#MAGFAB: Ariana Grande for The Hollywood Reporter - 12th February 2025
#RHOA: Kandi Burruss Defends Kenya Moore After RHOA Season 16 Promo Snub
When Bravo dropped the promo for The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 16, there was one person noticeably missing from the cast lineup: Kenya Moore. Of course, we all knew that she didn’t finish the season after her drama with Brittany Eady. Still, they couldn’t even put her in the promotional photo? That’s shade, and Kandi Burruss clocked it.
The former RHOA star recently went to bat for Kenya during an Amazon Live. Fans were asking Kandi about her reaction to the Season 16 trailer, and that’s when she admitted to feeling “pissed” with how Kenya was excluded from the promotional images.
“I personally think that Kenya started this season out at least. We all know that. We’re not privy to how they’re going edit or whatever whatever,” Kandi noted. “But I’m like, y’all couldn’t even let her picture be a part of the show?”
Before everything went to hell, Kenya was announced as a full-time, peach-holding cast member for Season 16. With that in mind, Kandi pointed out that it was odd to see Cynthia Bailey with a cast photo when she only filmed the show as a friend.
Kandi said, “Cynthia had a picture and Cynthia’s my girl, I love her. So this is no shade to Cynthia. She needs a picture too. But what I’m saying is, even if, why wouldn’t y’all put Kenya in the picture?”
Similarly, Kandi couldn’t understand why Phaedra Parks had a spot in the promo picture when we all know she only filmed at the tail end of the season. If anybody should have been excluded from the promo picture, that’s probably the person.
Kandi added, “Then you threw somebody else at the end of the clip, honey, a twerk session. For two seconds but you couldn’t put Kenya, who filmed half of that season?”
The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 16 premieres on Bravo on Sunday, March 9 at 8/7c.
#MusicNews: Raphael Saadiq Announces Launch Of “Raphael Saadiq Vinyl Club”
Legendary singer/songwriter/producer Raphael Saadiq has just announced the launch of “Raphael Saadiq Vinyl Club.”
This venture will see Raphael opening up his legendary vault for the first time and offering fans a never-before-seen glimpse into his iconic back catalog. This exclusive membership allows fans to receive exclusive quarterly releases of Saadiq’s most celebrated albums, starting first with the debut of Lucy Pearl—his groundbreaking project with the powerhouse group of the same name including the never-before-released song “Gonna Miss U.”
The second vinyl, to be released in May is a reissue of Saadiq’s critically-acclaimed solo album Ray Ray. He adds:
“The very thing that got me started was vinyl. The vinyl club is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. This first vinyl is very important for me to release. I call it Lucy Pearl 2.0. When you join the club you get merch, maybe a song, a download in the middle of the night. Maybe I’ll drop something directly to you, access to private shows. We’re gonna be adding things to it all the time. It’s going to be new music, I’m not just gonna hold stuff in the studio. I’m gonna put stuff that I have in the vault.”
Each vinyl release will feature something completely unique; whether it’s a new colorway, brand new packaging, carefully selected bonus tracks, handwritten labels by Saadiq himself, or an entirely reimagined album, fans can ensure every record is a one-of-a-kind collectible. As a member, fans will automatically receive all four vinyl releases throughout the year, each representing a key moment in Saadiq’s illustrious career, from his early work with Tony! Toni! Toné! to his solo ventures and collaborations.
Beyond the vinyl, members will gain exclusive access to The Vault, a treasure trove of never-before-seen photos, behind-the-scenes videos, and more, offering a deep dive into Saadiq’s creative process and a rare opportunity for fans to experience the music, artistry, and history of one of the most influential figures in contemporary pop, soul, and R&B.
The Raphael Saadiq Vinyl Club is now open for membership. To sign up and learn more about the exclusive offerings, visit http://www.raphaelsaadiqvinylclub.com
#HipHopNews: Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Show Makes History With Record-Breaking Viewing Figures
Kendrick Lamar‘s wins keep adding up, and he now has the most watched Super Bowl Halftime Show in history.
According to newly-released stats, the Apple Music-sponsored show on Sunday (February 9) brought in a whopping 133.5 million viewers – up three percent from last year’s show with Usher.
Michael Jackson previously held the record with 133 million viewers at the 1993 Super Bowl.
Additionally, FOX Sports confirmed that the game itself was also the most watched Super Bowl in history with an average of 126 million viewers tuned in as the Philadelphia Eagles beat the Kansas City Chiefs. They peaked at 135.7 million viewers occurred around the game’s second quarter.
Speaking to the Wall Street Journal this week, pgLang co-founder Dave Free detailed the creative process behind Kendrick Lamar’s historic performance, which featured cameos from SZA, Mustard, Samuel L. Jackson and Serena Williams.
“We wanted this performance to have a cinematic and theatrical element to it. We can confidently say that there’s no Super Bowl performance that’s quite like this one,” he said.
Free added that he and Kendrick prepared for the event by watching every single Super Bowl halftime performance, drawing particular inspiration from Beyoncé, Prince and Michael Jackson’s shows.
“The feel of it is Black America. What does Black America look like, and how to control that narrative of what it means to be Black in America versus what the world’s perspective of that is,” he said.
The former TDE executive also addressed Dot’s setlist, which mainly featured Drake diss tracks and songs from his latest album, GNX: “It wasn’t about playing the hits.”
Free additionally confirmed that it all began with a call from JAY-Z, who has helped organize the halftime show since 2020. He said he wasn’t sure if Kendrick would be asked to perform at the game having made an appearance during Dr. Dre‘s all-star set just three years ago, but “it felt like the right time for us.”
Roughly halfway through his set, the Compton rap star taunted his arch rival by saying in a back-and-forth with female backup dancers: “I want to perform their favorite song… but you know they love to sue,” a clear nod to Drizzy’s controversial defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group over “Not Like Us.”
During the actual performance of the track, Kendrick self-censored the “certified pedophile” line but smirked to the camera as he rapped: “Say Drake, I hear you like ’em young / You better not ever go to cell block one / To any [bitch] that talk to him and they in love / Just make sure you hide your lil’ sister from him.”
The BeyHive Has Had Enough After Ticketmaster Fumbles Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter Tour” Presale
The presale for Beyoncé’s "Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin’ Circuit Tour” went live on Tuesday (Feb. 11), and, as to be expected, the BeyHive is dealing with the usual headache: ridiculously long wait times, sky-high service fees and Ticketmaster crashing left and right.
“We need to rally like the Swifties and sue Ticketmaster because this is actually insane,” one user wrote on X. The process has become so broken that even getting through the queue feels like winning the lottery for longtime fans of the “CUFF IT” singer. Another person vented about the endless CAPTCHA tests to combat bots: “Me: Doing their dumb puzzle. Ticketmaster: Tickets no longer available.”
The BeyHive’s ticketing struggles are not just a Beyoncé problem — or even limited to pop and country artists. J. Cole’s one-night-only show at Madison Square Garden saw a presale queue of 150,000 people for a venue that can only hold 19,500. Kendrick Lamar and SZA fans ran into the same mess when "Grand National Tour" tickets went live in December 2024. Unfortunately, with Live Nation and Ticketmaster’s near monopoly on the industry, there does not seem to be much that can be done.
In defense of Ticketmaster, the demand does not seem to be exactly their fault this time. After all, Bey is only hitting eight cities on her COWBOY CARTER run, compared to the “RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR,” which had 56 shows all spread across different locations.
Beyoncé and Live Nation seemingly tried to ease the overwhelming demand, as shown by Monday’s (Feb. 10) announcement. They added more stops, including a third night at Chicago’s Soldier Field on May 18, a fifth and sixth show at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on June 14 and 16, and additional dates at Paris’ Stade de France and Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The BeyHive presale is just one of three Ticketmaster is rolling out for the iconic superstar’s upcoming tour. Another for Verizon members and Citi cardholders is set to go live on Wednesday (Feb. 12) at 12 p.m. ET, with the third and final presale following on Thursday (Feb. 13) at the same time.
At the end of the day, if you were lucky enough to grab tickets during any of the presales, congrats. For those who were not, the options are not great: either deal with the reseller market, which can sometimes get out of hand, gamble on the general sale, or hold out hope for an Act III tour, if that ever becomes a reality.
Ye Sued By Jewish Employee Over Alleged Antisemitic Comments
Another one of Ye’s ex-employees is suing the problematic rapper. The lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday (Feb. 11) from a Jewish former marketing employee, who claimed that the rapper formerly known as Kanye West fired her after allegedly calling her “ugly” and texting her “Hail Hitler.“
She alleged that West “routinely targeted” his Jewish employees with antisemitic remarks. Other alleged text messages from the rapper include ones that read “I Am A Nazi,” and “Welcome to the first day of working for Hitler.”
The reported behavior occurred from January through June of 2024, per the lawsuit. The plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe, was hired as a marketing specialist in December 2023.
West issued an apology in Hebrew for other antisemitic comments, but his remorse was short-lived. When she advised that West denounce his ties to Nazi beliefs following the controversy associated with Vultures Vol. 1, West responded via text, writing, “I Am A Nazi.”
She was fired that March, but rehired shortly after with her salary being doubled. That June, West texted her and other employees: “what the f**k is everybody here getting paid?” In the group chat, Ye compared himself to Hitler and berated Jane Doe. He continued to attack her by calling her “ugly and stupid,” and added, “Come destroy me b**ch.” She was fired the following day.
Doe is suing for gender and religious discrimination, wrongful termination, and other claims.
Her attorney, Carney Shegerian, said in a statement, “Ye waged a relentless and deliberate campaign of antisemitism and misogyny against my client. His appalling treatment of women and fixation on Nazism, evident in abusive texts where he repeatedly calls himself Hitler, expose his motives. We need to stop excusing Ye’s behavior. As a father, husband, and employer, he must be held accountable. Ye dared my client to sue, and we will see him in court.”
Ye’s X account was deactivated earlier this week after an extensive tirade, which included comments about sexual assault and advertised merchandise with a swastika symbol on it.
Ne-Yo Embraces Polyamorous Relationship In New Photos Of His Quad, Social Media Reacts
Ne-Yo continues to show just how much he’s embracing his polyamorous lifestyle with new photos of him and his quad relationship.
While posing on a yacht, the “So Sick” R&B crooner can be seen standing between three other women wearing matching beige bikinis, as they gush all over each other.
Each of the women reposted different variations of the photo, with one pic showing two of them kissing Ne-Yo on the cheek, another of the women without him, and a third of the trio touching Ne-Yo’s shirt. The photo was collaboratively shared by each woman, whose Instagrams are Daddys_Pretty_Baby__, Phoneixx__feather and ArielleHill.
“US vs. …NOBODY. You can’t compete where you can’t compare. #PolyAndFly,” reads the photo’s caption.
While some praised his unconventional love life, many were far from impressed.
“He left his beautiful wife and family unit for THIS? There’s absolutely no way he can be truly happy & fulfilled. He’s a hot mess. Such a shame he turned into this..” one person commented. Another went further, taking a jab at Ne-Yo’s future: “This is disgusting, since he done that to Crystal I can’t stand him. Who will he have when he’s an old man with wrinkly balls and can’t get it up, these women will be on to the next.”
A third person remarked: “Neyo grow up! Like you’re old asf doing shxt you should’ve done in your earlier years. Go find a woman and sit down. They women only around for the bag and clout. Without that you’ll be very single.”
Amidst the outrage, others defended the singer’s right to love on his own terms. “This his life! He’s not doing anything wrong. Ya’ll need to shut up.” Another commented, “Listen I ain’t mad at him. His life and they all GORGEOUS! Don’t look like he hurtn nobody so why people so upset lol”
Ne-Yo first confirmed his polygamous lifestyle last year in a candid sit-down on Lemon Drop with Karleen Roy. The three-time Grammy winner opened up about his journey to self-discovery and revealed why he ditched the traditional monogamy style of dating.
“Society tells you you’re supposed to be with one person. You get married, and that’s supposed to be the end-all, be-all,” he said, reflecting on the pressures of being with one person. He then made it clear that his 2022 divorce from ex-wife Crystal Renay Williams is what made him step into his truth.
“I realized that I’ve not been living my truth for a very, very long time,” he admitted. “Now I’m living it, and you can tell—my skin is glowing.”
Ne-Yo, 45, divorced from his wife of eight years in August 2022, after she accused him of serial infidelity. The father-of-seven shared the revelation that he spent years “lying and trying to be somebody I wasn’t” for the sake of other people’s expectations. He added that him coming clean about being polyamorous was “a weight lifted off [his] shoulders.”
The “Closer” crooner also admitted that him pretending to be monogamous was “complete and utter time wasted,” but also made it clear that he isn’t against marriage or monogamy. It’s just not “his thing.”
One of Ne-Yo’s current partners addressed the backlash the quad couple has been receiving from the public, asserting that their relationship is built on more than just romance.
“Yes we’re in the public eye and we know people are gonna voice their opinion that’s what’s expected but y’all need to understand over here it’s a solid foundation,” she wrote under the yacht photo. “we understand each other we stand on 10 when it comes to each other a lot people will never understand that and that’s cool just know it’s US VS NOBODY.”
Stephen A. Smith on Serena Williams’ Super Bowl crip walk
ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith allegedly tried to drag Serena Williams for doing the infamous crip walk during Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl.
The host of the sports network’s popular “First Take” talk show took the tennis legend to task for being petty and joined in on the trolling of Lamar’s archnemesis Drake.
Williams, who is known mononymously as Serena, was shown for about eight seconds during K. Dot’s 15-minute set during the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show. Serena dated Drake on and off about a decade ago, and the fact that she partook in the dissing of Drake sent social media spiraling.
After seeing Serena Sunday night, Smith ranted about how the all-time great tennis star, who is married, would waste her time trolling someone who is no longer in her life.
“If I’m married and my wife is going to join trolling her ex, go back to his ass,” Smith, 57, said on the Monday, February 10, episode of First Take. “Cause clearly you don’t belong with me. What you worried about him for and you’re with me? Bye. Bye.”
In “Not Like Us,” Lamar seemingly tells Drake he “better not speak on Serena.” After the tune was released, Williams addressed Lamar and Drake’s feud while hosting the ESPY Awards in July 2024.
“If I’ve learned anything this year, it’s that none of us, not a single one of us, not even me, should ever pick a fight with Kendrick Lamar,” Williams quipped at the time, according to ESPN. “He will make your hometown not like you. The next time Drake sits courtside at a Raptors game, they’re going to Forrest Gump him. Seats taken.”
Even though disapproved Williams’ performance, she had the approval of her husband, Alexis Ohanian.
“Pretty fantastic halftime show,” Ohanian, 41, wrote via X on Sunday, calling Serena’s dance the “Highlight of the Super Bowl.”
Williams also got the endorsement from her older sister Venus Williams, who said “Lil sis killing it,” Venus, 44, said. She reposted on her Instagram Story on Monday Serena’s video from the performance. Venus also commented on Serena’s Sunday post, “You did that!!! 💙✨.”
Venus also reposted a video of Serena crip walking in 2012 after the latter won the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments in a row, adding, “I just! @serenawilliams.”
Serena couldn’t care less about the criticism of her doing the crip walk on Sunday or from 13 years ago.
“It’s getting so much attention. It just happened. I was so excited that it just came out. I guess I’m good at it!” she told OK magazine.
“That’s the least of my worries,” she added. “I’m so excited I was able to do the dance. I’m glad I did it!”
Cynthia Erivo reveals painful rift with her father
Cynthia Erivo “doesn’t think about” her estranged father very much. Her powerful presence in the entertainment industry has earned her numerous accolades, including Tony, Emmy, and Grammy awards, establishing her as one of the most accomplished performers of her generation.
The 38-year-old actress hasn’t spoken to her dad since he left the family more than 20 years ago but it is only now that she is in a place where she feels “empathy” toward him. This revelation comes as she continues to build an impressive career spanning theater, television, and film.
Speaking on “CBS Sunday Morning,” Erivo explained: “I don’t necessarily think about him too much, only that I wish him well. I think you have to have empathy for people and I wasn’t always in that place. When I was a teenager, I was angry at what that relationship was.” Her vulnerability in sharing this personal story has resonated with many fans who have experienced similar family dynamics.
The Wicked star, who grew up in London with her mother and sister and later attended RADA — the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art — explained that her “fractured relationship” with her father originally gave her the motivation to go on and succeed in her career, at least to begin with. Her training at the prestigious institution has contributed to her becoming one of the most versatile performers of her generation.
“That fractured relationship I have with him, I think, was originally one of the driving forces of wanting to do well, and wanting to prove that I was good enough to be loved. But then, you have to start learning how to do it for you.” This determination has led to numerous breakthrough roles, including her acclaimed portrayal of Celie in “The Color Purple” on Broadway, which earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical.
Asked to clarify what happened between herself and her father, the former Broadway actress didn’t go into much detail but admitted that it was just a “falling out” that was never repaired. Her ability to channel personal experiences into compelling performances has earned her widespread recognition in the industry.
“We had a falling out that just never repaired, yeah … ” Despite these personal challenges, Erivo has established herself as one of the most respected performers in contemporary entertainment, with an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Harriet Tubman.
Erivo then confirmed that her father has not tried to get in touch with her but she doesn’t mind so much because she has no idea what she would even say to him. Her journey from London’s theater scene to Hollywood has been marked by groundbreaking roles and passionate advocacy for diversity in the arts.
“I don’t know what I would say. He doesn’t know me, and I don’t know him so we’re sort of strangers in that way.” Her honesty about personal struggles while maintaining professional excellence has inspired many in the entertainment industry.
In the film adaptation of Wicked, Erivo stars alongside Ariana Grande, and her role as Elphaba showcases her remarkable vocal abilities.
The RADA-trained performer’s story of resilience has particularly resonated with young artists facing similar family challenges. Her successful career trajectory demonstrates the power of channeling personal experiences into artistic expression.
Throughout her career, Erivo has consistently used her platform to advocate for greater representation in the entertainment industry, participating in numerous initiatives and mentorship programs for aspiring performers from diverse backgrounds. Her commitment to both artistic excellence and social change continues to make her one of the most influential voices in contemporary entertainment, while her personal journey of healing and growth serves as an inspiration to many.
Usher Serenades Jennifer Raymond On Their 1st Wedding Anniversary
Usher celebrated his first wedding anniversary with his wife, Jennifer Goicoechea, by serenading her with a heartfelt tribute.
The R&B superstar married Jennifer in Las Vegas on February 11, 2024, following his Super Bowl Halftime Show performance.
To mark the occasion, Usher shared a video on Instagram of himself playing the piano and singing Robin Thicke’s “Angels” to Jennifer.
He captioned the post: Happy Anniversary Boogs. So happy the Universe brought us together. God truly blessed me. You’re my Angel.
Fans showered the couple with love and admiration in the comments
During a recent appearance on “Baby, This is Keke Palmer“, Usher discussed how he and Jennifer maintain boundaries in their relationship.
While he values her opinion and support, he admitted working together wouldn’t be ideal.
“I definitely rely on her opinion about things. She’s an incredible sounding board,” Usher shared. “But if we had to work together, oh my God, it wouldn’t work. It would damage our relationship.”
He emphasized that they respect each other’s careers while providing support: “Your things are your things. My things are my things. Those kinds of boundaries hopefully make this a more sustainable relationship.”
Communication Is Key For Usher & Jennifer
Usher credits their success to strong communication.
“She understands my language, and I understand hers,” he told Keke Palmer. “We know how to listen, not just hear each other. That’s key to any successful relationship.”
Very Nice! The article is HERE!
#RHOA: Kandi Burruss Defends Kenya Moore After RHOA Season 16 Promo Snub
The former RHOA star recently went to bat for Kenya during an Amazon Live. Fans were asking Kandi about her reaction to the Season 16 trailer, and that’s when she admitted to feeling “pissed” with how Kenya was excluded from the promotional images.
“I personally think that Kenya started this season out at least. We all know that. We’re not privy to how they’re going edit or whatever whatever,” Kandi noted. “But I’m like, y’all couldn’t even let her picture be a part of the show?”
Before everything went to hell, Kenya was announced as a full-time, peach-holding cast member for Season 16. With that in mind, Kandi pointed out that it was odd to see Cynthia Bailey with a cast photo when she only filmed the show as a friend.
Kandi said, “Cynthia had a picture and Cynthia’s my girl, I love her. So this is no shade to Cynthia. She needs a picture too. But what I’m saying is, even if, why wouldn’t y’all put Kenya in the picture?”
Similarly, Kandi couldn’t understand why Phaedra Parks had a spot in the promo picture when we all know she only filmed at the tail end of the season. If anybody should have been excluded from the promo picture, that’s probably the person.
Kandi added, “Then you threw somebody else at the end of the clip, honey, a twerk session. For two seconds but you couldn’t put Kenya, who filmed half of that season?”
The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 16 premieres on Bravo on Sunday, March 9 at 8/7c.
#MusicNews: Raphael Saadiq Announces Launch Of “Raphael Saadiq Vinyl Club”
Legendary singer/songwriter/producer Raphael Saadiq has just announced the launch of “Raphael Saadiq Vinyl Club.”
This venture will see Raphael opening up his legendary vault for the first time and offering fans a never-before-seen glimpse into his iconic back catalog. This exclusive membership allows fans to receive exclusive quarterly releases of Saadiq’s most celebrated albums, starting first with the debut of Lucy Pearl—his groundbreaking project with the powerhouse group of the same name including the never-before-released song “Gonna Miss U.”
The second vinyl, to be released in May is a reissue of Saadiq’s critically-acclaimed solo album Ray Ray. He adds:
“The very thing that got me started was vinyl. The vinyl club is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. This first vinyl is very important for me to release. I call it Lucy Pearl 2.0. When you join the club you get merch, maybe a song, a download in the middle of the night. Maybe I’ll drop something directly to you, access to private shows. We’re gonna be adding things to it all the time. It’s going to be new music, I’m not just gonna hold stuff in the studio. I’m gonna put stuff that I have in the vault.”
Each vinyl release will feature something completely unique; whether it’s a new colorway, brand new packaging, carefully selected bonus tracks, handwritten labels by Saadiq himself, or an entirely reimagined album, fans can ensure every record is a one-of-a-kind collectible. As a member, fans will automatically receive all four vinyl releases throughout the year, each representing a key moment in Saadiq’s illustrious career, from his early work with Tony! Toni! Toné! to his solo ventures and collaborations.
Beyond the vinyl, members will gain exclusive access to The Vault, a treasure trove of never-before-seen photos, behind-the-scenes videos, and more, offering a deep dive into Saadiq’s creative process and a rare opportunity for fans to experience the music, artistry, and history of one of the most influential figures in contemporary pop, soul, and R&B.
The Raphael Saadiq Vinyl Club is now open for membership. To sign up and learn more about the exclusive offerings, visit http://www.raphaelsaadiqvinylclub.com
#HipHopNews: Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Show Makes History With Record-Breaking Viewing Figures
According to newly-released stats, the Apple Music-sponsored show on Sunday (February 9) brought in a whopping 133.5 million viewers – up three percent from last year’s show with Usher.
Michael Jackson previously held the record with 133 million viewers at the 1993 Super Bowl.
Additionally, FOX Sports confirmed that the game itself was also the most watched Super Bowl in history with an average of 126 million viewers tuned in as the Philadelphia Eagles beat the Kansas City Chiefs. They peaked at 135.7 million viewers occurred around the game’s second quarter.
Speaking to the Wall Street Journal this week, pgLang co-founder Dave Free detailed the creative process behind Kendrick Lamar’s historic performance, which featured cameos from SZA, Mustard, Samuel L. Jackson and Serena Williams.
“We wanted this performance to have a cinematic and theatrical element to it. We can confidently say that there’s no Super Bowl performance that’s quite like this one,” he said.
Free added that he and Kendrick prepared for the event by watching every single Super Bowl halftime performance, drawing particular inspiration from Beyoncé, Prince and Michael Jackson’s shows.
“The feel of it is Black America. What does Black America look like, and how to control that narrative of what it means to be Black in America versus what the world’s perspective of that is,” he said.
The former TDE executive also addressed Dot’s setlist, which mainly featured Drake diss tracks and songs from his latest album, GNX: “It wasn’t about playing the hits.”
Free additionally confirmed that it all began with a call from JAY-Z, who has helped organize the halftime show since 2020. He said he wasn’t sure if Kendrick would be asked to perform at the game having made an appearance during Dr. Dre‘s all-star set just three years ago, but “it felt like the right time for us.”
Roughly halfway through his set, the Compton rap star taunted his arch rival by saying in a back-and-forth with female backup dancers: “I want to perform their favorite song… but you know they love to sue,” a clear nod to Drizzy’s controversial defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group over “Not Like Us.”
During the actual performance of the track, Kendrick self-censored the “certified pedophile” line but smirked to the camera as he rapped: “Say Drake, I hear you like ’em young / You better not ever go to cell block one / To any [bitch] that talk to him and they in love / Just make sure you hide your lil’ sister from him.”
The BeyHive Has Had Enough After Ticketmaster Fumbles Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter Tour” Presale
The presale for Beyoncé’s "Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin’ Circuit Tour” went live on Tuesday (Feb. 11), and, as to be expected, the BeyHive is dealing with the usual headache: ridiculously long wait times, sky-high service fees and Ticketmaster crashing left and right.
“We need to rally like the Swifties and sue Ticketmaster because this is actually insane,” one user wrote on X. The process has become so broken that even getting through the queue feels like winning the lottery for longtime fans of the “CUFF IT” singer. Another person vented about the endless CAPTCHA tests to combat bots: “Me: Doing their dumb puzzle. Ticketmaster: Tickets no longer available.”
The BeyHive’s ticketing struggles are not just a Beyoncé problem — or even limited to pop and country artists. J. Cole’s one-night-only show at Madison Square Garden saw a presale queue of 150,000 people for a venue that can only hold 19,500. Kendrick Lamar and SZA fans ran into the same mess when "Grand National Tour" tickets went live in December 2024. Unfortunately, with Live Nation and Ticketmaster’s near monopoly on the industry, there does not seem to be much that can be done.
In defense of Ticketmaster, the demand does not seem to be exactly their fault this time. After all, Bey is only hitting eight cities on her COWBOY CARTER run, compared to the “RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR,” which had 56 shows all spread across different locations.
Beyoncé and Live Nation seemingly tried to ease the overwhelming demand, as shown by Monday’s (Feb. 10) announcement. They added more stops, including a third night at Chicago’s Soldier Field on May 18, a fifth and sixth show at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on June 14 and 16, and additional dates at Paris’ Stade de France and Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The BeyHive presale is just one of three Ticketmaster is rolling out for the iconic superstar’s upcoming tour. Another for Verizon members and Citi cardholders is set to go live on Wednesday (Feb. 12) at 12 p.m. ET, with the third and final presale following on Thursday (Feb. 13) at the same time.
At the end of the day, if you were lucky enough to grab tickets during any of the presales, congrats. For those who were not, the options are not great: either deal with the reseller market, which can sometimes get out of hand, gamble on the general sale, or hold out hope for an Act III tour, if that ever becomes a reality.
Ye Sued By Jewish Employee Over Alleged Antisemitic Comments
She alleged that West “routinely targeted” his Jewish employees with antisemitic remarks. Other alleged text messages from the rapper include ones that read “I Am A Nazi,” and “Welcome to the first day of working for Hitler.”
The reported behavior occurred from January through June of 2024, per the lawsuit. The plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe, was hired as a marketing specialist in December 2023.
West issued an apology in Hebrew for other antisemitic comments, but his remorse was short-lived. When she advised that West denounce his ties to Nazi beliefs following the controversy associated with Vultures Vol. 1, West responded via text, writing, “I Am A Nazi.”
She was fired that March, but rehired shortly after with her salary being doubled. That June, West texted her and other employees: “what the f**k is everybody here getting paid?” In the group chat, Ye compared himself to Hitler and berated Jane Doe. He continued to attack her by calling her “ugly and stupid,” and added, “Come destroy me b**ch.” She was fired the following day.
Doe is suing for gender and religious discrimination, wrongful termination, and other claims.
Her attorney, Carney Shegerian, said in a statement, “Ye waged a relentless and deliberate campaign of antisemitism and misogyny against my client. His appalling treatment of women and fixation on Nazism, evident in abusive texts where he repeatedly calls himself Hitler, expose his motives. We need to stop excusing Ye’s behavior. As a father, husband, and employer, he must be held accountable. Ye dared my client to sue, and we will see him in court.”
Ye’s X account was deactivated earlier this week after an extensive tirade, which included comments about sexual assault and advertised merchandise with a swastika symbol on it.
Ne-Yo Embraces Polyamorous Relationship In New Photos Of His Quad, Social Media Reacts
Ne-Yo continues to show just how much he’s embracing his polyamorous lifestyle with new photos of him and his quad relationship.
While posing on a yacht, the “So Sick” R&B crooner can be seen standing between three other women wearing matching beige bikinis, as they gush all over each other.
Each of the women reposted different variations of the photo, with one pic showing two of them kissing Ne-Yo on the cheek, another of the women without him, and a third of the trio touching Ne-Yo’s shirt. The photo was collaboratively shared by each woman, whose Instagrams are Daddys_Pretty_Baby__, Phoneixx__feather and ArielleHill.
“US vs. …NOBODY. You can’t compete where you can’t compare. #PolyAndFly,” reads the photo’s caption.
While some praised his unconventional love life, many were far from impressed.
“He left his beautiful wife and family unit for THIS? There’s absolutely no way he can be truly happy & fulfilled. He’s a hot mess. Such a shame he turned into this..” one person commented. Another went further, taking a jab at Ne-Yo’s future: “This is disgusting, since he done that to Crystal I can’t stand him. Who will he have when he’s an old man with wrinkly balls and can’t get it up, these women will be on to the next.”
A third person remarked: “Neyo grow up! Like you’re old asf doing shxt you should’ve done in your earlier years. Go find a woman and sit down. They women only around for the bag and clout. Without that you’ll be very single.”
Amidst the outrage, others defended the singer’s right to love on his own terms. “This his life! He’s not doing anything wrong. Ya’ll need to shut up.” Another commented, “Listen I ain’t mad at him. His life and they all GORGEOUS! Don’t look like he hurtn nobody so why people so upset lol”
Ne-Yo first confirmed his polygamous lifestyle last year in a candid sit-down on Lemon Drop with Karleen Roy. The three-time Grammy winner opened up about his journey to self-discovery and revealed why he ditched the traditional monogamy style of dating.
“Society tells you you’re supposed to be with one person. You get married, and that’s supposed to be the end-all, be-all,” he said, reflecting on the pressures of being with one person. He then made it clear that his 2022 divorce from ex-wife Crystal Renay Williams is what made him step into his truth.
“I realized that I’ve not been living my truth for a very, very long time,” he admitted. “Now I’m living it, and you can tell—my skin is glowing.”
Ne-Yo, 45, divorced from his wife of eight years in August 2022, after she accused him of serial infidelity. The father-of-seven shared the revelation that he spent years “lying and trying to be somebody I wasn’t” for the sake of other people’s expectations. He added that him coming clean about being polyamorous was “a weight lifted off [his] shoulders.”
The “Closer” crooner also admitted that him pretending to be monogamous was “complete and utter time wasted,” but also made it clear that he isn’t against marriage or monogamy. It’s just not “his thing.”
One of Ne-Yo’s current partners addressed the backlash the quad couple has been receiving from the public, asserting that their relationship is built on more than just romance.
“Yes we’re in the public eye and we know people are gonna voice their opinion that’s what’s expected but y’all need to understand over here it’s a solid foundation,” she wrote under the yacht photo. “we understand each other we stand on 10 when it comes to each other a lot people will never understand that and that’s cool just know it’s US VS NOBODY.”
Stephen A. Smith on Serena Williams’ Super Bowl crip walk
The host of the sports network’s popular “First Take” talk show took the tennis legend to task for being petty and joined in on the trolling of Lamar’s archnemesis Drake.
Williams, who is known mononymously as Serena, was shown for about eight seconds during K. Dot’s 15-minute set during the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show. Serena dated Drake on and off about a decade ago, and the fact that she partook in the dissing of Drake sent social media spiraling.
After seeing Serena Sunday night, Smith ranted about how the all-time great tennis star, who is married, would waste her time trolling someone who is no longer in her life.
“If I’m married and my wife is going to join trolling her ex, go back to his ass,” Smith, 57, said on the Monday, February 10, episode of First Take. “Cause clearly you don’t belong with me. What you worried about him for and you’re with me? Bye. Bye.”
In “Not Like Us,” Lamar seemingly tells Drake he “better not speak on Serena.” After the tune was released, Williams addressed Lamar and Drake’s feud while hosting the ESPY Awards in July 2024.
“If I’ve learned anything this year, it’s that none of us, not a single one of us, not even me, should ever pick a fight with Kendrick Lamar,” Williams quipped at the time, according to ESPN. “He will make your hometown not like you. The next time Drake sits courtside at a Raptors game, they’re going to Forrest Gump him. Seats taken.”
Even though disapproved Williams’ performance, she had the approval of her husband, Alexis Ohanian.
“Pretty fantastic halftime show,” Ohanian, 41, wrote via X on Sunday, calling Serena’s dance the “Highlight of the Super Bowl.”
Williams also got the endorsement from her older sister Venus Williams, who said “Lil sis killing it,” Venus, 44, said. She reposted on her Instagram Story on Monday Serena’s video from the performance. Venus also commented on Serena’s Sunday post, “You did that!!! 💙✨.”
Venus also reposted a video of Serena crip walking in 2012 after the latter won the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments in a row, adding, “I just! @serenawilliams.”
Serena couldn’t care less about the criticism of her doing the crip walk on Sunday or from 13 years ago.
“It’s getting so much attention. It just happened. I was so excited that it just came out. I guess I’m good at it!” she told OK magazine.
“That’s the least of my worries,” she added. “I’m so excited I was able to do the dance. I’m glad I did it!”
Cynthia Erivo reveals painful rift with her father
Cynthia Erivo “doesn’t think about” her estranged father very much. Her powerful presence in the entertainment industry has earned her numerous accolades, including Tony, Emmy, and Grammy awards, establishing her as one of the most accomplished performers of her generation.
The 38-year-old actress hasn’t spoken to her dad since he left the family more than 20 years ago but it is only now that she is in a place where she feels “empathy” toward him. This revelation comes as she continues to build an impressive career spanning theater, television, and film.
Speaking on “CBS Sunday Morning,” Erivo explained: “I don’t necessarily think about him too much, only that I wish him well. I think you have to have empathy for people and I wasn’t always in that place. When I was a teenager, I was angry at what that relationship was.” Her vulnerability in sharing this personal story has resonated with many fans who have experienced similar family dynamics.
The Wicked star, who grew up in London with her mother and sister and later attended RADA — the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art — explained that her “fractured relationship” with her father originally gave her the motivation to go on and succeed in her career, at least to begin with. Her training at the prestigious institution has contributed to her becoming one of the most versatile performers of her generation.
“That fractured relationship I have with him, I think, was originally one of the driving forces of wanting to do well, and wanting to prove that I was good enough to be loved. But then, you have to start learning how to do it for you.” This determination has led to numerous breakthrough roles, including her acclaimed portrayal of Celie in “The Color Purple” on Broadway, which earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical.
Asked to clarify what happened between herself and her father, the former Broadway actress didn’t go into much detail but admitted that it was just a “falling out” that was never repaired. Her ability to channel personal experiences into compelling performances has earned her widespread recognition in the industry.
“We had a falling out that just never repaired, yeah … ” Despite these personal challenges, Erivo has established herself as one of the most respected performers in contemporary entertainment, with an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Harriet Tubman.
Erivo then confirmed that her father has not tried to get in touch with her but she doesn’t mind so much because she has no idea what she would even say to him. Her journey from London’s theater scene to Hollywood has been marked by groundbreaking roles and passionate advocacy for diversity in the arts.
“I don’t know what I would say. He doesn’t know me, and I don’t know him so we’re sort of strangers in that way.” Her honesty about personal struggles while maintaining professional excellence has inspired many in the entertainment industry.
In the film adaptation of Wicked, Erivo stars alongside Ariana Grande, and her role as Elphaba showcases her remarkable vocal abilities.
The RADA-trained performer’s story of resilience has particularly resonated with young artists facing similar family challenges. Her successful career trajectory demonstrates the power of channeling personal experiences into artistic expression.
Throughout her career, Erivo has consistently used her platform to advocate for greater representation in the entertainment industry, participating in numerous initiatives and mentorship programs for aspiring performers from diverse backgrounds. Her commitment to both artistic excellence and social change continues to make her one of the most influential voices in contemporary entertainment, while her personal journey of healing and growth serves as an inspiration to many.
Usher Serenades Jennifer Raymond On Their 1st Wedding Anniversary
Usher celebrated his first wedding anniversary with his wife, Jennifer Goicoechea, by serenading her with a heartfelt tribute.
The R&B superstar married Jennifer in Las Vegas on February 11, 2024, following his Super Bowl Halftime Show performance.
To mark the occasion, Usher shared a video on Instagram of himself playing the piano and singing Robin Thicke’s “Angels” to Jennifer.
He captioned the post: Happy Anniversary Boogs. So happy the Universe brought us together. God truly blessed me. You’re my Angel.
Fans showered the couple with love and admiration in the comments
During a recent appearance on “Baby, This is Keke Palmer“, Usher discussed how he and Jennifer maintain boundaries in their relationship.
While he values her opinion and support, he admitted working together wouldn’t be ideal.
“I definitely rely on her opinion about things. She’s an incredible sounding board,” Usher shared. “But if we had to work together, oh my God, it wouldn’t work. It would damage our relationship.”
He emphasized that they respect each other’s careers while providing support: “Your things are your things. My things are my things. Those kinds of boundaries hopefully make this a more sustainable relationship.”
Communication Is Key For Usher & Jennifer
Usher credits their success to strong communication.
“She understands my language, and I understand hers,” he told Keke Palmer. “We know how to listen, not just hear each other. That’s key to any successful relationship.”
WATCH:
Jennifer’s background in the music industry also strengthens their bond.
“Having someone who understands the dedication and commitment helps,” he added
The couple shares two children: daughter Sovereign Bo Raymond, born in 2020, and son Sire Castrello Raymond, born in 2021.
Usher also has two sons, Usher V Raymond and Naviyd Ely Raymond, from his previous marriage to Tameka Foster.
Usher and Jennifer’s anniversary reflects their deep love, mutual respect, and commitment.
Here’s to many more years of happiness for the couple.
Starz Unveils ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’ Season 4 Trailer
The wait is almost over! Starz has just announced “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” Season 4 will premiere on Friday, March 7.
‘Raising Kanan’ Season 4
As production continues in New York, the series has already secured an early renewal for a fifth season, following the explosive Season 3 finale in February.
“Power Book III: Raising Kanan” delves into the early years of Kanan Stark, a character first brought to life by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson in the original “Power” series.
This prequel chronicles Kanan’s transformation from a naive teenager to a ruthless villain.
Patina Miller, MeKai Curtis (Courtesy of Starz)
Season 3 left fans on the edge of their seats with a dramatic showdown between Kanan (Mekai Curtis) and his mother Raq (Patina Miller), featuring unexpected deaths and the return of a beloved character.
The series also stars London Brown.
Chris Redd (Courtesy of Starz)
Chris Redd will portray “Early Tyler,” described as a “trustworthy ally and secret-keeper.”
Early Tyler is a fixture in the neighborhood, a valuable friend if one can afford the steep cost of his loyalty.
Pardison Fontaine takes on the role of “B-Rilla,” a raw, volatile, and immensely talented young rapper serving time for armed robbery.
Pardison Fontaine (Courtesy of Starz)
Lou-Lou (Malcolm M. Mays) recognizes B-Rilla’s potential and aims to sign him.
Sascha Penn continues as showrunner and executive producer for Season 4.
The series is produced by Lionsgate Television for Starz, with Courtney A. Kemp, the original creator and showrunner of “Power“, serving as an executive producer through her company End of Episode.
Other executive producers include Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson via G-Unit Film and Television, Mark Canton through Atmosphere Entertainment MM, as well as Chris Selak and Kevin Fox.
Tony Danza (Courtesy of Starz)
Joey Badass (Courtesy of Starz)
Patina Miller (Courtesy of Starz)
Wendell Pierce, Erika Woods (Courtesy of Starz)
Aaliyah Turner, Hailey Kilgore, MeKai Curtis (Courtesy of Starz)
Watch The Trailer HERE
Are you ready for a new season of “Raising Kanan”?
‘Hitch’ Director Recalls ‘Battle’ Working With Will Smith: He ‘Tried to Back Out 3 Days Before’
Ahead of the 20th Anniversary of “Hitch,” director Andy Tennant sat down with Business Insider to talk about his experience making the film – including big clashes with star Will Smith. Apparently, tensions came to a head just three days before filming was slated to start when Smith tried to back out and rework the script.
Admitting to difficulties on both sides, Tennant said, “The movie I wanted to make and the movie Will wanted to make, neither one of those movies is as good as the movie we made together. It was a battle. [Smith’s wife] Jada [Pinkett Smith] was a big help. She kind of seconded some of my instincts. There was a time during prep when I was pushing back on a lot of crazy s–t that was happening.”
Smith brought in his own draft of the 2005 film which Tennant said he was not a fan of. So much so, that he threatened to quit. “I didn’t want cheap jokes, but he didn’t trust me,” Tennant said. Luckily, Smith and Tennant were able to come to a passive agreement.
“I finally told the studio that I was more afraid of Will making that version of the movie than I was about them firing me,” the director said. “Because I knew they were right on the edge of firing me before we even began shooting. And to Will’s credit, we didn’t go with that draft. I don’t think I was ever in anyone’s favor.”
However, the working script reportedly still didn’t sit right with Smith. Tennant chalks the actor’s behavior to “fear [of] doing a big, expensive romantic comedy.” In fact, “Hitch” was the first foray into the genre for Smith. Previously he was known for doing action movies like “Men in Black” and “Bad Boys.”
“It was fraught with peril,” Tennant added about the experience. “Will tried to back out three days before we started shooting. He wanted to shut down and work on it some more. It was madness.”
Despite loads of unknown conflict, the final result of the film was a resounding success. While we might never know what changes were made, the final version of the film sees Smith as a secretive dating expert who helps men find their chance with the women of their dreams. His job, and his life are thrown into disarray when he meets a gossip columnist (Eva Mendes) who is determined to expose and unmask the mysterious dating guru. The movie was a critical success and a box office juggernaut grossing $371.6 million worldwide.
Surprisingly, the movie never got a sequel, a usual staple for hit Smith franchises. Now, exactly 20 years later Tennant says that a sequel is apparently in the works – just not involving him.
“I just found out about it three months ago,” Tennant said. “I had a really good idea for a sequel, and I was talking to an executive at Sony, and he said Will’s production company is developing a sequel. Hey, that’s Hollywood.”
“I don’t have anything against Will,” he continued. “He hired me to make this movie. It was not an easy job for anybody, but we went around the world with the movie. Even the hard times he’d always say, ‘Wait until the junket. We’re gonna go around the world with this’ — and we did, and it was great. It was the most amazing trip I had ever been on. And when it was over, my time with Will was over. That was it. And I have never heard from him since.”
Alaska Airlines flight attendant restrains screaming passenger who latched onto woman’s hair
A viral video caught the moment a flight attendant had to restrain a screaming passenger who was having a “violent medical episode” while latching onto a woman’s hair.
The incident occurred on a domestic US flight from Oakland, California, to Portland on 1 February. The plane never actually made it into the air as the incident occurred just before take off, and the flight was then cancelled.
The alarming video shows a male flight attendant onboard the Embraer 175 appearing to pummel a man repeatedly who had the hair of another passenger in his grasp.
“Let go of her hair,” someone shouts out to the passenger as the flight attendant appears to pound the man with his fist, trying to make him release his grasp from the hair, while another person behind him attempts to pry his fingers away from the hair strands.
The flight attendant simultaneously pushes the man's head back into the plane seat, seemingly trying to keep him in place.
Once the woman’s hair is released, she turns around towards the man with a frightened look on her face, and gets up from her seat immediately.
The flight attendant keeps a hand on the man’s shoulders, who starts to hyperventilate and then lets out a scream.
As the man continues to scream, the flight attendant looks around and asks for another “capable male” to come help him.
Alaska Airlines said in a statement to the Daily Mail that the male passenger “appeared to be experiencing a violent medical episode that involved an ongoing physical assault against other passengers and our crew”.
It continued: “Our flight attendants’ highest responsibility is the safety of guests and crew on board.
“Our crew responded to this chaotic situation quickly and kept all guests safe until law enforcement could intervene,” the airline said, adding that the “guest in question has been banned from Alaska and Horizon due to the nature of the physical assault”.
A social media user who said he was on the flight when it happened claimed that the outburst occurred when the flight was about to take off “but this dude started saying weird stuff and rocking back and forth”.
“A flight attendant was called then he grabbed the woman's hair in front of him and wouldn't let go so the flight attendant started punching him in the throat,” the passenger added.
“He was restrained for several minutes before being arrested,” he continued. “The flight was cancelled after an attendant refused to fly and could not be replaced.”
Flight tracking data shows that the flight was cancelled, with the next Alaska Airlines flight from Oakland to Portland departing the following day.
The Independent has contacted Alaska Airlines for further comment.
‘Hitch’ Director Recalls ‘Battle’ Working With Will Smith: He ‘Tried to Back Out 3 Days Before’
A$AP Rocky Chooses Not To Testify In Felony A$$ault Trial
A$AP Rocky has decided not to take the stand in his trial. When asked by the judge if he had discussed the decision with his lawyers, Rocky confirmed and stated,
“I want my right to not testify.” His attorney, Joe Tacopina, previously said Rocky was “eager to tell his story,” but testifying could open him up to intense cross-examination from the prosecution.
Rocky is facing two felony counts of a$$ault with a semiautomatic f*rearm for allegedly firing a g*n at his former friend, A$AP Relli, during a 2021 altercation in Hollywood. If convicted, he faces up to 24 years in prison. However, there have been reports of the prosecution only going for 9 years if a guilty verdict is given.
Pete Davidson Goes Tattoo-Free While Posing in His Underwear for New Reformation Campaign
Pete Davidson is showing off his tattoo-free body in his new campaign as the “Official Boyfriend of Reformation.”
The 31-year-old former Saturday Night Live star went shirtless and posed in his underwear while modeling Reformation‘s new designs.
“We got a boyfriend. And not just any boyfriend. The boyfriend. Pete Davidson, the go-to complement to beautiful and talented women everywhere, has officially partnered with Reformation, the other go-to complement to beautiful and talented women everywhere,” the brand said.
Pete has been slowly removing his tattoos from his body since 2020. Just a couple weeks ago, he revealed that he was removing over 100 tattoos.
“I got sober and I saw myself in the mirror, and I was like, ‘Nah.’ I was like, ‘I need to change it up a little bit,’” he told Today.
Pete said tattoo removal is “pretty terrible” and added, “So, if anybody is out there watching and thinking about getting a tattoo, just make sure you really want to get it.”
Irv Gotti Funeral Details Revealed One Week After Passing
The family of Irv Gotti is preparing for an outpouring of love and remembrance as they make arrangements for what is expected to be a heavily attended funeral service on Feb. 18. Set to take place at Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral in Jamaica, Queens, the service will honor the life and legacy of the influential Hip-Hop impresario.
Gotti passed away on Feb. 5 at the age of 54, reportedly following a massive second stroke. Given his profound impact, his funeral is expected to draw thousands of guests, with the cathedral’s sanctuary reportedly being able to accommodate 2,500 people.
Born Irving “Irv Gotti” Lorenzo, the visionary music executive co-founded Murder Inc. Records and was instrumental in shaping the careers of some of Hip-Hop and R&B’s biggest stars including Ja Rule, Ashanti, JAY-Z, DMX, and Mic Geronimo.
Gotti is survived by his children Angie, Sonny, and Jonathan Wilson; his brother and Murder Inc. co-founder Chris Gotti; his mother, Nee Nee Lorenzo; and sisters Tina and Angie. Following the news of his passing, Gotti’s children released a heartfelt statement on his Instagram, reflecting on his lasting legacy:
“Our dad was an incredible man, a true visionary who transformed the hip-hop industry and changed the game for artists and fans alike. His passion for music and dedication to his craft inspired many, and his contributions will continue to influence future generations.”
“As we navigate this difficult time, we kindly ask for privacy while we grieve the loss of our dad, son, brother, uncle, and friend,” the family asked. “We take comfort in knowing that his spirit will live on through his music and the love he shared with all of us.”
Gotti suffered a stroke last year, and reportedly had made changes to his lifestyle and diet. At the time, a rep for Gotti told TMZ, “Irv has been struggling with diabetes for years, which caused him to have a minor stroke over six months ago. He has since changed his diet to eating more healthy. He’s been successful in making a full recovery.”
During a 2023 appearance on Drink Champs, Gotti himself admitted that managing his diabetes had been a challenge, requiring him to make significant lifestyle adjustments.
CBS to Air Special on New Daytime Soap Opera ‘Beyond The Gates’
*CBS has announced “Beyond The Gates: Welcome To The Neighborhood,” a five-part special airing from February 17 to 21. Hosted by Entertainment Tonight‘s Kevin Frazier and comedian Sheryl Underwood, the series provides an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming daytime soap opera “Beyond The Gates.”
Filmed on location in Atlanta, the special takes viewers inside the making of the series, showcasing its dedication to authentic representation of Black culture and history. It also explores the meticulously designed sets of Fairmont Crest, a luxurious gated community where the story unfolds. With never-before-seen moments, on-set interviews, and insights from the cast and crew, the special highlights the series’ unique balance of storytelling, authenticity, and representation.
“Beyonce the Gates” is the network’s first one-hour daytime drama featuring an all-Black cast, including Tamara Tunie, Clifton Davis, Daphnee Duplaix, Karla Mosley, Alex Alegria, Lauren Buglioli, Brandon Claybon, Timon Kyle Durrett, Sean Freeman, Ben Gavin, Marquita Goings, Jibre Hordges, Jen Jacob, Maurice Johnson, Trisha Mann-Grant, Mike Manning, RhonniRose Mantilla, Ambyr Michelle, Colby Muhammad and Arielle Prepetit.
The series is developed and produced by the CBS Studios/NAACP Venture, led by Sheila Ducksworth, in partnership with P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble, pioneers of the soap opera genre.
“Beyond The Gates: Welcome To The Neighborhood” will air Monday, Feb. 17 through Friday, Feb. 21 (2:00-2:30 PM, ET; 1:00-1:30 PM, PT) on the CBS Television Network.
Here’s the official “Beyond The Gates” synopsis:
BEYOND THE GATES is set in a leafy Maryland suburb just outside of Washington, D.C., and in one the most affluent African American counties in the United States. Here you’ll find a posh gated community with winding tree-lined streets and luxurious mansions to call home. At the center of this community are the Duprees, a powerful and prestigious multi-generational family that is the very definition of Black royalty. But behind these pristine walls and lush, manicured gardens are juicy secrets and scandals waiting to be uncovered. And those who live outside these gates are watching closely. These are the places where our characters live, love, work and play. Those who have “made it” and those who haven’t are all trying to navigate life … and some with more grace than others.
“Beyond The Gates” marks the first-ever one-hour Black daytime soap and the first daytime drama to premiere in more than 25 years.
The series premieres February 24 at 2:00-3:00 PM ET (1:00-2:00 PM PT) on CBS and will also be available for streaming on Paramount+.
Luigi Mangione Supporters Gift Him Nearly $300,000 to Fund Legal Defense Amid Murder Charges in UnitedHealthcare CEO’s Death
Luigi Mangione, the infamous suspect in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has been gifted six figures to help cover his legal defense.
The 26-year-old, charged with Thompson’s killing outside a Manhattan hotel on December 4th, 2024, has been the center of a nationwide fundraising campaign, with nearly $300,000 raised to support his case.
Mangione faces criminal charges in New York, Pennsylvania, and federal court. He has pleaded not guilty to the New York state charges and is yet to enter pleas in the other jurisdictions. According to the December 4 Legal Committee, which launched a GiveSendGo legal fund, Mangione has agreed to accept over $292,000 in contributions.
“We’re thrilled that Luigi is accepting these funds so that he can mount the strongest defense possible,” said Sam Beard, a spokesperson for the committee. “The American private health insurance industry has ruined countless lives by denying people access to basic care and burying families in medical debt. It’s no surprise that Luigi’s alleged actions are understood and supported by tens of millions of hard-working Americans.”
Mangione’s lawyer, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, confirmed the donations, stating, “Luigi is aware of the fund and very much appreciates the outpouring of support. My client plans on utilizing it to fight all three of the unprecedented cases against him.”
Supporters are encouraged to continue raising funds and advocating for Mangione during his trial. His next court appearance is scheduled for February 21st in New York.
Google Maps Renames “Gulf of Mexico” to “Gulf of America” in the U.S.
Google Maps Renames “Gulf of Mexico” to “Gulf of America,” Apple Maps Still Sticking to the Old Name
by IESHA February 11, 2025Reading Time: 1 min read 0
Google Maps has updated the name of the body of water between Mexico and Florida to “Gulf of America” for users in the U.S.
This change follows a formal decision by the Trump administration. Users in the U.S. will now see this name instead of “Gulf of Mexico”.
In other regions, the name stays the same. Mexico will still see “Gulf of Mexico,” and international users will see both names, with “Gulf of America” in parentheses.
Google made the change based on the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), which approves place names. The name shown to each user depends on their location, mobile settings, and device.
As of now, Apple Maps hasn’t updated its maps to reflect this new name, and still shows “Gulf of Mexico.”
We’ll just have to wait and see if other platforms make the same changes.
Jennifer’s background in the music industry also strengthens their bond.
“Having someone who understands the dedication and commitment helps,” he added
The couple shares two children: daughter Sovereign Bo Raymond, born in 2020, and son Sire Castrello Raymond, born in 2021.
Usher also has two sons, Usher V Raymond and Naviyd Ely Raymond, from his previous marriage to Tameka Foster.
Usher and Jennifer’s anniversary reflects their deep love, mutual respect, and commitment.
Here’s to many more years of happiness for the couple.
Starz Unveils ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’ Season 4 Trailer
The wait is almost over! Starz has just announced “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” Season 4 will premiere on Friday, March 7.
‘Raising Kanan’ Season 4
As production continues in New York, the series has already secured an early renewal for a fifth season, following the explosive Season 3 finale in February.
“Power Book III: Raising Kanan” delves into the early years of Kanan Stark, a character first brought to life by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson in the original “Power” series.
This prequel chronicles Kanan’s transformation from a naive teenager to a ruthless villain.
Patina Miller, MeKai Curtis (Courtesy of Starz)
Season 3 left fans on the edge of their seats with a dramatic showdown between Kanan (Mekai Curtis) and his mother Raq (Patina Miller), featuring unexpected deaths and the return of a beloved character.
The series also stars London Brown.
Chris Redd (Courtesy of Starz)
Chris Redd will portray “Early Tyler,” described as a “trustworthy ally and secret-keeper.”
Early Tyler is a fixture in the neighborhood, a valuable friend if one can afford the steep cost of his loyalty.
Pardison Fontaine takes on the role of “B-Rilla,” a raw, volatile, and immensely talented young rapper serving time for armed robbery.
Pardison Fontaine (Courtesy of Starz)
Lou-Lou (Malcolm M. Mays) recognizes B-Rilla’s potential and aims to sign him.
Sascha Penn continues as showrunner and executive producer for Season 4.
The series is produced by Lionsgate Television for Starz, with Courtney A. Kemp, the original creator and showrunner of “Power“, serving as an executive producer through her company End of Episode.
Other executive producers include Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson via G-Unit Film and Television, Mark Canton through Atmosphere Entertainment MM, as well as Chris Selak and Kevin Fox.
Tony Danza (Courtesy of Starz)
Joey Badass (Courtesy of Starz)
Patina Miller (Courtesy of Starz)
Wendell Pierce, Erika Woods (Courtesy of Starz)
Aaliyah Turner, Hailey Kilgore, MeKai Curtis (Courtesy of Starz)
Watch The Trailer HERE
Are you ready for a new season of “Raising Kanan”?
‘Hitch’ Director Recalls ‘Battle’ Working With Will Smith: He ‘Tried to Back Out 3 Days Before’
Ahead of the 20th Anniversary of “Hitch,” director Andy Tennant sat down with Business Insider to talk about his experience making the film – including big clashes with star Will Smith. Apparently, tensions came to a head just three days before filming was slated to start when Smith tried to back out and rework the script.
Admitting to difficulties on both sides, Tennant said, “The movie I wanted to make and the movie Will wanted to make, neither one of those movies is as good as the movie we made together. It was a battle. [Smith’s wife] Jada [Pinkett Smith] was a big help. She kind of seconded some of my instincts. There was a time during prep when I was pushing back on a lot of crazy s–t that was happening.”
Smith brought in his own draft of the 2005 film which Tennant said he was not a fan of. So much so, that he threatened to quit. “I didn’t want cheap jokes, but he didn’t trust me,” Tennant said. Luckily, Smith and Tennant were able to come to a passive agreement.
“I finally told the studio that I was more afraid of Will making that version of the movie than I was about them firing me,” the director said. “Because I knew they were right on the edge of firing me before we even began shooting. And to Will’s credit, we didn’t go with that draft. I don’t think I was ever in anyone’s favor.”
However, the working script reportedly still didn’t sit right with Smith. Tennant chalks the actor’s behavior to “fear [of] doing a big, expensive romantic comedy.” In fact, “Hitch” was the first foray into the genre for Smith. Previously he was known for doing action movies like “Men in Black” and “Bad Boys.”
“It was fraught with peril,” Tennant added about the experience. “Will tried to back out three days before we started shooting. He wanted to shut down and work on it some more. It was madness.”
Despite loads of unknown conflict, the final result of the film was a resounding success. While we might never know what changes were made, the final version of the film sees Smith as a secretive dating expert who helps men find their chance with the women of their dreams. His job, and his life are thrown into disarray when he meets a gossip columnist (Eva Mendes) who is determined to expose and unmask the mysterious dating guru. The movie was a critical success and a box office juggernaut grossing $371.6 million worldwide.
Surprisingly, the movie never got a sequel, a usual staple for hit Smith franchises. Now, exactly 20 years later Tennant says that a sequel is apparently in the works – just not involving him.
“I just found out about it three months ago,” Tennant said. “I had a really good idea for a sequel, and I was talking to an executive at Sony, and he said Will’s production company is developing a sequel. Hey, that’s Hollywood.”
“I don’t have anything against Will,” he continued. “He hired me to make this movie. It was not an easy job for anybody, but we went around the world with the movie. Even the hard times he’d always say, ‘Wait until the junket. We’re gonna go around the world with this’ — and we did, and it was great. It was the most amazing trip I had ever been on. And when it was over, my time with Will was over. That was it. And I have never heard from him since.”
Alaska Airlines flight attendant restrains screaming passenger who latched onto woman’s hair
The incident occurred on a domestic US flight from Oakland, California, to Portland on 1 February. The plane never actually made it into the air as the incident occurred just before take off, and the flight was then cancelled.
The alarming video shows a male flight attendant onboard the Embraer 175 appearing to pummel a man repeatedly who had the hair of another passenger in his grasp.
“Let go of her hair,” someone shouts out to the passenger as the flight attendant appears to pound the man with his fist, trying to make him release his grasp from the hair, while another person behind him attempts to pry his fingers away from the hair strands.
The flight attendant simultaneously pushes the man's head back into the plane seat, seemingly trying to keep him in place.
Once the woman’s hair is released, she turns around towards the man with a frightened look on her face, and gets up from her seat immediately.
The flight attendant keeps a hand on the man’s shoulders, who starts to hyperventilate and then lets out a scream.
As the man continues to scream, the flight attendant looks around and asks for another “capable male” to come help him.
Alaska Airlines said in a statement to the Daily Mail that the male passenger “appeared to be experiencing a violent medical episode that involved an ongoing physical assault against other passengers and our crew”.
It continued: “Our flight attendants’ highest responsibility is the safety of guests and crew on board.
“Our crew responded to this chaotic situation quickly and kept all guests safe until law enforcement could intervene,” the airline said, adding that the “guest in question has been banned from Alaska and Horizon due to the nature of the physical assault”.
A social media user who said he was on the flight when it happened claimed that the outburst occurred when the flight was about to take off “but this dude started saying weird stuff and rocking back and forth”.
“A flight attendant was called then he grabbed the woman's hair in front of him and wouldn't let go so the flight attendant started punching him in the throat,” the passenger added.
“He was restrained for several minutes before being arrested,” he continued. “The flight was cancelled after an attendant refused to fly and could not be replaced.”
Flight tracking data shows that the flight was cancelled, with the next Alaska Airlines flight from Oakland to Portland departing the following day.
The Independent has contacted Alaska Airlines for further comment.
‘Hitch’ Director Recalls ‘Battle’ Working With Will Smith: He ‘Tried to Back Out 3 Days Before’
A$AP Rocky Chooses Not To Testify In Felony A$$ault Trial
A$AP Rocky has decided not to take the stand in his trial. When asked by the judge if he had discussed the decision with his lawyers, Rocky confirmed and stated,
“I want my right to not testify.” His attorney, Joe Tacopina, previously said Rocky was “eager to tell his story,” but testifying could open him up to intense cross-examination from the prosecution.
Rocky is facing two felony counts of a$$ault with a semiautomatic f*rearm for allegedly firing a g*n at his former friend, A$AP Relli, during a 2021 altercation in Hollywood. If convicted, he faces up to 24 years in prison. However, there have been reports of the prosecution only going for 9 years if a guilty verdict is given.
Pete Davidson Goes Tattoo-Free While Posing in His Underwear for New Reformation Campaign
The 31-year-old former Saturday Night Live star went shirtless and posed in his underwear while modeling Reformation‘s new designs.
“We got a boyfriend. And not just any boyfriend. The boyfriend. Pete Davidson, the go-to complement to beautiful and talented women everywhere, has officially partnered with Reformation, the other go-to complement to beautiful and talented women everywhere,” the brand said.
Pete has been slowly removing his tattoos from his body since 2020. Just a couple weeks ago, he revealed that he was removing over 100 tattoos.
“I got sober and I saw myself in the mirror, and I was like, ‘Nah.’ I was like, ‘I need to change it up a little bit,’” he told Today.
Pete said tattoo removal is “pretty terrible” and added, “So, if anybody is out there watching and thinking about getting a tattoo, just make sure you really want to get it.”
Irv Gotti Funeral Details Revealed One Week After Passing
Gotti passed away on Feb. 5 at the age of 54, reportedly following a massive second stroke. Given his profound impact, his funeral is expected to draw thousands of guests, with the cathedral’s sanctuary reportedly being able to accommodate 2,500 people.
Born Irving “Irv Gotti” Lorenzo, the visionary music executive co-founded Murder Inc. Records and was instrumental in shaping the careers of some of Hip-Hop and R&B’s biggest stars including Ja Rule, Ashanti, JAY-Z, DMX, and Mic Geronimo.
Gotti is survived by his children Angie, Sonny, and Jonathan Wilson; his brother and Murder Inc. co-founder Chris Gotti; his mother, Nee Nee Lorenzo; and sisters Tina and Angie. Following the news of his passing, Gotti’s children released a heartfelt statement on his Instagram, reflecting on his lasting legacy:
“Our dad was an incredible man, a true visionary who transformed the hip-hop industry and changed the game for artists and fans alike. His passion for music and dedication to his craft inspired many, and his contributions will continue to influence future generations.”
“As we navigate this difficult time, we kindly ask for privacy while we grieve the loss of our dad, son, brother, uncle, and friend,” the family asked. “We take comfort in knowing that his spirit will live on through his music and the love he shared with all of us.”
Gotti suffered a stroke last year, and reportedly had made changes to his lifestyle and diet. At the time, a rep for Gotti told TMZ, “Irv has been struggling with diabetes for years, which caused him to have a minor stroke over six months ago. He has since changed his diet to eating more healthy. He’s been successful in making a full recovery.”
During a 2023 appearance on Drink Champs, Gotti himself admitted that managing his diabetes had been a challenge, requiring him to make significant lifestyle adjustments.
CBS to Air Special on New Daytime Soap Opera ‘Beyond The Gates’
*CBS has announced “Beyond The Gates: Welcome To The Neighborhood,” a five-part special airing from February 17 to 21. Hosted by Entertainment Tonight‘s Kevin Frazier and comedian Sheryl Underwood, the series provides an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming daytime soap opera “Beyond The Gates.”
Filmed on location in Atlanta, the special takes viewers inside the making of the series, showcasing its dedication to authentic representation of Black culture and history. It also explores the meticulously designed sets of Fairmont Crest, a luxurious gated community where the story unfolds. With never-before-seen moments, on-set interviews, and insights from the cast and crew, the special highlights the series’ unique balance of storytelling, authenticity, and representation.
“Beyonce the Gates” is the network’s first one-hour daytime drama featuring an all-Black cast, including Tamara Tunie, Clifton Davis, Daphnee Duplaix, Karla Mosley, Alex Alegria, Lauren Buglioli, Brandon Claybon, Timon Kyle Durrett, Sean Freeman, Ben Gavin, Marquita Goings, Jibre Hordges, Jen Jacob, Maurice Johnson, Trisha Mann-Grant, Mike Manning, RhonniRose Mantilla, Ambyr Michelle, Colby Muhammad and Arielle Prepetit.
The series is developed and produced by the CBS Studios/NAACP Venture, led by Sheila Ducksworth, in partnership with P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble, pioneers of the soap opera genre.
“Beyond The Gates: Welcome To The Neighborhood” will air Monday, Feb. 17 through Friday, Feb. 21 (2:00-2:30 PM, ET; 1:00-1:30 PM, PT) on the CBS Television Network.
Here’s the official “Beyond The Gates” synopsis:
BEYOND THE GATES is set in a leafy Maryland suburb just outside of Washington, D.C., and in one the most affluent African American counties in the United States. Here you’ll find a posh gated community with winding tree-lined streets and luxurious mansions to call home. At the center of this community are the Duprees, a powerful and prestigious multi-generational family that is the very definition of Black royalty. But behind these pristine walls and lush, manicured gardens are juicy secrets and scandals waiting to be uncovered. And those who live outside these gates are watching closely. These are the places where our characters live, love, work and play. Those who have “made it” and those who haven’t are all trying to navigate life … and some with more grace than others.
“Beyond The Gates” marks the first-ever one-hour Black daytime soap and the first daytime drama to premiere in more than 25 years.
The series premieres February 24 at 2:00-3:00 PM ET (1:00-2:00 PM PT) on CBS and will also be available for streaming on Paramount+.
Luigi Mangione Supporters Gift Him Nearly $300,000 to Fund Legal Defense Amid Murder Charges in UnitedHealthcare CEO’s Death
The 26-year-old, charged with Thompson’s killing outside a Manhattan hotel on December 4th, 2024, has been the center of a nationwide fundraising campaign, with nearly $300,000 raised to support his case.
Mangione faces criminal charges in New York, Pennsylvania, and federal court. He has pleaded not guilty to the New York state charges and is yet to enter pleas in the other jurisdictions. According to the December 4 Legal Committee, which launched a GiveSendGo legal fund, Mangione has agreed to accept over $292,000 in contributions.
“We’re thrilled that Luigi is accepting these funds so that he can mount the strongest defense possible,” said Sam Beard, a spokesperson for the committee. “The American private health insurance industry has ruined countless lives by denying people access to basic care and burying families in medical debt. It’s no surprise that Luigi’s alleged actions are understood and supported by tens of millions of hard-working Americans.”
Mangione’s lawyer, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, confirmed the donations, stating, “Luigi is aware of the fund and very much appreciates the outpouring of support. My client plans on utilizing it to fight all three of the unprecedented cases against him.”
Supporters are encouraged to continue raising funds and advocating for Mangione during his trial. His next court appearance is scheduled for February 21st in New York.
Google Maps Renames “Gulf of Mexico” to “Gulf of America” in the U.S.
Google Maps Renames “Gulf of Mexico” to “Gulf of America,” Apple Maps Still Sticking to the Old Name
by IESHA February 11, 2025Reading Time: 1 min read 0
Google Maps has updated the name of the body of water between Mexico and Florida to “Gulf of America” for users in the U.S.
This change follows a formal decision by the Trump administration. Users in the U.S. will now see this name instead of “Gulf of Mexico”.
In other regions, the name stays the same. Mexico will still see “Gulf of Mexico,” and international users will see both names, with “Gulf of America” in parentheses.
Google made the change based on the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), which approves place names. The name shown to each user depends on their location, mobile settings, and device.
As of now, Apple Maps hasn’t updated its maps to reflect this new name, and still shows “Gulf of Mexico.”
We’ll just have to wait and see if other platforms make the same changes.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Still Wondering What Do They Say?
A Teen Wolf?
A Teen Wolf?
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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