YASSSSSS! Taraji P. Henson Covers ‘Entertainment Weekly,’ Dishes On ‘Empire’ & More
Taraji P. Henson gets gorge in a tiara and a head full of curls, on the cover Entertainment Weekly.
Inside the issue, she talks her alter ego, Cookie – her character in FOX’s hit drama, Empire, as well as all the big things she currently has on her plate.
From the upcoming new season of the show to the release of her memoir, Around the Way Girl, a new cosmetics line with MAC, and a starring role in the film Hidden Figures – in which she plays real-life NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson – alongside Janelle Monae and Octavia Spencer.
“This is my first time carrying a show and then going to carry a movie,” Taraji tells EW. “That’s a lot. It’s so stressful, and I had to really check myself because it’s so easy to take for granted when you get to a certain level. Like check yourself because people pray to be here.”
For more on Taraji, including a visit to the set and writers room of Empire’s third season, pick up the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly on newsstands now.
Here's Proof That the Real Housewives' Shady Significant Others May Be the Most Dramatic Cast Members
All you Real Housewives leave your men at home, because they may just steal your next scene.
As Bravoholics know, it doesn't matter the season or the state. When you watch the addictive franchise, chances are the drama doesn't involve just the ladies. In fact, some of the juiciest story lines have involved boyfriends, husbands and a man named Big Poppa.
Last season on Real Housewives of Orange County, Vicki Gunvalson faced plenty of scrutiny from millions of viewers when co-stars questioned if her boyfriend Brooks Ayers didn't have cancer. Spoiler alert: E! News uncovered that he was never treated for cancer at City of Hope.
More recently, fans have been glued to the Real Housewives of New York City as Luann DeLesseps found out her fiancée Tom D'Agostino kissed a woman at the Regency of all places.
And while Teresa Giudice may be all about "love, love, love" this season on Real Housewives of New Jersey, we can't help but acknowledge that her husband Joe Giudice is now serving his 41-month sentence. Perhaps the cherry on top is that Joe had the pleasure of meeting Real Housewives of Atlanta star Apollo Nida in prison. You can't write the script for this, friends.
In honor of Scandals Week at E! News, we're taking a look at the shady Real Housewives significant others who have kept viewers captivated for several years. For better or worse, they may be the true stars of the Bravo franchise.
New Music: Tinashe – Sex Wit Me (Rihanna Remix)
Tinashe got the goodies. The “Superlove” songstress surprises fans with a remix of Rihanna’s ANTI banger “Sex Wit Me.” Switching up some of the lyrics on the hook, Tinashe makes the Boi-1da-produced track her own.
“Sex with me so exclusive / All this hard work, no excuses / P*ssy so good, baby, that it’s stupid / Got a n**ga in his feelings, hit him up like Cupid,” she sings.
In an Instagram post, Tinashe revealed why she decided to remix the record. “Loved the song, so I thought it would be fun to remix #SexWithMe,” she said. “much love to @badgalriri cuz the original version is so
Tinashe is prepping for the release of her anticipated sophomore album Joyride, which is due out in October.
Press play on her Rih-mix HERE
New Hip Hop: French Montana Drops New Single Have Mercy (feat. Beanie Sigel, Jadakiss & Styles P)
While his album MC4 has been delayed, French Montana is holding fans over with some new music for the holiday weekend. He has unleashed this new track off the long-awaited album.
Originally slated for August, MC4 has been pushed back to Oct. 14. According to French, sample clearances were holding it up.
“I want to apologize to my fans that are waiting,” he tweeted. “I want to make sure the album is something special.”
LISTEN HERE
This track, along with the Drake-assisted “No Shopping” and “Said N Done” featuring A$AP Rocky, can also be heard on the new Epic Records compilation EPIC LIT.
Jada Pinkett Smith’s Mom Gets Married at 63 Proving it’s Never Too Late For Love!
Jada Pinkett-Smith’s mother Adrienne Banfield-Jones got married in a small ceremony last week.
Wearing a white Berta gown, the 63-year-old glowed in the very detailed beaded and laced dress with her husband who wore a beige suit with a red tie.
Also seen in the Instagram photo shared by Berta were Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith. Jada also wore white to the affair, but her dress was a simpler and more demure design. Will opted for a heather gray suit to complement his wife.
To those who have given up on love know that it’s never too late for a fresh start.
Congrats to them!
Angela Simmons’ Fiancé Revealed In Baby Shower Photos
Angela Simmons is getting ready to give birth.The 28-year-old had a baby shower this week with close family and friends at Sugar Factory in New York City. She also revealed to the world that she’ll be having a beautiful baby boy.
But the part of the festivities that has everyone buzzing was the confirmed identify of her fiancé and unborn child’s father. He is in fact, Sutton Tennyson, who has long been rumored to be her man. We’ve seen paparazzi photos of the pair, but Simmons has been very discrete about his identity.
As reported by E! News, the reality star and fashionista got pregnant with her first child back in May. The celeb later took to Instagram to announce the happy news with a photo of her growing baby bump, while enjoying a hike in Los Angeles. Simmons never disclosed the identity of the man in the picture, but was later was spotted stepping out with Atlanta native Tennyson. He has not commented.
But there may be good reason why.In addition to being accused of cheating with two women, he also has a lengthy wrap sheet that includes credit card forgery, identity theft, drug possession and police obstruction.
Yikes.
To see more Pics just go here!
Well, we love Angela and wish her nothing but the best. With her 29th birthday coming up in a few days, we’re sure to see more of the couple enjoying the pre-baby days.
HUH? Meek Mill and Nicki Minaj Expecting a Baby?
Rapper Meek Mill announces he and Nicki Minaj are having a baby...
...at least I think that's what he's saying here.
Well what do you think?
Here’s Why Chris Brown Was Allegedly Blocked From Role On ‘Power’
According to a new report, Chris Brown lost a role on Starz hit series, ‘Power‘, due to his reputation. The singer was said to have found out that he didn’t get the role that was promised to him by Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson, who is one of the executive producers on the show, before the alleged incident with Baylee Curran and “lost it” as a result of the news.
Sources say that 50 guaranteed the singer, who is also his friend, that he would get a major role on the show, but network execs halted it. A source close says,
50 promised Chris a big role on ‘Power,’ playing a drug dealer. But 50 didn’t consult the network first, and execs were not happy when they found out about it. The network insisted that Chris’ casting was not going to happen, because of fears about his anger issues. There was a big blowup, and they had to tell Chris he was not going to get the role. The news was delivered to him early Monday. He was livid.
50, along with other celebrities, have taken to social media, supporting Chris.
Despite reports that Chris’ role won’t come to fruition, 50 insists he’ll get the singer on the show.
He tells an outlet,
Tune into ‘Power’ next season, because you will see Chris Brown.
Gabrielle Union Regarding Nate Parker's Debacle, “I Cannot Take These Allegations Lightly”
Birth of a Nation star Gabrielle Union, a survivor of sexual assault, has remained silent since the whirlwind of controversy that exploded on the Internet about the rape allegations surrounding the film’s creator Nate Parker. As you all know by now, Nate was accused of rape 17-years ago and ultimately was acquitted.
Still, the masses for years have taken issue with the courtroom transcript and what Nate DID admit to.
Before the movie’s promo rounds kicked off, Nate rushed to the media to try and create the narrative about the situation, which ultimately backfired.
Fans of Gabrielle Union know the Hollywood star was raped at gunpoint in the back of a Payless shoe store where she worked 24 years ago. She has been quite vocal about the horrific incident in order to help raise awareness to rape culture and being an advocate against sexual violence.
So, folks have been wondering what she thought about it all seeing that she also bought in as an Executive Producer.
Now, she’s breaking her silence.
In a powerful op-ed piece for the L.A. Times, the “Being Mary Jane” actress addressed starring in a movie with Nate and her reasons behind playing a role where the character is raped.
Regardless of what people may think of Nate, Gabby is solely focused on how the film can open up conversations about rape culture, consent, sexual violence, toxic masculinity and misogyny. She hopes the film will touch a young woman who has been assaulted and to give them the courage to speak up about the injustices against women all over the world.
The 43-year-old actress also talked about teaching our young black men exactly what it means to have a women’s consent and what doesn’t constitute as a “yes” from a woman.
Below is an excerpt from her piece:
Since Nate Parker’s story was revealed to me, I have found myself in a state of stomach-churning confusion. I took this role because I related to the experience. I also wanted to give a voice to my character, who remains silent throughout the film. In her silence, she represents countless black women who have been and continue to be violated. Women without a voice, without power. Women in general. But black women in particular. I knew I could walk out of our movie and speak to the audience about what it feels like to be a survivor.
My compassion for victims of sexual violence is something that I cannot control. It spills out of me like an instinct rather than a choice. It pushes me to speak when I want to run away from the platform. When I am scared. Confused. Ashamed. I remember this part of myself and must reach out to anyone who will listen — other survivors, or even potential perpetrators.
As important and ground-breaking as this film is, I cannot take these allegations lightly. On that night, 17-odd years ago, did Nate have his date’s consent? It’s very possible he thought he did. Yet by his own admission he did not have verbal affirmation; and even if she never said “no,” silence certainly does not equal “yes.” Although it’s often difficult to read and understand body language, the fact that some individuals interpret the absence of a “no” as a “yes” is problematic at least, criminal at worst. That’s why education on this issue is so vital.
As a black woman raising brilliant, handsome, talented young black men, I am cognizant of my responsibility to them and their future. My husband and I stress the importance of their having to walk an even straighter line than their white counterparts.
To that end, we are making an effort to teach our sons about affirmative consent. We explain that the onus is on them to explicitly ask if their partner consents. And we tell them that a shrug or a smile or a sigh won’t suffice. They have to hear “yes.”
I took this part in this film to talk about sexual violence. To talk about this stain that lives on in our psyches. I know these conversations are uncomfortable and difficult and painful. But they are necessary. Addressing misogyny, toxic masculinity, and rape culture is necessary. Addressing what should and should not be deemed consent is necessary.
It is my hope that we can use this as an opportunity to look within. To open up the conversation. To reach out to organizations which are working hard to prevent these kinds of crimes. And to support its victims. To donate time or money. To play an active role in creating a ripple that will change the ingrained misogyny that permeates our culture. And to eventually wipe the stain clean.
You can read her full powerful op-ed here.
Your Thoughts?
Beyoncé and Blue Ivy escape for girls’ getaway with Michelle Obama!
Beyoncé and her mini me Blue Ivy touched down in Maryland to spend Labor Day weekend at Camp David with Michelle Obama and her daughters Malia, 18, and Sasha, 15, reports the Daily Mail. The megastar was spotted stepping off a private plane in Frederick, Maryland, on Friday afternoon, Sept. 2, looking every bit of effortless, dressed in a white tank top and jeans. Meanwhile, baby Blue wore a blue checkered dress by Zara, tennis shoes and adorable braids.
Earlier in the day, the “Feeling Myself” singer shared a series of gorgeous mother-daughter snaps on her website featuring herself with Blue Ivy as they enjoyed a stroll through New York City with their pint-size pup. Wearing a frilly pink dress and flowers in her hair, Blue looked every bit of content spending a little QT with her mommy. Check them out in the gallery below
Cute!
Toni Braxton stuns at the 2016 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards
Toni Braxton stunned attendees at the 2016 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards with her beauty, elegance, and voice. The sultry singer who captivated the music industry beginning in the ’90s was honored with the BMI President’s Award.
After being presented the award by L.A. Reid, she performed past hits such as “7 Whole Days,” and “He Wasn’t Man Enough.” Yolanda Adams and Ledisi also paid tribute by covering several of Braxton’s past hits.
Awwww, Rihanna Gets The Cutest Drake-Inspired Tattoo On Her Ankle [Photos]
Drake and Rihanna went on a date earlier this month at Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto.
“He booked out the place after midnight and had them set up a fancy dinner right in front of the glass – romance by fishtank light. I heard they stayed until just before dawn,” reports said.
At first, their romantic date night was just a rumor — but Drizzy confirmed the outing when he posted the above photo of the two hugged up outside of the building.
As you can see, there’s a camouflage-patterned shark that also made it into the photo. We’re assuming it was a cute souvenir gift from her boo.
Rihanna was later seen carrying the shark in her purse (below).
That shark clearly means something special to Rihanna, because she just got a picture of the shark TATTOOED on her ankle.
It looks like these two really have something special going on!
OOOPS! Logo Was Unaware Of ‘Finding Prince Charming’ Star’s Sex Worker Past
Logo and the team behind gay Bachelor-style series Finding Prince Charming apparently had no idea that their star Robert Sepulveda Jr. was previously an escort. Sepulveda touched briefly on his past sex work in an interview this week with The Huffington Post.
TheWrap reports:
The network was blindsided by the disclosure, TheWrap has learned, and is scrambling to contain the PR nightmare as gay activists join the growing chorus of critics for a show that’s been dubbed the gay version of “The Bachelor” and is set to premiere September 8.
A person close to the situation told TheWrap the network followed “standard protocol” when vetting Sepulveda and that “nothing came up during the background check.”
“The network didn’t find out until well into production,” he added.
But the backlash has already begun to mount. “To call him ‘Prince Charming’ is a little reckless,” AIDS activist Tyler Curry told TheWrap, while cautioning against “shaming” people who become sex workers.
Referring to the controversy for the first time, a Logo spokesperson tells TheWrap:
“‘Finding Prince Charming’ is a reality series about 13 people looking for Mr. Right. As in real life, the show will cover a range of topics people face when dating, from first time love to coming to terms with one’s past, fear of commitment and even HIV. We look forward to taking viewers on a journey of the human spirit in search of love.”
Thoughts??
EGGPLANT NATION: MEET Chocolate Reign!
Ladies and others! Meet Chocolate Reign dripping 100% dark chocolate. You can see more when GO 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!
AND FINALLY FROM THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART FILES
‘RED, WHITE & BLUE’
Enjoy your Labor Day everybody!
HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD AND HAPPY LABOR DAY EVERYBODY!!!
EFREM
