Tag: #Oscars

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Rihanna Delivers Emotional ‘Lift Me Up’ Performance at Oscars: Honoring Chadwick Boseman

Rihanna, Oscars performance

Just when we thought we didn’t need any more tissue boxes for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Rihanna delivers an emotional Oscars performance.

The Barbados native performed the sequel’s anthem Oscar-nominated ‘Lift Me Up,’ co-written by herself, singer Tems, Oscar-winning composer Ludwig Göransson and director Ryan Coogler.

The Performance That Stole Our Hearts Once Again

One of the stars of the film, Danai Gurira, introduced the pregnant business mogul before she took the stage.

Gurira notified the audience that this song was written in honor of the late Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman.

Rihanna belted out the simply beautiful song with a full orchestra supporting her on stage.

The superstar was dressed in all black with a gorgeous bedazzled top.

Roar Of Applause From The Audience And A$AP Rocky… Of Course!

Robyn Fenty was surrounded by a loud applause at the end of her performance. Plus a warm appreciation from the love of her life and the father of her child as well as her new baby on the way, A$AP Rocky.

This was Rihanna‘s first Oscar nomination. She was nominated with Wakanda Forever for Best Original Song, but lost to “Naatu Naatu,” from the Indian film RRR.

Behind The Song ‘Lift Me Up’

Ryan Coogler actually wrote the chorus for the heavenly ballad. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the director disclosed the lyrics reflected the pain of losing Chadwick Boseman.

The song was also inspired by the responsibilities of being a parent. Angela Bassett’s character had to help her surviving child deal with the tragedy that occurred in both of their lives.

Rihanna’s Comeback Year

Rihanna is on a roll from her shocking Super Bowl performance, where she revealed her second pregnancy, to her stunning Oscars performance.

This all happening as there is talk about her and A$AP getting married soon as well as her album possibly coming this year.

We await to see what else Rihanna has up her sleeves.

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Pop Stars and Vocalist Compete for Best Original Song

Rhianna, Joe Jones and Taylor Swift join race for Oscar nomination amongst others.

As the Oscar’s approach their 25th anniversary, preparations begin. The nominees for best original song involve several soloists, alongside other prominent popstars. Featured in films for their original written and performance of the songs – Disney/Marvel’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Sony’s Devotion, Paramount’s Top Gun: Maverick and Pixar’s Turning Red, among others.

Best Original Song – Short List

Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish and Finneas aim to be on the category’s shorter list (prior Oscar winners). After seven years, a new track releases from Rihanna placing her in the same race which will be put out on Dec. 21.

 

The Oscar nominations for 2023 will be unveiled on January 24. The 95th Oscar Academy Awards will take place Sunday, March 12, 2023.

 

Oscar Nominees – Best Original Song

 

Rhianna – Lift Me Up

After returning from a years-long gap the fashion icon and singer has returned. In Black Panther: Wakanda Forever features the uplifting song that is co-written with the film’s composer, Ludwig Goransson, writer- director Ryan Coogler.

 

Lady Gaga – Hold My Hand

 

This sentimental ballad features in Paramount’s film – Top Gun: Maverick and is written by Michael Tucker.  Potentially, Gaga could earn a second Oscar for her original song after A Star Is Born “Shallow”.

 

Jazmine Sullivan – ” Stand Up”

Sullivan and co-writer Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II (Oscar winner Judas and the Black Messiah’s “Fight for You”) tribute the legacy of Emmett Till.

 

 

Taylor Swift – Carolina

Highlighted in Sony’s Where the Crawdads Sing, has swifted the singer into already a Grammy nomination and potentially earn two possible noms (All Too Well: The Short Film).

 

 

Joe Jonas and Khalid – Not Alone

In the final credits of Sony’s war drama Devotion are Joe Jonas and Khalid. The two wrote the song alongside Bernard Harvey and Ryan Tedder.

 

Selena Gomez – My Mind & Me

 

The singer and actress recently released her Apple documentary starring her life on and off- camera, Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me. The title from the film represents her personal struggles with mental health.

 


Doja Cat – Vegas

 

Featured from Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis is the rapper’s song but annex vocalist Shonka Dukureh’s recording of “Hound Dog.”

 

 

Billie Eilish & Finneas – Nobody Like You

 

The dynamic duo constructs three tracks for Pixar’s Turning Red – the others ” 1 True Love” and “U Know What’s Up” – in the style of a fictional boy band, featuring Finneas as one of the vocalists.

 

Written by: Abbi-Rae De La Rosa| @justabbi_

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Kevin Hart Gifted “Will Smith” The Goat To Chris Rock During An Epic Comedy Show

Chris Rock Kevin Hart
Image via ABC News

The slap heard around the world from the 2022 Academy Awards is still making noise. Back in March, the world watched as Will Smith slapped Chris Rock following a joke about his wife. Last night, comedian  Kevin Hart gifted an actual goat named “Will Smith,” to Chris Rock. Hilariously, this was during a comedy show at Madison Square Garden in New York City with Dave Chappelle on stage.

What Took Place When Kevin Hart Gifted “Will Smith” The Goat To Rock?

Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, and Chris Rock held a comedy show at MSG. And the room was full of laughter and tons of jokes. One of the topics that came up was how Hart had a live goat in attendance. And no one could understand why. But to everyone’s surprise he presented it to Rock as a gift. And let everyone know the goat’s name was “Will Smith.” Hart mentioned to the audience that Rock not only was a friend and inspiration, but he was in fact a mentor. And he was his G.O.A.T. Which is where the inspiration for his gift came from.

Despite creating a tender moment, where he says Rock almost cried. The goat made things a bit messy and actually ruined Rock’s shoes. “Chris had on some white moon boots and that goat got him,” Hart said on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtQAlgP5A7M

Kevin Hart’s gift wasn’t the first time the incident came up recently. Last weekend while performing in New Jersey Chris Rock made a point to talk about being seen as a “victim.” Saying, “I’m not a victim. Yeah that hurt, but I shook it off and went to work.” Rock even compared the slap to getting a paper cut and it being that minor in his life.

It’s clear that Hart is one of the only people that could pay homage to one of the greats, while also making fun of them!

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The Academy Bans Will Smith For 10 Years; He Responds Respectfully

the academy
Image Source: Phil Mccarten/Invision/AP/ShutterStock

The Academy reprimanded Will Smith for his Oscars slap incident with comedian Chris Rock.

After the disciplinary hearing, which West Coast rapper The Game strongly opposed, The Board of Governors for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences announced on Friday (Apr. 8) that the King Richard actor, who assaulted Chris Rock at the 94th Oscars awards show, will be banned for ten years from all Academy events including the Oscars.

Will Smith Remains Eligible For Awards Despite His Ban

Variety reports that Will Smith, who resigned from The Academy on Apr. 1, will likely keep his Best Actor Oscar. This award is for his performance in the biopic on Serena and Venus Williams’ father, Richard Williams. Smith is safe from sanctions because the Oscars do not have the legal authority to take action. Therefore, after the ban goes into effect on Apr. 8, Smith will still be eligible to receive nominations and win Oscars in the future.

Furthermore, Will Smith reportedly responded in a statement saying, “I accept and respect the Academy’s decision.”

The actor, who described his emotional state as “Heartbroken,” received criticism from several celebrities for his slap on Chris Rock. The slap responded to a joke Rock made about Jada Pinkett Smith’s bald head.

In a recent interview with Drink Champs, Harlem rapper A$AP Rocky expresses disappointment in Will Smith regarding how he handled a disagreement with a fellow Black man.

“I’m a fan of Will, Jada, Chris, all of them. They OGs,” Rocky said, as seen in the clip posted to Instagram. “I think it’s unfortunate that, like, he emasculated another Black man in front of all them people like that. But I do think that, like, it’s some built-up shit that probably wasn’t really targeted at Chris Rock. I don’t know. … Like what you said, it seems like it’s more than just a G.I. Jane joke.”

 

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Commentary From Chris Rock’s Brother, Tony Rock, Concerning The Incident At The Academy

In addition, at the premiere of his documentary Still Rolling Papers, Wiz Khalifa also attempted to make light of the situation. However, he warned audience members not to approach the stage or risk getting shot for running upon him.

Moreover, Tony Rock, Chris Rock’s brother, commented on the event during a recent stand-up performance. He said if he had been present at the Oscars, he would have been unable to maintain his composure.

“If you think you going to walk up on this stage, this ain’t the muthaf**king Oscars!” Tony Rock said. “And if you walk your a*s up here, you ain’t nominated for sh*t but these muthaf**king hands! Oh, we going to pop the rest of the year, n**ga. Every time you see me do a show, pop!”

He continued,

“You gonna hit my muthaf**king brother because your bi**h gave you a side-eye?”

View the full clip below regarding Tony Rock’s opinion on the Oscars incident.

 

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Written by Nikiya Biggs

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Ja Rule Reacts To Will Smith’s Oscar Slap After The Resurfacing Of An Old Dave Chappelle Video

Ja Rule On Will Smith's Oscar Slap
Ja Rule On Will Smith's Oscar Slap. Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

On Monday (Mar 28), comedian Dave Chappelle became a trending topic for an old joke he made about Ja Rule. Chappelle recalls seeing the Murder Inc. rapper on MTV around the time the World Trade Center collapsed by terrorists in 2001.

In addition, Chappelle asked Ja Rule what he thought of the horrific act of terror. However, Rule was evidently of the opinion that it was absurd.

“I remember right around September 11, Ja Rule was on MTV,” Chappelle says in a video clip circulating online. “They said, ‘We got Ja Rule’ on the phone. Let’s see what Ja’s thoughts are on this tragedy.’ Who gives a f**k what Ja Rule thinks at a time like this, n***a? This is ridiculous! I don’t wanna dance. I’m scared to death!”

Ja Rule Responds To His Fans In An Amusing Manner

Additionally, the clip was connected to the recent controversy surrounding Will Smith and Chris Rock at the 94th Annual Academy Awards. In addition, fans questioned, “Where is Ja?” Similarly, Ja Rule answered their call and appeared on Twitter shortly after that with the message: “Slapping season is OFFICIALLY in session…”

Moreover, the incident occurred on Sunday night (Mar 27). The Oscars were also playing. Furthermore, a confused crowd watched Will Smith walk up to Chris Rock and hit him across the face in the middle of his duties. Nonetheless, he found a G.I. Jane joke that Rock told concerning the bald head of Jada Pinkett offensive.

Celebrities Join In On The Controversy

Naturally, the internet exploded with memes and reactions at their expense. Celebrities such as 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, Offset, and The Game all joined in.

“I feel you will smack the SH*T out of one of you n**gas bout my wife on national tv,” the Migos rapper tweeted. “Will Smith the greatest to do it.”

Will Smith Apologizes

In the end, Smith apologized for attacking Chris Rock onstage after the incident. Nevertheless, he acknowledges that he acted inappropriately but condemns violence in general.

“Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive,” Smith also wrote in part. “I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I am embarrassed, and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.”

Written by Nikiya Biggs

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Dame Dash Calls Will Smith A “Villain,” Who “Lost Control Of His Emotions”

Dame Dash Oscars' Take Is Against Will Smith
Dame Dash Oscars' Take Is Against Will Smith. Image source: Yohance Kyles.

The 2022 Academy Awards was a night of glamour and immense controversy involving Will Smith and Chris Rock. Now, New York icon Dame Dash is offering a different perspective on Oscars.

The Slap That Stopped The World

The Oscars took place earlier this week (Mar 27). The event also brought several highlights. A bright neon performance from Beyonce and a Disney rendition of Megan Thee Stallion is just a couple of examples. However, nothing compared to the physical confrontation between Will Smith and Chris Rock.

During a segment of the award show featuring comedian Chris Rock, a joke was made involving Jada Pinkett Smith. The quip was later revealed as an adlib and focused on Smith’s shaved head. For anyone who’s not aware, Jada is currently suffering from alopecia. Her clearly pained facial expression said it all.

“Jada, I love you. “G.I. Jane 2,” can’t wait to see it,” Rock laughed.

Before anyone could realize what was happening, Will Smith made his way to the stage and proceeded to slap Rock in the face. The King Richard star then returned to his seat and yelled profanities at the comic.

“Keep my wife’s name out your f——— mouth!” he yelled, much to everyone’s shock and disbelief. Take a look at the full video of the incident below:

Dame Dash Gets Psychological About Oscars

Of course, the entirety of social media was quick to react to the slap. Reactions are polar, with some believing the attack was unwarranted and deserving of backlash and others understanding Will’s protectiveness. Regardless of your take, a world-class actor hitting someone on live television is quite the event.

In the days following the Oscars, celebrities have started to share their thoughts. Unlike social media platforms, the general consensus amongst celebs is that Will simply went too far. Big names in Hollywood like Jim Carey and Wanda Sykes have called the slap “sickening” and “traumatizing.” Unfortunately, Dame Dash seems to fully agree.

In the exclusive Page Six report from earlier this week (Mar 29), Dash revealed his thoughts on Smith’s situation. “I will tell you this, ten years ago, five years ago, one year ago, if I ever heard that Will Smith got up and smacked somebody, I would not believe it,” he said.

He continued, “It’s almost like when a superhero turns into a villain or when a wrestler goes from being a good guy to the bad guy. It is almost seen as the shift of Will Smith. It is like he’s sick of being a good guy, I guess. Will is tired of being a punk, and he exploded, and Chris Rock got it.”

“It’s also internalizing a lot of trauma that he didn’t recognize, and he overreacted to other things that bothered him, so more than likely, I could say he could use a little therapy because he lost control of his emotions,” he analyzed.

The East Coast music exec finished with an interesting sentiment. “The world is a different place. I know if that was me and Kanye, I would’ve walked out in cuffs, and Kanye would’ve walked out in a straight jacket.”

Is Everything Good With The Smiths?

Dame Dash’s Oscars’ take about unresolved trauma may have some validity. Recently, the Smiths have been heavily in the news, not necessarily for a good reason. Back in July 2020, RnB singer, August Alsina revealed via song that he had a prior sexual relationship with Jada Pinkett Smith. The couple released an episode of Red Table Talk discussing the affair at length to get ahead of the story. Although the situation is in Will’s rearview mirror, it’s likely been weighing on him heavily. In addition to this, Jada has mentioned late rapper Tupac Shakur fondly several times. It’s widely known the two Baltimore natives had an extremely close friendship, but some believe it led to a secret romance. Those rumors were all but confirmed in the 53-year-olds memoir titled Will.

“In the beginning of our relationship, my mind was tortured by their connection,” he wrote. “He was ‘PAC! and I was me … though they were never intimate, their love for each other is legendary.”

The actor still has to confirm if either of those factors played a part in his escalating to violence. What do you think of the fateful slap? Was it deserved or misdirected energy?

RELATED STORIES:

Jim Carrey Is Turned Off By Will Smith’s Applause After The Oscars Incident

August Alsina Confuses Masses With Poetic Post-Oscar Response

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Jim Carrey Is Turned Off By Will Smith’s Applause After The Oscars Incident

Jim, rock

Jim Carrey has a message for Hollywood. The Canadian actor spoke with CBS Gayle King on Sunday evening about the drama involving Will Smith and Chris Rock during the 94th Academy Awards.

Jim Carrey Gives His Thoughts

“I was sickened by the standing ovation,” The Mask actor told King. Carrey discussed how the audience applauded Will for winning the Best Actor award mere minutes after he slapped the comedian. “I felt like Hollywood is just spineless en masse.”

King explained that anyone other than Smith may be led out of the building or arrested after hitting someone else. In Carrey’s opinion, the Gemini Mani star “should have been,” but Rock did not wish to take legal action.

“If you want to yell from the audience and show disapproval or say something on Twitter [that’s fine]. You do not have the right to smack somebody in the face because they said words,” adding that Smith’s choice was “a selfish moment that cast a pall over the whole thing,” as HuffPost notes.

Jim adds, “[The slap] came out of nowhere because Will has something going on inside him that’s frustrated,” the Sonic the Hedgehog star concluded. “I wish him the best. I have nothing against Will Smith. He’s done great things, but that was not a good moment.”

What Caused The Incident?

During Chris Rock’s time on stage, he took a minute to acknowledge Jada Pinkett Smith, who was in the audience sporting a shaved head. “Jada, I love ya,” he began. “GI Joe 2, can’t wait to see it,” Rock added, making an offensive joke for the actresses’ sake.

She didn’t seem impressed by the Grown Ups actor’s comments. However, Will initially laughed, but cameras caught him approaching the stage and striking him shortly afterward.

Are you of the opinion that Chris Rock should sue Will Smith, or is Will Smith’s apology post sufficient to move on from the situation?

By Nikiya Biggs

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Lupe Fiasco Reminds Fans Where He Stands With Kid Cudi

Lupe Fiasco
Rocky Widner / NBAE / Frazer Harrison, Getty Images

In wake of the shocking altercation between Will Smith and Chris Rock at the Oscars, Lupe Fiasco wants fans to know that he still has beef with Kid Cudi. The rapper tweeted today saying he hopes that Rock and Smith can reconcile and move on, but not for him and the man on the moon.

“I hope they can find some time to come to terms with what happened, reconcile and move on… But it’s still Fuck Cudi 4 Life,” he wrote in a now-deleted tweet.

Lupe and Cudi Beef Has Gone On For Some Time

Lupe Fiasco and Kid Cudi’s beef first started in 2014. Around this time, Lupe was selling custom verses where Cudi then tweeted that he was scamming people and that he would never do that to his fans. While the two never confronted each other about it, Fiasco hit back at him. He has dissed Cudi a number of times over the years, calling Cudi a disrespectful clown while he battling mental health issues. Lupe later admitted it was “childish and petty” of him to do.  There was another time when Lupe said that Cudi could “get his ass beat.”

One fan tweeted “what lupe said about cudi,” to which he responded saying “He a Bitch…been a bitch…and he a snake ass no good ass nigga…I said all that lol.”

Another fan wrote in one tweet “I thought it was all in the past Lu.” Lupe then responded, “It is…I just have to remind myself and others from time to time.”

Kid Cudi has only responded to the lyricist once in 2015 calling him  “Poopé Fiasco.”

Hopefully, at some point down the road, their mindsets may change and can reconcile their differences.

Written By: Roy Lott

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50 Cent Speaks Out In Support Of Mo’Nique And Requests Her Re-Casting In Black Films

50 Cent supports, mo'nique

50 has a lot of love and for Mo’Nique. 50 Cent also supports Mo’Nique. Hip-Hop Lately reports that the 54-year-old actress was effectively blackballed from the film industry. This controversy arose after winning the 2009 Oscar for her performance in “Precious” back then. However, Fif feels now is the right time to return to the limelight.

For those unaware, Mo’Nique was demoted because she failed to thank the director Lee Daniels and the film’s studio during her acceptance speech. Daniels has also claimed that the actress was “difficult to work with,” apparently seeking to sway public opinions in his favor.

Mo’Nique might not be getting much attention from the rest of the industry members. Still, the “I Get Money” rapper believes she deserves some time in the public eye.

“I went to see @therealmoworldwide stand-up show [during] Super Bowl weekend. Oh shit! Was so good, she had my ass in a trance,” 50 Cent told his followers over the weekend, showing he supports Mo’Nique. “You gotta go check her out the sh*t was [fire].”

 

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50 Cent Gives Monique The Due Diligence She Deserves

Furthermore, the New Yorker provides a video clip from Mo’Nique’s appearance in the hit movie “Precious” from a few years ago. The scene in question highlights her god-given skills beautifully.

“I gotta get @therealmoworldwide back in pocket,” he captioned it. “We only [supposed] to cancel shit that ain’t good for the culture. We need you to WIN again now MO’NIQUE.”

 

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50 also shared a photo on Instagram of the Maryland-born actress with his followers, asking them to help her regain her former fame. He wrote,

“All in favour of @therealmoworldwide being back on top, say make it happen 50! STOP F*CKING AROUND.”

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Beyonce, Jay-Z, Kid Cudi, and More Make 2022 Oscars Shortlist

With the official Oscar nominations less than two months away, it’s time for a shortlist from the Academy. A shortlist is effectively a progress report for studios to track the success of their projects. Think of it as an “unofficially official” prediction list for the Oscar draft. Among the revealed categories was “Best Original Song,” where some 15 songs are competing for the Academy’s title of “best”. It’s a field packed full of hip-hop and R&B talent, with the likes of Beyonce, a Jay-Z/Kid Cudi combo, and much more.

Jay-Z vs. Beyonce?

Starting us off is Beyonce with her song “Be Alive”, featured in the Venus and Serena Williams biopic King Richard. Beyonce found herself on the shortlist last year as well, for her song “Spirit”, featured in 2020’s The Lion King.

Joining her in the competition is husband Jay-Z. Teaming up with Kid Cudi for their song “Guns Go Bang”, the two big names look to bring a win to the western The Harder They Fall.  Should Jay find himself in the final list with Beyonce, it will be the first time in Oscar history that a couple has gone head-to-head for the title of Best Original Song.

Double Duty for Cudi

And Cudi’s got more. Turns out, you can enter a competition twice. A double nomination, if you will. Joining up with Ariana Grande, the two make The Shortlist, Vol. 1 with their song “Just Look Up”, for the satire sci-fi film Don’t Look Up.

The Best Song Champ Returns

However, the competition is far from decided. After all, there is a returning champ this year. Coming off her 2021 win, H.E.R. is back with “Automatic Woman”, featured in Halle Berry’s Bruised. H.E.R. won last year with “Fight for You”, bringing it home for Judas and The Black Messiah.

Turning up the Difficulty

Finally, we have Jennifer Hudson. She’s a vocal powerhouse. Her heaps of awards (musical and acting) speak for themselves. And now she’s up for Best Original Song with her “Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)” from her Aretha Franklin biopic Respect. J-Hud leads a sharp cast as Franklin and is also an executive producer of the film.

 

The field is packed and there can only be one winner this March. Who do you think has the best shot? Let us know by interacting with us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!

 

Garrett C. Owen 

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