Hulu Original Catch 22 Premiere

Source: Apega/WENN.com / WENN

Don Cheadle Is Officially Apart Of Space Jam 2

Don Cheadle has one of the most diverse acting catalogues there is, and as time goes on, his list of projects just continues to grow. Most recently, it’s being reported that the actor is going to join the cast of Space Jam 2.

According to reports from Deadline, Don Cheadle is going to be apart of LeBron James’ sequel to the famous NBA and Looney Tunes crossover. As of now, though, what his actual role will be in the long-anticipated reboot is not known.

As for who won’t be in the movie, we learned recently that the one-and-only Stephen A Smith is on the list–and of course, since we’re talking about Stephen A Smith here, he made his stance on not being apart of the film very well known by tweeting out his thoughts.

Before news of his involvement in the Space Jam sequel, Don Cheadle made headlines earlier this year when he went on Saturday Night Live with a Soviet hockey jersey that had Donald Trump’s name on the back.

Protect Don Cheadle at all costs.

Black Girl Podcast Tapes Live At #ESSENCEFest

The talented ladies of a popular podcast recently took their talents to NOLA. The cast of the widely recognized Black Girl Podcast brought their style, candor, and skills to The Raire Label’s THE GOOD BRUNCH in NOLA for a very special live recording experience.

Sapphira E., Bexx Francois, Alysha P., Scottie Beam, and Gia Peppers sat down for two days of fellowship and fun at the 25th ESSENCE Festival with live shows featuring appearances by special guests Angela Lewis and Damson Idris from FX’s “Snowfall.”

Black Girl Podcast

Source: Kimberly Ha / @Lyn.Kim

Black Girl Podcast

Source: Kimberly Ha / @Lyn.Kim

Damson spoke to the ladies about his role as Franklin on the show and paid homage to the late John Singleton whose legacy will continue on as the show rolls into season 3.

“People think I sell crack for real,” said Damson who hails from Peckham, London NOT South Central like his character. “It’s beautiful. If anyone’s been keeping up with the show then you know we put our all into it and it was created by the late, great John Singleton.”

During the Black Girl Podcast live tapings, DJ sets were courtesy of DJ Kelly Green and DJ Jazzy T and guests sipped Martell while noshing on brunch bites before taking photos with the BGP cast.

Black Girl Podcast

Source: Kimberly Ha / @Lyn.Kim

Black Girl Podcast

Source: Kimberly Ha / @Lyn.Kim

Black Girl Podcast

Source: Kimberly Ha / @Lyn.Kim

Black Girl Podcast has amassed over 3.1M streams and has been recognized by Essence as one of “12 Podcasts You Need To Add To Your Rotation” with additional nods from Black Enterprise, Blavity, and The Grio.

Black Girl Podcast

Source: Kimberly Ha / @Lyn.Kim

See more photos of these podcast impresarios on the flip.

Black Girl Podcast

Source: Kimberly Ha / @Lyn.Kim

Black Girl Podcast

Source: Kimberly Ha / @Lyn.Kim

Black Girl Podcast

Source: Kimberly Ha / @Lyn.Kim

Black Girl Podcast

Source: Kimberly Ha / @Lyn.Kim

Black Girl Podcast

Source: Kimberly Ha / @Lyn.Kim

Black Girl Podcast

Source: Kimberly Ha / @Lyn.Kim

Black Girl Podcast

Source: Kimberly Ha / @Lyn.Kim

Black Girl Podcast

Source: Kimberly Ha / @Lyn.Kim

Black Girl Podcast

Source: Kimberly Ha / @Lyn.Kim

Black Girl Podcast

Source: Kimberly Ha / @Lyn.Kim

Lil Nas X BET Awards

Source: Splash News / Splash News

Ever since Lil Nas X dropped the bomb that is “Old Town Road,” he hasn’t slowed down yet, releasing song after song for our eclectic enjoyment. Just this week, he dropped yet another remix to his country-trap hit with “Old Town Road (Remix)” featuring Billy Ray Cyrus, Young Thug, and viral sensation Mason Ramsey.

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Although “Old Town Road” is surely bringing in the bread and butter for the 20-year-old star, another stand-out from his 7 EP is the relationship woes banger “Panini.”

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In less than two minutes, Lil Nas managed to sum up the conflicting feelings that can arise when someone reaches success. Friends can start to change and lovers can switch sides faster than a #1 Billboard rise:

“Ayy, Panini, don’t you be a meanie

Thought you wanted me to go up

Why you tryna keep me teeny?”

Whether securing a new job, going away to college, or simply coming into your own, let’s face it, the come-up can leave certain people who were once rooting for you feeling insecure. The even harsher truth is, we can be that very person looking in from the outside trying to control our jealousy. Meanwhile, Lil Nas is singing to us:

“I thought you want this for my life, for my life

Said you wanted to see me thrive, you lied.”

Who knew the young cowboy would go from a song about horses to the real trials of everyday growth. Bringing such personal stories to his music can only result in better songs from Lil Nas that’ll last beyond a one-hit wonder.

Musically, the song also sounds fresh. Lil Nas doesn’t shy away from the country feels thanks to the whistle that intros the track. Then the emotive synths that ground the song add more feeling to the thumping percussion. Add a somber chorus with a melody lifted from the Nirvana track “In Bloom,” and we’ve got a winner.

Don’t get me wrong, “Old Town Road” will probably be played at cookouts and stadiums for years to come. But with songs like “Panini,” Lil Nas is establishing himself as a true artist who’s not afraid to be vulnerable. His recent coming out should prove that the layers are only going to get pulled back even more as he continues to grow.

If you’re curious as to how “Panini” was crafted, you can watch producers Take A Daytrip talk about their process with Lil Nas in Genius’ “Deconstructed” below.

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Also On Global Grind:

'The Fate Of The Furious' New York Premiere - Outside Arrivals

12 photos

Drake

Source: XLII / SplashNews / Splash News

Drake Balks At Ballet Hollywood Opening

New nightlife destination Ballet Hollywood has been poppin’ this week thanks to a post ESPY party attended by Floyd Mayweather and other famous names, but rapper Drake seemed to raise some objections, likely because he previously opened a club with the same name in Houston.

Drake commented on a post about the party’s launch saying:

The Ballet started and will be forever rooted in Houston Texas started by OVO and the mob @chubbsview @713djeric @bookedbymolo feel free to pay homage though…

Ballet Hollywood Nightclub

Source: Shot By Sham / Shot By Sham

Owners of Ballet Sean and Sam (who also founded popular nightlife locations AOD, Penthouse and Murano) were surprised by the rapper’s comment and wondered why they would be expected to pay homage to anyone for a name that has nothing to do with their concept. “We’ve already set up the hottest clubs in Hollywood,” say the partners, “but we’d love to host Drake at our Ballet.” No cap!

Check out more key moments with Floyd Mayweather, Davin Haney and Celtic Paul Pierce inside the new new this week.

Hit the flip for more photos

Ballet Hollywood Nightclub

Source: Ruben Glimpse / Ruben Glimpse

Destiny’s Child Reunited At “Lion King” Premiere & Melted Twitter

We love when Beyoncé, Kelly & Michelle step out in their flashiest of fashions like they did at “The Lion King” world premiere that snatched all kinds of manes (including ours) while fueling rumors of a new Destiny’s Child song on the highly anticipated soundtrack.

Peep the Twitter chitter-chatter over the latest Destiny’s Child reunion on the flip.

Big Freedia x Ben & Jerry's

Source: Ben & Jerry’s / Ben & Jerry’s

Big Freedia Teams With Ben & Jerry’s For “Big Freedia’s Bouncing Beignets” Flavored Ice Cream

Ben & Jerry’s recently joined forces with Queen of Bounce Big Freedia for a one-time-only epic batch of a custom flavor dubbed, “Big Freedia’s Bouncing Beignets.” The flavor was unveiled on Saturday, July 6 at Republic, one of Freedia’s favorite hot spots. The flavor consisted of sundaes made with custom flavor Bouncing Beignets, a vanilla ice cream with a bourbon caramel swirl, served atop a fresh beignet.

Big Freedia x Ben & Jerry's

Source: Ben & Jerry’s / Ben & Jerry’s

In addition to sampling the tasty treat, fans learned more about No Kid Hungry, a non-profit organization whose goal is to feed underserved children in New Orleans and got a first-listen of Big Freedia’s newest song “Chasing Rainbows” featuring Ke$ha, set to be released in August.  Stay tuned for more from our fave Louisiana bounce legend!

Boy with mouth open and tongue depressor

Source: SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty

Daughter Licks Tongue Depressor, Mother Posts Video On Snapchat

We hope all y’all disgusting bastards and bishes go directly to jail and do not collect $200 for all this lickin’ y’all doing.

According to News4Jax, a girl and her mother got in on the latest disgusting internet craze during a trip to the doctor’s office, the absolute last place you would want to wantonly lick things, but we digress.

While waiting to be seen at the All About Kids and Families Medical Center, the girl’s mother whipped out her cell phone to record her daughter licking a tongue depressor then putting back in the container for some unsuspecting person to use. Not only did this piss-poor excuse for a mother record the germy viral ritual, but she also posted the clip to her Snapchat page.

The video was spread far and wide around the internet and the mother, who asked not to be identified, said she has been receiving death threats.

News4Jax asked why she recorded it. She responded, “I had just been waiting a long time. I was just being silly with my kids.”

Her soon-to-be-ex-husband said he was horrified when he realized the girl in the video was his daughter.

“My mouth hit the floor. I was completely surprised and shocked that she would even put something like that out there to be seen,” the father said. “I’m very embarrassed. That is not how I want my children raised or brought up.”

Here’s what the medical center had to say about the incident:

“We were notified yesterday a patient had violated our trust with behavior that is inconsistent with the practices and standards that we uphold and expect at our facility.

“Upon notification of this isolated incident, we contacted law enforcement to request a full and thorough investigation. In addition, we immediately removed all materials and containers from the specific exam room and re-sanitized our entire facility. Our internal investigation does not reveal any resulting risks or harm to patients from this action.

“This type of behavior is not tolerated at All About Kids and Families Medical Center. Each year, we serve thousands of patients, and providing quality care and ensuring their safety is our top priority.”

Send. These. Hoes. To. JAIL.

Zendaya With Ava Duvernay at AT&T Dream In Black Brunch

Source: Travis Ellison / Travis Ellison

Zendaya Hosts AT&T’s “Dream In Black” Brunch At Essence Fest

Zendaya x AT&T Dream In Black Brunch

Source: Travis Ellison / Travis Ellison

During Zendaya’s first time attending Essence Festival, she hosted the “Dream In Black” brunch which brought together entertainers, influencers, and AT&T executives for a lively conversation about the “Dream in Black” mindset encouraging people to boldly follow their passion and share it with the world. The Euphoria star continues to slay the fashion game in a 70’s inspired patchwork Ferragamo Skirt and ribbed tube top paired with suede forest green pumps by LaSilla. Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay was on hand to join Zendaya in the conversation.  Are you feelin’ this get up?

Cardi B, Jermaine Dupri

Source: Lester Cohen / Astrid Schwitz / Getty

Cardi B Responded! Jermaine Dupri Says Female Rappers Today Are All Rapping About The Same Things

Music industry veteran Jermaine Dupri is NOT impressed by the women dominating the rap game today. Responsible for helping the first female rapper go platinum, Da Brat, Jermaine thinks there’s just enough variety as far as image and content. When by asked PEOPLE TV which rap Queen he’s feeling, this is what he said.

“I can’t really say. They all rapping about the same thing. I don’t think they’re showing us who is the best rapper. For me, it’s like strippers rapping. As far as rap goes, I’m not getting ‘who is the best rapper.’ I’m getting, like, you got a story about you dancing in the club, YOU got a story about you dancing in the club, YOU got a story…ok. Who’s gonna be the rapper?”

Hit play to hear it.

*UPDATE* Cardi B has responded to Jermaine’s direct criticism of her and other women emcees.

Moniece, Apryl, Fizz, Omarion

Source: Mike Coppola /Robin L Marshall / Rich Polk / Getty

Moniece Confirms Apryl Is Pregnant, Claims Fizz Brainwashed And Abused Son, Says They Both Dislike Omarion

Moniece Slaughter appeared on the latest episode of Uncensored with Jason Lee and BOY did she address everything she’s been in the news for recently.

Let’s start off lightly! Because she said a lot. Moniece started off by addressing the time she called a child ugly during a fight with Little Brandi on television. (Remember her?) People took an extreme offense to Moniece slandering a child. Moniece clarifies that she hasn’t apologized to Brandi over it, but did ultimately extend her sincere apology.

She explained why she got out of character on the show, saying her buttons were being pushed by Brandi while she was in a low place.

The children are innocent. Mine has been a topic of discussion for many years now, for people who I never sent for. That’s the silver bullet. You can call me a h*e, built like a 12-year-old….a walking black n mild. That doesn’t bother me. I could be one of those mothers that’s out here trapping rappers, but I’m not. How DARE you? I take offense to that when you know me. Max Lux knows me. Little Brandi knows me.

This was the perfect segue into why she’s so DISGUSTED with her baby daddy Fizz shacking up with Apryl. It has everything to do with Fizz allegedly encouraging their son to lie to his mother, enduring abuse and “choosing” to live with Fizz and Apryl after the adults denied they were a couple. She also casually dropped that Fizz’s quarters got raided for selling weed, that’s how he ended up living with Apryl.

When I made the comment on social media (exposing Fizz and Apryl’s relationship), my son had felt the need to hide and lie. He said he thought that I didn’t want him around Apryl because of what happened between ‘daddy and uncle O’. I don’t even know what transpired between these two men, and why he would be worried about that at nine years old.

Moniece continued, doubling down on claims Fizz abused her son and encouraged the child to hide it.

I’m sorry about making the comment about the guys sleeping with [Apryl] for them to pay your bills. But, what I’m not going to do is apologize for the statement I made about my son’s father because it was true.

It was very traumatic for my son and that is why my son feels like he has to lie. When my son came home with the bruises, he said he couldn’t tell us because his dad told him that if he did, that I was going to take him away from him.

Hit the flip for wayyyyy more from Moniece and her Fizz & Apryl relationship disdain.

Freebandz Independence Day Mixtape

Source: Courtesy Freebandz / Freebandz

Future Reveals Label Talent On

Future’s label Freebandz released a new mixtape FBG INDEPENDENCE DAY UNRELEASED HEAT on the 4th of July. The mixtape is an introduction to new Freebandz voices R&B singer T:ME and Memphis rapper Herion Young and features music from Freebandz veterans Casino, Guap Tarantino, Lil Wookie, and Doe Boy.

With the support of Grammy winning artist and label head Future the Freebandz label is building momentum with recent single releases from DoeBoy “Walk Down” and “Cash App”; Casino ” Low Key”; Guap Tarantino ” Block Boy” and “Casual”; Herion Young “DWDC” and Lil Wookie “Poppin.”

The mixtape of unreleased music has fans anxiously waiting for more music and individual projects from each artist.

The project originally went live on July 4th on MyMixtapez and on Audiomack

Follow @officialfreebandzent on Instagram for news and release dates.

Rolling Stone Live: Atlanta

Source: Dia Dipasupil / Getty

Don’t tell NeNe…

Kenya Moore Returning To RHOA For Season 12

It’s time to twirl for Kenya Moore fans. After months of speculation, #RHOA insiders are confirming that she’s back for season 12 of the “Real Housewives of Atlanta.”

“It’s going to be a great season,” an insider told PEOPLE Magazine.

Another source adds; “Kenya isn’t wasting time reminding everyone why she’s reality TV gold.”

As previously reported by B. Scott, Kenya will reportedly fulfill a FULL housewife role on the season and show off her husband and “miracle baby” Brooklyn Daly.

So far NeNe, Kandi, and Cynthia have publicly stated that they’re returning. Porsha Williams, Marlo Hampton and Eva Marcille have all also been spotted filming. Yovanna, a friend of NeNe Leakes who called herself “that b*** from Clark Atlanta” is also filming and will reportedly try to mend things between NeNe and Cynthia.

Rumors are also swirling that Kenya’s full-time status has caused Shamari Devoe to be demoted.

Will YOU be watching RHOA season 12???