Month: April 2016

  • ‘Empire’ Quick Recap Season 2, Episode 15: “More Than Kin”

    A lot has been happening in the Lyon family lair, so let’s get down to this quick Empire recap for “More Than Kin.”

    • The hunt is on for a new CEO and the board wants an outsider. The family needs to present a united front – which is always a challenge for the Lyons. Andre wants to go public with his Bipolar Disorder in order to show that united front. But right before he’s about to make his big speech, the reporter gives him photos of the real Leah Walker. He leaves, while Jamal and Hakeem are also absent. So much for that united front…
    • Hakeem goes off the deep end. He hangs out at an icky strip club and tells Laura about Anika’s pregnancy in the worst way possible. He seems to be dedicating himself to preparing for Anika and his baby (by creating “Baby Wonderland”). But then Anika gets rushed to the hospital, bleeding. Anika’s mom even shows up and hates on Lucious for causing Anika’s father to commit fraud. Hakeem stands up for his baby mama. Laura and Hakeem then get re-engaged.
    • Lucious keeps hitting on the journalist and finally they get it on, but Cookie calls with a family emergency. The journalist doesn’t take it well and disses Cookie, which pisses off Lucious. Lucious and Cookie flirt and plot to scoop the reporter. The board makes them co-CEOs, which sounds like both a dream and nightmare for the Lyon clan.
    • Michael is baaaaack! He works for the caterer and there’s a awkward encounter with Jamal. They get drinks…at the bar where they met. Jamal performs there several times, just because. (Actually, it’s a move to get more attention for ASA contention.)
    • The race ASAs heat up with Lucious vs. Jamal.
    • Thirsty Rawlings ALERT: Cookie calls everyone’s favorite lawyer “a goon in a fancy suit.” He’s been “not spying” on the board members. In probably the most Thirsty way possible.
  • What Does The Eye On Instagram Mean, Direct Message?

    What Does The Eye On Instagram Mean, Direct Message?

    After sending a direct message on Instagram you may have noticed a small eye icon next to the person’s name.  The symbol means that the person has seen your message.

    What Does The Eye On Instagram Mean?
    What Does The Eye On Instagram Mean?
    The company is still adjusting this notification.  On my phone, the symbol appears but there’s no name under the message.  Shorty after, the icon disappears.  After I refresh, the symbol returns.
    On my friend’s phone, sometimes there’s an eyelid whereas other times there’s the person’s name alongside the symbol.  
    The new eye icon moves under your message and then to the side of the person’s name.  The notification is very similar to Snapchat’s notification that informs users when a person is typing.  
    We recently wrote articles explaining the meaning of the blue dot on the app and the ‘Following‘ notification under names.
    Facebook recently announced the Windows 10 Apps including Instagram for Windows 10.  The new app features Direct, Explore and video.  The following video shows the demo of the app on Windows 10:
    IG for Windows 10 mobile also supports Live Tiles.  This means you’ll get updates on your home screen.  
    The Verge reports that the company is currently testing a black and white version of the app.  The new design would have thinner navigation symbols and there would not be any blue and grey, the company’s trademark colors.
  • Is Paxton Lynch Gay?

    Is Paxton Lynch Gay?

    After the Denver Broncos selected Memphis quarterback, Paxton Lynch, the talented player was shown celebrating with his family.  The image below shows Lynch crying with a male behind him consoling him.

    Is Paxton lynch gay
    Is Paxton Lynch Gay?

    The clip led many NFL fans to question the quarterback’s sexuality.  The following image shows that some Denver Broncos’ fans were concerned after seeing the man behind Lynch hug him in a romantic way.  The Memphis quarterback is not gay.  The man hugging Lynch is his brother, Evin Lynch.

    Paxton Lynch
    Paxton Lynch
    The Denver Broncos report that the 6 foot 7 quarterback was dynamic during his three years at Memphis.  In his junior year he threw for 59 touchdowns and over 8,000 yards.
    The Denver Broncos traded up with the Seattle Seahawks in order to move up to the 26th pick in the draft.  The Broncos had to give up their 31st pick along with their 94th, 3rd round pick.
    In 2015, he was a first team All-AAC selection, leading Memphis to bowl games in his junior and senior seasons.  The Broncos’ choice ends any additional speculation of the team being interested in San Francisco 49ers quarterback, Colin Kaepernick.
    Lynch’s talent doesn’t stop at his passing abilities, he also has some wheels.  The talented quarterback compiled 687 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground.
  • Is Jussie Smollett Engaged?

    Is Jussie Smollett Engaged?

    Empire fans immediately fell in love with Jamal Lyon after witnessing his musical talents and fearless attitude.  The actor who plays Jamal, Jussie Smollett, became an overnight success.  As a result, we need to know everything about him.  There were recent rumors that he was engaged yet they were not true.

    OK! Magazine reported that Smollett was not in a relationship with Michael Sam.  The rumors arose after Sam posted numerous images of him and the actor on his Instagram account:
    Is Jussie Smollett Engaged?
    Is Jussie Smollett Engaged?

    While we may not know who he’s dating there are no doubts about his sexuality.  Variety explains that the Empire star confirmed that he was gay in an interview with Ellen DeGeneres:

    We can’t get enough of Jamal Lyon.  The show’s most recent episodes have been filled with unforgettable moments that Jamal has been a part of.  Here are 10 of our favorites:
    10. When he reunited with Michael:
    Jamal Becky Michael
    Jamal Becky Michael

    9. When he hits that note:
    Jamal Lyon Singing
    Jamal Lyon Singing

    8. And that note:
    Is Jussie Smollett Engaged?
    Is Jussie Smollett Engaged?

    7. When he’s always ‘Ready To Go’:
    Jamal Empire Singing
    Jamal Empire Singing

    6. When he lets Lucious know that he’s all about games:
    Jamal Lyon Empire
    Jamal Lyon Empire

    5. When he’s nothing like his Daddy:
    Jamal Lyon Daddy
    Jamal Lyon Daddy

    4. When Cookie treats him like he’s Hakeem:
    Jamal Cookie Empire
    Jamal Cookie Empire

    3. When he connects with Freda:
    Jamal Freda Empire
    Jamal Freda Empire

    2. When he gives us his best Stevie:
    Jamal Playing Piano
    Jamal Playing Piano

    1. When he dedicates a song to his brother:

    Jamal Hakeem Good People
    Jamal Hakeem Good People
  • What Does The Monkey Emoji Mean On Snapchat?

    What Does The Monkey Emoji Mean On Snapchat?

    Ever since Empire teamed up with Snapchat to offer the gold headphones filter, many fans have continued to use the app.  If you’re still learning to use the app then this post is for you!

    What Does The Monkey Emoji Mean On Snapchat?
    What Does The Monkey Emoji Mean On Snapchat?

    The middle image of the animal holding its ears means you sent a Snap without a sound.  To get the “Hear No Evil” emoji you simply have to adjust your sound settings to mute.  If that doesn’t work switch you phone to silent mode.

    While enjoying the app is important you have to know when you’re taking things too far.  BuzzFeed reports that an 18-year-old crashed her car while playing with the app’s speed filter.  The driver is being sued after the accident left the passenger in the vehicle she hit with brain damage.
    NBC News reports that the accident took place in Georgia.  The app’s speed filter is able to track how fast users are moving so Christal McGee tried to push it to the limit.  To make things worst, McGee decided to post a picture of herself on Snapchat after the accident.
    The image showed McGee with blooding dripping down her forehead.  She captioned the image, “Lucky to be alive.” Be safe out there!
  • Is Taraji P. Henson Pregnant?

    Is Taraji P. Henson Pregnant?

    Empire’s More Than Kin episode showed a softer side of Cookie Lyon.  When the leader of Empire and Lyon Dynasty arrives at Anika’s house, the EMTs are rushing Anika out on a stretcher to transport her to the hospital.  Cookie disobeys orders to follow the ambulance to the hospital and is right by Anika’s side during the trip.

    The individual that I was watching the episode with was very happy to find out that Anika and Hakeem’s baby was safe.  After Rhonda and Andre lost their baby, Empire fans have been desperate for a baby Lyon.  The person I watched Empire with couldn’t get her mind off of pregnancy and even tried to convince me that Taraji P. Henson is currently pregnant:
    Is Taraji P. Henson Pregnant?
    Is Taraji P. Henson Pregnant?

    She’s convinced that Henson has been belting her bump throughout the second season of Empire.  I attempted to convince her that she wasn’t pregnant but then she calls one of our mutual friends who is also convinced that the 45-year-old actress is pregnant.

    Is Taraji P. Henson Pregnant?
    Is Taraji P. Henson Pregnant?

    Henson got pregnant while she was at Howard University.  Since then, Taraji has not had a long-term relationship, nor has she gained a pound.  There’s simply no convincing some people! Here’s a hilarious video that shows Cookie pranking Terrence Howard:

  • Jamal From Empire Boyfriend In Real Life

    Jamal From Empire Boyfriend In Real Life

    From Ryan Morgan to Michael Sanchez, Jamal (Jussie Smollett) has been through it all when it comes to relationships.

    Jamal From Empire Boyfriend In Real Life
    Jamal From Empire Boyfriend In Real Life

    At one point we thought Jamal and Skye Summers shared a connection that would make him forget about Michael.  Although it was powerful, he was right back with Michael a short time later.

    Empire allows us to keep a close eye on the singer’s relationships on the show but who is Jussie Smollett’s boyfriend in real life?

    Jussie Smollett Dustin Ross
    Many believe that Dustin Ross is his boyfriend.  Ross and Smollett both played in the movie ‘The Skinny‘ where they played boyfriends.  Ross is also a YouTube personality and rumors suggest that they’ve had an on again off again relationship over the past few years.
    A photo posted by lookatdustin (@lookatdustin) on Jun 21, 2014 at 11:44am PDT



    Jussie Smollett and Michael Sam
    TMZ reported that Smollett was not hooking up with football player, Michael Sam.  Sam came out as gay after his college football career.  In 2014, he became the first publicly gay player to be drafted in the NFL.


    Lee Daniels And Jussie Smollett Kiss
    After Smollett and Lee Daniels kissed at the 2016 Human Rights Campaign Dinner Gala many believed that the two were dating.  This was far from the truth.  We all know that sharing a kiss doesn’t mean that two people are dating.

    Daniels is actually in a relationship with stylist Jahil Fisher.  The two have been together for over five years.

    Lee Daniels Jahil Fisher
    Lee Daniels Jahil Fisher
  • Betty Idol I Just Wanna Be The One

    Betty Idol I Just Wanna Be The One

    Love & Hip-Hop Atlanta is back and better than ever.  Betty Idol is one of our absolute favorite characters and we recently cleared up rumors that suggested she was a man.

    Betty Idol I Just Wanna Be The One
    Betty Idol I Just Wanna Be The One

    Check out the video for “Thug Cry” by Rick Ross, Betty Idol and Lil’ Wayne:

    Joseline’s back on the next episode of #LHHATL and y’all know she’s spilling tea! International Business Times reports that Hernandez threatens to reveal Karlie Redd’s secrets on the show’s unforgettable fourth episode.
    Here are the lyrics to “Thug Cry” including the portion of the song that the talented singer is known for:
    I just wanna be the one
    I just wanna be the one you love
    I just wanna be the one you run to when you’re down
    I just wanna, I just wanna fly
    I’m a show you tonight
    That I’m a put it on you baby
    Take you past the sky…
    Wake up in the world and I’m just another nigga
    Call it public housing when you next door to the killers
    On them corners it gets better as you go
    Grind that motherfucker ’till it’s yellow brick road
    Free as a bird, spoken word in my verse
    On my knees praying, niggas shooting in the church
    Wake up out my sleep in another cold sweat
    I lived on Billboard, where the fuck to go next?
    Go against the odds, youngin’ go and get a job
    Another country boy they want back on the farm
    So far from my goals but I’m close to my kids
    Gon’ cry for Mac Dre throwing up the Thizz
    Well let me light one for my problems
    Smoking on that loud, pumping up that volume
    Get it cracking like an eggshell in this motherfucker make omelettes
    Get a bad bitch that posts up like comments
    They don’t know what I been through, don’t know what I’m going through
    As long as I get through that’s what I look forward to
    Richer than a bitch but still I can’t afford to
    Let these niggas play with me need to be remorseful
    I swear I got that silencer on that Mac 9 and I kill these niggas with silence
    My head stay in the clouds, I really feel like a giant
    Can’t trust none of these niggas, I murk one of these niggas
    Then bury one of these niggas, still got dirt under my fingers, that
    Ain’t a threat that’s a bet cause they coming at my neck like the best a man can get
    To make a long story short I need a shoulder because the devil on one
    The other one I’m looking over
    Tunechi…
    Niggas hating like it’s Salt Lake City
    No tints on that pretty ass Bentley
    Want you to know that them comments don’t offend me
    Cause your baby mama so friendly
    I proceed with the plan, weed in my hand
    Ciroc in my cup, quick pic for a fan
    Money over bitches, first nigga with a wraith
    Double M, we handle business
    Cause them niggas getting raped
    Go get the yellow tape, it’s well orchestrated
    200 acres estates, a young nigga made it
    Came from the hood, ain’t nothing changed
    Still lemon pepper on my motherfucking wings
    Sometimes I ask myself, do thugs cry?
  • $killz, Rico From Empire – The Game Needs Me

    $killz, Rico From Empire – The Game Needs Me

    If you haven’t been keeping up with Empire’s B-Sides then you probably missed $killz, a very talented rapper from Milwaukee, WI.  Anthony $killz Kolstad aka DOLLASIGNkillz is known for his unforgettable punchlines.

    $killz Rico On Empire
    $killz Rico On Empire
    His debut album, Da Game Needs Me released earlier this year.  “#FLEEK” was the rapper’s lead single from the project and fans loved it.

    Check out Rico, Becky (Gabourey Sidibe) and Porsha (Ta’Rhonda Jones) in the following video:

    Journal Sentinel admired the rapper’s fast rhymes in the song “Livin’ My Dream”.  The rapper is an affiliate of Amerikas Addiction.  Check out their single “Whole Thang”.  SM Tracks of BeatMechanics produced the track:

    Da Game Needs Me features eight tracks filled with the rapper’s Trap wordplay.  Check out the amazing album below: