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12 Feb 2023

Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss Remembered by Loved Ones at Celebration of Life Service

Loved ones of Stephen “tWitch” Boss gathered in Los Angeles on Saturday (Feb. 11) to pay tribute to him at a celebration of life service.

Allison Holker Boss, the wife of the beloved dancer, choreographer, actor and producer, and their three children were joined by friends and fellow artists to honor him and his legacy, Holker’s rep confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter. The news was first reported by People magazine.

Speakers at the service included Ellen DeGeneres, Loni Love and Wayne Brady. Derek Hough, Wade Robson, AJ McLean, Robin Antin, cast and crew members from So You Think You Can Dance and the entire crew from The Ellen DeGeneres Show were also in attendance.

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During the celebration of life, actress and dancer Debbie Allen introduced a tribute video, as well as producer Jeff Thacker. Country singer Mickey Guyton and “Honey, I’m Good” singer Andy Grammer also performed.

In December 2022, Boss died in a Los Angeles hotel room at the age of 40, per the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner. At the time, a rep confirmed to THR that he died by suicide.

Boss got his big break in 2008 on So You Think You Can Dance and was later a DJ-turned-executive producer for nine years on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Following his death, tributes poured in across social media from friends and fellow Hollywood figures remembering Boss.

Last month, Holker took to Instagram to share an emotional video, honoring her late husband. The video included photos of the couple and their life together with their three children.

“To my husband, best friend, babe, Chee-chalker, Superman and father of my children I LOVE YOU FOREVER and ALWAYS,” she wrote in the video’s caption, which was set to Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up.” “We will forever remember you as the true beacon of light that you were and we will continue to cast your light and love throughout the world. Thank you for our incredible memories and our beautiful life shared together.”

This article was originally published by The Hollywood Reporter.

12 Feb 2023

Ja Rule Drags Billboard’s ’50 Greatest Rappers of All Time’ List After Exclusion, Twitter Debates

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It’s not really a list if it doesn’t get people in their feelings. Case in point, Ja Rule took to Twitter to drag Billboard after noting he didn’t make the cut in its 50 Greatest Rappers of All Time list.

Regardless of Ja’s beef, the list was already causing a stir due to some suspect choices. For example, in what universe does Andre 3000 come in at 12 only to be followed by Rakim at 13 and Big Daddy Kane at 20? Sure it’s Billboard, and VIBE, so the context includes charts and sales, but that means 3 Stacks has a solid beef since him and OutKast moved big units and were chart darlings.

Anyway, as for Ja Rule not cracking the top 50 isn’t exactly a top priority in rap debates, but the Queens rapper nevertheless took issue.

“There ain’t 50 rappers dead, alive or waiting to be born better than me… #ICONN #Vibes,” wrote Ja on Twitter on Thursday (Feb. 9). “@billboard congrats to everyone on the list well deserved but check my resume… #ICONN #Vibes.”

Now Ja does have a gang of major hits, but Hip-Hop itself is 50 years old and that’s a lot of great MC’s, regardless of sales and chart placement. Just saying.

Rule eventually added, “This the last thing I’m gonna say about the list… I’m pissed cause this was not an oversight it’s statistically IMPOSSIBLE to comprise this list without me so my question to @billboard who records these stats is what went into the decision to leave me off??? Just curious…”

Conspiracy theories aside, Billboard‘s list was revealed via countdown, with Jay-Z ultimately coming in at no. 1. Twitter has been debating the validity of the list ever since it full dropped. Check out some of the more passionate reactions in the gallery.

1. Ice Cube felt a ways…

10. At least someone is happy.

11 Feb 2023

Roseanne Barr Tells A$AP Rocky to Call Her When He’s ‘Tired of Rihanna’

Roseanne Barr joked that she’s “shooting my shot” with A$AP Rocky.

The day before Rihanna graces TV screens everywhere as the star of the highly-anticipated Super Bowl halftime show, Roseanne apparently slid into A$AP Rocky’s DMs and simply wrote, “Call me when you get tired of Rihanna.”

Roseanne shared screenshots of her private message to the rapper on Instagram on Saturday (Feb. 11).

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The unexpected crush seemed to amuse her followers, who left comments like “Doesn’t hurt to try,” “I feel this, Roseanne” and “Reminds me when I shot my shot with my local weather man.”

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, who turned their friendship to romance in 2020, welcomed their first child together in May 2022. Neither have publicly responded to Roseanne on social media.

Roseanne is launching a stand-up special, Roseanne Barr: Cancel This!, on Fox Nation this week.

“I’m so happy that this is the most offensive in my stand-up that I’ve ever had the balls to be,” she said in an interview with the Los Angeles Times, in which she suggested she’s been held to a cancel culture double standard and slammed ABC for firing her in 2018 from her sitcom Roseanne (then rebranded The Conners), after a late-night racist tweet that had her comparing White House advisor Valerie Jarrett to the offspring of the Muslim Brotherhood and the Planet of the Apes movies. At the time, she apologized and said she didn’t realize Jarrett was Black, and that she was on Ambien when she tweeted.

See her DM to A$AP Rocky below.

11 Feb 2023

5 Uplifting Moments in Latin Music This Week (February 11)

From career milestones and new music releases to major announcements and more, Billboard editors highlight the latest news buzz in Latin music every week. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.

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Residente is writing his first film

Puerto Rican artist Residente is teaming up with Academy Award-winning screenwriter Alexander Dinelaris (Birdman & The Revenant) to co-write his new film Porto Rico. The film, a historical drama set in the 19th century, will be based on the life of Puerto Rican revolutionary, José Maldonado Román, known as Águila Blanca (White Eagle). Maldonado Román fought against colonialism by leading a gang of 17 ex-convicts to vindicate Puerto Rico as it sought its identity as a country.

Porto Rico will become the first film released by 1868 Studios, a joint venture between Residente and Sony Music Entertainment’s premium content division.

NEON16 teams up with University of Michigan

Music company NEON16 has collaborated with The Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, for a marketing course. According to a press release, the partnership will give students the opportunity to “experience marketing in a real work setting.” They’ve been assigned to develop a full marketing plan for the upcoming release of Tainy’s debut album, DATA. The plans will be reviewed by both professor Dr. Michael Metzger and NEON16 creatives and one strategy/plan will be chosen to execute the actual album release marketing strategy. 

“It’s a privilege to be able to share our views on business, culture and creativity at such a prestigious university like MICHIGAN / ROSS. This course allows students to expand their views on the importance of culture in business allowing them to develop marketing plans that are relevant and effective in today’s consumer market,” Lex Borrero, founder and CEO of NEON16, said.

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NEON16’s Founder and CEO, Lex Borrero, NEON16 Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Ivan Rodriguez, and NEON16 Head of Electronic Music, Jack Miller at the “Culture Change Makers” Panel at University of Michigan Ross School of Business.

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The first ever Latin Women in Music is happening

Telemundo and Billboard announced the expansion of their partnership for 2023. Under the new agreement, the companies will collaborate to present the first-ever Latin Women in Music, a two-hour musical special, set to air on Telemundo in May, is a celebration of Latin female artists, executives and creatives who are proactively working for positive change, inclusion and gender parity in the music industry. Additionally, the annual Billboard Latin Music Awards, will take place Oct. 5.

Viña del Mar

The complete lineup for the 2023 Viña del Mar has been unveiled. After Maná announced they were canceling their performance due to the band’s Fher Olvera’s knee injury, the Chilean festival announced three additional artists to join the event: TINI, Emilia and Rels B. The 62nd edition of Viña will take place Feb. 19-24. Over the course of five days, the event features a mix of superstars, emerging singers and local artists competing for the Silver, Gold and Platinum “Gaviotas,” the name of its awards.

Celia Cruz’s face on a U.S. quarter

The face of the legendary Celia Cruz will be depicted on a U.S. quarter, according to the United States Mint. Widely known as the Queen of Salsa, the late Cuban singer was chosen along with four other exemplary women from history to be featured on the U.S. quarter as part of the American Women Quarters Program in 2024. She will also make history as the first Afro-Latina to appear on the coin.

The other honorees include Patsy Takemoto Mink, the first women of color to serve in Congress; Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, women’s rights advocate and Civil War era surgeon; poet, activist, and lawyer Pauli Murray; and Native American writer, composer, educator Zitkala-Ša. The four-year program “celebrates the accomplishments and contributions made by women of the United States,” states the official website. 

11 Feb 2023

Coco Austin, Ice-T’s Wife, Is Now On OnlyFans

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Wait, Coco Austin is just now getting an OnlyFans? Apparently, Ice-T’s wife has just joined the platform and we’re going to bet it will be quite lucrative for her.

The legendary rapper’s voluptuous wife has never been shy about showing off her body, and now you’ll have to pay for premium access, outside her usual social handles.

Reports Page Six:

“Yes, I’m on OnlyFans now… You won’t be sorry.. ❤️,” she captioned an Instagram picture on Wednesday of her dressed in a floral-print robe while exposing the lower part of her butt.

The model, 43, then prompted her fans to click the link in her bio, which takes them directly to her OnlyFans account, where users can subscribe to see exclusive content from her for only $19.99 a month.

“I’m the OG Coco, the one who paved the way for curvy models,” Austin’s OnlyFans bio read. “I’ve continued to Model after 25 years, also along the way I transcended into acting, TV personality, Author, Entrepreneur and Boss Babe.”

Also, don’t get it twisted and start thinking that Coco is moving into the adult film industry or a similar endeavor.

Austin then issued a PSA to her prospective subscribers, telling them that this wasn’t a “porn page” but they will get “sexy hot content” that she “can’t post anywhere else ?.”

Another bet we’re willing to take, Ice-T is being nothing but supportive.

11 Feb 2023

The Caucasity: Brett Favre Sues Shannon Sharpe Over Welfare Funds Scandal Commentary

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Brett Favre is adding more credentials to his personal “This guy is thee absolute worst,” allegedly, file. The former NFL quarterback is suing Shannon Sharpe and others for their commentary on the allegations that he intercepted funds that should have gone to welfare recipients.

Buy now you may have heard about Favre allegedly finessed funds intended for the poor and used them instead to build a new volleyball gym for his daughter’s college team at the University of Southern Mississippi, his alma mater.

Reports TMZ:

Favre filed the lawsuits earlier this week in Mississippi — naming state auditor Shad White as a defendant in one of the suits as well.

The Green Bay Packers legend claims in the suits all three defamed him when talking about his alleged role in a welfare funds scandal in Mississippi.

Favre said McAfee made some of the remarks on his podcast, alleging the former NFL punter said the ex-QB was “stealing from poor people in Mississippi.”

The Hall of Famer claimed Sharpe muttered defamatory comments on his FS1 show — when he said Sharpe called Favre a “sorry mofo to steal from the lowest of the low.”

As for White, Favre says the Mississippi official has “shamelessly and falsely” attacked him for months “in a brazen attempt to leverage the media attention generated by Favre’s celebrity to further his own political career.”

In the Mississippi welfare fraud scandal, Favre is accused of pocketing millions, which he is adamantly denying. There is no word on exactly how much Favre is seeking in damages.

 

11 Feb 2023

A Canada Goose x NBA x UNION Collection Is Here In Time For All-Star Weekend

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Canada Goose has partnered with UNION LA for a new drop. The collection is a nod to the forthcoming NBA All-Star Weekend festivities.

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As spotted on Variety the outwear apparel company has delivered the third installment towards their partnership with the National Basketball League. The drop is “inspired by a shared belief in community, culture and craftsmanship, the Canada Goose & NBA Collection with UNION offers a mix of unisex styles that take on classic designs and versatile functionality with a nod to Americana streetwear.” UNION founder Chris Gibbs expressed his vision in a formal press release. “This collection truly reflects the very definition of Union — the action or fact of joining or being joined together” he said. “By fusing the luxury performance and the function Canada Goose is known for with the design and styling of Union LA, we’ve created a limited-edition capsule collection with five distinct pieces, created with the West Coast lifestyle in mind.”

The Canada Goose x NBA x UNION Collection includes elevated outerwear pieces for most occasions. Stand outs include the Toussaint Coat. Inspired by French Military style parkas, it is an uninsulated, unisex design with an adjustable draw cord at the waist and bottom hem, two front pockets with snaps and a drawstring hood. Another noteworthy selection is the Bullard Bomber; a fully reversible jacket for two looks in one. The reverse side of the Bullard features an orange liner embossed with logos of the NBA league teams. It’s made with technical satin for durability and is lightly insulated.

You can shop the rest of the collection here. 

11 Feb 2023

Gucci Mane and Keyshia Ka’oir Welcome Baby Girl

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It’s a girl for Mr. and Mrs. Davis. 

Gucci Mane and his model/entrepreneur wife Keyshia Ka’oir have welcomed their second child together–a little girl named Iceland Ka’oir Davis. 

“Im so thankful that my baby girl is here and she so pretty and healthy,” the proud dad shared on Instagram Thursday.

“Our little princess is here!” gushed the proud mommy in a post of her own. “Beautiful & Healthy!”

Gucci shared that the baby girl weighed in at 7 pounds and 2 ounces. 

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The couple had a little boy together, Ice Davis, two years ago and announced their most recent pregnancy by declaring that the toddler needed a playmate. 

Per Page Six, Gucci and Keyshia got engaged in November 2016, tied the knot in October 2017 and welcomed Ice in December 2020. However, their relationship goes back more than a decade. 

In his autobiography, Gucci wrote that he fell in love with Keyshia at first sight in 2010. “I had Keyshia, my first real love. The first woman I ever wanted to bring to a red carpet and let the world know this was my lady,” he writes. “She held me down the whole time I was locked up and showed me what it means to have somebody you can truly count on. I wanted to be able to return the favor.”

In a Fader interview in 2017,  not long after Gucci was released from prison, Keyshia said of their relationship, “These days I often tell him, “We have to be on a schedule.” We don’t just lay in bed all morning until 12 or 1 o’clock. We get up for work in the morning at 9. We have business calls, we have emails, and we’re ready and alert. We work during the day, and at night we eat our dinner. Then we take a shower and we lay down. We have a normal life. Staying in the studio until 6 or 7 in the morning with everybody smoking and drinking, we don’t do that stuff. Because that becomes trouble. This is how we keep everything together: we stay focused.” 

Fans and celebrity supporters of the couple shared messages of congratulations on the Instagram posts–including 2 Chainz and frequent collaborator Zaytoven. 

11 Feb 2023

Skrillex Announces New Album ‘Quest for Fire’

A new Skrillex album is arriving in a matter of days.

Quest for Fire is scheduled to drop this Friday, Feb. 17, on OWSLA/Atlantic Records.

The DJ and producer first revealed the news to fans on Instagram Saturday night (Feb. 11).

“My new album QUEST FOR FIRE out 2/17. You can hear tracks from QFF in my basement set live on YouTube now,” he wrote.

In the caption for the YouTube video, he rounded up what seems to be a 13-song track list: “Rumble” feat. Fred Again.. & Flowdan x Hamdi – Skanka, “Xena” feat. Nai Barghouti, “Inhale Exhale” feat. Aluna, “A Street I Know” feat. Eli Keszler, “Tears” feat. Joker & Sleepnet, “Warped Tour ’05” feat. Pete Wentz, “Good Space” feat. Starrah, “Too Bizarre (juked)” feat. Swae Lee, Siiickbrain & Posij x Constantine & Squadooble – Bust Down, “Supersonic (My Existence) VIP” feat. Noisia, Josh Pan & Dylan Brady, “Leave Me Like This” feat. Bobby Raps x BABY AGAIN feat. Four Tet & Fred Again.., “Butterflies” feat. Starrah & Four Tet, “Ratata” feat. Missy Elliott & Mr. Oizo, and “Still Here (With the Ones That I Came With)” feat. Porter Robinson & Bibi Bourelly.

“Rumble” was released as a single in January.

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Though he’s kept busy with singles and collaborations, the new full-length album comes nearly nine years after his last full-length, 2014’s Recess, which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200.

Watch Skrillex preview his new album tracks below. Quest for Fire can be pre-saved here.

11 Feb 2023

Harry Styles Performs ‘As It Was’ Without a Hitch at 2023 Brit Awards

Brit Award winner Harry Styles brought “As It Was” to the O2 Arena on Saturday night (Feb. 11).

Styles, who won all four awards for which he was nominated, followed up last weekend’s Grammys performance of the Harry’s House hit — which Styles’ dancers said had a technical malfunction, with its rotating stage unexpectedly turning in the wrong direction — with a fresh take at the 2023 Brit Awards ceremony. “As It Was” opened the show.

The star, wearing an open red sequin jacket and showing his chest tattoos, fronted a live band and focused on audience engagement at the Brit Awards. He let the crowd take over on the first chorus, mouthing the lyrics “you know it’s not the same as it was” along with them, and reached down to touch their hands.

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His clean sweep at the Brit Awards included the honors for artist of the year, Mastercard album of the year, song of the year and the fan-voted pop/R&B act. A full list of winners can be seen here.

Check out a clip of Styles’ “As It Was” performance below.