Talk Dat Talk | Your Black Celebrity Gossip, Culture News & Trending Tea

Blog

  • Serena Williams on Venus’ Wedding & Marriage Advice

    Get ready for another Williams sister wedding! Serena Williams recently spilled the tea on her big sister Venus Williams’ upcoming nuptials to Italian actor and producer Andrea Preti. And guess what? The bachelorette party is already a wrap!

    Serena’s Feeling the Bridal Party Pressure

    During a chat on the “Today” show, Serena, 43, admitted that being the Sister of the Bride is quite the undertaking. While the bachelorette bash is done and dusted, she’s knee-deep in planning other pre-wedding events. “It’s actually overwhelming,” Serena confessed, adding with a laugh, “One more thing that you want me to do, and I’m done. That’s it.”

    Venus and Andrea’s Journey to the Altar

    Venus, 45, confirmed her engagement to Andrea Preti, 37, back in July. She shared the exciting news during a post-match interview at the DC Open, crediting her fiancé for his encouragement. “My fiancé is here and he really encouraged me to keep playing,” she said after her first singles win in over a year. The couple was first romantically linked in 2024, and speculation about an engagement grew after Venus was spotted in Rome wearing a dazzling diamond ring.

    Serena’s Marital Wisdom for Venus

    As someone who’s been married to tech entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian since 2017 and is a mom to two daughters, Serena shared some heartfelt advice for her sister. “My advice is just to always have fun, you know, to always go on dates, and to just take a moment and just like dance,” she shared. “Dancing lets your guard down. It just lets you feel vulnerable. You just have these different moments.”

    And I’m no expert. I definitely am not perfect. — Serena Williams

    It sounds like Venus is in great hands, with both a loving fiancé and a supportive, albeit slightly overwhelmed, sister cheering her on! We can’t wait to see the wedding photos.

    What’s your best piece of marriage advice? Share it with us in the comments below!

  • Drake Wants to Box Kick CEO at Walmart

    It seems Drake is ready to take his beef with Kick and Stake co-founders Ed Craven and Bijan Tehrani to a whole new level – literally! While previously partnered with the platforms, Drake has recently been quite vocal in his criticism of their leadership. Now, he’s taken it a step further, expressing a desire to settle the score in a boxing match, even suggesting a rather unconventional venue: a Walmart.

    A Proposed Showdown at Walmart

    During a recent “Brand Risk” event hosted by streamer Adin Ross, it was revealed that Drake is willing to fight for free on the platform. His proposed opponent? Kick CEO Ed Craven. Ross even suggested that he could take on Kick co-founder Bijan Tehrani himself. “Eddie and Bijan, it would be a great event,” Ross remarked, adding, “Let’s do it, let’s give the fans what they want.”

    Drake then joined the conversation via a call with Ross, making his intentions crystal clear. “I’ll fight these guys at a Walmart, brother, let me know,” he stated, adding a unique twist to the potential boxing match. Whether this unusual proposition will actually materialize remains to be seen, but Drake’s eagerness to confront Craven and Tehrani is evident.

    The Roots of the Feud

    Drake’s issues with Kick seem to stem from several points of contention. One major grievance is the alleged inability to share affiliate links for other platforms while streaming on Kick. Although his Kick streams garnered significant attention, Drake has numerous other media ventures and partnerships. He reportedly called Ed Craven a “snake” in comments on a recent stream, accusing Craven and Bijan Tehrani of disrespecting his OVO brand and seeking conflict with his team.

    Furthermore, Drake recently responded to a controversy involving a French streamer who passed away during a live session after enduring persistent harassment. This situation has added another layer of complexity to Drake’s relationship with Kick, casting a shadow over their partnership. It appears the once-strong alliance is now on shaky ground.

    What do you think about Drake’s desire to box Kick’s CEO at Walmart? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Majority of Americans See Widespread Anti-Black Racism

    A new Gallup poll reveals a significant finding: a majority of Americans, and an even larger supermajority of Black Americans, believe that anti-Black racism is widespread in the United States. The poll indicates that 64% of Americans hold this view, tying the highest figure recorded since 2008, highlighting a persistent societal concern.

    Perceptions Across Racial Groups

    Unsurprisingly, non-Latinx Black adults reported the highest prevalence of this view, with 83% believing anti-Black racism is widespread. This was followed by Latinx adults at 64%, and non-Latinx white adults at 61%. Notably, when Gallup first asked this question in 2008, during Barack Obama’s candidacy and election, only 56% of Americans thought anti-Black racism was a problem. This figure decreased to 51% the following year.

    However, the perception of widespread anti-Black racism saw a significant shift by 2015, following several high-profile cases of Black Americans killed by police. That year, the figure rose to 60%, and it has remained above that mark ever since. This trend suggests a growing awareness or concern regarding racial injustice.

    Views on Anti-White Racism and Fairness

    In contrast to the perception of anti-Black racism, the poll found that most Americans do not believe anti-white racism is widespread. Only 29% of respondents in the latest poll shared this view, a decrease from 41% in 2016. This suggests a differing perception of racial discrimination across different groups.

    Furthermore, the perception of unfair treatment of Black people in various societal interactions—including with police, in healthcare, retail, employment, and entertainment venues—has been steadily increasing since 2018. Across all racial groups, a higher proportion now believe that Black individuals in their communities face unfair treatment, with many of these figures reaching record or near-record highs.

    Civil Rights Progress and the Legacy of the Civil Rights Act

    While a majority of white Americans still believe that civil rights for Black people have improved during their lifetimes, this figure has declined compared to previous years. However, historical data from Cornell University’s Roper Center indicates that the gap in sentiment regarding civil rights between Black and white Americans has been narrowing over time. This narrowing is largely attributed to the transformative impact of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

    Omekongo Dibinga, a professor at American University, highlighted the Civil Rights Act’s profound legacy in defining American identity and equality. He described it as a “landmark decision” that “really set the standard for any fight for equality in the United States.” Dibinga emphasized that the act’s benefits have extended beyond Black Americans, making rights more expansive for other groups and reinforcing the principle that America belongs to everyone, requiring equal protection for all.

    What are your thoughts on the poll’s findings regarding perceptions of racism in America? Share your views in the comments below!

  • DJ Akademiks Calls Megan Thee Stallion ‘Liar’ in Deposition

    DJ Akademiks has found himself in the middle of the legal proceedings surrounding Tory Lanez and Megan Thee Stallion, sharing footage from his recent deposition with Roc Nation lawyers. During the questioning, Akademiks didn’t hold back his opinion, bluntly labeling Megan Thee Stallion a “liar.”

    Akademiks’ Stance on the Case

    In clips posted by Live Bitez, Akademiks was questioned about his alleged financial compensation from artists and labels, and specifically about the night of the shooting involving Tory Lanez and Megan Thee Stallion. When asked if he was present at the party, in the car, or on the street, or if he was a witness, Akademiks answered “no” to all. While he acknowledged he couldn’t “unequivocally” say Tory didn’t shoot Megan, he stood firm on his personal belief: “In my belief, that chick is a liar, and I don’t believe liars. Again, I accept the verdict, I don’t accept a liar.”

    The Roc Nation lawyer countered by pointing to the jury’s guilty verdict and Tory Lanez’s subsequent prison sentence. However, Akademiks reiterated his stance, questioning whether the jury fully believed everything Megan Thee Stallion stated on the stand. He emphasized that while the jury found Tory guilty of shooting Megan, they didn’t necessarily validate every detail of her testimony.

    Questions About Compensation and Bias

    Further into the deposition, Akademiks faced questions about whether he received compensation from artists or labels, suggesting a potential bias against Megan Thee Stallion. He expressed frustration with the line of questioning, posting on Instagram Stories, “This deposition meg thee stallion got me in asking me bout Tory, Drake and Nicki Minaj more than their client Meg the stallion [crying-laughing emojis]. ‘U sure Drake ain’t pay u’ ‘U sure Nicki ain’t paying blogs’ ‘Who is grand wizard’ ‘Did Tory send u bread on cash app?’”

    Akademiks’ public statements and deposition testimony have certainly added another layer to the ongoing discussions surrounding the Tory Lanez case and the public perception of the involved parties.

    What are your thoughts on DJ Akademiks’ comments during his deposition? Share your opinions in the comments below!

  • Memphis Bleek: Jay-Z & Dame Dash Beef Unfixable

    The legendary Roc-A-Fella era may be long gone, but the drama surrounding its dissolution continues to echo in hip-hop circles. Memphis Bleek, a close associate of Jay-Z, recently shared his strong opinion on the possibility of reconciliation between Hov and his former business partner, Dame Dash. According to Bleek, the rift is too deep to ever be mended.

    A Line Crossed: Bleek’s Take on the Beef

    During a recent appearance on the popular podcast “Drink Champs,” Bleek explained why he believes Jay-Z and Dame Dash will never bury the hatchet. He pointed to interviews given by Dash, particularly those that delve into personal matters, children, and integrity, as crossing a point of no return. “N***as crossed a line that’s no return, bro,” Bleek stated, emphasizing that such public personal attacks make any future conversation or reconciliation virtually impossible.

    Bleek highlighted the difficulty of even initiating a conversation when one party has been so publicly scrutinized and ridiculed by someone they considered a brother. He questioned how one could possibly bridge that gap after such deep personal betrayals and media dragging. This sentiment is further contextualized by Dame Dash’s past criticisms of Bleek himself, including claims that Jay-Z ghostwrote for him.

    Paths Diverge, New Music on the Horizon?

    While the possibility of a Roc-A-Fella reunion remains a hot topic of debate, it seems the individuals involved are focused on their separate paths. In the same interview, Memphis Bleek also mentioned that Jay-Z was reportedly working on new music. While fans always hope for new material from Hov, the focus remains on the unresolved tensions between Jay-Z and Dame Dash.

    The history between Jay-Z and Dame Dash is complex, marked by both groundbreaking success and significant conflict. Bleek’s comments suggest that the personal nature of their disputes has created an irreparable divide, making a future reconciliation highly unlikely.

    Do you agree with Memphis Bleek? Do you think Jay-Z and Dame Dash can ever squash their beef? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Judge Orders Halle Bailey & DDG to Keep Son Offline

    In the midst of their ongoing custody battle, singer Halle Bailey and rapper DDG have been issued a court order prohibiting them from posting any content related to their 19-month-old son, Halo, on social media or the internet. This decision aims to protect the child’s privacy during a contentious period for the former couple.

    Protecting Halo’s Privacy

    The court order, filed by the family division of the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, mandates that neither Bailey nor DDG can share “photographs, images and/or information regarding the minor child” online. Furthermore, they are prohibited from allowing anyone in their immediate circles to post such content. This ruling comes after a summer marked by conflict between the two parents.

    The court also addressed visitation arrangements, establishing a monitored schedule for DDG to spend time with Halo. These visits are contingent on “peaceful contact” with Bailey and will occur every Wednesday and Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm, and every other Sunday during the same hours. A professional monitor will oversee these interactions, with a primary focus on ensuring compliance with the social media posting restrictions.

    A Contentious Custody Battle

    This latest ruling follows a series of disputes between Bailey and DDG. In June, DDG requested an emergency hearing to prevent Bailey from taking Halo to Italy during her film shoot, accusing her of domestic abuse and posing an “imminent emotional and psychological risk to the minor child” due to postpartum depression. However, the judge denied his request, allowing Halo to travel.

    Bailey had previously sought and was granted a restraining order against DDG in May, presenting evidence of alleged physical abuse. She also claimed that DDG frequently spreads false information to his millions of fans, inciting online harassment against her. Bailey stated in her declaration that DDG falsely alleges she is withholding their son and is involved with other men, leading to threats and hate directed at her online. She asserted that his claims are untrue and that he refuses a set visitation schedule she proposed.

    While fans will miss seeing Halo’s adorable moments online, this court-ordered pause on social media sharing is seen as a potentially positive step towards more stable co-parenting for Bailey and DDG.

    What are your thoughts on protecting children’s privacy online amidst celebrity custody disputes? Share your views in the comments below!

  • Chance The Rapper’s ‘STAR LINE’ Sales Projections

    Chance The Rapper is back with his latest independent release, “STAR LINE,” and early projections show a solid first week for the Chicago artist. Following the divisive reception of his 2019 album “The Big Day,” “STAR LINE” marks a comeback that highlights Chance’s enduring connection with his fanbase and his commitment to his independent grind.

    First Week Projections for ‘STAR LINE’

    Early first-week sales projections indicate that “STAR LINE” is set to move approximately 22,000 album-equivalent units. This is expected to land the album at number 18 on the Billboard 200 chart. While these numbers may not reach the commercial peaks of his earlier work, like 2016’s “Coloring Book” (which debuted at number eight with 38K streaming-only units) or “The Big Day” (108K units for a number two debut), they represent a significant achievement for an independent release in today’s music landscape.

    The album features standout tracks like “Just A Drop” with Jay Electronica, showcasing Chance’s continued dedication to his craft and his ability to collaborate with respected artists in the genre. Online reception suggests fans are genuinely connecting with the new material, indicating that “STAR LINE” is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a meaningful project for his dedicated following.

    Personal Reflections and Artistic Independence

    This period has also been one of personal reflection for Chance. In a recent interview on the “Rory & Mal” podcast, he opened up about his relationship with Kanye West, acknowledging West’s significant influence on his music. Despite their current distance, Chance expressed enduring love and respect for West, emphasizing his philosophy of letting people be themselves and stating his own opinions clearly.

    Chance’s commitment to maintaining his independence in the music industry is a defining aspect of his career. “STAR LINE” is a testament to his ability to create music that resonates deeply with his audience, even without the backing of a major label. It’s heartening to see him continue to pursue his artistic vision and connect with fans on his own terms.

    What are your favorite tracks from Chance The Rapper’s new album ‘STAR LINE’? Let us know in the comments below!

  • Freddie Gibbs Cites 50 Cent & Scarface as Inspirations

    Freddie Gibbs, a prominent voice in modern gangsta rap, has revealed the artists who first ignited his passion for the genre. In a recent interview on The Ryen Russillo Podcast, the Gary, Indiana native credited 50 Cent and Scarface as his earliest and most significant rap inspirations, shaping the foundation of his acclaimed career.

    50 Cent: The Spark for a Rapper’s Journey

    Gibbs shared that 50 Cent was the artist who made him want to rap. “The first rapper that made me be like, ‘Yeah, I’m gonna rap,’ is 50 Cent,” Gibbs recalled. He was particularly drawn to 50 Cent’s “underdog story,” admiring how he overcame adversity, including being shot, and channeled it into his music and career. Gibbs also expressed respect for 50 Cent’s overall work ethic and business acumen, citing the G-Unit mixtape empire and various contributions to the genre as particularly impressive.

    This admiration for 50 Cent’s hustle and narrative clearly resonated with Gibbs, influencing his own approach to building a successful career in hip-hop. The G-Unit founder’s ability to blend raw lyricism with business savvy has long been a benchmark in the industry.

    Scarface: The Foundation of Rap Love

    Beyond inspiring him to rap, Scarface was the artist who first made Gibbs fall in love with the genre itself. Hearing Scarface’s music, particularly from the Geto Boys’ 1991 album “We Can’t Be Stopped,” clicked with a young Gibbs because he could relate to the narratives being told. “When I heard ‘Mr. Scarface’’ and [the Geto Boys’ 1991 album] ‘We Can’t Be Stopped,’ it clicked because I could relate to everything he was saying,” Gibbs explained.

    Gibbs’s critically acclaimed discography, including projects like “Piñata” with Madlib and “Alfredo” with The Alchemist, has cemented his status as a premier gangsta rap artist. His ability to deliver raw, effortless rapping over classic production is a testament to the influences that shaped his unique style.

    These revelations come just weeks after the release of “Alfredo 2,” which features collaborations with Larry June, Anderson .Paak, and JID, and debuted in the top 13 of the Hot 200. Gibbs’s continued success underscores the lasting impact of his early inspirations.

    Who were your earliest rap inspirations? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Cécred Launches “Protection Collection” for Hair Health

    Following the success of its initial launch, Beyoncé’s haircare line, Cécred, is expanding its offerings with the highly anticipated “Protection Collection.” This new line features five products meticulously designed to enhance hair health, particularly for those who embrace protective styles, building on the brand’s commitment to science-backed solutions and luxurious hair rituals.

    A Deeper Dive into Hair Health

    Cécred has quickly established itself in the beauty industry by focusing on comprehensive hair health and traditional hair rituals, blending scientific innovation with time-tested traditions. While the brand’s first collection centered on cleansing and conditioning, the “Protection Collection” delves into reparative and nourishing care, addressing needs that many brands overlook. Each product in the collection features Cécred’s signature Nocturne Spice fragrance—a blend of spicy and sweet notes like pink pepper, vanilla, cardamom, tonka bean, and oud—offering a sensory indulgence.

    The five-piece collection, presented in distinctive vibrant blue packaging, is set to debut on Cécred’s official website on August 25th, followed by a wider retail launch exclusively with Ulta Beauty. Customers can purchase the entire set or select individual products tailored to their specific hair concerns.

    Key Products in the “Protection Collection”

    • **Detoxifying Shampoo ($38):** This shampoo is designed to rid the scalp of dirt, oils, and buildup while preserving natural oils essential for hair health and shine. Its star ingredient, PhytoFerment, enhances nutrient absorption, allowing hair to better utilize other ingredients.
    • **Detangling Spray ($28):** A conditioning spray formulated to help work through tangles in textured hair. It features Slippery Elm for slip and Aloe Vera Leaf Juice for moisture and scalp soothing.
    • **Hair & Scalp Balm ($36):** This balm-to-oil salve is perfect for protecting and soothing the scalp, especially for those with textured hair and protective styles. It hydrates with ceramides and honey, while an African oil blend adds shine.

    The “Protection Collection” underscores Cécred’s dedication to providing targeted, high-quality hair care solutions. With carefully selected ingredients and Beyoncé’s personal involvement, alongside her mother Tina Knowles, this new line promises to be a valuable addition for anyone seeking to protect and nourish their hair.

    Will you be trying the new Cécred “Protection Collection”? Let us know which product you’re most excited about in the comments below!

  • Racist Sign Targets Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears

    Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears found herself at the center of a disturbing incident when a racist sign targeting her was displayed at a rally outside an Arlington School Board meeting. The rally, held in support of transgender students’ rights regarding bathroom policies, saw a sign that drew condemnation from both Republicans and Democrats, including Earle-Sears herself.

    A Sign Equating Trans Rights with Segregation

    While Earle-Sears was addressing the school board on August 21st regarding bathroom policies for transgender children—a policy the district was reportedly threatened to lose federal funding over if it allowed gender-neutral bathrooms—a rally was taking place outside. An older white woman displayed a sign that, on one side, read, “Hey Winsome, you have a gender neutral bathroom in your house.” However, the reverse side contained the deeply offensive message: “Hey Winsome, if trans can’t share your bathroom, then Blacks can’t share my water fountain.” This sign drew immediate criticism for equating the debate over transgender bathroom access with the segregationist practices of the Civil Rights era.

    Earle-Sears, who aligns with the Trump administration’s stance on gender-neutral bathrooms and has controversially claimed, despite widespread debunking, that such policies could allow male sex offenders into girls’ restrooms by identifying as transgender, publicly denounced the sign as racist and unacceptable. The quote tweets accompanying the news highlighted the polarized reactions, with Democrats condemning the sign and some Republican supporters appearing to believe Democratic supporters endorsed its message.

    Political Reactions and Divergent Focuses

    As the sign gained visibility online, amplified by local journalist Brandon Jarvis, the criticism took on a complex dynamic. While Democrats, including gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger, unequivocally condemned the sign as “repulsive,” “racist,” and “unacceptable,” some Republican supporters seemed to suggest that Democrats broadly supported its message. Jarvis clarified that Spanberger’s team had indeed issued a statement decrying the sign.

    Spanberger herself released a separate statement focusing on Earle-Sears’ record concerning public school funding. “While Abigail’s opponent, Winsome Earle-Sears stokes division and backs the Trump Administration’s threats to strip funding from Virginia schools… Abigail will work to protect public school funding, address the Commonwealth’s chronic teacher shortage, and contend with our last-in-the-nation math recovery ranking,” Spanberger stated, contrasting her platform with Earle-Sears’ perceived focus on divisive social issues.

    Meanwhile, in Colorado, East High School responded to a Department of Education investigation by converting two bathrooms into gender-inclusive facilities. However, the DOE ruled on August 20th that five northern Virginia school districts, including Arlington, were in violation of Title IX for allowing students to use restrooms aligning with their gender identity. DOE Secretary Linda McMahon described this ruling as a punishment for districts “choosing to abide by woke gender ideology in place of federal law.”

    What are your thoughts on the intersection of politics, gender identity, and public school policies? Share your views in the comments below!