Your FABULOUS First Look: "Black Panther" From Ta-Nehisi Coates
Given The Honors bestowed on journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates in the past year—a MacArthur “genius” grant for his writing on race and politics, a National Book Award for his best-selling memoir, Between the World and Me—it’s a pleasant surprise that his next major project is a comic book. But the Atlantic magazine correspondent is an avowed Marvel fanboy, and the fact that he’s writing a new series for Black Panther, comics’ first mainstream black superhero, feels like the perfect pairing of subject and scribe. Black Panther debuts today, with art by Brian Stelfreeze, and in May the character joins the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Captain America: Civil War. (A stand-alone movie, helmed by Creed’s Ryan Coogler, is due in 2018.) Coates shares his take on comics’ newest claws célèbre.
The folks over at WIRED sat down for an interview. See below!
What sold you on the Black Panther gig?
I mean, it was Marvel and it was a comic book. I would have written anything for them. When I started reading comics, there was no Black Panther series in motion, and he wasn’t in the Avengers at that time either, so I wasn’t as up on him as other people. Once I went back and did the really heavy research, I began to feel like I had my particular take on the character.
The plot involves a terrorist attack on Black Panther’s kingdom of Wakanda, which spurs a popular revolt. How influenced were you by the ongoing war on terror?
A lot. I was also influenced by the recent wave of revolution through the Middle East and the American Revolution. Once these revolutions are done they might be perceived as heroic, but it doesn’t always look heroic at the time. It might look downright villainous. I mean, the American revolutionaries tarred and feathered people.
What’s your take on the politics of Wakanda?
Wakanda is the most advanced nation on earth—in certain renditions of Black Panther, these guys came up with a cure for cancer—and yet it has the most primitive form of governance on the planet: absolute monarchy. The one case an absolute monarch can make is “I keep the people safe.” What happens in a country where that’s no longer true? How do the people feel about that? That’s the story we’re telling.
Writing for comics has to be very different than writing Between the World and Me or one of your Atlantic pieces, like “The Case for Reparations.” What were the biggest challenges in tackling a new genre?
In prose, you can tell people what you see. In comic books, you have to imagine what the thing looks like and give some sort of direction to the artist—and then on top of that, you have to be extremely open to the artist. A very specific example of this is the powers [Black Panther’s alter ego] T’challa has. We knew he has this Vibranium-weave suit, we knew he could absorb punches, but Brian came up with this idea of really using that notion of absorption: What if he could push [the kinetic energy] back out? That’s a kind of synergy that doesn’t exist when you’re writing a book and doesn’t exist too much when you’re writing an article.
What else came out of your collaboration with Brian?
Brian came up with this idea of tech bracelets that all Wakandans are born with. You can use the tech bracelet to text, but you can also use the tech bracelet to throw up a video projection. And throughout the course of the life of a Wakandan, you get beads that differentiate you. The idea is so creative, so big and beautiful, that I’m struggling with ways to use it. I never would have thought of that, ever.
Did you ever feel you were getting too didactic?
Not really—I have a venue to express my political thought. This isn’t my chance to talk about #BlackLivesMatter in comic book form. This is not a propaganda sheet. This is supposed to be exhilarating, fun to read. The politics are in the background. What’s in front is people punching each other.
Do you think you’ll continue doing the comic after this yearlong series?
I’d like to. It’s like being a kid again; it’s like playing in the sandbox. I love it.
And we agree! Black Panther will make his debut in the upcoming Captain America: Civil War film !
Black Panther is available for viewing NOW!
#RHOA: Did Cynthia Bailey go back to LEON?
Cynthia Bailey has made it obvious that her and not so fan favorite Peter are no longer together.
Speaking with Bravo Cynthia gave a quote stating that her and Peter Thomas were “definitely not together” right now.
Per Cynthia: “The status of our relationship is we are not in a good place. Peter is in Charlotte, and as you can see, I’m in New York. We’re definitely not together. I have been taking some time for myself to just kind of figure out how I would like to move forward. We haven’t officially done anything at this point, but we are definitely talking about taking steps to officially move forward in a different direction.”
I don’t think this surprised many people as Cynthia and Peter seemed to have an awkward relationship from the start! Between the cheating rumors and the distance between the two- there didn’t seem to be much hope for their relationship.
With a divorce seeming inevitable – fans have been raising eyebrows at who she has been seen with around town and rumors are swirling that the two are dating.
Who is the new mystery boyfriend? None other than her daughter’s father, ex-fiancée Leon Robinson! Cynthia has hinted at this, as she has recently called not husband Peter – but Leon her soul mate! She even told Peter when they first got together that Leon was part of the package.
Leon is an actor who has starred in movies such as The Temptations and a personal favorite of mine – Cool Runnings!
While it’s easy to say that Cynthia is just hanging out with him because they share a child together – Cynthia seems to recently keep bringing him up in interviews and as she is separated from Peter it does seem suspicious. Maybe we will get to see Derice Bannock next season on RHOA (Cool Runnings reference!)
Do you think Cynthia is secretly dating Leon?
#EMPIRENEWS: Jussie Smollett and Serayah has new tracks 'Like My Daddy' and “Look But Don’t Touch,”
All is not well in the Lyon’s den on this week’s episode of Empire.Just after Hakeem turned on Lucious to take control of Empire Records in the midseason premiere, it appears as if Jamal, too, might soon reach his limit with the Lyon patriarch. In “Like My Daddy,” premiering exclusively on EW, Jamal (Jussie Smollett) takes shots at Lucious in a song unlike we’ve ever heard from the normally soft-spoken singer.
With biting lines like, “It’s hard to love the devil, he’s a hater,” and, “You sing of loyalty, but you the snitchin’ ass bitch,” it’s clear that Jamal has had enough of Lucious’ machinations. On the show, Jamal’s songs are usually more polished and uplifting, but “Like My Daddy” is a clear departure from that norm. Smollett shifts from singing to almost screaming over a distorted piano and percussion synth, erupting in gunshots during the chorus. Listen to it HERE
In other Empire soundtrack news, the network also released “Look But Don’t Touch,” a solo venture from Serayah McNeill as Tiana. The sleek pop song was produced by Jim Beanz, and as McNeill previously told EW, the track gave her “a little taste of being on tour and going solo. … It’s so catchy; I feel like the fans will love it.”
Listen HERE
Both songs will appear on “A Rose By Any Other Name,” airing Wednesday at 9:00 p.m. ET on Fox.
New Music: Monica – Hustler’s Ambition (Remix) Featuring Akon & Young Jeezy
Monica has made the
tune “Alone In Your Heart” the next single off her album, but she’s also decided
to drop a remix to her duet with Akon.
The new version of
“Hustler’s Ambition” features a verse from Young Jeezy. The original version of
the song can be found on Monica‘s album which came out late last
year.
No word on whether “Hustler’s Ambition” will be officially released as a single sometime in the future, but it doesn’t look like she is finished promoting the album.
LISTEN HERE
Monica wrapped up the first leg of her “Code Red” tour back in December and she’s announced that she’s currently working on a second part. Stay tuned for tour dates!
#HOTNEWHIPHOP: New Music: Phife Dawg – ‘Nutshell’
Phife Dawg lives on. Nearly two weeks after his passing, a new song from the Tribe Called Quest MC has been released.
The J Dilla-produced “Nutshell” dropped today as a reminder of some of Phife’s greatest qualities. “Undefeated, unblemished, underrated,” he rhymes on the track. “Unfiltered, unafraid, unaffected / Undaunted, unabashed, and undeniable.”
The song is set to appear on a posthumous album called Give Thanks, which his family plans to release. “Phife loved his fans, and was so excited for them to hear his new music. I feel like he would have wanted it this way,” said his wife Deisha, while his manager, Dion Liverpool, added, “The single displays Phife’s legendary wordplay as he describes himself, in a nutshell, so to speak.”
Phife’s family will donate 50 percent of proceeds from the song to the American Diabetes Association and the National Kidney Foundation.
Download “Nutshell” on iTunes and watch the video HERE
R.I.P Phife!
Erica Campbell Shares Exclusive Pics from Hair Line Photoshoot
If you keep up with the MaryMary show on We TV, you know Erica Campbell loves wigs. That’s why her teaming up with celebrity hair stylist Vernon Martin didn’t come as a surprise.
Campbell was tapped a few months ago to be the ambassador of his VeMa Couture Hair company. And the partnership extends way beyond a few photos and endorsements; they’ve actually created a 100% Indian hair line called “Erica by Erica Campbell,” which carries unique hair extensions and wigs.
Check out the photos below:
From the looks of Instagram, EC is in Baltimore doing another shoot for a few new pieces coming to her hair line. She’s been in the DMV area performing in Evangel Art’s “More Than Triumphant” spring production alongside Kim Burrell, Donnie McClurkin and Travis Greene, clearly, keeping busy…
She brought her plaque on set to show to the ladies and the crowd. “Yes, oh my God. It’s right here,” she excitedly says. “Yes, me and my sister went to Arkansas for a fashion show. And you know, unbeknownst to me, the Secretary of the State came out with this award and was like, [Snaps.] “It’s Tamar Braxton Day today!” And I said, “Look at God!”
Tamar Braxton Previews ‘Tamar Collection’ & Is Honored With Her Own Day In Arkansas
Tamar Braxton headed to Little Rock, Arkansas with her sister Towanda over the weekend, where she previewed her clothing line, “Tamar Collection,” and was also honored with her very own day.
“Yes, I was recently honored in the great state of Arkansas and I’m proud to say guess what. April 2nd is officially Tamar Braxton Day!” the singer and reality star shares, while chatting with her fellow The Real co-hosts.
She brought her plaque on set to show to the ladies and the crowd. “Yes, oh my God. It’s right here,” she excitedly says. “Yes, me and my sister went to Arkansas for a fashion show. And you know, unbeknownst to me, the Secretary of the State came out with this award and was like, [Snaps.] “It’s Tamar Braxton Day today!” And I said, “Look at God!”
She also shared photos on Instagram from the event, which show the models rockin’ the runway in her pieces. From a sexy blue mini dress, to a green jumper, and a breezy white dress that’s right on time for spring.
“I recall when i just wanted to sing,” she added on Instagram. “Now I have my OWN day April 2nd in Arkansas.. I’m not even from here.. I’m so full.. Thank you so much Jesus.”
Congrats Tamar!
A Speedy Gonzalez movie is reportedly zooming into theaters
Warner Bros. is reportedly working on an animated movie version of the famous Looney Tunes character who's touted as the fastest mouse in Mexico. Eugenio Derbez would voice the lead role.
"In Mexico, we grew up watching Speedy Gonzales," the actor told Deadline. "He was like a superhero to us, or maybe more like revolutionario, like Simon Bolivar or Pacho Villa."
Producer Dylan Sellers tells Deadline the film will be an "origin story." He also name-dropped a certain tawny-haired politician who's been known to spew anti-Mexican rhetoric as partial inspiration.
“In a time when Donald Trump is gaining momentum, the world needs Speedy more than ever," he says.
The cartoon has a contentious place in history, however, because of its offensive Mexican stereotypes. On the DVD box set for Looney Tunes, a disclaimer appears before Speedy portions.
“The cartoons you are about to see are products of their time," it reads. "They may depict some of the ethnic and racial prejudices that were commonplace in American society. These depictions were false then and are still false today."
Some took to Twitter to voice their disapproval of the news.
Think about how much a Speedy Gonzales feature film will cost & then think about what other idea the money could instead be invested in.
— Shadow And Act (@shadowandact) April 4, 2016
"So about this movie with Latino leads..."
"It won't sell. Not mainstream enough"
"Hey, how about a Speedy Gonzales movie?"
"SOLD!"
— Film Fatale NYC (@FilmFatale_NYC) April 4, 2016
"We want more diversity in Hollywood"
"Hmm what if we do a Speedy Gonzales movie?" https://t.co/SS3oI3KWsV
— Arielle Thode (@ariellefrancey) April 4, 2016
But on the flipside, some pointed out that the character still has fans, especially in Mexico.
So... they announce a Speedy Gonzales movie and people cry racism... totally ignoring that HERE IN MEXICO he is a really popular icon.
— Hugo Arrambide (@Avencri) April 4, 2016
It's odd seeing U.S. reports snicker at the SPEEDY GONZALES movie while the Mexican actor/producer is like "This is REALLY beloved here."
— Bob Chipman (@the_moviebob) April 4, 2016
LOL!..Well what are your thoughts?
Timbaland Wins Legal Battle Accusing Him of Stealing Music
Timbaland scored a victory in the legal battle accusing him of stealing a musician’s work and using it as his own for a Michael Jackson track, with the artist who filed suit against the music producer dismissing all claims against him without being paid.
A musician named Sidney Swanson filed a federal lawsuit against MJJ Productions – the company in charge of releasing the Michael Jackson’s music, Timbaland and Sony Music.
The man explained he released a song entitled “On the Move” back in 2002. He accused Timbaland of stealing his music for the song, “Chicago” – which he produced and was featured on Michael Jackson’s posthumous album “Xscape” – and he filed suit for copyright infringement.
He demanded damages for the copyright infringement along with an injunction against MJJ Productions, Timbaland and Sony from continuing to distribute the song.
Timbaland fired back at the unknown musician’s allegations that he stole music for Michael’s song, “Chicago”. The music producer denied all claims he infringed on the man’s copyright.
He explained that he produced MJ’s song by himself and created it independently. He even said the musician doesn’t even own a valid copyright to his 2002 song and therefore he cannot even sue for infringement.
Timbaland demanded the entire lawsuit be thrown out and the man be awarded NOTHING.
Then on March 24th, docs were filed in the case by Swanson explaining he is dismissing all claims against Timblanad and Sony Music and he will not be able to re-file the suit ever again.
Swanson says he is dismissing his entire lawsuit against the music producer and label over claims they infringed on his copyright. Further, he has agreed with the defendants to not seek any money from them for his court costs. He also acknowledges under oath that even though he is dismissing his lawsuit he is not being paid a dime from Timbaland or the label.
Paris Jackson gets tattoo tribute to her late father Michael to celebrate 18th birthday
Paris, who celebrated her milestone birthday on Sunday, had the words 'Queen of My Heart' tattooed on her wrist in her father's handwriting.
'To everyone else he was the King of Pop,' she captioned the image. 'To me, well, he was the king of my heart.'
Paris got her inking at Timeless Tattoo 738 by LA based artist Justin Lewis.
The tattoo artist wrote on his own Instagram account: 'Paris Michael Jackson got her tattoo today, letters from her father, so sweet'.
June 25th will mark the seven year anniversary of the King Of Pop's death.
Michael passed away in 2009 at the age of 50. He left behind three children, including Paris.
The tattoo artist wrote on his own Instagram account: 'Paris Michael Jackson got her tattoo today, letters from her father, so sweet'.
June 25th will mark the seven year anniversary of the King Of Pop's death.
Michael passed away in 2009 at the age of 50. He left behind three children, including Paris.
She is the only daughter of the late King of Pop, and has 19-year-old brother Prince Michael and 14-year-old brother 'Blanket' (whose real name is also Prince Michael).
Stevie J Upset About MiMi's Lesbian Storyline on LHHATL!
On the season premier of Love and Hip Hop Atlanta MiMi Faust has a coming out party to introduce Atlanta to her new lesbian lover Chris
MiMi's baby father Stevie J does not approve...
Stevie J tells TMZ he doesn't want his daughter with MiMi raised in a lesbian household.
Stevie also accuses MiMi of only pretending to be gay for her Love and Hip Hop storyline.
Stevie tells TMZ he plans to talk to MiMi about his concerns before he decides wether or not to take legal action.
Beyonce Lawsuit Filed Against Ripoff Company Called ‘Feyonce’
*You would think that since Beyonce is an ultra-high profile person that no one would be stupid enough to try and jack her name to promote their business.
Yep, you think that. But, that’s exactly the case for a company that now finds itself in the legal cross hairs of the singer and cultural phenomenon who is known all over the world.
Beyonce, according to TheWrap, filed a lawsuit against a company that’s selling products branded with the word “Feyonce.” Of course the claim is that the products infringe on her trademark. And she’s right.
The suit, filed Tuesday in federal court in New York, takes issue with a line of clothing bearing the phrase “Feyonce.”
The company selling the products, Feyonce Inc., also offers a mug with the phrase “He put a ring on it,” a play on the lyrics to Beyonce’s hit “Single Ladies.”
The suit claims that the Feyonce brand “is nearly identical to Plaintiffs’ famous Beyonce trademark.
“Despite letters from Plaintiffs to Defendants demanding that they cease and desist from selling their infringing activities, Defendants continue to sell unauthorized products and to trade upon the goodwill associated with Plaintiffs, all for Defendants’ profit,” the lawsuit reads.
Feyonce has not yet responded to TheWrap’s request for comment.
As the complaint points out, Beyonce owns numerous trademark registrations for her mark, including for “entertainment services, clothing, mobile digital electronic devices, fragrances and makeup.”
The suit claims that the alleged infringing products are “causing irreparable harm” to the singer. Well, we don’t quite buy that, but we get her point.
Trust, it won’t be long before we’re reporting that this “Feyonce” entity is either out of business or at the least has been forced to change their name and/or made to stop ripping off Beyonce.
#EGGPLANT NATION: GRRRRRL! BEARD PATROL!
Yeah he isn’t your Dad’s Grizzly Adams. Yeah, I know you wanna see more. Well GO HERE TO SEE THE PICS! And remember they’re NSWF!
Thank Me Later!
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘#NEGLIGEE’
Yaaaaa, you know what all guys like girl. Some sexy boudoir pics at Walmart. That’s what I’m talking about. Real classy like.
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
