Idris Elba Jason Statham and Dwayne Johnson for Entertainment Weekly - July 2019
The first Fast & Furious spin-off film, Hobbs & Shaw, is finally hitting theaters this summer, and promotion for the upcoming movie is officially in full swing. Entertainment Weekly just released the preview for their upcoming Hobbs & Shaw issue, which features Dwayne Johnson AKA The Rock, Jason Statham, and Idris Elba on the cover.
In the article, the actors discuss the film and their characters. Here are just a few of the best quotes:
“The other movies were great, and I loved creating the character of Hobbs,” Johnson explained. “Eventually, for me personally, I needed more juice. I needed to sink my teeth into something that allowed the character to grow and expand and showcase more layers.”
“I’ve been a fan of the Fast & Furious franchise, as is everyone,” Elba shared. “It’s sort of the ultimate escapism. And I love cars. I’m a bit of a motorhead. And then, of course, I get to play this really complex bad guy.”
“I think me and Dwayne share a very similar sense of humor,” Statham added. “The only difference in us is the amount of weight he pushes when he’s doing a bench press.”
“She’s an amazing fighter,” Vanessa Kirby said of her character. “I just feel like it’s really important nowadays for these kinds of movies to make sure the women are as capable as the men. Often the men are saving the women or doing the fights while the women watch on, or they’re at home. A film like this is a responsibility to kind of subvert that, really, and make sure that Hattie doesn’t get saved by the guys.”
You can read the full article HERE
Following Luke Hobbs (Johnson) and Deckard Shaw (Statham), the new movie will be focusing on an alliance between the two characters, who have had a rocky history during their time in the franchise. Hobbs first appeared in Fast Five as a Diplomatic Security Service agent who is tasked with hunting down Toretto's crew. The character eventually learns that our main protagonists are the good guys and joins their crew for the remainder of the franchise. Shaw entered the films as a villain, initially killing a prominent member of the crew in the mid-credits scene for Fast & Furious 6. However, after spending the seventh film as the main antagonist, Shaw returned to number eight as a good guy.
Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw will hit theaters on August 2nd.
#RHOA: Ya Girl NeNe has a new Look! Check her out!
NeNe Leakes showed off a glamorous new makeover on Instagram to celebrate Friday, after hinting earlier this week that she will be back for The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 12. The Bravo reality star broke the news herself Friday morning on Instagram, but later deleted the post.
One Friday post that Leakes, 51, did keep up on her Instagram page was a brief video of her striking a sassy pose after getting a new hairdo. She has her blonde hair pulled back in a pony tail in the video.
"Do you know what today is..FRIDAY! Me and you been waiting on this day. Finally," she wrote, adding a silly smiley face emoji.
Leakes posted the video a few hours after she shared a photo of a contract appearing to confirm she was back for RHOA season 12. "Season 12 SIGNED! Nay Nay will see you in NYC Sunday! Let's go #RHOA," the caption read. Although Leakes deleted the post, it was up long enough for fans to grab a screenshot.
Leakes starred on the first seven seasons of RHOA, before being demoted to guest star for Season 8. She returned as a main cast member for Seasons 10 and 11, but there have been rumors she was leaving the show after getting into a violent altercation with a cameraman. There was also speculation her husband Gregg's battle with cancer and their struggle to keep their marriage together might force her to leave the show.
After one site reported she was going to miss the first half of the season, her representative said the report was not true.
"I can say with authority that there is absolutely no truth to this," her rep said. "The only reason why she's not currently shooting is because she is still in active negotiations with her contract."
RHOA producer Andy Cohen also told E!'s Daily Pop that Leakes still has a good relationship with Bravo, despite all the controversies.
“Let me tell you this, I’m not really suppose to talk about upcoming casting on seasons, but let me put it this way, Nene is going to on the World Pride Bravo float with me on Sunday, and a bunch of other housewives, it’s going to be amazing," the Watch What Happens Live! host said. "So that should tell you what her standing is with Bravo."
Leakes also sparked concern about the future of her marriage after she tweeted out a hypothetical question to her fans on Thursday.
"U find out ur husband/boyfriend been talkin on the phone regularly to 1 of ur female employees as “just a friend” but u had no knowledge of it, did he cross any lines? Askin 4 a friend since y’all know EVERYTHING (but he said, we never talked sex! I just needed some1 to talk 2," she wrote.
Bravo has not announced when RHOA will return, but every season since the fourth has debuted in November.
#Empire: Taraji P. Henson Flashes Thigh In Sexy Red Flashback Friday Dress
Taraji P. Henson is all about nostalgia this week. Yesterday, she shared a steamy throwback Thursday photo of herself and two of her girlfriends cruising on a boat. In that photo, she was rocking a barely-there bikini that had her followers’ jaws dropping. Today, she decided to honor Friday with a little flashback Friday shot from her White Hot Holidays Variety Christmas show.
In the photo, Taraji is rocking an absolutely stunning metallic red dress that looks luxurious and festive. The dress itself isn’t too revealing, only showcasing a bit of cleavage — that is, until she poses. The floor-length gown has a sky-high slit that exposes some major thigh once she decides to flash it — and she certainly did.
Though it’s June, her mind seems to have been on the holiday special today. In the caption, she gushed all about what a dream it was to create the show. The multi-talented actress first showed off her pipes when she appeared in the movie Hustle and Flow, and many fans didn’t even know she could sing. The star is definitely a triple threat.
Her fans took to the comments to share how much they enjoyed the show, and of course to share how fantastic she looked in the selfie.
#NewMusic from Ro James & Luke James ‘Magic’
If you, like us, are fans of singers Ro James and Luke James then you might have also been wondering when the two friends and R&B peers would finally come together on the collaboration tip. Well, you can stop praying now because, much to our delight, the two sexy fellas have finally joined forces to bring us "Magic."The fellas unite over a Nez & Rio beat that bumps with the urgency of a late '90s bedroom-ready cut with 808s and kick drums made specifically to make your speakers knock.
The rest of the music consists of smoothed-out synths that create a simple melody. Despite the romantic sound of things, though, the song mainly focuses on Ro and Luke trying to live their best, stress-free lives with a little bit of smoke. In fact, they don't want you coming around to mess up their good vibes. "Please don't stress me, mama," Ro sings on the chorus. "Don't come by to bring down my high." It's a surprising stance from singers who have built their careers on making jams for the fairer sex — but once you hear just how smoothly this joint is going, you'll understand why they want to keep the party going as is.According to Ro, this one is an idea that they once opted to keep to themselves and, admittedly, it does feel a little unfinished
LISTEN HERE
#HipHopNews: J. Cole Announces "Revenge Of The Dreamers III" Release Date
Dreamville is giving fans more reasons to celebrate during the upcoming Fourth Of July weekend. J. Cole has announced the highly anticipated Revenge Of The Dreamers III compilation will drop this Friday (July 5).
“Revenge of the Dreamers dropping this Friday,” he wrote on Twitter alongside a link to purchase some limited edition merchandise.
Dreamville is currently selling album bundles that will only be on sale for the next two days. Customers can obtain digital copies of the LP via email upon release by pre-ordering t-shirts, hoodies, hats or vinyl through the online store.
The clothing will ship within the next three to five weeks. Vinyl copies of Revenge Of The Dreamers III are due out on or around September 20.
Report: According to Melba Moore Is Stevie Wonder Having A Health Challenge?
There is some indication that Stevie Wonder may be struggling with his health. Philadelphia radio personality Patti Jackson reports that the 6x year-old-singer is on dialysis and in need of a kidney transplant. We don’t know Jackson’s source, however, singer Melba Moore seemed to confirm that something is happening with Wonder’s health, as she asked for prayers for him via her Instagram account.
Allhiphop.com reported that Moore asked for prayers for Wonder, but refused to say anything specific about his condition. When questioned in the comments, Moore said that the media had reported on his health, but actually, only a few outlets have indicated that anything might be wrong.
Moore repeated that fans should keep Wonder “in prayer” said he was a dear friend and that his family and friends have shared the information, which has not happened as far as we can tell. The only thing we’ve heard lately from the Wonder/Morris camp is that Stevie’s son Kailand Morris is going to be an intern at the fashion house Dior.
Hopefully, Wonder is OK but just in case, we’ll say a prayer for him anyway!
Janet Jackson Stops Traffic to Visit Stonehenge
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Janet Jackson isn’t too famous for tourist activities! The iconic triple threat is on a European tour, and while traveling from the Glastonbury Music Festival to the Montreux Jazz Festival – she spotted the historic stone monument, Stonehenge.
Janet had to grab a pic – even if it meant stopping traffic! She told her Instagram followers:
“So this is is Stonehenge. I’ve seen documentaries on it. I’ve never seen it in real [life] – I’m so excited! Don’t know how this got here- but, please…can you step out? Uh oh! We’re holding up traffic! These people are gonna be so mad at me, but, you know what? Just get me, somebody get me! I gotta represent!”
Stonehenge is a massive prehistoric stone monument in northern Salisbury, England that garners millions of visitors every year. According to Live Science, historians speculate that the stones were used to map out a much larger sacred space used for burials – but are not certain on the actual reason it was built.
#SportsNews: Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving Headed To Brooklyn Nets In Blockbuster Move
The Brooklyn Nets have made a bold gambit to shift the epicenter of New York City basketball—perhaps even of the entire NBA—to Kings County. Two of the league's best players, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, are joining the team.
The deals are huge: Durant would be signed to a four-year deal for $164 million, while Irving would be getting $141 million for four years.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski first reported the news about Durant, 30, ahead of when the free agency period—when teams can speaks to players whose contracts have expired—officially began at 6 p.m.
Durant, possibly the best player in the league, confirmed that he was leaving the Golden State Warriors, where he won two NBA Championships (and was twice named the MVP during the finals) with a message on the Instagram for his sports-focused company, The Boardroom—with a song from the Notorious B.I.G.:
While he was eyed as a sought-after free agent, Durant suffered injuries during the Warriors playoff run this past season: He strained his calf while playing against the Houston Rockets in Western Conference Finals, and then ruptured his Achilles tendon during the Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors. Given his recovery, Durant could be out for the entire 2019-2020 season, throwing into question whether teams would want to bet on him.
Irving, 27, a free agent from the Boston Celtics, was rumored to be interested in joining the Nets for weeks. His tenure in Boston went sour, and Irving even "apologized" to LeBron James for his behavior when they were Cleveland Cavaliers teammates, signaling a possibility of a reunion by joining him at the Lakers. But Irving, a New Jersey native who was a fan of the franchise when they were in East Rutherford, decided to head to the Nets:
Even with Durant out for a season, the Nets are reshaped and can be a real contender for a championship. This news has thrilled Nets fans, who often feel outnumbered by fans from the visiting team at Barclays Center home games—and sent Knicks fans deeper into a spiral of self-pity, after various claims that K.D. would play at Madison Square Garden, Critics are enjoying this moment of schadenfreude:
Just a reminder while your very justifiably chanting to James Dolan “sell the Knicks!” He literally cannot. I spent a week looking into it, no one has enough money to buy them and unless the league forces a sale, it’s never going to happen.
The Knicks spin machine appeared to be in full drive, telling reporters that the Knicks were wary of signing Durant because of his Achilles injury:
Other possibilities why Brooklyn may have been more attractive: When you play for the Knicks, you practice in Westchester, while the Brooklyn Nets have a new state-of-the-art practice facility in Industry City—meaning players can live in the city. Nets majority owner, Russian oligarch Mikhail Prokhorov, sold 49% of the team to Chinese billionaire Joseph Tsai, and it's believed that Tsai will eventually acquire the majority stake—offering players a way to access the Chinese market.
Anyway...
Kim Kardashian Is Changing the Name Of 'Kimono' Shapewear Line Amid Backlash
Kim Kardashian has announced that her shapewear line, Kimono Solutionwear, will go by a new name after facing backlash for cultural appropriation.
“Being an entrepreneur and my own boss has been one of the most rewarding challenges I’ve been blessed with in my life. What’s made it possible for me after all of these years has been the direct line of communication with my fans and the public. I am always listening, learning and growing – I so appreciate the passion and varied perspectives that people bring to me,” Kim began in her statement, posted to Instagram on Monday (July 1).
She continued, “When I announced the name of my shapewear line, I did so with the best intentions in mind. My brands and products are built with inclusivity and diversity at their core and after careful thought and consideration, I will be launching my Solutionwear brand under a new name. I will be in touch soon. Thank you for your understanding and support always.”
If you don’t know, some were upset that Kim Kardashian chose the brand name “Kimono,” a traditional Japanese garment, in connection to images of women in their undergarments.
#OOOPS: Dave Bautista Throws SHADE! says he’d pass on role in Fast and Furious franchise: “I’d rather do good films”
Dave Bautista says he’d pass on role in Fast and Furious franchise: “I’d rather do good films”View photos
The wrestler-turned-actor gave a hard no to a fan's pitch that he should join the Fast and Furious franchise.Dave Bautista says he'd pass on role in Fast and Furious franchise: "I'd rather do good films" Ming Lee Newcomb
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Every once in a while, someone will hit up an actor or actress on social media, pitching them on their idea for a new film. Very occasionally, the idea will take off, but more often, it’ll go ignored. However, Dave Bautista has taken a third path by shamelessly roasting a fan’s recent proposal that he should join the Fast and Furious franchise.
In mid-June, John Cena was announced for Fast and Furious 9, with longtime franchise star Dwayne Johnson likely stepping away thanks to feuding with Vin Diesel. Around that time, a Twitter user hit up Bautista, suggesting that the Guardians of the Galaxy star could potentially play the villain in a WWF-heavy spin-off with Cena and Johnson. Bautista was not having it, however, responding with a series of vomit emojis and posting “Thank you for consideration.” To ensure his passive aggression did not go unnoticed, he added as a hashtag “I’d rather do good films.”
Not that Bautista is hurting for work. Following a standout appearance in Blade Runner 2049, he has reunited with director Denis Villeneuve for the upcoming sci-fi fantasy Dune. The Avengers: Infinity War actor will also reprise his role as Drax the Destroyer in Guardians of the Galaxy 3 after Disney fired then rehired director James Gunn. But first, he’ll appear alongside Kumail Nanjiani in the buddy action comedy Stuber, in theaters later this month.
Dave Bautista says he’d pass on role in Fast and Furious franchise: “I’d rather do good films”
Chris Brown Facing Backlash For Controversial Song Lyrics About ‘Black B****es W/ The Nice Hair’, He Responds ‘Only B****es Upset Is The Uglies”
Chris Brown isn’t backing down from his latest controversy. He caught quite a bit of backlash thanks to the lyrics of his song “Need A Stack” on his latest album Indigo, featuring Joyner Lucas and Lil Wayne.
In the third verse, Brown sings,
I’ll leave a paper trail, then I’ma need a tip drill
Shakin’ it, turn the lights down
Bust it for the light bill
Diggin’ it, then I’m lickin’ all on that p****, put it right there
Only wanna f*** the black b****es with the nice hair
Baby, bend it over, a** up, take the mask off
Don’t ask me if I’m throwin’ cash up, I’m spendin’ that part
Black Card, play your part, now go retarded
That booty stupid, think you smart, I f*** regardless
Sprinkler f***in’ up your guard, that c****ie water
I tear it up, she call me daddy, I’m not her father
Ask her where she from? She said, “New Orleans,” it’s a mic check
Don’t try to kiss after you swallow, I don’t like that (Huh)
But you look good when you throw it back on me
You gon’ make even a broke n***a spend a bag on it
You gon’ make me come alone like I don’t even have homies
When you pull them titties out, put ’em in my mouth
Then I hit the dash on ’em
The line, “Only wanna f*** the black b****es with the nice hair” is what had some fans in a frenzy.
But Brown is unbothered by the hate. He posted a response on his IG stories writing:
“Yall trippin trippin. Yall b****es dont wanna f*** da n***a wit da f***ed up teeth do you?????!!!!! Only b****es upset is the uglies (not the black queens)”
Are Chris’s lyrics disrespectful?
Steve Harvey To Cover Tuition For 8 Students To Attend His Alma Mater Kent State University
Talk show host and comedian Steve Harvey will be sending some well-deserving students to college on his dime. The Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation has partnered with Steve’s Alma Mater, Kent State University, to provide scholarships for eight students at about $23,000 per student.
According to a release from the University, the students must maintain a 2.5-grade point average for the scholarships to be renewed each semester. The university says the foundation also committed $10,000 to Kent State’s Men Empowerment Network.
Harvey said in a statement, “Whenever we can, we find a way to change the lives of young people through scholarship programs we have come up with.”
The scholarships are in memory of Devin Moore, a Kent State student from Cleveland who died while playing basketball at a university center in 2017. Moore, like Harvey, was a member of KSU’s chapter of Omega Psi Phi. Sonya Williams, executive director at Kent State’s division of diversity, equity, and inclusion, said in a statement, “I believe that Devin’s legacy lives on in the lives of the students who are being blessed to get a sound education here at Kent State.”
Steve also flew the scholarship recipients to Los Angeles, California, in May to appear on the series finale of his talk show, “Steve.” The episode is set to air this week.
Rihanna shocks fans with surprise appearance at the Cricket World Cup in Durham
Rihanna made a surprise appearance in the crowd for the Sri Lanka v West Indies match at ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 in Durham on Monday. The Work singer, pretty much startled the world – and Londoners – when she announced she has been secretly living in the capital for the last few months. And in case we did not believe her, the 31-year-old made a surprise appearance at the cricket match to prove to us that she is really truly soaking up the UK culture – and rare sun.
The actress even posed for photographs inside the Riverside Stadium which the West Indies cricket team’s Twitter page then posted. The singer from Barbados, where cricket is already a popular sport, cheered on from her seats with a friend as she wore a large white jacket which she paired with a matching crop top and high-waisted white trousers. Adding on a truly large pair of rockstar shades, Rihanna completed her look with a bright red lip. The Fenty founder clearly enjoyed her day off from running a business empire as she laughed and chatted with a friend while sipping on a drink.
Rihanna gets into the spirit Even the way she drinks is stylish She even drinks like a queen. The hitmaker recently told The New York Times that she’s been ‘keeping a little incognito’ while staying in the capital and is enjoying the relative anonymity the city brings. Seriously, how did nobody spot her? Not one single person. More proof that she has superpowers, to be honest. In a recent interview she said: ‘[I enjoy] walking around the block. When I go walking, I try to keep it a little incognito,’ adding that she finds Bank Holidays ‘insane’ (in a good way). On learning of the move, many joined the dots from a previous selfie Rihanna shared which had a shopping bag from Sainsbury’s in the background. She really got into the game (Picture: Rex Features) She posed for the West Indies twitter page. Fans spotted her while watching on TV. And while her designer title takes on new heights, fans are still pining for new music more than three years after her last album.
Joey Chestnut Gains 24 Lbs In 10 Minutes During Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest
Joey Chestnut is one of the few lucky people in America not worried about expanding his waistline over 4th of July, and is expecting his annual hot dog eating contest to put on at least 20 lbs.
The pro eating champion, and fellow female competitor Miki Sudo, were in NYC ahead of Nathan's big Independence Day eat-a-thon.
Chestnut was asked about his girlfriend, and how long he usually has to wait to get intimate after he finishes an eating comp.
He didn't want to give an exact timeframe, but assured the photographer he snaps back pretty quickly.
Chestnut, who won his 11th national championship last year for downing 74 dogs, said instead of sex, he's mostly focused on sleep and hydration after completing an eating feat.
Aside from the aftermath, Chestnut said he's focused on the preparation before taking the stage on Thursday for the main event.
He said his diet for the next few days will mainly consist of lettuce and water, in order to stay hungry as he tries to break his 2018 record.
As for how much weight he puts on during the 10 minute competition ... Chestnut revealed he logs about 24 lbs, including the water consumed while eating the buns.
Sudo also revealed her weight gain, which puts her at about 16 lbs for the event.
Chestnut has won nearly $600,000 during his eating career since 15-year eating career, according to competitive eating database EatFeats, and that doesn’t include endorsements and business deals such as his line of condiments Chestnut launched last year.
Hopefully he's able to bring home another championship, and leave enough room for some loving with his girlfriend ... who must be a very understanding woman.
Tom Joyner announces retirement from Morning Show, Rickey Smiley to take his place
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Tom Joyner of the Tom Joyner Morning Show announced he is retiring at the end of 2019.
Joyner told listeners Rickey Smiley will be his successor to the morning anchor position.
“I’m happy to see the landscape of Urban AC morning radio continue to expand with Rickey, and I’m proud of the doors the Tom Joyner Morning Show opened. Twenty-five years ago, there was no template for a syndicated Urban radio show and we worked hard to prove that we could successfully produce and market a national platform that would entertain, inform and empower African-American listeners. We broke some ground, raised the bar for what audiences expected from Black radio all while partying with a purpose. Yeah, we’ve done a lot but there’s still a lot left to be done. I’m confident that Rickey’s activism along with his love for radio, the community, and HBCUs, will pick up where we left off.” — Tom Joyner
Joyner has been the host for 25 years.
Smiley has proven to be a trusted-leader on-air and in the community and captivates audiences with his authentic humor, according to Joyner.
Eva Marcille and Gary With Da Tea will also be on-air cast members that will join him on the show.
The Rickey Smiley Morning Show will air on Jan. 2, 2020, on HOT 99.5.
Mary J. Blige on Life After Divorce: ‘I Learned to Be Happy’
Mary J. Blige is on the other side of an emotional mountain she was climbing, and these days her life isn’t so uphill.
In a new interview with People, the singer opened up about what life is like after she divorced her former manager Kendu Isaacs after 13 years of marriage.
Blige said Isaacs cheated during their union, and in 2017 a judge ordered her to pay him $30,000 in spousal support.
“I think I turned that corner when I got my divorce,” she explained. “I think that I realized that no matter what comes to me, no matter how big or bad it is, I have to keep moving, I have to keep living. I said, ‘No, I’m not going to stay in this marriage. I’m out of here.’ That’s what thriving is about.”
“I’m very content, and I’m happy with myself,” added Blige. “I learned to be happy with just Mary, just enjoying my own company, me by myself most of the time. I’m grateful.”
On Sunday, the 48-year-old received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the BET Awards, where she also rocked the crowd with a 20-minute medley that included guests Method Man and Lil’ Kim.
Some of the classics Blige sang included “My Life,” “You Remind Me,” and, of course, the single that started it all, “Real Love.”
She told People that singing those songs is a blessing, because although they’re about some painful times, they’re able to help others with their own challenges.
“To be able to touch people with what you’ve gone through and pull them though the sadness makes me happy almost. I can’t even describe it. It’s therapeutic,” she said. “To travel back and to relive something again and not have it drive you crazy is a true gift from God.”
Blige will be headlining the 2019 Essence Festival next month, and shortly afterward she’ll be on the road with Nas for two months on “The Royalty Tour.”
According to the social media talk, folks couldn’t be any more excited to see the two icons on stage, and Blige said she had no idea that her flaws would help her become a star.
“If I could tell my younger self something, I would tell her don’t be afraid of your imperfections, because one day people are going to love you for them,” she stated.
The New York native also touched on what she actually does to stay happy these days.
“I try to keep my mind positive, I stay working out, I try to eat right and treat people right,” she explained. “I have fun, too, don’t get it twisted. I go out with my friends, I laugh, I joke, I have wine. I do all of that.”
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
#CERTIFIED
Yep, that checks all of the boxes. Welcome to Your club!
EGGPLANT NATION: Meet Mr JB
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HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
