#MAGFAB: Sheila Bawar Covers Sunday Times Style July 6 in Hot Girl Images by Giampaolo Sgura
Brazilian model Sheila Bawar covers the July 6, 2025 issue of Sunday Times Style [IG], wearing Gucci on the cover. Stylist Verity Parker advises on what to pack for pool party nights. Her list includes Adriana Degreas, Brunello Cucinelli, Celine by Hedi Slimane, Jade Swim, Max Mara, Paul Smith, Sara Cristina, Taller Marmo and more, lensed by Giampaolo Sgura [IG]./ Makeup by Karin Borromeo; hair by Ezio Diaferia
Brazilian model Sheila Bawar covers the July 6, 2025 issue of Sunday Times Style [IG], wearing Gucci on the cover. Stylist Verity Parker advises on what to pack for pool party nights. Her list includes Adriana Degreas, Brunello Cucinelli, Celine by Hedi Slimane, Jade Swim, Max Mara, Paul Smith, Sara Cristina, Taller Marmo and more, lensed by Giampaolo Sgura [IG]./ Makeup by Karin Borromeo; hair by Ezio Diaferia
Nice!
#RHOA: Kelli Ferrell Sued Over Alleged 5-Figure Credit Card Debt
Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kelli Ferrell was sued by a debt collector over an alleged five-figure bill, Us Weekly can exclusively report.
According to court documents filed on May 5, obtained by Us, Navy Federal Credit Union filed a complaint against Kelli.
The suit alleges that Kelli owes a total of $26,434.86. The credit union said they demanded payment but Ferrell “has failed, neglected and refused to make payment upon the account.”
The suit demanded the entire unpaid balance plus attorney fees.
Kelli’s rep tells Us, “Kelli has not been served with any paperwork from Navy Federal Credit Union, which is an account that was shared with her now ex-husband [Chuvalo Mark Ferrell]. Due to her ex-husband currently being in the middle of bankruptcy proceedings, we cannot comment on this matter.”
In response to Kellie’s statement, Chuvalo’s rep tells Us, “[Chuvalo] was removed from all joint and business accounts — including those with Navy Federal Credit Union and Truist Bank — during the divorce proceedings in 2022. He has no knowledge of any loans or transactions initiated by [Kelli] after his removal from those accounts.”
They added, “The current legal dispute between Navy Federal Credit Union and Ms. Kelli A. Ferrell is strictly between those two parties. [Chuvalo] is not named in the lawsuit and has had no involvement in the matter.”
“We find it deeply troubling that [Chuvalo’s] name continues to be invoked in matters to which he has no connection. This pattern of blame-shifting — three years post-separation and divorce — appears designed to divert public scrutiny from Ms. Ferrell’s financial difficulties,” the rep ended.
Back in April, Kelli was hit with a separate lawsuit over an alleged six-figure debt owed to the landlord for her restaurant, Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles.
The landlord for the commercial property located in Sandy Springs, Georgia, claimed Ferrell signed a lease in January 2024, which is set to expire in 2029.
In the legal documents, the landlord accused the reality star and her company of breaching the lease. The suit claimed Kelli had failed to obtain required permits and not pay all rent due.
The landlord said Kelli was put on notice of her default multiple times from August 2024 to March 2025. The suit demanded $101,000 in unpaid rent and other fees.
The landlord also asked the court to award another $13,000 in future rent owed and attorney fees.
Kelli’s rep disputed the claims in a statement to In Touch.
The rep said, “This is in regard to her second [restaurant] location, which is underway. Although Kelli’s divorce has been finalized, there is still a lot of gray area left, especially with finances.”
Ferrell claimed that she had yet to be paid money owed in the divorce judgment.
At the time, the rep said the issues with the divorce, along with $160k Kelli had to pay to her divorce attorney, left her in a “small financial stomp with opening the new location.”
“However, this situation is currently being sorted out with the landlords of the new location and Nana’s in Sandy Springs will be open by this Summer,” the rep said. “Kelli has been a successful entrepreneur for over eight years, but this divorce is extremely contentious and has caused issues.”
Kelli’s rep tells Us the lawsuit over the alleged unpaid rent was resolved. “That has been settled and Nana’s Chicken & Waffles in Sandy Springs is slated to open next month,” the rep said.
Kelli and her ex-husband have been in and out of court since she filed for divorce in 2022.
Kelli, who wed her ex in 2011, demanded sole custody of their three children. Chuvalo opposed the request and asked the court to award him joint custody.
In the end, Kelli, who joined RHOA in season 16, walked away with primary custody. Her ex was ordered to pay $3,991 per month in child support. The exes were instructed to split the proceeds of the sale of their former home.
Back in February, Chuvalo filed a petition to reduce his monthly support payments. He said the support was based on his previous monthly income of $19,847. In his petition, he said there had been a substantial change in his income.
His lawyer noted, “[Chuvalo] is no longer working for the family business that was granted to [Kelli] and his income has been substantially reduced.”
The case was dismissed by Chavlo before Kelli had the chance to respond.
According to court documents filed on May 5, obtained by Us, Navy Federal Credit Union filed a complaint against Kelli.
The suit alleges that Kelli owes a total of $26,434.86. The credit union said they demanded payment but Ferrell “has failed, neglected and refused to make payment upon the account.”
The suit demanded the entire unpaid balance plus attorney fees.
Kelli’s rep tells Us, “Kelli has not been served with any paperwork from Navy Federal Credit Union, which is an account that was shared with her now ex-husband [Chuvalo Mark Ferrell]. Due to her ex-husband currently being in the middle of bankruptcy proceedings, we cannot comment on this matter.”
In response to Kellie’s statement, Chuvalo’s rep tells Us, “[Chuvalo] was removed from all joint and business accounts — including those with Navy Federal Credit Union and Truist Bank — during the divorce proceedings in 2022. He has no knowledge of any loans or transactions initiated by [Kelli] after his removal from those accounts.”
They added, “The current legal dispute between Navy Federal Credit Union and Ms. Kelli A. Ferrell is strictly between those two parties. [Chuvalo] is not named in the lawsuit and has had no involvement in the matter.”
“We find it deeply troubling that [Chuvalo’s] name continues to be invoked in matters to which he has no connection. This pattern of blame-shifting — three years post-separation and divorce — appears designed to divert public scrutiny from Ms. Ferrell’s financial difficulties,” the rep ended.
Back in April, Kelli was hit with a separate lawsuit over an alleged six-figure debt owed to the landlord for her restaurant, Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles.
The landlord for the commercial property located in Sandy Springs, Georgia, claimed Ferrell signed a lease in January 2024, which is set to expire in 2029.
In the legal documents, the landlord accused the reality star and her company of breaching the lease. The suit claimed Kelli had failed to obtain required permits and not pay all rent due.
The landlord said Kelli was put on notice of her default multiple times from August 2024 to March 2025. The suit demanded $101,000 in unpaid rent and other fees.
The landlord also asked the court to award another $13,000 in future rent owed and attorney fees.
Kelli’s rep disputed the claims in a statement to In Touch.
The rep said, “This is in regard to her second [restaurant] location, which is underway. Although Kelli’s divorce has been finalized, there is still a lot of gray area left, especially with finances.”
Ferrell claimed that she had yet to be paid money owed in the divorce judgment.
At the time, the rep said the issues with the divorce, along with $160k Kelli had to pay to her divorce attorney, left her in a “small financial stomp with opening the new location.”
“However, this situation is currently being sorted out with the landlords of the new location and Nana’s in Sandy Springs will be open by this Summer,” the rep said. “Kelli has been a successful entrepreneur for over eight years, but this divorce is extremely contentious and has caused issues.”
Kelli’s rep tells Us the lawsuit over the alleged unpaid rent was resolved. “That has been settled and Nana’s Chicken & Waffles in Sandy Springs is slated to open next month,” the rep said.
Kelli and her ex-husband have been in and out of court since she filed for divorce in 2022.
Kelli, who wed her ex in 2011, demanded sole custody of their three children. Chuvalo opposed the request and asked the court to award him joint custody.
In the end, Kelli, who joined RHOA in season 16, walked away with primary custody. Her ex was ordered to pay $3,991 per month in child support. The exes were instructed to split the proceeds of the sale of their former home.
Back in February, Chuvalo filed a petition to reduce his monthly support payments. He said the support was based on his previous monthly income of $19,847. In his petition, he said there had been a substantial change in his income.
His lawyer noted, “[Chuvalo] is no longer working for the family business that was granted to [Kelli] and his income has been substantially reduced.”
The case was dismissed by Chavlo before Kelli had the chance to respond.
#MusicNews: Kenyon Dixon & Terrace Martin Team Up For Collaborative Album “Come As You Are”
Famed producer and multi-instrumentalist Terrace Martin joins forces with R&B artist Kenyon Dixon for a new collaborative album, “Come As You Are.”
The deeply rooted, genre-bending, 13-song project redefines the boundaries of R&B, jazz, and hip-hop through the lens of two sons of South LA. A seamless marriage of sound and storytelling celebrates the beauty and complexity of Watts and South Central while pushing the boundaries of soul, offering a fresh prospective grounded in authenticity and legacy. Martin adds:
“Come As You Are” is a mixture and a sonic picture of the true roots of Los Angeles Jazz, R&B & Hip-Hop. From the soul of Watts to the heart of the Crenshaw District I feel we have painted the best piece for its time.”
The album features Robert Glasper, Rapsody, Ogi, Keyon Harrold, Charlie Bereal, and a special appearance by Kenyon’s daughter, Isley-Rose Dixon. Kenyon goes on to add:
“Come As You Are” is about freedom in every sense, creative freedom, cultural freedom, and personal freedom. Me and Terrace came up in different environments, but we were both raised in that balance between the church and the city. It shaped us. This album is what happens when you stop trying to compartmentalize who you are and just let it all live in the music. The spirit, the soul, the streets, the musicianship—it’s all there. No labels, no boxes. Just real expression. That’s the point. You don’t need permission. Just show up as yourself.”
Famed producer and multi-instrumentalist Terrace Martin joins forces with R&B artist Kenyon Dixon for a new collaborative album, “Come As You Are.”
The deeply rooted, genre-bending, 13-song project redefines the boundaries of R&B, jazz, and hip-hop through the lens of two sons of South LA. A seamless marriage of sound and storytelling celebrates the beauty and complexity of Watts and South Central while pushing the boundaries of soul, offering a fresh prospective grounded in authenticity and legacy. Martin adds:
“Come As You Are” is a mixture and a sonic picture of the true roots of Los Angeles Jazz, R&B & Hip-Hop. From the soul of Watts to the heart of the Crenshaw District I feel we have painted the best piece for its time.”
The album features Robert Glasper, Rapsody, Ogi, Keyon Harrold, Charlie Bereal, and a special appearance by Kenyon’s daughter, Isley-Rose Dixon. Kenyon goes on to add:
“Come As You Are” is about freedom in every sense, creative freedom, cultural freedom, and personal freedom. Me and Terrace came up in different environments, but we were both raised in that balance between the church and the city. It shaped us. This album is what happens when you stop trying to compartmentalize who you are and just let it all live in the music. The spirit, the soul, the streets, the musicianship—it’s all there. No labels, no boxes. Just real expression. That’s the point. You don’t need permission. Just show up as yourself.”
#HipHopNews: Master P Announces He Is Retiring
Master P has announced that he will be retiring from both recording and performing this month.
The influential rap legend confirmed to People that his last ever show will be at Essence Festival this weekend on July 6.
The No Limit boss said: “My last show has to be with Essence. It has to be big. A celebration.”
He also said that his decision was spurred by his new position as head coach and president of basketball operations at the University of New Orleans.
P explained: “It’s a blessing now to be able to transition into doing something that’s bigger than me. Being a servant is my most important job. I feel like hard work got me here, even though I didn’t know I was going to get this far in life. God spared my life and put me on this journey.”
He continued: “That chapter closed itself with maturing and growing up and not being afraid to grow.”
Master P also admitted that his decision was a “hard” one to make “but I feel like this is the next phase of my life. There is a lot of negative stuff going on in hip-hop and people don’t want to talk about the positive things. They say when you know better, you do better. That’s the phase I’m on. I’m fine with growing up.”
He also said of the future: “This is fun for me, like what I was made to do. I love these kids. And I’ve got a chip on my shoulder because people don’t understand the level of basketball and experience and education I have in coaching. I want to bring the whole city up.”
Master P’s new role at the University of New Orleans was announced back in February with him saying at his introductory press conference: “We’ve come a long way. Growing up in New Orleans, when I was a kid, I looked at the University of New Orleans basketball program as probably one of the best in the country. Every kid wanted to come to the Lakefront Arena and be a part of this.
“I’m just so appreciative and blessed that God has given me this opportunity … to rebuild this program. We gonna change this. This is our culture, this is our team and this is our family. We want to give that family love out here to the city to bring the people back where it should be at.”
The influential rap legend confirmed to People that his last ever show will be at Essence Festival this weekend on July 6.
The No Limit boss said: “My last show has to be with Essence. It has to be big. A celebration.”
He also said that his decision was spurred by his new position as head coach and president of basketball operations at the University of New Orleans.
P explained: “It’s a blessing now to be able to transition into doing something that’s bigger than me. Being a servant is my most important job. I feel like hard work got me here, even though I didn’t know I was going to get this far in life. God spared my life and put me on this journey.”
He continued: “That chapter closed itself with maturing and growing up and not being afraid to grow.”
Master P also admitted that his decision was a “hard” one to make “but I feel like this is the next phase of my life. There is a lot of negative stuff going on in hip-hop and people don’t want to talk about the positive things. They say when you know better, you do better. That’s the phase I’m on. I’m fine with growing up.”
He also said of the future: “This is fun for me, like what I was made to do. I love these kids. And I’ve got a chip on my shoulder because people don’t understand the level of basketball and experience and education I have in coaching. I want to bring the whole city up.”
Master P’s new role at the University of New Orleans was announced back in February with him saying at his introductory press conference: “We’ve come a long way. Growing up in New Orleans, when I was a kid, I looked at the University of New Orleans basketball program as probably one of the best in the country. Every kid wanted to come to the Lakefront Arena and be a part of this.
“I’m just so appreciative and blessed that God has given me this opportunity … to rebuild this program. We gonna change this. This is our culture, this is our team and this is our family. We want to give that family love out here to the city to bring the people back where it should be at.”
#BoxOfficeNews: ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ ROARS to $147 Million Over July Fourth Holiday Weekend
“Jurassic World Rebirth,” the seventh installment in Universal’s long-running prehistoric series, stomped to $147.3 million over its first five days in 4,308 North American theaters. Those ticket sales are enough to tower over domestic charts during the star-spangled Fourth of July holiday weekend and likely position the latest “Jurassic” as one of the biggest hits of the summer.
However, those initial returns are down significantly from more recent entries in the 32-year-old franchise. For context, “Jurassic World Rebirth” earned $91.5 million over the traditional weekend (the movie opened on Wednesday to capitalize on the Independence Day stretch). That’s a steep drop from the three-day starts of 2015’s “Jurassic World,” which initially rebooted the classic sci-fi series with $208 million, as well as its sequels, 2018’s “Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom” ($148 million) and 2022’s “Jurassic World Dominion” ($145 million). After five days on the big screen, “Jurassic World” had collected $258 million, “Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom” had generated $181 million and “Jurassic World Dominion” had earned $172 million. The downward trend signals the aging property, which began with 1993’s
Any long-in-the-tooth series will experience diminishing returns at the box office, and Universal smartly economized with “Jurassic World Rebirth,” which resets the property again with Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey and Mahershala Ali. The film cost $180 million to produce, not including a hefty marketing budget, which is way less than the $250 million that the studio shelled out for prior “Jurassic World” films. Though the newest installment doesn’t need to reach a billion dollars to become a commercial success, it’s a benchmark that all three films in the preceding trilogy have managed to surpass. And Universal wants “Rebirth” to spawn a new trilogy, so sustained interest from moviegoers is necessary to justify that kind of commitment.
It helps that “Jurassic World” remains hugely popular overseas, where “Rebirth” roared to a massive $171 million from 82 international markets. Globally, “Jurassic World Rebirth” ignited to $318 million in its first weekend of release.
“The series has been especially good overseas and, so far, foreign business is outstanding,” says David A. Gross, who runs the FranchiseRe movie consulting firm. “Dinosaur action is understood in all languages and across all cultures.”
Critics and audiences were kinder to “Jurassic World Rebirth” than they were to the “Jurassic World” movies led by Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard, though reviews have never been make-or-break for the box office results of “Jurassic” sequels. Directed by Gareth Edwards (“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” “Godzilla”) and written by original “Jurassic Park” screenwriter David Koepp, the action-adventure revolves around a top-secret mission to search for dinosaurs whose DNA holds the key to a wonder drug.
“‘Jurassic World Rebirth is exactly what audiences want to see in a summer blockbuster: a great cast, great direction and great visuals,” says Universal’s president of domestic distribution Jim Orr. “Word of mouth is phenomenal, which points to a great run throughout the summer.”
“Jurassic World Rebirth” was the weekend’s only major new release, so its only competition came from holdover titles including Brad Pitt’s racing thriller “F1” and Universal’s live action “How to Train Your Dragon” remake.
In a distant No. 2, “F1” added $26.1 million from 3,732 venues in its second lap around the track, marking a 54% decline from its opening weekend. So far, the Apple film has generated $109 million in North America and $293.6 million worldwide after 10 days in theaters. With those returns, “F1” has officially surpassed director Ridley Scott’s 2023 historical epic “Napoleon” ($221 million) as Apple’s highest-grossing movie. Though that’s not a terribly high barometer (Apple has only released five films theatrically), it’s a step in the right direction in terms of the fledgling studio’s commercial ambitions. “F1” was hugely expensive, however, costing roughly $250 million to produce, so the tentpole requires many laps around the track to justify its massive price tag.
Third place went to “How to Train Your Dragon” with $9.7 million from 3,714 screens in its fourth weekend of release. The family friendly reboot has generated $224 million domestically and $516 million globally to date.
Another PG offering, Disney and Pixar’s “Elio,” took the No. 4 spot with $4.9 million from 3,235 theaters in its third outing. The intergalactic adventure has generated just $54 million in North America and $96 million globally. Despite solid reviews, the $150 million-budgeted tentpole is shaping up to be one of the lowest-grossing Pixar movies in history.
“28 Years Later” rounded out the top five with $4.6 million from 2,917 venues, a 53% drop from the weekend prior. After three weekends on the big screen, the zombie sequel has amassed $60.2 million domestically and $125.8 million globally against a $60 million budget.
Also of note, Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch” remake has notched $972 million globally (including a huge $408 million in North America) and remains poised to become the year’s first billion-dollar blockbuster. So, of course, a live-action sequel is already in the works.
After this sizable holiday weekend, overall box office returns are 14% ahead of the same point in 2024 while still stubbornly more than 25% behind 2019, the last pre-pandemic year, according to Comscore. July has a few more potential heavy hitters in store with “Superman” and “Fantastic Four: The First Steps” on schedule over the next few weeks.
“With the Fourth of July holiday floating around the calendar, apples-to-apples comparisons become a bit difficult, [but] this will be one of the better Independence Day frames for cinemas,” says senior Comscore analyst Paul Dergarabedian. “The combination of films in this theatrical marketplace is impressive.”
“Jurassic World Rebirth,” the seventh installment in Universal’s long-running prehistoric series, stomped to $147.3 million over its first five days in 4,308 North American theaters. Those ticket sales are enough to tower over domestic charts during the star-spangled Fourth of July holiday weekend and likely position the latest “Jurassic” as one of the biggest hits of the summer.
However, those initial returns are down significantly from more recent entries in the 32-year-old franchise. For context, “Jurassic World Rebirth” earned $91.5 million over the traditional weekend (the movie opened on Wednesday to capitalize on the Independence Day stretch). That’s a steep drop from the three-day starts of 2015’s “Jurassic World,” which initially rebooted the classic sci-fi series with $208 million, as well as its sequels, 2018’s “Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom” ($148 million) and 2022’s “Jurassic World Dominion” ($145 million). After five days on the big screen, “Jurassic World” had collected $258 million, “Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom” had generated $181 million and “Jurassic World Dominion” had earned $172 million. The downward trend signals the aging property, which began with 1993’s
Any long-in-the-tooth series will experience diminishing returns at the box office, and Universal smartly economized with “Jurassic World Rebirth,” which resets the property again with Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey and Mahershala Ali. The film cost $180 million to produce, not including a hefty marketing budget, which is way less than the $250 million that the studio shelled out for prior “Jurassic World” films. Though the newest installment doesn’t need to reach a billion dollars to become a commercial success, it’s a benchmark that all three films in the preceding trilogy have managed to surpass. And Universal wants “Rebirth” to spawn a new trilogy, so sustained interest from moviegoers is necessary to justify that kind of commitment.
It helps that “Jurassic World” remains hugely popular overseas, where “Rebirth” roared to a massive $171 million from 82 international markets. Globally, “Jurassic World Rebirth” ignited to $318 million in its first weekend of release.
“The series has been especially good overseas and, so far, foreign business is outstanding,” says David A. Gross, who runs the FranchiseRe movie consulting firm. “Dinosaur action is understood in all languages and across all cultures.”
Critics and audiences were kinder to “Jurassic World Rebirth” than they were to the “Jurassic World” movies led by Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard, though reviews have never been make-or-break for the box office results of “Jurassic” sequels. Directed by Gareth Edwards (“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” “Godzilla”) and written by original “Jurassic Park” screenwriter David Koepp, the action-adventure revolves around a top-secret mission to search for dinosaurs whose DNA holds the key to a wonder drug.
“‘Jurassic World Rebirth is exactly what audiences want to see in a summer blockbuster: a great cast, great direction and great visuals,” says Universal’s president of domestic distribution Jim Orr. “Word of mouth is phenomenal, which points to a great run throughout the summer.”
“Jurassic World Rebirth” was the weekend’s only major new release, so its only competition came from holdover titles including Brad Pitt’s racing thriller “F1” and Universal’s live action “How to Train Your Dragon” remake.
In a distant No. 2, “F1” added $26.1 million from 3,732 venues in its second lap around the track, marking a 54% decline from its opening weekend. So far, the Apple film has generated $109 million in North America and $293.6 million worldwide after 10 days in theaters. With those returns, “F1” has officially surpassed director Ridley Scott’s 2023 historical epic “Napoleon” ($221 million) as Apple’s highest-grossing movie. Though that’s not a terribly high barometer (Apple has only released five films theatrically), it’s a step in the right direction in terms of the fledgling studio’s commercial ambitions. “F1” was hugely expensive, however, costing roughly $250 million to produce, so the tentpole requires many laps around the track to justify its massive price tag.
Third place went to “How to Train Your Dragon” with $9.7 million from 3,714 screens in its fourth weekend of release. The family friendly reboot has generated $224 million domestically and $516 million globally to date.
Another PG offering, Disney and Pixar’s “Elio,” took the No. 4 spot with $4.9 million from 3,235 theaters in its third outing. The intergalactic adventure has generated just $54 million in North America and $96 million globally. Despite solid reviews, the $150 million-budgeted tentpole is shaping up to be one of the lowest-grossing Pixar movies in history.
“28 Years Later” rounded out the top five with $4.6 million from 2,917 venues, a 53% drop from the weekend prior. After three weekends on the big screen, the zombie sequel has amassed $60.2 million domestically and $125.8 million globally against a $60 million budget.
Also of note, Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch” remake has notched $972 million globally (including a huge $408 million in North America) and remains poised to become the year’s first billion-dollar blockbuster. So, of course, a live-action sequel is already in the works.
After this sizable holiday weekend, overall box office returns are 14% ahead of the same point in 2024 while still stubbornly more than 25% behind 2019, the last pre-pandemic year, according to Comscore. July has a few more potential heavy hitters in store with “Superman” and “Fantastic Four: The First Steps” on schedule over the next few weeks.
“With the Fourth of July holiday floating around the calendar, apples-to-apples comparisons become a bit difficult, [but] this will be one of the better Independence Day frames for cinemas,” says senior Comscore analyst Paul Dergarabedian. “The combination of films in this theatrical marketplace is impressive.”
Michael Jai White Is Back in Action With Trouble Man
Samuel Goldwyn Films has just dropped the trailer for Trouble Man, and if you’re in the mood for fast fists, sharp laughs, and an old-school detective vibe with a modern twist, this one’s for you. Written, directed by, and starring Michael Jai White, the film brings together a powerhouse cast including Cliff “Method Man” Smith, Mike Epps, Gillian White, Orlando Jones, and La La Anthony.
White plays Jaxen, a no-nonsense former cop-turned-private eye in Atlanta, whose latest case isn’t your standard missing person gig. When rising R&B star Jahari vanishes without a trace, Jaxen dives headfirst into the glitzy, gritty world of music, money, and mayhem. But this isn’t just about a missing diva—the deeper he digs, the messier it gets, as secrets unravel and familiar faces aren’t as trustworthy as they seem.
What sets Trouble Man apart? It’s got that throwback swagger, blending 1970s blaxploitation energy with slick modern storytelling. The action is hard-hitting (as you’d expect from the martial arts legend himself), but the comedy—especially with Mike Epps and Orlando Jones in the mix—lands just as strong. Plus, White’s real-life wife Gillian White adds an extra spark to the screen.
With a release date set for August 1, 2025, Trouble Man looks ready to bring serious heat to summer. Stylish, funny, and full of punch—this is Michael Jai White doing what he does best: kicking ass, cracking jokes, and taking names.
White plays Jaxen, a no-nonsense former cop-turned-private eye in Atlanta, whose latest case isn’t your standard missing person gig. When rising R&B star Jahari vanishes without a trace, Jaxen dives headfirst into the glitzy, gritty world of music, money, and mayhem. But this isn’t just about a missing diva—the deeper he digs, the messier it gets, as secrets unravel and familiar faces aren’t as trustworthy as they seem.
What sets Trouble Man apart? It’s got that throwback swagger, blending 1970s blaxploitation energy with slick modern storytelling. The action is hard-hitting (as you’d expect from the martial arts legend himself), but the comedy—especially with Mike Epps and Orlando Jones in the mix—lands just as strong. Plus, White’s real-life wife Gillian White adds an extra spark to the screen.
With a release date set for August 1, 2025, Trouble Man looks ready to bring serious heat to summer. Stylish, funny, and full of punch—this is Michael Jai White doing what he does best: kicking ass, cracking jokes, and taking names.
Beyoncé’s Act III predictions are wild
The Beyhive is in full detective mode, and honestly, we’re living for it. While Queen B continues serving looks and vocals on her Cowboy Carter Tour, fans are already spiraling over what’s coming next in her epic trilogy saga. After absolutely slaying us with Renaissance and then completely switching gears with Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé has one more act up her sleeve, and the theories are getting absolutely unhinged.
If you’ve been sleeping on this trilogy situation, let us catch you up real quick. Back in 2022, Beyoncé dropped Renaissance and casually mentioned it was Act I of a three-part series. Then in 2024, she blessed us with Cowboy Carter as Act II, announced right after she broke the Super Bowl with that country music teaser. Now we’re all sitting here like kids on Christmas Eve, waiting for the final piece of this musical puzzle.
Here’s what makes this whole thing so incredibly brilliant: Beyoncé isn’t just releasing random albums. She’s on a full-blown mission to highlight the Black origins of major music genres, and it’s honestly educational and entertaining at the same time. Renaissance took us deep into the roots of dance and house music, paying homage to the Black and queer communities that created these sounds. Then Cowboy Carter came through with that country energy, reminding everyone that Black artists were pioneers in country music long before it got completely whitewashed.
The pattern is clear, and fans are convinced Act III will tackle rock and roll. Think about it – rock music has deep roots in Black musical traditions, from blues to gospel to rhythm and blues. Plus, Beyoncé has been dropping hints left and right in her recent visuals. The leather aesthetics, the edgy vibes, the guitar elements – it’s all pointing toward rock territory.
Okay, this is where Beyoncé fans prove they’re basically the FBI of pop culture. They’ve identified a release pattern that’s too obvious to ignore. Both Renaissance and Cowboy Carter dropped on the 29th of their respective months – July 29, 2022, and March 29, 2024. The consistency is almost aggressive.
Following this pattern, fans are betting everything on May 29, 2026. That’s the next time the 29th falls on a Friday, which has become Beyoncé’s go-to release day for major projects. Sure, 2026 feels like forever away, but considering the level of artistry and production that goes into these masterpieces, it actually makes sense. Quality takes time, and Beyoncé is all about that quality.
The way Beyoncé has been handling her singles strategy is another clue about what’s coming. For Renaissance, she gave us one lead single – “Break My Soul” – about a month before the album dropped. But for Cowboy Carter, she switched up the game and released two simultaneous bangers: “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages.”
If this progression continues, Act III could feature three lead singles dropping at once. Three! Can you imagine the chaos? The internet might literally break. Social media would be unusable for days. TikTok would crash. It would be beautiful mayhem.
Some fans are convinced the Act III singles could drop on April 4, which would be absolutely perfect timing. That’s Beyoncé and Jay-Z‘s wedding anniversary, plus she’s obsessed with the number four. Her birthday is September 4, their anniversary is April 4, and she literally has “4” tattooed on her ring finger. The woman loves her patterns.
But here’s the thing about Beyoncé – she’s the ultimate plot twist queen. Just when you think you’ve cracked her code, she completely flips everything. Remember when Lemonade appeared out of nowhere? Or when Renaissance arrived earlier than anyone expected? She keeps us all guessing, and that’s exactly how she likes it.
This trilogy isn’t just about dropping fire albums – it’s about cultural education and preservation. Beyoncé is using her massive platform to remind the world about the Black origins of genres that have been appropriated and whitewashed over decades. Each act serves as both a celebration and a history lesson, wrapped in absolutely incredible music.
The impact has already been huge. Renaissance sparked conversations about ballroom culture and house music’s roots. Cowboy Carter had people researching Black cowboys and country music pioneers. Act III will likely do the same for rock and roll, potentially introducing a whole new generation to legends like Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Chuck Berry.
As we wait for official announcements, one thing is absolutely certain: Beyoncé continues proving why she’s not just a pop star, but a cultural force. Act III won’t just be another album – it’ll be another chapter in music history, and we’re all here for this incredible journey.
The Beyhive is in full detective mode, and honestly, we’re living for it. While Queen B continues serving looks and vocals on her Cowboy Carter Tour, fans are already spiraling over what’s coming next in her epic trilogy saga. After absolutely slaying us with Renaissance and then completely switching gears with Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé has one more act up her sleeve, and the theories are getting absolutely unhinged.
If you’ve been sleeping on this trilogy situation, let us catch you up real quick. Back in 2022, Beyoncé dropped Renaissance and casually mentioned it was Act I of a three-part series. Then in 2024, she blessed us with Cowboy Carter as Act II, announced right after she broke the Super Bowl with that country music teaser. Now we’re all sitting here like kids on Christmas Eve, waiting for the final piece of this musical puzzle.
Here’s what makes this whole thing so incredibly brilliant: Beyoncé isn’t just releasing random albums. She’s on a full-blown mission to highlight the Black origins of major music genres, and it’s honestly educational and entertaining at the same time. Renaissance took us deep into the roots of dance and house music, paying homage to the Black and queer communities that created these sounds. Then Cowboy Carter came through with that country energy, reminding everyone that Black artists were pioneers in country music long before it got completely whitewashed.
The pattern is clear, and fans are convinced Act III will tackle rock and roll. Think about it – rock music has deep roots in Black musical traditions, from blues to gospel to rhythm and blues. Plus, Beyoncé has been dropping hints left and right in her recent visuals. The leather aesthetics, the edgy vibes, the guitar elements – it’s all pointing toward rock territory.
Okay, this is where Beyoncé fans prove they’re basically the FBI of pop culture. They’ve identified a release pattern that’s too obvious to ignore. Both Renaissance and Cowboy Carter dropped on the 29th of their respective months – July 29, 2022, and March 29, 2024. The consistency is almost aggressive.
Following this pattern, fans are betting everything on May 29, 2026. That’s the next time the 29th falls on a Friday, which has become Beyoncé’s go-to release day for major projects. Sure, 2026 feels like forever away, but considering the level of artistry and production that goes into these masterpieces, it actually makes sense. Quality takes time, and Beyoncé is all about that quality.
The way Beyoncé has been handling her singles strategy is another clue about what’s coming. For Renaissance, she gave us one lead single – “Break My Soul” – about a month before the album dropped. But for Cowboy Carter, she switched up the game and released two simultaneous bangers: “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages.”
If this progression continues, Act III could feature three lead singles dropping at once. Three! Can you imagine the chaos? The internet might literally break. Social media would be unusable for days. TikTok would crash. It would be beautiful mayhem.
Some fans are convinced the Act III singles could drop on April 4, which would be absolutely perfect timing. That’s Beyoncé and Jay-Z‘s wedding anniversary, plus she’s obsessed with the number four. Her birthday is September 4, their anniversary is April 4, and she literally has “4” tattooed on her ring finger. The woman loves her patterns.
But here’s the thing about Beyoncé – she’s the ultimate plot twist queen. Just when you think you’ve cracked her code, she completely flips everything. Remember when Lemonade appeared out of nowhere? Or when Renaissance arrived earlier than anyone expected? She keeps us all guessing, and that’s exactly how she likes it.
This trilogy isn’t just about dropping fire albums – it’s about cultural education and preservation. Beyoncé is using her massive platform to remind the world about the Black origins of genres that have been appropriated and whitewashed over decades. Each act serves as both a celebration and a history lesson, wrapped in absolutely incredible music.
The impact has already been huge. Renaissance sparked conversations about ballroom culture and house music’s roots. Cowboy Carter had people researching Black cowboys and country music pioneers. Act III will likely do the same for rock and roll, potentially introducing a whole new generation to legends like Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Chuck Berry.
As we wait for official announcements, one thing is absolutely certain: Beyoncé continues proving why she’s not just a pop star, but a cultural force. Act III won’t just be another album – it’ll be another chapter in music history, and we’re all here for this incredible journey.
Why Idris Elba refuses to revisit his past in ‘The Wire’
The 52-year-old actor had his breakout U.S. role was criminal Russell “Stringer” Bell on the first three seasons of the hit HBO drama from 2002 to 2004, but he has admitted he never took the time to tune in “as a fan.” “The Wire” aired for five seasons total and is considered a masterpiece of television storytelling.
“If I’m really honest, like, I didn’t watch The Wire,” he told Amy Poehler on her “Good Hang” podcast. “And I feel bad. It’s not that I’m not a fan of it. I was there. I made a show that was, you know, was so intense and so real, so important. And even though we didn’t realize — I didn’t realize the importance of the show while making it. I didn’t participate in its celebration as a viewer, as a fan. And so I feel a little bit outside of the club.” The series has won numerous awards and is studied in universities as a sociological examination of urban America.
Poehler asked if he could start watching now, two decades later, but he replied: “No, man.” The show’s cultural impact has only grown stronger over the years, with streaming platforms introducing it to new generations of viewers.
The Heads of State actor admitted that after his character was killed off, he wasn’t able to see the show in the same way. Stringer Bell’s death was considered one of the most shocking moments in television history by fans and critics alike.
“It’s more that I feel the presence of it all, my life since ‘The Wire’ … in terms of its impact,” he explained. “So to me, it was almost a bit like I was Stringer Bell. I’m not Stringer Bell, but I also feel like when Stringer Bell died, there was a part of me that died with that character. It’s weird for me to go back and watch it.” Many actors report similar emotional connections to characters that significantly impact their careers and personal lives.
He also pointed out that, generally as an actor, he doesn’t enjoy “watching” himself back. This is a common phenomenon among performers who prefer to focus on the creative process rather than analyzing the final product.
“I don’t like being overly conscious of what my performance is like or whatever because it makes me conscious about doing it,” he added. “I like being in it rather than watching it.” This approach allows actors to maintain spontaneity and authenticity in their future performances without being hindered by self-criticism.
Poehler apologized for bringing up the show, which she predicted he has spoken about “over and over again.” The Wire continues to be referenced in popular culture and academic discussions about television excellence and social commentary.
“The truth is that I actually don’t speak about ‘The Wire’ as much as people might think, even though at least once a day, someone says, ‘Bro, Stringer Bell! The Wire!’ ” he said. “And, you know, it really does, it surprises me how much impact that show had. In a good way, it surprises me continuously that, you know, multi-generationally, it’s still being talked to [by] people that weren’t even born then.” The series creator David Simon crafted a show that transcended typical crime drama boundaries, creating a lasting cultural phenomenon.
Elba‘s reluctance to revisit his breakthrough role demonstrates the complex relationship actors can have with their most celebrated work. His portrayal of the sophisticated drug dealer became iconic in television history, establishing him as a serious dramatic actor and opening doors to major Hollywood roles including his work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster films. The character’s intelligence and business acumen made Stringer Bell one of the most compelling antagonists in television, contributing to “The Wire’s” reputation as essential viewing for understanding modern American storytelling.
“If I’m really honest, like, I didn’t watch The Wire,” he told Amy Poehler on her “Good Hang” podcast. “And I feel bad. It’s not that I’m not a fan of it. I was there. I made a show that was, you know, was so intense and so real, so important. And even though we didn’t realize — I didn’t realize the importance of the show while making it. I didn’t participate in its celebration as a viewer, as a fan. And so I feel a little bit outside of the club.” The series has won numerous awards and is studied in universities as a sociological examination of urban America.
Poehler asked if he could start watching now, two decades later, but he replied: “No, man.” The show’s cultural impact has only grown stronger over the years, with streaming platforms introducing it to new generations of viewers.
The Heads of State actor admitted that after his character was killed off, he wasn’t able to see the show in the same way. Stringer Bell’s death was considered one of the most shocking moments in television history by fans and critics alike.
“It’s more that I feel the presence of it all, my life since ‘The Wire’ … in terms of its impact,” he explained. “So to me, it was almost a bit like I was Stringer Bell. I’m not Stringer Bell, but I also feel like when Stringer Bell died, there was a part of me that died with that character. It’s weird for me to go back and watch it.” Many actors report similar emotional connections to characters that significantly impact their careers and personal lives.
He also pointed out that, generally as an actor, he doesn’t enjoy “watching” himself back. This is a common phenomenon among performers who prefer to focus on the creative process rather than analyzing the final product.
“I don’t like being overly conscious of what my performance is like or whatever because it makes me conscious about doing it,” he added. “I like being in it rather than watching it.” This approach allows actors to maintain spontaneity and authenticity in their future performances without being hindered by self-criticism.
Poehler apologized for bringing up the show, which she predicted he has spoken about “over and over again.” The Wire continues to be referenced in popular culture and academic discussions about television excellence and social commentary.
“The truth is that I actually don’t speak about ‘The Wire’ as much as people might think, even though at least once a day, someone says, ‘Bro, Stringer Bell! The Wire!’ ” he said. “And, you know, it really does, it surprises me how much impact that show had. In a good way, it surprises me continuously that, you know, multi-generationally, it’s still being talked to [by] people that weren’t even born then.” The series creator David Simon crafted a show that transcended typical crime drama boundaries, creating a lasting cultural phenomenon.
Elba‘s reluctance to revisit his breakthrough role demonstrates the complex relationship actors can have with their most celebrated work. His portrayal of the sophisticated drug dealer became iconic in television history, establishing him as a serious dramatic actor and opening doors to major Hollywood roles including his work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster films. The character’s intelligence and business acumen made Stringer Bell one of the most compelling antagonists in television, contributing to “The Wire’s” reputation as essential viewing for understanding modern American storytelling.
Lauryn Hill Performs for Nearly-Empty Stadium After Beginning Essence Festival Set at 2:30am, Though Late Show Was 'Not Her Fault'
The 50-year-old singer closed out the Friday night show, but her set didn’t happen until the early morning hours of Saturday (July 5).
The event took place at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., a stadium that fits 83,000 people, but only a few hundred people remained in the venue for Lauryn‘s set, according to Nola.com.
Lauryn went on stage at 2:31am and finished her set at 3:37am, but people have said that the late start was “not her fault.”
Nola.com reports that the “entire night ran behind schedule,” with all of the acts before Lauryn going on later than they should have been. Her set was originally scheduled to begin at 12:35am.
One fan tweeted, “It’s very easy to get Lauryn Hill trending with false narratives. Let’s provide the facts. The entire festival was pushed back. This was literally not her fault.”
The 50-year-old singer closed out the Friday night show, but her set didn’t happen until the early morning hours of Saturday (July 5).
The event took place at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., a stadium that fits 83,000 people, but only a few hundred people remained in the venue for Lauryn‘s set, according to Nola.com.
Lauryn went on stage at 2:31am and finished her set at 3:37am, but people have said that the late start was “not her fault.”
Nola.com reports that the “entire night ran behind schedule,” with all of the acts before Lauryn going on later than they should have been. Her set was originally scheduled to begin at 12:35am.
One fan tweeted, “It’s very easy to get Lauryn Hill trending with false narratives. Let’s provide the facts. The entire festival was pushed back. This was literally not her fault.”
Love Island USA's Cierra Ortega Exits Show Following Resurfaced Racist Post
Another contestant has made a shocking exit from Love Island USA. During the Sunday (July 6) episode of the Peacock romance competition series, it was announced that Cierra Ortega has left the show after a racist post from her social media resurfaced while she has been filming in Fiji.
Narrator Iain Stirling confirmed Cierra‘s exit by saying that she has “left the villa due to a personal situation.” Iain also noted that Cierra has left Nic Vansteenberghe “officially single.”
Following Cierra‘s exit, Nic spoke with Ace Greene and said that he wasn’t sure what he would do next, since the season ends next week.
In the past few days, one of Cierra‘s old posts on social media resurfaced and showed the social media influencer showcasing the cosmetic work she’s had done and referenced her eyes using an offensive racial slur toward the Asian community.
After the comment resurfaced, Love Island USA fans have been very vocal online, demanding that Cierra be removed from the show.
Narrator Iain Stirling confirmed Cierra‘s exit by saying that she has “left the villa due to a personal situation.” Iain also noted that Cierra has left Nic Vansteenberghe “officially single.”
Following Cierra‘s exit, Nic spoke with Ace Greene and said that he wasn’t sure what he would do next, since the season ends next week.
In the past few days, one of Cierra‘s old posts on social media resurfaced and showed the social media influencer showcasing the cosmetic work she’s had done and referenced her eyes using an offensive racial slur toward the Asian community.
After the comment resurfaced, Love Island USA fans have been very vocal online, demanding that Cierra be removed from the show.
‘Essence Fest is Not Festing This Year’ – 2025 Gathering Sees Smaller Crowds and Mixed Vibes in New Orleans
*The Essence Festival of Culture 2025 is in effect in New Orleans until Sunday (July 6), but with noticeably smaller crowds. Organizers say the lower turnout was expected after 2024’s 30th anniversary milestone. Several outside factors may have kept fans away this year.
Economic pressures like inflation and rising travel costs impacted how many people could attend. The July 4th weekend also played a role, with many choosing to stay closer to home due to cost or competing events. Despite this, the festival still drew thousands to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and Caesars Superdome.
Many potential attendees skipped this year due to financial strain. Concert tickets started at $82, and when you add travel, food, and lodging, the price gets steep. Inflation has made vacation spending harder for many in 2025.
Holiday weekends once meant big travel numbers, but trends have shifted. Fewer people traveled for large events this July 4th. Some attendees noted that the festival vibe wasn’t the same as past years, with a more laid-back feel overall.
Social media lit up with reactions to Essence Festival 2025. Some fans on X said the crowds were smaller and the energy was lower. Others pointed out missing vendors and fewer community-focused activities that made past festivals special.
“This year’s Essence Fest just doesn’t hit the same. Too many empty spaces, not enough soul.”
There were also comments about how the artist lineup shifted. While stars like Maxwell, Nas, and Boyz II Men performed, younger acts like GloRilla and Megan Thee Stallion took center stage, changing the vibe for longtime fans.
Despite the dip in numbers, Essence Festival 2025 still had major highlights. Master P gave his final performance, drawing big applause from his hometown crowd. Free daytime events stayed popular, including workshops, panels, and the Beauty Carnival.
Organizers stressed the festival’s $200 million+ economic impact for New Orleans. They described the weekend as a “party with a purpose” that still uplifted Black culture and supported local businesses.
Some Vendors Say Festival Fell Short Behind the Scenes
Several vendors took to X to express frustration about poor logistics and last-minute changes. Some said they were left out of key festival spaces, limiting their sales and exposure. Others said the Pipeline Initiative didn’t meet expectations, Fox 8 is reporting.
“We showed up ready, but our booth got moved twice and foot traffic was weak. Essence needs to do better.”
While official numbers weren’t shared, hotel occupancy was down from 91% in 2024 to 83% in 2025. Local business owners still appreciated the boost during a slower season.
The Essence Festival is more than just music—it’s a celebration of Black culture, beauty, business, and empowerment. Since 1995, it’s grown into one of the largest cultural events in the country.
Each year, it draws celebrities, entrepreneurs, and fans from around the world. With major panels, wellness expos, fashion showcases, and powerful performances, Essence Fest remains a pillar in Black culture despite yearly changes.
The hashtag #EssenceFest continued to trend throughout the weekend, filled with fan videos, celebrity sightings, and behind-the-scenes looks. Media coverage highlighted both the star power and some of the concerns from fans and vendors.
Essence.com and the E360 app offered updates and schedules for attendees. Whether they loved or disliked this year’s changes, thousands engaged with the festival in-person and online.
Even with fewer people, Essence Festival 2025 proved its staying power. It’s a space where Black culture is honored, where legends meet rising stars, and where community is always at the center.
As organizers adjust for future years, fans are hoping for a return to the soulful, community-driven vibe that made Essence Fest legendary. Still, 2025 delivered major moments that reminded everyone why this festival matters so much.
*The Essence Festival of Culture 2025 is in effect in New Orleans until Sunday (July 6), but with noticeably smaller crowds. Organizers say the lower turnout was expected after 2024’s 30th anniversary milestone. Several outside factors may have kept fans away this year.
Economic pressures like inflation and rising travel costs impacted how many people could attend. The July 4th weekend also played a role, with many choosing to stay closer to home due to cost or competing events. Despite this, the festival still drew thousands to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and Caesars Superdome.
Many potential attendees skipped this year due to financial strain. Concert tickets started at $82, and when you add travel, food, and lodging, the price gets steep. Inflation has made vacation spending harder for many in 2025.
Holiday weekends once meant big travel numbers, but trends have shifted. Fewer people traveled for large events this July 4th. Some attendees noted that the festival vibe wasn’t the same as past years, with a more laid-back feel overall.
Social media lit up with reactions to Essence Festival 2025. Some fans on X said the crowds were smaller and the energy was lower. Others pointed out missing vendors and fewer community-focused activities that made past festivals special.
“This year’s Essence Fest just doesn’t hit the same. Too many empty spaces, not enough soul.”
There were also comments about how the artist lineup shifted. While stars like Maxwell, Nas, and Boyz II Men performed, younger acts like GloRilla and Megan Thee Stallion took center stage, changing the vibe for longtime fans.
Despite the dip in numbers, Essence Festival 2025 still had major highlights. Master P gave his final performance, drawing big applause from his hometown crowd. Free daytime events stayed popular, including workshops, panels, and the Beauty Carnival.
Organizers stressed the festival’s $200 million+ economic impact for New Orleans. They described the weekend as a “party with a purpose” that still uplifted Black culture and supported local businesses.
Some Vendors Say Festival Fell Short Behind the Scenes
Several vendors took to X to express frustration about poor logistics and last-minute changes. Some said they were left out of key festival spaces, limiting their sales and exposure. Others said the Pipeline Initiative didn’t meet expectations, Fox 8 is reporting.
“We showed up ready, but our booth got moved twice and foot traffic was weak. Essence needs to do better.”
While official numbers weren’t shared, hotel occupancy was down from 91% in 2024 to 83% in 2025. Local business owners still appreciated the boost during a slower season.
The Essence Festival is more than just music—it’s a celebration of Black culture, beauty, business, and empowerment. Since 1995, it’s grown into one of the largest cultural events in the country.
Each year, it draws celebrities, entrepreneurs, and fans from around the world. With major panels, wellness expos, fashion showcases, and powerful performances, Essence Fest remains a pillar in Black culture despite yearly changes.
The hashtag #EssenceFest continued to trend throughout the weekend, filled with fan videos, celebrity sightings, and behind-the-scenes looks. Media coverage highlighted both the star power and some of the concerns from fans and vendors.
Essence.com and the E360 app offered updates and schedules for attendees. Whether they loved or disliked this year’s changes, thousands engaged with the festival in-person and online.
Even with fewer people, Essence Festival 2025 proved its staying power. It’s a space where Black culture is honored, where legends meet rising stars, and where community is always at the center.
As organizers adjust for future years, fans are hoping for a return to the soulful, community-driven vibe that made Essence Fest legendary. Still, 2025 delivered major moments that reminded everyone why this festival matters so much.
McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme Partnership is Over
*In case you like a Krispy Kreme doughnut with your McDonald’s breakfast meal, enjoy it while you can.
The partnership between the fast-food giant and the popular doughnut rand is coming to an end after only a few months, according to NBC News. In a joint statement released June 24, the news was made official, concluding an ambitious plot to sell Krispy Kreme treats in all U.S.-based McDonald’s locations by the end of 2026.
Headlines from the companies’ alliance came in March 2024, when they announced the collaboration. A little more than six months later, the effort was underway. Despite its money-making intentions, expectations of a successful effort failed to ignite interest and sales. So much so that Krispy Kreme put everything on hold last month, citing a need to boost sales.
Noting the defeat in a joint release, Krispy Kreme CEO Josh Charlesworth admitted the partnership was an “unsustainable” venture.
“Ultimately, efforts to bring our costs in line with unit demand were unsuccessful, making the partnership unsustainable for us,” he said.
For McDonald’s, the end of its Krispy Kreme union was a shrugging off point, despite its happiness with the pairing. The company revealed Krispy Kreme edibles were sold in only about 2,400 of McDonald’s approximately 13,500 U.S. stores as of March 30. A “small” part of its big breakfast business, to hear Mickey Ds tell it.
When it’s all said and done, the final day the Golden Arches will stop selling Krispy Kreme doughnuts will fall July 2.
The end of the venture comes as the companies struggle to win back food lovers amid troubling times.
McDonald’s value offerings have been unsuccessful with inflation maintaining its grip on low- and middle-income consumers. On the other side, Krispy Kreme is not doing any better with millions of dollars in losses.
In terms of stock, McDonald’s stock is down slightly so far in 2025. Krispy Kreme? Its stock fell more than 73%.
The partnership between the fast-food giant and the popular doughnut rand is coming to an end after only a few months, according to NBC News. In a joint statement released June 24, the news was made official, concluding an ambitious plot to sell Krispy Kreme treats in all U.S.-based McDonald’s locations by the end of 2026.
Headlines from the companies’ alliance came in March 2024, when they announced the collaboration. A little more than six months later, the effort was underway. Despite its money-making intentions, expectations of a successful effort failed to ignite interest and sales. So much so that Krispy Kreme put everything on hold last month, citing a need to boost sales.
Noting the defeat in a joint release, Krispy Kreme CEO Josh Charlesworth admitted the partnership was an “unsustainable” venture.
“Ultimately, efforts to bring our costs in line with unit demand were unsuccessful, making the partnership unsustainable for us,” he said.
For McDonald’s, the end of its Krispy Kreme union was a shrugging off point, despite its happiness with the pairing. The company revealed Krispy Kreme edibles were sold in only about 2,400 of McDonald’s approximately 13,500 U.S. stores as of March 30. A “small” part of its big breakfast business, to hear Mickey Ds tell it.
When it’s all said and done, the final day the Golden Arches will stop selling Krispy Kreme doughnuts will fall July 2.
The end of the venture comes as the companies struggle to win back food lovers amid troubling times.
McDonald’s value offerings have been unsuccessful with inflation maintaining its grip on low- and middle-income consumers. On the other side, Krispy Kreme is not doing any better with millions of dollars in losses.
In terms of stock, McDonald’s stock is down slightly so far in 2025. Krispy Kreme? Its stock fell more than 73%.
No negotiations on Sunday as Philly workers strike continues
Talks between District Council 33 and Philadelphia leaders did not take place on Sunday as trash continues to pile up. Residents say they are fed up and concerned about the garbage being left in their neighborhoods.
Talks between District Council 33 and Philadelphia leaders did not take place on Sunday as trash continues to pile up. Residents say they are fed up and concerned about the garbage being left in their neighborhoods.
AFSCME District Council 33 is on strike, impacting many of the city's services, including 911 dispatch, trash removal, water and more.
The strike went into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, after the union and the city failed to reach an agreement on a new contract.
The strike went into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, after the union and the city failed to reach an agreement on a new contract.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker explained that trash pickup at the curb will not happen in the city during the strike. City officials shared a map and locations for collection centers where residents can bring their trash during the strike. Trash has piled up throughout the city since the strike began.
AFSCME District Council 33 represents around 9,000 workers employed in city functions such as sanitation, the water department, police dispatch, street maintenance and at the airport. Union and city leaders met on Saturday, July 5, but no agreement has been reached so far.
The AFSCME District Council 33 strike entered its sixth day on Sunday after union leaders met with Philadelphia city officials to continue negotiating a contract on Saturday. However, no talks were held on Sunday.
R.I.P. Young Nobel
Sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ Hip Hop ... Noble -- born Rufus Lee Cooper III -- died in Atlanta Friday morning.
Our sources say he died from a gunshot wound that appears self-inflicted at this time. We've reached out to local authorities for more information.
Noble got his big break in hip hop after joining the Outlawz rap group in early 1996 ... becoming the last member of the group personally added by 2Pac.
Luther Campbell Issues Stern Warning Following Diddy’s Mann Act Conviction
Following the recent conviction of Bad Boy Entertainment CEO Sean “Diddy” Combs on two counts of the Mann Act, 2 Live Crew founder Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell has issued a stark warning to men about the legal risks associated with flying women across state lines.
Campbell took to social media to share his cautionary advice, directly referencing the implications of the Mann Act, a federal statute that prohibits the interstate or foreign transportation of an individual for illegal sexual activity or any immoral purpose.
In his pointed Instagram caption, Campbell wrote: “Flying females in for the weekend is a federal offense.”
Campbell’s timely warning shows the serious legal consequences that can arise from such actions, urging men to be acutely aware of federal laws, particularly in the wake of high-profile cases like Combs’. The Mann Act, enacted in 1910, has seen its interpretation evolve over time but remains a significant legal tool against various forms of human trafficking and exploitation. Campbell’s message serves as a direct reminder of its potential application to seemingly casual arrangements.
Thoughts?
Following the recent conviction of Bad Boy Entertainment CEO Sean “Diddy” Combs on two counts of the Mann Act, 2 Live Crew founder Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell has issued a stark warning to men about the legal risks associated with flying women across state lines.
Campbell took to social media to share his cautionary advice, directly referencing the implications of the Mann Act, a federal statute that prohibits the interstate or foreign transportation of an individual for illegal sexual activity or any immoral purpose.
In his pointed Instagram caption, Campbell wrote: “Flying females in for the weekend is a federal offense.”
Campbell’s timely warning shows the serious legal consequences that can arise from such actions, urging men to be acutely aware of federal laws, particularly in the wake of high-profile cases like Combs’. The Mann Act, enacted in 1910, has seen its interpretation evolve over time but remains a significant legal tool against various forms of human trafficking and exploitation. Campbell’s message serves as a direct reminder of its potential application to seemingly casual arrangements.
Thoughts?
Tia and Tamera Mowry Celebrate 47th Birthday With Sweet Posts to One Another
Tia and Tamera Mowry marked their 47th birthday by sharing heartfelt tributes to each other on social media.
On Sunday, the Mowry sisters celebrated their next journey around the sun with respective posts honoring each other. Tia posted a joyful Instagram carousel featuring herself, Tamera, and their brothers Tahj and Tavior, with a caption that read, "And just like that we are 47."
Tamera followed Tia's post with a touching message to her sister, alongside collages and throwback photos from their childhood and careers.
"Happy 47th birthday to my twin, Tia! It's crazy to think we've been doing life together for 47 years," she wrote. "From the silly moments to the tough ones, you've always had this determination to keep going and growing — no matter what life throws your way. I love you more than words can say. Here's to us, to sisterhood, and spending our birthday today! Together."
The emotional exchange between the Mowry sisters occurs after a period of distance between them. In her 2024 WeTV docuseries, Tia Mowry: My Next Act, Tia revealed how her divorce and evolving family dynamic led her to want to be close to Tamera once again.
"It's times like this when I feel and wish that my sister and I were still close and I could pick up the phone and call her," Tia admitted in a preview for the show. "But that's just not where we are right now."
Signs of their reconciliation surfaced later that year as Tamera revealed there's no beef with Tia since she was invited to a family Christmas celebration, saying, "Every Christmas, we invite our entire family. This year my sister's invited, my brothers, my mom, my dad, pretty much everybody in the family."
On Sunday, the Mowry sisters celebrated their next journey around the sun with respective posts honoring each other. Tia posted a joyful Instagram carousel featuring herself, Tamera, and their brothers Tahj and Tavior, with a caption that read, "And just like that we are 47."
Tamera followed Tia's post with a touching message to her sister, alongside collages and throwback photos from their childhood and careers.
"Happy 47th birthday to my twin, Tia! It's crazy to think we've been doing life together for 47 years," she wrote. "From the silly moments to the tough ones, you've always had this determination to keep going and growing — no matter what life throws your way. I love you more than words can say. Here's to us, to sisterhood, and spending our birthday today! Together."
The emotional exchange between the Mowry sisters occurs after a period of distance between them. In her 2024 WeTV docuseries, Tia Mowry: My Next Act, Tia revealed how her divorce and evolving family dynamic led her to want to be close to Tamera once again.
"It's times like this when I feel and wish that my sister and I were still close and I could pick up the phone and call her," Tia admitted in a preview for the show. "But that's just not where we are right now."
Signs of their reconciliation surfaced later that year as Tamera revealed there's no beef with Tia since she was invited to a family Christmas celebration, saying, "Every Christmas, we invite our entire family. This year my sister's invited, my brothers, my mom, my dad, pretty much everybody in the family."
Craig Robinson Announces He's Quitting Comedy: 'It's Been an Amazing Run'
Craig Robinson is done with comedy.The comedian took to Instagram at the end of June to announce that he’s retiring from comedy to focus on starting a small business.
“Just want you to hear it from me. I am quitting comedy, but not for nothing,” said Robinson in the video. “It’s been an amazing run, and y’all been amazing and wonderful. But I’m following something bigger. So, you know, thank you so much. I love you, and stay tuned.”
Though Robinson didn’t detail what his “something bigger” is, he asked for advice about starting a small business in a separate post.
“Turns out having a dream and building a business with your friends are two VERY different things,” said Robinson. “I can’t go into detail just yet, but for real though any help would be huge. Big shoutout to all my small business owners. Hey, you guys got any advice for me while I’m trying to get my business afloat?”
Robinson began his comedy career at Illinois State University as a student. After performing at open-mic sessions in locations like New York and Los Angeles, and winning regional comedy competitions, he began performing on Jimmy Kimmel Live and other late-night TV shows.
His comedic chops would lead to him appearing in shows like The Office, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Reno 911! as well as in movies like Pineapple Express, Knocked Up, and Hot Tub Time Machine.
In a 2023 interview with Shondaland, Robinson revealed why he got into comedy in the first place
“At a very early age, there was something magical about that attention of entertaining, so I was always silly in school and stuff,” he explained. “I think when I got to college is when I got serious about comedy and trying to figure out how people stand on stage and hypnotize somebody.”
If you want to catch Robinson’s comedy live before he’s finished, you’re in luck. According to StubHub, he has dozens of stand-up shows booked at comedy clubs around the United States through November.
Craig Robinson is done with comedy.The comedian took to Instagram at the end of June to announce that he’s retiring from comedy to focus on starting a small business.
“Just want you to hear it from me. I am quitting comedy, but not for nothing,” said Robinson in the video. “It’s been an amazing run, and y’all been amazing and wonderful. But I’m following something bigger. So, you know, thank you so much. I love you, and stay tuned.”
Though Robinson didn’t detail what his “something bigger” is, he asked for advice about starting a small business in a separate post.
“Turns out having a dream and building a business with your friends are two VERY different things,” said Robinson. “I can’t go into detail just yet, but for real though any help would be huge. Big shoutout to all my small business owners. Hey, you guys got any advice for me while I’m trying to get my business afloat?”
Robinson began his comedy career at Illinois State University as a student. After performing at open-mic sessions in locations like New York and Los Angeles, and winning regional comedy competitions, he began performing on Jimmy Kimmel Live and other late-night TV shows.
His comedic chops would lead to him appearing in shows like The Office, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Reno 911! as well as in movies like Pineapple Express, Knocked Up, and Hot Tub Time Machine.
In a 2023 interview with Shondaland, Robinson revealed why he got into comedy in the first place
“At a very early age, there was something magical about that attention of entertaining, so I was always silly in school and stuff,” he explained. “I think when I got to college is when I got serious about comedy and trying to figure out how people stand on stage and hypnotize somebody.”
If you want to catch Robinson’s comedy live before he’s finished, you’re in luck. According to StubHub, he has dozens of stand-up shows booked at comedy clubs around the United States through November.
Selena’s Family Didn’t Want a Biopic But Feared Hollywood Would Twist Her Story, Sister Claims
Selena’s family didn’t set out to make a movie. They were allegedly pushed into it.
Suzette Quintanilla, sister of the late Tejano icon, says the 1997 biopic wasn’t a passion project. It was a defensive move. While on the “On That Note” podcast with Boyz II Men’s Shawn Stockman, Suzette revealed how the family was pressured into telling Selena’s story before Hollywood ran away with it.
“We were forced to make the movie,” she explained. “Literally months after she died, our lawyers got word that Hollywood was already going to start making a movie, and if you don’t have control over your own, it’s going to be whatever they want to put in it.”
Still grieving from Selena’s tragic 1995 murder, her family wasn’t ready.
“It wasn’t something that was on our radar at all; it was way too soon to be honest with you. It came out literally two years after she died, and there was criticism over that,” Suzette declared.
Some accused the family of chasing profits, but Suzette stands firm.
“My father had to make the decision to move forward and say, ‘We’re doing this movie,’” she added.
And it paid off at the box office. “Selena,” starring Jennifer Lopez, became a hit, landing the actress a Golden Globe nomination, and earned a spot in the National Film Registry.
Suzette Quintanilla, sister of the late Tejano icon, says the 1997 biopic wasn’t a passion project. It was a defensive move. While on the “On That Note” podcast with Boyz II Men’s Shawn Stockman, Suzette revealed how the family was pressured into telling Selena’s story before Hollywood ran away with it.
“We were forced to make the movie,” she explained. “Literally months after she died, our lawyers got word that Hollywood was already going to start making a movie, and if you don’t have control over your own, it’s going to be whatever they want to put in it.”
Still grieving from Selena’s tragic 1995 murder, her family wasn’t ready.
“It wasn’t something that was on our radar at all; it was way too soon to be honest with you. It came out literally two years after she died, and there was criticism over that,” Suzette declared.
Some accused the family of chasing profits, but Suzette stands firm.
“My father had to make the decision to move forward and say, ‘We’re doing this movie,’” she added.
And it paid off at the box office. “Selena,” starring Jennifer Lopez, became a hit, landing the actress a Golden Globe nomination, and earned a spot in the National Film Registry.
The Air Jordan 8 “Aqua” Is Back
An iconic retro Air Jordan is making its grand return, and fans are rejoicing.
The legendary Air Jordan 8 “Aqua” is officially back, and Nike just dropped the first look. Originally released in 1993, this vibrant sneaker has remained one of the most recognizable in the Jordan lineup.
Known for its bold mix of black nubuck, aqua blue, and purple, the “Aqua” 8s instantly turned heads just like MJ did every time he stepped on the court. “The bold color blocking and premium materials mirror the original 1993 release,” and everything about this retro feels right.
Michael Jordan famously wore them during the 1993 NBA All-Star Game, dropping 30 points in a standout performance. Since then, these kicks have held cult status. “All the key details are intact for this anticipated return.” That includes the signature criss-cross straps, chenille tongue patch, and that colorful midsole graphic that wraps around the sculpted silhouette.
The build features black nubuck uppers with grey suede overlays, a splash of teal on the outsole, and heel pull tabs with perforated panels. A visible Air unit at the heel adds comfort, while retro branding on the strap and lining completes the classic look.
Whether you’re a longtime fan chasing nostalgia or a new collector looking for a piece of sneaker history, this drop is one to watch. According to Sneaker Bar Detroit, the Air Jordan 8 “Aqua” will release on July 19th, 2025, retailing at $215.
An iconic retro Air Jordan is making its grand return, and fans are rejoicing.
The legendary Air Jordan 8 “Aqua” is officially back, and Nike just dropped the first look. Originally released in 1993, this vibrant sneaker has remained one of the most recognizable in the Jordan lineup.
Known for its bold mix of black nubuck, aqua blue, and purple, the “Aqua” 8s instantly turned heads just like MJ did every time he stepped on the court. “The bold color blocking and premium materials mirror the original 1993 release,” and everything about this retro feels right.
Michael Jordan famously wore them during the 1993 NBA All-Star Game, dropping 30 points in a standout performance. Since then, these kicks have held cult status. “All the key details are intact for this anticipated return.” That includes the signature criss-cross straps, chenille tongue patch, and that colorful midsole graphic that wraps around the sculpted silhouette.
The build features black nubuck uppers with grey suede overlays, a splash of teal on the outsole, and heel pull tabs with perforated panels. A visible Air unit at the heel adds comfort, while retro branding on the strap and lining completes the classic look.
Whether you’re a longtime fan chasing nostalgia or a new collector looking for a piece of sneaker history, this drop is one to watch. According to Sneaker Bar Detroit, the Air Jordan 8 “Aqua” will release on July 19th, 2025, retailing at $215.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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