#MAGFAB: Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Jalen Hurts for Men's Health Magazine
JALEN HURTS ISN’T at Disney World. On a gray March afternoon in Philadelphia, I find him at the Fitler Club, a sleek, members-only lifestyle hub hidden in a Center City alley overlooking the Schuylkill River. Hurts is seated in an industrial style conference room against a backdrop of steel, locker-style cages. He has the relaxed look of an offseason athlete: all-black Jordan sweatsuit over a white tee, paired with Air Force Ones.
When I enter the room, his large hands are casually tapping an iPad that has a case covered in motivational quotes. On the back, a black-and-white sticker reads, in all caps, “if your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” Beside it: two crumpled, handwritten Post-it notes—one on expectations, another on integrity. A fresh pink Post-it encourages: “You are exactly where you are supposed to be. I love you. Follow God! I follow you.” It’s signed simply “B”—his wife, Bryonna Burrows.
With Hurts six weeks removed from his biggest career win after five seasons with the Eagles, you might think he would still be riding the high of being named Super Bowl MVP. After years of intense scrutiny about his game, a crushing Super Bowl loss two years ago, and a transitional 2023–24 season, now that the team has soared to a championship on his wings, how does he feel? Hoorah.
“I allocated five days of celebration,” he says, then he actually lists just four: the locker room, the team parade, and (yes) the Disney parade. “Four is the ring ceremony. That’s it.” Then it was back to work: training, sleep, meetings, study, repeat. Even during the locker room festivities, while teammates partied shirtless and sprayed Ace of Spades, Hurts kept his shirt on, his joy contained. You’ve probably seen the photo of him sitting on the floor, cigar in mouth, soaking it all in. If you expected one of the NFL’s most unreadable players to show a visible zest post-victory, you were mistaken. Days later, during his post–Super Bowl press run, Gayle King, noting his demeanor, asked him on CBS Mornings, “But you are happy about this, right?” He responded, “One hundred percent,” but it wasn’t very convincing. (Those with a reserved disposition understand he’s happy inside.) Hurts jokes that lately his management team has been calling him demure. “I don’t know that I’ve ever used that in a sentence,” he deadpans.
There’s a T-shirt for sale online showing Hurts’s straight-faced expression for various emotions—sad, happy, excited—all the images identical except one, where he’s grinning: “4th and 1.” It’s fitting for a couple of reasons. It makes fun of Hurts’s penchant for keeping his emotions in check, and it speaks to the success the Eagles had with their famous “tush push” last season—powered in part by Hurts’s 6'1", 223-pound frame and monster quads, capable of squatting 620 pounds. It was successful 39 out of 48 times, resulting in a first down or a touchdown, according to CBS Sports. Eight of the times it failed, the team repeated the play and earned a first down or a touchdown. The shirt also recognizes Hurts’s mindset and appreciation for process: Once the Eagles get to tush push territory, good things happen.
On our televisions and in our feeds, the NFL isn’t just a sport, and top football players aren’t just players—they’re brands and cultural figures. Hurts has endorsements, but his visibility is not as high as Patrick Mahomes’s or Travis Kelce’s. He’s a private guy who seems to have no desire to lean into memes about his name or do goofy insurance ads. When I ask Hurts if he’s interested in being the face of the NFL, he says, “Hmm.” Then a definitive “No.” But when you’re the MVP of the Super Bowl, you are the face of the NFL. For a Black quarterback, of course, the question is even more soul-searching, rubbing up against the all-American quarterback ideal. Hurts knows. “You hear people talk about Doug Williams, Warren Moon, and Randall Cunningham and their tenures quarterbacking in the NFL, and those are all opportunities to learn from. It’s history,” he says diplomatically.
To cement his position in the sport and the culture, Hurts must keep winning and trusting his process. He tells me he’s not chasing a set number of rings or fixated on building his brand. His focus this offseason is on incremental growth. “It’s hard for me to enjoy certain successes in real time, because I’m in pursuit of something,” he says. “You have to have a constant drive. It has to burn within you to where you don’t want to stop. How can I better myself? How can I evolve? It’s days and nights and years of hard work paying off. Now, what do I have to do the next time around?” It’s not difficult to imagine Hurts as an NFL cyborg, a first down–hunting Terminator who absolutely will not stop, ever.
It’s a work ethic nurtured by his dad (who’s also his longtime football coach) and galvanized by the grit that comes from a national college championship game benching. “I’m not ever in a place where I’m the same person,” he says. “Those calluses, those bumps, those bruises—they’re all necessary for you to be who you’re supposed to be. You have to embrace them.” This demure, sphinxlike superstar with the Mona Lisa smile is winning in his own way, sticking to what’s worked. But now that he’s tasted success, does Jalen Hurts have to stay so serious to maintain it?
TO FIND THE roots of Hurts’s 4th-and-1 mentality, you must go to Channelview, Texas, a suburb 16 miles east of Houston, where he started as a ball boy, watching his dad, Averion Sr., endure seasons of highs and lows as coach of the Channelview Falcons. When Hurts joined the team as a quarterback in his freshman year, he was stepping into the shoes of his brother, Averion Jr., who’s four years older. He remembers the team’s losses viscerally. “I saw my father and the team go through a long period of losing and trying to figure things out, and I knew it wasn’t gonna go that way for me,” he says. “What told me that, I don’t know. My confidence, maybe.” When I ask him if any high school sports losses still weigh on him, he replies instantly, “It’s two of ’em.”
He smiles wistfully, as if preparing to share a war story. In conversation, Hurts shifts between several subtle facial expressions: a half-smirk, a knowing smile, and a broad dimpled grin that, when deployed, feels deserving of its own parade.
About those losses: The first was in ninth grade, when he ran the anchor leg in a track relay. He describes it poetically: “All year, I killed everybody. Brought it home. I go catch people. Brought it home.” But in the district meet, a runner he’d beaten all year flipped the script. “It killed me that he caught me at the very final five meters,” he says. “It killed me.” The second was in sophomore year, when the Falcons started strong at 4-0, then tanked the last six games. “Not making it to the playoffs lit a fire in me. Losing lit a fire in me,” he says. “Those are the little things. Chips of wood on the fire.”
When I enter the room, his large hands are casually tapping an iPad that has a case covered in motivational quotes. On the back, a black-and-white sticker reads, in all caps, “if your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” Beside it: two crumpled, handwritten Post-it notes—one on expectations, another on integrity. A fresh pink Post-it encourages: “You are exactly where you are supposed to be. I love you. Follow God! I follow you.” It’s signed simply “B”—his wife, Bryonna Burrows.
With Hurts six weeks removed from his biggest career win after five seasons with the Eagles, you might think he would still be riding the high of being named Super Bowl MVP. After years of intense scrutiny about his game, a crushing Super Bowl loss two years ago, and a transitional 2023–24 season, now that the team has soared to a championship on his wings, how does he feel? Hoorah.
“I allocated five days of celebration,” he says, then he actually lists just four: the locker room, the team parade, and (yes) the Disney parade. “Four is the ring ceremony. That’s it.” Then it was back to work: training, sleep, meetings, study, repeat. Even during the locker room festivities, while teammates partied shirtless and sprayed Ace of Spades, Hurts kept his shirt on, his joy contained. You’ve probably seen the photo of him sitting on the floor, cigar in mouth, soaking it all in. If you expected one of the NFL’s most unreadable players to show a visible zest post-victory, you were mistaken. Days later, during his post–Super Bowl press run, Gayle King, noting his demeanor, asked him on CBS Mornings, “But you are happy about this, right?” He responded, “One hundred percent,” but it wasn’t very convincing. (Those with a reserved disposition understand he’s happy inside.) Hurts jokes that lately his management team has been calling him demure. “I don’t know that I’ve ever used that in a sentence,” he deadpans.
On our televisions and in our feeds, the NFL isn’t just a sport, and top football players aren’t just players—they’re brands and cultural figures. Hurts has endorsements, but his visibility is not as high as Patrick Mahomes’s or Travis Kelce’s. He’s a private guy who seems to have no desire to lean into memes about his name or do goofy insurance ads. When I ask Hurts if he’s interested in being the face of the NFL, he says, “Hmm.” Then a definitive “No.” But when you’re the MVP of the Super Bowl, you are the face of the NFL. For a Black quarterback, of course, the question is even more soul-searching, rubbing up against the all-American quarterback ideal. Hurts knows. “You hear people talk about Doug Williams, Warren Moon, and Randall Cunningham and their tenures quarterbacking in the NFL, and those are all opportunities to learn from. It’s history,” he says diplomatically.
To cement his position in the sport and the culture, Hurts must keep winning and trusting his process. He tells me he’s not chasing a set number of rings or fixated on building his brand. His focus this offseason is on incremental growth. “It’s hard for me to enjoy certain successes in real time, because I’m in pursuit of something,” he says. “You have to have a constant drive. It has to burn within you to where you don’t want to stop. How can I better myself? How can I evolve? It’s days and nights and years of hard work paying off. Now, what do I have to do the next time around?” It’s not difficult to imagine Hurts as an NFL cyborg, a first down–hunting Terminator who absolutely will not stop, ever.
It’s a work ethic nurtured by his dad (who’s also his longtime football coach) and galvanized by the grit that comes from a national college championship game benching. “I’m not ever in a place where I’m the same person,” he says. “Those calluses, those bumps, those bruises—they’re all necessary for you to be who you’re supposed to be. You have to embrace them.” This demure, sphinxlike superstar with the Mona Lisa smile is winning in his own way, sticking to what’s worked. But now that he’s tasted success, does Jalen Hurts have to stay so serious to maintain it?
TO FIND THE roots of Hurts’s 4th-and-1 mentality, you must go to Channelview, Texas, a suburb 16 miles east of Houston, where he started as a ball boy, watching his dad, Averion Sr., endure seasons of highs and lows as coach of the Channelview Falcons. When Hurts joined the team as a quarterback in his freshman year, he was stepping into the shoes of his brother, Averion Jr., who’s four years older. He remembers the team’s losses viscerally. “I saw my father and the team go through a long period of losing and trying to figure things out, and I knew it wasn’t gonna go that way for me,” he says. “What told me that, I don’t know. My confidence, maybe.” When I ask him if any high school sports losses still weigh on him, he replies instantly, “It’s two of ’em.”
He smiles wistfully, as if preparing to share a war story. In conversation, Hurts shifts between several subtle facial expressions: a half-smirk, a knowing smile, and a broad dimpled grin that, when deployed, feels deserving of its own parade.
About those losses: The first was in ninth grade, when he ran the anchor leg in a track relay. He describes it poetically: “All year, I killed everybody. Brought it home. I go catch people. Brought it home.” But in the district meet, a runner he’d beaten all year flipped the script. “It killed me that he caught me at the very final five meters,” he says. “It killed me.” The second was in sophomore year, when the Falcons started strong at 4-0, then tanked the last six games. “Not making it to the playoffs lit a fire in me. Losing lit a fire in me,” he says. “Those are the little things. Chips of wood on the fire.”
Get more at Men's Health
#RHOA: Kelli Ferrell Confirms She Is “Officially” Divorced
Kelli Ferrell Confirms She Is “Officially” Divorced. Kelli Ferrell is single and possiblyready to mingle after finalizing her divorce. The businesswoman and mother of four girls joined season 16 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta amid divorce proceedings from her ex-husband, Mark Ferrell. And, she recently confirmed the status of their separation.
“It is finalized,” Kelli told The Daily Dish in an exclusive interview in April. “I’m officially divorced.”
Kelli opened up about her 11-year marriage on the show, revealing the steps she took to file for divorce and the long process. “I feel good,” Kelli said. “Even though it’s official, it feels like things still don’t end. You have to still coparent with someone that you’re trying to heal from.”
Kelli opened up about her disagreements with her ex about business and custody of their kids within Season 16 of RHOA. She owns the McDonough, Georgia restaurant Nana’s Chicken and Waffles with a second location on the way. Juggling her culinary career and being a mom of four comes with its own challenges.
“I’m trying to figure it all out, single mom life is definitely not for the weak,” Kelli explained, acknowledging it’s something she’s said before on RHOA this season. “I’m handling it with as much grace as I can. I am so grateful for my daughters.”
Kelli has four daughters; she shares her three youngest kids with her ex-husband. Her oldest daughter is Chloe, followed by Chance, and her twin daughters Chasiti and Chelsi. In one conversation with Chloe about an article surfacing online about her and Mark's relationship, Kelli shared what she wants for their family one day, including Chloe possibly getting married. "I really don't want to get married," Chloe said during an episode this season. "Cause what if like I end up like you? That's a scary thought. No offense to you."
Kelli is thankful for her “tribe” when it comes to raising her daughters. “I have a great support system from my parents to my best friends to my team so I’m grateful to everyone that’s been helping pitch in,” Kelli said when speaking with us. “It definitely takes a village.”
When asked if she’d be up for a new relationship, Kelli at first burst out into a laugh. Then, admitted she’s open to the idea.
“I love love,” Kelli said. “I feel like maybe I’ll never get married again, but I just, I don’t know. I’m open to dating. I would love to have someone to do life with. A partner, a life partner so I guess we’ll just see what the future holds.”
“It is finalized,” Kelli told The Daily Dish in an exclusive interview in April. “I’m officially divorced.”
Kelli opened up about her 11-year marriage on the show, revealing the steps she took to file for divorce and the long process. “I feel good,” Kelli said. “Even though it’s official, it feels like things still don’t end. You have to still coparent with someone that you’re trying to heal from.”
Kelli opened up about her disagreements with her ex about business and custody of their kids within Season 16 of RHOA. She owns the McDonough, Georgia restaurant Nana’s Chicken and Waffles with a second location on the way. Juggling her culinary career and being a mom of four comes with its own challenges.
“I’m trying to figure it all out, single mom life is definitely not for the weak,” Kelli explained, acknowledging it’s something she’s said before on RHOA this season. “I’m handling it with as much grace as I can. I am so grateful for my daughters.”
Kelli has four daughters; she shares her three youngest kids with her ex-husband. Her oldest daughter is Chloe, followed by Chance, and her twin daughters Chasiti and Chelsi. In one conversation with Chloe about an article surfacing online about her and Mark's relationship, Kelli shared what she wants for their family one day, including Chloe possibly getting married. "I really don't want to get married," Chloe said during an episode this season. "Cause what if like I end up like you? That's a scary thought. No offense to you."
Kelli is thankful for her “tribe” when it comes to raising her daughters. “I have a great support system from my parents to my best friends to my team so I’m grateful to everyone that’s been helping pitch in,” Kelli said when speaking with us. “It definitely takes a village.”
When asked if she’d be up for a new relationship, Kelli at first burst out into a laugh. Then, admitted she’s open to the idea.
“I love love,” Kelli said. “I feel like maybe I’ll never get married again, but I just, I don’t know. I’m open to dating. I would love to have someone to do life with. A partner, a life partner so I guess we’ll just see what the future holds.”
#MusicNews: Maxwell Announces ‘The Silent Serenade Ensemble’ Show Dates
Maxwell remains booked and busy. The soul legend has unveiled the dates for The Silent Serenade Ensemble, a limited-run of intimate shows set for the fall.
He will begin at MGM National Harbor in Washington, D.C., where he will perform three consecutive nights from Sept. 18 through Sept. 20. Later, on Sept. 28, he will return to his hometown, Brooklyn, for a special performance at Kings Theatre.
Soul vocalist Yola will join Maxwell at each show as a special guest. The singer recently released her new EP, My Way.
According to press materials, each show will feature new arrangements of Maxwell’s iconic hits and beloved deep cuts, supported by live percussion and a string quartet.
“Brooklyn raised me, D.C. embraced me—and there’s nothing like sharing that kind of love in a more intimate setting,” says Maxwell. “These shows are going to feel like home.”
Tickets for The Silent Serenade Ensemble go on sale Friday (May 16) at 10 a.m. local time. Presale tickets, including exclusive meet and greet and VIP ticket packages, will be available starting Wednesday (May 14).
Maxwell’s upcoming limited engagement of shows follows his Serenade Tour with special guests Jazmine Sullivan and October London.
The Serenade Tour took place over the fall of 2024, with stops in major cities across North America. He extended the tour with spot dates throughout this spring and summer, with varying special guests.
In February, Maxwell hosted his second annual Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite Cruise, a five-night voyage on the Norwegian Pearl, which made stops in the Cayman Islands and Jamaica. He was joined by special guests Anthony Hamilton, Marsha Ambrosius, Lalah Hathaway, Avery*Sunshine, Terrace Martin, Tye Tribbett, Third World, Yellowman, Sharon Marley, and others.
Before Maxwell kicks off The Silent Serenade Ensemble, he will perform at multiple festivals, including Essence Festival in New Orleans, Love Supreme Jazz Festival in East Sussex and the North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam.
In music news, Maxwell released his latest single “Simply Beautiful,” a cover of Al Green’s classic, in August 2024. The song reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart, where it spent two weeks.
See Maxwell’s Silent Serenade Ensemble dates, plus upcoming tour dates, below.
Maxwell’s Silent Serenade Ensemble Dates
Sep 18 – Washington, D.C. @ MGM National Harbor
Sep 19 – Washington, D.C. @ MGM National Harbor
Sep 20 – Washington, D.C. @ MGM National Harbor
Sep 28 – Brooklyn, NY @ Kings Theatre
Maxwell’s 2025 Tour Dates
Jun 6 – San Jose, CA @ SAP Center*
Jun 7 – Brooks, CA @ Cache Creek Casino Resort Event Center
Jun 13 – San Diego, CA @ Toyota Grandstand Stage
Jun 14 – Highland, CA @ Yaamava’ Theater
Jun 20 – Sugar Land, TX @ Smart Financial Centre*
Jun 21 – Durant, OK @ Choctaw Grand Theater
Jul 4 – New Orleans, LA @ Essence Festival of Culture
Jul 6 – Glynde Place, UK @ Love Supreme Festival
Jul 8 – Paris, FR @ Le Grand Rex
Jul 9 – Madrid, ES @ Real Jardín Botánico Alfonso XIII
Jul 12 – Rotterdam, Netherlands @ North Sea Jazz Festival
Jul 20 – Helsingfors, FI @ Allas Sea Pool
Jul 31 – Milwaukee, WI @ Miller High Life Theatre#
Aug 1 – Hammond, IN @ Horseshoe Hammond
Aug 2 – Rockford, IL @ Hard Rock Casino Rockford
Aug 8 – Miami, FL @ Kaseya Center*
Aug 9 – Orlando, FL @ Kia Center*
Aug 10 – Jacksonville, FL @ Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena*
Aug 15 – Columbus, OH @ Schottenstein Center*
Aug 16 – Cleveland, OH @ Rocket Arena*
Aug 22 – Detroit, MI @ Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre^
Oct 3 – Atlanta, GA @ State Farm Arena&
Oct 4 – Columbia, SC @ Colonial Life Arena&
Oct 5 – Raleigh, NC @ Lenovo Center&
Maxwell remains booked and busy. The soul legend has unveiled the dates for The Silent Serenade Ensemble, a limited-run of intimate shows set for the fall.
He will begin at MGM National Harbor in Washington, D.C., where he will perform three consecutive nights from Sept. 18 through Sept. 20. Later, on Sept. 28, he will return to his hometown, Brooklyn, for a special performance at Kings Theatre.
Soul vocalist Yola will join Maxwell at each show as a special guest. The singer recently released her new EP, My Way.
According to press materials, each show will feature new arrangements of Maxwell’s iconic hits and beloved deep cuts, supported by live percussion and a string quartet.
“Brooklyn raised me, D.C. embraced me—and there’s nothing like sharing that kind of love in a more intimate setting,” says Maxwell. “These shows are going to feel like home.”
Tickets for The Silent Serenade Ensemble go on sale Friday (May 16) at 10 a.m. local time. Presale tickets, including exclusive meet and greet and VIP ticket packages, will be available starting Wednesday (May 14).
Maxwell’s upcoming limited engagement of shows follows his Serenade Tour with special guests Jazmine Sullivan and October London.
The Serenade Tour took place over the fall of 2024, with stops in major cities across North America. He extended the tour with spot dates throughout this spring and summer, with varying special guests.
In February, Maxwell hosted his second annual Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite Cruise, a five-night voyage on the Norwegian Pearl, which made stops in the Cayman Islands and Jamaica. He was joined by special guests Anthony Hamilton, Marsha Ambrosius, Lalah Hathaway, Avery*Sunshine, Terrace Martin, Tye Tribbett, Third World, Yellowman, Sharon Marley, and others.
Before Maxwell kicks off The Silent Serenade Ensemble, he will perform at multiple festivals, including Essence Festival in New Orleans, Love Supreme Jazz Festival in East Sussex and the North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam.
In music news, Maxwell released his latest single “Simply Beautiful,” a cover of Al Green’s classic, in August 2024. The song reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart, where it spent two weeks.
See Maxwell’s Silent Serenade Ensemble dates, plus upcoming tour dates, below.
Maxwell’s Silent Serenade Ensemble Dates
Sep 18 – Washington, D.C. @ MGM National Harbor
Sep 19 – Washington, D.C. @ MGM National Harbor
Sep 20 – Washington, D.C. @ MGM National Harbor
Sep 28 – Brooklyn, NY @ Kings Theatre
Maxwell’s 2025 Tour Dates
Jun 6 – San Jose, CA @ SAP Center*
Jun 7 – Brooks, CA @ Cache Creek Casino Resort Event Center
Jun 13 – San Diego, CA @ Toyota Grandstand Stage
Jun 14 – Highland, CA @ Yaamava’ Theater
Jun 20 – Sugar Land, TX @ Smart Financial Centre*
Jun 21 – Durant, OK @ Choctaw Grand Theater
Jul 4 – New Orleans, LA @ Essence Festival of Culture
Jul 6 – Glynde Place, UK @ Love Supreme Festival
Jul 8 – Paris, FR @ Le Grand Rex
Jul 9 – Madrid, ES @ Real Jardín Botánico Alfonso XIII
Jul 12 – Rotterdam, Netherlands @ North Sea Jazz Festival
Jul 20 – Helsingfors, FI @ Allas Sea Pool
Jul 31 – Milwaukee, WI @ Miller High Life Theatre#
Aug 1 – Hammond, IN @ Horseshoe Hammond
Aug 2 – Rockford, IL @ Hard Rock Casino Rockford
Aug 8 – Miami, FL @ Kaseya Center*
Aug 9 – Orlando, FL @ Kia Center*
Aug 10 – Jacksonville, FL @ Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena*
Aug 15 – Columbus, OH @ Schottenstein Center*
Aug 16 – Cleveland, OH @ Rocket Arena*
Aug 22 – Detroit, MI @ Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre^
Oct 3 – Atlanta, GA @ State Farm Arena&
Oct 4 – Columbia, SC @ Colonial Life Arena&
Oct 5 – Raleigh, NC @ Lenovo Center&
*Lucky Daye support
^Marsha Ambrosius support
#Leela James
&KEM
Get tickets at musze.com.
^Marsha Ambrosius support
#Leela James
&KEM
Get tickets at musze.com.
#HipHopNews: Meet Lil Wayne’s New Wave of Artists Signed to Young Money Entertainment
The focus of Lil Wayne's career right now is the impending release of his much-talked about album, Tha Carter VI, but he's also juggling his role as the founder of Young Money Entertainment. The lauded rap star introduces the newest artists on the label roster, a mix of diverse talent.
Lil Wayne Just Reinforced the Young Money Legacy With Fresh Faces
Weezy F. Baby kicked off Season 3 of his Young Money Radio on Apple Music last week (May 2) in true Young Moolah fashion by interviewing the new wave of artists signed to his record label. The introduction of new signees is just what Wayne did when Drake and Nicki Minaj were first brought under Weezy's wing. While some of the signees are familiar faces, there's also a bunch of fresh recruits.
The latest era of Young Money includes rappers Lil Twist, Cory Gunz, Jay Jones, Allan Cubas, Domiio, Euro, Poppy and Lucifena, who raps, sings and rages. Artists like Twist, Cory, Jay and Euro have been with Wayne for years, collaborating with him on some of his mixtapes and being signed to the label for some time. The rest of the rising artists are getting their chance to soak up game from Wayne and apply that to their own careers.
Lil Wayne sat down with each artist to give them time in the spotlight and connect on their new music.
Cory Gunz, who dropped The Militia and Loosie Pack 3 over the last year, says elevation is his goal at this point. "We got to execute and be better than what we did last," he says. "That's what we striving for... It's a science to the execution of what we do. You have to be a tactician with that."
For Lil Twist, he's expanding his sound. "I've been in the process of reinventing myself," he shares. "And I stepped into a whole another genre, whole ’nother bag and got a band. I'm rocking with the alternative hip-hop rock."
New Orleans rapper Jay Jones, whose latest project is Almost Forgot Who I Was, raps from lived experiences. "Like everything that I rap about or sing about melodically, like it's something that I went through or experienced," he expresses. "So, listening to my music, you kind of get a part of me."
Allan Cubas, also a fellow New Orleans native, raps and singer in both English and Spanish. He showcases his Latin side from Honduras in his music, and feels it's important to rep both N.O. and Honduras equally. "I think you have a responsibility when you're representing somewhere to keep putting it on and push it forward and that's what I'm doing with my music," he maintains.
Domiio recently dropped his Metal Warfare project, a more rap-centered affair. His next effort offers more versatility. "I had some singing hooks on [Metal Warfare] as well, but this project is going to really be like everything, like to show that I won't be in a box. Like, I even just did a country song the other day."
Vet Euro came through with a rereleased version of his Lost Files project last year and reminisced on that time period when he first started crafting the songs back with the Young Money team. "Lost Files was something that I started working on probably, like, since way back when I first came around the camp, like 2013," he recalled. "And you know, I started with the small team that was placed around me by you and the Young Money team."
Poppy started rapping under Wayne as a kid and learned from the rap legend early on. He's got bars and bops. "I got some some EPs where I get like vulnerable, and I'm on some, you know, New Orleans like we tore up," he describes. "So, it's kind of like the reality of New Orleans, if that's what you into, but I also like to have fun. I like to dance .So if you really into like that bop feel, that dance feel, I would go [listen to my song] 'Ain't Sweet.' That's my favorite song."
>Lucifena, one of the more left of center artists that Wayne has worked with, shines in the genre of metal alternative rock. "I would say like what attracted me to the genre that I make, it's mainly like high energy," she tells. "So, like when you go to shows, it's like mosh pits, it's people jumping, It's like a lot of fun. It's crazy, but, you know, it's for like the kids that got like to release and you know it's like an outlet."
THEE ICON Janet Jackson to be Honored with Prestigious ICON Award at The American Music Awards
CBS and Dick Clark Productions announced that Award-winning, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame®️ Inductee and philanthropist Janet Jackson will receive the prestigious ICON Award at the “2025 American Music Awards,” an honor bestowed upon an artist whose music has had undeniable cultural and global influence over the music industry. The global phenomenon and 11-time American Music Award-winner, will also take to the stage, marking her first television performance since 2018. This year’s American Music Awards will kick off summer with host Jennifer Lopez live from the all-new luxury resort, Fontainebleau Las Vegas, on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26. Promising to be a night of unforgettable performances, including from Lopez herself, the 51st AMAs will air live coast to coast at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT on the CBS Television Network, and stream on Paramount+ in the U.S.* Tickets to the star-studded show are available now on Ticketmaster.
Celebrating 50 years in the music industry, Jackson is still making an impact including the recent viral craze on social media of her Billboard 100 high-energy dance track “Someone To Call My Lover” that catapulted the song back on the Billboard charts, nearly 24 years after its original release, reaching #3 on the R&B Digital Songs chart and achieving a 1,400% gain in year-to-date U.S. on-demand streams for the hit according to Luminate. “Someone to Call My Lover” originally debuted at #3 and was the second single from her chart-topping, seventh studio album, “All For You.”
She’s also set to kick off yet another leg of her wildly popular Las Vegas residency, JANET JACKSON: LAS VEGAS, returning to the Resorts World Theatre stage on May 21, 2025 for a six-show run through May 31, 2025.
Janet Jackson is one of the most influential entertainers of the modern era. Her music has won her 5 GRAMMY® Awards, 2 Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, a nomination for an Academy Award along with dozens of American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards. She has received accolades as an actress as well including the NAACP Best Supporting Actor award. Janet is a published author, dancer, businessperson, philanthropist and one of biggest-selling artists in popular music history. With sales of over 180 million records worldwide, Janet Jackson stands as one of the best-selling artists of all time with a string of hits that have left an indelible impression on pop culture. She is the record holder for the biggest selling debut tour in history and is the first woman to debut in the top 10 of the Hot 100 chart. She also stands as one of only four artists to have a #1 album on the Billboard 200 in the 1980s, ’90s, ’00s and ’10s — alongside Bruce Springsteen, Barbra Streisand and U2. Even today she continues to make an undeniable impact. In 2018, her last single, “Made for Now” with Daddy Yankee, released by her own Rhythm Nation Records, hit #1 on Billboard’s Dance Club Songs chart making it her 20th single on the chart in the span of her career. In 2019, she was inducted the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside her brothers and in that same year her critically acclaimed Las Vegas residency, “Metamorphosis” closed out to record breaking ticket sales with only 18 dates at the Park MGM’s Park Theater. As reported by Billboard Boxscore, the legendary singer, dancer, songwriter, producer, and actress was among the biggest Vegas performers of the 2010s, ahead of Celine Dion (2011), Britney Spears (2013) and the Backstreet Boys (2017). Her critically acclaimed and award winning documentary “Janet Jackson.” brought in over 20 million viewers in one week.
On February 4, 2021, Janet Jackson’s iconic mega platinum-selling third album Control turned 35. The album also returned to the top of the charts, hitting #1 on the Apple Top 40 US Pop Album chart. Led by five chart-busting hit singles — “What Have You Done for Me Lately,” “Nasty,” “Control,” “When I Think Of You,” —with their complementary, tightly choreographed music videos — and “Let’s Wait Awhile,” Control became Jackson’s first No. 1 Pop album. The album also made Billboard chart history as the first by a woman to yield five top 10-charting singles on the Billboard Hot 100. To date, Control has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide. She followed Control with Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814, which is, as of May 2025, the only album to generate seven top five-charting songs on the Billboard Hot 100. She went even further with her next album, janet., as it tallied six more top 10-charting songs on the Hot 100. In turn, she became the first artist to notch five or more top 10s on the Billboard Hot 100 from three different albums.
In 2023, her highly successful “Together Again” tour became the icon’s highest grossing trek of her career which featured 36 sold out shows and received rave reviews from fans and press. Okayplayer said “Janet has still got it, serving as our beloved sex symbol, superstar, and Queen of Pop that no one has come close to emulating.” The Chicago Tribune confirmed, “Being a performer, a showstopper, a true delight is not just what Janet Jackson does. It is who she is.” And the Boston Globe claimed, “Jackson is a killer live act.”
In December 2024, Jackson launched her exclusive residency, JANET JACKSON: LAS VEGAS, at Resorts World Theatre at Resorts World Las Vegas to sold-out crowds over New Year’s Week. The critically-acclaimed production is packed with the electric high-energy and chart-topping iconic hits like “Control,” “All For You,” and “Together Again,” along with deep cuts from her decades-long career, complemented by dazzling wardrobe moments fashioned by Thom Browne. Following her performance at the American Music Awards, Jackson will return to the Resorts World Theatre stage for three performances on May 28, 30 & 31, 2025. Tickets for all performances are on sale now.
Lil Wayne Just Reinforced the Young Money Legacy With Fresh Faces
Weezy F. Baby kicked off Season 3 of his Young Money Radio on Apple Music last week (May 2) in true Young Moolah fashion by interviewing the new wave of artists signed to his record label. The introduction of new signees is just what Wayne did when Drake and Nicki Minaj were first brought under Weezy's wing. While some of the signees are familiar faces, there's also a bunch of fresh recruits.
The latest era of Young Money includes rappers Lil Twist, Cory Gunz, Jay Jones, Allan Cubas, Domiio, Euro, Poppy and Lucifena, who raps, sings and rages. Artists like Twist, Cory, Jay and Euro have been with Wayne for years, collaborating with him on some of his mixtapes and being signed to the label for some time. The rest of the rising artists are getting their chance to soak up game from Wayne and apply that to their own careers.
Lil Wayne sat down with each artist to give them time in the spotlight and connect on their new music.
Cory Gunz, who dropped The Militia and Loosie Pack 3 over the last year, says elevation is his goal at this point. "We got to execute and be better than what we did last," he says. "That's what we striving for... It's a science to the execution of what we do. You have to be a tactician with that."
For Lil Twist, he's expanding his sound. "I've been in the process of reinventing myself," he shares. "And I stepped into a whole another genre, whole ’nother bag and got a band. I'm rocking with the alternative hip-hop rock."
New Orleans rapper Jay Jones, whose latest project is Almost Forgot Who I Was, raps from lived experiences. "Like everything that I rap about or sing about melodically, like it's something that I went through or experienced," he expresses. "So, listening to my music, you kind of get a part of me."
Allan Cubas, also a fellow New Orleans native, raps and singer in both English and Spanish. He showcases his Latin side from Honduras in his music, and feels it's important to rep both N.O. and Honduras equally. "I think you have a responsibility when you're representing somewhere to keep putting it on and push it forward and that's what I'm doing with my music," he maintains.
Domiio recently dropped his Metal Warfare project, a more rap-centered affair. His next effort offers more versatility. "I had some singing hooks on [Metal Warfare] as well, but this project is going to really be like everything, like to show that I won't be in a box. Like, I even just did a country song the other day."
Vet Euro came through with a rereleased version of his Lost Files project last year and reminisced on that time period when he first started crafting the songs back with the Young Money team. "Lost Files was something that I started working on probably, like, since way back when I first came around the camp, like 2013," he recalled. "And you know, I started with the small team that was placed around me by you and the Young Money team."
Poppy started rapping under Wayne as a kid and learned from the rap legend early on. He's got bars and bops. "I got some some EPs where I get like vulnerable, and I'm on some, you know, New Orleans like we tore up," he describes. "So, it's kind of like the reality of New Orleans, if that's what you into, but I also like to have fun. I like to dance .So if you really into like that bop feel, that dance feel, I would go [listen to my song] 'Ain't Sweet.' That's my favorite song."
>Lucifena, one of the more left of center artists that Wayne has worked with, shines in the genre of metal alternative rock. "I would say like what attracted me to the genre that I make, it's mainly like high energy," she tells. "So, like when you go to shows, it's like mosh pits, it's people jumping, It's like a lot of fun. It's crazy, but, you know, it's for like the kids that got like to release and you know it's like an outlet."
THEE ICON Janet Jackson to be Honored with Prestigious ICON Award at The American Music Awards
CBS and Dick Clark Productions announced that Award-winning, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame®️ Inductee and philanthropist Janet Jackson will receive the prestigious ICON Award at the “2025 American Music Awards,” an honor bestowed upon an artist whose music has had undeniable cultural and global influence over the music industry. The global phenomenon and 11-time American Music Award-winner, will also take to the stage, marking her first television performance since 2018. This year’s American Music Awards will kick off summer with host Jennifer Lopez live from the all-new luxury resort, Fontainebleau Las Vegas, on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26. Promising to be a night of unforgettable performances, including from Lopez herself, the 51st AMAs will air live coast to coast at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT on the CBS Television Network, and stream on Paramount+ in the U.S.* Tickets to the star-studded show are available now on Ticketmaster.
Celebrating 50 years in the music industry, Jackson is still making an impact including the recent viral craze on social media of her Billboard 100 high-energy dance track “Someone To Call My Lover” that catapulted the song back on the Billboard charts, nearly 24 years after its original release, reaching #3 on the R&B Digital Songs chart and achieving a 1,400% gain in year-to-date U.S. on-demand streams for the hit according to Luminate. “Someone to Call My Lover” originally debuted at #3 and was the second single from her chart-topping, seventh studio album, “All For You.”
She’s also set to kick off yet another leg of her wildly popular Las Vegas residency, JANET JACKSON: LAS VEGAS, returning to the Resorts World Theatre stage on May 21, 2025 for a six-show run through May 31, 2025.
Janet Jackson is one of the most influential entertainers of the modern era. Her music has won her 5 GRAMMY® Awards, 2 Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, a nomination for an Academy Award along with dozens of American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards. She has received accolades as an actress as well including the NAACP Best Supporting Actor award. Janet is a published author, dancer, businessperson, philanthropist and one of biggest-selling artists in popular music history. With sales of over 180 million records worldwide, Janet Jackson stands as one of the best-selling artists of all time with a string of hits that have left an indelible impression on pop culture. She is the record holder for the biggest selling debut tour in history and is the first woman to debut in the top 10 of the Hot 100 chart. She also stands as one of only four artists to have a #1 album on the Billboard 200 in the 1980s, ’90s, ’00s and ’10s — alongside Bruce Springsteen, Barbra Streisand and U2. Even today she continues to make an undeniable impact. In 2018, her last single, “Made for Now” with Daddy Yankee, released by her own Rhythm Nation Records, hit #1 on Billboard’s Dance Club Songs chart making it her 20th single on the chart in the span of her career. In 2019, she was inducted the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside her brothers and in that same year her critically acclaimed Las Vegas residency, “Metamorphosis” closed out to record breaking ticket sales with only 18 dates at the Park MGM’s Park Theater. As reported by Billboard Boxscore, the legendary singer, dancer, songwriter, producer, and actress was among the biggest Vegas performers of the 2010s, ahead of Celine Dion (2011), Britney Spears (2013) and the Backstreet Boys (2017). Her critically acclaimed and award winning documentary “Janet Jackson.” brought in over 20 million viewers in one week.
On February 4, 2021, Janet Jackson’s iconic mega platinum-selling third album Control turned 35. The album also returned to the top of the charts, hitting #1 on the Apple Top 40 US Pop Album chart. Led by five chart-busting hit singles — “What Have You Done for Me Lately,” “Nasty,” “Control,” “When I Think Of You,” —with their complementary, tightly choreographed music videos — and “Let’s Wait Awhile,” Control became Jackson’s first No. 1 Pop album. The album also made Billboard chart history as the first by a woman to yield five top 10-charting singles on the Billboard Hot 100. To date, Control has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide. She followed Control with Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814, which is, as of May 2025, the only album to generate seven top five-charting songs on the Billboard Hot 100. She went even further with her next album, janet., as it tallied six more top 10-charting songs on the Hot 100. In turn, she became the first artist to notch five or more top 10s on the Billboard Hot 100 from three different albums.
In 2023, her highly successful “Together Again” tour became the icon’s highest grossing trek of her career which featured 36 sold out shows and received rave reviews from fans and press. Okayplayer said “Janet has still got it, serving as our beloved sex symbol, superstar, and Queen of Pop that no one has come close to emulating.” The Chicago Tribune confirmed, “Being a performer, a showstopper, a true delight is not just what Janet Jackson does. It is who she is.” And the Boston Globe claimed, “Jackson is a killer live act.”
In December 2024, Jackson launched her exclusive residency, JANET JACKSON: LAS VEGAS, at Resorts World Theatre at Resorts World Las Vegas to sold-out crowds over New Year’s Week. The critically-acclaimed production is packed with the electric high-energy and chart-topping iconic hits like “Control,” “All For You,” and “Together Again,” along with deep cuts from her decades-long career, complemented by dazzling wardrobe moments fashioned by Thom Browne. Following her performance at the American Music Awards, Jackson will return to the Resorts World Theatre stage for three performances on May 28, 30 & 31, 2025. Tickets for all performances are on sale now.
The Diddy Trial: Sex Worker Claims He Urinated On Cassie
Daniel Philip, a 41-year-old male escort first became entangled with the couple in 2012 and his sexual relations with them would last around a year.
During his testimony, Philip claimed that during one sex session with Cassie, she asked him to urinate in her mouth.
It was previously said by prosecutor, Emily Johnson that: “Cassie will tell you that she felt like she was choking when Combs made an escort urinate in her mouth.”
Philip’s testimony mostly consisted of him describing his sexual relationship with Cassie and Diddy.
He described the encounters as having sex with Cassie while Diddy watched, masturbated and sometimes instructed.
Philip claims he was paid thousands of dollars for each encounter with the couple.
Philip said that the sex would last from anywhere between one hour and 10 hours.
He also claimed that he felt threatened by Diddy after the record executive took a photograph of his driving license for “insurance”.
Philip also alleged that he was given MDMA by Diddy which led to him feeling “physically sick” and giving away all of his money in Times Square.
Philip further claims that he was witness to Diddy physically assaulting Cassie.
His testimony alleged that he saw Diddy throw a bottle at his then girlfriend before the producer grabbed her by the hair and dragged her into another room.
Philip then claims he heard slapping noises. Asked why he did not intervene, Philip said: “I was shocked. It came out of nowhere. I was terrified. I didn’t know what to do. In my mind … if I tried to do something I might lose my life.” He added, “My thoughts were, [Combs] was someone with unlimited power. … My life was at risk.”
Philip also detailed that he had difficulties “staying hard” in the presence of Diddy after witnessing the alleged abuse and that he would not be paid if he could not perform sexually.
Diddy has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The trial continues today (May 13).
Jane Eugene of Loose Ends Reportedly Facing Deportation Over Expired U.S. Visa
Jane Eugene, the soulful voice behind the British R&B group Loose Ends, is reportedly facing deportation from the United States. Sources indicate that Eugene has been residing in the U.S. on a visa that expired 19 years ago, potentially violating immigration laws. We’re told she is currently being held in an ICE facility in upstate New York near the Canadian border.
The singer has been active in the American music scene, leading a U.S.-based version of Loose Ends and performing across the country. However, her alleged visa overstay could lead to serious legal consequences, including removal proceedings and a possible 10-year reentry ban.
Understanding the Legal Implications of Long-Term Visa Overstays
Overstaying a U.S. visa by more than a year results in “unlawful presence,” which can trigger a 10-year bar from reentering the country if the individual departs. Additionally, those who overstay their visas may be placed in removal proceedings and face deportation.
While immediate relatives of U.S. citizens may still be eligible to apply for a green card despite a visa overstay, the process is complicated and subject to strict eligibility criteria. Eugene’s current legal options remain unclear.
Jane Eugene’s Musical Legacy and Continued Influence
Born on February 5, 1961, Jane Eugene rose to fame as a founding member and lead vocalist of Loose Ends. The group achieved significant success in the 1980s with hits like “Hangin’ on a String (Contemplating),” which topped the U.S. Billboard R&B chart, making them the first British band to do so.
After departing from the original lineup in 1990, Eugene continued her musical journey by leading a U.S.-based version of Loose Ends. She has remained active in the music scene, performing classic hits and engaging with audiences nationwide.
Community Reaction and Support for Jane Eugene
Fans and fellow artists have expressed concern over the reports of Eugene’s potential deportation. Social media platforms are abuzz with messages of support, highlighting her contributions to the music industry and the cultural fabric of the U.S.
Advocacy groups are also monitoring the situation, emphasizing the need for fair treatment and due process in immigration proceedings. The case has sparked discussions about the challenges faced by long-term residents navigating complex immigration laws.
Potential Legal Avenues and Future Developments
As of now, specific details about Eugene’s legal status and any ongoing proceedings have not been publicly disclosed. However, individuals in similar situations may seek relief through waivers of inadmissibility or other forms of relief, depending on their circumstances.
Legal experts suggest that Eugene may have options to regularize her status, especially if she has strong ties to the community or qualifies under certain immigration provisions. The outcome will depend on various factors, including her immigration history and any available legal remedies.
Jane Eugene’s Continued Engagement with Fans
Despite the legal challenges, Jane Eugene remains connected with her fan base. She actively shares updates and interacts with supporters through her social media platforms, including Instagram and Facebook. Her resilience and dedication to her craft continue to inspire many.
For more information on her career and recent activities, fans can visit her Instagram profile or follow the Loose Ends Featuring Jane Eugene Facebook page.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for more info.
Jane Eugene, the soulful voice behind the British R&B group Loose Ends, is reportedly facing deportation from the United States. Sources indicate that Eugene has been residing in the U.S. on a visa that expired 19 years ago, potentially violating immigration laws. We’re told she is currently being held in an ICE facility in upstate New York near the Canadian border.
The singer has been active in the American music scene, leading a U.S.-based version of Loose Ends and performing across the country. However, her alleged visa overstay could lead to serious legal consequences, including removal proceedings and a possible 10-year reentry ban.
Understanding the Legal Implications of Long-Term Visa Overstays
Overstaying a U.S. visa by more than a year results in “unlawful presence,” which can trigger a 10-year bar from reentering the country if the individual departs. Additionally, those who overstay their visas may be placed in removal proceedings and face deportation.
While immediate relatives of U.S. citizens may still be eligible to apply for a green card despite a visa overstay, the process is complicated and subject to strict eligibility criteria. Eugene’s current legal options remain unclear.
Jane Eugene’s Musical Legacy and Continued Influence
Born on February 5, 1961, Jane Eugene rose to fame as a founding member and lead vocalist of Loose Ends. The group achieved significant success in the 1980s with hits like “Hangin’ on a String (Contemplating),” which topped the U.S. Billboard R&B chart, making them the first British band to do so.
After departing from the original lineup in 1990, Eugene continued her musical journey by leading a U.S.-based version of Loose Ends. She has remained active in the music scene, performing classic hits and engaging with audiences nationwide.
Community Reaction and Support for Jane Eugene
Fans and fellow artists have expressed concern over the reports of Eugene’s potential deportation. Social media platforms are abuzz with messages of support, highlighting her contributions to the music industry and the cultural fabric of the U.S.
Advocacy groups are also monitoring the situation, emphasizing the need for fair treatment and due process in immigration proceedings. The case has sparked discussions about the challenges faced by long-term residents navigating complex immigration laws.
Potential Legal Avenues and Future Developments
As of now, specific details about Eugene’s legal status and any ongoing proceedings have not been publicly disclosed. However, individuals in similar situations may seek relief through waivers of inadmissibility or other forms of relief, depending on their circumstances.
Legal experts suggest that Eugene may have options to regularize her status, especially if she has strong ties to the community or qualifies under certain immigration provisions. The outcome will depend on various factors, including her immigration history and any available legal remedies.
Jane Eugene’s Continued Engagement with Fans
Despite the legal challenges, Jane Eugene remains connected with her fan base. She actively shares updates and interacts with supporters through her social media platforms, including Instagram and Facebook. Her resilience and dedication to her craft continue to inspire many.
For more information on her career and recent activities, fans can visit her Instagram profile or follow the Loose Ends Featuring Jane Eugene Facebook page.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for more info.
Meet American Girl First Black Doll Addy Walker
Pleasant Company’s mission was to make history accessible to young girls, using dolls. Each American Girl character had a series of books, and corresponding dolls, that explored her story in a particular time throughout history. The company started in 1986, and by the early 1990s, American Girl was everywhere. There were full spreads in catalogs, commercials on TV, and copies of the books in school libraries everywhere. Addy Walker was American Girl’s first Black doll, and for many, she is a cultural icon. Everything about her creation, story, and appearance was intentional, and her dress was one of the most powerful statements of them all.
When Addy debuted in 1993, there were already four American Girl dolls on the scene. All were white and represented various periods between the Revolutionary War and post-WWII. Pleasant Company spent $3 million developing Addy, an enslaved African American girl, as the first Black doll. There was initially a ton of backlash around her introduction.
According to the series author, Connie Porter, Addy’s debut caused much debate in the Black community, due to her family being enslaved. Many argued that the first Black doll should have represented more uplifting times in African American history, such as the Harlem Renaissance or the Civil Rights Movement. But Porter says if you were to paint a picture of either of these iconic time periods, you’d have to begin with segregation, the fight for basic rights, and the Great Migration. “So, we knew we had to take it all the way back to the root of all these things,” she says. “And that is why when we meet Addy, she’s enslaved.”
To bring Addy to life, Pleasant Company assembled an advisory board, making Addy the first character to have a board of people involved in her creation. It consisted of seven African American consultants, whose expertise ranged from museum curation to children’s literature. Each consultant had an immense amount of knowledge about African American history, several of them in specialized fields of study, like the lives of enslaved children.
Dr. Janet Sims Wood, a retired Howard University librarian and original member of the advisory board, recalls that they met with Ms. Porter many times in Washington, DC, spending several days each time discussing proposed plotlines, ideas, dialogue, etc. “A couple of the people on the board had a thorough knowledge of artifacts. Wilma King and Lonnie Bunch knew all about what young Addy would have had access to. It had to be as historically accurate as possible, even though it was fiction. From her lunch pail to her bundle, to her outfit, we put a great deal of thought, research, and discussion into everything.”
And dressing Addy was no small accomplishment. Ms. Porter and the board knew that enslaved children like Addy would have likely worn a shapeless shift dress, issued to her without much thought. However, they wanted Addy to be presented with the dignity she deserved, so Ms. Porter had to find a historically plausible way for Addy to get a nice dress. “We did not want her on the cover of the book in a slave shift,” she says. “So, the way she’s presented was a major part of each book, especially the first.”
For the “Meet Addy” book cover and doll, which is the first in the series, Addy is wearing a pink and white striped dress, boots, and a straw hat tied under her chin. In the book, the dress is given to her by a white woman who helps her and her mother escape slavery on the Underground Railroad. Ms. Porter says that parallels from that outfit can be drawn to modern times, in more ways than one.
“The dress is symbolic of what had to happen in America in order for slavery to end. Black people stood up, of course, but white people had to stand up, too. Whether part of the abolitionist movement, or those conscripted into the army in the North, many people, Black and white, had to say, ‘This is the country we want, and this is the price that we have to pay to get it.’ Just like with the situation we’re in now as a country, where we will also have to make those decisions,” Ms. Porter said.
Aside from Pleasant Company’s mission to make history more accessible to young girls, the company was also a marketing machine. In each new book that came out in her series, each character got a new dress and a full new set of accessories. This helped build the hype around American Girl, as young girls wanted all the newly-released items, but it presented a major challenge for Ms. Porter: “I had to come up with clever ways for Addy to get a new dress in each book.” Historically speaking, it would not have been easy for Addy, an enslaved, later free, African American girl, to get a nice new dress each season of the year. Most people had very few items of clothing in general at that time.
So, how was Addy going to get her new dress in each book? To reach that goal, historical accuracy had to be built into every stage of the plotline. Ms. Porter and the board presented ideas for marketable skills that Addy’s parents would have needed to have in order to build a life in freedom. They needed to have skills that would translate to jobs they could realistically hold in Philadelphia at that time, skills that could help them earn enough money to make or buy Addy a new dress.
Addy’s mother, Ruth Walker, is a remarkable seamstress. She makes Addy a few dresses for books that came later, and those dresses symbolize the exquisite skills of African American dressmakers and tailors, both enslaved and free. We get to see Ruth’s talent and ingenuity shine, and we also see the love she has for her daughter and her family, something that could not be broken by the inhumanity of slavery.
“If you think about where most African Americans lived, and what their condition was during that period, they were enslaved,” says Dr. Spencer Crew, a history professor at George Mason University, and original member of the advisory board. “But what’s important to remember is that Addy wants her freedom, and she takes her freedom. It’s a success story in many ways, even in the way she’s dressed. We wanted to make sure that other Black girls could identify with the way she looked, her hair texture, her facial features. They needed to see themselves in her.”
Addy’s first dress pays homage to the Underground Railroad, to resistance and hope, to the willingness to demand better and put everything on the line for it. The dresses she wore in later books symbolize the promise and perils of the new life she’s navigating in freedom. In that way, her dress is always a significant part of Addy’s story, a story that, while fictional, represents the stories of many African Americans born into slavery, who refused to accept that condition.
“It’s particularly important in our world today to make sure our stories are available and accessible to people so we can remember, not only what things were like, but what our community was like,” Dr. Crew says. “Our community has always been loving and gifted, and we need to always remember that.”
When Addy debuted in 1993, there were already four American Girl dolls on the scene. All were white and represented various periods between the Revolutionary War and post-WWII. Pleasant Company spent $3 million developing Addy, an enslaved African American girl, as the first Black doll. There was initially a ton of backlash around her introduction.
According to the series author, Connie Porter, Addy’s debut caused much debate in the Black community, due to her family being enslaved. Many argued that the first Black doll should have represented more uplifting times in African American history, such as the Harlem Renaissance or the Civil Rights Movement. But Porter says if you were to paint a picture of either of these iconic time periods, you’d have to begin with segregation, the fight for basic rights, and the Great Migration. “So, we knew we had to take it all the way back to the root of all these things,” she says. “And that is why when we meet Addy, she’s enslaved.”
To bring Addy to life, Pleasant Company assembled an advisory board, making Addy the first character to have a board of people involved in her creation. It consisted of seven African American consultants, whose expertise ranged from museum curation to children’s literature. Each consultant had an immense amount of knowledge about African American history, several of them in specialized fields of study, like the lives of enslaved children.
Dr. Janet Sims Wood, a retired Howard University librarian and original member of the advisory board, recalls that they met with Ms. Porter many times in Washington, DC, spending several days each time discussing proposed plotlines, ideas, dialogue, etc. “A couple of the people on the board had a thorough knowledge of artifacts. Wilma King and Lonnie Bunch knew all about what young Addy would have had access to. It had to be as historically accurate as possible, even though it was fiction. From her lunch pail to her bundle, to her outfit, we put a great deal of thought, research, and discussion into everything.”
And dressing Addy was no small accomplishment. Ms. Porter and the board knew that enslaved children like Addy would have likely worn a shapeless shift dress, issued to her without much thought. However, they wanted Addy to be presented with the dignity she deserved, so Ms. Porter had to find a historically plausible way for Addy to get a nice dress. “We did not want her on the cover of the book in a slave shift,” she says. “So, the way she’s presented was a major part of each book, especially the first.”
For the “Meet Addy” book cover and doll, which is the first in the series, Addy is wearing a pink and white striped dress, boots, and a straw hat tied under her chin. In the book, the dress is given to her by a white woman who helps her and her mother escape slavery on the Underground Railroad. Ms. Porter says that parallels from that outfit can be drawn to modern times, in more ways than one.
“The dress is symbolic of what had to happen in America in order for slavery to end. Black people stood up, of course, but white people had to stand up, too. Whether part of the abolitionist movement, or those conscripted into the army in the North, many people, Black and white, had to say, ‘This is the country we want, and this is the price that we have to pay to get it.’ Just like with the situation we’re in now as a country, where we will also have to make those decisions,” Ms. Porter said.
Aside from Pleasant Company’s mission to make history more accessible to young girls, the company was also a marketing machine. In each new book that came out in her series, each character got a new dress and a full new set of accessories. This helped build the hype around American Girl, as young girls wanted all the newly-released items, but it presented a major challenge for Ms. Porter: “I had to come up with clever ways for Addy to get a new dress in each book.” Historically speaking, it would not have been easy for Addy, an enslaved, later free, African American girl, to get a nice new dress each season of the year. Most people had very few items of clothing in general at that time.
So, how was Addy going to get her new dress in each book? To reach that goal, historical accuracy had to be built into every stage of the plotline. Ms. Porter and the board presented ideas for marketable skills that Addy’s parents would have needed to have in order to build a life in freedom. They needed to have skills that would translate to jobs they could realistically hold in Philadelphia at that time, skills that could help them earn enough money to make or buy Addy a new dress.
Addy’s mother, Ruth Walker, is a remarkable seamstress. She makes Addy a few dresses for books that came later, and those dresses symbolize the exquisite skills of African American dressmakers and tailors, both enslaved and free. We get to see Ruth’s talent and ingenuity shine, and we also see the love she has for her daughter and her family, something that could not be broken by the inhumanity of slavery.
“If you think about where most African Americans lived, and what their condition was during that period, they were enslaved,” says Dr. Spencer Crew, a history professor at George Mason University, and original member of the advisory board. “But what’s important to remember is that Addy wants her freedom, and she takes her freedom. It’s a success story in many ways, even in the way she’s dressed. We wanted to make sure that other Black girls could identify with the way she looked, her hair texture, her facial features. They needed to see themselves in her.”
Addy’s first dress pays homage to the Underground Railroad, to resistance and hope, to the willingness to demand better and put everything on the line for it. The dresses she wore in later books symbolize the promise and perils of the new life she’s navigating in freedom. In that way, her dress is always a significant part of Addy’s story, a story that, while fictional, represents the stories of many African Americans born into slavery, who refused to accept that condition.
“It’s particularly important in our world today to make sure our stories are available and accessible to people so we can remember, not only what things were like, but what our community was like,” Dr. Crew says. “Our community has always been loving and gifted, and we need to always remember that.”
Menendez Brothers, Who M*rdered Their Parents In 1989 After Alleged $exual Abu$e, Resentenced To 50 Years To Life In Prison And Now Eligible For Parole
A judge has resentenced Lyle Menendez and Erik Menendez to 50 years to life, making them immediately eligible for parole.
“Life without parole gives an inmate no hope,” said Judge Michael Jesic, adding, “It’s remarkable what they did when they had no hope of getting out.”
The brothers, convicted in 1996 for the 1989 m*rders of their parents, claim years of s*xual abuse by their father Jose, allegedly ignored by their mother.
Prosecutors argued the motive was greed. Their 2023 habeas petition introduced new evidence, including Erik’s pre-m*rder letter and allegations by Roy Rosselló. Former L.A. DA George Gascón supported resentencing, but his successor Hochman withdrew the recommendation, saying the brothers “have not taken full responsibility.”
Still, family members, including their aunt Joan VanderMolen, supported them in court. Governor Gavin Newsom said he won’t decide on clemency until after the final hearing.
Jesic noted the crime was “absolutely horrific,” but acknowledged their prison conduct.
“Life without parole gives an inmate no hope,” said Judge Michael Jesic, adding, “It’s remarkable what they did when they had no hope of getting out.”
The brothers, convicted in 1996 for the 1989 m*rders of their parents, claim years of s*xual abuse by their father Jose, allegedly ignored by their mother.
Prosecutors argued the motive was greed. Their 2023 habeas petition introduced new evidence, including Erik’s pre-m*rder letter and allegations by Roy Rosselló. Former L.A. DA George Gascón supported resentencing, but his successor Hochman withdrew the recommendation, saying the brothers “have not taken full responsibility.”
Still, family members, including their aunt Joan VanderMolen, supported them in court. Governor Gavin Newsom said he won’t decide on clemency until after the final hearing.
Jesic noted the crime was “absolutely horrific,” but acknowledged their prison conduct.
Halle Bailey Granted Restraining Order Against DDG, Claims He A$$aulted Her Multiple Times + Provides Photos Of Chipped Tooth & Texts As Proof
Halle Bailey says she’s had enough of DDG’s alleged abuse, filing a police report and seeking court-ordered protection from him.
In her restraining order request, Halle Bailey claims DDG got physical in January during a custody exchange. As she buckled their son Halo into his seat, DDG allegedly snapped, yelling, “Get out of my car, B*TCH.” Halle Bailey says the baby cried, and DDG yanked her hair, slammed her face into the steering wheel, and chipped her tooth. Despite the pain and bruises, she rode with him to his house, telling his family what happened.
She also says DDG entered her home in March without permission, texted her a pic of her empty bed with, “now I know what u been on lol,” and later smashed her Ring camera and tossed her phone out his car window, shouting, “GO GET IT B*TCH.”
A judge granted Halle a restraining order and permission to travel with Halo to Italy. Several images obtained by TMZ show the text messages and Halle’s chipped tooth as proof of the a$$aults.
Halle Bailey says she’s had enough of DDG’s alleged abuse, filing a police report and seeking court-ordered protection from him.
In her restraining order request, Halle Bailey claims DDG got physical in January during a custody exchange. As she buckled their son Halo into his seat, DDG allegedly snapped, yelling, “Get out of my car, B*TCH.” Halle Bailey says the baby cried, and DDG yanked her hair, slammed her face into the steering wheel, and chipped her tooth. Despite the pain and bruises, she rode with him to his house, telling his family what happened.
She also says DDG entered her home in March without permission, texted her a pic of her empty bed with, “now I know what u been on lol,” and later smashed her Ring camera and tossed her phone out his car window, shouting, “GO GET IT B*TCH.”
A judge granted Halle a restraining order and permission to travel with Halo to Italy. Several images obtained by TMZ show the text messages and Halle’s chipped tooth as proof of the a$$aults.
Boston Celtics Star Jayson Tatum Out For Season After Achilles Surgery
Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum underwent successful surgery to repair a ruptured right Achilles tendon, the team announced Tuesday. The injury is officially season-ending.
The 27-year-old All-Star, who has been leading the Celtics in points (28.1), rebounds (11.5), and assists (5.4) per game, was injured late in Boston’s 121-113 Game 4 loss to the New York Knicks, putting both the defending champions’ title defense and Jayson Tatum’s future for next season in jeopardy.
No timeline has been provided for his full return, but he is expected to make a complete recovery.
The Knicks currently lead the Celtics 3-1 in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Game 5 is set for Wednesday night in Boston. Jayson Tatum’s injury evokes memories of Kevin Durant’s Achilles tear in the 2019 NBA Finals, which caused him to miss the entire 2019-2020 season.
With Tatum out indefinitely, Kristaps Porzi??is may become pivotal for Boston’s playoff aspirations.
Prayers on a speedy recovery!
Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum underwent successful surgery to repair a ruptured right Achilles tendon, the team announced Tuesday. The injury is officially season-ending.
The 27-year-old All-Star, who has been leading the Celtics in points (28.1), rebounds (11.5), and assists (5.4) per game, was injured late in Boston’s 121-113 Game 4 loss to the New York Knicks, putting both the defending champions’ title defense and Jayson Tatum’s future for next season in jeopardy.
No timeline has been provided for his full return, but he is expected to make a complete recovery.
The Knicks currently lead the Celtics 3-1 in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Game 5 is set for Wednesday night in Boston. Jayson Tatum’s injury evokes memories of Kevin Durant’s Achilles tear in the 2019 NBA Finals, which caused him to miss the entire 2019-2020 season.
With Tatum out indefinitely, Kristaps Porzi??is may become pivotal for Boston’s playoff aspirations.
Prayers on a speedy recovery!
Toni Braxton shamed for fishnets as son graduates Howard U.
Legendary songstress Toni Braxton has never been afraid of baring flesh. But it’s the place and occasion she chose to do so that has X in a shambles.
In a post that has garnered more than a million views in 24 hours, the “Breathe Again” singer wore fishnets the graduation of son, Diezel Braxton, from Howard University in Washington.
Fans taken aback about Braxton’s choice of graduation attire
The seven-time Grammy-winner was cloaked in an all-black-outfit which included a blazer, a bodysuit — with no pants underneath — a black lace skirt, and a black wide-brim hat with a veil.
In the captions of the post for Braxton’s five millions Instagram follower, she penned, “I got the best Mother’s Day gift! My son is officially a HOWARD UNIVERSITY GRADUATE!! I’m so proud of you @diezel.braxton and can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll accomplish! YOU DID THAT! 🧡 Proud.”
Fans believe that Braxton stole her son’s shine
Some people quickly jumped into Diezel Braxton’s comments to congratulate his momentous accomplishment while simultaneously condemning his mother’s outfit choice.
“Why did she wear that?” one person asked quizzically, while another inquired, “You would wear sheer with your a–- out at a special moment like that? As a parent? Toni is beautiful we all know that, im just saying not appropriate for a child’s graduation.”
You can almost see the third person jerking his or her head back and saying, “Congratulations to him!!! but girl wtf you got on,” while a fourth added, “I wish my mama would.”
To be sure, Braxton did have her supporters of her risqué outfit.
“LMAOOO SHE ATE,” said one fan.
Diezel Braxton informed his followers in April that he got accepted into the British American Drama Academy for the summer intensive program, the same academy the late great Chadwick Boseman attended in 1998.
In a post that has garnered more than a million views in 24 hours, the “Breathe Again” singer wore fishnets the graduation of son, Diezel Braxton, from Howard University in Washington.
Fans taken aback about Braxton’s choice of graduation attire
The seven-time Grammy-winner was cloaked in an all-black-outfit which included a blazer, a bodysuit — with no pants underneath — a black lace skirt, and a black wide-brim hat with a veil.
In the captions of the post for Braxton’s five millions Instagram follower, she penned, “I got the best Mother’s Day gift! My son is officially a HOWARD UNIVERSITY GRADUATE!! I’m so proud of you @diezel.braxton and can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll accomplish! YOU DID THAT! 🧡 Proud.”
Fans believe that Braxton stole her son’s shine
Some people quickly jumped into Diezel Braxton’s comments to congratulate his momentous accomplishment while simultaneously condemning his mother’s outfit choice.
“Why did she wear that?” one person asked quizzically, while another inquired, “You would wear sheer with your a–- out at a special moment like that? As a parent? Toni is beautiful we all know that, im just saying not appropriate for a child’s graduation.”
You can almost see the third person jerking his or her head back and saying, “Congratulations to him!!! but girl wtf you got on,” while a fourth added, “I wish my mama would.”
To be sure, Braxton did have her supporters of her risqué outfit.
“LMAOOO SHE ATE,” said one fan.
Diezel Braxton informed his followers in April that he got accepted into the British American Drama Academy for the summer intensive program, the same academy the late great Chadwick Boseman attended in 1998.
Damson Idris to Play Miles Davis in Mick Jagger-Produced Period Romance ‘Miles & Juliette'
Damson Idris will star in period romance Miles & Juliette with Anamaria Vartolomei, with Idris playing Miles Davis and Vartolomei portraying Juliette Gréco.
Love & Mercy director Bill Pohlad will direct the project from a screenplay by Zora Howard. Mick Jagger will produce via his Jagged Films banner along with Victoria Pearman and Pohlad via his River Road Entertainment banner (Brokeback Mountain) alongside Kim Roth (Mudbound).
Xavier Dolan will also star along with Idris and Vartolomei.
According to the project's description, Miles & Juliette follows "22-year-old Miles Davis (Idris) on a transformative trip to Paris in 1949, where he falls into a passionate romance with Juliette Gréco (Vartolomei), the French singer, actress, and Left Bank icon. What begins as an intimate affair blossoms into a profound connection between two young artists - just before they became cultural legends."
Goodfellas will launch international sales for Miles & Juliette at the Cannes Film Market, with CAA Media Finance handling North American rights.
Idris, repped by CAA, M88 and Hansen Jacobson, will next be seen opposite Brad Pitt in F1 and is currently filming Paramount's fantasy film Children of Blood and Bone. Vartolomei, repped by CAA and UBBA, appeared in Bong Joon-Ho's Mickey 17.
Dolanis repped by CAA and Thirty Three Management; Pohlad by CAA and Untitled; Howard by CAA; Jagged Films by CAA and David Fox.
Love & Mercy director Bill Pohlad will direct the project from a screenplay by Zora Howard. Mick Jagger will produce via his Jagged Films banner along with Victoria Pearman and Pohlad via his River Road Entertainment banner (Brokeback Mountain) alongside Kim Roth (Mudbound).
Xavier Dolan will also star along with Idris and Vartolomei.
According to the project's description, Miles & Juliette follows "22-year-old Miles Davis (Idris) on a transformative trip to Paris in 1949, where he falls into a passionate romance with Juliette Gréco (Vartolomei), the French singer, actress, and Left Bank icon. What begins as an intimate affair blossoms into a profound connection between two young artists - just before they became cultural legends."
Goodfellas will launch international sales for Miles & Juliette at the Cannes Film Market, with CAA Media Finance handling North American rights.
Idris, repped by CAA, M88 and Hansen Jacobson, will next be seen opposite Brad Pitt in F1 and is currently filming Paramount's fantasy film Children of Blood and Bone. Vartolomei, repped by CAA and UBBA, appeared in Bong Joon-Ho's Mickey 17.
Dolanis repped by CAA and Thirty Three Management; Pohlad by CAA and Untitled; Howard by CAA; Jagged Films by CAA and David Fox.
Simone Biles gives university commencement address
Simone Biles stood on a gold podium, addressed a crowd of thousands and admitted she was a little nervous.
Biles then gave a performance several minutes longer than any of her gymnastics routines.
She spoke for 12 minutes at Washington University in St. Louis, giving the commencement address on a rainy Monday. She did so at Francis Olympic Field, which held competition in several sports during the 1904 St. Louis Olympics.
The whole speech is here, about one hour and 45 minutes into the ceremony.
“You might think I’m used to the spotlight, but I would probably feel more comfortable if they had allowed me to vault onto the stage or do a little floor routine,” she said with chuckles, drawing applause. “But really, today is your day. While I may be considered an elite athlete, I know that you are elite students.”
Biles was also bestowed an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.
“I always dreamed of going to college, not just to be part of a collegiate gymnastics team, but to study medicine, to become a children’s nurse or a pediatrician, and to enjoy all the fun of a college campus,” said Biles, who committed to UCLA before turning professional at age 18 and forgoing college gymnastics. “But for me, that dream bumped up against others, and ultimately I chose a different path. But I do think my path and yours have a lot in common, although mine probably included a few more sequins and leotards.”
Biles last competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning three gold medals and one silver medal. She has repeated this spring that she doesn’t know if she will return to competition to bid for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
To close her address Monday, she said, “The world doesn’t need you to be perfect. It needs you to be bold. It needs you to care and to keep going even when things don’t go as planned.”
Simone Biles stood on a gold podium, addressed a crowd of thousands and admitted she was a little nervous.
Biles then gave a performance several minutes longer than any of her gymnastics routines.
She spoke for 12 minutes at Washington University in St. Louis, giving the commencement address on a rainy Monday. She did so at Francis Olympic Field, which held competition in several sports during the 1904 St. Louis Olympics.
The whole speech is here, about one hour and 45 minutes into the ceremony.
“You might think I’m used to the spotlight, but I would probably feel more comfortable if they had allowed me to vault onto the stage or do a little floor routine,” she said with chuckles, drawing applause. “But really, today is your day. While I may be considered an elite athlete, I know that you are elite students.”
Biles was also bestowed an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.
“I always dreamed of going to college, not just to be part of a collegiate gymnastics team, but to study medicine, to become a children’s nurse or a pediatrician, and to enjoy all the fun of a college campus,” said Biles, who committed to UCLA before turning professional at age 18 and forgoing college gymnastics. “But for me, that dream bumped up against others, and ultimately I chose a different path. But I do think my path and yours have a lot in common, although mine probably included a few more sequins and leotards.”
Biles last competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning three gold medals and one silver medal. She has repeated this spring that she doesn’t know if she will return to competition to bid for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
To close her address Monday, she said, “The world doesn’t need you to be perfect. It needs you to be bold. It needs you to care and to keep going even when things don’t go as planned.”
Beyoncé's 13-Year-Old Daughter Blue Ivy 'Considering' Major Career Move As She Dazzles At Her Mother's Tour
Blue Ivy, the eldest daughter of music powerhouses Beyoncé and Jay-Z, is reportedly "considering" stepping into the music spotlight herself.
The 13-year-old is said to already have some writers penning potential songs and has also been working with her mother's sister, Solange Knowles, to write her own material.
Earlier in the year, Beyoncé also received the go-ahead to trademark Blue Ivy's name, which experts believe will ensure the name can not be used for "unauthorized purposes."
After captivating audiences with her impressive choreography during the opening night of her mother's Cowboy Carter tour, Blue Ivy has reportedly caught the music bug, just like her superstar parents.
"Blue is considering starting her own career in music," an insider told the Daily Mail. "Some of Beyoncé's favorite writers are quietly penning demos for her in anticipation of a solo album."
Interestingly, the teenager doesn't intend to rely solely on her mother's writers if she chooses to pursue a music career.
She has reportedly also been spending time developing her material with the help of her aunt, Solange Knowles.
"Blue is also writing material with help from Solange," the insider further remarked, before adding that renowned songwriter and producer, The-Dream, is also involved.
"The-Dream has been spearheading it, and he has two or three records for her. They know the fans want to hear a Blue record," the source also revealed.
Already, Blue Ivy has shown rare signs she might have the talent to follow in the footsteps of her famous parents.
At just seven years old, she was featured in her mother's "Homecoming: The Live Album" with her own rendition of the hymn "Lift Every Voice and Sing."
She also sang in Beyoncé's 2019 hit single "Brown Skin Girl," with the music video going on to win the award for Best Music Video at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.
In 2023, Blue Ivy took things a step further by performing a duet with her mom during a show in Dubai.
Meanwhile, during JAY-Z's induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Blue Ivy added a heartwarming touch to the celebration by reworking a few lines from the rapper's song "Ride Or Die" to deliver a brief but memorable rap on camera.
"Congrats S. Carter, ghostwriter, you paid the right price, so we just make your hits tighter," she rhymed at the time, per Revolt.
If the teenager ultimately launches a music career, industry insiders predict that major brands will be lining up to collaborate with her from the very beginning.
"Blue Ivy could easily secure multi-million-dollar deals, lucrative brand partnerships, and significant earnings from streaming platforms and endorsements right from the start," PR expert Stacy Jones told the Daily Mail. "Think Olivia Rodrigo or Billie Eilish, but amplified due to her family background."
The Hollywood Branded CEO went on to admit that it might be impossible for Blue Ivy to achieve the same height as her mother, but that she has a strong chance of achieving major success.
"Could she become as big as Beyoncé? Honestly, that's an extraordinarily high bar, but if Blue Ivy delivers real talent, authenticity, and genuinely connects with fans, especially Gen Z, there's no reason she couldn't carve out her own substantial legacy," added the PR expert.
As Blue Ivy continues to rise to stardom, her mother is making sure that she continues to stand out, per The U.S. Sun.
Earlier in the year, the pop star received approval to trademark her daughter's name, which PR expert Grayce McCormick claimed "reflects her keen awareness of personal branding and legacy building."
The Lightfinder PR founder also hinted that Beyoncé bringing her daughter on her then-Renaissance World Tour was an act of introducing her into the "public consciousness as an emerging talent."
Further reflecting on the trademark, McCormick said it will ensure that Blue Ivy's name cannot be used for "unauthorized purposes" that "could harm their reputation or exploit their identity."
She added that it would also help the family to "build a consistent and authentic brand narrative" for Blue Ivy regardless of what endeavors she intends to use it for.
According to McCormick, fans of Beyoncé can expect to see the singer continue to shape her daughter's career path, which already boasts an impressive resume that includes narrating a New York Times best-selling book and landing a lead role in "Mufasa."
"Collaborations on philanthropic initiatives, a gradual introduction to creative projects, and opportunities for Blue Ivy to speak or appear independently will help shape her narrative," the PR expert said.
McCormick continued, "By blending mentorship with moments that allow Blue Ivy to shine independently, Beyoncé is not just securing her daughter's career foundation, she is also setting an inspiring example of parenting in the public eye."
The 13-year-old is said to already have some writers penning potential songs and has also been working with her mother's sister, Solange Knowles, to write her own material.
Earlier in the year, Beyoncé also received the go-ahead to trademark Blue Ivy's name, which experts believe will ensure the name can not be used for "unauthorized purposes."
After captivating audiences with her impressive choreography during the opening night of her mother's Cowboy Carter tour, Blue Ivy has reportedly caught the music bug, just like her superstar parents.
"Blue is considering starting her own career in music," an insider told the Daily Mail. "Some of Beyoncé's favorite writers are quietly penning demos for her in anticipation of a solo album."
Interestingly, the teenager doesn't intend to rely solely on her mother's writers if she chooses to pursue a music career.
She has reportedly also been spending time developing her material with the help of her aunt, Solange Knowles.
"Blue is also writing material with help from Solange," the insider further remarked, before adding that renowned songwriter and producer, The-Dream, is also involved.
"The-Dream has been spearheading it, and he has two or three records for her. They know the fans want to hear a Blue record," the source also revealed.
Already, Blue Ivy has shown rare signs she might have the talent to follow in the footsteps of her famous parents.
At just seven years old, she was featured in her mother's "Homecoming: The Live Album" with her own rendition of the hymn "Lift Every Voice and Sing."
She also sang in Beyoncé's 2019 hit single "Brown Skin Girl," with the music video going on to win the award for Best Music Video at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.
In 2023, Blue Ivy took things a step further by performing a duet with her mom during a show in Dubai.
Meanwhile, during JAY-Z's induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Blue Ivy added a heartwarming touch to the celebration by reworking a few lines from the rapper's song "Ride Or Die" to deliver a brief but memorable rap on camera.
"Congrats S. Carter, ghostwriter, you paid the right price, so we just make your hits tighter," she rhymed at the time, per Revolt.
If the teenager ultimately launches a music career, industry insiders predict that major brands will be lining up to collaborate with her from the very beginning.
"Blue Ivy could easily secure multi-million-dollar deals, lucrative brand partnerships, and significant earnings from streaming platforms and endorsements right from the start," PR expert Stacy Jones told the Daily Mail. "Think Olivia Rodrigo or Billie Eilish, but amplified due to her family background."
The Hollywood Branded CEO went on to admit that it might be impossible for Blue Ivy to achieve the same height as her mother, but that she has a strong chance of achieving major success.
"Could she become as big as Beyoncé? Honestly, that's an extraordinarily high bar, but if Blue Ivy delivers real talent, authenticity, and genuinely connects with fans, especially Gen Z, there's no reason she couldn't carve out her own substantial legacy," added the PR expert.
As Blue Ivy continues to rise to stardom, her mother is making sure that she continues to stand out, per The U.S. Sun.
Earlier in the year, the pop star received approval to trademark her daughter's name, which PR expert Grayce McCormick claimed "reflects her keen awareness of personal branding and legacy building."
The Lightfinder PR founder also hinted that Beyoncé bringing her daughter on her then-Renaissance World Tour was an act of introducing her into the "public consciousness as an emerging talent."
Further reflecting on the trademark, McCormick said it will ensure that Blue Ivy's name cannot be used for "unauthorized purposes" that "could harm their reputation or exploit their identity."
She added that it would also help the family to "build a consistent and authentic brand narrative" for Blue Ivy regardless of what endeavors she intends to use it for.
According to McCormick, fans of Beyoncé can expect to see the singer continue to shape her daughter's career path, which already boasts an impressive resume that includes narrating a New York Times best-selling book and landing a lead role in "Mufasa."
"Collaborations on philanthropic initiatives, a gradual introduction to creative projects, and opportunities for Blue Ivy to speak or appear independently will help shape her narrative," the PR expert said.
McCormick continued, "By blending mentorship with moments that allow Blue Ivy to shine independently, Beyoncé is not just securing her daughter's career foundation, she is also setting an inspiring example of parenting in the public eye."
Cam Newton And Jasmin Brown expect 2nd child together His 9th!
Former NFL quarterback Cam Newton and his girlfriend Jasmin Brown are expanding their family with their second child together, marking Newton’s ninth child overall. The couple shared the happy news on Mother’s Day when Brown posted a touching photograph on Instagram showcasing her baby bump. Her announcement conveyed deep excitement about their growing family, highlighting the special feeling of experiencing the baby’s movements and celebrating their expanding tribe.
The timing of the announcement on Mother’s Day added an extra layer of significance to their news, connecting their personal joy to the wider celebration of motherhood. Fans immediately responded with an outpouring of support and congratulations, celebrating this new chapter in the couple’s relationship and Newton’s continuing journey as a father to a large, blended family. Their openness about this milestone has resonated with many who follow their relationship.
Throughout his dynamic career in professional football, Newton has been forthcoming about his desire to build a substantial family. This latest pregnancy announcement further demonstrates his embrace of fatherhood’s multifaceted responsibilities and rewards. Newton currently parents eight children across different relationships – four with former partner Kia Proctor and two with LaReina Shaw.
His first child with Brown arrived recently in March 2024, making this new baby announcement particularly noteworthy as it comes so soon after their previous welcome. The quick expansion of their family suggests the couple’s dedication to building their life together and creating a loving environment for their growing number of children. Newton’s approach to fatherhood exemplifies his commitment to family values regardless of conventional expectations.
Newton has never shied away from discussing his family aspirations publicly. In conversations with media outlets including PEOPLE magazine, he has expressed enthusiasm about continuing to expand his family, directly stating his desire for more children. This transparency about his parenting journey reflects a deep-seated commitment to family values and the fulfillment he derives from his role as a father.
His approach to parenting resonates particularly with young parents navigating similar complex family structures. Newton’s willingness to embrace a large, blended family challenges conventional expectations and demonstrates alternative family models that prioritize love and commitment regardless of traditional structures. Through his public persona, Newton has normalized conversations about diverse family compositions and co-parenting arrangements.
Jasmin Brown, who many fans know by her nickname “Jazzy,” has established herself as a steadfast presence in Newton‘s life. Her Mother’s Day announcement not only celebrated their expanding family but also highlighted the strong foundation of their relationship. As a public figure in her own right, Brown balances her personal identity with her role in their high-profile relationship.
Brown’s social media presence offers glimpses into their family life while maintaining appropriate boundaries for their children’s privacy. Her approach to sharing their family news demonstrates thoughtful navigation of public interest while prioritizing their family’s well-being and personal boundaries. The support she provides Newton complements his parenting journey, creating a united front as they welcome another child together.
The announcement triggered widespread positive reactions across social media platforms, with fans and followers extending congratulations and well-wishes to the couple. This public support system complements the private support networks that help sustain their growing family. The collective celebration of their news reinforces the communal aspects of family expansion and the shared joy that accompanies such milestones.
Many followers specifically commented on the strength and beauty of their blended family model, celebrating how Newton and Brown navigate co-parenting relationships across different households while maintaining focus on the children’s well-being. Their ability to foster positive relationships across these connections provides a noteworthy example of modern family dynamics that resonates with many contemporary families facing similar circumstances.
As Newton and Brown prepare for their newest family member, they face both familiar challenges and new considerations. Managing the logistics of an expanding household requires significant planning and adaptation, particularly when balancing professional commitments with family responsibilities.
Their experience with their first child together provides valuable insights for this next chapter, though each new addition brings its own unique dynamics to their family system. The couple appears well-positioned to navigate these changes, drawing on their previous parenting experiences while remaining adaptable to new circumstances and needs that arise.
The Newton-Brown family continues to evolve as they anticipate this newest arrival, demonstrating the ongoing nature of family building and the continuous adjustments that accompany parenthood. Their journey reflects the beautiful complexity of modern families and the joy that comes from embracing each new chapter with openness and love.
Former NFL quarterback Cam Newton and his girlfriend Jasmin Brown are expanding their family with their second child together, marking Newton’s ninth child overall. The couple shared the happy news on Mother’s Day when Brown posted a touching photograph on Instagram showcasing her baby bump. Her announcement conveyed deep excitement about their growing family, highlighting the special feeling of experiencing the baby’s movements and celebrating their expanding tribe.
The timing of the announcement on Mother’s Day added an extra layer of significance to their news, connecting their personal joy to the wider celebration of motherhood. Fans immediately responded with an outpouring of support and congratulations, celebrating this new chapter in the couple’s relationship and Newton’s continuing journey as a father to a large, blended family. Their openness about this milestone has resonated with many who follow their relationship.
Throughout his dynamic career in professional football, Newton has been forthcoming about his desire to build a substantial family. This latest pregnancy announcement further demonstrates his embrace of fatherhood’s multifaceted responsibilities and rewards. Newton currently parents eight children across different relationships – four with former partner Kia Proctor and two with LaReina Shaw.
His first child with Brown arrived recently in March 2024, making this new baby announcement particularly noteworthy as it comes so soon after their previous welcome. The quick expansion of their family suggests the couple’s dedication to building their life together and creating a loving environment for their growing number of children. Newton’s approach to fatherhood exemplifies his commitment to family values regardless of conventional expectations.
Newton has never shied away from discussing his family aspirations publicly. In conversations with media outlets including PEOPLE magazine, he has expressed enthusiasm about continuing to expand his family, directly stating his desire for more children. This transparency about his parenting journey reflects a deep-seated commitment to family values and the fulfillment he derives from his role as a father.
His approach to parenting resonates particularly with young parents navigating similar complex family structures. Newton’s willingness to embrace a large, blended family challenges conventional expectations and demonstrates alternative family models that prioritize love and commitment regardless of traditional structures. Through his public persona, Newton has normalized conversations about diverse family compositions and co-parenting arrangements.
Jasmin Brown, who many fans know by her nickname “Jazzy,” has established herself as a steadfast presence in Newton‘s life. Her Mother’s Day announcement not only celebrated their expanding family but also highlighted the strong foundation of their relationship. As a public figure in her own right, Brown balances her personal identity with her role in their high-profile relationship.
Brown’s social media presence offers glimpses into their family life while maintaining appropriate boundaries for their children’s privacy. Her approach to sharing their family news demonstrates thoughtful navigation of public interest while prioritizing their family’s well-being and personal boundaries. The support she provides Newton complements his parenting journey, creating a united front as they welcome another child together.
The announcement triggered widespread positive reactions across social media platforms, with fans and followers extending congratulations and well-wishes to the couple. This public support system complements the private support networks that help sustain their growing family. The collective celebration of their news reinforces the communal aspects of family expansion and the shared joy that accompanies such milestones.
Many followers specifically commented on the strength and beauty of their blended family model, celebrating how Newton and Brown navigate co-parenting relationships across different households while maintaining focus on the children’s well-being. Their ability to foster positive relationships across these connections provides a noteworthy example of modern family dynamics that resonates with many contemporary families facing similar circumstances.
As Newton and Brown prepare for their newest family member, they face both familiar challenges and new considerations. Managing the logistics of an expanding household requires significant planning and adaptation, particularly when balancing professional commitments with family responsibilities.
Their experience with their first child together provides valuable insights for this next chapter, though each new addition brings its own unique dynamics to their family system. The couple appears well-positioned to navigate these changes, drawing on their previous parenting experiences while remaining adaptable to new circumstances and needs that arise.
The Newton-Brown family continues to evolve as they anticipate this newest arrival, demonstrating the ongoing nature of family building and the continuous adjustments that accompany parenthood. Their journey reflects the beautiful complexity of modern families and the joy that comes from embracing each new chapter with openness and love.
Jason Kelce Reveals Goal Weight After Losing 25 Pounds
Jason Kelce is opening up about his weight loss journey! While appearing at Amazon’s 2025 Upfront event alongside younger brother Travis Kelce, the 37-year-old retired Philadelphia Eagles player revealed his goal weight after already losing 25 pounds.
“I was 295 [pounds] when I played,” Jason told Us Weekly. “I’m about 270 [now], so 25 pounds.”
Jason went on to share that he former Philadelphia Eagles teammate Beau Allen are currently “in this weight loss body fat loss competition” at the moment.
“I don’t really want to get below 250,” Jason admitted. “So, I think somewhere between 250 and 265. We’ll see where it goes.”
Jason retired from the NFL in March 2024 after playing Center on the Eagles for 13 seasons between 2011 2023.
“I was 295 [pounds] when I played,” Jason told Us Weekly. “I’m about 270 [now], so 25 pounds.”
Jason went on to share that he former Philadelphia Eagles teammate Beau Allen are currently “in this weight loss body fat loss competition” at the moment.
“I don’t really want to get below 250,” Jason admitted. “So, I think somewhere between 250 and 265. We’ll see where it goes.”
Jason retired from the NFL in March 2024 after playing Center on the Eagles for 13 seasons between 2011 2023.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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