I watched the Emmys last night, it was partially boring but I was proud as a black woman at what recognition, us black women received.
The beautiful talented Regina King, received her first Emmy in the category of “Limited Series or Movies Supporting Actress” for her role in American Crime. She started out acting in the 1980’s show 227, then branched off into movies such as A Thin Line Between Love and Hate and Friday. Taraji P. Henson, one of my favorite actresses, presented Regina with the Emmy. Taraji showed Regina so much love, merit and recognition.
Another moment that made history last night was Viola Davis becoming the FIRST black woman to win “LEAD Actress in a Drama Series” for her role in How To Get Away With Murder.” This was Viola’s first Emmy. In her speech she said “The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity. ” With that quote, I believe she was saying that black women get the second-hand or even third-hand acting jobs, such as slaves, servants, side kicks, etc. We are better than just those characters. To see how far black women have came, it’s an accomplishment.
Also Uzo Aduba, who plays Crazy Eyes in Orange Is The New Black, won her second Emmy for the second year straight for her role in Orange Is The New Black. Last year she won an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in A Comedy Series and this year she upgraded.
You all know that I love Key & Peele and the show did not win any awards last night BUT at least they were nominated.
Welp that’s all I got for you all, until next time. DANII GOLD is out!
Dancing With the Stars premiered their 21st Season this past Tuesday on ABC. I can honestly say that I’ve never watched the show but they have a good line up this season. I only know about six people honestly, but I was intrigued with this first episode.
This year’s line consist of:
Tamar Braxton- Co Host of The Real Talk Show
Nick Carter – member of the 90’s boy bank Backstreet Boys
Gary Busey- Actor from movies such as Lethal Weapon, Under Siege and other films
Andy Grammar- Pop Male Artist
Victor Espinosa- Multiple Winning Jockey
Hayes Grier- Social Media Star
Paula Deen- Well-known cooking show host
Alexa PenaVega- known for her role in the Spy Kids movies
Carlos PenaVega- husband of Alexa, but they won’t be dance partners. He’s known from the Nickelodeon show Big Time Rush
Bindi Erwin- daughter of Steve & Terri Erwin, the Crocodile Hunter. She has had a few of her own television shows
Alek Skarlatos- National Guard specialist who became a hero, along with his two friends, stopped an attacker on a train from harming and killing passengers.
Kim Zolciak- Reality Star from the show Real Atlanta of Housewives, and football wife to Kroy Biermann, who plays for the Atlanta Falcons.
Last but certainly not least, Ms. Chaka Khan- The QUEEN of Funk, who’s won several Grammys and she has had several hit songs
photo credit: abc.go.com
So, on with the show, I think majority of the dancers were nervous but the top three that I think killed it were Tamar Braxton, Bindi Erwin and Alexa PenVegas. Tamar is already confident as it is, so it would be a shame if she didn’t bring that attitude in her performance. Bindi is full of energy and life and her personality showed in her performance. I had never heard of her before the show but when I saw her, she was full of so much life and excitement and it’s hard not to like her. OMG Alexa PenVegas killed her performance. She was so speedy and sharp. She’s grown from that little girl in Spy Kids, to a talented young lady.
Some performance I was shocked about were Kim and Chaka, Kim is extremely nervous which is expected but she was on reality television acting out like it was no biggie, I would have expected more from her but hopefully she improves as the weeks go on. Chaka, Miss Chaka; The Queen of Funk was a little rusted or maybe the type of dance she did this week wasn’t in her ball park.
I know I may sound sexist by only commenting on the female performances but I have so comments on the guys as well. Mr. Nick Carter, the boy band hottie, he started off kind of shaky but he got in the groove of things and had a nice performance. Alek, whom I’ve never heard of, had a sweet ballroom performance that was very elegant and since he’s an American hero in a sense, I’m sure he won the viewer’s heart Tuesday night. Gary Busey–truthfully he just seems too old to be dancing. Yes you can dance at whatever age you feel but Gary didn’t do good to me and he may want to hang it up. Yeah it was worth a try but I don’t think he’ll get far. Also he seems like a creek but that’s my personal opinion.
I look forward to the results of next weekend. Hopefully known of my favorite people get voted off.
I can’t believe Key and Peele aired their last show yesterday (September 9, 2015). Really, “Who Does That?” (*Meegan voice ).
If you’re not familiar with the show, Key and Peele are a comedy pair played by Keegan Michael Key and Jordan Peele and they act out comedy sketches and imitate real life people. One of the characters that Peele plays is Meegan, a rude, ignorant, dingy girlfriend of Andre, played by Key; who is smart, polite but too dumb to leave Meegan’s crazy ass. As Peele plays her, he uses a white girl voice and uses a typical demeanor and tone as a white female. Meegan likes to cause drama and wants Andre to chase after her but just when she thinks about making up, she looks at Andre seductively then dramatically walks off.
Jordan Peele does a perfect impersonation of President Barack Obama and he uses Key and his hood translator and they talk about typical issues but add comedy to it.
Key is best known for his character of the Substitute Teacher. In that skit, he plays a “inner city” substitute teacher who pronounces every student’s name wrong–A-A-Ron (Aaron), Ba-lak-kay (Blake), De-Nice ( Denise). The comedy in this is that inner city students have odd spelled and pronounced names. So as he is calling out all these incorrectly pronounced names, he’s getting no response and he starts snapping out on the students. The infamous Substitute Teacher episode was aired in their second season of doing their show. It’s crazy to see that Key & Peele actually got their break on MadTv and then branched off into an even bigger comedy sketch show.
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According to Key, it wasn’t the network but instead himself and Peele who decided to wrap up the show. He goes on to say that it’s time for them to explore other options and they ” may ” even make a movie then do their own thing, then do another movie and etc. Even though nothing is set in stone, I would LOVE to see that happen. The two were nominated for EIGHT Emmy Awards this year, that is simply amazing. The Award Show airs Sunday September 20, so hopefully they take the win on at least one award.
So I went to see the movie Straight Outta Compton this past weekend and it was EVERYTHING. It showed each artist’s background information as well as paying homage to the late rapper Eazy E.
Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, and the late rapper Easy Z were all members of the group N.W.A which stood for N.W.A. It starts out showing their different backgrounds and how they became a group. Eazy E was into the streets and was more of a business man. Ice Cube was in High School and was a dope writer or lyricist even just cooking up rhymes in his head and putting them on paper. Dre was cold on the turn tables wanting to follow his dreams of being producer, despite his mother’s wishes.
All three guys were homies to each other and they all decided to put their talents together creating the group N.W.A. Cube was the writer, Dre was the producer and at the beginning stage, E was the “business man” putting the money up to be in the studio and benefiting from it in the long run, but they decided to put him in booth to see what his rapping skills were like; now it wasn’t all peaches and cream at first but with little grooming, he sounded like a pro.
photo credit: news.hiphopearly.com
Collectively they put together Ruthless Records, the name of the record company, but Eazy was in charge of it. Then their manager came along, looking out for what was supposed to be the group but instead was only looking out for Eazy. The movie shows what the men had to go through dealing with the Compton Police. They had so many issues with the authorities for no reason, and even getting harassed outside their studio one day when they were recording.
After having countless run-ins with the police for no reason, Dre, Eazy and Cube were inspired to write the song “Fuck The Police.” This was a big controversal issue back then but they didn’t a damn, they wanted to be heard and as Cube said they have “freedom of speech,” which was and is still true. They had white people destroying their cds and burning them but at least they were buying them, as Eazy said. It got to a point where they were banned from rapping the song at their own concert. Welp that didn’t stop them from doing so while they were in Detroit, Michigan. They were, of course, arrested but their motto was “bad publicity is better than no publicity. ”
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Fast forward a little bit, after the money was coming in and the contracts were finalized for the rest of the group, minus Eazy since his contract was already signed. Cube was skeptical for a while on the contracts because it took so long for it to get finalized, so he didn’t sign it and went on a solo artist, producer of movies and even an actor.
After Cube left, N.W.A. went on to recording music. Suge Knight got interested in Dre and even to the point where he wanted Dre on his label, Death Row but Dre was still signed to Ruthless Record. Eventually he got off the label after Suge beat up Eazy in order for Eazy to release Dre. In the midst of that, the movie showed Eazy getting sick. Before he was hospitalized he saw Ice Cube and they talked about linking back up to do some music, with Dre too of course, Next thing you know, Eazy is in the hospital and was diagnosed with AIDS in February of 1995, he died a month later.
The movie showed all that and then some, so you can’t do anything but respect Ice Cube, Dre and Eazy E. Cube walked away from $75,000, which was a lot at the time, all because he didn’t agree with signing his contract on the spot, it all paid off. Dre walked away from Death Row because he didn’t like the lack of professionalism that going on AND he left his plaques with Death Row and started his own label, then there’s Eazy, who started the lady and was the brains behind N.W.A. and not to mention he brought Bone Thugz N Harmony into the rap game. You can’t do nothing but respect these, as well as the other two members, MC Ren and DJ Yella.
I would go see it again AND buy it when it comes out on DVD. This movie is worth more than buying it on a bootleg.
WOW! This year’s BET Awards was one of the best that the network has had in a while. From bringing out Bad Boy to doing the Smokey Robinson tribute AND a tribute to Janet Jackson.
Kendrick Lamar opened up the stage with the American flag waving while he performed on a graffiti filled police car. His performance related to what’s actually going on in the real world with police brutality and the confederate flag issue. K-Dot, his new nickname, set the stage on fire performing his new single “Alright.” The hosts of the show Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross made their appearance in leotards, singing “Conqueror” by Estelle and Jussie Smollet, while Ms. Tracee was swinging from a harness. Entertaining to say the least.
photo credit: voanews.com
Actresses Laverne Cox and Gabrielle Union presented the first awards wearing the same chic white dress. They announced that Terence Howard won the best actor award for his work in the FOX show “Empire”, so you know my girl Taraji P Henson had to win the Best Actress Award. Janelle Monae tore the stage up switching her style to sexy and seductive, singing her new song “Yoga” then new artist Jidenna came out singing “Classic Man”, and his attire matched his song title.
OF COURSE Nicki Minaj took the award for Best Female Hip Hop artist,who else would EVEN come close to winning that award in that category…NO ONE! K-Dot took the award for Best Hip Hop artist in a tough category with J.Cole, Drake, Common, Big Sean and Wale. The lovely Sam Smith won the award for Best New Artist, but he was not there to accept….because he is white and he didn’t think he would win LOL, says the comedian Anthony Anderson who accepted the award on his behalf. CB (Chris Brown) took home the award for Best Male R&B/Pop Artist AND The Fandemonium Award, as well as the Viewer’s Choice Award for the song “Only” alongside with Nicki Minaj, Drake and Wayne. Ms. Bey won the award for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist and Video of the year for her video “7/11″ and she was in those categories with some great artists……..who were actually at the awards. How many years has it been since she was at the awards??? ANYWHO, the group Rae Sremmurd won the Best Group Award for their songs ” No Flex Zone” and “Throw Some Mo”. The Best Collaboration category, was a competitive one with Chris Brown featuring Tyga and Lil Wayne, Big Sean & E-40, August Alsina (BAE) & Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown AGAIN featuring Usher & Rick Ross, Common & John Legend, and lastly Mark Ronso & Bruno Mars but the song “Glory” by Common & John Legend took home the win, which was on the Selma soundtrack. The film won the Best Movie Award as well.
OMG, the performances though…AMAZING!!! As I said before Kendrick hit the stage, then of course BET has their Music Matters singers that they showcase; Andra Day and Avery Wilson “sang” their hearts out. The Weeknd performed his new single “The Hills” and “Earned It” with Alicia Keys helping him on the piano. One of the BEST performances of the night was the Bad Boy Reunion. Diddy came out rapping “Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down” then of course he had to bring MA$E out to help him sing the anthem “Bad Boy.” THEN 112 came out singing “Peaches & Cream” THROWBIKE *Plies Voice*. The stunning Faith Evan sang “Love Like This.” Jadakiss came out with the crew to rap “All About Benjamins”…thennnnn Diddy fell, but he bounced back real quick, then Lil Kim popped up…literally to spit her verse. The song then shifted to the crew rapping “Mo Money Mo problems” and ending the song with Biggie’s verse. The reunion performance ended with Pharrell and Diddy singing “Fenna Get Loose” and with back up dancers killing a soul train line.
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The other BEST performance of the night, was the Smokey Robinson Tribute. Tori Kelly sang the Jackson 5 hit “Who’s Loving You.” When I say that girl killed that performance, she did just that! She’s got some people asking “Who is this gorgeous white girl with the lovely voice?” Well Tori Kelly started making YouTube videos of her singing covers of songs at age 14. She is a former American Idol contestant of Season 9 but unfortunately didn’t make it to the top 24 contestants; but that didn’t stop her. She started working independently writing and producing her own music, until she got noticed by Capitol Records, and got signed to them last year. More recently, she debuted her first album “Unbreakable Smile” this past June. Robin Thicke also performed in the tribute singing the 1965 classic “Ooo Baby Baby”. Ne-Yo hit the stage singing “The Tears of a Clown.” Then Mr. Smokey himself had to shut it down singing “The Tracks of My Tears” and “Cruisin.” Then all four artist ended the tribute singing “My Girl.” He also accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award.
photo credit: hiphop-n-more.com
The last great performance was the Janet Jackson tribute. Singers Tinashe, Ciara and Jason Derulo paid homage to the Ultimate Icon. The humble Janet Jackson accepted her award being so soft spoken and grateful for her award.
Other great performances of the night was Big Sean rapping “IDFWU”, “Blessed” and ” One Man Can Change the world”, then Meek Mills, Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj their new hit “All Eyes on You.” Of course it was adorable since Meek and Nicki are dating.
Tom Joyner took home the award Humanitarian of the Year for donating over $65 Million to HBCUs. Lastly Fetty Wap closed out the Awards singing the well-known hit “Trap Queen.” BET did their thang with this year’s award show. I’m definitely looking forward to next year.
Yandy from Love and Hip Hop New York got engaged to her longtime boyfriend Mendecees Harris, and decided to broadcast it live on VH1 on memorial day.
Nina and Stevie J were hosting the behind the scenes coverage, while Big Tigger was hosting in the cocktail room where all the guest were. All celebrities were there including Rasheeda, Kirk, Joseline, Peter Gunz, Tara, Lil Scrappy, Bambi, Mama Dee, Yung Joc, Rich Dollaz, Moniece, Karlie Redd, K. Michelle and many more. Kimbella was Yandy’s maid of honor, and Juelz Santana was Mendecees best man, along with his oldest son Lil Mendecees.
Here’s what I find a little extra about it all; some things should be left in the dark. Pictures are fine and what not but broadcasting the whole thing seems flashy. I mean they aren’t Jay-Z & Beyonce or John Legend & Chrissy Teigan, NOT saying they ain’t shit or discrediting the couple but why broadcast it? They did get in the whole theme of it and did a poll “Which dress should Yandy wear?” Like buying TWO wedding dresses to have the audience choose one, it’s overdoing it. HATING, not at all.I like Yandy but I think she is falling into of those typical reality TV stars.
At first when she came on to Love and Hip Hop New York. She was strictly about her business, managing Jim Jones and was really committed to working for him, then after she stopped working for him, it seemed like they stopped showing what other business she took care off. Then there came Love and the Hip Hop portion was cut off. I enjoyed seeing her handle her business and actually being someone other than a reality star. She is a talent agent under Mona Scott’s company,so she actually makes money but I want to show more of what she does and be a positive look for the Love & Hip Hop New York show.
So I know I’m a little bit late but let’s talk about the Billboard Awards 2015!
Rapper Ludacris and model Chrissy Teigan did an awesome job with hosting and being themselves.
The fashion was something to look at especially Chrissy Teigan, rocking three different outfits; a Balmain black and gold stripe jump suit she wore on the red carpet, a red tube top jump suit she wore while hosting the awards with rapper/actor Ludacris, along with with a white low cut dress and a white sweater low cut dress. Mariah Carey rocked a black To Ford dress, Jennifer Lopez wore a gorgeous Charbel Zoe couture silver and brown see through dress. And that Taylor Swift got sexy on us and wore a Balmain white jump suit that was cut out under the boobs. Balmain was clearly a hot commodity because Kendall Jenner wore the brand as well as her younger sistr Kylie Jenner. Andddd lastly that Iggy Azalea wore a powder blue and nude color crop top and skirt that I wasn’t a fan of, especially with her pink tipped ends on her hair but to each is own.
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Moving along, there were some intense categories with some great nominees in them and some were just obvious on who should win.
Taylor Swift won EIGHT awards, she better get it. She won: top artist, Billboard Chart Achievement Award, Top Female Artist, Top Billboard Artist 200, Top Billboard 200 Album for her 1989 album, Top Hot 100 Artist, Top Digital Song Artist, and Top Streaming Video for “Shake It Off”. She also premiered her action filled music video ‘Bad Blood.”
Sam Smith took home the top male artist award, top new artist and top radio song artist award. Iggy Azalea took home the top rap song for “Fancy” (bi**h wheet), Top Streaming Artist, and Top Rap Artist (what in a Sam Hell). So clearly I have an issue with that, Honestly I think Nicki Minaj should have won for Ananconda. She is an actually rap artist, not because she is a black woman but because lyrically she spits the real.Yes Iggy is a rapper I guess but she doesn’t speak the real, it’s all mumbo jumbo, TO ME PERSONALLY. I think she won because majority rules, more white people support Iggy than Nicki and of course majority of them are in charge of the awards. As far as top rap artist, J. Cole or Drake should have won, J.Cole lyrically speaks greatness, Drake lyrically speaks his words with emotion which catches fans attention but again majority rules and I think that the Billboard Awards wanted a white artist to win. Last year Eminem won Top Rap Artist in 2014 In a category with Drake and the GREAT Jay-Z. No shade towards Eminem at all because he is a good artist. He also won top Top Rap Album for The Marshall Mathers, and Macklemore &Ryan Lewis featuring Ray Dalton won top Rap song in 2014 for “Can’t Hold Us. No shade to these artists but I think it’s a visual game. Maybe these artists won based off numbers and rating but to me it seems a little off.
photo credit: celebzz.com
Moving along, the magical John Legend won three awards, which was well-deserved. Another great recognition was J.Cole winning Top Rap Album.
Performance wise, Chris Brown performed a pop-ish song in a red Michael Jackson type suit, with Pitbull in a new song titled Fun. Wiz Khalifa hit the stage with Charlie Puth and Lindsey Stirling in the heart-felt song “See You Again” dedicated to actor Paul Walker, who died in a car crash in November 2013. Britney Spears made a come back song with Iggy Izalea in a song called Pretty Girls. Nick Jonas performed one of my favorites “jealous” Kanye West performed “All Day” with a lot of fire, literally. His sister in laws Kendall & Kylie Jenner were booed when presenting his performance…was the crowd hating or in the right?? Hmmm, and of course the Empire crew Jussie Smollett & Bryshere Gray had to make an appearance, performing “You’re So Beautiful” and “Conquerer” with Estelle. There were many more performances but I just had to speak on those.
photo credit: billboard.com
photo credit: zimbio.com
photo credit: zimbio.com
Welp that’s all I got for y’all today.
Until next time.
Sources: E! News Online, and Entertainment Tonight!
Danii Gold 