TGIF!
Michael Jackson is still the King of Pop. The late star has made Billboard history becoming the only solo artist to have top ten hits in five successive decades, starting with 1971’s “Got to Be There.” Jackson’s “Love Never Felt So Good” duet with Justin Timberlake currently rests at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 list rounding out the fifth decade and making it his 29th top 10 hit. [Billboard]
Mo’Nique and Khandi Alexander have signed on the star opposite Queen Latifah in HBO’s Bessie Smith biopic. The film will tell the story of how the iconic Blues singer overcame a turbulent personal life to become of the most recognized recording artists of the ’20s and ’30s. Mo’Nique will play Ma Rainey, the “Mother of Blues” who took Smith under her wings. Alexander is set to play Bessie’s older sister, Viola. [Deadline]
Jay Z has opened up the third location of his highly successful 40/40 club at the Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The newest location will be a scaled down version of the Manhattan and Brooklyn locations. [Time]
Kanye West is set to headline the Made in America Festival. Curated by close friend Jay Z, the festival will take place in Philadelphia and Los Angeles at the same time. Pharrell and De La Soul are also set to join West in Philadelphia’s lineup for the festival on Aug 30 and 31. [Vibe]