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21 Savage Will Not Be Joining Drake’s It’s All A Blur Tour in Canada

21 Savage Will Not Be Joining Drake’s It’s All A Blur Tour in Canada Get Your Tickets NOW Drake’s highly anticipated It’s All A Blur Tour is making its way to Canada this summer. Unfortunately, fans will not be seeing 21 Savage on stage during those shows. The tour is set to hit Montreal on July 14 and 15, Vancouver on August 28 and 29, and the Toronto show is yet to be announced. However, the rapper is not listed on Ticketmaster’s page for the Canadian shows, nor on the websites for Rogers Arena and the Bell Centre. A reliable source has confirmed that 21 Savage will not be performing on those dates. While it is certainly disappointing news for Canadian fans of the Atlanta rapper, it is not entirely unexpected. 21 Savage has been dealing with a well-publicized immigration and legal situation that could prevent him from entering the country. In 2019, he was arrested by U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), and it was later revealed that he was a citizen of the United Kingdom who had overstayed an H-4 visa that had expired in 2006. That case is still pending, and it is unclear when a final decision will be made. In addition to his immigration woes, 21 Savage was also charged with gun and drug possession during the initial incident with ICE. He turned himself in for those charges in 2021, and he is still fighting those charges. Despite the disappointing news, there was some hope among Canadian music fans that the Drake factor would come into play and somehow enable 21 Savage to join the tour. After all, the Canadian superstar famously posted that he “runs the border” on the screen during the Young Money reunion in Toronto last year. It seemed like Lil Wayne wasn’t going to make it, only to appear triumphantly. However, it seems that this time around, the legal and immigration issues are simply too much to overcome. While it is certainly a shame that 21 Savage will not be joining Drake’s It’s All A Blur Tour in Canada. Fans can still look forward to an incredible show. With or without 21 Savage, the tour promises to be one of the biggest and most exciting events of the summer. It's surely not to be missed. Keep an eye out for updates on the Toronto show, & get ready to experience all the excitement & energy of Drake’s latest tour. Get your Tickets at StubHub Read the full article

With the release of his dynamic new track, “Toonies Loonies”, Grabbz once again showcases to the world, his inimitable musical magnetism

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Motion Filed To Stop "Billionaires" Being Used In Court

Motion Filed To Stop "Billionaires" Being Used In Court Kim kardashian along with her mother Kris and sisters Khloé & Kylie are demanding Blac Chyna not be allowed to use their wealth against them in their upcoming trial. According to court documents obtained by Radar, the Kardashian/Jenner family is pleading for certain things to be off-limits at the trial scheduled to go down later this month. Chyna is suing her ex-Rob for allegedly posting explicit photos of her. After their breakup in 2017 to his 9 million followers. She is taking on his other family members accusing them of spreading lies that she abused Rob. In court documents, Chyna says Kris started the lie and then told Kim. She then proceeded to tell her sisters Khloé & Kylie. Rob’s ex believes the family threatened to stop shooting Keeping Up with the Kardashians unless her show Rob & Chyna was canceled. E! ended up axing Chyna’s reality show despite it already being greenlit for a second season. Chyna believes she lost out on nearly $1 million. From the show alone and tens of millions more from other deals she lost out on. The family denies the allegations arguing Chyna is still a huge moneymaker who has no trouble finding work. Khloé started to investigate Chyna’s income on OnlyFans to try and prove she was doing just fine. Now, the Kardashian/Jenner family has filed a motion. Demanding any conversation, evidence about their wealth or financial condition should be banned from the jury trial. The family believes Chyna should only be allowed to mention their wealth if the jury returns a verdict awarding damages. They say Chyna has expressed she plans to “present evidence of the well-known fact of Defendants’ wealth during the liability phase in connection with intentional interference with contract claim.” “ sole purpose in referencing Defendants’ wealth and financial condition is to inflame and unduly prejudice the jury against Defendants,” they argue. The Kardashian/Jenner family writes they strongly “deny using “power and influence” to interfere with” Chyna’s contract. “While it is widely known that Defendants have achieved financial success through various and divergent business endeavors, it is nevertheless true that allowing to refer to Defendants as “billionaires” or to reference their wealth in more general terms would tend to inflame the passions of the jury and confuse the issues.” Basically, the family believes the jury could turn on them if Chyna kept reminding them the Kardashian members are billionaires. A judge has yet to rule. Guess we never thought we'd see the day billionaire status would be offensive. Very ironic that they don't want their wealth used against them. Yet may have done just that, by using their wealth and affiliated connections to have Chyna and Rob's show cancelled. Read the full article

Love & Hip Hop’ Movie Adaptation

Love & Hip Hop’ Movie Adaptation For the past 11 years, VH1’s Love & Hip Hop has provided those with a guilty pleasure for reality television. With one of the premiere shows to see the best drink-throwing, hair-pulling, baby-momma drama. Now, it appears the series will be making its way to Hollywood — no, not a Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood spinoff! — following rumors that LHH will soon be made into a feature film. It’s believed that creators on the original series are working together on production of the film. Although it hasn’t been made clear whether fan-favourite cast members will be included as well. The series in its original form documents the personal and professional lives of hip-hop personalities in various positions. From artists and managers to record producers and party promoters. The shows are divided by city. Spin-offs currently include Atlanta, Hollywood, Miami and the original New York cast. With some finding the proclaimed real-life drama to be scripted in itself. With that said, the rumored film actually wouldn’t be too far off from its source material. We can’t begin to imagine what they’ll actually come up with in terms of a plot. Or which city will get the most love on film —maybe a new one will be introduced! All we can hope is that Mona Scott-Young doesn’t do too much when it comes to this upcoming version of Love & Hip-Hop. We’ll be sure to keep you updated as more information is made available. Let us know if you’d be interested in watching a movie version of the show. Read the full article

Don Cheadle To Direct Apple TV Limited Series

Don Cheadle To Direct Apple TV Limited Series ‘The Big Cigar’ About Huey P. Newton Oscar-nominated actor Don Cheadle will direct and executive produce the first two episodes of Apple TV’s limited series. The Big Cigar, based on the co-founder of Black Panther Party for Self Defense, Huey P. Newton. The miniseries will include six episodes in partnership with Warner Bros. Television, and Passing actor André Holland is currently in negotiations to take on the lead role. Newton and his college friend Bobby Seale started the Black nationalist organization in 1966. The series will follow the radical leader as he escapes to Havana, Cuba. Evading FBI charges for a 1974 assault and murder in Oakland, California. Newton spent three years in Cuba resulting in his return to America to face federal prosecution for killing a California police officer. The courts therefore, convicted Newton of voluntary manslaughter. However his sentence was later overturned during his appeal. After being incarcerated for two years (1971) and undergoing trial three times, the court dismissed the charges against the revolutionary. Based on the archives of The New York Times. Drug dealer Tyrone Robinson, a member of the Black Guerilla Family fatally shot Newton in the face in West Oakland,1989. Newton’s final words were, “You can kill my body, you can take my life, but you can never kill my soul. My soul will live forever!” Robinson was sentenced to 32 years to life in prison in 1991. Newton’s resting place is at the Evergreen Cemetery in Oakland. The series is based on a 2013 Playboy magazine article by Joshuah Bearman titled “The Big Cigar: How a Hollywood producer smuggled Huey Newton to Cuba.” The feature detailed how Newton escaped to Cuba with the help of Hollywood producer Bert Schneider. Bearman will also executive produce the series. Janine Sherman Barrois will serve as the showrunner and executive producer. Barrois worked on such shows as Criminal Minds and The Kings of Napa. The Wonder Years narrator directed four episodes of the Showtime series House of Lies and the 2015 Miles Davisbiopic Miles Ahead. Read the full article

Whoopi Goldberg Takes Hiatus From 'The View'

Whoopi Goldberg Takes Hiatus From 'The View' as She's Filming New Series Whoopi Goldberg is taking a leave of absence from "The View." Her co-host Joy Behar divulged on Mondays episode, that she will be "gone for a while" as she's filming a new series. "If you're wondering where Whoopi is, the girl's got a movie she's making and she will be back when she finishes whatever she's doing," the 79-year-old told viewers. "So she's gone for a while." Whoopi is currently working on Amazon Prime's adaptation of Neil Gaiman's novel, "Anansi Boys". On the show.Also starring Malachi Kirby and Delroy Lindo. She takes the role of key antagonist Bird Woman, God of Birds. Her character description read, "She's the embodiment of birds. Not just beautiful stately birds in flight." "Anyone who's had a close encounter with a seagull knows that some birds are more dangerous than others. Bird Woman is the most dangerous of them all," it added. "Long ago Anansi did her wrong. Now may be her chance to turn the tables." This was not the first time Whoopi was absent from "The View". In February, she was suspended from the ABC daytime talk show. After she made "wrong and hurtful comments" on the Holocaust as she said, "the Holocaust isn't about race... It's about man's inhumanity to man." "Effective immediately, I am suspending Whoopi Goldberg for two weeks for her wrong and hurtful comments," ABC News president Kim Godwin said in a statement. "While Whoopi has apologized, I've asked her to take time to reflect and learn about the impact of her comments. The entire ABC News organization stands in solidarity with our Jewish colleagues, friends, family and communities." When issuing an apology, Whoopi said, "On today's show, I said the Holocaust 'is not about race, but about man's inhumanity to man.' I should have said it is about both." She added, "The Jewish people around the world have always had my support and that will never waiver. I'm sorry for the hurt I have caused." Read the full article

What Does "Getting Help" Look Like For Kanye?

What Does "Getting Help" Look Like For Kanye? News broke that Kanye West was pulling out of the upcoming Coachella music festival, and the rapper didn’t show up to accept two awards at the Grammys. He was spotted out and about in Beverly Hills. Photos show West at a construction site for some unspecified reason, suggest that the rapper, 44, has not checked himself into a hospital or other facility to deal with recent troubling behaviour, possibly related to his bipolar disorder. Many assume that West has been in throes of a manic episode and was going to rehab, based on a report last week that he had told his ex-wife, Kim Kardashian, that he was going “away somewhere to get better.” “For the sake of the kids, Kanye has told Kim he’s not making any public appearances or inflammatory social media statements, and he will go away somewhere to get better,” a source close to the Kardashian family said. Kanye “wants to get help,” the source said. Meanwhile, it was announced that The Weeknd and Swedish House Mafia were the performers taking over West’s slot at Coachella. What does “go away,” “get help” and “get better” mean for the mercurial rapper, fashion designer and billionaire? As one of the highest-profile celebrities who publicly deals with a mental illness, West has been vocal about his refusal to go to therapy and take psychotropic medication, wrote journalist and psychotherapist Tanay Hudson. It wasn’t clear whether West planned to go to a treatment facility.He stays in Los Angeles to be close with his and Kardashian’s four young children. West’s reported decision to “get help” came after weeks of escalating efforts. Antagonizing, shaming and harassing Kim and cyberbullying her boyfriend, Pete Davidson, through statements and song. It’s not new for West to “go away.” He has retreated before from the public eye. After facing backlash for behaviour that became increasingly unhinged and disturbing. In a well-known instance in December 2016, he checked into the UCLA Medical Center. Reported to be “exhaustion” and a “psychiatric emergency.” Suddenly cancelling remaining concerts in his “Saint Pablo” tour. After delivering a long, meaningless speech onstage in Sacramento instead of performing many songs. During the speech, he criticized Jay-Z, Beyoncé and other friends and associates in the music industry. Launching his first public praise of then-President-elect Donald Trump. A month later, West emerged from that hospitalization as loud and provocative as ever. Starting with him making a show of visiting Trump in Manhattan. As the polarizing new president was putting together his administration before assuming power in January 2017. West has spoken about experiencing manic episodes, often tweeting and performing through them. He has famously referred to his bipolar disorder as a “superpower” that allows him to be creative and productive. He’s also talked to David Letterman about the stigma he’s faced in having a mental illness. Describing “feelings of paranoia and delusions, as well as being handcuffed, drugged, and hospitalized,” The Cut reported. It’s also “been evident” that he hasn’t been receiving “any help due to his erratic and unhinged behavior,” Hudson wrote. She said it appears that West has been trying to manage his illness on his own. His recent actions are the result of a manic episode. “Where a person experiences grandiose thoughts, poor judgement, risky and impulsive behaviours and paranoia.” Hudson noted that, in just the past two years, West has treated his followers and everyone else to manic scenes. Him urinating on his Grammy, saying slavery was a choice, slamming Harriett Tubman and unsuccessfully running for president. He also continued to voice support for Trump and may have allowed his campaign to be unethically used to undermine Joe Biden’s campaign in certain states. He professionally embraced accused serial abuser Marilyn Manson and publicly embarrassed Kardashian and his 8-year-old daughter North. By revealing that he and his ex-wife considered an abortion when they learned she was pregnant. West seemed at first to take his divorce from Kardashian fairly well. The divorce, announced in February 2021, appeared to be amicable. With reports that the estranged spouses were dedicated to co-parenting their four young children. That veil of amiability fell apart when the world and presumably West, learned in late 2021 that Kardashian was dating “Saturday Night Live” star Davidson. On Instagram, West publicly pleaded with her to get back together. But also bashed her parenting skills, claimed he was being kept out of his children’s lives, threatened Pete Davidson. Attacking anyone, including Billie Eilish, whom he perceived as condemning his behaviour. West was suspended from Instagram after he used racial slurs against Trevor Noah. The “The Daily Show” host commented on West's harassment. Noah and others compared West’s attacks on his ex-wife to abusive men who become controlling and violent when their partners leave. No one has ever accused West of domestic violence. Noah and others expressed concerns that he had crossed a line that was painfully familiar to survivors of domestic violence. “What she’s going through is terrifying to watch, and it shines a spotlight on what so many women go through when they choose to leave.” Noah said. West responded by posting a photo of the South African comedian. With the racial slur inserted into the lyrics of the African-American spiritual “Kumbayah.” West learned that his planned performance at the 64th annual Grammys ceremony was being cut from the show. Organizers told West’s team that they didn’t want him to perform, citing his erratic and troubling public behavior West, who was nominated for five awards and won two. Was still welcome to attend Sunday night’s ceremony, but did not appear. West’s time out of the spotlight would include “professional treatment.” Not specifying what that would involve. In an essay for The Cut, writer Erica Schwiegershausen, who has bipolar disorder, said it’s common for people with this condition to resist taking medication. “ They don’t believe they need it, or because the highs of mania are seductive.” There also can be long-term physical side effects. Especially when people have to stay on the medication the rest of their lives. While many find medication to be “lifesaving,” others say it affects their ability to feel like themselves. Kardashian explained West’s resistance to medication in a 2019 Vogue interview, saying: “Being on medication is not really an option (for Kanye), because it just changes who he is.” The reality TV shapewear mogul continued to defend her husband in 2020. Even after he made jarring comments about her and their daughter during his 2020 presidential run. She pleaded for better public understanding of his illness. “As many of you know, Kanye has bipolar disorder,” Kardashian said in a rare public statement. “Anyone who has this or has a loved one in their life who does, knows how incredibly complicated and painful it is to understand.” Calling her husband a “brilliant but complicated person,” she added: “Those who are close to Kanye know his heart and understand his words sometimes do not align with his intentions.” Kardashian’s statement brought up realities that people with mental illness and their loved ones know all too well. Bipolar disorder and other conditions are chronic. Potentially debilitating and don’t easily go away, even with a trip to the hospital and medication. As Schwiegershausen wrote, medication is “just one tool for treating a complicated illness. Where episodes are often triggered by and intertwined with stress and trauma.” The hope among people with mental illness is that they can manage their symptoms. Usually through trial and error. With the help of a combination of medication, therapy and adopting regular, healthy lifestyle habits. Hudson emphasized that West needs professional help, instead of continuing to attempt to manage the symptoms on his own. “As time goes on, his symptoms seem to worsen,” Hudson wrote. “The only way he can be stabilized is getting help from a psychiatrist and psychotherapist and adhering to a medication regimen.” Read the full article

The ‘Bridgerton’ Family on Seasons 3 and 4

The ‘Bridgerton’ Family on Seasons 3 and 4 The cast of the Regency-era drama spill on their hopes for the future following the season two finale. At the end of its long-anticipated second season, fans were left hanging on the edge for what comes next in Shondaland’s Bridgerton. Season three and four are already confirmed. Along with a Queen Charlotte origin story spinoff. The Hollywood Reporter spoke with the cast about what they think the future holds in the Bridgerton universe. Each of the eight novels in Julia Quinn’s popular Bridgerton series is dedicated to one of the eight siblings. So far the show continues to follow the order of the novels. The second Bridgerton brother Benedict (Luke Thompson), whose romance is chronicled in Quinn’s An Offer From a Gentleman should be next. (Netflix hasn’t yet revealed if the series will continue to follow the same chronology as the books.) Meanwhile, season two star Simone Ashley, who plays Anthony’s (Johnathan Bailey) new wife Kate Sharma, confirmed that she will be returning for season three. “She’s going to be viscountess. I’m super-excited to continue the story,” says Ashley. As for Bailey, he simply hopes that Kate and Anthony will get a chance to experience more joyous moments like their wedding at the end of season two, adding that the last shot of them together in the finale is one of his favorites in the entire series. “But there’s going to be complication ,” he warns. “They’re not simple people. I know they will work as a unit, and I know he’ll be completely devoted to her, so I’m excited to see that and to explore . In the book and source material, there’s so much about her past and his past, so seeing maybe perhaps conversations where they acknowledge that further, and they have a really rich connection, just exploring that a bit further will be great. The payoff of the slow burn I think will continue for the years to come.” At the beginning of the second season, which released March 25 to record viewing, Bailey’s Anthony is courting Kate’s sister, the season’s “diamond,” Edwina (Charithra Chandran) because he believes she’ll be a good, amiable wife, which is all he was aiming for before Kate flipped his life upside down. Chandran hasn’t been officially confirmed for future seasons. The actress has hopes for her character’s storyline. “I obviously do want Edwina to find love, but I think there is a far more important story to be told first — and then love can happen — which is one of self-discovery,” Chandran says. “I hope, at least in the short term, there’s a lot of excitement and adventure for Edwina.” As the various Bridgerton family romances take hold over the course of novels and series, the one common thread is the writings and adventures of Lady Whistledown, better known as Penelope Featherington (played by Nicola Coughlan). This season, Penelope steps into a more business-minded role as the famed gossip columnist. But it all comes crashing down when, in the final episode, she has a brutal falling out with best friend Eloise when the Bridgerton sister discovers her secret. “I’m deeply curious,” says Coughlan about where Lady Whistledown’s journey will take her next. “What she’s been through, I imagine it would harden her. In this season, she’s very much on a journey where you see the success of how Whistledown is impacting her in ways she doesn’t realize. I think she’s become a little arrogant in certain ways, and she’s become sort of really needy of Eloise’s praise.” In addition to a friendship-ending fight with Eloise, Penelope is left heartbroken after she overhears Colin mock the notion of courting her. She continued, “She’s spinning a lot of plates and not really managing it as well as she would like to think so. I think it’s a real ‘Pride comes before a fall’ type season for her. I think she’s fallen as low as she can get, losing Eloise, losing Colin. Whistledown’s all she’s got. I imagine it’s going to be very interesting. We see her starting off season three.” “I really hope that’s where we kick off for the next season,” says Luke Newton, who plays the middle Bridgerton brother. What’s to come for Colin and Penelope. “I really want to know more, and I don’t want to annoy people by sending messages to writers to find out what’s going on.” He adds, “It’s really difficult to defend him in that situation because he’s done so much good throughout, particularly throughout episode eight. It feels like he’s a knight in shining armor at some points. But he’s also made a couple of mistakes, which can totally counterbalance the good stuff, which is really frustrating. He was on cloud nine from feeling like the hero. He’s obviously been celebrating, he’s had a few drinks with the lads and kind of just got carried away. But I don’t think he means any of it in a malicious way. He’s just like being one of the lads. I think he would be devastated to know that she ever heard what he’d said.” As for the fate of Colin and Penelope’s relationship, fans of the book series will know that (spoiler alert!) The pair have their own love story in Quinn’s fourth novel, Romancing Mister Bridgerton. “I think the foundations have been set for that. I think it’s been really nice to explore that on a really dragged-out scale,” the actor says. “It’s really nice to represent different love stories and see how these two best friends, gradually, hopefully, fall in love. I’m really excited to see what the future brings and how much longer Colin can go without seeing what’s right in front of his eyes, really.” Now that Eloise knows Penelope’s true identity, could Colin be the next Bridgerton to find out? “That’s one I cannot wait to read if that ever happens,” Newton says of a Lady Whistledown reveal moment for Colin. “I hope sooner rather than later, because I’m dying to know his reaction. He’s obviously got a very close connection with her, just like Eloise does, but I think it’s difficult because … is he over the stuff with Marina? That’s the only scandal that he’s really been involved in with Whistledown. But then, is he going to be OK with being lied to for however many years? It’s put his family in very difficult positions every now and then. So it’s definitely going to stir things up, particularly now with Eloise sort of writing off her best friend. It’ll be really interesting if Penelope has any loyalty to the Bridgertons at all. They’ve been kept quite safe because of their connection. And now she isn’t close with anyone because Colin’s been horrible and Eloise has found out everything. I’m really excited to see how the Bridgertons are treated next year.” This season also sees middle Bridgerton sister Eloise (played by Claudia Jessie) embark on new beginnings, including a budding romance. Moving into future seasons, Jessie hopes Eloise leans into her more feminist and forward-thinking interests. “I really hope that she gets political,” Jessie says of Eloise. “That’d be the person you’d want to watch do that, as well, right? Exploring different thoughts, different ideas, different parts of society. I’d love to see that really expand. Because, at the moment, she’s just sucking in information, isn’t she? She’s been a bit of a sponge. I’d love her to find a clear objective and become political.” Adjourn Andoh, who plays the formidable and wise Lady Danbury, hopes to collaborate more with other characters in the coming seasons, including Eloise. “I think she loves the fire of Eloise, and Penelope” Andoh says “I have to say, although she appears not to give her much attention, I think quite liked Lady Featherington,” the actress adds about the Featherington matriarch (played by Polly Walker). “There’s something about Lady Featherington’s determination. I would really love to see a bit more of them.” But Andoh is still holding out for Lady Danbury to have a romance of her own. “I would love Lady Danbury to have someone to love,” she said. “It would be so great. And I just love her appetite. So I would love anything that allows more of that appetite to be present.” Bridgerton confirmed its next two seasons. Showrunner Chris Van Dusen hopes he gets the chance to explore all eight of the Bridgerton siblings’ love stories. “It’s really any creator’s goal to create characters that can sustain the lifetime of a series, and in this case, I was able to even create characters that could sustain an entire franchise and multiple series, like what’s happening with Queen Charlotte,” he says. “So, it’s a show that’s turning to multiple shows, and the franchise has really been able to expand, so I’m definitely excited to see where else you can go.” Are you looking forward to seeing The ‘Bridgerton’ Family on Seasons 3 and 4? Read the full article

Netflix Announces Oprah and Viola Davis Special Event

Netflix Announces Oprah and Viola Davis Special Event The interview comes just ahead of Davis' first memoir release, which is expected to hit bookstores everywhere on April 26. Oprah Winfrey and Viola Davis will be joining together once again for a new special coming to Netflix this month. Per Oprah Daily, Oprah + Viola: A Netflix Special Event will see the two icons in conversation. Davis discusses her “memories of the disturbing abuse and pain she endured while growing up. Her journey of healing and forgiving including how she has had to ‘give up hope that the past could be different’ in order to move on.” She’ll also touch on how she manifested the happiness she’s currently experiencing now. “I believe that our stories, and the courage to share them, is the most powerful empathetic tool we have,” Davis said in a statement. “This is my story...straight no chaser.” This news comes just ahead of the release of Davis’ first memoir. Titled Finding Me, which is expected to hit bookstores everywhere on April 26. Finding Me will see the How to Get Away With Murder star trace her “rise from growing up in poverty and family violence in Rhode Island. To becoming one of the world’s most acclaimed actors.” The forthcoming book will also be discussed in part during her special one-on-one with Oprah Winfrey. The Fences star will also lend her talents to help bring the story of our Forever First Lady Michelle Obama to life. For a new miniseries on Showtime. Aptly titled The First Lady. The upcoming show “will peel back the curtain on the personal and political lives of three unique, enigmatic women and their families. Tracing their journeys to Washington, dipping into their pasts and following them beyond the White House into their greatest moments.” “I feel very protective of Michelle,” Davis said during an interview with EW about the role. “It’s our job as actors not to judge whoever we are portraying, but I ended up thinking she’s just dope.” The First Lady premieres on Showtime Sunday, April 17. Oprah + Viola: A Netflix Special Event hits the streamer April 22. Read the full article

Koffee’s ‘Defend’ Was Produced By Kendrick Lamar

Koffee’s ‘Defend’ Was Produced By Kendrick Lamar So, Koffee‘s early 2020 tease that she would be collaborating with American rapper Kendrick Lamar has materialized into Defend. A 57-second track off her debut album Gifted, which was released late last month. However, there might be more music on the way from the two. In Defend, Koffee rapidly sifts through poignant verses, bringing light to police brutality, crime, and sociopolitical realities in her homeland of Spanish Town, Jamaica. In the lyrics, she even name-dropped Kendrick, who took the producer’s chair alongside Soundwave, Frank Dukes, and Dahi to lay down the beats for the slow-tempo instrumental. “I worked with Kendrick Lamar on this track, which was a really dope experience,” Koffee told Apple Music, while speaking about Defend. “In my heart, I didn’t want this project (Gifted) to be too heavy,” she said. “On Rapture, the songs are more political, but this one (Defend) is short and simple—and represents for the fans that love that vibe,” she explained. She also says that they had spent one night together in the studio, and hinted that there may be more on the way. The HUMBLE rapper possibly billed as lead artist on a new song, or him adding verses to Defend. You might hear more from his side, too.,” she teased. “But he’s cool. Very, very, very cool. Even from spending one night with him, you can tell he’s very honest, and very introspective in his process. He’s immensely talented.” “When you work with your favourite artists, sometimes it doesn’t meet your expectations,” she warned. “But with Kendrick… it definitely exceeded my expectations!” The Compton-born rapper, 34, has 14 Grammy Awards under his belt. Known for several multi-platinum RIAA hits including The Recipe, B-tch, Don’t Kill My Vibe, DNA., LOYALTY. with Rihanna, LOVE. with Zacari, Poetic Justice with Drake, M.A.A.D. City with Mc Eiht, and Swimming Pools (Drank). But he’s no stranger to producing. In 2018, Kendrick and Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith wrote and produced 14 songs for the soundtrack for the Marvel Studios superhero film Black Panther. Lamar also had an executive producer credit on rapper Jay Rock’s third album. Redemption in 2018, on which he also appeared on a second single, Wow Freestyle. He also worked on ScHoolboy Q’s 2018 album Blank Face LP. Which was believed to be his first production credit on the track Overtime which features Miguel and Justine Skye. The song was also co-produced by Cardo. Koffee’s Defend is track 2 on her 10-track album Gifted. Released on March 25 via Promise Land, RCA, and Columbia Records. The album debuted at No.2 on the Billboard Reggae Album Chart and No.9 on the Official UK Albums Chart. She was the first female Jamaican artist in the Top 10 of the UK chart in 27 years. Following her fellow Spanish Town native Diana King. Gifted sold 3,500 units during its first week of release in the United States. The 18-track deluxe edition, includes Toast, Rapture, and W with Gunna. The album has moved 188,100 units in total, so far. Read the full article

Young Queen Charlotte 'Bridgerton' Spin-Off

Young Queen Charlotte 'Bridgerton' Spin-Off Bridgerton fans know the Netflix hit has a ton of material left to show us. Based on Julia Quinn's novels, the show, which just returned for season 2. Still having six more Bridgerton siblings’ love stories to cover. Beyond the siblings, there are several members of the Ton who have become our faves. All led by the always-elegant, exacting, Whistledown-hunting Queen Charlotte. Luckily for us, the team behind Bridgerton are bringing a new series to Netflix based around our favorite queen. The still-unnamed spin-off will serve as Charlotte's origin story, gifting us with a new romance as the young woman meets and falls in love with the King of England. Here's what we know about the upcoming Bridgerton-universe series. What will the spin-off be about? Netflix announced the series last May, with Shonda Rhimes set to write and executive produce the Queen Charlotte origin story. The series will explore the queen's betrothal to King George. As the young woman arrives in London only to realize she wasn't what the royals were expecting, per the Netflix website t will also show the major societal shift that followed the couple's marriage; as Lady Danbury previously mentioned in season 1, their marriage opened the door for non-white elites to enter society. We'll also meet young Lady Danbury and young Lady Bridgerton in the new series. Meaning we'll get the origin story of our three favorite Bridgerton elders. "Many viewers had never known the story of Queen Charlotte before Bridgerton brought her to the world, and I’m thrilled this new series will further expand her story and the world of Bridgerton," Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s head of global TV, said at the time. "Shonda and her team are thoughtfully building out the Bridgerton universe so they can keep delivering for the fans with the same quality and style they love. And by planning and prepping all the upcoming seasons now, we also hope to keep up a pace that will keep even the most insatiable viewers totally fulfilled." Who is in the cast? Original actors Golda Rosheuval (Queen Charlotte), Adjoa Andoh (Lady Danbury), and Ruth Gemmell (Violet Bridgerton) will all reprise their roles in the new spin-off. As for their younger versions, Netflix announced in the spring of 2022 that British actress India Amarteifio will play the young Charlotte. Amarteifio is best known for her role in the British crime drama Line of Duty, and she also appeared on a season 1 episode of Sex Education. Newcomer Arsema Thomas will play young Agatha Danbury. Who teaches the new queen the ways of London society while also finding her own voice. We'll also have a fantasy-drama crossover, with Game of Thrones actress Michelle Fairley playing Princess Augusta. The determined mother working to secure her son's monarchy. Also joining the cast are Corey Mylchreest as Young King George, as well as Sam Clemmett, Richard Cunningham, Tunji Kasim, Rob Maloney, Cyril Nri and Hugh Sachs. (Young Lady Bridgerton has yet to be cast). When could the series come out? The came alongside photos from the show's first table read. If filming gets underway soon, it's possible that we can see the new series before the end of 2023. Read the full article

Eddie Murphy To Play Godfather of Funk

Eddie Murphy in Talks To Play Godfather of Funk George Clinton in Upcoming Biopic Golden Globe-winner and veteran comedian Eddie Murphy is said to be in early talks regarding a role where he would emulate another legend, Parliament-Funkadelic icon George Clinton in a new biopic. A Rock and Roll Hall of Famer who is widely considered a one of the pioneers of the funk musical genre and whose career stems since the late 1960s, Clinton revolutionized music for generations to come through the emergence of his bands Funkadelic and its sister act Parliament. The project would recount the Godfather of Funk’s childhood in 1940s North Carolina to his legacy that propelled and inspired future hip-hop artists and genres, including Tupac Shakur, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Outkast and Wu-Tang Clan, among others. Clinton graced the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame back in 1997, with 15 other rotating members of Parliament-Funkadelic. Besides starring as the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award-winner, Murphy is also slated to produce the biopic, alongside Davis Entertainment’s John Davis, Catherine Davis and John Fox. While the project is still in its early stages, Davis Entertainment is working to secure the rights with Clinton as well as scour for writers before they shop the film. Murphy previously worked with Davis, starring as the Blaxploitation film star and creator of the character Dolemite, Rudy Ray Moore, in Netflix’s Dolemite Is My Name, which received critical acclaim. Coming 2 America, the sequel to his 1988 classic, quickly followed after Murphy locked down a three-film, first-look deal with Amazon Studios last year. The comedy icon is additionally set to star in another Netflix film, You People, with co-stars Jonah Hill andLauren London, directed by Kenya Barris. The Norbit star will also return this summer as his legendary role of Detective Axel Foley in the fourth installment of his Beverly Hills Cop film series after a 28-year hiatus, Beverly Hills Cop 4, expected to drop in by late 2022 or 2023 Read the full article

Tiffany Haddish To Star As Olympic Icon

Tiffany Haddish To Star As Olympic Icon Florence Griffith Joyner In Game1 Biopic Girls Trip star Tiffany Haddish will produce and star in a game 1 biopic about 3x Olympic Gold-winning track and field athlete Florence Griffith Joyner (“Flo-Jo”). Which was one of the actress’ heroes growing up. Haddish will play Flo-Jo, in a feature that tells the story of the Olympian’s remarkable life and untimely death. Showcasing her historic feats, but also her enduring impact on the entire world of sports and in the communities that needed her help and inspiration the most. Therese Andrews, EVP of Production, is spearheading the entire project. game1 co-CEO’s Basil Iwanyk and Greg Economou will also serve as producers on this film. In addition, Flo-Jo’s widower and former coach, Al Joyner, will serve as a producer and creative consultant on the project. Haddish is already practicing many of Flo-Jo’s training methods and routines. He's already begun training Haddish to prepare for the role of Flo-Jo. Haddish and game1 are also partnering on a documentary series and a podcast related to the feature. Melanie Clark of She Ready Productions will also serve as a producer. While Jonathan Fuhrman of Thunder Road Pictures will serve as an EP. “We are thrilled to partner with Tiffany on such an important project,” said Iwanyk. “Tiffany has established herself as one of the greatest entertainers in the world today . Helping her tell the story of her idol Flo-Jo is an amazing honor and privilege.” “I am looking forward to telling Flo-Jo’s story the way it should be told,” said Haddish. “My goal with this film is making sure that younger generations know my ‘she-ro’ Flo-Jo. The fastest woman in the world to this day, existed.” “I am so elated to team up with game1 and Tiffany Haddish on this project,” said Joyner. “Working with Tiffany has been a great pleasure She is incredibly dedicated, focused, and committed to portraying the spirit of Florence accurately. Whose legacy of making a difference in the world will live on for generations to come. I hope that this film touches all who see it and inspires people to BE the change the world so desperately needs right now!” “This is storytelling at its best – a global superstar portraying and honoring another global superstar,” said Economou. “We are excited to attach relevant brands to participate in these projects and find the most powerful distribution partners for this project – for them to be associated with Tiffany and Flo-Jo is a golden opportunity.” game1 is a sports-oriented content studio. Focused on the development, production, and distribution of premium content. Creating a bridge between sports-based intellectual property and brands and Hollywood. What are your thoughts on Tiffany Haddish To Star As Olympic Icon? Read the full article

Ray J set to venture into tech industry

Ray J set to venture into tech industry launching digital network Competition for streaming channels According to AfroTech, Ray J – actor, singer, television personality and entrepreneur – will be launching a digital network. Specifications on the new venture have not yet been disclosed, it’s said that the network will feature original content. If the reports are in fact true, the move would come at a time when traditional television is facing competition. As the growing interest with streaming giants such as Amazon Prime, Disney+ and Peacock continues. According to CNBC “Nielsen, known for measuring television usage in the United States. Thursday said that 64 percent of time spent on televisions was on network and cable TV, while 26 percent of time was spent on streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu. Another 8 percent, categorized as “Other,” includes video-on-demand, streaming and other TV uses, such as gaming and watching DVDs.” He also cut a $31 million distribution deal with Cowboy Wholesale, a consumer electronics distributor based in New York. Now the combined company, called Raycon Global, is expanding its lineup of electronics gear with other “lifestyle” products. These include Bluetooth audio devices, smart watches, and drones. Ray J serves as chief strategy officer, while Ray Lee runs other parts of the business. At CES 2018, they made a lot of noise about the new markets they are going after.ADVERTISEMENT The expansion of the business is ambitious. If it succeeds it will set Ray J apart from the many failed celebrity tie-ins out there. He wouldn‘t be the first to make it work. Kim Kardashian, Ray J’s ex, made more than $74.3 million with Glu Mobile in the first year of her mobile game, Kim Kardashian: Hollywood, in 2014. An obvious advantage for Ray J is his more than 1.5 million Twitter followers. Read the full article

Will Smith banned from Oscars for 10 years

Will Smith banned from Oscars for 10 years, over Chris Rock slap The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Friday banned Will Smith from attending the Oscars or any other academy event for 10 years following his slap of Chris Rock at the Academy Awards. The move comes after a meeting of the academy's board of governors to discuss a response to Smith's actions. The academy in a statement called Smith's actions "unacceptable and harmful." Smith pre-emptively resigned from the academy last week during the run-up to the meeting and said he would accept any punishment the academy handed down. Smith has not yet commented. Will Smith is banned from the Oscars gala. Along with all other Academy events for 10 years. For slapping comic Chris Rock at the Oscars. The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts and Science, which organises the awards ceremony, met virtually on Friday to discuss disciplinary action. Smith has apologised for his actions and resigned from the Academy. The actor hit Rock for joking about his wife's shaved head, a result of the hair-loss condition alopecia. Less than an hour later, he was awarded the best actor award. For his role in "King Richard." Playing the father of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams. The Academy said the Oscars had been "overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behaviour we saw Mr Smith exhibit on stage." In his resignation statement, Smith said he had "betrayed the trust of the Academy" and was "heartbroken" over his actions. He added he would "fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct". His resignation means he will be unable to vote for future Oscars voters. The Academy's disciplinary review over the incident, was originally scheduled for 18 April. Was fast-tracked after Smith resigned. Few have ever resigned from the academy. Four members - producer Harvey Weinstein, actor Bill Cosby, director Roman Polanski and cinematographer Adam Kimmel - have been booted over sexual misconduct allegations, while actor Carmine Caridi was expelled in 2004 for pirating screener videos given to him. The standards of conduct laid out by the film academy contained various disciplinary options for Smith. Such as excluding him from future Oscars ceremonies, revoking his eligibility for awards or taking back his newly won Oscar. Only one Oscar has ever been taken back. A feature called "Young Americans" won the best documentary in 1969 but was found ineligible for the award that year. Late last month, actor Whoopi Goldberg - a member of the academy's board of governor - predicted Smith would face "big consequences" but said "we're not going to take that Oscar away from him." Beyond the Academy's actions, at least two studios - Sony and Netflix - are pausing their projects with Smith. Rock began his latest stand up comedy tour shortly after the Oscars telecast, and has not commented publicly on the slap. He told fans at a show last month that he is "still kind of processing what happened" and would talk about the incident "at some point". Read the full article

Sixth and Final Season for FX's Snowfall

sixth and Final Season for FX's Snowfall The end is in sight for FX’s critically acclaimed drama series Snowfall. The network has renewed the series, co-created by the late John Singleton, for a sixth and final season. The renewal comes a little more than midway through Season 5. Which is pacing as the series most-watched season ever, according to Nielsen and FX. Up 6% from the equivalized first six episodes of Season 4 and +55% from Season 3. Season 3 did not air next day on Hulu. “FX first partnered with legendary writer/director John Singleton and the rest of the creative team six years ago to pursue their vision for an ambitious, powerful drama about the explosion of the crack epidemic of the early 80s,” said Nick Grad, President, Original Programming. “Today, as the fifth season of Snowfall reaches new heights of acclaim and viewership. There is no question that this series has become an FX classic drama. We are thrilled to order a sixth season that will enable Dave Andron, Walter Mosley, and the rest of the producers to bring Snowfall to a climatic finale. Showcasing the brilliance of everyone involved. From the stellar cast led by Damson Idris, to the writers, directors, artists and crew.” “To tell a story worth telling, with creative partners you respect and admire, at a network that supports you throughout and allows you to end on your terms. That’s the dream,” said Andron. “I am so grateful to everyone at FX from John Landgraf on down and to the entire Snowfall family for helping us get there. If only John Singleton could be with us for the end.” The fifth season of Snowfall, is the summer of 1986, and Franklin Saint (Idris) and his entire family are rich beyond their wildest dreams. On the verge of having everything they’ve ever wanted…right as the ground begins to fall out from under their feet. The sudden death of basketball star Len Bias makes the rock cocaine epidemic front-page news. The target of both Democrat and Republican lawmakers. Law enforcement is on a warpath. The militarization of the L.A.P.D. continues, as police and politicians decide the only way to deal with this growing issue is through force. With the creation of the new C.R.A.S.H. (Community Resources Against Street Hoodlums) units. The streets of South Central Los Angeles have never been so dangerous. The Saint family navigates the police, the warring gangs and the CIA. Amidst all of this, the biggest threat the family faces are each other. Trying not to let greed, resentment and ego tear them all apart. “I couldn’t imagine telling this story anywhere but at FX,” said Snowfall Producer and star Idris. “I’m incredibly proud of the history we have all made. Especially the impact Snowfall has had on the culture." "Very rarely does a TV show get to the sixth season mark and saying goodbye to ‘Franklin Saint’ will be heartbreaking. But the family and relationships I’ve made on this journey will last a lifetime. I know John Singleton is looking down smiling proud.“ In tomorrow night’s Season 5 episode “Celebration”, the family gathers for Jerome and Louie’s wedding and is promptly sent down the rabbit hole. The episode is written by Walter Mosley and directed by Katrelle Kindred. Created by Singleton, Eric Amadio and Dave Andron. Snowfall is executive produced by Singleton, Andron, Thomas Schlamme, Amadio, Michael London, Trevor Engelson, Leonard Chang, Walter Mosley and Julie DeJoie. Idris also serves as Producer. Andron serves as showrunner. Snowfall is produced by FX Productions. Snowfall airs Wednesday nights at 10 PM on FX. Read the full article

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