Tag Archives: Obama

The Obamas Sign Deal With Spotify To Produce Podcasts

Posted on June 8, 2019 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

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T he Obamas are out here securing the bag. After inking a book deal worth over $65 million with Penguin Random House and signing a multi-year agreement to produce films and shows for Netflix, the couple is now joining forces with Spotify to produce podcasts, CBS Chicago reported. Obamas Sign Exclusive Podcast Deal With Spotify https://t.co/jKZOTRU2QO pic.twitter.com/n9Drk5ALiT — CBS Chicago (@cbschicago) June 7, 2019 The Obamas signed a deal with the audio streaming platform through their company Higher Ground Productions. They launched the company in 2018 as an avenue to bring diverse narratives to the entertainment industry. Through the series of podcasts that they will produce, they hope to cultivate dialogue surrounding important topics and give individuals from underrepresented groups the platform to share their stories. “We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to amplify voices that are too often ignored or silenced altogether, and through Spotify, we can share those stories with the world,” former first lady Michelle Obama said in a statement. “Our hope is that through compelling, inspirational storytelling, Higher Ground Audio will not only produce engaging podcasts, but help people connect emotionally and open up their minds—and their hearts.” Former president Barack Obama added that he hopes the podcast conversations will bring individuals closer together. The leadership team at Spotify is excited to collaborate with the Obamas. Executives believe they are amongst the most impactful and influential individuals in our country and the content they produce will be nothing short of compelling. “It is a privilege to be working with them to identify and share stories that will inspire our global audience,” said Dawn Ostroff , the company’s Chief Content Officer. “Connecting people with original and thoughtful creators — especially those with the ability to highlight underrepresented and indispensable narratives — is at the core of our mission.” Their podcasts are slated to be released next year. SEE ALSO: Here’s How The Obamas’ Netflix Deal May Impact Their Net Worth Details On Barack & Michelle Obama’s Record-Breaking Book Deal [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3853200″ overlay=”true”]

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Regina Hall Refused To Tell A Joke About Whitney Houston’s Drug Use On “Black Monday”

Posted on May 29, 2019 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

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Source: Andrew Toth / Getty Recently, during a roundtable sit down with The Hollywood Reporter , Regina Hall discussed quite a few things about her Hollywood journey. She shared the moments that make her realize that she’s made it, playing well-rounded women on television and then lastly, she spoke about speaking up when things don’t feel right for her. SEE ALSO:  Actress Regina Hall Receives Honorary Degree From Dillard University There was a specific instance on her show, “Black Monday,” where they wanted Hall’s character, Dawn Darcy, to make a joke about the late pop-singer Whitney Houston. Text “RICKEY” to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news.  ( Terms and conditions ). She said, “There was a joke, and I can’t remember, but it was a joke I think about drugs and it was about Whitney Houston, and I was like, ‘I don’t want to say that. Artists give so much … and so to make fun of what was a challenge and an illness. … The great thing about our writers is they were like, ‘Absolutely. We’ll just do something else.’” 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 It’s a good thing they were willing to hear her out. We can think of some other people who should take notes. Looking at you Chris Rock. SEE ALSO:  Regina Hall Explains How She Once Had A Crush On Her Gynecologist [EXCLUSIVE VIDEO] When Houston passed, perhaps e didn’t realize the gravity of addiction. Maybe, as a society, we didn’t recognize that addiction is a disease, that changes the physiological structure of our bodies. But because it begins with a choice people often lack sympathy. And that’s really unfair and insensitive. Certainly writers can come up with funnier, more responsible, less cliched jokes. Source: MadameNoire.com [ione_media_gallery src=”https://rickeysmileymorningshow.com” id=”1992246″ overlay=”true”] ALSO TRENDING ON RICKEYSMILEYMORNINGSHOW.COM : Tasha Smith Confirms She’s Dating OMAR from ‘The Wire’ Sasha Obama Gets Glamed Up As She Goes To Prom [PHOTOS] Meet Rihanna’s 67-Year-Old FENTY Campaign Model JoAni Johnson [PHOTOS] Follow @TheRSMS

Regina Hall Refused To Tell A Joke About Whitney Houston’s Drug Use On “Black Monday”

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Meet Rihanna’s 67-Year-Old FENTY Campaign Model JoAni Johnson [PHOTOS]

Posted on May 28, 2019 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

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JoAni Johson is dispelling the myth of high fashion models needing to be young and supple to get booked. The booked and busy 67-year-old recently slayed the campaign for Rihanna’s LVMH FENTY line launch. Rihanna handpicked the senior-aged model herself to help push boundaries with the imagery in her inaugural FENTY luxury line campaign. The teaser, which features Rih as the director, indicates that FENTY is for everyone regardless of age, size, race, and gender. JoAni Johnson is hair GOALS. Her hair is gorgeous. I’ve been stalking her IG page. pic.twitter.com/nSFaZECwAE — Dee, The Creator (@TheDeeNicole) May 27, 2019   Text “RICKEY” to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news.  ( Terms and conditions ). At 67 years old, JoAni Johnson was hand-picked by Rihanna herself to become one of the fresh faces of Fenty Maison with the upcoming “Release 5-19”. Rihanna's first step towards luxury fashion. Showing women that our beauty doesn't have to come with an expiration date pic.twitter.com/cuVg8EnamQ — Mics&Melanin (@MelaninMics) May 25, 2019 In the commercial, 5 foot 4 and 1/2 model JoAni Johnson looks just as fly as the other diverse group of models in Rihanna’s luxe clothing line. A New Yorker that has lived many lives, Johnson told Elle Magazine that she walked her first runway at age 65. @rihanna Casts 67-Year-Old Model & @Ozwald_Boateng favourite JoAni Johnson in 1st @FentyOfficial Campaign, celebrating beauty in all its shades, forms & ages. Love. Use the power of fashion to make society more inclusive. #diversityrules #beautyisdiverse https://t.co/Fsq78Sud3M pic.twitter.com/0GklRubXCG — Janice Deul (@JaniceDeul) May 24, 2019 Can you even tell she’s somewhat new to this?     In the past few years, Johnson has since been landing campaigns from luxury lines like Pyer Moss, Ozwald Boateng, and now FENTY. She better WERK! 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 Source: Bossip.com ALSO TRENDING ON RICKEYSMILEYMORNINGSHOW.COM : Keke Palmer Reveals She Had Abortion Sasha Obama Gets Glamed Up As She Goes To Prom [PHOTOS] From Lil Romeo To Mr. Miller: A Look At Romeo’s Transition Over The Years [PHOTOS] Follow @TheRSMS

Meet Rihanna’s 67-Year-Old FENTY Campaign Model JoAni Johnson [PHOTOS]

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Tamera Mowry-Housley And Husband Adam Have A Reality Series Coming About Their Family

Posted on May 28, 2019 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Source: Nicky Nelson/WENN.com / WENN While she’s already a co-host of The Real, Tamera Mowry-Housley has a new series in the works that she’s excited about, and it involves her husband, Adam Housley . She told Hollywood Life in a new interview that they have their own family reality series coming up, among a few other big opportunities. “A few things are in the works that I’m excited about,” she said. “The one thing I can talk about is Adam [Housley, 47, Tamera’s husband] and I are working on a YouTube/digital reality series about our family which we are very excited about.” Text “RICKEY” to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news.  ( Terms and conditions ). This show comes at a good time for Adam, who recently left Fox News and has been focused on taking care of his family’s wine business, Housley’s Century Oak Winery in Lodi, Calif, which he has co-ownership of. Tamera claimed that one of the reasons her husband departed the conservative network was because of how people on it were focused on sharing everything but the facts. “The issue with a lot of these opinionated shows is I feel like they’re more focused on riling people up with the state of their opinion instead of reporting the news, you know what I mean?” 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 The family show sounds cute, but as for the one show that has to do with family that folks really want to see, and we’re talking about that possible Sister, Sister  reboot, Tamera shared that the story would need to be a great one for them to feel comfortable trying to mess with their beloved series. “We would love to see a Sister, Sister reunion, but timing is everything and the material has to be 100 percent right, otherwise what would be the point?” she said. “The show is iconic so the reboot needs to be amazing or we need to leave it alone.” I think we can all agree on that. [ione_media_gallery src=”https://rickeysmileymorningshow.com” id=”1925210″ overlay=”true”] Source:  MadameNoire.com ALSO TRENDING ON RICKEYSMILEYMORNINGSHOW.COM : Keke Palmer Reveals She Had Abortion Sasha Obama Gets Glamed Up As She Goes To Prom [PHOTOS] From Lil Romeo To Mr. Miller: A Look At Romeo’s Transition Over The Years [PHOTOS] Follow @TheRSMS

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Tamera Mowry-Housley And Husband Adam Have A Reality Series Coming About Their Family

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How To Prep To Meet Your Soulmate

Posted on May 28, 2019 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

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Source: Stockbyte / Getty Oh, the desire to meet “the one.” The idea of meeting your “soulmate” is one of those fairytales that even adult cynicism can’t destroy. Because there are billions of people in the world and a billion decisions being made hourly that affect the course of human lives, running into “them” is rare and miraculous. So how do you get ready for the serendipitous moment when you bump into your person? YourTango expert Esther Bilbao, relationship, health, and personal development mentor gives a couple of tips so you an be prepared. 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 Know Yourself How will you even begin to identify the traits you need in a partner if you don’t know what you want? Get very clear on what a soul match would feel like for you, away from the noise of everyone else’s desires and wishes. Once you know who you are, you can be more discerning about who is vibrating on the same wave as you are. Accept Your Flaws If you don’t love yourself, how can you expect a partner to rock with all your quirks too? This doesn’t mean getting complacent when it comes to your weak areas and stop evolving, but it does mean not beating yourself up or berating yourself for being imperfect. You Are What Your Attract Relationships can serve as beautiful mirrors to our inner world. If you want someone who is loving and kind, make sure you are cultivating those attributes in yourself. Enjoy Being Single Love does not grow in desperate places. Enjoy your life as it is and fill the space with things you love. Investing in your own passions, dreams and ambitions draws in like-minded people, and those connections could be friendly or romantic! Basically the more you appreciate your own life, the more people will be drawn in to join your party. BONUS Pray about it! [ione_media_gallery src=”https://rickeysmileymorningshow.com” id=”1823333″ overlay=”true”] ALSO TRENDING ON RICKEYSMILEYMORNINGSHOW.COM : Keke Palmer Reveals She Had Abortion Sasha Obama Gets Glamed Up As She Goes To Prom [PHOTOS] From Lil Romeo To Mr. Miller: A Look At Romeo’s Transition Over The Years [PHOTOS] Source:  MadameNoire.com Follow @TheRSMS

How To Prep To Meet Your Soulmate

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Mo Money: Fugees Co-Founder Pras Michel Indicted For Illegal Donations To Obama Campaign

Posted on May 11, 2019 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Source: Slaven Vlasic / Getty Pras Michel Charged In Obama Campaign Donation Scheme Former Fugees member Pras Michel has been charged with campaign finance violations that took place during the 2012 United States presidential race. According to the four-count indictment, Pras has been accused of funneling foreign money to a super PAC that allegedly supported Barack Obama’s reelection campaign. According to reports from TMZ , the legal document doesn’t specifically mention Obama’s name, but does point to a number of instances where the artist was photographed with the former president. Federal prosecutors are accusing the Fugees co-founder of conspiring with Malaysian businessman Jho Low to hide the source of these funds. The scheme is said to have involved using falsified records to funnel millions of dollars from foreign accounts to the U.S. That money ended up being split up among “straw donors,” who would then proceed to make small, more discreet donations to the PAC over time. “Mr. Michel is extremely disappointed that so many years after the fact the government would bring charges related to 2012 campaign contributions,” Pras’ attorney Barry Pollack said about the incident in a statement to CNN . “Mr. Michel is innocent of these charges and looks forward to having the case heard by a jury.” Michel is facing charges of conspiracy, making a false statement, and two counts of falsifying records. Pras and Low were both named in the DOJ’s investigation of the 1Malaysia Development Brand scandal. “According to the allegations in the complaint, Michel and [former Justice Department official George Higginbotham] defrauded U.S. financial institutions and laundered millions of dollars into the United States as part of an effort to improperly influence the Department’s investigation into the massive embezzlement and bribery scheme involving 1MDB,” Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski  said in 2018 . “The Criminal Division and our law enforcement partners will do everything we can to trace, seize, and forfeit the proceeds of foreign corruption that flow through the U.S. financial system.”

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Toddler’s Amazement Of Michelle Obama’s Portrait Inspires New Children’s Book

Posted on May 4, 2019 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

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L ast year an image of toddler Parker Curry staring at the National Portrait Gallery’s painting of former First Lady Michelle Obama in astonishment took over the internet and visually illustrated the power of representation. That special moment—which was captured by a museumgoer—is now the inspiration behind a new children’s book, People reported. 3-Year-Old Girl Turns Viral Moment with Michelle Obama Portrait Into Sweet Children's Book https://t.co/paX6kk0Vm6 — People (@people) May 2, 2019 The book, titled Parker Looks Up , chronicles the adventure of two youngsters who go on a museum trip and are infatuated by the art that they come across during their outing. Parker—who is now 3-years-old—created the book with the help of her mother Jessica Curry . Curry says her daughter’s memorable experience speaks volumes about Michelle Obama’s influence and she was inspired to go beyond the photo and share the moment with youngsters through literature. “Parker’s every day moment became an extraordinary one, and my sincerest hope is that our book will continue to resonate that moment’s power and promise, its hope and dreams, its inspiration and indelible impact with Parker, her generation, and generations to follow,” she said in a statement, according to the news outlet. “After all, with their inner and profound insight and wisdom, our children are truly our future.” Parker’s viral photo captured the attention of Obama and since then the families have developed a special connection. The two met in person last year and shared a dance and Parker even got a Twitter shout-out from the former first lady after sharing a photo of her Michelle Obama-inspired Halloween costume. Parker, I'm so glad I had the chance to meet you today (and for the dance party)! Keep on dreaming big for yourself…and maybe one day I'll proudly look up at a portrait of you! pic.twitter.com/faUVTsYWun — Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) March 6, 2018 The Obama portraits have been a major draw for visitors at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. In March, it was reported that the portraits—which were created by artists Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald —were instrumental in helping the Smithsonian museum break a visitor record. SEE ALSO: Obama Portraits Help Break Visitor Record At The National Portrait Gallery Michelle Obama’s ‘Becoming’ Could Become The Best-Selling Memoir In History [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3851872″ overlay=”true”]

Toddler’s Amazement Of Michelle Obama’s Portrait Inspires New Children’s Book

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The Obamas Finally Reveal All The Projects They’re Working On At Netflix

Posted on April 30, 2019 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

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Source: Supplied by WENN.com / WENN Via Madamenoire : Barack and Michelle Obama surprised all of us last year when they announced a multi-year production deal with streaming conglomerate Netflix which would include scripted series, documentaries, feature films and docuseries. On Tuesday, along with their production company Higher Ground, the former POTUS and FLOTUS laid out the seven projects that will soon be released under their imprint, according to  Shadow And Act . Text “RICKEY” to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news.  ( Terms and conditions ). “President and Mrs. Obama launched Higher Ground last spring to create content that embodies the core values of celebrating the human spirit through struggles and triumph; facing adversity through resilience, determination, and hope; lifting up  new   voices and stories to bring about change; and transcending divides to bring us together.  The projects selected are a reflection  of these values and  a  commitment to  quality  storytelling.  Higher Ground expects to make additional project announcements in the coming months,” reads a statement from the company. 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 “ We  create d  Higher Ground to  harness  the power of storytelling. T hat’s why we couldn’t be more excited about  these projects ,” President Obama said. “Touching on issues of race and class,  democracy and civil rights, and much more, we believe each of these productions  won’t just  entertain,  but  will  educate, connect, and inspire us all.” “We love this slate because it spans so many different interests and experiences, yet it’s all woven together with stories that are relevant to our daily lives,” Michelle Obama said. “We think there’s something here for everyone—moms and dads, curious kids, and anyone simply looking for an engaging, uplifting watch at the end of a busy day. We can’t wait to see these projects come to life — and the conversations they’ll generate.” SEE ALSO:  Michelle Obama Praises Beyonce For ‘Homecoming’ Doc: ‘Girl, You Make Me So Proud’ Among the projects include a feature film adaptation of David W. Blight’s Pulitzer Prize winning book,  Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom , Bloom,  a drama that will explore the challenges presented to women and persons of color during the World War II era,  American Factory , a documentary which will explore life in Ohio after a Chinese billionaire opens a factory in the former General Motors plant, an adaptation of the New York Times Obituary series  Overlooked , which pays tribute to people whose deaths went unreported by the paper, a series titled  The Fifth Risk: Undoing Democracy , based on a book by author Michael Lewis,  Crimp Camp , a documentary which will explore life at a camp for disabled teenagers and  Listen to Your Vegetables & Eat Your Parents , a 30 minute series for preschoolers. “President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama and the Higher Ground team are building a company focused on storytelling that exemplifies their core values,” said Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer of Netflix. “The breadth of their initial slate across series, film, documentary and family programming shows their commitment to diverse creators and unique voices that will resonate with our members around the world.” [ione_media_gallery src=”https://rickeysmileymorningshow.com” id=”1962275″ overlay=”true”] ALSO TRENDING ON RICKEYSMILEYMORNINGSHOW.COM : K. Michelle’s Surrogate Confirms She’s Carrying Twins [VIDEO] John Singleton Passes Away At 51 Oprah Winfrey Drops $10,000 On A Wedding Dress For One Of Her Former Students Follow @TheRSMS

The Obamas Finally Reveal All The Projects They’re Working On At Netflix

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Joe Biden Announces He’s Running For President In 2020 [VIDEO]

Posted on April 25, 2019 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

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Source: Getty If you guessed Joe Biden would be running for president in 2020 , you guessed right!   Text “RICKEY” to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news.  ( Terms and conditions ). After much speculation, the former Vice President announced that he will be running for president in a campaign video released early this morning (April 25) that denounced White supremacy and the way Donald Trump handled the Charlottesville riot in 2017 and supported equal rights and dignity in America.   “He said there were quote some very fine people on both sides,” he said. “With those words, the President of the United States assigned a moral equivalence between those spreading hate and those with the courage to stand against it. And in that moment, I knew the threat to this nation was unlike any I had ever seen in my lifetime.” 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 In what was positioned as a “battle for the soul of this nation,” Biden said “the core values of this nation, our standing in the world, our very democracy, everything that has made America, America, is at stake. That’s why today I’m announcing my candidacy for President of the United States.” Watch the announcement below:   Trump welcomed Biden with an insult:   Welcome to the race Sleepy Joe. I only hope you have the intelligence, long in doubt, to wage a successful primary campaign. It will be nasty – you will be dealing with people who truly have some very sick & demented ideas. But if you make it, I will see you at the Starting Gate! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 25, 2019 And the news comes days after   Sen. Elizabeth Warren shared her plans to eliminate student loan debt if she were president.  [ione_media_gallery src=”https://rickeysmileymorningshow.com” id=”1734658″ overlay=”true”] ALSO TRENDING ON RICKEYSMILEYMORNINGSHOW.COM : Donald Trump Just Offered Joe Biden The Fade Donald Trump’s Most Ridiculous Spelling Mistakes Elizabeth Warren Details Proposal To Eliminate Student Debt Follow @TheRSMS

Joe Biden Announces He’s Running For President In 2020 [VIDEO]

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Running These Streets: L.A. Road Will Be Renamed “Obama Boulevard” In Upcoming Street Festival

Posted on April 24, 2019 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Source: Pool / Getty Barack Obama Will Get A Street Named After Him In Los Angeles The city of Los Angeles is showing Barack Obama some major love with the unveiling of Obama Boulevard on May 4. The ceremony will be complete with a street festival for the people. Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson announced the news in a tweet on Tuesday: “It’s here! Join us May 4 for the Obama Blvd. naming ceremony and street festival! The event is FREE to the public but tickets are limited, so sign up to reserve your spot today.” Wesson then provided a link to RSVP for the festivities. It’s here! Join us May 4 for the Obama Blvd. naming ceremony and street festival! The event is FREE to the public but tickets are limited, so sign up to reserve your spot today https://t.co/1cy9WRt8ad #ObamaFestLA #ObamaBlvd pic.twitter.com/JgRgfkSlLF — L.A. City Council President Herb Wesson (@HerbJWesson) April 23, 2019   A few names are expected to attend the event, including L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti and Democratic Rep. Karen Bass (Calif.). The announcement comes after the Los Angeles City Council voted in August to rename the city road currently known as Rodeo Road to Obama Boulevard. At the time, Garcetti tweeted that he was thrilled “that Angelenos and visitors will forever be reminded of the legacy of President @BarackObama when traveling across L.A.” It’s no surprise Garcetti was rooting for Obama Boulevard either. Garcetti worked as a California co-chairman for Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign and he was also endorsed by the former president during his reelection campaign in 2017. There’s no word if Obama himself will pop up for the event, but surely he’ll take a stroll down his own road in the near future!

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