Category: Entertainment

  • Celebrity Gossip Sites, Top 10 Countdown

    Celebrity Gossip Sites, Top 10 Countdown

    This article will present our top 10 celebrity gossip sites.  The Internet has changed the way we obtain celebrity news.  Media has evolved since the good old days when we relied on newspaper and television for our black entertainment gossip.


    Some of the best black celebrity gossip websites continue to improve and we’ll eventually deliver an article that celebrates their hard work.  The evolution of media has had a major influence on our lifestyles, especially for millennials around the world.

    Top 10 Celebrity Gossip Sites

    We recently listed the top 10 black owned sites which featured multiple black entertainment gossip websites and this article identifies those Hollywood gossip websites that we cannot live without.  Many of Empire’s biggest stars are often featured on black celebrity gossip websites, with Taraji P. Henson leading the way.

    We once relied on magazines but times have changed.  The best celebrity news is now delivered online where we can easily obtain the most up-to-date information whenever we desire.  From entertainment news to celebrity gossip to Hollywood rumors, the sites on this list have done a spectacular job providing us with the information we need on a regular basis.


    Enjoy our list of the top 10 Hollywood gossip websites:


    10. ZimBio.com

    Zimbio
    Zimbio

    9. HollywoodLife.com

    Hollywood Life
    Hollywood Life

    8. Gawker.com

    Gawker
    Gawker

    7. WonderWall.com 

    Wonder Wall
    Wonder Wall

    6. USMagazine.com

    US Magazine
    US Magazine

    5. People.com

    People
    People

    4. EOnline.com

    E Online
    E Online

    3. Yahoo! OMG!

    Yahoo!
    Yahoo!

    2. TMZ.com

    TMZ
    TMZ

    1. PerezHilton.com

    Perez Hilton
    Perez Hilton
  • Black TV Shows, Top 10 Countdown

    Black TV Shows, Top 10 Countdown

    There was nothing like 90s black TV shows.  Many of the best black family TV shows of all time were 90s black TV shows.  With the drama that Bill Cosby has recently been dealing with it’s difficult to remember that he once starred in one the best black television shows of all time.

    Empire is a successful black TV show.  No one seems to like labels these days but it is what it is! Kaitlin Doubleday is the show’s only white regular in the cast therefore Empire is a black TV show.  Many of us fail to consider just how rare black television shows are.  We should be grateful for Fox! In the 90s they brought us great shows like Martin, In Living Color and Living Single and most recently the network introduced us to the Lyons.

    The 1990s featured a long list of amazing shows and reboots have been announced for many of them: The X-Files, The Powerpuff Girls, Coach, Full House, The Magic School Bus.  90s black TV shows have been left out as no reboots for any 90s black sitcoms have been announced.

    While black family TV shows are rare, networks must understand that they are as enjoyable as other television shows.  The number of 90s black sitcoms peaked at 18 in 1997 before the dry period set in which has lasted to the present day.

    Without further ado, lets celebrate black television with a list of the top 10 black TV shows of all time:

    10. Family Matters

    Family Matters
    Family Matters

    9. Good Times

    Good Times
    Good Times

    8. Chappelle’s Show

    Chappelle's Show
    Chappelle’s Show

    7. Sanford and Son

    Sanford and Son
    Sanford and Son

    6. Living Single

    Living Single
    Living Single

    5. The Jeffersons

    The Jeffersons
    The Jeffersons

    4. The Wire

    The Wire
    The Wire

    3. The Cosby Show

    The Cosby Show
    The Cosby Show

    2. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

    The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
    The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

    1. Martin

    Martin Lawrence
    Martin Lawrence
  • ‘Empire’ Actress Taraji P. Henson Is Named Entertainer Of The Year

    Last year at this time, none of us knew what Empire was or what it could be or even how big it was going to become. So it’s only fit to end 2015 with USA Today naming Empire’s own Taraji P. Henson as their annual Entertainer Of The Year. Even before Empire, Henson had a very full and versatile career, appearing in TV series like Person of Interest, Boston Legal and movies like Hustle & Flow and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. But audiences truly got to know and love Henson when she embodied the role of the sassy and sophisticated Cookie Lyon on Empire.

    The role has truly thrust Henson into the spotlight, earning her nominations for an Emmy and a Golden Globe. And now she even gets mobbed at Target, Henson told USA Today. “[Before,] I could still go to Target and the grocery store without being harassed. It’s different now,” she said with a laugh. “I can’t really go anywhere.”


    via GIPHY

    Henson understands that Cookie isn’t perfect — Empire’s pilot opens with Cookie being released from prison and walking into husband Lucious’ record label looking for her cut of the business’ success. But she told USA Today that she thinks people have probably taken a liking to Cookie because she tells it like it is. “That’s why Cookie is a hit,” she said. “She says the things that people are afraid to do and say.”

    As for Taraji herself, she’s looking to explore life outside the Empire universe with some movie roles during hiatus. “I’m trying to capitalize on the success and get more business,” she told USA Today. “I’m looking to create more opportunities for other young artists coming up behind me, because I can’t do this forever.”

    Congratulations to Taraji on this awesome honor!


    via GIPHY

  • Cookie’s Top 10 Theme Songs

    Cookie’s Top 10 Theme Songs

    A few of Taraji Henson’s movies have shown us how much the amazing actress loves music.  In Baby Boy Taraji Henson’s husband, or boyfriend, Jody, is played by R&B singer Tyrese.  Henson was featured in Tyrese’s video for ‘Stay’ and she maintains a great relationship with him.

    Taraji P. Henson Nicki Minaj
    Taraji P. Henson Nicki Minaj

    In the Academy Award-winning film ‘Hustle & Flow’ Henson helped Three 6 Mafia win an Academy Award for Best Original Song thanks to the amazing vocals she provided on their unforgettable track ‘It’s Hard out Here for a Pimp‘.  Henson also has a great relationship with singer Mary J. Blige and we are well aware of Taraji’s dancing skills:

    Taraji P. Henson Dancing
    Taraji P. Henson Dancing

    After every amazing episode of Empire Taraji P. Henson’s age is the topic of conversation.  The talented actress makes 45-years-old look like 20 as she entertains us with her youthful spirit Wednesday-after-Wednesday!

    We are all familiar with Terrence Howard’s ability to rock the mic and above we mentioned Tyrese’s musical talent but Taraji Henson’s list of talented co-stars doesn’t stop there! Taraji Henson’s movies have featured some of the most sought after actors in Hollywood:

    • Brad Pitt, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
    • Idris Elba, No Good Deed
    • Michael Ealy, Think Like a Man
    • Adam Rodriguez, I Can Do Bad All by Myself

    It’s hard to believe that Taraji Henson’s husband in real life doesn’t exist!? The actress is single despite rumors that she was dating Michael Strahan of Live! with Kelly and Michael.

    Taraji P. Henson’s husband on Empire should be Lucious Lyon but that hasn’t worked out therefore Taraji P. Henson’s husband on Empire also does not exist.  Adam Rodriguez (Laz Delgado) could not be trusted and we are still hoping Malcolm makes a return!

    We feel your pain girl, it is truly hard out here for a pimp! Music is my best friend when nobody else understands me! I have used music to get through those lonely nights, inspiring me to create a playlist for Cookie.

    Taraji P. Henson’s age has not impacted her youthful spirit and we are certain she/Cookie will be satisfied with the tracks we chose.  Enjoy Taraji P. Henson’s hot playlist, featuring songs inspired by her role as Cookie Lyon.

    1. Fetty Wap – Trap Queen

    Fetty Wap Trap Queen
    Fetty Wap Trap Queen
    Cookie Lyon Empire Lucious Flashback
    Cookie Lyon Empire Lucious Flashback

    2. Jackson 5 – I Want You Back

    Jackson 5 I Want You Back
    Jackson 5 I Want You Back
    Cookie and Lucious Empire
    Cookie and Lucious Empire

    3. Future ft. Drake – Where Ya At

    Future Drake Where Ya At
    Future Drake Where Ya At
    Cookie Lyon Prison
    Cookie Lyon Prison

    4. Drake – Hotline Bling

    Drake Hotline Bling
    Drake Hotline Bling
    Taraji P. Henson Hotline Bling
    Taraji P. Henson Hotline Bling

    5. Crime Mob and Lil Scrappy – Knuck If You Buck

    Crime Mob Lil Scrappy Knuck If You Buck
    Crime Mob Lil Scrappy Knuck If You Buck
    Cookie Anika Empire Fight
    Cookie Anika Empire Fight
    6. Dr. Dre ft. Snoop Doggy Dogg – Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thang
    Dr. Dre Snoop Doggy Dogg Nuthin But a G Thang
    Dr. Dre Snoop Doggy Dogg Nuthin But a G Thang
    Cookie Lyon Empire
    Cookie Lyon Empire
    7. NWA – Fuck Tha Police
    NWA Fuck Tha Police
    NWA Fuck Tha Police
    Cookie Lyon Arrested
    Cookie Lyon Arrested

    8. Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth – See You Again
    Wiz Khalifa See You Again
    Wiz Khalifa See You Again
    Bunkie Empire Fox
    Bunkie Empire Fox
    9. EU – Da Butt

    EU Da Butt Spike Lee
    EU Da Butt Spike Lee
    Cookie Lyon Slaps Ass
    Cookie Lyon Slaps Ass

    10. Nicki Minaj – Anaconda
    Nicki Minaj Anaconda
    Nicki Minaj Anaconda
    Cookie Lyon Grandma Ass
    Cookie Lyon Grandma Ass

    We hope you enjoyed Taraji P. Henson’s hot exclusive playlist! What songs would You add?

  • Best Jamal Moments In ‘Empire’ In GIFs

    Best Jamal Moments In ‘Empire’ In GIFs

    Jamal Lyon
    Jamal Lyon

    To think that last year at this time, we all had no idea that Empire would come into our lives and become our new obsession. At this point during the final weeks of 2015, I think it’s time to reflect on how much Empire has brought into our lives and pop culture — via GIFs, of course.

    First up is Jamal Lyon, who has had quite a year. He started out being his father’s least favorite son and cut off from the Lyon family financially. At the end of Season 1, suddenly Jamal had become Lucious’ chosen heir. In Season 2, Jamal is a star on the rise — but not without some drama.

    Check out the Jamal’s best moments in GIFs.

    1. When He Reunited With Cookie In Season 2

    2. When He Bonds With The Girl He Thought Was His Daughter

    3. When He Bonded With His Family (& They Were All Getting Along)

    4. When He Sings With Hakeem

    5. When He Bonds With Guest Artists

    6. When He Was With Michael (& They Were Getting Along)

    7. When He Publicly Came Out During “You’re So Beautiful”

    8. When He Declared That He Wanted The Empire

    9. When Rhonda Tells Jamal About Her Pregnancy

    10. When He Dated Ryan

     

    Whatever happened to that guy? I guess we’ll never know.

  • Best Cookie Moments In ‘Empire’ In GIFs

    Empire had an incredible year as a TV series, but if there was one character that truly broke out in 2015, it was the one and only Cookie Lyon. With her fabulous fashion sense and witty one-liners, it’s no wonder that Cookie became a household name in 2015. The role even scored actress Taraji P. Henson an Emmy nomination, a Golden Globe nomination, a Critics Choice Award, and a Fox holiday special with co-star Terrence Howard. How’s that for a banner year?

    Let’s relive Cookie’s best moments with some awesome GIFs, because this is the Internet, after all.


    1. When She Told It Like It Is, Part 1

    via GIPHY


    2. When She Was There For Lucious

    via GIPHY

    3. When She Told It Like It Is, Part 2

    via GIPHY


    4. When She Defended Hakeem’s Honor & Slapped Her Own Boyfriend

    via GIPHY


    5. When She Declared She Will NOT Be Bullied

    via GIPHY

    6. When She Was Fabulous (All The Time)

    via GIPHY

    7. When She Was Flirty With Malcolm

    via GIPHY

    8. When She Told It Like It Is In The Boardroom

    via GIPHY

    9. Her Catfight With Anika

    via GIPHY


    10. And of course: WHEN SHE THREW A SHOE AT LUCIOUS

    via GIPHY

    A star was truly born.

  • Terrence Howard Movies and TV Shows

    Terrence Howard Movies and TV Shows

    Terrence Howard’s talent was inherited by his mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  It’s about time we take a more in-depth look at the actor who plays Lucious Lyon.  Terrence Howard’s movies and TV shows did not start with Empire.

    In 1995, Howard’s acting career took off after he played in the his first major roles: Dead Presidents and Mr. Holland’s Opus.  The talented actor is best known for his roles in Hustle & Flow, Winnie, Ray, Crash and Get Rich or Die Tryin’.

    Terrence Howard Movies and TV Shows Wikipedia
    Terrence Howard Movies and TV Shows Wikipedia

    Terrence Howard Movies and TV Shows Wikipedia
    Terrence Howard Movies and TV Shows Wikipedia

    Terrence Howard Movies and TV Shows Wikipedia
    Terrence Howard Movies and TV Shows Wikipedia

    Terrence Howard Movies and TV Shows Wikipedia
    Terrence Howard Movies and TV Shows Wikipedia

    Terrence Howard Net Worth
    Terrence Howard’s net worth is currently about $30 million.  Acting is not the only talent that has contributed to his net worth: Howard began his singing career in 2008 with the release of his album “Shine Through It”.

    Terrence Howard Spouse
    Terrence Howard’s spouse, Miranda “Mira” Pak, is a former model-turned-restaurant owner.  The couple have a son named Qirin Love.  The two are no longer together, secretly divorcing earlier this year yet they attended the 2015 Emmy Awards together.

    Terrence Howard Spouse Miranda Mira Pak
    Terrence Howard Spouse Miranda Mira Pak

    Terrence Howard Parents
    Terrence Howard’s parents, Tyrone Howard and Anita Williams, raised Terrence in Cleveland, OH though he was born in Chicago, IL.  Howard’s parents were biracial parents: his mother was black and his father had European features, hence Terrence’s complexion and green eyes.

    Tyrone Howard
    Terrence’s father served 11-months in prison after being convicted for a man’s death in the Santa Line Slaying on December 21, 1971.  Terrence was 2-years-old when his father and mother, who was pregnant at the time, took the family to Higbee’s department store in Cleveland to see Santa Claus.

    Terrence Howard Parents Tyrone Howard
    Terrence Howard Parents Tyrone Howard

    People waiting accused the Howards of cutting in line and an argument ensued between Terrence’s father and another patron.  The other man pinned Terrence’s father against a wall and kneed him in the groin.  Terrence’s father suffered a previous groin injury so the blow made Tyrone’s groin bleed.

    Tyrone then used a sharp object to stab the man in his neck and thighs.  Tyrone fled to his mother’s house before turning himself into the police.  The man, Jack Fitzpatrick, was rushed to the hospital where he died from his wounds.

    Terrence Howard Parents Tyrone Howard Santa Line Slaying
    Terrence Howard Parents Tyrone Howard Santa Line Slaying

    Tyrone was charged with second-degree murder and pled self-defense.  Terrence’s mother denied that Fitzpatrick used racial epithets yet she testified that he stated, “Doing things like this has set your race back five years.”

    After a long deliberation, Tyrone Howard was convicted of manslaughter and received a sentence of 1 to 25 years.  He was released for good behavior after serving 11 months.

    Anita Williams
    Both Howard’s great mother, Anita Williams and great-grandmother, Minnie Gentry, were stage actresses.  Anita’s mother, Terrence’s grandmother, was a singer in Cleveland.  Williams spent a few years in Los Angeles and New York pursuing her talents in the entertainment industry yet she was satisfied to become a devoted wife and mother.  Terrence’s mother passed away due to colon cancer when she was 56-years-old.

    Terrence Howard Parents Mother Anita Williams
    Terrence Howard Parents Mother Anita Williams

    Minnie Gentry
    Terrence Howard’s great grandmother, Minnie Gentry appeared on Broadway and in numerous plays at the Karamu House, the oldest African-American theater in the United States located in Cleveland, OH.  She also performed in numerous films and television shows, including School Daze, All My Children and The Cosby Show.

    Terrence Howard Great Grandmother Minnie Gentry The Cosby Show
    Terrence Howard Great Grandmother Minnie Gentry The Cosby Show
  • ALS Ice Bucket Challenge 2015

    ALS Ice Bucket Challenge 2015

    ALS Ice Bucket Challenge 2015
    There was nothing like the first season of Empire. ALS was a major issue and Lucious was very excited to find out that he was misdiagnosed.

    It was great to have ALS mentioned on prime time television yet we must remember that people are battling the deadly disease in real life, not Hollywood.

    Lucious Lyon Misdiagnosed ALS
    Lucious Lyon Misdiagnosed ALS

    The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, 2015’s top social media campaign, actually started in 2014.  The challenge involved people pouring cold water, many containing ice cubes over their heads and posting the videos to social media.

    We learned that Lucious Lyon was diagnosed with ALS in the first season of Empire. ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.  The condition leads to a loss of muscle control and the cause is unknown.

    Everyone from Oprah to Mark Zuckerberg took part in the ice bucket challenge to increase awareness for ALS.

    Here’s some of our favorites:

    Lady Gaga

    You had to love Britney Spears’ reserved yell:

    A video posted by Britney Spears (@britneyspears) on Aug 18, 2014 at 4:28pm PDT

    LeBron’s man howl was simply unforgettable:

    Lena Dunham’s screech was amazing:

    A video posted by Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) on Aug 17, 2014 at 6:50am PDT

    You had to love Iggy Azalea’s epic shriek:

    Challenge done @JLo I nominate @troubleman31 @charlixcx @ritaora !!!! #ALSiceBucketChallange
    A video posted by Iggy Azalea (@thenewclassic) on Aug 17, 2014 at 6:16pm PDT

    Vanessa Hudgens’ wail was perfect:

    A video posted by Vanessa Hudgens (@vanessahudgens) on Aug 18, 2014 at 5:55pm PDT

    Taylor Swift knew that there was power in numbers:

    3!!!!
    A video posted by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift) on Aug 16, 2014 at 2:32pm PDT

    Julia Louis Dreyfus’ squeal made me want to watch Seinfeld:

    A video posted by Julia Louis-Dreyfus (@officialjld) on Aug 17, 2014 at 9:34pm PDT

    Was Selena Gomez crying:

    A video posted by Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) on Aug 16, 2014 at 4:27pm PDT
  • Jussie Smollett, Parents of the Next Global Superstar

    Jussie Smollett, Parents of the Next Global Superstar

    Jussie Smollett, Parents of the Next Global Superstar
    Fans can’t wait for Empire Season 3, Fox’s next installment of their enjoyable hip-hop drama.  Empire’s Season 3 premiere episode is still more than 3 months away therefore we have to find ways to fill the gap!


    Empire fans recently enjoyed the Empire Christmas Special, as many are beginning to accept the fact that they will be without their favorite television show until Empire Season 3. Fox’s hit series will actually still be in its second season when it returns yet Empire fans have begun referring to the March 2016 episode as the Empire Season 3 premiere.  


    The Empire Christmas Special featured all of our favorite member of the Lyon family including Cookie, Lucious and Hakeem.  While we love all of the show’s stars, Jamal Lyon’s season was the most unforgettable.

    The Lyon family may be dysfunctional but Cookie and Lucious are trying their best.  Jamal Lyon is played by actor Jussie Smollett who has amazing parents of his own.

    Jussie Smollett Parents
    Jussie Smollett’s Parents

    Jussie Smollett’s parents did a wonderful job to say the least.  Sadly, Jussie Smollett’s father, Joel Smollett, Sr. passed away on the day Empire premiered.  Joel was Ashkenazi Jewish from a family from Russia and Poland.  He was 58-years-old when he lost his battle with cancer.

    Smollett’s mother, Janet Smollett is one of Empire’s biggest fans.  She calls Jussie every Empire-Wednesday and they break down every element of the show.  Along with being a devoted Empire fan, Janet Smollett is a humanitarian as well as a civil rights activist.

    Jussie Smollett's Parents
    Jussie Smollett’s Parents

    In 1997, Smollett’s parents separated.  In 2003 the former couple finalized their six-year separation with divorce.  Jussie’s parents worked hard to provide their children with an excellent education via home-schooling.

    One of the most important things that parents can do for their children is model the kind of person we would like them to be.  Joel and Janet Smollett knew that Jussie would learn more from who they were rather than what they taught.  Jussie Smollett proves that excellent parenting is a gift that keeps on giving!