,” the book is described on Ray’s website as a “memoir of love, legacy & New York City politics.” Per New York Magazine, the book’s description reads, “From the shadows of City Hall to the silence of closed-door meetings, Jasmine Ray reveals her untold role in the life of New York City’s mayor, Eric Adams. Their hidden relationship — marked by intimacy, sacrifice, and betrayal — mirrors the larger struggles of politics itself: the tension between personal humanity and public expectation.”
Adams’ spokesperson, Kayla Mamelak, confirmed that Adams and Ray dated roughly a decade ago but emphasized their relationship was professional during their time at City Hall. Ray, ex-director of the Mayor’s Office of Sports, Wellness, and Recreation, resigned from her post days before Adams announced he would drop his reelection campaign.
Jasmine Ray screenshot via Instagram @ jasmineray_nyc
Ray promoted the book with an AI-generated Instagram video depicting dramatized scenes of their relationship, including meetings, dancing, and lying in bed, set to a choir-backed theme song with lyrics such as “Love and power and truth comes through!” The video also alludes to Adams’ legal challenges, with a voice-over stating, “She stayed silent while the world judged him.”
In interviews, Ray told the New York Times their story was less sensational than portrayed. They met in 2014 when Adams was the Brooklyn borough president, briefly dated, and reconnected in 2021, though their romance did not resume. Ray began writing the book during the pandemic despite Adams’ attempts to dissuade her, noting his reaction to the finished manuscript was “mixed.”
The memoir appears set to reignite public interest in both her role in the mayor’s office and her personal history with Adams.
Two Dead, 14 Injured in Montgomery Shooting Following Tuskegee vs. Morehouse Football Game
Montgomery Police say the incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. as large crowds were leaving the area following the game. According to initial reports, the violence began when a confrontation between two groups escalated into gunfire. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as shots were fired into the crowd.
Among the 14 people injured were two children. One of the children is reported to be in critical condition. A woman was among the two fatalities. As of Sunday morning, twelve of the injured victims remain hospitalized.
Authorities confirmed that individuals from both groups were shooting at each other while surrounded by civilians. No arrests have been made at this time, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information or video footage of the incident to come forward to assist with the investigation.
The shooting has raised concerns about public safety at large-scale events and the ability to ensure security for community gatherings. City officials have not yet issued a formal statement, but additional police presence is expected in the downtown area as a precaution.
Montgomery Police are continuing to process the crime scene and interview witnesses as they work to determine the exact circumstances that led to the deadly violence.
Montgomery Police say the incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. as large crowds were leaving the area following the game. According to initial reports, the violence began when a confrontation between two groups escalated into gunfire. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as shots were fired into the crowd.
Among the 14 people injured were two children. One of the children is reported to be in critical condition. A woman was among the two fatalities. As of Sunday morning, twelve of the injured victims remain hospitalized.
Authorities confirmed that individuals from both groups were shooting at each other while surrounded by civilians. No arrests have been made at this time, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information or video footage of the incident to come forward to assist with the investigation.
The shooting has raised concerns about public safety at large-scale events and the ability to ensure security for community gatherings. City officials have not yet issued a formal statement, but additional police presence is expected in the downtown area as a precaution.
Montgomery Police are continuing to process the crime scene and interview witnesses as they work to determine the exact circumstances that led to the deadly violence.
Latto Shuts Down Baby Rumors with 21 Savage!
But Latto wasn’t about to let the rumors fly unchecked. Just hours later, she dropped new photos on Instagram and put a stop to the gossip with the caption, “I ate tew much wagyu & ramen.”
With the pregnancy talks now behind her, the Grammy-nominated star can continue focusing on her music and newly confirmed relationship with 21 Savage.
Hulk Hogan’s Family Taking First Legal Step in Possible Medical Malpractice Suit After His Death
The death of pro wrestling icon Hulk Hogan is now the subject of a potential legal battle as his family seeks answers about his final months.
Hogan’s widow, Sky Daily, and son, Nick Bollea, recently filed paperwork in Pinellas County, Florida, asking the court for a 90-day extension to the statute of limitations. They are considering a medical malpractice lawsuit tied to the care Hogan received before his death on July 24th.
The 71-year-old died of a heart attack at his Clearwater Beach home. The medical examiner cited a history of leukemia and atrial fibrillation, calling it a natural death.
But red flags were raised when an occupational therapist at the scene told police that Hogan’s condition may have worsened due to improper medical care. Sky Daily confirmed that her husband’s phrenic nerve was damaged during a surgery earlier this year, severely affecting his breathing.
The family’s petition lists doctors from both Morton Plant Hospital, where Hogan passed, and Tampa General Hospital, where he had been treated.
Clearwater detectives say the case is still open, and they are reviewing records and speaking to witnesses.
Daily told the New York Post, “If you have shortness of breath for a long time, that makes you very sick. It’s something that wears on you, makes you weak.”
The family has not officially filed a lawsuit yet, but this legal step signals they’re getting ready to.
The death of pro wrestling icon Hulk Hogan is now the subject of a potential legal battle as his family seeks answers about his final months.
Hogan’s widow, Sky Daily, and son, Nick Bollea, recently filed paperwork in Pinellas County, Florida, asking the court for a 90-day extension to the statute of limitations. They are considering a medical malpractice lawsuit tied to the care Hogan received before his death on July 24th.
The 71-year-old died of a heart attack at his Clearwater Beach home. The medical examiner cited a history of leukemia and atrial fibrillation, calling it a natural death.
But red flags were raised when an occupational therapist at the scene told police that Hogan’s condition may have worsened due to improper medical care. Sky Daily confirmed that her husband’s phrenic nerve was damaged during a surgery earlier this year, severely affecting his breathing.
The family’s petition lists doctors from both Morton Plant Hospital, where Hogan passed, and Tampa General Hospital, where he had been treated.
Clearwater detectives say the case is still open, and they are reviewing records and speaking to witnesses.
Daily told the New York Post, “If you have shortness of breath for a long time, that makes you very sick. It’s something that wears on you, makes you weak.”
The family has not officially filed a lawsuit yet, but this legal step signals they’re getting ready to.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Courtesy of P.O.Wm
Enjoy!
NECK BEARD
Scruffy Neck!
AND NOW Meet: ALAN
It's Alan! You can see more HERE
DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT OWN any images posted on this blog. All images are found online or submitted.
Enjoy!
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
No comments:
Post a Comment