Janelle Monae Rocking for InStyle US August 2019
Janelle Monae Opens Up About Being Pansexual And ‘Embracing Your Uniqueness’
In the August edition of the magazine, the singer talks her career, sexuality, and more.
Speaking about coming out as pansexual, Monae says, “I talked to my mom and dad first, and my mom, in particular, had a lot of questions.
“I said, ‘Mama, the only way that I can create art is to truthfully tell my story. It has to come from an honest place, and this is who I honestly am. I don’t know any other way. I have to talk about my sexuality. I have to talk about my blackness. I have to talk about my womanness. I have to talk about these things. This is who I am as a person.’”
As for her unique style, Monae says, “Embracing your uniqueness is an active choice. I don’t wake up looking flawless every morning. I don’t wake up feeling empowered. I don’t wake up feeling fearless. I have to actively choose to feel that way.” She adds with a laugh, “I’m like Issa Rae in ‘Insecure’, like, ‘Bitch, keep it together!’”
Monae also talks about her approach to music, to challenge herself and the industry.
“I’ve always wanted to redefine what a cool, young black woman looks like in the music industry,” she says. “I was never interested in fitting into a system that wasn’t built for me or with me in mind. I’m interested in burning that sh** down and building something new.”
#RHOA: HOT or NOT? Marlo Hampton's Colorful Sequin Leopard Pants At Essence Fest!
On Monday, Marlo shared a couple Instagram posts of her latest lewk. She ready to slay in New Orleans in a pair of glitzy half-leopard print, half-multicolored sequin pants, which she paired with an off-the-shoulder black bodysuit. In case Marlo's wide-leg pants didn't offer enough sparkle for your liking, she added a black Chanel fanny pack decked out in gold chains.
"Focused and Fabulous!!!!" she captioned one of the IG posts. Leave it to Marlo to find the most extravagant, glittery pants ever and pull them off oh so effortlessly.
Marlo complemented her sparkly getup with a blonde wavy wig from her own hair collection, H.E.R, and neutral makeup, complete with glossy nude lip.
So what do you think is is HOT or NOT?
#Empire: Five Fast Facts About Empire Star Serayah McNeill
Serayah McNeill currently stars as Tiana Brown on Empire but she’s also a successful singer. At just the young age of 24, McNeill has become very successful and is gearing up for the show’s sixth and final season, which is set to premiere this fall.
From her famous musician friend to her first role ever, here are five fast facts you need to know about Serayah McNeill from Empire!
In the Beginning
McNeill was born in Encinitas, California, which is a beach city near San Diego. She moved closer to Los Angles and attended Taft High School in Woodland Hills and played on the varsity basketball team! This is also where her interest in music and acting began.
Bad Blood With Swift
McNeill is a friend of music superstar Taylor Swift and even appeared in her music video for the song Bad Blood back in 2015, playing the character of Dilemma. Not to mention, McNeill also joined Swift onstage during her Chicago stop of the 1989 World Tour to sing Style together.
First Major Role
McNeill’s first professional acting role was the one she got on Empire as Tiana Brown. She was a recurring character for the first season, but she’s been one of the main characters since Season 2.
Another Career
Her character on Empire is a singer, which isn’t a stretch since McNeill is also a singer in real life. She was featured on a song called Don’t You Need Somebody with Enrique Inglesis, R. City, and Shaggy. She released her first EP in 2018 called Addicted. She has also had a number of singles released, thanks to her role on Empire.
Movie Star
Despite being very busy with her role on Empire and her music career, McNeill has also managed to squeeze in two movies! Her first was called Lucky Girl, which came out in 2016. She was also in a movie called Burning Sands in 2017.
#NewMusic from Beyoncé ‘Spirit’ From The Lion King Soundtrack!
Beyonce has dropped a new single ahead of the release of her 'Lion King'-curated album.
The 37-year-old singer has released track 'Spirit' - which features on the movie remake, in which she voices Nala - ahead of 'The Lion King: The Gift' dropping on July 19th.
Speaking about the album, which she has also produced, Beyonce said in a statement: "This is sonic cinema. This is a new experience of storytelling.
"I wanted to do more than find a collection of songs that were inspired by the film.
"It is a mixture of genres and collaboration that isn't one sound.
"It is influenced by everything from R&B, hip-hop and Afro Beat.
"I wanted to put everyone on their own journey to link the storyline.
"Each song was written to reflect the film's storytelling that gives the listener a chance to imagine their own imagery, while listening to a new contemporary interpretation.
LISTEN HERE
"It was important that the music was not only performed by the most interesting and talented artists but also produced by the best African producers. Authenticity and heart were important to me."
#HipHopNews: Diddy, Justin Bieber, & Nicki Minaj Call For A$Ap Rocky’s Release From Prison
While A$AP Rocky remains in a Swedish jail, his peers are calling for his release. Many have taken to social media to voice their support for the Harlem rapper, who was arrested for his alleged involvement in a street brawl.
A #JusticeForRocky petition has been started on Change.org and received over 390,000 signatures, from Rocky’s friends including Diddy, Justin Bieber, Meek Mill, DJ Khaled, and more. The goal is to get 500,000 signatures.
“Stand in support and request Rocky’s release from Swedish officials! Sign the petition and join the movement at change.org/JusticeForRocky – EVERYONE REPOST THIS NOW!!!!!!” Diddy wrote on Instagram.
Bieber also shared his support, writing, “we’re with you bro @asaprocky go sign this petition!!”
Swedish authorities plan to keep Rocky in custody for two weeks while prosecutors decide whether to charge him for aggravated assault stemming from a Stockholm street brawl, despite video showing the alleged victim harassing and attacking him.
Earlier this week, TMZ reported that the 30-year-old rapper is being held in a Swedish jail with “shockingly inhumane conditions,” including “wretched” food and facilities that are not fit for human beings.
Taylor Swift Is the World's Highest-Paid Celebrity, and Kylie Jenner Is in Second Place!
Taylor Swift has returned to the top of Forbes' highest paid celebrity list—and this year, with her biggest earnings yet. The outlet reports that Swift's estimated pay was $185 million (!!) pre-tax last year. That's an over $100 million increase from the $80 million pay she brought in back in 2018.
Kylie Jenner, the youngest billionaire, was the second on the list with $170 million—just $10 million behind Swift.
Swift has topped Forbes' list before but with slightly less income. Back in 2017, Swift brought in $170 million. Both of Swift's #1 spot victories were largely fueled by her tour income. Her Reputation world tour, which started last year, became the highest grossing U.S tour ever since Billboard began tracking tours in 1990. It brought in $266.1 million domestically, so that's not including its legs abroad. In 2017, Swift got a boost thanks to her 1989 World Tour. Forbes notes that Netflix acquiring her live concert special and her deals with Apple, AT&T, and Diet Coke also added "millions" to Swift's income.
Swift spoke about the doubts people had about her tour during her iHeartRadio Music Awards appearance, where she got the award for Tour of the Year.
"I think one of the most wonderful things about the way that this whole tour turned out is that for like the entire six months leading up to the first show of this tour, every headline that I read about the tour was, 'This is going to be a massive failure. This is going to be a flop tour,'" she started. "And you know, it really did wonders for my self-esteem. It was really great to hear people saying that I was going to be playing to nearly empty stadiums. I’ve learned a lot. I’ve learned a lot. And one of the things that I’ve learned is life is really unpredictable and people can make forecasts, and they can make predictions, but those predictions and forecasts may not come true if there’s an unforeseeable factor involved. And that unforeseeable factor in this case was my fans. So honestly, I honestly owe everything, everything in my life to you."
In terms of the rest of Forbes' top 30, Kanye West was third with $150 million while Swift's good friend Ed Sheeran was #5 with $110 million.
Beyoncé was number 20 with $81 million earned. Kim Kardashian was number 26 with $72 million
Donald Glover, Beyonce and the cast all comes out for The "Lion King" Premiere!
Tuesday marked the worldwide premiere in Los Angeles, with stars from the movie leading the celebs in attendance. The stars of the beloved Disney tale, was held at the Los Angeles event at the Dolby Theatre on Tuesday, bringing their little ones and family members to enjoy the reimagined classic. The A-listers were accompanied by their nearest and dearest.
Check out some pics!
Check out some pics!
Get more pics from Zimbio HERE
Rihanna Accused Of Cultural Appropriation Over Harper’s Bazaar China Magazine Cover
Rihanna has been accused of cultural appropriation following the unveiling of her August 2019 cover for Harper’s Bazaar China.
On Tuesday, the world’s richest female musician shared a first look at her latest photo shoot for the magazine.
In the image, the fashion mogul can be seen wearing a vibrant blue gown that features pleated, billowing sleeves and a bright red sash tied at her waist.
Rihanna’s beauty look is equally as elaborate with her hair fashioned to emulate traditional Chinese styles, her brows blocked with a flash of red at the front and her lips painted in red just at the centre.
Harper's Bazaar China also shared a series of images from the photo shoot on its own Instagram account, where it revealed that the idea behind the cover was to show how a “Western style icon meets Eastern aesthetic”.
In photos posted to Harper’s Bazaar China’s account, the 31-year-old singer is shown wearing a number of different looks that include references to Chinese culture, including a manicure featuring lotus flowers and dragonflys, fans in her hair, and even a shih tzu dog.
Despite the magazine sharing its intentions behind the images, many people on social media have accused the publication and singer of cultural appropriation.
“As much as I love Rihanna how is this not deemed as cultural appropriation?” one person asked.
Another added: “So nodoby gunna call Rihanna out for cultural appropriation...hmm I see [sic].”
Others dragged Kim Kardashian and Kendall Jenner into the debate after both reality stars had recently been accused of cultural appropriation – Jenner for a Vogue cover where she wore a hairstyle many felt was similar to an afro and Kardashian for her new shapewear line which she named Kimono.
“Why is Kim not allowed to call her brand Kimono cos it’s cultural appropriation yet Rihanna can do s*** like this?? Just doesn’t sit right with me,” one person tweeted.
Another agreed, adding: “Wait a minute when Kendal Jenner was on the cover of a magazine with an 'afro' people were screaming cultural appropriation but when Rihanna dresses up like this, nobody says anything, it's art, it's glam.”
In response to the criticism, many people defended the photo shoot by explaining that the images were made for a Chinese audience by Chinese creatives.
In both Rihanna's and the magazine's Instagram posts, credit is given to the photographer, stylist, director, and editors of the spread.
“Rihanna's Harper's Bazaar China photo shoot is not cultural appropriation at all,” one person tweeted.
“The whole team behind the photo shoot (stylist, photographers, chief/visual editors) were Chinese.”
Another added: “It is so interesting how people have been impulsively calling Rihanna’s photo shoot in Harper’s Bazaar China as ‘cultural appropriation’ when the entire creative team consists of Chinese artists.”
This isn’t the first time Rihanna has been accused of cultural appropriation.
In 2017, the Fenty Beauty founder came under fire for her Vogue Arabia cover in which she channelled Queen Nefertiti, an Egyptian royal ruler from the 1300s, by wearing a snakeskin coat, metallic blue eyeshadow, a blue-and-gold headdress.
Matt Lauer's wife Annette Roque officially files for divorce
Matt Lauer and wife Annette Roque are officially calling it quits after filing divorce papers in a New York court on Tuesday.
Roque filed for divorce from her estranged husband on July 9 after 21 years of marriage, according to Suffolk County Court documents. The two have three children: sons Jack, 18, and Thijs, 12, and daughter Romy, 15.
Lauer and Roque split back in 2017, following bombshell allegations levied against the veteran NBC "Today" show newscaster. NBC fired Lauer in November 2017 for inappropriate sexual behavior at work.
After his ouster, writer and producer Nancy Alspaugh, who was married to Lauer from 1981 to 1988, told Entertainment Tonight that she was shocked by his firing.
"He’s been the best person that’s ever held that job and I couldn’t imagine that anything that he would have done — that would have been so out of character for him — that would have caused that reaction," she said.
"There are no words to express my sorrow and regret for the pain I have caused others by words and actions," Lauer said in a statement in the days following his firing. "To the people I have hurt, I am truly sorry. As I am writing this I realize the depth of the damage and disappointment I have left behind at home and at NBC."
Lauer has maintained a relatively low profile since the allegations came out.
The American League wins The 2019 MLB All-Star Game
The 2019 MLB All-Star Game is in the books. The American League jumped out to a three-run lead and held on for a 4-3 victory.
An American League win could have been predicted as it was the league’s seventh straight triumph in the Midsummer Classic. The way the game played out, however, was anything but predictable. Predictable or not, the home fans got their money’s worth. A former Cleveland Indians star produced early in the game while a current Indians player won the MVP. While it was a great night for Indians players (past and present), it didn’t go as well for whomever was running the scoreboard at Progressive Field.
Brantley started the game in left field for the American League. While he didn’t stay in the game for long, he was effective. In his only at-bat, Brantley drove in Houston Astros teammate Alex Bregman for the game’s first run and some early momentum for the AL.
This had to be an especially nice moment for Brantley, who played in Cleveland for more than a decade. All things considered, we’d call it a pretty good homecoming.
Considering the number of sluggers on both teams, it seemed unfathomable that we’d have a 4-3 final. That’s exactly what we got, however. Yes, the bats came alive a little in the later innings, notably with home runs from Charlie Blackmon and Joey Gallo. Still, in a season that’s been defined by offense, we got only two home runs and three other extra-base hits.
Baseball can be a weird, unpredictable game. Still, it seemed a safe bet that the bats would come out in a game that tends to be offense-heavy. That was not the case. At least the game went quickly, checking in at less than three hours.
#BoycottHomeDepot Home Depot Faces Boycott After Founder Proclaims Support For Donald Trump In 2020
Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus revealed in a recent interview that he will be donating to Donald Trump’s re-election in 2020, and now many shoppers are threatening to boycott the store.
Marcus, who retired from Home Depot in 2002, has always been a vocal Trump supporter despite not always agreeing with him. “He’s got a businessman’s common sense approach to most things,” Marcus told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in a recent interview.
“Now, do I agree with every move that he makes? No, I don’t,” Marcus said. “But the truth is he has produced more than anybody else. He has. If we look at this country, I would say that we are better off today than we were eight years ago or six years ago.”
Social media users have been dragging Marcus for his support of Trump and his alleged $7 million donation to the Donald’s presidential campaign in 2016. He’s expected to match that number or more in the next election.
One Twitter user wrote, “Thanks for inspiring me to shop anywhere else for home improvement stuff!” Another tweeted, “I cringe, thinking how I unwittingly helped the #WorstPresidentEver over the past few years.”
The hashtag #BoycottHomeDepot went viral Monday night as Marcus’ interview began to circulate online.
Another Twitter user tweeted, “If you plan on buying a hammer, wood, or ANY home improvement items from Home Depot, you may as well send donations DIRECTLY to trump’s 2020 campaign. No more, @HomeDepot.”
A store representative told MarketWatch that since Marcus retired more than 15 years ago, he “isn’t speaking on behalf of the company.”
“In fact, as a standard practice, the company does not endorse presidential candidates,” the rep said. But social media users weren’t trying to hear that.
Are you taking your business to Lowe’s or nah?
Original “Little Mermaid” Voice Actress Defends Disney’s Casting: “The Most Important Thing Is To Tell The Story”
In the wake of the racist controversy over Disney’s casting in the live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid,” actress Jodi Benson, who voiced the underwater princess in the 1989 animated classic, is speaking out about the outrage.
During the Supercon convention in Florida, Benson defended Disney’s casting choice and highlighted her own differences with Ariel. But according to her, “the most important thing is to tell the story.”
“As a family, we have raised our children, and for ourselves, that we don’t see anything that’s different on the outside,” Benson explained. “I think that the spirit is what really matters. What you bring to the table in a character as far as their heart, and their spirit, is what really counts.”
“Let’s face it,” Benson continued. “I’m really, really old – and so when I’m singing ‘Part of Your World,’ if you were to judge me on the way that I look on the outside, it might change the way that you interpret the song. But if you close your eyes, you can still hear the spirit of Ariel.”
Benson’s remark came just days after Disney’s network, Freeform, slammed critics over the racist outrage, reminding the “poor, unfortunate souls,” that the entire story is a work of fiction.
Lil Kim Cancels Interviews with ‘Watch What Happens Live’ & ‘TODAY’: She said I’m Tired Of This Sh*t, Don’t Start Asking These Dumb Questions!
Lil Kim had to get a few things off her chest. She went off on a video on Instagram and told people to put some respect on her name.
She said she had press interviews scheduled for this week for shows like Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, TODAY, Access Hollywood but ended up canceling them “for a bunch of major reasons.”
“One of the reasons it’s not happening is because two of the major outlets wanted to be messy. And my publicist and my manager made the executive decision to shut it down. At this point, it’s about me, nothing else. I’m that b****. I refuse to f***ing keep doing all of these interviews, publications and all of that if mother f***ers is not gonna respect who I am, what I’ve done, where I’m at now. Put some f***ing respect on my name. Period.”
She added that she does everything within her power to please her fans. But there’s only so much she can do.
“There were maybe two publications, one of them being ‘Watch What Happens Live’ with Andy. I have a cool relationship, which I thought, but…I know y’all. Some of my fans y’all get on my nerves.I love y’all but y’all get on my nerves. Y’all don’t be understanding s*** be deeper than what y’all know. If y’all don’t see me doing press, if y’all don’t see me doing certain things, it’s because I’m fighting. I’m f***ing fighting. I’m not just about to have mother f***ers not put respect on my name. So don’t act stupid. Don’t start asking all these dumb questions.”
She went on to say that the media tries to “use me and my iconic status to get a moment. I’m the moment. I’m that b**** like I said. I’m tired of this s***. It be big s*** going down when I say I’m not doing something. It be corporate meetings and all types of s***, y’all have no idea.”
WATCH
She said fans need to have her back when she declines interviews.
“If I’m turning something down, I want y’all to know there’s a reason behind everything.”
What do you think about Lil Kim’s video?
USWNT World Cup Parade: Women’s Team Celebrate Win With Ticker Tape Parade, Get Keys To The City
Thousands of jubilant fans cheered and screamed as the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team was given a special ovation on Wednesday, courtesy of the Big Apple: A ticker-tape parade up the Canyon of Heroes.
The team’s World Cup victory inspired fans young and old to line the parade route, cheering their hearts out.
Mayor Bill de Blasio and Gov. Andrew Cuomo participated in the parade, riding on floats with the players.
The champs could be seen chanting “equal pay” as they rode up the Canyon of Heroes.
According to Nielsen ratings and other streaming services, here in the United States, Sunday’s match ranked as one of the highest-rated soccer telecasts in history. It drew bigger ratings than the 2018 men’s World Cup final.
U.S. Soccer has said that the women are paid less because their games typically bring in less revenue and lower ratings, but according to the federation’s own financial reports, the women’s team generated more total revenue than the men’s in the three years after the women’s 2015 World Cup victory.
After the parade, the team gathered at City Hall to be presented with Keys to the City.
“This is how we welcome our heroes back home,” first lady Chirlane McCray said. “The world has been watching these athletes in awe over the last month. They showed us what it means to work hard and never give up. They inspired us with incredible skill and flawless teamwork. And they showed us that playing like a girl is to be unbeatable.”
“This team brought us together. This team showed us so much to make us hopeful. Today we had a moment we will remember for the rest of our lives,” de Blasio said. “They have inspired millions and millions, and they have inspired particularly to believe in themselves, to be brave and to be bold, to be fierce. What this team has done will live in our history because everyone in their heart feels this is America’s team, and we could not be more proud of our team.”
The players danced and cheered as they were welcomed to the stage at City Hall.
“I’m just super proud of every single player on this team. It took all 23 players to get to this point. Everybody played a role,” said champ Carli Lloyd, originally from Delran, N.J.
Co-captain Megan Rapinoe gave a speech asking people to be better to the people around them and try to improve the lives of those in their community.
The soccer stars have been shining bright in the city all week, drawing crowds everywhere they go.
“They’re big role models on and off the field,” one fan told CBS2.
“I think we’re all just excited to welcome them home,” said another.
Cardi B Celebrates Kulture's 1st Birthday
Cardi B and Offset's baby girl turned 1 on Wednesday, and the Grammy-winning rapper couldn't help but feel a little emotional on her daughter's big day.
The "Bodak Yellow" star took to Instagram around midnight and shared a photo of the mother-daughter duo enjoying a late-night sweet treat. The snapshot showed Kulture sitting next to a tray of cupcakes and rubbing a bit of frosting on her mom's face. The birthday girl—who topped off her skirt and T-shirt ensemble with a big white bow—also received a bunch of balloons.
"A little quick 12 o clock turn up," Cardi captioned the photo along with a few weary face emojis. "my baaaaaaaaaaaybeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.....Ok goodbye."
It's hard to believe it's already been a year since the recording artists welcomed their bundle of joy into the world. As fans will recall, Cardi kept her pregnancy hidden from the public for quite some time. While her admirers had suspected a baby was on the way for months, it wasn't until Cardi revealed her baby bump on Saturday Night Live that these rumored were confirmed. She announced via Instagram that her baby girl had arrived three months later.
"She is so fun. She is so cool. Like, I love her. She's like my little best friend," Cardi told E! News in April. "She just makes the gloomiest days, like, sunshine. I love it. It's like a slice of heaven."
Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith Launch Multimedia Company Westbrook Inc
Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith have launched Westbrook Inc., a multimedia venture that will encompass the subsidiary companies already owned by the Smiths, including Overbrook Entertainment and Red Table Talk Enterprises, the couple announced Wednesday.
Westbrook Inc. will also comprise the newly formed Westbrook Studios, Westbrook Media and the merchandising business Good Goods.
Kosaku Yada will lead the new venture as CEO. He is joined by CAA’s former head of global client strategy, Tera Hanks, who will serve as Westbrook Inc.’s president. The team is rounded out by COO Gila Jones, CFO Kevin McDonald and VP of Business Development Jesse Uram.
Westbrook Inc. will create short and mid-form digital content as well as more traditional TV series and films. The company will begin launching content under the new banner starting later this month.
“We are so excited to announce this new venture and fully immerse ourselves in all areas of the media and entertainment space,” Westbrook Inc. co-founders Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith said in a statement. “With our incredible team of family, chosen family, and longtime business partners, Westbrook Inc.’s mission is to spread positive ideas, art, and products that entertain and empower the greatest number of lives, inspiring the next generation of artists to do good in the world.”
Westbrook Studios will be the studio home for any of the company’s film and TV projects such as Jada Pinkett’s Smith’s Facebook Watch series “Red Table Talk,” as well as projects from Westbrook Media and Overbrook Entertainment. The company will also develop starring vehicles for Will Smith. Steve Bender has joined the studio in the role of development finance.
Overbrook Entertainment will continue to be led by founder James Lassiter and president Caleeb Pinkett. The company is currently producing Warner Bros.’ upcoming “King Richard,” and is developing the YouTube series “Cobra Kai.”
Westbrook Media is led by CEO Brad Haugen and is a digital content studio that works with talent and brands to develop short and mid-form content and social media management. Lukas Kaiser and Sadao Turner lead creative and strategic direction of the company. The company has worked on Will Smith’s social media, the social channels for “Red Table Talk,” “Aladdin” and Jaden Smith’s water brand JUST Water.
The Good Goods company recently put out new “Fresh Prince” apparel and accessories and will also develop new products and licensing based on Westbrook Inc.’s existing library.
AND FINALLY FROM THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART FILES
‘HO FO SHO’
Can you not spell or do I have a dirty mind? Could be the beers…
EGGPLANT NATION: Meet Johnny
Meet Johnny! So you know what to do to see them goods. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PICS and remember they’re NSFW!
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EFREM
