Last week brought with it the first week of filming for ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’s tenth season.

Alas, as most of its ladies partied with ‘Friend of the Wives’ Shamea Morton in the peachy city, Kenya Moore was nowhere to be seen.

Fortunately, she had good reason.

She got married!

Or did she?

Following news of the entertainer’s union several social media users took to the net, with her supposed habit of faking relationships on-camera in mind, to question the authenticity of the marriage.

Adding fuel to their fire?

Moore’s pal NeNe Leakes.

#NeneLeakes sounds off on #KenyaMoore secret marriage! ?? #RHOA

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Your thoughts?

His discography comes packaged with numbers penned for Jennifer Lopez, The Backstreet Boys, Brandy and Tamar Braxton.

Today, Tiyon Christian continues to step into his own light with his new release ‘Tres Love’.

Ready to hear what the R&B bop-baker has in store for his fans?

Listen here.

Your thoughts?

Mahershala Ali made his way to ‘GQ‘ this month to scorch its pages with a summery spread.

I think African-Americans have a very convoluted relationship with patriotism. The fact is, we essentially were the abused child. We still love the parent, but you can’t overlook the fact that we have a very convoluted relationship with the parent. I absolutely love this country, but like so many people have some real questions and concerns about how things have gone down over the years and where we’re at. And that’s from a place of love, because I want the country to be what it says it is on paper.

There, he offered thoughts on race relations, his long and hard-fought rise to Hollywood fame, faith and much much more.

I think I identify with characters who have to make themselves smaller. Because that’s been my experience, as a large black man, to make people feel safer. Just because I always found”—he pauses again; he is exceedingly precise—“witnessing other people’s discomfort made me uncomfortable. And at the end of the day, it’s a lot of b.s., too. Sometimes you gotta be like, ‘Eff that.

Click here for more.

 

Your thoughts?

Tyra Banks has lived much of her life in front of the lens.

However, when it comes to matters of the private, the model turned mogul has been fiercely protective.

Case in point with her son York.

The fashion icon and photographer boyfriend Erik Asla welcomed the youngster (who is biologically theirs) in January 2016 via a surrogate.

In the time since, she’s bounced back into work – returning to America’s Next Top Modeljoining America’s Got Talent, and producing ‘Life Size 2.’

However, breaking protocol, Banks shared the first picture of her 18th month old to mark the Father’s Day festivities.

Playfully writing the photo’s caption as her son, she posted the following message:

To all the amazing daddies out there that love their kids unconditionally like my mommy’s daddy and my daddy, too…HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!
-York?

Adorable!

Here’s the proud parents…

Your thoughts?

Can Katy Perry catch a break?

The singer’s new album ‘Witness’ may have opened at #1 on this week’s Billboard 200. However, it’s staying power looks virtually non-existent.

It’s been little over a week since the problem-prone LP hit stores and it’s already enroute to the bottom of the iTunes tally.

As at writing the project sits at #50 on the US store:

For what it’s worth, a horde of albums were slashed in price – which explains one aspect of the the drop.

However, it’s worth noting that SZA‘s ‘CTRL’ – which came out the same day – currently sits at #21 amidst all the discounted LPs.

Your thoughts?

Hello…is it me you’re looking for?

According to reports, that’s what legend Lionel Richie may be saying to producers of the rebooted ‘American Idol.’

For, sources close to the production claim that they are keen to sign the icon as a judge on ABC‘s version of the talent search.

Richie’s undeniable impact, hit catalogue, and demographic are being cited as some of the reasons he’s being courted.

If he did hop-aboard, he would join previously announced judge Katy Perry.

The latter’s astounding fee of (an alleged) $25 million is likely to be an unavoidable factor when hashing out Richie’s deal. Because logistically anything remotely close to what was given to Perry would render it near impossible for the show to be profitable.

Multiple sources have stressed that this issue directly affected negotiations with Idol’s longtime host Ryan Seacrest.

A series of deals were put on the table, yet the number took a dive when Perry’s humungous pay packet was confirmed. Reportedly insulted by whatever offer was presented to him at the time, Seacrest is said to have withdrawn. However, when ABC execs heard, they pulled out all the stops to secure him. Word on the curb is that he is back on-board and will be receiving somewhere in the ball-park of $10 million – $15 million.

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Needless to say, the drama in the run-up to the show’s January 2018 return is proving quite titillating in itself.

Many seem willing to dismiss the Idol comeback – and the reasons are understandable.

However, for what it’s worth, we do feel Richie would be a great look.

Your thoughts?

Rita Ora is gearing up to unwrap the video for new single ‘Your Song.’

Said to be due imminently, the clip is the first to be issued from the 26-year-old’s long-awaited sophomore album – which will dub as her first global LP.

Filmed in Vancouver, Canada, the visual for the Ed Sheeran production looks set to arrive at an opportune time. For the track is performing powerfully digitally – both on the sales and streaming fronts.

With the premiere of what looks to be a story driven vid, Ora seems poised to soar even higher on the charts.

Peep pics below…

Your thoughts?

Carving a unique lane for herself is the rising rapper CupCakke!

Soaring to digital stardom by way of sexually explicit cuts and a robust Twitter presence, the performer continues to see her fan base swell by way of socially-conscious material penned to inspire.

Her latest effort?

‘Biggie Smalls’.

Small, medium, large, extra large, and 4X
Size is just size one ain’t better than the next
Reaching for my food is the only time I stretch
Can’t you see I love me and I’m feeling my best.

Watch below…

Can’t give her food for thought
She’ll think her brain gaining weight
Eating disorders, scarier than horrors
She in a buffet and only order a water
Yeah it’s that cray, it make you fight yo craves
Stretch marks in a bikini, I’m that damn brave

Your thoughts?

The rapper Young Thug has caused confusion and ruffled feathers after he stepped forward to claim that he is the new Tupac.

His new album ‘Beautiful Thugger Girls’ was released on Tupac’s birthday (June 16th) because…

His claim was met insults thrown at him by Hip-Hop’s crowd.


 

Do you agree?

After weeks of speculation, it’s finally official – Jay Z is releasing a new album and, as widely expected, it’s titled ‘4:44.’

Previously confirmed for a June 30th release, there was no confirmation that the mysterious project was indeed an album.

Until now.

The following press statement was jointly issued by Roc Nation, TIDAL and the streaming service’s new co-owners Sprint:

On the heels of announcing a first-of-its-kind partnership and offer, global music and entertainment platform TIDAL and Sprint (NYSE: S) are excited to share JAY-Z’s new album, 4:44 – the first in a series of exclusives offered to the 45 million postpaid and prepaid Sprint customers and existing TIDAL members.

Who: JAY-Z

What: New Album – 4:44

When: 12:01 a.m. ET Friday, June 30

How: New and existing Sprint customers can take advantage of the complimentary six-month trial of TIDAL HiFi at Sprint.TIDAL.com or by visiting a Sprint store.1 New Boost Mobile customers can subscribe during the activation process in-store or online at boostmobile.com. Existing customers can add the monthly subscription online via My Account (web and smartphone), in store, or by phone. New TIDAL members worldwide can visit TIDAL.com/Try-now.

Speaking on the release, Sprint president and CEO Marcelo Claure said:

“Today is an exciting day to be a Sprint customer. JAY-Z is a global icon and we’re giving customers an incredible opportunity to be among the first to experience his new album 4:44. Our loyal, existing customers, and customers who switch to Sprint, can experience the album exclusively, plus access a complimentary six-month trial of TIDAL HiFi, giving them access to content they can’t get anywhere else.”

The announcement was paired with an extended version of the ‘4:44’ trailer, which featured a brief lyrical preview:

‘4:44’ is Jigga’s first body of work since 2013’s ‘Magna Carta Holy Grail’ – which opened atop of the Billboard 200 with first week sales of 528,000. The LP has since been certified double Platinum by the RIAA.

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As authentic music titans go, few can rival Jay Z. Hence, we’re all sorts of amped for what will easily be one of 2017’s landmark releases.

The roller-coaster that has been the TIDAL story is well-documented. Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see how the service factors in to the commercial performance of ‘4:44.’

Stay tuned!

Your thoughts?

In today’s hyper-visual age, there’s a necessity for rising stars to be multi-hyphenate; to be more than just one thing.

This is a memo rapper EROCK is well acquainted with.

Making a name for himself as a model, the Brooklyn bred talent (real name Shawn Sutton) has featured in runway and print campaigns for the likes of Tommy Hilfiger, Ted Baker, Givenchy, Target, and Macy’s. He’s also appeared in music videos for Beyonce (‘Run The World’) and Kelly Rowland (‘Motivation’).

Now, he’s stepping into the spotlight as an artist.

Having cultivated his own unique take on Hip-Hop, EROCK has sewn together a new mixtape christened ’16.’

Speaking on the inspiration for his 16-track set, he says:

“It is my hope to inspire the black youth with dreams whether they be hoop ones or rap ones. Even the nerdy awkward kid that gets picked on. I want to encourage them, not to limit themselves, or give up on success. Always going hard for what you believe in and empowering others to believe. From the projects of your city to Beverly Hills, never lose sight of your goals. Always strive for a way out, even in the face of adversity.”

Take a listen below, where a free download and video for ‘April 16’ also await…

Your thoughts?

After helping himself to a critically acclaimed comeback with ‘Let Me Help You,’ R&B singer Mario continues his quest for a Hot 100 resurgence with the deeply personal number, ‘Pain is the New Pleasure.’

Taking to Billboard recently to dish on the new single, the crooner shared:

“The song deals with my thoughts and feelings towards self-sabotage, self-love and the experience in relation to the material world we live in. The song is really about finding true happiness and I feel like that’s something that can only come from within. The record represents finding that space where you choose to finally love yourself and choose to make better decisions.”

The Pham produced tune comes as the latest from his newly titled forthcoming fifth album, ‘Cosmo 17.’  Get into it below:

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