• Celebrity News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 12, 2023

Burna Boy At The Top Of His Game And The First African Artist To Sell Out A U.S. Stadium

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Burna Boy recently made history when he performed at New York’s Citi Field, becoming the first African artist to perform at a sold-out stadium in the United States. The feat occurred on July 8, 2023, when every seat in the stadium (41,800) was occupied. This is his fifth showcase at a New York venue following stints at the PlayStation Theater in 2017, followed by a show at the Gramercy Theater in 2018. He then took on Harlem’s Apollo stage in 2019 and performed at Madison Square Garden in 2022. When he took on Madison Square Garden, he became the first Nigerian artist to headline a show at the arena.

 

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The African artist allowed the crowd to hear songs from some of his projects, including “Love Damini,” “Twice As Tall,” “African Giant,” and “Outside.” Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu MFR, is from Port Harcourt, Nigeria. 

Global Grind also reported that the Nigerian made history in June 2023 when he became the first African artist to be the headliner at a stadium in the United Kingdom. When he performed at London Stadium, he did so in front of a sold-out crowd of over 60,000 people. During his two-hour set, he brought out celebrity friends like Stormzy and Dave on a giant merry-go-round to perform alongside him. 

The Nigerian’s popularity has soared over the past few years. Even award-winning producer Swizz Beatz has taken credit for helping Americans discover him and his music, according to HipHopDx. “[I was the] first person to bring Burna Boy to the States. Actually, he had a Ruff Ryders bandana on, and I introduced him on the stage.” 

We love to see Burna Boy shattering world records, and it seems his popularity won’t slow down anytime soon. 

RELATED CONTENT: Nigerian Artist Burna Boy Makes History With Three Albums Doing Numbers on Spotify

There is no shortage of firsts for Black people and Claude Cummings has just added another to the ever-growing list. On Tuesday, July 11, Cummings became the first Black person elected president of Communication Workers of America, which boasts over 600,000 members.

Winning a runoff election against opponent Ed Mooney by a margin of 59% to 41%, Cummings ran on a promise to bring inclusivity and progress to the union of which he’s been a member for 50 years. Texas Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee offered congratulations to Cummings, a Houston resident. “After many long years of fighting for working families from Texas, to New York, to California, and beyond, Claude Cummings has been elected President of one of the most powerful unions in the nation, the Communications Workers of America,” she said. “Claude is a great leader and will be a real force in fighting for CWA members and as well working families across the United States for all to have a better quality of life.”

After many long years of fighting for working families from Texas, to New York, to California and beyond, Claude Cummings has been elected President of one of the most powerful unions in the nation, the Communications Workers of America.

— Sheila Jackson Lee (@JacksonLeeTX18) July 11, 2023

According to Payday Report, Cummings’ election comes at a crucial time for the union, which found itself entangled in a sexual misconduct and violent intimidation scandal earlier this year. Still, the 71-year-old former head of the Human Rights Department of the CWA believes the union has what it takes to course correct and right the ship. Citing his leadership experience as proof, Cummings doubled down on his stance after his victory. “Where others have talked about change, I have made change happen even inside of our own union,” he said.

• Celebrity News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 12, 2023

The Weeknd’s Tour Out-Ranks Michael Jackson, Grossing Over $350M

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Canadian recording artist the Weeknd has broken another record! 

According to Variety, the Canadian recording artist had the most people ever at London Stadium over two nights. On July 7 and July 8, 2023, the man born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye drew 160,000 fans to watch his show over the two nights as part of his “After Hours Till Dawn Tour.”

The show’s promoter, Live Nation, said that the Weeknd’s tour has sold more than two million tickets for the European leg and the upcoming South America and Mexico section. Oh, and there are the 200,000 tickets sold in England and France.

This is on top of his North American leg, which has grossed over $148 million. The tour has now brought in over $350 million.

Omar Al-joulani, Live Nation’s president of touring, said, “It’s incredible to see the Weeknd hit this milestone less than halfway through his massive sold-out European run. This historic moment in London shows the global fanbase he has cultivated over the years.”

Of course, these big numbers should come as no surprise, given that the Weeknd was a headlining performer at a Super Bowl halftime show and his certified status as the world’s most popular artist.

The Weeknd will head to Brussels, Belgium, at King Baudouin Stadium before hitting Barcelona, Milan, Paris, and several more places as more dates are added.

The “Earned It” crooner is also heading to Latin America, where he is slated to perform in Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and elsewhere. He is scheduled to end this tour on October 25 at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The Weeknd has also been making waves with his HBO show, The Idol, which has caused controversy based on several shocking scenes that have captivated viewers.

RELATED CONTENT: The Weeknd Partners With Blue Bottle Coffee on Product Line Named After His Mother

• Lifestyle

by Sharelle B. McNair

July 12, 2023

Meet The Black Barb Who Designed The AirBnB Listed Barbie Malibu DreamHouse

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How often does it need to be said that Black women can do anything? The latest Barbie collaboration proves exactly that.

One more time wouldn’t hurt, as Nigerian-American interior designer Victoria Adesanmi is paving the way for Black designers in a huge way. Adesanmi is the genius behind the viral Barbie Malibu DreamHouse featured in the upcoming Barbie film starring Issa Rae, Global Grind reports. Before it hits theaters on July 21, fans can stay in the dream house, recently listed on AirBnB.

I was on IG + after praising the Barbie house all week….

I just found out that a Black woman – who is EXTREMELY talented in so many areas – and also a friend of mine – designed it.

I watched @vicadesanmi step out on faith and chase her dreams, and LOOK AT THE POWER OF GOD ❤️‍🔥 pic.twitter.com/Gykj54pp63

— Jazerai Allen-Lord (@jazzyrae) June 30, 2023

The founder of Aesthetics Studios was featured in Architectural Digest in 2022 for her work in her own Los Angeles-based apartment, where she discussed her journey as a Black woman in the interior design space. After working as a color and material designer at Adidas, she found herself creating for megastars like Beyoncé and Kanye West. She says her focus was to push her creative direction. “I’m focusing my business on interior design, creative direction, and everyday objects through reimagination and storytelling,” the Maryland native said.

Hard work and dedication led her to work with the Barbie team.

Related: ISSA RAE STEPS UP TO ‘INVEST IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY’ WITH THE ‘BACKING CHANGE’ INITIATIVE

This is the second time the Barbie DreamHouse property has been listed on the rental site. It first appeared in 2019, almost 60 years after the iconic doll was created. Now refurbished in the Barbie signature pink, the house was designed to give off what is called “Kenergy” as Barbie’s beau, Ken, is the official Airbnb host. Guests can stay in Ken’s bedroom for two individual one-night stays, with up to two guests each on July 21 and July 22, free of charge.

Related: ‘HEY, PRESIDENT BARBIE!’: ISSA RAE PRESIDES OVER BARBIE LAND IN LATEST FILM TRAILER

• Lifestyle

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 12, 2023

C.J. Wallace Has a Story To Tell, Announces Documentary About The Late Great Notorious B.I.G.

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A documentary about one of hip-hop’s all-time greats, whose life ended abruptly, is coming.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, a documentary about Christopher Wallace, aka The Notorious B.I.G., aka Biggie Smalls, is being made. Time Studios is behind the upcoming feature, Understanding Christopher Wallace, which feature Biggie’s son, C.J. Wallace, who serves as a narrator.

The documentary will be “an intimate look at the untold life story of one of the greatest rappers to ever live…from the perspective of the son who never knew him.” Wallace, whose mother is former Bad Boys recording artist Faith Evans, was only five months old when his father was killed on March 9, 1997, after attending a VIBE magazine event in California. 

“Over the past few years, I realized my personal journey is connected to understanding who Christopher George Latore Wallace was outside of his big rap persona,” C.J. Wallace said in a written statement. “I am on a journey to fully understand the world he lived in and the massive impact he had on American and Black history, and by doing so, I can ensure that I honor his hopes and dreams while I build and create my own legacy for future generations of Wallaces.”

Participants in the documentary include Evans, Lil Kim, and Biggie’s rhyming partner, Lil Cease.

“The Notorious B.I.G. had such an immense impact on not only music but also on popular culture as a whole. But this film is about so much more than that,” Loren Hammonds, head of documentary at Time Studios, said. “It’s about fatherhood, loss, and love. It’s incredibly special to be able to let audiences learn about the man behind the myth through C.J.’s eyes, and we’re very proud to play a part in carrying on Christopher Wallace’s inimitable legacy.”

The Notorious B.I.G. may be the reason for the initial success of Sean Combs’ Bad Boy Records. He followed behind Craig Mack, the first artist to release a record on the label. Before he died, his friendship and collaborations with Jay-Z set high expectations for the hip-hop world.

Some believe that if not for the death of Biggie Smalls, Jay-Z wouldn’t have reached such dizzying heights because Biggie was deemed a better emcee. Jay-Z has stated publicly that Biggie was an inspiration to him.

No official release date has been set for Understanding Christopher Wallace.

A new beauty supply store hopes to be the answer to the “hair desert” of Elk Grove, California. 

Charlene’s Beauty Supply Store specializes in products for African American hair and more, ABC 10 reports. Not your average neighborhood beauty supply spot, Charlene’s will host community classes for people struggling with haircare as well and serve as the go-to place for medical-grade wigs. Owner Charlotte Haynes stepped out on faith to open the storefront, tapping into her entrepreneurial spirit, knowing that many African Americans struggle to find a supply store that meets all their needs. “There are a lot of Black people coming in and really excited about having something and someone that understands the struggle, the challenge of what you go through with your hair and having access,” Haynes said. 

 

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Many people outside the diaspora think caring for natural hair is easy when it’s the opposite. Those that live in certain neighborhoods lack the resources to give their hair the attention it needs – with stores not carrying items like braiding hair, ponytails, or certain creams. “We wear things with edge control, there’s bonnets, there’s braiding hair. So, there’s a whole assortment that goes into caring for our natural hair,” the mother of four said. She remembered traveling to places with no beauty supply stores, encouraging her to open Charlene’s along with her husband, Chris. 

Haynes told The Brunswick News the store, which opened on May 15, 2023, is named after Haynes’ grandmother, Charlene, who she says was a “fighter and jack of all trades” like her. With that spirit, she was inspired to carry the family legacy. “I wanted to carry on a family legacy of beating the odds, coming from nothing to something, and letting people know that you don’t have to be rich or come from a well-off family to be a good person, make a difference, move forward, and do something that you dream of doing,” she said.  

Customers are already grateful for the beauty supply store. Elk Grove resident Scira Shelton said she no longer has to take “inconvenient” trips just to get what she needs. “I don’t have to travel all the way to the south area,” Shelton said. “I live up the street… I’m glad that it’s up the street and from what I can see, they’re going to have everything I need.” Haynes understands her blues as she remembers driving almost 20 minutes just to find a quality supply store. “That’s one of the things that kind of started to make me imagine opening up the beauty supply store.”

• News

by Iman Milner

July 12, 2023

‘Issa Deal!’ Issa Rae’s Raedio Inks Deal With Def Jam Recordings

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Hip hip HOORAE! Issa Rae has the Midas touch and it seems that Def Jam Recordings wants a piece of her gold. 

The 38-year-old Insecure creator and actress has struck a multi-year deal with the legendary record label that will give Raedio, the music imprint of Rae’s media company, the opportunity to sign, market, and distribute signed artists.

The deal will include publishing, music supervision, a music library, podcasts, and digital content as well as live events.

“Our mission at Raedio is to continually evolve how and where people discover music and the opportunities for artists behind it,” said Raedio president Benoni Tagoe. “Def Jam is the perfect partner with a storied legacy to align with Raedio’s mission and vision of disrupting the music industry as we know it. Together, we look forward to expanding our reach and fostering a creative home for our new artists.”

Previously, Raedio found a home at Atlantic Records and partnered with Google to support new artists like Baby Tate, Nnena, Josh Levi, and TeaMarr. 

Rae’s popularity will certainly continue to rise as the highly anticipated Barbie movie hits theaters on July 21 but she’s already proven herself to be a dream partner for some of the biggest brands in the world.

“Issa Rae is one of the most talented, respected and versatile creative leaders working in entertainment today,” said Def Jam chairman and CEO Tunji Balogun. “Her passion for artistry and authentic storytelling puts Black creators and creatives at the center of an expansive world, where they resonate deeply with her audience. Raedio exemplifies Issa’s savvy, strategic, and forward-thinking approach to building culture and community, aligning all of her verticals into one powerful audio ecosystem. Def Jam is thrilled to partner with Issa and the incredible team at Raedio on this new venture, and we look forward to telling more amazing stories together.”

• Celebrity News

by Sharelle B. McNair

July 12, 2023

Sports, Love And Hip-Hop: Naomi Osaka Births A Baby Girl With Rapper Boyfriend, Cordae

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Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka and Grammy Award-nominated rapper Cordae have added “parents” to their resume.

The couple welcomed a baby girl in Los Angeles, a source close to the couple told People, who added that the first- time parents say “they are doing well.” Osaka, 25, announced she was expecting in January via Instagram and revealed she was having a girl during a princess-themed baby shower in June.

 

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While the baby’s name has yet to be revealed, Osaka has hinted at what it could be. “We have been discussing names. I would say that we are going for something more unique than traditional,” she said.

The tennis champion hasn’t competed since the 2022 Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo but is looking to return to the court for the 2024 Australian Open in January, a tournament she won in 2019 and 2021 for two of her four Grand Slam titles. “I would say for me, I just want to be the best version of myself,” Osaka said during her pregnancy, according to People. “Obviously, I’ve never been a mother before so I’m taking it day by day and just trying to be someone that my son or daughter will be proud of.”

As the couple, who have been together since 2019, have busy schedules, Osaka is looking forward to having a new fan cheering her on.

“I’m most excited about being able to have a kid in the stands watching me play tennis, and them being able to say ‘Hey, that’s my mom on the court,'” Osaka said earlier, according to Fox News. “It really does feel like a dream to think of my own child in the stands watching me, and I’m so excited that I’ve got that coming in the not-so-distant future.”

Related: NAOMI OSAKA SMASHES CONCERNS ON HOW MOTHERHOOD WILL AFFECT TENNIS CAREER

• Lifestyle

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 12, 2023

Wakanda Forever: EA Announces Black Panther Video Game Is In The Works

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If you ever wanted to play a character in Marvel’s Black Panther, you will have your chance soon! 

Electronic Arts, the makers of popular games like EA Sports FIFA, Battlefield, and Madden NFL and Marvel have announced that they are developing a Black Panther game along with Cliffhanger Games, a Seattle-based triple-A development studio. 

“We’re dedicated to delivering fans a definitive and authentic Black Panther experience, giving them more agency and control over their narrative than they have ever experienced in a story-driven video game. Wakanda is a rich SuperHero sandbox, and our mission is to develop an epic world for players who love Black Panther and want to explore the world of Wakanda as much as we do,” said Kevin Stephens, vice president, studio GM of Cliffhanger Games, in a written statement. 

The upcoming game will allow players to experience portraying the leader of the fabled land of Wakanda, the Black Panther. 

The team behind the game will ensure that the details of Wakanda, including the technology and its heroes, have the authenticity of the original story we have all come to love. Aside from two extremely successful blockbuster movies, the Black Panther comic book is celebrating its 57th anniversary.  

“It’s an incredibly rare opportunity to build a new team around the values of diversity, collaboration, and empowerment,” said Stephens. “We want our game to enable players to feel what it’s like to be worthy of the Black Panther mantle in unique, story-driven ways, and we want Cliffhanger Games to empower everyone on our team as we collaborate to bring this amazing world to life.” 

Although the total number of streams was not released, Disney recently announced that Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever had  become the most-watched Marvel film premiere on Disney+ globally. The number is based on how many hours were streamed in its first five days on the platform.