Kendrick Lamar Takes Down Drake at Concert, Nara Smith Contro Grows On Tiktok, Janet Jackson’s Fans Poke Fun of Justin Timberlake’s Arrest and More

A collection of the Root’s best Entertainment posts of the week in entertainment

Photo: Getty Images Paras Griffin

Like Katt Williams, ‘Friday’s’ Felicia Spills the Tea on What Really Made Steve Harvey Successful

Photo: Getty Images Paras Griffin Photo: Getty Images Paras Griffin

Steve Harvey may be one of Hollywood’s most booked and busy comedians, but how he got there may be worth looking at through a critical eye thanks to a new interview. – Shanelle Genai Read More

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Amanda Warren Admits There’s No Living Without These 3 Fashion Must-Haves

Missy Elliott Opens Up For the First Time About Her Shocking Diagnosis

Photo: Getty Images Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Something in the Water Photo: Getty Images Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Something in the Water

Missy Elliott is one of the greatest rappers of all time — let alone female rappers — so it’s cool to see that she’ll be getting her just due with her first-ever tour as a headlining act. – Noah A. McGee Read More

Black Tiktok Drama: Is Colorism Why We Know Nara Smith and not Onezwa Mbola?

Screenshot: @naraazizasmith and @onezwambola Screenshot: @naraazizasmith and @onezwambola

You probably recognize Nara Smith from her “made from scratch” TikTok recipes for bubble gum and bread. You could also know her and her husband, Lucky Blue Smith, for their children’s unique names: Whimsy Lou, Rumble Honey and Slim Easy. – Phenix S Halley Read More

Racists Are Review Bombing Black-led Star Wars Series ‘The Acolyte’ Despite High Ratings From Real Critics

Image: Getty Images Roy Rochlin Image: Getty Images Roy Rochlin

The Star Wars fandom continues to embarrass itself. The latest series in the franchise, “The Acolyte,” has fallen victim to yet another review-bombing campaign from the audience — an unfortunate practice that’s often rooted in racism and misogyny. – Jared Alexander Read More

Kendrick Lamar Destroys Drake at ‘The Pop Out’ Set And Black Twitter Has All the Jokes

Photo: Getty Images Astrida Valigorsky Photo: Getty Images Astrida Valigorsky

At what point during Wednesday’s “The Pop Out” concert do you think Drake was rethinking all his life choices? Was it when 17,000 people rapped the lyrics to a six and half minute diss track? Was it the third, fourth or fifth time Kendrick Lamar dropped “Not Like Us” to close the show? Either way, what we all witnessed was one man bringing out all his friends to enthusiastically dance on another man’s grave. – Stephanie Holland Read More

Kenya Moore’s Shocking Alleged Party Stunt Got Her In Big Trouble With ‘RHOA’

Image: Getty Images Prince Williams Image: Getty Images Prince Williams

Bravo cameras were rolling at Kenya Moore’s grand opening of the Kenya Moore Hair Spa when the Real Housewives of Atlanta star allegedly revealed posters of new cast member Brittany Eady performing oral sex, according to People. – Phenix S Halley Read More

Karma? Janet Jackson Fans Are Having Fun With Justin Timberlake’s DUI Arrest

Photo: Getty Images Jeff Kravitz Photo: Getty Images Jeff Kravitz

Turns out 2024 is the year of airing grievances. From Katt Williams, to Kendrick Lamar and now, Janet Jackson fans, it’s time for everyone to get their shit off. The latest famous name to find themselves in the crosshairs is Justin Timberlake. – Stephanie Holland Read More

Caroline Chikezie on ‘Power Book II: Ghost’ and Her Role as Noma

Caroline Chikezie talks ‘Power Book II: Ghost’ and what to expect from her character in the final season of the show.

David Alan Grier on ‘The American Society of Magical Negroes’ and ‘In Living Color’

David Alan Grier talks ‘The American Society of Magical Negroes’ and reveals what he thinks about the idea of a revival of ‘In Living Color’.

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All the Fly Fashions Fans Are Popping Out With to See New Michael Jackson Movie

All the Fly Fashions Fans Are Popping Out With to See New Michael Jackson Movie

Fans are showing up and showing all the way out to go see the new Michael Jackson movie. But if you don’t know what to wear, don’t worry—we got you! …
From the 'Red Record' to the iPhone: 15 Times Journalism Saved Black Lives

From the ‘Red Record’ to the iPhone: 15 Times Journalism Saved Black Lives

Take a look at the investigative work that has and continues to shape the Black experience in this country …
How Ryan Clark Went From NFL Star to Media Mogul

How Ryan Clark Went From NFL Star to Media Mogul

The Emmy-winning analyst is bridging the gap between authenticity and expert analysis, one viral conversation at a time …
Can Democrats Flip Senate From Republicans? The Four Key Seats They Need

Can Democrats Flip Senate From Republicans? The Four Key Seats They Need

Democrats haven’t had a clear majority in the U.S. Senate in years… but now, a perfect storm is brewing which would finally put them at an advantage …
Brian McKnight Stirs Up New Drama With Son, and Fans Are Fed Up

Brian McKnight Stirs Up New Drama With Son, and Fans Are Fed Up

Drama is still brewing between Brian McKnight and his oldest son, and the singer’s latest lawsuit has outraged the internet. Here’s what we know …
Exclusive: ACLU Animator Dishes on New Series That Educates Kids on Their Constitutional Rights

Exclusive: ACLU Animator Dishes on New Series That Educates Kids on Their Constitutional Rights

After launching “Know Your Rights University” with the ACLU, Black animator Brandon Lake spoke with us about what it took to get to this point …
The Gut-Wrenching Crisis of Deed Theft in New York, Snatching Black Families from the Homes They’ve Owned for Generations

The Gut-Wrenching Crisis of Deed Theft in New York, Snatching Black Families from the Homes They’ve Owned for Generations

Long-standing Black homeowners in Brooklyn are being targeted by deed theft scams that have led to the loss of their most valuable asset …
This 82-Year-Old Black Fitness Influencer's Workout Routine Will Shock You

This 82-Year-Old Black Fitness Influencer’s Workout Routine Will Shock You

82-year-old fitness influencer Annie Judis is motivating folks to stay healthy with her impressive workout routine …
Who Is D4vd? The Texas Singer Being Investigated for Murder

Who Is D4vd? The Texas Singer Being Investigated for Murder

D4vd has been arrested in connection with the death of Celeste Rivas. Now, we’re catching you up on everything that led to his arrest …
With Virginia Redistricting Win, Democrats Are Playing Hardball, and They May Have One Black State Senator to Thank

With Virginia Redistricting Win, Democrats Are Playing Hardball, and They May Have One Black State Senator to Thank

Twenty-five years after Republicans redrew Virginia voting maps to shut out a Black female senator, it seems the Democrats are back with a vengeance in 2026 …
Black Woman Changes Her Race on Hinge and the Results Reveal a Startling Truth

Black Woman Changes Her Race on Hinge and the Results Reveal a Startling Truth

If you’re a Black woman failing to get matches on dating apps, it might be because the apps algorithm is hiding your profile …
Solange Debuts New Shaved Hairstyle, But You'll Never Guess How Mom Tina Knowles Responds

Solange Debuts New Shaved Hairstyle, But You’ll Never Guess How Mom Tina Knowles Responds

Solange has never shied away from trying new styles and new looks. And this time around, her mother Tina is sharing some interesting insight about her latest choice! …
Expert: Abuse Rarely Starts With Bruises—Here’s How to Recognize It and Leave Safely

Expert: Abuse Rarely Starts With Bruises—Here’s How to Recognize It and Leave Safely

We spoke with a gender-based violence prevention expert about how abuse starts long before violence becomes visible. She outlines early warning signs and steps for safely leaving …
New Development in Rihanna Home Shooting Suspect—And Things Aren't Looking Good

New Development in Rihanna Home Shooting Suspect—And Things Aren’t Looking Good

Things are steadily going on a downward spiral for Ivana Ortiz, the woman accused of shooting Rihanna’s LA home in March. Here’s the latest …
Exclusive: Scott Evans Breaks Down How He Created a Safe Space For Black Stars on His Viral YouTube Series

Exclusive: Scott Evans Breaks Down How He Created a Safe Space For Black Stars on His Viral YouTube Series

In an exclusive interview, Scott Evans details his journey as an influential Black media figure and his ultimate duty to the Black community …
Why You Should Not Listen To The Critics Of Michael

Why You Should Not Listen To The Critics Of Michael

Critics are arguing with a movie that was never trying to be what they wanted …
Black Woman Chased by Zara Employees Speaks Out After Viral Mall Incident

Black Woman Chased by Zara Employees Speaks Out After Viral Mall Incident

“Shopping while Black” strikes again after a Black woman went viral being chased out of a Zara store for alleged theft, which police later determined was baseless …
Janet Jackson Responds to Teyana Taylor's Recreation of One of Her Iconic '90s Looks

Janet Jackson Responds to Teyana Taylor’s Recreation of One of Her Iconic ’90s Looks

Teyana Taylor has paid homage to Janet Jackson before, but this time around she’s recreating yet another iconic look! And now Janet herself and fans all over are speaking out about it …
How Trump’s Budget Cuts Are Directly Linked to Hundreds of Thousands of Preventable Deaths

How Trump’s Budget Cuts Are Directly Linked to Hundreds of Thousands of Preventable Deaths

16.5 million uninsured. Toxic air. Global famine. The high price of Trump’s 2026 budget is paid in American lives— and its only getting worse …
Popular Civil Rights Nonprofit’s Shocking Connections to the Ku Klux Klan Alleged in DOJ Indictment

Popular Civil Rights Nonprofit’s Shocking Connections to the Ku Klux Klan Alleged in DOJ Indictment

After the FBI severed ties with Southern Poverty Law Center in October, an 11-count indictment against the civil rights nonprofit is now raising serious alarms …