Lil' Kim Lighting Up the City of Lights with Paris Couture Week Show Draped in 200 Carats of Diamonds
Lil' Kim is lighting up the City of Lights – with over 200 carats of Chopard gemstones.
"The Jump Off" rapper hits the stage Monday night in Paris for a private performance following the Ralph & Russo Couture Week show.
The star will show off a Ralph & Russo custom made jumpsuit while covered in 200 carats of jewels from Swiss jeweler Chopard.
Lil' Kim is expected to bring back her old school hits, including "How Many Licks," "Lighters Up," and of course "Lady Marmalade," in the City of Lights.
The private performance will only include 300 VIP guests, including stars Adriana Lima and Sonam Kapoor.
Although the rapper was unable to perform at Essence Festival this past weekend, she will be honored alongside Missy Elliott, Queen Latifah, and Salt-N-Pepa on July 11 at VH1 Hip Hop Honors: All Hail the Queens.
Young Money rappers Drake and Lil Wayne are good friends who also share the same business sensibilities! Drizzy has been hosting the OVO Fest for a few summer now, and Weezy has recently announced his own event — Lil Weezyana Fest.
The music festival will take place in the rapper’s hometown of New Orleans (hence the title) on August 28 at Champions Square. The official lineup has yet to be announced, but there are reports that ’90s hip-hop group Hot Boys — which includes Juvenile, Turk and Cash Money producer Mannie Fresh (who will be filling in for incarcerated fourth member B.G) — will reunite for the first time in 10 years!
Pre-sale tickets for Lil Weezyana Fest go on-sale today (July 8), and you can click here for more information. The rapper is currently promoting his Free Weezy album, which dropped via Tidal on July 4.
Will you be attending Weezyanna Fest?
“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2” Drops New Still Images
Giving fans a little Independence Day holiday treat, Lionsgate just unveiled a new series of photos from the forthcoming “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2.”
In the still images, Jennifer Lawrence's Katniss Everdeen and Elizabeth Banks' Effie Trinket look like they’re in an intense conversation, both dressed in their dystopian duds.
“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2” is slated to hit theaters on November 20th and also stars Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Willow Shields, Stanley Tucci and Donald Sutherland.
Go inside the studio with Janet Jackson in her lyric video for 'No Sleeep'
Janet Jackson means business with this comeback. Since announcing plans to drop her first album in seven years later this year, the singer has released a new single and revealed a world tour. And Tuesday, she put out the lyric video for the single, “No Sleeep.”
On Twitter, Jackson calls the video a “tiny glimpse into our creative space.” Throughout its three and a half minutes, we get a look at Jackson jamming to her beats, handwritten notes on her lyrics and what it’s like being in the studio with the star.
WATCH:
The slow, sultry jam fits right in with Jackson’s older repertoire, but represents her “new movement” for 2015. Jackson begins her Unbreakable World Tour next month and is set to put out her new album—which remains untitled at this time—this fall.
Karen Clark Sheard Returns With New Album And Message From God
Karen Clark Sheard will release her 6th solo album, ‘Destined To Win,’ on Friday, July 17th. You would think that after all these years she would be going through the motions. That is not true of Karen! Karen’s excitement has not dimmed for her ministry of music!
Karen Clark Sheard shares:“I’ve had some tests and trials….but I kept pushing through. God gave me a word that you have to speak because your words have power. I want the album to be a driving force to move people to where they need to be.”
It was recorded live before a packed audience in Chicago, the gospel superstar’s highly-anticipated new album features 10 tracks including the GRAMMY-nominated single ‘Sunday AM’, the single, ‘My Words Have Power’ (feat. Donald Lawrence & The Co.), ‘The Who Doesn’t Matter’ (feat. Faith Evans), Richard Smallwood’s ‘The Resurrection’ and more.
Check out the lead single and lyric video and tell us what you think!
LISTEN:
The new album’s track-listing is as follows:
■‘The Who Doesn’t Matter’ (feat. Faith Evans)
■‘Destined To Win’
■‘The Resurrection’
■‘Sunday AM’
■‘Only Call on Jesus’
■‘My Words Have Power’ (feat. Donald Lawrence & The Co.)
■‘Already Looking Better’
■‘The Worst is Over’
■‘My God Is Big’
■‘We Acknowledge You’
Bonus Tracks on Walmart exclusive version:
■‘Where Jesus Is Part I’ feat. Kim McFarland
■‘Where Jesus Is Part II’ feat. The Clark Sisters
■‘Where Jesus Is Part III’ feat. Kierra Sheard
Cop this project you’ll be blessed!
Watch Amy Winehouse Sing “Back To Black” A Cappella In Documentary Clip
Amy's Third Album Demos Destroyed Winehouse's label explains why the singer's remaining demos were scrapped.
Another beautiful, candid clip of Amy Winehouse from the documentary Amy has been released ahead of the film’s nationwide opening this Friday (July 10). The footage shows Winehouse laying down the vocals for “Back To Black” during a recording session with Mark Ronson in New York in March 2006, just a few months before she’d release the album of the same name.
The video provides some context about her second and final album’s title track, with Ronson saying Winehouse wrote the melody and lyrics in just three hours. Then the producer can be seen sitting at the controls while Amy delivers a powerful a cappella take.
“I just caught her at that magic moment,” Ronson reflects in a voiceover after the recording session plays out.
Watch the melancholy clip:
It’s a shame she’s gone from us!
Is Bobbi Kristina's companion Nick Gordon shacking up in Florida with a much older woman?
According to Radar Online: Nick Gordon is facing a $10 million lawsuit over claims he stole thousands from girlfriend Bobbi Kristina Brown. And while Brown lies dying in an Atlanta-area hospice, Gordon has been spending quality time in Florida with a much-older gal pal.
According to reports, Gordon, 25, has been hanging out in Florida with Heather Posey, 39.
FOR SALE: Tyler Perry Lists Atlanta Mansion For $25 Million
We've just come across a listing for Tyler Perry's $25 million estate in Atlanta's Buckhead area and the deets.....well......get ready to swoon.
The director/writer/actor/everything other job in the film industry and his girlfriend Gelila and their baby boy are moving. The French provincial mansion sits on 17 acres with views over the Chattahoochee River off Paces Ferry Road.
Boasting seven bedrooms and fourteen baths, the 34,688-square-foot home also has stately formal rooms, a two-story library, resort-style infinity-edge swimming pool, and more ish.
If all those places weren't ebough, you can keep active on a lighted tennis court on top of a two-story parking garage, fully equipped gym, spa, theater, hobby house and an underground ballroom with catering kitchen.
There are both formal and informal gardens, guard house, caretaker’s suite and presidential-level security system including two gated and secured residential entrances.
You might also recognize a few of the room and/or the outside decor from a few of Tyler's films. So...if you've got $25 Million, you could own a home that's hosted President Obama, Oprah Winfrey AND Madea. Money well spent...
Is there a Sinister Reason Behind Lupita and K'naan's Break-Up?
For a while last year Academy Award winning actress Lupita Nyong'o and her then boyfriend, Somali poet K'naan, were practically inseparable
Was there a sinister reason behind the quiet break-up…?
Last year, this Academy Award winner/nominee paraded her boyfriend wherever she went. The two of them were inseparable as she did the Academy Award press gauntlet. They seemed happy, but underneath were secrets. The first secret is that the boyfriend had actually stalked the actress and knew where she would be at certain places and times and managed to show up and the next thing you know after a few of these meetings they started dating.
As they continued to date, she began to see the dark side of him. The same dark side that she should fear right now and that another A list mostly movie actor felt for some time. See, prior to stalking our actress, the boyfriend did the same thing with the same setup to the A lister. He would show up to the same exercise classes and bike rides and befriended the actor. It then turned into a Cable Guy situation and our actor had to break things off. He tried but the stalker kept showing up until finally the actor got the police involved. Our stalker is currently trying to win his girlfriend back by harassing her agent and management team and still showing up unannounced whenever he learns where she will be.
Lupita Nyong’o/Jake Gyllenhaal
LeBron James Mother’s 33-Year Old Boyfriend Beefing With Rapper Flo Rida (Instagram)
Da Real Lambo want Flo Rida to know something.
Reports Baller Alert: We introduced you to Gloria James’ boo, Lambo back in 2013. He’s 33 years old, an aspiring rapper and a really big Lebron James fan. If you’ve been on his Instagram page recently you will find there’s one person he’s not too keen on, Flo-Rida.
No word on what sparked their beef but considering their both from the Miami area, I’m sure this dates way back. In a post from earlier two weeks ago, Lambo began ragging on Flo-Rida’s fashion sense. In another post he writes, “The last time this clown [Flo-Rida] had a lil swagger in him [was] when I was on the label and HE was stealing MY S***! U clowns hate ain’t work.” The shots towards Flo go on and on until a few days ago. At some point he even directs some shade towards Flo’s manager. “The reason [Flo-Rida] will never be a good CEO is because of that lil hater they call Frezzy that’s standing to the left of me in this pic.”
Flo-Rida has yet to respond and Lambo has yet to really go into detail as to what the issue is. As of a more recent post, he’s even sent shots towards a business partner of Floyd Mayweather. Maybe Lambo wants to use a little beef to jumpstart his rap career? Hey, it just might work!
In semi-related news, Lambo now refers to Gloria as his wife on Instagram.
Did they tie the knot? Was LBJ at the ceremony?
Fox has announced KNOCK KNOCK LIVE
Ready for a new summer series? Fox has announced KNOCK KNOCK LIVE, starring superstar Kellie Pickler, actress and singer Adrienne Bailon, TV host Ross Mathews, host and recording artist Jordan “Shorty” Johnson and TV/radio personality Chuey Martinez as co-hosts.
The weekly series will feature host Ryan Seacrest live in a Los Angeles-based studio, while his five co-hosts travel across America, arriving at unsuspecting people’s doorsteps with a chance to win big prizes, turn their wildest dreams into reality. Common has also taped an appearance. The show premieres Tuesday, July 21 on FOX.
BET Networks To Take Jesus Back To Being Black?
It’s probably safe to assume that BET Networks has the ratchet department covered. And with upcoming plans for production of a new bible TV series, BET could be gearing up its programming to be consistent across genres.
“BET is banking on winning with their new Bible series that currently in production.”
Stay Tuned for more Infio!
Have You seen Drake Lately? His New Body Is A Big Hit!
Clearly, Drake is summer time fine and feeling himself.
The Canadian rapper took to Instagram to flaunt his new bawdy and show off his pecks, abs and guns. Simply captioned “early mornings”, Champagne Papi tagged his trainer and OVO fam, Jonny.
The “Energy” rapper has been working on his fitness (and we’re his witness) for a while now and it’s really starring to show. Plus, he’s even looking more attractive these days with the added facial hair and slight tan. But, we’re not the only ones to notice. A quick glance at his IG comments may make you blush!
Are you ready to add Drake to you “all time fine” list or is this just a summer fling?
PARIS FASHION WEEK: Lupita Nyong'o At The Christian Dior Show!
Oscar winning actress Lupita Nyong'o was spotted at the Christian Dior show as part of Paris Fashion Week Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2015/2016 in Paris yesterday. She attended the A-list event in the fashion houses latest creations - a structured skater dress and hot sunnies.
On Instagram, she wrote "Just out of an exquisite show. @dior #hautecouture #autumnwinter 2015-2016 #Paris #somethingtolookforwardto"
She's always picture perfect and it's good to see her out and about again in between her big acting gigs (Star Trek & Queen Katwe).
Loving her look like we are? Edited In Chic has plenty of ways to recreate it with less expensive items you can cop on the site!
Backstage, Lupita got chummy with Dior's Creative Director Raf Simons.
She also snapped some pics with actress Emily Blunt and VOGUE's head honcho Anna Wintour.
Of course, Lupita is the bell of the ball in Paris and she's on everyone's list. Tonight, she's attending Lancome's 80th anniversary party as she's the newest face of the fab beauty company.
Elsewhere in Paris... Naomi Campbell At 'Vogue Paris Foundation' Gala
Naomi Campbell attended the 'Vogue Paris Foundation' gala held at the Palais Galliera. This was the second installment of the event, which raises funds for the acquisition of new pieces and to support and promote contemporary fashion design.
Miss Campbell stunned the crowd in a sexy black lace gown from Burberry. You'll recall, she's Burberry's spokewoman and fronted the house's most recent campaign.
The party, started off with cocktails in the garden overlooking the Eiffel Tower and was followed by a seasonal dinner of lobster salad, sea bass, and red berries.
It’s SO OVER FOR HER!
Toni Braxton Settles Legal Battle w/ Ex-Husband Keri Lewis Over Unpaid Child Support
Toni Braxton has settled her legal battle with her ex-husband — which she accused of not paying child support for their 2 children — with the singer dismissing the contempt lawsuit. according to thejasminebrand.com
The singer/reality star served her ex-husband Keri Lewis with a lawsuit demanding the court find him in contempt for failing to pay child support. [FYI:Braxton & Lewis married back in 1998 and they decided to separate in July 2013 after 12 years of marriage.]
Braxton hit him with a child support contempt lawsuit on October 31st in Georgia court. The case was in regards to the support that Lewis was to pay Braxton for their sons Denim Cole Braxton-Lewis and Diezel Ky Braxton-Lewis
According to Braxton’s bankruptcy documents, she is to receive $2K a month from Lewis for support for the 2 children they share together.
Toni Braxton with husband Keri Lewis and their two children (circa 2008)
The contempt lawsuit sought to have a court order find that Lewis had not been paying the ordered support and to have a order to get the back child support paid.
On May 10th, Braxton filed docs in the case dismissing the lawsuit voluntarily — despite her having served him with the legal papers shortly after she filed the lawsuit.
The dismissal means that Braxton and Keri have reached a settlement outside of court. The case was closed the same day.
Fox is planning a movie about the gay marriage Supreme Court ruling
Marriage equality has come to the United States — and now it’s coming to the big screen.
Fox has set its sights on a new fact-based drama about the case that last month led the Supreme Court to rule in favor of same-sex marriage, EW has confirmed. Wyck Godfrey (The Fault in Our Stars) and Marty Bowen are set to produce.
As first reported by the New York Times, Fox made a deal for the life rights of Jim Obergefell, who successfully petitioned the court to force his home state of Ohio to recognize his marriage to his partner of 21 years, John Arthur (the pair married in Maryland only months before John’s death in 2013). He likely would be a central figure in the film.
The studio also acquired the life rights of Obergefell’s attorney Al Gerhardstein, as well as an-yet-unpublished book that Obergefell intends to write with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Debbie Cenziper. According to the New York Times, the book is slated to be titled 21 Years to Midnight and is expected to be sold to a publisher possibly as soon as this week.
No word yet on a screenwriter, a cast or a release date, but the project will be overseen by the studio’s Fox 2000 division.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Kanye West's High-Heel Boots at Fashion Week: Twitter Reacts to the Bold Style Statement
Well-heeled, indeed! No one could ignore the sight of newly platinum Kim Kardashian in her plunging Givenchy jumpsuit on Sunday, March 8, in Paris. And yet, right behind her, there was another fashion statement just begging to be discussed: Kanye West's mid-calf, high-heel boots.
The "Only One" singer, 37, donned the velvet stompers en route to the Givenchy fashion show—a shoe choice that at first went somewhat unnoticed, as they boasted the same black shade as the rest of his ensemble.
But never give up on the Internet! Since then, Twitter birds have taken to the social media platform to discuss the bold style choice. The rapper's plush footwear has him being compared to Mary J. Blige, Rick James, and Shrek's Lord Farquaad (voiced by John Lithgow), to name a few.
Meet Billy! Sounds like a strange name for a devilishly handsome Cuban American like Laz Alonso. But it’s the name of the newest TV character he’s added to his wheelhouse. Currently, the superstar actor is co-starring alongside Debra Messing in NBC’s drama pilot “The Mysteries of Laura,” written by Jeff Rake and directed by McG, as Laura’s (Messing) no-nonsense partner in crime solving.
It’s a departure for Alonso, who’s played dramatic roles in the feature films Avatar and Fast & Furious. Alonso has also been cast in other notable films such as Stomp the Yard, This Christmas and Just Wright. But after countless roles on the big screen Alonso has decided to put the box office on hold and focus more on his career in television.
No more drama this time around for Alonso! His new character (Billy) has brought out a much lighter side than we have seen him play before with a comedic role he tells us was quite a challenge for him to perform. Having to play a role outside of his norm has been a tough experience for Alonso but it has given him the opportunity to gain experience in an area he wasn’t too familiar with. But working with Messing has made the process a lot less stressful, according to Alonso. “Deborah is so easy to work with. I am learning a lot from her. For me to be learning again at this stage in my career is great,” he says.
Alonso has certainly made a name for himself in Hollywood, but his career in film didn’t begin with acting classes. Years ago, in his hometown of Washington, D.C., Alonso enrolled in the prestigious Howard University where he received his bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing. Although he had dreams of becoming an actor, in his mind, business always comes first. For Alonso, being in an industry that is ever-changing made him realize that having skill sets to fall back on is vitally important.
When Alonso is not juggling his businesses, he definitely knows how to have fun. He tries to get out as much as possible and attend charitable events where he can connect with his fan base and travel during his vacation time. Acting is Alonso’s passion, so work for him is exciting and fulfilling. Next on his agenda is to star in a feature film or create a few projects of his own. This guy sure knows what it takes to make it in a competitive industry.
Read what he has to say.
How is it working with “Will & Grace” icon Debra Messing?
I like working with Debra Messing. For me, it was challenge stepping into a role and working with someone who is well-known in comedy. The majority of the body of work that I have under my belt has been more dramatic. I look at it as a challenge and an opportunity to really work on building my comedic acting skills and lightening up my body of work, adding some levity and comedy to it.
I approached this role as an opportunity to get better in this area, and the experience has been great. I am actually learning from Debra. It feels good at this stage in my career to be learning again. That’s been awesome.
How does TV work differ for you compared to film?
I like them both. With film, it feels like you live within the character … while you are doing the film, you are completely immersed in the character. In TV, because it is a longer stretch, it feels like you can turn the character on and off a lot easier. Because you are taping television for nine months, you are running a marathon as opposed to a sprint.
Describe Billy Soto.
My character Billy Soto on “Mysteries of Laura” … I am the guy who is going to chase the bad guys down. I am the guy who is going to get to the root of the problem. I am going to get in their face in the interrogation room. I am the muscle behind our team. Billy has a tremendous amount of brains and investigative skills too. He is not just knocking people out; he’s also outsmarting people.
It’s important to play this character, this role with a certain level of respectability. Over the last few months, we’ve seen how serious the situations have become between law enforcement and our people. I feel that being an artist gives us a chance to be a voice and artistically show a balance of imagery. I think this character gives me an opportunity to play not just a cop, but also a good Black cop contrary to a lot of the images that we’ve seen in the last few months.
How do you balance your work life, taping for nine months, and making appearances at events, etc.?
It’s tough. It’s not easy because television production schedules are very demanding. You are working long hours and trying to do more per day than you do on a film. On a film, you have three months to shoot 90 pages. In TV, you have eight days to shoot 60 pages. When you do the math, that’s a lot of work that you have to cram into eight days. Television hours tend to be extremely long and grueling. Whenever I can get out [laughs], I’m out!
If I can get out and enjoy some events, especially some events that are meaningful, something that gives back and I get to connect with fans, then I am going to do it.
Do you like filming in New York?
I like filming in New York. New York has a humongous TV and film industry here. And, they have some of the best professionals that work in the business here, next to L.A. So, it’s great to work here. The city embraces you. You’re out and about; people show love. Everywhere you go, people are happy you’re here.
I lived here before I got started in the business and moved to L.A. It’s great to come back to what I consider the birthplace of my acting career.
What are your plans when you go on hiatus this April?
The train never stops. If there’s an opportunity to do an amazing film, I am going to take it and do it. I would like to travel to somewhere with a beach, some sand and salt water. When you are filming in 18-degree weather, and you look at the weather on your phone and [it] says [it] feels like 2 degrees … the thought of a vacation is what keeps you going. I will definitely find a way to fit in a little R and R before I jump on my next project.
“The Mysteries of Laura” airs Wednesday nights on NBC at 8 p.m.
TRIVIA: What does Beck And Beyonce Have In Common?
(Cue Alanis Morissette’s, “Ironic.”)
Here’s something the world might not have known: Beck’s father worked on Beyonce’s 2006 Grammy Award winning album, B’Day. Shocking right?!
We are now learning that Beck’s dad, David Campbell, worked on Bey’s hit track “Listen” and also conducted and worked on several arrangements on the project.
The universe has an interesting way of bringing things full circle, doesn’t it? Beck and Beyonce made headlines last month after Beck beat out the songstress and took home the Grammy for Album Of the Year.
Needless to say, that didn’t happen. But Kanye did apologize for his comments, tweeting:
“I would like to publicly apologize to Beck, I’m sorry Beck.”
Beck’s father has also worked on albums for other household names like Taylor Swift, Adele and Justin Timberlake
Rihanna RELEASES Snippets Of New Track “Higher”
Rihanna has given us a thrill by posting a snippet of a new song called "Higher" from an unknown album on Instagram.
"Higher" sounds like a big, glossy throwback to classic R&B songs, with swelling strings and RiRi's throaty voice hitting us in all the right places. Alas, it's only a few seconds long. It's just the latest tease Rihanna's given us about her upcoming album, which reportedly also features a song that samples from Florence + the Machine. RiRi's no slouch when it comes to social media, so she's been peppering her Twitter timeline and Instagram account with details here and there about her next album. Here's an entire timeline of everything the Navy has gathered with regards to what we're thinking will be called R8.
On the Kuk Harrell and Marcos Tovar-produced track, Rih is feeling good after a few drinks of some whisky and is in search for some male attention. She croons,
“Higher, higher than I’ve ever been, babe / Just come over, let’s pour a drink, babe / I hope I ain’t callin’ you too late.” --
She captioned one snippet, "5 am drunk off da whiskey with these two rockstars @officialkukharrell @djanser !!! These guys always hold me down even at the craziest hours! We've made every album since #GoodGirlGoneBad together! The family!!! One Love #R8"
#1:
#2:
Who's ready for Rih to release her next album?
Harrison Ford involved in a PLANE CRASH!
Harrison Ford was involved in a plane crash near a Los Angeles golf course on Thursday afternoon, according to multiple reports.
The Los Angeles Times reports that the plane crashed at the Penmar Golf Course in Venice and according to TMZ, Ford was taken to the hospital following the incident. The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed that the plane's solo occupant was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. There were no other injuries.
TMZ was the first to report that Ford was piloting the plane, and NBC reports that Ford sustained serious injuries, including cuts to his head. "There was blood all over his face," a Penmar Golf Course employee told NBC News.
Ford is a seasoned pilot, and was reportedly flying a vintage World War II-era plane. NFL's Andrew Siciliano tweeted a photo from the golf course:
That is a definitely a plane in front of the 8th green at Penmar in Venice. Pilot allegedly walked away.
Ford's rep did not return an immediate request for comment.
President Obama prepares to honor watershed moment at Selma
On the 50th anniversary of "Bloody Sunday" in Selma, Alabama, Rep. John Lewis reflects on the severe beating he received at the hands of the state police. WXIA
Eight years ago, an up-and-coming black politician from Chicago talked about how he owed his career to bloodshed on a bridge in Selma, Ala.
"I'm here because somebody marched," then-senator Barack Obama said in Selma that day. "I'm here because you all sacrificed for me."
Now the first African-American president of the United States, Obama returns to Selma on Saturday along with thousands of others who have led very different lives because of what happened there 50 years ago.
The police attack on civil rights marchers at the Edmund Pettus Bridge led, over time, to the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and a transformation of American politics, government and society itself.
Legislation removed barriers that had prevented black people from voting. Millions joined voting rolls across the country, and thousands went on to win elections to offices in city halls, state legislatures, Congress, and, eventually, the White House.
Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., one of those beaten in Selma on March 7, 1965, told USA TODAY that "some of us gave a little blood on that bridge to redeem the soul of America, to make America better."
Obama and others attending Selma events this weekend are expected to praise racial progress but also address many remaining challenges. The president and allies have accused some states of seeking to dilute minority votes through voter identification laws and various redistricting plans. The Selma commemoration also takes place amid tense police-minority relations across the country.
Still, the events of Selma transformed the nation, including its politics.
Black voters, reliably Republican for decades following the Civil War, are now overwhelmingly Democratic. The Republican Party — once anathema in the South — is now predominantly white and dominant in many Southern states. Former president George W. Bush and other Republicans are scheduled to attend this weekend's events in Selma.
Coming a year after the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 quickened the pace of integration in the United States, bringing social and economic benefits.
Taylor Branch, the author of a three-volume history of Martin Luther King Jr., and the civil rights movement, said it helped de-stigmatize the South, which had suffered economically under the weight of legalized racism. In many ways, Branch said, everyone owes a debt to the black voting rights movement.
"It wasn't just for black people," he said. " It was about how or democracy functions."
Quite a different world from the one that marchers in Selma faced in early 1965.
Civil rights groups had been demonstrating for years in Selma and Dallas County, Ala., where only 1% of voting age blacks were registered the vote and white officials worked to keep that number low.
During a night demonstration in nearby Marion on Feb. 18, police shot and killed 26-year-old Jimmie Lee Jackson. His death inspired calls for a march from Selma to Montgomery to deliver the voting rights message directly to the Alabama governor, the proto-segregationist George C. Wallace.
Organizers set the march for March 7, a Sunday. As marchers crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge — named for a Confederate general and former Ku Klux Klan leader — they confronted a phalanx of state troopers and sheriff's deputies, some on horseback.
When the marchers refused demands to disperse, troopers attacked with billy clubs, bullwhips and tear gas, injuring more than 50 people.
Television news cameras captured the attack that galvanized the nation. ABC famously showed footage after breaking into its prime-time movie: Judgement at Nuremberg.
Wiz Khalifa Disses Amber Rose's Fake Butt?
Last week a black market butt shot madame, on trial for killing a patient, testified under oath that Amber Rose was one of her biggest clients and had once been dropped off for a procedure by her then boyfriend Kanye West. Here’s a refresher. BUT, Did Wiz Khalifa just diss ex-wife Amber's fake body parts…?
Recently Wiz Tweeted
Fun Facts: back in January an Instagram account dedicated to exposing Amber Rose's fake butt and photoshopped pictures popped up online
Nick Gordon to tell all to Dr. Phil
Nick Gordon has certainly had a lot to say about Bobbi Kristina’s health as well his disdain for her father, Bobby Brown, but if the latest reports are true Gordon’s going to have a lot more to say in a tell-all interview with Dr. Phil.
According to TMZ, Gordon will talk to Dr. Phil about the events leading up to Bobbi being found unresponsive in her tub in late January.
Gordon will also discuss his long-standing feud with Bobby Brown and the Houston and Brown families, as well as being banned from hospital where Bobbi is staying.
However, the interview could have a major impact on the criminal investigation of Gordon if he says too much. Gordon will reportedly tell Dr. Phil information that he hasn’t told police in regard to the investigation of the visible injuries that were spotted on Bobbi Kristina after she nearly drowned. If Gordon says anything incriminating, it will be used against him by police in their investigation.
Gordon is expected to meet up with Dr. Phil in the next few days, but we’ll have to wait and see if he actually goes through with the interview
Is there a Secret Baby for Dr. Dre?
Hip Hop mogul Dr. Dre has been married to his wife Nicole Young since 1996 but insiders are whispering that Dre just had a secret baby with his mistress…
A source submitted this picture and scalding hot tea to The Dirty,
The source writes,
"Dr. Dre visiting the BodyBakery tanning salon. Owned by alleged mistress Kili Anderson. The woman he doesn’t cheat on his wife with. Who’s life he doesn’t sponsor. He didn’t buy her the spot. He just goes there regularly for a tan. Congratulations to Ms. Anderson a successful business owner who I heard just gave birth to a baby girl."
Nicki Minaj SPEAKS on her being IN LOVE with Over Meek Mill, & Cash Money Drama
Nicki Minaj is currently in L.A. gearing up for her upcoming “The Pinkprint” European tour with Trey Songz which kicks off in Sweden on Monday (March 16th).
But before she treks it across the pond, the “Only One” raptress called into BBC Radio 1 to chop it up with Charlie Sloth about a few things that are hot in the headlines. And, of course, her love life is at the top of the discussion.
Young Money's first lady and Meek Mill have been spending plenty of time together and they will have plenty of time to grow closer as they are slated to go on a joint tour later this year. Neither of them have confirmed their coupledom status, but it's pretty clear with their love-dovey Instagram posts and boo'd up body language when they're out on the scene.
Opening up a bit, Nicki gushed on the vibe she shares with the MMG rapper saying,
“We’re just super compatible and, you know, we just be having fun together. When the kid do it, the kid get it done, nah mean? [laughs]”
Switching gears, the “Anaconda” raptress then weighed in on her boss Lil Wayne suing Birdman/Cash Money for $51 million after he wasn’t paid the $10 milli he was owed for The Carter V album and other legalities. Although she says she super loyal to Wayne, she isn’t choosing sides because she’s just as close to Birdman. She said,
“People know I love Wayne and that I have loyalty towards him but I love Baby [Birdman] too. I am very close to Baby and I don’t think people know that. I am banking on the fact that they will work this out like family. They’ve gone through things before, just like family does. It is what it is. They’re going to get through it. I’m not even going to think that way.”
Balmain Hires Pretty Much Every Supermodel For Paris Fashion Week Presentation
It’s always one of the most-anticipated shows of Paris Fashion Week, and for the Fall/Winter 2015 edition, Balmain really pulled out all the stops.
There was a who’s who of posers on the runway including Kendall Jenner, Alessandra Ambrosio and Karlie Kloss, all of whom looked gorgeous in the popular brand’s latest offerings.
Also in the mix were favorites like Adriana Lima, Joan Smalls, Lily Donaldson, Gigi Hadid and Jourdan Dunn. Suffice it to say, Balmain dropped a small fortune on modeling fees this time!
A Promoter Baits Drake Fans With Fake Shows
Fans in eight cities, including Houston and Miami, jumped at the opportunity to see Drake perform at their neighboring arena. Unfortunately, the OVO rapper had no knowledge of these shows and won’t be performing at any of the promoted dates.
Houston’s ABC13 spoke with Drake’s spokesperson, who said the concert scheduled for May 17 at the Arena Theater is a falsehood, despite pre-sale tickets reaching prices upwards of $350.
“Drake has never been scheduled to appear at the Arena Theatre venue. When we learned of this situation we immediately encouraged the venue and promoter to contact law enforcement to initiate an investigation,” the spokesperson told ABC-13. “We are horrified that someone would use Drake’s name to take advantage of his fans. For any individuals who may have fallen victim to this, please contact your local authorities.”
Shady promoters pushing a faux-Drake tour appear to be behind this whole fiasco.
The Arena Theater has a capacity of only 2,750 people, which is a noticeably small crowd considering the weight that comes with Drake’s brand. One would think that a tour in settings that intimate would be better promoted socially by the OVO camp.
In any case, the jig has been spotted, and now it’s up to fans to get their funds back.
See a statement from the Arena Theater below:
Regrettably, we want to offer a full refund for your purchase of Drake tickets. The Arena Theatre was issued a contract and sent the appropriate deposit related to this contract, however, Drake has not confirmed his availability to perform under the terms of this agreement for the May 17th date. We are aggressively working with the OVO camp to arrange a mutually-agreeable date. Upon confirmation, you will be the first people notified due to your loyal patronage. Please accept our heartfelt apologies and know that we have all the documentation related to this date that would substantiate the veracity of this statement. We would never take your valued support for granted nor knowingly mislead you with false show information. Please follow the instructions below for your full refund, thanks
Funniest Kim Kardashian Hair Memes & Comparisons
It might be more shocking than Chris Brown having a love child. Okay, maybe not. But dang near.
Kim Kardashian dyed her hair platinum blonde and well … the jokes have already begun. Social media users have taken to Instagram to compare the reality star’s new look to that of The Incredibles character Dash and even Draco from Harry Potter.
Check out all the comparisons and funny memes in the gallery below
LOL!
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘THE PACK IS BACK’
Somehow joining up with a wolfpack seems much much less cool right now. I guess being a lone wolf is back in style.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYBODY!!!!!!!! AND DON'T FORGET
