Ryan Lewis – the hip hop producer best known for his work with Macklemore – revealed today that his mother is HIV positive. Lewis made the announcement today via Twitter in a statement that also includes a link to donate to the 30/30 Project – an HIV/AIDS research charity that he founded with help from Macklemore. In his statement, the Grammy winner revealed that his mother contracted the illness after receiving a blood transfusion in 1984. At that time, little was known about HIV and Julie Lewis’ prognosis was grim. She pulled through, however, and the name of Ryan’s foundation is a tribute to his mother’s 30 years of survival. Lewis concluded his statement by saying, “I am honored to be the first donor to the 30/30 Project…I am asking you to join my family and see how far we can take this.” AIDS research has progressed significantly in recent years with doctors suggesting a cure for HIV may be possible in the near future. Naturally, further research is still required and treatment for current victims remains a pressing concern. So while some hip hop stars busy themselves lint rolling their pants at basketball games, Ryan Lewis and Macklemore have clearly committed themselves to using their fame to promote an important and personal cause.
It's Justin Bieber's 20th birthday, and the Confident singer has a very special video announcement for all his Beliebers. Read more: An Important Birthday Announcement Video From Justin Bieber
Hilary Duff and Mike Comrie may have ended their marriage, but that doesn’t mean they have to spend time apart. Duff showed off what she called her “modern family” through an adorable vacation photo of Mike, her and their son Luca: “#modernfamily #vacation #juicypear” the 26-year-old mom hashtagged alongside it. HIlary and Mike split last month. After the announcement she tweeted: “Mike and I are sitting here, we are so appreciative for all of your kindness & well wishes. Not an easy day but we’re getting thru it together.” Her rep made a statement saying the pair “remain best friends and will continue to be in each other’s lives.” Looks like their friendship is going strong despite the break-up. Enjoy your fun in the sun, Hil!
Is Nicki Minaj about to face a little competition in the game? Remy Ma will be released from prison in July, according to her husband Papoose . The Brooklyn rapper made the announcement during a recent show. Reports Amy Traphouse: Bad gal rapper Remy Ma has been locked up for an assault charge since 2008, but according to her boo she is set to be released in a couple of months. Papoose announced at a recent show in Allentown, PA that his main girl will be coming home soon much to the delight to fans. “They locked my b*tch up for six years, but guess what? July she coming home,” Papoose said to the crowd prior to evoking a “Remy, Remy” chant… [ HipHopWired ] De La Soul To Unleash Entire Catalog For Free On Valentine’s Day Fans of De La Soul are rejoicing all around the world after the legendary trio announced it will be releasing its entire catalog for free on Valentine’s Day. The flood of music will mark the 25th anniversary of their debut album 3 Feet High and Rising next month, and will grant 25 hours for listeners to raid their vaults via the crew’s website. Rolling Stone got the exclusive from the crew, chatting with Posdnuous who explained the impetus behind the generous giveaway. While it is a show a good faith for fans supporting the crew for a quarter of a century, there’s another reason behind the deluge as well… [ HipHopWired ] Patti Labelle On Which Singers Inspire Her: “Not Many” Last month we told you about how Patti Labelle came for “all the little heifers” out here referring to themselves as divas. When in reality, they can’t sing all that well. Yikes. She didn’t name names though, so were left guessing about who she was referencing. But today, on “The Queen Latifah” show she spoke about the singers she actually admires today. See who she named and who she called a mini version of herself. Queen Latifah: What performers inspire you today? Patti: “Who’s awesome? I think Fantasia is awesome. She’s a mini me. You know, she kicks her shoes off before she starts the show. I said ‘Baby girl, wait until at least the seventh song.’ She says, ‘Mama, I like to kick em off when I get out there like you do.’ She is one of the people that you should watch. Of course, Christina Aguilera. Of course…umm not many. There are a lot of people that call themselves whatever. But we know best. You know, Dana…” [ MadameNoire ] Kendall Jenner Shows Them Nips Off On Marc Jacobs’ Runway [ TMZ ] Simon Cowell Wants His Baby To Have A British Accent [ StarPulse ] Tupac Shakur’s Biopic Will Begin Filming This Summer [ VIBEvixen ] Sochi Athletes Are Hooking Up Via Tinder In Their Spare Time [ TheDailyBeast ]
Michael Sam, the reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year, came out as gay tonight in interviews with ESPN and The New York Times. Simply put, “I am an openly, proud gay man,” the former Missouri defensive end say, adding: “I understand how big this is. It’s a big deal. No one has done this before. And it’s kind of a nervous process, but I know what I want to be … I want to be a football player in the NFL.” Michael Sam: I’m Gay Assuming Sam is drafted in May, he will accomplish this goal, becoming the first open homosexual to play professionally in America. “I didn’t realize how many people actually knew, and I was afraid that someone would tell or leak something out about me,” Sam said . “I want to own my truth. … No one else should tell my story but me.” Sam also said that his Missouri coaches and teammates have known about his sexuality since August. What was it like to come out to those around him at that time? “I was kind of scared, even though they already knew,” he said. Just to see their reaction was awesome. They supported me from Day One. I couldn’t have better teammates. … I’m telling you what: I wouldn’t have the strength to do this today if I didn’t know how much support they’d given me this past semester.” Last year, Jason Collins became the first active NBA player to admit he is gay. Considering his tough past in Texas – Sam saw his brother get shot; had an infant sister pass away; and has two other brothers in prison – the aspiring pro says “telling the world I’m gay is nothing compared to that.” And he’s prepared to his life to change as a result of the announcement. “I’m not afraid to tell the world who I am. I’m Michael Sam: I’m a college graduate. I’m African American, and I’m gay,” he said to conclude his ESPN interview. “I’m comfortable in my skin.”
Dayum, that was quick Terrell Owens Secretly Weds Postal Worker Bride Chick is a postal worker and got him to put a ring on it super quick…she must have some really good box. According to Radar Online: After a very short engagement, former NLF star Terrell Owens secretly married his postal worker bride at a Norwalk, Calif. courthouse on Thursday, RadarOnline.com is exclusively reporting. Owens, 40, and Rachel Snider, 33, tied the knot in front of one witness and both wore blue, an insider tells Radar. The father of four (from four separate women) confirmed the marriage to Radar. Snider only just confirmed her engagement to the reality TV star on Jan. 20, posting the announcement on her Facebook page. Congrats to the happy couple.
He’s known for stealing bases, but Los Angeles Dodgers leftfielder Carl Crawford has officially stolen Evelyn Lozada’s heart. The couple is engaged! Lozada, best known for starring on Basketball Wives and for her roller coaster relationship with former NFL star Chad Johnson, made the announcement on Instagram today, posting a photo of her engagement ring along with one simple word: YES! Earlier this month, Crawford was identified as Lozada’s baby daddy . “I’m overjoyed and in complete and utter shock!” Lozada tells People . “What a different year and a half it has been – I’m truly happy!” And who wouldn’t be with an engagement ring that looks like this? The thing is comprised of 14.5 total carats! According to Evelyn’s rep, the proposal took place on Christmas Day and also took Lozada by total surprise. “HappiestGirlInTheWorld,” the bride-to-be wrote alongside with another photo of the ring. We send the engaged duo our very best wishes. They join Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union as a sports-based couple that is newly betrothed.
Florida State University quarterback and Heisman Trophy candidate Jameis Winston will not be charged for sexual assault. State Attorney Willie Meggs made the announcement today…
