Source: photo: WENN On the low NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts be library lit for those who appreciate live music but in a lounge-ish format and while it seems like something for artists looking to make a name for themselves, lots of your favorite artists have rocked some books off shelves over the past few years. From The Roots to Mac Miller to Wu-Tang Clan, that library in Washington D.C. done housed some noise to keep the neighbors grooving and vibing all day long. The latest big name artist to perform at NPR’s studio is Ty Dolla $ign and during his set went on to pay homage to Mac Miller just a month before the first anniversary of his passing. Performing a rendition of Miller’s “Cinderella” off of Mac’s The Devine Feminine , Ty Dolla conjures up some heartfelt soul in remembrance of the Steel City MC. Check out the performance below.
Source: Sheri Determan/WENN.com / WENN Danny Trejo has enjoyed a long career in Hollywood playing a variety of tough guys and villains, but the general consensus surrounding the stone-faced actor is that he’s one of the nicest guys in the world. The 75-year-old Trejo proved how big his heart was by rescuing a baby from an overturned vehicle in Los Angeles on Wednesday (Aug. 7). ABC7.com reports : Trejo happened to be in the area when two cars collided Wednesday afternoon in the area of Hubbard Street and Jackman Avenue. One of the vehicles overturned onto its roof and a young child was trapped inside, strapped into a car seat. Trejo and another bystander helped rescue the child. Trejo crawled into the overturned wreckage from one side, he recalled, but he couldn’t unbuckle the child’s car seat from that angle. The other bystander, a young woman, crawled in from the other side of the overturned vehicle and was able to undo the buckle. Trejo was then able to get the baby out of the car seat and pulled safely from the wreckage. While that was happening, the boy’s grandmother remained trapped in the driver’s seat. Firefighters had to use equipment to free her. Powerful stuff. And believe it when we say that we needed some good news this week. Even better, Trejo remained humble after the boy was delivered to his family, and left a powerful message to the ABC7 viewers as to why he believes in performing acts of kindness. Watch the report below. — Photo: WENN
Source: PYMCA / Getty Besides a back and forth Twitter spat with Azealia Banks , Vince Staples has been relatively quiet. However, it’s been announced that the Long Beach rapper is now signed to Motown Records, and he’s dropping new music soon. For most of his career, the “Norf Nor” rapper was signed to Def Jam via Blacksmith Recordings. Billboard reports that at Capitol Music Group’s annual meeting it was revealed that Blacksmith Recordings (owned by artist manager Corey Smyth) has moved over to the Capitol Music Group and Motown Records. “Today, more than ever, artists are evolving their professional identities in multi-faceted ways,” said Smyth in a statement. “My mission through Blacksmith Recordings is to nurture young and new talent from the ground up and enable them to expand their vision of success. We are looking at the big picture, thinking about how a musician evolves across genres, what success looks like in the first year and a decade later and what happens after the first album, the second and the third. Our goal is to reinforce career longevity and boundless potential in the artists we represent, while growing global brands around them.” Besides Staples, other acts on Blacksmith include Kilo Kish, Ted When and Benn Good. Smith reportedly is prepping to drop new music in the fourth quarter. Staples’ last album, FM! , dropped in late 2018.
Source: Unknown / Getty A typical experience with gaslighting may go something like this: You present an issue you are having to a partner, and they react by saying “you’re too sensitive!” or “you’re crazy.” Gaslighters deflect any responsibility away from your legit feelings and instead pin their behavior on you. While the example highlighted above is a light example, its roots can definitely get deeper and more insidious. Text “RICKEY” to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news. ( Terms and conditions ). According to Psychology Today, “The term gaslighting originated from the 1944 film Gaslight , in which a husband systematically tormented his wife by convincing her that she’s insane, thereby robbing her objectivity and self-worth .” Sound familiar? You’re not alone. A lot of women are unknowing participants in a relationship where their significant other is chronic gaslighter and they don’t even know it. Most gaslights are liars or spin masters–they turn any narrative on its head in order to take the heat off themselves and put it on you. By definition, “the gaslighter takes the focus off of his or her significant weaknesses, flaws, and inadequacies, which the gaslighter is deeply afraid of exposing. Through constant lying and exaggerations, the gaslighter keeps his victims on the defensive and maintains social and psychological leverage.” Repeated exposure to this kind of behavior can leave you stifled, unable to express your feelings out of fear your partner will attack you emotionally. This psychological gagging is how the gaslighter stays empowered. The aggressor may even become hostile when confronted about their behaviors, thus scaring their partner into silence. On par with other emotional abusers, gaslights may begin to isolate their victims from their friends and loved ones, hoping to keep them far away from the truth. “By deploying demagoguery tactics such as “us versus them,” “divide and conquer,” “isolate and control,” “enemies are everywhere,” and “I’m your only hope,” the gaslighter places the gaslightee in a psychological straight jacket, and further establishes an authoritarian relationship,” Psychology Today explains. Sign Up For Our Newsletter! Close Thank you for subscribing! Please be sure to open and click your first newsletter so we can confirm your subscription. Email Submit If the scenarios outlined above sound like you, it’s important for you to seek professional help and counseling. It takes time and patience to unhinge yourself from a gaslighter’s lies and manipulation, but awareness if the first step towards healing. [ione_media_gallery src=”https://rickeysmileymorningshow.com” id=”2008381″ overlay=”true”] This story was originally published on MadameNoire.com . ALSO TRENDING ON RICKEYSMILEYMORNINGSHOW.COM : Rapper Shot And Killed In Houston See Lauren London’s Moving Birthday Note To Nipsey Hussle’s Sister Baby Shower Goals: Keyshia Cole Celebrates New Baby Boy On A Yacht [PHOTOS] Follow @TheRSMS
Source: Emma McIntyre / Getty Chance the Rapper’s “debut” album The Big Day isn’t getting the rave reviews the rapper thought it would. He took to Twitter to respond to the criticism and had some very eye-opening responses. The album which boasts appearances from Ari Lennox , Gucci Mane, CocoRosie and more is just isn’t impressing fans. Chance’s response to the negative takes on his album was quite interesting. The Acid Rap crafter claimed he believes some of his supporters want him to kill himself. I’m getting this crazy feeling that people want me to kill myself — The Big Day out now (@chancetherapper) August 5, 2019 He quickly reassured fans he has no intentions of inflicting self-harm on himself, stating in another Tweet: “That’s not my vibe at all, but I feel the push.” That’s not my vibe at all, but i feel the push. — The Big Day out now (@chancetherapper) August 5, 2019 The moment of self-reflection continued with Chance using his Twitter account to “let some of these feelings go” in a thread of Tweets. He touched on how feels people want him to be ashamed before showing appreciation to those who reached out to him over the past few days. He also expressed his happiness for being able to spend time with his family and doing things he used to before getting consumed in the album-making process. And I feel like even more than that, some people want me to feel ashamed. — The Big Day out now (@chancetherapper) August 5, 2019 Shame is heavy yo. And feeling shame for something that you were once prideful about is super heavy. — The Big Day out now (@chancetherapper) August 5, 2019 He closed out the conversation with a joke pointing out that 100% thing he is sure of is that he loves his wife. The clever swipe is a jab at criticism from fans who claim that all he rapped about on the album. That I LOVE my wife — The Big Day out now (@chancetherapper) August 5, 2019 Its clear Chance is sensitive about his work, and the negative reviews hit him a bit hard. But as long as he still in a good place mentally is all the matters, cause that Tweet talking about suicide is a bit scary. You can head here to read the entire thread . — Photo: Emma McIntyre / Getty
Source: Curtis Baker/FX / Curtis Baker/FX We’re still eagerly awaiting the third season of Atlanta . But today (August 6), we learned has already renewed the Donald Glover-helmed series for a fourth season. Deadline reports that the news was revealed at FX’s presentation at the TCA summer press tour. Production for both season 3 and 4 is set to begin next spring, with each series consisting of eight episodes. “What more can be said about Atlanta than the critical acclaim and accolades that Donald, Paul, Dianne, Stephen and Hiro have earned for two exceptional seasons of what is clearly one of the best shows on television,” said FX Entertainment President Eric Schrier. “This group of collaborators and cast have created one of the most original, innovative stories of this generation and we are proud to be their partners.” Season 2, dubbed ‘Atlanta Robbin’ Season,’ wrapped up way back in May 2018. Meanwhile, damn near the entire main cast—besides Glover; Brian Tyree Henry, Lakeith Stanfield and Zazie Beatz—have become certified stars.
Source: The Washington Post / Getty If you’ve been repeat watching Moonlight and Bird Box just to lust after Trevante Rhodes because you claim him as your man in your head, you might have to cool out on that. It looks as though the 29-year-old actor is engaged to be married to fitness model Mara Wright . According to TheYBF, a family member of Wright’s posted a picture of the couple to her InstaStories with a “Congratulations” banner, hearts, and as you can see, a rock on that finger. In the slide that follows the image, Rhodes can be be seen raising a glass with people who seem to be members of Wright’s family as they speak in German. Text “RICKEY” to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news. ( Terms and conditions ). View this post on Instagram Looks like actor #TrevanteRhodes is ENGAGED! Congrats! *cries in ruined celeb crush* Via @tarrah_cooper_wright A post shared by TheYBF (@theybf_daily) on Aug 5, 2019 at 6:43pm PDT As for who this beauty is, Wright is a LA-based, Chicago-bred Wilhemina model and actress with, as you probably concluded, German roots (her father is white, her mother is Black). She’s been in a couple of short films projects, done some theater and has background in improv comedy. Oh, and if you’re thinking about trying to come near her man (if you can find him because he never shows his face on social media), think again. She is trained in martial arts, including Tae Kwon Do, karate and jiu-jitsu. She’s also done sword, staff and dagger training because…why not? View this post on Instagram When you see the boy you’re crushing on walk by. Hey boo A post shared by Mara (@maarawriight) on Nov 28, 2017 at 3:11pm PST In 2017, during the height of Moonlight ‘s award season run, Rhodes was asked by Baller Alert if he was dating anyone, and he used his character, Black (aka, Chiron) as an example to explain his thoughts on how love works — and to say he was single. “When you find the one — I feel like love is on a scale of one to 10. We settle for sixes and sevens [that’s] why we get divorces,” he said. “But when you find your 10, why would you waste your time with anyone else? You bust your a– to get it, and keep it. It’s amazing.” Looks like Rhodes has found his 10, y’all. Sign Up For Our Newsletter! Close Thank you for subscribing! Please be sure to open and click your first newsletter so we can confirm your subscription. Email Submit [ione_media_gallery src=”https://rickeysmileymorningshow.com” id=”1963386″ overlay=”true”] This story was originally published on MadameNoire.com . ALSO TRENDING ON RICKEYSMILEYMORNINGSHOW.COM : Rapper Shot And Killed In Houston See Lauren London’s Moving Birthday Note To Nipsey Hussle’s Sister Baby Shower Goals: Keyshia Cole Celebrates New Baby Boy On A Yacht [PHOTOS] Follow @TheRSMS
Source: Mongkol Nitirojsakul / EyeEm / Getty There are about a million reasons why. Perhaps people are considering the ways religion has been used to oppress people church membership across the entire nation has declined significantly . It might have something to do with people leaning into spirituality over religiosity. And being in church all my life, until today, I recognize that there is quite a bit of foolishness that transpires within the four walls of the church. There are some who would argue that we shouldn’t speak ill of the church, that we should seek to highlight the positive. While there is certainly more room to speak about all the good that has come to and through church. But if you love something or someone, you want them to do and be better. And that only comes through critique. With that in mind, we’ll be sharing some stories from church that will make you realize that the church has some work to do if they want to remain a viable entity in the coming decades. This first story of folly comes from a storefront church in a borough in New York City. This is not the church I currently attend but circumstances found me in this particular church one day. I consider myself in touch and in tune with my spirit and from the minute the pastor started speaking in this place, I knew it wasn’t where I needed to be. In fact, I had a physical reaction to being in the space. I was shaking with anxiety because I knew so much of what was happening, what was being said had very little to do with Jesus, his daddy or his homie the Holy Spirit. So I vowed never to set foot in there again. Luckily for me, it’s one I’ve been able to uphold. And after I learned of a subsequent issue from that church, I knew I’d made the right decision. Months after I’d attended and advised my friend to leave as well, he sent me a troubling voicemail. In it, the head pastor of the church, stood behind the pulpit and cursed the landlord and his family. Sign Up For Our Newsletter! Close Thank you for subscribing! Please be sure to open and click your first newsletter so we can confirm your subscription. Email Submit My friend recorded it: “Hear what I will proclaim here today. Let me give you the prophetic right now. This building—because of what he did to the church, any business that come in here will never prosper. I know y’all don’t like when I get in the prophetic but I will proclaim it as a prophet of God. I release it that nothing will prosper here. It don’t matter what they put. I release it and it shall be so. Watch and see. That hair salon that will come here? Six months. That liquor shop that they got planned for? Five weeks. Watch God. It will not stand. They will always have to have a sign up there and he will never get anyone to stay permanently. It will never happen. I curse this building. I curse it in the name of Jesus. Y’all don’t like it but that’s alright. I curse it today. Then, the pastor took it a step further. And I curse his loins! Someone in the congregation shouted, “Oh! That’s what I’m talking about.” The encouragement worked. The pastor continued, getting louder. “You mess with God and God gon’ mess with you! I saw today his firstborn will die! I curse this building by the blood of the lamb. Too long. Six years of hardship. You pay the rent and they still bother you. Six years of trouble and because of that, I release one of the greatest curse in this neighborhood.” The crowd claps and there are sporadic amens. “I say it in Jesus mighty name.” As the pastor takes her seat, someone laughs at the landlord’s pending misfortune. Then the next person stepping up with the pulpit quotes scripture to support the pastor’s claims, “Touch not God’s anointed. He didn’t understand, he’s going to understand now.” Text “RICKEY” to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news. ( Terms and conditions ). I don’t even have the time to break down the levels of wrong here. Do New York landlords have a tendency to be greedy, predatory and difficult? Yes. But squabbling over money before you ultimately decide to leave a space anyway, doesn’t warrant the death of this man’s firstborn child. For those of you a little rusty on your biblical stories, this curse on the landlord’s firstborn is a reference to Moses and Pharaoh. When Moses was trying to convince the Pharaoh to let his people leave bondage, God sent seven (or 10 depending on how you count) plagues to the land of Egypt. Water turned to blood. The kingdom was overrun with frogs, lice, and flies, livestock died, the people developed boils, there was hail, locusts, darkness and lastly the firstborn children in every family died—unless their house was covered by the blood of the lamb. Even if the landlord was a true asshole, I doubt he did anything as heinous as keeping an entire population of people in slavery. But the gag is, God sent those plagues. And He did it to prove that He was God. Not Moses. I think we all know that God is the only one who can give and take life. And a woman or man of God shouldn’t attempt to play God by cursing someone’s child over a piece of real estate. This story was originally published on MadameNoire.com . ALSO TRENDING ON RICKEYSMILEYMORNINGSHOW.COM : Rapper Shot And Killed In Houston See Lauren London’s Moving Birthday Note To Nipsey Hussle’s Sister Baby Shower Goals: Keyshia Cole Celebrates New Baby Boy On A Yacht [PHOTOS] Follow @TheRSMS
Source: Sony Pictures Animation / Sony Pictures Animation Black fathers and daughters will get a healthy dose of representation when they go to the movies this weekend. S hort animation film Hair Love will make its theatrical debut, playing ahead of The Angry Birds Movie 2 . The short film explores the relationship between Zuri and her dad as he attempts to style her natural hair, a feeling Black fathers know all too well. The short features Issa Rae, who lends her voice to a young Zuri’s mother. “Directed by Cherry (executive producer, “BlacKkKlansman”), Everett Downing Jr. (animator, “Up,” “WALL·E”), and Bruce W. Smith (creator, “The Proud Family,” animator, “The Princess and the Frog”), “Hair Love” is a collaboration with Sony Pictures Animation that was launched as a Kickstarter campaign in 2017 with a fundraising goal of $75,000. Strong support led to the campaign amassing nearly $300,000, making it the most highly-funded short film campaign in Kickstarter history,” reads the press release. “To see this project go from a Kickstarter campaign to the big screen is truly a dream come true,” says Cherry. “I couldn’t be more excited for ‘Hair Love’ to be playing with ‘The Angry Birds Movie 2’ in front of a wide audience and for the world to see our touching story about a black father trying to figure out how to do his daughters hair for the very first time.” Jordan Peele, Andrew Hawkins, Harrison Barnes, Yara and Keri Shahidi. The short’s associate producers include N’Dambi Gillespie, Gabrielle Union-Wade & Dwayne Wade Jr., Gabourey Sidibe, Stephanie Fredric and Claude Kelly. Catch Hair Love in theaters August 12. RELATED STORIES: Nafisah Carter Went From Doing Hair In Her Dorm To Being A Celebrity Hair Stylist The Ugly Problem With Chris Brown’s ‘Nice Hair’ Lyrics
Source: GUCCI / Ari Marcopoulos / GUCCI / Ari Marcopoulos Gucci is making good on their promises after what is being called the biggest faux pas in the fashion industry. The retailer has appointed a new executive to ensure they do right by all cultures. High Snobiety is reporting that the luxury brand has named Renée Tirado as their first-ever Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; previously she held the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer role for Major League Baseball. The announcement is a direct response to the now infamous blackface controversy in February where the Italian brand was selling a sweater with a roll up collar that evoked feelings of blackface. In a statement obtained by The Independent Tirado expressed her enthusiasm at the opportunity. “I am in the business of making human connections that start with the foundations of inclusivity, respect, and diversity to ensure Gucci remains culturally relevant and economically competitive. I am honored to join a company that puts these non-negotiable values at the forefront of their business model, not as a ‘nice to have’ but as a key component of its business strategy.” In addition to the appointment Gucci also implemented a diversity and inclusion program earlier this year that will help foster more diversity within their corporate team and hire more designers of color. 1/3 Gucci’s first four initiatives in a long-term plan of actions designed to further embed cultural diversity and awareness in the company. pic.twitter.com/xMIMn9PNDR — gucci (@gucci) February 15, 2019 Photo: GUCCI / Ari Marcopoulos
