#MAGFAB: Madonna for INTERVIEW Magazine
This is Madonna’s eleventh time on the cover of this magazine—more than any other star. HERSTORY! We shot these images late at night on the outskirts of London. Madonna named her shoot’s character Dee Dee, a fun, hard-living broad who drank prosecco, did her hair big, and blasted the Stones ’til we got kicked out. There were moments that night when I felt star power on a level I had never experienced before, if that is possible… The next afternoon, I went to M’s home for round two: a 90-minute gab sesh after hearing the upcoming album, Confessions on a Dance Floor: Part II. As a Frida Kahlo portrait glared protectively at me over Madonna’s shoulder, we talked past, present, future, prayer, dicks, nutritional yeast, and more…
“I was supposed to make a movie about my life. I worked on my script for two years and spent two years at Universal Studios with the line producers doing budgeting and casting. We had a falling out, me and Universal, regarding budget because I needed—I’ve had an extraordinary life. I’ve had a huge life, so I needed a big budget. You know what I mean?”
“Occasionally I open Instagram and something pops up that makes me go to the next visual. And then I go, ‘What am I doing? I have 5,000 things to do. Get off the phone.’ I have a lot of discipline when it comes to social media, simply because I grew up without it. I didn’t have Instagram until 2018 or something. I grew up without TV. I’m not a person who gravitates toward distraction.”
“Well, I have a bad knee now. I have no cartilage in it, thanks to dancing for so long in high heels and running on pavement and doing Ashtanga yoga. Up until a year ago, I was jumping on trampolines and doing dance cardio and doing a lot of what a doctor would call loading on my joints. Can’t do that anymore. So now I do Peloton bikes and the Versa Climber and high-intensity circuit training. I ride my bike outside a lot. I dance.”
Cool!
#RHOA: Angela Oakley Shares an Update on Her Marriage to Charles Oakley Amid Counseling
Angela appeared on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen on Sunday, June 21, where she shared some major updates on their marriage. "You know what, we are in counseling," she admitted.
"Counseling is forever," she noted. "And my biggest takeaway is, I'm not always right. Sometimes, Charles can be right. You know, like, I hate it here," she joked.
Charles, who was sitting in the audience, admitted that he lets Angela have her way in their relationship. "She always thinks she's right," he said. "So I just let her go and let her have it her way cause arguing ain't going to go nowhere but bad. When we start arguing, it's going to end up bad. So I just said, 'Hey, it's your way.'"
"And I like it that way," Angela concluded.
Angela had opened up about her and Charles' therapist during RHOA Season 16, Episode 17. The real estate entrepreneur admitted that she and her retired NBA player husband had been seeing their therapist, Dr. Wendy, who "has been instrumental in helping [them] stay married through it all" and has helped her on "how to deal" with her husband, "and all that comes with him."
Although the couple dealt with rumors of Charles cheating on her, Angela admitted to her therapist that she "rightfully" didn't trust Charles in the past. "But right now, we're good. I trust him," she said during the episode. "He has proven time and time again you can trust me."
Angela Oakley opens up about her marriage to Charles Oakley
Angela had spoken with Bravo Insider in April, where she admitted that she was in a very good place with her husband. "We're good," she said. "Charles is a hot topic."
She continued, admitting that people are always very curious about her husband and their relationship. "Charles knows how to make a scene, honey," she added. "He knows how to make it about him when he's not even here."
During RHOA Season 17, Episode 1, Angela further shared more details about their relationship. "Charles and I are stronger than ever," she said. "We're making great strides in our marriage, and we're still standing."
#MusicNews: Uptown Records Celebrates 40th Anniversary With Official Label Relaunch
Forty years after its founding, the legendary Uptown Records has officially relaunched, marking the beginning of a new chapter for one of hip-hop and R&B’s most influential labels. Now operating under the REPUBLIC Collective, the revitalized brand is pairing its historic legacy with a modern, dynamic roster.
As part of the relaunch, Danielle Price Sanders has been appointed President of Uptown Records and EVP of the REPUBLIC Collective. She is joined on the executive leadership team by Natina Nimene, who assumes the role of EVP, Urban Audience and Artist Relations, REPUBLIC Collective.
“Andre Harrell built one of the most influential record companies in music history, creating a platform where hip-hop and R&B artists could break through and truly impact the mainstream with integrity,” Price Sanders stated. “I’m honored to help carry that legacy forward and support the next generation of artists.”
The label’s relaunch is already yielding significant industry traction through a diverse group of artists:
Yung Miami: The superstar’s solo career has reached new heights with the success of “Spend Dat,” which recently secured her first solo Top 40 entry on the Billboard Hot 100. Declared the “song of the summer” by outlets including GQ and Complex, the track has also achieved massive viral success on TikTok and Shazam.
G Herbo: The Chicago rap heavyweight’s latest album, Lil Herb, debuted at #1 on Apple Music’s Hip-Hop Albums chart and features the platinum-certified single “Went Legit”.
Trap Dickey: Signed in partnership with Top Dawg Entertainment, the rising star has seen his breakthrough project, The Ville, surpass 25 million streams. His success with the single “Down South” (feat. Key Glock) recently earned him a BET Award nomination for Best New Artist.
Founded in 1986 by the late Andre Harrell, Uptown Records became the launchpad for generation-defining talent, including Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, The Notorious B.I.G., and Heavy D. The label is widely credited with fueling the mainstream cultural adoption of hip-hop during its formative years.
The relaunch aims to uphold those same standards of excellence for 21st-century artists, including ATL Jacob, Sunkis, and 9B Meechie, as the label enters its next era of cultural impact.
#HipHopNews: Drake’s OVO Sued Over Alleged $4.6M Debt After Investor Claims Company Defaulted On Loan
Drake’s lifestyle and apparel company, OVO, is facing a legal dispute with an investor over millions of dollars tied to a financing agreement. According to Billboard, Florida-based lender Applied Real Intelligence (A.R.I.) claims OVO defaulted on a loan issued in 2025 and still owes millions in additional fees and related costs.
The dispute stems from a series of convertible notes totaling approximately $3.7 million USD (about $5.2 million CAD) that A.R.I. provided to OVO during a 2025 fundraising effort. A.R.I. alleges the company failed to make required payments, leading to a default notice earlier this year.
According to the outlet, OVO later entered into a repayment agreement and wired roughly $3.7 million back to the lender in May. However, A.R.I. argues the company also owes an additional “make-whole fee” and other expenses that push the disputed amount into the millions.
OVO is pushing back. In a lawsuit filed in Toronto earlier this month, the company asked a judge to rule that it does not owe the additional fee. OVO contends the circumstances required to trigger that payment never occurred and says its repayment agreement with A.R.I. resolved the matter.
A.R.I. responded with its own lawsuit in Vancouver, seeking to recover what it says remains unpaid. The lender claims OVO acknowledged the debt and existing defaults in a formal forbearance agreement before making only a partial repayment.
OVO was co-founded by Drake, Oliver El-Khatib, and producer Noah “40” Shebib. Representatives for Drake and OVO declined to comment beyond the legal filings, according to Billboard. The competing lawsuits are ongoing.
The dispute stems from a series of convertible notes totaling approximately $3.7 million USD (about $5.2 million CAD) that A.R.I. provided to OVO during a 2025 fundraising effort. A.R.I. alleges the company failed to make required payments, leading to a default notice earlier this year.
According to the outlet, OVO later entered into a repayment agreement and wired roughly $3.7 million back to the lender in May. However, A.R.I. argues the company also owes an additional “make-whole fee” and other expenses that push the disputed amount into the millions.
OVO is pushing back. In a lawsuit filed in Toronto earlier this month, the company asked a judge to rule that it does not owe the additional fee. OVO contends the circumstances required to trigger that payment never occurred and says its repayment agreement with A.R.I. resolved the matter.
A.R.I. responded with its own lawsuit in Vancouver, seeking to recover what it says remains unpaid. The lender claims OVO acknowledged the debt and existing defaults in a formal forbearance agreement before making only a partial repayment.
OVO was co-founded by Drake, Oliver El-Khatib, and producer Noah “40” Shebib. Representatives for Drake and OVO declined to comment beyond the legal filings, according to Billboard. The competing lawsuits are ongoing.
Oprah Asked Audience Not to Leak Secret Moment from Whitney Houston Performance on Show
Oprah Winfrey is opening up about a deeply personal moment involving Whitney Houston that remained hidden from public view for nearly two decades.
Speaking during an appearance at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, Winfrey recalled an incident that occurred during Houston’s final visit to The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2009. According to Winfrey, the singer fell off the stage while performing during a difficult period in her life.
The media icon said she immediately recognized the potential damage the incident could cause to Houston, who had publicly struggled with substance abuse and intense media scrutiny.
Rather than allowing the moment to become a headline, Winfrey turned to her audience for help.
“And so even though the audience was there and the audience had cameras, I begged them not to put those pictures out because it would ruin her life, and they did not,” Winfrey said. “That would not happen today, I can tell you that.”
Winfrey’s comments highlighted a different media landscape, one that existed before social media platforms made instant sharing commonplace.
According to her account, audience members honored her request and never released photos or footage of the fall. The incident remained unknown to the public until her recent remarks.
Winfrey reflected on the trust she built with viewers during the 25-year run of her talk show.
“I had such trust from ‘The Oprah Show’ audience,” she said while discussing Houston’s appearance.
The revelation came as Winfrey looked back on her long relationship with the late singer, including one of the most memorable interviews of Houston’s career.
She recalled stopping production before their first major interview together in 1999.
“We did the whole, ‘Hey girl, how you doing?’ greeting thing and then I stopped the cameras and I went behind stage and I said, ‘So tell me, what do you want to happen here? And I’m gonna tell you what I want to happen here,’” Winfrey said. “And that was one of the most powerful interviews.”
Houston’s 2009 appearance on the program was widely viewed as part of a career comeback. The singer discussed her personal struggles and performed music from her album I Look to You.
During that period, Houston spoke candidly about addiction and the emotional toll it had taken on her life.
“At times. Don’t forget, there were some times we’d laugh our tails off,” Houston said during the interview when discussing her past struggles. “We had a ball. Sometimes you do have a good time.”
She later added, “But when it gets to the point where you’re sitting in your home and you’re just trying to cover what you don’t want people to know… It’s painful.”
Houston died in February 2012 at age 48. Her voice, influence and cultural impact continue to resonate across generations.
Winfrey’s newly revealed story offers a different perspective on the singer’s final years. Rather than focusing on a public stumble, it highlights a moment of compassion behind the scenes.
For Winfrey, the audience’s decision to remain silent was an act of grace. For Houston, it allowed a difficult moment to remain private during an already challenging chapter of her life.
Oprah Winfrey is opening up about a deeply personal moment involving Whitney Houston that remained hidden from public view for nearly two decades.
Speaking during an appearance at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, Winfrey recalled an incident that occurred during Houston’s final visit to The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2009. According to Winfrey, the singer fell off the stage while performing during a difficult period in her life.
The media icon said she immediately recognized the potential damage the incident could cause to Houston, who had publicly struggled with substance abuse and intense media scrutiny.
Rather than allowing the moment to become a headline, Winfrey turned to her audience for help.
“And so even though the audience was there and the audience had cameras, I begged them not to put those pictures out because it would ruin her life, and they did not,” Winfrey said. “That would not happen today, I can tell you that.”
Winfrey’s comments highlighted a different media landscape, one that existed before social media platforms made instant sharing commonplace.
According to her account, audience members honored her request and never released photos or footage of the fall. The incident remained unknown to the public until her recent remarks.
Winfrey reflected on the trust she built with viewers during the 25-year run of her talk show.
“I had such trust from ‘The Oprah Show’ audience,” she said while discussing Houston’s appearance.
The revelation came as Winfrey looked back on her long relationship with the late singer, including one of the most memorable interviews of Houston’s career.
She recalled stopping production before their first major interview together in 1999.
“We did the whole, ‘Hey girl, how you doing?’ greeting thing and then I stopped the cameras and I went behind stage and I said, ‘So tell me, what do you want to happen here? And I’m gonna tell you what I want to happen here,’” Winfrey said. “And that was one of the most powerful interviews.”
Houston’s 2009 appearance on the program was widely viewed as part of a career comeback. The singer discussed her personal struggles and performed music from her album I Look to You.
During that period, Houston spoke candidly about addiction and the emotional toll it had taken on her life.
“At times. Don’t forget, there were some times we’d laugh our tails off,” Houston said during the interview when discussing her past struggles. “We had a ball. Sometimes you do have a good time.”
She later added, “But when it gets to the point where you’re sitting in your home and you’re just trying to cover what you don’t want people to know… It’s painful.”
Houston died in February 2012 at age 48. Her voice, influence and cultural impact continue to resonate across generations.
Winfrey’s newly revealed story offers a different perspective on the singer’s final years. Rather than focusing on a public stumble, it highlights a moment of compassion behind the scenes.
For Winfrey, the audience’s decision to remain silent was an act of grace. For Houston, it allowed a difficult moment to remain private during an already challenging chapter of her life.
Charlie Wilson Opens Up About Multiple Strokes That Left Him Unable to Walk
Charlie Wilson is speaking publicly about a health crisis that dramatically altered his life and threatened his future as a performer.
The legendary R&B singer and co-founder of The Gap Band recently revealed that he suffered multiple strokes last year, leaving him unable to walk and requiring months of rehabilitation. The 73-year-old artist shared details of his recovery during a candid interview with radio personality Big Boy, marking the first time he has discussed the ordeal in depth.
Wilson said the medical emergency unfolded shortly after he returned home from a series of performances. He recalled that his condition changed rapidly and that his wife immediately recognized something was wrong.
“I went to some shows, and I came back, and I was another person,” Wilson said.
He credited his wife with acting quickly when symptoms appeared.
“My wife can catch it, just like that,” Wilson said. “She said, ‘Something ain’t right with you,’ and off to the hospital we went.”
According to Wilson, the strokes were unlike anything he had previously experienced. He said he suffered several strokes at the same time and has little memory of the initial hospitalization.
The recovery process proved challenging. Wilson revealed that he lost the ability to walk and spent six months relearning basic movements through rehabilitation.
“Elsewhere in the interview, Wilson shared that he had ‘just learned how to walk again,’ adding that it took him six months to re-learn,” according to recent reports
Despite the setbacks, Wilson said his faith, family and determination helped him persevere during the difficult months that followed.
“I knew God was with me and I knew my wife was praying every day, every hour of the day,” he said.
Health experts note that stroke recovery varies significantly depending on the severity of the event and how quickly treatment begins. Physical therapy and rehabilitation often play critical roles in helping patients regain mobility and independence.
Wilson’s recovery recently reached a major milestone when he returned to live performance. The singer appeared at Baltimore’s AFRAM music festival, where he addressed fans and reflected on the experience.
“I don’t know if y’all know what happened to me, but I had some strokes. Feels like God has truly, truly blessed me,” Wilson told the crowd.
The appearance marked an emotional comeback for an artist whose career spans more than five decades. Wilson rose to fame alongside his brothers, Ronnie and Robert Wilson, as a member of The Gap Band. The group became known for hits such as “Outstanding” and “You Dropped a Bomb on Me” before Wilson launched a successful solo career.
Although the recovery process continues, Wilson remains optimistic about the future. He said his vocal ability remains strong and that he has no plans to step away from music.
“I am not finished yet, I’ve got a long way to go,” Wilson said. “I’m still who I am, vocally.”
For fans, the singer’s return serves as a testament to resilience. For Wilson, it is proof that even after a life-altering medical crisis, the music is far from over.
The legendary R&B singer and co-founder of The Gap Band recently revealed that he suffered multiple strokes last year, leaving him unable to walk and requiring months of rehabilitation. The 73-year-old artist shared details of his recovery during a candid interview with radio personality Big Boy, marking the first time he has discussed the ordeal in depth.
Wilson said the medical emergency unfolded shortly after he returned home from a series of performances. He recalled that his condition changed rapidly and that his wife immediately recognized something was wrong.
“I went to some shows, and I came back, and I was another person,” Wilson said.
He credited his wife with acting quickly when symptoms appeared.
“My wife can catch it, just like that,” Wilson said. “She said, ‘Something ain’t right with you,’ and off to the hospital we went.”
According to Wilson, the strokes were unlike anything he had previously experienced. He said he suffered several strokes at the same time and has little memory of the initial hospitalization.
The recovery process proved challenging. Wilson revealed that he lost the ability to walk and spent six months relearning basic movements through rehabilitation.
“Elsewhere in the interview, Wilson shared that he had ‘just learned how to walk again,’ adding that it took him six months to re-learn,” according to recent reports
Despite the setbacks, Wilson said his faith, family and determination helped him persevere during the difficult months that followed.
“I knew God was with me and I knew my wife was praying every day, every hour of the day,” he said.
Health experts note that stroke recovery varies significantly depending on the severity of the event and how quickly treatment begins. Physical therapy and rehabilitation often play critical roles in helping patients regain mobility and independence.
Wilson’s recovery recently reached a major milestone when he returned to live performance. The singer appeared at Baltimore’s AFRAM music festival, where he addressed fans and reflected on the experience.
“I don’t know if y’all know what happened to me, but I had some strokes. Feels like God has truly, truly blessed me,” Wilson told the crowd.
The appearance marked an emotional comeback for an artist whose career spans more than five decades. Wilson rose to fame alongside his brothers, Ronnie and Robert Wilson, as a member of The Gap Band. The group became known for hits such as “Outstanding” and “You Dropped a Bomb on Me” before Wilson launched a successful solo career.
Although the recovery process continues, Wilson remains optimistic about the future. He said his vocal ability remains strong and that he has no plans to step away from music.
“I am not finished yet, I’ve got a long way to go,” Wilson said. “I’m still who I am, vocally.”
For fans, the singer’s return serves as a testament to resilience. For Wilson, it is proof that even after a life-altering medical crisis, the music is far from over.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Heading To Miami Heat In Blockbuster Trade
ESPN reported that the NBA champion and two-time MVP has been traded to the Miami Heat in a blockbuster deal. The Milwaukee Bucks are sending Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to the Heat for Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Kasparas Jakucionis. Also, the Bucks will receive three first-round picks, including No. 13 this year, one pick swap, and one second-rounder.
Antetokounmpo’s affinity for Miami has been a poorly kept secret for years. The superstar frequently praised the franchise even at the height of the Bucks-Heat playoff rivalries. He also shares an agent with Bam Adebayo, the only player that the Heat refused to include in trade negotiations.
“They’re going to play tough and they’re not going to stop playing,” Antetokounmpo said after Milwaukee played Miami on March 12. “That’s the Miami Heat culture.”
Antetokounmpo has built one of the most historically dominant and uniquely decorated resumes in NBA history. A 10-time All-Star and member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, the “Greek Freak” is one of the best players in the league. He led the Milwaukee Bucks to their first championship in 50 years. In a legendary game, he put up a 50-point performance to secure Finals MVP honors.
Before his championship run, Antetokounmpo captured back-to-back regular-season Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards in 2019 and 2020. In 2020, he also took home the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award. He joined Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon as the only three players in league history to win MVP and DPOY in the same season.
Antetokounmpo remains the only player in NBA history to finish a regular season in the top 20 in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. Boasting an additional Most Improved Player award (2017) and an inaugural NBA Cup MVP title (2024), Antetokounmpo stands as an absolute lock for the Hall of Fame.
ESPN reported that the NBA champion and two-time MVP has been traded to the Miami Heat in a blockbuster deal. The Milwaukee Bucks are sending Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to the Heat for Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Kasparas Jakucionis. Also, the Bucks will receive three first-round picks, including No. 13 this year, one pick swap, and one second-rounder.
Antetokounmpo’s affinity for Miami has been a poorly kept secret for years. The superstar frequently praised the franchise even at the height of the Bucks-Heat playoff rivalries. He also shares an agent with Bam Adebayo, the only player that the Heat refused to include in trade negotiations.
“They’re going to play tough and they’re not going to stop playing,” Antetokounmpo said after Milwaukee played Miami on March 12. “That’s the Miami Heat culture.”
Antetokounmpo has built one of the most historically dominant and uniquely decorated resumes in NBA history. A 10-time All-Star and member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, the “Greek Freak” is one of the best players in the league. He led the Milwaukee Bucks to their first championship in 50 years. In a legendary game, he put up a 50-point performance to secure Finals MVP honors.
Before his championship run, Antetokounmpo captured back-to-back regular-season Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards in 2019 and 2020. In 2020, he also took home the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award. He joined Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon as the only three players in league history to win MVP and DPOY in the same season.
Antetokounmpo remains the only player in NBA history to finish a regular season in the top 20 in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. Boasting an additional Most Improved Player award (2017) and an inaugural NBA Cup MVP title (2024), Antetokounmpo stands as an absolute lock for the Hall of Fame.
Muni Long Almost Died, Forced To Get Double Lung Transplant
Muni Long just revealed something that’ll make you rethink everything about what artists go through behind the scenes.
The Grammy-winning R&B singer opened up on “Good Morning America” about undergoing a double lung transplant after her health spiraled during Brandy and Monica’s “The Boy Is Mine Tour” last year.
She’s been living with lupus since 2014, but things got way more serious than anyone realized.
During the tour, she caught pneumonia, and her body basically tapped out. By her final performance, she could barely get through two songs before her lungs gave her nothing to work with.
She went home for Thanksgiving thinking she just needed rest, but instead she woke up in a hospital bed with doctors delivering the kind of news that changes everything.
“My jaw dropped. Literally. I was like, ‘That’s rude,'” she said, recalling the moment doctors gave her the choice between hospice or surgery.
Her son became the reason she chose the transplant. She was worried about her voice, about whether she’d ever sing the same way again, but looking at her kid made her realize quality of life mattered more than anything else.
“I can’t sing if I’m not here,” she said, and that’s the real thing you’ll hear all week.
She had the surgery about six months ago, and she’s doing incredibly now. No infections, no symptoms, nothing holding her back.
Her voice actually came back stronger than before, though doctors told her to wait six months to a year before performing live.
Her journey with lupus shows how serious autoimmune diseases can get, especially when you’re pushing your body on stage night after night.
She’s got one final vocal checkup coming in August to make sure everything’s solid.
The Grammy-winning R&B singer opened up on “Good Morning America” about undergoing a double lung transplant after her health spiraled during Brandy and Monica’s “The Boy Is Mine Tour” last year.
She’s been living with lupus since 2014, but things got way more serious than anyone realized.
During the tour, she caught pneumonia, and her body basically tapped out. By her final performance, she could barely get through two songs before her lungs gave her nothing to work with.
She went home for Thanksgiving thinking she just needed rest, but instead she woke up in a hospital bed with doctors delivering the kind of news that changes everything.
“My jaw dropped. Literally. I was like, ‘That’s rude,'” she said, recalling the moment doctors gave her the choice between hospice or surgery.
Her son became the reason she chose the transplant. She was worried about her voice, about whether she’d ever sing the same way again, but looking at her kid made her realize quality of life mattered more than anything else.
“I can’t sing if I’m not here,” she said, and that’s the real thing you’ll hear all week.
She had the surgery about six months ago, and she’s doing incredibly now. No infections, no symptoms, nothing holding her back.
Her voice actually came back stronger than before, though doctors told her to wait six months to a year before performing live.
Her journey with lupus shows how serious autoimmune diseases can get, especially when you’re pushing your body on stage night after night.
She’s got one final vocal checkup coming in August to make sure everything’s solid.
Radio Personality Big Tigger Arrested On Battery & Child Cruelty Charges
Big Tigger’s legal woes continue. The veteran radio personality, born Darian Morgan, was arrested Saturday (June 20) on charges of aggravated battery and third-degree cruelty to children, according to police records obtained by TMZ. He was booked into Fulton County Jail that morning but bonded out the same day after posting surety bonds totaling $10,000: $9,000 tied to the battery charge and $1,000 for the child-cruelty count.
The arrest follows a previously reported May incident involving his wife, Alicia Brown, which prompted a dome$tic di$pute investigation with Tigger named as the suspect. Whether Saturday’s charges are connected to that incident remains unclear. The circumstances behind the cruelty-to-children charge are also unknown, though notably, Tigger and Brown welcomed a son together in 2025. It’s also important to note that after his arrest, Brown took to social media with a cryptic Father’s Day post that raised eyebrows. Tigger has already publicly denied the domestic abuse allegations.
August Alsina Slams Young Thug’s Comments On Men Coming Out As Gay
August Alsina took to Instagram to call out Young Thug’s remarks about men coming out as gay later in life, describing the comments as personally offensive and misguided. Alsina’s post, which circulated widely yesterday, reignited conversations about masculinity, identity, and acceptance within hip-hop culture.
The controversy stems from Young Thug’s September 2023 podcast statement where he expressed that men who initially present themselves as straight and later reveal they are gay break a certain “man-code.” He clarified that he has no problem with openly gay men and employs people from the LGBTQ+ community, but struggles with those who change how they publicly identify. Young Thug also linked these views to a fallout with rapper Gunna and later expressed regret for how his comments might have been perceived by the LGBTQ+ community, emphasizing his support for them.
August Alsina responded by questioning why so much focus is placed on sexuality when there are bigger societal issues to address. He characterized Young Thug’s opinion as foolish and wrong, stressing the importance of calling out such views. Alsina’s stance reflects his openness about his own relationships, including publicly introducing a man named Zu on a reality show in 2022 and sharing his refusal to label the people he loves, as he explained in a 2024 interview with Nick Cannon.
August Alsina is recognized as a singer and songwriter known for his hit “I Luv This Shit” and multiple BET Award nominations. His openness about his personal life and relationships has made him a notable figure in discussions about sexuality and representation in the music industry.
This exchange matters now because Alsina’s viral response has sparked a broader dialogue around trust, loyalty, and acceptance in hip-hop, challenging longstanding norms about masculinity and sexual identity. Neither artist has signaled a shift in their views, keeping the debate ongoing among fans and within the community.
The controversy stems from Young Thug’s September 2023 podcast statement where he expressed that men who initially present themselves as straight and later reveal they are gay break a certain “man-code.” He clarified that he has no problem with openly gay men and employs people from the LGBTQ+ community, but struggles with those who change how they publicly identify. Young Thug also linked these views to a fallout with rapper Gunna and later expressed regret for how his comments might have been perceived by the LGBTQ+ community, emphasizing his support for them.
August Alsina responded by questioning why so much focus is placed on sexuality when there are bigger societal issues to address. He characterized Young Thug’s opinion as foolish and wrong, stressing the importance of calling out such views. Alsina’s stance reflects his openness about his own relationships, including publicly introducing a man named Zu on a reality show in 2022 and sharing his refusal to label the people he loves, as he explained in a 2024 interview with Nick Cannon.
August Alsina is recognized as a singer and songwriter known for his hit “I Luv This Shit” and multiple BET Award nominations. His openness about his personal life and relationships has made him a notable figure in discussions about sexuality and representation in the music industry.
This exchange matters now because Alsina’s viral response has sparked a broader dialogue around trust, loyalty, and acceptance in hip-hop, challenging longstanding norms about masculinity and sexual identity. Neither artist has signaled a shift in their views, keeping the debate ongoing among fans and within the community.
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Next Broadway Musical, ‘Warriors,’ Sets Premiere Date & Venue
Lin-Manuel Miranda has written a new musical that will premiere on Broadway in 2027!
The Tony Award-winning actor and writer will premiere his new show, Warriors, in spring 2027 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, which is currently the home of the musical Death Becomes Her.
Warriors is Lin-Manuel‘s first original stage musical since Hamilton, which is still selling out after 10 years on Broadway. The show “follows a fictitious New York City gang from Coney Island to the Bronx and back when they are framed for the murder of respected gang leader Cyrus,” according to Deadline.
While the musical is based on the 1979 movie The Warriors, the gang in the show is now a female one. Casting for the musical has not yet been announced.
Lin-Manuel wrote the book, music, and lyrics for the show with Eisa Davis.
“With Warriors, we take a fateful journey through New York City full of heart and grit as our characters fight to survive,” they said in a statement. “Musicalizing such a vibrant world for the concept album has been a thrill, and now we’re coming out to play on Broadway at the Lunt-Fontanne. We can’t wait.”
The musical will begin preview performances in March 2027 ahead of an official opening in April 2027.
Lin-Manuel Miranda has written a new musical that will premiere on Broadway in 2027!
The Tony Award-winning actor and writer will premiere his new show, Warriors, in spring 2027 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, which is currently the home of the musical Death Becomes Her.
Warriors is Lin-Manuel‘s first original stage musical since Hamilton, which is still selling out after 10 years on Broadway. The show “follows a fictitious New York City gang from Coney Island to the Bronx and back when they are framed for the murder of respected gang leader Cyrus,” according to Deadline.
While the musical is based on the 1979 movie The Warriors, the gang in the show is now a female one. Casting for the musical has not yet been announced.
Lin-Manuel wrote the book, music, and lyrics for the show with Eisa Davis.
“With Warriors, we take a fateful journey through New York City full of heart and grit as our characters fight to survive,” they said in a statement. “Musicalizing such a vibrant world for the concept album has been a thrill, and now we’re coming out to play on Broadway at the Lunt-Fontanne. We can’t wait.”
The musical will begin preview performances in March 2027 ahead of an official opening in April 2027.
Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce Wedding Details: NY Times Discovers Permit for MSG Event on July 3, City Official Confirms Plans
A new report seems to confirm that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce‘s wedding will take place at Madison Square Garden on July 3.
The New York Times has uncovered some permits that were filed with the city of New York to shut down the streets around the arena for three days.
The permit will allow for street closures around Madison Square Garden from July 2 until mid-day July 4, all for “an event on July 3.” The news of the permit was confirmed to the Times by three different people. An unnamed city official also confirmed to the outlet that the wedding is taking place at MSG on that day.
The Times is also reporting that players from the Kansas City Chiefs will be staying at the Marriott Marquis hotel in Times Square during the wedding weekend.
An application filed by an event planning company also noted that 500 to 999 attendees will be attending the event. The company asked for permission to set up “a tent or canopy outside the arena” and space for trucks to load and unload materials at the arena.
Madison Square Garden sits on top of Penn Station and police officers working for train company Amtrak have been informed that the wedding will happen during July 4 weekend.
The New York Times notes that the actual wedding ceremony might take place in a separate location with just the reception happening at Madison Square Garden. A stage is reportedly being built inside the venue for the wedding, which might mean performances will happen during the event.
The New York Times has uncovered some permits that were filed with the city of New York to shut down the streets around the arena for three days.
The permit will allow for street closures around Madison Square Garden from July 2 until mid-day July 4, all for “an event on July 3.” The news of the permit was confirmed to the Times by three different people. An unnamed city official also confirmed to the outlet that the wedding is taking place at MSG on that day.
The Times is also reporting that players from the Kansas City Chiefs will be staying at the Marriott Marquis hotel in Times Square during the wedding weekend.
An application filed by an event planning company also noted that 500 to 999 attendees will be attending the event. The company asked for permission to set up “a tent or canopy outside the arena” and space for trucks to load and unload materials at the arena.
Madison Square Garden sits on top of Penn Station and police officers working for train company Amtrak have been informed that the wedding will happen during July 4 weekend.
The New York Times notes that the actual wedding ceremony might take place in a separate location with just the reception happening at Madison Square Garden. A stage is reportedly being built inside the venue for the wedding, which might mean performances will happen during the event.
Scott Hoying & Husband Mark Welcome Their First Child Together via Surrogate
Scott Hoying and Mark Hoying are parents! The 34-year-old Pentatonix star and his husband confirmed that they welcomed a baby girl via surrogate earlier in the month.
“It really was beautiful. It was this overwhelming flashback of all these memories growing up and being like, ‘Am I going to find love? Is gay marriage going to be legal? Am I going to be able to have a kid?’ ” Scott said in an interview confirming the news to People.
“The process of us having a child took four or five years. It’s been a long time coming and just looking at her, I started crying because it was just such a beautiful thing that I feel really, really lucky.”
And her name is…Birdie James. Watch the reveal video!
“The first song I ever learned to sing when I was a little, little kid was ‘Put On a Happy Face,’ from Bye Bye Birdie,” Scott explained of the name, adding that Mark‘s middle name is James.
“We wanted something that was musical, but not too on the nose. And we also just loved that it felt… Feels like it could work at any age.”
Scott‘s sister Lauren was the couple’s egg donor.
“I literally cannot believe how selfless she is. She was so passionate about doing it. I love my sister so much, and I cannot thank her enough for giving the gift of life,” he explained.
“I just wish that I had more idols that were queer and gay in media growing up that I could see families and be like, ‘Oh, my gosh, there’s an example of something I can have.’ There wasn’t really a lot of that growing up. That’s why it’s really important for us that we are always posting our love… We always want to just show we are thriving, we are in love, and we have a beautiful baby, and it’s possible. And it also hopefully moves the needle for people who are like, ‘Gay, people shouldn’t be parents,'” he added.
At the end of 2024, Scott revealed that they were closer to finding a surrogate, sharing that they were hoping to become dads in 2025.
Scott and Mark got married in July 2023, and even wrote a children’s book together, “How Lucky Am I?”
Scott Hoying and Mark Hoying are parents! The 34-year-old Pentatonix star and his husband confirmed that they welcomed a baby girl via surrogate earlier in the month.
“It really was beautiful. It was this overwhelming flashback of all these memories growing up and being like, ‘Am I going to find love? Is gay marriage going to be legal? Am I going to be able to have a kid?’ ” Scott said in an interview confirming the news to People.
“The process of us having a child took four or five years. It’s been a long time coming and just looking at her, I started crying because it was just such a beautiful thing that I feel really, really lucky.”
And her name is…Birdie James. Watch the reveal video!
“The first song I ever learned to sing when I was a little, little kid was ‘Put On a Happy Face,’ from Bye Bye Birdie,” Scott explained of the name, adding that Mark‘s middle name is James.
“We wanted something that was musical, but not too on the nose. And we also just loved that it felt… Feels like it could work at any age.”
Scott‘s sister Lauren was the couple’s egg donor.
“I literally cannot believe how selfless she is. She was so passionate about doing it. I love my sister so much, and I cannot thank her enough for giving the gift of life,” he explained.
“I just wish that I had more idols that were queer and gay in media growing up that I could see families and be like, ‘Oh, my gosh, there’s an example of something I can have.’ There wasn’t really a lot of that growing up. That’s why it’s really important for us that we are always posting our love… We always want to just show we are thriving, we are in love, and we have a beautiful baby, and it’s possible. And it also hopefully moves the needle for people who are like, ‘Gay, people shouldn’t be parents,'” he added.
At the end of 2024, Scott revealed that they were closer to finding a surrogate, sharing that they were hoping to become dads in 2025.
Scott and Mark got married in July 2023, and even wrote a children’s book together, “How Lucky Am I?”
A Louisiana Man Is Now Functionally Cured Of Sickle Cell Disease, Gives Hope For Black Patients
A New Orleans man’s history-making recovery is turning one family’s private battle into a statewide breakthrough for sickle cell patients.
Daniel Cressy, 23, has become the first person in Louisiana to be functionally cured of sickle cell disease through gene therapy, according to FOX 8. The milestone happened at Manning Family Children’s Hospital, where doctors used Cressy’s own stem cells, edited in a lab, to stop his body from producing the defective sickled cells that drive the disease.
For Cressy, the breakthrough is personal. He said sickle cell nearly cost him his dream of becoming a pilot, and the treatment process took nearly two years.
“This entire journey was the hardest thing I’ve been in my life, and the reason why I worked so hard with our organization, Privileged Pilots, is because I don’t want anybody else to have to experience the loneliness and the uncertainty and the hopelessness that I felt a couple of years ago,” Cressy said.
The moment is especially significant for Black communities. According to the CDC, sickle cell disease affects about 100,000 people in the U.S., and more than 90% are non-Hispanic Black or African American. The condition can cause severe pain crises, anemia, infections, organ damage, stroke and shortened life expectancy. In Louisiana alone, FOX 8 reports that around 3,000 people are living with sickle cell disease.
The medical breakthrough builds on a major national shift. In 2023, the FDA approved Casgevy and Lyfgenia, the first cell-based gene therapies for sickle cell disease. Casgevy also became the first FDA-approved treatment to use CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology. These therapies are designed to modify a patient’s blood stem cells, then return them to the body after chemotherapy preparation.
But access remains the biggest question. The treatments can cost millions, require specialized hospital care and may involve long recovery periods. The American Society of Hematology recently noted that gene therapy is powerful but still raises major cost-effectiveness concerns. Meanwhile, CMS has launched a Cell and Gene Therapy Access Model focused on helping Medicaid patients access these treatments through outcomes-based agreements.
Cressy said that equity is exactly why this moment matters.
“Someone’s ability to access treatment and potentially cure should not be defined by their zip code,” Cressy said. “People in Louisiana deserve the same opportunity as people anywhere else in this country. The people living with sickle cell disease are here. They are neighbors, our friends, our families.”
If more patients can access treatment closer to home, Cressy’s case could mark the beginning of a new era, one where sickle cell is no longer treated only as a lifelong burden, but as a disease with a real path toward freedom.
Daniel Cressy, 23, has become the first person in Louisiana to be functionally cured of sickle cell disease through gene therapy, according to FOX 8. The milestone happened at Manning Family Children’s Hospital, where doctors used Cressy’s own stem cells, edited in a lab, to stop his body from producing the defective sickled cells that drive the disease.
For Cressy, the breakthrough is personal. He said sickle cell nearly cost him his dream of becoming a pilot, and the treatment process took nearly two years.
“This entire journey was the hardest thing I’ve been in my life, and the reason why I worked so hard with our organization, Privileged Pilots, is because I don’t want anybody else to have to experience the loneliness and the uncertainty and the hopelessness that I felt a couple of years ago,” Cressy said.
The moment is especially significant for Black communities. According to the CDC, sickle cell disease affects about 100,000 people in the U.S., and more than 90% are non-Hispanic Black or African American. The condition can cause severe pain crises, anemia, infections, organ damage, stroke and shortened life expectancy. In Louisiana alone, FOX 8 reports that around 3,000 people are living with sickle cell disease.
The medical breakthrough builds on a major national shift. In 2023, the FDA approved Casgevy and Lyfgenia, the first cell-based gene therapies for sickle cell disease. Casgevy also became the first FDA-approved treatment to use CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology. These therapies are designed to modify a patient’s blood stem cells, then return them to the body after chemotherapy preparation.
But access remains the biggest question. The treatments can cost millions, require specialized hospital care and may involve long recovery periods. The American Society of Hematology recently noted that gene therapy is powerful but still raises major cost-effectiveness concerns. Meanwhile, CMS has launched a Cell and Gene Therapy Access Model focused on helping Medicaid patients access these treatments through outcomes-based agreements.
Cressy said that equity is exactly why this moment matters.
“Someone’s ability to access treatment and potentially cure should not be defined by their zip code,” Cressy said. “People in Louisiana deserve the same opportunity as people anywhere else in this country. The people living with sickle cell disease are here. They are neighbors, our friends, our families.”
If more patients can access treatment closer to home, Cressy’s case could mark the beginning of a new era, one where sickle cell is no longer treated only as a lifelong burden, but as a disease with a real path toward freedom.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Courtesy of P.O.Wm
Elderly man loses his cool at Walmart
I've seen this character on King of the Hill.
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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