Although he’s known for his forthrightness, Lee Daniels kept it mighty cute during a recent interview when asked when he's asked to comment specifically on Hollywood's acceptance of Black artists vs. gay artists vs. Black gay artists. His response was that he’s “afraid” to answer the question, and thus, will not offer an answer. Why? “I want to work,” Daniels explained. Pop Quiz: How many gay Black characters do you see on TV and in film? For the three and a half you think of, are they secondary characters and awfully stereotypical most of the time? Bonus: Do you hear gay Black lingo all the time, though, but you know…mostly from Black straight women or White gay men? There, I helped, Mr. Daniels. [Shadow and Act]
Samuel L. Jackson is tired of prominent people trying to turn down their intelligence in order to appease the simple minded. Speaking with Playboy, the celebrated actor noted that “we have newscasters who don’t even know how to conjugate verbs… How the f–k did we become a society where mediocrity is acceptable?”
And when asked about “President Obama or other highly educated Americans consciously drop[ping] gs off the ends of words to sound like "Joe Average,” Jackson said: “First of all, we know it ain’t because of his blackness, so I say stop trying to ‘relate.’ Be a leader. Be f—ing presidential. Look, I grew up in a society where I could say ‘It ain’t’ or ‘What it be’ to my friends. But when I’m out presenting myself to the world as me, who graduated from college, who had family who cared about me, who has a well-read background, I f—ing conjugate.” [Politico]
Drake may be a lot of things, but a man of bad taste isn’t one of them. During his 30-minute chat with Ryan Seacrest, the Toronto-bred but often Houston-sounding rapper confirmed his membership in the Beyhive.
Drake explained: “I’m a Beyoncé believer. I really believe strongly in her talent and her position in our generation. I think she’s one of the biggest stars ever, but especially for these girls right now. I feel like they need Beyoncé.”
He also added that the two have been in the studio together: “I reached out to her and asked if I could come and be a part of her project and she was kind enough to invite me out there. And we did some work together.”
Please give us the new music already, Beyoncé. [Rap-Up]
Meanwhile, y’all aren’t watching Kelly Rowland on The X-Factor. The show, which has had a tumultuous run thus far stateside, is once again already sliding in the ratings—to its lowest tally ever. Oh well, Kelly, you’re doing a good job and look gorgeous so at least take pride in that. [Entertainment Weekly]
Oprah and Iyanla Vanzant would be none too pleased if they heard of K. Michelle already speaking of being snubbed at next year’s Grammy Awards. When asked, the Rebellious Soul singer said: “I just put out an album and it did very well. It would definitely be that. I feel like I’m not a very political artist. I just make great music for the people. Definitely if I did not get those nods everyone would be fully aware as to why.”
Isn’t it more so the responsibility of the label to play politics? To that end, think positively, sis. We’re rooting for you. And oh yeah, K. caught the shade about her tax debt from way back and said the matter has already been settled. Don’t Wesley Snipes her. [Crunk + Disorderly]
Kanye West will be giving a modern beat to your auntie’s favorite cat daddy crooner, Charlie Wilson. In a recent interview, Charlie, last name Wilson, revealed: "Kanye and myself, we started already — Kanye is starting on a new record for me. Kanye is one of the greatest rapper/producers that we have. He's a little controversial, yeah, but he's still a genius at that in the studio. He wants to produce me, so we'll see how that goes. He's been asking for a while and I've just been busy. Real busy. I know Pharrell [Williams] wants to get in. And Justin Timberlake." Can’t wait to hear it at your family cookout next year! [MTV News]
In related Kanye West news, when it comes to Miley Cyrus and all her annoying appropriation antics, you can think ‘Ye and Pharrell for encouraging her.
In her Rolling Stone cover story, Miley reveals that Kanye told her: "He came in and goes, 'There are not a lot of artists I believe in more than you right now.'" As for Pharrell, he sent Miley the following text: "The VMAs was nothing more than God or the Universe showing you how powerful anything you do is. It's like uranium—it has the power to take over lives or power entire countries. Now that you've seen your power, master it." [Rolling Stone]
In a similar new school helps throwback story, J. Cole will be producing a track on the upcoming TLC album. The North Carolina rapper and producer said, “I was such a fan of theirs growing up. I still am. It’s like when I made ‘Crooked Smile,’ I instantly thought of them because not only did I miss their voice, but they had these huge positive records, like ‘Unpretty’ and ‘Waterfalls.’ And I was just like, ‘Man, it makes too much sense. I gotta have them on a song like ‘Crooked Smile.’” Please be better to TLC this time, y’all. I remember how the world heard the Lil’ Jon—produced TLC track “Come Get Some” and went about their business as if nothing ever happened. [Billboard]
When you’re interviewing Naomi Campbell, mind your manners and escort yourself out of her personal life. That’s one lesson a journalist for Britain’s Radio Times magazine quickly learned when he tried to ask her about her ex, billionaire Vladimi Doronin, and Nay Nay interviewed the interview just as fast. The journalist in question, Kirsty Lang, explained: “Before I get half the question out of my mouth, she cuts me short by holding out her hand like a policewoman stopping traffic. The two PR men sitting in the corner jump up and start to usher me out… My audience is over.” As the da baddest [redacted] once said, “Diamond princess, just mind ya business.” [EURWeb]
Drake and Chris Brown have made peace and may potentially make music together. The Toronto-bred rapper watched the Tappahannock native’s set at the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas last weekend. The two hugged, drank and probably threw shade about Rihanna. Don’t roll your eyes: It wouldn’t be the first time for either party. Speaking of, how long before a peace summit is scheduled between Rih Rih and Teyana Taylor? [Page Six]
Michael Arceneaux is a Houston-bred, Howard-educated writer and blogger. You can read more of his work on his site, The Cynical Ones. Follow him on Twitter: @youngsinick
