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Source: Albert L. Ortega / Getty / Erica Mena
Erica Mena, one of Love & Hip Hop’s long-time cast members, is now out of a job due to her reckless mouth.
Erica Mena and her forehead vein services will no longer be needed on Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta. Mena got the boot from the VH1 reality show after she called fellow cast member and Reggae superstar Spice a slur during one of those classic LHHATL tense moments.
The reality show announced Mena is not returning for the next season in a statement shared on the show’s official X account.
“The Love & Hip Hop franchise has never shied away from hard conversations in our community. Working hand-in-hand with our partners, viewers will see the impact of Erica Mena’s remarks play out in the final three episodes of the season. Effective immediately, she will not appear in the next season of Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta,” the statement reads.
In the episode, Erica Mena and Spice tried to discuss their differences. Mena was not fond of Spice’s friendship with her ex and the father of her children, Safaree, who is now “dating” Love & Hip Hop: Miami star Amara La Negra.
The conversation goes entirely left when Spice claims that Mena’s 16-year-old son, King, “hates” his mother, leading to Mena literally flipping the table on Spice and fellow cast member Shekinah, who was trying to mediate peace between them.
Social Media Is Lit Erica Mena Up
Before she got fired, social media was on Mena’s ridiculously tanned a**, dragging her for filth on the X (formerly known as Twitter), which probably led to VH1’s decision.
“Erica Mena is a white latino racist cosplaying as black woman. To call THEE Spice BLACK & MONKEY then a BLUE to say she should’ve died? YOU DESERVE EVERYTHING THAT COMES TO YOU!! EVERY SINGLE THING!!,” one X User wrote.
Another X user wrote, “The irony is, VH1/Viacom/Mona Scott saw this clip months ago and still decided to air it. It should’ve never seen the light of day and Erica Mena should’ve been let go immediately when it happened. They’re only doing this because of the outrage/backlash.”
You can see more reactions in the gallery below.
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Photo: Albert L. Ortega / Getty
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Source: Maple Powered Games / Freedom Games / G. I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra
It’s a beat ’em up game renaissance. Fans of the classic 80s cartoon, it’s your time. G.I. Joe is coming to your PC and Nintendo Switch.
Unveiled during The MIX, G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra is the latest retro arcade style beat ’em up game to drop. Developer Maple Powered Games and publisher Freedom Games aim to deliver a game set in the iconic world of G.I. Joe.
Players can take control of legendary Joes, Duke, Scarlett, Snake Eyes, Roadblock, and other franchise favorites to fight for freedom wherever there’s trouble over land, sea, air, or even in space and visit iconic locations like Cobra Island, the Pit, Cobra’s top-secret underwater base, and more.
You will lead the Joes on a mission armed with an arsenal of weapons, explosives, and more as you thwart Cobra Commander and his Cobra minions like Troopers, Ninja Vipers, HISS Tanks, the deadly Crimson Guard, and more.
Each playable character can pull off a special ability, string-together combos, and defensive moves like dodging and parrying.
You can embark on this mission alone or assemble a team of four for online or couch co-op in either Story or Arcade Mode.
G.I.Joe: Wrath of Cobra features hand-drawn pixel art and classic-style cartoon cutscenes to deliver fans the ultimate G.I. Joe experience paired with an arcade-style soundtrack from legendary composer Tee Lopes (Sonic Mania, TMNT Shredder’s Revenge, Streets of Rage 4 – Mr. X Nightmare DLC) and from Crush 40’s lead vocalist Johnny Gioeli (Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020).
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Banking On That 80s Nostalgia
G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra is the latest game looking to bank on nostalgia, and gamers love for arcade-style beat ’em up games.
“G.I. Joe is an absolute classic franchise with one of the best fanbases. Working on this game is a dream come true, and it’s been a blast creating the game I’ve always wanted to see for G.I. Joe,” said Kerry Vandenberg, co-founder of Maple Powered Games. “We’re honored to give G.I. Joe fans the video game they deserve with the most authentic experience possible.”
“G.I. Joe is one the most iconic brands from the 80s, and it was the golden era of arcade games. To celebrate the growing popularity of retro-themed games, we’re thrilled to partner with Maple Powered Games and Freedom Games to bring G.I. Joe fans our first-ever Hasbro Retro Arcade experience in this exciting interpretation of a classic 2D beat ’em up,” said Eugene Evans, SVP Digital Strategy and Licensing at Hasbro.
The game arrives on PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG with support for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems and Nintendo Switch in Q1 2024.
Hit the gallery below for more screenshots from the game.
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Photo: Maple Powered Games / Freedom Games / G. I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra
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Source: PlayStation / PlayStation Plus
Yesterday’s price is not today’s price for the PlayStation Plus subscription service.
Sony announced that the price of a PlayStation Plus is going up. An annual Essential plan jumps from $60-$80, the Extra plan goes from $100 to $135, and the Premium plan from $120 to $160.
Brace yourselves. The new prices for the tiers go into effect on September 6.
Those still locked into their current subscriptions won’t experience the price hike until November 6, but if you make any changes “such as upgrades, downgrades, or buying additional time,” you will have to pay the extra money for the new subscription price.
As for the reason for the price hike, Sony says it will allow the company to “continue bringing high-quality games and value-added benefits” to the service.
Basically, if you want them to continue to drop those great games free to subscribers, the price has to go up. Sony also adds that yearly plans continue to come at a discount and are a better value than month-to-month or three-month subscriptions.
New PlayStation Plus was Sony’s answer to Xbox’s subscription service, Game Pass, and offered its users free titles every month, and for the most part, there were plenty of bangers.
Hilariously, the news of the price hikes comes on the heels of the very mid Saints Row coming to the PlayStation Plus service as the month’s free title. It is a rare miss for Team PlayStation regarding its monthly offerings.
Gamers React To The PlayStation Plus Price Hike
As expected, gamers have been sounding off about the news, and no one is happy about the price hike.
“I just saw that PlayStation plus is going up so they can provide us with better games each month and the first month of the price hike is saints row. What a world we live in,” One X user wrote.
Another user noted in an X post, “No dedicated Sony multiplayer games No Day 1 first parties No extra incentives or perks PlayStation: “We’re gonna increase the prices of plus.”
Welp.
You can see more reactions in the gallery below.
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Photo: PlayStation / PlayStation Plus
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Source: Christopher Polk / Getty / Pinkydoll
Is Pinkydoll “light skin fishing?” The TikTok star is clapping back at claims that she is hoodwinking and bamboozling folk out here.
Confusion hit X timelines when Pinkydoll hit the stage at the Streamy Awards looking like a brown bombshell and not like an NPC with light skin doing weird things for views.
TMZ caught up with Pinkydoll, and she made it clear she is proud to be Black and, in her painfully robotic voice, basically chalks it up to being in the sun.
Per TMZ:
Twitter was perplexed to see Pinkydoll is actually darker in the flesh … and some accused her of trying to purposely bait people into thinking she’s some race other than Black.
She’s strongly denying that, though, telling our camera guy she’s proud of her melanin — and she offers an explanation for the obvious skin tone difference. Now, whether you buy it … that’s up to you.
Still, X users are reacting to Pinkydoll’s new hue and sounding off on Elon Musk’s sh*tty platform.
“The fact pinky doll tricked the colorists and the algorithms,” one X user wrote.
“Yall be letting yt women get away with Blackfishing, but you mad at PinkyDoll for fooling colorists and making money off of yall??” another X user wrote.
“Got a lightskin friend look like Pinkydoll, got a dark skin friend look like Pinkydoll,” another hilarious X post read.
LOL.
You can see more reactions to Pinkydoll’s alleged lightskin fishing ways in the gallery below.
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Photo: Christopher Polk / Getty
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Source: Tim Mosenfelder / Getty / Megan Thee Stallion
Megan Thee Stallion is back outside for the first time after the Tory Lanez verdict. Understandably, the internet is drooling over her.
The Queen of The Hotties is looking better than ever, and she is not being shy about it, and we are all thankful for it.
Spotted on TMZ Hip Hop, Thee Stallion stepped for the first time since Tory Lanez was officially sentenced in sheer numbers, flaunting her curves and continually shrinking waist.
The Houston rapper was spotted in Beverly Hills over the weekend attending her manager, T. Farris’ birthday party in a sheer Burberry jumpsuit, per HelloBeautiful, paired with some nipple pasties, chain, and matching Burberry nailset.
In videos shared on her TikTok page, Thee Stallion linked up with Juicy J and friends to create senses-tantalizing content dancing to Three 6 Mafia’s “Half on Sack.”
Thee Stallion’s new figure is a direct result of the work she has been putting in during her hottie boot camps, which she has been making sure to keep us up to speed with her fantastic recap videos.
No surprise, the hotties love her drip and how carefree she looks since Tory Lanez’s conviction following the July 2020 incident.
“Y’all done fcked up letting Megan thee stallion back outside,” one X user’s post read alongside a video of “Cash Sh*t” crafter showing off her bionic knees.
“Megan Thee Stallion outside looking good…The Hair,The BODY my gawd,” a Megan Thee Stallion fan account tweeted.
We are always here from Thee Stallion living her best life and showing off the goodies.
For more reactions, hit the gallery below.
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Photo: Tim Mosenfelder / Getty
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Source: Bob Riha Jr / Getty / Carlos Santana
Carlos Santana is putting his foot and entire guitar in his mouth after he made some heada** transphobic comments.
Spotted on Deadline, the 76-year-old legendary guitarist is now singing after a video of him going on a transphobic rant while giving props to Dave Chappelle, who also got called out for transphobic jokes at a concert back in July.
Per Deadline:
“When God made you and me, before we came out of the womb, you know who you are and what you are,” the guitarist is seen saying in the clip.
He continued, “Later on when you grow up, and you see things and you start believing that you could be something that sounds good, but you know it ain’t right, because a woman is a woman and a man is a man — that’s it.”
“Whatever you wanna do in the closet, that’s your business, I’m OK with that,” Santana added. He then mentioned his “brother Dave Chapelle,” who has also made some controversial remarks on transgender issues.
Carlos Santana Ran To Facebook To Apologize
Following the backlash, Santana took to Facebook to immediately apologize for his comments. “I am sorry for my insensitive comments,” his post begins.
“They don’t reflect that I want to honor and respect all person’s (sic) ideals and beliefs. I realize that what I said hurt people and that was not my intent. I sincerely apologize to the transgender community and everyone I offended,” his statement continued.
Santana claims that his “personal goal” is to “honor and respect all person’s (sic) ideals and beliefs whether they are LGBTQ or not. This is the planet of free will, and we have all been given this gift. I will now pursue this goal to be happy and have fun, and for everyone to believe what they want and follow in your hearts without fear.”
He wrapped up his statement, saying, “It takes courage to grow and glow in the light that you are and to be true, genuine, and authentic. We grow and learn to shine our light with Love and compliments.”
His apology might be too late. You can see those reactions below.
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Photo: Bob Riha Jr / Getty
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Source: 2K Sports / Visual Concepts / NBA 2K24
NBA 2K23 allowed players to relieve Michael Jordan’s greatest moments thanks to the Jordan Challenge, and now it’s time to embrace your inner Mamba Mentality with NBA 2K24’s Mamba Moments game mode.
Fittingly, on Thursday, 8/24, the official day we celebrate the life of the late and always great Kobe Bryant, 2K Sports dropped its latest Courtside Report focusing on NBA 2K24’s Mamba Moments game mode.
Players can relieve some of Bryant’s iconic moments during his playing days with the Los Angeles Lakers, harnessing his skills and the killer instinct he was beloved for.
“The NBA 2K24 MAMBA MOMENTS were selected to celebrate Kobe and remember how he was the most unique competitor the world had ever seen,” said Erick Boenisch, VP of NBA Development at Visual Concepts. “Our team took great care in building a realistic and authentic experience to inspire and educate a new generation of basketball fans on the legacy of the lifetime Laker that left his mark on the sport.”
A breakdown of Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Moments In NBA 2K24:
The NBA Three-Point Record. In 2003, Kobe’s record-breaking three-point shooting performance against the Seattle Supersonics, converting 12 of his 18 attempts from behind the arc.x
The King of Sac. Up 3-0 against the Sacramento Kings, Kobe slammed the door shut on the division rival’s postseason hopes with a remarkable 48 points and 16 rebounds. At just 22 years old, the then-three-time All-Star proved that the stage wasn’t too big for him.
62 Points, Three Quarters. Kobe exploded for 62 points in three quarters vs. Dallas in 2005, outscoring the entire Mavs team by himself and leading the Lakers to a blowout win in the process.
Three-Point Barrage Leads to 65-Point Game. The Black Mamba’s 65-point effort on the road in Portland propelled the Purple and Gold to an overtime victory in March of 2007.
2010 NBA Finals Game 7. Looking to win back-to-back titles for the first time since the early 2000s, Kobe did a little bit of everything during his clutch close-out performance against Boston.
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NBA 2K24 arrives on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC on September 8.
Hit the gallery below for photos of Kobe Byrant’s Mamba Moments.
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Photo: 2K Sports / Visual Concepts / NBA 2K24
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Source: Atari / Plaion / Atari 2600+
One thing long-time gamers love is nostalgia, and Atari, with help from Plaion, is banking on it with the release of the Atari 2600+ retro home console.
With Plaion handling publishing duties, Atari is again dropping another console even after the failed attempt that was the Atari VCS, which flopped big time, but this attempt might fare a bit better.
The Atari 2600+ pays homage to the original console that arrived in 1977 and is essentially a mini-console on the same tier as Nintendo’s mini NES Classic, Super Nintendo Classic, PlayStation Classic, and Mega SG.
In the box will be the 2600+ console that ironically draws inspiration from the four-switch model from the 1980s that can play Atari 2600 and 7800 games. It also comes with a modern remake of the classic Atari CX40 joystick, the CX40+, and will feature support for a second player. If you want another controller, it will cost you an additional $25, and Atari notes a CX-30 Paddle is also in the works.
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What Games Will Be On The Atari 2600+?
As far as games, the Atari 2600+ will come with a “10 Games in 1” cartridge that will feature Adventure, Combat, Dodge’ Em, Haunted House, Maze Craze, Missile Command, RealSports Volleyball, Surround, Video Pinball, and Yars’ Revenge.
Interesting choices in games. Atari has included a list of compatible cartridges, so if you want to play classic Atari games like Frogger or Pitfall, you’ll have to spend some money in the resale market.
The Atari 2600+ will also have an HDMI output, widescreen support, and a larger socket to reduce cartridge sticking. As a nice touch, the Atari logo lights up when the console is powered on.
The Atari 2600+ launches on November 17 for $130. You can see more photos of the console in the gallery below.
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Photo: Atari / Plaion / Atari 2600+
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Source:Plaion Games
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Source: Paramount+ / Nickelodeon Studios / Good Burger 2
The first look at the long-awaited (and possibly too late) sequel, Good Burger 2, has arrived.
Good Burger 2, the sequel to the cult classic 1997 film, is coming to Paramount+ this year, and it looks to recapture that feeling of the original movie while luring in some new fans.
As far as the plot for the sequel, the logline for the straight-to-streaming film says it “follows Dexter Reed (Kenan Thompson) and original cashier Ed (Kel Mitchell), as they reunite in the present day at fast-food restaurant Good Burger with a hilarious new group of employees.”
Good Burger 2 was finally announced in March and came after both Thompson and Mitchell said they were both open to bringing back the beloved characters for another film. Per Variety, joining Kenan and Kel in the new film will be “Lil Rel Howery, Jillian Bell, Kamaia Fairburn, Alex R. Hibbert, Fabrizio Guido, Elizabeth Hinkler, and Emily Hinkler as Cindy and Mindy, and Anabel Graetz as Ruth.”
Other original cast members from the first film returning are Josh Server, Lori Beth Denberg, and Carmen Electra.
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Before becoming a successful box office film, grossing under $24 million against a $8 million budget, Good Burger gained its relevance as a skit on the popular Nickelodeon sketch comedy show All That. From there, it would receive cult status, with Thompson and Mitchell reviving the characters for a skit in 2015 on The Tonight Show.
Mitchell also appeared as Ed in the revival of All That in 2019.
X Users Have Thoughts About Good Burger 2
Good Burger 2 finally getting a trailer and release date is a big deal, and X users are reacting. It’s a mix of reactions ranging from excitement, confusion about why it’s happening, and thoughts about Mitchell’s makeup in the film.
Will you watch Good Burger 2 when it arrives on Paramoutn+ this fall? Let us know, and peep the reactions to the trailer below.
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Photo: Paramount+ / Nickelodeon Studios / Good Burger 2
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Source: Xbox / Xbox Series X Console Wraps
Xbox has been rolling out the custom Xbox Series X and Series S consoles that were exclusive and not available for purchase. Now, Xbox is giving Series X owners a way to add some flavor to the big black box.
Monday, August 21, Xbox decided to take a page out of PlayStation’s book by allowing Xbox Series X owners to finally add a bit of a personal touch to their consoles.
Like the PS5 custom plates, there are now Xbox Series X Console Wraps, but they are much easier to put on your console.
Per Xbox:
The wraps were designed specifically for Series X and have a custom, precision fit. Every detail was taken into consideration to ensure your console performance is preserved– vents are all clear, and small feet were added to the bottom of the wraps to ensure air can flow freely through the console.
Made with solid core panels that are layered with high-tech fabric finishes, the wraps are folded around your console and secured with a hook and loop enclosure. The interior of the wraps are printed with silicone designs that keep the wrap in place.
Source: Xbox
Celebrating the forthcoming launch of Starfield, the first Console Wrap will take its cues from the Bethesda title and the Xbox exclusive and compliment the already launched Starfield Xbox Headset and controller.
How Much Will The Xbox Series X Console Wraps Cost?
The Starfield Xbox Series X Console Wrap will release in the US, Canada, and Europe on October 18 for $49.99 and is available for pre-order right now via the Microsoft Store.
If Starfield isn’t your jam, and we understand if it isn’t, Xbox is rolling out two other Console Wraps.
Series X can look forward to Artic and Mineral Camo Console Wraps launching in the US and Canada on November 10 for $44.99, and they are also available for pre-order right now.
Source: Xbox / Xbox Series X Console Wraps
As expected, Xbox gamers are excited about the news; you can peep the reactions in the gallery below.
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Photo: Xbox / Xbox Series X Console Wraps