The second time might be a charm for Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck.
While neither party has confirmed details, court records confirm Lopez and Affleck obtained a marriage license in Clark County, Nevada (which is where Las Vegas is located) on Saturday, July 16.
However, sources close to the couple reportedly told TMZ that the two officially wed on Saturday.
Lopez and Affleck began dating in 2002 before ending things in 2004. Lopez married Marc Anthony with whom she shares twins Emme and Max. Affleck went on to marry Jennifer Garner. The couple has three children: Violet, Seraphina, and Sam.
Both Affleck and Lopez got divorced from their respective spouses, but rekindled their romance in 2021 before officially announcing their engagement in April of 2022.
In April, Lopez described how Affleck proposed with a green diamond ring while she was in the bath, writing: “[I] just looked in his eyes smiling and crying at the same time trying hard to get my head around the fact that after 20 years this was happening all over again…I was quite literally speechless and he said, ‘Is that a yes?’ I said, ‘YES of course that’s a YES.’”
He is Nick Cannon and he isn’t engaged….at least yet.
Rumors started to swirl that Cannon recently got engaged surrounding several cryptic social media posts as well as the content of a music video.
Speculation began when Abby de la Rosa, one of Cannon’s baby mamas, shares a video on Instagram of herself and Cannon on vacation in the Bahamas. In the clip, she referred to Cannon as her “newly engaged baby daddy.” However, she noted in the caption, “And NO, it’s not with me! Lmaoooo Congratulations Nick!”
This was further fueled by an Instagram post by Cannon on Thursday in which he is shown embracing a silhouette of an anonymous woman with the caption: “I said I would never do it again but…Finally doing what the world wants me to do… .”
However, Cannon clarified the rumors on Friday night while co-hosting Entertainment Tonight with Nischelle Turner, explaining that the cryptic post was simply a sneak peak preview of his new “Eyes Wide” music video.
In the segment, he explained: “I’m doing what the world wants me to do, I’m dropping an amazing music video.”
He further described how the video’s theme isn’t just a love song, but also a “wedding anthem” and “is about just going in with your eyes closed and being a hopeless romantic that everyone knows that I am.”
Cannon, who has already been married once to Mariah Carey, described his feelings about getting engaged again as such:
“That’s a big step, especially [with] all that I got going on in my life, just the hint of it shocked the world. If imma do that, I got to be really ready and prepared.”
Cannon had raised eyebrows a few days prior to the post when he said during the Hot Tee podcast that he was possibly open to getting back together with ex-wife Mariah Carey and even ex-girlfriend Kim Kardashian, whom he dated over 15 years ago.
However, he was quick to add that he didn’t want to come between Kardashian and her current boyfriend Pete Davidson, who he referred to as his “little bro,” stating “this is controversial. She’s with my little bro.”
Cannon was still quick up note that he would “definitely spin the block” with Kardashian before stating: “Shoutout to my little bro, but I would. I mean, come on. I don’t know what their situation is. I’m not messy, I’m patient. Let’s just say that.”
Cannon has already fathered seven children and is reportedly expecting at least three more this year: his baby mama Bre Tiesi is pregnant with his eighth child and his other baby mama Abby De La Rosa is also allegedly expecting twins.
McDonald’s Future 22 is an integrated, creative campaign, launched during Black History Month, that highlights 22 young, Black visionaries who are creating meaningful change in communities across the country.
During the 2022 Essence Festival of Culture,McDonald’s furthered its commitment to serving up bright futures by surprising 22 young, Black leaders with $10,000 each — totaling to $220,000 — to help them achieve their community-driven goals, with the help of award-winning actress, singer and entertainer and campaign spokesperson, Keke Palmer.
“It’s an honor to join McDonald’s to recognize and celebrate these awesome leaders, while also supporting their work and mission,” said Keke. “They are creating bright futures for themselves and the next generation – and, really, all of us – and the excitement on their faces during the McDonald’s surprise gave me joy.”
During the celebratory event held at Essence Fest last weekend in New Orleans, which McDonald’s sponsored for the 22nd year, Keke and Marissa Fisher, a second-generation McDonald’s Owner/Operator in New Orleans, participated in a fireside chat moderated by McDonald’s Senior Director of Cultural Engagement, Elizabeth Campbell, to inspire Future 22 leaders and provide tips on staying true to one’s mission, finding balance while changing the world and paving the way for others, among other topics.
“This year’s Essence Fest theme was Black Joy, and we couldn’t wait to celebrate all 22 leaders and bring them to New Orleans, in honor of their accomplishments,” said Campbell. “We certainly could’ve surprised them virtually but making them a part of our Essence Fest moment meant unlocking the additional community of supporters who are McDonald’s Owner/Operators and the Essence Fest family, to further celebrate them and demonstrate our belief in their work. It was more special than imagined, representing our commitment to feeding and fostering the communities we serve.”
All weekend long, the Future 22 leaders were invited to celebrate the Essence Festival of Culture 2022 theme of “Black Joy” through different McDonald’s activities, including a celebratory event in their honor, impactful experiences at its branded booth, loads of entertainment, and show-stopping performances. Future 22 campaign spokesperson Keke Palmer announced the funds during the celebratory event following a fireside chat with New Orleans-based Owner/Operator Marissa Fisher on staying true to one’s mission, creating your own opportunities and finding balance while changing the world. Moderated by McDonald’s Senior Director of Cultural Engagement, Elizabeth Campbell.
McDonald’s Future 22 and the Essence Fest partnership are two of the many company initiatives that celebrate Black excellence. For more than 65 years, McDonald’s and its Owner/Operators have awarded scholarships to HBCU students, and created impactful partnerships with community organizations like the National Urban League, NAACP, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and more. And this year, McDonald’s is proud to congratulate the National Black McDonald’s Operators Association for 50 years of entrepreneurial and community excellence.
Watch the interviews above for more on Keke Palmer and McDonald’s Future 22 campaign.
Ne-yo and Jacquees both made their presence felt during Essence Festival weekend. Jacquees performed a number of fan-favorite hits at the McDonald’s stage as the crowd danced and sung along. Ne-Yo on the other hand took time off from his many appearances to stop by the festival and chop it up with everyone.
While discussing the last VERZUZ battle that brought Mario, Omarion, Ray J, Bobby Valentino, Sammie and Jeremih to the stage, Ne-Yo offered some tips for singers to get ready to perform. Although the VERZUZ was very “entertaining,” Ne-Yo says he’s unsure as to what exactly happened.
“Tea is a very, very, very large and important part of my singing career. I use green tea and honey. That normally works for me,” said the 3-time Grammy winner. That and pineapple juice.”
For Jacquees he adheres to Ne-Yo’s recommendation, but suggests his own methods as well.
“When it’s time (to perform) I like to take a hot shower, to get all the mucus out (of my system),” said the ATL crooner. “I drink throat coat with honey and lemon and chew gum to keep my voice on point. I’m always singing. Whether I’m humming, I always keep my voice ready. I don’t try to yell a lot too. Getting your rest as a singer is like the number one thing, so for all the singers make sure y’all get sleep.”
Both R&B singers are gearing up to drop an album this Summer.
Ne-Yo is set to drop his 8th studio album, Self-Explanatory on July 15th, while Jacquees is gearing up to release an album executive produced by Future.
“It’ll be a cool tutorial for you on what R&B is supposed to sound like,” says Ne-Yo about his album.
Jacquees is calling his project his best album so far as fans await a release date.
Jacquees reminded fans at Essence Festival why he’s the self-proclaimed King of R&B when he performed on Day 2 of Essence Fest on the McDonald’s state.
As fans watched the Georgia singer take over the stage, they sung along to a number of his hits songs including, “At the Club,” “My Peace,” “B.E.D,” “You” and more.
“I felt good because my fans showed up,” he says. I know the city of New Orleans loves me, but people travel from all over to come to Essence. The love they showed me got me ready to do more.”
The Cash Money crooner dropped his latest single, “Say Yeah” back in May in preparation for his 3rd album, which he announced he executive produced by Future.
“I got some crazy heavy hitters on the album. I can’t wait for everybody to hear it,” he says. “This is the best Jacquees. People always say, ‘this is my best album,’ but this is really my best album.”
As of now there is no release date, but the 28-year-old singer says the album is slated to drop this Summer.
Until then he plans to keep fans occupied with the release of “Say Yeah,” and some guest appearances. He recently collaborated with Enchanting for her latest release, “What I Want.”
Patti LaBelle dazzled the Essence Festival audience with an unforgettable performing. Dripped in an all-red out, LaBelle took the stage to perform some of her classic hits including “When You Talk About Love,” “Love, Need and Want You and “If Only You Knew.”
One of the many highlights of the night came when LaBelle and her band broke into their rendition of Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg’s “The Next Episode.” In true Patti LaBelle fashion, she even kicked off her shoes and channeled her inner West Coast G-funk with a bounce.
“My song of life is California Love and so I love all that Hip-Hop stuff,” says LaBelle. I’m a balladeer. I love singing ballads and R&B songs, but some of that Hip-Hop stuff just gets in my soul and I had to put that in the show.”
The “New Attitude” legend ended her performance with her all-time fan favorite song, “Lady Marmalade.” She was joined on stage by the effervescent, Debbie Allen, who broke into a dance number that reminded everyone of why she is a legend in her own right. At the end of the day, two legend women were enjoying their time together on stage.
— He’s a Rick Houseeeee (@RickyKavin1213) July 3, 2022
In addition to her performance, LaBelle introduced some new additions to her line of “Patti’s Good Life” food items. Inspired by her grandchildren who love breakfast, LaBelle’s new offerings will include frozen mini pancakes, mini pancake sandwiches stuffed with PB&J or chocolate hazelnut.
The first-ever Rolling Loud Portugal, a three-day festival that featured A-List rappers from the U.S. and Europe performing for a sold-out crowd, attracted hip-hop fans to the beaches of The Algarve last week. The festival’s eagerly anticipated acts on two stages, ideal weather, and a cameo surprise appearance by Rihanna all met the fans’ expectations.
The stellar roster, which was headlined by J. Cole, A$AP Rocky, and Future, included big-name artists from the UK and the US. Rappers from both Britain and the United States made their Rolling Loud debuts, including Skepta and Central Cee, while American superstars Lil Uzi Vert, Playboi Carti, and Jack Harlow made their impact. As usual, Rolling Loud brought a strong supporting cast, including up-and-coming artists like Baby Keem and Coi Leray, AJ Tracey, JME, and Ms. Banks, as well as rising names like Flo Milli, Key Glock, Babyface Ray, and many others.
Young Guru’s production prowess stretches beyond the boards and booth. While the Grammy winner’s work has earned the praise as the “most famous and successful engineer in the history of Hip-Hop,” he continues to add to his legendary palette.
The Grammy Award winning engineer recently joined Gia Peppers’ award winning podcast, “More Than That with Gia Peppers” for a campaign initiative entitled, Real Talk Drives Real Change. Presented by Chevrolet, Urban One and Dentsu, the platform ignites “conversation to be both held and heard to enable actionable change resulting in true progress.”
The campaign kicked off last month in Washington, DC behind the theme: “Higher Education Access.”
The event came on the heels of Young Guru’s announcement as the newest director of Roc Nation’s School of Music, Sports & Entertainment.
Guru took to Instagram to announce his position as the Director of the Music Technology, Entrepreneurship, & Production program at the Roc Nation School at Long Island University, Brooklyn.
“I can’t tell you how excited I am!! This chapter is called ‘Education,’” said Guru on Instagram.
“Education is a valuable platform to show talented students how to navigate the music industry, preserve music history, and share their culture with the world.”
In addition, students can apply to receive “Full tuition scholarships‘ to the program as well. Guru’s position perfectly aligns with the campaign. The scholarships serves as one of many catalysts for higher education access.
The Real Talk Drives Real Change initiative continues throughout the Summer and beginning of fall. Each city will discuss a different theme to expand on how to drive the change. In Washington D.C. the theme was Higher Education Access. The upcoming tour dates will focus on “Policy & Justice Reform, Mental Health Awareness and Financial Freedom.
With over 25 years in the music industry, Young Guru continues to drive and represent change for the next generation in more ways than one.
Usher honored his mentor L.A. Reid with the icon award at the 6th annual Culture Creator Brunch. “Our honorees share in our collective experience that is sometimes met with doubt, frustration, and unnecessary complication,” says Culture Creators founder Joi Brown. “Yet we march on as a collective village that continues to produce excellence because experience has taught us that we don’t get to quit.”
She continued: “I didn’t know what Culture Creators was to become when I started, but I’m clear on where we’re headed.”
Vegas! We just released my Ultimate On Stage Experience tickets for purchase for the Vegas Residency. Get up close and personal with the ultimate, intimate concert experience MY WAY! https://t.co/H2hX2W8Jm2pic.twitter.com/oJ4E7S01eq
This year, Usher presented Reid, a music industry veteran and mentor, with the Icon Award. L.A. Reid’s acceptance of the honor was preceded by a video montage, which included personal congratulatory remarks from the likes of Mariah Carey, Toni Braxton, 21 Savage, DJ Khaled, and Jermaine Dupri, to name a few.
Guests were also treated to captivating performances by Amber Riley and host Coco Jones. Culture Creators also introduced three new awards that were given out on the red carpet, Community Advocate, Blog of the Year, and HBCU Rising Culture Creator.
Presenting sponsor Netflix welcomed Culture Creators’ guests to a lush photo experience via the Strong Black Lead Portrait Studio. Empowered partner CÎROC treated guests to a number of curated specialty drinks like the DeLeón Blanco Pink Paloma, Summer Citrus Sunset, and a few of their summer spritzers during the immaculately designed post-show reception. Additional partners included Pivotal Ventures, Lexus, and Morgan Stanley.
2022 saw the event expand and evolved as it highlights the achievements of thought leaders, philanthropists, executives, entertainers, artists, and other pillars of African American culture in an intimate setting among key players.
In other news, Usher has a new single with City Girls slated for a July 1 release.
‘The Last Days of Black Rob’ is set to document the finals days leading up to the untimely death of former Bad Boy rapper, Black Rob. The East Harlem native died in April 2021 after suffering from kidney failure.
The documentary is executive produced by GE Films, Goldmouf Famgoon, Kal Dawson and Rey “G-Child” Mullen. Each EP played a vital role in helping to keep the spirit of Black Rob alive.
“The uniqueness of our connection to Rob is how we were all brought together,” says GE regarding Black Rob’s last days. “We all worked together to give Rob a helping hand when he came to Atlanta.”
In October of 2020, Kal Dawson booked Black Rob for some of his final shows as an artist, where one happened to be in Detroit with Beanie Sigel.
Famgoon regards the film as a wake up call.
“To see Black Rob’s situation, it was both sad but also gave me a spark,” said Famgoon. When you’re making money, strive to make the best investments, so you are prepared for what’s to come.”
One of the major elements of the film is the introduction and birth of MusicalArtistsUnion.org, which is led by Rey Mullen. As the world watched Black Rob’s untimely death unfold, many questions were raised on how to prevent this reoccurrence for other artists.
Therefore, the Musical Artists Union is a union formed to create a responsible United Voice to establish Fair Pay, Benefits, Healthcare Insurance, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Counseling for all artists in the musical industry.
‘The Last Days of Black Rob’ is set to premiere in both his hometown of Harlem on July 9 as well as Atlanta on July 16.
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