#TEAMEMPIRE: Bryshere “Yazz the Greatest” Gray Covers Heed Magazine’s Spring 2016 Issue
Rapper and actor Bryshere “Yazz the Greatest” Gray covers the Spring 2016 issue of Heed magazine, which became available for digital download on Wednesday, March 30, which was also the Season 2 Part 2 premiere of Fox’s hit TV Empire.
Inside the issue, the 22-year-old Empire star speaks on using his fame for good on social media, such as speaking about social justice for black people in America:
“Don’t try to stand up for something that you don’t believe in…not the jewelry, the cars, the women, etc. The Million Man March was a historic moment. So, I feel like I had to be there as a young millennial and it was dope!
He also poses for a very classy and sophisticated photoshoot, where he wear’s blazers and very well fitted shirts.
Take a look at what Heed magazine had to say below:
“His character, Hakeem Lyon, is a fan favorite amongst viewers, primarily because of his natural ‘swag’ and seemingly rebellious nature. At just 22-years-old, Bryshere is not just another young rapper and actor, he’s proven to be very engaged with the current cultural climate and has become an advocate for social justice.
Empire airs on Wednesdays on Fox at 9 EST/8 CST!
#RHOA: Kenya Moore: “It’s So Ignorant And So Laughable How These Girls Dig So Dirty And So Low To Try And Take Me Down”
Kenya Moore was a guest on AfterBuzz TV. On the show, the Real Housewives of Atlanta star talks about, the lengths her co-stars will go to vilify her and more.
Kenya says “of course” she influenced Beyonce‘s “twirl on them haters” lyrics. “She quotes me and my ‘gone with the wind fabulous’ after she came off of the Super Bowl when she did it a few years back,” continues Kenya. “I was just like, ‘My life is complete. I can die now. Beyonce used my signature phrase.’ I live for her. She can do no wrong. It is an honor to see that our show reaches such a vast audience including superstars and icons.”
On staying true to yourself on reality TV, Kenya shares, “I think anyone who watches me knows that about me. It may not be the popular thing to say or to do or to behave but I’m always living my own truth. And I don’t back down from, ‘Yeah, I said that’ or ‘Yeah, I did that,’ and I can apologize if I’m wrong. I guess for me it’s easy because I feel like I’m a truthful person.”
“You can’t know everything about a person in 45 minutes or in shooting in a four to five month period,” adds Kenya. “That’s kind of impossible. Is it honest? It’s honest at times; at times, it’s not. When you have other people on the show, other castmates, that are being narrators to your story, that is what changes what you actually see. You could see something and go, ‘Yeah, she was right in that.’ But then you see the confessionals – ‘oh, she’s a villain’ or ‘oh, this is Mike Brown’ – and you’re like what?! Some people fall into that trap, and other people that are thinking go, ‘No, that’s not what I saw.’ Then there’s editing involved too. You can’t see everything.”
Kenya uses Miami as an example and stresses that there was A LOT more to Glen‘s behavior than we saw on the show. “I did the right thing,” she adds about asking him to leave. “I protected everyone that was there. Again, it was so much you didn’t see. I was very uncomfortable and I felt like it was going to get worse.”
Kenya addresses the “one-eyed African preacher” nonsense Porsha Williams brought to the reunion. Laughing at the absurdity of the description, “I mean…really?!” On a more serious note, she says, “When you just try to make up a rumor in order to slander someone, it’s malicious.”
When the AfterBuzz host calls it “malicious shade,” Kenya argues, “That’s not shade. I’m sorry. You can’t qualify that as shade. That is a lie. That is slander. That speaks to someone’s character. When you sit and you profess yourself to be the Queen of Thotland, proudly, and when you admit that your car was purchased by some man and it was gifts and you qualify them as gifts, then why would you be sitting here talking about rumors about anybody else. Look at your own life. Your own life says what you are. The rumors about the escorting and the money and the bags and all that stuff, we all know what that is about. I don’t have to say it.”
On the thought of NeNe Leakes returning to the show full time, Kenya says, “I think NeNe brings a lot to the show. She’s funny. She’s capable of breaking down. She’s capable of being emotional. She’s capable of really showing her life. So, yeah, I think she’s a great addition to the show. She’s the last OG. You can’t take away the fact that she helped to build this platform. Even as angry as I have been with her in the past and I felt like she really had betrayed me in the past, I feel like you cannot take away the fact that she helped to build the Real Housewives to where it is now.”
You can listen to Kenya‘s interview in its entirety HERE
New Music: Chris Brown – Back To Sleep (Remix #3) Featuring Tank, R. Kelly & Anthony Hamilton
Chris Brown‘s latest single “Back To Sleep” seems to be finished at radio after an impressive run, but perhaps these remixes that he’s been putting out will give the song a new life. The song has already peaked at number one on the Urban charts and it’s top 5 on the Rhythmic charts.
In late February, he unleashed the first remix which featured Usher and Zayn. He followed that up recently with a remix that featured other young R&B artists like August Alsina, Trey Songz and Miguel. Today he’s decided to put out the third remix of “Back To Sleep” and this one is clearly targeted towards the grown audience as he enlists Tank, R. Kelly and Anthony Hamilton for this version of the song.
LISTEN HERE
Originally we expected Tyrese and Bryson Tiller to be featured on this version of the remix, but it looks like Breezy decided to go with his RCA label mates R. Kelly and Anthony Hamilton. It will be interesting to see if another remix surfaces with Tyrese and Bryson Tiller. Until then, enjoy the vocals of Chris Brown and co over this Boi-1da produced R&B track.
N.W.A's has been indcted into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame!
Saturday night, hip hop got the respect it is due when members of N.W.A were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, DJ Yella, MC Ren and the late Eazy E's mother Kathie Wright all took the stage at the Brooklyn Barclays Center.
Cube, who's releasing his Barbershop: The Next Cut flick next weekend, let the crowd know his stance saying:
Now, the question is, are we rock & roll? And I say you goddamn right we rock & roll. Rock & roll is not an instrument, rock & roll is not even a style of music. Rock & roll is a spirit. It's a spirit. It's been going since the blues, jazz, bebop, soul, R&B, rock & roll, heavy metal, punk rock and yes, hip-hop. And what connects us all is that spirit. That's what connects us all, that spirit. Rock & roll is not conforming to the people who came before you, but creating your own path in music and in life. That is rock & roll, and that is us.
Then O'Shea did something we rarely see him do, and that's gush about those he loves:
I'd like to thank my parents, Doris Mosie Jackson, my brothers and sisters, Clyde, Pat, Sophie, for putting up with them turntables and speakers and all that damn noise we was making. I'd like to thank my lovely wife, Kimberly. Who's been there since day one, through the thick, the thin, and the thick again. And my kids. Darrell, O'Shea, Jr., Karima, and Sharif. Thank you for putting up with this crazy life of mine in entertainment. This crazy schedule. You guys make everything normal for me. You guys make everything normal and I love y'all for that.
He ended his acceptance speech saying:
So rock & roll is not conforming. Rock & roll is outside the box. And rock & roll is N.W.A. I want to thank everybody who helped induct us into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and I just want to tell the world, "Damn, that shit was dope."
By the way, he told the NYT on Friday that the group wasn't performing because they didn't really get the support to do so.
'Nah, we're not performing. I guess we really didn't feel like we were supported enough to do the best show we could put on. Pretty much, yeah. We wanted to do it on a whole other level, and that just couldn't happen. But we're totally honored, humbled and appreciative to the Hall for even just considering us, inducting us and inviting us.'
Dr. Dre spoke up at the ceremony saying:
"...this is proof, to all the kids out there, growing up in places like Compton, that anything is possible. Feel me? Me and the guys standing right here? We're absolutely no different or better than any of you. Feel me. Feel me. You just have to find that thing that's special about you that distinguishes you from all the others and through true talent, hard work, and passion, anything can happen. Never let them talk about it!
MC Ren shut down Gene Simmons during his speech, just days after the KISS co-lead singer dissed hip hop saying he couldn't wait for it to be over.
"I want to say to Mr. Gene Simmons that hip-hop is here forever," Ren said. "We're supposed to be here." While most of the Barclays Center responded with cheers, a few sour boos could be heard throughout the venue, either in protest to hip-hop or in Simmons' defense.
And DJ Yella said:
"I'd like to thank a couple of women tonight. First of all I'd like to thank Eazy's mother right here. Come up here. This is my new Mom now. I call her Mom all the time. You ready to go to the casino, Mom? And I'd to thank another Ms. Wright, Tamika Wright. I'd like to thank you very much. I'd like to thank my wife, two and a half years… Take a picture honey. That is my soulmate for the rest of my life."
Get all of their speeches in full HERE
R.I.P Ex-Saints DE Will Smith shot dead
The suspect Cardell Hayes charged with second-degree murder!
Former New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith was killed in a shooting spurred by an apparent road rage incident late Saturday. Orleans Parish Coroner Dr. Jeffrey Rouse confirmed Smith's identity early Sunday morning.
Smith's wife Racquel also was shot twice in the right leg, police said, and was treated at University Medical Center.
The shooting happened about 11:30 p.m. after a three-car accident near Sophie Wright Place and Felicity Street in the Lower Garden District, New Orleans Police Department spokesman Juan Barnes said.
New Orleans police booked 28-year-old Cardell Hayes, 28, with second-degree murder on Sunday morning. The Advocate reports Hayes pled guilty in 2014 as a first-time offender to illegal carrying of a weapon as well as possession of drug paraphernalia. He was sentenced to six months probation.
A Hummer H2 rear-ended Smith's Mercedes-Benz SUV, Barnes said, causing Smith's vehicle to rear-end another car driven by one of his friends.
Smith, 34, and the driver of the Hummer "exchanged words" before the driver of the Hummer pulled out a gun and shot Smith multiple times, police said.
Smith died on the scene. Police recovered the gun used in the shooting, Barnes said.
"We are thankful for the outpouring of support and prayers," said a statement released Sunday morning on behalf of Smith's family. "We ask that you continue to respect the family's privacy as they grieve the loss of a devoted husband, father and friend."
Smith had 67.5 sacks, the fourth highest total in Saints history, in 10 years with the organization. He was a starter on the Super Bowl XLIV championship team, helping bring the franchise its only title. He also won a national championship at Ohio State and was the No. 18 overall pick in the 2004 NFL draft.
Smith did not play in another NFL game after tearing a knee ligament in an exhibition in 2013.
In addition to his wife, Smith leaves behind two sons and a daughter. Smith spent his entire 10-year career in New Orleans. He was 34.
Eve Says ‘Barbershop’ Inspired Her to Record a New Album
Eve is reinvigorated. It’s been nearly three years since her last album Lip Lock, but the rapper-actress-mogul says “exciting things are happening now with music.”
While promoting Barbershop: The Next Cut with her co-star Regina Hall, E-V-E revealed why she’s been away from the rap game for so long. “What kept me away wasn’t something that was conscious,” she to our friends over at Rap-Up TV. “It was more just life stuff. I moved to a new country, I got married. I just needed to settle again.”
She appears to have settled following her 2014 wedding to entrepreneur Maximillion Cooper, and her work in Barbershop is another sign of that. But it was this reoccurring role, alongside Ice Cube, Common, Nicki Minaj, and Hall, that also helped reenergize her MC spirit.
“Being on a set like Barbershop and being with so many people,” she explained, “Regina included…People don’t really know Regina though, I call her my manager. We talked about doing music. And even talking to Common. Common would be like, ‘Are you writing?’ You get inspired and I’m in a nice place now where I do feel inspired.”
Eve doesn’t have a timeline for her return just yet, although her “manager” Hall says she has to get one soon. However, the Philly rapper did give us a hint about what fans can expect from her next outing.
“I think it’ll represent my growth. It’ll represent who I am and where I am at this point in my life,” she said while coyly looking at Hall. “That’s as much as I was coached to say.”
Hall might be her new “manager,” but really she’s just a big supporter when it comes to her co-star’s skills on the mic.
“She’s extremely talented,” said Hall. “She’s so great at what she does and we do, we miss her. We need many voices and her voice was and still is so loved and cherished and remembered. She’s also just lyrically amazing. We love and always celebrate a dope female lyricist.”
Catch Eve’s return to the big screen as Terri in Barbershop: The Next Cut, which hits theaters April 15.
‘Blood, Sweat And Heels’ Star Daisy Lewellyn Dies At 36
Blood, Sweat and Heels star, Daisy Lewellyn, has passed away at 36, following a battle with cancer – ESSENCE reports.
“Daisy’s name says it all: she was sunny and warm, a breath of fresh air in springtime, ESSENCE editor-in-chief, Vanessa De Luca, wrote in remembering the “Queen of Effortless Chic.” You could not help but be swept away by her vivacious personality. She worked for a time at Essence as our Accessories Editor, and her sense of style and understanding of the Essence woman definitely made its mark.”
She continued: “Even after she moved on to other pursuits, she remained part of the Essence family. When I’d run into her during Fashion Week, she was always stunning, yet so down to earth and quick with a laugh or a hug. I will never forget her wide smile and graciousness. I know her bright spirit will live on through all the lives she has touched.”
In addition to ESSENCE (where she served as the Accessories Editor from 2006-2007), the California native held editorships at InStyle and Glamour.
We send our sincere condolences to Daisy’s family and friends. Rest in peace.
BUT WHY? Mariah Carey Insures Her Legs & Voice For $75 Million!
The 46-year-old international superstar just made a multi-million move by insuring her legs and her voice for $70 million. Why? Because her tour is going so well that she just extended it into South America, and she wants to make sure she and her empire are protected if ANYTHING happens to her from this point out. There are now millions on the line.
Reportedly, the bride-to-be took out a $35 million insurance policy on her voice, and another $35 million policy on those gams.
If those body parts ever prevent her show from going on, it could result in a major loss of profits. Now, the singer is protected against epic lawsuits if anything ever happened to those major assets.
Bobby Brown to Tell All is coming; get the scoop!
Bobby Brown is ready to pour out his heart in a memoir.
Brown, 46, was a wildly successful R&B singer who ruled the radio waves throughout the early 1980s, as the former front man of New Edition. Shortly after discovering a solo career, Brown found love with Whitney Houston, one of pop music’s best-selling artists of all time. However, plagued by loss in recent years, including the death of his first love, Whitney, and their daughter Bobbi Kristina, it’s no surprise Brown would find solace in telling his story.
“Getting it all out has allowed me to move on with my life,” Brown revealed of his upcoming memoir titled Every Little Step during an interview with ABC News’ Robin Roberts on Friday, April 9. “Writing this book has been a therapeutic process for me.”
Bobby and Whitney’s daughter died on July 26, 2015, at 22. Last October, Brown reflected on his loss during an interview with WBLS’ Déjà Vu in the Circle of Sisters 2015 media room. “I have another angel to carry me through whatever I have to go through,” he said. “I’m really blessed with my children, and everything that I have to do is about that. It’s about love. I have a lot of love around me, and I have a lot of love that I give.”
Bobbi’s autopsy reports were released listing a combination of factors, including lobar pneumonia due to “Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, delayed effects” and “Immersion of face in water complicating mixed drug intoxication.” Still, the investigation into her death remains ongoing as there is ongoing contention among family that her boyfriend, Nick Gordon, “injected her with a toxic mixture” after a violent altercation. He has denied all allegations.
We anticipate that Brown will provide an account of his rise and fall from music fame, his controversial relationship with Houston, healing after tragedy, fatherhood and second chances, among other things. Every Little Step will go on sale in June, just weeks ahead of the one-year anniversary of Bobbi Kristina;s death.
Will you be buying?
Ciara And Ludacris To Host The 2016 Billboard Music Awards
The 2016 Billboard Music Awards will be getting a double dose of star power this year. It has been announced that Ciara and Ludacris will serve as the co-hosts for this year’s event.
Though this is Ciara’s first time hosting, this will be Ludacris‘ third year in a row taking the stage. Take a look at what he had to say in a statement below:
It is my honor to host the Billboard Music Awards for the third year and a pleasure to host with my good friend Ciara. I’m looking forward to another great show in a new and exciting venue.
Ciara added: The Billboard Music Awards is one of best awards shows to honor chart success. My great friend Ludacris and I have also shared songs together on the Billboard charts. I look forward to sharing the stage with him on this special night. It will definitely be a night to remember!
The finalists for this year’s event, which consists of six categories, will be announced Monday on ABC’s Good Morning America, with more categories to follow on the Billboard Music Awards Facebook and Periscope accounts.
The 2016 Billboard Music Awards will be held May 22 at the brand-new T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas with a live broadcast at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
The Celebs come out for "Barbershop: The Next Cut" Premiere!
Everybody's back! And there's new faces too. The third Barbershop is ready to launch next Friday (April 15th) so everybody got in formation for last night's big Hollywood premiere.
Nicki Minaj joined the cast and She rocked a cut-out dress that showed underboob and curves galore.
Loving Eve's Alexander McQueen suit.
Tamar is looking hot these days and we're glad she's totally recovered for her medical issues.
New mom again Tamera Mowry showed up in a flirty dress.
Adrienne Bailon looked hot in her strapless white dress. She told E! on the red carpet she's happy for her ex Rob Kardashian finding love:
"I think everybody deserves happiness and I think it's just absolutely awesome. He looks like he's so happy."
Sweet.
Ice Cube got more dressed up than usual with a suit jacket.
Anthony Anderson brought his son along for the big night.
The movie's writer Kenyah Barris, who also writes "black ish", hit the carpet with his wife Rainbow.
Common's daughter is grown!
The proud papa hit the carpet with 18-year-old Omoye.
The hilarious Cedric The Entertainer returned for the new installment.
Yes Aunt Viv! And her wiggery but it somehow works for her.
Regina Hall rocked red lace and it was definitely a risky move.
Co-star Sean Patrick Thomas brought his fab wife Aonika along.
Nice!
The movie hits theaters April 15th!
#EGGPLANT NATION: Ahmad Rhodes
Ladies and Others…LOL! Meet Ahmad Rhodes Fitness Trainer and Model! Come see the goods when you GO HERE FOR THE PICS! Also remember some may be are NSFW!
DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT OWN any images posted on this blog. All images are found online or submitted.
AND FINALLY FROM THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART FILES
The Squeeze
Okay, I see you two are a nice fit for one another. Maybe also a nice fit for Ripleys Believe it or Not as well? Just thinking of options for you.
HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD EVERYBODY!!!
EFREM
