Sunday’s 15th annual BET Awards at the Microsoft Theater in downtown Los Angeles celebrated Black stars from music, television, radio, film and sports. Tracee Ellis Ross and Anthony Anderson did a fantastic job as the show’s hosts and broke up the usual monotonous line of comedians who poke fun at hip-hop artists who sit in the first few rows. The show continued its great tradition of nostalgic performances with musical numbers from Patti LaBelle, Smokey Robinson and Sean “Diddy” Combs. Tinashe, Jason Derulo and Ciara also performed a dance tribute to Ultimate Icon honoree, Janet Jackson.
“Empire” star Taraji P. Henson will head the civil rights drama “The Best of Enemies,” set up with “Empire” producer Danny Strong. Co-starring Tobey Maguire and Matthew Plouffe, Henson will portray Ann Atwater, a civil rights activist in Durham, N.C., who battled Ku Klux Klan leader C.P. Ellis for a decade until 1971, when the two agreed to co-chair a two-week community meeting to deal with a court-ordered school desegregation decree. The event changed both of their lives immensely.
Sources say Idris Elba has a new TV series called “Idris Elba: No Limits.” It’s a driving show that will premiere on Discovery UK July 6. Elba will be attempting to break the speed limit in a number of different vehicles, including his Bentley. Insiders say he has decided to take a small break from acting to achieve this boyhood dream of becoming a rally driver. In the first episode, the handsome actor takes part in the prestigious Circuit of Ireland event, one of the oldest rallies in the world.
R&B artist Lyfe Jennings’ highly anticipated sixth studio album, “Tree of Lyfe,” is now available in stores and on iTunes. “Tree of Lyfe” was co-written and co-produced by Jennings, and the majority of the album was recorded at his home studio. Jennings will make a special guest appearance on VH1’s “Love & Hip Hop” July 20, where his song “Pretty Is” will play during the show.
Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, celeb favorite Philippe New York is still the go-to destination for Beijing-style cuisine. With a unique menu crafted by industry veteran Philippe Chow himself and a stylish decor that creates an intimate and romantic environment for diners, Philippe New York offers an upscale dining experience unlike any other. The restaurant’s front bar has been revamped with a new stylish look, making it the perfect spot to gather with friends for a drink or a great place to start your meal before being guided to your table by one of Philippe’s friendly staff members.