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Will Smith is more than likely never going to live down the infamous Oscars moment in 2022 when he approached host Chris Rock and delivered a slap heard around the world. In the years since, Will Smith has refocused on his acting craft and continued introspection, and in a new interview, he talks about that journey ahead of his new studio album.
Will Smith sat down with the Associated Press to discuss his upcoming fifth studio album, Based On A True Story, his creative aims for the year, and so much more. The article opens up with Smith, 56, explaining the focus and aims of the album while also using the project as a way of sharing with the world his path and the way ahead after the controversial Oscars moment when he slapped Chris Rock in 2022.
“I’ve taken the last couple of years to really do a deep dive on the parts of me that may or may not been in that level of certainty and asking those deep scary internal questions,” Smith explains.
Smith added, “It really is the result of my initial self-examination. Every song is about some part of myself that I discovered or wanted to explore, something I wanted to share. It’s the most full musical offering that I’ve ever created.”
Of course, the topic of Smith’s 10-year ban from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences could not be avoided, and he’s clearly shown remorse by way of apologizing to Rock via an open letter and video, which appears to still have gone unanswered in many respects. When asked if he would appeal the academy’s ban, Smith gave an answer that illustrates that he’s hoping to move on beyond the slap heard around the world.
“I am looking to be the best human I can possibly be, and I’m gonna take what I get with that,” Smith said.
Will Smith’s Based On A True Story drops this Friday (March 28) and is said to be the first of three albums the Philadelphia native intends to drop this year. He is also working on several film and television projects, including a sequel to the superhero action film, Hancock.
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Detroit Pistons star combo guard Cade Cunningham is having himself quite the season and while most basketball players of his caliber tend to protest their bodies at all costs to avoid injuries, Cunningham seems willing to put his on the line to live a life-long dream.
In a recent interview with Landon Buford, Cade Cunningham is one of the many wrestling fans that play in the NBA, but Cade doesn’t want to just watch his favorite wrestlers duke it out in the squared ring, he also wants to partake in laying the smacketh down on someone. After seeing the likes of Dennis Rodman, Shaquille O’Neal and even Jalen Brunson pop up and get involved in some scuffles in the ring, Cade is hoping to follow suit at some point in the future as he’s been a fan of the sport for quite some time.
When asked about his love of wrestling and if he would like to one day partake in some ring action, Cade didn’t hesitate to respond. “Yeah it’s possible. For sure. I think WWE is fire. I grew up loving WWE… but yeah. I’d be down to do it for sure,” he said.
While we’re sure Cade would love to get his hands on an opponent at some live WWE event, we’re not sure management over at the Detroit Pistons front office would co-sign seeing their start guard put himself in harms way as we’ve seen many professional wrestlers suffer all kinds of injuries over the decades. Heck, when Jalen Brunson appeared to hurt himself during his quick WWE appearance last year, Knicks nation collectively held their breath as we couldn’t bare the thought of losing our superstar point guard in such a way.
What do y’all think about Cade Cunningham wanting to take part in a WWE event? Should he risk it for fun or play it safe and just watch from the sidelines? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Earlier this year, Wicked star Cynthia Erivo low-key campaigned for the role of Storm in the inevitable X-Men film that Marvel Studios is said to be working on. And now, we have another big name in the game angling for the role of the popular mutant superhero, and we wouldn’t be mad at this casting.
According to HuffPost, during an interview on The Jennifer Hudson Show, the Top Dawg Entertainment artist detailed her iinterest in becoming a part of the Marvel universe. The “Kill Bill” singer is hoping that she’s able to land the role of Storm whenever Marvel Studios decides to introduce the X-Men following the events of Avengers: Secret Wars. Though SZA is basically a rookie in the film game, she’s made quite the name for herself on the music scene. Given her popularity and how well she faired in her big screen debut in One Of Them Days, it would be the right time for her to at least float the possibility of Marvel considering her for their upcoming Mutant saga.
Hoping to follow in the footsteps of Jennifer Hudson, who went from singer to Oscar-winning actress, SZA is looking to show she has range when it comes to acting and has her eye on playing one of the most popular mutants in the comic book world
Per Huffpost:
“I would love to be a superhero!” SZA exclaimed.
She went on to share that her father “collects first-edition comics,” and growing up, she developed a deep appreciation for both the Marvel and DC universes. Naturally, when it came to choosing a superhero role, she already had one in mind.
“I was thinking, you know how Storm has an origin story,” SZA mused. “I think that would be so gnarly if I could be Storm’s origin story.”
She sealed the moment with a statement fit for the Mistress of Elements herself: “I love to bring the rain.”
Well, she did make a helluva Catwoman in that “Bateman” State Farm commercial. With that in mind we wouldn’t mind seeing her alongside Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine for a few years, as it’s rumored that Marvel Studios will be keeping his iteration of Logan around the MCU for the foreseeable future.
Whether or not Marvel goes with big name stars for their X-Men lineup or introduce new actors for the project is anyone’s guess, but we wouldn’t mind seeing SZA play Ororo Munroe aka Storm in a future X-Men film.
What do y’all think about SZA starring as Storm in an X-Men film? Should Marvel consider the songstress for the role, or should it be given to another actress? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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The family of The Notorious B.I.G. has struck a deal with Primary Wave Music for the late MC’s catalog and more.
As reported by Variety, the estate of Biggie Smalls has partnered with the music giant in an agreement that includes his publishing rights, master recordings, image, name and likeness. This would allow the agency to negotiate on the estate’s behalf and leverage the assets so The Notorious B.I.G.’s legacy lives on via strategic placements and arrangements.
While terms of the deal have not been publicly disclosed, the Wall Street Journal reports that Primary Wave Music is acquiring 50% into the estate, which the business magazine estimates being valued at $200 million dollars. In the feature, WSJ details the late Voletta Wallace’s journey to organize Biggie’s affairs ever since his passing in 1997, which included negotiating a higher split from Bad Boy Entertainment for his music publishing.
“The estate and Primary Wave will collaborate on all business moving forward in an effort to continue the incredible and innovative work done thus far with one goal in mind, to keep the legacy of the Notorious B.I.G. alive,” a press release reads. According to the Hollywood Reporter B.I.G.’s former management team Mark Pitts and Wayne Barrow will represent the estate. Voletta Wallace passed away Feb. 21 at the age 78.
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Jay-Z and Beyoncé do not play about their name or their family. The couple are said to be considering taking legal action against Kanye West.
Page Six is exclusively reporting that the Carters might be taking their former friend and collaborator to court over his recent social media posts. Earlier this week, Kanye West made some very offensive remarks about their youngest children suggesting that they may be mentally challenged. While he quickly deleted the post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the damage was already done.
The celebrity news outlet has spoken to a source who claims is close to the family and reports that Jay-Z and Beyoncé “will absolutely not stand for it.” The unnamed individual went on to add that the couple are considering taking the matter to court. “Jay-Z and Beyoncé are aware of the posts Kanye has since deleted and are discussing how they want to handle this situation, whether that be privately and/or in a legal matter.”
While neither Jay-Z or Beyoncé have to yet to publicly comment on Kanye’s insult it seems Tina Knowles addressed it via her most recent joke segment. “What happens when a snowman throws a tantrum? He has a meltdown,” she said. Tina went on to smile before adding “Y’all know that’s funny.”
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Our whole lives we’ve heard the phrase “No good deed goes unpunished” and unfortunately for 2 Chainz, he’s finding that out the hard way and is here to remind us that regardless of how good your intentions might be, there are people out there that will exploit your objectives if given the chance.Yesterday (March 20), 2 Chainz took to Instagram to remind us of that fact when he opened up about a robbery he’d recently suffered at the hands of one of his employees. In a video he posted on his official IG page, Chainz revealed that a female employee at one of his establishments robbed the place blind right under everyone’s nose.
And we don’t mean she took the cash in the register or anything you’d expect, but she actually robbed the place of its furniture and TVs as Chainz explained. “It’s mostly women that work there, the nail shop is all women. For a girl that was working in there for me, with me…to go back in there and steal all the stuff out of there, the TVs, the sofas. I’ma be able to get it [back], but I just feel like… it’s been happen. I don’t know why it’s on my heart.”
Obviously disappointed that he put his trust in the wrong person, 2 Chainz surprisingly admitted that he wasn’t going to pursue any legal action against said employee saying “I ain’t gon’ press charges. I ain’t gon’ do nothing. But I just want you to see this and feel this.”
While we’re sure that 2 Chainz’s heart is in the right place, not having the police investigate the matter might just encourage other employees to do the same. Just sayin’.
In the caption of the video Chainz wrote, “No good deed goes unpunished 🤷🏿♂️ im not even mad, I know it’s hard out here … it’s the principle” as a reminder to the do-gooders to be careful about who you help as some people out there aren’t deserving of a kind heart.
Check out 2 Chainz’s video below, and let us know your thoughts on whether he is correct in not involving the law in his business being robbed.
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Seeing a dream deferred is never an easy thing to witness, especially if it’s happening to one of your favorite public figures. Fans of Hot Boys rapper B.G. saw his career face a major detour back in 2012 when he was charged and convicted with firearms possession stemming from a 2009 traffic stop.
Although he unfortunately had to serve 11 long years behind bars, the New Orleans-bred emcee finally made his return to the game in 2023 and almost immediately got back to work. Following the mixtape release of Choppers & Bricks in December 2023 alongside Gucci Mane, and appearing on a single by rap icon Rakim off his 2024 album, G.O.D.’S NETWORK – REB7RTH, B.G. has now officially dropped his first studio album in 16 years with Freedom Of Speech.
RELATED: Posted On The Corner – Rotimi Talks 30-City Tour And Joining The Chi
Incognito and DJ Misses were joined by B.G. for a “POTC” exclusive that felt like a reunion in itself. Chopping it up about everything from rejoining his Hot Boys compadres to acclimating into a new era of hip-hop that’s starkly different from his heyday in the 90s and 2000s, B.G.’s story is one that’s both heartbreaking and triumphant. Thankfully, his current days are filled with the joy of getting back to rapping while also receiving love from peers and successors alike, including late Migos member Takeoff who once told Posted On The Corner that B.G.’s 1997 album, It’s All on U, Vol. 2, was the first record outside of his own that inspired him to get into music. “That’s dope,” the 44-year-old veteran said of the clip after Incognito played it back for him, going on to add, “I’m definitely a big ol’ Migos fan and I was hurt when that happened to lil homie. Even though I didn’t know him personally-personally, when we lose our youngins like that it be crazy and hurtful; I know he had so much more to contribute to the culture.”
Watch our full “POTC” exclusive chat above with Hot Boys emcee B.G. to get the story behind his new album, Freedom Of Speech, and everything he’s got planned in the very near future.
POTC: B.G. Talks ‘Freedom’ In New Music & Hot Boys Reuniting
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Legendary R&B group Day26 recently gave a major co-sign to rising R&B group WANMOR, showing love for their hit song “Every Pretty Girl In The City” during an interview with Hip-Hop Wired.
The praise came when the Day26 members discussed WANMOR’s authentic approach to music and their natural talent. Rob from Day26 kicked off the conversation, emphasizing how much he appreciates the realness in WANMOR’s story. He stated, “The one thing I love about them is this, we try to stay away from gimmicks and let the music speak for itself. That’s what they do, but the gimmicks they do have work. One, they are all brothers, and two, they came from one of the most legendary names in R&B music.”
Willie from Day26 also chimed in, expressing his admiration for the group’s sound and chemistry, and even suggested the possibility of working with them in the future. “I would love to get in the studio and work with them,” he said, hinting at the exciting opportunity for collaboration between the two groups.
The potential for Day26 and WANMOR to join forces would be a game-changer for R&B fans. With Day26’s seasoned legacy and WANMOR’s fresh energy, a collaboration could bring a new wave of soulful music. Fans are undoubtedly excited at the thought of the two groups linking up to create some unforgettable tracks together.
Check out the video below:
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After filing multiple assault lawsuits against Diddy, Tony Buzbee has been forced to withdraw from representing the alleged victims.
As per TMZ the Houston, TX. attorney will not be able to proceed with many of the lawsuits he has filed against Sean “Diddy” Combs. Last month the mogul’s legal representation filed a motion that he does not have authorization to practice law in the Southern District of New York. This week he submitted paperwork formally removing himself from 15 sexual assault cases. “I made an error in judgment by failing to inform you that I was not admitted to the Southern District” the paperwork read.
Tony Buzbee says he plans to remain involved while his New York based counsel will move forward with the high profile cases. U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams has yet to approve the request as per the order she filed on Tuesday, Mar. 11 demanding he explain why he didn’t make it clear he is not approved to practice law in the district.
In an exclusive statement to TMZ he details the reasoning for the move to withdraw. “I personally withdrew, not my firm, from the few federal court cases we have on file until such time as my admission is cleared up” he says. “I’m still attorney in charge in all the New York state cases and intend to file cases very soon in Nevada and California.”
This is not the first time Tony Buzbee has been accused of errors with regards to his legal practice. Back in January JAY-Z’s team called out the attorney for missing several “factual inconsistencies” in his client’s story that she was sexually assaulted by JAY-Z and Diddy back in 2000.
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On Wednesday (March 19), the Metropolitan Transportation Authority made the announcement that transit riders in New York City were expecting the agency would end sales of the MetroCard at the end of the year. All stations would stop selling the MetroCard on Dec. 31, in conjunction with the stoppage of sales in retail locations and bodegas around the city. The OMNY tap-and-go system would then be the only one in use throughout the five boroughs.
“After 32 years, it’s time to say goodbye to the MetroCard and go all in on the fare payment system of the future,” said MTA Chairman Janno Lieber in the statement, adding that the move to OMNY “also opens the door for new discounts and promotions that’ll put money back in riders’ pockets.” OMNY, which was created by the Cubic company with the MTA as a result of their $573 million deal in 2017, had a slow installation and roll-out in 2019 exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The first wave of OMNY vending machines encountering manufacturing issues also delayed the MTA’s planned phaseout of the MetroCard by two years.
OMNY users can purchase a card for $1 at participating retailers and load up with an online account or at OMNY vending machines. They can also use digital wallets on their smartphones and watches to pay the fare. In an interview with Gothamist, MTA spokesperson Joana Flores said that the end date for the MetroCard aligns with the agency’s plan to have at least one OMNY vending machine in all 472 subway stations by the fall.
The MTA encourages riders to spend down their remaining MetroCard balances, but they can use existing balances to pay fares on buses and subway trains until the end of 2026. The change is expected to save the MTA $20 million annually. Those wondering about the discounts they currently have with 30-day MetroCards may see that vanish as well – there is no option for that with OMNY, and a potential fare hike by the MTA later this year could prohibit that from being implemented.