Showing posts with label rahsaan patterson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rahsaan patterson. Show all posts

5/21/19

The Daily Buzz For May 22 ☕📰☕


Rihanna for T Magazine 2019
The news of Rihanna’s luxury venture with LVMH has teased fans for months, with the initial speculation starting as early as January and finally being followed-up with an official confirmation earlier this month. Now, the multi-hyphenate talent models the collection in a cover story released today by T Magazine, showcasing a selection of the apparel and accessories set to launch this week.

Rihanna’s new line markedly walks the line between feminine and gender-neutral, with initial pieces such as corset-hugging suits, boxcar jackets made of Japanese denim and cotton-canvas blazers with built-in fanny packs embodying the on-trend, avant-garde look she’s grown to be known for. Also in alignment are the Fenty accessories accompanying each look, including the oversized sunglasses she’s slyly sported for months in advance of the big reveal.

One major takeaway: there will be no runway shows for Fenty, unlike other LVMH houses like Givenchy or Dior. Furthermore, Rihanna and LVMH will employ a drop cadence that sees new additions landing in the range every few weeks, “like singles from an album,” author Jeremy O. Harris writes in T. “The first single is really strong and edgy, compared to the drop right after, which is a little more feminine,” Rihanna explains. “But the first one, there are a lot of classic pieces as well.”

By disrupting the typical luxury market with more frequent product updates, Fenty aims to enhance its direct-to-consumer online sales and presence. There is no doubt that the Fenty.com platform will see its fair share of clicks and views, but whether the average customer will shell out $480 USD for shades, $1,000 USD for jackets and $600 USD for shoes remains to be seen. Judging by Rihanna’s past fashion endeavors, however, the odds are in her favor.

The debut collection will begin selling at a pop-up in Paris on May 25, before a wider release on Fenty’s webstore on May 29.
As for her music, she also slipped in a few tidbits. While she recently uncovered to Vogue that she is working on a Reggae album, according to today’s T interview she may be naming the work R9 thanks to her fans’ relentless inquiries.


#RHOA: Kenya Moore Reunites With A Former 'Real Housewives Of Atlanta' Costar. Who is she?
Kenya Moore was all smiles when she reunited with a former Real Housewives of Atlanta costar.
It was season seven mainstay Claudia Jordan! Kenya, 48, posted a snap of them together on her Instagram.
"This fresh faced beauty!" Kenya wrote. "Can you believe this is @claudiajordan‘s skin without a stitch of makeup? She looks amazing!" Claudia, 46, was only part of the show as a main cast member during season seven in 2014. She returned as a guest of the series one year later.

Kenya departed RHOA after season 10. But will be back next season!


#Empire season 6: The New Plot has somewhat been revealed.
As we all know Fox gave a green signal to the sixth season of 'Empire' ahead of the season five finale which aired on May 8, 2019 the network also announced that the sixth season would be the final season for the hip-hop drama.

The announcement was made when Fox released its upcoming lineup for the 2019-2020 television schedule. Unfortunately for 'Empire', reaching the sixth season was difficult in the first place since the show has seen deteriorating ratings in the recent years, which pushed the former hit show out of the top ten list for the network.

Here's what we know about season 6:

Release date Fox is yet to confirm release dates for the sixth and the final season of 'Empire'. Season one premiered in January 2015, while the rest of the four seasons came in September.  Therefore, Empire fans can expect season six to arrive as early as September 2019.

We will update this as the information is released.

The Plot: The American musical drama created by Lee Daniels and Danny Strong for the Fox Broadcasting Company follows Lucious Lyon (played by Terrence Howard), a hip hop mogul, former drug dealer and the CEO of Empire Entertainment. When Lucious is informed of his imminent early death from a particular medical condition, he is forced to choose a successor who will control his dynasty after his demise. He then takes it upon himself to groom one of his three sons to take over the family business: Empire CFO Andre (Trai Byers), R&B singer-songwriter Jamal (Jussie Smollett), and rapper Hakeem (Bryshere Y. Gray). But in the process of doing so, he pits them against each other.

Stay tuned for more updates on this!


#NewMusic: It’s HERE Rahsaan Patterson Releases New Album “Heroes & Gods” STREAM IT, BUY IT! 
Veteran singer Rahsaan Patterson has just released his latest album “Heroes & Gods” via Shanachie Entertainment. The project is led by the impactful lead single “Sent from Heaven” for which he recently released a lyric video.

In a recent interview Rahsaan said:: The album is very much like my previous ones. It’s broad in the scope of exploring different genres. Over the course of my career, I have tapped into different vibes. I’ve never been one to box myself into one genre, even if that genre is where people were introduced to me or fell in love with what I do. Even if that’s where people wish I had stayed. I feel that, but I need to go where I need to go. I feel people who have fully supported my craft and have been aware of every album that I have released and the journey, they’re aware it’s going to be a mixed bag! *Laughs* This album is in the same tradition as those previous records. This album is as my others are always rooted, in love. The growth from experiences with love and relationships with people. The desire that I have always had to be progressive, not only musically, but in my beliefs and articulating through song, what that transformative growth has been for me.

LISTEN HERE

This is Rahsaan’s sixth album overall and the first in nearly eight years since “Bleuphoria” in 2011. 


#HipHopNews: Brooklyn Street To Be Named After Notorious B.I.G.
On what would have been his 47th birthday, The Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation has announced that The Notorious B.I.G. will be honored with his own street.

St. James Place, located at the Fulton Street intersection in Biggie’s native Brooklyn, will be renamed to Christopher “Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace Way in honor of the late rap legend.
Biggie’s mother Ms. Voletta Wallace and his children, T’Yanna and Christopher, will be in attendance during the ceremony on June 10, along with Brooklyn politicians and some of his closest celebrity friends. The ceremony starts at noon and is open to the public.

“Honoring Biggie symbolizes more than just one man,” LeRoy McCarthy, who spearheaded the initiative, told Rolling Stone. “It symbolizes a culture. It symbolizes a borough. It symbolizes a people, and hip-hop is worldwide.”
Last November, the Brooklyn Community Board 2 passed the street naming proposal before receiving approval from the City Council and Mayor Bill De Blasio.

There have been other memorials to The Notorious B.I.G. in Brooklyn, including a Biggie mural dubbed “King of New York” on Bedford Avenue and Quincy Street. In 2016, McCarthy declared May 21st “Notorious B.I.G. Day” in Brooklyn.


Cardi B postpones concert due to ‘plastic surgery complications’
Cardi B has reportedly canceled a concert this weekend due to complications from plastic surgery.
Sources told TMZ the “I Like It” rapper backed out of Baltimore’s 92Q Spring Bling Festival this Friday because she is experiencing “complications from her recent liposuction and breast augmentation.”
Doctors reportedly have advised the 26-year-old to rest for a few weeks to allow the swelling to go down and her body to fully heal.

The Baltimore concert is the third show Cardi has canceled for the holiday weekend.
According to Syracuse.com, Live Nation said the rapper will not perform at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in upstate New York on Saturday and Sunday as planned because of “circumstances beyond her control.”
A rep for Cardi and Live Nation could not be reached for comment to confirm details, and the rapper has not commented on social media.

All of the shows have been rescheduled for September.
On Sunday, Cardi shared a video of herself dancing along to her new track with DJ Khaled and 21 Savage, “Wish Wish,” and did not appear in pain. She also performed at Rolling Out Loud Miami in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on May 11.

Earlier this month, Cardi confessed to getting liposuction after daughter Kulture’s birth, and told fans during a show in Memphis at the time, “I shouldn’t really be performing because moving too much is gonna f—k up my lipo.”
She also admitted to getting a second breast augmentation and said sometimes she doesn’t feel her best. “I just got my boobs redone,” Cardi told “Entertainment Tonight” on May 1. “I feel good, but then sometimes I feel like not, you know? [When] your skin is stretched out.”

Perhaps Cardi is finally listening to her doctor’s orders.


Developing Now: Aretha Franklin – 3 Handwritten Wills Found Hidden In Her Home
A few months shy of the one-year anniversary of her death, the multi-million estate left by iconic singer Aretha Franklin has yet to be settled—and a new discovery may finally help sort out her financial wishes. Reportedly, it was recently discovered that Franklin left behind three separate wills that were found in her home by her estate attorneys.

Back in August 2018, the music world lost one of its greatest voices and most influential artists when the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, succumbed to her battle with pancreatic cancer. Almost a year later, her $80 million estate still has not been settled because her family said she didn’t leave behind a will—but she did, three to be exact, and they have just been found inside her home.
A trio of handwritten wills were found in Franklin’s home just outside of Detroit, her estate’s attorney David Bennett confirmed earlier this week. Two of the wills found reportedly date back to 2010, where they were discovered inside of a locked cabinet after its key was finally found. A third will followed, this one dating back to 2014, and it was discovered underneath the cushions in the Queen of Soul’s living room.
Bennett noted that, while some of the writing is difficult to read, the wills appear to spread her assets among her family members. Given the new findings, Bennett promptly filed all three wills into court on May 20th, however he stated he’s not exactly sure if they are legally binding under Michigan state law. To make matters even more interesting, two of Franklin’s sons object to the newly discovered wills, the family revealed in a statement.

A formal hearing regarding the wills is set for June 12th.


Justin Bieber Will Launch Natural Deodorant With The Schmidt's Co
Justin Bieber is working with natural brand, Schmidt’s, on a new deodorant set to debut this fall.
The deodorant, called Here + Now, will be made vegan, cruelty-free and with all plant-based ingredients. Everything else, from the label artwork to the scent to the name, was decided on with Justin‘s help.

“Our R&D and creative teams have worked closely with Justin and his team to bring his vision to life,” Schmidt’s CEO and co-founder Michael Cammarata told People. “They’ve been involved every step of the way, which has made for a really fun and collaborative process. It’s important to us that he and his team, and therefore his fans, love it just as much as we do.”

He added, “It’s more than just a deodorant; it’s a lifestyle and a connection to those around you. It’s about the small, but intentional choices we make every day that help us to lead happier and healthier lives, mentally and physically.”


Golden State Warriors sweep Trail Blazers to advance to fifth straight Finals
Experience bred confidence for the Golden State Warriors, even when challenged by the upstart Portland Trail Blazers.

No matter how far they were down, they've been through too much to ever think they're out.
"We just really understand what we're capable of on both sides of the basketball,"  said. "We're never out of the fight. That's just always our mindset."
The Warriors swept their way to a fifth straight NBA Finals, getting triple-doubles from  and Green in a 119-117 overtime victory on Monday night.

The two-time defending champions overcame a double-digit deficit for the third straight game against the Blazers, back in the conference finals for the first time since 2000.

Green had 18 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists, and made a key 3-pointer in overtime. Curry added 37 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists. They became the first teammates to have triple-doubles in the same playoff game.
The Warriors will face the winner of the Eastern Conference finals between Toronto and Milwaukee. The Bucks lead that series 2-1 with Game 4 on Tuesday night in Canada.
The Warriors came back from 17 down after erasing an 18-point deficit in Game 3 and a 17-point hole in Game 2.

"We've been here before. We've seen everything, every experience you can imagine. So we relied on that," Curry said.
Playing without ,  and , the Warriors became the first team to reach five straight finals since the Boston Celtics went to 10 in a row from 1957-66.


The State of Alabama Actually Refused to Air Gay Cartoon Wedding from ‘Arthur’
Alabama is really not trying to make any new friends after pulling a progressive episode of the cartoon, “Arthur,” days after they banned abortion.
Alabama Public Television announced they have banned the season premiere episode of “Arthur” from airing on local television.

The episode titled “Mr. Ratburn and the Special Someone” features the popular elementary school teacher getting married to another man.
The director of programming Mike McKenzie, tried to explain, “Parents have trusted Alabama Public Television for more than 50 years to provide children’s programs that entertain, educate and inspire.”
He did not explain why airing a cartoon based on same-sex marriage would undermine that mission statement.

This isn’t the first time Alabama Public Television has gone after “Arthur,” as they shelved an episode in 2005 featuring the famous aardvark’s friend with two moms.
Maybe next week, Arthur can teach Alabama about the letter “I” — for INTOLERANCE.



CASTING CALL for a new Reality Show titled ‘I Should Have Seen A Doctor in L.A!
Do you have a friend who has a severe medical pre-exsisting condition but are hesitant to seek professional medical help? Well this could be your moment for reality TV!

They are looking to treat patients with visually undiagnosed medical conditions that need help with medical treatment.  This show is here to help!  On the series, patients will be diagnosed and treated by some of nation's leading doctors. 

You can can fill out the application with this link   https://medicalcare.castingcrane.com and GOOD LUCK! Thank me later! 


Nipsey Hussle’s Sister Keeps Custody of His Daughter!
Nipsey Hussle's sister Samantha Smith won the first round in her battle to gain legal guardianship over his 10-year-old daughter, Emani Asghedom, after the rapper was shot and killed on March 31.
In April, Samantha filed an emergency petition in family court to be given guardianship over Emani, claiming the child's mother, Tanisha Foster, was unstable and unfit.
In her petition, Samantha said she played a crucial role in raising Emani while her bother was alive and she wanted to "ensure the continued stability for Emani and ensure that she will be able to maintain her current and ongoing relationship" with his family.

A judge sided with Samantha on Monday, granting her temporary custody over Emani. Another hearing in the matter is scheduled for July, according to TMZ.
The hearing was sealed since the child is a minor.
Tanisha's lawyer spoke with TMZ after the hearing. He said he's working with Nipsey's sister on a visitation schedule for Tanisha that's in Emani's best interest.

Tanisha left the courtroom in tears and she told TMZ she's "pissed off" by the court's decision.
Tanisha had previously accused Samantha of taking Emani from her without authorization.
Nipsey and Tanisha shared joint custody of the girl when he was alive. In a hearing earlier this month, Tanisha broke down and cried when she saw Emani for the first time. The judge cleared the room to give the two 20 minutes together.
Tanisha said she had not seen Emani since she went to stay with her father in the days before he died.
In addition to Emani, Tanisha has two teenagers from previous relationships. 

On Monday, another judge filed an arrest warrant for Tanisha stemming from an old DUI case in 2017. Tanisha skipped a hearing that was scheduled for May 15, and a warrant was issued for her arrest.


Jason Mitchell Fired From 'The Chi' and Upcoming Netflix Movie Amid Accusations of Inappropriate Behavior
Jason Mitchell is facing serious fallout stemming from allegations of misconduct and inappropriate behavior.
The rising star, whose big break came playing Eazy-E in 2015's Straight Outta Compton, has been dropped by his agent and his manager and has been fired from the upcoming Netflix film Desperados, according to multiplereports.
Additionally, Mitchell, 32, will reportedly not be returning for the upcoming third season of The Chi, currently in its second season on Showtime, in which he stars as Brandon Johnson.

While the nature of the alleged behavior has not yet been confirmed or officially addressed by Mitchell, multiple reports claim accusations were leveled by several actresses on The Chi,  including Tiffany Boone, who played Mitchell's on-screen girlfriend.
According to Deadline, Mitchell was first dropped from Desperados due to an "off-set incident" that producers reportedly investigated and led to his termination, which later resulted in Showtime cutting ties and the departure of Mitchell's representation.
After his acclaimed performance in Straight Outta Compton, the 32-year-old actor went on to appear in Mudbound, Kong: Skull Island, Detroit and, most recently, The Mustang.


Mel B Reveals Her Diagnosis in Herpes Blindness Scare: 'I Was Not Okay, This Has Never Ever Happened to Me Before'
Mel B took to Instagram to give fans an update after it was reported she went temporarily blind last weekend due to a herpes infection. 
“She’s doing fine now, she’s not blind,” a source told PEOPLE. “This has happened before. She has herpes in her eye, so this can happen.”

While hitting back at claims this has happened before, Mel B explained what exactly the doctor said about her eyes:
“I was diagnosed by and eye specialist with severe IRITIS in my right eye and UVEITIS in my left eye. I’m taking multiple prescription heavy duty eye drops and other medication the dr gave me that I have to take every day to keep the inflammation under control, Also I’m being so well looked after by Team Spice special thanks to our paramedics too!!”
While she didn’t mention herpes explicitly — she did confirm she was diagnosed with Uveitis.

According to Uveitis.org,
Ocular manifestations of herpes simplex infections can be in the conjunctiva (conjunctivitis), in the sclera (scleritis), in the cornea (keratitis), inside the eyeball itself (uveitis), or in the retina (retinitis). It is a potentially dangerous process even when it affects just conjunctiva, since infection in this area can in some instances result in spreading or inoculation into the cornea. When the infection involves cornea or the intraocular parts of the eye or the retina, the potential for substantial loss of vision is enormous.

Continue to recover Mel B!


L.A. City Council President Declares May 21st, “John Singleton Day”
Less than a month after his untimely passing, John Singleton is set to be honored with his own day. Now, not only will the life and legacy of the legendary filmmaker be remembered through his classic works in film and television, but it will also be memorialized in his hometown, thanks to L.A. City Council President Herb Wesson Jr. 

Wesson will declare May 21, 2019 “John Singleton Day” in Los Angeles to commemorate the life, career, and legacy of the late filmmaker. According to the L.A. Sentinel, Wesson is expected to announce the honor at a celebration of Singleton’s life at the University of South California, where Singleton graduated in 1990. 

“There is not enough that can be said about John Singleton and the profound impact he made in his 51 years of life,” Wesson said. “In a time and in an industry where all the odds were stacked against him, John overcame and became the best at his craft. And more than maybe anyone, he opened people’s eyes to a reality and an experience of South Los Angeles that had been overlooked by society. Now in Los Angeles, this day is a time to celebrate John and his legacy. It’s far sooner than we should have to, but there is so much to celebrate.” 

Happy John Singleton Day, LA!


Sesame Street’ Introduces Karli, A Muppet in Foster Care, to Support New Initiative
Sesame Workshop, the non-profit educational organization behind Sesame Street, announced their plans for a new initiative supporting foster families on Monday. 
Through the storyline of Karli, a new and young Sesame Street Muppet and her foster parents Dalia and Clem, Sesame Workshop aims to highlight real transitions that many children in foster care often experience. 

In one video entitled “You Belong,” Karli struggles with finding her “place” in her new foster home and Elmo offers support as he attempts to understand her situation along the way. 
According to USA Today, the new initiative is part of the show’s Sesame Street in Communities program, which provides resources for parents, teachers and other caregivers on a range of topics, including difficult issues like foster care.

“Fostering a child takes patience, resilience, and sacrifice, and we know that caring adults hold the power to buffer the effects of traumatic experiences on young children,” said Dr. Jeanette Betancourt, Senior Vice President of US Social Impact at Sesame Workshop.
“We want foster parents and providers to hear that what they do matters—they have the enormous job of building and rebuilding family structures and children’s sense of safety. By giving the adults in children’s lives the tools they need—with help from the Sesame Street Muppets—we can help both grownups and children feel seen and heard and give them a sense of hope for the future,” she added.

As the 50th anniversary of the release of show approaches, “Sesame Street” continues to be a leader in education and personal development of children.


Aaron Carter Alleges Michael Jackson Did One “Inappropriate Thing”
Aaron Carter is opening up about his personal relationship with Michael Jackson on the new season of “Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars Family Edition.”
In a promo clip from the WE tv series, Carter vaguely claims the late pop icon did one thing that was “a little bit inappropriate.”

“Michael was a really good guy, as far as I know, really good guy,” the singer said. “He never really, like, he never did anything that was inappropriate except for one time. There was one thing that he did that was a little bit inappropriate.”
According to Entertainment Tonight, Carter’s time on Marriage Boot Camp with his mother, Jane Carter, allows him to work through his complex relationships with both his family and Jackson’s.

Carter developed a bond with Jackson during his rise to fame in the early 2000s. Apparently, Carter was only 14 when the two met and the “King of Pop” asked him to feature on “What More Can I Give,” a song released for charity.

The details of the “inappropriate” incident have yet to be revealed, but Carter took to Twitter on Monday to thank everyone who has had his back and surprisingly support Jackson amidst the speculation.
“Everyone having my back I appreciate you,” Carter wrote. “My reasoning for even speaking on this subject is to tell my truth, be real and to also have his back based on my experiences with Michael. He was an amazing guy; I stand by that. So I ask u not to turn this into something it isn’t,” he added.

Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars Family Edition is set to premiere later this year on WE tv.


AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES?
‘POSTED UP’
Post Malone is 100% that annoying white rapper kid that smells like weed at your first job, typically stocking shelves or washing dishes, who swears he’s gonna make it big in rap game and nobody believes him. He’s also the first ever to actually do it.


#EGGPLANT NATION: Meet Johnny Cubz! 
Meet Johnny! To see more of him you can GO HERE TO SEE THE PICS!  And remember they’re NSWF!

DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT OWN any images posted on this blog. All images are found online or submitted.

ENJOY!


HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM

4/23/19

The Daily Buzz For April 24 ☕📰☕


Nicole Kidman for Vanity Fair May 2019 She talks motherhood, marriage, and religion!
Nicole Kidman talks motherhood, marriage, and religion in a new Vanity Fair interview.
Kidman, 51, who has been busy promoting season 2 of “Big Little Lies”, gushes over her relationship with Keith Urban, also 51, whom she married in 2006.

The actress shares, “[It’s] extremely simple with what we want from each other and what we want from a relationship. Just peas in a pod in that regard.”
Kidman adds that she loves being a “tour wife” and says she can memorize Urban’s tour schedule and dates in one glance.
She tells the mag, “I love that Keith is a guitar player and a singer, but his passion is guitar and writing music. That’s what I’m around every day.”

Kidman’s
interview also sees her talk about being a mom, admitting she doesn’t let her kids have a phone or Instagram: “I try to keep some sort of boundaries.”
Kidman is mother to daughters Sunday and Faith, as well as daughter Isabella and son Connor, whom she shares with ex-husband Tom Cruise.
She adds of having a strong belief in God and going to church as a family: “A lot of my friends tease me. That’s how we are raising our children. Keith has his own beliefs but he comes, too. I had a very Catholic grandmother, and I was raised praying, so that had massive impact.
“I wouldn’t say it’s absolutism, there’s constant questioning—I’m a wilful, feisty girl. For me, it’s very important that I don’t have judgment. My dad would always say, ‘Tolerance is the most important thing.’”


#RHOA: Should NeNe Leakes get $2.85 MILLION Salary for next Season of RHoA?
She will be Queen of the Peaches!

NeNe Leakes’ wild antics on the Real Housewives Opens a New Window.  of Atlanta might have ended almost all of her friendships but what they did do was earn her a whopping raise according to RadarOnline.com.
The OG in the ATL inked her deal for Season 12 and she got a huge bump in her already astronomical salary of $2.75 million after a season filled with fighting and over-the-top drama.

Kandi Burruss, Porsha Williams, and Eva Marcille all signed up for another season but NeNe’s salary was the highest.
With her pay hike in the bank, NeNe was on track to remain the reigning highest paid housewife on the network.

Bravo forked out more cash for NeNe than Real Housewives of New York City OG Bethenny Frankel, the OG from RHOC Vicki Gunvalson and both Lisa Vanderpump and Kyle Richards from the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills!


#Empire: The Osundairo Brothers Sue Jussie Smollett And His Attorneys For Defamation
Abel and Ola Osundairo, the brothers accused of attacking Jussie Smollett in January — then later accused of helping him stage the alleged hate crime hoax — have filed a defamation lawsuit against the "Empire" star's attorneys, Tina Glandian and Mark Geragos, and Geragos' firm, Fox News has learned.

The suit alleges that Geragos and his firm continued to say publicly in widely reported statements that the brothers "led a criminally homophobic, racist and violent attack against Mr. Smollett," even though they allegedly knew that wasn't true.

The brothers are seeking punitive damages as well as lost income in the lawsuit.
The Osundairos' attorney, Gloria Schmidt, quoted Smollett, 36, in a press conference Tuesday in Chicago, telling reporters, "'I will never be the man that this did not happen to. I will be forever changed.'" She said of her clients and the Chicago Police Department, "Now they can say that same statement. My city, my police department and my clients deserve to have their reputations restored."

Schmidt slammed Geragos and Glandian's alleged "continued false statements and hateful rhetoric" against the brothers following the alleged hoax.

"That is why today we are taking action in federal court," she said. "We want to end these malicious attacks and ensure that those responsible for continuing to destroy the reputation of the Chicago Police Department and Abel and Ola Osundairo are held accountable."

"The Chicagoan brothers told the truth," Schmidt said. "They could have remained silent, but they told the truth to the police, and with their right hands in the air, they told the truth to the grand jury." She later said they were "asked to do something by a friend that they trusted, and later that friend betrayed their trust."
In a statement Schmidt read during the press conference, the brothers said, "We have sat back and watched lie after lie being fabricated about us in the media only so one big lie can continue to have life. These lies are destroying our character and our reputation and our personal and professional lives. Those who know us personally know we don't have hate for anyone. That is not who we are. We try to spread love and positivity to everyone we come in contact with. We will no longer sit back and allow these lies to continue."

Schmidt also noted that the Osundairos actively participated in the alleged publicity stunt, but did not participate in calling or lying to the police. Attorney Gregory Kulis said the Osundairos have had trouble making ends meet and lost work since the Smollett attack occurred.
"No one should be surprised by this lawsuit," attorney James Tunick said. "[The defendants] know the extent of their false and vicious remarks." Tunick said that there are "numerous false statements" in their 16-page lawsuit, many of which he says were made after the charges against Smollett were dropped. Tunick said his team has "actual evidence" that contradicts statements Geragos and Glandian allegedly made. Tunick did not specify, however, what the evidence was.

In January, Smollett told authorities that two masked men attacked him, put a rope around his neck and poured bleach on him as he was walking home from a Subway restaurant. The actor, who is black and openly gay, said the masked men beat him, made racist and homophobic comments and yelled, "This is MAGA country" before fleeing the scene. Surveillance video reportedly revealed the Osundairo brothers purchasing the rope allegedly used in the attack.


#MusicNews: Rahsaan Patterson Reveals Cover Art & Tracklist for Upcoming Album “Heroes & Gods”
The long awaited sixth studio album from Rahsaan Patterson is nearly here, and he’s just revealed the cover art and tracklist for the project. “Heroes & Gods” is set to release on May 17th via Shanachie Entertainment, and this is his first album in nearly eight years since “Bleuphoria” in 2011.
The album features the lead single “Sent From Heaven” which we’ve already highlighted as one of our favorite R&B songs of 2019.

Although there are no big name collaborations on the album, you’re going to want to watch out for “Break it Down”. A quick read of the album’s liner notes shows that Rahsaan enlisted long time friend Lalah Hathaway for the synth on the song, while Rachelle Ferrell handles writing and background vocals.

Needless to say we are excited about Rahsaan Patterson’s return album. Make sure to pick it up when it releases next month!

Rahsaan Patterson “Heroes & Gods” Album Tracklist
01 Catch Me When I Fall
02 Wonderful Star
03 Silly Love Fool
04 Rock And Roll
05 Break It Down
06 Don’t You Know That
07 Sent From Heaven
08 Wide Awake
09 Soldier
10 Oxford Blues
11 Sweet Memories
12 I Try
13 Heroes & Gods


#HipHopNews: Lil Kim’s Album Release Has Been Pushed Back and she’s Beyond Upset!
Lil Kim announced her first studio album in 14 years was on its way last month. However, according to a recent Instagram Story, the release date has been pushed back.

The project — titled 9 — was originally expected to arrive on May 17, but Kim says due to label issues, there’s no telling when it will drop.
 “EOne has pushed back the date of my album y’all if you have an issue take it up with them,” Kim wrote on her Instagram Story. “This has nothing to do with me. I am beyond upset with this and couldn’t wait to show you all what I’ve been working on.”
Kim added she was also frustrated with Spotify.
“Also Spotify is hating on me,” she continued. “I can’t understand why after all of the favors I’ve done for them. Direct all of your energy towards them too.”

Kim’s official studio album, The Naked Truth, hit the shelves in 2005, although she’s continued to drop mixtapes over the last 10 years. Lil Kim Season arrived in 2016. Her most recent single, “Go Awff,” made the rounds in February.

While fans await 9, Kim is whetting their appetites with another new single titled “No Auto Blanco.”

Check it out HERE!


YIKES! Beyoncé & Ariana Grande Fans Break Out into War After Ariana Gets Hit with Lemon at Coachella
Ariana Grande got hit with a lemon at Coachella and now Arianators and the Beyhive are slinging accusations back and forth.

Video emerged of the “Sweetener” singer getting nailed with the Beyoncé-associated citrus while performing Sunday during Weekend 2 of the music festival. Ariana’s fans blamed a Beyhive member for throwing the lemon at Ari, and Beyoncé’s army is not having it.
“I’m almost positive no one from the Beyhive threw that lemon at Ariana Grande,” one Twitter user wrote. “Ariana caught a lemon at coachella and the #beyhive is obviously getting blamed,” wrote another.
In the video, Ariana can be seen living her best life onstage until someone in the crowd throws an entire lemon at her. “Which one of ya’ll threw a lemon at me? Sh*t,” she said.
The Arianators got pretty nasty on Twitter, calling the Beyhive “immature,” “toxic” and saying they “belong in jail.”

Tensions have been high between the two fan groups for some time, especially when it comes to the paycheck each headliner earned at Coachella.

A Very DUMB MOVE!


Kevin Hunter Has been Accused Of Poisoning Wendy Williams, Police Conduct Welfare Check
Now that Wendy Williams has filed for divorce and the force field around her marriage has been deactivated all of the tea is spilling.
In January, when the talk show host was nursing her alleged fractured shoulder, police received a tip accusing Kevin Hunter of poisoning his now-estranged wife.

Police took action after the call and went out to the residence to conduct a welfare check.
Here’s the scoop via TMZ: The report says 2 officers went to Williams’ New Jersey residence and were greeted by Hunter, who was hesitant to let them in for the welfare check because he said Wendy was sick and recovering from a health problem.

Cops say they explained to Hunter they were required to speak with Williams due to the anonymous call. When he allowed them to enter, they found Williams in bed “with the blanket covering from neck to toe.”
According to the report … one of the officers asked Kevin to leave the bedroom so they could talk to Wendy alone, but he didn’t want to leave her side. As for the health problem she had — Wendy told cops she was recovering from a broken shoulder.

An officer eventually asked her if there was any truth to the anonymous tip she was being poisoned, and Wendy responded with something like … “Well, I’m very popular.” When the cop repeated the question, the report says she became tearful, but denied there was any truth to it.
The cops left after Wendy told them once more she was okay.

Less than three weeks after Kevin welcomed a baby girl with his longtime mistress, Wendy Williams filed for divorce and kept the ball rolling by firing Kevin as executive producer of her daytime talk show.


Watch Will Smith’s new Film ‘Gemini Man’ Trailer In Theaters Oct. 11, 2019
Using advanced new de-aging technology, Will Smith goes face to face with his greatest enemy in the first trailer for “Gemini Man” — himself.

WATCH HERE

In Ang Lee’s futuristic thriller, Smith plays a world-class assassin hunting a man who knows his every move, only to discover that the target is actually his clone. The twist is, this trailer begins from the perspective of the young Will Smith, and you’ll do a quick double take when you realize you’re looking at a “Fresh Prince” era Smith rather than how he actually looks in 2019.

“This story is not one that could have been told with cinema as we know it. However, thanks to incredible new digital technology, not only can we finally see both younger and older Will Smith embodied together on screen, but we can also experience the story in a deeply immersive way,” director Lee said in a statement. “It is my great fortune to be able to experiment and test the limits of what new digital cinema has to offer us. No less so to be able to work with two Will Smiths – one beautifully sophisticated, the other exuberantly honest

The screenplay for “Gemini Man” comes from “Game of Thrones” co-creator David Benioff along with Billy Ray and Darren Lemke based on a story by Benioff and Lemke. Clive Owen, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Benedict Wong also star.

“Gemini Man” opens in theaters from Paramount and Skydance on Oct. 11.


Beyonce's 'Lemonade' Is now  Available to Stream on Every Platform!
Three years to the day after its initial release, Beyonce‘s Lemonade is finally available to stream on services other than Tidal!
If you don’t know, on April 23, 2016, Beyonce released the smash-hit album as a Tidal only release.
Now, it’s also available to stream on Spotify and Apple Music!

STREAM HERE
In addition to the entire album becoming available, Beyonce also released a never-before-heard demo version of the song “Sorry,” which is included.


Sri Lankan Official Says Bombings Are Retaliation For New Zealand Massacre
A Sri Lankan government official says coordinated suicide bombings in the island nation on Easter Sunday, which killed more than 320 people, were carried out in retaliation for last month's mass shooting at mosques in New Zealand.

The state minister for defense, Ruwan Wijewardene, said the attacks were carried out by two Islamist organizations. As NPR's Lauren Frayer reports, "it's not immediately clear how he knows that – whether the information comes from suspects being interrogated, or evidence the suicide bombers may have left behind."

One of the organizations is a little-known radical Islamist group named National Thowfeek Jamaath. Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne has called for the top police official to resign after failing to stop the attacks despite receiving reports that the group was planning to target churches, The Washington Post reports.
In the weeks leading up to the attacks, parts of the Sri Lankan government received intelligence reports from international agencies, including India, indicating a possible plot to attack targets in Sri Lanka.

"What the allegation is, is that portions of the government — the security services, the police — did not do enough in advance to alert the Christian community, to alert hotels that they could be targets," Shashank Bengali, Southeast Asia correspondent for the Los Angeles Times, told NPR's Up First. "That's where the war of words and the finger-pointing has got us right now."

The politics are complicated, @welikalaa sums it up: "A besieged country imploring statesmanship from its political elite is saddled with a weak and divided leadership that has no understanding of the constitutional tenets underpinning the republic" https://groundviews.org/2019/04/23/the-constitutional-implications-of-the-easter-sunday-terror-attack/ …
Police in Sri Lanka say they have arrested 40 suspects since the wave of deadly suicide attacks Sunday killed hundreds and wounded hundreds more.

According to The Associated Press, among the suspects arrested were the driver of a van allegedly used by suicide bombers, and the owner of a house where some of the attackers lived. Most of the people arrested are Sri Lankans, but police are also investigating whether foreigners were involved in the attacks.


Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis Get Harlem Street Named After Them!
The late actors and activists Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis had a street in Harlem, N.Y, named after them on Saturday.
The honor was spearheaded by The Dwyer Cultural Center (DCC), which is also located in the uptown section of Manhattan. And now the northeast corner of 123rd and Saint Nicholas Avenue now reads Ruby Dee Place and Ossie Davis Way.
Besides the street naming ceremony, DCC also opened a gallery exhibit on the legendary actors that honored some of the work they’ve done to help artists of color. Their longtime friend Cliff Frazier, who founded the DCC with Dee and Davis, will also be part of the display for the work he’s done.

“We are very humbled by this recognition not only of our parents’ contribution to the arts, but also to their unwavering commitment to Harlem, the people and to the Civil Rights Movement,”wrote the actor’s children Guy Davis, Nora Davis and Dr. Hasna Muhammad.
“We thank The Dwyer Center, Councilman Perkins, the staff at District 9 and Community Board 10, and everyone who worked to get this done,” they added.
Dee, born in Harlem and Davis in Cogdell, Clinch County, Ga, were just as involved in social justice as they were the arts, and they became close with Martin Luther King Jr, as well as Malcolm X.

Dee was even an MC for the March on Washington in 1963, and Davis gave the eulogy at X’s funeral in 1965.
On top of that, Dee and Davis helped to start Harlem’s Community Film Workshop Council, Third World Cinemas and the Institute of New Cinema Artists along with Frazier, Harry Belafonte and Sidney Poitier.

“Three years ago, our Executive Director Minerva Diaz came to me with an idea about the street naming(s) to honor my dear friends. And after a long and tedious process it’s done,” said Frazier!


'Avengers: Endgame' Dazzles with Its Epic World Premiere!
LOS ANGELES — Combine a graduation, an anniversary, a funeral, a family reunion, and the hottest party in Hollywood with a literal fight for the fate of the universe, and you've got the world premiere of Avengers: Endgame.

Monday night at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the highly-anticipated final chapter in Marvel's Infinity Saga debuted to a massive audience of cast, crew, press, and fans, who showed up eager and dressed in their best.

Outside the building, excited MCU devotees and Avengers cosplayers screamed for their heroes as cast member after cast member floated from chauffeured rides into the secretive depths of the Endgame. Pictures were taken. Tears were shed. Dreams came true.
Inside, the enthusiasm was similar. In a nod to Thanos, various shades of purple draped the interior of the Convention Center. At the center of the lobby, however, was a couple hundred feet high Avengers "A" that rotated to be seen (and photographed) from every angle — lest anyone forget who the premiere was really honoring.

As for the guest list, Endgame's gigantic cast and crew were in attendance, alongside numerous stars from Marvel's other various installments. From the high-ranking Russo brothers to the supporting characters of standalone chapters gone by, it appeared as if every Marvel employee turned out for the series' big finale.

Other A-list friends of the franchise, including Liam Hemsworth, Miley Cyrus, and Matt Damon, could be seen mingling with the crowd as well. 
On the red purple carpet, for many it was jewel tones from toe to antenna, the six hues of the Infinity Stones creating a particularly punchy Marvel aesthetic.

Taking the gem theme a smidgen further, stars Scarlett Johansson and Brie Larson rocked Infinity Gauntlet inspired jewelry.
Meanwhile, Vin Diesel, in what had to be an ode to his character Groot, dressed up like an actual tree — and proceeded to strike a whole bunch of goofy tree poses for photographers. (Uh... Happy Earth Day, I guess!)
Once inside, guests flooded the theater's stadium seating, and sat anxiously as Endgame's leads trickled in towards their spots at the front. Finally, Disney CEO Bob Iger introduced the film, and the world's first showing of Avengers: Endgame began.

After three hours of cheers, gasps, and audible sobbing (okay, that last one was mostly me), the credits rolled. Following thunderous applause, the cast and crew took to the stage, many of them offering up what appeared to be their final goodbyes to the Marvel Universe. 

The six founding members of the Avengers — Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, and Chris Hemsworth — took turns at the microphone offering thanks and congratulations to Marvel, their fans, and each other. For even the least committed of Marvel viewers, it was an emotional, but triumphant swan song.

Notably, Robert Downey Jr. signed off his 11-year stint as Iron Man, telling the audience: "We love you three thousand." (You might not get that right now, but trust us, you will.)"
Finally, President of Marvel Studios Kevin Feige — who, if you didn't know, is entirely responsible for the MCU even becoming a thing — received a standing ovation from the crowd before shepherding all of his guests towards a glitzy after party.

With music blaring and chandeliers overhead, the party easily could have been mistaken for the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Senior Prom. A chance to reminisce, say goodbye, and look to the future before turning your superhero tassel and throwing your shield, hammer, helmet, etc. in the air at graduation.

After 11 years with our beloved heroes, this epic and emotional send-off was a fitting, yet bittersweet goodbye to an era. Yes, it's time to move on — but not before we revel in a few more hours of the Endgame.
See more pics HERE! Avengers: Endgame hits theaters April 26.


T.I. + Love & Hip-Hop Star Bail Out Over 20 Non-Violent Offenders For Easter
Grammy-winning rapper T.I. just has too much good in his heart. The King of the South continued to prove the world he’s a one of one by joining forces with a church and reality TV star to bail out 23 non-violent offenders for Easter.

According to reports, Tip and an Atlanta church teamed up to raise $120,000 for bail.
The New Birth Missionary Baptist Church partnered with the Atlantan rapper as well as Scrapp Deleon of VH1’s “Love and Hip Hop,” initially seeking to raise $40,000 to bail out nonviolent, predominantly first-time offenders. By the end of Lent, however, they had reached $120,000, enough to bring seven women and 16 men home for Easter Sunday, according to the news outlet. (The Hill)
Family members have already spoken out on getting to spend the Easter holiday with their loved ones.

Beaming next to her nephew, Sylvia Gordon said she was grateful to God for the opportunity to share the holiday together. When asked what their Easter plans are, the pair answered: “Go to church!” “It’s like a whole new clean slate,” said Tyron Pollard another program recipient. “I was doing drugs before I got locked up … but I don’t want to do nothing but do right and strive to be a model citizen for my kids.” (Fox 5)
Each released person is expected to have a mentor and possible college funds assistance.

But the “Bail Out” program is doing much more than just giving first-time offenders their freedom. Each individual is assigned a mentor for ongoing, weekly check-ins, and a portion of the money raised will be set aside to help their children attend college in the future.


Sharon Osbourne Slams Kanye West For Selling “Church Merch” at Coachella: “I Don’t  Think the Church Has Anything to Do With His Merch”
On Monday’s episode of ”The Talk,” co-host Sharon Osbourne shared that she isn’t a fan of Kanye selling his Sunday service apparel, ”church clothes,” for profit.

According to Entertainment Tonight, Kanye West held a special Easter Sunday Service performance at the 2019 Coachella festival. West had over 50,000 fans in attendance and sold his new “Sunday Service” line at the event.
While Osbourne expressed that she was a fan of his performance and the music on Easter, the 66-year-old said that she was opposed to West making the church service a “business.”
“I don’t like using the term church merch,” said Osbourne. “I don’t think the church has anything to do with his merch, and what church, the church of Kanye?”
 “It’s the same as his service in Calabasas. It’s for celebrities, so he claims.” Osbourne added. “I do love the music, I must say. It’s all about the music, and I do love what he’s doing musically, but I suppose everything he does is a business. The same as his shoes and his music. He’s making a profit, so he’s a businessman, so that’s what you do.”
Other hosts of ”The Talk,” such as Carrie Ann Inaba chimed in on the discussion.
 “I think it’s overpriced,” said Inaba. “This is ridiculous, he is taking advantage of people.”
According to Variety, the “church merch” at Coachella included sweatshirts for $165-$225, “Jesus Walks” socks for $50, $70 T-shirts reading “Trust God” on the front and “Sunday Service at the Mountain” on the back.

West has been leading his Sunday service since January of 2019.


Masseuse In Robert Kraft’s Prostitution Case Arrested and Charged, Ordered To Give Up Career In Spa Industry
Shen Mingbi, the masseuse who allegedly performed “sexual acts” on Patriots owner Robert Kraft at a South Florida spa, has been arrested for her role in the sting operation.
According to jail records obtained by CBS12, 58-year-old Mingbi was arrested and charged on multiple prostitution-related offenses. The woman had been under surveillance since February after detectives saw her make a cash deposit, with no income reported in Florida.

After further investigation, officials issued a search warrant for Mingbi’s safety deposit box, which uncovered more than $43,000 in cash. She was then arrested and charged for living off the earnings from prostitution, in addition to eight counts of assign or offer to commit or engage in prostitution.

According to reports, Mingbi’s arrest came just one week after spa worker, Lei Wang, 43, who was also reportedly present during Kraft’s session, was arrested with eight counts of offers to commit prostitution. Both women are accused of “servicing men” at the Orchids of Asia Day Spa in Jupiter, where police obtained a video of Kraft allegedly paying for and receiving sexual favors from both women.
Since then, Mingbi has been released on a $5,000 bond and has been ordered to turn over her passport and give up her career as a masseuse. In the meantime, Kraft’s legal team is still fighting to block the release of the surveillance footage.


AND FINALLY FROM THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART FILES
‘COLLECTING DIGITS’
Very convenient. Just let all the ladies drop their numbers in the bucket and go about your day.


EGGPLANT NATION: Meet Lou Behr!
Meet Lou! You can see more when CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PICS! And remember they’re NSFW!

DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT OWN any images posted on this blog. All images are found online or submitted.

Enjoy!


HAVE A GREAT DAY EVERYBODY!!!
EFREM

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