“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time w/ @EmpireFOX. I love you all. Truth. Time 2 make a record & some movies. #Empire”

— Jussie Smollett suggests in a tweet he’s leaving the FOX hit show Empire after the season two finale aired last night. Of course, he could be amping up the anticipation for season three. Considering that all three Lyon sons, along with Lucius and Cookie, propel the plot of Empire, the series might not be able to survive without Smollett. This isn’t the first time there have been rumors of a major cast member leaving the series. Back in March, there was speculation Trai Byers, who plays Andre Lyon, wanted out of the series, but he hasn’t left.

What do you think? Is Jussie Smollett leaving Empire or building anticipation for season three? If he does leave, can Empire survive without him?

“I had a fiancée, but … I really didn’t know how to, like, love her, you know what I’m saying? We just went our separate ways.”

“We was just hanging out, chilling. And I felt the energy. I felt, I need to do this right now. And I just did it. I was like … We’re engaged right now? We’re about to get married? So I was just like, cool! I love this girl. But I didn’t love her the right way.”

“I go to sleep at night, like, ’Am I gonna be alone forever?’ ”

“Am I gonna be alone forever? Am I gonna have kids?”

“I feel like there’s no hope. But I still gotta have faith.”

— Kevin Durant revealed that he was heartbroken after hurting ex-fiancee Monica Wright by ending their engagement, in a 2015 interview with GQ. Durant was able to find love again (we hope). He’s currently dating actress and singer Crystal Renee.

[Image: Instagram]

George Zimmerman drew the ire of Trayvon Martin‘s family once again when he decided to sell at auction the gun he used to kill the teen on Feb. 26, 2012. But Trayvon’s parents, Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, aren’t the ones who quashed the auction.

“It is insulting to this family that he would decide that he would sell the gun that he killed their child with,” said the Martin family attorney to TMZ. “Think about what that means: This is a gun that took a child’s life and now he wants to make money off of it.”

The family reportedly contacted GunBroker.com through their legal team to obtain general information about the auction and contact information for the auction officials. However, sources say they didn’t ask for the auction to be canceled.

(One has to wonder if they had plans of purchasing the weapon themselves to prevent it from winding up in the collection of a racist Zimmerman copycat or white supremacist.)

It’s still not clear why the auction was canceled. TMZ reports that their sources say the firearm hasn’t been purchased.

The starting bid for the weapon that ended Trayvon’s precious life was $5,000, and the auction was supposed to last through today.

Meet Justin Hires, the new kidder on the block.

By Satchel B. Jester

Before rising comedic talent Justin Hires can formally introduce himself to me during our call, I hear the words “I don’t **** with you” repeated several times in perfect rhythm. Granted, the words escaped Big Sean’s mouth instead of Hires’, but the bold choice of holding music speaks to the energy and excitement that the star of CBS’s new action-packed comedy series, Rush Hour, will hopefully bring to our television screens. With a confident tone and a childlike happiness, Hires lights up the line with a chuckle that will likely become his trademark as he climbs the ladder of comedy.

DOIN’ IT IN THE PARK

A Florida native, Hires cut his performance chops in a series of “Shakespeare in the Park” productions in Tampa. “I was youngest and only African- American,” he says. That experience, coupled with being introduced to the mechanisms of the craft at Gibbs High School Center for the Performance Arts, was the catalyst for Hires, who declines telling his age (he’ll only say, “Umm, about that, yea, I’m umm”), setting his eyes on Hollywood.

MAKING A WAY

Hires’ alma mater, Clark Atlanta University, parallels textbook teaching with real life experiences based on the mantra: “Find a Way or Make One.” That’s exactly what the Mass Media major did. “While I was in college,” he begins, “I booked my first two film roles, The Gospel and Stomp the Yard.” I recently went back and spoke with students in the department to let them know that their dreams really are possible. My career is a testimony!”

STANDUP GUY

“I’ve been doing standup for almost nine years, and while doing that you develop your own comedic timing, voice and delivery, so I’ve been feeling secure and prepared for whatever may come my way for quite some time,” the former mtvU VJ says. “I don’t believe in luck; I believe preparation meets opportunity, and I’ve done my due diligence, resulting in me getting a role in 21 Jump Street and Key & Peele. Now, its propelled me to a lead in Rush Hour where I carry the charge of reintroducing the iconic role of “Detective Carter” that Chris Tucker played so skillfully.”

AMERICAN IDOLS

“I want to do what Keenan Ivory Wayans, Robert Townsend, Eddie Murphy and Nick Cannon have done,” says Hires. He is working to achieve the influence and stewardship of those he looks up to. “My goal is to create a camp that provides information, knowledge and opportunities to minority entertainers, regardless of color, culture or sexual orientation, that gives them all a platform to develop and spread their stories and content. If I can get to that point, I will have achieved a level of success that’s worth talking about.”

The Ty-Lite is here to save your selfies.

By Satchel B. Jester

Though vanity has been deemed one of the deadly sins, your favorite fierce-faced celebrities are more intentional about their #celfies now than ever before, thanks to self-worshiping support gadgets like the new glamour-giving Ty-Lite. Intersecting fashion and technology, the device is a light source enhancing people’s beauty in photos, videos and cyber chats.

Also a protective smartphone case, the Ty-Lite is the brainchild of Ty Hunter, famous for being the creative director for superstar singer Beyoncé.

With a debut that included proud social media posts from a multitude of celebrities including Kerry Washington, Regina King and Chris Brown, the case gives new credence to “I woke up like this” and feeling absolutely “flawless.” The face-framing enhancer offers three light settings—cool, warm and brilliant—providing everything from a shining-star moment in the sun to a moody, golden glow in the club with the tap of a perfectly placed button on the back of the case. No need to make it complicated, right? $79.99 ty-lite.com

Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre were among the rappers that filed claims with the court handling Death Row Records‘ bankruptcy, and now that it’s settled the Hip Hop legends have been screwed out of the millions they say they were owed.

Dr. Dre claimed the record label founded and run by Suge Knight owed him $8 million. Snoop had filed a claim saying he was owed $2 million. Nate Dogg’s estate claimed $5 million, and Tupac Shakur‘s estate (now mother Afeni Shakur‘s estate) was allegedly owed $900,000. Even Knight claimed he was owed a whopping $144 million.

None were awarded any money, save for Tupac, whose mother’s estate received $75,000 and may get another $57,000.

So if the rappers who actually dropped the bars were the big losers, who were the big winners?

The attorneys and those who processed the case, of course. They earned a total of $8.3 million, reports TMZ.

A judge only has to sign the final report in the case to end the ordeal.

There’s stumping and then there’s thumping. And Wendell Pierce, who apparently goes really hard for Hillary Clinton, might not know the difference.

The actor, who played a Det. William “Bunk” Moreland on The Wire, allegedly attacked a Sen. Bernie Sanders supporter and her boyfriend Saturday.

Pierce allegedly pushed the woman’s boyfriend and then turned his attention towards her, allegedly smacking her and grabbing her hair.

Pierce’s mugshot shows that he probably got as much as he allegedly gave. He has scratches on his nose and upper lip, reports TMZ.

Atlanta police arrested Pierce early Saturday morning at the Loews Hotel.

Officials with the Atlanta Police Department released a statement that addressed the arrest: “The incident did not rise to anything significant, so no special notification was made … it was treated like any other arrest a patrol officer conducts. Mr. Pierce made no indication he was famous nor did the officer inquire.”

Records from the Fulton County Jail show Pierce was charged with simple battery, and has since posted a $1,000 bond.

RELATED: Celebrity Mugshots and Arrests

Oshun Fertility is a Black-owned fertility agency based in northern New Jersey that facilitates the needs of the African-American community. Founded in 2015 by husband and wife team, Helen A. (left) and Marcus S. Stephens, Oshun Fertility helps intended parents select the appropriate fertility plan based on physical needs, financial constraints, and cultural and emotional issues. Oshun Fertility is also the first egg donation and surrogacy agency designed specifically for people of African and Latino descent. Its goal is to educate and empower clients by helping them navigate through the process of third-party reproductive family building, while also paying attention to their cultural, emotional, and psychological needs.

Surgeons in Boston said Monday the first man to receive a penis transplant is recovering well.

Surgeons at Massachusetts General Hospital performed the first penile transplant in the United States on Thomas Manning, 64, on May 8th and 9th.

His penis was removed in 2012 as a result of penis cancer.

“Today I begin a new chapter filled with personal hope and hope for others who have suffered genital injuries, particularly for our service members who put their lives on the line and suffer serious damage as a result,” Manning said in a statement.

Before undergoing the 15-hour procedure, Manning underwent rigorous psychological screening.

His body hasn’t shown any signs of rejecting the transplant. Surgeons Curtis Cetrulo and Dickens Ko said they are “cautiously optimistic” Manning will regain full urinary and sexual function.

They added that the procedure could soon help soldiers severely wounded on the battlefield.

[Image: Sam Riley, AP]

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On Friday, the President and First Lady hosted the the prime ministers of Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, as well as the president of Finland, for the Nordic State Dinner in Washington DC. Barack Obama looked his usual dapper self in a black tuxedo. And once again, Michelle Obama brought serious glamour and drama in a beige Naeem Khan gown. The designer is one of her favorites.

Check out a behind-the-scenes look at the Nordic State Dinner, which was held on the South Lawn of The White House.

Also, take a listen of Pres. Obama’s speech.

[Image: Getty/Drew Angerer]

“The guy … the guy … I could tell you but I don’t want to be disrespectful. It was about Anthony Mason. Rest in peace … And Ant Mason is my brother. Love Ant Mason. But you gotta also know, that rappers, this is entertainment, you know we stretch the truth. We change things up … We lie. We stretch.

“Well, what I heard, calm down, what I heard was it was about Anthony Mason. You know, that was the rumor. That was a very strong possibility rumor about Anthony Mason. Rest in peace because Ant Mason is one of my favorite Knicks ever.

“Damn, I feel like I’m Wikileaks or something.”

— Fat Joe cleared up a decades-long question regarding The Notorious B.I.G.‘s song “I Got a Story to Tell,” while appearing on ESPN’s Highly Questionable. In the song, which happens to be one of my favorites because Big was one of the best storytellers, the late rapper details the gunpoint robbery of a New York Knicks player after he’s caught in an affair with said player’s live-in partner. On Monday’s episode, Joe revealed that Anthony Mason was the player in question. However, Joe, who was a friend of Biggie, also points out that rappers have a tendency to embellish for entertainment purposes. Sean “Diddy” Combs could probably provide more insight into Joe’s claim. Regardless of who the tale is about, “I Got a Story to Tell” is still a banger. Take a listen …

There seems to be an international trend in which fast food brands are getting into the beauty sphere. First, we reported the KFC Edible Nail Polish collection. And now we’ve learned the Burger King spa has opened in Helsinki.

The in-store spa features a 15-person sauna, shower room, locker room, and media lounge with TV and gaming facilities. Guests have access to Burger King towels and robes, and are able to spread out on benches while watching TV or playing video games in the steam room. And if they become hungry or thirsty while sweating, servers from the restaurant regularly visit the sauna to take orders.

While a fast food-themed spa might sound weird Stateside, saunas are an integral aspect of Finnish culture. There’s reportedly one sauna for every three people in the country.

Euromonitor called the Burger King spa “a powerful example of localization,” while awarding it with the New Concepts in Food Service prize.

A three-hour private event at the spa costs 250 euros ($283). Pilfering a Burger King towel will come at a price tag of $38.

Now that KFC has entered the nail art game and Burger King has saunas covered, we’re thinking McDonald’s should step into hair-styling, making the Ronald McDonald bright red Afro a do!

RELATED: 1 Weekend, 2 Spas & 2 Treatments

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You can call Rihanna many things, but cheap isn’t one of them.

The “Work” singer and her entourage hit up The Lodge on 6th bar in Austin over the weekend and racked up a modest tab of $82.25. Rihanna apparently didn’t think a 20 percent gratuity would show the bartender enough love, so she left $200 as a tip.

Rihanna and her friends didn’t stay long. They arrived around 1:15 a.m. and drank Jameson and Coke until last call. RiRi spread the good cheer to fans by giving them high-fives.

The night became a touch hairy when Rihanna’s bodyguards had to bar the bathroom door after a few women tried to follow her.

Rihanna has been spreading dough all over Texas. On Monday, she made V Live strippers in Houston $15,000 richer.

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[Image: Instagram]

Prince‘s former Spanish home is back on the market for 5.25 EUR or $5.99 million. Here are the details …

Prince reportedly bought the villa in the hills of El Paraiso for his then-wife Mayte Garcia in 1998. The couple decorated the 7,535-square-foot villa in true elaborate “Prince style,” meaning a lot of purple. They sold the home after divorcing in 1999, and the new owner toned down some of the Princely decor. The fully-equipped kitchen is newly-reconstructed, and the entire villa has been updated with the finest materials. Now, the home has a more universally-appreciated elegance.

The outdoor living spaces are top-notch. The villa is located on 1.45 subtropical walled and landscaped acres. There are 2,583 square feet of terraces, a tennis court, and a pool. The villa has a three-car garage, but there’s additional parking for six vehicles. “The landscape is softly lit at night affording ambiance for outdoor entertaining,” according to TopRealEstateDeals.com.

But what’s Prince’s former Spanish home like inside?

The villa contains six, yes six, bedroom suites, including two masters. The grand master suite is a duplex. The other rooms in the villa, including a formal dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows, are decorated opulently.

The romantic villa west of Marbella, Spain reportedly inspired many of The Purple One’s songs.

Source

RELATED: Go Inside Prince’s Turks And Caicos Mansion [PHOTOS]

Through FOX’s event series SHOTS FIRED, writer-director Gina Prince-Bythewood and writer Reggie Rock Bythewood examines the dangerous aftermath of racially-charged police shootings in a small southern town, but with a twist.

A Black police officer (Mack Wilds) kills an unarmed, white college student in a small North Carolina town. As the town is grappling with the tragedy, the neglected murder of a Black teen proves to some that there is a double standard in the town. The Department of Justice investigates the shootings under the direction of seasoned investigator Ashe Akino (Sanaa Lathan) and young Special Prosecutor Preston Terry (Stephan James). As they investigate, they begin to suspect a cover-up involving some of the state’s top officials, including Gov. Patricia Eamons (Helen Hunt), who is tackling a tough re-election along with the racially-charged shootings. Real estate mogul and owner of a privatized prison Arlen Cox (Richard Dreyfuss) and Lt. Eric Breeland (Stephen Moyer) are also pulled into the investigation. “As Ashe and Preston navigate the media attention, public debate and social unrest that come with such volatile cases, they learn that everybody has a story, and that the truth is rarely black and white,” according to FOX.

SHOTS FIRED reunites Prince-Bythewood with Wilds (Secret Life of Bees) and Lathan (Love & Basketball). The event series will premiere in 2017.

Creepy or cool? That’s the question after seeing supermodel Chanel Iman channel Prince for the June cover of Harper’s Bazaar Serbia and accompanying photo spread. The looks range from Purple Rain to Plectrumelectrum. Iman wears Calvin Klein, Thomas Wylde, Third Crown, Lacrasia, Agent Provocateur, Falke, and Master & Dynamic.

Although Iman looks gorgeous on the cover, is this homage too soon? She apparently held a special place in her heart for The Purple One.

See exclusive photos from Harper’s Bazaar Serbia’s June issue, which will be released May 21st, here.

RELATED: Go Inside Prince’s Former Spanish Home

By Ericka Pittman

Over the years, I’ve lost count of how many talented people have come to me for job advice, as if there is a simple prescription to this question. Then, I realized most people view the process as a daunting and exasperating experience. In an effort to keep people encouraged and excited about job hunting, I took some time to think about what practical advice I could give. Here are three of my #PittmanRules for finding a job:

1. Start with your warm market: So many times, when we are looking for something new, we overlook the obvious and forget to share with our personal Rolodex. Let your friends know you are looking for a new opportunity. Make it super easy for them by sharing your resume; bio; and any printed articles/accolades in conjunction with your inquiry. Good people are hard to find. You’d be surprised how many people are looking for someone. The key is to help your crew help you to connect the dots.
2. Conduct informational meetings: Explore the industry you want to move into. Find two to three people within that industry who will give you the time of day and invite them for coffee, lunch or a formal meet up. Inquire about their professional role and industry insights. Be PREPARED!! Do your due diligence on this person and their field of expertise. If the opportunity presents itself, ask discerning questions that are informed. Have your resume/portfolio (ideally electronically and hard copies) ready to share. Don’t forget to grab their card so you can follow up with a proper thank you note -– as in a tangible thank you card. Politely request that they put you in contact with two additional people for informational interviews. The two-person recommendation keeps the chain of networking going and before you know it, you will have a plethora of resources within your field of choice.
3. Join charitable boards: Gratitude and contribution are two surefire ways to manifest your goals. Identify causal marketing efforts of the companies or industries you are most passionate about. If you are out of work, chances are you have a bit of free time on your hands. Specific charities or associations may be worth investing some hours into. If you are considering a career change, interning may be a great place to get your feet wet. Nothing shows you’re serious about your career, than offering up free services to learn and engage experts that work in your industry. Networking and fundraising events within your chosen charitable association will provide ample opportunity to meet new people, and spread the word about your job search.

The last piece of advice is to stick with it. Interview as much as possible so that you acquire sharper interaction skills and are prepared when that perfect job opportunity presents itself. Tenacity and perseverance are fundamentals for success!

RELATED: #PittmanRules: Ericka Pittman’s Rules For Self-Discovery

Connect with Ericka Pittman
Instagram/Twitter: @erickampittman
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Email: ErickaPInfo@gmail.com
Website: lwace.com

Fox Searchlight came up with a unique way of keeping the anticipation for Nate Parker‘s The Birth of a Nation very high by releasing a “living poster.”

The jarring teaser features Parker as Nat Turner leading a group of slaves in a rebellion against their masters. Each group, the slaves and the slaveholders, forms the bloody stripes of the American Flag.

As previously reported, The Birth of a Nation highlights the heroic and justified efforts of Nat Turner, a literate slave and preacher, as he orchestrates a slave rebellion.

The film opens on Oct. 7th.

RELATED: First Look: Nate Parker’s ‘The Birth Of A Nation’ [PHOTOS]

The 14th Factory Exhibit, taking over the century-old JP Morgan Bank on Wall Street, is the largest multimedia show of its kind.

By Herndon Holmes

The 100-year old, former downtown New York City headquarters of J.P. Morgan Bank is no longer vacant. With the opening of The 14th Factory, a groundbreaking new multimedia art exhibition, an influx of new patrons, more interested in culture than coins, will flood its doors.

The presentation, premiering April 14th, is the world’s largest, independently funded multimedia art exhibition, as it inhabits 150,000 square feet of 23 Wall Street. 14 organically linked feature sections cover seven floors—featuring interactive, intriguing and immersive art installations from renowned and emerging talents. This colossal artistic endeavor takes viewers on a journey through massive sculptures, video environments, otherworldly landscapes and live performance art.

Hong Kong-based contemporary artist Simon Birch helms the offering while presenting a collection of other artists from the fields of visual and performance art, architecture, film, fashion, photography and graphic designs—all
hailing from Asia, England and the United States. If the art doesn’t send you into sensory overload, your conscious will pick up the slack as the free, six-week run exhibition will culminate with an auction to benefit the Robin Hood Foundation, Madison Boys & Girls Club and the GO Campaign.

Rumors have been swirling for a year or more that Jamie Foxx and Katie Holmes are in a clandestine relationship, and OK! magazine recently added fuel to the fire.

A recent issue of the tabloid claimed Holmes is four-months pregnant and called off an engagement to Foxx, after he allegedly refused to marry her “until they’d settle into life with a new baby.”

The cover reads: “Jamie’s confession that changed everything.” And that so-called “confession” is what made Holmes insecure about their relationship allegedly.

The mag even quotes a source about Holmes not wanting to be a single mom again. “And she definitely wouldn’t want to raise another child on her own, as she’s been forced to do with Suri since she left Tom [Cruise],” the OK! source said.

But then Holmes’s rep shut down all the rumors, telling the Mirror that the story of pregnancy, a secret relationship, and a failed engagement is “categorically untrue.”

Foxx has said that Holmes is an “old friend,” but added that even if he were dating someone, no one would know.

Well, there you have it, Foxx is still on the dating market.

[Katie Holmes image: Instagram]