Category: Pop Culture

Weekly Wrap-Up [Feb. 5th-9th]

“I took a hiatus, now I’m back on you haters!” (Hov voice/Hov laugh)
Not a real Jay quote as far as I know. TheOriginalChatman.com!!

“I took a hiatus, now I’m back on you haters!” (Hov voice/Hov laugh)

P.S. Not a real Jay-Z quote, as far as I know. Anyways, check out the weekly wrap-up for the second week of February brought to you by TheOriginalChatman.

Mon. 2/5

1. Cozz’s new album Effected is on the way, so the Dreamville-affiliated rapper releases the album’s tracklist along with the release date.

  • While Top Dawg Entertainment (Kendrick Lamar, SZA) is tearing up the industry with its tours and imminent Hollywood takeover, the J.Cole-helmed label Dreamville is quietly making moves also.
  • Cozz’s new album Effected— a title paying homage to his first mixtape Cozz and Effect— will be available this Tuesday, February 13th. He’s already released two singles, “Badu” featuring Curren$y and “Ignorant Confidence.” Check out the album art below.

Source(s): Instagram (@cozz)/Twitter (@cody__macc)

2. Donald Glover appears in the first trailer for “Solo: A Star Wars Story.”

  • Donald Glover is constantly balancing duties between music, film, and television like it’s nothing. No biggie, to be honest!
  • Originally, a teaser dropped on SuperBowl Sunday with the full trailer available for fan enjoyment the following day.
  • While Glover’s Lando Calrissian character doesn’t do much speaking in the Solo trailer, it’s assumed Glover supporting role will be one for the ages. Here’s the full trailer for the film. What does everyone think of the film’s trailer?

Source: Pitchfork

Tues. 2/6

3. Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s video for “All the Stars” continues to build anticipation for Marvel’s Black Panther.

  • Can we skip over other movies for the rest of 2018 and crown Black Panther as the best film of all time? No? Yes? Is my geek showing? I know the movie hasn’t been released yet, but my expectations are already out of this world!
  • Dave Meyers and The Little Homies (Meyers and Kendrick Lamar himself) blessed us with the official music video for “All The Stars”, the lead single from Black Panther The Album.
  • In the video, Kendrick and SZA are seen surrounded by literal black panthers, an aesthetic of bright colors and a biblical-like landscape similar to Wakanda, the fictional setting from Black Panther. Check out the visually stunning and wonderfully illustrated video below.

4. Bruno Mars proposes that the NFL take place in Atlanta next year, and that the half-time acts be prominent hip-hop artists from the past and present.

  • Taking one step ahead of everyone, Bruno Mars boldly proposes via Twitter that the 2019 SuperBowl honor hip-hop by allowing prominent artists of the city play the half-time show.
  • “NFL, you have the opportunity to celebrate incredible Hip Hop Artist from Atlanta next year. Outkast, T.I., Gucci, Lil Jon, Jeezy, Jermaine Dupri just to name a few. it would be the best party Tv has ever seen!”
  • While hip-hop has long transitioned into the mainstream, I find it hard to believe the NFL will allow any of Atlanta’s rap gatekeepers that Bruno tweeted about to actually be there. Not because they are sub-par as artists/performers, it’s just that hip-hop and the NFL seem like an unlikely partnership moving forward in already divisive political climate we live in.

Source: Billboard

Wed. 2/7

5. R&B/soul virtuoso Anderson .Paak promises a new album sometime this year!

  • It’s been two years since we’ve last received a solo project from Anderson .Paak.
  • According to .Paak, the album is in its mixing stages and will be released sometime this year, as he is still under the guidance of Dr. Dre and Aftermath Records.

Source: Fader

Thurs. 2/8

6. J.I.D. drops a music video for “EdEddnEddy” paying homage to the classic CartoonNetwork cartoon.

Fri. 2/9

7. “The Autobiography Of Gucci Mane” will be getting the movie treatment!

  • Gucci Mane’s life story will soon be known to casual and die-hard fans of Gucci!
  • Earlier this week, it was reported that the rights to The Autobiography of Gucci Mane were bought by Paramount Pictures.
  • Before the news was official, Gucci strongly suggested his book-turned-movie deal via Twitter.

Source: SPIN, The Hollywood Reporter

Thanks for supporting me y’all! I have something special coming up soon, so be on the look out for that!

-TheOriginalChatman™

Weekly Wrap-up [Jan. 22nd-26th]

Check out the weekly wrap-up of the hottest trending topics for the fourth week of January–here at TheOriginalChatman.com!

 

Happy Sunday everyone! Welcome to TheOriginalChatman’s™  GRAMMYs Edition weekly wrap-up for the final week of January. In honor of the Grammys, I’ve hand-selected topics regarding two potential winners for tonight. 7:30 on CBS, don’t forget! Will you be watching? This past week, a lot of great talent has made power moves within and outside the music industry. Also, Top Dawg Entertainment (home to Kendrick Lamar and SZA among others) will be putting on a mega tour with all its artists! CAN WE ALL AGREE THAT THIS WILL BE THE TOUR OF A LIFETIME THOUGH!?

Mon. 1/22

1. Childish Gambino signs a deal with RCA Records.

Donald Glover
Photo Credit: Getty Images
  • Modern day renaissance man Donald Glover, better known to the world as Childish Gambino, has signed a new deal partnering up with RCA Records.
  • Glover left his long-term indie label Glassnote Records over creative differences between him and Glassnote stemming from his 2014 album, Because the Internet.
  • According to Billboard, Glover’s new music will be released sometime this year. (Sidenote: SZA is also signed to RCA Records. If they happen to do a collab record, I would be here for it all the way!)

Source: Billboard

Tues. 1/23

2. Complex’s Everyday Struggle web show started a new season and new co-host!

star-everyday-struggle-2018-billboard-1548
Photo Credit: Complex New
  • Exit stage right Joe Budden, and enter stage left Star!
  • Complex’s popular web series Everyday Struggle lost one-third of its Internet firepower when Joe Budden left the show amidst contract negotiations in late December.
  • The show still features Dj Akademiks as host, and Ndeska Alexis as moderator. Their new co-host is legendary New York radio personality Star of the Star and Bucwild Show.

Source: Revolt

Wed. 1/24

3. Quavo (of Atlanta rap trio Migos) announces his 6 favorite MCs list–and you’ll be surprised at the line-up.

quavo-lists-top-mcs-of-all-time
Photo Credit: ShotByCones via DjBooth.net
  • Rap veteran journalist Touré of Rolling Stone magazine sat down with the Migos last month and penned a cover story you can check out here.
  • Touré asked Quavo for his top five list, and he took it a step further and named six.
  • Here’s the list in order: Tupac, Biggie, Jay-Z, Eminem, Gucci Mane..and himself. Do you agree with the list, let alone ranking himself last?

Source(s): DjBooth, Rolling Stone

4. SZA appears in commercials for MasterCard and The Gap— all within one day!

  • SZA is making a name for herself with everything she touches. This week, the TDE songstress made an appearance in global ad campaigns for MasterCard and The Gap.
  • MasterCard uses her uniqueness to push the “Start Something Priceless” narrative, meanwhile The Gap celebrates their 50th anniversary alongside other cultural personalities including renowned producer Metro Boomin. Feel free to check out both ads  below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=30&v=BbAG9dihzDc

Source: Vibe, Complex 

Thurs. 1/25

6.  Dreamville’s Cozz announces a new project releasing soon, titled Effected.  

Fri. 1/26

7. Apple will release a Animoji-related commercial for Donald Glover’s REDBONE duirng Grammy’s night.

Welp, that’s it! I’ll be back on Monday morning with a review of the 60th Academy Awards (the Grammys). Catch y’all next week!

–TheOriginalChatman’s™

Weekly Wrap-up [Jan 8th- Jan. 12th]

Trending topics from the week of January 8th-12th. Read more on TheOriginalChatman.com!

 

 

Happy Sunday! Two weeks into 2018..how’s everyone holdin’ up with their resolutions? Personally, I abandoned resolutions and decided to break them down into long-term and short-term goals to be accomplished throughout the year. Anyways, this week was lit! Check out the trending topics for the second week of January.

Mon. 1/8

1. Christian Combs will serve as the newest model for Dolce&Gabana.

  • Rapper Christian Combs — whose father is hip-hop mogul/ icon Diddy — adds another title to his resume. Christian inked a deal as the new face of luxury fashion brand Dolce & Gabana. Combs had a previous relationship with the company modeling for them last summer and fall, so the deal with D&G naturally makes sense.
  • Christian shared the news on his Instagram.

Source: Page Six

                  2. Swedish retail company H&M has received criticism for its “Coolest Monkey In The Jungle” hoodie—modeled by a young black child.

  • Taking notes from last year’s Pepsi advertising hiccups, retail giant H&M caught hell when they released an ad of a young black boy modeling a green hoodie that said, “Coolest Monkey In The Jungle.”
  • As a result of their blunder, artists The Weekend and G-Eazy have denounced their partnerships with the retail company due to its offensive ad.
  • H&M issued a statement apologizing for its ” unintentional casual racism” vowing to prevent it happening again in the future.

Source: USAToday

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Image via H&M/Associated Press

Tues. 1/9

3. Kendrick Lamar reveals a sneak peek into his shoe deal with Nike. 

  • Kendrick Lamar teamed up for his first signature deal with Nike in the Cortez Kenny 1. K.Dot originally debuted the kicks on Monday’s CFP National Championship in Atlanta.
  • Sporting a white leather upper with red stitching and identical DAMN. branding, the Cortez Kenny 1 drops on January 26th, and retail price is $100. Will you be getting a pair?
kendrick-lamar-nike-cortez-kenny-1-release-date-price-01-960x640
Image via Kendrick Lamar’s Instagram (@kendricklamar)

4. Jeff Bezos, the founder and CEO of Amazon, is currently the world’s richest man. He pays it forward literally in the best way possible!

  • Bezos donated $33 million  for college scholarships to ‘Dreamers’, a group of illegal immigrants brought to the U.S. by their parents.
  • The donation was made in his father’s name who fled Cuba at 15 and went to college in the US.

Source: AOL

Wed. 1/10

5. The Black Eyed Peas return with new music after a seven-year hiatus.

  • Their newest single, “Street Justice” is in the same vein as their 2003 big hit, “Where’s the Love”, and serves as an ode to several of America’s socioeconomic issues such as discrepancies in the school system, gun violence, and prison reform. 
  • Watch the video/purchase the single here.

Source: Okayplayer, LA Times, and Black Eyed Peas official site

Thurs/Fri. 1/11 – 1/12

  • Ryan Reynolds reveals the new release date of Deadpool 2 will be May 18th instead of June 1st.
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According to Ryan Reynolds, the new release date for “Deadpool 2” is May 18th. The film was originally slated for a June 1st release. Image via Reynolds’ Instagram, @vancityreynolds
  • Top Dawg Entertainment pushed out another release from the soundtrack for Marvel’s Black Panther. The latest cut “King’s Dead” is by Jay Rock featuring Kendrick Lamar, Future, and James Blake. Check it out here.
  • The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul Mary J. Blige earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which also happened to be her 47th birthday too! 

That’s it for the second week of January! Thanks for tuning into TheOriginalChatman.com. Catch y’all next week!

-TheOriginalChatman™-

 

Weekly Wrap-up [Jan 1st- Jan. 5th]

TheOriginalChatman covers trending topics that took the Internet by storm for the first week of January.

For 2018, I have big plans for TheOriginalChatman™ brand. I’ll slowly reveal them as the year goes on, so be on the lookout! Until then, I’ll be blogging as much as I can during the week. Whenever posts are absent during the week, I’ll be blogging what you’ll be reading shortly: TheOriginalChatman’s Weekly Wrap-up. Check out the trending topics for the first week of January.

TUES. 12/9

1. Justin Timberlake announces new album, Man Of The Woods.

  • JT is looking to make 2018 his year! Five years after his two-part album The 20/20 Project, his new album Man Of The Woods drops on February 2nd—which is two days short of this year’s Super Bowl.
  • In a promo clip for MOTW , Timberlake cites this as his most “earthy” album ever as he runs thru snow-covered forests. Production is from superproducers Timbaland and The Neptunes (Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo).

Source: Billboard

2. Spike Lee’s “She’s Gotta Have It” has been renewed for a second season.

spike-lee-shes-gotta-have-it-6
Photo Credit: David Lee/Netflix
  • Spike Lee’s 1986 breakthrough film, She’s Gotta Have It (which chronicles a Brooklyn artist as she tries to juggle relationships with three different men), got the Netflix original series treatment over the Thanksgiving break. The first season aired on the popular streaming service with ten episodes.
  • Season two–which will be produced by Lee and his wife Tonya–will be two episodes shy of it’s ten-episode original season.

Source: Variety

3. Cardi B is the third artist in history to have her first 3 songs simultaneously inside Billboard Hot 100.

  • The Love & Hip Hop: New York reality TV star turned rapper keeps on winning!
  • “No Limit”, “Motorsport” and “Bodak Yellow” hit Billboard’s Hot 100 chart at numbers 4, 7, and 10, respectively. Cardi shared the news on her Instagram page.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BddqVB6BKTQ/?taken-by=iamcardib

  • Essence Ventures, LLC acquired Essence Communications from Time, Inc. which means that…
  • Essence Magazine has returned to being a fully black-owned company again!

Source: The Grio

THURS – SATURDAY [1/11 to 1/13]

  • Donald Glover’s FX comedy series Atlanta will be back for season 2 on March 1st. He also welcomed his second child this weekend also.

Source: Variety

atlanta-tv-show
Photo Credit: Courtesy of FX network
  • Kendrick Lamar and the TDE (Top Dawg Entertainment) camp will curate the soundtrack to Marvel’s Black Panther film which premieres on February 16th. 
  • Listen to the first track off the album called “All the Stars” featuring Kendrick and label mate SZA below.

Source: Stereogum

That’s it for the first week of January! Of course there were other prominent stories, but the these were the ones that stood out the most to me. Catch y’all next week!

– TheOriginalChatman™ –

Beyoncé, Eminem, The Weeknd, Travis Scott and more to headline Coachella and Governor’s Ball 2018

Three days into 2018, Coachella and Governor’s Ball have released their 2018 artists line-ups. Are y’all excited or could you care less?

Happy New Year everyone! Three days into 2018, and two big name music festivals have released their artist line-ups for their spring and summer shows. Music festivals come and go, but two of the greatest festivals out there are Coachella and Governor’s Ball.

Last year, she was pregnant with twins. This year she’s one of three major Coachella headliners. Beyoncé is back like she never left. Fresh off the heels of his latest album Revival, Eminem will headline The Governor’s Ball in addition to Coachella. The Weeknd will also join forces with Em and Bey at Coachella’s Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. Mark your calendars for April 13-15 and April 20-22. Check the full line-up below.

Coachella
Image via Twitter (@coachella)

Returning to Randall’s Island Park in New York City, The Governors Ball Music Festival will be June 1st-3rd. Travis Scott is headlining while other notable artists include N.E.R.D., 2 Chainz,DRAM, BROCKHAMPTON, Khalid, and several others. The poster below details more Governor’s Ball artists. What does everyone think of the line-ups for both festivals? Let me know in the comments below!

N.E.R.D. Reveals Tracklist For New Album “No_One Ever Really Dies” After Appearance At ComplexCon

N.E.R.D. has a new album on the way with features from Rihanna, Gucci Mane, Kendrick Lamar, Ed Sheeran and more.

Supergroup N.E.R.D. —which consist of Chad Hugo, Shay Haley and Pharrell— announced their fifth album “No_One Really Dies” at Complex’s second annual ComplexCon over the weekend. The convention kicked off in Long Beach, California. After releasing the Rihanna-assisted single and video for “Lemon”, the trio has kept up the momentum by releasing the tracklist for their new album. Feel free to watch the video for “Lemon” (check out below). Their new project has no release date as of yet!

1. Deep Down Body Thrust
2. Lemon f. Rihanna
3. Voilà f. Wale & Gucci Mane
4. 1000 f. Future
5. Don’t Do It f. Kendrick Lamar
6. Kites f. M.I.A. & Kendrick Lamar
7. ESP
8. Lightning Fire Magic Prayer
9. Rollinem 7’s f. Andre 3000
10. Lifting You f. Ed Sheeran
11. Secret Life of Tigers

Are y’all excited for the new album? Sound off in the comments below!

Source(s): HotNewHipHop, HipHopDX

‘Empire’ Season 4 Recap [with MINOR spoilers]

Season 4 of Empire premiered last check. Check out TheOriginalChatman’s review below. Warning…MAJOR spoilers!

FOX’s hit music drama Empire returned Wednesday (Sept. 27) switching time slots with its sister show, Star. Was the season 4 premiere a hit or a miss? Check out TheOriginalChatman’s review below! WA R N I N G ⇔ spoilers below!

First of all, I’m forever grateful for the “previously on…” recaps before every episode. They’ve been doing it seasons prior; however, the season 3 recap was much needed as I was unprepared for the somewhat emotional rollercoaster season 4 premiere laid out for us.

The season 3 finale went out with a bang..literally! Surviving a nasty explosion in Las Vegas last season lead to Luscious experiencing a mild case of amnesia. With his loss of memory came along empty memories of family, Empire, or life before the explosion.

That all changes when Luscious returns home from the hospital (in style being chauffeured inside a stretch limo— mean this is Empire after all!) with his attractive and extremely “hands-on” doctor Claudia, played by Demi Moore. More on Demi’s character later.

Empire
Terrance Howard and Taraji P. Henson returning as Cookie and Luscious for Wednesday’s season 4 premiere. Image credit goes to Chuck Hodes for FOX.

For starters, his role as an amnesiac seemed realistic for someone who survived a near-death experience. Nevertheless, I couldn’t shake the feeling that deep down he’s faking it for some hidden ultimatum. Why? Take for example the outside dinner scene near the pool. While Cookie, Andre, and Jamal took turns walking him thru the missing gaps of his memories, as expected it was youngest son Hakeem who pushed his father too far.

Storming away from the dinner table like a spoiled child, Luscious threatened to jump in the pool due to the family scaring him. The once mighty Luscious Lyon reacted like a baby cub. This scene altogether was the weakest; but the episode improves over the hour.

Furthermore, season after season, Luscious Lyon has illustrated himself as the ruthless villain constantly turning his back on family for personal gain. It’s quite understandable why I’ve jumped to this conclusion.

Dr. Claudia Takes The “Hands On” Approach Too Seriously

I’ma keep it short and sweet. Dr. Claudia and Luscious were more than likely knocking boots while on his road to recovery from amnesia. Watch how closely the two interact throughout the episode. I’d shoot my shot at my doctor if she looked as good as Demi Moore too! I ain’t mad at cha playa!

Remember #Cooscious?

How could we forget about #Cooscious (half Cookie, half Luscious)? Despite their various relationship road blocks, Cookie and Luscious were finally back on track after he poured his undying love out to her moments before the accident.  Cookie’s been one tough cookie (sorry for the lame pun!) for years, yet we see a softer side of her upon Luscious’s return. Hopefully we’ll see a reunion of love between the troubled yer star-crossed lovers.

The Lyons vs. The DuBois

Not to be ever underestimated, the first hip-hop of family was almost torn apart  last season as they met their match with The DuBois family. I think it’s great watching two powerful families go for each other’s throats and reach for the win—all for the respect of each family’s name of course. Diana DuBois, played by the legendary talent Phylicia Rashad, makes a return as an antagonist unlike ever before in the history of Empire.

The season 4 premiere didn’t seem quite as exciting as I hoped, but I have faith it’ll pick up over the next twelve episodes.

What did y’all think? Sound off in the comments below!

Kingsman: The Golden Circle–REVIEW

I just came home from seeing Kingsman: The Golden Circle. What follows is a honest spoiler-free review of the film starting Taron Egerton, Colin Firth, Halle Berry, Jeff Bridges and more.

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Similar to music, sports, or anything else pop culture related— sequels usually (but not every time) suck. However, Kingsman: The Golden Circle serves as a direct hit to its predecessor, Kingsman: The Secret Service. What makes the franchise so amazing is that it stands out from other spy film franchises such as 007 or The Bourne Identity. Although these franchises are great in their own way, the Kingsman relies on a less serious tone while also packing a punch with its brand of humor and action style.

Here’s a quick synopsis from IMDB:

When their headquarters are destroyed and the world is held hostage, the Kingsman’s journey leads them to the discovery of an allied spy organization in the US. These two elite secret organizations must band together to defeat a common enemy.

The main character is named “Eggsy”, so I shouldn’t have been surprised when new ones were woven into the story with names such as “Tequila”, “Champagne”, “Whiskey” or “Ginger Ale.”

In The Secret Service, character development was a necessity to push the plot forward. Regarding The Golden Circle—not so much. In my opinion, backstories or any type of character motivation was lazily meshed through for the sake of focusing on the action. 

Also, Julianne Moore as the villainous “Poppy” was a weird choice that didn’t sit right with me–but I ended up enjoying the movie and didn’t put too much thought into it as the film progressed.

Be sure to check out Kingsman: The Golden Circle sometime this weekend. Let me know what y’all think!

Converse Will Drop A New Line of Kicks Made of ACTUAL Jerseys!

Converse and the NBA will be dropping new NBA-influenced kicks to match the jerseys on 9/29! Cop or drop? Read more info on TheOriginalChatman.Com!

Anybody who knows me, knows that I’m not much of a sneakerhead; however, I’ll drop some bread if I’m really feeling the overall aesthetic of a certain pair of kicks. With that being said, I  have to let everyone know about the new line of kicks Converse is ready to drop within D A Y S so like myself, you too can make an informed decision if you want these kicks or not.

According to Complex’s sister site Sole Collector, Nike and its sister company Converse (Nike bought the legendary footwear company by in 2013 for $305 million–via The New York Times) are slated to drop new sneakers on Sept. 29th, the same day Nike’s NBA Connected Jersey is being released. The Converse NBA collection is composed of the Gameday, Legend, and Franchise versions of the shoe.

Here’s a quick summary of each variation of the Converse NBA collection:

The Chuck ’70 NBA Gameday

  • Individually numbered
  • Limited to 250 pairs
  • Made of authentic NBA jerseys
  • Backed with a leather lining. Leather interior features NBA logos plus the collaborative Converse x NBA woven labels under the shoe’s tongue.
Images via Nike.com
Image via Nike.com

The Chuck ’70 NBA Legend

  • For the “sophisticated fan”
  • Amazing leather upper
  • Highlights the winning legacies of the the Boston Celtics, the Chicago Bulls, the Golden State Warriors, the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The Chuck NBA Franchise

  • Represents 13 teams with embroidered logos 
  • Screen-printed details on the shoes’ uppers
  • Each outsole displays the given team’s city influence
  • Will include Nike’s signature Lunarlon sockliner and micro-suede internal lining strictly for comfort purposes.

As mentioned before, next Friday (Sept. 29th) is when Nike and Converse will bring us the heat with its new merch promoting the upcoming 2017-2018 NBA season. Will you guys cop or drop the merch when it releases? Sound off in the comments below!

Source(s): Sole Collector, Nike.com

 

 

Will Smith Says Barrack Obama Gave Him the Green Light to Portray Him In A Movie

According to Will Smith, Barrack Obama gave him the green light to play him in a future movie role. It’d be a hit for sure!

I don’t know about y’all, but I definitely miss Barrack as our president. He exemplified the embodiment of grown man swag–plus he was the coolest president ever on so many levels! It’s only a matter of time before we are blessed with a movie focused on his life as the 44th POTUS.

While not currently official, Will Smith shared with The Late Late Show host James Corden that Barrack Obama granted Smith the permission to portray him in a movie role in the future. It was during Tuesday’s (August 8th) debut episode of Corden’s wildly successful Carpool Karaoke segment—which is now a stand-alone show on Apple Music—in which Smith jokingly revealed the news.

“I talked to Barack about it. He told me that he felt confident that I had the ears for that role.” Watch the first Carpool Karaoke episode below!

 

 

 

 

 

Source: The Fader