Welcome to the week in pop culture. Here’s all the black entertainment news and headlines from the week that was.
Rihanna shoots down sex tape rumors
This week rumors have been swirling all around the world wide web that the porn company Hustler had obtained a sex tape featuring Rihanna and J-Cole. Ri Ri took to Twitter to shut down all of the gossip and set the record straight. (Billboard)
Can’t Tell Me Nothing… Kanye: The Musical is finally here!
A duo of thespians down under at Australia’s University of Sydney is throwing together a staged production titled Kanye: The Musical. The musical will tell the gripping story of Mr. West’s climb from humble beginning to his rise to the top of the charts to claim his throne as the king of misunderstood. (Los Angeles Times)
The always unpredictable Lauryn Hill gives us another dose odd and peculiar
Before the RockThe Bells tour kicked off last weekend, headline performer Lauryn Hill chatted with Reebok about how she feels regarding one of the most beloved albums of recent years — The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Hill appeared as though she had just rolled out of bed and threw on her best housecoat for the interview, but she luckily talks in somewhat coherent sentences. (YBF)
Oh Weezy, who knew you could provoke such emotion?
Lil Wayne released the Chris Robinson directed video for his chart topping single “How To Love.” And the storyline actually has a deep meaning. The video touches on such sensitive topics as abortion, domestic violence, prostitution and HIV. But seriously, Weezy deserves props for putting out socially conscious material. (MTV)
Supermodel Iman goes HAM over the description of ‘Slave Earrings’ in Vogue Italia
So… Vogue Italia decided to act crazy and post a caption on their website, describing large hoop earrings as “slave earrings”. The always stylish and iconic Iman heard about this travesty, and just wasn’t having it, and decided to give her two cents. Iman said, “Slave does not make it ethnic. Mind you, it’s not lost in translation-the word slave, we know what it is. They might as well have called them n**** earrings.” (Bossip)
Maybe Brandy was thinking: “Performing barefoot in South Africa might just help me magically sell records again…”
Brandy performed live at the 2011 South African Sports Awards. The “Have You Ever” singer decided to channel her inner Patti LaBelle and performed a medley of her classic tunes including “Right Here (Departed)” and “Afrodiciac” barefoot while wearing a quite interesting costume choice. Can’t wait for Brandy to get back and that studio and crank out some more good tunes. (Concrete Loop)
WATCH BEYONCE STRIP DOWN IN HER NEW VIDEO FOR ‘1+1’
Get it girl! Grey’s Anatomy creator sells yet another show to ABC
As if being the creator of ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, and the soon to premiere Scandal wasn’t bringing in enough racks on racks, Shondra Rhimes sells her latest drama Gilded Lillys to the network. Hmm…She must sleep with her laptop plugged in and on the pillow next to her at all times. (Hollywood Reporter)
James Patterson says Tyler Perry’s acting skills on his latest film brought him to tears…and who said he could only play old women wearing wigs?
The New York Times best selling author James Patterson has taken to his Facebook page to express how much he loves Tyler Perry’s acting skills. The author recently visited the set of I, Alex Cross, and was simply blown away. After his visit he updated his Facebook page giving Tyler Perry all sorts of props saying, “Just making my way back again from the set of the Alex Cross movie, and I’m feeling pretty up-beat about it. Tyler is great. He’s going to blow everybody’s minds.” (IndieWire)
Sorry Adele, but Amy Winehouse was just named the bestseller of the century
Back to Black, the final album of dearly beloved Amy Winehouse has officially been named the UK’s best selling of the 21st century. The album has now sold 3.36 million copies. Stay tuned for a Amy Winehouse tribute at the MTV Video Music Awards. (Guardian)
Rihanna releases her new video “Cheers (Drink To That)”
Rihanna’s latest video shows rare behind-the-scenes tour footage, her getting the rock star treatment, signing autographs, performing on stage, dancing in parades, wearing at least 5 different wigs, and oh yeah…drinking. Cheers! (Global Grind)
All hail the Queen: Latifah Debuts new fashion line
Queen Latifah shows off her soft and feminine side with her new clothing line for the Home Shopping Network. Queen says that this line represents women of all shapes and sizes. Her line will have sizes for women rockin a size 2 or holdin it down in a size 24. (ABC)
Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith battle a storm of break rumors, but don’t fret, all ends well
This week In Touch Weekly put out a sensational story that Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith were calling it quits on their marriage. All sorts or rumors circulated, from Will being gay, to Jada having a caliente affair with her Hawthorne co-star, Marc Anthony. The Smiths shut down all the gossip when they put out a statement saying they were still together and made appearance out on the town having a quaint brunch date. (TMZ)
Chris Brown is rowdy neighbor
Based on complaints from his neighbors, Chris Brown has been wreaking havoc at his apartment complex. Brown is currently on probation so his bad boy ways really must come to a halt if we wants to avoid serving hard time.Chris’ neighbors complained that loud parties were held in his apartment, his dogs raced through the halls and he consistently parked in handicapped spaces. A judge is currently investigating the complaints of his neighbors to see if he has indeed violated his probation. How dare you park your whip in handicapped spaces Christopher! (Forbes)
Aretha Franklin demands a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T from filmmakers
Aretha Franklin is throwing her new reduced weight around in an attempt to put a stop to the release of a never before seen documentary of the making of her 1972 album Amazing Grace. (Moviefone)
For more of the latest headlines and entertainment buzz, follow Chris Witherspoon on Twitter @WitherspoonC
