News

*Oh wow, we can only wonder what set Bow Wow off last night. According to TMZ, the rapper and unemployed actor went left while shooting a segment for “Growing Up Hip Hop: Atlanta.” He attacked his camera crew and damaged thousands of dollars worth of equipment.

Production sources say a shoot for “Growing Up Hip Hop” was going down Thursday night at the Westside Cultural Arts Center when he allegedly snapped. The report says Bow Wow shifted from calm cool and collected to a person no one recognized … and it’s unclear why.

Sources say in a fit of rage, Bow Wow started shattering gear … busting three cameras in the process. The rapper also attacked anyone who tried to step in and stop him.

Yes, cops were called to the scene, but no word yet if anyone was arrested.

The event at the Cultural Arts Center was a party for Da Brat — who recently got off of probation — we’re told she may have been involved in the melee too.

HipHopDX reports that acording to production sources, the apparent meltdown took place at Atlanta’s Westside Cultural Arts Center during an Off Probation Party for Da Brat (who arrived in inmate garb and handcuffed!).

READ THIS: ‘QUEER EYE’ STAR KARAMO BROWN REVEALS HE ATTEMPTED SUICIDE IN 2006

You might be interested to know that in a post uploaded to his Instagram stories on Friday (August 31), the 31-year-old addressed the incident.

“Stop fucking over reacting and stop with the sympathy texts to my [phone],” he wrote. “Yall are not the therapist so stop acting like one. I got this. Thanks.”

By the way, the rapper has a previous public breakdown in his recent past.

Just about a month ago, he threatened to quit his career to work at GameStop. Bow Wow then revealed he was “cash apping all my money away today” for those who want “free money.”

There’s got to be video of him going off. It’s only a matter of time before it’s releasde.

Story developing …

Source: https://thekhaliseum.ning.com/news/bow-wow-breakdown-rapper-attacks-crew-camera-equipment-at-tv-sh-1

*Los Gatos, Ca based Netflix Inc. has announced  that Vernā Myers is joining the company as Vice President, Inclusion Strategy. In this newly-created role, Vernā will help devise and implement strategies that integrate cultural diversity, inclusion and equity into all aspects of Netflix’s operations worldwide. For the past two decades, through The Vernā Myers Company, she has consulted with a wide range of major corporations and organizations on how to help eradicate barriers based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and other differences and to make more just, compassionate, and productive work environments.

“Having worked closely with Vernā as a consultant on a range of organizational issues, we are thrilled that she has agreed to bring her talents to this new and important role,” said Jessica Neal, Netflix Chief Talent Officer. “As a global company dedicated to attracting the best people and representing a broad range of perspectives, Vernā will be an invaluable champion of our efforts to build a culture where all employees thrive.”

“I have been a longtime fan of the inclusive and diverse programming and talent at Netflix, and then I got a chance to meet the people behind the screen. I was so impressed by their mission, their excellence, and decision to take their inclusion and diversity efforts to a higher level,” Vernā Myers said. “I am so excited and look forward to collaborating all across Netflix to establish bold innovative frameworks and practices that will attract, fully develop, and sustain high performing diverse teams.”

A graduate of Harvard Law School, Vernā is also the author of Moving Diversity Forward: How to Go From Well-Meaning to Well-Doing and What If I Say the Wrong Thing? 25 Habits for Culturally Effective People. She has been an active speaker at TED and has also contributed to numerous publications including Refinery29, The Atlantic, Forbes, and the Harvard Business Review.

About Netflix
Netflix is the world’s leading internet entertainment service with over 130 million memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries and feature films across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.

Source: https://thekhaliseum.ning.com/news/sista-power-verna-myers-joins-netflix-as-vice-president-of-incl-1

*Nicki Minaj has pushed back the start of her upcoming tour with Future, citing the need for more time to “reevaluate elements of production,” but the announcement comes as the New York Post reports of the rapper “spiraling out of control” amid disastrous ticket sales.

We’re told stubs for her upcoming tour — to begin next month — aren’t flying off the shelves.

A Live Nation source told us, “Nicki’s tour could be the most disappointing ticket sales of the year for any artist. These are big arenas with up to 20,000 capacities. Sales for opening night in Baltimore is 2,000 tickets. LA is 3,400, New Orleans 1,000, Denver 1,300, Chicago 3,900. Even her hometown Brooklyn is only 5,050.”

Sources even said the tour is in danger of being canceled.

Live Nation’s official announcement on Tuesday revealed a five-month postponement for the tour launch: “Following her unforgettable VMA performance, Nicki Minaj has decided to reevaluate elements of production on the NickiHndrxx Tour. … [and] to contribute more time to rehearsal ahead of the tour’s launch to make certain her fans get the absolute best quality show that they deserve.”

Due to kick off Sept. 23 in Washington D.C., the tour will now start in Europe on February 21, 2019 in Munich, Germany as planned. It continues through March 28, when Minaj is scheduled to hit Geneva, Switzerland. New North American dates, to be announced at a later date, will follow.

The re-routing also means that Future will not join Minaj for the North American leg.

Live Nation is offering refunds to those who purchased tickets for the NickiHndrxx Tour’s rescheduled dates.

Earlier this week, Minaj lashed out at Travis Scott and Kylie Jenner, accusing them of using their baby Stormi to boost sales of his new album “Astroworld,” which has sold more in its second week than Minaj’s week-old “Queen.”

Minaj also accused Scott of manipulating the sales of his No. 1 album by using a well-known industry cheat of bundling free albums with cheap merchandise — like clothing and so-called tour passes — to bump up sales figures.

During her Beats 1 show, “Queen Radio,” (listen above) she fumed that Scott was “selling f - - king sweaters [and] tour passes” and parading daughter Stormi “for publicity.”

She called Scott “ho n - - - a of the week,” ranting the alleged maneuver had put “Astroworld” at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 while “Queen,” debuted at No. 2.

An industry insider tells the New York Post’s Page Six: “Nicki has gone off the rails. She can’t take it that she sold less records than Cardi B (who’s stealing her thunder big time) in her first week; she can’t take it that Travis beat her to No. 1. Her ticket sales for her tour are in the toilet, and it’s making her even more crazy.”

This comes after a major Minaj meltdown on Twitter, when she caused a stir by comparing herself to abolitionist Harriet Tubman. And at the Video Music Awards Monday, show organizers moved Scott and Jenner to seats farther away from her. Get all of that tea, plus Nicki’s ex Safaree talking about his run-in with the rapper at the VMAs below, via HollywoodLife:

Source: https://thekhaliseum.ning.com/news/nicki-minaj-delays-tour-amid-reports-of-disappointing-ticket-sa-1

*Since podcasts came along, commuting has been forever changed. Whether in your car or on the train, it’s hard to beat the entertainment or knowledge you gain from listening to a podcast. In 2018, it’s rare that we think anyone would need to know what a podcast is, as the medium has exploded in popularity due to the likes of Serial, This American Life, and The Joe Rogan Experience. Podcasters, it seems, are becoming the new radio stars.

It should come as no surprise that a great many listenable podcasts have emerged from talented and funny black hosts across the U.S. From sports to movies to social issues, these hosts are just some of the voices of our nation right now, and they most certainly deserve your undivided attention during your next commute.

Much like fellow ex-NBA star Chris Webber, Shaq’s deep, booming voice works surprisingly well in podcast form, with Diesel naturally discussing current events surrounding basketball, but all sorts of entertainment news and randomness generally happen on the podcast. The big guy has some wild stories to tell and you’re never short of laughs here, but things can also get a bit emotional, primarily when one-time-enemy-but-still-friend-and-ex-Laker Kobe Bryant joined the show for an engaging reunion with Shaq.

Jonathan, James, and Jerah are three guys who focus predominantly on the film and TV careers of black actors, with news, reviews, and interviews making up the run time of each episode. Although the guys try to present a more lighthearted and fun look at the entertainment industry, they do take the topic incredibly seriously and really know their stuff. Recently featured on the podcast was Charles Stone, the director of Kyrie Irving’s first motion picture, “Uncle Drew”.

Although you might think these four very chatty and hilarious women (Ramou, Alesia, Fatima, and Aurelia) simply end up talking over each other, this couldn’t be any further from the truth. Intelligent, thought-provoking but still entertaining discussions take place on the matters of race, pop culture, politics, and let’s be honest, simply random girl talk. Every now and then a guest appears, but really, it’s the camaraderie between these four black ladies which is the heart of the podcast.

Hosts Kid Fury and Crissle have such a fantastic dynamic between the two of them, that you’ll instantly be hooked on their smart (but often silly) banter. With Kid Fury hailing from Miami and Crissle from Oklahoma City, the fact that both now record the show in New York lends itself well to a fascinating insight into two black friends simply trying to make it in The Big Apple. The duo routinely cover pop culture and hip-hop news, but certainly aren’t afraid to voice their opinions on anyone they think needs taking down a peg or two.

 Source: https://thekhaliseum.ning.com/news/lend-your-ears-to-these-awesome-black-podcasts-1

*Actor Ving Rhames is in the news because of his role in Ton Cruise’s “Mission Impossible – Fallout” and as a result he was featured on “The Clay Cane Show” on SiriusXM Urban View. But it’s not what he had to say about the film that’s really getting folks’ attention. Nope, he told listeners that he pretty much had a near death experience when he found himself up close and person with a cop’s gun in his face … in his own home!

“I am sure you hear about all the reports of Black men being attacked by police,” Clay Cane said to Rhames. You are a big star, but how does racism show itself in your life?”

Rhames, 59, went on to tell his terrifying story of Sant Monica, California police pulling a 9-mm gun on him … again, in his own home, mind you.

“This happened this year. I am in my home, it was around 2:15 p.m. in the afternoon,” Rhames said. “I’m in my house, I’m in a pair of basketball shorts only. I have two English bulldog puppies. I hear a noise in my backyard but I’m thinking the puppies are just running around, and then I get a knock on the front door.”

Rhames continued: “I get up, I’m just in my basketball shorts — literally. I get up, I open the door and there is a red dot pointed at my face from a 9-mm. They say put up your hands, literally. I just walked and opened up the door. … Then they said open the front screen door. They say do it with one hand so then I have to do it with one hand. My hands are up and they have me outside.”

There were a group of police officers, a police dog and the captain of police, Rhames also said. Fortunately, the captain recognized Rhames, but not for the reason you might think. No, not because he’s a famous actor, but their children play sports against each other. In any event, the police claimed the Golden Globes winner’s neighbor called and said a “large black man” was breaking into a home.

” … Myself, the sergeant and one of the police officers went over to the house, which was across the street from my place, and the person denied it. So here I am in my own home, alone in some basketball shorts and just because someone called and said a large Black man is breaking [in,] when I opened up the wooden door, a 9-mm is pointed at me.”

Rhames realizes he is lucky that the captain recognized him.

“My problem is, as I said this to them, what if it was my son and he had a video game remote or something and you thought it was a gun?” Rhames said. 

Source: https://thekhaliseum.ning.com/news/ving-rhames-shares-cop-s-9-mm-in-the-face-experience-because-of-1

*R Kelly is apparently looking to cash in on his sexual misconduct allegations with a new 19-minute song that addresses the accusations made against him by multiple young women.

Taking to Instagram Live Sunday night, the crooner teased “I Admit It,” a trap-flavored, auto-tuned response in which he sings, “I done made some mistakes,” but goes on to deny allegations of sexual misconduct. “How they gon’ say I don’t respect these women, when all I’ve done is represent (30 years)/ Take my career and turn it upside down, ’cause you mad I’ve got some girlfriends (girlfriends),” he sings.

Kelly admits to being with “older and younger [ladies]” and also references the ongoing #MuteRKelly campaign.

“I admit I f**k with all the ladies, that’s both older and young ladies (ladies, yeah)/ But tell me how they call it pedophile because that s**t is crazy (crazy)/ You may have your opinions, entitled to your opinions (opinions)/ But really am I supposed to go to jail or lose my career because of your opinion/ Yeah, go ahead and stone me, point your finger at me (stone me, yeah, yeah)/ Turn the world against me, but only god can mute me (against me, mute me)”

He gets specific about allegations charged by the parents of Jocelyn Savage, who say Kelly began dating their 19-year-old daughter in 2016 and proceeded to cut off her communication with them. The parents accuse Kelly of brainwashing, grooming, and imprisoning their daughter and multiple other women at his homes in both Chicago and Georgia. For her part, Savage said she was “totally fine [and] happy where I’m at.”

“Said I’m abusing these women, what the f**k that’s some absurd s**t (what?)/ They’re brainwashed, really? (really)/ Kidnapped, really? (really)/ Can’t eat, really? (really)/ Real talk, that s**t sound silly (yeah)/ And if you really, really wanna know (know)/ Her father dropped her off at my show (show)/ And told this boy to put her on stage (yeah)/ I admit that she was over age (age)/ I admit that I was feelin’ her and I admit that she was feelin’ me (she was feelin’ me)/ I admit that that’s the s**t that comes with/ being a celebrity (celebrity)/ I ain’t chasing these ladies, no (no, no)/ These ladies are chasing me, yeah (chasing me)

“Now I’m only saying all this s**t, ’cause how they tryna play me, yeah (yeah, oh)/ I admit that this is no disrespect to the parents (no disrespect)/ But this is my advice to you ’cause I’m also a parent (parent)/ Don’t push your daughter in my face, and tell me that it’s okay (my face, okay)/ ‘Cause your agenda is to get paid, and get mad when it don’t go your way (yeah, go way)

Kelly continues: “What’s the definition of a cult?/ Whats the definition of a sex slave?/ Go to the dictionary, look it up/ Let me know I’ll be here waiting/ Now I admit that I got some girls that love me to pull they hair (they hair)/ Now I admit that they love me to talk dirty when I pull they hair (they hair)/ Some like me to spank ’em/ Some like to get branded/ And what some of these girls want, is too much for the radio station/ Look I’m just a man y’all (man y’all)/ Not a monster or beast (no, no)/ But I admit there are times when these girls so fine, they’ll chill with a n**ga for a week (oh, for a week).”

At another point in the song, Kelly acknowledges that he himself was the victim of sexual abuse at the age of 14, singing: “Now, I admit a family member touched me (touched me, touched me, touched me)/ From a child to the age 14, yeah/ While I laid asleep, took my virginity (sleep, gini’)”

Kelly also directly addresses Jim DeRogatis, the Chicago-based music journalist who has reported on Kelly’s alleged misconduct over the last two decades:

“To Jim DeRogatis, whatever your name is (whatever your name is)/ You been tryna destroy me for 25 whole years (25 whole years, yeah)/ Writin’ the same stories over and over against (stories, stories, yeah)/ Off my name, you done went and made yourself a career (a whole career)/ But guess what? I pray for you and family, and all my other enemies (prayed for you, enemies)/ I’m not gonna let y’all steal my joy, I’m just gon’ keep on doing me (my joy, doing me).”

Source: https://thekhaliseum.ning.com/news/r-kelly-addresses-sexual-misconduct-allegations-on-new-19-minute-

*No matter what you views are about Drake, you can’t deny that the man is industrious. Even though his last album, Views, came out in 2016, he has been providing a steady supply to fans till date with EPs, singles and “playlist.”

However, 2018 will be the year that fans get to see Champagne Papi back in album mode. The album title Scorpionrefers to Drake’s Zodiac sign Scorpio, given his birthday falls on October 24. Fans, who already know the rapper’s connection to the month, were quick to make the connection.

Drake took to his Instagram account to share photos of a medallion embellished with a diamond-encrusted scorpion and a jacket with the announcement details on it. So far, we can confirm that the album will drop on June 2018, though Drake is quiet about the exact date.

Further details that can be confirmed include the return of Noah “40” Shebib and Oliver El-Khatib as executive producers. 40 alongside OVO signee Boi-1-da will be handling production on the tracks. Pi’erre Bourne, who produced Playboi Carti’s ‘Magnolia’ is also expected to have a hand in creating Scorpion. Drake confirmed this himself in an Instagram Live session when a fan inquired about whether he has recorded with producer to which Drake replied “me and Pi’erre already got one.”

Drake’s releases in 2018 like the singles from Scary Hours will not be part of the project although his single “Nice for What” might make it on the track list. One track that has a confirmed place on the album for now is “I’m Upset.” The track was released a day after his “Duppy Freestyle,” the rebuttal to Pusha T’s diss on his album DAYTONA.

Another thing that can be expected on the album is Drake’s Afro-Caribbean sound. Fans have already noticed the presence of Nigerian artist Tekno on his Instagram which could possibly lead to collaboration on a track.

A factor that has increased the anticipation for this album is the recent beef between Pusha T and Drake. Although it seems to have paused due to some intervention, there is no doubt that Drake would address the beef properly on tracks. Pusha T has already done some damage by alleging that Drake has a secret child. It is being rumored that Drake was going to announce this secret child on his album but Pusha T beat him to it. The beef is still developing so it’s still not known how it will affect the album. For now, we can only take the word of Drake close confidant Preme who took to Instagram after hearing some of the tracks. “And just know. That Scorpion album. Holy f*ck,” he wrote. “You should never have pissed Champagne off.”

Source: https://thekhaliseum.ning.com/news/scorpion-drake-s-summer-surprise-is-now-out-listen-1

*Well here’s an interesting story that’s turning out to be the equivalent of fake news, unfortunately. If you haven’t heard, earlier it was reported by ESPN that former Secretary of State, Condoleeza Rice was being considered for the vacant head-coaching position by the NFL’s Cleveland Browns.

Needless to say, what we have here is an exaggerated story. According to the team, the report is simply NOT true.

“Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is a great leader, possesses the highest possible character and also happens to be a Browns fan,” GM John Dorsey said in a statement. “I have the utmost respect and admiration for all she’s accomplished and was honored to meet her for the first time earlier this season.”

Dorsey added:

“Our coaching search will be thorough and deliberate, but we are still in the process of composing the list of candidates and Secretary Rice has not been discussed.”

HILARIOUS! JIMMY KIMMEL GETS MICHELLE OBAMA TO SAY CRAZY STUFF SHE COULDN’T SAY AS FIRST LADY – WATCH

Via a statement, here’s what Condoleeza Rice had to say about the situation:

I love my Browns — and I know they will hire an experienced coach to take us to the next level.

On a more serious note, I do hope that the NFL will start to bring women into the coaching profession as position coaches and eventually coordinators and head coaches. One doesn’t have to play the game to understand it and motivate players. But experience counts — and it is time to develop a pool of experienced women coaches.

BTW — I’m not ready to coach but I would like to call a play or two next season if the Browns need ideas! And at no time will I call for a “prevent defense.”

Well, if youi didn’t know it before, just from that response, it’s obvious Rice is an avid football. In fact, her name has often come up as a  possible successor to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.  Additionally, she was one of the inaugural members of the College Football Playoff selection committee.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/condoleeza-rice-cleveland-browns-deny-report-theyre-considering-ex-sos-for-head-coach-position/

*Turns out Roseanne Barr called into a podcast just two days after ABC cancelled her sitcom “Roseanne,” but the host decided at the time not to release the podcast…until now.

Barr hit up Rabbi Shmuley Boteach’s podcast, which was recorded at Stand Up NY in New York City on May 31, according to The Blast. Barr and Boteach have been friends for 20 years.

“I’m a lot of things,” a tearful Barr tells him. “I’m a loudmouth and all that stuff, but I’m not stupid, for God’s sake, and I never would have wittingly called a black person … say they are a monkey. I never would do that! And I didn’t do that.”

Barr says in the interview that she is sorry if people thought that her tweet — where she said of Barack Obama’sadviser, Valerie Jarrett, “Muslim brotherhood & planet of the apes had a baby=vj” — was intentional.

“I am so sorry,” she says, “that I was so unclear and stupid. I’m very sorry but I don’t think that, I never would do that.”

Barr also acknowledges the cancellation of her show and the effect it had on her career.

“I’ve lost everything,” she says. “And I regretted [the tweet] before I lost everything and I said to God, ‘I am willing to accept whatever consequences this brings because I know I’ve done wrong.’ I’m willing to accept what the consequences are. And, I do. And I have.”

Boteach said after he conducted the interview that he “decided not to release it out of respect for Roseanne.” But on Saturday night, he announced the full interview would be released on Sunday.

He tweeted, “[M]y podcast interview w/ my friend @therealroseanne Roseanne Barr will go live on @JPost Jerusalem Post. The podcast is an emotional discussion of the 4 stages of Jewish penance and Roseanne shows moral courage & heart in accepting responsibility.”

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/06/roseanne-cries-in-new-podcast-interview-i-never-wouldve-wittingly-called-a-black-person-a-monkey/

*No matter what you views are about Drake, you can’t deny that the man is industrious. Even though his last album, Views, came out in 2016, he has been providing a steady supply to fans till date with EPs, singles and “playlist.”

However, 2018 will be the year that fans get to see Champagne Papi back in album mode. The album title Scorpionrefers to Drake’s Zodiac sign Scorpio, given his birthday falls on October 24. Fans, who already know the rapper’s connection to the month, were quick to make the connection.

Drake took to his Instagram account to share photos of a medallion embellished with a diamond-encrusted scorpion and a jacket with the announcement details on it. So far, we can confirm that the album will drop on June 2018, though Drake is quiet about the exact date.

Further details that can be confirmed include the return of Noah “40” Shebib and Oliver El-Khatib as executive producers. 40 alongside OVO signee Boi-1-da will be handling production on the tracks. Pi’erre Bourne, who produced Playboi Carti’s ‘Magnolia’ is also expected to have a hand in creating Scorpion. Drake confirmed this himself in an Instagram Live session when a fan inquired about whether he has recorded with producer to which Drake replied “me and Pi’erre already got one.”

Drake’s releases in 2018 like the singles from Scary Hours will not be part of the project although his single “Nice for What” might make it on the track list. One track that has a confirmed place on the album for now is “I’m Upset.” The track was released a day after his “Duppy Freestyle,” the rebuttal to Pusha T’s diss on his album DAYTONA.

Another thing that can be expected on the album is Drake’s Afro-Caribbean sound. Fans have already noticed the presence of Nigerian artist Tekno on his Instagram which could possibly lead to collaboration on a track.

A factor that has increased the anticipation for this album is the recent beef between Pusha T and Drake. Although it seems to have paused due to some intervention, there is no doubt that Drake would address the beef properly on tracks. Pusha T has already done some damage by alleging that Drake has a secret child. It is being rumored that Drake was going to announce this secret child on his album but Pusha T beat him to it. The beef is still developing so it’s still not known how it will affect the album. For now, we can only take the word of Drake close confidant Preme who took to Instagram after hearing some of the tracks. “And just know. That Scorpion album. Holy f*ck,” he wrote. “You should never have pissed Champagne off.”

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/06/scorpion-drakes-summer-surprise-is-now-out-listen/

*As you no-doubt know, the last year or so has tumultuous for singer/actor Mary J. Blige. And that’s putting it mildly. However, that mind-boggling experience is behind her now and she’s ready to show the world that she may have been down, but she’s not out. She’s back!

And back she is with new, up-beat music and Miss Mary is sounding glorious on her new single, “Only Love.” With an big Philly Soul opening reminiscent of First Choice’s “Doctor Love,” the single gets listeners moving as Mary J preaches about the glory of love, as Soul Tracks put it, with which we totally agree.

“I’ve been in the studio working on new music and was excited to share a little bit with you all,” Mary shared on Social media. “I had a year of so many ups and downs and have come out the other side with a renewed spirit and a fresh perspective. I’m entering my next chapter with an open mind and heart. ONLY LOVE is where I am right now and I couldn’t keep it to myself any longer!!! #sisterlove #onlylove”

Well, THANK YOU for sharing Mary.  We’re looking forward to finding out what else is instore with your new project. In the meantime, enjoy “Only Love.”

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/07/new-music-from-mary-j-blige-only-love-listen/

*Well look who’s back with new music. Why it’s none other than Ciara.

The new song is called “Level Up” and it comes after the birth of her daughter Sienna.

We hear the song was inspired by the controversy she caused earlier this year when she shared a sermon by pastor John W. Gray III in which he shamed single women for not carrying themselves like a wife. And if you’re wondering what the heck that means, you’re not alone.

Anyway, watch below and see if you can figure it out.

In other Ciara news, earlier we reported the singer/dancer has filed court papers against her ex Future – this time claiming that he’s becoming an absentee dad.

In new documents obtained by TMZ, the singer claims Future is missing too many scheduled visits with his three-year-old son, Future Jr.

Ciara says her ex only has made just 37 percent of his scheduled visits, and many of those are at the last minute. She also alleges that during the elder’s trips to his native Georgia with their son, the boy spends most of his time with elderly relatives, and she rarely gets to FaceTime her son to make sure he’s okay.

Ciara, who also has baby daughter Sienna Princess with husband Russell Wilson, further claims that little Future has health issues stemming from all the cross-country travel with his father, and that it’s causing him to have emotional breakdowns at school.

She’s seeking mediation with Future, so they can hammer out a better schedule for their son’s travel and for the sake of his health, TMZ reports.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/07/check-it-new-music-from-ciara-level-up-listen/

*R Kelly is apparently looking to cash in on his sexual misconduct allegations with a new 19-minute song that addresses the accusations made against him by multiple young women.

Taking to Instagram Live Sunday night, the crooner teased “I Admit It,” a trap-flavored, auto-tuned response in which he sings, “I done made some mistakes,” but goes on to deny allegations of sexual misconduct. “How they gon’ say I don’t respect these women, when all I’ve done is represent (30 years)/ Take my career and turn it upside down, ’cause you mad I’ve got some girlfriends (girlfriends),” he sings.

Kelly admits to being with “older and younger [ladies]” and also references the ongoing #MuteRKelly campaign.

“I admit I f**k with all the ladies, that’s both older and young ladies (ladies, yeah)/ But tell me how they call it pedophile because that s**t is crazy (crazy)/ You may have your opinions, entitled to your opinions (opinions)/ But really am I supposed to go to jail or lose my career because of your opinion/ Yeah, go ahead and stone me, point your finger at me (stone me, yeah, yeah)/ Turn the world against me, but only god can mute me (against me, mute me)”

He gets specific about allegations charged by the parents of Jocelyn Savage, who say Kelly began dating their 19-year-old daughter in 2016 and proceeded to cut off her communication with them. The parents accuse Kelly of brainwashing, grooming, and imprisoning their daughter and multiple other women at his homes in both Chicago and Georgia. For her part, Savage said she was “totally fine [and] happy where I’m at.”

“Said I’m abusing these women, what the f**k that’s some absurd s**t (what?)/ They’re brainwashed, really? (really)/ Kidnapped, really? (really)/ Can’t eat, really? (really)/ Real talk, that s**t sound silly (yeah)/ And if you really, really wanna know (know)/ Her father dropped her off at my show (show)/ And told this boy to put her on stage (yeah)/ I admit that she was over age (age)/ I admit that I was feelin’ her and I admit that she was feelin’ me (she was feelin’ me)/ I admit that that’s the s**t that comes with/ being a celebrity (celebrity)/ I ain’t chasing these ladies, no (no, no)/ These ladies are chasing me, yeah (chasing me)

“Now I’m only saying all this s**t, ’cause how they tryna play me, yeah (yeah, oh)/ I admit that this is no disrespect to the parents (no disrespect)/ But this is my advice to you ’cause I’m also a parent (parent)/ Don’t push your daughter in my face, and tell me that it’s okay (my face, okay)/ ‘Cause your agenda is to get paid, and get mad when it don’t go your way (yeah, go way)

Kelly continues: “What’s the definition of a cult?/ Whats the definition of a sex slave?/ Go to the dictionary, look it up/ Let me know I’ll be here waiting/ Now I admit that I got some girls that love me to pull they hair (they hair)/ Now I admit that they love me to talk dirty when I pull they hair (they hair)/ Some like me to spank ’em/ Some like to get branded/ And what some of these girls want, is too much for the radio station/ Look I’m just a man y’all (man y’all)/ Not a monster or beast (no, no)/ But I admit there are times when these girls so fine, they’ll chill with a n**ga for a week (oh, for a week).”

At another point in the song, Kelly acknowledges that he himself was the victim of sexual abuse at the age of 14, singing: “Now, I admit a family member touched me (touched me, touched me, touched me)/ From a child to the age 14, yeah/ While I laid asleep, took my virginity (sleep, gini’)”

Kelly also directly addresses Jim DeRogatis, the Chicago-based music journalist who has reported on Kelly’s alleged misconduct over the last two decades:

“To Jim DeRogatis, whatever your name is (whatever your name is)/ You been tryna destroy me for 25 whole years (25 whole years, yeah)/ Writin’ the same stories over and over against (stories, stories, yeah)/ Off my name, you done went and made yourself a career (a whole career)/ But guess what? I pray for you and family, and all my other enemies (prayed for you, enemies)/ I’m not gonna let y’all steal my joy, I’m just gon’ keep on doing me (my joy, doing me).”

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/07/r-kelly-addresses-sexual-misconduct-allegations-on-new-19-minute-track-i-admit-it-listen/

*A day after he was kidnapped, robbed, beaten and hospitalized, rapper Tekashi 6ixNine said he’s “fine” and that the incident was an “inside job.”

“It wasn’t no outside n—-s. It’s n—as that know how the king of New York moves,” the rapper said in an interview with DJ Akademiks Monday afternoon. “The only person that can get a Pharaoh in Egypt is the person who helped build the f—in’ kingdom, you know what I’m saying? The n—a that’s right next to him. The n—a that know who built that s**t, that got the blueprints.”

The MC (real name: Daniel Hernandez) said he’d suffered “concussion trauma to the head” after being knocked unconscious two times. “I’m fine,” he insisted.

Asked if he’d be more cautious about the people he keeps around him in the future, Hernandez replied, “My circle’s been short, it’s just that I opened it with the wrong n—-s.”

Hernandez said he willingly gave up an estimated $750,000 in jewelry, comparing the situation to the robbery that ended with XXXTentacion’s death last month. “I’m just happy to be alive,” he said. “I look at the X situation like, ‘That could have been me.’ That would have been the same situation if I didn’t give it up.”

After the interview, he posted a photo of XXXTentacion on Instagram and wrote: “As crazy as it sounds.. yesterday morning I had a feeling that it was my day to die. May GOD strike me dead if I’m lying. Everything happens for a reason. I know you was there. Nothing materialistic is more important then LIFE. I live to see another DAY. I get to see my daughter another day. No Hate Charge it to the streets.”

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/07/tekashi-6ix9ine-believes-robbery-was-an-inside-job-compares-incident-to-xxxtentacions-death-watch/

*Actor Ving Rhames is in the news because of his role in Ton Cruise’s “Mission Impossible – Fallout” and as a result he was featured on “The Clay Cane Show” on SiriusXM Urban View. But it’s not what he had to say about the film that’s really getting folks’ attention. Nope, he told listeners that he pretty much had a near death experience when he found himself up close and person with a cop’s gun in his face … in his own home!

“I am sure you hear about all the reports of Black men being attacked by police,” Clay Cane said to Rhames. You are a big star, but how does racism show itself in your life?”

Rhames, 59, went on to tell his terrifying story of Sant Monica, California police pulling a 9-mm gun on him … again, in his own home, mind you.

“This happened this year. I am in my home, it was around 2:15 p.m. in the afternoon,” Rhames said. “I’m in my house, I’m in a pair of basketball shorts only. I have two English bulldog puppies. I hear a noise in my backyard but I’m thinking the puppies are just running around, and then I get a knock on the front door.”

Rhames continued: “I get up, I’m just in my basketball shorts — literally. I get up, I open the door and there is a red dot pointed at my face from a 9-mm. They say put up your hands, literally. I just walked and opened up the door. … Then they said open the front screen door. They say do it with one hand so then I have to do it with one hand. My hands are up and they have me outside.”

There were a group of police officers, a police dog and the captain of police, Rhames also said. Fortunately, the captain recognized Rhames, but not for the reason you might think. No, not because he’s a famous actor, but their children play sports against each other. In any event, the police claimed the Golden Globes winner’s neighbor called and said a “large black man” was breaking into a home.

” … Myself, the sergeant and one of the police officers went over to the house, which was across the street from my place, and the person denied it. So here I am in my own home, alone in some basketball shorts and just because someone called and said a large Black man is breaking [in,] when I opened up the wooden door, a 9-mm is pointed at me.”

Rhames realizes he is lucky that the captain recognized him.

“My problem is, as I said this to them, what if it was my son and he had a video game remote or something and you thought it was a gun?” Rhames said.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/07/ving-rhames-shares-9-mm-in-the-face-experience-with-police-because-of-white-neighbor-listen/

*Since podcasts came along, commuting has been forever changed. Whether in your car or on the train, it’s hard to beat the entertainment or knowledge you gain from listening to a podcast. In 2018, it’s rare that we think anyone would need to know what a podcast is, as the medium has exploded in popularity due to the likes of Serial, This American Life, and The Joe Rogan Experience. Podcasters, it seems, are becoming the new radio stars.

It should come as no surprise that a great many listenable podcasts have emerged from talented and funny black hosts across the U.S. From sports to movies to social issues, these hosts are just some of the voices of our nation right now, and they most certainly deserve your undivided attention during your next commute.

Much like fellow ex-NBA star Chris Webber, Shaq’s deep, booming voice works surprisingly well in podcast form, with Diesel naturally discussing current events surrounding basketball, but all sorts of entertainment news and randomness generally happen on the podcast. The big guy has some wild stories to tell and you’re never short of laughs here, but things can also get a bit emotional, primarily when one-time-enemy-but-still-friend-and-ex-Laker Kobe Bryant joined the show for an engaging reunion with Shaq.

Jonathan, James, and Jerah are three guys who focus predominantly on the film and TV careers of black actors, with news, reviews, and interviews making up the run time of each episode. Although the guys try to present a more lighthearted and fun look at the entertainment industry, they do take the topic incredibly seriously and really know their stuff. Recently featured on the podcast was Charles Stone, the director of Kyrie Irving’s first motion picture, “Uncle Drew”.

Although you might think these four very chatty and hilarious women (Ramou, Alesia, Fatima, and Aurelia) simply end up talking over each other, this couldn’t be any further from the truth. Intelligent, thought-provoking but still entertaining discussions take place on the matters of race, pop culture, politics, and let’s be honest, simply random girl talk. Every now and then a guest appears, but really, it’s the camaraderie between these four black ladies which is the heart of the podcast.

Hosts Kid Fury and Crissle have such a fantastic dynamic between the two of them, that you’ll instantly be hooked on their smart (but often silly) banter. With Kid Fury hailing from Miami and Crissle from Oklahoma City, the fact that both now record the show in New York lends itself well to a fascinating insight into two black friends simply trying to make it in The Big Apple. The duo routinely cover pop culture and hip-hop news, but certainly aren’t afraid to voice their opinions on anyone they think needs taking down a peg or two.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/08/lend-your-ears-to-these-awesome-black-podcasts/

*Nicki Minaj has pushed back the start of her upcoming tour with Future, citing the need for more time to “reevaluate elements of production,” but the announcement comes as the New York Post reports of the rapper “spiraling out of control” amid disastrous ticket sales.

We’re told stubs for her upcoming tour — to begin next month — aren’t flying off the shelves.

A Live Nation source told us, “Nicki’s tour could be the most disappointing ticket sales of the year for any artist. These are big arenas with up to 20,000 capacities. Sales for opening night in Baltimore is 2,000 tickets. LA is 3,400, New Orleans 1,000, Denver 1,300, Chicago 3,900. Even her hometown Brooklyn is only 5,050.”

Sources even said the tour is in danger of being canceled.

Live Nation’s official announcement on Tuesday revealed a five-month postponement for the tour launch: “Following her unforgettable VMA performance, Nicki Minaj has decided to reevaluate elements of production on the NickiHndrxx Tour. … [and] to contribute more time to rehearsal ahead of the tour’s launch to make certain her fans get the absolute best quality show that they deserve.”

Due to kick off Sept. 23 in Washington D.C., the tour will now start in Europe on February 21, 2019 in Munich, Germany as planned. It continues through March 28, when Minaj is scheduled to hit Geneva, Switzerland. New North American dates, to be announced at a later date, will follow.

The re-routing also means that Future will not join Minaj for the North American leg.

Live Nation is offering refunds to those who purchased tickets for the NickiHndrxx Tour’s rescheduled dates.

Earlier this week, Minaj lashed out at Travis Scott and Kylie Jenner, accusing them of using their baby Stormi to boost sales of his new album “Astroworld,” which has sold more in its second week than Minaj’s week-old “Queen.”

Minaj also accused Scott of manipulating the sales of his No. 1 album by using a well-known industry cheat of bundling free albums with cheap merchandise — like clothing and so-called tour passes — to bump up sales figures.

During her Beats 1 show, “Queen Radio,” (listen above) she fumed that Scott was “selling f - - king sweaters [and] tour passes” and parading daughter Stormi “for publicity.”

She called Scott “ho n - - - a of the week,” ranting the alleged maneuver had put “Astroworld” at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 while “Queen,” debuted at No. 2.

An industry insider tells the New York Post’s Page Six: “Nicki has gone off the rails. She can’t take it that she sold less records than Cardi B (who’s stealing her thunder big time) in her first week; she can’t take it that Travis beat her to No. 1. Her ticket sales for her tour are in the toilet, and it’s making her even more crazy.”

This comes after a major Minaj meltdown on Twitter, when she caused a stir by comparing herself to abolitionist Harriet Tubman. And at the Video Music Awards Monday, show organizers moved Scott and Jenner to seats farther away from her. Get all of that tea, plus Nicki’s ex Safaree talking about his run-in with the rapper at the VMAs below, via HollywoodLife:

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/08/nicki-minaj-delays-tour-amid-reports-of-disappointing-ticket-sales/

*Los Gatos, Ca based Netflix Inc. has announced  that Vernā Myers is joining the company as Vice President, Inclusion Strategy. In this newly-created role, Vernā will help devise and implement strategies that integrate cultural diversity, inclusion and equity into all aspects of Netflix’s operations worldwide. For the past two decades, through The Vernā Myers Company, she has consulted with a wide range of major corporations and organizations on how to help eradicate barriers based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and other differences and to make more just, compassionate, and productive work environments.

“Having worked closely with Vernā as a consultant on a range of organizational issues, we are thrilled that she has agreed to bring her talents to this new and important role,” said Jessica Neal, Netflix Chief Talent Officer. “As a global company dedicated to attracting the best people and representing a broad range of perspectives, Vernā will be an invaluable champion of our efforts to build a culture where all employees thrive.”

“I have been a longtime fan of the inclusive and diverse programming and talent at Netflix, and then I got a chance to meet the people behind the screen. I was so impressed by their mission, their excellence, and decision to take their inclusion and diversity efforts to a higher level,” Vernā Myers said. “I am so excited and look forward to collaborating all across Netflix to establish bold innovative frameworks and practices that will attract, fully develop, and sustain high performing diverse teams.”

A graduate of Harvard Law School, Vernā is also the author of Moving Diversity Forward: How to Go From Well-Meaning to Well-Doing and What If I Say the Wrong Thing? 25 Habits for Culturally Effective People. She has been an active speaker at TED and has also contributed to numerous publications including Refinery29, The Atlantic, Forbes, and the Harvard Business Review.

About Netflix
Netflix is the world’s leading internet entertainment service with over 130 million memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries and feature films across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/08/verna-myers-joins-netflix-as-vice-president-of-inclusion-strategy/

*NEW YORK –– Slick Rick, hip-hop’s greatest storyteller, and The Black Eyed Peas – whose crossover over appeal has generated sales of more than 40 million units worldwide – share a new song and video, “Constant Part 1 & 2,” released globally today across all DSPs. Rick, who celebrates the 30^th anniversary of his landmark The Great Adventures of Slick Rick in November, appears in the video.

“Constant Part 1 & 2” is the fourth Black Eyed Peas (sans Fergie) single this year. Directed by will.i.am and Ernst Weber, the clip marks the first Slick Rick-Black Eyes Peas collaboration. In the past, the band sampled the emcee’s song “The Ruler’s Back” for (2005’s “Don’t Lie,” as well as “Children’s Story (2010’s “The Beginning) and “The Show” (2015’s “Yesterday”). “Constant” interpolates a line from Rick’s classic “La-di-da-di,” and a conscious message is delivered via warm, jazzy boom-bap and hip-house.

Earlier this year Kanye West and Nas exchanged verses about police brutality over Rick’s four-word sample from “Children’s Story,” (“Cops shot the kid…”), which has become the most sampled song in hip-hop history.

source:
Kerry Smalls
Kerry@thechambergroup.com

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/08/slick-rick-and-the-black-eyed-peas-share-new-song-and-video/

*Aretha Franklin’s pre-funeral concert in Detroit took place last night and Patti LaBelle gave an incredibly moving performance.

LaBelle sang her hit song “You Are My Friend,” and belted what turned out to be one of the best tributes of the night. Other acts including The Four Tops and Johnny Gill also hit the stage at Chene Park Amphitheatre.

As we reported, 23 acts were originally slated to perform Thursday, including big names like the Four Tops, Gladys Knight, Johnny Gill, Ron Isley and lots of others. Gladys’ rep later clarified she wouldn’t be performing, but would be in attendance.

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The Four Tops performed “Bernadette,” “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” and “Reach Out, I’ll Be There.”

What’s noteworthy is that these stars committed to the show as they’re all took care of their own travel and lodging expenses, according to a document obtained by TMZ.

Aretha’s actual home going service is happening today, and features additional headliners including Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Hudson and Ariana Grande, among others.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/08/patti-labelle-performs-you-are-my-friend-at-aretha-franklins-memorial-concert-watch/