PARIS (AP) — Snoop Dogg steps out of a sleek black SUV, his entourage in tow, as a Parisian crowd erupts into chants of “Snoop, Snoop, Snoop!” outside the NBC set.

Decked out in a custom-made, Noah Lyles-themed USA sweatsuit, the ultra-smooth entertainer glides past the adoring fans with flashing phone cameras into the Musee de l’Homme. Inside, his longtime friend Martha Stewart greets him with a hug. They chat, clink champagne glasses and then he “crip walks” onto the set to film a Sunday night segment.

OK, the show can start — Snoop has arrived. Literally.

At the Paris Games, grand entrances have become the norm in Snoop’s spectacular Olympic life.

“When the lights are on, that’s when I shine the best,” he told The Associated Press after returning from watching Lyles’ historic victory in the 100-meter sprint and filming a primetime segment with Mike Tirico and Stewart, a surprise guest.

“This opportunity was nothing but a chance for me to show the world what it’s supposed to look like when you put the right person in the right environment,” Snoop said.

Snoop, 52, has become the star of the Paris Games, ascending to new heights with several memorable moments. He’s carried the Olympic torch, captivated audiences as NBC’s prime-time correspondent, swam with Michael Phelps, attended a U.S. women’s soccer game with Megan Rapinoe, danced with Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles, and cheered on Caeleb Dressel alongside the swimmer’s wife and son.

The rap icon is currently in his comfort zone. And sleep? Even that’s having a hard time catching up with the on-the-go multihyphenate entertainer.

“It’s more about relaxing rather than sleeping because I’m having so much fun,” he said. “This ain’t the town to sleep in. This ain’t the time to sleep. This is time to be on it like you want it. It’s different events happening day and night. I want to be active with everything, because I love the American athletes and competition. This is what I’m here for.”

Stewart said she’s extremely proud of how Snoop is successfully taking on the challenge. She was impressed by his ability to genuinely connect with Olympians and their family members.

“I think he’s done an amazing job for the Olympics,” said Stewart, who attended a equestrian team dressage event with Snoop on her 83rd birthday Saturday. For the horseback riding competition, the duo wore matching helmets, black jackets and white pants.

“This is the celebration of the finest athleticism ever in the world and he has made it so accessible to everybody,” she continued. “That’s his talent. Everybody loves him.”

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Snoop also has the Games’ most in-demand souvenir: A Snoop Dogg pin, which shows him wearing a blue top while exhaling rings colored the same as the Olympics logo. He’s gifted one to tennis star Coco Gauff, but passed on offering more details for now on how to obtain more saying, “I’m going to be honest with you. I have zero answers for that.”

Meanwhile, Snoop has mastered the art of being himself in front of the television camera — even for a global audience. He initially went into his correspondent assignment, thinking NBC wanted more “buttoned-up” commentary from him until network executives encouraged him to be his authentic self — especially after seeing his in-person potential during the U.S. Olympic trials.

At the trials, Snoop had done casual on-video interviews with a few Olympians about their sports, including women’s basketball player A’ja Wilson, gymnast Sunisa Lee, skateboarder Jagger Eaton and beach volleyball players Sara Hughes and Kelly Cheng. He met with Lyles and participated in a 200-meter race — clocking in at 34.44 seconds — with NBC analyst and former Trinidadian track star Ato Boldon and former U.S. national champion Wallace Spearmon.

“This is what I do. I do it every day,” said the rapper, who had already become a fan favorite during the Tokyo Games, when he and Kevin Hart did in-studio commentary for Peacock in which he called a “layup drill.”

“That’s why it’s not hard for me,” he said. “It’s not like an act. The bits that we do. They’re comfortable. They’re not stretched or forced. It’s me being me.”

Snoop’s presence in Paris is part of NBC’s bet to boost ratings by infusing coverage with pop culture. So far, the U.S. broadcaster’s strategy has worked, combined with the star power from U.S. Olympians such as Biles, Katie Ledecky and Sha’Carri Richardson. Through a five-day span beginning with the opening ceremony on July 26, the company averaged 34 million people a day watching on NBC, cable networks and Peacock, up from 19 million over the same period in Tokyo.

On Saturday, the network drew nearly 35 million, doubling Tokyo’s second Saturday numbers.

Tirico credits Snoop with being a major piece to NBC’s coverage. He said the rapper’s hard work matches his creative talents.

“That license to color outside the lines is what makes the greats, great. He knows how to do that and keep the picture looking good,” said the sportscaster, who has worked with Snoop during ideas sessions. “I’m not surprised because I’ve seen the process in some of the pre-meetings. He’s added more than I ever imagined he would.”

Snoop has come a long since he broke through 30 years ago as part of the West Coast gangsta rap scene with Dr. Dre in a career marred with several brushes with the law. He branched out as an actor in films like “Training Day” and “Starsky & Hutch,” and as a reality star with Stewart’s “Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party.”

“But remember, I’m a rapper. So ain’t no rapper ever did what I’m doing,” said Snoop, who first showed his on-camera commentary capabilities for his viral take on the Jake Paul-Nate Robinson boxing match in 2020.

“It’s limitations to the field that I come from,” he said. “Rappers aren’t supposed to do this. I tend to do the unthinkable.”

At it’s 60th International Biennial Boule held in Houston this weekend, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. proudly inducted Kelley Gay as an Honorary Member.

Kelley Gay currently serves as the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for OneAmerica Financial (OAF), overseeing the company’s marketing, communications, and stakeholder experience strategies. With more than $99 billion in assets under management, OneAmerica Financial has benefited from Gay’s leadership in driving exceptional brand experiences and aligning marketing efforts with core strategic objectives. Her previous roles include significant marketing leadership positions at MassMutual Financial Group and early career roles in brand promotion and financial advising.

A graduate of the University of Connecticut, Gay was a standout athlete as a member of the Big East All-Academic Team and the 1995 NCAA Women’s Basketball Champion team. Her passion extends beyond her professional career to youth charities, women’s issues, diversity and inclusion advocacy, and business and leadership coaching. Gay’s involvement with the USA Swimming Foundation reflects her dedication to these causes, and she is poised to play a key role in helping Sigma Gamma Rho deepen their SWIM1922 relationship. Additionally, Gay’s expertise offers valuable opportunities to educate the sisterhood about financial acumen and future planning.

Alongside Kelley Gay, Sigma Gamma Rho also welcomed twelve other distinguished women as honorary members: Krystal Harris, Ta’Rhonda Jones, Bianca Knight, Sharon Moody, LaTavia Roberson, Kim Roxie, April Showers, Kera Wright, Bettina Benson, Rebekah Borucki, Jackie Chambers de Freitas, and Dwan Martin.

SAINT-DENIS, France (AP) — Noah Lyles won the Olympic 100 meters by .005 seconds Sunday, waiting some 30 seconds after the finish of an excruciatingly close sprint to find out he’d beaten Kishane Thompson of Jamaica.

The word “Photo” popped up on the scoreboard after Lyles and Thompson dashed to the line. Lyles paced the track with his hands draped over his head. Finally, the numbers came up. Lyles won in 9.784 seconds to edge out the Jamaican by five-thousandths of a tick of the clock.

America’s Fred Kerley came in third at 9.81 and defending champion Marcell Jacobs finished fifth.

This was the closest 1-2 finish in the 100 since at least Moscow in 1980 — or maybe even ever. Back then, Britain’s Allan Wells narrowly beat Silvio Leonard in an era when the electronic timers didn’t go down into the thousandths of a second.

Thank goodness they do now.

Lyles is the first American to win the celebrated race since Justin Gatlin in 2004.

And 9.784 also marks a personal best for Lyles, who has been promising to add his own brand of excitement to track and certainly delivered this time.

He will be a favorite later this week in the 200 meters — his better race — and will try to join Usain Bolt as the latest runner to win both Olympic sprints.

This weekend, at its 60th International Biennial Boule in Houston, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. proudly inducted Bettina Benson as one of their honorary members. This recognition celebrates Benson’s exceptional contributions and leadership in her field, as well as her dedication to service and community.

Bettina Benson is the Founder and Creative Director of Chloe Kristyn. After spending 10 years in medical sales, Benson transitioned to fashion, where she has made a significant impact by creating a collection that celebrates the multidimensionality of the modern woman and the many roles she plays throughout her day. Her designs inspire women to Embrace their Evolution, blending strength and sophistication in pieces that stand the test of time.

Benson’s work has garnered attention and admiration from executives, prominent news anchors, journalists, and notable publications such as WWD, Modern Retail, The Zoe Report, Essence, InStyle, and Southern Living Magazine, which recognized her as a “Tastemaker of the South.” Through Chloe Kristyn, Benson is redefining the contemporary dress code with elevated pieces that offer accessible luxury meant to be lived in.

In addition to her accomplishments in fashion, Benson is deeply committed to social causes, particularly supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. She partners with and volunteers for organizations in Atlanta such as “Live Safe House” and the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation, working to create safe and stable homes and families by advocating for equal justice. Her dedication extends to ensuring that women and girls feel comfortable in their bodies and have the confidence to be the best versions of themselves.

In addition to Bettina Benson, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. also inducted twelve other remarkable women as honorary members: Krystal Harris, Ta’Rhonda Jones, Bianca Knight, Sharon Moody, LaTavia Roberson, Kim Roxie, April Showers, Kera Wright, Rebekah Borucki, Jackie Chambers de Freitas, Kelley Gay, and Dwan Martin.

Whether you love them or love to hate them, reality TV stars have certainly made their impact on pop culture over the last two decades. Many of the stars of these shows, from “The Apprentice” and “Big Brother” to “The Real Housewives,” have carved out their own celebrity — as well as some degree of notoriety.

Here are a few of the most notorious Black reality TV stars that have kept the drama going for years.

Tiffany “New York” Pollard

Where else do we start except with Tiffany “New York” Pollard? First appearing in VH1’s hit series “Flavor of Love,” Pollard became one of the biggest villains in reality TV history, terrorizing her fellow contestants as they vied for the love of Flavor Flav. Her addition was so impactful, that VH1 brought her back for more on the show’s second season, before getting giving Pollard her own various shows including “I Love New York,” “New York Goes to Work” and “New York Goes To Hollywood.”

Recently, she appeared on E!’s “House of Villains,” embracing her “villain” title with pride as she battled against some of the biggest villains in the genre, including our next pick below.

Omarosa Manigault Newman

Long before working for former President Donald Trump’s administration, Omarosa was first introduced to the world on a wider stage when appearing in season 1 of “The Apprentice.” From her first appearance, she became one of reality TV’s first true villains, as PEOPLE Magazine points out.

She would go on to ruffle feathers on other shows, including “The Surreal Life,” “Celebrity Apprentice,” two editions of “Celebrity Big Brother,” and more, becoming a true fixture in American reality TV. Even her daytime appearance on Bethenny Frankel’s long-canceled daytime series, “Bethenny,” stands as one of her most infamous moments. Her inclusion in “House of Villains,” including an iconic spat with Pollard, only proved her staying power and impact all these years later.

Kenya Moore

One of the greatest to ever do it, you have to give it up to Kenya Moore. One of the most polarizing staples of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” Moore joined alongside Porsha Williams in 2012, which would go on to be one of the most infamous feuds across “Housewives” cities.

With her beauty, hilarious antics and inclination to tell it like it is, Moore certainly has left her mark on the genre, appearing on “Celebrity Apprentice,” “Dancing With the Stars” and more throughout the years. While recent sudden departure from “RHOA” leaves us wondering what the future may hold for Moore and “The Real Housewives,” one thing is for sure: her reality TV legacy is undeniable and “Gone With the Wind Fabulous.”

Tamar Braxton

Don’t get it twisted: Braxton is musical royalty and a Grammy Award-nominated artist in her own right. But, her turn on reality TV has been a trailblazing one, leading to some iconic moments on the series with her family on “Braxton Family Values” and “Celebrity Big Brother.” Braxton even appeared on her own “looking for love” reality series on Peacock, “Queens Court,” alongside Evelyn Lozada and Nivea.

Providing plenty of drama (her infamous feud with Kandi Burruss was a “Celebrity Big Brother” highlight), Braxton is musical royalty, yes. But reality royalty as well. As “The Braxtons” gear up for their big return to reality TV, we’re thankful and looking forward to the return of Tamar to our screens.

NeNe Leakes

We can’t list impactful Black reality stars without the one, the only, NeNe Leakes. Queen of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” Leakes has birthed countless memes and unforgettable scenes as the self-proclaimed “tastiest peach in Atlanta.”

There’s a reason why she is constantly quoted and referenced, not only from her time on Housewives but her other reality endeavors including “The Celebrity Apprentice,” “College Hill,” “Dancing With the Stars” and beyond. Leakes is the blueprint, with her cutting wit, hilarious quips and willingness to get her hands dirty shaping her into an irreplaceable talent.

Whether or not she has played the role of the villain depends would depend on who you ask, but Leakes is undeniable in her impact and contributions to the culture.

At the 60th International Biennial Boule in Houston this weekend, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. honored Jackie Chambers de Freitas with an induction as an honorary member. 

Jackie Chambers de Freitas serves as the VP of Agile Delivery & Coaching at Salesforce within the Engineering organization. Her global team is responsible for Agile adoption, delivery, and coaching for the Fortune 100, $35B company and its numerous Clouds/business units. With over 20 years of experience, many as a seasoned Agile practitioner, she has driven efficiencies, team organization, and Agile adoption across the organization, becoming a champion and evangelist for Agile methodologies.

Chambers de Freitas is dedicated to motivating and coaching teams and individuals to be their best selves and deliver with excellence. She is a sought-after speaker and podcast guest, sharing her Agile expertise and experiences with practitioners internationally. Her passion for creating a purpose-driven work environment that results in better business value is evident in her work.

Beyond her professional achievements, Chambers de Freitas is deeply committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She co-organizes Women In Agile Atlanta and mentors young, diverse professionals, partnering with high schools to advance the focus on STEM programs that lead to careers in technology. She is particularly interested in collaborating with the sisterhood to promote STEM education among Rhosebuds and Rhoers, nurturing the next generation of leaders.

In addition to Jackie Chambers de Freitas, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. also inducted twelve other remarkable women as honorary members: Krystal Harris, Ta’Rhonda Jones, Bianca Knight, Sharon Moody, LaTavia Roberson, Kim Roxie, April Showers, Kera Wright, Bettina Benson, Rebekah Borucki, Kelley Gay, and Dwan Martin.

25

Russian model Alisa has everyone buzzing on Instagram after dropping some pics of herself in the new Barcelona jersey. People are totally freaking out, especially since rumors about her and Barca’s young star, Lamine Yamal, have been flying around.

Multiple outlets have already spilled the tea that Alisa had caught the eye of the 17-year-old Barca hotshot way before he dumped his ex, Alex Padilla. Her latest Insta posts with the new Barca jersey? Yeah, that just threw more fuel on the fire. Her follower count’s been skyrocketing too, so everyone’s wondering what’s really going on between these two.

Alisa, a Russian model residing in Spain, has added fuel to the speculation surrounding her relationship with Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal. Following the young footballer on Instagram, the model’s recent Instagram stories featuring the new Barcelona home jersey for the 2024/25 season have ignited fervent discussion among fans.

So far, neither Alisa nor Yamal has said anything about the rumors. Fans are losing their minds trying to figure out what’s going on. Everyone’s glued to their phones waiting for the next big drop.

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