#MAGFAB: Mariah Carey for Harper's Bazaar UK September 2025!
Well she's back Mariah Carey is gracing the cover of Harpers Bazaar UK for September.
Cute pics. The article for MiMi is HERE!
#RHOA: Peter Thomas of Bar One Baltimore and ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ reports to federal prison
Peter Thomas, a former reality TV star who appeared on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” and used to own a restaurant in Baltimore, has reported to federal prison to start serving an 18-month sentence for a tax crime.
Thomas, 64, now of Miami, pleaded guilty in 2024 in U.S. District Court in Charlotte, North Carolina, to one count of failure to pay over trust fund taxes. He must also spend two years on supervised release.
Between 2017 and 2023, Thomas owned several businesses, including Bar One Baltimore on Lancaster Street in Harbor East, and failed to pay more than $2.5 million in employment taxes — including more than $1.7 million that was taken out of the paychecks of his employees.
Thomas withdrew $2.5 million, used $370,000 for travel and real estate, and spent more than $250,000 on purchases at places including Neiman Marcus, Prada and Louis Vuitton, federal prosecutors reported.
In an email, Donald Murphy, a spokesperson for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, said Thomas is now in custody at the Federal Correctional Institution, Miami.
His release date is listed online as unknown.
Following his sentencing, Thomas requested and received permission to travel to Tampa, Florida, to appear at an event.
A flyer for the event featured flowers and butterflies and advertised, “Come party with Peter Thomas formerly on HOA.”
In a post on May 21 on Instagram, Thomas shared a photo of a sign pointing out the direction of the Federal Correctional Institution, Miami, and in part wrote, “The first thing I must say to all new business owner, please pay that withholding tax, you do not want to be in the position that I am right now, THE LAW IS THE LAW.”
But Thomas later recorded videos in which he sounded less than contrite.
In one video on May 28, Thomas claimed that he had it “all worked out for me to make payments.”
“As beautiful and Black and as chocolate I am, I don’t have what’s called white privilege,” Thomas said. “There’s several people that I see that tens of millions of dollars that got pardoned for the same crime, OK? But they all supporters of what he believes in: the ideology of Donald Trump.”
He said he’s not one of those people. Thomas added that he has a “sexy-ass white beard.” “But,” he said, “I’m not white.”
Thomas, 64, now of Miami, pleaded guilty in 2024 in U.S. District Court in Charlotte, North Carolina, to one count of failure to pay over trust fund taxes. He must also spend two years on supervised release.
Between 2017 and 2023, Thomas owned several businesses, including Bar One Baltimore on Lancaster Street in Harbor East, and failed to pay more than $2.5 million in employment taxes — including more than $1.7 million that was taken out of the paychecks of his employees.
Thomas withdrew $2.5 million, used $370,000 for travel and real estate, and spent more than $250,000 on purchases at places including Neiman Marcus, Prada and Louis Vuitton, federal prosecutors reported.
In an email, Donald Murphy, a spokesperson for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, said Thomas is now in custody at the Federal Correctional Institution, Miami.
His release date is listed online as unknown.
Following his sentencing, Thomas requested and received permission to travel to Tampa, Florida, to appear at an event.
A flyer for the event featured flowers and butterflies and advertised, “Come party with Peter Thomas formerly on HOA.”
In a post on May 21 on Instagram, Thomas shared a photo of a sign pointing out the direction of the Federal Correctional Institution, Miami, and in part wrote, “The first thing I must say to all new business owner, please pay that withholding tax, you do not want to be in the position that I am right now, THE LAW IS THE LAW.”
But Thomas later recorded videos in which he sounded less than contrite.
In one video on May 28, Thomas claimed that he had it “all worked out for me to make payments.”
“As beautiful and Black and as chocolate I am, I don’t have what’s called white privilege,” Thomas said. “There’s several people that I see that tens of millions of dollars that got pardoned for the same crime, OK? But they all supporters of what he believes in: the ideology of Donald Trump.”
He said he’s not one of those people. Thomas added that he has a “sexy-ass white beard.” “But,” he said, “I’m not white.”
#NewMusic from Ciara “This Right Here” Featuring Latto & Produced by Jazza Pha
R&B superstar Ciara joins forces with Hip-Hop sensation Latto for the new Jazza Pha produced single “This Right Here”.
The track is released via Ciara’s own record label, Beauty Marks Entertainment, which she has run independently since 2017.
”This Right Here” was released on Atlanta’s Official Ciara Day, which was first declared on July 28th last year during her performance at State Farm Arena.
More than just a song, it’s a tribute to the city that shaped them, and celebrates the lasting impact of Atlanta’s Black female artistry on the culture at large. Ciara adds about the song:
“‘This Right Here,’ is the type of collaboration I always dreamt of! Being together with my hometown friends on this record means so much to me! Also knowing the amazing history that Jazze Pha and I have had together makes this moment, extra special. I want to thank Latto for bringing her infectious ATL girl energy to this record! ‘This Right Here’ is one of my favorite tracks on the album and I’m so excited that my fans will get to hear this record as today is Ciara Day in Atlanta and we are getting close to kicking off the month of my album release!”
R&B superstar Ciara joins forces with Hip-Hop sensation Latto for the new Jazza Pha produced single “This Right Here”.
The track is released via Ciara’s own record label, Beauty Marks Entertainment, which she has run independently since 2017.
”This Right Here” was released on Atlanta’s Official Ciara Day, which was first declared on July 28th last year during her performance at State Farm Arena.
More than just a song, it’s a tribute to the city that shaped them, and celebrates the lasting impact of Atlanta’s Black female artistry on the culture at large. Ciara adds about the song:
“‘This Right Here,’ is the type of collaboration I always dreamt of! Being together with my hometown friends on this record means so much to me! Also knowing the amazing history that Jazze Pha and I have had together makes this moment, extra special. I want to thank Latto for bringing her infectious ATL girl energy to this record! ‘This Right Here’ is one of my favorite tracks on the album and I’m so excited that my fans will get to hear this record as today is Ciara Day in Atlanta and we are getting close to kicking off the month of my album release!”
LISTEN HERE:
The song is expected to be included on her upcoming album “CiCi”, set for release on August 22nd. This will be Ciara’s first studio album in six years
#HipHopNews: Chance The Rapper Ends 6-Year Drought With Upcoming Album “Star Line”
Chance the Rapper is getting ready to drop his first album in six years, and fans are beyond ready.
The new album is called “Star Line” and it’s coming out on August 15. Chance announced it on July 31 and showed off the cover art, which was made by Brandon Breaux. Breaux is the same artist who designed the covers for Chance’s earlier projects like “10 Day“, “Acid Rap“, and “Coloring Book“. The new artwork has an outdoor, mysterious vibe and shows that the two are still working closely together.
Chano’s last album, The Big Day, came out in 2019, and a lot of fans didn’t like it. They were upset that it didn’t sound like his earlier work. After the huge success of Coloring Book, which won a Grammy and had a big impact in Hip-Hop, The Big Day felt like a letdown. It focused a lot on Chance’s wedding and had a different sound that didn’t connect with many listeners.
Now, fans are hoping Star Line brings the Chicago rapper back to the style that made them love him in the first place, especially the sound from Acid Rap. That 2013 mixtape is one of his most popular projects. Songs like “Juice” and “Cocoa Butter Kisses” showed off his fun, emotional, and creative side.
Acid Rap helped Chance make a name for himself in the Hip-Hop world, and it’s still a fan favorite. With Star Line on the way, many are hoping it brings back that classic Chance energy and reminds people why they fell in love with his music in the first place.
The new album is called “Star Line” and it’s coming out on August 15. Chance announced it on July 31 and showed off the cover art, which was made by Brandon Breaux. Breaux is the same artist who designed the covers for Chance’s earlier projects like “10 Day“, “Acid Rap“, and “Coloring Book“. The new artwork has an outdoor, mysterious vibe and shows that the two are still working closely together.
Chano’s last album, The Big Day, came out in 2019, and a lot of fans didn’t like it. They were upset that it didn’t sound like his earlier work. After the huge success of Coloring Book, which won a Grammy and had a big impact in Hip-Hop, The Big Day felt like a letdown. It focused a lot on Chance’s wedding and had a different sound that didn’t connect with many listeners.
Now, fans are hoping Star Line brings the Chicago rapper back to the style that made them love him in the first place, especially the sound from Acid Rap. That 2013 mixtape is one of his most popular projects. Songs like “Juice” and “Cocoa Butter Kisses” showed off his fun, emotional, and creative side.
Acid Rap helped Chance make a name for himself in the Hip-Hop world, and it’s still a fan favorite. With Star Line on the way, many are hoping it brings back that classic Chance energy and reminds people why they fell in love with his music in the first place.
Earthquake Rattles Northern New Jersey And New York City, USGS Says
The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed an earthquake shook northern New Jersey Saturday night.
The 3.0 quake was centered at Hasbrouck Heights, in Bergen County, the USGS said, putting the time at 10:18 p.m.
Residents of Jersey City, Bergen, Morris, Essex counties and New York City took to social media on Saturday night to report they felt shaking.
"What was that that just shook the house in jersey city?" wrote a woman on X. "I'm on facetime with family and they felt it in Harrison and EO too...was it an earthquake?....wtf?"
Residents of New York City reported that they heard a boom, and in Westchester County, residents said they thought it was a train or a truck. It was also felt in western Connecticut.
There have been no reports of injury or damage thus far.
"A 3.0 magnitude earthquake was recorded in the Hasbrouck Heights area," wrote Bergen County Sheriff Anthony Cureton on social media just before 11 p.m. "Please do not be alarmed — there are currently no reports of damage or injuries.We’ll share updates as more information becomes available."
The county's Office of Emergency Management wrote minutes later, "Please be advised the USGS is reporting [an] earthquake has taken place with the epicenter being Hasbrouck Heights. Emergency services are aware of the event, please only call 9-1-1 in emergency situations."
Bergen County was also shaken by an earthquake back on Jan. 24. That one registered as 2.4. READ MORE: Earthquake Shakes Bergen County
The USGS later wrote, "The [earthquake] occurred as a result of faulting at shallow depths in the crust. Although this event did not occur near a plate boundary, such 'intraplate' earthquakes can and do occur. While this earthquake is relatively small globally, earthquakes of this magnitude are commonly widely felt in the eastern United States because of efficient seismic wave propagation in the region.
"Earthquakes in the eastern US are infrequent but not unexpected. In April 2024, a magnitude 4.8 earthquake occurred near Tewksbury, New Jersey, approximately 60 km WSW of the August [2], 2025 earthquake. ... The August [2], 2025 earthquake is not an aftershock of the April 2024 earthquake given the distance between the two earthquakes; however, felt aftershocks of the April 2024 earthquake do continue to occur
"Since 1950, 43 other earthquakes of magnitude 3 and larger have occurred within 250 km of today’s earthquake. In that time range, the April 5, 2024, Tewksbury, New Jersey earthquake was the largest. The August [2]2025, earthquake occurred in a region where faults have been previously identified and may be reactivated at any time."
This is a developing story.
The 3.0 quake was centered at Hasbrouck Heights, in Bergen County, the USGS said, putting the time at 10:18 p.m.
Residents of Jersey City, Bergen, Morris, Essex counties and New York City took to social media on Saturday night to report they felt shaking.
"What was that that just shook the house in jersey city?" wrote a woman on X. "I'm on facetime with family and they felt it in Harrison and EO too...was it an earthquake?....wtf?"
Residents of New York City reported that they heard a boom, and in Westchester County, residents said they thought it was a train or a truck. It was also felt in western Connecticut.
There have been no reports of injury or damage thus far.
"A 3.0 magnitude earthquake was recorded in the Hasbrouck Heights area," wrote Bergen County Sheriff Anthony Cureton on social media just before 11 p.m. "Please do not be alarmed — there are currently no reports of damage or injuries.We’ll share updates as more information becomes available."
The county's Office of Emergency Management wrote minutes later, "Please be advised the USGS is reporting [an] earthquake has taken place with the epicenter being Hasbrouck Heights. Emergency services are aware of the event, please only call 9-1-1 in emergency situations."
Bergen County was also shaken by an earthquake back on Jan. 24. That one registered as 2.4. READ MORE: Earthquake Shakes Bergen County
The USGS later wrote, "The [earthquake] occurred as a result of faulting at shallow depths in the crust. Although this event did not occur near a plate boundary, such 'intraplate' earthquakes can and do occur. While this earthquake is relatively small globally, earthquakes of this magnitude are commonly widely felt in the eastern United States because of efficient seismic wave propagation in the region.
"Earthquakes in the eastern US are infrequent but not unexpected. In April 2024, a magnitude 4.8 earthquake occurred near Tewksbury, New Jersey, approximately 60 km WSW of the August [2], 2025 earthquake. ... The August [2], 2025 earthquake is not an aftershock of the April 2024 earthquake given the distance between the two earthquakes; however, felt aftershocks of the April 2024 earthquake do continue to occur
"Since 1950, 43 other earthquakes of magnitude 3 and larger have occurred within 250 km of today’s earthquake. In that time range, the April 5, 2024, Tewksbury, New Jersey earthquake was the largest. The August [2]2025, earthquake occurred in a region where faults have been previously identified and may be reactivated at any time."
This is a developing story.
#RIP: Hitman Howie Tee, Pioneering Hip-Hop Producer Behind Special Ed & Chubb Rock, Dies
Hitman Howie Tee, the Brooklyn-raised producer behind “I Got It Made” and “Treat ’Em Right,” has died, leaving behind a legacy of beats that defined Hip-Hop’s golden era.
Brooklyn’s own Hitman Howie Tee helped define the sound of late ’80s and early ’90s Hip-Hop, has died. The cause of death has not been revealed at the time of this writing
Born Howard Thompson in London, he was raised in East Flatbush, Brooklyn. Howie Tee was 61.
Questlove of The Roots sang Howie Tee’s praises.
“I feel like Howie was such an unsung MONSTER of a producer during hip hip’s early development——I know De La was a life changing moment for us but Howie was a cat who definitely crossed the aisle when it came to unusual music: I mean for Special Ed he put The Beatles & Ripple in the same box I was mind blown. Not to mention all those little cartoon & showtunes interstitials on “Bang Zoom” & “Buggin”
Mixing in tv themes & Mel Blanc & showtunes showing Pop ear candy over the hardest beats.
Truly an unsung hero.”
Hitman Howie Tee made his mark as one of Hip-Hop’s most versatile, influential and low-key sonic architects. He was a master of beats and a king of turntablism.
Furthermore, Howie Tee crafted hits that helped launch the careers of artists like Special Ed, Chubb Rock, The Real Roxanne, and U.T.F.O. He shaped a generation of Hip-Hop fans, artists and producers.
In the early 1980s, Howie Tee emerged as a member of electro-rap group CDIII, which dropped a pair of singles on Prelude Records. He soon shifted gears to another bubbling rap act out of BK.
A production partnership with U.T.F.O.’s Kangol Kid pushed him into true prominence. Together, they introduced the world to Whistle, a trio whose 1985 single “(Nothing Serious) Just Buggin’” became a global b-boy anthem.
Soon there after, Howie Tee became the in-house producer at Select Records. It was there that he created his most recognizable songs – Special Ed’s breakout single “I Got It Made” and Chubb Rock’s dance hit “Treat ‘Em Right.”
Both tracks climbed the charts and proved Howie Tee could balance the streets with commercial appeal.
By 1991, Howie Tee struck platinum pop success. He co-produced the Billboard Hot 100-topping “I Wanna Sex You Up” by Color Me Badd.
The record’s style helped set the tone for early ’90s R&B / Hip-Hop fusion. He would later produce or remix tracks for artists like Madonna, Heavy D, M### Priest and Little Shawn, among others.
Howie Tee also served as a mentor, helping shape the next wave of Hip-Hop creators. Most notably, he guided a young Spencer Bellamy, who later found cult fame under the moniker East Flatbush Project with the underground smash “Tried by 12.”
Though often overlooked by mainstream media, Howie Tee’s fingerprints are all over the golden age of Hip-Hop. His sample-driven, funk-rooted beats were the backdrop to some of the culture’s most formative records.
At the time of publication, details surrounding his death have not been publicly disclosed.
Brooklyn’s own Hitman Howie Tee helped define the sound of late ’80s and early ’90s Hip-Hop, has died. The cause of death has not been revealed at the time of this writing
Born Howard Thompson in London, he was raised in East Flatbush, Brooklyn. Howie Tee was 61.
Questlove of The Roots sang Howie Tee’s praises.
“I feel like Howie was such an unsung MONSTER of a producer during hip hip’s early development——I know De La was a life changing moment for us but Howie was a cat who definitely crossed the aisle when it came to unusual music: I mean for Special Ed he put The Beatles & Ripple in the same box I was mind blown. Not to mention all those little cartoon & showtunes interstitials on “Bang Zoom” & “Buggin”
Mixing in tv themes & Mel Blanc & showtunes showing Pop ear candy over the hardest beats.
Truly an unsung hero.”
Hitman Howie Tee made his mark as one of Hip-Hop’s most versatile, influential and low-key sonic architects. He was a master of beats and a king of turntablism.
Furthermore, Howie Tee crafted hits that helped launch the careers of artists like Special Ed, Chubb Rock, The Real Roxanne, and U.T.F.O. He shaped a generation of Hip-Hop fans, artists and producers.
In the early 1980s, Howie Tee emerged as a member of electro-rap group CDIII, which dropped a pair of singles on Prelude Records. He soon shifted gears to another bubbling rap act out of BK.
A production partnership with U.T.F.O.’s Kangol Kid pushed him into true prominence. Together, they introduced the world to Whistle, a trio whose 1985 single “(Nothing Serious) Just Buggin’” became a global b-boy anthem.
Soon there after, Howie Tee became the in-house producer at Select Records. It was there that he created his most recognizable songs – Special Ed’s breakout single “I Got It Made” and Chubb Rock’s dance hit “Treat ‘Em Right.”
Both tracks climbed the charts and proved Howie Tee could balance the streets with commercial appeal.
By 1991, Howie Tee struck platinum pop success. He co-produced the Billboard Hot 100-topping “I Wanna Sex You Up” by Color Me Badd.
The record’s style helped set the tone for early ’90s R&B / Hip-Hop fusion. He would later produce or remix tracks for artists like Madonna, Heavy D, M### Priest and Little Shawn, among others.
Howie Tee also served as a mentor, helping shape the next wave of Hip-Hop creators. Most notably, he guided a young Spencer Bellamy, who later found cult fame under the moniker East Flatbush Project with the underground smash “Tried by 12.”
Though often overlooked by mainstream media, Howie Tee’s fingerprints are all over the golden age of Hip-Hop. His sample-driven, funk-rooted beats were the backdrop to some of the culture’s most formative records.
At the time of publication, details surrounding his death have not been publicly disclosed.
Trump says he hasn’t been asked to pardon Maxwell, Santos, likely won’t pardon Diddy
President Trump said he hasn’t been asked to pardon disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein’s longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell or former Rep. Geroge Santos (R-N.Y.), adding that he likely would not give a pardon to rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs.
The president was asked about the three individuals serving prison sentences in a Newsmax interview that aired on Friday.
“They have talked to me about Sean, but they haven’t talked to me about the two,” he told host Rob Finnerty.
When asked if he would grant clemency for Maxwell — who is serving a 20-year prison sentence — in exchange for her testimony, Trump replied, “I’m allowed to do it. But nobody’s asked me to do it.”
“I know nothing about it. I don’t know anything about the case, but I know I have the right to do it,” the president continued. “I have the right to give pardons. I’ve given pardons to people before, but nobody’s even asked me to do it.”
The president has previously said he hadn’t thought about a pardon for Maxwell, who recently met with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche as the administration faces increasing pressure to release more information from the Epstein files. An attorney for the convicted sex offender also has said he hasn’t talked to Trump about a potential pardon.
The Justice Department earlier last month released a memo concluding Epstein, a convicted sex offender, died by suicide and did not keep a client list, leading to massive outrage from within the Republican Party.
Meanwhile, Trump also didn’t rule out a pardon for Santos, who surrendered for a 7-year sentence last week after pleading guilty to federal wire fraud and identity theft charges.
The president said, “He lied like hell.”
“And I didn’t know him, but he was 100 percent for Trump,” he continued, adding that “his vote was solid” when he was in Congress.
The president also said that no one has talked to him about a pardon for the former GOP lawmaker, who was expelled from the House in 2023. Santos has said he will be seeking clemency from Trump.
“You know, you could blame the other side for not checking him out,” Trump told Finnerty. “He didn’t do all those things that he said… you could say the media missed it. Everybody missed it. They found out about this stuff after the election was won.”
On if he would consider a pardon for Combs, who was acquitted last month of sex trafficking and racketeering and convicted of lesser prostitution-related offenses, Trump said Combs is “half innocent.”
He cited though that the rapper was friendly to him before his political career and then didn’t support him when he ran for president.
“I was very friendly with him. I got along with him great, and he seemed like a nice guy. I didn’t know him well. But when I ran for office, he was very hostile,” Trump told Newsmax “And it’s hard, you know? I’m like you, we’re human beings, right? And we don’t like to have things cloud our judgment, right?”
“But when you knew someone and you were fine and then you run for office and he made some terrible statements, so I don’t know, it’s more difficult,” the president added. “It makes it more — I’m being honest — it makes it more difficult to do.”
When asked if it’s more likely that he would not grant Combs clemency, Trump replied, “I would say so.”
Before the rapper was convicted, Trump said he’d “look at the facts” when pressed on a pardon for him.
President Trump said he hasn’t been asked to pardon disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein’s longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell or former Rep. Geroge Santos (R-N.Y.), adding that he likely would not give a pardon to rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs.
The president was asked about the three individuals serving prison sentences in a Newsmax interview that aired on Friday.
“They have talked to me about Sean, but they haven’t talked to me about the two,” he told host Rob Finnerty.
When asked if he would grant clemency for Maxwell — who is serving a 20-year prison sentence — in exchange for her testimony, Trump replied, “I’m allowed to do it. But nobody’s asked me to do it.”
“I know nothing about it. I don’t know anything about the case, but I know I have the right to do it,” the president continued. “I have the right to give pardons. I’ve given pardons to people before, but nobody’s even asked me to do it.”
The president has previously said he hadn’t thought about a pardon for Maxwell, who recently met with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche as the administration faces increasing pressure to release more information from the Epstein files. An attorney for the convicted sex offender also has said he hasn’t talked to Trump about a potential pardon.
The Justice Department earlier last month released a memo concluding Epstein, a convicted sex offender, died by suicide and did not keep a client list, leading to massive outrage from within the Republican Party.
Meanwhile, Trump also didn’t rule out a pardon for Santos, who surrendered for a 7-year sentence last week after pleading guilty to federal wire fraud and identity theft charges.
The president said, “He lied like hell.”
“And I didn’t know him, but he was 100 percent for Trump,” he continued, adding that “his vote was solid” when he was in Congress.
The president also said that no one has talked to him about a pardon for the former GOP lawmaker, who was expelled from the House in 2023. Santos has said he will be seeking clemency from Trump.
“You know, you could blame the other side for not checking him out,” Trump told Finnerty. “He didn’t do all those things that he said… you could say the media missed it. Everybody missed it. They found out about this stuff after the election was won.”
On if he would consider a pardon for Combs, who was acquitted last month of sex trafficking and racketeering and convicted of lesser prostitution-related offenses, Trump said Combs is “half innocent.”
He cited though that the rapper was friendly to him before his political career and then didn’t support him when he ran for president.
“I was very friendly with him. I got along with him great, and he seemed like a nice guy. I didn’t know him well. But when I ran for office, he was very hostile,” Trump told Newsmax “And it’s hard, you know? I’m like you, we’re human beings, right? And we don’t like to have things cloud our judgment, right?”
“But when you knew someone and you were fine and then you run for office and he made some terrible statements, so I don’t know, it’s more difficult,” the president added. “It makes it more — I’m being honest — it makes it more difficult to do.”
When asked if it’s more likely that he would not grant Combs clemency, Trump replied, “I would say so.”
Before the rapper was convicted, Trump said he’d “look at the facts” when pressed on a pardon for him.
Chris Brown Responds To Breezy Bowl Tour Obstructed View Issue, Vows To Make Changes
As a veteran in the music game, Chris Brown has been on the receiving end of criticism for decades, and he’s showing fans he knows how make adjustments on the fly. The acclaimed singer kicked off the North American leg of his Breezy Bowl XX Tour this week and is already vowing to make changes after hearing feedback about severely obstructed views.
Videos from the Miami show on Wednesday (July 30) began popping up on social media showing several enormous statues placed at various spots within the crowd. Fans showed their POVs, which unfortunately included massive sections that had blocked views of the main stage. The “Wall To Wall” artist and his team quickly caught wind of the issue and addressed it.
“TEAM BREEZY!! I WILL BE MAKING CERTAIN CHANGES WITH THE STATUES OBSTRUCTING SOME OF YALLS VIEW AT BREEZYBOWL, IM SEING A LOT OF YALLS TIKTOKS AND CONCERNS,” he wrote on his Instagram story today (Aug. 1).
He also reminded attendees to keep the critiques fair, adding, “Other than that, PLEASE BE HUMBLE. I go 1000000 percent for yall. So let me be clear and understanding. BECAUSE I WAS ABOUT TO TURN INTO BHRIS BROWN FOR A SEC! LOVE YALL AND CANT WAIT TO SEE ALL OF YOU.”
The Breezy Bowl Tour made its way around Europe for a majority of this summer, kicking off in Amsterdam on June 8 and hitting cities like Manchester, Dublin, London and more. He’s back in the states and started his Summer Walker and Bryson Tiller-assisted run in Florida, and is set to deliver shows in Detroit, Toronto, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and more before the finale in Las Vegas on Sept. 20.
Videos from the Miami show on Wednesday (July 30) began popping up on social media showing several enormous statues placed at various spots within the crowd. Fans showed their POVs, which unfortunately included massive sections that had blocked views of the main stage. The “Wall To Wall” artist and his team quickly caught wind of the issue and addressed it.
“TEAM BREEZY!! I WILL BE MAKING CERTAIN CHANGES WITH THE STATUES OBSTRUCTING SOME OF YALLS VIEW AT BREEZYBOWL, IM SEING A LOT OF YALLS TIKTOKS AND CONCERNS,” he wrote on his Instagram story today (Aug. 1).
He also reminded attendees to keep the critiques fair, adding, “Other than that, PLEASE BE HUMBLE. I go 1000000 percent for yall. So let me be clear and understanding. BECAUSE I WAS ABOUT TO TURN INTO BHRIS BROWN FOR A SEC! LOVE YALL AND CANT WAIT TO SEE ALL OF YOU.”
The Breezy Bowl Tour made its way around Europe for a majority of this summer, kicking off in Amsterdam on June 8 and hitting cities like Manchester, Dublin, London and more. He’s back in the states and started his Summer Walker and Bryson Tiller-assisted run in Florida, and is set to deliver shows in Detroit, Toronto, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and more before the finale in Las Vegas on Sept. 20.
Machine Gun Kelly Turned Down Potential ‘Sinners’ Role Over Script’s N-Word Requirement
Machine Gun Kelly stands on his morals even when it comes to walking away from major opportunities.
While recently visiting The Pat McAfee Show on Thursday (July 31), the caucasian rapper revealed he turned down an audition for the hit film Sinners after learning that the role required him to say the N-word.
The role, which would’ve cast him as a villain, included a line that MGK says he simply wasn’t willing to say. “Sinners… I was supposed to be in that,” he shared, reflecting on the number of films he’s had to pass on. Speaking of what the auditions were like, he added, “He says the N-word, and I just wouldn’t do it.”
In a moment of solidarity, the show’s Black co-host proudly reached over to give him a fist bump.
Sinners went on to see historic success at the box office with the Michael B. Jordan-starring film raking in a whopping $61,000,000 globally and $45,000,000 domestically upon its April 18 release.
The 1930’s cinematic masterpiece is about two slick twins, Smoke and Stack, who travel back home to the deep Mississippi Delta south to open a Juke Joint, with stolen money. As they create a space for Black folks to frolic and hear down-home Blues, descendant vampires viscously attempt to intrude and recruit as many guests they can to the immortal side.
While recently visiting The Pat McAfee Show on Thursday (July 31), the caucasian rapper revealed he turned down an audition for the hit film Sinners after learning that the role required him to say the N-word.
The role, which would’ve cast him as a villain, included a line that MGK says he simply wasn’t willing to say. “Sinners… I was supposed to be in that,” he shared, reflecting on the number of films he’s had to pass on. Speaking of what the auditions were like, he added, “He says the N-word, and I just wouldn’t do it.”
In a moment of solidarity, the show’s Black co-host proudly reached over to give him a fist bump.
Sinners went on to see historic success at the box office with the Michael B. Jordan-starring film raking in a whopping $61,000,000 globally and $45,000,000 domestically upon its April 18 release.
The 1930’s cinematic masterpiece is about two slick twins, Smoke and Stack, who travel back home to the deep Mississippi Delta south to open a Juke Joint, with stolen money. As they create a space for Black folks to frolic and hear down-home Blues, descendant vampires viscously attempt to intrude and recruit as many guests they can to the immortal side.
“The fact that it has so many elements to it. It wasn’t just one thing, you know what I mean? People [are] calling it a horror, but it’s like, no, it’s so many different genres mixed up into one,” Jordan told VIBE ahead of the film’s national debut.
“You find yourself laughing, you know what I’m saying? You find yourself crying, you’re jumping because you’re scared,” he added. “And the music element to it is amazing, especially led by this guy right here.”
Justin Timberlake puts spotlight on Lyme disease
Timberlake told fans on social media that he was diagnosed with Lyme disease.
Justin Timberlake's announcement that he was diagnosed with Lyme disease has put a spotlight on the condition that impacts nearly 500,000 people in the United States each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Timberlake shared in a July 31 post on social media that he was diagnosed with Lyme disease while on his two-year Forget Tomorrow World Tour.
"If you've experienced this disease or know someone who has -- then you're aware: living with this can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically," Timberlake wrote, adding, "When I first got the diagnosis I was shocked for sure. But, at least I could understand why I would be onstage and in a massive amount of nerve pain or, just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness."
The former *NSYNC member did not share further details of his diagnosis or treatment.
Timberlake's post about his diagnosis received hundreds of thousands of likes and comments, drawing attention to Lyme disease, a tick-borne infectious disease that, if left untreated, can affect the joints, heart and nervous system, according to the CDC.
Lyme disease, the most common vector-borne disease in the U.S., is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi.
It is transmitted to humans via tick bites and is more likely to be contracted in the late spring, summer and fall.
In most cases, the tick must be attached to the skin for at least 24 hours before the bacterium can be transmitted. According to the CDC, removing a tick within 24 hours "greatly reduces" the risk of Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is most commonly found in the Northeast and upper Midwest, in states including Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Wisconsin.
What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?
Symptoms of Lyme disease appear as soon as three days after the tick bite and include fever, headache and fatigue.
Another symptom of Lyme disease that can occur is a so-called "bull's-eye rash" that has red coloring and a red dot at the center of the rash, according to ABC News' chief medical officer Dr. Tara Narula. However it is not present in all cases and does not always appear as a bull's-eye -- sometimes it's just an expanding red rash.
Narula noted that a second stage of symptoms of Lyme disease can occur weeks to months after infection and may include issues such as cardiac inflammation, heart rhythm issues, neurological problems and meningitis.
A third stage of tick bite symptoms can occur months to years after a tick bite and include arthritis in large joints like the knee, as well as nervous system changes.
People who are outdoors in areas that may have ticks should also conduct a full body check when they return, including checking under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, behind the knees, in and around the hair, between the legs and around the waist, the CDC says.
Timberlake told fans on social media that he was diagnosed with Lyme disease.
Justin Timberlake's announcement that he was diagnosed with Lyme disease has put a spotlight on the condition that impacts nearly 500,000 people in the United States each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Timberlake shared in a July 31 post on social media that he was diagnosed with Lyme disease while on his two-year Forget Tomorrow World Tour.
"If you've experienced this disease or know someone who has -- then you're aware: living with this can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically," Timberlake wrote, adding, "When I first got the diagnosis I was shocked for sure. But, at least I could understand why I would be onstage and in a massive amount of nerve pain or, just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness."
The former *NSYNC member did not share further details of his diagnosis or treatment.
Timberlake's post about his diagnosis received hundreds of thousands of likes and comments, drawing attention to Lyme disease, a tick-borne infectious disease that, if left untreated, can affect the joints, heart and nervous system, according to the CDC.
Lyme disease, the most common vector-borne disease in the U.S., is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi.
It is transmitted to humans via tick bites and is more likely to be contracted in the late spring, summer and fall.
In most cases, the tick must be attached to the skin for at least 24 hours before the bacterium can be transmitted. According to the CDC, removing a tick within 24 hours "greatly reduces" the risk of Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is most commonly found in the Northeast and upper Midwest, in states including Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Wisconsin.
What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?
Symptoms of Lyme disease appear as soon as three days after the tick bite and include fever, headache and fatigue.
Another symptom of Lyme disease that can occur is a so-called "bull's-eye rash" that has red coloring and a red dot at the center of the rash, according to ABC News' chief medical officer Dr. Tara Narula. However it is not present in all cases and does not always appear as a bull's-eye -- sometimes it's just an expanding red rash.
Narula noted that a second stage of symptoms of Lyme disease can occur weeks to months after infection and may include issues such as cardiac inflammation, heart rhythm issues, neurological problems and meningitis.
A third stage of tick bite symptoms can occur months to years after a tick bite and include arthritis in large joints like the knee, as well as nervous system changes.
People who are outdoors in areas that may have ticks should also conduct a full body check when they return, including checking under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, behind the knees, in and around the hair, between the legs and around the waist, the CDC says.
Faizon Love Faces Trial for Felony Assault After Hotel Clash
Actor and comedian Faizon Love is set to stand trial for felony assault with a deadly weapon following a heated 2023 incident at a San Diego hotel.
As Ice Cream Convos reports, a judge ruled there’s sufficient evidence to proceed after a preliminary hearing detailed a confrontation that allegedly left a hotel clerk injured. The incident unfolded last August when Love, unable to secure a room booked via a third-party app, reportedly grew furious. A front desk clerk testified that Love’s anger escalated rapidly.
“Mr. Love was extremely upset. It was zero to 100 real quick,” she said, adding, “He was repeatedly asking if we knew who he was.”
She claimed Love then “pulled the credit card machine off and threw it [in] my direction,” striking her head and causing a concussion with lasting effects like light sensitivity.
Love’s attorney, Marc Kligman, fiercely contested the allegations, pointing to inconsistencies in the clerk’s account. Using police body camera footage, Kligman highlighted discrepancies between her testimony and initial statements to authorities. He also noted a supporting witness admitted not seeing the impact, only hearing a noise.
“What should give the court pause … is in the insufficiency of the evidence and credibility of the witnesses,” Kligman argued, suggesting the clerk’s civil lawsuit against Love indicates financial motives. Despite these defenses, Judge Rohanee Zapanta found enough probable cause to advance the case.
Love, who pleaded not guilty, was arraigned, with a trial scheduled for January. If convicted, he could face up to seven years in prison.
As Ice Cream Convos reports, a judge ruled there’s sufficient evidence to proceed after a preliminary hearing detailed a confrontation that allegedly left a hotel clerk injured. The incident unfolded last August when Love, unable to secure a room booked via a third-party app, reportedly grew furious. A front desk clerk testified that Love’s anger escalated rapidly.
“Mr. Love was extremely upset. It was zero to 100 real quick,” she said, adding, “He was repeatedly asking if we knew who he was.”
She claimed Love then “pulled the credit card machine off and threw it [in] my direction,” striking her head and causing a concussion with lasting effects like light sensitivity.
Love’s attorney, Marc Kligman, fiercely contested the allegations, pointing to inconsistencies in the clerk’s account. Using police body camera footage, Kligman highlighted discrepancies between her testimony and initial statements to authorities. He also noted a supporting witness admitted not seeing the impact, only hearing a noise.
“What should give the court pause … is in the insufficiency of the evidence and credibility of the witnesses,” Kligman argued, suggesting the clerk’s civil lawsuit against Love indicates financial motives. Despite these defenses, Judge Rohanee Zapanta found enough probable cause to advance the case.
Love, who pleaded not guilty, was arraigned, with a trial scheduled for January. If convicted, he could face up to seven years in prison.
Sarah Jessica Parker bids farewell to Carrie Bradshaw after And Just Like That... ending after 27 years
Sarah Jessica Parker has penned an emotional goodbye to Carrie Bradshaw after it was revealed that And Just Like That... is coming to an end.
The 60-year-old actress posted a clip montage of her character's best moments on Instagram after it was confirmed on Friday (01.08.25) that the Sex and the City sequel series will conclude later this month after three seasons.
Sarah - who first played the part of Carrie back in 1998 - captioned her post: "Carrie Bradshaw has dominated my professional heartbeat for 27 years. I think I have loved her most of all.
"I know others have loved her just as I have. Been frustrated, condemned and rooted for her. The symphony of all those emotions has been the greatest soundtrack and most consequential companion. Therefore the most sentimental and profound gratitude and lifetime of debt. To you all."
Sarah's co-star Kristin Davis, who plays Charlotte York Goldenblatt in the show, stated that she is "profoundly sad" that the HBO Max series is ending.
She wrote in her own Instagram post: "I am profoundly sad. I love our whole beautiful cast and crew. 400 artisans working so hard on our show with deep love. And to our loyal fans, we love you forever and ever."
Cynthia Nixon - who portrays Miranda Hobbes - added: "I can't believe our wild, beautiful And Just Like That... ride is almost over.
"It has been such a delight from start to finish. I will miss working with these people everyday SO incredibly much but know we will always be a part of each other's lives. Get ready for a lot more carousels in the weeks to come! And don't miss these last few episodes: surprises in store!"
Showrunner Michael Patrick King confirmed that the series will be ending on August 14 following the two-part finale to series three and explained that the team "held off" announcing the news as they didn't want to "overshadow the fun" for audiences watching the final season.
He said: "And just like that... the ongoing storytelling of the Sex and the City universe is coming to an end. While I was writing the last episode of And Just Like That... season three, it became clear to me that this might be a wonderful place to stop.
"Along with Sarah Jessica Parker, Casey Bloys and Sarah Aubrey, we decided to end the popular series this year with a two-part finale and extended the original series order from 10 episodes to 12.
"SJP and I held off announcing the news until now because we didn't want the word 'final' to overshadow the fun of watching the season. It's with great gratitude we thank all the viewers who have let these characters into their homes and their hearts over these many years."
Sarah Jessica Parker has penned an emotional goodbye to Carrie Bradshaw after it was revealed that And Just Like That... is coming to an end.
The 60-year-old actress posted a clip montage of her character's best moments on Instagram after it was confirmed on Friday (01.08.25) that the Sex and the City sequel series will conclude later this month after three seasons.
Sarah - who first played the part of Carrie back in 1998 - captioned her post: "Carrie Bradshaw has dominated my professional heartbeat for 27 years. I think I have loved her most of all.
"I know others have loved her just as I have. Been frustrated, condemned and rooted for her. The symphony of all those emotions has been the greatest soundtrack and most consequential companion. Therefore the most sentimental and profound gratitude and lifetime of debt. To you all."
Sarah's co-star Kristin Davis, who plays Charlotte York Goldenblatt in the show, stated that she is "profoundly sad" that the HBO Max series is ending.
She wrote in her own Instagram post: "I am profoundly sad. I love our whole beautiful cast and crew. 400 artisans working so hard on our show with deep love. And to our loyal fans, we love you forever and ever."
Cynthia Nixon - who portrays Miranda Hobbes - added: "I can't believe our wild, beautiful And Just Like That... ride is almost over.
"It has been such a delight from start to finish. I will miss working with these people everyday SO incredibly much but know we will always be a part of each other's lives. Get ready for a lot more carousels in the weeks to come! And don't miss these last few episodes: surprises in store!"
Showrunner Michael Patrick King confirmed that the series will be ending on August 14 following the two-part finale to series three and explained that the team "held off" announcing the news as they didn't want to "overshadow the fun" for audiences watching the final season.
He said: "And just like that... the ongoing storytelling of the Sex and the City universe is coming to an end. While I was writing the last episode of And Just Like That... season three, it became clear to me that this might be a wonderful place to stop.
"Along with Sarah Jessica Parker, Casey Bloys and Sarah Aubrey, we decided to end the popular series this year with a two-part finale and extended the original series order from 10 episodes to 12.
"SJP and I held off announcing the news until now because we didn't want the word 'final' to overshadow the fun of watching the season. It's with great gratitude we thank all the viewers who have let these characters into their homes and their hearts over these many years."
Marlon Wayans Says NBC Thought John Witherspoon’s Was ‘Too Ghetto’ On ‘The Wayans Bros.’
The Wayans Bros. is one of the most iconic sitcoms ever. Airing on the now-defunct WB Network, according to Marlon Wayans, NBC passed on the show because John Witherspoon’s character was “too ghetto.”
Appearing on Keke Palmer’s show, Baby, This is Keke Palmer, Marlon explained why NBC executives were not feeling John “Pops” Williams.
“We didn’t make it to NBC,” Marlon said. “We did a table reading, and they thought [Witherspoon’s character] was too ghetto. And they wanted us to have a different father…like a Danny Glover type, and we was like, ‘No.’”
“It’s the flavor of the show,” he continued. “We was like, ‘It’s John Witherspoon or it’s not.’ … We ain’t going to do the show. And they was like, ‘Well, negro, you’re not doing the show.”
Marlon almost reconsidered.
“We was like ‘Wait, hold on, Danny Glover, you say?’ But then, the WB was starting, and it was like, ‘I think that’s a great combination.’ So, everything is God,” he recalled. “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and it’s not about the doors that close; it’s the ones that open up.”
For five seasons, The Wayans Bros. aired from January 1995 to May 1999. Starring Marlon, Witherspoon, and Shawn Wayans, the show is still popular today.
In 2019, Witherspoon passed away at the age of 77, after suffering from a heart attack in his Sherman Oaks, California home.
Appearing on Keke Palmer’s show, Baby, This is Keke Palmer, Marlon explained why NBC executives were not feeling John “Pops” Williams.
“We didn’t make it to NBC,” Marlon said. “We did a table reading, and they thought [Witherspoon’s character] was too ghetto. And they wanted us to have a different father…like a Danny Glover type, and we was like, ‘No.’”
“It’s the flavor of the show,” he continued. “We was like, ‘It’s John Witherspoon or it’s not.’ … We ain’t going to do the show. And they was like, ‘Well, negro, you’re not doing the show.”
Marlon almost reconsidered.
“We was like ‘Wait, hold on, Danny Glover, you say?’ But then, the WB was starting, and it was like, ‘I think that’s a great combination.’ So, everything is God,” he recalled. “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and it’s not about the doors that close; it’s the ones that open up.”
For five seasons, The Wayans Bros. aired from January 1995 to May 1999. Starring Marlon, Witherspoon, and Shawn Wayans, the show is still popular today.
In 2019, Witherspoon passed away at the age of 77, after suffering from a heart attack in his Sherman Oaks, California home.
Sha’Carri Richardson Arrested On Alleged Domestic Violence Charge
Sha’Carri Richardson, the reigning 100-meter champion, was arrested last week for allegedly assaulting her boyfriend at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Police responded to reports of an altercation at the airport and Richardson was charged on Sunday (July 27) with fourth degree domestic violence, according to the police report obtained by The Associated Press (AP).
Richardson, 25, was booked into the South Correctional Entity in Des Moines, Washington, at 6:54 p.m. Sunday and released Monday at 1:13 p.m.
“USATF is aware of the reports and is not commenting on this matter,” USA Track and Field said in a statement.
The police report said an officer at the airport was notified by a Transportation Security Administration supervisor of a disturbance between Richardson and her boyfriend, sprinter Christian Coleman, who was also scheduled to compete at the championships.
The officer reviewed camera footage and observed Richardson reach out with her left arm and yank away Coleman’s backpack. Richardson then appeared to get in Coleman’s way, and Coleman tried to step around her. Coleman was shoved into a wall.
As The Independent UK notes, an officer on the scene said, “I was told Coleman did not want to participate any further in the investigation and declined to be a victim.”
The report later said that Richardson appeared to throw an item at Coleman. TSA indicated it might have been headphones.
On Thursday, Richardson ran in the opening round of the women’s 100m at the US national championships before withdrawing from the semi-finals. She has an automatic bye to the 100m at the world championships in September in Tokyo as the defending champion. She is still scheduled to compete in the 200m in Eugene, according to AFP.
Coleman also ran in the 100m heats at the US championships, and finished fifth in Saturday’s final.s.
Sha’Carri Richardson, the reigning 100-meter champion, was arrested last week for allegedly assaulting her boyfriend at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Police responded to reports of an altercation at the airport and Richardson was charged on Sunday (July 27) with fourth degree domestic violence, according to the police report obtained by The Associated Press (AP).
Richardson, 25, was booked into the South Correctional Entity in Des Moines, Washington, at 6:54 p.m. Sunday and released Monday at 1:13 p.m.
“USATF is aware of the reports and is not commenting on this matter,” USA Track and Field said in a statement.
The police report said an officer at the airport was notified by a Transportation Security Administration supervisor of a disturbance between Richardson and her boyfriend, sprinter Christian Coleman, who was also scheduled to compete at the championships.
The officer reviewed camera footage and observed Richardson reach out with her left arm and yank away Coleman’s backpack. Richardson then appeared to get in Coleman’s way, and Coleman tried to step around her. Coleman was shoved into a wall.
As The Independent UK notes, an officer on the scene said, “I was told Coleman did not want to participate any further in the investigation and declined to be a victim.”
The report later said that Richardson appeared to throw an item at Coleman. TSA indicated it might have been headphones.
On Thursday, Richardson ran in the opening round of the women’s 100m at the US national championships before withdrawing from the semi-finals. She has an automatic bye to the 100m at the world championships in September in Tokyo as the defending champion. She is still scheduled to compete in the 200m in Eugene, according to AFP.
Coleman also ran in the 100m heats at the US championships, and finished fifth in Saturday’s final.s.
Billy Porter Releases ‘Black Mona Lisa Beauty’, A Gender-Free Makeup and Skincare Line
Billy Porter, an Emmy and Tony Award-winning star, is debuting a brand-new makeup and skin care line called Black Mona Lisa Beauty, named after his fifth studio album.
The line will include ingredient-conscious products, including kale cleanser, niacinamide vitamin boost serum, eye shimmers and collagen and retinol serum.
“I remember reading ingredients — there was a product for face wash for women, and then a product for face wash that was supposed to be for men — and it’s the same ingredients,” Porter, 55, said to PEOPLE, rejecting gendered marketing in favor of universal appeal.
For Porter, the endeavor is a full circle moment. His relationship with retail beauty started when he was a 14 year old. “I got my first job, I went down to Kaufmann’s in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which was the big department store, and I went to the Clinique counter. I don’t know why I knew about Clinique, but I walked right up to the Clinique counter and I said, ‘I need a full face regime.’ And they were like, ‘You don’t have any pimples.’ I was like, ‘We’re doing some preventative work here,’” Porter recalled with WWD.
In the same interview, he shared how he previously experienced reservations with expressing himself through make-up. “I had some trepidation about how I wanted to express myself sometimes. There were days when I wanted to wear some lipstick, and I wouldn’t do it because of whatever the status quo was.”
For now, Porter is balancing his Broadway run, which ends October 19, with promoting his new single “Holy Shuffle” alongside Big Freedia, all while showcasing Black Mona Lisa Beauty’s transformative products.
“My last albums were called Black Mona Lisa and Black Mona Lisa Volume 2, and when that name sort of dropped down from the sky, I knew that it was bigger than a song and an album. Black Mona Lisa has become my alter ego, and I’m building out the brand. I sort of have just been dreaming, and scheming, and manifesting, and putting things out into the universe,” Porter shared with PEOPLE.
The line will include ingredient-conscious products, including kale cleanser, niacinamide vitamin boost serum, eye shimmers and collagen and retinol serum.
“I remember reading ingredients — there was a product for face wash for women, and then a product for face wash that was supposed to be for men — and it’s the same ingredients,” Porter, 55, said to PEOPLE, rejecting gendered marketing in favor of universal appeal.
For Porter, the endeavor is a full circle moment. His relationship with retail beauty started when he was a 14 year old. “I got my first job, I went down to Kaufmann’s in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which was the big department store, and I went to the Clinique counter. I don’t know why I knew about Clinique, but I walked right up to the Clinique counter and I said, ‘I need a full face regime.’ And they were like, ‘You don’t have any pimples.’ I was like, ‘We’re doing some preventative work here,’” Porter recalled with WWD.
In the same interview, he shared how he previously experienced reservations with expressing himself through make-up. “I had some trepidation about how I wanted to express myself sometimes. There were days when I wanted to wear some lipstick, and I wouldn’t do it because of whatever the status quo was.”
For now, Porter is balancing his Broadway run, which ends October 19, with promoting his new single “Holy Shuffle” alongside Big Freedia, all while showcasing Black Mona Lisa Beauty’s transformative products.
“My last albums were called Black Mona Lisa and Black Mona Lisa Volume 2, and when that name sort of dropped down from the sky, I knew that it was bigger than a song and an album. Black Mona Lisa has become my alter ego, and I’m building out the brand. I sort of have just been dreaming, and scheming, and manifesting, and putting things out into the universe,” Porter shared with PEOPLE.
Busta Rhymes Delivers Tearful Speech During Hollywood Star Induction
Veteran rapper, Busta Rhymes officially joined the Hollywood Walk of Fame on August 1, 2025, nearly 30 years after his debut album The Coming.
The rapper was honored with the 2,818th star in the Recording category, cementing his place among music’s greatest legends.
“Imma start off by thanking my mother; my moms is my greatest superhero. My father, too, but the reason why I’m leaning so much on my moms is ’cause my mother and my father had two different approaches in how they wanted to do whatever they could to secure the win for me,” the “Touch It” artist said.
He noted that his father was a licensed electrical contractor who couldn’t envision a sustainable career as a rapper. As such, his father would insist that a teenage Busta accompany him, during the summertime, on jobs to be mentored into learning the trade.
“I got two beautiful Jamaican parents. My father, his love was tough, but I understood to love it and appreciate it as I got older,” he said.
Radio personality Big Boy hosted the event, while LL Cool J and Chuck D delivered heartfelt tributes.
LL Cool J praised Busta in his tribute calling him an “excellent performer”. “When I think about Busta Rhymes: awe-inspiring power, commitment to his craft.. Commitment to excellence as an artist and performer…Busta was born to do something universal,” Cool J said.
Chuck D also reflected on giving Busta his iconic rap name, recalling how he first believed in the young artist’s talent.
“My generation was into disco, [but] I like the way this thing is put together,” Chuck D shared about being exposed to hip hop. “The biggest thing we tell them [mentees] is ‘be different,’ be outstanding.” The rapper added that he encouraged Busta to “be difficult” or complicated with his skill set, so he can’t be outdone or undone by his peers.
“You can try to imitate Busta, but you can’t duplicate him,” Chuck D said
The ceremony was both a celebration of his career and a nod to the community that helped shape his rise.
Rhymes got the star in the category of Recording. His music career was launched with his debut album The Coming in 1996, but his sophomore album “When Disaster Strikes…” cemented him as a trailblazing rapper and performer.
Busta has sold more than 20 million records worldwide and has received 12 Grammy nominations. His top hits include “Touch It,” “Break Ya Neck” and “”Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See.”
Veteran rapper, Busta Rhymes officially joined the Hollywood Walk of Fame on August 1, 2025, nearly 30 years after his debut album The Coming.
The rapper was honored with the 2,818th star in the Recording category, cementing his place among music’s greatest legends.
“Imma start off by thanking my mother; my moms is my greatest superhero. My father, too, but the reason why I’m leaning so much on my moms is ’cause my mother and my father had two different approaches in how they wanted to do whatever they could to secure the win for me,” the “Touch It” artist said.
He noted that his father was a licensed electrical contractor who couldn’t envision a sustainable career as a rapper. As such, his father would insist that a teenage Busta accompany him, during the summertime, on jobs to be mentored into learning the trade.
“I got two beautiful Jamaican parents. My father, his love was tough, but I understood to love it and appreciate it as I got older,” he said.
Radio personality Big Boy hosted the event, while LL Cool J and Chuck D delivered heartfelt tributes.
LL Cool J praised Busta in his tribute calling him an “excellent performer”. “When I think about Busta Rhymes: awe-inspiring power, commitment to his craft.. Commitment to excellence as an artist and performer…Busta was born to do something universal,” Cool J said.
Chuck D also reflected on giving Busta his iconic rap name, recalling how he first believed in the young artist’s talent.
“My generation was into disco, [but] I like the way this thing is put together,” Chuck D shared about being exposed to hip hop. “The biggest thing we tell them [mentees] is ‘be different,’ be outstanding.” The rapper added that he encouraged Busta to “be difficult” or complicated with his skill set, so he can’t be outdone or undone by his peers.
“You can try to imitate Busta, but you can’t duplicate him,” Chuck D said
The ceremony was both a celebration of his career and a nod to the community that helped shape his rise.
Rhymes got the star in the category of Recording. His music career was launched with his debut album The Coming in 1996, but his sophomore album “When Disaster Strikes…” cemented him as a trailblazing rapper and performer.
Busta has sold more than 20 million records worldwide and has received 12 Grammy nominations. His top hits include “Touch It,” “Break Ya Neck” and “”Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See.”
Issa Rae Sued Over One of Them Days Script
Back in January Issa Rae's new movie, "One of Them Days," starring KeKe Palmer and SZA debuted to rave reviews
Now Issa is being accused of stealing the script...
Writers Joshua Isaacson, Shon Oku and Tyrone Perry claim they penned a script back in 2020 called One of Those Days and registered the copyright. Fast forward to 2025, and they say Rae’s team dropped a flick with a nearly identical title and a storyline that hits way too close to home.
The trio filed their lawsuit on July 30, naming Issa Rae’s company Color Creative, Sony Pictures, TriStar and screenwriter Syreeta Singleton. They’re accusing them of copyright infringement, idea theft, and conversion—basically saying Rae and crew jacked their story and ran with it like it was theirs.
Back in January Issa Rae's new movie, "One of Them Days," starring KeKe Palmer and SZA debuted to rave reviews
Now Issa is being accused of stealing the script...
Writers Joshua Isaacson, Shon Oku and Tyrone Perry claim they penned a script back in 2020 called One of Those Days and registered the copyright. Fast forward to 2025, and they say Rae’s team dropped a flick with a nearly identical title and a storyline that hits way too close to home.
The trio filed their lawsuit on July 30, naming Issa Rae’s company Color Creative, Sony Pictures, TriStar and screenwriter Syreeta Singleton. They’re accusing them of copyright infringement, idea theft, and conversion—basically saying Rae and crew jacked their story and ran with it like it was theirs.
According to court docs, the writers say they shared their screenplay with producer Danny Hamouie in late 2023, the first time anyone outside of the trio had ever seen the script.
They never heard back from Hamouie, who is not named in the lawsuit.
Next, they handed it over to Roman Arabia and his partner Xavier Charles, who own a company called Green Eggs Go H.A.M. (GEG), in April 2024, hoping to secure some funding.
GEG passed on the project, but the twist? Charles used to work on Rae’s show Insecure. Weeks after that rejection, news broke that Issa Rae was gearing up to produce a film called One of Them Days.
Adam Lambert Defends Cynthia Ervio's Casting in 'Jesus Christ Superstar'
Adam Lambert is sticking up for Cynthia Erivo. Back in February, it was announced that the 38-year-old Wicked star will be playing Jesus Christ in the Hollywood Bowl production of Jesus Christ Superstar taking place this summer.
Following her casting, Cynthia faced a lot of backlash from many conservatives, including a pastor, who called it “blasphemy” to cast a queer, Black woman to play Jesus.
Ahead of this weekend’s performance of Jesus Christ Superstar, the 43-year-old American Idol alum – who is playing Judas in the production – spoke out in defense of Cynthia.
“Cynthia’s brilliant. Her voice, presence, and simultaneous power and vulnerability absolutely blows my mind and working with her has been a dream,” Adam told Billboard.
“I’m excited by the challenge of presenting the audience with a production led by a female, Black ‘Jesus’ and encourage the audience to expand their minds a bit,” Adam continued. “Originally utilizing rock and roll, Jesus Christ Superstar is supposed to provoke and challenge, that’s the point. And shouldn’t the teachings of Jesus transcend gender?”
Adam Lambert is sticking up for Cynthia Erivo. Back in February, it was announced that the 38-year-old Wicked star will be playing Jesus Christ in the Hollywood Bowl production of Jesus Christ Superstar taking place this summer.
Following her casting, Cynthia faced a lot of backlash from many conservatives, including a pastor, who called it “blasphemy” to cast a queer, Black woman to play Jesus.
Ahead of this weekend’s performance of Jesus Christ Superstar, the 43-year-old American Idol alum – who is playing Judas in the production – spoke out in defense of Cynthia.
“Cynthia’s brilliant. Her voice, presence, and simultaneous power and vulnerability absolutely blows my mind and working with her has been a dream,” Adam told Billboard.
“I’m excited by the challenge of presenting the audience with a production led by a female, Black ‘Jesus’ and encourage the audience to expand their minds a bit,” Adam continued. “Originally utilizing rock and roll, Jesus Christ Superstar is supposed to provoke and challenge, that’s the point. And shouldn’t the teachings of Jesus transcend gender?”
Prince Harry Denies ‘Physical Fight’ with Prince Andrew and Comments About Meghan Markle in Explosive New Book
Prince Harry denies claims he physically fought Prince Andrew at a 2013 family gathering
A new book alleges Andrew made critical remarks about Meghan Markle to Harry, which Harry denies
The book also claims Prince William seeks to remove Andrew from Royal Lodge amid ongoing family tensions
Prince Harry is pushing back on explosive claims in a new book alleging he once got into a physical altercation with his uncle Prince Andrew — and that Meghan Markle was the subject of behind-the-scenes insults.
A spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex tells PEOPLE, “I can confirm neither of those things are true. Prince Harry and Prince Andrew have never had a physical fight, nor did Prince Andrew ever make those comments about the Duchess of Sussex to Prince Harry.”
The denial comes in response to a new book, Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, which alleges that a “heated argument” between Harry and Andrew broke out at a family gathering in 2013 over "something Andrew said behind Harry’s back," reportedly escalating to the point where “punches were thrown” and Andrew was left with a bloody nose. The book also claims that Andrew privately questioned Harry’s relationship with Meghan, calling her an “opportunist” and suggesting the marriage wouldn’t last.
According to the book by author Andrew Lownie, with an excerpt published in the Daily Mail, tensions between Prince Andrew and both of his nephews have simmered for years. It further alleges that Prince William has worked behind the scenes to push Andrew out of Royal Lodge, the Windsor estate he continues to occupy, and has privately expressed disdain for Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson.
The book portrays Andrew as a controversial figure and delves into his ties with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew has been largely stripped of official duties and stepped back from public life amid intense scrutiny and reputational damage.
The new book marks the latest in a series of controversial publications chronicling the royal family’s internal rifts, many of which have only deepened since Harry and Meghan’s 2020 decision to step back from royal duties and relocate to California.
Harry and Meghan, now raising their two children in Montecito, have largely focused on their philanthropic and entrepreneurial endeavors.
Despite longstanding tensions within the family, Prince Harry has expressed a desire for reconciliation, while remaining steadfastly focused on protecting his wife and children.
"I would love reconciliation with my family. There's no point in continuing to fight anymore," Prince Harry told the BBC in May.
Prince Harry denies claims he physically fought Prince Andrew at a 2013 family gathering
A new book alleges Andrew made critical remarks about Meghan Markle to Harry, which Harry denies
The book also claims Prince William seeks to remove Andrew from Royal Lodge amid ongoing family tensions
Prince Harry is pushing back on explosive claims in a new book alleging he once got into a physical altercation with his uncle Prince Andrew — and that Meghan Markle was the subject of behind-the-scenes insults.
A spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex tells PEOPLE, “I can confirm neither of those things are true. Prince Harry and Prince Andrew have never had a physical fight, nor did Prince Andrew ever make those comments about the Duchess of Sussex to Prince Harry.”
The denial comes in response to a new book, Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, which alleges that a “heated argument” between Harry and Andrew broke out at a family gathering in 2013 over "something Andrew said behind Harry’s back," reportedly escalating to the point where “punches were thrown” and Andrew was left with a bloody nose. The book also claims that Andrew privately questioned Harry’s relationship with Meghan, calling her an “opportunist” and suggesting the marriage wouldn’t last.
According to the book by author Andrew Lownie, with an excerpt published in the Daily Mail, tensions between Prince Andrew and both of his nephews have simmered for years. It further alleges that Prince William has worked behind the scenes to push Andrew out of Royal Lodge, the Windsor estate he continues to occupy, and has privately expressed disdain for Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson.
The book portrays Andrew as a controversial figure and delves into his ties with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew has been largely stripped of official duties and stepped back from public life amid intense scrutiny and reputational damage.
The new book marks the latest in a series of controversial publications chronicling the royal family’s internal rifts, many of which have only deepened since Harry and Meghan’s 2020 decision to step back from royal duties and relocate to California.
Harry and Meghan, now raising their two children in Montecito, have largely focused on their philanthropic and entrepreneurial endeavors.
Despite longstanding tensions within the family, Prince Harry has expressed a desire for reconciliation, while remaining steadfastly focused on protecting his wife and children.
"I would love reconciliation with my family. There's no point in continuing to fight anymore," Prince Harry told the BBC in May.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Courtesy of P.O.Wm
Lumpy huh?
HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD ALL!!!
EFREM
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