This Saturday, join us for our WDAS’ Women Of Excellence event.This year’s honorees include: Jenice Armstrong, Metro Columnist at The Philadelphia Inquirer; Keir Bradford-Grey, Chief Defender of the Defender Association of Philadelphia; Facetta Greene, Operations Manager of The Dell Music Center, Philadelphia; Amber Hikes, Executive Director, Office of LGBT Affairs, Mayor’s Office; Renee Chenault Fattah, Iconic Philadelphia Anchor Woman & News Personality. Our Special Trailblazing Woman of Excellence honor will be presented to Grammy Award Winning Rapper, Songwriter, Actress, Co-host of the CBS’ The Talk and West Philly Native Eve. Plus, musical performances by Brian McKnight, Pastor Marvin Sapp, and Raheem DeVaughn! Log onto WDAS-FM.com for tickets and information.
Kevin Hunter is not trying to break up with Wendy Williams. He reportedly went out and bought her a $40,000 ring. Sources say this, by the way, is after Wendy smashed everything in sight after Hunter’s alleged sidejawn gave birth to his alleged baby. Hunter gets this ring for Wendy after reports surface the two are separating. Wendy went on another quick leave from her show and is due back this coming Monday. Questions abound like what happened to the sober house? How about that report of being found in New Jersey drunk? Can Williams’ daytime talk show continue to survive all this drama?
Made In America 2019 has been announced with Cardi B and Travis Scott headlining. Also on the bill are Freddie Gibbs, Grace Carter, Kodak Black and Anderson .Paak. The festivities take place on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Labor Day Weekend, Saturday, August 31st through Sunday, September 1st. Tickets and information can be found at madeinamericafest.com.
Jill Scott, a.k.a. Jilly From Philly, heads up the WDAS Block Party coming to The Mann. Philly’sown Jazmine Sullivan and Musiq Soulchild, plus Mase and DJ D-Nice are all on the bill at The Mann Center for The Performing Arts, 52nd and Parkside Avenue, on Saturday, June 29th. Tickets are on sale this Friday, April 5th at ticketmaster.com.
33-year old rapper Nipsey Hussle has died after being shot to death in front of a neighborhood store located at the Crenshaw Plaza he co-owned. The rap superstar’s ownership of that plaza was just one example of his commitment to the community. That plan included reinvestment, education and second chances. Despite a rough upbringing and past gang affiliations, Hussle, born Ermias Asghedom, said he was determined to be an example and provide hope and motivation for other youth in Crenshaw. Hussle, who took his rap name from Comedian/Actor/Game Show Personality Nipsey Russell (The Wiz; $25,000 Pyramid), leaves behind two children. The youngest child he had with his fiancée, Actress Lauren London (ATL; The Game), who paid tribute to Hussle on social media. Two other people were wounded by the shooting that killed Hussle. At press time, suspect Eric Holder is in custody and is reportedly being held in solitary confinement. The investigation for more suspects and a motive continues.
Janet Jackson was inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in a ceremony that took place in New York City, but there was a twist. Singer/Actress Janelle Monae handled the induction honors. It’s tradition that the inducted artist has a performance done for them and then he or she performs. However, Janet, Miss Jackson if you’re nasty, was well aware that The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame was being filmed for HBO. She did not perform. Huh? Remember, HBO aired the Leaving Neverland documentary in which Michael Jackson accusers offered up a host of criminal activity they say the late King Of Pop perpetrated on them. The Jackson family has released statements trashing the documentary, questioning the motives of the accusers and reminding the public Jackson was found not guilty on all counts when he was criminally charged. The Michael Jackson Estate, separate from the surviving family, is suing over the documentary. Meanwhile, Janet maybe sending a not so subtle message to HBO. The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame ceremony premieres Saturday, April 27th at 8pm on HBO.
Speaking of Rock And Roll Hall Of Famers, Mick Jagger needs heart surgery. The lead singer of the legendary Rolling Stones cancelled their U.S. and Canada tour. Jagger took to social media to apologize to fans, share that he too was devastated to have to cancel but was working hard to be back on stage as soon as possible. Shortly after the media ran with the story of heart surgery for Jagger citing a valve problem. Meanwhile, the 75-year old singer has since been spotted relaxing on Miami Beach with his 32-year old girlfriend, Ballerina Melanie Hamrick, their two-year old son Deveraux, and Jagger’s daughter from a previous relationship, Georgia May.
The 50th anniversary of The NAACP Awards was off the hook. I love Black-ish, but it can’t win everything every year. Got to spread the love. Issa Rae, Hello?! Also need the youngin’s to show up and know your history. Ella Mai and Amandla Stenberg both won but were no shows. Congresswoman Maxine Waters shut it down with her powerful speech on impeachment and if you come for her, she’ll come for you. Chris Rock says he was told no Jussie Smollett jokes before he walked out on stage to present. So what did the Emmy winning writer/director/comedian do? Of course, he preceded to tell jokes about Jussie. Rock did catch amixed review for his colorism jokes, and for clearly not believing Smollett. And, Omari Hardwick and Naturi Naughton proved that even celebs fan out, and social media let them have it. They both made a bee line to The Carters, a.k.a. Jay and Bey, who were there for the President’s and Entertainer Of The Year awards, respectively. First, came Naughton who got in every minute of Bey time that she could. They almost delayed starting the show. But, then came “Ghost.” Omari Hardwick, himself, became a super hashtag after he twice kissed Beyoncé, close to her mouth, and in front of her husband Jay-Z. And, Beyoncé had a look on her face when catching that kiss from the also married Power actor. To be fair, I’ve met Omari and he’s a very nice guy. Did Omari just get caught up in The Beehive? His Power Executive Producer and Co-star 50 Cent didn’t help matters much when he wrote on social media: Season 6 of Power Jay Z kills Ghost Don’t Miss It We Lit LOL!
Speaking of Beyoncé, her aunt, by marriage, is named Cynthia Beyoncé and she has a new book coming out. Cynthia says there’s gonna be a little bit about everybody in this book. It’s also supposed to be a health book. Not sure if Cynthia is shopping around ideas or is this really her book’s theme. Meanwhile, Singer Beyoncé is coming to Netflix. It’s a documentary and reportedly on her historic performance at the 2018 Coachella festival. Besides being the first African American woman to headline Coachella, she was joined by Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams for a Destiny’s child mini-reunion. Then husband Jay-Z and sister Solange also joined Bey on stage. Remember, Beyoncé had to drop out of the 2017 Coachella as she was expecting her twins, so she came back to Coachella in 2018 with fire and her best concert reviews ever. Finally, The Queen Of The Bey-hive has a couple of new songs she’s readying for a deluxe compilation album. Finally, she’ll join James Earl Jones, Donald Glover, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Keegan-Michael Key, Eric Andre’ and Alfre Woodard for the live action big screen return of The Lion King in theaters Friday, July 19th .
Will the release of Usher’s health records and civil suit deposition hurt his career? The Confessions singer was besieged by accusers who claimed he gave them the sexually transmitted disease herpes or exposed them to the disease. Meanwhile, a judge has granted one of those accusers a trial start of November after denying Usher’s motion to dismiss the case. Reportedly, both sides are to exchange health information. Could that information be made public some day and could that ruin Usher’s career. The singer has been teasing working on Confessions 2. The first Confessions sold over 20 million copies worldwide and made Usher one of the biggest selling artists since Michael Jackson. It could be a smash all over again, but could the STD scandal derail success before it can even start?
Congratulations to Actress Issa Rae: a new movie, magazine covers and a wedding! First, the 34-year old actress/writer/producer is engaged to her longtime boyfriend Louis Diame. Rae’s keeping mum on her personal life though. As she’s doing publicity for her new movie Little, she’s played coy or playfully ignored all relationship questions. Meanwhile, Rae graces the covers ofthe April editions of Essence and Women’s Health magazines. The new movie Little hasRae playing the assistant of high powered and super mean business executive who is transformed back into her 13-year old self with her present day mind. Co-starring Regina Hall, Marsai Martin, Tone Bell and Justin Hartley, Little opens in theaters this Friday.
The reigning Queen Of The Box Office, Lupita Nyong’o, is adding author to her resume. The Oscar winning actress has written a book on colorism entitled Sulwe. Nyong’o says she wrote the book toshow children as well as adults to love the skin you’re in and see its beauty. The illustrations are from fellow Author and Filmmaker Vashti Harrison. Nyong’o is currently starring in the Jordan Peele hit Us, co-starring Winston Duke, and the movie has already taken in over $127 million worldwide in box office receipts.
At the movies this week, Taraji P. Henson’s latest film is called The Best Of Enemies. Set in Durham, North Carolina, Henson plays Civil Rights Activist Ann Atwater who has been battling with local Klu Klux Klan leader C.P. Ellis. Both experience a life changing event when they agree to co-chair a two-week community meeting to deal with a 1971 court ordered school desegregation plan. The movie is co-produced by Actor Tobey Maguire (Spiderman) and Empire Producer Danny Strong. The Best Of Enemies hits theaters this Friday.
Diana Ross is on the cover of Ebony magazine, but unfortunately had re-earn her name as The Boss. She’s celebrating her 75th birthday this month and Motown’s 60th anniversary, the legendary music label that started her career.
Ciara is on the cover of InStyle magazine’s April edition. Mrs. Russell Wilson talks about motherhood, finding unconditional love and releasing new music, entitled Greatest Love, for the first time in three years on a new label and being in charge of her album.
Check out Essence magazine digital as Actress and Walking Dead Alum Sonequa Martin-Greengraces the cover. Currently, Martin Green can be seen on the CBS All Access streaming network in Star Trek Discovery as the first African American lead in the franchise’s 53-year history.
The Being Mary Jane two hour series finale just confirmed a big reveal: Morris Chestnut versus Michael Ealy! The BET drama that stars Gabrielle Union will return to close out the series in April. Union’s character, the very successful journalist Mary Jane Paul, finds herself in a love triangle. When Mary Jane’s romance with Jason (Michael Ealy) goes south, enter a brand new love interest (Morris Chestnut). How will Mary Jane move forward especially after Jason decides he wants her back? Being Mary Jane’s two hour series finale airs Tuesday, April 16th at 9pm on BET.
Tuesday, April 25th and Wednesday, April 26th are the two days in which The Young And The Restless will pay tribute to the late Kristoff St. John. The actor, who set a record as the longest running black character on a daytime soap, won multiple Emmys for his portrayal as Neil Winters. St. John died last month, and many attributed it to alcohol poising. The autopsy results were released and St. John died of heart disease triggered by alcohol poising. Reportedly, the actor had been struggling with his mental health and just got out of rehab. It had been a year since the death of St. John’s son Julian, who died by suicide. The actor had been struggling with that loss ever since.Reports are that St. John’s eldest daughter, Paris, had to file for control of his estate because the actor had no will.Meanwhile as for the CBS tribute, the cast of Y&R, past and present, will be a part of the tribute including Shemar Moore, who got his start playing St. John’s TV brother Malcolm, and Victoria Rowell, who played St. John’s TV wife Drusilla.
Dionne Warwick will release her first album in five years. Produced by her son, Damon Elliot, the album is simply entitled She’s Back. The album consists of remakes and new songs, and Warwick will duet with Kenny Latimore, Musiq Soulchild, and Krayzie Bone from Bone, Thugs & Harmony. YES, Krayzie Bone and Auntie Dionne! It’s a big year for legendary songstress as she’ll receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from The Grammys in a special celebration in May, and she begins her Las Vegas residency April 4th – 27th at Bally’s. Her album, She’s Back, will be released May 10th.
Smokey Robinson and Cedric The Entertainer (CBS’s The Neighborhood) will host a Grammy special entitled Motown 60: A Grammy Celebration. Performers include Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Boyz II Men, Chloe X Halle, Ne-Yo and Thelma Houston. The 60th Anniversary Motown special airs Sunday, April 21st at 8pm on CBS.
Check out who’s coming to town:
April 10th – April 21st – Pride & Joy, the new musical featuring the music of Marvin Gaye at the Merriam Theater on the Avenue Of The Arts (Broad Street between Locust and Spruce Streets). Log onto kimmelcenter.org for tickets and information.
Friday, April 26th – The New Stylistics featuring Russell Thompkins, Jr., The Manhattans featuring Gerald Alston and The Delfonics featuring William Hart in concert at The Keswick Theater, Glenside, Pa. For tickets and information log onto keswicktheater.com/events/all.
Friday, May 3rd – Wayne Brady at the Parx Casino in Bensalem. For Tickets and information log onto parxcasino.com/xcitecenter
Friday, May 10th – The Mother’s Day Music Festival Weekend starring The Whispers & The Force MD’s at Caesar’s Circus Maximus Theater in Atlantic City. For more information log onto ppshows.com and for tickets log onto ticketmaster.com.
Saturday, May 11th – The Mother’s Day Music Festival Weekend starring Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Kem, Al B. Sure and Christopher Williams at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. For more information log onto ppshows.com and for tickets log onto ticketmaster.com.
Sunday, May 12th – The Mother’s Day Music Festival Weekend starring After 7 and Dru Hill at Tropicana Showroom Theater in Atlantic City. Tickets are on sale now. For more information log onto ppshows.com and for tickets log onto ticketmaster.com.
Saturday, June 1st – The 2019 Roots Picnic has a new location at The Mann Music Center For The Performing Arts, 52nd and Parkside! Celebrating the 20th anniversary of The Roots album Things Fall Apart with special guests H.E.R., Raphael Saadiq, 21 Savage, City Girls and more. Log onto rootspicnic.com for more information.
Thursday, June 6th – One Nation Under A Groove-George Clinton’s Farewell Tour with Parliament-Funkadelic at the Franklin Music Hall, formerly The Electric Factory, 421 North 7th Street. For more ticket information log onto ticketmaster.com
Saturday, June 29th– Diana Ross in concert at Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. Log onto theborgata.com for tickets and information.
Saturday, July 6th– Earth, Wind & Fire in concert at The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. Log onto ticketmaster.com for tickets and information.
Friday, July 12th and Saturday, July 13th– Lionel Richie in concert at The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. Log onto ticketmaster.com for tickets and information.
If you would like more info please email me at PattyJackson@iHeartMedia.com or check me out with my midday reports at 10:30am, 12:30pm and