As we reported here, Ne-Yo was among the featured performers billed to tribute George Floyd at his memorial hosted in Houston, TX (June 8).

On hand to sing Boyz II Men‘s ‘It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye,’ the GRAMMY-winner made headlines for breaking down at multiple junctures during the heartfelt showing.  But, while many have applauded the singer-songwriter (born Shaffer Smith) for his attempts to maintain his composure, others are criticizing the speech he rendered before launching into the song.

Prefacing his performance with a statement alluding to Floyd’s death at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer as being a ‘sacrifice’ for a greater cause, the comments were met with fury.

So much so, Smith took to social media to clarify.

Details inside:

(more…)

A&E’s reported its hit reality crime series, ‘Live PD,’ is the latest of its ilk to hit the chopping block amid nationwide protests against police brutality.

After vowing to cease production to find better ways to tell the stories of the community and police officers, the network issued a statement to announce ousting the show from its roster.

“This is a critical time in our nation’s history and we have made the decision to cease production on Live P.D. Going forward, we will determine if there is a clear pathway to tell the stories of both the community and the police officers whose role it is to serve them,” the statement reads. “And with that, we will be meeting with community and civil rights leaders as well as police departments.”

The move – particularly surprising given that it is A&E’s top-rated program and was just renewed for 166 more episodes after a successful four season run – was met with mixed reactions from the show’s creators and fans.

See more inside:

(more…)

‘Breakaway‘ singer Kelly Clarkson is looking to do just that from her 7-year marriage with husband Brandon Blackstock.

Details inside:

(more…)

Twitter absolutely roasted Terrence J to the high heavens after an interview he conducted with Marlon Wayans went viral because the two engaged in a heated argument over nepotism.

In the heavily shared clip, the VJ-turned-actor asserts his comedic guest’s success is mostly due to his famous last name and not his own merit.

Once the assertion reached the masses, J’s Twitter mentions went through the roof with many defending Wayans’ solo career achievements.  After the merciless dragging, the 38-year-old called a “cease fire” by confirming the debate was parodic.

Details inside:

(more…)

UK Rap royal Stormzy has stepped up in a major way to assist the drive for racial equality.

For, the chart-topper has pledged a colossal £10 million in support of “organisations, charities and movements that are committed to fighting racial inequality, justice reform and black empowerment within the UK.”

Full story below…

(more…)

Kobe Bryant is to be honoured by the Emmys.

Full story below…

(more…)

Anna Wintour has apologised on behalf of her magazine ‘Vogue.’

On the receiving end of the apology? Black artists and creatives.

Her thoughts below…

(more…)

Hot on the promo trail in support of the recently released deluxe edition of his latest chart-topping album, ‘Funeral,’ rapper Lil Wayne has lifted an animated video for new song, ‘I Don’t Sleep.’

Featuring Migos star Takeoff (who serves as one of many big names on the expanded project which already included Big Sean, 2 Chainz, Lil Baby, The-Dream, XXXTentacion, Adam Levine, O.T. Genasis, and more), the Rockamore-produced cut is the latest from ‘Funeral’ to get the visual treatment.

See it inside:

(more…)

Lionel Richie has inspired Disney to share the gift of song.

Find out how below…

(more…)

Alicia Keys, Cardi B, Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monáe, and Queen Latifah are among the the celebrities using their platforms to shed light on the killing of Louisville, Kentucky healthcare worker Breonna Taylor.

Taylor was killed in March by Louisville Metro Police Department officers who used a no-knock warrant to enter her apartment unannounced, then fired approximately 20 shots (eight of which hit her and ultimately ended her life) to later discover they’d entered the wrong home (click here to read more).

Now, as protests continue in the wake of the death of George Floyd, a number of female celebrities are using their voices to ensure justice is also served for Breonna as – at writing – her killers have not been arrested.

More inside:

(more…)

Despite announcing her retirement from music in December (as we reported here), Azealia Banks – like her on-and-off again nemesis Nicki Minaj – has been steadily teasing new music.

After thrilling fans with ‘Nirvana,’ the femcee’s followed with a new tune – ‘Black Madonna.’

Featuring and produced by Lex Luger, look inside for your first listen:

(more…)

On June 9, celebrities, statesmen, and more gathered at Houston’s Fountain of Praise to bid farewell to George Floyd – the unarmed Minneapolis Black man whose death at the hands of local police sparked global outrage that’s led to protests for criminal justice reform.

Among those in attendance included Rev. Al Sharpton, Ne-Yo, Jamie Foxx, Slim Thug, and Ne-Yo.

The latter took to the stage to not only offer his condolences to the Floyd family, but also performed a spirited acapella rendition of Boyz II Men‘s ‘It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday.’

See it inside (#ICYMI):

(more…)