Watch: Tupac Shakur Honored with Hollywood Walk of Fame Star in Posthumous Tribute

Legendary rapper Tupac Shakur was posthumously honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame today, solidifying his status as an icon whose influence continues to reverberate through the generations.

First look at Tupac's star at the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Who's excited for next Wednesday?

"I salute you, my n****z, stay strong
I ride for you, I rhyme for you, I roll for you, it's all for you." - 2Pac

CC: Fernando Di$co Rodriguez pic.twitter.com/PW9RRFTnbc

— 2pacunlimited.eth 𓃮 (@2pacunlimited) June 3, 2023

Ana Martinez, the producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, expressed the impact of Shakur's legacy, stating, "Tupac Shakur was a rapper, actor, activist, poet, and revolutionary. This iconic artist has remained part of the zeitgeist for decades after his passing and will continue to be an important cultural figure for many years to come. As one of L.A.'s own, Tupac's star will surely join the list of the most visited stars."

The star unveiling ceremony, hosted by emcee Big Boy, featured filmmaker Allen Hughes, director of the acclaimed docuseries "Dear Mama: The Saga of Afeni and Tupac Shakur." Sekyiwa "Set" Shakur, his sister, accepted the star on behalf of the family.

"We love you, Tupac." Sekyiwa Shakur gets emotional while speaking about her brother's legacy and impact at the Hollywood Walk of Fame. https://t.co/rDVcwgWr6I pic.twitter.com/AgDTEC9GZV

— Variety (@Variety) June 7, 2023

Shakur, known internationally for his multifaceted talent, transcended the boundaries of art and activism. In his brief but prolific career, he sold over 75 million records worldwide, solidifying his status as one of hip-hop's most iconic figures. Both his albums, "All Eyez on Me" and "Greatest Hits," achieved Diamond certification, with sales surpassing ten million copies each.

Sekyiwa Shakur unveiling Tupac’s Hollywood Walk of Fame Star! ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/o8ZbPMkMOP

— 2Pac News (@2pacnews) June 7, 2023

Shakur's legacy extends beyond music, as he made a significant impact in the film industry with memorable performances in movies such as "Juice," "Poetic Justice," and "Above The Rim," showcasing his versatility as an actor.

His cultural impact has been recognized through various museum exhibits, including the Grammy Museum's "All Eyez on Me: The Writings of Tupac Shakur" and the thought-provoking museum experience "Tupac Shakur: Wake Me When I'm Free" in Los Angeles.

Watch the video of the star unveiling ceremony below.

 

Watch: Charlie Wilson Delivers Raw Emotion and Joy in Electrifying NPR Music Concert

 

NPR Music celebrates Black Music Month this June with a lineup of brand-new Tiny Desk concerts that pay homage to the past, present and future of Black music.

Kicking off the series is renowned singer-songwriter Charlie Wilson, whose captivating NPR Music concert serves as a profound tribute to his extraordinary life and career.

Through a spellbinding performance, Wilson takes fans on a mesmerizing journey, seamlessly weaving together timeless hits and personal stories of triumph and resilience.

From his early days as a founding member of The Gap Band, where he achieved fame in the '70s and '80s with their iconic old-school funk and R&B sound, to his influential collaborations with hip-hop icons, Wilson's musical impact transcends generations.

Earning the moniker "Uncle Charlie" in the hip-hop community, he has been embraced by artists such as Snoop Dogg, Kanye West, and Tyler The Creator, who recognize his unparalleled talent.

However, Wilson's path has not been without challenges.

In a candid and heartfelt moment, he opens up about his battle with addiction, revealing the depths of his past and the triumph of his recovery. "I went from rags to riches, riches to rags, then rags to the curb, the curb to homelessness," Wilson shares emotionally. "Because I was an alcoholic and a crack cocaine addict! But I'm now 28 years clean and sober!"

Throughout the performance, Wilson effortlessly transitions between his timeless classics like "Outstanding" and "Computer Love" and more recent gems like "Sweet Yamz" and "There Goes My Baby." Backed by a live band and accompanied by a choir, Wilson's commanding vocals fill the room with raw emotion and infectious joy.

This electrifying Tiny Desk concert sets the stage for NPR's month-long celebration of Black music, featuring an exceptional lineup of diverse artists, including Babyface, Adam Blackstone, Ambré, Amaarae, Brandee Younger and surprise guests.

NPR's commitment to showcasing Black artists and their unique creative expressions sets the stage for an exhilarating month of musical exploration.

Last year's celebration left an indelible impact with unforgettable performances by Usher, FKA Twigs, Monica, and Larry June, creating viral moments, such as Usher's iconic "watch this" meme during his rendition of "Confessions Part II."

Watch the entire performance above.

Watch: Wendy's and T-Pain Turn Up the Heat With 'Buy U a Frosty' Music Video

Courtesy Photo

Just in time for summer, T-Pain has put a spin on his iconic hip-hop hit "Buy U a Drank" to pay homage to a fast-food legend — Wendy's Frosty.

The Grammy-winning artist took his chart-topping single and gave it an icy makeover in a music video directed by Miles & AJ of SixTwentySix.

The video starts with T-Pain chilling in his studio, but in a magical twist, the scene transforms into a Wendy's restaurant. With his signature swagger, he grabs the mic and serves up a surreal summer anthem that might just leave fans craving Wendy's famous frozen dairy dessert.

"I loved Wendy's 'We Beefin?' mixtape back in 2018, and knew I wanted to work with them when the time was right. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to remake a classic with one of the most classic menu items of all time – the Wendy's Frosty," he said, expressing his excitement about the collaboration. This latest partnership adds to Wendy's growing list of musical collaborations.

In the previous "We Beefin?" mixtape, which paid homage to Biggie Smalls' debut studio album "Ready to Die," T-Pain even featured media personality and hip-hop icon Wendy Williams on a track. The mixtape sparked a playful feud with McDonald's, with tracks like "Rest in Grease" calling out the fast-food giant's shortcomings.

 

The lyrics took aim at McDonald's by saying, "You’re No. 1? That’s a joke/Why your ice cream machine always broke?/Why your drive-through always slow?/Why your innovation just can’t grow?... McDonald’s be so lazy/ I know the reason you hate me/ ’Cause I’m fast food’s First Lady/ It’s Queen Wendy up in this thang... Y’all are too chicken for this beef."

To sweeten the chances of success for this collaboration, Wendy's and T-Pain are giving fans a tasty incentive. From June 5 to the first day of summer, June 21, fans can enjoy a FREE small Frosty with any purchase. To claim their free Frosty, fans can use the offer in the Wendy's app or on the website.

Check out the full "Buy U a Frosty" video below.

Watch: 'The Color Purple' Returns to the Big Screen as a Musical, Featuring Star-Studded Cast

"The Color Purple," a beloved literary classic, is making its way back to the big screen, this time as a musical.

Oprah Winfrey, known for her Oscar-nominated role as Sofia in the acclaimed 1985 film adaptation, is teaming up with Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders, and Quincy Jones as an executive producer for the movie musical.

Winfrey expressed her personal connection to the story during a recent Q&A, stating, "'The Color Purple' had a profound impact on my life—it truly resonated with my own growth and journey." Her heartfelt words highlight the enduring power and universal themes of the narrative.

The cast of Blitz Bazawule’s ‘THE COLOR PURPLE’ starring Fantasia Barrino, Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, Taraji P. Henson, Colman Domingo, Halle Bailey, Danielle Brooks, H.E.R. and Corey Hawkins. pic.twitter.com/APbkcOFwaw

— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) May 22, 2023

The first trailer for the 2023 rendition of "The Color Purple" showcases a visually stunning production, captivating audiences with extravagant musical numbers and the electrifying vocals of Fantasia Barrino.

Based on Alice Walker's groundbreaking 1982 novel, the film features an exceptional cast. Danielle Brooks assumes the role of the fierce Sofia, while Barrino, celebrated for her mastery on Broadway as Celie, takes on the role of Celie's sister, originally portrayed by Whoopi Goldberg.

The star-studded ensemble also includes Taraji P. Henson, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, Ciara, Halle Bailey and H.E.R.

Scheduled for a Christmas Day premiere, the movie promises to deliver a fresh perspective on "The Color Purple." Watch the trailer below for an exclusive glimpse into this highly-anticipated musical adaptation.

Watch: Rock the Bells Festival Announces 2023 Lineup With Epic Trailer

The Rock the Bells Festival announced its lineup for 2023 on Thursday, and it features some of the most iconic and trailblazing performers in the hip-hop industry.

Queen Latifah, Ludacris, De La Soul, Method Man & Redman, Swizz Beatz, Salt-n-Pepa, Big Daddy Kane, Rakim and Fabolous are just a smattering of the rap icons that will be on hand to perform at the event, which also promises to offer an immersive experience for hip-hop enthusiasts, highlighting the genre's impact on fashion, art and food.

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A post shared by ROCK THE BELLS (@rockthebells)

"We've made it a priority to honor hip-hop culture! This is a celebration for artists who paved the way and the legions of fans around the world throughout hip-hop's 50th-anniversary year," James Cuthbert, President of Rock The Bells, said. "The stage is set for the overdue acknowledgment and celebration of our culture and the fans who live and breathe it! This lineup represents icons and artists from various decades, cities, and styles, ensuring fans have the best hip-hop experience possible."

Along with the musical performances, the festival will also include a range of experiences, such as a tribute to the late Sean Price by Rock & Bernadette Price and a showcase of hip-hop pioneers' debut albums and hit singles, including the 35th anniversary of The Great Adventures of Slick Rick.

The festival takes place on August 11 at Forest Hills Stadium in New York City, marking the 50th anniversary of the birth of hip-hop. Fans can purchase presale VIP packages and general and reserved tickets for the festival through the festival's website.

To announce the lineup, Rock the Bells released a promotional trailer on Thursday featuring LL COOL J, Mike Epps, Salt-N-Pepa, Slick Rick, and Yo-Yo. The trailer is based on the seminal hip-hop-heist movie Set It Off and provides a sneak peek of what fans can expect from the festival.

Watch the full trailer below:

Watch: Da Brat and Wife Judy Return to TV Screens in Third Season of "Brat Loves Judy" Reality Show

Courtesy We tv

Da Brat, the legendary Chicago rapper born as Shawntae Harris, has made history twice.

First, in 1994, she became the first solo female rapper to go platinum with her debut album "Funkdafied."

Over two decades later, she made history again by publicly coming out as a lesbian, defying the norms of an industry known for misogyny and a lack of tolerance for alternate lifestyles.

"I've always felt like being private is the better way to go because then you don't have so many people in your business," Brat told Variety at the time. "I was fine staying quiet, but my partner is a social media mogul — that's how she became who she is. And when you get with somebody, you have to meet in the middle. So to me, the middle was just letting everybody know: 'Hey, she's the one.'"

Brat's partner is none other than Jesseca "Judy" Dupart, a social media star and entrepreneur. The two tied the knot in 2022 and will continue to share their personal lives with fans on the upcoming third season of "Brat Loves Judy."

This season will focus on the highs and lows of their first year of marriage, including Judy's pregnancy. However, the road to expanding their empire has been far from easy.

The couple has faced unexpected obstacles on their IVF journey, including health issues. As they navigate the complexities of blended family dynamics, Judy's son moving in adds another layer of drama to their relationship, highlighting their contrasting parenting styles and backgrounds.

Despite these hurdles, Brat and Judy have also collaborated on a new hair care product line called "Kaleidoscope X Brat," marking their first official joint venture.

Will the couple overcome the family drama and maintain their flourishing careers while merging their empires? Fans can tune in to WE tv on April 27 (9 pm ET), with episodes airing on ALLBLK the following Monday.

Watch the network's recently released supertease of the upcoming season below for a sneak peek of the action:

Watch: Megan Thee Stallion Helps Defending Champs Open MLB Season by Throwing Out First Pitch

Photo Credit: @thestallion Instagram

Houston native Megan Thee Stallion made a special appearance at the Astros' home opener on Thursday, where she threw the ceremonial first pitch for her hometown team.

The Grammy-winning rapper donned a white Astros jersey and a diamond chain with the words "Hot Girl," along with a jersey displaying her last name and "222" on the back.

While her pitch landed a little outside and bounced in the left-handed batter's box, Megan managed to get the ball to the plate, a feat that has eluded many other celebrities attempting the first pitch. Astros' mascot, Orbit, gave her a hug to celebrate the accomplishment.

The pitch was a lighthearted moment in Megan's busy schedule, as she continues to make waves in the entertainment industry.

Megan is in talks to star in a new Netflix movie alongside Adam Sandler, which will be directed and produced by Josh and Benny Safdie, the directors of the hit movie "Uncut Gems." The film, set in the world of sports memorabilia, will begin production this summer, although its title and plot are yet to be revealed.

Megan is also making her feature film debut in the R-rated musical comedy "F***ing Identical Twins," produced by A24 and Chernin Entertainment. She will star opposite Nathan Lane, Bowen Yang and Megan Mullally, although the film's release date is still unknown.

However, Megan has also been involved in a high-profile court case with rapper Tory Lanez, whose legal name is Daystar Peterson. Lanez was found guilty of shooting Megan on a California curbside in July 2020.

Lanez's lawyers have filed a motion for a new trial, citing various grounds, including a claim that the judge "erroneously allowed" jurors to view an Instagram post from Lanez's account claiming that Megan's now-estranged best friend Kelsey Harris was the shooter.

During the trial, both Kelsey and Megan denied the allegations that Kelsey fired the shots that wounded Megan. Lanez faces up to 22 years in prison at sentencing, but his new lawyers have successfully lobbied the judge to delay his sentencing until April to prepare for the motion.

Check out Megan's first pitch below:

Watch: New Trailer for 'Dear Mama' Docuseries Offers Intimate Look into Tupac Shakur's Life with Mother Afeni

Screengrab YouTube/FX

FX has unveiled the official trailer for "Dear Mama: The Saga of Afeni & Tupac Shakur," a new
docuseries that delves into the intricate bond between rapper Tupac Shakur and his mother, Afeni.

Directed by Allen Hughes, the five-part series promises to provide an intimate, behind-the-scenes look into the lives of Tupac and Afeni through the eyes of those who knew them best.

The show is scheduled to debut on April 21st and features never-before-seen footage of the late rapper, as well as rare audio and vocals. Hulu describes the series as an "intimate wide-angle portrait of the most inspiring and dangerous mother-son duo (Tupac and Afeni Shakur) in American history, whose unified message of freedom, equality, persecution and justice are more relevant today than ever."

Afeni, a Black Panther and political activist who instilled her values of freedom, power, and revolution into her son, speaks about her philosophy of motherhood in the trailer. "It was my responsibility to teach Tupac how to survive his reality," she says.

The docuseries will air episodes 1 and 2 on FX on April 21st at 10 p.m. ET/PT, followed by a new episode every Friday until the series concludes on May 12th, just two days before Mother's Day.

In addition to the series, fans can look forward to the upcoming release of the first and only Estate-authorized biography of Tupac Shakur, written by author Staci Robinson. While the book is set for a fall 2023 release, it is currently available for pre-order on Amazon.

Check out the trailer below: