Entertainment
Usher, LL Cool J and More Named to BMAC 2024 Gala Winners – Essence
Photo credit: Michael TRAN / Arturo Holmes / Alberto E. Rodriguez for Getty Images
Today,Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) announced the star-studded lineup of honorees for the 2024 BMAC Gala, which is able to happen on Thursday, September 19, on the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, California.
Hip-hop legend LL COOL J will receive the Clarence Avant Trailblazer Award, Usher will probably be honored with the Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award, and the BMAC Social Impact Award will probably be given to Scott Mills, Louis Carr, Constance Orlando and Kimberly Paige. BeyGood CEO Ivy McGregor will receive the BMAC Change Agent Award, and Live Nation will take home the BMAC 365 Award.
“To receive this award from an organization that is making such great strides toward racial equality and justice in the music industry is an honor,” said LL COOL J. “Clarence Avant was a true legend. He and I were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame the same year and he was like a father to me, so it’s a full circle moment and a really special feeling.”
Hosted by entertainment and lifestyle expert Kenny Burns, this annual event will have fun passionate artists, executives, and activists who’re playing a critical role within the fight for racial equality and social justice of their communities and who’re using their platforms and resources to make a positive impact on society.
“We are thrilled to celebrate this year’s honorees, who have used their talents, platforms and resources to make a positive and significant impact on social and racial justice around the world,” said Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, co-founder, president and CEO of BMAC. “This year’s Gala comes at a pivotal time for our industry and our country. Now, it is more important than ever to recognize these incredible accomplishments and unite the entertainment industry to use our collective voice to inspire necessary change.”
At the identical time because the Gala in September, BMAC may even release the third edition of its highly anticipated series Music Industry Performance Assessment Cardwhich is a measure of responsibility for actions taken by the music industry and its leaders to support Black employees and contribute to racial justice initiatives.
For more information concerning the Black Music Action Coalition and the BMAC Gala, please visit bmacoalition.org. For sponsorship/table opportunities, please email info@bmacoalition.org.
Entertainment
Gary Owen’s response to Kendrick Lamar’s lyrical threat to white comedians talking about black women draws stern warning from fans
After last 12 months’s defeat to Drake on “Not Like Us,” rapper Kendrick Lamar caused one other storm with the surprise release of his latest album, “GNX.”
The 12-track project, which landed without warning on November 22, caused a storm not just for its good lyricism, but in addition for its sharp commentary on cultural dynamics.
One line specifically from the opening track “Wacced Out Murals” caused controversy: “Don’t let any white comedian talk about a black woman, it’s the law.”
A line from the album’s opening song caused a wave of shock on the Internet. While some thought it was directed at white comedian Andrew Schulz, who has been heavily criticized for his controversial comments about black women, fellow white comedian Gary Owen decided to join the conversation.
Owen, who has been touring with Black comedians because the Nineteen Nineties (including performing popular stand-up specials on BET’s “Comic View”) and has 4 Black children, posted a photograph on his Instagram he wrote“If this is the law, that makes me a criminal.”
This daring move gave the impression of a giant mistake for the “Ride Along” actor, who publicly admitted to cheating on his black ex-wife, allegedly together with his recent black wife, Brianna Johnson. Even today, he talks a lot about his ex-wife, Kenya Duke, during a few of his comedy sketches that she asked him to stop mentioning her.
Likewise, a lot of his 2.1 million fans didn’t feel it.
“Gary, sit down. This is not for you,” one person wrote of their comments section, while one other warned: “Hold carefully lol.”
A 3rd comment read: “You’re too comfortable.”
Two others said: “And this is why you all should stop giving away all these free tickets. Too comfortable in spaces and conversations where he doesn’t belong” and “Yes, I should have kept that in the draft.”
Some tried to distract from the warmth by saying, “He’s talking about Andrew Schulz, you’re good.” Another joked: “You have the get out of jail free card, Gary, however the damage has already been done.
It is unclear whether Owen knew about Schulz’s story and was almost canceled.
In July, Schulz hosted James Duncan and Fuhad Dawodu’s podcast “Shxtsngigs” on his show “Flagrant.”
The group joked about the so-called “black girl effect,” during which black women supposedly “light up” their white boyfriends by improving their style. Schulz went further, joking that black women “complain” and are “stressful.”
Kendrick Lamar criticizes Andrew Schulz in recent song because he made fun of Black Women:
– “Don’t let a white comedian talk about black women” pic.twitter.com/fhUgSHjrVb
— Fear Gator 🔥 (@FearGator) November 22, 2024
Talking about white boys’ recent hairstyles, he said, “they’re shaving their hair because it’s starting to fall out because he’s so stressed out being around this black girl who complains all the time.”
Duncan and Dawodu laughed together before the white comedian continued his joke: “They grow beards because they need a pillow after they get hit. I feel the black girl effect could also be a protective instinct.
Since not one of the Black hosts corrected him or laughed, they were met with a barrage of backlash that forced them to apologize.
Black women around the globe were expected to get up and defend them. Other popular names resembling ESPN host Ryan Clark have weighed in on the controversy.
Clark was quick to dismiss Schulz and stated that perhaps his connections to people like Charlamagne Tha God made him feel “too comfortable.”
Addressing the difficulty on “The Pivot” podcast, he said he didn’t care whether it was a giant deal for Duncan and Dawodu to meet the “Flagrant” host. He also explained the Black woman’s experience and why the joke wasn’t funny.
I’m unsure what a black woman experiences @andrewschulz it had, however it wasn’t the true “black girl effect”. Insulting black women and describing them as whiny and aggressive isn’t only unfaithful. This is disrespectful. Worse yet, James Duncan and Fuhad Dawodu allowed him… pic.twitter.com/2gQQRPSCYd
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) September 19, 2024
It seems that is why the “Not Like Us” rapper’s bars just hit the mark.
“GNX” is a conversation that celebrates Lamar’s unparalleled artistry, but in addition opens a dialogue about cultural boundaries, responsibility and respect.
It’s unclear whether Schulz will address the criticism, but one thing is obvious to fans: Kendrick Lamar doesn’t just make music — he speaks out and challenges anyone who says something. Owen might want to take his fans’ suggestion to watch out – this is similar man who almost ended Drake’s profession.
Entertainment
Re-revealing photo of Snoop Dogg with ‘Baddies’ star sparks outrage among fans who bring up his past infidelities
It’s no secret that Snoop Dogg was seen as a competitor even in his youth, and now a photo released has seemingly confirmed just that.
The West Coast rapper was seen posing with “Baddies” star Scotty with the Body in a photo that circulated online on November 21. The photo of Snoop standing next to Scotty with a tin in his mouth, holding a peace sign with one handcrafted fans remember Snoop’s dog habits, as his other hand rested comfortably on Scotty’s back.
The photo was clearly old because Scotty’s face looked much younger when it was taken and her body even looked different. This topic got here up in April and most recently in the previous few days.
However, many focused fans couldn’t help but notice Dogg’s hand position, writing“I don’t understand how his wife can stay with him. There isn’t enough money in the world. The positioning of his hands is extremely disrespectful.”
Someone else who shared the identical feelings he wrote on RealityTv BlogSpot reposted the photo on Instagram. They said, “Oh, hell, I’m going back to bed. This photo really pissed me off. Black man, you may have an excellent wife at home and now she must see this picture.
Another said: “Scotty young resides her best life. She does what many of us did with her age difference. He messes with people to choose up his bag. This is a fan photo. Don’t let your uncle drag you into any mess. with Scotty the boss, who is just having fun being a nasty guy because she should pay the bills and look good while paying them.
Whether it was a moment for fans or not, few desired to know, “Why is her hand…?” and “Why is his hand on her… if she’s just a fan taking a photo?”
Still, many got here to Snoop’s defense, including one who said, “Guys, calm down! Snoop couldn’t tell if it was her back or hers.
Scotty with BODY 🔥🔥🔥 @ScotlyndRyan #BaddiesMidwest pic.twitter.com/RcQZcJYtsC
— Zeus Network TEA ☕️ (@ZeusNetworkTea) October 6, 2024
In contrast, one other said: “You can say what you would like, but we see where that hand is, this will not be fan activity. You can say whatever you would like too, but this will not be fan activity, that is Scotty with nobody next to him.
Dogg, real name Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., has been married to his highschool sweetheart, Shante Broadus, since 1997. However, their relationship was not all the time a fairy tale.
Already on the very starting of their marriage, the couple needed to deal with several cases of Shante being cheated on by Dogg. Four days after their first wedding anniversary, Dogg welcomed a son with one other woman. At this point, he and Shante already had two sons. They decided to remain together, and the couple later gave birth to their daughter Cori.
However, in 2004, their marriage hit a rocky patch, resulting in the “Young, Wild and Free” rapper filing for divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences.” It seems, nonetheless, that their marriage was reconcilable and in 2008 they got back together and renewed their wedding vows.
About a decade later, Dogg was criticized by model and influencer Celina Powell, who revealed their sexual relationship by sharing pictures, photos and text messages. Powell is usually known for giving interviews on various platforms and unapologetically talking about rappers and artists she has slept with.
But Dogg has all the time spoken highly of his wife over time and much more recently.
Just in September, Doggfather he ejaculated about Shante in an interview with People magazine.
He said: “In such relationships, the beginning is bumpy because success is something new for both of them. I want you to be a part of some things and some things I don’t want you to be a part of to protect you. But not knowing that she should have been there the whole way to protect (me).”
Snoop further added, “Over time you learn, ‘OK, you are on top of things. Manage this, manage that, because I make bad decisions. She is my good and my evil.
Entertainment
Fans are declaring that Katt Williams is now Tyler Perry’s “Nemesis” after the comedian purchased a former military base just like Perry once did for his studio
Katt Williams is now, no less than partly, considered a Hollywood whistleblower, but he desires to be known for calling the shots.
According to reports, the Emmy-winning actor and comedian is doing just that after purchasing a property that will house his own film studio.
“I can’t reveal the amount or the exact location yet, but I can confirm that he purchased a former military base in Alabama,” Williams’ publicist Amy Sisoyev confirmed. AL.com.
Various media reports, equivalent to the outlet mentioned above, focused on Fort McClellan in Anniston, which was listed for sale for $1.5 million. The 3-million-square-foot property includes 10 barracks, several buildings and 90 acres of flat, undeveloped land.
Williams was reportedly a frequent visitor to the purchase. “This is a visionary endeavor and we look forward to the evolution of this historic site under his leadership,” said Connie Alexander, Luxe Group broker representing the seller.
The comedian first revealed his plans to grow to be a Tyler Perry-like mogul in a recent interview GQ published on November 20.
Regarding his plans for the studio, the Money Mike actor said: “It’s not fair that we’re putting this much pressure on Tyler Perry. There’s only a lot he can do.”
Earlier this 12 months, the billionaire entertainment mogul was amongst the celebrities named in Williams’ explosive “Club Shay Shay” discussion with host Shannon Sharpe.
Katt Williams killed two birds with one stone until Rickey Smiley and Tyler Perry in dresses
Not a single f was given 😂😂😂
pic.twitter.com/EMtHo8gY6i— P. Against the world🤘🏿🕊 (@chillin662) January 3, 2024
Perry, a producer and director who also writes all of his projects, purchased most of the former Fort McPherson military base in 2015. The 330-acre installation positioned in southwest Atlanta is currently home to Perry’s state-of-the-art Tyler Studio.
The “Madea” star movies his shows and films on campus, which also rents out its quite a few sound stages to outside productions. Perry’s name got here up as Williams addressed a rift between him and fellow comedian Rickey Smiley over a decades-old film role.
The stand-up comedian told Sharpe: “I signed a contract saying I won’t work with Rickey Smiley again unless he’s in a dress. What was Rickey Smiley’s next movie? Was this the “first Sunday”? Was he wearing this dress? I bet you do; it’s in my contract. In this respect, he is a credible actor. He and Tyler Perry cannot play man to save lots of lives. They are played by good women and I imagine that the best actor should play the best role.
These demeaning words resurfaced as social media users reacted to news of the takeover. “The same guy who said that TP is now doing….nvm” – we read in certainly one of them tweet.
Second user he stated“Good for Katt. I’m glad they’re learning from Tyler Perry, the man in the dress. Tyler was first, he’s 50 now (it wasn’t a former military base, but you get the idea) and Katt. Continue to use your dress money to set an example for Tyler. “I can’t wait for Katt to introduce the community.”
50 Cent had the honor of getting his day in Shreveport, Louisiana after purchasing several properties, including G-Unit Film & TV Studios.
Tyler Perry just gained Katt Williams as his studio owner/arch-nemesis, and that was exactly the news I needed today. 😭😭😭 https://t.co/H547LtVWED
— Sassington, MC (@MissSassbox) November 22, 2024
And the third individual he tweeted“Anti-tyl3r Perry and I feel that Katy will allow new, new BLACK talent to tell their stories here too, instead of being the only one making videos here.” But much more wrote messages congratulating Williams on his business enterprise.
At least one person saw the Emmy winner’s entry into the executive entertainment sphere as a likelihood to bring recent talent to the forefront.
“Please hire new writers and production staff. “This could be a really innovative move for Black filmmakers,” this person said he wrotethis sentiment was echoed by Loni Love after Perry’s “Black Divorce” premiered on Netflix.
“I love that Tyler is now paying black actors. “I wish he had hired black writers and directors with experience to help him with his films,” she wrote in X in July.
At this time, it is unclear when Katt Williams will begin to make progress in transforming military land. In the meantime, fans can expect to see him on the road again starting in January with his “Heaven on Earth” tour.
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