Image via Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images/Bennett Raglin/WireImage Geoffrey Owens Donates The $25,000 Nicki Minaj Gave Him To Actors’ Charity Nicki Minaj is a woman of her word, (when she’s not telling lies about having the #1 album in the country) the Queen finally ponied up that 25 racks she vowed to give to ‘Cosby Show’ actor and Trader Joe’s employee Geoffrey Owens . According to TMZ , Owens had no interest in taking Onika’s pity, especially considering he has so many roles lined up after his story went viral. Being that he wants to work for his, he figured that the money could still go to really good use. The $25,000 will be donated to the Actors’ Fund, a charitable organization that helps struggling actors when they are in need. The Actors’ Fund pays for the Actors’ Home which is near and dear to Geoffrey’s heart for a very valid reason: “I would like to give this donation of 25k to the Actor’s Fund in memory of the late, great Earle Hyman — who played Cosby’s father, ‘Russell’, on “The Cosby Show” — who lived his last many years and died at the Actors’ Home, (funded and run by the Actor’s Fund). I am extremely grateful to Nicki Minaj for enabling struggling actors to continue pursuing their dreams.” Good on everybody.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities such as Howard University in Washington DC, Spelman College in Atlanta, GA, and Florida A&M University have been producing leaders for generations. From the Ph.D.’s stepping out of Morehouse College to the lawyers pushing through from Southern University in Louisiana, waving the HBCU flag sends a powerful message! Behind the brilliance are another wave of graduates who have paved their way through the entertainment industry and earned their star…Let’s salute the celebrities who credit HBCU’s for guiding them. Source: Frazer Harrison / Getty Taraji P. Henson , Howard University Daring. Bold. In your face – now what? We all love a bossy, flashy, unapologetic woman that loves to stir up some drama – at least on television. That energy explains why Cookie from the hit series Empire is iconic. Her untouchable role explains why fans keep tuning into the show. Everything about her character proves that she is a force to be reckoned with. But did you know that this stellar actress is degree’d up? Taraji P. Henson graduated from the prestigious HBCU, Howard University with a degree in theater. Black girl power at its finest. Source: Shareif Ziyadat / Getty K. Michelle , Florida A&M University She may bring the drama on Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta and Love & Hip-Hop: New York, but this beautiful songbird also brings the brains when it comes to the books. Did you know that K. Michelle, who many consider to be overly vocal at times, received a full ride to attend Florida A&M University simply because of her vocals? An honors student who majored in Psychology, K. Michelle also had her sights on law school. She turned down the corporate world because of her musical interests. Good move. Source: Paras Griffin/Getty Images Entertainment / Getty Keisha Knight-Pulliam , Spelman College Little Rudy, professionally recognized as Keisha Knight-Pulliam from the 80’s-90’s hit, The Cosby Show is a proud Spelman College alum. Armed with a degree in Sociology, the stunning actress who has spent most of her life behind the lens is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Source: Fred Watkins / Getty Oprah Winfrey , Tennessee State University She doesn’t need a long introduction, because she is a mogul, a maven, and everything in between. Oprah Winfrey, who made her mark in the media arena is also a graduate of Tennessee State University. During her tenure, she majored in Communications and went on to host her own TV show, before diving into her OWN network and the magazine publishing space. A real success story, and black billionaire at that – we have to tip our hat when it comes to her monstrous work ethic and hustle. Source: Andrew Toth / Getty Anika Noni Rose , Florida A&M University Florida A&M University has pushed out some of the brightest alums, such as singer K. Michelle. Another actress who can add graduate to her portfolio is Anika Noni Rose, who starred in Dreamgirls. The theater major, who also starred and won rave reviews for her role as Tiana in Disney’s The Princess and the Frog has also starred as a bad girl in Starz, Power! Talk about switching it up. Source: Michael Tran / Getty Omarosa Manigault , Howard University She’s tough on politics. She’s tough in business. She’s even tougher on reality TV. Hate or love her, Omarosa Manigault is educated in every sense of the word. The former ‘Apprentice’ star and now author, boasts degrees from two HBCU’s. She holds a Master’s degree in Communications from Howard University and a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. She also holds a license to preach.
Courtesy Tray Chaney Just in time for Bounce TV’s World Premiere 3rd Season Of #SaintsAndSinners April 8th 9pm on BOUNCE TV, TRAY CHANEY’s got a new VIDEO release. The video “S.A.M (Strictly About Music)” co-stars THE TROWER SISTERS (Shawnette & Shawnvette) Identical TWIN Models. What did you think?
Dance Stars Ayo & Teo Drop Headphone & Speaker Collection With Fanstereo Dance pros Ayo & Teo have partnered with lifestyle brand Fanstereo to release their own capsule collection of consumer electronics. The functional line features two types of headphones, one leather-bound and the other mobile earbuds, as well as a bluetooth speaker. The electronics are priced from $99 to $139. “Ayo and Teo, they are a hybrid group, and we’re a hybrid headphone,” Fanstereo’s CEO Jay Leopardi told us. “It’s been a beautiful marriage.” The brothers, who appeared in Usher’s “No Limit” video and whose own song “Rolex” went platinum last year, greenlit the collab not only because Fanstereo’s products have gained a rep for high quality with a focus on research and development, but also because the headphones are made to stay put if you’re on the move, Leopardi said. “They are in the dance movement, and there’s no other headphone that you can dance in without them falling off your head,” Leopardi said. “I think they are the new Justin Biebers for that type of music. That’s why Usher messes with them. They are talented artists and we sign talented artists.” The company has launched 30 to 40 celebrity capsule collections to date (like a collab with Boosie Badazz and an “Art of Rap” collection with Cypress Hill, EPMD, Tone Loc and Biz Markie) and count Stevie Wonder and comedian Eddie Griffin among its fans. Will you be wearing the new headgear? Hit the flip for more pics from the collection:
Cardi debuted the first video from her upcoming “Invasion of Privacy” album during Monday night’s episode of Love & Hip Hop Atlanta . Are you feeling this one? Getty/YouTube
Ever since Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively got married back in 2012, the actors have served as the embodiment of #CouplesGoals. Aside from the fact that they’re both absurdly photogenic, Ryan and Blake seem to have the kind of lighthearted rapport that enabled A-list couples to navigate the rough waters of Hollywood monogamy. But despite – or perhaps because of – the fairytale appearance of Blake and Ryan’s marriage, a new tabloid report has the couple on the verge of calling it quits. According to OK! magazine, Reynolds and Lively are contemplating divorce due to the strain placed on their marriage by his work schedule. “The past few years, Ryan’s been working out of town while Blake stays home with the kids,” a source tells the tabloid. “The distance between them has taken its toll.” A believable enough scenario, we suppose. But if there’s any truth to OK’s claims, it comes as news to Reynolds, who denied the report in the sarcastic fashion that’s long made him one of the most amusing celebs on social media. “I wish,” Reynolds tweeted in response to the article. “I could use a little ‘me time.'” Reynolds’ sardonic tone might come as a surprise for those who don’t follow him on Twitter and who know him best from his pre- Deadpool work as a lead in romantic comedies. However, those who have enjoyed his social media antics know this is all very on-brand for the actor. This is, after all, the same purveyor of comic gold who’s been known to make fun of his fans’ crappy boyfriends and encourage followers to get his name tattooed on their ass. Needless to say, Ryan’s tweets are not to be taken too seriously. By all accounts, however, Ryan and Blake take their marriage and their duties as parents quite seriously. Late last year, lively opened up about the struggles of raising two children despite a pair of very hectic work schedules. “My husband and I don’t work at the same time, so we all go together as a family,” Lively told People magazine. “If we’re away as a family, it’s never more than for a day. We stay together.” Sounds like Lively and Reynolds won’t be calling it quits anytime soon – but that doesn’t mean he’ll stop lovingly roasting his wife on Twitter. View Slideshow: 22 Reasons Ryan Reynolds Owns Twitter
(Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) Artist Group Indecline Released Live Rats In A Trump Hotel Room A notorious group of anti-Trump artists’ latest piece is a heist-style installation, which involves live rats and a Trump impersonator being handcuffed. And the cherry on top, it all takes place in a Trump hotel in New York City. The group is named Indecline, you might know them from their work creating/installing the infamous naked Trump statues or turning the president’s Westchester golf course into “Trump Cemetery.” The group checked into a one-bedroom suite at the Trump International hotel at around 4pm on Thursday and smuggled in suitcases filled with props and materials. The seven artists then “dismantled everything,” which includes taking apart furniture and taking objects off the walls, then stashing everything in the bedroom. Next, they hung temporary wallpaper to make the walls appear like cracked concrete, later building up a 5ft by 8ft jail cell, where they scattered McDonalds wrappers and released live rats….yuck. One of the group members commented on the work saying, “I’m sure police would be here and arrests would be made. There’s no irreparable damage, but they place is unrecognizable.” The source said that because they paid for the room and they left everything as they found it, no laws had been broken. “The big question is the rats. They’re not emotional support rats. I’m sure it’s a health code violation, but I’m not sure what kind.” A group member told Page Six that the project was designed to “celebrate the Unites States’ history of activism and protest.”
(Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) Artist Group Indecline Released Live Rats In A Trump Hotel Room A notorious group of anti-Trump artists’ latest piece is a heist-style installation, which involves live rats and a Trump impersonator being handcuffed. And the cherry on top, it all takes place in a Trump hotel in New York City. The group is named Indecline, you might know them from their work creating/installing the infamous naked Trump statues or turning the president’s Westchester golf course into “Trump Cemetery.” The group checked into a one-bedroom suite at the Trump International hotel at around 4pm on Thursday and smuggled in suitcases filled with props and materials. The seven artists then “dismantled everything,” which includes taking apart furniture and taking objects off the walls, then stashing everything in the bedroom. Next, they hung temporary wallpaper to make the walls appear like cracked concrete, later building up a 5ft by 8ft jail cell, where they scattered McDonalds wrappers and released live rats….yuck. One of the group members commented on the work saying, “I’m sure police would be here and arrests would be made. There’s no irreparable damage, but they place is unrecognizable.” The source said that because they paid for the room and they left everything as they found it, no laws had been broken. “The big question is the rats. They’re not emotional support rats. I’m sure it’s a health code violation, but I’m not sure what kind.” A group member told Page Six that the project was designed to “celebrate the Unites States’ history of activism and protest.”
Ebenezer releases visual for “Stats” featuring Col3trane, lifted from debut EP Bad Romantic . The video premiered earlier today via Complex UK, the video sees Ebenezer and Col3trane drenched in moody lighting weaving through secret corridors and London backdrops as the song unfolds. Watch HERE . “My good friend Dir.Lx and I had so much fun making this. Can’t wait for you to hear more of what’s to come,” speaks Ebenezer. Bad Romantic grips you from first listen and truly showcases his own signature UK rap aesthetic. An ode to real romance, the EP jumps from energetic deeper trap sounds on tracks like “Till I Die” and “Catch Feelings” and transitions to slower vibes with more emotive tracks like “South of France” and “Nostalgia,” overall rounding this project off as a stunning first EP from Ebenezer. In a few short years Ebenezer has worked with the likes of Rejjie Snow , Jeremih , Ty Dolla $ign and Craig David. With a string of successful tracks released last year such as “F**K IT,” “Survival” and “Cliché,” Ebenezer is carving his own unique path – one of emotionally tinged R&B with hints of trap, completely void of the usual pretence that’s flooded the genre. In a way, it could be described as conscious turn-up music, but without a holier than thou message. The project sets Ebenezer apart from everyone else, as someone from London with a story to tell. Born in Homerton, Ebenezer spent most of his childhood at a cousin’s house in Hackney along with his brother and sister. While his mother was busy holding down three jobs, Ebenezer and his brother spent most of their free time listening to music, watching MTV Base and learning to produce.
I keep forgetting that Dove Cameron is an “actress” and not just the next Bella Thorne /professional Snapchatter. But according to my sources, these shots are from her new role on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and I’m sure that news has got you all nerds excited, but I don’t really care what comic book character she’s playing. Here’s hoping the writers figure out a way to ditch the leather suit and epaulettes and get her in a bikini next episode. It’s all about playing to your actors’ strengths. And in Dove’s case, that’s definitely her bikini body , not her acting ability.
