bet

Carl Carlton, Singer of ‘She’s a Bad Mama Jama,’ Dead at 72

Staff — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 17:57:20 GMT

Carl Carlton, the funk and R&B singer best known for the classics “She’s a Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built, She’s Stacked)” and his 1974 cover of “Everlasting Love,” has died at 72, his family announced Sunday.

Carlton’s son, Carlton Hudgens II, posted on Facebook that his father had fought a “long hard fight in life,” writing, “R.I.P. Dad, Legend Carl Carlton, singer of ‘She’s a Bad Mama Jama.’” Hudgens also shared a photo of Carlton on his Facebook stories, and wrote, “R.I.P Dad, You can finally rest now. Always love you.”

Born Carlton Hudgens in Detroit in 1953, he launched his career in the 1960s as Little Carl Carlton before breaking through with “I Can Feel It” and later landing a Top 10 Billboard hit with “Everlasting Love” in 1974.

His biggest cultural impact came in 1981 with “She’s a Bad Mama Jama,” written and produced by Leon Haywood. That single earned him a Grammy nomination and has since racked up more than 100 million streams, while becoming a staple sample source in hip-hop and soundtracks.

Reportedly, Carlton had contended with health issues after suffering a stroke in 2019; no official cause of death has been released. Fans and fellow musicians paid tribute online. Funk group Confunkshun wrote, “With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of the legendary Carl Carlton… Rest in power, Carl. Your legacy lives on.”

Carlton’s voice bridged eras. From his Top 40 success of “Everlasting Love” to the timeless groove of “Bad Mama Jama,” the music world marks a loss of a figure whose records are woven into the DNA of modern R&B and funk.

Russell Simmons Fires Back After Kimora Said She Has No Relationship With Her Kids’ Fathers

Staff — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 17:50:27 GMT

Russell Simmons said there are two sides to every story and apparently, he’s ready to tell his.

The former Def Jam executive pushed back publicly after his ex, Kimora Lee Simmons, told People she “doesn’t ‘have a relationship really’ with her kids’ fathers.” In an interview with USA Today, Kimora said she’s not in contact with Russell or the other two fathers of her kids, Djimon Hounsou and Tim Leissner. “They're not really in my life," she said. "And we don't – yeah, no. And not because of me. Because of them."

Russell took that personally, and he wrote on Threads, “There are two sides to every story,” and accused Kimora of threatening to block his access to their children if he sued her. He added, “I gave u 50,000 a month for 20 years. I was ur best /only friend. I’m the godfather to your other 3 kids, until one day you stole my stock.”

Russell and Kimora share daughters Aoki and Ming Lee, and Kimora has three more sons (two from her two of her exes and one she adopted).

Russell continued, “I have been fighting for my kids love and my bread ever since,” and said Kimora told him he’d never speak to his kids again if he pursued legal action. Russell claimed that this is one of the reasons their family tensions have played out publicly. Kimora’s representative did not immediately respond to People’s request for comment.

However, Kimora did tell People in an exclusive that she is the children’s primary parent and credits her “village” for supporting her kids. “Usually I would say that I co-parent okay, but the kids are with me full-time,” she said, adding, “My life doesn’t ever revolve around a guy, ever,” and that she’s “thankful I’m able to be there for my family in ways that other people or parents are not.”

She continued, "If I wasn't this person, I don't know if we would've made it or if we would be okay. It's been very important to me to be strong and self-reliant, and to constantly be growing."

This exchange followed another public conflict between the former couple. Back in 2023, Lee used Instagram Stories to accuse Russell of making threats and said that he had been “abusive” to women in his life. She shared, "This man has been threatening my kids' lives. I'm hearing so much more now. We won't be bullied threatened or afraid. Leave my kids alone. This narrative of attacking the only caregiver, the only parent in the home with the kids, the mom, AND the kids for one's own shortcomings and embarrassments is dead. Dead. Dead."

These allegations sparked major public backlash, especially as Russell moved to Bali in 2018, in the midst of several sexual assault allegations. Bali has no extradition treaty with the U.S.

Russell and Lee were married in 1998, split in 2006, and finalized their divorce in 2009.

Rihanna Pops Out at Mariah Carey's Holiday Residency in Las Vegas

Sharmaine Johnson — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 17:37:12 GMT

Mariah Carey continues to define the holiday season, a dominance that began with her 1994 album Merry Christmas and the enduring hit “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” Every December, Carey’s music sets the standard for festive cheer, and on Saturday night, December 13, one high-profile fan confirmed just how magnetic her performances remain.

Rihanna attended the final night of Carey’s Christmas Time in Las Vegas residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM. Videos shared online showed the superstar smiling, singing along, and clearly enjoying the show. Carey delivered her signature combination of powerful vocals, festive visuals, and sparkling costumes, bringing her holiday classics to life while creating an atmosphere that was both intimate and grand.

The evening extended beyond the stage when Rihanna met Carey backstage, a moment fans celebrated on social media. Carey’s son, Moroccan Cannon, also shared his excitement about the encounter, adding a personal touch to the public spectacle. The residency ran for two weeks, beginning November 28, transforming Dolby Live into a seasonal showcase that merged tradition, glamour, and Carey’s unmatched performance style.

Ticket prices started at roughly $200 for general seating, with floor and VIP options climbing to $1,500–$2,500 on resale sites. The productions demonstrated why Carey’s presence is still central to holiday entertainment, offering a full sensory experience for attendees and creating moments that resonated beyond the room.

Fans of all ages experienced the music and spectacle together, while the presence of celebrities like Rihanna underscored the cultural weight of the experience. Carey’s Las Vegas shows were much more than a seasonal performance; they were also celebrations of her influence, artistry, and the magic she continues to bring to the season every year.

Gayle King Says She’s Still Open to Finding Her Great Love Story

Ty Cole — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 16:51:02 GMT

Gayle King is still holding space for love and she’s not shy about saying it out loud.

During a recent appearance at Time magazine’s annual A Year in TIME event in New York City, the “CBS Mornings” co-anchor shared that she’s actively “looking” for her own “great love story,” according to a report by People.

The candid moment surfaced during a conversation at the event with WNBA superstar A’ja Wilson, after the 29-year-old reflected on how she and partner Bam Adebayo stay connected in the midst of their packed schedules and continue to “show up for each other in so many ways.”

Just weeks earlier, however, the 70-year-old found herself addressing a very different conversation about her love life and it’s one she didn’t start.

In October, the on-air personality publicly shut down viral rumors claiming she had secretly gotten engaged and married, after AI-generated images depicting her in wedding attire began circulating online, according to a report by People.

The fabricated photos sparked a wave of congratulatory messages, leaving King both amused and mortified as friends, fans, and even her own children reached out, convinced they’d missed a major life update.

“Been getting a lot of texts, a lot of messages, stories online that I got engaged,” she said while addressing the rumors on “CBS Mornings,” referencing images that showed her with a prominent ring.

“There’s a lucky man. I have no idea who he is.”

She went on to explain that the images were fabricated, emphasizing just how convincing artificial intelligence has become.

“These AI-generated images have been making their way across the internet,” she said, before making her relationship status unmistakably clear. “So I’m here to say exclusively on CBS Mornings, I’m not married, not even engaged.”

The situation became even more surreal as the author revealed she’d been flooded with heartfelt messages celebrating a romance that didn’t exist.

“People have been saying, ‘Congratulations,’ ‘Love really happened to you,’ ‘I’m so happy for you,’” she shared, noting how deeply the misinformation spread.

At one point, King even read aloud a fictional report describing a mystery partner, who allegedly was a prominent business figure with a philanthropic streak and low-profile lifestyle.

Playing along, she joked, “Where is he? I would like to see you, sir! Show yourself!”

Even her children were confused by the claims. “He’s so lucky,” she laughed, adding that her kids asked, “Mom, who is this?”

Still, she made sure to leave no room for doubt.

“I’m not married or engaged,” she insisted.

“Believe me, if I was, you’d hear it here first.” Her co-host Nate Burleson couldn’t resist chiming in, joking that she was very much still single, which was a sentiment King agreed with, laughing, “You still have a shot!”

50 Cent Teases Eminem Reunion for Upcoming Street Fighter Film

Ty Cole — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 16:44:29 GMT

50 Cent may be stepping into the world of video game adaptations, but he’s not leaving his musical roots behind.

The rap heavyweight and entertainment powerhouse recently hinted that his upcoming role in “Street Fighter” could come with a familiar voice on the soundtrack as the “Get Rich Or Die Tryin” rapper wants to tap Eminem to be a part of the soundtrack.

While promoting the film, the entrepreneur told his audience on social media that he’s aiming to tap his longtime collaborator to create new music tied to the project, marking a potential reunion that fans haven’t seen in years.

The “Power” creator casually floated the idea to his followers, teasing that Slim Shady could be “on deck” to contribute new tracks for the film.

Though no official announcement has been made, the tease alone was enough to spark excitement across hip-hop and pop culture circles.

The possibility feels less like wishful thinking and more like a natural next step. The two hip-hop icons' history runs deep, dating back to the early 2000s when the “8 Mile” actor and Dr. Dre famously signed 50 Cent to Shady Records under Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment imprint.

Together, they helped define an era, delivering chart-topping hits and shaping the sound of mainstream hip-hop for a generation.

In “Street Fighter,” 50 Cent is set to portray Balrog, the iconic boxer known for his brute strength and intimidating presence.

For Mickey Guyton, Christmas Hits Different Now

Ty Cole — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 15:01:04 GMT

Mickey Guyton has never been afraid to take up space.

Over the years, the Grammy-nominated singer has carved out a powerful lane in country music by pairing emotional vulnerability with undeniable vocal strength, becoming one of the genre’s most compelling and boundary-pushing voices.

Her music has always transcended labels, rooted in honesty, heart, and fearlessness, and speaking to lived experience in a way that resonates far beyond Country’s traditional borders.

Now, just in time for the holidays, the Texas native is bringing that same warmth and intention to her first full-length Christmas album, Feels Like Christmas, now available for streaming.

The eight-track project blends original songs with beloved classics, offering a soundtrack that works whether you’re curled up by the fireplace or hosting a room full of loved ones.

On “Feels Like Christmas,” the “Bridges” artist puts her own soulful stamp on timeless favorites like the soaring “O Holy Night,” alongside a playful reimagining of Disney’s Frozen hit “Do You Want to Build a Snowman.”

The title track sets the tone with cozy, feel-good energy. At the same time, the standout duet “Christmas Isn’t Christmas” pairs Guyton with legendary crooner Michael Bolton for a moment that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new.

When it came time to finalize the tracklist, Guyton says the album revealed itself organically, without the usual second-guessing that comes with curating a project.

“I didn’t cut any songs,” she explains.

“We had some submitted that I hadn’t written that I loved, but the songs we had were so cohesive and so well-written and fine-tuned for this specific project. I just wanted people to feel joy.”

In fact, the project feels less like something she planned and more like something that found her.

“It kind of really fell into my lap how this even happened,” she adds.

“I record a Christmas song every year for the last three or four years, and that’s how this project came about. It feels like the Christmas project chose me.”

That sense of joy carries into “Sugar Cookie,” the album’s playful original single, which Guyton imagines living somewhere between romance and fantasy.

Asked what kind of holiday memory or movie it might soundtrack, her answer is immediate.

“It would definitely be like a Christmas musical movie,” she says, laughing.

“Amazing dance sequences, some drag queens, just fabulous pink sugarness. The climax of the movie—that big moment—‘Sugar Cookie’ would be it.”

Her holiday film canon runs deep as well.

“I love Christmas love stories,” she says, citing “The Family Stone,” “This Christmas,” “The Best Man Holiday,” “The Preacher’s Wife,” and “Soul Food.” “It’s technically not a Christmas film, but the drama and the family coming together feels like a Christmas movie.”

Motherhood, she shares, has only deepened that sense of magic. The “Better Than You Left Me” singer has previously said that having her son made the holidays feel new again, and when asked what she might tell her four-year-old self about motherhood, her answer is reflective.

“Take in every moment from the good and the bad, especially during the holiday season,” she says.

“There’s so much magic that happens behind the scenes that you don’t realize comes from the person that loves you the most. The person whose love is the closest to God’s love and that is your mother.”

That emotional grounding also shows up in her collaboration with Bolton, a pairing that surprised her as much as it moved her.

“I was surprised that they asked me to do it,” the “Black Like Me” singer admits.

“He’s a legendary singer and I feel like Michael [Bolton] in the Black community is very accepted. We love him.”

Before recording a note together, Bolton wanted to connect on a personal level.

“He wanted to sit down and just get to know me,” she recalls.

“He took me to a really nice restaurant. He’s also a girl dad. He treated me really well and protected me.”

Watching the “White Christmas” singer reflect on family and career left a lasting impression.

“We don’t feel like we can have a family and a career at the same time,” she says. “But if that’s something you want, don’t hesitate to do that for yourself.”

When it comes to traditions she hopes to pass down, the mother of one laughs before sharing her family’s competitive and global holiday ritual.

Every year, they host an international cookout, choosing dishes they’ve never made before, plating them seriously, and judging each other’s work.

“I’ve won three times,” she says proudly. “I made a ricotta cheesecake once and won that one too.”

And when she’s in New York? Guyton’s leaning into the essentials, starting with coffee shops and pastries.

Recently, the 42-year-old finally tried a chopped cheese while filming content at Prospect Park Deli.

“That was my first time,” she admits. “It was so good.” Add Carbone—now a must-stop every visit—and it’s clear Guyton is savoring the season wherever she lands.