Biggest Headlines From The Weekend: July 29th
If you have been hearing the internet buzz, it is probably the sound of the Bey-Hive heading to stores to pick up Beyonce’s newly released album, Renaissance. Beyonce released her seventh studio album on Friday (July 29) and it is being teased as the first installment in a three-part act. Despite being well-received by fans, the album made headlines in the days leading up to the release, due to a potential leak risk and some criticism from fellow artist, Kelis.
Overall, the album is expected to dominate the charts in its debut week and Spotify announced that Renaissance is the platform’s most-streamed album in a single day by a female artist in 2022.
Beyonce was not the only one making the internet explode. Chicago rapper, Lil Durk also made headlines after suffering from an injury while performing at Chicago’s Lollapalooza music festival on Saturday (July 30). The rapper sustained an eye injury when pyrotechnics went off on stage and into his face. Lil Durk continued his performance but took to social media to update fans. In his Instagram post, the rapper added: “I’ma take a break & focus on my health.” Lollapalooza organizers have not issued a statement or apology regarding the mishap.
Although Lollapalooza organizers have not apologized, more than four months after the infamous Oscars slap, comedian Will Smith released a new video on Friday (July 29) expressing remorse for his actions. Smith spoke directly to a camera and answered questions about the March 27 incident for almost six minutes.
The actor acknowledge his wrong-doing in hitting Chris Rock in a room full of their peers and referred to it as “unacceptable.” Smith also went on to note that he has reached out to the fellow comedian but was told that Rock wasn’t ready. He also extended an apology to Rock’s mother and family.
While Will Smith attempted to redeem himself in the court of public opinion, superstar DJ Khaled and Quality Control CEO Pierre “Pee” Thomas, found themselves falling out of favor. The two were called out over the weekend for purchasing tickets for the billion-dollar Mega Millions drawing. Both men, who have an estimated combined net worth of $125 million, took to social media to show off all of the lottery tickets they purchased but were met with criticism.
Some social media users made comments such as “like he needed it” and “have some couth” while others left remarks such as “How y’all mad at him for wanting more money??” Khaled nor Thomas apologized for their purchases.
As the weekend came to a close, two deaths shocked the entertainment world. Famed Star Trek actress Nichelle Nichols, died on Saturday, July 30, 2022, at the age of 89. Nichols captured the heart of fans with her groundbreaking portrayal of Lt. Nyota Uhura in “Star Trek: The Original Series.”
Nichols died from natural causes, according to her son, Kyle Johnson. The nation also lost Boston Celtics legend and 11-time NBA champion Bill Russell on Sunday, July 31, 2022, at the age of 88. Russell’s family announced his death in a statement although it did not disclose a cause of death.
