DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE with Character Posters
DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE, the cinematic return of the global phenomenon, follows the Crawley family and their staff as they enter the 1930s. When Mary finds herself at the center of a public scandal and the family faces financial trouble, the entire household grapples with the threat of social disgrace. The Crawleys must embrace change as the staff prepares for a new chapter with the next generation leading Downton Abbey into the future.
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#RHOA: Season 16 Part Two Reunion Recap
Phaedra, ever composed, dials said brother in real-time, who claims he doesn’t know the man in question. So, was it a setup? A coincidence? Or just good old-fashioned Housewives mess? Even the rest of the cast seems confused—most of them don’t believe Angela would invent the scandal, but they’re also not sold on Phaedra’s being the culprit.
Elsewhere, Angela shuts down age-truthers by producing her birth certificate. The moment segues into Phaedra saying Angela is the “oldest-looking young woman” she’s ever seen, followed by Shamea calling her nose “retro.” Angela, unfazed, announces her upcoming line of fans after a comment about her being perimenopausal. Brand building in real time.
Meanwhile, Drew gets grilled for her lukewarm friendship with Angela this season. Angela, visibly hurt, calls her out—and for once, everyone agrees. Shamea draws a pointed comparison between her own highly scrutinized friendship with Porsha and Drew’s relatively easy ride. Double standards? Possibly.
Then, Andy finally asks what we’ve all been thinking: Why did Phaedra skip the Married to Medicine reunion but show up here? Her answer? “I had nothing else to give them.” But Andy presses further—how is Porsha besties with Phaedra now, given that history? Porsha chalks it up to time. Maybe amnesia.
But the real moment comes when Shamea is confronted about unresolved issues with Phaedra. Despite insisting she’s over it, her castmates call her out: the “people pleaser” bit is tired. Growth means holding folks accountable—including yourself.
As the ladies break for lunch and the husbands trickle in, the reunion pivots to one major question: Where are Kenya and Britt?
Turns out, Britt was all smiles post-incident—at least according to Shamea—suggesting her reunion tears were more for the cameras than the couch. Kenya’s absence? Still looming like a perfectly laid wig.
Andy then turns the heat on Cynthia, who’s caught flack for not publicly backing Kenya during the fallout. True to form, Cynthia stays neutral and polished, refusing to co-sign anyone’s bad behavior just to play favorites.
But the drama spikes when Andy circles back to the infamous gun mention at the bank dinner. Porsha recalls Kenya’s genuine fear and casually drops that Kenya got Britt’s background tea from—wait for it—Drew. Cue Shamea’s gasps and a flash of legal tension: Britt is currently suing Drew.
Porsha’s not done. She reveals she actually spoke with Kenya before the salon opening and feels betrayed that Kenya dragged the whole moment to hell. Beyond being disappointed, she was downright pissed that her own event became a spectacle.
Cynthia adds her own layer of heartbreak, saying the salon opening was the last time she and Kenya spoke—marking the sudden end of a long-standing friendship. Her final thought on Season 16? “Not that sweet.”
We finally hear from Shamea, who opens up about juggling motherhood, her daughter Shiloh’s health, and the complex group dynamics. But the moment quickly dissolves into a verbal ping-pong match between Shamea, Drew, and Porsha—because what’s a reunion without a few more sparks?
When Andy brings up the state of Porsha and Shamea’s friendship, the silence says it all. Porsha confirms they’re not in communication—and places the blame on what she calls a full-on “smear campaign.” She doubles down on the “alliance” storyline, calling it a calculated attempt to take her down.
She also claims her absence from Shamea’s wedding was due to a medical condition—prompting some audible chuckles from the couch. But let’s be real: these two haven’t exactly been friendship goals this season. They’re both spinning narratives, and both seem just fine with letting the friendship fade.
Here’s hoping next week we finally get to hear what went down between Shamea and Porsha’s mom—because apparently, it was that bad.
#MusicNews: Lalah Hathaway Shares Video For ‘Poison + The Cure’, Releases “VANTABLACK: Expansion Pack”
R&B royalty Lalah Hathaway has just released her remix album “VANTABLACK: Expansion Pack”. The project offers a collection of remixes from the original ‘VANTABLACK’ album plus two brand new songs.
One of those new songs is ‘POISON + THE CURE’, for which she’s also released a colorful and futuristic visual for. She adds about the project:
“Reimagining music has always been at the core of my artistic journey. This project is a heartfelt tribute to the transformative power of the REMIX, and a celebration of the timelessness of great SONGS!”
In all its range, ‘VANTABLACK: EXPANSION PACK’ stays true to the stylistic diversity of the O.G. ‘VANTABLACK’ album, traversing the sounds of house, in the ‘Myth of Being’ and ‘Clearly’ remixes, to the funk/pop feel of new offering ‘Uptown’ and the ‘Mood For You’ remix. The ‘Returning’ remix feat. Robert Glasper and Amber Navran-produced remix for ‘#BITMFW’ offer laid back moods, whilst new biting, tribal-meets-industrial, single ‘Poison + The Cure’ and its accompanying music video ring with artistic statement and rebellion: a departure and fresh-feel for five-time Grammy-winning Lalah Hathaway.
‘VANTABLACK: EXPANSION PACK’ Hathaway looks outward: with a project focusing on collaboration and community, hosting an energized array of sounds fit for the summer!
#HipHopNews: Raekwon Drops First Album In Nearly A Decade!
Raekwon has released The Emperor’s New Clothes, his first album in almost a decade.
Flanked by an all-star supporting cast including Ghostface Killah, Nas and Method Man as well as the Griselda trio of Westside Gunn, Conway the Machine and Benny the Butcher, the project has been released by Mass Appeal Records.
The project’s 17 tracks also come with the backing of an illustrious group of producers including Swizz Beatz, Nottz and JUSTICE League.
While he’s just released his first solo album since 2017’s The Wild, Rae has also said that the Wu-Tang Clan might still have more music in them collectively.
“Good question. I mean, we tryna get it together, you know?” he said. “Everybody’s spread out. Everybody’s doing something great in their life, so when it’s time for everybody to get in the room, it just seems like it’s the hardest shit in the world. But it ain’t like we don’t want to.”
He added: “And then you got so many minds. You throw a beat out and a n-gga be like, ‘I like that, I don’t like that.’ It’s hard. It’s real hard, but don’t count us out. Don’t never count us out.”
Wu-Tang Clan’s last official album arrived in 2015 in the form of the much-publicized Once Upon a Time in Shaolin, although only one physical copy was released.
Intended to emphasize the value of music in age of rampant piracy and low streaming payouts, the album was purchased for $2 million by notorious “pharma bro” Martin Shkreli, who was later ordered to hand over the record by a federal court after being convicted of securities fraud.
Once Upon a Time in Shaolin was then bought by the NFT collective PleasrDAO in a $4 million deal with the U.S. Department of Justice.
After being shrouded in mystery for almost a decade, the album was finally made more widely accessible last year as part of a 10-day museum exhibition in Tasmania, Australia, where fans could hear a 30-minute excerpt created by its producer Cilvaringz.
The unique project is still yet to receive a proper commercial release and it is not clear if it ever will do.
Wu-Tang Clan Close Out Final Tour With Star-Studded Farewell In Philadelphia
Wu-Tang Clan closed their final tour in Philadelphia with surprise guests and a packed arena, ending a 30-year legacy of live performances.
Wu-Tang Clan brought their legendary run to a close with a sold-out finale in Philadelphia on Friday (July 18), wrapping their last-ever tour, Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber, with a night packed with nostalgia and surprise guests.
All nine surviving core members — RZA, GZA, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa and Cappadonna — hit the Wells Fargo Center stage, joined by Young Dirty Bastard, who honored his late father, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, with a high-energy tribute.
The Philadelphia stop capped a 27-city North American run that began June 6 and marked the final time the whole group would tour together.
The crowd got more than they bargained for when surprise guests Ms. Lauryn Hill, LL Cool J and hometown hero Freeway popped up to celebrate the moment.
The setlist pulled from Wu-Tang’s deep catalog, with anthems like “C.R.E.A.M.,” “Triumph,” “Shimmy Shimmy Ya” and “Ice Cream” igniting the crowd.
Run the Jewels opened each night of the tour, setting the tone with their own hard-hitting set.
Just two days earlier, Wu-Tang played their final New York City show at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday (July 16), where they were joined by Redman, Lil Kim, The LOX, Mobb Deep, Slick Rick, SWV and more — a nod to their deep roots in New York Hip-Hop.
Throughout the tour, RZA and other members reminded audiences that this would be the group’s final full-scale tour and thanked supporters for riding with them for more than 30 years.
Though this marks the end of the road for Wu-Tang Clan’s touring days as a whole unit, they hinted at what’s next: a possible Las Vegas residency, a documentary and memoirs are all in the works.
Wu-Tang Clan’s final tour performance took place Friday (July 18) in Philadelphia.
Donald Trump Threatens Commanders—Demands Return To “Redskins”
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Donald Trump reignited the name-change debate with threats. He warned the Washington Commanders may lose a crucial stadium deal unless they go back to their former identity as the Redskins.
On Truth Social – the fake Twitter -the president said he would consider blocking the Commanders’ efforts to build a new stadium if they did not change the name back to the Redskins. Petty much? The franchise dropped the name in the midst of controversy in 2020.
“My statement on the Washington Redskins has totally blown up, but only in a very positive way,” Trump posted. “I may put a restriction on them that if they don’t change the name back to the original ‘Washington Redskins,’ and get rid of the ridiculous moniker, ‘Washington Commanders,’ I won’t make a deal for them to build a Stadium in Washington. The Team would be much more valuable, and the Deal would be more exciting for everyone.”
Since when did president deal in this way? Did Obama ever try to get…Or…you know what? Let me keep it moving.
This is important to him. He calls it a return to “heritage and prestige” of Native American references in professional sports. Huh? He also targeted Major League Baseball’s Cleveland Guardians — formerly the Indians. He said that rebrand cost owner Matt Dolan politically.
“What he doesn’t understand is that if he changed the name back to the Cleveland Indians, he might actually win an Election,” Trump wrote. “Indians are being treated very unfairly. MAKE INDIANS GREAT AGAIN (MIGA)!” MIGA, PLEASE!
Guardians President Chris Antonetti pushed back gently. LOL! On Cleveland.com, he said, “Obviously it’s a decision we’ve made and we’ve gotten the opportunity to build the brand as the Guardians over the last four years and are excited about the future.” (By the way, I had no clue that the Indians’s name had changed.
Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris, said that there are “no plans” to bring back the Redskins name. He, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced a proposed return to the RFK Stadium site. Now, they have to face The Donald. Some of them are alleged Trumpers!
Trump’s position has political support. Sen. Steve Daines, a Republican from Montana…wait, why is Montana in this…WEIRD. Daines previously stated he would back the Commanders’ stadium efforts if they brought back the original logo. Daines maintained the change was erasure of Native American heritage, especially a Blackfeet chief.
“This is honoring a Blackfeet chief who was born in Montana. He is highly esteemed,” Daines said. “The irony that they were canceling Native American culture as the DEI movement went way too far.”
There is some community support too. About 100,000 people have signed a petition to take the name back.
The Commanders are not hearing the commander-in-chief.
Trump is playing political with football teams, but they are not punting.
#BoxOffiiceNews: ‘Superman’ Keeps Soaring While ‘Smurfs’ comes in at the Box Office With $12 Million
Warner Bros./DC Studios’ “Superman” is easily holding on to the No. 1 spot at the box office with an industry estimated $57 million second weekend, flying high over Sony’s revival of the 90s slasher series “I Know What You Did Last Summer” and Paramount’s animated film “The Smurfs.”
“Superman” is holding well with a 54% drop from its $125 million opening and a running domestic total of $235 million through Sunday. At this pace, it is on course for a domestic run of around $350 million, and how far it goes beyond that will depend on how well it holds against Marvel’s “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” Its global total, however, will be curtailed due to lower overseas numbers and is on track to finish somewhere around $600 million.
Meanwhile, “I Know What You Did Last Summer” and “The Smurfs” are fighting for the No. 3 spot on the charts, falling behind “Superman” and the $23 million third weekend of Universal’s “Jurassic World.” “Summer” currently has the edge with a $5.8 million opening day from 3,206 locations, compared to $3.9 million for “Smurfs.”
With a reported $18 million budget, “I Know What You Did Last Summer” will be at worst a mild misfire for Sony Pictures even if it flames out quickly at the box office. Reception for the revival starring Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. has been tepid with Rotten Tomatoes scores of 38% critics and 68% audience to go with a C+ on CinemaScore.
But “The Smurfs” is shaping up to be a flop for Paramount with an estimated opening of just $12 million from 3,504 locations against a reported budget of $58 million. Rotten Tomatoes scores have been poor by family film standards with 21% critics and 64% audience, and its B+ on CinemaScore is the lowest ever for a “Smurfs” movie.
Ray J opens up about his strained relationship with Brandy
In a revealing conversation on the “Drop the Lo” podcast hosted by Evelyn Lozada and Shaniece Hairston, singer Ray J shared candid insights into his complicated relationship with his sister, Brandy. The episode, released on July 18, 2025, showcased Ray J’s vulnerability as he expressed feelings of embarrassment and distance from his family, despite the love that remains between their children.
During the podcast, Ray J did not shy away from discussing his current status with Brandy. He stated, “I love my sister, but I’m an embarrassment to them,” highlighting his feelings of inadequacy and unacceptance within his family. When asked by Shaniece if he felt unaccepted, Ray reiterated, “I never wanted to be accepted, I just feel like I’m an embarrassment.” This heartfelt admission sheds light on the emotional struggles he has faced, particularly in light of recent public controversies, such as his public disagreements with other celebrities.
Despite the tension between Ray J and Brandy, their children serve as a beacon of hope, fostering a connection that transcends the adult relationship. Ray mentioned that his son, Epik, shares a close bond with his aunt Brandy, while Brandy’s daughter, Sy’Rai, often spends time with Ray’s children. He noted, “My kids were over at Brandy’s house two days ago,” indicating that the next generation is helping to nurture familial ties, despite the strained adult relationship.
Ray J’s recent antics have not gone unnoticed and contributed to the rift with Brandy. One notable incident occurred in April when Ray J humorously begged streamer Kai Cenat for an invitation to a livestream sleepover. The clip went viral, but it did not sit well with Brandy. She reached out to him via text, expressing her disappointment, stating, “Come on, Ray? What’s going on with you? You’re so much better than this!!” Ray responded on social media, claiming that Brandy “hates who I am!” This exchange highlights the ongoing struggles Ray faces in reconciling his public persona with his family’s expectations.
Ray J has also been in the spotlight for other controversial claims, including a bold statement made during a Twitch livestream on June 7, where he claimed to have slept with rapper Sexyy Red. This assertion sparked a flurry of reactions online, prompting Sexyy Red to respond directly, stating, “So dis what you doin playing wit people name on da internet?” The backlash led Ray J to clarify his comments later, admitting that he had gone too far and that they had merely taken a nap on a plane together.
Ray J’s recent revelations have raised concerns about his mental health, particularly following his split from Princess Love. In a previous social media rant, he addressed these issues, expressing his struggles and the impact they have had on his personal life. His openness about mental health is not only crucial but also commendable, especially in the Black community, where such discussions are often stigmatized. His courage in sharing his struggles deserves our support and understanding.
Ray J’s candid reflections on his relationship with Brandy reveal the complexities of family dynamics, especially in the face of public scrutiny and personal challenges. While the siblings may be experiencing a rift, the bond between their children serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring love that can exist within families. As Ray J continues to navigate his personal struggles, his willingness to share his story may resonate with many who face similar challenges, offering reassurance that love can endure even in the most trying times.
Southern University expels Omega Psi Phi Fraternity
In a tragic turn of events, Southern University has officially expelled the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. from its campus due to the hazing death of 20-year-old student Caleb Wilson. The announcement was made on July 18, although the decision had been in effect since April 24, following an investigation by the university’s Division of Student Affairs.
Caleb Wilson, a mechanical engineering major and talented trumpet player in Southern’s renowned Human Jukebox marching band, collapsed during a hazing ritual at a Baton Rouge warehouse. He later succumbed to his injuries, prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Initially, fraternity members misled authorities, claiming that Wilson had been injured while playing basketball at a park. They dropped him off at the hospital wearing only socks and sweatpants. However, investigations revealed a much darker truth: Wilson had been subjected to repeated punches to the chest during a fraternity initiation ritual.
As a result of the investigation, the Beta Sigma chapter of Omega Psi Phi has been held accountable for Wilson’s death. The university has taken decisive disciplinary action, resulting in the fraternity losing its recognition as a student organization. This means that Omega Psi Phi must remove all symbols and markers associated with its presence on campus, including fraternity plots, benches, monuments, and trees.
In connection with the hazing incident, three fraternity members have been arrested: Caleb McCray (24), Kyle Thurman (25), and Isaiah Smith (29). All three face charges of criminal hazing, while McCray is also charged with manslaughter for allegedly delivering the fatal blows to Wilson.
According to police reports, pledges were lined up and punched four times in the chest while wearing black boxing gloves, which were later recovered from the hazing location. Isaiah Smith, who served as the chapter’s dean of pledges, was responsible for organizing the recruitment events, including the ritual that led to Wilson’s tragic death. Notably, his father, Todd Smith, was leasing the warehouse where the hazing occurred for his business, California Hardwood Floors.
While the university has not released further comments regarding the situation, it has confirmed that Omega Psi Phi has lost all privileges and must dismantle its presence on campus entirely. This decision underscores the institution’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its students.
The tragic death of Caleb Wilson has reignited discussions about hazing practices within fraternities and sororities across college campuses. Hazing, often cloaked in tradition, can lead to severe consequences, both physically and emotionally, for those involved. Many universities are now taking a hard stance against such practices, implementing stricter regulations and promoting awareness to prevent future tragedies.
As the legal proceedings against the fraternity members unfold, the Southern University community is left to grapple with the loss of a promising young life and the implications of hazing culture. The hope is that this incident will serve as a catalyst for change, encouraging students and organizations to prioritize safety and respect over tradition.
The expulsion of Omega Psi Phi from Southern University is a significant step in addressing the dangers of hazing. As the community mourns Caleb Wilson, it is essential to reflect on the values that guide student organizations and to advocate for a safer, more supportive environment for all students.
Megan Thee Stallion and Boyfriend, Klay Thompson do a workout Video!
Megan Thee Stallion and Klay Thompson essentially announced they were dating in early July 2025, both sharing discreet yet obvious snaps of one another on Instagram. First, the rapper posted some bathing suit shots by a luxurious pool with a mystery man lounging in the back.
Fans of the NBA star guessed it was him instantly, setting off a flurry of rumors about the pair’s relationship status. She also captioned the carousel with two emojis: a palm tree and an airplane, indicating a trip, which is not usually first date stuff.
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Then on Saturday, July 12, Thompson posted a carousel of moments in his recent life that appeared to include Megan and a trip to the Bahamas. In one shot, he is kissing a woman with her back turned to us. In another, he is holding a woman’s manicured hand. The manicure matches the same color and shape Megan was wearing poolside.
Days later, the couple confirmed the dating rumors by making their red carpet debut in New York on July 16. So who is Klay Thompson? Here’s everything to know about the Dallas Mavericks star and his relationship with the Grammy winner so far.
Nike and the LEGO® Group Join Forces to Drop the Nike Dunk x LEGO® Set
It’s official: A Nike and LEGO® Brand collaboration is here.
First up is this 1,180-piece LEGO® brick kit, which includes a customizable Nike Dunk High model, complete with the familiar design flourishes that have propelled the silhouette to iconic status over its 40-year history. The set comes with multiple lace pieces, much like a typical Nike Dunk pair would, to personalize to your liking. It dropped July 1, and sold out fast. But a restock is coming.
Once assembled, the shoe model has hidden compartments under the tongue and in the forefoot to stash cherished basketball trinkets and other small items. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Nike Dunk without its patented ventilated toe box and brand insignia.
In addition to the central shoe piece, the LEGO® set includes a Nike Dunk logo model with stacked blue lettering; a rotating orange basketball toy that has a secret compartment of its own; and an exclusive B’Ball Head Minifigure, dripped out in a dark blue #32 jersey (perhaps a reference to the classic 32x32 green LEGO® baseplate), blue shades, and Nike Dunks.
This marriage of kicks and bricks extends beyond the Nike Dunk x LEGO® Set. The larger partnership, originally announced last summer, will also feature a Nike Air Max Dn x LEGO® Collection—boasting a yellow colorway with classic LEGO® studs on the upper and Minifigures printed on the outsole windows—along with a line of accessories and apparel. Those will drop August 1, followed by a Nike Dunk Low x LEGO® Collection releasing September 1.
To supercharge the legendary link-up, three-time WNBA MVP and longtime Nike athlete A’ja Wilson is lending her influential voice and sharing her own experiences with LEGO® bricks.
“I have loved playing with LEGO® bricks since I was a kid,” Wilson reveals. “[I] know that my creativity and play helped me not only in sports, but also at school and in life.”
With a collab for the ages, Nike and the LEGO® Group aren’t stopping at product releases. They’re hosting co-branded events that provide access to play for communities worldwide.
Stay tuned for more details there, but for now, bless yourself—or the basketball fan in your life—with the hottest toy-footwear collab of the year: the Nike Dunk x LEGO® Set.
Kelsey Plum Throws Major Shade at Caitlin Clark After All-Star Game, Sabrina Ionescu Claps Back
It was possibly the moment of the night that had everyone buzzing the most. On Saturday’s WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis, the participating players came out onto the court right before tipoff, displaying an unexpected united front.
Each player removed their jackets to reveal a black shirt underneath with bold white lettering reading, “Pay Us What You Owe Us.” The shirts were meant to send a poignant message as WNBA players continue to fight for higher pay. It had already been announced that star player Caitlin Clark would be unable to participate in the All-Star Game due to a recent groin injury that she has not yet recovered from. However, she still showed solidarity with her fellow members of the league by wearing the same black shirt.
It was a difficult game for Team Clark without their star player, and they ended up falling to Team Collier with a final score of 151 to 131. However, there was a moment after the game at a press conference that now has people talking and has caused a bit of a controversy.
While speaking about the decision to wear the "Pay Us T-shirts," Kelsey Plum of Team Collier threw some pretty direct shade at Clark.
"As players, we didn't know that was going to happen. So, I think it was kind of a genuine surprise. The T-shirt, just a united front, was determined this morning that we had a meeting for,” she began.
"Not to tattletale but zero members of Team Clark were very present for that," she continued, prompting awkward laughter from others in the room.
Sabrina Ionescu, who plays for the New York Liberty, made it clear that she felt the jab was unnecessary.
"That really needed to be mentioned," she said sarcastically, rolling her eyes in annoyance.
Nicole Scherzinger & Tom Francis Say Goodbye to 'Sunset Boulevard' After 2 Years, Ahead of Final Broadway Performance
Nicole Scherzinger and Tom Francis have officially put on their final performance of Sunset Boulevard on Broadway!
The stars of the musical opened the show on the Great White Way in October 2024 and played their final performance on Sunday (July 20) at the St James Theatre.
Ahead of the last show, the award-winning stars took to Instagram to say goodbye to the musical after doing it for the past two years on Broadway and London’s West End.
“Today, the sun sets on Sunset Blvd for the final time,” Nicole shared. “After living and breathing Norma Desmond for the past two years, it’s almost impossible to grasp that today is the last show. What began as a limited run, then extended, now somehow, nearly 10 months on Broadway have flown by.”
“Norma’s story is for anyone who’s ever felt alone. Lonely. Abandoned. Outcast.
For anyone who never felt like they belonged,” she continued. “For those who once loved something deeply and had it taken from them, aching to reclaim it. For the dreamers. The fighters. The believers. The warriors. For those unshakable in their purpose and power, doing what they love most.”
“Norma has changed me forever. Thank you, Broadway ‘for the magic in the making.’ Thank you @andrewlloydwebber @jamielloyd @alanwilliamsmd @fabianaloise and to the entire beautiful, brilliant @sunsetblvdmusical company, for everything,” Nicole concluded. “Jamie, the ultimate brave pioneer, you have given us all new ways to dream. Thank you for showing me what is possible when you dare to be braver. I love you.”
Tom, who finished his run earlier in the month, shared, “The last two years have changed my life in ways I’m only just starting to understand. Sunset asked everything of me, and I gave it all I had. @jamielloyd thank you for trusting me, guiding me, and pushing me. Your vision and leadership have shaped me more than I can put into words.”
He continued, “@nicolescherzinger , working alongside you has been nothing short of extraordinary. Your generosity, power, and presence elevated all of us. I’ll never forget what it felt like to share that stage with you. To the entire company, crew, and everyone who came along for the ride thank you for being part of something I’ll carry with me forever. I wish I could be with my @sunsetblvdmusical fam today but I am cheering you on so loudly. Have a good show. 👊🏼”
Nicole earned Olivier and Tony nominations and won both for Best Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Norma Desmond, while Tom earned and won the Olivier for Best Actor in a Musical and received a Tony nomination for his work as Joe Gillis.
Tom was recently seen in the final season of You on Netflix, while Nicole can currently be seen in the music competition series Building the Band on the streamer.
Chris Martin Warns Concertgoers in First Show Since Viral Kiss Cam Cheating Scandal
Chris Martin is publicly speaking out for the first time since the viral kiss cam drama, resulting in CEO Andy Byron leaving his position at Astronomer amid scandal.
On Saturday night (July 19), the 48-year-old singer and his band performed at the Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
It was the first Music of the Spheres World Tour performance since the band’s performance at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., when a man and a woman went viral for their reaction to being spotted together on camera. (Find out everything that happened since.)
Chris gave the on-camera portion of the performance an introduction.
“We’d like to say hello to some of you in the crowd,” he said, as his audience erupted in cheers.
“How we’re gonna do that is we’re gonna use our cameras and put some of you on the big screen.”
With a smile, he delivered a warning: “So please, if you haven’t done your makeup, do your makeup now.”
It was noted that “zero couples” were shown on the venue’s jumbotron during the portion of the show.
#RHOA: Season 16 Part Two Reunion Recap
Elsewhere, Angela shuts down age-truthers by producing her birth certificate. The moment segues into Phaedra saying Angela is the “oldest-looking young woman” she’s ever seen, followed by Shamea calling her nose “retro.” Angela, unfazed, announces her upcoming line of fans after a comment about her being perimenopausal. Brand building in real time.
Meanwhile, Drew gets grilled for her lukewarm friendship with Angela this season. Angela, visibly hurt, calls her out—and for once, everyone agrees. Shamea draws a pointed comparison between her own highly scrutinized friendship with Porsha and Drew’s relatively easy ride. Double standards? Possibly.
Then, Andy finally asks what we’ve all been thinking: Why did Phaedra skip the Married to Medicine reunion but show up here? Her answer? “I had nothing else to give them.” But Andy presses further—how is Porsha besties with Phaedra now, given that history? Porsha chalks it up to time. Maybe amnesia.
But the real moment comes when Shamea is confronted about unresolved issues with Phaedra. Despite insisting she’s over it, her castmates call her out: the “people pleaser” bit is tired. Growth means holding folks accountable—including yourself.
As the ladies break for lunch and the husbands trickle in, the reunion pivots to one major question: Where are Kenya and Britt?
Turns out, Britt was all smiles post-incident—at least according to Shamea—suggesting her reunion tears were more for the cameras than the couch. Kenya’s absence? Still looming like a perfectly laid wig.
Andy then turns the heat on Cynthia, who’s caught flack for not publicly backing Kenya during the fallout. True to form, Cynthia stays neutral and polished, refusing to co-sign anyone’s bad behavior just to play favorites.
But the drama spikes when Andy circles back to the infamous gun mention at the bank dinner. Porsha recalls Kenya’s genuine fear and casually drops that Kenya got Britt’s background tea from—wait for it—Drew. Cue Shamea’s gasps and a flash of legal tension: Britt is currently suing Drew.
Porsha’s not done. She reveals she actually spoke with Kenya before the salon opening and feels betrayed that Kenya dragged the whole moment to hell. Beyond being disappointed, she was downright pissed that her own event became a spectacle.
Cynthia adds her own layer of heartbreak, saying the salon opening was the last time she and Kenya spoke—marking the sudden end of a long-standing friendship. Her final thought on Season 16? “Not that sweet.”
We finally hear from Shamea, who opens up about juggling motherhood, her daughter Shiloh’s health, and the complex group dynamics. But the moment quickly dissolves into a verbal ping-pong match between Shamea, Drew, and Porsha—because what’s a reunion without a few more sparks?
When Andy brings up the state of Porsha and Shamea’s friendship, the silence says it all. Porsha confirms they’re not in communication—and places the blame on what she calls a full-on “smear campaign.” She doubles down on the “alliance” storyline, calling it a calculated attempt to take her down.
She also claims her absence from Shamea’s wedding was due to a medical condition—prompting some audible chuckles from the couch. But let’s be real: these two haven’t exactly been friendship goals this season. They’re both spinning narratives, and both seem just fine with letting the friendship fade.
Here’s hoping next week we finally get to hear what went down between Shamea and Porsha’s mom—because apparently, it was that bad.
#MusicNews: Lalah Hathaway Shares Video For ‘Poison + The Cure’, Releases “VANTABLACK: Expansion Pack”
R&B royalty Lalah Hathaway has just released her remix album “VANTABLACK: Expansion Pack”. The project offers a collection of remixes from the original ‘VANTABLACK’ album plus two brand new songs.
One of those new songs is ‘POISON + THE CURE’, for which she’s also released a colorful and futuristic visual for. She adds about the project:
“Reimagining music has always been at the core of my artistic journey. This project is a heartfelt tribute to the transformative power of the REMIX, and a celebration of the timelessness of great SONGS!”
In all its range, ‘VANTABLACK: EXPANSION PACK’ stays true to the stylistic diversity of the O.G. ‘VANTABLACK’ album, traversing the sounds of house, in the ‘Myth of Being’ and ‘Clearly’ remixes, to the funk/pop feel of new offering ‘Uptown’ and the ‘Mood For You’ remix. The ‘Returning’ remix feat. Robert Glasper and Amber Navran-produced remix for ‘#BITMFW’ offer laid back moods, whilst new biting, tribal-meets-industrial, single ‘Poison + The Cure’ and its accompanying music video ring with artistic statement and rebellion: a departure and fresh-feel for five-time Grammy-winning Lalah Hathaway.
‘VANTABLACK: EXPANSION PACK’ Hathaway looks outward: with a project focusing on collaboration and community, hosting an energized array of sounds fit for the summer!
#HipHopNews: Raekwon Drops First Album In Nearly A Decade!
Flanked by an all-star supporting cast including Ghostface Killah, Nas and Method Man as well as the Griselda trio of Westside Gunn, Conway the Machine and Benny the Butcher, the project has been released by Mass Appeal Records.
The project’s 17 tracks also come with the backing of an illustrious group of producers including Swizz Beatz, Nottz and JUSTICE League.
While he’s just released his first solo album since 2017’s The Wild, Rae has also said that the Wu-Tang Clan might still have more music in them collectively.
“Good question. I mean, we tryna get it together, you know?” he said. “Everybody’s spread out. Everybody’s doing something great in their life, so when it’s time for everybody to get in the room, it just seems like it’s the hardest shit in the world. But it ain’t like we don’t want to.”
He added: “And then you got so many minds. You throw a beat out and a n-gga be like, ‘I like that, I don’t like that.’ It’s hard. It’s real hard, but don’t count us out. Don’t never count us out.”
Wu-Tang Clan’s last official album arrived in 2015 in the form of the much-publicized Once Upon a Time in Shaolin, although only one physical copy was released.
Intended to emphasize the value of music in age of rampant piracy and low streaming payouts, the album was purchased for $2 million by notorious “pharma bro” Martin Shkreli, who was later ordered to hand over the record by a federal court after being convicted of securities fraud.
Once Upon a Time in Shaolin was then bought by the NFT collective PleasrDAO in a $4 million deal with the U.S. Department of Justice.
After being shrouded in mystery for almost a decade, the album was finally made more widely accessible last year as part of a 10-day museum exhibition in Tasmania, Australia, where fans could hear a 30-minute excerpt created by its producer Cilvaringz.
The unique project is still yet to receive a proper commercial release and it is not clear if it ever will do.
#RIP: Malcolm-Jamal Warner, actor who starred as Theo in ‘The Cosby Show,’ dead at 54
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, an actor and artist who rose to fame as a child as Theodore Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” has died, according to a source close to the actor. He was 54.
Warner died in a drowning accident in Costa Rica, where he was on vacation with his family, the source said.
Warner was swimming at Playa Grande near the town of Cahuita in the province of Limón on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica around 2:30 p.m. local time Sunday, when a current pulled him deeper into the ocean, according to the Associated Press.
Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Police told CNN on Monday people who were on the beach tried to help Warner, but he was declared dead by the Red Cross.
Media has reached out to representatives for Warner for further information.
A native of New Jersey, Warner started acting at age 9, making appearances in shows like “Fame.” He was a young teen when he was cast as the only son of Bill Cosby and Phylicia Rashad’s characters, Heathcliff and Claire Huxtable, in “The Cosby Show,” which ran from 1984 to 1992.
Warner later reflected on the legacy of the popular, Emmy-winning sitcom.
“The fact that the Cosby Show for Black America and White America alike finally legitimized the Black middle class, which has always been around since the inception of this country but, as with everything, is not legitimate til it’s on television,” Warner said. “When the show first came out, there were White people and Black people talking about (how) the Huxtables don’t really exist, Black people don’t really live like that. Meanwhile, we were getting tens of thousands of fan letters from people saying, thank you so much for this show.”
Warner was nominated for a Primetime Emmy in 1986 for his supporting work on “The Cosby Show.”
By the time the series was over, Warner said in a 2013 interview, “we were still on top enough to go out on top, but we were ready to live our own lives.”
“We were all ready to move on and as Mr. Cosby said, by that point, we had pretty much said all that we could say,” Warner added.
Warner’s comments on Cosby’s misconduct allegations
When dozens of sexual misconduct allegations against Cosby came to light years later, Warner acknowledged his sadness, saying he felt the sitcom’s legacy had been “tarnished.”
“My biggest concern is when it comes to images of people of color on television and film, no matter what … negative stereotypes of people of color, we’ve always had ‘The Cosby Show’ to hold up against that,” Warner told The Associated Press in a 2015 interview. “And the fact that we no longer have that, that’s the thing that saddens me the most because in a few generations the Huxtables will have been just a fairy tale.”
Cosby denied all the allegations. A 2018 sexual assault conviction against him was later overturned.
As much as he honored playing Theo, Warner also worked hard to show how multifaceted he was, including being a Grammy-winning musician.
He won best traditional R&B performance in 2015 for the song “Jesus Children.” He was also nominated for a Grammy in 2023 for best spoken word poetry album.
Warner spoke with CNN in 2017 about his music and becoming a father.
“Being a new parent, I have a lot of new material for the music,” he said at the time. “It’s really awesome and right now, my daughter’s four months so I don’t have to tell her ‘no.’”
Warner continued working steadily in television throughout his career, with credits including “Touched by an Angel,” “Community,” “Key and Peele,” “Suits,” “Sons of Anarchy” and “American Horror Story.”
Warner also starred opposite Eddie Griffin in the series “Malcolm & Eddie” for four seasons between 1996 and 2000.
His more recent acting credits include “The Resident,” “The Wonder Years” reboot, “Grownish” and “9-1-1.”
Last year, Warner launched his podcast “Not All Hood” with the goal of continuing to be a voice that explores the diverse experiences of the Black community and touch on themes of representation in media.
“When we talk about the Black community, we tend to speak of it as a monolith when the reality is there are so many different facets of the Black community, and we wanted to have a space where we can really explore, discuss, and acknowledge all of those different aspects,” he told People magazine in an interview last year.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, an actor and artist who rose to fame as a child as Theodore Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” has died, according to a source close to the actor. He was 54.
Warner died in a drowning accident in Costa Rica, where he was on vacation with his family, the source said.
Warner was swimming at Playa Grande near the town of Cahuita in the province of Limón on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica around 2:30 p.m. local time Sunday, when a current pulled him deeper into the ocean, according to the Associated Press.
Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Police told CNN on Monday people who were on the beach tried to help Warner, but he was declared dead by the Red Cross.
Media has reached out to representatives for Warner for further information.
A native of New Jersey, Warner started acting at age 9, making appearances in shows like “Fame.” He was a young teen when he was cast as the only son of Bill Cosby and Phylicia Rashad’s characters, Heathcliff and Claire Huxtable, in “The Cosby Show,” which ran from 1984 to 1992.
Warner later reflected on the legacy of the popular, Emmy-winning sitcom.
“The fact that the Cosby Show for Black America and White America alike finally legitimized the Black middle class, which has always been around since the inception of this country but, as with everything, is not legitimate til it’s on television,” Warner said. “When the show first came out, there were White people and Black people talking about (how) the Huxtables don’t really exist, Black people don’t really live like that. Meanwhile, we were getting tens of thousands of fan letters from people saying, thank you so much for this show.”
Warner was nominated for a Primetime Emmy in 1986 for his supporting work on “The Cosby Show.”
By the time the series was over, Warner said in a 2013 interview, “we were still on top enough to go out on top, but we were ready to live our own lives.”
“We were all ready to move on and as Mr. Cosby said, by that point, we had pretty much said all that we could say,” Warner added.
Warner’s comments on Cosby’s misconduct allegations
When dozens of sexual misconduct allegations against Cosby came to light years later, Warner acknowledged his sadness, saying he felt the sitcom’s legacy had been “tarnished.”
“My biggest concern is when it comes to images of people of color on television and film, no matter what … negative stereotypes of people of color, we’ve always had ‘The Cosby Show’ to hold up against that,” Warner told The Associated Press in a 2015 interview. “And the fact that we no longer have that, that’s the thing that saddens me the most because in a few generations the Huxtables will have been just a fairy tale.”
Cosby denied all the allegations. A 2018 sexual assault conviction against him was later overturned.
As much as he honored playing Theo, Warner also worked hard to show how multifaceted he was, including being a Grammy-winning musician.
He won best traditional R&B performance in 2015 for the song “Jesus Children.” He was also nominated for a Grammy in 2023 for best spoken word poetry album.
Warner spoke with CNN in 2017 about his music and becoming a father.
“Being a new parent, I have a lot of new material for the music,” he said at the time. “It’s really awesome and right now, my daughter’s four months so I don’t have to tell her ‘no.’”
Warner continued working steadily in television throughout his career, with credits including “Touched by an Angel,” “Community,” “Key and Peele,” “Suits,” “Sons of Anarchy” and “American Horror Story.”
Warner also starred opposite Eddie Griffin in the series “Malcolm & Eddie” for four seasons between 1996 and 2000.
His more recent acting credits include “The Resident,” “The Wonder Years” reboot, “Grownish” and “9-1-1.”
Last year, Warner launched his podcast “Not All Hood” with the goal of continuing to be a voice that explores the diverse experiences of the Black community and touch on themes of representation in media.
“When we talk about the Black community, we tend to speak of it as a monolith when the reality is there are so many different facets of the Black community, and we wanted to have a space where we can really explore, discuss, and acknowledge all of those different aspects,” he told People magazine in an interview last year.
Rest In Peace!
Wu-Tang Clan Close Out Final Tour With Star-Studded Farewell In Philadelphia
Wu-Tang Clan brought their legendary run to a close with a sold-out finale in Philadelphia on Friday (July 18), wrapping their last-ever tour, Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber, with a night packed with nostalgia and surprise guests.
All nine surviving core members — RZA, GZA, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa and Cappadonna — hit the Wells Fargo Center stage, joined by Young Dirty Bastard, who honored his late father, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, with a high-energy tribute.
The Philadelphia stop capped a 27-city North American run that began June 6 and marked the final time the whole group would tour together.
The crowd got more than they bargained for when surprise guests Ms. Lauryn Hill, LL Cool J and hometown hero Freeway popped up to celebrate the moment.
The setlist pulled from Wu-Tang’s deep catalog, with anthems like “C.R.E.A.M.,” “Triumph,” “Shimmy Shimmy Ya” and “Ice Cream” igniting the crowd.
Run the Jewels opened each night of the tour, setting the tone with their own hard-hitting set.
Just two days earlier, Wu-Tang played their final New York City show at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday (July 16), where they were joined by Redman, Lil Kim, The LOX, Mobb Deep, Slick Rick, SWV and more — a nod to their deep roots in New York Hip-Hop.
Throughout the tour, RZA and other members reminded audiences that this would be the group’s final full-scale tour and thanked supporters for riding with them for more than 30 years.
Though this marks the end of the road for Wu-Tang Clan’s touring days as a whole unit, they hinted at what’s next: a possible Las Vegas residency, a documentary and memoirs are all in the works.
Wu-Tang Clan’s final tour performance took place Friday (July 18) in Philadelphia.
Donald Trump Threatens Commanders—Demands Return To “Redskins”
Donald Trump reignited the name-change debate with threats. He warned the Washington Commanders may lose a crucial stadium deal unless they go back to their former identity as the Redskins.
On Truth Social – the fake Twitter -the president said he would consider blocking the Commanders’ efforts to build a new stadium if they did not change the name back to the Redskins. Petty much? The franchise dropped the name in the midst of controversy in 2020.
“My statement on the Washington Redskins has totally blown up, but only in a very positive way,” Trump posted. “I may put a restriction on them that if they don’t change the name back to the original ‘Washington Redskins,’ and get rid of the ridiculous moniker, ‘Washington Commanders,’ I won’t make a deal for them to build a Stadium in Washington. The Team would be much more valuable, and the Deal would be more exciting for everyone.”
Since when did president deal in this way? Did Obama ever try to get…Or…you know what? Let me keep it moving.
This is important to him. He calls it a return to “heritage and prestige” of Native American references in professional sports. Huh? He also targeted Major League Baseball’s Cleveland Guardians — formerly the Indians. He said that rebrand cost owner Matt Dolan politically.
“What he doesn’t understand is that if he changed the name back to the Cleveland Indians, he might actually win an Election,” Trump wrote. “Indians are being treated very unfairly. MAKE INDIANS GREAT AGAIN (MIGA)!” MIGA, PLEASE!
Guardians President Chris Antonetti pushed back gently. LOL! On Cleveland.com, he said, “Obviously it’s a decision we’ve made and we’ve gotten the opportunity to build the brand as the Guardians over the last four years and are excited about the future.” (By the way, I had no clue that the Indians’s name had changed.
Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris, said that there are “no plans” to bring back the Redskins name. He, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced a proposed return to the RFK Stadium site. Now, they have to face The Donald. Some of them are alleged Trumpers!
Trump’s position has political support. Sen. Steve Daines, a Republican from Montana…wait, why is Montana in this…WEIRD. Daines previously stated he would back the Commanders’ stadium efforts if they brought back the original logo. Daines maintained the change was erasure of Native American heritage, especially a Blackfeet chief.
“This is honoring a Blackfeet chief who was born in Montana. He is highly esteemed,” Daines said. “The irony that they were canceling Native American culture as the DEI movement went way too far.”
There is some community support too. About 100,000 people have signed a petition to take the name back.
The Commanders are not hearing the commander-in-chief.
Trump is playing political with football teams, but they are not punting.
#BoxOffiiceNews: ‘Superman’ Keeps Soaring While ‘Smurfs’ comes in at the Box Office With $12 Million
Warner Bros./DC Studios’ “Superman” is easily holding on to the No. 1 spot at the box office with an industry estimated $57 million second weekend, flying high over Sony’s revival of the 90s slasher series “I Know What You Did Last Summer” and Paramount’s animated film “The Smurfs.”
“Superman” is holding well with a 54% drop from its $125 million opening and a running domestic total of $235 million through Sunday. At this pace, it is on course for a domestic run of around $350 million, and how far it goes beyond that will depend on how well it holds against Marvel’s “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” Its global total, however, will be curtailed due to lower overseas numbers and is on track to finish somewhere around $600 million.
Meanwhile, “I Know What You Did Last Summer” and “The Smurfs” are fighting for the No. 3 spot on the charts, falling behind “Superman” and the $23 million third weekend of Universal’s “Jurassic World.” “Summer” currently has the edge with a $5.8 million opening day from 3,206 locations, compared to $3.9 million for “Smurfs.”
With a reported $18 million budget, “I Know What You Did Last Summer” will be at worst a mild misfire for Sony Pictures even if it flames out quickly at the box office. Reception for the revival starring Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. has been tepid with Rotten Tomatoes scores of 38% critics and 68% audience to go with a C+ on CinemaScore.
But “The Smurfs” is shaping up to be a flop for Paramount with an estimated opening of just $12 million from 3,504 locations against a reported budget of $58 million. Rotten Tomatoes scores have been poor by family film standards with 21% critics and 64% audience, and its B+ on CinemaScore is the lowest ever for a “Smurfs” movie.
Ray J opens up about his strained relationship with Brandy
During the podcast, Ray J did not shy away from discussing his current status with Brandy. He stated, “I love my sister, but I’m an embarrassment to them,” highlighting his feelings of inadequacy and unacceptance within his family. When asked by Shaniece if he felt unaccepted, Ray reiterated, “I never wanted to be accepted, I just feel like I’m an embarrassment.” This heartfelt admission sheds light on the emotional struggles he has faced, particularly in light of recent public controversies, such as his public disagreements with other celebrities.
Despite the tension between Ray J and Brandy, their children serve as a beacon of hope, fostering a connection that transcends the adult relationship. Ray mentioned that his son, Epik, shares a close bond with his aunt Brandy, while Brandy’s daughter, Sy’Rai, often spends time with Ray’s children. He noted, “My kids were over at Brandy’s house two days ago,” indicating that the next generation is helping to nurture familial ties, despite the strained adult relationship.
Ray J’s recent antics have not gone unnoticed and contributed to the rift with Brandy. One notable incident occurred in April when Ray J humorously begged streamer Kai Cenat for an invitation to a livestream sleepover. The clip went viral, but it did not sit well with Brandy. She reached out to him via text, expressing her disappointment, stating, “Come on, Ray? What’s going on with you? You’re so much better than this!!” Ray responded on social media, claiming that Brandy “hates who I am!” This exchange highlights the ongoing struggles Ray faces in reconciling his public persona with his family’s expectations.
Ray J has also been in the spotlight for other controversial claims, including a bold statement made during a Twitch livestream on June 7, where he claimed to have slept with rapper Sexyy Red. This assertion sparked a flurry of reactions online, prompting Sexyy Red to respond directly, stating, “So dis what you doin playing wit people name on da internet?” The backlash led Ray J to clarify his comments later, admitting that he had gone too far and that they had merely taken a nap on a plane together.
Ray J’s recent revelations have raised concerns about his mental health, particularly following his split from Princess Love. In a previous social media rant, he addressed these issues, expressing his struggles and the impact they have had on his personal life. His openness about mental health is not only crucial but also commendable, especially in the Black community, where such discussions are often stigmatized. His courage in sharing his struggles deserves our support and understanding.
Ray J’s candid reflections on his relationship with Brandy reveal the complexities of family dynamics, especially in the face of public scrutiny and personal challenges. While the siblings may be experiencing a rift, the bond between their children serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring love that can exist within families. As Ray J continues to navigate his personal struggles, his willingness to share his story may resonate with many who face similar challenges, offering reassurance that love can endure even in the most trying times.
Southern University expels Omega Psi Phi Fraternity
In a tragic turn of events, Southern University has officially expelled the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. from its campus due to the hazing death of 20-year-old student Caleb Wilson. The announcement was made on July 18, although the decision had been in effect since April 24, following an investigation by the university’s Division of Student Affairs.
Caleb Wilson, a mechanical engineering major and talented trumpet player in Southern’s renowned Human Jukebox marching band, collapsed during a hazing ritual at a Baton Rouge warehouse. He later succumbed to his injuries, prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Initially, fraternity members misled authorities, claiming that Wilson had been injured while playing basketball at a park. They dropped him off at the hospital wearing only socks and sweatpants. However, investigations revealed a much darker truth: Wilson had been subjected to repeated punches to the chest during a fraternity initiation ritual.
As a result of the investigation, the Beta Sigma chapter of Omega Psi Phi has been held accountable for Wilson’s death. The university has taken decisive disciplinary action, resulting in the fraternity losing its recognition as a student organization. This means that Omega Psi Phi must remove all symbols and markers associated with its presence on campus, including fraternity plots, benches, monuments, and trees.
In connection with the hazing incident, three fraternity members have been arrested: Caleb McCray (24), Kyle Thurman (25), and Isaiah Smith (29). All three face charges of criminal hazing, while McCray is also charged with manslaughter for allegedly delivering the fatal blows to Wilson.
According to police reports, pledges were lined up and punched four times in the chest while wearing black boxing gloves, which were later recovered from the hazing location. Isaiah Smith, who served as the chapter’s dean of pledges, was responsible for organizing the recruitment events, including the ritual that led to Wilson’s tragic death. Notably, his father, Todd Smith, was leasing the warehouse where the hazing occurred for his business, California Hardwood Floors.
While the university has not released further comments regarding the situation, it has confirmed that Omega Psi Phi has lost all privileges and must dismantle its presence on campus entirely. This decision underscores the institution’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its students.
The tragic death of Caleb Wilson has reignited discussions about hazing practices within fraternities and sororities across college campuses. Hazing, often cloaked in tradition, can lead to severe consequences, both physically and emotionally, for those involved. Many universities are now taking a hard stance against such practices, implementing stricter regulations and promoting awareness to prevent future tragedies.
As the legal proceedings against the fraternity members unfold, the Southern University community is left to grapple with the loss of a promising young life and the implications of hazing culture. The hope is that this incident will serve as a catalyst for change, encouraging students and organizations to prioritize safety and respect over tradition.
The expulsion of Omega Psi Phi from Southern University is a significant step in addressing the dangers of hazing. As the community mourns Caleb Wilson, it is essential to reflect on the values that guide student organizations and to advocate for a safer, more supportive environment for all students.
Megan Thee Stallion and Boyfriend, Klay Thompson do a workout Video!
Fans of the NBA star guessed it was him instantly, setting off a flurry of rumors about the pair’s relationship status. She also captioned the carousel with two emojis: a palm tree and an airplane, indicating a trip, which is not usually first date stuff.
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Then on Saturday, July 12, Thompson posted a carousel of moments in his recent life that appeared to include Megan and a trip to the Bahamas. In one shot, he is kissing a woman with her back turned to us. In another, he is holding a woman’s manicured hand. The manicure matches the same color and shape Megan was wearing poolside.
Days later, the couple confirmed the dating rumors by making their red carpet debut in New York on July 16. So who is Klay Thompson? Here’s everything to know about the Dallas Mavericks star and his relationship with the Grammy winner so far.
Nike and the LEGO® Group Join Forces to Drop the Nike Dunk x LEGO® Set
First up is this 1,180-piece LEGO® brick kit, which includes a customizable Nike Dunk High model, complete with the familiar design flourishes that have propelled the silhouette to iconic status over its 40-year history. The set comes with multiple lace pieces, much like a typical Nike Dunk pair would, to personalize to your liking. It dropped July 1, and sold out fast. But a restock is coming.
Once assembled, the shoe model has hidden compartments under the tongue and in the forefoot to stash cherished basketball trinkets and other small items. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Nike Dunk without its patented ventilated toe box and brand insignia.
In addition to the central shoe piece, the LEGO® set includes a Nike Dunk logo model with stacked blue lettering; a rotating orange basketball toy that has a secret compartment of its own; and an exclusive B’Ball Head Minifigure, dripped out in a dark blue #32 jersey (perhaps a reference to the classic 32x32 green LEGO® baseplate), blue shades, and Nike Dunks.
This marriage of kicks and bricks extends beyond the Nike Dunk x LEGO® Set. The larger partnership, originally announced last summer, will also feature a Nike Air Max Dn x LEGO® Collection—boasting a yellow colorway with classic LEGO® studs on the upper and Minifigures printed on the outsole windows—along with a line of accessories and apparel. Those will drop August 1, followed by a Nike Dunk Low x LEGO® Collection releasing September 1.
To supercharge the legendary link-up, three-time WNBA MVP and longtime Nike athlete A’ja Wilson is lending her influential voice and sharing her own experiences with LEGO® bricks.
“I have loved playing with LEGO® bricks since I was a kid,” Wilson reveals. “[I] know that my creativity and play helped me not only in sports, but also at school and in life.”
With a collab for the ages, Nike and the LEGO® Group aren’t stopping at product releases. They’re hosting co-branded events that provide access to play for communities worldwide.
Stay tuned for more details there, but for now, bless yourself—or the basketball fan in your life—with the hottest toy-footwear collab of the year: the Nike Dunk x LEGO® Set.
Kelsey Plum Throws Major Shade at Caitlin Clark After All-Star Game, Sabrina Ionescu Claps Back
It was possibly the moment of the night that had everyone buzzing the most. On Saturday’s WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis, the participating players came out onto the court right before tipoff, displaying an unexpected united front.
Each player removed their jackets to reveal a black shirt underneath with bold white lettering reading, “Pay Us What You Owe Us.” The shirts were meant to send a poignant message as WNBA players continue to fight for higher pay. It had already been announced that star player Caitlin Clark would be unable to participate in the All-Star Game due to a recent groin injury that she has not yet recovered from. However, she still showed solidarity with her fellow members of the league by wearing the same black shirt.
It was a difficult game for Team Clark without their star player, and they ended up falling to Team Collier with a final score of 151 to 131. However, there was a moment after the game at a press conference that now has people talking and has caused a bit of a controversy.
While speaking about the decision to wear the "Pay Us T-shirts," Kelsey Plum of Team Collier threw some pretty direct shade at Clark.
"As players, we didn't know that was going to happen. So, I think it was kind of a genuine surprise. The T-shirt, just a united front, was determined this morning that we had a meeting for,” she began.
"Not to tattletale but zero members of Team Clark were very present for that," she continued, prompting awkward laughter from others in the room.
Sabrina Ionescu, who plays for the New York Liberty, made it clear that she felt the jab was unnecessary.
"That really needed to be mentioned," she said sarcastically, rolling her eyes in annoyance.
Nicole Scherzinger & Tom Francis Say Goodbye to 'Sunset Boulevard' After 2 Years, Ahead of Final Broadway Performance
The stars of the musical opened the show on the Great White Way in October 2024 and played their final performance on Sunday (July 20) at the St James Theatre.
Ahead of the last show, the award-winning stars took to Instagram to say goodbye to the musical after doing it for the past two years on Broadway and London’s West End.
“Today, the sun sets on Sunset Blvd for the final time,” Nicole shared. “After living and breathing Norma Desmond for the past two years, it’s almost impossible to grasp that today is the last show. What began as a limited run, then extended, now somehow, nearly 10 months on Broadway have flown by.”
“Norma’s story is for anyone who’s ever felt alone. Lonely. Abandoned. Outcast.
For anyone who never felt like they belonged,” she continued. “For those who once loved something deeply and had it taken from them, aching to reclaim it. For the dreamers. The fighters. The believers. The warriors. For those unshakable in their purpose and power, doing what they love most.”
“Norma has changed me forever. Thank you, Broadway ‘for the magic in the making.’ Thank you @andrewlloydwebber @jamielloyd @alanwilliamsmd @fabianaloise and to the entire beautiful, brilliant @sunsetblvdmusical company, for everything,” Nicole concluded. “Jamie, the ultimate brave pioneer, you have given us all new ways to dream. Thank you for showing me what is possible when you dare to be braver. I love you.”
Tom, who finished his run earlier in the month, shared, “The last two years have changed my life in ways I’m only just starting to understand. Sunset asked everything of me, and I gave it all I had. @jamielloyd thank you for trusting me, guiding me, and pushing me. Your vision and leadership have shaped me more than I can put into words.”
He continued, “@nicolescherzinger , working alongside you has been nothing short of extraordinary. Your generosity, power, and presence elevated all of us. I’ll never forget what it felt like to share that stage with you. To the entire company, crew, and everyone who came along for the ride thank you for being part of something I’ll carry with me forever. I wish I could be with my @sunsetblvdmusical fam today but I am cheering you on so loudly. Have a good show. 👊🏼”
Nicole earned Olivier and Tony nominations and won both for Best Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Norma Desmond, while Tom earned and won the Olivier for Best Actor in a Musical and received a Tony nomination for his work as Joe Gillis.
Tom was recently seen in the final season of You on Netflix, while Nicole can currently be seen in the music competition series Building the Band on the streamer.
Chris Martin Warns Concertgoers in First Show Since Viral Kiss Cam Cheating Scandal
On Saturday night (July 19), the 48-year-old singer and his band performed at the Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
It was the first Music of the Spheres World Tour performance since the band’s performance at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., when a man and a woman went viral for their reaction to being spotted together on camera. (Find out everything that happened since.)
Chris gave the on-camera portion of the performance an introduction.
“We’d like to say hello to some of you in the crowd,” he said, as his audience erupted in cheers.
“How we’re gonna do that is we’re gonna use our cameras and put some of you on the big screen.”
With a smile, he delivered a warning: “So please, if you haven’t done your makeup, do your makeup now.”
It was noted that “zero couples” were shown on the venue’s jumbotron during the portion of the show.
Netflix Just Dropped the Ed Sullivan doc 'Sunday Best' It Explores How Ed Sullivan Broke TV’s Color Barrier
*Starting Monday, July 21, Netflix will debut “Sunday Best,” a powerful new documentary about Ed Sullivan. The film reveals how Sullivan used his hit TV show to spotlight Black artists and push for racial integration.
Directed by the late Sacha Jenkins (who died in May, ’25), the film offers a soulful look at how one man used his platform to create change.
This is not just a music documentary. “Sunday Best” is a heartfelt tribute to Sullivan’s courage, vision, and belief in equality. With performances by legends like Stevie Wonder, James Brown, and The Supremes, it’s a family-friendly history lesson that every generation should see.
Best known for introducing America to Elvis and The Beatles, Ed Sullivan did much more than launch careers. He welcomed Black artists to his stage when segregation was still the law in many states. This move was bold—and radical—for the time.
Sullivan broke industry rules, giving stars like Nat King Cole and The Jackson 5 national exposure. His decisions helped shift how America viewed race, especially in households where Black performers were rarely seen on screen.
“Sunday Best” features electrifying archival footage of groundbreaking performances. From Stevie Wonder’s early TV debut to James Brown’s show-stopping sets, the documentary revives a golden era of music and activism.
The film includes rare clips and first-time TV appearances, offering a fresh look at how these icons became legends. These moments weren’t just entertainment—they were cultural statements that moved the nation.
Voices That Shape the Legacy of Ed Sullivan
The documentary opens with powerful testimonials from stars like Ringo Starr, Wanda Sykes, Bruce Springsteen, and Ice-T. They all credit Sullivan with helping shape modern music and television.
Icons like Smokey Robinson and Motown founder Berry Gordy speak on camera, honoring Sullivan’s role in integrating TV. Gordy recalls, “When ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’ premiered… everything changed.”
Sacha Jenkins’ Final Work Leaves a Lasting Impact
“Sunday Best” was directed by the late Sacha Jenkins, who passed away in May 2025. Known for his storytelling and deep cultural insight, Jenkins crafted a film that balances nostalgia with truth. His use of Sullivan’s original writings, narrated by AI, gives the host a powerful posthumous voice.
This unique choice allows Sullivan’s own words to guide the narrative. It adds emotional weight and reminds viewers how personal his commitment to representation truly was.
How “Sunday Best” Honors a Legacy of Courage
This documentary is more than a music history lesson. It’s a reminder of how one person can use their platform to challenge injustice. Sullivan didn’t just entertain—he educated, uplifted, and unified.
In today’s world, where representation still matters, “Sunday Best” calls us to remember the power of inclusion. It encourages the next generation to “understand the assignment”—to stand for what’s right, even when it’s hard.
Why You Should Watch “Sunday Best” with Your Family
“Sunday Best” is the perfect choice for a family movie night. It blends music, history, and social justice in a way that’s entertaining and enlightening. Young viewers will learn how pop culture can spark real change.
If you grew up watching “The Ed Sullivan Show” or love classic soul and R&B, this film is a must. And if you’re just learning about Sullivan’s legacy, prepare to be inspired.
“Sunday Best” in the News and Online
Since its announcement, “Sunday Best” has gained buzz online and at early screenings. Viewers are calling it “soulful,” “necessary,” and “eye-opening.” Social media users are urging families to watch together and learn the hidden history behind their favorite music stars.
The buzz continues to grow as fans celebrate Ed Sullivan’s quiet but powerful resistance against racism—right from his television stage. His story, finally told in full, is one we all need to hear.
Tyler Perry Accused of Creative Stagnation as Critics Demand Growth
Tyler Perry may be celebrating the success of his latest Netflix hit, *Straw*, but behind the scenes, the film mogul is facing increasing scrutiny—not just from the courts, but from critics calling out his creative rut.
As reported by Craig D. Lindsey in *The A.V. Club*, Perry’s $260 million lawsuit from actor Derek Dixon has spotlighted deeper issues within Tyler Perry Studios. But for critics and longtime observers, the bigger issue is Perry’s refusal to grow as a filmmaker, storyteller, or industry leader.
‘Straw’ Is a Hit—but Follows the Same Tired Formula
Perry’s *Straw* stars Taraji P. Henson as a single mom having the worst day imaginable. She loses her job, home, and child, and ends up accidentally robbing a bank.
The story escalates into a hostage standoff, layered with pain and desperation.
Despite its popularity, critics say the film is yet another example of Perry recycling the same formula: traumatized Black women, unbearable suffering, and a morality tale tied to religious overtones. It’s a theme Perry has leaned on since his 2005 film debut, *Diary of a Mad Black Woman.*
Perry’s career has thrived on hyper-dramatic depictions of Black suffering, especially that of Black women. Brooks Eti-Inyene told *The A.V. Club*, “In Perry’s world, pain isn’t just a narrative device, it’s the entire plot.” Media commentator The PrideBrarian added, “Tyler Perry builds his stories around these stereotypes, and he has humiliated us to build his empire.”
Whether it’s infidelity, illness, or child loss, Perry’s characters rarely catch a break. The result? A brand built not on joy or complexity, but on agony that critics say borders on exploitation.
Quantity Over Quality: The Tyler Perry Studio Metho
Tyler Perry writes, produces, and directs all of his projects himself—something he once bragged about in a viral “WORK ETHIC!!” post. But critics argue this assembly-line approach has led to declining quality.
Perry’s 2020 Netflix thriller *A Fall From Grace* was shot in just five days. Critics say the rushed timeline and one-man control result in sloppy visuals, weak dialogue, and underdeveloped plots.
Refusing to Evolve, Even as Peers Excel
While other Black creatives like Jordan Peele, Issa Rae, and Donald Glover are pushing boundaries and collaborating, Perry remains creatively isolated. As Jourdain Searles told *The A.V. Club*, “He refuses to do better work or take better considerations.”
Perry’s inability—or unwillingness—to evolve has disappointed fans and fellow artists alike. Despite having built a massive, Black-owned studio in Atlanta, he hasn’t used his platform to empower other voices in meaningful ways.
Critics say Perry could be using his wealth and reach to support rising Black filmmakers—especially Black women. Searles suggested he collaborate with directors like Channing Godfrey Peoples (*Miss Juneteenth*) or Tayarisha Poe.
“There’s all this Southern work being done,” Searles said. “Why hasn’t he worked with them?” Instead, Perry continues to center himself in every production, limiting opportunities for new talent to shine.
Audience Loyalty Keeps Perry Untouchable
Even with lawsuits and harsh criticism, Perry’s fanbase remains loyal—many of them faith-based viewers who connect with his moral messages. Jay Jacksonrao, co-host of the *Black On Black Cinema* podcast, says, “People who love him and love his work are generally a pretty religious group of folks.”
Because Perry’s influence extends into BET+ and streaming deals, he’s unlikely to face major consequences without a cultural shift. His presence at the 2025 BET Awards, where he gave a baffling speech on racial erasure, underscored his deep financial ties to the platform.
Legacy or Limitation: What Comes Next for Perry?
Since 2017, Perry has directed 14 films. In the same time, peers like Jordan Peele, Steve McQueen, and Ava DuVernay have produced fewer—but often more critically acclaimed—projects.
Critics say Perry’s stubborn insistence on doing it all himself may secure his bank account but not his legacy. As Searles told *The A.V. Club*, “He doesn’t have any interest in fostering new talent, because he hasn’t honed his own talent.”
Unless Perry opens the doors to collaboration and artistic growth, the billionaire filmmaker may continue churning out hits—but never greatness.
The Philadelphia Eagles receive Super Bowl LIX championship rings
Just in time to start gearing up for a repeat, the Super Bowl champs have received their rings.
The Eagles gathered on Friday night for their ring ceremony, officially adding a little jewelry to celebrate Philadelphia's 40-22 Super Bowl LIX victory over the Chiefs.
Head coach Nick Sirianni, Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts, cornerback Cooper DeJean -- with a custom-made suit in tribute to his pick six in the big game -- and many more were on hand to celebrate.
"Our Super Bowl LIX Championship Ring represents the commitment, determination, and sacrifice of every member of our organization who helped deliver another World Championship for Eagles fans everywhere," Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said in a statement released by the team. "From the start of training camp to our celebration on Broad Street, this team was deeply connected on every level. Our players, coaches, and front office staff all worked so tirelessly throughout the season to raise another Lombardi Trophy. On behalf of the Philadelphia Eagles, I would like to thank Jason of Beverly Hills for their expertise and craftsmanship around the design of this truly magnificent ring. It will forever serve as a reminder of just how magical the 2024 season was for our organization and fans."
The rings, designed in collaboration with Jason of Beverly Hills, possess a number of dazzling features commemorating the Eagles' 2024 season and the franchise as a whole.
The two Lombardi trophies front and center reflect those won under Lurie, with one carat of marquise-shaped diamonds in the trophies representing the team's No. 1 total defense and rushing offense last season that allowed the Eagles to return to the mountain top.
In a snazzy addition, a special button allows wings to open up off the ring, displaying a Sirianni mantra that defined the selflessness of the Eagles during their championship run: "You can't be great without the greatness of others."
Inside the ring resides a Brazilian flag for where it all began -- Philadelphia's season opener in São Paulo -- with the team's core values of "TOUGH, DETAILED, TOGETHER" below it, followed by the final scores of the Eagles' four postseason games and a "145" stamp, their total points scored in the postseason.
Other features include:
Five diamonds on the wing-opening button for the five players who scored in the big game: Hurts, DeJean, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Jake Elliott
0.9 carats of diamonds on the wings to represent the defense's six sacks and three turnovers in Super Bowl LIX
40 points of diamonds in "WORLD CHAMPIONS" on the ring's center, for the team's 40 points scored against Kansas City
18 green stones encircling the top of the ring, which honor Philly's 18 combined victories between the regular season and playoffs
145 diamonds featured on the bezel of the ring, another celebration of the Eagles' playoff point total
A Super Bowl LIX logo on the team side of the ring with 10 points of diamonds to signify the team's 10-game regular-season winning streak
By receiving the rings now, the Eagles were able to both celebrate and close the book on last season.
Philadelphia's training camp report date for both rookies and veterans is July 22.
It's now full speed ahead in the team's quest to add some more hardware to the collection.
Ole Miss Football Player Corey Adams Found Dead In Tennessee
The Ole Miss football community is mourning the tragic loss of freshman defensive lineman Corey Adams, who was killed in a shooting Saturday night (July 19) in Cordova, a suburb of Memphis, Tennessee.
Adams, just 18 years old, was found with multiple gunshot wounds inside a car at an intersection, according to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
“They provided life-saving measures until Shelby County Fire arrived,” the sheriff’s office said. “Shelby County Fire personnel later pronounced the victim deceased on the scene.”
Authorities confirmed that four others were in the same vicinity as Adams at the time of the shooting. Those individuals later arrived at different area hospitals with non-critical injuries. All are currently reported to be in stable condition
Adams, a native of New Orleans, had recently enrolled at Ole Miss in December 2024 after a standout high school career at Edna Karr High School. There, he earned All-State honors and was recognized as one of the top defensive recruits in the nation. He was expected to make his collegiate debut during the 2025 season.
Following the heartbreaking news, the Ole Miss football team released a tribute post on social media to honor Adams’ memory.
“We are devastated to learn that Corey Adams, a freshman on the team, passed away last night in Cordova, Tennessee,” Ole Miss Football wrote in a statement on X. “While our program is trying to cope with this tragic loss, our thoughts are with his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
“Out of respect for his family, we will not be commenting further at this time. We ask the Ole Miss community to keep Corey in their thoughts and respect the privacy of everyone involved.”
No arrests have been announced, and the investigation into the shooting remains ongoing.
*Starting Monday, July 21, Netflix will debut “Sunday Best,” a powerful new documentary about Ed Sullivan. The film reveals how Sullivan used his hit TV show to spotlight Black artists and push for racial integration.
Directed by the late Sacha Jenkins (who died in May, ’25), the film offers a soulful look at how one man used his platform to create change.
This is not just a music documentary. “Sunday Best” is a heartfelt tribute to Sullivan’s courage, vision, and belief in equality. With performances by legends like Stevie Wonder, James Brown, and The Supremes, it’s a family-friendly history lesson that every generation should see.
Best known for introducing America to Elvis and The Beatles, Ed Sullivan did much more than launch careers. He welcomed Black artists to his stage when segregation was still the law in many states. This move was bold—and radical—for the time.
Sullivan broke industry rules, giving stars like Nat King Cole and The Jackson 5 national exposure. His decisions helped shift how America viewed race, especially in households where Black performers were rarely seen on screen.
“Sunday Best” features electrifying archival footage of groundbreaking performances. From Stevie Wonder’s early TV debut to James Brown’s show-stopping sets, the documentary revives a golden era of music and activism.
The film includes rare clips and first-time TV appearances, offering a fresh look at how these icons became legends. These moments weren’t just entertainment—they were cultural statements that moved the nation.
Voices That Shape the Legacy of Ed Sullivan
The documentary opens with powerful testimonials from stars like Ringo Starr, Wanda Sykes, Bruce Springsteen, and Ice-T. They all credit Sullivan with helping shape modern music and television.
Icons like Smokey Robinson and Motown founder Berry Gordy speak on camera, honoring Sullivan’s role in integrating TV. Gordy recalls, “When ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’ premiered… everything changed.”
Sacha Jenkins’ Final Work Leaves a Lasting Impact
“Sunday Best” was directed by the late Sacha Jenkins, who passed away in May 2025. Known for his storytelling and deep cultural insight, Jenkins crafted a film that balances nostalgia with truth. His use of Sullivan’s original writings, narrated by AI, gives the host a powerful posthumous voice.
This unique choice allows Sullivan’s own words to guide the narrative. It adds emotional weight and reminds viewers how personal his commitment to representation truly was.
How “Sunday Best” Honors a Legacy of Courage
This documentary is more than a music history lesson. It’s a reminder of how one person can use their platform to challenge injustice. Sullivan didn’t just entertain—he educated, uplifted, and unified.
In today’s world, where representation still matters, “Sunday Best” calls us to remember the power of inclusion. It encourages the next generation to “understand the assignment”—to stand for what’s right, even when it’s hard.
Why You Should Watch “Sunday Best” with Your Family
“Sunday Best” is the perfect choice for a family movie night. It blends music, history, and social justice in a way that’s entertaining and enlightening. Young viewers will learn how pop culture can spark real change.
If you grew up watching “The Ed Sullivan Show” or love classic soul and R&B, this film is a must. And if you’re just learning about Sullivan’s legacy, prepare to be inspired.
“Sunday Best” in the News and Online
Since its announcement, “Sunday Best” has gained buzz online and at early screenings. Viewers are calling it “soulful,” “necessary,” and “eye-opening.” Social media users are urging families to watch together and learn the hidden history behind their favorite music stars.
The buzz continues to grow as fans celebrate Ed Sullivan’s quiet but powerful resistance against racism—right from his television stage. His story, finally told in full, is one we all need to hear.
Tyler Perry Accused of Creative Stagnation as Critics Demand Growth
Tyler Perry may be celebrating the success of his latest Netflix hit, *Straw*, but behind the scenes, the film mogul is facing increasing scrutiny—not just from the courts, but from critics calling out his creative rut.
As reported by Craig D. Lindsey in *The A.V. Club*, Perry’s $260 million lawsuit from actor Derek Dixon has spotlighted deeper issues within Tyler Perry Studios. But for critics and longtime observers, the bigger issue is Perry’s refusal to grow as a filmmaker, storyteller, or industry leader.
‘Straw’ Is a Hit—but Follows the Same Tired Formula
Perry’s *Straw* stars Taraji P. Henson as a single mom having the worst day imaginable. She loses her job, home, and child, and ends up accidentally robbing a bank.
The story escalates into a hostage standoff, layered with pain and desperation.
Despite its popularity, critics say the film is yet another example of Perry recycling the same formula: traumatized Black women, unbearable suffering, and a morality tale tied to religious overtones. It’s a theme Perry has leaned on since his 2005 film debut, *Diary of a Mad Black Woman.*
Perry’s career has thrived on hyper-dramatic depictions of Black suffering, especially that of Black women. Brooks Eti-Inyene told *The A.V. Club*, “In Perry’s world, pain isn’t just a narrative device, it’s the entire plot.” Media commentator The PrideBrarian added, “Tyler Perry builds his stories around these stereotypes, and he has humiliated us to build his empire.”
Whether it’s infidelity, illness, or child loss, Perry’s characters rarely catch a break. The result? A brand built not on joy or complexity, but on agony that critics say borders on exploitation.
Quantity Over Quality: The Tyler Perry Studio Metho
Tyler Perry writes, produces, and directs all of his projects himself—something he once bragged about in a viral “WORK ETHIC!!” post. But critics argue this assembly-line approach has led to declining quality.
Perry’s 2020 Netflix thriller *A Fall From Grace* was shot in just five days. Critics say the rushed timeline and one-man control result in sloppy visuals, weak dialogue, and underdeveloped plots.
Refusing to Evolve, Even as Peers Excel
While other Black creatives like Jordan Peele, Issa Rae, and Donald Glover are pushing boundaries and collaborating, Perry remains creatively isolated. As Jourdain Searles told *The A.V. Club*, “He refuses to do better work or take better considerations.”
Perry’s inability—or unwillingness—to evolve has disappointed fans and fellow artists alike. Despite having built a massive, Black-owned studio in Atlanta, he hasn’t used his platform to empower other voices in meaningful ways.
Critics say Perry could be using his wealth and reach to support rising Black filmmakers—especially Black women. Searles suggested he collaborate with directors like Channing Godfrey Peoples (*Miss Juneteenth*) or Tayarisha Poe.
“There’s all this Southern work being done,” Searles said. “Why hasn’t he worked with them?” Instead, Perry continues to center himself in every production, limiting opportunities for new talent to shine.
Audience Loyalty Keeps Perry Untouchable
Even with lawsuits and harsh criticism, Perry’s fanbase remains loyal—many of them faith-based viewers who connect with his moral messages. Jay Jacksonrao, co-host of the *Black On Black Cinema* podcast, says, “People who love him and love his work are generally a pretty religious group of folks.”
Because Perry’s influence extends into BET+ and streaming deals, he’s unlikely to face major consequences without a cultural shift. His presence at the 2025 BET Awards, where he gave a baffling speech on racial erasure, underscored his deep financial ties to the platform.
Legacy or Limitation: What Comes Next for Perry?
Since 2017, Perry has directed 14 films. In the same time, peers like Jordan Peele, Steve McQueen, and Ava DuVernay have produced fewer—but often more critically acclaimed—projects.
Critics say Perry’s stubborn insistence on doing it all himself may secure his bank account but not his legacy. As Searles told *The A.V. Club*, “He doesn’t have any interest in fostering new talent, because he hasn’t honed his own talent.”
Unless Perry opens the doors to collaboration and artistic growth, the billionaire filmmaker may continue churning out hits—but never greatness.
The Philadelphia Eagles receive Super Bowl LIX championship rings
The Eagles gathered on Friday night for their ring ceremony, officially adding a little jewelry to celebrate Philadelphia's 40-22 Super Bowl LIX victory over the Chiefs.
Head coach Nick Sirianni, Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts, cornerback Cooper DeJean -- with a custom-made suit in tribute to his pick six in the big game -- and many more were on hand to celebrate.
"Our Super Bowl LIX Championship Ring represents the commitment, determination, and sacrifice of every member of our organization who helped deliver another World Championship for Eagles fans everywhere," Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said in a statement released by the team. "From the start of training camp to our celebration on Broad Street, this team was deeply connected on every level. Our players, coaches, and front office staff all worked so tirelessly throughout the season to raise another Lombardi Trophy. On behalf of the Philadelphia Eagles, I would like to thank Jason of Beverly Hills for their expertise and craftsmanship around the design of this truly magnificent ring. It will forever serve as a reminder of just how magical the 2024 season was for our organization and fans."
The rings, designed in collaboration with Jason of Beverly Hills, possess a number of dazzling features commemorating the Eagles' 2024 season and the franchise as a whole.
The two Lombardi trophies front and center reflect those won under Lurie, with one carat of marquise-shaped diamonds in the trophies representing the team's No. 1 total defense and rushing offense last season that allowed the Eagles to return to the mountain top.
In a snazzy addition, a special button allows wings to open up off the ring, displaying a Sirianni mantra that defined the selflessness of the Eagles during their championship run: "You can't be great without the greatness of others."
Inside the ring resides a Brazilian flag for where it all began -- Philadelphia's season opener in São Paulo -- with the team's core values of "TOUGH, DETAILED, TOGETHER" below it, followed by the final scores of the Eagles' four postseason games and a "145" stamp, their total points scored in the postseason.
Other features include:
Five diamonds on the wing-opening button for the five players who scored in the big game: Hurts, DeJean, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Jake Elliott
0.9 carats of diamonds on the wings to represent the defense's six sacks and three turnovers in Super Bowl LIX
40 points of diamonds in "WORLD CHAMPIONS" on the ring's center, for the team's 40 points scored against Kansas City
18 green stones encircling the top of the ring, which honor Philly's 18 combined victories between the regular season and playoffs
145 diamonds featured on the bezel of the ring, another celebration of the Eagles' playoff point total
A Super Bowl LIX logo on the team side of the ring with 10 points of diamonds to signify the team's 10-game regular-season winning streak
By receiving the rings now, the Eagles were able to both celebrate and close the book on last season.
Philadelphia's training camp report date for both rookies and veterans is July 22.
It's now full speed ahead in the team's quest to add some more hardware to the collection.
Ole Miss Football Player Corey Adams Found Dead In Tennessee
Adams, just 18 years old, was found with multiple gunshot wounds inside a car at an intersection, according to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
“They provided life-saving measures until Shelby County Fire arrived,” the sheriff’s office said. “Shelby County Fire personnel later pronounced the victim deceased on the scene.”
Authorities confirmed that four others were in the same vicinity as Adams at the time of the shooting. Those individuals later arrived at different area hospitals with non-critical injuries. All are currently reported to be in stable condition
Adams, a native of New Orleans, had recently enrolled at Ole Miss in December 2024 after a standout high school career at Edna Karr High School. There, he earned All-State honors and was recognized as one of the top defensive recruits in the nation. He was expected to make his collegiate debut during the 2025 season.
Following the heartbreaking news, the Ole Miss football team released a tribute post on social media to honor Adams’ memory.
“We are devastated to learn that Corey Adams, a freshman on the team, passed away last night in Cordova, Tennessee,” Ole Miss Football wrote in a statement on X. “While our program is trying to cope with this tragic loss, our thoughts are with his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
“Out of respect for his family, we will not be commenting further at this time. We ask the Ole Miss community to keep Corey in their thoughts and respect the privacy of everyone involved.”
No arrests have been announced, and the investigation into the shooting remains ongoing.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Courtesy of P.O.Wm
My Eyes Are Up Here
But looking down there!
But looking down there!
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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