As widely reported, a row over race erupted following the nominee announcement of the 2016 Oscars.

Much to the dismay of cultural commentators, not one actor or actress of color garnered a nomination in any of the 20 slots available in the 4 main acting categories.

What’s more, in other categories, there was some yet not much in the way of ethnic diversity.

The episode has reached such intensity that it has forced the president of the Academy, Cheryl Boone Isaacs (a lady of color herself) to issue a statement.

Thankfully, it’s not a run of the mill series of words, it reads like an actual acknowledgement that change is more than needed. It’s necessary.

Her words below…

(more…)

Filmmaker Spike Lee wasn’t the only prominent African American in show business announcing his intent to boycott this year’s Academy Awards due to its lack of diversity amongst nominees. Actress Jada Pinkett Smith took to Facebook in a video (which can be viewed after the jump) to not only inform fans she will not be attending the February 28th ceremony, but to also encourage other actors of color to follow suit as the award show, for the second time in a row, has failed to acknowledge their cinematic achievements.

“Begging for acknowledgement, or even asking, diminishes dignity and diminishes power. And we are a dignified people, and we are powerful,” she said. “So let’s let the Academy do them, with all grace and love. And let’s do us, differently.” – Jada Pinkett Smith

(more…)

#MLKDay is getting a poignant homage from rapper Young Jeezy with his newest video ‘Sweet Life.’

Getting assistance from ‘Tight Rope’ diva Janelle Monae, the black-and-white clip shines a much needed spotlight on racial injustice, police brutality, and criminal justice reform.

Get into ‘Life,’ the newest release from Jeezy’s lateest chart-topping album ‘Church in These Streets,’ below:

(more…)

Adele‘s dominating grip just keeps tightening.

The British songbird’s huge hit ‘Hello’ has just hit a major milestone on VEVO – breaking another record in the process.

Details below…
(more…)

After much speculation, last Fall saw Bravo officially announce the newest instalment of its Housewives franchise – ’The Real Housewives of Potomac.’

Based in the bespoke Maryland town, the series is particularly noteworthy because it’s the first series to feature a cast compromised of women of color since the debut of the Atlanta branch eight years ago.  

The gargantuan success NeNe Leakes and co have enjoyed with their show (which is the highest rated in the Housewives portfolio) meant comparisons would be plentiful and that the proverbial bar would be set sky-high. 

Now, with the premiere episode having aired last night, debate has turned to whether reality TV’s newest divas delivered. 

Of course, the length and breath of the season will bring with it the definitive answer. However, per the first taste, the signs are potently promising. And here’s why…

(more…)

An extended look at ‘Barbershop 3: The Next Cut’ is here!

Ice Cube, Cedric The Entertainer, Eve, and much of the cast from the first two instalments of the franchise are back for its third outing. This go round, though, they’ve recruited superstar rapper Nicki Minaj.

Onika will portray the character Draya, a sassy local hairstylist working at the barbershop.

Due to hit theaters on April 15th, it looks like light-hearted fun.

Check out the trailer below…

(more…)

Secrecy has encased the recording of Lady Gaga‘s comeback album. A refreshing change of practice from the hyper-hyped approach that defined previous efforts.

And while details the follow-up to 2013’s ‘ARTPOP’ are scarce, it was confirmed that Mother Monster has been in the studio with the likes of RedOne and Mark Ronson.

The latter, whose smash ‘Uptown Funk’ dominated the charts last year, has opened up about his sessions with the superstar singer.

(more…)

It’s here! Finally!

Kanye West has unleashed ‘No More Parties in LA’ – his collaboration with fellow Rap titan Kendrick Lamar.

The much anticipated track is the latest taste of Yeezy’s new album ‘SWISH’ (due February 11th).

And it doesn’t disappoint.

The Hip-Hop icons trade flavorsome verses, with Ye serving up memorable morsels including: “I was uninspired since Lauryn Hill retired.”

What are you waiting for? Listen below…

(more…)

Fact: Bryson Tiller is R&B’s fastest rising and most promising newbie.

Don’t agree?

Well, one would have to take that it up with Drake who was so impressed by him that he was gearing up to sign him as soon as he heard his critically acclaimed LP ‘T R A P S O U L.’

Details below…

(more…)

The Breakfast Club enjoyed the esteemed company of the media mogul Russell Simmons recently who joined them for what may be one of their most educational interviews to date.

His conversation with them saw him detail his journey to the levels he currently sits atop now and how his healthy lifestyle plays an important role in the health of his numerous business ventures.

Enjoy after the jump…

(more…)

Philadelphia’s very own Meek Mill continues to churn out new content for his fans today after the launch of his latest effort ‘4/4.’

This time he drops the video for the single ‘The Trillest’ pulled from his latest LP ‘Dreams Worth More Than Money’ which features an appearance from the rapper Nicki Minaj, his current girlfriend.

Press play below…

(more…)

Mark those calendars!

The ladies of Litchfield are back this summer for another scorching  season of ‘Orange Is The New Black.’

June 17th will see a new batch of episodes of the award-winning prison dramedy uncaged on Netflix.

With 2015’s third run earning polarizing reviews, can the show’s fourth outing redeem? The answer awaits soon. For now, though, check out the newly unwrapped teaser featuring favourites Piper, Crazy Eyes, Red, Mendoza, and more….

(more…)