Proving once again that he’s a business, man, H-O-V has teamed up with T-W-C. Jay Z has inked a two-year overall deal with The Weinstein Company over exclusive first-look options on any film or TV projects he takes on. Things are moving quickly. The partnership already has some work in development with details to follow within weeks, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Behind the scenes, Jay has been active in Hollywood for quite some time, executive-producing Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby and producing or co-producing films like Will Gluck’s Annie revamp, and Chris Rock’s Top Five. He also recently narrated a short film titled The War on Drugs Is An Epic Fail.
“I’m excited to tell stories from real-life prophets, whom through their struggles have changed the world for the better, and others whose stories are filled with fantasy and delight,” said Jay Z. “Harvey and David are visionaries both of whom have done this time and time again. I’m already passionate about what we currently have in the pipeline and I’m looking forward to discovering others.”
TWC Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein also celebrated the news. “Having known Jay on a personal level for many years we are thrilled by the opportunity to expand our relationship,” he said. “Jay’s ability to influence entertainment and pop culture has gone well beyond music for many years. He approaches every aspect of his career with both determination and effortlessness, making him one of the leading power players in entertainment history. We already have some exceptional projects in the works and are excited to see what more is to come.” Jay Z also might make a splash in the music world soon. In May, it was reported that he and Beyoncé completed a joint album, though that’s been an unconfirmed rumor all year. Since then, however, Hov only fueled those comeback talks by collaborating on a series of new tracks with the likes of Pusha T, Fat Joe, Remy Ma, DJ Khaled, and Future.
Nia Long is the latest to join the cast of Dear White People, Netflix’s straight-to-series comedy based on the 2014 Sundance pic. A sendup of “post-racial” America, the Lionsgate-produced show revolves around a diverse group of students of color as they navigate a predominantly white Ivy League college where racial tensions are often swept under the rug. Long will recur as Neika Hobbs, an African-American studies professor at Winchester University with a whip-smart intellect and unflappable confidence whose pulled-together professional life contrasts a more complicated personal one. Repped by CAA, Primary Wave and Meyer & Downs, Long most recently starred on the ABC series Uncle Buck and appeared in the feature Keanu. Other recent TV credits include The Divide and House of Lies. Up next are Lifetime’s telefilm remake of Beaches, and the feature Roxanne, Roxanne. The 10-episode series goes into production this month for a 2017 premiere on the internet TV network.
ET was the first to report back in May that the 50-year-old singer is pregnant with her first child with husband Wissam Al Mana, and only ET has these exclusive new photos taken Tuesday afternoon, when she was spotted out and about in London with a visible baby bump. Jackson, who is rarely photographed in public, was seen leaving the baby furniture store Back In Action wearing sneakers, dark sweatpants, a black sweater and a matching scarf and headband. . Jackson covered up her growing baby bump in a black sweater, and paired it with sweatpants and sneakers. She finished the look with a scarf and headband.
Ordered the 50 year old pregnant star to remain on bedrest due to unknown pregnancy complications.
A source told E! News that Janet is under “doctor’s orders to rest” until her baby arrives.
“She is doing okay and resting until she is due for her baby,” the source told E! explaining that the order came after Janet experienced some unknown pregnancy complications.
“As of now, doctors say she is okay,” the source added. “She’s where all of her doctors are,” the insider added. “But she had taken her mother out to lunch a few weeks ago.“
Rihanna is “Work”-ing on education. The global superstar’s Clara Lionel Foundation has partnered up with Global Partnership for Education and Global Citizen on a multi-year initiative to support education across the world. Through this push, Rihanna hopes to advocate for more than a quarter of a billion children who are not currently in school as well as about 330 million students who aren’t learning in the schools they’re in. As GPE’s new Global Ambassador, RiRi hopes to reach more than 60 developing countries, prioritizing those with the most need, including children in conflict and crisis areas.
“I feel strongly that all children everywhere should be afforded the opportunity of a quality education,” she said in a statement. “Therefore I’m proud to announce Clara Lionel Foundation’s partnership with education advocacy leaders like the Global Partnership for Education and Global Citizen. Working together, I know we can amplify our efforts and ensure that millions of children gain access to education globally.” Julia Gillard, GPE’s Chair and the former Prime Minister of Australia, says she’s excited about partnering with Robyn Fenty.
“We are thrilled that Rihanna is joining GPE as Global Ambassador to campaign for every child to be able to experience the power of a quality education,” she said. “We have a once in a generation opportunity to build the commitment of world leaders to education, and Rihanna’s voice and travels to countries where GPE is actively engaged, will be hugely influential in improving the lives of girls and boys everywhere.”
Rihanna’s been advocating for education throughout her career. Earlier this year, for instance, she announced her new scholarship program through the Clara Lionel Foundation, which was founded in 2012 as a tribute to her grandparents, Clara and Lionel Braithwaite.
