HBO

Why Are People Boycotting Max? #DontStreamOnMax Hashtag, Explained

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The hashtag #DontStreamOnMax surfaced on X on Monday ahead of the annual stockholder meeting for Max’s parent company, Warner Bros Discovery in an attempt to boycott the platform. Launched by a fan collective known as Adopt Our Crew, the campaign aims to protest recent actions by the streaming service. Since its inception on June 3, the hashtag has gained significant traction on X, Instagram, and Tumblr, accumulating 22,000+ posts. Max, previously known as HBO Max, offers a wide range of content including Max Originals. Unfortunately, it has faced criticism for its handling of certain shows, which ultimately led to this particular boycott.

Read More: “Euphoria” Fans Crash HBO Max Trying To Access Season 2 Finale

Origins Of The Campaign

The show Our Flag Means Death, a period romantic comedy series about pirates, inspired the name “Adopt Our Crew,” the collective behind the #DontStreamOnMax hashtag. When the show’s showrunner announced in January that it wouldn’t return for a third season, fans rallied to form the collective. Their initial goal was to keep the fandom strong and advocate for the series to be picked up elsewhere. However, the group’s mission has since expanded beyond this single show.

Broader Mission Of Adopt Our Crew

Members of Adopt Our Crew have expressed their commitment to elevating queer stories and addressing broader issues of representation in media. They cited frustration with the cancellation or shelving of many shows and movies, particularly those featuring LGBTQ characters. According to the 2024 Where We Are on TV report from the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), 36% of all LGBTQ characters on television shows won’t be returning — with a notable number from Max shows.

“Originally launched in early 2024 after Max gutted their slate of original series, canceling five critically
acclaimed shows: Warrior, Our Flag Means Death, Julia, Rap Sh!t, and The Flight Attendant, the #DontStreamOnMax campaign seeks to hold WBD and Max accountable and draw attention to the fact that the company is increasingly prioritizing existing IP and platforming a transphobic creator over shows
that authentically depict queer and POC characters,” the letter reads.

Read More: Lizzo Gets Doc On HBO Max: “10 Years To Become An ‘Overnight Success’”

Significance Of Representation

Posts using the #DontStreamOnMax hashtag emphasize the importance of representation and critique Max’s perceived failure to prioritize diverse content. Our Flag Means Death was highly regarded, receiving excellent reviews and generating significant social media buzz. Fans argue that if such a well-received show can’t survive on Max, it signals a troubling trend for other diverse and queer stories.

History Of Fan Campaigns

The campaign is not the first instance of fans rallying to save beloved shows. Social media has previously played a crucial role in giving fans hope to revive canceled shows. Similarly, the Adopt Our Crew collective aims to highlight how Warner Bros Discovery’s and Max’s actions alienate audiences. Overall, this could potentially impact subscriber numbers and profits.

Impact On Max & Warner Bros. Discovery

In their press release, Adopt Our Crew stated their goal to raise awareness among stockholders, subscribers, consumers, and the general public about the negative impact of recent decisions by Warner Bros. Discovery and Max. As the hashtag continues to gain momentum, it remains to be seen how Max will respond. Representatives from Max have not yet commented on the campaign, leaving many questions about the future direction of the streaming service and its commitment to diverse storytelling.

[Via]

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[WATCH] HBO Documentary Series ‘Stax: Soulville U.S.A.’ Debuts May 20

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Screenshot 2024 05 02 at 11.30.29 AM

The HBO Original four-part documentary series STAX: SOULSVILLE U.S.A., an official selection of the 2024 SXSW Film & TV Festival and winner of the TV Premiere Audience Award, is produced and directed by filmmaker Jamila Wignot. The series, a production of Laylow Pictures and White Horse Pictures in association with Concord Originals, Polygram Entertainment, and Warner Music Entertainment, debuts MONDAY, MAY 20 on HBO with two episodes airing back-to-back, followed by the final two episodes airing back-to-back on Tuesday, May 21 at the same time. All four episodes of the series will be available to stream on Max on May 20.

By 1973, Stax Records was one of the recording industry’s most influential producers of soul music, breaking acts such as Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Booker T. & the M.G.’s, Sam & Dave, and many more. In just under two decades, the scrappy outsider had grown from a modest family-owned record store and studio in Memphis, TN to a trailblazing global music label. STAX: SOULSVILLE U.S.A. chronicles the audacious group of individuals who dared to make music on their own terms, smashing racial barriers and defining an era and leaving an enduring musical legacy in their wake. 

Driven by a striking collection of restored and remastered archival performance footage and intimate interviews with key players in the label’s remarkable history, STAX: SOULSVILLE U.S.A. details the unlikely origin story of Stax Records and pays tribute to its complex music library and the legendary artists that emerged from the iconic studio.

Founded in 1957 by Jim Stewart and co-owned with his sister, Estelle Axton, the company drew upon a mix of young, local talent – musicians, songwriters, and producers – who would create the unforgettable Stax sound.

Against the backdrop of the American south of the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s, white and Black artists worked together, defying segregation, and producing hits such as “(Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay,” “Soul Man,” “Green Onions,” and the Oscar®-winning “Theme from Shaft.” At the peak of its success, Stax artists commemorated the Watts Rebellion by playing to over 100,000 African Americans at the 1972 benefit concert Wattstax. During an era of major social turbulence, systemic inequity, and racial tensions, Stax, an integrated company, saw stunning artistic and cultural success, and managed to rebound from repeated business setbacks and tragic losses before the studio ultimately dissolved after fifteen pioneering years.

The post [WATCH] HBO Documentary Series ‘Stax: Soulville U.S.A.’ Debuts May 20 first appeared on The Source.

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“Curb Your Enthusiasm” Seasons, Ranked

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Since its debut in 2000, Curb Your Enthusiasm has offered viewers a unique blend of cringe-worthy comedy and unfiltered honesty, courtesy of the one and only Larry David. With its improvised dialogue and Larry’s knack for finding himself in absurd situations, each season has brought new laughs and unforgettable moments. The HBO show classic finally came to an end with Season 12, and it’s the perfect time to look back and rank each season. It’s been a longtime coming, but the cast, crew, and fans have said goodbye.

12. Season 12

The finale season kicks off with a visit to Atlanta, where Larry finds himself in hot water after offering Auntie Rae an illegal bottle of water while queuing to vote. This lands him in the national spotlight. Although the episodes from then on may be somewhat tepid, the series compensates with the touching finale. Specifically, the end is centered around Larry’s gripping courtroom trial. Tragically, midway through the airing of Season 12, the passing of Richard Lewis casts a somber shadow. The news emphasized the weight of saying goodbye to an iconic comedy series and its cherished characters. 

11. Season 1

The first season of Curb Your Enthusiasm introduces viewers to the retired and wealthy comedian Larry David. In Larry’s world of social faux pas and awkward encounters, Larry almost always makes a fool of himself. The season introduces viewers to recurring characters such as Jeff Greene, Larry’s manager and closest confidant, Susie Greene, and Cheryl. While the season finds its footing, it sets the stage for the brilliance to come. Season 1 doesn’t fall short in any aspect; rather, it serves as a glimpse of things to come.

10. Season 11

Season 11 had audiences witness Larry David’s quest to amend a city council ordinance. Engaging with a city council member, he seeks to sway her decision in his pursuit of change. The season also had a star-studded guest appearance roster with actors such as Lucy Liu, Albert Brookes, Seth Rogen, and Woody Harrelson. With the familiar sight of an aging Larry David maneuvering through Los Angeles as a single man, the series showcases a more polished portrayal of Larry’s social ineptitude than ever before.

9. Season 5

In Season 5, Larry finds himself on a quest to find his biological parents, leading to the revelation that he’s a viable kidney donor for his close friend, Richard Lewis, who desperately needs a transplant. Confronted with mortality, Larry is compelled to delve into his past, triggering an emotional journey. The fan-favorite episode “Ski Trip” was also filled with misunderstandings, mishaps, and hilariously awkward encounters. While not as consistently strong as some of the show’s other seasons, Season 5 still delivers plenty of laughs and memorable moments.

8. Season 9

After a six-year hiatus, Curb Your Enthusiasm returned with its ninth season, which sees Larry trying to promote his musical “Fatwa” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! However, he finds himself in an overwhelming predicament when he has a fatwa declared against him by an Iranian cleric. Even with a bounty on Larry’s head, the season had quite a number of low points. Moreover, it lacked the consistency and comedic brilliance of the show’s stellar seasons.

7. Season 2

In its sophomore season, Curb Your Enthusiasm continues to explore the absurdities of everyday life through Larry’s misadventures. The season-long narrative follows Larry, who finds himself in trouble when he visits a studio executive’s home. During his visit, he accidentally cuts the hair of the executive’s daughter’s beloved doll, Judy, which happens to be a collector’s item. This mishap sets off a chain of classic Larry antics that fill the season with memorable moments.

6. Season 3

Season 3 finds Larry embroiled in a series of restaurant-related misadventures, from firing his bald chef to breaking the thumbs of a food critic. The season centers on Larry and his business associates embarking on a venture to open a restaurant. With its razor-sharp satire and hilarious guest appearances, including Martin Short and Martin Scorsese, this season solidified Curb Your Enthusiasm as a comedic powerhouse.

5. Season 4

This season, comedic legend Mel Brooks enlists Larry and Ben Stiller for roles in the Broadway musical The Producers. The season delivered the perfect blend of absurdity and hilarity. One of the season’s highlights occurs in the episode “The Car Pool Lane,” where Larry finds himself in a tight spot, attempting to secure a free ticket from Marty to the upcoming Dodgers game. However, Marty’s recent loss of his father complicates matters. Despite Larry’s best efforts to devise cunning schemes to escape his predicament, each attempt only seems to dig him deeper into trouble.

4. Season 8

Season 8 has Larry navigating through single life following his divorce from Cheryl. As he ventures into the dating scene of Los Angeles, an inconvenient alibi leads him back to his roots in New York City, providing a welcome change of scenery. Yet, Larry quickly discovers that social mishaps and personal attacks are as rampant in the bustling streets of New York as they are in the glitzy world of Hollywood. While still delivering serious topics, the season is filled with plenty of laughs.

3. Season 7

In this season, Larry attempts to win back Cheryl’s love. The season also brought fans the awaited reunion of Larry David and the cast of Seinfeld. It’s an absolute delight witnessing numerous cast members from Seinfeld return with their comedic prowess intact. As Larry navigates the challenges of producing the reunion, the season delivers laugh-out-loud moments at every turn. The chemistry between the Curb Your Enthusiasm and Seinfeld casts is electric, making this season a standout.

2. Season 10

Three years after Season 9 was released, Curb Your Enthusiasm came back with a bang. The season begins with Larry finding himself in a predicament when his female assistant accuses him of sexual harassment. Later, Larry’s feud with Mocha Joe leads him to open a “spite store” next to his coffee shop. Filled with memorable moments and razor-sharp wit, Season 10 proved that the series still had plenty of comedic magic left.

1. Season 6

Season 6 boasts a flawless lineup with no weak episodes, establishing itself as the series’ most reliably humorous season. Whether it’s the anticipated hilarity of hosting a Black family whose surname ironically matches their ethnicity or the emotional rollercoaster of Cheryl divorcing Larry, this season is packed with comedic highs and poignant lows. With its trademark blend of cringe comedy and biting satire, this season offers plenty of laughs and memorable moments.

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Tyler, The Creator Called Jerrod Carmichael A “Stupid B*tch” For Admitting His Feelings For Him

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Jerrod Carmichael revealed that Tyler, The Creator called him a “stupid b*tch” after the comedian admitted he had feeling for him. During the premiere of The Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show, he discussed having a crush on his “best friend” before the two sat down for a candid conversation about the situation.

“I fell in love with my best friend. 1 out of 10, don’t recommend,” Carmichael admitted during a stand-up portion of the show. “I knew I had to tell him. Things started getting kind of weird between us. I had these feelings… So I texted him. I remember saying, ‘I know you didn’t ask for this, but somewhere down the line I developed feelings for you and I don’t know what to do with that.’ Then I immediately turned my phone off and went into therapy.” From there, he recalled: “He sent me a voice note. I was so nervous. It was like six seconds… He said, ‘Hahahaha, you stupid bitch.’ And I don’t really know what that means.”

Read More: Jerrod Carmichael Net Worth 2024: What Is The Comedian Worth?

Jerrod Carmichael Attends Emmy Awards

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 12: Jerrod Carmichael accepts Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special for “Jerrod Carmichael: Rothaniel” onstage during the 74th Primetime Emmys at Microsoft Theater on September 12, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Afterward, Carmichael invited Tyler to be his date for the Emmys, but he shot him down. Eventually, Carmichael brought Tyler in for a candid interview to hash things out. “It’s because I told you I had feelings for you, and we didn’t talk about it, ever,” Carmichael said. “That was, like, weird. I don’t know if it was just too awkward to talk about or just too… I don’t know. I feel like you left me hanging out there a little bit.” Tyler responded: “I did,” while laughing. “Yeah. I did. And I think I just, like, brushed it off. Getting news like that and then avoiding it is a way to avoid change.” He added that he views Carmichael as a “brother.”

Jerrod Carmichael Speaks With Tyler, The Creator

Check out Carmichael and Tyler’s conversation above. New episodes of the show will be premiering on HBO. Be on the lookout for further updates on Jerrod Carmichael and Tyler, The Creator on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Twitter Reacts To Jerrod Carmichael Telling Golden Globes Audience To Shut Up

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Issa Rae Says The Cancelation Of “Rap Sh!t” Is Indicative Of Industry Trends

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Earlier this month season two of Issa Rae’s rap-themed show “Rap Sh!t” wrapped up on HBO. The season came alongside a mixtape soundtrack which featured contributions from some names like Sexyy Red, Rico Nasty, Kaliii, Guapdad 4000, and more. But after season two of the show wrapped up, fans got some bad news about its future. A few weeks ago HBO confirmed that the show wouldn’t be returning for a third season.

During a recent interview, Issa Rae discussed the show being canceled. In particular, she discussed how it represents an alarming trend of black TV shows being canceled. “You’re seeing so many Black shows get cancelled, you’re seeing so many executives – especially on the DEI side get canned. You’re seeing very clearly now that our stories are less of a priority,” she began the discussion. “I am pessimistic, because there’s no one holding anybody accountable – and I can, sure, but also at what cost? I can’t force you to make my stuff. It’s made me take more steps to try to be independent down the line if I have to,” she continued. Check out the full quote from her interview below.

Read More: Issa Rae Wants Megan Thee Stallion To Sing Her Theme Song

Issa Rae On “Rap Sh!t Cancelation

Issa Rae interview are often primed for hilarious viral content. Last year during an interview she explained that she’s happy she didn’t become famous until her 30s. Looking at what some younger celebrities do she’s happy she got to learn plenty of lessons before ever facing the scrutiny of the public eye.

Despite the cancelation of “Rap Sh!t” Rae was still part of one of the biggest financial successes of the entire 2020s so far. She was in the cast of Barbie which broke box office records on its way to being one of the biggest pop culture moments of 2023. What do you think of Issa Rae’s take on “Rap Sh!t” being canceled after just two seasons? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: Issa Rae Fans Come To Her Defense After Awkward Name Mispronunciation

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Issa Rae’s Comedy ‘Rap Sh!t’ Is The Latest Victim Of The Cancellation Bloodbath At Max

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Rap Shit
Max

HBO Max may have rebranded as Max, but one thing has definitely remained the same: A steady stream of cancellations. Rap Sh!t, a hip-hop comedy series from Insecure creator Issa Rae, is the latest victim of the ongoing bloodbath at the streamer.

While fans were hoping that Rap Sh!t would return for Season 3, Max has confirmed that the series is no more in a statement announcing its fate.

“We are extremely grateful to Issa Rae for creating Rap Sh!t, a one-of-a-kind comedy with compelling social commentary that reached viewers in a way only Issa’s talents can accomplish,” a Max spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter. “A huge thank you to Issa, showrunner Syreeta Singleton and the teams at Hoorae and 3 Arts Entertainment for introducing us to Shawna and Mia, a duo whose journey fans have been invested in and who they have continued to root for through everything. We’ll never get ‘Seduce and Scheme’ out of our heads and we wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Rap Sh!t joins a growing list of recent cancelations at Max, which now includes Warrior, Julia, and Our Flag Means Death. However, HBO chief Casey Bloys has confirmed that the creators of the Taika Waititi pirate series are free to shop the show to another platform. As of this writing, no such plans have been announced for Rap Sh!t. Yet.

(Via The Hollywood Reporter)

Lil Nas X Tour Documentary Arriving On HBO And Max Later This Month

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Last year, Lil Nas X announced a new concert film called Long Live Montero. The film made its official debut at the Toronto Film Festival of last year and was met with positive reception from critics who viewed it. Now, fans at home know when they’ll be able to get up close and personal with the “Old Town Road” superstar from the comfort of their own home. The film will air on HBO at 8 pm on January 27 and be available to stream on Max at the same time.

The film will document Lil Nas X’s first world tour following the release of his debut album MONTERO. Fittingly, it will be released right as Lil Nas transitions into the next arc of their career. Late last year, the rapper began teasing new music. He even found himself in some hot water after claiming he was entering a “christian era.” That incident ended with some unexpected allies coming to his defense like Kid Cudi and Christian rapper Lecrae. It’s unclear if the type of acoustic music that Lil Nas was teasing is what he plans to release soon, but fans won’t have to wait long to find out. Check out the release date announcement for his new tour documentary below.

Read More: Lil Nas X Remixes Nicki Minaj’s “FTCU”: Listen

Lil Nas X Tour Doc Coming Soon

Lil Nas X will get their official new era started soon. They officially announced a new song and video coming next week. It’ll be their first new track since 2022 when they dropped “STAR WALKIN’.” That song was released in collaboration with the video game League Of Legends.

Before the official announcement of their new single, Lil Nas revealed that they wrote and directed the upcoming music video for the song. While nothing is officially confirmed yet fans are hoping for a second album later this year. Do you plan on watching Lil Nas X’s new documentary when it drops? What are you hoping to see going behind the scenes on his world tour? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: Lil Nas X Returns To Twitter And Teases A New Era

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No Chance for a 3-Peat: ‘Winning Time’ Canceled at HBO After Two Seasons

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winning time Google Search

HBO’s Winning Time, the series that details the rise of the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s, has been canceled by HBO.

Hitting X, series co-creator Max Borenstein confirmed the news: “Not the ending that we had in mind. But nothing but gratitude and love.”

Executive producer and director Salli Richardson-Whitfield added, “When you give it everything you’ve got, you can have no regrets.”

The last episode of the series was this past Sunday, Sept. 17.

The post No Chance for a 3-Peat: ‘Winning Time’ Canceled at HBO After Two Seasons first appeared on The Source.

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“The Idol” From The Weeknd Officially Canceled By HBO After One Season

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The Weeknd’s HBO series with “Euphoria” head Sam Levinson this year, “The Idol,” was certainly an event. It was far from a beloved, perfect, and praised one, but it was still one of the most dominant and divisive cultural conversations of 2023 so far. Amid criticisms of the show’s quality itself, its themes and graphic depictions of them, and reports on the series’ behind the scenes wrongdoing and chaos, there was a lot to unpack and pick apart with the story of Jocelyn and Tedros. Rumors already spread that HBO wouldn’t renew it for another run, bolstered by its conclusion that came an episode early. Now, we officially know that “The Idol” is over.

“‘The Idol’ was one of HBO’s most provocative original programs, and we’re pleased by the strong audience response,” a network representative reportedly stated to The Hollywood Reporter. “After much thought and consideration, HBO, as well as the creators and producers have decided not to move forward with a second season. We’re grateful to the creators, cast, and crew for their incredible work.” While this news isn’t exactly surprising, it’s also quite sad to see this potential go to waste, regardless of whether you liked it or not.

Read More: Selena Gomez Claims Her Life Is The Inspiration For Jocelyn In “The Idol”

“The Idol” Is No More

Furthermore, The Weeknd’s spoken out a lot about this negative reception to the show and defended their original vision for it, however misguided or poorly executed. “My goal was for people to feel that way when they watch it, you know, and that they’ll reassess (fame),” he told Variety in an interview. “It’s almost educational that this is what comes with being incredibly famous. You’re surrounded by people who you’re not sure what their true intentions are, even if it seems like they’re good. You just never know. I’ve been very fortunate to have people around me that I’ve known almost my entire life, which is important and is a gift.”

“I’m loving it,” the Canadian star told GQ of the divisive fan reception. “It’s definitely shaken up the culture for sure. We knew we were making something dark and controversial but true to what we want to say.” Let us know what you thought of “The Idol” and how you feel about its cancellation down in the comments below. Also, log back into HNHH for the latest news and updates on The Weeknd.

Read More: The Weeknd Reacts To “The Idol” Viewer Saying They Can’t Listen To His Music Anymore

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HBO Max Drops Documentary On Kanye West & Kim Kardashian’s Divorce

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As if Kanye West and Kim Kardashian’s divorce wasn’t enough of a pop culture gossip rabbit hole, now we have a documentary to add to that firestorm. Moreover, HBO Max just dropped a two-part documentary series on it called “Kim vs. Kanye: The Divorce.” Fans’ reaction was swift, unfiltered, somewhat shocked, and easily summarized by one question: Who on Earth asked for this? Furthermore, each part seems to focus on a different side of the legal battle, which people took certain issue with. Whoever they “support” in that debacle will get the short end of the stick, they believe, and thus probably won’t tune in.

In addition, at least from the looks of it, it’s not like this is an in-depth view on both parties. Kim and Kanye don’t seem to appear in it, nor do any people close to their past relationship. Instead, it’s a bunch of talking heads in the trailers that represented them in the divorce, from what advertisements indicate. As such, many questioned why this documentary was made in the first place. Maybe it’s for the money and engagement (well, that’s obviously a big factor), or perhaps they just unearthed some truly staggering information on it.

Read More: Kim Kardashian Says Kanye West Originally Asked Her To Burn His Stuff

“Kim Vs. Kanye: The Divorce” Trailer

Still, both Kim and Kanye are moving on with their lives in their own ways, so revisiting this seems voyeuristic at best and exploitative at worst. Sure, it’s not like the path post-divorce was clean at all, but even that was a long time ago in Internet time. After all, the Chicago rapper married someone else, and the SKIMS mogul moved on with her dating life, her co-parented family (as did Ye), and beyond. Things have been far from perfect, but another media spectacle on them surely won’t help them at all.

Meanwhile, it will be interesting to see whether people hate-watch this or if it genuinely gives some compelling insight. In any case, it seems like discussion around the documentary itself will overtake discourse on the actual divorce these days. Most likely, though, it will be a small piece of a much larger puzzle that will stay in people’s minds more. On that note, check back in with HNHH for the latest news and updates on Kim Kardashian and Kanye West.

Read More: Kim Kardashian Feels “Guilty” About Brands Dropping Kanye West

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