Source: Thomas Trutschel / Getty To all the upcoming artists out there trying to get your music heard , there’s a new opportunity on the horizon and it has the potential to change your life. Today, TIDAL announced TIDAL Unplugged, “an unprecedented million dollar artist grant program dedicated to building emerging artists’ careers,” funded by Mark Lampert (BVF Partners L.P.) & Robert Nelsen (ARCH Venture Partners). While the first go ’round will only accommodate local Detroit artists , TIDAL plans to expand the program into other markets moving forward. So, what are the details? “TIDAL Unplugged will kick off in Detroit, where Lampert’s grandfather started his musical career. Local artists will have the chance to submit their music through TIDAL to receive part of the million dollar grant,” the subscription-based streaming service stated via press release. “The artists chosen will each work with the TIDAL Unplugged team to create a personalized program aimed to cover resources needed to further their musical career. The grant can cover living expenses, equipment, studio time, and more as well as access to expertly guided recording and creative resources. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity allows aspiring musicians to chase their dreams as well as dedicate more time and energy to pursuing a career as an artist.” “Working with TIDAL and utilizing the resources provided, the finalists will develop and finish four songs for distribution. Once the tracks are complete, they will exclusively premiere on TIDAL and receive promotion through its TIDAL Rising program. Artists will maintain 100% ownership of recording masters. As part of TIDAL’s mission to support rising artists with unique opportunities to grow their fan bases, the finalists will perform their songs in a TIDAL Unplugged showcase in November,” TIDAL states. So, how do I apply? “Beginning March 1, 2019 Detroit residents can apply on TIDAL.com/Unplugged ,” the press release goes on to state. “Artists from all genres are encouraged to submit, but music must be performed acapella or acoustically and must not rely heavily on digital elements. The finalists will be announced in May. Following a pilot run in Detroit, TIDAL aims to expand the program into other markets.” “The TIDAL Rising program is incredibly special to everyone at TIDAL – from the interns to the artist-owners — we recognize the power of streaming and the importance of supporting and encouraging emerging musicians,” said Jason Kpana, TIDAL SVP of Artist Relations, in the press release. “Being able to expand the program to support musicians in an authentic and substantial way is truly an honor.” Get your audition tapes ready…
Source: Charley Gallay / Getty After 8 longs months of a Desus & Mero drought, the Bodega Hive is about to be blessed with a brand new show from their favorite duo. Desus Nice and The Kid Mero are finally returning to television with their Showtime premiere tonight at 11pm, following their hiatus after leaving a nearly 2 year gig at VICELAND . Even though the duo still uploaded their podcast, Bodega Boys, weekly while on hiatus, fans are still understandably thirsty for the return of the visual art. Now that February 21 is here and we’re all only a couple of hours away from a hot & fresh interpretation of Desus and Mero’s classic late night banter, fans all over the internet don’t know how to contain their excitement. From their daytime appearance on The View yesterday to them overcoming some spicy challenges on Hot Ones today, all of these teasers have the Bodega Hive’s anticipation at an all time high. Knowing just how insanely unfiltered Desus and Mero’s content is, it’s probably a no-brainer that their fanbase is pretty problematic, too. With that being said, let’s take a look at how fans are reacting on Twitter to all of the excitement surrounding tonight’s premiere of Desus & Mero on Showtime: Finally the end of a dark period of time in our country. Desus & Mero's new show starts tonight. — Wizard Ocular (@WVGauntlet) February 21, 2019 You know, the hiatus of Desus & Mero was at the same time as a lot of messed up stuff happening with our country–coincidence? I think not. But New Yorkers are more proud of them than anyone else. Because, ya know, the Bronx. Desus & Mero on showtime start tonight. I feel like this is an accomplishment for all New Yorkers — Willie Carroll (@WILLIECtheMC) February 21, 2019 And there are some real concerns to be had, like keeping that same energy they had at VICELAND . Desus & Mero on showtime better be as good or better then it was on Vice, cuz it was Classic on Vice | Tonight at 11 — C R O M E (@Cromexmusic) February 21, 2019 While some of us are just in straight up disbelief because it’s been so long since we’ve been blessed by the Bodega gawds. When you realize Desus & Mero is finally back on our TV sets pic.twitter.com/rcE0v5J6UR — Shervon Fakhimi (@ShervonFakhimi) February 21, 2019 anyway, don’t let this distract y’all from the fact Desus & Mero are back tonight. — Reggie E. (@firstklass_regg) February 21, 2019 And of course, there’s just some real, raw excitement. The Bodega Hive is on Cloud 9. DESUS & MERO ARE BACK TONIGHT THE WAIT IS FINALLY OVER AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA — transplant disliker (@lameposter) February 21, 2019 Desus & Mero premieres tonight nothing else matters — Gert (@parkergert) February 21, 2019 I feel like we all should be watching Desus & Mero tonight as a unit… — Goddess (@aricayvette) February 21, 2019 Oh, and lots and lots of Desus & Mero GIFS. New Desus & Mero tonight pic.twitter.com/JuMYksSc0s — LastElfofKrypton (@GodofKrypton) February 21, 2019 HAPPY DESUS & MERO DAY @SHODesusAndMero @desusnice @THEKIDMERO #THEBRANDISSTRONG pic.twitter.com/OYAH7rO2Pm — ○KungFu Candy☆ (@BRITTNY9000) February 21, 2019 Whatever way you express your excitement for tonight’s Desus & Mero return, just know, there’s probably someone on Twitter who’s just as excited and probably wildly problematic. In the meantime, while we all wait for that new Showtime goodness, peep Desus and Mero on Hot Ones being even more spicy than usual. And if you haven’t gotten your premium cable subscription yet–it’s time to bite the bullet; If you really think about it, $4.99 is nothing for an endless amount of Trumpito jokes, hot takes, and throwback City Island stories.
Source: VALERIE MACON / Getty Emotions are high following reports from the Chicago Police Department that Jussie Smollett staged his January 28 attack. Reactions from political commentators, social media users, and celebrities close to Smollett have opened up conversations about hate crimes, the trustworthiness of police and the power of the media. As we reported earlier and according to Jussie’s interview with Good Morning America last week, the Empire star says he was picking up food from Subway one night when someone called him a racist and homophobic slur. Jussie was then allegedly attacked by two masked men who poured an unknown substance on him and put a noose around his neck. The alleged incident sparked social media outrage and at first, the CPD reported that they were treating Smollett like a victim. But now, according to ABC7 , police are saying Smollett paid two Nigerian brothers $3,500 to stage his attack. The 36-year-old is now being charged with one count of felony disorderly conduct for filing a false police report. Jussie turned himself in to authorities on Thursday and if convicted, he can face up to three years in prison and substantial fines. In a press conference, Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said Smollett staged the incident because he was “dissatisfied with his salary.” Jussie allegedly staged his attack with the Osundairo brothers — one of them was Smollett’s personal trainer while the other one was an extra on Empire. S urveillance footage shows the brothers purchasing the ski masks allegedly used in the attack, and it also shows them buying a red ball cap and gloves. Even before the alleged attack, police claim Jussie faked a letter he received on the Chicago set of Empire that included racist and homophobic statements. The letter, which was sent on January 22, is currently in the FBI crime lab for analysis. According to an ABC7 legal analyst, Jussie could also face charges for the letter if it’s proven to be a hoax, and he could possibly serve up to five years in prison. All this updated information has caused a roller coaster of emotions from people. 20th Century Fox and Fox Entertainment released a statement Thursday morning reading: “We understand the seriousness of this matter and we respect the legal process. We are evaluating the situation and we are considering our options.” Meanwhile, some people are already labeling Smollett as guilty even before a trial has started: https://twitter.com/missnemmanuel/status/1098647071241003009 Others are already hoping he’ll see prison time if found guilty… If found guilty, Jussie Smollett should not only serve prison time, but he should also be forced to pay back every cent to the Chicago PD that was spent on his hate crime hoax. — #ThePersistence (@ScottPresler) February 21, 2019 Then, of course, people like Trump used Jussie’s case as another excuse to defend MAGA minions. . @JussieSmollett – what about MAGA and the tens of millions of people you insulted with your racist and dangerous comments!? #MAGA — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 21, 2019 But despite how bleak everything seems, there are still people supporting Jussie no matter the outcome of the case. I don’t pretend to know what really happened. But I continue to pray for Jussie’s physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. I also continue to support and BELIEVE the victims of hate crimes, sexual assault, other forms of violence. https://t.co/qcoebf3i7n — Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) February 21, 2019 I’ve been vocal about this situation & my love for Jussie & his entire family. I will continue to hope for the best for everyone involved as things continue to unfold. And I, like all of you, will watch them unfold. But believing victims is always the right choice. Always. — yvette nicole brown (@YNB) February 21, 2019 Many people continue to remain supportive, especially because of the Chicago Police Department’s long history of corruption. The cover-up of Laquan McDonald ‘s murder by Chicago officials and the almost 20 years of Chicago police torture cases serve as two examples of CPD’s corruption. The Chicago PD has dedicated immense energy to arresting Jussie, versus waiting 13 months to release the tape of 17yo Laquan McDonald being shot by a Chicago Police Officer. The dash cam video of the shooting showed McDonald had been walking away from the police when he was shot. https://t.co/rGqXaNSqrz — Eliza Orlins (@eorlins) February 21, 2019 Some people even gave personal examples of not being treated fairly by the CPD… Let me say this as a black, gay ex-Chicago resident (not reporter): A few years ago my neighbors spewed racist and homophobic epithets at me and friends, lit a grill under my porch and tried to smoke us off. Chicago police wouldn’t let me even file a report. — Zach Stafford (@ZachStafford) February 21, 2019 Superintendent Eddie Johnson also annoyed a lot of people when he spoke about the Jussie case, saying , “I just wish that the families of gun violence in this city got this much attention because that’s who really deserves the amount of attention that we’re giving to this particular incident.” Ironcially, CPD has had a low homicide clearance rate even before the Jussie case. According to ABC7 , only a reported 17 percent of murders were solved in 2017 alone. So once again, the CPD has a history of not being good, and some social media users let this be known. *Looks at CPD clearance rate* Lmao https://t.co/MydJ8UpNhW — JBG (@jeauxsef_) February 21, 2019 Chicago handled this Jussie case fast as hell. You done showed your cards CPD, fix your clearance rate now. #JussieSmollettHoax — Jennyfer (@TheNavigaytor) February 21, 2019 Chicago PD has murdered people with guns and covered it up, though. https://t.co/QyOVNt1J6k — Bree Newsome Bass (@BreeNewsome) February 21, 2019 I'm pretty sure the murder of Laquan McDonald and the cover up carried out from CPD to the mayor's office as well as decades of systemic racism against Black Chicagoans has done more to “damage the image of Chicago” than the Smollett case has. — Bree Newsome Bass (@BreeNewsome) February 21, 2019 Meanwhile, Jussie’s family still seems to be supporting him, with his siblings Jazz, Jake and Jocqui showing up to Chicago court on Thursday for Jussie’s bail hearing . Even some of Jussie’s celebrity friends are continuing to keep him in their prayers. Tyler Perry spoke on Jussie’s situation on Facebook and used the disappearance of Terrance Williams and Felipe Santos as an intro: “How I wish that the disappearance of Terrance Williams and Felipe Santos could get half as much attention as this Jussie Smollett thing. I have personally spoken to Jussie, and he is adamant that he’s telling the truth. Also, everyone that I know who knows him says that he is not the kind of person who would make up such a horrible and awful thing. Yet the evidence seems to state otherwise. I’m lost for words. To stoke fears and raise racial tensions is wrong in every situation on ALL SIDES! Yet my prayers are still with him and his family and our Nation. CAN WE PLEASE STOP THE HATE!” Sides will surely continue to be taken. But Jussie’s defense urges people to acknowledge due process before coming to any conclusions. In a statement, Smollett’s lawyer wrote: “Like any other citizen, Mr. Smollett enjoys the presumption of innocence, particularly when there has been an investigation like this one where information, both true and false, has been repeatedly leaked. Given these circumstances, we intend to conduct a thorough investigation and to mount an aggressive defense.” The saga continues.
Text “RICKEY” to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news. ( Terms and conditions ). Stevie J and Faith Evans have been happily married for a couple months and he recently gave out some juicy details about what goes down in their bedroom. The “ Love & Hip-Hop ” star mentioned that they used to have sex three times a day, but he recently had to up it to five times a day. 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 Gary With Da Tea believes that’s a lot of sex in one day, but Headkrack reminded him that they don’t work regular hours. We all know from watching Stevie J on television that he has plenty of love to give. SEE ALSO: Gary’s Tea: Kevin Garnett Is Allegedly Not Trying To Pay Spousal Support To His Ex-Wife, Tamar Braxton Wins “Celebrity Big Brother” & More K. Michelle recently didn’t show up to a gig and decided not to give the promoter back his money. Reports state that while K. Michelle was out a fan walked up to her and then handed her over a subpoena. Da Brat and Rickey Smiley mentioned that they will hand you over that paper no matter where you are. Make sure you listen to all of Gary’s Tea up top! See photos of Gary With Da Tea below! ALSO TRENDING ON RICKEYSMILEYMORNINGSHOW.COM : Jussie Smollett Turns Himself In Over Disorderly Conduct Charge [PHOTO] Wendy Williams To Return To Her Talk Show After Long Break Barack Obama Spent His Presidents’ Day With John Legend, Chrissy Teigen, And Ayesha & Stephen Curry [Photos] [ione_media_gallery src=”https://rickeysmileymorningshow.com” id=”1924281″ overlay=”true”] Follow @TheRSMS
A crazed White woman, whose being dubbed #sidewalksally, violently attacked a biracial family who was having a photoshoot for their daughter in the park. Footage shows Kelyn Isaiah Allen and their one-year-old daughter Anja, who was dressed in an adorable pink outfit, were interrupted when a barefoot Franci Neely approached them and disrupted their shoot before trying to strike the father. View this post on Instagram TSR STAFF: Thembi! @ThembiTV_ _____________________________________ Imagine trying to have a cute little birthday photoshoot for your 1-year-old daughter, and a #SidewalkSally ruins that moment for you. That’s what happened to Kelyn and Isaiah Allen when they were rudely interrupted as they were taking pictures of their daughter, Anja. _____________________________________ Y’all, they had it all set up. Balloons, a blanket, and all of that on a beautiful sidewalk. Everything was going well until a woman identified as Franci Neely confronted them because she was reportedly upset that they set up their props on the sidewalk. Watch the video to see how it all unfolded! : @thewallflowr | @insideedition A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom) on Feb 20, 2019 at 4:16pm PST Neely, the ex-wife of the Houston Astros owner Jim Crane, inherited $30 million from their divorce. Anja can be heard screaming on the footage as Neely curses and attempts to move their setup before slapping the father’s camera away. ‘About 35 minutes into our 1hr shoot we heard a voice shouting in our direction – and when we turned to look it was this woman rolling up in her car, shouting through her window: “You are trampling the grass that WE pay for”,” the Allens told Click2Houston . According to the couple, she was yelling things like, “You’re trampling the grass, that we pay for, you need to leave,’ even though we were on the walkway talking the picture.” She continued to complain they were on private property. “(She was) very aggressive, in our face. It was escalating to the point where my wife suggested I start recording.” Apparently there were other photographers taking photos in the area. “It was pretty quiet. There were some other photographers taking pictures, people walking their dogs, couples, so it was pretty peaceful, pretty quiet,” Allen said. “A lot of people said, ‘Cute baby.’ They were smiling, that sort of thing.” What was supposed to be a joyous occasion turned terrible, but we have a feeling this family can expect a big pay day soon thanks to Neely. That $30 million will come in handy. RELATED STORIES: #PermitPatty: White Woman Calls Police on 8-Year-Old Black Girl Selling Water Oakland Has Another Message For ‘BBQ Becky’
Source: South China Morning Post / Getty Don’t have $32,000 off the rip to drop on the upcoming Tesla Model 3, well if this is rumor pans out, you will be able to lease Elon Musk’s electric vehicle. According to Electrek , an internal email sent to employees indicates the company is prepping its workers for some sort of leasing program that could possibly kick off in as little as two weeks. Tesla responded to the online publication verifying the program’s existence without finalizing its kickoff date confirming it will happen somewhere around those dates pointed out in the document. Per Electrek : “This is simply an internal document to ensure teams are prepared for when we eventually introduce a leasing option to customers. No decision has been made about when Model 3 leasing will be available, but it will definitely be after the dates outlined in this document.” To add more fuel to the fire, reports pointing to the company cutting down its delivery team hinting that Tesla has pretty much fulfilled all reservations to customers who have placed their orders on the vehicle. Plus in a series of Tweets from CEO Elon Musk which included a photo of 4,000 Teslas waiting to be shipped off to Europe while boasting that his company will be pumping out probably 10,000 cars per week this year. 4000 Tesla cars loading in SF for Europe pic.twitter.com/BODbSzo3Fr — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 20, 2019 Meant to say annualized production rate at end of 2019 probably around 500k, ie 10k cars/week. Deliveries for year still estimated to be about 400k. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 20, 2019 So if this is true, get ready to see a lot of more Teslas on the road. Will you be leasing one of the popular electric car models? Let us know in the comment section below. — Photo: South China Morning Post / Getty
Join Our Text Club To Get The Latest Music, Entertainment, Contests And Breaking News On Your Phone. Text BALTIMORE to 24042 to join! Source: VALERIE MACON / Getty UPDATE 8:00 PM: Jussie Smollett has now been charged with filing a false police report according to CBS Chicago . It’s a crime punishable up to 1.5 years in prison. He is expected in bond court tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. Felony criminal charges have been approved by @CookCountySAO against Jussie Smollett for Disorderly Conduct / Filing a False Police Report. Detectives will make contact with his legal team to negotiate a reasonable surrender for his arrest. pic.twitter.com/LvBSYE2kVj — Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) February 21, 2019 ORIGINAL 2/20/19 5:32 PM: Case Update: Jussie Smollett is now officially classified as a suspect in a criminal investigation by #ChicagoPolice for filing a false police report (Class 4 felony). Detectives are currently presenting evidence before a Cook County Grand Jury. pic.twitter.com/FhDcbBKsuU — Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) February 20, 2019 Chicago Police have now named Jussie Smollett as a suspect in his own alleged attack. He could be facing charges related to filing a false police report. Right now, detectives are presenting evidence before a grand jury. This comes after surveillance video showed the brothers who allegedly helped Smollett stage the attack buying items TMZ said were used during the incident. Press play below and watch as Ola and Abel Osundairo check out at the counter, piling up the items, which include ski masks, gloves, bandanas, sunglasses and red hats. Related: Did Jussie Smollett Stage His Own Attack? EXCLUSIVE: I tracked down surveillance of the Osundairo's buying supplies before “attack” Sources say Jussie Smollet told brothers what to buy. Countless phone calls placed for this. Visited more stores than I wish to admit. @cbschicago https://t.co/GT6h2g6Y9a pic.twitter.com/ULr3UTDe9Q — Charlie De Mar (@CharlieDeMar) February 20, 2019 Related: Jussie Smollett’s ‘Empire’ Screen Time Reduced In Wake Of Attack Investigation At one point Abel pulls his hoodie over his head, attempting to hide his face, but he’d already been seen clearly on the video. According to CBS Chicago , the brothers bought these items the day before the “attack” on Smollett. Meanwhile, Jussie Smollett has kept quiet. This, while his future on ‘Empire’ may be hanging in the balance . [ione_media_gallery src=”https://92q.com” id=”4042211″ overlay=”true”]
Source: Amy Sussman/ Getty Images for CDGA / Getty Ruth E. Carter Nominated For Best Costume Design At Academy Awards This Black History Month we have been sharing stories of notable black women worthy of so much love and recognition and costume designer Ruth E. Carter definitely fits the bill! Carter is currently nominated for the Best Costume Design award at this Sunday’s Academy Awards for the work she accomplished with ‘Black Panther’ . This is actually her third nomination (her first was in 1993 for her work on Spike Lee’s Malcolm X). Source: Stefanie Keenan/ Getty Images for CDGA / Getty Carter was also honored with the career achievement award Tuesday night at the Costume Designers Guild Awards. Judith Light, Halle Berry and Danai Gurira were there to present her. “Some of your peers get awards all the time or are at the top of the heap, and you’re trying to climb your way up. You wonder what they think of you and your films. You wonder if they’ve been watching,” Carter said in an interview with the Hollywood Reporter about the honor. “So that’s, to me, the affirming award that says ‘We love you.’” Source: Stefanie Keenan/ Getty Images for CDGA / Getty Carter told HR the best recognition she could receive is from the kids who proudly sported Black Panther costumes last Halloween, after years of America prioritizing Superman, Batman and Spiderman. “When we designed a superhero that was a black man and a kingdom that was in Africa, it took those children to a place where they could claim and they could fly. And it’s the best honor anybody could ever be bestowed,” Carter says. “They knew the spirit and they all secretly hoped some of the Black Panther power would be bestowed on them just by wearing the clothes. … They were so ready for it. We knew they were ready for it. And we gave it to them.” She added that catering to Marvel fans has raised the bar for her work: “I was working for Marvel, I was like ‘Oh my God, I’ve got fans to answer to.’” Hit the flip for more details about Ruth E. Carter including what’s next for her.
In cased you missed the Vitamin of the day on the Quick Silva Show…The Vitamin was ” If You Want To Feel Rich Just Count Your Blessings.” There’s a saying that says “comparison is the thief of all joy.” When we use our time to compare what we have to other people we always feel in a space of loss. If you begin to look your life from a place of gratitude you can change your whole preceptive. If you want to watch the full vitamin watch the full vitamin video above.
It’s been four years since August Alsina gave an official interview, and so much has gone on in the star’s life since then. The Shade Room caught up with the “I Luv This” singer and he dished on everything fans have been wanting to know during his hiatus, including the status of his relationship with Jada Pinkett-Smith and how he’s been holding up since his sister’s death. Aug got emotional when asked how he’s been feeling: “I’m going through my process. I’m going through my journey. And I’m not looking for any sympathy because I know that God has me even when I feel that God doesn’t. Even when I’m talking to God in a rage and I can’t hear God responding to me. I’m just in a space where I know that there are certain things you can learn about God through suffering.” The tears continued to fall as he opened up about getting custody of his nieces after his sister’s death. “While I’m suffering, and while I’m watching my nieces suffer — who are my kids now— to hear them tell me ‘I want my mother and I want my father’. And them seeing me as a person who can always fix something for them. And this is a situation that I can’t fix. I just continue to walk by faith and not what I see. Because people are dying.” Fortunately, it looks like August is back in good spirits since the emotional interview. We’ve been praying asking for details on where we’re going..&God says “JUST START WALKiNG! &WHILE you are walking WITH ME I will fill you in on what I want you to do. Walk w/your feet, &listen in your HEART, &before you take the next step, I will give you the next command” pic.twitter.com/wFEbr5CaOP — August Alsina (@AugustAlsina) February 19, 2019 We’re rooting you, August! Prayers up for the young king.
