#MAGFAB:Tyla For VARIETY Magazine's Young Hollywood Issue!
In a new cover story for VARIETY’s Power of Young Hollywood issue, Tyla speaks with Music Reporter Thania Garcia about breaking norms as a global superstar, being in love, and more.
Tyla on breaking cultural norms early in her career:
Adding to the pressure of the beginnings of her career were cultural mores whereby women are in submissive roles — “You stay out of men’s conversations, the men eat first,” she says — making it even more challenging for a young woman to take charge.
On the lyrics of her song “Bliss”:
“It’s such a real love song,” she says, acknowledging that its deeply sensual lyrics are “a bit dramatic…But they are things I’ve said and felt: ‘I don’t want to live without you.’ It’s so intense…but beautiful. Losing something or someone that I love is probably my biggest fear.”
“When ‘Water’ happened, I wasn’t ready. I became obsessed with the idea of doing things ‘right.’ I wanted more time to make mistakes to fully figure out who I am as an artist, but then things just went…Well, you know.”
On her newfound fame as a South African artist:
Tyla is from Edenvale, South Africa, a village of 70,000 people outside the metropolis of Johannesburg.
On bargaining with her parents to let her pursue a career in music:
Tyla describes her parents as “intentionally strict” to her and her siblings, although she’s come to appreciate the discipline.
“We weren’t allowed to sleep over or even go to friends’ houses. But I didn’t mind it terribly; we’d be having so much fun just staying home.”
Tyla began posting videos on YouTube, and by the time she was 16, she had built a small online following that caught the attention of FAX Records co-founder Garth von Glehn, who invited her to use his studio to record. With her parents’ reluctant support, Tyla accepted the offer. Her parents gave her a year to pursue her dream of a musical career.
“In my culture, there’s a heavy emphasis on respecting your elders, and it’s an unspoken [rule] that you can’t question them…I just remember telling them they could trust me, and they told me all they truly cared about was my safety. My best friend, Thato, who is now my creative director, went with me everywhere and has been with me every step of the way. That made it easier for my family, who ultimately just wanted to know I wasn’t alone.”
Issue is out now!
#RHOA: Kelli Ferrell Expands Nana's Chicken-N-Waffles Empire in Georgia
Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles just added a new pin to the map.Owner and Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 16 cast member Kelli Ferrell has opened a second location inside the perimeter at The Prado Shopping Center in Sandy Springs.
The 2,800-square-foot space—formerly Marlow’s Tavern—is now serving breakfast, lunch, and brunch from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week.
“I’m super happy to open my second location,” Ferrell tells Complex. “Although I’m on reality television, I actually have a brick-and-mortar business that I pour into daily. Seeing its expansion is the best thing ever. With this location, I wanted to elevate my current concept with more space, more menu options, and more events.”
The Sandy Springs debut introduces the brand’s signature chicken & waffles lineup, including options such as red velvet, lemon, cinnamon roll, bananas Foster, strawberry shortcake, peach cobbler, and banana pudding waffles.
Savory staples are in rotation too—shrimp and grits, catfish and grits, New Orleans–style beignets, fried grit cakes, fried green tomatoes, crawfish bites, and warm banana bread. Insiders can also inquire about secret-menu items, such as the Honey Lobster Sriracha Waffle.
“With the short time we’ve been open, we’ve already done an activation with Disney,” Ferrell adds. “We are looking forward to more collaborations with big brands.”
She notes the opening doubled as a key plot point this season: “In Season 16, they assumed that I wouldn’t be open by summertime. But we made it happen.”
Ferrell launched Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles in Conyers, GA, in 2016 before relocating to McDonough, GA, in 2022.
Beyond the restaurants, she has expanded the pantry aisle with Nana’s waffle mix, 24K gold–flaked maple syrup, and stone-ground Cajun grits, all available for nationwide shipping. She’s also the author of Kooking with Kelli and has appeared on Food Network’s Ultimate Thanksgiving Challenge and Guy’s Grocery Games, plus OWN’s Food Fantasies.
For those looking to get their chicken & waffles on, and are in the greater Atlanta area, the official ribbon-cutting ceremony at Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles in Sandy Springs is set for Friday, August 22, with National Waffle Day landing on Sunday, August 24.
The 2,800-square-foot space—formerly Marlow’s Tavern—is now serving breakfast, lunch, and brunch from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week.
“I’m super happy to open my second location,” Ferrell tells Complex. “Although I’m on reality television, I actually have a brick-and-mortar business that I pour into daily. Seeing its expansion is the best thing ever. With this location, I wanted to elevate my current concept with more space, more menu options, and more events.”
The Sandy Springs debut introduces the brand’s signature chicken & waffles lineup, including options such as red velvet, lemon, cinnamon roll, bananas Foster, strawberry shortcake, peach cobbler, and banana pudding waffles.
Savory staples are in rotation too—shrimp and grits, catfish and grits, New Orleans–style beignets, fried grit cakes, fried green tomatoes, crawfish bites, and warm banana bread. Insiders can also inquire about secret-menu items, such as the Honey Lobster Sriracha Waffle.
“With the short time we’ve been open, we’ve already done an activation with Disney,” Ferrell adds. “We are looking forward to more collaborations with big brands.”
She notes the opening doubled as a key plot point this season: “In Season 16, they assumed that I wouldn’t be open by summertime. But we made it happen.”
Ferrell launched Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles in Conyers, GA, in 2016 before relocating to McDonough, GA, in 2022.
Beyond the restaurants, she has expanded the pantry aisle with Nana’s waffle mix, 24K gold–flaked maple syrup, and stone-ground Cajun grits, all available for nationwide shipping. She’s also the author of Kooking with Kelli and has appeared on Food Network’s Ultimate Thanksgiving Challenge and Guy’s Grocery Games, plus OWN’s Food Fantasies.
For those looking to get their chicken & waffles on, and are in the greater Atlanta area, the official ribbon-cutting ceremony at Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles in Sandy Springs is set for Friday, August 22, with National Waffle Day landing on Sunday, August 24.
#MusicNews: Coco Jones Announces ‘Why Not More?’ Deluxe Album Coming August 15
Coco Jones plans to release an expanded version of Why Not More? on August 15. The new edition builds on the success of the R&B star's first album with additional tracks.
She announced the drop on her Instagram, with the caption, "And just like that the deluxe to my first ever album is here 'MORE' Y'all have been supporting the hell out of me and I can't wait for yall to hear some MORE music 8.15."
The original release peaked at No. 59 on the Billboard 200 chart. Fans can still expect hits like "ICU," "Double Back," "Here We Go (Uh Oh)," "Taste," and "On Sight" on the new version. "ICU" won Coco her first GRAMMY Award for Best R&B Performance last year.
Fans were already anticipating an expanded version when the Let It Shine star posted a heartwarming teaser video, with the caption, "Shout out to the girl who wanted MORE, she's getting it 8.15." This fueled the speculations about her dropping something on the date [8/15].
In the sweet teaser clip, you can see the 27-year-old Coco sitting with a young version of herself, sharing wisdom about what's ahead and reflecting on the journey that's led up to her current success.
The first version of Why Not More? mixed smooth vocals with beats from different styles across the 17 tracks. Future, YG Marley, and Lady London added their unique sounds to make it special. For this deluxe package, you can expect deeper stories, more songs, and maybe some surprise collaborations.
While the full track list stays under wraps for now, music lovers wonder who might show up on new songs or if old favorites will get fresh takes.
This news drops fresh off her packed North American shows for the Why Not More? Tour. Social media lit up with concert clips as fans couldn't stop sharing her live magic.
Come September, she's kicking off the European leg of the tour, with stops in Germany, Belgium, France, and the UK. You can find all the details on her upcoming shows, including dates, venues, and ticket prices, on Coco Jones' official tour page.
You can also pre-order the upcoming MORE! deluxe album now on her official website https://www.therealcocojones.com/
Coco Jones plans to release an expanded version of Why Not More? on August 15. The new edition builds on the success of the R&B star's first album with additional tracks.
She announced the drop on her Instagram, with the caption, "And just like that the deluxe to my first ever album is here 'MORE' Y'all have been supporting the hell out of me and I can't wait for yall to hear some MORE music 8.15."
The original release peaked at No. 59 on the Billboard 200 chart. Fans can still expect hits like "ICU," "Double Back," "Here We Go (Uh Oh)," "Taste," and "On Sight" on the new version. "ICU" won Coco her first GRAMMY Award for Best R&B Performance last year.
Fans were already anticipating an expanded version when the Let It Shine star posted a heartwarming teaser video, with the caption, "Shout out to the girl who wanted MORE, she's getting it 8.15." This fueled the speculations about her dropping something on the date [8/15].
In the sweet teaser clip, you can see the 27-year-old Coco sitting with a young version of herself, sharing wisdom about what's ahead and reflecting on the journey that's led up to her current success.
The first version of Why Not More? mixed smooth vocals with beats from different styles across the 17 tracks. Future, YG Marley, and Lady London added their unique sounds to make it special. For this deluxe package, you can expect deeper stories, more songs, and maybe some surprise collaborations.
While the full track list stays under wraps for now, music lovers wonder who might show up on new songs or if old favorites will get fresh takes.
This news drops fresh off her packed North American shows for the Why Not More? Tour. Social media lit up with concert clips as fans couldn't stop sharing her live magic.
Come September, she's kicking off the European leg of the tour, with stops in Germany, Belgium, France, and the UK. You can find all the details on her upcoming shows, including dates, venues, and ticket prices, on Coco Jones' official tour page.
You can also pre-order the upcoming MORE! deluxe album now on her official website https://www.therealcocojones.com/
#HipHopNews: Unreleased Kendrick Lamar Collaboration With Kanye West ‘Intro’ Surfaces Online
2025 is arguably one of the best years in hip hop, with exceptional music pouring in from all sides. From Clipse and Tyler, The Creator, to Joey Bada$$ and Kendrick Lamar, the releases have stunned, entertained, and captured the imagination of audiences world over.
And now, out of the blue, a collaboration between Ye (formerly known as Kanye West) and Kendrick Lamar has surfaced online. Titled the ‘Intro,’ the track has been posted about on Reddit, where fans don’t quite know how to feel about the music.
And now, out of the blue, a collaboration between Ye (formerly known as Kanye West) and Kendrick Lamar has surfaced online. Titled the ‘Intro,’ the track has been posted about on Reddit, where fans don’t quite know how to feel about the music.
On one hand, fans are raving about the Kendrick verse and how thoughtful and technical it is — something you’d expect out of the West Coast legend. On the other, fans cannot believe the way Kanye approached the beat, with only a mumbled take scatting over the beat; he was possibly still looking for flow ideas to write the final version of the song. Regardless, it is a jarring jump. What do you think?
Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband Brandon Blackstock dead at 48 after cancer battle
Brandon Blackstock, a talent manager and former husband of singer Kelly Clarkson, has died following a battle with cancer. He was 48.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” a representative for the Blackstock family told CNN in a statement on Thursday. “Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family.”
The statement added: “We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”
The news came just a day after Clarkson had announced she would be pausing the rest of her Las Vegas residency, citing Blackstock’s health.
“While I normally keep my personal life private, this past year, my children’s father has been ill and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them,” Clarkson wrote in a statement posted on her verified Instagram account on Wednesday night. “I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding.”
The couple share a daughter, River, born in 2014, and a son, Remington, born in 2016.
Blackstock was the former stepson of Reba McEntire and the son of Narvel Blackstock, CEO of the Nashville-based talent management firm Starstruck, whose clients include country stars Blake Shelton and Carly Pearce. His parents divorced when he was 12.
Narvel Blackstock married country superstar McEntire in 1989 and she helped to raise Brandon. The elder Blackstock and McEntire split in 2015 after 26 years of marriage.
Like his parents, Brandon Blackstock had a love for the music industry and began his career in talent management.
Music is also what led Blackstock to Clarkson.
After initially meeting at the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2006, Clarkson and Blackstock reconnected in 2012 at Super Bowl XLVI, where Clarkson performed the national anthem. Blackstock was Shelton’s manager at the time, who was also at the game singing “America the Beautiful.”
They eloped in 2013 and Blackstone also served as his wife’s manager and a producer on her award-winning daytime talk show, “The Kelly Clarkson Show.”
After seven years of marriage Clarkson filed for divorce in 2020, citing “irreconcilable differences.”
Kelly Clarkson reaches divorce settlement with Brandon Blackstock
She and Blackstone settled their contentious divorce in 2022, with Clarkson having to make a one-time payment of $1.3 million as well as paying her ex $115,000 in monthly spousal support until January 31, 2024 as well as a monthly child support payment.
In 2021, McEntire commented on being supportive of both Blackstock and Clarkson amid their divorce during an appearance on Extra, saying she loved them both and that she was “pulling for both of them.”
“I pray everyone gives them the encouragement they can because they need it right now, both of them do. I love the both of them with all my heart,” she added at the time.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” a representative for the Blackstock family told CNN in a statement on Thursday. “Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family.”
The statement added: “We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”
The news came just a day after Clarkson had announced she would be pausing the rest of her Las Vegas residency, citing Blackstock’s health.
“While I normally keep my personal life private, this past year, my children’s father has been ill and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them,” Clarkson wrote in a statement posted on her verified Instagram account on Wednesday night. “I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding.”
The couple share a daughter, River, born in 2014, and a son, Remington, born in 2016.
Blackstock was the former stepson of Reba McEntire and the son of Narvel Blackstock, CEO of the Nashville-based talent management firm Starstruck, whose clients include country stars Blake Shelton and Carly Pearce. His parents divorced when he was 12.
Narvel Blackstock married country superstar McEntire in 1989 and she helped to raise Brandon. The elder Blackstock and McEntire split in 2015 after 26 years of marriage.
Like his parents, Brandon Blackstock had a love for the music industry and began his career in talent management.
Music is also what led Blackstock to Clarkson.
After initially meeting at the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2006, Clarkson and Blackstock reconnected in 2012 at Super Bowl XLVI, where Clarkson performed the national anthem. Blackstock was Shelton’s manager at the time, who was also at the game singing “America the Beautiful.”
They eloped in 2013 and Blackstone also served as his wife’s manager and a producer on her award-winning daytime talk show, “The Kelly Clarkson Show.”
After seven years of marriage Clarkson filed for divorce in 2020, citing “irreconcilable differences.”
Kelly Clarkson reaches divorce settlement with Brandon Blackstock
She and Blackstone settled their contentious divorce in 2022, with Clarkson having to make a one-time payment of $1.3 million as well as paying her ex $115,000 in monthly spousal support until January 31, 2024 as well as a monthly child support payment.
In 2021, McEntire commented on being supportive of both Blackstock and Clarkson amid their divorce during an appearance on Extra, saying she loved them both and that she was “pulling for both of them.”
“I pray everyone gives them the encouragement they can because they need it right now, both of them do. I love the both of them with all my heart,” she added at the time.
Eddie Palmieri, Iconic Grammy-winning pioneer of Latin jazz and salsa music, dies at 88
Eddie Palmieri, the Grammy Award-winning pianist, bandleader, musician, and composer of Puerto Rican ancestry who revolutionized Latin jazz and salsa over a more than seven decades career, has died at 88. He passed away Wednesday (August 6) in his New Jersey home, according to a statement posted on his official Instagram account.
One of the most influential figures in Latin music history, Palmieri was born Dec. 15, 1936 in Spanish Harlem to Puerto Rican parents and was greatly influenced by his older brother, the pioneering Latin pianist Charlie Palmieri. “Together, the Palmieri brothers helped define the sound of Latin music in New York City and beyond, each leaving a distinct legacy,” reads the post.
Known for pioneering progressive salsa and Latin jazz, blending American jazz with Afro-Caribbean rhythms, Palmieri founded in 1961 La Perfecta, a band that redefined salsa with its use of trombones in place of trumpets, introducing a new sound that became Palmieri’s musical signature. His 1965 classic “Azúcar Pa’ Ti” has been recognized for its cultural significance – in 2009, it was inducted into the Library of Congress of the United States. He also blended Latin music with funk, soul, and socially conscious messaging in his innovative 1971 album Harlem River Drive.
In 1976, he won the first Grammy Award ever given in a Latin category —then called Best Latin Recording —for his iconic album The Sun of Latin Music.
On the Billboard charts, Palmieri had seven entries on the Jazz Albums ranking – from Palmas (1994) to Listen Here! (2005) -– and eight entries on Top Tropical Albums, including three top 10s: Obra Maestra: Mastepiece (2000) with Tito Puente, Ritmo Caliente (2003), both of which reached No. 5, and Eddie Palmieri Is Doin’ It In The Park: The EP (Soundtrack), which peaked at No. 7. He also had presence on Traditional Jazz Albums (nine entries, two of them in the top 10), Top Latin Albums (one entry at No. 7) and Tropical Airplay (one entry).
Winner of the NEA Jazz Masters Award as well as eight Grammy Awards and a Latin Grammy, Palmieri received in 2013 a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Latin Recording Academy.
“It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the passing of maestro Eddie Palmieri, a pioneer of salsa, a visionary of Latin jazz, and an eternal revolutionary of rhythm,” the Latin Recording Academy said on a statement. “His talent broke barriers, merging tradition with innovation and leaving an indelible mark on generations of musicians and music lovers. […] He always had a deep commitment to culture, and his invaluable contributions cemented him as one of the great pillars of the Latin sound worldwide.”
Eddie Palmieri’s wife for almost six decades, Iraida Palmieri, whom he lovingly called “Mi Luz Mayor,” passed away in 2014. He is survived by their five children – daughters Gabriela, Renee, Eydie and Ileana, and son Edward Palmieri II – and four grandchildren.
One of the most influential figures in Latin music history, Palmieri was born Dec. 15, 1936 in Spanish Harlem to Puerto Rican parents and was greatly influenced by his older brother, the pioneering Latin pianist Charlie Palmieri. “Together, the Palmieri brothers helped define the sound of Latin music in New York City and beyond, each leaving a distinct legacy,” reads the post.
Known for pioneering progressive salsa and Latin jazz, blending American jazz with Afro-Caribbean rhythms, Palmieri founded in 1961 La Perfecta, a band that redefined salsa with its use of trombones in place of trumpets, introducing a new sound that became Palmieri’s musical signature. His 1965 classic “Azúcar Pa’ Ti” has been recognized for its cultural significance – in 2009, it was inducted into the Library of Congress of the United States. He also blended Latin music with funk, soul, and socially conscious messaging in his innovative 1971 album Harlem River Drive.
In 1976, he won the first Grammy Award ever given in a Latin category —then called Best Latin Recording —for his iconic album The Sun of Latin Music.
On the Billboard charts, Palmieri had seven entries on the Jazz Albums ranking – from Palmas (1994) to Listen Here! (2005) -– and eight entries on Top Tropical Albums, including three top 10s: Obra Maestra: Mastepiece (2000) with Tito Puente, Ritmo Caliente (2003), both of which reached No. 5, and Eddie Palmieri Is Doin’ It In The Park: The EP (Soundtrack), which peaked at No. 7. He also had presence on Traditional Jazz Albums (nine entries, two of them in the top 10), Top Latin Albums (one entry at No. 7) and Tropical Airplay (one entry).
Winner of the NEA Jazz Masters Award as well as eight Grammy Awards and a Latin Grammy, Palmieri received in 2013 a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Latin Recording Academy.
“It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the passing of maestro Eddie Palmieri, a pioneer of salsa, a visionary of Latin jazz, and an eternal revolutionary of rhythm,” the Latin Recording Academy said on a statement. “His talent broke barriers, merging tradition with innovation and leaving an indelible mark on generations of musicians and music lovers. […] He always had a deep commitment to culture, and his invaluable contributions cemented him as one of the great pillars of the Latin sound worldwide.”
Eddie Palmieri’s wife for almost six decades, Iraida Palmieri, whom he lovingly called “Mi Luz Mayor,” passed away in 2014. He is survived by their five children – daughters Gabriela, Renee, Eydie and Ileana, and son Edward Palmieri II – and four grandchildren.
¡Gracias por todas tus contribuciones a la música! Descansa en paz, Maestro Eddie Palmieri.
Busta Rhymes Assistant After At Least $6M Over Workplace Assault
Busta Rhymes is now at the center of a $6 million federal lawsuit after his former assistant accused him of physical assault and labor law violations during a dispute in his Brooklyn building.
The complaint, filed by Dashiel Gables, claims the Hip-Hop icon struck him in the face during a January altercation in the lobby of Rhymes’ residence.
Gables says the punch left him with swelling near his eye and emotional trauma. The suit also alleges unpaid wages and unlawful workplace treatment.
According to court documents, the confrontation began when Busta Rhymes became upset with Gables for using his phone on the job.
Gables says the situation escalated quickly and ended with him being physically attacked.
Busta Rhymes turned himself in to cops and was hit with three assault charges.’
Following the alleged incident, Gables says he was cut off from Rhymes’ professional network, effectively ending his role in the rapper’s career.
A press conference with his legal team, Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP, and Panzavecchia & Associates, PLLC, is planned outside the Kings County Supreme Court in Brooklyn on August 7 to address the lawsuit and the broader workplace issues it raises.
The lawsuit accuses Rhymes of assault, battery, wage theft and emotional distress and a settlement could end up costing the rapper between $6 million and $7 million.
Busta Rhymes is now at the center of a $6 million federal lawsuit after his former assistant accused him of physical assault and labor law violations during a dispute in his Brooklyn building.
The complaint, filed by Dashiel Gables, claims the Hip-Hop icon struck him in the face during a January altercation in the lobby of Rhymes’ residence.
Gables says the punch left him with swelling near his eye and emotional trauma. The suit also alleges unpaid wages and unlawful workplace treatment.
According to court documents, the confrontation began when Busta Rhymes became upset with Gables for using his phone on the job.
Gables says the situation escalated quickly and ended with him being physically attacked.
Busta Rhymes turned himself in to cops and was hit with three assault charges.’
Following the alleged incident, Gables says he was cut off from Rhymes’ professional network, effectively ending his role in the rapper’s career.
A press conference with his legal team, Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP, and Panzavecchia & Associates, PLLC, is planned outside the Kings County Supreme Court in Brooklyn on August 7 to address the lawsuit and the broader workplace issues it raises.
The lawsuit accuses Rhymes of assault, battery, wage theft and emotional distress and a settlement could end up costing the rapper between $6 million and $7 million.
BET Prez Scott Mills says: There's a reason Why BET Has Suspended The Soul Train And Hip-Hop Awards "cough, cough"
BET has officially hit pause on two of its most iconic shows: the BET Hip-Hop Awards and the Soul Train Awards. Both award shows have reportedly been suspended indefinitely according to the network.
BET CEO Scott Mills confirmed the news in a statement to Billboard, saying, “So for BET linear, we have suspended the Soul Train and Hip-Hop award shows. But we have a team that’s actively thinking about where those award shows might best live as the media climate continues to evolve. They aren’t gone. And we also still have the NAACP Image Awards and the Stellar Awards.”
Clarifying further, he added, “It’s less about them being no longer and more about our team having to reimagine them for this changing media landscape that we find ourselves in. I think what we’re going to see are more people taking franchises and saying, ‘This might have started on linear television, but now I’m going to move it to another space. Do I move it to streaming? Or do I move it to another platform?’”
The BET Hip Hop Awards launched in 2006, while the Soul Train Awards traces back to 1987. For decades, both shows have celebrated artists and influential figures’ contributions to Black culture and music. The original BET Awards currently remains active as it recently celebrated 25 years since its inception.
BET also recently announced a revamping of its hit show 106 & Park into “106 & Sports.” Mills explained to Billboard, “106 & Sports is a collaboration with Spring Hill Entertainment, and everybody is working feverishly to get it ready to launch in the fall. We’re going to start with a weekly show at that point with lots of wonderful guests. It will apply the best elements of the 106 & Park structure and format to the sports world.”
He emphasized that while music remains central to BET, the network is recognizing how sports have become “an integral part of the culture.”
Adding another layer to the network’s evolution, last year Paramount Global reportedly put BET on the market with an asking price between $1.6 and $1.7 billion. According to Variety, this exclusive offer was extended to potential buyers including Mills, who joined BET in 1997 and became CEO in 2021. Past prospective buyers included Tyler Perry, Sean “Diddy” Combs, and Byron Allen.
BET CEO Scott Mills confirmed the news in a statement to Billboard, saying, “So for BET linear, we have suspended the Soul Train and Hip-Hop award shows. But we have a team that’s actively thinking about where those award shows might best live as the media climate continues to evolve. They aren’t gone. And we also still have the NAACP Image Awards and the Stellar Awards.”
Clarifying further, he added, “It’s less about them being no longer and more about our team having to reimagine them for this changing media landscape that we find ourselves in. I think what we’re going to see are more people taking franchises and saying, ‘This might have started on linear television, but now I’m going to move it to another space. Do I move it to streaming? Or do I move it to another platform?’”
The BET Hip Hop Awards launched in 2006, while the Soul Train Awards traces back to 1987. For decades, both shows have celebrated artists and influential figures’ contributions to Black culture and music. The original BET Awards currently remains active as it recently celebrated 25 years since its inception.
BET also recently announced a revamping of its hit show 106 & Park into “106 & Sports.” Mills explained to Billboard, “106 & Sports is a collaboration with Spring Hill Entertainment, and everybody is working feverishly to get it ready to launch in the fall. We’re going to start with a weekly show at that point with lots of wonderful guests. It will apply the best elements of the 106 & Park structure and format to the sports world.”
He emphasized that while music remains central to BET, the network is recognizing how sports have become “an integral part of the culture.”
Adding another layer to the network’s evolution, last year Paramount Global reportedly put BET on the market with an asking price between $1.6 and $1.7 billion. According to Variety, this exclusive offer was extended to potential buyers including Mills, who joined BET in 1997 and became CEO in 2021. Past prospective buyers included Tyler Perry, Sean “Diddy” Combs, and Byron Allen.
Teyana Taylor is Undergoing Emergency Vocal Chord Surgery
Teyana Taylor is focusing on her health. The "Gonna Love Me" singer shared on Aug. 6 that she'll be undergoing emergency surgery on her vocal chords to remove a benign growth.
"I've been quietly dealing with some vocal challenges for a while now," Teyana began on her Instagram Story, explaining that doctors "found a noncancerous growth on one of my chords that's been messing with my voice and causing real discomfort."
She continued, "Thankfully, we caught it & it's treatable—but it does mean I need to pause and give myself time to fully heal."
While Teyana has canceled her upcoming appearance on Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson's IMO podcast to make time in her schedule to recover, she hasn't moved the Aug. 22 release date for her fourth studio album Escape Room.
"It's the most personal body of work I've ever created," the 34-year-old wrote. "Just as I was getting ready to finally share this with you, life handed me my own unexpected 'escape room'—one I didn't ask for, but one I now have to find my way out of with patience, rest, and faith." Vowing to return with "even more fire, more purpose, and the best version of me," Teyana added, "I can't wait to be on the other side of this—stronger, softer, and singing again."
This was not the first time the Straw star opened up about her health struggles. On a 2021 episode of her and then-husband Iman Shumpert's reality show We Got Love Teyana & Iman, she detailed how doctors found benign but "dense" tissues in her breasts that required removal.
"I just want this to be the last time I go through this," Teyana explained at the time. "Cancer runs through my family, so it's a scary thing both for me and Iman."
Still, the choreographer—who shares daughters Junie, 9, and Rue, 4, with her ex—said she doesn't "regret anything" about the medical ordeal.
"I accept every single body scar, everything that comes with mommy-hood, but the changes physically, mentally, emotionally, it's crazy," she said. "As mommies, we really are super-women."
Teyana Taylor is focusing on her health. The "Gonna Love Me" singer shared on Aug. 6 that she'll be undergoing emergency surgery on her vocal chords to remove a benign growth.
"I've been quietly dealing with some vocal challenges for a while now," Teyana began on her Instagram Story, explaining that doctors "found a noncancerous growth on one of my chords that's been messing with my voice and causing real discomfort."
She continued, "Thankfully, we caught it & it's treatable—but it does mean I need to pause and give myself time to fully heal."
While Teyana has canceled her upcoming appearance on Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson's IMO podcast to make time in her schedule to recover, she hasn't moved the Aug. 22 release date for her fourth studio album Escape Room.
"It's the most personal body of work I've ever created," the 34-year-old wrote. "Just as I was getting ready to finally share this with you, life handed me my own unexpected 'escape room'—one I didn't ask for, but one I now have to find my way out of with patience, rest, and faith." Vowing to return with "even more fire, more purpose, and the best version of me," Teyana added, "I can't wait to be on the other side of this—stronger, softer, and singing again."
This was not the first time the Straw star opened up about her health struggles. On a 2021 episode of her and then-husband Iman Shumpert's reality show We Got Love Teyana & Iman, she detailed how doctors found benign but "dense" tissues in her breasts that required removal.
"I just want this to be the last time I go through this," Teyana explained at the time. "Cancer runs through my family, so it's a scary thing both for me and Iman."
Still, the choreographer—who shares daughters Junie, 9, and Rue, 4, with her ex—said she doesn't "regret anything" about the medical ordeal.
"I accept every single body scar, everything that comes with mommy-hood, but the changes physically, mentally, emotionally, it's crazy," she said. "As mommies, we really are super-women."
Shannon Sharpe Defamation Accuser on $20 Million Lawsuit: ‘I Will Protect My Name’
Tillman took to The Morning Hustle to speak about the lawsuit, which was filed in April and moved to federal court in Chicago this past week. The story began when Tillman was one of the lucky fans chosen to share a steamy moment with Usher and some cherries in London back in April, shortly before Sharpe and Johnson recorded an episode of their podcast, Nightcap.
According to court documents reviewed by Complex, the hosts falsely alleged she was married at the time of the concert and was now in the process of a divorce as a result of the viral interaction. Tillman clarified she was single at the time of the concert.
"I'm a private citizen, and in the rules when it comes to that... you better fact check and double check what you're saying and what you're doing, because it's wrong," Tillman asserted. "I'm not a public figure."
Tillman alleges that she initially asked for the clip to be taken down and to be issued a public apology paired with a retraction, but her requests were ignored. "The other thing about it is people, like smaller-level platforms, were citing him as the journalistic news source where it came from," she said, emphasizing the spread of information far beyond what she felt that she could control.
She further claims that the allegations have made their way into her professional life as an art executive and homeschooling advocate. "Every time I enter a meeting for funding, for programming and activations and things, it comes up. I'm tired of being the punchline when it comes to that aspect," she said.
Tillman compares her legal battle to the story of David and Goliath, further clarifying that this isn't about Sharpe or Johnson, but rather their "award-winning, multi-million dollar funded institution." She points her finger to Pink Deer, the production company behind the podcast, and focuses on the alleged lack of ethics and fact checking.
"He knows better," Tillman said of Sharpe. "You should be able to double check what you're saying. And the way they kept my image up, the way they kept it going in the chat and was going on and on, it was mortifying."
"This institution of Shay Shay Media does not have a policy in place about false information, reporting information, retracting. There is nothing anywhere on Shay Shay Media that states that. They do not feel that they have to be held accountable, and they do. They're one of many."
Tillman doesn't want to stop at the Chicago courts and intends to take the case to Congress.
She also says it is "coincidental" the news of her lawsuit coincided with his recent dismissal from ESPN, where he was an NFL/NBA Analyst on First Take from 2023 to 2025.
"I don't got nothing against that man, but at the end of the day, I will protect my name," Tillman assured.
Sharpe also recently settled with Gabrielle Zuniga, an OnlyFans model who accused the sports broadcaster of sexual assault. The case was settled for an undisclosed amount of money.
Wendell Pierce and Caesars Palace Times Square Launch $10M Fund for Legacy Theaters of Color
Caesars Palace Times Square and Tony-nominated actor Wendell Pierce have announced a $10 million investment to launch the New York Coalition of Legacy Theatres of Color Fund. The new nonprofit initiative aims to support historic theaters and ensembles that spotlight the stories of New York’s communities of color while addressing the chronic underfunding these institutions face.
The fund will operate as a 501(c)(3) and provide direct investments to help bolster production, marketing, and visibility for longstanding theaters such as the Billie Holiday Theatre, New Heritage Theatre Group, Black Spectrum Theatre, and The Negro Ensemble Company.
Beyond financial support, partner Caesars Palace Times Square will offer additional benefits to participating theaters and their workers. These include access to childcare services for performers and crews, rental assistance, student and medical debt relief, and priority job access through a monthly theater labor job fair.
Pierce, who recently made history as the first Black actor to portray Willy Loman in a major Broadway production of Death of a Salesman, brings a lifelong commitment to arts equity. He previously won a Tony Award as a producer of Clybourne Park, a play examining race and gentrification. Pierce will also serve on the fund’s governing board alongside other respected arts leaders and advocates.
The fund is part of a broader community commitment from Caesars Palace Times Square, which is actively pursuing one of New York State’s new gaming licenses. If approved, the project will convert the current 1515 Broadway office building into a world-class gaming and entertainment venue.
“As an artist and advocate, I believe that the social justice movement of the 21st Century is economic development and creating opportunities that sustain and uplift our communities—both on stage and beyond,” said award-winning Actor Wendell Pierce. “Caesars Palace Times Square is a formidable investment, creating access and opportunity, with a profound creation of jobs in the greatest cultural economy of the world. This project will not only be transformative for our creative Broadway community but for the broader labor force as well. I fully endorse this project and recognize this is a powerful step toward ensuring that cultural groups of color are not just included but are leaders in shaping the future of Times Square — with a commitment to workforce inclusion, community partnership, and artistic vibrancy for all.”
As part of its support, Caesars will also promote participating legacy theaters through its 65-million-member Caesars Rewards platform, app, and in-person marketing channels.
Pierce, best known for his role as Detective Bunk Moreland on The Wire, remains active across film, TV, and stage. He recently won the African American Film Critics Association award for Best Male TV Actor in Elsbeth and appeared as Perry White in Superman. He will soon star in Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest.
“Representation doesn’t just matter on the stage, but also behind the scenes and in the systems that support artists,” said Desiree Perez, CEO of Roc Nation. “Creating this fund is a step toward equity in the entertainment industry, and we’re proud to be part of a project that centers the people and places that built New York’s creative legacy.”
This initiative reaffirms Caesars Palace Times Square’s investment in New York’s cultural core and its creative workers, offering real-time solutions rooted in equity and community partnership.
Caesars Palace Times Square and Tony-nominated actor Wendell Pierce have announced a $10 million investment to launch the New York Coalition of Legacy Theatres of Color Fund. The new nonprofit initiative aims to support historic theaters and ensembles that spotlight the stories of New York’s communities of color while addressing the chronic underfunding these institutions face.
The fund will operate as a 501(c)(3) and provide direct investments to help bolster production, marketing, and visibility for longstanding theaters such as the Billie Holiday Theatre, New Heritage Theatre Group, Black Spectrum Theatre, and The Negro Ensemble Company.
Beyond financial support, partner Caesars Palace Times Square will offer additional benefits to participating theaters and their workers. These include access to childcare services for performers and crews, rental assistance, student and medical debt relief, and priority job access through a monthly theater labor job fair.
Pierce, who recently made history as the first Black actor to portray Willy Loman in a major Broadway production of Death of a Salesman, brings a lifelong commitment to arts equity. He previously won a Tony Award as a producer of Clybourne Park, a play examining race and gentrification. Pierce will also serve on the fund’s governing board alongside other respected arts leaders and advocates.
The fund is part of a broader community commitment from Caesars Palace Times Square, which is actively pursuing one of New York State’s new gaming licenses. If approved, the project will convert the current 1515 Broadway office building into a world-class gaming and entertainment venue.
“As an artist and advocate, I believe that the social justice movement of the 21st Century is economic development and creating opportunities that sustain and uplift our communities—both on stage and beyond,” said award-winning Actor Wendell Pierce. “Caesars Palace Times Square is a formidable investment, creating access and opportunity, with a profound creation of jobs in the greatest cultural economy of the world. This project will not only be transformative for our creative Broadway community but for the broader labor force as well. I fully endorse this project and recognize this is a powerful step toward ensuring that cultural groups of color are not just included but are leaders in shaping the future of Times Square — with a commitment to workforce inclusion, community partnership, and artistic vibrancy for all.”
As part of its support, Caesars will also promote participating legacy theaters through its 65-million-member Caesars Rewards platform, app, and in-person marketing channels.
Pierce, best known for his role as Detective Bunk Moreland on The Wire, remains active across film, TV, and stage. He recently won the African American Film Critics Association award for Best Male TV Actor in Elsbeth and appeared as Perry White in Superman. He will soon star in Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest.
“Representation doesn’t just matter on the stage, but also behind the scenes and in the systems that support artists,” said Desiree Perez, CEO of Roc Nation. “Creating this fund is a step toward equity in the entertainment industry, and we’re proud to be part of a project that centers the people and places that built New York’s creative legacy.”
This initiative reaffirms Caesars Palace Times Square’s investment in New York’s cultural core and its creative workers, offering real-time solutions rooted in equity and community partnership.
GloRilla Concert Collapse Over Forged Documents Triggers Massive Lawsuit
A valley entertainment company filed a lawsuit Monday after plans for a Cleveland concert ended in alleged fraud. The company claims it lost $2.5 million in potential ticket sales as well as additional deposits.
Lena Esmail's company, Esmail Entertainment, has filed a lawsuit against Shaw Management Enterprises, alleging fraud. The lawsuit was filed against the promotion group for allegedly forging documents, lying about contracts, and securing over $280,000 in deposits from Esmail Entertainment for a Cleveland concert that was supposed to feature rapper GloRilla.
Esmail, primarily known as the CEO of QUICKMed Urgent Care, formed the company in March of this year and, according to the filing, had coordinated with Shaw Management Enterprises to secure GloRilla to headline the show as well as rappers Skilla Baby and Money Bagg Yo. The concert was set to take place on September 6 at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland.
According to the filing, the promotion group informed Esmail's company two days after tickets went on sale that all promotions of the show needed to be removed, without reason or new promotion materials. Esmail Entertainment said it then directly contacted GloRilla's production team and was informed that the rapper had not signed any contracts connected to the entertainment company. Esmail Entertainment claims that GloRilla's team advised the company that Shaw Management had only recently been attempting to secure the performance.
The filing states that, due to the allegedly forged documents, "GloRilla refused to book any event with Esmail."
Contracts for Money Bagg Yo and Skilla Baby's performances are also alleged to be forged and fraudulent.
The lawsuit includes six separate counts including fraud, civil theft and tortious interference with a business expectancy. As of Monday, when the suit was filed, the entertainment company claims Shaw Management Enterprises had only returned $20,000 of the company's deposits.
Though the entertainment company canceled the concert, 21 News found that tickets to the event are still listed for the planned September 6 concert on resale sites for prices upwards of $1,000, as of the publishing of this story.
Esmail told 21 News that she cannot speak on the matter due to pending litigation.
Lena Esmail's company, Esmail Entertainment, has filed a lawsuit against Shaw Management Enterprises, alleging fraud. The lawsuit was filed against the promotion group for allegedly forging documents, lying about contracts, and securing over $280,000 in deposits from Esmail Entertainment for a Cleveland concert that was supposed to feature rapper GloRilla.
Esmail, primarily known as the CEO of QUICKMed Urgent Care, formed the company in March of this year and, according to the filing, had coordinated with Shaw Management Enterprises to secure GloRilla to headline the show as well as rappers Skilla Baby and Money Bagg Yo. The concert was set to take place on September 6 at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland.
According to the filing, the promotion group informed Esmail's company two days after tickets went on sale that all promotions of the show needed to be removed, without reason or new promotion materials. Esmail Entertainment said it then directly contacted GloRilla's production team and was informed that the rapper had not signed any contracts connected to the entertainment company. Esmail Entertainment claims that GloRilla's team advised the company that Shaw Management had only recently been attempting to secure the performance.
The filing states that, due to the allegedly forged documents, "GloRilla refused to book any event with Esmail."
Contracts for Money Bagg Yo and Skilla Baby's performances are also alleged to be forged and fraudulent.
The lawsuit includes six separate counts including fraud, civil theft and tortious interference with a business expectancy. As of Monday, when the suit was filed, the entertainment company claims Shaw Management Enterprises had only returned $20,000 of the company's deposits.
Though the entertainment company canceled the concert, 21 News found that tickets to the event are still listed for the planned September 6 concert on resale sites for prices upwards of $1,000, as of the publishing of this story.
Esmail told 21 News that she cannot speak on the matter due to pending litigation.
Fort Stewart: Shooter apprehended, name is Sergent Quornelius Radford 5 soldiers shot
Officials have identified the alleged shooter that opened fire and injured five soldiers at Fort Stewart on Wednesday.
The suspected shooter was identified as 28-year-old Sergent Quornelius Radford. Radford was stationed on base as an automated logistics sergeant, Brig. General John Lubas confirmed.
All five soldiers who were shot are in stable condition, Lubas said. The Army will not release names of those injured, pending notification of family members, Lt. Col. Angel Tomko said at a news conference.
Soldiers who witnessed the shooting “immediately and without hesitation” tackled Radford and subdued him, Lubas reported.
Lubas said they can confirm the weapon used in the shooting was not a miliary weapon, and that they believe it was a personal handgun. As part of the investigation, military investigators will look into how Radford was able to bring a personal weapon on base.
Radford was also allegedly arrested for DUI locally, which was unknown to his chain of command.
Lubas also said that he isn’t aware of any prior behavioral issues involving Radford but noted that it’s still early in the investigation. Radford has not been deployed to combat before either, officials said.
At approximately 1:28 p.m., three of the five shooting victims were taken to Memorial Health via ambulance, escorted by Georgia State Patrol. Appling County Schools Level 1 lockdown was lifted.
At 12:35 p.m., the shooter was apprehended. Five soldiers were confirmed to have been shot, according to Fort Stewart Hunter Army Airfield. Four soldiers were treated on-site and moved to Winn Army Community Hospital for further treatment. There’s no active threat to the community.
At 12:06 p.m., Appling County School System placed Level 1 lockdown: “We are closely monitoring the situation and remain in communication with local law enforcement.” The lockdown was lifted at 1:28 p.m.
At approximately 11:58 a.m., Maj. Charles Egan confirmed casualties. Some victims were taken to Memorial Hospital.
Liberty County Schools placed a soft lockdown, including Button Gwinnet Elementary, Joseph Martin Elementary and Snelson Golden Middle School. The lockdown was lifted as of 1:49 p.m.
At approximately 11:40 a.m., Maj. Charles Egan, confirmed an active shooter at Fort Stewart. Casualties are still being assessed.
Lt. Col Angel Tomko, Division PIO said it occurred in the 2d Brigade area located off of highway 144 near Sunbury Road. The brigade, which is not located on the main Fort Stewart area, is currently locked down as well as Wright Army Airfield which is located about 3 miles from sm2d brigade.
Fort Stewart Hunter Army Airfield (FSHAA) Commander issued a lock down in the 2ABCT area. The lockdown included Wright and Evans Army Airfield.
“Lockdown your facility immediately, stay inside, close and lock all windows and doors. Keep telephone lines open and report accountability to your leadership,” FSHAA said on a Facebook post.
#RIP: Jane Etta Pitt, mother of Brad Pitt, dies at 84
Brad Pitt's mother, Jane Etta Pitt, has died at age 84, according to an Instagram post by the actor's niece, Sydney Pitt. She honored "my sweet Grammy" in the social media tribute on Wednesday, Aug. 6.
"We were not ready for you to go yet but knowing you are finally free to sing, dance, and paint again makes it a tad easier," she wrote. "If you knew Grammy, you knew she had the biggest heart. She cared deeply for everyone and everything, no questions asked."
Pitt also reflected on how there "was no limit to the love she gave, and everyone who met her felt it," adding, "I don't know how we move forward without her. But I know she's still here in every brushstroke, every kind gesture, every hummingbird. She was love in its purest form."
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1940, Jane Etta Pitt was a former elementary school teacher who met her future husband William, Brad's father, at Oklahoma Baptist University, according to an obituary provided by the family. The couple married in 1962 and raised their three children — Brad, Doug, and Julie — in Springfield, Missouri.
"Jane was a gifted artist who expressed herself most vividly through painting," her family said. "Her love for art became a cherished bond between her and her grandchildren during craft sessions and painting lessons that created lasting memories. Known affectionately as 'Grammy,' Jane found immense joy in celebrating each grandchild's uniqueness through one-on-one traditions lovingly known as 'Your Special Day.' These treasured moments remain among the fondest memories for all fourteen of her grandchildren."
Brad Pitt reflected on his upbringing in Missouri during a 2017 interview with GQ and recalled being raised in the First Baptist tradition, "which is the cleaner, stricter, by-the-book Christianity."
But the Oscar winner said that when he was in high school, "My folks jumped to a more charismatic movement, which got into speaking in tongues and raising your hands and some goofy (stuff)." Pitt added that he was drawn to "different cultures and lives so foreign to mine," especially on film, during this time.
"I remember going to a few concerts, even though we were told rock shows are the Devil, basically," Pitt told GQ. "Our parents let us go, they weren't neo about it."
Pitt's mother made some appearances with him at events through the years. In 2014, both of the actor's parents attended the premiere of "Unbroken," a film directed by Pitt's then-wife, Angelina Jolie.
In 2002, Jane appeared on "The Late Show with David Letterman" as part of a bit where mothers of celebrities shared the advice they had given their child. "Don't believe all the hype you read about yourself, honey," she joked. "Actually, you're a short, overweight bald guy."
Jane also made headlines in 2012 after writing an op-ed in the Springfield News-Leader arguing that Christians should vote for Mitt Romney for president, according to ABC News.
Earlier that year, Brad Pitt told The Hollywood Reporter that his mother is "very loving," adding that it's "hilarious because she always gets painted in the tabloids as a she-devil" even though "there's not an ounce of malice in her."
More recently, Brad Pitt gave a sweet shoutout to his mom on the "Today" show in June while promoting his movie "F1."
"I've got to say hi to my mom because she watches you every morning," the actor said during an appearance with "Today" host Savannah Guthrie. "To Jane Pitt! Love you mom." Pitt also gave his mother a wave and blew her a kiss.
The suspected shooter was identified as 28-year-old Sergent Quornelius Radford. Radford was stationed on base as an automated logistics sergeant, Brig. General John Lubas confirmed.
All five soldiers who were shot are in stable condition, Lubas said. The Army will not release names of those injured, pending notification of family members, Lt. Col. Angel Tomko said at a news conference.
Soldiers who witnessed the shooting “immediately and without hesitation” tackled Radford and subdued him, Lubas reported.
Lubas said they can confirm the weapon used in the shooting was not a miliary weapon, and that they believe it was a personal handgun. As part of the investigation, military investigators will look into how Radford was able to bring a personal weapon on base.
Radford was also allegedly arrested for DUI locally, which was unknown to his chain of command.
Lubas also said that he isn’t aware of any prior behavioral issues involving Radford but noted that it’s still early in the investigation. Radford has not been deployed to combat before either, officials said.
At approximately 1:28 p.m., three of the five shooting victims were taken to Memorial Health via ambulance, escorted by Georgia State Patrol. Appling County Schools Level 1 lockdown was lifted.
At 12:35 p.m., the shooter was apprehended. Five soldiers were confirmed to have been shot, according to Fort Stewart Hunter Army Airfield. Four soldiers were treated on-site and moved to Winn Army Community Hospital for further treatment. There’s no active threat to the community.
At 12:06 p.m., Appling County School System placed Level 1 lockdown: “We are closely monitoring the situation and remain in communication with local law enforcement.” The lockdown was lifted at 1:28 p.m.
At approximately 11:58 a.m., Maj. Charles Egan confirmed casualties. Some victims were taken to Memorial Hospital.
Liberty County Schools placed a soft lockdown, including Button Gwinnet Elementary, Joseph Martin Elementary and Snelson Golden Middle School. The lockdown was lifted as of 1:49 p.m.
At approximately 11:40 a.m., Maj. Charles Egan, confirmed an active shooter at Fort Stewart. Casualties are still being assessed.
Lt. Col Angel Tomko, Division PIO said it occurred in the 2d Brigade area located off of highway 144 near Sunbury Road. The brigade, which is not located on the main Fort Stewart area, is currently locked down as well as Wright Army Airfield which is located about 3 miles from sm2d brigade.
Fort Stewart Hunter Army Airfield (FSHAA) Commander issued a lock down in the 2ABCT area. The lockdown included Wright and Evans Army Airfield.
“Lockdown your facility immediately, stay inside, close and lock all windows and doors. Keep telephone lines open and report accountability to your leadership,” FSHAA said on a Facebook post.
#RIP: Jane Etta Pitt, mother of Brad Pitt, dies at 84
"We were not ready for you to go yet but knowing you are finally free to sing, dance, and paint again makes it a tad easier," she wrote. "If you knew Grammy, you knew she had the biggest heart. She cared deeply for everyone and everything, no questions asked."
Pitt also reflected on how there "was no limit to the love she gave, and everyone who met her felt it," adding, "I don't know how we move forward without her. But I know she's still here in every brushstroke, every kind gesture, every hummingbird. She was love in its purest form."
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1940, Jane Etta Pitt was a former elementary school teacher who met her future husband William, Brad's father, at Oklahoma Baptist University, according to an obituary provided by the family. The couple married in 1962 and raised their three children — Brad, Doug, and Julie — in Springfield, Missouri.
"Jane was a gifted artist who expressed herself most vividly through painting," her family said. "Her love for art became a cherished bond between her and her grandchildren during craft sessions and painting lessons that created lasting memories. Known affectionately as 'Grammy,' Jane found immense joy in celebrating each grandchild's uniqueness through one-on-one traditions lovingly known as 'Your Special Day.' These treasured moments remain among the fondest memories for all fourteen of her grandchildren."
Brad Pitt reflected on his upbringing in Missouri during a 2017 interview with GQ and recalled being raised in the First Baptist tradition, "which is the cleaner, stricter, by-the-book Christianity."
But the Oscar winner said that when he was in high school, "My folks jumped to a more charismatic movement, which got into speaking in tongues and raising your hands and some goofy (stuff)." Pitt added that he was drawn to "different cultures and lives so foreign to mine," especially on film, during this time.
"I remember going to a few concerts, even though we were told rock shows are the Devil, basically," Pitt told GQ. "Our parents let us go, they weren't neo about it."
Pitt's mother made some appearances with him at events through the years. In 2014, both of the actor's parents attended the premiere of "Unbroken," a film directed by Pitt's then-wife, Angelina Jolie.
In 2002, Jane appeared on "The Late Show with David Letterman" as part of a bit where mothers of celebrities shared the advice they had given their child. "Don't believe all the hype you read about yourself, honey," she joked. "Actually, you're a short, overweight bald guy."
Jane also made headlines in 2012 after writing an op-ed in the Springfield News-Leader arguing that Christians should vote for Mitt Romney for president, according to ABC News.
Earlier that year, Brad Pitt told The Hollywood Reporter that his mother is "very loving," adding that it's "hilarious because she always gets painted in the tabloids as a she-devil" even though "there's not an ounce of malice in her."
More recently, Brad Pitt gave a sweet shoutout to his mom on the "Today" show in June while promoting his movie "F1."
"I've got to say hi to my mom because she watches you every morning," the actor said during an appearance with "Today" host Savannah Guthrie. "To Jane Pitt! Love you mom." Pitt also gave his mother a wave and blew her a kiss.
MLB Calls Up Its First Female Umpire For Marlins vs. Braves This Weekend
History is about to be made in Major League Baseball as Jen Pawol becomes the first woman to umpire a regular season game in the big leagues. She’s set to take the field during this weekend’s Miami Marlins vs. Atlanta Braves series at Truist Park, working the bases for Saturday’s doubleheader and calling balls and strikes from behind the plate on Sunday.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred acknowledged the significance of the moment, stating, “This historic accomplishment in baseball is a reflection of Jen’s hard work, dedication and love of the game. She has earned this opportunity, and we are proud of the strong example she has set, particularly for all the women and young girls who aspire to roles on the field.”
Pawol, 48, has carved her path through the minor league system since 2016 and has earned respect at every level she’s worked. A standout athlete growing up in New Jersey, Pawol played both softball and soccer at West Milford High School before heading to Hofstra University on a softball scholarship. She was a three-time all-conference pick at Hofstra and later represented the USA Baseball Women’s National Team in 2001.
After years of playing and officiating NCAA softball, Pawol transitioned to baseball umpiring, attending an MLB tryout in 2015 and graduating from the Umpire Training Academy. She’s since worked her way through the Gulf Coast League, South Atlantic League, and most recently called the 2023 Triple-A National Championship Game.
This year, she made history during spring training, becoming the first woman since Ria Cortesio in 2007 to umpire Major League games in the preseason. Now, she breaks the regular-season barrier as the fifth umpire to debut in MLB this year.
Players and coaches have already voiced their support. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, “Baseball’s done a great job of being completely inclusive… It’s good for the game.” Phillies shortstop Trea Turner added, “If she’s doing a great job, I love seeing the opportunity for her, and I’m happy for her.”
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman echoed the sentiment. “I think if she is a good enough umpire, obviously she deserves to be here.”
Pawol’s moment also places MLB in step with other professional sports leagues that have broken gender barriers among officials, trailing the NBA (1997), NFL (2012), and FIFA’s World Cup (2022), but now firmly joining the movement.
For Pawol, who described officiating as her calling after years of competitive play, this is not just a historic debut. It’s the culmination of dedication, resilience, and a deep love for the game. Her presence on the field this weekend is a victory not only for her, but for baseball itself.
History is about to be made in Major League Baseball as Jen Pawol becomes the first woman to umpire a regular season game in the big leagues. She’s set to take the field during this weekend’s Miami Marlins vs. Atlanta Braves series at Truist Park, working the bases for Saturday’s doubleheader and calling balls and strikes from behind the plate on Sunday.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred acknowledged the significance of the moment, stating, “This historic accomplishment in baseball is a reflection of Jen’s hard work, dedication and love of the game. She has earned this opportunity, and we are proud of the strong example she has set, particularly for all the women and young girls who aspire to roles on the field.”
Pawol, 48, has carved her path through the minor league system since 2016 and has earned respect at every level she’s worked. A standout athlete growing up in New Jersey, Pawol played both softball and soccer at West Milford High School before heading to Hofstra University on a softball scholarship. She was a three-time all-conference pick at Hofstra and later represented the USA Baseball Women’s National Team in 2001.
After years of playing and officiating NCAA softball, Pawol transitioned to baseball umpiring, attending an MLB tryout in 2015 and graduating from the Umpire Training Academy. She’s since worked her way through the Gulf Coast League, South Atlantic League, and most recently called the 2023 Triple-A National Championship Game.
This year, she made history during spring training, becoming the first woman since Ria Cortesio in 2007 to umpire Major League games in the preseason. Now, she breaks the regular-season barrier as the fifth umpire to debut in MLB this year.
Players and coaches have already voiced their support. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, “Baseball’s done a great job of being completely inclusive… It’s good for the game.” Phillies shortstop Trea Turner added, “If she’s doing a great job, I love seeing the opportunity for her, and I’m happy for her.”
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman echoed the sentiment. “I think if she is a good enough umpire, obviously she deserves to be here.”
Pawol’s moment also places MLB in step with other professional sports leagues that have broken gender barriers among officials, trailing the NBA (1997), NFL (2012), and FIFA’s World Cup (2022), but now firmly joining the movement.
For Pawol, who described officiating as her calling after years of competitive play, this is not just a historic debut. It’s the culmination of dedication, resilience, and a deep love for the game. Her presence on the field this weekend is a victory not only for her, but for baseball itself.
Kendrick Lamar Extends Grand National Tour in Australia
Kendrick Lamar announces extended dates for the Grand National Tour in Australia...
Kendrick Lamar is expanding his upcoming run of Australian shows, announcing second stadium dates in both Melbourne and Sydney for his 2025 Grand National Tour.
The Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper will now perform two nights at Melbourne’s AAMI Park (Dec. 3 and Dec. 4) and Sydney’s Allianz Stadium (Dec. 10 and Dec. 11), Live Nation confirmed on Tuesday (Aug. 6). The newly added shows will see fellow U.S. artist and Spilt Milk festival alum Doechii join Lamar as support, while original opener ScHoolboy Q will continue in his slot for the first night in each city.
Kendrick Lamar announces extended dates for the Grand National Tour in Australia...
Kendrick Lamar is expanding his upcoming run of Australian shows, announcing second stadium dates in both Melbourne and Sydney for his 2025 Grand National Tour.
The Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper will now perform two nights at Melbourne’s AAMI Park (Dec. 3 and Dec. 4) and Sydney’s Allianz Stadium (Dec. 10 and Dec. 11), Live Nation confirmed on Tuesday (Aug. 6). The newly added shows will see fellow U.S. artist and Spilt Milk festival alum Doechii join Lamar as support, while original opener ScHoolboy Q will continue in his slot for the first night in each city.
The forthcoming shows will be Lamar’s first visit to Australia since The Big Steppers Tour in 2022, though unlike his current run of North American dates, they will feature Lamar in solo mode, with two different support acts, as opposed to his co-headlining status with SZA.
Beyoncé trashed as artificial— by THE DUMB DUMB Megyn Kelly?
Conservative firebrand Megyn Kelly was on her usual race-based crusade, calling Beyoncé fake while praising Sydney Sweeney in the new Levi’s jeans ad.
Kelly, who makes a living hating on Queen Bey and her family, took aim at the Cowboy Carter superstar after she shot a popular jeans commercial recently.
As par for the course, Kelly negatively compared Beyoncé to the blonde-haired, blue-eyed Sweeney.
Kelly ripped into Bey’s appearance in the new Levi’s jeans commercial, denouncing the Renaissance singer as “artificial” and “fake.”
“This is the opposite of the Sydney Sweeney ad,” Kelly posted on her X platform. “Quite clearly, there is nothing natural about Beyoncé.”
As if that stinger wasn’t enough, Kelly added this zinger, saying, “Everything — from her image, to her fame, to her success, to her look … is bought and paid for. Screams artificial, fake, enhanced, trying too hard.”
American Eagle ran the ad featuring actress Sydney Sweeney, which played on the homonym “jeans” and “genes.”
In the clip, Sweeney said, “Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality, and even eye color. My jeans are blue.”
Kelly, who makes a living hating on Queen Bey and her family, took aim at the Cowboy Carter superstar after she shot a popular jeans commercial recently.
As par for the course, Kelly negatively compared Beyoncé to the blonde-haired, blue-eyed Sweeney.
Kelly ripped into Bey’s appearance in the new Levi’s jeans commercial, denouncing the Renaissance singer as “artificial” and “fake.”
“This is the opposite of the Sydney Sweeney ad,” Kelly posted on her X platform. “Quite clearly, there is nothing natural about Beyoncé.”
As if that stinger wasn’t enough, Kelly added this zinger, saying, “Everything — from her image, to her fame, to her success, to her look … is bought and paid for. Screams artificial, fake, enhanced, trying too hard.”
American Eagle ran the ad featuring actress Sydney Sweeney, which played on the homonym “jeans” and “genes.”
In the clip, Sweeney said, “Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality, and even eye color. My jeans are blue.”
Some detractors of the ad said that having a White actress reference “great genes,” was playing on White supremacist ideologies but strategically camouflaging it with euphemisms.
The ad was even lauded by Donald Trump, who conspicuously bypassed Beyoncé to praise Sweeney. The president hailed it as “the HOTTEST ad out there. Go get ’em, Sydney!”
American Eagle was unbothered by the critics of their new ad.
“The advertisement is and always has been about the jeans,” the brand said in a statement, according to Buzzfeed. “Her jeans. Her narrative. We will continue to honor the unique ways everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence. Great jeans flatter everyone.”
Yet Levi's and Beyonce are selling like HOT CAKES!
Naomi Osaka gets emotional as she shares how motherhood reshaped her tennis career in new documentary trailer
Naomi Osaka’s new documentary, The Second Set, explores how motherhood reshaped her identity and tennis career.
The film captures her mental and physical challenges as she returns to tennis after giving birth to her daughter, Shai.
Produced by her media company Hana Kuma, the documentary highlights Osaka’s evolving role as both athlete and storyteller.
Naomi Osaka is opening up about how becoming a mom has changed her life — and her return to tennis.
In the trailer for Naomi Osaka: The Second Set, premiering Aug. 24 on Tubi, the four-time Grand Slam champion reflects on balancing her tennis career with raising her 2-year-old daughter, Shai, whom she shares with rapper Cordae. The documentary is produced by Hana Kuma, Naomi’s media company, and in partnership with Nike.
“I’m a tennis player, but I’m more than just an athlete,” the 27-year-old says at the start of the clip. “I’ve never had a life outside of tennis.” Her mother, Tamaki Osaka, is also heard, sharing how Venus and Serena Williams inspired her to get her daughters into the sport.
The documentary captures Naomi’s journey back to the sport after stepping away in 2023 for her pregnancy. “I always wanted to be a mom,” she says in another scene. But the road back hasn’t been easy. “I know physically I’m not where I want to be,” the Haitian-Japanese tennis star admits, before a commentator notes her loss at the Australian Open. “Who are you to think that you can come back?” she recalls hearing in her head.
The teaser then cuts to training footage before Naomi gets emotional. “I have multiple identities. My return to the sport is a love letter for moms,” she says. “Some people say she ended my career, but for me, it feels like she started my career.” She ends with: “Nothing is ever over and you’re never out of the game.”
The moment Naomi Osaka’s life changed forever
As previously reported, Naomi and Cordae welcomed Shai in July 2023, with Cordae sharing the news during his Calgary Stampede performance. Naomi had announced her pregnancy in January 2023 on Instagram with a sonogram photo, writing, “Every day is a new blessing and adventure… One thing I’m looking forward to is for my kid to watch one of my matches and tell someone, ‘That’s my mom.’”
Naomi Osaka’s new documentary, The Second Set, explores how motherhood reshaped her identity and tennis career.
The film captures her mental and physical challenges as she returns to tennis after giving birth to her daughter, Shai.
Produced by her media company Hana Kuma, the documentary highlights Osaka’s evolving role as both athlete and storyteller.
Naomi Osaka is opening up about how becoming a mom has changed her life — and her return to tennis.
In the trailer for Naomi Osaka: The Second Set, premiering Aug. 24 on Tubi, the four-time Grand Slam champion reflects on balancing her tennis career with raising her 2-year-old daughter, Shai, whom she shares with rapper Cordae. The documentary is produced by Hana Kuma, Naomi’s media company, and in partnership with Nike.
“I’m a tennis player, but I’m more than just an athlete,” the 27-year-old says at the start of the clip. “I’ve never had a life outside of tennis.” Her mother, Tamaki Osaka, is also heard, sharing how Venus and Serena Williams inspired her to get her daughters into the sport.
The documentary captures Naomi’s journey back to the sport after stepping away in 2023 for her pregnancy. “I always wanted to be a mom,” she says in another scene. But the road back hasn’t been easy. “I know physically I’m not where I want to be,” the Haitian-Japanese tennis star admits, before a commentator notes her loss at the Australian Open. “Who are you to think that you can come back?” she recalls hearing in her head.
The teaser then cuts to training footage before Naomi gets emotional. “I have multiple identities. My return to the sport is a love letter for moms,” she says. “Some people say she ended my career, but for me, it feels like she started my career.” She ends with: “Nothing is ever over and you’re never out of the game.”
The moment Naomi Osaka’s life changed forever
As previously reported, Naomi and Cordae welcomed Shai in July 2023, with Cordae sharing the news during his Calgary Stampede performance. Naomi had announced her pregnancy in January 2023 on Instagram with a sonogram photo, writing, “Every day is a new blessing and adventure… One thing I’m looking forward to is for my kid to watch one of my matches and tell someone, ‘That’s my mom.’”
Jeremy "Prison Bae" Meeks Reveals He's Celibate in Rare Life Update
Jeremy Meeks is keeping it cold in the bedroom. The “Hot Felon”—who rose to fame after his mugshot went viral in 2014—revealed that he is currently single and not engaging in any physical activities.
“I don’t have a girl,” Jeremy told journalist Shirley Ju in an interview posted to X Aug. 6. “I’ve been celibate for almost three years.”
As for why he’s chosen a life of celibacy? The 41-year-old—also nicknamed "Prison Bae"—remarked, “‘Cause I’m not being distracted.”
Jeremy was previously married to Melissa Meeks for nearly 10 years before divorcing in 2018 after he was spotted kissing Topshop heiress Chloe Green. Jeremy and Melissa share 16-year-old son Jeremy, while he and Chloe—who split after two years together—are parents of son Jayden, 7.
And while he’s not dating anyone at the moment, he has previously shared how important his former relationships were.
“I have an incredible relationship with Chloe,” he told Extra in 2020. “And now I have a relationship with the mother of my oldest son.”
Jeremy added, “We're all co-parenting. They are incredible mothers.”
And being 11 years removed from his viral mugshot—which was taken after he was arrested on charges of firearm possession—has given him a new perspective on the journey his life has taken and the opportunities he’s received as an actor and model.
It was that journey which inspired him to write his 2024 autobiography, Model Citizen.
“I’m in a place in my life where I am extremely vulnerable and want to tell my story,” he explained in a statement to People in 2024, “and hope that people can connect to it and understand how I came to be in the place that I'm at in my life.”
The book delved into the 13 months he spent in prison following his 2015 conviction, and according to the book’s synopsis, told a “personal story about his battles with gang violence, poverty, race and the inevitable life-changing moments that turned his world around.”
“I don’t have a girl,” Jeremy told journalist Shirley Ju in an interview posted to X Aug. 6. “I’ve been celibate for almost three years.”
As for why he’s chosen a life of celibacy? The 41-year-old—also nicknamed "Prison Bae"—remarked, “‘Cause I’m not being distracted.”
Jeremy was previously married to Melissa Meeks for nearly 10 years before divorcing in 2018 after he was spotted kissing Topshop heiress Chloe Green. Jeremy and Melissa share 16-year-old son Jeremy, while he and Chloe—who split after two years together—are parents of son Jayden, 7.
And while he’s not dating anyone at the moment, he has previously shared how important his former relationships were.
“I have an incredible relationship with Chloe,” he told Extra in 2020. “And now I have a relationship with the mother of my oldest son.”
Jeremy added, “We're all co-parenting. They are incredible mothers.”
And being 11 years removed from his viral mugshot—which was taken after he was arrested on charges of firearm possession—has given him a new perspective on the journey his life has taken and the opportunities he’s received as an actor and model.
It was that journey which inspired him to write his 2024 autobiography, Model Citizen.
“I’m in a place in my life where I am extremely vulnerable and want to tell my story,” he explained in a statement to People in 2024, “and hope that people can connect to it and understand how I came to be in the place that I'm at in my life.”
The book delved into the 13 months he spent in prison following his 2015 conviction, and according to the book’s synopsis, told a “personal story about his battles with gang violence, poverty, race and the inevitable life-changing moments that turned his world around.”
Martha Stewart Creates Her New Skincare Launch
Martha Stewart is adding skincare to her portfolio with the creation of Elm Biosciences, a new brand developed alongside board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali.
The line will focus on aging skin using a clinical approach supported by years of research. The collection launches with two products designed to work together. The A3O Elemental Serum, $135, is formulated with the A30 complex to address dehydration, irritation, and damage caused by UV exposure.
The Inner Dose Daily Skin Supplement, $50, is a capsule intended to support skin health from within by targeting inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormonal changes.
Elm Biosciences has been in development for five years with input from 350 dermatologists. Stewart revealed that she has been using each version of the products throughout the testing process.
“I set out years ago to take care of my skin. Along the way, I met Dr. Bhanusali, and we started doing our research and development to create a skincare line unlike any other. I have been using our products for the last five years in all developmental iterations, and I must say I am extremely pleased with the results,” the lifestyle mogul said in a press release.
Stewart explained that the brand is meant to appeal to a wide audience.
“Cells die. Skin ages. We’re aging the minute we’re born. So you have many opportunities to kind of halt that, or to at least prolong the health of your skin. And that’s what we’re trying to do here,” she added.
Elm Biosciences will officially be available in September, marking Stewart’s latest venture into lifestyle and beauty innovation.
Martha Stewart is adding skincare to her portfolio with the creation of Elm Biosciences, a new brand developed alongside board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali.
The line will focus on aging skin using a clinical approach supported by years of research. The collection launches with two products designed to work together. The A3O Elemental Serum, $135, is formulated with the A30 complex to address dehydration, irritation, and damage caused by UV exposure.
The Inner Dose Daily Skin Supplement, $50, is a capsule intended to support skin health from within by targeting inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormonal changes.
Elm Biosciences has been in development for five years with input from 350 dermatologists. Stewart revealed that she has been using each version of the products throughout the testing process.
“I set out years ago to take care of my skin. Along the way, I met Dr. Bhanusali, and we started doing our research and development to create a skincare line unlike any other. I have been using our products for the last five years in all developmental iterations, and I must say I am extremely pleased with the results,” the lifestyle mogul said in a press release.
Stewart explained that the brand is meant to appeal to a wide audience.
“Cells die. Skin ages. We’re aging the minute we’re born. So you have many opportunities to kind of halt that, or to at least prolong the health of your skin. And that’s what we’re trying to do here,” she added.
Elm Biosciences will officially be available in September, marking Stewart’s latest venture into lifestyle and beauty innovation.
Heinz and Smoothie King Team Up for Limited-Time Ketchup Smoothie
The internet asked, and Heinz answered, sort of. In a bold move, Heinz and Smoothie King are rolling out the Heinz Tomato Ketchup Smoothie starting August 6th.
This unusual blend mixes Simply Heinz Ketchup with strawberries, raspberries, apple juice, and açai sorbet.
“We really leaned into the idea of creating something provocative,” said Angie Madigan, vice president of elevation marketing at Kraft Heinz. “It was important to strike distinct yet well-balanced ketchup notes.
Smoothie King’s Lori Primavera added, “We spent months perfecting this recipe. It’s unlike anything we’ve done before.”
Available for $5.70 at select Smoothie King locations in cities like Miami, Chicago, Atlanta, and NYC, the drink celebrates peak tomato season. Fans are encouraged to post reactions using #KetchupSmoothie.
This unusual blend mixes Simply Heinz Ketchup with strawberries, raspberries, apple juice, and açai sorbet.
“We really leaned into the idea of creating something provocative,” said Angie Madigan, vice president of elevation marketing at Kraft Heinz. “It was important to strike distinct yet well-balanced ketchup notes.
Smoothie King’s Lori Primavera added, “We spent months perfecting this recipe. It’s unlike anything we’ve done before.”
Available for $5.70 at select Smoothie King locations in cities like Miami, Chicago, Atlanta, and NYC, the drink celebrates peak tomato season. Fans are encouraged to post reactions using #KetchupSmoothie.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ALL!!!
EFREM
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