Kevin Hart for Men's Journal - November/December 2021
After a brush with death, the hottest comic in the world is finding happiness on new stages and new boardrooms. But will he ever return to the stadium?
A few minutes after he enters the Zoom, Kevin Hart breaks off on a tangent. The world’s top-grossing comic is work-shopping a bit in an empty L.A. soundstage—imagining what it would be like to address a full arena again for the first time since 2019. The 42-year-old Hart reclines on a tan leather couch in a white T-shirt, hand wrapped around a desktop mic. He dials up that high, kinetic voice. The one that’s made tens of millions of people lose their shit since his 2008 breakout.
“How’s everyone feelin’? Vaccinations? No vaccinations? Delta? No Delta? Masks? No masks? Hey, guys! Guys!! Take your masks off!! I mean, put ’em back on!! Wait—what side am I on? Oh, do y’all want me to put this on?? I will!”
“My next special’s gonna be called Confused as Fuck,” riffs Hart. “Because that’s what I am.”
PREVAILING WITH PURPOSE
Hart may have some bewilderment at the future of doing stand-up in front of tens of thousands, but the man has no confusion as to the trajectory of his empire. It’s blowing up. (“Like Ramses the Second,” one Hollywood exec tells me.) Just this year, Hart shot three feature-length movies slated for release in 2022, alongside actors like Woody Harrelson and Cate Blanchett; starred in Fatherhood, a drama viewed in 90 million households on Netflix; signed a four-movie contract with the same streamer; produced TV shows like Dave and Celebrity Game Face; published a middle-grade novel and released a motivational audiobook; launched a reality show about muscle cars for Motor Trend; anchored a celebrity interview TV show called Hart to Heart; premiered Comedy Gold Minds, a top-ranked podcast; and oversaw his own businesses: HartBeat, a production company that specializes in film and television, and Laugh Out Loud, a comedic entertainment entity and satellite radio channel.
That’s just 2021, and this list is abbreviated. The scope of it all is wide enough to make other actors and comedians—and you and me—seem hopelessly lazy.
“I’ve got a lot going on, but I’m still young and kicking,” says Hart, speaking in front of an abstract painting in fiery red and orange. He pushes back at the notion that he might be overcommitted.
“If it’s not something that’s going to be a good time or create passion, I say no. It’s not for me. I need the energy.”
Though broad, Hart’s approach isn’t scattershot. Over the course of the pandemic, HartBeat and LOL expanded rapidly. Both companies doubled their employee base as the race for streaming services to put out new content—from creators of color, especially—heated up. Chief operating officer Thai Randolph says that HartBeat and LOL “have been a part of an ‘inclusion revolution’ in the entertainment industry,” where audiences of color show up in droves and dollars follow. “I’ve never worked with someone as funny as Kevin,” says Randolph, “but he’s as focused as any executive I’ve ever reported to.”
“WHAT’S THE VERSION OF YOUR LIFE WHERE YOU’VE BEEN PUSHED TOO FAR? WHERE IS THE EDGE?”
Hart has a knack for dreaming up viral fodder. Take his and Snoop Dogg’s hilarious and profane Olympic Highlights show for the streaming network Peacock, produced by LOL. You might have seen a clip: As an Olympic equestrian rider has a horse make stilted lateral steps in a competition, Snoop notes that the horse looks like it’s Crip Walking—a 1970s street dance move from Compton—and says, “I gotta get this m—f-er in a video.” Hart turns from the camera, keeling over. It’s the antithesis of staid Olympic commentary.
Earlier this year, it was a tossed-off idea—Hart playing the straight sports announcer to Snoop. Of course the half-baked concept landed as cleanly as Suni Lee off the balance beam.
“I’m really falling in love with the business of the business,” says Hart.
If you were to peer at his current schedule, you’d see a lack of empty space. Actually, this is kind of a constant since Hart’s youth. He grew up in a one-bedroom apartment in North Philadelphia, and was raised by his mother, Nancy Hart, who kicked out his father, Robert Witherspoon (battling addiction), when Kevin was 8. His brother, Robert, dealt drugs, was in a gang, got caught snatching a purse (his mom took him to court and got him off ). To avoid Kevin sharing the same fate, Nancy packed his after-school life with extracurriculars. Swimming, bowling, anything to keep him off the street. Hart’s mother died in 2007 and never got to see him take the stage, but her plan worked. The packed calendar stays.
#RHOA: Kandi Burruss Gives us some Tea on Her Acting Career
Kandi Burruss’ professional life is busier than ever. The Real Housewives of Atlanta cast member recently took to Instagram to share a major update on her acting career, revealing that she’s currently filming not one, but three different TV shows.
On November 18, Kandi opened up about her jam-packed schedule, also offering a peek into her upcoming role. The RHOA mom shared some photos of herself on the set of her latest gig. In one snapshot, the actress can be seen posing outside of a trailer emblazoned with the name of her character, Nicole.
“This week I’m running around like crazy hopping on multiple flights because I’ve had to film for 3 different TV shows. Thank you God!” she explained in the caption alongside the photos.
Kandi went on to drop a hint about the upcoming project. “Nicole is coming soon on @alacarteallblk!" she wrote, also adding a hashtag that read “blessed to do what I love.”
In addition to appearing in front of the camera, Kandi is also busy showing her support for other actors behind the scenes. The RHOA cast member is currently serving as a producer of the new Broadway show, Thoughts of a Colored Man, as she first announced back in June.
In October, Kandi celebrated the official opening of the play with a big group of her family and friends. She commemorated the special night on Instagram, writing, “My tribe came through deep last night! Thanks for lifting me up. Your presence meant everything to me.”
#MusicNews: Eric Roberson To Share All His ‘Lessons’ In New Book
Eric Roberson already has many titles. He is a singer, songwriter, producer, host, husband, father, son, uncle, businessman, professor and, last but certainly not least, the King of Indie Soul. He’ll soon have another title to add to the list when he adds author to his LinkedIn with the release of his upcoming book Lessons: 100 Thoughts On Life & Love.Known for his sharp pen game, Erro will make his debut as an author with Lessons: 100 Thoughts On Life & Love.
Lessons the book was born from "Lessons" the smash single (and its star-studded, soul-drenched remix) and will accompany the forthcoming release of Lessons the album in January 2022.Since the release of "Lessons" in June, Eric has shared numerous life and love lessons that he's learned and sage advice on Instagram and Facebook with scenes from classic and current Black movies and television shows that related to each lesson.
What started off as a fun and engaging way to promote the single became an ongoing project with Erro's fans looking forward to his words of wisdom, and he was more than happy to oblige.Eric announced the book this week on the eve of sharing his 100th lesson. "We are one lesson away from 100. We had no intention of doing this many but the love kept us going," he wrote in a series of slides. "One of the lessons I have learned is to listen. We listened and heard you. Here is our reply." He shared before revealing the tranquil cover art for Lessons: 100 Thoughts On Life & Love much to his fans' delight.There's no release date for Lessons: 100 Thoughts On Life & Love or his highly-anticipated new album Lessons, but trust and believe that we'll be first in line for whatever Eric Roberson drops.
#HipHopNews: Phife Dawg Continues His Quest Legacy With 1st Posthumous Album Release Date
New York City legends A Tribe Called Quest helped usher in a new era of “alternative” Hip Hop along with the rest of the Native Tongues. Brimming with jazz influences and an undeniable swagger, Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, Ali Shaheed Muhammad and sometimes Jarobi became the most successful group out of the collective, earning six gold or platinum albums over the course of their career.
But the group was hit with a devastating blow in March 2016 when Phife Dawg passed away from complications stemming from diabetes. Five years later, on what would have been the Five-Foot Assassin’s 51st birthday, DJ Rasta Root and Phife’s family has announced the release date for his highly anticipated posthumous album.
According to an Instagram post from Phife’s official account, the project is scheduled to arrive on March 22, 2022, the fifth anniversary of his passing.
“11:15am EST marks the exact time of his birth today,” the post reads. “Happy Birthday, Phifey. Thank you all for your patience. We had to take our time with this one. ‘Forever’, the album, drops of 3.22.2022 on Smokin Needles Records/@awal Executive Produced by @djrastaroot on behalf of the family and The Estate of Malik I. Taylor. Please help spread the word!”
Rasta Root explained why it’s taken so long to complete the project with, “When I finally realized we were going to be able to announce the release date on his birthday, I really got excited and also relieved because I know we were close to the finish line. I know this has taken a lot longer than we even expected it.
“I want to thank all the fans and his fans for being patient with us and just know that we took our time with it because we knew we only had one shot to get it right and wanted to present the best body of work we could for Phife.”
Phife Dawg’s estate has already unleashed multiple singles from the forthcoming project. In March, they dropped a video component for “Nutshell Pt. 2” featuring Busta Rhymes and Redman.
The visual features Phife dominating the DJ Rasta Root-produced beat with a heavy assist from Bus-A-Bus and Redman as well as cameo appearances from Rasta Root, Q-Tip, Consequence and his son Cadence.
Six months later, Phife’s estate returned with “French Kiss Trois” featuring another layup from Redman and J. Dilla’s younger brother Illa J.
Lebron James Ejected After Contact With Pistons' Isaiah Stewart Drew Blood and a Fight Ensues
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James was ejected after what appeared to be his fist and elbow connected with Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart, beginning an altercation that took a few minutes to calm down after Stewart charged James.
The two got tangled up on a free throw in the third quarter before James dislodged his fist into Stewart’s face, drawing blood. Stewart, a second-year center, got in James’ face in the aftermath before players on both sides had to be separated.
Stewart charged at James again, shedding teammates and team security but the two never engaged after. Whether James meant to connect with Stewart was immaterial to the center, who clearly didn’t appreciate the contact and his bloody face was evidence enough.
Order restored pretty quickly and there was no extra activities, although Carmelo Anthony was having words with a fan in the interim.
James was ejected following the officials’ review, deeming his actions a flagrant 2 foul. It was James’ second career ejection. Stewart also was ejected after two technical fouls. He also needed five stitches, according to the team.
After the game, crew chief Scott Foster explained in a pool report James' ejection was for "unnecessary and excessive contact above the shoulder" and Stewart's two techs were "for multiple unsportsmanlike acts during the altercation."
Russell Westbrook received a technical after review and was surprised to learn of it.
"I got a tech? Oh, wow. Why'd I get a tech? I didn't know I had a tech. Wow. That's interesting," Westbrook said. "Well, you know, that's just being Russell, I guess. When you're Russell Westbrook, they just try to do anything, but whatever. I don't know what I did, but whatever, they had to put it on somebody."
The Lakers rallied to win, 121-116.
"[Stewart] got cut above the eye. It wasn't on purpose. We wasn't gonna allow him to keep charging [James]," said Anthony Davis, who scored 30 points and had 10 rebounds.
Will LeBron James, Isaiah Stewart be suspended?
The immediate aftermath and ejections suggest that suspensions will follow. There has been one suspension for an on-court incident so far this season. Denver's Nikola Jokic was suspended one game for pushing Miami's Markieff Morris from behind.
Detroit coach Dwane Casey said he didn't think the incident would result in a suspension for Stewart.
Idris Elba In Talks To Play Villain Role In James Bond Movie
Idris Elba may be landing even more time on the big screen. According to reports, he has a new offer to play the role of an original villain in the newest James Bond film.
As previously reported, the English actor,49, had recently stated that he wouldn’t be the next James Bond. However, according to new surfaced information from insiders, a offer could still possibly be on the table to create a whole new character. Idris Elba could be preparing to play the role of a brand new original villain to the James Bond franchise.
A source said,Idris has had informal talks with the studio and he has been told there is a role in the next Bond film for him, if he wants it.”
The source continued,
“He won’t be the title character, but they do recognize the amount of pull and respect he commands, and they want to work with him on a completely original character for the next installment.”
”It is very early days for the conversation but, so far, it looks like it would be the role of a villain.”
With many different roles to choose from, Idris Elba previously had the idea of how cool it would be to become the very first African American James Bond. The actor has thoughts about re-shaping the culture as a black James Bond. Elba wants to silence the noise surrounding the conversation of colorism when it relates to actors playing a specific role.
When previously asked would he still ever want the gig he added ,
“who wouldn’t? How amazing would it be to have a black James Bond? It’s a sign of the times when we can stop talking about black, white, and color.”
With the role of James Bond still being up for grabs, it’s completely fair game to whom ever claims the title.
It was reported that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson,49, entered the race to also play the role of James Bond.
Popular candidates for the James Bond role are Tom Hardy,44, along side Rege-Jean Page,33, and Tom Hopper,36.
What are your thoughts about Idris Elba possibly playing a villain in the newest James Bond film.
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1 Fatality 20 Injured with After SUV Plows Through Holiday Parade in Wisconsin, Shots Reportedly Fired
Over 20 people were injured after a red SUV drove through the annual Waukesha Christmas Parade in Wisconsin on Sunday, NBC News reports.
via Complex: The City of Waukesha’s Facebook account captured the frightening footage of the SUV zooming past the camera with the sound of people screaming soon after.
The Waukesha Freeman reports the SUV was seen swerving around parade participants before the event even started. Multiple members of the Waukesha South High School Band were among those hit by the vehicle. “My son just passed with his band, which is Waukesha South, and a truck (came) barreling through, almost hit the back of a float truck … he ended up hitting a bunch of band members and it went all the way up the road,” one attendee recalled.
“I saw at least five people get hit and I don’t know where that vehicle stopped,” another witness said. “I saw those kids falling… I knew that if that was one of my kids I’d want somebody there immediately.”
The area was evacuated once gunfire erupted, and a family reunification location has been announced. The driver of the SUV allegedly discharged their weapon, and officers returned fire, TMZ reports.
The SUV has been located, but it appears the suspect was not inside.
We’re praying for the victims and their families.
TV Host Reportedly Suspended for Adele Interview
Adele is currently doing the rounds of promo for her new album, 30.
However, one reporter’s lack of preparation for his interview reportedly came at the cost of a temporary suspension.
Channel 7 reporter Matt Doran was suspended for two weeks by the network after admitting during his interview with the “Easy on Me” singer that he hadn’t listened to the album, according to reports.
The Weekend Sunrise host flew to London early in November for the interview, but during the conversation, reportedly didn’t ask any questions about her new album.
When Adele: “What do you think of my album?” he replied: “I haven’t listened to it.”
Some sources say Adele walked out of the interview at that point, while others said the interview was already over by that point.
While some source said the singer walked out on the interview after the comment, other sources said the interview was already over at that point, the Daily Mail reported.
He was back on air over the weekend after his suspension was finished.
Although the interview was recorded, Adele’s label Sony has reportedly denied Channel 7 rights to air any portion of it.
On Sunday night (November 21), the TV host told The Australian he was never “formally” suspended despite being off the air for one weekend.
He said he had been sent an e-copy of the new album but “somehow missed” it while flying to London. He called it “the most important email I have ever missed”.
“When I sat down to interview Adele, I was totally unaware that I’d been emailed a preview of her unreleased album,” he said.
“I have since discovered it was sent to me as an ‘e card’ link, which I somehow missed upon landing in London. It was an oversight but NOT a deliberate snub. This is the most important email I have ever missed.”
He said he heard “Easy On Me,” “but not the other tracks.”
He also denied claims he never spoke about the album: “What was meant to be 20 minutes was extended to 29 minutes. The majority of the chat was about the album,” he insisted.
It was also just revealed that Adele got Spotify to make a huge change to their interface.
The 2021 American Music Awards Winners List
At the 2021 American Music Awards on Sunday night (Nov. 21), BTS swept their categories, taking home three prizes, including artist of the year. The night’s top nominee Olivia Rodrigo took home one of her seven awards: new artist of the year.
So who else came out on top? Here are all the 2021 American Music Awards winners:
Artist of the year:
Ariana Grande
WINNER: BTS
Drake
Olivia Rodrigo
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd
New artist of the year:
24kGoldn
Giveon
Masked Wolf
WINNER: Olivia Rodrigo
The Kid LAROI
Collaboration of the year:
24kGoldn ft. iann dior, “Mood”
Bad Bunny & Jhay Cortez, “DÁKITI”
Chris Brown & Young Thug, “Go Crazy”
WINNER: Doja Cat ft. SZA, “Kiss Me More”
Justin Bieber ft. Daniel Caesar & Giveon, “Peaches”
Favorite trending song:
Erica Banks, “Buss It”
Måneskin, “Beggin’”
WINNER: Megan Thee Stallion, “Body”
Olivia Rodrigo, “drivers license”
Popp Hunna, “Adderall (Corvette Corvette)”
Favorite music video:
Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak), “Leave the Door Open”
Cardi B, “Up”
WINNER: Lil Nas X, “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)”
Olivia Rodrigo, “drivers license”
The Weeknd, “Save Your Tears”
Favorite male pop artist:
Drake
WINNER: Ed Sheeran
Justin Bieber
Lil Nas X
The Weeknd
Favorite female pop artist:
Ariana Grande
Doja Cat
Dua Lipa
Olivia Rodrigo
WINNER: Taylor Swift
Favorite pop duo or group:
AJR
WINNER: BTS
Glass Animals
Maroon 5
Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak)
Favorite pop album:
Ariana Grande, Positions
Dua Lipa, Future Nostalgia
Olivia Rodrigo, SOUR
WINNER: Taylor Swift, evermore
The Kid LAROI, F*CK LOVE
Favorite pop song:
WINNER: BTS, “Butter”
Doja Cat ft. SZA, “Kiss Me More”
Dua Lipa, “Levitating”
Olivia Rodrigo, “drivers license”
The Weeknd & Ariana Grande, “Save Your Tears (Remix)”
Favorite male country artist:
Chris Stapleton
Jason Aldean
WINNER: Luke Bryan
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen
Favorite female country artist:
WINNER: Carrie Underwood
Gabby Barrett
Kacey Musgraves
Maren Morris
Miranda Lambert
Favorite country duo or group:
WINNER: Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Lady A
Old Dominion
Zac Brown Band
Favorite country album:
Chris Stapleton, Starting Over
WINNER: Gabby Barrett, Goldmine
Lee Brice, Hey World
Luke Bryan, Born Here Live Here Die Here
Morgan Wallen, Dangerous: The Double Album
Favorite country song:
Chris Stapleton, “Starting Over”
Chris Young & Kane Brown, “Famous Friends”
WINNER: Gabby Barrett, “The Good Ones”
Luke Combs, “Forever After All”
Walker Hayes, “Fancy Like”
Favorite male hip-hop artist:
WINNER: Drake
Lil Baby
Moneybagg Yo
Polo G
Pop Smoke
Favorite female hip-hop artist:
Cardi B
Coi Leray
Erica Banks
WINNER: Megan Thee Stallion
Saweetie
Favorite hip-hop album:
Drake, Certified Lover Boy
Juice WRLD, Legends Never Die
WINNER: Megan Thee Stallion, Good News
Pop Smoke, Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon
Rod Wave, SoulFly
Favorite hip-hop song:
WINNER: Cardi B, “Up”
Internet Money ft. Gunna, Don Toliver & NAV, “Lemonade”
Lil Tjay ft. 6LACK, “Calling My Phone”
Polo G, “RAPSTAR”
Pop Smoke, “What You Know Bout Love”
Favorite male R&B artist:
Chris Brown
Giveon
Tank
WINNER: The Weeknd
Usher
Favorite female R&B artist:
WINNER: Doja Cat
H.E.R.
Jazmine Sullivan
Jhené Aiko
SZA
Favorite R&B album:
WINNER: Doja Cat, Planet Her
Giveon, When It’s All Said and Done… Take Time
H.E.R., Back of My Mind
Jazmine Sullivan, Heaux Tales
Queen Naija, missunderstood
Favorite R&B song:
WINNER: Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak), “Leave the Door Open”
Chris Brown & Young Thug, “Go Crazy”
Giveon, “Heartbreak Anniversary”
H.E.R., “Damage”
Jazmine Sullivan, “Pick Up Your Feelings”
Favorite male Latin artist:
WINNER: Bad Bunny
J Balvin
Maluma
Ozuna
Rauw Alejandro
Favorite female Latin artist:
WINNER: Becky G
Kali Uchis
KAROL G
Natti Natasha
ROSALÍA
Favorite Latin duo or group:
WINNER: Banda MS de Sergio Lizárraga
Calibre 50
Eslabon Armado
La Arrolladora Banda El Limón De Rene Camacho
Los Dos Carnales
Favorite Latin album:
WINNER: Bad Bunny, El Último Tour Del Mundo
Kali Uchis, Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios)
KAROL G, KG0516
Maluma, Papi Juancho
Rauw Alejandro, Afrodisíaco
Favorite Latin song:
Bad Bunny & Jhay Cortez, “DÁKITI”
Bad Bunny x ROSALÍA, “LA NOCHE DE ANOCHE”
Farruko, “Pepas”
WINNER: Kali Uchis, “telepatía”
Maluma & The Weeknd, “Hawái (Remix)”
Favorite rock artist:
AJR
All Time Low
Foo Fighters
Glass Animals
WINNER: Machine Gun Kelly
Favorite inspirational artist:
CAIN
WINNER: Carrie Underwood
Elevation Worship
Lauren Daigle
Zach Williams
Favorite gospel artist:
WINNER: Kanye West
Kirk Franklin
Koryn Hawthorne
Maverick City Music
Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Favorite dance/electronic artist:
David Guetta
ILLENIUM
WINNER: Marshmello
Regard
Tiësto
Congrats to all the winners!
Ghostbusters ‘Afterlife’ scares up the Competition Will Smith Starrer ‘King Richard’ Debuts at #4 Amid Oscar Buzz
The Ghostbusters are back this weekend in Ghostbusters: Afterlife, opening in 4,300 theaters including IMAX and other large screens. It is the fourth film in Sony’s franchise and a direct sequel to the first two films, disregarding the 2016 reboot. Afterlife is a family affair, being written and directed by Jason Reitman (Juno, Up in the Air), whose father Ivan Reitman directed Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II and is producing Afterlife. Even the story keeps it the family, focusing on the grandchildren of O.G. ghostbuster Egon Spengler, who was played in the original films by the late Harold Ramis. The cast is headlined by Paul Rudd, Finn Wolfhard ("Stranger Things"), Carrie Coon ("The Leftovers", Fargo"), and Mckenna Grace (Gifted, Annabelle Comes Home), but the real treat for fans is the return of the old gang as the film brings back Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver and Annie Potts.
The original Ghostbusters was the highest grossing film of 1984, and it was among the top grossing films of the decade with a domestic gross of $243 million. It remains the biggest in the series, with the 1989 follow-up grossing $112 million and Ghostbusters (2016) grossing $128 million. The reboot opened to $46 million, which sounds high for Afterlife, but we’re seeing a lot of interest in the film on IMDb, with pre-release views comparable to recent blockbusters. Reviews are mixed but leaning positive (65% on Rotten Tomatoes), and if audiences take to the film we could see it play long through the holiday season, especially given its theatrical exclusivity. Afterlife is also opening overseas this weekend, including in the U.K., Germany, Italy, and Latin America. The Ghostbusters franchise doesn’t have a huge international footprint, but 2016's Ghostbusters scored $100 million overseas. While that film's $229 million global cume was underwhelming for a film budgeted at $144 million, that would be a more satisfying number for the $75 million Afterlife.
This weekend’s other wide release is WB’s King Richard, which stars Will Smith as Richard Williams, the father of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams. The film opens on 3,250 screens and will also be available on HBO Max, and it should come in second or third place depending on how well it performs and how Eternals holds in its third weekend. Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green (Monsters and Men), the inspirational sports biopic has racked up great reviews (92% on Rotten Tomatoes) and plenty of Oscar buzz since its Telluride premiere, though its streaming availability may hamper its potential to play long through the awards season. The film also stars Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton as the two budding tennis champions, Aunjanue Ellis as their mother Oracene Price, and Jon Bernthal as star tennis coach Rick Macci.
While we’ve seen some strong box office performances from big blockbusters and horror movies, dramas have had a tough time this year. The year’s highest grossing drama thus far is Respect, which grossed only $24.3 million since it opened in August. King Richard may be the title to break out, but Warner’s films have especially seemed to have a glass ceiling, even when big names have been involved, with Cry Macho fizzling out at $10.2 million and The Last Duel tallying $10.7 million after a month.
In limited release, A24 is opening another Oscar hopeful and Telluride premiere C'mon C'mon. This black and white drama from writer/director Mike Mills, which is at 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, stars Joaquin Phoenix as a radio journalist who takes his nephew on a cross-country road trip to work on a story. A24 previously distributed Mills’ 2016 film 20th Century Women, which grossed $5.6 million in the U.S. and got an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay.
Among the slew of smaller limited release titles opening this weekend, a few stand out when looking at their IMDb traffic. The African-American faith-based drama The Youngest Evangelist is getting a release by Atlas Distribution Company. India Sweets and Spices is an Indian diaspora themed family dramedy from Bleecker Street. Screen Media’s Black Friday is a zombie horror-comedy set in a big box store on the titular discount holiday.
Chris Tucker Sued By Irs For Nearly $10m In Back Taxes
Chris Tucker may want a Friday to come around to make up the difference in what he owes the Internal Revenue Service. ET reports Tucker owes $9.6 million to the IRS in back taxes, penalties and interest and now they are taking the star to court.
In a lawsuit, Tucker is facing questions about finances stretching back to 2002 in the peak of his career. The lawsuit states Tucker was “one of the biggest stars in Hollywood.”
Chris Tucker previously attempted to pay off his debt. ET states Tucker set up three monthly installment plans but they all fell through for various reasons.
In 2002, the IRS claims Tucker owed around $4.6 million, but only reported and paid half, which he also did in 2006. In 2008, the IRS alleges that he only paid $127,169 but owed $2.4 million. In 2010, Tucker only paid $4,642 of the $481,552 he owed.
“Since the dates of assessment described above, interest, penalties, and statutory additions have accrued and will continue to accrue as provided by law,” the IRS stated.
Ex-NFL Player Zac Stacy Bonds Out Of Jail After Video Shows Him Attack Ex-Girlfriend
Former NFL player Zac Stacy bonded out of jail Saturday afternoon after he was taken into custody on charges associated to allegedly attacking his ex-girlfriend.
A judge ruled Stacy to have no communication with Evans, turn in his passport and surrender any firearms. Stacy’s bond was set at $10,150.
Stacy’s attorney Thomas Luka was located at the jail on Saturday to turn in his client’s passport and said, “Obviously this is a very serious charge,” Luka said. “My hope is when we see the full record, we’ll have a much more clearer picture on the events that occurred.”
As we previously reported, A video from inside the home during the attack was shared online and quickly went viral all over the internet.
Police said they are using the video in their investigation.
“We don’t know if that’s the full video,” Luka said. “All I know is there’s 53 seconds of video; we don’t know where that started, where it began and where it ended.”
Evans revealed that people need to know the video is just a peek of the horror she says has gone on for months.
“He has bullied me for so long that at one point, I believed it was my fault,” Evans said. “It’s disturbing and disgusting to see things people have said online about what did I do. I did nothing. I never did anything to deserve something like this — no one could do anything to deserve something like this.”
Justin Bieber Urged To Pull Out Of Saudi Arabia Show By Jamal Khashoggi Fiancée
An open letter in the Washington Post from the woman who was engaged to slain reporter Jamal Khashoggi is urging Justin Bieber not to play a Dec. 5 show in the kingdom.
Bieber is set to perform in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah. He is the headliner among a group of artists performing as part of the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix there.
Hatice Cengiz wrote an open letter headlined “Please, Justin Bieber, Don’t Perform in Saudi Arabia” that ran in the WaPo on Satuday. She urged the Canadian singer to cancel the performance to “send a powerful message to the world that your name and talent will not be used to restore the reputation of a regime that kills its critics.”
A US intelligence report implicated Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Khashoggi’s 2018 murder in Istanbul. The crown prince has denied any involvement. Khashoggi was a Washington Post columnist and critic of the kingdom’s regime.
“Do not sing for the murderers of my beloved Jamal,” Cengiz wrote. “Please speak out and condemn his killer, Mohammed bin Salman. Your voice will be heard by millions.”
She continued, “If you refuse to be a pawn of MBS, your message will be loud and clear: I do not perform for dictators. I choose justice and freedom over money.”
Other performers scheduled for the show include rapper A$AP Rocky, DJs David Guetta and Tiesto, and singer Jason Derulo. Human rights organizations have urged all to decline the show and speak out.
“Saudi Arabia has a history of using celebrities and major international events to deflect scrutiny from its pervasive abuses,” Human Rights Watch said on Wednesday.
Authorities Are Looking To ID Drivers Who Picked Up Cash On California Freeway
California authorities are looking to identify drivers suspected of helping themselves to piles of cash that flew out of the back of an armored trunk on a freeway in Carlsbad.
The California Highway Patrol began getting calls from citizens about “a large sum of money in the roadway” on a section of Interstate 5, with some reports of drivers hopping out of their cars to collect the bills.
Cops arrested a man and a woman on suspicion of taking some cash after getting stuck on the freeway because their keys got locked in their car while blocking traffic.
Video and photos of the “raining” cash were posted all over social media by Friday afternoon, and authorities are trying to determine motorists’ identities in those images. They are also urging anyone who scooped up some of the ill-gotten gains to return the money within 48 hours “to avoid potential criminal charges.”
“The CHP would like to thank those motorists who have already returned the money to their local CHP office,” the agency said, “and remind the public to do the right thing and return any money they found on the freeway.”
Will Smith says he and LL Cool J once discussed doing a Verzuz battle!
Apparently there was a time when Will Smith and LL Cool J considered jumping into a Verzuz battle.
Speaking to a Shade 45 during a promotional appearance for his newly released film King Richard, Smith said that himself and LL had discussed jumping into the Verzuz arena. While they touched on the possibility, it didn’t end up going down—and Will wasn’t all that confident about his chances.
“Yeah, you know I was thinking about that. Me and L, we’re talking about doing one,” Will revealed as he sat alongside his King Richard co-stars, Demi Singleton and Saniyya Sidney. “But I never had a chance to — I was writing my book…L is going to body me.”
Will Smith says he had “raging jealousy” over Jada Pinkett Smith’s relationship with Tupac
Will’s revelation arrives as he makes rounds to promote both King Richard and his new memoir, “Will.” King Richard tells the story of Richard Williams, the father of tennis icons Venus and Serena Williams. Thus far, the movie has been received positively by critics, with its Rotten Tomatoes approval rating sitting at 93%.
Will’s new book has also been getting a lot of attention. In it, he recalls finding it impossible to be friends with Tupac Shakur, who was one of his wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s best friends.
“Though they were never intimate, their love for each other is legendary — they define ‘ride or die,’” Will wrote in the book. “In the beginning of our relationship, my mind was tortured by their connection. He was ‘PAC and I was me.”
“‘Pac was like Harry — he triggered the perception of myself as a coward,” Will wrote in another part of the section about Tupac. “I hated that I wasn’t what he was in the world, and I suffered a raging jealousy: I wanted Jada to look at me like that.”
#RIP: Viral star Antwain Fowler passes away
Screenshot of @AntwainsWorld video on YouTube
Antwain Fowler, the six-year-old kid best known for his viral “where we bout to eat at?” video has died, TMZ reports. On Sunday (Nov. 21) a post appeared on Fowler’s Instagram account with a caption that reads, “Never in a million years My heart is out my chest.” The message written on the post states, “The pain in my heart is like no other Why God!!!”
The post was likely shared by Big TJ’s mom China, who monitors his IG account. She also posted a message on her personal IG that reads, “Ever felt lifeless like you can’t go on? I don’t wannna be here anymore this pain is unbearable that’s my babyyyy my god why me?”
9-year-old boy trampled at Astroworld festival passes away
While a cause of death has not been confirmed, Fowler was diagnosed with autoimmune enteropathy (AIE) in July of 2015. According to a GoFundMe page linked to his Instagram account, the Miami-native has undergone 25 surgeries since doctors discovered he had the rare immune deficiency disorder that attacks your intestines.
“The first four years of Antwain’s life was an everlasting fight, and very crucial experience for his family,” the GoFundMe page reads. “From the moment Antwain was released from the hospital he wanted to know one thing, “Where we bout to eat at”, which is what the entire world finds themselves asking quite often. On his journey to recovery we’ve encounter a bump in the rode which sorta started a whole new fight. Upon removal of his Port Antwain got sick the following day. Doctors say during surgery he aspirated which caused him a pneumonia where his upper right and lower left lung collapse, the fight doesn’t stop there he was treated for the pneumonia and now he’s on the road to recovery.”
His family’s main goal was to help Fowler regain his strength after his operation. The GoFundMe page, which has raised over $56,000 for his cause, also states that Fowler’s muscles are weak, and that had been affecting his breathing. Fans have flooded both the GoFundMe page and Fowler’s Instagram with well wishes and condolence messages.
Police Searching For Traveler Accused Of Discharging Gun In Atlanta Airport
Police are actively searching for the traveler accused of accidentally discharging a gun at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta Saturday. The incident caused chaos at the airport, prompting an evacuation and temporarily grounding flights.
Kenny Wells, 41, ran away from the screening checkpoint with the gun, according to police. He is now wanted on warrants for carrying a concealed weapon at a commercial airport, discharging a firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and reckless conduct.
“We are actively pursuing this individual,” said Atlanta Police Department Airport Precinct Commander Reginald L.Moorman.
Three people were injured during the incident, but none were related to the gunfire. All three suffered non-life-threatening injuries while the airport was being evacuated. Two of the injured parties were taken to the hospital for evaluation.
The all-clear was given around 3:30 p.m., about two hours after the ordeal started, and airport operations returned to normal.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
IN HIS NATURAL HABITAT
If you can see what I see, we can be friends.
EGGPLANT NATION: Meet Shane
Meet Shane! You can see more when GO HERE TO SEE THE PICS! And remember they’re NSFW!
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Enjoy
HAVE A GREAT DAY EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!
EFREM
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