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President Barack Obama is without a doubt the coolest president in the history of America and keeping up with his annual tradition, the 44th president of the United States has released his yearly playlist, and it features quite the colorful cast of artists.
Over the weekend, your favorite POTUS took to social media to let the word in on what he’s been rocking out to throughout the past 12 months. Naturally, Obama’s music taste for 2024 featured some artists you’d expect such as Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” and Kendrick Lamar’s “Squabble Up” (not “Not Like Us”??) Other interesting picks include the likes of Johnny Blue Skies’ “Scooter Blues,” Tommy Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby” and Karol G’s “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido.” (Who knew?)
Needless to say, Obama’s a man who loves to dabble in different kinds of music genres and sounds, and that’s one of the reasons we love him. We just wonder if he can recite the lyrics to that Karol G joint.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump has expressed interest in forcing Canada to become a part of the United States via his tariffs, repossessing the Panama Canal, and somehow annexing Greenland from Denmark.
It’s going to be a very long four years.
Check out Obama’s playlist for 2024 below, and let us know your thoughts on his list in the comments section below.
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One of the world’s greatest professional athletes has transitioned. Major League Baseball legend Rickey Henderson has died at age 65.
As reported on CNN Sports, the former Hall of Famer is no longer with us. On Friday (Dec. 20), his family confirmed his passing. “It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of my husband, Rickey Henderson,” the statement read. The release would go on to detail his impact professionally and personally. “A legend on and off the field, Rickey was a devoted son, dad, friend, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a truly humble soul. Rickey lived his life with integrity, and his love for baseball was paramount. Now, Rickey is at peace with the Lord, cherishing the extraordinary moments and achievements he leaves behind.”
The Chicago, Ill., native played in the MLB for 25 seasons. During his time as a left fielder, he changed the game with his unique gifts of speed and power. Nicknamed the “Man Of Steal,” he retired as the league’s all-time stolen base leader (1,406) and all-time runs scored leader (2,295). In addition to his quick moves, he was respected as a fierce competitor by his peers and well-respected teammate. In 2009, he was voted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame.
During his inception speech, he professed his love for the game that changed his life and gave tribute to his biggest inspiration, Muhammed Ali. “He said at one time ‘I am the greatest.’ That is something I always wanted to be. And now that the Association has voted me into the Baseball Hall of Fame, my journey as a player is complete. I am now in the class of the greatest players of all time. And at this moment, I am very, very humble.”
You can see some of Rickey Henderson’s highlights below.
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Now that Diddy’s locked up and facing multiple lawsuits from both men and women who allege that the music icon sexually assaulted them over the decades, he has been slapped with yet another lawsuit from a woman who says she too fell victim to the now notoriously disgraced mogul.
According to TMZ, LaTroya Grayson has just filed a lawsuit against Diddy, Bad Boy Records and other entities as she claims that Diddy drugged and raped her in 2006 after she won a local radio contest in Oklahoma that sent her to one of Diddy’s infamous “White Parties” in New York City. After locking down two tickets to NYC courtesy of KJAMZ radio station, Grayson says she and her sibling attended the Diddler’s soiree and ultimately experienced the horror that many of Diddy’s alleged victims have been coping with for years.
Per TMZ:
Grayson says she and her sibling went to the party — which was changed to a “Black Party” — but were separated when entering the party … with Grayson getting in and her sibling being left outside.
Grayson says waitresses circulated around the room with premade drinks and — after she says she had only two — she began to feel sick and headed for the restroom.
Grayson says she has no recollection of the rest of the night … instead waking up at Saint Vincent’s Medical Center. When she woke up, she says she had a ripped shirt, no underwear, and most of her money was gone.
It’s important to note, Grayson remembers nothing about this assault she says happened … so, she can’t say with certainty who allegedly raped her — and, she never mentions actually seeing or speaking with Diddy at the event.
Grayson says when she got back to her hometown of Oklahoma she received an anonymous call from a woman warning her against pursing legal action against Diddy saying that his celebrity status would basically protect him and she’d be “wasting her time.” Unfortunately, it seems like the warning worked as Grayson has remained mum about the incident for almost two decades.
Naturally, Diddy’s lawyers are denying any such assault took place and have dismissed Grayson’s claim as “pure fiction,” while pointing out that she doesn’t actually remember the assault taking place. “As we’ve said before, Mr. Combs cannot respond to every baseless lawsuit and lawyer-driven money grab. He has faith in the judicial process, in which fact will be separated from opportunistic fabrications like these.”
As we’ve said before, one has to wonder how many more people will ultimately come forward with their own horror stories about “The Diddler.”
That upcoming docuseries about Diddy is going to be one helluva ride, b.
What do y’all think about this latest allegation against Diddy? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Last month, it was reported that Wendy Williams’ dementia had left her “cognitively impaired and permanently incapacitated.” Luckily for her son, she was able to make his graduation ceremony earlier this week.
According to TMZ, Wendy Williams made an extremely rare public appearance in Miami this past Thursday (Dec. 19) when her son, Kevin Hunter Jr., graduated from Florida International University. Rocking a black and silver dress while rolling around in a mobility scooter, Williams was joined by a couple of armed guards and her father, Thomas Williams Sr. While our hearts break to see Wendy Williams in such conditions, it is nice to see that she can still enjoy special moments like this with her family when she can.
Per TMZ:
There are also pictures from inside the graduation — showing WW seated to watch the culmination of her son’s college years.
It’s a rare day out for Williams … who it was revealed earlier this year suffers from dementia during a legal battle over the controversial documentary “Where Is Wendy Williams?”
She was photographed earlier this month grinning big from the back of an SUV … though her guardian recently claimed in court filings that the disease has left her “permanently incapacitated.”
Looks like she felt well enough to cheer her son on while he accepted his diploma … making for a happy family memory.
Good for her!
What are your thoughts on Wendy Williams these days? Sound off in the comments section below.
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Pharrell Williams continues to be a champion for benevolence. UNESCO has appointed him a Goodwill Ambassador for Arts Education and Entrepreneurship.
As reported by The Associated Press, the multi-hyphenate has received yet another honor for his great work for the creative community. On Tuesday (Dec. 17), the Virginia Beach, Va., native was appointed as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Arts Education and Entrepreneurship at the Organization’s Headquarters in Paris. The ceremony was followed by a screening of his LEGO biopic Piece by Piece. After the film, the In My Mind performer spoke to 800 secondary pupils who are studying music, art and fashion.
Pharrell Williams expressed his enthusiasm for the honor in a formal statement. “Words cannot describe how I feel about being chosen by UNESCO as a Goodwill Ambassador. Thank you to Director-General Audrey Azoulay for this opportunity” he said. “I’m honored to continue our work in evening the odds for children and adults through education with YELLOW and Black Ambition.”
UNESCO Director Audrey Azoulay detailed why the nomination made sense for the organization. “A complete artist, Pharrell Williams is also a humanist who works to put culture at the service of peace and bringing people together. He believes in the power of creativity and education to build a better future,” her statement read, according to a press release. “His commitments resonate with UNESCO’s mandate. I am delighted that he is joining UNESCO’s family of Goodwill Ambassadors today to support our action.”
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is an agency of the United Nations that promotes world peace via arts, education and the sciences.
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Life behind bars is taking a toll on Diddy’s physical appearance. A reporter says he appeared to be thinner and much grayer at a recent court hearing.
As spotted on Page Six, the founder of Bad Boy Entertainment looks to have lost a bit of his signature luster. On Wednesday (Dec. 18), Diddy appeared at a hearing to review his forthcoming federal trial. Reporter Elizabeth Millner of Law & Crime was in attendance for the proceeding and gave an account about how he looked. “He appeared just astonishingly thinner, which you can expect [from him being] inside a federal detention center for a couple of months now,” she noted. “A lot different from the luxury lifestyle that he was living before, but he appeared very noticeably thinner and maybe being locked up in detention is starting to wear on him.” Millner also pointed out that his hair is a lot more gray than before.
The celebrity gossip website reached out to Diddy’s legal team for comment on the matter but did not hear back. A source that is apparently close to the “Last Night” performer told the outlet that his change in appearance is due to engaging in more physical activity while he awaits trial. “He has been very active, remains in good spirits, and, as always, he was happy to see his children,” the source explained.
Diddy is being held at Metropolitan Detention Center, Brooklyn (MDC Brooklyn). You can see reporter Elizabeth Millner’s analysis below starting at the 2:06 hour mark.
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Mariah Carey is definitely in the midst of her season as evidenced by her Christmas-themed tour, which stopped in Brooklyn earlier this week. Among the celebrities in the crowd, Rihanna was in attendance with Jason Lee and the Fenty Beauty founder got one of her billionaire boobs signed by Mariah Carey.
In a video shared on Jason Lee’s social media account, Rihanna was seen having a fangirl moment as she attempted to get Carey’s attention. With a security escort in tow, Carey floated to Rih-Rih’s section near the front of the stage and reached over the security barrier to greet one another. With the two superstars having the moment, a pen made its way to Carey’s hand as the Bajan businesswoman lowered her skintight white top and exposed her left breast to get signed in red ink.
Taking the microphone, Rihanna says to the sold-out Barclays Center crowd, “Mariah Carey is signing my t*t, y’all. This sh*t is f*cking epic!” which sparked a heavy round of applause. Afterward, the two embraced and the crowd cheered as they parted ways.
Carey was in Brooklyn for the final date of her Christmas Time tour, which suffered a previous delay due to illness.
Check out the moment below.
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Just days after running into each other at a club, Cardi B and Offset are once again going at it on social media. This time around Cardi is demanding that her former hubby man up and sign their divorce papers so she can get on with her life.
According to Page Six, the former Hip-Hop lovebirds have again engaged in a public feud for all to indulge in. Cardi B took to X to call Offset a “Babymomma acting a*s b*tch.” Needless to say Offset took the bait and responded in a now-deleted tweet saying, “I’m baby mama now cuz u lied for no reason used me as a sacrifice off a comment from a stranger” and went on to accuse Cardi of making herself look like a “h*e” who’s only concerned with getting “d*ck.”
Y’all knew that wasn’t going to go unanswered.
Clapping back as quick as her cheeks do in her videos, Cardi B responded saying, “So dating because I’m single means I’m just worried about d–k?? You sound like a dummy.. trying to be fake nice after you did what you wanted from the beginning trying to push a narrative to these people.”
Surely it didn’t end there.
Per Page Six:
The mom of three then told her estranged husband to “f–k off” and sign their divorce papers “TODAY.”
The “Versace” rapper replied, calling Cardi “single and miserable” and said she has mentioned him in all of her live chats on X Spaces.
The “I Like It” emcee shot down her ex’s shade, writing that he is “just mad” because she is enjoying her life and men are interested in her — despite her having three kids and being in her 30s.
“I don’t bother none of the hoes you f–k but every guy I talk to you dming and talkin s–t about me like let’s not!” she tweeted and deleted.
Responding to her tweet, Offset said he’d sign the divorce papers once she “splits the custody” of their three children.
“When u split the custody I will u ain’t worried bout music u worried about d–k everybody can see it all u talk about [is] d–k and in clubs burnt no music no nothing just drama,” he tweeted and deleted.
We still feel these two will reconcile at some point, have another baby, and end up bitter enemies all over. Just sayin’.
What do y’all think about Cardi B and Offset once again going at each other’s throats on social media? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Lil Wayne, Marshmello, and other entertainers were revealed to have abused pandemic grants numbering into the millions, instead using the funds to splurge on hotels, trips, and other offenses. Among those named in the new report, the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant funds were reportedly misused by Rae Sremmurd, Chris Brown, and more.
In a new report from Business Insider, it was revealed that Lil Wayne, Marshello, Chris Brown, and members of the Alice In Chains band all received funds from the pandemic-era Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) meant to supplant the careers of working musicians and the venues they perform in while much of the nation and world contended with the rise of the COVID-19 virus.
Lil Wayne received $8.9 million in SVOG funds, spending $1.3 million on private chartered flights and over $450,000 on clothing and other miscellaneous items. The report also showed that the New Orleans star spent over $175,000 on expenses for a music festival related to his GKUA cannabis brand, and clothes for artists on his Young Money record label. Further, $15,000 in grant funds were used on flights and hotels for women with loose connections to the rapper’s touring operation, one of which was also reported to be an adult actress.
The SVOG was touted by members of Congress as a means to keep venues afloat and help keep musicians and their staff financially whole as touring was all but shut down for many during the height of the pandemic.
The outlet came to uncover that beyond Wayne, Chris Brown used his $10 million in SVOG grant funds to pay for a birthday party that approached $80,000 in costs. He also pocketed $5.1 million of the SVOG funds personally by way of his company, CBE Touring. Brown also used $24,000 of the grant to pay for a tour bus from the United States to Tulum, Mexico in 2020 for a monthlong stay for him and his team but did not perform in the resort town.
Other names mentioned in the Business Insider report include Marshmello, who received $9.9 million in SVOG funds and reportedly pocketed it all. Rae Sremmurd’s Sreem Touring was given $7.7 million, which was paid to Swae Lee and Slim Jxmmi.
Representatives for the artists in question declined to comment on the findings of the report. As for any ramifications, the government has gotten back some of the misused funds from Chris Brown. It wasn’t stated if officials would go after the other individuals named.
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It seems Kanye is going to Kanye wherever and wherever. He did the absolute most during a virtual lawsuit deposition.
As reported by TMZ, the rapper was recently featured on A&E’s Interrogation Raw: Celebrity Under Oath. The news series shows high-profile stars participating in legal proceedings. To promote the premiere the network released a promotional trailer, which captures Kanye being questioned regarding a lawsuit MyChannel. Inc. filed against the “Stronger” rapper for allegedly stealing their technology.
As soon as Kanye joins the virtual call he makes it clear he sees this very important matter as beneath him by wearing a cap and keeping his head down while using his phone. Naturally, the lawyers request he put away the device to which Yeezy responds defiantly. “Due to my mental geniuses-ness, in order to focus on this bullish*t I need to be on a phone.” Shortly after, his counsel asks about the device. Kanye volunteers to get off the phone but then proceeds to put on a mask. When asked why he put on the facial covering he said, “because you don’t have the right to see my face.”
In a second clip, Kanye is asked where he is located during interrogation and tells the plaintiff’s lawyer “I’m not going to tell you! You’re never going to see me again.” When prompted further on who else is he with and what other items he has in the room besides the phone he yells “Are you stupid? You are talking to the richest Black person in the history of America.”
You can watch the trailer for Interrogation Raw: Celebrity Under Oath below.