Paramount+ Archives - New Hip Hop News

Rihanna To Star In “The Smurfs Movie”: What We Know

April 18, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Pop superstar Rihanna hasn’t released an album since 2016’s Anti and hasn’t appeared in a film since 2019’s Guava Island. Recent reports indicate a change, with Rihanna confirmed for the leading role in the upcoming Paramount film The Smurfs Movie. During a recent Paramount showcase at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, Nevada, Paramount executives revealed who else will be joining Rihanna in the upcoming 2025 release. During the Smurfs Movie showcase in 2023, Rihanna appeared on stage and confirmed that she would be serving as a producer and contributing music to the soundtrack. Let’s examine everything we know about The Smurfs Movie, as well as Rihanna’s role in the project.

The Smurfs Movie Cast

During the panel for The Smurfs Movie, Rihanna confirmed that she would be portraying the legendary character Smurfette. Like the rest of the little blue mushroom-dwellers, Smurfette was created by Belgian cartoonist Pierre Culliford, better known by his pen name “Peyo” in 1958. Audiences will certainly welcome her performance in The Smurfs Movie. Paramount chief Brian Robbins explained that Rihanna is, in his opinion, “the most legendary Smurfette ever.”

Additional actors rounding out the cast of The Smurfs Movie alongside Rihanna include Nick Offerman, John Goodman, Kurt Russell, Nick Kroll, Sandra Oh, Amy Sedaris, Dan Levy, Natasha Lyonne, and many more. The studio has invested heavily in voice talent for the animated venture, although details about the roles of the aforementioned characters remain scarce.

A Potential Re-Launch Of The Franchise

The full voice cast of “Smurfs,” starring Rihanna, has been revealed:
– Nick Offerman
– Natasha Lyonne
– JP Karliak
– Daniel Levy
– Amy Sedaris
– Nick Kroll
– James Corden
– Octavia Spencer
– Hannah Waddingham
– Sandra Oh
– Alex Winter
– Billie Lourd
– Xolo Maridueña
– Kurt… pic.twitter.com/MVAOpgXKrk

— Variety (@Variety) April 11, 2024

Before the announcement of the Rihanna-led venture, The Smurfs had been the subject of several animated movies, including 2011’s The Smurfs, 2013’s The Smurfs 2, and 2017’s Smurfs: The Lost Village. While concrete details about The Smurfs Movie remain scarce, it appears that the film won’t follow the same continuity as the previous three outings. This conclusion is drawn from the fact that Smurfette was portrayed by Katy Perry and Demi Lovato in those films, respectively. Furthermore, this film is supposed to be a musical and Rih is expected to contribute to the soundtrack.

The Film Is On Pace To Premiere In February 2025

While details about the overall plot of The Smurfs Movie remain scarce, Robbins assured audiences at CinemaCon that the Rihanna-led film would hit theaters on Valentine’s Day, 2025. The only current synopsis for the film explains that the adaptation will be a musical adventure with comedic elements. The presenters posed the question: “What is a Smurf?”

Chris Miller and Matt Landon will direct The Smurfs Movie. Miller has a wide array of existing directing credits. These include 2011’s Puss In Boots and 2007’s Shrek The Third. Miller has also lent his voice to several animated roles. Most notably, he provided the voice of the penguin Kowalski in the Madagascar film franchise. The Smurfs Movie will be Matt Landon’s directorial debut, though the filmmaker has existing credits in editorial and production management. He previously worked on Spy Kids 4: All the Time in the World, Scream 4, and Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse.

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Paramount Plus Fire TV: How To Watch, Streaming And More

November 10, 2023 by newhiphopnews

In today’s digital age, streaming platforms have become the go-to for entertainment. Among them, Paramount Plus (+) stands tall with a plethora of movies, series, and live TV channels. If you own an Amazon Fire TV, you’re in luck because Paramount Plus is readily available on this device. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to watch Paramount Plus on Fire TV, explore the streaming features, and more.

Setting Up Paramount + On Fire TV

UKRAINE – 2021/06/29: In this photo illustration, Paramount+ (Paramount Plus) logo is seen on a smartphone. Against its website in the background. (Photo Illustration by Pavlo Gonchar/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Getting Paramount+ on your Fire TV is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can do it:

Power Up: Ensure your Fire TV is on and connected to the internet.
Go to the App Store: Navigate to the ‘Apps’ section on the home screen.
Search for Paramount Plus: Type “Paramount Plus” in the search bar and select the app from the search results.
Download and Install: Click on ‘Download’ to install the Paramount Plus app.
Sign In or Sign Up: If you already have a Paramount Plus account, sign in. If not, follow the on-screen instructions to sign up.

Navigating The Paramount Plus Interface

Paramount + boasts a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, even for those who aren’t tech-savvy. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Home: The home screen displays featured content and recently added titles.
Browse: Explore different categories and genres.
Search: Look for specific titles using keywords.
My List: Save your favorite shows and movies to watch later.

Streaming Quality & Performance

With Paramount Plus on Fire TV, you’re guaranteed high-quality streaming. Paramount Plus offers content in HD and even 4K for some titles. The streaming quality will largely depend on your internet connection, so ensure you have a stable and fast connection for the best experience.

Parental Controls

Safety is paramount, especially when kids are involved. Paramount Plus provides robust parental controls allowing you to:

Set up kid-friendly profiles.
Filter content based on age and ratings.
Ensure a safe viewing environment for the entire family.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

There may be times when you face issues with the app. Common problems include:

App not working: Try restarting your Fire TV or reinstalling the Paramount Plus app.
Streaming issues: Check your internet connection or contact Paramount Plus support for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch live TV on Paramount +?
- Yes, Paramount Plus offers live TV channels, including news, sports, and entertainment channels.
Is there a free trial available?
- As of the last update, Paramount + offers a 7-day free trial for new subscribers.
Can I download content for offline viewing?
- Yes, with a premium subscription, you can download content for offline viewing.
What is the cost of a Paramount + subscription?
- Subscription prices vary, but as of the last update, it ranges from $5.99 to $11.99 per month depending on your chosen plan.

With Paramount Plus on your Fire TV, a vast entertainment world is just a few clicks away. From blockbuster movies to binge-worthy series and live TV channels, there’s something for everyone on Paramount Plus. The ease of setup and user-friendly interface make it popular among Fire TV users. Happy streaming!

The post Paramount Plus Fire TV: How To Watch, Streaming And More appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Tyler Perry Slams Scrapped BET Network Sale, Says He Won’t Bid Again In The Future

October 25, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Tyler Perry offered some blunt views of the scrapped sale of BET Network offered by Paramount earlier this year. “I was disappointed about it for a number of reasons. The way it happened was disrespectful in a lot of ways. Don’t try to get me to pay for something that’s not worth anywhere near the value,” Perry said at a recent equality summit in Atlanta. Furthermore, he confirmed he would not be interested if Paramount tried to sell the network in the future. “No. God bless them. I’m still working with them. I wish them the best,” he replied.

Perry had been a major player for the network earlier this year. “I am very interested in taking as much of it as I can,” Perry said in April. Other interested parties included Byron Allen and Diddy. However, Paramount abruptly pulled the sale over the summer, leading to a wave of speculation as to whether the network was ever truly for sale. However, as Perry noted, he still fully intends to work with their parent network, Paramount, for the time being.

LeBron & Obamas Eyeing NBA Documentary

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However, elsewhere in the media world, LeBron James is potentially collaborating with the Obamas. LeBron, along with Peyton Manning, is reportedly in talks with the Obamas to produce a new sports docuseries. According to reports, the show will be an NBA version of Netflix’s Quarterback, which followed three quarterbacks in a standard “fly on the wall” format. Manning’s production company helped produce the show for Netflix and now the Hall of Famer is interested in doing the same for the NBA. According to Front Office Sports, the show is reportedly being produced for Netflix.

The show is still in the very early stages of development and likely won’t start production until the 2024 NBA offseason. However, it’s an exciting prospect to hear about at the very least. It will also be interesting to see how the series format is adapted for the NBA as opposed to the NFL.

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50 Cent Says BET is Not Worth Rumored $3 Billion Asking Price

August 21, 2023 by newhiphopnews

50 on G-Unit Biopic: 'I'd Like to Forget G-Unit'

The sale of BET ended after no one was able to reach the rumored asking price of $3 billion. According to 50 Cent, it wasn’t worth that number. Posting an image that stated 50 Cent and Shaq could not combine for the purchase, the rapper and TV exec said: “We will get them next time @Shaq, that shit wasn’t worth 3,000,000,000.”

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Paramount Global has called off the sale of BET Media Group. A potential sale is said, “wouldn’t result in any meaningful deleveraging of its balance sheet.”

According to Wall Street Journal, BET Media Group was purchased for $2.3 billion in 2000. The media group featured VH1, BET Studios, and the eventual BET + streaming service. Over the years, BET’s viewership has decreased, and Paramount was looking to offset those losses and additionally created by the Paramount+ streaming service.

In the sale, Paramount hoped to keep a minority stake and saw bids between $2 billion and $3 billion. Bidders ranged from Tyler Perry to Diddy. For now, the property will remain with Paramount.

The post 50 Cent Says BET is Not Worth Rumored $3 Billion Asking Price first appeared on The Source.

The post 50 Cent Says BET is Not Worth Rumored $3 Billion Asking Price appeared first on The Source.

Paramount Ends Negotiation Talks for Sale of BET Media Group

August 18, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Paramount Global has called off the sale of BET Media Group. A potential sale is said, “wouldn’t result in any meaningful deleveraging of its balance sheet.”

In the sale, Paramount hoped to keep a minority stake and saw bids between $2 billion and $3 billion. Bidders ranged from Tyler Perry to Diddy. For now, the property will remain with Paramount.

The post Paramount Ends Negotiation Talks for Sale of BET Media Group first appeared on The Source.

The post Paramount Ends Negotiation Talks for Sale of BET Media Group appeared first on The Source.

BET Auction For $3 Billion Reportedly Called Off By Paramount

August 17, 2023 by newhiphopnews

One of the most significant entertainment media sales in recent years has apparently been called off. Moreover, new reports from the New York Post indicate that Paramount is no longer selling BET, which was a prospect that bolstered Black entrepreneurs, businessmen, and entertainers to take ownership of the Black-centered network. Not only that, but the cancellation of a $3 billion auction for BET was reportedly because Tyler Perry’s offer for it was too low. Many looked to him as the creative who seemed best poised to acquire the company under his leadership. However, with this new report, it seems like its future still hangs in the balance.

Furthermore, the Post‘s article cites an allegedly close source to Paramount, who said that they notified bidders of the decision on Wednesday (August 16). “We made this decision because the benefits of maintaining a majority stake in BET Media Group creates more value for Paramount than any of the proposals we received,” the source reportedly told the publication. Another bidder in this debacle was a similarly legendary executive, Byron Allen, who also had a lot of public support.

Paramount’s Canceled Auction For BET

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Regardless, the report suggest that the source painted Paramount as a conglomerate that sought a sale “which could return the asset to Black ownership.” In addition, they apparently wanted a “party that could be a good partner and responsible steward of the assets and the mission.” Apparently, JPMorgan, Paramount’s sell-side bank, failed to provide financing to suitors upon the auction’s commencement, thus placing doubt in BET Group’s strength. Also, it didn’t predict BET’s earnings during the process, which caused further concern, and the source claimed that Allen offered $3 billion for it late in the game.

Meanwhile, the Post‘s report also alleged that Paramount wanted Perry to push his offer up some more. It’s important to note that he already owns a 25% stake in BET+, the media company’s streaming service. As such, it seems like it will be a little longer until we know for sure what will happen to BET, and how hopeful owners circumvent this. For more news and the latest updates on the potential sale of BET, stay up to date on HNHH.

The post BET Auction For $3 Billion Reportedly Called Off By Paramount appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

BET Auction For $3 Billion Reportedly Called Off By Paramount

August 17, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Paramount’s Canceled Auction For BET

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Paramount+ Announces New Documentary ‘MIXTAPE’ Feat. Lil Wayne, DJ Khaled, DJ Drama & More

July 14, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Paramount+ has announced the premiere of MIXTAPE, a new documentary that delves into the influential role of mixtapes in launching hip-hop into mainstream culture. The film will exclusively debut on the streaming service on August 1 in the U.S. and Canada, and on August 2 in the U.K., Australia, Latin America, and Brazil, with additional international markets to follow later in the year.

MIXTAPE tells the story of how hip hop persevered and thrived through mixtapes, with DJs serving as tastemakers and creators of the genre’s sound. The documentary highlights the cultural significance of mixtapes as currency and indicators of being “in the know.”

“Hip-Hop is 50 years old and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate its journey and contextualize its evolution than through the story of the mixtape. Every voice in this film played a critical role, especially the DJs who, as KRS-ONE says beautifully in the film, risked everything to ‘bring us the music’,” said Omar Acosta, director of MIXTAPE.

Producer Tony Touch added, “It’s an honor to be involved in this film and to help tell the real story of the mixtape, its origins, its impact, and its ongoing relevance for the culture.”

The MIXTAPE features interviews with a star-studded lineup of artists and industry figures, including 2 Chainz, A$AP Rocky, DJ Khaled, Lil Wayne, Mike Tyson, and more. Produced by MTV Entertainment Studios, Mercury Studios, and Saboteur Media in association with Def Jam Recordings, “MIXTAPE” is directed by Omar Acosta and produced by David Kennedy, Tony Touch, Nick Quested, and Daniel Seliger. The official soundtrack, titled “The Def Tape,” is set to be released in August via Def Jam Recordings.

The post Paramount+ Announces New Documentary ‘MIXTAPE’ Feat. Lil Wayne, DJ Khaled, DJ Drama & More first appeared on The Source.

The post Paramount+ Announces New Documentary ‘MIXTAPE’ Feat. Lil Wayne, DJ Khaled, DJ Drama & More appeared first on The Source.

Paramount+ Announces “MIXTAPE” Documentary With Lil Wayne, A$AP Rocky & More

July 13, 2023 by newhiphopnews

There’s an age-old question that pops up whenever a rap newcomer first comes across something like Lil Wayne’s No Ceiling projects: what’s the difference between an album and a mixtape? Moreover, there are many metrics that people might use to distinguish them: quality control, recording process, release methods, etc. A common thread across these discussions, though, is the vitality and importance of the mixtape to the hip-hop genre. Furthermore, these projects are often uninhibited, sometimes obscured by the passage of time, but forever influential and freeing for artists- if done well. Whatever era of hip-hop you look at, at least a good handful (if not a treasure trove) of killer mixtapes awaits.

However, the same era they thrived in is no longer what we see in the music landscape. Speaking of No Ceilings, Weezy himself said that it would be more difficult and less alluring to drop a mixtape in today’s day and age, what with sample clearances, overloaded release schedules, and so on. With all this history in mind, Paramount+ is taking a deep dive into the importance of the medium with the documentary MIXTAPE. Premiering exclusively on the streaming service on August 1 in the U.S. and Canada and on August 2 in other international markets, the film will explore how mixtapes breathed life into rap music.

Lil Wayne Performing At The 2023 ESPYs

Paramount Plus Mixtape Documentary — HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JULY 12: Lil Wayne performs onstage during The 2023 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre on July 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)

Of course, these aren’t exactly the kinds of mixtapes that Tunechi brought us, but rather those from the DJs and tastemakers of hip-hop. MTV Entertainment Studios produced MIXTAPE in association with Def Jam Recordings and a soundtrack will accompany it. Guests in the film include A$AP Rocky, Lil Wayne, DJ Drama, 2 Chainz, Funkmaster Flex, DJ Khaled, Fat Joe, Fabolous, Jadakiss, DJ Green Lantern, DJ Jazzy Joyce, KRS-One, and many more. In a press release, some of the film’s crew members remarked on its importance.

“Hip-hop is 50 years old and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate its journey and contextualize its evolution than through the story of the mixtape,” said director Omar Acosta. “Every voice in this film played a critical role, especially the DJs who, as KRS-ONE says beautifully in the film, risked everything to ‘bring us the music.’” “It’s an honor to be involved in this film and to help tell the real story of the mixtape, its origins, its impact, and its on-going relevance for the culture,” producer Tony Touch expressed. For more news and the latest updates on this documentary, come back to HNHH.

The post Paramount+ Announces “MIXTAPE” Documentary With Lil Wayne, A$AP Rocky & More appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

MTV News Shut Down Amid Paramount Layoffs

May 10, 2023 by newhiphopnews

MTV News will be shutting down after 36 years, according to an Instagram post made by media personality DJ Akademiks last night (May 9). The shuttering of the MTV News Division comes as a result of widespread layoffs across the iconic network’s parent company, Paramount Global. The decision to eliminate MTV News comes after an already drastic reduction in the news division in 2017, when the company decided to change its course of action to focus on short-form content and videos, stepping towards the network’s roots as a means to face competitors like Vice and BuzzFeed.

Chris McCarthy, head of Paramount Media Networks, Showtime, and MTV revealed in a staff memo that the shuttering of the News Production Division comes as a result of “broader economic headwinds” facing the entertainment industry, despite the network’s overall success. In an effort to cut costs, McCarthy shares that the media giant has “made the very hard but necessary decision to reduce [their] domestic team by approximately 25%.” McCarthy states that “Through the elimination of some units and by streamlining others, [the company] will be able to reduce costs and create a more effective approach to [the] business as [they] move forward.”

The End of MTV News

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MTV News has been a leading news source for Generation X and Millennials since the ‘80s, embracing topics ranging from politics to pop culture, and acting as an alternative to traditional cable news. The news division of the emblematic entertainment group delved into topics that appealed to younger audiences, with programs like The Week in Rock, hosted by former Rolling Stone editor Kurt Loder, Profiles in Rock, Fast Forward, and more.

The layoffs follow recent cuts in the workforces of competing media companies such as NPR, Vox Media, The Washington Post, and more, as a result of the increasingly difficult economic climate of the entertainment industry as a whole. In April, Paramount was sued by actress and stand-up comedian Mo’Nique for unpaid royalties from the show The Parkers, which ran for five seasons on UPN. The lawsuit sees Mo’Nique seeking monetary damages, naming CBS, Paramount, and Big Ten Productions as defendants. The elimination of MTV News also follows the strike of the Writer’s Guild of America earlier this month, which received support from big names in the industry like Snoop Dogg, Drew Barrymore, Pete Davidson, and more.

[Via]