By Mariel Turner
8:24am PDT, Jun 1, 2018
Drake speaks out about resurfaced blackface photo
On May 30, Drake addressed a 2007 photo showing him in blackface after the image caused a storm of controversy. "I know everyone is enjoying the circus but I want to clarify this image in question," he posted on his Instagram Stories. "This was not from a clothing brand shoot or my music career. This picture is from 2007, a time in my life where I was an actor and I was working on a project that was about young black actors struggling to get roles, being stereotyped and type cast." The image was used as cover art for a new Pusha T diss track, "The Story of Adidon," that takes aim at the Canadian rapper.
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Whitney Houston estate addresses use of controversial bathroom photo
Whitney Houston's estate made a statement on May 30 about Kanye West's use of a controversial photo of the later singer's bathroom. "Even in Whitney's death, we see that no one is exempt from the harsh realities of the world," the statement said. The estate is "extremely disappointed in Kanye's choice" to use the photo as the cover art for rapper Pusha T's new album, "DAYTONA." The 2006 pic features drug paraphernalia strewn on the late diva's bathroom counter and was reportedly taken by a family member when Whitney was at the height of her drug addiction.
Kendrick Lamar accepts Pulitzer Prize for album "DAMN."
Kendrick Lamar is officially a Pulitzer Prize winner! The Compton rapper accepted a Pulitzer Prize for music for his critically acclaimed album "DAMN." at Columbia University in New York City on May 30. "It's an honor," Kendrick said. "Been writing my whole life, so to get this type of recognition is beautiful." The 30 year old is the first hip-hop artist, and the first non-classical or jazz artist, to ever receive the honor.
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TV host tells Taylor Swift she needs to "have a shower now"
A BBC reporter upset the internet when he told superstar singer Taylor Swift during her first recorded interview in two years that she needed a shower live on-air on May 27. "I think you need to have a shower now," Greg James said to the pop star right after she finished performing at the BBC's Biggest Weekend concert. Ouch!
Dr. Luke sues Kesha for $50 million
Producer Dr. Luke filed a defamation lawsuit against singer Kesha on May 29 and is seeking $50 million in damages because, he claims, her ongoing legal battle against him has affected his earnings. His latest move follows years of legal wrangling that stretch back to 2014. Kesha claimed in October 2014 that Luke abused her and sexually assaulted her during their decade-long working relationship. The producer, who's long denied it, then sued Kesha that same month for defamation and breach of contract.
Michael Jackson estate files lawsuit against ABC over TV special
Michael Jackson's estate filed a lawsuit on May 30 against Disney and ABC after the network aired an unauthorized TV special on the late singer. Court documents claim that the special, "The Last Days of Michael Jackson," illegally used significant portions of Michael's most valuable songs, including "Billie Jean" and "Bad," and music videos, including "Thriller" and "Black or White." It also alleges that the network used clips from a documentary and feature film that belong to the estate.
Mariah Carey sells 35-carat diamond engagement ring from ex-fiance
Mariah Carey is a few million dollars richer after ditching her engagement ring! The music icon sold her 35-carat, emerald-cut diamond engagement ring from former fiance James Packer to a Los Angeles jeweler for $2.1 million, according to a May 27 Page Six report. Mariah accepted the ring in January 2016 and the couple split that October.
Snoop Dogg breaks Guinness world record for largest gin and juice
Snoop Dogg is a world record holder! The rapper — along with hip-hop singer Warren G and "Top Chef" winner Michael Voltaggio — broke the Guinness Book world record for largest paradise cocktail after mixing up a 5-foot tall, 3-foot wide, 550-liter gin and juice on May 27.
