Pop Culture

Ayesha Curry Details 35 Lbs Weight Loss

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Ayesha Curry says that she slimmed down 35 pounds during the coronavirus pandemic. She detailed doing so while speaking with PEOPLE for a new interview.

Curry began by explaining that she’s not big into New Year’s resolutions. Instead, she describes herself as a “monthly resolution type of girl.”

“I’ve kind of been going through a health journey for the past three years now,” she told PEOPLE. “I’m into manifesting and writing things down and setting my intentions and goals. I am obsessed with that and I find that it really works for me, being able to visibly see things.”

MIAMI BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 25: Ayesha Curry gives a cooking demo on stage at Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village Featuring Mastercard Grand Tasting Tents & KitchenAid Culinary Demonstrations on February 25, 2017 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for SOBEWFF)

“One of my big resolutions for January is going to be to build a little bit of lean muscle,” Curry added. “I’ve lost 35 lbs. over the past year, which I’m really excited about, but now I want that definition and I want to feel strong in my skin.”

In welcoming 2023, Ayesha Curry partnered with MyFitnessPal for the app’s two-week Jumpstart Your Health Challenge. She’s providing users with tips and recipes to help others meet their personal health goals.

“When the new year comes around every year, everybody’s going all in, balls to the wall and wants to do the most, and you almost always end up failing,” Curry said. “And so with this Jumpstart Your Health Challenge, it just makes it easy. It’s not overwhelming, it’s approachable.”

Curry also emphasized the importance of not comparing yourself to others. In doing so, she referenced her husband being NBA star Stephen Curry and how it’s difficult for her not to compare herself to him.

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James Bond Role Might Go To Lucien Laviscount Of “Emily In Paris” Fame: Report

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Talk of which actor will next play James Bond has been circulating across the internet in recent years. Of course, Idris Elba may be the man for the job. Now, though, a younger actor is entering the chat – Lucien Laviscount.

You may be familiar with the 30-year-old for his work on Netflix’s Emily in Paris series. He plays the love interest of lead actress Lily Collins onscreen, Alfie for the last two seasons. His effortless ability to charm audiences as an elegant heartthrob is said to be what caught the eye of 007 producers.

Lucien Laviscount is seen during the 2022 French Open at Roland Garros on June 05, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pierre Suu/WireImage)

An insider tells Daily Mail, “Lucien ticks all of the boxes. He is a super talented actor, is extremely handsome and in the past 18 months has won lots of new fans since he joined ‘Emily in Paris.’”

“Bond bosses are already saying how you can see him in the 007 tuxedo, how dapper and fitting to the role he will look,” they additionally noted.

While the reviews sound mostly positive, executives reportedly have their concerns as well. In 2011, Laviscount appeared on Celebrity Big Brother, which some producers consider “low-brow stuff not fitting of a Bond actor.” However, the overall opinion of him remains high.

According to TMZ, stunt testing for the next Bond film is being greenlit at Pinewood Studios. If so, a final decision regarding the titular role’s casting is likely to come out soon.

Daniel Craig concluded his time as 007 with 2021’s No Time to Die. Before his five-film run, which began with Casino Royale, Piers Brosnan was the dapper spy in a suit.

The longest gap between films came from the transition of the aforementioned actors, spanning four years. Other James Bond stars, such as Sean Connery, Roger Moore, and Timothy Dalton, had no more than a year or two between takeovers.

Do you think Lucien Laviscount makes a strong 007 contender? Sound off in the comments, and check back later for more pop culture news.

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Dwayne Johnson Shares Message With Fans For 2023

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Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson shared an encouraging message for his followers to welcome in the new year. In a video posted on Instagram, Johnson discussed one of his favorite mantras.

“The quote is very simple, but oftentimes, sometimes, the most anchoring narratives in our life that we need are oftentimes the most simplistic,” he began. “The quote goes like this, ‘One day, or day one?’”

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 24: Dwayne Johnson of ‘Jungle Cruise’ took part today in the Walt Disney Studios presentation at Disney’s D23 EXPO 2019 in Anaheim, Calif. ‘Jungle Cruise’ will be released in U.S. theaters on July 24, 2020. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)

Johnson further explained that he’s in “day one mode,” advising his fans to follow suit.

“What is that thing that we wanted to accomplish … that thing that has been gnawing at your gut?” he continued, before adding, “That thing that you think you have some passion about … this is day one.”

“The first step of action is in the mental declaration — the moment we say ‘today is that day’ and the universe meets us halfway,” he said.

“Whatever it is, it could be something to improve your health and fitness, your wellness, your balance, your training,” he continued. “It could be something you wanted to accomplish in school. It could be something personal, it could be your relationships, to make them better. … Let’s go do it. It is day one.”

Before finishing his post, The Rock shared a quote from late WWE legend Dusty Rhodes.

“He’s up there walking in the clouds with my dad, the soul man, the Rocky Johnson,” Johnson lastly said. “Dusty said, ‘We ain’t laughing and joking, we’re cooking and smoking, we went out there and handle business.’”

Check out Johnson’s Instagram post below.

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Lamar Odom Admits He’s Embarrassed Over Cheating On Khloé

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Lamar Odom says that his behavior during his relationship with Khloé Kardashian is even more “crazy” than the public knows. The former NBA star reflects on his cheating scandal during the upcoming TMZ Presents: Lamar Odom: Sex, Drugs & Kardashians.

“Behind the scenes, I put her through s—. Like, s— that y’all don’t know,” he admits, according to an exclusive preview from PEOPLE. “The s— y’all know, what y’all think y’all know, it’s crazy. But the stories that y’all don’t know is, like, really crazy.”

HOLLYWOOD – SEPTEMBER 21: Television personality Khloe Kardashian (L) and Los Angeles Laker Lamar Odom attend the “AXE Music One Night Only” concert series featuring Weezer at Dunes Inn Motel – Sunset on September 21, 2010 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images For AXE)

Odom continues: “I’d have these random women coming out. Some of them all came out at one time.”

“I’m, like, laughing out of embarrassment right now,” he adds. “Like, how you thought you was going to get away with that one?”

Odom and Kardashian married in 2009 and stayed together through 2013.

In the years since their breakup, Odom has routinely admitted his regret for how he handled their relationship. In 2022, Odom said that he still hopes they’ll rekindle their relationship eventually.

“I would probably just want to take her to dinner,” he shared on Celebrity Big Brother. “It would be a blessing just to be in her presence to just tell her I’m sorry and what a fool I was. She has the right to never see me again for the things I put her through, but time moves on and people change. I would say I’m a lot more loyal now.”

TMZ Presents: Lamar Odom: Sex, Drugs & Kardashians will premiere on Monday at 9:00 PM, ET on Fox.

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Kevin & Dreka Gates Celebrate NYE Together Following Breakup Rumours

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While breakups aren’t all that uncommon in the world of hip-hop, some hurt far more than others. For instance, seeing Blueface and Chrisean Rock declare themselves as single over and over again is much less painful than watching the demise of Kevin and Dreka Gates.

In the summer, the married couple surprisingly seemed to be going their separate ways. For his part, the rapper addressed all the drama in his “Super General Freestyle.” Throughout his lyrics, he raps, “Took the blame in interviews and made it look like I was trippin’ / Made the ‘Dreka’ song, lied to the world while trying to protect her image.”

After the song was released, listeners were waiting for a reaction from Kevin’s wife, though they never really got one. Rather, she used her social media account to show the world that she’s been in rest and relaxation mode. At the time, videos of her taking a luxurious bath as well as tending to her garden appeared on her Story.

Though the “2 Phones” hitmaker began sparking relationship rumours with Jojo Zarur in the summer, he and Dreka appear to have made up just as quickly as they allegedly ended.

At the end of June, cameras previously caught them hugging at an autograph signing, their two children in tow.

Kevin Gates and Dreka Gates attend the Warner Music Pre-Grammy Party at the NoMad Hotel on February 7, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Warner Music)

The next month, Dreka let the world know what she’s been streaming her partner’s Khaza project, even if it includes a diss aimed at her. Specifically, her favourite title seems to be “Scars,” though that may have changed in recent months.

Things have been relatively quiet between the Gates’ since the summer, though they stepped out on New Year’s Eve to celebrate. In videos posted to @theshaderoom, the pair obviously smiles ear to ear as they dance and sing the night away together.

“Now y’all should’ve known Kevin Gates wasn’t giving Dreka up,” one social media user concurrently wrote after seeing the clip.

Another person later chimed in with, “I can’t even judge Dreka and Kevin. I understand, I’ve been there too.” Additionally, someone else called out the mother of two for reuniting with her man.

“Dreka wild as hell back vibing w Kevin Gates. Girl the amount of times he has asked God to kill y’all kids to make [people] think he telling the truth is just crazy,” they comparatively pointed out.

Check out more Twitter reactions to the undeniably heartwarming NYE video below. Afterward, tell us if you think Kevin and Dreka Gates are endgame in the comment section.

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Mekhi Phifer Shoots Down The Idea Of An “8 Mile” Sequel

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Mekhi Phifer says that he has no interest in a potential sequel to Eminem’s classic 2002 film, 8 Mile. Phifer recently discussed the idea of a second film with TMZ.

“Sometimes it’s best to just leave it alone,” Phifer explained. “Once you make a classic, no reason to fool around with it.”

Mekhi Phifer during Universal 8 Mile DVD Release Party at Saint Andrew’s Hall in Detroit, MI, United States. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

He added that there hasn’t even been any conversation on the topic and that it “probably” is never going to happen. Phifer also says that Eminem wouldn’t be interested in starring in it either.

“Leave the classics alone and it’ll be all good. Just live with the 8 Mile. The story we told is a story. It could be interesting but I wouldn’t be in it, and I’m sure Eminem wouldn’t be in it either.”

Phifer also admitted that he doesn’t know whether Eminem will act again, but does say he keeps up with him.

Before wrapping up, Phifer celebrated Eminem’s recent induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

8 Mile hit theaters back in November 2002. It opened at No. 1 at the box office in the US having grossed $51.3 million in its opening weekend. It eventually reached a total of $242.9 million worldwide.

In addition to being a commercial success, 8 Mile was also well-received by critics. “Lose Yourself” from the soundtrack to the film won an Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 75th Academy Awards.

The film, which is semi-autobiographical of Eminem’s own life, follows a rising white rapper in the city of Detroit.

As for Eminem’s music career, the rapper recently released his second greatest hits collection, Curtain Call 2.

Revisit the trailer for 8 Mile below.

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Gangsta Boo’s Cause Of Death Believed To Be Drug Overdose: Report

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Another industry veteran gone too soon. Though she made it to 2023, Three 6 Mafia rapper Gangsta Boo tragically lost her life on the first day of the year. Reports came out on Sunday (January 1) evening, revealing that the 43-year-old is no longer with us. Her cause of death was not known at the time.

AllHipHop reports that the recording artist died after attending a concert in her hometown of Memphis, Tennesee. Her body was found on her front porch around 4 PM local time. Her past struggles with substance abuse are seemingly a part of her demise.

Recording artist Gangsta Boo attends TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Annual Music Conference – Day 2 at the Ivanhoe Plaza Hotel August 05, 2006 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Ray Tamarra/Getty Images)

Sources close to Gangsta Boo say they believe she died from a drug overdose. An update from TMZ offers much of the same information. Specifically, they note that “a fentanyl-laced substance is believed to be at play.”

The night before she died, the industry icon was celebrating New Year’s Eve with her brother. He was eventually taken to a hospital himself after overdosing but was able to recover. Later that night, the party went on at GB’s home.

Upon discovering her body, the finding of narcotics means an overdose is presently thought to be her cause of death. Still, the information can’t be confirmed until an autopsy is conducted.

“Victim information will be released once the victim has been identified and NOK [Next of Kin] notifications have been made. This is an ongoing investigation,” officer Theresa Carlson of the Memphis Police Department tells AllHipHop.

However, Gangsta Boo’s identity was previously confirmed by both Fox13 and DJ Paul, another Three 6 Mafia member. The former didn’t write any words in his tribute post – just an older photo of the late creative was enough to get the message across.

In the comment section, artists like Lil Jon, 2 Chainz, Duke Deuce, Ludacris, and Big Boi are in mourning. “Prayers to the whole fam, I’m so sorry for your loss,” one user wrote. “She was such a great and kind soul. GOD’S WARRIOR NOW.”

Check back with HNHH later for any updates on Gangsta Boo’s untimely death. RIP.

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Jeremy Renner Hospitalized After “Traumatic” Snowplow Accident

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Jeremy Renner was hospitalized on Sunday after being involved in a “traumatic” snowplow accident, according to the Washoe County, Nevada, sheriff’s office. A representative for the actor has since confirmed that they are in “critical but stable condition.”

In a statement provided to Deadline, they cited Renner as being in “critical but stable condition with injuries suffered after experiencing a weather-related accident while plowing snow earlier [Sunday].”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 22: Jeremy Renner attends the Hawkeye New York Special Fan Screening at AMC Lincoln Square on November 22, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Disney)

Renner is said to have been the only person involved in the incident. Sheriff’s deputies helped arrange a flight to transport him to a nearby hospital afterward.

The rep added that Renner is in excellent hands at the hospital, but did not expand on the exact details of his injuries. His family is also with him at this time.

Renner owns a home at the Mount Rose Ski Tahoe resort near Reno. A snowstorm hit the area on New Year’s Eve, causing thousands to lose power.

Renner is perhaps best known for his work as Hawkeye, a member of the Avengers. He has made numerous appearances in Marvel Cinematic Universe films over the years. Back in 2008, he was up for the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in The Hurt Locker. Renner also appeared in American Hustle (2013), Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015), Arrival (2016), and much more. He recently starred in Mayor of Kingstown, a crime-thriller series created by Taylor Sheridan and Hugh Dillon.

In recent weeks, Renner has been sharing photos of the shocking amounts of snowfall that has been hitting his Nevada home. Check out one update from Renner below.

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Angela Bassett’s Son Apologizes For Michael B. Jordan Death Prank

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Angela Bassett’s 16-year-old son, Slater Vance, has apologized after playing into a prank about the death of Michael B. Jordan. In a TikTok video, Slater told his parents that the iconic actor passed away.

For the trending prank, someone pretends that a famous celebrity has died and records the reaction of the person they’re telling. In Slater’s clip, Bassett clutches at her chest in response, while his father, Courtney B. Vance, refuses to believe the news.

HOLLYWOOD, CA – JANUARY 29: Slater Vance, Angela Bassett, Bronwyn Vance and Courtney B. Vance attend the Premiere Of Disney And Marvel’s “Black Panther” – Arrivals on January 29, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

Slater later shared an apology for the insensitive TikTok.

“I apologize to Michael B. Jordan’s entire family, his extended family, and him directly as he is an idol of mine,” Slater said. “Taking part in a trend like this is completely disrespectful. I don’t wish any bad ramifications upon his family nor my parents as they deserve none of the backlash.”

Slater added: “I own this was a mistake. I hope this can be a teaching lesson to anyone who uses social media as a tool and a source of entertainment to truly understand that your actions can have consequences that extend beyond you.”

Bassett recently starred alongside Jordan in both Black Panther and its sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

Finneas, brother of Billie Eilish, called on his young followers to stop the trend.

“I haven’t laughed once at any of your videos of you telling your parents somebody died when they didn’t actually die,” Finneas said in his own video, before adding, “Your parents are showing vulnerability for a brief second and you’re laughing at them.”

Check out Slater’s apology video below.

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Ice Cube Says He’s “Never” Giving Up On “Friday 4”

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Ice Cube says that he’s “never” giving up on a fourth film in the Friday franchise. Speaking with TMZ outside of Dash Radio, the legendary rapper said that despite his commitment, he won’t take legal action.

“You got to use the same IP. So, you can’t call it Saturday without using Craig and Day Day,” he explained.

LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 27: Rapper Ice Cube performs onstage during the Ice Cube, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, Jay Rock concert at Staples Center on June 27, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Earl Gibson/BET/Getty Images for BET)

As for whether he’d file a lawsuit to get the rights, he responded: “No, ain’t gonna sue nobody.”

Cube has been outspoken about his difficulties in getting a fourth Friday film made for quite some time. Speaking about the idea during a recent appearance on Mike Tyson’s Hotboxin’ podcast, Cube called on the studio to “do the right thing.”

“They need to do the right thing, get it to us, let us turn it into more money, and make the fans happy,” Cube said at the time. “We can do a lot with it.”

Ice Cube has also previously said that Warner Brothers rejected two separate scripts for the potential film.

“I’m trying to get it out of Warner Brothers, they don’t believe in the culture man,” Cube told hosts N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN on Drink Champs. “I had two scripts. I wrote one; it was the shit. They was like, ‘Yo, we don’t want Craig and Day-Day in jail, ’cause Craig and Day-Day went to jail for selling weed before it was legal!”

Cube released the first Friday film back in 1995. He later added on two sequels, Next Friday and Friday After Next, in 2000 and 2002 respectively.

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