33

Summer just got hotter with the release of the highly anticipated remix of “Sunday Service” by Grammy-nominated rapper Latto, featuring powerhouse collaborators Megan Thee Stallion and Flo Milli. The original version of the single created a viral storm when Latto teased a snippet on Instagram a few months ago, showcasing her signature clever bars over an infectious beat.

Directed by HIDJI WORLD and Latto herself, the accompanying music video is a visual feast, featuring scenes shot in the Bronx with Latto and her crew making a grand entrance in “twenty black suburbans we pull up like Sunday Service.” Fans can watch the dynamic video below.

This release follows Latto’s successful collaboration with J. Lo on the single “Can’t Get Enough,” which they performed together on Saturday Night Live. Beyond her music, Latto has also been busy taping Season 2 of Netflix’s “Rhythm & Flow” as a judge alongside DJ Khaled and Ludacris, set to premiere later this year.

With over a billion streams worldwide and a growing list of accolades, Latto’s star continues to rise. Since her breakout hit “Big Energy” in 2021, which achieved RIAA-certified 3x Platinum status, Latto has become an inescapable force in the music industry. She made history with “Big Energy” as the first female rapper to have a #1 record on Pop, Rhythm, and Urban Radio simultaneously, joining the ranks of legends like Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, and Mariah Carey.

Latto’s trophy shelf includes awards such as “Best New Artist” at both the 2022 BET Awards and the People’s Choice Awards, Variety’s Hitmakers “Breakthrough Artist” Honoree, Billboard’s Women in Music “Powerhouse Award,” and “Song of the Summer” at the 2023 MTV VMA Awards for “Seven” with Jung Kook. She also took home “Best Female Hip-Hop Artist” at the 2023 BET Awards.

In 2023, Latto received Grammy nominations for “Best New Artist” and “Best Melodic Rap Performance” for “Big Energy (Live)” and graced the covers of prestigious magazines like Cosmopolitan, Rolling Stone (Musicians on Musicians issue with Snoop Dogg), XXL (featuring the first-ever all-female cipher curated by Latto), and Forbes’ ’30 Under 30′ digital cover for the Musicians section.

This summer, Latto concluded a successful international European festival tour, with standout performances at the Wireless Festival in London, the Roskilde Festival in Denmark, and Rolling Loud in Germany. She also made waves at Milan Fashion Week, attending shows for top designers such as Roberto Cavalli, Etro, Blumarine, Diesel, and GCDS.

Related

DETROIT (AP) — A myriad of Detroit’s greatest musical exports, including Diana Ross, Eminem and Jack White, took to the stage in a pulsating sonic spectacle held on the eve of the historic reopening of an 18-story structure that had long symbolized their hometown’s decline.

Detroit rap duo Slum Village and Common also performed a tribute to J. Dilla, the late legendary hip-hop producer.

The 90-plus-minute “Live From Detroit: The Concert at Michigan Central” on Thursday night celebrated the city’s refurbished train station, which reopens to the public on Friday, six years after Ford Motor Co. took control of the building and more than three decades since the last train pulled out.

The vacant Michigan Central Station fell into disrepair and became an emblem of the Motor City’s decay. That is until 2018, when Ford announced it was buying the building and adjacent structures as part of the carmaker’s plans for a campus focusing on autonomous vehicles.

“Six years ago, we gathered here, and we dreamt of what was possible. We dared to dream that this station, which had become a symbol of a broken city, could once again shine as the symbol of the Motor City,” Bill Ford, his namesake company’s executive chairman, told the crowd before Ross, the Motown superstar, opened the festivities with “I’m Coming Out.”

The sold-out, ticketed, outdoor event that streamed live on Peacock also featured performances by Big Sean, the Clark Sisters, Common, Fantasia, Melissa Etheridge and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Presenters included Detroit Lions legend Barry Sanders, current Lions stars Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown and actors Taylor Lautner and Sophia Bush. Organizers said 20,000 people attended the event. And more than 60,000 are planning to tour the train station over the next 10 days.

“For most of my life, it was just a big eyesore,” Big Sean said of the train station. “It’s an oasis in the middle of the city. It’s a metaphor for us all: It’s our time right now.”

The concert was executive-produced by Eminem and his longtime manager, Paul Rosenberg. Eminem was not scheduled to perform, but surprised those in attendance by closing the show with a rousing set that included his new single, “Houdini,” as well as “Not Afraid” and the most appropriate “Welcome 2 Detroit.”

Eminem’s appearance may have been a highlight, but White’s performance wasn’t far behind.

Recommended Stories

Announcing he and his band were “going to play a couple songs tonight that were written a few blocks away from right here,” White was met with a thunderous response when he strummed the opening chords of the anthemic, “Seven Nation Army,” which he recorded while a member of The White Stripes. White, who grew up not far from MCS, held his guitar high above his head with one hand as pyrotechnics lit up the station behind him.

The hulking structure, rising high above Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood, was ravaged for years by scavengers and urban explorers. The station will now serve as an anchor for a sprawling 30-acre (12-hectare) mobility innovation district and a resurgent Corktown. The project is expected to bring thousands of tech-related jobs. Restaurants, new hotels and other service-industry businesses already are moving into and near Corktown.

The reopening of the train station also comes as Detroit enjoys something of a renaissance.

A decade since exiting its painful bankruptcy, the city has stabilized its finances, staunched population losses and made inroads in cleaning up blight across its 139 square miles (360 square kilometers). In April, Detroit set an attendance record for the NFL draft when more than 775,000 fans poured into downtown over three days.

“I just love seeing everybody in our city happy,” Ford said.

Kristen Kelly, a 32-year-old pregnant mother from Massachusetts, has garnered widespread attention on TikTok after revealing a shocking betrayal involving her boyfriend of seven years, Chris Schievink, and her friend, Kalyn Hutchins. The video, which has rapidly gone viral, details a heart-wrenching story of infidelity uncovered under tragic circumstances.

Kelly, who is 34 weeks pregnant with her second child, shared that she learned of Schievink’s affair after both he and Hutchins were involved in a motorcycle accident while on vacation. In the emotional TikTok video, Kelly explained that Schievink had told her he was working an hour away for the entire weekend. In reality, he had left the country with Hutchins, using a vacation package Kelly had purchased for their family.

The situation took a turn for the worse when Kelly discovered the truth through a GoFundMe page set up by Hutchins’ family following the crash. “My boyfriend of 7 years, Chris Schievink, cheated on me with my friend Kalyn Hutchins (both of Massachusetts). They used a $ok trip that I bought for our family,” Kelly wrote in the TikTok caption. She further detailed the depth of the betrayal, highlighting the significant impact it had on her and their family, particularly given her precarious pregnancy and the needs of their older daughter, who is severely autistic.

Kelly emphasized the importance of Schievink’s presence during this critical time. “Our first daughter was born at 34 weeks, so him being near was very important,” she explained. With her older daughter’s condition, finding suitable care in case of early labor would have been nearly impossible.

The revelation has sparked a mixture of sympathy and outrage from viewers, with many expressing their support for Kelly. The video has been shared widely, amassing millions of views and comments from people around the world.

For Kelly, the public exposure of Schievink and Hutchins’ affair has been a mixed blessing. “For once, a motorcycle accident saved someone’s life,” she concluded in her TikTok post, alluding to the bitter irony of the situation.

Watch Kristen Kelly’s TikTok Video Below!

@baddiebabymamma

My boyfriend of 7 years, Chris cheated on me with my friend. They used a $6k trip that I bought for our family. I am 34 weeks pregnant with our second child. He told me he was working an hour away for the entire weekend however in reality he left the country with her. Our first daughter was born at 34 weeks so him being near was very important. Our older daughter is severely autistic and can’t be left with a baby sitter or family member so if I had gone into labor they are literally would’ve been no one to watch her while on the trip Kalyn and Chris were in a motorcycle accident. Her family made a GoFundMe, which is how I found out. For once a motorcycle accident saved someone’s life. #mentalhealth #crying #cheating #mentalhealthmatters

♬ original sound – Kristen Kelly

Related

45

Peacock is set to deliver a knockout punch of entertainment this June with the exclusive streaming premiere of “Kung Fu Panda 4,” the year’s #1 animated comedy. Starring a powerhouse voice cast including Jack Black, Awkwafina, Viola Davis, Dustin Hoffman, Bryan Cranston, James Hong, Ian McShane, and Ke Huy Quan, the latest installment in the beloved DreamWorks franchise promises to delight fans of all ages. “Kung Fu Panda 4” will be available to stream exclusively on Peacock starting June 21.

In addition to this exciting release, Peacock is celebrating the 16th anniversary of the “Kung Fu Panda” franchise by streaming the original “Kung Fu Panda” beginning June 6 and “Kung Fu Panda 3” starting June 26. This means fans can relive the entire epic journey of Po and his friends, culminating in the latest adventure.

The exclusive streaming run of “Kung Fu Panda 4” on Peacock follows a highly successful theatrical debut. The film has already grossed over $540 million worldwide, pushing the franchise’s total box office gross to over $2 billion globally.

Peacock continues to establish itself as the go-to streaming service for Universal’s biggest films shortly after their theatrical debuts. Subscribers can look forward to a diverse array of award-winning films and blockbuster favorites from Universal, Blumhouse, Focus Features, Illumination, and DreamWorks Animation. The 2024 lineup includes anticipated titles such as “Oppenheimer,” “Trolls Band Together,” “Monkey Man,” “The Fall Guy,” “Despicable Me 4,” “Twisters,” and “Speak No Evil.” Additionally, the star-studded musical “Wicked” will make its Peacock debut in 2025.

Related

Michael B. Jordan is ready to take on the zombie-like creatures of “I Am Legend.” 

The 35-year-old actor shared an update on the upcoming “I Am Legend 2” film, which he will be appearing in alongside returning star Will Smith. Jordan said the sequel is “something that is in the works” while speaking with People about his partnership with Propel Fitness Water on the Propel Your City Project.

“We’re still working on the script and getting that up to par,” the “Black Panther” alum. “It doesn’t have a release date or anything like that. I’m not sure exactly where we’re going to be filming that one, but I’m really excited to get in front of the camera with him [Smith].”

Jordan went on to share that Smith is “somebody that I’ve looked up to for a really long time, [so] to be able to work with Will is something I’m really looking forward to. I’m really excited.” 

Details about the upcoming sequel, which was first announced in March 2022, have been kept under wraps. The original “I Am Legend” follows Smith’s character, scientist Robert Neville, as he tries to find a cure for a disease that has wiped out most of humanity, turning people into zombies. The 2007 film is an adaptation of the 1954 novel of the same name by author Richard Matheson. 

While the sequel’s plot has not yet been shared, Smith did reveal a few details about the film during a speaking engagement at the third Red Sea International Film Festival in December 2023.

“I have a call with Michael B. Jordan tomorrow,” Smith said at the time, per The Hollywood Reporter. He added that while his character dies in the first film, the DVD version has an alternate ending where his character lives. 

Recommended Stories

“So we are going with the mythology of the DVD version where my character lived,” Smith revealed. 

The Oscar winner was not planning to appear in the sequel, but he changed his mind once he heard more details about the script, penned by “I Am Legend” co-writer Akiva Goldsman. 

“It was one of those ones I was gonna leave alone, and then I heard the idea,” Smith told Entertainment Tonight in 2022, adding that he thought the plot “might work.” 

“I think we can do that,” he said he thought at the time. “I can’t talk about it yet, but it’s a really, really cool concept and [Jordan] was a part of creating the idea.”

1

The Los Angeles Sparks’ offense came alive on Friday night, leading them to their third win of the season with an 81-72 victory over the Dallas Wings. This win improves the Sparks’ record to 1-3 in Commissioner’s Cup games.

Dearica Hamby was the standout performer, scoring 22 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and dishing out four assists. This marked her eighth double-double in the first ten games of the season. Lexie Brown added 16 points and six assists off the bench, surpassing the milestone of 900 career points. Cameron Brink also had a notable performance with 10 points, 10 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. Rickea Jackson overcame a slow start to finish with eight points.

The Sparks’ bench contributed significantly, scoring 34 points. Li Yueru, Aari McDonald, and Layshia Clarendon each added seven points, with McDonald also recording six assists.

The game began with the Sparks trailing by seven points, missing several good scoring opportunities. Brink initiated the scoring for LA with a layup, helping to close the gap. Brown’s quick eight points were crucial in building the Sparks’ momentum, and they eventually took a two-point lead with a 21-10 run. However, the Wings reduced the deficit to three points by the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Wings started strong with an 8-2 run, reclaiming the lead. Despite LA briefly regaining a one-point lead with a layup by Clarendon, turnovers plagued both teams. The Wings capitalized on a late surge to take an eight-point lead, and the Sparks trailed by six at halftime.

Arike Ogunbowale scored early in the second half to extend the Wings’ momentum, but the Sparks responded, reducing the deficit to two points. Hamby’s free throws kept LA within striking distance. Dallas’ bench scored its first points of the night late in the third quarter, while Jackson’s improved performance helped the Sparks tie the game. By the end of the third quarter, the Sparks were down by two.

Jackson tied the game at the start of the fourth quarter, leading to a back-and-forth battle. Brown’s three-pointer gave LA a one-point lead, sparking an 11-2 run that extended their lead to seven points. The Wings struggled offensively, allowing the Sparks to maintain their lead.

A late layup by Ogunbowale cut the deficit to three, but Brink answered with a layup to extend LA’s lead to five. Brown’s midrange shot and McDonald’s free throws in the final moments secured the Sparks’ victory.

The LA Sparks’ next game will be crucial as they aim to build on this momentum and improve their standing in the Commissioner’s Cup.

Related

Years before last week’s revelation that Donald Trump allegedly referred to him by using the N-word, Kwame Jackson said he knew his former boss on “The Apprentice” exhibited racism. 

“There has been a history and a track record and a certain repetition of racism over Trump’s career,” Jackson said during a recent interview with theGrio.

Jackson, a Season One finalist of the NBC show, said that while he did not experience “direct” racism from Trump on the set of “The Apprentice,” he was not surprised by the recent claim from former producer and friend Bill Pruitt, who wrote in a Slate magazine article that, in 2004, Trump used the racist slur when referring to him. 

While working with Trump on the reality competition show that launched the career of the show’s ultimate villain and former Trump White House official Omarosa Manigault Newman, Jackson recalled that the future U.S. president appeared “uncomfortable” around Black people, particularly with him.

“I think he was always trying to figure [me] out,” he shared. “Given the fact that I was a Wall Street veteran from Goldman Sachs, that I had attended Harvard Business School, that I didn’t necessarily fit into the bucket of Black people maybe he had dealt with before, whether they were celebrities or athletes or whatever,” he shared. 

Though Jackson said he “cannot verify” Pruitt’s claims about Trump’s use of the slur, he believes there was a “permission structure” that allowed his racism to go unchecked. 

If the claims about Trump are true, it wouldn’t be the first time that Trump disparaged an Ivy League-educated Black man. Trump’s political rise was fueled in part by racist attacks on President Barack Obama, the first Black American elected to the White House. He also challenged the qualifications of Obama, a graduate of Harvard Law School and Columbia University. 

“He started calling into question all these things with the birther movement and asking for his papers … almost like a South Africa apartheid ‘show me your papers to be here,’” said Jackson, who “broke” from Trump over his overt racism toward Obama. He saw the personal attacks as “undercutting all Black professionals.” 

The Harvard Business School graduate continued, “[It was] calling into question our credentials, calling into question our training, our wisdom. And I felt as though that was a disgrace, and I didn’t want to be part of it.”

Jackson, who said he became one of the first in Trump’s orbit to speak out against his candidacy for president during the 2016 election cycle, noted that “way before” Trump pushed a racist political campaign to question the legitimacy of America’s first Black president, “there was this whole notion of how does he deal with a professional Black man in a television media setting,” referring to the dynamic between him and Trump at the time. Jackson said he believes it was an early sign of what would come years later. 

“Unfortunately, not enough people listened to me, and we are where we are,” Jackson lamented. “But now we’re going to focus on the future and the 2024 election and the work that I’m doing with the TOGETHER! PAC.”

Now, Jackson aims to thwart Trump’s political power ahead of the 2024 election in November. Along with fellow PAC co-founder Jason Palmer, the Democratic presidential candidate who beat President Joe Biden in the primary election in American Samoa, Jackson aims to mobilize voters, especially young voters.

Recommended Stories

“What we’re really trying to do is amplify and engage Gen Z voters on a political basis and a cause-driven basis,” Jackson said of the tech platform. “We also want to give them voter participation tools, where they can go out in their community and register people to vote and partner with great organizations.”

Jackson said he is also concerned about Black voters, who, according to national polling, are waning from their 2020 level of support for Biden. As much as a fifth of Black voters are considering voting for Trump. Jackson said Black men, in particular, “fall prey to the false bravado [and] false toughness that they see with Trump.” However, he said, the “perceived swagger” of Trump is not “really” there. 

“What’s more important here is to think about the collective and to think about overall what we’re doing if we wind up giving our vote to Trump,” he said, describing the Republican presidential candidate as “a man who doesn’t respect our community [and] a man who has a track record of racism.”

Jackson also slammed attempts by Trump and his allies to compare his recent felony conviction in New York to the historical injustices Black Americans have faced in the criminal justice system.

“If you think about who has always been on the short end of the stick of justice, we know that being a white man … who is also a celebrity, who’s also rich, you’re at the top of the pecking order in terms of the justice system,” he explained. 

“Now he has to wear that same scarlet letter on his shoulder and on his neck as what I call a ‘Donvict,’ … and not a convict.”