-
![Oscars 2021: Andra Day Never Lied [Updated]](https://assets-server.theroot.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/25160933/apjv6jvm1cilm9idgzqn-1024x575.jpg)
Oscars 2021: Andra Day Never Lied [Updated]
Writer’s Note: I wrote this recap in real-time as the Oscars telecast aired on Sunday night. Therefore, this started out one way and ended up in a completely different direction. What is that feeling America constantly gives Black folks? It’s a combination of “not surprised, but still disgusted?” Yeah… that’s what happened on Sunday night.…
-
Can You Copyright Dance Moves? 'Single Ladies', 'Formation' and 'WAP' Choreographer JaQuel Knight Made History Doing Just That
You can’t hear the rhythmic “oh-oh-OH-oh-oh-OHHH-oh-oh-oh…” in Beyoncé’s hit single, “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” without busting those now-iconic dance moves (heavily inspired by Bob Fosse), right? Well, you have one man to thank for that—JaQuel Knight. Recognizing the power of that longevity and visibility, Knight has made history as the first choreographer…
-
Cast of I May Destroy You Breaks New Ground as Best Ensemble at the 2021 Film Independent Spirit Awards
One of the few major awards ceremonies that doesn’t take itself too seriously, the Film Independent Spirit Awards happened on Thursday night, and we have some Black-ass winners to celebrate. HBO’s acclaimed series (which has mostly been neglected this awards season, save for GLAAD and NAACP, to the frustration of many fans, including me), I…
-
Digital Underground's Shock G, AKA 'Humpty Hump', Dead at 57
Shock G, musician, rapper, producer and the eccentric frontman of legendary hip-hop group Digital Underground has died at the age of 57, the New York Times confirms. Shock G was found dead on Thursday at a hotel located in Tampa, Fla., as confirmed by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. The office has not provided a…
-
Honoring a Forever Ruff Ryder: Here's How to Watch DMX's Public Memorial Service
This weekend, fans of the late Earl “DMX” Simmons will have our own Ruff Ryders’ role—to honor the life and legacy of a hip-hop great. Recently, the family of DMX announced that the beloved entertainer’s public memorial service would be held on April 24 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, with more details to follow. According…
-
National Museum of African American Music to Honor Quincy Jones, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson and Fisk Jubilee Singers
The National Museum of African American Music has chosen this year’s recipients of its Rhapsody & Rhythm Awards, and the selection is elite! On Wednesday, NMAAM announced it will honor Quincy Jones, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson and the Fisk Jubilee Singers, per Billboard. Aptly celebrating Black Music Month, the recipients will receive their honors at…
-
'Take a Look'…at the Upcoming Guest Hosts of Jeopardy!—LeVar Burton and Robin Roberts!
Finally, it’s happening to us right in front of our faces! If you recall correctly, after tragically losing our beloved Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek—and it was confirmed that the game show series would continue—difficult discussion began around who would make a formidable host to take the torch forward. Back in November of last year, fans…
-
Entitled Mediocre White Men Join Writers’ Room for Fantasy TV Series Called Reverse Racism
Sometimes, I fantasize about writers’ rooms. As a creative person, I thoroughly enjoy the collaborative nature of the entertainment industry. Yes, even as a writer who typically does most of their work in a solitary state, there is nothing like immersing yourself in the creative energy of a film set or bouncing ideas around in…
-
![It's Not Handled: Judy Smith—Yes, the Real-Life Olivia Pope—Quit Because Even She Can't Fix the HFPA Anymore [Updated]](https://assets-server.theroot.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/25161142/jnxz9uibnlyvxcwe5i0o-1024x576.png)
It's Not Handled: Judy Smith—Yes, the Real-Life Olivia Pope—Quit Because Even She Can't Fix the HFPA Anymore [Updated]
Do you hear that? That’s the sound of the camera shutter clicking as we transition to the next scene in Shonda Rhimes’ Scandal—actually, it’s the sound of transition for the real-life inspiration behind Olivia Pope, author and crisis management expert Judy Smith because she is parting ways with her clients at the Hollywood Foreign Press…
-
How It Feels To Breathe a Brief Sigh of Relief After Inhaling America's Bile, According to Black Twitter
Three counts. Derek Chauvin is (legally) a murderer. He murdered George Floyd. On Tuesday evening, Chauvin was convicted on all three counts—second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter. Black Twitter had their collective eyes on their respective screens watching to see the results from the ongoing live-streamed trial. We heard the verdict for three separate counts.…
