Barack Obama Spotted Leaving Business Meeting In New York City

Barack Obama was spotted leaving a meeting in New York City today and it goes without saying that we, along with thousands, if not millions, of others were elated to see him.

Our relaxed-looking President stepped out onto the streets wearing a black suit with no tie to wave at the hundreds of people who had gathered around to cheer for him and beg his return to office.

After all the bulls#!t and the lies that we’ve had to put up with over the past month, it’s no wonder that even the mere sight of BO44 could incite so much joy and maybe even a little hope.

Flip the page to see more videos of the 44th President of The United States and also some of the best Twitter reactions.

Image via Twitter

Bringing Up Ballers is a new Lifetime reality show focusing on the lives of parents trying to raise professional basketball players. The mothers and fathers will do whatever it takes to get their Chicago children into the paying jobs for basketball.

The casts; Real estate broker, Nikki Burnett, along with her son Nimari Burnett. Johanna Edelberg is mother to Skinner West Elementary School’s Amari Bailey. Tiffany Thigpen, runs Big Thig Customs and Auto Repair in Chicago Heights, and is the mother to Romeoville High School. Peytyn Willborn, who owns Truth Italian Restaurant in Bronzeville, and is the mother to George Willborn, a freshman player for the University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners and De La Salle Institute alumnus. Lastly, we have Heather Williams, founder of the Glam Luxe hair extensions company. We also have Heather’s ex, former NBA player Aaron Williams, and their children Danyelle, Cameron and Aaron Jr.

Bringing Up Ballers airs @ lifetimetv on March 1st 9pm CST to see the Season Premiere.

Someone we actually like…

Janelle Monae Encourages Fans To Listen To Jidenna’s “The Chief” Album

Janelle Monae is going hard for one of her Wondaland artists. The songstress/actress recently took to Twitter to give her props to the man with the “album of the year” in her opinion; Mr. “Classic Man” himself Jidenna.

According to “black, wild and free” Janelle, people are missing out if they haven’t turned down the “lean” and the “my b***, these hoes” rap, and listened to Jidenna instead.

“Are we not tired,” said the singer on Wednesday.

Jidenna’s “The Chief” album dropped on February 17. He’s now released a video for his new single “Bambi.”

Jidenna’s talent is undeniable. Some people might not be aware of his range as an artist because they’re still stuck on his tailored suits and “dandy” attire, but WE know what’s up.

Long live the chief.

What do YOU think about Janelle encouraging people to listen to Jidenna?

WENN

See All The Beauties From Essence’s Black Women In Hollywood Awards

Viola Davis has been dressing like a winner all awards season, and last night’s appearance at the ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards & Gala was no different. Davis rocked an eye-catching hot pink gown that showcased her every curve. She was in good company too.

This year, the ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards featured a beautiful awards ceremony, which we will all get to see when the gala airs on OWN next Sunday. “How To Get Away With Murder” and ‘Birth of a Nation’ stunner Aja Naomi King was presented the Lincoln Shining Star Award by her Oscar Award nominated TV castmate Viola Davis.

Issa Rae was presented the Vanguard Award by Debbie Allen

Yara Shahidi was presented the Generation Next Award by Tracee Ellis Ross.

Tracee’s look is very bohemian, you like?

Multi-talented singer, songwriter, actress and model Janelle Monáe was presented the Breakthrough Award by Pharrell Williams.

The show also featured a performance by Cynthia Erivo. The ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards & Gala will be televised as an ESSENCE and OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network special, airing on Sunday, March 5 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on OWN.

Hit the flip for more photos of celebs in attendance, includin Gabrielle Union, Shonda Rhimes, Viola Davis, Common, Tracee Ellis Ross, Jurnee Smollet-Bell, Laverne Cox, Alfre Woodard, Holly Robinson Pete, Sherri Shepard, Tyrese Gibson, Letoya Luckett, Quvenzhane Wallis, Debbie Allen, Tina Knowles-Lawson, Loni Love and more and don’t forget to tell us Who Looked More Bangin’ in the comments!

SplashNews

The Internet Vs. #BigMadBae

It’s been a deliciously messy week bursting with internet-breaking baes that now has the perfect finale starring a very pressed bozo in a questionable wig who declared war against a complete stranger (in her mind) at a bar over a Celine bag in quite possibly the strangest sequence of events of 2017 (so far).

Hit the flip to a front row seat to the #BigMadBae saga.

Ex-friend files…

Porsha Williams Speaks On Her Kandi Burruss Beef

Porsha Williams is speaking out on that messy beef between her and Kandi Burruss over those lesbihonest claims.

As previously reported the RHOA stars got into a messy showdown during Sunday’s episode where Kandi alleged that Porsha tongue kissed her in a club and offered to “eat her p***y till she came.“Porsha however fired back with claims that Kandi had a 7-year-relationship with a woman, and added that her husband Todd cheats under the alias “Marvin.”

Now after Kandi called her a hypocrite and Phaedra Parks called their exchange “embarrassing”, Porsha’s telling her side of the story. According to Porsha she came to speak to Kandi with good intentions after the “Bone Collector”, Sheree Whitfield “embellished a conversation they had.”

“Interestingly enough, while the “Bone Collector” was spilling all her tea, she forgot to mention that she spoke of the closet first. Mind you, when Sheree brought up the “closet”, she did not mention it a shady way.

Via Bravo TV:

“I was shocked and appalled,” wrote Porsha. “My intentions were not to make matters worse but to let her know that the statements the “Bone Collecter” made were shade and were misinterpreted and embellished when reported to the other ladies. Interestingly enough, while the “Bone Collector” was spilling all her tea, she forgot to mention that she spoke of the closet first. I have no idea why Kandi made such a big deal out of something so small! She knows she has been plagued with these accusations and much worse for years.

She also added that Kandi’s faced those lesbian allegations for yeaaaaars.

“I have no idea why Kandi made such a big deal out of something so small!” wrote Porsha. “She knows she has been plagued with these accusations and much worse for years. My intentions in meeting her were to simply make sure she understood that in no way did I spill the beans on her. But once I got there, she was angry and confrontational and forced my hand! Kandi called me an aggressive lesbian first, then got mad when her true tea was served at lunch!”

Ooop!

What do YOU think about Porsha dragging Sheree into her Kandi beef???

Everyone know Sheree’s messy, how can you be mad at the bone collector for collectin’?

Delivert???

Kordell Stewart Wants $4.5 Million From Andrew Caldwell

Remember when we told you that Kordell Stewart was victorious in court against “Delivert” viral video star Andrew Caldwell who alleged that they had a gay sexual relationship while he was married to Porsha Williams?
Well after Kordell was granted a default judgment because Caldwell was properly served with the legal papers and blew off the case, Kordell’s filed new documents specifying just how much he think he’s owed.

According to The Daily Mail, Kordell wants $4.5 million in damages from Caldwell whose occupation is unknown. Kordell alleges that he was plagued with “illegitimate questions about his sexuality ‘personally and professionally in a sports industry that has made homosexuality an unenviable, controversial and taboo topic.'”
He’s also claiming that Caldwell’s bogus claims caused his 9-year-old son to be bullied and he lost out on several public appearances and hosting gigs that equaled out to between $875,000 to $1 million.

He’s also alleging that he needs $2 million in general damages for emotional stress and he needs $15,340 to repair his brand.

Well isn’t this a mess?

Even if Andrew Caldwell’s wages are garnished do YOU think it’ll be enough to pay Kordell Stewart?

Amber Rose Facing $1 Million Lawsuit Over Ace Of Diamonds Ownership Announcement

Many were taken aback when news broke that Amber Rose was now the new owner of famed L.A. strip club Ace Of Diamonds. Was she making THAT much money? Why would the owners sell it? Something just didn’t add up.

Well, according to TMZ, the reason it doesn’t add up is because technically Amber doesn’t own the club. She does, however, own a corporation called Ace of Diamonds. Word is that Muva applied for a trademark for the name as well as the well-known acronym “AoD”.

The trademark hasn’t been made official quite yet, but Amber felt so sure she would be approved that she went ahead and made her announcement.

Thing is, AoD has been a successful business for several years, that might stand in the way of Amber’s trademark approval. But that might be least of her troubles because the actual owners of L.A. best shake junts are suing her for BIG money.

TMZ reports state that AoD proprietors want $1 million for slander and have called Amb’s claim “unequivocally false”.

Without a solitary f**k to give, Amber says in 90 days her new location will be open for business…on the same poppin’ night as the “real” AoD. Monday.

Amber must have a beef with the real owners, seems like there is something really shady going on. Messy, messy, messy.

Image via WENN

Judge Qiana Lillard Is Black Girl Magic

On Thursday we posted a video of a judge setting a group of unruly court attendees straight and even putting one in jail for 90 days for acting an a$$. The judge really gave those clowns all the black girl magic the court could handle and has gone viral because of it. Peep the video.

The woman in question is Detroit’s judge Qiana Lillard and she’s incredible. Now that you’ve seen the video, take a look at all the praise falling down on her lap.

Dr. Cornel West says that “Trump is ushering in a neo-fascist era that affects everybody,” in reference to his focus on scaling back immigration and equality for minority groups (such as trans Americans). Granted people feel however they feel on the trans issue…but it’s definitely a sign of things to come for other marginalized groups under Trump’s reign.

Do you agree with Dr. West?

TMZ

Jordan Peele Dishes On “Get Out”

Jordan Peele’s hilariously terrifying (and already critically-acclaimed) Horror-Comedy Get Out is a fearless blend of heart-stopping thrills and satire splashed with the Black experience in not-very-post-racial America that will certainly push audiences to an uncomfortable yet strangely funny place never before explored in mainstream cinema.

We caught up with the Key & Peele funnyman-turned-movie star-turned-writer/director at Morehouse College where he opened up about making the soon-to-be movie of the moment.

“I think people who have criticized this film tend to be the people who haven’t seen it yet. I think the reason it’s resonating is because ‘where has this movie been, then?’ no one has given any concept like this a chance in a long time. We get tired of the same ‘ole thing. The real thing that’s poppin’ off about this movie is that it feels like ‘this is a missing piece’ we missed this. This movie should’ve been made 40 years ago, in some ways.

This is the plot of Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner? which, by the way, you could do today and not change a word. So, I think it’s a fair opinion but I think it’s more because we missed this piece of the puzzle”

Get Out is completely ridiculous in the best way possible with a soul-burning message that will hopefully reignite productive conversations about race in America.

“First of all, it acknowledges issues that have gone unacknowledged so I think, in that, I believe we need to be discussing these things. I believe we need to have these conversations. I also believe the way we talk about race is tiring to a lot of people and often falls apart because of our egos and people getting defensive… some people so don’t want to be considered racist that they can’t look within themselves.

So, I think content like this that is entertainment, first and foremost, I think that’s the end. That’s the Trojan Horse. We can come in, we can watch, we can have a good time, scream, yell, laugh, get scared, and then afterward you have to acknowledge what happened to you when you were in there.

At that point, I feel like it should–I hope it promotes constructive conversation where we were all on the same page watching that movie so we can all agree that that movie rings true. Now, if you date a white guy you can be like ‘look, honey, I’m not trying to go to your house -laughs- I think that’s in some small way… hopefully, that is beginning to heal the conversation because it’s putting another touchstone where you can refer to it like ‘remember that dude in Get Out? That’s what you’re doing right now’ you know, we can have that conversation”

Movies directed by actors-turned-directors are a mixed bag of meh but there’s no doubting Jordan Peele’s eye for visceral visuals in his directorial debut.

“I learned a lot from the director of Key & Peele and Keanu–Peter Atencio. I learned directing is very hard–hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. And it was kind of a different process writing the movie as it was directing and bringing all that together. Ultimately, I learned that this idea that I thought would never get made–the freedom I was able to give myself by saying ‘I’m not even gonna try and be ambitious with this. This is for me and me only.’

That gave me a freedom that allowed me to get to something that has resonated enough to get this current Rotten Tomatoes score of 100% so now I feel like ‘oh my God. What I like is universal even if it’s the most left field sort of idea on paper from Hollywood… make a Horror movie about race? No, that’s not happening.

But if you’re true to yourself people feel that when you’re watching. People know ‘he’s doing him right now’ and I recognize it. Our souls are the same in a way and if you do justice to your emotion and your soul that’s where the commonality in all of us comes up. And I love seeing this in a Black crowd but I love seeing it in a mixed crowd too because everyone’s on the same ride. It transcends our differences, that’s a surprise to me”

Peele’s impressive direction shines alongside perfect casting of unforgettable characters.

“Every character was its own adventure figuring out. Now with Keith, Atlanta hadn’t come out when we made this movie. I casted LaKeith from his work on Short Term 12, Selma, Compton, you know, and he has this quality where it’s like ‘I don’t know who that is but I like that guy. I like that guy.’ And he is so innately cool that I thought if I can get him in here and have the flip be the least cool–the least soulful brother that we’ve ever seen that it would be sorta jarring. But every character had their own requirements for me to tell the story.

With “Rose,” with Allison Williams, I needed that relationship to be something that we want to work which is very difficult, especially with interracial relationships where it’s like there’s people on both sides who don’t want to see that work.

“Making that relationship work, I had to have somebody that fit this mold of ‘you know what, yes, she’s undeniably caucasian but she’s also waking up and she’s funny and she’s intelligent and she’s kinda a badass with that cop -laughs- every character had their own thing I was looking for”

Comedy’s best-kept secret Lil Rel Howery shines at the heart of Get Out and will certainly be everyone’s favorite new comedian by Monday.

“He feels very familial to a lot of people. He’s got that feeling where it’s like ‘I know this dude. This is my cousin, this is my brother, this is my best friend. So, that was very important.

He’s an amazing comedian. He’s a great improviser, many times I could be like ‘Rell you gotta say this line in the way that makes the most sense to you. Gimme several reads’ and he would find these new hilarious ways to do it.

Most importantly, when it all came down to it, that’s a situation where that’s the guy I was picturing when I was writing it. And when I realized, I was like ‘Oh, Lil Rel! That. Is. Rod. Like, you just can’t take that away so it was all three of those things but, damn, what perfect casting, man. I’m so happy I got him”

Get Out hits theaters TODAY and it’s an absolute MUST SEE. No, seriously.

Universal

It’s already been demonstrated that James Corden is a complete clown (with a deep wish to be in a singing group). Now he’s adding Jordan Peele to the mix to riff on late 90’s/Early 00’s boy bands.

YouTube

Witches Worldwide Do Collective Spell Against Trump

Apparently, practicing witches from all over the world are planning to use their powers of black magic to shut down the Commander in Cheeto later on this evening.

According to NYDN, the ritual is supposed to go down at midnight Friday night/Saturday morning. Whatever the witches are doing, it calls for an unflattering photo of president Trump, a tower tarot card, salt, a candle, a feather and either the stub of an orange candle or a baby carrot — we have a decent guess of what that ingredient represents.

Now the spell isn’t meant to hurt him. but instead is more of a “binding spell” to keep y’all’s President from doing harm to all of us with his BS policies. And their Even celebs like Lana Del Ray are getting in on the action.

Who knew she was a witch? Maybe just dabbling for the greater cause, who knows. Either way, every little bit has to help, even if it is some wiccan magic.

Pixabay/Getty

Migos Sued Over Stolen Clothing From Video Shoot

Life as a Migos member is just full of highs and lows, it seems. If they’re not wowing old white women on ‘Ellen,’ they’re jumping Sean Kingston in the middle of the night in Las Vegas. Either they’re on Calvin Harris’ new Summer-ready track alongside Frank Ocean…or they’re getting sued for thousands of dollars over designer duds.

Mind you, this is all within the same 7 day time span. It’s a lot.

The new suit stems from a 2016 Niykee Heaton video shoot. In the video, Niykee cons the Migos into helping her rob a bank, then plays each one against eachother to keep all the money for herself.

Either way, according to TMZ, set stylist Marcus Clark says the Migos never returned the extra-expensive shirts or vintage designer shades they word on set. He says he’s made multiple attempts to reach out and get the items back over the last few months, but the only solid response he received was a text from Migos’ manager reading “That’s over wit.”

The items they’re on the hook for include 3 Enfants Riches Déprimés shirts, totaling $18,138, and 2 pairs of vintage sunglasses (Versace and Les Copains), which come to $700. That’s not even to mention the taxes on the shirts, which come to $1,632.

But Clark doesn’t just want the money back for the items. That’s over wit. He’s out for over $1 million in damages for his troubles.

Messy, messy Migos. Maybe they can ship the shirts back and apologize? Just to start…

Congrats! Mahershala Ali And Wife Welcome Baby Girl Bari Najma

It’s already been a big year for Mahershala Ali. Between multiple breakout roles and heaps of award nominations (and several wins already), it’s definitely his time.

Mahershala could very well win his first Oscar for Best Supporting actor by the end of the week…but he’s already brought the best trophy possible home before the ceremony even kicks off. He’s mentioned several times in interviews how excited he is to soon become a first-time father…and that time has finally come.

The actor and his lovely wife, Amatus Sami-Karim, welcomed their very first child on Wednesday. A daughter named Baro Njama.

Mahershala already shared a precious photo of his baby girl cuddling up to her mother while seemingly still in the hospital earlier this week:

Too cute! Congrats to the happy couple!

“Basketball Wives” Former Best Friends Are Still At Odds

We thought that Evelyn Lozada and Jennifer Williams had buried the hatchet a long time ago but apparently nah.

While news of Lozada rejoining the L.A. version of “Basketball Wives” next season was announced months ago, Williams recently revealed she had also been in talks to appear on the franchise that made both women famous as best friends who ultimately became enemies.

In an interview with Bijou Star on Cleveland’s Z 107.9 Williams reveals that she has been spending time with Tami Roman and Shaunie O’Neal since moving to L.A. to pursue acting. She also says producers had approached her about appearing on “Basketball Wives L.A.” for the upcoming season… but apparently after some time passed those talks lapsed. Williams says when she asked for an explanation she learned that one of the other ladies from the show had some objections to her being part of the cast…

Is it only reasonable to deduce that Evelyn is the culprit here? Or is it possible that someone else might have been the one with objections?

Hate to say it, but we’re inclined to agree with Jennifer on this one.

Question though, if you were her, would you really want to return to the show?

Hit the flip to see Jennifer living it up in Hollywood with her other famous friends.

Instagram

Wiz Khalifa’s Sister Dorien Thomaz Passes Away At Age 32

Wiz Khalifa and his mother are carrying a heavy burden. It saddens us to report that his sister, her daughter, Dorien “Lala” Thomaz has passed away.

According to NYDailyNews, Lala was a transgender woman who had been suffering from an unidentified ailment which lead to her death.

A few days ago, Wiz and Lala’s mom, Peachie Wimbush, posted the above Instagram asking for prayers.

Wiz kept mum about his feeling for several days before taking to Twitter to speak about his grief.

Dorien was just 32 years old.

We’d like to offer the Thomaz family our sincerest condolences and prayers of comfort during their time of sorrow.

Image via Instagram

There are two things that are undeniably true about Gabrielle Union: She doesn’t look her age and her hair is always on point. Long, medium length, short — shorter, ol’ girl has the hair game on lock and she proved as much again last night.

“We just did this like a few minutes ago,” the 44-year-old told People magazine Thursday. “We were like, stop, ‘Let’s go shorter. Let’s go shorter.’ Larry Sims just took a hatchet to it and just hacked it off.”

[madamenoire]

Viola Davis Talks Self Care, Aging & What She Wants To Teach Her Daughter

It’s award season and you already know Viola Davis, being one of the greatest actors of our time, is out here. In preparation for this weekend’s Oscar’s Refinery 29 asked the actress a couple of questions not only about her beauty regimen but also about self-care. Check out a couple of wise words from one of our favorites.

Self care

“You know what? Especially with women, we are usually the caretakers of everyone except for ourselves. If I don’t take care of myself and I’m taking care of my daughter or my husband or whatever — I’m running on fumes. I have nothing left to give. Nothing. But when I take the time to take care of myself, to go to the doctor, go to a spa, get a deep tissue massage, get adjusted by a chiropractor… I feel like I can face life with a renewed vigor and renewed passion.”

[madamenoire]

Beyonce Offers Support To LGBTQ Students After Trump Walksback Protections

Beyonce offered some support to the LGBTQ community via social media as the Trump Administration walked back on protecting them from discrimination.
The Trump Administration announced earlier this week that they are rescinding provisions that protected transgender students from discrimination in public schools. With the LGBTQ community now worrying about their civil liberties being protected, Beyonce has stepped forward to offer her support.
In a Facebook post, Bey posted a link to the “100 Days Of Kindness” campaign which encourages people to post positive messages supporting transgender youth.

[hiphopwired]

• Magician’s Body Discovered at Magic Castle, Possible Suicide [tmz]/li>
• Trump Calls the Media “Enemy of the People,” White House Bans CNN and Other News Outlets From Meeting [balleralert]
• Fetty Wap Accused Of Trashing A Home With ‘Stripper Underwear’ And Blunts [globalgrind]
• Janet Jackson’s Ex Mother-In-Law: I Found Her Secret 31-Year-Old Daughter [iheartradio]
• There’s A Massive Photo Of Kourtney Kardashian As Jesus On The Cross In Khloe’s House [huffingtonpost

Jada Fire’s Post-Career Glo Up

Remember Jada Fire? She used to be an adult film star known for…well…do your Googles. Anyway, while she had our hearts years ago for her movies, she has glowed up and become as fine as ever. She’s been posting fitness vids on the internet and is also as thick as ever. We don’t know the secret but we not mad.

See? She’s definitely showing up and showing out. Retirement looks good on her. Now let’s look at more vids and pics of Jada Fire being her very best self.