creed III

Dr. Dre Recalls Calling Michael B. Jordan “Crazy” For Directing & Starring In “Creed III”

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The Creedverse is expanding with another installment that has taken over Hollywood thanks to Michael B. Jordan. The actor has been building on a successful career since he was a teen, and his efforts have paid off exponentially. As fans fawn over his stripped-down Calvin Klein ad, the Creed III premiere in Los Angeles was the place to be. The who’s who of Hollywood descended on the TCL Chinese Theater, and Entertainment Tonight caught a brief moment with Dr. Dre.

The Compton native is not only an L.A. icon but a global superstar. Dre has helped develop and produced records for artists who turned into Rap’s elite, so he knows a thing or two when spotting talent. Creed III marks Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut, and he stars in the film opposite several acclaimed talents, including Jonathan Majors.

Dr. Dre Sings Michael B. Jordan’s Praises

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: (L-R) Jonathan Majors, Tessa Thompson, Mila Davis-Kent and Michael B. Jordan attend the Los Angeles Premiere Of “CREED III” at TCL Chinese Theatre on February 27, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic)

With a legacy such as Dre’s, it was only fitting that Jordan & Co. approached the Aftermath mogul about working on music for the film. While speaking with ET‘s Nischelle Turner, the megaproducer explained how the partnership unfolded. “Mike actually came to my house and screened the film for me, and I thought he was out of his mind,” Dre remembered with a laugh. “First-time director and starring in the film? It’s like, you gotta be crazy to do that because it’s extremely difficult.”

“[But] I was so proud of him,” Dre continued. “I said, ‘Listen, man, I can’t wait to see what’s gonna come out of your mind next, as far as the direction goes,’ you know? It was amazing.” He added, “I thought they did an amazing job. I’m really proud of it.” Although his appearance on the red carpet was due to his artistic inclusion, the hitmaker said he was there specifically to support Michael B. Jordan.

More Props To The Acclaimed Actor

“One of the other reasons why I’m here is because he’s such a good person,” Dre said. “He’s a fantastic human being. So I’m here to support him.” Creed III hits theaters on March 3.

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Michael B. Jordan Teases “Creed III,” Hints At Future “Creedverse” Projects

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March 3rd marks the release of Michael B. Jordan‘s directorial debut, Creed III. In light of the upcoming drop of his new film, Jordan reflected on his relationship with his co-star Jonathan Majors, themes that the movie plays with, and the future of the “Creedverse.” In an exclusive with Extra, the “Just Mercy” star noted his switch to working behind the camera. “I’ve been in a director mode for such a long time and it feels good to empower, support, you know, give flowers to my actors right now,” he told the outlet.

As the third installment of the Creed series, Jordan’s film continues to follow the life of boxer Adonis Creed. Alongside directing the film, the 36-year-old stars as Adonis whose character receives a fighting challenge from his childhood friend, Damian Anderson (played by Majors). Jordan reflected on portraying a rivalry with Majors on-screen, despite the duo sharing a strong bond in real life. “Jonathan is an incredible human,” he told the outlet. “We built everything together, you know?” Jordan explained further, “especially in the beginning we went through, you know, hell months, not even hell week, hell months… of training together, learning the choreo together, it’s very, very intimate, you know, and he’s a hard worker, I am as well. So when it comes to, you know, the physicality element, we pushed each other.”

Michael B. Jordan Makes His Directorial Debut With “Creed III”

As the man behind Creed III, Jordan also revealed the themes that he had played with within the film. Specifically, he battled with toxic masculinity stereotypes and wanted to emphasize the importance of vulnerability. While describing his goal of portraying the more emotional side of Adonis, Jordan explained how he and the movie’s writers found an “organic” way to do it. “I think that was something that started to reveal itself as we were trying to challenge Adonis and just talk about what will somebody like him be going through right now in today’s like climate,” he shared.

When questioned about the future of the Creed trilogy, Jordan explained how future opportunities are vast. “There are so many different platforms where these stories can be told, you know,” he told the outlet, “whether it’s a spin-off of the TV show, whether it’s you know the animation or graphic novel or a video game.” For more news on pop culture and hip-hop, don’t miss out on HNHH.

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Lore’l Didn’t Call Michael B. Jordan “Corny,” New Podcast Audio Reveals

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Michael B. Jordan took the opportunity to troll an interviewer who previously called him “corny” on a a podcast. Moreover, this went down at the Creed III Atlanta HBCU fan screening. However, new podcast audio shows that the interviewer, Lore’l, didn’t call Michael B. Jordan corny in the first place, but rather her cohost. Furthermore, Lore’l told Jordan that he misquoted her when they talked on the red carpet, and it looks like she was right all along. Moreover, the new audio actually shows the podcast host somewhat defending the actor and director.

“You know what I really think deep down inside? I think that Michael B. Jordan is a nice, corny guy, and I don’t mean that as a slight,” Dominique said. Furthermore, they discussed his relationship with Lori Harvey in a 2021 podcast episode. “We all know the nice, corny guys treat you the best.” Then, Lore’l stepped in to talk about knowing Jordan for years since they went to school together. “You know what’s so crazy? I went to school with Michael B. Jordan at a point in life,” she said. “And to be honest with you, we teased him all the damn time because his name was Michael Jordan.

Lore’l Never Called Michael B. Jordan Corny

“Let’s start there, and he was no Michael Jordan,” she continued. “And he also would come to school with a headshot. We lived in Newark, that’s the hood. We would make fun of him like, ‘What you gonna do with your stupid headshot!?’ And now look at him!” Years later, Lore’l referenced their history at the screening, and it shows the Black Panther actor has quite the sharp memory. “We go way back, all the way back to Chad Science [Academy] in Newark,” she told him. “Oh yeah, I was the corny kid, right?”

Meanwhile, whatever corniness Jordan has, had, or will have is moot in the face of his accomplishments. Fans everywhere are very excited for the third film in the Creed franchise, especially considering how much MBJ’s spoken of his experience both directing and acting. Ahead of the film’s release, let’s just hope that he catches wind of Lore’l’s actual words and doesn’t hold any ill will. Still, check out all referenced clips above and stay tuned to HNHH for the latest on Michael B. Jordan and Creed III.

Da Brat’s Baby Bump Stole The Show On The “Creed III” Premiere Red Carpet

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Just a few days ago, Da Brat shocked her fanbase with news of her pregnancy at 48 years old. She and her wife Jesseca Dupart are obviously very excited about the new development, and it wasn’t long after the initial announcement that the rapper’s bump made its big debut. As DailyMail reports, it was the Creed III premiere in Atlanta on Thursday (February 23), that saw the expecting couple showing off their baby-to-be.

When sharing the big news with PEOPLE, the Chicago-born lyricist spoke candidly about her past miscarriage and IVF journey. “I never thought I was going to have kids. I just thought it wasn’t in the cards for me,” she previously explained. “I’ve had a great career, a full life. I felt like, because I didn’t get pregnant earlier on, then it just wasn’t going to happen for me.”

Da Brat’s Baby Bump Debut

Jesseca Dupart and Da Brat attend the “Creed III” HBCU Atlanta Fan Screening at Regal Atlantic Station on February 23, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Derek White/Getty Images)

When she met her future wife, however, is when Da Brat began to change her perspective. “I started looking at life so differently. I was like, I want a little me with you. Something special from the both of us that we can share and raise and love unconditionally,’” she told the outlet. During Thursday’s premiere, the love between the LGBTQ couple was obvious.

They donned matching army green bomber jackets, layering different black shirts underneath. While Dupart’s pants perfectly match her upper half, the “Ghetto Love” hitmaker switched things up with a pair of camouflage bottoms. While paparazzi snapped their photos on the Creed III red carpet, Da Brat kept one hand on her 18-week bump, reminding the world how proud she is of her mini miracle.

Creed III is Coming

During this month’s Super Bowl, the latest trailer for the Michael B. Jordan-directed feature arrived. Fans are anxiously waiting for the official release in theatres early next month, as well as the Dreamville-executive produced soundtrack that’s set to drop on the same day. So far, we’ve heard JID and Lute on “Ma Boy,” as well as Bas, Black Sherif, and Kel-P on “Blood, Sweat & Tears” more recently.

Jordan was also in attendance at Thursday’s premiere, and he didn’t hesitate to stir the pot by calling out an interviewer on the red carpet. In a clip that’s making rounds online, the actor calls the journalist out for allegedly calling him “corny” in high school, earning him a shocked and embarrassed reaction. Read more about that here, and check back later for more pop culture news.

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Michael B. Jordan Trolls Reporter For Calling Him “Corny”

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Michael B. Jordan brought up a reporter’s previous comments on him during an interview on the red carpet for a screening of Creed III on Saturday. When the reporter mentioned that they went to school together, Jordan revealed that she once called him “corny.” The interviewer, Morning Hustle host Lore’l, downplayed her past comments.

“We go way back, all the way back to Chad Science [Academy] in Newark,” she began. “Oh yeah, I was the corny kid, right?” Jordan responded, referring to remarks she made on a podcast. Lore’l then insisted she was being “misquoted.” “No you did not hear me say that! I said we used to make fun of the name,” she continued, before switching the topic. “But yeah, he is obviously killing things out here.” She concluded: “Well, you’re not corny anymore.”

Michael B. Jordan On The Red Carpet

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 23: Michael B. Jordan attends the CREED III HBCU fan screening presented by MGM Studios at Regal Atlantic Station on February 23, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for MGM Studios)

Lore’l had spoken about being classmates with Jordan during an episode of the Undressing Room podcast. She and her co-hosts, Eva Marcille and Dominique da Diva, had been discussing Jordan’s relationship with Lori Harvey. “You know what’s so crazy? I went to school with Michael B. Jordan at a point in life,” she said. “… And to be honest with you, we teased him all the damn time because his name was Michael Jordan. Let’s start there, and he was no Michael Jordan. And he also would come to school with a headshot. We lived in Newark, that’s the hood. We would make fun of him like, ‘What you gonna do with your stupid headshot!?’ And now look at him!” Jordan and Harvey have since broken up.

Creed III is scheduled to hit theaters on March 3, 2023. It will be the first film in the series that Jordan directed. It also stars Tessa Thompson, Jonathan Majors, Wood Harris, and more. It’s the first film in the series to not feature Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa.

Lore’l’s Interview

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Bas, Black Sherif & Kel-P Drop “Blood, Sweat & Tears” For “Creed III”

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In late November, Michael B. Jordan announced that J. Cole’s label Dreamville would be producing the soundtrack for Creed III. Jordan, the star actor for the Creed series, is directing the third film this time around. Set to release of March 3, Creed III‘s soundtrack will drop simultaneously with the movie. Earlier in February, Dreamville delivered the first single for the soundtrack. “Ma Boy” by JID and Lute (Feb. 3) was the perfect introduction to the type of tracks we can expect for the entire soundtrack.

Now, it is Bas’ turn. Bas is perhaps one of the most overlooked yet polished artists Dreamville has to offer. Coming off of a solo single of his own in January, Bas offered Creed III‘s second promotional single on this week. “Blood, Sweat & Tears,” released on Feb. 22, contrasts majorly with Bas’ track “Diamonds” from last month. Here, he swaps the chill guitar-based instrumental for an Afrobeat-influenced bop.

Bas Meets Afrobeat

“Blood, sweat & Tears” includes two features that both bring unique styles from two different African nations. Ghanian Black Sherif and Nigerian Kel-P pack just the right punch for the groovy, percussion-driven beat. Full of “oh-way-oh” harmonies, the fresh song brings out a new side of Bas. His sung opening verse and “I will not surrender” hook mix elegance with determination.

While it is unclear which portion of the film “Blood, Sweat & Tears” will appear in, it sure seems like a fitting cut for the boxing movie. Dreamville has not released the full track list for the Creed III soundtrack, so it remains to be seen if boss-man J. Cole will make an appearance. Even if he doesn’t, though, Dreamville acts like Lute, JID and now, Bas, will absolutely do enough to captivate both listeners and viewers. Stream Bas, Black Sherif and Kel-P’s “Blood, Sweat & Tears” single on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, tell us if you have plans to check out CREED III in theaters in the comments.

Quotable Lyrics:

Blood sweat and my tears, no, I will not surrender
If you take my lead then we can fly together
Heaven never seem to reach, it’s now or never
We got what we need, but we don’t got forever

Bas, Black Sherif, And Kel-P Put Their ‘Blood, Sweat & Tears’ Into The ‘Creed III’ Soundtrack’s Second Single

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Michael B. Jordan may have let it slip that Dreamville boss J. Cole was executive producing the soundtrack to his directorial debut film, Creed III, but ever since, he has remained tight-lipped. The project’s first single, “Ma Boy,” featuring JID and Lute, was shared earlier this month, and now as the movie’s opening week approaches, another track from the soundtrack has hit the internet.

The latest track, “Blood, Sweat, & Tears,” by Dreamville’s own Bas and Ghanaian recording artist Black Sherif featuring Nigerian producer Kel-P, is the epitome of the film’s plot, in which Adonis Creed’s (played by Jordan) legacy is being threatened by his former childhood friend Damian (played by Jonathan Majors). The pair will, as the trailer outlines, “reconnect in the ring, setting up a delicious dichotomy between loyalty and betrayal.”

Bas opens the track with a declaration of faith as he raps, “I’ve been waitin’ all my life, I’ve been spendin’ all my nights / Contemplatin’ all my trails, oh my God, this not overnight / I’ve been givin’ all my soul, I’ve been chasin’ all my goals / Dedication all I know, that’s how hard I go,” which could be a first-hand account from the fictional and namesake character.

On the chorus, Black Sherif joins in for a combined chanting of, “Blood sweat and my tears, no, I will not surrender/ If you take my lead then we can fly together / Heaven never seem to reach, it’s now or never / We got what we need, but we don’t got forever,” which will send chills down your spine if you’re a big fan of climatic cinema as it creates suspense for what’s to come in the film.

Listen to the full track above.

Creed III hits theaters on 3/3.

Michael B. Jordan Explores His Personalities For Rolling Stone

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Michael B. Jordan is Rolling Stones’ March 2023 cover star. In the expose, he gave us an inside look into life as an actor turned director on the top of Hollywood’s A-list. He discusses his directorial debut with “Creed III”, set to release on March 3rd. In addition, he touches on his experience as a Black man influencing his role as Adonis Creed in the films.

“So this is what Adonis is the most current iteration of. He is Black in the world. He has to work through the aftereffects of what Killmonger was fighting for, and how Oscar wasn’t seen or respected. Adonis is trying to start a family, and dealing with childhood trauma, not knowing how to talk and not knowing how to express himself. Not knowing why he feels less, why doesn’t he feel worthy,” Michael B. Jordan tells Rolling Stone.

The Look

Additionally, the shoot was lensed by creative Adrienne Raquel who is known for her playful and vibrant imagery. Subsequently, styling creds go to Michael B. Jordan’s stylist Jason Bolden, who was able to convey a powerful message of masculinity with contrasting femininity through the looks for the shoot. Michael can be seen in a shirtless pose with a pair of Todd Patrick two-toned leather pants and a Peter Do jacket draped across his shoulder. Elsewhere Michael is seen in a white Bottega Veneta tank top, a diamond Tiffany & Co. necklace, and a strand of pearls.

Finally, for the cover itself, Michael B. Jordan is dazed in a red and black logo-embellished Givenchy biker jacket, and matching pants. Furthermore, this cover marks the beginning of a new era for Jordan, as fans everywhere anticipate the new “Creed” film to be just as successful as the last two. He tells Rolling Stone, “I don’t see myself slowing down. Life’s short. I want to squeeze every fucking drop out of this.” Overall, we are confident that Michael B. Jordan will continue to pose a double threat with his successful acting career and now his directing career, and we cannot wait to see what he will do shortly.

Michael B. Jordan on The Cover of Rolling Stone March 2023

Michael B. Jordan And Jonathan Majors Star In “Creed III” Trailer: Watch

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The Super Bowl LVII gave Creed fans one last peek at Creed III prior to its release on March 3, 2023. The film is Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut after a long history of acting in films. Some of his most notable performances are Black Panther, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Just Mercy, Farenheight 451, and Fantastic Four. He will return to the character Adonis “Donnie” Creed. Creed III will be the film’s ninth addition to the Rocky film franchise.

In Creed III, Sylvester Stallone’s character, Rocky Balboa, will not be joining Jordan’s Creed. Stallone is not returning to the franchise due to creative differences. However, Tessa Thompson is reprising her role as Creed’s girlfriend Bianca. Additionally, Phylicia Rashad will reprise her role as Creed’s stepmother, Mary Anne. Jonathan Majors is joining the production as Anderson “Damian” Dame, Creed’s newest rival. Previously, Majors was in Loki and Magazine Dreams. He has multiple upcoming projects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Kang the Conqueror.

“Creed III” Trailer

In the trailer, we see how Adonis has made peace with the fact that he has to live up to the legacy of his father, Apollo Creed. However, as he embraces his own journey, his past hinders his growth. Anderson (Majors) comes back into his life after spending 18 years in prison. Apparently, Adonis and Anderson were both stopped by the police as kids. However, Anderson was the only one put behind bars. Anderson returns to get his revenge. After all, he was robbed of almost two decades of his life. This just means he’ll have to face off with Adonis in a massive event that takes place at Dodger Stadium.

Originally, Creed III had a release date of November 23, 2022. However, MGM postponed the release of the film to March 3, 2023. Keenan Coogler and Zach Baylin wrote Creed III. Coogler wrote Space Jam: A New Legacy, while Zach Baylin wrote King Richard and has numerous writing projects coming out alongside Creed III (The Order, The Crow, and an untitled Bob Marley biopic). The Creed III screenplay was based on the story by the Creed I director and Keenan Coogler’s brother, Ryan Coogler.

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JID & Lute Preview Dreamville Executive Produced “CREED III” Soundtrack With “Ma Boy” Single

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We’re just one month away from the exciting premiere of CREED III. As the countdown continues, two of Dreamville’s most prominent lyricists – JID and Lute – have shared a joint track from the film’s forthcoming soundtrack. “Ma Boy” landed on DSPs on Friday (February 3). It sets undoubtedly high expectations for the rest of the songs the label is putting together.

J. Cole’s team is executive producing the music for the Michael B. Jordan-directed effort. However, that doesn’t mean we’ll only be hearing from Dreamville artists on the tracklist.

Michael B. Jordan speaks on stage during HBCU CREED III Event at AMC Madison Yards 8 on October 17, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc)

“Dreamville/Interscope Records worked closely with the franchise’s producers MGM, Proximity and Outlier to create a musical experience that fit not just the film’s needs but one that will be celebrated as its own piece of art,” a press release explains.

“Inspired by both the film and the coming together of various artists on a soundtrack that matches the film’s acclaim and impact on community and culture.”

The full CREED III soundtrack will later be available across DSPs on March 3rd – the same day of the film’s theatrical debut.

Stream JID & Lute’s “Ma Boy” single on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, tell us if you have plans to check out CREED III in theatres next month in the comments.

Quotable Lyrics:

I take a chance and land it, you just be rollin’ the dice
My heart is as cold as Atlantic, I just be drippin’ in ice
I been that guy since I landed, you a know a real one in sight
You know that this wasn’t handed, you know this really my life

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