The Cast “Eclipsed” Cast on the cover of UPTOWN Magazine Cover
Oscar winning actress Lupita Nyong’o, playwright Danai Gurira and the “Eclipsed” cast are ready to make their mark on Broadway all while slaying a new magazine cover.
The history making all-female, all-black cast and crew, led by Broadway’s only two black lead producers, graces the newest cover of UPTOWN magazine and it is breathtaking! All of this #blackgirlmagic in one shoot is almost too much for us to handle.
The cast wrapped up their first Broadway preview at the Golden Theatre last night. And now, they’re dishing to UPTOWN on what it’s like making Broadway history, how important it is to tell the untold stories of black women, and why this project is so near and dear to their hearts.
Lupita Nyong'o on being drawn to Eclipsed:
"I was first cast as the understudy in the role I’m playing now so it was the very first role I under-studied and it was the very first role that I was assigned to at Yale. I was just drawn. I thought it was an incredibly engaging and riveting story and I was just dumbfounded that I never experienced anything like it before -- five African women telling their stories and each of the women are so distinct from the other one. And it was so funny and also heart-breaking at times. It was just a very powerful story."
Lupita on making history:
"I’m very proud to be part of a milestone of a production that is all female...and to be a part of a production like none other that has been on Broadway and is also changing the narrative of what is possible on Broadway."
Danai Gurira on telling the story from the women's perspective:
"Creating this play was an act of love. I got on a plane from New York to Ghana and from Ghana to Liberia and I was broke ... but I knew I had to do it, my heart felt really driven to tell the stories in the voice of the women. I was crazy."
Danai on why telling stories like Eclipsed are important:
"That for me is really the most important thing, the exposure of these voices. Honestly, the reason why I write what I write is because it’s kind of inexplicable the silence and the lack of representation around these types of women and these stories. That’s kind of the thing that excites me the most is the idea that we’re breaking that type of barrier with these types of women and hearing these particular voices on The Great White Way. It’s really time to break through those barriers and show that there isn’t a reason for the lack of representation or the under-representation."
Pascale Armand on making women's voices heard:
"There are no men ... You’re seeing the story from the female perspective ... being able to tell this story and not have a male voice in it is just wonderful because most of the time women’s voices are silent. And so being able to speak for ourselves and tell the story the way we want to is wonderful and it’s something we haven’t seen in a long time."
Zainab Jah on how close "Eclipsed" hits home:
"I read it and I said I know exactly who she is. When I first went to the audition, I asked Danai was it based on real-life women and she asked me ‘How do you know that?’ and I told her that I knew much about their stories ... I have family members, one female cousin, who were involved in the war and I haven’t seen them since the war. So this character was really real to me."
Akosua Busia on why her involvement in "Eclipsed" is personally important:
"This work resonated with me because of the work I’ve been doing with the refugee camp for Liberians. Ghana was one of the countries they fled to. Danai’s writing is so specific and although, as an actress, you cannot put every [thing] on that stage, you have to do your best and bring some kind of homage to the people who went through that."
Saycon Sengbloh on telling the story of her countrywomen:
"I’m really proud. I think it’s really awesome to be a part of something like this, in terms of making history."
You can read their full interview here.
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#RHOA: Cynthia Bailey Happy To Receive “Sincere” Apology From Kenya Moore In Jamaica
After minimizing her “BFF” status with Kenya Moore in front of boomerang bestie Nene Leakes, Cynthia Bailey is doing a bit of backtracking. Since Kenya apologized to Cynthia in Jamaica, Cynthia has officially returned to gushing about The Twirl That Does Not Come Unless It Is Called For! Indeed, Cynthia shared in her blog that Kenya’s friendship “means the world” to her.
But it wasn’t all insincere apologies and BFF reunions for the Real Housewives of Atlanta this week, for there was gossip to be spread about newbie Kim Fields‘ poor, unsuspecting husband! Cynthia comments on the situation: “When Sheree [Whitfield] brought up the Chris rumors to Kim, I was glad I had no part in the earlier conversations regarding his sexuality. My husband has consistently been a hot topic amongst some of the ladies in the group, and regardless of whether or not a rumor has any validity, once it is out there it never really goes away.”
Apparently, Cynthia’s dysfunctional love for Kenya never goes away either. She reflects, “I felt Kenya’s apology was very sincere and I was happy to receive it. In my heart I know that Kenya is my friend and only wants the best for me, as I only want the best for her.” So, clearly that list of infractions committed by Kenya is not being trotted out at a future date? Perhaps the reunion would be a perfect venue? (Or maybe it will be considered a prop!)
Cynthia continues, “Best friend or not, her friendship means the world to me and I never meant to intentionally do anything to hurt her feelings. For that, I am truly sorry. Looking back, I wish I had been clearer about our relationship in Jamaica and expressed myself accordingly.”
Entering a Name and State on this site could reveal info you thought wasn't available. Have you searched yourself or someone you know yet?
So, did Kenya’s irrational, inappropriate, and juvenile treatment of Kim during the ENTIRE Jamaica trip not have any affect on Cynthia at all? It remains to be seen.
Cynthia closes her blog with some delusional well-wishing for Krayonce and Kim’s joint future on RHOA: “I hope that one day Kenya and Kim can get past their issues and at least be cool again. I have been in this circle six years now. I have seen the best of friends fallout and ladies who were never close become thick as thieves
What do you think?
Music News: Anthony Hamilton Announces Fifth Studio Album ‘What I’m Feelin”
Following the release of his new single “Amen,” soulful crooner Anthony Hamilton has officially announced his forthcoming fifth studio album, What I’m Feelin’, will be released on March 25 via RCA Records.
The project reunited Hamilton and longtime collaborator Mark Batson, who produced 10 of the album’s 12 tracks. Batson co-wrote and produced the singer’s top 5 Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs hit “Charlene” and the title track from his breakthrough second album, Comin’ From Where I’m From. Previous Hamilton collaborators Salaam Remi and James Poyser produced the new album’s two r emaining tracks: “Take You Home” and the aforementioned “Amen.”
“What I’m Feelin’ is a special album for me,” says Hamilton. “I reconnected with one of my favorite producers, Mark Batson, who produced my most career-defining records so it made sense. Alongside my engineer Bruce Irvine, we all decided to record in Nashville so we could really focus on creating a special sound. While in Miami with Salaam Remi and James Poyser, we came up with ‘Amen’. I’m really proud of this album. I think it’s a must have for R&B and soul lovers.”
See the full track listing below.
WHAT I’M FEELIN’ TRACKLIST:
01. Save Me
02. Ain’t No Shame
03. What I’m Feelin’ feat. The HamilTones
04. Amen
05. I Want You
06. Never Letting Go
07. Grateful
08. Walk in My Shoes
09. Take You Home
10. Still
11. Ever Seen Heaven
12. Love Is an Angry Thing
via Billboard.
Hip Hop News: OOOPS! A$AP Rocky Got Jumped in New Zealand!
A$AP Rocky got jumped by several guys in a dispute over an elevator ride in New Zealand, according to sources.
via TMZ: According to sources way down under … A$AP was at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland around 3 AM local time. He has a concert there Thursday night. We’re told he was getting into an elevator with some girls, and 3 guys wanted to get in also — but A$AP told ’em there was no room left, and then it was on.
We’re told the guys jumped the rapper, punching him in the head and face … while he tried to protect the girls.
Witnesses say the suspects knew who they were dealing with because they were yelling … “F**k A$AP!” Hotel security eventually broke it up until cops arrived and nabbed one suspect — a 35-year-old local who was booked for assault and resisting police.
It’s unclear what, if any, injuries A$AP suffered …
Well The Harlem native hopped on Twitter posting a picture of his face to show he was not harmed during the assault. A$AP down played the incident calling it a “lil scuffle” and that he’s still pretty:
About an hour later he posted:
Oh?
And Another One! Nashville Police Union Vote to Boycott Beyonce
The Nashville Fraternal Order of Police have voted to join the growing Beyonce boycott...
Earlier this month the Miami Police Officers Union voted to boycott the upcoming Beyonce concert in protest of her racially charged Super Bowl performance.
Now the Nashville Police Officers Union have also voted to join the Beycott.
In a statement released yesterday the Nashville Fraternal Order of Police president urged officers not to sign up for Beyonce's security detail because of the 'pretty obvious anti-policing messages' in her music.
Meanwhile the North Carolina Police Officers Union voted unanimously not to participate in the boycott.
FYI: The Nashville police chief has already addressed the controversy stating whether or not officers volunteer to work the Formation Tour public safety is the no.1 concern and police security will be provided.
Sounds like The BeyHive needs to sign up for her security!
Brian McKnight Says He Does Not Owe The IRS
Brian McKnight has been hit with a tax lien against his California house, and could lose the home because he failed to pay his tax bill, TMZ reports.
The IRS has imposed a lien against the home in order to secure $340k to satisfy an unpaid tax bill. Per a payment plan he worked out with the IRS in 2010, Brian was paying off the debt, but he stopped paying the monthly installments a year later.
McKnight is a multi-instrumentalist who plays eight instruments, and his work as a singer/songwriter and producer has earned him 16 Grammy Awards nominations, though he has never won. In 1999, McKnight released Back at One, his most successful album to date, which has sold over 3 million copies.
Brian blames his past money problems on a bad accountant. In 2014, he sued his former accountant for allegedly ruining his credit. He also claimed his music royalties had been frozen and his driving license had been suspended.
While TMZ reported of his tax problems on Tuesday, the singer set the record straight during an interview with The Insider, saying that the report is “old news,” and that “everything is fine” with his finances.
McKnight has two daughters with his ex-wife, Julie McKnight. The couple divorced in 2003, and since then, Brian has fathered two daughters by two different women. He reportedly lives in Chatsworth, CA with his girlfriend and her two children.
Brian was as a surprise guest during Rascal Flatts’ Saturday night show in their new mini-residency “Rhythm & Roots” at the Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel Las Vegas. He delighted fans with a performance of “One Last Cry” and “Back at One.”
Rumor Alert... Bobby Brown and wife Alicia Etheredge expecting their third child together.
Bobby Brown did not waste any time getting Alicia knocked up again. Sources inform NYD news reports, A source close to the “My Prerogative” singer tells Confidenti@l that Brown and his wife Alicia Etheredge are expecting their third child together. Etheredge, who has been married to Brown since 2012, just gave birth to their daughter Bohdi on July 11. That delivery came the same month Brown’s 22-year old daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown died, seven months after being found unresponsive in a bathtub.
What’s The REAL Reason Rihanna didn’t perform at the Grammys?
Last week Rihanna fans were left disappointed after a sudden case of bronchitis forced the last minute cancelation of her planned Grammy performance
Was the bronchitis excuse really a Jedi mind trick..? Insiders tell Page Six the real reason Rihanna backed out just 30 minutes before showtime is because she got cold feet after watching Kendrick Lamar's rehearsal.
The backstage source claims,
“[Rihanna] felt like her performance couldn’t compare [to some of the other artists’], and she was trying to avoid the embarrassment because she knew it wasn’t the right comeback performance. She said, ‘I’m not doing this.’”
Rihanna was scheduled to perform the slow ballad 'Kiss It Better.'
BUT IN THE MEANTIME Rihanna made it to the 2016 Brit Awards hitting the carpet in a purple Armani number. Then, she hit the stage to back it up on Drake and perform a duet with SZA. Peep her red carpet arrival flicks and performances inside….
After a cancelled performance and some delayed tour dates, Rihanna was on the scene for the 2016 BRIT Awards to rock the stage at the O2 Arena. She was front-and-center on the red carpet ahead of the festivities. The “BBHMM” singer sashayed down the carpet in a lavender tiered Armani Prive couture gown from the Spring 2016 collection. She topped her look off with a black, sleek bob and accessorized with Jack Vartanian diamond earrings and Casa Reale diamond bracelets and ring.
FAB!
‘The View’ Renewed for a 20th Season, Raven-Symoné’s Return Uncertain
The View will be returning for its 20th season. However, it’s unclear which panelists will be returning along with it.
Our sources exclusively tell us that despite inadvertently giving the show much-needed publicity, Raven-Symoné’s future with the show is just as uncertain as the other panelists’.
via Deadline: Many of their contracts are up this year, including Goldberg’s. Most of the freshman panelists nabbed one-year pacts after a roller coaster 18th season that saw Rosie O’Donnell exit less than six months after rejoining the show she’d previously appeared on the acrimonious, headline-grabbing 2006-07 season. Not long after her exit, The View shed new panelists Rosie Perez and Nicolle Wallace. This season’s panelists include returned Joy Behar, Candace Cameron Bure, Michelle Collins, Raven-Symoné and ABC News’s Paula Faris
The View is now grappling with its CBS rival The Talk for eyeballs in the genre that The View creator Barbara Walters pioneered 19 seasons ago. And this season to date, its numbers are down compared to last season.
In total viewers, the show is averaging is 2.68M viewers this season, through 21 weeks, while The Talk is clocking 2.73M. The View also lags behind The Talk among women 25-54: 546K to 593K. In women 18-49 The View’s 401K follows The Talk’s 421K.
To be honest, the show’s gotten so much press this last season we can’t imagine them getting rid of any of the current panelists.
Tisha Campbell-Martin Releases ‘Lazy B*tch (This Ain’t Gina)’ Video
Tisha Campbell-Martin is showing off her alter ego, in her new video ‘Lazy B*tch (This Ain’t Gina)’. The video, produced by Milan Zoe and directed by Liform Film & Sound, shows a less conservative side of the actress/singer.
On the track, she spits/sings rhymes like
"You outta order. You outta order. This ain’t Gina b*tch, that’s a rookie a** move so respect the order. Stand on my shoulder. Let me help you daughter. Real fame cost, but you can’t afford it….I’m a lazy b*tch. And I won’t stand up to address the sh*t."
Tisha is joined by singer/producer B Slade, along with her BFF Tasha Smith. See the video below.
Watch HERE!
YASSSSSSSSS! Tisha!
2016 ALL DEF MOVIE AWARDS: See the Celebs Hit The BLACK Carpet!
Russell Simmons' inaugural All Def Movie Awards were held at Lure nightclub in Hollywood last night. And a slew of celebs came out to celebrate black excellence. The awards show will air on the same day as the Oscars (Feb. 28th) at 7pm EST on the Fusion network.
Taking a break from the studio, The Perfect Guy starlet Sanaa Lathan stepped out looking her usual gorgeous self on the black carpet. The 44-year-old actress got fierce in a blush colored bodycon midi dress that hugged her curves in all the right places. Sanaa nabbed the Best Actress award.
Congrats!
Comedian Tony Rock was snapping it up on the black carpet with his family before hitting the stage to host the event as he often hosts All Def Comedy Live shows. The little girl is Tony's cute niece Madison whom he talks about often on social media.
Adorbs.
Hip Hop mogul Russell Simmons, the man behind the awards ceremony, was all smiles as he posed it up next to the evening's host. In a statement announcing the awards show, the All Def Digital founder said, “The All Def Movie Awards are not the Black Oscars, but they could be.”
Russell brought his model girlfriend Lucy McIntosh along as his date for the festivities.
Father-son duo Ice Cube and O’Shea Jackson Jr. were also in the mix as their movie Straight Outta Compton was up for an award. Rapper Snoop Dogg, who skipped out on this year’s Grammy Awards, was front-and-center for the awards show.
SOC won the Best Picture Award beating films Beasts of No Nation, Chi-raq, Concussion, Creed, and DOPE. Cube also won the Best Black Survivor in a Movie award for his role as Danny Rich in Anaconda.
Model/singer Cassie put her best foot forward in a nude chiffon dress with a high-slit. There were rumors she and Diddy had called it quits. Weeks after the break up rumors started circulating, the actress was spotted in an Instagram video with Diddy in his bathroom. Mmmhmm...we'll be keeping an eye out.
Meanwhile, Cassie is gearing up for the release of her new film The Perfect Match, which is expected to hit theaters March 11th.
The Perfect Match star Michael Ealy, whom we haven't seen on a carpet recently, came out to show his support of Black Hollywood.
“Born Again Virgin” star Eva Marcille looked like goddess in a coral maxi dress.The former “Top Model” chickhas been keeping busy with new gigs. She just premiered on the new BET reality show “About The Business” last night.
"Vanity" star Karrueche Tran was also on the scene days after her ex-boyfriend Chris Brown released a new track, "F*ck You Back to Sleep (Remix)" attempting to swoon her back into his life. Kae has yet to publicly respond to the track. Do you think we will win her back?
Comedian Bill Bellamy came out to show his support. He just wrapped up two films, Kindergarten Cop 2 and The Bounce Back, that will be hitting the box office later this year.
Well here's an interesting look. Funnyman Affion Crockett, who stars in the comedy Fifty Shades of Black, showed off his eclectic style one the carpet.
Reality star and actress Tami Roman is keeping in fab these days.
“Real Husbands of Hollywood” star and comedian J.B. Smoove brought his lovely wife Shahidah Omar along as his date for the evening. Love her sparkly two-piece ensemble.
Comedian Gary Owen, who joked about celebrating his 1st Black History Month since being traded for Stacey Dash, was in the mix for the fun. He presented Ice Cube with the Best Black Survivor in a Movie award.
"LAHH: Hollywood" star Moniece Slaughter stepped out rocking a new look. We almost didn't recognize her.
Actor Robert Townsend and his gorgeous daughter Skye Townsend came to show their support snapping up with Russ on the black carpet.
Below are is the list of All Def Movie Award winners:
Best Picture
Straight Outta Compton
Accepted by Ice Cube and O'Shea Jackson Jr.
Best Actress
Sanaa Lathan - The Perfect Guy
Best Actor
Michael B. Jordan - Creed
Best Director
Ryan Coogler - Creed
Lifetime Achievement Award
Will Smith
Presented by Tyrese Gibson
Vanguard Award
Norman Lear
Presented by Jerrod Carmichael
Best Helpful White Person
Christoph Waltz
(Accepted by Robin Thicke, who accepted "on behalf of all White People")
Best Bad Muh Fu$&a Award
Denzel Washington
Most Quoted Movie
Friday
Presented to Ice Cube
Best Black Survivor in a Movie
Ice Cube as Danny Rich in Anaconda
presented by Gary Owen
Most Likely to Steal Your Girl Award
Amber Rose
Will Smith was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, but he was a no-show at the event.
If you're not watching the Oscars, the All Def Movie Awards is an alternative to the show. It will premiere on Feb. 28th at 7pm EST on Fusion.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘LIFE GOALS’
Relationship Goal: Unable to embarrass one another.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!
EFREM
