Category: Entertainment

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Enhanced Michael Jackson ONE Immerses Fans in the King of Pop’s Unmatched Brilliance

“Michael Jackson ONE,” Cirque du Soleil’s dazzling tribute to the King of Pop, has entered a new era with groundbreaking technological enhancements, refreshed performances, and a renewed run through 2030. Premiering the updates at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, the 90-minute spectacle continues to honor Jackson’s legacy with cutting-edge visuals, new choreography, mesmerizing drone displays, and newly designed costumes.

Entertainment
Stefi Mar

LL Cool J Reflects on His Legacy: ‘The Most Important Rapper That Ever Existed’

LL Cool J, a hip-hop pioneer whose career spans nearly four decades, recently reflected on his profound impact on music, fashion, and entertainment. Speaking on Apple Music’s “Le Code,” the artist expressed confidence that history will recognize his contributions as foundational to the culture.

Entertainment
Stefi Mar

Jay-Z Denies Sexual Assault Allegations, Accuses Lawyer Tony Buzbee of Blackmail

Jay-Z has forcefully denied allegations of sexual assault involving a minor, calling the claims a calculated attempt at blackmail. The accusation emerged from a civil lawsuit filed by an anonymous accuser, who alleges the music mogul, along with Sean “Diddy” Combs, raped her at an MTV Video Music Awards after-party in 2000. The accuser was 13 years old at the time.

Entertainment
Stefi Mar

Michael Jackson’s Thriller: A Legacy That Continues to Dominate Music and Culture

On November 29, 1982, Michael Jackson released “Thriller,” a record-breaking album that redefined the music industry and established him as the King of Pop. The album emerged in response to the 1980 Grammy Awards, where his critically acclaimed “Off the Wall” received just two nominations. The perceived snub drove Jackson to create a masterpiece that would command recognition and remake popular culture.

Entertainment
Stefi Mar

Illinois Supreme Court Overturns Jussie Smollett Conviction in Hate Crime Hoax Case

The Illinois Supreme Court has overturned actor Jussie Smollett’s conviction, ruling that his second prosecution for filing a false police report violated his constitutional rights. The court determined that Smollett was unjustly prosecuted after an earlier agreement with state prosecutors had resolved the charges.

Entertainment
Stefi Mar

Judith Jamison, Legendary Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Dies at 81

Renowned dancer and choreographer Judith Jamison, who led the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for over two decades, passed away on Saturday in New York at 81. Jamison’s death occurred at New York-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center after a brief illness, according to Christopher Zunner, managing director of public relations at the dance company.

Entertainment
Stefi Mar

Dead of the Dead Cultural Festival at Inglewood Park Cemetery

Usually, the Dead of the Dead, Dia De Los Muertos celebrations are held the first couple of days on November 1st and 2nd, 2024. The Annual Dia De Los Muertos Cultural Festival returned to the Inglewood Park Cemetery on Sunday, October 27, 2024.

Africa
Stefi Mar

Whitney Houston’s Iconic South Africa Concert to Be Released in First-Ever Live Album and Concert Film

Whitney Houston fans around the world are in for a rare treat as Sony Music’s Legacy Recordings, in collaboration with The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and Primary Wave Music, brings Whitney Houston: The Concert for a New South Africa (Durban) to audiences on November 8. The release marks the first time that fans can own a live album and concert film of the music icon, showcasing Houston’s historic performance in post-apartheid South Africa.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

After Decades, 2 Live Crew Wins Rights to Music in Landmark Case on Artistic Ownership

The pioneering rap group 2 Live Crew, known for pushing the boundaries of free speech, has successfully regained control of their iconic music catalog after a decisive court victory. Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell, the group’s frontman, celebrated in a video posted to social media. “We got all of our [stuff] back from Lil’ Joe Weinberger,” Campbell exclaimed. “All of it.” The decision marks the end of a years-long battle over rights to some of the most controversial and influential music in hip-hop history, including albums such as As Nasty As They Wanna Be.

African Americans
Stefi Mar

IN MEMORIAM: Beloved ‘Good Times’ Star and Emmy-Nominated Actor, John Amos, Dies at 84

John Amos, the Emmy-nominated actor and pioneering television star who brought to life some of the most beloved characters in entertainment history, has died. He was 84. His son, K.C. Amos, confirmed in a statement that Amos passed away more than a month ago, on August 21, in Los Angeles of natural causes. The younger Amos didn’t say why he kept his father’s death under wraps for more than a month.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Pras Michel Files Lawsuit Against Lauryn Hill Alleging Fraud and Breach of Contract Over Fugees Reunion Tour

Prakazrel “Pras” Michel, a founding member of the iconic hip-hop group The Fugees, has filed a lawsuit against his former bandmate Lauryn Hill and MLH Touring, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (Case 1:24-cv-07403). The complaint, filed this morning, alleges fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and breach of contract concerning The Fugees’ 2023 reunion tour.

Entertainment
Stefi Mar

T.I. and Tiny Harris Win $71 Million Lawsuit Against MGA Over L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. Dolls

Rapper T.I. and singer Tameka “Tiny” Harris have emerged victorious in a major lawsuit against toy company MGA Entertainment, securing a $71 million judgment. The couple, alongside their music group OMG Girlz, accused MGA of violating their intellectual property rights by copying the group’s image and style for the company’s popular L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. dolls.

Entertainment
Stefi Mar

MC Lyte Returns with Highly Anticipated Album “1 of 1”

The wait is over for hip-hop fans and music lovers— the iconic MC Lyte has dropped her highly anticipated album, 1 of 1, marking her triumphant return after a decade-long hiatus. The album, whose producer is Grammy Award-winning Warryn Campbell, is a celebration of hip-hop, harmony, and artistry. The star-studded project features collaborations with some of the biggest legends in the industry, including Stevie Wonder, Queen Latifah, Common, Mary Mary, Big Daddy Kane, Salt, and Raheem DeVaughn, among others.

Entertainment
Stefi Mar

Cat Glover, Iconic Dancer and Collaborator with Prince, Dies at 60

Prince fans and those in the late icon’s sphere knew well the tantalizing and provocative dance moves and background vocals of Catherine Vernice Glover. Recognized worldwide as Cat, the extraordinary dancer, choreographer, and singer who achieved legendary status through her collaborations with Prince, Glover died at 60. Glover’s death was announced via her official Facebook page, where a brief statement asked for privacy during this difficult time. No cause of death was provided.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Stevie Wonder Calls for “Joy Over Anger” on New Tour Ahead of Election

Stevie Wonder has announced that he’s bringing a message of “joy over anger” this fall with his “Sing Your Song! As We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart” tour. The 10-show run begins on October 8 in Pittsburgh and concludes on October 30 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This tour arrives at a crucial junction in American politics, and Wonder said he’s seeking to inspire unity and healing.

Entertainment
Stefi Mar

Michael Jackson’s Thriving Estate Makes it a Target for Extortion Attempts

As we reported earlier this month, Michael Jackson’s legacy continues to dominate the entertainment industry, with his various projects collectively surpassing $2 billion in global ticket sales. The King of Pop’s influence remains unmatched, from groundbreaking concert films to sold-out Broadway shows, making his the most successful celebrity estate ever. Ironically, the greater its success the more it has faced attempts from those seeking to shake down the Estate for money.