Kanye West, Christina Aguilera, and More Music Icons Pose With Their Kids For Harper's Bazaar
Kanye West, Christina Aguilera, and more musicians are giving us a little glimpse of their sweet families. In the September issue of Harper's Bazaar, music icons are posing alongside their adorable children as part of the publication's feature, ICONS: The First Families of Music.
The full spread features Bruce Springsteen and his daughter Jessica, Kanye West with his daughter North and son Saint, Christina Aguilera with her son Max and daughter Summer, Lionel and Nicole Richie, Mariah Carey with her twins Monroe and Moroccan, Billie Idol and Bonnie Blue Broad, Michael Jackson's daughter Paris Jackson, Steven and Liv Tyler, Erykah Badu with her daughters Puma and Mars, and Keith Richards's daughters Theodora and Alexandra Richards. Get a glimpse of the adorable families and their sweet quotes about parenthood ahead.
#RHoA: Ladies and Gentlemen meet The New NeNe Leakes!
A new photo “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” star NeNe Leakes posted showing off apparel from her Atlanta and Miami boutique has drawn attention for her noticeably slimmer frame.
Fans of the Swagg Boutique and Swaggalicious Boutique wanted to know what the star’s secret is to dropping weight over the summer.
However, most of the responses were full of praise and those wondering how Leakes was able to get her new body, it may have to do with the diet change she made earlier this summer in support of her husband Gregg Leakes. He was diagnosed with cancer this year, and NeNe disclosed his illness back in May. The longtime housewife confirmed the cancer was removed and then began looking into natural treatments for the illness.
So what do you think about the NeNe?
#Empire: The Hollywood Reporter asks Was it Racist for a Judge to Dismiss a Copyright Lawsuit Targeting Fox's 'Empire'?
In reviving a claim from Jon Astor-White, a 9th Circuit judge faults colleagues for not recognizing the diversity problem in television and the "revolutionary nature" of one man's treatment for a TV series.
It's not every day that a federal appeals circuit revives a copyright lawsuit over a major television series. That Jon Astor-White achieved this result against 21st Century Fox, Imagine Entertainment, Lee Daniels and Daniel Strong is rather extraordinary. Astor-White alleges Fox's Empire is a rip-off of his own treatment of a television series entitled "King Solomon," and he's pursuing his case without a lawyer. But frankly, that's not even the most remarkable part of a memorandum opinion issued on Wednesday from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Copyright lawsuits are notoriously tough for plaintiffs. The law only protects expression — not generic ideas, and those suing for copyright infringement usually have to show that works are substantially similar and that the defendants had access to plaintiff's work.
In March 2016, about a half-a-year after Astor-White filed his lawsuit, U.S. District Court Judge Percy Anderson dismissed the case with prejudice. After reading the complaint, the judge came to the conclusion that it failed to state a viable claim because "King Solomon" and "Empire" were not substantially similar in ways protected by the Copyright Act. Astor-White wasn't given the opportunity to further amend his complaint to cure deficiencies.
At the 9th Circuit, one judge thought Astor-White should have gotten the chance to amend his complaint while another agreed with Anderson that it would have been "futile."
The tie-breaker was 9th Circuit Judge Kim McLane Wardlaw, who not only agreed with one of his two colleagues to give Astor-White another shot, but also offered an interesting take in a concurring opinion.
Wardlaw writes that dismissal before any discovery has occurred doesn't happen often. The judge also says that Anderson focused too heavily on differences, which she calls "inevitable because change is exactly what happens as a treatment is developed into a fully realized work."
Here's the money quote from her opinion (read in full here):
"Moreover, neither the district court nor the dissent acknowledge the revolutionary nature of Astor-White’s treatment at the time it was written. While diversity in television still has a long way to go, a lot has changed on primetime television in the 11 years since Astor-White wrote the treatment for King Solomon. In the decades prior, black families were mostly represented, if at all, on sitcoms. Only 6 years ago, in 2012, did Kerry Washington debut as Olivia Pope in Scandal on the ABC network as the first black female lead in almost 40 years. The rise of TV shows featuring complex, black lead characters is recent, and Astor-White created King Solomon on the revolution’s precipice. Both King Solomon and Empire are about a black record business mogul with complex family dynamics and who competes with a rival record company owned by a white man involved in organized crime. Empire premiered in 2015 and is credited 'as one of the clear and first runaway hits for representation of black people' and 'represent[s] a dynamic, that for the most part, has not been seen.' The district court dismissed this claim on the basis that the storyline in King Solomon and its many similarities with Empire were generic. However, judges have no particular expertise in determining what is and is not generic in cases like these, where the judge could not have seen a similar show at the time it was written. Discovery and the expertise of persons who understand the landscape of television at the time King Solomon was written would have greatly informed the decision as to substantial similarity."
In sum, Astor-White's work might have seemed like a generic idea, but given the diversity problem, it was revolutionary!
In the minority (appellate-speaking), 9th Circuit Judge Jacqueline Nguyen doesn't buy it.
"The overarching ideas of 'a Black Record Business Mogul and his family' and 'the inner-workings of the billion dollar record business, and [its] effects on the [] family” are common between the two works. In fact, this is the main similarity. This idea is not protectable."
She urges the application of what's known as the extrinsic test and criticizes the heavier focus on similarity.
"But what additional facts could change the outcome here?" she asks. "The extrinsic test requires us to review the works, filter out unprotectable elements, and then decide as a matter of law whether the remaining similarities are sufficiently substantial to allow Astor-White to proceed with his copyright infringement claim. Yet the majority does not engage with how or why the district court should come to a different conclusion regarding unlawful appropriation the second time around, nor do I think it could."
What do you think? (h/t THR)
#MusicBox: Lalah Hathaway Performs On NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert Series
Vocalist Lalah Hathaway, daughter of the late great Donny Hathaway, is the latest musical guest to perform on NPR‘s Tiny Desk Concert series. Accompanied by an electric piano, bass, and drums, the vocalist performed three songs: “Change Ya Life”, “Boston”, and “Honestly”. The first and last songs come from her 2017 album, honestly, while “Boston” appears on Hathaway’s 2004 Outrun The Sky
Aside from her last name, you might not recognize Lalah Hathaway’s solo music. However, if you’re a fan of Snarky Puppy, you’ve heard her sing on 2013’s Family Dinner Vol. 1. You know, the track paying homage to Brenda Russell’s “Something,” where Hathaway majestically sang two notes at once and blew everyone’s minds
Check out Lalah Hathaway’s three-song set from NPR HERE
#NewHipHop: DJ Muggs & Raekwon Hook up For "Yacht Party" Video
As DJ Muggs prepares to drop his forthcoming Dia Del Asesinato album, the Cypress Hill O.G. has linked up with Raekwon for the new “Yacht Party” video.
Pieced together using vintage footage from the ’80s and ’90s, the visual features clips of old gangster movies and television shows as the Wu-Tang Clan vet delivers his signature bravado over Muggs’ jazz-infused production.
WATCH HERE
Dia Del Asesinato is expected to arrive on August 10 and boasts guest appearances from DOOM, Freddie Gibbs, Kool G Rap and Meyhem Lauren, among others.
Ariana Grande, Shawn Mendes, And Logic Set To Perform At The 2018 VMAs
On Thursday (August 2), MTV announced that Ariana Grande, Shawn Mendes, and Logic with Ryan Tedder will perform at this year's show.
Ariana will take the VMAs stage just three days after the release of her upcoming album, Sweetener, to perform her latest single “God Is a Woman.” The 25-year-old singer is nominated for five VMAs this year, including Video of the Year and the highly coveted Artist of the Year.
Logic will be looking to bring yet another memorable VMAs performance after he brought audiences to tears with his powerful rendition of “1-800-273-8255” at the 2017 VMAs. For this year’s show, he will be debuting his new single “One Day,” alongside OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder, who’s featured on the track. Logic scored two VMA nominations for “1-800-273-8255,” including Song of the Year and Best Video with a Message.
Shawn will hit the VMA stage with a guitar in hand to perform his chart-topping single “In My Blood,” which is nominated for three awards. It will be the 19-year-old's second VMA performance. He made his VMA debut last year.
Earlier this week, MTV announced that Jennifer Lopez will receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.
"I feel a little emotional because I see the same fans in the front row. It makes me so happy," J. Lo told Sway Calloway after MTV revealed the big news on Tuesday (July 31). "I grew up in the MTV era, so I was watching all the way back from Tina Turner, and Bruce Springsteen and Madonna and Janet [Jackson] and Michael [Jackson]. They were my inspirations to get into the music business, to do what I did. Their videos inspired me to do the videos that I did."
The 2018 VMAs will air live from Radio City Music Hall in New York City on August 20 at 9 p.m. ET on MTV.
Jill Scott To Star In Paramount Network’s ‘First Wives Club’ Reboot
Jill Scott is set to star in Paramount Network’s reboot of “The First Wives Club” written by Tracy Oliver.
According to Deadline, Jilly from Philly will play the role of Hazel.The First Wives Club series, like the film which starred Diane Keaton, Bette Midler and Goldie Hawn, will be based in New York City. It follows three women, Ari, Bree (Buteau) and Hazel (Scott) who band together after their marriages fall apart, and who find strength in their sisterhood- and of course a little revenge.
Scott’s Hazel is a gorgeous music superstar who has faded from the limelight and lost the confidence she once had. She has a raw talent and a killer voice that’s been silenced by her husband/manager Sean for years. When she realizes that he’s been unfaithful in both business and marriage, she is ready to wreak havoc and assert her artistic identity.
Comedian Michelle Buteau will also star in the reboot from Paramount.
Tracy gushed about having Jill Scott and Michelle in two of the five starring roles.
I’m beyond thrilled to work with the inimitable Jill Scott and the always hilarious Michelle Buteau.
Both artists bring unique talents to this project and as a collective, between Jill’s beautiful music and dynamic on-screen work and Michelle’s incredible comedic timing, their joining First Wives Club makes for the start of a very special cast. I am very excited to see their characters come to life.
Jill took to social media to announce her new gig:
Congrats to all!
Charlie Sheen Says He’s ‘Blacklisted’ in Hollywood, Needs to Pay Less Child Support
Charlie Sheen says he can no longer afford to pay child support to Denise Richards and Brooke Mueller, and blames his lack of money on Hollywood for allegedly turning its back on him.
The former “Two and a Half Men” star filed requests to modify the child support he pays to Denise and Brooke, and says his dwindling finances are no longer able to cover his monthly nut.
Sheen explains, “I have been unable to find steady work, and have been blacklisted from many aspects of the entertainment industry.”
As of now, he pays Denise $20,000 for their two daughters, Sam and Lola … and pays Brooke Mueller $55,000 per month for sons Bob and Max.
Sheen says he is in a “dire financial crisis,” and claims to have less than $10 million. It sounds like a lot, but remember he was making $1.8 million per episode back in the Chuck Lorre days.
Along with the child support, he also owes millions to his lawyers, the IRS and home mortgage.
A hearing has been scheduled for September.
Kelly Rowland Looks stunning for her VOGUE Australia photoshoot!
Strike a pose there’s nothing to it VOGUE! Kelly Rowland brings her gorgeousness inside VOGUE Australia's August 2018 issue.
Inside, the former Destiny's Child member chopped it up about how she also dished on ditching her fitness routine while in Australia, almost missing out on a great husband, on wanting to meet her estranged father, Coachella and more.
Below are the highlights:
On almost missing out on marrying her now-husband Tim Weatherspoon:
“At the beginning, I was scared of the idea of loving one person. I was nervous about being with one person for the rest of my life. I’d had the worst relationships and I was so scared and said: ‘How about we take a break from dating?’ and he said: ‘What if we took a break from dating and God sent you a guy and that guy was me?’ And I was like click! I hung up the phone. I was scared, because I knew he was my husband in that moment. And I almost ran away from that, but I just embraced it. Marriage is awesome, it has its ups and downs, like anything in life, but it’s incredible. My husband is my rock, my best friend. He believes when I don’t, believes that anything can work and that anything is possible in such a positive light. I think he’s a freak sometimes, no-one can see things like that, but he’s a realist and he’s positive and he’s an asshole, but I love him for everything he does, like in the cutest way of an asshole.”
On wanting to meet her estranged father Christopher Lovett:
“I don’t know my dad. I last saw him was I was seven or eight: I haven’t seen him since then. I do want to know him, meet him, know his background for the sake of my son. I don’t know, I’m just nervous to make that phone call. Tim has spoken with him on the phone. Just talking about it gives me butterflies.”
On the new wave she's on creating new music:
“If I feel it or think it and it touches me in some way, then I think it’s going to do that to somebody else, too.” There are six tracks that she’s in love with, but she wants five more. “The record about my mother I have yet to put into words, and it will be the hardest record I will ever write …”
On what fans can expect from her new album:
“It’s about love, loss and gain and whether it’s professional or with family or whatever, it’s just honest. I had no choice but to be honest and authentic with this record: it’s about friendship and marriage.” The album has a title, but it’s too soon to disclose, although she hints that it’s actually super-connected to Australia. “This country has inspired me in so many ways, so many.” The “awesome” artwork for the album cover was found here, too.
On rehearsing for her surprise Coachella performance with Bey and Michelle Williams:
“We rehearsed like crazy. I would go back to LA and we would be in rehearsals. They were intense. It was so much fun. When we finished I was sad, thank God Michelle and Bey were still in town, so I could still see them. It spoiled me all the time we were able to spend together, but that creative time is pretty remarkable when we are together. It really is. What a blessing, right? And we still love each other. We were laughing at that one day. We were getting ready, but our kids were running around. That’s the fun part; it’s the sweetest thing: they are going to be friends, because we are all so close. Coachella was awesome.”
You can check out her full interview here.
WNBA Star Brittney Griner Proposes To Longtime Girlfriend, Cherelle Watson
WNBA star #BrittneyGriner is officially off the market, as she just proposed to her longtime girlfriend, Cherelle Watson.
On Thursday, the Phoenix Mercury center took to Instagram to share the news, saying, “I will never forget the first time I said I love you and I will never forget when you said YES!” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
“My best friend, my love, my partner in life. I love you,” she added. “I’m so lucky to have you in my life forever. You never gave up on me even when I gave up on myself. You have pull me from the ashes and held me up when I couldn’t stand.”
“You really are my backbone and my spirit that keeps me going,” she said.
The newly engaged couple met years ago at Baylor University and dated before Griner’s short-lived relationship with Glory Johnson. In fact, shortly after Griner’s divorce, the two rekindled their romance and have been inseparable ever since.
Congratulations to the couple.
Demi Lovato Expected To Leave The Hospital, Must Go To Rehab or Else: “She Could Die If She Doesn’t”
After a near-fatal overdose and subsequent complications, #DemiLovato is doing much better and expected to be discharged sometime this week.
According to TMZ, the “Sober” singer is stable and her team has arranged for her to go to rehab, but ultimately, the decision is Lovato’s.
However, sources tell the publication she’s been given an ultimatum by the people in her corner, either go to rehab or else. In fact, at least one person who works for the singer told the publication they’d quit if she doesn’t check herself in.
“She could die if she doesn’t, and that’s not going to be on my watch that we did nothing,” the source said.
Although Lovato has refused help since her recent relapse, sources believe the overdose may have scared Lovato straight.
'Hell's Kitchen' Contestant Jessica Vogel Dead At 34
Hell's Kitchen and Cutthroat Kitchen contestant Jessica Vogel died on Monday (July 30), PEOPLE reported. The New Jersey chef was 34.
Vogel's fiancé, John Michael Keysey, spoke with NorthJersey.com and revealed that the chef was being treated for the inflammatory bowel disease colitis at a hospital in southern New Jersey. According to Keysey, "her heart gave out." Vogel is survived by her mother, Donna Bruchmann, her father, Mark Vogel, and her sister, Caitlin Johnstone.
In her obituary, which was published by the Star Ledger on Wednesday, readers learned that the chef struggled with drugs and alcohol throughout her life, prompting her to check into an in-patient rehab program. "She recently committed to living a better life and had graduated from an inpatient rehabilitation program with hopes of regaining control of her life," the obituary read. "Unfortunately, the damage done over the years was too great, and she died, like she lived, a fighter. She wants the message left behind not to be 'sex, drugs, and Foie Gras,' but rather the importance of appreciating your talents, always working hard to improve, but to never forget that it is the loving heart that truly changes the world."
Vogel's sister, Johnstone, took to Facebook on Wednesday, to tribute her late sibling with a touching message, detailing her love for making people laugh. "Everywhere she went from the local Dunkin Donuts to literally every restaurant we walked into, people knew her name and commented on her vivacious personality and huge smile," she wrote. "Her energy was contagious. Just being around my sister made me the happiest person in the world. That world has been taken away from me and I have never felt so lost."
Coleman Family Files Second Lawsuit in Duck Boat Tragedy
Members of the Coleman family, which lost nine of 11 vacationing relatives when a duck boat sank in a severe thunderstorm in Branson, Missouri, filed a second federal wrongful death lawsuit Tuesday against the Missouri sightseeing tour’s operators.
According to reports, The estates of Belinda and Angela Coleman are listed as plaintiffs.
“Our family tree is broken,” said Lisa Berry, a sister of Belinda Coleman. “The pain and the hurt we feel is incredible.”
One by one, almost 50 members of the Coleman family identified themselves and listed the loved ones they lost when the land-water vessel capsized in the storm July 19. The emotional statements came at the beginning of a news conference here Tuesday.
Lawyers for the estates of the two Coleman family members also represent the estates of two other Coleman family members who died in the tragedy
Amber Rose Settles $1 Million Ace of Diamonds Lawsuit Over Her Claim That She Bought The Club
Demi Lovato Expected To Leave The Hospital, Must Go To Rehab or Else: “She Could Die If She Doesn’t”
In 2017, Amber Rose was slapped with a lawsuit by SKWS Enterprises over claims that she purchased famed Los Angeles strip club, Ace of Diamonds. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Amid the legal back and forth, SKWS filed a suit against Rose, asking for $1 million in damages for slander. In turn, Rose attempted to trademark the name, but her request was denied.
In April of this year, Rose addressed the issue with the court, and asked for the lawsuit to be tossed. However, that too, was denied, as a judge citied the trademark drama as a reason to proceed with the case.
But now, nearly four months after the legal setback, the Philly-native has officially reached a settlement in the longstanding case.
In new documents obtained by The @Blast, the owners of the famed strip club have dropped their suit against Rose, and both parties have agreed to a settlement in principle that will resolve the issue, once and for all.
#SPORTSNEWS: EA Sports Edits Colin Kaepernick’s Name Out Of ‘Madden 19’ Song
Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick had his name removed from the lyrics of a song on “Madden 19,” a glaring omission as the ex-49er continues his legal battle against the NFL.
Twitter user “Mr. Changing Lives” caught the edit, and Kaepernick’s girlfriend, Nessa Diab, publicly pondered why it happened.
Kaepernick’s name is omitted from Big Sean’s verse
The song, “Big Bank” by YG featuring 2 Chainz, Big Sean and Nicki Minaj, is one of several songs featured on “Madden 19.” In the song, Big Sean raps the following lyrics:
Feed me to the wolves now I lead the pack and s*** You boys all cap, I’m more Colin Kaepernick
In these words, Big Sean expresses his admiration for Kaepernick as someone who is focused on being true to himself instead of playing up his accomplishments, as explained by genius.com. Furthermore, Kaepernick connects back to the previous line. He led the Nevada Wolf Pack as the starting quarterback from 2007-2010. He holds program records for both passing touchdowns and rushing touchdowns.
ProFootballTalk confirmed that Kaepernick’s name was omitted in an advance copy of the game, just as all the other words deemed too profane for a game rated “E” for everyone.
Kaepernick has a collusion case against the NFL
Kaepernick, 30, believes that several members of the NFL, including commissioner Roger Goodell and various team owners, colluded against him as he tried to find a team willing to sign him. Kaepernick did not play at all in 2017 as he continued to battle against the league. The NFL wants the case closed, but its recent policy of making players stand for the anthem (since delayed) could provide Kaepernick with more ammunition to prove that he was indeed colluded against.
Regardless, it’s strange for EA Sports to remove his name from the song as if it’s some sort of expletive. If his name was going to be an issue, developers simply could have chosen a different song. The game officially releases to the public on August 10.
Uh, did Madden bleep out Colin Kaepernick's name from a song?! 😬— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) August 2, 2018
➡️https://t.co/xuTmdkRLS6
🎥: @JeanClervil pic.twitter.com/23NAouocQG
EA Sports did not immediately respond to an email from Yahoo Sports.
This story was originally published on Yahoo Sports.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘GONE FOR GOOD’
I had a good joke here, but it slipped right through the cracks on me. Oh well.
#EGGPLANT NATION Meet Chocolate Thunder!
Meet Chocolate Thunder! Well to see more you can GO HERE TO SEE THE PICS! And remember they’re NSWF!
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ENJOY!
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!
EFREM
