celebrity news
Page: 4
HipHopWired Featured Video
CLOSE
WWE Raw is entering a new era and made its splashy debut on the Netflix platform this week, with the early reactions from fans largely staying favorable. WWE Raw was packed with surprises as Triple H, The Rock, John Cena, and Hulk Hogan all showed up at varying intervals.
We’re CHANGING THE GAME on Monday nights! 💥#RawOnNetflix pic.twitter.com/1xWCPSAW2D
— WWE (@WWE) January 7, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
The WWE Raw and Netflix deal stirred up plenty of interest among pro wrestling fans and the anticipation for Monday’s (Jan. 6) event was high from the moment the partnership was announced in 2024. It’s clear that the deal is a lucrative one with the opening video montage getting fans both new and established up to speed about the history of professional wrestling.
FINALLY… 🎤#RawOnNetflix pic.twitter.com/OuwTKNl1a5
— WWE (@WWE) January 7, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Triple H, who is the WWE’s chief content officer, opened up the show at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles before giving the center of the ring to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who sits on the board of TKO Group, the company behind the UFC and WWE. Johnson gave praise to Netflix, his cousin Roman Reigns, and Cody Rhodes in a promo moment that seemed to win some fans over.
It’s getting EMOTIONAL right here and now.#RawOnNetflix pic.twitter.com/wg7g1lKniz
— WWE (@WWE) January 7, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
John Cena, who is currently on his path to retiring from pro wrestling, kicked off his farewell tour in a quick promo for his Feb. 1 Royal Rumble match. After the announcement, the matchups were visually entertaining and full of spectacle as expected.
WE’VE GOT COMPANY!!!#RawOnNetflix pic.twitter.com/YNnPhGYSD3
— WWE (@WWE) January 7, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
RHEA RIPLEY DID IT!!!#RawOnNetflix pic.twitter.com/CHctDf2qaP
— WWE (@WWE) January 7, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Roman Reigns, alongside his trusty manager Paul Heyman, took down Solo Sikoa in the Tribal Combat match for the Ula Fala and recognition as Tribal Chief of the Anoaʻifamily. That was followed by the Women’s World Championship bout between Rhea Ripley, who defeated Liv Morgan for the title.
Hulk Hogan, at one time one of the most popular stars in the pro wrestling world, was on hand to promote his Real American Beer brand but faced the boos of the crowd despite trying to thank WWE and his supporters. It could be assumed that Hogan was targeted due to his connection to President-elect Donald Trump.
🗣️ LET’S GO ROLL-INS!
🗣️ CM PUNK!#RawOnNetflix pic.twitter.com/KvnaxFSw5U
— WWE (@WWE) January 7, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
After Hogan was swiftly moved to the side, Jey Uso, also part of the Anoaʻi wrestling family, took on Drew McIntyre and won the match. Afterwards, the main event, CM Punk and Seth Rollins ended with Punk emerging victorious.
In all, it appears that WWE Raw’s partnership with Netflix will be a fruitful one as it remains one of the top ratings cash cows in all of sports and entertainment.
On X, reactions to the event were all over the map with some not pleased with the show while others said they’re back on the bandwagon. We’ve got them listed below.
WWE’s Chief Content Officer @TripleH narrates the official Cold Open for the debut of #RawOnNetflix streaming live TONIGHT at 8PM ET nationwide!#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/35eCNT1Moa
— WWE (@WWE) January 6, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
—
Photo: WWE/Getty
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: Nettflix / Netflix
This past Monday night (Jan. 6), WWE made their Netflix debut when RAW aired on the streaming service for the first time live from Los Angeles. And to ensure the show was a memorable one, The New Day decided to take some potshots at beloved LA artist, Kendrick Lamar, in one of their comedic segments.
In recent weeks, The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) have gone from good guys to heels as they reinvent themselves and do what they can to get the crowd to boo them wherever they go. Being that they were in Los Angeles for the first Monday Night RAW of the year, the two decided to go after LA’s favorite son, Kendrick Lamar, and it could not have been more hilarious.
With the crowd booing their every word, Woods responded to the audience by saying, “Think about it, for what, the past six months y’all have been elevating this trash rapper, Kendrick Lamar…” Cue even louder boos and screams. Seeing an opportunity to throw in his own two cents, Kingston chimed in with his own take saying, “Yeah, boo him. We think he sucks too… So you’re not mad at us. You’re mad at Kendrick Lamar because Drake won the beef, right?”
Needless to say, that did not go over too well with the Los Angelenos in the stadium. Only Hulk Hogan’s appearance garnered more boos and disdain from the crowd than The New Day’s take on Kung Fu Kenny.
While most of the Hip-Hop world agrees that K. Dot won the battle, it doesn’t seem like we’ve heard the last of it yet, as Drizzy and K. Dot continue to throw darts at each other long after Drake said he was moving on from the rap beef. Guess we’ll have to wait and see what the two have in store for us in this new year.
Check out The New Day’s comedic segment below, and let us know your thoughts about the skit in the comments section below.
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: Bernard Smalls / @PhotosByBeanz
One of Hip-Hop’s longest running fueds continues. Ja Rule found it hilarious that 50 Cent’s Las Vegas residency was panned by a critic.
As spotted on HipHopDX, the G-Unit Records recently kicked off his residency at PH Live in Planet Hollywood. As expected, 50 Cent performed his medley of hits, b-sides and guest appearances to a crowd of his fans. In attendance at one of the dates was blogger Jennifer Gay, who goes by the name Vegas Starfish on social media. She recapped her evening in a video that made it clear that she was unimpressed by the set up and even 50’s performance. “The sound was balanced poorly making it impossible to hear the performance. His hypemen were unrelenting and overbearing making it difficult to hear anything but their echos,” she wrote. “The only surprise was the lack of energy. This was the worst live performance, for any artist, I’ve ever attended,” she added.
Her review soon went viral on social media and eventually landed on Ja Rule’s radar. The “Always On Time” rapper reposted the clip and added, “Not the worst… #ICONN,” with several laughing emojis. Jeffrey wasn’t the only one who took shots at 50 Cent over the footage, as many people online noticed that Fif only waves his right arm up and down while he raps throughout his entire set.
http://www.twitter.com/jarule/status/1874459263583560082
As expected, 50 Cent has responded to the criticism and paused for a brief moment at a subsequent show to address the poor review. “What, you thought I was going to be out here rollerblading like Usher and sh*t? I seen some sh*t, Chris Brown was flying in Africa. I don’t have records that require me to fly in Africa,” he told the crowd. The blogger Vegas Starfish continues to stand by her original review.
HipHopWired Featured Video
CLOSE
Source: @OG2Low / Instagram
OG 2 Low, a rapper who reportedly has ties with Rap-A-Lot Records, was a guest on a recent podcast discussing the finer points of his career, which dates back to the 1990s. During the chat, OG 2 Low is seen in a clip adjusting his fireman in his pocket, which suddenly goes off and narrowly misses the rapper’s leg while sparking a flurry of comments online.
As reported by Chron, OG 2 Low sat down with the One on One Wit Mike D podcast, also known as the Tha Dirty 3rd podcast, hosted by Mike D of the Screwed Up Click and one-third of the Southside Playaz group.
In a clip posted by @CollinRugg over the weekend, OG 2 Low, 45, is seen on the set of One on One Wit Mike D fumbling around in his pants when viewers suddenly hear a loud pop and a pained look on OG’s face. Mike D asks if anyone was shot while the podcast producer is heard in the background with some light commentary. Taking the moment in stride, Mike D took a quick pause and resumed the chat with OG 2 Low, who did appear to be okay despite blasting a hole in the left thigh portion of his jeans.
The video, which has been viewed over 2 million times and clipped by other content creators and outlets, is continuing to make its rounds with some saying the moment reminded them of the time former NFL star Plaxico Burress shot himself in the leg while carrying a gun in his pants. Others online preached about gun safety while others just went in for the jokes.
We’ve got a few reactions below, avoiding those that bordered on racist with some tough guy gun owners acting like they’re John Wick online and using it as an excuse to dump on the perceived intelligence of rappers.
NEW: Rapper 2 Low accidentally fires his gun while reaching his hand in his pocket during an interview, finishes the episode anyway
The incident happened during the 1 on 1 With Mike D podcast.
After taking a quick break, the two continued their highly intellectual conversation. pic.twitter.com/UeGlOw2hFH
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 4, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
—
Photo: Screenshot/IG
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: CHRIS KLEPONIS / Getty
President Joe Biden awarded his final list of recipients for the Presidential Medal of Freedom, including Denzel Washington and Hillary Clinton.
On Saturday (Jan. 4), President Joe Biden recognized an array of luminaries by awarding them the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. It is his final such ceremony as Commander-in-Chief, and the list of 18 honorees included Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington, NBA Hall-of-Famer and businessman Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Denzel Washington receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom. pic.twitter.com/W59TnJxofk
— CSPAN (@cspan) January 4, 2025
The other recipients included Chef Jose Andres, actor Michael J. Fox, scientist Bill Nye, U2 singer/songwriter Bono, scientist and activist Jane Goodall, fashion mogul Ralph Lauren, American Film Institute founder George M. Stevens, entrepreneur Tim Gill, and World Cup winner Lionel Messi. There were also posthumous honorees – activist and co-founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party Fannie Lou Hamer, former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, former Michigan Governor George Romney, and former Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter.
I am so humbled and overwhelmed with emotion right now. It is an absolute honor and privilege that President Joe Biden selected me for the esteemed Presidential Medal of Freedom award. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that this kid from Lansing, MI would one day… pic.twitter.com/3gFsus16cA
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 4, 2025
One particular honoree caught the wrath of right-wingers – billionaire George Soros, who has been a consistent donor to Democrats through the years. Bestowing the Presidential Medal of Freedom on donors is not unusual. In Donald Trump’s first term in office, he bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom upon the late conservative media figure Rush Limbaugh and billionaire Republican donors Sheldon and Miriam Adelson. Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and Carlyle Group co-founder David M. Rubenstein joined Soros on the list of honorees.
The ceremony was held in the East Room of the White House, and it was a jubilant affair. Michael J. Fox, who was honored for his contributions to the research of Parkinson’s disease, was overcome with emotion after receiving the honor. Chef Jose Andrés, who has become a global figure with his World Central Kitchen helping those in need after disasters and conflict, expressed his appreciation in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “Today, I’m humbled to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. I know that immigrants are bridges…we build the longer tables that connect us all,” he wrote.
When I first arrived to Washington DC in 1993, Senator Moynihan told me – “if you love America, America will always love you back.”
Today, I’m humbled to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. I know that immigrants are bridges…we build the longer tables that connect us… pic.twitter.com/vyV5g4ziyl
— Chef José Andrés 🕊️🥘🍳 (@chefjoseandres) January 4, 2025
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: SNEAKERS N STUFF / SNEAKERS N STUFF
Jim Jones has never been one to bite his tongue and over the weekend the Harlem representative had the sneaker community buzzing when he shared some of his thoughts on the current state of the sneaker culture.
Taking to Instagram to share some of his thoughts on the sneaker game, Jim began his random rant by stating, “Sneakers culture started with drug dealers, argue wit ur mamma.” While he’s not wrong, many were caught off guard by the blunt statement, but Jim didn’t stop there. In the caption, he went on to explain “Who made Nike n Reebok’s fly and before [that] pumas [and] Adidas Michael Jordan made ’em, but [the] drug dealers made me want to buy them. Now a days most basketball sneakers are not fashionable any more, [it’s] why a lot of sneaker companies [are] losing right now.”
Again, the man isn’t wrong. The sneaker silhouettes of today’s top sports superstars really seem geared more towards on-court and on-field appeal than something you can rock with a fly outfit. But he didn’t stop there, Jim then went off on online sneaker personalities who’ve made names for themselves in the sneaker community saying, “I b watchin all these weird dudes doing sneakers shows [and] sneakers reviews never had to hustle to get pair they don’t know [the] risk to thrill factor. Most of them never had a pair of Jordans when they [came] out they only brought retros.”
You have to wonder which one of them said something that irked Jim to the point that he had to make this post to get his point across.
If you know anything about Jim Jones, you know that the man is a big sneakerhead. Like most of us OGs, he has an affinity for retro Jordans and Nikes, and like most of us older heads, he isn’t too impressed with the new silhouettes and designs that the big sneaker brands have been releasing over the last few years.
Why he decided to go on this sneaker rant is anyone’s guess, but at the end of the day the man isn’t wrong and we have to ride with him on this one. Not about the weird sneaker personalities, but everything else, sure why not.
What do y’all think about Jim Jones’ statements about the current state of the sneaker culture? Let us know in the comments section below.
HipHopWired Featured Video
CLOSE
A bombshell lawsuit brought by a former hairstylist for the Fox Sports network is alleging that former network host Skip Bayless offered to pay her a high sum for sex while accusing an FS1 executive of sexual misconduct. Further, the lawsuit named network co-hosts Emmanuel Acho and Joy Taylor, with claims that Taylor slept with several key figures at the network for advancement.
Front Office Sports reports that Noushin Faraji, who worked at Fox Sports from 2012 until August 2024, named Fox, Fox Sports, FS1, FS2, Fox Sports Executive Vice President Charlie Dixon, Skip Bayless, and FS1 host Joy Taylor as defendants in the lawsuit that was filed last Friday (Jan. 3).
Source: Travis P Ball / Getty (Dixon is to the right in the photo)
Among the more explosive claims, Faraji says that Bayless offered her $1.5 million to have sex with him after working with the host on the set of Undisputed and allegedly faced sexual harassment and unwanted advances from Bayless. In addition, the suit says that Bayless accused Faraji of sleeping with his former Undisputed co-star, Shannon Sharpe.
The suit also shares a depiction of an exchange between Faraji and Bayless where she attempted to rebuff Bayless by mentioning his wife and Bayless allegedly mentions Faraji’s Muslim faith and the assumption that her father had more than one spouse. Faraji told Bayless that her father was dead.
Faraji added in the suit that Dixon, who was the head of content for FS1, allegedly grabbed Faraji’s bottom at a West Hollywood birthday party. Faraji claims she went to Taylor to report what happened and Faraji said that Taylor allegedly told her to “get over it.”
According to Faraji’s account, she believed that Taylor and Dixon began their affair in 2016 despite both being married. Taylor allegedly invited Faraji out for a drink in Santa Monica, Calif. and when arriving to the bar, she found Taylor sitting with Dixon. Faraji claimed that the body language between the pair suggested a sexual connection. The suit also states that Taylor’s slot on Undisputed was a “reward” for sleeping with Dixon.
Source: ETIENNE LAURENT / Getty
The lawsuit also points to allegations that Taylor used sex to get herself in the door for some of the coveted time slots in the FS1 and Fox Sports space, including sleeping with Acho. Faraji claims she warned Taylor about sleeping with Dixon and Acho at the same time, a warning that was allegedly dismissed by Taylor who believed she had enough leverage to get whatever she wanted out of Dixon.
Faraji is seeking unspecified monetary damages and wants to take the matter to trial. Fox Sports has released a statement regarding the matter while Bayless, Taylor, and Acho have yet to respond to the claims.
On X, the news of the lawsuit have spread wide with reactions going all over the place and zeroing in on the more salacious aspects while largely ignoring the harm Faraji claims to have endured. We’ve got those reactions listed below.
For those who want to go through the 47-page lawsuit, click here.
[h/t Daily Mail]
—
Photo: Getty
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: Lyvans Boolaky / Getty
It looks like Kanye West and Bianca Censori are getting back to the basics for 2025, as the couple released some new pics to start off the new year and actually seem like new and refreshed versions of themselves.
According to TMZ, the controversial couple posted some new photos, and in them, Kanye doesn’t look homeless and Bianca doesn’t seem miserable (no shots). Rocking a tight Caesar haircut and all-black attire, Kanye actually looks like he’s in better shape than he has been in recent years and Bianca has visible eyebrows again. Naturally, she’s leaving little to the imagination as she rocks a see-through top next to her man, but that’s basically been her M.O. ever since tying the knot with the Hip-Hop icon.
As for what to expect from these two in 2025, we can only wait and see but judging from how they’ve already started the year with new pics, expect them to be upfront and center with their relationship and celebrity status for the rest of 2025.
Per TMZ:
Kanye is indeed one lucky guy as he proudly reveals in these new snaps showing him taking selfies with bodacious Bianca. Both are decked out in all black, but Bianca stands out, of course, in her skintight bodysuit and tights.
And that’s only for starters … you can also feast your eyes on some of Bianca’s classic hot shots in our 2 other galleries.
Check out pics of the “happy” couple below, and let us know what you expect from these two in the next 12 months in the comments section.
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: NBC Universal / Peacock
Ever since authorities raided Diddy’s properties early in 2024, multiple documentaries about Diddy’s secret lifestyle have gone into production, and Peacock has just released their trailer for the first of what’s to be many Diddy documentaries.
On Thursday (Jan. 2), Peacock dropped the teaser trailer for their upcoming documentary, Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy (clever title), and judging from the clips, it’s not going to be a something that “Brother Love” is going to, well, love. Featuring interviews from former colleagues, journalists, and even artists, the documentary is sure to shed some light on how the Diddler went about his disturbing business behind closed doors. According to Deadline, it’s sure to shock viewers who’ll no doubt indulge in the exposé of the music icon.
Per Deadline:
“Featuring never-before-seen footage and stories from those who know him best, Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy sheds light on his childhood, rise to fame, and recent criminal allegations, challenging viewers to rethink everything they thought they knew about the mogul behind the music—and the mugshot.”
The special features exclusive, never-before-seen footage of Diddy partying, at home and in the studio, as well as revealing interviews with some of those who’ve known Diddy best – including his childhood friend, his former bodyguard, and a “Making the Band” winner. Singer/songwriter/producer Al B. Sure!, who was Diddy’s label mate at Uptown Records and in a relationship with Kim Porter before she began dating Diddy, also speaks out for the first time.
Good thing Diddy’s locked up or else some of these people would be afraid to come forward. We already know that he has a thing for bombing cars, allegedly.
Check out the trailer for Diddy: the making of a Bad Boy, and let us know if you’ll be checking it out when it premiers on Peacock January 14 in the comments section below.
HipHopWired Featured Video
Stormzy will be racking up a lot of rideshare miles for the better part of the year after the British rapper was hit with a nine-month driving ban. Stormzy was pinched by an off-duty police officer who caught the “Own It” star behind the wheels of his Rolls-Royce using a mobile phone.
The BBC reports that Stormzy, real name Michael Owuo Jr., entered a guilty plea by way of a letter in connection to the charge of using a mobile phone while driving his Wraith in London this past March.
The judge overseeing the matter, Andrew Sweet, cited that the rapper’s driving record was “not good” and the court heard previously that Stormzy has accrued six points on his license for speeding violations. The rapper’s legal representative informed the Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court that their client has accepted responsibility for his actions.
Before entering the guilty plea, Stormzy claimed he was not using his mobile phone but changed his tune after submitting the letter.
The BBC added in its reporting that Stormzy ran afoul of authorities after admitting that his Lamborghini Urus vehicle’s front windows were illegally tinted. In that matter as with the aforementioned case, the award-winning artist did not appear in court and was fined for the tinted window violation.
—
Photo: Getty