Last October, Roy Wood Jr. surprisingly announced he was leaving The Daily Show after eight years.
The main reason it was a surprise was that the Comedy Central series was still looking for a permanent host to replace Trevor Noah and no decision had been made at that point, meaning that Wood Jr. was at least in the frame to take the role.
However, the comedian, who is now hosting the U.S. remake of Have I Got News For You for CNN, told Gayle King why he decided to leave the storied late-night franchise.
Last night Roy Wood, Jr. was a guest on Gayle King’s SiriusXM program, where he spoke frankly about fear being behind his reasoning for leaving “The Daily Show,” and why he brought his son with him to clean out his office.
“The Daily Show thing is that, oh, Trevor left. Okay, well what’s next for me whenever I leave? It may not be now, but when I leave, what’s going to be next for me? Huh? Well, what if they get a host that doesn’t want me? What if the Paramount-CBS merger – which was happening at the time – what if that doesn’t… I mean, Gayle, and I don’t like to think like that and talk those things into existence, but we also live in an era where they will spend $100 million to shoot a movie and then not release it. Anybody can get it,” he said on her SiriusXM show.
In terms of timing, he said that leaving before a big election played a large part in his decision.
“Well, if I’m going to leave, when I do leave, I’m going to want to do my own thing. I know that. Well, when would be the best time to shop a show or have an opportunity to get hired to do something else? It would be during an election year. Well, if you’re going to do that after The Daily Show, you may as well leave The Daily Show now and go find that. Because otherwise that window is not coming around for another four years, big dog. So, if there’s ever a chance to do something different, this is probably the time to go. I don’t know whether or not I’m right, but I know if I have a chance at this, now is the time because I do not know what type of position I’m going to be in, where I wake up one morning on Twitter and see that I’m dunzo. And now I have to figure it out in a rush. At least this way I can strategize,” he added.
In the end, Jon Stewart’s return created new buzz for the long-running show and it’s unlikely that Wood Jr. would have been interested in being one of the rotating hosts for the other days of the week alongside the likes of Desi Lydic, Jordan Klepper, Michael Kosta and Ronny Chieng.
SZA is super stressed out in the first trailer for her upcoming film debut in the buddy comedy One of Them Days. The R-rated movie co-starring Keke Palmer focuses on a super relatable problem: paying the rent.
According to a description of the film due out on Jan. 24: “Best friends and roommates Dreux (Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA) are about to have one of them days. When they discover Alyssa’s boyfriend has blown their rent money, the duo finds themselves going to extremes in a comical race against the clock to avoid eviction and keep their friendship intact.”
Directed by first-timer Lawrence Lamont (Rap Sh!t) and produced by Issa Rae, the movie features a supporting cast including: Lil Rel Howery, Katt Williams, Janelle James, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Maude Apatow, Joshua Neal, Aziza Scott and Patrick Cage.
The two-and-a-half-minute sneak peek opens to the strains of Saweetie’s Grammy-nominated 2021 hit “Best Friend,” as the incredulous duo meet their perky new neighbor, Apatow, who invites them for a girl’s night of “Prosecco and pals.” After Palmer confirms that SZA paid the rent, the pair get a visit from their irate landlord looking for his money, setting them off on a series of wacky adventures as they try to come up with the dough.
The pair’s easy chemistry is on display as they come up with a series of increasingly ridiculous plots to raise the money before sundown, including SZA climbing a telephone pole to retrieve a lone Air Jordan hanging on the wire (only to get electrocuted) and applying for a criminally ridiculous payday loan and getting laughed at due to their LOL-worthy credit score.
It’s a reunion for Palmer and SZA, who first teamed up for a Dec. 2022 episode of Saturday Night Live hosted by Palmer, with SZA serving as musical guest.
Watch the One of Them Days trailer below.
Michelle Buteau is making HERstory y’all. As the first female comic to record a special at the iconic Radio City Music Hall, the comedian returns for her second Netflix comedy special: Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind at Radio City Music Hall. Celebrate the New Year right as Buteau reflects on motherhood, marriage, and more.
· Her previous special, Michelle Buteau: Welcome to Buteaupia (2020), won a Critics Choice Award for Best Comedy Special.
· Directors: Page Hurwitz and Sandra Restrepo
· Executive Producers: Michelle Buteau, Page Hurwitz, Wanda Sykes
· Production Company: Push It Productions
· Release Date: December 31, 2024
Michelle Buteau is an actress, comedian, producer and writer. The multihyphenate stars in the Netflix comedy series “Survival Of The Thickest”, which she created and executive produces. Inspired by her autobiographical book of essays of the same name, the series was renewed for a second season and will return in 2025. Buteau received the 55th NAACP Image Award for “Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television)” for the series.
Buteau was seen earlier this year in the hit comedy BABES, alongside Ilana Glazer and directed by Pamela Adlon. The film received rave reviews with Variety praising the “unapologetically raw take on pregnancy and female friendship” and Rolling Stone lauding it the “‘Bridesmaids’ of babymaking.” Next, she will soon begin production on the comedy, “Spa Weekend” opposite Leslie Mann, Isla Fisher and Anna Faris.
Buteau is also host of the hit Netflix reality competition show, “The Circle”, which released its seventh season in September 2024, as well as the second season of Netflix’s “Barbecue Showdown”. Her other film and television highlights include MARRY ME, FIRST WIVES CLUB, ALWAYS BE MY MAYBE, SOMEONE GREAT, “Russian Doll” and “Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens”. She has also appeared in “Key & Peele”, “Broad City”, “Rick and Morty”, and “Zootopia+”.
In Jamie Foxx’s upcoming Netflix comedy special, What Had Really Happened Was…, the actor makes a startling claim that Sean “Diddy” Combs was behind the stroke he suffered a year ago, according to Media Take Out. Foxx, who is in the middle of filming this special across various Los Angeles venues, goes into detail about what transpired before, during, and after his health scare. In a particularly shocking moment, Foxx reportedly tells the audience, “Diddy was responsible for my stroke.”
According to the report, Foxx alleges that he was drugged by the former Bad Boy music mogul. While this may sound like part of the comedy, Foxx’s delivery quickly changed the room’s energy. Initially, when he made the comment, fans began to laugh, assuming it was just another joke. However, Foxx paused and gave a serious look to one fan in particular, making it clear that he wasn’t kidding.
Source: The Rickey Smiley Morning Show
I Could Eat – Part 1, the first installment of a new two-part comedy special from Lavell Crawford, is set to premiere across platforms via Comedy Dynamics tomorrow, debuting in album form on Friday, October 25.
In Part 1, the trailer for which you can view above, Crawford contemplates how My 600 Pound Life could go for 15 seasons and he’s still underweight, the kind of racist you have to be to not take a free holiday, and explosive consequences in a Taco Bell bathroom.
Brian Volk-Weiss directed the special and exec produced alongside Crawford, Cisco Henson, and Justin Edbrooke. The launch date for I Could Eat – Part 2 has not yet been disclosed.
Stated Volk-Weiss, who’s the CEO of both Nacelle Company and subsidiary Comedy Dynamics, “Lavell is one of those comedians that makes you laugh until your belly hurts. This new two-part special is some of his best work!”
Crawford rose to fame on NBC’s Last Comic Standing before going on to release the half-hour special, Comedy Central Presents: Lavell Crawford, along with others like Can a Brother Get Some Love, Home for the Holidays, New Look, Same Funny!, the Grammy-nominated The Comedy Vaccine, and THEE Lavell Crawford.
Crawford is also known for turns on series like Breaking Bad and its spinoff Better Call Saul, along with films like Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates and The Ridiculous Six. Additional credits include Shaquille O’Neal Presents: All Star Comedy Jam, Russell Simmons’ Def Comedy Jam, Showtime at the Apollo, Martin Lawrence’s 1st Amendment Stand Up, Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen, Steve Harvey’s Big Time Challenge, Comedy Central’s Premium Blend, Motown Live and BET’s Comic View.
The comic is repped by CAA and Brecheen Feldman Breimer.
Source: Deadline
A piece of wrestling memorabilia is the focus of the new action-comedy movie Raging Midlife.
Level 33 Entertainment has acquired North American rights to the feature from director Rob Taylor (Evil Cult). Taylor and Nic Costa penned the script, and the pair star alongside Paula Abdul, Eddie Griffin, and Star Trek mainstay Walter Koenig.
Level 33 is eyeing a release in early 2025 following the film’s forthcoming premiere at the Austin Film Festival on Oct. 26. The trailer can be seen below.
Raging Midlife follows two friends who are obsessed with a 1980s wrestler named Raging Abraham Lincoln and set out to acquire his tank top. Their plan takes a turn when a grieving daughter outbids them for the item to fulfill her dad’s dying wish.
Matt Zak, Bryna Smith, Darielle Mason, Motch O Mann and Judy Levitt round out the cast. Costa produces the film that counts Luke Haigh and Joe Costa as executive producers.
“We are excited to embark on this exciting journey with Level 33 Entertainment and look forward to sharing the laughter and tears of this 20+ year odyssey with audiences across the U.S. and Canada,” Nic Costa says in a statement.
Adds Level 33 Entertainment chief Andreas Olavarria, “The terrific filmmakers and cast of Raging Midlife deliver a hilariously entertaining ride full of ’80s nostalgia. We can’t wait to share this action-packed film with audiences across North America!”
The deal for Raging Midlife was negotiated for the filmmakers by Stuart Arbury, Sean Pope and Tiffany Boyle with Ramo Law. Olavarria handled the deal for Level 33 Entertainment.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
“BET Hip Hop Awards” 2024 transformed Las Vegas into the biggest night for hip hop, with Kendrick Lamar dominating the night, taking home eight awards, including Hip Hop Artist of the Year, Lyricist of the Year, and Song of the Year for his smash hit “Not Like Us.” Metro Boomin and Future took home three “BET Hip Hop Awards” 2024 wins, while The Alchemist secured two wins.
The show delivered an unforgettable night, honoring the year’s best in hip-hop and paying homage to the club anthems that shaped a generation. Host and hip-hop legend Fat Joe kicked off the show with his classic hit “Make it Rain,” setting the tone for a night of nonstop energy.
Bossman DLow welcomed the audience to the shark tank, hyping the crowd with his viral hit “Shake Dat A** (Twerk Song)” and closing his set with the high-energy anthem “Get In With Me.”
Moments later, Memphis rap icon Juicy J stormed the stage to perform his banger “SOMN,” and surprised the audience by bringing out 2 Chainz to join his performance. They sent the energy through the roof of Drai’s Beachclub & Nightclub with their fan-favorite “Bandz Make Her Dance.”
This year’s “Hip Hop Awards” went beyond music, using the stage to empower the culture to vote. Congressman Rep. Steven Horsford (D-NV) made a powerful appearance, sharing the importance of voting to protect our rights and urging the community to make their voices heard.
Adding even more excitement, viral sensation 310babii turned up the crowd with his dynamic performance of “Soak City (Do It),” paired with “Rock Your Hips” and “Pink Whitney.”
“BET Hip Hop Awards” 2022 I Am Hip Hop honoree Trina performed her classics “Da Baddest B***h,” “Look Back at Me,” and “Nann,” closing with “Pull Over.” The crowd roared with surprise when she brought out Yung Miami, representing the 305 in an unforgettable Miami moment.
Soulja Boy transported the crowd back to 2007 with his smash hit “Crank That (Soulja Boy),” with the audience enthusiastically joining in on the song’s classic dance. Not stopping there, he brought out fellow Atlanta native Roscoe Dash for a high-energy performance of their mega-hit “All The Way Turnt Up,” adding to the night’s nostalgia. October BET Amplified artist Flau’Jae also made her “BET Hip Hop Awards” debut on the Nissan Amplified Stage performing “Legendary Flows” and “Came Out A Beast.”
Award-winning recording artist and actor Teyana Taylor joined Afropop princess Tyla to grace the stage and present the “I Am Hip Hop” award to GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Travis Scott, recognizing his immense contributions to hip hop. Travis, known for hits “FE!N” and “Goosebumps,” expressed gratitude to his team as he accepted the award.
During the breaks, DJ Holiday kept the party going, paying tribute to the late Rich Homie Quan with his classic “Type of Way.” The crowd erupted in celebration as DJ Holiday followed up with the timeless culture anthem “Swag Surf,” with the entire room swaying left to right.
Multiplatinum Bay Area legend E-40 leveled up the excitement, performing his hits “Snap Yo Fingers,” “I Don’t F***k with You,” and “Tell Me When to Go.”
Newcomer Big Boogie ignited the stage and crowd by bringing out GloRilla to perform their hit single “BOP”.
2 Chainz returned to the stage to give a show-stopping finale, performing his hit tracks “Birthday Song,” “I Luv Dem Strippers,” and “I’m Different,” sending the audience into a frenzy.
The full list of winners “BET Hip Hop Awards” 2024 winners are:
I AM HIP HOP HONOREE
TRAVIS SCOTT
BEST HIP HOP VIDEO
KENDRICK LAMAR – NOT LIKE US
BEST COLLABORATION
METRO BOOMIN, FUTURE, KENDRICK LAMAR – LIKE THAT
BEST DUO OR GROUP
FUTURE & METRO BOOMIN
LYRICIST OF THE YEAR
KENDRICK LAMAR
VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
DAVE FREE & KENDRICK LAMAR
SONG OF THE YEAR
KENDRICK LAMAR – NOT LIKE US
HIP HOP ALBUM OF THE YEAR
NICKI MINAJ – PINK FRIDAY 2
HIP HOP ARTIST OF THE YEAR
KENDRICK LAMAR
BEST LIVE PERFORMER
MISSY ELLIOTT
BEST BREAKTHROUGH HIP HOP ARTIST
SEXYY RED
HUSTLER OF THE YEAR
50 CENT
SWEET 16: BEST FEATURED VERSE
KENDRICK LAMAR – LIKE THAT (FUTURE, METRO BOOMIN & KENDRICK LAMAR)
IMPACT TRACK
KENDRICK LAMAR – NOT LIKE US
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
THE ALCHEMIST
DJ OF THE YEAR
THE ALCHEMIST
BEST HIP HOP PLATFORM
CLUB SHAY SHAY
BEST INTERNATIONAL FLOW
GHETTS (UK)
Chief Keef, a pioneer in the inception and rise of drill music, is getting his own documentary, its being reported. Kenya Barris‘ Khalabo Ink Society is partnering with Lyrical Lemonade and Cole Bennett to chronicle the Chicago native’s trajectory.
The film, directed by Bennett and produced by Barris and Khalabo’s Jeremy Allen, will capture Keef’s rise, hiatus, and recent return to the city. It will examine Chicago’s influence on Keef’s life and career, as well as his impact on the city’s music scene and beyond.
Other notable players in the untitled documentary include Lyrical Lemonade’s Jake Millan and Krista Worby, who will executive produce the project alongside Khalabo Ink Society’s Emilie Geneve and Idris Dykes. Keef previously had a documentary titled “The Story of Sosa: The Movie” in the works at Apple Music in 2017, though the film never materialized.
Throughout his career, Barris has created TV shows including “Black-ish” and its two spinoffs, “Grown-ish” and “Mixed-ish,” and has key credits on films including 2017’s “Girls Trip,” 2021’s “Coming 2 America” and last year’s “White Men Can’t Jump” remake.
Bennett first made his name as a music video director for Chicago artists like Vic Mensa and King Louie, and continued on to lens visuals for Eminem and Juice Wrld. He released his debut album “All Is Yellow” earlier this year through a partnership with his Lyrical Lemonade shingle and Def Jam.
Barris and Khalabo Ink Society are represented by WME, Artists First and attorney Gregg Gellman at Morris Yorn. Cole and Lyrical Lemonade are represented by WME, and legal counsel John Ingram, Esq & Demian Tschirn, Esq for GGSSC LLP.
Source: Variety
New York, NY (October 15, 2024) – In a historic collaboration, Shaquille O’Neal’s legendary Shaq’s All Star Comedy Jam returns to NBA All-Star weekend and is being brought to life by three Black-owned entertainment powerhouses: The Black Promoters Collective, Shaq’s Jersey Legends Productions, and Hartbeat, Kevin Hart’s global entertainment company. This unique partnership, a testament to the power and influence of Black-owned businesses, sets the stage at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland, CA on Friday, February 14, 2025.
Hosted by the iconic Bill Bellamy, the event will feature a star-studded lineup of comedy heavyweights, including Gary Owen, DC Young Fly, Michael Blackson, Cocoa Brown, Oakland’s own Lewis Belt, and the legendary DJ Spinderella, who will be spinning live to keep the energy high throughout the night. This star-studded lineup promises a night of laughter and entertainment like no other.
Tickets are available for purchase via Ticketmaster and blackpromoterscollective.com.
The Black Promoters Collective, Jersey Legends Productions, and Hartbeat share a history of furthering Black excellence in entertainment, making this event a landmark in showcasing the power of Black companies collaborating to deliver culturally relevant live experiences. As industry leaders, all companies are committed to amplifying Black voices and ensuring representation in all areas of entertainment.
Shaquille O’Neal states, “The Shaq’s All-Star Comedy Jam brand has established itself as a must-attend event for both All-Star weekend and Super Bowl weekend over the past 16 years. I’m excited to have The Black Promoters Collective and Hart Beat Entertainment joining me to carry on this tradition!”
“Combining forces with Jersey Legends Productions and Hartbeat makes for a powerful partnership to elevate Shaq’s All-Star Comedy Jam to new heights.” BPC President Shelby Joyner exclaims, “We aim to expand the brand’s reach by bringing it into Black Promoters Collective’s dynamic portfolio of festivals and live music events, creating fresh opportunities to showcase the comedy jam across multiple platforms and connect with even broader audiences.”
“The Shaq’s All Star Comedy Jam franchise has been a cornerstone of the comedy scene since its inception, delivering numerous sold-out shows and giving a national platform to diverse up-and-coming comedians who are now considered to be legends,” said Hartbeat’s President Jeff Clanagan. “Hartbeat is beyond thrilled to continue and expand this iconic franchise alongside Shaq and Jersey Legends, and have Black Promoters Collective on board to bring this next rendition to life.”
Initially launched in 2009 as a collaboration between Shaquille and Hartbeat President Jeff Clanagan, Shaq’s All Star Comedy Jam is known for being the national stage to comedy’s heaviest hitters and up-and-coming comedians. Delivering unforgettable, high-energy comedy shows nationwide, the event has become a go-to experience for comedy lovers. Audiences can expect a night full of raw, unfiltered laughs as these seasoned comedians light up the stage with their unique styles of humor.
Shaq’s All Star Comedy Jam Host and performers include:
Bill Bellamy, a comedy legend and fan favorite, will host the night and ensure the crowd is entertained between sets. His quick wit and ability to connect with audiences have made him one of the most respected voices in stand-up and kept him in the spotlight for years.
Gary Owen’s down-to-earth and relatable humor has made him a staple on the comedy circuit. With multiple comedy specials and film appearances under his belt, Gary’s sharp comedic timing and infectious energy are sure to leave the audience in stitches.
DC Young Fly joins the lineup with his signature brand of high-energy comedy. A breakout star of Wild’ N Out and co-host of the hit podcast 85 South, DC’s lively and unpredictable performances make him one of the most exciting comedians to watch today.
Michael Blackson, affectionately known as the “African King of Comedy,” brings his internationally renowned comedic flair to the stage. His larger-than-life personality and unforgettable punchlines have made him a fan favorite in films, television, and stand-up. Blackson’s set will surely deliver a fresh and hilarious perspective that will have the audience laughing out loud.
With her bold and unapologetic style, Cocoa Brown is set to bring her “grown and evolved” humor to the All Star Comedy Jam stage. Known for her work on Tyler Perry’s The Single Mom’s Club and 9-1-1, Cocoa’s comedy seamlessly blends real-life experiences with sharp observations, making her an undeniable crowd-pleaser.
The comedian was accused of violence toward Angelina Triplett-Hill back in 2014.
On Tuesday (Oct. 15), VIBE revealed that Katt Williams won a huge legal victory in a 2016 lawsuit. Judge Christina Snyder threw out a $1.7 million judgment filed against the comedian by former assistant Angelina Triplett-Hill. According to the publication, there were no documented hospital records or police reports to support the case.
According to Triplett-Hill’s accusation, Williams assaulted the plaintiff on a California film set in 2014. In documents shared by Daily Mail, Triplett-Hill claimed she ended up on the receiving end of verbal abuse from Williams after taking a phone call. Things allegedly turned physical when the Friday After Next star struck Triplett-Hill multiple times, which she said resulted in her hitting the ground and becoming unconscious. While the exact date isn’t clear, VIBE added that the former assistant accused Williams of failing to respond and was eventually awarded $1.7 million after a motion for default was filed.
“Katt said he did nothing wrong and would never pay the woman a cent. He accepted the risks and understood that the plaintiff would try to play on sympathy at trial to ask for even more money,” said Williams’ attorney, Jeremiah Reynolds, in a statement. “At trial, we argued that the plaintiff had created a false narrative of working for Katt as his assistant and faked the incident. The plaintiff tried to play on the jurors’ emotions, supposed ‘power imbalances,’ and did everything she could to try to bring in irrelevant and prejudicial evidence about Katt. Judge Snyder excluded it all.”
At the top of the year, Williams made headlines thanks to an explosive interview on Shannon Sharpe’s “Club Shay Shay” podcast. During the conversation, he called out several of his comedic peers, including Kevin Hart, Michael Blackson, Cedric the Entertainer, and Tiffany Haddish. Others, including Mo’Nique and Bernie Mac’s daughter, Je’Niece McCullough, expressed support for Williams following the episode.
Source: Revolt, VIBE