Aziza Barnes, a celebrated television writer and poet, has tragically passed away at the age of 32. Known for their work on hit series such as Snowfall, Teenage Bounty Hunters, and the upcoming Game of Thrones prequel, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Barnes’ family confirmed their passing on Sunday, December 15, citing suicide as the cause.
“With heavy hearts, we regret to inform you of the passing of an undeniable and beloved artist, child, sibling, and friend Aziza ‘Z’ Barnes,” their family stated. “Z inspired countless individuals through their community and creative work. Their talent was unmatched, and their presence will be deeply missed.”
Hailing from Los Angeles, Barnes earned a BFA from NYU and was pursuing an MFA at the University of Mississippi. They were also an accomplished poet, holding distinctions as a Callaloo Fellow and Poet’s House Fellow.
Fellow writer Safia Elhillo paid tribute to Barnes, describing them as “a brilliant writer and genre-bender who left us too soon,” sharing their poem, Eulogy for Her.
Barnes’ other credits include writing for HBO’s Rap Sh!t and the highly anticipated A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, set for release in 2025. Their creative legacy continues to inspire those who knew them and countless others who admired their work.
Another day, another Diddy update. This time from 50 Cent, a harsh Diddy critic who is diving into one of the most controversial projects of his career: a Netflix documentary examining Sean “Diddy” Combs’ alleged history of sexual abuse and misconduct. The rapper and producer shared insight into the upcoming film during a Friday appearance on GMA3: What You Need to Know.
What’s crazy is 50 is producing this documentary in real time. As things happen he’s, well, documenting.
Known for his decades-long “beef” with Diddy, if that’s what you want to call it, 50 Cent described their tension as less of a feud and more of a “competitive energy.” He also spoke candidly about the challenges of working on the documentary, which is being directed by Alexandria Stapleton.
“It’s a difficult project because every day there’s new accusations coming out, it’s new things that happened,” 50 Cent explained. “It’s become an octopus, with so many powers and so many things going on there.”
Now get this, when asked whether he had anticipated the extent of the allegations against Diddy, 50 admitted he was taken aback. “No, not this bad. Not this much stuff. I don’t think anyone could have anticipated this many accusations and things that have taken place,” he said.
The upcoming documentary, which 50 Cent first confirmed in September, remains untitled but promises to be an in-depth exploration of the allegations against Combs. The claims reportedly span decades and include charges of sexual abuse and misconduct.
Let’s be real, this is going to be the definitive Diddy project, right?
“This is a story with significant human impact. It is a complex narrative spanning decades, not just the headlines or clips seen so far,” 50 Cent and Stapleton said in a previous joint statement. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to give a voice to the voiceless and to present authentic and nuanced perspectives.”
What’s more documentary takes shape as Combs awaits trial on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. The once-celebrated music and fashion mogul has been denied bail three times since his September arrest, which followed a federal indictment. Investigators allege he operated a vast criminal enterprise to fulfill his “sexual gratification.”
As the allegations and legal battles continue to unfold, 50 Cent’s documentary aims to go beyond the headlines, shedding light on the broader narrative and its human cost. For now, the rapper remains focused on telling the complex story with honesty and depth.
Timing is everything and Kenya Moore is finally addressing the controversy that led to her exit from The Real Housewives of Atlanta, where she was reportedly involved in an incident that saw explicit photos of a fellow cast member being exposed. In a candid interview on the Tamron Hall Show, the 53-year-old reality star opened up about her regret over the situation and took full responsibility for her actions.
Reflecting on the low point, Moore explained, “Hindsight is always 50-50. If I could do it all over again, I believe the photos were very distasteful, and I elevated the situation. I’ve elevated situations before, and I’ve taken full accountability for the things that I’ve done.” She went on to express sincere remorse for her part in the drama, saying, “I am sorry for what I’ve done. I didn’t have to take it that far.” With emotion in her voice, she added, “When I feel threatened—I’ve never had a child and been in a situation like this before so that’s why I escalated it to the point that I was protecting not only myself but my child.”
The unbecoming situation in question occurred during the filming of Season 16 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, when Moore was allegedly involved in a public display of revenge porn aimed at a new cast member, Brittany Eady. It was revealed earlier this year that Moore had been suspended from the show after this incident, which reportedly stemmed from threats Eady made towards her.
Get this, in response to the allegations, Moore took to social media to defend herself, writing on X (formerly Twitter), “I would never engage in revenge porn, I have never distributed private images or footage of anyone, nor solicited images owned by others to use to threaten or blackmail.” She added, “I have always been vindicated. I can’t talk about STORY even with people planting fake news.”
Now according to reports from The Hollywood Reporter, while Eady’s verbal threats made other cast members feel “uncomfortable,” there was no evidence that Moore had been physically threatened or that a weapon had been involved during the filming of the season. Despite the lack of physical altercations, the situation led to an internal investigation by Bravo, resulting in Moore’s departure from the show.
If you’re late to the party, Moore had originally joined The Real Housewives of Atlanta in 2012 and had been a fan favorite ever since. She was expected to return for the upcoming season, alongside Drew Sidora, after both were slated to return from Season 15. The new season, however, will feature a mix of returning and new cast members. Kandi Burruss, Sanya Richards-Ross, and Marlo Hampton have all confirmed they are leaving the show, while former stars Porsha Williams and Cynthia Bailey are making a return in supporting roles. Additionally, Shame Morton Mwangin has been promoted to a leading housewife, joining newcomers Brittany Eady, Kelli Ferrell, and Angela Oakley as full-time cast members.
Yeah we said it and in case you didn’t believe the headline here it is again … Michelle Obama is on a new mission to help seniors find love. Netflix released the trailer for The Later Daters on November 13, a heartwarming dating series executive produced by the former First Lady. The show aims to offer hope and inspiration to older adults looking to find lasting love later in life.
Sounds inspirational. We probably need a whole bunch of inspiration in the days ahead. IYKYK.
Check out the trailer as it ntroduces viewers to six “silver singles” who are ready to begin their next chapter of romance. With the support of their children and the guidance of a professional dating coach, these seniors will embark on a series of blind dates, hoping to find their perfect match. As the trailer teases, these dates are far from traditional; participants will dive into extreme water activities, dance, and tackle some tough—sometimes surprising—questions. “Dating is not easy,” one contestant admits, acknowledging the challenges that come with romance at any age. Despite the hurdles, the series emphasizes that it’s never too late to find lasting love.
Get this, The Later Daters, which is part of Michelle and Barack Obama’s Higher Ground production company, premieres on Netflix on November 29. The show is a testament to Michelle Obama’s passion for helping others find connection, especially after witnessing her own enduring love story with former President Barack Obama. The couple has been married for 31 years, raising daughters Sasha, 23, and Malia, 26, while navigating the highs and lows of public life.
American dream stuff right there.
Back in January, Michelle opened up about her marriage on Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast, reflecting on the evolution of her relationship with Barack. “We’ve made a lot of mistakes, we’ve gotten it wrong,” she said. “And after 31 years, we’re getting better at it. And it gets better and better and better.” She added, “I wouldn’t trade in my marriage for anything in the world, with all the ups and downs, with all the running for president stuff… But the good has outweighed it. And if we hadn’t hung in there, we would’ve missed all the good.”
Check out the trailer and let us know if you think Obama can help our seniors get their groove back.
When it comes to adapting true stories into films and shows, it feels like there isn’t anything that is truly off limits. Michael Jackson’s story is getting treatment we’ve all been waiting for in ‘Michael.’ Wu-Tang Clan had a strong series on Hulu in Wu-Tang: An American Saga and there have been countless documentaries over the years.
We put together five true hip-hop stories from the last 10-20 years that could be adapted into compelling feature films, documentaries, or TV series. We have more to add to the list but we don’t want to overwhelm ya’ll, ha!
When it comes down to it, these stories and wish list projects cover a broad spectrum of hip-hop culture, from rivalries and legal battles to personal growth and industry-shifting moments. Each offers an opportunity to explore the highs, lows, and the deeper human experiences behind some of the biggest names and events in hip-hop over the last two decades. Let’s get to it.
1. Drake vs. Meek Mill
Type: Documentary Feature Film
Proposed Synopsis: The highly publicized rap battle between Drake and Meek Mill, created one of the biggest rap feuds of the decade before the great Drizzy, Kendrick battle of course. A documentary film would explore the rise of their rivalry, its effect on their careers, and their eventual reconciliation, collaborations and impact on the culture at large.
2. Tekashi 6ix9ine’s Legal Trouble and Snitching Scandal
Type: Feature Film Narrative
Proposed Synopsis: The rise and meteoric fall of Tekashi 6ix9ine, from his jarring and highly controversial social media persona to his legal troubles, and his not so shocking decision to cooperate with the government and ultimately testify against his former business partners, cohorts and gang members. This project would create a gripping narrative about fame, betrayal, and the consequences of playing a game he probably was never built for. There’s already a good Tekashi doc, so a feature film narrative that captures that moment may be the way to go.
3. Mac Miller
Type: Documentary or Feature Film Narrative
Story: The celebrated life and untimely tragic death of Mac Miller that explores his influence on hip-hop and pop culture. A documentary or biopic could examine his struggles with addiction, his evolution as an artist and the impact of his musical legacy and the timeline of his unfortunate passing. A feature film documentary may be fitting but a narrative snapshot would be something to see in our opinions.
4. Jay-Z and “Tidal”
Type: Documentary Feature Film
Story: Jay-Z’s acquisition of Tidal and his efforts to challenge Spotify and Apple Music in the streaming wars could be a compelling business and cultural story. The series could examine the rise of streaming platforms and Jay-Z’s vision to empower artists and reshape the music industry. This one may be important with how not how we consume content, specifically music but how one mogul took on the heavyweights and exited bigger and better than he arrived.
5. Cardi B’s Rise to Success
Type: Limited Scripted Series
Story: Cardi B’s journey from a polarizing reality TV and social media star to Grammy-winning rap sensation who redefined the landscape for female rappers. This should be a limited scripted series that tells a story of perseverance, hustle, and authenticity. The narrative should explore her rise from the Bronx, how she shaped her public persona, and the challenges she faced in breaking into the male-dominated hip-hop world all the way to “Bodak Yellow.” We’d probably stop it there tbh. Nice way to end of a super high note.
So what ya’ll think about the first five stories? They cover a broad spectrum of hip-hop culture, from rivalries and legal battles to personal growth and industry-shifting moments. Each offers an opportunity to explore the highs, lows, and the deeper human experiences behind some of the biggest names and events in hip-hop over the last two decades. Now all we have to do is see who wants to produce them. Maybe we should look into that … Hmm.
Money is the root of it all. 50 Cent and Omari Hardwick, once close collaborators on the STARZ series Power, appear to be at odds over Hardwick’s recent remarks regarding his compensation for the show. In an interview with The Breakfast Club, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson expressed frustration, saying he believes Hardwick “overvalues” himself, especially since the actor hasn’t been part of any notable projects since Power concluded in 2020.
Here’s the comment from the 50 that might sting …
“I think he overvalues himself,” 50 Cent told the show hosts. “Because… it’s been a long time since he’s been in Power, why are we not excited about the new projects?”
Charlamagne Tha God, seeming puzzled, asked, “What new projects? I didn’t know…”
“See, that’s what I’m talking about,” 50 replied. “If there was noise going on, if he was that big of a draw, then we would see noise, we would see new things happening. We’d see you out where you’re actively in a place where they’re looking for you.”
That part.
When asked if they still have a good relationship, 50 responded bluntly: “No, because you leave it like it’s me not giving you the money.”
If you don’t know the why of it all, the tension traces back to a June 2022 episode of The Pivot podcast, where Hardwick shared that he earned $150,000 per episode on Power, a figure he felt was too low given his role as “the face of the network.” Hardwick revealed, “I still haven’t made what I should have made. I still never made the money—no, the money, I never made what I should have made. Never. Period. It’s happening now, finally.” He added that he had to borrow money from 50 Cent to support his family during production breaks and was proud to have repaid it. Hardwick suggested that 50 and series producer Courtney Kemp knew he was being underpaid, although he primarily blamed STARZ.
As for 50 Cent, even a minor mention of his name alongside Hardwick’s compensation issues was reason to take offense. “If you’re saying, ‘Courtney and 50 know,’ you’re saying that, but they don’t know who Courtney is—I introduced people to her. They don’t know who she is, so you’re leaving it as, ‘50 didn’t make sure I got paid.’ Mary [J. Blige] will tell you, she got paid a lot of money on the show the whole time. I made sure that sh*t was right.”
Basically, 50 Cent’s comments reflect his frustration with the implications that he or Kemp played a part in Hardwick’s compensation issues and hint at a fracture in their previously strong working relationship.
Here’s the thing. Pay in television is based on a variety of factors. How deals are negotiated and when mean pretty much everything. Who would have thought Power would blow up to be what it is today? Omari Hardwick may have a point and then again, how much of this falls on 50 rather than the deal that was negotiated with Starz. We don’t know but there seems to be more to this story so stay locked in.
Get ready to laugh, we hope. In the new CBS comedy Poppa’s House, premiering tomorrow, Damon Wayans stars as a father with plenty of attitude. Sharing the screen with him is his real-life son, Damon Wayans Jr., who plays his on-screen son. Their natural chemistry is a highlight of the show, driven by their shared goal to keep each other laughing. “That’s the ultimate goal really, to make people who you respect laugh,” said Damon Jr. “If I can get my dad to break in a scene, that just gives me more energy for the next take.”
For 64-year-old Damon Wayans Sr., comedy has been a lifelong occupation and legacy. Over nearly four decades, he’s brought memorable, edgy characters to TV and film, from his drill instructor role in Major Payne to the iconic Homey the Clown on In Living Color. Fans still call out “Hey, Homey!” when they see him, which he finds amusing: “Does a woman ever get tired of being told she’s beautiful? Never, right?”
You have to be under a rock not to know that Wayans’ comedic roots trace back to a tough upbringing in New York City, where he was one of 10 children of the now famed Wayans family, living in a cramped apartment. “There was four of us to a room,” he recalled. “To sleep with someone’s foot in your behind is pretty much my childhood!” Despite the challenges, the tight-knit family learned to use humor as a survival tool. “In my stand-up, I talk about how my mother would tell us, ‘There’s no food; you can each have a little bit of toothpaste, so you have something in your stomach.’ That’s real.”
Back in 1982, Wayans followed his older brother Keenan to Hollywood, performing stand-up comedy at night and working as a mail carrier for Paramount Studios by day. “I would see Eddie Murphy, Henry Winkler, and Leonard Nimoy on the lot,” Wayans recalled. “I hope I didn’t mess up their mail!” Despite the humor, his early days were far from easy, especially since he dealt with pain from a club foot, which he described as “a constant toothache in my foot.”
Get this, Wayans’ breakthrough came with a brief role in Beverly Hills Cop, which led to his casting on Saturday Night Live. There, Eddie Murphy gave him key advice: “Write your own sketches. Otherwise, you gonna be doing white people stuff, and you gonna hate it.” Wayans struggled at SNL and was eventually fired, but his real success came later when his brother Keenan created In Living Color. The sketch show became a family affair, starring several of the Wayans siblings and launching Damon into TV stardom.
Wayans continued drawing from personal experience for his work, including the hit sitcom My Wife and Kids. During the show’s early days, he was going through a divorce, but he found therapeutic value in comedy. “Comedians live for that. I get into a car accident, I talk about my neck hurting, and when people laugh, my neck doesn’t hurt as much.”
Having risen from hardship to success, Wayans now finds himself at peace. “I got tired of chasing happy. Happy is fleeting. There’s nothing I need except my health and well-being. And guess what? Happy moved in next door to me.” Today, he enjoys the blessings of his life, including ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild. “Life. Does it get better? It doesn’t!”
Now starring opposite his son, Wayans is ready to start a new chapter on Poppa’s House. We’ll see if it’s as successful as his storied career.
A-list actor Dave Bautista didn’t hold back when it came to hitting hard and criticizing former President Donald Trump’s “tough guy” persona during a bit on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Wednesday. In a comedic but pointed skit, Bautista took aim at the idea that Trump is some sort of symbol of toughness, delivering his roast while engaging in intense gym exercises like boxing, flipping tires, and slamming battle ropes.
His critique to put it nicely, went hard …
“Fellas, we gotta talk,” Bautista begins, standing in a boxing ring. “A lot of men seem to think that Donald Trump is some kind of tough guy. He’s not.”
The video was hilarious and included clips of Trump awkwardly drinking water and reports of him cheating at golf flash on screen, Bautista mocks the former president’s physicality and supposed strength. “I mean, look at him, he wears more makeup than Dolly Parton,” he quips. “He whines like a baby. The guy is afraid of birds. Donald Trump had his daddy pay a doctor to say his widdle feet hurt so he could dodge the draft.”
The epic roast continues with Bautista taking shots at Trump’s physique. “Look at that gut. It’s like a garbage bag full of buttermilk,” he jokes, as an unflattering photo of Trump golfing is displayed.
You know who Bautista is who has risen in the ranks of Hollywood. He is best known for his roles in Guardians of the Galaxy and Dune, added a crude jab about Trump’s dancing before ending with a serious tone: “This November, let’s stop kidding ourselves.”
Bautista, is a vocal supporter of Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign, has actively encouraged his followers to vote. Last month, he posted on Instagram urging people to get involved in the election. “Do your part, get out there, and vote,” he said while wearing a Harris-Walz campaign shirt. “Your voice matters, and this election’s too important to sit out.”
What’s more Jimmy Kimmel set the stage for Bautista’s bit during his monologue, highlighting Trump’s popularity among young male voters. “Young, straight, white men love Donald Trump,” Kimmel noted. “But is he the strong, Alpha man these men believe him to be? Not according to one of the toughest guys I know, he isn’t.”
The Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) proudly presents the sixth anniversary of its cherished “OWN For the Holidays” programming event, continuing its tradition of heartwarming, inclusive holiday stories. As part of the celebration, the network will debut its newest holiday film, “Mistletoe & Matrimony,” starring Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut and Etienne Maurice, on Saturday, December 14 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
“OWN has long been a pioneer in creating original holiday movies that resonate deeply with Black audiences, showcasing diverse talent at the forefront of our storytelling and bringing families together during this special time of year,” said Tina Perry, President of OWN. “We are truly honored to celebrate the season once again with three new films that encapsulate the warmth, joy, and love that our viewers eagerly anticipate year after year.”
Here’s a trailer for the three new films coming to OWN:
“Mistletoe & Matrimony” follows the story of Olivia Morris (Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut), a detail-oriented wedding planner who faces a whirlwind of emotions when tasked with organizing her free-spirited sister’s Christmas Eve wedding. The situation grows more complicated when her ex-boyfriend, Isaiah (Etienne Maurice), returns from overseas to assist with the arrangements. As sparks fly and family dynamics shift, Olivia is forced to reconsider her outlook on love and life—just in time for the holidays.
Mistletoe & Matrimony is produced by FOX Entertainment Studios’ MarVista Entertainment with Megan Ellstrom, Larry Grimaldi, Hannah Pillemer, and Fernando Szew as Executive Producers.
Check out the festive first look images of Mistletoe & Matrimony below:
Another day, another Tyler Perry film announcement. Like he drops films like influencers drop story posts. The star-studded cast has been unveiled for Tyler Perry and DeVon Franklin’s upcoming faith-based film, R&B. The project, which brings together an impressive ensemble, includes Serayah, Tyler Lepley, Phylicia Rashad, Walnette Santiago, Nijah Brenea, James Lee Thomas, Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds, Jermaine Dupri, and Lecrae Moore.
As first reported by Deadline, R&B will be directed by Alanna Brown, with a screenplay penned by Michael Elliot and Cory Tynan. R&B is described as a modern retelling of the biblical story of Ruth and Boaz, with a contemporary twist. Set in Tennessee, the narrative follows a young woman who leaves behind the bustling Atlanta music scene to care for an elderly widow. In this unexpected chapter of her life, she discovers not only love but also a maternal bond she never experienced.
Get this, the film marks the first of several projects under the multi-year, multi-picture first-look deal that Perry and Franklin inked with Netflix earlier in 2023. Perry expressed his excitement about this collaboration, saying:
“I’m so excited to be working with DeVon on this and future projects. I think in this polarizing world, and at a time where the world seems to be growing colder every day, we both share the common goal of wanting to spread some good. And there’s no better place than Netflix.”
As expected, both Perry and Franklin serve as producers on R&B, with Angi Bones, Tony L. Strickland, and Bart Lipton executive-producing the film. This collab follows Perry’s ambitious work with Netflix, where he has two other highly anticipated projects on the way: The Six Triple Eight, starring Kerry Washington, and the series Beauty in Black.
What’s more, with R&B, Perry and Franklin aim to deliver a heartfelt, inspiring story that reflects their shared vision of creating meaningful content during challenging times.
