JHud and Common in Love, 50 Cent Looking Different, Black Oscar Snubs, Celeb Beefs and More

A collection of our best posts of the week in Black entertainment news.

Photo: Getty Images Shareif Ziyadat/Getty Images

50 Cent Is the Latest Celeb to Look …Different

Photo: Getty Images Shareif Ziyadat/Getty Images Photo: Getty Images Shareif Ziyadat/Getty Images

Rapper 50 Cent seems to have joined—or very possibly not— an ever-growing list of celebrities who look … well … different. Like Oprah’s stunning weight transformation at nearly 70 years old, and let’s not forget the changing looks of Jennifer Hudson, Mariah Carey, Anthony Anderson, Sheryl Underwood and many more, 50 Cent definitely looks … well … different. And that’s just fine by us. – Emell Adolphus Read More

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Marvin Sapp Turns Viral Controversy Into A Song — But Not Everyone’s Praising Him

Here’s What Shannon Sharpe Thought of the ‘SNL’ Katt Williams Parody

Photo: Lauren Clements/NBC Photo: Lauren Clements/NBC

With the whole world still talking about Katt Williams’ wild appearance on “Club Shay Shay,” you knew it was only a matter of time before the interview got the “SNL” treatment. On Saturday, the long-running sketch comedy series dropped a ridiculous pre-taped parody of the interview. Ego Nwodim was hilarious as Williams and Devon Walker portrayed a spot on Shannon Sharpe. The clip pokes fun at the comedian’s wild claims about Kevin Hart, Steve Harvey and himself, featuring an increasingly over the top series of lies and conspiracy theories. – Stephanie Holland Read More

Common Is So Into Jennifer Hudson, But Is He A ‘Love Addict’ Or Simply For The Streets?

Photo: Getty Images Allen Berezovsky Photo: Getty Images Allen Berezovsky

In a preview clip of Monday’s episode of “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” Common and Hudson apparently confirmed their rumored relationship. Not only did the rapper give her flowers, but he alluded to their union when asked by Hudson. – Candace McDuffie Read More

2024 Oscars Snubs: Here Are the Black Stars, Films That Should’ve Made the Cut

Photo: Getty Images Mat Hayward for IMDb; Frazer Harrison Photo: Getty Images Mat Hayward for IMDb; Frazer Harrison

On Tuesday, the nominees for the 96th annual Oscars were revealed and some of our Black faves from this awards season got their rightly deserved recognition. – Shanelle Genai Read More

Shannon Sharpe Still Has Much To Say About Katt Williams and That Club Shay Shay Interview

Screenshot: YouTube: Club Shay Shay Screenshot: YouTube: Club Shay Shay

 It’s only the third week of January, and it’s been Shannon Sharpe’s best year ever.

Just three days into the new year, Sharpe dropped his Club Shay Shay interview with Katt Williams. Nearly three hours of candid (and often venomous) name-dropping made the interview most talked-about piece of media this month. Having netted more than 54 million views, the interview has shown few signs of slowdown. – Dustin J. Seibert Read More

The Evolution of Colman Domingo

Photo: Getty Images Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic Photo: Getty Images Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Colman Domingo, 54, has stuns on the big screen and on red carpets. From “Rustin” to “The Color Purple” and “Euphoria” — his iconic roles have certainly caught our attention. But Domingo wasn’t always the rising star we see today. – Jessica Washington Read More

2024 Oscars: All the Black Nominees

Photo: Seacia Pavao/Focus Features Photo: Seacia Pavao/Focus Features

After a long awards season road, we’ve finally come to the last stop. Tuesday morning, Zazie Beetz (“Atlanta”) and Jack Quaid (“The Boys”) announced the nominees for the 96th Oscars. To the surprise of no one, “Oppenheimer” leads all films with 13 nominations. It’s up for Best Picture against “American Fiction;” “Anatomy of a Fall;” “Barbie;” “The Holdovers;” “Killers of the Flower Moon;” “Maestro;” “Past Lives;” “Poor Things;” and “The Zone of Interest.” – Stephanie Holland Read More

Hold Up: Did You Know Sheryl Lee Ralph and Diana Ross Had Beef Back In the Day?

Photo: Getty Images Michael Tullberg/FilmMagic; Kevin Winter for The Recording Academy Photo: Getty Images Michael Tullberg/FilmMagic; Kevin Winter for The Recording Academy

In news that can only be described as “girl, what you mean!?” news, Emmy-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph revealed that she and fellow icon Diana Ross had beef way back in the day. – Shanelle Genai Read More

Desus Nice Shares Funny Tidbits From His Life, Has A New TUMS Gig & More …

Nice talks about the TUMS Props Bites contest ahead of the Super Bowl and what David Letterman said to him that made him feel seen.

Why is Tina Knowles Beefing with Janet Jackson Fans?

Photo: Getty Images Kevin Winter / Staff Photo: Getty Images Kevin Winter / Staff

Tina Knowles may have unintentionally started a fan war! After liking a post from a Janet Jackson fan disapproving of the “Rhythm Nation” singer’s ticket prices, Knowles found herself in some hot water. Here’s how it all went down… – Amira Castilla Read More

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

The Most Influential Black Leaders and Celebs Share 100 Life-Changing Lessons

The Most Influential Black Leaders and Celebs Share 100 Life-Changing Lessons

The Root Exclusive Series: Black History Month was established 100 years ago, in February 1926. To commemorate this momentous occasion, 100 Black thought leaders and creators share their collective wisdom and insight for the culture in this ongoing series …
Black Stars Who Shined on the 2026 African-American Film Critics Association Red Carpet

Black Stars Who Shined on the 2026 African-American Film Critics Association Red Carpet

The 2026 African-American Film Critics Association boasted more than its fair share of notable Black celebs. Let’s get into their red carpet looks! …
Black American Spies and Why They Were The Best

Black American Spies and Why They Were The Best

Black spies used their invisibility in plain sight to carry out some of the nation’s most important war efforts …
How Dave Chappelle Created His Own Liberal Town  in a Sea of Trump Supporters

How Dave Chappelle Created His Own Liberal Town in a Sea of Trump Supporters

More than two decades ago, comedian Dave Chappelle put down roots in a small Ohio town – and now he owns most of it …
You'll Never Believe What Happened to Da Brat, Her Wife After Having A Son From White Sperm Donor

You’ll Never Believe What Happened to Da Brat, Her Wife After Having A Son From White Sperm Donor

After Rapper Da Brat and her wife Jessica ‘Judy’ Dupart revealed they used a white sperm donor to bring their son into the world, the unthinkable happened! …
BHM 2026: Black History Documentaries That <i>Won't</i> Traumatize You

BHM 2026: Black History Documentaries That Won’t Traumatize You

We know Black history often means reliving the traumatizing experiences and of our past, but check out these Black documentaries focused on celebrating Black culture without an emphasis on pain …
Detroit Police Shot a Mother Six Times, Now She's Coming For a Big Payday

Detroit Police Shot a Mother Six Times, Now She’s Coming For a Big Payday

What started as a routine traffic stop for Tracey Allen ended in a nightmare after a Detroit police officer shot her six times …
After Trump Uninvited Gov. Wes Moore From White House Dinner, These White Governors Take a Stand

After Trump Uninvited Gov. Wes Moore From White House Dinner, These White Governors Take a Stand

Trump has excluded all Democratic governors from the traditional White House meeting, breaking the longstanding bipartisan tradition …
Candace Owens Trashes the MAGA-Friendly Kid Rock Super Bowl Halftime Show, and It's Not Pretty

Candace Owens Trashes the MAGA-Friendly Kid Rock Super Bowl Halftime Show, and It’s Not Pretty

Candace Owens bashes the Turning Point USA show by calling it a scam and “corny capitalism.” …
Halle Berry Fiercely Responds to Reporter's Comment About Her Age -- and Phew!

Halle Berry Fiercely Responds to Reporter’s Comment About Her Age — and Phew!

Halle Berry may be a veteran in Hollywood and used to dealing with the media. But there’s one thing she’s absolutely done with and now, she sounding the alarm on it! …
What Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Performance Says About Who Shapes Today's Mainstream

What Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Performance Says About Who Shapes Today’s Mainstream

From record-breaking viewership to a fully Spanish performance, Bad Bunny’s halftime show didn’t just entertain — it sent a clear signal about where cultural influence lives today …
NY Principal Under Fire After Audit Discovers Misappropriated Funds

NY Principal Under Fire After Audit Discovers Misappropriated Funds

Wyandanch Memorial High School community members were shocked after the principal became the subject of a massive financial audit …
A Black Man in Virginia Purchased a House, Later Realizing His Ancestors Were Once Enslaved on the Property

A Black Man in Virginia Purchased a House, Later Realizing His Ancestors Were Once Enslaved on the Property

Fred Miller bought a home in Virginia and later discovered that his family’s history of enslavement was tied to the very property …
Why Lewis Hamilton, Kim Kardashian Sighting Is Sparking Concerns of the 'Kardashian Curse?'

Why Lewis Hamilton, Kim Kardashian Sighting Is Sparking Concerns of the ‘Kardashian Curse?’

F1 Driver Lewis Hamilton has garnered a good name for himself thanks to his talents and philanthropic endeavors. Which makes his potential partnership with Kim Kardashian that much more puzzling …
Before You Bother Watching, Here's a Recap of Everything from MAGA's All-American Super Bowl Halftime

Before You Bother Watching, Here’s a Recap of Everything from MAGA’s All-American Super Bowl Halftime

I watched Turning Point USA’s “All American” halftime show so you don’t have to… You’re welcome …
The Apartment Brawl in Houston That Left One Girl Dead and Why a 10-Year-Old Claims Self-Defense

The Apartment Brawl in Houston That Left One Girl Dead and Why a 10-Year-Old Claims Self-Defense

A 10-year-old allegedly admitted to stabbing Riley DeArmas, 13, during a brawl near a Houston apartment complex. But he’s claiming self-defense …
Veteran D.C. Reporter Leon Harris Shares an Update Following a Terrifying On-Air Scare

Veteran D.C. Reporter Leon Harris Shares an Update Following a Terrifying On-Air Scare

After a terrifying on-air scare led him to focus on his struggles with alcohol abuse, veteran journalist Leon Harris is sharing an update …
White Olympic Figure Skater Praised For a Dangerous Backflip -- That a Black Woman Was Penalized For Decades Ago

White Olympic Figure Skater Praised For a Dangerous Backflip — That a Black Woman Was Penalized For Decades Ago

Before Ilia Malinin “made history” with a backflip, Surya Bonaly — a Black Olympic figure skater — risked everything performing the same move in 1998 …
Kendrick Lamar Set the Super Bowl Halftime Show Bar, Bad Bunny Just Raised It

Kendrick Lamar Set the Super Bowl Halftime Show Bar, Bad Bunny Just Raised It

Kendrick Lamar and Bad Bunny created back-to-back halftime shows that centered Black and Brown people, not white comfort …
The Story Behind Whitney Houston’s Iconic 1991 Super Bowl Look -- and Coco Jones’ Beautiful Tribute 35 Years Later

The Story Behind Whitney Houston’s Iconic 1991 Super Bowl Look — and Coco Jones’ Beautiful Tribute 35 Years Later

Coco Jones delivered a soul-stirring rendition of the Black National Anthem at the Super Bowl in a look that paid tribute to Whitney Houston’s 1991 performance …