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When It Comes to Conquering Hollywood, Jay Ellis Is Feeling Secure
“I always wanted to act,” Jay Ellis tells The Root while reminiscing about his earliest aspirations. “I had taken a couple of random theater classes as electives when I was in college, but I [also] played college basketball. I couldn’t tell my teammates ‘Yo, y’all want to come check me out in Jesus Christ Superstar?’”…
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With a New EP and Rihanna's Stamp of Approval, Bia Is Aiming to Become the 'Best on Earth'
Musician Bia has been waiting in the wings for her moment to arrive, and it appears it’s finally here. The bubbly 28-year-old initially got her start as a cast member on the first two seasons of Oxygen’s T.I.-produced show, Sisterhood of Hip-Hop, alongside artists like Crime Mob’s Diamond and Missy Elliott protégé Brianna Perry. She…
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A National Holiday: Dr. Dre's 'The Chronic' Will Hit All Streaming Services on 4/20
Although it’s been on Apple Music for a few years now, Dr. Dre’s debut studio album The Chronic will be available on all streaming platforms later this month. Per Entertainment One (eOne), the album will be released to streaming services on, you guessed it, 4/20 (or April 20, if you’re not into that sort of…
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![Usher Launches #ClimaxChallenge After The Weeknd Claims He Inspired the 2012 Song [Updated]](https://assets-server.theroot.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/25192133/lgi3ksjgzoed69tte6cw-1024x512.jpg)
Usher Launches #ClimaxChallenge After The Weeknd Claims He Inspired the 2012 Song [Updated]
In a recent interview with Variety, The Weeknd got candid about the far-reaching influence of his despondent alt-R&B sound, which he believes began with his 2011 project House of Balloons. Per the musician (born Abel Tesfaye), the R&B game took a dark turn, which he thinks is the direct result of the acclaimed mixtape. To…
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Kobe Bryant's Latest Children's Book Tops New York Times Bestseller List
The legacy of Kobe Bryant continues to live on. The legendary athlete, Oscar-winner and author has added another New York Times bestselling book to his long list of accomplishments. According to Deadline, Bryant’s latest page-turner in his Wizenard series of books titled Season One hit No. 1 on the coveted list. The series caters to…
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Lil Nas X Initially Planned to Take the Secret of His Sexuality to the Grave
It’s been a little more than a year since Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” rode into our hearts, making the newcomer an overnight sensation, and later, a Grammy winner and history-maker. The song spent the longest consecutive number of weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, spending 19 weeks at No. 1. The Atlanta native…
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The True King of R&B, O.T. Genasis Returns With His Rendition of a Mariah Carey Classic
Around Christmastime, rapper, new father and Crip extraordinaire O.T. Genasis gifted fans with a spirited take on Keyshia Cole’s “Love” titled “Never Knew.” Much to our delight (and Cole’s chagrin), O.T. took the original lyrics and made them gang-friendly, while also showing off his incredible singing pipes. “It’s killin’ me, a third-degree, I shot my…
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Kanye West, Mariah Carey, Tyler Perry Will Reportedly Join In on Joel Osteen's Easter Sunday Service
Renowned pastor and televangelist Joel Osteen is not letting the COVID-19 calamity impact his upcoming Easter Sunday service, and by the sound of what he’s reportedly planning to do, it looks like this will be a big event. Per TMZ, Osteen’s Lakewood Church in Houston will host a virtual version of Kanye West’s Sunday Service,…
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Understandable AF: Issa Rae Tells Teen Vogue Why Insecure Was on Hiatus
Actress, writer and overall busy bee Issa Rae graces the April cover of Teen Vogue, where she discusses Insecure’s highly-anticipated return, her blossoming film career and more. Much to the chagrin of its fans, the beloved HBO series—which kicks off its fourth season on Sunday, April 12—has been on hiatus since 2018. In the issue,…
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SNL's Michael Che Loses Grandmother to COVID-19
Saturday Night Live head writer and “Weekend Update” anchor Michael Che took to Instagram to disclose that his grandmother lost her battle with COVID-19. In a two-slide post uploaded on Monday, the comedian wrote that he’s still trying to grapple with his devastating loss. “I’m obviously very hurt and angry that she had to go…
