Following weeks of speculation, it is finally confirmed – ’Scandal’ will be bowing out after its 7th season.

The news was broken at ahead of the ABC Upfronts moments ago by the network’s Entertainment President Channing Dungey.

Speaking to congregated press, he said:

“Shonda has decided the series needs to come to a close, and while this is definitely a bittersweet moment for all of us gladiators, I have no doubt what she has in store for the final season will be as powerful as what’s come before, and we will be sure to honor that every step of the way.”

Rhimes, creator and executive producer of the politic drama, chimed in adding:

“Deciding how to end a show is easy. Deciding when to finish is quite simple when the end date is years away. But actually going through with it? Actually standing up to say: ‘This is it?’ Not so much. So, next year we are going all out. Leaving nothing on the table. Creating this world in celebration. We are going to handle the end the way we like to handle the important things in our ‘Scandal’ family: all together, white hats on, gladiators running full speed over a cliff.” [Source]

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As a consistent ratings performer, confirmation of the show’s end will come as a blow to its millions of fans. And while we count ourselves among that mass, we do feel ’Scandal’ has reached a respectable ceiling as far as believability goes. Hence, it’s best for it to go out on a high rather than linger on and drag.

Kudos to Kerry Washington, the cast, crew, writers, and all involved. It’s been a hell of a ride.

Your thoughts?

Remy Ma wants Nicki Minaj to know that she is no longer interested in discussing their feud.

How? By discussing their feud.

Praised for her scathing ‘SHether‘, Ma took to radio hours ago to declare that she is finished with the fighting and is unsure why Minaj, who impacted the Billboard Hot 100 with her response ‘No Frauds’, is still upset about it.

Remy’s point of view below…

On a positive tip, Ma continues to impress viewers of ‘The Real’ with her regular stints on the show and is said to be hard at work on her first solo album since the release of her ill-fated collaborative set ‘Plato o Plamo’ which she released with Fat Joe.

Your thoughts?

PETA has a bone (or feather) to pick with Rihanna.

Horrified when they spotted her sporting a fur coat at last week’s Dior Cruise show, the aggressive animal rights activist group penned an opened letter to the ‘Take a Bow‘ belle with hopes it will force her to part ways with said coat.

It reads…

Dear Rihanna,

We saw the numerous comments from fans who were disappointed to see you wearing fur at the Dior event last week. Like us, they wish you would please retire your furs and instead choose a look that kills but doesn’t actually kill anyone.

Please accept this faux fur as a gift from PETA. In addition, we’d like to request that you please consider donating your furs to us. Every fur item causes a tremendous amount of pain and suffering to the foxes, minks, and coyotes who are beaten, electrocuted, gassed, and often skinned alive by the fur industry—and fur production takes a toll on humans as well. In the U.S. alone, fur farms are directly responsible for nearly 1,000 tons of phosphorous entering our rivers and streams each year, not to mention the toxic soup of chemicals used to keep animal skins from decomposing, which are hazardous to workers and the surrounding environment.

Your donated furs would go to good use: In the past, we’ve sent furs to Syrian refugees and to homeless shelters, which has an impact on “as many lives as possible in a positive way,” as you said so eloquently in your Harvard Humanitarian Award acceptance speech.

Warm regards,

Andrew Bernstein

PETA

She is yet to respond to their demand or criticism of her outfit.

#NowWatching: ‘Redlining: The Origin of American Ghettos’.

What do you think Rihanna should do?

Offering a more adept and artistic brand of R&B than a number of her Reality TV-ready peers, Ledisi returns to her genre’s courts with a brand new number named ‘High.’

I’ve been thinking about time / I’ve been thinking about space / I know I might sound crazy but I’m tryin’ to get down in a real good space. Finally, I’m feeling real good.

The moving song appears on her next studio album and will receive live renditions when the singer hits the road to rock fans as part of Maxwell’s forthcoming tour!

Listen below…

I’ve been thinking ’bout time
I’ve been thinking ’bout space
I know I might sound crazy
But I’m tryna get down in a real good space
I just wanna be safe
I just wanna feel good every morning, every single day
Every morning that I wake
I’ve been looking for a place
Where the sun shines all the time
Good loving in my soul is what I crave
I ain’t worried ’bout the hate (uh-uh)
Last year was a good year for your girl
I’ve been keeping up with the pace
So don’t be coming with the bull
Had a good year, now you starting to see my face
Ain’t worried ’bout the fate

Can you relate?

Live in London?

Love Tinashe?

You’re in luck. For following positive developments in her relationship with Sony Music Entertainment‘s British arm, the entertainer has announced the arrival of a brand new live show in the city!

? LONDON SHOW JUNE 29 ? tix on sale Friday pic.twitter.com/3FGlXu9IUK

— TINASHE (@Tinashe) May 16, 2017

Her new set ‘Joyride’ will impact the world on August 11th 2017.

Yet to take a spin on her ‘NightRide’?

Tracklist:

1. Lucid Dreaming
2. C’est La Vie
3. Sunburn
4. Binaural Test (interlude)
5. Sacrifices
6. Company
7. Soul Glitch
8. You Don’t Know Me
9. Spacetime
10. High Speed Chase (interlude)
11. Ride Of Your Life
12. Party Favors
13. You Can Stay Here Tonight (interlude)
14. Touch Pass
15. Ghetto Boy

Listen here!

Your thoughts?

Fifth Harmony‘s Normani Kordei continues to crush the competition on the current season of ‘Dancing With The Stars.’

Competing alongside Val Chmerkovskiy, the 20-year-old has been amassing major momentum with her flaw-free showings.

And week 9 was no different.

Tackling the Viennese Waltz (to Rihanna’s ‘ANTI’ hit ‘Desperado’) and a 2nd Jazz number, Kordei earned high scores – the latter of which being the top score.

Watch ‘Mani werk it all the way out below…

She came, she slayed, she conquered.

Word on the curb is that new 5H material is due in a matter of weeks, so this is all lining up rather handsomely.

Your thoughts?

In 2010, the attorney Phaedra Parks waltzed into America’s homes by way of the hit series ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta.’

Shortly after, the esteemed mother of two found herself in hot water when a former friend named Angela Stanton penned a book detailing what she claims was criminal activity engaged in by Parks, her husband Apollo Nida and Nida‘s brother.

Fortunately for Parks, it wasn’t long before the book and the interviews launched to support it were buried beneath Park’s rising star and on-camera storylines served up by she and her fellow ‘Housewives.’

Alas, her feuding with her co-star Kandi Burruss and the firestorm it has created has prompted viewers to take a fresh look into Stanton’s allegations.

What a new generation of ‘Housewives’ viewers has discovered?

Angela Stanton explaining EXACTLY what kind of car stealing scheme she, Apollo and Phaedra were involved in. THIS. IS. INSANE!!!! ???? pic.twitter.com/ltbMjAxoty

— Mikey Alexander (@Sublime00) May 15, 2017

Parks has always denied these allegations. Alas, despite blasting the show’s decision to overlook tall tales told by her nemesis Kenya Moore, fans of the series took to Twitter to share remarks like the ones below…

Watch that Angela Stanton interview from years ago and boy oh boy! That Phaedra is one smooth criminal

— Uwa (@its_flankiee) May 10, 2017

Just finished the reunion ?? what’s this book talkin bout ?? Phaedra look hella bad https://t.co/3iOUy6oXNv

— Solay (@cirquesolay) May 9, 2017

@cirquesolay her past criminal activities with this chick Angela who ended up being locked up for their ish & Phaedra cut her off..so she wrote this book

— Auntie Simone (@SimoneRaiis) May 9, 2017

Phaedra is so devious. I bet she was the ringleader behind all of Apollo’s criminal activity.

— Laura (@Ljjoyce15) May 8, 2017

@Kandi @Cotyhh Phaedra is the devil. She has profited from criminal activity and she has evaded conviction. LOCK HER UP

— Louise Hicks (@lillyrhicks) May 8, 2017

Your thoughts?

After doing her part to save ‘Keeping up with the Kardashians’ from complete ratings ruin, the influencer Kylie Jenner steps into her own light this year with the birth of her own TV series ‘Life of Kylie.’

In it, fans are given access into the celebrity’s world as she builds an empire fuelled by the fame of her older sister Kim Kardashian, father Caitlyn Jenner and mother Kris Jenner.

E! ordered eight episodes from the Bunim/Murray production outfit which built the series with help from Ryan Seacrest Productions.

Waiting below? A first look delivered by NBC during its recent upfront presentation in New York City.

Keep it locked on TGJ for ‘Kylie’s release date.

#NowPlaying: Monica – Teen People Interview.

Will you be watching?

Photo credit: KRISTINA BUMPHREY/STARPIX/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK

Jennifer Lopez was the picture of perfection at today’s NBC Upfronts.  Stunning with a long sleeve, off-shoulder number, the multitalented ‘Louboutins’ singer strutted the blue carpet in a fierce pair of nude Christian Louboutins to dish on her forthcoming NBC venture, ‘World of Dance.’

But, before she kicks off her search for America’s next best dancer on May 30th, Lopez was quizzed on her thoughts about official news her former judging gig – ‘American Idol’ – is making its return to airwaves.  Find out what she said below:

(more…)

Mary J. Blige is bringing ‘The Strength Of A Woman’ to a city near you!

Fresh from releasing her hit R&B album of the same name, the Queen of Hip-Hop/Soul has announced its accompanying tour.

Aptly christened ‘The Strength Of A Woman Tour,’ the US trek kicks off in Chicago on July 7th and climaxes in September in Oakland. Lala Hathaway will serve as special guest.

Peep the announcement video below, where dates also await…

I am so excited to announce the #StrengthOfAWoman Live Tour with special guest @lalahhathaway! pic.twitter.com/xv2HVTJT4R

— Mary J. Blige (@maryjblige) May 15, 2017

7/30/17 – Chicago, IL Chicago Theatre
8/1/17 – Sterling Heights, MI Michigan Lottery Amphitheater at Freedom Hill
8/2/17 – Cleveland, OH Hard Rock Live
8/4/17 – Buffalo, NY Shea’s Performing Arts Center
8/5/17 – Indianapolis, IN Murat Theater
8/6/17 – Nashville, TN Nashville Municipal Auditorium
8/8/17 – Atlanta, GA Wolf Creek Amphitheater
8/10/17 – Raleigh, NC Red Hat Amphitheatre
8/13/17 – Baltimore, MD Pier Six Pavilion
8/18/17 – Brooklyn, NY Ford Amphitheatre at Coney Island Boardwalk*
8/19/17 – New York City, NY Theater at Madison Square Gardens*
8/22/17 – Miami, FL Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theatre
8/23/17 – Jacksonville, FL Daily’s Place
8/25/17 – Houston, TX Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land
8/26/17 – Dallas, TX Music Hall at Fair Park
8/30/17 – Phoenix, AZ Comerica Theatre
9/1/17 – Las Vegas, NV The Pearl
9/2/17 – Los Angeles, CA Greek Theatre
9/6/17 – Denver, CO Bellco Theater
9/8/17 – Reno, NV Grand Theatre at The Grand Sierra Resort
9/9/17 – Oakland, CA The Paramount Theatre

[Tickets go on-sale May 19th. Click here for more tea]

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We’ll most definitely be in the house, as MJB shows up and shows out each and every time.

Your thoughts?

Katy Perry has always been quite the creative and now she’s flexing said skill in a bid to sell her new album ‘Witness.’

Announced early this morning, confirmation of the Pop starlet’s fourth set sent her fans into a frenzy.

Yet, amidst the excitement, one interesting detail seems to be slipping through the radar. But we caught it.

In a press release touting the LP and accompanying tour, it was revealed that every ticket from the North American trek will come with a FREE copy of ‘Witness.’

This clearly is a move designed to auto-broaden reach of the new music and one  arguably employed to combat the questionable levels of interest in the project.

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Jury’s out on whether this will be allowed to count towards the first week sales of ‘Witness.’ Because artists who’ve drawn on similar practices have instead offered their LPs as an optional and discounted add-on to ticket purchases. Rather than making it entirely free.

We’re torn as to where we stand on the matter.

On the one hand, it’s a smart means of ensuring those who attend are familiar with the new material in the absence of a smash hit preceding the album’s release.

Yet, on the other, if it will count towards sales, then it’s the latest example of a high-profile Pop act effectively being rescued by a clever loophole. Just like Rihanna‘s Samsung/‘ANTI’ episode from last year.

Either way, it’s clear Team Perry won’t let their prized possession go down without a fight. Even if it has to get a little dirty.

‘Witness’ hits stores June 9th.

Your thoughts?

It’s that time of year again!

The BET Awards 2017 are set to air live from the Microsoft Theater at L.A Live on Sunday June 25th.

As always, all eyes are on who’ll be up for nominations at Urban entertainment’s biggest calendar night.

Well, wonder no more. For, the nominees list has been revealed. Beyonce – whose ‘Lemonade’ album was named the top-telling US LP of 2016 – leads with a seismic seven. Her Super Bowl comrade Bruno Mars earned several honors too.

What are you waiting for? The full list awaits below…

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
BEYONCÉ
KEHLANI
MARY J. BLIGE
RIHANNA
SOLANGE

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
BRUNO MARS
CHRIS BROWN
THE WEEKND
TREY SONGZ
USHER

Best Group
2 CHAINZ & LIL WAYNE
A TRIBE CALLED QUEST
FAT JOE & REMY MA
MIGOS
RAE SREMMURD

Best Collaboration
BEYONCÉ FT. KENDRICK LAMAR – FREEDOM
CHANCE THE RAPPER FT. 2 CHAINZ & LIL WAYNE – NO PROBLEM
CHRIS BROWN FT. GUCCI MANE & USHER – PARTY
DJ KHALED FT. BEYONCÉ & JAY Z – SHINING
MIGOS FT. LIL UZI VERT – BAD AND BOUJEE
RAE SREMMURD FT. GUCCI MANE – BLACK BEATLES

Best Male Hip-Hop Artist
BIG SEAN
CHANCE THE RAPPER
DRAKE
FUTURE
J. COLE
KENDRICK LAMAR

Best Female Hip-Hop Artist
CARDI B
MISSY ELLIOTT
NICKI MINAJ
REMY MA
YOUNG M.A.

Video of the Year
BEYONCÉ – SORRY
BIG SEAN – BOUNCE BACK
BRUNO MARS – 24K MAGIC
MIGOS FT. LIL UZI VERT – BAD AND BOUJEE
SOLANGE – CRANES IN THE SKY

Video Director of the Year
BENNY BOOM – KEHLANI “CRZY”
BRUNO MARS & JONATHAN LIA – BRUNO MARS “THAT’S WHAT I LIKE”
DIRECTOR X – ZAYN MALIK “LIKE I WOULD”
HYPE WILLIAMS – TYGA “GUCCI SNAKES FT. DESIIGNER”
KAHLIL JOSEPH & BEYONCÉ KNOWLES-CARTER – BEYONCÉ “SORRY”

Best New Artist
21 SAVAGE
CARDI B
CHANCE THE RAPPER
KHALID
YOUNG M.A.

Album of the Year
24K MAGIC – BRUNO MARS
4 YOUR EYEZ ONLY – J. COLE
A SEAT AT THE TABLE – SOLANGE
COLORING BOOK – CHANCE THE RAPPER
LEMONADE – BEYONCÉ

Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award
CECE WINANS – NEVER HAVE TO BE ALONE
FANTASIA FT. TYE TRIBBETT – I MADE IT
KIRK FRANKLIN FT. SARAH REEVES, TASHA COBBS & TAMELA MANN – MY WORLD NEEDS YOU
LECRAE – CAN’T STOP ME NOW (DESTINATION)
TAMELA MANN – GOD PROVIDES

Best Actress
GABRIELLE UNION
ISSA RAE
JANELLE MONÁE
TARAJI P. HENSON
VIOLA DAVIS

Best Actor
BRYSHERE Y. GRAY
DENZEL WASHINGTON
DONALD GLOVER
MAHERSHALA ALI
OMARI HARDWICK

YoungStars Award
ACE HUNTER
CALEB MCLAUGHLIN
JADEN SMITH
MARSAI MARTIN
YARA SHAHIDI

Best Movie
FENCES
GET OUT
HIDDEN FIGURES
MOONLIGHT
THE BIRTH OF A NATION

Sportswoman of the Year Award
GABBY DOUGLAS
SERENA WILLIAMS
SIMONE BILES
SKYLAR DIGGINS
VENUS WILLIAMS

Sportsman of the Year Award
CAM NEWTON
LEBRON JAMES
ODELL BECKHAM JR.
RUSSELL WESTBROOK
STEPHEN CURRY

Centric Award
FANTASIA – SLEEPING WITH THE ONE I LOVE
KEHLANI – DISTRACTION
MARY J. BLIGE – THICK OF IT
SOLANGE – CRANES IN THE SKY
SYD – ALL ABOUT ME
YUNA – CRUSH FT. USHER

Coca-Cola Viewers’ Choice Award
BEYONCÉ – SORRY
BRUNO MARS – 24K MAGIC
DRAKE – FAKE LOVE
MIGOS FT. LIL UZI VERT – BAD AND BOUJEE
RAE SREMMURD FT. GUCCI MANE – BLACK BEATLES
THE WEEKND FT. DAFT PUNK – STARBOY

Best International Act: Europe
BOOBA (France)
MHD (France)
CRAIG DAVID (UK)
EMELI SANDÉ (UK)
GIGGS (UK)
SKEPTA (UK)
STORMZY (UK)
WILEY (UK)

Best International Act: Africa
AKA (South Africa)
BABES WODUMO (South Africa)
DAVIDO (Nigeria)
NASTY C (South Africa)
STONEBWOY (Ghana)
TEKNO (Nigeria)
WIZKID (Nigeria)
MR EAZI (Nigeria)

Your thoughts?