Source: Robin Marchant / Getty Kanye Considering “Christian Genius Billionaire” Name Change Oh bwoooooy, y’alls friend Kanye has done it again. This time the Chicagoan clown made a surprise appearance at the fifth annual Fast Company Innovation Festival in New York alongside Yeezy footwear designer Steven Smith. While there everyone’s fave Beezlebub Bozo told the packed crowd that he’s considering changing in his name in part because he felt disrespected by Forbes not recognizing his billionaire status. With that in mind, we might be getting “Christian Genius Billionaire Kanye West” very soon. “Martin Luther King didn’t get killed because he had a dream; he had something else he was going to talk about,” said Yeezy, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “He talked about black empowerment, economic empowerment,” said West. “When I did Forbes, I showed them a $890 million receipt and they still didn’t say ‘billionaire’. They don’t want us to know that we can buy land; they don’t want us to have the 100 percent ownership [that] I have at Yeezy.” “When people say it’s crass to call yourself a billionaire, I say I might legally change my name to ‘Christian Genius Billionaire Kanye West’ for a year until y’all understand exactly what it is… It will be on the license plate.” SMH. He also told the room that he’s mulling over a 2024 Presidential run—a comment that sparked raucous laughter in his face. “When I run for President in 2024,” said Kanye as laughter ensued in the back. “What y’all laughing at? We would create so many jobs! I’m not going to run, I’m going to walk. When you see headlines saying Kanye’s crazy — one in three African Americans are in jail and all the celebrities are in jail also because they can’t say nothing, they got no opinion, they’re so scared!” Kimmy Cakes was also in the audience to witness her husband’s latest antics, watch (Christian Genius Billionaire) Kanye below.
Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty Lil Kim Looks Back On Her Decades-Long Career And Legacy Fresh off of her huge moment winning BET’s I Am Hip-Hop award, Lil Kim stopped by Genius’ For The Record to discuss her fifth studio album, 9 . During the candid conversation with Rob Markman, Kim looked back on her decades-long career, discussed working with the City Girls , and shared her thoughts on Jermaine Dupri’s controversial comments regarding today’s women rappers. Check out the interview down below to hear what she has to say:
Source: Jason LaVeris / Getty Who says manicures are only for women? Rappers are indulging in the beauty service as well. And not just manicures with clear nail polish, they’re getting bold colors for the summer. Ty Dolla $ign showed off his fresh orange manicure last week and producer-turned-singer A1 showed off his colorful fingertips on social media, prompting discussions around men getting their nails painted. View this post on Instagram Might Need a Nail Polish Endorsement somebody come holla at big A1 A post shared by A1 Bentley (@a1bentley) on May 22, 2019 at 3:14pm PDT View this post on Instagram #TyDollaSign showing off that fresh mani pedi A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom) on May 13, 2019 at 9:43pm PDT Ty Dolla $ign and A1 aren’t the only celeb men to get their nails done. Dwyane Wade made headlines for his metrosexual beauty regimes and painting his toe nails black while Snoop would occasionally show off his full set of acrylic nails. “I was on vacation in the Bahamas with LeBron and when he saw my toes he was like, ‘Something is seriously wrong with you,’ Wade told GQ in 2011. “But eventually Bron was like, ‘You know what? You’re crazy, but that’s just you.’ When I first got into the league, I tried to fit in. Now I don’t care.” Putting the man in manicure. What say you readers? Is this the new trend for men or should they leave some things for women? RELATED STORIES: Puff, Puff Polish: Weed Manicures Are Actually Becoming A Thing HAUTE OR NAUGHT: Are You Feeling The Clear Nails Trend?
Source: Mark Wilson / Getty Ben Carson was once someone we studied and talked about every February for his contributions to the medical profession and his genius. Boy, have the times changed. Now he’s the head of HUD, mostly because Cheeto Dusty heard the word “urban” and hired his only black friend for the job. During a hearing on Tuesday, Carson was asked what an REO was and this fool thought they were asking him about an Oreo. What an idiot. OH, REO! Thanks, @RepKatiePorter . Enjoying a few post-hearing snacks. Sending some your way! pic.twitter.com/q4MMTBWVUI — Ben Carson (@SecretaryCarson) May 21, 2019 He went so far as to pose with a box of Oreos like a clown with zero awareness of how stupid he looks. Also, he’s out here putting out policies that are damaging black folks and acting like it’s a joke. Watch Rep Katie Porter ask Ben Carson about REOs, a real estate term. Carson thought Porter asked about Oreos. The cookie. He had no idea what REOs are, a basic real estate term. Trump’s Housing Secretary. Ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/JT25Uz4dpx — Scott Dworkin (@funder) May 21, 2019 He’s an embarrassment. Look at the way he got dragged through the entire internet.
L egendary songstress Aretha Franklin left an indelible mark in the realm of music and even after her death the Queen of Soul is still being awarded for her pivotal contributions. According to Rolling Stone , Franklin was posthumously honored with a Pulitzer Prize Special Citation. Aretha Franklin was posthumously awarded the Pulitzer Prize Special Citation “for her indelible contribution to American music and culture” https://t.co/8r1WkjHE2P pic.twitter.com/5oCEODbh9s — Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) April 15, 2019 The Pulitzer Prize—which was created in 1917—is an award given to trailblazers in journalism and the arts. Franklin’s honor was historic as it was the first time that a woman artist received a Special Citation in Pulitzer’s history. As a recipient of the award, she joins a list of influential music artists who have been given Pulitzer Prize Special Citations in the past including Duke Ellington , Bob Dylan , John Coltrane , and Rodgers & Hammerstein . Franklin’s loved ones are grateful that she has received this recognition and believes that it speaks volumes to how she has forever changed the landscape of music. “Aretha is blessed and highly favored even in death. She’s continued to receive multiple awards — she’s received almost every award imaginable and now to get the Pulitzer Prize, it’s just amazing,” her niece Sabrina Owens said in a statement, according to the Los Angeles Sentinel . “Aretha continues to bless us with her music and just paving the way for women going forward. It’s thrilling. She would be so happy right now. She was just very gifted and talented, and the world is still recognizing that.” News about the honor comes weeks after the film Amazing Grace hit theaters. The documentary-style project captures Franklin and the Watts-based New Bethel Baptist Church choir in January 1972. “Amazing Grace is the heart and soul of Aretha Franklin,” Owens told Variety . “This film is authentic and is my aunt to her core. Our family couldn’t be more excited for audiences to experience the genius of her work and spirit through this film.” SEE ALSO: Aretha Franklin Timeline: Milestones And Achievements By The Queen Of Soul Detroit Museum Honors Aretha Franklin’s Legacy With New Exhibit [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3850824″ overlay=”true”]
Source: Emma McIntyre / Getty Travis Scott To Pay Almost $400K Over Cancelled Gig No matter how much money you have, having to pay $400K is never a good time–and Travis Scott is about to learn that first hand. A jury recently ordered that the ASTROWORLD rapper to pay nearly $400,000 to PJAM, the Minneapolis promotion company that sued Scott over a missed Super Bowl gig last year. The plaintiffs claimed they had paid the Houston artist $150,000 upfront as well as $10,000 to his booking agent. They also provided him with a private jet and covered the show’s promotional costs–but hours before the show, his team informed PJAM that he had to cancel. The rapper’s team was citing weather conditions and logistics for his absence, while the company claims Scott simply “refused to show up to the event.” For the record, Travis Scott had actually booked two different shows on the night of Feb. 3: There was the canceled gig in Minneapolis, and another one in Las Vegas, which he did end up performing at. According to the lawsuit, PJAM demanded that Travis return the $150,000 plus damages. The rapper counter-sued the company in April 2018, claiming they never confirmed his travel plans and owed him $50,000 for the deal. He also accused the company of violating a confidentiality agreement by speaking to the press. In the end, the jury rewarded PJAM with $382,932.79 in the case. “The jury verdict of $383k is disappointing, but far less than the seven figure demands made by the promoters,” King told TMZ . “We believe the verdict will be substantially reduced or overturned in subsequent proceedings.” Luckily for Travis,he made some serious cash on tour this last year, so this money shouldn’t put too much of a dent in his pocket.
cam'ron wants you to stop calling his mom a liar because he really did write on 3lw's “no more” https://t.co/EK1Q2GgtRc pic.twitter.com/pavQugsLPm — Genius (@Genius) June 17, 2018 Friendly Reminder That Cam’ron Co-Wrote 3LW’s “No More” No one expected LIL YACHTY to be the beautiful mind behind City Girls smash “Act Up” but he allegedly is and inspired us to revisit the hilarious moment when everyone learned that CAM’RON co-wrote 3LW’s biggest hit “No More (Baby I’ma Do Right)” in a Top 5 Hip-Hop plot twist of the 21st century. Bro Cam’ron wrote 3LW “no more” pic.twitter.com/JWSlKnRBFU — BRIT VS BLANCO (@DottyBlanco) June 10, 2018 Peep all the classic reactions to Killa Cam co-writing “No More” for 3LW.
C harles D. King —the producer behind pivotal films like Fences , Mudbound and Sorry to Bother You —recently made a power move in the entertainment industry. According to Deadline , King’s media company MACRO has inked a first-look deal with Warner Bros. MACRO Inks First-Look Deal At Warner Bros. https://t.co/slakoAd7q9 pic.twitter.com/UQihafRhvL — Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) February 20, 2019 King believes the partnership with Warner Bros. will be instrumental in helping people of color authentically bring their narratives to the big screen, the news outlet writes. One of the projects that King is currently working on through his production company is a film entitled Jesus Was My Homeboy , which is about the life story of Black Panther Party member Fred Hampton . Director Ryan Coogler and WB will work on the project as well. Actors Lakeith Stanfield and Daniel Kaluuya may star in the film. Through the deal with Warner Bros., King wants to bring more stories like these to the forefront. “We are thrilled to join forces with Warner Bros. Pictures and their visionary leadership team whose bold choices have led to some of our industry’s most successful and impactful films,” said King in a statement, according to the news outlet. “This expertise, combined with WarnerMedia and AT&T’s global assets and distribution, offers MACRO an unparalleled opportunity to expand our reach and further our mission of identifying and producing authentic stories by and about people of color.” The Warner Bros. leadership team is excited about working with MACRO. WB Production Head Courtenay Valenti and the studio’s chairman Toby Emmerich said that they are looking forward to producing films that “highlight the authenticity and importance of diversity.” Black producers are landing major production deals. In January, actor Michael B. Jordan ’s production company Outlier Society inked a first-look deal with Warner Bros. In February Marsai Martin signed a first-look deal with Universal through her company Genius Productions. SEE ALSO: Marsai Martin’s Production Company Inks First-Look Deal With Universal Pictures Michael B. Jordan Launches Fellowship For Youth [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3847091″ overlay=”true”]
Source: WENN / WENN R&B Legend James Ingram Dies An R&B Legend has unfortunately passed away. James Ingram died today, January 29, from a battle with a form of brain cancer. Both Quincy Jones and Debbie Allen have since shared heartfelt messages about their late friend to social media. https://twitter.com/QuincyDJones/status/1090373668105007106/video/1 I have lost my dearest friend and creative partner James Ingram to the Celestial Choir. He will always be cherished, loved and remembered for his genius, his love of family and his humanity. I am blessed to have been so close. We will forever speak his name. pic.twitter.com/TDJfpbbJWa — Debbie Allen (@msdebbieallen) January 29, 2019 Ingram was known for several #1 hit including his Patti Austin duet Baby Come to Me” and “Somewhere Out There” with Linda Ronstadt. The 12 time Grammy nominee took home a trophy for “Yah Mo B There” with Michael McDonald in 1985. Condolences to the Ingram family.
Source: Brian Stukes / Getty Tonight’s episode of Love and Hip-Hop New York finds Yandy on a high. She was granted an emergency hearing with regard to Infinity and the judge approved Infinity to stay with Yandy temporarily and they got the fostering process moving forward. Yaaaaay! Both Yandy and Infinity are thrilled, but Yandy is soon going to find out that she may have moved into this too quickly. Hold that thought. Joe Budden and Cyn still a mess, but they finally end up having respective chats with Dr. Jenn, Vh1’s resident psychotherapist. Joe talks about Cyn being moody and how his career has been accelerating, etc. Cyn finally does open up about what she believes is postpartum depression, Joe being busy with work and not having time for her, the pressures of motherhood, etc. The bombshell comes when Cyn reveals that she doesn’t want a nanny because she ended up being molested by a woman who was supposed to be looking after her when she was five. That’s a secret that only three people (including Joe) knew up until that revelation (not even her mom knew). Dr. Jenn says she doesn’t think Cyn is dealing with postpartum depression. What Cyn is dealing with, according to the doctor, is her unresolved issues surfacing in the form of depression, anxiety, and resentment toward Joe. Cyn agrees with Dr. Jenn’s assessment. Dr. Jenn eventually speaks to Joe on behalf of Cynthia and it seems like he receives the message better than when Cyn communicates, but these issues aren’t going away overnight. This becomes clear later on when they double date with Papoose and Remy Ma and Papoose gives then the genius advice to get married. Papoose’s logic is that if they get married they’ll be more likely to use their vows as guidelines to make it work. Mmmmkay. Mendeecees’ mother gets word of Yandy’s seemingly hasty foster mom moves and she’s rightfully concerned about Yandy bringing this girl around her grandchildren. Yandy thinks she has everything figured out, but then she meets with Infinity’s birth mother to get her blessing to adopt Infinity, only to discover that Infinity gave her a different story. Mama Infinity’s story is shady too though. Her version is that she’s a single mom with 6 kids and she wants to do what’s best for them, especially Infinity. She claims that Infinity was a sweet child but then once she became a teenager she started running away then next thing you know authorities picked her up, said that mom was abusive and took Infinity away. That sounds like a lot of details are missing, but in the end, Yandy finds out that Infinity actually never grew up in foster care despite telling her that. According to Infinity’s mom, her daughter has only been in foster care since last November. The conversation goes well. Mama Infinity gives Yandy her blessing to adopt and gives her a loaded, “Good luck.” Later on, Yandy has a moment where Infinity goes missing. Eventually, Infinity turns up again and Yandy is pissed. But Infinity says she ran away because she was pissed after discovering that Yandy spoke to her mother. Yandy calls Infinity out for lying about how long she has been in foster care. Infinity says her mom isn’t being truthful and doesn’t want to take responsibility for being a bad mom. In the end, Yandy still feels bad for Infinity and says she’s on her side no matter what, but she has to stop running away and learn to trust her. We’ll see how this goes. Sidney Starr and Nya Lee get into it again. Basically, Sidney shows up to some event wearing her own dress instead of something “fashion expert” Nya Lee picked out. This leads to Nya Lee going off on Sidney and calling her ungrateful. Sidney bucks at Nya like she’s going to hit her but it’s just a bluff. Jonathan is just standing there feigning like he’s lost, but really taking it all in because he’s messy. Nya decides to leave before she resorts to fighting. Jonathan sides with Nya Lee in thinking Sidney is ungrateful. This is going to be revisited next week. You know how petty beef never dies on this show. There’s supposed to be a trip coming up. We know how that’s going to go. The episode winds down with Rich Dollaz’s drama. Rich is distraught because his daughter’s mother, Miracle, shot her husband in a domestic violence incident. Rich’s daughter, Ashley, took the man to the hospital but doesn’t know much else about what’s happening. Miracle left Rich and Ashley in the dark but now, ish is real. Initially, Miracle was charged with attempted murder but the charges were dropped to aggravated assault and she has to go to court for a plea hearing. Plea hearings never go well. Anyway, Rich, who feels guilty for not staying in Memphis to protect them, convinces Miracle to tell Ashley (who is 19) what’s going on. They all come to tears over Miracle’s uncertain future. Next week we find out what happens at the hearing. Fingers crossed. 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