March 2, 2016

Roddy White Released by the Falcons 

Roddy White’s illustrious 11-year career with the Atlanta Falcons came to an end Wednesday when the team that selected him in the first round of the 2005 NFL draft announced they had released him.   
“Roddy is one of the greatest players to ever put on a Falcons uniform, and even more importantly he is a man of tremendous character that I and my entire family have profound personal affection and respect for,” said Falcons Owner and Chairman Arthur Blank. “Roddy will forever be part of the Falcons family and I’m confident our fans will always remember and be grateful for the exemplary way he has represented them over the last 11 years.”

50’s Mansion is Now an Old Folks Home

According to TMZ  the home sold for $8 million … $10.5 million less than 50’s original listing price almost a decade ago.
50 first put the 21-bedroom, 25-bath estate on the market in 2007 for $18.5 million. The price was reduced several more times in the following years.
The 50k square foot home had been a huge financial burden for the bankrupt 50, costing around $70k per month to maintain since there’s also 9 kitchens, an outdoor infinity pool and grotto, indoor pool, helicopter pad, casino, nightclub, basketball courts and pond.
It’s resort-like amenities sound like a perfect fit for the buyer who is modifying zoning so it can be converted into the old folks home pending the town’s approval. 

2016 ESSENCE FESTIVAL NEW ORLEANSREVEALS FIRST-ROUND PERFORMANCE LINEUPFEATURING HEADLINING PERFORMANCES FROM KENDRICK LAMAR, MARIAH CAREY AND MAXWELL

EXPERIENCE TODAY’S HOTTEST ACTS PERFORMING ACROSS FIVE STAGES OVER FOUR NIGHTS:CIARA, NEW EDITION, KENNY ‘BABYFACE’ EDMONDS, CHARLIE WILSON, TYRESE, FAITH EVANS

 

PLUS, FESTIVAL FIRST-TIMERS INCLUDE JEREMIH, LEON BRIDGES, THE INTERNET, DEJ LOAF, LION BABE, TINK AND MANY MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED

Time Inc.’s (NYSE: TIME) highly acclaimed ESSENCE Festival, one of the largest consumer live events in the country, with more than 550,000 attendees, today revealed the first round of its all-star lineup of performers for the nighttime concerts at the 22nd annual celebration, which will take place in New Orleans, LA, from June 30 to July 3.

 

“The ESSENCE Festival is back in New Orleans with an extraordinary roster of the biggest names and best performers in entertainment—from global music icons to the industry’s rising stars,” said ESSENCE President Michelle Ebanks. “We are welcoming Kendrick Lamar, Mariah Carey and Maxwell to headline the Superdome main stage. In addition, we will be embracing newcomers like Leon Bridges, Jeremih, Lion Babe, Dej Loaf and The Internet, as well as fan favorite Charlie Wilson for the ultimate cultural experience in New Orleans this July 4th weekend.”

 

Artists confirmed to perform at the 2016 ESSENCE Festival nighttime concerts at the Superdome include: BJ The Chicago Kid, Charlie Wilson, Ciara, Cyril Neville, Daley, DeJ Loaf, Digable Planets, Doug E. Fresh, Eric Bellinger, Estelle, Faith Evans, Jeremih, Jidenna Judith Hill, Kelly Price, Kendrick Lamar, Kenny ‘Babyface’ Edmonds, Lady Leshurr, Lalah Hathaway, Leon Bridges, Lion Babe, Little Simz, Mali Music, Mariah Carey, Maxwell, MC Lyte, New Breed Brass Band, New Edition, Robert Glasper Experiment, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, St. Beauty, The Brand New Heavies, The Internet, Tyrese, Tink and V. Bozeman. More will be announced soon.

 

In addition, the ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans will present its first-ever World Music Superlounge, featuring artists from across the globe, including performers Wizkid, Zakes Bantwini and Skye Wanda representing Durban, South Africa (in partnership with the eThekwini Municipality).

 

For information about ticket sales, accommodations and the latest news about the ESSENCE FESTIVAL, visit www.essencefestival.com, join the festival community on Twitter @essencefest #EssenceFest and become a fan of 2016 ESSENCE Festival on Facebook.