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26 Dec 2024

Beyoncé’s Christmas Halftime Show Earns Rave Reviews From Serena Williams & Reneé Rapp

Beyoncé may have wrapped her Christmas Day Halftime Show performance, but famous fans such as Serena Williams and Reneé Rapp still aren’t over it.

Following the 32-time Grammy winner’s high-production showcase midway through the Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens game Wednesday (Dec. 25), the tennis legend took to X to gush about Bey’s star power. “Honestly can’t get enough of you,” Williams wrote moments after Bey exited the field.

A certain Mean Girls star had paragraphs’ worth of praise to share about Bey’s performance on Instagram Stories. “I’m not f—ing kidding ya’ll don’t GET IT!!!!!,” Rapp wrote over a black background. “WHY AM I CRYING DURING A DRUMLINE?? SHE’S BEEN IT SHE’S STILL IT SHE WILL ALWAYS BE IT!! BEYONCÉ TILL I DIE.”

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“like this is the worlds most beautiful person alive,” the “Snow Angel” singer continued in a second post. “you wanna talk about being a FAN?! SHE MADE A FAN OUT OF ME YOUNG AND KEPT IT THAT WAY HOW ARE YOU STILL THAT FINE AND PERFORMING LIKE THAT!!! full body chills.”

The “Break My Soul” vocalist’s halftime offering was certainly one for the history books, with the show marking the first time Bey performed any songs from her Billboard 200-topping album Cowboy Carter. Shaboozey, Post Malone, Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy and Reyna Roberts all joined her to help sing their respective collaborations from the Grammy-nominated LP — including “Sweet Honey Buckiin,’” “Levii’s Jeans” and “Blackbiird” — while Bey’s eldest daughter, Blue Ivy, accompanied her mom on the field for a few dance numbers.

During and after the show, Bey also received support from both of her Destiny’s Child bandmates. Michelle Williams was on hand at NRG Stadium to cheer the Ivy Park founder on, sharing an on-site photo on Instagram Stories during the performance, while Kelly Rowland reposted a clip on her Story of the “Irreplaceable” musician and Blue Ivy dancing together during “Texas Hold ‘Em” and wrote, “SHUT IT DOWN!!!!”

Luckily for Williams, Rapp, the Destiny’s Child women and every other person in the Beyhive who loved the musician’s showcase, Netflix will soon drop a Beyoncé Bowl special featuring footage from the 12-plus-minute set. The streamer aired the performance — plus the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Pittsburgh Steelers and Texans-Ravens games — live on Christmas Day.

Shortly after the show, Bey also teased that she has a new project coming in 2025, dropping a cryptic video of her riding a horse and swinging an American flag. “1.14.25,” reads a message at the end of the clip, which Live Nation reposted on socials — a move that has many fans convinced the star is planning to embark on a tour next year.

26 Dec 2024

Eminem Believes Kendrick Lamar Is Going to ‘Sweep’ 2025 Grammy Awards

Kendrick Lamar was rap’s undoubted MVP of 2024 and Billboard‘s Greatest Pop Star of the Year, and Eminem thinks his epic run is going to continue into 2025.

While Em and Lamar will be facing off in the best rap performance category at the 2025 Grammy Awards, Eminem believes that K. Dot is going to “sweep” all seven of his nominations come Feb. 2.

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Slim Shady and Paul Rosenberg celebrated 20 years since the launch of their SiriusXM station Shade45 on Christmas Eve when they joined DJ Whoo Kid for an interview on the channel, which ended with Em giving Lamar his props.

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“It’s very stiff competition,” Eminem said of his Grammy-nominated peers. “Kendrick is gonna sweep that sh–. He’s going to, and he should.”

Across Lamar’s seven noms, there are categories where he’s double-dipping with dual consideration thanks to his Mustard-produced “Not Like Us” Drake diss and his assist on Future and Metro Boomin’s “Like That,” both of which topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 2024.

Eminem is competing in a stacked best rap performance category with his The Death of Slim Shady lead single “Houdini” in the mix.

The Detroit icon also earned a nomination in the best rap album category for The Death of Slim Shady, which Lamar’s GNX won’t be in since it was released outside of the Grammy calendar for 2025 so it will compete for a nom at the 2026 awards.

Eminem has long hailed Kendrick Lamar’s greatness as he declared that K. Dot was “at the very, very top tier of lyricists. Not just of this generation, but of all time.”

They also hit the Super Bowl stage together in 2022 when the big game came to Los Angeles for the Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show headlined by Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre.

Listen to the full interview below. Kendrick’s Grammy talk begins shortly after the 30-minute mark.

26 Dec 2024

Paris Hilton Leaves Little to Unwrap in NSFW Holiday Video Set to Ariana Grande’s Christmas Hit: Watch

Paris Hilton wants you to unwrap her, but she didn’t leave much to take off in a cheeky holiday video set to Ariana Grande‘s “Santa Tell Me” on Christmas Day.

In an NSFW clip posted to Instagram on Wednesday (Dec. 25), the businesswoman leaves little to the imagination while wearing red pumps and matching fingerless gloves, covered up by nothing else save for a large red ribbon shaped into a Christmas bow. While staring flirtatiously at the camera, Hilton dances along to the explicit version of the Wicked star’s festive 2014 bop, singing, “Oh, I wanna let him unwrap me, like ooh/ Get on top of him, by that fireplace, ooh.”

“My presence is a present,” the Paris and Nicole: The Encore star wrote in her caption, adding the hashtags #ThatsHot and #Slivmas.

Hilton’s video comes the same week “Santa Tell Me” reaches a new peak at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, spending its very first week in the chart’s top 10 since its release a decade prior. To celebrate the evergreen hit’s 10-year anniversary, Grande recently shared a live performance video of the tune on her YouTube channel.

“celebrating ten years of Santa Tell Me !” she wrote on Instagram at the time. “thank you so much for all of the love you have shown this record over the past decade. wishing you all a happy, happy holiday !”

In addition to the racy clip, the “Stars Are Blind” singer shared a number of photos in her bow attire and other skin-showing holiday outfits on Instagram this week. She also worked a few wholesome family shots into her feed, posing in PJs with husband Carter Reum, son Phoenix and daughter London.

Hilton is fresh off the release of her album Infinite Icon, which debuted at No. 38 on the Billboard 200.

26 Dec 2024

Watch John Legend’s Daughter Luna Interview Him About Children’s Album ‘My Favorite Dream’ | Billboard Family

John Legend is interviewed by his daughter Luna, and she asks him questions about his new children’s album, My Favorite Dream. He shares what inspired him to take on a kid’s album, celebrating Get Lifted and more. Keep watching to see his cute interview with his daughter!

John Legend:
Lately, we’ve been getting some good advice about like phones and social media and how dangerous they are, and how we’re not gonna let you have a smartphone until you’re like, 16 years old. What do you think of that advice? 

Luna:
How about we– 

John Legend:
Compromise? 

Luna:
How about we compromise on nine?

John Legend:
Hi, Luna! 

Luna:
Hi, Dad. 

John Legend:
How are you? 

Luna: 
Good. 

John Legend:
I’m really excited to talk with you today. Have you ever done an interview before?

Luna:
I did because for my homework. 

John Legend:
Oh yeah, they asked about your name and how you got your name, and they asked you to interview your parent to see why they named you the thing that they named you. 

Luna:
Yeah.

Producer:
Tell him it was a forgettable interview. 

John Legend:
See I forgot all about. It must have not made an impression.

Luna:
Dad, why did he want to make a children’s album? 

John Legend:
I wanted to make a children’s album because now that I have four kids, and I’ve watched all of you guys react to music and fall in love with music in different ways, I felt like I was inspired to write an album for my kids and then for all the other kids that are out there and their parents, too. 

Luna:
That’s so cool. How did you come up with the title? My Favorite Dream?

Keep watching for more!

26 Dec 2024

US Border Patrol Agents Find 78 Pounds Of Cocaine Near Canadian Border

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cocaine backpacks

Source: US Customs & Border Protection / US Customs & Border Protection

It looks like the block might be dry somewhere for some time—as $1.1 million worth of cocaine was found near the U.S.-Canadian border just a few days ago.

USA Today is reporting that United States border patrol agents in the Blaine Sector in Lynden, Washington, stumbled upon two black backpacks that contained enough cocaine to turn the average man into an overnight millionaire last week. Finding the backpacks in a wooded area near the border, agents were surprised to find that they contained 30 bricks of a “white powdery substance” that ultimately tested positive for nose candy. Both backpacks were carrying 78 pounds of perico in them. How big were those backpacks?

USA Today reports:

“Thanks to the vigilance of Blaine Sector Border Patrol agents these dangerous narcotics were prevented from reaching our communities,” Chief Patrol Agent Rosario “Pete” Vasquez said in the news release. “Our agents work tirelessly day in and day out to protect this nation, and this seizure highlights that crucial commitment.”

The drugs were given to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Cocaine is a schedule II drug, or chemicals that are highly likely to be abused, “potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence,” the DEA said on its website. 

“These drugs are also considered dangerous,” the DEA said.

The drugs might be dangerous, but we’re sure so are the people who were expecting to make money off them, too. Why anyone would ditch such a large amount of the drug is anyone’s guess, but y’all know someone’s going to pay for this massive L. And it probably won’t be pretty. Just sayin’.

26 Dec 2024

LeBron James Rides For The NBA In NFL Holiday Scheduling War

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Los Angeles Lakers v Golden State Warriors

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LeBron James made it a point to declare Christmas Day a day for the NBA, as the NFL played games on the holiday through the Netflix streaming platform.

The battle between the National Football League and the National Basketball Association for ratings dominance took center stage on Christmas Day (Dec. 25). Superstar LeBron James made it plain that the holiday belongs to the NBA during an interview after the Los Angeles Lakers’ thrilling 115-113 win on the road against the Golden State Warriors. “Merry Christmas to my family back home, I’m coming home,” James said to ESPN’s Lisa Salters afterward at Chase Center. “And I love the NFL. I love the NFL. But Christmas is our day.” James made it a point to look directly into the camera as he added that last statement.

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James’ comments came hours after Netflix livestreamed two climatic games – the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 29-10, and the Baltimore Ravens soundly beat the Houston Texans 31-2 in the later contest. The second game also featured a dynamic halftime performance by Beyoncé, who performed songs from her Cowboy Carter album. The show also featured country star Shaboozey and the singer/rapper Post Malone, in addition to her daughter Blue Ivy joining her. The day was expected to boost ratings for the streaming platform’s further expansion into live sports, with a deal reportedly worth $150 million.

The NBA has been criticized for its performance recently, with a report showing a drop in ratings. But Christmas Day has traditionally been a strong showcase for the league. This Christmas Day was no exception, as the NBA had five games nationally aired between ESPN and ABC, beginning with the San Antonio Spurs taking on the New York Knicks, which featured a simulcast on Disney+, featuring animated players from both teams along with Disney favorites such as Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Minnie Mouse. Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns echoed James’ statements after his team’s victory over the Denver Nuggets. “Today was a step in the right direction to get people excited again for the game of basketball,” he said.

26 Dec 2024

Holiday Fade: Joey Bada$$ Gets Into A Fist Fight In NYC Clothing Store

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9th Annual

Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty

While everyone was spreading joy and well wishes on Christmas, Brooklyn rapper Joey Bada$$ was dealing out knuckle sandwiches, as he got into a scuffle at a clothing store in New York City.

According to XXL, the “Fallin’” rapper got into some fisticuffs this past Monday (Dec. 23), with an unknown man. It was all captured on a surveillance camera and ultimately leaked for public consumption. While no one knows exactly what led to the incident, the footage captures Joey Bada$$ in a very animated face-to-face confrontation with a man at the retail store before the two began to throw hands near the store’s exit door.

While others attempted to break up the fight, Joey was having none of that and continued to dish out some haymakers before ultimately walking away.

Per XXL:

The skirmish comes two days after Joey received a proclamation from New York Mayor Eric Adams naming Dec. 20 Joey Bada$$ Day. This honor coincides with the second-anniversary celebration of his ImpactMENtorship Program. The same day, Joey joined the New York City Department of Youth & Community Development for their second annual Hip Hop Holiday Giveaway.

Joey recently completed his first artist residency at the Clive Davis Institute at NYU Tisch and was announced as the inaugural artist scholar in residence at Columbia University’s Teachers College Gordon Institute.

XXL has reached out for comment to Joey’s camp but have yet to hear back from them.

Check out Joey Bada$$ put hands on someone below, and let us know your thoughts in the comments section.

26 Dec 2024

Biden Grants Clemency to BMF’s Terry ‘Southwest T’ Flenory

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BMF Season 2 Exclusive Detroit Screening Featuring Celebrity Appearances

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President Joe Biden gave clemency to Terry “Southwest T” Flenory, co-founder of the Black Mafia Family (BMF). Terry was released from federal prison in 2020 during the pandemic and put on house arrest to serve the rest of his sentence. This move is part of Biden’s effort to pardon people like Terry who’ve been stuck on house arrest since the pandemic. If you’ve seen the BMF TV show on Starz, you know the story of Terry and his brother, Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory, who were both sentenced to 30 years for running a major drug operation back in 2008.
Flenory’s brother expressed his excitement in an Instagram post saying, “Now It’s official! @realbigmeechmom I understand you were excited, so last week you let the cat out the bag. ?

It’s been a journey, but prayer and unwavering faith beyond mere human comprehension got us to this point,” Flenory wrote in an Instagram post after receiving the President’s pardon. “Never once acted in my own ability nor doing anything to anyone to help myself. So the gloves are off the gag orders are up ? and all the naysayers have to suck it up. ? #godisgood”

Earlier this year, Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory, leader of the Black Mafia Family (BMF), was released from prison after serving roughly 19 years of a 30-year sentence. Big Meech was originally arrested in 2005 for his role in running an international drug trafficking network. His release came after efforts to reduce sentences for nonviolent offenders and those with good behavior. Fans of the BMF story are familiar with Meech’s rise in the drug game, which is now dramatized in the popular Starz series. Big Meech’s release marks a major moment in the saga of the Black Mafia Family.

26 Dec 2024

Suspense Builds After Beyoncé Teases January Date On Social Media [Video]

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Baltimore Ravens v Houston Texans

Source: Alex Slitz / Getty

All signs are pointing to Beyoncé kicking off 2025 in a big way. She is seemingly teasing a major announcement for January.

As spotted on USA Today the entertainment icon brought her distinct energy to the holiday season. On Wednesday, Dec. 25 she performed at NRG Stadium in her home town of Houston, TX during the halftime show for the Ravens versus Texans football game. Her set included a medley of her hits from Cowboy Carter. This performance not only marked her first time performing the album live but Post Malone and Shaboozey also helped her bring “Beyoncé Bowl” to life.

Shortly after the electric performance the “Texas Hold ‘Em” singer shared a promotional video to her Instagram. It featured her wearing all white waving the American flag while seated on a white horse. This short clip concludes with an end card that reads “1.14.25”. The caption reads “Look at that horse.”

While it is safe to assume Beyoncé’s video is intentionally cryptic the post seemingly did the trick with building suspense. Shortly after her followers started speculating on is exactly happening on Jan. 12. Since the visual reflects the Cowboy Carter aesthetic many think it’s a nod to a forthcoming Cowboy Carter tour. Others think that the date might be signaling the release of ACT III, the final installment her Renaissance series. While Knowles has yet to divulge the artistic direction for this album it has long been rumored it will be an all Rock And Roll project.

You can see the 1.14.25 trailer below.

26 Dec 2024

Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce Send Couple’s Christmas Gifts to Their Kansas City Chiefs Family

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce celebrated their second Christmas as a couple this year, and part of their to-do list appears to have been sending holiday presents to the Kansas City Chiefs tight end’s teammates and their families.

Two people who received gifts from the pop superstar and Kelce were Sheawna Weathersby and her boyfriend, Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones. The women’s clothing entrepreneur shared a photo of a cluster of presents sent by Swift and the tight end — which included an orange Louis Vuitton bag — on Instagram Stories Wednesday (Dec. 25) and wrote, “So blessed and grateful this holiday season … Thank yoouuu Tay Tay!”

The haul also featured two boxes with velvet ribbon and mixed-and-matched holiday wrapping, on one of which Swift wrote in her famous loopy handwriting, “Merry Christmas She She! Love, Tay Tay!”

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On a tag attached to a large Santa-print gift bag, the “Anti-Hero” singer drew a few stars and wrote, “Merry Christmas She She and Chris! Travis and Taylor.”

Swift and Weathersby have become pals in the year and a half since Swift first started dating the New Heights podcaster over the summer of 2023. In September, the two women shared selfies from their shared suite at Arrowhead Stadium following the Chiefs vs. Cincinnati Bengals game, as well as posed for photos with Chariah Gordon — who is engaged to Kansas City wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. — which Weathersby shared on Instagram.

On Christmas Day this year, Kelce and his teammates were busy facing off against the Pittsburgh Steelers, winning 29-10. Exactly one year prior, Swift — wearing a custom “#87” Santa hat — celebrated Christmas at Arrowhead, where the Chiefs defeated the Las Vegas Raiders just two months before the Kansas City team won the 2024 Super Bowl.

The 14-time Grammy winner wasn’t present for the Chiefs’ Christmas Day game this year, but she did attend her boyfriend’s match against the Houston Texans four days prior. Swift arrived at Arrowhead Dec. 21 dressed for the season in a furry red coat and black cap, marking the first game she was able to catch since the early December close of her historic Eras Tour.

“The unbelievable Eras Tour has come to an end,” Kelce recently congratulated his superstar girlfriend on New Heights. “Shout out to everybody that was a part of that show. Obviously, it’s her music, her tour and everything, but that was a full production, man. That thing was the best tour in the world because of a lot of people, but mostly because of Taylor.”