2015

InStyle Magazine Responds to Lightening Rumors for Kerry Washington Cover

“We are super fans of Kerry Washington here at InStyle. To feature her on the cover of our March spring fashion issue is both an honor and a delight. We have heard from those who have spoken out about our newsstand cover photograph, concerned that Kerry’s skin tone was lightened,” the magazine said in a statement posted on their website. “While we did not digitally lighten Kerry’s skin tone, our cover lighting has likely contributed to this concern. We understand that this has resulted in disappointment and hurt. We are listening, and the feedback has been valuable. We are committed to ensuring that this experience has a positive influence on the ways in which we present all women going forward.”

2Pac Was Working on Massive Collabo With Outkast

The letter, which was verified by The Roots’ Questlove as having truth to it, details a collaboration that was in the works at the time featuring some truly legendary hip-hop names representing the East, West, and South.

“I’m doing a record now called ONE NATION it’s a group album with me, Greg Nice, Buckshot, Smiff & Wesson, Outkast, The Outlawz, Scarface & E40,” Shakur revealed in the letter thought to be addressed to a friend.

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Criminal Investigation Underway

There is an active criminal investigation underway in Georgia in the Bobbi Kristina case … it centers on possible foul play and the target is her boyfriend … TMZ has learned.
Law enforcement sources tell us … Bobbi Kristina had certain injuries that have piqued their interest. We do not know the nature of the injuries. Multiple sources tell TMZ there is a history of violence between Bobbi Kristina and boyfriend Nick
We’re told police are looking into a possible altercation more than an hour before Bobbi Kristina was found submerged in a bathtub.

Read More on TMZ

MISSY ELLIOTT DEFENDS JAY Z AFTER YOUNG THUG’S “OLD” REMARKS

“I think what me and Tim did, our music was so ahead of its time and its still ahead of its time and its not even coming from a cocky or conceited way, I look at Tim and say, ‘What were you on? What were we on? Musically, It can’t be duplicated. Those records are timeless, now when you play them it don’t sound dated. Talent is talent and it’s timeless. That’s just my take on it.” (“Sway In The Morning”)

Cookie says ‘Empire’ Character Inspired by Lil Kim and Foxy Brown

“Is she influenced by Foxy Brown? Certainly,” the DC native said. “That’s where a lot of her style comes from—Salt-N-Pepa, all of that. That era of hip-hop was her heyday, those are the woman she identifies with.”

The 44-year-old also gushed about Lil’ Kim’s influence not only on Cookie but on hip-hop in general.

“Kim is everything. Today it’s Nicki Minaj, but Nicki Minaj got everything from Kim. Kim came on the scene and made everything change for women—she made it feminine and sexy and hardcore. She was a champion, and she’s certainly Cookie’s champion.”

source: Vogue

Update: Bobbi Kristina

Update: Bobby Brown’s lawyer released this statement on Thursday: “If we issued a statement every time the media published a false report regarding this matter, that’s all we would be doing 24 hours a day. This is false, just as is the vast majority of the other reporting that is currently taking place.”

This comes after report that family members gathered to say goodbye.

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6th Annual AAFCA Awards

THE AFRICAN AMERICAN FILM CRITICS ASSOCIATION DELIVERS ITS MOST DIVERSE A-LIST ARRAY OF CREATIVE TALENT IN FRONT OF AND BEHIND THE CAMERA EVER AT THE 6TH ANNUAL 2015 AWARDS CEREMONY

ATTENDEES INCLUDED:
Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Ava DuVernay, Kathryn Bigelow, John Singleton, J.K. Simmons, Chadwick Boseman, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Alfre Woodard, David Oyelowo, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Mike Epps, Debra Martin Chase, RZA, Salli Richardson-Whitfield,

(null)Gil Robertson with the cast of Selma

(null) Best Supporting Actor Winners, Tyler Perry and J.K. Simmons

(null)Best Actress, Gugu Mbatha-Raw

(null)Best Actor, David Oyelowo

(null)Best Ensemble Cast, Chadwick Boseman

The PRIVATE Meeting

I just got off the horn with my homie from BK and he was telling me that Jay Z and Roc Nation are working out some type of deal to be ready to offer to Lil Wayne if Birdman fails to cough up that cheese. It seems that Jay fell back from Wayne after he took shots at Bey in songs I the past but J is now looking at how profitable he can be if Wayne comes over to the Roc and bring Nicki and Drake.

NO BAIL for Bobby Shmurda

There was some hope that Bobby Shmurda would be leaving New York’s Rikers Island this week after his $2 million bail was posted last Friday (Jan. 30) by his “management associates.” The bail application was reportedly withdrawn on Wednesday (Feb. 4) and no new hearing is scheduled, according to the special narcotics prosecutor’s office for New York City.

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‘EMPIRE’ Scores Another Week of High Ratings

Defying the usual rules of television, Empire’s ratings have risen each week it has aired, starting at 9.9 million viewers on Jan. 7 and most recently attracting 11.3 million last Wednesday.

Now that we know exactly how Cookie (Taraji P. Henson) managed to wrangle herself an early release, she jumps to a conclusion in Wednesday’s episode of Empire that causes her to react in a way that will almost certainly have her behind bars once again. (Unless, of course, she can get someone to take the fall for her – it worked for Lucious, after all)

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With his video $1 million over budget, Lucious commands poor, off-his-meds Andre to find the money to continue financing it, despite the fact that the upcoming IPO has accountants questioning their every expenditure.

What did you like about last nights episode

S/O to Jalen Austin and CJ Amill #Youngstown

Officially a Lafayette Leopard! can’t say enough how thankful & blessed I am to be in this position…was a long year, but through it all I was able to stay focused & accomplish my goal attending a very good school & playing D1 football without my parents having to pay a dime…& to top it off, I get to go to school with my brother from another. can’t think of a better situation to be in. & to all the people who supported me & even the people who hated on me, thank you. I appreciate you all. & last, but not least… ‪#‎GoPards‬ !!

-CJ Amill

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Proud father & uncle… Not only is CJ going on to play D1 football but so if my nephew Jalen who gave his verbal commitment to Youngstown St…!!! Congrats Missy & Jason Austin… Maybe we will finally get to see them play in the playoffs… ‪#‎D1Family‬

-Chris Amill Sr.

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Young Thug Says Jay Z Too Old to Rap and minors Don’t Want To hear Him

“I don’t want to be 50 years old and rapping, man. I’m pretty sure nobody wants to do that. I’m pretty sure Jay Z don’t wanna rap right now,” Thug says. “If you’re 30, 40 years old, you’re not getting listened to by minors. Like, Jay Z has some of the sickest lyrics ever, but I would never buy his CD, just because of my age and because of his age. By the time I turn that old, I ain’t gonna be doing what he’s doing.” (GQ)

Source: GQ

Photo Credit: Kingsmen Media

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Jay Z Pays $15,080 a year for Blue Ivy’s New School in L.A.

We’ve learned … Beyonce and Jay Z are currently living in a hotel in Beverly Hills and actively looking for an estate to buy on the westside of L.A., which includes Beverly Hills, Holmby Hills and Bel-Air. We’re told they have already discreetly looked at a number of homes, but so far none fit the bill.
We’ve also learned the famous couple enrolled their 3-year-old into a toddler program at an elite private school — we know which one but we’re not naming it. But we will tell you, the tuition is $15,080 a year.
We’re told Blue Ivy was admitted halfway through the school year, which is unusual. The school generally only accepts students at the beginning of the school year.
As for why they’re moving, sources connected with the couple tell us they want “a change in lifestyle.” You’ll recall, Bey and Jay spent the summer in a $200K a month rental near Bev Hills.

Read more: http://www.tmz.com#ixzz3QnXvhp51

Detroit Man that Walks 21 Miles to work Collects $230,000 in Car Donations

After the Detroit Free Press told of Robertson’s arduous 21-mile trek to and from his suburban factory job, the story inspired thousands of donations from across the nation. A day later, the soft-spoken machine operator got to meet the computer student from Wayne State University who launched an Internet crowd-funding site to gather more than $230,000 — a figure expected to continue to climb today.

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Police Investigating a Person of Interest that fled Bobbi Kristina’s Home

E! News has found out that Roswell Police Department detectives are investigating the possibility that another person or persons may have been in Bobbi Kristina’s home the morning she was found by Nick Gordon face down in a bathtub but fled before law enforcement arrived.

According to a source, police officers in recent days have asked storeowners in the commercial Ellard Village strip mall adjacent to Bobbi Kristina’s gated community if they saw any suspicious persons or movements on Saturday morning prior to the police arriving at the scene.

Boxer Bryant Jennings Leaves Roc Nation

We gave it a try and unfortunately it did not work out for both parties,” Shaw told ESPN.com “It is an amicable separation. Roc Nation was very professional at our meeting and they allowed me to keep all of my fighters and my company, and terminate any agreements we had together. They gave me back my company.”

Other boxers Hov lost under the split include Darleys Perez, Tureano Johnson, Jonathan Maicelo, Kenneth Sims Jr., Francisco Santana, Roman Morales and Daniel Geale.

NFL suspends WR Josh Gordon for a Year

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon has been suspended for at least a year without pay due to his most recent violation of the NFL’s substance abuse policy.

“Josh Gordon of the Cleveland Browns has been suspended without pay for at least one year for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse,” the NFL announced Tuesday. “Gordon’s suspension begins immediately.”

READ MORE

Diddy Pulls His Son From The Cast Of ‘EMPIRE’

Diddy will not reportedly let his son, Quincy, shine on the new overnight hit Fox show, “Empire.”

Details of Puffy’s issues with the popular show stems over music rights have surfaced this week.

Lee Daniels’ hip-hop drama “Empire” is the hottest show on TV, and actors and musicians are lining up for roles. But Sean “Diddy” Combs pulled his adopted son, Quincy, from the cast after getting into a fight with 20th Century Fox TV over music rights, Page Six has exclusively learned. (Page Six)

Tyler Perry Flew Bobby Brown From L.A. To ATL to be with Bobbi

“Tyler was absolutely shocked by the news,” the source tells Us. “He heard the news and immediately offered Bobby Brown a flight in his private jet, which is why they arrived at the hospital together.”

Brown took the private jet from L.A. to Atlanta on Saturday, Jan. 31, to rush to his daughter’s bedside. Another insider tells Us that Perry was already bound for Atlanta. “He called Bobby immediately and offered to take him,” the source tells Us.

NEWS BOBBI KRISTINA BROWN FOUND UNCONSCIOUS IN BATHTUB

Bobbi Kristina Brown’s husband Nick Gordon and a friend found her in the tub … according to police in Roswell, GA. We’re told her husband and friend immediately started CPR on her … until police and paramedics arrived.

We’re told police took over life-saving measures on the scene — and then she was taken by ambulance to a hospital.

Doctors have now stabilized her breathing.

Still unclear why Bobbi fell unconscious. We’re told a friend made the call to 911 from Bobbi’s house.

Full Story

Serena Williams wins Australian Open

MELBOURNE, Australia — Serena Williams won her 19th Grand Slam title and continued her unbeaten run in six Australian Open finals by extending her decade-long domination of Maria Sharapova.

She struggled with a hacking cough, she was sick, and she twice celebrated too early, but she held her composure in a 6-3, 7-6 (5) victory on Saturday.

On her third match point, she let her racket go before hearing a let call to what she thought was an ace.

“I thought, ‘Wow this is it, I did it, only to hear let. I was like, ‘OK Serena!'” she said. “I was very disappointed, because Maria was playing so well. I thought she’s going to try to hit a winner now. She’s goes for broke on match point.”

So she fell back on her biggest weapon, firing another ace — her 15th of the set and 18th of the match. This time, after checking it was official, she bounced around like a little child and the celebration was real.

“I’m so honored to be here and to hold this 19th trophy,” Williams said. “I didn’t think it would happen this fast, to be honest, but it feels really good.”

Jay Z Makes A $56 Million Bid on Music Streaming Service

Jay Z is still out to prove he may be the most business-savvy rap star in the game, as he’s ready to purchase Spotify competitor, Tidal in an attempt to become a major player in the future of music streaming.

According to Engadget, Mr. Carter is buying the Norwegian company that owns Tidal, placing a 464 million Krona (about $56 million) bid on the streaming service. The company’s review board has reviewed Hov’s offer and are recommending that its shareholders accept the offer.

Full Story

Suge Knight Involved in a Fight/ Hit & Run in Compton; 1 DEAD

The identity of the victim is Terry Carter and TMZ states that they are told Carter has died. TMZ writes: Sources connected with Suge tell TMZ … the 2 men who fought Suge were the instigators. Our sources say Suge was scared because he’s in frail health — in addition to being shot 6 times last summer, he recently almost died from a blood clot. Sources tell TMZ … the victim is Terry Carter, who we’re told is a friend of Suge’s. We’re told there was a passenger in Suge’s car, who will be a critical witness in the hit and run.

Suge Knight has hit a man with his car during a fight and the status on the victim’s injuries have not been released yet, nor has his name. TMZ broke the story reporting:

Suge Knight got into a fight on the set of film project in Compton, and ran over a man who may have been killed … according to witnesses.

According to the story, Suge Knight pulled up and a fight occurred between him and a crew member. In the midst of the argument, Knight is reported to have put his car in reverse and take off, accidentally hitting a bystander.

Ice Cube posted a tweet and Instagram photo online letting fans know that he, Game, and Dr. Dre were shooting a commercial (photo below).

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‘Scandal’ Making Some Changes??? Are You Ready For The New Season??

Photo Credit: Kingsmen Media

No time will have lapsed,” series creator Shonda Rhimes states. “And negative time will have lapsed.” Meaning, there likely will be a tiny jump backwards, to shed a bit more light on what exactly went down when Jake jogged down the hall to fetch that crucial blanket/pushin’ cushion (as recounted in the promo below).

httpv://youtu.be/EaJEF878SXk

Given Scandal‘s standing as the most secretive of the Shondaland shows, Rhimes would be remiss to reveal much more about Olivia’s vanishing, other than to confirm, “It’s definitely not going to be a one-episode, short little thing.” Rather, Liv may be missing — yet still on screen, don’t you worry — for weeks.
And while one might surmise that the abduction of the leader of the free world’s girlfriend and the West Angola of it all was cooked up to spark a big, new, Defiance/Remington/Albatross-like mythology, Rhimes counters, “The big new thing it triggers is Olivia.”
Elaborating on that pronouncement, she says, “We’re taking Olivia to a place that she hasn’t been before” (and the uberproducer doesn’t mean geographically). With this storyline, “We are growing Olivia in a different direction. And we are growing the show in the direction that we’ve been headed towards for a while.
“It’s going to be an interesting left turn for the audience,” Rhimes adds, “but it is definitely still Scandal.”

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Lil Wayne Ups the Ante to $51 Million and Copyright Ownership of YM Artist in Lawsuit w/ Cash Money

Wayne claims because Cash Money is refusing to pay, he’s entitled to walk.
But Lil Wayne wants more than just a declaration of freedom. He’s suing for $51 MILLION.
And Wayne wants the judge to declare he’s the joint copyright owner of all Young Money recordings … which includes Drake, Nicki Minajand several others.
Sources connected to Wayne tell TMZ … if Birdman antes up then he can release “Tha Carter V,” but only if Wayne gets paid. Wayne says he was supposed to get an $8 million advance when he began recording in December, 2013 and another 2M when he completed the album a year later, but so far he’s gotten nothing.

Source: TMZ

Ludacris Wins Full Custody

“After review of all the evidence, the testimony of the witnesses, the report of the guardian ad litem, and the claims made throughout this entire case, I am gratified that the judge found me to be the most fit and proper parent to have primary physical custody of our beautiful daughter,” Bridges, 37, said in an exclusive statement to PEOPLE.

During the ongoing litigation, Fuller asked for an increase in Bridges’ child support payments and made claims about Bridges initially being against the pregnancy. Bridges fought back, saying Fuller’s comments were damaging his reputation and underlining the reasons why he would provide a better environment for Cai.

IMG_0079.JPG photo credit: Kingsmen Media

THE LOFT in Theaters this Friday January 30th (Video Preview)

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Five married men share the only keys to a sleek penthouse apartment they use for secret rendezvous with lovers and one-night stands. When Vincent (Karl Urban) unlocks the door one morning to discover a beautiful blonde, naked and dead in the bed, he calls his best friends Chris (James Marsden), Marty (Eric Stonestreet), Luke (Wentworth Miller) and Filip (Matthias Shoenhaerts) to piece together what happened and get their stories straight. But as police close in on their prime suspect, friendships and marriages unravel in a vortex of betrayal, jealousy and violence, revealing dark secrets and bringing the characters’ true natures to the fore.

httpv://youtu.be/cGski2drLg8

The Loft also stars Isabel Lucas and Rachael Taylor. The film is directed by Erik Van Looy. The screenplay is by Wesley Strick (A Nightmare on Elm Street, Cape Fear) based on Van Looy’s 2008 Belgian film Loft, written by Bart De Pauw. Music is by John Frizzell. Editor is Eddie Hamilton. Production design by Maia Javan. Director of photography is Nicolas Karakatsanis. Executive producers are Wim Tack, Wouter Vandenhaute, Eric Watté, Barbara Kelly, Steve Golin and Wesley Strick. Producers are Hilde De Laere, Matt DeRoss, Paul Green, Adam Shulman.