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Keke Palmer Reflects on Hollywood Exit: ‘I Think The Timer Has Started’

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Keke Palmer Drops Holiday Photos with Her Son Leodis

Actress Keke Palmer, known for her memorable performances on both the big and small screens, is contemplating a shift in her career. Palmer revealed that she may be nearing the end of her time in Hollywood, signaling a potential departure from the industry that has been her home for most of her life.

In a recent conversation with Teen Vogue, Palmer shared, “I think the timer has started.” Despite not pinpointing an exact timeline for her departure, she expressed a sense of inevitability about the transition. “I think [I haven’t retired] because I just haven’t felt it yet. But the timer, I know that it’s around the corner.”

Palmer, who began her acting journey at the age of 9 with a role in “Barbershop 2: Back in Business,” has grown up in front of the camera, captivating audiences with her talent and versatility. However, as she contemplates her future beyond Hollywood, she emphasizes the importance of leaving behind a legacy that inspires and empowers others.

Reflecting on her accomplishments and the impact she hopes to leave behind, Palmer expressed her desire for her legacy to serve as a beacon of empowerment for future generations. “The main thing I want those legacies to be is [a call] to use your power for good, to use what you have to create spaces and systems for other people to thrive,” she explained.

For Palmer, the idea of using her platform and influence to uplift others is central to her vision of success. “I just don’t believe in holding everything. I don’t believe in gatekeeping. I’m not a coward,” she affirmed, highlighting her commitment to fostering inclusivity and opportunity within the entertainment industry.

Thoughts?

The post Keke Palmer Reflects on Hollywood Exit: ‘I Think The Timer Has Started’ first appeared on The Source.

The post Keke Palmer Reflects on Hollywood Exit: ‘I Think The Timer Has Started’ appeared first on The Source.

BMAC and Victoria Monét Introduce Music Maker Grant to Empower Emerging Black Artists

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BMAC and Victoria Monét Introduce Music Maker Grant

The Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) has collaborated with 10-time GRAMMY nominee Victoria Monét to unveil the BMAC x Victoria Monét Music Maker Grant. The grant, set to be officially announced at BMAC’s GRAMMY Week Music Maker Dinner on Jan. 31, 2024, will provide $5,000 to support economic empowerment for an emerging Black artist. Additionally, the recipient will gain access to mentorship opportunities and direct career advice from Victoria Monét.

This initiative is aligned with BMAC’s commitment to fostering access, equity, and opportunities for the next generation of Black artists and industry professionals. The BMAC x Victoria Monét Music Maker Grant joins BMAC’s portfolio of impactful grants and empowerment programs, including The Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Music Maker Grant, BMAC Ernie Paniccioli Music Photojournalism Grant & Celebration Event, and others.

“We are honored to partner with Victoria Monét to uplift a young and deserving Black artist and help further their dreams within the music industry. Her story is one of resilience and perseverance and it is in that spirit we will continue to pay it forward. BMAC’s mission is to create a more equal playing field by breaking down barriers to entry for our community. Our BMAC Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Music Maker Dinner is a perfect room to celebrate this initiative,” said BMAC Co-Founder, President, and CEO, Willie “Prophet” Stiggers.

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“Supporting the next generation of women is crucial as we work towards furthering equality across the board in the music industry,” added BMAC Co-Founder, Caron Veazey. “Partnering with an iconic artist and role model like Victoria Monét through the Music Maker Grant will help us to impact a future star by setting them up on a path to success. We are looking forward to receiving the submissions and uncovering a deserving artist!”

“I met Victoria years ago as a songwriter and to see where her gifts have brought her to today has been an incredible journey to watch. As a co-founder of BMAC, I am proud to honor her work with establishing the BMAC-Victoria Monét Music Maker Grant and have the opportunity to work together to uplift the next generation of our industry,” said BMAC Co-Founder, Shawn Holiday.

The grant’s recipient will be selected through a nationwide search facilitated by BMAC, with further details to be shared in the coming weeks. To learn more about the Black Music Action Coalition and its initiatives, visit BMAC’s official website.

The post BMAC and Victoria Monét Introduce Music Maker Grant to Empower Emerging Black Artists first appeared on The Source.

The post BMAC and Victoria Monét Introduce Music Maker Grant to Empower Emerging Black Artists appeared first on The Source.

Rich the Kid Ordered to Pay Five-Figure Sum in Pregnancy Hush Money Lawsuit

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Last year, rapper Rich the Kid found himself in legal troubles when a woman filed a lawsuit accusing him of failing to uphold his financial agreement to keep her pregnancy a secret. Despite the allegations, Rich the Kid chose to ignore the lawsuit, resulting in a recent court order that requires him to pay a significant five-figure sum.

According to Radar Online, the “Plug Walk” lyricist faced a $45,000 default judgment after neglecting to respond to the allegations filed by a Jane Doe in a Massachusetts court. The lawsuit revolves around the claim that Rich the Kid paid hush money to prevent the woman from disclosing her pregnancy to his fiancée, Tori Brixx.

The legal saga began when Jane Doe asserted that she had encountered Rich the Kid during a private event at a hotel after one of his concerts in Boston on January 28, 2023. Allegedly, the rapper requested and engaged in unprotected sexual relations with her during this encounter.

The situation took a darker turn, as Doe accused Rich the Kid of committing battery afterward, describing a violent incident where he forcibly grabbed her and removed her coat, preventing her from leaving the hotel. Doe claimed that Rich the Kid then followed her, even jumping into her Uber headed to her residence, an event supposedly captured by her home Ring camera.

Later, Doe discovered she was pregnant with Rich the Kid’s child. In an attempt to keep the matter under wraps, the two parties allegedly agreed to terminate the pregnancy through a settlement executed on March 29-30, 2023. The lawsuit contended that this settlement included financial payments to Doe in exchange for her silence about their encounters.

Doe, dissatisfied with the payments received, demanded the remaining amount owed by Rich the Kid. She claimed that although the rapper made two payments, he still owed her an additional $25,000. However, Rich the Kid ignored these demands, leading to the recent default judgment ordering him to pay the full amount.

Thoughts?

The post Rich the Kid Ordered to Pay Five-Figure Sum in Pregnancy Hush Money Lawsuit first appeared on The Source.

The post Rich the Kid Ordered to Pay Five-Figure Sum in Pregnancy Hush Money Lawsuit appeared first on The Source.

Travis Scott, Quavo & More Hit Pegasus World Cup 2024 Weekend in Miami

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Pegasus World Cup 2024 Weekend in Miami witnessed a dazzling array of A-list celebrities enjoying some of the hottest events in town.

On Sunday, Jan. 28th, the renowned rapper Travis Scott, known for hits like “SICKO MODE,” graced LIV after his electrifying performance at the Kaseya Center for the Utopia – Circus Maximus Tour. Scott, in a laid-back ensemble of a white tee, black vest, and jeans, thrilled the crowd with performances of “No Bystanders” and “FE!N.” The rapper later joined forces with Quavo in his section, marking the successful Miami stop of the tour.

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Friday, Jan. 26th, set the tone for the weekend with supermodels Heidi Klum and Karolina Kurkova stealing the spotlight in the DJ booth. The dynamic duo danced the night away with Tiësto, and Heidi Klum, sporting a Tiësto hat and sunglasses, promoted her new song, “Sunglasses at Night.”

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The star-studded weekend proved to be an unforgettable experience, blending world-class entertainment with the allure of the Pegasus World Cup. Celebrities and artists came together, adding an extra layer of glamour to this prestigious event in the heart of Miami.

The post Travis Scott, Quavo & More Hit Pegasus World Cup 2024 Weekend in Miami first appeared on The Source.

The post Travis Scott, Quavo & More Hit Pegasus World Cup 2024 Weekend in Miami appeared first on The Source.

Nia Long Joins Cast of Michael Jackson Biopic as Katherine Jackson

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Nia Long on Her Public Breakup: 'I Think I'm Exactly Where I Need to Be'

Last week, the excitement surrounding the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic soared as it was announced that actor Colman Domingo had been cast as Joe Jackson, the patriarch of the iconic Jackson family. Now, Nia Long has been added to the star-studded cast.

Actress Nia Long has officially joined the ensemble, stepping into the role of Katherine Jackson, the beloved matriarch of the Jackson family. The announcement, reported by Deadline, marks a pivotal moment in the production of “Michael,” directed by Antoine Fuqua and set to hit theaters globally on April 18, 2025.

Producer Graham King expressed his admiration for Nia Long’s talent and her profound connection to the material, emphasizing her dedication to honoring Katherine Jackson and the profound love she held for her son, Michael. “Beyond Nia’s incredible talent, I was deeply moved by her connection to the material and her commitment to honoring Katherine and the love she had for her son,” King stated, highlighting the emotional depth Long brings to her portrayal of the Jackson family matriarch.

Director Antoine Fuqua echoed King’s sentiments, praising Long’s ability to deliver iconic performances that resonate with audiences long after the credits roll. Fuqua expressed his excitement to collaborate with Long, emphasizing the significance of her portrayal of Katherine Jackson, a woman who served as the glue, the rock, and the heart of the Jackson family during both their brightest moments and their most challenging times.

“Nia has delivered iconic performances throughout her career. I’ve been a fan for a long time because her characters stay with you. I’m excited to now work alongside her as she pours all of that into Katherine Jackson: a woman who was the glue, the rock, and the heart of the Jackson family during its best and its most turbulent times,” Fuqua remarked, underscoring the importance of Long’s contribution to bringing Katherine Jackson’s story to life on the big screen.

As the production of “Michael” continues to unfold, the casting of Nia Long as Katherine Jackson adds another layer of depth and authenticity to the highly anticipated biopic.

Will you be watching?

The post Nia Long Joins Cast of Michael Jackson Biopic as Katherine Jackson first appeared on The Source.

The post Nia Long Joins Cast of Michael Jackson Biopic as Katherine Jackson appeared first on The Source.

Megan Thee Stallion Announces New Album and ‘The Hot Girl Summer’ Tour

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Megan Thee Stallion isn’t worried about beef; she’s ready to hit the streets. Appearing on Good Morning America, Thee Stallion announced a new album this summer and the supporting Hot Girl Summer tour.

“Oh, we’re having the tour this year. ‘The Hot Girl Summer tour’ is going to be 2024, summertime,” Thee Stallion said. “I feel like I’ve never been able to be outside doing my own thing during the summer, since like 2019. So this is going to be the first time that I drop an album on time for the summer. I do want to give the hotties the Megan Thee Stallion experience.”

You can see Thee Stallion’s feature below.

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[WATCH] Yasiin Bey Clarifies Remarks on Drake: “No Hate, Just Honest Opinion”

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Two weeks ago, conscious rapper Yasiin Bey sparked a wave of discussion when he was quoted claiming that Drake’s music is not representative of true Hip Hop. Now, in a recent video shared on Instagram, Bey seeks to clarify his statement and shed light on his perspective.

In the video, Yasiin Bey begins by emphasizing that his comments about Drake’s music were not intended as an attack or a form of disrespect. Instead, he asserts that as an artist and a member of the Hip Hop community, he is entitled to his opinion and to engage in constructive critique.

“I have no hate for Drake,” Bey states firmly. He goes on to explain that he has reached out to Drake directly to express his thoughts, but has yet to receive a response. Despite this, Yasiin Bey extends an open invitation for a face-to-face meeting with Drake, emphasizing his willingness to engage in a respectful dialogue at any time.

Importantly, Bey makes it clear that his critique of Drake’s music does not stem from a place of jealousy or resentment towards the Canadian rapper’s success. “I have no issue with Drake’s success,” he affirms. “I would never try to diminish his talent or his accomplishments.”

Yasiin Bey acknowledges that criticism directed at Drake in the past has often been mean-spirited and unfair, and he makes it clear that he does not wish to contribute to that negative discourse. “I don’t want to be part of that energy,” he states.

However, despite his intentions to offer constructive criticism, Yasiin Bey maintains that Drake is not above critique.

Thoughts? Watch Below.

The post [WATCH] Yasiin Bey Clarifies Remarks on Drake: “No Hate, Just Honest Opinion” first appeared on The Source.

The post [WATCH] Yasiin Bey Clarifies Remarks on Drake: “No Hate, Just Honest Opinion” appeared first on The Source.

SZA Performs Exclusive Apple Music Live Show From Brooklyn

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Grammy-award-winning music trendsetter and icon SZA is the next artist to take the stage for Apple Music Live — the live performance series that gives the biggest stars in music a platform to connect with audiences around the world. 

The “S.O.S. Tour” marks SZA’s first-ever arena tour and earned the superstar endless praise. The Apple Music Live performance at the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn, New York will debut Wednesday, January, 31 at 7:00pm PST / 10:00pm EST exclusively on Apple Music at http://apple.co/SZA-AML and Apple TV+. Fans can also stream the Apple Music Live performance anytime on demand on both Apple Music and Apple TV+.

During the performance, SZA showcases her biggest hits and fan favorites including, “Kill Bill”, “Snooze”, “Seek & Destroy”, and “Nobody Gets Me”, plus selections from the critically acclaimed Ctrl: “Drew Barrymore”, “Broken Clocks”, “Love Galore” and more.

In an extensive career spanning conversation airing tomorrow on Apple Music 1, SZA sits down with Zane Lowe to reflect on the Apple Music Live performance and her record-breaking year, telling Zane, “I love connecting with people in the crowd when I feel like it’s really me and you right now. And I go eye to eye with so many people during this show, and it’s something about tour that it makes the love real, and tangible.” During the candid conversation, SZA also touches on navigating fame, her spiritual hygiene, overcoming anxiety, taking creative risks, and more. The full interview is available on Apple Music 1 now at https://youtu.be/zc0vRDh1ECA.

“SZA was one the most streamed artists of 2023 with only her second full length album, we are elated to finally bring her S.O.S Tour to Apple Music Live,” said Apple Music’s Global Head of Hip Hop and R&B Ebro Darden. “The show is, of course, incredible just like her music, her songwriting and her desire to give us, the fans, so much amazing content. Here’s to an even more successful 2024 for her. Thank You SZA!” 

Over the past year, streams for SZA’s music has nearly quadrupled on Apple Music worldwide increasing 280% as she smashed a number of all-time records with her sophomore album SOS. Upon the release of the album, SZA broke the record for the R&B artist with the most simultaneous entries on the Global Daily Top 100, with 26 songs reaching the chart in one day. Breakout single, ”Kill Bill” spent 28 days at No. 1 on the Global Daily Top 100, her longest run at No. 1 in the chart’s history. All told the song reached No. 1 in 37 countries worldwide. Additionally, “Kill Bill” finished at No. 3 on Apple Music’s Top 100 2023: Global chart. With single “Snooze” at No. 5, she became the first R&B artist in the year-end chart history to have two songs in the top five of the year-end global songs chart. SOS was the second biggest album of 2023 on Apple Music worldwide, and the No. 1 R&B album of the year. 

Over the past two years, “SZA Essentials” has been one of the fastest-growing R&B playlists on Apple Music, with a 203% increase in streams worldwide. SZA has launched 12 songs to the top 10 of Apple Music’s Global Daily Top 100. She is among the top 50 artists of all time on Apple Music worldwide. 

The post SZA Performs Exclusive Apple Music Live Show From Brooklyn first appeared on The Source.

The post SZA Performs Exclusive Apple Music Live Show From Brooklyn appeared first on The Source.

Today in Hip-Hop History: Sean Price Dropped His ‘Jesus Price Supastar’ Album 17 Years Ago

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On today’s date in 2007, Sean Price of the legendary Boot Camp Clik released his second solo album entitled Jesus Price Supastar on Duck Down Records.

Jesus Price Supastar features production from 9th Wonder and Khrysis, as well as Illmind, Tommy Tee, Moss, and P.F. Cuttin. Album guests include Boot Camp Clik members Buckshot, Steele and Rock, Rustee Juxx, Sadat X, Block McCloud, Phonte, Chaundon, and The Loudmouf Choir. The album was met with a positive reception from music critics.

Jesus Price Supastar debuted on the Billboard Hot 200 chart at #196, making it the first Boot Camp Clik album since 1999 to crack the chart.

This album was a superb follow up to Monkey Barz, Price’s solo debut, but not even the BCC expected Sean’s solo ventures to be received so well by an entirely different generation of Hip Hoppers than he was used to that celebrated his Helton Skeltah success.

After four successful solo albums, Price’s life was cut short in August 2015 by what has still been ruled undetermined.

Salute to the Price family, his wife Bernie, his daughter Shaun, Buckshot, Steele, Tek and the entire Duck Down team for sharing the unparalleled talent of an artist like Sean Price. P!

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Sean Price Dropped His ‘Jesus Price Supastar’ Album 17 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Sean Price Dropped His ‘Jesus Price Supastar’ Album 17 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Nicki Minaj Laughs Off Idea She is on a ‘Coke Rant’: ‘If I Did [Coke], I’d Do It Proudly’

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Nicki Minaj Photo Courtesy of Universal Music Group

Nicki Minaj has dissed Megan The Stallion and followed that with a TON of tweeting of numbers, more shade, and everything else. This has led to rumors of Minaj using cocaine and “crashing out.”

Hitting X, Minaj revealed she has never used cocaine, but if she did, she would be proud of it.

“Whenever you see the words ‘coke rant,’ you know they mad,” Minaj wrote. “If y’all hear how loud I’m laughing. I’ve never done coke in my life. But if I did, I’d do it proudly.”

The post Nicki Minaj Laughs Off Idea She is on a ‘Coke Rant’: ‘If I Did [Coke], I’d Do It Proudly’ first appeared on The Source.

The post Nicki Minaj Laughs Off Idea She is on a ‘Coke Rant’: ‘If I Did [Coke], I’d Do It Proudly’ appeared first on The Source.