You People has been the talk of pop culture as the Kenya Barris film eased its way to Netflix, and the film’s star, Lauren London, has been hopping from one outlet to the next to help promote it. The actress took some deserved time away from the spotlight following the death of Nipsey Hussle. She reflected on her return to the big screen while on The Drew Barrymore Show.
“I’m very apprehensive with just working right now, just grieving still and just, you know, building a new life,” said London. “So, I’m very intentional on who I work with, and Kenya just created a really safe space. And so did Jonah [Hill].”
In March 2019, Nipsey was outside his Marathon Clothing store in Los Angeles when he was shot and killed by Eric Holder. The two men were associates, and it’s reported that Nipsey said something that Holder took as an offense.
Last year, Holder was found guilty of Hussle’s murder and is currently awaiting sentencing. Since his death, London has focused on maintaining his legacy and took a step back from pursuing her career.
The actress also revealed that her eldest son, Kameron Carter, whom she shares with Lil Wayne, encouraged her to get back to work.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 10: Lauren London and Nipsey Hussle attend the 61st Annual Grammy Awards at Staples Center on February 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
Barrymore wanted to know how London found the courage to return to acting.
“Every day is different. So, some days you don’t want to. You just want to lay there,” she answered. “My big reason is my children because they do deserve a really happy mom, and they deserve joy, and they deserve a house that has music playing and incense going and light coming in the windows. They deserve that.”
“You know, when you lose someone, they’re on the other side wanting you to continue life, as well,” London further stated. “So, I just always think about what I know Nip would want me to do and what I know my children deserve. And what I deserve, too!”
We’ve had droves of new music coming out already in 2023 – now it’s time to start getting excited about the year’s upcoming movie releases. While some huge titles like Margot Robbie’s Barbie and Halle Bailey’s The Little Mermaid will be making their debut in theatres, others, like Murder Mystery 2 will be available on Netflix for your streaming pleasure.
On Monday (January 30), the platform unveiled the long-awaited trailer for the 2019 favourite’s sequel. Starring Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler, the original movie went on to become the year’s most-streamed project, though it earned just a 44% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Struggling as full-time detectives, Nick & Audrey Spitz find themselves at the center of an international abduction when their friend the Maharaja is kidnapped at his own wedding.
Murder Mystery found the on-screen couple attempting to revive their marriage’s spark in Europe. The follow-up takes place four years later, as Nick and Audrey Spitz (Sandler and Aniston) are working as full-time detectives with aspirations of launching their own private eye agency.
As PEOPLE notes, a wedding invitation comes their way from Maharaja (played by Adeel Akhtar), who requests their presence on his private island. “Trouble follows the Spitzes again when the groom is kidnapped for ransom soon after the festivities begin — making each glamorous guest, family member and the bride herself a suspect,” a synopsis explains.
Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston attend the Photocall Of Netflix’s “Murder Mystery” at Ritz Carlton Marina Del Rey on June 11, 2019 in Marina del Rey, California. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic)
Aside from the Uncut Gems lead and the Friends starlet, other MM2 cast members include Jodie Turner-Smith, Mélanie Laurent, Dany Boon, and Mark Strong, among others.
In today’s trailer, it was confirmed that the highly anticipated movie will make its debut on March 31.
If you’re in need of a Netflix recommendation while we wait for the arrival of Murder Mystery 2, we suggest you stream You People. The comedy stars Jonah Hill, Lauren London, Nia Long, Eddie Murphy, and more – it’s a must-watch for anyone in need of a good laugh.
Check out the trailer for that movie here, and check back later for more pop culture news updates.
The legacy of Michael Jackson will be explored in Antoine Fuqua’s upcoming biopic on the pop star,Michael. However, the question of who would take on the lead role has been subject to speculation.
Michael Jackson (Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
According to Deadline, Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew, will take on the lead role in the film. Fuqua and Jackson confirmed the news on social media this morning.
“Proud to announce @jaafarjackson as Michael — the motion picture event that explores the journey of the man who became the King of Pop. Coming soon,” the Training Day director shared on Instagram.
Jaafar Jackson, the son of Jermaine Jackson, showcased his talents as a singer and dancer on social media in the past, which undoubtedly helped him secure the role.
The upcoming film won’t shy away from exploring some of the grimmer sides of Jackson’s life. From his beginnings as a member of the Jackson 5, Michael will capture the highs and lows of the singer’s career, up until his death from cardiac arrest.
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – JULY 12: Jaafar Jackson poses backstage at the Reelz Channel ‘Living With The Jacksons’ panel at the 2014 Summer Television Critics Association at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on July 12, 2014 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Araya Diaz/Getty Images for REELZ)
Michael’s estate will also be involved in the film, providing the rights to the singer’s catalog. However, it makes many wonder how this might impact the storyline when it comes to pedophilia allegations and sexual assault.
We’ll keep you posted on anymore details surrounding the upcoming movie.
While a lot of rappers stick to what they blew up with, it’s more common by the day to see them venture into other fields. T.I. just shared his top five list of rappers turned actors with Jalen Rose on the Renaissance Man podcast. Moreover, his list includes a lot of the classic heavy hitters that can’t escape a mention.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 21: Rapper T.I. attends the world premiere of “Fear” at Directors Guild Of America on January 21, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paul Archuleta/Getty Images)
“Name me your top five rappers turned actors,” Rose asked the Atlanta MC, who laughed at the question
“Damn,” the rapper began. “Tupac, Will Smith, Cube, Ice-T… man, Queen Latifah.”
To give credit where it’s due, it seemed like T.I. had his answers on lock quite quickly. Furthermore, all those names are legendary when it comes to crossing mediums over. Also, it’s funny to hear the 42-year-old talk about acting considering Morgan Freeman got him fired from a movie.
T.I.’s (Almost) Big Break
However, to be fair, T.I. almost made it big in that industry, as well. During a recent interview with Shannon Sharpe, he talked about how he was almost cast for Nick Cannon’s role in the film Drumline.
“[Dallas Austin] was telling me about his first film,” he said. “I was always like, ‘Yo bruh, put me in it.’ And he was like, ‘Aight, yeah man. Say less.’ He sent me to go read and I read and they were like, ‘Man, you got to learn how to play the drums.’ And I was like, ‘I could play like I could play the drums.’ They were like, ‘Nah, you gotta learn how.’ I was like, ‘Man, I don’t wanna do that.’
“I just didn’t want to commit myself to it at the time. It wasn’t there,” the “Live Your Life” star continued. “But I read, and I didn’t get it, and that movie went on to be Drumline. Yeah, I was reading for Nick Cannon’s part.
“Look, that opened the door for me to do ATL,” he added. “After I didn’t get the role for Drumline, I went back to Dallas and said, ‘Man, next time, bruh, just give me the role. I ain’t going to read or nothing. Just give me the role.’ And he was like, ‘Cool,’ and he just gave the role for Rashad in ATL.”
Still, what do you think of T.I.’s top five rappers turned actors list? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments down below. Also, as always, log back into HNHH for the latest lists and ranking of the game’s best from the game’s best.
T.I. has undoubtedly held down his own among those we consider to be the greatest of all time in hip-hop. He later branched out into film but he didn’t necessarily leave the greatest impression on Morgan Freeman.
During his recent appearance on Club Shay Shay, Shannon Sharpe asked T.I about the time “a famous actor got mad at you during a table read.” Tip chuckled before responding, “Say no to drugs, kids.”
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 25: Tip ‘T.I.’ Harris attends the premiere of Disney And Marvel’s “Ant-Man And The Wasp” on June 25, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images)
T.I. confirmed that the famous actor was Morgan Freeman, though he regarded it as one of those hard-learned lessons.
“Just to be honest, I wasn’t prepared,” he said. “That was an opportunity I should’ve taken more seriously. I completely accept accountability and I’ve grown from that.”
Tip added that Morgan Freeman made him feel terrible once he called the rapper out in front of everyone. However, he understood that he needed to grow from that situation.
“That’s something I needed in my journey because that – it was like a shock to the system,” he said. He added it was a wake-up call to ensure that no one would be able to chastise him again.
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 23: Morgan Freeman backstage during the American Black Film Festival Honors Awards Ceremony at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on February 23, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
T.I. previously discussed landing a role in 2013’s Las Vegas during an episode of expeditiously. He explained that he left a studio session and got to the table read where he began nodding off. That’s when Morgan Freeman called him out in front of everyone. He later received a call from his manager who told him, “Morgan Freeman said he won’t work with you. They don’t want you.”
During his conversation with Sharpe, he said that he does feel as though he could’ve had a positive contribution to the film. However, Tip said Morgan Freeman didn’t deserve blame for the outcome.
Rich Brian looked ahead to his film-acting debut as Uproxx’s April 2022 cover star, and the Justin Chon-directed music drama Jamojaya made its debut at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival last weekend. In it, Brian portrays an up-and-coming Indonesian rapper at a crossroads: He wants to hire a new manager and sign to a US label, but that would mean firing his father (Yayu Unru) as his manager.
To celebrate Jamojaya, Brian dropped “Sundance Freestyle” on Wednesday, January 25, alongside Daniel “Cloud” Campos-directed video that finds Brian deliciously playing a diva actor.
It starts with people rushing to prepare the set of the fictional Talking Film talk show. Brian arrives in extravagant fashion, as the studio’s doors open up to an entourage leading the way for Brian on a motor scooter. When the host, Chet Buckley, offers up a handshake, Brian turns away from him and doesn’t say a word while someone adds one more dash of hairspray.
Buckley attempts to ask Brian questions about Jamojaya, but Brian stays mute and stares at Buckley behind dark sunglasses. The wall behind them collapses, prompting Brian to launch into his “Sundance Freestyle.”
Brian raps as flashing cameras and microphones crowd around him, and then he’s joined by fabulous background dancers.
“I just took a flight to Utah, man, that’s the first time,” he reflects over a catchy, synthesized beat. “Walkin’ off the plane, steam breathin’ snow darkened by the shades / I’m just stayin’ warm, sippin’ on my third wine / Face gettin’ red now / I don’t need a sun tan, press weak / Get you used to hearin’ certain questions / Like, ‘How you feel to be at Sundance?’”
As beach balls fall from the sky, Brian relishes how far he’s come in five years and watching his “first movie” with his friends, which turns “everything else into nonsense” and marks a major accomplishment despite the fact “I’m only on my second project.”
North West will be making her feature film debut alongside her mother, Kim Kardashian, in the upcoming Paw Patrol sequel. According to a new report from TMZ, North’s younger brother, Saint, will also make a cameo in the movie.
Kim Kardashian will be reprising her role as Delores from the 2021 film.
INGLEWOOD, CA – MARCH 31: In this handout photo provided by Forum Photos, Among the VIP guests of Managing Partner, Shelli Azoff, and Ariana Grande’s manager, Scooter Braun, in the exclusive Forum Club enjoying the Ariana Grande Dangerous Woman show at the Forum were Kim Kardashian and daughter, North West on March 31, 2017 in Inglewood, California.
(Photo by Rich Fury/Forum Photos via Getty Images)
Kardashian confirmed the news in a post on her Instagram Story with a statement: “A trio of new pups also join the ranks, voiced by Critics Choice Award winner ALAN KIM, TikTok star BRICE GONZALEZ of EnkyBoys and NORTH WEST, who joins her mom KIM KARDASHIAN returning as Delores from the first movie, along with a cameo by her brother, SAINT WEST. Additional cast members reprising their roles include MARSAI MARTIN (Liberty), RON PARDO (Mayor Humdinger) and CALLUM SHONIKER (Rocky). Additional new cast members include LUXTON HANDSPIKER, CHRISTIAN CORRAO and NYLAN PARTHIPAN.”
For Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie, a star-studded cast will be joining Kim and North. The cast features Kristen Bell, McKenna Grace, Lil Rel Howery, James Marsden, and Serena Williams.
The original film earned over $150 million worldwide before becoming one of the most popular Paramount+ originals. It had a production budget of $26 million.
Kardashian has performed in several films over the years prior to Paw Patrol. She appeared in Disaster Movie, Deep in the Valley, and Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor, among others.
Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie will be hitting theaters on October 13.
T.I. recently reflected on his work on American Gangster alongside Denzel Washington. Speaking with Shannon Sharpe during an appearance on the Club Shay Shay podcast, T.I. recalled some advice the legendary actor gave him.
“As we’re rehearsing, I’m pacing back and forth, pacing back and forth,” he told the former NFL star. “And he said, ‘What’s up, n***a? You nervous?’ I’m like, ‘Man, I’m just making sure I don’t mess it up.’”
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 07: T.I. onstage during 2022 InvestFest at Georgia World Congress Center on August 07, 2022 in Atlanta. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
T.I. continued: “He said, ‘Here man, listen. They could have had anybody in here doing what you’re doing right now. They could have anybody in the world, they could have called anybody right here to do what you’re doing.’”
T.I. further elaborated: “I said, ‘Yeah, yeah.’ He said, ‘They called you for a reason didn’t they?’ I said, ‘Yeah.’ He said, ‘You know what that reason is?’ I started thinking and I said, ‘Yeah, I do.’”
From there, Washington remarked to T.I., “‘Alright then, do that and you ain’t got no reason to be nervous.’”
T.I.’s role in American Gangster was one of his earliest movie appearances. Other rappers appeared in the film as well, including Common and RZA.
Speaking with MTV back in 2007, T.I. previously said: “It’s like when a Hip Hop fan hears a song like [DJ Khaled‘s] ‘We Takin’ Over’ and you hear all your favorites and you hear them at their best.”
American Gangster was directed by legendary filmmaker Ridley Scott and featured an all-star cast. In addition to T.I., Washington, RZA, and Common, it stars Russell Crowe, Josh Brolin, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Cuba Gooding Jr., among others.
Another year, another award season, and this time, the Oscars are commanding attention. Today, the nominations for the 2023 Academy Awards were announced, and while some are celebrating, others are questioning why several notable features and actors didn’t receive nods.
It’s expected that with nominations such as these, someone, somewhere, will be disappointed. However, when it was shown that Jordan Peele’s Nope, The Woman King starring Viola Davis, and even Tom Cruise for his Top Gun portrayal were snubbed, fans demanded answers.
The 2023 Oscars gotta have some of the most disappointing snubs I’ve seen in a long time pic.twitter.com/PIYZRUsTO1
Top Gun was a frontrunner and earned a nod for Best Picture. However, it didn’t receive inclusion for Best Actor or Best Director. It was expected to be added to those categories, as well as those highlighting cinematography.
Peele’s features have swept the box office one after another, but Nope didn’t grab the Academy’s attention. Neither did The Woman King, as the praised film also didn’t earn any nominations. Additionally, Wakanda Forever‘s Angela Bassett received a look for Best Supporting Actress, and Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up” is up for Best Original Song. Some believed the film’s director, Ryan Coogler, should have also been nominated.
Additionally, this year no women directors were selected, but neither was James Cameron for the latest Avatar film.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JULY 18: (L-R) Steven Yeun, Daniel Kaluuya, Jordan Peele, Keke Palmer, and Brandon Perea attend the world premiere of Universal Pictures’ “NOPE” at TCL Chinese Theatre on July 18, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic)
Further, Rihanna and Lady Gaga have been nominated for Best Original Song (“Lift Me Up” and “Hold My Hand,” respectively). Their fanbases are exciting, but Taylor Swift’s exclusion for her Where the Crawdads Sing track “Carolina” has caused a firestorm.
Other snubs include Margot Robbie, Elvis director Baz Luhrmann, and Till, the controversial film about the murder of Emmett Till.
Did your picks make the cut? Check out a few reactions below.
Despite all of the valid historical/cultural critiques of The Woman King and its reframing of a very complex history, for the blockbuster spectacle of a film that it was, the talent in it, and audiences and critics’ responses to it, the Oscar snub is kind of egregious https://t.co/WtKSt8GUSQ
Not surprised Elvis, Top Gun and Avatar all campaigned their way to get #BestPicture noms but still really exhausting and disappointing much more deserving films were shut out because of it…major #Oscars snub for @RRRMoviepic.twitter.com/hOgr74emlJ
My reaction to the Oscar noms: Not a ton of surprises, absolutely wild to not have a single woman nominated in the directing category when Sarah Polley and Charlotte Wells turned out two of the best films of the year and Viola Davis and Danielle Deadwyler are big snubs
Following yesterday’s (January 23) hilarious Razzie Award nominations announcement comes this roster of potential winners for the upcoming 95th Academy Awards. Riz Ahmed and Allison Williams had the honour of announcing the lengthy list his morning, and it looks like plenty of our favourites could be taking home trophies.
Rihanna attends Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever” Premiere at Dolby Theatre on October 26, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
“Look, Rihanna has given us a whole career and a whole catalog of music,” the songwriter said at the time. “And now she’s given us makeup and clothing, and I think the world would understand if she hung up her mic. I completely understand because I love her music so much, but I feel like she’s given all that you could ask for. But the truth is we were looking for a great artist who could tell the story of the film, embrace the themes of the film, and present them to the audience in a different packaging.”
He went on, “It was really the trailer, I think, when [Rihanna] saw the performances that everybody was putting down. That was what kind of put her over the edge and [made her] say, ‘Hey, I want to see this film. I want to see if I can figure this out.’ …But the truth is, once she played us the record, she said straight up, ‘I did this for Chad.’”
As PEOPLE reports, the CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts, Bill Kramer, previously confirmed that all 23 categories will be announced during the live show. In the past, eight awards were cut due to time constraints and given out ahead of the ceremony, with pre-recorded acceptance speeches making it into the broadcast.
Jimmy Kimmel will be on hosting duty for the main event after successful stints in 2017 and 2018. The ceremony will take place on Sunday, March 12 at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre.
Of course, last year’s Academy Awards saw the unforgettable moment when Will Smith slapped Chris Rock. Due to the chaos that was caused, it’s unlikely we’ll see similar shenanigans play out this time.
Scroll further to read the full list of 2023 Oscar nominations, including Brendan Fraser, Angela Bassett, Rihanna, and Tems.
Best Picture
All Quiet on the Western Front Avatar: The Way of Water The Banshees of Inisherin Elvis Everything Everywhere All at Once The Fabelmans Tár Top Gun: Maverick Triangle of Sadness Women Talking
Best Actor
Austin Butler (Elvis) Colin Farrell (The Banshees of Inisherin) Brendan Fraser (The Whale) Paul Mescal (Aftersun) Bill Nighy (Living)
Best Actress
Cate Blanchett (Tár) Ana de Armas (Blonde) Andrea Riseborough (To Leslie) Michelle Williams (The Fabelmans) Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All at Once)
Best Supporting Actor
Brendan Gleeson (The Banshees of Inisherin) Brian Tyree Henry (Causeway) Judd Hirsch (The Fabelmans) Barry Keoghan (The Banshees of Inisherin) Ke Huy Quan (Everything Everywhere All at Once)
Best Supporting Actress
Angela Bassett (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever) Hong Chau (The Whale) Kerry Condon (The Banshees of Inisherin) Jamie Lee Curtis (Everything Everywhere All at Once) Stephanie Hsu (Everything Everywhere All at Once)
Best Animated Film
Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio Marcel the Shell with Shoes On Puss in Boots: The Last Wish The Sea Beast Turning Red
Best Director
Martin McDonagh (The Banshees of Inisherin) Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (Everything Everywhere All at Once) Steven Spielberg (The Fabelmans) Todd Field (Tár) Ruben Östlund (Triangle of Sadness)
Best Adapted Screenplay
All Quiet on the Western Front – Edward Berger, Lesley Paterson, Ian Stokell Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery – Rian Johnson Living – Kazuo Ishiguro Top Gun: Maverick – Screenplay by Ehren Kruger and Eric Warren Singer and Christopher McQuarrie; Story by Peter Craig and Justin Marks Women Talking – Sarah Polley (based on the book by Miriam Toews)
Best Original Screenplay
The Banshees of Inisherin – Martin McDonagh Everything Everywhere All at Once – Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert The Fabelmans – Steven Spielberg, Tony Kushner Tár – Todd Field Triangle of Sadness – Ruben Östlund
Best Cinematography
All Quiet on the Western Front Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths Elvis Empire of Light Tár
Best Film Editing
The Banshees of Inisherin Elvis Everything Everywhere All at Once Tár Top Gun: Maverick
Best Original Score
All Quiet on the Western Front Babylon The Banshees of Inisherin Everything Everywhere All at Once The Fabelmans
Best Original Song
“Applause” from Tell It Like a Woman (Music and Lyric by Diane Warren) “Hold My Hand” from Top Gun: Maverick (Music and Lyric by Lady Gaga and BloodPop) “Lift Me Up” from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (Music by Tems, Rihanna, Ryan Coogler and Ludwig Goransson; Lyric by Tems and Ryan Coogler) “Naatu Naatu” from RRR (Music by M.M. Keeravaani; Lyric by Chandrabose) “This Is a Life” from Everything Everywhere All at Once (Music by Ryan Lott, David Byrne and Mitski; Lyric by Ryan Lott and David Byrne)
Best Visual Effects
All Quiet on the Western Front Avatar: The Way of Water The Batman Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Top Gun: Maverick
Best Sound
All Quiet on the Western Front Avatar: The Way of Water The Batman Elvis Top Gun: Maverick
Best Costume Design
Babylon Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Elvis Everything Everywhere All at Once Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris
Best Makeup & Hairstyling
All Quiet on the Western Front The Batman Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Elvis The Whale
Best Production Design
All Quiet on the Western Front Avatar: The Way of Water Babylon Elvis The Fabelmans
Best Documentary Feature
All That Breathes All the Beauty and the Bloodshed Fire of Love A House Made of Splinters Navalny
Best Documentary Short Subject
The Elephant Whisperers Haulout How Do You Measure a Year? The Martha Mitchell Effect Stranger at the Gate
Best Animated Short
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse The Flying Sailor Ice Merchants My Year of Dicks An Ostrich Told Me the World Is Fake and I Think I Believe It
Best Live-Action Short
An Irish Goodbye Ivalu Le Pupille Night Ride The Red Suitcase
Best International Film
All Quiet on the Western Front (Germany) Argentina, 1985 (Argentina) Close (Belgium) EO (Poland) The Quiet Girl (Ireland)
Do you think Rihanna will take home her first Oscar this year? Let us know who your early picks to win are down below, and check back later for more pop culture updates.
but still really exhausting and disappointing much more deserving films were shut out because of it…major 
(@carorose93) 