Taraji P. Henson named USA Today's "Entertainer of the Year" seen with football player

USA Today, the publication has named actress Taraji P. Henson their "Entertainer of the Year". Taraji, a favorite of Poppin' Blog has had great success prior to her Empire role, but we all can agree it has taken her to another level. Taraji's role as 'Cookie Lyons' is so genuine, and powerful that it oddly reflects a hint of the actress or maybe even an alter ego. Taraji states,

“Who thought Cookie would bring me this kind of notoriety,” “This is the type of character that people judge – she went to jail she sold drugs. But what happens? (People) run to her? (It) blows me away every time. That goes to show people like real.” And Taraji admits her TV notoriety comes with benefits: “I don’t wait in line for anything anymore. Upside, now that I’m rich, people like to send me things for free. I don’t understand that, but OK, I’ll take it. I love getting free gifts.”

and in even juicier news, she was just seen in Miami holding hands with NFL player Kelvin Hayden. Can you say Poppin'? OK now Taraji, i see you!

POPPINtv: Love and Hip Hop New York Season 6, Episode 3

K. Michelle is making her booty smaller.

I love me some K. Michelle, but whats making me love her more and her actually getting back to her own image. The NickiMinajKimKardashian look has been played out for me and when a star as big as K. Michelle makes a move like this, I feel its a step in the right direction. K. Michelle has been bullied, harassed and taunted about her curvaceous assets. Not that its anyone's business but hers, but she has now begun and agreed to make her booty smaller. K. Michelle is working on a new style of music for her, which is country, and I definitely feel this is a good move. She recently posted a before/after image on instagram comparing the size and letting fans know this is just the beginning. Her talent is now bigger than her booty and that's how it should be, Wish her the best of health, and again kudos to you K!

Amiyah Scott says "I don't work for free"

Model/Actress Amiyah Scott was all the rage this summer when rumor led us to believe she'd be one of the new castmates of Real Housewives of Atlanta. Finally we were able to see Amiyah on the most recent episode of Real Housewives of Atlanta, though very brief, the model explained why she isn't a full cast member via an instagram post.

Welp 🤗 seeing as that was the 1st (and probably last) glimpse of me on #RHOA tonight and I haven't said anything about it (though the hype was craaazzzzzyyy) lmao. Let me say, I enjoyed ALL the ladies & I had a great time filming multiple scenes with them! Unfortunately due to contractual complications + the magic of editing, you won't be seeing as much of me as expected. *whispers* (I don't work for free. Lol. 😊) But everything happens for a reason & it was still an awesome experience! I'm in my 20's and when this opportunity was BROUGHT to me, It was no guarantees & I was cool with that, but I wasn't going to exploit myself or act out of character for it... I honestly saw a chance to help change the perspective of MY community, but I wanted to maintain my dignity. Housewife and Transgender aren't words that are usually associated... Funny, because anyone who knows me knows that being a housewife is a dream of mine, not on reality tv, but in real life. 👰🏽 But contrary to popular belief, I personally know transgender housewives, models, doctors, lawyers and many other successful unique individuals, along with so many others who are fighting to break the negative stigma associated with the trans community. Not to mention, a lot of our opportunities are limited due to discrimination and that's why most are forced into compromising occupations. But my point in this is to say, me filming with the #RealHousewivesOfAtlanta was not for attention, but to assist in breaking a stereotype. Trans women are not only sex objects or prostitutes. We are strong, educated & human just like everyone else. AND WE ARE HERE AND WE DEMAND RESPECT. And whatever I have to do to assist in that I will and won't regret it. Now let me call my bf and schedule a hair appointment. 😂🙃😉

A video posted by Amiyah Scott (@kingamiyahscott) on Dec 27, 2015 at 7:26pm PST

Tiny and T.I. are expecting!

is it celebrity baby wave or what? the more the merrier though, Tameka "Tiny" Harris and rapper T.I. are expecting a new bundle of joy. Tiny broke the news via an instagram video. She's looking great as well, I was wondering about that glow I noticed in her more recent pictures. This addition will be #3 for the Harris couple, and number 7 for the family. check out the announcement post below!

A video posted by Majorgirl (@majorgirl) on Dec 25, 2015 at 5:47pm PST

POPPINtv: Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 8, Episode 9

Steve Harvey is part owner of Miss Universe.

So as big and embarrassing as the recent mis-crowning of Miss Universe, it may have also been a clever stunt on Steve Harvey's end. Black Enterprise's December 2015 issue features Harvey who states "I have a deal with the talent part of [WME/IMG], but I also have a deal with the business part of it. A part ownership in it.” Donald Trump (former owner of Miss Universe)sold the organization in September 2015 to WME | IMG which is an entertainment, media and fashion company that owns pretty much everything we see.

My friend, @AriEmanuel of @IMG, bought the Miss Universe pageants from me and they are on tonight on #Fox! Tune in!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 21, 2015

So it wasn't until days before Sunday's live broadcast of Miss Universe competition that Steve signed a multi-year hosting deal for the annual competition. When you put two and two together anyone can connect that this could either be a genuine mistake or a ploy to increase viewership for next year and years to come. Why? Steve's part owner, duh. Way to ring in the buck$$$!

POPPINtv: Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 8, Episode 7

POPPINtv: Love and Hip Hop New York Season 6, Episode 2

Kandi Burruss throws MEGA baby shower for 10 Moms.

What a #POPPIN' way to give back? Singer/Songwriter Kandi Burruss seems as though she's ready to POP herself! Kandi gave back in a beautiful way hosting a mega baby shower for 10 expectant and new moms on Saturday December 19th. The baby shower was traditional in donating all sorts of toys, items and clothes for the moms while also awarding them $500 each. i love what she did and am so excited to see her bundle of joy! Definitely big shouts out to Kandi and her Kandi C.A.R.E.S. foundation.

A video posted by Kandi Burruss (@kandiburruss) on Dec 19, 2015 at 5:02pm PST

A video posted by Kandi Burruss (@kandiburruss) on Dec 19, 2015 at 1:24pm PST

Remy Ma and Papoose get married, again!

Congratulations are in order! Hip-Hop duo Remy Ma and Papoose got married again this past Thursday December 17th, and we can expect to view the celebration this season on Love and Hip Hop. The two were first married back in 2008 in a formal courtroom setting, at the time since Remy was behind bars, the first "wedding" was via phone at the courthouse. it was only right the Hip-Hop vixen got the real deal!

Stars were all in attendance including Yandy Smith alongside Camron's girlfriend Juju, Amina Buddafly, Peter Gunz, Fat Joe, Rich Dollaz, Ice T & Coco and show creator Mona Scott Young. The maid of honor, Keyshia Cole looked stunning in her Roger Rodney gown.

Remy Ma's new video for "Hands Down" featuring Rick Ross & Yo Gotti

Remy Ma is on a roll! With Love and Hip Hop New York airing at the top of the week with the highest viewership in reality show ratings in 2015, its perfect timing to drop a powerful single! Remy Ma dropped the audio and visuals for "Hands Down" to the Rick Ross and Yo Gotti assisted banger. can you say POPPIN' ? I love it because its organic to her sound and what is missing in female rap, that street sound. Check out the video below.

Chris Brown releases 'Back to Sleep' music video.

Friday December 18th Chris Brown releases his latest album Royalty, so its perfect timing to release the visuals to his single "Back to Sleep". the sexy video features Chris getting pretty sexual with a lucky model.

Kanye, North West and family go to Disneyland

awwwww, how cute?! Kanye West and family take the kids to Disneyland while Kim takes care of Saint. How cute are they? Check out the pictures below.

Drake's Tom Ford lipstick sells out instantly.

Tom Ford knew what he was doing collaborating with or naming a lipstick after rapper Drake, because ca-ching, ca-ching! Not sure the business details but the product sold out in minutes on the site. If you can't find it like everyone else, try NARS metallic berry, its real similar!

Fetty Wap knocks up Masika Kalysha of LHHH

so the latest is that Fetty Wap and Masika Kalysha are expecting. Over the summer we have noticed a friendship but never knew of intimacy. if u dont remember Masika, she's from the first season of Love and Hip Hop Hollywood and was the mistress. Masika recently posted a picture of her 6 months pregnant belly and even stopped by Power 106 in L.A. to confirm Fetty was the daddy. she didnt sound too sure about it though. so far, Fetty wants a DNA test, as he should... check it out below!

A video posted by Power 106 (@power_106) on Dec 11, 2015 at 10:11am PST

Lil Kim twerkin' in Philly!

so the self-proclaimed Queen Bee Lil Kim performed at the BOOM Bash 2015 concert and twerked a lil for the crowd. she is looking great now, and her shape is poppin'!

check out the video below courtesy of the YBF!

A video posted by TheYBF.com (@theybfdaily) on Dec 14, 2015 at 9:51am PST

Chris Brown in L'UOMO VOGUE.

Singer Chris Brown featured in L'Uomo Vogue's December 2015 issue. Chris recently released his latest album Royalty so this is just in time for some great press. The fox stole fur trenchcoat is definitely poppin'!

James Wright Chanel (Patti's Pies) drops single!

so on the heels on the viral video that skyrocketed sales of legendary singer Patti LaBelle's pies, James Wright Chanel has released his very own single. I like his hustle I will say that! You know The Cooking Channel has an upcoming holiday cooking special featuring Chanel and LaBelle, it appears to be funny as hell. What do you think of his single though? see the performance and a clip of the upcoming holiday special below!

A video posted by News With A Side of Tea (@thacelebritea) on Dec 15, 2015 at 9:23am PST

POPPINtv: Love & Hip Hop NY, Season 6 Episode 1

POPPINtv: Real Housewives of Atlanta, Season 8 Episode 6

POPPINtv: Real Housewives of Atlanta, Season 8 Episode 5

'Creed' is highest selling 'Rocky' movie!

CREED hit theatres this weekend (November 27th, 2015) and though it didn't land at number 1, it still landed at number 3 on the blockbuster chart. Creed is the next sequel of the Rocky franchise, and is now the highest grossing movie in the series. Starring Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone, the film raked in a cool $42.6 million over the past 5 days. Have you seen Creed? Check out the trailer below.

Kobe Bryant is retiring.

Los Angeles Lakers basketball legend Kobe Bryant announced today via a poem on The Players Tribune website. Check out the poem below. I will say he played, and he played well boasting 5 championship rings, 2 gold medals (Olympics) and 3 MVP titles. Kobe's legacy will definitely live on and we're eager to for the 2015-2016 season.

Dear Basketball,


From the moment
I started rolling my dad’s tube socks
And shooting imaginary
Game-winning shots
In the Great Western Forum
I knew one thing was real:


I fell in love with you.


A love so deep I gave you my all —
From my mind & body
To my spirit & soul.
As a six-year-old boy
Deeply in love with you
I never saw the end of the tunnel.
I only saw myself
Running out of one.


And so I ran.
I ran up and down every court
After every loose ball for you.
You asked for my hustle
I gave you my heart
Because it came with so much more.


I played through the sweat and hurt
Not because challenge called me
But because YOU called me.
I did everything for YOU
Because that’s what you do
When someone makes you feel as
Alive as you’ve made me feel.


You gave a six-year-old boy his Laker dream
And I’ll always love you for it.
But I can’t love you obsessively for much longer.
This season is all I have left to give.
My heart can take the pounding
My mind can handle the grind
But my body knows it’s time to say goodbye.


And that’s OK.
I’m ready to let you go.
I want you to know now
So we both can savor every moment we have left together.
The good and the bad.
We have given each other
All that we have.


And we both know, no matter what I do next
I’ll always be that kid
With the rolled up socks
Garbage can in the corner
:05 seconds on the clock
Ball in my hands.
5 … 4 … 3 … 2 … 1


Love you always,
Kobe

POPPINtv: Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 8, Episode 4

Keyshia Cole is ENGAGED!

if you're on social media, mainly Instagram, Facebook or Twitter early morning you're likely to see posts from Keyshia Cole. Seems that the songstress is a night owl like many of us... in better news, early this morning (November 29, 2015) Keyshia responded to a fan via Twitter confirming she is engaged. Check out the tweet below.

No. Engaged. ☺️ https://t.co/WDkTgPcCKB

— Keyshia Cole (@KeyshiaCole) November 29, 2015

If she is engaged, it more than likely isn't Birdman, and since she's not officially divorced from Daniel "Booby" Gibson, then maybe its him. all in all hopefully this new love will relight that R&B flame in Keyshia, because I'm ready!

Rihanna releases teaser for album "Anti"

Rihanna, Rihanna my baby momma! Poppin' Blog loves Rihanna and with the upcoming release of her highly anticipated album "Anti" she's signed an exclusive $25 million sponsorship deal with Samsung. The deal includes full sponsorship of the album and world tour. i'm so excited that Rihanna's dropping new music. i will be honest and say the new Anti teaser seems a little creepy, and it directs you to her new website sponsored by Samsung ANTidiary.com, but you have to do it on your phone for it to work. The only reason i'm creeped out is the amount of money that's been invested into this already, the images in the teaser and then it says she's some sort of key holder which then directs you to an instagram page @iamkeyholder. check it out for yourself! nonetheless I'm just probably paranoid. Black Friday, her album will be exclusively released to Tidal subscribers then to the world on December 4th. let me know your thoughts below.

2015 American Music Awards: Red Carpet looks from Zendaya, Tyga, Ciara and more

last night was the 43rd annual (or what we know it as) the 2015 American Music Awards hosted live by Jennifer Lopez in Los Angeles, CA. Honestly the AMAs had a great turn-out but I expected to see a lot more stars. nonetheless check out the smoking photos below. let me know which looks you think were #Poppin or not!

POPPINtv: Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 8, Episode 3

Kylie Jenner and Tyga STILL together?

Perhaps all the gossip and rumors were just that, gossip and rumors. Kylie Jenner posted to her snapchat a pic of what appears to be rapper Tyga and Kylie Jenner chilling in bed. The snapchat photo is captioned with "Everyone needs to chill" which could mean everyone being all of us. Or relating that everyone "needs" to chill sometimes, so they may really be broken up and just needed to "chill". We'll see...

Future and Mike Will Made It to drop "Ape Sh!t" on Thanksgiving

Back in April 2015, super producer Mike Will Made It tweeted cover art for upcoming mixtape collaboration titled "Ape Sh!t" with he and rapper Future.

 

Looks like that mixtape will finally drop in a few days on Thanksgiving!! Congrats to Future for having an amazing 2015, he seems as if he's on Lil Wayne-esque rise in his career. Strategic moves and non-stop music. Following the success of Future and Drake's collab mixtape "What A Time To Be Alive". Ape Sh!t is sure to takeover the streets and radio this winter! 

Celebs attend VH1's #BigIn2015 event

Talk about petty for no invite lol...

The hip-hop/entertainment industry was DEEP at VH1/Entertainment Weekly's Big in 2015 dinner held last night (November 16th). Anyone is made an impact or we could've mentioned in 2015 was practically present and it looked like a fun time! Stars like Nicki Minaj and Meek Mill to Queen Latifah and Yandy Smith. Check out the exclusive pictures from the dinner below.