The Academy Awards are almost upon us, and a slew of A-list celebrities chose to party in Hollywood ahead of Sunday night (March 10). Moreover, Usher, Busta Rhymes, and Teyana Taylor were among many in attendance for a pre-Oscars bash at the “Godfather” mansion in Beverly Hills on Friday night (March 8) for the William Morris Endeavor talent agency. Others that were there included John Legend, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, and many more. Of course, as one of the entertainment industry’s biggest nights that encompasses a lot of different areas of it, it’s no surprise that many hip-hop artists have won big at the ceremony before.
While there’s not much of that this year, it will still be interesting to see if Oppenheimer ends up sweeping or if there will be some surprise picks. But Teyana Taylor is definitely one who could win big at the Oscars one day, as her creative strides extend far beyond just music. She is very prolific and beloved in the film industry, and is actually shooting a movie with Leonardo DiCaprio at press time. Hopefully the multi-hyphenate singer will one day grace that stage and accept the result of yet another big step in her trajectory.
Pre-Oscars Party At The Beverly Estate: Watch Clips
As for Usher, his big Super Bowl halftime show might win him an Emmy in one of the televised performance categories, but we don’t know how he would fare at the Oscars. Of course, he’s as good as writing, performing, and recording songs as ever, so we’re sure that he could get a nomination in the music categories one day. If you need contemporary proof of that, look no further than the Dallas native’s recently expanded album COMING HOME. Then try to tell anyone that he doesn’t at least have the potential to get that little golden statue for a big movie song or soundtrack.
Meanwhile, Busta Rhymes’ talent warrants all the awards in the world, and whatever he does with his career will be a treat. In fact, he just announced that his rap group, Flipmode Squad, will drop their first new album in over twenty years. Let’s see whether the Oscars this Sunday results in any more comeback announcements. For more news and the latest curious updates on the crossover between pop culture, R&B, and rap, come back to HNHH.
Throughout history, the public gaze on the lives of celebrities has been unrelenting. The spotlight is unforgiving, and the personal lives of stars often become a compelling narrative of their own. Within this narrative, few chapters are as scrutinized and dissected as the tales of cheating celebrities and extramarital affairs. This is one of the times when the fans NEVER forget.
Although it may come as a surprise to some, these affairs are quite common in the entertainment industry. In some way, it’s almost become a part of celebrity culture. Over the years, there have been countless rumors about cheating celebrities, and some have even been caught red-handed. Contrarily, some, although not outrightly caught, have admitted to having affairs. Whether through songs or statements, many of these celebrities have publicly owned up to their mistakes and admitted to cheating. Here’s a list of seven such celebrities who have done so.
7. Eric Benét
Eric Benet and Halle Berry at the premiere of “Evelyn” at the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences in Beverly Hills, Ca. Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2002. Photo by Kevin Winter/ImageDirect.
In the early 2000s, Eric Benét and Halle Berry’s marriage was in the spotlight, marked by their glamorous union and red-carpet appearances. However, the narrative took a dramatic turn when reports surfaced on Benét’s infidelity. Subsequently, the Grammy-nominated R&B singer admitted to cheating on Berry during their marriage, and they divorced soon after. Even for celebrities, cheating can be a dealbreaker sometimes. Speaking to People in 2005, Benét said, “We all know I cheated. It was out there. It’s a betrayal.”
6. Shawn Stockman
LOUISVILLE, KY – MAY 07: Sharonda Jones (L) and singer Shawn Stockman of Boys II Men attend the 142nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 07, 2016 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for Churchill Downs)
Joining the list of celebrities who have admitted to cheating is Shawn Stockman. In 2016, the Boyz II Men singer uploaded a video apologizing to his wife Sharonda Jones for cheating. At the time, the two had been married for 15 years, and the news of his affair shocked fans. In the video, Stockman said, “I’m apologizing on record to my wife for my infidelity, about me doing things outside of the marriage that I’m not supposed to be doing with people who I had no business dealing with. For them to be as cavalier as to do the things that they did to try to break my family apart. I’m apologizing on record to my family and to anyone else that I have hurt.”
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 10: Tristan Thompson and Khloe Kardashian pose for a photo as Remy Martin celebrates Tristan Thompson’s Birthday at Beauty & Essex on March 10, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Remy Martin )
Unfortunately, Tristan Thompson cheating on Khloe Kardashian is something that has happened more than once. This remains one of the biggest cheating scandals involving celebrities in recent years. In 2019, the couple broke up because Thompson allegedly cheated on Kardashian with her good friend Jordyn Woods. However, in 2020, they reconciled and began dating again. Unfortunately, in 2022, after a paternity test revealed he was the father of Maralee Nichols’ newborn child, it became evident he had cheated again. Addressing the topic, Thompson wrote a statement on his Instagram story. It read, “Today, paternity test results reveal that I fathered a child with Maralee Nichols. I take full responsibility for my actions. Now that paternity has been established, I look forward to amicably raising our son. I sincerely apologize to everyone I’ve hurt or disappointed throughout this ordeal both publicly and privately.”
Singer Usher (right) with Tameka Foster (Photo by Moses Robinson/WireImage)
The famed R&B singer and his ex-wife Tameka Foster married in 2007 and divorced in 2009. Three years after their separation, in an interview with Oprah, Usher finally spoke about the end of his marriage. When Oprah asked the singer if he was faithful during their marriage, he responded, “I was faithful at heart, but not faithful all the way. Even having a conversation with another woman, period, about matters of your relationship or emotions is, in my opinion, not being faithful.”
KILDARE, IRELAND – SEPTEMBER 21: Tiger Woods and his wife Elin look on during the Opening Ceremony of the 2006 Ryder Cup at The K Club on September 21, 2006 in Straffan, Co. Kildare, Ireland. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
One of the most famous sports celebrities, the legendary golfer Tiger Woods faced a highly publicized cheating scandal in 2009 when reports emerged of his extramarital affair. The situation involved multiple women coming forward, negatively impacting Woods’ personal and professional life. Following the statements from the women, Woods addressed the issue, and admitted to infidelity. In a statement that was posted on his website in December 2009, Woods wrote, “I am deeply aware of the disappointment and hurt that my infidelity has caused to so many people, most of all my wife and children.” Afterward, on August 23, 2010, Tigers Woods and Elin Nordegren, who had been married for six years, divorced.
2. Kevin Hart
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 08: Actor Kevin Hart and wife Eniko Parrish attend the GQ Men of the Year party at Chateau Marmont on December 8, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)
Sometime in 2017, Kevin Hart was unfaithful to his wife Eniko and he openly admitted to it on two known occasions. Firstly, in a video he uploaded on Instagram on September 17, 2017, he spoke about making a “bad error in judgment.” The post was captioned, “Sending so many apologies to my wife & kids. I gotta do better and I will. I’m not perfect and have never claimed to be …I love you all.”
Afterward, Hart appeared on The Breakfast Club on December 14th and addressed it again. Speaking about his then-pregnant wife Eniko Parrish, he said, “I’m hoping that she has a heart to where she can forgive me and understand that this is not going to be a reoccurring thing and allow me to recover from my f***ing massive mistake.” The actor seems to deeply regret being regarded as one of the celebrities with a cheating scandal.
PARIS, FRANCE – JUNE 20: Jay Z and Beyoncé attend the Louis Vuitton Menswear Spring/Summer 2024 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on June 20, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
Undoubtedly, Jay-Z is one of the biggest celebrities with a cheating scandal on this list. Famously, his extramarital affair inspired, and is highlighted on Beyoncé’s critically acclaimed 2016 album, Lemonade. The album alluded to infidelity and relationship struggles, but neither Jay-Z nor Beyoncé made explicit statements about it. However, in Jay-Z’s album 4:44, he addressed personal growth. On the track “4:44,” he apologized for his actions, suggesting that he had indeed been unfaithful.
Jay-Z is no stranger to big names and big money, both of which are coming together at an upcoming event he’s hosting. In order to raise funds for his Reform Alliance, he’s having a high-stakes blackjack party with some extremely high-profile guests. According to Page Six, the event is limited to just 300 attendees and some of those expected to show up are Beyonce, Kim Kardashian, Tom Brady, and Travis Scott. Kevin Hart has also been tapped to serve as the host and MC of the event.
Those actually participating in the high rollers event will pay $100k to attend the function. While nonplayers get off a bit easier and will pay just $50k to get in. The event is currently set to take place later this month on September 30. Guests will gather at the Ocean Resort & Casino in Atlantic City for the highly exclusive function. Insiders also report that the party’s theme was inspired by an event Jay-Z attended earlier this year. Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin hosted a Fourth of July party with an all-white dress code and Jay delivered a killer look. While other big stars in both music and sports have been rumored attendees, none have been confirmed quite yet.
Jay-Z’s Spy-Themed Blackjack Night In Atlantic City
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 14: Jay-Z attends the Shawn Carter Foundation 20th Anniversary Black Tie Gala at Pier 60 on July 14, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation)
Last week it was announced that Jay-Z would be putting his financial weight behind a viral case of wrongful arrest and police misconduct. Hov and Team ROC will help fund the defense of Jermelle English Jr. a Wisconsin man. English was beaten by police and arrested while they were looking for someone else, then still charged anyway.
Jay-Z also returned to Instagram last month, albeit only for one post so far. He started a new account on the platform to share a trailer for a film he executive produced which is dropping next year. What do you think of Jay-Z’s star-studded James Bond-themed blackjack night? Let us know in the comment section below.
Dr. Dre will be receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2024. Others to be celebrated will include Gwen Stefani, Def Leppard, Brandy Norwood, Charles Fox, Darius Rucker, Glen Ballard, Sammy Hagar, and Toni Braxton, among a total of 31 others.
Selection committee member and radio host, Ellen K, reacted to the final list, as noted by Uproxx. “The committee did an amazing job choosing these very talented people,” she said. “We can’t wait to see each honoree’s reaction as they realize that they are becoming a part of Hollywood’s history with the unveiling of their star on the world’s most famous walkway.”
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 30: (L-R) Dr. Dre, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, and Eminem attend the ceremony honoring Curtis. “50 Cent” with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on January 30, 2020 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
Dr. Dre has participated in the ceremonies honoring numerous other hip-hop artists over the years including 50 Cent, Ice Cube, and Snoop Dogg. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest producers in the history of the genre. Dre began his career as a member of the iconic rap group, N.W.A. Critics often credit him as a key figure in the popularization of West Coast G-funk in the 1990s. The Library of Congress has selected his debut studio album, The Chronic, for preservation in the National Recording Registry as “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” In the 2000s, he shifted his focus to helping other artists with their own careers, signing both Eminem in 1998 and 50 Cent in 2002.
In addition to his music career, Dre is also the founder and CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and Beats Electronics. He also co-founded and previously served as the president of Death Row Records. The Hollywood Walk Of Fame has yet to announce an exact date next year for his star unveiling ceremony. Be on the lookout for that announcement on HotNewHipHop.
Jay-Z’s mother, Gloria Carter, recently tied the knot with her longtime partner, Roxanne Wilshire, and it was a star-studded affair. Of course, Hov, his wife Beyoncé, and their family were among the many A-listers in attendance at the ceremony. However, that was far from the end of the guest list, with a lot of other celebrities pulling up to join the heartwarming festivities. Tyler Perry, Kelly Rowland, Robin Roberts, Corey Gamble, and Beyoncé’s mother Tina Knowles went to the wedding. Apparently, they wrapped things up at around 11am, so it was probably a very fun time with all those big names in there, and with the biggest ones’ celebration.
Furthermore, Jay-Z and Gloria Carter have always had an incredibly strong bond and consistently show each other all the love and support in the world. Back in 2017, Gloria came out on his 2017 4:44 track “Smile,” speaking on “living in the shadows” as a homosexual woman. Whenever either of them are celebrated by their peers or the world at large, they are by each other’s sides. For example, she received an award from the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation for telling her personal story.
During the ceremony for this honor, Jay-Z thanked Gloria Carter for allowing him to relay her story to his listeners. She had thankful words of her own to share as well. “Thanks to you, to all the people whose lives I touched, for your support, by just telling my truth,” Carter shared. “‘Smile’ became a reality because I shared with my son who I am. Not that people didn’t know; I was just someone they didn’t talk about but they loved me anyway. But for me, this was the first time that I spoke to anyone about who I really am.
“Love gave me the courage to take the power that I allowed other people to have over my life for fear of them revealing my secret that wasn’t really a secret,” she continued. “Here I am, I’m loving, I’m respectful, I’m productive, and I’m a human being who has a right to love who I love. So everybody, just smile, be free. Thank you, and God bless.” Keep checking in with HNHH for the latest news and updates on Jay-Z.
Blueface’s mother Karlissa Saffold is almost always matching her son when it comes to antics and wild statements. However, her most recent claims have many online raising their eyebrows, as they involve some big names. Moreover, she recently named a bunch of celebrities whose romantic advances she allegedly turned down. Of course, many reacted in disbelief, or comically stating that it was actually the other way around when it came to shooting their (or her) shot. Still, we mostly know her for her relationship with her son, so many are perhaps too quick to judge or make assumptions about her earlier life.
“Whew, y’all already know I wasn’t nothing to deal with 20 years ago,” Blueface’s mother said in an Instagram video showing off her body on a walk. “S**t 25, put a week on it. Wasn’t nothing to play with, okay? Ask somebody. Who I turned down? 50, Shaq, Cube… Who else? Usher… It was a no! So momma didn’t play. Better ask somebody, I wasn’t nothing to deal with. It was a no.” Beyond her speculated love life, she always defends her son against the naysayers despite their own complicated history.
Furthermore, the most recent example of that was against neo-soul legend Erykah Badu. She wrote “He’s trash, universe do your thing” on her Instagram Story with a picture of Blueface surrounded by women, and Karlissa Saffold unsurprisingly came through with a response. “Girl you was just calling Tyrone and paying his cousins and homeboys way don’t and ain’t nobody said something to you,” she commented. That being said, she recently formed a better bond with the rapper’s future baby mama Chrisean Rock.
“For those of y’all who keep having an opinion about how I feel about Rock,” she stated on social media. “I wanted the best for her and always will. I been there since the beginning and I’ll be here until the end.” Considering the drama surrounding Chrisean’s pregnancy and her own relationship with the Los Angeles native, we’ll see how this reconciliation pans out. Regardless, keep checking in with HNHH for the latest on Blueface and his mother Karlissa Saffold.
The Western Conference Finals have been tough for the LA Lakers. After dominating the Grizzlies and Warriors in the first two rounds of the playoffs, the Lakers appear to have met their match in the Nuggets. After falling to 0-2 after the opening games in Denver, the Lakers looked to right the ship as they took over hosting duties. However, it was not to be as the Nuggets took Game 3 119-108 and moved one step closer to the franchise’s first-ever Finals appearance. This is the Nuggets’ fourth time playing in the Conference Finals against the Lakers.
In attendance for the loss was a regular pair of faces for these playoffs. Kim Kardashian and North West have attended several Lakers home games during their Cinderella playoff run. This included speculation that Kim was dating a Laker thanks to her curve-hugging “I Love Nerds” top. The pair were once again in attendance as the Lakers eliminated the Warriors from the playoffs. Furthermore, Kim and her daughter have been spotted supporting Tristan Thompson, the former boyfriend of Kim’s sister Khloé. Thompson played 1 minute during the Lakers loss. Furthermore, Thompson has averaged 4.6 minutes across five appearances during the Playoffs.
Other Celebrities Attend Lakers Game
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 16: Kim Kardashian is seen on May 16, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
However, Kardashian was not the only celebrity in the stands at Crypto.com Arena. Sporting courtside seats were Grammy-winning artists Adele and Oscar-nominated actor Jake Gyllenhaal. Adele was sat beside sports agent Rich Paul, widely considered one of the most powerful men behind the scenes in the sports world. Furthermore, Paul has a long-time friendship with Lakers star, LeBron James.
Elsewhere, Hollywood was further represented by Jack Nicholson, Denzel Washington, Robert Pattinson, and Eddie Murphy. Meanwhile, the music world saw the likes of Flea, Jennifer Hudson, as well as record exes David Geffen and Jimmy Iovine. Hopefully, Kardashian and her daughter can inspire some good luck for the Lakers as the series continues on Monday. No NBA team has ever started a series 0-3 and come back to win the series. Three teams have tied the series after being 0-3 down but none of them won Game 7.
Celebrity endorsements are advertising godsends that have been in the business for over a few decades. Examples include Michael Jackson and his Be Like Mike campaign or the promotions heralded by Kim Kardashian. If there’s an attractive face, odds are they’re selling something. And the best part is people usually listen.
What are celebrity endorsements? What do they mean in marketing? How did they come about, and who did they affect? What’s the future of this advertising method? Will it stick around, or is it just a flash in the pan? For many years now, celebrities have been used as the social billboards of the world. They offer products and sell things to their fans as part of their careers. But in this article, we want to focus on answering the question: are they effective?
A celebrity endorsement is when a famous person promotes a product or service in exchange for compensation. This can take many forms, including print ads, television commercials, and social media posts. Celebrity endorsements are often used to create buzz around a new product. This helps associate a brand with a particular lifestyle or image.
There are several advantages to using celebrity endorsements in advertising. One of the main benefits is that they can create a lot of buzz and attention for a product or brand. Simply by promoting it on their social media accounts or appearing in a commercial, celebrities can help a product along.
Another benefit of celebrity endorsements is that they can help to associate a brand with a particular image or lifestyle. For example, a luxury watch company might use a famous athlete or actor to promote its products. This helps create an association between the brand and success, wealth, and sophistication. Finally, celebrity endorsements can help to build trust and credibility with consumers. When a well-known and respected figure promotes a product, consumers are more likely to trust the brand and believe that the product is of high quality.
The Cons Of Celebrity Endorsements
This Date In 1994: Hertz drops spokesman OJ Simpson after 19 years following his being charged with double murder. pic.twitter.com/vkbJoknJFa
While there are benefits to using celebrity endorsements in advertising, there are also some drawbacks to consider. One of the main disadvantages is that celebrities can be expensive to hire. Depending on the level of fame and popularity, the cost of a single endorsement can run into millions of dollars. Another potential drawback is that celebrities can be unpredictable and sometimes damage a brand’s image. For example, suppose a celebrity endorser is caught in a scandal or engages in controversial behavior. In that case, it can reflect poorly on the brand and may even lead to consumer backlash.
Finally, some evidence suggests that celebrity endorsements may not be as effective as once believed. Sometimes, consumers may be more skeptical of celebrity endorsements and may not trust that the product is as good as the celebrity claims.
The Evidence Of Effectiveness
402614 02: Supermodel Cindy Crawford drinks a Pepsi in this undated company supplied photograph. Crawford will star in a new Diet Pepsi commercial during the 74th Annual Academy Awards airing March 24, 2002 on ABC-TV. The new Diet Pepsi spot updates an award-winning ad produced for regular Pepsi in 1991, in which a pair of awestruck boys watched Crawford approach a Pepsi vending machine. In the new commercial, titled “Two More Kids,” Crawford comes across a Diet Pepsi machine with sparkling new “bubbly blue” graphics at a dusty old country store while the song “Just One Look,” plays in the background. (Photo Courtesy of Pepsi/ Getty Images)
Despite these potential drawbacks, some evidence suggests celebrity endorsements can influence certain circumstances. For example, a study published in the Journal of Advertising found that celebrity endorsements can positively impact consumers’ attitudes towards a brand, particularly when the celebrity is seen as a good match for the product or service being promoted.
Another study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that consumers are more likely to buy a product if it is endorsed by a celebrity they admire and if the endorsement includes personal anecdotes or stories. There are also numerous examples of successful celebrity endorsements throughout history. Michael Jordan’s partnership with Nike helped establish the company as a significant player in the athletic shoe market. More recently, Kylie Jenner’s promotion of her Kylie Cosmetics line helped to catapult the brand.
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 25: Rappers Snoop Dogg (L) and The Game participate in the celebrity basketball game presented by Sprite during the 2016 BET Experience on June 25, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rich Polk/BET/Getty Images for BET)
Celebrity endorsements will likely continue to play a significant role in advertising. However, there are also some indications that the landscape may be changing. For example, there has been a rise in the use of “micro-influencers.” Micro-influencers may not be as famous as traditional celebrities but have smaller followings. There is also a growing awareness of the importance of authenticity and transparency in advertising. Consumers are increasingly skeptical of traditional advertising tactics and seek more genuine connections with brands and products. This has led some companies to shift away from traditional celebrity endorsements. Instead, they partner with influencers who have built up a loyal and engaged following.
What Do Celebrity Endorsements Mean For The Marketing Industry?
The role of celebrities and influencers in advertising will continue to evolve. Companies must be mindful of changing consumer attitudes and the need for authenticity and transparency in advertising. The power of influence and advertisement will continue to be key drivers of customer behavior and buying decisions.
The tragic and sudden loss of Lance Reddick shocked the world on Friday (March 17). The 60-year-old actor was doing press for his upcoming film John Wick 4 recently, and cast-mate Keanu Reeves was one of many, many fellow entertainers who posted their tributes to Lance Reddick. Moreover, the Baltimore native is perhaps best known for his role as Cedric Daniels in HBO’s The Wire, a role that garnered him immense acclaim. However, he also starred in multiple film, TV, and video game projects. The many friends in the business who shared their heartfelt goodbyes speaks to the magnitude and positive impact of his art and soul.
“We are deeply saddened and heartbroken at the loss of our beloved friend and colleague Lance Reddick,’ Reeves stated alongside Chad Stahelski, John Wick 4‘s director. “He was the consummate professional and a joy to work with. Our love and prayers are with his wife Stephanie, his children, family and friends. We dedicate the film to his loving memory. We will miss him dearly.” Another industry colleague to honor Reddick was film creative James Gunn. “Lance Reddick was an incredibly nice guy, and an incredibly talented actor,” he tweeted. “This is heartbreaking. My love goes out to all his family, friends, and collaborators.”
Lance Reddick’s Legacy Lives On
In addition, Questlove shared his heartbreak via Instagram. “I can’t take it no more. RIP Lance Reddick,” he wrote. Viola Davis also shared tender parting words via the social media platform. “Shocked!! Speechless!!” she expressed. “This talented, kind, intelligent King is gone!! I was blessed to have worked with you and blessed to have known you. Praying for comfort for your family and loved ones! Rest well Lance Reddick…..see you on the other side.”
Tragically, The Wire suffered other recent losses of some of its many great actors, Al Brown and Michael K. Williams. While many other famous figures keep Lance’s memory alive, he’s most importantly preserved through his family. As such, many shared their condolences for his wife Stephanie and his children, Yvonne Nicole and Christopher. See some more tributes below and share your favorite work, memories, or great contributions from this incredible actor. Rest In Peace Lance Reddick.
The Entertainment Industry Remembers Lance With Tributes
A man of great strength and grace. As talented a musician as he was an actor. The epitome of class. An sudden unexpected sharp painful grief for our artistic family. An unimaginable suffering for his personal family and loved ones. Godspeed my friend. You made your mark here. RIP pic.twitter.com/Xy0pl5c4NR
Lance Reddick was an beautiful and compelling actor. And a beautiful person. He worked with my mom Anne Meara in her play “Afterplay”, playing Raziel, the waiter slash angel of death. He was exquisite in that and all he did.
So sad to hear about Lance Reddick. What a wonderful human. He was a frequent guest and supporter of TGA, even recorded promo VOs one year for us. An amazing actor who gave so much to games, gone far too soon. pic.twitter.com/rn0jXnJ8z3
