Zayn Malik Covers Complex Magazine April/May 2016: One Direction Made Me Shave My Beard!
He became a worldwide pop star as one fifth of the British boy band One Direction, but Zayn Malik's fame certainly came at a cost.
In his new cover story for Complex magazine, the handsome crooner lamented, "There were certain restrictions in terms of the way that we could come outside of that young teen boy look. Mainly my beard, honestly. I wasn’t allowed to keep it. Eventually, when I got older, I rebelled against it, and decided to keep it anyway. That was just because I looked older than the rest of them. That’s one of the things that is now quite cool. I get to keep my beard. I also wanted to dye my hair when I was in the band, but I wasn’t allowed to."
As for his decision to leave the band, Zayn confessed, "That was something that was always underlying, and ended up as the main factor of me leaving in the end. It was about denying the authenticity of who I was, and what I enjoyed about music, and why I got into it. That was always there. It was one of the things that wasn’t going to go away, so I had to go away."
#RHOA: Cynthia Bailey Joins The Cast Of Sharknado
So, that Real Housewives of Atlanta reunion, huh? Cynthia Bailey is apparently saving her acting chops for more serious projects…like Sharknado 4. Yes, you read that correctly!
According to the Wrap, Cynthia will be joining the most amazing trifecta of actors when she stars alongside Ian Ziering, Tara Reid, and David Hasselhoff on Syfy’s film brilliance. She will play a top-notch astrophysicist who works for Astro-X where the lead scientist is none other than Gary Busey. This just keeps getting better and better…
Cynthia recently stopped by Good Day LA to talk about the show, her marriage, and, of course, her eye wear. Sadly, there was no mention of Sharknado, but she probably wants to discuss that major milestone in prime time. Instead, she addressed the craziness that seems to follow around her RHOA counterparts. When asked if fighting ever occurred on the show (I’m still trying to figure out if he had never seen the show or was just making a joke), Cynthia replies, “We usually try to stay away from any physical altercations…but we haven’t been very good at that lately,” adding, “We’re talking about personal space.There’s a fine line. If you’re having a heated argument and someone decides to straddle over you, you know…you have to defend yourself.”
Responding to whether she gets along with everyone on the cast, Cynthia asserts, “This is an ensemble cast. There’s always drama. There’s always things we don’t want to talk about with things going on in our lives. There are definitely ladies I connect with more than others, and some of them I actually don’t like.”
One of the anchors who is proficient in Google questions whether there is truth to the rumors that Kim has already been fired and will be replaced by Stacy Dash of Clueless fame. Cynthia seems legitimately surprised by this piece of gossip and admits that Stacy would be an interesting addition given her very vocal political views.
As for Kim, Cynthia cites there is no manual for a newbie cast member, stating, “Reality TV isn’t for everyone…Everyone isn’t built for it.”
Do You Think Cynthia Joining The Sharknado Cast A Good Career Move?
#TEAMEMPIRE:‘Empire’ Cast Talk Series ‘Growing Pains’ & Diversity!
During then Paley Center chat the EMPIRE Cast and crew had they dished on the off-screen drama as well as “growing pains” they’ve experienced in the show’s sophomore season. They also teased what’s ahead when the series returns March 30.
Taraji P. Henson was not at the event Friday, she was out-of-town shooting a movie, but her co-stars Terrence Howard, Jussie Smollett, Gabourey Sidibe and series co-creator Lee Daniels, treated the enthused crowd to a screening of the upcoming premiere episode, “Death Will Have His Day.” Daniels kicked off the Q&A by responding to host Kevin Frazier’s assertion that the show had turned “a little left” early in Season 2.
“It was growing pains,” Daniels insisted. “I think it would have happened to any show. Though we remain No. 1, we were learning. Sometimes you don’t feel like it’s enough, and so you bring in this person or that person to bring in some more eyes, but at the end of the day it’s a process, and it’s trial and error. We came back.”
Daniels also reflected on the evolution of the young cast and their command over the red carpet press line. “I’m like, ‘Y’all was nobodies last year. Now look at you.’ It’s an honor to see people of color that are not only in the homes of America, but into Brazil and Spain and Italy and London,” Lee said. “They’re getting a sneak peek into what it’s like to be in our world. Not only is the show a part of the African-American experience, but I have as my partners white people that are able to tell the story in a universal way.”
Diversity on “Empire” and in Hollywood was a recurring theme for the panel, with an audience member asking Daniels to respond to the #OscarsSoWhite controversy.
“I’ve avoided this question for quite a while,” he said. “I don’t have time to deal with racism. Am I delusional to think there’s no racism in America? Look at f**king Donald Trump. But here’s the bottom line: The minute I embrace it, it becomes real to me. I don’t have time to blame Paramount or Sony or Fox. I get my own money, I get my own actors, I write my own script. I don’t want to hear, ‘Woe is me, they don’t treat me right.’ Get off your ass and do it. You’ll always be an outsider because of the color of your skin. This is the way of the world. So kick the door open and don’t take no for an answer.”
HMMMMM Interesting, “Empire” returns Wednesday, March 30 at 9/8c on Fox.
New Music: Keke Wyatt – ‘Love Me’
With her new album, Rated Next, due on April 22, Keke Wyatt unleashes her new song, “Love Me.” On it, the R&B songstress asks that her man love her through the good and bad. “I want you to love, love me, love me,” she sings. “Baby I, need to you love me, love me, love me.”
Keke says the aptly titled album is all about love, and being that she’s releasing it on her own label, she her more freedom with her music:
“Since I’m releasing my new album, Rated Love, on my own label, I also have more freedom and creative control over my music,” she explained. “The album is all about love, and takes you on a journey from start to finish, but as can be heard on my singles ‘Sexy Song’ and now ‘Love Me,’ it’s like eating a pot of gumbo—it has all sorts of flavors, but it’s all Keke.”
Rated Love is available for pre-order on iTunes now.
Listen to “Love Me” – written by Keke, Brandon Hesson and Dominic “Dom” Gordon (also produced by Gordon) – below
YESSSSS KeKe!
#CLASSICHIPHOP: The Fugees ‘Tim Westwood’ Freestyle (1995)
21 years ago, Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Pras were across the pond on Tim Westwood’s show. As he always does around this time, Tim opens the vault and exhumes this freestyle.
LISTEN HERE!
YESSSSSS!
Why Some of Mariah Carey’s Long Time Employees Have Quit?
Some members of Mariah Carey’s, who have been employed by the singer for years, have thrown up the deuces and have quit because of her new manager, Page Six reports. The singer’s manager Stella Bulochnikov booked Mariah’s new E! reality show and because of this her business manager Michael Kane, international publicist Connie Filippello, domestic publicist Chris Chambers, tour manager Michael Richardson, travel manager Gaylin Winkler and stylist Wilfredo Rosado, who designed her engagement ring, have allegedly quit.
The site report,"“It seems as if Mariah has allowed a complete stranger, her new manager, to run her life, and others believe this woman is toxic. Seasoned executives in their profession don’t want to put up with her,” says a source close to the situation. “Stella is hard to work with. Mariah doesn’t understand what’s going on because Stella paints a different picture, so Mariah probably thinks it’s petty disagreements. These are not just random people who have left her. These are loyal people who have been around for years, some 20.”"
"Bulochnikov joined Carey as her manager last year after Hollywood filmmaker Brett Ratner introduced them. Sources tell us she has since brought in her family to help manage Carey and is very protective of who gets near her. She recently signed the diva on to do a series for the E! network."
"“Stella has been using the TV platform to bad-mouth former people on the team on camera .?.?. She’s turning it into a reality show. She’s creating scenarios, and it’s not all about the shows in Vegas as she’s claimed. The show will definitely be trashy because it’s full of lies,” said the insider."
"Bulochnikov even brought in her own lawyer and bookkeeper, which our source says has left Mariah’s staffers waiting to be paid."
"“She hasn’t paid people, and they are threatening lawsuits,” said the source."Mariah has yet to comment.
He is survived by his wife Renata and his two children, Stephanie and Doug.
Judge Accepts New Darren Sharper Plea Agreement, Will Probably Sentence Him To 15-20 Years
Serial rapist Darren Sharper will likely be sentenced to 15-20 years for his crimes, after he and federal prosecutors agreed to a new supplemental plea agreement, and the judge signed off. Sharper’s original plea agreement, which would’ve seen him serve just nine years in prison, was rejected last month by U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo as too lenient.
It was baffling that Darren Sharper’s plea deal, for pleading guilty to drugging and raping women…
Read more
Sharper’s new plea agreement is in line with federal sentencing guidelines, which call for him to serve 188 to 235 months, but when the judge sentences him in June it could be shorter or longer. The federal government may, but is not obligated to, recommend leniency for any assistance he gives in building the cases against his alleged accomplices to some of his crimes. Additionally, the judge warned Sharper that she may hand down a sentence outside of the sentencing guidelines.
It was baffling that Darren Sharper’s plea deal, for pleading guilty to drugging and raping women…
Read more
Sharper’s new plea agreement is in line with federal sentencing guidelines, which call for him to serve 188 to 235 months, but when the judge sentences him in June it could be shorter or longer. The federal government may, but is not obligated to, recommend leniency for any assistance he gives in building the cases against his alleged accomplices to some of his crimes. Additionally, the judge warned Sharper that she may hand down a sentence outside of the sentencing guidelines.
Last year Sharper struck a global plea agreement with prosecutors in four states to resolve charges that he sexually assaulted or attempted to sexually assault nine different women.
Rob Ford, Toronto ex-mayor, dies aged 46 from cancer
Mr Ford, who battled drug and alcohol addiction, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2014.
He gained international notoriety after admitting smoking crack cocaine in 2013, but he was loved by supporters.
"A dedicated man of the people, Councillor Ford spent his life serving the citizens of Toronto," his family said in a statement. He could not run for re-election as mayor in 2014 due to his cancer diagnosis, but won a city council seat in a landslide result.
His image contrasted sharply with Canada's usual calm, buttoned-up politics.
Reacting to his death, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted: "Rob Ford fought cancer with courage and determination. My condolences and best wishes to the Ford family today."
The current mayor of Toronto, John Tory, said in a statement that "the city is reeling with this news".
"He was a man who spoke his mind and who ran for office because of the deeply felt convictions that he had.
"I know there are many who were affected by his gregarious nature and approach to public service.''
Scandal
While serving as Toronto mayor, Mr Ford was videotaped and photographed intoxicated in public areas.
"Yes, I have smoked crack cocaine," Mr Ford told reporters. "But... do I? Am I addict? No. Have I tried it? Probably in one of my drunken stupors, probably approximately about a year ago."
Despite the crack-smoking scandal, his popularity remained high with fans lining up to take photo with him.
Mr Ford, who battled drug and alcohol addiction, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2014.
He gained international notoriety after admitting smoking crack cocaine in 2013, but he was loved by supporters.
"A dedicated man of the people, Councillor Ford spent his life serving the citizens of Toronto," his family said in a statement. He could not run for re-election as mayor in 2014 due to his cancer diagnosis, but won a city council seat in a landslide result.
His image contrasted sharply with Canada's usual calm, buttoned-up politics.
Reacting to his death, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted: "Rob Ford fought cancer with courage and determination. My condolences and best wishes to the Ford family today."
The current mayor of Toronto, John Tory, said in a statement that "the city is reeling with this news".
"He was a man who spoke his mind and who ran for office because of the deeply felt convictions that he had.
"I know there are many who were affected by his gregarious nature and approach to public service.''
Scandal
While serving as Toronto mayor, Mr Ford was videotaped and photographed intoxicated in public areas.
"Yes, I have smoked crack cocaine," Mr Ford told reporters. "But... do I? Am I addict? No. Have I tried it? Probably in one of my drunken stupors, probably approximately about a year ago."
Despite the crack-smoking scandal, his popularity remained high with fans lining up to take photo with him.
He appealed to conservative, working-class people with his populist message. Many of his supporters in the 2010 Toronto mayoral election came from the outer suburbs of the city.
One of his key campaign promises was to "stop the gravy train" of government spending and he pledged to end "the war on the car".
During Canada's national election last year, Mr Ford threw his support behind former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who lost to Justin Trudeau, a liberal.
Mr Harper tweeted on Tuesday: "Rob was a fighter throughout life & dedicated public servant who will be remembered for his courage, love for Toronto & his family."
New Democratic Party leader Thomas Mulcair tweeted also his condolences to Mr Ford's family, saying "46 is far too young to lose a loved one".
Mr Ford grew up in Etobicoke, a suburb of Toronto, dropping out of university after one year to work in his family business.
One of his key campaign promises was to "stop the gravy train" of government spending and he pledged to end "the war on the car".
During Canada's national election last year, Mr Ford threw his support behind former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who lost to Justin Trudeau, a liberal.
Mr Harper tweeted on Tuesday: "Rob was a fighter throughout life & dedicated public servant who will be remembered for his courage, love for Toronto & his family."
New Democratic Party leader Thomas Mulcair tweeted also his condolences to Mr Ford's family, saying "46 is far too young to lose a loved one".
Mr Ford grew up in Etobicoke, a suburb of Toronto, dropping out of university after one year to work in his family business.
He is survived by his wife Renata and his two children, Stephanie and Doug.
DO GOODERS: Drake And Rihanna Visit Cancer Patient While In Miami
Taking a step away from the stage on her ANTI World Tour, Rihanna, along with Drake (who has shared the stage with her to perform their collaboration, “Work), took the time to meet with a cancer patient.
A Miami fan named Megan, describes meeting the two superstars, “The best day of [her] life.” A look at their vist, shared on the Instagram account of Drake fan, Aboodovo, finds Drake and RiRi posing for a pic with Megan, and she also snaps a couple with just Drake. A video posted shows Drizzy telling her, “Ok, this is the best Snapchat I’ve ever done before… It’s all love,” and then he kisses her on the cheek.
“I MET THE LOML He was so sweet & down to earth,” Megan continued, in captioning the clip. “Gave me and my family some OVO clothing. BEST DAY EVER. NO LIE.”
See the additional snaps
Shoutout to @ovomegann ❤️🙌🏽 #Drake #Drizzy #Repost @ovomegann ・・・ BEST DAY OF MY LIFE! I MET THE LOML 😍💍 He was so sweet & down to earth. Gave me and my family some OVO clothing. BEST DAY EVER. NO LIE. 😍😩😭✊🏼 @champagnepapi LOVE YOU! 💘
Idris Elba, Lupita Nyong’o Pose With Their ‘Jungle Book’ Characters (Pics)
*The folks behind Disney’s upcoming live adaptation of its animated classic “The Jungle Book” have released photos showing some of the character that will remain animated, alongside the actors who voice them.
As previously reported, the film opens April 15 with Idris Elba, Lupita Nyongo and Giancarlo Esposito among the voice actors.
View their portraits alongside their characters below:
Idris Elba / Shere Khan
Voiced by Idris Elba, Shere Khan bears the scars of man, which fuel his hatred of humans. Convinced that Mowgli poses a threat, the bengal tiger is determined to rid the jungle of the man-cub. “Shere Khan reigns with fear,” says Elba. “He terrorizes everyone he encounters because he comes from a place of fear.”
Lupita Nyong’o / Raksha
Lupita Nyong’o voices Raksha, a mother wolf who cares deeply for all of her pups–including man-cub Mowgli, whom she adopts as one of her own when he’s abandoned in the jungle as an infant. “She is the protector, the eternal mother,” says Nyong’o. “The word Raksha actually means protection in Hindi. I felt really connected to that, wanting to protect a son that isn’t originally hers but one she’s taken for her own.”
Giancarlo Esposito / Akela
Akela is the strong and hardened alpha-male wolf who shoulders the responsibility of his pack. He welcomes Mowgli to the family, but worries he may one day compromise their safety. “Akela is a fierce patriarch of the wolf pack,” says Giancarlo Esposito, who voices the character. “He believes the strength of the pack lies in what each and every wolf offers. He’s a great leader, a wise teacher.”
Sir Ben Kingsley / Bagheera
Bagheera is a sleek panther who feels it’s his duty to help the man-cub depart with dignity when it’s time for him to leave his jungle home. “Bagheera is Mowgli’s adoptive parent,” says Ben Kingsley, who lends his voice to Bagheera. “His role in Mowgli’s life is to educate, to protect and to guide. My Bagheera was military–he’s probably a colonel. He is instantly recognizable by the way he talks, how he acts and what his ethical code is.”
Christopher Walken / King Louie
King Louie is a formidable ape who desperately wants the secret of Man’s deadly “red flower”–fire. He’s convinced Mowgli has the information he seeks. “King Louie is huge–12 feet tall,” says Christopher Walken, who voices the character. “But he’s as charming as he is intimidating when he wants to be.”
Scarlett Johansson / Kaa
Kaa is a massive python who uses her voice and hypnotic gaze to entrance Mowgli. The man-cub can’t resist her captivating embrace. “Kaa seduces and entraps Mowgli with her storytelling,” says Scarlett Johansson. “She’s the mirror into Mowgli’s past. The way she moves is very alluring, almost coquettish.”
OMG!!! 82-Year-Old Chicago Woman Hospitalized After Police Raid The Wrong House
The Chicago Police Department seems to be working overtime to prove to the black community that they are the enemy.
The latest example of that happened earlier this week after they sent an 82-year-old Black woman to the hospital after they allegedly raided the wrong home. However, CPD is not apologizing for their actions.
The incident, according ABC7 Chicago, went down when police issued an arrest warrant for the home of Elizabeth Harrison. Her home was targeted by the cops who claimed they had the right to search it for an alleged assailant. This, despite the fact Harrison, a great-grandmother, who lives alone and had no idea who the man was.
Harrison said to reporters that she nearly had a heart attack when police officers raided her home with guns drawn.
“They wanted me to produce this young man that they were looking for,” Harrison said. “And they would not take no for an answer that I didn’t know him.”
Her daughter Linda Channel, who lives down the street, hurried to her mother’s home to find her breathing uncontrollably.
“They had her sitting in a chair, and her breathing was like (heavy breathing sounds,)” she reenacted. Check this out. While Channel was speaking with police officers about the damages sustained to her mother’s home, she said the man the cops were searching for walked up to them and told them they were at the wrong house.
“‘You all came to the wrong house. I live at 126, and this is 136,’” Channel said, quoting the man.
Apparently the cops couldn’t care less about Channel’s claims about the suspect … a CPD spokesperson maintained the officers were at the right address.
On the other hand, Chicago police didn’t arrest the man because they didn’t turn up any evidence against him after they didn’t go through with searching Harrison’s home once they noticed she needed medical attention, a spokesman said.
Elizabeth Harrison was hospitalized so doctors could carefully monitor her heart rate.
Malika Haqq Joins Hollywood Divas Tv One…
We do not know if Elise Neal will return to the hit show.TV One confirms Malika will join the show.
Hollywood Divas is returning this summer and the heat is already on! Malika Haqq (Keeping Up With The Kardashians), who is best known for her breakout role in ATL, is joining the cast. With the Los Angeles-based filming currently underway, Haqq joins alumna cast members Golden Brooks, Paula Jai Parker, Lisa Wu andCountess Vaughn. The third season will catch up with the leading ladies as they take their growing success to new heights.
#EGGPLANT NATION!! Meet That Tattooed Kingsman!
Folks, He’s Black, Tattooed and Beautiful. And he wants you to see more when CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PICS! Remember they’re NSFW!
ENJOY!
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES?
‘Here Comes The Boom’
We’ve got the battle of the bulge in this gut check edition of Who Wears It Better: Belly Busters!!! I don’t know about you guys, but I’m going with tattoo girl. Not only is a nice accent piece to your gut a classy touch, but sweatpants tucked into boots just sets it over the top for me.
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
