Rihanna for Essence - Jan/Feb 2021!
Rihanna looks like an ethereal goddess for the January/February 2021 cover of Essence, which the magazine unveiled Thursday (Jan. 14).
The Bajan pop superstar shines like an immaculate Mother Earth in a series of photographic collages for the cover and 12-page portfolio titled "Of Earth & Sky," captured by Lorna Simpson. The 60-year-old renowned artist, who's famous for recontextualizing images of Black women from old Ebony and Jet magazine pages and earned the J. Paul Getty Medal in 2018, interpreted modern-day beauty by capturing the global star in a nebula, on a bridge and more larger-than-life sights.
"Lorna is a legend. Honestly, I just didn’t think I could get her. But I like reaching for the stars and I like challenging myself," Rihanna told the magazine, adding, "It’s a natural trifecta. It’s like magic."
"[Collaborating] with Rihanna and Essence magazine is quite incredible," Simpson said on set. "As an artist, I’m able to deliver these unusual images of someone who is so well-known and so recognizable… It’s an amazing opportunity."
Essence's January/February 2021 issue will be available online and on newsstands starting next Tuesday.
#RHOA:Do You Kandi Burruss' New Hair Color?
The Real Housewives of Atlanta ladies are making their mark in 2021 with some fierce and fabulous hairstyles. First, Kenya Moore debuted a "peachy" new hair color that had us dreaming of sunny Georgia days. Then, Marlo Hampton surprised us all with a seafoam green 'do that had her "feeling" herself. And, most recently, hair chameleon Kandi Burruss popped up with a vibrant new look.
On January 16, Kandi appeared on Instagram Stories all glammed and ready for her close-up. The singer donned a sequin, copper-red top, which she accessorized with matching sparkly hoop earrings. Kandi complemented her ensemble with glowing makeup featuring red and gold eyeshadow, fluttery lashes, and a glossy neutral lip with brick red lip liner. But the most notable part of her look had to be her fiery new hair color.
Kandi showed off new red-orange strands, which were styled into loose waves. The bold hair color took Kandi's monochromatic moment to a whole other level.
Once again, the ATL stunner proved that she can rock it all.
Want more The Real Housewives of Atlanta? New episodes air Sundays at 8/7c
#NewMusic from J. Holiday Releases New Single “Ride”!
GRAMMY nominated R&B artist J. Holiday has just released the lead single “Ride” off his upcoming album “Time”. The bedroom banger brings J back in the space that made him an R&B star in 2007 when he released the classic record “Bed”.
It’s been a minute since we got a new album from J. Holiday as his most recent one “Guilty Conscience” came out in 2014.
LISTEN HERE
#HipHopNews: Drake Confirms 'Certified Lover Boy' Album Won't Be Dropping In January!
For those expecting Drake to drop his highly-anticipated Certified Lover Boy in January, don’t hold your breath. The 6 God took to his Instagram Story on Wednesday evening (January 20) to let fans know that his sixth studio album wouldn’t be dropping this month.
After suffering a knee injury that caused him to undergone surgery in 2020, Drake points to rehab and recovery taking up a bunch of his time and energy, which caused him to delay the project further into 2021.
“I was planning to release my album this month but between surgery and rehab, my energy has been dedicated to recovery,” he wrote. “I’m blessed to be back on my feet, feeling great and focused on the album, but CLB won’t be dropping in January.”
He concluded on a more positive note but wouldn’t commit to a firm release date, “I’m looking forward to sharing it with you all in 2021.”
Amanda Gorman Made History As America’s Youngest Inaugural Poet!
Joe Biden is officially America’s 46th president and Kamala Harris is the nation’s first woman of color/Indian descent Vice President.
During the inauguration, Amanda Gorman, 22, made more history as our first-ever youth poet. In her poem titled, “The Hill We Climb,” she calls for Americans to “leave behind a country better than the one we were left.” She also spoke about unity, something our nation desperately needs.
Gorman was born and raised in Los Angeles, California by a single mother. She started writing poems when she was a child but didn’t like to perform due to a speech impediment, like President Joe Biden. CNN reports she gained confidence from former President Barack Obama and Martin Luther King Jr. She would also practice songs from “Hamilton” the Broadway musical.
Gorman’s “The Hill We Climb” was inspired by two poems that were read at Barack Obama’s inauguration — Richard Blanco’s 2013 “One Today” and Elizabeth Alexander’s 2009 “Praise Song for the Day,” CNN reports. Gorman was also inspired by writers like Walt Whitman and Frederick Douglass, whom she feels have spoken to the ideals of a nation, the article notes.
Take a look at her delivering her poem: HERE
Ryan Seacrest Says the Kardashian-Jenners 'Have a Stack of Ideas' for Their Upcoming Hulu Content!
Ryan Seacrest is weighing in on the Kardashian-Jenner family's TV future.
It was revealed last month that Kim Kardashian West, Khloé Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner and Kris Jenner had signed a multi-year deal to "create global content" for Hulu. The news came after the family announced in September that they would be ending their long-running E! reality series, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, after 20 seasons.
Seacrest, who co-created and executive produces Keeping Up with the Kardashians, predicts the stars have no shortage of ideas for their new content, which is expected to premiere on the streaming service later this year.
"I think they have a lot of ideas and [will do] a lot of things that they may have not had a chance to do with Keeping Up with the Kardashians, because it was such a strong franchise and people wanted what they saw from the family. And that's what they got for 20 seasons," Seacrest, 46, tells PEOPLE while discussing his investment in CLMBR, a vertical climbing workout machine.
"So I have a feeling they have a stack of ideas," he continues. "My guess would be they want to evolve a little bit from the show that everybody has seen and do something differently. I'm sure it will definitely pique people's interest, but I think it remains to be seen what exactly they will do."
In announcing the end of KUWTK last fall, Kim, 40, said the family had come to the "difficult decision" with "heavy hearts."
"After what will be 14 years, 20 seasons, hundreds of episodes and numerous spin-off shows, we are beyond grateful to all of you who've watched us for all of these years — through the good times, the bad times, the happiness, the tears, and the many relationships and children," the statement continued. "We'll forever cherish the wonderful memories and countless people we've met along the way."
The family also thanked "the thousands of individuals and businesses that have been a part of this experience and, most importantly, a very special thank you to Ryan Seacrest for believing in us, E! for being our partner, and our production team at Bunim/Murray, who've spent countless hours documenting our lives."
Earlier this month, the stars revealed that they had just wrapped their final day of filming.
"Last filming day of Keeping Up with the Kardashians EVER!" Kim wrote on her Instagram Story at the time, sharing photos and videos from a celebratory meal.
KUWTK first premiered in 2007 and has followed the family ever since, chronicling the ins and outs of their personal and professional lives, including romances, breakups, divorces, births, the launch of multiple businesses, Caitlyn Jenner's transition and more.
Shortly after the announcement that the series would be ending, Khloé, 36, opened up to PEOPLE about the "bittersweet" decision.
"We've been on for 20 seasons. We've had so many spinoffs and we absolutely love, love, love the show," she said. "I mean, we were not even supposed to be on TV. Another show fell through, so we were filler for the network and we were told actually, 'Don't get too comfortable. You're just filler.'"
Backlash Ensues After Pixar Uses White Actor to Voice Jamie Foxx’s Lead Role In Danish Version of ‘Soul’!
Critics are asking “where’s the soul?” after learning a white actor will voice the lead role of Joe Gardner in Pixar’s “Soul” for its Denmark rollout.
The movie debuted Christmas Day on Disney+. It stars actor Jamie Foxx as the voice of Gardner, a Black pianist chasing his big break and a life of purpose. The film was lauded for showcasing Black characters through the story of jazz and soul. This is also Pixar’s first film with a Black lead.
“Joe is in all of us, regardless of color,” said Foxx to the New York Times on Dec. 22. “To be the first Black lead in a Pixar film feels like a blessing, especially during this time when we all could use some extra love and light,” he added.
Still, critics say dubbing Foxx’s lines with white actor Nikolaj Lie Kaas forces it through a white filter.
According to The Times, Danish activist Asta Selloane Sekamane says a lack of Black talent could not have been behind the decision to cast Kaas. “It can’t be the constant excuse, this idea that we can’t find people who live up to our standards. That’s an invisible bar that ties qualification to whiteness,” she said.
In part, Kaas responded to critics in a lengthy Facebook post: “My attitude regarding for any job is very simple. Let the woman, man, etc., who can do the job the best possible.”
Danish actor Nikolaj Lie Kaas issues a statement after facing backlash for landing the voiceover role for “Soul” character Joe Gardner in the Danish version of the animated film.
A lack of voice-over diversity is a long-standing issue in the industry. A Vox story outlining the whitewashing of films states: “Animation studios tend to hire a small sample of character actors to voice multiple parts, including any ethnic roles a show may need filled. The prevalence of this practice has led to a hugely whitewashed profession that continues today.”
Charles Rettinghaus, a German dubbing artist, says he too has voiced characters of color.
“It doesn’t matter if you are Black, you should be and are allowed to dub anything,” Rettinghaus told the Times. The issue persists in other countries such as France and Spain where demographics have been blamed.
“Except for a few very young kids, there aren’t a lot of Black actors who were born here and speak Spanish without an accent,” explained Juan Logar, a Spanish dubbing director and voice actor, in the same article. Denmark, a Scandinavian nation of roughly 5.8 million people, is no more than 1 percent Black.
But the standard practice, for some, reinforces structures of racism.
On Twitter the views varied.
“The problem lies in whether it is acceptable for a white actor to ‘sound black.’ The answer is no, it’s not acceptable.”
“This is just one small element to help ‘deal with real racism.’ We need all the big changes too, but small changes add up.”
“It’s ANIMATION, so anyone can do the voice-over.”
“Determine skin color to someone’s voice? seems racist to me”
Jay-Z Joins Push To Boost Minority-Owned Cannabis Business!
Jay-Z has launched a fund to invest in minority-owned cannabis start-ups to increase black participation in the industry.
Rappers and entrepreneurs say they are motivated by the imbalances in marijuana business. Colored races, disproportionately punished for their involvement in illegal drugs, are just a few of the people who make money from the multi-billion dollar market. In a legalized pot.
“It’s really incredible how that can happen,” said a Shawn Carter-born musician. “We are the country most adversely affected by the war on drugs, and the United States has turned around, creating billions of valuable businesses.”
In the 25 years since California first legalized medical marijuana, New York investment bank Cowen & Co estimates that cannabis has grown into a $ 20 billion legal business domestically and 70 billion US wines by 2030. It may exceed the dollar market.
Carter, who started the fund with $ 10 million in seed money received as part of the merger, is fair in the cannabis sector as studies show that minorities are punished more than whites for drug use. Participates in the widespread promotion of financial opportunities.
Senators Alex Padilla, Jon Ossoff, and Raphael Warnock Sworn Into Office, Democrats Control Congress!
Today is a celebratory day for Democrats. Three Democratic Senators have been sworn into office by Vice President Kamala Harris, giving control of the White House and Congress to the left-wing party for the first time in ten years.
Senators Rev. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff both won Georgia’s Senate runoff elections earlier this month, and California’s governor appointed Alex Padilla to fill Harris’ vacant seat.
On Wednesday, Harris—the first woman VP—presided over the Senate for the first time, WTKR News reports.
All three senators changed history, Warnock is Georgia’s first Black Senator, Ossoff is the state’s first Jewish Senator, and Padilla is California’s first Hispanic Senator.
Ossoff, 33, is the Senate’s youngest sitting member.
According to the news outlet, the Senate is evenly split, but Democrats will be in control due to Harris’ powers to cast a tie-breaking vote in the chamber. Democrats have a 221-211 House majority, with three vacancies.
Tristan ‘Mack’ Wilds Gets Married!
longtime girlfriend, Christina Hammond, on Dec. 17. The 31-year-old Wilds and his wife have been a couple since they were 15.
“We got married, in a way, akin to how we started—just us. Never needed much else. With the addition of our parents and our baby, it really made for a magical moment. At different times in our lives, we’re shown fairy tales don’t come true. This one came true for me.” Wilds told “E! News.“
Hammond, a media and talent relations strategist, also expressed her joy to the entertainment outlet. “Our wedding was perfect. We wanted an intimate ceremony and so it was just us, Tristyn, and our parents on Zoom. I couldn’t have asked for a better wedding day. Our love story is my favorite love story. I am living out my dream of being married to the love of my life.”
The couple also has a daughter, Tristyn Naomi Wilds, who had her first birthday just a few days prior to her parents jumping the broom.
Wilds is set to be one of the stars of former NBA baller Kevin Durant’s upcoming basketball-themed drama series “Swagger.” scheduled to air on Apple TV+. The show will be based on Durant’s basketball experiences as a youth.
“Swagger” will also star O’Shea Jackson Jr., Quvenzhané Wallis, Isaiah Hill, Shinelle Azoroh, Caleel Harris and Tessa Ferrer. Wilds will portray Alonzo Powers, the grassroots division leader at a major shoe company.
Christina Ricci files for restraining order against James Heerdegen!
Christina Ricci has filed for a restraining order against her husband James Heerdegen, which a judge granted late Wednesday.
Ricci, who filed for divorce from Heerdegen in July over claims of alleged abuse, provided new details about the alleged abuse, TMZ reports.
The 40-year-old “Casper” star claims that Heerdegen’s abuse began in December 2019, at which point she told him she wanted a divorce, though when the COVID-19 lockdown began in March, she “found herself trapped in a house with a violent abuser.”
Her filing claims that Heerdegen attacked her twice in June 2020, allegedly dragging her around the house and threw coffee and a chair at her. Another detail revealed in her latest filing: James told Ricci “the only way he could feel sorry for me is if I were dismembered into small pieces” in late 2019, “something that made me think that [he] could kill me.”
The judges order mandates Heerdegen keep at least 100 yards from Ricci and the couple’s 6-year-old son Freddie, and have no contact with them. She’s also seeking a formal court order blocking him from returning to their home, which he has already moved out from.
Ricci is also seeking to block Heerdegen from releasing unspecified audio and video she fears he’ll use to extort or “humiliate and embarrass” her, and wants him to hand over the materials.
Through his attorney, Larry Bakman, Heerdegen told TMZ he “unequivocally denies all allegations of abuse made by Ms. Ricci as having occurred in 2020” and told the site he plans to file his own restraining order against Ricci “detailing her abusive conduct fueled by alcohol and substance abuse.
“His papers will also include documentation that Ms. Ricci advised law enforcement in December 2019 that there had been no prior incidents of domestic violence between the couple, thereby calling into question her credibility.”
Ricci and Heerdegen met in 2011 on the set of Ricci’s ill-fated series “Pan Am” and married in 2013.
'L.A.'s Finest' Canceled: 'Bad Boys' Spinoff Won't Get a Season 3 as It Climbs Netflix Charts!
Even though the Bad Boys spinoff L.A.'s Finest is quickly growing on the Netflix charts, sadly, fans won't see a third season. The show, which starred Jessica Alba and Gabrielle Union as LAPD partners, was canceled by Spectrum Originals last year in October. Union played her Bad Boys II character Syd Burnett, the love interest of Mike (Will Smith) and the sister of Marcus (Martin Lawrence). Alba took on the role of Nancy Mckenna.
Prior to the show's premiere, Alba talked about the series with EW. "It’s great for women to see themselves on screen," she said. "We’re grown, we both have families, people know us and our personal lives. I think they see two women who have lived a life and can bring that weight of our experiences to the table, and not just be a 20-year-old ingénue." Union added, "They’ve seen us be grown-ass women in real life, and grown-ass women in real life don’t get to partner up and have fun, action, drama, comedy, and sex."
Season 2 of the show was briefly delayed following the death of George Floyd and the uproar of Black Lives Matter protests across the country. It was eventually released in September, just a month before its cancellation. In addition to its new Netflix home, the first season is also available for streaming on Fox Now. New fans of the show have since gone to Twitter and expressed how much they wished there were more episodes. "I’m just getting hip to LA’s Finest and this is a good show lol. I’m sad it’s canceled," one user wrote. "They gotta do a season 3 to L.A.s finest," another shared.
Union and Alba served as executive producers alongside Doug Belgrad of 2.0 Entertainment, Jerry Bruckheimer, Jonathan Littman, KristieAnne Reed, Jeff Gaspin, and Jeff Morrone. Pam Veasey served as executive producer/co-showrunner with creators Brandon Margolis and Brandon Sonnier. Additionally, Anton Cropper, who directed six episodes of the series, was also an executive producer.
Rihanna Shares Photos of Visit to Lorraine Motel Where Martin Luther King Jr. Was Assassinated!
*Monday, Jan. 18 was Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the U.S., and Rihanna commemorated the occasion by sharing photos of her visit to Memphis, Tennessee, last summer to visit the Lorraine Motel, where King was assassinated.
The singer posted the photos on social media, along with the caption, “finally found em’…. got cabin fever last summer and took a road trip to Memphis.”
One of the photos shows RiRi standing underneath the motel’s sign. Another is of her pointing to room 306, where King was fatally shot at age 39 on April 4, 1968.
“MAN… I can’t describe the feeling that came over me, you gotta go to experience it for yourself! #MLK,” Rihanna added in the caption.
These days, the hotel is now part of the National Civil Rights Museum.
We previously reported… Martin Luther King III addressed his late father’s “fight against poverty and income inequality” in a New York Times video op-ed published on MLK Day.
King III noted that at the time of his father’s assasination, he was “crusading for higher wages for Black sanitation workers.”
“Their work conditions were abysmal. Low pay. No sick leave. And many were on welfare,” King III said. “In a speech to the workers, Dad said the issue is injustice. The issue is ‘the refusal of Memphis to be fair and honest in its dealings with its public servants.’”
King III also reminded Americans who celebrate his father’s legacy every year that King Jr. “was deeply unpopular,” with “two-thirds of Americans [having] disapproved of him” during his fight for civil rights
Jackpot Winner Found In $730M Powerball, Mega Millions Still Up For Grabs!
There has been a jackpot winner in the $730 million Powerball, the first to get the top prize in months.
Thanks to math and bad luck, lottery players had another shot at a giant jackpot Wednesday night as a $730 million Powerball prize was on the line.
The Powerball jackpot was the fifth-largest ever, and it came only a day after nobody won the even-larger Mega Millions prize, which now stands at $970 million.
Winning numbers for Wednesday night’s Powerball drawing were: 40-53-60-68-69 and a Powerball of 22.
It was the first time both lottery jackpots topped $700 million. The biggest prize was a $1.58 billion Powerball jackpot won by three people in 2016.
No one had won either of the jackpots since mid-September, allowing the prizes to grow steadily for months. Such a long stretch without a winner is rare but also reflects the incredibly small odds of winning — one in 292.2 million for Powerball and one in 302.5 million for Mega Millions.
Maryland lottery spokeswoman Carole Gentry said Tuesday night's Mega Millions drawing saw $260 million in sales, resulting in 36% of all possible number combinations being covered.
The prizes listed are for winners who choose an annuity option, paid over 30 years. Most winners opt for cash prizes, which for Mega Millions would be $716.3 million and $546 million for Powerball.
Those prizes also would be subject to federal taxes, and most states would take a cut as well.
Mega Millions and Powerball are both played in 45 states as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Powerball also is offered in Puerto Rico.
Kellyanne Conway Filmed Allegedly Hitting and Cursing Out her 15-Year-Old Daughter!
*Claudia Conway, the daughter of former Trump mouthpiece Kellyanne Conway and Lincoln Project co-founder George Conway, has made her own name by criticizing her mom’s politics and Trump worship on TikTok.
Her latest post has made headlines for its allegations of physical and verbal abuse against her mother.
“this isn’t even bad but i’m not tryna put her in jail,” [sic] Conway says of a video she shared that shows an argument between the two, with Kellyanne calling her child an “ungrateful bitch” and tells her “You’re never gonna record another f*cking thing in your life. It’s going for a forensic analysis.”
At another point, Kellyanne mocks Claudia’s speech and refers to her as “f*cking immature” and “an *sshole.” She also appears to hit Claudia more than once. The video ends with Kellyanne yelling that she wants Claudia out of the house.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘FASHION FORWARD’
If it’s in Walmart you laugh. If it’s on a runway in New York City it’s brilliant. #DoubleStandards
EGGPLANT NATION: Meet Mario Muscle
Meet Mario Muscle! You can see more when GO HERE TO SEE THE PICS! And remember they’re NSFW!
DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT OWN any images posted on this blog. All images are found online or submitted.
Enjoy!
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ALL!!!
EFREM
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