History was made as Haute Living honored the legendary Wu-Tang Clan at WAKUDA in The Palazzo at The Venetian Las Vegas. The iconic rap group, which kicked off their first-ever hip-hop residency at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas earlier this year, continues to leave an indelible mark on music history.
To commemorate the occasion, artist Johnathan Schultz presented Wu-Tang Clan with a custom painting titled “Legacy In Gold,” featuring a vinyl filled with 23k gold and a crystal-encrusted Wu-Tang logo at its center. The group was chauffeured in style all evening by Burks Luxury Chauffeur, further elevating the celebration of their lasting legacy in hip-hop.
Here’s some news in the world of iconic adaptation from the culture. John Boyega and Danielle Deadwyler are set to lead the biopic Otis & Zelma, which will portray the life of soul legend Otis Redding and his wife, Zelma. The project, directed by Channing Godfrey Peoples and written by Donnetta Lavinia Grays, was first reported by Variety. The film is being produced by Fifth Season, Homegrown Pictures, and Kinfolk Management + Media, and is fully supported by Zelma Redding and the Otis Redding estate.
Here’s the story that they will tell. The film will reportedly focus on the couple’s love story, which spanned just 10 years before Redding’s tragic death in a plane crash in 1967, at the age of 26. According to an early synopsis, the film “celebrates the 10 short years Otis and Zelma had together, and their eternal love story after his passing.” It also emphasizes Zelma’s efforts over the past 56 years to preserve her husband’s musical legacy, which she continues to uphold.
If you’re not well versed, Redding’s career left a lasting impact on music, earning him two Grammy Awards, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Black Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame, and Songwriters Hall of Fame. His legacy will be further honored with a posthumous induction into the Hollywood Walk of Fame on October 4. Ana Martinez, producer of the Walk of Fame ceremonies, stated, “The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is honored to dedicate a star to the legendary Otis Redding, whose music continues to inspire generations.” The ceremony will include speeches by Killer Mike, with Jimmy Jam serving as emcee, and Redding’s daughter, Karla Redding, accepting the star on his behalf.
Get this, in an interview last year with BMI, Zelma Redding reflected on the importance of preserving Otis’ legacy: “He left so much special music for everybody. But I really have to commend my family and myself to continue this legacy because you cannot have a legacy if you don’t work it. We have everything we need for Otis Redding and that’s why we work so hard to preserve and protect his legacy. We wouldn’t know any way to do it without it.”
Today, Black Star announces the physical release of their 2022 sophomore album No Fear of Time, available on vinyl and CD for the first time ever, November 22nd via Rhymesayers Entertainment. Pre-order available at blackstarkeepshining.com.
“The initial release of this album in itself was an artistic statement,” stated Rhymesayers CEO Siddiq Sayers. “To be bold enough to bring this highly anticipated album to fans in a non-traditional way that centers the art and artist first is exactly what artistic independence is about. That spirit is at the core of what we’ve done at Rhymesayers for close to 30 years, and we’re proud to bring this album from a group so important to the culture into the world in the physical form.”
No Fear of Time finally reunites one of the greatest hip-hop duos of all-time nearly a quarter century after their debut. Group members yasiin bey and Talib Kweli, both enormously influential hip hop artists in their own right, first joined forces as Black Star to deliver their iconic 1998 breakout, Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star, which quickly became one of hip-hop’s most revered works and launched both already-rising stars into the stratosphere.
After years spent nurturing their respective solo careers, the duo returned with the Madlib-produced No Fear of Time in 2022, recorded guerrilla-style around the globe in hotels and in dressing rooms at Dave Chappelle’s shows over the course of four years and released exclusively via the podcast platform Luminary. Luminary is also the home of The Midnight Miracle podcast, which the duo hosted with Chappelle. An official video was produced for album highlight “So Be It,” which the duo also performed during their SNL debut, as well as a lyric video for “o.G.”
The album will be available on single-LP vinyl, CD, and cassette, along with a limited deluxe double-LP that includes both the main version and the instrumentals, each pressed on 180-gram vinyl in unique color treatments blending opaque white and opaque gold with translucent black ice and a metallic star effect. This deluxe vinyl edition is limited to 2000 units and features a foil stamped and numbered matte gatefold jacket, two full-color printed record sleeves, an 8-page matte lyric booklet, and an exclusive silver foil laminated heavyweight insert. Additionally, 300 units of the deluxe vinyl will be available as a premium bundle, which will include everything in the deluxe 2xLP vinyl package, with insert hand-signed by all three artists – yasiin bey, Talib Kweli and Madlib – along with a No Fear of Time t-shirt and a pair of Black Star slipmats.
Houston attorney Tony Buzbee announced this week that he is representing more than 120 individuals, including 25 minors, who accuse Bad Boy Entertainment CEO Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs of severe and abusive misconduct. During a press conference held in Texas, Buzbee revealed that his clients have come forward with allegations ranging from physical abuse to claims of sexual misconduct.
Among the most alarming accusations are those from individuals who were minors at the time of the alleged incidents. The accusations have sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, given Combs’ influential status in music and business. However, the details of the claims remain largely undisclosed as legal proceedings are yet to begin.
In response, Diddy has vehemently denied the accusations. According to ABC 7 NY, Combs’ attorney, Erica Wolff, released a statement addressing the escalating situation:
“Mr. Combs emphatically and categorically denies as false and defamatory any claim that he sexually abused anyone, including minors,” Wolff said. “He looks forward to proving his innocence and vindicating himself in court if and when claims are filed and served, where the truth will be established based on evidence, not speculation.”
Wolff also referred to the growing controversy as a “reckless media circus” and stated that Diddy is prepared to contest any claims brought against him in court.
Despite Diddy’s denial, the public attention surrounding the case continues to intensify. Buzbee, known for his high-profile legal work, has taken on the case with a promise to seek justice for the alleged victims, emphasizing that many of the accusers have faced significant trauma.
As of now, no formal legal complaints have been filed, but the possibility of a court battle looms on the horizon. Both sides have expressed their readiness to present their cases, setting the stage for what could be a highly publicized legal showdown. With the number of accusers and the nature of the allegations, this case could have major implications not only for Diddy but also for the entertainment industry as a whole.
Wendy Williams has long criticized Diddy’s actions during her media career. Now, she is giving her opinion on his current legal battle.
Speaking with The Daily Mail, Williams revealed that people have contacted her, stating, “Wendy, you called it.”
“What is really weird is that I have been told by so many people, ‘Wendy, you called it,’” Williams said. “Including some people from my family who have said the same.”
She added, “It is about time. To see this video on TV of [Cassie] getting pummeled… it was just horrific.But now you have to think, how many more times? How many people? How many more women? It’s just so horrible.”
In May, on a recent episode of comedian Andrew Schulz’s Flagrant podcast, Charlamagne Tha God alleges that Diddy got troubled talk show host Wendy Williams fired from Hot 97 over claims that the Bad Boy founder was homosexual.
Charlamagne delves into the almost thirty-year history between his mentor, Williams, and Diddy.
“Wendy’s whole thing was Diddy was gay,” Charlamagne said. “That’s why Wendy got fired from Hot 97. Wendy got fired from Hot 97 by Diddy ’cause that’s when Bad Boy was smoking hot. She got fired for putting that out there.”
The former Wendy Williams Show host supposedly had a photo of Diddy in an intimate situation with another man, suggesting that Diddy was gay, which ultimately got her fired from the radio station in 1998.
Charlamagne speaks on Diddy allegedly having sexual relations with actor Reginald VelJohnson, who played Carl Winslow on “Family Matters,” and confirms that Diddy got Wendy Williams fired from Hot 97 in 1998 for claiming he’s gay.
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) May 29, 2024
While announcing forthcoming lawsuits of over 100 people who claim to be victims of Sean “Diddy” Combs, attorney Tony Buzbee stated there will be additional enablers to go down with the mogul.
“We will expose the enablers who enabled this conduct behind closed doors. We will pursue this matter no matter who the evidence implicates,” Buzbee said. “The day will come when we will name names other than Sean Combs, and there’s a lot of names. It’s a long list already, but because of the nature of this case, we are going to make damn sure — damn sure – that we’re right before we do that.”
He added, “The names will shock you.”
The lawsuits are expected to roll out across various states within the next 30 days and highlight those who were bystanders or encouraged the behavior. “I would imagine that as we speak here, there are a myriad of people who are very nervous. You can’t hide skeletons in the closet forever. I would expect there are many people out there right now who are desperately searching their memories as they delete their texts and data.”
Victims are allegedly as young as minors, including someone who was 9 years old.
Rich Homie Quan’s cause of death has been determined as an accidental drug overdose, according to a report from the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The report, obtained by PEOPLE, revealed that a toxic mix of drugs, including fentanyl, alprazolam, codeine, promethazine, and THC, was found in Quan’s system at the time of his death. There were no signs of trauma, and his death was officially ruled as an accident.
The 33-year-old rapper, whose real name was Dequantes Lamar, tragically passed away on September 5, 2024. An autopsy was conducted the following day to confirm the cause. He was laid to rest during a funeral service held in his hometown of Atlanta on Sept.17.
Rich Homie Quan’s energy and contribution to Hip-Hop music will not fade anytime soon, especially with the release of his emotional new video, “Song Cry.”
Quan was already filming this video when he died, so the video, which dropped yesterday, mixes pre-recorded footage with clips from his funeral. The visual celebrates the life of the Atlanta legend and includes other Hip hop celebs, such as Boosie and D.C. Young Fly, who are celebrating life along with RHQ in his last moments.
Scenes from the funeral, like when the white doves were released, will definitely be tearjerkers for anyone who is a fan of the late “Some Type Of Way” rapper.
Quan died just one month before his 35th birthday at home with his girlfriend resent. His cause of death has not yet been revealed.
Fashion season is in full swing, especially with Paris Fashion Week being a global extravaganza. Now, A-list actor Lupita Nyong’o has been named Chanel’s newest ambassador, as reported exclusively by WWD.
Check this out, the French fashion house made the announcement following the actress’s appearance at its Spring 2025 ready-to-wear show, held at the Grand Palais on the final day of Paris Fashion Week.
When it comes to Chanel’s track record, Nyong’o, 41, joins the ranks of previous esteemed ambassadors, including Whitney Peak, Margot Robbie, Riley Keough, Charlotte Casiraghi, and Kristen Stewart.
While speaking to the Associated Press, the actress expressed her excitement about this new role, stating, “It’s a great honor. Chanel is a legacy brand with a long history. And to be the newest face of it feels monumental. I feel very, very proud and excited to take this new journey with a brand that I think is dynamic and always feminine and regal.”
When reflecting on the influence of fashion, Nyong’o reflected on the impact of fashion icon Bethann Hardison, whose pioneering work for diversity in the industry during the 1960s and 1970s left a lasting impact. Hardison gained recognition after participating in the historic 1973 Battle of Versailles fashion show and became one of the first prominent Black models.
“I would hope that there is a message for little girls,” Nyong’o said. “My work as an actor and as an author, as a podcast maker, and now as a brand ambassador, is to change that by just occupying the space.” She emphasized how representation in these roles can inspire others and reshape perceptions, saying that when someone occupies a space that was once empty, it alters how people see themselves and the world around them.
As for Hollywood, Nyong’o voiced the lead character in The Wild Robot, a DreamWorks Animation feature that premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 8, 2024, and was released in U.S. theaters on Sept. 27, 2024.
People have a lot of time and apparently money on their hands. In the world of weird election season oddities, a man recently went viral for smashing a guitar he believed was autographed by Taylor Swift after spending $4,000 on it. The video, which has been widely shared, shows the man using a hammer to destroy the guitar at the Ellis County Wild Game Dinner, an event supporting agricultural education. The act left many viewers puzzled as to why anyone would destroy such a seemingly valuable item.
There’s a happy ending to this. It turns out that old Billy Joe Fed Bob here paid $4,000 for what was a *fake Taylor Swift guitar. I so love it when they get shafted by their own kind.pic.twitter.com/m1izZbzKAZ
However, Swift’s team has since stated that the guitar was not authentically signed by the pop star. The fact that they took the time out to address this insanity is surprising.
Get this, a source close to Swift’s merchandise team told HuffPost that the guitar lacked a certificate of authenticity, which is standard for any legitimate Swift-signed memorabilia. The source also confirmed that Swift did not sign the guitar in question.
What’s more, after the video’s release, one fan commented, “The funniest part is that this definitely a fake signed guitar, like it has the wrong Era’s Tour logo and font, I’m crying republicans are sooo stupid.”
While Ellis County Wild Game Dinner reportedly claimed to have a certificate of authenticity, they are dodging questions from media outlets seeking comments or well, proof. In the footage, the man is seen laughing as he smashes the guitar, but the reason behind the act remains unclear. Some speculate that it was politically motivated, given the timing of Taylor Swift’s recent endorsement of Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.
The head scratcher invoked more response on socials. Several online users criticized the destruction, with one person remarking, “$4000 could have gone to any number of charities & this dimwitted, MAGA mad dog of an old fart spent it to performatively destroy a guitar signed by Taylor Swift.”
ICYMI, Swift’s political involvement, including her support for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, has been praised by figures like Vice President Harris herself, who called Swift “an incredible artist” with courage in her career for standing up for what she believes is right. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also expressed gratitude for Swift’s endorsement, noting her influence and advocacy for important social and political issues.
There are some weird people out there and weird, is putting it lightly.
This is why you can’t believe everything you read, hear and see on the World Wide Web. Drake’s representatives have reportedly denied allegations that he sent Kendrick Lamar a cease and desist order to stop him from performing the song “Not Like Us” at the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show.
As we said in earlier reporting to take Wack’s claims with a heavy grain of salt. These rumors surfaced after Wack 100 suggested that Drake was attempting to prevent Lamar’s performance. Wack had stated, “He’s trying to get the NFL to restrict Kendrick.”
Oh but wait, Wack later clarified his remarks, explaining that he was merely repeating information he had come across. “I read a fcking clip,” Wack said. “I wouldn’t know if Drake sent a cease and desist. Why? Because I don’t represent Kendrick in business or Drake in business, so I wouldn’t know if a cease and desist happened. All I did was read a fcking clip.”
What’s more, a rep for Drake reportedly responded to the claims, saying they are “not true.” The source added, “There was never any intention or plan to send a cease and desist to anyone.”
ICYMI, Kendrick Lamar, who is set to perform at the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show, shared the news with fans earlier, introducing himself in a video: “What the deal everybody, my name is Kendrick Lamar… I’ll be performing at Super Bowl 59. Will you be pulling up?”
He continued and rather sarcastically, “I hope so. You know it’s only one opportunity to win a championship, right? No round twos. I wouldn’t want you to miss it. Meet me in New Orleans [on] February 9, 2025. Wear your best dress too, even if you’re watching from home. Let’s go.”
Lamar also captioned the announcement with, “Super Bowl LIX. New Orleans. February 2025. #AppleMusicHalftime.”
When it rains it pours, at least when it comes to Sean “Diddy” Combs legal troubles. The disgraced mogul is facing potential lawsuits from over 100 individuals accusing him of sexual abuse and assault.
Here’s what we know. During a press conference on Tuesday, Texas attorney Tony Buzbee announced that he represents 120 accusers who are filing civil suits against the music mogul. The allegations include “violent sexual assault or rape, facilitated sex with a controlled substance, dissemination of video recordings, and sexual abuse of minors.”
This is what Buzbee declared, “We will expose the enablers who allowed this conduct behind closed doors. We will pursue this matter no matter who the evidence implicates.”
What’s more he added, “It’s a long list already, but because of the nature of this case, we are going to make damn sure we are right before we do that. These names will shock you.”
Naturally, in direct response, Combs’ legal team denied the allegations. Combs’ attorney, Erica Wolff, stated in an email to USA TODAY, “As Mr. Combs’ legal team has emphasized, he cannot address every meritless allegation in what has become a reckless media circus. That said, Mr. Combs emphatically and categorically denies as false and defamatory any claim that he sexually abused anyone, including minors.” She added that Combs looks forward to proving his innocence in court, where “the truth will be established based on evidence, not speculation.”
Get this, Buzbee initially announced his intent to pursue claims against Combs on Saturday in an Instagram post, revealing that “many were minors” at the time of the alleged incidents. He wrote, “This group of brave individuals includes both men and women; many were minors when the abuse occurred. Some of these brave individuals reported the incidents to the police, others did not.”
Like with all these accusations, Buzbee described the accusations as “gut-wrenching and heartbreaking,” stating, “The violations against this group of individuals are mindboggling and can only be described as debauchery and depravity, exacted by powerful people against minors and the weak.”
If you have any doubt in Buzbee’s legal capabilities, his firm has a history of handling high-profile cases, including a July lawsuit against R&B singer Chris Brown, as well as representing 22 women who sued Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson for sexual misconduct during massage sessions from early 2020 to March 2021.
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