#MAGFAB: Paolo Roldan Shines On Vogue Man Ph Historic First Cover
Paolo Roldan captivates as he makes history as the cover star of Vogue Man Philippines’ first issue. A chic vision in white, Paolo dons a striking double-breasted suit by Louis Vuitton.
Photographer Renzo Navarro captures this monumental moment, with Paolo’s poised presence bringing the cover to life. Styled by Danyl Geneciran, the cover image reflects Paolo’s timeless allure and the sophisticated aesthetic that defines this inaugural edition.
#BABYLOVE CONGRATS Gabourey Sidibe Is a Mom! Actress Welcomes Twins Cooper and Maya with Husband Brandon Frankel
In the sweet pictures, Sidibe and Frankel can be seen leaning into each other, each holding one of their babies as they smile together. Wearing a vibrant orange dress, Sidibe looks radiant as she cuddles up to her babies outside.
Other images show Frankel, who wears a red beanie, kissing their newborn daughter as Sidibe rests her head on his shoulder, carrying their squirming baby boy.
"Brandon always wanted to name a son Cooper, so we call him 'Coop,' and Maya was named shortly before our baby moon to the Mayan Riviera in Mexico," Sidibe told Shutterstock. "Both twins have traditional West African middle names after members of my family."
"They're both extremely strong and hilarious, though they have yet to really interact with each other," the star continued.
"Cooper will sometimes speak for Maya and alert us that she's about to spit up. Maya loves her name being sung to her and is the queen of comedic timing, and Cooper loves his sleep and has the funniest facial expressions. They both love cuddling with Mom and Dad."
While the couple noted that they were "over the moon in anticipation" for their twins' arrival, the actual birth took them by surprise.
"We originally were going in for a routine appointment, only to be told the twins would be coming later that day and not when originally planned," Sidibe said.
As they settle into family life, the actress revealed she's just excited for the little things.
"We're excited for outfits and getting them dressed up, for sing-alongs, trips and to explore, and raising them to be good people," she said.
In February, Sidibe revealed on Instagram that she was pregnant with twins. Sharing a series of photos, the actress wore a bright pink dress and posed with her husband, cradling her baby bump.
She also included a snap of the two pushing twin strollers together, as well as one where the couple looks at themselves in the mirror.
"I’m pregnant! We thought it was time to give our cats some responsibility so we’re giving them each a baby to take care of!" Sidibe wrote in her caption. "Double the babies, double the cats, double the fun!! Twin Delivery coming soon! Twinty Twinty Four!!"
CONGRATS to them!
#RHOA Filming Still Not Allowed in Porsha Williams and Simon Guobadia’s Mansion
It’s all a part of a legal back-and-forth, where Simon has tried to convince the courts that he doesn’t need to abide by their prenuptial agreement. Porsha hit back, trying to convince the judge that his demands were detrimental to her career. The latest court docs show that her mission isn’t going so well.
Fighting for her right to film
Radar Online got the details on the latest in this neverending mess. According to court docs, a judge ruled that the courts wouldn’t intervene in whether or not cameras could roll in the house. Instead, they have to wait until the court decides on whether or not their prenup is enforceable. Essentially, the judge knows that these two have bigger fish to fry.
“The parties raised the issue of whether the terms of the prenuptial agreement permits or prohibits filming/recording in the Marital Residence,” the court filing read.
“As this matter was not formally noticed for an evidentiary hearing on the substantive issues surrounding the parties’ prenuptial agreement, the Court reserves those issues for later determination,” it continued.
The RHOA producers won’t film in the house until a court gives the green light. So, this latest ruling means Porsha still can’t film Season 16 at her house. However, it wasn’t all bad news for Porsha. The judge did confirm that she should still have exclusive access to the house. Plus, Simon needs to give her a written heads-up before visiting.
“Neither party shall enter the other’s residence without prior written consent (text or email is sufficient). Should Husband need to retrieve additional personal belongings from the Marital Residence, Husband shall request same in writing through counsel no less than 24 hours in advance, and shall be permitted to retrieve his personal property at a time and date agreeable to the parties,” the court docs explained.
Meanwhile, Simon is still on the hook for payments towards the house. That includes the mortgage, utilities, and even landscaping costs. He’s pouring a lot of money into a house he can’t access. Preventing RHOA from filming inside of the property seems like the only thing he has control over right now.
#MusicNews: Listen to Disco Legend Sylvester Perform ‘Body Strong’ Off Forthcoming ‘Live at the Opera House’ LP
The late icon's famed performance at the San Francisco War Memorial Opera House in 1979 is now being released, in full.
45 years ago, disco icon Sylvester performed what would ultimately become one of his most famous concerts to date at the San Francisco War Memorial Opera House. The performance became the basis for his 1979 live album Living Proof, and served as the debut ground for his album Stars. And soon, fans can listen to the Queen of Disco’s performance in full.
On Wednesday (June 5), Craft Recordings announced the release of Live at the Opera House, a new live album from the late legend that shares the famed concert in full. Today, fans are getting an exclusive sneak peak of what to expect with a new live cut of “Body Strong,” the exuberant disco track that Sylvester debuted during the concert alongside Martha Wash.
The new LP features more than an hour of unreleased music from the live concert, including a brief ceremony in which Sylvester receives the key to the city of San Francisco. The physical editions of the new album — available on both a 3-LP vinyl and 2-CD format — also come with recently discovered photographs from the evening, as well as brand new liner notes from Joshua Gamson, author of the biography The Fabulous Sylvester: The Legend, The Music, The Seventies in San Francisco.
“That Sylvester – an androgynous, openly gay, drag-loving, African American, falsetto-singing, unapologetically flaming man-diva influenced primarily by church women, Black blues singers, drag queens, hippies, and homosexuals – would be the central diva at the San Francisco War Memorial Opera House in March of 1979 was as unlikely as it was inevitable,” Gamson writes in his new liner notes. “Aside from a few thousand souls, most of us missed it. It was a lot to miss, too: a peek into the career of an ahead-of-his-time artist, a poignant moment in San Francisco and queer history, a couple of hours of collective effervescence set to music.”
Sylvester’s Live at the Opera House arrives Sept. 6th via Craft Recordings. Listen to the exclusive single “Body Strong” HERE
And check out the full tracklist of the new live album below:
Live at the Opera House tracklist:
Overture (Grateful/You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)/Dance (Disco Heat))
Body Strong
Medley #1: Everything Must Change / You Are My Love
Medley #2: Could This Be Magic / A Song For You
Blackbird / Sylvester Day Proclamation
Happiness
Lover Man (Oh Where Can You Be?)
Sharing Something Perfect Between Ourselves
I (Who Have Nothing)
You Are My Friend
Dance (Disco Heat)
You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)
Overture (Reprise)
Never Can Say Goodbye
#HipHopNews: Chuck D Slams Older Rappers Who Still Rap About 'The Same Street Tale'
Chuck D never shies away from expressing his thoughts on the current state of rap, and he has now called attention to his fellow veterans who have failed to mature over the years.
On Monday (June 3), the Public Enemy MC took to social media and shared his opinions on artists who have become too comfortable with the same subject matter despite years of experience.
“If you over 40 and spitting meaningless dark energy in RAP you have to really think about what matters in the HipHop foundation that birthed your chance at it,” he wrote.
“I didn’t say cease and desist. I said T H I N k ……. A over 40 mind should have a better ability to KNOW self and surroundings better. The ‘green’ days is greying…”
The following day, the New Yorker uploaded another post to promote his upcoming book RAPilates: Body and Mind Conditioning in the Digital Age, which is due July 1.
In the caption, he wrote: “Im a rap head . Im in my 64th year… hiphop is over 50 years. Different ages have different appeals and elder folk money ain’t stupid. My listening ear doesn’t wanna hear the same street tale because thats for a new kid just finding themselves & the world.
“Over 40 its not crazy to hear a MC warn us on bad food , rent mortgage gas prices, kids ( yeah the 20 year old MCs have them too) pharmaceuticals , prostate and instead of battling MCs how about fuckin up cancer and diabetes!?!?! Theres a whole world of topics for MCs and over 40 money is good just check your local CVS Walgreens line … and stop believing the fantasy lies as much.”
Im a rap head . Im in my 64th year… hiphop is over 50 years. Different ages have different appeals and elder folk money ain’t stupid. My listening ear doesn’t wanna hear the same street tale because thats for a new kid just finding themselves & the world. Over 40 its not crazy
In early May, Cypress Hill’s B-Real took to X (formerly Twitter) to share the following prompt: “Which 10 artists or group would you without hesitation induct into the Rock n Roll Hall Of Fame?”
Chuck, whose group Public Enemy were among the earliest Hip Hop inductees in the Rock Hall, responded soon after with his top picks, singling out several Hip Hop pioneers: Cypress Hill, De La Soul, Ice-T, KRS-One, Eric B. & Rakim, Salt-N-Pepa, Queen Latifah and DJ Hollywood.
Displaying his diverse taste in music, the Long Island native also listed rock band Deep Purple (who were inducted in 2016) and heavy metal icons Iron Maiden in his list.
Ava DuVernay Responds To ‘When They See Us’ Defamation Lawsuit Settlement
Ava DuVernay has issued a response after the defamation lawsuit brought against herself and Netflix by former prosecutor Linda Fairstein over the When They See Us miniseries. In 2020, Fairstein accused the project of using false, “racist and unethical, if not unlawful” statements and actions in her portrayal.
According to The Wrap, the trial was set to begin next week before the settlement. Per the agreement, Netflix will donate $1 million to the Innocence Project “benefitting the wrongfully incarcerated.”
Additionally, the streamer will add a disclaimer in front of the episodes reading: “While the motion picture is inspired by actual events and persons, certain characters, incidents, locations, dialogue, and names are fictionalized for the purposes of dramatization.”
“After years of legal wrangling and millions of dollars spent, she walked away with no payment to her or her lawyers of any kind, rather than face cross-examination before a New York jury as to her conduct and character,” detailed DuVernay of Fairstein in a statement.
“I hope that one day Linda Fairstein can come to terms with the part she played in this miscarriage of justice and finally accept responsibility.”
Per Variety, Fairstein issued her own statement on the matter.
“This is what this case was all about — not about ‘winning’ or about any financial restitution, but about my reputation and that of my colleagues,” Fairstein explained. “It was about setting the historical record straight that the villainous caricature invented by the defendants and portrayed on screen was not me.”
When They See Us debuted on the streamer in 2019 to critical acclaim. The heart-wrenching drama is based on true events, recognizing the real-life story of the then-teenaged Exonerated 5, formerly known as the Central Park 5. The men, Korey Wise, Raymond Santana, Yusef Salaam, Antron McCray, and Kevin Richardson were falsely accused and imprisoned in 1989, partially due to the efforts made by Fairstein.
Their sentences were vacated and in 2014, New York City awarded the five a $41 million settlement. After the series aired, Fairstein stepped down from her position.
Normani Praises Brandy And Janet Jackson As “The Standard In Music”
Normani has nothing but praise for Brandy and Janet Jackson for directly influencing her artistry. During an interview with Rolling Stone, Normani was asked about her upcoming album, Dopamine, and what fans could expect from the project’s sound. The singer stated that the sound initially began “dark” before she looked to brighten up the LP’s sonic scapes, referencing the vibrant production of Missy Elliott and Timbaland.
“I naturally gravitate to darker-sounding things from a sonic perspective, something that feels like it has bite and grit and edginess to it,” she said.
“I always just like being left of center. At one point, I was like, ‘Listen, everything can’t sound dark. We want to take everybody on a ride. We need to add some color.’ I love Missy Elliott so much, Timbaland’s production. I like unique things that haven’t necessarily really been heard, so that’s also why production is my favorite part of the process.”
To conclude her thought, Normani explained that she’s so excited about the album that she has already begun thinking about the live show. The 28-year-old entertainer brought up “Lights On,” a song slated to appear on the LP, detailing the live performance attached to that track as “my Janet moment.”
With Brandy on her album and channeling her inner Janet Jackson, Normani proceeded to give the legends their props, saying, “They’re literally the reason why I do what I do and why I’m able to be in the position that I am in… They redefined the standard of beauty, but also the standard in music. I feel like Brandy and Janet have really been disruptive in their own ways. I love the album Discipline by Janet.”
Normani has been hard at work on her debut album for six years. Conversations regarding her debut album arrived in July 2018 when Normani’s former group, Fifth Harmony, went on an indefinite hiatus that same year. The project had several false starts between 2018-2022, as she dropped several singles to drum up hype. Her 2019 song, “Motivation,” was initially planned to be the album’s lead single before changes in artistic direction were implemented for the album. 2023 saw the singer dropping the new lead single, “1:59,” in April and the subsequent offering, “Candy Paint,” released in May.
Normani’s debut solo album, Dopamine, is set to be released on Friday (June 14).
Pharrell Williams Launches His First Fragrance With Luis Vuitton
As reported by Hypebeast, the Virginia Beach native is doubling down in his role at the apparel company. This week, he announced his first fragrance at La Maison. Titled LVRS, this expression is intended to embody the metaphorical yet nostalgic scent of the sun. In an interview with Vogue United Kingdom, Pharrell revealed that the idea spawned out of a conversation he had with perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud at his debut show in June 2023. “I asked Jacques and Camille [his daughter], what does sunlight smell like? This fragrance is a poetic and metaphorical version of the answer to that question,” Pharrell said.
“When we discussed a few hours after the show how the perfume should be, we spoke very precisely about the use of the variety of light in nature coming from photosynthesis and this is where everything started,” Belletrud explained. Galbanum is the main ingredient used in LVRS and piqued Pharrell’s curiosity immediately as the gum resin has not been used in the smell goods business for many years.
“Smelling it, my first realization is that I can smell colors of this fragrance. It’s definitely on the blue side: blue and light blue and there’s a little bit of some purple in it,” the “Happy” performer said. “I don’t see red or burgundy or brown. It’s on the sweeter side. It smells like an elegant, elevated version of something that’s familiar to me.”
LVRS features top notes of bergamot and galbanum; middle notes of ginger and solar notes and base notes of sandalwood and cedarwood. Also available are some leather LV accessories in the camo print. LVRS launches June 19 and is priced at $320,00.
Actor Wendell Pierce denied apartment in Harlem by White landlord
Prolific actor Wendell Pierce, who soared to fame from the classic series “The Wire” and has also starred in “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” and many other shows and movies, claims he was rejected for an apartment in Harlem by a White man.
Pierce, 60, shared this indignity and mortifying experience with his 300K followers on X on June 3.
“For those of you who don’t understand my righteous anger; I???m on 2 TV series, ‘ELSBETH’ and ‘RAISING KANAN.’ I’m filming SUPERMAN. Two years ago, I finished the fourth season of ‘JACK RYAN.’ Last year I finished a run on Broadway in DEATH OF A SALESMAN. Even with my proof of employment, bank statements and real estate holdings, a White apartment owner DENIED my application to rent the apartment … in Harlem, of all places.
'The Wire' star Wendell Pierce denied apartment in Harlem by White landlord
There was an outpouring of support and outrage from Pierce’s fans and others that the esteemed thespian could be denied a home by a White man in Harlem, New York, of all places.
Pierce, while grateful for his fans’ desire to take action on his behalf, said he was only giving an example of rancid racism in housing.
Angel Reese ejected during Chicago Sky loss to New York Liberty
Angel Reese fans were upset that the “Bayou Barbie” was thrown out of the game with little justification during her Chicago Sky’s game against the New York Liberty on June 4.
Reese was irked that she was called for a foul during the fourth quarter of a once-close game. She appeared to bark reflexively at the referee and then dismissively waved him off.
The referee subsequently called Reese for two technical fouls in rapid succession, thereby resulting in the automatic and immediate disqualification from the game.
After battling New York in a close game for three quarters, the Liberty (8-2) broke open the game in the fourth, outscoring the Sky 23-9 to win decisively, 88-75. The Sky fall to 3-5 on the year.
Despite Reese’s reputation for on-court theatrics and histrionics, many fans and NBA star Lonzo Ball believe that the referee was too thinned-skinned and unjustly ejected Reese from the game with little provocation.
Ball sat courtside at the game in Chicago — he plays for the NBA’s Chicago Bulls — and vowed to pay the fine for Reese.
Janet Jackson Surprises Fans With Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us' Mashup At Concert
Janet Jackson kicked off another leg of her "Together Again Tour" with a bang, adding some flair to her iconic dance routines. At the launch concert in Palm Springs, California, on June 4, she excited fans with an intricate remix of her song "Nasty", infusing Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" into the performance.
The viral clip shows Jackson in a plaid dress, seamlessly blending her "Control"-era track with Lamar's hit, creating a cross-generational musical moment. Fans on social media were quick to react, with one noting, "Kendrick introduced a whole new generation to Janet. Of course she gon ride for him!"
As Jackson continues her tour with stops across major cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago, the mix of her vintage sound with contemporary hip-hop continues to stir excitement. This energy isn't just contained to concert halls. Even sports teams are getting in on the action. Ahead of the NBA finals game one against the Boston Celtics, the Dallas Mavericks were seen practicing to Kendrick Lamar's "Meet the Grahams", a Drake diss track gaining notoriety in hip-hop circles. Bally Sports reporter Abby Jones shared a clip featuring the song, highlighting how these diss records are finding their way into various aspects of pop culture.
Michael B. Jordan Is Excited To Collaborate With Will Smith For 'I Am Legend 2'
Michael B. Jordan has revealed that the script for "I Am Legend 2" is still being written. Despite that, he shares that he is already "really excited" to collaborate with Will Smith on the highly anticipated sequel.
The original "I Am Legend", released in 2007, starred Will Smith as virologist Robert Neville, the lone survivor in a desolate New York City ravaged by a man-made plague that transforms humans into bloodthirsty mutants. The theatrical release ended with Neville's death, but the sequel will utilize the alternate ending in which he lived.
Jordan spoke to PEOPLE about the project, stating, "We're still working on the script and getting that up to par. It doesn't have a release date or anything like that... I'm really excited to get in front of the camera with him. Being somebody that I've looked up to for a really long time, to be able to work with Will is something I'm really looking forward to."
Smith himself has expressed enthusiasm for the sequel, telling Entertainment Tonight, "It's looking good. We have some really solid ideas. I think Michael and I are going to make it on screen together."
Akiva Goldsman, who co-wrote the original screenplay, will return to pen the sequel. The film will take place "a few decades" after the events of the first movie, exploring how "the Earth reclaims the world" after humans have retreated. Goldsman has also indicated that the sequel will adhere more closely to the original novel by Richard Matheson.
Jordan and Smith have reportedly spent time together developing the project. While the script is still in progress, Jordan's excitement for the collaboration is evident. "That dude is the truth," he said of Smith. "I would love to do that."
"I Am Legend 2" is expected to showcase advancements in computer graphics since the release of the original film, promising more realistic effects for the menacing Darkseekers. The sequel has no confirmed release date at this time.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck divorce rumors heat up as their $60M Beverly Hills mansion pops up on real-estate site
This does not bode well for the couple’s marriage. In a potential sign of estrangement, photos of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s marital home have reappeared online.
According to the Daily Mail, a number of previously unavailable images were uploaded to the Zillow profile of the couple’s Beverly Hills mansion on June 1 and June 5, signaling that — though still listed as sold — it may soon be back on the market, along with the pop star and actor.
There have been numerous recent ominous signs that the A-listers are experiencing trouble in paradise. Those include Lopez’s response to questions about split rumors during a May press conference, reports that Affleck is staying at a separate house and J.Lo canceling an upcoming tour to spend more time with her family.
Lopez, 54, and Affleck, 51, paid $60.8 million in cash for the 5.2-acre, 12-bedroom, 24-bathroom, 46,000-square-foot compound in June 2023 after years of going in and out of escrow on multiple properties.
The mansion they finally settled on is known as the Wallingford Estate and features an indoor sports complex, a 12-car garage, a zero-edge pool — and grounds containing additional buildings including a 5,000-square-foot guesthouse, a caretaker house and a two-bedroom guard house.
The mansion, which is located in the 90210 ZIP code, had been listed on and off since 2018, and had previously been seeking $300,000 a month before Bennifer bought it, The Post previously reported.
After buying it, the live listing was stripped of much of its imagery and info, as is customary.
The fact that there are now 50 images of it, including a new shot of the exterior, available across a variety of real estate listing websites — as well as a fresh description of the estate — makes it appear that the couple are possibly preparing to look for a buyer, the Daily Mail reported.
Kerry Washington Joins Gabrielle Union, Shailene Woodley, Olivia Wilde, & More at Michael Kors Dinner in L.A
Michael Kors is celebrating the opening of his new store on Rodeo Drive! The 64-year-old fashion designer hosted a star-studded party in celebration of the grand re-opening of his new store on Tuesday evening (June 4) held at Canters by Spago in Los Angeles.
Guests in attendance included Kerry Washington, Gabrielle Union, Shailene Woodley, and Olivia Wildeia Wilde.
Michael had to close down his store on Rodeo Drive four years ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but has decided to re-open the store.
“Baby Reindeer” Star Jessica Gunning Reveals the 'Massive Moment' She Came Out as Gay
"I realized I was a big old gay. I was like, that's what it's been. That's what it is," the Netflix star said
Jessica Gunning is proud to embrace her sexuality. The Baby Reindeer star, 38, appeared as a guest on the Reign with Josh Smith podcast on Monday, June 3, and reflected on the “massive moment” when she was finally able to come out as gay.
In the Netflix hit series, which is inspired by a true story, creator Richard Gadd portrays himself as a character named Donny. He’s ultimately stalked by Gunning’s character, Martha, and sexually assaulted by another.
During the podcast, Gunning opened up about the theme of self-love in the show, before delving into her own experience with the topic.
“Do you feel like you're stepping into yourself in new ways now?” Smith asked.
“Well, a big thing happened to me and maybe I'll just talk about it. I came out actually in November ‘22,” Gunning replied as Smith welcomed her to the club.
“Thank you very much. Thank you. And that was a mega, mega thing for me because I, for so long, I'm surrounded by gays,” she said. “Like all my friends are gay. So it wasn't that I was, like, repressing anything. It was just that I didn't think I could be and I still can't articulate it in the best way.”
The English actress stated that before long, her feelings were too strong to deny.
“But yeah, I realized I was a big old gay. I was like, that's what it's been. That's what it is,” she said.
Gunning added, “And that was like a massive moment where everything kind of clicked. And I made sense of myself then because for so long, I'd thought — and I'm a bigger woman — and I thought maybe it was to do with, like, my size. But I felt a little bit almost alien or like I was tagging along.”
She referred to her coming out as “the most liberating thing” that reminded her of a scene from the show that resonated with her.
“There's a really emotional thing actually in Baby Reindeer where Donny talks about sleeping for the first time at his parents' house,” Gunning said.
She then recalled how she was able to rest after her confession.
“I told my family in Christmas that year and I slept for like 10 hours at night. Yeah, because I kind of was like, ‘Oh, that's what this has been.’ It's been like a little secret, I guess, I've been keeping from myself even,” she said.
Baby Reindeer is now streaming on Netflix.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.
Netflix Sets Tyler Perry Movie ‘Straw’: Taraji P. Henson, Sherri Shepherd, Teyana Taylor Among Cast
Netflix has unveiled Straw, a new thriller/drama feature film that Perry will write, direct and produce.
Production on Straw is already underway in Atlanta, Georgia, at Tyler Perry’s studios. Preliminary production dates suggest the movie will be filming for a full month between May 28th and June 28th, 2024.
What can you expect? The logline for the movie is as follows:
“A single mother faces a series of unfortunate events that lead her down an unexpected path. Struggling against circumstances beyond her control, she becomes entangled in a situation she never imagined. Fueled by desperation, she finds herself at the center of suspicion in a world that seems indifferent to her existence.”
This is just one project from the director, writer, and actor, who has many past and future projects set up at the streamer. His most recent output was Mea Culpa, which starred Kelly Rowland earlier this year. That featured in the global top 10s for three weeks, picking up 79.10M hours watched, equating to 39.6M views. Other prior projects include A Jazzman’s Blues, A Madea Homecoming, and A Fall From Grace.
Live at the Opera House tracklist:
Overture (Grateful/You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)/Dance (Disco Heat))
Body Strong
Medley #1: Everything Must Change / You Are My Love
Medley #2: Could This Be Magic / A Song For You
Blackbird / Sylvester Day Proclamation
Happiness
Lover Man (Oh Where Can You Be?)
Sharing Something Perfect Between Ourselves
I (Who Have Nothing)
You Are My Friend
Dance (Disco Heat)
You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)
Overture (Reprise)
Never Can Say Goodbye
#HipHopNews: Chuck D Slams Older Rappers Who Still Rap About 'The Same Street Tale'
On Monday (June 3), the Public Enemy MC took to social media and shared his opinions on artists who have become too comfortable with the same subject matter despite years of experience.
“If you over 40 and spitting meaningless dark energy in RAP you have to really think about what matters in the HipHop foundation that birthed your chance at it,” he wrote.
“I didn’t say cease and desist. I said T H I N k ……. A over 40 mind should have a better ability to KNOW self and surroundings better. The ‘green’ days is greying…”
The following day, the New Yorker uploaded another post to promote his upcoming book RAPilates: Body and Mind Conditioning in the Digital Age, which is due July 1.
In the caption, he wrote: “Im a rap head . Im in my 64th year… hiphop is over 50 years. Different ages have different appeals and elder folk money ain’t stupid. My listening ear doesn’t wanna hear the same street tale because thats for a new kid just finding themselves & the world.
“Over 40 its not crazy to hear a MC warn us on bad food , rent mortgage gas prices, kids ( yeah the 20 year old MCs have them too) pharmaceuticals , prostate and instead of battling MCs how about fuckin up cancer and diabetes!?!?! Theres a whole world of topics for MCs and over 40 money is good just check your local CVS Walgreens line … and stop believing the fantasy lies as much.”
Im a rap head . Im in my 64th year… hiphop is over 50 years. Different ages have different appeals and elder folk money ain’t stupid. My listening ear doesn’t wanna hear the same street tale because thats for a new kid just finding themselves & the world. Over 40 its not crazy
In early May, Cypress Hill’s B-Real took to X (formerly Twitter) to share the following prompt: “Which 10 artists or group would you without hesitation induct into the Rock n Roll Hall Of Fame?”
Chuck, whose group Public Enemy were among the earliest Hip Hop inductees in the Rock Hall, responded soon after with his top picks, singling out several Hip Hop pioneers: Cypress Hill, De La Soul, Ice-T, KRS-One, Eric B. & Rakim, Salt-N-Pepa, Queen Latifah and DJ Hollywood.
Displaying his diverse taste in music, the Long Island native also listed rock band Deep Purple (who were inducted in 2016) and heavy metal icons Iron Maiden in his list.
Ava DuVernay Responds To ‘When They See Us’ Defamation Lawsuit Settlement
Ava DuVernay has issued a response after the defamation lawsuit brought against herself and Netflix by former prosecutor Linda Fairstein over the When They See Us miniseries. In 2020, Fairstein accused the project of using false, “racist and unethical, if not unlawful” statements and actions in her portrayal.
According to The Wrap, the trial was set to begin next week before the settlement. Per the agreement, Netflix will donate $1 million to the Innocence Project “benefitting the wrongfully incarcerated.”
Additionally, the streamer will add a disclaimer in front of the episodes reading: “While the motion picture is inspired by actual events and persons, certain characters, incidents, locations, dialogue, and names are fictionalized for the purposes of dramatization.”
“After years of legal wrangling and millions of dollars spent, she walked away with no payment to her or her lawyers of any kind, rather than face cross-examination before a New York jury as to her conduct and character,” detailed DuVernay of Fairstein in a statement.
“I hope that one day Linda Fairstein can come to terms with the part she played in this miscarriage of justice and finally accept responsibility.”
Per Variety, Fairstein issued her own statement on the matter.
“This is what this case was all about — not about ‘winning’ or about any financial restitution, but about my reputation and that of my colleagues,” Fairstein explained. “It was about setting the historical record straight that the villainous caricature invented by the defendants and portrayed on screen was not me.”
When They See Us debuted on the streamer in 2019 to critical acclaim. The heart-wrenching drama is based on true events, recognizing the real-life story of the then-teenaged Exonerated 5, formerly known as the Central Park 5. The men, Korey Wise, Raymond Santana, Yusef Salaam, Antron McCray, and Kevin Richardson were falsely accused and imprisoned in 1989, partially due to the efforts made by Fairstein.
Their sentences were vacated and in 2014, New York City awarded the five a $41 million settlement. After the series aired, Fairstein stepped down from her position.
Normani Praises Brandy And Janet Jackson As “The Standard In Music”
Normani has nothing but praise for Brandy and Janet Jackson for directly influencing her artistry. During an interview with Rolling Stone, Normani was asked about her upcoming album, Dopamine, and what fans could expect from the project’s sound. The singer stated that the sound initially began “dark” before she looked to brighten up the LP’s sonic scapes, referencing the vibrant production of Missy Elliott and Timbaland.
“I naturally gravitate to darker-sounding things from a sonic perspective, something that feels like it has bite and grit and edginess to it,” she said.
“I always just like being left of center. At one point, I was like, ‘Listen, everything can’t sound dark. We want to take everybody on a ride. We need to add some color.’ I love Missy Elliott so much, Timbaland’s production. I like unique things that haven’t necessarily really been heard, so that’s also why production is my favorite part of the process.”
To conclude her thought, Normani explained that she’s so excited about the album that she has already begun thinking about the live show. The 28-year-old entertainer brought up “Lights On,” a song slated to appear on the LP, detailing the live performance attached to that track as “my Janet moment.”
With Brandy on her album and channeling her inner Janet Jackson, Normani proceeded to give the legends their props, saying, “They’re literally the reason why I do what I do and why I’m able to be in the position that I am in… They redefined the standard of beauty, but also the standard in music. I feel like Brandy and Janet have really been disruptive in their own ways. I love the album Discipline by Janet.”
Normani has been hard at work on her debut album for six years. Conversations regarding her debut album arrived in July 2018 when Normani’s former group, Fifth Harmony, went on an indefinite hiatus that same year. The project had several false starts between 2018-2022, as she dropped several singles to drum up hype. Her 2019 song, “Motivation,” was initially planned to be the album’s lead single before changes in artistic direction were implemented for the album. 2023 saw the singer dropping the new lead single, “1:59,” in April and the subsequent offering, “Candy Paint,” released in May.
Normani’s debut solo album, Dopamine, is set to be released on Friday (June 14).
Pharrell Williams Launches His First Fragrance With Luis Vuitton
“When we discussed a few hours after the show how the perfume should be, we spoke very precisely about the use of the variety of light in nature coming from photosynthesis and this is where everything started,” Belletrud explained. Galbanum is the main ingredient used in LVRS and piqued Pharrell’s curiosity immediately as the gum resin has not been used in the smell goods business for many years.
“Smelling it, my first realization is that I can smell colors of this fragrance. It’s definitely on the blue side: blue and light blue and there’s a little bit of some purple in it,” the “Happy” performer said. “I don’t see red or burgundy or brown. It’s on the sweeter side. It smells like an elegant, elevated version of something that’s familiar to me.”
LVRS features top notes of bergamot and galbanum; middle notes of ginger and solar notes and base notes of sandalwood and cedarwood. Also available are some leather LV accessories in the camo print. LVRS launches June 19 and is priced at $320,00.
Actor Wendell Pierce denied apartment in Harlem by White landlord
Pierce, 60, shared this indignity and mortifying experience with his 300K followers on X on June 3.
“For those of you who don’t understand my righteous anger; I???m on 2 TV series, ‘ELSBETH’ and ‘RAISING KANAN.’ I’m filming SUPERMAN. Two years ago, I finished the fourth season of ‘JACK RYAN.’ Last year I finished a run on Broadway in DEATH OF A SALESMAN. Even with my proof of employment, bank statements and real estate holdings, a White apartment owner DENIED my application to rent the apartment … in Harlem, of all places.
'The Wire' star Wendell Pierce denied apartment in Harlem by White landlord
There was an outpouring of support and outrage from Pierce’s fans and others that the esteemed thespian could be denied a home by a White man in Harlem, New York, of all places.
Pierce, while grateful for his fans’ desire to take action on his behalf, said he was only giving an example of rancid racism in housing.
Angel Reese ejected during Chicago Sky loss to New York Liberty
Angel Reese fans were upset that the “Bayou Barbie” was thrown out of the game with little justification during her Chicago Sky’s game against the New York Liberty on June 4.
Reese was irked that she was called for a foul during the fourth quarter of a once-close game. She appeared to bark reflexively at the referee and then dismissively waved him off.
The referee subsequently called Reese for two technical fouls in rapid succession, thereby resulting in the automatic and immediate disqualification from the game.
After battling New York in a close game for three quarters, the Liberty (8-2) broke open the game in the fourth, outscoring the Sky 23-9 to win decisively, 88-75. The Sky fall to 3-5 on the year.
Despite Reese’s reputation for on-court theatrics and histrionics, many fans and NBA star Lonzo Ball believe that the referee was too thinned-skinned and unjustly ejected Reese from the game with little provocation.
Ball sat courtside at the game in Chicago — he plays for the NBA’s Chicago Bulls — and vowed to pay the fine for Reese.
Janet Jackson Surprises Fans With Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us' Mashup At Concert
The viral clip shows Jackson in a plaid dress, seamlessly blending her "Control"-era track with Lamar's hit, creating a cross-generational musical moment. Fans on social media were quick to react, with one noting, "Kendrick introduced a whole new generation to Janet. Of course she gon ride for him!"
As Jackson continues her tour with stops across major cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago, the mix of her vintage sound with contemporary hip-hop continues to stir excitement. This energy isn't just contained to concert halls. Even sports teams are getting in on the action. Ahead of the NBA finals game one against the Boston Celtics, the Dallas Mavericks were seen practicing to Kendrick Lamar's "Meet the Grahams", a Drake diss track gaining notoriety in hip-hop circles. Bally Sports reporter Abby Jones shared a clip featuring the song, highlighting how these diss records are finding their way into various aspects of pop culture.
Michael B. Jordan Is Excited To Collaborate With Will Smith For 'I Am Legend 2'
The original "I Am Legend", released in 2007, starred Will Smith as virologist Robert Neville, the lone survivor in a desolate New York City ravaged by a man-made plague that transforms humans into bloodthirsty mutants. The theatrical release ended with Neville's death, but the sequel will utilize the alternate ending in which he lived.
Jordan spoke to PEOPLE about the project, stating, "We're still working on the script and getting that up to par. It doesn't have a release date or anything like that... I'm really excited to get in front of the camera with him. Being somebody that I've looked up to for a really long time, to be able to work with Will is something I'm really looking forward to."
Smith himself has expressed enthusiasm for the sequel, telling Entertainment Tonight, "It's looking good. We have some really solid ideas. I think Michael and I are going to make it on screen together."
Akiva Goldsman, who co-wrote the original screenplay, will return to pen the sequel. The film will take place "a few decades" after the events of the first movie, exploring how "the Earth reclaims the world" after humans have retreated. Goldsman has also indicated that the sequel will adhere more closely to the original novel by Richard Matheson.
Jordan and Smith have reportedly spent time together developing the project. While the script is still in progress, Jordan's excitement for the collaboration is evident. "That dude is the truth," he said of Smith. "I would love to do that."
"I Am Legend 2" is expected to showcase advancements in computer graphics since the release of the original film, promising more realistic effects for the menacing Darkseekers. The sequel has no confirmed release date at this time.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck divorce rumors heat up as their $60M Beverly Hills mansion pops up on real-estate site
According to the Daily Mail, a number of previously unavailable images were uploaded to the Zillow profile of the couple’s Beverly Hills mansion on June 1 and June 5, signaling that — though still listed as sold — it may soon be back on the market, along with the pop star and actor.
There have been numerous recent ominous signs that the A-listers are experiencing trouble in paradise. Those include Lopez’s response to questions about split rumors during a May press conference, reports that Affleck is staying at a separate house and J.Lo canceling an upcoming tour to spend more time with her family.
Lopez, 54, and Affleck, 51, paid $60.8 million in cash for the 5.2-acre, 12-bedroom, 24-bathroom, 46,000-square-foot compound in June 2023 after years of going in and out of escrow on multiple properties.
The mansion they finally settled on is known as the Wallingford Estate and features an indoor sports complex, a 12-car garage, a zero-edge pool — and grounds containing additional buildings including a 5,000-square-foot guesthouse, a caretaker house and a two-bedroom guard house.
The mansion, which is located in the 90210 ZIP code, had been listed on and off since 2018, and had previously been seeking $300,000 a month before Bennifer bought it, The Post previously reported.
After buying it, the live listing was stripped of much of its imagery and info, as is customary.
The fact that there are now 50 images of it, including a new shot of the exterior, available across a variety of real estate listing websites — as well as a fresh description of the estate — makes it appear that the couple are possibly preparing to look for a buyer, the Daily Mail reported.
Kerry Washington Joins Gabrielle Union, Shailene Woodley, Olivia Wilde, & More at Michael Kors Dinner in L.A
Michael Kors is celebrating the opening of his new store on Rodeo Drive! The 64-year-old fashion designer hosted a star-studded party in celebration of the grand re-opening of his new store on Tuesday evening (June 4) held at Canters by Spago in Los Angeles.
Guests in attendance included Kerry Washington, Gabrielle Union, Shailene Woodley, and Olivia Wildeia Wilde.
Michael had to close down his store on Rodeo Drive four years ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but has decided to re-open the store.
“Baby Reindeer” Star Jessica Gunning Reveals the 'Massive Moment' She Came Out as Gay
Jessica Gunning is proud to embrace her sexuality. The Baby Reindeer star, 38, appeared as a guest on the Reign with Josh Smith podcast on Monday, June 3, and reflected on the “massive moment” when she was finally able to come out as gay.
In the Netflix hit series, which is inspired by a true story, creator Richard Gadd portrays himself as a character named Donny. He’s ultimately stalked by Gunning’s character, Martha, and sexually assaulted by another.
During the podcast, Gunning opened up about the theme of self-love in the show, before delving into her own experience with the topic.
“Do you feel like you're stepping into yourself in new ways now?” Smith asked.
“Well, a big thing happened to me and maybe I'll just talk about it. I came out actually in November ‘22,” Gunning replied as Smith welcomed her to the club.
“Thank you very much. Thank you. And that was a mega, mega thing for me because I, for so long, I'm surrounded by gays,” she said. “Like all my friends are gay. So it wasn't that I was, like, repressing anything. It was just that I didn't think I could be and I still can't articulate it in the best way.”
The English actress stated that before long, her feelings were too strong to deny.
“But yeah, I realized I was a big old gay. I was like, that's what it's been. That's what it is,” she said.
Gunning added, “And that was like a massive moment where everything kind of clicked. And I made sense of myself then because for so long, I'd thought — and I'm a bigger woman — and I thought maybe it was to do with, like, my size. But I felt a little bit almost alien or like I was tagging along.”
She referred to her coming out as “the most liberating thing” that reminded her of a scene from the show that resonated with her.
“There's a really emotional thing actually in Baby Reindeer where Donny talks about sleeping for the first time at his parents' house,” Gunning said.
She then recalled how she was able to rest after her confession.
“I told my family in Christmas that year and I slept for like 10 hours at night. Yeah, because I kind of was like, ‘Oh, that's what this has been.’ It's been like a little secret, I guess, I've been keeping from myself even,” she said.
Baby Reindeer is now streaming on Netflix.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.
Netflix Sets Tyler Perry Movie ‘Straw’: Taraji P. Henson, Sherri Shepherd, Teyana Taylor Among Cast
Netflix has unveiled Straw, a new thriller/drama feature film that Perry will write, direct and produce.
Production on Straw is already underway in Atlanta, Georgia, at Tyler Perry’s studios. Preliminary production dates suggest the movie will be filming for a full month between May 28th and June 28th, 2024.
What can you expect? The logline for the movie is as follows:
“A single mother faces a series of unfortunate events that lead her down an unexpected path. Struggling against circumstances beyond her control, she becomes entangled in a situation she never imagined. Fueled by desperation, she finds herself at the center of suspicion in a world that seems indifferent to her existence.”
This is just one project from the director, writer, and actor, who has many past and future projects set up at the streamer. His most recent output was Mea Culpa, which starred Kelly Rowland earlier this year. That featured in the global top 10s for three weeks, picking up 79.10M hours watched, equating to 39.6M views. Other prior projects include A Jazzman’s Blues, A Madea Homecoming, and A Fall From Grace.
Coming up next, Six Triple Eight, the ambitious WWII biopic movie, is due out later this year. We’ve got two more Madea movies to look forward to, including the already-filmed Madea’s Destination Wedding. On the TV side, there’s a new series called Beauty in Black in the works and another yet-to-be-announced title. Perry is also set to produce a new series called R&B.
As mentioned, Perry is producing Straw alongside Angi Bones and Tony Strickland.
Who’s starring in Netflix’s Straw?
Seven cast members came as part of the initial movie announcement, including:
Taraji P. Henson (The Color Purple, Fight Night)
Sherri Shepherd (Precious, 30 Rock)
Teyana Taylor (A Thousand and One)
Glynn Turman (Rustin, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom)
Rockmond Dunbar (Prison Break, Sons of Anarchy)
Mike Merrill (The Black Hamptons)
Sinbad (Atlanta, A Different World)
Cast Grid For Tyler Perry Movie Straw
Roles and additional cast are to be determined at a later date.
‘All American: Homecoming’ Canceled at CW Ahead of Season 3 Premiere
“All American: Homecoming” is cancelled at the CW ahead of its Season 3 premiere.
“We want to thank the cast, crew, producers, NK, Marqui and everybody at Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television for their hard work and dedication in telling these important stories for three incredible seasons. The upcoming final season is the best yet and we cannot wait to share it with fans beginning on Monday, July 8,” the network said in a statement to press.
Executive producer Nkechi Okoro Carroll noted that she was “devastated” by the news.
“However, I am so very grateful to have worked with this incredible cast and crew, led by Geffri Maya, to bring the authentic HBCU experience to your screens for the last three seasons. We made this show for the culture and thank our loyal audience and fans for taking this ride with us. We made this show so that our community, our kids (and their dreams), could be seen and celebrated every week and we are proud to say we accomplished that mission,” Carroll said in a statement. “Especially with this exciting final season which we can’t wait to show you all. So with a heavy but proud heart, I give one final shoutout to our favorite BRINGSTON LIONS!”
With this axing, “All American” has emerged as the lone young adult series to survive the guard change at the CW. Shortly after Nexstar closed its acquisition of the broadcaster in 2022, the network axed all of its series save for four: “All American,” “All American: Homecoming,” “Walker” and “Superman & Lois.” The DC superhero show will air its fourth and final season later this year. As for “Walker” and “All American,” the Jared Padalecki-led series was canceled after four seasons in May, and “All American” was renewed on Monday for Season 7.
Looking ahead to the 2024 fall season, CW will debut two new game shows — “Scrabble” and “Trivial Pursuit” — which is a genre that is new for the network. The broadcaster will also unveil its fantasy spinoff to “The Librarians,” “The Librarians: The Next Chapter,” as well as the Sophie Turner-led series “Joan.” The last big addition of the fall will be the premiere of “WWE NXT” on Tuesdays, continuing CW’s recent dedication to live sports.
Adidas and Women’s Basketball League Overtime Select Unveils Teams and Custom Uniforms for Inaugural Season
Overtime Select, gearing up for its inaugural season starting in August, has unveiled its eight teams and their custom uniforms, created in collaboration with adidas and the young athletes themselves. The league had previously announced the team captains, who played a significant role in designing their teams’ identities and uniforms.
“This is a truly unprecedented and long-overdue moment in women’s basketball, and we couldn’t be prouder to partner with Overtime Select and its elite roster of next generation athletes as the league kicks off this summer,” said Anthony Abernathy, adidas Sr. Director Brand Communications – Originals & Basketball. “Our partnership with Overtime and our work with its leagues is a reflection of our broader commitment to engaging with and empowering athletes at the grassroots level, as we collectively push the boundaries of what’s possible in sport.”
“Being chosen to be an OT Select Captain is an amazing honor, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to be a part of this history-making moment with all my peers,” said Hailee Swain, OT Select Captain and Stanford commit. “Seeing my jersey in person that I got to help design throughout the process finally made everything seem more real – I can’t wait to start playing.”
The YGE team, captained by Jezelle “GG” Banks (Class of ’27), features a custom camo patterned uniform with light pink accents, making them both stealthy and striking. The Venom Tears, led by Aaliyah Chavez (#1 recruit, Class of ’25), sport blood-red snakeskin patterned uniforms with bright orange details, exuding danger.
The All Knighters, captained by Jazzy Davidson (#2 recruit, Class of ’25), showcase a steel gold color palette with a gradient chain link armor pattern, symbolizing strength and hustle. Royal Reign, under the leadership of Jenica Lewis (#23 recruit, Class of ’26), wears uniforms featuring a crown logo and water drop pattern on a rich lavender purple background, embodying royal elegance.
Double Dynasty, co-captained by Mia Pauldo (#7 recruit, Class of ’25) and Mya Pauldo (#44 recruit, Class of ’25), is known for doubling up the score and style, with uniforms dripping with flair. RWE, led by Jerzy Robinson (#1 recruit, Class of ’26), has a sunburst of color gradients, reflecting their wild energy.
ISO WRLD, captained by Kaleena Smith (Class of ’27), features vibrant green uniforms with blue flames, making them unstoppable. Drifty Dreamerz, led by Hailee Swain (#13 recruit, Class of ’25), showcases star galaxy patterned uniforms with soft pink and bright blue hues, perfect for dreamers.
OT Select, an eight-team league, showcases top 15-18-year-old women basketball players in the country, aiming to empower them as leaders. The league provides tools and resources to build their personal brands, preparing them for college through workshops and an NIL summit.
OT Select gameplay kicks off on August 3-4 in Atlanta at OTE Arena.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Want Some Ash On Your Fries?
If this is not the most unusual sight ever, then we don’t know what is.
If this is not the most unusual sight ever, then we don’t know what is.
EVENING GOODIES: Meet Alex
DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT OWN any images posted on this blog. All images are found online or submitted.
Enjoy!
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ALL!!!
EFREM
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