Month: November 2020
R&B singer and reality star Teyana Taylor will serve as the official host of the 2020 Billboard Women in Music Awards. Taylor has been vocal about the “women supporting women” movement. “Females collaborating is always dope – even more so when it’s genuine,” she said. “The world has pit women against each other for so long that they believe it. We have to stop letting people get into our heads.” Joining Taylor will be a list of amazing women, including Cardi B, who will receive the “Woman Of The Year Award,” Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton, Billie Eilish and Dua Lipa. The 15th annual Billboard Women in Music Awards will air on Dec. 10 on NBC.
Music fans were shocked last week after learning that singer Jeremih had been admitted to the hospital and on a ventilator, fighting for his life due to complications from contracting the coronavirus. The 33-year-old ‘King of Collaborations’ is now said to be out of ICU and on the road to recovery. His family released a statement to TMZ that read in part, “Jeremih has been transferred out of ICU. He will spend the rest of his recovery time in a regular hospital room. The true healing begins. Thank you all for your prayers and wishes.” To date, there have been 12 million reported cases and 55.6 million worldwide. The Center For Disease Control advises everyone to wash their hands, wear a mask and stay away from activities involving large crowds. Continued well wishes, Jeremih, for a speedy recovery.
While the world focused on the 2020 election votes, People Magazine was counting their “Sexiest Man of the Year” ballots, and we are sure many fans are thanking them for it. Because the “popular” vote went to Hollywood heartthrob Michael B. Jordan. People Magazine released the news on Twitter, along with a video interview of Jordan. Introducing 2020’s #SexiestManAlive, @michaelb4jordan! In this week’s cover story, the actor opens up about family, confidence and what he’s looking for when it comes to love. Pick up the issue on stands this week, and click here for more: https://t.co/2QVal2rNS8 pic.twitter.com/Eww56bgvRV — People (@people) November 18, 2020 Jordan shared the magazine cover to his Instagram page with a caption that read, “My grandma lookin down talkin bout “that’s my baby” 🤎Thanks @People for naming me 2020’s #SexiestManAlive! Order a copy!” Jordan is definitely in good company as he joins the ranks of other men who have been named “Sexiest Man,” including Brad Pitt, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Idris Elba, George Clooney and Denzel Washington, to name a few.
50 Cent apparently aired a little bit of Hip-Hop’s “dirty laundry” during a recent interview with “Charlamagne tha God” on The Breakfast Club. The rapper and entrepreneur, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, was asked about his endorsement of President Donald Trump and his social media post stating he was “not a fan” of Biden’s tax plan. Jackson was quick to clear his name about taking a payout for the endorsement. “They offered me $1 million to go to Trump’s inauguration,” Fiddy said. “I passed on that. [They initially offered] $500,000 and it went up to $1 million while I was still confused with whether I should do it.” The “In Da Club” rapper told the Breakfast Club audience he was glad he did not take the deal after seeing other rappers jumping on board. “He [Trump] was needing it for the same reasons you see now, he participated with different artists for the Black vote,” Jackson said. “And I’m going, nah, I ain’t gone put myself in that position. ‘Cause I don’t know what I’d have to do to recover from that.” When asked if he thought rapper Lil Wayne took the payout, Fiddy responded, “Easily, He got paid. He had the sweater and the picture.” Now, one would have to wonder if Ice Cube, Asian Doll, 6ix9ine and Waka Flaka Flame received a payment to support “45.” People need to remember what happened to Chrisette Michele after she sang at Trump’s inauguration. Haven’t really heard from her since.
Two rappers were injured and one rapper was killed in several shootings across Texas in the past three weeks. In the first shooting, 28-year-old Dallas rapper “Mo3” was shot and killed on Nov. 11. According to authorities, Mo was driving along I-35 in his hometown of Dallas when an unidentified motorist got out of his car and opened fire. The killer remains on the loose, but sources say the shooting was a result of a local feud. Rip Mo3. A truly talented, respectful and humble guy. I’m Blessed to have had the opportunity to share talents with him in the studio while he was alive ❤️ you’ll be missed 🕊 pic.twitter.com/u6V339cnz8 — BNYX® 🇭🇹 (@BNYX) November 11, 2020 A week after Mo3’s death, Louisiana rapper “Boosie Badazz” flew to Dallas for a show and to pay respects to Mo3, who was his friend and collaborator. During the visit, Boosie, 38, was shot outside of a strip mall, Big T’s Plaza, and rushed to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. And in Houston, 35-year-old New York rapper “Benny The Butcher” was shot in an attempted robbery. According to the Houston Police Department, Benny and his entourage were at a local Walmart when they were approached by a group of armed men. The “Grizelda” rapper and his crew were asked to give up their chains, and when they refused, the gunmen opened fire. Benny was shot in the leg. After being released from the hospital, he was seen carrying a pair of crutches while boarding a private plane. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Elliott Wilson (@elliottwilson) You would think that with a global pandemic and racial discourse plaguing the country, gun violence would be the last thing we would have to worry about. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved.
A 22-year-old man has been arrested and charged in the shooting death of 26-year-old Chicago rapper King Von. The alleged shooter is Timothy Leakes, the older brother of Von’s former best friend, Quando Rondo. Von was shot and killed during a shootout in the parking lot of the Monaco Hookah Lounge in downtown Atlanta, GA. A video of the shooting was shared to social media and led to the arrest of Leaks, who can allegedly be seen in the video with Quando Rondo exchanging fire with members of Von’s entourage. WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT! CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO OF SHOOTING Two police officers with the Atlanta Police Department were also involved. One was off-duty and working security at the club, and the other was on duty and patrolling nearby. Tributes have continued to flood social media as the hip-hop community mourns the loss of yet another talented young star. Damn Rest Easy Von! Bronny, Bryce and I rocked with his music and story telling! The kid had a damn good future ahead of him. My prayers and blessings to his family. 🙏🏾 #LeVonJames #KingVon — LeBron James (@KingJames) November 6, 2020 Our prayers are with his family at this time.
BET has announced the hosts and nominees for the “2020 SOUL TRAIN AWARDS.” The annual celebration recognizes the best in Soul, R&B and Hip Hop from both established industry legends and the next generation of promising artists. Taking place on Sunday, November 29th, the “2020 SOUL TRAIN AWARDS” PRESENTED BY BET will simulcast on BET, BET Her, VH1 and MTV2 at 8 PM EST with a one-hour pre-show beginning at 7 PM EST, followed by the broadcast television debut of DJ Cassidy’s groundbreaking, virtual series “Pass the Mic.” Actor, singer and writer Tisha Campbell (“Martin,” “My Wife & Kids,” “Last Man Standing,” “Outmatched”) will once again join actor, singer, and writer Tichina Arnold (“Martin,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” “The Neighborhood,” “The Last Black Man in San Francisco”) as host and co-producers of this year’s awards. The iconic best friend duo, both on the 90’s hit show “Martin” and in real-life, will return to the “SOUL TRAIN AWARDS” stage for the third time, bringing their dynamic comedy and infectious personalities to this year’s ceremony. H.E.R. leads the nominees for this year’s awards, receiving eight nominations including ‘Best R&B/Soul Female Artist’ and double nods in each of the ‘The Ashford and Simpson Songwriters Award,’ ‘Best Collaboration’ and ‘Video of the Year’ categories. She is followed by Chris Brown, who received seven nominations including ‘Album/Mixtape of the Year,’ ‘Song of the Year,’ ‘Best Dance Performance,’ ‘Best Collaboration’ and ‘Video of the Year’ for the hit single “Go Crazy” with Young Thug. Beyoncé and Young Thug received six nominations, including ‘Song of the Year’ and ‘Video of the Year.’ Other top nominees include Chloe x Halle, Summer Walker and Usher with five nods each, followed by YG with four nominations. Brandy and PJ Morton round out the group with three nods apiece. The “2020 SOUL TRAIN AWARDS” PRESENTED BY BET will feature an exciting lineup of unforgettable performances including special moments and appearances by some of the brightest stars in Black culture and entertainment. The annual event is committed to showcasing Soul Train’s impact on arts of music and dance from the 70’s to today.Directly following the “2020 SOUL TRAIN AWARDS,” DJ Cassidy will present the broadcast television premiere of his hit virtual series “Pass the Mic”, on BET. The special will be a celebration of the most definitive, iconic and prolific R&B classics of the 1980’s. “DJ Cassidy’s Pass the Mic: BET Soul Train Edition” brings legendary, musical heroes to the comfort of audience’s living rooms around the world to dance hard, sing loud, and smile big. Internationally, the “2020 SOUL TRAIN AWARDS” PRESENTED BY BET will simulcast on BET Africa on November 29, 2020, at 3:00AM CAT; BET France on December 1, 2020 at 9:50PM CET; and BET UK and BET South Korea on December 2, 2020 at 9:00PM GMT and 9:00PM KST, respectively. Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET, along with Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment(JCE), and JCE’s Jeannae Rouzan–Clay and Dionne Harmon will Executive Produce the “2020 SOUL TRAIN AWARDS.”
Welp, it’s official! Kanye West is no longer vying for the title of President of the United States of America. The “All of the Lights” rapper announced his concession via Twitter with a map and the caption “KANYE 2024.” KANYE 2024 pic.twitter.com/Zm2pKcn12t — ye (@kanyewest) November 4, 2020 According to USA Today, West received 60,000 votes, with some reports claiming he received at least 2 percent of the votes nationwide. West was late placing his presidential bid and then struggled to obtain ballot access in many states, including his current state of Wyoming. Prior to his tweet, West posted on Twitter, writing in his name on the ballot and voting for himself and his running mate, Michele Tidball. KEEP BELIEVING KANYE 2020 Thank you Jesus Christ pic.twitter.com/OgFDGOCAOp — ye (@kanyewest) November 3, 2020 Maybe now West can focus on his clothing line and producing music, but we are guessing that it will just be more of the same! See you in 2024 Yeezy.
HOUSTON – A federal judge on Monday rejected what appears to many to be a Republican voter suppression tactic to invalidate nearly 127,000 ballots in Houston and Harris County that were cast at drive-thru polling centers due to the pandemic. The lawsuit was filed by conservative Texas activists who did not want the votes to be counted. The Texas Supreme Court recently decided to allow the votes, but not satisfied with that decision, the group escalated it to the federal level. In the end, U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen agreed with the first ruling. According to the Associated Press, Hanen said the opponents to drive-thru centers — who were represented by former Harris County GOP Chairman Jared Woodfill— had no standing to bring a lawsuit. He added that people had already voted and that conservative activists had months to bring a challenge sooner. Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins has been front and center in the fight, on a mission to protect the voting rights of the people in the nation’s third largest county. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner released the following statement: U.S. Federal District Judge Andrew Hanen upheld a decision by the Texas Supreme Court to honor the ballots cast through Harris County’s drive-thru voting polls. “The right of people to vote is sacred. Once individuals have cast their vote in a process set up by Harris County, approved by the Texas Secretary of State and affirmed by the Texas Supreme Court, it would have been devastating for a federal judge to toss out even one ballot, let alone 127,000 votes. “The fact that a specific group sought to suppress and void these ballots is unconscionable. I am glad the federal judge said no. “These frivolous, divisive, and suppressive attempts to thwart people’s right to vote must stop. The individuals cast their ballot at one of the 10 safe, secure, and legal drive-through voting locations throughout Harris County. “I encourage those who have not voted to exercise their right by using their voice and their vote on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3.” Harris County is considered a crucial battleground in Texas, where President Donald Trump and Republicans are bracing for the closest election in decades on Tuesday. In Harris County, a record 1.4 million early votes had already been cast during the early voting period. Voter suppression is intense, but Drive Thru Voting is actually in tents. Drive Thru Voting creates a different “structure” for a polling location. The tents are similar to stadiums, community centers, and other places that are typically used for voting centers. pic.twitter.com/uHc0Tvqntw — Harris County Clerk (@HarrisVotes) November 1, 2020
Floyd Mayweather announced during a recent interview that he will be adding a new title to his name: Grandpa! The 43-year-old former Olympic boxer and welterweight champion shared the big news with Hollywood Unlocked. “Always want the best,” Mayweather said. “If that makes her happy, then we’re happy — me and her mother.” Mayweather’s daughter, Iyanna “YaYa” Mayweather,19, is the second of Mayweather’s five children and his only child with reality TV star Melissa Brim. YaYa, who also goes by her rap name, “Money YaYa,” has been in an on-again, off-again relationship with her rapper boyfriend and soon-to- be “baby daddy” NBA YoungBoy. When asked how he felt about the news, Mayweather responded, “What I try not to do is be in her personal business because once she’s no longer under my roof, then you know what? it’s between her and her better half,” he said. View this post on Instagram HU Staff: Kecia Gayle Kecia.Kae Hollywood Unlocked with Jason Lee; Uncensored premiered last night on Fox Soul with guest star Floyd “Money” Mayweather. While speaking with Lee and co-hosts DJ Damage and Blue Telusma, the champ held nothing back. He talked about many things including his successful career and love life but didn’t shy away from any other controversial topic like his daughter‘s pregnancy. ________________________________________________ When asked how he felt about his now-pregnant daughter Iyanna Mayweather dating rapper NBA YoungBoy —who has said a few disrespectful things about him in the past, the boxing star revealed that he simply just wants the best for her: “Always want the best.” Floyd said adding, “If that makes her happy, then we’re happy — me and her mother [Melissia Rene Brim] are happy. What I try not to do is be in her personal business because once she’s no longer under my roof, then you know what? it’s between her and her better half.” As for NBA YoungBoy who previously referred to him as Yaya’s “bitch ass daddy,” it didn’t phase Floyd at all. Here’s what he had to say about that: ___________________________________________________ “Well, my thing is this: it has to do with your upbringing. It starts in the home first, Floyd, 43, explained to Lee. “What I’ve always taught my daughter is this: always be respectful when you’re going to anyone’s home. And whatever goes on in your home, don’t talk about it to the world. As far as NBA… I look at NBA YoungBoy as a child. I can’t get upset with a kid like that.” He went on to say, “It could’ve been one of those days for him.” __________________________________________________ Read more at hollywoodunlocked.com 📸: @foxsoul __________________________________________________ If you have a tip or suggestion, or want to talk to us about this story, Text the word “TIP” to 1-310-388-6463 A post shared by HOLLYWOOD UNLOCKED (@hollywoodunlocked) on Oct 31, 2020 at 6:29am PDT Yaya is currently out on bond and facing 90 years in prison for allegedly stabbing Lapattra Jacobs, YoungBoy’s other baby mamma, during an altercation at the rapper’s house. No stranger to the law himself, YoungBoy has been arrested multiple times and recently beat an attempted murder charge in his hometown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This will make the fifth child for the 21-year-old rapper and the first for YaYa. The “Bandit” rapper has four other children, including four sons and one daughter. Congratulations to the young couple. We will keep you both in our prayers…..and by all means, stay out of trouble! Precious cargo is on the way.
