Entertainment
This week’s best new music: Victoria Monét, KAYTRANADA, Jaden Smith and more – Essence
Happy Friday, people. This week’s new music releases offer an exciting number of talent and collaborations across several genres.
Today, Victoria Monét continues her incredible yr with a deluxe edition , while Tee Grizzley delivers thrills featuring the likes of J. Cole, Tink and Fridayy, amongst others. A$AP Ferg, Future and Mike WiLL Made-It join forces on the electrifying “Allure,” and Leon Bridges returns along with his soulful self-titled album. Today’s list also includes releases from Kian Ledé, Jaden Smith, Lecrae and more.
You can try today’s new tracklist below.
Entertainment
Denzel Washington takes talk show host to his seat over offensive claims he was an alcoholic – in new clip
Hollywood legend Denzel Washington has long been known for his dignified presence, each on and off the screen.
In a 2004 aired interview on “The Parkinson Show,” the Oscar winner answered demeaning questions with grace and humor, though the host’s line of questioning seemed to reinforce stereotypes about black men.
The interview, intended to promote Washington’s then-film “Man on Fire,” took a turn when host Sir Michael Parkinson suggested that Washington had struggled with alcoholism and possible gang involvement in his youth.
The exchange began with Parkinson stating that Washington didn’t need to “explore” the alcohol facets of his character due to his own alleged experience. He played the role of a person named John W. Creasy who struggles with alcoholism. He attempts to take his own life while battling his past actions as a former CIA agent and Force Recon Marine.
(At) some point in your life you were in danger of becoming an alcoholic. Isn’t it?”
“Me? Right now as we speak!” Washington responded, surprised by this assumption.
Parkinson then explained by asking about Washington’s younger years.
Washington, remaining calm, replied, “When I was younger? Well, I think we were all in danger, but we didn’t know it. When Parkinson pressed on, citing “research” and articles about Washington’s past, the daddy of 4 laughed, replying: “Really? I higher read them.
The British broadcaster continued by suggesting that after his parents’ divorce, Washington “went off the track” by drinking and hanging out with the flawed crowd. The actor responded by admitting that he was offended and acting like a young man, but it surely wasn’t about drinking.
“I was already hanging out with the wrong crowd before they got divorced,” he said, adding: “I believe it had more to do with not a lot drinking, but just getting offended about it, attacking — entering into fights, things like that. Just a bit of kid who didn’t understand what was happening and was taking it out on whoever was nearby.
When Parkinson asked if he was in a gang, the New York native revealed the reality about his difficult background, sharing that the majority of his friends from his youth “were killed or went to jail.”
He praised his mother for having “the common sense to get me out of it” and sending him to a personal school, which, satirically, was “where all of the alcoholics and drug addicts really were. Little did she know.
“The rich kids had all the drugs,” Washington added. Later he laughed and said, “Mom, I never smoked a cigarette until you sent me to school.”
Many individuals who saw the 20-yr-old’s interview commented on Washington’s handling of the interview.
“Denzel was classy, he could get angry with Micheal’s questions about alcoholics and his parents, but he’s too cool for that,” one person wrote, and one other commented. “The interviewer was just rude and he knew it, and Denzel knew it. Yes, Denzel was very witty and fashionable in the top.
A 3rd comment clearly stated, “Denzel is the boss.”
It just wasn’t concerning the comments about drinking and gangs, other parts of the interview seemed to piss off the actor and viewers.
“The look Denzel gives him 9:08 was like, “Oh, you f—,” one commenter said, a nod to his role as crooked detective Alonzo Harris in 2001’s “Training Day.”
#DenzelWashington the most effective to ever do it!! pic.twitter.com/pIYdYbH3D3
— Degen Dude (@DegenDude_) November 12, 2024
Someone else said: “The subtle art of ridiculing an interlocutor who asks stupid and false questions. Tastefully presented here by Denzel.”
One fan was clear: “I’ve never heard of him being an alcoholic.”
Although Washington didn’t talk about drinking excessively, he often talked about his journey, the challenges of his youth, and the support systems that guided him, including his involvement with the Boys and Girls Club of America.
He also credited Sidney Poitier as a mentor, teaching him about privacy and self-respect. In a 2012 interview with GQ, Washington recalled Poitier’s advice: “If they see you without spending a dime all week, they will not pay to see you on the weekend. … If you walk past the magazine section in the supermarket they usually’ve known you all of your life, there is not any mystery about it.”
This wisdom shaped Washington’s approach to fame and public life, emphasizing the importance of secrecy and honesty.
The “Malcolm X” star’s down-to-earth approach to life was also evident in other public interactions.
After Will Smith’s controversial slapping incident on the 2022 Oscars, he was seen advising the West Philly native and telling him, “Be careful at the best of times, that’s when the devil comes for you.” This message reflected Washington’s belief in remaining calm and honest even under pressure.
He also allegedly uttered words of reproach to Sean “Diddy” Combs while he and his wife attended one in all his exclusive parties. The “Training Day” actor saw something he didn’t like and reportedly snapped at Bad Boy’s director, “You don’t respect anyone,” before storming out.
Known for embodying dignity, Washington rarely allows his temper to surface, but he isn’t afraid to express himself when mandatory.
When paparazzi accosted him outside the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Washington turned and said calmly but firmly, “You’re talking to a man right now. … How about… respecting me?” He let the person know that respect was crucial thing and even offered a smile to relieve any tension.
Throughout his profession, Washington managed to balance humility with strength, demonstrating that respect, humor and honesty were the cornerstones of his personality.
Parkinson can have wanted to get some juicy or controversial commentary from the actor, possibly comparing him to other stereotypes about black men. Still, Washington’s measured responses only reinforced his status as a real gentleman in Hollywood… one who is not easily fooled by intrusive questions.
Entertainment
Kanye West’s wife Bianca Censori fumes after going braless at Disneyland days after panties party in Japan
According to Daily mailYeezy’s architecture chief arrived at the theme park in Anaheim, California, wearing a cream sleeveless minidress, white leggings, white rain boots and a white long-sleeved top.
Censori was dressed more modestly than the standard leather outfits. However, the previous Australian model decided to go braless with two friends at the Disneyland Resort.
Stylist Gadir Rajab shared a photograph of Censori, Christian VelasquezAND Dion Lee at Disneyland on his Instagram story. Rajab also posted clips of them on various rides.
TMZ reports that Censori and her entourage paid for VIP treatment, which included a personal guide and expedited access to resort attractions. The VIP package reportedly costs around $500-$700 per hour.
During their trip to Disneyland, Cesori and the crew visited Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, and Cars Land. They also rode the Matterhorn Bobsleds roller coaster.
Censori has grow to be a lightning rod on the web, normally because of her typically risqué wardrobe. Daily Mail commentators had so much to say concerning the celebrity’s latest braless public outing.
“I’ve heard of girls being thrown out of Disneyland for wearing more clothes than Bianca. Why isn’t she treated the same way and thrown out?” one person interrogated.
“At least she knew this nonsense (which she does entirely by choice) wouldn’t be washed out at Disneyland. I’ve never seen her with clothes on!” one other comment was read.
In response to the proven fact that Censori was at the park without West, the commenter wrote, “He sure looks happier without him around!” Another person agreed, writing, “Only once have I seen her smile. And he is not there.”
Someone else suggested: “It’s a family friendly place! Lots of little kids! Has she no sense of place!” A 3rd person asked: “Why does an adult visit Disneyland without children? To me it’s just weird.
A like-minded person added: “Why do they let her walk around like that in front of the kids?? Disneyland has a very strict dress code.”
Disneyland website imposes a dress code on guests. For example, visitors are prohibited from wearing clothes that “reveal excessive amounts of skin that may be considered inappropriate for a family environment.”
Additionally, bare feet are considered inappropriate attire in “The Happiest Place on Earth”. Previously Censor he went barefoot during a Disneyland date with Kanye West in April 2024.
Censori walked through the park seven months ago with bandages on her feet. She also wore a beige bodysuit covered with brown fabric. West was wearing a white hoodie and grey sweatpants.
Censori’s newer recordings in Japan with West feature her in plain, near-nude clothes. She was filmed wearing a black bra, black cheek-baring shorts and a black belt.
Barely dressed, Censori and her husband were in a dimly lit nightclub in Tokyo last week. The couple danced to the rap star’s performance “Problematic” track from his collaborative album “Vultures 1” with R&B singer Ty Dolla $ign.
Despite rumors of a possible divorce, Censori and West recently traveled to Japan together. The 47-year-old Grammy winner traveled to Asia as a part of his “Vultures” tour, and Censori joined him later.
in October TMZ reports that the Wests are going through a “difficult phase” in their marriage. The outlet claimed that Bianca returned to Australia to spend time along with her family while Ye remained in Japan.
Censori and West are said to resolve any marital problems with nude marriage counseling. The “Jesus Walks” rapper apparently enjoys being naked in private.
“He and Bianca started therapy naked. Apparently they feel more liberated and can completely bare their soul when they are undressed,” source revealed Radar on the Internet.
The insider continued, “People assume it’s just Bianca walking around with no clothes on, but behind closed doors Kanye is actually embracing his own fetish for being in the buff.”
West and Censori married in a personal ceremony in December 2022. A month earlier, Ye had finalized his divorce from his first wife, reality television personality and businesswoman Kim Kardashian.
There was speculation that Censori and Kardashian had animosity. The bad blood allegedly stems from Censori’s interactions with West and Kardashian’s 4 children – North, 11, Saint, 8, Chicago, 6, and Psalm, 5.
Entertainment
Stephen ‘tWitch’ boss’s widow, Allison Holker, sparks pregnancy rumors with new man less than two years after husband’s death
It looks like Allison Holker and her lover Adam Edmunds are still going strong.
The former “So You Think You Can Dance” contestant and “Dancing with the Stars” performer recently made the announcement on Instagram, sharing a post reflecting on her recent visit to the “DWTS” ballroom. On the carousel pole, the primary, second and fourth photos showed her and Edmunds with wide smiles as they stood cuddled within the ballroom.
The third slide was a panorama video of the ballroom, showing people on the ballroom floor and audience members in the gang.
“Being back in the ballroom @dancingwiththestars was absolutely magical,” she began within the caption. “I missed that energy! I’m so grateful to have been there with so much love and support, and a huge thank you to @jennajohnson for the honor of recreating my modern day routine and @rikerlynch.”
Quickly mentioning her man, Holker continued, “Showing @adam.edmunds my world was perfect, thank you for being by my side and being my anchor. I couldn’t be more happy and excited for the next chapter. #dwts.”
Edmunds even had something to say to get ahead of everyone’s expectations before their hopes get too high. “So we must always probably get this over with… I totally cannot dance. I’m sorry everyone,” he commented under the post
Fans celebrated Holker’s newfound happiness within the comments below her post. One person he said“I’m so glad you found happiness… that in itself is a congratulatory situation!”
Other he wrote“I’m so happy for you, girl!!! You have been through MUCH more than most of us will ever experience in our lives! You handled it so beautifully and with such class!”
Third person he wrote a comment that assumes Holker has something else to rejoice beyond just his relationship. Noting that Holker had her hand strategically placed round her stomach in several photos, they wrote: “Yayyyy!! Looks like you have got some news,” and ended with a pregnant woman emoji to indicate that Holker is expecting a baby.
Many people joined in with this person’s comment, expressing their disapproval.
“I would delete this comment,” one fan wrote.
A second person replied: “The thing is, if she was pregnant and wanted to share it, it would be her choice whether and when to do so, rather than calling her out on social media in a post about something completely different. It doesn’t matter if you think your intentions were good.”
Holker has not announced any pregnancy yet.
Holker is already the mother of three children: 16-year-old daughter Weslie Renae, 8-year-old son Maddox and 5-year-old daughter Zaia. She shares her two younger children with her late husband, Stephen “tWitch” Boss, who died by suicide almost two years ago.
Unfortunately, after his death, there was a misunderstanding between Holker and Boss’s family, which his brother, Dré Rose, posted on Instagram in August 2023. In a lengthy written post, he explained that he and his mother had not seen the tWitch children since then. his death and “were met with silence” as they tried to search out a solution to create a cordial relationship.
He wrote: “Over recent months, now we have observed numerous actions and attitudes that, from our perspective, don’t create an environment conducive to healing and unity. “This refers to the treatment of our beloved mother and family, which has caused us great suffering.”
Rose said the rift began when Holker asked the family to sign an NDA, but they refused.
Fortunately, earlier this month, Rose revealed that he was finally capable of “spend some time” with Maddox and Zaia for the primary time since December 2022. It’s unclear if this implies the whole lot has been resolved between each side, but it surely appears that ongoing talks have been.
-
Press Release8 months ago
CEO of 360WiSE Launches Mentorship Program in Overtown Miami FL
-
Business and Finance6 months ago
The Importance of Owning Your Distribution Media Platform
-
Press Release7 months ago
U.S.-Africa Chamber of Commerce Appoints Robert Alexander of 360WiseMedia as Board Director
-
Business and Finance8 months ago
360Wise Media and McDonald’s NY Tri-State Owner Operators Celebrate Success of “Faces of Black History” Campaign with Over 2 Million Event Visits
-
Ben Crump7 months ago
Another lawsuit accuses Google of bias against Black minority employees
-
Fitness7 months ago
Black sportswear brands for your 2024 fitness journey
-
Theater8 months ago
Applications open for the 2020-2021 Soul Producing National Black Theater residency – Black Theater Matters
-
Ben Crump8 months ago
Henrietta Lacks’ family members reach an agreement after her cells undergo advanced medical tests