It’s been a few months since the “slap heard around the world,” and Jada Pinkett-Smith and her husband Will Smith have been fairly quiet about the incident until now. On Wednesday’s episode of her web series “Red Table Talk,” Pinkett-Smith addressed some of the controversy during an episode that centered around alopecia.
Pinkett-Smith opened by saying, “this is an important Red Table Talk on alopecia. Considering what I’ve been through with my own health and what happened at the Oscars, thousands have reached out to me with their stories. I’m using this moment to give our alopecia family an opportunity to talk about what it’s like to have this condition and to inform people about what alopecia actually is. Now about Oscar night, my deepest hope is that these two intelligent ,capable man have an opportunity to heal, talk this out, and reconcile. With the state of the world today, we need them both and we all actually need one another more than ever. Until then Will and I are continuing to do what we have done for the last 28 years- and that is to figure out this thing called life together.”
Pinkett-Smith then interviewed a variety of people who suffer from alopecia, letting them share their stories and struggles, including the parents of a 12-year-old girl who took her own life after being bullied for her condition.
She also used the show to educate people on alopecia including explaining how there are many kinds of alopecia. A doctor explained how most alopecia is an autoimmune disease that affects millions of people across all backgrounds.
She did not address the slap any further throughout the show.
After awaiting trial in the Dekalb County Jail since his federal arrest for marijuana trafficking in 2018, 1017 artist Ralo, whose real name is Terrell Davis , can breathe a sigh of relief after being sentenced to eight years in federal prison.
Why? Well, after the time served granted by a federal judge and Ralo receiving his anticipated good time, which could be up to a year and a half, the accused drug trafficker and ATL mainstay could see the streets as early as next year.
On an IG post from Ralo’s verified account, where the news of his sentence was also confirmed, an update on the sentence handed down said, “He was recommended 1 year ankle monitor after the halfway house approve his home address; which will bring him home to us late next year, but our goal is for him to complete his GED or RDAP Drug program so we can get another year off his sentence. That will bring him home to us in less than a year. We need prayer.”
In 2018, an affidavit filed by the U.S. Attorney claimed Ralo was the leader of a street gang called “Famerica”, that is known to have smuggled almost $2 million worth of weed from Cali to Georgia.
The first day of June is #MaddenDay, a special day that remembers the introduction of John Madden Football on that date in 1988. There’s no better way to honor Coach Madden and his famous career in sports and entertainment than to commemorate the day he permanently revolutionized the gaming industry. Electronic Arts is honoring Coach Madden in various ways, including a new cover, an update on the $5 million John Madden Legacy Commitment to Education, and the dedication of a refurbished field.
Coach Madden has been synonymous with the sport of football for more than 50 years, and he returns to the cover of Madden NFL 23 for the first time in more than two decades to celebrate his legacy for the next generation.
Three separate Madden NFL 23 covers honor different aspects of Coach Madden’s illustrious career. As a video game legend who helped develop the love of NFL football around the world, Coach is highlighted in the Madden NFL 23 All-Madden Edition, which includes artwork done by a popular artist in sports culture, Chuck Styles.
“As someone who grew up loving football, playing in the suburbs of West Philly, it’s a full-circle moment to now be able to contribute to the culture of the sport by honoring an icon like John Madden, who has influenced generations of football fans through his passion for football and unmistakable energy, through my art,” said Chuck Styles.
His tenure as a famed NFL broadcaster known for bringing the “BOOM” and his career as one of the most beloved and respected coaches in history are commemorated in additional essential imagery. Visit EA.com to see all of the covers.
The Madden NFL development team has always been grounded by Coach Madden’s football principles and expectations on the field, as they represent what fans desire from the best 11v11 simulation football experience. The first interactive experience in Madden NFL 23 will feature two versions of Coach Madden leading opposite teams of “All Madden” athletes facing off in the 1970s Oakland Coliseum when it hits later this summer. In addition, in remixed audio samples from his iconic days as a commentator, Coach Madden’s memorable voice returns during the game.
In the coming weeks, EA SPORTS will disclose other ways Coach Madden will be remembered in Madden NFL 23.
In honor of #MaddenDay, Electronic Arts provided an update on the $5 million John Madden Legacy Commitment to Education, which was announced earlier this year.
College Track, Mission Bit, StreetCode Academy, and Girls Who Code will receive $2.5 million from Electronic Arts’ John Madden Legacy Commitment to Education over the next five years to support programming for the following four nonprofit organizations focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) education: College Track, Mission Bit, StreetCode Academy, and Girls Who Code. These organizations are well-established and well-proven partners dedicated to providing students with the technology skills, mentoring, and development support they need to succeed in college and beyond.
The remaining $2.5 million from the John Madden Legacy Commitment to Education will establish the EA Madden Scholarship in collaboration with the UNCF (United Negro College Fund), which will help students at 12 historically black colleges and universities graduate prepared for the next step in their careers.
“Coach Madden was a lifelong believer in the importance of education, and we’re privileged to support these amazing organizations that are creating opportunities for the next generation to pursue their dreams in his honor”, said Cam Weber, EA SPORTS EVP and GM.
At Electronic Arts’ worldwide headquarters in Redwood City, CA, today is also the official dedication ceremony for “John Madden Field,” which will celebrate Coach Madden’s impact on the firm. EA CEO Andrew Wilson and Madden NFL Executive Producer Seann Graddy, along with leaders from the Madden family and hundreds of EA employees, will inaugurate the newly rebuilt field. On the new field, EA will also host four Bay Area young flag football teams from NFL FLAG, one of the country’s largest flag football organizations.
The EA Tiburon studio in Orlando, the Madden NFL flagship studio, just erected a permanent commemorative painting in Coach’s honor at the new facility in Downtown Orlando’s Creative Village, painted by local Orlando artist Andrew Spear.
Louisville native Jack Harlow has been burning up airwaves, video shows and any other place where he could be seen or heard, but after popping up at the Kentucky Derby with a white suit and Drake as his wingman, anyone who caught a glimpse knows that it was nothing short of a movie waiting to happen.
In his latest video, Mr. Harlow pulls up to Churchill Downs with Drizzy and shoes so fresh, he had his bodyguards carry him across the grass so that they wouldn’t get dirt on them., thus, the concept of the track and visuals. Produced by Toronto’s Ace G and video directed by Kareem Johnson, Harlow spits his white boy rapper slang inside of the presidential suite n front of the Kentucky capacity crowd looking on.
This is the most recent visual offering from Harlow’s Come Home The Kids Miss You debut LP, which is available on all MSPs.
Yo Gotti, Moneybagg Yo, Mozzy and Lil Poppa announced the release of their new joint single “Big League,” which is currently available to stream on all platforms.
“Official song of the NBA Finals to coincide with Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Golden State Warriors,” Gotti wrote on Instagram alongside a clip of the basketball-themed hit. With his songs, the Memphis mogul also pays homage to Memphis Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant: “Hit a Ja Morant shot, get ’em big mad.”
Murda Beatz produced the new album, which comes after CMG was named “The Hardest-Working Label in Hip-Hop” and featured on the cover of Billboard. CMG CEO Yo Gotti, Moneybagg Yo, EST Gee, Mozzy, Blac Youngsta, and Lehla Samia were among the cover stars.
You can hear the new single below and check for it during NBA Finals coverage.
According to several confirmed reports, former Dallas Cowboys running back Marion Barber was found dead in his Texas apartment yesterday(June 1). He was only 38 years old.
None of the reports of Barber’s death have revealed a cause of death, however, the Dallas Cowboys released a statement about their former player, stating, “We are heartbroken by the tragic death of Marion Barber III,” the statement reads. “Marion was an old-school, hard-nosed football player who ran with the will to win every down. He had a passion for the game and love for his coaches and teammates. Our hearts go out to Marion’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
The Bears also offered a statement, saying, “We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Bears RB Marion Barber III. Our hearts go out to his family & friends.”
Selected by the Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft, Barber played his entire career except for one season with the Dallas franchise, only to play a lone, last season with the Chicago Bears before he retired. The Minnesota native was named to the Pro Bowl in 2007 despite not starting a game for a 13-3 team that finished with the best record in the NFC. He led the Cowboys with 975 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns in his second season.
NBA fans are welcomed to the Finals by Michael B. Jordan, the neighborhood Hoop bus driver, who presents the newly developed Larry O’Brien trophy in its renowned Louis Vuitton case. Jordan stars in “The FInal Delivery” NBA Lane film and drives into the arena, recalling some of the most memorable NBA Finals moments in the league’s history. Jordan meets NBA icons Dirk Nowitzki, Jerry West, James Worthy, and Paul Pierce on his way to defining what greatness means in the NBA Finals in preparation for a championship celebration unlike any other.
Jordan visits The Trophy Room in the arena in Horizon Worlds, which references the NBA Lane Experience that debuted in Horizon Worlds on Meta Quest 2. The NBA and Meta Quest 2 recreated “NBA Lane” in virtual reality as part of the NBA75 campaign’s climax. Fans can play minigames through the end of June, watch the newest Playoffs highlights, and examine all six new trophies in the “Trophy Room” via Horizon Worlds.
Cordae hit Twitter and spoke out in support of Young Thug, Gunna and YSL who are currently in jail awaiting trial on a 56-count RICO indictment. “Free the Whole YSL Family ! They showed me more genuine love than damn near anybody!”
In his messages on social media, Cordae spoke in support of the rappers and also against the use of lyrics in courtrooms.
“Protect Black Art!” Cordae wrote. “Also Using Lyrics against someone on trial is nuts ! It’s a form of self expression that shouldn’t be used in a literal sense especially in a court of law.”
Gunna appeared on “Today” from Cordae’s From a Bird’s Eye View album. Cordae and Young Thug also appeared together on wax, exchanging bars on “Wassup” from the Just Until…. EP.
Protect Black Art ! Also Using Lyrics against someone on trial is nuts ! It’s a form of self expression that shouldn’t be used in a literal sense especially in a court of law !!!
Cordae isn’t the only one speaking of the good that YSL does. Last month, Meek Mill spoke about Gunna and Young Thug and the opportunity they provide:
“Thug put on many families I seen with my own eyes… stand up for them in these times not the lit ones! Labels, women, n****s… I pray that DA be fair to them knowing what we out here tryna survive. Thug and Gunna ain’t no crime bosses, they successful rappers with influence that didn’t leave their environment behind… If you bring your environment with you it’s basically RICO. Watch yourself out here.
The people I did the most for tryna take me out ‘but can’t’ or tryna manipulate the world. I’m a bad person because they ain’t hold up the ‘loyalty’ part.”
Does Meek have a point? Peep his commentary below.
Meek Mill called for fans to “stand up for” Young Thug and Gunna in these times. pic.twitter.com/BzNJRXBtgL
Aunjanue Ellis recently dazzled movie screens and received rave reviews after she starred opposite Will Smith’s Oscar performance in King Richard. Speaking in an exclusive to Variety, Ellis proclaims her bisexuality.
The Academy Award nominee previously said “Queer” on her sleeve when she appeared at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood event but wondered why no one paid it attention.
“I was thinking, ‘Why didn’t more people pay attention to that?’ And I was like, they probably thought it said ‘Queen,’” Ellis said to Variety. “It wasn’t that I was expecting any sort of major reaction or anything like that. One of my family members noticed, but nobody else did.”
Ellis also detailed how her family and friends in Mississippi expressed being “hurt” by her decision to have the word on her arm.
“I am a work in progress, and my family and my community are works in progress. I really believe that that is important to say because I’m not alone. We see people on the other side of it, where everybody’s good and fine: ‘Love is love.’”
Ellis would detail that she didn’t acknowledge her bisexuality until she entered her 30s, reflects on her current relationship, and more in the full feature available here.
