Pop Culture

Lil Baby Joins Governor’s Ball 2023 Lineup, Teases New Music Coming Soon

by

January is already halfway over, which means festival season is rapidly approaching. To prepare for the coming months, several of the biggest events have already been unleashing their lineups, including Coachella. As far as east coast concerts go, Governor’s Ball is one of the first to show off its impressive roster of artists for the upcoming weekend of live tunes and fun in the sun.

It will take place in New York City’s Flushing Meadows Corona Park from June 9 – 11. The 2023 edition of the beloved festival is sure to bring in music lovers from various genres. Friday will see Lizzo headline after names like Lil Uzi Vert, Diplo, Omar Apollo, and Joey Bada$$ take the stage.

The next day, Odesza will have the final show of the evening. However, many are eager to see what Lil Baby will have in store for his set that same night. On Monday (January 16), the Atlanta native teased that he has “New Music Otw.” The news came via the caption of his latest Instagram upload.

The images find the My Turn hitmaker sporting a double denim look. He also wears a fluffy pink bucket hat on his head. While the photos don’t exactly reveal what we can expect to hear from him, it is evident that the father of two is feeling more confident than ever before.

Before his Saturday set at Governor’s Ball, attendees will also hear from Oliver Tree, Syd, Finneas, and Amber Mark.

For those that stick around for the festival’s final day, countless major performances are in store. Earlier in the day, acts like Phony Ppl, Sabrina Claudio, and Pinkpantheress will give it their all.

As if that weren’t enough, the evening will see shows from Tems, Central Cee, Pusha T, Giveon, Lil Nas X, and finally, Kendrick Lamar to end the weekend with a bang.

While several of the stars on the roster are causing excitement to buzz in the air, it’s Lil Baby who really has the hip-hop community talking. His last release came in the form of October’s It’s Only Me.

Rapper Lil Baby performs onstage during “Lil Baby & Friends Birthday Celebration Concert” at State Farm Arena on December 9, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

Since then, the most recent headlines surrounding the rapper have been about him unfollowing Gunna on Instagram in the midst of the YSL RICO drama. Read more about that here, and check back later for more music news updates.

[Via]

Blueface’s OnlyFans Earnings Are Nearly $800K: “I Highly Recommend”

by

Whenever Blueface’s name makes it into the headlines, you can almost guarantee chaos will follow. For the most part, the 25-year-old is somewhat popular for his rap career. However, he’s known very well for his toxic relationship with Chrisean Rock and other questionable antics.

Aside from the money he brings in from royalties, hosting gigs, performing, and his Crazy In Love reality series, the California native has another significant source of income as well – OnlyFans.

Signing up for the paid content site has become increasingly popular as of late. While some of them are brave enough to bare it all for the camera (at a cost, of course), others have found ways to bring in the big bucks without having to take all their clothes off.

According to a recent Instagram Story, Blueface is one of the latter. To kick off the week, he flexed a screenshot of his monthly earnings, seemingly inspiring followers to get their own bread up. “If you can find a way on OnlyFans without showing your private parts I highly recommend,” he wrote.

“Crazy work, good salary,” the “Thotiana” artist shared. The accompanying photo reveals how much he made from July 2022 to this month so far. His lowest month came in September with over $22.5K, and the highest was in December which brought in nearly $69K.

In January to date, Blue’s OF earnings are earning $31K, and the month is hardly more than half over. Since launching his page, the father of two’s gross income is $798,800.26.

Blueface is seen on June 22, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Hollywood To You/Star Max/GC Images)

Of course, the numbers are impressive. Still, they’ve got nothing on what Iggy Azalea allegedly made in just one day after launching her pay-per-view channel. Reports say that the Australian-born star’s subscribers have already paid upwards of $300K for a look at her exclusive content.

It remains unclear if she plans to show the world more X-rated thirst traps on OnlyFans, or if her usual salacious twerking content is enough to satisfy their needs. Read more about the rap diva’s new account here, and check back later for more pop culture news updates.

[Via]

Joe Rogan Says Joe Biden Classified Document Scandal Is A Plot To Get Rid Of POTUS

by

After condemning Donald Trump for the classified documents found at his Mar-a-Lago residence last year, President Joe Biden has found himself in the midst of a similar scandal. Over the weekend, the politician’s lawyers and legal aides found top-secret papers in his Delaware home and DC think tank.

In response to the backlash, the Pennsylvania native told reporters, “People know I take classified documents and classified material seriously. I also said we’re cooperating fully and completely with the Justice Department’s review.”

As Daily Mail reports, Biden’s team believes he’ll be totally clear of any criminality in the matter. Still, the scandal remains a hot topic of discussion in the news cycle – specifically on The Joe Rogan Experience. In his latest episode, the controversial host` speculates that the whole thing could’ve been an inside job.

“If I had to guess – they’re trying to get rid of him,” the Fear Factor alum tells co-hosts and comedians Matt McCusker and Shane Gillis. In response, the former says, “It’s crazy. [Biden is] getting jammed up on like manila folders when he was like kissing 12-year-old girls on camera,” referencing the 80-year-old’s questionable past behaviour.

Rogan keeps the conversation to the issue at hand, saying again, “I don’t know jack shit about politics. But if I had to guess – they’re trying to get rid of him.”

US President Joe Biden waits to meet Prince William, Prince of Wales at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum on December 02, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Samir Hussein – Pool/WireImage)

“If all of a sudden they’re – his own aides are sending these – instead of like taking these classified documents, which you have located and go, ‘Well, let’s not do that again’ and f*cking locking them up somewhere,” the host went on.

The trio then joked about the 2020 election scandal regarding “Russian disinformation” and Hunter Biden’s laptop. “I mean everyone said this a million times with like the news. If that was flip-flopped, if it was, you know, Trump’s kid, that would’ve been all over,’” McCusker pointed out.

“It would’ve been like, this is the fate of our democracy…blah, blah, blah,” the guest added. In conclusion, Rogan agreed, “And the media would’ve gone right along with it.”

Listen to the full episode below, and check back later for more pop culture news updates.

[Via]

Kim Kardashian’s Prison Reform Efforts Continue As She Meets Solitary Inmates

by

Is there anything Kim Kardashian doesn’t do? In between promoting her various brands and products, snapping Instagram photos, and attending glamorous events, the mother of four has little free time in her personal schedule. On top of her responsibilities as a socialite, she’s also got the countless hours she pours into her dream of becoming a lawyer.

As she follows in her late father’s footsteps, the reality star has made it known that prison reform is a matter of great importance to her. She’s previously aided in the pardoning of Alice Marie Johnson, as well as getting clemency for Cyntoia Brown.

Matthew Charles and Jeffrey Stringer also had help from Kardashian and her legal team. In fact, they once saw the release of 17 prisoners in just three months thanks to their efforts.

Some of those who the California native has crossed paths with were on death row. According to TMZ, she’s now been spending time with inmates who are living in solitary confinement. Early last week, she took a trip to Pelican Bay State Prison in Crescent, CA along with a camera crew.

Also joining her was Spider-Man actor Tobey Maguire, and The Hangover executive producer, Scott Budnick. It’s worth noting that the latter made a documentary on incarcerated teenagers in 2016. Another project is now in the works, sources say.

Kim Kardashian attends the CFDA Fashion Awards at Casa Cipriani on November 07, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

Kardashian, for her part, reportedly hopes to gain a better understanding of inmates’ mental health while living in solitary.

That same day, cameras caught the KUWTK alum at a restaurant near Pelican Bay. She was chatting with locals while watching her private jet pull up to the airport.

Since then, Kardashian has been back in mom mode, prepping for her youngest daughter, Chicago’s birthday party. As Page Six notes, the event was Hello Kitty-themed and included giant slides, a ball pit, a grilled cheese station, a waffle cart, and a milkshake bar.

Check out all the excitement in the TikTok below, and come back later for more pop culture updates.

@kimandnorth

♬ hello this is kitty – ash🕸

[Via] [Via]

Chrisean Rock & Blueface Face Backlash As Public Calls Out Zeus

by

The Zeus network scored a huge payday with their Crazy in Love series, but not everyone is happy about Blueface and Chrisean Rock’s behavior. The volatile couple regularly trends on social media due to their public arguments that often turn explosive. Several videos of the pair engaging in physical altercations have circulated from one platform to the next. Now, the world is seeing this play out on their reality television series.

Most recently, in an episode, Rock was seen giving Blueface aid after she reportedly threw a glass at the back of his head. In the clip, Blueface looked stunned and stayed silent as his girlfriend treated his wounds.

Read More: Chrisean Rock Clarifies She Hit Blueface With “A Glass Cup”

Popular blogs have shared Crazy in Love as Zeus amasses more viewers by the hour, but in mentions and comment sections, the pushback is palpable. For months, critics have called out the couple for their often hostile behavior toward one another. Still, the pair haven’t separated and continue to play out their domestic affairs for a profit.

The latest episodes of the series have caused even more of an uproar. Blueface and Rock are seen confronting one another’s families, and things quickly turn violent in both instances.

Read More: Chrisean Rock’s Brother Confronts Blueface About Their Physical Violence: Watch

During a recent interview with Angela Yee’s Lip Service, Rock was asked about her relationship being labeled as “toxic.” She seemingly dismissed the claim.

“I don’t have a dead-end situation. It’s not one time I can’t bring God into a situation,” she said. “I can pray with this n*gga, I can make money with this n*gga, I can travel with this n*gga, I really feel like that’s longevity.”

Some have accused Zeus of capitalizing on domestic violence and glorifying it as a normal part of relationships. The network hasn’t answered the ongoing claims.

Check out a few reactions below.

[via]

Rihanna’s Sultry Savage X Fenty Selfie Streak Continues

by

If there’s one thing you can always count on Rihanna to deliver, it’s a thirst trap. There’s arguably never a bad time of year to post a thirst trap on your Instagram feed, but of course, there’s something about Valentine’s Day that puts an undeniable hint of romance in the air.

As is tradition, the Bad Gal’s lingerie brand, Savage X Fenty, unleashed its themed collection well ahead of the holiday so shoppers can take full advantage. Amidst this year’s pieces are patterns like Lovestruck, Living in the Clouds, and Rebel.

Rihanna attends Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” premiere at Dolby Theatre on October 26, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)

While she has plenty of beautiful pieces and inclusive bodies modelling the products on her site, it wouldn’t be an SXF drop if Rihanna didn’t pose in a few looks herself.

All through the weekend, the 34-year-old delivered a series of snaps that see her expertly showing off her curves. In some, she pairs peep-toe heels with a black lace jumpsuit complete with a chest cutout. Others see her sporting the Hotline pattern while arching her back on top of a glass table.

“Heartbreaker szn,” Rihanna captioned her most recent photo dump. In the first image, she squats while giving the camera a sultry glare – her long black hair blowing in the apparent breeze. Afterward, the new mother teases her followers with a flirtatious look at her backside, as well as a closer look at the outfit’s details.

If Valentine’s Day isn’t really your thing, fear not. The Savage X Fenty site has something for everyone this season, especially football fans.

As you may recall, Rihanna is due to take the stage at the upcoming Super Bowl Halftime show next month. It’s entirely possible that a celebrity guest could be joining her, though most details remain under wraps at this time.

Ahead of her performance, she’s been promoting her brand’s new Game Day collection, which includes boxers, hoodies, beanies, tube tops, and more.

See more of Rihanna’s recent Instagram thirst traps below, and check back later for more pop culture news updates.

[Via]

Cardi B Talks Takeoff’s Death, Plastic Surgery, Quavo’s “Messy” & More With Jason Lee

by

The five-year anniversary of Cardi B’s debut album, Invasion of Privacy, is quickly approaching. Unfortunately for her fans, a release date is not yet set for her sophomore effort. Still, many have their fingers crossed we’ll see it arrive in 2023.

For the most part, the New York native has been in full mommy mode as of late. Since welcoming her second child with Offset, Wave, last year, she’s been prioritizing family time with her husband and their daughter, Kulture. However, recent photos reveal that she’s returning to the studio. This sent social media into a frenzy this past weekend.

Cardi often gives glimpses of her life on her own Instagram and Twitter pages. However, the interviews she gives are few and far between. As she seemingly prepares to step back into the world, though, the mother of two sat down with Jason Lee to answer a few burning questions.

For the first episode of his REVOLT show, the Hollywood Unlocked CEO got candid with his long-time friend about plastic surgery. She’s always been candid about her past with cosmetic work, and this conversation was no different. In fact, failing to do proper research into a non-surgical nose job led her to regret the process that “f*cked her nose up.”

After filming the “WAP” music video with Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi opted to go for a professional rhinoplasty. Though she’s had several procedures herself, the 30-year-old made it clear that they weren’t out of insecurity. Rather, a desire to achieve a certain image for herself.

Cardi B attends The 2022 Met Gala Celebrating “In America: An Anthology of Fashion” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/Getty Images)

Following Wave’s birth, the “Lick” hitmaker spent seven months waiting to get her body done. According to her, she had to wait for her surgery to be able to “pop out” again the way fans have been begging her to.

Additionally, Cardi reveals where she was when she learned of Takeoff’s passing. “Was was in bed,” she recalls. “We was going to go to La La’s party in New York, and my daughter threw up all over my costume… We just fell asleep, and out of nowhere, Offset’s phone kept ringing, mine kept ringing.”

She went on, “Offset picked up the phone and he’s just like ‘No!’ screaming [over and over].” When his wife asked him what was wrong, the rapper responded, “Takeoff is dead.” Upon hearing the news, she apparently smacked him and begged him not to say something so horrible.

The Migos member continued to throw things, vomit, and run around the house, leaving Cardi scared. “It was terrible,” she admitted. “Everything was so triggering.”

Elsewhere on The Jason Lee Show, Cardi B gets real about her struggles with anxiety, being an introvert, and her thoughts on Quavo’s “Messy” track with Takeoff. Check it out below, and come back later for more pop culture news updates.

[Via]

Lori Harvey & Damson Idris Are Couple Goals In New Birthday Party Pics

by

In 2022, news of Lori Harvey’s sudden breakup with Michael B. Jordan nearly broke the internet. The two made their red carpet debut in the early months of the year. However, before Hot Girl Summer began, they went their separate ways. Since then, she’s largely been focusing on herself – but with a new year, comes new love.

Technically, rumours of the model’s flirtation with Snowfall star Damson Idris began circulating online in December of last year. At the same time, it was said that the 26-year-old allegedly has every man she dates sign an NDA that comes with a $1 million fine for any slip-ups.

Lori Harvey attends the Valentino Womenswear Spring/Summer 2023 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on October 02, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dominique Charriau/WireImage)

Of course, it wasn’t long after the headlines were circulating that Harvey and Idris went out together in person. Ahead of the holidays, they met up for a date night in West Hollywood. Afterward, he was quick to gas up her stunning portrait on the cover of Essence magazine.

Within the accompanying profile, the Memphis-born beauty chiefly talks about wanting to create an identity for herself. She’s previously been in the headlines mostly for her dating life. In the past, she’s been linked to names like Future, Trey Songz, and Justin Combs, among others.

Even with her aforementioned comments, Harvey seems eager to let the world know about her latest lover. In celebration of her birthday on January 13, the English-born entertainer posted some sweet photos of his rumoured boo on his Instagram Story.

The social media starlet reposted them – along with countless greetings from other close friends – to her own page. Surprisingly, the romantic gestures didn’t stop there.

All weekend long, photos have been popping up online from Harvey’s birthday extraordinaire, which went down in West Hollywood. Friends like Lizzo, Justine Skye, Tyler, the Creator, and Kendall Jenner stepped out for the occasion, many of them posing for photos together.

On Sunday (January 15), the entrepreneur was feeling ready to recall her party’s events. Throughout her photo dump, we see several pictures of her and her new man, dressed to the nines as they spend the night in great company.

Read what Lori Harvey told Jason Lee about past Michael B. Jordan cheating rumours here, and check back later for more pop culture news updates.

[Via] [Via]

Coretta Scott King’s Cousin Blasts Boston’s MLK Statue

by

Today (January 16), the U.S. is celebrating the life and activism of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Millions of people reflect on Dr. King and his leadership during the Civil Rights Movement, and it’s easy to find tributes shared throughout social media. Recently, Boston also added to the celebratory events by unveiling a new 22-foot bronze statue that wasn’t well received by the public.

The Washington Post later reported the statue was created by sculptor Hank Willis Thomas. It was said to honor “the relationship between the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Coretta Scott King.” However, the internet was soon flooded with negative reactions, including one from Coretta’s cousin, Seneca Scott.

Boston, MA – January 12: Embrace, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. memorial sculpture at Boston Common. (Photo by Lane Turner/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Read More: Samuel L. Jackson Corrects Tina Lawson After She Shares Post Claiming He Met MLK

“For my family, it’s rather insulting,” Scott penned in an essay for Compact. He further said the “sculpture is an especially egregious example of the woke machine’s callousness and vanity.”

“Ten million dollars were wasted to create a masturbatory metal homage to my legendary family members — one of the all-time greatest American families,” Scott also stated. “How could anyone fail to see that this … brings very few, if any, tangible benefits to struggling black families?”

Meanwhile, the statue shows an embrace inspired by an image of Dr. King, who hugged his wife Coretta after learning he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.

Boston, MA – January 10: Embrace, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. memorial sculpture at Boston Common. (Photo by Craig F. Walker/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Read More: R. Kelly Defense Team Compares Him To MLK, Mike Pence, Hugh Hefner: Report

Moreover, sculptor Thomas explained his vision to The Boston Globe.

“This work is really about the capacity for each of us to be enveloped in love,” Tomas additionally shared. “And I feel enveloped in love every time I hear the names and see the faces of Dr. King and Coretta Scott King.”

Check out images of the statue and a few reactions, and let us know what you think of the tribute.

[via]

American Idol Contestant CJ Harris Dead At 31

by

CJ Harris, a former American Idol semifinalist, was pronounced dead this weekend at 31 after he was rushed to the hospital.

According to TMZ, CJ Harris reportedly suffered a heart attack at his Jasper, Alabama home on Sunday night. An ambulance rushed him to the hospital immediately after but unfortunately, he passed away.

HOLLYWOOD, CA - APRIL 2: Contestant CJ Harris performs onstage at FOX's "American Idol XIII" Top 8 Live Performance Show on April 2, 2014 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by FOX Image Collection via Getty Images)
HOLLYWOOD, CA – APRIL 2: Contestant C.J. Harris performs onstage at FOX’s “American Idol XIII” Top 8 Live Performance Show on April 2, 2014 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by FOX Image Collection via Getty Images)

Harris earned grand praise during his time on American Idol. The singer left the judges in awe during his 2014 audition in Salt Lake City where he performed the Allman Brothers Band’s “Sunshine.” At the time, Keith Urban served as a judge and praised Harris’ vocal abilities.

“You sing ’cause you have to sing, not ’cause you want to sing,” Urban told Harris. “And, I mean that in the deepest way. And, that’s why it’s so believable and real.”

The impression he left on judges and America, at large, helped him gain a wild card vote which secured his place in the semi-final. Prior to that, he didn’t receive enough votes to land in the finals. He made the top 6 of the finals before he was eliminated from the competition.

LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 14: Contestants Jessica Meuse (L) and C.J. Harris perform at American Idol Live! at The Greek Theatre on August 14, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Chelsea Lauren/WireImage)

One of his competitors in season 13, Jessica Meuse, penned a heartfelt tribute on Instagram following a rep for the Walker County Coroner’s confirmation of Harris’ death.

“Your talent and smile will be missed, and the world is definitely a darker and eerily quieter place without you in it,” she wrote. “I’ll miss your random phone calls asking for life advice and talking about the music world… There are a lot of things I realize I will never understand — you leaving us so soon is one of those things.”

Harris is, unfortunately, not the only American Idol contestant to pass away in recent times. In September, season 19 runner-up Willie Spence succumbed to injuries sustained from a car accident.

We’ll keep you posted on any further updates surrounding Harris’ passing.

RIP.

[Via]