Donald Glover for Esquire Magazine!
Compares Himself to Tupac Shakur “I grew up similar.”
With the new season of Atlanta a few weeks away from its arrival, another musical project in the works and a new movie on the way, Donald Glover links up with Esquire to talk about wanting more creative freedom to create “stuff that no one else will make,” social media, being nervous about his FX program’s next episodes, American’s current political climate and more. Most notably, Glover also compares himself to one of hip-hop’s biggest superstars.
“I am the new Tupac in a strange way,” Glover explained to Esquire‘s Bijan Stephen. “I grew up similar. I didn’t have a mom in the Black Panthers, but my parents were very pro-black. Also, my mom made me go to performing-arts high school. She was like, ‘That’s where you need to be.’ Sometimes you have to play a role for people to understand you, even though you’re far more complex than any of that. Sometimes it’s really hard to simplify that so people can eat it.”
Elsewhere, Glover discusses an initial desire to flee the country after Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential election victory. “We understand most people don’t have that luxury, but it’s important, especially as a black person, to be like, ‘I’m not constrained to America.’ Although America is part of me, I’m going to be black everywhere,” Glover says.
To learn more about what’s currently running through Donald Glover’s mind, check out his entire feature for the March 2018 episode of Esquire.
#RHoA: Is Kandi Burruss Ready To End Feud With Porsha Williams?
“Real Housewives of Atlanta” stars Kandi Burruss and Porsha Williams have been on the outs since Season 9, but after trying to move past their differences in Season 10, the ladies failed to fix their relationship. Although the Bravo stars have exchanged a few harsh words in the media, it seems like Kandi is growing tired of the drama and isn’t interested in dragging out this feud for much longer
On Thursday, Kandi appeared on BuzzFeed News’ AM to DM, where she reflected on her relationship with Porsha. The Xscape singer revealed she isn’t the type of person to get over things quickly after someone has wronged her
“It takes years for me to just really look at you the same...On top of it, I don’t feel like she’s all the way owned her part in the situation,” she explained.
Kandi admitted she felt Porsha gave a mediocre apology by saying she was sorry for repeating what someone else said to her. Meanwhile, Kandi believed Porsha always knew the allegations made against her were lies.
Despite their rocky relationship, Kandi doesn’t want to remain at war forever. “I don’t want Porsha and I to continue on and on about the same thing. I don’t want us to keep arguing about it because it’s done,” she added
Kandi and Porsha’s drama started in Season 9, when Phaedra Parks told Porsha Kandi wanted to drug her and have her participate in sexual activities with herself and her husband, Todd Tucker.
The rumor spread among the cast and Kandi spent a majority of the ninth season defending her innocence. By the reunion episode, Phaedra eventually came clean and revealed what she told Porsha was a lie. As a result, she was fired from the show.
Since then, Porsha and Kandi have been taking baby steps to fix their relationship but it seems the two can’t seem to find a common ground.
Although it seems like it will take some time before the two women can be genuine with one another, it appears Kandi is taking a step towards bringing her ongoing feud with Porsha to an end.
#EMPIRE: Inside the Star-Studded 20th Annual amfAR Gala in New York
Not even a torrential downpour could stop celebrities from coming out in droves to last night’s 20th annual amfAR gala at New York’s Cipriani Wall Street. For an evening that honored Empire’s Lee Daniels and W magazine editor in chief Stefano Tonchi, Taraji P. Henson (aka Cookie Lyon) played hostess, and the actress took to the stage to remind the star-studded crowd that while for almost 35 years amfAR has been at the forefront of the fight against HIV/AIDS—and has made enormous progress on treatment and prevention—there are still 35 million people living with the disease worldwide. “And that’s why we’re here tonight,” Henson said as she raised a celebratory glass of Perrier-Jouët. “I urge you to dig deep—dig deep down in your socks, honey, be as generous as you can, let’s save some lives!” And dig deep they did—this year’s gala raised more than $1.6 million.
The weather didn’t impede on the night’s fashion; all came dressed in their best black tie, like supermodel Karen Elson, who dazzled in a La Ligne slip with crystal-studded flats. “You know, it’s Fashion Week, so I’m getting dressed up to the nines every night, but this is almost like loungewear,” she said. “It’s comfortable but chic at the same time.” As an ambassador for Save the Children, Elson is a regular on the fund-raiser circuit, but she was quick to call out amfAR for its unique ability to combine the do-good with the feel-good. “They know how to make it joyful and impact you. You walk away feeling very moved. But it’s amfAR—it’s glamorous as well!” Fellow supermodel Coco Rocha looked radiant in a midnight-blue sequin sheath by Canadian label Greta Constantine. Was it hard to get dressed for the red carpet in the rain? “Eh, well, I did it in a house,” Rocha joked, just as Elson pulled her in for a hug.
Meanwhile, Hailey Baldwin lit up the red carpet in a spangly Roberto Cavalli couture gown. “It’s the first thing I tried on,” the model said, noting that her newly sheared haircut was just as spontaneous, and she styled it into a single (rainproof) plait down the center. “I chopped it straight, and it’s so easy. I was like, Why did I wait so long to simplify my look?” Rachel Brosnahan, too, looked every inch the bright and cheerful antidote to the overcast in a Carolina Herrera gown with a trompe l’oeil rose motif. The star of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel has been so busy promoting her new show that she has yet to watch Empire. “I know!” she conceded. “I don’t have a TV, but I have a little bit of time before we start shooting the second season, and it’s at the top of my list.” No TV, really? “I haven’t had one for seven years,” she continued. “I think when you work in it you want to get away from it for a minute. I want to read books!”
Whether in books, on-screen, or in magazines, honoree Tonchi told Vogue that the most important thing we can do in the fight against HIV is continue the conversation. “The words disappear and yet there is still a stigma around it,” he said. “We need to keep talking about it.” Afterward, everybody danced. When Queen Latifah presented Daniels with the Courage Award, Beyoncé’s “Love on Top” blasted across the speakers, and Daniels quite literally shimmied his way onstage before Latifah boogied right along next to him. And all were on their feet when special musical guest Halsey delivered a rousing performance of hits including “Bad at Love” and “Closer” in what was a moving evening with amfAR in the fight for a cure.
Taraji P. Henson in David Koma, Jacob & Co. jewelry, and René Caovilla shoes
Serayah McNeill in custom Michael Kors and Chopard jewelry
Great Evening!
#NEWMUSIC from NE-YO – ‘GOOD MAN’
Ne-Yo is BAAAAACCCCK!
The R&B singer releases his brand new single and title track off his forthcoming album ‘Good Man.’ The DJ Camper-produced love song incorporates a sample of D’Angelo’s classic “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” as Ne-Yo professes his aptitude for being the best devoted lover that he can be to his woman.
“Good Man” is the second single off the singer/songwriter’s anticipated seventh studio album, following 2017’s “Another Love Song.” Good Man the album is expected later this year via Compound/Motown.
Check out the official lyric video for Ne-Yo’s heartfelt new single HERE
#HIPHOPNEWS: Nas Celebrates Slick Rick & Other Music Legends For Black History Month
Nas teamed up with Google Arts and Culture for a special tribute to celebrate Black History Month. The legendary MC penned an article for Google titled “We Continue To Rise” and starred in an accompanying video to pay homage to generations of Black music.
“I was raised to understand that every month was Black History Month,” Nas wrote. “That every day, my ancestors, contemporaries and everyday dreamers like myself can, shall, and continue to make history. Our music has been a relentless advocate for our story, which plays a crucial role in the American narrative: Red, white and blues, baby.”
Nas touched on the importance of Black music and storytelling, highlighting some of the most influential musicians in history. The Illmatic creator mentioned Slick Rick alongside a group of music luminaries that included Robert Johnson, Louis Armstrong and Sarah Vaughan.
“I would realize — through the education I received from my parents and my own travels — that Robert Johnson, Louis Armstrong, Sarah Vaughan and Slick Rick were one in the same,” he continued. “Native storytellers who shined a light on our purpose, preserved our legacy and, without question, rocked the house. The conversation never stops and we all continue to push it steadily along, through our arts n crafts and even within the way we speak. Bumps in the road can’t stop this. Some might argue that this here scribe is talking a whole lotta jazz but anyone fly enough and culturally astute enough to listen will hear what we’re saying.”
Watch Nas’ Black History Month video HERE
Wendy Williams Claims Meghan Markle Applied to Work on Her Show
Quite the working woman! Long before Meghan Markle fell in love with fiancé Prince Harry, she allegedly had high hopes of working for Wendy Williams.
“She applied for a job here too, yeah,” the 53-year-old host said on The Wendy Williams Show on Wednesday, February 7, of the actress, 36. “Random princess.”
The bestselling author previously discussed Markle’s apparent pursuit for a gig in December 2017. “I respect Meghan Markle’s hustle and I respect her game. However, she’s a bit of a wild card, you know, because she goes from being the Deal or No Deal girl, so this is a girl looking for game,” Williams said on her show at the time. “And remember the story here at Wendy. She came here to Wendy to find out what she could do here. She’s been here, she’s been in our building, we have her DNA.”
“I didn’t actually work with her. She was cheating with my man. Shenae [Grimes]’ character, Annie, sees him in the car and she’s like, ‘Hi,’ and Meghan’s head comes up. I was like, get it girl! I love it,” the Nip/Tuck alum joked. “She’s taking on the role of a life. She’s got to do the wave and the whole thing. She’s like a leading lady. I told Dustin, ‘You know, you’re like royalty, like three degrees of separation.’ So he was like, ‘Yeah, that makes me kind of cool, doesn’t it?’ I was like, ‘A little bit cool.’ She’s the cool one, you’re a little bit.”
Markle is keeping busy offscreen these days as she plans for her May nuptials to the Captain General of the Royal Marines, 33. The couple, who announced their engagement in November 2017, will wed at Windsor Castle at St. George’s Chapel.
Beyonce is being Sued Over Unpaid Royalties
Beyonce sued by a New Orleans rap artist over unpaid royalties…
According to NOLA reports… Beyonce is at the center of yet another federal lawsuit in connection to her 2016 hit song, “Formation,” this time accused by the star of the Oscar-nominated Hurricane Katrina documentary “Trouble the Water.”
The lawsuit was filed one day before the singer settled a separate year-long lawsuit that claimed Beyonce did not have permission to use the voice of late New Orleans bounce artist Messy Mya in the “Formation” and “Lemonade” recordings and music videos.
In a lawsuit filed Sunday, local rapper Kimberly Roberts claims Beyonce violated a contract for the use of the footage Roberts shot during Katrina and that was later used in “Trouble the Water.”
According to the lawsuit, Beyonce agreed to pay Roberts royalty fees as well as a fixed amount to use footage from her film in the “Formation” music video. However, the lawsuit claims the singer only paid Roberts for the initial licensing agreement and has since failed to pay her for royalties.
Fox Brings ‘The Four’ Back For Season 2, But Charlie Walk Absent After Sexual Harassment Claims
Just hours before the Season 1 finale of The Four: Battle For Stardom, Fox announced today that the singing competition show will be back for a second season, but they left the fate of Charlie Walk unmentioned.
Having been put on leave by the captains of industry at Universal Music Group on January 31 after allegations of sexual harassment emerged against the Republic Records boss, Walk dropped out of The Four finale the same day. In the statement from Walk’s lawyer Patricia Glaser, the record company exec said he welcomed any “investigation so that in short order these unfounded and hurtful accusations can be put to rest.” Walk did not mention returning for Season 2 of The Four.
On Thursday, his name was totally absent in the statements put out by the net and the producers.
While such a return by Walk looks increasingly unlikely, I’ve learned that in fact Season 2 contracts for fellow judges Sean Combs, DJ Khaled and Meghan Trainor have not been inked yet either. However, unlike say the changing coaching panel of The Voice, all three are expected to be back next season as a replacement for Walk is sought.
As it is, the big prize for winning The Four remains a record deal with Republic Records.
Hosted by Fergie, in The Four, four recording artists fight to defend their coveted seats as they are challenged by new singers determined to replace them. The singer who is the last standing at the end of the competition will see the panel of industry experts become key players on their team. The elite group will then guide the winner’s career to help make him or her a breakout star.
The series, which premiered January 4, is Fox’s highest-rated new unscripted series in nearly four years among adults 18-49 and total viewers.
The Four: Battle for Stardom was created by Armoza Formats and is produced by ITV Entertainment in association with Armoza Formats. David George, Adam Sher, David Eilenberg, Becca Walker, David Friedman, Avi Armoza, Moshiko Cohen and Elwin Viztelly de Groot are executive producers. Combs serves as a producer on the series.
“The Four is truly a next-generation show,” said Rob Wade, President, Alternative Series & Specials, Fox Broadcasting Company. “It has pushed past the boundaries of traditional music competition series by focusing on recording artists in an epic battle to become a superstar. And for the winner, guided by music giants Sean “Diddy” Combs, DJ Kahled, Meghan Trainor and Republic Records, this is just the beginning. We’d like to thank our panel, our ringleader, Fergie, the contestants and our incredible production team for delivering concert-quality shows every week. And we look forward to pushing the boundaries even further in Season Two.”
White House Strikes Back At Omarosa: “She was FIRED For The Fourth Time”
Earlier, Omarosa Manigault shaded the White House on ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ reality show….
“There’s a lot of people (here) that want to stab me in the back, kind of similar to the White House,” said Omarosa, who left her post in the Trump administration in December. “The one thing that I learned from politics is you have to watch your back, and sometimes you have to watch your front, too….
The White House strikes back…In Principal Deputy Press Secretary Raj Shah’s first White House press briefing, he responded to former White House aide Omarosa Manigault-Newman’s remarks that the Trump presidency “is not going to be OK”
… Not very seriously Omarosa was fired three times on the ‘Apprentice’ and this is the fourth time we let her go. She had limited contact with the President while here… She has no contact now.
OOOOPS!
Where is he Now? Brandon Hammond (Ahmad From ‘Soul Food’)
It’s been a minute since I’ve done a “Where Are They Now,” but I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge Brandon Hammond, who celebrated his 34th birthday on February 6.
Brandon was just 14-years-old when he starred in the classic film, Soul Food, as Ahmad, the son of Vivica Fox‘s character, Maxine.
Vivica took to social media to wish her movie son a Happy Birthday:
Brandon hasn’t been doing much acting over the past decade and according to a recent Facebook post, life has been a bit challenging.
Speaking of “Soul Food“….Nicole Ari Parker, Malinda Williams and Boris Kodjoe are hinting around about a reboot of the Showtime TV series.
AND FINALLY FROM THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART FILES
‘MR. MURSE’
Sir. Sir. Excuse me sir…enjoy dancing in the grass with your bestie girlfriends at the country concert.
#EGGPLANT NATION! Meet Roberto
Meet Roberto! Well to see more you can GO HERE TO SEE THE PICS! And remember they’re NSWF!
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ENJOY!
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!
EFREM
