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Kendrick Lamar Leads Grammy Nominations With 11

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The Recording Academy announced the Grammy Award this morning. Kendrick Lamar leads the field with 11 nods. The Weeknd and Taylor Swift both received seven Grammy nominations. Other top nominees include Drake, John Legend, and Kanye West.

The Academy is committed to celebrating a diverse blend of talented entertainers, musicians, and producers, and this commitment is evident in the nominees for the Album of the Year category, according to Grammy.com. Lamar has been nominated for his “jazz-infused rap,” Alabama Shakes for their “alternative and soulful rock,” Swift for her pop, Chris Stapleton for his “classic country sounds,” and The Weeknd for his “genre-bending R&B style.”

D’Angelo and The Vanguard is nominated for Record of the Year, along with Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, The Weeknd, and Swift.

Noticeably omitted from the Grammy nominations list are Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Madonna, and Lana Del Rey.

The Grammy ceremony will be held Feb. 15, 2016 in Los Angeles.

Check out the entire list of nominees on the following page.

Record Of The Year

  • “Really Love” — D’Angelo And The Vanguard
  • “Uptown Funk” — Mark Ronson Featuring Bruno Mars
  • “Thinking Out Loud” — Ed Sheeran
  • “Blank Space” — Taylor Swift
  • “Can’t Feel My Face” — The Weeknd

Album Of The Year

  • Sound & Color — Alabama Shakes
  • To Pimp A Butterfly — Kendrick Lamar
  • Traveller — Chris Stapleton
  • 1989 — Taylor Swift
  • Beauty Behind The Madness — The Weeknd

Song Of The Year

  • “Alright” — Kendrick Duckworth, Mark Anthony Spears & Pharrell Williams, songwriters (Kendrick Lamar)
  • “Blank Space” — Max Martin, Shellback & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift)
  • “Girl Crush” — Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna & Liz Rose, songwriters (Little Big Town)
  • “See You Again” — Andrew Cedar, Justin Franks, Charles Puth & Cameron Thomaz, songwriters (Wiz Khalifa Featuring Charlie Puth)
  • “Thinking Out Loud” — Ed Sheeran & Amy Wadge, songwriters (Ed Sheeran)

Best New Artist

  • Courtney Barnett
  • James Bay
  • Sam Hunt
  • Tori Kelly
  • Meghan Trainor

Following is a sampling of nominations in the GRAMMY Awards’ other 29 Fields:

For Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, the nominees are “Ship To Wreck” by Florence & The Machine; “Sugar” by Maroon 5; “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson Featuring Bruno Mars; “Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift Featuring Kendrick Lamar; and “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa Featuring Charlie Puth.

The nominees for Best Dance Recording are “We’re All We Need” by Above & Beyond Featuring Zoë Johnston; “Go” by the Chemical Brothers; “Never Catch Me” by Flying Lotus Featuring Kendrick Lamar; “Runaway (U & I)” by Galantis; and “Where Are Ü Now” by Skrillex And Diplo With Justin Bieber.

The Best Rock Performance nominees are “Don’t Wanna Fight” by Alabama Shakes; “What Kind Of Man” by Florence & The Machine; “Something From Nothing” by Foo Fighters; “Ex’s & Oh’s” by Elle King; and “Moaning Lisa Smile” by Wolf Alice.

The nominees for Best Alternative Music Album are Sound & Color by Alabama Shakes; Vulnicura by Björk; The Waterfall by My Morning Jacket; Currents by Tame Impala; and Star Wars by Wilco.

For Best Rap Album, the nominees are 2014 Forest Hills Drive by J. Cole; Compton by Dr. Dre; If You’re Reading This Its Too Late by Drake; To Pimp A Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar; and The Pinkprint by Nicki Minaj.

The nominees for Best Urban Contemporary Album are Ego Death by the Internet; You Should Be Here by Kehlani; Blood by Lianne La Havas; Wildheart by Miguel; and Beauty Behind The Madness by The Weeknd.

The Best Country Album nominees are Montevallo by Sam Hunt; Pain Killer by Little Big Town; The Blade by Ashley Monroe; Pageant Material by Kacey Musgraves; and Traveller by Chris Stapleton.

The nominees for Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical are Jeff Bhasker, Dave Cobb, Diplo, Larry Klein, and Blake Mills.

For Best Music Video, the nominees are “LSD” by ASAP Rocky; “I Feel Love (Every Million Miles)” by the Dead Weather; “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar; “Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift Featuring Kendrick Lamar; and “Freedom” by Pharrell Williams.


CELEB IG WKND: Babies, Kerry, Janelle & More

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Many celebrities, like Coco Austin, Zoe Saldana, and Naya Rivera, showed off their babies on Instagram this weekend. Others, like Kerry Washington and Janelle Monae, were busy appreciating their amazing lives. Keel clicking to see how the stars chronicled their adventures on the ‘Gram.

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Coco Austin shares images from newborn daughter Coco Nicole Marrow’s first photo shoot. If you have baby fever, @BabyChanelNicole’s Instagram page is worth perusing.

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NeNe Leakes hit up Andy Cohen‘s Club House for an appearance on Watch What Happens Live, where she threw major shade at the women of The View for their “nasty” treatment when the reality star turned Broadway actress was a co-host.

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Jaden Smith performs at the Galore X Complex party during Art Basel in Miami.

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Naya Rivera and husband Ryan Dorsey attended a March of Dimes luncheon. Check out their adorable son Josey Hollis Dorsey below.

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Kerry Washington shared an image from the Kennedy Center Honors.

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First Lady Michelle Obama kicked off the holiday season at the White House by welcoming military children into her home.

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Janelle Monae poses with Kerry Washington at the Kennedy Center Honors. The singer also revealed her admiration for George Lucas and his wife Mellody Hobson.

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Zoe Saldana posted a family portrait featuring her twin sons, Bowie Ezio and Cy Aridio Perego-Saldana, and husband Marco Perego.

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Laverne Cox attended the opening of the School of Rock on Broadway.

Ones To Know

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In film, art and music, these talented three are worth your undivided attention.

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KAMERON CORVET
The Romantic
Music

Ever had a relationship end abruptly, when you thought there was more to experience? If so, you’re not alone, as evidenced by indie crooner and multifaceted musician Kameron Corvet’s (pronounced “cor-vay”) soulful and pleading “Leave It Like That” (available on iTunes/Amazon), the second single from the Atlanta transplant’s forthcoming album, Due Process. The self-proclaimed “unavoidable secret” is fluent in French and has traveled the world showcasing his shape-shifting falsetto and buttery guitar riffs, while also writing for other artists such as Angie Stone, Case and Freddie Jackson. However, a new confidence is propelling his new focus and vulnerability. “I am no longer focused on being overly complex or putting on airs. I am being completely honest, and for the first time, as a writer, I feel free.” @kameroncorvet — Isoul Harris

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SHAWN OUTEN
The Prodigy
Art

If art imitates life, then Shawn Outen is unabashedly a copycat — of himself. As a prodigious young’un, he engaged with admirable professionals while also studying the work of his illustrator uncle. Yes, the Virginia native has always known that visual art would be his form of expression. Standing just over 6 feet tall, the model, writer, poet and creative director is just as comfortable in front of a camera as he is in front of a canvas. His pride and joy—pieces fashioned from numerous mediums, including acrylic and oil, on various mixed media and textiles—are found in personal collections and on exclusive clothing. Want to feel him on your body? Stop by Patricia Field New York and thank us later. @shawnouten — Satchel Jester

UPTOWN_caleb_castilleCALEB CASTILLE
The Heartthrob
Film

There’s a new kid on the block and though he’s not dry humping to a trap soul beat, he is flaunting fancy footwork in his big screen debut. We’re betting on newcomer Caleb Castille, star of the new Erwin Brothers film Woodlawn, to be our new All-American hero. The Alabama-born athlete-turned-actor scored the movie’s marquee role after understudying the cast lead up until the director was set to yell “action!” Flawlessly brown, enviably brawn and talented beyond measure, Castille has IT. And if his heart-wrenching performance as Tony Nathan is any indication, this star has a permanent space in the Hollywood constellation. @calebcastille — Satchel Jester

Solange, Miguel & Rosario Dawson Attend Bombay Sapphire Event

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Solange, Miguel & Rosario Dawson; [Image: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Bombay]

According to a press release:

The exclusive 6th Annual Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series celebration featured an illustrious mix of celebrities, musicians, socialites, designers, and art influencers, who mingled and sipped artfully crafted Bombay Sapphire cocktails while dancing to music spun by DJ Kitty Cash. Rosario Dawson, Solange Knowles, celebrity stylist Ty Hunter, Miguel, Teyana Taylor, Shaun Ross, Garrett Neff, Lady Victoria Hervey, BK The Artist, TK Wonder Cipriana Quann, DJ Cassidy, and Patrick Janelle (founder of The Liquor Cabinet) were VIP guests at the fete, which took place during SCOPE Miami Beach at the new Nautilus Hotel.

The week of rain didn’t stop the Miami beachside celebration. Russell and Danny Simmons, along with Dawson announced New Orleans’s Aron Belka as the Grand Finale Winner of the 6th Annual Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series competition. An annual collaboration between Bombay Sapphire and the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, the nationwide search for the next big name in visual arts involved thousands of online submissions and a series of regional gallery events. For the first time this year, Dawson served as honorary host and Creative Mentor of the program and will personally collaborate with the national winner to develop a public mural installation in his hometown or NYC. The mural is set to be unveiled in spring 2016.

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Aron Belka and Rosario Dawson

[Image: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Bombay]

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Russell Simmons, Rosario Dawson & Danny Simmons

[Image: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Bombay]

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DJ Kitty Cash

[Image: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Bombay]

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Teyana Taylor

[Image: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Bombay]

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Ty Hunter

[Image: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Bombay]

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Jermaine Dupri

[Image: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Bombay]

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TK Wonder and Cipriana Quann

[Image: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Bombay]

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Shaun Ross

[Image: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Bombay]

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Jasmine Adams

[Image: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Bombay]

FOX News Suspends Stacey Dash Over Obama Comment

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You probably don’t think FOX News has standards when it comes to bashing President Obama, but the conservative news network actually does. So much so, that it suspended contributors Stacey Dash and Lt. Col. Ralph Peters for their profane remarks regarding Obama’s interest, or lack thereof as they put it, in terrorism.

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On Sunday, Dash said the president didn’t “give a s–t” about terrorism. On another program, Peters said Obama is “a total p—y” when commenting on the president’s terrorism strategy.

FOX News has never been a supporter of Obama, so disrespecting the president is a norm at the network. Instead, FOX News suspended Dash and Peters for two weeks for using profanity.

“Earlier today, Fox contributors Lt. Col. Ralph Peters and Stacey Dash made comments on different programs that were completely inappropriate and unacceptable for our air,” Fox Senior Executive Vice President Bill Shine stated. “Fox Business Network and Fox News Channel do not condone the use of such language, and have suspended both Peters and Dash for two weeks.”

Dash is taking her punishment in stride.

Lee Daniels Casts Queen Latifah In New Pilot

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Lee Daniels has cast Queen Latifah in an unnamed FOX drama pilot.

The series focuses on a white woman who forms a singing group with two Black women. Latifah will play a salon owner and mentor to the women in the group.

“Star is white and she is thrust into a world of blackness,” Daniels told reporters during the Television Critics Association’s summer press tour in August. “She has a sister who is half-Black, Simone, and she has a best friend who is Black, and they move to Atlanta to form a girls group.”

Daniels said he drew inspiration from nearly every major all-female group.

“It’s based on LaBelle, it’s based on the Supremes, it’s based on TLC, it’s based on Destiny’s Child. Same sort of inspirations, same sort of template when we created Empire,” he said during the press tour.

So will there be any crossover between this drama and Empire?

“It’s not inconceivable that the two worlds could cross, but that’s not Lee’s intention,” said Fox’s Dana Walden during the press tour. “Perhaps down the line there will be some shared DNA, but not heading into the show.”

Swizz Beatz will create music for the show.

Welcome back again to the small screen, Queen.

Source

[Image: Instagram]

A Platinum Night: Beyoncé, Jay Z, Nicki Minaj Hit Brooklyn

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By Isoul Harris

Brooklyn.

The most popular of New York City’s five boroughs, right now. It’s the fourth most populous city in America (if it were an independent city). Its cool neighborhoods; restaurants and chic citizens inhabit the zeitgeist at the moment.

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So, when Brooklyn’s most famous native son, Jay Z, announced a concert at the borough’s newest arena, The Barclays Center—presented by his brainchild Tidal (the music streaming service) and the new HTC One 9 smartphone—featuring an almost unreal parade of superstars most notably raptress Nicki Minaj and his wife, the Queen B, Beyoncé, I knew I was Brooklyn bound. Making it even more attractive was the fact that the Barclays Center has an American Express Centurion Suite, and even though I am an Ambassador for AMEX Platinum, the suite is open to all Centurion and Platinum Card members.

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I am a Manhattan boy, so to trek to BK for a concert that would surely run past midnight, I decided to craft a plan for overnight accommodations. I rang up AMEX Platinum Card Concierge (a 24hr/7days service provided to Platinum Card Members) and asked for hotel recommendations. The rep inquired about my plans in Brooklyn; I excitedly babbled about Nicki Minaj and Beyoncé (he may have chuckled); and then he offered this: “Well, I see that the Tidal concert is at the Barclays Center, and only 5 minutes away is the brand new boutique hotel The Brooklyn: A Hotel. It literally just opened and we have heard good things about it.” Experiencing a new boutique hotel on the same night of the concert? Done. I booked it.

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The day of the concert, I arrived to the hotel and was floored with its unassuming façade, excited by the small but chic lobby and ecstatic with the room. The hotel—with its young and curious staff—ensured that I had a great stay by giving me the Presidential Suite. Large, spacious and airy, with exposed brick and a quick history of the Ft. Greene nabe on the wall as if tagged by a BK artist, the suite was beyond comfortable. I settled in, got dressed, called an UBER and then my night was underway.

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I met a friend at the Barclays’s special American Express Platinum Entrance. I flashed my Platinum card and tickets, we received our wristbands. We stopped by Jay Z’s restaurant/bar The 40/40 Club for the launch party of the HTC One 9 smartphone and then a few minutes later, we were ordering drinks and food from the server from inside the Centurion Suite. With a head-on view of the stage, it was the perfect point from which to see Beyoncé and Nicki perform their duet “Feeling Myself” for the first time ever. And with everything I was enjoying — the hotel, the Platinum benefits and the concert — it was definitely an anthem for the night!

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This Woman’s Work

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UPTOWN_yvonne_mcnairBy Satchel B. Jester

An old adage says, “Behind every man is a good woman,” but if you ask a few powerful players like NBA All-Star Shannon Brown, entertainment mogul Tyler Perry and Hip-Hop pioneer Doug E. Fresh, they’ll beg to differ. Instead, they will gladly take their place behind Captivate Marketing Group CEO Yvonne McNair. Standing just over five feet, the power-packed New Orleans-born entertainment business veteran has lead the charge for numerous A-List celebs—including a successful stint with Prince—and organizations from PNC Bank and the National Urban League to the Sundance Film Festival and multimedia outlets including MTV, BET, VH1 and NBC.

A highly sought after member of influential boards and committees—including the International Special Events Society, Women in Music and the Recording Academy—humility and hard work are the secrets to McNair’s ever-thriving career. “I never chase money or façade driven recognition,” insists the New York-based event producer. “When I decided that I would exist based on my own ability, I made a promise to myself to produce the best work possible and to allow my resume and reputation to do the rest,” she offers. “I never wanted to get out more than I put in. That would be unbalanced and the details in my professional legacy could become fleeting.”

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She appreciates honors from BizBash and even being one of Black Enterprise magazine’s “40 Game Changers,” but her eyes light up when recounting producing a secret show for His Royal Badness that became one of the top 2014 events in NYC or creating a monumental gala that centered around top civil rights leaders including Dick Gregory, Rev. Al Sharpton and Rev. Jesse Jackson, resulting in a historical documentary that was later nominated for an EMMY. “This business can often be intimidating for a woman,” says McNair. “I did the work and earned the credentials. And I am still a student. I keep up with trends and study other productions and campaigns to keep my approach fresh. My profession is laden with passion, which is why I am now looking to mentor young girls to teach them this business. It’s necessary. And who better than me?”


Chick-Fil-A Recruits Through A Service Lens

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LaShawn Cartwright is at the top of her game when it comes to recruiting. She is only a few months shy of celebrating her 16-year anniversary at Chick-fil-A, the restaurant giant that raked in $6 billion in sales during the past year. The Ball State University alumna says this continued sales growth is largely the result of the quality of people who work in their corporate offices and restaurant locations. Cartwright expresses the importance of recruitment saying, “People decisions are the most important decisions we get to make.”

As recruiting manager for Chick-fil-A, Cartwright is responsible for bringing top talent to the company and she is passionate about choosing the right people. Her passion, as she puts it, “comes from being honored to be a part of an organization that values people and takes them very seriously.” This culture where people are valued is something that can be seen from the top down. “It’s authentic. I always want to paint a clear picture of Chick-fil-A as it relates to service. Our franchise owner-operators have a servant heart and spirit,” says Cartwright. When it comes to recruiting talent, potential employees have to exude this same heart of service if they want to be part of the Chick-fil-A team. With billion dollar sales and new restaurants opening every year, it is clear that their service-first mentality is paying off.

One of the places where Chick-fil-A is finding top-notch recruits is Spelman College, one of America’s oldest historically black colleges for women. Chairman, CEO, and President of Chick-fil-A Dan Cathy is on the Board of Trustees for Morehouse College. His connection to the Atlanta University Center, which both colleges belong to, allowed for the partnership to flourish. There were already a number of Spelman alumnae working for Chick-fil-A who were very engaged in reaching out to their alma mater, so it was only natural for a partnership to form between the two entities. “We were very impressed with the level of customer service in their career development office and their willingness to craft a program that will benefit the students as well as the corporate partners,” says Cartwright. The company’s goal was the hire great talent from Spelman, and that is exactly what they have done. Thanks to this partnership, Chick-fil-A has brought on interns and recent graduates from the college.

The company has seen great success with recruiting, but Cartwright acknowledges the pressure that comes from other employers. “There is a war for talent,” she says, “and it’s a very competitive marketplace.” Though stiff competition exists in the world of recruiting, she believes that Chick-fil-A is positioned to win. “There is certainly an overabundance of talent interested in Chick-fil-A, and I think that can be attributed to our heavy brand awareness,” she explains. With more than 1,900 restaurant locations, Chick-fil-A is most certainly a recognizable brand, but they are not relying on their image to do the work for them.

“There are areas that are a challenge for us, especially as we try to recruit owner-operators,” says Cartwright. Chick-fil-A is currently growing at the rate of approximately 100 restaurants per year. Hiring the best owner-operators will be important as the quick service restaurant chain continues to expand in the future. “Inside of Atlanta we have great results and the southeast is strong for us with a wealth of talent,” she says. Chick-fil-A is not settling for success in the southeast though. She goes on to explain that the company has its sights set on geographic diversity. “We want to learn how to do business in northeast; that is where the opportunity lies for us,” she states. In terms of recruiting efforts, Cartwright says she would love to move into unchartered territories and mine great talent for the business.

Looking towards the future, Cartwright sees relationship building as their biggest challenge. “Technology has changed the way we speak to people and connect. People access websites through tablets and phones and sometimes you lose that human interaction,” she says. Millennials are digital natives, and they use technology to aide their job search. Cartwright wants to utilize technology to build out their employment brand. Her goal is to leverage technology to tell Chick-fil-A’s story without losing sight of the personal touch. Recruitment ambassadors, Glassdoor reviews, and job preview videos are just a few ideas that she has on the table, but she’s only scratching the surface. She closes by saying, “There’s a lot of ground to cover, but we’re excited to be part of the journey.”

Chick-fil-A is committed to recruiting a diverse and talented workforce, and with Cartwright on their team things can only get better.

NAACP Image Awards Nominations: Janet, ‘Empire,’&‘Creed’ Lead

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The NAACP Image Awards nominations were announced yesterday in Beverly Hills, and Janet Jackson, Empire, and Creed are leading the nominations pack.

Janet has been nominated for six Image Awards, making her the top music contender. However, the Empire cast with four nods and The Weeknd with three aren’t far behind.

Including the four nods in the music categories, Empire is up for 12 prizes, making it the entity to receive the most nominations. The show has been nominated for outstanding drama series, but has some stiff competition. It will compete against Being Mary Jane, How to Get Away with Murder, Power, and Scandal for the outstanding TV drama award.

Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson are in the running for best actor and actress, respectively.

black-ish is followed behind Empire with 10 nods in the TV category. Star of the popular NBC show, Anthony Anderson, will once again host the NAACP Image Awards.

Creed, the Rocky sequel, was nominated for six Image Awards in the film categories. It will compete against Beasts of No Nation, Concussion, Dope, and Straight Outta Compton for the outstanding motion picture award.

Creed star Michael B. Jordan is also up for the entertainer of the year award, nominated alongside Misty Copeland, Pharrell Williams, Shonda Rhimes, and Viola Davis.

The 47th annual NAACP Image Awards will air Feb. 6th on TVOne.

See a complete list of nominations here.

[Images: Instagram]

Idris Elba Returns To TV For ‘Luther’ Season 4 [VIDEO]

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Idris Elba will return to the small screen on Dec. 17th for season four of BBC America‘s Luther.

Detective Chief Inspector John Luther is back wearing his red tie and grey jacket and solving the macabre crimes of London, but don’t expect a full TV season. Season four is a very short season — one two-hour episode to be exact. Series creator Neil Cross and Elba are calling the episode a “special,” because they’re not bound by traditional season format. “We’ve been allowed to break down Luther any which way we want to,” Idris said during a screening of Luther at The Django in New York.

Although it’s only one episode, the Luther special is a definite must-see whether you’re a fan of the series or a newcomer.

The two-hour special feels like a movie, which is something Elba has considered and says the extra-long episode is a test of sorts for a big-screen version. “I’ve been vocal about doing Luther as a movie,” Idris said. “Big screen, bigger story, longer arc.”

If you happen to miss Elba as Luther between seasons four and five and/or the movie version, the actor-turned-rapper will release an eight-track album, Murder Loves John, inspired by the program. In fact, one of his songs is featured in a U.K. ad for season four.

And in case you’re still hoping Elba will take on the role of James Bond, he says, “Luther is my Bond. A central character who gets himself in a lot of sh-t.”

[Image: Robert Viglasky/BBC]

Hong Kong: The Epitome Of High-End Style

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The capital city of the Far East has countless hotel options, but these three five-star standouts are classic and always in style.

By Isoul Harris

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The Four Seasons Hong Kong

Internationally, The Four Seasons is synonymous with luxury and comfort. However, while its popular Hong Kong property certainly provides nearly 400 guest rooms and suites (mostly all with fantastic views of the city), it is the dining program that wowed our senses. Located in the posh Financial Centre, the hotel’s two restaurants, Caprice and Lung King Heen—both Michelin starred—attract well-heeled tycoons as well as well-dressed millennials. Caprice, with its hyper-elegant dining room (large Chinese interpreted Czech chandeliers loom throughout), marvels with its French menu created by Chef Fabrice Vulin (the Warm Duck Foie Gras and Mediterranean Sea Bass are musts). The sommelier is a world wonder with his expert knowledge of Bordeaux and Burgundy wines. Head up to Chef Chan Yan Tak’s Lung King Heen—the first Chinese chef to receive 3 Michelin stars—and taste the absolute best Dim Sum you will ever experience. Swimming in the rooftop pool is also a not miss. Forget what you think you know of rooftop pools, the infinity pool here opens into one of the most stellar views of the Victoria Harbour in all of Hong Kong. It’s as if you are swimming in the sky, which makes sense for the Four Seasons brand: it’s certainly not the limit.

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Island Shangri-La Hong Kong

Towering 56 stories above the heart of Central Hong Kong’s tony financial and shopping district, the Island Shangri-La is a masterpiece in the hospitality world. Inside, a gorgeous, 16-story silk painting, entitled “Great Motherland of China,” hangs proudly and is only one of the many wonders this in-demand property offers. The opulent entrance boasts a well-conserved 140-year-old Banyan Tree by the grand Lobby Lounge that is excellent for a drink, quick bites and great people watching. The Horizon Club—where you can check in and out of the hotel privately and also indulge in the daily, complimentary breakfast—provides breathtaking views of The Peak (Hong Kong’s most exclusive neighborhood and highest point in the city) and Victoria Harbour (the lifeline of the city with its constant parade of yachts and ships). However, the 565 rooms and suites, outfitted in European and Asian furnishings—are the rock stars. From the elegant comfort of the Deluxe Peak Room to the palatial Presidential Suite, no room category disappoints. The eight restaurants are highly lauded, with the two Michelin-starred Summer Palace being our fave with Chef Ip Chi Cheung’s delicious Cantonese menu. Hong Kong may be one of the world’s most magnificent cities, but the Island Shangri-La makes it difficult to leave its imposing doors. And we are fine with that.

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The Peninsula Hong Kong

Picture it: your flight lands at Hong Kong International Airport. You deplane. As soon as you reach the end of a corridor, an airport representative greets you and provides transport to Passport Control, where he handles everything, retrieves your luggage, breezes you through customs and then suddenly you are riding in a Rolls Royce Phantom. This scenario happens daily for those that stay at the Peninsula Hong Kong; it’s a standard check-in for the guests of the hotel, which has been the grand dame of luxury hotels since its inception in 1928. Located on the southern tip of the Kowloon Peninsula (hence the name), Hong Kong’s oldest hotel had the first ever check-in counter for airlines and has been evolving ever since. The hotel is gorgeously reminiscent of a bygone era (there are artifacts throughout; however, the Peninsula has miraculously and meticulously created a balance of haute old-world (daily high tea in the airy lobby is still a sought after experience) with high-tech touches (each room has multiple state-of-the-art audio/visual control pads). And with more than eight highly acclaimed restaurants and bars—and a to-die-for rooftop pool—the Hong Kong Peninsula makes its mark. The benchmark, that is.

Are Charm Bracelets For Men The Next Jewelry Trend?

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Jermaine Dupri has been on the cutting edge of music for decades, but is he also setting trends in men’s fashion?

The super-producer, who discovered Kris Kross and Lil Bow Wow, has moved on from oversize clothing on his small frame, choosing now to don custom-made, grown-man-business suits. But he still has an affinity for jewelry.

While promoting his new competition show The Rap Game on The Wendy Williams Show yesterday, Dupri sported a gold Cartier charm bracelet next to his rather masculine watch, as if he was late to the arm party. Of course Wendy had to comment on the unusual jewelry selection for a man.

It’s refreshing to see a man taking chances with his fashion in subtle ways. I would imagine dapper men get bored with the few accessory options they have. If charm bracelets are the next trend in men’s accessories, I’m not mad, but then again, I think it would be cool for a man to wear small pearl stud earrings.

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‘SISTERS’ Flick Celebrates Celebrity Sisters

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There’s nothing like the bond between sisters, whether you’re famous or not. But celebrities often keep their family closer than anyone else because they can often be their most real around family and let their guards down. The new Universal Pictures flick SISTERS, which stars the hilarious duo Amy Poehler and Tina Fey, is celebrating some of our favorite celebrity sisters — Christina Milian and her siblings, Bria and Shayne Murphy, tap-dancing duo discovered by Beyoncé Chloe and Maud Arnold, and songwriter Ester Dean and her sister Deandria.

[Celebrity sisters images: Kawai Matthews/Universal Pictures]

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Christina Milian on advice from her sisters Danielle and Elizabeth Flores:
“It’s all I knew. Um, the best advice my sisters have given me … Leave him.”

Laughs.

“Just kidding. Well, yeah, no. Yeah. That’s about it.”

Laughs.

“Just kidding.”

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[Images: Kawai Matthews/Universal Pictures]

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Maud Arnold on working with Beyoncé:
“Being a tap dancer, what’s really amazing for us has been that we can pave our own path and we’ve created our own stages to perform on. So our goal isn’t necessarily to dance behind a really famous person, but one of our favorite idols Beyoncé shared our music video that we created to one of her songs as an ode to her thanking her cause we have worked with her in the past. She shared it on her Facebook and she said they killed it and literally overnight it went viral, and that was huge for us to have somebody we admire so much put our art on a on a platform, shared her platform with us, and so that was a huge, huge, huge thing for us and then from there what happened?”

Chloe Arnold on trending over LeBron James:
“When that video went viral, it put us on the map and Paula Abdul saw it, sent it over to So You Think You Can Dance, and then we were then placed into the So You Think You Can Dance crew battle and when we went on television. It was really incredible because I’ve toured around the world. We’ve been to about 30 countries performing as soul tap dance artist and then we thought you know what it’s time to bring along more people and so we created the company Syncopated Ladies. Now this ladies group is what went on to So You Think You Can Dance and it was incredible because I got a text message from Debbie Allen, who’s been our number one supporter from when we were teenagers. She said, ‘Guess what, Chloe … you guys are trending on twitter worldwide.’ This is when LeBron James was playing in the playoffs, and we were above LeBron James, and I was like, ‘Wow what a moment for tap dance, what a moment for women in tap.’ All this hard work that we’ve been doing trying so hard to get people to acknowledge.”

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[Images: Kawai Matthews/Universal Pictures]

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Ester Dean on breaking boundaries in the industry:
“Right now I go out to auditions [and] I say, ‘Hey, I’m acting’ and they say, ‘Don’t you write songs,’ and I say, ‘Yeah.’ At the end of the day I can act and I can write songs at night, but the thing is there has never really been an obstacle in my way but my own self. You know what I’m saying? So I write for a huge artist and I can write from you know the new artist all the way to the top artist, I can write all the way ratchet and hood all the way to you know “Fireworks” Katy Perry. At the end of the day I have been given nothing but opportunity in this industry, so I never slap the face of the industry and say that you have been unfair to me because the only obstacle in my way, the reason I’m not an artist, is because I chose that those obstacles wasn’t for me and some people fight through those obstacles. Then, if I tell those same people to get in the studio and right songs, that’s an obstacle they don’t want, so we choose our battles, but there’s nothing about this industry that has ever hindered me from anything because of anything that I am. So I always say you know I’m very grateful for how any of the people in the entertainment industry have accepted me. They have not looked at me in a way other than but love and if I have, if somebody haven’t seen me do something they feel like I should that’s cause I didn’t see it and I didn’t believe it and I moved away from that situation, so.”

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[Images: Kawai Matthews/Universal Pictures]

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Bria and Shayne Murphy on being more than Eddie Murphy’s daughters:
“About Shayne I think they should know how smart she is. I think that there is there’s a big assumption that as celebrity kids we have everything handed to us and she’s such a hard worker and she is going to school to get her degree and I’m really proud of her. She’s an excellent writer. So I think that’s something that people should take notice of,” said Bria.

“I think just how dedicated my sister is to what she’s interested in cause she wants to act now. So I’m just seeing her like I don’t know grow really passionate about this craft and just watch her study these actors and it’s been really incredible just to like see her really put the work in versus kind of just getting things handed to her because she is Eddie Murphy’s daughter,” said Shayne.

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[Images: Kawai Matthews/Universal Pictures]

Weekday Distraction: Watch Michelle Obama Rap In College Video

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College Humor teamed First Lady Michelle Obama and Saturday Night Live‘s Jay Pharoah to prove college is awesome and higher education is essential. In the video titled “Go to College,” Obama raps:

“South Side Chicago, we all know. We had to do overtime, every night, to make it tomorrow. And everyone could really make their dream true. Hey kid, listenin’ in Michigan that could be you.”

Obama graduated from Princeton University in 1985. Pharoah attended Tidewater Community College, which has campuses in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach.


Taraji, Idris, Viola, Latifah, Regina & David Score Golden Globe Nods

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The Hollywood Foreign Press Association has taken notice of the 2015 work of Taraji P. Henson, Idris Elba, Viola Davis, Queen Latifah, Regina King, and David Oyelowo, and has nominated these talented actors for 2016 Golden Globes.

Taraji P. Henson and Viola Davis will compete for the best actress in a drama series for Empire and How to Get Away with Murder, respectively. Robin Wright (House of Cards), Caitriona Balfe (Outlander), Eva Green (Penny Dreadful) are also up for the award.

Empire is up for the best drama series category against Mr. Robot, Game of Thrones, Outlander, Narcos.

Idris Elba received nods both as a supporting actor for Beasts of No Nation and as the lead actor in a movie or limited series for Luther. David Oyelowo has also been nominated for best actor in a movie or limited series for Nightingale.

Queen Latifah’s portrayal as Bessie Smith in HBO’s Bessie has earned her a nomination for best lead actress in a movie or series.

Regina King has been nominated for best supporting actress in a series, limited series, or TV movie for American Crime. She’ll compete against UPTOWN cover girl Uzo Aduba (Orange is the New Black), Joanne Froggatt (Downton Abbey), Maura Tierney (The Affair), Judith Light (Transparent) for the prize.

The Golden Globes will be held Jan. 10th at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

Go Behind The Curtain Of ‘The Color Purple Musical’

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Cynthia Erivo (Celie) & Joaquina Kalukango (Nettie)

On December 19th at 10 p.m., OWN will take viewers behind the curtain of Broadway’s The Color Purple Musical. The star-studded special, titled Oprah Goes to Broadway: The Color Purple, will feature the musical’s leading ladies: Cynthia Erivo (Celie), Danielle Brooks (Sophia), and Jennifer Hudson (Shug Avery). The hour-long special coincides with the 30th anniversary of the film’s release, and will also share reflections from author Alice Walker, Danny Glover, Lupita Nyong’o, Cicely Tyson, and Phylicia Rashad. Take a peek at the behind-the-scenes video of the highly-anticipated reimagining of Broadway revival of the hit The Color Purple Musical and keep clicking for more production photos of the actors in character.

[Image: Matthew Murphy]

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Cynthia Erivo, Jennifer Hudson & Isaiah Johnson (Mister)

[Image: Matthew Murphy]

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Danielle Brooks & Kyle Scatliffe (Harpo)

[Image: Matthew Murphy]

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Cynthia Erivo & Jennifer Hudson

[Image: Matthew Murphy]

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Joaquina Kalukango (Nettie)

[Image: Matthew Murphy]

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Isaiah Johnson

[Image: Matthew Murphy]

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Cynthia Erivo

[Image: Matthew Murphy]

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Jennifer Hudson & The Color Purple Company

[Image: Matthew Murphy]

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Danielle Brooks & Kyle Scatliffe

[Image: Matthew Murphy]

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Antoine L. Smith, Patrice Covington, Jennifer Hudson, Cynthia Erivo, Isaiah Johnson, Kyle Scatliffe & Danielle Brooks

[Image: Matthew Murphy]

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Danielle Brooks

[Image: Matthew Murphy]

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Jennifer Hudson & Cynthia Erivo

[Image: Matthew Murphy]

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Danielle Brooks, Patrice Covington, Cynthia Erivo, Bre Jackson, Carrie Compere & Rema Webb

[Image: Matthew Murphy]

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Jennifer Hudson

[Image: Matthew Murphy]

Devon Still Is Sending Bullied Cancer Patient To Disney World

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When Devon Still heard about 14-year-old Nicole Pfister, who has been bullied online by people mocking her leukemia struggle, he says he was touched.

Still’s daughter Leah is a cancer survivor and he said he is concerned about how Leah’s classmates will receive her because she looks different. He says he wanted to send a message that bullying is not acceptable and there are strangers who care.

Instagram Photo

Still confirmed that he contacted Pfister and her mother because he wanted to do something to lift their spirits. To that end, Still is sending Pfister’s entire family.

He says he was inspired by Pfister’s bravery.

Source

In His Skin

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UPTOWN Editor in Chief Isoul Harris shares his favorite skin care products.

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KIEHL’S MEN’S OIL ELIMINATOR REFRESHING SHINE CONTROL SPRAY TONER, 6 OZ., $20
“When heading out for the evening, I spray this ultra-fine mist on my face for a clean and fresh look that will lasts all night.

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KIEHL’S SUPER MULTI-CORRECTIVE CREAM, 1.7OZ, $62
“I love this uber-moisturizer with SPF 30. It delivers multiple anti-aging properties into the skin, lessens the appearance of pores and creates a younger, but not overbearing, glow.”

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DERMALOGICA SPECIAL CLEANSING GEL, 8.4OZ, $36
“I believe that Dermalogica products perform minor miracles. And this cleanser is an excellent jumpstart to a successful skincare regimen. It’s perfect for all skin types. I have combination skin (oily and dry) and I use this product twice a day, morning and night.”

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DERMALOGICA MULTIVITAMIN THERMAFOLIANT, 2.5 OZ., $54
“I hesitated as to whether I should share this secret weapon or not! This high-powered skin polisher is heat activated upon contact with water, but its true force appears when used on a dry face. Your skin will instantly look younger and buffed to perfection. I use it at least twice a week. Prepare yourself: after using, people will begin to ask you for your regimen.

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DERMALOGICA MULTI-ACTIVE TONER, 8.4 OZ., $36
“I always follow cleansing with toning and this brand hydrates my skin and preps it for moisturizing.”

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DERMALOGICA OVERNIGHT CLEARING GEL, 1.7 OZ., $49
“If you are like me and still occasionally experience the annoyance that is adult acne, then this product, with both the wondrously beneficial salicylic acid (goodbye pore-clogging dead skin cells) and skin calming Tree Tea Oil. Leave this light serum on as you sleep.”

UPTOWN_kiehls_facial_fuelKIEHL’S FACIAL FUEL MOISTURIZER W/ SPF 15, 4.2 OZ., $35
“This moisturizer is light and easy and perfect for daily use. It instantly brightens dull and dry skin and the SPF 15 is an added benefit, especially for men of color who need protection from the discoloring effects of sun exposure.”

Executive Director Hallemah Nash Pays It Forward For Chicago Youth

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Halleemah Nash BMW #PayIt4WardHalleemah Nash is the Executive Director of ​iMentor Chicago, an organization that builds rigorous, high-impact mentoring relationships that ensure more students from low-income communities succeed in college. She enters this role with a diverse background as a demonstrated executive in nonprofit management and developing signature community based outreach programs and fundraising strategies  for sports entities, faith based organizations, government agencies, and universities. Following her graduate studies, Halleemah relocated to the City of Chicago where over the past ten years her experience has included managing charitable programs, fundraising, and events for the Chicago Bulls, implementing an annual plan of services for over 9,000 youth and leading strategy and external relations for education opportunities for public housing residents at the Chicago Housing Authority, and serving as CEO/Executive Director for NFL veteran Israel Idonije’s Foundation focused on social and emotional learning.

As a consultant, Nash’s philanthropy and project management portfolio includes large individual brands like Nike, the United Nations, the Mayor of Compton, California Aja Brown, Actor and Hip Hop Artist Common, as well as charity projects and foundation management for athletes Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers) Dwayne Wade (Miami Heat), Larry English (San Diego Chargers), Luol Deng (Miami Heat), Joakim Noah (Chicago Bulls), Tyrus Thomas (Charlotte Bobcats), Duncan Keith (Chicago Blackhawks) and Israel Idonije (Retired Chicago Bear).

Halleemah Nash BMW #PayIt4Ward

Halleemah Nash is a proud product of Compton, California – a city that has greatly shaped her ambition, values, and interest in reaching back as she climbs. She is a first generation college graduate who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Howard University, and a Master of Divinity and Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University. Halleemah acknowledges that a large part of her success is attributed to the influence of mentoring relationships from high school to her professional career and in addition to charitable consulting, she has committed the next season of her career to this effort.

Hallemah Nash has been recognized by BMW, UPTOWN Magazine, Fame Enterprises and Heart and Soul Magazine as one of the women who #PayIt4Ward!

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