Another busy summer travel day has brought another airline-related controversy, this time involving hip-hop superstar Pepa (of the group Salt-N-Pepa) who was removed from a Southwest flight after a dispute over whether or not she was entitled to both of the two seats that she had purchased for a flight
Pepa (whose real name is Sandra Denton) had reportedly purchased two seats for a flight from Las Vegas to Nashville due to a recent knee surgery that required her to have more space. (She was wearing a knee brace at the time.) Initially, Southwest staff told her that she would be able to have both of the seats that she had purchased, but then a man boarded and said that he was entitled to one of the seats because he had to go to a funeral.
A video posted on TMZ shows Denton showing her two tickets after she was kicked off the plane and discussing the incident with staff, who appear to be trying to explain the policy that says she wasn’t entitled to the two seats until she put her knee brace on (she apparently did not have it on when she initially boarded the plane despite using a wheelchair assistance service to get to the gate). The Southwest employee then alleges that she was filming on the plane, to which she responds that she was simply on the phone with her assistant.
Southwest reportedly offered to move her to a seat in an emergency exit row, but since her ticked noted that she had a disability due to her knee surgery that she was ineligible to sit in an exit row since she might not be able to adequately assist in the event of an emergency.
Southwest reportedly rescheduled her flight and reimbursed her at least some of the funds, but Denton has said that she is exploring her legal options with regard to the situation.
8x GRAMMY Award-winning producer, songwriter, artist & director, Anderson .Paak announces the return of his .Paak House in the Park, in partnership with his non-profit Brandon Anderson Foundation, on October 26th.
The 6th annual iteration of the event, .Paak House Festival returns to Ventura County this year bringing together the region’s finest artists, performers, bands, chefs, corporate partners, and community organizations. Last year’s sold-out event brought in an audience of over 10K attendees, with performances by Mario, Smokey Robinson, Ron Isley, and of course Anderson .Paak.
The Brandon Anderson Foundation is a unique 501c3 non-profit organization that believes any person has the ability to tap into their greatest potential with the right exposure. We aim to support and create initiatives that uplift, engage and support the community through access to the arts, supplemental education and unique experiences to expand the imagination.
With the first initiative, .Paak House, the foundation seeks to create a “safe-haven” for the next generation, while cultivating alliances with like-minded non-profit organizations to generate a greater impact — TOGETHER. This safe-haven is generated through community outreach, sponsored events, summer programs, & after-school programs, all leading to establishing an actual .Paak House building, in an impacted community.
More info to come regarding tickets and performances – stay up to date by visiting https://paakhouse.org/.
This past weekend, the legendary Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino was electrified as DJ Cassidy, Ja Rule, Fat Joe, Slick Rick, and Doug E. Fresh launched their “Pass The Mic Live!” Las Vegas residency. The grand opening on Saturday, July 6, featured special guests Public Enemy and Raekwon of Wu-Tang Clan, marking a historic debut for this unprecedented residency.
The next two weekends promise an even more dazzling lineup of Hip Hop icons, with Akon set to perform on Saturday, July 13, and a grand finale on Saturday, July 20, featuring Jermaine Dupri, Da Brat, Too $hort, and Warren G. Each show is crafted to be a unique, one-time-only event, showcasing the essence of Hip Hop like never before.
“DJ Cassidy’s Pass The Mic Live! The Iconic Las Vegas Residency” is the first of its kind, bringing together an ensemble of Hip Hop legends exclusively for this series. The show offers audiences an unparalleled musical journey, blending the spirit, showmanship, and aesthetic of classic Las Vegas entertainers such as The Rat Pack, Liberace, Wayne Newton, and Elvis Presley.
The continuous musical experience spotlights each artist individually and collaboratively, performing their biggest hits in both original and newly orchestrated forms, produced solely for this residency. Highlights from the debut show included Fat Joe’s “All The Way Up” mashed with Frank Sinatra’s “That’s Life,” and Ja Rule and Fat Joe’s “New York” intertwined with Sinatra’s “Theme From New York, New York.” These performances paid homage to the Rat Pack’s influence and celebrated the artists’ New York roots. The night’s soundtrack was complemented by quotes from iconic Las Vegas and New York films, creating a theatrical backdrop for the classic Hip Hop soundtrack. Elaborate Art Deco visuals adorned the stage, enhancing the decadent, Gatsby-inspired atmosphere.
DJ Cassidy expertly navigated the musical journey, interweaving each artist’s appearance and igniting the biggest singalong on The Strip. Chuck D reunited with Flavor Flav for their second American appearance together in seven years, performing a medley of their greatest hits, including the powerful “Fight The Power.” Raekwon stunned the crowd with a medley of solo and Wu-Tang Clan classics. Slick Rick made a grand entrance on a king’s throne, while Doug E. Fresh amazed the audience with his human beatbox skills and an interactive call-and-response segment. The night culminated in a never-before-seen rendition of Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick’s seminal Hip Hop record, “Ladi Dadi,” performed by all five core artists together on stage.
The Las Vegas Residency is the pinnacle of a four-year journey that began in Summer 2020 during the global pandemic when DJ Cassidy launched the acclaimed “Pass The Mic” series. Through three homegrown viral episodes and seven BET television specials, Cassidy has passed the mic to 220 legendary superstars spanning 40 years, including Earth, Wind & Fire, Chaka Khan, Nile Rodgers, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Charlie Wilson, Hall & Oates, New Edition, Boyz II Men, TLC, Run DMC, LL Cool J, Salt-N-Pepa, Missy Elliott, Wyclef Jean, Busta Rhymes, Ice Cube, Shaggy, Sean Paul, and many more.
With “Pass The Mic Live! The Iconic Las Vegas Residency,” DJ Cassidy continues to revolutionize the way we connect with our favorite artists and songs. This one-of-a-kind live musical experience celebrates artists who have transformed Hip Hop culture on a global scale, spanning decades and transcending genre and generation.
Don’t miss out on this iconic residency that is set to redefine the Las Vegas entertainment landscape.
Check out DJ Cassidy’s Classic Pass the Mic: BET Hip Hop Awards Edition 2022 below!
Sneaker heads and luxe aficionados get ready for a new drop from Louis Vuitton x Timberland. LV just revealed that the hotly awaited collab with the iconic boot maker, Timberland will hit stores in less than a month. Already clamoring for one detail – how much? Keep reading for that tidbit.
The dope collection, is part of a broader workwear line designed by Pharrell Williams for the French luxury house, will be available for prelaunch on the LV website and app starting July 18, with a full release in select international boutiques set for August 8.
Crafted in Louis Vuitton’s prestigious footwear atelier in Fiesso, Italy, the new boots maintain Timberland’s classic silhouette but are enhanced with luxurious details characteristic of Vuitton.
Onto the price points … There are two main designs available in several styles, with prices ranging from €2,200 to €2,600 (approximately $2,400 to $2,800). This represents a significant premium over standard Timberlands, which typically cost around $198.
Design and quality are nothing short of top tier. The collab with Timberland features boots made from premium Italian nubuck leather, ensuring both luxury and durability. Each pair includes a padded collar, a soft footbed, and a rubber lug outsole for comfort and resilience. Additionally, the boots are waterproof and equipped with warm, down-free PrimaLoft insulation.
Get this, the LV 6 Boots are nearly identical to Timberland’s iconic six-inch boots but are embossed with Louis Vuitton’s signature monogram. Available in both wheat and black, these boots also feature a monogrammed tongue, LV eyelets, and leather tags. Another design, the LV Boot, enlarges the classic six-inch silhouette by 15 percent for a more striking and bold look.
For anyone who craves options, the new style comes in four variants: an ankle boot, a ranger boot, a pull-on mid boot, and a pull-on harness boot, all available in black and wheat.
For the super well to do fashion enthusiast, Louis Vuitton is also offering an “exceptional edition” of the LV 6 Boots, limited to just 50 pairs. These six-inch ankle boots combine monogrammed Italian leather with a custom rubber lug outsole and 18-karat gold hardware. The gold LV tongue initials are inscribed with the phrase, “The sun is shining on us,” a nod to a statement made by Pharrell Williams during his debut show for Louis Vuitton in June 2023. These exclusive boots are priced at €75,000 (approximately $81,000) and are presented in a luxurious leather and plexiglass box.
This Timberland collaboration is part of Pharrell’s Fall-Winter 2024 Men’s Show workwear capsule, which debuted in January. The collection explores the American Western roots of workwear through Louis Vuitton’s refined craftsmanship. In addition to the boots, the line includes ready-to-wear clothing and a limited-edition toolbox bag inspired by Louis Vuitton’s iconic Keepall 50. Anyone with some extra coin can purchase the entire collection starting August 8. What ya’ll think? Cop or pass?
Misa Hylton, the renowned celebrity stylist and mother of Justin Combs, the eldest son of Bad Boy Entertainment CEO Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, has exciting news for her fans. She recently took to Instagram to announce her upcoming memoir, teasing the big reveal with a mysterious photo of her back turned.
In her Instagram post, Hylton wrote: “Happy to Announce my Life Story coming soon. Drop a in the comments if you are ready #respectthearchitect #AllisForgiven #Champion #Memoir.” Her fans and followers quickly flooded the comments section with excitement and anticipation, eager to delve into the untold stories of her fascinating life.
Known for her influential work in fashion and her iconic role in shaping hip-hop style, Hylton’s memoir promises to be a captivating read. The hashtags #respectthearchitect, #AllisForgiven, and #Champion hint at a deeply personal and inspirational journey.
Are y’all ready to hear Misa’s story? Stay tuned for more updates as we await the release of what promises to be an unforgettable memoir.
Hip-hop icon Missy Elliott, 52, recently started her highly anticipated tour, Out of This World – The Missy Elliott Experience. This decision came after postponing previous tours, most recently to care for her beloved dog, Hoodie, who passed away in November.
“I stayed home a lot because I didn’t want to go out on the road, and something happened,” Elliott shared exclusively with PEOPLE. “He was 17 and lived a long, happy life.” The senior dog, described by Elliott as “so pretty,” lived a fulfilling life, bringing joy to the artist for many years.
The loss of Hoodie was profound, but it also marked a turning point for Elliott. Encouragement from her close friend Ciara played a crucial role in her decision to hit the road again. “So I said, ‘Okay, now I can leave the house without having to worry about anything,’” Elliott recalled. “So Ciara and my dog played a big influence in me making the decision to go out.”
Elliott will not be touring alone. Her six-year-old dog, Miss Fendi Dior, will accompany her on the road. “She’s got her clothes ready to go out on the road with us. [It’ll] be fun, fun,” said the Grammy-winning artist. Known for her love of dressing up, Miss Fendi Dior is “excited” to wear matching outfits with Elliott during the tour.
“I know people sometimes be like, ‘Why y’all dressing those dogs?’… But she likes clothes. She really [does] like clothes. She [sees] me pulling out the outfit [and] she’s running. She knows what that means,” Elliott explained. This penchant for style has been a hallmark for Elliott’s pets, with Hoodie previously showcased in sleek outfits like a winter fur coat on social media.
Miss Fendi Dior will continue this trend as she joins Elliott on tour, along with the artist’s close friends and longtime collaborators, Ciara and Busta Rhymes.
Elliott is in full rehearsal mode, preparing for the tour’s start. “It’s full days, then I go home, and the work continues. But I feel good. I’m super excited,” she said. The tour promises to be a unique and exhilarating experience, celebrating Elliott’s indomitable spirit and dedication to her fans.
Nick Cannon and Bre Tiesi went in, in to celebrate their son, Legendary Love, who just turned two.
PEOPLE reported the event. And if you’re into themes, the couple hosted a Baby Shark-themed birthday bash, as shown in photos shared on Instagram throughout the week.
Here’s the post:
“LEGENDARY LOVE CANNON IS OFFICIALLY TWO! THE BABY SHARK THEME WAS A HIT ,” wrote Tiesi, 33, in her caption.
If you want kid party ideas, the event featured bubbles, sprinkler games, desserts, face painting, and a mobile aquarium, allowing some underwater friends to join in on the fun. Sharing videos from the special day on Instagram, Tiesi added, “We will celebrate you today and every day little baby shark! we love you leggy Thank you so everyone who made celebrating that much better .”
I know ya’ll know but in addition to Legendary, Cannon is the father of 11 other children: 13-year-old twins Morocco and Monroe, whom he shares with ex Mariah Carey; sons Golden Sagon, 7, and Rise Messiah, 21 months, as well as daughter Powerful Queen, 3½, whom he shares with Brittany Bell.
Whew.
Cannon, 43, also shares twins Zion Mixolydian and Zillion Heir, 3, and daughter Beautiful Zeppelin, 20 months, with Abby De La Rosa; daughter Onyx Ice Cole, 19 months, with LaNisha Cole, and daughter Halo Marie, also 19 months, with Alyssa Scott. He and Scott also shared son Zen, who died at 5 months old in December 2021 after being diagnosed with brain cancer.
Earlier this year, the Wild N’ Out host told PEOPLE about the most rewarding part of being a dad to this many kids: “Just hearing your kids say, ‘I love you, Daddy.’ You know what I mean?” Cannon shared.
And there you have it. The second birthday bash of all birthday parties.
Rapper Lil Mama has once again sparked controversy with her sharp criticism of Nicki Minaj and the current state of female rap. Her comments have ignited a heated debate about the oversexualization of female artists in the genre and Minaj’s influence on this trend.
Criticism of Oversexualization
The debate intensified when New Orleans rapper Dee-1 shared a montage on social media, juxtaposing performances by Sexyy Red, GloRilla, Latto, Ice Spice, and Megan Thee Stallion at the BET Awards with his song “Purify My Eyes.” Dee-1’s lyrics lament the oversexualization of female rappers, criticizing the portrayal of women in the music industry.
“I turned on the awards show and the things I’ve seen on the screen/ Will make me cause a scene ’cause it’s so obscene/ We call women queens but we celebrate the prostitution of their bodies,” Dee-1 rapped, reflecting a sentiment that Lil Mama echoed in her own criticism.
Lil Mama’s Rant
On July 1, Lil Mama took to social media to join the conversation, unleashing a scathing critique of Nicki Minaj and her influence on female rap. She labeled Minaj a “musical prostitute” and accused her of setting a negative example for younger female rappers.
“What major musical prostitutes do you remember from the last 15 years?” Lil Mama wrote. “Who do you think they watched corporate give a platform and flowers for sitting out. Be forreal.” She suggested that the current wave of female rappers, influenced by Minaj, were not being true to themselves and were instead pandering to corporate interests.
Lil Mama’s comments were part of a larger critique of the industry, where she accused executives, fans, and artists of lacking the courage to do better. “We can do better as a ‘culture’ @bet + @betawards I mean this sincerely,” she wrote. “Deep down, most executives, fans, and artists know we can do better. We just gotta have the courage to do it.”
The response to Lil Mama’s comments was swift and divided. Many fans came to Nicki Minaj’s defense, arguing that Lil Mama’s criticism was unfounded and that she was simply seeking attention. Some suggested that Lil Mama was bitter because she was not invited to perform at the BET Awards.
“Are you saying that I would have been performing be selling p**sy too or just performing,” Lil Mama retorted, defending her stance and drawing a clear line between herself and Minaj. Despite the backlash, she attempted to soften her message, stating, “It’s all love. God is the greatest and these women are gonna wake up and realize that they are worth more than any price tag.”
A Longstanding Feud
This is not the first time Lil Mama has publicly criticized Nicki Minaj. In 2011, she accused Minaj of copying her style, telling MTV, “My cut is blunt and futuristic and Nicki Minaj started wearing that bob on her head after she came to my show.” Over the past decade, Lil Mama’s perspective has shifted from viewing herself as an inspiration to positioning herself as a critic of Minaj’s influence.
Lil Mama’s latest comments have reignited discussions about the portrayal of women in rap and the impact of influential artists like Nicki Minaj. As the debate continues, it highlights the ongoing tensions within the music industry regarding authenticity, representation, and the commercialization of female artists.
While many of his peers were preparing for the BET Awards over the weekend, Diddy was laying low hundreds of miles away in one of the places most people would least expect to see him- Jackson, Wyoming.
Despite facing numerous lawsuits, a federal investigation, and the fallout from the recently resurfaced video of him assaulting Cassie in 2016, the embattled rapper appeared to be enjoying himself at one of the most scenic rafting spots in the nation in a video obtained by TMZ.
The disgraced mogul is seen with two friends and a guide on what appears to be a Class II rapid. River classifications are graded on a scale of I to VI with class I being smooth, flat, calm water and Class VI is the most difficult and requires special certification. (Anything above Class III also usually requires protective headgear.) According to the river company’s website (which can be seen on the side of the boat), the trip was likely eight miles long and took place on the Snake River just outside of Jackson, Wyoming (which is most well-known for being the home of the Jackson Hole Ski Resort).
“Special Spice,” a soulful song set to enchant visitors in the highly anticipated Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, blends the vibrant spirit of New Orleans with the beloved characters from Disney’s The Princess and the Frog. This track, composed and written by Grammy Award-winning artist PJ Morton, captures the essence of community, individuality, and celebration. The song is performed by Anika Noni Rose, who reprises her role as Princess Tiana.
“Special Spice” stands out as a pivotal element of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, set to open soon at Walt Disney World and later this year at Disneyland Resort. The song is not only performed by Anika but also by members of a jazz band at the ride’s conclusion, featuring characters like Louis, Ray, and Mama Odie. This lively performance promises to be a joyous finale to the magical journey.
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WDW TianasBayouAdventure Opening V7
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During our conversation at the preview event, Anika Noni Rose expressed her excitement about the song and the ride. When asked who she would love to see on a remix of “Special Spice,” she enthusiastically replied, “Ummm, I’d say Bruno Mars—I know he would put some stank on it.” The idea of a collaboration with Bruno Mars adds an extra layer of excitement to the already captivating track.
Anika also shared what constitutes the “special spice” in her life, helping her prepare for new challenges. “Oh, I think that the special spice in my life may be nothing more exciting than determination. It’s just continuing, just getting up every day and doing whatever it is again and again and again. In spite of the no’s or the may-says.”
The lyrics of “Special Spice” beautifully encapsulate the core themes of The Princess and the Frog, reflecting resilience and celebration. This message of persistence mirrors the journey of Princess Tiana herself, making the song an anthem of hope and joy.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, with “Special Spice” at its heart, is set to become a must-visit attraction for Disney fans and music lovers alike. The soundtrack is available now on Walt Disney Records across all streaming platforms, allowing everyone to experience the magic of New Orleans and the spirit of Tiana’s journey.
Prepare to be captivated by “Special Spice” and the enchanting experience of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Walt Disney World, opening today, and at Disneyland Resort, opening later this year. The song, and the dream of a Bruno Mars remix, promise to keep the magic alive both in the parks and beyond.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Opens June 28 at Magic Kingdom Park
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Opens June 28 at Magic Kingdom Park
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Opens June 28 at Magic Kingdom Park
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Opens June 28 at Magic Kingdom Park
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Opens June 28 at Magic Kingdom Park
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Opens June 28 at Magic Kingdom Park
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Opens June 28 at Magic Kingdom Park
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Opens June 28 at Magic Kingdom Park