The internet is still buzzing over Netflix’s series-of-the-moment A Different World which trended at #1 on the streaming giant’s competitive TV charts before officially being renewed for a much-deserved Season 2.
Creator, showrunner, writer, and executive producer Felicia Pride celebrated the renewal by crediting the viewers who showed up for Hillman and demanded to see more of Hillman’s brightest (and baddest).
“It’s so validating to be bolstered by our amazing audience,” said Pride in a statement shared by Netflix. “We are beyond excited to return to Hillman and continue to tell meaningful and heartfelt stories that resonate across generations. I am thrilled for our brilliant cast and our hard-working crew.”
Anchored by the finest cast on TV, A Different World will be remembered as a star-making launching pad for budding stars Cornell Young IV, Maleah Joi Moon, Alijah Kai, Chibuikem Uche, Vincent Jamal Hooper, and more, with swoon-worthy stunner Renée Harrison buzzing as one of the hottest Hillman hotties on the sequel series.
The Jamaican-born, New Jersey-raised beauty stars as type-A sophomore Candace who serves as a resident advisor at Gilbert Hall and student mentor to Hillman’s incoming freshmen.
Highly ambitious and confident, she runs her dorm with a strict, Godfather-esque iron first while serving looks in every scene.
With leading lady looks and the acting chops to match, we’re excited to see Harrison in Season 2 and everything else as she continues her ascension to stardom in Hollywood.
Would you want to see Candace end up with anyone on the show? Shaquille, perhaps? Tell us down below and enjoy the Renée Harrison hysteria (and hottest pics) on the flip.
Drake’s team is putting the Champagne Papi paternity speculation to rest.
Afte singer/ former 106 & Park Host Keshia Chanté surprised fans by announcing that she’s expecting her first child, a baby boy, speculation swirled that her mystery baby daddy could be none other than her childhood flame Drake. Now, the rapper’s rep is shutting down the burgeoning baby buzz.
The Agency Group, which represents Drake, told TMZ Tuesday that it can “completely and unequivocally” deny the “inaccurate” rumors that the rapper fathered Chanté’s child.
The Drake/ Keshia Chanté Baby Rumor Started On Lipstick Alley
Speculation about the former flames allegedly rekindling began on gossip forum Lipstick Alley when an anonymous poster alleged that Keshia Chanté was pregnant by Drake and claimed she had recently taken maternity photos at a castle.
While the paternity claim was unverified, the oddly specific photoshoot detail seemingly gave Lipstick Alley readers a reason to raise their eyebrows when she officially announced her pregnancy with a regal maternity shoot at Toronto’s famed Casa Loma.
In addition to posting pics on Instagram, Chanté, 38, debuted her baby bump and pregnancy glow in an exclusive interview and photoshoot with HELLO! Canada, revealing that she’s expecting a baby boy while not revealing the identity of her son’s father.
“I’m so excited,” Chanté told the publication. “I’m such a girlie girl. I’m always in pink. Everything is pink and pink and pink. So I thought I was gonna have a girl, but it’s a boy! I’m so excited for all the boy fashion!”
And although she wouldn’t name the man she’s expecting with, she told HELLO! Canada that she’s “unavailable” romantically and revealed that her partner was actually the one ready to take the plunge into parenthood.
“I’m very free-spirited, and whatever the universe wants for me, I’ll have,” she said. “But he said he was ready. He set up the play and he nailed it! God bless him.”
Chanté also revealed what she hopes their son inherits from his father.
“He’s brilliant and super creative and just constantly doing things that I’m inspired by,” she said. “So I would love to see my son have his mannerisms and his swag.”
After a mostly entertaining season stuffed with twists, turns, mysteries, and misdirections, Lanterns Season 1 ended without that much of a bang which, naturally, divided the internet between those who were satisfied and everyone else who couldn’t believe it wrapped up like… that.
In what will be remembered as the most divisive superhero show finale (since the last superhero show finale), we see John Stewart officially enter his Green Lantern era with dead Hal’s ring and a lantern forged with fear by Sinestro who ends up being anything but a major threat.
Source: John Johnson/HBO Max
Now, whether the fear-forged lantern is a scheme set up by Sinestro remains to be seen but it’s clear that John is ready for primetime after little-boying the current Green Lantern, Guy Gardner, and reciting his own oath.
Source: John Johnson/HBO Max
It takes the sheerest of audacities to tell Earth’s Green Lantern (whose protected the planet for the past decade alongside Superman and the Justice Gang) that he’s taking over Earth as an independent contractor with an unsanctioned ring. Whew!
And thennnn… on top of that, you create a new oath and welcome a war with an army of Lanterns who Guy warns will be sent by the guardians to put him down.
“John is not 100% a Green Lantern anymore,” said Lanterns co-showrunner Tom King during the finale press conference, per THR.
“He has a Lantern that has a bit of yellow in it. He has a bit of fear in it. It’s an unsanctioned Lantern. So he’s not saying the same oath as every other Green Lantern because he’s not like every other Green Lantern. This is an utterly unique creation that has not been given to him, that he is not chosen for, but that he chose for himself. He gets his own unique oath which seems to line up very much with the lore and where we’re going from here.”
Elsewhere in the episode, we learn that Noah (Kerry’s son) is a (potentially genocidal) manhunter who broke Sinestro out of intergalactic prison and forced him to forge a lantern for him to charge a ring and get revenge against the guardians.
In one of the episode’s buzziest moments, we also learn that Kerry lost control and killed Hal in a fit of rage after Hal revealed to her that he knows what Noah is and that they have to leave town for everyone’s safety.
“The ending of the pilot is that Hal Jordan is dead, and in the very early days, we knew that we didn’t want it to be a fake-out,” said Lanterns co-creator Damon Lindelof. “In order for all of the emotional progression to feel real and earned and lived, we were sticking to that, and there wasn’t going to be a rug-pull.”
With so many moving parts, Lanterns had a lil too much dip on its chip for an 8-episode season with a side-eye-worthy subplot of John Stewart being blackmailed by a white teenage girl for $300,000 in “reparations” that we see him pay. WHAT?
Source: John Johnson/HBO Max
Ultimately, your enjoyment of the hit series hinged upon the management of expectations with many viewers expecting a drastically different ending based on countless fan theories (including John finally donning the suit) that didn’t happen at all during the finale.
What are your thoughts on John Stewart entering his Green Lantern era? Tell us down below and peep the social media hysteria over the Lanterns Season 1 finale on the flip.
“Freddie was more than a legendary voice. He was a kind, generous soul who loved his fans, his family, his friends, and his music with everything he had. For decades, he gave us the songs that became the soundtrack to our love stories, our celebrations, and our most treasured memories. That gift will live on forever,” the post read. “Rest in peace, Freddie. Your legacy and your voice will live on forever.”
Freddie Jackson was born in Harlem and came up through the New York music scene. While he was trained as a gospel singer, his professional career began with the funk band Mystic Merlin, with whom he recorded three albums. The band was known for both their soulful sound and elaborate performances.
Jackson rose to fame in the 80s with the release of his debut album Rock Me Tonight in 1985. The album went platinum, and its title track, “Rock Me Tonight,” reached number one on the R&B charts. His follow-up single, “You Are My Lady,” was equally successful in R&B and reached number three on Adult Contemporary charts as well.as well
His second album, Just Like the First Time, continued his hot streak on the R&B charts. He had three No.1 hits in “Tasty Love,” “Have You Ever Loved Somebody,” and “Jam Tonight,” with “I Don’t Want to Lose Your Love” hitting No. 2. Jackson released his final album, My First Love, in 2023 and dedicated it to his mother.
I can’t even lie, folks, my attachment to Jackson’s music largely stems from his song “Love Survives,” which was the main theme for All Dogs Go To Heaven, and a vaporwave remix of “A Little Bit More,” a duet he recorded with Melba Moore (what can I say, I’m a millennial). After listening to some of his biggest hits to write this, it’s clear he was a musical talent, and it’s easy to see why his music meant so much to so many.
As news of Jackson’s death spread, there was an outpouring of support from those who had memories and a love for Jackson’s music. “His powerful voice helped provide the soundtrack to generations of love and joy. Rest in Power, Brother Freddie. Your music lives on,” civil rights attorney Ben Crump wrote in a social media post.
“Some voices become part of the soundtrack of our lives. Freddie Jackson’s was one of those,” actress Holly Robinson Peete wrote in a social media post. “His music made people feel loved, reminded us of someone special, and brought us back to moments we thought we had forgotten. What an extraordinary gift to leave the world.”Freddie Jackson left a robust musical legacy, with his songs becoming the soundtrack of so many first loves, marriages, and anniversaries. Though he is gone, his art will never be forgotten.
We send our thoughts and prayers to Jackson’s family as they mourn. Rest in Peace, Freddie Jackson. You will be missed.
Diamond Brown is doubling down amid her contentious $45,000-a-month child support battle with Chris Brown, and she has some choice words and alleged receipts for not only Breezy, but his other baby mamas.
Source: BROOK MITCHELL / Getty
After Chris and the mothers of his three other children publicly pushed back on Diamond’s claims about the singer’s parenting and financial support, the mother of 4-year-old Lovely Symphani Brown unleashed a fiery response, denying she’s bitter, disputing Chris’ version of events and blasting the women she dubbed the “Three Stooges.”
“How am I bitter? Bitter about what, sir?!” Diamond questioned before adding, “Bitter about community d***? Everybody knows that he belongs to the streets, so why would I be bitter about that?”
Diamond Brown child support case: Here’s what the filing says.
According to court documents obtained by TMZ on Oct. 5, Diamond is seeking approximately $45,000 per month, arguing that the amount is necessary to cover her and Lovely’s living expenses, as well as their daughter’s needs.
Diamond filed new court documents on Monday outlining what she says should be included in Chris’ financial obligations. Her proposed expenses include roughly $23,000 for rent and household costs, along with approximately $20,000 for Lovely’s school, medical care and extracurricular activities.
Diamond, who welcomed Lovely with Chris in 2022, also listed her monthly expenses in the documents, which she claimed cost around $500 for Lovely’s clothing, $3,500 for child care, $2,000 toward college savings, $2,000 for gifts, $350 for haircuts and $1,500 for art and sports lessons.
Diamond claims Chris currently pays for her to live in a four-bedroom, three-bathroom home. However, she says she believes she needs to move into a larger and more expensive residence that would cost approximately $15,000 per month.
She also says Chris voluntarily gives her $7,000 a month in spending money, but argues that the amount is not enough to cover the expenses associated with her and their daughter’s lifestyle. She also acknowledged that Chris has previously purchased her a Tesla and has covered her utility bills in the past, too.
The 28-year-old also claims she believes Chris earns between $5.5 million and $7.3 million per month, more than enough to support her and their daughter, hence why she’s asking the court to formally order Chris to provide additional financial support.
Well, Chris’ three other baby mamas aren’t happy with the recent filing. See what they had to say after the flip.
Source: Getty// La La Anthony Is Having A Major Moment – And The Fashion Is Fashioning
La La Anthony is having a major moment right now, and her recent run of fashion, hosting gigs, and major stages proves it. From Paris Fashion Week to major political and business stages, the “Power” actress, entrepreneur, fashion killer, and all-around baddie has been booked, busy, and looking bad AF.
Over the past four months, La La has been everywhere. Washington, D.C. Atlanta. New York. Paris. And those are just the work-related appearances we know about. The New Yorker has also given us major FOMO, enjoying vacay in spots like Ghana.
Her recent run shows just how many spaces she is commanding right now. Political rooms. Fashion events. Business stages. Editorial shoots.
And every time, the look changes with the assignment. Check out more of La La’s luxe looks after the jump.
The Grand Dame is back with her Potomac pals and apparently defending her “institution of a marriage” to Ray Huger, while Ashley Darby is raising her eyebrows at Tia’s husband.
Before Karen arrives, Ashley wonders aloud what life looks like for her now, while Gizelle questions what her recovery entails. Once Karen joins them, however, she makes it clear that she appreciates the support she’s received from her longtime frenemy turned friend.
“Gizelle has been a very good friend,” Karen says in a confessional. “She has been there dropping stuff off in my mailbox and letting me know I’m loved and missed. And I really appreciate that. I know how hard that is for Gizzy. I’m very grateful for our friendship.”
A flashback backs up Karen’s claims, showing Gizelle making cookies for her and defending her during the reunion.
When Ashley asks how Karen feels being around people who are drinking, Karen says alcohol isn’t her primary concern.
“I’m not a big drinker,” she says, before explaining that medication is more of a challenge for her and that she makes a point not to be around it. This aligns with Karen’s previous claims that mixing alcohol with her antidepressants medicine is what caused her DUI crash.
Gizelle is happy to see her friend looking healthy, but in a confessional, she questions whether Karen has fully confronted her issues.
“I missed my girl,” says Gizelle. “I’m just super happy that she looks healthy. But you can’t get better until you admit who and what you are. So, we got to get to the first step.”
Karen later confirms that she’s still in therapy, calling it “really important” as she begins stepping back into her life.
Karen Huger Says She And Ray Have ‘Grown Apart’
The conversation takes a more contentious turn when Gizelle notices that Karen’s wedding ring is noticeably absent.
After joking about photos of Karen in Los Angeles looking “butt naked” in jeans, Gizelle points out that Karen’s hand was noticeably bare.
“Oh, it’s still empty, right?” she asks.
Ashley agrees that Karen previously always wore her ring and asks what’s going on.
“Ray and I are going through,” says Karen. We’ve grown apart.”
The admission expands on what fans already saw teased in the Season 11 trailer, in which Karen announced that she planned to live separately from her husband of nearly three decades.
Gizelle is understandably surprised by the possibility of the longtime couple separating.
“For 30 years. I mean, Karen, to think that you all wouldn’t, you know, be together…” she says.
Karen, however, quickly shuts down the line of questioning.
“I’m not being defensive. It’s none of your f***ing business, though,” she fires back.
“That’s beyond defensive,” Gizelle responds. “That’s marriage conversation, right?”
“My motherf***ing marriage conversation,” Karen retorts.
“That’s as defensive as it gets,” says Ashley, getting in the convo.
Karen then turns the tables, bringing up Ashley seemingly bone carrying like (now-returning) castmate Robyn Dixon, whom the Grande Dame is apparently still committed to calling “Robert.”
“I know you stepped in for Robert last year,” Karen says.
“Who is Robert?” a confused Gizelle asks.
“Miss Robyn. Robert,” Karen replies with a laugh.
With that, Karen moves on from her own relationship woes and turns the conversation toward one of Potomac’s newest Housewives, Tia Glover, whom she says she’s looking forward to meeting.
Ashley Darby Teases Trouble In Tia Glover’s Marriage
Gizelle predicts Karen will like the Season 11 Housewife and mentions Tia’s husband, Rob.
That’s when Ashley hints that there’s something awry about the British housewife’s hubby.
“People may think that Rob is this loving, committed, doting family man,” Ashley says in a confessional. “But there’s a lot more to him than meets the eye.”
Karen Says Her ‘Shut The F*** Up’ Comment To Wendy Was Meant To Protect Her
The ladies also discuss Wendy Osefo after Karen’s memorable “shut the f*** up” remark to her during the reunion.
Ashley reveals that she hasn’t spoken to Wendy since the reunion in New York, while Karen says she reached out via text but never received a response.
Gizelle has a theory about why.
She suggests Karen’s blunt reunion comment might have something to do with Wendy’s silence, but Karen insists she wasn’t trying to attack her castmate.
“‘Shut the f*** up’ was just to protect her, that’s all,” Karen says, seemingly referencing Wendy’s looming legal issues. “I can speak from experience, so I don’t want that for her. “
Take a look below!
The Real Housewives of Potomac Season 11 premieres Sunday, Oct. 11 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo, with episodes streaming the next day on Peacock.
All eyes were on H.E.R. during the Forgotten Island promo tour where the award-winning musician/actress stunned with a series of swoon-worthy slays in the buzziest chapter of her post-shades era.
With stops that included Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson’s IMO podcast, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and The Jennifer Hudson Show, H.E.R. was everywhere showing off her vibrant personality previously muted by her mysterious persona.
Naturally, social media swooned over the super talented star who reminded everyone, yet again, that she’s one of the prettiest beauties in the game–with or without shades.
In Forgotten Island, H.E.R. and Liza Soberano star as best friends and high school graduates who stumble upon a mysterious portal that transports them to a fantastical island packed with magical creatures they grew up hearing stories about from their Filipino families.
Joined by a well-meaning weredog Raww (Dave Franco) and small-but-mighty pack of pals, Jo and Raissa must face The Dreaded Manananggal (Tony-winning icon Lea Salonga)–the most feared creature on the island.
When they discover that the memories of their entire friendship are the price for returning home, Jo and Raissa will race to find a way to leave the island before they forget each other forever.
Check out the trailer below:
Written and directed by Oscar-nominee Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, the hit film’s all-star voice cast also includes Emmy-nominee Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, BAFTA-nominee Dolly de Leon, Emmy-winner Rinny Chieng, and Jo Koy.
Did you know that H.E.R. was this fine? Were you seated for Forgotten Island? Tell us down below and enjoy our gallery of H.E.R.’s hottest promo tour looks on the flip.
Paragraphs of a Paige is an upcoming biopic short film on the life and legacy of the late Dr. Roderick “Rod” Paige. A lifelong educator and trailblazer, Dr. Paige made history as the first Black person to serve as U.S. Secretary of Education, holding office from 2001 to 2005 under President George W. Bush. He is widely recognized as a primary architect of the landmark “No Child Left Behind Act.”
Source: iOne Digital / Screenshot
Before his Cabinet tenure, Dr. Paige was dean of the College of Education at Texas Southern University. He later served as the Superintendent of the Houston Independent School District. He also worked as a classroom teacher, coach, and interim college president.
“On January 21, 2001, the United States Senate confirmed Dr. Rod Paige as the 7th U.S. Secretary of Education. For Paige, the son of a principal and a librarian in public schools, that day was the crowning achievement of a long career in education,” a section of the Department of Education’s website that honors Paige says. “Born in 1933 in segregated Monticello, Mississippi, Paige’s accomplishments speak of his commitment to education. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Jackson State University in his home state. He then earned both a master’s and a doctoral degree from Indiana University.”
The film is written and directed by Isaac Yowman, a Grammy-nominated, 12x Platinum music producer turned award-winning filmmaker. As Founder and Creative Director of IYO Visuals, Yowman leads a premier minority-owned production house with high-profile brand collaborations for the NBA, Marvel, Nike, Netflix, and General Motors. Yowman’s directorial portfolio includes All Screwed Up, the NAACP Image Award–nominated documentary Memory Builds The Monument, and the Adidas short film Rides & Hides, which won top honors at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival, along with Telly, Shorty, and Cannes Lions recognition.
Acclaimed actor Woody McClain (Power Book II: Ghost, The Harder They Fall) brings Dr. Paige’s storied life to the screen. He is best known for his breakout portrayals of Bobby Brown in Paramount’s The New Edition Story and The Bobby Brown Story. Joining McClain is Thomas “Nephew Tommy” Miles, the comedian, actor, and host of OWN’s Ready to Love, and longtime co-host of The Steve Harvey Morning Show.
“Rod was a leader and a friend. Unsatisfied with the status quo, he challenged what we called ‘the soft bigotry of low expectations,” said former President George W. Bush about Paige. “Rod worked hard to make sure that where a child was born didn’t determine whether they could succeed in school and beyond. He devoted his life to America’s young people and made a difference.”
“Paragraphs of a Paige” honors a Black history icon in American education whose vision continues to shape classrooms nationwide. The film will be released in 2027. Stay locked in to NewsOne for more info.
For decades, Dr. Rod Paige dedicated his life to one powerful idea: every child deserves the opportunity to succeed. From the classrooms of Texas to the highest levels of the U.S. Department of Education, Paige challenged the status quo, pushed for accountability, and became a leading voice in the fight to improve America’s public schools.
Source: TIM SLOAN / Getty
Yet despite his remarkable career and lasting impact on education, many people may still be unfamiliar with his story. Before his passing in 2025 at the age of 92, Paige had built a legacy that stretched from his early days as a teacher and coach to his historic tenure as the first school superintendent to serve as U.S. Secretary of Education.
So, who was Rod Paige?
From a Segregated Mississippi to the Nation’s Top Education Post
Source: Jackson State University / Getty
In 2001, former President George W. Bush appointed Paige to become the nation’s seventh Secretary of Education and the nation’s first Black official to hold the seat. On Jan. 21, 2001, the United States Senate confirmed him for the position, marking the culmination of a remarkable journey in education.
For Paige, the moment carried special meaning. He was the son of a public-school principal and librarian, and his own life had been shaped by education from an early age.
According to his biography on the Department of Education website, Paige was born in 1933 in segregated Monticello, Mississippi. He went on to build an impressive academic and professional career. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Jackson State University in Mississippi before receiving both a master’s degree and a doctorate from Indiana University.
His career began where education happens every day: with students. Paige worked as both a teacher and coach before moving into higher education leadership. He spent a decade as dean of the College of Education at Texas Southern University (TSU), where he focused on preparing future educators for the realities and demands of the classroom.
During his time at TSU, Paige also established the university’s Center for Excellence in Urban Education, a research facility dedicated to studying instruction and management in urban school systems.
Transforming Houston Schools
Paige’s influence extended well beyond the university campus.
In 1989, he was elected to the Board of Education of the Houston Independent School District (HISD). He was sworn in as a trustee and officer in January 1990 and served in those roles until 1994.
That same year, Paige left TSU to take on one of the most significant challenges of his career: becoming superintendent of HISD, then the nation’s seventh-largest school district.
His leadership quickly attracted attention. Inside Houston Magazine named Paige one of “Houston’s 25 most powerful people” for his role in guiding the city’s growth and prosperity. In 2001, his work earned him another major distinction when he was named National Superintendent of the Year by the American Association of School Administrators.
By then, Paige had developed a career that gave him experience at virtually every level of education — from teaching students to preparing teachers and from serving on a school board to leading one of the country’s largest school districts.
That experience would soon prove invaluable on the national stage.
Read more on the life and legacy of Rod Paige on the next page.
