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25 Mar 2024

Dwayne Johnson Sings ‘Moana’ Hit for Toddler With Brain Disorder

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is using his powers as Maui for good.

The actor took to X (previously known as Twitter) on Sunday (March 24) to share a heartwarming video of himself singing his Hot 100 hit from Moana, “You’re Welcome,” to a toddler named Naomi who is currently hospitalized with a brain disorder. Johnson famously plays South Pacific demigod Maui in the popular Disney film.

“Join me in a song,” Johnson captioned the video. “Naomi is 2yrs old and fighting the fight in the hospital with a brain disorder. Her wish is for Maui to send her a video of him singing ‘You’re Welcome.’”

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He continued, “As we know, there’s a lot of noise and negativity out there, but I deeply believe that positive energy, light and mana can make a real difference in people’s lives – especially when it comes to our children who are struggling. Naomi I hope you smile with this song and Uncle Maui will sing ‘You’re Welcome’ anytime you need it. Thank you everyone watching this for sending your mana and positive light.”

The catchy track from the popular Disney film landed Johnson his first ever appearance on the Billboard Hot 100, launching in at No. 83. “What can I say except, ‘You’re welcome’/ For the tides, the sun, the sky/ Hey, it’s okay, it’s okay/ You’re welcome/ I’m just an ordinary demi-guy,” he sings in the fun hook.

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Watch the sweet Make-A-Wish moment below.

25 Mar 2024

John Boyega Is Allegedly Hooking Up With Newly Single Princess Love, Ray J Has Thoughts

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Ray J Comments On John Boyega & Princess Love Karoake Video

Source: MICHAEL TRAN / Getty / Ray J

Princess Love has allegedly moved on and Ray J isn’t hating at all.

Spotted on Vibe, Ray J shared his thoughts on the idea that his now ex-wife, Princess Love, is allegedly hooking up with Star Wars actor John Boyega.

The topic of Love and Boyega was brought up during Ray J’s interview on Way Up With Angela Yee. The former Breakfast Club host showed the singer/mogul/reality star a video of his ex-boo and Boyega looking cozy together while singing karaoke, according to Essence in Los Angeles at Station 1640 with friends.

Boyega’s arm can be seen around the waste of Princess Love while they were singing Fantasia’s “When I See You.”

“Is he a good guy?” the 43-year-old singer asked while Yee pulled up the clip. “That’s cool. I like him… He seems like a good dude.”

Ray J & Princess Love’s Relationship Timeline

After four years of dating, Ray J and Princess Love tied the knot in 2016. The couple has two children together: daughter Melody, 5, and son Epik, 4.

Their dysfunctional relationship was the main topic on VH1 shows Love And Hip-Hop: Hollywood and The Conversation: Ray J And Princess Love.

February, Princess Love said she was filing for divorce from the “One Wish” singer again, making it the fourth time the couple’s marriage is on thin ice.

This time, it looks like the divorce will stick after Love hit Brandy’s brother with a divorce filing in 2020, eventually calling it off. This led to Ray J’s filing for divorce in 2021, which was also rescinded.

In an Instagram post announcing the fourth divorce filing, Princess Love wrote, “It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of our decision to divorce. After much reflection, discussion, and counseling, we have come to the difficult realization that our paths have diverged, and it is in the best interest of both of us to part ways.”

25 Mar 2024

DJ Khaled Ignites His Passions With DJEEP & Talks His Dream Collaboration

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DJ Khaled isn’t just working on a new album, the music producer also announced a campaign with DJEEP lighters, which officially debuted on Thursday (March 21). Titled “Ignite Your Passions” the campaign wants to encourage you to be your most authentic self through stylish lighters that’ll help seamlessly light your scented candles and more.

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DJEEP decided to tap DJ Khaled as the face of the campaign since he’s not only a fan of the lighters, but fearlessly shares his passions with the world.

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“I’ve been blessed for things that I love and that comes organic to me,” Khaled says while wearing his favorite Nike Air Jordan 3 “Green Glow” sneakers in an interview with Billboard. “When I got this opportunity, I always had a lighter in my hand because I love making great music. When I’m in the studio, when I hear something hot that we’re making, I always [light up a lighter]. But when I was growing up, DJ in the clubs and all that, any time a hot song would come on, we would [light a lighter].”

DJ Khaled Partners With DJEEP & Shares His Dream Collaboration

DJEEP Pocket Lighters

The brand’s lighters boast high quality performance with the ability to hold up to 3,500 lights per lighter. There are four collections that will help show off your style and personality including metallic hues, marble prints and a simple wood texture. Amazon offers a four-pack of lighters with a variety of shades from each collection to stock up on.

Some of his favorite things he likes to light up with his DJEEP lighters? Cigars and a Diptyque candle in the scent Baies, which he also makes sure is lit when he hosts artists in the studio.

DJ Khaled Partners With DJEEP & Shares His Dream Collaboration

Diptyque Candle: Baies

Diptyque’s Baies candle comes with up to 60 hours of burn time and emits a berry-inspired scent that’ll help create a comfy ambiance. You’ll want to make sure you trim your wick after each use for the best care, according to the brand.

The “I’m The One” artist also makes sure his studio is stocked with DJEEP lighters, water and snacks like gummy bears. And, for some inspiration, he keeps a giant framed picture hung that he changes twice a year.

“Right now, it’s a picture of me and Drake, and I’m holding a sign saying ‘I got two Drakes,’ he says. “I love that. It’s going to be on my new album.”

And in terms of artists on his collaboration wishlist, DJ Khaled actually hopes to work with an artist he’s already collaborated with.

“I want to work again with Rihanna,” he says. “I’ve worked with her and we made a big hit record called ‘Wild Thoughts’ — I want to make another record with her. That’s my wishlist.”

Sneaker collectors or fans of the artist can also buy a pair of his favorite Air Jordans online, which are still in stock.

DJ Khaled Partners With DJEEP & Shares His Dream Collaboration

Air Jordan 3 Retro “Green Glow”

The Air Jordan 3 Retro sneakers are one of the artist’s favorite pairs to sport now. They feature a black and gray textured print with glowing vibrant green accents. To keep his sneaker collection pristine, DJ Khaled prefers to stock up on his most-loved styles.

“I would buy five pairs of each one because I don’t like when they get creased up, I need a fresh pair all the time,” he tells.

For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best gifts for music lovers, portable fireplaces and music books.

25 Mar 2024

Diddy’s Miami & Los Angeles Homes Reportedly Raided by Federal Agents | Billboard News

A pair of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ homes in Los Angeles and Miami were reportedly raided by law enforcement on Monday March 25. Fox 11 reports that the raids were executed by Homeland Security “in connection” with an ongoing federal sex trafficking investigation.

Tetris Kelly
Breaking news Diddy’s LA and Miami homes have been raided by Homeland Security and both his sons have been placed in handcuffs. I have the updates for you now. TMZ broke that Diddy’s homes were rated in a sex trafficking investigation. Now Homeland Security has released a statement here’s what it say, “earlier today Homeland Security Investigations New York executed law enforcement actions as a part of an ongoing investigation, with assistance from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami and our local law enforcement partners. We will provide further information as it becomes available.” Now recently, Diddy has been no stranger to sexual assault and misconduct allegations which he has firmly denied on all accounts.FOX 11 does have video of the rate in which both of people handcuffed seem to be his sons. Justin and King Combs, Billboard will be following the story as it develops and you can catch all the updates at Billboard.com.

25 Mar 2024

Kat Graham to Play Diana Ross, Larenz Tate Set as Berry Gordy in Michael Jackson Biopic

The highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic has found their “Dirty Diana.” On Monday (March 25), Lionsgate and Universal Pictures announced several new additions to the film‘s already star-studded cast, led by Vampire Diaries actress Kat Graham as Diana Ross and Love Jones actor Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy.

In the Vampire Diaries and other television shows, Graham boasts an extensive filmography, including a turn as Jada Pinkett Smith in Benny Boom‘s 2017 Tupac biopic All Eyez On Me. She has also released four studio albums — most recently, 2022’s Long Hot Summer — and made several appearances on the Billboard charts. In 2012, her Against the Wall EP debuted and peaked at No. 4 on Heatseekers Albums. At the 2024 Billboard Women in Music Awards, Graham announced her upcoming new single, “World Song” (with will.i.am).

Diana Ross, the music icon who Motown handpicked to official introduce the Jackson 5, remains an active figure in the entertainment industry. In 2021, the Grammy winner released Thank You, her 25th studio album, which earned her a Grammy nomination for best traditional pop vocal album — her first since 1983. Last year, she surprised Beyoncé with a medley of “Love Hangover” and “Happy Birthday” at the “Texas Hold ‘Em” singer’s Renaissance World Tour show at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium (Sept. 4, 2023).

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Motown Records founder Berry Gordy — who helped transform the landscape of American music by introducing legendary actss such as The Temptations, Stevie Wonder and Gladys Knight and the Pips — will be brought to life by Larenz Tate. The beloved actor currently stars on the Starz’s Power Book II: Ghost, a spin-off of the 50 Cent-produced Power, which Tate starred on for six seasons.

In 2021, Gordy received the highly prestigious Kennedy Center Honors, and the following year, he was inducted into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame.

The latest Michael casting annoucnement also trumpets Jessica Sula as Billboard charting-artist fifth Jackson sibling LaToya Jackson, Liv Symone as the iconic Billboard Hot 100-topping Gladys Knight, KeiLyn Durrel Jones as trusted MJ confidant Bill Bray and Kevin Shinick as the era-defining Dick Clark.

Kendrick Sampson, whose credits include Issa Rae’s Emmy-nominated Insecure, will star as famed Oscar and Grammy-winning producer and close MJ collaborator Quincy Jones. The new additions beef up an an already esteemed cast, including Oscar nominee Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Miles Teller, Laura Harrier and nine-year-old Juliano Krue Valdi as young Michael.

Currently in production, Michael — which stars Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in the titular role — is currently slated for worldwide release on April 18, 2025. Training Day director Antoine Fuqua will helm the picture, while Oscar nominee John Logan handles the script. Co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate, John Branca and John McClain are producing the film alongside Oscar winner Graham King, with on-set assistance from Prince Jackson, the late singer’s eldest son, on behalf of his siblings.

The casting news comes just days after Blanket Jackson, the “Thriller” singer’s youngest son, going up against his grandmother, Katherine Jackson. In court filings obtained by Billboard, Blanket argued that the superstar’s estate should not foot the ball for her current legal debacle concerning a deal over her song’s $600 million catalog.

25 Mar 2024

Spotify Offering Educational Video Courses to U.K. Users in Latest Test

Spotify has launched a new experiment, offering educational video courses to its U.K. users on subjects including music making, creativity, business and healthy living. The new courses show that Spotify is hoping to expand its reach beyond music, podcasts and audiobooks into a new fourth vertical, but the launch is still in the testing phase.

The videos are provided through partnerships with BBC Maestro, Skillshare, Thinkific and PlayVirtuoso and are available on Spotify’s desktop and mobile apps. They can be found by clicking a new ovular icon at the top of the screen. Two lessons in each course are freely available to both free and premium subscribers, but to access a full course, users must leave the app and purchase additional lessons on a dedicated web page to continue. Spotify will receive a commission on whatever is sold through its platform, according to The Verge.

“Testing video courses in the U.K. allows us to explore an exciting opportunity to better serve the needs of our users who have an active interest in learning,” said Babar Zafar, vp of product development at Spotify, in a blog post announcing the test. “Many of our users engage with podcasts and audiobooks on a daily basis for their learning needs, and we believe this highly engaged community will be interested in accessing and purchasing quality content from video course creators. At Spotify, we’re constantly striving to create new offerings for our creators and users, and having built best-in-class personalized music and podcast offerings, we look forward to exploring the potential of video-based learning on Spotify.”

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The post notes that roughly half of Spotify premium subscribers have engaged with education or self-help-themed podcasts.  

Spotify did not immediately return Billboard’s request for more information on whether it’s planning to expand the test to other markets, including the United States.

Daniel Ek, CEO/founder of Spotify, hinted at the company’s interest in expanding into education nearly two years ago during his Spotify Investor Day presentation held on June 8, 2022. “We will firmly cement Spotify as the home for some of the greatest artists and creators and educators in the world,” he said at the time. “I’m not aware of any other company has been successful in taking a multi-business model and multi-vertical approach within one user experience.”

This U.K. test proves that Spotify is still searching for profitability and keen to expand its user base beyond what music streaming can provide. According to MIDiA Research, growth in music streaming subscriptions is expected to slow from double- to single-digits in the coming decade as the market reaches maturity. Plus, the margins made from music streaming continue to be tight.

Alex Noström, Spotify’s co-president/chief business officer, has also hinted at the company’s educational focus in the past, saying at the 2022 investor day presentation: “In the next 10 years, there are additional markets and verticals that we believe are natural fits for our platform and audience…There’s news, sports and education. Those are vast markets [that] we can imagine Spotify playing in… [All] are big consumer markets, sometimes much bigger than music… We have an opportunity to consolidate user’s habits and purchases to Spotify and also expand the pie allowing broader and more convenient access to these new content carrier categories.”

25 Mar 2024

Islamic Org CAIR Nixes Muhammad Not-Me AKA Shaun King Keynote Speech

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Activist and New York Daily News journalist Shaun King speaks to the crowd during a rally for women's rights on International Women's Day, Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at Westlake Park. (Genna Martin, seattlepi.com)

Shaun King stands as one of the most controversial figures as the activist has a heavy number of detractors that seemingly eclipse those who support his work. King, reportedly a recent convert to Islam, was slated to deliver a keynote speech for an Islamic organization, which has since been rescinded.

Shaun King made waves after announcing that he and his wife had converted to Islam just before the holy period of Ramadan while mentioning his support of Palestine amid the nation’s conflict with Israel. The news of King’s spiritual choice led to him trending on social media with jokes flying at a rapid rate.

King was slated to be a speaker in Minneapolis in connection to a fundraising dinner for the local branch of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). After the news spread wide that King would be a keynote speaker, CAIR endured heavy backlash. As a result, CAIR took the speech off the table in response.

From CAIR’s X page:

We have heard concerns expressed—directly and indirectly—by our community regarding Shaun King being the keynote at your Annual Iftar Fundraiser. We have made the decision to not have Shaun King as the keynote speaker for our upcoming annual fundraising dinner.

This has become a distraction from the sole purpose of our event—to support the work of protecting and advancing the civil liberties of Muslims in Minnesota, especially in these challenging times. We appreciate your feedback and are committed to ensuring our focus remains on our mission. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

It doesn’t appear that Shaun King has addressed CAIR’s decision.

On X, formerly Twitter, had some thoughts and we’ve got them listed below.

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Photo: San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers via Getty Images / Getty

25 Mar 2024

“No Diddy” Trends As A Replacement For Pause, 50 Cent Chimes In

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50 Cent

Source: Bernard Smalls / @PhotosByBeanz

Brother Love’s name continued to get dragged for filth. The “No Diddy” trend continues to gain popularity and 50 Cent has hopped on the bandwagon.

HipHopDX is reporting that the new way to nullify any statements that could be interpreted as a homosexual act (Ed. Note: Not that there’s anything wrong with that if that’s your preference.) is catching on. Last week the term “No Diddy” was informally introduced during a recent interview with DJ Akademiks and Quilly on the Off The Record podcast. “I put him in position, no Diddy” the rapper said. While the two discussed a variety of topics it was that quip that quickly went viral. A post on X, formerly known as Twitter, by user BNYX quickly gained traction and eventually landed on 50 Cent’s radar. 

On Saturday, March 23 the “Candy Shop” rapper took to Instagram to tease the mogul. “Oh, I fvck wit son that’s my man No Diddy. I’ll Boom you right Now! Fvck outta here! LOL” he wrote. The trend was also discussed on the It Is What It Is show when MA$E asked Cam’ron and Treasure “Stat Baby” Wilson about it. “How did y’all feel about the weekend? They changed the term for ‘pause’” he said. Killa responded and revealed he had heard about the new phrase prior but was reluctant to bring it up as he didn’t want MA$E to feel it was direct shot at him given his storied tenure at Bad Boy Entertainment.

“I was wondering how you felt about that,” Cam’ron said. “You know why, ’cause I knew that last week and I was like, ‘I’m not gon’ be first.’ I said, ‘This is really a Betha call. ’Cause I didn’t want you to think I was coming at you, pause, no type of way. If I said it first, I didn’t want you to think I was trying to offend you. I ain’t trying to be funny but that’s what’s going on out there. How do you feel about it?” The “Feels So Good” MC responded asking if the new term sounds as catchy as the original to which Killa said yes.

You can see their interaction below starting at the 1:45 minute mark below.



25 Mar 2024

How to Watch Women’s March Madness 2024 Games Online Without Cable

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The NCAA women’s tournament will finish its second round on Monday (March 25) before entering the Sweet 16 portion, as teams compete to make it to the championship on April 7. The 68 teams are dwindling down, and if you want to watch the 2024 women’s March Madness games live, there are a few streaming options to livestream the basketball games without cable.

If you prefer to watch the women’s 2024 March Madness games live, you can still get tickets to the NCAA tournament through Ticketmaster, StubHub, Vivid Seats, Seat Geek and Gametime — especially if you want to watch Iowa’s standout player Caitlin Clark live and in-person.

For those who couldn’t score travel deals or just want to stream the games live from your couch, there are a few live TV streamers airing both women and men’s March Madness games.

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Keep reading to how to watch the women’s March Madness 2024 games.

Where to Watch Women’s March Madness 2024 Games Online

The NCAA tournament will be livestreamed on CBS, ESPN and ABC. If you don’t have cable, you might be able to watch the games live through an HD antenna like one of these from Amazon. Cord cutters can also take advantage of free trials and promos from live TV streamers like DirecTV Stream, Sling TV, Fubo and Hulu + Live TV to stream the women’s March Madness games without cable.

DirecTV Stream is offering a special sports and entertainment package that’ll save you an upwards of $30 for the first three months. New users will also receive a five day free trial when you sign up. The best part about DirecTV Stream is the amount of local and cable channel options, which includes ABC, CBS, Fox, ESPN, ESPN2, NBC, truTV and ESPNU.

Sling TV is offering $10 off the first month giving you access to like ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, TBS, TNT, FS1, truTV and Fox. You can choose between the Orange or Blue plan or combine the two for the most channel options. You can also take advantage of Sling’s Ultimate Basketball Offers, which will save you up to $40 for four months.

Fubo offers a seven day free trial for new users who sign up and on top of that you can take advantage of the live TV streamer’s $20 off promo. For the first month, you can get $20 off all of the platform’s plans that’ll get you over 100 channels, DVR storage and the ability to watch content on up to 10 devices.

For the most content offerings, Hulu + Live TV gives you access to the entire Hulu library as well as hundreds of live channels to watch March Madness at home for free. As an added bonus, new users receive a 30-day free trial. Once the free trial is over, you’ll be charged the regular subscription fee of $76.99/month. You can save more money by bundling ESPN+ and Disney+ for more programs.

Only some games will be streamed on ESPN+ including the Final Four games. While ESPN+ doesn’t come with a free trial for new users, you can enjoy live sports and original content all in one place and for only $10.99/month. Check here to see which women’s March Madness games are on ESPN+.

Women’s March Madness 2024 Schedule

The Second Round concludes Monday (March 25), which will determine the final teams going into the Sweet 16. The remaining games include Belmont vs. Penn State at 6 p.m. ET, Syracuse vs. UConn at 6 p.m. ET, Oklahoma vs. Indiana at 6:30 p.m. ET, West Virginia vs. Iowa at 8 p.m. ET, Creighton vs. UCLA at 8:30 p.m. ET, Kansas vs. USC at 10 p.m. ET and Utah vs. Gonzaga at 10:30 p.m. ET.

Sweet 16 teams confirmed so far include Texas, Stanford, Oregon State, South Carolina, Colorado, LSU, Duke and Baylor.

Click here for the full and updated women’s March Madness 2024 schedule.

25 Mar 2024

Carlee Russell Pleads Guilty To Kidnapping Hoax, Avoids Jail

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Carlee Russell

Source: Hoover Police Department / Hoover PD

Carlee Russell pleaded guilty to charges of faking her kidnapping last year in Alabama, avoiding jail time as a result.

Last Thursday (March 21), Carlee Russell was at the Jefferson County Courthouse in Bessemer, Alabama, to address the court after pleading guilty to two misdemeanor charges related to filing a false police report. “I made a grave mistake while trying to fight through various emotional issues and stress,” the nursing student said inside a Bessemer courtroom during her sentencing, acknowledging that she’s undergoing counseling while adding:

“I am extremely remorseful for the panic, fear, and various range of negative emotions that were experienced across the nation,” she said. “I want to specifically acknowledge and take accountability for the pain and embarrassment that I inflicted upon my family, my church family, friends, neighbors, community, and all those who were directly involved in search efforts for me.”

As a result of the plea deal that was reached after she was found guilty in October 2023, Russell will not serve any time in jail but will have to serve 100 hours of community service to go with one year of supervised probation. The 26-year-old will also have to pay nearly $18,000 in restitution to the city of Hoover, Alabama. The city’s police chief was not happy with the decision. “It’s a slap on the wrist. You pay the money and move on,” HPD chief Nick Derzis said afterward. “The other thing, if you’re not going to give her jail time then let’s finish the puzzle, get that one piece: Where were you for 49 hours and who helped you?” he added. “We’ll never find out.”

Russell made national headlines after vanishing mysteriously last July after phoning 911 to report a toddler in a diaper wandering next to a highway. Officers dispatched to the site found her vehicle and some personal items. Russell returned home after 49 hours of being missing. An investigation by the Hoover Police Department would later find that she had Googled terms like “Do you have to pay for an Amber Alert?” before confessing her kidnapping was a hoax. Currently, there is legislation in the Alabama State House to make false reporting of a crime a felony if it poses an imminent danger to the public and depletes municipal resources.