#MAGFAB: Kid Cudi for Esquire Magazine
Kid Cudi is on the "Pursuit of Happiness" and Ye, formerly Kanye West, is not joining him on the journey.
The rapper, 38, has an upcoming movie and concert tour on his path but took a stop to share a piece of his mind as Esquire magazine's September cover star. The interview included new photos of the artist partially dressed in Dior, showing off a bare chest and in other pictures, a completely naked body aside from a carefully placed sock.
In the cover story, Kid Cudi, born Scott Mescudi, also removed layers of his life experiences including details from his time in rehab and his severed relationship with frequent collaborator, Ye.
Kid Cudi recently opened up about his conflict with Kanye West, or Ye, in a recent interview with Esquire.
In February, Ye posted a now-deleted Instagram announcement that Kid Cudi would not be featured on "Donda 2" because of his friendship with Pete Davidson (who was at the time dating Ye's ex-wife Kim Kardashian). Kid Cudi responded by calling the Chicago rapper a "dinosaur" and in April confirmed in a tweet that Ye was no longer his friend.
During the Esquire interview published Wednesday, he shared more about his feelings surrounding their feud and revealed he suffered a stroke in 2016.
Kid Cudi:'I checked myself into rehab' for depression, suicidal urges
Kid Cudi was upset with Kanye's Instagram posts
When Ye brought his disagreement with Kid Cudi to the internet, the Ohio-born rapper replied in the comments, according to Complex, writing "too bad I don't want to be on ur album."
Kid Cudi said the worst part about the social media feud was the online harassment he says he experienced from Ye's fans and that it messed with his mental health.
"Do you know how it feels to wake up one day, look at your social media, and you’re trending because somebody’s talking some (expletive) about you," Cudi said. "He used his power to (expletive) with me. That pissed me off."
A 'miracle' would have to mend the relationship
In September 2016, a month before Kid Cudi entered rehab "for depression and suicidal urges," he and Ye fell out after Kid Cudi went on a Twitter rant saying that rappers, including Drake and Ye, didn't care about him.
Ye responded during a concert at the time saying he "birthed" Kid Cudi when he signed him onto his G.O.O.D Music label.
'I birthed you':Kanye's response to Kid Cudi's diss
Kid Cudi used the Esquire interview to "clear that up."
"I wanted to be a part of a family and saw G.O.O.D. Music as that opportunity," Kid Cudi said. "So I finally said yeah. Kanye West did not come and pluck me out of Applebee’s or the Bape store.”
While the two made up after falling out in 2016, Cudi said this time he doesn't think the relationship can be repaired.
"I’m at a place in my life where I have zero tolerance for the wrong energies. I’ve watched so many people throughout the years that are close to him be burned by him," Kid Cudi said. "There’s no repercussions. You’re back cool with this man. He does it over and over."
Kid Cudi told Esquire it'd take a "miracle" for he and Kanye West to be friends again.
"With all due respect, I’m not Drake, who’s about to take a picture with him next week and be friends again, and their beef is squashed," he added. "It’s gonna take a (expletive) miracle for me and that man to be friends again. I don’t see it happening. He gon’ have to become a monk."
Drake and Ye had a disagreement in the past and made up, marking the fixed relationship with a joint concert in December.
After the interview was published Kid Cudi tweeted that he "wasnt tryna throw a shot" at Drake.
"My point I was tryna make is that im not so forgiving. Meaning he might be a lil nicer than me in that situation w dude. Thats all," he wrote.
Kid Cudi had a stroke while in rehab
Days after releasing his single "Frequency," Kid Cudi announced in October 2016 that he checked himself into rehab, telling fans on Facebook that he battled "anxiety and depression" for "as long as I can remember."
In Esquire, the artist revealed that two weeks into treatment he suffered a stroke, impacting his speech and movement. After going through physical rehab, Kid Cudi said he challenged himself by doing a script read with Michael Cera for a Broadway production.
"I proved to myself that I could do it. I needed that at the time. I was happy," he said adding that he was excited that he "didn't lose something" during his battle to recover.
Many Kid Cudi fans admire the rapper for his ability to be outspoken about his mental health struggles. He said he's proud be an advocate for encouraging others to get help.
"I’m ready to wear those shoes and be a role model," Kid Cudi said. “It’s a lot of pressure, but it keeps me alive. So I’ll take it. It doesn’t stress me out."
#RHOA: Kenya Moore Hints That She Thinks Marlo Hampton Is Trying To Be Nene Leakes: 'There Will Only Be One Nene'
Nene Leakes may no longer be on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, but she’s arguably the greatest housewife of any franchise of the Bravo series. Some have appeared on the show and either mimic Leakes’ behavior or try to start drama with her on the show during her reign as H.B.I.C. She’s set such a standard that Kenya Moore says since Marlo Hampton finally got a peach, she’s trying her hardest to be Leakes, and is failing.
Moore says Hampton wants to be Leakes
Hampton and Moore have clashed the entire season, with many of Hampton’s issues with Moore being unclear to fans. Moore also says she’s confused. In fact, she likens Hampton’s behavior to her trying to be like the RHOA alum.
“Yeah, I do believe that someone is trying to be like NeNe,” Moore recently said in an Instagram live, Urban Belle Mag reports, which hints to Hampton being the culprit. “Absolutely. They’re getting all NeNe’s old lines, tryna be a NeNe but even with the differences I’ve had NeNe, there will only be one NeNe.”
She agrees with a fan who says Hampton brings "ghetto" to the show
Moore also says she feels that Hampton brings the show’s caliber down. “Marlo has ghettoed the show even more. Hmm, can’t argue with that,” Moore said in response to one fan’s comment on the live.
#NewMusic from Tank Releases Final Album “R&B Money”
The R&B General Tank is calling it a career when it comes to new music as he releases his final album “R&B Money”.
This is the 10th studio album overall from Tank in a career that now spans more than two decades. The releases comes via Atlantic Records/R&B Money and features appearances from Chris Brown, Rotimi, Vedo, Blaq Tuxedo, Alex Isley & more.
The album features chart-topping #1 hits “Can’t Let It Show,” “I Deserve,” and the latest single release “Slow” featuring J. Valentine.
STREM HERE
Tank adds about the release:
“R&B Money is a labor of love to my fans and to the genre of R&B. This is who I am! I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for artists like Marvin Gaye, Teddy Pendergrass, Keith Sweat, Al Green, and my fans who inspire me every day to make music. I wanted this album to pay homage to my influences and my evolution as an artist, and I think that’s what this final album represents.”
#HipHopNews: Diddy And Jermaine Dupri Announce Bad Boy-So So Def Hits Battle
Diddy and Jermaine Dupri are bringing their hits battle to life.
In the wake of Swizz Beatz and Timbaland’s legal battle with Triller, the hip-hop moguls are teaming up for their own friendly competition. Taking to Instagram Live, Puff announced that he’s boycotting Triller as a show of support for Swizz and Timbaland.
“Since we ain’t fu**in’ with Verzuz no more ’cause they fu**in’ around with our boys, we don’t need to be going against each other,” Diddy said.
He then revealed plans for a Bad Boy and So So Def showdown in Atlanta. “Let’s come together and do that Bad Boy-So So Def in Atlanta,” he told JD. “It ain’t no Verzuz, it’s just hit for hit.”
Puff later clarified that he has no beef with Verzuz, only Triller. “I mistakenly said Verzuz instead of Triller, so to clarify, we’re not fu**in’ with Triller until they take care of Tim and Swizz for Verzuz,” he said. “Nobody f**ks with Triller until they take care of Swizz and Tim for Verzuz ’cause Tim and Swizz is Verzuz.”
Earlier this week, it was announced that Swizz and Timbaland are suing Triller for $28 million, claiming the social-networking video app breached contract and failed to make payments for their livestream battle series. Triller responded to the lawsuit, saying they paid both Swizz and Timbaland $50 million in cash and stock so far
It’s unclear when the Bad Boy-So So Def event will go down, but Puff is ready. “JD, if you want that smoke, you can get that smoke anytime,” he said.
Back in September 2021, JD challenged Diddy to a Verzuz battle, but Puff rejected his offer. “You aiint got enough hits,” he told the So So Def founder. “I’ll smash you with just biggie n Mary . But I do have the upmost respect on you as a musical legend.”
Tevin Campbell is opening up about his sexuality and his life and career while being in the music industry.
Widely known for his ‘90s hits “Can We Talk” and “I’m Ready” the former child star signed to Warner Brothers Music and later released his debut album T.E.V.I.N. in 1991 and followed it up with I'm Ready in 1993.
While coming of age in heteronormative space of R&B in the peak of his career, Campbell says tells PEOPLE that he didn’t “hide anything” about himself all those years ago. “I didn't try to act a certain way or anything.” Also adding that, “you just couldn’t be [gay] back then.”
But in the late 1990s when the record label he was signed to made some changes and his music took a pause after his third studio album didn’t perform well, his personal journey with his sexuality started.
“When I came out to my family and friends [at] about 19 or 20, that was it for me. And then I went on the road of discovering myself. I didn't know who I was,” Campbell shares.
"Being around people who were like me, LGBTQ+ people that were living normal lives and had partners. I had never seen that," he says. "That was a great time in my life."
There has been years of speculation about how Campbell chooses to identify and although he has chosen to keep his private life tight-lipped he posted a now-deleted tweet on Twitter to make things a bit more clear.
“Tevin is…,” he tweeted with a rainbow emoji, OUT previously reported.
“It was a casual thing for me,” Campbell says responding to the chatter that came after his post that he was officially coming out. “I love my fans, but what they think about my sexuality is of no importance to me.”
Tristan Thompson Reportedly Paid Child Support to Maralee Nichols 'Retroactive' to Son's Birth
Earlier this year, a rep for Nichols claimed that Thompson had not provided any "financial assistance" for the child.
Tristan Thompson has reportedly paid child support for the son he had with Maralee Nichols on December 1, 2021.
According to a legal letter received by Page Six from an attorney for the NBA star and former beau of Khloé Kardashian, Thompson "is paying, and has paid, child support to Ms. Nichols retroactive to the date she delivered the child."
The statement, which was also received by Us Weekly, follows a rep for Nichols reporting earlier this year that Thompson was not contributing at all to his son Theo's life, including "financial assistance."
That spokesperson also told Us Weekly in February that Thompson "has not made any attempt to meet their son," and reiterated this was still the case four months later. According to an insider for Page Six now, Thompson "has still made no attempt to meet his 8-month-old son." The source did say Tristan recently "started paying child support."
Nichols had originally filed a paternity lawsuit against Thompson back in June 2021, alleging that he'd gotten her pregnant during his 30th birthday celebration. He was still involved with Kardashian at that time.
Thompson denied that he was the father until a DNA test proved conclusively that he was. In January, he posted to social media, "I take full responsibility for my actions. Now that paternity has been established I look forward to amicably raising our son."
He also apologized to Kardashian for again cheating on her. "Khloé, you don’t deserve this. You don’t deserve the heartache and humiliation I have caused you," he wrote. "You don’t deserve the way I have treated you over the years. My actions certainly have not lined up with the way I view you."
Their first major cheating scandal happened while Kardashian was pregnant with their four-year-old daughter True.
In July, it was revealed that Kardashian was expecting a second child via surrogate, conceived with Thompson in November 2021, before his latest scandal was revealed.
Their son was born earlier this month. There is no indication the couple intends to reconcile.
Dr. Dre Recalls Suffering Brain Aneurysm That Nearly Killed Him: They Brought My Family Up To Say Their Goodbyes
Dr. Dre (real name Andre Romelle Young) will never be the same, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
In a recent interview, the The Chronic rapper opened up about the brain aneurysm he suffered in 2o21 that changed his life forever. Dr. Dre, who was at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, said,
“They weren’t allowing anybody to come up, meaning visitors or family or anything like that because of COVID, but they allowed my family to come in. I found out later they called them up so they could say their last goodbyes because they thought I was out of here. I didn’t know it was that serious. I’m seeing my mom and my sister and everybody coming in the room, and nobody told me. I had no idea. That was crazy.”
The rapper recalled being in the intensive care unit for two weeks and having to wake up every hour so doctors could run tests. He also didn’t eat for two weeks, but at no point did he feel like he was in trouble. According to Dr. Dre,
“I never felt like I was in trouble. … That was a really crazy experience, [but] I came out of it stronger.”
Given that he was also had to give his ex-wife Nicole Young $100 million as part of their divorce settlement, it appears that 2021 was a difficult year for Dr. Dre. The pair married in 1996 and have two children together – a son born in 1997 and a daughter born in 2001.
As part of the settlement, the rapper — who is among the 10 richest in the industry — received all of their Apple stock, which includes the money from the sale of Beats by Dre, as well as seven of their properties, full rights to his master recordings, trademarks and interests in different partnerships and trusts.
Gary Busey charged with sex offenses at Monster Mania Convention in New Jerse
Actor Gary Busey was charged with sexual offenses stemming from incidents that happened at the Monster Mania Convention in New Jersey, police said Saturday.
Busey, 78, was charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact, one count of attempted criminal sexual contact, and one count of harassment, according to Cherry Hill police.
Officers were called to the Doubletree Hotel, where the convention was held Aug. 12 through Aug. 14 "for the report of a sex offense," a Facebook statement reads.
As a result of the investigation, Busey was charged Friday. It's not clear if he has an attorney to comment on the charges, and NBC News could not immediately reach his representatives.
The Monster Mania Convention is an event celebrating horror film and memorabilia. He was scheduled as a featured guest for all three days of the event, the Associated Press reported.
Monster-Mania said in a post that it was assisting authorities in their investigation into the allegations.
"Immediately upon receiving a complaint from the attendees, the celebrity guest was removed from the convention and instructed not to return," the post stated. "Monster-Mania also encouraged the attendees to contact the police to file a report."
Here's the story behind the 'yelling girl' meme you're seeing all over social media
Busey's acting career flourished in the 1970s ("The Buddy Holly Story," which earned him an Academy Award nomination, "Big Wednesday") and 1980s ("Lethal Weapon," "48 Hours"). His performances in the '90s ("Point Break," "Under Siege") proved he had staying power.
He sustained severe cranial damage in a 1988 motorcycle accident but recovered.
In 2012 Busey filed for bankruptcy protection. Court documents cited as a potential liability money he may have owed a woman who alleged he attacked her at a Tulsa airport the year before.
In a 2018 NBC News THINK piece, the actor said a prospective manager in the 1970s introduced him to cocaine, which helped send him on a journey of drug dependence.
Busey appears to have maintained self awareness about his struggles with substance abuse. In the TV show "American Dad," he performed his own voice for his character's appearance, which portrayed the actor as alcohol-dependent.After an overdose in 1995, Busey stopped doing the drug and had been sober from cocaine for 25 years, he said in the interview.
Jesse Williams To Rejoin ‘Take Me Out’ Cast For Its Broadway Return
Take Me Out is set to make its return after its final curtain call in June at New York City’s Second Stage Theater. According to Broadway, the Tony Award-winning revival will take the stage again this fall. Jesse Williams will reprise his leading role alongside Jesse Tyler Fergurson for the 14-week run.
The rest of the cast will be announced at a later date.
“Second Stage’s Tony Award-winning production was one of the most buzzed about plays of the spring season, and its limited run was too brief to capture the interest and demand for tickets,” said producer Barry Weissler of the play. “Fran (Weissler) and I are so honored to serve as pinch-hitters and take the show into extra innings.”
Take Me Out explores the story of a star baseball player who must navigate his career and personal life as a Black gay man. In June, the play won Best Revival of a Play at the 75th Tony Awards. Ferguson also earned the award for Best Featured Actor in a play.
The play went viral after leaked images and videos of a fully nude Williams on stage hit the internet, despite attendees being required to lock their cellular devices away for the duration of the play.
“I’m not really worrying about it. I can’t sweat that. We do need to keep advocating for ourselves. And it’s wonderful to see a community push back and make clear what we do stand for, what we don’t,” the actor expressed of the violation. “Consent is important, I thought. So, let’s keep that in mind universally.”
He continued, “Theater is a sacred space, and everybody doesn’t understand that. Everybody doesn’t necessarily respect or regard that in a way that maybe they should, or we’d like.”
Take Me Out features scenic design by David Rockwell, costume design by Linda Cho, lighting design by Kenneth Posner, and sound design by Mikaal Sulaiman.
Its official return is set to begin on October 27 at the Schoenfeld Theatre.
Venus Williams Debuts New Eyewear Collection
In 1997, Venus Williams was the first unseeded woman to become a finalist at a tournament, and now she is the first to make glasses with a metal frame from 100% recycled material.
Williams’ The Muse Collection is a collaboration with Look Optic eyeglasses. Venus Williams designed the collection; the first-ever metal frames were made from all recycled material.
The legendary tennis player took to Instagram, calling it “my newest collaboration.”
“Introducing Muse, my newest collaboration with @lookopticusa 🕶 Inspired by some of my favorite vintage styles, together we launched their first-ever metal frame made from 100% recycled material. Look good and feel good in these modern yet timeless frames!”
Look Optica also posted about the new collaboration, tagging Eleven by Venus, which is Williams’ activewear and accessories brand.
According to the Eleven by Venus site, the new glasses are described as a “unique half-rim design.”
“We’ve teamed up with Look Optic to bring you a unisex modern & luxurious collection of best-selling metal frames. Inspired by our favorite metal frames featuring a unique half-rim design, these styles were born to stand out. Add tinted lenses, and you have a modern classic with a luxurious edge.”
The glasses are also available in his and hers retailing between $82.00 and $92.00. With eight pairs of shades available, it comes in various colors, silver or gold and blue or pink.
To shop the glasses, check out ElevenbyVenus.com.
Florida Christian school asks LGBTQ students to leave
Grace Christian School in Valrico, Florida will no longer accept or accommodate students who identify with the LGBTQ community. The private pre-kindergarten through grade 12 school is about 20 miles east of Tampa. Barry McKeen, an administrator at the school, sent out a letter on the topic ahead of the new school year.
Some parents were surprised after receiving the email with the subject line that read, “Important School Policy Point of Emphasis. … Please Read.” The email noted that students would be addressed by the “gender on their birth certificates.” NBC News obtained a copy of the email which read, “We believe that God created mankind in His image: male (man) and female (woman), sexually different but with equal dignity.”
One mother, whose lesbian daughter was a student, spoke to local Florida news station WESH 2 about why she chose to remove her child from the school after the email was sent. “I actually respect their opinion, but my daughter’s well-being, right, and mental health is more important,” she said.
Grace Christian’s official statement added, “Therefore, one’s biological sex must be affirmed and no attempts should be made to physically change, alter, or disagree with one’s biological gender — including, but not limited to, elective sex reassignment, transvestite, transgender, or non-binary gender fluid acts of conduct (Genesis 1:26-28). Students in school will be referred to by the gender on their birth certificate and be referenced in name in the same fashion.”
It continued: “We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, transgender identity/lifestyle, self-identification, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery and pornography are sinful in the sight of God and the church (Genesis 2:24; Leviticus 18:1-30; Romans 1:26-29; I Corinthians 5:1; I Corinthians 6:9; I Thessalonians 4:2-7).”
The email ended by saying that any student found participating in the LGBTQ lifestyle “will be asked to leave the school immediately.” Parents were asked to “agree to all policies and procedures before [their] student [could] start school in August.”
After the school’s email went viral, McKeen made a video response titled “Administration’s response to the NBC article” and posted it to Grace Christian’s official Facebook account. In the video, he mentioned the school “just started its 49th year” and said he believed the reporter was “against” the school’s beliefs. He defended the school’s policy and added that young heterosexual students should not engage in sexual activities as well. McKeen explained that “God has spoken” and their policy is not new.
Fat Joe to star in stand-up comedy based on his life
On Friday (Aug. 19), Terror Squad rapper Fat Joe announced he will hit the stage in New York City this fall to perform in a one-man stand-up comedy based on his upcoming memoir The Book of Jose.
The show will be co-produced by Roc Nation and Magic Lemonade. It will also feature a special introduction by Dave Chappelle and celebrity appearances. “The world will be getting Fat Joe at his most authentic, vulnerable, and comedic self on that stage,” the rapper said in a press release. “I’m not holding anything back. I’ve always taken pride in my storytelling, but we’re about to take it to the next level. I’m grateful to Dave Chappelle, Roc Nation and Magic Lemonade for their support in sharing my story and helping make this one-man show the biggest event ever.”
Directed by Chris Robinson and soundtracked by Terror Squad’s discography, the show will reportedly include unfiltered, never-before-heard anecdotes about Fat Joe’s life and career, including his prison stint nearly a decade ago and the time he was kidnapped in Angola, Africa. It will also include old footage and interviews with Fat Joe’s friends, family, and collaborators.
“I’ve worked with great storytellers, but Fat Joe is easily one of the greatest of all-time,” Magic Lemonade executive producer Rikki Hughes said. “Magic Lemonade is excited to work with Joe and Roc Nation to bring his story to life in an unexpected way.”
Fat Joe’s memoir The Book of Jose will be release on Nov. 15 and is currently available for pre-order at Penguin Random House. “The Book of Jose is more than just a book about my career,” Fat Joe said in a statement earlier this year. “It explores the darkest moments of my life—brushes with death, being locked up, losing friends, and dealing with depression—that shaped me as a man. I overcame significant adversity but I’m excited to be in a position to share my story and inspire others through my journey.”
Jennifer Lopez & Ben Affleck Marry Again in Georgia
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have said “I do” for a second time!
A month after tying the knot in a private and very intimate ceremony in Las Vegas, the 53-year-old entertainer and the 50-year-old actor/director married again on Saturday (August 20) at his 87-acre estate in Riceboro, Georgia.
“The ceremony is over, and it ended with a kiss,” an insider shared with E! News after the couple’s second ceremony.
For their big day, Ben and Jen asked their guests – which included family and close friends – to wear all-white.
It was revealed a few days ago that the couple will be hosting a three-day wedding weekend for their guests. On Friday night, the celebration kicked off with an intimate rehearsal dinner before the wedding ceremony on Saturday. The weekend will conclude with a barbeque on Sunday.
Following their Vegas wedding on July 16, the couple jetted off to Paris for their honeymoon with their combined five kids.
Congrats again to Jen and Ben!
Bill Paxton's Family Reaches Settlement in Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Bill Paxton died back in 2017 and his family have reached a settlement in the wrongful death lawsuit they filed against surgeon Dr. Ali Khoynezhad and the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
The actor passed away at the age of 61 due to a stroke that occurred from complications with heart surgery.
The lawsuit was filed in 2018 by Bill‘s wife of 30 years, Louise Paxton, and their kids. They alleged that the defendants provided “negligent diagnosis, management, and treatment.”
Bill had surgery to replace a heart valve and to correct an aortic aneurysm. In the lawsuit, his family says Cedars-Sinai “misrepresented and/or concealed information relating to the risks of surgery and care that would be provided and/or failed to adequately explain the proposed treatment or procedure.” They also said that the hospital “failed to disclose that [Dr. Khoynezhad] was going to use a high risk and unconventional surgical approach with which he lacked experience and which was, based upon information and belief, beyond the scope of his privileges.”
People reports that terms of the settlement are confidential and the settlement still needs to be approved by a judge.
Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade share steamy pics from PDA-packed vacation
While lounging on the deck of a lavish yacht off the coast of Mallorca, Spain, Gabrielle Union and Dwayne Wade posed for a series of steamy vacation pics that the “Bring It On” star shared to her Instagram Friday.
The five images reveal Union, 49, and her retired basketball player hubby canoodling, clearly not shy about packing on the PDA — from the cover photo in which Wade, 40, appears to be burying his face in Union’s cleavage, to a subsequent snap in which he is grabbing her derrière from behind while kissing her shoulder.
“It’s begun. 🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🛥🛥🛥#WadeWorldTour2022,” wrote the “Breaking In” actress in the caption, possibly hinting toward the pair’s ambitious travel plans in the lead-up to their eighth wedding anniversary on Aug. 30.
The power couple’s famous friends rapidly flooded the comments section with compliments — and some words of cheeky encouragement.
“😍😍😍😍let’s goooo!!” cheered on La La Anthony.
Singer JoJo echoed that enthusiasm: “Just fine as y’all wanna be!!!!!!” she wrote.
The duo will celebrate their eighth wedding anniversary on Aug. 30, 2022.
Instagram/@gabunion
“LEGIT!!!” the couple’s private chef, Richard Ingraham, chimed in.
It’s hardly a secret that the lovebirds have long been inclined to indulge their wanderlust side-by-side, frequently journeying together to far-flung, breathtakingly idyllic locales. Their August 2014 wedding took place at Chateau Artisan, a contemporary French-style castle built in 2007 on a man-made island on a lake just outside of Miami.
The couple also staged some risqué snaps earlier this summer while on a luxurious getaway at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.
Christina Aguilera reportedly in no rush to wed fiancé of 8 years Matthew Rutler
Nearly a decade after becoming engaged to guitarist Matthew Rutler, Christina Aguilera is still reportedly in no hurry to tie the knot with her longtime beau, per Us Weekly.
“There are no wedding plans at the moment. [Christina] and Matt are happy the way they are,” an informant dished to the tabloid.
“They’re one of those couples who don’t need a document to prove their love for each other,” the anonymous insider added.
The source also described the duo as “true homebodies,” elaborating that “they like to relax at home together just like any normal couple but also love going out and having date nights.”
It’s widely known that the lovebirds initially met on the set of “Burlesque,” the 2010 flick in which the now 41-year-old Aguilera starred as an aspiring singer working as a cocktail waitress before being taken under the wing of the club’s owner, played by Cher. Rutler, 37, was a set assistant on the film.
At the time, the “Genie in a Bottle” icon was going through a divorce with music producer Jordan Bratman, with whom she shares son Max, 14.
Rutler successfully proposed to the “Come On Over Baby” singer on Valentine’s Day of 2014, and the couple welcomed daughter Summer Rain, now 8 years old, in August of that year.
The source also mentioned to Us Weekly that Aguilera “loves being a mom,” but implied that there probably aren’t more kids in the cards for the former “Voice” judge.
“Christina is working on keeping her body the way it is and loves being on tour in the U.K. right now … She’s feeling really good and back in her element doing what she loves,” the tipster explained.
Lee Daniels Launches Music Label, Partners With Warner
Lee Daniels Music and Warner Recorded Music have announced the official launch of their joint global venture.
According to the press release, their partnership include artist signings, record music projects and soundtracks. Its first project was the original soundtrack for The United States vs. Billie Holiday, which was directed by Daniels and took home the Grammy for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media.
“I am always looking for new ways to expand and grow. I’m a filmmaker first and foremost, but, theater and music are also such passions of mine. I’m excited to be teaming up with Warner Music. It’s yet another way for me to keep pushing myself creatively—and The United States vs. Billie Holiday is just the beginning!” Daniels shared in a statement.
Aside from the film, Daniels’ love for music has been apparent through his television shows, Empire and STAR. Amanda Ghost, CEO of AI Film, co-founder of Unigram and Executive Music Producer on The United States vs. Billie Holiday, was a fundamental component in launching the newly formed partnership between the companies.
“This venture brings together the genius of Lee Daniels, the dynamic global team at Warner, and an array of extraordinary artistic voices,” she added. ”Together, they’ll propel great storytelling, create indelible images, and produce hit soundtracks. The Billie Holiday project has already shown us the kind of impactful experiences that will come from this collaboration, and there are some very special movies and music on the way.”
Max Lousada, CEO of Warner Recorded Music, chimed in with his own sentiments. “At Warner, we’ve built a thriving environment for creative pioneers and inspired entrepreneurs,“ he began. “Lee is an artistic visionary who has crafted some of the most powerful, moving, and captivating works of our era. Music has always figured prominently in his productions, driving the narrative of great films such as Precious and The Butler, while playing a central role in his influential TV series, Empire. The Billie Holiday soundtrack was a fantastic way to start our relationship, and we’re looking forward to working with Lee on an exciting series of projects inspired by his deep musical knowledge and impeccable taste.”
Later this year, Daniels will be extending his talent on Broadway and serve as producer for Jordan E. Cooper’s Ain’t No Mo.’ He is also working on a new film with Netflix.
‘Funny Girl’: First Look At Lea Michele Tackling Iconic Broadway Role
Producers offered a first look today at Lea Michele rehearsing the role of Fanny Brice for the current Broadway production of Funny Girl.
Michele got the part after Beanie Feldstein suddenly announced in July that she was stepping away from the part at the end of the month amidst rumors that the former Glee star Lea Michele had already been recruited to replace her. The role was, of course, first made famous on Broadway and on the big screen by Barbra Streisand.
Broadway's 'Into The Woods' Extension Cast Set: Stephanie J. Block, Sebastian Arcelus Among Newcomers
Jane Lynch, who had played the role of “Mrs. Brice,” also announced she was leaving the production early. She wished “Fanny” standby Julie Benko and her former Glee co-star well.
“I offer a special thanks to my current scene partner Julie Benko and will be back to see my friend Lea Michele light up the lights,” wrote Lynch.
Michele begins her run on September 6, with Tovah Feldshuh replacing Lynch at the same time.
You can see the footage of Michele in rehearsals below.
Funny Girl, which received mixed to negative reviews and no Tony Awards, took a significant hit at the box office in the week leading up to the Michele announcement.
Given that, and the iconic shoes she’s filling, a lot is riding on Michele’s performance.
Nia Long, Larenz Tate Set For ‘Love Jones’ Reunion At CultureCon
Nia Long and Larenz Tate are set to recapture their Love Jones magic at the upcoming 2022 CultureCon.
According to Variety, the 4th annual convention will be presented by Creative Collective NYC and commemorate the film’s 25th anniversary with the duo headlining the Creative Genius conversation on October 8. Long and Tate will lead a discussion celebrating the most impactful creatives behind the culture.
Some fans consider New Line Cinema’s Love Jones a ‘90s classic. The sensual poetry-driven love story between Darius Lovehall (Tate) and Nina Mosley (Long) grossed $12.5 million at the domestic box office in 1997. And the cast wasn’t the only stellar part of the film. Love Jones: The Music soundtrack is home to various R&B classics. Tracks like “The Sweetest Thing,” performed by Refugee Camp All-Stars featuring Lauryn Hill, became hits in their own right.
Along with the Love Jones reunion, CultureCon NYC 2022 will include “exclusive screenings, networking events, and activations for creatives and young professionals of color, all leading up to the big conference day.” The conference will be divided into two main stages: the Culture and the Creator Workshop Stage. At the Culture Stage, “creative forces will inspire the community,” while “creatives will be able to come and learn specific skills” at the Creator Workshop Stage.
Furthermore, attendees can visit the Activation Alley. A slew of activations dedicated to recruiting diverse and multi-faceted talent. Activation Alley will also feature the Small Business Market, an initiative that “empowers guests to shop from Black and Brown-owned brands.”
CultureCon NYC 2022 is presented by HBO Max with significant partners including LinkedIn, Cash App, Square, Meta’s We The Culture, Nike Yardrunners, Netflix, Audible, Disney’s Onyx Collective, TikTok, Prime Video, Foot Locker, Condé Nast, Clinique, and more.
‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Has Passed ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ at Domestic Box Office
The decades-anticipated sequel has earned $679 million in North America, as Variety reports, making it the sixth-highest grossing film of all time at the domestic box office. Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War, with $678.8 million in 2018, was consequently knocked down to the No. 7 slot. Forbes writes Top Gun: Maverick (which is at $1.37 billion globally) is expected to gross $5.44M this weekend to take it to a new total of $683M. The next movie in its path is Black Panther ($700.4M, also in 2018), which Variety points out could increase its haul with Disney “likely to re-release” it before the sequel Wakanda Forever on Nov. 11.
The top four highest-grossing films at the U.S. box office are 2015’s Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens ($936 million), 2019’s Avengers: Endgame ($858.3M), last December’s Spider-Man: No Way Home ($804.7M), and 2009’s Avatar with $760M. It remains to be seen how its 13-years-later sequel Avatar: Way of Water will fare this December, but James Cameron—whose 1997 blockbuster Titanic was just surpassed by Maverick a couple weeks ago—has an extremely formidable track record.
Since its debut back in May, Top Gun: Maverick has collected more than $700 million overseas, performing particularly well in the UK ($95 million), Japan ($82M), and Australia ($60M). Although it was not screened in the China and Russia markets, the film has managed to become the 13th-highest grossing in world history. It’s directed by Joseph Kosinski and stars Miles Teller, Glen Powell, Jon Hamm, Jennifer Connelly, and Tom Cruise, who also starred in the original 1986 flick. The second installment marks the first Cruise vehicle to earn at least $100 million in one weekend, and the first to hit the $1 billion mark worldwide.
Off Duty Chicago Cop Facing Felony Charges After Kneeling on Black Teen’s Back
A Chicago officer faces felony charges after he was filmed pinning a 14-year-old boy to the ground with his knee.
According to CNN, the incident occurred in Park Ridge, Illinois, last month, when Chicago police sergeant Michael Vitellaro wrongly accused the teen of stealing his son’s bike. Vitellaro reportedly learned that the bicycle had been stolen at a library and later spotted outside a Starbucks. He then took his son to the location and found that the bike was propped up against a pillar. The officer, who has worked for the CPD since 2000, then “waited in his car to hopefully observe who had stolen the bicycle.”
After several minutes, Vitellaro saw the 14-year-old boy—identified as J.N.—riding his own bike before getting off to move the supposed stolen bike. The off-duty officer then approached the teen and began accusing him of theft. A bystander captured the incident on camera, showing Vitellaro putting the boy’s arms behind his back before pinning him face down on the ground. The officer proceeded to kneel on J.N.’s back as others attempted to pull him off. Vitellaro then called 911 for backup, and eventually released the boy.
Witnesses say J.N., who is Puerto Rican-American, arrived at the Starbucks after the bike had been placed on the sidewalk. His family says their son was simply trying to move the bicycle so he could get by. His parents and their attorney believe the incident was racially motivated.
“The off-duty officer used excessive force on a child and escalated the situation where this type of aggression was clearly not necessary,” attorney Bhavani K. Raveendran said in a statement. “The boy was not a threat, was not armed, had committed no crime. Furthermore, after the murder of George Floyd from prone restraint, the whole world knows how dangerous a knee in the back or neck can be …
“This is a clear cut case of racial profiling. The off-duty officer is white and [the] boy was the only person of color in a group of teenagers,” Raveendran continued. “Chicago police have a history of racial bias and they continue to racially profile people, even outside of Chicago, and that culture permeates officers’ lives.”
More than a month after the incident, Vitellaro was charged with felony official misconduct and aggravated battery. The Park Ridge Police confirmed he turned himself in on Thursday and was taken to a Cook County courthouse for a bond hearing.
“I am grateful to our partners at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office for their assistance in bringing a resolution to this investigation,” Chief Frank Kaminski said in a statement. “I am extremely proud of my staff and their professionalism in conducting a thorough and complete investigation which they took seriously from day one. The Park Ridge Police Department has and will continue to honor their oath of office, continuing to serve our community with professionalism, dedication, pride, and respect.”
Vitellaro’s next court hearing is scheduled for Sept. 8.
Jordan Brand to Partner with Howard University
*Jordan Brand and Howard University have opened a new chapter in their walk. According to a recent announcement, they have entered a 20-year partnership that aims to take up Howard University’s athletic department, bring new recruitment opportunities and inspire a new generation to dream of excellence.
“Howard University and Jordan Brand share a legacy of excellence and deep commitment to the Black Community,” said Craig Williams, Jordan Brand President, in a statement. “As an HBCU graduate, I understand the educational impact an institution like Howard University has. We are proud to partner with Howard University and see the growth in Black talent on the field and well beyond it.”
On the other side, Howard University President Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick also had a thing to say:
“We have always been proud of our legacy at Howard University, but we are audacious enough to believe our future could be brighter than our past. Partnering with Jordan Brand is another signal of our ambitions as a university to become an even brighter beacon for Black Excellence. We are thrilled to work on that vision of greatness together.”
Eyes are now waiting to see the impact of this partnership in the next 20 years.
Meanwhile, the first Jumpman uniforms for the Howard University athlete program are expected out on August 27.
Apart from this partnership with Howard University, Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand commit $100M to the Black community.
This help continues to boost the work of organizations fighting for systematic change.
In related news, the Jordan Brand announcement comes a little more than a month after Disney unveiled the “Disney Storytellers Fund” that will champion the next generation of Black storytellers at Howard University.
Also, Sean” Diddy” Combs announced that he will be donating $1 million to his alma mater and Jackson State University.
He made the surprising pledge before he walked off stage with his BET Lifetime Achievement Award at the BET Awards in June.
Chris Brown Questions Whether He Deserves A Star On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame
Chris Brown remains one of R&B’s biggest stars, but he has yet to get his star.
Taking to Instagram, the superstar singer questioned whether he has accomplished enough in his 17-year career to warrant a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
“Do you think I’ve done enough to get a Hollywood star?” he asked his 118 million followers.
The response was overwhelming, with many fans surprised that he has yet to be cemented into the Walk of Fame. “Chris Brown definitely deserves a Hollywood star, that isn’t even a debate,” tweeted one person.
Chris certainly has the credentials to warrant a star. Since the release of his debut album in 2005, he has sold over 40 million albums worldwide and surpassed 10 billion audio streams. He has won more than 125 awards including a Grammy and has more Billboard Hot 100 entries since the start of his career than any contemporary male singer alive to date, with 160 consecutive weeks charting on the Hot 100.
The debate comes just two days after Nipsey Hussle posthumously received his star on the Walk of Fame. Ashanti also received hers earlier this year along with DJ Khaled.
Chris is currently on his “One of Them Ones” tour with Lil Baby, which wraps at the end of this month in Las Vegas.
Mark Zuckerberg Debuted A New, Better Metaverse Avatar After His Previous One Was Dragged To Kingdom Come
Mark Zuckerberg may have helped invent social media as we know it, but that doesn’t him from being dragged online. Like Jack Dorsey, he’s a frequent figure of mockery. Last week, he inadvertently threw some red meat to the Internet hounds, posting an impossibly crude image, including a boyish avatar, from the metaverse he’s been trying to foist on a so-far resistant world. After it was met with heaps of mockery, Zuckerberg quickly rushed out a replacement.
Admittedly, it’s an improvement. Where the first avatar drew comparisons to the Miis on Nintendo Wii — which is to say, technology from over 15 years ago — the new one is more detailed and professional looking, giving the Facebook co-creator a more realistic animated look. In a post on Facebook, Zuckerberg even acknowledged the blowback, writing that “the photo I posted earlier this week was pretty basic,” claiming “it was taken very quickly to celebrate our launch.” (The image commemorated the launching of Horizon Worlds, Meta’s VR game, in the U.K. and Spain.)
Alas, even the Horizon Worlds launch was an agent of chaos, with developers neglecting to translate it into Spanish for Spanish players. Whoops! The slip-ups have only served to remind people that Zuckerberg has poured billions and billions into this metaverse mishegoss. And honestly, even the newer avatar looks like it could have come from the Bush II years. Then again, unlike some old colleagues, at least he hasn’t started a cover band.
Regal Cinemas Reportedly Planning To File For Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Regal Cinema chain is preparing to file for chapter 11 bankruptcy.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the chain’s owner Cineworld Group is filing for bankruptcy in the United States and insolvency in the United Kingdom. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the London-based company has struggled to recover the losses.
The bankruptcy protection will allow Regal to continue to operate while securing capital needed to recover box office revenue.
“As we announced earlier this week. We are proactively evaluating strategic options to ensure we have the balance sheet strength and flexibility to adapt to market conditions, and that process remains ongoing. We are committed to our customer’s experience and to being the ‘Best Place to Watch a Movie,’” Cineworld says.
Cineworld was hopeful that they could recover with a slew of 2022 blockbusters, including The Batman, Top Gun: Maverick, Thor: Love and Thunder, and Minions: The Rise of Gru. However, the ticket sales were lower than what they had anticipated.
“Despite a gradual recovery of demand since re-opening in April 2021, recent admission levels have been below expectations,” the company adds. “These lower levels of admissions are due to a limited film slate that is anticipated to continue until November 2022 and are expected to negatively impact trading and the group’s liquidity position in the near term.”
Cineworld had an extremely high-debt for years. At the end of 2021, Cineworld’s debt was roughly $5 million.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
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EGGPLANT NATION: Meet Shawn
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