The Weekend Entertainment Recap: July 3rd
Essence Fest 2023 was back in New Orleans for more Black excellence and this year’s headliners included some major industry heavy-hitters. Fans of the culture flocked to NOLA despite scorching temperatures to hear performances from the likes of Ms. Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliott and Megan Thee Stallion. The multi-day event at the Caesars Superdome kicked off on June 29. Essence highlighted 50 years of hip-hop with performances from Slick Rick, Big Daddy Kane, KRS-One, Doug E. Fresh and more.
Janelle James, Deon Cole, Affion Crockett and Spice Adams served as the hosts for this year’s festival.
Rather than attend Essence Fest, comedian Lil Duval decided to host his own day of celebration on Saturday. Lil Duval returned to his hometown of Jacksonville, Florida, where he provided a day packed with activities. ‘Duval Day’ 2023 featured live music performances, free seafood and BBQ, as well as bounce houses for the kids.
While many people were celebrating this weekend, Memphis rapper “Gloss Up” and the girlfriend of rapper Finesse2tymes were busy brawling. A video surfaced and has since gone viral of Gloss Up engaging in a fight with BBJay (who is one of three girlfriends to Finesse2tymes). Several men attempted to break up the fight but to no avail. Gloss Up has since taken to social media to say she is done with the situation while also adding that she was the one who started it. It is unclear why the fight broke out. However, there is speculation that it occurred due to Gloss Up’s disapproval of the influences surrounding Lil King – a 10-year-old artist managed by Finesse.
Star of the hit reality television show 1000-Lb. Sisters, Tammy Slaton is experiencing a whole different kind of fight. Slaton is fighting to stay strong after the death of her 40-year-old husband, Caleb Willingham. The couple met at Windsor Lane Rehabilitation Center in Gibsonburg, Ohio, in 2021. Willingham proposed in October 2022 and the couple made headlines a month later when it was revealed that they were married. His passing was confirmed on June 1.
However, details on his cause of death have not been made available at this time. Slaton took to social media to mourn the loss of her spouse, noting that he “will forever be missed and loved so much.” She also requested privacy while the family navigates the loss.
The Supreme Court’s end-of-term ruling on affirmative action had NBA legend Charles Barkley thinking about his legacy after death. The Auburn University alum wants to ensure that diversity is still a priority for admissions at his alma mater and announced that he would be leaving the university with $5 million in his will. The funds will be used to provide scholarships for Black students attending Auburn. The former basketball star intends to do his part in keeping his former academic institution diverse.
