Was Fuqua set up? Did Nicole Murphy pay the paparazzi to show up and take pictures of her and married Filmmaker Antoine Fuqua kissing and carrying on poolside in Paris? Reportedly, the model and former wife of Comedian Eddie Murphy is also accused of sending those same pictures to the Fuqua’s family first. Is this a money grab? Despite a big 2005 divorce settlement from ex-husband Eddie Murphy, Nicole got swindled for a reported $10 million in bad business moves with shady people. Murphy petered out with reality shows and her high profile romance with super successful TV Personality Michael Strahan went down the drain amidst reports Strahan put a tracking device on her car and caught Nicole cheating. Now there’s the Fuqua scandal. How does Nicole clear her name and rep after this?
Tiffany Haddish’s new show has finally got a premiere date on ABC. Kids Say The Darndest Things began as a spinoff from TV Legend Art Linkletter as a segment of his TV show House Party in the late 50’s and early 60’s. He’d sit children on the stage and ask them questions and get their honest responses, which were often hilarious. Linkletter produced a reboot of the series that Bill Cosby hosted in the 90’s on CBS. Now Tiffany Haddish is breathing life into a fresh reboot, and the show is letting her and the kids have the spotlight. Kids Say The Darndest Things with Tiffany Haddish premieres this Sunday, October 6th at 8pm on ABC.
Superbowl 54 is February 2nd in Miami with J-Lo and Shakira, but Uncle Luke ain’t happy about it or with Jay-Z. I told y’all earlier I was expecting Jennifer Lopez to participate in the Superbowl halftime show. She and Shakira (Hips Don’t Lie) are confirmed to headline. How did Shakira get in? The singer/dancer is signed to Roc Nation, which is owned by Jay-Z and he’s running the halftime entertainment. And, if I was in charge, Mr. Two Live Crew himself, Luther Campbell, a.k.a. Uncle Luke, would definitely be there. Now speaking of Uncle Luke, he had some harsh words for Jay-Z. Jay-Z has been under fire for aligning himself with the NFL. Uncle Luke says he’s not happy with the talent lineup, and that Jay-Z is the token black guy for the NFL. OUCH! I expect more talent additions but don’t expect Trina, City Girls, Trick Daddy, or Uncle Luke. I’m expecting Gloria Estefan, Mr. 305 a.k.a. Pit Bill and maybe Flo Rida to be announced soon. Superbowl 54 airs on FOX Sunday, February 2nd.
Beyonce and Solange’s dad reveals he’s being treated for breast cancer. Talent Manager/Producer/Entrepreneur Matthew Knowles recently revealed his breast cancer diagnosis. He’s had three lymph nodes removed already. Knowles is set for a second operation, which will remove his second breast as a proactive measure, in January.After going public, Knowles spoke to the media of changingthe name to Chest Cancer because of not only the embarrassment of men to deal with breast cancer, but too many men think Breast Cancer doesn’t even apply to them. Knowles says his daughter Solange and Beyonce got tested and both tested negative for the cancer gene, which runs on Knowles mother’s side of the family.
We remember Jessye Norman whose incredible opera career had many Philadelphia roots. Known as a trailblazer, Norman became one of the world’s greatest sopranos and broke racial barriers in the process. Her professional career built momentum in the 1960’s and her training came from many prestigious sources, including Howard University. She sang professionally for German and Italian opera companies after moving to Europe to establish herself. Norman made her professional United States operatic debut with The Opera Company Of Philadelphia. It was in Philly that a 16-year old Norman competed in the Marian Anderson Vocal Competition that led to her full scholarship award to Howard University despite losing the competition named for Philly’s own Operatic Legend Marian Anderson. Norman sang at the 1996 Olympics, The 200th anniversary of The French Revolution commemoration, and in 2002, at the memorial dedication for the 9/11 attacks in 2002 at the twin towers’ location in New York. The opera legend also sang Sidney Poitier to tears when she led a tribute to him at the Kennedy Center Honors by performing Amazing Grace in 1995. Among her own honors were Grammys and an Emmy. Norman suffered complications from a 2015 spinal cord injury. Jessye Norman was 74 years old.
Idris Elba says it was Tyler Perry who boosted his career. Writer/Producer/Director/Actor/Studio Owner Perry was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame this week and his many close friends/superstars took part in the tribute. Elba told the crowd that because of his role as Stringer Bell in The Wire, it was difficult for him to be seen in any other roles. Elba said Perry casting him as a dedicated father in Daddy’s Little Girls changed not only his career, but how black men are cast in movies to this day. Actress Kerry Washington (For Colored Girls) told the crowd Perry blazed his own fierce and faithful path. Actress Crystal Fox (The Haves And Have Nots) led fans in thunderous applause for Perry’s star unveiling. It’s a great time for Perry. He has a deal with BET that gives him co-ownership of BET Plus. He has new shows The Oval and Sistas and both dramas premiere Wednesday, October 23rd on BET beginning at 9pm. Plus, he still has programming on OWN (If Loving You Is Wrong & The Haves And Have Nots). Perry is also hosting the grand reopening of his Atlanta studio after expanding and accommodating the filming of independent projects there like Black Panther and AMC’s The Walking Dead alongside his own works. Congratulations Tyler!
Will Smith is doing a combination throwback-reboot. He’s taking the fashion style of his hit 90’s sitcom The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air and introducing a clothing line. Smith took to social media not only to announce the line, but model the new Bel-Air Athletics line. T-shirts, sweatshirts, athletic gear and other accessories were captioned by Smith as New @FreshPrince Merch. It was almost 30-years ago, when The Fresh Price Of Bel-Air premiered on NBC, but the 51-year old Smith was already using the moniker with DJ Jazzy Jeff as a top selling rap act. The new Bel-Air Athletics line is available now. Smith’s latest film, where he plays a dual role of an assassin with his younger self trying to kill the present day version, is called Gemini Man and opens Friday, October 11th.
Arsenio Hall is coming to Netflix. Smart & Classy is the name of his stand up special and begins streaming Tuesday, October 29th on Netflix.
The Sound of Philadelphia will be well represented this October as the Philadelphia Music Alliance inducts its latest members to the Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame. Included in this year’s class are Philly’s own Evelyn “Champagne” King, The Hooters, The Philadelphia Orchestra and The Mighty, Mighty O’Jays. The O’Jays and the Philly Orchestra go back a long ways. When The O’Jays were signed to Philadelphia International Records, their music was performed by the Gamble & Huff Orchestra MFSB, most of whom also played for the Philly Orchestra. They also played on many of Evelyn “Champagne” King’s hits as well. The induction ceremony will take place on the Avenue of The Arts in Center City and the gala later that evening at the Bellevue Philadelphia on Tuesday, October 22nd. For Tickets and information log onto https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-philadelphia-music-alliance-gala-tickets-68159249149
The 11th Annual ESPN magazine Body Issue is out with the theme celebrating 21 athletes from different sports and with body types. The Superbowl Champion Eagles Offensive Line (Lane Johnson, Brandon Brooks, Jason Kelce, Isaac Seumalo and Halapoulivaati Vaitai) have one of the shared covers. Gymnast Katelynb Ohsi, WNBA Star Liz Cambage, NFL Players Michael Thomas, Myles Garrett and NBA Star Chris Paul are also featured. This is to be The Body Issue’s final year in print.
Tracee Ellis Ross graces the cover of the October issue of Essence magazine. It’s the magazine’s hair issue and the perfect time to introduce Ross’ hair care line Pattern Beauty
Oscar Winner Lupita Nyong’o is on the cover of October’s Vanity Fair magazine. All adorned in green, this issue explores the film and fashion that changed the actress’ life.
Ebony Magazine is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Among its special features, the 2018-2019 HBCU Campus Queens’ photo shoot in Pensacola.
Check out who’s coming to town:
Saturday & Sunday October 12th & 13th - The Atlantic City Comedy Fest starring Mike Epps, Bruce Bruce, George Wallace, Mark Curry, Tommy Davidson, Turae& Sommore and more at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. For tickets and information The Philadelphia Hair Company, OP Productions in Delaware or log onto ticketmaster.com,
Friday, October 18th - The Isley Brothers & The Pointer Sisters at the Mark Etess Arena in the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. For tickets and information log onto ticketmaster.com
Saturday, October 19th - The Tower Of Power & The Average White Band at the Ocean Casino & Resort in Atlantic City. For tickets and information log onto ticketmaster.com
Saturday, October 26th- The Sketchbook Tour starring Fantasia, Robin Thicke, Tank and Bonfyre at The Liacouras Center. For tickets and information log onto liacourascenter.com.
Friday, November 1st - Smokey Robinson at the Ocean Casino & Resort in Atlantic City. For tickets and information log onto ticketmaster.com
Tuesday, November 5th – Erykah Badu at the Met Philly, Broad & Poplar Streets. For tickets and information log onto ticketmaster.com
Friday, November 8th – The O’Jays at the Ocean Casino & Resort in Atlantic City. For tickets and information log onto ticketmaster.com
Saturday, November 9th – The Gentlemen of Soul starring Jeffrey Osborne & Peabo Bryson at The Tropicana in Atlantic City. Tickets and information at ticketmaster.com
Friday December 6th– Anita Baker: The Farewell Concert Series at The Liacouras Center. For tickets and information log onto liacourascenter.com.
Saturday, December 7th – The All I Want For Christmas show starring Mariah Carey at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. For tickets and information log onto ticketmaster.com
Thursday, December 12th – Sinbad in concert at The Parx Casino Xcite Centerin Bensalem, PA City.Log onto tickets.parxcasino.com for tickets and information.
Saturday, December 28th – Earth, Wind & Fire at the Mark Etess Arena in the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. For tickets and information log onto ticketmaster.com
Friday, January 3rd – The Femme It Forward Tour starring Monica, Ashanti, Amerie, Lil Mo & Keri Hilson at the Met Philly, Broad & Poplar Streets. For tickets and information log onto ticketmaster.com
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 2:30pm during the day.