After we've seen Beyoncé gracefully cough on beat during a performance, she saved herself from a an almost-slip up during her most recent tour stop in Nashville.
While walking down a flight of stairs towards the main stage, Queen Bey takes a brief misstep. But instead of resulting in a nasty tumble and fall, Beyoncé recovers quickly transitioning from an almost-fall to landing seamlessly, and continuing her strut down the stairs.
Emma Stone’s September Cover of ELLE Fails to Excite Our Forum Members
Emma Stone has been a rare sight at the newsstand this year, but that’s all about to change with the unveiling of ELLE‘s September cover. The magazine has given us strong covers in recent months, featuring the likes of Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Nicki Minaj and Ariana Grande. This month, Stone was photographed by Ben Hassett and styled by Samira Nasr in Louis Vuitton (obvs).
Unfortunately, both the cover and Emma’s presence fell flat with our forum members. “Emma Stone in Louis Vuitton. Groundbreaking,” snarked GivenchyHomme.
“Such a shame that this deal means she’s only shot in Louis Vuitton,” added mikel.
Check out the rest of Emma’s cover story, await the content of the issue and join the debate here.
#RHoA: Nene Leakes Had To Hire Private Security Because she has a STALKER!
This is a scary time for “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Nene Leakes. The reality star recently revealed that she had to hire 24-hour private security that included an off-duty cop because she was being stalked!
The 50-year-old took to Instagram live to let fans know that she had been being followed by an unknown man for quite some time.
A few days ago, there was a major break in the case of the mystery man. When Leakes, her husband Greg, and her son Brent all went to Waffle House to celebrate Greg’s birthday, the overzealous follower had the nerve to show up there.
Luckily, the hired security was able to take down the stalkers license plate and car and model make.
WATCH
The person was not only following the Bravolebrity but also harassing her to the point that she felt her life was in danger.
Nene told her fans on Instagram live: “Gon’ be pressin’ charges on some people. Literally being harassed and stalked. Finally, my detective found information. Yes, yes. You know, we keep a stalker. It’s so sad to be a stalker with no life. But the detective clocked his number. I think we got the person, I think we got him.”
This is the absolute last thing that Nene needs to be dealing with now. Between filming for the new season of “RHOA” and tending to Greg’s recent cancer diagnosis the housewife has got a full plate.
It’s great to see Nene and Greg in good spirits. She added posts to her Instagram that read: “Happy Birthday to my hunni @greggleakes its allllll about you this weekend! Pack your bags and let’s go do what you love ❤️ #leoseason #blessed” and “Celebrated my hubby’s blessed Bday dinner last nite at the fabulously delicious @cleorestaurant in Bahamas! Thanks @slsbahamar @bahamarresorts for making everything perfect ❤️ Love you @greggleakes.”
Hopefully, the stalker situation is resolved.
#Empire: Season 5 Preview: Cookie & Lucious Vow To Rise Again Watch
Cookie and Lucious may be down, but they’re not done yet. In this new preview of ‘Empire’ season 5, the Lyons are about to discover the next big thing. Watch out, Eddie!
Cookie (Taraji P. Henson) and Lucious (Terrence Howard) are going back to their roots in Empire season 5, which premieres Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. on FOX. They may not have Empire anymore, but they haven’t lost their love for music. “I’m Cookie Lyon. I’m going to change your life,” Cookie says to a new singer in our season 5 preview. As soon as this singer shows off her vocals, Cookie and Lucious know they have something special on their hands.
“We lost Empire, but we are still here,” Cookie declares. They get to work with this new singer, who is going to be a star. Cookie and Lucious are working everything behind the scenes, producing music that’s going to change the game. “If anybody can build magic again, it’s y’all,” Jamal (Jussie Smollett) says.
WATCH HERE
The Lyons are going to get Empire back, that’s a fact. “May we rise,” Lucious toasts. Cookie follows with, “Like always.” Long live the Lyons! Before Empire and the money and the face, it was just Cookie and Lucious. When they work together, they have the ability to rule the music industry. Eddie Barker (Forest Whitaker), it’s only a matter of time before the Lyons take Empire back.
#MusicNews: Janet Jackson Promotes New Single 'Made for Now' in NYC at MTV!
Janet Jackson waves to fans as she stops by the TRL studios on Thursday afternoon (August 16) in New York City.
The 52-year-old pop star looked super chic in a black leather top and trendy flared pants as she stepped out to promote her upcoming new single “Made for Now” which features Daddy Yankee.
Jan is BACK!
#HipHopNews: JUST MARRIED: 2 Chainz Weds Kesha Ward In Miami Beach
2 Chainz is officially off the market!
The “Pretty Girls Like Trap Music” rapper tied the knot on Saturday with his longtime girlfriend Kesha Ward, and it was a star-studded affair. The couple exchanged vows in a beautiful ceremony at the Villa Casa Casuarina in Miami, which was once the home of the late designer Gianni Versace.
2 Chainz, born Tauheed Epps, confirmed the nuptials with a photo of his family on Instagram. The couple has three children together, daughters Harmony and Heaven and son Halo.
Some famous wedding guests were in attendance to celebrate the couple’s nuptials, including Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, Monica and Lil Wayne.
West made headlines by pairing his Louis Vuitton suit with what appears to be an ill-fitting pair of his Yeezy slippers.
In May, 2 Chainz popped the question on the red carpet at the 2018 Met Gala. Ward first got engaged at the 2013 BET Awards but never actually tied the knot.
“They’ve been together so long and have three children together that he always refers to Kesha as his wife, but they’ve never actually tied the knot,” an unnamed source explained to People Magazine.
Congratulations to the newlyweds!
A Rihanna Documentary Will Reportedly Come Out Within Months
Singer, actress, and businesswoman, Rihanna, is back on the big screen. This time, however, she will not be playing a character but instead, the new documentary will be taking a deep dive into the life and career of the Pon de Replay singer. Filmmaker Peter Berg describes the film as an examination of a "young artist at the top of her professional career."
In a tease for the new film on Berg's production website, Film 45, he writes: "Follow this true international superstar as she navigates life as an artist, businesswoman, and humanitarian, while contending with the inherent pressure of artistic freedom. Peter Berg's Rihanna is an unfiltered look into Rihanna's life and how she's ascended to become a global icon, providing a glimpse into the evolution of one of the world's most well-known pop artists."
News of the long-awaited film broke in 2015 and was originally slated for release two years later. Berg, director of the 2012 film, Battleship, is credited as giving Rihanna her acting debut. During an interview with Slash Film, Berg provided some insight on exactly why he believes in examining the life of the self-described "bad gal."
"I think she’s an extraordinary young woman and it really is kind of a pretty comprehensive profile of what goes in to making her this talent that she is," he said. "The work ethic, the talent, luck, the hustle, the vision."
In regard to when the film will be released, the director added, "She’s a really, really interesting woman and the movie will be out in about a month and half, two months we’ll be able to start showing it." Billboard reports the film as being a modern take on the 1967 Bob Dylan rock documentary Don't Look Back.
Mariah Carey 'Upset' Large Shark Interrupted Her Yacht Vacation
Mariah Carey's yacht getaway was interrupted by her encounter with the beast of the deep blue sea — and she is upset!
The singer, who is enjoying a break from her Las Vegas residency with her twins, Monroe and Moroccan, documented the whole thing on video when she noticed a large shark swimming too close to her boat.
"Okay, this is not okay," the wetsuited songbird says in the clip she shared to Instagram on Friday (August 17), in which the predator can be seen beneath the waves before turning out of the cruiser's direction. “I know it’s a shark and I’m not supposed to be scared, but I’m scared — I’m upset. He's huge!"
Offering the superstar some much-needed relief, the shark in question, as one of Carey's followers pointed out, was likely a nurse shark — a virtually inoffensive species that are mostly harmless.
Warner Bros. has now delivered back-to-back strong performers. With an estimated $34 million, Crazy Rich Asians topped industry expectations and came up just shy of Mojo's aggressive, pre-weekend forecast. The film is having a profound impact as the first Asian-led studio film to hit theaters since The Joy Luck Club 25 years ago and word of mouth continues to spread following the film's Wednesday opening.
Made on a reported $30 million production budget*, the film was met with plenty of fanfare heading into the weekend, including a strong 74 rating on Metacritic, and audiences agreed to the tune of an "A" CinemaScore on opening day. Following the film's Wednesday opening, it entered the weekend with $8.8 million in its coffers and is now estimated to have delivered just shy of $25.2 million over the three-day weekend. Looking ahead, the film should surely top $100 million domestically.
Internationally, Crazy Rich Asians debuted in just six markets this weekend, bringing in an estimated $730,000 led by the Netherlands with $208k. The film is following a staggered release pattern overseas, with key markets such as Australia opening on August 30 followed by a mid-September release in the UK.
Tamar Braxton’s Ex-Nanny Finally Gets Paid in Full After Singer’s L.A. Mansion Sells
Back in March it was reported, Sally Lou Perkins filed a lien last month against the Calabasas home of Tamar and Vince Herbert. The house was put up for sale when Tamar filed for divorce from Vince last October, but is now just available for rent.
The former nanny, won a $213,000 judgment against the reality star last year, has finally been paid in full.
Sources close to the situation tell The Blast that Perkins received a check this week, which paid the entire $213k in full.
We’re told she plans to use the platform from her victory to help other domestic workers in similar situations. She plans to work with the New York-based organization National Domestic Workers Alliance.
The nanny, who was in charge of the estranged couple’s son Logan during Tamar Braxton’s “Love & War Tour” in 2014, said her job entailed all childcare aspects including preparing meals and snacks, transportation, getting dressed, create nurturing activities to stimulate development, social and emotional needs, clean bedrooms and do laundry.
#RHOP Star Karen Huger Sent Co-Star Ashley Darby a Cease and Desist Order!
The Real Housewives of Potomac star Karen Huger is revealing why she slapped her castmate Ashley Darby with a cease and desist order!
In an explosive clip from tonight’s conclusion of the RHOP reunion, series stars Karen and Ashley discuss the rumors Ashley’s been spreading about the true nature of Karen’s relationship with her “driver” aka Blue Eyes.
And Karen is quick to let Ashley know that she is NOT playing around! In fact, she says if Ashley doesn’t knock it off, she’ll see her in court!
“So first of all, Karen has sent me a cease and desist order, asking me not to talk about something that I know to be true, coming from a very reliable source,” Ashley explains in the clip below.
The source apparently is Ashley’s stepson, and of course, Karen denies that he’s ‘reliable,’ but Ashley persists, saying that he’s not the only one who’s seen them together.
“That night at Oz, Monique and Chris were there, and prior to anything happening–any falling out between any of us–Monique saw it too,” Ashley recalls.
But Monique has Karen’s back, and although she admits to seeing them together on the night in question, she insists nothing untoward was taking place.
“Yeah I saw him at the bar and Karen was there,” Monique states. “Karen got up and was talking to Michael and Chris, and I sat there and talked to him the whole time.”
But that wasn’t enough for Ashley (nothing ever is!) as she wanted to know why “Blue Eyes” was at the bar to begin with, pointing out that most of the drivers she knows wait dutifully outside for their passengers to finish their evening.
“Oh, Ashley you just want it to be something that it’s not, and it’s not, and you’re lying and continue with this, and it’s not an idle threat, I will sue you,” The Grande Dame promises.
Ashley then points out that in order for the lawsuit to be successful, Karen would have to prove that the things she’s been saying aren’t true. And if they’re not true, why does Karen suddenly get so defensive any time someone mentions his name?!
Well, Karen explains that the cease and desist order stems from comments Ashley made during a recent appearance on Watch What Happens Live. During the show, Andy asked Ashley to describe exactly what her stepson claimed he saw Karen and Blue Eyes doing, and Karen’s right—it’s pretty scandalous!
“This couple like, embracing, and he sees the woman’s face in the man’s chest, right? And the guy reaches over and grabs the woman’s butt like that, takes like two big handfuls,” Ashley shared at the time.
Since the RHOP husbands were present, Andy Cohen asks the million dollar question: How does Ray feel about what the streets have been saying about his wife?! His answer was, well…not really an answer at all.
“I have Blue Eyes’ phone number in my phone. I’ve have had it there for 15 years,” Ray explains, as Karen, feeling vindicated, applauds her husband for defending her honor.
WOW!
Omarosa says that Trump Wants ‘A Race War’
Former White House aide Omarosa Manigault-Newman tore into her former boss Sunday, calling President Donald Trump a racist and a “performer” who she believes “wants to start a race war in this country.”
Manigault-Newman, speaking with the Rev. Al Sharpton on MSNBC’s “Politics Nation,” said Trump’s claim during his presidential campaign that he would promote diversity was all just a ruse to get votes.
“He was disingenuous about his commitment to diversity. He could care less if African-American civil rights leaders, anyone came to the table, because he had his agenda and that agenda did not include advancing and uniting the African-American community or even putting any policies in place that he promised during the campaign,” she said. “He’s a performer. He wants to use people as props.”
Former White House aide Omarosa Manigault-Newman on Sunday called President Donald Trump a racist who uses people as props.
Asked whether she believes that Trump is a racist, she answered: “Yes, Donald Trump is.”
“I believe that he wants to start a race war in this country,” she added, though did not elaborate on that point.
The former White House aide stressed the small number of African-Americans who are working in his administration. She also accused his administration of trying to dismantle former President Barack Obama’s accomplishments.
“Donald Trump is not equipped to serve in the role that he is in,” she concluded. “I would say that he’s unfit to serve as the president of the United States. He has completely taken the presidency to the gutter.”
Manigault-Newman, who said she held a 15-year friendship with Trump, has increasingly spoken bitterly of the president since she left the White House as director of communications. Before joining his administration, she oversaw African-American outreach for his presidential campaign and appeared as a contestant on his TV show “The Apprentice.”
She is now promoting her book Unhinged about her time in the White House, and has said she has a trove of recordings to back up her claims.
The Entire Vanderbilt Freshman class Given Free On The Run Tickets
The entire incoming class of freshmen at Vanderbilt University given free tickets to see Beyoncé and Jay Z's On the Run Tour...
How nice!
ESPN President Says Network Will Not Show National Anthem On “Monday Night Football”
ESPN will not be broadcasting the national anthem during its Monday Night football program this season.
On Friday, ESPN president Jimmy Piatro, who was hired back in March, told reporters at a media event on ESPN’s campus in Bristol, Connecticut, that the network has not previously shown the national anthem during its Monday Night Football broadcasts and doesn’t intend to make any change.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Piatro mentioned the network has told the NFL “as (a) courtesy” given their partnership, according to USA Today. He also noted that he spent most of the time in his position building a stronger bond between the two brands. ESPN drops about $2 billion a year for the right to broadcast Monday Night Football.
The NFL and the NFL Players’ Association are still working on a policy they both agree on in terms of how to conduct themselves during the national anthem. The organizations are hoping to have a solified policy before the start of the season on Sept. 6.
The NYPD Dropped $200k On Spike Lee For an Ad Campaign To Help Improve Relations Between Police and The Africa American Community
It was no secret back in the 80’s and 90’s, director and actor Spike Lee did not like police and the justice system too much. Remember “Do The Right Thing”? Well it seems like these days, he’s taking a different approach and working together with the NYPD to improve the African-American community’s relationship with police.
In 2016, Spike became a consultant for a community policing campaign and received $219,113 from the New York City Police Foundation to produce ads for the de Blasio administration’s community policing initiative. According to The Wall Street Journal, Spike said, “The #NYPD came to me knowing I have been critical of them. I think it’s important for open dialogue to make what has been a tough relationship better.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Spokesman Brady Littlefield made a statement saying, “The Foundation approached and consulted several creative teams including the Spike DDB agency to help develop a public awareness campaign that would aim to strengthen the partnership between the NYPD and the communities it serves.”
NYPD First Deputy Commissioner Benjamin Tucker, said they wanted to tap Spike Lee for the project because, “You want to reach out to folks. Not just the folks who are supporters pretty consistently but also folks who have certainly been critics in the past.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The Police Foundation’s most recent tax filings, covering some of 2016 and 2017, is how the discovery was made about the collaboration.
In 2014, Spike released a mini-doc with edited footage of #EricGarner being fatally choked together with his character #RadioRaheem, from “Do The Right Thing,” being fatally choked by the NYPD.
Jennifer Hudson’s Ex-Fiance David Otunga Drags Singer’s Sister Into Custody Battle
Child custody proceedings between Jennifer Hudson and ex-fiance David Otunga is getting uglier. Otunga now wants Jennifer’s sister Julia Hudson to answer questions under oath regarding custody the former couple’s 9-year-old son.
The documents obtained by The Blast are sealed so it is unclear what questions will be asked. One can imagine Otunga believes it could help his case.
Jennifer Hudson and David OtungaSince announcing their nearly decade-long engagement was over, both Otunga Jennifer has been slinging mud at each other. TMZ obtained documents back in 2017 where Hudson alleged Otunga exhibited, “aggressive, threatening and harassing behavior toward me. I am now living in fear of further action David might take.”
Otunga’s attorney fired back,”David Otunga has been trying to negotiate the terms of an amicable parenting agreement with Ms. Hudson for several weeks now.” He continued, “However, when it became apparent to Ms. Hudson that Mr. Otunga would be the parent granted residential care of the child, as a result of Mr. Otunga being the child’s primary caregiver while Ms. Hudson pursues her career all over the world, Ms. Hudson decided to file a meritless Petition for Order of Protection in an effort to gain an unfair advantage in the custody dispute.”
Otunga has also accused the singer of trying to defame him. The battle continues for now.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Tracee Ellis Ross for Vanity Fair Awards Edition 2018
GORGEOUS!
#RHoA: NeNe Leakes criticized for lack of variety and she being the only model in clothing store
NeNe Leakes has launched her own clothing store in Atlanta based on the exposure she experienced after starring on The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Like her co-star, Kandi Burruss, NeNe felt it was time to launch her clothing store in the city. She opened Swagg in Atlanta, and she’s been using her Instagram profile to promote the new items she’s getting for her customers. However, it sounds like some followers are growing tired of seeing NeNe promote the clothing.
Her strategy is to pose for photos in the clothing, so fans can see the clothing on the body. While this is a good strategy, it’s also limiting as NeNe has a certain body type. Despite getting some criticism from The Real Housewives of Atlanta viewers, it sounds like Leakes is trying to use a model to market her store.
On Twitter, NeNe Leakes told a follower to pay attention, as she’s been using a model to promote her clothing. This model is a different body type and has a different figure, so it makes sense that she’s trying to promote the clothing differently.
NeNe is probably happy busy working on her business now that the Bravo producers are gearing up for another season. She’s probably happy that Kim Zolciak isn’t returning to the show.
What do you think of NeNe Leakes’ tweet, where she’s telling fans to pay attention to her Instagram? Do you think it’s working that she’s wearing the clothing herself.
Are you ready to see Jussie Smollet perform at The BET Experience?
Set those DVR’s and TV screens as our own Empire’s Jussie Smollet will be performing at the BET experience this year on June 21 & 22nd. In the meantime while we wait for Jamal Lyon to return back to the Empire later this year. Check out his single ‘Catch Your Eye’ with Swizz Beats HERE
#NewMusic from Ne-Yo Stream his New Album ‘Good Man’
Ne-Yo‘s has released his seventh studio album, Good Man, which hit digital music stores and streaming Jun. 8.
Stream Ne-Yo’s Good Man HERE
Ne-Yo worked with an extensive cast of co-writers and producers on the album including Stargate, The Stereotypes, DJ Camper, Maejor, Cirkut, Made in China, and more. In addition to Bebe Rexha and Stefflon Don, the album includes collaborations with Romeo Santos, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Eric Bellinger, Candice Boyd & Sam Hook.
#HipHopNews: Pusha-T Squashes Beef With Drake: ‘It’s All Over’
Pusha-T may have promised a “surgical summer,” but it looks like his feud with Drake is already over.
In an interview with Vanity Fair this week, the G.O.O.D. Music president declared their beef dead. “I mean, you know. These conversations have been had and, to my knowledge, it’s all over,” he told the magazine. “It’s all over with. I mean, listen: I’m ready to be back to the music for real. Just feeding my base, that’s it. That’s the most important thing to me at all times.”
When asked what was gained from the rivalry, he admits that he’s unsure. “I don’t even know. I don’t know what was lost or what was gained,” explained Push.
He also acknowledged Drake’s track record as a hitmaker, but maintains they’re in different lanes. “I feel like at the end of the day, I know that I never want to make a Drake record,” he added. “I know that I never want to make a Kanye West record. Really, to be honest with you.”
Drake has reportedly recorded a response to Pusha-T’s “The Story of Adidon,” but J Prince said he intervened and told him not to release it. “I saw it going in a place that I feel would have ended his career if Drake would have put out the song that he had on him,” the Rap-A-Lot Records CEO told “Sway in the Morning.” “And definitely would have hurt families. We not in it for that. That’s not Drake’s character. We not in business to tear our brother, fellow man down to that extent.”
Goldbergs and Modern Family Actor Jackson Odell, 20, Found Dead at California Home
Jackson Odell has died at the age of 20. The musician and actor, best known for his role as Ari Caldwell on ABC’s The Goldbergs from 2013 to 2015, was found unresponsive at his Tarzana, California, residence on Friday, the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office confirmed. to press His cause of death is pending an autopsy.
“The Odell family has lost our beloved son and brother, Jackson Odell, on Friday,” his family in a statement posted to his Twitter page. “He will always be a shining light and a brilliant, loving and talented soul. He had so much more to share. Our family will always carry that truth forward. Our wish is that the rest of the world who knew and loved him does as well.”
The family continued, “We are now going to try to make sense of our immeasurable loss privately. We will not be making anymore statements.”
Actress Ariel Winter mourned his loss on social media, writing about their time together on Modern Family.
“Devastated to hear about the passing of Jackson Odell,” she wrote. “I knew Jackson since we were 12 years old, and he even appeared in an episode of Modern Family. We didn’t talk much as we entered our high school years, but I’m glad I got to spend time with him before his end. Very hard for me to hear about anyone passing away, but someone so young really saddens me. Sending love to his family and friends.”
R.I.P
#NewCoupleAlert: Nick Jonas & Priyanka Chopra Take Their 1st Trip Together!
Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra are really dating! They were spotted making their way through JFK in New York City on Friday, June 8! Although both rocked shades, otherwise they didn’t exactly ward away wandering eyes. So, it doesn’t look like they are attempting to hide this newfound romance! The TV star chose a pink top and slacks under a white jacket for their romantic getaway. Meanwhile, Nick opted for black jeans, a graphic tee and a denim jacket for the excursion.
This photo arrives just days after Nick seemingly confirmed their romance with a sweet comment on one of her photos. Priyanka posted a photo of herself and her friends enjoying burgers at In-N-Out, a beloved Southern California chain. In the photo, the Quantico star has a wide smile while attempting to pose for the camera — and it’s downright adorable! Nick seemed to take notice because he captioned the photo: “That smile,” along with a heart emoji. Awww!
As fans know, this relationship appears to be heating up quickly! Before flying out of town together, Nick and Priyanka were spied enjoying a lovey dovey date night at Craig’s restaurant in West Hollywood on May 31! “Nick and Priyanka sat in a corner booth, and shared the chocolate bread pudding and a plate of fresh baked cookies,” an insider told HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY. “Nick was really attentive to Priyanka. He hardly took his eyes off her all night, and they were deep in conversation the whole time.”
“They make a super cute couple!”
Maury Invites Drake On Show To Take Paternity Test
Pusha-T may have exposed Drake as a father, and now Maury Povich wants to get to the bottom of it.
The talk show host has invited the “God’s Plan” rapper on his show to take a paternity test and prove if he really has a secret child. “I’m praying it happens,” Maury told TMZ while at LAX. “Drake, come on. New season starts next month. We’re ready.”
On his diss track “The Story of Adidon,” Pusha claimed Drake fathered a son with former porn star Sophie Brussaux. “A baby’s involved, it’s deeper than rap,” raps Pusha. “You are hiding a child, let that boy come home / Deadbeat motherfucker playing border patrol / Adonis is your son and he deserves more than an adidas press run / Love that baby, respect that girl / Forget she’s a porn star, let her be your world.”
Drake has known about the child, who reportedly shares his birthday, and is financially supporting him and his baby mama
Beyonce Shares X-Rated Photo Wearing a Thong With Jay-Z for On The Run II Tour promotion!
Beyonce and Jay-Z take things up a notch to generate attention for their On The Run II tour.
The pictures, which appear to be from the power couple’s On The Run II tour book, show the pair under the covers and even cradling one another in a semi-fetal position.
WOW!
#POLITICS: John McCain to The G7 members: Americans Stand With You Even If Trump Doesn’t
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) stepped up on Twitter to reassure members of the Group of Seven that U.S. citizens are still their allies even if President Donald Trump no longer appears to be.
McCain tweeted on behalf of the nation after a tense G7 summit in Quebec that left Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sniping at one another. Trump even threatened to withhold endorsement of a joint G7 statement on the meeting.
While Trump initially tweeted about the “great meetings and relationships” in Quebec after he left the summit early, Trudeau later vowed at the meeting that Canadians “will not be pushed around” in a trade face-off with the United States. He said that Canada is “absolutely” ready to impose retaliatory tariffs after Trump last week initiated a 10 percent aluminum and 25 percent steel tariff on imports from Mexico, Canada and the European Union.
Trump fired back that he was surprised by the prime minister’s comments because he seemed so “meek and mild” at the summit. He also called him “very dishonest,” but failed to explain what he meant.
At the summit, Trump complained that allies were treating America “like a piggy bank” and he vowed to stick by his tariffs. But he then suddenly suggested instead that the countries consider dropping all tariffs.
The Real reason Why Budweiser Backed Out Of Jay-Z's 'Made In America' Music Fest
When Philadelphia hosts the annual Made In America music festival Labor Day weekend curated by Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj will be on hand. And so will Post Malone, Meek Mill, Diplo, Zedd and roughly five dozen other acts. But the beer brand that helped get the 7-year old annual event off the ground won't be there.
Budweiser—which used to spend millions of dollars staging and promoting the fest—opted not come back this year as it sets its sights on other music priorities, like country music-themed events held at its own breweries, and music partnerships with the NBA. Jay-Z's Roc Nation, which produces Made in America, announced the full lineup this week, along with a sponsor lineup that includes Abercrombie & Fitch, Citi, Puma and American Airlines. (Citi is the only returning sponsor.)
Sponsors enter and leave music events all the time. So what's the big deal about Bud not coming back? In this case, it's significant because the brew once dedicated a major portion of its all-important summer marketing calendar to the festival, seeing it as a way to reach younger, more diverse drinkers. Also, Bud's music moves are worth watching because Anheuser-Busch InBev spends more money than any other marketer sponsoring music tours, festivals and venues. The brewer accounted for 51 percent of the $1.54 billion shelled out last year in North America, according to according to sponsorship consultancy ESP-IEG. (Uber came in second at 21 percent.)
Budweiser VP Ricardo Marques offers this explanation for the decision to walk away from Made in America: "We are realizing that music is being consumed in many different ways today and we want to keep up with trends and how consumers are behaving today." That includes investing more in country music. According to the brewer's research, fans at country music events spend more on beer than at similarly sized events featuring other genres, Marques says.
"As Budweiser's contract expired in 2018, Roc Nation and Budweiser are proud of the countless music moments created for hundreds of thousands of fans," a Roc Nation spokeswoman said in a statement to Ad Age. "Roc Nation and Budweiser are confident the event will continue to make cultural history for many years to come."
Eddie Murphy Playing ‘Dolemite’ Star Rudy Ray Moore In Netflix Pic
Eddie Murphy is about to return to the screen for the first time in awhile. He’s starring in Dolemite Is My Name, a Netflix film which begins production June 12 about the life of Rudy Ray Moore, the star of the blaxploitation Dolemite films. Hustle and Flow‘s Craig Brewer is directing a script by Scott Alexander & Larry Karaszewski, the writing team behind such quirky biographical films as Big Eyes, Ed Wood and The People Vs. Larry Flynt. John Davis and John Fox are producing with Murphy, who has been eager to play this role for a decade.
Moore worked in a Hollywood record store in 1970 when he began hearing obscene stories of pimp and hustler named Dolemite. He started a club act where he became Dolemite. He then began generating records that mixed humor and a ghetto fantasy character, burnishing the legend. While too racy to be put on display in record stores, the records became a big inner city underground hit. The proceeds allowed Moore to finance the 1975 film Dolemite, which he starred in as a kung fu-capable pimp ghetto hero who stuck it to The Man. Moore followed with three sequels. He continues to be an influence for the likes of hip hop entrepreneur Snoop Dogg, and he had something of a comeback starring alongside the hip hop group Insane Clown Posse in Big Money Hustlas in 2000.
Ashley Jacobs Allegedly Outed As Escort On Southern Charm Season Finale
We all saw a sneak peek of Southern Charm's season five finale in the premiere episode where Kathryn Dennis was fighting with Ashley Jacobs outside an event but now we have some tea on why it happened.
In the trailer you can also see Jennifer ask Austen “did you just call her a hooker?” which is a reference to someone asking Thomas Ravenel if his new girlfriend is an escort during the finale party.
Here's some background to those claims. On this week's Juicy Scoop podcast, Heather McDonald said she heard through the grape vine that Thomas and Ashley allegedly met through Landon Clements because she too was a call girl which is how she met Ashley and her first husband. After she introduced the pair, T-Rav then (allegedly) hired her to be his girlfriend on the upcoming season.
Doesn't that explain why he barely likes her and why she's thirsty to be on the show?
Ashley apparently has a history of dating wealthy older men in Santa Barbara and is a professional gold digger. Just look at her Instagram or Facebook and you'll see old photos of her on private jets and yachts, that a nurse definitely couldn't have paid for. Apparently she actually is a registered hospice nurse which is probably how she met her clients.
It gets juicier. After they began the show, Thomas apparently wanted to quit during filming but his new girlfriend threatened to expose their situation which is why he continued shooting and looked so fucking miserable all season.
This also supports Luzanne Otte's tea who claimed that Thomas broke up with Ashley to date her but after she dumped him for verbally abusing her, he then took the alleged escort back.
That's the tea about Ashley's past and it looks like it comes out in the finale and probably will be discussed at length at the reunion. Thomas isn't attending because of his sexual assault allegations but his girlfriend will apparently still go without him.
See pics from The ‘SUPERFLY’ Premiere In Atlanta Director X, Trevor Jackson, Jason Mitchell & Big Boi all attend!
SUPERFLY, Director X‘s highly anticipated remake of the 1972 blaxploitation crime-drama hits theaters on June 13.
On Thursday night, an exclusive black carpet screening of the film, starring Trevor Jackson, Jason Mitchell, Big Boi, Brian Durkin and Big Bank Black, was held at SCAD Show in Atlanta with a packed house of celebrities, tastemakers, influencers and media.
Dawn Halfkenny (“Saints & Sinners“), Reece Odum (“Saints & Sinners“), Tray Chaney (“Saints & Sinners“), Porsha Williams (“Real Housewives of Atlanta“), Shay Johnson (“Love & Hip Hop: Miami“), DJ Fadelf, and Ricco Barrino.
AND FINALLY FROM THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART FILES
