Tyler Perry has heard it all. He knows what his critics have to say about his films. He’s also aware of how successful his particular style of filmmaking is. Perry is estimated to have a net worth of $1 billion, and his films have grossed over $660 million at the worldwide box office. It’s this pedigree that Perry brings to the table, and why he felt comfortable dismissing criticisms of his work. He recently sat down for an interview with Keke Palmer, though, and decided to address some of these criticisms head on.
Palmer alluded to those who claim Tyler Perry makes the same kind of film over and over again. More specifically, a film in which a Black woman is put in a distressing situation. Perry didn’t shy away from the remark, and instead explained the way he approaches his artistic process. First and foremost, he said, he ignored what detractors had to say. “You gotta drown all that out,” he told Palmer. “If you let somebody talk you out of a place that God has put you in, you are going to find yourself in Hell.” The filmmaker then stated that he has confidence in his work, and his methodology. “I know what I’m doing is exactly what I’m supposed to be doing,” he added.
Tyler Perry doesn’t bash people who criticize his work. Rather, he focuses on the people who enjoy what he makes. “For everyone who is a critic,” he noted. “I have thousands of emails from people saying ‘this changed my life,’ ‘oh my god, you know me.’ So that is what’s important.” The filmmaker also noted that many of his fans are disenfranchised, and do not feel seen or related to on a regular basis. “People like me who are grinders, who know what it’s life,” he posited. “Don’t discount these people and say their story don’t matter.”
Tyler Perry and Keke Palmer have known each other for decades. The latter told People Magazine that Perry offered to help with her skin condition when she was just 14 years old. “I’m grateful to Tyler Perry to this day,” Palmer explained. “I don’t tell many people that story, but I was so grateful to him for helping me because he had the resources and he was paying it forward.” Perry and Palmer would eventually work together on the films Madea’s Family Reunion (2006) and Madea Goes to Jail (2009). Perry’s latest film, Divorce In the Black, is currently streaming on Prime.
Eminem might well be one of the most successful rappers from Detroit, but according to one of the Motor City’s rising stars, he’s not a hometown favorite. Skilla Baby, who has been experiencing a breakout over the past year thanks to collabs with Rob49, Sada Baby, and Tee Grizzley, told Keke Palmer on her podcast (the aptly titled Baby, This Is Keke Palmer) that Detroit actually doesn’t have any favorites after being asked about the “Houdini” rapper.
“Numbers wise, Eminem is the best Detroit rapper, but the gag is nobody would say that in Detroit,” he said. “Everybody had a turn being Detroit’s favorite rapper. Sada Baby had a turn, Tee Grizzley had a turn, Babyface Ray had a turn, Veeze is one of Detroit’s best rappers, Baby Smoove. Everybody had their turn being the best in the city. What we lack is consistency. Nobody has consistently been Detroit’s favorite rapper.”
Lest he be accused of haterism, Skilla Baby explainedI’m a fan of Eminem but do we consider him our best rapper? I don’t think Detroit does… No shade to anybody names I left off. Detroit is full of great rappers and I can’t forget Kash Doll, Big Sean, and Dej [Loaf], of course.”
Some believe that Kendrick Lamar and Drake’s beef may not be over yet, and in the likely event that it is, folks still have an avalanche of wild, cutting, and comical bars to take stock of. Moreover, beyond some of the hefty allegations they launched at each other, these diss tracks contained a lot of clever wordplay, funny flips, disrespectful jabs, and downright vicious assessments. On the lighter and more ridiculous tip, folks have been singing along to K.Dot’s “69 God” attack at Drizzy for almost two months, but Keke Palmer has a very important question. Since when did that sexually suggestive number become a bad thing in our Internet discourse?
“Now this is no shade, no tea, but I have a question, okay?” Keke Palmer, SZA’s future buddy comedy partner, began her inquiry. “Because I know the rap kids, they do a lot of little tricks and clever little lines. Especially somebody like Kendrick. But I really am curious of… What’s so bad about being a 69 God? I guess what I’m saying is, far as I knew, 69 was something that just means you’re reciprocal, right? So if you’re a 69 God, you know, what’s so bad about that? I must be missing something. We’ll see, boo.”
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) June 28, 2024
Of course, fans quickly chimed in with their theories, agreements with Keke Palmer, and other interpretations that paint this as a diss. People are still arguing over who won; did you think a debate over bars would be any less divisive? Anyway, some fans believe that the “69” in question is actually a reference to 6ix9ine, who has his own history with grooming, child abuse, and predatory behavior (which in Drake’s case is purely alleged and unconfirmed). Maybe that’s a reach, but it’s rap beef, so what else is new?
Meanwhile, Keke Palmer is busy elsewhere, dealing with the fallout of her breakup and hopefully moving on peacefully from that reportedly toxic bond. As such, it’s no surprise that she wasn’t able to go down the same Reddit rabbit holes and OVO/TDE Twitter Stan reply threads that we did. Do you agree that being a 69 God is not such a bad thing after all? Or does it make “Not Like Us” all the catchier?
It goes without saying that collaborators don’t always get along, and the City Girls are certainly no exception. Earlier this year, the duo got into a heated spat on social media, and feelings were hurt despite them making up in a matter of hours. Luckily, JT opened up about how the public disagreement impacted her during a recent chat with Keke Palmer and revealed that now, they’re both able to look back at it and laugh.
“I did not want that to happen… When you get to the point of ego…it gets there. You forget to express yourself in a private setting, or you forget to talk like adults,” she explained. “It happened and it was st*pid, and it’s done. It’s over with and now it’s funny to both of us. It’s hilarious to both of us. Now, it’s just a funny thing in time to us.”
JT Speaks On Her Public Back & Forth With Yung Miami Back In April: “I Was More So Hurt. I Did Not Want That To Happen. It Was Stupid. We Both Were Wrong. I’m Glad It Didn’t Get Out Of Hand. It Wasn’t Personal.” pic.twitter.com/nfz4jwN1Ci
They’ve yet to reveal exactly what prompted the back and forth, though JT claims that neither of them was in the right. “She should be able to tell her side or how she feel,” she told Palmer. “Because we both were dead a** wrong. It wasn’t no right person in that situation, and I feel like that’s just something that we should talk about as adults.”
As for Yung Miami, she recently explained why the two of them have opted to focus on their solo careers as of late. She claims that when they teamed up to work on music together, it “just wasn’t working no more.” What do you think of JT opening up about her public spat with Yung Miami from earlier this year? Are you surprised that the duo was able to move on so quickly or not? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
Actress KeKe Palmer has dropped her request for a restraining order and sole custody of her son, initially filed against actor Darius Jackson following allegations of abuse.
The case, which garnered significant attention in 2023, appears to be moving towards a resolution away from the courtroom. According to new documents obtained by The Blast, the domestic violence restraining order hearing, which was scheduled for July 16, 2024, has been canceled. Palmer’s attorney filed the documents, leading to the removal of the hearing from the court’s calendar.
While the precise reasons for this decision remain undisclosed, it is speculated that Palmer and Jackson may have reached a private agreement. This development comes five months after the former couple agreed to engage in a court-mandated mediation session, suggesting that a truce might have been achieved behind the scenes.
The initial filing by Palmer was a significant move, as she sought both a domestic violence restraining order and sole custody of their son, citing abuse. The case highlighted the ongoing struggles and legal battles faced by individuals dealing with domestic violence allegations.
As of now, neither Palmer’s lawyer nor Jackson have provided public statements regarding the case’s dismissal. The decision to forego the hearing indicates a possible de-escalation of the conflict, potentially allowing both parties to focus on co-parenting their child amicably.
Palmer’s decision to drop the legal proceedings marks a notable shift from the intense legal and personal drama that unfolded last year. It underscores the complexities of domestic disputes and the various pathways individuals might take towards resolution, whether through the courts or through private negotiations.
Fans and observers will undoubtedly continue to watch closely for any further developments or statements from the involved parties. For now, it appears that Palmer and Jackson are seeking to navigate their differences outside of the courtroom, prioritizing the well-being of their child and potentially finding a more harmonious way forward.
Keke Palmer and her ex-boyfriend, Darius Jackson, have reportedly dropped their domestic violence cases against one another, according to The Jasmine Brand. The two were scheduled to appear in court on July 16, 2024, but the outlet notes that the hearing is no longer on the docket. Palmer initially filed her lawsuit in 2023 while providing testimony, pictures, and footage as evidence to detail the alleged abuse.
In her initial filing, she claimed that Jackson “trespassed” into her home on November 5, and “threatened me, then physically attacked me — lunging for my neck, striking me, throwing me over the couch, and stealing my phone when I told him I was going to call the police.” In turn, the court awarded her a temporary restraining order. She also got sole custody of their son, Leodis “Leo” Adrellton.
Keke Palmer & Darius Jackson Attend Atlanta Film Festival
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 29: (L-R) Keke Palmer, Leo Jackson, and Darius Jackson attend the “Big Boss” Closing Night Screening during the 2023 Atlanta Film Festival at Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University on April 29, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Derek White/WireImage)
The following month, Jackson fired back with a counter-lawsuit of his own, accusing Palmer of being the abusive one. He listed several alleged instances throughout their relationship while claiming she used both “physical and verbal abuse.” In January of this year, the two had a court date that was delayed to provide them time for “mediation in front of a private judge.” With the latest court date removed from the calendar, the status of the restraining order is unclear.
Looking ahead, Palmer recently wrote on Instagram that 2024 has been off to a great start. “I have never been so happy in my life!!” Palmer captioned a photo of herself on vacation. “Already 2024 has started off on the vibes I was looking for, more experiences and more enjoying what this beautiful world has to offer.” Be on the lookout for further updates on Keke Palmer and Darius Jackson on HotNewHipHop.
Many celebrities have openly discussed navigating Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This ranges from diagnosis to managing diverse symptoms like lean PCOS without weight gain. This is a hormonal disorder affecting around 1 in 10 women of childbearing age, according to the Office on Women’s Health. Symptoms like irregular menstrual cycles, acne, excess hair growth, weight gain, and fertility issues can vary in severity from subtle signs to severe complications.
Further, PCOS is caused by hormonal imbalances with high androgen (male hormone) levels, insulin resistance, and genetics. It’s also reported that having a family member with PCOS increases one’s risk. Though incurable, symptoms can be managed via medications and lifestyle changes. Celebrities’ candid PCOS stories raise crucial awareness about this widely underdiagnosed yet common condition impacting 8 to 13 percent of reproductive-aged women globally, per the World Health Organization. Open conversations destigmatize PCOS, help others feel understood, and encourage symptom recognition and treatment.
After announcing her PCOS diagnosis in 2020, Keke Palmer has openly discussed her journey of coping with the hormonal disorder’s diverse symptoms. These include acne, excessive facial hair, weight fluctuations, irregular periods, and infertility concerns. In a candid interview with Tamron Hall, the actress revealed her severe acne and facial hair prompted her to “zero in” on PCOS as the root cause. She also explained dealing with such symptoms well past puberty despite trying medications like Accutane and dietary changes. Palmer learned PCOS manifests differently for everyone after her sister also struggled with it, especially during pregnancy.
It took examining her family’s history of diabetes and weight issues before the celebrity received her PCOS diagnosis. She says it was delayed for years despite her family’s efforts. Now, she hopes opening up empowers herself and others. She declared on Instagram, “My skin has made me sad many nights but I do not give up on myself … MY ACNE AINT NEVER STOPPED ME.”
Lea Michele
Actress Lea Michele has been candid about her journey with PCOS, opening up about being diagnosed after experiencing severe acne and fluctuating weight. “The minute she looked at me, she was like, ‘Oh, you have PCOS.’ It explained everything,” Michele told Health.com of her doctor’s assessment. The Glee star also suffered from “terrible skin” growing up. She revealed she used birth control to help manage it until going off the medication in her late 20s caused a resurgence of acne along with weight gain – classic PCOS symptoms.
Michele also acknowledged she is “very fortunate” that diet changes have allowed her to manage her PCOS. She also added that it isn’t as “intense” as it is in some cases. Yet, Michele shed light on the condition’s brutal potential side effects like cystic acne and significant weight struggles. “There are way more extreme versions of PCOS that women have a lot of difficulty with,” she empathized.
Singer Victoria Monét has candidly discussed the challenges of dealing with PCOS, revealing her honest perspective on weight fluctuations. The “We Might Be Falling in Love” artist took to Instagram Stories to share a performance photo, playfully commenting “Welp…I gained a lot of weight and it went a lot of places lol face, arms, tummy and most effectively…datassss.” Monét admitted she often feels “critical and frustrated” by PCOS-related weight gain, but tried to maintain an optimistic outlook, joking “at least now there’s two moons on the stage.”
Despite the lighthearted tone, her openness sheds light on the very real struggle many women face with hormonal conditions like PCOS impacting their bodies in various ways. By embracing her curves with humor, Monét normalizes these experiences while inspiring others to approach their own health journeys with self-compassion.
Victoria Beckham
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 13: Victoria Beckham is seen at the “Today. Show” on October 13, 2022, also in New York City. (Photo by Raymond Hall/GC Images)
While fiercely protective of her privacy, fashion icon Victoria Beckham has candidly discussed her personal battle with PCOS. The former Spice Girl went public with her diagnosis after struggling to conceive her youngest child, Harper Seven, amid irregular periods and infertility challenges. Beckham shed light on the intense pressures of expanding her family while in the spotlight. She admitted to Now magazine, “Every time I go out, someone asks if I’m pregnant.”
Initially deflecting with vague responses, she eventually opted for “brutal honesty” about undergoing fertility treatments due to PCOS. She continued, “I keep that big smile and say something like, ‘Actually, I’m struggling with infertility because of my PCOS, so my husband and I have been through several fertility treatments. No baby yet, but it’ll happen soon!’”
Daisy Ridley
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 13: Daisy Ridley attends the EE British Academy. Film Awards 2022 at Royal Albert Hall on March 13, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Joe Maher/Getty Images)
Actress Daisy Ridley candidly addressed her battle as a celebrity with PCOS on Instagram. She shed light on the condition’s diverse symptoms like the severe acne she struggled with. The Star Wars star revealed she was first diagnosed with endometriosis at 15. She underwent surgery and consultations over eight years as the pelvic pain persisted. When her skin then became “THE WORST” despite trying various treatments, Ridley realized something more was going on. “Finally found out I have polycystic ovaries and that’s why it’s bad.”
Her journey involved cutting out dairy and sugar under a dermatologist’s guidance to manage hormonal acne. Through it all, Ridley advocated for others dealing with any health issues to persist in seeking specialist care, get thorough testing done, and pay close attention to their body’s needs without dismissing potential concerns. “From your head to the tips of your toes we only have one body, let us all make sure ours are working in top condition, and take help if it’s needed,” she empowered followers.
Nikki Bella
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 05: Nikki Bella visits SiriusXM at SiriusXM. Studios on December 05, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Jason Mendez/Getty Images)
Former professional wrestler Nikki Bella has been open about her PCOS diagnosis and fears it would impact her ability to conceive. “I go to the doctor, I find out that I have very high testosterone and very low estrogen and I have PCOS. They told me that the day I would want to have babies, I probably would actually need help,” Bella revealed on her Total Bellas podcast. Moreover, doctors advised her to consider egg freezing at age 36 due to PCOS. Bella was resigned to needing fertility assistance until getting unexpectedly pregnant with now-husband Artem Chigvintsev.
“I was in the discussion of freezing my eggs. It was right around Halloween, a day or so after, [and Artem Chigvintsev and I had unprotected sex] because I’m like, ‘I can’t get pregnant. I need help,’” she candidly shared. Despite her PCOS struggles with symptoms like acne, weight fluctuations, and hair loss, leaving her “devastated” about her fertility, Bella defied the odds by giving birth to a son, Matteo, in July 2020 without medical intervention.
Police are looking for 19-year-old Adrian Cameron Jr. for the fatal shooting of Chris King in Nashville on Saturday. They authorized the criminal homicide warrant after he was identified as one of the three suspects involved in the robbery-related shooting outside of a music studio. Cameron is reportedly out on bond for the September 2021 murder of Josh Evans.
“The criminal homicide case was transferred from Juvenile Court to Criminal Court. As a part of his bond conditions, Cameron was on an ankle monitor. Data from the monitor shows it was cut off shortly after Saturday’s shooting,” police said, according to local news outlet, WSMV.
Chris King Attends Trippie Redd’s Toy Drive Meet & Greet
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 18: Aaron Jamal and Chris King attend the Trippie Redd Toy Drive and meet & greet on December 18, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Trippie Redd/10K Projects)
After early rumors of King being targeted in a shooting, his longtime collaborator Trippie Redd confirmed the news on Instagram. “I am so hurt rn I can’t even think I love you bro come back!!!!! @whoischrisking,” Trippie wrote. “I can’t catch a break.” Afterward, several fans and celebrities shared tributes for the late rapper. Actor Keke Palmer was among them. She shared a screenshot of the two of them on iChat from many years ago. “Chris King! I wish I had more photos but it’s actually perfect because this is exactly how it began. iChat sessions with you and Marcel back in the 2Much days. Wow. I can’t believe I’m saying rest in peace. This is terrible,” she wrote in part.
DJ Scheme also mourned King on Twitter. “It’s so sad this community of artist/friends has gotten this small,” he wrote “All because of gun violence or drugs. I know we were just a wave in hip-hop but man this really the life we live. I hate to see someone I’ve known since the beginning days be gone… Everyone make sure u send ur love to Trippie and everyone at 1400 today please.” Be on the lookout for further updates on the shooting of Chris King on HotNewHipHop.
Usher had a lot to celebrate last night (Saturday, March 16) at the NAACP Image Awards, taking home Entertainer of the Year and the President’s Award. The 55th annual ceremony saw him take the stage at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles and accept the latter accolade from the organization’s president and CEO, Derrick Johnson. The R&B superstar’s acceptance speech was largely a tribute to his mother Jonnetta Patton for her support, inspiration, and hard work. Specifically, he mentioned how she inspired him to reach the world through art and fought against a male-dominated space to become a successful businesswoman who got her son the best deal possible.
Not only that, but Usher extended this praise to women in the industry at large, whom he rightfully declared receive insufficient recognition for their contributions. The one and only Oprah Winfrey gave him the Entertainer of the Year award, for which Coleman Domingo, Fantasia Barrino, Halle Bailey, and Keke Palmer were also nominated. Speaking of Keke, she actually reunited with the Dallas native at this ceremony. For those unaware, their interaction at one of his Vegas residency shows resulted in a high-profile split between her and her partner Darius Jackson, plus a lot of pop culture discussion and drama.
But ironically enough, it was this residency -– plus a new album, a Super Bowl halftime show, and much more -– which nabbed Usher this Entertainer of the Year award. In terms of other awards, the Queen Latifah-hosted event also honored Fantasia Barrino for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture, The Color Purple for Best Motion Picture, and more. Also, this celebration follows some more partying for the Oscars last weekend, so the Confessions star is having a great time these days. Hopefully it’s an energy that he can keep rolling throughout 2024.
Keke Palmer Meets The R&B Star Again After Residency Drama
Meanwhile, the rumor mill will tell you that Keke’s already moved on from Jackson, although this is largely unconfirmed. Regardless, it was curious to see them meet again, and even more heartening to see the NAACP celebrate them both. Congrats to all the winners and nominees; this year will be even better, and so on and so on. For more news and the latest updates on Usher and Keke Palmer, check back in with HNHH.
For the last decade or so, Trey Songz has faced multiple allegations and lawsuits. These have been for all manners of reported crimes, from sexual and physical assault to kidnapping. While some of the cases have been brought up by anonymous people who aren’t in the spotlight, there have been a few incidents of celebrities calling out the singer. Although he’s repeatedly denied these allegations, there has been a pattern too repetitive to simply overlook. Here are some of the celebrities who have called out Trey Songz over the years.
In 2017, Keke Palmer spoke out about Trey Songz. She claimed he used “sexual intimidation” to coerce her into being in a music video. Palmer was at the singer’s house for a party when they began filming a music video for his song, “Pick Up The Phone.” Palmer found out that a clip of her had been featured in the video after its release, even after she had denied consent to being in the video multiple times. She subsequently took legal action against Trey Songz. Moreover, she remains one of the most prominent names to call him out for inappropriate behavior.
Bebe Rexha
In 2020, when accusations against Trey Songz started to increase, an old interview of singer Bebe Rexha from 2015 was unearthed. In the resurfaced clip, she alleged that Songz forced himself on her. Both artists were guests at a private wedding, which Rexha says was her lawyer’s wedding. She claimed that Songz had been looking at her all day. Soon after, he allegedly followed her to the pool house, where he forced a kiss on her.
Another claim against Trey Songz came in 2023 from Instagram model Celina Powell and her friend Aliza. Powell explained that they had met up after DM-ing for a while. He allegedly took her phone and kept her locked in a house for two days, forcing her to do sexual acts with him. Her friend, Aliza, also shared that she had a similar experience with Songz. She claimed the singer held her against her will in a hotel. While she was captive, he allegedly performed multiple sexual acts on her, including urinating on her.
Dylan Gonzalez
Dylan Gonzalez says she was raped by Trey Songz and will be pursuing her best course of legal action pic.twitter.com/UsWlPmR90v
One of the most shocking allegations against Trey Songz happened in 2021. WNBA athlete Dylan Gonzalez tweeted, “Trey Songz is a rapist. Lord forgive me, I couldn’t hold that in another year. See you in 2022.” The tweet rocked the internet, and although Gonzales was initially silent, she shared more on Instagram. In her statement, she shared that Trey Songz had raped her in a Las Vegas hotel. Gonzalez also said that she had already hired an attorney to pursue legal action.
In 2022, Sarunas Jackson exposed Songz on the Guys Next Door podcast. This came after he allegedly witnessed an incident between the singer and a woman. The Insecure actor shared that he had witnessed Songz physically intimidating a woman, only to calm down when another man showed up. He emphasized that he didn’t support men who only respected other men but walked all over women. Jackson was also vocally against Songz when Dylan Gonzalez came forward with her allegations.
Earlier in 2024, fellow R&B singer Jacquees also leveled some allegations against Trey Songz. He shared a picture of some of his dreads in a now-deleted Instagram post, claiming that Trey Songz had pulled them out in a fight in Dubai. In later posts still referring to the incident, he called Songz a rapist. Furthermore, he claimed that Songz had been speaking about his rape accusations in the club.
