Nelly arrested for rape. The 42-year old was released but not charged as the police continue their investigation. A woman told police she was assaulted on board Nelly's tour bus this past weekend. The alleged incident took place after Nelly's performance in Washington. After the Hot In Herre rapper was released, he took to twitter to deny all wrong doing and assured his fans he'd never be involved in something so stupid. As the week went on, Nelly's girlfriend, Shantel Jackson, took to her social media and declared things with her and her man are just fine. In several posed pic, Jackson told the best thing about their relationship (having fun), and that she doesn't want to be a babymama but married. Meanwhile, Nelly's lawyer calls the allegation of rape a complete fabrication and is confident Nelly won't be charged. As of press time, the investigation continues. Nelly is scheduled to be a part of The All Stars of Hip Hop coming to the Liacouras Center January 14th.
At press time, NeNe Leakes has been removed as host of The Great Xscape Tour starring Xscape, Monica and Tamar Braxton. And, Tamar has been hospitalized, but her critics say it’s a stunt to freshen up those album sales. First, NeNe Leaks, who has been hosting the tour and performing stand up, got heckled and told a rape joke at the expense of the heckler. She later issued an apology. Now she’s been removed, but we’ll see for how long. Next, Tamar has yet to release what sent her to the hospital, but it hasn’t stopped her from tweeting up a storm. Hmmmmmm. Meanwhile, The Great Xscape Tour is slated to hit The Liacouras Center, Broad & Montgomery on Tuesday, December 19th.
Cicely Tyson is on Elle: The Women In Hollywood Issue.
Chadwick Boseman is on Ebony’s The October/Men's Issue and, at the movies this week, Boseman, Kate Hudson and Sterling K. Brown star in Marshall. The movie chronicles an early law case of the late Thurgood Marshall before his landmark arguments that led to school desegregation in Brown vs. Board Of Education, and before he was appointed America’s first African American Supreme Court Justice. Marshall opens in theaters this Friday, October 13th.
Speaking of Chadwick Boseman, his co-star in big screen adaption of Marvel Comics’ Black Panther, Michael B. Jordan, has another comic book project lined up. Jordan will be an executive producer on Raising Dion for Netflix. Based on the comic book story of an African American widow who discovers her young son has superpowers. Jordan will also appear occasionally as the boy’s father and the widower’s late husband. Netflix has given Raising Dion a 10-episode order. At press time, no streaming date has been announced yet. Meanwhile, look for Jordan in Marvel Comics Black Panther on February 16th, 2018.
Janet Jackson is all about unions and reunions. As she continues her State Of The World, she took time this week to have a playdate with her fellow dancing diva Ciara. The both hit up Disneyland: Ciara with little Future, Jr. and Janet with little Eissa. Then Janet had a concert in which she reunited with some of her former backup dancers. Among them were Actress and World Of Dance Host Jenna Dewan Tatum and Janet’s Rhythm Nation Dancers. Then Miss Jackson was reunited with Ja'net DuBois, who played Janet's TV mom “Willona Woods” on the CBS classic sitcom Good Times (1974-79). Janet won the role of “Penny” on the show in 1977 after she made a splash the year before as a regular on her brothers' variety series The Jacksons. Janet is due in our area next month with three stops in Atlantic City (Nov. 10th), Bethlehem (Nov. 11th) and Philly (Nov. 13th).
Attention Men: Can You Cook? It’s that time again for Philly’s Men Are Cooking, and the A.K.A.’s are looking for the men of the Delaware Valley to show the ladies their culinary skills. This is the annual Philly event where the men do all the cooking, and the ladies get to walk around and sample what the men have to offer. It all benefits the A.K.A.’s charitable and community service arm, The Ivy Legacy Foundation. The festivities take place at The Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum, 6825-31 Norwitch Drive, Philadelphia, Pa. The information for Philly’s Men Are Cooking about tickets and signing up to cook can be found at ivylegacy.org.
The Rock vs Tyrese? Why would the 45-year old ex wrestler and actor have problems with the 38-year old ex-model and singer/actor? It seems to stem from the spinoff of the Fast & Furious that’s coming for franchise co-star Dwayne The Rock Johnson, but that spinoff doesn’t include Tyrese Gibson. As a result, Gibson says the next Fast & Furious has been pushed up to 2020, which he thinks is unfair. The singer has also hinted that the spinoff move and its priority are selfish on Johnson’s part. Johnson has been quiet on Tyrese publicly. That may be why Gibson wants to break the perception that the friction is one-sided, so he posted a video of Johnson calling Gibson’s album, Black Rose, dog s**t! Where do things go next? No word yet on when Johnson’s untitled Fast & Furious spinoff will be released.
Tyler Perry has a lot going on. His Halloween sequel for Madea is coming. Boo2! A Madea Halloween will in theaters Friday, October 20th. This Madea installment is a take-off on the slasher films of the 70’s and 80’s. Meanwhile, Perry has also authored the inspirational book Higher Is Waiting, which is due out November 14th. Finally, Perry will play General Colin Powell in a movie about former Vice President Dick Cheney. Cheney served as VP and Powell as Secretary Of State under President George W. Bush. The untitled movie is in production now and also stars Amy Adams, Steve Carrell and Christian Bale as Dick Cheney.
Did one of Usher's accusers play herself and give the singer the ammunition he needs for court? Laura Helm has filed a $20 million lawsuit against the singer, who turns 39 this week, claiming she contracted the STD herpes from him. It is illegal in some states not to warn a partner you have an STD. Usher through his legal team denies all wrongdoing. Now, a tape has surfaced allegedly between accuser Helm and an Atlanta publicist. The woman, alleged to be Helm, on the tape is heard saying that she and Usher used a condom every time they had an encounter and she had no plans to sue. The recording apparently took place in Atlanta, where two-party consent is not needed for such a recording. Helm’s attorney, Linda West, says her client lied on the tape trying to avoid exploitation. The recording has already gone viral, but can it be used in court? Is it enough to get the suit dismissed? Attorney Lisa Bloom still represents three other people, two women and a man, also suing Usher.
Speaking of Lisa Bloom, she took much heat when it was revealed she was advising Harvey Weinstein, the high-powered Oscar winning film producer facing dozens of allegations of sexual harassment, assault and rape. Bloom defended herself saying she was trying to make a change for women from within, and that Weinstein approached her a year ago. But, following a revelation that Bloom’s book on Trayvon Martin was option by Weinstein’s movie company, Bloom was criticized on line, print and television. She has since quit. Weinstein’s wife, Fashion Designer Georgina Chapman, left Weinstein as the allegations continued to come from more actresses, including Ashley Judd, Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie. Weinstein was voted out by his own board at his company and his negative behavior has been publicly condemned by people ranging from the from The Obamas to up and coming actresses.
Is Tamron Hall’s show in jeopardy because of Harvey Weinstein? The ex-Today Show anchor was having her TV comeback project produced by Weinstein’s company. No word yet on how his ouster affects the show. Hall is reportedly horrified at the many accusations and called Weinstein directly. Hall, who was a former WDAS intern and Temple University grad, is said to feel the accusations are a kin to the domestic violence her late sister experienced and the college rapes she’s spoken with young women about. At press time, Weinstein has entered into a rehab facility.
Both TV Personality Wendy Williams and Actor Terry Crews are coming forward with stories of their own. First, Crews says he was sexually assaulted at a party last week that he and his wife were attending when an executive groped him. Crews says he had to make a decision on the spot of whether to pound the high powered executive on the spot, risk damaging headlines of the angry black man and the possible end of his career. Crews’ story underlines why many wait or don’t report at all when their assaulted and or harassed. Wendy Williams, who apologized this week for suggesting Nelly’s rape accuser stay off tour buses, revealed she only had good intentions and was speaking from the experience of a 13-year old who looked like a grown woman. She didn’t detail much after that.
Lionel Richie has been convinced and joined the new American Idol on ABC, but there’s a hitch. Katy Perry was the first to sign on as a judge for a reported $25 million. Then Ryan Seacreast was re-signed as host at a reported pay cut to between $12-15 million. That didn’t leave much for the other two judges. You know I think Lionel Richie is musical royalty. I can’t see how anyone is worth more than he is, but he decided to jump on board anyway. His salary is a reported $10 million while the third judge, Country superstar Luke Bryan, is at $13 million. Huh?!!!Anyway let’s see how long this status quo lasts. ABC has yet to announce the exact date of Idol’s return, but look for it just before spring of 2018 on ABC.
Taraji P. Henson is getting a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. The Oscar and Emmy nominee and star of Lee Daniel’s Empire will receive her honor in 2018, and will also have her ceremony in the new year with fellow inductees RuPaul, May J. Bilge, Zoe Saldana, Weird Al Yankovic, Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda and the late Bernie Mac.
Marlon Wayans family sitcom Marlon has been renewed. It may be on the NBC schedule as a rotating show, much like the canceled Carmichael Show was.
The nominees for The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame for 2018 are Nina Simone, Janet Jackson, LL Cool J and Rufus & Chaka Khan. Until December 5th, The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame is taking the fans’ votes on their website to help guide the final decision.
Music has lost a pioneer of the Philly Sound. Walter “Bunny” Sigler passed away last week and leaves a legacy of hits as a singer/songwriter/producer/arranger. Sigler was an artist on the Philadelphia-based Cameo-Parkway Records. In 1967, he enjoyed a big hit with Let The Good Times Roll. Later Sigler worked with Leon Huff on that label. Soon Sigler was signed to Kenny Gamble and Leon huff’s label and began writing and producing for their other artists on and off for decades. Archie Bell & The Drells (I Could Dance All night), Billy Paul (I’m Just A Prisoner; I See The Light), Lou Rawls (From Now On; When You Get Home), Shirley Jones (Do You Get Enough Love), Patti LaBelle (Love, Need & Want You; Living Double), Phyllis Hyman (Set A Little Trap) and, of course, The O’Jays (When The World’s At Peace; Sunshine; Let Me Make Love To You; You Got Your Hooks In Me; Your Body’s Here With Me But Your Mind Is On The Other Side Of Town; Strokety Stroke). Apart from Philly International, Sigler used his flair for the dramatic for his production moniker Bundino Siggalucci. He then produced and sang background on Instant Funk’s gold selling Salsoul album and the million selling single I Got My Mind Made Up (You Can Get It Girl) Tom Moulton and Larry Levan created an excellent remixes of it. Sigler would also pact with Curtis Mayfield’s Chicago-based Curtom Records and write for Mayfield, Linda Clifford and cut a duet album with Barbara Mason. His biggest hit of the 70’s was 1977’s Let Me Party With You (Party, Party, Party). The past few years he’s been releasing records independently and online. Sigler’s prolific songwriting allowed him to enjoy a new resurgence because of all the sampling of his songs Kelly Rowland/Nelly’s Dilemma, Cameron/Rod Rhaspy’s Sweetest, Heavy D & The Boyz’s Body & Mind. Bunny Sigler died of a heart attack at the age of 76. Services are this Friday morning October 13th at Sharon Baptist Church, 3955 Conshohocken Road, Philadelphia, Pa 19131. The viewing will take place from 8am to 10am and services begin at 10am.
White Famous is coming to Showtime. Comedian and ex Saturday Night Live Cast-member Jay Pharoah stars as a rising comedian who is maintaining the thin line of keeping his credibility in the black community while trying tom appeal more and more to the white community. Jamie Foxx, whose life the show is based on, is the co-executive producer and has a recurring role. White Famous debuts on Showtime this Sunday at 8pm.
TV One’s UnSung Hollywood returns this month. Two episodes already confirmed is the premiere spotlighting the hit sitcom The Jeffersons, which is TV’s longest running program with a predominately African American cast (1975-1985 on CBS). The next week, Sunday October 29th, will feature Tupac Shakur. UnSung Hollywood’s third season kicks off Sunday, October 22nd at 10pm on TV One.
Being Mary Jane is coming to an end on BET, but will go out with a bang as a TV movie. The show starring Gabrielle Union as a TV News anchor navigating the pitfalls of her own life as well as her family’s all while trying to reach the heights of her industry. Union became a co-executive producer and the BET audience took to the network’s most successful drama in its 37 years. Union is locked in for the finale movie, but no other cast members have been confirmed nor has an airdate as of press time.
In more Gabrielle Union news, the actress has written her memoir, We’re Going To Need More Wine: Stories That Are Funny, Complicated And True. Union is prepping a huge book tour in support, and she holds nothing back. She describes he lows like being raped at gunpoint while working at Payless. She later sued the shoe chain since her assailant, who was sentenced to 33 years, had previously robbed their other outlet. Union has since become an outspoken advocate for sexual assault victims. The 44-year old also describes how despite their recent tragedy of 8 or 9 miscarriages, Union and her 35-year old husband, NBA Champ Dwyane Wade, stand ready to welcome their child into the world if the opportunity should ever present itself. The couple is currently raising Wade’s two sons and his nephew, which convinced Union she wanted to add more children to the family. Wade’s third son lives with the boy’s mother. Meanwhile, Gabrielle Union currently stars and co-produces the BET hit drama Being Mary Jane, and her new book, We’re Going To Need More Wine: Stories That Are Funny, Complicated And True is available October 17, 2017, and she’ll be at the Free Library Of Philadelphia, Montgomery Auditorium, 19th and Vine Streets. Go to FreeLibrary.org and click “Events” for more information.
Smokey Robinson has teamed up with American Greetings for a new twist on greeting cards. E-cards are the Motown legend’s latest project where his classic songs are being converted into personalized greetings. Robinson used his smash composition for The Temptations, My Girl, for this past weekend’s Father-Daughter Day and coming soon are his Get Ready e-cards. This could be quite a project because aside from the hits Robinson has enjoyed as lead singer of The Miracles and a solo act, he’s had nearly 40 top 40 hits and written or co-written over 4,000 songs.
Denzel has changed his look…..again!! The two-time Oscar winner has a new movie called Roman J. Israel, Esq. He plays a lawyer who’s an advocate for the people, but his throwback style is something between a militant and Don Cornelius on the 1970’s edition of Soul Train. When “Israel” wins, he lets others take the credit. Colin Farrell and Carmen Ejogo co-star. Roman J. Israel, Esq. opens November 3rd.
Bruno Mars has shot his performance at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem for his upcoming TV special. The special will be a mix of performances and interviews. The 31-year old, five-time Grammy winner has already released a picture of his performing on top of the legendary Apollo marquee. Bruno Mars: 24K Magic Live at the Apollo will air Wednesday, November 29th on CBS.
Disney Actress Zendaya is on the cover of Glamour. She’s got a big photo shoot and an interview with Black-ish Actress Yara Shahidi. Zendaya also confirmed this is her last season of KC Undercover. The 21-year old WOKE actress revealed when her Disney show was being put together, she was insistent on having an African American family. She knew diversity was extremely important for viewers. Zendaya is currently making the media rounds promoting ways to close the digital divide, which are efforts to see to it that families that can’t afford computer technology can still have access and resources.
Jennifer Hudson is on the cover of Cosmopolitan. The newest judge and mentor on NBC’s The Voice talks about her life. How she likes being a judge, and what it was like to work with co-stars like Beyoncé. The Voice airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 8pm on NBC.
Singer/Songwriter/Reality Star Kandi Burruss (Xscape) is on the cover of October’s Essence magazine.
Rihanna is on the cover of Elle, and the critics are raving over Rihanna’s new makeup line Fenty. This is a good time for Ri Ri. Next year, she’ll be a co-star of Ocean’s Eight, a female take on the Ocean’s Eleven movie franchise. Rihanna will also join the panel at Vogue’s first annual Forces Of Fashion Conference on October 11th in New York City.
Tracee Ellis Ross is on the cover of W magazine and channels her mom, Diana Ross, in her full Diva legacy. Ross also pays tribute to her mom in the interview, and her sitcom Black-ish has returned to ABC for its fourth season with a new time slot, Tuesdays at 9pm.
Actress Meghan Markle is the talk of Hollywood and England as she graces the cover of the latest issue of Vanity Fair. The 36-year old star of the USA series Suits discusses her acting career, her bi-racial background and declares that she and England’s favorite eligible bachelor Prince Harry, 33, are in love.
Check out who’s coming to town:
This Friday, October 13th – Boney James in concert at The Keswick Theater in Glenside, Pa. and for more information log onto keswicktheatre.com
Saturday, October 28th – Tracy Morgan comedy show at The Tower Theater, Upper Darby, Pa. For tickets and information venue.thetowerphilly.com.
Friday, November 10th – Janet Jackson at The Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. For tickets or for more information log onto boardwalkhall.box-officetickets.com.
Saturday, November 11th – Janet Jackson at The Sands Bethlehem Event Center. For tickets or for more information log onto sandsbethlehememovementseventcenter.ticketoffics.com
Saturday, November 11th – Gladys Knight at The Tropicana in Atlantic City. For tickets or for more information log onto Tropicana.net
Monday, November 13th – Janet Jackson at The Wells Fargo Center. For tickets or for more information log onto wellsfargocenterphilly.com.
Tuesday, November 14th – Leela James and Tank: Savage X, The Soul Tour at the TLA, 3rd and South . For tickets or for more information log onto venue.tlaphilly.com.
Sunday, November 19th – The stage play Thugs & The Women Who Love Them starring K Michelle, Sevyn Streeter, Ray J, and Lyfe Jennings at The Tower Theater, Upper Darby, Pa. For tickets and information venue.thetowerphilly.com.
Friday, December 1st – Sinbad comedy show at The Keswick Theater in Glenside, Pa. and for more information log onto keswicktheatre.com
Friday, December 1st – Jay-Z at The Wells Fargo Center. For tickets or for more information log onto wellsfargocenterphilly.com.
Saturday, December 9th – Fantasia Christmas Holiday concert at the Fillmore Philly, 29 East Allen Street and for more information log onto thefillmorephilly.com/venue
Sunday, December 17th – Damien Escobar in concert at The Keswick Theater in Glenside, Pa. and for more information log onto keswicktheatre.com
Tuesday, December 19th – The Great Xscape Tour starring Xscape, Monica and Tamar Braxton at The Liacouras Center, Broad & Montgomery. Tix are on sale Friday, October 13th 2017 and for more information log onto Liacourascenter.com/events.
Sunday, January 14th – The All-Stars Of Hip Hop starring Nelly, Ja Rule, KRS1, Redman & Method Man, Fatman Scoop and Three Times Dope at The Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. For tickets and information log onto ppshows.com.
Sunday, February 18th – The Soul Jam At The Tropicana in Atlantic City.
Saturday, February 24th – Katt Williams comedy show at The Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. For tickets and information log onto boardwalkhall.com/events.
Friday, March 9th – Keith Sweat in concert at The Liacouras Center, Broad & Montgomery. Tix are on sale Friday, October 13th 2017 and for more information log onto Liacourascenter.com/events.
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.