#MAGFAB: Naomi Campbell Covers Harper's Bazaar France May 2024
Supermodel Naomi Campbell covers the May 2024 issue of Harper’s Bazaar France.
Ignoring retouching that is fixated on Naomi’s lower lip and mouth — and not with a light hand — the supermodel goes sporty and looks fabulous. Styled by Elodie David, Naomi wears Loewe and Levis on the cover.
Photographer Karim Sadli [IG] is in the studio, capturing the woman described [translated from French] “with almost four decades at the top of the podium, a breathtaking figure, iron will and discipline, universal notoriety, to embody it?”
Bazaar France continues in advance of the London V&A Naomi Campbell exhibition opening June 22, 2024 with their candid description of the supermodel, writing:
“Being a warrior, having a mind of steel, knowing how to take hits, landing a few, falling and always getting back up, being able to learn from your mistakes, such seems to be Naomi Campbell's karma. What if that was the prerogative of champions?”
#RHOA: Did Kenya Moore Accidentally Reveal She'll Be on 'The Traitors' Season 3?
Step aside Phaedra Parks! There may be a new Traitor making their way from Atlanta to Scotland. On April 26, 2024, in a now deleted Instagram story, Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kenya Moore might have just spoiled her involvement on Season 3 of Peacock's hit reality show The Traitors.
Supermodel Naomi Campbell covers the May 2024 issue of Harper’s Bazaar France.
Ignoring retouching that is fixated on Naomi’s lower lip and mouth — and not with a light hand — the supermodel goes sporty and looks fabulous. Styled by Elodie David, Naomi wears Loewe and Levis on the cover.
Photographer Karim Sadli [IG] is in the studio, capturing the woman described [translated from French] “with almost four decades at the top of the podium, a breathtaking figure, iron will and discipline, universal notoriety, to embody it?”
Bazaar France continues in advance of the London V&A Naomi Campbell exhibition opening June 22, 2024 with their candid description of the supermodel, writing:
#RHOA: Did Kenya Moore Accidentally Reveal She'll Be on 'The Traitors' Season 3?
In the Instagram video, Moore walked into a room setup for hair and makeup but on the door a sign read "TALENT" with The Traitors logo underneath. This of course led fans to speculate online as to whether Moore would follow several other Housewives, including RHOA's Phaedra Parks and Sheree Whitfield, to the Traitors mansion. One X user commented "Did Kenya Moore just show she will be on The Traitors?! She posted this video of the "Talent" room and you can clearly see #TheTraitors logo!"
While Peacock did not supply us with a comment on the video, it has since been taken down from Moore's Instagram account.
Peacock has indeed renewed The Traitors, their reality TV show set at a Scottish castle in which celebrities compete in a murder mystery game for a cash prize, for Season 3. However, due to the typical filming cycle which sees seasons shot in the fall to air in the winter, it seems unlikely that Moore is actually competing right now. While she does seem attached to the show in some capacity, and has perhaps even been cast in Season 3, filming theoretically wouldn't begin for months.
Will Kenya Moore appear on The Traitors Season 3? Will she venture off to the turret to commit murder? Will she scarf down boiled eggs at breakfast? Only time will tell.
#MusicNews: Normani Shares First ‘Dopamine’ Single “1:59” Featuring Gunna
On (April 26), Normani unveiled “1:59,” the first single from her highly anticipated debut album, Dopamine. The new track, featuring Gunna, explored the back-and-forth dialogue between two past lovers reconnecting and the irresistible attraction felt every time they reunite.
“Phone ringin’, it’s you, I’m on that time/ You on it too, what’s on your mind? I’m on it too/ Call me, I come through, I fantasize/ You want it two times on the side, clocks in the rooms,” Normani sang on the opening verse.
Meanwhile, Gunna delivered lines like, “I can tell your time ’cause you gon’ like the things I do/ Sexy camera shine ’cause ‘least she met when it’s time to room/ F**k it, we made love to tunes, f**kin’ shrooms/ Lock you to the bed, don’t let you move.”
Listen to the song HERE
Dopamine is set to drop on June 14 through RCA Records. The project has been a long time in the making, especially considering Normani launched her solo career in 2018 following Fifth Harmony’s indefinite hiatus. Outside of her duets with the likes of Khalid and 6LACK, the songstress shared “Motivation” in 2019.
Normani went on to release “Wild Side” featuring Cardi B in 2021. The record peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and also received a remix from KAYTRANADA. In 2022, the Atlanta native put out “Fair,” which was met with praise from fans.
“Dopamine represents the highs and the lows I’ve endured. It’s been such an emotional roller coaster. I worked relentlessly with my creative director, [Kwasi Fordjour]. We did our research,” Normani told ELLE. “I really wanted to have a title that felt like it definitely encompassed everything that I feel I’ve been through in my journey to get to the point that I’m in right now. [The cover] feels energetic. It feels like a hit, and I feel like people have been waiting — [it’s been] one of the most highly anticipated projects.”
#HipHopNews: Eminem Announces New Album ‘The Death of Slim Shady,’
Eminem has been releasing music for nearly three decades, but he’s not quite finished yet. On Thursday (April 25), the legendary rapper announced he will be releasing his next project The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grace) this summer. The album marks his 12th studio album.
The calculated Detroit native was especially detail-oriented with the reveal, as he shared the news with a short trailer on social media right after the appearing at the first round of the NFL Draft in Detroit last night.
The clip shows a news segment that plays into the LP’s title, which signals the end of his “Slim Shady” moniker. “Through his complex and criticized, tongue-twisting rhymes, the anti-hero known as Slim Shady has had no shortage of enemies,” a crime reporter says in the video.
50 Cent then makes a brief cameo as a witness, explaining, “He’s not a friend, he’s a psychopath.”
The reporter also hints that fans may be about to witness a “recreation” and send-off of one of Em’s most iconic chapters. “The same rude lyrics and controversial antics may have ultimately led to his demise,” he said. “Join me as we recreate the events that led to the murder of Slim Shady.” Eminem himself shows up at the end of the trailer, noting, “I knew it was only a matter of time for Slim.”
The news of The Death of Slim Shady doesn’t come as a complete surprise, as Dr. Dre told Jimmy Kimmel earlier this year that albums by Eminem and Snoop Dogg were both done and ready to make landfall this year.
“Eminem is working on his own album, which is coming out this year. I actually talked to him and he said it was okay for me to make that announcement right here on this show. So he has an album coming out, I’ve got songs on it and it’s fire,” he said.
Eminem’s last LP, Music to Be Murdered By, arrived in January of 2020. It housed features from Young M.A., Royce Da 5’9″, White Gold, Ed Sheeran, Juice WRLD, Skylar Grey, Don Toliver, and others. Following that was Curtain Call 2 in 2022, which was the second greatest hits offering from the music veteran.
Beyoncé And Blue Ivy Carter Star In Disney’s ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’
Beyoncé And Blue Ivy Carter will take their real-life relationship to the big screen, bringing a legendary fictional story to life.
The mother-daughter duo has been revealed as voice talent for Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King, directed by Barry Jenkins. In the prequel film, Mrs. Carter revisits her 2019 role from the live-action Lion King adaptation as Nala. The 12-year-old joins as Kiara, Nala, and Simba’s lion cub.
“Beyoncé is this larger-than-life figure, but when she’s working with her daughter, when she’s in the room with her daughter, she’s a mom first,” said the acclaimed filmmaker to Good Morning America. “So much of that energy bled into the film.”
He continued, “I think for them, too, they just approached it that they both wanted to perform and do the best they could. And yet, they didn’t have to pretend very much because they really are mother and daughter.”
WATCH
John Kani (Rafiki), Seth Rogen (Pumbaa), Billy Eichner (Timon), and Donald Glover (Simba) join the COWBOY CARTER musician in reprising their respective roles from the 2019 live-action Lion King film. Aaron Pierre leads as Mufasa, Kelvin Harrison Jr. as portrays Taka, Tiffany Boone portrays Sarabi, and Mads Mikkelsen portrays Kiros.
Additional casting includes Kagiso Lediga as Young Rafiki, Preston Nyman as Zazu, Thandiwe Newton as Taka’s mother, Eshe, Lennie James as Taka’s father, Obasi, Anika Noni Rose as Mufasa’s mother, Afia, and Keith David as Mufasa’s father, Masego. Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu, Folake Olowofoyeku, Joanna Jones, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, Abdul Salis, and Dominique Jennings also lend their voices to the world of Pride Rock.
Mufasa is set to feature original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, with additional music and performances from South African composer Lebo M.
“Elton John. Tim Rice. Hans Zimmer. Lebo M. Mark Mancina. Beyoncé, Labrinth, Ilya Salmanzadeh. Beau Black, Ford Riley, the incredible music team on The Lion Guard, and so many musical contributors over the years,” detailed Miranda in a statement.
“The Lion King has an incredible musical legacy with music from some of the greatest songwriters around, and I’m humbled and proud to be a part of it. It’s been a joy working alongside Barry Jenkins to bring Mufasa’s story to life, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience this film in theaters.”
The official description for Mufasa: The Lion King reads as follows:
“Mufasa: The Lion King enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka—the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny—their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.”
Mufasa: The Lion King is produced by Adele Romanski & Mark Ceryak, and executive produced by Peter Tobyansen. The star-studded film is due in theaters on Dec. 20, 2024
The 2024 TONY* Nominations are here and the nominees are???
The TONY* nominations honor outstanding shows and artists of the 2023–24 Broadway season.
We are proud to announce the annual TONY* nominations, honoring the best Broadway achievements in the 2023-24 Broadway season.
Best Play
Jaja’s African Hair Braiding by Jocelyn Bioh
Mary Jane by Amy Herzog
Mother Play: A Play in Five Evictions by Paula Vogel
Prayer for the French Republic by Joshua Harmon
Stereophonic by David Adjmi
Best Musical
Days of Wine and Roses
Hell’s Kitchen
Illinoise
Suffs
Water for Elephants
Hell's Kitchen
Photograph: Courtesy Marc J. FranklinHell's Kitchen
Best Revival of a Play
Appropriate
An Enemy of the People
Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch
Best Revival of a Musical
Gutenberg! The Musical!
Merrily We Roll Along
Spamalot
The Who’s Tommy
Best Book of a Musical
Kristoffer Díaz, Hell’s Kitchen
Rick Elice, Water for Elephants
Craig Lucas, Days of Wine and Roses
Adam Rapp and Justin Levine, The Outsiders
Shaina Taub, Suffs
Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Will Butler, Stereophonic
David Byrne and Fatboy Slim, Here Lies Love
Adam Guettel, Days of Wine and Roses
PigPen Theatre Co., Water for Elephants
Shaina Taub, Suffs
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play
Steve Carell, Uncle Vanya
Leslie Odom Jr., Purlie Victorious
Liev Schreiber, Doubt
Jeremy Strong, An Enemy of the People
Michael Stuhlbarg, Patriots
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play
Betsy Aidem, Prayer for the French Republic
Jessica Lange, Mother Play
Sarah Paulson, Appropriate
Rachel McAdams, Mary Jane
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
Josh Gad, Gutenberg! The Musical!
Jonathan Groff, Merrily We Roll Along
Brian d’Arcy James, Days of Wine and Roses
Andrew Rannells, Gutenberg! The Musical!
Chip Zien, Harmony
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Maleah Joi Moon, Hell’s Kitchen
Eva Noblezada, The Great Gatsby
Kelli O’Hara, Days of Wine and Roses
Maryann Plunkett, The Notebook
Shaina Taub, Suffs
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play
Will Brill, Stereophonic
Alex Brightman, The Shark Is Broken
Michael Esper, Appropriate
Billy Eugene Jones, Purlie Victorious
Jay O. Sanders, Purlie Victorious
Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play
Sarah Pidgeon, Stereophonic
Susan Pourfar, Mary Jane
Brenda Wehle, Mary Jane
Zenzi Williams, Jaja’s African Hair Braiding
Kara Young, Purlie Victorious
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical
Ben Cook, Illinoise
Byron Jennings, Days of Wine and Roses
Paul Alexander Nolan, Water for Elephants
Daniel Radcliffe, Merrily We Roll Along
Ricky Ubeda, Illinoise
Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
Shoshana Bean, Hell’s Kitchen
Jenn Colella, Suffs
Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer, Spamalot
Kecia Lewis, Hell’s Kitchen
Lindsay Mendez, Merrily We Roll Along
Best Direction of a Play
Daniel Aukin, Stereophonic
Sam Gold, An Enemy of the People
Anne Kauffman, Mary Jane
Kenny Leon, Purlie Victorious
Lila Neugebauer, Appropriate
Best Direction of a Musical
Maria Friedman, Merrily We Roll Along
Michael Greif, Days of Wine and Roses
Michael Greif, Hell’s Kitchen
Des McAnuff, The Who’s Tommy
Jessica Stone, Water for Elephants
Best Choreography
Camille A. Brown, Hell’s Kitchen
JaQuel Knight, The Wiz
Lorin Latarro, The Who’s Tommy
Keone and Mari Madrid, Once Upon a One More Time
Justin Peck, Illinoise
Best Orchestrations
Timo Andres, Illinoise
Adam Guettel and Jamie Lawrence, Days of Wine and Roses
Tom Kitt and Adam Blackstone, Hell’s Kitchen
Steve Margoshes and Rick Fox, The Who’s Tommy
Michael Starobin, Suffs
Best Scenic Design of a Play
Alexander Dodge, I Need That
dots, Appropriate
Lael Jellinek, Mary Jane
Scott Pask, Grey House
David Zinn, Stereophonic
Best Scenic Design of a Musical
Paul Tate dePoo III, The Great Gatsby
Tim Hatley and Finn Ross, Back to the Future: The Musical
Takeshi Kata, Water for Elephants
David Korins, Here Lies Love
Tom Scutt, Cabaret
Best Costume Design of a Play
Deborah Andrews and Miriam Buether, Patriots
Dede Ayite, Jaja’s African Hair Braiding
Enver Chakartash, Stereophonic
Toni-Leslie James, Mother Play
Emilio Sosa, Purlie Victorious
Best Costume Design of a Musical
Dede Ayite, Hell’s Kitchen
Sarafina Bush, The Who’s Tommy
Linda Cho, The Great Gatsby
Soutra Gilmour, Merrily We Roll Along
Clint Ramos, Here Lies Love
Best Lighting Design of a Play
Isabella Byrd, An Enemy of the People
Amith Chandrashaker, Prayer for the French Republic
Jiyoun Chang, Stereophonic
Jane Cox, Appropriate
Natasha Katz, Grey House
Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Natasha Katz, Hell’s Kitchen
Tim Lutkin and Hugh Vanstone, Back to the Future
Brian MacDevitt, The Outsiders
Justin Townsend, Here Lies Love
Amanda Zieve, The Who’s Tommy
Best Sound Design of a Play
Adam Cork, Patriots
Tom Gibbons, Grey House
Daniel Kluger, Prayer for the French Republic
Bray Poor and Will Pickens, Appropriate
Ryan Rumery, Stereophonic
Best Sound Design of a Musical
Dogg and Cody Spencer, Here Lies Love
Garth MacAleavey, Illinoise
Gareth Owen, Hell’s Kitchen
Gareth Owen, The Who’s Tommy
Brian Ronan, The Great Gatsby
Congratulations to the 2024 TONY* nominees!
A Security guard was shot outside music executive and The Weeknd’s partner Cash XO’s Encino home
Los Angeles authorities were investigating after a security guard was shot multiple times outside a music executive’s multi-million-dollar home in Encino.
The music executive was identified as Amir Esmailian, more commonly known as Cash XO. He founded XO Records with Grammy Award-winning artist, The Weeknd.
The Los Angeles Police Department said multiple 911 calls came in reporting shots fired near the 101 Freeway and White Oak Avenue around 2:30 a.m. Monday. One of the calls came from the victim who reported he had been shot by the guard shack and described the suspects as three armed men wearing hoodies and surgical masks. After being shot, the suspects ran away from the scene.
When first responders arrived, the shooting victim was rushed to an area hospital in critical condition. He was taken into surgery and is expected to survive, authorities said in an update around 7 a.m.
Investigators said at least four people were inside the home at the time of the shooting and it is believed the security guard was working for Esmailian.
Security guard shot outside music executive’s home
A security guard was shot outside a music executive’s home in Encino early Monday morning.
Authorities were also exploring the possibility that the suspects were attempting a burglary or home invasion.
Investigators said the suspects never made it into the home.
The investigation is active and ongoing.
#BoxOfficeNews: Zendaya's 'Challengers' Smashes To No. 1 At Box Office
"Challengers" has conquered the North American box office on its first weekend. The romantic sports drama easily smashed to the first place with approximately $15 million from 3,477 locations in the U.S. ad Canada.
"We're obviously very, very happy with the number," said Kevin Wilson, who heads theatrical distribution for Amazon Studios and MGM. "Looking at the audience who showed up, it's really encouraging. It's not the easiest audience to get to theaters."
Women made up 58% of ticket buyers, who also skewed younger overall. 41% of the audiences were between the ages of 18 and 24.
While Tom Holland was not part of the movie in any way, he should be credited for hyping up the film. The British actor supported his girlfriend Zendaya Coleman by promoting the movie on his Instagram page on Saturday, April 27. He posted the film's poster featuring a close-up shot of the Emmy-winning actress and wrote along with it, "I know what I'm doing this weekend!"
Despite the No. 1 debut, Luca Guadagnino's sexy, R-rated drama was way from having a championship performance as it has a hefty $55 million budget. While reviews are positive and audiences gave it an average grade of B+, the competition will only get fiercer next week with the arrival of Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt's action comedy "The Fall Guy".
Wilson, however, doesn't seem to sweat it out as he expressed his confidence with the upcoming streaming performance of "Challengers". "This movie is going to way over-perform when it gets on our platform," he said, noting that the theatrical revenues are essentially helping to off-set the film's marketing costs. "Amazon's financials are a little bit different in terms of comparing them to other studios."
Another newcomer this week, "Unsung Hero" debuts at No. 2 with an estimated $7.8 million. The drama about the formation of the popular Christian rock duo For King & Country cost a mere $6 million to produce, giving the faith-based film a clear path to profitability.
Elsewhere in the top five, "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" holds on to the third place with an estimated $7.2 million. Previous champion "Civil War" drops to No. 4 with approximately $7 million after holding onto the first place for two weeks in a row. "Abigail" also plunges from No. 2 to No. 5 with an estimated $5.2 million.
Top 10 of North American Box Office (Apr. 16-28, 2024):
"Challengers" - $15 million
"Unsung Hero" - $7.8 million
"Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" - $7.2 million
"Civil War" - $7 million
"Abigail" - $5.2 million
"The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" - $3.9 million
"Kung Fu Panda 4" - $3.6 million
"Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" - $3.2 million
"Dune: Part Two" - $1.98 million
"Boy Kills World" - $1.7 million
Rihanna Reveals How Her 2 Sons Bring New Purpose to Her Life
“Phone ringin’, it’s you, I’m on that time/ You on it too, what’s on your mind? I’m on it too/ Call me, I come through, I fantasize/ You want it two times on the side, clocks in the rooms,” Normani sang on the opening verse.
Meanwhile, Gunna delivered lines like, “I can tell your time ’cause you gon’ like the things I do/ Sexy camera shine ’cause ‘least she met when it’s time to room/ F**k it, we made love to tunes, f**kin’ shrooms/ Lock you to the bed, don’t let you move.”
Listen to the song HERE
Dopamine is set to drop on June 14 through RCA Records. The project has been a long time in the making, especially considering Normani launched her solo career in 2018 following Fifth Harmony’s indefinite hiatus. Outside of her duets with the likes of Khalid and 6LACK, the songstress shared “Motivation” in 2019.
Normani went on to release “Wild Side” featuring Cardi B in 2021. The record peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and also received a remix from KAYTRANADA. In 2022, the Atlanta native put out “Fair,” which was met with praise from fans.
“Dopamine represents the highs and the lows I’ve endured. It’s been such an emotional roller coaster. I worked relentlessly with my creative director, [Kwasi Fordjour]. We did our research,” Normani told ELLE. “I really wanted to have a title that felt like it definitely encompassed everything that I feel I’ve been through in my journey to get to the point that I’m in right now. [The cover] feels energetic. It feels like a hit, and I feel like people have been waiting — [it’s been] one of the most highly anticipated projects.”
#HipHopNews: Eminem Announces New Album ‘The Death of Slim Shady,’
The calculated Detroit native was especially detail-oriented with the reveal, as he shared the news with a short trailer on social media right after the appearing at the first round of the NFL Draft in Detroit last night.
The clip shows a news segment that plays into the LP’s title, which signals the end of his “Slim Shady” moniker. “Through his complex and criticized, tongue-twisting rhymes, the anti-hero known as Slim Shady has had no shortage of enemies,” a crime reporter says in the video.
50 Cent then makes a brief cameo as a witness, explaining, “He’s not a friend, he’s a psychopath.”
The reporter also hints that fans may be about to witness a “recreation” and send-off of one of Em’s most iconic chapters. “The same rude lyrics and controversial antics may have ultimately led to his demise,” he said. “Join me as we recreate the events that led to the murder of Slim Shady.” Eminem himself shows up at the end of the trailer, noting, “I knew it was only a matter of time for Slim.”
The news of The Death of Slim Shady doesn’t come as a complete surprise, as Dr. Dre told Jimmy Kimmel earlier this year that albums by Eminem and Snoop Dogg were both done and ready to make landfall this year.
“Eminem is working on his own album, which is coming out this year. I actually talked to him and he said it was okay for me to make that announcement right here on this show. So he has an album coming out, I’ve got songs on it and it’s fire,” he said.
Eminem’s last LP, Music to Be Murdered By, arrived in January of 2020. It housed features from Young M.A., Royce Da 5’9″, White Gold, Ed Sheeran, Juice WRLD, Skylar Grey, Don Toliver, and others. Following that was Curtain Call 2 in 2022, which was the second greatest hits offering from the music veteran.
Beyoncé And Blue Ivy Carter Star In Disney’s ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’
Beyoncé And Blue Ivy Carter will take their real-life relationship to the big screen, bringing a legendary fictional story to life.
The mother-daughter duo has been revealed as voice talent for Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King, directed by Barry Jenkins. In the prequel film, Mrs. Carter revisits her 2019 role from the live-action Lion King adaptation as Nala. The 12-year-old joins as Kiara, Nala, and Simba’s lion cub.
“Beyoncé is this larger-than-life figure, but when she’s working with her daughter, when she’s in the room with her daughter, she’s a mom first,” said the acclaimed filmmaker to Good Morning America. “So much of that energy bled into the film.”
He continued, “I think for them, too, they just approached it that they both wanted to perform and do the best they could. And yet, they didn’t have to pretend very much because they really are mother and daughter.”
WATCH
John Kani (Rafiki), Seth Rogen (Pumbaa), Billy Eichner (Timon), and Donald Glover (Simba) join the COWBOY CARTER musician in reprising their respective roles from the 2019 live-action Lion King film. Aaron Pierre leads as Mufasa, Kelvin Harrison Jr. as portrays Taka, Tiffany Boone portrays Sarabi, and Mads Mikkelsen portrays Kiros.
Additional casting includes Kagiso Lediga as Young Rafiki, Preston Nyman as Zazu, Thandiwe Newton as Taka’s mother, Eshe, Lennie James as Taka’s father, Obasi, Anika Noni Rose as Mufasa’s mother, Afia, and Keith David as Mufasa’s father, Masego. Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu, Folake Olowofoyeku, Joanna Jones, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, Abdul Salis, and Dominique Jennings also lend their voices to the world of Pride Rock.
Mufasa is set to feature original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, with additional music and performances from South African composer Lebo M.
“Elton John. Tim Rice. Hans Zimmer. Lebo M. Mark Mancina. Beyoncé, Labrinth, Ilya Salmanzadeh. Beau Black, Ford Riley, the incredible music team on The Lion Guard, and so many musical contributors over the years,” detailed Miranda in a statement.
“The Lion King has an incredible musical legacy with music from some of the greatest songwriters around, and I’m humbled and proud to be a part of it. It’s been a joy working alongside Barry Jenkins to bring Mufasa’s story to life, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience this film in theaters.”
The official description for Mufasa: The Lion King reads as follows:
“Mufasa: The Lion King enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka—the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny—their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.”
Mufasa: The Lion King is produced by Adele Romanski & Mark Ceryak, and executive produced by Peter Tobyansen. The star-studded film is due in theaters on Dec. 20, 2024
The 2024 TONY* Nominations are here and the nominees are???
We are proud to announce the annual TONY* nominations, honoring the best Broadway achievements in the 2023-24 Broadway season.
Best Play
Jaja’s African Hair Braiding by Jocelyn Bioh
Mary Jane by Amy Herzog
Mother Play: A Play in Five Evictions by Paula Vogel
Prayer for the French Republic by Joshua Harmon
Stereophonic by David Adjmi
Best Musical
Days of Wine and Roses
Hell’s Kitchen
Illinoise
Suffs
Water for Elephants
Hell's Kitchen
Photograph: Courtesy Marc J. FranklinHell's Kitchen
Best Revival of a Play
Appropriate
An Enemy of the People
Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch
Best Revival of a Musical
Gutenberg! The Musical!
Merrily We Roll Along
Spamalot
The Who’s Tommy
Best Book of a Musical
Kristoffer Díaz, Hell’s Kitchen
Rick Elice, Water for Elephants
Craig Lucas, Days of Wine and Roses
Adam Rapp and Justin Levine, The Outsiders
Shaina Taub, Suffs
Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Will Butler, Stereophonic
David Byrne and Fatboy Slim, Here Lies Love
Adam Guettel, Days of Wine and Roses
PigPen Theatre Co., Water for Elephants
Shaina Taub, Suffs
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play
Steve Carell, Uncle Vanya
Leslie Odom Jr., Purlie Victorious
Liev Schreiber, Doubt
Jeremy Strong, An Enemy of the People
Michael Stuhlbarg, Patriots
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play
Betsy Aidem, Prayer for the French Republic
Jessica Lange, Mother Play
Sarah Paulson, Appropriate
Rachel McAdams, Mary Jane
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
Josh Gad, Gutenberg! The Musical!
Jonathan Groff, Merrily We Roll Along
Brian d’Arcy James, Days of Wine and Roses
Andrew Rannells, Gutenberg! The Musical!
Chip Zien, Harmony
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Maleah Joi Moon, Hell’s Kitchen
Eva Noblezada, The Great Gatsby
Kelli O’Hara, Days of Wine and Roses
Maryann Plunkett, The Notebook
Shaina Taub, Suffs
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play
Will Brill, Stereophonic
Alex Brightman, The Shark Is Broken
Michael Esper, Appropriate
Billy Eugene Jones, Purlie Victorious
Jay O. Sanders, Purlie Victorious
Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play
Sarah Pidgeon, Stereophonic
Susan Pourfar, Mary Jane
Brenda Wehle, Mary Jane
Zenzi Williams, Jaja’s African Hair Braiding
Kara Young, Purlie Victorious
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical
Ben Cook, Illinoise
Byron Jennings, Days of Wine and Roses
Paul Alexander Nolan, Water for Elephants
Daniel Radcliffe, Merrily We Roll Along
Ricky Ubeda, Illinoise
Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
Shoshana Bean, Hell’s Kitchen
Jenn Colella, Suffs
Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer, Spamalot
Kecia Lewis, Hell’s Kitchen
Lindsay Mendez, Merrily We Roll Along
Best Direction of a Play
Daniel Aukin, Stereophonic
Sam Gold, An Enemy of the People
Anne Kauffman, Mary Jane
Kenny Leon, Purlie Victorious
Lila Neugebauer, Appropriate
Best Direction of a Musical
Maria Friedman, Merrily We Roll Along
Michael Greif, Days of Wine and Roses
Michael Greif, Hell’s Kitchen
Des McAnuff, The Who’s Tommy
Jessica Stone, Water for Elephants
Best Choreography
Camille A. Brown, Hell’s Kitchen
JaQuel Knight, The Wiz
Lorin Latarro, The Who’s Tommy
Keone and Mari Madrid, Once Upon a One More Time
Justin Peck, Illinoise
Best Orchestrations
Timo Andres, Illinoise
Adam Guettel and Jamie Lawrence, Days of Wine and Roses
Tom Kitt and Adam Blackstone, Hell’s Kitchen
Steve Margoshes and Rick Fox, The Who’s Tommy
Michael Starobin, Suffs
Best Scenic Design of a Play
Alexander Dodge, I Need That
dots, Appropriate
Lael Jellinek, Mary Jane
Scott Pask, Grey House
David Zinn, Stereophonic
Best Scenic Design of a Musical
Paul Tate dePoo III, The Great Gatsby
Tim Hatley and Finn Ross, Back to the Future: The Musical
Takeshi Kata, Water for Elephants
David Korins, Here Lies Love
Tom Scutt, Cabaret
Best Costume Design of a Play
Deborah Andrews and Miriam Buether, Patriots
Dede Ayite, Jaja’s African Hair Braiding
Enver Chakartash, Stereophonic
Toni-Leslie James, Mother Play
Emilio Sosa, Purlie Victorious
Best Costume Design of a Musical
Dede Ayite, Hell’s Kitchen
Sarafina Bush, The Who’s Tommy
Linda Cho, The Great Gatsby
Soutra Gilmour, Merrily We Roll Along
Clint Ramos, Here Lies Love
Best Lighting Design of a Play
Isabella Byrd, An Enemy of the People
Amith Chandrashaker, Prayer for the French Republic
Jiyoun Chang, Stereophonic
Jane Cox, Appropriate
Natasha Katz, Grey House
Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Natasha Katz, Hell’s Kitchen
Tim Lutkin and Hugh Vanstone, Back to the Future
Brian MacDevitt, The Outsiders
Justin Townsend, Here Lies Love
Amanda Zieve, The Who’s Tommy
Best Sound Design of a Play
Adam Cork, Patriots
Tom Gibbons, Grey House
Daniel Kluger, Prayer for the French Republic
Bray Poor and Will Pickens, Appropriate
Ryan Rumery, Stereophonic
Best Sound Design of a Musical
Dogg and Cody Spencer, Here Lies Love
Garth MacAleavey, Illinoise
Gareth Owen, Hell’s Kitchen
Gareth Owen, The Who’s Tommy
Brian Ronan, The Great Gatsby
Congratulations to the 2024 TONY* nominees!
A Security guard was shot outside music executive and The Weeknd’s partner Cash XO’s Encino home
Los Angeles authorities were investigating after a security guard was shot multiple times outside a music executive’s multi-million-dollar home in Encino.
The music executive was identified as Amir Esmailian, more commonly known as Cash XO. He founded XO Records with Grammy Award-winning artist, The Weeknd.
The Los Angeles Police Department said multiple 911 calls came in reporting shots fired near the 101 Freeway and White Oak Avenue around 2:30 a.m. Monday. One of the calls came from the victim who reported he had been shot by the guard shack and described the suspects as three armed men wearing hoodies and surgical masks. After being shot, the suspects ran away from the scene.
When first responders arrived, the shooting victim was rushed to an area hospital in critical condition. He was taken into surgery and is expected to survive, authorities said in an update around 7 a.m.
Investigators said at least four people were inside the home at the time of the shooting and it is believed the security guard was working for Esmailian.
Security guard shot outside music executive’s home
A security guard was shot outside a music executive’s home in Encino early Monday morning.
Authorities were also exploring the possibility that the suspects were attempting a burglary or home invasion.
Investigators said the suspects never made it into the home.
The investigation is active and ongoing.
#BoxOfficeNews: Zendaya's 'Challengers' Smashes To No. 1 At Box Office
"We're obviously very, very happy with the number," said Kevin Wilson, who heads theatrical distribution for Amazon Studios and MGM. "Looking at the audience who showed up, it's really encouraging. It's not the easiest audience to get to theaters."
Women made up 58% of ticket buyers, who also skewed younger overall. 41% of the audiences were between the ages of 18 and 24.
While Tom Holland was not part of the movie in any way, he should be credited for hyping up the film. The British actor supported his girlfriend Zendaya Coleman by promoting the movie on his Instagram page on Saturday, April 27. He posted the film's poster featuring a close-up shot of the Emmy-winning actress and wrote along with it, "I know what I'm doing this weekend!"
Despite the No. 1 debut, Luca Guadagnino's sexy, R-rated drama was way from having a championship performance as it has a hefty $55 million budget. While reviews are positive and audiences gave it an average grade of B+, the competition will only get fiercer next week with the arrival of Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt's action comedy "The Fall Guy".
Wilson, however, doesn't seem to sweat it out as he expressed his confidence with the upcoming streaming performance of "Challengers". "This movie is going to way over-perform when it gets on our platform," he said, noting that the theatrical revenues are essentially helping to off-set the film's marketing costs. "Amazon's financials are a little bit different in terms of comparing them to other studios."
Another newcomer this week, "Unsung Hero" debuts at No. 2 with an estimated $7.8 million. The drama about the formation of the popular Christian rock duo For King & Country cost a mere $6 million to produce, giving the faith-based film a clear path to profitability.
Elsewhere in the top five, "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" holds on to the third place with an estimated $7.2 million. Previous champion "Civil War" drops to No. 4 with approximately $7 million after holding onto the first place for two weeks in a row. "Abigail" also plunges from No. 2 to No. 5 with an estimated $5.2 million.
Top 10 of North American Box Office (Apr. 16-28, 2024):
"Challengers" - $15 million
"Unsung Hero" - $7.8 million
"Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" - $7.2 million
"Civil War" - $7 million
"Abigail" - $5.2 million
"The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" - $3.9 million
"Kung Fu Panda 4" - $3.6 million
"Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" - $3.2 million
"Dune: Part Two" - $1.98 million
"Boy Kills World" - $1.7 million
Rihanna Reveals How Her 2 Sons Bring New Purpose to Her Life
When it comes to her kids, Rihanna will be all they need and more. In fact, the "Umbrella" singer detailed life as a mother of two to her sons RZA, 23, months and Riot, 8 months with her longtime partner A$AP Rocky—and why it helps her career.
"They bring purpose to every aspect of my life," Rihanna explained to E! News' Francesca Amiker at Fenty Beauty's Soft'Lit Naturally Luminous Longwear Foundation launch April 26. "Everything has to be intentional, and everything has to be worth it—especially when it takes me away from them." (For more with Rihanna, watch E! News April 29.)
And Rihanna—who was sporting her new blonde hair and a simple cream strapless dress for the launch—explained how she picks and chooses her work, especially attending the latest Fenty beauty event.
"They've got to eat, for one, so I've got to work," she joked. "This is totally worth it. This is the biggest launch we've had since we launched this brand in 2017."
As for how Rihanna is fairing as a boy mom? In her home, she's the only girl in the world.
"It makes me feel really cool to be a boy mom," she added. "I get to be as casual and busted as I want to, but it also forces me to embrace the epic things about being a woman and female and all my femininity—I embrace it so much more now."
And while Rihanna is shining bright like a diamond in her house of boys, she has previously teased plans for a daughter in her future.
In fact, when sharing with E! News in December one thing she hopes to achieve that she hasn't yet, she said, "So far, have daughters."
"I'm batting at 75 percent for a boy next time," she added. "So, we'll just keep our fingers crossed."
Britney Spears' Settlement Protects Her From Reviving Conservatorship Trauma
Britney Spears has settled with her father Jamie Spears in a case that stems from her 13-year conservatorship. The settlement was reportedly designed to protect Britney from reliving the traumatic experiences she endured during that period.
Despite the settlement, Britney expressed her hurt and lack of justice in a recent Instagram post. The decision was made to focus on protecting her from further trauma, rather than pursuing accountability for Jamie's control over her life and finances.
The settlement saddles Britney with Jamie's $2 million legal fees, in addition to the $4 million she reportedly spent on her own attorney. This has left her in a worse financial position than before the trial.
Britney's father served as her conservator throughout her 13-year conservatorship, which ended in 2021. During that time, she accused him of financial misconduct and "abusive" treatment.
The settlement avoids a trial that would have forced Britney to publicly relive her most embarrassing experiences. Jamie Spears has denied wrongdoing, stating that he only wants the best for his daughter.
Despite the settlement, the legal battles surrounding Britney's conservatorship have continued, with attorneys hashing out issues such as attorneys' fees and allegations of wrongdoing.
K. Michelle Accuses Tamar Braxton Of Throwing “Subs And Jabs” With “Black Country” Remarks
K. Michelle and Tamar Braxton‘s on-again, off-again issues with one another were on-again this weekend after the “Tennessee” songstress called out the Braxton sister for what she believed were subliminal shots thrown her way during a recent interview.
The Calling All Lovers singer appeared on the 100th episode of the We Sound Crazy podcast last week, where she was asked her thoughts on Beyoncé’s COWBOY CARTER album and Black artists within the country music space
“I think that Black country is so necessary. I’m so happy that people with talent, who can actually sing country music that are Black people, are finally getting the recognition they deserve,” Braxton, 47, began. “I just really appreciate Beyoncé for opening the door for all the other Black artists that have rode that wave behind the floodgates.”
She then went on to compliment three Black country artists, though she couldn’t recall their names, before adding, “because there was some who should not have been singing country Black music that was awful, and it was concerning for me. I’m not trying to be funny, it just didn’t sound good. And you got to make sure, if you’re going to step into a new genre of music and represent for us, you gotta represent, it gotta be right.”
Considering their past tension and K. Michelle’s years-long pursuit of country music, many, including the “Country Love Song” artist, assumed Braxton’s remarks were about her.
“Imagine you keep playing with someone who’s minding they business, then BOOM. They sick of you. One tweet and screenshot and it’s over 4ya,” K. Michelle, 42, tweeted Sunday (April 28). “I don’t pull stunts Raggedy Ann, I pull cards.”
She then tweeted “Loud Cackling hyena” before sharing a photo of a muppet, an insult she used to hurl at Braxton regularly during the peak of their feuding in the mid 2010s.
After fans began to tag both ladies within the thread, Tamar replied to a follower who came to her defense, explaining that she was not referring to the former reality star.
“@TamarBraxtonHer’s not talking about @kmichelle. We’ve been down that road before, and I’m sure neither wants to revisit that,” wrote the fan, with Braxton adding, “I absolutely was not!! I said a FEW artists! I paid homage to Beyonce 4bringing positive attention to country music. There are people who i don’t address n don’t mention/shade to keep mess away… where was all this chatter when my song went #1. I mind my business and go to work.”
Braxton went on to reply directly to Michelle, “I wasn’t speaking about you. I would have said your name. I was speaking of country “black” music that I have heard before that I didn’t enjoy. I wish you the best on all your future endeavors. I only want to beef with the devil. The End.”
While Braxton attempted to move on from the tense moment, K. Michelle took to TNT‘s comment section to call out the “Notice Me” singer for throwing stones, and then hiding her hands.
“Y’all know I wouldn’t be saying anything. She knows exactly what she’s doing,” Michelle began. “She’s been going on for months now , well years, she’s just very hurt acting out . It has to stop TODAY.”
The Southern songstress added of Braxton, “She continues to bring me up in some way, throw her shade, then play victim. I’m just not going to keep playing with her. It’s played out, but she WILL stop. I can overlook negativity all day but don’t keep poking at me even at shows.”
After adding that she has information on Braxton the singer would like to keep under wraps, she continued, “There’s no reason for you to continue subs and jabs. It’s like you have to be seen even if it’s shading and negativity. Bitter Betty. Live in your talent, not in your drama. Lesson I had 2 learn and worked out 4me. I have a right to defend and be sick of your sh*t.”
“I finally say in front of everyone LEAVE ME ALONE or else. I stand on that, you should try it. Your 9 whole years older than me, you should set an example of some sort. Now go play victim.”
The back-and-forth comes weeks after K. Michelle was sent a bouquet of flowers from Beyoncé, wishing her the best on her upcoming country release.
WNBA legend Candace Parker announces her retirement
The WNBA is entering a new era amid recent interest in the league and now following the news that Candace Parker has officially announced her retirement. She is among basketball’s most decorated athletes, with a career spanning 16 years, from being the No. 1 draft pick in 2008 to her final game in July 2023.
On Sunday (April 28), she posted a photo to Instagram with a caption that revealed her decision to step away from the game for good. “I’m retiring. I promised I’d never cheat the game and that I’d leave it in a better place than I came into it. The competitor in me always wants [one] more, but it’s time. My HEART and body knew, but I needed to give my mind time to accept it,” she wrote.
Parker was sidelined most of the 2023 season after suffering a foot injury while playing with the Las Vegas Aces. “This offseason hasn’t been fun on a foot that isn’t cooperating. It’s no fun playing in pain (10 surgeries in my career) it’s no fun knowing what you could do, if only… It’s no fun hearing ‘She isn’t the same’ when I know why, it’s no fun accepting the fact you need surgery AGAIN,” noted the three-time WNBA Championship winner.
Despite the setbacks, Parker applauded herself for hooping through it all and that “on and off the court, I’m proud I’ve always been true and stayed true to ME, even when it wasn’t popular.” She went on to express gratitude for those who were by her side throughout the journey.
The two-time MVP isn’t sitting idly by either, she already has some of her next chapter charted. She shared, “In the meantime, know I’M A BUSINESS, man, not a businessman. This is the beginning… I’m attacking business, private equity, ownership (I will own both an NBA and WNBA team), broadcasting, production, boardrooms, beach volleyball, dominoes (sorry, babe, it’s going to get more real) with the same intensity and focus I did basketball.”
The WNBA season starts on May 14, with incoming rookies Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso and Caitlin Clark all drumming up excitement for what is to come.
Judge Rules Kevin Hart Can Move Forward In Defamation Lawsuit Against Tasha K, Extortion Claim Thrown Out
A recent ruling in a California court has given actor and comedian Kevin Hart the green light to proceed with his defamation lawsuit against YouTube personality Tasha K.
The lawsuit centers around a tell-all interview conducted by Tasha K with Kevin’s former personal assistant, Miesha Shakes, in which false information about Hart was allegedly spread.
In the interview, Shakes made claims about Kevin Hart facing charges related to a sex tape recorded in Las Vegas in 2017.
However, Kevin maintains that these claims are false and could have been easily debunked with a basic public records search.
Despite attempts by Tasha K’s legal team to argue that the use of the word “charges” was technically incorrect and had no material impact on the listener, the judge ruled that Kevin Hart’s defamation claim had enough merit to proceed.
While Kevin’s extortion claim against Tasha K was stricken due to California law not providing for such a cause of action, his defamation claim, as well as claims of invasion of privacy and intentional interference with contractual relations, were allowed to move forward.
Interestingly, separate claims brought by Hart’s company, K. Hart Enterprises, also survived Tasha K’s attempt to have them thrown out.
The ruling marks another chapter in the ongoing legal battle between Kevin Hart and Tasha K, who is no stranger to courtroom drama.
In 2019, she was sued by rapper Cardi B for defamation, invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, resulting in a $4 million jury verdict against Tasha K.
Despite filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May 2023, Tasha K’s legal troubles seem far from over.
Tasha took to social media after the ruling writing:
So glad that the Judge threw out #KevinHarts bogus extortion claims, That’s his forever go to line these days it seems like.
My lawyers made progress getting half of these so called claims thrown out today. We have two more claims we are actively fighting regarding interference with NDA & Defamation‼️
But this is the last time I speak on this “moral clause” lawsuit!”
I’m just happy that my name was cleared on that Extortion! Because No one EVER attempted to EXTORT from my team!
As the case progresses, both parties are gearing up for a potentially lengthy legal battle, with the possibility of appeals looming on the horizon.
Meanwhile, the outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for the boundaries of free speech in the digital age and the responsibilities of online personalities when it comes to spreading information.
Martell Holt Says Court Order Prevents Him & Melody Holt From Spanking Their Kids
Martell Holt took to the streets of social media over the weekend and revealed he and his ex-wife, Melody Holt, are barred from spanking their kids due to a court order.
The “Love & Marriage: Huntsville” star went on to share [false] allegations of abuse led to the court order.
Have I ever abused my children? NO.
Have I ever spanked my kids. Yes.
But, I haven’t spanked them in quite some time.
I just hate that this narrative is going around and bloggers picking things up.
And certain people are trying to destroy me. But, it’s not going to happen.
I’m not going to allow it to happen.
So, yeah. It’s court-ordered that Melody and myself we can’t spank the children because of the first allegations.
If you haven’t seen it – the super trailer for the forthcoming season of “Love & Marriage: Huntsville” has dropped and it is super messy!
And of course, Martell Holt is at the center of the shenanigans.
My question to you is – Is it necessary to address every rumor or misconception about you online?
Because the truth of the matter is there will always be people who don’t believe you or they simply don’t care.
Apes on Horseback Invade N.Y.C. in Wild Marketing Campaign for New Sequel
Actors wearing ape costumes have been spotted around the country to market 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,' in theaters May 10
Actors dressed as 'Planet of the Apes' characters on April 26, 2024
The apes are going from coast to coast! On April 26, apes on horseback were seen traversing through Liberty State Park in New Jersey with the lower Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty in view.
This comes days after ape characters from the upcoming movie Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes surprised onlookers in Venice, California. It's all part of a viral stunt marketing campaign to promote the sequel.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is the first film in the long-running Planet of the Apes franchise since 2017 and furthers the storyline that began with 2011's Rise of the Planet of the Apes. The new movie picks up hundreds of years after the 2010s trilogy, which depicted the rise of an intelligent species of apes that rival the human species on Earth. By the time the new movie starts, apes have cemented their status as the planet's dominant species.
The new movie stars Owen Teague as a chimpanzee named Noa, who begins to realize that he does not fully understand the relationship between apes and humans as he befriends a human (Freya Allan) and puts himself at odds with a rising ape leader.
“As a new tyrannical ape leader builds his empire, one young ape undertakes a harrowing journey that will cause him to question all that he has known about the past and to make choices that will define a future for apes and humans alike,” reads an official synopsis for the film.
The next Planet of the Apes movie is the 10th overall entry in the decades-old which dates back to 1968's original Planet of the Apes. That first movie was based on Pierre Boulle's 1963 novel of the same name. The most recent three films in the series starred Andy Serkis as a genetically enhanced chimpanzee named Caesar who comes to lead a species-wide uprising against humans, bringing about the destruction of modern life on Earth.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes releases in theaters May 10.
Lil Nas X Responds To Baby Storme's Style Stealing Accusations
Over the weekend, alt-pop singer Baby Storme unleashed a tirade against several music figures, including Ice Spice, whom she alleged was her best friend at one point. Although the “Munch (Feelin’ U)” hitmaker has yet to respond, Lil Nas X did.
In her initial rant, Storme claimed, “Lil Nas X, I’m not even gonna address you. [You’re] another clown a** Barb who tried to steal my identity. He stole my [‘This City is a Graveyard’] look that I INVENTED and then used it to launch his new era, ‘J CHRIST.’” She also included a screenshot of the Grammy-winning rapper wearing a white gown next to a photo from her aforementioned music video.
Taking to Twitter on Sunday (April 28), Nas X wrote, “I am flattered that you think my outfit was genuinely inspired by your Party City, Monster High dress. Log off the internet and have your psychotic breakdown without an audience like the rest of us, baby girl.”
Storme subsequently took jabs at Nas X for being a Nicki Minaj fan. “Everybody knows him as a weird a** Barb. Even Nicki refused to do a song with him when he asked,” she stated. “Tell Nicki she can’t hide behind you and the rest of her minions.”
The singer’s remarks appeared to reference Nas X asking Minaj to collaborate with him on a record. In 2021, the musician revealed that he sent “INDUSTRY BABY” to the Queen artist but didn’t get a reply. When the now-RIAA-certified Platinum song eventually came out, it featured Jack Harlow.
Meanwhile, “SUN GOES DOWN” from Nas X’s debut album, MONTERO, included lyrics like, “Stanning Nicki mornin’ into dawn/ Only place I felt like I belonged.” It’s also worth mentioning that before his career took off, the Georgia native reportedly ran a Minaj stan account.
Showrunner of ‘Good Times’ Animated Reboot Defends Against Criticism of Black Stereotypes
*The showrunner of Netflix’s animated revival of the iconic sitcom “Good Times” has come to the defense of the series following harsh criticism.
We reported earlier that Netflix’s animated reboot of the 1970s sitcom “Good Times” hails from Carl Jones, Seth MacFarlane, and NBA star Stephen Curry.
The original sitcom aired for six seasons on CBS from 1974 to 1979. It was television’s first African American two-parent family sitcom. Norman Lear produced the show, which centered on the Evans family, who lived in a poor, black neighborhood in inner-city Chicago.
According to the news release, Jones modernized the setting, transitioning the Evans family from the 1970s to the 2020s. Curry and “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane are executive producers on the adult-animated series.
Jones (The Boondocks, Black Dynamite) announced last month that he left the project in its early stages.
“For the record, I was involved with the Good Times animated series in the very VERY beginning but due to creative differences, I had to walk away. So I haven’t even seen one episode or script of this version of the show,” Carl Jones tweeted.
According to The Independent, showrunner Ranada Shepard said, “I know you’re used to the sweet sitcom, but this is not only a reimagination, it’s in a different genre that requires it to be loud and offensive.”
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Shepard said the criticism stems from the fact that cast members did not promote the new show.
”You haven’t seen JB and Yvette and Marsai and Jay Pharoah and Slink Johnson on couches all across America, which typically happens when you’re rolling out a show,” she said.
“There was no framing that the audience had, it was just: Watch this and form an opinion. And they watched and they formed an opinion,” Shepard said.
“I was always rooted in [the fact that] I understand if this is jolting. Because what you needed was someone to tell everyone, ‘I know you’re used to the sweet sitcom, but this is not only a reimagination, it’s in a different genre that requires it to be loud and offensive and have hard jokes and inappropriate. So your mind is doing a lot of different things.’”
Yvette Nicole Brown, who voices the wife and matriarch, Beverly Evans, recently said on social media that the new series is “edgier and more irreverent than the Good Times of our childhood.”
The new “Good Times” debuted on Netflix on April 12.
Fans React to Luke James’ Terrifying Performance in ‘THEM: The Scare’
*Fans of singer/actor Luke James have taken to social media to praise his terrifying performance in Prime Video’s horror anthology series Them: The Scare.
This second installment will consist of eight episodes and premiered on Thursday, April 25, 2024, in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.
Per the news release: THEM will once again be set in Los Angeles (the first installment, subtitled Covenant, took place in Compton circa 1952 but will move the time frame forward to 1991). The story centers on LAPD Homicide Detective Dawn Reeve, who is assigned to a new case: the gruesome murder of a foster home mother that has left even the most hardened detectives shaken. Navigating a tumultuous time in Los Angeles, with a city on the razor’s edge of chaos, Dawn is determined to stop the killer. But as she draws closer to the truth, something ominous and malevolent grips her and her family…
The series cast includes Deborah Ayorinde (Riches, Harriet) as “Detective Dawn Reeve,” Pam Grier (Foxy Brown, Bones, Ghost of Mars, Jackie Brown) as “Athena,” Grammy-nominated musician and actor Luke James (The Chi, Insecure) as “Edmund Gaines.” Rounding out the cast are Joshua J. Williams (Cloak & Dagger, Mudbound), Jeremy Bobb (The Continental, God’s Country), Wayne Knight (Seinfeld, Narcos), Carlito Olivero (This Is Me… Now, Escape Room: Tournament of Champions), Charles Brice (Homeland, The Blacklist, Watchmen), and Iman Shumpert (The Chi).
Luke’s character is a pizza shop worker aspiring to become an actor he grapples with a multitude of internal demons that manifest in unexpected and unfathomable ways.
"They bring purpose to every aspect of my life," Rihanna explained to E! News' Francesca Amiker at Fenty Beauty's Soft'Lit Naturally Luminous Longwear Foundation launch April 26. "Everything has to be intentional, and everything has to be worth it—especially when it takes me away from them." (For more with Rihanna, watch E! News April 29.)
And Rihanna—who was sporting her new blonde hair and a simple cream strapless dress for the launch—explained how she picks and chooses her work, especially attending the latest Fenty beauty event.
"They've got to eat, for one, so I've got to work," she joked. "This is totally worth it. This is the biggest launch we've had since we launched this brand in 2017."
As for how Rihanna is fairing as a boy mom? In her home, she's the only girl in the world.
"It makes me feel really cool to be a boy mom," she added. "I get to be as casual and busted as I want to, but it also forces me to embrace the epic things about being a woman and female and all my femininity—I embrace it so much more now."
And while Rihanna is shining bright like a diamond in her house of boys, she has previously teased plans for a daughter in her future.
In fact, when sharing with E! News in December one thing she hopes to achieve that she hasn't yet, she said, "So far, have daughters."
"I'm batting at 75 percent for a boy next time," she added. "So, we'll just keep our fingers crossed."
Britney Spears' Settlement Protects Her From Reviving Conservatorship Trauma
Despite the settlement, Britney expressed her hurt and lack of justice in a recent Instagram post. The decision was made to focus on protecting her from further trauma, rather than pursuing accountability for Jamie's control over her life and finances.
The settlement saddles Britney with Jamie's $2 million legal fees, in addition to the $4 million she reportedly spent on her own attorney. This has left her in a worse financial position than before the trial.
Britney's father served as her conservator throughout her 13-year conservatorship, which ended in 2021. During that time, she accused him of financial misconduct and "abusive" treatment.
The settlement avoids a trial that would have forced Britney to publicly relive her most embarrassing experiences. Jamie Spears has denied wrongdoing, stating that he only wants the best for his daughter.
Despite the settlement, the legal battles surrounding Britney's conservatorship have continued, with attorneys hashing out issues such as attorneys' fees and allegations of wrongdoing.
K. Michelle Accuses Tamar Braxton Of Throwing “Subs And Jabs” With “Black Country” Remarks
K. Michelle and Tamar Braxton‘s on-again, off-again issues with one another were on-again this weekend after the “Tennessee” songstress called out the Braxton sister for what she believed were subliminal shots thrown her way during a recent interview.
The Calling All Lovers singer appeared on the 100th episode of the We Sound Crazy podcast last week, where she was asked her thoughts on Beyoncé’s COWBOY CARTER album and Black artists within the country music space
“I think that Black country is so necessary. I’m so happy that people with talent, who can actually sing country music that are Black people, are finally getting the recognition they deserve,” Braxton, 47, began. “I just really appreciate Beyoncé for opening the door for all the other Black artists that have rode that wave behind the floodgates.”
She then went on to compliment three Black country artists, though she couldn’t recall their names, before adding, “because there was some who should not have been singing country Black music that was awful, and it was concerning for me. I’m not trying to be funny, it just didn’t sound good. And you got to make sure, if you’re going to step into a new genre of music and represent for us, you gotta represent, it gotta be right.”
Considering their past tension and K. Michelle’s years-long pursuit of country music, many, including the “Country Love Song” artist, assumed Braxton’s remarks were about her.
“Imagine you keep playing with someone who’s minding they business, then BOOM. They sick of you. One tweet and screenshot and it’s over 4ya,” K. Michelle, 42, tweeted Sunday (April 28). “I don’t pull stunts Raggedy Ann, I pull cards.”
She then tweeted “Loud Cackling hyena” before sharing a photo of a muppet, an insult she used to hurl at Braxton regularly during the peak of their feuding in the mid 2010s.
After fans began to tag both ladies within the thread, Tamar replied to a follower who came to her defense, explaining that she was not referring to the former reality star.
“@TamarBraxtonHer’s not talking about @kmichelle. We’ve been down that road before, and I’m sure neither wants to revisit that,” wrote the fan, with Braxton adding, “I absolutely was not!! I said a FEW artists! I paid homage to Beyonce 4bringing positive attention to country music. There are people who i don’t address n don’t mention/shade to keep mess away… where was all this chatter when my song went #1. I mind my business and go to work.”
Braxton went on to reply directly to Michelle, “I wasn’t speaking about you. I would have said your name. I was speaking of country “black” music that I have heard before that I didn’t enjoy. I wish you the best on all your future endeavors. I only want to beef with the devil. The End.”
While Braxton attempted to move on from the tense moment, K. Michelle took to TNT‘s comment section to call out the “Notice Me” singer for throwing stones, and then hiding her hands.
“Y’all know I wouldn’t be saying anything. She knows exactly what she’s doing,” Michelle began. “She’s been going on for months now , well years, she’s just very hurt acting out . It has to stop TODAY.”
The Southern songstress added of Braxton, “She continues to bring me up in some way, throw her shade, then play victim. I’m just not going to keep playing with her. It’s played out, but she WILL stop. I can overlook negativity all day but don’t keep poking at me even at shows.”
After adding that she has information on Braxton the singer would like to keep under wraps, she continued, “There’s no reason for you to continue subs and jabs. It’s like you have to be seen even if it’s shading and negativity. Bitter Betty. Live in your talent, not in your drama. Lesson I had 2 learn and worked out 4me. I have a right to defend and be sick of your sh*t.”
“I finally say in front of everyone LEAVE ME ALONE or else. I stand on that, you should try it. Your 9 whole years older than me, you should set an example of some sort. Now go play victim.”
The back-and-forth comes weeks after K. Michelle was sent a bouquet of flowers from Beyoncé, wishing her the best on her upcoming country release.
WNBA legend Candace Parker announces her retirement
On Sunday (April 28), she posted a photo to Instagram with a caption that revealed her decision to step away from the game for good. “I’m retiring. I promised I’d never cheat the game and that I’d leave it in a better place than I came into it. The competitor in me always wants [one] more, but it’s time. My HEART and body knew, but I needed to give my mind time to accept it,” she wrote.
Parker was sidelined most of the 2023 season after suffering a foot injury while playing with the Las Vegas Aces. “This offseason hasn’t been fun on a foot that isn’t cooperating. It’s no fun playing in pain (10 surgeries in my career) it’s no fun knowing what you could do, if only… It’s no fun hearing ‘She isn’t the same’ when I know why, it’s no fun accepting the fact you need surgery AGAIN,” noted the three-time WNBA Championship winner.
Despite the setbacks, Parker applauded herself for hooping through it all and that “on and off the court, I’m proud I’ve always been true and stayed true to ME, even when it wasn’t popular.” She went on to express gratitude for those who were by her side throughout the journey.
The two-time MVP isn’t sitting idly by either, she already has some of her next chapter charted. She shared, “In the meantime, know I’M A BUSINESS, man, not a businessman. This is the beginning… I’m attacking business, private equity, ownership (I will own both an NBA and WNBA team), broadcasting, production, boardrooms, beach volleyball, dominoes (sorry, babe, it’s going to get more real) with the same intensity and focus I did basketball.”
The WNBA season starts on May 14, with incoming rookies Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso and Caitlin Clark all drumming up excitement for what is to come.
Judge Rules Kevin Hart Can Move Forward In Defamation Lawsuit Against Tasha K, Extortion Claim Thrown Out
A recent ruling in a California court has given actor and comedian Kevin Hart the green light to proceed with his defamation lawsuit against YouTube personality Tasha K.
The lawsuit centers around a tell-all interview conducted by Tasha K with Kevin’s former personal assistant, Miesha Shakes, in which false information about Hart was allegedly spread.
In the interview, Shakes made claims about Kevin Hart facing charges related to a sex tape recorded in Las Vegas in 2017.
However, Kevin maintains that these claims are false and could have been easily debunked with a basic public records search.
Despite attempts by Tasha K’s legal team to argue that the use of the word “charges” was technically incorrect and had no material impact on the listener, the judge ruled that Kevin Hart’s defamation claim had enough merit to proceed.
While Kevin’s extortion claim against Tasha K was stricken due to California law not providing for such a cause of action, his defamation claim, as well as claims of invasion of privacy and intentional interference with contractual relations, were allowed to move forward.
Interestingly, separate claims brought by Hart’s company, K. Hart Enterprises, also survived Tasha K’s attempt to have them thrown out.
The ruling marks another chapter in the ongoing legal battle between Kevin Hart and Tasha K, who is no stranger to courtroom drama.
In 2019, she was sued by rapper Cardi B for defamation, invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, resulting in a $4 million jury verdict against Tasha K.
Despite filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May 2023, Tasha K’s legal troubles seem far from over.
Tasha took to social media after the ruling writing:
So glad that the Judge threw out #KevinHarts bogus extortion claims, That’s his forever go to line these days it seems like.
My lawyers made progress getting half of these so called claims thrown out today. We have two more claims we are actively fighting regarding interference with NDA & Defamation‼️
But this is the last time I speak on this “moral clause” lawsuit!”
I’m just happy that my name was cleared on that Extortion! Because No one EVER attempted to EXTORT from my team!
As the case progresses, both parties are gearing up for a potentially lengthy legal battle, with the possibility of appeals looming on the horizon.
Meanwhile, the outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for the boundaries of free speech in the digital age and the responsibilities of online personalities when it comes to spreading information.
Martell Holt Says Court Order Prevents Him & Melody Holt From Spanking Their Kids
The “Love & Marriage: Huntsville” star went on to share [false] allegations of abuse led to the court order.
Have I ever abused my children? NO.
Have I ever spanked my kids. Yes.
But, I haven’t spanked them in quite some time.
I just hate that this narrative is going around and bloggers picking things up.
And certain people are trying to destroy me. But, it’s not going to happen.
I’m not going to allow it to happen.
So, yeah. It’s court-ordered that Melody and myself we can’t spank the children because of the first allegations.
If you haven’t seen it – the super trailer for the forthcoming season of “Love & Marriage: Huntsville” has dropped and it is super messy!
And of course, Martell Holt is at the center of the shenanigans.
My question to you is – Is it necessary to address every rumor or misconception about you online?
Because the truth of the matter is there will always be people who don’t believe you or they simply don’t care.
Apes on Horseback Invade N.Y.C. in Wild Marketing Campaign for New Sequel
Actors wearing ape costumes have been spotted around the country to market 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,' in theaters May 10
Actors dressed as 'Planet of the Apes' characters on April 26, 2024
The apes are going from coast to coast! On April 26, apes on horseback were seen traversing through Liberty State Park in New Jersey with the lower Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty in view.
This comes days after ape characters from the upcoming movie Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes surprised onlookers in Venice, California. It's all part of a viral stunt marketing campaign to promote the sequel.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is the first film in the long-running Planet of the Apes franchise since 2017 and furthers the storyline that began with 2011's Rise of the Planet of the Apes. The new movie picks up hundreds of years after the 2010s trilogy, which depicted the rise of an intelligent species of apes that rival the human species on Earth. By the time the new movie starts, apes have cemented their status as the planet's dominant species.
The new movie stars Owen Teague as a chimpanzee named Noa, who begins to realize that he does not fully understand the relationship between apes and humans as he befriends a human (Freya Allan) and puts himself at odds with a rising ape leader.
“As a new tyrannical ape leader builds his empire, one young ape undertakes a harrowing journey that will cause him to question all that he has known about the past and to make choices that will define a future for apes and humans alike,” reads an official synopsis for the film.
The next Planet of the Apes movie is the 10th overall entry in the decades-old which dates back to 1968's original Planet of the Apes. That first movie was based on Pierre Boulle's 1963 novel of the same name. The most recent three films in the series starred Andy Serkis as a genetically enhanced chimpanzee named Caesar who comes to lead a species-wide uprising against humans, bringing about the destruction of modern life on Earth.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes releases in theaters May 10.
Lil Nas X Responds To Baby Storme's Style Stealing Accusations
In her initial rant, Storme claimed, “Lil Nas X, I’m not even gonna address you. [You’re] another clown a** Barb who tried to steal my identity. He stole my [‘This City is a Graveyard’] look that I INVENTED and then used it to launch his new era, ‘J CHRIST.’” She also included a screenshot of the Grammy-winning rapper wearing a white gown next to a photo from her aforementioned music video.
Taking to Twitter on Sunday (April 28), Nas X wrote, “I am flattered that you think my outfit was genuinely inspired by your Party City, Monster High dress. Log off the internet and have your psychotic breakdown without an audience like the rest of us, baby girl.”
Storme subsequently took jabs at Nas X for being a Nicki Minaj fan. “Everybody knows him as a weird a** Barb. Even Nicki refused to do a song with him when he asked,” she stated. “Tell Nicki she can’t hide behind you and the rest of her minions.”
The singer’s remarks appeared to reference Nas X asking Minaj to collaborate with him on a record. In 2021, the musician revealed that he sent “INDUSTRY BABY” to the Queen artist but didn’t get a reply. When the now-RIAA-certified Platinum song eventually came out, it featured Jack Harlow.
Meanwhile, “SUN GOES DOWN” from Nas X’s debut album, MONTERO, included lyrics like, “Stanning Nicki mornin’ into dawn/ Only place I felt like I belonged.” It’s also worth mentioning that before his career took off, the Georgia native reportedly ran a Minaj stan account.
Showrunner of ‘Good Times’ Animated Reboot Defends Against Criticism of Black Stereotypes
*The showrunner of Netflix’s animated revival of the iconic sitcom “Good Times” has come to the defense of the series following harsh criticism.
We reported earlier that Netflix’s animated reboot of the 1970s sitcom “Good Times” hails from Carl Jones, Seth MacFarlane, and NBA star Stephen Curry.
The original sitcom aired for six seasons on CBS from 1974 to 1979. It was television’s first African American two-parent family sitcom. Norman Lear produced the show, which centered on the Evans family, who lived in a poor, black neighborhood in inner-city Chicago.
According to the news release, Jones modernized the setting, transitioning the Evans family from the 1970s to the 2020s. Curry and “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane are executive producers on the adult-animated series.
Jones (The Boondocks, Black Dynamite) announced last month that he left the project in its early stages.
“For the record, I was involved with the Good Times animated series in the very VERY beginning but due to creative differences, I had to walk away. So I haven’t even seen one episode or script of this version of the show,” Carl Jones tweeted.
According to The Independent, showrunner Ranada Shepard said, “I know you’re used to the sweet sitcom, but this is not only a reimagination, it’s in a different genre that requires it to be loud and offensive.”
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Shepard said the criticism stems from the fact that cast members did not promote the new show.
”You haven’t seen JB and Yvette and Marsai and Jay Pharoah and Slink Johnson on couches all across America, which typically happens when you’re rolling out a show,” she said.
“There was no framing that the audience had, it was just: Watch this and form an opinion. And they watched and they formed an opinion,” Shepard said.
“I was always rooted in [the fact that] I understand if this is jolting. Because what you needed was someone to tell everyone, ‘I know you’re used to the sweet sitcom, but this is not only a reimagination, it’s in a different genre that requires it to be loud and offensive and have hard jokes and inappropriate. So your mind is doing a lot of different things.’”
Yvette Nicole Brown, who voices the wife and matriarch, Beverly Evans, recently said on social media that the new series is “edgier and more irreverent than the Good Times of our childhood.”
The new “Good Times” debuted on Netflix on April 12.
Fans React to Luke James’ Terrifying Performance in ‘THEM: The Scare’
This second installment will consist of eight episodes and premiered on Thursday, April 25, 2024, in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.
Per the news release: THEM will once again be set in Los Angeles (the first installment, subtitled Covenant, took place in Compton circa 1952 but will move the time frame forward to 1991). The story centers on LAPD Homicide Detective Dawn Reeve, who is assigned to a new case: the gruesome murder of a foster home mother that has left even the most hardened detectives shaken. Navigating a tumultuous time in Los Angeles, with a city on the razor’s edge of chaos, Dawn is determined to stop the killer. But as she draws closer to the truth, something ominous and malevolent grips her and her family…
The series cast includes Deborah Ayorinde (Riches, Harriet) as “Detective Dawn Reeve,” Pam Grier (Foxy Brown, Bones, Ghost of Mars, Jackie Brown) as “Athena,” Grammy-nominated musician and actor Luke James (The Chi, Insecure) as “Edmund Gaines.” Rounding out the cast are Joshua J. Williams (Cloak & Dagger, Mudbound), Jeremy Bobb (The Continental, God’s Country), Wayne Knight (Seinfeld, Narcos), Carlito Olivero (This Is Me… Now, Escape Room: Tournament of Champions), Charles Brice (Homeland, The Blacklist, Watchmen), and Iman Shumpert (The Chi).
Luke’s character is a pizza shop worker aspiring to become an actor he grapples with a multitude of internal demons that manifest in unexpected and unfathomable ways.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Oh Sheet!
Yep, He'd call your sister so be weary.
Yep, He'd call your sister so be weary.
EVENING GOODIES: Meet Thalles
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HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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