Kerry Washington Covers ‘Woke 100’ Edition Of Essence
Award winning-actress and all around beauty Kerry Washington covers the new May Issue of ESSENCE. Inside she talks about ending her uberly popular series SCANDAL and why representation matters.
“Olivia Pope has given me the sense that anything is possible,” says Washington.
The television and film star also took to social media to express her gratitude toward the black and white cover that was shot by noted photographer Kwaku Alston.
“My mom was an Essence magazine subscriber from DAY ONE. I’m so grateful to have grown up in a home where Essence magazine was celebrated. And I’m so honored to be covering @Essence Magazine’s latest issue: the #Woke100! On newsstands this Friday.”
#RHoA: Oh Lawd Kenya Done went and shook up The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah‘s Witnesses!
Kenya Moore Debuts Look-Alike Sister Lisa On Instagram — Photo At Jehovah’s Witnesses Temple Sparks Reactions
A pregnant Kenya Moore has decided to debut her look-alike sister, Lisa, on Instagram.
Over the weekend, Kenya returned to her native Detroit, Michigan and she opted to spend some time with her family.
While at home, Marc Daly’s wife and her beautiful sister wore matching coats as they focused on their relationships with God — well, in that case, Jehovah.
The star of the hit Bravo reality series the Real Housewives of Atlanta explained that she took the photo at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses with Lisa.
Many fans complimented Kenya on having a sister who also looks like a beauty queen.
However, the post also started a lengthy and heated debate on whether or not the religious group is a cult.
A person said: “According to Webster’s Dictionary a cult is a system of religious veneration and devotion directed toward a particular figure or object. While attending a meeting, assemblies, and regional conventions, I have never been told to direct any devotion to a particular figure or object. I have always been direct to the John 17:3.”
Another commenter shared: “So many ridiculous comments from one beautiful post with her sister. I wish people had better home training. Geeze. The Bible says that unrepentant sinners be removed at 1 Corinthians 5:9-13. This is necessary for at least three reasons: (1) to keep Jehovah’s name free from reproach, (2) to protect the congregation from contamination, and (3) to help the sinner come to repentance if possible.”
A third fan had this to say: “I am so happy for u and proud of u Kenya! I have the hate you have gotten thru the years and the way others treat u on RhoA so badly yet u stay beautiful resilient and amazingly cool. Keep doing u.I SEE U. AND IM PRAYING FOR YOU AND YOURS! See you do not know. We do not want heaven that’s a false Christianity thing. Why do you want parts of Pagan celebrations? The true origins of those celebrations do not have any Godly foundation…. But I guess you know or whatever.”
Kenya, who is set to give birth to a baby girl later this year, turned off the comments for the post.
#Empire: Your First Look At Alfre Woodard As Cookie’s Mama On ‘Empire’
FOX has released a sneak peek of this week’s episode of Empire featuring award winning TV and film actress Alfre Woodard as Cookie’s mama Renee. In February, RC reported that Woodard and Taraji P. Henson would be reuniting again as mother and daughter for the show.
If you have been keeping up with the current episodes, Cookie has been dealing with a lot including her checkered past and time behind bars. In last week’s episode, she received a surprise visit from a former cell mate (played by Henson’s real-life best friend Ptosha Storey) regarding her “freinemy” Poundcake (played by Tony nominated Broadway actress Da’Vine Joy Randolph).
Cookie also recently suffered a heart attack which prompted Lucious ( Terrence Howard) to call upon her sisters—Candace (Vivica A. Fox) and Carol (Tasha Smith). It was only a matter of time before “mama” would eventually enter the picture.
Check out the clip below of Renee handling Cookie as only she can HERE
YASSSSSSS!
#MusicNews Janelle Monáe Announces ‘Dirty Computer’ Tour
Janelle Monáe will go on a 27-city tour in support of her upcoming project ‘Dirty Computer’. The tour which kicks off on June 11 in Seattle will make stops in cities like Vancouver, Portland, Los Angeles, Denver, Minneapolis, Boston, Charlotte, Miami, and New York before wrapping Aug. 4 in Atlanta.
Tickets for the upcoming trek go on sale May 2. Every U.S. ticket purchased includes a standard digital copy of Dirty Computer.
Dirty Computer Tour Dates:
June 11 – Seattle, WA – King County’s Marymoor Park
June 12 – Vancouver, BC – Queen Elizabeth Theatre
June 13 – Portland, OR – McMenamins Edgefield Amphitheater
June 16 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic
June 20 – San Diego, CA – Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre at SDSU
June 26 – Phoenix, AZ – Comerica Theater
June 28 – Los Angeles, CA – The Greek Theatre
June 30 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex
July 1 – Denver, CO – The Paramount Theatre
July 3 – Minneapolis, MN – State Theatre
July 5 – Chicago, IL – The Chicago Theatre
July 6 – Milwaukee, WI* – Summerfest*
July 7 – Grand Rapids, MI – 20 Monroe Live
July 9 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre Detroit
July 10 – Cincinnati, OH – Taft Theatre
July 11 – St. Louis, MO – The Pageant
July 13 – Nashville, TN+ – Ryman Auditorium+
July 14 – Indianapolis, IN – Murat Theatre at Old National Centre
July 16 – Toronto, ON – Rebel
July 18 – New York, NY – Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden
July 20 – Washington, DC* – The Anthem*
July 21 – Boston, MA – Blue Hills Bank Pavilion
July 23 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz
July 24 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore Charlotte
July 26 – Tampa, FL – Jannus Live
July 27 – Miami, FL – The Fillmore Miami at Jackie Gleason Theater
July 28 – Orlando, FL – House of Blues Orlando
Aug. 4 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle
*non-Live Nation date
+on sale beginning May 4
#HipHopNews: Nicki Minaj Savagely Fires Back At Instagram User Calling Her Body "Fake"
Nicki Minaj found herself on the defensive after an Instagram user commented on her body.
The self-anointed Queen of Rap shared a behind-the-scenes video clip of her “Barbie Tingz” video shoot on Sunday (April 22). In the comment section, Instagram user @mscolorpurple wrote, “Isn’t your body fake?? you paid to look like you.”
Minaj fired back, “@mscolorpurple u can’t even show ur whole face. Must suck to be so jealous, miserable, insecure & ugly.”
Instagram users commenting on the jab were unsurprisingly divided on Minaj’s response. Some thought she shouldn’t have responded at all, while others came to the defense of the women she insulted.
Minaj is in the middle of a full blown return to the public eye. After months of social media silence, she emerged with two new singles — “Chun-Li” and “Barbie Tingz” — did an in-depth interview with Beats 1 Radio, and is back to posting regularly on her various social media accounts.
Rihanna Announces Her Savage x Fenty Lingerie Collection
Last month, Rihanna signed a deal to launch a lingerie line that could been a major win for Fabletics’ parent company. The singer, beauty mogul, fashion icon, singer, and actress is set to takeover lingerie world.
Today, you can now sign up for the latest information on Savage x Fenty Lingerie Collection. Click Here to check it out. SAVAGEX.com
And today…New message from Ms. Rihanna!
badgalriri– bet ya didn’t know it’s#nationallingerieday got a lil treat for my ladies…. #SAVAGEXFENTY is coming to you worldwide on MAY 11th!! Exclusively on SAVAGEX.com !!
Head there now to peep the live countdown
Avicii’s Family Members Release Joint Statement After His Unexpected Passing At 28!
The regretted Dj’s family members have released a statement in which they thanked fans and friends for their many tributes and support. As you know by now, Avicii unexpectedly passed away at the age of only 28.
‘We would like to thank you for the support and the loving words about our son and brother. We’re so grateful for everyone who loved Tim’s music and have precious memories of his songs. Thank you for all the initiatives taken to honor Tim, with public gatherings, church bells ringing out his music, tributes at Coachella and moments of silence around the world. We are very grateful for the privacy during this extremely difficult time. Our wish is that it continues that way. With love, The Tim Bergling Family,’ the statement read.
A lot of fellow DJs and other artists have already paid tribute to the Swedish DJ, honoring his memory and incredible talent.
For instance, Nick Jonas performed the 2013 hit Wake Me Up at his show in Akron, Ohio.
Meanwhile, DJ Kygo even closed his Coachella performance with a memorial for Avicii.
‘Coachella, I think most of you guys have heard, but today is a very sad day for music. Earlier today I got the news that Avicii passed away [at] only 28 years old. Avicii was my biggest musical inspiration, and he was the reason that I started making electronic music, so I do not think I would have been on this stage tonight if it was not for him,’ DJ Kygo said.
‘I know he’s inspired millions of other producers out there. So I want to end my set tonight with my favorite Avicii song,’ he added before performing the 2017 single Without You while a picture of the pioneer was being shown.
TMZ Responds To Tiffany Haddish After She Put Them On Blast
Over the weekend, The comedian/actress put TMZ on blast.
“TMZ is out of order for that SMH. What is wrong with men today you can stand there and watch us women load bags and not help Weak.”
TMZ finally responds….Harvey Levin explains below with a statement..
“I talked to our camera guy Joe. He’s a great camera guy. Joe said, “Look, it’s not my job.” Joe’s right it is not his job. Now, at the same time we try and be nice to celebrities we literally given them the pants off our .. legs. Joe’s not going to be suspended for 3 days.” Whatever!
#BLOOP: Judge Tosses Madonna’s Handwritten Tupac Letter Lawsuit
It appears the saga behind Madonna’s Tupac handwritten letter lawsuit has seemingly come to an unceremonious end for the once reigning Queen of Pop.
To backtrack, the iconic pop star sued her ex-friend, Darlene Lutz, in July 2017 in efforts to prevent her from making money off of old memorabilia, which happened to include a quasi-breakup letter penned by Makaveli the Don himself.
Now, the New York Daily News is reporting that Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Gerald Lebovits ruled that because Madonna signed a settlement agreement back in 2004 relinquishing ownership to every item Lutz possessed, there simply is no case. He even reportedly told Madonna she should have sued her estranged brother, Christopher Ciccone, since he gave Lutz some of the items.
“(Madonna) knew that throughout her relationship with Lutz, Lutz was in possession of various pieces of (Madonna’s) personal property,” Lebovits wrote. “Yet before this action began, the plaintiff did not make any demand to return her possessions.”
Obviously, soon-to-be-more-profitable Gotta Have It! auction house co-owner Ed Kosinski co-signed the judge’s ruling, telling the Daily News, “It’s a clear-cut victory for us. [Madonna] shouldn’t have signed a settlement agreement relinquishing the right to all property in Darlene’s possession.”
The latest ruling reverses Madonna’s short-lived victory in summer 2017 when the letter was ordered to be removed from a Gotta Have It! auction.
Check out the Tupac handwritten letter down below.
WOW!
Sony Dates ‘Jumanji’ Sequel For December 2019 – CinemaCon
During the tail end of Sony’s film slate presentation at CinemaCon, chairman Tom Rothman announced the release date for the next Jumanji installment for December 2019. “Don’t give all your screens to Star Wars,” Rothman said to the exhibitors seated in the Colosseum at Caesars Palace.
Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle, the reboot of the 1995 Robin Williams-starring adventure pic, is officially the studio’s highest-grossing film ever at the domestic box office, overtaking Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man ($403.7 million), with a total domestic gross of 404.1M and worldwide its made close to 957M.
Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan will reprise their roles. Jake Kasdan directed the surprise blockbuster although it’s unclear if he’ll be returning for the sequel.
Currently the December 2019 film release schedule includes Untitled Blumhouse Productions Project II, Masters of the Universe, Star Wars: Episode IX, and Superintelligence.
FASHION FOCUS: Chadwick Boseman in Etro, J Brand & Bottega Veneta HOT or NOT!
His first look featured a ETRO FALL 2018 purple & navy aztec printed, button down jacket which was styled with a black T-shirt, grey denim and LOUBOUTIN HOMME sneakers. Of course he accessorized with his go to jewelry brand, DAVID YURMAN which topped off his look.
For his second look, he rocked a grey BOTTEGA VENETA FALL 2018 jacket which was styled simply with a white T-shirt and dark denim jeans. While his ensemble is a simple, casual cool look, it was his LOUBOUTIN HOMME color-block sneakers which took it to the next level.
His stylist Ashley always knows how to pick the perfect jacket for the actor to wear. Both of these looks are a win for me. Are you feeling Chadwick's instagram style?
Matt Barnes Has High Hopes That Beyonce Will Play Angela Davis In The Huey P. Newton Biopic
Former NBA player Matt Barnes’ first major venture since officially retiring is developing a Huey P. Newton biopic. He announced in February that the Power To The People movie is a go, though there isn’t much information about the studio or other producers. Today, he dished some more about the project on The Breakfast Club. The film apparently has a $20 million budget. He said that Bryan Barber is directing the movie, Dr. Dre wants to score it, and the film will boast some well-known actors. Keith Powers will play the iconic Black Panthers co-founder Newton, while Hollywood veterans Wood Harris and Hill Harper are also involved.
One compelling casting preference he mentioned is Beyonce as Angela Davis. He said he’s “hopefully in talks” with Beyonce, which doesn’t say much for Queen Bey’s actual interest in playing the feminist and civil rights icon. Davis was a prominent member of the Black Panthers, and is still teaching, speaking and writing books to this day. She’s revered in the Black community as a freedom fighter and prison abolitionist – as is Beyonce as an artist and pop culture icon.
Beyonce famously did a tribute to the Black Panthers during Super Bowl 50 to commemorate the movement’s 50th anniversary, which Davis commended in 2016:
I can say that I am happy that Beyoncé decided to do this evocative performance. I embrace the fact that there is a broad conversation that was staged by that performance.
There would be even more conversation – of all kinds – if Beyonce were to actually sign on to play her.
The Rock Welcomes ‘Another Strong Girl’ Into the World
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has another strong, beautiful woman in his life — he and his girlfriend Lauren Hashian just welcomed their second daughter, Tiana Gia Johnson, into the world.
Johnson posted a precious photo with his newborn on his chest getting some “skin to skin” bonding contact writing, “Blessed and proud to bring another strong girl into this world.”
Fair warning, his caption will definitely bring a tear to your eye.
So sweet!
‘American Idol’: Which of the Top 14 was robbed of a place in the Top 10 on season 16?
The Monday April 23 episode of the ABC revival of “American Idol” saw the Top 14 reduced to the Top 10. Six of the singers continuing on in the show — Gabby Barrett, Cade Foehner, Caleb Lee Hutchinson, Maddie Poppe, Catie Turner and Michael J. Woodard — learnt that they numbered among America’s favorites and earned places in the Top 10 based on their performances on Sunday’s show.
The other eight contestants were told by host Ryan Seacrest that the three judges — Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie — would choose just four of them to move forward in the competition based on the songs that they sung on Monday’s show. The four artists that the panel put through to the Top 10 were: Dennis Lorenzo, Jurnee Siani, Michelle Sussett and Ada Vox.
That mean elimination for Jonny Brenns, Marcio Donaldson, Garrett Jacobs and Mara Justine. Which of these four do you think was robbed of a place in the Top 10? Take a look at the list of songs they’ve sung throughout the competition and then cast your ballot for the artist you will miss most as season 16 of “American Idol” moves on to the Top 10 on April 29.
See photos from Atl Screening Of ‘Breaking In’ with Gabrielle Union & Will Packer Hosting
It was lights, camera and loads of action Sunday night for the special advanced screening of Breaking In. The film’s star—Gabrielle Union— teamed up with super producer Will Packer for the exclusive premiere of the film, which opens in theaters on Friday, May 11 – Mother’s Day weekend.
The screening took place at the Regal Cinema at Atlantic Station and opened with greetings from V-103’s morning personality Frank Ski. He introduced Packer, who talked about the inspiration behind the film before introducing Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. Packer also introduced Stacy Abrams, who is campaigning to become Georgia’s first Black female Governor.
Union later joined the group and thanked her Atlanta fans for always supporting her career. Her voice was extremely hoarse because she had attended Beyoncé’s historic Coachella performance the night before.
“I am so grateful to be kicking off the Breaking In screening, premiere and press tour in Atlanta, which is my second home and has always been so supportive in everything I’ve ever been a part of in the city. I am just incredibly proud and humbled in what we can accomplish when we come together and support each other and uplift each other,” said Union.
She went on to further encourage attendees and called them “superheroes” in their everyday lives. “This movie is about a mother, who moves and heaven and earth to save her kids. Everyone in this room is a superhero. We just don’t have merchandise. We just ain’t in Marvel or DC Comics. But we’re superheroes in our own right. So whether you call that #BlackGirlMagic or #BlackBoyJoy, we got this!”
Breaking In features Union as Shaun Russell, a young mother who spends the weekend in the home of her deceased father when it is invaded by a group of thugs looking for something in the home. It also stars Ajiona Alexus as Jasmine Russell, Seth Carr as Glover Russell, Jason George as Justin Russell along with Billy Burke, Richard Cabral and Levi Meaden.
Union will be also be awarded this year’s CinemaCon “Breakthrough Producer of the Year” Award in Las Vegas. She is also on the new cover of EBONY and is gearing up for a NBC series based on her character from the Bad Boys 2.
Check out more photos below of a few celebs and influencers who attended the screening:
Breaking In arrives in theaters May 11.
Candace Parker will pay Ex-Husband $400K In Alimony Settlement!
Reportedly, Los Angeles Sparks player, who has snagged the WNBA MVP twice will pay her ex husband, Shelden Williams alimony.
Parker and the former Duke basketball player married in 2008. They split two years ago. As part of the divorce, she will reportedly pay $400,000. They will split custody of their 8-year-old daughter and neither party will pay child support.
No additional details about their split have been released.
Christopher Williams Skipped Court Date For Headphone Theft
Wake him, This isn’t a DREAM! Christopher Williams was arrested at Kohl’s Department Store in McDonough, Georgia on Saturday after trying to steal a set of $99 headphones.
The singer skipped his court date for the petty theft, and a bench warrant is now out for his arrest.
According to TMZ reports, Law enforcement sources tell us Chris failed to appear in court last week in connection with his petty theft case … and a judge just issued a bench warrant. There won’t be a manhunt or anything, but if he comes across police and they run his name … he’ll be cuffed and hauled off to jail.
Judge Tosses Tokyo Toni’s Lawsuit Against Wendy Williams
Last year, Blac Chyna’s mother Tokyo Toni filed a $1 million lawsuit against talk show host Wendy Williams for defamation of character, slander and harassment
Tokyo Toni loses the battle… According to reports Tokyo Toni’s lawsuit against Wendy Williams was tossed out because Tokyo never served Wendy with a summons and did not show up in court to ask for an extension.
Tokyo claimed she was unable to eat or sleep because of Wendy’s constant barrage of harassment.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES?
‘CURE FOR AN UPSET STOMACH’
I guess that camo will come in handy when you’re being hunted inside the Pepto-Bismol factory.
#EGGPLANT NATION Meet J.B!
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
