The Daily Buzz For Oct 16

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EBONY Magazine’s Controversia Cover Showing A Shattered Family Portrait Of The Huxtables

EBONY magazine is touching a nerve with their newest magazine cover. And it’s definitely one to get the conversation on social media going.

For EBONY's November 2015 issue, the publication will be touching on everything about the Black Family. So who do they choose to put on the cover? "The Cosby Show.” But it’s the way the photo is edited that has some up in arms…and some bestowing its praises.

A throwback promo shot of Bill Cosby, Phylicia Rashad, Lisa Bonet, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Tempestt Bledsoe and Keshia Knight Pulliam was used as the cover…but it shattered…as if to symbolize a family that was once a powerful force is now broken.

Some folks are calling the cover EPIC while others feel the cover is in poor taste. Some feel that what Bill Cosby did in his personal life had NOTHING to do with the “Cosby Show” and should not taint everything the show accomplished. Remember, this was an iconic family in the black community. A black family being showed in a positive light during the Reagan era, when the war on drugs and the plagues of crack cocaine and AIDS were destroying the black community. Others feel, Bill (and apparently the show) deserves the negative attention due to him feeling entitled to allegedly have sex with women without their consent.

So we want to hear from you. SHOULD the Huxtables be brought down due to Bill Cosby’s alleged sex scandal or should the show still be held in the same regards as it once was held within the black community?

SPEAK ON IT!

#TEAMEMPIRE: Empire’s leading lady, Taraji P. Henson, Looks Comfy heading to “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in LA.

Empire Nation our girl Tarajii P Henson was spotted looking comfy leaving the Jimmy Kimmel show. Tarajii had on a cute sleeveless silk top with some Camo pants and sneakers. 

Loves me some Cookie!

#PLANETJANET! The Queen Janet Jackson gave some fans the shock of their lives!

On one of Janet Jackson Tour stops she gave her VIP fans the SHOCK of their lives. She actually came out and met them. She was standing as a wax figure and then jumped out and fooled them all. 

WATCH HERE

So wonderful she then stopped to take pictures and speak to them. So friggin cool. By the way to our European readers and fellow Janet Fans her European leg of her ‘UNBREAKABLE’ World Tour has been extended to the following Countries,Prague, Amsterdam, Antwerp, Copenhagen, Stockholm and Oslo. Europeans get your tickets! #teamunbreakable! H/T JON JON WHITE

What in the HELL is Eating Tamar Braxton?

Tamar Braxton goes off  about her portrayal on reality TV…

While Tamar stopped short of naming names she is currently competing on Dancing with the Stars where she has been consistently under scored week after week.

Lamar Odom Drama: Shows some signs? Khloe is ‘SELECTIVE’ about who can and cannot see him?, ESPN Hates Hollywood coverage?

There’s a lot of drama in the Lamar Odom situation. We have learned that there is some “friction” in the hospital room where Lamar Odom is currently fighting for his life.

As previously reported, Odom’s estranged wife, Khloe Kardashian, is making medical decisions while the former NBA player remains in a coma. But a source tells HipHollywood that there is friction because the reality star is not letting a lot of Lamar’s friends up to see him.

We are told that the athlete’s two best friends were allowed in but the others are being turned away.

There have also been a slew of reports suggesting that Odom’s condition is degenerating, however, we are told that there have been slight improvements and that right now, his kidneys are the main focus.

As doctors continue to treat Odom’s condition as a drug overdose, the former Laker player’s family is right by his side, including his father Joe, his two teenage children and their mother.

Odom was found unconscious on Tuesday afternoon at the Love Ranch in Nevada. The former Clippers player was rushed to a hospital and later transported to Sunrise hospital in Vegas where he is now under doctors close watch.

Then as for the coverage of it all, ESPN anchor Scott Van Pelt is not happy with the way entertainment news outlets have been referring to Lamar Odom. Nancy Grace reportedly reduced the NBA veteran to a “Kardashian reality star” while discussing him on her program, not a “NBA champion” or former “Sixth Man of the Year.”

That led Houston rapper Bun B. to post this critical message on Twitter:

During SportsCenter, Van Pelt fired off his own nearly two-minute response to the way Odom is being classified. Listen Here

Continue to pray for his recovery!

It’s BACK! "Hit The Floor" Heading To The Court With A Slew Of Celeb Cameos 

"Hit The Floor" is set to return for a third season on Monday, January 18 at 10/9c, and we've go the latest trailer.  From what we've learned, there's been one major addition to the show...celebrity cameos.  Maybe they're trying to keep up with "Empire," but we have insider info on a bunch of celebs stopping by this season.  

The famous faces will include  Billy Baldwin (“Gossip Girl,” “Parenthood”), Michael Beach (“The Game,” “Sons of Anarchy”), Andy Buckley (“Odd Man Out,” “The Office”), Jonathan Bennett (“Mean Girls,” “Dancing With The Stars”), Francia Raisa (“The Secret Life of the American Teenager”) and Kim Wayans (“Reckless,” “In Living Color").

As far as the cast goes (pic above) returning series regulars include Dean Cain, Kimberly Elise, Taylour Paige, Logan Browning, Valery Ortiz, Katherine Bailess, Jonathan McDaniel, McKinley Freeman, Rob Riley, Adam Senn, Brent Antonello, Jodi Lyn O’Keefe and Don Stark.

Watch the season 3 trailer here:

Get More: Hit The Floor

Hit The Floor retruns Monday, January 18 at 10/9c

IF YOU CARE: Beyonce Covers BEAT Magazine 

BEAT magazine, a free music paper based in the UK, has landed Beyonce for it's latest cover.  The photo was shot by Ryan McGinley in the Hamptons and shows Bey in a red and white striped swimsuit while standing in front of the American Flag. 

The issue drops on October 21st and you can check out more on their website in a few days.  As far as new information goes, Beyonce doesn't do interviews so there's nothing new there.

Karen Clark Sheard Launches Mobile App

GRAMMY®-winning gospel music legend Karen Clark Sheard launched her first mobile app.

The app, which is available now via Google Play and iTunes, features music, photos, video and other functions, in addition to exclusive content that enables Karen to engage with her fans in fun and interactive ways.

Downloaders will also be able to interact with each other through the app’s “Fan Wall.”

Karen, who is active across her various social media platforms, is excited about the app and being able to utilize technology to connect with people from all over the world.

She says, “I’m so excited about the launch of my mobile app. I embrace innovative ideas and technologies, especially when it provides another outlet for me to spread my message and stay in touch with my supporters.

I receive so much love while on the road and this is a way for me to give back with exclusive content, including personal photos that I’ve taken with my supporters while promoting “Destined To Win.”

Be sure to catch her in various cities around the country this month, including Grand Rapids MI; Detroit; Dallas; Charleston SC; Philadelphia and Houston.

To download the app, please visit:

iTunes Link: https://appsto.re/us/qTe09.i

Google Play Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mobileroadie.app_95167

Social Media

Website: www.KarewRecords.com

In Sneakers News: The Supreme Air Jordan 5 Drops Oct. 16 

Streetwear titan Supreme’s most anticipated release of the year is easily its collab with Jordan Brand for an Air Jordan 5. Now the official word has come down, the sneaker will be available tomorrow (Oct. 16).  

The Supreme x Air Jordan 5 will arrive in three colorways, a black, white and the illest being a “Desert Storm” like option.

Says Supreme: A pioneering molded construction, raised medial side for ankle support and unique lace toggle for a secure fit were all engineered to assist Jordan’s game. It was created to grab attention too – a reflective tongue was applied to light up with camera flashes and complement an innovative clear ‘ice’ sole.

As well as influencing several shoes beyond basketball, the Air Jordan 5 was immortalized on film, TV and record sleeves, its influence spanned inner cities as well as an international audience.

Supreme branding can be seen on the mesh side panels and inside the shoe’s tongue. There is also a Jordan Brand x Supreme hang tag. No proper word on the t-shirt Michael Jordan himself was spotted in, yet.

Check out official images of the Supreme x Air Jordan 5 below

The shoes will NOT be sold in Supreme’s New York and Los Angeles stores; likely to prevent the jux since these kicks will be selling at sick after market prices if you can’t find a plug. They will be available in the London store tomorrow and online. Japan gets their kicks on October 17.

Chris Brown Announces ‘Royalty’ Album Release Date

The release of Chris Brown‘s new Royalty album is just around the corner. The announcement that it’s set to arrive November 27, came via Hot 97’s Nessa and Camilo on Tuesday.

The LP takes the name of Breezy’s 1-year-old daughter, Royalty, and has already seen the release of his singles “Liquor” and “Zero.”

Earlier this week, he shared a photo of him in the studio with Lyrica Anderson, writing: “New album coming together great. @lyricaanderson pen game sick. Shout out the homie “A1″. Got that heat coming soon!”

So, fans can look forward to, Royalty – Chris’ followup to 2014’s X – dropping on Black Friday.

FINALLY! Rihanna – “ANTI” [Release Date]

It was almost a week ago (yeah, I still say it) that the island girl Rihanna revealed the title and cover art for her eighth studio album; ANTI. Reportedly, wanting to waste no more time, there is also a release date, which is coming up on fans soon.

Find out more HERE! According to HITS Daily Double, ANTI is scheduled to drop on November 6. While this is not RiRi’s first November release, it is the first under her own record label.

This would be the fifth time Rihanna has released an album in November. ANTI will be her first album on her own label Westbury Road through Roc Nation. Def Jam will handle marketing and promotion.

The Barbados babe has stock piles of dope things related to the album. Along with the mesmerizing cover art by Roy Nachum there’s also braille poetry (for the hearing impaired) by Nachum and Chloe Mitchell.

AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES

Courtesy of P.o.WM

‘THE FLIGHTLESS THIEF’

Nope, nothing to see here. These wings are mine and they’re for flying. Definitely not stealing them at all.

HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!

EFREM

The Daily Buzz For Oct 15

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MAG FAB: Ava DuVernay Is GORGEOUS in White For ELLE’s November 2015 Issue

Directress Ava DuVernay is gracing the cover of ELLE magazine’s Women In Hollywood issue

The Compton native, who is the first black female director to be nominated for a Golden Globe Award, is gracing 1 of the 8 covers for ELLE magazine’s annual Women In Hollywood issue.  Of course, he’s looking effortlessly fab in a silk white Calvin Klein dress and Balmain jewels.

Inside the issue, the famous directress chops it up about her documentary chronicling tennis champion Venus Williams fighting for equal pay and her critically acclaimed film SELMA.

Below are the highlights:

On her film, Venus vs. Venus: "It was fascinating to really explore Venus Williams as the first of her kind, the first to break down the wall—so young, so graceful, so gracious, so at the top of her game."

On the process of creating the Oscar winning Selma: "It was important to me when I took over the film and rewrote the script that there were those silences and spaces where these icons are being people."

Selma star and rapper Common on working with DuVernay: "[She] created an environment where we felt like we were doing something with a higher purpose."

Fab!  You can catch up on all things Ava once her issue hits newsstands nationwide October 20th.

#PRAY! Things don’t look good for Lamar Odom and Rev Jesse Jackson is at his side!

Late last night, news broke about former L.A. Laker Lamar Odom being found unresponsive in a Nevada brothel called the "Cathouse."  Police were called when the owner of the establishment walked in to the room Lamar lay in and found fluids running from his nose and mouth.  Lamar was driven by ambulance to Las Vegas' Sunrise Hospital after plans to airlift him there via helicopter were cancelled because of his size. Apparent Overdose, Failed Organs

Immediate reports stated he was hooked up to a ventilator and the situation simply "did not look good."

Reports state the former NBA star has suffered severe organ failure, affecting four different organs, and he is currently on a ventilator.

While the brothel owner originally stated Lamar had taken "herbal style Viagra," new reports suggest otherwise.  According to E! Online, every drug imaginable was in his system, including crack cocaine:

"Likely there's brain damage, but they're not sure how much," the source added. "Virtually every drug imaginable was found in his system."

Crack cocaine, one of the drugs found, caused him to choke, according to an insider.  "He was doing crack cocaine all weekend and he choked on his mucous," the insider explained. "They're now having to fix all the damage it has done."

An MRI was conducted on Lamar today which found he has suffered several mini strokes since being admitted.  Other sites report today that due to a severe lack of oxygen to the brain for an extended amount of time, he is still "touch and go".  His condition could really lean either way for the rest of the night.

With Lamar not having much close family, it's unclear as to who he has listed as next of kin.  E! does state, surprisingly, that even though both he and his ex Khloe Kardashian signed their divorce papers this past July, the court system never got around to finalizing the paperwork.  They were "backed up."

So, technically, Khloe is still legally his wife.  She has been by his bed side since the story broke yesterday. Also by Lamar's bedside is civil rights leader Jesse Jackson:

After all of the scattered reports last night, Lamar's rep issued a statement today to Us Weekly:

“Family and friends are extremely concerned for Lamar,” Odom's longtime publicist and friend, Eve Sarkisyan, tells Us in a statement. “Please don't listen to the false information being circulated unofficially. Please respect the family's privacy during this difficult time.”

We'll keep you updated on all developments...

Taraji P. Henson Ditches The Weave, Rocks Cornrows In "CR Fashion Book

Get ready to see Taraji P. Henson in a "state" of undress that she's never revealed before.  No....she didn't show us her boobs.  No....she didn't show us the crack of her butt.  But......she did take off her weave to show us what was underneath.  Here's how that ish went down....

After a decade in the game, Taraji P. Henson is finally getting her just due from headline clips and magazine covers to international fashion shoots.  But this is a new even for Taraji....

 

Taraji told CR Fashion Book "I wear wigs a lot, especially for fashion shoots."  But photographer Bruce Weber managed to get Taraji to let her guard down.

"He's photographing me in my most vulnerable state; women will never let you see them like this."  Taraji went ahead and allowed Bruce to shoot her in her cornrows....because beneath the wigs and weaves, this is who she is.

The photoshoot also included a surprise appearance from "Empire" fan favorite Jussie Smollett.  The other models are Michael Beasley, Jon Batiste and Henry Watkins.

In revealing what's under her wig cap, Taraji says Bruce told her, "It's not about your hair, it's about your face. So I decided to trust the artists' vision. As an actress that's what we do. We are vulnerable everytime we put our art out there. Underneath that hair is my soul, and it's me and it's mine."

Claudia Jordan Blasts Rickey Smiley

Claudia Jordan goes off on her former boss Rickey Smiley and promises tea will spill…Check the TWEETS

LOL!

LHHHollywood’s Milan Splits With Boyfriend Miles: Stop with this fake bullsh*t!

That was quick! Love & Hip Hop’s first openly male couple have called it quits. As you know, this season VH1’s Love & Hip Hop Hollywood introduced an openly gay male couple who work in the music industry. If you’ve watched this season, you’ve witnessed producer Milan Christopher and his boyfriend rapper Miles struggle with their relationship.

[The network initially described Miles as ‘a rapper and songwriter in the hip hop industry. Miles, who struggles with the conflict between his Christian upbringing and his relationship with Milan, also fears the repercussions he may face from the hip hop industry for being in a same sex relationship.’ Milan was described, as ‘a very successful entrepreneur, rapper/producer and model, Milan is on top of the world. The only thing that could make his life happier is if he could get his boyfriend, Miles to live openly with him and start a family.‘]

In short, Miles had not disclosed to his family and ex-girlfriend that he was gay.

Anywho, it appears that while they’re attempting to work the kinks out in their relationship on TV, off screen it’s already over.

Milan recently shared a message on Instagram, note only slamming Miles, but announcing that they had already broken up.

The Love & Hip Hop Hollywood reunion is reportedly being filmed at the end of the month. Our guess is, the reason for their split may be revealed.

College Student Assaulted By Police For BANKING WHILE BLACK!

A Black student in Washington, DC was “assaulted” by two White police officers for being in the proximity of a bank where he had an account. The young man’s name is Jason Goolsby, and video taken of the incident has led to outrage in the nation’s capital.

Jason’s friend, @DaRealBigHomiee, says that they were approached by officers because “a white couple felt uncomfortable around me and my friend in the bank.”

In the shocking video, you can see an extremely aggressive officer bending the arm of the student while he tries to handcuff him. Jason can be heard repeatedly screaming, “I’m not resisting,” as another officer drives their knee into his back.

Today we we're harassed and assaulted because " someone felt uncomfortable around us " in a bank . RETWEET ‼️ pic.twitter.com/E2XZaOgJgM

— #justiceforjason (@darealbighomiee) October 13, 2015

The video ends after another “thug in blue” approaches the man filming, shoves him, and then tells him to put his hands behind his back.

The DC police tweeted they were responding to a call regarding a “robbery fear,” which we guess means someone’s fear of being robbed.

Man Arrested in Connection With Murder of Transwoman Kiesha Jenkins

Philadelphia police arrested a 24-year-old man in connection with the shooting death of transwoman Kiesha Jenkins.

Jenkins, 22, was shot and killed On Oct. 6, after getting out of a car in a rough neighborhood early Sunday morning.

Police say Jenkins was immediately surrounded by a group of men who attempted to rob him.

A tip led police to Pedro Redding, who confessed to firing the 2 shots that killed Jenkins.

Referring to her as a “young woman,” Philadelphia police Capt. James Clark said Jenkins fought back and “gave a valiant fight and that is why one of them pulled out a gun and shot and killed” Jenkins.

Though the murder took place in a part of town frequented by transwomen and women, police do not think Jenkins’ being a transwoman her slaying.

“This is not a hate crime at all, I mean it’s a sad and senseless murder but it is not a hate crime,” Clark said.

According to WPVI-TV, Redding may have targeted another trans hooker in 2013. But those charges were dropped when the victim failed to show up in court.

Jenkins’ death is the 2nd murder of a transwoman in Philadelphia in 2015.

Hallmark Mahogany Partners with Jill Scott to Launch National Scholarship

*Hallmark’s Mahogany brand has partnered with Blues Babe, Jill Scott’s foundation which aims to nurture “college-bound students of color, artistically and academically.”

According to the press release emailed to the Electronic Urban Report/EUR, this partnership has established a national, merit-based scholarship for college students interested in pursuing a career in the writing arts.

“To be able to give inner-city students the opportunity to receive a scholarship and pursue a career in writing is phenomenal,” said Ms. Scott. “My love and passion for writing is reflected in my music and my poetry and I am sincerely grateful that Mahogany decided to partner with the Blues Babe Foundation to help nurture young creative minds.”

Currently enrolled college students interested in applying for the scholarship may visit this link to submit an application and qualifying information, which includes a writing sample and an essay. Two winners will be selected by representatives from Mahogany and the Blues Babe Foundation, and will each receive a $10,000 scholarship. Both winners also will be invited to Hallmark’s headquarters in Kansas City, Mo. for an all-expenses paid three-day workshop with Mahogany’s team of writers during the summer of 2016.

Mahogany and the Blues Babe Foundation also will team up to promote the importance of education and creative writing skills during sessions at this year’s Camp Jill Scott, an annual summer enrichment camp for underserved middle school students in the North Philadelphia area.

“Our greeting cards’ messages are rooted in inspiration, positivity and cultural connection,” said Tara Frank, Vice President – Multicultural Strategy, Hallmark Cards. “This partnership provides an avenue for us to put that message into action – nationally and locally – and we’re excited to partner with Ms. Scott’s Blues Babe Foundation to do so. We hope that our shared vision leads to rewarding and enriching opportunities for college-bound students.”

The collaboration unites Mahogany’s commitment to a genuine, progressive and optimistic reflection of African-American culture with the Blues Babe Foundation’s extensive work in initiatives supporting minority students pursuing a college education.

Applications for the Mahogany & Blues Babe Foundation Scholarship will be accepted through October 30, 2015. For more information and official rules, visit here.

'America's Next Top Model' Cancelled After 22 Cycles

According to TVLine.com, the CW is cancelling the modeling competition show after its current 22nd cycle, which will air a series finale on Friday, December 4 @ 9/8c.

Host and judge Tyra Banks took to Instagram to write a goodbye letter to the show.

“Thinking #ANTM #cycle22 should be our last cycle,” Tyra wrote. “Yeah, I truly believe it’s time. Our diehard fans know we’ve expanded the definition of beauty, presented what Flawsome is, tooched and booched and boom boom boomed, shown the world how to show their neck, rocked couture/catalogue/commercial poses, have found our (and your) light, strutted countless runways, gone on tons of go-sees, added guys to the girls mix, and have traveled around the globe and back again. Yeah, it’s time. It really is.

Click inside to read the rest of Tyra Banks post…

“Wow, I am SO proud of what Top Model has done.

#ANTM brought the intimidating modeling world to the masses. We were the first reality show based in the fashion world. I never thought my little idea would have people everywhere thinking differently about how they take photos. And I never thought we’d do 22 cycles. Whoa! So many!!! And what rhymes with 22? You. And you and you and you and you! YOU made Top Model what it is. We are a global force that has so many international versions around the world because of YOU! That’s amazing and beyond anything that I ever dreamed.

I set out to create a show where Perfect is Boring. So I hope you continue to love your freckles, your moles, your big forehead, your big eyes, your small eyes, your pointy chin, your tiny boobs, your full chest, your ivory or ebony skin (or every color in between) – the stuff about you that makes you well…you. And I hope you’ve learned a heck of a lot from watching. I have an inkling you have. May your photos (and selfies) be forever fierce. May you always find your light. And may you werk hallways like runways. Always remember, you are beautiful & BOOTYful. And please, keep on Smizing each and every day for TyTy.

Fierce & Love,

💛Tyra“

AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES

Courtesy of P.o.WM

‘LET DOWN YOUR HAIR’

You’re still a little early for Halloween there Rapunzel. Although I feel like you’re dressed up like that to catch me off guard when you’re real plan is to serve me as you break into some hip hop dance. I don’t know why, you just give off that vibe as a sneak-server and I don’t like it.

HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!

EFREM