#MAGFAB: Rihanna for Harpers Bazaar The Legacy Issue!
Rihanna Is the People’s Pop Star She’s a titan of music, a mother of two, a self-made mogul, and the newly minted face of Dior J’adore. Twenty years since her first chart-topping single, Rihanna just might have manifested her dream life.
It’s just past 4:30 in the morning, and Rihanna lets out a hearty laugh. Settled in a swivel chair in the living room of a dimly lit penthouse suite in a downtown Manhattan hotel, she is telling me about a game she and A$AP Rocky, her partner of five years and the father of her two children, invented at the end of a long road trip they took during the height of Covid. They called it Mickey Mouse, she explains, “because we were like, we’re going to take walks for hours. And every time, we would get these nutcrackers from Harlem, and we would say, ‘Every time we see a rat, we got to take a shot.’ ” She clarifies: “Not a shot. A sip of the nutcracker. That’s like taking a shot or 12.” The drink, a New York City summer specialty consisting of saccharine-sweet fruit juice and high-proof liquor, is so-named because it hits hard.
It is at this moment that Rocky, as Rihanna affectionately calls him, who is fully dressed and curled up asleep on a couch nearby, wakes up, as jazz he’s been playing crescendos in the background. “He put that on for you. He thought you’d like it.” Rihanna is resplendent in a light-blue cutout cashmere sweater from Ferragamo, pinstripe shorts from her own Savage X Fenty line, and flourishes of spiral-set and cushion-cut diamonds on every finger. Her hair, long and black with a center part, is the perfect complement to a face full of expertly applied makeup. “Damn, you heard that from back there? You being nosy,” she chides him in that familiar Bajan lilt.
To be in Rihanna’s world, even for just a couple of hours, is to be completely charmed, disarmed, and welcomed without pretense. She is at once the mononymous cultural force that has given shape to so many indelible moments spanning music, fashion, and beauty over the past 20 years and the person you create fantasy Real Housewives taglines with over a glass of wine. (Hers: “Bajans are crazy. You’re welcome!” in case you were wondering.)
A warm hostess, Rihanna asks me at the start of our interview what I would like to drink. I try to match her energy and ask for whatever she is having, and she graciously tries to anticipate what I might want. She orders us a trio: a glass of water, wine, and an espresso. Her personal assistant places down the drinks and asks if we want anything else. “Mind your business!” she says with a laugh to Fenty Corp vice president Carolyn Girondo as she playfully shoos them away to the bedrooms. All of a sudden, it’s just me and Ri. No publicist looming. No manager eagle-eying the clock to check you don’t go over your allotted time. “I can’t be monitored like that,” she says. “I’ve done that in the earlier years. And I always feel like, ‘Am I giving the right answer? Am I allowed to say this?’ I don’t like that.”
Rihanna offers a sincere apology for the late start. She explains that she and Rocky had taken a trip to the Boys & Girls Club of Harlem that evening, surprising kids with sneakers and clothes from their respective Puma collaborations and posing for photos. “Then we were uptown and Rocky wanted to get food. We went to Melba’s,” she says, referring to the famed Southern soul-food restaurant. “She’s a legend.” Product-naming decisions for upcoming releases for her Fenty Beauty line had to be made before inviting me up to join her. It makes sense that her schedule is packed while most people would be asleep. Such is the life of a mogul and mother of two whose net worth has swollen to $1.4 billion. Arguably, there’s no time for sleep; every minute is big money.
“I don’t like the RAPUNZEL life. It’s very ISOLATING. It’s very LONELY. And what am I protecting MYSELF FROM?”
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
“Should we cheers to this amazing interview that’s going to happen?” Rihanna asks as she sparks up a joint. We clink our wineglasses. “Let’s get into it!” she exclaims. “You know we could talk for hours. You know that you agreed to an hour, but we could be here till 6:00 a.m. if the vibe is right!”
What I find, hours in, is a Rihanna who seems truly at peace. She has plans for the future (yes, that includes new music), but she is also very grounded in the present. She’s landed a major new gig as the new face of Dior’s marquee fragrance, J’adore. “It was very intimidating” to take on the job, Rihanna says. “But I was excited to represent such a historic brand, something that was special to me.” She’s happy to be Rocky’s plus-one at London’s Fashion Awards, where he won the Cultural Innovator Award. “I was there to support Rocky for such an incredible achievement. … It was not my night to wear a gown.” She’s protecting her space and taking time to be a mom. It’s a state of being that feels hard-won. I imagine it is particularly difficult to achieve, given her level of fame and visibility, her growing business empire, and having her two children, RZA (in 2022) and Riot (in 2023), in quick succession.
“Does that feel like where you are?” I ask, picking up on her sense of zen.
“Cheers to clarity,” she says as we toast again. “I think clarity is an evolution in itself. I think people have moments where you have to either get sick of yourself, have something that is completely mind-altering, or come to an understanding of your pain, of your journey. Once you have clarity on something, there’s a new era of your life that’s going to begin. It’s going to be something that you don’t understand, because now you’ve grown; now you’re experiencing new things. And you are not always going to understand what you’re experiencing. You have growing pains. Things are uncomfortable when you’re growing. And the devil always tests you when there’s a reward coming up. It knows the trophy’s right there.”
Get more at Bazaar HERE
It is at this moment that Rocky, as Rihanna affectionately calls him, who is fully dressed and curled up asleep on a couch nearby, wakes up, as jazz he’s been playing crescendos in the background. “He put that on for you. He thought you’d like it.” Rihanna is resplendent in a light-blue cutout cashmere sweater from Ferragamo, pinstripe shorts from her own Savage X Fenty line, and flourishes of spiral-set and cushion-cut diamonds on every finger. Her hair, long and black with a center part, is the perfect complement to a face full of expertly applied makeup. “Damn, you heard that from back there? You being nosy,” she chides him in that familiar Bajan lilt.
To be in Rihanna’s world, even for just a couple of hours, is to be completely charmed, disarmed, and welcomed without pretense. She is at once the mononymous cultural force that has given shape to so many indelible moments spanning music, fashion, and beauty over the past 20 years and the person you create fantasy Real Housewives taglines with over a glass of wine. (Hers: “Bajans are crazy. You’re welcome!” in case you were wondering.)
A warm hostess, Rihanna asks me at the start of our interview what I would like to drink. I try to match her energy and ask for whatever she is having, and she graciously tries to anticipate what I might want. She orders us a trio: a glass of water, wine, and an espresso. Her personal assistant places down the drinks and asks if we want anything else. “Mind your business!” she says with a laugh to Fenty Corp vice president Carolyn Girondo as she playfully shoos them away to the bedrooms. All of a sudden, it’s just me and Ri. No publicist looming. No manager eagle-eying the clock to check you don’t go over your allotted time. “I can’t be monitored like that,” she says. “I’ve done that in the earlier years. And I always feel like, ‘Am I giving the right answer? Am I allowed to say this?’ I don’t like that.”
Rihanna offers a sincere apology for the late start. She explains that she and Rocky had taken a trip to the Boys & Girls Club of Harlem that evening, surprising kids with sneakers and clothes from their respective Puma collaborations and posing for photos. “Then we were uptown and Rocky wanted to get food. We went to Melba’s,” she says, referring to the famed Southern soul-food restaurant. “She’s a legend.” Product-naming decisions for upcoming releases for her Fenty Beauty line had to be made before inviting me up to join her. It makes sense that her schedule is packed while most people would be asleep. Such is the life of a mogul and mother of two whose net worth has swollen to $1.4 billion. Arguably, there’s no time for sleep; every minute is big money.
“I don’t like the RAPUNZEL life. It’s very ISOLATING. It’s very LONELY. And what am I protecting MYSELF FROM?”
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
What I find, hours in, is a Rihanna who seems truly at peace. She has plans for the future (yes, that includes new music), but she is also very grounded in the present. She’s landed a major new gig as the new face of Dior’s marquee fragrance, J’adore. “It was very intimidating” to take on the job, Rihanna says. “But I was excited to represent such a historic brand, something that was special to me.” She’s happy to be Rocky’s plus-one at London’s Fashion Awards, where he won the Cultural Innovator Award. “I was there to support Rocky for such an incredible achievement. … It was not my night to wear a gown.” She’s protecting her space and taking time to be a mom. It’s a state of being that feels hard-won. I imagine it is particularly difficult to achieve, given her level of fame and visibility, her growing business empire, and having her two children, RZA (in 2022) and Riot (in 2023), in quick succession.
“Does that feel like where you are?” I ask, picking up on her sense of zen.
“Cheers to clarity,” she says as we toast again. “I think clarity is an evolution in itself. I think people have moments where you have to either get sick of yourself, have something that is completely mind-altering, or come to an understanding of your pain, of your journey. Once you have clarity on something, there’s a new era of your life that’s going to begin. It’s going to be something that you don’t understand, because now you’ve grown; now you’re experiencing new things. And you are not always going to understand what you’re experiencing. You have growing pains. Things are uncomfortable when you’re growing. And the devil always tests you when there’s a reward coming up. It knows the trophy’s right there.”
Get more at Bazaar HERE
#RHOA: Is Cynthia Bailey and Porsha Williams Is the RHOA Friendship We Need?
When it comes to the Real Housewives of Atlanta, friendships are fleeting. Fans have watched the greatest of the great fall. But a new partnership in town is ready to give the pressure of a Bravo series a go. Porsha Williams and Cynthia Bailey have been fan favorites in their own rights. Now the two have decided to join forces and form a friendship that works for them. And while there is no friend contract here, the ladies look content in their alliance.
It seems Cynthia is getting all the love from her Real Housewives of Atlanta co-stars. While at Bravo Fan Fest, Phaedra Parks revealed, “This is a new Cynthia. This Cynthia is so fun. So relaxed.” Porsha noted, “She don’t got her other friends over there,” which seemed to be a slight towards NeNe Leakes and Kenya Moore, who were often seen as the troublemakers of the group. In seasons past, Cynthia would frequently find herself stuck in the middle of a drama that usually had nothing to do with her. But now she seems like a lighter housewife.
“Cynthia has always loved herself some Porsha. And she has always loved herself some Phaedra,” the mother of one joked. Porsha added “I want to call her the best friend of the show. She’s the best one we had. She comes around and asks questions we don’t want to answer again.” It seems that Cynthia has made friends with the entire cast and is now the glue that holds the group together. Porsha then joked, “But it’s Cynthia, so we have to rehash it. And catch her up every time. She’s funny. She’s talking about her dating. I can’t say enough about what she has added as a friend.”
Porsha can’t stop raving about Cynthia. She shared during her interview with People, “I can not say enough about Cynthia Bailey. She came back as a friend this season, and she is literally the best friend of the show. We’ve had other people, but I felt like when she came back in, she genuinely was interested in what we had going on.” Porsha added, “She’s that big sis. She wants to fix everything. She’s a confidant; I just love her.” In the Season 16 trailer, fans saw Drew Sidora working with Dennis McKinley, Porsha’s baby daddy. Obviously, P wasn’t a fan of this partnership and will most likely turn to Cynthia for some much-needed advice. Viewers will see Porsha confront Dennis over his relationship with Drew, too.
Cynthia has had her own guy troubles in the past. Viewers watched as her marriage to Peter Thomas fell apart, mostly due to his secretive business transactions. So, it will be nice to see Cynthia help Porsha through this tough time with Dennis and Simon Guobadia. Cynthia gives a sense of maturity that rubs off on Porsha. And that is a great friendship trait to have. The best friends are the ones who can lift you up in the darkest times. This is exactly what Cyn is doing for her bestie.
There is no doubt that Season 16 will be packed with drama. Between some newbies and Kenya’s exit, the Real Housewives of Atlanta will need some levity. Could it be that a new Frick and Frack will be entering the ATL? Now, I wouldn’t go that far, but I think Porsha and Cynthia have a good thing going. Porsha is usually the more outgoing one who likes to make plans and have a laugh. At the same time, Cynthia is more down-to-earth and realistic. The balance between the two is the perfect mix of spontaneous and worldly. This is the friendship that Bravo fans deserve. I’d argue that their friendship is one of the best and most underrated friendships in the series. They share genuine respect, admiration, and trust for each other.
Cynthia is a good judge of character. And her defending Porsha, as she will in season 16, will speak volumes. Both women have shown that they know how to be good friends. Cynthia stuck by Kenya for years, as did Porsha with Phaedra. So it feels like it’s in their DNA to be close and stand up for one another. Season 16 is fast approaching, and I just can’t wait to see how these two interact.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta is available to stream on Peacock.
#MusicNews: Fantasia, Robin Thicke, Little Brother & More Announced As Artscape 2025 in Baltimore Performers!
Fans of music, the arts, culture and creativity are invited to pull up in Baltimore this Memorial Day weekend. Artscape 2025 is going down on Saturday, May 24th and Sunday, May 25th with an exciting lineup of performers already announced and big changes ahead for Charm City’s annual free outdoor arts festival.
The talent roster for Artscape 2025 will feature artists across numerous genres. R&B leads the way with headliner Fantasia and Tweet on the schedule for the first day and Robin Thicke on tap for day two. Hip-hop will take the stage when our faves Phonte and Rapper Big Pooh of Little Brother perform on Saturday, while country music will be represented by Tanner Adell that Sunday. The full list of performers is TBA, but festivalgoers can expect more national and local acts to fill the bill.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott revealed this year’s Artscape lineup during a recent press conference that also unveiled two major updates to the four-decade-old event. Artscape is relocating to downtown Baltimore and will now kick off Baltimore’s summer festival season with its move from August to Memorial Day weekend. Festivals to follow include AFRAM in June, the Caribbean Festival in July and Charm City Live wrapping up the season in September.
In addition to musical performances, Artscape 2025 will feature an art fair, a visual arts exhibition, curated conversations and chats, a new film and TV track, culinary experiences, family-friendly activities, a creative marketplace, local vendors, DJ sets and more culture-focused programming, installations and activations.
And did we mention that Artscape is FREE? (We did!) For more information and to get your plans to spend Memorial Day weekend in Baltimore in motion, visit the Artscape website.
Fans of music, the arts, culture and creativity are invited to pull up in Baltimore this Memorial Day weekend. Artscape 2025 is going down on Saturday, May 24th and Sunday, May 25th with an exciting lineup of performers already announced and big changes ahead for Charm City’s annual free outdoor arts festival.
The talent roster for Artscape 2025 will feature artists across numerous genres. R&B leads the way with headliner Fantasia and Tweet on the schedule for the first day and Robin Thicke on tap for day two. Hip-hop will take the stage when our faves Phonte and Rapper Big Pooh of Little Brother perform on Saturday, while country music will be represented by Tanner Adell that Sunday. The full list of performers is TBA, but festivalgoers can expect more national and local acts to fill the bill.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott revealed this year’s Artscape lineup during a recent press conference that also unveiled two major updates to the four-decade-old event. Artscape is relocating to downtown Baltimore and will now kick off Baltimore’s summer festival season with its move from August to Memorial Day weekend. Festivals to follow include AFRAM in June, the Caribbean Festival in July and Charm City Live wrapping up the season in September.
In addition to musical performances, Artscape 2025 will feature an art fair, a visual arts exhibition, curated conversations and chats, a new film and TV track, culinary experiences, family-friendly activities, a creative marketplace, local vendors, DJ sets and more culture-focused programming, installations and activations.
And did we mention that Artscape is FREE? (We did!) For more information and to get your plans to spend Memorial Day weekend in Baltimore in motion, visit the Artscape website.
#HipHopNews: Nipsey Hussle Posthumous Album Should Be Out ‘around This Summer,’ Says Brother
Appearing on Power 106’s Brown Bag Morning Show on Wednesday (February 26), Sam revealed the LP will be a joint project with Bino Rideaux and that it was recorded before Nipsey was killed in 2019.
“If Hussle didn’t actually do the verse or work with the person or put together the blueprint for the project, we not doing it,” Sam said. “He did something with Bino and there’s a new project that we’re about to release. This was a project that he had with Bino that was pretty much like 80% finished.”
He continued: “So the team kind of came in, got some unreleased verses and music that he had done with Bino and just tightened it up. It sounds amazing. It should be coming out around this summer. The team is real excited. We just finished going over all the stuff for the last three weeks with everybody.”
Blacc Sam was at the show to promote Nipsey Hussle’s Marathon Brand amid the opening of a new burger restaurant in his home city of Los Angeles.
The restaurant opens on Saturday (March 1) on Melrose and Gardner, just a short distance from Nipsey’s Marathon clothing store, and will sell smash burgers.
The dining room of the restaurant will also feature images of the late rapper and Saturday’s grand opening will see the first 100 customers eat for free.
“The Marathon team is excited to expand the brand into the restaurant industry here in L.A.,” the late rapper’s team said in a statement.
“When Nipsey birthed The Marathon (Brand), launching it with The Marathon mixtape in 2010, the goal was always to enterprise this into a full lifestyle brand — music, fashion, food/hospitality, and entertainment. This is another step towards reaching Hussle’s vision.”
Marathon Burger originally debuted last October as a pop-up restaurant selling burgers and chicken sandwiches, the brainchild of Sam.
Nipsey began his Marathon brand back in 2010 and it has since been carried on by his estate and family following his murder in 2019.
The rapper’s killer, Eric Holder, recently attempted to overturn his 2022 conviction for fatally shooting the beloved figure, but the bid was squashed by an appeals court.
An Investigation has been launched after Legendary Actor Gene Hackman and his wife were found dead
An investigation is underway into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday.
“The French Connection” star was 95.
Hackman and Arakawa, 64, were found at their home in Santa Fe on Wednesday, alongside their dog.
“An active and ongoing investigation” into their deaths, the sheriff's office said.
Deputies were called at about 1:45 p.m. Wednesday to an address on Old Sunset Trail in Hyde Park, “where Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 64 and a dog were found deceased,” the county sheriff’s public information officer, Denise Womack Avila, said in a statement.
“Foul play is not suspected as a factor in those deaths at this time however exact cause of death has not been determined,” the statement added.
The sheriff's office told a reporter from NBC affiliate KOB of Albuquerque that the alarm was raised after a neighbor called police to carry out a welfare check.
The bodies of Hackman and Arakawa were not formally identified until 12:30 a.m. Thursday (2:30 a.m. ET).
Hackman had been airlifted to hospital after he was hit by a car while riding a bike in the Florida Keys in 2012, but escaped with minor injuries.
He won his first Oscar for his portrayal of detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in William Friedkin’s “The French Connection,” and later riveted audiences in Francis Ford Coppola’s paranoid thriller “The Conversation.” Later, he would play the villainous Lex Luther in “Superman.”
He won two Academy Awards, four Golden Globes, one Screen Actors Guild Award and two British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs).
He also landed Oscar nominations for his roles in “Bonnie & Clyde,” the character study “I Never Sang for My Father” and the divisive thriller “Mississippi Burning.”
He left Hollywood in 2004, making his final film appearance in the largely forgotten Ray Romano vehicle “Welcome to Mooseport.”
An investigation is underway into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday.
“The French Connection” star was 95.
Hackman and Arakawa, 64, were found at their home in Santa Fe on Wednesday, alongside their dog.
“An active and ongoing investigation” into their deaths, the sheriff's office said.
Deputies were called at about 1:45 p.m. Wednesday to an address on Old Sunset Trail in Hyde Park, “where Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 64 and a dog were found deceased,” the county sheriff’s public information officer, Denise Womack Avila, said in a statement.
“Foul play is not suspected as a factor in those deaths at this time however exact cause of death has not been determined,” the statement added.
The sheriff's office told a reporter from NBC affiliate KOB of Albuquerque that the alarm was raised after a neighbor called police to carry out a welfare check.
The bodies of Hackman and Arakawa were not formally identified until 12:30 a.m. Thursday (2:30 a.m. ET).
Hackman had been airlifted to hospital after he was hit by a car while riding a bike in the Florida Keys in 2012, but escaped with minor injuries.
He won his first Oscar for his portrayal of detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in William Friedkin’s “The French Connection,” and later riveted audiences in Francis Ford Coppola’s paranoid thriller “The Conversation.” Later, he would play the villainous Lex Luther in “Superman.”
He won two Academy Awards, four Golden Globes, one Screen Actors Guild Award and two British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs).
He also landed Oscar nominations for his roles in “Bonnie & Clyde,” the character study “I Never Sang for My Father” and the divisive thriller “Mississippi Burning.”
He left Hollywood in 2004, making his final film appearance in the largely forgotten Ray Romano vehicle “Welcome to Mooseport.”
Queen Latifah To Perform Quincy Jones Tribute At 2025 Oscars
Queen Latifah is set to grace the stage at the 2025 Academy Awards. The acclaimed actress and musician has been named to perform a tribute to the late Quincy Jones at the annual event. The news was shared by executive producer Raj Kapoor during a press conference with the creative team, according to Variety.
“One of the most exciting things that we’ve worked on this year is a musical performance that will tribute Quincy Jones,” he said, adding that Queen Latifah will be “a part of the performance.”
“We’ve planned and curated this beautiful moment that we hope will uplift the room, that will celebrate the spirit of Quincy and all of his greatness,” Kapoor continued. “It’s a beautiful moment, and we think it will be very celebratory and make everybody feel really good.”
Jones, founder of VIBE Magazine, passed away in November 2024 at the age of 91 years old. His cause of death was later revealed as pancreatic cancer. Four of Jones’ children, Rashida, Martina, Quincy III, and Kenya accepted an honorary Lifetime Achievement Award for their father that same month at the Governor’s Awards.
“Our father passed away two weeks ago today,” detailed Rashida in the moving speech. “He was really excited to attend tonight and a lot of his family are here, out of the seven of us are here and our beautiful family in the audience and he has so many friends in this room – well, actually probably in every room if I’m being honest because wherever he went he made connections with everyone, real one. He had this natural gift with people. He knew how to stay present, stay curious and stay loving.”
The 2025 Oscars are set to be hosted by Conan O’Brien, with the ceremony broadcasting live on ABC and streaming live on Hulu on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 7 p.m. ET. Additional performers announced include Doja Cat, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, RAYE, and LISA of Blackpink.
Dave Bautista, Harrison Ford, Gal Gadot, Andrew Garfield, Samuel L. Jackson, Margaret Qualley, Alba Rohrwacher, Zoe Saldaña, and Rachel Zegler have been named presenters for the prestigious event.
“One of the most exciting things that we’ve worked on this year is a musical performance that will tribute Quincy Jones,” he said, adding that Queen Latifah will be “a part of the performance.”
“We’ve planned and curated this beautiful moment that we hope will uplift the room, that will celebrate the spirit of Quincy and all of his greatness,” Kapoor continued. “It’s a beautiful moment, and we think it will be very celebratory and make everybody feel really good.”
Jones, founder of VIBE Magazine, passed away in November 2024 at the age of 91 years old. His cause of death was later revealed as pancreatic cancer. Four of Jones’ children, Rashida, Martina, Quincy III, and Kenya accepted an honorary Lifetime Achievement Award for their father that same month at the Governor’s Awards.
“Our father passed away two weeks ago today,” detailed Rashida in the moving speech. “He was really excited to attend tonight and a lot of his family are here, out of the seven of us are here and our beautiful family in the audience and he has so many friends in this room – well, actually probably in every room if I’m being honest because wherever he went he made connections with everyone, real one. He had this natural gift with people. He knew how to stay present, stay curious and stay loving.”
The 2025 Oscars are set to be hosted by Conan O’Brien, with the ceremony broadcasting live on ABC and streaming live on Hulu on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 7 p.m. ET. Additional performers announced include Doja Cat, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, RAYE, and LISA of Blackpink.
Dave Bautista, Harrison Ford, Gal Gadot, Andrew Garfield, Samuel L. Jackson, Margaret Qualley, Alba Rohrwacher, Zoe Saldaña, and Rachel Zegler have been named presenters for the prestigious event.
LaTocha Scott Pleads For Reconciliation With Estranged Sister Tamika On ‘Residuals’ Freestyle
LaTocha Scott is addressing everything… and we mean everything for her “Residuals” freestyle challenge.
The singer revealed that she split from her husband, Rocky Bivens, after “30 years” because he allegedly had a baby by someone else. “Reading through them comments, saying he having a baby/ I don’t know who’s lyin’ and maybe I was blind,” she sings. Scott did note that they have been separated for two years.
Scott dropped two Xscape references in the cover. The first being, “Who can I run to? Feels like nobody lately,” and the second where she namedropped the group itself.
She expressed that she missed her sister [Tamika]. “It’s a crazy feeling/ But y’all know family s**t be needin’ time for healing,” Scott continued before getting back to her marriage.
“Even in a marriage, ain’t nobody perfect/ But we been split two years and my heart is hurting […] 30 years just washed away. It took some time, some years for me to escape this pain,” said the singer, who signed to Motown Gospel in 2023.
Scott addressed “losing everything,” listing “marriage, family, my blood.” She did describe “losing [her] sister” and getting “kicked out of [her] group” as “insane” and called out social media for “tearing [her] down.”
The freestyle concluded with Scott speaking to her sister directly, saying, “You have my word; we gon’ have some words.” SWV‘s Coko and Taj both commented on Scott’s cover. Coko replied, “This is so DOPE sis!!!!!!!” Taj expressed, “Sometimes we have to fall to look up. I’m proud of you.”
Xscape has not responded collectively or individually, but is set to perform at Jazz In The Gardens on Mar. 9.
LaTocha Scott is addressing everything… and we mean everything for her “Residuals” freestyle challenge.
The singer revealed that she split from her husband, Rocky Bivens, after “30 years” because he allegedly had a baby by someone else. “Reading through them comments, saying he having a baby/ I don’t know who’s lyin’ and maybe I was blind,” she sings. Scott did note that they have been separated for two years.
Scott dropped two Xscape references in the cover. The first being, “Who can I run to? Feels like nobody lately,” and the second where she namedropped the group itself.
She expressed that she missed her sister [Tamika]. “It’s a crazy feeling/ But y’all know family s**t be needin’ time for healing,” Scott continued before getting back to her marriage.
“Even in a marriage, ain’t nobody perfect/ But we been split two years and my heart is hurting […] 30 years just washed away. It took some time, some years for me to escape this pain,” said the singer, who signed to Motown Gospel in 2023.
Scott addressed “losing everything,” listing “marriage, family, my blood.” She did describe “losing [her] sister” and getting “kicked out of [her] group” as “insane” and called out social media for “tearing [her] down.”
The freestyle concluded with Scott speaking to her sister directly, saying, “You have my word; we gon’ have some words.” SWV‘s Coko and Taj both commented on Scott’s cover. Coko replied, “This is so DOPE sis!!!!!!!” Taj expressed, “Sometimes we have to fall to look up. I’m proud of you.”
Xscape has not responded collectively or individually, but is set to perform at Jazz In The Gardens on Mar. 9.
Diddy’s Mom Sued For Allegedly Seizing Bad Boy Ent. From Co-Founder Kirk Burrowes
Sean “Diddy Combs is facing yet another legal woe as his former business partner, Kirk Burrowes, has filed a lawsuit alleging he used intimidation and violence to seize control of Bad Boy Entertainment, which he co-founded.
The explosive court documents were obtained by DailyMail and accuses Diddy of brandishing a baseball bat in 1996 to intimidate Burrowes into signing over his 25 percent stake in the label to Janice Smalls-Combs, his mother.
According to the legal filings, the alleged harassment occurred in May 1996 in Burrowes’ New York City office. The lawsuit states that Combs, accompanied by Bad Boy Entertainment attorney Kenneth Meiselas, stormed in with a baseball bat and pressured Burrowes to relinquish his shares. “By words and actions, Sean Combs and Kenneth Meiselas frightened and intimidated and assaulted plaintiff (Burrowes) and forced him to turn over his share certificate for 25 shares of Bad Boy Entertainment to Sean Combs,” the lawsuit states.
The filing further alleges that Burrowes, overwhelmed with fear, had “tears streaming down his face” and was “clearly unable to resist under the circumstances.” Smalls-Combs, who wasn’t present at the time of the incident, allegedly claimed ignorance of the encounter when Burrowes sought her advice. However, he claims she was complicit, directing the entire scheme behind the scenes.
Although Smalls-Combs wasn’t there for him at the time, he alleged that he provided personal counsel to her many times during alleged instances of physical abuse at the hands of her son. He claims to have witnessed Diddy “aggressively overpowering” his mother and using “derogatory slurs” against her.
The 62-year-old asserts that Smalls-Combs, 84, played part of an orchestrated effort to take over control of the company, and since then, it has left him homeless in New York City with extreme financial hardship. At one point Burrowes also served as President of the company, as well as chief operating officer and general manager.
The lawsuit details an alleged campaign to erase Burrowes from the music industry, with claims that Smalls Combs engaged in “a decades-long scheme of intimidation, violence, fraudulent misrepresentation and financial concealment” to maintain control.
The complaint also accuses the defendants of systematically sabotaging Burrowes’ career, by blacklisting him from the industry, denying him business opportunities and destroying his reputation.
Burrowes, who played a key role in securing one of Mary J. Blige’s biggest hits, “Family Affair,” through West Coast producer Dr. Dre, claims that despite his efforts, Diddy worked to undermine his career. He says that from 1992 to 1997, his salary increased from a modest $30,000 to $125,000—far below what he was promised given Bad Boy’s success. He also alleges that Diddy and his mom repeatedly failed to honor financial commitments, including a 2019 promise at Diana Ross’s birthday celebration to “make things right.”
Burrowes asserts that he invested $100,000 into Bad Boy Entertainment at its inception and is now seeking restitution for lost profits, reinstatement of his ownership stake, and a forensic audit of the label’s finances. Despite providing historical records and even materials for a documentary on Bad Boy Entertainment in 2021, Burrowes says he was once again deceived and left unpaid for his contributions. The lawsuit alleges that Diddy and his mother continued to profit from his hard work while he languished in financial ruin.
Burrowes’ attorney, Tyrone Blackburn, stated to DM, “We are confident that the legal process will hold those responsible accountable and ensure that justice prevails.” Burrowes also issued a direct message to Diddy’s mom. “Janice Smalls, we started this out as a family unit, and I believed in Sean’s talent,” he stated. “I had a talent too, and I delivered… I looked out for your family, and you let them, as well as yourself, destroy mine. See you in court.”
This latest lawsuit comes as Diddy remains incarcerated at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center while awaiting trial on a slew of charges, including racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. The “Gotta Move On” rapper has been repeatedly denied bail since his September 2024 arrest.
The explosive court documents were obtained by DailyMail and accuses Diddy of brandishing a baseball bat in 1996 to intimidate Burrowes into signing over his 25 percent stake in the label to Janice Smalls-Combs, his mother.
According to the legal filings, the alleged harassment occurred in May 1996 in Burrowes’ New York City office. The lawsuit states that Combs, accompanied by Bad Boy Entertainment attorney Kenneth Meiselas, stormed in with a baseball bat and pressured Burrowes to relinquish his shares. “By words and actions, Sean Combs and Kenneth Meiselas frightened and intimidated and assaulted plaintiff (Burrowes) and forced him to turn over his share certificate for 25 shares of Bad Boy Entertainment to Sean Combs,” the lawsuit states.
The filing further alleges that Burrowes, overwhelmed with fear, had “tears streaming down his face” and was “clearly unable to resist under the circumstances.” Smalls-Combs, who wasn’t present at the time of the incident, allegedly claimed ignorance of the encounter when Burrowes sought her advice. However, he claims she was complicit, directing the entire scheme behind the scenes.
Although Smalls-Combs wasn’t there for him at the time, he alleged that he provided personal counsel to her many times during alleged instances of physical abuse at the hands of her son. He claims to have witnessed Diddy “aggressively overpowering” his mother and using “derogatory slurs” against her.
The 62-year-old asserts that Smalls-Combs, 84, played part of an orchestrated effort to take over control of the company, and since then, it has left him homeless in New York City with extreme financial hardship. At one point Burrowes also served as President of the company, as well as chief operating officer and general manager.
The lawsuit details an alleged campaign to erase Burrowes from the music industry, with claims that Smalls Combs engaged in “a decades-long scheme of intimidation, violence, fraudulent misrepresentation and financial concealment” to maintain control.
The complaint also accuses the defendants of systematically sabotaging Burrowes’ career, by blacklisting him from the industry, denying him business opportunities and destroying his reputation.
Burrowes, who played a key role in securing one of Mary J. Blige’s biggest hits, “Family Affair,” through West Coast producer Dr. Dre, claims that despite his efforts, Diddy worked to undermine his career. He says that from 1992 to 1997, his salary increased from a modest $30,000 to $125,000—far below what he was promised given Bad Boy’s success. He also alleges that Diddy and his mom repeatedly failed to honor financial commitments, including a 2019 promise at Diana Ross’s birthday celebration to “make things right.”
Burrowes asserts that he invested $100,000 into Bad Boy Entertainment at its inception and is now seeking restitution for lost profits, reinstatement of his ownership stake, and a forensic audit of the label’s finances. Despite providing historical records and even materials for a documentary on Bad Boy Entertainment in 2021, Burrowes says he was once again deceived and left unpaid for his contributions. The lawsuit alleges that Diddy and his mother continued to profit from his hard work while he languished in financial ruin.
Burrowes’ attorney, Tyrone Blackburn, stated to DM, “We are confident that the legal process will hold those responsible accountable and ensure that justice prevails.” Burrowes also issued a direct message to Diddy’s mom. “Janice Smalls, we started this out as a family unit, and I believed in Sean’s talent,” he stated. “I had a talent too, and I delivered… I looked out for your family, and you let them, as well as yourself, destroy mine. See you in court.”
This latest lawsuit comes as Diddy remains incarcerated at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center while awaiting trial on a slew of charges, including racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. The “Gotta Move On” rapper has been repeatedly denied bail since his September 2024 arrest.
Le’Andria Johnson Arrested in Virginia for Public Intoxication a Day After Performing at UCAP’s 60th Anniversary
Gospel singer Le'Andria Johnson was arrested in Virginia for public intoxication just a day after performing at UCAP's 60th Anniversary.
Le’Andria Johnson Arrested
According to online records, Johnson was booked into the Arlington County Jail on Friday, Feb. 21, at approximately 12:04 p.m and charged with public drunkenness. She managed to bond out later that night at 9:18 p.m. While her devoted fans continue to pray for her, the reality is that Johnson is racking up more mugshots than gospel hits these days.
Le’Andria Johnson’s Virginia mugshot surfaces after her arrest for public intoxication.
This marks the second time in just two months that Johnson has been arrested for public intoxication. If you recall, we previously reported on her December 2024 arrest in South Carolina, when she was caught making a scene at BrickTop’s restaurant in Greenville. Witnesses claimed Johnson was yelling at patrons while clutching a Styrofoam cup filled with a mysterious amber liquid that smelled suspiciously strong. Officers described her behavior as erratic, noting slurred speech and hard time standing up.
December 2024 Mugshot of Gospel singer Le’Andria Johnson, arrested for public drunkenness and open container in Greenville, South Carolina.
Yet despite her repeated run-ins with the law, Johnson seems determined to ignore the clear signs that she needs serious help. Instead of seeking rehab, she appears to be doubling down on her drunken behavior—only for her loyal online fanbase to make excuses for her every embarrassment to the Body of Christ.
Before Friday’s arrest, Johnson was caught on video Thursday belting out her song “Lord Deliver Me” at the UCAP event. Unfortunately, it seems the only deliverance she was interested in came in liquid form, as she wasted no time indulging in yet another alcohol-fueled spiral that landed her in jail.
We’ve reached out to the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office for further details on Johnson’s latest fall from grace.Le’Andria Johnson Facing New Public Intoxication Charges
Gospel singer Le'Andria Johnson was arrested in Virginia for public intoxication just a day after performing at UCAP's 60th Anniversary.
Le’Andria Johnson Arrested
According to online records, Johnson was booked into the Arlington County Jail on Friday, Feb. 21, at approximately 12:04 p.m and charged with public drunkenness. She managed to bond out later that night at 9:18 p.m. While her devoted fans continue to pray for her, the reality is that Johnson is racking up more mugshots than gospel hits these days.
Le’Andria Johnson’s Virginia mugshot surfaces after her arrest for public intoxication.
This marks the second time in just two months that Johnson has been arrested for public intoxication. If you recall, we previously reported on her December 2024 arrest in South Carolina, when she was caught making a scene at BrickTop’s restaurant in Greenville. Witnesses claimed Johnson was yelling at patrons while clutching a Styrofoam cup filled with a mysterious amber liquid that smelled suspiciously strong. Officers described her behavior as erratic, noting slurred speech and hard time standing up.
December 2024 Mugshot of Gospel singer Le’Andria Johnson, arrested for public drunkenness and open container in Greenville, South Carolina.
Yet despite her repeated run-ins with the law, Johnson seems determined to ignore the clear signs that she needs serious help. Instead of seeking rehab, she appears to be doubling down on her drunken behavior—only for her loyal online fanbase to make excuses for her every embarrassment to the Body of Christ.
Before Friday’s arrest, Johnson was caught on video Thursday belting out her song “Lord Deliver Me” at the UCAP event. Unfortunately, it seems the only deliverance she was interested in came in liquid form, as she wasted no time indulging in yet another alcohol-fueled spiral that landed her in jail.
We’ve reached out to the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office for further details on Johnson’s latest fall from grace.Le’Andria Johnson Facing New Public Intoxication Charges
Two months ago gopsel singer Le’Andria Johnson was arrested for public drunkenness and disorderly conduct in Greenville, SC. Now Le'Andria has been arrested again on public intoxication charges...
According to multiple reports Le'Andria Johnson was booked into Arlington County Jail on Friday, Feb. 21 shortly after 12 noon on charges of public drunkenness. She bonded out shortly after.
The gospel singer was in the Washington, DC area performing at the 60th anniversary of the United Communities Against Poverty at MGM National Harbor in Maryland.
Katy Perry, Gayle King, Lauren Sánchez are among 6 women headed to space aboard New Shepard
Blue Origin’s next crewed flight mission aboard its tourism rocket, expected to lift off this spring, will carry an all-female crew to space.
Journalist Gayle King, singer Katy Perry and bioastronautics research scientist Amanda Nguyen are among the six-person crew who will launch on the New Shepard vehicle. They will be joined by Aisha Bowe, a former NASA rocket scientist and CEO of STEMBoard, and Kerianne Flynn, a film producer who has conducted nonprofit work with The Allen-Stevenson School, The High Line and Hudson River Park.
Lauren Sánchez, a pilot, journalist and vice chair of the Bezos Earth Fund, “brought the mission together” and will also be on the flight, according to Blue Origin. Sánchez is also engaged to the company’s founder, Jeff Bezos.
“She is honored to lead a team of explorers on a mission that will challenge their perspectives of Earth, empower them to share their own stories, and create lasting impact that will inspire generations to come,” according to a statement from Blue Origin.
Nguyen, who was a 2019 Nobel Peace Prize nominee for her advocacy for sexual violence survivors, will be the first Vietnamese and Southeast Asian woman astronaut.
The mission, known as NS-31, will be New Shepard’s 11th flight carrying humans past the Kármán line, an area 62 miles (100 kilometers) above Earth’s surface that is widely recognized as the altitude at which outer space begins — but there’s a lot of gray area.
Blue Origin has not announced a specific date for the mission.
The company, founded by Bezos in 2000, said the mission will be the first all-female flight crew since Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova’s solo spaceflight in 1963. Since its inception, NASA has selected 61 women to be astronauts, and the first all-female spacewalk, carried out by NASA astronauts Christina Koch and Jessica Meir, occurred outside the International Space Station in October 2019.
The number of women who have been to space has increased as space tourism has grown. In November, Emily Calandrelli, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology engineer and TV host known as “Space Gal,” became the 100th woman to venture into space aboard Blue Origin’s NS-28 mission.
Journalist Gayle King, singer Katy Perry and bioastronautics research scientist Amanda Nguyen are among the six-person crew who will launch on the New Shepard vehicle. They will be joined by Aisha Bowe, a former NASA rocket scientist and CEO of STEMBoard, and Kerianne Flynn, a film producer who has conducted nonprofit work with The Allen-Stevenson School, The High Line and Hudson River Park.
Lauren Sánchez, a pilot, journalist and vice chair of the Bezos Earth Fund, “brought the mission together” and will also be on the flight, according to Blue Origin. Sánchez is also engaged to the company’s founder, Jeff Bezos.
“She is honored to lead a team of explorers on a mission that will challenge their perspectives of Earth, empower them to share their own stories, and create lasting impact that will inspire generations to come,” according to a statement from Blue Origin.
Nguyen, who was a 2019 Nobel Peace Prize nominee for her advocacy for sexual violence survivors, will be the first Vietnamese and Southeast Asian woman astronaut.
The mission, known as NS-31, will be New Shepard’s 11th flight carrying humans past the Kármán line, an area 62 miles (100 kilometers) above Earth’s surface that is widely recognized as the altitude at which outer space begins — but there’s a lot of gray area.
Blue Origin has not announced a specific date for the mission.
The company, founded by Bezos in 2000, said the mission will be the first all-female flight crew since Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova’s solo spaceflight in 1963. Since its inception, NASA has selected 61 women to be astronauts, and the first all-female spacewalk, carried out by NASA astronauts Christina Koch and Jessica Meir, occurred outside the International Space Station in October 2019.
The number of women who have been to space has increased as space tourism has grown. In November, Emily Calandrelli, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology engineer and TV host known as “Space Gal,” became the 100th woman to venture into space aboard Blue Origin’s NS-28 mission.
Usher To Deliver 180th Commencement Speech At Emory University And Receive Honorary Doctorate
Emory University has tapped Grammy-winning icon Usher Raymond IV to deliver the keynote address at its 180th Commencement. The R&B luminary will also receive an honorary doctorate of humane letters degree.
The “King of R&B” and philanthropist will take the Emory Quadrangle stage in Atlanta to inspire the next generation of graduates with wisdom that he’s learned over his decades long music career.
“I have spent my life following my spark — my passion — and trying to support young people as they find and follow their own passions,” he stated in a press release. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to speak to these incredible Emory students as they graduate and prepare to make their mark on the world.”
Usher attends the 2024 Celebration of ASCAP Top Rhythm & Soul Music Songwriters and Publishers honoring Usher And Victoria Monét at The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills on June 27, 2024 in West Hollywood, California. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
President of the University, Gregory L. Fenves, also stated, “There are few artists in the history of popular music who have innovated as ceaselessly as Usher. Through acclaimed albums, era-defining songs, global tours and live performances that showcase his peerless talent as a singer, songwriter and dancer, Usher has connected profoundly with generations of fans, building a dedicated audience that continues to grow.”
From chart-topping hits to his own philanthropy work, Usher has consistently used his platform to inspire. Since 1999, Usher has led Usher’s New Look (UNL), an Atlanta-based nonprofit that has guided over 55,000 under-resourced teens in discovering their potential, furthering their education, and serving their communities.
Partnering with Emory’s Goizueta Business School, UNL introduces middle school students to servant leadership, financial literacy, and career exploration through its day-long “Powered by Service” intensive leadership program. For high schoolers, the organization’s Leadership Academy offers students a four-year, 400-hour training program focused on graduation, college preparation and service, while the post-secondary Moguls in Training program provides a virtual college and career support system.
According to UNL, 100% of Leadership Academy participants graduate high school, with 98% going on to college. Some 86% are first-generation college students. “New Look fills a critical need by stepping up to help students realize their potential,” Fenves added. “Emory University has been proud to partner with this incredible organization over the years.”
Usher is set to give his commencement speech and accept his honorary doctorate on May 12, 2025.
Emory University has tapped Grammy-winning icon Usher Raymond IV to deliver the keynote address at its 180th Commencement. The R&B luminary will also receive an honorary doctorate of humane letters degree.
The “King of R&B” and philanthropist will take the Emory Quadrangle stage in Atlanta to inspire the next generation of graduates with wisdom that he’s learned over his decades long music career.
“I have spent my life following my spark — my passion — and trying to support young people as they find and follow their own passions,” he stated in a press release. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to speak to these incredible Emory students as they graduate and prepare to make their mark on the world.”
Usher attends the 2024 Celebration of ASCAP Top Rhythm & Soul Music Songwriters and Publishers honoring Usher And Victoria Monét at The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills on June 27, 2024 in West Hollywood, California. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
President of the University, Gregory L. Fenves, also stated, “There are few artists in the history of popular music who have innovated as ceaselessly as Usher. Through acclaimed albums, era-defining songs, global tours and live performances that showcase his peerless talent as a singer, songwriter and dancer, Usher has connected profoundly with generations of fans, building a dedicated audience that continues to grow.”
From chart-topping hits to his own philanthropy work, Usher has consistently used his platform to inspire. Since 1999, Usher has led Usher’s New Look (UNL), an Atlanta-based nonprofit that has guided over 55,000 under-resourced teens in discovering their potential, furthering their education, and serving their communities.
Partnering with Emory’s Goizueta Business School, UNL introduces middle school students to servant leadership, financial literacy, and career exploration through its day-long “Powered by Service” intensive leadership program. For high schoolers, the organization’s Leadership Academy offers students a four-year, 400-hour training program focused on graduation, college preparation and service, while the post-secondary Moguls in Training program provides a virtual college and career support system.
According to UNL, 100% of Leadership Academy participants graduate high school, with 98% going on to college. Some 86% are first-generation college students. “New Look fills a critical need by stepping up to help students realize their potential,” Fenves added. “Emory University has been proud to partner with this incredible organization over the years.”
Usher is set to give his commencement speech and accept his honorary doctorate on May 12, 2025.
Gabrielle Union Opens Up On Marriage Struggles During Dwyane Wade's Kidney Cancer Battle
2023 has not just been a year of personal milestones for Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade, but also a testament to the profound challenges they faced. This year marked a particular struggle in their marriage, as Wade underwent a life-altering kidney cancer diagnosis.
Union opened up about their challenging journey during her February 26 appearance on "Today with Jenna & Friends." She highlighted how Wade's health battle particularly made the ninth year of their marriage one of the hardest. "It was year nine of our marriage and... year nine was very hard," she reflected.
Wade's diagnosis came when doctors discovered a cancerous tumor in his kidney, resulting in the removal of 40% of the organ. "Obviously him getting that diagnosis was traumatic for him: Being faced with your own mortality in your early forties, and you're like, 'Am I going to be here to see my family? Who am I without this big life, and without this healthy body?' " Union pointed out.
The emotional toll was significant. Wade, who had always been seen as resilient, found it challenging to let his family see him in a vulnerable state. As he mentioned on his podcast, The WY Network, "As a man, you never want your family to see you weak... Don't want to be perceived weak, don't want to be seen in your weakest moments but I had to [be]."
Union expressed the struggle they both faced, noting, "That level of vulnerability, to go through removal of a good chunk of his kidney and the healing that involved, he needed us to be okay with his vulnerability but more than that, he needed to be okay with his vulnerability. It was a challenge. It was a challenge to give grace and receive it."
Aside from their 6-year-old daughter Kaavia James, Wade's family includes children from previous relationships: Zaire, Zaya, and Xavier; and his nephew, Dahveon Morris, of whom he is the legal guardian.
The familial dynamics and the emotional resilience between Union and Wade through this tough period are worth admiration.
Union opened up about their challenging journey during her February 26 appearance on "Today with Jenna & Friends." She highlighted how Wade's health battle particularly made the ninth year of their marriage one of the hardest. "It was year nine of our marriage and... year nine was very hard," she reflected.
Wade's diagnosis came when doctors discovered a cancerous tumor in his kidney, resulting in the removal of 40% of the organ. "Obviously him getting that diagnosis was traumatic for him: Being faced with your own mortality in your early forties, and you're like, 'Am I going to be here to see my family? Who am I without this big life, and without this healthy body?' " Union pointed out.
The emotional toll was significant. Wade, who had always been seen as resilient, found it challenging to let his family see him in a vulnerable state. As he mentioned on his podcast, The WY Network, "As a man, you never want your family to see you weak... Don't want to be perceived weak, don't want to be seen in your weakest moments but I had to [be]."
Union expressed the struggle they both faced, noting, "That level of vulnerability, to go through removal of a good chunk of his kidney and the healing that involved, he needed us to be okay with his vulnerability but more than that, he needed to be okay with his vulnerability. It was a challenge. It was a challenge to give grace and receive it."
Aside from their 6-year-old daughter Kaavia James, Wade's family includes children from previous relationships: Zaire, Zaya, and Xavier; and his nephew, Dahveon Morris, of whom he is the legal guardian.
The familial dynamics and the emotional resilience between Union and Wade through this tough period are worth admiration.
Zendaya Joins ‘Shrek 5’ Cast in First Teaser
Universal Pictures released the first teaser for “Shrek 5,” officially announcing the cast, including Zendaya.
The teaser, below, sees Shrek and Donkey using the Magic Mirror to scroll through TikTok-like videos. They’re joined by Shrek’s now teenage daughter, Felicia; Fiona; and Pinocchio. The cast officially announced at the end is Zendaya (as Felicia), plus the returning Mike Myers (Shrek), Eddie Murphy (Donkey), and Cameron Diaz (Fiona).
Felicia is one of Shrek and Fiona’s three children. Her triplet brothers, Fergus and Farkle, will presumably appear in “Shrek 5,” too. They first appeared in “Shrek the Third.”
Though the film was originally set to release on July 1, 2026, it has been delayed to December 23, 2026. “Minions 3” took over the July release date.
“Shrek 5” is directed by Walt Dohrn and Conrad Vernon, and co-directed by Brad Ableson, from a screenplay by Michael McCullers. It’s produced by Chris Meledandri and Gina Shay. Plot details have yet to be announced.
The film is releasing 25 years after the first “Shrek,” which hit theaters on April 22, 2021. It follows “Shrek Forever After,” the fourth “Shrek” film, which was released in 2010.
“Shrek” spawned several sequels, the “Puss in Boots” spin-offs, the now-closed theme park attraction, and new DreamWorks Land at Universal Studios Florida.
Universal Pictures released the first teaser for “Shrek 5,” officially announcing the cast, including Zendaya.
The teaser, below, sees Shrek and Donkey using the Magic Mirror to scroll through TikTok-like videos. They’re joined by Shrek’s now teenage daughter, Felicia; Fiona; and Pinocchio. The cast officially announced at the end is Zendaya (as Felicia), plus the returning Mike Myers (Shrek), Eddie Murphy (Donkey), and Cameron Diaz (Fiona).
Felicia is one of Shrek and Fiona’s three children. Her triplet brothers, Fergus and Farkle, will presumably appear in “Shrek 5,” too. They first appeared in “Shrek the Third.”
Though the film was originally set to release on July 1, 2026, it has been delayed to December 23, 2026. “Minions 3” took over the July release date.
“Shrek 5” is directed by Walt Dohrn and Conrad Vernon, and co-directed by Brad Ableson, from a screenplay by Michael McCullers. It’s produced by Chris Meledandri and Gina Shay. Plot details have yet to be announced.
The film is releasing 25 years after the first “Shrek,” which hit theaters on April 22, 2021. It follows “Shrek Forever After,” the fourth “Shrek” film, which was released in 2010.
“Shrek” spawned several sequels, the “Puss in Boots” spin-offs, the now-closed theme park attraction, and new DreamWorks Land at Universal Studios Florida.
Adidas Launches 2025 Honoring Black Excellence Program, Celebrating Culture, Creativity, and Community
Adidas is proud to unveil its 2025 Honoring Black Excellence (HBE) program, a dynamic celebration of Black brilliance, resilience, and creativity. This year’s initiative takes a bold step forward by blending powerful storytelling, community activations, and grants to recognize and uplift the profound impact of Black visionaries shaping culture and communities.
With a theme centered on creativity and unity, adidas HBE 2025 spotlights the transformative contributions of its honorees, including the Quilters of Gee’s Bend, Jaycina Almond, and Sekou Thornell. These individuals are more than creators; they are catalysts of change, bridging the past and present to forge a more innovative and empowered future.
Honoring the Quilters of Gee’s Bend
The Quilters of Gee’s Bend are the first honorees celebrated in this year’s program, serving as a powerful testament to the ability of art to reshape history. To highlight their unparalleled contribution to culture, adidas HBE premiered a short-form film exploring their artistry and how their work has stitched together generations of stories, traditions, and ideas. The film was brought to life by Rog & Bee Walker, founders of the renowned visual storytelling studio, Paper Monday.
In addition to celebrating their legacy, adidas HBE has donated a community grant to Sew Gee’s Bend Heritage Builders, the Quilters’ non-profit organization, ensuring that their craft and cultural preservation efforts continue for generations to come.
A Fusion of Sport and Cultural Heritage
Bringing together the worlds of sports and cultural artistry, adidas has unveiled a limited-edition NCAA basketball jersey collection inspired by the Quilters of Gee’s Bend. The jerseys reflect the bold colors, intricate patterns, and deep storytelling found in their legendary quilts, merging history with the energy of the game. A selection of these jerseys is available for purchase on adidas.com, with a portion of the proceeds supporting both the Quilters and adidas’ HBCU partners.
Adidas at the HBCU Legacy Bowl
This past weekend, adidas proudly sponsored the HBCU Legacy Bowl in New Orleans, outfitting student-athletes in uniforms that honored the deep-rooted connections within the Black community. As part of the celebration, adidas commissioned the Quilters of Gee’s Bend to create five handcrafted 7ft x 7ft quilts for HBCU partners, including Alabama State, Alcorn State, Grambling State, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, and Prairie View A&M. Each quilt was woven from repurposed school and sports apparel, blending history and heritage in a visually stunning tribute. These quilts were presented to school representatives and student-athletes at the HBCU Legacy Bowl and will be displayed on each campus as lasting symbols of unity and pride.
Looking Ahead
As the adidas Honoring Black Excellence program continues its year-long celebration, it will soon highlight the legacies of Jaycina Almond, founder of the Tender Foundation, and Sekou Thornell, founder and creative director of Kitboys Club.
Stay tuned as adidas HBE continues to honor, uplift, and amplify Black excellence, ensuring that the legacy of past and present changemakers inspires the future.
With a theme centered on creativity and unity, adidas HBE 2025 spotlights the transformative contributions of its honorees, including the Quilters of Gee’s Bend, Jaycina Almond, and Sekou Thornell. These individuals are more than creators; they are catalysts of change, bridging the past and present to forge a more innovative and empowered future.
Honoring the Quilters of Gee’s Bend
The Quilters of Gee’s Bend are the first honorees celebrated in this year’s program, serving as a powerful testament to the ability of art to reshape history. To highlight their unparalleled contribution to culture, adidas HBE premiered a short-form film exploring their artistry and how their work has stitched together generations of stories, traditions, and ideas. The film was brought to life by Rog & Bee Walker, founders of the renowned visual storytelling studio, Paper Monday.
In addition to celebrating their legacy, adidas HBE has donated a community grant to Sew Gee’s Bend Heritage Builders, the Quilters’ non-profit organization, ensuring that their craft and cultural preservation efforts continue for generations to come.
A Fusion of Sport and Cultural Heritage
Bringing together the worlds of sports and cultural artistry, adidas has unveiled a limited-edition NCAA basketball jersey collection inspired by the Quilters of Gee’s Bend. The jerseys reflect the bold colors, intricate patterns, and deep storytelling found in their legendary quilts, merging history with the energy of the game. A selection of these jerseys is available for purchase on adidas.com, with a portion of the proceeds supporting both the Quilters and adidas’ HBCU partners.
Adidas at the HBCU Legacy Bowl
This past weekend, adidas proudly sponsored the HBCU Legacy Bowl in New Orleans, outfitting student-athletes in uniforms that honored the deep-rooted connections within the Black community. As part of the celebration, adidas commissioned the Quilters of Gee’s Bend to create five handcrafted 7ft x 7ft quilts for HBCU partners, including Alabama State, Alcorn State, Grambling State, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, and Prairie View A&M. Each quilt was woven from repurposed school and sports apparel, blending history and heritage in a visually stunning tribute. These quilts were presented to school representatives and student-athletes at the HBCU Legacy Bowl and will be displayed on each campus as lasting symbols of unity and pride.
Looking Ahead
As the adidas Honoring Black Excellence program continues its year-long celebration, it will soon highlight the legacies of Jaycina Almond, founder of the Tender Foundation, and Sekou Thornell, founder and creative director of Kitboys Club.
Stay tuned as adidas HBE continues to honor, uplift, and amplify Black excellence, ensuring that the legacy of past and present changemakers inspires the future.
Master P Named President Of Basketball Operations For University of New Orleans
Percy “Master P” Miller is heading back home—this time, not as a rapper or entrepreneur, but as the new President of Basketball Operations for the University of New Orleans Privateers.
The announcement was made Thursday as the UNO basketball program is undergoing an NCAA investigation related to sports gambling violations. Four players have been suspended since late January. Despite the controversy, Miller has pledged to revive the program’s winning culture. The team currently sits 11th in the Southland Conference with a 4-25 record.
“As a kid growing up in New Orleans, I can honestly say that basketball changed and saved my life,” Miller said during his introductory press conference.
“At that time, UNO was one of the best programs in the country. It was all about Privateer Nation, and there was so much excitement on the Lakefront. As President of Basketball Operations, I am committed to bringing back that winning tradition to NOLA’s team. But this is bigger than the game—it’s about educating and creating future leaders at the same time. I’m here to make sure that these young student-athletes have the opportunities, resources, and mentorship to succeed on and off the court.”
While most know Master P as the founder of No Limit Records and a hip-hop mogul, his basketball résumé is just as impressive. He was a scholarship player at the University of Houston before a knee injury ended his college career. In the late 1990s, he had NBA preseason stints with the Charlotte Hornets and Toronto Raptors and also competed in Summer League for the Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks, and Sacramento Kings.
His love for the game has carried into the next generation as well—his son, Mercy Miller, is currently a guard for the University of Houston.
With deep ties to basketball and New Orleans, Master P’s leadership could be precisely what UNO needs to turn things around.
The announcement was made Thursday as the UNO basketball program is undergoing an NCAA investigation related to sports gambling violations. Four players have been suspended since late January. Despite the controversy, Miller has pledged to revive the program’s winning culture. The team currently sits 11th in the Southland Conference with a 4-25 record.
“As a kid growing up in New Orleans, I can honestly say that basketball changed and saved my life,” Miller said during his introductory press conference.
“At that time, UNO was one of the best programs in the country. It was all about Privateer Nation, and there was so much excitement on the Lakefront. As President of Basketball Operations, I am committed to bringing back that winning tradition to NOLA’s team. But this is bigger than the game—it’s about educating and creating future leaders at the same time. I’m here to make sure that these young student-athletes have the opportunities, resources, and mentorship to succeed on and off the court.”
While most know Master P as the founder of No Limit Records and a hip-hop mogul, his basketball résumé is just as impressive. He was a scholarship player at the University of Houston before a knee injury ended his college career. In the late 1990s, he had NBA preseason stints with the Charlotte Hornets and Toronto Raptors and also competed in Summer League for the Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks, and Sacramento Kings.
His love for the game has carried into the next generation as well—his son, Mercy Miller, is currently a guard for the University of Houston.
With deep ties to basketball and New Orleans, Master P’s leadership could be precisely what UNO needs to turn things around.
Jam Master Jay’s Killer Reportedly Stabbed While Awaiting Sentencing
Jam Master Jay's Killer Reportedly Stabbed While Awaiting Sentencing
One of the men convicted of killing Jam Master Jay was reportedly stabbed while behind bars.
Karl Jordan Jr., one of the two men found guilty of the 2002 murder of the Run-DMC legend, was allegedly stabbed during a brawl over the weekend. Jordan, incarcerated since 2020 for his role in the crime, was taken to the hospital following the altercation at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, according to an unidentified NBC News source.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons confirmed that two people were hospitalized after the fight, which involved “multiple incarcerated individuals,” though no specifics on the cause or identities of the involved were provided.
The same facility, home to figures like Diddy, has seen several violent incidents, including two deadly stabbings last summer and a gruesome MS-13 attack last April where an inmate was stabbed 44 times.
Jordan and his co-defendant, Ronald “Tinard” Washington, were convicted of killing Jam Master Jay, born Jason Mizell, in February 2024 after a four-week trial. Washington, from Mizell’s neighborhood, and Jordan, his godson, were involved in a dispute over a $200,000 cocaine deal that Mizell had cut them out of. In October 2002, they shot Mizell at close range in his Queens recording studio. He was 37.
Mizell’s cousin, Carlis Thompson, expressed relief that Jordan survived the attack, preferring he suffer for his crime.
“I think him being killed would be the easy way out,” Thompson said. “I’d rather him just be in jail for the rest of his life.”
A third man indicted in Mizell’s death, Jay Bryant, is set for trial next year. No sentencing date has been set for Jordan and Washington.
Jam Master Jay's Killer Reportedly Stabbed While Awaiting Sentencing
One of the men convicted of killing Jam Master Jay was reportedly stabbed while behind bars.
Karl Jordan Jr., one of the two men found guilty of the 2002 murder of the Run-DMC legend, was allegedly stabbed during a brawl over the weekend. Jordan, incarcerated since 2020 for his role in the crime, was taken to the hospital following the altercation at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, according to an unidentified NBC News source.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons confirmed that two people were hospitalized after the fight, which involved “multiple incarcerated individuals,” though no specifics on the cause or identities of the involved were provided.
The same facility, home to figures like Diddy, has seen several violent incidents, including two deadly stabbings last summer and a gruesome MS-13 attack last April where an inmate was stabbed 44 times.
Jordan and his co-defendant, Ronald “Tinard” Washington, were convicted of killing Jam Master Jay, born Jason Mizell, in February 2024 after a four-week trial. Washington, from Mizell’s neighborhood, and Jordan, his godson, were involved in a dispute over a $200,000 cocaine deal that Mizell had cut them out of. In October 2002, they shot Mizell at close range in his Queens recording studio. He was 37.
Mizell’s cousin, Carlis Thompson, expressed relief that Jordan survived the attack, preferring he suffer for his crime.
“I think him being killed would be the easy way out,” Thompson said. “I’d rather him just be in jail for the rest of his life.”
A third man indicted in Mizell’s death, Jay Bryant, is set for trial next year. No sentencing date has been set for Jordan and Washington.
Popeyes is Selling Its Famous Chicken Sandwiches for $4 in Honor of Mardi Gras
Popeyes fans have something extra to celebrate ahead of Mardi Gras. The fast food chain just announced a deal, offering its famous chicken sandwich for just $4 until March 3.
On Mardi Gras itself, Popeyes will extend its Happy Hour pricing all day long, with deals starting at just $2. This latest promotion follows the brand’s National Sandwich Day and National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day celebrations in November, where customers could snag a free sandwich with a $10 app purchase.
Last year, Popeyes also introduced its limited-time Ghost Pepper Chicken Sandwich, giving fans an extra spicy kick with its signature crispy chicken breast, ghost pepper sauce, pickles, and brioche bun.
Fast food chains are heating up their chicken game, with Taco Bell recently launching its Caliente Cantina Chicken menu, featuring spicy tacos, burritos, and quesadillas packed with a fiery red-hot sauce. Meanwhile, Dairy Queen has sweetened the deal with a new $7 meal bundle, offering a cheeseburger or chicken strips, fries, a drink, and a sundae—or a Blizzard upgrade for just $2.
Popeyes’ Mardi Gras promotion is available for a limited time, so chicken lovers should act fast before the deal disappears after March 3.
On Mardi Gras itself, Popeyes will extend its Happy Hour pricing all day long, with deals starting at just $2. This latest promotion follows the brand’s National Sandwich Day and National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day celebrations in November, where customers could snag a free sandwich with a $10 app purchase.
Last year, Popeyes also introduced its limited-time Ghost Pepper Chicken Sandwich, giving fans an extra spicy kick with its signature crispy chicken breast, ghost pepper sauce, pickles, and brioche bun.
Fast food chains are heating up their chicken game, with Taco Bell recently launching its Caliente Cantina Chicken menu, featuring spicy tacos, burritos, and quesadillas packed with a fiery red-hot sauce. Meanwhile, Dairy Queen has sweetened the deal with a new $7 meal bundle, offering a cheeseburger or chicken strips, fries, a drink, and a sundae—or a Blizzard upgrade for just $2.
Popeyes’ Mardi Gras promotion is available for a limited time, so chicken lovers should act fast before the deal disappears after March 3.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
She Was Dumped!
Wait, how would she pay?
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ALL!!!
EFREM
