Courtesy of ‘Duke & Roya’ Jay Ellis is living out a childhood dream. He’s starring in his first off-Broadway play, Duke & Roya, as Duke, an American hip-hop superstar. Jay says he has always wanted to rap. “I used to make mixtapes with my homeboys when we were [in] middle school,” he tells ABC Audio. “So it’s actually…
Photo by Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images Givēon will release his second full-length studio album on Friday, but he’s already thinking about the long game. In an interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, Givēon said he’s inspired by Usher‘s longevity in the music industry. “I want to stay around because I value longevity as well. … Even…
Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for BET When Doechii accepted the best female hip-hop artist trophy at BET Awards 2025, she addressed the LA protests against undocumented immigrants being targeted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. Speaking to Variety, she explained she spoke up because she wanted to take advantage of the spotlight and her platform.…
Photo by Antoine Flament/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures Rihanna‘s favorite childhood show was The Smurfs, making her a good fit for the role of Smurfette in the upcoming Smurfs movie. The film’s director, Chris Miller, said in an interview with Variety that “everything just clicked” once he learned of her connection to the show. “It felt completely natural…
Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for Amex x Carbone Beach Wyclef Jean has a new title to add to his resume. After years of taking the stage at the Global Citizen Festival and working with the international organization, he has been named a Global Citizen ambassador. “It’s a true honor to be named a Global Citizen Ambassador.…
Disney/Wilford Harewood Jennifer Hudson will showcase her talents at the fourth annual Whitney E. Houston Legacy of Love Gala, taking place Aug. 9 — on what would have been Whitney’s 62nd birthday. Hudson will headline the musical portion of the gala, which will also include performances from R&B singer/songwriter Meli’sa Morgan, Jimmy Vance and a symphony orchestra. Morgan appeared on…
Kodak Black received the key to the city of Pompano Beach, Florida, on Tuesday for his contributions to the community. “This recognition is not about celebrity,” Mayor Rex Hardin said, according to Miami New Times. “It’s about heart. Kodak Black has consistently and quietly extended a hand to lift up others in our community, and today we want…
BET+ RonReaco Lee is one of the men supporting the five female stars in Tyler Perry’s Divorced Sistas. Speaking to ABC Audio, he says the decision to join the show was a no-brainer. “When Mr. [Tyler] Perry calls, I imagine he doesn’t hear ‘no’ often,” RonReaco says, noting he accepted the offer “almost sight unseen.” He…
Photo by Astrida Valigorsky/Getty Images Wale, Skilla Baby, Anycia, Monaleo and Osama Son will open up about their musical journeys and more in Flight Club Fridays, a Flight Club music series that highlights the “cities, musicians, genres and fans that shape sneaker culture,” according to Variety. The series will also see the artists take the stage…
Photo by Marleen Moise/Getty Images/Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images Joey Bada$$ and Mariah the Scientist are among the new members of the Recording Academy’s 2025 class. They join a group of 3,600 music creators and industry professionals who can now vote on Grammy nominations and awards, and receive access to development opportunities. “Being invited to join…