Members of city council have introduced legislation to recognize December 4 as “Jay-Z Day” in New York City. The bill was introduced earlier in December.
According to ABC 7 New York, the bill suggestions a celebration of Hov’s “legendary status as a masterful MC and lyricist and as an innovative entrepreneur.” The bill was introduced after a massive turnout to the Brooklyn Public Library for the Book of Hov exhibit.
JAY-Z has unveiled his eagerly awaited year-end playlist titled “Couple Songs of ’23.” Known for his discerning taste, the curated list showcases JAY-Z’s favorite tracks from the past year, offering insights into the music that has resonated with the influential artist. The list was previewed to fans on TIDAL during Hov’s Live session.
Included in the playlist are Victoria Monet, Tyla, Lil Durk, Drake, Nas, Westside Gunn, Gunna, Nicki Minaj, and more. You can check out the playlist below.
In a heartwarming twist, the remake of “The Color Purple” emerged as the holiday season’s cinematic darling, claiming the top spot at the box office on Christmas Day. Starring the dynamic trio of Danielle Brooks, Fantasia Barrino, and Taraji P. Henson, the movie seamlessly blended the cherished storyline with the enchanting elements of song and dance, leaving audiences captivated and emotionally moved.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the musical adaptation, produced by the formidable duo Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg, raked in an impressive $18.1 million from 3,142 theaters on Monday. This remarkable performance marks the second-best showing ever for a movie opening on Christmas Day and the best since 2009.
The stellar cast, featuring Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, and Colman Domingo, brought Blitz Bazawule’s visionary retelling of Alice Walker’s beloved novel to life. The narrative, originally adapted from the Tony-winning Broadway show, retained its integrity while introducing the powerful dimensions of music and choreography, creating a truly brilliant cinematic experience.
The Hollywood Reporter notes that the record for the biggest Christmas Day opening still belongs to 2009’s “Sherlock Holmes,” which earned $24.6 million (not adjusted for inflation). However, “The Color Purple” remake’s triumphant performance underscores its undeniable impact on audiences during the festive season.
The blend of nostalgia, exceptional performances, and the infusion of musical elements contributed to the film’s success. The enchanting retelling of this timeless story serves as a testament to the enduring power of Alice Walker’s narrative and the creative prowess of the team behind this modern cinematic masterpiece.
As viewers flocked to theaters on Christmas Day, “The Color Purple” remake not only captivated the hearts of those familiar with the classic but also introduced a new generation to the beauty and resilience embedded in the narrative. The movie’s success serves as a heartening conclusion to the year, bringing much-needed cheer to the holiday box office.
For those who haven’t yet experienced the magic of this musical adaptation, “The Color Purple” promises an emotional and visually stunning journey, ensuring that Alice Walker’s timeless tale continues to resonate and inspire audiences across generations.
Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” is running it back at the top of the Billboard Hot 100. This is the 14th nonconsecutive week that the single tops the chart and the second week in a row for this year.
This is Carey’s third single to top the chart for atleast 14 weeks. In 1995-96, Carey held the top spot for 16 weeks with “One Sweet Day,” and her 2005 single “We Belong Together” ran the charts for 14 weeks.
“All I Want for Christmas Is You” ran up 48.4 million streams and 31.7 million radio airply audience impressions, with 7,000 downloads.
The world is loving the single but Plies isn’t.
Sharing to his 10 million followers on Instagram, the “Becky” rapper posted a video of himself going off on how sick he is of hearing Mariah Carey’s Christmas classic “All I Want For Christmas Is You.”
Posting directly from his mother’s house on Christmas day, Plies posted a selfie video stating: ““I’m at my mothafuckin’ mama house. I’m sick of hearing this mothafuckin’ song mom! Aight? I love mothafuckin’ Mariah just like everybody else love her, but ain’t no goddamn way you want me to believe this the only mothafuckin’ Christmas song Mariah Carey got!”
In the caption, Plies writes, “ If My Momma Play This Dis MTFING Mariah Carey Song One More MTFING Time!!!!! #Plies #KingCircleHat”
The hilarious part is you could literally hear the song blasting in the background.
Plies continues, “Play this motherfucking song 97 motherfucking times! Shit, you hear it right now.”
According to TMZ, the song itself was streamed an outstanding 23,701,697 times on Christmas Eve. This actually outdid last year’s streams on the same day, which clocks it at 21,273,357 times.
Plies even threatens his mom: “I swear to God, you play that song one more time, I’ma take my ass home!”
NBA YoungBoy and Gillie Da King had a heartfelt moment when the two sat down for the latest episode of Million Dollaz Worth of Game.
YoungBoy flipped the script on Gillie and wanted to check in on his mental state following the death of his son, inquiring how he feels about life. Gillie revealed life is “difficult.”
“I just lost my son, you know what I’m saying?” Gillie said. “I struggle every day, you know what I mean? My son was a year older than you.”
As we approach the inspiring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) invites families and children to join a weekend filled with educational and creative activities from January 13 to 15 and every Saturday and Sunday throughout January. This special event aims to celebrate the life and work of Dr. King while exploring his powerful concept of the “Beloved Community.”
Engaging in Dr. King’s Vision
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. envisioned a “Beloved Community”—a global vision rooted in justice, inclusiveness, equal opportunity, and compassion for others. CMOM’s celebration of Dr. King’s Day weekend provides a unique opportunity for families to delve into this concept through purposeful design and visionary art-making. Each weekend in January will explore a different theme inspired by Dr. King’s vision.
Activities for All Ages
1. Building a Beloved Community Mural
When: Saturday – Monday, January 13 – 15 | 10:30 am – 4:30 pm Where: 1st Floor What: Contribute to a massive and evolving community mural by writing, drawing, coloring, and collaging onto a rainbow of sticky notes.
2. Mighty Community Art Installation
When: Saturday – Monday, January 13 – 15 | 10:30 am – 4:30 pm Where: 1st Floor What: Inspired by Dr. King’s vision, use boxes, paint markers, and collage to design a neighborhood filled with the workers and resources it needs to thrive.
3. CMOM’s I Have a Dream Community Wreath
When: Saturday – Monday, January 13 – 15 | 11 am & 2 pm Where: 3rd Floor What: Trace your hands, write your dream or hope for your community, and watch CMOM’s I Have a Dream Community Wreath grow larger throughout the week.
4. Interactive Storytime: Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Kid’s Book About Advancing Civil Rights With Nonviolence
When: Saturday – Monday, January 13 – 15 | 4 pm Where: 3rd Floor What: Join an engaging read-aloud introducing kids to the Civil Rights movement and the life of Martin Luther King Jr.
5. Honored in Portrait
When: Saturday & Sunday, January 20 & 21 | 10:30 am – 4:30 pm Where: 1st Floor What: Explore paintings of Black leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, and others. Express your vision of peace and respect in a painting of an influential leader.
6. Community Helpers
When: Saturday & Sunday, January 20 & 21 | 11 am & 2 pm Where: 3rd Floor What: Collage, doodle, and paste your favorite community job uniforms onto a mini version of yourself on a spinning cup, exploring the many ways people in the neighborhood help the community thrive.
7. Pledge for the Future: Comic Book Creations
When: Saturday & Sunday, January 27 & 28 | 10:30 am – 4:30 pm Where: 1st Floor What: Create a comic book character inspired by the work of science fiction author Octavia Butler, sharing your vision and pledge for a better future.
8. Healing Homes and Habitats
When: Saturday & Sunday, January 27 & 28 | 11 am & 2 pm Where: 3rd Floor What: Draw, design, and build a solution to an issue important to you, inspired by the designs of architects like Paul Revere Williams and Norma Merrick Sklarek.
Join the Celebration
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan invites families and children of all ages to be part of this special celebration. For more information and to plan your visit, please visit CMOM’s Programs. Celebrate the life and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through interactive and educational activities that foster a sense of community, compassion, and creativity.
Hip-Hop has come a long way. Fat Joe and 50 Cent enjoyed the New York Knicks Christmas game together. The two were spotted courtside at Madison Square Garden in their Christmas finest fits.
Fat Joe and 50 Cent once had beef, but that’s past both of them now. In October, Fat Joe showed his former foe love, naming the Get Rich or Die Tryin album as one of the greatest ever.
“And it’s crazy ’cause I had beef with him and I wouldn’t allow myself to hear it, wouldn’t let DJs play it,” Fat Joe said in an episode of Diggin’ in the crates for BET. “But I knew that it was G-Unit. Recently J. Cole came out at his concert and said it was the greatest album of all time. Nas came out and said, ‘Yo this changed the game.’ And it’s a fact.”
You can hear all of Joe’s reasoning below.
Earlier in the year, 50 Cent concluded his exhilarating Final Lap Tour with back-to-back sold-out shows at Barclays Center, leaving fans in awe.
The first night featured surprise performances that set the stage ablaze, including J. Cole, Jadakiss, DaBaby, Flo-Rida, and more. J. Cole’s dynamic collaboration with 50 Cent on “No Role Modelz” was a highlight, with J. Cole dubbing “Get Rich or Die Tryin’” the greatest album ever. Busta Rhymes and Jeremih also graced the stage, while Slick Rick and Baby Cham made memorable appearances.
Thursday’s show brought even more surprises, featuring Fat Joe, Bobby Shmurda, Young M.A., Phresher, and Sleepy Hallow. Fat Joe’s energetic rendition of “Lean Back” alongside 50 Cent was a crowd-pleaser, followed by a solo performance of “All The Way Up.” Notable guests, including T.I., Lala Anthony, and Kash Doll were also in attendance.
With an already staggering 900,000 tickets sold worldwide, the Final Lap Tour’s monumental 94-date journey continues across North America this summer before venturing overseas. For those eager to witness this historic tour, visit 50Cent.com for the remaining tickets and tour dates.
Christmas was another holiday behind bars for some stars like R. Kelly, Tory Lanez, Harvey Weinstein, and Joe Exotic. TMZ was able to grab ahold of their holiday spreads.
At North Carolina’s FCI Butner Medium I, R. Kelly was served Cornish Hens, cream of broccoli, cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes, glazed carrots, dinner rolls, and pecan pie. Meanwhile at Texas’ FMC Fort Worth, Joe Exotic enjoyed Baked Cornish hens, bread stuffing, macaroni and cheese, carrots, chicken gravy, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, and holiday pie.
Harvey Weinstein is housed at New York’s Mohawk Correctional Facility where he had Baked chicken breast, seasoned chicken gravy, steamed white rice, steamed kernel corn, dinner rolls, margarine, and a ice cream sundae. Tory Lanez had Pineapple glazed ham, carrot and pineapple salad, mashed potatoes, beef gravy, mixed vegetables, dinner roll, ice cream, and blueberry crisp at the California Correcitonal Institution Tehachapi.
Last month, Tory Lanez has dropped a new video promoting the deluxe edition of his album, Alone at Prom. The video features a claymation figure resembling famed court reporter Meghann Cuniff.
Cunniff was thrust into the spotlight with her coverage of Lanez’s trial in the shooting of Megan Thee Stallion. Her claymation character reports on the fictional ’80s character Ashton Rain.
The video came across Cunniff, who wondered what fans thought: “Hmmm what do you all think? Me or nah?”
Cardi B and Offset are maintaining a positive co-parenting effort despite issues in their romantic lives. Hitting Instagram, both stars shared a video celebrating their children together on Christmas. Videos showed the former A-list couple opening gifts and enjoying their lavish Christmas spreads. You can see it all below.
Cardi B and Offset will be together on New Year’s Eve, kinda. With their relationship seemingly on the rocks, Cardi B and Offset will perform at Fontainebleau at separate parties.
Page Six notes Offset will take the stage at LIV Miami, while Cardi B will be at the Luxe poolside video. The two scheduled the bags before their relationship publicly hit the rocks.
Offset is currently the target of the Internet’s wrath over alleged mistreatment of Cardi B. But for his birthday, he appeared utterly unbothered. Hitting Instagram, Offset dropped off a collection of pictures dripped in Balenciaga. “Blessed to see another year,” he wrote.
According to TMZ, while Cardi B was at home ranging on IG Live, Offset was partying until 5 am at Coco Miami and Playa. Plenty of women were around for the night, including a sprinter who escorted ladies around the citiy. Joining Offset in the streets were Southside, Justin Combs, Ari Fletcher, and Miami HEAT players Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Thomas Bryant.
Atlanta witnessed an unforgettable spectacle as hip-hop sensation Latto celebrated her 25th birthday at The Bank’s exclusive venue in a lavish bash produced by Hannah Kang of MBP Events. Themed “Hoes Up, Pimps Down” in homage to a Players Ball, the celebration unfolded as a dazzling showcase of fashion, music, and A-list personalities.
Legendary acts Tip “TI” and Tiny Harris, Flava Flav, and rap stars like 21 Savage, Flo Milli, and Young Nudy graced the event, elevating the night with unmatched star power. Dynamic hosting by Fly Guy DC and Flava Flav, along with a red carpet transformed into a Pimp Stroll, set the stage for a captivating evening.
Guests embraced the theme with stunning fashion statements, furs, animal prints, and extravagant hats, creating a visual feast. Latto’s birthday celebration marked a personal milestone and solidified her position as a cultural influencer, making the event a defining moment in Atlanta’s celebrity gatherings.
The legendary Grammy Award-winning artist Raphael Saadiq is spreading holiday joy with the release of his enchanting new single, “Miracle,” featuring the soulful vocals of UK artist Kelli-Leigh. The festive track is an exclusive gift to listeners, available solely on Amazon Music, adding an extra layer of excitement to the holiday season.
“Miracle” takes center stage as an original song on the CANDY CANE LANE soundtrack, promising to be a musical journey through the whimsical world of holiday magic. Saadiq’s mastery as a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer shines through in this delightful composition, showcasing his deep musicality and contemporary creative vision. In a candid and heartwarming interview, Raphael Saadiq, the Grammy Award-winning artist, opened up to Courtney Brown from The Source Magazine about his latest holiday single “Miracle,” his Christmas memories, and the timeless influence of his music across generations.
Courtney Brown: Hello, Raphael, how are you?
Raphael Saadiq: I’m good, so nice to meet you.
Courtney: I just finished listening to the song, and I’m ready to put up my Christmas tree now. It brought back so many memories, like it kind of took me to the eighties because that’s my childhood. It has such a good vibe. The melody made me feel good. What thoughts and memories did you come up with that gave you that vibe for that song?
Raphael: Well, first of all, I had the opportunity of looking at the film, right? Looking at the footage reminded me of my childhood, of people having contests in the neighborhood. My good friend Timothy Riley, one of the guys in my band, had just won first place in the Christmas contest in his neighborhood. It made me super cheerful, like what this song should feel like. It feels like that morning when you wake up and just being surprised or people preparing for it, you know, getting the tree, and it’s that whole preparation.
Courtney: What are some of your favorite memories from Christmas, especially your childhood?
Raphael: Christmas Eve is always my thing. My parents would go out and leave these 45 records on, playing Al Green Christmas songs and Temptations. I was one of the only two kids left in the house, so I had to make all these fun things by myself. I got a chance to play with a bass guitar and amplifiers, things that worked on their own. It was always finding those really cool gifts.
Courtney: Speaking of gifts, any memorable or unusual Christmas gifts you received?
Raphael: My sister wasn’t a good gifter. She once bought me a shoe horn or something. I was like, “Ooh, she’s a terrible gifter.” It’s hard to buy for guys, and, you know, just to help your sister out there, it’s kind of difficult. Now, my sister is still not a good gifter today. I’ve been getting her back for the longest time.
Courtney: It’s amazing to see you sitting here, and you look the same; you have not aged. What’s your secret?
Raphael: It’s my therapy to be up early in the morning, running and training before rehearsals. You got to have the wind span to do a two and a half hour show. It feels really good to be outside early in the morning.
Courtney: Shifting gears, your music has spanned generations. Who would you collaborate with from the younger generation that’s a newer artist right now?
Raphael: I don’t really work like that. I meet people at a store or 7-Eleven, and they go, “Hey man, just wanna work together?” I’m like, “Cool, come by the studio.” It just happens organically.
Courtney: Your music has been part of people’s life milestones. How does it feel to hear that?
Raphael: It feels great. I hear all that I’ve made. I’m sure I have a couple of kids because of you. We named our daughter Deja from your song. I hear a lot of anniversaries, our song.
Courtney: Your influence extends to hip hop. Who would be in your top five hip hop artists of all time?
Raphael: Nas is probably my number one MC. Kendrick is probably my number one, honestly. Busta, Rakim, and Q-Tip are also among my favorites.
Courtney: You’re touring, which surprises me considering all you’re doing in the studio. What’s your health regimen on tour?
Raphael: Before I leave on tour, I work out with Willie Gault, a world-class runner. I run, do yoga, and Pilates. It’s my therapy, and it feels good to be outside early in the morning.
Courtney: Any advice for talented people losing inspiration?
Raphael: Go where the love is, and remember why you did it. If you didn’t do it because you love it, you’re probably not gonna stay inspired. You just gotta love what you do.
If My Momma Play This Dis MTFING Mariah Carey Song One More MTFING Time!!!!! 
