Doja Cat is defining her sound ahead of her upcoming album’s release.
Source: Taylor Hill / Getty
During a recent interview with CBS News Sunday Morning, the artist was asked which music genre best describes her sound.
“Pop. I think I’m a rapper who makes pop music,” the Grammy winner responded.
This clarification straight from the source comes as she gears up for her next era, preparing to drop her highly anticipated album, Vie, on Sept. 26. This project will mark her first full-length release since 2023’s Scarlet.
More details about the album have been kept fairly private, but Doja has teased that the album will showcase her continued evolution as both a lyricist and a performer. In another interview with V magazine, she explained that this project will see her return to her pop roots while adding in some influences of ’70s music.
“I wanted to play with that nostalgia by using these lo-fi sounds and samples and things that reminded you of something from your childhood, but it wasn’t on the nose ’80s,” she said.
Elsewhere in her interview with CBS Sunday Morning, Doja Cat spoke at length about her love of mixing pop, jazz, R&B and hip-hop in her music. But, while she’s open to trying almost anything, she did admit that there’s one genre she “won’t do.”
“Country,” she answered before bursting out laughing.
Doja went on to explain that her last album was more of a departure from her signature blend of pop and hip-hop, while Vie is a return to form.
“It’s taken until the beginning of this next album, Vie, to appreciate my older stuff,” she said on the show, admitting that she used to dislike one of her biggest hits, “Say So,” because of its mainstream sound. “I think [this album] was a return to that.”
“‘Cause Scarlet was sort of this release of energy that was very different from all of that,” the rapper added. “I feel like I’m in a place where I want to do what I know.”
A coalition of over 200 New York City public charter schools marched across the Brooklyn Bridge last week in what school networks are calling a show of support for a “child’s right to learn” and opponents have labeled as forced advocacy.
Eva Moskowitz, founder and CEO of Success Academy — after hosting organizer webinars, sending SOS emails to supporters, family and faculty, and allegedly admonishing employees for failing to lobby elected officials to her — rallied on Sept. 18 with some 15,000 students, parents and staff, then “marched for excellence” from Brooklyn to Printing House Square, just outside New York’s City Hall.
The rally was described by organizers as an opportunity for advocates to “raise their voices in unity” and send a message demanding “excellence as a civil right,” as well as “equal treatment and access to excellent schools.”
Supporters said the rally was an opportunity to demand equal treatment of and access to charter schools. Photo by Jonathan Portee
“This rally is about equity, justice and opportunity,” said Samantha Robin, a parent at Dream Charter School. “Parents deserve the freedom to choose schools that honor their children’s genius, their culture, and their potential.”
With mere weeks before the New York City mayoral election, charter schools, facing the prospect of a new mayor opposed to their expansion in Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, are framing the “March for Excellence” rally as part of a yearslong larger fight for the equal treatment of charter school students.
The rally comes at a delicate moment for the charter sector. Charters, which are publicly funded and privately run, serve 15% of city students but have experienced slowed growth in enrollment since the pandemic, according to research from the New York City Charter School Center.
Mamdani, the only major mayoral candidate running in November, has been critical of charters. He centered his education platform on universal child care and has been vocal about his intention to review charter school funding as mayor.
Thousands of people attended the rally and march.Photo courtesy of March for ExcellenceSuccess Ccademy CEO Eva Moskowitz, who organized the rally and allegedly demanded that Success students and teachers attend. Photo by Jonathan Portee
Supporters in attendance included Rafiq Kalam Id-Din, Chair of the Black, Latinx, and Asian Charter Collaborative; Leslie-Bernard Joseph, CEO of KIPP NYC public schools; and many charter school families and faculty, who were instructed on organizing and staying on message throughout the event.
Rumors circulated online that faculty attendance at the rally was compulsory.
In the r/survivingsuccess group on Reddit, one user’s simple question concerning the veracity of the claim sent members of the small but sprawling community of current and former charter school teachers into a frenzy.
Reporting that details internal emails and other documents about the event suggest a coordinated effort to pressure employees into participating and coerce students into demonstrating what the charters are calling targeted advocacy.
Will Doyle, 21, grew up attending public schools in the Bay Ridge area. Now a first-year teacher with Success Academy in Sheepshead Bay, Doyle explained the reason for the rally.
A number of charter schools canceled classes for the day and brought students to the rally instead. Photo by Jonathan Portee
“We’re here advocating for charter schools, but I do know that with the mayoral elections coming up, some candidates oppose the expansion of charter schools,” Doyle said. “From what I’ve heard, mayoral candidate Mamdani seeks to oppose the expansion of charter schools. I don’t have a source for that, but I have done some personal research. I don’t know if he’s the only one.”
Doyle said he was happy to attend the rally because he works for a charter school and all employees are required to attend these events as part of their job.
An operations associate with Success, who asked not to remain anonymous, echoed that the event was planned due to a general concern about “certain candidates” in the upcoming election. The associate noted that Success Academy is trying to show a presence for the cause of charter schools.
“I think that [charters] definitely would advocate that they need more money and space. But I think the big thing is just accounting for future challenges,” he said.
Rallygoers marched across the Brooklyn Bridge to Manhattan after the Cadman Plaza event. Photo by Jonathan Portee
While the repercussions for skipping the rally may not seem swift or severe, staff at the charters have said they worry about the condition of their working environments should they opt not to attend the rally.
“I think that there is pressure. I know that it might not reflect directly on your employment, but it’ll reflect on your experience in the school building if you weren’t going to be here,” the associate said.
CUNY law professor David Bloomfield told Gothamist that under laws governing nonprofits, charters can require staff to participate in demonstrations if they are advocating for the schools, rather than speaking in support or opposition to a political candidate.
Documents obtained by a reporter for Labor New York showed that Zeta Charter elementary and middle schoolers had classroom instruction canceled for the day and instead were scheduled to participate in a “school-on-a-bus” civics lesson, suggesting the event was part of the school’s curriculum for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Some lawmakers are calling for an investigation of the event, which they said was a “misuse” of public funds. Photo by Jonathan Portee
Pop-up tents for rally “marshals” to hand out water, snacks, and protest signs were scattered around Cadman Plaza Park. First-year parents and teachers showed little hesitation in sharing their excitement about the event, while members of the charter system with more than a year under their belt were often skittish about sharing their reasons for attending.
A day after the rally, two lawmakers — state Sens. John Liu and Shelley Mayer, who chair the senate’s education committee — called for an investigation of the event, which they said had been an “egregious misuse of instructional time and state funds.”
The pair said in a letter that the state provides public funding to charter schools “to educate students, not for political activism or for influencing elections.” If violations are uncovered, they said, the state should take back a portion of the funding it had provided to the participating charter schools.
A terrifying kidnapping in New Orleans’ Algiers neighborhood ended with a 10-year-old boy bravely kicking his way to freedom after being abducted at gunpoint.
Source: Cultura Creative / Getty
According to WVUE Fox 8 Live, police say they are still searching for the two masked men behind the Thursday afternoon attack that has shaken the community and left a family traumatized.
Abducted At Gunpoint While Walking Home
Fox 8 states that the boy’s mother said her 10-year-old son and his 6-year-old brother were walking home from the school bus stop on Kraft Place when two men dressed in all black and wearing ski masks approached with a gun. The suspects allegedly pushed the younger child to the ground and grabbed the older boy.
Love Bolitics? Get more! Join the Bossip Newsletter
“My 10-year-old said they were holding hands, but you know when you’re running, eventually your hands let go,” the mother told the station.
She recalled the terrifying moment her younger son burst into the house screaming, “‘They took my brother.’”
Can you imagine?
Forced Into An Abandoned House
In Fox 8, the 10-year-old recounted that the men brought him to an abandoned home on Farragut Street, just a block away. Inside, he said, they ordered him and another boy he didn’t know to strip down to their underwear.
“They were going to try to take a photo of me, like I don’t know,” said the boy when asked details about what happened. “But when they tried to do that, that was when one of them left. The other one said, ‘I’ll be right back.’”
That’s when the two children took the opportunity to save their lives.
A Daring Escape
With the captors momentarily separated, the two boys seized their chance. According to the 10-year-old, the kidnappers had locked the door, but he refused to stay trapped.
“They locked the door, so they made sure the door was locked, and that was when we tried to kick the door, and I kicked the door, and that’s when I had kicked the door down, and I had ran,” he said.
The boy sprinted toward home, which wasn’t far from where the kidnappers had hidden the boys away. He kept running until eventually he spots his father who was already out searching.
The family later discovered the child’s book bag and school clothes discarded across the street from their home, showcasing how close the crime scene was to their doorstep. Reported by Fox 8, a manager of the property confirmed to officials that the building is unoccupied, which investigators believe made it an easy hideout for the attackers.
Mother Credits Her Son’s Strength
The boy’s mother said she is grateful for his quick thinking and courage in the face of danger.
“I just thank God for the strength I have for raising my child to be the strong person he was in that moment,” she told Fox 8.
Investigation Ongoing
The New Orleans Police Department confirmed to Fox 8 that no suspects have been identified and that, as of Friday morning, no other victims are being investigated.
Authorities are asking anyone with information to call Crimestoppers at (504) 822-1111.
Drake is October’s very own, and to prove it he made his way to Germany’s annual Oktoberfest for some fun times with his woes.
The rapper posted a photo dump featuring himself and his homies holding big mugs of beer while partying with the locals all while The Boy himself sported a custom Chanel lederhosen for the festive occasion. It seems that Drake is really loving being anywhere other than stateside these days and is showing his European fans all of the love he can muster.
He’s been popping up in several countries making his appreciation for his international fans known, even going as far as crowing the UK with the crown for having the best rappers of any location. Though many called cap, the London OVO supporters ate it right up.
Love Celebrity? Get more! Join the Bossip Newsletter
With the release of his next album, The Iceman, looming, it remains to be seen if he’ll offer up something to his American fans, who it seems are still rocking with him and anticipating the music he’ll release after last year’s highly publicized rap battle. In the meantime, he’s living it up across the pond with Party Next Door.
His Euro tour stops are all but complete and he’s been leaving breadcrumbs for his adoring fans but what will the next era of Drake really be? Some say he’ll address all of his new enemies much like he did on the track “What Did I Miss?” while others believe he’ll put everything from last year behind him and get back to what made him a superstar. Either way, his fans will likely have a new album to listen to before the year’s end.
It’ll also be interesting to see how he chooses to roll out the new music, as many artists are abandoning the surprise release approach (made popular by Beyoncé in 2013). Many recently went back to traditional marketing while adding in new technological elements like drone drop-offs and social media challenges. Though his popularity may have waned slightly, we have no doubt that Drake will make a big splash back onto the Billboard charts.
LeBron James has broken his silence on whether or not his friendship with Drake is OVA.
Source: Cole Burston / Getty
After much speculation and some very thinly veiled hits from the Canadian rapper, James finally addressed the elephant in the room of his and Drake’s one-time friendship. During a sit-down with Complex‘sSpeedy Mormon, the four-time NBA champion squashed any claims of bad blood from his perspective.
“Always wish him the best,” James said. “Obviously [we’re in] different places right now, currently. He’s doing his thing, I’m doing mine, but it’s always love for sure.”
His comments seem to be in direct opposition to what fans have speculated are direct hits to James on Drake’s latest single, “What Did I Miss?” as well as a freestyle aptly titled “Fighting Irish Freestyle.” The latter was released online and seemed to be talking directly to the basketball superstar as his high school team was none other than the Fighting Irish.
“The world fell in love with the gimmicks, even my brothers got tickets, seemed like they loved every minute/ Just know the s–t is personal to us and wasn’t just business/ Analyzing behavioral patterns is somewhat suspicious,” Drake raps on the track.
The drama commenced amid Kendrick Lamar’s public belt to behind rap battle with Drake during which James popped out at Kung Fu Kenny’s sold out Juneteenth show and was seen living it up with his wife, Savannah, to “They Not Like Us.” Several athletes were in attendance with players like DeMar DeRozan and Russell Westbrook joining Kendrick onstage.
However, Lebron’s presence was a little more shocking as he and Drake had appeared to have a close relationship throughout the years. At one point, Drake walked through the crowd during his It Was All A Blur tour with LeBron and his son, Bronny James, after the younger basketball phenom suffered a frightening cardiac incident while attending USC.
Drizzy even went as far as covering up his tattoo of James’ high school jersey with new ink tributing Canadian basketball sensation and newly minted NBA champion Shai Gilgeous-Alexander instead. Everybody knows when you get the tattoo covered up, the breakup is real. Fans of the two were quick to jump in the Complex comments to call cap on James’ politically correct response to the question. Many reminded the King that he danced to a song calling Drake a “p*dophile” on more than one occasion. The internet receipts are forever.
Nonetheless, LeBron is gearing up for his 23rd season of basketball and may not have time for beefs for the next six to seven months. Though there were talks of him possibly leaving the Los Angeles Lakers during the offseason, he’ll lace up his Nikes for the purple and gold again alongside his son when the season commences. But maybe there will be room for reconciliation between him and Drake once they’re both done “doing their thing.” We will be hoping for the best between these two former besties.
Check out LeBron’s full interview on 360 With Speedy below.
Cardi B is back and proving that she still has what it takes to move records and break them, too.
On Sept. 19, big Bardi put the music world on notice as she released her highly anticipated sophomore album, Am I The Drama?, seven years after the release of her Grammy-award winning offering, Invasion of Privacy. Thanks to her loyal fans and a strategic marketing plan—complete with a pregnancy announcement—Cardi’s album quickly shot up the charts and is already certified platinum. She also set a Guinness World Record for the most albums ever drone-delivered in an hour’s time, thanks to her partnership with Walmart.
The “Outside” rapper has taken it back to the streets for her marketing and has popped up everywhere from the corners in NY to the subway. Fans have lauded her commitment to promoting her latest release while expecting her fourth child and first with her NFL beau, Stefon Diggs. Cardi announced the baby news during a sit-down with Gayle King after months of speculation, but she put fans at ease by promising that she’ll be ready in time to start her “Little Miss Drama” tour on Feb. 11 next year.
She has not announced the gender or due date of their child; however, fans are guesstimating her delivery is coming before the year ends. Diggs was seen being a loving, supportive partner in the comments of her posts saying,
“Proud of you for staying focused”
The rapper made sure to send love back his way and thanked him for leading by example with his incredible work ethic.
“You work so hard, I’ll never complain again,” she said.
Like a good baller baby daddy, Stefon didn’t pull up to Cardi’s album release party empty-handed. He surprised the “Pretty & Petty” star with a massive bouquet of roses with life-size photos of her around the base. The display was so huge that it had to arrive on the back of a flat-bed truck
Cardi’s exciting return to music also includes reunions with Kehlani, Selena Gomez, Lizzo and Summer Walker, while Tyla and Cash Cobain also appear alongside a special Janet Jackson sample that raises the bar for albums still slated to release this year. She also takes the time to address her social media clashes with Bia and JT while opening up about her heartbreaking marriage and split from Migos rapper Offset.
New details continue to surface in the tragic case of Celeste Rivas, as the investigation into D4vd and Celeste’s relationship remains active. A message from an administrator of D4vd’s social media community and actions taken by the singer’s team have brought new developments to light.
Source: WWD / Getty
The deeply disturbing details of the case unfolded after Celeste’s body was discovered in the trunk of a Tesla at a Hollywood tow yard on September 8th. The discovery came one day after her 15th birthday, more than a year after she had been reported missing in April 2024 from Lake Elsinore, California. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office has been unable to determine the cause of death, but sources told ABC 7 that she appeared to have been dead for some time. As more information comes to light, the questions surrounding the connection between D4vd and Celeste continue to mount.
Following the horrific discovery, an admin for D4vd’s Discord server and Twitch channel released a statement claiming that the moderators were unaware of Celeste’s true age or that she was a missing person. The admin claimed that based on what was shared in D4vd’s Twitch streams and from Celeste’s role in the Discord server, they believed Celeste to be around “18 or 19 years old.”
Love Celebrity? Get more! Join the Bossip Newsletter
“TO THE MEMBERS OF THIS SERVER: We, the Discord and Twitch staff team, want to clarify what we knew and didn’t know regarding Celeste. We were not aware of her true age or that she was a missing person. We also did not have any contact with her outside of what was public. From what was shared in David’s Twitch streams, and from her role in the server, we understood her to be around 18-19. She appeared in two streams, but otherwise was not active in the server, and we did not have ongoing communication with her. Most of us are not located in California, so we were not aware of any missing persons reports connected to her.
Additionally, the staff team has had minimal contact with David or his management. The mention of her full name within the server was not seen in real time due to how fast the chat moves when David pings everyone. As a result of this situation, the majority of the staff team has left the server, and we no longer associate with David. We do not support his actions in any capacity. Our priority has always been the well-being of members in this community. We are deeply saddened by the situation and extend our prayers to Celeste’s family. May she rest in peace, and may her family receive justice. To support her family directly, here is the link to their official GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-lay-celeste-rivas-hernandez-to-rest REST IN PEACE, CELESTE RIVAS HERNANDEZ,” the statement reads.
The admin’s statement also asserted that the moderators “had minimal contact with David or his management.” However, a representative for Twitch has since clarified that the moderator is not employed by them and the statement was not made on their behalf.
The D4vd and Celeste Case Update
In response to the public pressure, D4vd’s team has taken some action. They have removed merchandise from his website, including a collection of white button-down shirts splattered with fake blood that were being sold for $35. The decision to pull the merch came around the same time his team cancelled the rest of the U.S. leg of his tour, which consisted of two dates in California.
In addition, TMZ learned that his music label has put a pause on the deluxe version of his album, Withered. It was originally scheduled to drop on September 20th. The singer’s promotional activities have also been paused.
The tragic links between D4vd and Celeste were first highlighted after the body was identified. As BOSSIP previously reported, the body of Celeste Rivas was found with a tattoo on her right index finger with the letters “Shhh…,” the same tattoo the 20-year-old singer—full name David Anthony Burke—has on his right index finger. Celeste’s mother also told TMZ that her daughter’s boyfriend was named David. The tattoo, which was popularized by Rihanna and is shared by other celebrities like Lindsay Lohan and Lily Allen, was first seen on D4vd in September 2024.
The police investigation is ongoing. Authorities have confirmed that they searched the L.A. home where D4vd was thought to have been staying, specifically scouring the residence for evidence. Though law enforcement sources told TMZ that D4vd is cooperating with cops, he has not publicly addressed the ongoing investigation. The gravity of the situation and the public’s demand for answers continue to grow as the investigation into the case continues.
A block spin, innit? Lori Harvey and Damson Idris sparked reconciliation rumors after they were spotted on a romantic getaway in Mexico two years after their breakup.
Source: Amy Sussman/GA / Getty
One combination that hits every time is Lori Harvey and a bikini. The only thing more impressive than her super snatched beach bod is some very familiar elite arm candy. The Reasonable Doubt diva popped out for some fun in the sun with her ex, Damson Idris.
According to TMZ, the former couple was spotted vacationing on the beaches of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico on Thursday. The stunning stars were all smiles as they cooled off in the ocean.
Love Coupled Up? Get more! Join the Bossip Newsletter
Lori’s glances at Damson looked full of heart-eye happiness as they splashed and played in the waves. Things heated up from play to PDA on the beach as they walked back to their cabana with Damson’s arm wrapped around the mouthwatering model. And fans are here for the “Nunu” nuzzling!
Several comments noted that Lori must have some serious feelings for the Snowfall leading man because, despite a dating resume of Hollywood heartthrobs, she never publicly doubled back before.
It’s no secret that Damson was smitten as soon as the couple hard-launched at Lori’s birthday party in January 2023.
In the following months, they were ubiquitously boo’d up everywhere from the Snowfall final season premiere to the Renaissance World Tour in Damson’s hometown of London.
By November, the Lori and Damson returned to Odell Beckham Jr.’s birthday party, where they first met the year prior. However, they arrived separately, fueling breakup rumors already running rampant after the lovebirds unfollowed each other on Instagram.
“We are at a point in our lives where our individual paths require our full attention and dedication. We part ways remaining friends with nothing but love and respect for each other and the time we shared together.”
Fans Suspect Lori & Damson Might Have Spun The Block Some Time Ago
Despite the announcement, many fans suspect Lori and Damson never split for good, or at least not for long. Three weeks later, they had a chance to relive their romantic concert experience at the Los Angeles premiere of Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé. A source told PEOPLE that the exes left the premiere “side by side,” noting that awkwardly, “they didn’t look happy but looked together and exited that way.”
A new documentary shockingly reveals Kanye West screamed in ex-mother-in-law Kris Jenner’s face about his mental health, saying he’d rather die than take his meds. In His Name follows several tumultuous years of Ye’s life, marked by creative controversies, fallout with friends and family, and backlash from the public as he appeared to spiral personally and professionally.
Source: Gotham / Getty
On Friday, Sept. 19, In His Name debuted on 1,000 screens across the U.S. in a distribution deal with AMC, Cinemark, and Regal theaters. “Immersed in Kanye West (Ye’s) world of extremes for 6 years, Nico Ballesteros documented over 3,000 hours, bearing witness to brilliance, breakdowns, triumphs, turmoil, paranoia, and intensity that increasingly shaped Ye’s world,” the synopsis states.
It’s no surprise to anyone who has followed Ye’s social media saga that an intimate look at his life since 2018 includes the clashes leading up to his 2021 divorce from Kim Kardashian, fights with her family, and disputes about his mental health. The former couple shares four children: North, 12, Saint, 10, Chicago, 7, and Psalm, 6.
In His Name Shows Ye Losing His Temper With Kris Jenner About His Medication & Hospitalization
The Shade Room reports that during a heated argument about Ye’s mental health, matriarch Kris Jenner breaks into tears as he screams at the top of his lungs.
“Y’all demasculated me and made me feel like a piece of s**t. And the only reason you got away with it is because I was medicated. I would rather be dead than be on medication.”
“No one from the family has taken any responsibility for my hospital visit. And if you want to go online, that’s 50% of what people say, at least! Or am I lying?” he pressed, getting increasingly upset.
As the 69-year-old begins to say, “It does not matter,” Ye jumps up and down with balled fists, repeatedly shouting, “It does matter!”
In the doc, Kris tearfully clarifies, “‘It matters to us, and you. It doesn’t matter what the internet says. It matters what we think, Ye.”
When Ye asks if Kris had an effect on his mental health, she admits that she did.
“Yes! I’m saying yes, and I love you! I don’t want you to be not perfect. I love you. And I want my daughter to love you the way you want her to love you,” she pleaded.
Another moment from In His Name shows a confrontation that goes very differently between Ye and Michael Che.
Check out the tense moment following Ye’s 2018 MAGA rant on SNL and fan reactions after the flip.
Critics Clock That Ye Crashed Out With Kris Jenner, But Kept His Composure When Confronted By Michael Che
The furious family feud left fans horrified, particularly in contrast to a clip of SNL‘s Michael Che confronting Ye about his 2018 appearance on the show. Several fans noted that he didn’t keep the same energy when checked by a man about his accusations of backstage “bullying” over a MAGA hat, which Ye referred to as his “Superman cape.”
The “Weekend Update” co-anchor questioned why Ye waited until the last minute to call out the SNL team onstage with a pro-Donald Trump rant.
“That’s f**ked up. We look up to you. We love you,” Che insisted, adding that it was “foul” to air out his issues without any time for the show to address them.
During the conversation, Ye doubled down that he does have some issues with the legendary sketch comedy. Yet he remained mostly silent while being questioned about the outburst. The differing reactions to similar statements drew sharp criticism in the comments over Ye disrespecting an elder in his family.
“All those grown men watching him crash out on this lady that’s wild,” someone wrote.
“raise your voice at my mama and we gon have to just square up .. cause WHO YOU YELLING AT???” one comment asked.
“You see he knows who to yell at. Lmao got real quiet when Michael Che pressed him,” another noted.
“The way Kim moved during this whole Kanye meltdown season changed how I looked at her. If she never cared about him she could have really did him dirty in the media but she kept quiet, took care of the kids and still shows Kanye kindness and respect,” a comment claimed.
Ye’s Recent Update On His Mental Health
The Donda rapper has openly discussed his mental health, which remains an evolving challenge. As HipHopWired previously reported, Ye claimed that bipolar disorder was a misdiagnosis, and he received a new diagnosis of autism with the help of Bianca Censori.
“I went to this doctor … My wife took me to do that because she said, ‘Something about your personality doesn’t feel like it’s bipolar, I’ve seen bipolar before.’ And I’ve come to find that it’s really a case of autism that I have,” he told Justin LaBoy on The Download.
“Autism takes you to a Rain Man thing,” he said, explaining a fixation on the red MAGA hat. “‘I’ma wear this Trump hat because I like Trump in general.’ And then when people tell you to not do it, you just get on that one point. And that’s my problem.”
The new documentary features behind-the-scenes moments of The Life of Pablo star with Drake, Pharrell, Kim Kardashian, their children, and more as he transitions “from Kanye to Ye.”
Halloween is just around the corner, and while I won’t be handing out any spell books, I will share a little witchcraft for building meals that actually work in real life. 🪄
One of my clients was struggling recently. Between long workdays and late nights caring for her sick pup, she didn’t have the time or brainpower to cook elaborate meals. She wanted something simple:
✅ Quick to put together
✅ Made with ingredients she already had on hand
✅ Actually filling and nutritious
We pulled out the Nerd Fitness Balanced Plate guide, which is a great framework, but when you’re brand new, it can still feel like staring into a bubbling cauldron wondering what do I add next?
So let’s break it down like a proper witch’s brew…err, meal. 🧹
Step 1: Protein (the potion’s core)
Start with your anchor: chicken, lentils, eggs, Greek yogurt, beans, etc.
We start with protein because:
A) most people we work with are on the low-end of protein requirements,
B) it’s filling and helps with recovery/muscle-building 💪 .
Step 2: Fruits & Veggies (the color + texture)
Next, it’s time to add fruits and veggies to the brew.
Generally, I try to pair this with whatever protein I picked in step one, but use whatever you have available.
Hamburger? Add pickles, lettuce, tomato, fruit on the side, etc.
Fajita chicken? Pile on salsa, lettuce, peppers, onions, etc.
Frozen and canned fruits and veggies are great options, especially in a pinch when you are throwing a meal together!
We always have a few cans of green beans, frozen veggie mixes, and frozen fruit (wild blueberries are our favorite) on hand at our home.
Step 3: Starchy Carbs (the structure of the spell)
The potion really starts to come together when we add in the starchy carbs!
Pasta, rice, potatoes, bread, tortillas, etc.
A portion-size about ¼ to ⅓ of a dinner plate is the sweet spot for most people.
Note: I consider myself a connoisseur of microwave baked potatoes. 😂 My wife can hand me a potato and just by the feel of it, I can tell her how long to microwave it for.
8-minutes is the general starting point for a medium-large potato.
If it’s smaller, start with 6 ½ to 7 minutes, and for GIANT ones, you may need to go all the way up to 10 minutes!
I’m available to rent for parties where lots of microwave potatoes are to be had! 😜
Step 4: Fats & Flavor (the finishing spark)
And finally, the finishing touches: sauce, cheese, avocado, dressing, oil, nuts or seeds, etc.
This is the dollop that ties it together. That’s usually 1-2 Tablespoons of oil/butter, a small palmful of nuts or seeds, or about ½-1 full avocado, etc.
Note:You can find conversion charts for portion sizes of common ingredients HERE.
— Want to try this? Next time you eat one of your go-to meals, pause and run it through the potion steps:
And because I know real life is messy (kids, work, exhaustion, you name it), here are a few go-to “potions” from my own family when time and energy are at zero:
Rotisserie chicken + baked potato (microwave ~8 min, trust me) + green beans or steamable broccoli with butter on top.
No magic required. Just a simple formula you can cast again and again.
You’ve got this!
-Matt
P.S. I’ve started collecting photos of meals that fit the “balanced plate” concept. Send me yours and I’ll put them all together in a package for everyone to share. 💪
P.P.S. The video link in last week’s email was broken 😱 . Here’s a fixed one.
What if improving children’s mental health — and life outcomes — could be done by teaching kids how their brains work?
That’s a key idea behind the approach of teachers at Momentous School in Dallas, a private elementary school that serves 225 students, most of whom come from low-income families. Each day, educators present lessons on neuroscience and mindfulness, from the youngest learners all the way up to fifth graders.
Preschoolers in the school’s 3-year-old classroom learn about the brain by singing “The Brain Song” to the tune of “Bingo” (“I have a brain in my head/And it’s for thinking”). They practice mindfulness by lying down with stuffed animals on their stomachs and watching them move up and down as they breathe.
Older students learn calming strategies like slowly counting each finger on their hands while breathing in and out. Classrooms offer tactile models of the brain to help students learn about different parts such as the prefrontal cortex, which controls such processes as executive function and problem solving, and the brain stem, which regulates breathing and blood pressure.
This focus on mindfulness is happening in schools across the country, according to the Child Mind Institute, a nonprofit focused on children’s mental health. Experts say the goal is teaching self-awareness and regulation.
“Once the kids feel they can calm themselves, even just through breathing it’s like the ‘wow’ moment,” said Rick Kinder, creator of a mindfulness program called “Wellness Works in Schools,” in an article by the Child Mind Institute.
At Momentous School, conversations about the brain continue throughout the day, as teachers can be heard encouraging students to identify their emotions or asking, “What’s your amygdala saying to you in this moment?” according to Jessica Gomez, a psychologist and executive director of Momentous Institute, the Dallas-based mental health nonprofit that operates the school. (The amygdala processes emotions in the brain.)
Through these frequent discussions and additional lessons on mental health and healthy relationships, teachers are “trying to normalize these things as part of the human condition versus something that is stigmatizing,” Gomez said. The school also holds regular parent nights to educate families on how the brain works and teach emotional regulation strategies that families can practice together at home.
Momentous School, which launched in 1997 and is funded by philanthropic donations, was developed to put into practice mental health and brain science research from Momentous Institute*. A recent study by Momentous Institute and the Center for BrainHealth at the University of Texas at Dallas found this approach may be contributing to positive outcomes for graduates of the school. Of the 73 Momentous School students who went on to graduate from high school in 2016 through 2018, 97 percent earned a high school diploma and 48 percent earned a college degree.
These findings come at a time when lessons on emotions, relationships and social awareness, often referred to as social and emotional learning, have become a flashpoint in education and culture wars. Studies show such lessons can improve academic performance: Other researchers unaffiliated with Momentous School have also found that teaching about the brain can provide motivation for students and improve academic and social development.
As teachers and students head back to school and face new routines and social situations, now is a good time to build relationships and introduce even young students to ideas about how their brain works, Gomez said. Although many students at Momentous deal with challenges such as poverty, she believes that the school’s emphasis on mental health and brain science has helped families to better cope with those pressures.
“The point isn’t to never have stress in your life, it’s to know what to do with it,” Gomez said. “Children and parents having agency and tools helps them know how to navigate life stressors, which has a buffering effect on their brain.”
*Clarification: This story has been updated toclarify that Momentous School was developed based on research by Momentous Institute.
Contact staff writer Jackie Mader at 212-678-3562 or mader@hechingerreport.org.
This story about neuroscience in education was produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education. Sign up for the Hechinger newsletter.
The Hechinger Report provides in-depth, fact-based, unbiased reporting on education that is free to all readers. But that doesn’t mean it’s free to produce. Our work keeps educators and the public informed about pressing issues at schools and on campuses throughout the country. We tell the whole story, even when the details are inconvenient. Help us keep doing that.
“The rumors on the street, the streets be talking, and the latest rumor about you is that you are having a baby, and I want to know what, if anything, you want to share about that with the class,” said King.
“Well, yes, I am,” Cardi admitted. “I’m having a baby with my boyfriend, Stefon Diggs.”
With everyone watching the bump, the Grammy-winner said she wanted to share the news in her own time.
“I just was like, can I just say it on my own time? Like, I’m not hiding. On my own terms. Let me close some deals first,” Cardi explained, adding with a laugh, “Now that I talked about it, y’all better get my album. Y’all wanted to know, now you know. So buy my album so I can buy Pampers and diapers.”
This comes at the height of the lovable superstar’s impressive rollout of her long-awaited sophomore album Am I The Drama? and tour next year.
What was your reaction to Cardi’s pregnancy? Do you think her and Stefon will stay together, forever? Tell us down below and peep the social media hysteria over the not-very-shocking announcement on the flip.
La Familia Project is building equity, culture, and community through sport, art, and wellness.
Source: La Familia Project
Powered by adidas Community Lab, this grassroots NYC initiative is rewriting what community care looks like.
In the heart of New York City, where cultures collide and communities rise despite systemic barriers, the La Familia Project (LFP) is making waves — not with fanfare, but with impact. Rooted in the belief that health, expression, and community belong to everyone, LFP is a grassroots organization dedicated to providing free sports, arts, and wellness programming for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ youth, young adults, and seniors across underserved NYC neighborhoods.
Thanks to the support of the adidas Community Lab initiative, LFP has expanded its reach and deepened its impact — creating safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces where identity and movement are celebrated side by side. La Familia Project’s journey began with a single, powerful question: What if every young person had access to a safe space for both physical and emotional expression?
“The biggest inspiration came from noticing just how few quality & consistent physical and mental health programs were available for inner-city youth and their families,” explains Javana Mundy Quesada, Co-Founder of LFP. “At first, it was really about boxing… but as we grew, we realized the need was so much bigger.”
With a background in the arts, Javana naturally helped expand the organization’s mission from sports alone to a more holistic model — incorporating creative arts and wellness practices like mindfulness, movement, and healing workshops.
“We’re intentional about embedding social and emotional learning into everything,” she says. “It’s not just about throwing a punch or kicking a ball — it’s about life skills.”
In a city as diverse as New York, no single program can serve everyone — unless it listens first.
“We start by listening,” says Founder Vidal Quesada Guzman. “Before we roll out a program, we propose ideas, gather feedback, and build together with the community.”
From bilingual services to hiring instructors who are already respected leaders within their neighborhoods, LFP ensures that its spaces reflect the people they’re built for.
“It’s important that people feel seen and heard… representation matters,” Vidal adds.
Over the weekend, LFP brought its mission to the pitch with a Women’s 3v3 Soccer Tournament, timed to coincide with Mexican Independence Day. The event blended athletic competition with cultural celebration — and all for a good cause.
The event features:
High-energy 3v3 matches spotlighting women athletes 18+
Live Mariachi music & Latinx cultural pride
Local food vendors & community resource tables
Grassroots fundraising: Proceeds support youth sports gear, immigration orgs, and LFP’s year-round programs
“This event really shows what we mean by grassroots equity in action,” says Javana. “We’re celebrating identity, lifting up women’s sports, and directly supporting our community — all at once.”
La Familia Project’s growth has been catalyzed by key partnerships, none more vital than its collaboration with adidas Community Lab — a program that uplifts local leaders driving social change.
“With adidas… their support was the first time we received significant funding to grow our programs,” says Vidal. “That investment gave us the power to create consistency — something grassroots organizations like ours really need.”
For LFP, financial backing isn’t just about expansion. It’s about stability, the kind that creates lasting, generational impact.
For those inspired to get involved, both founders agree: heart comes first.
“My advice is simple — come with love and passion for the mission,” says Vidal. “Everything we do has to come from compassion and understanding.”
Javana adds, “Real change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes patience, consistency, and a willingness to grow alongside the community.”
What’s Next for La Familia Project?
As LFP continues to expand citywide, one thing remains constant: its commitment to culturally responsive, community-rooted care. Whether it’s boxing in schools, mariachi on a soccer field, or healing through art, the organization’s vision is bold and beautifully clear — build family, not just programs.
Keke Palmer is back on Hot Ones for a special bonus episode!
Source: First We Feast / Hot Ones
The award-winning actress, singer, and producer made her fiery return to Hot Ones in a sizzling bonus episode that dropped just in time for the launch of the limited-edition Popeyes x Hot Ones menu. This special episode sees Keke go toe-to-toe with the infamous Hot Ones wing gauntlet for a second time, but for this round, there’s a delicious twist: taste-testing the collab menu that’s burning up the fast food world.
Still, this episode is more than just spicy grub, It’s classic Keke with a candid, hilarious conversation (and some serious flirtation with host Sean Evans, who previously admitted to having a crush on Palmer).
As she makes her way through sauced-up Popeyes favorites, Palmer dives into everything from perfectionism to podcasting pet peeves, ending in a now-viral smooch with Sean.
“You gotta lock lips with Sean when you’ve been through the gauntlet,” she joked. “That’s trauma bonding!”
Keke went on to reflect on the visual art for her upcoming album Just Keke, revealing how growing up in the spotlight shaped her self-image.
“I’ve always been seen as a product,” she says, “especially as a kid when you’re trying to know who you are… So I think it’s really a metaphor. At the end of the day… I’m just a girl, I’m just a mom, I’m just Keke, I’m just somebody who’s trying to figure it out.”
As the host of her own hit podcast, Keke isn’t shy about what grinds her gears: “When people aren’t happy to be there… you could’ve said no! “Keke Palmer’s got great snacks! You come on the show, you leave with a bag.”
In one of the episode’s most heartwarming moments, Keke opens up about receiving a compliment from none other than comedy legend Eddie Murphy.
“I was out of my mind,” she gushes. “The Eddie Murphy said I reminded him of him… I think about it every morning. Eddie Murphy is iconic. I love ya, Eddie.”
When asked what reality competition show she could dominate, Keke didn’t hesitate: American Idol.
“I would’ve been up there with my girl Fantasia,” she says, “Not her season though — she would’ve beat me. But I woulda been in there!”
In celebration of the episode, the limited-edition Popeyes x Hot Ones menu is now available at participating Popeyes locations and on the Popeyes app and website starting September 15. The menu includes spicy takes on classic items — and if Keke’s reactions are anything to go by, it’s not for the faint of tongue.
Kayla Nicole has BEEN that girl, and her viral spotlight-stealing stunt during a lap dance from Chris Brown was a reminder that she’s STILL that girl!
Source: John Lamparski/ Prince Williams
Kayla Nicole looked right at home at center stage during a steamy fan-favorite moment at Chris Brown’s Breezy Bowl in Los Angeles this weekend. The #TeamTory talent invited the gym-built beauty onstage for a special dance that really turned up the heat in SoFi Stadium on Sunday night.
The Welcome to the Pre-Game host was pretty and perched as the singer performed his classic hit “Take You Down,” and that’s exactly what he proceeded to do. We all know a song like this comes with some of Chris’ signature slangin’ and effortless acrobatics. Kayla cheered him on with a light twerk on a plush red lounger until the real show started.
Love Celebrity? Get more! Join the Bossip Newsletter
We might need to see the sports broadcast baddie as a video vixen because she didn’t miss a beat when it came to matching Breezy’s energy. As soon as the “Forever” star walked up, her legs went up during the steamy serenade. They were really showing out while he straddled the seat and basically Kayla at the same damn time.
Is it hot in here or is it just them?
Kayla played her position perfectly, with one leg wrapped around his waist and the other pushed back on his shoulder. Sis did what needed to be done! Chris had one hand on the mic and the other wrapped around her neck. He appeared to lean in for a kiss, making the passionate embrace look realistic enough that multiple fans joked they can’t stop replaying the mouthwatering moment.
Kayla Nicole Is Taking “Control Of The Narrative” Of Her Life
We love to see Kayla living her best life! This concert is the first public outing since the epic engagement news about her ex, Travis Kelce, and his next, Taylor Swift, reportedly brings her a new wave of unwanted attention.
Fans of Taylor Swift have more than enough to focus on with their fave’s upcoming big day and new album. However, Kayla claims some stans made a hobby of harassing her since the Chiefs star’s new coupledom was confirmed in 2023. On Unapologetically Angel, the former ESPN correspondent revealed that the “hate” she receives online affected her for years.
With all the scrutiny on the Tribe Therepē founder, she recently dodged The Daily Mail’s question about America’s favorite “gym teacher and English teacher” getting married. When she spoke to PEOPLE during NYFW last week, she noted that the biggest lesson she learned in the past year is that “the opinions of others are only as big as you make them.”
That’s a word! Although Kayla may keep her distance from social media these days, she set it ablaze with her concert cameo.
Popeyes and Hot Ones are teaming up for a spicy new lineup.
Source: Popeyes x Hot Ones
Available starting today, September 15, the Popeyes x Hot Ones menu will bring the fast food giant’s crispy, juicy, Louisiana-style chicken to the Hot Ones table, known to strike fear in the hearts of every celebrity. This collaboration delivers a menu so bold, flavorful, and crave-able, it earned a place on the most legendary hot seat in the world of entertianment.
Inspired by the very sauces that made Hot Ones so iconic, these new menu items give fans a chance to flex their spice skills and rack up major bragging rights with three crave-worthy creations with varying heat levels. Not only that, foodies will have the opportunity to take a stab at the ultimate challenge: The Last Dab.
Source: Popeyes x Hot Ones
This spicy collab is only available for a limited time, while supplies last. Once it’s gone, there’s no going back, so fans better dig in while they can!
The Popeyes x Hot Ones menu includes:
Love Food & Drink? Get more! Join the Bossip Newsletter
Sizzlin’ Sriracha Dippers (Mild): Pickled garlic sriracha-marinated Chicken Dippers, served with a Buttermilk Ranch dip cup and a fiery Sriracha sachet. ($5.99)*
Smokin’ Rojo Sandwich (Medium): A crispy chicken fillet topped with Hot Ones’ Los Calientes Rojo spread and tangy pickles, all on a toasted brioche bun. ($5.49)*
Darin’ Dab Ghost Wings (Hot): Classic wings (bone-in or boneless) dusted with a bold Ghost Pepper dry rub, served with a Last Dab Ranch dip cup. ($6.99)*
The Last Dab (Extremely Hot): Hot Ones’ spiciest, most iconic hot sauce, served in a sachet for fans to add that infamous final “dab” to their last wing. ($1.00)*
Source: Popeyes x Hot Ones
In addition to the limited-time only menu, Popeyes is joining Hot Ones for a custom reunion episode that brings award winning multi-hyphenate Keke Palmer, back to the wing gauntlet, but this time to take on the all-new fiery and flavorful Popeyes x Hot Ones menu. Check out the episode below!
Houston rapper Megan Thee Stallion‘s defamation case against Milagro Gramz is making progress, with a new deposition scheduled to take place in a Houston court. This latest development in the defamation case is set to zero in on allegations of evidence tampering and uncooperative behavior.
Source: Tommaso Boddi / Getty
For those who’ve been following the legal drama, Megan Thee Stallion’s defamation case against Milagro Gramz is part of a broader legal push by the Houston femcee to hold bloggers and online personalities accountable for spreading misinformation. The lawsuit, filed after Tory Lanez was convicted of shooting Meg, alleges that Gramz was paid thousands of dollars to speak negatively about Megan during her coverage of the case. In a not-so-surprising twist, the person allegedly giving her those payments was none other than Tory Lanez’s father, Sonstar Peterson.
The upcoming deposition is set to be exactly two hours and was approved by a federal magistrate judge in the Southern District of Florida. According to AllHipHop, a deposition date is yet to be set. However, Megan’s legal representatives believe this is a necessary step to “question [Milagro’s] alleged tampering of evidence and communications with other important people in this case.”
This new deposition will focus on issues and evidence brought up during the first one on July 21st. A particularly key issue is the alleged conversations Milagro Gramz had with Tory Lanez‘s father. According to HotNewHipHop, in August, Megan’s lawyers accused Gramz of “deleting ‘thousands of messages’” with Sonstar Peterson. “Despite good faith attempts at conferral, Defendant has presented no well-reasoned explanation for the mass deletion of thousands of messages from her cell phone,” Megan’s lawyers said. The legal team also noted that Gramz failed to comply with a May 27th deadline to present digital records, such as metadata and texts.
This isn’t the first time Megan’s legal team has had to deal with uncooperative individuals. As BOSSIP reported, they previously dealt with a similar situation in Tory Lanez’s own deposition, which was described as “incredibly rude and disruptive.” Lanez reportedly interrupted Megan’s lawyers and insulted one of them by begging for her to comb her hair, but the behavior ultimately backfired in Meg’s favor. He was eventually ordered to cover Megan’s legal fees, with a magistrate judge now set to supervise his future testimonies.
Megan Thee Stallion’s defamation case against Milagro Gramz is a part of a larger mission to hold bloggers and social media personalities accountable for their actions. As she said in a previous statement, “It’s time to hold bloggers accountable for years of harassment, cyberbullying, and the publication of misinformation about my personal and professional life. I’ve endured countless attacks on my character based on false narratives from social media bloggers misrepresenting themselves as journalists. It’s unacceptable behavior and these individuals need to understand there will be repercussions for recklessly posting lies and defamatory falsehoods.”
The upcoming deposition in Houston, followed by the trial in November, is the latest chapter in this ongoing legal fight for justice and accountability.
The WNBA‘s New York Liberty game against the Washington Mystics on September 9 had more than basketball on the schedule. During halftime, the New York Liberty’s mascot, Ellie the Elephant, paid tribute to the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige, with a performance that had the Barclays Center crowd in a frenzy. The tribute was a perfect cultural homage that perfectly captures Mary’s impact.
Source: Steph Chambers/Gilbert Flores
The beloved mascot rolled onto the court in full Blige-inspired fashion. Ellie’s costume included knee-high boots, a cheetah-print outfit, and a platinum blonde wig—all classic nods to the legendary R&B singer’s signature looks over the years. The performance was a standout moment, backed by a squad of dancers, with Ellie delivering choreography to a medley of Blige tracks, including “Be Happy” and “Just Fine.” Fans quickly noticed the mascot’s repeated take on the famous “Mary Strut,” a signature move Blige has made a concert staple.
According to Complex, the reaction was immediate and overwhelmingly positive. Cheers filled the arena, and clips of the performance quickly went viral online, with MadameNoire posting footage from courtside. The comment section was filled with fans praising Ellie’s moves and calling for the mascot to be protected at all costs.
Love Viral Video? Get more! Join the Bossip Newsletter
“Ellie better be the highest paid mascot,” one fan wrote. Another user noted, “The bob is sending me.” A third added, “Carrying the entire franchise on her back. GO ELLIE.” The energy online matched the crowd inside the arena, treating the halftime show as a perfect crossover moment between sports and music.
Though a relatively new figure in the WNBA, Ellie the Elephant has quickly become a fixture for Liberty fans since her debut in 2021. According to the team, Ellie was designed to embody traits tied to both elephants and the franchise itself, including “strength, wisdom, determination, loyalty, and resilience.” In practice, Ellie has lived up to her reputation, becoming a crowd favorite who balances playful antics with performances that connect to New York culture.
Mary J. Blige also caught wind of the viral performance, and when she ran into the mascot during New York Fashion Week, she showed nothing but love. She even complimented the jacket Ellie was wearing, further cementing her admiration.
The 2026 New York Fashion Week season has begun, providing a trail of high-fashion moments, celebrity sightings, and major runway statements. There have been powerful showcases of creativity, and among the most talked-about moments were a mother-daughter duo stealing the spotlight and the triumphant return of a major international brand.
Source: Dominik Bindl / Getty
Cardi B, a formidable force in both music and high fashion, made a major splash at the Alexander Wang show with her seven-year-old daughter, Kulture. The pair turned heads with their coordinated fur ensembles, solidifying Cardi’s status as a fashion icon who’s passing the torch to the next generation. For the show, Cardi wore a lavish brown fur coat with knee-high, heeled boots, while Kulture was her “mini-me” in a matching fur skirt and a black shirt.
Cardi B’s appearance comes at a significant time in her personal and professional life. The rapper has spent the last few weeks promoting her highly anticipated second album, “Am I The Drama?,” which is set to officially drop next week on September 19. Her appearance at the Alexander Wang show, with her mini-me in tow, is the perfect addition to the album rollout. The Alexander Wang show was a star-studded affair, with a truly eclectic mix of attendees, including Martha Stewart and Tiffany Haddish.
NYFW 2026: From Mother-Daughter Duo to a Brand’s Triumphant Return
Love Fashion? Get more! Join the Bossip Newsletter
The NYFW 2026 schedule also included a celebratory show from Sergio Hudson, who presented his Spring 2026 collection at Spring Studios on Friday night. The designer’s vision for the collection was centered on “color” and “fun,” with a goal to “bring joy to people” and encourage them to “dress up again.” The lineup was a showcase of his signature impeccable tailoring and masterful use of vibrant colors. The show also brought a bit of drama, as Love Island stars Nic Vansteenberghe and Serena Page were seated front row, while guests were reportedly puzzled as to why Olandria Carthen, Vansteenberghe’s girlfriend, wasn’t with him; she was, in fact, walking the runway in the show. Elsewhere in the building, the Sergio Hudson Ready-to-Wear show saw many stars like Natasha Lyonne, Deja Kelly, Mickey Guyton, Kandi Burruss, and Sherri Shepherd.
This season, 2026 NYFW is proving to be a gateway for discovery, creativity, and storytelling. In addition to great fashion, the stars are strutting the streets of New York. From a “mini-me” mother-daughter duo shutting down the Alexander Wang show to a returning legend stirring up the runway, this week is a reminder that in fashion, as in life, you never know what’s coming next
Who has been slaying New York Fashion week so far? Let us know in the comments!
Pluto’s foremost philosopher, Future, is teaming up with Grand Marnier, famed fashion designer LaQuan Smith, and Emmy-winning choreographer Ebony Williams for DS2 Remixed: The Ballet–a one-night-only blend of bold storytelling and ballet commemorating the 10th Anniversary of seminal album DS2.
The NYFW finale will immerse audience members into a boundary-pushing reimagining of DS2 through the majestic movements of world-class Black ballet performers with high-glamour costumes by LaQuan Smith at the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Howard Gilman Opera House on Sept. 19.
“This is the kind of bold work that truly excites us because it creates an organic opportunity for authentic engagement, audience cultivation, and to grow our ever-evolving community,” said Mari Ogino, BAM’s Director of Corporate Strategy about the unique collab.
“We’re proud to partner with Grand Marnier on this landmark performance that so beautifully fuses innovation with representation.”
Source: Grand Marnier
For Future, bringing his culture-shifting classic to Brooklyn–the hometown of Hip-Hop titans Jay Z and Biggie–is a monumental moment in the platinum-selling rapper’s enviable career.
“DS2 changed the game for me,” said Future in a statement. “A decade later and you still feel that energy everywhere. To see a mixtape I made turned into a ballet with Grand Marnier, right here in NYC? That’s different. That’s legendary.”
In the latest phase of their intriguing partnership, Grand Marnier announced limited-edition ‘GM2’ Cocktail Kits available on Cocktail Courier from August 18th to September 18th.
To make things even sweeter, Grand Marnier is giving away a signed DS2 vinyl record by Future and premium Grand Marnier barware to two lucky sweepstakes winners with 10% of proceeds from cocktail kit sales benefiting BAM’s Free Music Program.
“This imaginative fusion of hip-hop and ballet represents something fundamentally true about our brand philosophy,” said Sonia Lessuck Pirolo, Category Marketing Director for Cognacs and Champagnes at Campari America.
“Just as DS2 broke the mold of conventional Rap a decade ago, Grand Marnier has always existed at the intersection of tradition and disruption. This performance does exactly that with two seemingly disparate art forms, creating a cultural moment that honors the heritage of both while fearlessly pushing creative boundaries. Together with BAM, Brooklyn’s historic home for artistic innovation, we’re excited to invite a new generation to experience how powerful it can be when we dare to remix legacy, ultimately making moments truly grand.”
For more info about DS2 Remixed: The Ballet event, click here.
