Meek Mill is still riding the wave of his Too Good to be True album with Rick Ross but has another loaded. Hitting Instagram, Meek revealed Dreamchasers Vol. 1 La Familia is loaded.
Meek Mill hit the New Year with wise words for the youth or anyone in the street. In a message on X, Meek advised against living gangsta.
Meek Mill wrote:
Being gangsta will get you hurt put in jail or killed …… being smart will get you out of poverty and your family and friends living better … it’s no comparison,being smart is the only solid way out the trenches… everything else is wide range life risk just to survive!
Being gangsta will get you hurt put in jail or killed …… being smart will get you out of poverty and your family and friends living better … it’s no comparison,being smart is the only solid way out the trenches… everything else is wide range life risk just to survive!
After having been separated for over a year, Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet are finally officially ending their marriage. Momoa, 44, and Boney, 56, who married in October of 2017 after dating for about a decade, cited “irreconcilable differences” in court paperwork filed on January 5 by Bonet. Bonet lists their date of separation as October 7, 2020.
Boney filed for joint legal and physical custody and neither is asking the other for spousal support. The couple’s shared asset distribution has also been “confirmed and agreed between the parties.”
The couple first announced that they were separating almost two years ago, with an announcement on Momoa’s Instagram that stated “We have all felt the squeeze and changes of these transformational times…A revolution is unfolding ~ and our family is of no exception… feeling and growing from the seismic shifts occurring. And so~ We share our family news: That we are parting ways in marriage.” They also stated, “We share this not because we think it’s newsworthy ~ but so that~ as we go about our lives we may do so with dignity and honesty.” (The post has since been deleted.)
The couple shares 16-year-old daughter Lola and 15-year-old son Nakoa-Wolf. Bonet is also the mother of Zoe Kravitz from her prior relationship with Lenny Kravitz. In 2022, even after announcing their separation, Momoa attended Zoe’s premiere of “The Batman” with Lola and Nakoa, stating that they are all “still a family.”
Selena Gomez‘s next album may very well likely be her last. This week, the pop artist announced her tentative plans to “retire” from music so that she could focus on acting.
Speaking to hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett on their SmartLess podcast, Gomez spoke about how she had always found it difficult to strike a balance between music and acting going all the way back to her time on Wizards of Waverly Place.
In addition to the busy schedule that comes with touring, she noted that the pressure to perform and do multiple things eventually took a toll on her mental health, stating “I went to a mental institute and canceled one of my tours” and continuing to explain that “it just got to me because I love working and it distracts me from bad things.” She also noted that acting has always been her primary passion and that music was originally a hobby that she ended up turning into a profession.
However, she noted that she isn’t retiring from music…..just yet. “I do feel like I have one more album in me, but I would probably choose acting,” she said. While she didn’t reveal any specifics about a potential upcoming album, it’s likely that like her past albums, it will feature other pop and hip-hop artists. On past albums, she has collabed with big names in the hip-hop industry such as Gucci Mane, ASAP Rocky, Kid Cudi, and Cardi B as well as major pop artists such as Coldplay, Blackpink, Katy Perry, and more.
Meek Mill hit the New Year with wise words for the youth or anyone in the street. In a message on X, Meek advised against living gangsta.
Meek Mill wrote:
Being gangsta will get you hurt put in jail or killed …… being smart will get you out of poverty and your family and friends living better … it’s no comparison,being smart is the only solid way out the trenches… everything else is wide range life risk just to survive!
Being gangsta will get you hurt put in jail or killed …… being smart will get you out of poverty and your family and friends living better … it’s no comparison,being smart is the only solid way out the trenches… everything else is wide range life risk just to survive!
Before the New Year, Clara Wu Tsai, co-founder of REFORM Alliance, and hip-hop artist Meek Mill joined forces with La La Anthony, Cordae, Carmela Zumbado, and WNBA Star Epiphanny Prince at the Barclays Center for the Brooklyn Nets vs. Denver Nuggets matchup, hosting a VIP experience for families impacted by the criminal justice system.
System-impacted families were treated to a private arena tour, exploring top spots and VIP suites before enjoying a formal dinner. Children received giveaway bags filled with Nets merchandise, REFORM swag, and more. The evening continued with an exclusive shoot-around experience on the court, where players warmed up for the game.
Clara Wu Tsai, Meek Mill, and REFORM CEO Robert Rooks addressed the ongoing fight for criminal justice reform, emphasizing REFORM Alliance’s recent legislative win in Pennsylvania. Celebrities Cordae and La La shared passionate remarks, underscoring the importance of reform efforts. The event highlighted the unique impact of the U.S. criminal justice system on women, focusing on the high prevalence of trauma and the challenges faced by primary caregivers. REFORM Alliance’s Season of Giving marks its third annual holiday event, providing exclusive experiences for families affected by the criminal justice system.
In a historic moment at the 46th annual Kennedy Center Honors, Missy Elliott paid a heartfelt tribute to Queen Latifah, who earlier this month became the first female rapper to be honored at the prestigious event in Washington, DC. The ceremony, aired by CBS on December 27, featured a tribute segment put together by MC Lyte, Monie Love, and D-Nice, highlighting Latifah’s groundbreaking contributions to the industry. Missy didn’t just paid tribute to the queen, she expressed the feelings of brown girls everywhere— including myself who were forever changed and molded by the boldness of Queen Latifah.
Taking the stage, Missy Elliott shared a personal anecdote from her high school days, recalling the impact of witnessing Queen Latifah on screen. She expressed admiration for Latifah’s unapologetic stance during a time when the prevailing narrative was that it’s a man’s world. Missy recounted hearing Latifah repeatedly chant, “Oh, ladies first,” and how it resonated with her, challenging the existing norms.
Reflecting on Latifah’s influence, Missy emphasized, “I said, ‘Who is this girl?’ And I looked at the bottom of the screen, and it said ‘Queen Latifah.’ Not Latifah, but Queen Latifah. That only said to me that she was saying, ‘You will respect me … I will be a leader, I will be a provider, I will be an inspiration to many, I will be the blueprint to success.’”
Missy Elliott’s tribute underscored the transformative impact of Queen Latifah’s pioneering role in hip-hop, breaking barriers and setting the stage for future generations of female artists. Latifah’s legacy was celebrated not just for her musical achievements but also for her role as a cultural icon and a trailblazer for women in the entertainment industry.
On Instagram, Missy Elliott expressed her gratitude and joy for witnessing Queen Latifah’s historic moment, calling her a “true BLUEPRINT for those behind you.” The Kennedy Center Honors recognized not only Latifah’s individual accomplishments but also the broader impact of women in hip-hop, marking a significant milestone in the genre’s history.
For decades, rapper Eminem has been known for having beef with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. However, this week his beef isn’t with another rapper, but Real Housewives of Potomac stars Gizelle Bryant and Robyn Dixon regarding the name of their podcast, which is called “Reasonably Shady.”
The trademark dispute began last year following the launch of the podcast in 2021. The two filed a trademark request for their name in 2022 (although it is unclear what the status of that application is). However, Eminem’s lawyers filed to block the trademark, stating that it would potentially cause confusion between the RHOP and Eminem brands. Eminem owns the trademark for “Shady” to use on merchandise.
In March, Bryant and Dixon told Page Six that they “deny any likelihood of confusion between Mather’s trademarks and their Reasonably Shady mark,” adding that they “are prepared to defend any allegations against them regarding their intellectual property.”
The ongoing fight led to Dixon and Bryant’s lawyers requesting that Eminem appear and sit for a disposition in court regarding the trademark dispute. However, on December 15, Em’s legal team filed paperwork requesting the U.S. Trademark Trial and Appeal Board to grant him a protective order from having to appear in person for the legal proceedings.
In this type of case, a protective order is simply obtained so that Em would not have to physically appear in court (it is not a physical restraining order like in criminal cases). Calling the possible request for Em to appear in court “unduly burdensome,” Em’s lawyers stated that the artist has a “limited knowledge of the subjects at issue,” arguing that his legal team members have “superior knowledge of said issues.” (Translation: Eminem may be one of the best lyricists of all time, but he probably would have little to nothing to add in trademark law court.)
Either way, it appears that if Bryant and Dixon don’t honor Em’s request to change the name of their podcast, it will likely be up to a civil court to answer the question Will the real Shady please stand up?
December is coming to an end. December for folks in Miami or the art world means only one thing: Art Basel Miami Beach. Over the past decade, people of color and urban influence have increased during Art Basel. Hip-hop culture was a thread in the hundreds of art exhibits this year. The infamous, always apologizing Kanye West hosted a listening party, and Instagram flooded with pictures from Teyana Taylor’s birthday party. Not only was the art world in Miami but also the industry, namely artists, influencers, content creators, and more.
Red Rooster Overtown hosted the Mayor of Atlanta, Andre Dickens, along with his team, friends, and family at a brunch during Art Basel.
The experience was “when food, vision artisans, and cultures. It’s a recipe for success,” says Chief Creative Officer Kembo Tom of top marketing firm KTC | a Creative Solutions Agency.
What came from the brunch was the need to bring more art and culture events similar to Art Basel to the City of Atlanta, which is one of the centers of Black music and film. As you know, the film industry has rapidly increased in Georgia since 2002, signifying the importance of art and culture. With the help of Andre Dickens and the support of local visual artists like the renowned Fahamu Pekoe and Leroy Campbell, the city can become a hub for art, attracting collectors from around the World for a week of exhibits and festivities. Let’s see what is to come!
(DAY 2) Self-Determination/Kujichagulia – To define the world in our own image and interest, placing African people and our history and culture at the center of our worldview and social reality
Perspective on Self-Determination
Implied and embedded in the principle self-determination is the notion of respect which a people have for its culture and historical and current contribution to the world. At the family level this translates into the art, music, and literature which is possessed or a part of the home. It obligates parents to follow Cater G. Woodson’s lead in teaching African American History first in the home, ensuring that children and adult know that they have made a special and enduring contribution to the world, that the African American experience in America is worthy of praise and honor, that as Bethune elegantly Stated: “I want Negroes to maintain their human dignity at all costs. We, as Negroes, must recognize that we are the custodians as well as the heirs of a great civilization. We have given something to the world as a race and for this we are proud and fully conscious of our place in the total picture of mankind’s development.”
Focus: What Self-Determination Day is about?
Self-Determination Day focuses on activities which reinforce the principle Self-Determination. Some activities may include, but are not mandatory:
Emphasize that the creation of Kwanzaa was an act of self-determination Review the Kwanzaa symbols Make the celebration focus on your family Make the celebration festive and joyous Try to have a special meal- at home or away Make the day special with a focus on African American culture and history
It appears that after seven years, Mariah Carey will be wanting someone new for Christmas next year. On Tuesday, Carey’s longtime boyfriend, Bryan Tanaka, confirmed that the two had split on his Instagram.
The 40-year-old Tanaka shared the following statement:
Dear friends and fans,
With mixed emotions, I share this personal update regarding my amicable separation from Mariah Carey after seven extraordinary years together. Our decision to embark on different paths is mutual, and as we navigate these separate journeys, we do so with profound respect and an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the invaluable time we’ve shared. The memories we’ve created and the artistic collaborations are etched in my heart forever.
Mariah’s dedication to her family and her commitment to her craft have inspired us during our shared journey. I want to express my love and appreciation for Mariah and her incredible children, whose warmth and kindness have enriched my life in ways words cannot capture.
During this sensitive time, I kindly ask for your understanding, privacy and respect. The outpouring of love and support from fans has been a beacon of strength, and I am extremely grateful for the encouragement that continues to uplift me. I eagerly anticipate continuing my journey, knowing my passion for inspiration, dance, and the creative arts will resonate in the unfolding chapters.
With #MuchLove and gratitude,
Bryan Tanaka
Fans had noticed that Tanaka had not been present for the majority of Carey’s holiday tour, nor had he joined her and her children in Aspen for Christmas. Carey and Tanaka, a former backup dancer turned choreographer, met professionally in 2006, but did not start dating until 2016 and began dating following Carey’s breakup with former fiancé James Packer. The two reportedly dated on and off for about seven years before announcing their split on Tuesday.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Carey has not made any public comments regarding the breakup.
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.
