Oprah Winfrey & RenĂ©e Elise Goldsberry Cover ESSENCE’s April 2017 Issue
The shoot was lensed by photographer Kwaku Alston.
The duo is honoring Henrietta Lacks, the Black woman whose countless contributions have been left out of our history. Pick up this issue on March 24th to hear more about the new must-see film The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks from the stars themselves!
Kandi Burruss Employee Lawsuit: ‘RHOA’ Star Confronted Phaedra About Suit
Kandi Burruss is a hard worker and has created some amazing products throughout the years. She has been able to use The Real Housewives of Atlanta to leverage more success, and she thought the show could help her be successful in most business ventures. But over the past couple of years, Kandi has tried to launch a play called A Mother’s Love but had to shut it down due to poor promotions and sales. In addition, Burruss has struggled to open the doors to her new restaurant, Old Lady Gang. Now, Burruss is facing a lawsuit from a former employee named Johnnie Winston.
According to a new Bravo report, Kandi Burruss is now watching The Real Housewives of Atlanta and is learning that her former employee is scheming to get more money from Kandi and her company. During Sunday’s episode of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Kandi learned that Johnnie went to Phaedra to get her legal help so he could sue her company. Parks decided to stay out of the legal mess, but she did refer him to another attorney. While many saw this as the ultimate betrayal, Parks claims that she took an oath to help those in need when she became an attorney.
Winston claims that Kandi Burruss stole his ideas, including the idea to start a restaurant and her play, A Mother’s Love. Kandi claims she has written the play based on her own life, but he claims that she downright stole the idea. So, who is speaking the truth?
“A Mother’s Love is about my family. You guys showed it on the show. It was about my mom, my sister, a musical about them. The songs are related to the show. You guys saw it on TV,” Kandi Burruss told Andy Cohen when she visited Watch What Happens Live, according to Bravo. “So did he make up my life, too?”
Apparently, Burruss knew about everything that was going on, and she’s about to learn more. Kandi claims that fans will learn more on The Real Housewives of Atlanta and on the reunion special, which has already been filmed. Kandi Burruss opened up about this on Watch What Happens Live but advises fans to keep watching as they will learn more on the show.
“So much has been going on that I found out later, and it’s so crazy. I don’t want to give up anything, but you guys will see. I ask her about it, and she denied really having anything to do with Johnnie’s lawsuit,” Kandi told Andy, hinting that they
haven’t solved their friendship issues. “And I’m watching this show, and I see her at the law office with him with her friend. I was like, that girl is so shady. Like, so shady.”
It’s interesting that Kandi has confronted Phaedra Parks about the lawsuit and her denying that she had anything to do with it. While Parks didn’t file the lawsuit on behalf of Winston, she did advise him on what to do and she did link him up with another attorney to help his case. And this was the ultimate betrayal. If he wins the case against Kandi, she could face a huge financial loss. But Phaedra doesn’t seem to care. She opened up about her reasoning on her blog for the show, and Parks also claimed on the show that she had a legal obligation to help out.
“After practicing law for eighteen years, no stories shock or amaze me,” Phaedra Parks revealed on her own blog for The Real Housewives of Atlanta, according to Bravo. “When anyone seeks my advice in my professional capacity as an attorney, I always try to provide assistance.”
What do you think of Kandi Burruss confronting Phaedra about the lawsuit? Do you think these two will ever be friends again?
#EMPIRE: Rumer Willis keeps the sass going on ‘Empire’
The only thing almost as fierce as “Empire” stars — “Empire” guest stars … and one has seemed to come out of nowhere. Rumer Willis blew us away in her debut last week, and she told Deco: tonight’s episode is taking her to a “dark” place.
Rumer Willis (as Tory Ash): “And the mama bear Lyon herself. What’s up Cookie?”
Just when you thought Cookie was the queen of sass on “Empire” — Rumer Willis’ character Tory Ash gives her a run for her money.
Rumer Willis (as Tory Ash): “From what Jamal’s told me, I’m surprised all your little Lyon cubs aren’t in rehab.”
Taraji P. Henson (as Cookie Lyon): “Don’t try me little girl. Not today.”
The spring premiere of “Empire” kicked off last week with Jamal in rehab, where he became fast friends with a singer/songwriter played by Rumer Willis.
Rumer Willis: “I like that she’s a little bit dark, and you can tell that maybe she’s a little bit tortured or struggling.”
Rumer Willis (as Tory Ash): “Listen, what needs to happen right now is we need to finish this song, so y’all just need to (gestures for them to get out.)”
Taraji P. Henson (as Cookie Lyon): “What you need to do is shut up.”
Rumer is no stranger to showbiz, being the daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis, but she’s made a name for herself on her own, acting since age seven, and recently winning “Dancing with the Stars.”
And it was her singing during a radio interview that caught “Empire” star Jussie Smollett’s attention.
Jussie Smollett: “I went on Instagram, and I saw Sway, who is a friend of the show and a friend of mine. I saw his Instagram and he had her singing an Amy Winehouse song.”
Rumer Willis: “Jussie told me that he had seen the interview, and once he saw it, immediately saved it and sent it to the producers and to Lee and said, ‘This is the girl we gotta have for Tory Ash.'”
And she’s been the perfect fit!
Jussie Smollett: “She was just so wonderful, so effortless. She wasn’t a caricature of anything.”
Rumer Willis: “I think that the music is so great. Everyone that they have working on the music and the songs that I’ve done so far for the show, and there’s a few more coming up in the next few episodes, are just awesome. I’ve been so inspired by them.”
And you can catch Rumer, Jussie, and the rest of the “Empire” stars on FOX!
#MUSICNEWS: Mary J. Blige Reveals ‘Strength of a Woman’ Tracklisting
Only days after unveiling the album cover, and announcing the release date, Mary J. Blige has took to social media to reveal the tracklisting and features for her anticipated new album Strength of a Woman.
Led by the singles, “Thick of It,” and “U + Me (Love Lesson),” the 14 track set includes appearances from Kanye West, Quavo (of Migos), DJ Khalid, Missy Elliot, Prince Charlez, and Kaytranada.
Much of the album has been inspired by Blige’s divorce from her husband and manager Kendu Isaacs. The project includes such poignant track titles as “Set Me Free,” “Indestructible,” “Survivor,” and “Telling the Truth.”
“Thank you for sharing your strength with me. This is my tracklisting for #STRENGTHOFAWOMAN, revealed. This is one of my most powerful albums, featuring some powerful collaborators. I’m excited to share it with you on 4.28,” she wrote on Instagram.
Strength of a Woman is due out everywhere on April 28.
Check out the tracklisting below.
STRENGTH OF A WOMAN TRACKLIST:
01. Love Yourself feat. Kanye West
02. Thick Of It
03. Set Me Free
04. It’s Me
05. Glow Up feat. Quavo, DJ Khalid & Missy Elliot
06. U + Me (Love Lesson)
07. Indestructible
08. Thank You
09. Survivor
10. Find The Love
11. Smile feat. Prince Charlez
12. Telling The Truth feat. Kaytranada
13. Strength of a Woman
14. Hello Father
#NEWHIPHOP Video: Gucci Mane & Nicki Minaj – ‘Make Love’
Gucci Mane and Nicki Minaj make love, not war. The former rivals put the past behind them and reunite in the video for “Make Love.”
The sun-filled visual finds Guwop surrounded by gorgeous models and expensive rides. While he raps in front of his fleet of vehicles and by the pool, Nicki simply straddles and rides an inflatable unicorn during her verse. Both rappers close the video with middle fingers in the air.
“Make Love” marks their first collaboration following a contentious feud. In 2013, Gucci dissed several MCs on Twitter, including Nicki. Prior to that, they two worked together on tracks like “5 Star Remix,” “Coca Coca,” “Sex in Crazy Places,” “Slumber Party,” “Haterade,” “Pussy Ni**a,” and “Mi Casa Su Casa,” among others. They appeared to reconcile in February.
Despite making so many joints together in the past, Nicki said it was their first time filming a video. “Wait is this the first video @gucci1017 & I ever shot for a song?” she asked. “#SlumberParty #PussyNigga what else we put out while I lived in ATL?”
Released last month, “Make Love” quickly raised eyebrows due to perceived shots at Remy Ma. “You see silly wabbit / To be the queen of rap,” Nicki raps. “You gotta sell records, you gotta get plaques / ‘S’ plural like the ‘S’ on my chest / Now sit your dumbass down, you got an ‘F’ on your test.”
WATCH HERE
As for Guwop, the video arrives ahead of his first book, The Autobiography of Gucci Mane, which is due Sept. 19. It also precedes his next album, DropTopWop, and his “TrapGod Tour,” which kicks off May 6 in Austin, Tex.
Rihanna to Be Honored by Parsons School of Design
Rihanna is racking up the honors. After being named Harvard’s Humanitarian of the Year, the pop superstar will receive an award from the Parsons School of Design.
In the past, the art and design college has honored DKNY’s Donna Karan and Sarah Jessica Parker with the award, which recognizes individuals who empower young women. RiRi will receive her recognition alongside Eileen Fisher and Neiman Marcus at the 69th annual gala on May 22 at Pier 60.
“It’s such a thrill to know that a design school as prestigious as Parsons School of Design would present me with this honor,” Rihanna said in a statement. “I consistently find creative and exciting designs coming from Parsons alumni, so I feel a deep connection to the school. But I am especially grateful that Parsons would recognize me for the work I’ve done in regards to philanthropy.”
Parsons will honor Rihanna for her work in music, fashion, and philanthropy. “Parsons is proud to present Rihanna with this honor, as she has inspired millions through her powerful music and distinct style,” said Joel Towers, the school’s executive dean. “She has championed our recent alumni on a number of occasions by wearing their designs. She is also creating important philanthropic programs, which support communities by fostering effective education, health, and emergency response programs around the world through her Clara Lionel Foundation.”
Last month, while accepting her Humanitarian of the Year award at Harvard, Rihanna explained what it means to be so giving. “We’re all human,” she said. “We all just want a chance, a chance at life, a chance at an education, a chance at a future, really. At CLF [Clara Lionel Foundation], our mission is to impact as many lives as possible, but it starts with just one. Just one. As I stare out into this beautiful room, I see optimism, I see hope, I see the future. I know that each and every one of you has the opportunity to help someone else. All you need to do is help one person, expecting nothing in return. To me, that is a humanitarian.”
RiRi’s humanitarian work continues. In September, she and her Clara Lionel Foundation are set to host the third annual Diamond Ball in New York City to raise money for health and education around the world.
Pharrell Williams, Timbaland, And Justin Timberlake Possibly Working On New Music
It’s very rare when we see these three talented artists together. On Tuesday (March 28th), Timbaland, Justin Timberlake and Pharrell Williams were spotted hanging out together. The trio, who have worked together in the past, all shared the photo on social media with no caption.
And as expected, musChris Browic lovers are speculating that the three may be cooking up some new music.
Chris Brown Wont Accept Karrueche Tran’s Restraining Order.
Back in Feb of this year, Karrueche filed a restraining order against her ex. Chris Brown and claim Chris threatened to kill her click Here and Here of you missed the stories.
The problem in this recent situation Chris Brown will NOT accept Karrueche’s restraining order.
According to NYDN reports, The “ singer won’t allow his law firm to accept service of the paperwork, his lawyer told Tran’s attorneys outside a courtroom in Santa Monica, Calif., early Wednesday.
The problem forced the court to delay a morning hearing on the matter until April 19.
Tran’s lawyers told the Daily News they’ve tried serving him with the help of law enforcement but got shut down.
They’ve since hired a private company to track Brown down.
“Generally, high profile people accept service through their attorneys,” Tran’s lawyer Michelle Trigger told The News.
“I would not use the word stonewalled,” she said. “Honestly, service issues are not unusual.”
Black Lightning Looks Super Cool in First Look at the CW's Newest DC Superhero
Get ready to be struck by some seriously cool lightning!
The CW has released the first image of its newest superhero, Black Lightning, played by Heart of Dixie's Cress Williams, and it's hard not to get excited by both the picture and the premise of the pilot.
Jefferson Pierce (Williams) is the dad of two daughters who used to save the world as the superhero black lightning. He has since hung up the suit, but now that one daughter is hell-bent on justice and the other is a star student being recruited by a local gang, he puts the suit back on and gets pulled into the fight.
In the comics, Pierce is an athlete and former high school principal, and as Black Lightning, he has the power of electrokinesis, meaning he can generate and control his own electricity.
"I knew way too much about the world as a young boy growing up in Richmond, California," executive producer, writer, and director Salim Akil said in a statement. "I was no stranger to violence, death, hopelessness, or the feeling that no one cared about what was happening in my life. Comics were a great way for me to escape. I was about 13 when Black Lightning was created, and finally there was a black super hero that gave a damn about our neighborhood and our lives."
"Resurrecting him at a time in our society when a sense of hope is lacking, Black Lightning will be that hope," the statement continued. "And in updating the suit, it will signal to a new generation that it's time to harness and release our power, and become our own super heroes."
The pilot, which is currently filming in Atlanta, is also executive produced by Greg Berlanti, Mara Brock Akil, and Sarah Schechter. The suit was designed by award-winning costume desginer Laura Jean Shannon.
Trailer Stephen King’s “IT” In Theaters September 8th, 2017
When children begin to disappear in the town of Derry, Maine, a group of young kids are faced with their biggest fears when they square off against an evil clown named Pennywise, whose history of murder and violence dates back for centuries.
Seventeen years after the It miniseries taught the world an important lesson about storm drains — that lesson being, avoid storm drains — the Losers Club and a certain terrifying clown are back. Directed by AndrĂ©s Muschietti (who took over when Cary Fukunaga departed the project over an “inoffensive, conventional script”) and based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name, It stars Bill SkarsgĂ¥rd as Pennywise, who still carries around his signature balloon, but that’s where the comparisons to Tim Curry’s clown end.
WATCH HERE IF YOU DARE!
“It’s such an extreme character,” SkarsgĂ¥rd said. “It’s beyond even a sociopath, because he’s not even human. He’s not even a clown. I’m playing just one of the beings It creates… It’s important that we do something fresh and original for this one. It’s purposely not going toward that weird, greasy look.” Based on the just-released trailer: can’t sleep, clown’ll eat me
Ben Affleck Surprises CinemaCon With First Official Appearance Since Rehab Admission
Ben Affleck is back on the red carpet.
Two weeks after the A-lister revealed he recently sought professional treatment for alcohol addiction, Affleck made a surprise appearance at CinemaCon on Wednesday evening in Las Vegas. The event marks the actor's first official event since going public with his health struggles, and he appeared in good spirits while joining the cast of Justice League.
The father of three posed for photos at the Warner Bros. presentation with co-stars Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller, Ray Fisher and Henry Cavill. Ben looked sharp in a navy blue suit with a green accent tie.
As for the actor's personal life, it seems as if he's getting back into the swing of things at home. Ben recently treated his 5-year-old son Sam to a magical day at Disneyland, where as a source revealed to E! News, the pair "had a special VIP Disneyland chaperone who helped them get to the front of the line."
A separate insider shared that Ben's sobriety remains a main priority in his life, explaining, "He's moving in a healthy, balanced direction."
The source described Affleck's emotional Facebook post in which he addressed completing a stay in rehab as a "step, but it's a progressive process. He's in a good place."
Great to see you back, Batman!
#EGGPLANT NATION Meet Kamal!
Meet Kamal some Arabian flavour! Well to see more you can CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PICS! And remember they’re NSWF!
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ENJOY!
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
How Today Is Going
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!
EFREM
