Straight Outta Compton? More like Straight Outta A Christmas Carol. Ice Cube has joined the cast of Humbug, the upcoming remake of Charles Dickens’ classic story, as the eternally grumpy Scrooge. We can’t wait to see what the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future have to show Ice Cube. Universal Studios hasn’t issued an official release date, but it’s rumored to hit theaters in time for the 2017 holiday season. [The Guardian]
Two years after Sheryl Underwood made a controversial joke calling “Afro hair” bad, The Talk co-host is apologizing for her comments. In a segment on The Talk, Underwood said that she was a proud Black woman, but she understands that her statements hurt the Black community. And she went one step further: She proudly wore her natural hair on-air. Black girl magic! The Root]
Composer Jones is at home recovering after a medical scare. The legendary singer was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital yesterday for shortness of breath and chest pains. He was briefly admitted for observance before doctors discharged him. We’re wishing you a speedy recovery, Quincy! New York Daily News]
One month after penning an essay for Gawker outlining the abuse that she faced from Dr. Dre, journalist Dee Barnes spoke out in her first on-air interview. During an episode of Huff Post Live, Dee said that she felt that the attack became trivialized. “Somehow [the assault] was reduced to a joke,” she said. “I ain’t no joke. I’m not. And domestic violence is no joke. It’s a serious issue.” She went on to say that after the attack, she had young teenage girls reaching out to her saying that she was an inspiration. [Colorlines]
Denzel Washington has just signed on to one of the most important jobs of his career. The actor has agreed to produce 10 of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson’s plays for HBO. “I’m really excited…that [the estate] would put that in my hands and trust me,” Washington said at a University of Southern California Q&A. “That’s good enough for me. It doesn’t get any better than that.” The plays will air as part of a HBO special that features storylines set in every decade from 1900 to 2000. [Deadline]
iHeartRadio attendees will have to find another way to see Janet Jackson in concert. The “No Sleeep” singer was forced to back out of this weekend’s iHeartRadio Festival after suffering an ear infection that prevented her from flying. The good news is that her infection won’t delay any of her Unbreakable World Tour performances. [Billboard]
The world will get its first glimpse at Shame, Tyrese Gibson’s highly anticipated film, tomorrow at HBO’s Urbanworld Film Festival in New York City. The film, which Tyrese wrote and stars in alongside Jennifer Hudson, follows around a nightclub singer and married father who is forced to battle drugs and alcoholism. Following the screening, Tyrese will speak on a filmmakers panel, giving audiences a glimpse of his writing process.
