And Now… Here’s Missouri DE Michael Sam, Topless, Dancing His Ass Off At A Gay Club

Bruh. From TMZ:

Michael Sam is one HELLUVA dancer — in fact, the NFL prospect showed off his moves at a gay club in Missouri shot months ago and he didn’t care who was watching … now TMZ Sports has the footage.

Sam hit up the SoCo nightclub in Columbia, MO back in October — just a few months after he came out to his teammates — and let loose! So even though Sam made his public declaration Sunday, the reality is he’s been out for a while.

In the footage, Sam (sans shirt) is gettin’ down to Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You” … grinding all over a bunch of women, who seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Problem is … shirts are required at the club — and sources tell us at one point, security approached Sam and asked him to cover up.

He laughed at first … but eventually complied.

… after the song was over, of course.

Rihanna & Shakira Slammed For Promoting Lesbianism

rihshak

From the Latin Times, where you can also find a petition created to shut down the video (which you can see in its entirety here):

Shakira and Rihanna premiered their steamy and racy video for “Can’t Remember To Forget You” last week and shocked viewers. The 37-year-old Colombian singer and 25-year-old singer from Barbados are seen in grinding and bumping up against a wall and get touchy with each other in provocative positions that turn up the heat. Fans of both stars have applauded their musical effort but outsiders have been less receptive with an activist in Colombia by the name of Marco Fidel Ramirez, starting a petition to have the clip banned.

The “Family Councilor” (“Concejal De La Familia”), as Ramirez is known, has started a campaign on Twitter to prohibit “Can’t Remember To Forget You.” “The family councilor rejects categorically the contents of Shakira’s latest video, as it is considered to damage the moral character of the youth of Bogotá, Colombia and Latin America,” he wrote on the social network using the hashtag #PeligroVideoShakira. Ramirez mentioned Shakira in the tweet and has made it his missioned to get noticed by the singer as he feels she is promoting and motivates tobacco use, homosexuality, stealing and killing.

“Our Shakira with her erotic video is promoting tobacco usage and has become the worst example for our youth,” he later added. “Shakira’s new video is a shameless case for lesbianism and immorality. It is a danger to children.”

FOX Cancels The X Factor

txf

From CNN:

Reality singing competition “The X Factor” has lost its flagship star and its place on Fox’s lineup.

On Friday, judge Simon Cowell announced he was leaving the American version of “The X Factor” to return to the original UK iteration, news that came as Fox confirmed “The X Factor” is being canceled after three seasons.

“Unfortunately, there is no ‘X Factor USA’ without Simon Cowell, but we understand and support his decision to focus on the international formats and on the next phase of his personal life,” Fox Broadcasting’s chairman of entertainment, Kevin Reilly, said in a statement. “We wish him the very best, and it’s our sincere hope that we work together again soon.”

Cowell, 54, is expecting his first child soon, and he said Friday that the decision to leave has left him with “mixed emotions.”

“You (realize) how much you owe to the fans who have supported all of the shows we made in both countries,” Cowell tweeted. “I have had a blast. Really the best time of my life. Thank you for the support and the fun we have had together. It’s never forgotten. We found some amazing talent. And now the search begins to find the next star. That’s why we make these shows.”

Cowell launched “The X Factor” in the United States in 2011 after serving as a judge on Fox’s other singing competition, “American Idol,” for eight years. The newer show had an uphill battle from the start, considering that it was up against both “Idol” and NBC’s talent show, “The Voice.”

It didn’t help that “The X Factor” had a revolving door of personalities as the series tried to stand apart: Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger, Britney Spears, L.A. Reid, Demi Lovato, Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio have all joined Cowell, the mainstay judge, on the program.

“X Factor” had just as tough a time securing consistent ratings. According to Entertainment Weekly, “The X Factor” averaged 7.1 million viewers and a 2.3 rating among adults 18-49 on Wednesday nights, an average that includes seven days of DVR playback.

In a statement released by Fox, Cowell said that he’s had “a fantastic time” on both “X Factor” and “Idol” and that “apart from being lucky enough to find some amazing talent on the shows, I have always had an incredible welcome from the American public (most of the time!).”

Cowell hinted he’s been considering returning to the UK since last year, although his move may not be permanent.

“I want to thank Fox for being an incredible partner and I also want to thank everybody who has supported my shows,” he said. “America, I’ll see you soon!”

Kanye Reflects On His Debut Album ‘The College Dropout’

kanyecollege

Today marks the ten-year anniversary of the release of Kanye West’s debut album The College Dropout. Kanye turned to his Twitter to reflect on the milestone:

“Ten years ago today we finally released what had been my life’s work up to that point: The College Dropout.

I say “finally” because it was a long road, a constant struggle, and a true labor of love to not only convince my peers and the public that I could be an artist, but to actually get that art out for the world to hear.

I am extremely grateful to each and every person along that road who helped, lent an ear, lent their voice, gave of their heart to that project, and to all the projects that followed, and are to come.

I am honored and humbled by my fans, for the unwavering support and love over the past ten years. I wake up every day trying to give something back to you that you can rock to and be proud of.

Ten years later I am still the same kid from Chicago, still dreaming out loud, still banging on the door. The doors may be heavier, but I promise you WE WILL BREAK THEM.”

Pharrell Williams, Kendrick Lamar, Janelle Monae & More To Perform For NBA All-Star Weekend

Janelle-Monae

Taken from the official press release on NBA’s website, where you can read more on each artist:

The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced today that Oscar®-nominated musician Pharrell Williams, coming off of his multi-Grammy Award-winning night, will headline the “Entertainment Series presented by Sean John at Macy’s” during the 63rd NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, Feb. 16, at New Orleans Arena. The game will air live at 8 p.m. ET on TNT, ESPN Radio, and in 215 countries and territories in more than 47 languages.

Williams will make a grand entrance when he opens the NBA All-Star 2014 festivities with the only player introductions set in all of sports, featuring surprise musical guests. The electrifying performance will be followed by Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter and guitarist Gary Clark, Jr. who will perform the U.S. National Anthem and Canadian singer-songwriter Serena Ryder who will perform the Canadian National Anthem.

At halftime, New Orleans native Trombone Shorty and his band Orleans Avenue will tip off the celebration of New Orleans-influenced music with performers including multiplatinum singer-songwriter Janelle Monáe, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Dr. John, Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter and guitarist Gary Clark Jr. and the legendary band Earth, Wind & Fire.
On Saturday, Feb. 15, prior to the highly anticipated Sprite Slam Dunk Contest airing live at 8 p.m. ET on TNT, Grammy-nominated artist Kendrick Lamar will perform an exclusive medley of smash hits from his critically acclaimed albums.

PICS: Eddie Murphy’s Daughters Strip Down For Lingerie Shoot

There’s nothing fully nude here, but you might want to wait to leave your cubicle before you look further into the above gallery. From the New York Daily News:

Two of Eddie Murphy’s grown up daughters stripped down for a racy lingerie shoot.

Bria Murphy, 24, and sister Shayne, 19, posed for steamy bedroom shoots with Los Angeles photographer Dimitri Ray — and the pics are garnering a lot of buzz.

Both daughters, whose parents are Murphy and Nicole Murphy, are apparently taking after their mother in pursuit of modeling careers.

In the photos posted to Ray’s Instagram page, Bria Murphy wears a sheer, white bra and bottom combination, while Shayne opts for a black ensemble.

Their proud mother, who split from the Oscar-nominated actor in 2005 and is now engaged to footballer-turned-daytime talk host Michael Strahan, reposted more demure versions of her daughters’ photos to her own Instagram page.

Missouri DE Michael Sam Announces That He’s Gay; Could Become NFL’s 1st Openly Gay Player

From ESPN, where you can read more on the story:

Michael Sam, an All-American defensive lineman from Missouri Tigers and the Associated Press’ SEC Defensive Player of the Year, said that he is gay in interviews with ESPN’s “Outside the Lines” and the New York Times on Sunday.

Sam stated publicly what his teammates and coaches at Mizzou have known since August: “I am an openly, proud gay man.”

Sam is eligible for the NFL draft in May. Assuming that he is drafted, Sam could become the first openly gay player in the history of the NFL.

“I understand how big this is,” he said. “It’s a big deal. No one has done this before. And it’s kind of a nervous process, but I know what I want to be … I want to be a football player in the NFL.”

In 2014, “Gay Man to Enter Workforce” has the everyday-occurrence sound of a headline in The Onion. But when the NFL is involved, it’s a first — and potentially a landmark moment — in the history of American sports.

Sam’s decision to speak out now comes after his experience two weeks ago at the Senior Bowl, where, he said, many already seemed aware of his sexual orientation.

“I didn’t realize how many people actually knew, and I was afraid that someone would tell or leak something out about me,” he said. “I want to own my truth. … No one else should tell my story but me.”

He had already confided in a few close friends, Sam recalled, and had dated a fellow athlete who was not a football player — so while coming out to his Mizzou teammates last year was a key moment, it came almost as an afterthought, during preseason training camp.

“Coaches just wanted to know a little about ourselves, our majors, where we’re from, and something that no one knows about you,” Sam said. “And I used that opportunity just to tell them that I was gay. And their reaction was like, ‘Michael Sam finally told us.’ ”

Asked what that moment felt like, Sam said, “I was kind of scared, even though they already knew. Just to see their reaction was awesome. They supported me from Day One. I couldn’t have better teammates. … I’m telling you what: I wouldn’t have the strength to do this today if I didn’t know how much support they’d given me this past semester.”

He did not ask them to keep his revelation a secret.

Rihanna Fan Stabbed To Death By Step-Father In Brazil; Singer Offers To Pay For Funeral

Rihanna

(Loosely) translated from Portuguese website Odia:

A crime within Sergipe shocked not only the Brazilians as well as singer Rihanna. Hardcore fan of the star, Tiago Sobral Valencia, 15, was stabbed to death by her stepfather last Saturday in Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Upon learning of the tragedy, Rihanna got in touch with the families of adolescents through their representatives in Brazil to provide solidarity and also help financially.

In an interview with column Eronilton Santos, the boy’s father, said he was surprised by the connection and that Rihanna’s team offered to help pay for the funeral of James. “I was surprised they wanted and worried for them. The representative said that it was a request from Rihanna herself, who wanted to offer all kinds of help. They wanted to pay for the funeral of James, but only asked that she would provide a tribute to him. The only thing I thought is that from heaven, where he is going to see this gesture. The impact of the message she posted about it on Twitter was huge. ” Still, Rihanna keeps in touch with family and asks her Eronilton accept your donation.

James collected CDs, DVDs Rihanna. Before dying, he kept his savings to go to the concert the singer.”He was never for lack of money. Since last year, when he knew she would come to Brazil, began to gather in a safe to be able to see her sing when she returned to the country.”

PICS: 2014 BET Honors

Last night, who’s who in music and entertainment were at the Warner Theater in Washington, D.C. to pay tribute to this year’s BET Honors — Aretha Franklin, Nelson Mandela, Berry Gordy, Ice Cube and more. Above, we have some (funny!) photos of the show, with was hosted by Wayne Brady and also featured performances from the likes of Mariah Carey, Janelle Monae and Tamar Braxton.

The broadcast premiere of the show goes down February 24th on BET (obviously). You can check out plenty more pics and behind the scenes gems at the official website.

Lady Gaga’s UK Tour Sells Out….In 5 Minutes; Will Also Be Performing In Space Next Year

 

Wow! Spotted on Digital Spy:

Lady Gaga’s UK tour has sold out in just five minutes.

The ‘Do What You Want’ singer is bringing her ‘artRave: The ARTPOP Ball Tour’ to Britain in October.

Tickets went on sale this morning (February 8) at 9am, but were sold out within minutes.

Gaga will play shows in Birmingham, Glasgow and Manchester, followed by two nights in London. She has since added an additional date in Dublin.

Gaga recently announced her delight at performing in space. She is scheduled to perform aboard a Virgin Galactic spaceship in 2015 as part of the Zero G Colony festival event.

“I can’t wait to design the performance,” Gaga commented. “I’m auctioning off my second seat [on the space flight] to raise money for the Born This Way Foundation.

“I want to make a moment that is about much more than me. Performing in space is such an honor,” she added.

Is Love And Hip Hop NY Mendeecees Harris A Free Man?

Mendeecees-Harris

Uptown Magazine reports:

In January 2013 Mendeecees Harris was arrested and charged with narcotics conspiracy and money laundering. Specifically, Mr. Harris was charged with knowingly, willfully and unlawfully combining and conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine (Schedule I Substance) and 1 kilogram of heroin (Schedule II Substance). Such narcotics charges are punishable by a sentence of 10 years to life in prison, plus fines. While the laundering charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years, plus fines.

In conjunction with the documents filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York, the Court seized specific a##ets from Mr. Harris and his co-conspirators, including such valuables as a Hublot “King Power” in 18kt rose gold ($45,000) and Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date Chronometer in 18kt yellow gold ($40,000). All in all, federal authorities seized over $406,950 in jewelry. Authorities also seized countless sums from various safe deposit boxes (e.g. $488,900 in a Sovereign Bank safe deposit box, $300,200 in a Bank of America safe deposit box and $122,000 in a Chase safe deposit box).>

In December 2013, Harris’ co-defendant Ronald Walker (aka Kellz) pled guilty to the narcotics conspiracy and money laundering charges. He admitted to arranging for the distribution of at least 40 kilograms of cocaine and at least 1 kilogram of heroin through Mendeecees (aka Uno) and others. He also admitted to laundering millions of dollars through corporations in his name.

Consistent with his plea agreement, Walker was sentenced to the minimum 10 years of imprisonment, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. As a result of Walker’s conviction, $2.5 million worth of a##ets seized in connection with the investigation were forfeited to the government, including cash and homes in Queens, New York and Fulton County, Georgia.

But where do things stand with Mendeecees’ case? Apparently as of November 2013, no public docket entries have been made by the Court Clerk. Both the Bureau of Prisons and Harris’ attorney report that Mendeecees is currently not in federal custody, but do not offer any additional information or comment. The most recent activity in Mendeecees’ case was an order requiring the parties to inform the Court by November 15, 2013 as to whether the defendant would be requesting that infamous detention hearing. Curiously, no public filings appear on record thereafter.

If a detention hearing is eventually scheduled and held, the Court will hear testimony and determine whether there is probable cause that Harris committed the alleged offenses. If so, the judge must then decide whether any conditions of release would adequately ensure that the defendant is not a risk of flight or a danger to the community. However, with confirmation that Mendeecees is currently not in federal custody and no recent court filings, there is a likelihood that the case has already been resolved and the details of that resolution are sealed.

Young Thug in the Studio with @TopDollaSweizy

Young Thug hit the studio with NE DC’s TopDolla Sweizy last night after their show (Thug posted the photo above on his twitter.)  Sweizy has been plugged in to the Atlanta scene for a minute right now and is definitely going places.  Young Clip (who’s had a few bigger placements lately) did a beat for at least one of a few tracks.

 

 

 

Promoter Cancels DMX/George Zimmerman Boxing Match

damon-feldman-jose-canseco

Celebrity boxing promoter Damon Feldman cancelled what was to be George Zimmerman’s boxing match against DMX today via his Twitter account (posted as is):

All you people are right. The George Zimmerman fight is canceled I’m sorry for anyone I hurt with this but this was a very big opportunity thank you. I want to thank everyone for the good n bad comments I’ve made the choice to cancel the fight w George Zimmermann more to life then money.

It was my decision to cancel the george zimmerman fight it was worth a lot of money to me but people’s feelings meant more to me. I walked away from av million dollar payday with this fight but to be honest I’d rather be happy and make people happy thank you

Rick Ross “Mastermind” Official Tracklisting

Rick Ross reveals the official tracklisting for his upcoming album Mastermind (also below). The new album features appearances by Jeezy, Jay Z, Kanye West, Meek Mill, Lil Wayne, The Weeknd, Big Sean and more. You can preorder his new album today at 5pm.

1. “Intro”
2. “Rich is Gangsta”
3. “Drug Dealers Dream”
4. “Shots Fired”
5. “Nobody”
6. “The Devil is a Lie” feat. Jay Z
7. “Mafia Music III” feat. Sizzla, Mavado
8. “War Ready” feat. Jeezy
9. “What a Shame”
10. “Supreme”
11. “Blk & Wht”
12. “Dope Bitch Skit”
13. “In Vein” feat. The Weeknd
14. “Sanctified” feat. Kanye West, Big Sean”
15. “Walkin on Air” feat. Meek Mill
16. “Thug Cry” feat. Lil Wayne

Paul George Says He Never Offered Stripper Money For Abortion

paul

TMZ reports:

Indiana Pacers superstar Paul George tells TMZ Sports … he never EVER offered to pay a woman $1 million to abort her unborn child — but if the kid is his, he’s ready and willing to do the right thing.

We’re told … back in 2013, George had a relationship with a woman from Miami named “Daniela” — a woman who is currently pregnant. The releationship went through the end of the summer … but in November, Daniela informed George she was pregnant and she believes he is the father.

In a statement to TMZ Sports, George says … “If and when there is legal confirmation that I am the father, I will fully embrace my responsibilities. This is a personal matter that is still being sorted out, so I hope you can respect my privacy. ”

There are rumors that George offered the woman $1 mil to abort the baby — but George’s camp is adamant that’s total B.S.

A spokesman tells us, “There is no truth to the rumors that Paul offered money for [Daniela] not to have the child.”

A source familiar with the situation says the relationship between George and Daniela is “amicable” and they both expect it to stay that way.

American Soldier Dog Reportedly Captured By The Taliban

captureddog

Spotted on FOX News, by accident:

Taliban fighters in Afghanistan have released video purportedly showing a captured allied soldier — a dog soldier that is, believed by Pentagon officials to be a British military service pup captured during a raid last December.

The doleful hound, believed to be a Belgian Malinois named “Colonel,” appears held by a chain on a video released on the website of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, and was publicized by a Tweet boasted of a Dec. 23 operation that in which “6 US terrorists” were killed and “equip seized.” Pentagon officials told Fox News they believe the dog is actually a British military service dog, not an American canine.

“We can confirm that a military working dog went missing following an ISAF mission in December, 2013,” the U.S.-led International Assistance Security Force said in a statement. “It is ISAF policy to defer identification to the appropriate national authorities.”