Sundance Institute will honor Questlove’s work as a director by presenting him with its Vanguard Award.
The Roots drummer and fellow director Siân Heder have been selected as the winners of the 2021 Vanguard Award. Sundance is awarding Questlove for his documentary Summer Of Soul and Heder for her coming-of-age film CODA.
“We are especially honored to recognize the visionary and award-winning directors Siân Heder and Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson with the Vanguard Award,” Sundance’s feature film program director Michelle Satter said in a statement. “We were thrilled to bring enthusiastic audiences together at our Festival to experience the humanity, originality, and independent spirit of their culture-changing films. Siân and Ahmir join Sundance-supported directors Radha Blank, Ryan Coogler, Dee Rees, Marielle Heller and others in this annual celebration of singular independent storytellers.”
Summer Of Soul (…Or, When The Revolution Could Not Be Televised) is Questlove’s directorial debut. The critically acclaimed film is a documentary about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, which is also known as Black Woodstock.
“I’m extremely honored to receive this award. Storytelling has always been the fiber of my creativity, be it DJing, writing articles/books, podcasting or teaching,” Questlove said. “Of course, I share this honor with the entire team behind Summer Of Soul. It was an honor to bring this historic event to light for audiences to experience.”
Heder, whose film CODA tells the story of a child of deaf adults, praised Questlove’s documentary in a statement about the Vanguard Award.
“I’m so grateful to Sundance for the incredible support that they have given to me on my journey as a filmmaker,” Heder said. “I am thrilled and honored to join the company of the artists who have previously received this award, as well as my co-honoree, Ahmir, and his brilliant film.”
Questlove and Heder will receive the Vanguard Award on October 20. Summer Of Soul is available to stream now on Hulu.
Thousands of NBA YoungBoy fans are signing a petition asking for his release from jail.
A Change.org petition labeled “Joe Biden Needs To Free NBA YoungBoy” has received well over 37,000 signatures with a goal of 50,000. Petitions that reach the 50,000 signatures threshold attain “top signed” status on Change.org.
“Being granted a release by the president himself would be life-changing and historical. Not only would the rapper be able to be with his family and friends, but he would be able to provide music for his fans and live his life,” the petition reads. “The 21-year-old 79 RIAA certifications holder isn’t a menace to society but is instead a kind-hearted soul who was mistreated and targeted by the F.B.I and Louisiana Police Department.”
The fan plea for NBA YoungBoy’s release comes as he prepares to drop a new album from behind bars. The Atlantic Records artist’s project Sincerely, Kentrell is scheduled to hit digital service providers on September 24.
NBA YoungBoy, whose real name is Kentrell Gaulden, was arrested by the FBI in March after fleeing Los Angeles police at a traffic stop. He was wanted on an outstanding warrant stemming from federal weapons charges in his hometown of Baton Rouge.
The 21-year-old rapper was indicted for possession of firearms by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. He pleaded not guilty to both charges.
NBA YoungBoy, also known as YoungBoy Never Broke Again, is currently in jail in St. Martinville, Louisiana. A judge ordered him to stay in custody until his trial.
While NBA YoungBoy’s fans won’t be able to get him out of jail with a petition, they can support him by buying and streaming his new album. The Baton Rouge native’s Sincerely, Kentrell will be his first solo project since Until I Return, which dropped last November.
Check out the Sincerely, Kentrell tracklist below.
Tory Lanez poured cold water on the social media buzz surrounding him by announcing a new album.
After Tory Lanez cleared his Instagram and posted a tweet sparking speculation about him going to jail, the controversial artist unveiled plans for his next album on Thursday. The upcoming project, Alone At Prom, will feature a 1980s theme and be released in December.
“ALONE AT PROM … (1980’s ALBUM) 12-1-21,” he wrote on Twitter and Instagram alongside the LP’s apparent cover art.
Tory Lanez took delight in trolling his detractors too. A few hours before making his announcement, the Canadian rapper/singer laughed at people thinking he would be incarcerated.
“Me at my house …. watching n##### on Twitter celebrating and thinking I’m going to jail,” he tweeted with a flippant gif.
Me at my house …. watching n##### on Twitter celebrating and thinking I’m going to jail 🤣😂 ……… pic.twitter.com/M8KZW4XHcg
Tory Lanez made some people assume he was heading to jail due to his behavior on social media. He wiped his Instagram clean and shared a cryptic message on Twitter.
Last year, Tory Lanez was charged with felony assault for allegedly shooting Megan Thee Stallion. He pleaded not guilty to assault with a semiautomatic firearm and carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm.
According to Rolling Stone, the polarizing artist may strike a deal with prosecutors. Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Kathy Ta said “possible settlement discussions” have taken place.
Tory Lanez has another court date scheduled on November 3. If no settlement is reached by then, a preliminary hearing in the case is expected to be held in December.
Newly minted billionaire Rihanna finds it “scary” when fans and followers put her on a pedestal because she’s determined to keep her feet on the ground.
Speaking to U.S. entertainment program Extra on Wednesday (September 22nd) – ahead of Friday’s debut of her new Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 3 on Prime Video – the singer and fashion and beauty boss admits she’s still not comfortable with being hailed as a business mogul.
“It’s scary,” she says. “I do think about it all the time. I make it a point to think about it, because I… get scared when, you know, the pedestal comes into play and… they keep wanting to put you up there…
“I’m like, ‘No, I want to be on the ground.’ I want to feel my feet on the ground because I know it’s not going to be a fall at all if anything, right?… I don’t want to be this icon… I want to remember who I am.”
She adds, “I think that is what makes it (success) worth it. That’s what I want. That’s what I worked for.”
Rihanna,, who has amassed much of her enormous income from her Fenty cosmetic and fashion lines, also wants to keep being inspired by her fans – and hopes she can find “mutual respect” with the people who buy her products.
“I want to be able to share my inspiration, I want to be able to be an inspiration, and I want to be inspired by even my fans, people who look up to me, I look up to them,” she continues.
“And it’s mutual respect that I have, because I wouldn’t be here without them.”
Rich The Kid and Lil Wayne are teaming up for an album titled Trust Fund Babies.
Following some teases on social media, Rich The Kid confirmed his collaborative project with Lil Wayne in an Instagram post on Thursday. The Rich Forever Music founder shared the album’s cover art and October 1 release date in the announcement.
“Me & @liltunechi album Trust Fund Babies dropping Oct 1st preorder link in bio,” he wrote.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CUK6YcIrtZq/
Lil Wayne hasn’t released a new studio LP since Funeral in January 2020. In September of that same year, Weezy revisited 2018’s Tha Carter V with a deluxe edition of the project. Seven tracks were added to the album.
Rich The Kid has been active much more recently. Earlier this year, he dropped an EP titled Lucky 7 via his Rich Forever Music imprint and EMPIRE. Migos members Offset and Takeoff, Flo Milli, DaBaby, Latto and Rubi Rose were among the guests featured on the EP.
Lil Wayne’s collaboration with Rich The Kid is just one of the multiple projects he plans to release. According to Weezy’s longtime manager Mack Maine, the multi-platinum selling rapper’s I Am Not A Human Being 3 and the 2 Chainz-assisted ColleGrove 2 are also on the way.
Fans can pre-save Lil Wayne and Rich The Kid’s Trust Fund Babies now to automatically add the album to their streaming library on October 1. Click here to pre-save the LP on Apple Music or Spotify.
“The defendant set rules, lots of them, and he demanded complete obedience,” she said. “For many years, what happened in the defendant’s world stayed in the defendant’s world. But no longer.”
Geddes then ran through the key pieces of evidence.
Kelly told U.S. District Judge Ann Donnelly he would not be taking the witness stand before closing arguments began, after a handful of former Kelly employees and other associates testified in an effort to discredit allegations the hitmaker had sexually abused women, girls, and boys over three decades.
The five defense witnesses told the court they never saw Kelly abuse anyone.
Prosecutors called over 40 witnesses and alleged abuse victims to the stand.
Most offered up similar stories of being approached at concerts or attending parties at Kelly’s home and being flown to the singer’s concerts for his sexual gratification. Many recalled being punished by Kelly for not obeying his rules on when to eat and when to relieve themselves.
The 54-year-old defendant has pleaded not guilty to racketeering charges.
The jury members are expected to begin their deliberations today (September 23rd).
He has also been charged with violations of the Mann Act, which forbids people from transporting anyone across state lines for sex.
Kelly has vehemently denied the allegations, claiming that the accusers were groupies.
His Hollywood negotiations are legendary, and so, it should not be shocking that the man behind so many characters like Prince Akeem from “Coming to America,” Donkey from “Shrek,” Billy Ray from “Trading Places,” Axel Foley from Beverly Hills Cop and Marcus Graham from “Boomerang,” would close a big blockbuster deal with Amazon Studios.
The man who shaped-shifted as Sherman Klump, the Klump family, and Buddy Love in “The Nutty Professor” has proven he knows how to make a hit— as an actor and as an executive. And now, with this deal, he will be bringing at least three films to Amazon Studios that he believes will be hits.
Jennifer Salke, Head of Amazon Studios, talked about the new partnership.
“Eddie is a legend both in front of and behind the camera. With undeniable comedic and dramatic genius, he consistently delivers entertaining, original stories and characters to audiences around the world.
“We could not be more excited to help carry on the tradition and to officially welcome Eddie into the Amazon family,” she continued.
The investment into the Academy Award-nominee and Emmy Award winner will probably be one of the best partnerships the studio will have with an entertainer.
Over the last three decades, Eddie Murphy has had multiple $100 million-grossing movies in the theaters. He is one of the industries and one of Hip-Hop’s own, most valuable stars.
“Eric is nervous, but he knows it’s time to get the case moving to trial,” Holder’s lawyer, Deputy Public Defender Aaron Jansen, told Rolling Stone.
Jansen also explained his client was experiencing “a substantial mental health issue” on the day of the shooting.
The murder trial has been repeatedly delayed by the COVID pandemic, among other things, including the retirement of a judge.
Nipsey Hussle, real name Ermias Joseph Asghedom, was shot and killed outside his Marathon clothing store in South Los Angeles on March 31, 2019.
Eric Holder was indicted on one count of murder, two counts of attempted murder, two counts of assault with a firearm, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon by a grand jury in May, 2019.
If convicted as charged, he faces a possible life sentence.
According to XXL Magazine, a few posts on Reddit have led eagle-eyed fans to believe that The Marshall Mathers LP III is on its way to the public any day now.
Part of their speculation has to do with a recent tweet dropped by Fredwreck, a longtime collaborator of Eminem, who posted a photo of Eminem’s childhood home on his Instagram stories. Fans know that this home is featured on Slim Shady’sMarshall Mathers series.
Check out the post below.
Fredwreck posting an art of Eminem's old house (MMLP2 Cover) on his IG stories…👀👀 pic.twitter.com/72Jqxzri9f
“Speculation went further when Mozzy’s manager, DaveO, tweeted that the Sacramento, Calif. artist had been in the studio with Eminem and Polo G. Mozzy dropped his album, Untreated Trauma, on Sept. 17, and the teased collab doesn’t appear on the release,” reported XXL. “A post was also shared on Reddit, indicating that there will be an Aftermath Records takeover in the fourth quarter of the year, which begins on Oct. 1.”
Skylar Grey, a longtime collaborator of the modern legend, also made an Instagram post that suggested she’d be dropping some music on the upcoming LP, as well.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CUDpAWZhbwb
Certainly, all the signs point to Slim Shady blessing us with some new music any day now. But, you be the judge.
DJ D-Nice is not only spinning records but taking his chance at spinning the bottle. But not in the way you might be thinking…
According to Drinksbusiness.com, the Club Quarantine founder has recently invested in a French wine company Maison Marcel. The investment was made public on Tuesday, September 21.
Albert Dahan, the CEO of Maison Marcel, released a statement about the Boogie Down Production DJ and emcee whose real name is Derrick Jones, “We are honored to have an icon like D-Nice as an investor. His passion for celebration and togetherness speaks directly to the ethos of our brand.”
“Not only does he have refined taste,” he continued. “But his finger is on the pulse of culture in a unique and broad way. His organic affinity for our wines was a clear sign we were doing something right. A deeper partnership was the logical next step.”
The DJ, who is known to sip a Merlot during his set, said of his new investment, “I have cultivated a deep appreciation for wine over the years. It’s my go-to beverage in moments of celebration and relaxation.”
His Club Quarantine was birthed out of the chaos of the 2020 pandemic and global shutdown and provided thousands of people a safe space to relax, unload and unwind during one of the world’s most uncertain times. A whole lot of wine got his party revelers through the nights during his nightly shows. Investing in a wine that he appreciated was a “no brainer.”
“When a friend introduced me to Maison Marcel I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of; the quality of the wine is unmatched and versatile for any occasion or food pairing. I am excited about the opportunity to be part of the brand,” he noted.
D-Nice as a brand is more significant than just an Instagram party. For the “Crumbs on the Table” artists, it is about using his gift to give back and having fun — like his mentor Scott La Rock did before his tragic death in 1987.
After testing positive for the COVID-19 virus, publicly being ridiculed by her former husband Kevin Hunter, and having to cancel all of her appearances due to her public health, she is back in the tabloids.
The paparazzi have caught the media maven publicly puffing on a vape pen in Manhattan while being moved around in a wheelchair.
The blogs are having a field day, chastising the “TV auntie in our head” for exacerbating her poor health by smoking.
On Tuesday, September 21, as she left her luxury apartment in New York City, she was spotted being moved from the building door to an SUV. Flix show that she had on yellow socks and possibly had a bruise on her legs.
Her driver took her to the Verizon store to pick up a new phone, and while she waited, she was spotted vaping in the privacy of her car (behind rolled-up windows).
As this #vapegate has taken over a news cycle, people have abandoned the weekend’s story that claimed that Wendy was abusing alcohol.
According to The Sun, someone close to Wendy (so much for friends) told the outlet that she was “drinking every day, even while filming the show.”
The person even said, “Everyone is an enabler because they don’t want to lose their job. They see it, they know it, they smelled the liquor.”
The rumors of her addictions continue to abound. However, her various health-related concerns are very real. Before being diagnosed with the coronavirus, she was diagnosed with Graves’ disease and lymphedema.
Filmmaker, author and songwriter Melvin Van Peebles has died, aged 89.
The brains behind cult classics “Watermelon Man” and “Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song” passed away on Tuesday (September 21).
A family statement reads: “In an unparalleled career distinguished by relentless innovation, boundless curiosity and spiritual empathy, Melvin Van Peebles made an indelible mark on the international cultural landscape through his films, novels, plays and music.
“His work continues to be essential and is being celebrated at the New York Film Festival this weekend with a 50th anniversary screening of his landmark film Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song; a Criterion Collection box set, Melvin Van Peebles: Essential Films next week; and a revival of his play Ain’t Supposed to Die a Natural Death, slated for a return to Broadway next year.”
Dubbed the Godfather of Black Cinema, Van Peebles shot to fame with his mainstream directorial debut, “The Story of a Three-Day Pass,” and landed the job of bringing “Watermelon Man” to the big screen in 1970.
The racial satire, starring Godfrey Cambridge, was a huge hit, scoring Van Peebles a three-picture deal at Columbia, but movie executives were not thrilled with his plans for his follow-up, “Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song,” forcing the director to make the movie a low-budget affair, using cash loaned to him by Bill Cosby.
Melvin wrote, directed, produced, scored and edited the film, while also starring as the title character.
Following its release, the movie became the highest-grossing independent film in history.
Van Peebles followed the success of the movie with Broadway musicals “Ain’t Supposed to Die a Natural Death,” which picked up a pair of Tony nominations in 1972, and “Don’t Play Us Cheap!” He went on to direct a film version of “Don’t Play Us Cheap!”
Mario also adapted his father’s novel about the growth of the Black Panther Party into 1995 film “Panther,” and the younger Van Peebles paid homage to his dad in 2003’s “Baadasssss.”
Melvin was also the subject of the documentary “How to Eat Your Watermelon in White Company (and Enjoy It),” and appeared in the movies “Jaws: The Revenge,” “Boomerang,” “Last Action Hero,” and “The Hebrew Hammer.” His TV credits include “All My Children,” “In the Heat of the Night,” and “Girlfriends.”
He wrote a string of novels and books, including “Bold Money,” which advised readers how to trade stock options.
Among his many accolades, Melvin picked up a Cinema Vanguard Award and a Special Achievement Award from the African-American Film Critics Association, a Daytime Emmy, a Gotham Tribute Award, the Humanitas Prize, and a NAACP Image Award.
Hours after Wyclef Jean called the Biden Administration out for the inhumane treatment of Haitians in the Texas border at his pop-up show to launch his Diaspora Calling tour, the nation’s special envoy to Haiti resigned from his post.
Daniel Foote, who was appointed only three months ago, said that he could not work in this capacity after witnessing the racial and ethnic discrimination, “inhumane” mass expulsions, and lack of compassion for the Haitian migrants seeking asylum in the United States.
In a statement to the Secretary of State Antony Blinken, he noted that he was resigning “with deep disappointment and apologies to those seeking crucial changes.”
“I will not be associated with the United States inhumane, counterproductive decision to deport thousands of Haitian refugees and illegal immigrants to Haiti, a country where American officials are confined to secure compounds because of the danger posed by armed gangs to daily life,” the statement continued. “Our policy approach to Haiti remains deeply flawed, and my policy recommendations have been ignored and dismissed, when not edited to project a narrative different from my own.”
On Wednesday night, Fugees member Wyclef Jean called out President Joe Biden for allowing U.S. Border Patrol in Texas to lasso his countrymen like cattle. As he passionately demanded justice for the first Black republic, the first nation to ban slavery, and the 16th poorest country in the world.
He likened them to wild cowboys and used his condemnation as the intro to his hit underground song of the same name.
Court documents filed by Barry Fine say that a 2016 Range Rover, owned by the 29-year-old chart-topper, hit his Porsche sports car earlier this year on January 23, 2021.
The bang-up caused a “chain reaction rear-end collision” that propelled another car into Fine’s Porsche.
The filing then claims that whoever was driving the Range Rover fled the scene without seeing if anyone was hurt. Moreover, the vehicle was found abandoned in Miami along I-95.
While Fine doesn’t allege that Tory Lanez was behind the wheel, he places responsibility on the artist because he owns the car. Since he is the owner, Tory Lanez is responsible for any harm that has been perpetrated by anyone driving the car.
Fine says that he has suffered numerous injuries that have left him disfigured, with damaged property, and should be awarded for his mental pain and suffering.
He hopes to be awarded a $30,000 payout.
Tory Lanez (nor his team) has responded to the charges.
The Fugees performed a pop-up show in New York City to launch their upcoming reunion tour called Diaspora Calling. Orchestrated to celebrate the 25 year anniversary of The Score album, this musical healing moment was about more than the best-selling Hip-Hop offering of all time. It was about family, finding themselves back in harmony after life happens.
In the words of Ms. Lauryn Hill, AllHipHop.com was in the place to “respect the miracle.”
Ms. Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean of the Fugees (Photo use courtesy of Stella Magloire)
Attendees were told that the show would start early in the evening, but in actuality, the concert started around 10 p.m. EST. True fans giddily awaited Hill’s signature contralto, Wyclef Jean’s patois-tinged emceeing, and Pras Michel’s weaving of the two. Those same music lovers, who anxiously awaited to hear their favorite group perform, lost their minds when the brass band started to play the intro of the set.
A small frame warmed up the trombones, saxes, trumpets, and more — lending signs that this experience was going to be more than just historic but was going to be a cornucopia of rap excellence. And with the mumble of Wyclef spitting “Picking up your microphones” to prime the crowd for their first song, the Holy Spirit seemed to descend on the crowd. Hip-Hop’s Pentecost dropped tongues of hot fire over the heads of the audience. God was truly in the midst, affirming Hill’s “respect the miracle” comment.
Few videos will exist of this impromptu concert as phones were yondr’d at the door and producers had big security guards trudging through the crowd to snatch anyone who snuck a phone in and tried to bootleg the concert. But you know our folk … #ThisIsHipHop
As soon as she touched the stage I caught that good art chill! Fugees 25th anniversary preview was special. pic.twitter.com/3qJ4tRgkzd
Respectfully, it would not have mattered. There was no way to capture the spirit of the night. As the group when through songs like “How Many Mics,” “Fu-Gee-La,” “Zealots,” “Ready or Not” and “No Woman, No Cry,” people were dumbfounded at the quality of breath control, the pure tone of their voices and the extraordinary chemistry that the trio had. Pras mentioned that they all met Hill when she was 12 and it showed. The way they overlapped as emcees, bopped through oldies but adding slight verbal extensions or improvs to make the quarter-century songs seem fresh, were evidence of old friends keeping space again.
The Fugees reunited on stage last night in New York for the 25th anniversary of The Score 🙌 pic.twitter.com/qDc6zrQIT1
While those songs were executed in excellence (at one point, Ms. Hill shouted out in the mic “That’s L Boogie”), it was two other songs that moved people to tears.
Ms. Hill’s rendition of Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly” has long been considered one of the best covers of a song in history, second to maybe Whitney Houston/ Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.” Clef’s “One Time” is as universally known as Stetasonic’s “Where Brooklyn At” command-like adlib. However, it is the ending note that Boogie extends that simply invited the crowd to sing along and it was beautiful. Hearing the one single note, sang in unison by white folk, Black folk, young folk, old folk, straight and gay folk, and everyone in between, was a religious experience and reason enough for people to experience the show.
However, a pure Fugees moment transpired when Wyclef Jean, a former candidate for the Haitian presidency, addressed President Joe Biden not changing an executive order that blocked thousands of his countrymen and women from entering into the United States, despite making an allowance for Afghanistan people. Boldly, as he always has inserted social justice into the musicality of the group, reminding the people that 2021 is not much different than his politicizing in 1996 — he just got wiser in his delivery. Clef asked outlets like CNN and Fox not to twist his words, his desire is for his Haitian people to be treated with equity and human dignity. He even drew attention to the Texas Border Patrol, who came through on a horse with a lasso and whips to round up Haitian migrants. These abuses were caught on camera.
Disgusting & inhuman footage and images are coming out showing U.S. Border Patrol agents shouting commands & swinging their whips at Haitian migrants wading through the Rio Grande near Del Rio, Texas. Video Source: @Reuterspic.twitter.com/352GU497V7
He packaged the message in the intro of his underground hit, “Cowboys.”
The trio sounded good, clearly articulated their current social and musical location, but also looked like stars. No one looked like they needed to tour. They all looked like it was time. They wanted to put aside any disruption and focus on the very important moment in history at hand. The three-to-four generations have enjoyed their music and made them the influencers that they are. Ms. Hill said that they were still “cooking” this 12-city tour up, and wanted to share a little bit with him.
She asked us to “respect the miracle,” and being in the place it was simply impossible not to.
As reported by AllHipHop.com, Diaspora Calling, the Fugees reunion tour, will be in 12 cities and celebrating the album that Rolling Stones said was one of the “The 500 Greatest Albums of All-Time,” The Source’s “100 Best Rap Albums,” Spin’s “Top 90 Albums of the 90s,” and that Vibe ranked as one of the “100 Essential Albums of the 20th Century.”
the fugees reunion tour dates
The Fugees charitable fund has partnered with Global Citizen and they will execute the philanthropic initiatives for the tour.
You don’t want to miss it. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, Sept 24 at 10 a.m. at LiveNation.com.
Matthew “Blxst” Burdette is extending his business relationship with Red Bull Records. The company will release Blxst’s upcoming full-length studio album which is set to drop in 2022.
“Blxst has established himself as a groundbreaking international artist through his visionary sound and an unrivaled dedication to his craft, and we look forward to amplifying this next chapter of his career alongside Evgle,” says Greg Hammer, Red Bull Records’ Managing Director.
Hammer continues, “Our SVP / Head of A&R, Kenny Salcido, and our VP of A&R, Charles Burks III, were passionately involved in the project from the beginning, and have been instrumental in the continuation of this partnership.”
The deal also includes a joint venture between Red Bull Records and Evgle LLC. Blxst founded the Evgle independent music label in 2018. Red Bull Records and Evgle will work together to sign new artists.
“Everything we’re building at Evgle centers around innovation, family, and community. As I enter the next phase of my career as an artist and business owner, I’m excited to continue our partnership with Red Bull Records, a company that has supported my vision,” states Blxst.
“We wanted this innovative partnership to set a precedent for the next batch of Black artists to find a partner that supports their vision not just creatively but from a business perspective as well,” adds attorney/partner for Blxst and Evgle, Karl Fowlkes, Esq. “With this deal in place, the pieces are there for Blxst and Evgle to make a championship run.”
2021 was a huge year for Blxst. XXL selected the rapper/singer as one of the magazine’s Freshman Class members. Additionally, Blxst earned a BET Hip Hop Award nomination for Best New Hip Hop Artist. He is competing in that category against Coi Leray, Don Toliver, Morray, Pooh Shiesty, and Yung Bleu.
In addition, Blxst’s discography contains the Sixtape collaborative projects with Los Angeles-based rapper Bino Rideaux. Listeners can also hear Blxst’s contributions to songs by Nas, E-40, YG, and Mozzy.
Netflix’s forthcoming Lift will be the first time Kevin Hart and F. Gary Gray work together on a project. According to Deadline, Hart is set to play a master thief attempting to pull off a heist aboard a 777 plane ride.
Production for Lift is scheduled to start at the beginning of 2022. Netflix acquired the movie in March. Dan Kunk wrote the spec script. Kevin Hart is credited as a producer.
Kevin Hart Signed A First-Look Film Production Deal With Netflix
“Partnering with Netflix is an amazing opportunity for HartBeat and myself. I am excited to act in and produce cutting-edge films with Netflix,” stated Kevin Hart in January. “I am extremely grateful to Ted Sarandos and Scott Stuber, we share the same creative vision and always put the audience first.”
Hart continued, “This business is about growth and my HartBeat team continues to exceed my expectations with their ability to develop stories and relationships. Our goal is to make the HartBeat name synonymous with first-class entertainment and narratives.”
Kevin Hart Continues To Create Content For Netflix
Netflix is currently home to Kevin Hart-centered programming like the Kevin Hart: Don’t F*ck This Up docuseries as well as the Irresponsible and Zero F*cks Given comedy specials. His 2021 dramedy film Fatherhood also premiered on the streamer.
In addition, Kevin Hart’s filmography includes turns in movies such as Ride Along, Night School, and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. F. Gary Gray is best known for directing movies such as Friday, Set It Off, Straight Outta Compton, and The Fate of the Furious.
Rihanna should be riding high right now. The Barbadian billionaire presented her latest Savage x Fenty collection at a star-studded fashion show inside The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
However, this week also saw footage of a conversation between Ohio-raised adult film star Harley Dean and Texas-raised rapper Almighty Jay make the rounds on the internet. The video included Dean making serious allegations about the “We Found Love” singer.
“[Rihanna] hates me,” Harley Dean told Almighty Jay. “Because I worked with her a few years ago, this was when she had her foundation… I helped fundraise for her gala here in Hollywood while she was f###### my boss and gave my boss chlamydia.”
Dean added, “And here I am, the hoe, alleged hoe. Yeah, I am a hoe, but everyone thought that I was the one f###### my boss, and in all reality, it was this b####. It literally got to the point where all that s### came out where she got him sick because he was married… He’s a prince in Africa, and he came out here back in 2013.”
Harley Dean went on to say Rihanna allegedly barred her from attending the 2016 Diamond Ball which raises money for RiRi’s The Clara Lionel Foundation. It is not clear when the chat between Almighty Jay and Harley Dean was filmed, but a video of the discussion was posted to YouTube on August 30.
In December 2020, stories began circulating on the internet about a then-unknown person claiming to be the woman who was sexually assaulted by Nicki Minaj’s partner Kenneth Petty in 1994. This week, Jennifer Hough shared her story onnational television.
“What they did to me and my family wasn’t okay,” said Hough. “It wasn’t right and it doesn’t matter how much money you have. It doesn’t matter what your status is. You can’t intimidate people to make things better for you.”
Nicki Minaj Begins Liking Her Fans’ Tweets
While Nicki Minaj has not directly addressed Jennifer Hough’s allegations, the Queen album creator did begin liking tweets that appear to be responses to The Real interview. Minaj hit the heart button a particular tweet by one of her fans who quoted the rapper’s lyrics from Tasha Cobb’s “I’m Getting Ready” song.
“I ain’t gotta talk the Lord defends me. I watch them all fall for going against me. Cause me all my angels shot the [devil] up. When you was tryna pull me down I leveled up. I leveled up twice, I leveled up three times,” read the liked tweet from @Asi89839085.
The “I’m Getting Ready” tweet was posted by @Asi89839085 at 11:23 am ET on Wednesday. This was around the same time Jennifer Hough’s name was trending on Twitter as users from around the world expressed their views about the troubling situation involving Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty.
Jennifer Hough Is Suing Nicki Minaj & Kenneth Petty
Kenneth Petty was convicted of first-degree attempted rape by force in 1995 and served four years in prison. Police reports claim he committed the assault at knifepoint. Petty is required to register as a sex offender in any state where he resides.
According to Jennifer Hough, the Pettys and their associates began tormenting her and her family after Kenneth Petty failed to register as a sex offender in California. By getting her to recant her story of being raped by Petty as a teenager, it was believed Petty could possibly get his record cleared. Petty eventually pled guilty to not registering.
NBC’s Saturday Night Live is returning to late-night television on October 2. The show’s 47th season will kick off with some big names hitting the stage over the first four weeks, including Hip Hop star Young Thug.
On October 16, Young Thug will appear on SNL as the musical guest. Bohemian Rhapsody and No Time to Die actor Rami Malek will serve as the host for that episode.
Before Punk arrives on DSPs, Thugger dropped the single “Tick Tock.” The track racked up more than 8 million streams on Spotify, and its music video amassed over 2 million views on YouTube.
The Atlanta-bred rhymer is also featured on Drake’s “Way 2 Sexy” along with fellow Atlanta representative Future. “Way 2 Sexy” debuted at #1 on Billboard‘s Hot 100 chart before slipping to #2 on the latest rankings.
