Weekend Entertainment Recap: August 12th
Rap star Nicki Minaj made headlines and history over the weekend with the release of her single, “Super Freaky Girl.” According to Chart Data, the track earned the biggest debut for a solo female rap song in Spotify history. The Rick James-inspired song experienced worldwide success and earned the top spot on iTunes charts in the U.S. and Canada. It also earned 71 percent of the vote in Billboard’s poll for the favorite new music release of the week. “Super Freaky Girl” beat new music from fellow rap artists including Megan Thee Stallion (Traumazine) and Rod Wave (Beautiful Mind).
While Nicki Minaj made Spotify history, rapper Rick Ross spent his weekend giving back to the community. Rick Ross, in partnership with the City of Miami Gardens and Footlocker, helped to provide a back-to-school event for children. The event was held at Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex and kids were given free shoes, bookbags, haircuts and more in preparation for the start of a new school year.
Beyonce became a point of discussion for several religious figures this weekend as her song “Church Girl” sparked debate due to its secular nature. Bishop Patrick Wooden, Sr., the President and CEO of the Upper Room COGIC called out the singer’s track which includes a sample from gospel icon Elbernita “Twinkie” Clark. Wooden called referred to the song as “sacrilege,” even implying that she may have sold her soul to the devil. In true Bey-Hive fashion, many rushed to Beyonce’s defense including her mother Tina Knowles-Lawson, Dorinda Clark Cole and Thaddeus A. Matthews, better known as The Cussing Pastor.
NFL quarterback Deshaun Watson was also met with mixed reviews after issuing an apology to the women suing him over sexual assault allegations. Watson stated, “I’m truly sorry to all of the women that I’ve impacted in the situation.” The video was the first time in which Watson publicly apologized following dozens of women accusing him of sexual assault. The apology comes as Watson makes his return to the football field for the first time in nearly two years. The athlete has not been charged criminally, however, he has settled more than 20 civil suits so far. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has called for Watson to be placed on a one-year suspension.
As the weekend came to a close, the entertainment world celebrated two big names in Hollywood. The legendary Halle Berry and the pioneering Marsai Martin celebrated their birthday on Sunday, August 14. Halle Berry, who is known for her roles in films such as the X-Men franchise, Losing Isaiah and Gothika, turned 56. While fellow actress Marsai Martin, who is known for her work on Black-Ish and Little, turned 18.
